XIV. Explanation ofaSealof Netley Abbey,in a Letter

from the Rev. John Brand, Secretary. Addrejfed to the Prefident. Read Jan. 26, 1797. MY" LORD, THE matrix of an antient feal, the property of Mr. George Spence, of Old Bond Street, which your Lordmip did me the honour to put into my hands for the purpofe of exhibiting to the Society of Antiquaries, being unaccompanied with any ex- planation, I have therefore ventured to give one, which I fubmit with great deference to the correction of your Lordmip and the Society. I read the infcription as follows : . S* B6ATG MARIG DG STOW'6 SCI 6DWARD." At full length: " Sigillum beate Marie de Stowe fancli Edwardi." < Your Lordfhip will pleafe to remember that in Tanner's Notitia Monaftica, " Edwardjiow" occurs as the old name of Netley Abbey, in Hampmire, the moft piclurefque ruins of which ftill continue to be the admiration of every vilitant, and compofe the fcene of the celebrated Elegy, written by a refpe6lable member of this Society. " Stow" is well known to fignify " -place" fo that " Edward- VOL. XIII. C c w"