their respective rights in the building called "Le "Stokkes." In Latin; f. 39.

15. Writ of Richard II. intimating that he had abrogated certain regulations made in the Parliament held in the third year of his reign respecting the sale of fish, 27 Nov., 7 Ric. II. In Latin; f. 42.

16. Memoranda as to the rights of the city of London over the river Thames. In Latin; f. 43.

17. Rules respecting the use of nets in the river Thames, and the periods for fishing within the same river. In French; f. 43 b.

18. Note respecting the right claimed by the city of London over the sale of lampreys within the same, dated 7 Edw. III. In Latin; f. 44.

19. Note of the customs levied upon goods discharged at Bilingsgate. In French; f. 44 b.

20. Statement as to the ancient customs levied at Queen's Bank [Queen Hithe ?]. In Latin; f. 45 b.

21. The custom of Escawage. In French; f. 45*. 22. The custom of Tronage. In French; f. 45 b. 23. The custom of Pesage, by weight. In French; f. 46.

24. The customs of Graschurch. In French; f. 46. 25. The customs of Wolchurch Hawe. In French; f. 46 b.

26. The customs of the market in London. In French; f. 46 b.

27. The customs of Smithfield.

In French; f. 47.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF J. C. ANTROBUS, ESQ., or
EATON HALL, CHESHIRE.

Among the deeds is one dated in 1281, by which Agnes, the daughter of Gerard of Leke, grants to Robert, called the Cellerersman, lands in Leke (Leck in Staffordshire).

And a deed, not dated, being a grant by Radulfus de Vernun to the Abbat of Vale Royal of land in Westacroft in Great Stanthurn, free from all service except "uno rete domino regi." The witnesses are Lord Reginald de Gray, then Justice of Chester, Lord William de Venables, and others. (Reginald de Gray was Justice of Chester in the 9th year of Edward 1, 1281.)

A license by King Henry 5, dated in the 10th year of his reign (under seal), to Hugh the son of Ralph Walley, and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, whether resident in Nantwich or not, to boil and sell salt, and to sell other goods. The consideration was 40s. paid into the Exchequer of Chester.

A precept by Edward, eldest son of Edward 4, that if John Wodnot was over 70 years of age he was not to be put on juries or assises. Dated 14 Edward 4.

A counterpart conveyance by Edward Lord Stafford and Ursula his wife, to Edward Lord Derby, of a house and garden in Macclesfield. Signature of E. Derby." The seal in red wax, crest of Eagle and child.

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There are many deeds of the time of Edward 2, and later Kings. Some of the early deeds have seals of arms. Many grants are by persons named Praers and Sutton.

Many of the early deeds relate to Yeyton (Eaton) under Lyme.

There are many deeds by and to the Byrons of Buglawton, in the county of Chester, in the reigns of Elizabeth, James 1, Charles 1, and Charles 2. Christopher Byron in 1597 had an uncle named John. After Christopher came Thomas. Another Christopher in 1684 made a settlement (with the deeds), and immediately afterwards made his will. He had bought up a great deal of real property. No son is mentioned in his will, but he names daughters, one of whom had married an Allen. The Christopher Byron of 1642 used a seal of arms, viz., three bends enhanced; the same arms as those borne by the noble family of Byron. There are several deeds by and to the Breretons of Cheshire.

A large chest is full of the Rolls of the manor of Horton in Staffordshire. They commence in the reign of Edward 3, and end with the reign of George 2: (the subsequent rolls are with the Steward). They comprise the Rolls of the Court Baron and Customary Court and View of Frankpledge; and besides, various papers of the

17th century, giving accounts of the manor, its descents, reservations, and exchanges. There are also a few Computi, one as early as Edward 4.

These Rolls are important for the history of Staffordshire; for Horton is a very large manor, and the series here is nearly if not quite complete from the 14th century.

Court Rolls and Computi are deserving of a very careful study. The former show the succession of lords, the customs of the manors, the succession of tenants, the amounts of fines and nature of heriots; proceedings in trespass and debt, in assaults and frays; the steps in civil suits, and a variety of information as to management and proceedings of the lords' territory and its occupants. The Computi are very valuable as showing the cultivation and stocking of farms, and the prices of various items of food and use. The importance of these documents has not, I think, been sufficiently attended to. ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF W. R. BAKER, ESQ., OF BAYFORDBURY, IN THE COUNTY OF HERTS.

A most interesting collection of letters of the 17th, and a few of the 18th century, mostly addressed to Jacob Tonson, the friend and publisher of the wits and poets of that time, and founder of the Kit-Cat Club. Mr. Baker is one of his descendants, and possesses nearly all the portraits (painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller) of the members and of the club. The portraits of Jacob Tonson and the Earl of Carbery are very fine; that of Addison not so good. The portrait of John Montague, Duke of Montague, is curious. He expected to be made Knight of the Garter, and, in anticipation, the ribbon was painted over his coat; but he was disappointed, and the ribbon was painted to match the coat. But, as often the case in a 66 pentimento," the ribbon is visible.

The letters have been laid down in a large folio volume, and are in good preservation. Loose, at the end of the volume, is a fair copy, corrected for the press, of the first book of Milton's Paradise Lost, by some conjectured to be in Milton's handwriting.

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The first letter is from Addison to Jacob Tonson, at the "Judge's Head," next Temple Bar, in Fleet Street, February 2 (no year):-"I was yesterday with Dr. "Hannes; told him Dr. Blackman, Mr. Adams, and "Mr. Boyle and myself had engaged in it, and that you "had gained a kind of promise from Dr. Gibbons. The "Doctor seemed particularly solicitous about the company he was to appear in, and would fain hear all the names of the translators. (The reference is to a trans"lation of Herodotus.) Addison does not like his Polymnia, and will, if Tonson pleases, translato Urania. Was walking this morning with Mr. Yalden, "and asked him when we might expect Ovid'de arte "amandi' in English. Told me he thought you had dropt the design since Mr. Driden's translation of Virgil had been undertaken; but he had done his part "almost a year ago, and had it lying by him. Was "afraid he has done little of it, but believes a letter "from Tonson about it would set him to work."

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2. Addison to Tonson, March 13 (no year).-Not being able to find Dr. Hannes at home has left his part with his servitor. Shall have his Urania by the beginning of the week.

3. Addison to Tonson at Amsterdam.-Has been two days at Rotterdam. Speaks of Tonson's edition of Cæsar.

4. Addison to Tonson, May 28.-Mr. Clay tells him to let Tonson know of the misfortune Polymnia met with on the road; the carrier was in fault. Tonson's discourse about translating Ovid made such an impression on him that he ventured on the second book, which he turned at his leisure hours. Ovid has so many silly stories with his good ones that he is more tedious to translate than a better poet would be.

5. 1735, August 28.-" My friend, I intend, God will"ing, to leave the country on Sunday next, with hopes "of London next evening. I suppose by the news I receive per post that you are alive, but a certificate of "health under your own hand would have been most acceptable to your old friend, Roger de Coverley." (Addison died in 1719, and Steele in 1729.)

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6. Atterbury to Tonson, dated at Oxford, November 15, 1681.-Sends a list of subscribers (31); has got 61. in crowns; some have not paid. Asks for the Oxford Prologue and for Dryden's Satyr, which he says he will return without transcribing a line, "My Whole Duty

"of Man waits for yours, and if you think it worth your "while to have the first miscellany the piece of Spencer "in 4to., which you know I owe you, sent up along with 66 it, it shall be done."

7. Aphra Behn to Jacob Tonson, August 1, 1685.Tonson has bound himself for 61. which she owed Mr. Baggs. She empowers Zachary Baggs, in case the debt is not paid before Michaelmas, to stop it out of moneys in his hands "upon the playing her first play."

8. The same to the same.-Thanks him for the service he has done her with Dryden, in whose esteem she would rather choose to be than anybody in the world. Angry with Creech; thinks her verse worth 301.; hopes he will find 'em worth 251.; asks him to speak to his brother to advance the price 51. more. Cowley's David lost because it was a large book; Mrs. Philips's plays for the same reason. Begs hard for 5l. more.

9. Assignment by Richard Bentley to Jacob Tonson of one-third of Abstract of L'Estrange's Seneca's Morals. 11. received in hand for 301. At the back is a receipt for the whole amount and a direction for the Stationer's Company to assign.

10. Wm. Congreve to Tonson, August 8, 1723.-His kinsman Col. Congreve wishes that Tonson would lend Wm. Congreve's picture, to have a copy.

12. The same to the same, August 20, 1695.-Requests him to ask Sir G. Kneller to finish his picture.

20. J. Dennis to Tonson, June 4, 1715.--Is concerned at the attempt to lessen the reputation of Dryden by small poets." Abuses Pope; Pope has always the same dull cadence and a continual bag-pipe drone contrasts between Dryden and Pope. Five pages, and very amusing. A modern note says that it has been printed imperfectly.

;

21. Dryden to Tonson, July 6, 1697.-Tell Mr. Pate I can print no more names of his subscribers than I have money for before I print their names. Let him settle for three yards of cloth by set-off. He (Dryden) is about to deal with a draper of his own persuasion. 22. Dryden's receipt for 301. for copyright of Cleomenes.

23. Dryden's receipt, March 24, 1698, for 2681. 158. for about 7,500 verses or less, of 10,000. 24. Dryden to Tonson.

25. The same to the same.-Had caught a great pike. 26. The same to the same.-About translation of Virgil.

27. The same to the same (no date).-Three days since he finished the 4th Eneid. The 6th is his greatest favourite. Mentions that money was then very scrupulously received, and that clipped money and 40 brass shillings were in some change sent to his wife.

28. The same to the same.-Asks him to let his wife buy a sieve of damsons to preserve, whole and not in mash.

29. The same to the same, October 29 (no year).—Has done the 7th Æneid in the country; intends in a few days to begin the 8th; when that is finished he expects 501. in good silver, not such as he had formerly. "I "am not obliged to take gold, neither will I; nor stay "for it beyond 24 hours after it is due." (They were evidently then on bad terms.)

30. The same to the same (no date).—An interesting letter. He says that the translation of the History of the League was the best translation that ever was. Mentions Lord Roscommon's Essay; mentions his own

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verses; corrects a line-"let it be 'That here his conquering ancestors were nurs'd."" Will lay by the. Religio Laici till another time. Will have four odes of Horace and 40 lines from Lucretius. The story of Nisus and Eurialus, and 40 lines of Virgil in another place, to answer those of Lucretius. "I mean those very lines ' which Montaigne has compared in those two poets.' Has no leisure for an Act of the Opera. Talks with Betterton about actors and the characters they were to have in the two new plays.

31. The same to the same.-(Amusing.) About his translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses.

32. The same to the same.-Asks him to say what is the most he will give for his son's play, "and if you "have any silver which will go, my wife will be glad "of it."

33 and 34. The same to the same.-In the latter he mentions Lady Chudleigh's verses (apparently to the Virgil). These, Wycherley thinks the best of any. His own translation of Ovid, "de Arte amandi." Asks Tonson to get him three pounds of snuff. Let the printer be very careful, or he shall print nothing more; his son Charles is ill; the doctor fears a rupture; has great love for his requests him to ask Mr. Fraunce to enclose a letter, he (Dryden) will pay for double post. The post can't be trusted. Ferrand will do by them as he did by two letters which he sent his son about his dedicating to the King, of which they received neither.

son;

35. The same to the same.-About his handwriting failing; so he writes a short letter.

36. The same to the same.-Has broken off his studies for the Conquest of China, to review Virgil and bestow more certain duty on him. Dr. Chetwynd; his promise of the Ode on St. Cecelia's day, which he desires Tonson to send him forthwith.

37. The same to the same.-Thanks him for sherry, the best he ever had. Asks him, in the Ode for St. Cecilia's day, to alter Lais to Thais twice. Wants to send a Virgil to Rome, and to send 30 guineas to Rome to his son.

38. The same to the same.-The remainder of his Northamptonshire rents have come up by the carrier, 161. and about 10 shillings.

39. The same to the same." Send my MS. of the "Eneid to Sir Robert Howard to read in the country, "and bring back when he came to town."

40. A promise by Tonson to pay Dryden 250 guineas for 10,000 verses, 7,500 already in Tonson's possession. The 250 guineas to be made up to 3007. on a second impression of the 10,000 verses. Dated, 20th March 1698, signed and sealed by Tonson. Witnessed by Ben. Portlock and W. Congreve:

41. A similar document; the seal torn off.

42. Mr. Russells bill for the funeral of Dryden. Among the items are:-Double coffin, 5l. Hanging the Hall with a border of bays, 5l. Six dozen paper escutcheons for the Hall, 31. 12s. Ten silk escutcheons for the Pall, 21. 108. Three mourning coaches and six horses, 21. 58. Silver desk and rosemary, 58. Eight scarves for musicianers, 21. Seventeen yards of crape to cover their instruments, 11. 148. Archievement for the herse, 3l. 10s. The total was 457. 17s.

43. Verses by Cath. Brocerley to Dryden on his translation of Virgil.-One page. The writer says, “The "old critick burnt Statius as a holocaust to Virgil, so we may burn Ogilby."

44. Duke of Grafton to Tonson.-Thanks him for a present of cider.

45. The Earl of Halifax to Mr. Smal in York Buildings. Says his leg is not so well, and asks that he shall be in town on Wednesday by 11; asks him to meet him there to dress it. On the back are memoranda by Tonson about his son and daughter, and the altering of his will, &c.

46. A letter from E. Jekyll, May 17, 1718.

47. J. Jekyll at the Rolls to Tonson.-On the death of Mr. Cocks. Tonson being there, is asked to do all he can for Lord Somer's sake.

48. Basil Kennet to Tonson, at the "Judge's Head" near the Inner Temple Gate; dated C.C.C., 10th Sept. 1696.-Promises to contribute something for Tonson's 5th Miscellany.

49. A note of two lines from Sir G. Kneller. 50. From Sir G. Kneller.-Is sorry he shall not see him that afternoon, but will on Sunday next.

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51. The (second) Duke of Marlborough to Tonson, the nephew, Nov. 29, 1729.-"I know 'tis only the set of those pictures your uncle values, and not that "that I would give the world for." Asks to change for an original of Sir G. Kneller.

52. Luke Milbourne to Tonson. Dated, Yarmouth, Nov. 24, 1690. - Sends a poem which he made on Dryden's Amphitryo, which much pleased him. Tells Tonson to send others of Dryden's works.

53. Holles-Newcastle to Tonson, July 28, 1721.-Addresses him as " my dear old Friend," and asks to come for a visit.

54. Pelham to Tonson, 1721.-Acknowledges a present of cyder, and perry which he thought to be a different sort of cyder.

55. Holles-Newcastle to Tonson, 1721.-About a present of cyder, &c. And draft of a reply.

56. From H. Pelham, 1728.

62. Alexander Pope to Tonson, Nov. 14, 1731.—“ Al"most ready to be angry with your nephew for being the "publisher of Theobald's Shakespear, who according to "the laudable custom of commentators first served him"self of my pains, and then abused me for 'em." Suggests a scheme (to be talked over) for a Shakespear and other English poets that will beat all others, other literary matters (3 pages). In a postscript; "You live "not far from Ross; I desire you to get me an exact in"formation of the Man of Ross, what was his Christian " and surname, what year he died and what age, and to "transcribe his epitaph if he has one; and any par"ticulars you can procure about him. I intend to make "him an example in a poem of mine."

63. Copies of two letters from Pope to J. Tonson, jun., and two from J. Tonson, jun., in reply, 1731.-In the first, Pope expresses a hope that, in Theobald's proposed edition of Shakespear, Tonson will not publish any impertinent remarks on him (Pope). In the second, Tonson says that he will never do anything to forfeit Pope's opinion of him. In the third, Pope says, "All I should be sorry for would be if you were made the publisher of any falsity relating to my personal cha"racter." In the fourth, Tonson re-assures him.

64, 65, and 66 are from Pope, the first dated in 1732, the second no date, the third in 1735.-In the first Pope thanks Tonson for information about the Man of Ross; mentions why he made the Man of Ross better in reality. Has no thought of printing the poem (which is an Epistle on the Use of Riches) this long time. Mentions his portrait by Dahl sent to Tonson's nephew. Asks for a copy of his old friend Dr. Garth. 'As to Dr. Bentley and Milton, I think the one above and the "other below criticism."

67. Matthew Prior, Haye, Sept. 23/13, 1695, to Tonson. -Sends some verses "if worth printing," translated from Boileau.

68. Copies of Prior's poems, from Harl. MS. 7316. 69. D. Pulteney, Utrecht, July 3, to Tonson in Amsterdam. --About Vandermark, who wished to engrave for the Cæsar.

70 and 71. The same to the same. -Chatty letters. 72. Dr. Raby, at Berlin (no year), to Tonson.-The King has ordered the Urose to be painted, and to have prints made of him, and has promised him the first, which shall be Tonson's. The King will subscribe (for the Cæsar).

73. Lord Somers to Tonson. - Apologizes for not being able to come to a party.

74, 75, and 76. Letters from the Duke of Somerset to Tonson, two of them dated in 1703.-The first is a long one about Addison's being tutor to his son; his duty, and salary. In the second, he says that as Addison seems to consent, but wants to know particulars, he wishes Tonson to come and talk. In the third, he says that Addison has in effect declined. Our club is dis"solved until you revive it; which we are impatient "off."

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81. George Stepney, at Vienna, March 24, 1703, to Tonson.-Is glad that the Cæsar goes on well. Prince Eugene will subscribe; he has given his arms and titles for one of the cuts. Hopes to send the Margrave of Baden as a subscriber. These two Generals are as "learned as brave, and are perfect masters of humanity "and learning." Prince Eugene wants one of Tonson's Horace. Hearty affection to Kit-Cat. "Often wish it were my fortune to make one of you at three in the "morning."

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83. The same to the same, Feb. 18, 1705. Sends the letter and arms of Prince Eugene and the Margrave of Baden, and speaks of his own.

84 to 95. Twelve amusing letters from Sir John Vanbrugh to Tonson, dated from Paris, Amsterdam, and Herefordshire in 1703, 1714, 1722, and 1725, containing anecdotes and gossip of the club and friends, town news, and a little on politics. In the fourth, to Tonson at Paris, June 5, 1719, he congratulates Tonson on his luck in South Sea Stock. In the fifth, Feb. 18, 1719/20, he says that stock is rising, but he is only a looker-on. Sir R. Steele is grown such a malcontent that he now takes the Ministry directly for his mark, and treats them in the House for some days past in so very frank a manner that they grow quite angry, and 'tis talked as if it would not be impossible to see him very soon expelled the House. He has quarrelled with the Lord Chamberlain, that a new license has been granted to Wilks, Cibber, and Booth, which they accepting of and acting under, have left him with his patent but not one player. And so the Lord Chamberlain's authority over the playhouse is restored, and the patent ends in a joke. A notice of the opera; 20,000l. subscribed; the King gives 1,000l. a year. He (Vanbrugh) is going to Heidegger's masquerade that night. In one dated July 1, 1719, he mentions his own recent marriage. In the next, a few lines in the middle are written and signed by Harriet V. (his wife). Vanbrugh abuses the Duchess of Marlborough, mentioning the money that was owing to him for Blenheim. In one, dated Oct. 25, 1725, he is very uncomplimentary to the Duchess of Marlborough, by reason of her getting an injunction against him by her friend the late good Chancellor, who declared that Vanbrugh never was employed by the Duke of M., and therefore had no demand on his estate for services at Blenheim. But he got his debt by Sir R. Walpole's help out of a sum she expected to receive. In one of Jan. 1722, he mentions the Duke of Marlborough's disposition of his property. The opera is supported: half a guinea for pit and boxes.

96. E. Waller, Jan. 22, 1679, to Jacob Tonson, at Mrs. Tonson's shop at Gray's Inn Gate, by Gray's Inn. -A short letter. Has the gout. Asks for any of Cambray's (Fénélon) works, if new.

97. Geo. Wilson, 2nd August, 1735.-Not important. 98. John Wallis, Serjeant's Inn, June 23, 1691, to some clergyman.-A long letter about the right of the University of Oxford to print Bibles. Claims for Oxford the exercise of printing before London, and the University brought in the art of printing.

99. Autograph draft of J. Tonson's will, March 19, 1731. 2 pp. 4to.

Then follow three vols. letters by Tonson; hints for verses on Dr. Hobbs, surgeon, cousin to T. Hobbs, of Malmesbury; Wycherley and he were of the same age, and born in the same town. Drafts of verses: several. Tonson's will in his own handwriting, 27 Jan. 1734. Bill for Tonson's funeral, March 31, 1735. amount is 1247. 5s. 9d.

The

A letter from Philip Lempriere at Bath, 13 Feb. 1777, to Wm. Baker. He says that the wits and poets used to meet in a public house in Gray's Inn Lane, the sign a Cat, the man who kept it was called Kit; and they kept the name when they removed to the Devil or Rose Tavern, Temple Bar; he is not sure which.

The Kit-Cat Club, a poem, by R. B. Four leaves, 8vo.

The thanks of the literary world will be given to Mr. Baker for allowing an inspection and description of his most interesting collection, containing so many radiations from those who have left "long trails of light

descending down." And I thank him much for giving me the use of the volume in the room where hang the portraits of the members of the Club with which his ancestor's name is so intimately connected. Although Dryden's letters were known to Sir Walter Scott (see Scott's edition of Dryden's works), yet, as the contents of this volume are little known, it was thought better to briefly notice the contents of the letters of Dryden as well as of the others.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE ORIGINAL CHARTERS, PAPERS, DEEDS, AND LETTERS OF CHARLES MICHAEL BERINGTON, ESQ., OF LITTLE MALVERN COURT,

(First Notice.)

In the library of Charles Berington, Esq., is contained a very large collection of early documents, ranging from the time of King John to the end of the last century. The greater portion of the collection has reference either to the history of the various families of which their owner is the representative, or to the property of which these families were the proprietors and occupants. Within a comparatively recent period large masses of these papers (especially the earlier ones) have perished by damp and otherwise; the portions however which remain are very considerable numerically, and of great interest and value. Their importance consists not so much in the light which they throw upon the general history of the nation, as upon the illustrations which they afford of the inner life of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and in this respect they are worthy of a careful examination. The entire series has recently been most liberally submitted to my inspection by its owner, who is most anxious in every way in his power to forward the interests of the Commission. But the collection is too extensive to be exhausted in the course of a single visit, and I find it necessary in my present report to limit my notice to a general statement of the nature of the papers as they were presented to me, reserving to myself the privilege more systematic examination at some future

of a period.

In dealing witn these documents it may be convenient to classify them under certain chronological divisions, commencing with the Charters and papers anterior to the death of King Henry VIII.

The earliest Charters which have occurred among the bundles already opened are those which relate to grants made to the monastery of Little Malvern by Silvester, bishop of Worcester, and his successor in the same see, Walter de Cantilupe, confirmed by the earl of Gloucester of the period.

Charters relative to Presthemede, of the time of Edward I.

Charters relative to tenements in Newcastle-underLyme, temp. Edw. III.

Licence of Walter, abbot of Westminster, granting the request of John, prior of Little Malvern, to found an oratory at Bockebury, provided that the rights of the mother church of Longedone be not injured. Dated at Chaddesleye, 13 kal. Jun. 1289.

Charters respecting lands and tenements in Pershore, temp. Hen. VI.

Charters respecting lands in Leghe, granted by Alart Pepe, of Leghe, temp. Edw. III.

Lease of a tenement in Kersaltone, co. Surrey, "foranenst the cross," with a schedule of household necessaries left in the same (curious), dated 27 Hen. VII. Letters and papers connected with the proceedings of the Council appointed by King Henry VII. for the management of the affairs of Prince Arthur and the Princess Catherine, his wife, while resident at Bewdeley. Among these may be mentioned the following:

A letter from "H. Worcester " to the Princesse grace's counsail, without date.

Letter of John Russell, secretary to the said council, in answer to the above letter.

Letters (several) from John, bishop of Exeter, to the

same.

Letters from Walter Devreux to the same.

Letter (holograph) of Thomas Audley, to "his brother "Russell, secretary with the Lady Princess."

Letters from the Commissioners for the pacification of the Marches of Wales.

Rules for the pacification of the same.

Various letters and papers of the time of Henry VIII. Letter of William, Lord Wyndesore, to his cousin Russell, 35 Hen. VIII.

Depositions respecting the will of Thomas Holgrave. Charters granted by the abbey of Gloucester, 28 Hen. VIII.

Letter (original) of Clement, abbot of Evesham, to "Mr. Secretary."

Depositions in a suit (23 Hen. VIII.) betwixt Thomas Foliatt, Esq., and John Frauncis.

Taxation of the subsidy for the first year, viz., 27 Hen. VIII. in the limits of John Russell and William Gower, Esqrs.

Various letters from Thomas Crumwell to Sir John Russell, Knight, and others, mostly undated, but one bearing the date 7 Dec. 30 Hen. VIII.

Appointment of Harry Russell, Esq., to be "Foster" of the late priory of Little Malvern, 23 Hen. VIII., with draft of his letter respecting the same.

"A device to make sure the manor of Hardwick ;" two plans.

Quietus given to John Russell, farmer, of Werepedyll, 24 Hen. VIII.

Lease of lands and tenements in Calais (5 Dec., 12 Hen. VIII.), by Sir William Barber, Knt., to John Russell, of the Frith, co. Surry, "squier."

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Grant of tithes of corn in Besford, by "Johannes episcopus Politensis, abbas Wigorniæ," to John Russell, Esquire, for his good counsel, 29 Hen. VIII.

Lease by the same abbot of Worcester, to John Russell, vicar of S. Andrew's of Pershore, of "Pershore Myllys," 18 Hen. VIII.

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Rentale terrarum et tenementorum nuper prioratus Minoris Malverniæ.

Petition to the King for grant of restitution to Sir Richard Brunton and Joanna, his wife, daughter and heir of William Stanley, Esq., son of William Stanley, Knt., of lands, &c. forfeited by him. No date.

Letters-testimonial embodying depositions respecting the will of Thomas Holgrave, Gent., in 1527.

Grant of lands in Solihull, co. Warwick, by Richard Boteler, to Sir Edward Ferrers and others, 9 Hen. VIII. Documents connected with lands, &c. in Solershope, co. Heref., 24 Hen. VIII.

Account Book, containing the personal and private expenses of Thomas Holgrave, 15 Hen. VIII. (A curious volume.)

Letters to and from the family of Brocton (or Broughton), of Henley, co. Salop, from the reign of Hen. VIII. Letters and papers connected with the descent of tenements and lands in Barrowe, co. Wigorn., between Henry Russell and Charles Brocton, 1 and 2 Philip and Mary.

Leases of lands in Ellefield, temp. Philip and Mary. Letters-patent of Philip and Mary, granting to Henry Russell, Esq., and Charles Brocton, Gent. (in consideration of the faithful service heretofore rendered by the said Henry Russell, and of 413l. 18s. 6d. paid by the said Henry Russell and Charles Brocton), the demesne and manor of Little Malvern, with its appurtenances, &c., Barrowe, &c. Dated at Westm., 26 Sept., 1 and 2 Philip and Mary. The original, with the royal seal appended.

Household Book of Henry Russell, "since the death "of my mother."

General quitclaim, by John Webb, of London, Gent., of all debts due to him by Rowland Russell, of London, Gent., 40 Eliz.

Book of payment of Easter Dues of Little Malvern, 37 Eliz.

Letters of John Chapman, 1607.

Letters of Thomas Chamberlain, 1639. Letters and papers relative to a suit about a farm in Long Wittenham co. Berks, claimed by S. John's College, Oxford, 1583, among which are several letters of the Privy Council.

Letters, chiefly domestic and personal, from members of the families of Russell, Packington, Grove, Waterhouse, Berkley, Leigh, Halsey, Uvedale, Walwyn, Monington, Throckmorton, Molyns, Gunton, ranging from about 1580 to 1680.

Domestic papers connected with the families of Monington and Williams of Holywell, Flintshire, A.D. 1720– 1723.

Letters of Mary Cross, Frances Clifton, and other inmates of the English Convent at Rouen, to Mr. Mon. ington and Mr. Williams of Holywell, 1734-1795. (Interesting notices of the French Revolution.)

Letters and papers respecting the relics of Queen Clementine Sobieski (with the relics themselves), given to "this convent by Felix, bishop of Ipres, Oct. 4th, "1765."

Letter of Sister Mary Rosa Howard of Norfolk, about the relics of Queen Clementina, dated, Brussells, Aug. 29th, 1742.

Attestation of relics presented by the said Sister Mary Rosa (with the relics themselves), by Joseph Habert, bishop of Ipres, dated 18 Sept. 1772, the relics having been presented, 12th May 1741.

Attestation as to a portion of the hair shirt of St. Thomas of Canterbury (with the relic itself) by Nicholas Leyburn, vice-president of Douai, Edward Everard, S. T. P. and Joseph Morgan, dated, 9th March 1676.

Papers of the very Rev. Prior Williams, last prior of the English Carthusians of Nieuport, Flanders (originally of Sheen), who died, 2nd Jan. 1797, at Little Mal

vern.

Papers relating to the temporalities of the English Carthusians of Nieuport.

Proceedings of the Committee for sequestration of Papists and Delinquents as regarding Thomas Russell of Little Malvern, April 1649.

Speech of Fr. David Lewis, executed at Usk, Aug. 27, 1679.

Documents connected with the period of the Commonwealth.

Letters of Richard Pigot, Fellow of Oriel College, to Thomas Habington, the Worcestershire Antiquarian.

History of the priory of Little Malvern, by Rowland Reade.

Letters of Dorothy Lacon, 1647.
Letters of J. Grove, 1605.

Letter of Edward Penant, Avignon, 1765.

Mr. Berington permits me to state that he will be happy to afford every facility which I may require for the inspection of these portions of his papers which as yet remain unexamined; and further, that he is anxious to forward by every means in his power the objects contemplated by the Commission.

Jos. STEVENSON.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF COLONEL MYDDELTON-Biddulph, CHIRK CASTLE, Denbighshire.

The Manuscripts and greater portion of the old library are at present in a vaulted stone chamber on the first floor. The manuscript volumes are very few ; the letters are numerous, but only a few of the time of Charles 1 are of public interest. On the partition some years ago of the vast estates of the Myddeltons, I think it most likely that great portions of the MS. correspondence went to one or both of the other coheiresses.

A 4to volume in English, 16th century, 227 leaves and one leaf of table, intituled, "History of the Kings "and Princes of Wales:" begins, "After that Cadwalla"der the last King of the Britons descending from the "noble race of Trojans ' .. Ends (at 227a), "and "at this year the King built the castle and town of "Beaumarys. After this there was nothing "done in Wales worthy memory, but that is to be redde "in the English Chronicles." At fol. 4 the author refers to Sir John Price's apology against the calumnies of Polydore Vergil.

A 4to volume in English, paper, 15th century, 33 leaves, imperfect at the beginning. It consists of medical recipes.

A folio volume in Latin, paper, 16th century, begins with fol. 64, and ends with fol. 85. It is a book of the Gaol Delivery of Newgate in London, for the 32nd and several succeeding years of Henry 8. It gives the names of the prisoners, their pleas and sentences, in very brief entries.

Books of orders at Quarter Sessions for Denbighshire from 1647 to near the end of the century; and a multitude of Rolls of the Quarter Sessions at Wrexham in the 17th century.

Queen Elizabeth's instructions to Henry Earl of Pembroke, President of the Council in Wales; dated at Windsor, 15th Sept. 1586; and a few other papers in other years relative thereto.

A 4to volume, paper, 17th century, contains lay and religious poems in English and Welsh.

A 4to volume, paper, 17th century, contains historical and genealogical notes in Welsh; about 180 leaves.

A folio volume, paper, 17th century, contains an account of the subscriptions of persons in all the parishes in London to the subsidy, 1643 and 1644.

A fragment of an 8vo volume, vellum, 14th century, beginning with fol. 55, and ending with fol. 100. It ends imperfectly in the 4th chapter of Articulus Septimus. It is a treatise on virtues and vices. The 19th

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chapter, De Elemosina, begins "Sanctus Judocus ex ' regno Britonum;" there are other English examples. Among the letters and miscellaneous papers, I noticed the following:

:

1583. June 11. A notary public's declaration of Sir Henry Norris, captain of a company of English soldiers in Anvers, confessing that he owed to Sir William Middelton, an English merchant resident in Anvers, 371. Flemish.

1636. June 19. Jonathan Edwards at Oxford to Walkyn Kyffin at Chirk. The King intends to come here (Oxford), and they are extremely strick to keep the city cleare and free from the sickness [in London] against he comes; on August 29th he will be here.

1636. Aug. 31. Jonathan Edwards to his brother, John Jones. He gives an account of the King's coming to Oxford, his reception and behaviour, the procession of the authorities, presentation of Oxford gloves to the King, his weariness at one speech, and satisfaction with another. A long and interesting letter.

1637. July 11. John Kyffin to Sir Thomas Middelton at Chirk. He is summoned to Chirke Castle and charged with half a musket; he has parted with all his property, except a pittance, to his two sons, therefore asks that he may be struck out from the list, and that they may be substituted.

1638. A long list of officers and gentlemen that have served abroad and are elected for His Majesty's service (to go into Scotland, 1638).

1639. May 27. Sir Edward Broughton of London to Gerrard Eyton. After matters of business he gives reports of the King's intended movements towards Scotland.

1644 and 1645. Various lists of men in differen regiments. Receipts for ammunition and arms by various captains.

1647. November 1. A letter from Chirk to Sir Thomas Middelton at Carew House in the Strand, about the charge on the Castle and the quartering of troops there by the Parliament.

1668. June 7. A news-letter from London. 1706. July. A note of a great storm in the county of Denbigh. Above thirty county bridges must be necessarily rebuilt or repaired.

1608. Nov. 2. A note of Muster of the clergy at Whelford; giving their names, the arms for which they were liable, and whether they were furnished

or not.

It is worth noting that during the forage for MSS. in the old tower a very fair copy of Caxton's edition of the Polycronicon was discovered; it has six leaves of the table at the beginning, and wants all after the 4th chapter of the last book (the last book being Caxton's own composition). In other respects the volume seems perfect.

In the Library are a few old letters laid down in a volume. One is a holograph letter by Charles 1, intimating his intention to come to Chirk Castle, and one by John Watts, giving an account of the defence of the Castle against the Rebels.

The Manorial Records are abundant. Among them is a very long roll for Moghaut, 34 & 35 Edw. 3. Under the heading "Irrotulamentum pro magistro "dil Halstan" is the following entry:-" Jevan ap "Madoc Keffyn cepit firmam fraternitatis hospitalis "Sancti Johannis infra marchiam Powys pro 41. hoc