Peter Mowle his Looking glass "And way whereby all flesh must pass." "A memorial of all such noble personages and other estates as I have known in this world, whom death "hath assaulted." The first entry relates to the beheading of Tho. Howard, Duke of Norfolk. The same volume contains a contemporaneous and detailed account of the apprehension, &c., of Margaret Clytherowe at York in 1586. 7. A contemporaneous copy of "Leicester's Common"wealth." 66 8. A volume in 4to, in a hand of the time of Queen Elizabeth, containing, "An answer to a Comfortable Advertisment, with an addition written of late to "afflicted Catholics concerning going to church with "Protestants." 9. A 4to volume in red morocco, gilt, with the following title :-" Londinum antiquum, being an his"torical collection giving an account of whatever is "ancient and curious in the cities of London and "Westminster; to which is added all ancient inscrip"tions that can be found." Written in 1725. 10. A folio consisting of the collections made by Bishop Stonor relative to occurrences between 1607 and 1770. Many original papers are bound up in this volume. 11. A large and thick folio volume closely written by Dod, author of the Catholic History of England, consisting of materials for the Biography of English Catholics. Copies of various documents are inserted. 12. Another and larger folio, bound in oak, to which the author has prefixed this title: " Catholic Remains, cr the Lives of the English Catholic Clergy, Regulars "and Laymen, from the year 1500." 66 13. A volume in 8vo (not in Dod's handwriting), consisting of collections for the biography of Catholics, chiefly of the 16th and 17th centuries. 14. A 4to volume, entitled, Noticia de la California, y de su conquista espiritual y temporal hasta el año 1768. 15. Journal of a Student in the English College at Rome, from 5th June 1773 to the middle of 1779. 16. Certaine considerations and causes movinge not to be present at, nor to receive, neither use the service of the newe booke, otherwise called the Booke of Common Praier. MS. upon paper, in 4to, consisting of 26 pages. It would appear that the author when he wrote it was in prison on account of his religion. It is dated at the end, 8 Feb. 1563. I am authorized by the Very Rev. Dr. Northcote, President of the College, to state that he will gladly afford all due facilities for such further examination of the above-mentioned manuscripts as may be desired by the Historical Commission. 8. Nota de Spoliatione et Occisione Willmi Ashetot Ep'i Saræ. A.D. Mccccl. 8-10. Statutum Thomæ (Langton) permissione divina Saræ Ep'i A.D'. MCCCCXC., in quo enumerantur quatuor archidiaconiæ Eccl'iæ Saræ, viz., Dorset, Berks, Sara, Wilts,-necnon quadraginta ecclesiæ Prebendales, viz., Charminster, Bedwyn, Ramsbury, &c. 10-12. Statutum editum per Gulielmum Sara Episcop super Fabrica Eccl. Sara. A.D. Mccccxio. 12. Indulgentia concessa visitantibus Ecclesiam Cath. Saræ in festivitatibus S'ti Osmundi et manus adjutrices porrigentibus anno Dom'æ mill'imo ccclxxii. Necnon Missæ Currenter. 13. A° Dni. M°cccmolxlviimo. 15. Benevola oblata Archiepiscopo Cant et Ep° Sare visitantibus Præbendas Decanatu vacante decadem Eccl'ia. 14. Sequestratio fructuum Decanatus Saræ. Decanatu vacante anno D'm'ni mill'mo cccclxxivto. Magna Carta Osmundi de collatione plurium prebendarum. In noie sancta et individu Trinitatis, Ego Osmundus Serisberiensis Eccl'iæ Episcopus omnibus Ep'i fidelibus notifico . . . . ad honorem Dom' n'ri Jes. Xte Sanctissimæque Mariæ virginis pro salute animarum Will'i Regis et uxoris ejus Reginæ Matildæ, atque filii sui Will'i Regis Anglorum regni successoris v . . anno Incarnationis Domi'æ moxci°. pro salute et animæ meæ. (See fol. 28.) Ordinatio de Funeribus percipiendis. Constitutio de Habitu Canonicorum. De silentio & gestu. Carta Decani et Captl'i super conditione vicariorum. 18. De Visitatione prebendarii per Decanum Juramentm singulibet ministri habentis literas patentes de Capit❜lo. 19. Carta H. Regis de Collatione Decimarum in Forestis. primi Regis de libertate ab omni et consuetudine. Confirmatio Donationis p'dictæ factæ p' H. 2 qui regnare cœpit circa A.D. M°clymo, et obiit circa a. Mclxxxviii. Carta Matildæ de libertate concessâ ecclesiæ Sara M. Imperatrix Regis H. Filia et Anglorum Domina. Carta Ricardi Ep'i Sara de Donatione facta Cancellario pro libris colligendis. Constitutio Ricardi Ep'i Saræ de Residentia facienda. 20. Ordinatio Rob'ti Bingham Ep'i de personalibus Ecclesiæ Saræ, &c. Item de implendis Præbendariis. Item de ponte & capella ao мccxlvii. 21. In Dei nomine et mea. Saræ Ep'us Nos Ægidius Dei patentia a Mcclxxiiiio. Mcclxiio. 22. Isti Egidio suceessit Robertus Northampton, qui fuit consecratus A.D. Mcclxxiiii°. obiit A.D. Mcclxxxiiii. inter quos intervenit Walterus de la Vyle qui obiit A.D. Mcclxx". Ordinatio BonifaciiArciepiscopo Cant. super sup- 23. Ordinatio Hospitalis Sancti Nicolai Saræ. Fol. ut Rex et Fundator noster Henricus Septimus qui quæsumus domine oblata sanctificæ ut nobis unigeniti tui corpus et sanguis fiant. 60. Visitatio venerabilis viri Dom Joh'is Davyson Decani Eccl. Cath. Sara... per venerabilum virum Dom Thomam Gylbert in utroque Jur. Bacallar. Commissarium una cum venerabili viro Dom° Rto Byrte Legum Doctore. 61, 62, 63. Ecclesiæ Præbendalis de Combe cum Harnelm Capellâ. 64-68. Ecclesiæ Præbendalis de Beer, cum Hyngeston, Blokesworth, Audeston, Thomaston, et Thornespe dull. Bulla Calixti Papæ de applicatione oblationum atque eleemosyna in honorem beati Osmundi factarum A°D. Mcccclvio. 86-88. 97-103. 36. 37. 38. Saræ Episcopi à Decano et Capitulo Ecclesiæ suæ Cath. Saræ ximo die mensis Januarii Incarnationis Domini Mcccclxxvi. cum Responsionibus ad numerum quadraginta & supra. 39. Officium apparitoris Episcopi Saræ. Monitum quod nos Thomas Ebor. archiepus & de latere legatus facimus & constituimus. A.D. M.DXXviii. Nota pro Residentiariis qui 40. Originale istius Documenti collocatur in domo man' inter chartas tangentes T Pentecostalia Antiqua magno Rotulo . . mem quod in 41. Visitatio Presidentis et Capituli. Decanate vacante, A.D. Mcccclxxxvo. In nomine Patris et Filii et Sp'r'us Sancti, Amen. Sequitur Visitatio venerabilis viri magistri Joh'is Bostock canonici residentiarii Eccl'iæ Cath'is Saræ honorabilium Dominorum Præsidentis et Cap't'li ejusdem Ecclesiæ Cath. (Decanatu ibidem vacante) Commissariis primo exerta in Eccl'ia præbendali de Calne cum Blacklands, &c. 42. 2o. Ogbourn St. George and St. An drew cum Buckley. دو de Horningham, et Eccl. Collegiatæ de Heytesbury. Warminster cum Endzy cum Ches neston, Homingham. Netherhaven ingby et Rokelyn. Wyllysford cum Wodeford, Durneford, et Stratteford. Calne cum Berwyk, Chizyell, Calston, Blakelands, & Studley. Yatesbury, Ogbourn S'cte Georgii, et Ogbourn St. Andriæ. Bishopston, Higglesworth Blunsdon. cum Hungerford, Erburfelde, Hurst, Calcyth, et Ruscomb. 103. Visitatio venerabilis et circumspecti viri Magr'i Johannis Davyson Decani Ecclesiæ Cath'is Saræ exerta et inchoata per venbiles virum magm Alexandrum Cator officialem et Commissarum suum, assumpto et assignato sibi inscribam & Registrum suum D' Barth" Underwood. A.D. Mcccclxxx. 104-105. Ecclesiæ Paroch. de Beer cum Hyngeston, Blokkesworth, & Thomaston. 106. Subdecanatu Saræ Vacante per obitum Egidii Stanbury cum tenore testam' ejusdem. 107-111. Visitatio Ecclesiarum de Thomspydell, Alton, Fordington, Yeo, Chermyster, Rolleston, Frome, Whitfeld, Stratton, et Preston. 112-114. Ecclesiæ præbendalis de Lyme et de Chardestook cum Wambroke. 115-117. N.B. The most interesting by far is the central one at Fol. 30. It also relates to the most ancient period, viz., the 11th century. The most ancient of these documents, being of the 11th century itself, is the one in Fol. 15, elucidated and completed in Fol. 28, 29. In order of antiquity they run in Folios as follows:4, 15, 28, 29, 30, 11th century; 16, 19, 12th century; 1, 6-18, 20, 21, 22, 3, 13th century; 13, 14, 26, 27, 14th century; 2, 8-12, 23-25, 31-38, 41-48, 55-117, 15th century; 39, 16th century. THE LIBRARY OF USHAW COLLEGE, NEAR DURHAM. The Library of the Catholic College of St. Cuthbert, Ushaw, near Durham, having been opened for my inspection, I have the honour to report, that having examined it I find the following papers, which appear to be worthy of notice : A volume in quarto, of 214 pages, consisting of Collections for a History of the Sufferings of Missionary Priests, Regulars and Seculars, in England, during the reign of King Charles 1. A second volume carries on the history from 1643. The entire work consists of 579 pages. A similar work, not paged, contains the history of Missionary Priests under the Commonwealth; followed by a Supplement from A.D. 1599. Abstract of the Book of Compositions for the lands, goods, and arrearages of Recusants convicted within the counties of York, Lancaster, Stafford, Westmoreland, Chester, Derby, &c., from A.D. 1629 to 1632. A quarto volume consisting of 112 folios. It formerly belonged to Ralph Thoresby. Obituary of the English Nuns, called Poor Clares of Dunkirk, who afterwards removed to Gravelines, from their foundation in 1620. They subsequently settled at Churchill Wood, near Worcester, and at the present time have a house at Scorton. "The names of such Priests and Romish Recusants as have been apprehended and prosecuted by Capt. James Wadsworth, Francis Newton, James Mayo, and Rob. Deluke, messengers, at our proper charge; whereof some have been condemned, some executed, and some reprieved since the begining of Parliament: the like not having been done by any other since the Reformation of Religion in this nation." This is the original, and is signed by the persons named above. The number of the prisoners is 37, who were disposed of as follows:— 66 Executed Died in prison In prison 13 10 7 4 1 37 Original holograph Letter from King Charles 1 to Edward, Earl of Glamorgan, giving him power "to treat and "conclude with the Confederate Roman Catholics in our Kingdom of Ireland." The Earl is cautioned to keep the matter secret. Dated at Oxford, 12th March, 20 Ch. 1. It is signed by the King at the top, the Royal Signet is affixed, and it is endorsed, "The Earl of Glamorgan's 66 especial warrant for Ireland."* There is here also the draft of a somewhat similar document in a different form, not executed. Letters of Alexander Pope, to his Sister, Mrs. Rucket. One bears the date July 1729; the others are undated. They are all original and holograph. Also Pope's will, dated 12th Dec. 1749. A variety of Law papers, probably collected by Nathaniel Eyre, of Lincoln's Inn, or Gray's Inn, who practised about the middle of last century. Among these are various documents connected with the penal laws; the registration of the estates of Recusants; the trials of Lords Derwentwater, Widrington, and Lovat, &c. Narrative of John Fortescue and his wife Helen (who died at St. Omer's), respecting the Gunpowder Plot; with affidavits respecting the same; copied from the Archives of Douai College. History of the English College at Douai, Latin, 23 pp. History of the English College at Lisbon. Account of the life and death of the Lady Aletheia Widrington, written shortly after her decease. Transcript of the Douai Diary, from 1692 to 1778. Besides the above, the College of Ushaw possesses a large collection of Liturgical and Devotional MSS., chiefly of the 15th century. The Very Rev. the President is ready to afford access to these MSS. under such restrictions as may be considered necessary for their safety. Jos. STEVENSON. THE BISHOP'S REGISTRY, WELLS. The several volumes are described in the order in which they were shown to me by Mr. Dore. The Registers, in various shapes and forms, commence at A.D. 1316, and, with some intermissions, are continued down to the present day. Registers, vol. i., 1316-29; of the time of Bishop John de Drokenesford. A folio volume of about 308 leaves of parchment, in rough calf of the 17th century. It is closely written throughout, and is very full of *See An inquiry into the share which King Charles I. had in the transactions of the Earl of Glamorgan, by Thos. Birch, D.D. 8vo. Lond., 1747, and again 1751. 8vo. matter, a large proportion of which consists of institu tions, exchanges, donations, matters of ecclesiastical discipline, and Bulls of the Popes. Registers, vol. ii., 1329-58; of the time of Bishop Ralph de Salopia, or Shrewsbury. A large folio volume of 432 leaves of parchment, in the original boards. It consists of a number of independent tracts, or compilations, between the above dates, bound up together, without strict regard to chronological sequence. In this ponderous volume there are a large number of Letters, of various kinds. At this point there is an intermission of 42 years. Registers, vol. iii., 1401-9; of the times of Bishops Henry Bowett and Nicholas Bubwith. A folio volume of 58 leaves of parchment. A much smaller volume than the preceding ones, but in very good condition. Registers, vol. iv., 1409-24; of the time of Bishop Bubwith. A folio volume of 214 paginated leaves of parchment, bound in limp parchment. The volume ends with elections and promotions, and then ordinations, on leaves not numbered. Registers, vol. v., 1425-42; of the time of Bishop John Stafford. A large folio volume of 204 leaves of parchment, numbered; others are added, not numbered, as to elections and ordinations. Bound in limp parchment, and a very fine volume. Registers, vol. vi., 1443-64; of the time of Bishop Thomas Bekynton. A large folio volume of about 500 leaves, of which only the first 311 are numbered, bound in limp parchment. The portion of the book that is left unpaginated, is devoted to elections and ordination. This is a singularly fine volume, and beautifully written. Registers, vol. vii., 1464-91; of the time of Bishop Robert Stillington. A folio volume in the original boards covered with calf, containing 169 numbered leaves, and above 70 not numbered, and relating to elections and ordinations, mostly by the Bishop of Tyne, acting for the absent Bishop, who lived abroad. Dr. Hugh Sugar (named in folio 1 of the volume) acted in other respects as his locum-tenens. Registers, vol. viii., 1492-4; of the time of Bishop Richard Fox. A folio volume, bound in calf, with the original boards. It contains 37 numbered leaves, with additional leaves, not paginated. devoted to elections and ordinations. Though thin, this is a fine volume. A paper book, small folio, bound in limp parchment, containing acts and institutions during the vacations of the See in 1503-4, 1495, and 1464-5. A volume made up of miscellaneous entries and compilations, bound together. Registers, vol. ix., 1496-1503; of the time of Bishop Oliver King. A folio volume, bound in vellum. containing 116 leaves of parchment. There are unpaged leaves added, containing ordinations and other formal matters. This volume is in singularly good condition. Registers, vol. x., 1501-17; of the time of Bishop Hadrian de Castello. A large folio volume, bound in limp parchment; it contains 138 numbered leaves, with leaves containing ordinations, not paged. Registers, vol. xi., 1518-23; of the time of Bishop Thomas Wulcy (generally known as Cardinal Wolsey). A folio volume, bound in parchment, and containing 20 numbered leaves, with several not numbered, devoted to ordinations. Registers, vol. xii., 1523-34; of the time of Bishop John Clerke. A folio volume containing 121 leaves of vellum; after this, there is an intermission of some years. Registers, vol. xiii., 1541-7; of the time of Bishop William Knight. A folio volume in limp parchment, containing 38 leaves of parchment; after this, there is an intermission of some years, no Register appearing for Bishop William Barlow. Registers, vol. xiv., 1554-9; of the time of Bishop Gilbert Bourne. A folio volume, bound in parchment, containing 38 leaves of parchment. Registers, vol. xv., 1560-81; of the time of Bishop Gilbert Barckly. A large folio, in limp parchment, containing 61 leaves, the ordinations being now no longer set apart at the end of the book: this is a singu larly fine volume. On the death of this prelate, the See was vacant for nearly three years. Registers, vol. xvi., 1584-90; of the time of Bishop Thomas Goodwin. A folio, containing 11 parchment leaves, bound in limp parchment. On the decease of this bishop, the See was vacant for two years. Registers, vol. xvii., 1592-1603; of the time of Bishop John Still. A folio volume in limp parchment, containing 18 leaves of parchment. A small thin folio paper volume, in limp parchment, containing institutions and collations between 1585 and 1625; a sort of Supplement to the contemporary vo lumes, and supplying their deficiencies. Registers, vol. xviii., 1616-20; of the time of Bishop Arthur Lake, who died in 1626. A large folio of 15 parchment leaves, bound in limp parchment. Some of the institutions omitted here are in the paper book above mentioned. Of Bishops William Laud and Leonard Mawe no registers seem to exist. Registers, vol. xix., 1629-32; of the time of Bishop Walter Curle. A diminutive quarto in limp parchment, containing 23 leaves of parchment. Registers, vol. xx., 1632-69; of the time of Bishop William Peirs. A quarto volume, bound in vellum, containing 138 leaves in all, of parchment in the first part, and, after that, of paper. At folio 79 there is a break from 1645 to 1660, there being no institutions between those dates. Registers, vol. xxi., 1670-2; of the time of Bishop Robert Creyghton. A small folio paper volume, in calf, containing 41 leaves. Registers, vol. xxii., 1672-84; of the time of Bishop Peter Mews. A folio volume, bound in calf, containing 53 leaves of parchment. Registers, vol. xxiii., 1685-91; of the time of Bishop Thomas Kenn. A large folio, containing 16 vellum. leaves, bound in vellum. Registers, vol. xxiv., 1691–1703; of the time of Bishop Richard Kidder. A large folio, containing 24 vellum leaves, bound in vellum. These are succeeded by various other volumes, coming down to the present time. The Black Book.-This is a folio volume, containing an Index of the names in some of the Registers; commenced in the time of Henry 8, and continued down to the close of the 17th century. 66 From A small folio volume, in very old limp vellum, containing 78 leaves of parchment. In general it seems to have been written mostly in the reigns of Edward 1 and Edward 2; though in the latter part (folio 73) there are entries of the date of 1510, and in folio 77 of 1597. The earlier part, down to folio 42, is filled with Charters of liberties, and grants, down to Edward 2. folio 43 to 49, it contains a Custumal of the tenants of the Church of North Cory (now Curry), and at folios 49, 50, a list is given of the tenants in villenage, with their respective services. In folios 51a-55a, there is a Custumal of Wynescumbe. In folios 556 and 56, a deed is inserted, of 1389. At folios 57b-60b is given a Custumal of the manor of Hacche. Folio 61a contains an extent or valuation of the manor of Bydesham, made on the Monday before the Annunciation, in the year 1332, on oath (translated) of the whole of the homage there, before Master John de Wamberge and "Sir Henry de Fulham, Canons of Wells." Folios 616-626, contains a Custumal of the "nativi," or "born bondmen," of the same manor; 63a-64b, an extent of Bykenalre, on oath of the homage. At folio 68a and 686 is given a Perambulation of the Forest of Mensdep; at folio 69a, a Perambulation of the Forest of Selwode; at folio 696, a Perambulation of the Forest of North Petterton; at folio 70a, a Perambulation of the Forest of Noralchirche; at folio 70b, a Perambulation of the Forest of Exemore. The preceding articles are given in Latin; at folio 71b is entered, in Norman French, a short account of the allowances given for the support of the foresters. The latter part of this volume, if carefully examined, would be found, probably, to throw considerable light upon the status of the peasantry of this country in the 14th century. 66 66 Code of the Mining Laws of Mendip. A small folio parchment volume, the leaves being not half filled. It is a copy, made probably in the latter part of the reign of Elizabeth, from the original volume. The original is probably alluded to in a note written on a fly-leaf, in a contemporary hand:-"This parchment booke, together with one other greater parchment book, with a fair box with a locke and twoe keyes, were given "frankelie and freelie by-Roberte Browne." The latter part of the volume contains the finding of various juries on matters connected with the Mendip Mines. Mr. T. Serel is in possession of another copy of this work, written at a later date, but with the findings of juries brought down to a later period. Mr. Serel also has in his possession a large quarto thin paper volume, containing various proceedings in connexion with the discipline of the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral, their food and drink, habits, lapses, and general regulations. The book he considers to have been made under the supervision of Bishop Bekynton, in the 15th century, but it contains entries so early as 1393. Though much mutilated, it contains many curious items of information, that are of considerable interest in a social point of view. These Vicars Choral were formerly a powerful body, 42 in number (now reduced to 20), forming a distinct Corporation, and almost entirely independent of external control. They occupied their own 42 houses (which still exist) in the Vicars' Close, having also their own Chapel, a building of the 14th century, at the end of the Close. Their title-deeds, I am told, are now surrendered into the possession of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners; it seems to me by no means improbable that they may contain among them, in one form or other, documents of a nature to throw some light upon the social life of former times. I feel it a pleasing duty to express my obligations to Mr. W. Dore, the Registrar of the Diocese, for the readiness with which he afforded me the opportunity of inspecting these volumes; and the pains which he took, at a considerable expenditure of time and trouble, to submit each individual volume, many of them of ponderous size, to my notice. HENRY THOMAS RILEY. THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF WELLS. The volumes are described in the order in which I took them from the chest in which they are kept. The Liber Ruber, or Red Book.-This is, in part, the oldest book probably among the Dean and Chapter's Records. It is a small parchment and paper folio, and receives its name from the reddened parchment with which the ancient boards in which it is bound are covered. It begins with 77 leaves of an earlier date than the latter part. From an Index inserted before them, in a hand of the 17th century, they seem to relate exclusively to the Cathedral regulations for the celebration of Divine Service, matters relative to jurisdiction, the duties and rights of the officials, and the early grants and charters. In fact, most of the component parts of this section of the volume were originally separate little parchment pamphlets, so to speak, of the time of Edward 1 to Edward 3, which were afterwards tacked together. In folio 67b (A.D. 1338) there are two instances named, of women confessing the sin of fornication before the Bishop's Commissary, for which they are condemned, each to walk barefooted twice round her respective parish church. In these earlier folios there is evidently much curious and interesting matter. In folio 25a there is a rule entered among the "Sta"tutes of Sir John de Godelee," Dean, that every new Canon shall, about the time of beginning his residence, or within a year after, "honourably cause the Dean and Chapter, according to his means, to be entertained "with meat and drink." From a marginal note in the same page, in a hand of the 17th century, this seems to have been then commuted to an "Oyster feast;" and this again is now represented, probably, by a payment made to the Common Fund by every new Canon at the beginning of his residence. From folio 71 b we learn that on the 5th of March 1339, about the hour of Vespers, two vicars of the Church of Wells appeared before Bishop Ralph (de Shrewsbury) in his hall at Wokey, and presented him, in the name of the Dean and Chapter, with a loaf, a pig, and a bottle of mead, in part, as they asserted, of two loaves, two pigs, and two bottles of mead, which were properly due each year to the Church of Wells from the Abbot and Convent of Glastonbury. The Bishop received the offering " as due to him in the name of his Church," and then ordered the various items to be distributed among the poor. In folio 696 there is an ordinance for the ringing of the "Ave Mary "Bell," which was to be done by striking three blows on the great Cathedral bell, shortly before curfew. 66 66 The remaining portion of the Liber Ruber is written on paper (a little mutilated), the entries ranging from 1487 to 1664; the folios being about 200 in number. In this part also, there are many entries of great interest. There is a volume in the same collection, forming a Calendar to every page of the Liber Ruber, in a beautiful hand of the 17th century. The First Liber Albus.-This was the original "Liber Albus," no doubt, of the Dean and Chapter's Records, though that name is now given to the volume next described. This is a smaller folio, in wooden boards, 3 HISTORICAL MANUSCRIPTS COMMISSION: APPENDIX. still covered with old white vellum. It contains 299 parchment leaves, and is somewhat mutilated at the beginning. The early part was written in the reign of Edward I, or possibly Edward 2, and the last entry belongs to the year 1393. It is a Register, with entries of various descriptions, and in character its contents strongly resemble those of the first 77 folios of the Liber Ruber. The earliest entries consisting of grants of liberties and privileges to various churches by the Pope, are almost obliterated, but the matter belongs to the middle of the reign of Henry the Third. Folios 6 and 7 contain a Calendar of the Charters entered in the following leaves, down to folio 61 inclusive; the Calendar and the Charters being in general written in the same hand, though here and there, on unfinished pages, there are entries in later hands. In folios 17 and 18 there are several deeds entered, of the time of Edward the Confessor, in the Saxon language, but not in Saxon characters. After folio 61, there are hundreds of entries, in various hands. It is possible that the first few leaves may belong to the latter part of the reign of Henry 3, or the beginning of that of Edward 1. On this particular point, however, I am speaking from memory only. Beyond the ancient Calendar to the Charters above mentioned, there does not seem to be any Calendar or Index to the contents of this curious and valuable volume. The present Liber Albus.-This is a fine large folio volume of 456 leaves of parchment. It is imperfect at the end; though, judging from the Index, it must have had leaves added after folio 449, at a later date than the rest of the volume; which was written probably in the reigns of Richard 2, Henry 6, and Edward 4. Its character is that of a register, containing a series of deeds and documents of every description, relating to the Church of Wells. It begins with the Charter of the 15th of Henry 3, which is followed by an earlier Charter of confirmation of the 8th of John; after which, there are some Charters going back to Saxon times. In folios 164-5, reference is again made to a subject already alluded to. Pope Boniface 9 (A.D. 1400) orders that the large sums expended by the incoming Canons, for feasting the Bishop, the Dean, the Canons, the Vicars, and all the other officers of the Church, shall for the future be discontinued, and that in lieu thereof no more than 150 marks shall be paid. The contents of this valuable volume seem to be limited to formal documents and deeds, with no additional memoranda. A small folio paper Volume, in its original boards, covered with old calf, and with clasps, now broken. contains 326 folios, all written upon. It is of the time It of Edward 4 probably, and apparently was once known as the " Liber Proc.,' "Book of Procurations." It contains forms of Presentations, Collations, Resignations, Commissions, Licences, Obligations, Acquittances, Indentures, Testaments, and various formal matters that were then applicable to the business of this particular Diocese. This volume is in singularly fine preservation. Chronicon, sive Annales, Eccl. Cathedralis Wellensis. -This is the labelled title of a folio paper volume, of about 320 written leaves, with some 20 left in blank. It is formed of various collections, of the early part of the 18th century, relative to Wells and Somerset generally, bound up together; and is evidently full of curious historical and antiquarian matter, gathered from many sources. As to the compiler or compilers, nothing whatever seems to be known. Nathaniel Chyles' History of the Church of Wells.-A folio paper volume, containing about 600 pages, with a good Index at the beginning, and written in the latter part of the 17th century. It was left by will by Archdeacon Sandys to the Dean and Chapter, as mentioned in an Act of the Chapter 1st of October 1708. It is an elaborate work, and very carefully written. A folio paper Volume of about 170 leaves, containing memoranda as to the revenues of the Cathedral, and its various foundations. The latter part of this volume, which seems to have been written about 1730-5, is a commonplace-book, bearing reference to other Cathe drals. Dr. Cosyn's History of the Church of Wells.-A small folio volume, formed partly of parchment, and partly of paper. Dr. Cosyn was Dean of Wells from 1498 to 1525, and also Secretary of State. This book was written under his inspection in 1506 (see page 257 of the work). Strictly speaking, the book is more a code of the rules and regulations of the Church than a regular history of it. A fragment of a Saxon book, consisting of 23 leaves of parchment, in small quarto, and without a cover. De oratorio monasterii. De hospitibus suscipiendis. Acts of the Dean and Chapter, Vol. I., A.D. 1591-1607. The other Volumes of the "Acts" run in the following Entries in an Account Book, which indeed has in part I must not omit to acknowledge my sense of the courtesy shown me by the Very Reverend G. H. S. Johnson, the Dean of Wells, in the readiness with which, at a moment's notice, he granted me access to these records; my examination of which was also greatly facilitated by the kind attention of Mr. H. Bernard, Clerk and Secretary to the Dean and Chapter. HENRY THOMAS RILEY. WESTMINSTER ABBEY. The documents and papers belonging to Westminster There is a catalogue or inventory of them, prepared This inventory is very imperfect, but it has been |