Acts and accounts: 1610-20

1610–1611.

1610, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: John Borne and Richard Boughton.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: Robert Wright.

Surveyors of houses: William Powell and Richard Boughton.

Communar: William Powell.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: John Clerke.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1610, Oct. 24.—Ordered "that from hencforth the deane and the canon residentiaryes of the said church, every one in their severall places and dignityes, shall, by them selves or by some other sufficient, keep their turnes in preching uppon thes dayes followyng, viz. the 24 of March, the fift of August, the fift of November, and at the Quarter Sessions yearly heald at Wells."—ƒo. 34.

1610, Dec. 15.—Richard Eaton, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of St. Decuman, vacant by the resignation of Peter Brewer alias More, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 34d.

1610–1, Jan. 2.—Mr. William Barloe, prebendary of Wilvelscombe, not having appeared when summoned, is pronounced contumacious and excommunicated.—ƒo. 35.

1610–1, Jan. 30.—Matthew White is admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 36.

1610–1, March 4.—John Riesley, gentleman, is appointed for life keeper of the manor or mansion of Banwell and of the bishop's park there, and bailiff of the hundred of Winterstoke.—ƒo. 36d.

1611, April 1.—From henceforth no leases are to be sealed but such as pass under the chapter clerk's hand.—ƒo. 37.

1611, May 14.—Gerard Wood, S.T.B., installed as archdeacon of Wells and in the prebend of Huishe and Brent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop. He undertook to pay 40l. for his portion of the pension due by reason of the dignity of the archdeaconry, before Michaelmas, 1613.—ƒo. 37d.
Per me Gerard Wood, Archidiac' Wellins'.

1611, July 2.—Mr. Richard Bowghton is appointed steward for two years from Michaelmas next.—ƒo. 41.

1611, Aug. 10.—Richard Todd, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe X, vacant by the resignation of Henry Allen, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 41d.

1611, Aug. 31.—Richard Montague, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Tymberscombe, vacant by the death of Mr. Huishe, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 42.

1611, Sept. 5.—Timothy Revett, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Milverton II, vacant by the resignation of Gerard Woodd, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 43.

1611, Sept. 19.—Leonard Mawe, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Combe III, vacant by the resignation of Richard Montague, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 43d.

1611–1612.

1611, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Robert Wright and John Bourne.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: Robert Wright.

Surveyors of houses: William Powell and Richard Boughton.

Communar: William Powell.

Escheator: John Clerke.

Tabellar: Matthew White.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1611, Oct. 1.—The offices of keeper of the bishop's palace at Wells and of the house or prison within the palace, called the Cowehouse, bailiff of the bishop's stock, and warden of all his woods and underwoods, granted to John Lund and his assigns, for the lives of himself, Maurice Lund his son and Edward Perham, knight.—ƒo. 45.

1611, Oct. 29.—Gerard Woodd, S.T.B., archdeacon of Wells and prebendary of Brent and Huishe, on payment of 100l. as caution money, is admitted as a canon residentiary, pursuant to letters of the bishop; he shall not have any emolument as such nor take part [intromittat] in any business of the chapter before October 1, 1612.—ƒo. 46d.
Gerarddus Wood, Archid. Wellen.

1611, Oct. 30.—If Mr. Wood shall die before October 1, 1612, his 100l. caution money shall be repaid to his executors, administrators or assigns.—ƒo. 47d.

1611, Nov. 6.—Dr. Wright and Dr. Powell shall go to London this term, "and ther follow all the businesses concernyng the state of the said cathedrall church; "they shall be allowed there dayes of absenc in complement of their residency" and their charges "accordyng to the usuall allowances in like cases."—ƒo. 48.

1611, Nov. 22.—John Young, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Dulcott alias Dultingcott alias Tyngest alias Fingest, and in the office of chancellor of the cathedral church of Wells, vacant by the death of William Barker, S.T.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 48d.

1611–2, Jan. 2.—John Still, prebendary of Warmister alias Luxfield, paid 8l. for a stipend called "stall wages," by reason of his prebend.—ƒo. 50d.

The office of registrar to the dean was granted to Nicholas Willuby and his assigns, for the lives of Francis Willuby his son, and of John and William Owen, sons of Robert Owen of Wells, deceased.

1611–2, Jan. 3.—Ordered "that from hencforth no dignity nor prebendary shalbe installed but he shall presentely tak letters testimoniall, sub sigillo ad causas, and shall pay xs. 4d., viz. vjs. 8d. to the deane and chapter and 3s. 4d. to the chapter clerke, and for wax iiijd."—ƒo. 51d.

"It is decreed that yf any whosoever shall henceforth be buryed in the Palme Churchyeardd [he shall pay] ijs., in the cloysters vjs. viijd., and shall cover the said grave with a faire free stone.

"Yf any be buryed in the sowth or north iles of the body of the church, he shall pay xs., and shall cover the said grave with a faire toome stone.

"Yf any be buryed in the body of the churche, then shalbe payed for the said grave xiijs. iiijd., and that same shall be covered with a faire toome stone.

"Yf any shalbe buryed in the north ile or sowth ile, by the clock or the font, shall be payed xxs., and the grave shalbe covered with a fair toome stone.

"Yf any shalbe buryed in the north or sowth iles of the choyer or in the chappell called the Lady Chappell, or any other of the syd chappells in the said church, ther shalbe payed for such grave xxvjs. viijd., and shall cover the said grave with a faire toome stone.—ƒo. 52.

"Yf any shalbe buryed in the choyer of the said church, he shall pay xls., and shall cover the grave with a faire marble stone proportionable to the grave.

"Yf a busshopp be buryed in the choyer of the said church or els where, shall be payed vjli. xiijs. iiijd.; and yf any busshopp will have a monument, then to agree with the deane and chapter for the grownd.

"And yf either the deane, canons resident or any other, be buryed in the choyer and shall desier to have a monument erected, he shall agree with the deane and chapter for the grownd.

"And yf any other shall desier to have any monument erected in any other parte of the church, the deane and chapter shalbe compownded [with] for the grownd.

"And it is further ordered and decreed that all the profittes that shall accrue and aryse by reason of the premisses, the same shalbe wholy and entierly imployed to the benefitt of the fabrick of the said church, and to be accompted for yearly by the master of the fabrick.

"Yf any beyng buryed in or about the said cathedrall church, and hath his knell roung with the biggest bell of the smale bells, he shall paie xijd., and for every peale of the said bells xijd. And yf any hath his knell wrong with the common sermon bell, shalbe payed iijs. iiijd. And for every peale roung with the great bells, without the bell called Horewell, he shall payed [sic] iijs. iiijd., and yf he hath his knell with Horewell, to pay vjs. viijd.; and if ther be a peale rong with Horewell and the other great bells, there shall be payed for every peale vjs. viijd. Provyded that no peale shalbe rong longer then half an hower.

"And it is ordered that all the benefitt hereby arysing shall be imployed to the benefitt of the fabrike.—ƒo. 52d.

"And it is further decreed that ther shalbe no ringing but by the leav or consent of the deane or some one of the canons resident."

"It is ordered that uppon every Allholloday all and every prebendary that hath not payed his stall wages by that day, shall be cited uppon his stall to pay the same by St. Andrewe's day then next followyng; and that yf the prebendary shall not then mak satisfaction or apparanc, then the deane and chapter to congregat in the chapter howse, to proceed agaynst the said prebendary for his contempt."

1611–12, Jan. 4.—The dean and every canon resident shall before April 1 next bring to the chapter house all books, records and muniments belonging to the church, now in his custody, "uppon payne of loosinge every one his quotidians."—ƒo. 53.

All "counterpanes of leases" are to be brought into the "chequer" and put into a chest.

1611–12, March 3.—Matthew Woolf, M.A., presented to the vicarage of the parish church of Winscombe, vacant by the death of John Williams [? Willelmi].—ƒo. 54.

1612, June 3.—All canons resident and prebendaries having been duly summoned to attend this day, all those not appearing were declared contumacious. It was agreed by those present that, for the repairs of the fabric of the cathedral and of the bells and other necessary ornaments, they would for three years contribute one tenth of all incomings and rents, the first payment to be made at Michaelmas next.—ƒo. 55.

1612, July 1.—Further consideration of the ruinous and dilapidated state of the church, the ornaments and bells. Ordered that the contribution of one tenth of the income of his dignity or prebend should be compulsory on every canon residentiary and prebendary for three years, to be paid to the master of the fabric.—ƒo. 57.

Ordered "that a letter from the deane and chapter shalbe written to Mr. Nathaniel Still, to signify unto hym that wheras his father, late busshopp of Bath and Wells, deceased, in his last will and testament did geve ordayne that 500li. showld, within a tyme limited in his testament, be imployed either in the new building of an almes howse for the releef of certayn poore people, or that the now almes howse in Wells showld be enlarged and more mayntenance added unto them of the howse; which allowance for more mayntenance for them and others, the same not beyng done accordyngly, the disposition and application of the said 500li. to th' effect aforesaid, should then accrue and come to the said deane and chapter,—the said deane and chapter have thought good to move [him] with all conveniency [?] to performe his father's will; or els the deane and chapter, intendyng to undertak the trust in this behalf by his said father in his said testament to them committed, purpos to call hym therto by such meanes as the lawe shall permitt."—ƒo. 57d.

Ordered "that wheras Richard Mason, late vicare chorall of this church, dyed so poore and left his wife in such poor estat that she could not paye for his grave, ringyng the bells and other requisites for his funerall, the said deane and chapter doe out of their favoure towardes her pay all manner of charges in this behalf required by a former decree."—ƒo. 58.

1612, Aug. 4.—Edward Biam, M.A., presented to the vicarage of the parish church of Dulverton, vacant by the resignation of John Wattes, on the nomination of Dr. Wright, to whom this vicarage fell on the last casting lots for ecclesiastical benefices. (fn. 1) —ƒo. 58d.

1612, Aug. 11.—Dr. Hinton, prebendary of Shalford alias Scamford, is absolved from the sentence of excommunication pronounced against him, on his humble petition presented by his proctor, and on payment of 40s. for the arrears of his "stall wages."—ƒo. 59.

1612, Sept. 12.—Richard Perman, clerk, installed in the prebend of Combe XV, vacant by the death of Edward Tynes, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 59d.

1612, Sept. 21.—Henry Allen, M.A., installed in the prebend of Milverton II, vacant by the resignation of Timothy Rivett, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 60d.

1612–1613.

1612, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Robert Wright and John Bourne.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: Robert Wright.

Surveyors of houses: William Powell and Richard Boughton.

Communar: William Powell.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: William Taswell.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

Ordered "that from hencforth every canon resident when he shall first begynn his residency shall tak an oath de fideliter et diligenter prestando officium [sic] canonici residentiarii, and that all and every canon resident and any other that shall be chosen or admitted to any office in the church shall tak the lik oath, that as much as in them or any of them is to execut the office he shall undertak faythfully and diligently as much as in them lyeth."—ƒo. 61.

The oath was then taken by those present.—ƒo. 61d.

The office of register of the archdeaconry of Wells was granted to Bartholomew Tabor or his assigns for three lives.

The office of register of the archdeaconry of Taunton was granted to Richard Peck, notary public, and his assigns, for three lives.

1612, Oct. 1.—Dr. Wright and Dr. Powell are to go to London; and so long as they are about the business of the dean and chapter they shall be allowed their days of residence.—ƒo. 62.

The archdeacon of Wells "doth not consent to geve any allowanc out of his divydent towardes the allowanc geven to any residentiary absent and not abydyng here, but doth dissent from any such decree maid, if any be maid."

[N.B.—A page has been cut out here.]

"Memorandum that the precedent lease is cutt or taken out by consent of the deane and chapter, for that the acte which was therein contayned was nott fully agree upon by them."—ƒo. 63.

1612, Nov. 3.—George Cuthbert, M.A., installed in the prebend of Whitlackington, vacant by the death of John Touchinor.—ƒo. 65.

1613, April 1.—Edmund Tucker admitted a vicar-choral for a year of probation, and appointed organist.—ƒo. 66d.

1613, May 27.—Timothy Rivett, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Cuddworth with the chapel of Knowle, vacant by the death of Robert Newman, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 67.

1613, May 28.—James Mabb, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wanstruw, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 68.

1613, July 1.—Mr. Gerard Woodd, archdeacon of Wells, is elected steward for two years.—ƒo. 69.

1613, July 3.—John Pellinge, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Ilton, vacant by the death of Abraham Conham, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 70.

1613, July 7.—Ordered that "whereas the master of the fabrick is now absent and that divers things concernyng [? it] are of necessity to be done by reason of the credible report of the queen's majestie's commyng to Wells, the repairing wherof doth appertayn to the office of the master of the fabrick, it is therefore ordered that the deane and chapter and every cannon resident of the said church now at home, shall be allowed such charges and expenses as they shall be att for repairing the necessaryes of the said church, vizt. bells, klippers, bell ropes, highwes, glasing of the windowes, and any other necessaries whatsoever.—ƒo. 71.

1613, July 26.—Robert Kelly, M.A., presented to the vicarage of the parish church of Lidiard Episcopi, vacant by the resignation of John Fluwell, S.T.B., on the nomination of Dr. Powell, to whom this vicarage fell on last casting lots for ecclesiastical benefices. (fn. 2) —ƒo. 71d.

1613, Aug. 4.—Richard Deane, clerk, appointed master, keeper and chaplain of the almshouse in the city of Wells, with the accustomed salary and emoluments; quarterly accounts to be submitted to the dean and the mayor of Wells.—ƒo. 72.

1613, Sept. 10.—Robert Withers, clerk, admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 73.

1613–1614.

1613, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Robert Wright and Richard Boughton.

Baron of the exchequer: John Bourne.

Master of the fabric: Richard Boughton.

Surveyors of houses: Gerard Wood and Richard Boughton.

Communar: William Powell.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: [Robert] Withers.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1613, Oct. 2.—William Bellsher admitted one of the clerks in the cathedral church, nominated by Dr. Wright, the treasurer, ratione dignitatis suœ.—ƒo. 75.

1613, Oct. 20.—The house in the liberty, lately inhabited by Dr. Philip Bisse, deceased, granted to Dr. Robert Wright, for life, if he shall so long continue a canon resident, Dr. John Bowrne having refused it. Dr. Wright's present house granted to Mr. Henry Allen, a prebendary.—ƒo. 75d.

1613, Nov. 2.—John Young, S.T.B., admitted a canon residentiary, pursuant to mandate of the bishop, on paying 100l. caution money.—ƒo. 76.
Per me Joannem Young.

1613, Nov. 15.—Peter Lily, S.T.D., installed as archdeacon of Taunton and prebendary of Milverton I, pursuant to mandate of the bishop, on the death of Philip Bisse.—ƒo. 78d.

1613–4, Jan. 3.—Confirmation of a grant by the bishop to Samuel Powell, gent., of "one plott or parcell of grownd of the great garden belonging to the canonicall howse in which William Powell," D.D., now dwells.—ƒo. 81.

1613–4, Jan. 5.—Ordered "that from henceforth ever hereafter every man admitted and installed to any prebende or canonry in this church, shall at his installment geve security and enter into bond in the sum of xli. to the deane and chapter," for the performance of his duties and for the payment of all sums due for stall wages or otherwise.—ƒo. 82.

A house in Wells, called the "Catterine Wheele," granted to Christopher Kempe for 40 years; for a fine of 80l., payable in 8 audits.—ƒo. 82d.

1613–4, Jan. 29.—George Snook admitted a clerk of the cathedral church, vice William Belsher, resigned, on the nomination of Dr. Wright, the treasurer.—ƒo. 83d.

1613–4, March 22.—Richard Bowghton, S.T.B., elected comminar, vice Dr. William Powell, deceased.—ƒo. 84.

Dr. Wright appointed to represent the dean and chapter in convocation, pursuant to mandate of the bishop, with whom the dean and chapter nominated Drs. John Young, Peter Lilly and Gerard Woodd.

1614, March 26.—Richard Browne admitted vicar-choral and organist for a year of probation.—ƒo. 84d.

1614, April 18.—Timothy Revett, S.T.B., installed in the archdeaconry of Bath, vacant by the death of Dr. William Powell, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 85d.

Andrew Downes, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Dinder, vacant by death of the last incumbent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 86d.

1614, July 16.—Richard Powell, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wormister, vacant by the death of Dr. William Powell, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 88d.

1614, July 23.—Dr. Wright having resigned the house in the liberty, formerly Dr. Bisse's, it is granted to Dr. Timothy Rivett.—ƒo. 89.

Dr. Rivett is elected a canon residentiary, on paying 100 marks as caution money.—ƒo. 89d.

1614, July 26.—Robert Wright installed in the prebend of Henstridge, vacant by the last incumbent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 90d.

1614, Aug. 6.—Enos Williams admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 91.

1614, Aug. 10.—Deed poll of Sir George Speke of Whitlackington, knight, granting a yearly rent of 26l. issuing out of his manors of Whyttlackington and Atherstone, to his trusty and loving friends, Sir Henry Portman, knight and bart., Sir John Mallett, knight, John Poulett, esq., Sir Maurice Barkleye, knight, Sir John Horner, knight, Sir Edward Gorges, knight, Sir Joseph Kyllygrewe, knight, Sir Henry Hawlye, knight, Sir Henry Barkley, knight, George Luttrell, esq., Robert Hopton, esq., Edward Bridges, esq., John Syms, esq., and William Pallmer, esq., for the maintenance of a sufficient lecturer preacher to preach and perform a lecture sermon every Wednesday in the parish church of Whitlackington, "soe longe as devine service, sermons and sacramentes accordinge to Gode's holy and devine worde and the order of the churche of England, by publique authorytie now used and allowed, or to bee allowed, not dissonaunt from the same in matter of fayth nor doctrine, shall or may be there continued." The lecturer to be M.A. of Oxford or Cambridge, and to be specially approved and commended by the heads of Magdalyne and Corpus Christi, if an Oxford man, and by Christ's and St. John's, if a Cambridge man. Special provisions in case the Romish religion should be thereafter allowed and received by public authority.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 220.]

1614, Aug. 26.—Nicholas Higgs, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Ashill, pursuant to mandate of the bishop, on the resignation of Henry Peek.—ƒo. 91d.

1614, Sept. 3.—Humfrey Lewis, M.A., installed in the prebend and rectory of Timberscombe, vacant certo modo de jure, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 92.

1614, Sept. 20.—John Wiatt, B.A., installed in the prebend of Combe XV, on the death of the last incumbent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 96.

1614–1615.

1614, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Robert Wright and Gerard Wood.

1614–1615.

Baron of the exchequer: John Bourne.

Master of the frabric: Robert Wright.

Surveyors of houses: Richard Boughton and Gerard Wood.

Communar: Richard Boughton.

Escheator: [John] Bellamy.

Tabellar: William More.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1614, Oct. 1.—Confirmation of the grant of the office of registrar of the archdeaconry of Bath by Dr. Timothy Revett, archdeacon of Bath, to William Clerck and William Clerck his son.—ƒo. 94.

1614, Nov. 28.—William Murrye, M.A., royal chaplain, canon, installed in the prebend of Wedmore IV, vacant by resignation, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 97d.

1615, March 26.—Richard Browne is admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 103d.

1615, April 29.—Samuel Ward, S.T.D., archdeacon of Taunton, installed in the prebend of Milverton I, on the death of Peter Lillie, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 104d.

1615, June 26.—George Downame, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Yatton, vacant by resignation, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 105d.

1615, July 3.—Dr. John Bowrne is chosen steward and official of the dean and chapter for two years.—ƒo. 107.

1615, Aug. 8.—James I to the dean and chapter.

Whereas John Young, D.D., chancellour and one of your canons of the cathedrall church of Welles, by reason of his attendaunce on us and employment in our service, cannot reside amongst yow and performe such ordinarie dewtyes as his place may require; these are to certifie yow that notwithstanding his non-residence, it is our speciall pleasour that henceforth he enjoy all comodityes, dividentes and quotidianes any way belonging to his place, in as full and ample manner as if he were there presente. By doinge whereof yow shall doe us verie acceptable service. At Cranburne.—[Ledger G, ƒo. 51.]

1615, Sept. 1.—William More, M.A., presented to the vicarage of Lidiard Bishop's on the resignation of Roger Kelly.—ƒo. 107d.

Charles Pitcher admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1615, Sept. 23.—Dr. John Younge, chancellor and canon residentiary, produces letters from the king to the dean and chapter, by virtue of which he prays to have all emoluments as a canon residentiary allowed him when absent, as well as when present, as though he had completed his days and office of residency.—ƒo. 108.

1615–1616.

1615, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Robert Wright and Gerard Wood.

Baron of the exchequer: John Bourne.

Master of the fabric: Gerard Wood.

Surveyors of houses: Gerard Wood and Robert Wright.

Communar: Richard Boughton.

Escheator: John Corne.

Tabellar: Walter Tailor.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier; John Attwell.

1615, Oct. 23.—Dr. Wright to be allowed his days while absent on cathedral business.—ƒo. 110.

Ordered "that all the prebendaries that are behynd in payment of stall wages shalbe be cited agaynst the first of Decembris prox."

1615, Dec. 19.—Ordered "that Mrs. Mary More shall paie unto John Brint, the sacrist, for the black cloth layed uppon the coffyn of her husband, Mr. William More, late one of the vicars-chorals of the said church, deceased, the somme of 13s. 4d., and that the said Brint shall deliver the said cloth to Mrs. More aforesaid."—ƒo. 111d.

". . . concernyng the ordering of the table for the prechyng prebendaries . . . it is now ordered and appoynted as the table doth expresse: no one prebendary burdened or charged to preach more turns then as they weare wont to doe."

1615–6, Jan. 2.—Notwithstanding his absence so long, Dr. Wright shall be allowed his days of residence while he is absent and employed about cathedral business.—ƒo. 112.

1615–6, Jan. 4.—Charges against John Brint, the sacrist: "that he is and hath been perpetually negligent in the execution of his office . . . and that by the carelessnes of hym and others that had and kept the keyes of the church and towers thereof, the leades and glass are spoyled, and dores and hookes are taken a way. . . ."—ƒo. 113.

1616, July 17.—Arthur Duck, LL.D., appointed vicar-general.—ƒo. 116.

1616, Aug. 13.—William Beckett, S.T.B., confessor of the royal household [regii hospitii confessor], installed in the prebend of Yatton, on the resignation of Dr. George Downam, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 116d.

William Scott, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore V, on the death of the last incumbent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 117.

1616, Aug. 29.—John Morley, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Tymberscombe, on the resignation of the last incumbent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 117d.

1616, Sept. 8.—Confirmation of the grant by the bishop to John Kingman of Easthorrington, Somerset, of the next presentation to the prebend of St. Decuman.—ƒo. 118.

1616, Sept. 13.—The office of surveyor of the manors of the bishop granted to Robert Hopton, esq., and his assigns, for the lives of himself and of Ralph and William his sons.—ƒo. 118d.

Confirmation of the grant by the bishop of the office of bailiff of Wells to John Crosse of Wells, gent., for three lives.

1616, Sept. 25.—Robert Risley, M.A., installed in the prebend of Easton in Gordano, on the death of the last incumbent, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 119d.

1616–1617.

1616, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Gerard Wood and Timothy Rivett.

Baron of the exchequer: Robert Wright.

Master of the fabric: Gerard Wood.

Surveyors of houses: Gerard Wood and Timothy Rivett.

Communar: Richard Boughton.

Escheator: Robert Marwood.

Tabellar: John Bellamy.

Bailiff and cursor: John Attwell.

1616, Oct. 3.—Robert Earle, B.A., installed in the prebend of St. Decuman, on the death of Richard Eaton, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 121.

1616, Oct. 17.—Election of Arthur Lake, S.T.D., to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, now vacant by the translation of the last bishop [James Montague], pursuant to the king's letters patent of license to elect.—ƒo. 121d.

1616–7, Jan. 2.—Canons resident who ought to make four months' residence and who make three months before their deaths, and canons who ought to make three months and who make two months before their deaths, shall have full benefit as if they had made full residence. Canons resident riding abroad to preach shall be allowed the time so spent.—ƒo. 122d.

1616–7, Jan. 3.—Installation, induction and enthronization of Arthur Lake as bishop of Bath and Wells. [Two pages left blank.]—ƒo. 123d.

1616–7, Jan. 9.—Dr. Robert Wright elected comminar, vice Dr. Richard Bowghton, deceased.—ƒo. 125d.

1616–7, Jan. 13.—Letter from James, bishop of Winchester, (fn. 3) urging the election of Dr. Ward, archdeacon of Taunton, as a canon residentiary.—ƒo. 126d.

1616–7, Jan. 27.—Dr. Samuel Ward, archdeacon of Taunton and prebend of Milverton I, elected a canon residentiary, on depositing 100 marks as caution money; he shall have no commons nor any voice in the business of the chapter before October 1, 1618.—ƒo. 127.

1616–7, Jan. 31.—Edward Abbott, M.A., installed in the dignity of precentor, on the death of Richard Bowghton, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 128.

1616–7, Feb. 26.—William Rogers, M.A., installed in the prebend of Dinder, on the resignation of Andrew Downes, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 128d.

1616–7, March 19.—Richard Adams, M.A., installed in the prebend of Compton Dundon, on the death of Richard Bowghton, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 129d.

1617, May 16.—Thomas Wodyeates, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe XII, on the death of John Parsons, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 131d.

1617, July 1.—Dr. Robert Wright is chosen steward and official of the dean and chapter for two years from Michaelmas.—ƒo. 133.

1617, July 2.—Dr. Francis Godwyn, canon residentiary and bishop of Llandaff, resigned his place of residence [locum residentiœ] and his office of canon residentiary, with all profits and emoluments attaching thereto; which was accepted by the dean and chapter, and the place of a residentiary [locus residentiarii] declared vacant. Paul Godwyn, M.A., prebend of Holcombe, admitted as canon residentiary, on paying 100 marks caution money.—ƒo. 134d.

1617, July 21.—Samuel Eveseed admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 136d.

1617, Aug. 11.—Warner Soucthe [or Warne Souch], LL.B., installed in the prebend of Combe V, on the death of Norwich Sparckman, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 137.

1617, Sept. 17.—Anthony Morey or Morrey admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 137d.

1617–1618.

1617, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: John Bourne and Timothy Rivett. Baron of the exchequer: Gerard Wood.

Master of the fabric: Gerard Wood.

Surveyors of houses: Gerard Wood and Timothy Rivett.

Communar: Robert Wright.

Escheator: Matthew White.

Tabellar: William Tauswell.

Bailiff and cursor: John Attwell; William Sawier.

1617, Oct. 1.—The order made Jan. 2 last, as to residence, is revoked.—ƒo. 139.

1617, Oct. 20.—Ordered "that he that is curate of the said cathedrall church, or he that doth supplie his place for reading of prayer, shall, the last Sonday in every moneth, after the readyng of the Gospell, geve warnyng for a communion to be celebrated in the said cathedrall church the first Sonday of the moneth next followyng, unlest it happen uppon the chief feast dayes or on some other solemn dayes. Also it is decreed that the sexten for the tyme beyng, or some other in his place, shall, as it was accustomed to be, the Saturday before every communion, geve notice to the deane and canons and the vicars choral that the Sounday then next followyng there shalbe a communion in the church."—ƒo. 140.

1617, Nov. 6.—Proceedings against Enos Williams, clerk, vicar-choral, "that he was absent from mornyng servyce the fyft of November, beyng a day appoynted for the solemnization of the day of thanckes gevyng to God for the delivery of the kinges majestie, the queen, princ, nobilityes and comons of this realme."—ƒo. 142.

Matthew White, vicar-choral, in reply to the like, said "that he then was at Dynder, and did read praier for Mr. Rogers."—ƒo. 142d.

1617, Nov. 14.—Thomas Wodyattes [or Woodyeates], deacon, M.A., installed in the prebend of Litton alias Lutton, on the death of Robert Earle the elder, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 142 bis.

1617, Dec. 11.—William Gay, B.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 142 bis d.

1617–8, Feb. 6.—Gilbert Bowrne, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VI, on the death of Anthony Blynco, LL.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 146d.

1617–8, Feb. 12.—William Gay, B.A., installed in the prebend of Combe XII, on the resignation of Thomas Woyeates [sic, Woodyeates], pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 147.

1617–8, March 2.—Walter Tailer, master of the choristers, is warned ad melius ordinandas et tractandas choristas.—ƒo. 147d.

1618, April 3.—Edward Abbott, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 148d.

1618.—A rental of the manor of Biddisham; signed by Robert Wrighte, the treasurer, and other officers.—[Book of Arrears, 1631–1643, at end.]

1618–1619.

1618, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Timothy Rivett and Paul Godwyn.

Baron of the exchequer: John Bourne.

Master of the fabric: Gerard Wood.

Surveyors of houses: Timothy Rivett and Paul Godwyn.

Communar: Robert Wright.

Escheator: John Clerke.

Tabellar: John Corne.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

Dr. Samuel Ward is allowed his residence for the time he was over seas on the king's business concerning the state of the church.—ƒo. 150d.

Dr. Paul Godwyn allowed his residence for the time he was absent in the king's service.

1618, Oct. 1.—Ordered "that every prebendary of this church that by his place is bond [bound] to preach his turn in the said church, shall preach in his gowne, surplis and hoode, sub pena incumbente.—ƒo. 151.

1618–9, Jan. 2.—John Clement, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe X, on the resignation of Richard Todd, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 153.

1618–9, Feb. 3.—William Hunt, Mus. Bac., and Edward Hole admitted perpetual vicars-choral.—ƒo. 156.

1619, April 1.—The office of registrar of the bishop granted to Edward Huishe and his deputies, for three lives.—ƒo. 157.

1619, July 1.—Dr. Gerard Wood is appointed steward and official of the dean and chapter for two years.—ƒo. 158.

1619, Sept. 27.—Robert Withers, clerk, vicar-choral, installed in the prebend of Combe IX, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 159.

1619, Sept. 28.—William Sclater, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Wedmore II, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 159d.

1619–1620.

1619, Sept. 30.—Election of officers.

Auditors: Timothy Rivett and Paul Godwyn.

Baron of the exchequer: John Bourne.

Master of the fabric: Timothy Rivett.

Surveyors of houses: Robert Wright and Paul Godwyn.

Communar: Timothy Rivett.

Escheator: Walter Tailor.

Tabellar: John Corne.

Bailiff and cursor: William Sawier.

1619, Oct. 4.—Grant to George Roynon for three lives of all the dean and chapter's "right, title and interest and liberty of fowlynge and takyng of all kynd of fowle within their maner of Winscomb."—ƒo. 161.

1619, Nov. 29.—Thomas Crane, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VI, on the resignation of John Towlson, S.T.B., (fn. 4) pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 161d.

1619–20. Jan. 3.—John Vagge [?], B.A., presented to the rectory of Eastlambrook [on the resignation of Robert Bushell; ƒo. 164d].—ƒo. 162.

Dr. Robert Wright has a grant of the canonical house where he now lives, to himself and his assigns, for a fine of 20s.

The like to Dr. Bowrne.

Dr. Gerard Wood dissented from these grants.—ƒo. 162d.

Received a letter from the bishop with one from the archbishop. "They have decreed to proceed accordyng to the effect and meanyng therof, and to send letters unto all the prebendaryes and mynisters dwellyng within the jurisdiction of the deane and chapter aforesaid, and that there shalbe notice geven to all such as shall preach in this church and els where within their said jurisdiction, shall, according to the canons in this behalf made, praie for the kinges majestie, gevyng hym all his titles, and to pray for the archbusshopps, busshopps and clergy, according to the said canons."

1619–20, Jan. 21.—William Nicols admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 163d.

1619–20, Feb. 7.—Ordered that a former decree as to burials be revoked; and "that from henceforth yf the deane or any canon resident of the said church and also any vicare chorall of the said church shall dye, they and every of them shalbe buried in the said church without paying any charges to the deane and chapter or to the master of the fabrick for the same."—ƒo. 164.

Dr. Wright and Dr. Bowrne surrendered into the hands of the dean and chapter all their rights and interests in the houses they now dwell in, together with the original lease of the said houses heretofore granted to George Upton, esq., deceased.

1619–20, Feb. 16.—John Oker admitted a vicar-choral and organist for a year of probation.—ƒo. 164d.

1620, April 1.—"Mr. Deane doth voluntaryly geve towardes the making of a newe organ in the said cathedral church an Cli., and promiseth to geve an other Cli. to the same purpose; and Mr. D. Wright doth likewise promise to lend one Cli. for fyve yeares towardes the making of the sayd organes, to be repayed hym agayne in five yeares by the cominor of the said church for the tyme beynge."—ƒo. 165.

1620, July 1.—Dr. Meridith discharged from the payment of 40l. to the chapter upon his admittance to the deanery. The like to Dr. Wood upon his admittance to the archdeaconry of Wells.—ƒo. 165d.

Mr. John Boyse the younger, of Mudford, appeared and stated that he had at his own cost built "a decent ile adjoyning to the north parte of the parishe church of Mudford, "with the consent and approbation of the vicar and inhabitants; the dean and chapter, at his request, and as owners of the "parsonadg impropriat," do allow and confirm the same, and grant the use of the "ile" to Boyse and his heirs, to sit there and to bury their dead at their pleasure, they keeping it in repair at their own cost. If Boyse, his heirs and assigns, shall not repair within convenient time upon notice given, the dean and chapter may enter and dispose of the "ile" at their will and pleasure.

1620, Sept. 25.—John Barlowe, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wivelscombe, on the resignation of William Barlowe, S.T.B., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 166d.

Accounts of Timothy Revett, Keeper of the Fabric, 1619–20.

Receipts: 2s. 6d. from Mr. Browne, the organist; 1l. 6s. 8d. for the burial of Mrs. Garrat.

Payments: 2l. 3s. 8d. for repairing the vault of the choir; 10s. 1d. for bonfires on Nov. 5, March 24 and Aug. 5; 6s. 8d. "pro le winding the pardon bell"; 13s. for iron work about the great bell; 9s. 9d. for timber, nails and work for the same; 8s. 3d. for ironwork about the 3rd bell; 14l. 5s. 5d. for casting two bells, carriage and labour about the same.

Dean Meredith is debited with 5l. 6s. 8d. for the burial of his wife and daughter in 1613.