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288 LLANTWIT MAJOR, GLAMORGAN. A curious stone in the floor, north of the tower, to this day bears witness to the connection of the family with the parish, and to the great longevity of an individual who must have lived in no less than eight reigns, for the in¬ scription on the slab is to the following effect: — HEARE LYETH THE BODI OF MATHEW VOSS BVRED X 1534 /ETAT 129. It is fairly to be inferred, from this inscription, that the person thus commemorated flourished during the fol¬ lowing reigns:— 1. Henrv IV............................... 8 5 2. Henry V................................ 9 5 3. Henry VI.............................. 38 6 4. Edward IV.............................. 22 1 5. Edward V............................... 0 2 6. Richard III.............................. 2 2 7. Henry VII.............................. 23 8 8. Henry VIII...... ...................... 25 0 129 years. A branch of this family (who bear the arms in ques¬ tion) settled in the western part of the county, and have been worthily represented by my late excellent friend, John Mathew Voss, Esq., of Swansea, banker. Heraldry is often of very great value in elucidating the history of places with which it is connected. I fear in this instance, however, that there will be found more leaves than flowers; but the reader has nevertheless a series of facts from which he may gather light; and I am more than gratified at having promised a contribution which has had the result of producing the admirable illustrations which accompany the text. Geo. Grant Francis. Cae Bailey, Swansea, April, 1858.