Transcript

of

Exeter Castle

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VII, (1912-1913), Exeter: James G. Commin. 1913, pp. 40-41.

by

E. Chick

Prepared by Michael Steer

The Note was submitted in response to a blistering review of Mr Chick’s History of Exeter Castle in volume VI of the journal by a critic using Veritas as a pseudonym. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Note 12. EXETER CASTLE (VI, par. 223, p. 245). - May I crave a small space in your next number in which to make one or two comments upon the remarks of "Veritas" in your October issue?

First, I would like to say that my purpose in endeavouring to collect and arrange information concerning the city of Exeter is the creating or arousing of interest in the place, especially among young people. In this endeavour I make no claims for my work such as are made by "Veritas" in support of his criticism, and I hope I may not inadvertently add gratuitous stings to what I may write.

I think I am also warranted in asking "Veritas" to give us his name. Everybody knows whom he is kicking. None of us know even the leather of his boot.

The writer never suggests anything other than "probability" - "possibility" might have been a better word. Human remains are not given as evidence of Celtic origin, but merely to shew the struggles which have taken place round the area — men slain being buried nearly where they fell. No, I do not consider Cornwall to have had a separate existence, but probably "Veritas" is acquainted with traditions of even more ancient races. The well was, I suppose, in existence when Stephen besieged the city. Was it not ? That was eighty or ninety years before John. "Veritas'" statement about the Half Way Hotel and Napoleonic wars does not alter my suggestion about a Roman station. It is on a Roman road and, strange to say, about half-way between two ancient camps.

I am certainly not convinced that a name means nothing. "Athelstan" certainly stands for something, and if Henry of Huntingdon is good enough for the total destruction of the city - is not William of Malmesbury equally reliable for the building of the walls about 930?

As to Sweyn, he would be a bolder man than "Veritas" who would declare that the whole of the wall was razed to the ground in the short time that the savage avenger remained here. That he destroyed so much that the city was left defenceless as regards the wall I freely admit, but a hundred thousand tons of stone is not lightly or soon handled.

The wound in the skull was not described from my own observation, but was given as told me by one who did see it and is quite possibly non-professional. Will Peter was killed by a sword cut, and as the tale was told me I could only understand the injury as having been caused by his fall from his horse.

Jenkins (edition 1806) is not in the library. The "Cherry" articles I was not aware of among "cuttings."

That mistakes have been made I am quite prepared to acknowledge, but surely the man who writes under a nom-de-plume should avoid the supercilious sneer of the "superior person."                     E. Chick.

[The 1806 edition of Jenkins' History of Exeter will be found in the Brooking-Rowe collection in the Exeter Public Library. It is listed in the card catalogue. - EDS.]