Ancient_and_modern_York_a_guide

82 ANCIENT AND
zodiacal signs used to designate the progress of the sun
during its annual course, the Anglo-Saxons appear to have
invented a sign to designate the additional month, and also
a figure portraying the employment of the month, f
Beneath the zodiacal signs is a carved flower moulding.
The second arch comprises twenty-two grotesque masks,
the third, eighteen hieroglyphical figures ; and the fourth,
fifteen figures similar to those on the preceding one. The
outer arch is supported by curiously carved pillars,
and the three inner ones rest upon round columns.
Within the porch is a small recess on either hand ; and
over the door of the church is a carved arch, also supported
by round columns. The roof of the porch rises to an
apex, and is surmounted by a small stone image of the
crucifixion. Mr. Browne is of opinion, that the porch was
erected in the reign of Stephen ; when the hospital of St.
Nicholas was founded by Maud. On the other hand, a
learned antiquarian, Mr. Macgregor, who has also devoted
a publication to the illustration of this porch, contends that
it was not the design of any Saxon bishop, but is of Roman
construction; and sums up, by saying, "upon the whole,
if these arguments are well founded, it follows, that the
citizens of York possess within their walls a very beautiful
remain of an ancient temple of the sun, an unique in
Britain, perhaps in Europe, and a monument, which would,
it seems, be highly prized in France, where even single
figures of the signs are carefully laid up in the museums."
We cordially unite in the hope expressed by both anti
quarians, that this valuable relic will be an object of the
especial guardianship of the citizens of York ; as every
year renders it more precious. In the church itself there
is nothing that calls for observation. It has church-room
for 600 ; and the net value is £124.
$t. Umnte, OTalmgate.
This was an ancient rectory, called St. Denys, or St.
Dyonis, belonging to the hospital of St. Leonard, York :