66

66

66

editæque per Dominum Stephanum Cantuariæ Archiepiscopum, A.D. мCCXXII., et anno regni Regis Henrici, filii Johannis, viiio. In primis, de sententia "Excommunicationis Majoris." The manuscript is slightly rubricated in one page, and is imperfect at the end.

A large leaf of parchment, carefully preserved, on which is entered a later copy of the account given of King Edmund's escape, while hunting, in the Chronicle above described. The writing in this case is of about the middle of the 15th century, certainly later than the other; and stops short with naming the grant by King John, but not giving any of it. This version has been transcribed in a folio volume of copies of Charters of Axbridge, with translations, made by William Illingworth [late Keeper of the Records in the Tower] A.D. 1824.

A summons, on paper, bearing date 22nd August 1623, and signed by Henry St. George, "Richmond," and Samson Lennard, "Blewmantle," commissioned under the Great Seal, to make "A generall surveigh of the

66

armes, matches, and issues, of the nobility and gen"trie within this county;" calling on the Mayor of Axbridge to shew to them the Common Seal of the Corporation, or an impression thereof.

A small quarto book, containing ten leaves of parchment, in good condition, within a cover of stout vellum, upon the outside of which is written-" The Stentar,' it being an Extent Book, or book of valuation of property, belonging to the Corporation. The first part was written apparently in the reign of Henry VI., the latter part in that of Edward IV. It is full of curious matter as to the ancient localities of the place. Mention is made of "Twochynlane," of which all memory has perished, "yn the north party of the Yelde Halle." This Guild Hall no longer exists, one having been erected, at a recent date, on another site. The "Mais

46

terys of the Comune Gilde," mentioned in a document of the time of Richard II. (who, with the Portreve, represented the Corporation, the town not having received a regular Charter of Incorporation till A.D. 1556) were called the "Yelde Stewardys," or "Guild Stewards," an appellation by which they were known down to the date above-mentioned. The fifth page begins, (tr. from the Latin) :-" Be it remembered, "that in the seventh year of the reign of King Edward "the Fourth, after the Conquest, in the time of "Thomas Payn and John Hayn, touker [fuller], "Stewards of the Guild, all the lands and tenements

66

66

pertaining unto the brethren, burgesses of Axebrugge, were written down in this book." The writing that follows is minute, but clear, and the items, which appear to be 52 in number, conclude with the then tenants of the shambles in the Market-placc,which, existing from very remote times, have only recently been removed.

66

A parchment scroll, most exquisitely written, headed E. R.; between which letters is a circle, and within it God save the Qvenes Majesty. Anno Domini 1573, "Elizabetha Regina Angliæ sexto-decimo, vicesimo "mensis Decembris." It contains "the Maior's Othe," and those of "the Constables, Bauliffes, Burges, their "Receptance [admission to the freedom]," and the Oaths of the Aldermen and the Chamberlains.

An indenture, on paper, signed by Sir William Russell, acknowledging payment of 12 pounds by the late Mayor of Axbridge, 5th November 1638,-" for and "towards the settyng forth of a shipp of warre, according to said writt in that behalfe directed, for the safeguard of the seas and defence of the realm."

66

66

66

Three long paper rolls, containing rentals of the Gyld of Axbrygge," temp. Henry VIII.

A paper book, without a cover, and containing nine leaves, five of which are written upon; the first being a rental of the Guild, temp. Edward VI. The other written leaves contain presentments by the homage in the borough Court there, in the same reign; the presentments seeming to be mostly for letting tenements fall into disrepair, and cutting down trees.

A parchment indenture, bearing date the 22nd of March, 9th Edw. IV. (A.D. 1469), being the Award of "Richard Chok, knight, one of the Kynge's Judges of his Comyn Bench [Common Pleas]." There having been "dyvers varyaunces, stryves, and debates, betwyne Sir Thomas Seymour, knight, and John Martynsey, of that one part, and Johan Hayne, and "Water Caddewylle, Gylde Steward of the Burgh of Axebrygge, of that other part," as to lands formerly belonging to Thomas Gurdellere, "Prest in Axbrygge foreseyde," the award is now made; it being in favour of certain feoffees of the said Guild Steward,

66

and enjoining that Sir Thomas shall execute to them a deed of release under seal, and of warranty against John [Selwode], Abbot of Glastonbury; the Guild Steward paying to Sir Thomas 10 marks," and over that, I award, ordeyn, and deyme, that the name of "the seide Sir Thomas shall be entred in the Domini"cal roll of the Chyrche of Axbrygge forseyde, and "there to be prayed for ymperpetuyte." The three seals of Sir Richard Chok, Sir Thomas Seymour, and John Martynsey, still remain, in excellent condition; and the fact that the deed is in English renders it of additional interest.

Ratification by John, Prior, and the Chapter, of Bath, of a grant for life by Ralph [de Shrewsbury], Bishop of Bath and Wells, to Walter de Pulle, of the tenement which he holds in villenage, in the manor of Cheddre; date 25th Edward III. The Bishop's deed, which is recited, is attested by Sir Walter de Pavely and Sir Walter de Rodeneye, knights, and John de Langelonde, John de Bartone, and Andrew Cane.

A deed, finely written, with the Prior and Convent's seal attached, in fine preservation, except at the margin. In it, Robert, Prior, and the Convent, of Bath, recite that they have inspected a writing of Walter [Haselschagh], Bishop of Bath and Wells, stating that he has granted to Nicholas de Langelonde and Johanna, his wife, a meadow, mill, and tenement, which Richard Code and Beatrix Touneshende held in the manors of Comptone and Ceddre; also, that of his moor of Comptone and Axebrugge they may enclose 10 acres, to hold to them and the lawful heirs of their bodies, at a yearly rent of 24s. 9d.; suit also being reserved to the Bishop at his Hundred Court of Banewelle. The Bishop's deed is dated at Pokelechirche, 10th February 31st of Edward I., and attested by Matthew de Forneaus, Andrew Loterel, and Thomas de Gornai, knights, John de Hamptone, Gregory de Welintone, William Wason, Richard Lovenye, John Houwell, Richard de St. Barbara, Walter le Burti, Geoffrey le Riche, Nicholas le Riche, and others. There are also two other deeds, the complements of this, one being a confirmation of the same grants by Henry, the Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, and the other a confirmation by the Chapter only.

Grant by King Edward I., at Westminster, 7th July, in the 7th year of his reign, to Reginald, Bishop of Bath and Wells, of a Fair at Axbridge, to last four days; namely, the Eve and Day of St. Barnabas [11th June] and the two following days. Witnesses, Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester and Hereford [Hertford], Henry de Lacy Earl of Lincoln, Humphrey de Boun Earl of Essex and Hereford, John de Vesy, Robert Tybotot, Hugh Fitz-Otes, Patrick de Cadurcis [Chaworth], Antony Bek Archdeacon of Durham, Master Thomas Bek, Archdeacon of Coventry, and others. The seal is greatly mutilated.

Grant by Henry III. to the Prior and Monks of St. Peter at Bath, the Dean and Canons of St. Andrew at Wells, the Abbot and Monks of St. Mary at Glastonbury, and Jocelyn, Bishop of Bath, and his successors, that they and their men, for ever, shall be free of toll of all things which they have to buy or sell: (tr.)—" Given by the hand of the venerable Father Ralph [Neville], Bishop of Chichester, our Chancellor, at Fuleham, "the 15th day of May, in the 13th year of our reign.' [A.D. 1229.] The deed is finely written; the seal, however, is in fragments.

66

66

A parchment roll, containing a list of the burgesses of Axbridge, as taxed for a fifteenth granted to King Henry VII: the localities named are, East Street, the Market Place, More Lane, and West Street. Among the inhabitants occur the names of John Lyrpole, John Oldemixon, and John Dogette.

A long list, on vellum, of tenants of the Guild property in the 3rd year of Henry V. [A.D. 1415], with the sums received of them by the Guild Stewards for rent, or other payments. Among them is mentioned a payment called "borgeswyke"; the same no doubt as the "borgesshippe" in other instances; payment on admission as burgess. Badly written, and indistinct.

Two parchment rolls of Courts held at Axbridge, 28 and 29 Henry VIII., with presentments of the homage, and precepts issued.

A long parchment, entitled,-"Placita de Juratis et "Assisis coram Salomone de Roffa et sociis suis, Jus"ticiariis Itinerantibus apud Somertone in Comitatu "Somersetiæ, in crastino Ascensionis Domini, anno "regni Regis Edwardi, filii Regis Henrici, octavo." [A.D. 1280.] Among other things, Inquisition is made Quo warranto the Bishop of Bath and Wells holds the boroughs of Axebrigge, Ceddre, and Wells: also, as to

CORPORA the right of the Dean and Chapter of Wells to hold

TION OF

AXBRIDGE.

North Curry, and the advowson of Congresbury; also, by what title Anselm de Gournay holds right of gallows, tumbrel, pillory, and amends of assize of ale in the manor of Were [distant about two miles from Axbridge]. Tacked to this, which is apparently of contemporary date with the Iter to which it relates, is a copy of a grant by Edward I. to Anselm de Gournay and his tenants at Netherweare [now mostly known as "Lower Weare].-"Given at St. John's" [Perth, in Scotland] "on the morrow of the Epiphany, in the 7th year of his reign."

66

Several parchment rolls of views of Frankpledge, temp. Elizabeth and James I.

A parchment rental of the Guildhall of the brethren at Axebrugge, 18th Henry VII., William Ewen and William Fychet being Guild-Stewards.

A Book of Oaths, containing eight leaves of paper, bound in a leaf of parchment, with writing in very large characters in Lombardic, apparently a paraphrase of the Psalms; derived probably from the spoils of Glastonbury. The oaths are in English, and written in a hand probably of the beginning of Elizabeth's reign. They are, those of the Constables, the Bailiff, the ShambleWardens, the Bread-taster, the Ale-taster, and the Leather-searcher. The last two are very curious. The Mayor is mentioned, but his oath is not given. There are other oaths, added in a somewhat later hand.

66

66

The Axbridge "Burrow Booke of Service," a small folio paper book, with entries, temp. Elizabeth and James I., of the tenants of the various streets, and the titles by which they claimed to hold. There are, in all about 30 leaves, at either end of the book, occupied with these entries, the rest being filled with " grants and bargaynes at Courts of Surveys for the burrough and mannor of Axbridge," beginning in 1706, and coming down to the beginning of this century. In the old part of the book, among others, occur the following surnames; -Croker, Wyllet, Bythese, Nycholas, Longe, Drayton, Carlyne, Hawkyns, Woolcott, Crowne, Eliott, Locke, Whytyng, Byngham, Mare, Myles, Allyn, Hardwyche, Podyer, Jacob, Durban, Hall, Haynes, Murrowe, Nase, Foller, Braddy, Spyryng, Salway, Warren, Lyppyet, Parsons, Trye, Norkett, Fere, Freman, Joye, Morse, Colstone, Herte, Jeffreys, Byckley, Bale, Tyverton, Tryckett, Good, Loo, Sebyer, Checke, Hewysche, Priston, Brookman, Goldwyer, Hasell, Bourne, Mattock, Cornish, Whitinge, Laurence, Willett, and Swerce.

A Book of Chamberlains' Accounts, A.D. 1694-1765, a small folio, with leaves of paper. In the Corporation account for 1745 is entered-" Paid for a silver seal, with "the Corporation arms," the seal still in use, probably. Many of the items are very curious.

66

Convocation Booke;" a small folio volume with leaves of paper, in a parchment cover, its contents ranging from the year 1658 to 1760. In general, they appear to be of a purely formal nature, such as elections of officers and admissions of burgesses. Under the 15th of March, in the 14th year of Charles II. [A.D. 1662], it is stated that the Government Commissioners for regulating Corporations, under the Act for the well governing and regulating of Corporations, did, on the 6th of March 1662, remove Henry Symes from being Mayor and a capital burgess, and nominate Richard Rogers to be Mayor in his place; who was accordingly now elected to the said office. Other officers were also at the same time superseded. On the 15th of August 1665, an order was made, to the following effect:-"Ordered that the Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth, and likewise the "Charter by King James, granted unto this Burrow shall be forthwith translated into English by "Mr. William Alderson, or some other able man. And "that the sayd Charters, so Englished, shall be read "unto every Mayor successively within one moneth after "he is sworne to doe his office, and as often afterwards as need shall require; which sayd Charters shall remayne in the chest." Mr. Alderson was Rector of the Parish of Axbridge; the translations, if they were ever made by him, seem no longer to exist.

66

66

66

TION OF

AXBRIDGE.

"offences were committed, the some of ii d." On the CORPORA 15th of September in the 19th year of Charles II. [A.D. 1667], Thomas Howell, an inhabitant of Axbridge, is brought before the Bench for abusive and opprobrious language against the magistrates; the charge thus ending,-" And that a little before that tyme when that "the Dutch entered Shippie Iland, this Howell came to "Thomas Peel, the constable, and clapt him uppon the "shoulder, and with a phillip with his fingers, in a rejoicing manner, saide these words, that now honest men might have leave to speke." At the next Court Howell expressed sorrow for his offence, and signed a declaration in the book to that effect. Under the 6th of October, 28th Charles II. [A.D. 1676], is the following entry,-"A fyne of 40s. ymposed one Robert Clarke, Bayliffe, of the burrough aforesaid, for not executing "of his office, for not whippinge of Hester Hannam, of Dundrey, in the County aforesaid, spinster, according "to the Statute in that case made and provided."

66

A folio Book of Ordinances made in Convocations of the Borough of Axbridge, beginning in 1599 and ending in 1685, with three additional entries under the years 1754, 1780, and 1810. An entry states, under 1685, that John Lewis, Senior, and Nathaniel Sallwey,two superior burgesses of the borough, had been lately "in open rebellion against his Majestie, by bearing

66

armes in behalfe of James Scott, late Duke of Mon"mouthe; for which treasonable action wee the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councell . "have thought fitt and requisite to disfranchise the "aforesaid of being burgesses, and of and from all priviledges and emunities thereunto appertaining." There are four pages of entries at the other end of the volume, of punishments for petty offences, in 1619 and 1620, mostly for "abuse in drunkenness." In one instance, at least, the offender remained in the stocks all night. Others again were fined for playing at unlawful games, for playing from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, and for brawling and fighting. The earlier part of this volume is filled with orders made by the Council, in Convocation, William Lock being Mayor, in the 41st year of Elizabeth [A.D. 1599]. Many of these ordinances are curious; Among them, one is, that no burgess shall be a retainer to any knight, esquire, or genteleman, nor weare their cloth or lyvery." Another," It is ordered, decreed, and established, that no victualler, brewster, typler, nor "hostler, shall lodge, or suffer in his house any man's "servant to be lodged, that ought by the order afore"said to be lodged in his master's house, uppon payne "to forfeyte 6s. 8d." Country bakers and "foreigners" are only to sell their bread in open market, about the High Cross; and chandlers are to sell candles for no more than 34d. per pound, on pain of paying 3s. 4d., or suffering imprisonment. The town bakers all to serve the poor with brown bread, the loaves of which shall be as good and as large in weight as those brought into the borough by the country bakers. The secrets of the Council are not to be revealed, under a penalty. "Item, it is ordered and decreed that the Mayor from "this tyme forth shall be brought home from the hall "with all the whole company of Masters and burgesses, as in tymes past."-"That noe innkeeper or typler shall take on the markett-day for one horse, "yf he hath butt one bottle of hay, more than a penny."

payne of 3s. 4d., and the some of money so forfeyted "shall be imployed to the encrease of the stock of the same company." In the 17th year of James I. [A.D. 1619] the Mayor was granted 16 pounds yearly, towards his expenses. On the 4th of September, 22nd James I., A.D. 1624, an enactment was made that as there have hitherto been three Companies in the town, those of the Drapers, Leathermen, and Firemen (Smiths of various kinds], all householders who shall keep a shop or station [stall], or who shall abide or keep a family within the borough, shall be made to enter one of such three Companies. In the case of a private man, following no trade, he shall choose such Company as be "himself liketh to be free of," under a penalty of 20 shillings. In 1629 an order was made that the Steward, or Town Clerk, should not from thenceforth sell his office to his successor, and that his yearly fee was to be 4 pounds. In 1639 again, this fee was abolished, and the Town Clerk was to charge his proper fee for his services. The next entry after this, with a wide hiatus, is in 1662, when an agreement is entered as being made between the Mayor and major part of the

66

TION OF AXBRIDGE.

66

66

66

CORPORA capital burgesses, to make up the sum of 52 pounds yearly, to make it worth his while to William Alderson, Student in Divinity, to hold the office of Rector, or Minister, of the Parish Church. At the same Convocation, apparently, 16th September 1662, it is stated, -"Whereas of late tyme many and greate summes of money have beene expended and disbursed for wine spent at the usuall and acustomed meetings, and "feasts made and helde by the Mayor of this burrow, "the abundance and superflewety thereof much exceedinge the quantitie spent in formerly tymes to "the greate exhaustinge of the annuall revenew of this Corporacion;" the result being that from thenceforth the sums to be spent in wine were to be limited to 11. 68. 8d. for the day on which the Mayor was sworn, 13s. 4d. at each of the two Sessions' dinners; "and at "such feast or dynner as shall be kept on the day that "such moneys as well devoted persons have trusted "this Corporation with 68. 8d., and noe more; and on "the day of election of the Mayor 6s. 8d. If anything "above be spent, the Mayor to pay for it." 6th April 1666, "Ordered that noe inhabitant "whatsoever of the foresaid Burrow, and the West "Streete of Axbridge, shall from this day forward "send or goe to the cittie of Bristol or the town of "Bedminster, or receive any goodes from them, until "further order given; upon paine of being confined "to their houses by the space of one moneth; and "that no person whatsoever shall receive any person or persons that shall come from thence, under "the forsaid penalty" (probably plague was then prevalent). On the 20th of August in the same year an ordinance was made that the 16 pounds formerly granted to the Mayor should be cut down to eight. The next entry is," 12 February 1676. It was ordered that for the future, after notice thereof first given, that all "such persons who shall bring any sorte of garden "fruits to sell at any tyme in the markett within the "Burrow aforesaid, that they pitch theire said garden "fruites at the head of the corne markett, upp towards "the Cage; videlicet, turnepps, carretts, parsnepps, potatoes, cale, cabbages, cale plants, and all other garden fruits whatsover." On the 28th of September 1679, an ordinance was made, to the effect that from thenceforth the Mayor's allowance should be 12 pounds yearly. The following entry occurs under the date of 1st of March 1680;-"Whereas Mr. Thomas Durson, the present Mayor of the Burrow, hath since his being "chosen openly and publiquely committed "diverse notorious outrages and breaches of the peace, "assaults, batteryes, and woundinge of severall persons, " and having threatened to kill or mischeiffe several "others, publiquely defamed and abused the Alderman "of the said burrough, he being a justice of peace there, "and forceably and unlawfully takinge away the goods "of several inhabitants of the said burrowe

66

66

66

66

with

“out any deed or legall course of laws or justice, and fraudulently, viciously, and illegally behaved him"self," he is therefore removed from office, and Mr. John Tuthill substituted in his place. The following entry appears under the 6th of August 1683,-"The

66

66

Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Councilmen had "caused their humble address of theire hearty thanks " and prayers to God, for the miraculous deliverance of "His Majestie and his royal brother's lives from that "Machivellian plott of those traitorous conspirators "who have been lately discovered to His Majesty;" which address had been tendered by two capital burgesses "to all the persons within the Burrow for their signature; whereupon, on Caleb Stondly, an inferior " burgess, refused to subscribe his name, and said he "would not put his name to any more addresses, "because he was laught att by some persons for sub"scribinge his name to a former address:" he was accordingly summoned to appear this day, and, on acknowledging that he had so said, was disfranchised from being a burgess. Under 28th of November 1684 is the following notice:-Having heard that His Majesty had "resolved to call in all Charters granted by his progenitors," at this Convocation, the Mayor, Alderman, and Common Council "thought fit to make a "voluntary surrender of their Charter." Attached to the next leaf is a Letter, or probably copy of a Letter, dated 29th of November, to a Lord, speaking of a late interview with Lord FitzHarding, and stating their intention to lay their Charters,-" and ourselves, at His Majesty's feet." They then bespeak his Lordship's good graces the name however does not appear. At the other end of the volume are four pages filled with matter belonging to the years 1619, 20, headed,--" A "Booke of Recordes for divers things done within the

66

"Borrough aforesaid from the 4th of October 1619, Jasper Wrentmore being then Mayor, and George "Fuller, Alderman." As already stated, they are mostly fines and punishments for drunkenness.

A small folio paper volume, in a parchment cover, containing proceedings of the Manorial Court of the West Street in Axbridge, beginning the 20th of April 37 Henry VIII. [A.D. 1548]. It also contains proceedings of the Courts Baron of Frome, Eyford, or Eggeford, Warmester, and Newport, the latter being called "the Court of Richard Kyrton." The contents are mostly formal, but the names on the Jury lists are of possible value.

66

66

66

Book of the Court Baron of the Borough of Axbridge; a small folio volume, containing about 75 leaves of paper, in a parchment cover. The title given on the first page is,-"Liber Senescalli Gilda de Axbrige." It begins-"De tempore Johannis Kemys, Portaforii [Portreve] de Axbrige; et idem Johannes Kemys et "Thomas Wheler, Senescalli Gilda ibidem, videlicet, anno regni Regis Henrici VIII xxx°; Egidio Dodyngtone ad tunc Senescallo [Town Clerk] ibidem, qui hæc proprio manu scripsit." A list of the tenants [A.D. 1539] then follows, in the same fine handwriting. The third leaf, however, passes on, in another hand, to the 3rd year of Edward VI. [A.D. 1550]. In the 2nd and 3rd year of Philip and Mary, Thomas Clotterboke, the then Portreve, agrees with his brethren that, for the convenience granted to him of buying and selling leather and hides in the market, he will pay to the Portreve 20 shillings yearly; the same to be paid at the Pwryffycaissyon of oure Lady," as also, "to make "them a nonyst denere"-make them an honest dinner. The later entries appear to be less formal than the earlier proceedings in the Manorial Court, but relate to the same property. The latest entries seem to be mostly conveyances of the Corporation property, on leases for three lives. The two most recent entries are in 1695 and 1702.

66

The Royal Charters of the borough of Axbridge, with their seals, are preserved in good condition. They bear date the 1st of January, 3 and 4 Philip and Mary [A.D. 1557]; 23rd of January, 41st Elizabeth [A.D. 1599]; and 25th of June, 21st James I. (A.D. 1623].

A folio paper volume, imperfect, and without a cover, containing proceedings in the Court held at Axbridge, before the Portreve: it extends from the 3rd and 4th year of Philip and Mary to the 3rd of Elizabeth. Under the 4th and 5th year of Philip and Mary, the first Court that was held before the Mayor (which office had recently been established by Charter) is noticed, Richard Partridge being then Mayor, and the first suit before him being a plaint by William Bythesea against Thomas Edwardes, for breach of covenant for delivery of malt. The name of Thomas Clutterboke appears in the book, first as Portreve of the town, then as Mayor.

A similar paper book of proceedings of the Court, in good condition, but without a cover; it begins in the 10th year of Elizabeth, and ends in the 18th year of that reign.

A "Convocation Book," a small folio paper volume of about 100 leaves, bound in loose parchment. There are 5 flyleaves, 3 still blank, the other two containing confessions, in a hand of the 16th century, in a bastardy case. The rest of its contents are minutes of proceedings of the Corporation of Axbridge; the book containing a great deal of matter, much of it very curious, and the writing being generally good. Its title is thus given at the commencement: Thys booke "made the yere of oure Lorde Gode 1556, and in the rayng of Philippe and Marye by etc., the iiith and iiiith yere. The same yere Peter Welche Portreve, and "ended Mayor. Thomas Hykes, Wyllyam Brady, "Constables, Clement Bourne, Baylie. The same yere

is the following:- "Also, that no bourgess shall come to the hall before the Maior and hys compeyne, with"oute hys gowne or clooke, a pone payne off, everie tyme so offendinge, to the Maior vid. ;" following which is," Also, that no bourgess shall mysfame, or name, or calle, other, as knave, thyff, harlett, or "lober, or anye other ffyltie lyke wordes, in geste or in any wyse then good and fayre." The last entry in the reign of Charles the First is entitled,-" Convocatio tenta apud Guihaldam burgi prædicti die Lunæ "secundo die Octobris, anno regni Domini nostri Caroli, "Dei gratia, etc., vicesimo quarto [A.D. 1648]." The name of Charles as King had disappeared from the records of some Corporations long before this. The

66

66

next entry bears date 17th of September 1649, and the volume ends in September 1651.

A parchment rental, or rent-roll, finely written, with the following title,-"Axebrugge-Rentale Gilda Aula "confratrum ibidem, anno regni Regis Henrici Septimi "decimo-octavo, tempore Willelmi Ewen et Willelmi Fychet, Senescallorum Gilda Aulæ prædictæ." Similar Rolls, but on paper, for the 17th or 19th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, and 29th years of Henry VIII., and the 2nd and 3rd of Philip and Mary.

66

A parchment roll, badly written, and on one side almost wholly illegible, being the Accounts of the Guild Stewards of Axbridge for the 7th and 8th years of Richard II., A.D. 1384, 5. It begins, Pascha.

66

66

66

Compotus Willelmi Marchise et Johannis Barlyck, "Senescallorum Gilda de Axebrugge, a Festo Sancti Tyburtii et Valentini, anno regni Regis Ricardi septimo, usque idem Festum proximo tunc sequens." There are also two other parchment Rolls of accounts of the Guild Stewards in this reign; but the only entries are sums of money received for tenements, and their contents are otherwise of no interest.

A paper book, of large quarto size, containing about 150 leaves, bound in loose parchment. It begins with a submission to the arbitration of the Portreve, and admissions to the freedom, in the 17th year of Henry VIII. On the second leaf there are entries of the sales of tenements by the Guild Stewards, or Masters of the Guildhall, in the 16th of Henry VIII. These, however, were originally fly-leaves, for on the third leaf is an entry nearly 50 years anterior in date,-" Thomas "Penderin and John Parterigch, Eldestuardis of the "Gilde Halle of Axburgge, anno regni Regis Edwardi "Quarti, after the Conquest, xvii 3ere." The accounts then follow of "Walter Cadell and John Rogerus, Elde"stuards of the Gylde Halle of Axbrugge, anno regni Regis Edwardi, Quarti after the Conqueste, xviii 3ere." Then the accounts of John Fychet and Hew Foster 19 Edward IV., Water Cadell and John Hurze 20 Edward IV., and Hew Foster and William Beny 21 Edward IV. The last account is followed by some attestations of purchases of horses, before the Portreve, in the 23rd of Henry VIII.; the rest of the book being filled with conveyances and leases in the same reign, and rentals of the Guild Stewards temp. Henry VII. and VIII., some of which seem to be duplicates of other copies existing among these records.

66

There are numerous other paper books, generally in good condition, but without covers, containing the accounts of the Yelde Stuards (Guild Stewards), or Masters of the Guildhall. The oldest probably of these books is headed, in abbreviated form, Jesu mercy," and then continues," Be hit in remembrance what payments "Thomas Cotelar, Thomas Kynge, doyth pay yu their heyt." Various miscellaneous payments are followed by The Obyttes folowyng." Then "Be hyt in re"membrance what market-money Thomas Cotelar "Thomas King, doyth reseyyffe in theyr heyt." The word "Jhu" is written at the head of most of the pages. The Account-book probably next in date is entitled,Compptys of John Kemes and Thomas Wheller, in the yere of our suffrayne Lord King Harrye ye VIII., ye xiith yere of hys rayen."

66

66

66

1

66

The only other one among these Books of Account from which time was found for making any extracts, was one consisting of about 20 leaves of paper. In one page is written, The boke of a compt of Ryc. Bettley and Thomas Kyng, in the yere of the Sowraign Lord Kyng Harry ye VIII. ye xxvii. of hys rayne;" and beneath,"So Ryc. Bettley and Thomas Kyng owyt for thys yer xvs. viiid." Among the numerous items are the following, "Paid for bred and vyne for our prest 3s. 4d. "Item, paid to Glassyar for myndyng [mending] of the "Lady window."-Payments for "Obbettys" [Obits] follow; but the items seem mostly to be for building or repairing houses belonging to the Guild. Among the receipts are the following,-"Item, of Thomas Gye for

66

"rentt 2s. 2d. Item, for brede and wyne to owre Lady preste 7d. obol. Item, paid for a potelle wyne, a potte "of ale, a 1d. cakys, 8d. Item, paid to the Portereve "for his dewte 46s. 8d. There seems fair reason to believe that the above named Harewell, working as a reeder, or thatcher, was of the same family as John Harewell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, who built the south tower of the Cathedral, at Wells, and died a century and a half before.

The remaining Books of Account of the Guild Stewards, that still survive, are as follow,

The Account of John Kemys and Thomas King, 13 Henry VIII.

of John Boucher and Edward Coker, 15 Henry
VIII.

Richard Bettley and Richard Nayno, 16, 17
Henry VIII., a very lengthy set of accounts.
Richard Naynowe and Richard Bonde, 17, 18
Henry VIII.

Richard Betley and Richard Bonde, 18 Henry

Richard Betley and Richard Naynow, 21 Henry VIII.

Richard Naynow and John Bouchar, 22 Henry VIII.

Rychard Betley and Rychard Bond, 23 Henry VIII.

Rychard Bettley and Thomas Kyng, 24 Henry VIII. At the top of this account is written, in a good hand," Jhu, fylly dey, mysarey mey." phonetic for " Jesu, Fili Dei, miserere mei." Rychard Bettley and Thomas Kyng, 25 Henry VIII.

Rychard Bettley and Thomas Kyng, 29 Henry VIII.

John Kemes and Richard Pertriche, 38 Henry VIII. In this Account, for A.D. 1546, items, amounting to 42s. 6d., are still charged for "Obbittes."

Thomas Clotturboke and John Kynge, 2 Edward VI. The payments for Obits no longer appear [A.D. 1548.]

Edward Coker and John Bouchar; no date given, but belonging probably to the 14th of Henry VIII. Attached to the account is a list of rents paid by the tenantry of the Guild Hall for several successive years.

It seems to have been the general custom with the inhabitants of Axbridge, during the Middle Ages, upon a conveyance of real property being effected, for one or both the parties, vendor and vendee, to leave his counterpart of the indenture in the hands of the Town Clerk, or perhaps the Guild Stewards; probably for registration and safe custody: for on no other supposi tion, it would seem, can we account for the fact that there are still existing among the Corporation records probably near a thousand deeds bearing reference to such transfers of property; in nine tenths of which cases the Guild-which then represented the Corporation-had no pecuniary interest whatever. These deeds range from the time of Henry III. or Edward I., down to the reign of Henry VII. or VIII., and are mostly sorted under the several reigns; a work which, from the endorsements on some of them, would seem to have been done from two to three centuries ago. With the exception of about thirty, belonging to the reign of Henry VI., the whole of these documents were examined by me, and those mentioned in the following list were selected for notice. They are in Latin, except in some few cases noticed.

CORPORA TION OF AXBRIDGE

Grant, with six seals appended, in good or fair condition, by Richard Oldemixone, of the County of Somer set, to Roger Seward, Giles Barton, William Hicche, of Axxebrugge, Henry Andelseye, William Oldemixone, and Robert Oldemixone, of his tenements, formerly be longing to Henry Leigh, in Axebrugge, near the Guildhall there, in which William Harewell and Agnes, his wife, were then living, for the term of the lives of the said William and Agnes. Given at Axebrugge, the 5th of November, in the 1st year of Richard II. John Langelond is named amyng the witnesses. William Harewelle, above-mentioned, was probably of the same family as John Harewell, Bishop of Bath and Wells, who was then [A.D. 1377] living, and is known to have belonged to a family living at or near Axbridge.

Grant by John Carpenter, of Axebrigge, and Cristina Jori, his wife, to John, son of Thomas the Fuller, of a "celda" [seld, or open shed], on the east side of the said John's house, on payment of a rose yearly on the Day of the Nativity of John the Baptist, the sum of 58. 6d. having been already paid. There is no date, but the deed belongs probably to the early part of the reign of Edward I. It is remarkable for its two vesicashaped seals, both of them perfect, "S. Cristine Jori" being very distinct on one.

A small parchment indenture, whereby Brother Nicholas Tracey, Preceptor of the House of Temple Combe, and the Brethren thereof, release to Scolastica, widow of Richard de Writelington, a tenement in Wyntred, in the parish of Sipham [Shipham, near Axbridge]. Witnesses, Sir William Maltbe, knight, William de Barne, Hugh de Holdelond, Richard Koker, Simon Balstone, John " then Chaplain of Combe," and others. Without date, but belonging to the reign of Edward I.

A deed poll on parchment, whereby Adam "Filius "Johannis Dame Anneysesone," son of John Dame Agnes's son, of Axebrigge, conveys to William Bosce his tenement in More Lane there. Witnesses, Robert Trip, William de Bergwe, Richard Skaward, Thomas le Leghe, and Richard Doucebele [so called probably from Dulcibella, his mother's Christian name]. The deed is without date, but belongs to the reign of Edward I. It may be here remarked that the surnames in Axbridge, mostly occurring in this reign, are Hotale, Scauward, Cogan, Tripp, and Gorway. The names denoting the trades of their owners are Tanner and Webbe, shewing that tanning and weaving were then carried on in the town.

A small parchment deed, with the seal appended, but the inscription effaced, whereby John le Leche of Axsebrugge grants to Nicholas le Pypere, of Banewell, and Robert Seward, of that place, a part of the curtilage which he had of William de Vanella [de Lane]. Without date, but belonging to the reign of Edward I. The name of John le Leche repeatedly occurs, and he was probably the "leech,” or doctor, of the place.

A long conveyance, on parchment, by William [Bitton, the First, or Second,] Bishop of Bath and Wells, to Ralph Hereward and Muriel, his wife, of three tenements and 10 acres in the manor of Ceddre. Witnesses, Edward the Dean, and others. The seal is much broken: the deed is without date, but belongs to the reign of Edward I.

A parchment deed, with three seals, in a perfect state, whereby Margery, now widow of Elias de Corscombe, and his executrix, Adam de Tetteborne, and Peter de Possebury, burgesses of Wells, convey to Stephen le Fowelare, of Axbridge, a messuage there, adjoining the tenement of Alicia de Wakeleigh, and the lane called "Horneslane." Given at Welles on Saturday, the Feast of St. Matthew, in the 27th year of Edward III., several citizens of Axbridge being witnesses. The Wakeleys are found named more than once in this reign. The Mones [or Moons] also are frequently mentioned. John Langelond is a name that often occurs towards the close of the reign of Edward III., and so early as the 24th year of that reign: he had a mill in More [or Moor] Lane. The name of Sir Hugh de Langelond repeatedly occurs at the beginning of that reign.

Grant, on parchment, by William Packere, to William Salmon, of Cheddre, of a messuage in Axebrigge, with a morhaye,' in Portmannemede [now Portmead], 48 Edward III. John de Langelond and William Harewell are named among the witnesses. The morhayes' were allotments on the town moor, as being the burgesses', or portmen's, mead, separated no doubt by a haie," or hedge; whence the name, which still survives at Axbridge.

66

A small parchment deed, in Latin, with a large and fine seal attached. The following is a translation of it: -"To all the faithful in Christ to whom this present

66

writing shall come, John de Clivedon, knight, lord "of Alre, greeting in the Lord. Whereas Thomas "Salamon, of Cheddre, was lately claimed in my Court, as being a bondman born [nativus] by blood, yet do I, the said John, will and grant, for myself and my heirs, that the said Thomas shall be quit in future "of all servitude and neifty, together with all his following and his issue; granting that he shall be free and of free condition, without any claim by me or my heirs, for ever. In witness whereof, to these 66 presents I have set my seal. Given at Alre, in the "County of Somerset, the 8th day of the month of

66

66

"August, in the year of the reign of King Edward, CORPORA "after the Conquest the Third, the thirty-fourth."

A small parchment deed, with a large seal attached, but the impression indistinct, whereby Alicia Bayllyf, relict of Richard Wakeleigh, conveys to Walter Gylle, of Axebrugge, and Elizabet, his wife, a tenement there, which she had of the gift of John Leche, of that place. Witnesses, Andrew Cane, John Mercer, the then Reve, and others, 26th Edward III. The name of this Alicia Wakeleigh, or de Wakely, is often met with, and that of Richard Wakeleigh also. Andrew Cane was evidently a man of eminence in the borough. His name is found as the attesting witness of probably more than a hundred of these deeds, and he was Provost, or Reve, of the town in the 22nd year, 24th, and 42nd, of Edward III.

A small parchment deed, with the seal attached, but broken, though tied up, apparently at a remote date; whereby John Agasse, of Loxtone, grants to John, son of Matilda Seman, a messuage in the South Street of Loxtone [near Axbridge]. Witnesses, John de Weylond, Adam de Weylond, John de Draycote, John de Barton, John le Deneys, John de Oldemyxen, Richard de Oldemyxen, and others. Given at Loxtone, 22nd of Edward III.

66

66

A parchment deed, whereby Richard Maudit and Johanna, his wife, grant to John Moune and Editha, his wife, a house in the burgh of Axebrigge. Executed in the 12th year of Edward III. The two seals are gone. The interest of this document lies in the fact that a Latin memorandum, on parchment, is attached to it by a thread, setting forth, though in very indistinct writing, to the following effect, (tr.):-" Johanna, the wife of "Richard Maudit, of near Sudbiry, appeared in "the church of Axebrigge, on Thursday the morrow of our Lord's Epiphany, in the year of our Lord 1338, "" and made oath of her own free will upon the holy [Gospels] of God, and gave warranty that she would ratify, in case she should be living after the death of "her said husband, a certain writing made by her said "husband and herself unto John Moune and Editha, his "wife, and not disquiet them in any way; and that for ever she would not do, nor procure to be done, any"thing to their hindrance, nor do anything to prevent "them from holding the tenement, according to the "form of the deed between them made." Then follow the names of S. de Hulle, Chaplain, Richard Sely, John de Haveresham, John Cane, and one or two others, now illegible, as witnessing such her oath and warranty. John Cane was probably the father of Andrew, previously mentioned.

66

66

A parchment deed, whereby John Hayne, tanner, and Richard Culverhous, Stewards of the brethren, burgesses of Axebryge, on the Feast of Saints Fabianus and Sebastianus, attest that by the 13 Seniors of the town peace and concord had been made between Thomas Penryn and John Gryse, otherwise Jonys [Jones], their brethren, and that each had given acquittance to the other. The context (in Latin) then goes on to say;"and we, the Seniors aforesaid, for the great love that "we do bear to both parties, to make and have peace and "concord between them, have given unto the aforesaid "John Gryse, our brother, twenty shillings of lawful money, not for any right cause or action by him had against the said Thomas our brother, but in order to "make them friends and of one mind Given in

66

66

our Guild Hall." No date is given, but the deed belongs to the latter part of the reign of Edward III. The two seals are nearly perfect. The surname of Penryn, it may be remarked, frequently occurs in the deeds of this period.

66

66

A small parchment deed, in Latin, the seal of which is lost; of the operative part, the following is a translation :-"To all the faithful in Christ to whom this "present writing shall come, John Elys, of Netherwere "[Nether Weare, near Axbridge] greeting in the Lord. "Know ye that I have given leave unto Agnes Jurdan to make the east wing of my hall, at her own cost; "and that the said Agnes shall receive easement in a moiety of the said wing, without challenge by me or "by my heirs: it being understood that the said Agnes "shall cover my hall in whatever part she shall have "uncovered it to make the said wing, and that the said "Agnes and her heirs shall keep the said wing covered "for ever These being witnesses, John de "Arderne, Robert Motoun, John Avery, and others. "Given at Were, on the Thursday next after the Feast "of Saint Laurence, in the year of the reign of King "Edward the Third the nineteenth."

TION OF AXBRIDGE