Acts and accounts: 1734-1812

1734–1735.

1734, Dec. 7.—Lease to Margaret Pope of Wells, widow, for 40 years, of the second and third tenements from the east in New-works and two gardens belonging thereto in New-works gardens, and a parcel of waste ground on the east part of New-works gardens, 16 feet from east to west at the south end, 24 feet from east to west at the north end, and 34 feet from north to south, bounded on the west by the said New-works gardens, on the south and east by Palace Green and on the north by the way leading from the Market Place to New-works gardens, upon which last-mentioned piece of ground William Westley, deceased, lately erected a stable.—[Ledger, 1701–1739, p. 636.]

1734–5, Feb. 18.—Ordered that 10l. 10s. be paid to Mr. Sub-dean Collins, as a gift from the dean and chapter towards the reparation of the parish church of Blandford, lately destroyed by fire.—ƒo. 140.

1735, May 10.—One of the vicars-choral admonished for living in the city with a widow, and not in his house in Closehall; he was warned not to live any longer with her before their marriage was solemnized, upon penalty of the law and the contempt thereof.—ƒo. 141.

1735, Aug. 8.—Whereas Mr. Chancellor Eyre hath lately made several incroachments on the jurisdiction of the dean and chapter, and particularly on July 29 last, by granting a license for the marriage of John Carey and Anne King, both of the parish of Long Sutton, within the peculiar jurisdiction of the dean and chapter, and has taken and received 6s. 8d., the judge's fees of the said license, belonging to their official, in defiance of their right and in order (as he asserts) to oppose and try the same; and has also lately caused Mr. Archdeacon Archer to be served with a citation within the liberty of St. Andrew in Wells, in a matter of office, in violation of the dean and chapter's right of jurisdiction within the same. It is therefore decreed that an action at common law shall be forthwith brought and commenced against the said Mr. Chancellor Eyre, in the name of Mr. Archdeacon Hudleston, their present official, for the fees by him received for granting the said license, in maintenance of the dean and chapter's right to their jurisdiction within the said parish of Long Sutton and other peculiars. Mr. William Goldfinch of the city of Wells, attorney at law, shall be employed as their attorney or agent, who is hereby authorised to begin the said action, first taking the opinion and advice of such counsel as he judges necessary. The advice of counsel shall also be taken whether an action at law will lie against the chancellor for causing Mr. Archdeacon Archer to be cited within the liberty of St. Andrew, being an exempt jurisdiction pursuant to the statute of the 23rd of Henry the 8th.—ƒo. 143.

Accounts of Roger Humphries, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1734–35.

Payments: 10l. 10s. towards the rebuilding of Blandford Church; 6s. for mending 9 locks and putting chains to 17 books in the library; 1l. 1s. for destroying the jackdaws and weeding the church walls; 5s. for shooting jackdaws; 13s. 8d. for powder and shot to destroy the jackdaws; 5s. 6d. for destroying jackdaws; 3s. for opening a gravel pit in the dean's garden for gravel for the highway; 2l. 19s. "for hanging the dean's pew."

1735–1736.

1735, Oct. 1.—William Dodd, M.A., installed in the prebend of Cudworth, on the death of William Brampston, M.A. pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 146.

1735, Oct. 2.—John Wickstedd, M.A., installed in the prebend of Dultingcot otherwise Thinghurst, on the death of Thomas Biggs, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 146d.

1735, Nov. 6.—Whereas Mr. Thomas Eyre, chancellor of this diocese, hath of late made several incroachments upon the exempt and peculiar jurisdiction of the dean and chapter of this cathedral church, and particularly, notwithstanding his incompetency to exercise any manner of ecclesiastical jurisdiction whatsoever by reason of his being under the sentence of excommunication pronounced against him by the worshipful Dr. Bettesworth, Dean of the Arches, hath attempted to publish two suspensions of the archdeacons of Wells and Bath, canons residentiary of this cathedral church, for exercising their ordinary jurisdiction, in obedience to the lord bishop's relaxation of his inhibitions usually issued upon holding his triennial visitations, to them severally directed under his hand and episcopal seal; and hath issued several mandates directed to the four priest-vicars of this cathedral church, commanding them or one of them who should officiate upon the Sunday after he or they were served with the same, to publish the said suspensions in the said cathedral church in time of Divine service; and hath also issued several other mandates directed to the sacrist of this church, requiring him to fix the same suspensions on the several stalls belonging to the said archdeacons in this cathedral church, in high contempt of the lord bishop's relaxation, and notorious violation of the known peculiar and exempt jurisdiction of this cathedral church and the liberty of the same. Which said attempt to publish the said suspensions, in the manner aforesaid.was prevented by the lord bishop's directing Mr. Lovell, the officiating vicar on Sunday, Oct. 19 last, and the sacrist to deliver the several mandates, by them received, into his lordship's hands at his coming to church on that day, which they did accordingly; upon which his lordship tore one of them in pieces and detained the rest. Notwithstanding which, he, the said chancellor, did on the last Sunday, Nov. 2 inst., in the morning while the bell was tolling to prayers, cause several other paper writings, purporting the aforesaid suspensions, to be affixed on the western outer doors of this cathedral church by William Clark, an apparitor, in further contempt of his lordship's authority and wilful violation of the privileges and immunities of this cathedral church, totally exempt from all and all manner of his pretended jurisdiction. Whereupon Mr. Archdeacon Archer, Mr. Chancellor Humphryes and Mr. Treasurer Woodford, the only canons residentiary then in town, did order John Brice, the sacrist, to take down the said papers, which he did accordingly, in presence of mm the said apparitor; for which fact the said chancellor did, as the said canons are credibly given to understand, declare openly in the episcopal consistory court last Tuesday, that he would cause the said sacrist to be immediately prosecuted at law, and did then moreover decree and order that new copies of the said suspensions should be again made out by the deputy register and fixed on the west door of this cathedral church on the next Sunday morning.—ƒo. 148d.

Now for the preservation of the known, exempt and peculiar jurisdiction of this cathedral church and the liberty thereof from the injurious invasions and incroachments of him the said chancellor, it is here by decreed and declared by the canons now capitularly assembled, that in case any such papers of suspensions aforesaid be at any time hereafter fixed on any doors of this cathedral church, that such papers so affixed shall be taken down by the sacrist, and that in case he be molested by the said chancellor, either for what he hath done or shall do in obedience to these capitular commands and directions, he shall be defended and indemnified at the cost of the said dean and chapter.—ƒo. 149d.

1735, Dec. 1.—Whereas Mr. Thomas Eyre, chancellor of the diocese of Bath and Wells, being lawfully and duly excommunicated by sentence in the Arches court of Canterbury; was yesterday morning, in the parish church of St. Cuthbert's in this city, publicly denounced and declared to be excommunicated according to the laws of this realm, by which he is not only suspended from all divine service but also excluded from the fellowship and company of Christ's congregation, yet nevertheless did in the afternoon come into this cathedral church at the time of divine service, into the pew where he used to sit. Whereupon the three canons above mentioned [Dr. Archer, Mr. Humphries and Mr. Woodford] did send James Curtis, their virger, to acquaint him that they did desire to speak with him in the vestry, but he refusing to come to them and continuing still in his seat, the said canons went to their respective stalls, and sent the said virger a second time to him, to signify to him that as he had that morning been denounced to be an excommunicated person, they did desire him to go out of the church and give no disturbance to the divine service. Upon which he sent this answer by the virger, that if Dr. Archer said so, tell him that I will excommunicate him. And then Dr. Archer with the other two canons went to the said chancellor, then being in his seat, and did admonish him, as having been denounced excommunicated three times in the morning in the parish church, to depart from the cathedral and give no hindrance to the divine service, which he obstinately and contemptuously refusing to do, the said canons and the whole congregation departed, being deprived of the performance of divine service.

The said canons, taking this obstinate and scandalous behaviour of the said chancellor into their serious consideration, do resolve that immediate application be made to learned counsel for proper directions how to proceed against him the said chancellor, for the said contempt of the laws and disturbance of divine service, and what proper methods may be made use of to prevent the like behaviour for the future.—ƒo. 150.

1735, Dec. 13.—Whereas Mr. Chancellor Eyre did issue a pretended citation against the above mentioned canons [Dr. Archer, Mr. Humphries and Mr. Woodford], as they are credibly informed, requiring them to appear before him on Tuesday last, to answer the admonition by them given to him, an excommunicated person, to go out of the cathedral on Nov. 30th, notwithstanding both they and the said cathedral are wholly exempt from his pretended claim of jurisdiction, and notwithstanding the said citation was never duly served upon any of the said canons, did the said last Tuesday call the said canons to appear before him in his consistorial court, which they not doing, the said chancellor, after having treated the said canons in a most abusive and scandalous manner, did decree all and every of them to be contumacious, and upon such pretended contempt did pronounce them to be excommunicated, and accordingly then and there did openly and publicly excommunicate them in writing, contrary to law, and in notorious violation of the rights and privileges of this cathedral church and the liberty thereof. The said canons, taking the said outragious behaviour of the chancellor into their serious consideration, and also the solemn obligation they and every member of this church are under by oath to maintain and defend the rights, privileges and immunities of the said cathedral, do order and appoint Mr. John Paine, register to the dean and chapter, to write to Mr. Mark Holman, a proctor of Doctors' Commons, to lay the above mentioned proceedings before Dr. Henchman, Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrews, advocates of the Court of Arches, and of some learned counsel in the practice of the common law, and take their advice and direction in what proper manner they may proceed against the said chancellor for these his arbitrary vexations and injurious proceedings; and moreover that application be also made to some learned counsel in the common law for their opinion in what manner the said chancellor for the aforesaid facts and offences may be proceeded against in some one of the courts at Westminster.—ƒo. 151.

1735–6, March 1.—The office of the officiality of the dean and chapter granted to Mr. Treasurer Woodford.—ƒo. 153.

1735–6, March 2.—Dr. Henchman, Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrews have advised and directed that appeals from the aforesaid proceedings of the chancellor should be lodged in the Arcnes Court of Canterbury, pursuant to which advice, prothocols ot appeal have in the names and on the behalf of the said three canons [Archer, Humphries and Woodford] been already drawn up and read by Mr. Mark Holman, one of the proctors of the said Arches Court, as necessary for obtaining relief from the said injuries and violations: now it is hereby in full chapter decreed and ordered that the said appeals shall be carried on and prosecuted by the said Mr. Holman, at the cost and charges of the dean and chapter, in such methods and by such ways and forms of proceedings as by the aforesaid advocates (or such of them as it shall be adjudged necessary and proper to apply unto) shall be further advised and directed.—ƒo. 153d.

1736, April 6.—To the end that the execution of the several offices of the church which it is incumbent upon the priest-vicars to use, as curates of the liberty of this cathedral church, together with the surplice fees and other fees and perquisites usually given for performing the same, may be equally distributed among the priest-vicars, it is decreed that for the future the several orders of public and private baptism, matrimony, visitation and communion of the sick, burial of the dead, and thanksgiving of women after childbirth, shall be discharged as occasion offers, in every week, by that vicar only who is then to read prayers in his proper regular course, and by none other, except in the lawful absence of the reading vicar, in which case the person performing the said offices shall be obliged to deliver the surplice fees to the person who should have received it if he had been present—ƒo. 154d.

It is likewise further decreed that no priest-vicar or any one else do perform the office of matrimony in the chapel in Close Hall, and that all marriages celebrated in the said chapel are declared to be clandestine marriages, and to be censured as such; and that a fair copy of this act be delivered to every one of the priest-vicars.—ƒo. 155.

1736, April 10.—John Boswell, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, on the resignation of John Wicksted, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 155d.

1736, April 13.—John Tazwell, B.A., installed in the prebend of Easton in Gordano, on the death of Nathanael Markwick, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 156.

1736, July 28.—John [Harris], bishop of Llandaff, installed as dean of Wells, on the resignation of Isaac [Maddox], bishop of St. Asaph, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 158d.

1736, Aug. 6.—John, bishop of Llandaff and dean of Wells, admitted a canon residentiary; he promised to pay 100l. caution money; he shall not receive any profit, except quotidians, nor begin his residence before October 1 next.—ƒo. 159d.

1736, Sept. 28.—The dean protested against the clause forbidding his receipt of profits before October 1; the late dean, Dr. Maddox, "is not entitled to any dividend of the profits of my canonry [the new dean's] for the current year, for that he has voluntarily made himself incapable of residence by accepting the bishopric of St. Asaph, and that the profits of the canonry for the current year belong to me only and to no other person or persons whatsoever."

(Signed) J. Landaff, Dean of Wells.

—ƒo. 161d.

Edmund Archer, archdeacon of Wells, and Robert Woodford, treasurer, signed a declaration against the above protest.—ƒo. 162.

Accounts of Timothy Collins, M.A., Sub-dean, Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1735–36.

Receipts: Burials 10s. Mrs. Susannah Taylor (in the cloister) and bell, 10s. Sarah Coward (in the cloister) and bell, 10s. Mrs. Margaret Sherston (south aisle of choir) and bell.

Payments: 10s. to William Johnson, a poor man, Bishop Still's great-grandson; 21l. 8s. for the audit dinners; 13s. 10d. for candles, pipes, tobacco, and other small things used at the audit.

1736–1737.

1736, Oct. 16.—Ordered that 5l. be paid to Dr. Archer for the relief of Joseph Ottolenge [?] a poor converted Jew, lately confined for debt in Southgate prison, Exon.—ƒo. 163d.

1736, Nov 9.—Henry Sampson, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe IX, on the resignation of John Tazwell, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 164.

1736. Nov. 10.—Edmund Lovell, M.A. installed in the prebend of Dinder, on the death of Richard Healy, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 164d.

1736, Dec. 14.—Archdeacon Hudleston presented to the vicarage of St. Cuthbert's, Wells, on the death of Mr. Healy; nominated by himself, "it being in the said Mr. Archdeacon's ball by the last casting."—ƒo. 166.

1736, Dec. 15.—Samuel Hood, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe XIII, on the death of Richard Healy, pursuant to mandate of the bishop. (fn. 1) —ƒo. 166d.

1736–7, Jan. 4.—A plan, model or draught of a design for new building or repairing the canonical house, now in possession of Doctor White, was approved.—ƒo. 170.

1736–7, Jan. 25.—Lawrence Saint Loe, D.D., prebendary of Wedmore IV, admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of Robert Creyghton, D.D., late precentor; he paid 100 marks caution money; he was assigned July, August and September next for his residence. Dr. Archer, Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Woodford proposed George Atwood, B.D., archdeacon of Taunton, and protested against the election of Dr. Saint Loe.—ƒo. 168d.

1736–7, Jan. 26.—Charles Egerton, presbyter of the church of England, presented to the vicarage of Stokegumber with the chapel of Bicknaller, on the death of Robert Lux; nominated by Dr. White.—ƒo. 171.

1736–7, March 4.—Francis Franklyn, M.A., presented to the vicarage of Dulverton, on the death of William Hill; nominated by Mr. Collins.—ƒo. 173.

John Woodford, clerk, a student at the University of Oxon, presented to the vicarage of Winscombe, on the death of Francis Taylor; nominated by Mr. Humfries.

1737, Aug. 19.—Complaint being made by Mr. Evans, the organist, that the organ of the cathedral is much out of repair and wants tuning, and that Mr. Swarbrick, who has lately had the care of it, though often times sent to, neglects to come and look after it, and that Mr. John Harris, organ-builder, is willing to undertake the care of the organ: ordered that Mr. Harris do view the same, and lay his terms and his proposed repairs before the chapter.—ƒo. 176.

1737, Aug. 25.—Lease to Thomas Cooper of Bristol, carrier, for three lives, of a messuage, etc., and 40 acres of land, meadow and pasture of old auster, in Wookeyhole, parcel of the dean and chapter's manor of Canon Grange; lessee to do suit and service at the courts held for the said manor.—[Ledger, 1701–1739, p. 722.]

1737, Sept. 26.—Order to purchase Bibliotheca Patrum, in 17 volumes, late Dr. Creyghton's, for 15l.—fo. 177d.

Accounts of Timothy Collins, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1736–37.

Receipts: Burials, 10s. Jane Faulkner (cloister) and bell, 1l. 10s. Mr. Healy ("in the Lady's Chappel") and bell.

Payments: 5l. for the use of Joseph Ottolenghe, a poor converted Jew at Exeter; 2s. for the carriage of books from Bath, given by the bishop to the library; 15l. for Bibliotheca patrum, brought [? bought] from Dr. Creyghton's executors for the use of the library.

1737–1738.

1737, Nov. 2.—Robert Wheeler, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore II, on the resignation of Edmond Lovell, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 179d.

1737, Dec. 14.—Lease to Sarah Caines of Wells, widow, for 40 years, of a house in the west part of Sadler street, called Cary's house, adjoining on the north to the tenement called the Hart's Head; lessee to do suit of court at Canon Barn twice a year.—[Ledger, 1701–1739, ƒo. 739.]

1737–8, Feb. 13.—William Langdon, B.A., presented to the vicarage of Mudford, on the death of Nathaniel Brydges; nominated by Dr. St. Lo.—ƒo. 182d.

1738, May 5.—Charles Ryall presented to the vicarage of Dulverton, on the death of Francis Franklyn; nominated by Mr. Subdean Collins.—ƒo. 183.

1738, May 9.—Francis Seymour, esq., assignee of the parsonage of North Curry, offered 800l. as a fine for adding two lives and changing one; accepted, Mr. Woodford and Mr. Collins dissenting.—ƒo. 184.

1738, May 29.—Confirmed the appointment by the bishop of Edward Simpson, LL.D., as vicar-general and official principal of the bishop. [The margin has "chancellorship of the diocese."]

1738, June 9.—Thomas Alford, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe II, on the death of Francis Franklyn, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 184d.

1738, July 19.—Mr. Archdeacon Archer, Mr. Chancellor Humphreys, Mr. Sub-dean Collins and Mr. Treasurer Woodford, protested against the lease of the parsonage of North Curry, sealed on June 15 last, when only the dean, Mr. Archdeacon Hudleston and Dr. Saintlo were present, and the box containing the chapter seal was broken open.—ƒo. 186d.

Accounts of Robert Woodford, LL.B., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1737–38.

Receipts: Burials, 17s. Widow Kingston (nave) and bell; 1l. 10s. Mr. Morris ("benig the altar") and bell.

1738–1739.

1738, Oct. 18.—John Coney, M.A., installed in the, prebend of Buckland Dinham, on the resignation of Thomas Coney, D.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 189.

1738–9, Jan. 29.—George Farewell, M.A., presented to the vicarage of Bishops Lydeard, on the death of Mr. Humphreys, late chancellor; nominated by Dr. Archer.—ƒo. 190.

1738–9, Feb. 21.—John Wynne, B.A., installed in the prebend of Compton Bishop, on the death of Henry Hill, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 190d.

1738–9, Feb. 23.—Robert Wheeler, M.A., installed in the prebend of Hazelbeer, on the death of Henry Edwards, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 191.

1738–9, March 1.—Richard Jenkins, M.A., installed in the prebend of Comb X, on the death of Roger Humphries, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 191d.

1739, May 25.—Thomas Jenkins, M.A., installed in the prebend of Whitchurch, on the death of John Potter, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 192d.

1739, June 13.—Henry Fitch, LL.B., installed in the prebend of Wedmore II, on the resignation of Robert Wheeler, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 193.

1739, June 30.—John Wickstedd, M.A., installed as chancellor of the cathedral church, on the death of Roger Humphreys, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 194d.

Accounts of Robert Woodford, LL.B., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1738–39.

Receipts: Burials, 16s. 8d. Mrs. Turberville (nave) and bell.

1739–1740.

1739, Nov. 23.—Samuel Creswicke, D.D., installed in the dignity of the deanery, on the death of John [Harris], bishop of Llandaff. (fn. 2) —ƒo. 200.

1739, Nov. 24.—Samuel Creswicke, D.D., dean of Wells, admitted a canon residentiary; he paid 100l.. caution money.—ƒo. 199d.

1739, Nov. 27.—John Wickstedd, M.A., installed in the prebend of Huish and Brent and also in the dignity of archdeacon of Wells.—ƒo. 200d.

1739, Nov. 28.—Thomas Taylor, M.A., installed in the prebend of Milverton II, on the resignation of Thomas Jenkins, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 202.

1739, Dec. 1.—Francis Squire, M.A., installed in the office of chancellor of the cathedral church, on the resignation of John Wickstedd, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 202d.

1739, Dec. 3.—Francis Squire, chancellor, admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of Roger Humphries, M.A.; he paid 100l. caution money.—ƒo. 203d.

John Wicksted, M.A., archdeacon of Wells, admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of Edmund Archer, D.D.; he paid 100l. caution money; he shall not receive any profits except quotidians, nor begin his residence before October 1 next.—ƒo. 205d.

1739–40, Jan. 17.—Mrs. Wynne, the bishop's lady, shall have the use of the seat called the Grates, in the cathedral. [Cancelled.]—ƒo. 207.

1739–40, Feb. 9.—The choir to be new floored, the pavement being very uneven and decayed. The walls of the body of the church to be cleaned and white-limed.—ƒo. 207d.

1740, July 1.—George Carde appointed to the rectory or free chapel of Allerton, on the death of John Tottenham; nominated by Mr. Subdean Collins.—ƒo. 210.

1740, July 24.—William Hudleston, B.A., appointed to the vicarage of Chedder, to succeed John Tottenham, the late vicar; nominated by Subdean Collins.—ƒo. 210d.

1740, Sept. 13.—John Wynne, gent., and William Wynne, gent., ("his lordship's son"), appointed to the office of bishop's registrar and actuary within the diocese of Bath and Wells, for their lives and the life of the survivor.

Accounts of Francis White, S.T.P., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1739–40.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 10s. Mrs. Hart (body of the church) and bell, 1l. 3s. 4d. Mr. Cupper (aisle) and bell, 10s. Anne Tetton (cloister) and bell, 16s. 8d. Mr. Penny (nave) and bell, 13s. 4d. Mrs. Lucas and bell, 1l. 10s. Miss Eyre (south aisle of church) and bell, 1l. 10s. Mr. Baron (south aisle of church) and bell.

Payments: 2l. to Mr. Hudleston, the librarian; 46l. 4s. for paving the choir; 146l. for making a new roof over the south aisle of the choir; 49l. 12s. to Mr. Muggelsworth for the ornaments about the bishop's throne and work in the choir.

Communar's Cash-book, 1739–40.

Payments: 11l. to George Bryan, the schoolmaster; 20l. to William Evans, the organist; 8l. to Thomas Swarbrick, for keeping the organ; 30l. for the audit dinner and 7l. 12s. 10d. for wine.

Keeper of the Fabric's Cash-book, 1739–40.

Payments: 1l. 3s. 5d. for the ringers on occasion of the news of taking Portobello.

1740–1741.

1740, Oct. 2.—Seats to be erected on the north side of the choir, from the door leading to the north aisle to the steps of the altar, for the mayor, aldermen and common council of the city of Wells to sit and hear divine service.—ƒo. 212.

1740, Nov. 12.—George Shakerley, M.A., installed in the prebend of Dultingcot otherwise Thinghurst, on the resignation of John Wicksted, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 212d.

1740, Dec. 9.—Two new galleries to be erected in the choir, on the north and south sides thereof next the organ-loft, for the use of the canons' families.—ƒo. 213d.

1740–1, Jan. 2.—Mr. William Hudleston appointed to the rectory or free chapel of Allerton, on the resignation of Mr. Card; nominated by Mr. Subdean Collins.—ƒo. 214.

1740–1, Jan. 8.—Lease to James Yorke the elder of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of the first house from the east end of New Works, with Pennyless Porch, etc. [as before, ante, p. 492]; rent 33s. 4d.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 34.]

1741, April 1.—Mr. John Broderip, who has supplied the place of organist in the cathedral from the death of Mr. Evans, to be paid the usual salary for that period.—ƒo. 215d.

1741, April 29.—Samuel Hill, M.A., installed in the prebend of Holcomb, on the death of John Tottenham, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 216.

1741, June 25.—Mr. Subdean Collins appointed proctor of the dean and chapter, to appear in the chapter house of St. Paul's on July 3 next.—ƒo. 216d.

1741, July 1.—Mr. Bryant [sic], the schoolmaster, to have an addition to his salary of 50s. quarterly.—ƒo. 217.

1741, July 1.—Lease to Francis Seymour of Sherborne, co. Dorset, esq., for three lives, of the capital messuage or mansion house of the manor of North Curry, etc.; rent 48l. 19s. 10d.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 51.]

1741, Aug. 10.—Richard Jenkins, M.A., installed in the prebend of Scampford otherwise Shalford, on the death of Mountague Wood, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 218.

1741, Sept. 22.—Henry Lockett, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe X, on the resignation of Richard Jenkins, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 218d.

Accounts of Francis White, S.T.P., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1740–41.

Receipts: Burials, 13s. 8d. Mrs. Baron (body of the church), 1l. Mr. Richard Paine (north aisle, by the clock), 10s. Mrs. Bacon (north aisle, by the body of the church), 1l. 6s. Mrs. Cross (north aisle, by the choir).

Payments: 10l. to Mr. Bryant [sic], the schoolmaster, 10l., and 2l. 10s. added to his salary the last quarter; 20l. to John Broderip, the organist; various payments for opening the gravel-pits in the churchyard, digging gravel, and filling up the pits; 15s. to the ringers on occasion of the news of taking Carthagena; 112l. 11s. for erecting the galleries, corporation seat and other work; 5l. 5s. to Mr. Swarbrick on account of his extraordinary trouble about the organ; 1l. 11s. 6d. the subscription money for the new edition of Bishop Godwin's History de Prœsulibus, &c. [sic]; 2l. 10s. to Mr. Dean for his subscription to Myddleton's Life of Cicero.

1741–1742.

1741, Sept. 30.—Satisfaction to be made to Mr. Jacob Nickells for playing the organ and teaching the chorister boys sometime before an organist was appointed.—ƒo. 220.

John Broderip, vicar-choral, appointed master of the choristers and organist, in place of William Evans, deceased, at the usual salaries, i.e. 20l. as organist and 7l. as master of the choristers; the choristers' house is assigned to him while he holds the office of master.—ƒo. 220d.

1741, Oct. 1.—William Hudleston, B.A., appointed to the vicarage of St. Cuthbert's, Wells, on the resignation of Lawson Hudleston, M.A.—ƒo. 222.

1741, Nov. 7.—Alexander Malet, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore IV, on the death of Lawrence Saint Lo, D.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 223.

1741, Dec. 3.—George Shakerley, M.A., admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of Lawrence St. Lo, D.D.; he paid 100 marks caution money; he is not to receive any profit, except quotidians, nor to begin residence before Oct. 1 next.—ƒo. 224d.

1741–2, Jan. 2.—Charles Prowse, esq., appointed chapter clerk, on the death of John Paine, gent., on the nomination of Mr. Squire, the chancellor.—ƒo. 227.

Whereas it is very inconvenient for the registry and records belonging to the dean and chapter to be kept in private houses; ordered, that, for the more safe preserving the said records for the future, the ground room in the cloisters, near the door at the entrance up to the audit room, be fitted up and made convenient for that purpose.—ƒo. 228.

Ordered that a new clook be provided for the cathedral church.

Winchcomb Nooth, notary public, appointed register and writer of the acts within the peculiar jurisdictions of the dean and chapter.

1741–2, Jan. 11.—Lease to Andrew Cross of Wells, esq., for 40 years, of all the camery on the south side of part of the cathedral church, with the stable built thereon; right of access reserved for repairs to the cathedral, and for the tenants of the twelve houses in New Works to view and repair the pipes and water-courses within the said camery, leading to the said twelve houses; rent 105.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 84.]

1741–2, Jan. 23.—Thomas Hughes of Wells, gent., appointed steward of the old Almshouses in Wells, in the room of John Paine, deceased.—ƒo. 229.

1742, July 3.—Robert Wilson, M.A., installed in the prebend of Litton, on the death of Escott Richards, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 231d.

1742, July 10.—Thomas Alford, M.A., installed in the prebend of Ashill, on the death of Thomas Westly, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 232.

1742, July 22.—An agreement entered into with Thomas Bilbie of Chewstoke for repairing and keeping the clock and chimes.—ƒo. 232d.

1742, July 22.—Articles of agreement between the dean and chapter and Thomas Bilbie of Chewstoke, clockmaker and bellfounder. In consideration of 26l. 5s. payable on Aug. 1 next, and of 5l. on Aug. 1, 1743, if the work hereinafter mentioned shall then appear to be honestly finished and completed, Bilbie covenants that he will repair, amend and put in good order, the clock and chimes and will find all necessary materials, and make all new chime hammers and squares, and "put new teeth and pinions in the room and place of the stars," and new turn the wheels and make new levit-holes, and make the wheels with lantern heads of brass, and will put up the said clock and chimes so as the said clock will go 26 hours at one time and one winding up, and will at his own cost keep the clock and chimes in good repair for the term of his natural life, for the yearly wages of 31.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 92.]

1742 Sept. 13.—John Walker, M.A., installed in the prebend ot tombe II, on the resignation of Thomas Alford, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 233d.

Accounts of Francis Squire, M.A., Chancellor, Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1741–42.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 6s. Mrs. Davies (south chapel by the choir), 1l. Mr. John Paine (north aisle, by the clock), 6s. 8d. Mr. Coward (cloisters).

Payments: 20l. to Mr. Bryant, the schoolmaster; 2l. to Mr. Chancellor Squire, the librarian; 26l. 5s. to Thomas Bilbie for taking down and repairing the clock and chimes; 3s. for Welden's anthems; 1l. 2s. 3d. for writing anthems and services for the church; ll. 11s. to Mr. Broderip for writing anthems and other music for the church.

1742–1743.

1742, Oct. 1.—Twenty guineas given to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, pursuant to his majesty's letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, dated Nov. 18, 1741.—ƒo. 235.

1742, Nov. 26.—George Shakerley, M.A., installed in the prebend of Huish and Brent and the archdeaconry of Wells, on the death of John Wicksted, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 236.

1742, Dec. 16.—David Symes, B.A., installed in the prebend of Dultingcott otherwise Thinghurst, on the resignation of George Shakerley, M.A.—ƒo. 238d.

1743, April 1.—Samuel Hill, M.A., admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of John Wicksted, M.A.; he paid 100 marks caution money; he shall not receive any profits, except quotidians, nor begin residence before October 1 next.—ƒo. 241d.

1743, May 20.—Samuel Squire, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wanstrow and the archdeaconry of Bath, on the death of Lawson Hudleston, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 243.

Robert Wilson, M.A., admitted a canon residentiary, on the death of Lawson Hudleston, M.A.; he paid 100 marks caution money; he shall not receive any profit, except quotidians, nor begin residence before October 1, 1744.—ƒo. 244d.

1743, Sept. 24.—Congé d'élire for a new bishop, on the death of Dr. John Wynne, late bishop of Bath and Wells.—ƒo. 248.

Accounts of Francis Squire, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1742–43.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 6s. 8d. Mrs. Elizabeth Palmer (south aisle, by the choir), 1l. 6s. 8d. Dr. Edmund Warneford (cross aisle, between the choir and the Lady's Chapel), 1l. 6s. 8d. Mrs. Healy (in the Lady's Chapel), 1l. 6s. 8d. Mrs. Rachael Palmer (south aisle, by the choir).

Payments: 21l. for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. [No details of repairs this year.]

1743–1744.

1743, Sept. 30.—Election of Dr. Edward Willes, bishop of St. David's, as bishop of Bath and Wells, in pursuance of the king's letter recommendatory.—ƒo. 250.

The Rev. John Paine of Wells appointed game-keeper or keeper of the game within the manor of Allerton.—ƒo. 251d.

1743, Oct. 31.—Grant by George II, to Robert Wheeler, M.A., prebendary of the prebend of Hazelbeer, for life, of a canonical house, now ruinous, situate near the cathedral, between a lane called Torr Lane on the east, and another canonical house on the west, now in the possession of George Attwood, archdeacon of Taunton, and bounded on the north by a street called the Liberty.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 135.]

1743, Nov. 10.—Christopher Tachell, B.A., appointed to the vicarage of Burnham, on the death of William Harris.—ƒo. 252d.

1743, Dec. 14.—Twenty guineas given to the poor sufferers by the late dreadful fire at Crediton, Devon.—ƒo. 255.

1743–4, Jan. 10.—Installation and enthronization of Edward Willes, D.D., bishop of Bath and Wells, in the person of Francis White, D.D., his proxy. (fn. 3) —ƒo. 256d.

Accounts of George Shakerley, Archdeacon of Wells, Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1743–44.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. Mrs. Mary Paine, wife of Mr. Francis Paine (cross aisle, by the clock).

Payments: 2l. to Mr. Archdeacon Shakerley, the librarian. [No details of repairs.]

Accounts of George Shakerley, Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1744–45.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 6s. 8d. Mrs. Healy, wife of Mr. Ralph Healy, clerk, (the Lady's Chapel), 1l. 6s. 8d. Mrs. Goffe.

Payments: 2l. to Mr. Lovell, the librarian. [No details of repairs.]

Accounts of Samuel Hill, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1745–46.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 6s. 8d. Rev. Mr. Healy ("in Lady's Chappell"), 1l. 6s. 8d. Mr. Recorder Davis (in St. Catherine's chapel), 1l. 3s. 4d. Mr. Charles Brown ("by the vault"). [No details of repairs.]

Accounts of Samuel Hill, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1745–46.

Payments: 20l. to John Broderip, organist; 8l. to Thomas Swarbrick, organ-builder; 7l. to John Broderip as master of the boys; 21l. to George Bryan, the schoolmaster, for salary and windows; 1l. to Mr. Broderip for writing the organ part of his Benedicite, etc.; 8s. 6d. to Mr. Boulton for writing two tenors of Dr. Aldridge in A sharp; 15s. to the ringers on the Duke's birthday, and 15s. "for defeating the rebels," paid April 26; 15s. "paid the ringers a second time, when the victory over the rebels was confirmed," paid May 30.

1747, July 24.—Francis Squire, the chancellor, to the dean and chapter, approving and nominating the Rev. Mr. Richards, vicar of Middlesoy, to succeed Mr. Brian as schoolmaster in the liberty.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 244.]

Accounts of Samuel Hill, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1746–47.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 6s. 8d. John Burland, esq. ("near the Lady's chappell").

Payments: 15l. 15s to Mr. Bryant, the schoolmaster, for 3 quarters and for mending the windows. [No details of repairs].

Accounts of Robert Wilson, Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1747–48.

Payments: Mr. Richards, the schoolmaster, for 5 quarters, and for mending the school windows. [No details of repairs.]

1749, Sept. 7.—Collation of John Walker, M.A., prebendary of Combe II, to the canonical house heretofore in the occupation of one Richard Bourne, within the liberty, abutting on the house and garden of the late college called Mountroy College on the east, on the canonical house and garden of Robert Woodforde, one of the canons residentiary, on the west, and on a close late in the tenure of William Baron, gent., on the north.—[Ledger, 1740–1760, p. 297.]

Accounts of Robert Wilson, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1748–49.

Receipts: Burials, 1l. 6s. 8d. Mrs. Catherine Palmer (near St. Catherine's Chapel), 1l. 3s. 8d. Miss Paine (near the clock), 13s. 4d. Mr. George Barton (nave); 11l. to Mr. Richards, the schoolmaster, 4 quarters, and 10l. 10s. ex gratia; 2l. to Mr. Warne, for looking after the organ. [No details of repairs.]

Accounts of John Walker, M.A., Keeper of the Fabric and Communar, 1749–50.

Receipts: Burial, 6s. 8d. Mrs. North (in the cloisters).

Payments: 11l. to Mr. Richards, the schoolmaster, and 9l. 9s. ex gratia. [No details of repairs.]

[Note.—The series of extracts ends here. A few notes of topographical interest are added from the later ledger books.]

1754, Oct. 1.—Lease to Peter Taylor of St. Clement Danes, co. Mddx., esq., for three lives, of the rectory of St. Cuthbert's parish, and the barn with two courts or yards adjoining, and all tithes, etc.; except and reserved perquisites of courts, etc., and the prison and the house used for the same, and the pound adjoining the barn, and the right to use the barn for holding courts, and the advowson of the vicarage; rent 40l.; lessee to repair St. Cuthbert's chancel.—Ledger 1740–60, p. 452.

1760, Sept. 22.—William Willes, the chancellor, nominates the Rev. Morgan Cox, to succeed the Rev. Dr. Richards as master of the free school within the Liberty at Wells.—Ibid., p. 624.

1762, April 10.—Collation of William Ray, clerk, M.A., to a canonical house on the east part of Canon Barn, within the Liberty of St. Andrew, lately occupied by Robert Woodforde, clerk, LL.B., deceased.—Ledger 1761–77, p. 17.

1764, Nov. 7.—Lease to Anne, Elizabeth and Mary Gresley of Bristol, spinsters, for 40 years, of a tenement or dwellinghouse at the upper end of High Street or Market Place, Wells, against the Market House eastward, and adjoining the Guildhall, now in the tenure of Andrew Crosse, esq., on the south, the porch or gate leading into the churchyard on the north, and the Choristers' House on the east; also "all that little spot of ground" adjoining the said dwellinghouse on the east and north, heretofore taken out of the backside or garden of the Choristers' House, with the consent of the dean and chapter; paying yearly to the communar for the use of the choristers, 2l. for the dwelling house and 13s. 4d. for the plot of ground; lessees to do suit at the courts to be holden in and for the dean and chapter's manor of Canon Grange.—Ibid., p. 102.

1765, April 1.—Lease to Joseph Lovell of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of two tenements in Sadlers street and the tower called Brownes Gate; rent, 1l. 6s. 8d., for the two tenements, 2s. for the back door into the churchyard, and 2s. for the tower; lessee to do suit at the courts of the manor of Canon Grange.—Ibid., p. 115.

1765, Dec. 4.—Lease to Ann Baron of Wells, spinster, for 40 years, of the sixth tenement from the west end of New-works and a garden in New-works Gardens; rent 1l. 6s. 8d. and 3s. for the back door into the churchyard; lessee to do suit of court twice a year at the Law Day holden at Canon Barn, to contribute to the cost of the repair of the gouts and pipes of lead, and not to hang linen or clothes of any kind on the rails belonging to the garden lately inclosed at the backside of the tenement, in or near the churchyard.—Ibid., p. 132.

1766, April 1.—Lease to Rev. John Paine of Wells, clerk, for 40 years, of the sixth tenement from the east end of New-works and a garden in New-works Gardens; rent 1l. 6s. 8d. and 2s. for the door into the churchyard; lessee to contribute to the cost of repairing the gouts and pipes of lead, and to do suit at the courts to be holden in and for the dean and chapter's manor of Wells.—Ibid., p. 129.

1769, Oct. 2.—Lease to Anthony Coggan of North Curry, cooper, for three lives, of the decoy-pool in the manor of North Curry and a cottage built on the lord's waste there; rent 2l. 10s. for the decoy and 1s. for the cottage.—Ibid., p. 252.

1769, April 21.—Appointment of Anthony Coggan as gamekeeper within the manors of North and East Curry, with license to take and kill all manner of game.—Ibid., p. 255.

1774, July 1.—Lease to Peter Taylor of Perbrook Park, co. Southants, esq., for three lives, of the rectory of St. Cuthbert's, Wells, as before; rent 40l.—Ibid., p. 425.

1774, Oct. 1.—Lease to Francis Willes of Westminster, esq., for 40 years, of the camery on the south side of part of the cathedral, with a stable built thereon; reserving right of access for repairs to the cathedral and the pipes and watercourses leading to New-works, and all timber and other trees, with liberty to enter and fell the same, etc.; rent 6s. 8d. to the fabric and 3s. 4d. to the master of the fabric.—Ibid., p. 446.

1778, Jan. 2.—Lease to Osborn Thomas Templeman of the out-parish of St. Cuthbert's, yeoman, for 40 years, of two several tenements, heretofore rebuilt by Thomas Marchant, deceased, and then converted into one house, lying between the High Cross in Wells on the south, a tenement wherein Thomas Bartlett, "haberdasher of hatts," lately dwelt on the east, and the tenement late of John Bartlett, brazier, on the north; rent 1l. 12s. 8d.; lessee to do suit of court twice a year at Canon Barn.—Ledger 1777–89, p. 26.

1778, Oct. 1.—Lease to Charles Wolf ran Cornwall, esq., one of the lords of the treasury, Alexander Popham of the Inner Temple, esq., and Isaac Schomberge of St. George's, Hanover Square, doctor of physick, for three lives, of the rectory and parsonage of St. Cuthbert's, as before; rent 40l.—Ibid., p. 35.

1779, June 14.—Collation of Robert Wilson, M.A., prebendary of Timberscombe and a canon residentiary, to a canonical house lying on the east side of Canon Barn, within the Liberty, now void by the death of the Rev. William Ray.—Ibid., p. 63.

1779, Sept. 13.—Collation of Phipps Weston, B.D., prebendary of Henstridge, to a canonical house on the west side of Canon Barn, now void by the death of the Rev. Edmund Lovell, M.A.—Ibid., p. 64.

1779, Oct. 1.—Lease to Robert Gutch of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of the house between the Guildhall on the south and the porch on the north, etc., as before; rent, 2l. for the house and 13s. 4d. for the plot of ground.—Ibid., p. 67.

1788, July 1.—Lease to Joseph Coles of Wookey Hole, paper maker, and Margaret Bartlett of the same, spinster, for 40 years, of a tenement on the west side of Sadlers street, formerly known as the Hart's Head, but now the White Hart; rent 50s.; lessees to do suit of court twice a year at Canon Barn.—Ibid., p. 474.

1791, March 21.—Collation of Thomas Payne, M.A., prebendary of Buckland Denham and a canon residentiary, to a canonical house at the east side of Canon Barn, void by the death of the Rev. Robert Wilson.—Ledger 1790–1807, p. 43.

1791, May 2.—Collation of William Hill, M.A., prebendary of Wedmore V, to the canonical house within the liberty, now void by the cession of Thomas Payne, canon residentiary, bounded on the east with a house and garden belonging to Clement Tudway, esq., and on the west with the canonical house late of Robert Wilson, canon residentiary, deceased, and on the north with a field called Barons Field.—Ibid., p. 49.

1794, July 1.—Collation of Walker King, D.D., prebendary of Combe XV, to the same house, void by the death of William Hill, bounded on the west with the canonical house of the Rev. Thomas Payne.—Ibid., p. 154.

1796, Dec. 6.—Lease to John Helyar Rocke of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of a tenement at the upper end of the High Street or Market Place, against the Market Place eastward, adjoining the Guildhall on the south, the porch gate leading to the churchyard on the north, and the Choristers' House on the east; also a little plot of ground adjoining on the east and north, heretofore taken out of the backside or garden of the Choristers' House, and another plot lately taken in by the said Rocke out of the said backside or garden, with the consent of the dean and chapter; paying to the communar to the use of the choristers 2l. for the tenement and 13s. 4d. for the two plots of ground; lessee to do suit at the courts holden in and for the manor of Canon Grange.—Ibid., p. 266.

1798, July 2.—Collation of Walker King, D.D., prebendary of Wiveliscombe and canon residentiary, to the canonical house at the east side of Canon Barn, now void by the death of Thomas Payne, M.A., canon residentiary.—Ibid., p. 310.

1800, Oct. 1.—Lease to Alexander Popham, a master in chancery, for the lives of Charles William Taylor, Frances Jane Taylor, his sister, and William Theophilus son of Charles Graeme, of the rectory and parsonage of St. Cuthbert's, as before; rent 40l.—Ibid., p. 356.

1808, April 1.—Lease to Edward Parfitt of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of the tenement at the upper end of the Market Place, adjoining the Guildhall on the south, etc., as before; rent 2l. and 13s. 4d.—Ledger 1808–13, p. 7.

1811, Nov. 2.—Collation of George Trevelyan, LL.D., prebendary of [Taunton] and canon residentiary, to the canonical house on the west side of Canon Barn, now void by the death of Charles Digby, canon residentiary.—Ibid., p. 124.

1812, May 29.—Collation of Charles Thomas Barker, D.D., subdean, prebendary of Combe III and canon residentiary, to the canonical house on the east side of Canon Barn, now void by the cession of Walker [King], bishop of Rochester.—Ibid., p. 141.

1812, June 17.—Collation of Henry Gould, B.A., prebendary of Wedmore IV and canon residentiary, to the canonical house on the east side of Canon Barn, now void by the death of Charles Thomas Barker, subdean.—Ibid., p. 150.