Charters: Nos. 801-922 (1584-1812)

Nos. 801–922 (1584–1812)

801. 1584.—Bond by John Attwell of Wells, Somerset, yeoman, to John Gibson and Thomas Welsted, clerks, principals of the vicars-choral, in 5l., to keep clear the entry or passage leading to the well in the stables of the above principals, etc. Dated, 17 Oct., 1584, 26 Eliz.

Signature of Attwell.

Round seal; an oak branch with three acorns.

802. 1584.—Lease by John Gybson and Thomas Welsted, principals, and the Fellowship of the New Close, to William Clarke of Wells, esq., William Slocombe, and John Slocombe, for their lives, of a house in Chamberlain st., Wells; rent 10s. Dated, 6 Nov., 1584, 26 Eliz.

803. 1585.—Assignment by Thomas Gould, vicar-choral, to John Tabor of Estwalls, in the parish of St. Cuthbert, of the lease of an orchard in La Mountrey Lane, within the barton of the stables of the vicars of the cathedral church, adjoining to the common garden of the vicars on the north side. Dated, 9 Aug., 27 Eliz., 1585.

(Signed) Thomas Goolde.

804. 1588.—Copy of court roll of the manor of Newton Placie, whereby Joseph Dunston is admitted to the tenement lately held by his father, William Dunston, in North Petherton. Dated, 30 April, 30 Eliz.

805. [1589–90.]—The first membrance only of an inspeximus by Queen Elizabeth of various charters granted, or similarly inspected, by her predecessors. Among them are recited at length:—

• (1) Grant by King John to the churches of St. Andrew, Wells, and St. Peter, Bath, and to Josceline, bishop of Bath and Wells, etc., confirming possessions and privileges. Dated Gaydunton, 3 March, 8th year, [1206–7].
• (2) Grant by Richard [I] to Reynold [FitzJoceline], bishop of Bath, to hunt with dogs throughout Somerset. Dated, Canterbury, 26 Nov., 1st year, [1189].
• (3) Grant by Henry [III] to Josceline, bishop of Bath, of the manors of Winescombe, Pukeleschurche, Blackeford, and Crammere, etc. Dated, Westminster, 22 Jan., 11th year, [1226–7].

And many others.

According to the endorsement this document was dated in the 32nd year of the Queen, 1589–90.

806. 1589.—Concluding membrane of a royal document, dated Westminster, 12 June, 31 [Eliz.].

807. 1589.—Copy of an indenture of lease by Thomas Welstede and Humphrey Bailie, clerks, principals of the New Close, Wells, and the Fellowship of the same, to William Clothier of Croscome, Somerset, weaver, Dorothy his wife, and Judith their daughter, for their lives, of a tenement in Croscombe; with power of attorney to Richard Collens and Roger Putwell to deliver seisin. Dated, 22 Nov., 1589. English.

808. 1590.—Grant by Thomas [Godwin], bishop of Bath and Wells, to John Lund, gent., his servant, and his assigns, of the office of keeper of the palace at Wells, and the custody of the same, and of the episcopal prison within the same, commonly called the "Cowhouse," and of the clerks and others now and hereafter being in the same, and of the bailiwick of the stock within the house or manor of Wells, commonly called "the office of storebayliffe," also the office of woodward; to hold for the lives of the above John Lund, Edward son of John Knowyle, esq., and Edward son of John Parham, esq., at a salary of 16l. 13s. 4d., with apartments and perquisites. Dated, 1 March, 32 Eliz.

Confirmation by the dean and chapter, dated Chapterhouse, Wells, 1 April, 1590, 32 Eliz.

Seals.

• (1) Broken seal; . a religious device, with inscribed label; . a small round seal with a shield of arms; two lions passant, on a canton, a roundle.
• (2) Broken seal of the dean and chapter; on the . a small round seal; a stag's head, couped, on the neck a cinquefoil.

809. 1591.—Transcript, with English translation, of the charter of Queen Elizabeth, reciting and confirming to the college of vicars-choral of Wells Cathedral the former grants made from time to time of property, viz. rectories, tithes, manors, messuages, and lands, which form their revenue and support. Dated, Westminster, 25 Nov., 34 Eliz.

A book of 62 pages, bound up in a wrapper of parchment, being letters patent of Queen Mary confirming a grant by King Edward VI of an annual pension of 4l. 13s. 4d. to the mayor and burgesses of Wells, for distribution of alms to certain poor men of Wells. Dated, 2 Mary [1555].

The heading is a fine specimen of pen-work.

810. 1592.—Assignment by Thomas Zayer of Wells, yeoman, of a lease, dated 1 Oct., 18 Eliz., of a tenement in the New Works, and a garden in New Works gardens (granted to him by the dean and chapter of Wells, for 40 years at 26s. 8d. rent) to John Grenestret of Wells, gent., for 14l. Dated, 6 June, 34 Eliz., 1592. English.

Oval seal; a bust in profile to the sinister.

811. 1592.—Lease by the dean and chapter of Wells to Mary wife of Henry Wells, John son of Richard Anstey, and James Wells, son of the above Henry and Mary, of a tenement in the New Works and a garden in New Works gardens, for their lives; rent 26s. 8d. With a clause that the lessees shall not "make any stable, neyther keepe any beaste, that is to saye, horse, mare, gellding, rother beast, or any other uncleane beaste," &c.; lessees to do suit once a year at the law day holden at Cannon Barn. Dated, 1 July, 34 Eliz.

Round seal; a griffin passant.

812. 1594.—Lease by John Still, bishop of Bath and Wells, to Robert Smith of Westbury, Somerset, husbandman, for the lives of Agnes Smith wife of the said Robert, William Smith, his son, and Thomas Colliar, his son-in-law, of lands at Westbury; rent 7s. 6d. Dated, 5 April, 36 Eliz.

813. 1599.—Bond by the principals, seniors and vicars-choral of Wells Cathedral, to John Hewlett of Wells, gent., in 20l., for due payment of 10l. Dated, 4 June, 41 Eliz.

814. 1601.—Manor of Newton Plecy. Copy of court roll, the admission to lands in Catton, situate near Hellehole, and elsewhere, of Margaret Watts, widow of Peter Watts, which he demised to her in his will, herein quoted. Dated, SS. Simon and Jude, 43 Eliz.

Indorsed Newton.

815. 1603.—Extract from court roll of the principals, seniors and vicars-choral of Wells, at Fennes and Lyerthern, whereby William Jorden junior is admitted to the reversion of lands in Fennes, to hold for three lives. Dated, 5 May, 1 James I.

816. 1605.—Appointment by the dean and chapter of Wells of Robert [Cecil], earl of Salisbury, principal secretary of the king, and master of the Court of Wards and Liveries, and William Cecill, Lord Cecill, baron of Essingden and Viscount Crambowrne, his son and heir apparent, to be chief stewards for life, at a yearly salary of 4l., with power of distress on the manor of Northcurrie. Dated, Chapterhouse, 4 Oct., 3 James I.

817. 1607.—Lease by the principals, seniors and vicarschoral in the quier of the cathedral church of Wells, to Thomas Dickes, Elinor his wife, and Alice their daughter, of Estwells in the parish of St. Cuthbert, for their lives, of a tenement in Estwells; rent 9s.; fine paid 40s.; lessees to do suit at the vicars' courts in Dulcott and Wells. Dated, 10 Aug., 5 James I, 1607. English.

818. 1608.—Lease by the dean and chapter of Wells to William Bowre of Wells, gent., for 40 years, of two tenements in Sadler st., under one roof, having at the north end thereof a tower called Browne's Gate, and one in New st.; rent 33s. 4d. Dated, . . Oct., 6 James I, 1608.

Oval seal; a shield of arms; 3 lions' faces [?]; W.B. above the shield.

819. 1611.—Bond by Dorothy Jennyngs, widow of John Jenyngs, knt., and Thomas Bulbeck of Le Stronde, Middlesex, esq., to the dean and chapter of Wells, in 100 marks, to perform the covenants in a pair of indentures, dated 10 April, 2 Edw. VI, between the dean and chapter and John Iryshe of Yatton, being a lease of the rectory of Congresbury for 80 years. Dated, 27 April, 9 James I.

820. 1614.—Lease by the dean and chapter of Wells to Daniel Tuthill of Wells, mercer, Thamasen his wife, and Elizabeth Tuthill his natural daughter, for their lives, of a tenement in Chamberlyne st.; rent 10s. Dated, 1 April, 12 James I.

821. 1617–8.—Lease by the dean and chapter of Wells to Thomas Maycock of Wells, M.A., of 1 ½ ac. of meadow and pasture in Stowborowghfield, for the lives of Mary wife of Gerard Woodd, D.D., Roger and James Woodd, sons of the above Gerard and Mary; rent 6s. 8d. Dated, 3 Jan., 15 James I.

Oval seal; arms; quarterly, 1st and 4th, semy of crosslets fitchy, 3 demi-savages, with clubs over the right shoulder, a canton of France, with a difference 2nd, a pelican in her piety. 3rd, on a fess 3 crosses paty.

822. 1621.—Lease by the dean and chapter to Henry Knight of Wells, innholder, for 3 lives, of lands in the manor of Bicknaller; rent 6s. 8d. Dated, 2 July, 19 James I.

823. 1622–3.—Bond by Henry Attkins of Eastwells and Thomas Attwell of Winscomb to the principals, seniors and vicars-choral of Wells, in 30l., to observe the covenants in an indenture of even date. Dated, 10 Jan., 20 James I.

824. 1633.—Fine between the dean and chapter of Wells, plts., and Francis Dodington, knt., and Alice his wife, def., of a messuage and lands in Stogumber and Bicknaller, and of the rectory of Stogumber; to hold to the dean and chapter for Alice's life. Michaelmas term, 9 Charles I.

825. 1634.—Bond by Thomas Gerarde of Trent, Somerset, esq., John Boys of Sock, esq., and William Saffine of Bicknaller, gent., to the dean and chapter of Wells in 500l.; relates to the presentation by the dean and chapter to the vicarage of Stogumer. Dated, 1 April, 10 Charles I, 1634.

Three seals.

• (1) Uncertain.
• (2) Arms [? 3 peacocks in their pride].
• (3) Initials W.S.

826. 1660.—Lease by the principals, seniors and vicars-choral of Wells Cathedral, to Elizabeth, Mary and Richard, children of Joseph Hill of Wells, clothier, for their lives, of a tenement in High st., Wells; rent 13s. 4d.; fine 28l. Dated, 29 Sept., 12 Charles II.

827. 1660–1.—Release by Katherine Slatford of Oxford, widow, to Thomas Heath of Wells, gent., of all her right to lands lying behind Mundaie Meade in Wells. Dated, 19 Feb., 13 Charles II, 1660.

Round seal; an eagle rising.

828. 1661.—Certificate, under the hand of William [Piers], bishop of Bath and Wells, of the admission of Henry Dutton, clerk, M.A., to the prebend or canonry of Eastharptry, Somerset, in due form. Dated, 1 April, 1660, 13 Charles II. (fn. 1)

829. 1661.—Lease by the dean and chapter of Wells to Gideon Brooke, of St. Cuthbert's parish, husbandman, for 3 lives, of a close of 4 acres called Gildenhurst, in the parish of St. Cuthbert's; rent 6s. 8d. Dated, 9 April, 13 Charles II, 1661.

830. 1661.—Lease by the dean and chapter of Wells to Alexander Jett of Wells, notary public, for 40 years, of the camery on the south side of the cathedral; rent 1s. 8d.; lessee to do suit at the law-day at Canon Barn twice a year. Dated, 11 April, 1661, 13 Charles II.

831. 1661.—Counterpart of no. 830.

832. 1662.—Agreement between the dean and chapter of Wells and Robert Taunton of Bristol, organ-maker; Taunton is to build "a fair well-tuned usefull and beutifull double organ" in the cathedral, at a cost of 800l. or less, according to the award of the surveyors when the work shall be completed. The dimensions and the stops of the instrument are enumerated. Dated, 3 July, 1662.

Seal, pointed oval; much injured by compression; a coarsely designed figure of St. Andrew with his cross. On the back—Ermine, a lion rampant; crest, a cubit arm, or perhaps a lion's jamb, holding a sword.

833. 1672.—Court roll of the hallmot, &c., of the dean and chapter of Wells, held at North Cory, 15 April, 24 Charles II, 1672. William Fane, S.T.P., steward.

Court Roll of the manor of North Curry, 16 July, 24 Charles II, 1672.

834. 1675.—Surrender by John Gough the elder of Milverton, Somerset, yeoman, to William Pearce, D.D., archdeacon of Taunton, of a lease of lands called Ham and Minster lands, in Milverton and Langford Budvill, Somerset. Dated, 24 Aug., 27 Charles II, 1675.

835. 1696–1715.—Statement of the accounts of the "Almeshouse" at Wells, by the following masters:—

William Paris, 3 Feb., 1696, to Michaelmas, 1712.

Mrs. Wood, administratrix of Mr. Parris, Michaelmas, 1712, to Michaelmas, 1713.

Rev. John Pope, Michaelmas, 1713, to Michaelmas, 1715.

836. 1332.—Extract from the register of the bishop of Bath and Wells, containing:—

• (1) .
• (2) Citation of the vicars, canons, &c., to attend at the Chapterhouse, on the occasion of the visitation by John de Charlton, dean;

• (3) Statement by the said dean of the matters requiring correction, as found at the visitation lately held. Dated, Wells, 2 non. November, 1332.

837. 1452–3.—Calendar of the canons residentiary in Wells Cathedral, from Michaelmas, 1452, to Michaelmas, 1453; with a list of fees, &c.

838. 1519–20.—Calendar of the canons residentiary in Wells Cathedral, from 1 October, 1519, 11 Hen. VIII, to 1 October, 1520, 12 Hen. VIII, in the time of John Bekham, Bach. Decret., steward, and Roger Church, Decret. Doctor, communar. With a list of fees, &c.

839. 1587.—Inhibition by John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, directed to the dean and chapter of Wells, to stay the exercise of their jurisdiction, in view of a visitation which he is about to make. Dated, 3 June, 1587.

840. 1587.—Commission by John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, to the dean, subdean or president, and chapter of Wells, to cite all the dignitaries and members of the cathedral foundation, to appear before him in the Chapterhouse on Tuesday, 19 Sept. instant. Dated, 2 Sept., 1587.

841. 1590–1.—Inhibition by John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, directed to the dean and chapter of Bath and Wells, to stay the exercise of their jurisdiction in view of a visitation which he is about to make. Dated, 15 Jan. 1590.

842. 1591.—Commission by John [Whitgift], archbishop of Canterbury, to the dean and chapter of Wells, to cite all the dignitaries and members of the cathedral foundation to appear before him in the Chapterhouse on Friday, 20 Aug. next. Dated, 5 July, 1591.

843. 1634.—Warrant by George Warburton, clerk, M.A., dean of Wells, to Humfrey Marsh, sacrist and mandatory, reciting the letters of William [Laud], archbishop of Canterbury, whereby he gives notice of an intention to make a visitation of the cathedral, dated 3 April, 1634, and commanding him to put up the accustomed notices in the cathedral church. Dated, 10 May, 1634.

844. 1665–6.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to John Selleck, D.D., the steward, and Grindall Sheafe, D.D., the "comminor," to sue and implead all persons in arrear with their rents due to the said dean and chapter, &c. Dated, 6 Feb., 18 Charles II, 1665.

845. 1668.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to Nicholas Dowthwaite and John York, to demand the sum of 20l., a half year's rent due by George Bisse, esq., for the rectory and parsonage of St. Cuthbert's and the Canon Barn, &c. Dated, 26 Oct., 1668.

846. 1669.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to Nicholas Dowthwaite and others, to demand 9l. 11s. 8d., being a half year's rent due by William Beaton for the rectory and parsonage of Mudford, Somerset. Dated, 8 April, 1669.

847. 1669–70.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to Nicholas Dowthwaite, gent., John Yorke, gent., and others, to demand arrears of rent due to the dean and chapter by Valentine Powell, gent., for a tenement in the New Works, in Wells. Dated, 5 Jan., 1669.

848. 1670.—Royal assent by Charles II to the election, by the dean and chapter of Wells, of Robert Creighton, S.T.P., dean of Wells, to be bishop; and restitution of temporalities to the same. Dated, 5 July, anno 22.

Engraved portrait of the king.

Impression of the great seal, appended by threads of gold and silver, plaited.

849. 1671.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to Robert Canington, and others, to demand and recover a half year's rent due to them by Nicholas Ducke, esq., for a messuage in College Lane. Dated, 8 April, 1671.

850. 1671.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to John Grey, and others, to recover arrears of rent from various tenants and leaseholders, during pleasure of the dean and chapter. Dated, 5 July, 23 Charles II, 1671.

851. 1673.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to Nicholas Dowthwaite and others, to demand 9l. 11s. 8d., a half year's rent due to the dean and chapter by Hester Beaton for the rectory of Mudford, etc. Dated, 9 Oct., 1673.

852. 1674.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to James Gilbard, to recover arrears of rents, etc., due from tenants and others of the various manors and lands in possession of the dean and chapter, during pleasure. Dated, 26 Oct., 26 Charles II, 1674.

853. 1676.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to James Gilbert and Allen Lawe of Wells, gents., to demand arrears of rent due by Thomazine Marshall for a tenement and garden in Tor Lane, Wells. Dated, 8 April, 28 Charles II, 1676.

854. 1680.—Appointment of Morgan Jones, clerk, M.A., to be proxy for Edward Waple, clerk, S.T.B., prebendary of Wiveliscombe in Wells Cathedral. Dated, 23 June, 1680.

855. 1680.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., canon residentiary of Wells, to be proxy for Thomas Holt, S.T.P., canon residentiary. Dated, 3 July, 1680.

Printed form on paper. Latin. (fn. 2)

856. 1683.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter of Wells, to Allen Lawe, to demand arrears of rent due to them by James Clutterbooke of Wells, in trust for Elioner Phippen, for a tenement in Sadler st., called the "Hart's Head." Dated, 26 Oct., 35 Charles II, 1683.

857. 1683.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor and canon residentiary, to be proxy for John Selleck, S.T.P., canon residentiary of Wells. Dated, 14 November, 1683.

858. 1683.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor and canon residentiary, to be proxy for Henry Dutton, S.T.P., canon residentiary. Dated, 14 Nov., 1683.

859. 1684.—Congé d'élire by Charles II to the dean and chapter of Wells, to elect a bishop in place of Peter Mew, translated to the see of Winchester. Dated, 3 Dec., anno 36, 1684.

Engraved portrait of the king.

Fine impression of the great seal, appended by threads of gold and silver, plaited.

860. 1687.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor and canon residentiary, Edwin Sandys, M.A., archdeacon of Wells and canon residentiary, and Henry Dutton, S.T.B., canon residentiary, to be proxies for William Levinz, clerk, M.D., subdean and canon residentiary. Dated, 2 Oct., 1687.

861. 1687.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., canon residentiary, to be proxy for John Selleck, S.T.P., canon residentiary, in voting for the presentation of Joseph Shallett, clerk, M.A., to the vicarage of Chedder, vacant by the death of John Cooper, clerk, late incumbent. Dated, 6 Nov., 1687.

Oval seal; a shield of arms; three oak leaves between two chains in bend.

862. 1689.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor, Edwin Sandys, M.A., archdeacon of Wells, and Thomas Brickenden, S.T.B., canons residentiary, to be proxies for Henry Dutton, clerk, S.T.P., canon residentiary. Dated, 3 Oct., 1689.

863. 1689.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor, Henry Dutton, S.T.P., and Thomas Brickenden, S.T.B., canons residentiary, to be proxies for Edwin Sandys, clerk, M.A., archdeacon of Wells. Dated, 3 Oct., 1689.

Paper seal of the archdeaconry, a cross of St. Andrew. SIGILLVM PRO IVRISDICTIONE.

864. 1689.—Appointment of Robert [Creyghton], clerk, S.T.P., precentor, Edwin Sandys, clerk, M.A., archdeacon of Wells, and others, to be proxies for William Levinz, subdean of Wells. Dated, 26 Oct., 1689. Mutilated.

865. 1689–90.—Accounts of the dean and chapter of Wells (sede vacante) as collectors of the tenths of the clergy within the diocese, by Richard Healey, gent., subcollector, for one year ending Christmas, 1690.

866. 1691.—Congé d'élire by William and Mary, to the dean and chapter of Wells, to elect a new bishop in place of Thomas Kenn, S.T.P., lately deprived. Dated, 22 June, anno 3.

Engraved portraits of the king and queen.

Fine impression of the great seal, appended by threads of gold and silver, plaited.

867. 1691.—Recommendation by the king of the Rev. Richard Kidder, D.D., dean of Peterborough, for election to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, in place of Dr. Thomas Kenn, deprived for not taking the oaths. Dated, Westminster, 22 June, 3 William and Mary.

Paper signet of the king and queen.

The signature and style have been cut from the top.

868. 1691.—Appointment of Mr. Lasher to be proxy for Hamnet Ward, prebendary of Combe I, in the election of Dr. Richard Kidder to be bishop of Bath and Wells. Dated, 11 July, 1691.

Holograph.

Seal; a bird rising.

869. 1692–3.—Appointment of Joseph Shallett, clerk, and Eldridge Aris, clerk, to be proxies for Henry Margetts, clerk, M.A., prebendary of Haselbeer. Dated, 8 March, 1692.

Seal; two lions passant in pale.

870. 1692—3.—Appointment of Joshua Laske and Eldridge Aris, clerks, to be proxies for John Taylour, clerk, M.A., prebendary of East Harptry. Dated, 16 March, 1692.

Seal; a lion rampant.

871. 1693.—Lease by William Levinze, M.D., prebendary of Holcombe Burnell, in Wells Cathedral, to Edward Champernowne of Holcombe Burnell, Devon, gent., for 3 lives, of the parsonage coppice of Holcombe Burnell; rent 12d. Dated, 7 Nov., 5 William and Mary, 1693.

Seal; ermine, a chevron vair [?]. Crest, a snake nowed [?].

872. 1698–9.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor and canon residentiary, Edwin Sandys, M.A., archdeacon of Wells, and others, canons residentiary, to be proxies for Thomas Lessey, M.A., prebendary of Combe III. Dated, 28 Jan., 1698.

Seal; a chevron between three stags' heads cabossed. Crest, a stag's head cabossed.

873. 1702–3.—Accounts of the dean and chapter of Wells (sede vacante) as collectors of the tenths of the clergy within the diocese, by Richard Healey, subcollector, for one year ending Christmas, 1703.

874. 1703–4.—Congé d'élire by Queen Anne to the dean and chapter of Wells, to elect a bishop in place of Richard Kidder, late bishop, deceased, Dated, 7 Jan., anno 2.

Engraved portrait of the queen.

Fine impression of the great seal, cracked, appended by threads of gold and silver, plaited.

875. 1703–4.—Recommendation by the queen of Dr. George Hooper, bishop of St. Asaph, for election to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, in place of Dr. R. Kidder, deceased. Dated, 7 Jan., 2 Anne.

Paper signet.

The signature, etc., have been cut away from the top.

876. 1708.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., canon residentiary and precentor, Samuel Hill, M.A., archdeacon of Wells, and others, to be proxies for William Clement, M.A., canon residentiary of Wells. Dated, 1 Nov., 1708.

Seal; 3 Cornish choughs [?], within a border charged with eight roundles.

877. 1712–13.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., canon residentiary and precentor, and others, to be proxies for William Hunt, M.A., canon residentiary. Dated, 9 Feb., 1712.

Seal; a merchant's mark with the initials T.L.

878. 1727.—Appointment of Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., canon residentiary and precentor, and others, to be proxies for William Hunt, S.T.P., canon residentiary. Dated, . . Aug., 1727.

Not executed.

879. 1727.—Citation by William [Wake], archbishop of Canterbury, of the dean and chapter of Wells, to appear at the forthcoming meeting of convocation, the dean personally, the chapter by proctor. Dated, Lambeth, 21 Sept., 1727.

880. 1727.—Congé d'élire by George II to the dean and chapter of Wells, to elect a bishop in place of George Hooper, late bishop, deceased. Dated, 28 Sept., anno 1.

Engraved portrait of the king.

Impression of the great seal, appended by threads of gold and silver, plaited.

881. 1727.—Recommendation by the king of Dr. John Wynne, bishop of St. Asaph, for election to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, in place of Dr. George Hooper, deceased. Dated, 28 Sept., anno 1.

Paper signet.

The signature, &c., have been cut away from the top.

882. 1727.—Commission by Samuel Lisle, S.T.P., archdeacon of Canterbury, to the dean and chapter of Wells, to induct, install, and enthrone John [Wynne], bishop of St. Asaph, as bishop of Bath and Wells. Dated, 18 Nov., 1727.

Oval seal, covered with paper; a pyramid, above it the motto: FLARVNT VENTI ET NON CORRVIT. Legend on a ribbon: SIGILLVM SAMVELIS LISLE, S.T.P. ARCHIDIACONI CANTVARIENSIS, 1724.

883. 1728.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean of Wells, and others, to be proxies for Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor and canon residentiary. Dated, —--, —-- 1728.

Not executed.

884. 1728.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean, and others, to be proxies for Marshall Brydges, M.A., chancellor and canon residentiary. Dated, 19 July, 1728.

Seal; a cross, thereon a leopard's face.

885. 1728.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean, and others, to be proxies for William Hunt, S.T.P., archdeacon of Bath and canon residentiary of Wells. Dated, 5 Aug., 1728.

Seal; a bend between 6 roundels, a crescent for difference.

886. 1728.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean, and others, to be proxies for Roger Humphryes, M.A., chancellor and canon residentiary of Wells. Dated, 11 October, 1728.

Seal; a lion rampant.

887. 1729.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean, and others, to be proxies for Timothy Collins, M.A., subdean and canon residentiary. Dated, 24 June, 1729.

Oval seal; a griffin segreant, impaling two lions passant in pale between nine crosslets, 3, 3 and 3.

888. 1729.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean, and others, to be proxies for Lawson Hudleston, M.A., canon residentiary. Dated, 19 Dec., 1729.

Seal; fretty.

889. 1730.—Appointment of William Hunt, S.T.P., archdeacon of Bath, and others, to be proxies for Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean of Wells, Dated, 6 June, 1730.

Seal; a cinquefoil, pierced; crest, a demi-lion rampant holding a cinquefoil.

890. 1730–1.—Appointment by the dean and chapter of Wells, of James Nooth of Wells, to receive certain specified rents due to them. Dated, 19 Jan., 1730.

891. 1735–6.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of Robert Woodford, LL.B., treasurer and canon residentiary, to be official and commissary of the diocese. Dated, 1 March, 1735.

Altered to represent a similar appointment of Richard Jenkins, M.A., canon residentiary. Dated, —, 1757.

892. 1738.—Appointment of Matthew Brailsford, S.T.P., dean, and others, to be proxies for John Rogers, S.T.P., subdean and canon residentiary. Dated, 22 Oct., 1738.

Seal; per fess, a fleur-de-lis in chief and a mullet in base.

893. 1739.—Grant by John [Wynne], bishop of Bath and Wells, to Francis Squire, M.A., prebendary of Warminster, of the canonical house, then ruinous, near Tor Lane. Dated, 30 June, 1739.

894. 1739.—Licence by Thomas Eyre, M.A., vicar-general and official principal of John [Wynne], bishop of Bath and Wells, to Robert Holloway of Wells, gent., to be a proctor in the consistorial episcopal court of Wells. Dated, 7 Aug., 1739.

895. 1741–2.—Appointment by Francis Squire, M.A., chancellor and canon residentiary, of Charles Prowse of Croydon, Somerset, to be chapter clerk of the dean and chapter of Wells, in succession to John Paine, deceased. Dated, 1 Jan., 15 George II, 1741.

896. 1743.—Congé d'élire by George II to the dean and chapter of Wells, to elect a bishop in place of Dr. John Wynn, deceased. Dated, 16 Sept., anno 17.

Engraved portrait of the king.

Impression of the great seal, appended by threads of gold and silver, plaited.

897. 1743.—Recommendation by George II to the dean and chapter of Wells, in favour of the election of Edward Willes, bishop of St. David's, to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, vacant by the death of Dr. John Wynn, late bishop. Dated, Westminster, 16 Sept., 1743, 17 George II.

Paper signet.

The signature has been cut from the top.

898. 1743.—Letters mandatory of the dean and chapter of Wells, to John Brice and James Curtis, mandatories, setting forth the royal licence to elect a bishop in place of Dr. John Wynne, deceased, and ordering a citation of all the dignitaries of the foundation to attend at the election, fixed to be held on 30 September next. Dated, 24 Sept., 1743.

With a schedule of the members of the cathedral foundation entitled to vote.

899. 1743.—Commission by Samuel Lisle, D.D., archdeacon of Canterbury, to the dean and chapter of Wells, to induct, install, and enthrone Edward [Willes], bishop of St. David's, as bishop of Bath and Wells. Dated, 15 Dec., 1743.

Seal as no. 882.

900. 1743.—Proxy by Edward Willes, D.D., elected and confirmed bishop of Bath and Wells, to Robert Woodford, LL.B., treasurer and canon residentiary of Wells, and Francis White, D.D., canon residentiary of Wells, to "procure us to be inducted, installed and inthroned into the real, actual and corporal possession of the episcopal see of Bath and Wells." &c. Dated, 17 Dec., 1743.

Signature and seal cut away.

901. 1747.—Proxy by the dean and chapter, to Timothy Collins, M.A., subdean and canon residentiary, to represent them in convocation on 19 August. Dated, 12 Aug., 1747.

902. 1748.—Appointment by Charles Prowse of Old Cleeve, Somerset, esq., auditor of accounts of the dean and chapter, of Conand Prowse of Wells, gent., and William Nooth of the same, to be his deputies, jointly and severally to exercise the same office; with recital of the original deed of appointment. Dated, 20 Oct., 22 George II, 1748.

Seal; three lions rampant within a border. Crest: a talbot's head erased [?].

903. 1755.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter, to Robert Wheeler, clerk, M.A., and Richard Jenkins, clerk, M.A., to collect rents, fees, &c Dated, 11 Oct., 1755.

904. 1765.—Power of attorney by the dean and chapter, to John Walker, clerk, M.A., to collect rents, fees, &c. Dated, 2 Jan., 1765.

905. 1770.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of Robert Wilson, M.A., canon residentiary, to be official and commissary of the diocese of Bath and Wells, during pleasure. Dated, 6 Oct., 1770.

906. 1779.—Collation by the dean and chapter, of Phipps Weston, B.D., prebendary of Henstridge, to the canonical house on the west side of Canon Barn, in the liberty of the St. Andrew. Dated, 13 Sept., 1779.

907. 1780.—Proxy by the dean and chapter, to Phipps Weston, B.D., canon residentiary, to represent them in convocation on 1 November. Dated, 23 Oct., 1780.

908. 1781.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of Benjamin Andrews of Wells, notary public, to be register and scribe of the acts in all the peculiar ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the cathedral (named). Dated, 2 April, 1781.

909. 1781.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of Benjamin Andrews of Wells, gent., to be auditor of accounts, &c., at a yearly salary of 6l. 13s. 4d. Dated, 2 April, 1781.

910. 1781.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of Benjamin Andrews of Wells, gent., to be clerk of the courts, lordships, manors, lands and tenements in the counties of Somerset, Gloucester, and Dorset, &c., at a yearly salary of 5l. 6s. 8d. Dated, 2 April, 1781.

911. 1784.—Proxy by the dean and chapter, to Phipps Weston, B.D., canon residentiary, to represent them in convocation on 19 May. Dated, 13 May, 1784.

912. 1786.—General release by the dean and chapter, to John Chilcot, labourer, and many others, of Wiveliscombe, Lydeard St. Lawrence, Brumpton Ralph and Clatworthy. Dated, 17 Aug., 1786.

913. 1796.—Proxy by the dean and chapter, to the Rev. Walker King, D.D., canon residentiary, to represent them in convocation on 13 July. Dated, 8 July, 1796.

914. 1800.—Collation by Charles [Moss], bishop of Bath and Wells, of Charles Thomas Barker, B.D., to the prebend or canonry of Combe III, on the death of John Prowse. Dated, 22 Aug., 1800.

915. 1802.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of John Turner, clerk, M.A., archdeacon of Taunton and canon residentiary, to be official and commissary of the diocese. Dated, 1 Oct., 1802.

916. 1803.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of John Andrews of Wells, gent., to be auditor of accounts, for life, at a yearly salary of 6l. 13s. 4d. Dated, 1 Oct., 1803.

917. 1803.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of John Andrews of Wells, gent., to be clerk of the courts, lordships, manors, &c., during pleasure, at a yearly salary of 5l. 6s. 8d. Dated, 1 Oct., 1803.

918. 1803.—Appointment by the dean and chapter, of John Andrews of Wells, notary public, to be register and scribe of the acts, for life. Dated, 1 Oct., 1803.

919. 1810.—Bond by the dean and chapter, to John Gartside of Bath and James Charles Still of East Knoyle, Wilts, esqs., in 1,000l., to abide by an arbitration respecting claims for dilapidation of the chancel of North Curry Church. Dated, 8 Sept., 1810.

920. 1812.—Grant by the dean and chapter, to Charles Thomas Barker, B.D., subdean and prebendary of Combe III, of the canonical house on the east side of Canon Barn, in the liberty of St. Andrew. Dated, 29 May, 1812.

Attached is a power of attorney by the above Charles Thomas Barker to William Melliar and another, to take possession of the above house. Dated, 19 May, 1812.

921. 1812.—Grant by the dean and chapter, to Walker [King], bishop of Rochester, prebendary of Wiveliscombe, and canon residentiary of Wells, of the canonical house, etc., on the east side of Mountroy Lane, in the liberty of St. Andrew. Dated, 29 May, 1812.

Attached is a power of attorney by the said bishop to William Melliar and another, to take possession of the above premises. Dated, 19 May, 1812.

922. 1812.—Proxy by the dean and chapter, to George Trevelyan, LL.B., canon residentiary, to represent them in convocation on 25 November. Dated, 10 Nov., 1812.