AND TER, LLS. 66 one farthing at Michaelmas, 8 Edward III.—" Given at Stoke Curcy, the Friday after the Feast of the "Annunciation;" in Latin. The seal gone. Grant by Richard de Wyndesore to Robert de Cormailles, his heirs and assigns, of all his lands and tenements, and one half of a water-mill, in the manor of Bikenaler; with the reversion of a messuage and 40 acres which John de Ludehiwiche of Lynche holds for life." Witnesses, Sirs John de Orlee, Ralph Fitz"hours, Alexander Luterel, John de Membury, John "de Reynny, John Fichet, knights:" in Latin. Dated at Wyntone, 2 Edward III. The seal broken. Gift by Hamelin de Godelee to John de Godelee, Dean of the Church of St. Andrew at Wells, and to the Chapter, of all his lands in Bikenalre, and all rentservices, as well of freeholders as of villeins, to find two Chaplains to celebrate in the Chapels of St. Katherine, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Margaret, in the said church, for the souls of John de Droknesforde, late Bishop, Robert de Cormailles, Richard de Alreforde, Henry de Harnhulle, and Roger de Cormailles, brother of the same Robert; he paying the said Chaplains 10 marks yearly, and holding the said property in frankalmoign, 4 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal gone. Receipt by Henry de Harnhulle, Roger de Cormailles, and Robert Thiwe, Executors of the Will of Robert de Cormailles, for 1,000 marks, due from the Dean and Chapter of Wells to their testator, A.D. 1330; in Latin. One seal is gone, fragments of two are left. Indenture of John de Carletone, Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, confirming and reciting a deed of Bishop Ralph, in which he grants to John de Cherde and Johanna, his wife, and to John Denyers, a curtilage in Bath," in the corner as you go to the bath of the "Cross-(balneum Crucis),”-between the tenement of the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalene, which John Ffoliff holds, and the high road, at a yearly rent of 12 pence. Witnesses, Walter le Carpenter, then Mayor of Bath, William Kubbel, and others; in Latin, without date apparently, but of the 14th century. Covenant between William, Abbot of Bec [in Normandy], and the Convent, and Savaric, Bishop of Bath and Glastonbury, as to the Church of Clive, which the Bishop and the Dean and Chapter of Wells claimed as a prebend, and the Abbot and Convent claimed in like manner: it is now agreed that the said Abbot shall hold the same as a prebend of the Church of Wells, he being a Canon of that place in respect thereof, but not to be compelled to reside personally: he has received by proxy his stall in the choir, and his place in the Chapter, and is to have commons, and full fraternity in life and death, the same as the other Canons. He will find a Vicar perpetually to reside, and to minister in the said church in the sacerdotal office; who shall receive yearly 4 marks from the said prebend of Clive. For the Bishop of Bath, the same as for the Abbot of Bec, and for the Canons of Wells, the same as for the monks of Bec, when deceased, "the offices of humanity, 66 according to the custom of the Order of Bec," shall be performed. H[ubert], Archbishop of Canterbury, Henry de Castell, Archdeacon of Canterbury, Master John de Tinemue, Master William de Somercote, John de Kenouille, Master Edmund de Hamptone, and Master Richard de Alneto [Dauney], are witnesses: date about A.D. 1200; in Latin. The seals are gone; but the document, which is beautifully written, is in fine preservation. Two deeds, by which John Martel, Canon of the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew at Wells, founds a Chantry therein, at the altar of St. Katherine, he giving 100 pounds, and agreeing to find a chalice, a sufficient Missal, 3 sets of vestments, and 3 towels, for the altar, as also, bread, wine, and lights, or 40 pence, as the priest there celebrating may choose; such priest to receive from the Dean and Chapter a yearly payment of 5 marks; date 1341, in Latin. The two seals of the two deeds are lost. Ratification by Tidman, Bishop of Worcester, as to the appropriation of the Parish Church of Pokelechurch for the table of the Canons of the Church of Wells, A.D. 1397; in Latin. In a mutilated state, and the seal gone. Engagement by William [de March], Bishop of Bath and Wells, that he will pay to O[liver] Bishop of Lincoln, and to J[ohn] Bishop of Winchester, 1,000 marks which he has in hand; the same being part of the tenths levied for King Edward I., as a subsidy towards the relief of the Holy Land, A.D. 1295. A fragment of the seal left. Two receipts of Hugo Pelegrini, Treasurer of Lichfield, and the Pope's Nuncio, for Procurations received One receipt for Procurations, similarly received, by Richard de Carletone, Canon of Wells, nominated by Talairandus, Cardinal Bishop of Albano, and Nicholas, Cardinal Priest of St. Vitalis, to receive moneys due to the Apostolic See; the sum received being 81. 198. 7 d.; in Latin. Two mutilated pieces of parchment. Agreement by the Prior and Convent of Bruton to pray for the soul of Hugh Sugar, A.D. 1468; in Latin. A long deed, in fair preservation. A fragment only of the seal left. Notice given by Ralph [Ergum], Bishop of Bath and Wells, to rectors, vicars, and chaplains, that he has heard that "certain sons of iniquity, ecclesiastics pro"moted to cures in our Diocese, and others, laymen, "influenced by a spirit of wickedness," are endeavouring to prevent persons from devoting their moneys to the fabric of the Church; in the case of such persons, after citation made, sentence of excommunication is to. be pronounced against them; A.D. 1390, " in the third year of our translation" [from Salisbury]; in Latin. Grant by Richard de Bamfeld, Canon of Wells, to the Dean and Chapter of the said Church, of his land, meadows, and houses, at Wokyhol and Dultingcote; also, one mark of yearly rent from the house which the Vicar of St. Cuthbert's has of his gift, together with his houses at the head of New Street, in Wells. He enjoins that Mass shall be said by two Priests Vicars for the soul of William [probably William de Buttone, the Second], Bishop of Bath and Wells. Date probably about A.D. 1290; in Latin. Philip de Buttone is named as one of the witnesses. Beautifully written, and in good condition, but the seal gone. Edict of Bishop Ralph [Ergum] that the clergy shall duly exhort the public to give towards the fabric of the Cathedral Church of Wells; in Latin, date 1390. The seal gone. Mandate by Bishop Robert [Stillington] for contribution towards the fabric of the Cathedral Church of Wells, date 1489; in Latin. A fragment only of the seal left. Appointment of John Weyfer, of Glastonbury, by Stephen Pempel, Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, to receive gifts towards the fabric, date 1367; in Latin. The seal gone. 66 Probate copy of the Will of Richard de Chepmanslade, Vicar of Wells, executed A.D. 1311: he desires that his body shall be buried in the churchyard of St. Andrew's Church, at Wells, next to that of William de Nortone; and, among other things, leaves 6s. 8d. to the fabric of the church; to Master William de Fattone, Subdean, all the wooden vessels that he nas lent him; to Agatha Floure, a cuve (tub) holding 1 quarter, a small beche (? beechen vessel), and a small barrel; a blanket and a linen sheet to the three Altarists, and to each boy of the Sacrist. To his brother Geoffrey he leaves his tenement in Wells, he to maintain two wax torches at the elevation of the body of Christ, at the great altar in the church; and 40 pence for the light of the Blessed Mary, where "Salve, sancta parens is sung, behind the great altar. Probate granted in the year of its execution: the seal gone. Grant by Bishop Ralph [de Shrewsbury] to John de Farlegh and Johanna, his wife, of a vacant place in High Street, in Wells, for their joint lives and the life of the longest liver, at a yearly rent of 6 pence, 28 Edward III.; in Latin. A fragment only of the seal left. Letter, in Latin, from King Edward II. to Bishop John de Drokenesford], in the 8th year of his reign. He hears that the Bishop and his Chapter have collected in the Diocese 500 marks, as tenths, the first year's amount of the six years sanctioned by the late Pope Clement [V.]; he thanks the Bishop for his pains, and asks him to pay the moneys to the merchants of the Society of the Bardi. Below this, on the same parchment, is a letter in French, written by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster; to a like effect, but asking the Bishop to make haste in the matter;-" for, dear Sir, we do "well understand that you can surely do so, seeing "that you have the surety of the said merchants, who are, and will be, sufficient for a much greater thing "than this is. Greeting in the Lord, etc. Written at "York, the 3rd day of October."-(Shortly after the Battle of Bannockburn.) 66 Grant by Bishop John Stafford of lands in Kingsbury to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, 15 Henry VI.; in Latin. The seal mutilated. Pardon granted by Henry VI. to William Gascoigne, of Wells, in the 24th year of his reign; in Latin. Endorsed,"He gave Newton Placey." DEAN AND WELLS. DEAN AND CHAPTER, WELLS. Pardon granted by Honry (?) to the Dean and Chapter of Wells; in Latin. The Great Seal attached, but much defaced, Notice given to the Dean and Chapter of Wells by Bishop John [de Drokenesford] of the ordinance made by Pope Clement [V.], at Avignon, in the 8th year of his Pontificate, as to raising tenths for the Holy War, as decreed at the Council of Vienne; date 1313, in Latin. The seal gone. Commission of Pope Martin V. (A.D. 1417-31) for preserving the rights and privileges of the Dean and Chapter of Wells; Roger Harewell named as Archdeacon of Bath; in Latin. In a mutilated state. General Pardon granted to William Gascoigne, of Bruggewater, 1st Henry V. or VI.; in Latin. Å fragment of the Great Seal left. Licence given by Bishop Ralph to the Chapter of Wells, to have the profits of the Deanery during its vacancy; already granted in 1246, and now ratified in 1343; in Latin. Attested by a Notary Public. 66 Commission by Bishop John [de Drokenesford] to enquire as to the immunities of the Prebendaries of Wells, A.D. 1321; in Latin. The Chapel of St. Columbanus, at Ceddre [Cheddar]" is mentioned therein. The seal gone. Covenant entered into by the Prior and Convent of Worspring [now Woodspring, in Somerset], with the Subdean of Wells, binding themselves to pray for certain Benefactors, A.D. 1266; in Latin. The three seals gone. Endowment of the Vicars of the Cathedral Church of Wells by Bishop Jocelyn with the Church of Cungresbury; in Latin. The seal gone. Similar endowment by Bishop William de Buttone the First), A.D. 1259. The seal gone. Probate copy of the Will of John de Hywische, Canon of Wells; he desires to be buried before the beautiful (specosa) image of the Virgin, in the Church of St. Andrew; and leaves 20 shillings to the same church, to be received from his houses in Grope Lane. Bond of the Chapter of Wells to John de Carleton, Dean, in the sum of 201., borrowed from him for the fabric of the Church, A.D. 1357; in Latin. The seal gone. Gift of Thomas [Fitz-Alan], Archbishop of York, to the Vicars of York Cathedral, A.D. 1393. Grant made by John, Abbot of St. Peter's, in Gloucester, to Agnes de Prestebury, of a daily allowance, as follows: 2 monks' loaves, one esquire's (esquierii) loaf, two dishes of pottage such as the Convent has, two dishes of solid meat of different kinds, beef, pork, or mutton, fresh or salted, and raw, to the amount of two commons such as are wont to be placed before two monks in the Infirmary, on flesh days, and one pittance as is wont to be placed before two monks in the Infirmary when the Convent is wont to be served with "russel (probably a preparation made from corn,) on fast-days. She is also to receive six eggs for her pittance, and when geese are placed before the Convent, she is to receive one goose.. She is further to have two gallons of ale from the butt in the Refectory, of the same kind as the Convent drinks; also, to have a robe yearly "of "the suit of our clerks," containing 9 ells, with a border, half a mark in value. In return for this, the said Agnes has remitted livery to her of half a quarter of wheat per fortnight throughout the year; and has further given 20 marks of silver beforehand for the urgent business of the Monastery, and will pay a further 20 marks at the end of four years from the time of making these presents, if she die not in the meantime; 25 Edward I.; in Latin. The seal gone. Conveyance by Richard Brere and John Starwill, Vicars Choral, of certain property in the town of Wells to Nicholas de Pontesbury, Subdean, for the foundation of a Chantry, 44 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal is pretty perfect. This deed contains much information as to various localities in the City of Wells. Agreement made between Ralph, Bishop, and the Dean and Chapter, of Bath and Wells, and the Abbot and Convent of Glastonbury, as to metes and boundaries. Executed at Wokey, 25 Edward III.; in French. Only fragments of the two seals are left. Set XII. Agreement that a lamp shall be kept burning in the Vicars' Chapel, at Wells, from Michaelmas, in each year, to May Day, 18 Edward IV.; in English. Only part of the seal is left. Ordinance made by Bishop Ralph [? Shrewsbury or Ergum] for Masses for his soul; in Latin. The seal gone, and the document in a mutilated state. CHAPTE WELLA Indenture of the executors of John Reynolds, late DEAN A Canon and Subdean of Wells, establishing a Mass, to be said by two of the Vicars Choral for the benefit of the testator's soul, A.D. 1451. The three seals are left. de Drokensford [? a kinsman of Bishop John de Drokensford] conveys to Thomas, his son, lands at Okehampton, in the Parish of Wyvelescombe, 4 Edward III.; in Latin. Torn in halves, and mutilated; the seal gone. Conveyance by John de Drokenesford, son and heir of John, to Sir John de Godelee and Hamelin, his brother, of a messuage in Okehampton, late of Sir John de Drokensford, his uncle. Hugh de Langelond, knight, and John le Jeu are among the witnesses. The date, the 6th year of Edward III., is given in the following curious, and indeed very unusual, form,-" Anno regni Regis Edwardi, filii Regis Edwardi, Tertii, sexto." The seal is left. Release by Hugh, son and heir of James Tryvet, of Okehamptone, to John de Godelee, Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, of all claim in lands formerly belonging to his father, 6 Edward III.; in Latin.' His seal is gone; part of that of the borough of Wells is left. Among the witnesses are Hugh de Langelond, knight, Philip de Weleslee, and Edmund de Weleslee. A similar deed, executed the same day, but with the names of the witnesses somewhat differently spelt. The seals, it is stated, are those of the vill of Wells, and of Adam de Chelewourthe, in place of that of Hugh. Both seals, however, are gone. Conveyance by Philip de Drokenesford, son and heir of Philip, to John de Godelee, Dean of Wells, of lands which belonged to John de Drokenesford, his uncle, 6 Edward III.; in Latin. A fine seal is attached, and nearly perfect. Among the witnesses are Ralph Phizhours [Fitz-Urse] and Hugh de Longelond. The document is somewhat mutilated. Deed by William [de Buttone the First] Bishop of Bath and Wells, reciting letters of P., Prior of the Hospital of St. John at Wells, as to an Obit for William de Wethamstede, late provost (or reve) of Cumbe, A.D. 1259; in Latin. The seal gone. Obligation, by which William Samforde, citizen and clothier of London, binds himself to pay to Simon [Sudbury], Bishop of London, the sum of 60 pounds at the next Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist; but if the said William, or Alice, his wife, shall within 3 years next after Easter build of good timber a sollar, with a getee above the sollar already built, in the tenement now let to them for life, by the Bishop and Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's, London, in the Parish of St. Peter on Cornhulle, in London, then the bond shall be of no effect; 41 Edward III., in Latin. The seal still exists. Grant of the advowson of the Church of Modiforde, to Bishop Jocelyn, by the Prior and Convent of Montacute; in Latin. Finely written, but torn in half and defaced. The date, if ever given, is gone, and the seal also. Conveyance by Richard de Welewetone to Maurice de Essa, of a tenement in Chamberlenstrete, in Wells, 30 Edward I.; in Latin. The seal perfect. Thomas de Welleslegh, knight, is among the witnesses. Release by Philip de Drokenesford, brother and heir of John, late Bishop of Bath and Wells, to Hameline de Godelee, Canon of Wells, of all his claim to certain tenements, 6 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal gone. Hugh de Langelond, knight, is named among the wit nesses. Grant by John de Clyvedon, of Alre, to his son Philip, and Elizabeth, his wife, of 117. 14s. 6d. of yearly rent, 11 Edward III.; in Latin. Among his tenants are named Robert le Fleshackere, John le Hoore, Philip le Sygher, and Margery Dygon. Covenant of William, Prior of the Hospital of St. John, at Wells, with Richard de Buttun, Precentor, to have a yearly service for ever for his soul, and that of the venerable Father, William de Buttun, late Bishop. Without date; in Latin. A fragment of the seal left. Edward, Dean [from about A.D. 1256 to 1270 or 80 is a witness, also, John de la Pole, one of the Canons. A curious List, in Latin, of expenses of Obits ; without date, but of the time probably of Edward I. The obsequies of John de la Pole, above-named, are mentioned. Conveyance by John Weylonde, knight, lord of Loxtone, to John Agas and Agnes, his wife, 6 Richard II.; in Latin. Both seals gone. Among the witnesses are Richard Oldemixen and John Oldemixen. Grant by Radulf the Plumber to Cecily Garlond, his wife of all his tenement in Chamberleynstret, next to CHAPTER, WELLE. DEAN AND the tenement of Edmund de Weleslegh, for her life, after his decease; without date, in Latin. Among the witnesses are John Vayranter and Walter Muchegros. [See Set VIII. ante.] Recital by the Dean and Chapter of Wells of a grant made by the Bishop to Thomas Franceys, of Bath, and Geoffrey, his son, of a house situate at Norhtetestrete [Northgate Street], in Bath, at a yearly rental; A.D. 1308; in Latin. The seal gone. وو one one Indenture, partly mutilated, made at Wells, in the year of Henry VI., between John Stafford, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and the Dean and Chapter of the Church of Wells, whereby the Dean and Chapter deliver to the said "Father ten books, for his use, for life;' called "Policronicon;" one called " Pom.... called "Casum Beurnium' (to all appearance); one called " Hugo super Decretis; one called "Johannes "Andreæ super Regibus," which is called "Novella ; also, a book called, the "Second Part of Hostiensis; a book called "Hostiensis Summa; a book of the Decretals; and a book of the "Apparatus" of John "de Deo Uno;" with the " Quaestiones Bartholomæi "Bricsensis" (Bartholomew of Brescia) in the same; which books the said Reverend Father had lately delivered to the Dean and Chapter. The Bishop is to retain them for his life, and after his death they are to revert to the Dean and Chapter. If there were any seals originally, which is doubtful, they are gone. Grant by John, son and heir of John de Welleslegh, knight, to John de Welleslegh the Elder, son of Warin de Welleslegh, of a yearly rent of 2 shillings from a tenement in Biestewalles, 24 Edward III.; in Latin. Without seal. Ralph [de Shrewsbury], Bishop of Bath and Wells, makes Hugh de Remyngton his attorney, to receive seisin of the lands and tenements held by John de Welleslegh, John le Carpenter, Robert le Marlere, and William Frankeleyn, severally in Welleslegh, Doultecote, and Eston, for their lives, together with the reversion thereof. "Given at Wyvelescombe," 28 Edward III.; in Latin. A fragment of the seal left. Final agreement made between William de Fyennes and Robert de la Fenne for the amendment of excesses committed by the latter and his people, as to land at Martock, A.D. 1274; in Latin. The seal gone. Grant by Walter Warham, lord of Welleslegh, to William Ponpe, with Alice his daughter, in free maritage, of a cottage at Doultecote, between the tenement of [? William] Lambarde and the cottage of George Welleslegh Edward III.; in Latin. The two seals are mutilated. Among the witnesses are George Welleslegh and John Welleslegh, and William Lambarde. A paper writing, as to "pensions" [or fines due] from the Vicars in the Church of Wells, for non-attendance at Prime, Mass, and Even-song, A.D. 1535; in English. General Pardon to William Gascoigne of Bryggewater, under the Great Seal, 3 Henry IV. or V. The seal is mutilated. General Pardon granted to Bishop Bekyntone's Executors, under the Great Seal, 8 Edward IV. The seal gone. Licence in Mortmain, granted at the request of Ralph [de Shrewsbury], Bishop of Bath and Wells, to Master Thomas de Bocton and William de Cammel, to hold lands in Welleslegh, Doultecote, and Eston, John Welleslegh holding the lands in Doultecote for his life. 100 shillings have been paid into the Hanaper for the Licence; in Latin. A fragment of the Great Seal is pendent by a silk string. Licence in Mortmain to Bishop Ralph [de Shrewsbury], to build on a certain vacant place, soil of the Church of St. Andrew, which was lately given to Master Alan de Hothum; and to allow him to give the houses newly built there by him to the Vicars of the Church, not having a mansion in common; and further, to pay 10 pounds yearly to such Vicars, in addition to their present stipend, 22nd Edward III.; in Latin. The Great Seal is appended, from a slip of parchment, but much broken. This document bears reference, no doubt, to a portion of the present Vicars' Close, at Wells. Probate copy of the Will of Thomas Hamptone, of Wells, in favour of the Hospital of St. John at Wells, A.D. 1484; in English. Acknowledgment, in French, of Perys [Peter] de Oxenford and Agneys, his wife, late the wife of John Hayron, of Enefelde, in Middlesex. They have received of John de Gartone, mercer, of London, cousin and heir of the said John Hayron, 5 marks and 2 cartloads of hay, in part payment of 20 marks and 2 cartloads, which the said John is bound to pay them yearly for the life CHAPTER, WELLS. of the said Agneys, for certain tenements in the vill Dean and of Newtone Plecy, in Somerset, and in the said yill of Enefelde. "Done at Haliwelle, near London" [jouste Loundres], the Saturday after the Nativity of John the Baptist, 36 Edward III. The seals gone. Agreement, in French, made by the above Agneys (before her marriage to Perys de Oxenford) whereby she agrees to convey her rights to land at Neuweton Pleci, Exton, or elsewhere in Somerset, to John de Gartone, he to pay 10 marks yearly, in two payments; executed at Haliwelle, near London, 14 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal is gone. Humfrei de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, William de Bohun, Earl of Northampton, John de Fauconberge, knight, William de Causton, Simon Fraunceis, and Thomas de Breindone, are the witnesses. Licence by Richard II.: "at the supplication of his "most dear consort, Anne, Queen of England," and for a sum of 20 pounds, which the Vicars of the New Close of the Cathedral Church at Wells have paid to him, he grants leave to William Odecombe and others that they may assign to the Dean and Chapter certain lands, to be held by them for the support and maintenance of such Vicars; in the 6th year of his reign, in Latin. The seal gone. Assignment by Odecombe and the three others, in conformity therewith, 7 Richard II. Three of the five seals are left. 66 66 Fabric Accounts of the Cathedral, for the following years, still exist; A.D. 1390, 1458, 1481, 1493, 1501, 1506, 1550, 1565, 1663, 1664, 1668, 1669, 1670, 1671, 1672, 1673, 1674, 1675, 1676, 1677, 1678, 1679 (two for this year, but varying), 1680, 1681, 1683, 1684. In that for 1550, there is an account, among the "Venditiones diversarum rerum "-Sales of divers things,—such as lead, iron, and freestone, of 23 shillings, received from the sale of 4 candelabra, or candlesticks, of brass, weighing 104 pounds, sold to Cuthbert Bulman: 9 shillings, received for а certain tabernacle, situate in the choir," near the altar, sold to the Lord Suffragan of Wells; 72s. 1d., received for two images of bishops, of brass, which were in the Choir, weighing 310 pounds, at 3 farthings per pound, sold to Cuthbert Bulman. [One of these Mr. Serel considers to have been a recumbent figure of Bishop Jocelyn, known to have been placed over his tomb; the other was probably that of Bishop Ralph de Shrewsbury.] The chief value of the above early Fabric accounts is, that they disclose the exact sites of most of the chantries and altars in the Cathedral Church, from the middle of the 15th century. 66 Letters Recommendatory to the Dean and Chapter. Charles II., signature at the head of this Letter remaining, 8 January 1679, in favour of James Dutton, B.D., recalling a Letter which, "without reflecting on our former Letters in favour of the said James Dutton," had been given in favour of-Levins, President of St. John's College, Oxford. Signed by H. Coventry at the end. A note is added, by Richard Healy, Registrar, that Dutton was admitted Canon 29 April 1680. 66 Charles II., his signature at the head remaining, in favour of Henry Fane, D.D., one of his Chaplains in Ordinary, on the death of Dr. Walker, a Canon. Signed by Secretary Morice. Charles II., enjoining the election of Peter Mewes, as Bishop, 25 November, in the 24th year of our reign." Charles II., his signature at the head cut away, 2 December, 36th year, enjoining the election of Thomas Kenn, D.D., one of his Chaplains in Ordinary, as Bishop. Signed at foot by William Trumbull. Charles II., his signature at the head cut away, enjoining the election of Robert Creighton as Bishop. 9 May, 22nd year. Signed at foot by Sidney Bere. Charles II., his signature at the head cut away, in favour of Joseph Barker, M.A., and Prebendary, as Canon, 16 June 1675. Signed at foot by J. Williamson. Barker was eventually appointed Canon. Charles II., his signature at the head remaining, in favour of Thomas Westley, M.A., Vicar of St. Cuthbert's, at Wells, 6 September 1660. Signed at foot by Edward Nicholas. Charles II., his signature at the head cut away, an VICARS CHORAL OF WELLS CATHEDRAL. Charles II., his signature at the head cut away, in favour of William Fane, a Prebendary of the Church of Wells, 30 December 1660. Signed at foot by William Morice. Charles II., his signature at the head remaining, in favour of John Selleck, Rector of Elworthy, in Somerset, by reason of "his sufferings for our dear Father, of "blessed memory, and our selfe, and of his many faithful "endeavours for our restoration," 17 December 1660. Signed at foot by Edward Nicholas. Selleck was elected Canon, and lies buried in the north aisle of the Church. Charles II., the signature almost effaced, again in favour of John Selleck, 16 March 1661. Signed at foot by Edward Nicholas. Charles II., his signature at the head remaining, recalls his former letter in favour of Grindall Sheafe, D.D., Archdeacon, in behalf of Selleck, 13 May 1661. Signed at foot by William Morice. Archdeacon Sheafe was subsequently elected Canon. Charles II., his signature at the head remaining, in favour of Edwyn Sandys, M.A., the last day of August 1674. Signed at foot by H. Coventry. Sandys became a Canon of Wells. Charles II., his signature at the head remaining, writes again in favour of Edwyn Sandys, 18 July 1675. Signed at foot by H. Coventry. James II., his signature at the head cut away, repeats his predecessor's recommendation of John Yeadle, 30 June 1685. Signed at foot, Middleton. HENRY THOMAS RILEY. THE VICARS CHORAL OF WELLS CATHEDRAL. If we may judge from the great number of benefactions and endowments received in the Middle Ages by the Vicars Choral of Wells, from the time of Bishop Ralph de Shrewsbury (A.D. 1329-63) downwards, the documents formerly in their possession must have been very numerous. However this may have been in former days, their records and archives that have survived to the present time, are comparatively few in number, except certain parchment Rolls of Account, which are still somewhat numerous. Of those that have so survived, a large proportion are so entirely decayed that they are either mouldering to dust, from the effects of damp, or are at least wholly illegible. Those that still admit of being deciphered, seem to range between the reigns of Edward the Third and Philip and Mary. By the kind favour of Mr. S. Fletcher, at present holding the office of Principal of the College of Vicars Choral, I have been allowed to select for notice the most ancient of their documents that can still be deciphered. Having, by the same favour, had an opportunity of leisurely examining them, the following is a brief account of their contents respectively. With two exceptions, those that I have so examined consist entirely of ancient Computi, or Rolls of Account. The earliest of these Computi is one (some parts of which are almost illegible) which purports to be the Account of John Ballochurde, Provost, or Reve, to John de Gartone, for the 10th and 11th years of the then reign, that, no doubt, of Edward the Third [A.D. 1336, 7]. The locality, though it does not appear to be mentioned by name in the roll, is, evidently, Newton Plecy, or North Newton, in the parish of North Petherton, in the County of Somerset. This account contains nothing of interest, beyond a few items for the purchase of seed, and of expenditure on the cultivation of the land. One third of the manor of Newton Plecy was granted to the Vicars Choral of Wells in 1446, which will account for these accounts being now found among their muniments. The name of the manor is derived from its former possessors, the family of de Placetis, or Plasseto, who obtained it in the time of Henry III. The next is a similar roll, but somewhat smaller, being the account of Simon atte Gore, Reve to John de Gartone, for the 34th and 35th years of Edward the Third [A.D. 1360, 1]. "Nywetone" [Plecy] is the manor named. The third is a similar Account, by the same Reve, for Nywetone Plescy, in the 35th and 36th years of the VICARS CHORAL OF THEDRAL. same reign [A.D. 1361, 2]. In this roll the repair of the Chapel at Exton [near Dulverton, in Somerset] is WELLS CAmentioned: also, particulars of the repair of a "hall "and chamber" there. It is hardly necessary, perhaps, to mention, that all these accounts are written in Latin. The next roll, in chronological order, is a presentment by the Homage of the manor of Banewelle (now Banwell) in Somerset, in the 12th year of Richard the Second. On the reverse, is a presentment by the Homage of the manor of Comptone, in the same County, in the same year [A.D. 1388, 9]. A long roll, finely written, containing several accounts; the Computus of the Bedel of Spersholte, A.D. 1438; the Computus of William Gyffarde, the Bedel of Sparkeforde, or Drayton Sparkeforde [near Castle Carey, in Somerset] for the same year. In this account, persons named "Henry Scarlet" and "John "Blake" occur. The Computus of the Bedel of Comptone, for the same year. In this account, mention is made of a-" rent of 2 shillings formerly due from "Robert atte Yewe, paid to the Steward of the Con"vent (Depesario Conventus) for strawberries due to "them." The Computus of William Hancock, Bedel of Chiltecombe [in Somerset] for the same year: in this account, a "John Otewey" is mentioned. The rents in this manor, seem, to some extent, to have been paid in poultry and eggs. To all appearance, though it is not very distinctly stated, the whole of the payments in this roll were due to the Priory of Bath. Computus of John Benham, Warden, or Supervisor, of La Wellysleygh, A.D. 1455, 6:-the manor, near Wells, from which the Wellesley family derives its name; no mention, however, of any member of the family is to be found in it. The Wellesley property, now known as the "Manor of Wellesley and Dulcot," was given to the Vicars Choral by Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury, A.D. 1354. The same prelate built their "Close" where they were obliged to reside. They then had a "Common Table," much the same as in the Colleges at the Universities. Mention is made of a payment of 24d. to the Vicar of St. Cuthbert's, at Wells, for Peter's pence, and of an offering of a wax candle, weighing one pound, at the high altar of the Church of St. Andrew there, as-" 66 an ancient rent from a tenement "in Dultyncote, lately belonging to Robert Borugh." Charges are entered for the carriage of 23 cartloads of fuel from Wellysleygh to the Vicars' Close, at Wells, at 6 pence per load, the meat and drink of the carters amounting to 23 pence. This is followed, on the same membrane, by the account of the same John Benham, as the Warden, or Supervisor, of La Fennes, in the same year. Among his items of expenditure, is a charge of 38. 7d. for riding to the Sheriff, to obtain the liberation of John Russell, bailiff of Fennes, who was in the lock-up house [incluserio] at Yvelcesetre [Ilchester.] The roll concludes with the account of the same John Benham, as the Warden, or Supervisor, of La Hethorne, for the same year. The next roll is the Computus of John Huchyn, holding the like offices of Warden, or Supervisor, of the aforesaid manors, in 1461. The sum of 70s. is men. tioned as being received from William Pitte, of Wedmore, for a place called "Chambleynshinne," there. Computus of Henry Sporyer and Richard Harris, "Receivers of the moneys of the Vicars of the Cathedral "Church of Wells, dwelling in the New Work"-the New Close-A.D. 1461, 2. This is a long roll, and finely written, but in some parts illegible, from damp. William Pitte, of Wedmore, is again mentioned as a tenant, paying 70s. yearly for Chambleynshinne. They account for 4s. 4d. received for saffron, "growing in "the common garden" this year: also, for 2s., for the dripping [pinguedine] in the kitchen; and " for 68. 8d. "the gift of Master Hugh Sugar, Official of the Bishop "in the Consistory of Wells, as his fee on being ad"mitted Rural Dean from the Parish Church of "Kyngestone, this year." John Russell, already named, is mentioned as being the Bailiff of the said Parish Church of Kyngestone. (The church of Kingstone, near Ilminster, Somerset, was granted to. the Dean and Chapter of Wells by Bishop John Harewell in 1384, for the use of the Vicars Choral of Wells.) Several rents are received from the tenants of flesh-stalls, in Wells; 12d. from Sir Thomas Averey for a cottage, with curtilage, situate upon "Le Pole "[the Pool], a locality now known as La Pool," in the south part of Wells; 10s. for a cottage in Gropelane, called "Bakehouse," lately held by Ralph Averey; also, rents for five cottages, lately built by the said Ralph in that lane. Among the payments,"Paid to the Escheator of the Cathedral Church of "Wells, for a procession that was made on the Vigil of 66 VICARS CHORAL OF REV. DR. WILLIAMS' LIBRARY. 66 "the Conception of St. Mary, for the soul of Nicholas "Pontesbury," a recent benefactor. "Also, for a Mass, "called "Welsleghismasse," for 52 weeks, 30s. 4d. being 7d. per week; and for wax for the same Mass, "16d." (The altar of John Welleslegh will be found subsequently mentioned.) "To the Escheator of the "Church, for the Obits of Stephen Pempell and Ralph "Tregregio on the Vigil of the Purification of St. "Mary, 138. 4d., arising from Monerish Lane." The candles for the common hall, 24 pounds, cost 28. ; rushes, for the year, 20d. The sum of 4d. is paid for carrying away dung [fimi] from the kitchen window, and "rubbell" that fell from the wall of the buttery, during the year; for cleaning the well [fontis] near the hall, and the well of the kitchen, 6d. Paid a labourer "for working for 3 days, at the common garden, "12d. Paid for 'paryng' the saffron there this year, “ 6d. Paid for manuring the garden, 4d. Paid for "mending the tablet on which are put the names of "the benefactors, 1d. Paid for making the 'plumpe' 66 [pump] of the kitchen well, as set forth in the paper "of accounts, 16s. 34d. For waste of wax upon the "Obit of [Bishop] Ralph de Shrewsbury, 4d. For car 66 66 riage of divers letters to John Russell, bailiff of Kyngestone, 2d. Paid for mending the 'plumpe' "near the Chapel, 7d. Paid for the hire of vestments "for the year, 28. Paid for a pair of cruets, "bought for the altar of John Welleslegh, 6d. Paid "for repair of the bridge opposite the house of John "Salmon, 8d. . . . Paid the clerk, who wrote out the 66 particulars for the year, 6d. For parchments and "paper for the year, 6d. Paid to John the Cook, for "the year, with his livery, 348. 8d. Paid the laundress "for the year, 4s." Among the "Necessary Expenses' under the head of Kyngestone, are the following items :-" Paid on the Obit of William Cokeham, 20s. "For bread for the poor, on the same, 13s. 2d. For "litters (grabatis) for 20 poor, 6s. . . Paid for the "maintenance of one lamp before the image of the "Coronation of the Virgin Mary, with 5 gallons of oil, "58. Paid for the cost of the lamp, 12d. . . . Paid to "John Toker, of Glaston[bury] for tenths due to our Lord "the King, 133. 4d." Among "Defaults of rent" is that "For the flesh-stall which John Lypiyate of Chew"ton now holds, because that those accounting dare "not distrain there, for fear of the Lord De Stafford." The only early deed that appears to be now in the possession of the Vicars Choral, is a small one, in Latin, of the time of Edward the Second, being dated the Day of the Invention of the Holy Cross [May 3rd] in the 9th year of that reign [A.D. 1316]: the seal is lost, and it is greatly injured by damp. By it Thomas de Mere, of North Corey [now North Curry] grants to Master William de Bracton, Rector of the Church of Thorn [now Thorne Falcon, in Somerset] all his lands and tenements in La Mere, Slolee, and Wreyntych, [Wrantage, in Somerset] as well held by him in inheri tance, as of purchase from Simon de Domerham, or others; to hold the same of the chief lords of such fees, freely, quietly, well, and in peace. The witnesses are Richard de Loveny, Peter de Boloygne, John de Knappe, John William Hughet, William Gyan, Walter le Bule, and others. "Given at North Cory on the date above-mentioned. It would be interesting to know if this William de Bracton was in any way connected with Henry de Bracton, the celebrated lawyer, of half a century before. The Rector of Thorn had his surname probably from the place now known as "Bratton St. Maur," in the County of Somerset. ...... HENRY THOMAS RILEY. THE MANUSCRIPTS IN THE LIBRARY OF THE REV. DR. WILLIAMS, NOW IN QUEEN SQUARE, BLOOMSBURY, BUT SHORTLY TO BE REMOVED TO GRAFTON STREET, EAST. This Library founded by the Rev. Daniel Williams, and which formerly was located in Red Cross Street, has been temporarily removed to No. 8, Queen Square, Bloomsbury, prior to its final location in new premises, 16, Grafton Street, East, W.C. It consists of a large and valuable collection of printed books and manuscripts, chiefly illustrative of the history and principles of the Nonconformist Churches in England, interspersed with which are several MSS. which have reference to general history. This latter class only is noticed in the following Report, which passes over a very large and curious assemblage of papers which have no immediate bearing upon the objects of the present Commission. A carefully executed Catalogue of the entire collection was drawn up by W. H. Black, Esq., in 1858, from which I gladly acknowledge that I have derived considerable assistance in Preparing the following Report. My thanks are due to the Trustees of the Library for permitting me to have the most liberal access to their collection of Manuscripts; and I am especially indebted to the courtesy of the Rev. Thomas Hunter, the Librarian, for the facilities which he afforded me during my visits to the collection under his charge. Jos. STEVENSON. A volume, in folio, upon vellum, imperfect at the end, consisting of 394 ff. It formerly belonged to the Friars Minors of Nottingham, and in 1519 was given by Thomas Rypone to the Rector of Bertone. Written in the 13th century. It contains Biblia Sacra Latina, versionis Vulgatæ. (Anc. 1.) A volume, in folio, upon vellum, ends imperfectly in the Epist. ad Hebræos, xiii. 10. It consists of 333 ff., and contains S. Pauli Apostoli Epistolæ, una cum commentariis Petri Comestoris. (Anc. 2.) A volume, in folio, upon vellum, mutilated at beginning and end, written in the 15th cent. It contains1. Summa de Poenitentia magistri Thomæ de Cobham, f. 1-129 b. 2. A treatise upon various points of Christian duty, in an Explanation of the Ten Commandments, the Seven Deeds of Mercy, the Seven deadly Sins, &c., fol. 130. 3. Nicolai de Lyra Explanationes in Evangelium secundum Matthæum, fol. 146. At the end occurs a memorandum upon the death of Sir John Babyngtone, Knt. of Stelwell, who died 21 March 1521, and who was buried on the 25th in the Abbey of Lenton. (Anc. 3.) A volume, in folio, upon vellum, written in 1490. It contains- Fratris Nicolai Lirani, sive de Lyra, Postillæ in Quatuor Evangelia. (Anc. 4.) A volume, in small 8vo, upon vellum, beautifully written in the 13th cent. It contains Biblia Sacra Latina, Vulgatæ versionis. (Anc. 5). A volume, in small 8vo, beautifully written in the 13th cent. (excepting the first six leaves, which are of the 15th cent.) upon 199 leaves. It is ornamented with eight illuminations. Psalterium, cum canticis sacris, collectis et litaneis, etc. (Anc. 6.) A volume, in 8vo, upon vellum, 370 ff., written in the 14th cent. It contains- The New Testament in English, according to the translation of John Wyclif; together with the Prologues of St. Jerome and the Epistle to the Laodiceans. (Anc. 7.) A volume, in 8vo, upon paper, ff. 307, containing a copy of the Coran. (Anc. 8.)* A roll, upon vellum, consisting of four membranes, containing The Book of Esther, in Hebrew. (Anc. 9.) A roll, written in the 17th century, upon vellum, containing A series of sacred and prophane history, entitled, "Tabulæ Chronologica." (Anc. 10.) A volume, in folio, upon paper, written in the 16th cent., ff. 529. It contains 1. A history of the Roman Conclaves and of the ceremonies upon the Elections, Creations, and Coronations of the successive Popes, from A.D. 1455 to 1523. In Latin. 2. The Life of Pope Clement VII., in Latin. 3. A history of the Conclaves held A.D. 1605. In Italian. (Mod. 1.) Two volumes, in folio, written in the time of Charles I. : 1. Proceedings, Arguments, Speeches, &c. in the case of Ship money between the King and Mr. Hampden. 2. The Indictment against Mr. Thomas Harrison, in Trinity Term, 14 Charles I. (Mod. 5 and 6.) A volume, in folio, upon paper, consisting of 153 ff. Formerly "Liber Thomæ Hollis." 1. The Standard and Arms of Robert Earl of Essex, General of the Parliamentary forces, A.D. 1642, with the names, colours, and arms of his officers, collected and painted by Jonathan Turville. 2. The Standards and Arms of Sir Thomas Fairfax, General of the Parliamentary forces, and of his officers, by the same painter. 3. List of the colours taken by the Earl of Essex, with the names of the battles in which they were taken, and the date of their capture. 4. List of the colours taken at Knasby Field, 14 June 1645, by Sir Thomas Fairfax. (Modern 7.) REV. DR. WILLIAMS' LIBRARY. |