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Searches into the History of the Gillman or Gilman Family. Including the Various Branches in England, Ireland, America, and Belgium. By ALEXANDER W. GILLMAN. Illustrated with Engravings of Coats of Arms, Portraits, Copies of Ancient Pedigrees, Monumental Inscriptions, etc. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row.

THE story of this work is well told in its Preface. "The history of the Gillman or Gilman Family was until recently almost entirely unknown. The peculiarity of the name, and the fact that there are so few Gilmans or Gillmans living in England, encouraged the writer to hope that it would be possible to trace out the history of his own immediate family further than his knowledge extended when he commenced the investigation, which reached but little further back than his grandfather, James Gillman, the Surgeon of Highgate, with whom the poet and philosopher, S. T. Coleridge, found a home of peace and lived as an honoured guest during the last eighteen years of his life." In the course of his investigation the author became acquainted with a Mr. Daniel Gillman, of Anne Mount, co. Cork, who “had, after much labour and many years of search from old wills, etc., traced out his family and that of Sir John St. Leger Gillman, Bart., who died in 1816, to a John Gillman or Gilman, who came from England at the close of the sixteenth century, probably with the Earl of Essex in his useless expedition of 1599." Stimulated and encouraged by the labours of Mr. Daniel Gillman, and by those of other members of the Gillman Family, the author set himself to thoroughly search out old wills and other documents, the result being the large and handsome volume now under notice. The work is divided into fourteen chapters. The First Chapter has for its subject the "Orthography of the Name," and the second describes the "Welsh Origin of the Family." In the succeeding chapters the various branches of the family are classified, and biographical sketches of leading personages are recorded. In addition to the records of the English branches, particulars of the Gillmans of Ireland, of China, of America, and of Belgium are given. The Tenth Chapter of this work, entitled "The Gillmans of Highgate," was some time ago issued as a separate book, and was favourably noticed in these Reviews. This complete history of the family consists of 334 large quarto pages: it is excellently printed and beautifully bound. The illustrations are well executed. The value of the book is considerably enhanced by the copious Indexes furnished therewith. There is a special "Index of Gilmans and Gillmans," and Indexes of Persons, Places, etc. Altogether, the work is highly creditable, alike to author, printer, and publisher.

Around the Ancient City in Six Circular Tours, Historical and Descriptive; with Notes on the Ancient Superstitions, Folk Lore, Eminent Men, and Curious Characters in various districts of Forfar and Kincardineshire. Brechin: D. H. Edwards. Price 3s. 6d.

THE "Ancient City" of this book is Brechin, loved by the late George Gilfillan "for its beautiful situation, lying so sweetly by the side of the clear and sparkling South Esk, surrounded by rich gardens, overhung by the frowning forehead of its ancient castle, and backed by the stern battlement of the Grampian mountains." George Gilfillan was in his day a celebrated clergyman in Dundee, an author of note, and a brilliant editor of "Poets" and their productions. It was, however, in Brechin that his "sun set, and his eloquent lips became dumb and were sealed by death." This book consists of 446 crown-octavo pages, and has upward of seventy illustrations, also an excellent map of the "Districts Described." Mr. D. H. Edwards is an enthusiastic "Brechin bairn." He knows, and has written and printed, all that is worth telling about the "Ancient City" and the country for miles around. All that one interested in the Brechin District has to do is to secure this and other books printed and published by Mr. Edwards, and his knowledge will grow and expand and become great as he reads the records neatly and carefully strung together in the various volumes.

Archæological Notes on Early Scotland, relating more particularly to the Stracathro District of Strathmore in Angus; also some Account of Local Antiquities and Place Names. With Map, Plan, and Appendix. By WILLIAM GERARD DON, M.D., Deputy Surgeon-General Army Medical Staff. Brechin: D. H. Edwards. 1896.

ALTHOUGH only consisting of about 108 pages, this book is of considerable importance to the student of Scottish history, "Our so-called authentic annals" are ruthlessly torn to pieces. What the earlier historians told of the "Origin of the Scots" is shewn to be entirely wrong. Pages 16-33, headed "Early History and Ethnology of Scotland," require the earnest attention of all investigators of tradition and story. Where Scotsmen-Highland Scotsmen-originally came from is no longer a mystery: nor is the origin of the Lowland Scots totally unknown. The "racial elements which in their fusion produced the Scottish people as we know them" are well described. "Some Local Antiquities" are of great interest to archaeologists of all nationalities, and "Local and other Place Names" form a pleasant study. This valuable little work is published at popular prices-in cloth antique, at 28.; in stiff wrapper, 1s. 3d.-by post 3d. extra. It cannot be too widely circulated and read. The present age demands "more light" on all topics handed down by ancestors: a wonderful new light on Scottish history has been turned on by Dr. Don in his "Archæological Notes."

Huntingdonshire and the Spanish Armada. By the Rev. MACKRETH NOBLE, B.A. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row.

THIS brochure of 72 pp. is based upon a MS. once in the possession of Lord de Ramsey, but now in the British Museum. It gives the muster roll of the Company commanded by Oliver Cromwell in June 1588. Such a case of enthusiastic devotion is almost unique, for "Queen Elizabeth at Tilbury said that though a woman, she had the heart of a king, and that of a King of England, and rather than survive the ruin of her people, she would herself lead her soldiers," etc.

The document gives 191 as the number of the vessels fitted out to meet the Armada in the Channel under the command of Lord Howard of Effingham, and with him Drake, Hawkins, and Frobisher. As soon as the fleet were engaged, keeping up a running fight to Calais, the Thames fleet of thirteen and 1255 men, under Lord Henry Seymour, set sail, and joined Howard, who sent eight fire ships among the Spanish fleet at night, and so alarmed the admiral that he hastily ordered the cables to be cut, and in their dispersion the English fleet got between them and the port, and drove them northwards, some flying to Scotland, others to Ireland, where seventeen were wrecked, and only fifty-two escaped to Spain.

The following pages after the Preface are mainly taken up with copies of orders and documents referring more to the Huntingdonshire men, their armour, horses, etc. Sir Henry Cromwell, called the Golden Knight for his great wealth, and "Mr. Oliver Cromwell, esquier," seem to have been in command at St. Neots in June 1588, and the trained soldiers with them are all enumerated by name, etc. The father of the Cromwells was also in command. The names of those taken from documents at the Record Office are also given.

The book is well got up, and issued with a vellum binding, and for local interest would be invaluable. This and the list of all the men engaged in repelling the Armada from the various Kentish ports, issued some years ago by Russell Smith, of Soho Square, would enhance the interest still felt in the early history of the fleets engaged on such a memorable occasion,

First Steps in a Pedigree and Family Record. By SPENCER A. WOOLWARD, Vicar of Totternhoe, Dunstable. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row. 1896.

SOME years ago, Mr. W. P. W. Phillimore, M.A., B.C.L., published a book “How to Write the History of a Family," and, as most people think, exhausted the subject. But the Rev. Spencer A. Woolward, having arranged six foolscap-folio pages "to enable the older members" of his family "to set down in regular order, with the least possible trouble, the main facts in the history of the two preceding generations," has now printed the same for the use of "the public at large." "Father" and "Mother"-where born, married, buried, etc.-occupy two pages. "Father's Father" and "Father's Mother "-same questions-fill two more pages; while other

two pages are devoted to "Mother's Father and "Mother's Mother." A seventh page is reserved for "Any family history," etc. The "Preface," on the first page, is the most elaborate thing of the kind one could conceive for how to get up a pedigree extending to "over two generations-say, sixty years." Pedigrees beginning with Adam and with Noah are not unknown to genealogists; and tracing to the ancestors who came over with the Conqueror is a favourite business of pedigree-hunters. What is a pedigree of sixty years? Nothing. Mr. Woolward means well, no doubt; but where his "First Steps" are of use genealogists will fail to discover.

The Journal of the Ex Libris Society. Vol. VI., April-June, 1896. London: A. and C. Black, Soho Square, W.

THE bookplate of Dr. Christoph Jacob Trew, given as a frontispiece to the April number, will at once secure attention. It is a reduced reproduction, about one quarter the size of the original, which is in the collection of the Editor. An interesting narrative concerning the learned Doctor appears in connection therewith. "Stock Patterns in Bookplates" is ably treated by Mr. W. Bolton, following in the footsteps of Mr. F. J. Thairlwall, who contributed a paper to the Journal in May, 1895, on this subject. "The Jacobean," "The Chippendale," and "The Later Styles" are explained, criticized, and illustrated. The "Bookplate of William Musgrave, M.D., of the City of Exeter," hitherto unchronicled, is accompanied by details respecting the Musgrave Family, three distinct members of which were created Baronets. "Bookplates for Identification" still forms an excellent feature of this publication. The frontispiece to the May number is "the fine armorial bookplate of Pine-Coffin, a noted Devonshire family "; it is nicely drawn and very excellently printed. "Notes on the Coffin and Pine-Coffin Family" are supplied by the Editor. Mr. R. Paton Brown, who has achieved distinction in Bradford by the excellence of his designs, has produced a fine plate for the Bradford Free Public Library, a representation of which, printed very tastefully in a light pink ink, appears in the May number. Interest in the June number centres in the "Chairman's Address at the Fifth Annual Meeting." His report for the year is highly favourable, and the Secretary and Editor, Mr. Wright, is congratulated on a "cheerful condition of affairs," mainly owing to his unwearied activity. "The Journal has continued to appear regularly "—and effectively-a little addition to the Chairman's speech cheerfully made by the writer, who has watched the progress of Ex Libris with considerable interest. Reference in detail to the three numbers now under notice is not possible, but, generally speaking, all the articles, notes, etc., are well written, and the carefulness of the Editor is exemplified on every page. The Ex Libris Society is apparently flourishing, and that it may even increase and extend its labours is the wish of every Bookplate connoisseur.

The Antiquary. An Illustrated Magazine devoted to the Study of the Past. April-June 1896. London Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row.

"NOTES OF THE MONTH" form a valuable and interesting feature of this Magazine. Without going farther back than the June number, enough material is found to occupy all the space available for a notice of the important matters recorded. "The Results of the Excavation of the Roman City of Silchester, about ten miles to the south-west of Reading," are fully described. An interesting point is mooted by a correspondent, who "urges not merely that the Archæological Institute and the British Archæological Association should amalgamate, but that both should be merged in the Society of Antiquaries, which should widen its doors, abandon its exclusiveness,' and be known as the Society of Antiquaries of England (and not 'of London,' as at present)." Opinions on this subject will of course differ. That both societies have completed their jubilee, and published excellent transactions, goes far in our opinion to suggest the desirability of a union between the two societies, at least on perfectly level terms, neither of the officers claiming an excess of age or wisdom, but wisely amalgamating, so as to avoid in future the Institute staff having to pay up arrears, and the British having to face a declining return of Members cach year, with the necessary result of curtailing its labours. The general spreading of local archæological societies in all our counties of course tends to curtail the work of the older associations, and when we bear in mind that this year the Norfolk and Norwich and the Sussex

Archæological Societies complete their jubilee, it makes it the more necessary to consolidate into one such societies as the British Archæological and the Royal Institute, leaving the Antiquaries alone in their own strength and power. "The Antiquary among the Pictures" is a careful resume of the Royal Academy's exhibition this year. "Chichester Cathedral and the Fall of the Spire in 1861," amply illustrated, will command the attention of all students of church-buildings. "Lincoln's Inn Fields" commends itself to all interested in street-literature. A reduced facsimile of a "Stone Tablet let into the wall of the Royal Yacht Publichouse" will be highly appreciated by date-gathering antiquaries. In olden times buildings were erected with the view of their surviving a century or two, and tablets thereon are honourable monuments to their builders. This is notably the case with the parish of Soho, Westminster, where the streets built 220 years ago have each a tablet shewing its origin. Nowadays houses are run up to last only during the period of the ground-lease. If they fall sooner, it does not much matter: the men who erected them are dead and forgotten. Modern buildings with date-tablets, like angels' visits, are few and far between. "The Antiquary" deserves the patronage of all students and readers of bygone history.

The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography. Published quarterly by the Virginia Historical Society, Richmond, Va. Vol. III., No. 4, April 1896.

THIS Magazine, although (vide wrapper) "Entered at the Post-office at Richmond, Va., as Second-class Matter," is really full of historical and biographical memoranda of the first importance. The opening article, entitled the "Defense of Col. Edward Hill," is a valuable contribution to early American history-as, indeed, are all the Papers of the number. On pages 388-391 is printed "A list of books taken from the inventory and appraisement of the personal estate of Robert Beverly, deceased, of Spotsylvania county, Va., and recorded in Spotsylvania county court February 4th, 1734." This list is interesting, not only on account of the names of English standard works found therein, but also by reason of the old-time spelling followed by "the clerk," whose copy, it is stated, "has been followed exactly." The drawing of "The Flournoy Arms" (page 415) is very nicely done, but, being printed upside-down, its effect is thereby considerably lessened. A "General Index" to Volume III. is given with this number, and English genealogists interested in American collaterals may be confidently recommended to consult the same with advantage to their researches.

LITERARY NOTES.

Three years ago the Council of the Harleian Society decided to include among their Publications Hunter's "Familiæ Minorum Gentium," a manuscript at the British Museum, highly valued by students of genealogy. Under the able Editorship of Mr. J. W. CLAY, F.S.A., who has supplied numerous notes, the work has been issued in four volumes. The text in all fills 1310 pages, and there is an Index of 144 pages.

Miss LABOUCHERE'S collection of "Ladies' Bookplates" has attracted much attention both in England and in America; and the handsome volume of "Armorial Bookplates," published by Mitchell and Hughes, has also been highly commended.

A new

"Ex Libris Journal" is announced from America; it is to be the organ of the Washington Ex Libris Society.

The "History of the Horn-Book," by ANDREW W. TUER, F.S.A., with 300 Illustrations, has been issued by the Leadenhall Press.

"The Blazon of Episcopacy," by the Rev. W. K. R. BEDFORD, M.A., is an important heraldic work announced as shortly to be issued by the Clarendon Press, Oxford. The letter-press will extend to about 300 small quarto pages, and there will also be seventy pages of plates. Upwards of one thousand shields of arms will be engraved, and at least double that number will be described. The subscription price of the work is one guinea, net cash. Prospectuses can be obtained from Mr. Henry Frowde, Amen Corner, London, E.C.

Books for Review and Notices of Forthcoming Works should be addressed to the Publishing Offices, 140 Wardour Street, London, W.

GRANT OF ARMS BY SIR THOMAS ST. GEORGE, GARTER, AND SIR HENRY ST. GEORGE, CLARENCEUX, TO JOHN BAKER OF THE CITY OF LONDON.

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To all & singular to whom these Presents shall come Sr Thomas St George Knt. Garter Principal King of Arms & Sr Henry St George Knight Clarenceux King of Armes send Greeting Whereas the Right Honble Charles Earl of Carlisle Earl Marshal of England during the minority of Thomas Duke of Norfolke, hath by Warrant or order under his hand, & the seal of the office of Earl Marshal bearing date the 14th day of December last, signified unto Us his consent for Our devysing Granting and assigning unto John Baker of the City of London, such Armes and Crest as He and His Descendants may lawfully bear & use according to the Law & Practice of Armes, Know ye therefore that wee the said Garter & Clarenceux in pursuance of the said Earl Marshal's consent, & by the Authority of the Letters Patents of Our Offices under the Great Seal of England to us respectively Granted have Devysed Granted & assigned & do by these Presents Grant & assign unto the said John Baker the Armes and Crest hereafter mentioned vizt Argent a saltire sable on a chief of the second five escallop shells Ermine 3 and 2 And for his crest on a wreath argent & sable a castle silver on a mount Proper between two Laurel Branches vert as in the margin hereof is more plainly depicted to be Borne & used by Him the said John Baker and the Heirs & Descendents of His Body lawfully begotten with their due & proper differences according to the Law of Armes without the lett or interruption of any Person or Persons whatsoever. In witness whereof We the said Garter & Clarenceux King of Armes have to these Presents subscribed Our names & affixed the Seals of Our respective offices this 15th day of January in the First year of the Reign of Our Sovereign Lady Anne by the Grace of God Queen of England Scotland France & Ireland Defender of the faith etc. Annoque Domini millesimo septcentesimo secundo.

THO St GEORGE, Garter,
Principall King of Armes.

HENRY St GEORGE, Clarenceux,
King of Armes.

VOL. II., SERIES III.

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