Becket’s Mother.—­I do not pretend to explain the facts mentioned by MR. FOSS (Vol. ii., p. 106.), that the hospital founded in honour of Becket was called “The Hospital of St. Thomas the Martyr, of Acon;” and that he was himself styled “St. Thomas Acrenis, or of Acre;” but I believe that the true explanation must be one which would not be a hindrance to the rejection of the common story as to the Archbishop’s birth. If these titles were intended to connect the Saint with Acre in Syria, they may have originated after the legend had become popular.  But it seems to me more likely, that, like some other city churches and chapels, that of St. Thomas got its designation from something quite unconnected with the history of the patron.  In particular, I would ask what is the meaning of “St. Nicolas Acons?” And may not the same explanation (whatever it be) serve for “St. Thomas of Acon?” Or the hospital may have been built on some noted “acre” (like Long Acre and Pedlars Acre); and if afterwards churches in other places were consecrated to St. Thomas under the designation “of Acre,” (as to which point I have no information), the churches of “our Lady of Loretto,” scattered over various countries, will supply a parallel.  As to the inference which Mr. Nichols (Pilgrimages, p. 120.) draws from the name Acrensis, that Becket was born at Acre, I must observe that it introduces a theory which is altogether new, and not only opposed to the opinion that the Archbishop was of English or Norman descent on both sides, but essentially contradictory of the legend as to the fair Saracen who came from the East in search of her lover.

J.C.R.

Watching the Sepulchre (Vol. i., pp. 318. 354. 403.).—­In the parish books of Leicester various entries respecting the Sepulchre occur.  In the year 1546, when a sale took place of the furniture of St. Martin’s Church, the “Sepulchre light” was {271} sold to Richard Rainford for 21s. 10d.  In the reign of Queen Mary gatherings were made for the “Sepulchre lights;” timber for making the lights cost 5s.; the light itself, 4s.; and painting the Sepulchre, and a cloth for “our lady’s altar,” cost 1s. 10d.  Facts like these might be multiplied.

JAYTEE.

Portraits of Charles I. in Churches (Vol. i., pp. 137. 184.).—­In reference to this I have to state, that in the south aisle of the church of St. Martin, in Leicester, a painting of this kind is yet to be seen, or was lately.  It was executed by a Mr. Rowley, for 10l., in the year 1686.  It represents the monarch in a kneeling attitude.

JAYTEE.

Joachim, the French Ambassador (Vol. ii., p. 229.).—­In Rapin’s History of England I find this ambassador described as “Jean-Joachim de Passau, Lord of Vaux.”  This may assist AMICUS.

J.B.C.

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