Acts and accounts: 1630-41

Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Dean and Chapter of Wells: Volume 2. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1914.

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'Acts and accounts: 1630-41', in Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Dean and Chapter of Wells: Volume 2, (London, 1914) pp. 392-425. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/wells-mss/vol2/pp392-425 [accessed 18 March 2024]

In this section

1630–1631.

1630, Oct. 25.—"Whereas there hath bene and is a difference concerning the payment of the mony for the morning prayer, sometimes called morning masse, amongst the ministers vicars of this church; whereas Mr. William Hunt hath receaved 30s. and Mr. William Clunn hath receaved 10s. for two quarters until Christmas last; and that whereas three quarters pay, viz. 3li., was behind unpaid at Michaelmas last; they, the said deane and chapter, except Dr. Wood, doe order that the mony receaved by Mr. Hunt and Mr. Clunn shalbe by them kept for their executing the said morning prayer, and that the 3li. remayning shalbe equally devided amongst the priests executing in the said church, and that soe from henceforward the mony quarterly to be soe equally devided amongst the priests."—ƒo. 102d.

"At the same time it is ordered that such monyes as shalbe paid for offrings at Easter, or for other casualties, for marriadges, churchgoings, and such like ecclesiasticall rightes at any time of the yeare, shalbe equally divided amongst the executing priests of this church; and that he that shall receave the Easter duties, or any other in his weeke, shalbe accomptable to the other priests for the same.—ƒo. 103.

"It is allsoe ordered that the two rectories, that have bene heretofore appointed by the master of the fabrick for the time being, shall for this yeare goe to them that are thereunto named by Dr. Godwyn, but for ever after the profittes of those places shall in generall goe amongst all the vicars chorall of this church, they in their turnes performing the service." In the presence of Masters Hunt, Corne, Murry, Clunn, Clunn and Simon, who consented to these orders.

Ordered further, "that Mr. Hunt, the sub-treasurer, shall keepe the register booke, and every minister that shall christen, marry or bury any person, shall with his owne hand write into the register booke the names of such christened, married or buried."

1630, Dec. 15.—Masters Simon, Mowry, Corne, Clunn and Clunn, vicars, were admonished for not reading morning prayer in the choir; they promised amendment.—ƒo. 103d.

1630–1, Jan. 3.—William Lamb elected a vicar-choral, on the proposal of the dean; Dr. Revett and Mr. Adams dissented, as he had not kept any days of probation according to the statutes of the church.—ƒo. 105.

1631, May 26.—James Wedderborne, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Whitchurch, on the resignation of Dr. Harris, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 107d.

1631, April 27.—William Woodhowse, M.A., presented to the vicarage of Longsutton, on the death of John Taunton.—ƒo. 108.

1631, July 1.—Dr. Godwin elected steward for two years.—ƒo. 108d.

1631, July 2.—Noah [Noacus] Webb, M.A., installed in the prebend of Aishull, on the death of Nicholas Higgs, S.T.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 109d.

1631, July 20.—Ab hac vite migravit Doctor Barlow, ecclesiœ cathedralis Wellensis decanus.—ƒo. 110.

1631, Aug. 25.—George Warburton, M.A., one of the king's chaplains in ordinary, installed as dean of the cathedral church of Wells, pursuant to the king's mandate.—ƒo. 111.

Philip Mahatt nominated to the vicarage of Stogumber by Dr. John Young, the chancellor, to whom the right had fallen on casting lots.—ƒo. 112.

"The chapter, at the mocion of the right worshipfull the deane abovesaid, did and doe promise that the balls, viz. Pucklechurch and Cheddor, which were belonging to Mr. Deane Barlow at time of his life and death, shalbe as belonging to the now Mr. Deane, this day installed, untill that the deane and chapter shall by capitular act otherwise alter them by casting balls."

1631–1632.

1631, Sept. 30.—Mr. John Bowrne presented letters from the king to the dean and chapter, requesting them to appoint Mr. John Baynham to the vicarage of Stogumber. This was done, with the consent of Dr. Young.—ƒo. 113.

1631, Oct. 1.—The office of registrar of the archdeaconry of Taunton granted to Nicholas Bennet and his assigns, for three lives.—ƒo. 114d.

1631, Oct. 3.—The dean admitted a canon resident, upon paying 100l. caution money; he is not to receive any dividend, etc., until October 1, 1632. If any canon shall die before the 100l. be paid, his executors shall be paid his portion. If the dean himself die before October 1, the 100l. shall be repaid to his executors, administrators or assigns.—ƒo. 115d.

Lots were cast for the benefices.—ƒo. 116.

Ordered "that whereas uppon the death of the late deane, Doctor Barlow, and the death of Mr. Crosse, late vicar of Stogumber, difference did arise concerning the casting of the balls and presenting an able and fitt man to the said vicaradge, they the said deane and chapter doe order and decree that in future time those balls that shall be void by the death of the deane or any canon resident of the said church dying or being otherwise removed from being canon resident, shalbe bestowed by the most voices of the deane and chapter, or of the president of the chapter and the major parte of the chapter in case there shall be noe deane; and for the rest of the balls, they shall stand, be and belong to every canon resident living, in full force and power, untill the admission of a new canon, at which time balls are to be new cast."—ƒos. 116d, 117.

1631, Oct. 31.—Grant to Francis Keene, gentleman, for life, of the offices of keeper of the manor or mansion of Banwell, bailiff of the hundred of Winterstock and keeper of the park of Banwell.

1631–2, Jan. 2.—Joan Pope cited for using irrevent and unmannerly words to Mrs. Curle, the bishop's wife, in the cloister of the palace.—ƒo. 117d.

1632, April 1.—The office of registrar of the archdeaconry of Bath granted to Tristram Towse, for his life and the life of John Towse, his son.—ƒo. 119d.

1632, July 2.—Anthony Walkly admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 120.

The office of keeper of the bishop's stock in his house or manor of Wells granted by the bishop to William Bushell, gent., for life, together with that of keeper of the bishop's house or prison called the Cowhouse, and of the convicts there.—ƒo. 120d.

1632, July 7.—The office of registrar of the archdeaconry of Wells granted to William Androwse of Shepham, for the lives of Mark Tabor, Francis Keene and William Curle, the natural and lawful son of the bishop.—ƒo. 121d.

William Clun, vicar-choral, cited for having said to the bishop in the palace, "unreverently" and in contempt, "that his lordship had taken away all principallitie from the vicars, and he himselfe beinge principall could doe nothinge."—ƒo. 122.

The dean produced the following letter:—


"To my worthie frends the deane and chapter of Wells. Sirs, His majestie is informed that the communion table in your church is not furnished with such decent ornaments as are requisite and as in other cathedrall churches ar supplied. He therfoore comanded me to let you know that he expecteth from you a spedy redresse on that behalf, that he may not have cause to charge you with the neglect of your dewtie, which he will not forbeare to doe if he doe not receive a better accompt of your care heerein. Wherof not doubtinge, I remaine,
Your lovinge frend,
John Coke.

Greenwich, the 11th of June, 1632."—ƒos. 122d, 123.

1632, Aug. 16.—Thomas Philpot installed in the prebend of Wedmore V, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

Gilbert Wimberley, S.T.P., installed in the prebend of Wedmore IV, on the resignation of Vincent Pearce, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 123d.

1632–1633.

1632, Oct. 2.—John Corne, vicar-choral, is charged that he "yesterday night behaved himselfe irreverently in the choyre, and bowed not himselfe unto Mr. Deane comming out of the church."—ƒo. 125d.

The dean protested concerning the nullity of all the acts of the chapter granting dispensations for non-residence to canons, and dissented therefrom.—ƒo. 126.

The dean demanded a dividend, for last year as well as this year, due to him as dean, besides the dividend due to him as canon resident. The chapter, viz. Drs. Wood, Revett, Ward and Adams, replied that no such demand had ever been made by any dean, nor had any dean enjoyed a dividend as dean.

1632, Oct. 29.—John Dodd, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Barton David, on the resignation of Adam Abraham pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 126d.

Masters Simon, Hunt, Clunn, Clunn and Mowry [vicars-choral], appeared and were warned that henceforth they must not presume to solemnize matrimony in the cathedral church by virtue of any license of the bishop or any other person not having jurisdiction within the said church.—ƒo. 127.

1632, Nov. 10.—John Swadell, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe II, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 127d.

1632, Nov. 19.—Congé d'élire on the translation of the bishop [Walter Curle] to Winchester.—[Ledger G, p. 177.]

1632, Nov. 26.—William Peirs, S.T.D., bishop of Peterborough, elected bishop of Bath and Wells, on the translation of Dr. Walter Curle to Winchester. [Also Ledger G, p. 177.]—ƒo. 128.

1632, Dec. 6.—Richard Allworth, vicar-choral in his year of probation, is amoved for being absent for six months.—ƒo. 129.

1632, Dec. 17.—Robert Crichton, M.A., installed in the prebend of Taunton, on the death of Thomas Bisse, pursuant to the mandate of George [Abbot], archbishop of Canterbury; and appointed treasurer, on the translation of Dr. Robert Wright, late bishop of Bristol [to the see of Lichfield and Coventry].—ƒos. 129d, 130.

Mr. Corne was cited for that he hath "contemptuously behaved himselfe towards Mr. deane of this church, aswell at home at Mr. deane's howse as in the cathedrall church, in divers particulars," and that he was absent one night without leave. He was ordered to confess in the chapter house, in the presence of the dean and chapter and the vicars-choral.—ƒo. 131.

1632–3, Jan. 2.—Edward Abbott, M.A., precentor of Wells, prayed to be admitted a canon resident, on the translation of Dr. Wright. The dean objected. Drs. Wood, Revett, Godwyn and Adams were in favour of electing him, pursuant to letters received from the king and the late King James, recommending his election at an opportune time. Adjourned.—ƒo. 132.

1632–3, Jan. 3.—The dean said "that he taketh it kindly from the chapter that, in his absence, they called Mr. Corne to aunswere some misdemeanours committed against him, but he taketh it not satisfactory to him, both because it doth come too late and because the pennaunce enjoyned is not full enough for his offences." He also stated "that he conceaveth himselfe not any way bound to pay the caution heretofore in divers actes mentioned, except for his promise; and in respect that he conceaveth he is not bound by law to pay the same, he beleeveth that such his promise doth not bind him."—ƒo. 133.

1632–3, Jan. 4.—[The proposed election of Mr. Abbott.] The dean protested that he was most ready to obey the royal mandate, but that, in addition to the other reasons already given, no such letters from King Charles were extant, nor was there any mention of them among the chapter acts. For the present, therefore, he did not propose the election of any one as a canon resident. When such letters should appear, he would be prepared to obey them in all matters touching himself, whether by reason of his office or as a good subject. The canons then present protested and affirmed that they had received and seen letters, both from King James and King Charles, for the election of Mr. Abbott as a canon resident; and therefore for the first, second and third time, instanter, instantius et instantissime, they demanded that he be proposed and elected a canon resident when he should produce his caution, according to ancient custom. The dean refused to propose the election of a canon resident. Mr. Abbott then humbly prayed to be elected, having first offered his caution. The canons demanded that the dean should propose him, which he refused to do.—ƒo. 134.

William Peers enthroned as bishop of Bath and Wells, on the translation of the last bishop [Walter Curle, to the see of Winchester].—ƒo. 135.

1632–3, Jan. 7.—Ordered that "the lay vicars of this church shall read the first lesson by seniority in order."—ƒo. 137d.

1632–3, Jan. 28.—Lease of the rectory of Mudford, for three lives, granted to William Beaton for a fine of 500l.

1632–3, Feb. 25.—Richard Hayward, vicar of Curryrivill, cited for not having paid the first moiety of the third subsidy to the king, due Dec. 1 last, and to show cause why he should not be suspended. The citation had been made by Thomas Norcott on Feb. 14 calling for Mr. Hayward three times with a loud voice at his house in the parish of Curryrivill, and he did not appear. He is to be cited again for April 1 next.—ƒo. 138.

Similar proceedings against:—


John Tompson, vicar of Castlecary.
Edmund Sutton, rector of Haulton.
Ezekiel Pownall, rector of Wraxall; notice was given that he had paid that day.
John Hunt, rector of Exford.
John Coster, rector of Brushford.


Laurence Uppington, rector of Wythycombe.
Anthony Richardson, rector of Kingsdon.
Robert Reason, rector of Otterhampton.
[Richard] Powell, rector of Spaxton.

Musgrove, vicar of Wembdon.—ƒos. 138d, 139.

1632–3, March 4.—Thomas Tucker, S.T.B., resigned his canonical house within the liberty, which was granted to Robert Crichton, M.A., the treasurer.—ƒo. 139d.

The dean produced a copy of certain royal letters in favour of Mr. Edward Abbott, sent heretofore; which copy is ordered to be registered.—ƒo. 140.

1632–3, March 5.—Proposed election of Edward Abbott and Robert Crichton as canons resident. Mr. Abbott and Mr. Crichton appeared; each of them tendered his caution money of 100l. in cash, and demanded election as his right. Mr. Crichton also produced letters from the king, dated February 19, which were read and discussed, together with the royal letters in favour of Mr. Abbott and that part of the charter or letters patent dealing with the election of canons resident. The dean proposed the election of Mr. Crichton, and protested that he was bound by virtue of the charter and in obedience to the royal letters to propose him, and he could not and ought not to propose any other.—ƒos. 140d, 141.

Dr. Wood protested that for his part he was ready to elect Mr. Abbott in obedience to the royal letters formerly sent, and he believed that according to the charter, statutes and customs of the church and the royal letters, they were bound [necesse est] to propose him for election; et casu quo nulla esset differentia inter dictos Magistros Abbott et Crichton, se paratissimum esse pro electione dicti Magistri Crichton . . . exhiberet.

Dr. Revett and Dr. Godwyn agreed with him in all respects.

The dean declared that neither by the charter, statutes, nor by the customs of the church, were they bound to propose Mr. Abbott. The said canons then appealed to the charter or letters patent, statutes and customs of the church, submitting themselves further in that behalf to the royal will.—ƒo. 141d.

The dean demanded a transcript of so much of the charter as concerned elections of this kind, the transcript to be signed by the dean and chapter. The canons agreed to direct their actuary to make the transcript and to sign it.

1632–3, March 13.—The dean, by virtue of the letters patent and in obedience to the royal letters last sent, again proposed Mr. Crichton as a canon resident. He was elected, but his admission and the receipt of his caution money were deferred to the next general chapter.—ƒos. 142, 143.

1633, April 1.—John Tompson, vicar of Castlecary, suspended for not appearing when cited.

John Coster, rector of Brushford, and Anthony Richardson, rector of Kingsdon, were also cited; their cases were adjourned until April 29, on which day the latter paid.—ƒo. 143d.

Robert Reason, rector of Otterhampton, and Richard Powell, rector of Spaxton, were also suspended for non-appearance; the latter paid on April 30.

Mr. Robert Crichton, the treasurer, tendered his caution money of 100l., and prayed to be admitted as canon resident.—ƒo. 144.

Valentine Powell, notary public, appeared for Mr. Abbott, who was, he said, an old man and so much hindered at present by weighty business that he could not attend this chapter; he tendered 100l. caution money, and humbly prayed, for the first, second and third time, instanter, instantius et instantissime, that Mr. Abbott be proposed, admitted and elected a canon resident.

The dean declared that the election of Mr. Crichton on March 13 last was void. He then proposed Mr. Crichton anew, and he was elected [Dr. Wood apparently dissenting]; he was not to begin his residence or to take any benefit before October 1 next.—ƒo. 144d.

Bartholomew Cox, the chapter clerk, with the consent and approbation of the dean and chapter, appointed Tristram Towse, notary public, to write the chapter acts, etc., and to receive for his own use the salary belonging to the office, except the pension paid by the chancellor, Towse paying over to Cox one third of the fees received by him and indemnifying Cox against any act done by Towse.—ƒo. 145.
(Signed) Barth'eus Cox; Tri; Towse.

William Wattes, M.A., installed in the prebend of Henstridge, on the translation of Robert [Wright], late bishop of Bristol, pursuant to mandates of the king and the bishop.

1633, April 29.—John Coster, rector of Brushford, was suspended for non-appearance to a citation. He paid the subsidy on June 21 and was absolved.—ƒo. 146d.

1633, July 1.—Ordered that "they ratified the new making of the choristers' deske in the choyre, which on the last chapter day they discussed of."—ƒo. 147.

Consent was given to the burial of Mr. Martin Simon's wife in the nave, near her daughter buried there.

On the nomination of Dr. Wood (to whom the right had fallen on the last casting of lots, ƒo. 146), William Woodhowse, M.A., was presented to the vicarage of Longsutton, vacant by the cession of the said Woodhowse by reason of his accepting a second benefice before he was sufficiently dispensed and qualified.

Dr. Richard Adams appointed steward for two years.

The right of fishing, hunting and hawking within the hundred of Northcurry granted to Dr. Godwyn for a term of 21 years.—ƒo. 147d.

1633, July 1.—Lease to Paul Godwin, D.D., one of the canons resident, for 21 years, of the fishing in the water or river of Tone, from Borrowbridge to Hamstone alias Hammills, in the hundred of North Curry, and of and in all other river or rivers within the said hundred, and the weare or weares in the river of Tone of old time accustomed, and "the games of fowling of and with feysands, partridges and other wild fowle, and hunting within the said hundred"; rent 16s. It shall be lawful for the dean and chapter or any canon resident "to take his and their pleasure in fishing in any of the said rivers," with the help of the lessee's servants and nets, and also "to hawke and fowlle" within the said hundred, and to keep the fish and fowl so taken to his and their own use. The dean and chapter's tenants of the manors of North Curry, East Curry, Knapp in Curry, Wrantage, Westhatch and Knapp Fee, within the said hundred, may at all times fish in the said rivers "with angling rods, ilespeares and fagott, and no otherwise; such fagottes to be laid in such place and places as that they may be noe hinderance or lett unto such draftes as shall be made with nettes."—[Ledger G, p. 195.]

1633, Sept. 18.—One by name Roger Bredman, as he asserted, appeared and presented a royal mandate for his admission to a place in the hospital.—ƒo. 148.

Ordered "that two new seates should be erected at the deane and chapter's charge for my lord bishopp's wife and the deane and canons' wifes of this church to sitt and be in at service and sermon time, vizt. one on the one side of the choyre and another seate on the other side of the choyre over the prebendaryes stalls."

Communar's Account, 1632–33; imperfect; ? Richard Addames, Communar.

Payments : 10l. to Robert Ashe, the schoolmaster; 20l. to John Oker, master of the choristers.

1633–1634.

1633, Sept. 30.—Whereas Bartholomew Cox, the chapter clerk, has with the consent of the dean and chapter appointed and substituted Tristram Towse of Wells, notary public, "to write, speede and expedite such actes and instrumentes in the chapter howse of the said church as by the said chapter clarke ought to be done;" it is further agreed between them, with the approbation of John Young, D.D., dean of Winton and chancellor of Wells cathedral, to whom the nomination of the chapter clerk appertains, that Towse, both in the absence and presence of Cox, shall continue "the speeding and expediting such actes and instrumentes," Cox, when present, giving his consent thereto. Towse to pay Cox one half of the fees received by him, and if Cox shall write and dispatch any such acts or instruments and receive the due fees therefor, he shall pay to Towse "such halfendeale as aforesaid." They shall bear equally the cost of parchment and books required. Cox to have the custody of the records "belonging to be kept by the said chapter clarke," but Towse is "to have the sight of them as occasion shall be." All clerks' fees to be equally divided between Cox's clerks and Towse's clerks.
(Signed) Jo. Young.
Barth. Cox.
Tri : Towse. (fn. 1)
ƒo. 150.

1633, Oct. 1.—Copy of the royal letters, 1615, in favour of Dr. Young, the chancellor.
James R.

Trustie and wellbeloved, wee greete you well. Whereas John Young, Doctor of Divinity, chauncellor, and one of your canons of the cathedrall church of Wells, by reason of his attendaunce on us and imployment in our service, cann not reside amongst you and performe such ordinary dueties as his place may require, Theis are to certify you that, notwithstanding his non residence, it is our speciall pleasor that henceforth he enjoy all commodityes, dividentes and quotidians, any way belonging to his place, in as full and ample manner as yf he were there present. By doing whereof you shall doe us very acceptable service. Given at Cranburne, the viij of August, 1615.

To our trusty and welbeloved the deane and chapter of the cathedrall church of Wells."

Examinatur per me Tri : Towse.

Mr. deane of Winton (fn. 2) had the originall away with him this day.—ƒo. 149d.

1633, Oct. 1.—Letters patent of the peculiar jurisdiction granted to Dr. Adams.

1633, Oct. 23.—Lease to Sir William Portman of Orchard, co. Somerset, bart., for three lives, of the capital mansion house of the manor of North Curry, and the barns called North Curry Barns, and all tithes of "sheffe corn" and grain within the parish of North Curry, certain lands, "the herbadge, mastadge and pannadge" of Knapp Wood, and a "culverhowse" there, and a barn and the tithes of "sheffe corne" and grain in Westhatch; excepted and reserved all perquisites of courts, fines, herriots, etc., and the advowson of the vicarage of North Curry; rent 48l. 19s. 10d. Lessee covenants to deliver yearly to the reeve of North Curry so much wheat and other corn for the feast of Christmas as the said Sir William or Sir John Portman, his father, or any other farmers of the said barns have used to deliver, and any wheat and other corn not used at the feast is to be handed to the dean and chapter; to find yearly for the officers of the dean and chapter and their servants, sufficient bread, meat and drink, for two visitations, two law-days and one quarter court, "tarryeing at every of the said visitacions and lawdaies (held togeather) the space of fower daies, and at the said quarter court by the space of three daies, that is to say, two honest and sufficient messes of meate for the said officers and their servauntes and retinew at every meale during the dayes aforesaid, and alsoe honest and sufficient lodginges for the steward of the said deane and chapter, being one of the canons resident of the said church, and six other persons, duringe the visitacions, lawdaies and courte aforesaid, by the space of daies aforesaid; and alsoe to finde unto the grand jury for the kinge's majestie, at every of the said lawdaies, sufficient meate and drinke for one dynner onely; and to give in reward amongst the servauntes of the steward for the time being yeerely at every of the said lawdaies and court 2s.; and alsoe to finde unto the officers of the said deane and chapter at every of the said visitacions, lawdaies and courtes, sufficient stable roome, hay, litter and provinder for seaven horses, or more if any of their frindes shall chaunce thither to resort unto them, soe that they exceede not the number of tenn horses"; on default of such entertainment and provision for the officers, the lessee shall forfeit 6l. 13s. 4d.; also, "if it happen anie of the said chapter, being canon residentes at Wells, to repaire unto Northcurry aforesaid for the affaires of the said deane and chapter, at anie other tyme then at the tymes before specified, that then the said Sir William Portman and his assignes, uppon sufficient warning to him or them given by the comminour of the said deane and chapter or any other of the residentes, shall provide for the said person or persons soe repairing thither, sufficient meate, drink, lodging, stable-roome, hay, litter and provinder, takeing for meate and drinke only such summes of money as the said Sir William Portman and his assignes shall reasonablely paie for the same;" also to repair all buildings, etc., and the chancel of the parish church of Northcurry, for which he may cut "grosse timber" and take sufficient frith, hedgeboote and gateboote, and the comminar shall pay or allow him an annuity of 6l. 13s. 4d. in recompence of the steward's charges and reparations before specified.

"Memorandum that Sir William Portman hath given bond in 200li. not to present the vicar of Northcurry," etc.—[Ledger G, pp. 201, 204.]

1633–4, Jan. 2.—The dean paid 40l. to Dr. Wood, the comminar, for part of his caution, and promised to pay 40l., the unpaid residue of his caution, on Jan. 2, 1634[-5].—ƒo. 151d.

1633–4, Jan. 3.—Thomas Powell, S.T.B., presented to the vicarage of Pucklechurch.—ƒo. 152.

Ordered, "that a course in law at the charge of the deane and chapter of this church shalbe prosecuted against Mr. Mallett, in defence of their right unto their coppyhold landes belonging to the rectory of Lideard Episcopi."

1633–4, Jan. 7.—John Morse admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 152d.

1633–4, Jan. 29.—Charles I to the dean and chapter.

Whereas our late deere father, King James of blessed memorie, was pleased by his letters to recommend unto you Edward Abbott, chiefe chantour of that church, to be chosen residentiarie there, since which time our selfe likewise have been gratiously pleased to write our letters to you in favor of him for that purpose;notwithstanding all which, we understand he hath not yet obtained anie place of resident there. We have thought good, by this our speciall letters, to lett you knowe that although we lately thought fitt that Robert Crighton should be preferred before the said Abbott, it was neither of dislike of the person of the said Abbott, nor of opinion of anie disability or unfitnes in him, but because you then certified us that the residentiaryshipp then voyde did, by the expresse wordes of our charter, belong to the treasurershipp of that church, which we had then bestowed upon the said Crighton. Now forasmuch as we hold the said Edward Abbott verie fitt for that preferment, and to the end he may be noe longer delayed, we are now againe gratiously pleased to recommend him unto you to be chosen into the next residentiary place in that church which shall become voyde, uppon the death, surrender or other avoydance of anie prebend residentiary, at large there, according to the custome of that church, which we doe the more earnestly requier you because the former letters written in favor of him have bene heretofore without successe. We doubt not of your conformity to this our pleasure, both in regard of this our princely recommendation and of the merittes of the said Edward Abbott, wherein you shall doe a service verie acceptable to us. Provided alwaies, and our will and pleasure is, that this shall be noe prejudice nor wronge to anie dignity in that church which now hath a residentiaryshipp annexed to it. At our pallace of Westminster.—[Ledger G, p. 205.]

1633–4, Jan. 31.—A commission is to be issued to certain clergymen and some discreet laymen of the chapter's peculiar jurisdictions to view the churches, parsonage and vicarage houses and to report on their defects. The "register" [Towse] to wait on the dean for instructions.—ƒo. 153.

1633–4, Feb. 5.—Letters from the king, dated Jan. 29 last, were read, in favour of Edward Abbott, the precentor; the chapter unanimously declared themselves ready to obey with alacrity, and to elect Mr. Abbott a canon resident.—ƒo. 153d.

Roger Wood, M.A., appointed official of the archdeaconry of Wells.

Dr. Gerard Wood, S.T.D., archdeacon of Wells, appointed official of the dean and chapter, to hear all causes, actions and plaints, etc., within the peculiar jurisdictions.—ƒo. 154.

1633–4, Feb. 7.—Mr. Martin Simon appeared to answer certain articles. The two first [not specified] he believed to be true. The third is true, saving this "that he sayeth that he did not procure himselfe to be married with an intent to contemne the aucthority of this court, neither did he ride to Bristoll with intent or resolucion to be marrid there."—ƒo. 154d.

Other articles related to a dispute between his wife and Mrs. Frances Powell as to a seat in the choir; to irreverent behaviour to Dr. Godwin "in the staires neere the chapter doore"; to leaving the church before the sermon, which he admitted, but only when he was ill.

To the eighth article he answered "that he did not weare a civill hood untill he was a Mr. of artes of fower yeares standing, and since that he hath worne one, which he beleeveth he may doe by the privilidges of the university of Cambridge, wheare he tooke his degree." He was willing to discontinue it if the dean and canons "doe dislike therewith," etc. He and his wife were ordered to confess their faults before the dean and chapter and the vicars-choral. For abusing Dr. Godwyn he shall be pardoned if he give a written apology.—ƒo. 155.

1633–4, Feb. 11.—Ordered that letters or a petition be sent to Lord Coventry, keeper of the great seal, for the disposition of 150l., part of a legacy from one John Budge of London.—ƒo. 155d.

1633–4, Feb. 11.—To the right honourable Lord Coventry, lord keeper of his Majestie's greate seale of England.

The humble peticion of the deane and chapter of the cathedrall church of Wells.

Right honourable and our very good lord,

Whereas one John Budge of London, stationer, by his last will and testament, dated December 26, anno domini 1625, gave divers legacies to good uses, amongst which he gave 200li. for the maintenance of a lecture or sermon to be preached every Satturday in the yeare in the upper church of the citty of Welles in the county of Somerset, called St. Andrewe's in Welles, at the discrecion of the lord bishopp and deane for the time being. But by reason of divers charges brought in uppon accompt by the executors, there could be receaved from the Chamber of London only 150li., and about the charge of neere twenty poundes hath ben already expended, as alsoe future charge to come; soe that the legacy being much diminished, it is impossible that such a lecture as the donor intended should be maintayned.

We, the deane and chapter, being desirous that soe pious a worke might be in some part performed, according to the proportion of mayntenance left, doe become earnest sutors unto your lordshipp that we, the said deane and chapter, may have the remainder of the said legacie committed to our charge by your lordshipp's decree in the high court of chancery, and in consideracion hereof, if your honour shall thinke fitt, wee will be ready to performe eight sermons every yeare, either by ourselves, the deane and cannons residentiary, or by our lawfull deputies for the same; and if the said number of sermons shall not be performed accordingly, we will be willing to give such assurance as your honour shall thinke fitt, to repay such sommes as we shall receave into the hands of the lord bishopp of Bath and Wells and deane of the same church for the time beinge, to the end that the said number of dayes may be performed by some others.

Your honour's ever readie to be commaunded.
George Warburton, dean.
Gerard Wood.
Timothy Revet.
Paul Godwin.

The dayes which we desire, if it shall be thought fit by your lordship, for we have no sermons on these dayes, are these: All Saintes, St. Andrew, Epiphany, Purificacion, Annunciacion, Ashwensday, Good Fryday, Ascention.—[Ledger G, p. 205.]

1633–4, Feb. 11.—Sir Francis Windebanke to the dean and chapter.

His majesty, haveing lately directed his letters to you in favor of Mr. Edward Abbott to be preferred to the next place of resident that should become voyde in that church, and haveing since understood that there is now lately a place become voyde there by the death of Dr. Adams, who was heretofore elected to that residentiaryshipp when Mr. Abbott should of right have succeeded in that place, hath bene pleased to command me to signify his pleasure to you expressly for avoyding of all further competition, and to the end that Mr. Abbott may noe longer be delayed, that you forthwith chose and admitt the said Edward Abbott, and noe other, to that place of resident in that church now voyde by the death of the said Mr. Adams, to be enjoyed by him with all profittes and commodities thereunto belonging. And hereof you are not to faile, for soe is his majestie's expresse pleasure. The court at Whithall.—[Ledger G, p. 206.]

1633–4, Feb. 18.—Mr. Edward Abbott, the precentor, elected a canon resident, on the death of Dr. Adams, pursuant to letters from Francis Windebank, indicating the royal will in that behalf.—ƒo. 155d.

1633–4, Feb. 22.—Mr. Abbott admitted on payment of 100l. caution money; he is not to begin his residence or take any benefit before October 1, 1635.—ƒo. 156.

1633–4, March 20.—Lease (on surrender of John Atwell) to Augustine Benford, vicar-choral, for 40 years, of a tenement or house or part of a building, whereupon there is now a new house built, and of a plot of ground adjoining, "lying . . . upon the church camery of the west side next unto the canonicall howse wherein sometime Dr. Rogers did dwell and now Dr. Wood, archdeacon of Wells, inhabiteth, which said plot of ground extendeth and runneth in length north and south from the said old howse or new buildinge, now or lately new built, wholely unto the south doore next unto a chappell on the north side of the quier of the said cathedrall church inclusive, and in breadth east and west as it now lyeth and heretofore hath soe layen, within the distuance of two foote of the wall of the said Dr. Woode's canonicall howse unto the Treasure Howse wall, viz.: unto the corner of the Treasure Howse next unto the said new erected howse, and extending noe farther then the corner of the east end of the casting howse and unto the wall adjoyning to the Treasure Howse on the south"; paying yearly to the dean and chapter or the master of the fabric 6s. 8d. Right of access reserved to the said plot of ground whenever necessary for the repairs of the cathedral, or the canonical house. Lessee to do suit of court twice a year at Cannon Barne, and not to assign or underlet to any person "but unto such as shall first put in sufficient securitie unto the said deane and chapter and their successors, to keepe the said deane and chapter and their successors freely exonerated and discharged from all charge of such men, women and children as may be onerous and troublesome to them and their libertie of the said cathedrall church"; and shall not keep there "any noysome cattell or swyne or horse or geese, or any such like, to the anoyance or disturbance of the church, neither shall build or make any prevy or such noisome howse neere unto the cathedrall church or canonicall howse aforesaid."—[Ledger G, p. 213.]

1634, April 1.—The office of registrar of the bishop of Bath and Wells granted to Mr. James Huish, notary public, for a term of three lives.—ƒo. 157d.

Dr. Wood, archdeacon of Wells, elected steward of this church.

Ordered, "that Mr. Dr. Wood shall lay out such fees and charges as shalbe necessarily laid out about the mony given towardes sermons to be preached in this church, by and in the testament of one Budge of London."—ƒo. 158.

[The marginal note to this is :—Constitucio magistri D. Wood ad prosequendum negotium pecuniam Budge concernens.]

Grant to Mr. Robert Cricton [sic] of the canonical house in which Dr. Addams lately dwelt.—ƒo. 158d.

Mrs. Addams asked leave to make a door in the wall so that she might have a way into the churchyard from her house in Sadler Street so long as she lived there. The dean and chapter agreed to this, with the exceptions of Dr. Wood, who gave consent ad rem set non ad actum faciendum, and Dr. Godwin, who dissented tam ad rem quam ad actum.

The canonical house lately Mr. Robert Crichton's and formerly Mr. Thomas Tucker's, granted to William Roberts, S.T.D., the sub-dean, Drs. Wood and Godwin dissenting, on the ground that Dr. Roberts is not a prebendary.

1634, April 3.—Mr. Crichton's deed was sealed. Dr. Roberts' deed was not sealed, Drs. Wood and Godwin still objecting.—ƒo. 159.

Copy of Mr. Crichton's deed.—ƒo. 159d.

1634, April 23.—Dr. Wood authorised to lay out the necessary charges "concerning the prosecuting of suites against Mr. Mallett."—ƒo. 160.

1634, June 22.—Charles I to William [Piers], bishop of Bath and Wells, "and to the lord bishopp that hereafter for the time shall be."

Wee have of late taken the state of our severall bishoprickes into our princely consideracion, that wee may be the better able to preserve that livelyhood which as yet is left unto them. Uppon this deliberacion, wee fynde that of later tymes there hath not risen a greater inconvenience then by turning leases of one and twenty yeares into lives, for by that meanes the presente bishop puttes a great fyne into his owne purse, to enrich himself, his wife and children, and leaves all the succeeding bishops, of what desertes soever, to us and the church, destitute of all that growinge meanes which else would come in to helpe them. By which course, should it continue, scarse any bishop could be able to live, and keepe house according to his place and calling. We knowe the statute makes it alike lawfull for a bishop to lett his lease for one and twenty yeares or three lives, but tyme and experience have made it apparent that there is a greate deale of difference betweene them, especially in church leases, where men are commonly in greate yeares before they come to those places. These are therefore to will and command you, uppon perill of our utmost displeasure and what shall follow thereon, that, notwithstanding any statute or any other pretence whatsoever, you presume not to lett any lease belonging to your bishopricke into lives which is not in lives already; and further, that where any fayre opportunity is offered you, if any such be, you fayle not to reduce such as are in lives into yeares.* And wee doe likewise will and require that these our royall letters may remayne uppon record, both with your owne register and with the register of the deane and chapter of your cathedrall church, and that by them notice be given to all your successors respectively (whom wee will that these letters shall concerne as much as your selfe) that they presume not to breake any of these our commandes in the least manner, as you and they will aunswere itt att your and their uttermost perills. At our mannor of Greenewich.—[Ledger G, p. 222.]

1634, June 22.—Charles I to the dean and chapter, "and to the deane and chapter of that church that hereafter for the time shall be."

[In terms similar to the last, mutatis mutandis, down to the asterisk.]

And wee doe likewise will and require that theis our letters may remayne uppon record in your own register bookes and in the registry of the lord bushopp of that dioces, that he may take notice of these our commandes unto you, and give us and our royall successors knowledge yf you presume in any sort to disobey them. And further, whereas in our late instructions wee have commanded all our bushopps respectively not to lett any lease after wee have named any of them to a better bushopricke, but did not in those instructions name the deanes, who yet were intended by us; these are therefore to declare unto you that noe deane shall presume to renewe any lease, either into lives or yeares, after such tyme as wee have nominated him either to a better denary or a bushopricke, haveing observed that, at such tymes of remove, many men care not what or how they lett, to the prejudice of the church and their successors. And this is our expresse command to you, your chapter and your successors, which is any case wee require both you and them strictly to observe, uppon payne of our highe displeasure, and as you and they will aunswere the contrary at your and their uttmost perills. At our mannor of Greenewich.—[Ledger G, p. 223.]

1634, July 3.—John Weston, M.A., installed in the prebend of Compton Dundon, pursuant to mandate of William [Laud], archbishop of Canterbury.—ƒo. 161.

1634, July 14.—Certain letters from the king to the dean and chapter were read, and it was resolved to obey them, The registrar [Tristram Towse] was ordered to register them in the book designed for such things. (fn. 3)ƒo. 161d.

Cash Book of Timothy Revett, Keeper of the Fabric, 1633–34.

Receipts: 2l. legacy from Dr. Addams; 9s. 4d. various small legacies or collections; burials, 1l. Mrs. Symons, 8s. 8d. Ambrose Murton's wife in the Palm Churchyard, 10s. Thomas Hancocke.

Payments: 17s. 3d. for wood, tiles and laths "pro le whirligog"; 12s. 9d. for glazing the chapter house; 2l. 6s. 5d. for glazing the church at the north part; 1l. 8s. 6d. to John Hayward of Bath for repairing the organ; 6s. 6d. for remaking Horwell and bells; 1l. 10s. for a wheel for Horwell and for fitting [aptanti], and 3s. 6d. for ironwork and labour for the same; 18s. 7d. for remaking le whirligog over against the dean's gate (fn. 4); 18s. "pro le 3 quarter rota" for the 4th bell; 5s. for remaking the lead work on the chapter house and 10s. for ironwork; 11s. 3d. for a seat in the nave; 29l. 2s. 1 1/2d. for seats in the chapel of Blessed Mary; 4s. 8d. for 7lbs. of tallow candles and colouring the same; to the ringers, 11s. on birth of Duke of York, 8s. on Nov. 19, the king's birthday, 2s. 6d. on March 13, the return of bishop Peirce, 5s. on the coming of the lord chief baron, Sir Humphrey Davenport, 8s. on the coming of Sir Nathaniel Brint, vicar-general.—[With Communar's Book, 1679–80.]

1634–1635.

1634, Sept. 30.—Thomas Hall, vicar of St. Cuthbert's, Wells, having resigned, Thomas Westleigh was appointed on the nomination of Dr. Revett [to whom the right fell on the last casting of lots, ƒo. 158].—ƒo. 162d.

1634, Oct. 1.—An indenture of the manor of Tingeherst alias Fingest, co. Bucks, made by Dr. Young to William Ferrar alias Turner of Cookeham, co. Berks, for three lives, was ordered to be confirmed under the common or chapter seal.

The royal letters exhibited on July 14 last were read, forbidding leases for more than 21 years. The former resolution to obey them was ratified.—ƒo. 163.

Dr. Young, the chancellor, begged the dean to consider well before he opposed the letters of the late king James for dispensation of the said chancellor as to non-residence, and contradicted by his own act the acts of the dean and chapter formerly done in that behalf, in the presence of the dean himself, who did not oppose the royal letters, but protested that he stood by their true tenor and effect. The dean replied that that act was one of the first done by him after his installation, when he had no notice of the statutes or charter of the church, and before he had seen the royal letters; and further he claimed to have his dividend allowed him on the footing of six canons resident.

The dean announced that in a few days he would have to occupy himself with royal business, and he requested that the accounts of the church be not finished before his return from such business. Dr. Wood, the comminar for the past year, affirmed that a certain day was fixed for finishing the accounts.

[There are many documents, extending over several pages, dealing with the question of the non-residence of Dr. Young.]

1634, Oct. 6.—Charles I to the bishop.

[Reciting his letters of June 22 last.]—All which wee have done for the greate good and advancement of the church, as wee doubt not but in future times will plainly appeare. Now forasmuchas wee have bene informed that some, more affecting their present private gaine then the future good of the church, whereof they are members, have misinterpreted those our princely letters, and doe conceyve that our meaning is to prohibbitt only the letting of such leases into lives as are graunted by the deane and chapter of any church by common consent, and that every particular deane, archdeacon or prebend, who hath any corpes [? corpus] allotted to his dignity, might notwithstanding dispose of it for lives without breach of our royall commaund, as if wee would direct our letters to a body in generall and not intend to include every severall member thereof. Theis are therefore to will and require you that you fayle not to signifye this explanacion of our princely pleasure to your severall archdeacons and to the deane and chapter of your cathedrall church, that they may impart itt to every prebend, which is, that wee doe not only lay theis our commaundes uppon them and their successors in generall, but likewise uppon every particular member of that church whom they may any way concerne, from the highest to the meanest officer in the same, including the vicars choralls, in what church soever any such body is. . . . At our honour of Hampton Court.—[Ledger G, p. 231.]

1634, Oct. 22.—Letters from the king to the bishop were read, concerning the granting of leases for more than 21 years. Ordered that the prebendaries and vicars-choral be cited for January 2.—ƒo. 167.

1634, Oct. 25.—Francis Standish appointed a perpetual vicar-choral.

1634–5, Jan. 2.—The dean paid 40l., the residue of his ition money.—ƒo, 167d.

The vicars-choral and Mr. Mahatt, prebendary of Compton Bishop's, appeared and were warned of the king's letters as to leasing their lands. The other prebendaries, though duly cited, did not appear and were pronounced contumacious.

Mr. John Oker is charged "that he did not consult with the canons resident of this church before he did give notice to the vicars that there should be noe antumne sung in steede of Nunc dimittis or Benedictus, but only according to the forme of common prayer." He answered that "he was commaunded by the reverend father in god the lord bushopp of Bath and Wells, in the presence of Mr. Doctor Wood, to give such notice . . . which he did without consulting with any the canons resident of this church then in towne." The dean, after examining the statutes of this church, pronounced him contumacious, and suspended him from his office of vicar and from the profits thereof for one week.—ƒo. 168.

In the absence of the precentor, the dean warned John Oker, the master of the choristers, to admit Nicholas Clunn in the place of John Corne.

The dean declared "that in case it shall be my lordes grace of Caunterbury his pleasure that Frauncis Lewes shall be placed in a chorister [sic] of this church in the place of William Bisse, taking it to be in his grace his power soe to place him by meanes of his metropoliticall visitacion, then he doth decree (in all obedience to his grace his pleasure) that the said Lewes shall be soe admitted; but untill his grace shall soe declare himselfe, the said Mr. Oker is not to admitt him a chorister." Even though the archbishop should not give any directions, since the bishop of Bath and Wells has also desired it, the dean will be content that Lewes should be admitted, "yf he be as fitt as another that shall be tendered." But there are three other boys that are very likely, George Oker, George Hulett and John Read, and it is right that the worthiest be chosen.—ƒo. 168d.

1634–5, Jan. 2.—Lease to Mary Maicock of Wells, widow, for 40 years, of "all that shilfe-howse or out-howse . . . adjoyneinge unto the west end of the cathedrall church . . . and on the south side of the said west end of the said church, and on the north side of a room or howse sometyme used for and commonly called the Doale-howse, neere to the Grammer Schoole"; rent 4d.—[Ledger G, p. 238.]

1634–5, Feb. 9.—Henry Pope, vicar-choral, suspended from his office and the profits thereof for one week, for going out of town to Bristol without leave asked of Mr. dean.—ƒo. 169.

1634–5, March 12.—Sebastian Smith, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, on the death of Edward Abbott, pursuant to mandate of the bishop; and appointed precentor.—ƒo. 169d.

1634–5, March 20.—Walter Raleigh, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe II, on the resignation of John Swadell, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 170d.

1635, April 1.—The dean informed the chapter that he had received an order from the archbishop of Canterbury to remove all seats from the nave of the cathedral church;the chapter unanimously gave order accordingly.—ƒo. 171d.

For the place of a canon resident vacant by the death of Edward Abbott, there were two petitioners, Sebastian Smith, the new precentor, and Thomas Walker, S.T.D.; the latter was elected by a majority, and paid 100 marks caution money.—ƒo. 172d.

1635, April 11.—Thomas Peirs, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Compton Bishop, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 173d.

1635, April 16.—The dean and chapter "unanimously authorized (as much as in them lieth) Thomas Bakehowse and Thomas Sergeaunt of Wells, groviers, Nicholas Sexton, gent., Edward Browning and Cornelius Wattes of Wells aforesaid, to digg and search for lead oare within their mannor of Winscombe and in every or any parte of their wast ground, and particularly in the inclosed [? grounds] of Mr. Henry Tripp, their tenaunt there, and shall forthwith sett on the said worke, with consent of the said Tripp. Provided and on condicion that they shall pay unto the deane and chapter aforesaid the seaventh parte of the said lead oare for their parte, as being lordes of the said groundes where the said lead oare is to be found, and allsoe the tenth parte or lottlead to the said deane and chapter, as being the cheife lordes royall of the soyle. But yf the oare expected and hoped for doe not arise soe plentifully as to defray the workmen's wages and necessary charges, then the deane and chapter is to have but the eigth parte, and the said lottlead or 10th parte of the oare that shall be found in the said groofes. Which aggreement is to be confirmed on the next chapter day, and that the said Tripp, for his suffring his groundes to be broken upp, shall be saved harmeles from the deane and chapter abovesaid."—ƒo, 174.

1635, July 1.—Dr. Revett appointed steward for two years.—ƒo. 174d.

The canonical house lately occupied by Mr. Crichton, granted to Dr. Roberts, the sub-dean.

1635, Sept. 14.—Thomas Man [or Manne], S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Combe IV.—ƒo. 175.

Accounts of Timothy Revett, the Communar, 1634–35.

Payments : 10l. to Robert Ashe, the schoolmaster; 20l. to John Oker, master of the choristers.

1635–1636.

1635, Oct. 1.—"Mr. deane proposed to the chapter then present that he had received a commaund from my lordes grace of Cant, that the deane and chapter of this church should consult together for providing ornamentes for this church, and, casting upp what the charge of them would amount unto, should sett apart out of their dividentes the one halfe of such charge the first yeare, and the other halfe the next yeare; to which mocion the said Mr. deane for his parte declared his readines and consent, and soe did the said chapter; and they all resolved betweene this and the next chapter day to consider of the ornamentes and charge, and then to give order for the same, in performance of his grace's commaund."—ƒo. 176.

Unanimously agreed, "that such daies as Mr. deane shall spend in waiting on his majesty or in travelling towardes him or home from such service, shall be allowed as parte of the daies of his residence. And the like favour the said Mr. deane, Dr. Revett, Dr. Ward and Dr. Godwyn, graunte to Dr. Walker, in case that the said Dr. Walker, with such daies spent in waiting on his majestie, doe make upp his full daies of residence."

Information by Mr. Martin Simons, clerk, that Mary Clarke, wife of John Clarke, one of the vicars-choral, said that the ministers were "hooremasters and drunckards." On being asked by Simons to whom she referred, she said, "I will name them. I speake it of Corne and the two Clunns, and that she would never receave the communion at neither of their handes." Simons answered "that he did thinke she would doe pennance at the crosse for it, and he could not but reveale it." She wished ". . . that my lord bishopp of Bristoll when he did come to towne he should heare it of both eares." Henry Pope, vicar-choral, informed that Mrs. Clarke said "that there were such ministers made as would doe undoe [sic] the kingdome, and that some of them were made by the bishopp of Bristoll." Mr. Hunt confirmed the story and added that she said "that Mr. Corne, Mr. Frauncis Clunn, Mr. William Clunn and John Earle were they who were not fitt to be made ministers unlesse they could give account of their faith in latine." The bishop "protested that he hath made noe vicars chorall of this church ministers, (fn. 5) but by the commendacions of the deane and chapter; and that he desireth to be righted in this opprobrious scandall."—ƒo. 176d.

1667, Oct. 14.—This booke was shewen unto Alexander Harrison, gent., att the tyme of his examination by vertue of a commission, issued forth of his majestye's High Court of Chancery, for examination of witnesses in a cause there depending betweene Reynold Dight, complainant, and the deane and chapter of Welles and others, defendantes." Executed at Taunton.—ƒo. 2.

1667, Oct. 14.—The like memorandum as to the examination of Bartholomew Blackwell, in the same matter. (fn. 6)ƒo. 177.

1635, Oct. 24.—William Bisse, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe I, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 1.

Dr. Ward intimated "that he was detayned from his residence at this church from the beginning of August untill the 14th of August, 1635, by letters written in his majestie's name about the examinacion of busines concerning the mastershipp of Katherine Hall, and partly uppon occasion of my lord of Canterbury his grace his letters sent touching the universities recordes, whether the university of Cambridge by them were exempted from his metropoliticall visitacion; and that he was detayned from like residence by letters sent from the hoble Earle of Holland, Chauncellor of Cambridge, from the twentieth of August, 1635, when he was coming towards Wells, untill allmost Michaelmas last, about the same business."—p. 2.

"Which day, parte of a letter written by Mr. Crichton to Mr. deane being read, it appeared by the same that the said Mr. Crichton was detayned from like residence by meanes of a letter sent by the Earle of Holland in his majestie's name, to command his abiding at Cambridge when he was coming hither in August last."

1635–6, Jan. 4.—Dr. Wood intimated "that there ought to be five of the chapter when any lease is graunted or sealed, and protesteth against any act to be done to the contrary. [Four only were present.] Mr. deane and Doctor Revett for their partes denying the same, and affirming that in any one of the fower generall chapter daies, the major parte of the chapter then meeting and present may graunte and seale, Mr. Dr. Godwyn affirming and protesting as is by Dr. Wood alleaged and protested."—p. 3.

1635–6, Jan. 5.—Objected against Mr. Martin Simon "that there was noe morning prayer on Sonday last, being the third of January, through his default." He is suspended from profits for a week, and ordered to perform divine service in the chapel of Blessed Mary throughout this week, up to and including Sunday.—p. 4.

1635–6, Feb. 20.—Archbishop Laud to the dean and chapter. S. in Xpo. After my harty commendacions, etc. These are to lett you know that Dr. Warde, residentiary of your church, hath peticioned his majestie that he may receive all dividents, quotidians and other emoluments belonging to him, thoe he keepe but one halfe of the recidence to which the charter binds him. This peticion is referred to me (as you may see by the coppie of it which I send you here enclosed) and power given me to order it as I shall thinke fitt; yet my respect to you and to the church is such, that I shall not determine anything till I heare from you what opinion you have of the busynesse, which I pray send me with all the convenient speed you can. For my owne parte, I could wishe that both in that church and all other cathedralls, such men were chosen into residence as might keepe the time enjoyned them solemnly, which would be a greate honor to the severall churches and a great strength to the discipline of them. But sence I find many worthy men actualy in those places, which, by reason of the places they hold elsewhere abroad in the church, cannot possible, without as great prejudice to it as themselves, reside soe fully as they should, I am in my owne thoughts inclinable (at least, as I stand yet advised) to shewe some favour in this particular, unlesse you can shewe some sufficient reason to the contrary.

I am farther informed by Dr. Warde that the major part of the chapter allowed of his cause of absence, at Michaelmas last, and that therefore he desires that divident alsoe may be payd him, which I pray you to take into consideracion, and let me know your opinion of it; for if this cause of absence were soe allowed, I doe not yet see (the major parte ruleing all busynesses of chapter) how this divident can be denyed him. Soe wishing you all health and happines, I leave you to the grace of God, and rest,
Your very loving freind,
W. Cant.

Lambeth, Feb. 20, 1635.—[Ledger G, p. 256.]

1636, April 1.—A letter was read from William [Laud], archbishop of Canterbury, in favour of Dr. Ward being dispensed from residence; the chapter allow that the reasons given by Dr. Ward in his petition to the king are good and sufficient. A dispensation from half his residence is granted to him, with humble submission to whatever his grace shall order herein. He shall have his full "divident" for last year.—p. 6.

1636, April 26.—Archbishop Laud to the dean and chapter. S. in Xpo. After my very harty commendacions, &c. I thanke you hartily for the two letters which I have received from you. And to one of them, concerning your choice of one Daniell Davis into a tenor's place in that church, I have given soe full satisfaction to Mr. deane and desired him to acquaint you with it, that I shall not need to write any other letter concerning it. And soe farr am I from desiring the choice of a tenor into the roome of a basse or a counter-tenor, as that I shall never thinke it fitt, where the number is soe few to have a tenor chosen at all, where a basse or a counter-tenor may be had. Soe I leave you free for that busynesse of Davis, and thank you for giveing me an accompt, how unfitt it might prove for your church service to choose a tenor at this present.

For the other busynesse, concerning Dr. Ward, I must write a litle more, because of his majestie's reference to me; but otherwise, you have dealt soe fairely with him, that were it not for that reference I should not need to have written any more to you, for, as for his divident for the last yeare, you have allowed it all unto him by common consent; for which, as I thanke you, soe have I noe more to say concerning yt. And for the second parte of his busynesse, since you conceive the reasons, upon which his peticion is grownded, to be just and reasonable, that some parte of his residense may be abated him, I thinke it will be most fitt and indifferent upon the evidence and justice of the same reasons (since his majestie hath benn pleased to referr the cause unto me) to require of Dr. Ward that he shall keepe the same proporcion of residense and noe more as of necessity then he did the last yeare, which is, as I conceive, halfe the residence required by statute; allwayes provided that this dispensation for halfe residence be noe longer allowed to his use and benifitt then he shall continue the lecture which he now reads in the university of Cambridg. These are therefore not onely to allowe and approve the chapter act, which you have made for the time past, but farther to pray and require you, according to the power given me by his majestie, that you doe confirme by another chapter act unto the sayd Dr. Warde, prebend residentiary of that your church of Wells, his whole divident, thoe in every yeare he doe keepe and observe but his halfe residence, with such limitation as is before expressed. Soe wishing you all health and happinesse, I leave you all to the grace of God, and rest, your very loving freind,
W. Cant.
Lambeth.

I shall expect that you transcribe theis letters into your chapter booke, that soe there may be a finall end of this difference.—[Ledger G, p. 256.]

1636, June 22.—Charles I to the dean and chapter. Whereas our trustie and welbeloved Robert Crighton, one of the canon residentiaries of that church, is to be imployed in a service which wee have comaunded him to undertake, by reason whereof hee cannot keepe his residence there, as by the statutes of that church hee is injoyned: Wee do therefore hereby dispense with the said statute in this particular, and doe give him license to attend the said charge, requiring you to take order that hee be not any way prejudiced by his non-residence there during the time of this his imployment, but that hee may receave the profittes and benifittes of his place of canon residentiary as fully and absolutely as if hee were resident there, the said statute, or any other matter or thing whatsoever, to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. And theis our letters shall bee your sufficient warrant and discharge in this behalfe. At our honor of Hampton Court.—[Ledger G, p. 257.]

1636, July 1.—William Clunn, clerk, vicar-choral, is amoved for absence and contumacy. Francis Clunn's resignation is accepted.—p. 8.

1636, Aug. 5.—Mr. Robert Crichton, the treasurer, is dispensed from residence, pursuant to letters from the king.—p. 11.

1636–1637.

1636, Oct. 1.—The dean, Dr. Revett, Dr. Revett [sic; Dr. Ward is probably meant] and Mr. Crichton, declared "that they hold fitt that there be a counsellor for this church, at the yearly fee of 40s., Dr. Wood and Dr. Godwyn dissenting hereto and Dr. Walker desiring time to consider hereof."—p. 14.

Mrs. Elenor Bull's house in Sadler Street is granted to Mr. Sebastian Smith, the precentor.

1636, Oct. 4.—John Baber, esq., is appointed counsellor [consiliarius] of the cathedral church, with a yearly fee of 40s.p. 15.

1637, April 1.—Furze and all other reeves of manors in arrear with their payments are to be sued; also certain tenants for cutting trees.—p. 16.

1637, April 2.—"Mr. deane, together with Dr. Revett and Dr. Godwyn, unanimously consented to graunt unto Mr. Walter Brick of Wells, threescore foote in length and 22 foote in breadth, part of the old Almeshowse garden, to be measured as in the deede dated the 25th of March, [12 Charles], is expressed, to erect a new almeshowse thereon, for 4 poore people; in consideracion of which plott, the said Mr. Brick hath settled 10s. yearly to the governour and 30s. yearly to the 24 of the old Ameshowse; and soe decreed to seale the lease drawen for that purpose."

1637, July 1.—Dr. Ward appointed steward for two years.—p. 18.

1637, July 4.—Thomas Beamount elected a perpetual vicar-choral.—p. 19.

Accounts of Robert Crichton, the Communar, 1636–37.

Payments : 10l. to Robert Ashe, the schoolmaster; 40s. to Mr. Oker, the keeper of the organs; 20l. to John Oker, master of the choristers.

Communar's Cash-book, 1636–37.

Payments : 1l. to John Oker for repair of books, signed John Okeover; 1l. to the almshouse "nomine Gascoyns"; 10l. to Mr. Ash, the schoolmaster; 2l. to Mr. Oker, the organist (in the summary called custos organorum); 10s. each per quarter to Richard Heale and John Oner for playing on the sackbut and the cornet; 6s. "to divers poore lamentable captives that came this way with large recommendacions"; 15s. for 10 books for the fast; 5s. to William Jones, a poor minister.

1637–1638.

1637, Oct. 1.—Mr. Brick's lease of part of the Almshouse garden was sealed.—p. 22.

1637–8, Jan. 2.—Ordered, "that the vicars chorall shall observe (in reading the letany) the manner as herein is expressed, and that when any one of either side shall be wanting, that then such other that are of that side are to performe that parte, to be procured by the party soe absent."—p. 23.

" Decani : Flud, Mowry, Hunt, Alderly, Bicknell, Benford, Mosse.

" Cantores : Walkeley, Attkins, Simon, Standish, Pope, Beamount, Oker."

1637–8, Jan. 3.—Ordered that Alexander Towse, Tristram Towse, Valentine Trimm and John Gray be appointed attorneys of the dean and chapter, by a letter of attorney under the chapter seal, to sue and distrain for rents, etc.—p. 24.

1638, April 1.—Thomas Coward, gen., came on behalf of Mrs. Katherine Revett, widow and executrix of the will of Timothy Revett, S.T.D., late deputy comminar, and paid 160l., of the gift of Mr. John Budge.—p. 25.

The office of registrar of the dean of Wells granted to Mr. Alexander Jett for the lives of himself and Ezekiel his son.—p. 26.

1638, April 4.—William Peirs, M.A., installed in the prebend of Cudworth and Knowle, on the death of Dr. Timothy Revett, pursuant to mandate of the bishop; and installed as Archdeacon of Bath.—p. 27.

Sebastian Smith, S.T.B., the precentor, admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of Dr. Revett; he paid his caution money of 100l.; he shall not begin residence or take any commodity before October 1, 1639.—p. 28.

1638, May 30.—Thomas Bayley, M.A., installed as sub-dean on the promotion of William Roberts to the bishopric of Bangor, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 31.

1638, June 6.—Richard Flamsteed installed in the prebend of Eastharptry, on the death of Richard Hadley.—p. 32.

1638, July 1.—John Bignall appointed a perpetual vicar-choral.

Thomas Row, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Whitchurch, on the promotion of James Wedderburne, S.T.D., to the bishopric of Dunblane, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 33.

The late Dr. Revett's canonial house granted to Mr. Robert Crichton, the treasurer.

Dr. Paul Godwyn appointed steward for two years.

Dr. Roberts' canonical house granted to Thomas Rowe, S.T.B., prebendary of Whitchurch.—p. 34.

Mr. Crichton's canonical house granted to James Mabb, prebendary of Wanstrow.

1638, Sept. 6.—Thomas Wickham, B.A., appointed vicar of Chedder.—p. 35.

Cash Book of Thomas Walker, the Communar, 1637–38.

Payments : 12s. for mending the clapper of the Harwell bell.—p. 62.

Cash Book of Timothy Revett (early part (fn. 7) ) and Thomas Walker (later part), Keepers of the Fabric, 1637–38.

Receipts: 6s. 8d. for ringing the bells at the funeral of Mr. Tucker; 1l. 6s. 8d. for the burial of Mr. Bellamy's little son in the transverse part of the nave, and 3s. for Mary Clark in the churchyard.

Payments : Various payments for the arch, including 6 loads of stone; 3s. 4d. for mending the bridge, "which brake againe immediately after"; glazing—in the north side of the body of the church, 57ft. of new glass at 6d., 3ft. 9in. of old glass releaded, 277 quarrells mended—in the south side of the body of the church, 29ft. of new glass, and 144 new quarrells mended—in the south window over the font, 9ft. 6in. of old glass new leaded, 3ft. of new glass, 12 new quarrells mended—in the quire, 4ft. 6in. of old glass new leaded, 5ft. of new glass, 6 quarrells mended—in the work round the quire and over the "Ladie's Chappell," 16 quarrells mended—in the stairs going to the chapter house, 4ft. of new glass—in the west end of the body of the church, 52 new quarrells mended, 4ft. of new glass; 12s. to the glazier for 12 days' work and 5s. to his son for 5 days' work; 1l. 1s. for ropes for the highest, the 5th and the 3rd bells, 51lbs. at 5d. a pound; 2s. 8d. for hanging the treble bell; 1s. 8d. for work about the library by the tiler; 6d. for mending the chimes; 13l. 12s. 6d. for stone, gravel, carriage and paving the way from the east corner of Dr. Ward's wall to the east gate of the churchyard; various payments for timber, boards, nails, lead and solder for the tower; 66ft. of new glass about the little bells tower; 1l. to the keeper of the organ.—[With Communar's Book, 1679–80.]

1637–8.—A list of payments for various furniture and household effects, apparently by some canon residentiary on taking possession of his house. "I bought books of Mrs. Revett to the valew of 6l. 2s., and 2 songe books of Mr. Corne, which I left in my vicar's hands, 1l. 5s." Sebastian Smith was elected a canon residentiary on the death of Dr. Timothy Rivet, archdeacon of Bath, April 4, 1638.—[With Communar's Book, 1679–80.]

1638–1639.

1638, Oct. 1.—Martin Simon, clerk, is charged with irregular and contumelious behaviour. He had received a license, under the seal of the official of the dean and chapter, to solemnize matrimony between one Sheppard of Banwell and — Bath of the liberties of this church. At the time of the ceremony in the cathedral, he refused to marry them unless they gave him 10s., notwithstanding a message from Dr. Godwyn and a personal demand from him in the church, either to deliver up the license or to marry them. Eventually, after several refusals, he gave up the license to Dr. Godwyn, saying that he doubted if it were safe to do so.—p. 38.

Mr. Huish, sworn, said that about ten weeks ago he saw Dr. Godwyn "neere the horrolodge in the said church"; Simon refused to give up the license "and thereon the said Dr. Godwyn, as it seemed, intending to proceede against him in a judiciary way, sate downe at the old consistory place neere the horrolodge," again demanded the license. "Simon denyed to deliver the same, whereon some standing by him and advising him to deliver him to avoyde suspencion," he gave the license to Dr. Godwyn, "and went away in a grumbling manner." Mr. William Hunt and Mr. John Bradford were there.
(Signed) Ja. Huishe.
p. 39.

Humfrey Marsh, the sacrist, adds that Simon "at last threw downe the said licence uppon the deske, and soe departed."
(Signed) Humfry Marsh.
p. 40.

1638, Nov. 12.—Roger Wood, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe XV, on the death of [John] Wiatt.—p. 43.

James Wood, LL.B., installed in the prebend of Wedmore V, on the death of [Thomas] Philpott.

1638, Dec. 11.—James Mabb resigns his canonical house, which is granted to Roger Wood, prebendary of Combe XV.—p, 44.

Sebastian Smith, the precentor, is presented to the vicarage of Northcurry.—p. 45.

1639, April 1.—Process against Mr. Noah Webb, for refusing to pay stall-wages to Mr. Pope, "who executeth the stall." He did not appear, and was pronounced contumacious.—p. 48.

The dean, Dr. Wood, Dr. Ward and Dr. Godwyn promised and declared that they would not renew any indenture of any canonical house within the liberties, during the [existing] term.—p. 49.

Dr. Godwyn, the communar, is to pay 80l. out of the income, as a gift to the king towards the expenses of the war.

1639, April 10.—John Norris, M.A., presented to the vicarage of Longsutton.—p. 50.

William Peirs, M.A., installed in the prebend of Whitchurch, on the death of [Thomas] Rowe, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 51.

1639, April 18.—The chapter agreed and promised, on account of the honour and reverence due to the bishop, to appoint William Peirs, archdeacon of Bath, a canon resident, on the next vacancy.—p. 53.

Dr. Crichton protested against the precedence of any new canon over one of greater seniority in that church, Mr. Smith, the precentor, protesting and asserting precedence in choir and chapter to belong to dignities granted in the charter of Queen Elizabeth, according to seniority. (fn. 8)

1639, May 2.—Henry Ancketill installed in the prebend of Wedmore III, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 52.

1639, July 1.—Richard Busby, M.A., installed in the prebend of Cudworth with the chapel of Knowle annexed, on the resignation of William Peirs, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 54.

1639–1640.

1639, Nov. 15.—Nicholas Sexten elected clerk of the courts of the dean and chapter, on the death of Alexander Towse.—p. 57.

1639–40, Jan. 2.—Mr. Revett brought in five books given to the library of the church by the will of Dr. Revett.—p. 59.

1639–40, Jan. 3.—Ordered, "that a moveable or portable deske for the canons' wifes in the choyre shall be made to serve for the bishopp's wife and them at the time of celebrating the Holy Communion, and for none else."

1639–40, Feb. 7.—Daniel Davis appointed a perpetual vicar-choral.—p. 60.

1640, March 26.—Thomas Walker, S.T.D., prebendary of Litton, Sebastian Smith, S.T.B., precentor, canons resident, and Richard Busby, M.A., prebendary of Cudworth and Knowle, chosen proctors for convocation.—p. 61.

The dean and chapter protested that the bishop could not make orders or decrees [ordinare vel statuere] in the chapter house and ought not to do so, even if [etiamsi] it shall be in his visitation; and they made this protest because it appears that the bishop, against the powers of the chapter and the royal charters granted to them, in a cause between Dr. Crichton and Mr. Smith, lately pending, had used these words: "Dictus dominus episcopus, visitacionem suam predictam celebrans, et judicialiter sedens, animo componendi et sedandi controversiam et contentionem predictas, ordinavit et statuit." And they protested the bishop has no power to warn Drs. Wood and Godwyn to certify utrum aliquis defectus informatus aut prevertatus [sic] in aliquem diem ultra quatuor menses visitacionis pro inita reformetur. And they also protested to be null and void the inhibition pronounced by the bishop against any canon resident forbidding him to preach in the cathedral, and especially the inhibition pronounced by Alexander Jett, the bishop's registrar, against Dr. Godwyn.—p. 62.

1640, March 27.—Because it is a thing very uncomely and unusuall in cathedrall churches to have galleries sett upp and continued, and especially men and women to sitt together in so eminent a place in the view of the choyre as the two galleries that are allready erected at the north and south sydes of the choyre of the said church are, and because the said galleries were not erected by consent of chapter or chapter act, and by reason of divers abuses to the eyes of many publiquely done, which they have in parte seen and otherwise crediblely heard of, and forasmuch they from good eares have understood that the same seates are very scandalously taken by men of quallity of this dioces: they doe therefore unanimously consent and capitularly agree that the two doores at the feete of the severall stayres to the said galleryes, shalbe forthwith fast nayled upp, untill they shall see cause otherwise to do with them. And they deputed and appoynted Dr. Godwyn to see it done, as deputy master of the fabrick.—p. 63.

Mr. Sebastian Smith, the comminar and master of the fabric, being necessarily absent, Dr. Godwyn was appointed to act as deputy.

1640, March 30.—Martin Simons and Arthur Alderley are charged as follows:—


That yesterday, after the celebration of the Holy Communion, they came into the vestry, bringing with them the consecrated wine which was left at the Communion. Mr. Simons took the chalice and poured the wine into a pewter pot, and being asked by Mr. Alderley what he meant to do with it, answered that it belonged to him and that he should carry it home. Mr. Alderley said that he should not, because the dean and chapter had ordered that no consecrated wine should be carried away to any man's house. Mr. Simons said that he would, and in a violent manner pulled off his gown and surplice, and desired Mr. Anthony Mowry and Humfry Marshe, then and there present, to depart out of the vestry, and said in a choleric manner that then he would deal with Mr. Alderly well enough. Whereupon Mr. Alderley went and held the door, and said that he should not carry away any wine. Mr. Simons, notwithstanding an offer by Marshe to go and ask the dean if he might have the wine or not, set hands upon the pot in a violent manner, and threw Mr. Alderley, who sought to stop him, to the ground, bruising his finger and drawing blood, "with which striveing much of the wyne was spilt on the ground."—pp. 64, 65.

It is decreed that both Simon [sic] and Alderley have come in pœnam statuti; Simon is suspended a celebracione divinorum, and his profit being suspended, the chapter ordered that this be published. Alderley is excommunicated.—p. 68.

1640, April 1.—Alderley is absolved on his humble petition.—p. 69.

1640, April 2.—Att which time Dr. Godwyn and Dr. Wood declared that they understanding that the . . . lord bishopp of Bathe and Wells hath taken some distast at sermons by them preached, they before the said Mr. deane submitt themselves to the censure of the deane and chapter of this church.—p. 71.

In consideration of 10s. paid by Mr. Richard Hicks, master of the fabric, he is allowed to make two windows in the wall next the great churchyard.

1640, July 16.—Richard Flamsteed, LL.B., installed in the prebend of Ilton, on the death of Anthony Methwyn, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 74.

1640, July 18.—Henry Antekill [sic], M.A., installed in the prebend of East Harptrie, on the resignation of Richard Flamsteed, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 75.

1640–1641.

1640, Sept. 30.—Ordered that the cause brought by Sely and Edwards of Westhatch against Tristram Towse and Thomas Kerly be carried on at the expense of the dean and chapter.—p. 77.

Valentine Powell is to appear in the bishop's court in a cause of Simon v. Alderley and Marsh, to allege (on behalf of the dean and chapter) jurisdiction within the liberties of the cathedral church.

1640, Oct. 1.—Dr. Crichton appointed officer of the peculiar jurisdictions.

1640, Oct. 12.—Dr. [Sebastian] Smith appointed to the vicarage of North Curry, vacant by the voluntary resignation of the said Dr. Smith.—p. 78.

1640, Oct. 24.—"Whereas there have bene of late divers differences and suites betweene the . . . lord bishopp of Bath and Wells and the deane and chapter of this church, which differences (thankes be to god) to his glory and honour of this church are setled and appeased for the present (and, as they hope, for time to come), they, viz.: Dr. Wood, as well in the name and as the procurator of Mr. deane of this church, as in his own name, Dr. Godwyn, Dr. Crichton and Dr. Smith, have unanimously consented, and doe capitularly aggree to confirm a lease of the mannor of Chard and borrough thereof, . . . unto Mr. Arthur Mattock and his assignes, for 21 yeares"; they will in future be ready to confirm that and all other patents and leases made by the bishop, "as shall be according to the lawes of this kingdome and customes of this and other churches." "And allsoe they doe unanimously promise to endeavour to procure the residue of the said chapter to consent to the precedent act; and doe promise, yf any other canon resident of this church shall oppose this act or contentes thereof, never to assist him or them with counsell or purse in such opposicion."—pp. 79, 80.

Dr. Smith appointed proctor for the convocation to be held on November 4.

1640, Oct. 26.—Martin Simon is charged "that he being sent unto at the time of evening service by Dr. Crichton, within this fortnight last past, to reade the reading psalmes, deliberately came at time of service in a hasty manner from his owne stall unto Dr. Crichton, and there expostulated with him for soe sending to him, and withall there being noe other minister a vicar chorall there to execute, in a contemptuous manner went out of the choyre, and left none to end service but Dr. Crichton, so that he was driven to supply the said Simon his turne." Mr. Simon appeared, ac petiit articulos in forma juris.—p. 81.

1640, Oct. 28.—William Lute, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore III, on the resignation of Henry Ancketill, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1640, Oct. 30.—Mr. Simon, not appearing to his citation, is suspended.—p. 82.

1640, Dec. 4.—The above suspension is taken off, Simon having taken his corporal oath to obey the law; he is warned to appear again on Jan. 2.—p. 83.

1641, April 5.—William Davis, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe IV, (fn. 9) on the death of Thomas Manne, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—p. 84.

Footnotes

  • 1. Tristram Towse is sometimes called "register" and sometimes "deputy elerk"; Cox is always called "chapter clerk."
  • 2. The Dean of Winchester was Dr. Young himself, so appointed 1616.
  • 3. Ledger G.
  • 4. Simes' map shows a turnstile opposite the deanery gate.
  • 5. i.e. he had ordained none.
  • 6. The end of the volume. The next volume, which has no distinguishing letter, covers the period from 1635 to 1645.
  • 7. Dr. Rivett died late in 1637 or early in 1638.
  • 8. The passage is rather obscure; it seems to mean that the canons in choir and chapter were to take precedence in their seniority as such, irrespective of any dignity they might hold outside the chapter. Mr. Smith was the junior canon. Ante, p. 418.
  • 9. First written Wedmore, altered to Cumba in the same hand, altered again to Wedmore in another hand. Combe is right. See Le Neve, Fasti.