BARING-GOULD, Sabine (1834-1924). Divine and author.
Autograph Letter Signed to an unnamed correspondent ('Dear Sir'), 2 pages 8vo including a sketch of a coffin lid with a swastika-like ornament, Lew Trenchard, Devon, 14 April 1896. Thanking him for an article, asking him about the sights he has seen on a visit to France, and giving detailed recommendations of religious places to visit.

Did you get up into the attics of the old custodian in the portion over the gate of basilica. There is some very interesting sculpture there. I drew it ... holding a little verydian lamp in my hand. ...By the way:- if you have the chance do not miss when at Poitiers making an excursion to Civaux near Lussac-les-Chateaux. ... Near by a most extraordinary ... cemetery crowded with sarcophogi & walled about with sarcophogi lids. All are of the same pattern. The fylfot [swastika] only on one that I could distinguish. It is an exceptionally curious place.

Baring-Gould is probably best known for the hymn, Onward Christian Soldiers, but in his own estimation his greatest contribution was his collection of folk songs, Songs of the West. In 1890 he wrote a travelogue, In Troubadour Land: A Ramble in Provence and Languedoc, and it is likely that much of his information to his correspondent is based on his travels and research in France.
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