Welsh Journals

examynation it was upon better advisement with himself for the explan- ation of the truth put in this Deponts. mind by God. 16 & 17. Knows no lease made by Richard Powell to John Ellyotte or Thomas Bromwich of the lands in question, nor that they entered. 18. There was a suit depending in H. M. Court of Wards about the time stated, and he was examined at London in the Temple in the Office of the said Court of Wards, & Humfrey Vaughan & Wm. Whytney bore his charges. 19. Thinks he was then examined of what estate the said Richard Powell died seised of the lands in question. Does not know what is Fee Simple or Fee Tayle, but does know that Richard Powell was owner of the said Lands. 20. About 15 Sept. last he was sent for by Sir Robert Whytney Kt. being his master to come to Presteigne to speak with him and there stayed about the space of an hour and returned and no reward was given or promised. 22. Denies all matters in the Interrog saving that he knows of divers suits depending in sundry of H. M. Courts between the parties. 23 & 24. Cannot depose. MISCELLANEA MEDIEVAL SLIP-TILES AT PRESTEIGNE Jonathan Williams wrote in his History of Radnorshire that tiles of the above description were to be "met with in some of the dwelling- houses in the town of Presteigne, and especially in the habitations usually reserved for the use and accommodation of the judges of assize. It is supposed that these were conveyed thither from the Abbey of Wigmore." (See p. 193 of 1905 edition.) Previous searches have failed to discover such tiles, but this month (November, 1958) a new occupier of Bodmin House, Church Street, has called my attention to some ancient tiles laid just inside the front door of the house. The tiles, 16 in number, a re arranged in two rows of eight (with broken pieces at the end of each row to fill up interstices). They are clearly medieval, and probably of the 14th or early 15th century. Each is about 4t inches square and perhaps an inch thick. The original arrangement was evidently in squares of four, each square forming a design in itself. This has been followed as far as possible among the tiles in the house, some of which have the segment of a circle completed in the set of four and with lettering in addition. Some coats of arms are included in the designs. A more complete account will be possible after more careful and expert examination. W.H.H.