{151a} This being in a fragile condition was recently removed to the wall of the east end by the late Vicar, and forms a rather fine reredos. {151b} The device on this stone was a cross, within a circle. On the four arms of the cross were the capital letters LX—DI—ST—VRA, and in the centre the letter E. Taking this letter as common to all four arms, we get Lex., Dei, Est, Vera; the law of God is true. A similar device is graven on one side of the font in Dunsby church, near Bourne. {152a} “Itner. Cur.,” vol. i., p. 88. {152b} “Monast.,” vol. i., p. 486. {152c} “Stikeswalde Prior. Monial Cistert. Collectanea,” vol. i., p. 92. {152d} The Rev. Thos. Cox, in his “Lincolnshire,” calls it a Gilbertine Priory, and Dugdale, in a second notice of it (vol. ii., 809), also places it among the Gilbertines. Further, Dr. Oliver, on what authority he does not state, says that the nuns were habited in a white tunic, with black scapulary (bands across the back and shoulders), and girdle, with a capacious hood, called a culla; whereas Dugdale has an engraving of a nun, in black cloak, under skirt, and culla. Probably they wore different attire on different occasions. {153a} Leland, vol. i., p. 92. {153b} Dugdale, vol. i., 486 ii., 809. {153c} Within quite recent times a handsome satin pulpit cloth, embroidered with rich emblematical devices, was still in use in Scopwick church, some 6 miles from Woodhall. {154a} Candlemas was one of the chief festivals, of which we now only retain the name; but in those days every family contributed its quota, or “shot for wax.”—Oliver, p. 65, note 4. {154b} Oliver, p. 67, note 8. {154c} It is still on record that Queen Elizabeth, an ardent sportswoman, shot her four bucks before breakfast. {154d} “Placit. de quo Warrento,” 22 Ed. I. {154e} Matthew of Westminster, “Flores Historiarum,” p. 313. {154f} “Rot. Hund.,” p. 317. {154g} “Rot. Can. Reg.,” 6 Rich I. {154h} Leland, “Coll.,” vol. i.. 92. {155a} The buildings of the Priory must have been on a large scale, as they covered several acres, and of great architectural beauty. Not one stone of them now remains upon another, but, as an ornament, outside the front door of a house in Horncastle, there stands a large “boss,” formerly in the Priory roof, from which branch off six concentric arches. It is about 2ft. in diameter, and most exquisitely carved with elaborate foliage. The writer has a photograph of it. {155b} The Rev. James Alpass Penny, now Vicar of Wispington. {156} Bedæ Martyrology, D. Kalend, Nov. {157} Commem. of All Souls. “Golden Legend,” fol. 200. {158} Maddison’s “Lincolnshire Wills,” Series I., p. 32, No. 84. {159} This collar disappeared about the year 1887, but has since been recovered. {160} “The Story of Two Noble Lives.” Memorials of Charlotte, Countess Canning, and Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford, pp. 93, 95, 96.