Acts and accounts: 1591-1600

1591–1592.

1591, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: James Cottington and John Langworthe.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: James Bisse.

Surveyors of houses: Thomas Manton and Francis Godwin.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Marwood.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1591, Oct. 1.—Ninety-two days' leave of absence granted to each canon in residence.—ƒo. 73.

A yearly pension of 40s. granted to Thomas Willmott of Dinder, "to the end that he shall keep the clock and chimes in all iron and wire work yearly, at his own proper cost and charges."

1591, Nov. 5.—Roger Rugge, vicar-choral, admonished "that before the first day of January next he shall surcease from keeping an alehouse and from selling of ale any longer."

1591, Nov. 25.—Letters patent of Queen Elizabeth of the new foundation of the cathedral and chapter.—[Ledger G, pp. 89–162.]

1591, Dec. 23.—A sentence of excommunication against Mr. W. Mosley, prebendary of Eston in Gordano, was read in the chapter.—ƒo. 73d.

1591–2, Jan. 3.—A similar sentence against Justinian Lancaster, prebendary of Wanstrow. Both were soon afterwards absolved.

1591–2, Jan. 4.—All the prebendaries cited to appear on April 1.—ƒo. 74.

1591–2, Jan. 14.—It is decreed "that the consistorie for the busshopp of Bath and Welles shall not hereafter be any more kept within our Ladie Chappell, nor within any other part of the cathedral church."—ƒo. 75.

1591–2, Jan. 18.—It is ordered that the chancellor may keep his court within the same place for this one time, and no longer.

John Saunders disfranchised and excluded from the chapter until Oct. 1, and deprived of the keys of the church, for having abstracted a writing relating to Ham Mills from the archives, and given it to one Elliott, to the grave prejudice of the chapter and the tenant of the mills.

1591–2, Feb. 3.—Richard Meawe admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 75d.

1592, April 1.—Richard Mason admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1592, April 3.—Ordered that the consistory court be removed to the bell-tower on the north side of the church, pursuant to a letter of John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury.—ƒo. 77d.

1592, April 6.—John Castle, the sacrist, convicted of incontinence with Elcana Potticarie, and sentenced to do public penance on the following Sunday. This sentence, however, on the culprit's humble supplication, commuted to a fine of 6s. 8d., to be given to the poor. The sacrist resigns his office.

1592, May 27.—Justinian Lancaster again excommunicated. ƒo. 78d.

1592, June 10.—John Bonde installed by proxy in the prebend of Wanstraw, pursuant to mandate of the queen and the archbishop of Canterbury.—ƒo. 79.

1592, June 14.—Hugh Pounde alias Sugar and Thomas Wilstede convicted of divers offences and excommunicated.—ƒo. 79d.

1592, June 16.—Pounde absolved.

1592, June 16.—The appointment of Mr. Cadwallader Hughes by the mayor and aldermen of Bridgwater, as the preacher in their parish church, was confirmed by the chapter.

1592, June 22.—Richard Mason, vicar-choral, convicted of revealing the secrets of the chapter, and excommunicated.—ƒo. 80.

1592, July 1.—Thomas Welstede, Hugh Pounde and Richard Mason absolved, and John Saunders restored to his former status.—ƒo. 80d.

1592, July 3.—Ordered "that every canon resident, ether preaching in his owne course or for anie other dignitie or prebendarie in his course, shall upon everie such preachinge daye, Sondaie or other festivall daie, preach in his surplies and whoodd; and yf he shall otherwise doe, then he shall forfeit for everie such defaulte fortie shillings; . . . and the penaltie of ten shillings in like sorte to be imposed upon everie canon resident for the omitting of the mynistering the holie communion in his course."

1592, July 17.—The appointment by the mayor, aldermen and burgesses of Bridgwater of Henry Attwoodd to the mastership of the grammar-school there, was confirmed by the dean and chapter, sede vacante. [Ledger F, ƒo. 129d.]—ƒo. 81.

1592, Aug. 31.—William Huishe, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore II, pursuant to the queen's letters of presentation and the mandate of Philip Bisse, S.T.P., commissary of the archbishop of Canterbury.—ƒo. 82d.

1592, Sept. 14.—Mr. Anthony Watson, the chancellor, to the dean and chapter.

After my hartie commendacions. I understand by Mr. D. Cottyngton and Mr. D. Langworth that the schoolmaster his place in Wells was voyde, that the nominacion thereof perteyned to the chauncellor; and that Mr. Evans was a fitt and sufficient man to discharge that dewtye, when opportunitie served and the chauncellorshipp was confirmed unto me. I mad answer to their letter and satisfied their request, in nominatynge Mr. Evans schoolmaster ther. Wherwith yf all our companye rest satisfyed, the said Evans may execute his office without disturbance; but yf my good meanynge, for want of instructione, fayled in a formall and orderly procedynge, I would not have it prejudiciall or hurtfull to hym that taketh paynes in so necessarie a dewtie. And therefore I doe now nominate and present unto yow William Evans, Bachelour of Arte, to be schoolmaster in Wells, to teache in the grammer schoole, to receave all stipendes and salaries as heretofore have been accustomed to be payed unto the schoolmaster for his paynes in teachinge; desiering yow with favoure to accept this my acte, and to establishe hym in his office. Moreover, understandynge with what dewties my dignitie is charged, I have taken order that my good frendes, Mr. D. Langworth and Mr. Saunders, will see them orderlie discharged, hopinge and desieringe that yow shew me such favour therin as my predecessours usuallie receaved. Concerninge my right to the place of a residentier, there be divers reportes, wherein I will seek no other counsell or judgment but your owne frendlie and wise determynacion. Thus, ceasinge to be further trowblesome, I committ yow to the tuitione of the Almightie. From Bristoll.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 131d.]

1591–1592.—Communar's accounts.—Payments: 2l. to John Clark, organist, and 26s. 8d. ex gratia; 10l. to Thomas Merist, schoolmaster.

1591–1592.—Accounts of James Bisse, keeper of the fabric. Receipts: 9l. for "400 et di" [? 4½cwt.] of bell metal; 3s. 4d. legacy from George Durman.

1592–1593.

1592, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: John Saunders and Francis Godwin.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: William Powell.

Surveyors of houses: James Bisse and Edmund Watts.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Humphrey Bayley.

1592, Oct. 9.—William Evans appointed master of the cathedral grammar-school.—ƒo. 84d.

1592, Oct. 12.—Resolved, that John Clarke and Nicholas Clunn, vicars-choral, for refusing the offices of escheator and tabellar, to which they were respectively elected, be deprived of their emoluments for six months, and if they shall thereafter persist in their contumacy, to be expelled the church for ever.—ƒo. 85d.

1592, Oct. 14.—The dean and chapter to Mr. Anthony Watson.

After our verie hartie commendacions. Thes are to certifie yow that we have receaved your letters, and, accordynge to the contentes thereof, we have admitted Mr. Evans, upon your presentacion, to be the schoolmaster of our grammer schoole, hopyng that he will performe his dewtie with sufficiencie in that place. As towchinge the performance of the severall dewties belonginge to your dignitie in this church, as you have committed the care thereof to Mr. D. Langworthe and Mr. Saunders, so we trust they will accordinglie see unto it. And as concerninge the residence that may belonge unto your place and dignitie, as we would be verie glad, in regard of your owne worthines and desert, of your societie; so yet for as much as by our new corporacion we are brought to a certayne number of residentiaries that we cannott encrease the same, nor admitt any other untill our certayne appoynted number be abated, we are to praye yow not to tak in ill parte that we cannott as yet gratifie your desier, beynge otherwise verie willinge and redie to pleasure and preferr yow, before any other, whensoever any place shalbe voyde and it please yow to accept thereof. And so we committ yow to the protection of the Allmightie. From our chapter howse. (Signed) Joh. Harbert, John Langworth, John Borne, Philipp Bisse, Edmund Wattes, James Cottyngton, William Powell, John Saunders.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 131d.]

1592, Oct. 23.—John Clark and Nicholas Clunn, persisting in their refusal of office, are absolved from the penalties imposed upon them, and Hugh Pounde and Humphrey Bailie are elected in their stead.—ƒo. 86.

1592, Dec. 25.—The appointment by the corporation of Bridgwater of Henry Wills as curate or minister of the parish church was confirmed.—ƒo. 87.

1592–3, Jan. 2.—Lease to William Morgan alias Williams, woollen draper, and George Upton of Wells, esq., for 3 lives, of the rectory and parsonage of the parish and parish church of St. Cuthbert, Wells, and also that great barn commonly called Cannon Barne, and two bartons, courts or yards adjoining the said barn, whereof one is on the north side and the other on the south side of the said barn, also tithes of corn, grain, hay and profits of mills, etc.; except courts, perquisites of courts, etc., the prison and the house used for the same, and the penfold or pound, and the use of the barn for keeping courts, and the advowson of the vicarage; rent 40l. Lessees to repair the chancel of St. Cuthbert's church, after it has once, and within 3 months from the date hereof, been sufficiently repaired by the dean and chapter, to the satisfaction of the master of the fabric and the mayor of Wells. No pigs are to be kept at the barn or bartons or precincts thereof, and no cattle shall be tied or stalled against any wall abutting upon any of the canons' houses or grounds adjoining thereto or upon the wall abutting upon the Ludborne there.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 135d.]

1592–3, Jan. 3.—It is ordered that the new letters patent of the church be engrossed.

Ordered "that the master of the fabrick of this church shall have auctoritie to remove the communion table into such convenient place in the quier as it shall be most decent and comely for the same, and to be inclosed with railes as shall seem best to hym."—ƒo. 88.

1592–3, Jan. 13.—The queen to the dean and chapter.

Trustye and welbeloved, wee greete you well. Whereas the busshopprick of Bathe and Wells is at this present voide by the decease of the late incumbent of the same; and wee, callinge to our remembrance the lerninge, vertue, and other commendable and godly qualities of our trustye and welbeloved chaplein, John Still, doctor of divinitye, have thought good by these our especiall letters to nominate and recommend him unto you, to be by yow chosen and elected to the said busshopprick of Bathe and Welles. Wherefore we praye and require you, forthwith uppon the receipte hereof, to proceade to yore election accordinge to the lawes of this realme and our conge d'eslire sent unto yow herewithe. And the same your election so made to certifye under your common seale. Given under our signet, at our honor of Hampton Courte.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 140d.]

1592–3, Jan. 17.—John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, to the sub-dean and chapter of Wells.

Salutem in Christo. Whereas it hathe pleased her majestie to bestowe the busshopprick of Bathe and Wells upon Mr. Doctor Still, and is mynded that allthinges touchinge the same should be performed before the parliment, to the end that he maye attend uppon her with the rest of the busshopps at that tyme; I hartelye praye youe aswell to dispatch your election, as also to make retorne thereof with such speed as possible you may. And so not doubtinge but youe will take suche diligent care hereof as appertayneth, I committ youe to the tuition of Almightie God. From Lambehith.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 141d.]

1592–3, Jan. 17.—John Herbert to the sub-dean and chapter of Wells.

After my verye hartye commendacions. I receaved from my lord of Canterburye the letters whiche I send youe herein enclosed. I am verye glad it hathe pleased her majestie to bestowe that busshoprick upon so rare and worthie a man as Mr. docter Still is well knowen to be. The congeslier [sic] this bearer bringethe, whereto I do verye willinglye geve my consent, not doutinge but you will doe the like, and be carefull to dispatch this bearer with suche convenient speede as you may. From Tharches [i.e. the Court of Arches].—[Ledger F, ƒo. 141d.]

1592–3, Jan. 16.—John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, to his "verie frend, Mr. Herbert, esq., master of the requestes to her majestie."

After my verie hartie commendacions. Whereas it hath pleased her majestie to nomynat Mr. D. Still to be the busshopp of Bath and Wells, and the conge delire is allreadie passed under the great seale for the same, I hartelie praie yow to write your letters unto the chapter of Wells, and to signifie your consent therunto, and the rather for that it is expected that your busshopp may at the next parliament attend upon her majestie amongst the rest of his brethren. And so desieringe yow that yow will tak good to write unto them for the dispatch of this busines, I committ yow to the tuition of Allmightie God. From Lambehith.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 141d.]

1592–3, Jan. 23.—The process of election of John Still as bishop of Bath and Wells.—ƒo. 88d.

1592–3, Jan. 25.—Every canon residentiary to reside for four months in the year on his ecclesiastical living, sive continuo sive interpolatim, on pain of deprivation.—ƒo. 89.

1592–3, Feb. 6.—Dr. Powell is empowered to contribute, on behalf of the chapter, a reasonable sum for the building of Reading Church.—ƒo. 89d.

1592–3, Feb. 19.—The installation and enthronization of Bishop Still.—ƒo. 90.

1593, March 26.—Richard Vaughan, S.T.P., installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe IX, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 90d.

1593, April 2.—The wardship of Dorothy Smith of Trull, a minor, granted to John Northover of Aller.—ƒo. 91d.

1593, April 7.—"Two pole of evidence concerning Ham Mills" delivered by John Saunders to the dean and chapter.—ƒo. 91d.

1593, July 2.—John Saunders restored ad pristinum statum.—ƒo. 92.

Humphrey Bailie, perpetual vicar, appointed curate of the cathedral, and enjoined to discharge all the duties pertaining to the said office juxta morem solitum et consuetum.

1593, July 9.—William Tawswell admitted a perpetual vicar.

1593–1594.

1593, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: John Saunders and Edmund Watts.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: William Powell.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Thomas Wellstede.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1593, Oct. 1.—Thomas Merist appointed steward and chaplain of the almshouse.—ƒo. 92d.

Hugh Inge appointed sacrist for life.

1593, Oct. 2.—Mark Leonard appointed a perpetual vicar.—ƒo. 93.

Thomas Everett, vicar-choral, charged with getting his maidservant, Joan Teight, with child, and neglecting to appear upon citation, was pronounced contumacious. Joan Teight, confessing the fact, was ordered to appear to receive judgment on October 12.—ƒo. 93d.

1593, Oct. 12.—Thomas Everett excommunicated. Sentence on Joan Teight deferred until January 2.

1593, Nov. 12.—Anne Patwell, being cited to appear this day to answer articles touching the reformation of her morals, and making default, was pronounced contumacious.

1593, Nov. 13.—Anne Patwell appears, and being charged with having parted with her virginity in an illicit manner, and confessing that she was gotten with child by one Henry Willett, sometime servant to Edmund Watts, canon, is ordered to do public penance in the church on three Sundays, to wit, on Sunday next the said Anne Patwell shall come into the cathedral church aforesaid, wearing a white sheet made fast about her from her shoulders to the ground and holding a white rod in her hand, without any hat on her head or muffler on her face, and shall stand before the place where the sermon is usually preached, from the time of the reading of the second chapter in the forenoon until the end of divine service. And after that the minister hath read the Epistle and Gospel she shall openly confess her fault, and say that she hath offended God with her lewd life, and hath shewed an evil example to the inhabitants within the liberty of the said church and to the rest of the town of Wells, and showing herself sorry for her offence upon her knees shall ask God forgiveness, and the congregation, and shall then say the Lord's prayer. And shall do the like penance in manner and form aforesaid two Sundays then next following, in the place aforesaid. [Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 60.]—ƒo. 94.

1593, Dec. 14.—Anne Patwell to be cited to appear on January 2 to answer for having left the penance undone.

Thomas Everett to be cited to appear on the same day to answer certain articles touching the reformation of his morals.

Christiana [sic] Teight to be cited in like manner for the said day.

1593–4, Jan. 2.—Joan Teight alone appears, late in the day, and her sentence is reserved for the morrow.

1593–4, Jan. 3.—Sentence pronounced on Joan Teight, to wit, that on Saturday next she shall stand at the High Cross in the market in Wells from 11 of the clock until 12, bare-faced, with a white sheet on her down from her shoulders to the foot, and upon Sunday next after she shall do the like punishment in St. Andrew's Church in Wells, standing in the choir there from the beginning of morning service unto the end thereof, and at the reading of the Gospel she shall openly confess that she hath offended God and the congregation by her wicked life and evil example, and that she is sorry therefor, and shall ask God forgiveness and say the Lord's prayer, and hereof she shall certify the next chapter day.—ƒo. 94d.

The like sentence passed upon Christiana Teight.—ƒo. 95.

1593–4, Jan. 22.—The White Book, containing in it the records and originals of the cathedral church of Wells, wrapped up in canvas and sealed with the seals of Mr. Dr. Cottington and Mr. Dr. Bisse, was delivered unto Mr. Earle, prebendary of Litton, to be safely carried to London by him, and there to be delivered to Mr. Dr. Cottington, that so much of the contents of the said book shall be by Mr. Dr. Cottington showed unto Mr. Earle "his counsayle," as shall any way concern the state of his said prebend of Litton; and afterwards to be inclosed up again in canvas, and sealed with the seal of the said Mr. Dr. Cottington, and to be brought safely unto the dean and chapter by March 1 next. [Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 64.]—ƒo. 95.

1593–4, Feb. 21.—James Hayward accused by Edith Lyte of getting her with child, and acknowledging that he believeth it to be true, was ordered to do penance as follows, to wit, that on Saturday next he shall stand in the open market at the High Cross in Wells from 11 of the clock before noon until one of the clock afternoon, with a white sheet about him from his shoulders to the ground, holding a white rod in his hand, bare-headed, and there shall openly confess his offence and show himself sorrowful for it. And on Sunday next he shall also stand before the pulpit in St. Andrew's Church during all the time of the sermon with a white sheet and a rod as is aforesaid and bare-headed, and then shall show himself penitent for his offence and ask God forgiveness, and the like penance he shall do again in the market at the High Cross in Wells and in the church aforesaid, in manner and form as is before specified, on Wednesday next and the Sunday then following, and certify, etc. [Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 105.]—ƒo. 95d.

1593–4, Feb. 23.—The said James Hayward and Edith Lyte having presented themselves before the dean and chapter and taken the marriage vow, are admonished to cause the marriage to be solemnized in facie ecclesiœ before the feast of St. John the Baptist.

1594, April 2.—George Tucker admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 96d.

1594, April 3.—"Whereas Mr. Frauncis Godwine was absent at the universitie of Oxford to doe exercise for the degree of Batchellor of Divinitie, by the space of vi weekes or theraboutes, [decreed] that the daies so by hym ther spent are reckoned amongst his daies of residenc as yf he had ben resident upon any other his spirituall livyng"; the same shall apply to any other time hereafter spent at the university "for doyng of any other exercise concerning the same or any other degree." [Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 67d.]

1594, May 27.—Anne Pattwell, having certified the chapter of the performance of her penance, receives absolution.—ƒo. 97.

1594, June 17.—A special concession made that the bishop may hold his general visitation for this part of the diocese in the chapter house.—ƒo. 97.

1594, June 20.—Thomas Everett absolved.—ƒo. 97d.

1594, July 1.—Francis Godwin elected steward.

1594, July 2.—"Memorandum to insert heare the act made betwixt the deane and chapter and the belfownder, which act the bellfownder hath." [Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 75.]

This day the agreement was made with the bell-founder.—ƒo. 98.

Accounts of William Powell, S.T.P., Keeper of the Fabric.

Receipts: 6s. 8d. for the burial of Mr. Richard Bowrne; for the burial of William Powell [blank].

1594–1595.

1594, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: John Bourne and Francis Godwin.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: William Powell.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: Nicholas Clunn.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

All matters in dispute between the chapter and the vicars are referred to the decision of the bishop.—ƒo. 99.

Decreed "to geve xxs. towardes the suit of the tenauntes of Congresbury concerning the defenc of ther common."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 76d.]

1594, Nov. 26.—George Huishe, accused of incontinence with Joan Teight, upon her confession, craves to be allowed to make his purgation, and it is agreed that he may do so with four neighbours of credit, residents within the liberties of the cathedral, on December 16.—ƒo. 99.

1594, Dec. 9.—The book called Album Registrum is returned by Dr. Cottington; all records in the hands of any of the chapter are to be returned by January 2.—ƒo. 100.

George Upton, esquire, charged with assaulting Edmund Watts, M.A., canon, acknowledges his offence and the jurisdiction of the chapter; he is excommunicated.

1594, Dec. 16.—George Huishe cleared of his offence by four compurgators.—ƒo. 100d.

1594, Dec. 18.—George Upton absolved.

1594–5, Jan. 2.—John Farrant admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1594–5, Jan. 28.—Dr. Bisse to go to London forthwith, to follow certain necessary businesses concerning the state of the church and chapter.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 82.]

1595, April 1.—Mr. Alexander Towse is suspended for certain misdemeanours in the execution of his office. Referred to Dr. Bisse and Mr. Francis Godwyne.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 83d.]

1595, April 2.—Ordered by Dr. Bisse and Mr. Godwyne "that the said Mr. Towse shall paie unto the deane and chapter of the cathedral church of Wells vjli. of good and lawfull money of England for the herriottes of Bitham, viz.: ij oxen which, by meanes he kept a court at Bitham without authority, weare lost; and this vjli. shall by hym be payd at the next audyte heald for the deane and chapter aforesaid, and that he shall mak the best commodytye of the said two herriottes due by the death of Hurwoodd of Bitham to his owne use, and that he doe heareafter in all his actions concernyng his office and the affares of the said deane and chapter well and faythfully demeane and behave hymself towardes the deane and chapter sub pœna incumbenti."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 84.]

Mr. William Morgan of Wormyster, Somerset, gent., assumed and promised that neither he nor his assigns would "impeach or overthrow any estate of any of the tenantes in Pilton, belongyng to the rectorie or parsonag of Pilton." Signed in the presence of me Thomas Maicock, notary public,
William Morgan.

[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 84d.]

1595–1596.

1595, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: James Cottington and John Saunders.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: William Powell.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Mark Leonard.

Tabellar: Robert Marwood.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1595, Oct. 1.—It is ordered that Hugh Ing, the sacrist, shall take away all seats newly built in the choir by Monday next following, on pain of being removed from his office.—ƒo. 103d.

1595, Oct. 4.—An extension of time until October 25 is granted to Hugh Ing.

1595–6, Jan. 15.—Dr. P. Bisse and Dr. Powell appointed to appear before the lords of the council in the controversy between the chapter and the vicars.—ƒo. 104.

1595–6, Jan. 29.—The dean [John Herbert] is joined with the above-named canons in the said business. Ordered that they have the White Book with them.

1595–6, Feb. 13.—James Bill, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Holcombe.—ƒo. 104.

1596, April 2.—Letters patent of the bishop, appointing Francis James his vicar, confirmed under the chapter seal.—ƒo. 105.

1596, June 2.—Resolved, "that noe man shall appeare to excuse the absence of any prebendary of this church [from [from the Whitsun visitation], but that the said partie so appearyng shall assume and promysse for and in the name of the canon or prebendarye for whom he doth appeare, to satisfy and paye yearely and at all due tymes, the dutyes due to the fabrick of this church, to see his sermons performed and to answer the penaltie of every default of omittyng the performance of the sermon and to geve sufficient warnyng, the Monday before the sermon is to be preached, unto the sexten of the said church, to th'end that, if that turn by the prebendary or canon, who ought that day to preach, cannot be observed, that it may otherwise be provided for, so as the place may be supplied; otherwise the said warnyng to be non, and the party whose turne it is that day to preach, be taken in default." [Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 94d.]—ƒo. 106.

William Hill, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Combe IX, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1596, June 2.—Ordered that every of the canons shall to-morrow bring in all acts, evidences, writinges and other munimentes belonging to the deane and chapter, which they have in their handes, sub pœna perjurii et suspensionis.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 95d.]

1596, July 1.—Edmund Watts, S.T.D., elected steward.—ƒo. 107d.

1596, July 28.—William Hinton, S.T.D., installed by proxy in the prebend of Shalford otherwise Scamford, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 108.

1596–1597.

1596, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: James Cottington and James Bisse.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: Francis Godwin.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: Nicholas Clunn.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1596, Oct. 1.—The vicars-choral appeared before the chapter and gave their consent "touching the Mountire, viz.: that everie canon resident of this church shall upon his death pay out of his divident and arrerages, for and in consideration of his mountire six pounds . . . and 13s. 4d. for the cheator for the bridle and saddle."—ƒo. 108d.

The vicars-choral were admonished to receive the communion in the cathedral at least three times a year.

1596, Oct. 11.—John Rogers, D.C.L., appointed chancellor of the cathedral, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 101.]

James Bill installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe IV, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 109.

1596, Nov. 11.—Edward Rilston, M.A., fellow of Brasenose College, Oxford, installed in the prebend of Wedmore II, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 109d.

1596–7, Jan. 13.—Mandate of the queen, dated December 3 in the 39th year of her reign, under the great seal, addressed to the dean and chapter of Wells, for the installation of James Bisse in the prebend of Compton Bishop, produced by the said James Bisse, who craves that a caveat be entered against the installation of anyone else without notice to him first given. Caveat entered accordingly.

1596–7, Jan. 13.—"The deane and chapter graunted to Thomas Maicock that he shall have and use the shilfe howse adjoyning to the west end of the cathedrall church of Wells standing in the churchyeard without the dore goyng to the grammer schoole, to putt in such necessaries as he shall thinck good of, so as he doe at all tymes repaire the same."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 104d.]

1597, April 1.—"The sacrist and other the clarckes and sextons shall diligently geve attendans dayly on ther offices and diligently shall doe all that is to be done by them, upon payne of forfeyture of a penny to be defalked out of ther stipend, and that they shall be pricked by the pricker how often they are ther or absent."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 105d.]

1597, April 14.—Prebendary William Moseley prayed for and received absolution from a sentence of excommunication incurred by not keeping "his course in preching . . . according to her majestie's injunctions in this behalf provided."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 106.]

1597, April 15.—William More admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 110.

1597, April 16.—John Baber, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Combe XIV, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1597, May 18.—George Edwardes, clerk, presented to the vicarage of Pucklechurch.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 108.]

1597, May 18.—Dr. John Rogers, the chancellor, is cited to read the divinity lecture or provide a deputy, juxta injunctiones regias alterasque ordinationes hujus ecclesiœ.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 107.]

1597, July 1.—Roger Michell of Fifett, tanner, to have timber to build up the prison at North Curry, and to have a lease of the prison house for 21 years, paying the usual rent and keeping it in repair.—ƒo. 111d.

1597, Sept. 11.—Richard Poughnell, clerk, presented to the rectory of Shipham, vacant by the death of Richard Stevens.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 109d.]

1597–1598.

1597, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: James Bisse and John Borne.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: Francis Godwin.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: John Clarke.

Tabellar: Nicholas Clunn.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1597, Oct. 1.—Lease to Mr. George Upton and his assigns "of the gat howse comonly called Brownes gat, to make up the yeares that now he hath in the same [? to] xl tie yeares, pro feodis sigilli viz. liijs. iiijd."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 111.]

1597, Oct. 7.—Mandate of the bishop to the chapter to elect proctors for the convocation to be held at St. Paul's, London, on October 25.—ƒo. 112d.

1597, Oct. 7.—The pinnacle of the church to be mended at a cost of 6l.—[Vol. 1591–1601, ƒo. 111d.]

1597–8, Jan. 2.—The farmer of the parsonage of Buckland, Dorset, has leave to pull down the parsonage house and build a handsome sufficient new one.—ƒo. 113.

The ancient order was renewed that no canon resident was to receive into his service man or maid, quitting the service of any other canon, without his especial consent.—ƒo. 113d.

1597–8, Feb. 4.—Lease from William Whitlock, M.A., prebendary of the prebend of Dultingcott alias Dulcott, otherwise called Tingeherst alias Fingest, to Michael Farrar alias Turner of Fingest, co. Bucks, gent., for 21 years, of the manor of Tingeherst, with all appurtenances, except the advowson of the rectory and all timber trees containing above 16 inches square; rent 20l. and 26s. 8d. to the master of the fabric.

Confirmed by the bishop and the dean and chapter.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 154d.]

1598, May 20.—John Attwell, William Hellacre, Richard Bushell and Katherine his wife, and Anne Hawker, cited for not receiving the Holy Eucharist, are enjoined to do so. William Hawker and Marian Chedsey otherwise Emery, who have not appeared, are to be again cited for the like.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 115d.]

1598, June 7.—Richard Mewe, vicar-choral, dismissed from his place for absenting himself for six months and more, without leave.—ƒo. 115.

William Hellacre pronounced contumacious for disobeying a mandate of the chapter to receive the Holy Eucharist; his punishment reserved until July 1.

Richard Busshell and his wife excommunicated for the same cause.

1598, June 7.—William Hawker did not appear and was excommunicated.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 117.]

1598, July 1.—John Langworth, S.T.D., elected steward.—ƒo. 115d.

William Hellacre excommunicated.

1598, July 1.—"The pricker of the vicares for the tyme beyng shall every [iij weekes, interlined] Saterday bring his book unto the sub-deane or president of the chapter that then shall be at home."—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 117d.]

1598, July 26.—Paul Godwin, M.A., installed in the prebend of Holcombe, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 115d.

1598, July 26.—Dean Herbert to Philip Bisse, D.D. and resident at Wells.

Sir,—Thoughe I expected to be particulerly informed either from yourself or from Mr. Whitlock towching the state of Tourner's lease, afore I would willingly yelded any consent for the confirmacion thereof, yet beinge informed by the partie that th'incumbent, the busshopp and the rest of the chapter, saving myselfe, have already approved the lease, as noe way prejudiciall to the state of the church, and myselfe knowing that Turner, the tennant to whom the graunt is made, hath spent his tyme and welth in the mayntenance of the right of our church to that prebend, I ame content that you assent in my behalfe to the passing of the lease for the manor of Tingeherst, so as the same be already yealed [? yielded] unto by the rest of the chapter. The pittye I have of the man and the desire I have to encourage other to remayne trustie to the church, be the only causes that move me herein to dispence from my former determinacion. Mortlake.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 155d.]

1598–1599.

1598, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: James Bisse and John Borne.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: Edmund Watts.

Surveyors of houses: James Bisse and Francis Godwin.

Communar: William Powell.

Escheator: Nicholas Clunn.

Tabellar: Roger Rugg.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1598, Oct. 6.—The office of chief steward of the bishop of Bath and Wells is granted to Anthony Paulett, knight, and John his son, for the fees of the seal, viz. 6l. 13s. 4d.; the office of sub-steward is granted to Mr. Robert Eyre, for the fees of the seal, viz. 53s. 4d.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 121.]

1598, Oct. 6.—Ordered that the choristers shall no longer come to any canon's house at any meal, and in lieu of this shall be paid 5l. a year.—[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 120d.]

1598, Oct. 7.—The office of register to the bishop of Bath and Wells is granted to Edward Huishe, notary public, and his assigns, on condition that neither he nor they "shall intermeddle with the fees, profittes or commodyties any way appertayning or belonging unto the registers of the deane and the deane and chapter of the cathedrall church of Wells for the tyme beyng, the registers to the archedeacon of the archdeaconry of Wells, the register of the archedeacone of Bath and the register of the archedeacon of Taunton, the register of the sub-deane of the said church, and all other registers whosoever appertaining to any prebendary or canon of the said church having ecclesiasticall jurisdiccion, now beyng or shall hereafter be, which clause shalbe inserted in the confimacion." If the above clause shall appear "not to be avayleable in law," then Huishe and Robert Owen shall give a bond of 200 marks to the like effect.
(Signed) Ro. Owen.

[Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 121d.]

1598, Oct. 12.—James Bisse installed in the prebend of Compton Bishop, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 119.

Grant to Dean Herbert and his assigns, of the mines, grooves and pits of "Calamyntstone" of lead and lead ore, now being or to be made upon the commons of Smaledowne and other commons and waste grounds within the manors of Winscombe and Shipham, for the term of ten years, at the yearly rent of 20s. The grantee is to indemnify the grantors against a warrant to work the mines, which William Dale of Wrington has.—[Also Vol. 1591–1607, ƒo. 125d.]

1598, Nov. 2.—By common consent of the dean and chapter the capitular seal is defaced and broken, and a new seal ordered to be made.—ƒo. 119d.

1598–9, March 12.—A new seal approved. The seal is described as argenteum impressione S. Andreae cum cruce transversa [cum inscriptione] sequenti majusculis caracteribus, et in circumferentia ejusdem inscriptionis.—Sigillum DECANI ET CAPITULI ECCLESIE CATHEDRALIS WILLENSIS, et alia inscriptione corpore sigilli predicti minusculis caracteribus sequenti inscripta.—Credo in Jesum Christum filium, &c., Anno Domini 1598, factum unacum scuto, et in eodem transversa cruce S. Andreae et gentilitiis insigniis prefati Magistri Joannis Herbert, Decani predicti, in pede ejusdem sigilli insculptis. [The MS. is here sadly mutilated.]—ƒo. 120d.

1599, April 1.—Walter Tayler admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1599, April 2.—A lease of all the fowling in the hundred of North Curry granted to Hugh Portman, knight, for 21 years, rent 4d. a year, reserving to the dean and chapter the right of hawking and fowling there when it shall please any of them to do so.—ƒo. 121.

1599, April 3.—It is ordered that 20s. be given every month to the collectors for the poor of Wells.—ƒo. 121d.

1599, May 11.—Dean Herbert to Drs. Cottington, Bysse and Powell.

At the request of Mr. D. Langworthe, I have geven my consente that such leases as he shall offer unto yow concerninge his archdeaconry, beinge of his graunte, be confirmed at the next chapter with all favour. And so I praye you notifie to the chapter at your next assemblye, and lett this be recorded. And so very hartely commende me to yow all. From my lodginge at the Doctors' Commons.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 161.]

1599, May 30.—Marmaduke Gleson admitted sacrist.—ƒo. 122.

1599, May 30.—Sent to Mr. Gabriel Harvey an evidence sealed with three seals in green wax, concerning Hamm Mills.

1599, May 31.—William Barker, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Dulcot, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

James Bell, S.T.B., installed by proxy in the prebend of Warmister otherwise Luxfield, pursuant to mandate of the bishop. (fn. 1) —ƒo. 122d.

Undated.—A list of fees payable.—ƒo. 7.

Pro inthronizatione episcopi Bathonensis et Wellensis et pro certificatorio super ejus electione, presidenti capituli 2l., clerico capitulari 2l., sacristœ 4l., choristis 4s.

Pro installacione alicujus in dignitatem, to the same persons as above, 13s. 4d., 6s. 8d., 26s. 8d. and 2s. 8d.

Pro installatione in prœbendam, to the same persons, 6s. 8d., 3s. 4d., 13s. 4d. and 6d.

Pro instrumento super qualibet installatione, presidenti capituli 6s. 8d., clerico capitulari 3s. 4d.; cera 4d. (fn. 2)

1599, July 2.—Agreed that the fee payable by the bishop for the seal when his acts are confirmed by the chapter is to be only 2l. 13s. 4d., so that the bishop do receive the like sum and no more for his confirmation of grants made by the present canons residentiary or any one of them. If the bishop shall "deny to confirme" any grant of the present dean, dean and chapter, or any one of the present canons, no grants whatsoever of his shall be confirmed by the dean and chapter until he do so.

(Signed) James Bisse, James Cottington, Jo: Langworth, Franc: Godwyn, Jo: Bowrne, Ph: Bisse, Willm: Powell.—ƒo. 136.

1599, July 3.—Mr. James Bisse complained of William More, vioar-choral, "that comyng to Mr. Sub-deane to aske leave to goe out of the town, the said Mr. Sub-deane willed hym to stay untill the afternoone, then the said More replied in contemptuous manner and sayd he had done as much as he needed and he would not stay, and so went from." He is ordered to confess his offence openly in the cathedral on Sunday next and to express his sorrow.—ƒo. 136d.

"The little howse adjoyning unto the west end of the cathedrall church of Wells, next unto the gramer schoole, is graunted to Mr. David Sarney to use for his necessary occasions, so as he do . . . repaire the same."—ƒo. 137.

1599, July 4.—The dean and chapter of their special favour and charity have given "the divident and arrerages of the yeare of anni post mortem" after the death of John Saunders, late canon of this church, for the relief of his children. Edward Wadham, esq., is to receive it to the use of the children, according to the allotment made by the chapter.

Confirmed and sealed the letters patent granting the office of receiver general to the bishop of Bath and Wells to Mr. Francis James, LL.D., for the fees of the seal, viz. 53s. 4d., Dr. Powell dissenting.—ƒo. 137d.

1599, July 12.—Edward Powell installed in the prebend of Combe III.

1599, July 1.—John Gibbes admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 141.

1599–1600.

1599, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: James Bisse and John Borne.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: James Bisse.

Surveyors of houses: John Langworth and Philip Bisse.

Communar: William Powell.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: Walter Tailor.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1599, Oct. 1.—Ordered that every canon resident of this cathedral now or hereafter called to preach at Paul's Cross, London, shall have 20 days in the computing of his residence.—ƒo. 140.

46l. is given to the children of the late Canon Saunders, viz. John 10l., Mary 9l., Elizabeth 9l., Edward 9l. and William 9l., Mr. Borne and Mr. Powell dissenting.

1599, Oct. 2.—Decreed "that whereas my L. busshopp of Bath and Wells doth withhould and now detayne in his handes this yeares tenth of his quotidians and likewise the . . . subsidy of this yeare of the said quotidians, from the deane and chapter, that therefore it [be] ordered and enjoyned that the commynor of this church shall detayne and keep in his handes the quotidians of the said lord busshopp which shalbe heareafter due unto hym, untill he have paied the said tenths and subsidyes unto the said deane and chapter or to there comminor to there use. Also it is further ordered that the canons shall not heareafter fettch the said L. busshopp to the church unlesse upon solemne feast tymes, and then so that the said lorrd busshopp shall first send his officer to them."

The communar is forbidden to pay to Thomas Gould and John Hulett any of their quotidians as from October 1 until they shall receive the Holy Communion in the cathedral, according to the order of October 12, 1598. If they fail to do this before January 1 next, they shall be deprived of all commodities and profits appertaining to a vicar-choral.—ƒo. 140d.

1599, Nov. 22.—John Parsons, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Combe XII.—ƒo. 142d.

1599, Dec. 6.—William Eccleston, A.M., installed in the prebend of Combe II.—ƒo. 143.

1599, Dec. 8.—Anthony Egglesfield, A.M., installed in the prebend of Combe I.—ƒo. 143d.

1599–1600, Jan. 2.—The proceedings against John Hulett, vicar-choral, are annulled.—ƒo. 144.

Ordered "that the canons shall fetch the B. to church on thes dayes followyng, viz. the feast day of the Nativyty of our Lord God, the Circumcission [struck out], Epiphany, Purificacion, Annunciacion [struck out], Ester Day, Ascention Day, Whitsonday, Trinyty Sonday [struck out], Allhallowday and St. Andrewe's Day [struck out] and such days as he shall preach in."—ƒo. 144d.

1599–1600, March 1.—Mr. Philipps, vicar of Buckland, co. Dorset has leave to pull down one of "ij little poore cotes or howsen" in Buckland.—ƒo. 146.

6l. 1s. 3d., the remainder of certain arrearages allowed by the grace of the chapter, shall be paid to Mr. Edward Wadham, for the use of the children of Mr. Thomas Saunders, late canon; John Saunders is to have 54s. and the rest is to be equally divided.—ƒo. 146d.

1600, April 10.—Thomas Fabian confessed himself guilty of incontinence with Joan Allan of Walcombe, and is ordered to do penance in the cathedral.—ƒo. 147.

1600, July 1.—Dr. Philip Bisse is elected steward for two years from Michaelmas next.—ƒo. 154d.

Mr. Nicholas Weekes has leave to sue, at his own cost and in the name of the dean and chapter, one John Davy alias Bulland of Allerton, for waste upon his tenement there.— ƒo. 155.