Drawings Roman inscription from Northumberland
Object number
LDSAL2020.15.18
Artist/Designer/Maker
Adamson, John - Artist
Adamson, John - Author
Adamson, John - Author
Production date
1816
Production place
Newcastle upon Tyne
Material
Paper
Pen
Ink
Pen
Ink
Technique
Drawing
Woodcut
Writing (Processes)
Handwriting
Woodcut
Writing (Processes)
Handwriting
Dimensions
Height: 246mm
Width: 198mm
Width: 198mm
Inscriptions
Inscription content
Newcastle Upon Tyne
10 July 1816
Dear Sir,
The inscription to Ceres of which you have below a correct Copy was dug up a short time ago at Carvoran (Magna) a station on the Roman wall - Carvoran which is a customary tenement within the manor of Blenkinsopp is in the possession of Mr Carrick who sent the stone to John Blenkinsopp Coulson Esquire of Blenkinsopp Castle who is lord of the manor & has made a donation of it to the Newcastle Antiquarian Society of which he is a member. The stone is from 3 to 4 feet high and as broad in proportion as in the present drawing. One Corner has been cracked most probably by the plough striking against it. Col. Coulson accompanied this present with various fragments of figures, two other inscriptions, a small altar &c, which having been found at the same place several years ago are already described. It is more than probable a figure of Ceres or a temple dedicated to her may be found near where this inscription was dug up and precautions have been taken by Col. Coulson to secure any fragments which may be recovered. As this inscription had not been seen by any antiquary previous to its arrival here I considered it might afford pleasure or amusement to some members of the Society if I sent it, you will oblige me therefore by exhibiting it at the next meeting and if I have been correct in my assumptions I shall feel gratified. I am
yours sincerely
John Adamson
[To] N[icholas] Carlisle
10 July 1816
Dear Sir,
The inscription to Ceres of which you have below a correct Copy was dug up a short time ago at Carvoran (Magna) a station on the Roman wall - Carvoran which is a customary tenement within the manor of Blenkinsopp is in the possession of Mr Carrick who sent the stone to John Blenkinsopp Coulson Esquire of Blenkinsopp Castle who is lord of the manor & has made a donation of it to the Newcastle Antiquarian Society of which he is a member. The stone is from 3 to 4 feet high and as broad in proportion as in the present drawing. One Corner has been cracked most probably by the plough striking against it. Col. Coulson accompanied this present with various fragments of figures, two other inscriptions, a small altar &c, which having been found at the same place several years ago are already described. It is more than probable a figure of Ceres or a temple dedicated to her may be found near where this inscription was dug up and precautions have been taken by Col. Coulson to secure any fragments which may be recovered. As this inscription had not been seen by any antiquary previous to its arrival here I considered it might afford pleasure or amusement to some members of the Society if I sent it, you will oblige me therefore by exhibiting it at the next meeting and if I have been correct in my assumptions I shall feel gratified. I am
yours sincerely
John Adamson
[To] N[icholas] Carlisle
Inscription content
Read 28th Nov. 1816.
The item is a letter from John Adamson to Nicholas Carlisle, secretary of the Society of Antiquaries, describing an inscription to the goddess Ceres found in Northumberland and given to the Newcastle Antiquarian Society. Pasted onto the letter is a piece of paper with a transcription of the inscription on the stone, which is also written out beside it on the letter.
