and one over the chancel. That may account for the hole which we observe in the beam over the chancel arch, through which the rope for ringing the sanctus bell probably passed. There are six bells in the present peal; the second bell is thus inscribed, "Vox Agustini sonet in aure Dei." The others were cast by W. and P. Mears, in 1786, 1787 (two), 1788, and 1795.
   It appears that many of the churches in this neighbourhood were destroyed, or injured by fire. The Vicar of Stone informs me that when this church was restored, in laying down the chancel pavement, pieces of molten lead were found, affording proof that the church also suffered from fire about the seventeenth century. Pieces of the molten lead are still preserved.
   The Roman altar, which is in the vicarage garden, was removed from the church and made a horse block, by which means it was much defaced and cracked asunder; but Mr. Gostling, who was Vicar from 1753 to 1777, had it repaired and placed it upright in the vicarage garden. The altar is of stone, with a basin hollowed in the top, and the figure of an ox carved on the four sides;

one side is now tolerably perfect, the others are much defaced. The iron ring at the foot of the altar is supposed to have been used for securing thereto the victims for sacrifice.
                                                                    

         MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE 
               CHURCH OF STONE IN OXNEY.
A Monument in the North Chapel against the East Wall has this inscription:—
   In Memory of John Cooper late of this Parish who died 10 Dec. 1790 aged 56 years, also of Ann his wife who died 11 May 1771 aged 31 years, likewise of Hannah his second wife who died 6 Sept. 1791 aged 44 years. This monument was erected as a tribute of respect by his three nephews.

On a flat stone.
   Here lyeth the body of Mr. Stephen Tighe son of Mr. Robert Tighe of this parish who departed this life Jan. 7, 1733, in the 50 year of his age, who left issue one daughter.