Acts and accounts: 1580-91

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: 1580-91', in Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Dean and Chapter of Wells: Volume 2, (London, 1914) pp. 302-320. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/wells-mss/vol2/pp302-320 [accessed 24 March 2024]

In this section

1580–1581.

1580, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: Philip Bisse and Sampson Newton.

Master of the fabric: Philip Bisse.

Surveyors of houses: William Austin and Sampson Newton.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1580, Oct. 7.—William Banner installed in the prebend of Cudworth, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 15.

1580, 1 Nov. 25.—A terrier of the glebe lands appertaining to the parsonage of Henstridge.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 91.]

1580–1, Jan. 2.—Thomas Goolde and Elaway Bevin, vicars-choral, not having communicated for four years, are suspended until they mend their ways.—ƒo. 15d.

1581, March 31.—Grant by Gilbert, bishop of Bath and Wells, to Amyas [Amizeus] Pawlett, knight, and Anthony Pawlett, esq., his son and heir apparent, of the office of chief steward of all hundreds, lordships, manors, lands, etc., belonging to the bishopric in Somerset or elsewhere within the realm of England, at a yearly fee of 20 marks issuing out of the manor of Charde. Confirmed by the chapter, April 1, 1581.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 58.]

[? 1581, March 31.]—Grant by Gilbert, bishop of Bath and Wells, to Edward Barkleye, esq., Robert and Francis Barkleye, gentlemen, sons of Maurice Barkleye, knight, in succession, of the office of auditor-general of all accounts relating to the property of the bishopric, at a yearly fee of 6l. 13s. 4d., with 53s. 4d. for augmentation of the fee. Confirmed by the chapter, April 1, 1581.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 58d.]

1581, June 6.—John Haggatt installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe XV, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 17.

1581, June 9.—Lease from William Chessire, parson of the parish church of Aishburye, Berkshire, to Queen Elizabeth, in consideration and satisfaction of "certain debptes" due by him to the queen and of a sum of money paid to him, of the parsonage of Aishebury and the mansion house of the same, and all tithes, obventions, etc., from Lady-day, 1591, for 99 years, at a rent of 30l. to Chessire and his successors, who are to have the use, when resident, of two chambers in the said dwellinghouse, at the lower end of the hall over the buttery and the larder, and stable-room for three geldings; no oaks or great timber to be cut without license, except for repairs.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 59d.]

1581, July 7 and 8.—Letters from Valentine Dale and John Rugge, archdeacon of Wells, signifying their consent (at the request of Dr. Baylye, it being to his benefit) to the confirmation of the above lease by the dean and chapter. Confirmed by the bishop and by the dean and chapter, July 15, 1581.—[Ledger F. ƒo. 59d.]

1581–1582.

1581, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: Philip Bisse and Sampson Newton.—ƒo. 17.

Master of the fabric: Philip Bisse.

Surveyors of houses: William Austin and Sampson Newton.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Thomas Wellstede.

Tabellar: Thomas Wellstede.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1582, April 2.—Ten wagon loads of freestone out of the camery are given to Bartholomew Haggatt.—ƒo. 18d.

1582, June 8.—John Lancaster, B.A., installed in the prebend of Cudworth, pursuant to mandate of William Aubrey, vicar-general of the see of Canterbury.—ƒo. 19.

1582, Aug. 29.—Mr. John Baker, prebendary, absolved from a sentence of excommunication, on the personal petition of his proctor.—ƒo. 19d.

1582, Sept. 5.—A similar case.

1582–1583.

1582, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: Sampson Newton and John Saunders.

Baron of the exchequer: Thomas Baylie.

Master of the fabric: William Jones.

Surveyors of houses: William Austin and William Powell.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Thomas Wellstede.

Tabellar: John Gibson.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1582, Oct. 1.—The chapter give to four men (named) "the benefit of the loane of the several ten pounds that is this year in their disposition." [Similar loans occur most years.]

1582, Oct. 1.—Resolved "that if any of the clerks . . . do abuse themselves in any of the masters' houses, coming thither to their meals with evil reports or by any other sinister means, that then they shall be removed from their office at the discretion of the chapter."

1582, Oct. 1.—Thomas Cooke and Dunstan Everett, present in chapter, [admonished] that from henceforth they observe this decree under the pain aforelimited, and also to give better attendance in the time of divine service.—ƒo. 20.

1582, Oct. 1.—Ninety-two days' leave of absence granted to each of the canons in residence this year.

1582–3, Feb. 20.—It is objected to the "skolemaster of the gramer skoole of Wells that he did carrye with him the children of the grammer skoole and the choristers of the said cathedral churche unto Axebridge, to playe in the parish church theare, the which hee confessed; that thearefore the said skoolemaster the nexte chapter daye shall come into the chapter house before the deane and chapter, viz. primo Aprilis prox., and submitt himself to the chapter in that behalf; and shall farther nomine pene pecuniarie paye unto xxiiij of the poore people of the almshouse 2s., viz. to each of them jd. before the next chapter day, and shall then certify the same."—ƒo. 20d.

1583, May 22.—A general assembly of canons, prebendaries, vicars-choral and other ministers of the church, thenceforth known as the Whitsun Visitation, was held. Some of the canons refusing to attend were pronounced contumacious.—ƒo. 21d.

1583, June 28.—James Bisse, M.A., admitted a canon and installed in the prebend of Warmister otherwise Luxfield, pursuant to letters mandatory of the queen.

1583, July 1.—The chapter cast lots, vulgariter nuncupatis balles, for the apportionment of patronage. [There are many similar entries, and the result is given in each case.]

1583, July 1.—Decreed, "that in respecte that divers of the canons residentiaries . . . are some time of the yeare absente from Wells, by reason whereof the clarkes of the same cathedral church are not satisfied of their meate and drinke in their absence: It is thearfore decreed that they the saide clarkes, shall receave yearelye of the deane and chapter by the hand of their communar . . . lxvjs. viijd. a peece, to be paid at the end of every six weekes, pro portionibus."—ƒo. 22.

1583, July 17.—William Stone installed by proxy in the prebend of Shalford, pursuant to mandate of William Aubrey, LL.D., vicar-general of the see of Canterbury.

1583, July 24.—James Cottington, S.T.P., installed in the office of precentor, pursuant to mandate of the dean and chapter of Canterbury.

1583, Aug.—Thomas Drope installed in the prebend of Barton, pursuant to mandate of the queen.

1583–1584.

1583, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: Philip Bisse and John Saunders.—ƒo. 22d.

Baron of the exchequer: Thomas Baylie.

Master of the fabric: Dr. Jones.

Surveyors of houses: William Austin and John Saunders.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Thomas Wellstede.

Tabellar: Thomas Wellstede.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer and Thomas Everett.

1583, Sept. 30.—James Cottington, S.T.P., admitted a canon residentiary on deposit of 100l. caution money.

A loan of 10l. each to two men for two years.

A sum of 20s. given to the collector of the town of Hastings.

1583, Sept. 30.—James Cottington installed in the prebend of Combe X, pursuant to mandate of the queen. Marginal note by John Dane, chapter clerk, to the effect that "this acte was done and to be entered the 29th day of September, the year above written."—ƒo. 23.

1583, Oct. 3.—Humphrey Hooper and William Taylor admitted perpetual vicars-choral.

Fifty days' leave of absence granted to canons residentiary.

1583, Dec. 1.—William Powell, S.T.B., installed in the prebend of Wormister, pursuant to mandate of John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury.—ƒo. 23d.

1583–4, March 20.—Samuel Jennings admitted a canon and installed in the prebend of Wedmore IV, pursuant to the like mandate.—ƒo. 24.

1584, April 1.—Lease to Alice, John and Mary, son and daughters of Thomas Ploweman alias Lawrence, late of Wells, deceased, for their lives, of a messuage and garden in a street of Wells called "by Eastewalles"; rent 8s.; lessees to do suit of court at Cannon Barne.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 65d.]

1584, April 7.—William Powell installed in the archdeaconry of Bath, pursuant to mandate of the archbishop.—ƒo. 24.

1584, June 6.—John Borne installed in the office of treasurer, pursuant to mandate of the queen and the archbishop of Canterbury.—ƒo. 25.

1584, July 16.—John Borne installed in the prebend of Combe XIII, pursuant to mandate of the archbishop.—ƒo. 26.

1584, July 25.—Elizabeth R. By the queene. Trustie and welbeloved, wee greete you well. And wheareas the bishoppricke of Bath and Welles is at this presente voide by the deathe of the laste incumbente of the same, wee lett you weete that, callinge to our remembrance the vertue, learninge, and other godlye giftes of our trustye and welbeloved Mr. Thomas Godwyn, doctor of divinitie, now deane of our cathedrall and metropoliticall churche of Canterburye, wee have thoughte good by thease our letters to name and recomende him unto you to bee chosen to the saide bishopricke of Bath and Welles. Whearefore wee praye and requier you, forthe-with uppon the receipte heareof, to procede to your eleccion, accordinge to the lawes and our congie deslier sente unto you hearewith; and the same eleccion soe made to certifie unto us under your common seale accordinglye. Given under our signett, at the mannor of Nonesuche, the xxvth daye of Julye, in the sixe and twentithe yeare of our raigne, 1584.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 69d.]

1584, July 26.—Letter from Valentine Dale, urging speed in the election of Dr. Godwyn, "whome her majestie doth speciallie favor."—[Ledger F, ƒo. 69d.]

1584, July 27.—License from the queen for the election of a bishop. By writ of privy seal.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 69.]

1584, Aug. 5.—Royal license to proceed to the election of a bishop received, and published accordingly.—fo. 26.

1584, Aug. 10.—Thomas Godwin unanimously elected bishop of Bath and Wells, pursuant to the congé d'élire.

1584–1585.

1584, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: Philip Bisse and John Saunders.

Baron of the exchequer: William Austin.

Master of the fabric: James Cottington.

Surveyors of houses: William Austin and Sampson Newton.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Thomas Wellstede.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1584–5, Jan. 2.—Ordered that "one brace of fatt bucks of this next season to be dilivered and divided to and amongst those canons resident which are now present in chapter, viz. Mr. Bisse, Mr. Austin, Mr. Jones, Mr. Newton and Mr. Saunders."—ƒo. 28d.

1584–5, Jan. 16.—Granted to Dr. Bysse, Dr. Cottyngton and Mr. Powell, so many days of grace, sine fructu, as the parliament shall continue this next sessions, and six days more in coming and going.—ƒo. 29.

1584–5, Jan. 20.—Grant by Thomas [Godwyn], bishop of Bath and Wells, to Richard Sleythurste, M.D., for life, for his good and faithful counsel heretofore done and hereafter to be done, of an annuity of 4 marks, issuing out of the manor of Wells, with power of distress.

Confirmed by the dean and chapter, July 1.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 84.]

1585, March 29.—Francis Godwin, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 29d.

1585, March 31.—James Bisse, M.A., installed in the office of sub-dean of the cathedral, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1585, June 2.—James Bisse, sub-dean, admitted a canon residentiary, on deposit of 100 marks caution money.—ƒo. 30.

1585, June 13.—John Wolley to the dean and chapter. After my verye hartie commendacions. Her majestie hath beene of late enformed that my lorde bysshoppe of that see hath made a lease to his sonne of the mannor of Wivelscombe or some good parte thereof, for which he had beene before written unto by her majestie in the behalf of Sir Walter Rawley, a gentleman of principall accompte and service aboute her; which dealinge, as her highnes hathe good cause to mislike withall, for as muche as the bysshoppe by his letters protested he coulde not with good conscience lease the same, without allmoste the ruine of the same see, soe hath her majestie expresselye commaunded me to signifie her good likinge of your denialls to confirme the same by your chapiter seale unto him, requiringe you not onlie to persiste in the same deniall (yf happelye he urge you further to the confirmacion thereof), but allso to refraine from the confirminge of any other lease to be made by the bysshoppe for his benefitt, till her pleasure be farther knowen and her highnes' signified unto you to doe the same. Which her majestie's good pleasure she willed me, from her owne mouthe, by these letters to make knowen unto you. And soe I bid you hartelie farewell. From the courte at Greenewiche.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 74d.]

1585, July 1.—Lease to George Upton of Wells, esq., for three lives, of the rectory called Cannon Barne (see below, p. 309); rent 40l.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 73.]

1585, July 1.—Lease to George Upton, for 40 years, of the tower commonly called Browne's Gate, in Sadlers Street; rent 2s.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 73d.]

1585, July 1.—Lease to Edmond Bower of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of two tenements under one roof in Sadlers Street, having on the north end of the said houses or tenements a tower commonly called Browne's Gate. Lessee to do suit of court twice a year at Cannon Barne.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 74d.]

1585–1586.

1585, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: William Jones and Sampson Newton.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: James Cottington.

Surveyors of houses: John Saunders and William Austin.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Hooper.

Tabellar: John Sparke.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1585, Oct. 1.—Eighty days' leave of absence granted to all canons in residence.—ƒo. 32.

1585, Oct. 6.—Robert Marwood admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1585, Oct. 28.—Note of a controversy between the dean [Valentine Dale] and the chapter, pending which the dean's allowances are stayed. Ordered that henceforth no allowances shall be given to the dean otherwise than as he shall keep his residence.

1585, Nov. 4.—Lease by Thomas [Godwyn], bishop of Bath and Wells, to Queen Elizabeth, for 99 years, of the manor of Wivellscombe alias Willscombe; rent 80l.

Confirmed by the chapter, July 1.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 86d.]

1585–6, Feb. 4.—Francis Alforde installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe IX, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 33.

1586, April 1.—Thomas Everett, the sacrist, is removed from office for negligence, in that he had left the keys of the treasury for several days in the clock-house, a place of common resort, so the treasury had been robbed of the chapter seal, plate and money.—ƒo. 33d.

1586, May 25.—Ordered that no more stones be given or sold out of the camery, and that they be used only for repairs to the cathedral and the canonical houses.—ƒo. 34.

1586, June —.—Deed poll of the dean and chapter, reciting that their common or capitular seal had lately been stolen from the church, whereby their necessary business concerning the chapter and the church could not be proceeded with; in order that a new common seal might be made and authorised, James Bysse, sub-dean (decano absente), and the chapter, have appointed Dr. James Cottingeton, their proctor and agent, to confer and act with Dr. Valentine Dale, the dean, as to making a new common or chapter seal, and generally in the matter. Sealed with the sigillum ad causas.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 83.]

1586, July 1.—The chapter approve of a new common seal, which is thus described: Sigillum argenteum forma inter rotundum et oblongum, impressione imaginis cum cruce transversa, his caracteribus viz: Sigillum Decani et Capituli Ecclesiœ Cathedralis Wellensis Anno Domini 1586.—ƒo. 34d.

Thomas Saunders elected steward.—ƒo. 35.

1586, July 1.—Lease to George Upton of Wells, esq., for 3 lives, of all that the rectory and parsonage of Wells, called Canon Barne, with a barton to the same belonging of both sides of the grange, and all tithes of grain, hay and mills; except and reserved all perquisites of court, fines, heriots, reliefs, escheats, marriages, etc., prison and poundfold, and the advowson of the vicarage of St. Cuthbert's, and "the usuall and accustomed place for the officers and ministers of the saide deane and chapter to kepe courte as often as neede shall requier." Rent 40l. Lessee to repair all buildings, including the barn called Canon Barne.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 83.]

1586–1587.

1586, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—

Auditors: James Bisse and John Saunders.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: William Powell.

Surveyors of houses: William Jones and Sampson Newton.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Thomas Wellstede.

Tabellar: John Sparke.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1586, Oct. 1.—Philip Bisse, James Cottington and William Powell are appointed proctors for the chapter at the next convocation.—ƒo. 35d.

Timothy Greene, John Clarke and Thomas Boyce admitted perpetual vicars-choral of the New Close.

1586, Oct. 29.—John Castell appointed sacrist.

1586, Nov. 22.—Abraham Conham installed in the prebend of Illton, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 37.

1586–7, Jan. 2.—Robert Godwin installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1586–7, March 1.—It is objected against William Gale that, in spite of the order "that he shoulde from henceforth better behave himself in his demeanour in amendmente of his lose and lycentiouse life, nihilominus prefatus Gale did openlie, in disguised order, in the companie of others, goe in a maske, with a visarde uppon his face, into the parishe of Pilton, and from thence to Croscombe, to the evil example of others servinge in the same church." He confessed that it was true. It was ordered "that hee shoulde goe presentlie in the Canon Barne, and there continewe in fastinge and prayer untill he weare by the deane and chapter againe remitted; and then, viz: primo die Aprilis prox., hee shall come into the chapter house, and openlie uppon his knees confesse his faulte before the chapter, and aske them forgivenes; and soe the next Sundaie then followinge, openlie in the quier make his repayer to everye of the masters severallie, and crave forgivenes at their hands; and after he shall goe to everie of the vicars-chorall and clarkes of the same cathedral church in the quier at service time, and will them all to take exsample by him."—ƒo. 40.

1587, April 1.—Because Mr. Paul Methuen, prebendary of Combe XI, hath, as much as in him lieth, defrauded the cathedral church and choristers of their revenues, all capitular acts hitherto made in his favour are revoked.

Mr. Francis Godwin, prebendary of St. Decuman, is admitted a canon residentiary, having produced a dispensation from the bishop from the order made limiting the number of such canons.

1587, April 3.—St. Cuthbert's vicarage, Wells, is sequestrated for arrears of the pension due to the dean and chapter.

Ordered "that every of the canons residentiary shall once every year minister the communion in their own persons within the cathedral church, and that the monethlie communions shalbe alwaies ministered by a chanon residente, if anie one bee present within the towne at that time; and that hee whiche shall soe minister shall likewise execute the whole service for that fore none. And this is to bee done sub pena per capitulum infligenda. And the hebdomadarius for that weeke shall assiste the chanon in his ministratione."—ƒo. 41.

1587, April 14.—William Wickham, M.A., installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe VII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 41d.

1587, May 3.—Dr. Powell is directed "to take order for the placing and settling of the great bell in such manner form and in such place as to him shalbee thoughte conveniente. . . . The fragments of mettall remaining of the bell to be sold . . . towards the use and repairing of the church."—ƒo. 42.

1587, May 13.—Dr. Powell, master of the fabric, shall procure to be repaired and made ready the great chest remaining in the treasure-house, bound with iron, and the casket within the same, with sufficient locks and keys, for the placing and keeping therein of the chapter seal.—ƒo. 41d.

1587, July 1.—It is decreed "that in respect that the choristers shall from henceforth remayne at home the usuall festivall dayes, [they] shall have allowed them quarterlie xxs., to be paid by the communar."—ƒo. 42d.

1587, Sept. 23.—The decree touching the payment of the dean's quotidians, on ƒo. 32, [ante, p. 309], is annulled.—ƒo. 43.

1587, Sept. 28.—Lease from Thomas [Godwyn], the bishop, to Thomas Godwyn and Thomas Purefey of Wells, gent., for 21 years, of the manor house, site of the manor, and manor of Bucklande alias Bockeland, etc.; rent 48l.

Confirmed by the chapter, Oct. 2.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 95d.]

1587–1588.

1587, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—ƒo. 43.

Auditors: James Cottington and William Powell.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: William Powell.

Surveyors of houses: John Bourne and James Bisse.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Gibson.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1587, Oct. 2.—Francis Godwin, prebendary of St. Decuman's, admitted a canon residentiary, pursuant to mandate of the bishop, upon deposit of the usual caution money. Leave of absence for 92 days was granted to each of the canons in residence.—ƒo. 43d.

1587, Dec. 30.—Lease from Thomas [Godwyn], the bishop, to Thomas Godwyn, and Thomas Purefey of Banwell, gentlemen, for 21 years, of the parsonage or rectory of Corston, with the mansion place and all houses, lands, tithes, etc., thereto belonging; rent 40s. Also 4 grist mills in Wells, commonly called the Town Mills or "the In Milles and out Milles;" rent 24l. Also 19 acres of meadow within the manor of Banwell in a place called Whaye weeke, and 4 acres in Westgarston in Banwell; rent 35s.

Confirmed by the chapter, January 2, 1587–8.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 96d.]

1587–8, Feb. 16.—An agreement between Dr. Powell and the bell-founder, Joseph Carter of Reding, touching the new casting of the great bell "Horwell," is confirmed.—ƒo. 46.

1588, May 31.—Edward Tyns admitted a canon, and installed in the prebend of Combe XV, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 47.

1588, July 1.—James Cottington appointed steward.—ƒo. 48.

Accounts of William Powell, S.T.P., keeper of the fabric, 1587–88.

Receipts: 6s. 8d. for the burial of Dr. Hewes.

Payments: 4s. for the wages of the "doggdriver."

Accounts of Bartholomew Haggatt, the communar, 1587–88.

Payments: 10l. to Thomas Marist, the schoolmaster; 40s. to John Clerke, the keeper of the organs; 20l. to Matthew Jefferies, master of the choristers.

1588–1589.

1588, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—ƒo. 48.

Auditors: James Bisse and William Powell.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: John Bourne.

Surveyors of houses: [John] Saunders and Francis Godwin.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Wellstede.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1588, Oct. 1.—Edmund Wattes admitted a canon residentiary, having deposited his caution money on April 1.—ƒo. 49.

1588, Oct. 19.—Thomas Jones, M.A., installed in the prebend of Bucklandinham, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 49d.

1588, Oct. 24.—Dr. Valentine Dale to the chapter. After my hartie commendacions. Uppon the apparance of Mr. Wattes before my L. grace, I was contented to give my consent that the saide Mr. Wattes should bee admitted residensarie of new from this tyme, without anie prejudice of such quotidians as are growen unto him due since his former admission; whereof att his request I thought good to advertice you, not mindinge therebie to allowe of his former admission without my consent. And thus I committ you to Allmightie God. Att London.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 107d.]

1588–9, Jan. 2.—John Hulett, vicar-choral, sought permission to reside at court, pursuant to an appointment made by the council of the queen. The chapter offer him an additional stipend of 40s. a year to remain in residence at Wells; but if he determines to attend on her majesty's service at court, they will continue to pay him his present stipend, if he will give the residue of his time to the church of Wells.—ƒo. 50d.

1588–9, Jan. 3.—John Saunders, convicted of converting fines and heriots belonging to the chapter to his own use, was ordered to pay the amount thereof to the communar and 20s. to John Castell before Jan. 14, in the meantime forfeiting all his allowances; if he shall make default, he is to forfeit all his allowances until Oct. 1.—ƒo. 51.

Resolved, that if any canon resident do from henceforth take up any fine or fines, rent or rents, due to the dean and chapter, and payable to them or to their communar, that then every such canon or canons so offending shall lose his whole dividend for that year in which he so offendeth.

1588–9, Jan. 6.—Thomas Wellsteede, vicar-choral, convicted of solemnizing a clandestine marriage in the house of Elizabeth Bayley in the city of Wells contrary to the constitutions and canons of the realm, was suspended.

1588–9, Jan. 24.—Lease from Thomas [Godwyn], the bishop, to Francis Godwyn, canon resident, for 21 years, of a piece of ground, parcel of a certain close commonly called the Cambray, 50 yards long from the west side of the garden of William Jones, D.C.L., and 20 yards broad from the south side of the garden of the canonical and now dwelling-house of the said Francis Godwyn; rent, 2s.

Confirmed by the dean and chapter.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 121.]

1588–9, March 15.—The queen to the dean and chapter.

Elizabeth. By the quene.

Trustie and welbeloved, wee greete you well. Whereas John Pitcher, sometyme a quyrester of your churche of Wells, was from thence brought hither to serve us in the rome of a childe of our chaple, in which place he hath remayned nighe this sixe yeares, diligent in service and to our goode likinge, till nowe, that his voice begynneth to chaunge, hee is become not soe fitte for our service. And hearwithe understandinge that there is a singinge man's rome voide in the saide church, wee have thought itt meete to recommend hym unto you, to bee placed in the same, with our expresse commaundement that accordinge to the orders of your house yee doe admitte and place hym, the saide John Pitcher, into the rome of a singinge man in the saide churche, with all manner of howses, lodginges, romes, payes, duties and commodities whatsoever, to the rome of a singeinge man there appertayninge and belonginge to bee had and perceived by hym during his life, in as large and ample manner as any other singinge man there now hathe and enjoyeth for and in respect of his rome. And these our letters shalbee your sufficient warraunt and discharge in this beehalf. Given under out signett. Att our Palace of Westminster.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 113d.]

1588–9, March 18.—Dr. Dale to the "Prebendaries resident." After my harty commendacions. Her majestie dothe not take itt well that a boye which have benne brought uppe in our church, and one that have served in her chapple, should not bee receaved uppon my letter which I wrote unto you. Discretion would bee used in such cases, and I would bee glade to make the best of all thinges; wee must bee advised in such cases. Yf I had written to any other church in the realme in the licke case, her majestie should not have had made to have written her selfe in soe smalle a matter. And thus I bid you hartely farwell. Att the courte.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 113d.]

1589, May 21.—A visitation was held by the chapter.—ƒo. 52.

1589, Sept. 3.—Humphrey Bayley admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 53.

1589, Sept. 20.—William Marston, LL.B., installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe I, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 54.

Accounts of John Bourne, keeper of the fabric, 1588–89.

Receipts: 6s. 8d. for the burial of Dr. Jones and 20s. his legacy.

1589–1590.

1589, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—ƒo. 54.

Auditors: James Bisse and William Powell.

Baron of the exchequer: Philip Bisse.

Master of the fabric: John Bourne.

Surveyors of houses: Francis Godwin and Edmund Watts.

Communar: Bartholomew Haggatt.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Thomas Goold.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1589, Oct. 1.—John Langworth, prebendary of Brent and Huishe, and archdeacon of Wells, admitted a canon residentiary.—ƒo. 54d.

1589, Oct. 10.—Ninety-two days' leave of absence granted to each canon in residence.—ƒo. 55d.

1589, Oct. 24.—John Shepperd admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.

1589, Dec. 10.—Decreed, that if Mr. Saunders, now residentiary of the church, do not satisfy and make real payment of all such sums of money as have been by him received or [he] shall be charged withal upon the determination of the account for this year past, unto the communar of the church, at or before the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle next coming, that then he thenceforth shall receive no farther commodity of the church nor have any days allowed.

Amount owing by Saunders, 63l. 15s.

1589, Dec. 20.—Francis Godwin installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 56d.

Roger Goade, S.T.D., installed by proxy in the prebend of St. Decuman's, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1589, Dec. 23.—Thomas Manton, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore II, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 57.

1589–90, Jan. 2.—Thomas Maunton admitted a canon residentiary.—ƒo. 57d.

1589–90, Jan. 17.—Letters patent appointing John Herbertt, master of requests [nobis a supplicibus libellis magistrum] and late preacher [oratorem] to our most dear kinsmen, Frederic II, King of Denmark, and Stephen I, King of Poland, to the deanery of Wells.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 114d.]

1589–90, Jan. 29.—John Herbert installed by proxy as dean of the cathedral.—ƒo. 58.

1589–90, Feb. 20.—Matthew Sutcliffe, LL.D., installed in the prebend of Bucklandinham, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 58d.

1590, March 26.—Dean John Herbett [sic] to the chapter.

My worshipfull frindes and fellowes. According to the instructions lefte withe mee by Mr. Doctor Bisse and Mr. Doctor Powell, I have moved her majestie to give her royall assente to incorporate our churche by one certaine name, and soe to endowe the same with the present revenues and to enjoye all suche immunities as presentlie wee doe. Her majestie in her princelye wisdome, as neyther unwillinge to graunte to our request, as a thinge in her justice she thought most just, nor yett willing wittinglie to give anye assente to that [which] might prejudice her royall crowne and seate, most politicquely referred the further consideracion what was to bee doune therein to the lord highe treasorer, as a man who, by vertue of his office, would carefullye foresee that nothing should passe under the veale [sic, ? veil] of equitye to the derogation of her princelie regality. Thereuppon I repayred to his lordship, who, after divers speaches, most honerablie endorsed the peticion in this manner—"To be considered by Mr. Atturney and Sollecitour Generale, how the colledge may bee remedeed for such imperfeccions as doe not carrie away any lands whereto her majestie hath manifest title." Soe as nowe I thinke itt very convenient that by common consente yee should appointe some two or three, with full instructions to joyne withe me from tyme to tyme untill the plott may be perfited. The fundacion ys well layde, and yf itt bee followed, itt will worke present securitie to our selves, and wee shall leave to our posteritye a perpetuall memorye that wee lived not to our selves alone, but had a speciall care of them that should followe us.

I ame sorie I coulde not have most oportunitye att this tyme to repaire to you as I determined. My fellow, Mr. Awbrey, hath obtayned leave to goe to Glocestresheare, to settle his things, and bothe may not be awaye. Butt, bee where I ame, I will assente to further anie good action you shall take in hande. The good acceptacioun you have made of my last request, touching my residence, th'enjoying of my porcion of dividenttes and quotidans for this yeare, thereby not to prejudice your usuall kinde of acceptance, I doe very well like, and thinke myself behoulding to you for the same, and must approve your wise and circumspect dealing therein, and esteme of you as carefull men and frindlie to pleasure me. And yett, to prevent any inconvenience that might ensue thereof, and to th'end your frindlie acceptacion might take full effectt, I have sent John Jones, the bearer heareof, to deliver unto you the hundred poundes due for my caucion, according to the usuall manner. I praye you accept thereof as frindlie as I have willinglie sent ytt. As occasion shall serve, I praye you lett me heare from you. And soe I wishe to you as to my self. From Courte.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 119.]

1590, April 1.—The new dean's caution money, 100l., received. Resolved that the dean be admitted to residence, to begin on Oct. 1 next.—ƒo. 59d.

Grant by the bishop to the queen confirmed by the chapter, provided the queen pay double the customary fee for the chapter seal, to wit 5l. 6s. 8d.

Resolved, that Mr. John Rodney of Pilton, esq., shall enter into bond of 100l. to the bishop and his successors, with condition that the assign or assigns of the lease granted unto the queen and confirmed by the dean and chapter, shall not, under pretence of reparations of any houses or palace or what necessary reparations soever within the park or grounds in Westbury, cut down any timber trees but such as shall be allowed by the bishop or his officers.—ƒo. 60.

Resolved, that certain seats shall be made in some convenient place in the choir for the canon residentiaries' wives, and proper to them and to none others.

1590, June 26.—Thomas Walsall, B.A., installed by proxy in the prebend of Combe III, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 61.

1590, June 27.—Certain of the vicars-choral protest that they do not join in the attempt of others of their body to separate themselves from the body of the dean and chapter, and form themselves into a "perticular bodie, contrarie to their severall othes at their admission."—ƒo. 61d.

1590, July 1.—James Cottington installed in the prebend of Compton Dondon, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 62.

1590, Aug. 1.—Lease by William Whitlocke, M.A., prebendary of the prebend of Dultingcott alias Dulcott, otherwise called Tingherst or Fyngest, to Michael Farrar alias Turnor of Great Marlow, co. Bucks, yeoman, for 21 years, of the manor of Tingeherst alias Fingest, co. Bucks, except the advowson of the rectory and all timber trees containing above 16 inches square; rent 20l. and 26s. 8d. to the master of the fabric.

Confirmed by the bishop and the dean and chapter.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 119d.]

1590, Sept. 6.—William Gilbert, M.A., installed by proxy in the prebend of Wedmore IV, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 63.

1590, Sept. 27.—Appointment by the bishop of Thomas Purifie (Purefey or Purifey), gent., to the office of bishop's bailiff, to hold to him, his executors and assigns, for three lives.

Confirmed by the dean and chapter, Oct. 23.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 122d.]

1590, Sept. 27.—Appointment by the bishop of Gilbert Bourne, LL.D., to the office of vicar general in spiritualibus, to hold by himself, his deputy or surrogate, for life, with the accustomed wages and profits.

Confirmed by the dean and chapter, Oct. 23.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 123d.]

1590, Sept. 28.—Paul Methwyn installed in the prebend of Combe X, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.—ƒo. 63d.

Anthony Methwyn installed in the prebend of Combe XI, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

Accounts of John Bourne, keeper of the fabric, 1589–90.

Receipts: 6s. 8d. for the burial of Dr. Daye.

1590–1591.

1590, Sept. 30.—Election of officers :—ƒo. 63d.

Auditors: John Bourne and James Bisse.

Baron of the exchequer: William Powell.

Master of the fabric: James Bisse.

Surveyors of houses: [John] Saunders and Edmund Watts.

Communar: Philip Bisse.

Escheator: Hugh Pounde.

Tabellar: Humphrey Bayley.

Bailiff and cursor: Thomas Sayer.

1590, Oct. 1.—Nicholas Clune admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.—ƒo. 64d.

John Harbert, the dean, admitted a canon residentiary.

1590, Oct. 2.—Thomas Manton, prebendary of Wedmore II, admitted a canon residentiary.

1590, Oct. 5.—Dean Herbert to the chapter.

My good frindes and bretheren, I am glad to understande of the good discretion you used in stayinge of grauntes and leases att this your last chapter daye, thoughe for my owne parte I was persuaded that you would suffer nothinge to passe contrarie to the institucion of the churche, to generall prejudice of yourselves and successors. Yett to prevent the suspition that ys generallie conceaved of all churchmen, and to satisfie the present clamor that was made to her majestie, perticularlie the determinacion of this late chapter, I imparted unto you frindely myne advise. And what as then I thoughte most fitt to bee performed by you, I doe understande, by your letters and by the acttes of that last chapter daye, what due care and consideracion eache of you had thereof. Since Mr. Do. Boorne's repair hither with your letters and the coppie of the acttes, I imparted the contenttes of all to my lo. grace of Canterbury [Whitgift], to my lo. treasorer [Sir John Fortescue], and to Mr. vicechamberlayne [Hatton]. All they commended the due respecte you had of her majestie's pleasure, signified by me, and have willed me to keepe due correspondence with you, promisinge to bee ayding and assistinge to us in all due courses to the benifitt of our churche. Unyon amonge our selves maketh God and the world to favor our causes. Lett us soe continue.

I did acquaint their honors in like manner of the staye that was particularlie made of the confirmacion of the chauncellorshipp, thoughe the same was recommended by my lo. grace, by my lo. treasorer, and by the lo. cheife baron; soe did the staye of the confirmacion of the bayleyweek of Wells to Mr. Thomas Purefie, and of the receavorshipp to William Bowreman and to Thomas Godwyn, thoughe the same weare graunted before for as manie lives. Whereuppon, their honors, judgeing ytt to harde a course to inhibite the confirmacion of such usuall graunttes, permitted me to give my assente to suche as I would bee answerable to be agreable to the institucion of our churche, streightlie chargeing me not, for anie man's letters, to infringe the same; for that yett was her majestie's pleasure, that I should have an especiall care to mayntaine the state of the churche whole and entire. Whereuppon, my lo. grace especiallie recomendinge Mr. Boorne, I promised to confirme his pattent, and soe the other two pattentes he surrendred to bee assigned over to others att my lo. busshopp's disposicion and youres. Thus much I thought good to give you notice of, to th'ende Mr. Archedeacon of Taunton and Mr. Doctor Cottyngton, according to my former power given to them, may enacte and enrigester my consent thereto.

And soe, redie to assist you in all I may, I commend your dealinges and myne to the direccion of th'allmightie. In hast. Winsore.—[Ledger F, ƒo. 126.]

1590, Oct. 23.—Articles agreed upon and to be performed by Thomas Purefey, gent., in consideration of which the dean and chapter have consented to confirm a patent of "the bayleyweek of the bishoprike" to him. The office is not to be assigned "to any burgiesse or burgeisses of the cyttie, burrowe or towne of Wells, nor to any other to or for the use of the saide cyttie, burrowe or towne." Purefey and his assigns shall from time to time take a corporal oath to uphold the liberties and privileges of the bishop, and shall enter into a bond for 100l. to the dean and chapter that he will observe these articles.

Bond for 100l., same date.—[Ledger F, fos. 125d, 126.]

1590, Dec. 7.—James Bisse, sub-dean, appointed collector of the subsidy to the queen's use, pending the vacancy of the see of Bath and Wells.—ƒo. 66.

1590, Dec. 20.—Dr. Bisse to depart towards London for the expedition of the chapter's business, there to remain until the beginning of the term; if nothing can be done before that time, then to return, unless letters come from the said Dr. Bisse that further great matter shall be effected for us in the term, in which case he shall remain as long as necessary business shall require.

[Folios 67 to 71, from Dec. 20, 1590, to Aug. 20, 1591, have been cut out.]

1591, Sept. 2.—In answer to letters from [John Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, the chapter state that,

1. Three parts of the parsonage of Crewkerne are appropriated to the dean and chapter of Winchester, and that they therefore ought to pay any benevolence.

2. That there are no executors or administrators of the will or goods of the late Thomas [Godwyn], bishop of Bath and Wells.

3. That no commission to collect a benevolence has been directed to the chapter of Wells.—ƒo. 72.

Communar's accounts, 1590–91.

Payments: 10l. to Thomas Merist, schoolmaster; 2l. to John Clark, organist, and 26s. 8d. ex gratia.

Accounts of James Bisse, keeper of the fabric, 1590–91.

Receipts: 20d. for 20lbs. of lead; 15s. 6d. for 170lbs. of iron; 6s. 8d. for the burial of John Dane, and 6s. 8d. for John Tayler, vicar; legacies, 10s. each from William Nurton and William Bowerman.