As Dr.
Stukely indignantly hung, in graphic effigy, the man who wantonly broke
up the vast and wondrous Celtic Temple of Abury, so every other similar
delinquent should be condemned to the literary gibbet. The miserable
fanatic who fired York Cathedral is properly incarcerated for life, and
thus prevented from doing further public mischief; but there are other
fanatics still roaming at large, and permitted to commit devastations on
cathedrals and other churches--on castles, old mansions, &c." "Such men,
should not be trusted."
VYVYAN.
* * * * *
MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.
* * * * *
ST. NEW-YEAR'S DAY.
This is a local custom, very faithfully kept in many parts of the
two northern counties. Early in the morning of the first of January,
the _Fax-populi_ assemble together, carrying _stangs_ and baskets.
Any inhabitant, stranger, or whoever joins not this ruffian tribe in
sacrificing to their favourite Saint Day, if unfortunate enough to be
met by any of the band, is immediately mounted across the stang (if a
woman, she is basketed), and carried, shoulder high, to the nearest
public-house, where the payment of sixpence immediately liberates the
prisoner.
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