This curious relic is traditionally called the Prior’s Chair, and belonged to the priory of Southwick, which formerly stood near Portsmouth, in Hampshire.  It is made of oak, its several parts being fastened together with small wooden pegs.  On the back of the chair, within a square panel, is carved an animal somewhat resembling a buck, which was probably the armorial bearing of the prior; as it was anciently, and is now, the custom to carve or paint on chairs placed in halls or other conspicuous places, the crest or arms of the proprietor.  Above the panel are two mitres, and on each side of the arms of the chair is a rose, ornamented with rays issuing from its centre.  This ancient specimen of furniture is extremely interesting as a specimen of the mechanical ingenuity of the age in which it was constructed, and as the only vestige of the establishment to which it was annexed.  Upon part of the Priory buildings being taken down, a few years since, the Chair with other old furniture found on the premises, was sold by auction, when it was rescued from the hands of a person who was bidding for it as a smoking chair, by a gentleman, who allowed a drawing to be taken of it.  Of the Priory of Southwick very scanty information is to be obtained:  no mention of it is to be found in the Monasticon:  but Sir Robert Atkyns, in his history of Gloucestershire, says that it was founded by Henry I. and dedicated to St. Mary.  It was for canons regular of the order of St. Augustine.  The last prior surrendered this convent on the 7th of April, 1539:  it was valued in the catalogue of religious houses at 257_l_.

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ANTIQUE KNIFE-HANDLE.

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This was found about 20 years since, at the manorhouse of Lake, near Amesbury, in Wiltshire.  The handle consists of two figures, a warrior and a female:  it was probably the haft of a small knife or dagger, is made of brass, and considering its great antiquity, is in good preservation.  The features of the figures are the parts mostly injured by wear; the female holds in the right hand a small bag or purse, the custom of carrying which fell into disuse in the days of Queen Elizabeth.  This ancient haft is, however, most likely of an age considerably anterior to the above reign, and from the costume in general, and the simple cross hilt of the sword attached to the warrior’s side, it may not unjustly claim a date coeval with the Crusades.

ANCIENT BELL.

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[Illustration:  (Handle.)]

This Bell, as the motto (God save the Queen, 1560,) explains, is of the age of Elizabeth.  The handle is of considerably older date, and probably belonged to a mass-bell, as it bears the effigies of a devotee, holding her beads, and a cross.  Indeed, the prayer for the Queen, on the Bell, in English, would indicate its subsequent age.  This curious relic was a few years since in the possession of the Rev. Mr. Crutwell, a name distinguished in topographical and antiquarian literature.