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دو

"informer considereth, when he sealed it, 3 or 4008. or more, or things of that weight, the trunke being as heavy as this informant could well lift with one hand.' The deposition of the accused is added, signed, in a neat hand, “ Elizabeth Oldmixen;" to the effect, that she knows nothing about the matter, but declines to make oath thereon. The surname of "Curll" was perhaps not altogether inappropriate for one fulfilling the obnoxious duties of sequestrator; Edmund Curll, the notorious bookseller of Queen Anne's time, was born in the West of England, and not improbably may have been his son, Walter Curll, it also deserves remark, was Bishop of Bath and Wells from A.D. 1629 to 1632.

At the end of the Second Volume of the Sessions' Books there appears to be an hiatus, as the next begins at 1671, and comes down to 1696, consisting almost wholly of recognizances.

The Fourth is a long volume, in a mutilated state, embracing A.D. 1697-1719.

The Fifth is a long folio, in a stiff parchment cover, A.D. 1741-1757. Some of the volumes, probably, which formerly existed, are now lost...

HENRY THOMAS RILEY.

THE DEAN AND CHAPTER OF WELLS. ADDITIONAL

REPORT.

A number of long-forgotten documents belonging to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, having been brought to light since my previous visit, through the good offices of F. H. Dickinson, Esqre., of King Weston, and by the courteous permission of the Venerable Archdeacon Browne, the Canon in residence, they have recently been placed before me for inspection; a mass of parchments, almost wholly without arrangement, and in varying states of preservation.

At a first glance they seemed fewer in number than they really were, and in taking my notes of them, for the first two days I devoted at least a line to the description of each document that I examined; seeing that they were then carefully arranged and put away in the Sets, or parcels, as below described, seven in number. At the end of that time, however, I found them to be much more formidable in point of numbers than I had originally anticipated; and accordingly, after reaching the above number of Sets, I contented myself with only describing those among the remaining documents that were of the most interest; these forming the last five Sets, or parcels, that are below described; while, on the other hand, of the 523 remaining documents, each of which was carefully examined by me, no notice is here taken.

Of those that are here described, some few are, or rather were, centuries ago, in the nature of title deeds; but have evidently, from their extremely remote date, want of circumstantiality, and other causes, been long since abandoned as such. The Collection in general, so far as here noticed, and more especially in the case of the last five Sets,-throws some light, from time to time, on the general history of this country in the Middle Ages; to the history of the County of Somerset the notices contained in it will be found, from the following description, to be a very valuable addition; while, at the same time, it is evident that many of these documents are of almost inestimable value as throwing light upon questions of pedigree and family history.

To recapitulate-292 documents are here described, arranged in 12 Sets, or parcels; 523 documents, examined by me, are not here noticed, but which I saw carefully arranged, and put away in 14 parcels; added to which, a parcel was made up, of fragments, 12 or 14 in number, so entirely decayed as to defy anything like a successful examination.

A small deed, in Latin; Ralph, Bishop of Wells, to Peter le Moneyer, burgess of Wells, as to a place in Chamberleyne Street, in Wells, 17 Edward III.

Confirmation by John de Iford, Prior, and the Chapter (of Bath), of Bishop Ralph's late gift to the Vicars Choral of Wells, in the new edifice by him there built now dwelling," A.D. 1354, in Latin; an early allusion to the Vicars' Close. A fragment of the seal appended.

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Grant by William Crokehorne, Abbot of Mochelney, to the Dean of Wells, of a messuage, lately rebuilt by Master Hugh Sugar, for the use of the Vicars Choral, 9 Edward IV.; in Latin. Thomas Rodenay is one of the witnesses. A fragment of the seal left.

Indenture, in Latin, stating the gift, by Walter de Lechelade, Succentor of Wells, to the Abbot and Convent of Glastonbury, of 14 acres of arable in Wottone [North Wootton, Somerset], in Brockforlong; also, a water-mill, A.D. 1269. A fragment of the seal left.

Confirmation by Robert, the Prior, and the Convent, of Staverdale, of the Order of St. Victor, to John de Axebrugge, Subdean of Wells, of a yearly rent of 308., in return for prayers for the souls of certain benefactors, A.D. 1263; in Latin. Two of the seals gone, one left, and in fair condition. [See Grant in Set III.]

"Rainaudus" [Reginald Fitz- Jocelyn], Bishop of Wells [A.D. 1174-91]:-a deed poll executed by him, declaratory of surrender in his Court, before Ralph de Lechelade, his steward, by Walter Baker, of his land at Lanfarleng, to Edward de Welles; in Latin, without date, the seal lost. [This Edward de Welles, as will again be remarked in the sequel, was probably the father of Hugh de Welles, Bishop of Lincoln, and Jocelyn, Bishop of Wells.]

Engagement by Robert, Prior, and the Convent, of Berliz [Berlinch] to pray for Hugh de Romenal [or Romney], their late benefactor, Treasurer of Wells, A.D. 1268; in Latin. One seal perfect, one broken.

Indenture of John, Prior of the Cathedral Church of Bath, enumerating Bishop Bubwith's gifts to that church, A.D. 1424; in Latin. A fragment of the seal left.

Deed of Stephen Pempel, Dean of Wells, and the Chapter, ratifying the gift by Bishop John Harewelle to the Prior and Canons of Staverdale, of the Rectory of Wyncaultone [Wincanton, in Somerset]; as to the tithe of which there had been a dispute between them ana the Vicars of Wells, A.D. 1374; in Latin. A fragment of the seal left.

Letters Testimonial, as to the election of Jocelyn, Canon of Wells, as Bishop; in Latin. Of the seals of the attesting Bishops, two are gone, a portion of one is left.

Award,-in six lines of Latin,-in favour of Walter, Archdeacon of Wells, that he shall enjoy the advantage of residing but six months in the year, A.D. 1290. A fragment of the seal left.

Grant by Hugh Sugar, Treasurer, of the house, late of the Abbot and Convent of Mochelney, in a street of Wells, called "Le Mountre," A.D. 1469, in Latin; and Confirmation thereof by the Vicars Choral in 1472. In fine condition, the seals in fair order.

Licence in Mortmain as to two messuages and three tofts in Wells, to the use of the Vicars Choral; temp. Henry IV. or V. The Great Seal is appended by silk cord, but partly broken.

Set II.

Grant and Confirmation by John, Earl of Moreton [afterwards King John] to the Canons of Wells, of Nordcuri [North Curry], with the church, and the land of Hacche [Hatch Beauchamp, in Somerset]; a small deed, in Latin, without date. The seal gone. The grant of his brother, King Richard I., is supposed to be lost.

Deed of King John to the knights and freeholders of -the hundred of Nordcuri, stating that he has given the manor of Nordcuri, with the advowson of the church, and the hundred, to the Canons of Wells; a small deed, in Latin, the seal gone.

A larger deed of King John, dated at Le Mans, 30th September, in the first year of his reign, stating that he has given the lands at Nordcuri in frankalmoign to the Church and Canons of Wells; which he now confirms in fine condition, and it has had a seal appendant from strings, but now gone. The grant by Richard I., already mentioned, is recited in it. In Latin.

Copy of the Certificate sent to Pope Innocent III., certifying the election of Jocelyn as Bishop, in succession to Savaric, by the Prior and Convent of Bath; with a list of all the then members of the Convent, headed by Prior Robert. It is intended for a facsimile of the original Certificate, and against each name S is

Rodbert, Bishop [A.D. 1136-65], grants by deed that persons shall hold Fairs in the street of Wells freely and without paying custom, if they will in future abstain from doing so in the Church, as theretofore; in Latin, without date. The seal gone. A duplicate of this is believed to be among the muniments of the Town Council of Wells.

Confirmation by Edward III., in the 11th year of his reign, of the grants by Richard I. and King John of the manor of North Cury, and of the grant by Edward I. of free warren there; and changing the theretofore market there on Wednesday for one on Tuesday, with grant of a yearly Fair of three days, namely, the day of the Feast of St. Peter ad Vincula, the day before, and the day after; in Latin. The seal gone.

Confirmation by Hubert, Archbishop of Canterbury, of a composition made with the Abbot and monks of Clive [near Dunster, in Somerset], granting to them the Church of St. Andrew there, theretofore belonging to the Church of Wells, A.D. 1199; in Latin. A fine deed, the pendent seal lost.

Charter, granted by Bishop Robert [A.D. 1136-65], to the effect that two thirds of the prebend of a deceased Canon shall be enjoyed by the surviving Canons of the church for one year, they performing for him the proper obsequies during that time; in Latin. The seal

Release executed by the Chapter of the Church of Wells to the Executors of Bishop Ralph, in reference to his legacies, A.D. 1368; in Latin. Two of the seals are gone, one, in good condition, is left.

Grant of 30 shillings yearly by Robert, Prior of Staverdele, of the Order of St. Victor, to John de Axebrugge, Subdean of Wells, for his life, and, after his death, to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, for the Vicars at the altar of St. Mary Magdalene, who are to pray for the soul of the said John, A.D. 1263; in Latin. Two of the seals are gone, one, rather small, is broken. Grant by Bishop Ralph to Thomas le Riche and Johanna, his wife, of a place in the High Street, in Wells, on the east side of the wooden building late belonging to Master William le Feror, to be held in tail general for ever, at a yearly rent of 6 pence, 19 Edward III.; in Latin. The Bishop's seal is annexed, broken in the margin.

Deed, in which William Parle, Parish Priest of North Curi, admits that in taking tithes he has taken some sheaves, belonging not to him, but to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, thereby incurring risk of excommunication: he therein makes humble apology, and gives up the keys of certain rooms where the sheaves were placed by him and his confederate, William atte Rewe, A.D. 1335; in Latin. One seal is gone, fragments of the other two are left.

Confirmation by Bishop John [Drokenesford] (A.D. 1309-29) of certain peculiar jurisdictions; in Latin. In a mutilated state, the date and seal gone.

Instrument, signed by a Notary Public, naming Roger de Northburgh a Canon of Wells; he being nominated as such, as a Provisor,-by Pope John XXII., A.D. 1317; in Latin. Partly stained and illegible.

Copy of a Commission by Pope Boniface IX. to the Abbot of Forde and the Deans of Wells and Sarum, to make inquisition as to certain grievances committed against the Church; attested by a Notary Public; in Latin. In a mutilated state, the writing very faint,

and the seal broken.

Inspeximus Charter of the 32nd of Elizabeth as to grant of royalties to the Bishop and Chapter of Wells; in Latin. The seal gone.

Two Indentures, a larger and a smaller, by Nicholas, Bishop of Bath and Wells, giving the advowson of Abbot's Bokelond to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, 3rd Henry VI.; in Latin. One seal gone, the Bishop's seal broken; it being the same in both cases.

CHAP

WEI

Signification of livery of the Church of Kyngston, DEAY in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, by Thomas de Sudbury, the Dean, to Thomas Ellewylle and Nicholas Face, in behalf of the Vicars of the New Close, A.D. 1385; in Latin. The seal chipped.

Deed between John, Abbot of Forde, and Humphrey, Prior, and Baldwin, Abbot of Axe[minstre], as to the termination of a suit between Alexander, the Dean, and the Canons, of Wells, and Ernisius, a Canon, about lands at Bideham [now Biddisham]: without date, but Alexander was Dean from 1180 to about 1209. In Latin.

Indenture executed by Hugh Veysie and John Genynges, Principals of the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral of Wells, as to leasing 18 acres of land at Biddisham, at a rent of 12s. 4d. yearly, 3rd Henry VIII.; in Latin. Two small seals, perfect.

Lease of land at Biddisham, by Nicholas Carent, Dean of Wells, to John Pedewell, Vicar of the Cathedral Church, A.D. 1454; in Latin. Torn, and the seal gone. Lease of land at Biddisham, by William Withham, Dean of Wells, to the executors of John Pedewelle, for 99 years, at a rent of 57s. 6d. yearly, A.D. 1469; in Latin. The seal broken.

Lease by Nicholas Carent, Dean, to John Pedewell, of a fishery at Redclyffemede, and other property, for a term of 50 years, A.D. 1454; in Latin: a slip is attached, almost wholly illegible. The seal gone.

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Eadgar (A.D. 958) as "King of the Mercians, of the Nordhamhymbri, and of the Britiones," makes grant to Ealhstane, for 40 mancuses, "de auro obridzo, in agro Magesietna vi, manentium, etc." Dunstan is the fourth witness who signs, as a Bishop. In Latin, but written in Saxon characters: it is in good condition.

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Set IV.

Proxy given by an Italian Merchant of Plac[entia, probably, now Piacenza], Speronus de Campo Moldo, to Pufino Molinari, empowering him to receive 87 marks of Savaric, Bishop of Wells, who had promised to pay that sum. It begins, "Universis ad quorum spectacula præsens instrumentum pervenerit," and is attested by a Notary Public. It is a curious little document, but its three seals are gone.

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Charter of Theodoric, son of William, granting the Church of Mudiford to the Holy Apostles, Peter and Paul, and the Monks of Montacute, confirmed by Bishop Reginald [A.D. 1174-91]; without date, worn with damp, and the seal gone. In Latin.

Conveyance by Walter de Dunhieued and Walter de Wyke to Bishop Jocelyn, of their land within the close of the Park of Wells, in exchange for various messuages granted them in the vicinity of Wells; in Latin. A deed of great interest, in reference to localities near that place. The two seals are gone.

Prorogation of the election of a Bishop [on the death of Bishop Roger] at the King's [Henry III.] request; his envoys being John de Plessets, Earl [A.D. 1246-63] of Warwick, and Master William de Kilkenni, Archdeacon of Coventry; in Latin. The two seals of the Chapters of Bath and Wells are gone.

Petition of Thomas de Byngham, Subdean (Nicholas Slake, the Dean, being then abroad) and the Chapter, for leave to elect a Bishop, on the death of Bishop Ralph Ergum, A.D. 1401; in Latin. Only a fragment of the seal is left.

Acknowledgment given by John de Troubrigge, Master of the House of St. Mark at Byleswike, near Bristol, that he has borrowed from the Dean and Chapter of Wells the sum of 30 marks; and security given by him and his brethren for repayment, with power of entry upon the manors, belonging to that House, of Poulet and Stoclond [now Pawlet and Stockland, in Somerset], A.D. 1272; in Latin. The two seals gone.

Grant of an annuity of 538. 4d. by the Dean of Wells [Richard Woleman], to Richard Smyth, alias Braunston, Vicar Choral, he having given up the Clerkship of the Works of the Cathedral,-"to secure good pees and ' quietness," A.D. 1530.

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Ratification by Robert, Prior, and the Convent, of Bath, of a grant made by Walter, Bishop of Bath, of 10 pounds yearly to William de Cherletone, Canon of Wells, A.D. 1306; in Latin. The seal gone.

Pardon granted to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, 15th of King Henry [probably, the Eighth]. The seal

of the Deanery of Wells in their charge, when vacant. A.D. 1246; in Latin. The seal gone.

John de Veteri Ponte [Vipont] makes oath before witnesses that he will not shew the Charter which King John has made to him, as to Appelby and Burgh, to any person during the King's lifetime. A small deed in Latin, consisting of six lines only. The seal gone.

General Pardon, granted by King Henry VII., to John Gunthorp, Dean of Wells, late Dean of the Household to King Edward IV., Almoner to the same Edward IV., Clerk of Parliament of Edward IV., Keeper of the Privy Seal of Edward IV., Keeper of the Privy Seal of Edward V., Keeper of the Privy Seal of Richard III., Clerk of the Free Chapel of St. Stephen within the King's Palace at Westminster, and one of the Clerks in Chancery, as to all the places he has so held, 11th February, 1st Henry VII. [A.D. 1486]; in Latin. The seal gone.

Receipt, signed by Gilbert, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 12th March 1554, for 20 pounds, received from the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral Church, as in full payment of 50 pounds for a "close of meade called Waterlease," him to them conveyed; on paper, and in English.

by Acknowledgment, by John, Bishop of Bath and Wells, that he is Collector of the King's tenths, and that the Dean and Chapter are Sub-collectors, A.D. 1316; in Latin. Of the seal a fragment only is left.

Agreement by Geoffrey de Bridport with Dame Agatha de Meisy that he or his heirs, holding the manor of Kerchel in Dorset, will pay her 20 pounds yearly for her life, and after her death 100 shillings yearly to two Chaplains celebrating divine service, for the good of the souls of her and her ancestors, "in the greater Church "of Wells," A.D. 1251; in Latin. The seal gone.

Another deed, attached to the preceding one, by which Geoffrey de Bridport binds himself to pay 100 shillings yearly to Edward, the Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, from his lands at Kerchel, to the end that certain priests may perform yearly two Annals for the souls of Agatha de Meisy and her ancestors, A.D. 1268; in Latin.

Conveyance by Thomas de Boktone and William de Camel to Ralph, Bishop of Bath and Wells, of the lands which they had of the gift and feoffment of Walter de Hulle, Archdeacon of Bath, in Wellesleigh, Doultecote, and Estone, 28 Edward III.; in Latin. Walter de Rodeneye, knight, is one of the witnesses. Two small seals attached, almost perfect.

Grant by Thomas, Bishop of Bath and Wells, to John . Lunn, of the office of Keeper of the Bishop's Palace at Wells, 31 Elizabeth'; in Latin. A large deed, with fragments only of the two seals.

Set V.

Regulations made by Roger, Bishop of Bath and Wells, on a dispute between the Prior and Convent of Bath and the Chapter of Wells, as to the future election of Bishops, A.D. 1246; in Latin. A long deed, finely written. The seal gone.

Articles of agreement of the Dean and Chapter of Wells with Robert Taunton, of Bristol, for building a new organ for the Cathedral, A.D. 1662; in English. Three large sheets of paper, in good condition, but retaining only a fragment of the seal.

Judgment of the Auditor of Causes, appointed by the Court of Rome, on appeal made to the Apostolic See, as to the jurisdiction of the Bishops of Bath and Wells in Prebendal Churches, A.D. 1444; in very small writing, in Latin. In a mutilated state.

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Indenture, in English, of Richard Woleman, Dean of Wells, allowing Richard Smyth, alias Bramston, Vicar Choral, to absent himself from the church for life, having an annuity of 30s. 4d.; he is also to hold the office of Clerk of the Works of the Cathedral, as a annuall or yerelie office from yere to yere after the olde custume "of the saide Churche; at the pleasure of the saide "Dean and Chapter, and our successours," " 22nd Henry VIII. The seal gone.

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Indenture of William Črokehorn, Abbot of Mochelney, signifying that he has granted to William Wytham, Dean of Wells, a messuage in Le Mountrye for 90 years, at a yearly rent of 38. 4d., 9 Edward IV.; in Latin. A fragment only of the seal is left.

Grant by John Janyn, Vicar Choral, and Escheator of the Cathedral Church of Wells, to John Mayo, of Wells, mercer, and Alice, his wife, of tenements in Newestrete in Wells, for a term of 80 years, A.D. 1500; in Latin. The two seals gone.

Lease by John Forest, Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, to John Kent, of Depford in Wilts, and Agnes, his wife, and John, their son, of certain lands in Depford,

for their lives and the life of the longest liver, 8th DEAN AND Henry VIII.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Indenture of John, Prior of Bath, and the Chapter, or Convent, thereof, signifying that two monks shall celebrate daily for the soul of Nicholas Bubbewith, late Bishop, A.D. 1424; in Latin. A large deed, mutilated by damp; the seal gone.

Ratification by Walter, the Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, reciting that of the Bishop, of an agreement made between Gilbert of Wollavynton and the Abbot and Convent of that place, as to celebration of divine service in the Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin, in the churchyard thereof, by two secular priests, there by the Abbot and Convent to be maintained, A.D. 1298; in Latin. An interesting document, the seal gone.

A contemporary copy of the Charter to the Vicars Choral of the Cathedral Church of Wells, 34th of Elizabeth; in English.

Set VI.

Indenture made between Nicholas, Bishop, and John Stafford, Dean, of Wells, containing the defeasance of a bond entered into by the Dean and Chapter in reference to the advowson of Abbot's Bokelond, 3rd Henry VI.; in Latin. A fragment only of the seal left.

An indenture, whereby Thomas de Retforde, Chancellor of Wells, grants to Alan de Gosenhale, and Agues his wife, a messuage and 18 acres of arable in Hy Wysch [Huish], near the High Bridge, "to our Church of Burn"ham belonging," and a piece of pasture, for their lives, at a yearly rent to the Chapter of two sums of 98. and 68. 8d., 8 Edward III.; in Latin. In a somewhat mutilated condition; the seal gone.

Notice, by Thomas de Sudbury, Dean of Wells, that the Dean and Chapter have attorned, as to lands in the manor of Burnham, in Somerset, late of William Mountagu, Earl of Salisbury, to Nicholas the Elder, Nicholas the Younger, and William, de Carreu, 7th Richard II.; in French. A fragment of the seal left.

Confirmation by Robert, Prior of Bath, of a grant by Bishop Walter de Heselschawe of 2 acres in Burnham to the Dean and Chapter of Wells, A.D. 1306; in Latin. Seal gone.

Indenture, of the 2nd year of Edward IV., containing an award by Humphrey, Lord Stafford of Southwyke, Master Nicholas Carent, Dean of Wells, and Richard Chok, Justiciar of the King's Bench, between John More of Naillesy in Somerset, son and heir of William Bithemore, Esquire, and Robert Deye, otherwise called "Robert Kykke," of Merke [now Mark], in the same County; as to certain lands which the aforesaid Robert, and William Hykkes and William Gyllyng, feoffees of the said Robert, claimed to his use, as against the said John More, in Wurcheston, la Folde, Wynnesmere, and Burneham, in the county aforesaid; the award being in favour of John More, as right heir of Baldewin Courtevyle, late Lord of Alwartone, and going rather more fully into pedigree; in Latin. All the seals

gone.

Deed of Bishop Ralph, making provision for the Vicar of Burnham; the Dean and Chapter to find him new books and new clothes, A.D. 1336; in Latin. The seal gone.

Deed of Robert, the Prior, and the Chapter, of Bath, acknowledging and reciting a Letter of John de Godeleye, Dean of Wells, stating that the late Bishop, Walter Haselschawe, gave Burnham to the Dean and Chapter for them to celebrate his Obit, and towards sustaining, the fabric of the Church of Wells; and setting forth how they purpose to carry out his intentions, the Prior and Convent of Bath duly ratifying the same, A.D. 1316 (?); in Latin. The seal gone; a long deed, and containing matters of interest in its details.

Counterpart of a lease of lands at Westbury, in Somerset, to Robert Smith, of that place, for three lives, 36th Elizabeth; in English.

Counterpart of a lease by William, Bishop of Bath and Wells, to John Luccock, of Kyngesbury, and others, for their lives and the life of the longest liver, of lands in Scrophylle, Hylle, Shaldoemede, and Newmede, in the manor of Kyngsburye, [now Kingsbury Episcopi, in the county of Somerset,] 4 Edward VI.; in English. Three of the seals gone.

Counterpart of a lease by William, Bishop of Bath and Wells, to Thomas Illary, of Kyngsbury: by virtue of a Statute made in the 22nd year of the reign of King Henry VIII., he demises to him, Isabel, his wife, and John, his son, lands at Nortone and Shaltoemede, for their lives, and the life of the longest liver, 34 Henry VIII.; in English. The seals gone.

Counterpart of a lease by William, Bishop of Bath and

CHAPTER, WELLS.

WEL

DEAN AND Wells, to Robert Segar, of Kyngesbury, husbandman, CHAPTER, 4 Edward VI.; in English. Almost illegible, and the three seals gone.

WELLS.

Counterpart of a lease by William, Bishop of Bath and Wells, to John Butler, of Kyngesbury, 4 Edward VI.; in English. Almost illegible, and the three seals gone.

Letter of Attorney of Thomas Collis and Cristina, his wife, appointing their son Thomas, and Richard Norlode, of West Pennard, their attorneys to deliver seisin of lands in West Pennard, 32 Henry VI.; in Latin. Two small seals, nearly perfect.

Letter of Attorney of William Champe and Richard Hayne, appointing William Ruynone the Elder and John Hille their attorneys to receive seisin of lands in West Pennard, 15 Edward IV.; in Latin. Of the two seals, one is left.

Deed whereby Thomas Collis releases and quitclaims his right to lands in West Pennard, to Richard Huchene, John Olyvere, William Bispham, and John Lemman, 32 Henry VI.; in Latin. The seal perfect.

Conveyance by... . . . (the name obliterated by damp) to John Asschewyk and others of lands at Stykelynch, year of Richard II. The seal is left.

Conveyance by John Haynes, called "Cullebury," of Stykelynch [in the West Pennard], to John Ayschewyck, the Elder, and Alice, his wife, of lands in Stykelynch, 9 Richard II.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Grant by Robert de Culerne to Walter de Sutton, for his homage and service, of two crofts in Westpennard; he paying yearly a pair of white gloves, of the value of one penny, on Easter Day, or one penny in money, at the will of the tenant; the said Walter having paid six marks beforehand for the grant: there is no date, but it belongs to the early part of the reign of Edward I.; in Latin. The seal, enclosed in a small linen bag, to ensure its preservation, is now crumbled to powder.

Grant by Thomas Sergeant, otherwise called “Colles,” the Elder, and Cristina, his wife, to John Trugg, of Corscombe [Croscombe, in Somerset], and Richard Wyntryngham, alias Clerke, of their lands and tenements in Westpennard, 32 Henry VI.; in Latin. One of the two seals is perfect, the other mutilated.

Letter of Attorney of Thomas Chew, Clerk, appointing John Coombe and John Hayne, of Westpennard, his attorneys, to deliver to Hugh Sugar, Richard Hayne, John Touker, Henry Grendale, and Thomas Seyward, seisin of his lands and meadows in West Pennard, which he had of the gift and feoffment of John Trugge, of Corscombe, 18 Edward IV.; in Latin. The seal left. Grant by John de Laverlegh to Nicholas Syrwold, for his homage and service, of one ferdel of land in the vill of Abbot's Suttune, formerly belonging to Walter de Laverlegh, to hold to him and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten, (de carne sua legitime procreatis,) he paying yearly two shillings for the same, and to the Almoner of the Abbey of Glastonbury one halfpenny at Easter; no date given, but apparently of the time of Edward I.; in Latin. The seal is enclosed in a linen bag, but is reduced to powder.

Grant having been made by John Masseday, late Vicar of the Cathedral Church of Wells, to Thomas Chewe, surviving, and five others, now deceased, Vicars of the same Church, of a rent of 13s. 4d. yearly from lands in Landelegh and Styklynche in Westpennard; he, the survivor, now conveys the same to their successors, as such Vicars, 15 Edward IV.; in Latin. The seal perfect.

Conveyance by Alexander Hody, Esquire [brother to John, Chief Justice of the King's Bench], to William Champe and others, Vicars of the Cathedral Church of Wells, of lands in Westpennard, which he lately had of the gift and feoffment of John Schirwood, 32 Henry VI.; in Latin. The seal left.

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Conveyance by John Shyrwold, otherwise called Culbury," to William Champe, and others, Vicars of the Church of Wells, of all right he might have in the above lands, conveyed by Alexander Hody, 32 Henry VI.; in Latin. The seal left,

A similar conveyance to the last but one, but dated the 10th of February, whereas that bears date the last day of February, 32 Henry VI.

Warranty given by Thomas Collis and Cristina, his wife, to Richard Hichene and others, Vicars of the Church of Wells, as to 18 acres of land at Westpennard, 32 Henry VI.; in Latin.

Letter of Attorney of Thomas Sergeant, otherwise called "Colles," and Cristina his wife, appointing John Deverell of West Pennard, and John Balstake, their attorneys, to deliver to John Trugge and Richard Wyntryngham, otherwise called "Clerke," seisin of all

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Conveyance by John Schurwold, otherwise called Culbury," to Alexander Hody, of his lands in Westpennard, 27 Henry VI.; in Latin, The seal left.

Letter of Attorney of Alexander Hody, appointing Robert Sandhille his attorney to receive scisin as above, 27 Henry VI.; in Latin. The seal left.

Indenture whereby Alexander Hody confirms to John Schyrwold, otherwise called "Culbury," 8 acres of pasture in Westpennard, for life, at a yearly rent of 68. 8d., 27 Henry VI.; in Latin. The seal left.

Set VII.

Grant by Gilbert de Thorne to Edward, Dean, and the Chapter, of Wells, of 6 acres of wood in Thorne, near Halsangre; in Latin. There is no date, but Edward de Cnolle was Dean from A.D. 1251 to 1284. Sir Philip de Cantilupe (or Cantelow) is named among the witnesses. The seal gone.

Grant by John de Pymour to Robert de Doultone, Joan, his wife, and Thomas, their son, of a messuage, with a curtilage and 3 acres of land, which Adam Warde holds of him in bondage, in Slolegh: as also, 2 acres below the stone mill of Slolegh, which John Pope held of him, and 6 pence of yearly rent, 8 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal left.

Grant by Margery atte Sloo to John Wareyn and the other Vicars of the Cathedral Church of Wells, of a rent of 3 farthings paid to her yearly by John Boddeleye, for a burgage in Nywport [near Taunton], and the reversion thereof; also, of 18 pence rental, payable yearly by William Loue, for 2 acres of arable at Langedoune in the hundred of Northcory, 8 Richard II.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Gift by Richard, son of Richard le Carpenter, to Robert de Somerton, and Johanna, his wife, of 2 acres of land in Wrentyche [now Wrantage] situate at Colepol and Pyshull, in exchange for other lands, 12 Edward II.; in Latin. The seal left.

Grant by Robert de Somertone to John le Webbe and Richard le Webbe of land in Wrentiche, 2 Edward II.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Grant by Simon de Domerham, of Northcury, to Thomas de Mere, of the same place, of his land in Wrentich, in the manor of Northcury, which he had of the gift and feoffment of Ascelina de la Lode, 9 Edward II.; in Latin, beautifully written. The seal gone.

Grant by Ascelina de la Lode to Simon de Domerham of her lands in the vill of Wrentich, in the manor of Northcury, inherited by her from Alice, her mother; he paying to the chief lords of the fee 18 d. yearly; in Latin, without date, but of the time of Edward I. The seal gone.

Counterpart of a lease by the Dean and Chapter of Wells of lands in the parish of Northcory to William Lyte for a term of 50 years, 7 Edward VI. In bad condition, and the seal gone.

Grant by Margery, daughter of Robert le Marchant, of Wrentych, widow, to Robert de Mere, of half an acre of arable in Wrentich, for ever, a rent being reserved of one farthing, at Christmas, on the spot to be received; in Latin, without date, but apparently of the time of Edward I. The seal gone.

Counterpart of a lease by the Dean and Chapter of Wells, of Le Nythe, in the Parish of Northcory, to John Mannes (apparently), and Emelina, his wife, 9 Henry VI.; in Latin. Fragments of three seals attached.

Confirmation by Laurence, son of Eva de Chernlegh, of the gifts of lands in La Wudebreche, and in La Clyve, La Hale, and La Holemore, which his mother gave and confirmed unto Master Simon Gyan; without date, but probably of the time of Edward I. Among the witnesses, Henry le Hundredeman is named. In Latin. The seal gone.

Confirmation by Robert Gyan, son and heir of William Gyan, to Master William de Littleton and others, Canons of Wells, of a messuage in La Schorteclyve, situate between the land of Sir Edward de Clyvedon and that of Richard Woderoue, 23 Edward III.; in Latin. Partly illegible, and the seal gone.

Deed executed by John Coplestone, Vicar of Somer(? Somertone); more than half of it effaced by damp. Endorsed in a hand of the 17th century,-" Common "for the Abbot of Athelney."

Confirmation by John de Aura of a deed made to Symon Gyan by Eva de Churnleghe; without date, but probably of the time of Edward I. Defaced by damp, and a fragment only of the seal left. Grant by Eva de Churnleghe to Symon Gyan of her

TER,

LS.

AND land in La Wodebreche, and four acres of land in La Clive and elsewhere, he rendering 234d. yearly for the same; namely 54d. at the Feast of St. Michael, and 6d. at each of the other three quarterly terms of the year; without date, but probably of the time of Edward I. In Latin. A large seal attached, in good condition.

Grant by Walter de Caam to William Hughet and Emma, his daughter, of land in Cnappe, 23 acres of which lie in Cockelcrofte, near La Greneweye, and 5 acres in the new meadow near the meadow of the Chantry of St. Mary, for their lives and the life of the longest liver, at a rental of 3 pence yearly, saving also suit at his Court at Michaelmas and Hockedaye; he receiving 25 marks of silver for the grant: without date, but probably of the time of Edward I.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Deed between Thomas de Sudbury, Dean, [A.D. 1381-96,] and the Chapter, of Wells, and Humphrey Shiliere, Chaplain, being a lease of tithes to the Chaplain in the Parish of Northcory; in Latin. Almost illegible.

Grant by Walter de Caam to John de Cnappe, and Margaret, his wife, of a ferlyng and a half of land in Cnappe, in Dynesbere, in Wodecrofte, and in Chaldewelle; without seal or date, but probably of the time of Edward I.; in Latin. The writing is partly effaced by damp.

Grant by Walter de Chaam to Henry le Deye and Gunnilda, his wife, of a messuage and land in Cnappe; without seal or date, but probably of the time of Edward I.; in Latin. The writing is partly effaced by damp.

Obligation of Robert Gyan, son of William, to Robert de Somerton, in the sum of 50 shillings, which he had lent him, binding his lands for payment of the same, 21 Edward III.; in Latin. William le Blake is named among the witnesses. The seal is in a perfect state.

Grant by John, son and heir of William de Westbury, to John de Fyfhyde, Chaplain, and Vicar of the Church of Wells, of a vacant place in the street of Southovere, in Wells, 17 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal left.

Gift by Mabel, widow of William de Westbury, to her son, William, of a messuage and curtilage in Suthovere in Wells, situate between the messuage of Gervase le Hunte and the tenement of William Fellard, he rendering yearly 8 pence to the chief lords of the fee, 6 Edward II.; in Latin. The seal is left.

Gift by John, son of William de Westbury, "boucher" (butcher) of Wells, to John de Fyffhide, of 8 pence silver of yearly rent arising from a tenement in Wells, situate in Southovere, between the tenement of the Prior of St. John, at Wells, and the tenement of Richard Bradwell, with the reversion of the said tenement after the decease of Juliana, his mother, 20 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal is lost.

Release by John, son of William de Westbury, to Sir John de Fyffhide, of his interest in two new selds [or open shops], and in 8 pence of yearly rent, from a tenement in Southovere, in Wells, between the tenement (as in the preceding article), with the reversion of the tenement after the death of Juliana, his mother, 20 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Indenture executed by John, Bishop of Bath and Wells, with reference to the Vicarage of Berghes (? Berrow), A.D. 1328; in Latin. The seal gone, and the writing in part illegible, the deed being destroyed by damp at the margins.

Certificate by the Official of the Archdeacon of Wells, to Bishop John, stating that Master Robert de Wambergh, the Archdeacon, is the Patron of the church of Berghes, A.D. 1328; in Latin. The seal gone.

Indenture of John, Bishop of Bath and Wells, providing for the support of the Rector of Bergh. Executed at London, on the 15th of the Kalends of March 1328. The seal gone. It is to all appearance a counterpart of the last deed but one, which is in a mutilated condition.

Certificate to John, Bishop of Bath and Wells, by Walter de Hulle, Rector of the church of Scheptone Beauchamp, Commissary of the Bishop, of the finding by inquisition, in the church of Axebrugge, that the oblations at the altars, and certain tithes of the church of Berghes, are worth 15 marks yearly, the tithes of the sheaves of wheat being worth 25 marks, A.D. 1328; in Latin. Without seal.

Grant by Robert Gyene, of Bristol, to Robert, son and heir of William Gyene, of Northcory, and Cristina, his wife, of a messuage and a windmill in Chercheyestathe, in the hundred of Northcory, with reversion of lands held in dower by Matilda, wife of Robert, grand

father of Robert, son of William, 12 Edward III.; in DRAW AND Latin.

Set VIII.

Deed executed by Hugh de Lymyntone, Vicar of the Cathedral Church of Wells, confirming to Walter de Hulle, Vicar, certain houses in Wells, in the street extending from La Montereye to the street that leads from Biestethewalle [now East Wells] to the Cathedral, between the tenement formerly of Walter de Wellesleghe and another, 16 Edward II.; in Latin. The seal gone.

Deed of William de Ponlyngtone, Rector of the church of Hardyngtone, and John de Lac, Vicar in the Cathedral Church of Wells, assigning to the Dean and Chapter rents arising from tenements in Gropelane and in Toukerstret; without date, but among the witnesses are Master Walter de Haseleschawe, Archdeacon, afterwards Bishop of Bath and Wells (A.D. 1302-9), and Master Richard de Wykam, Archdeacon of Bath; in Latin. The seal gone.

Grant by Bauturus de Dunheued to Bauturus, son of Herevy, his Clerk, of a messuage (masuagium), which Ordricus Blundus held, on the East side of his garden at Wells it bears no date, but belongs probably to the time of Richard I. Among the witnesses are Master Alexander, the Dean, Thomas the Subdean, Hugh son of Edward, and Gocelin his brother, "Hugone filio Edwardi, Gocelino, fratre ejus," and William de Welleslegh, apparently, but the name is blotted. (Hugh afterwards became Bishop of Lincoln, while his brother Jocelyn succeeded to the See of Wells; from the above it appears that the name of their father was Edward, and that Hugh was the elder brother.) "Troteman," it is said, was the surname of Bishop Jocelyn. The seal gone.

Conveyance by John Kyng, of Wells, to Henry de Sherbourne, Chaplain, of a messuage in Chaumberleynestrete, in Wells, between the tenement of Master Thomas de Heselsheghe and that of John de Wourthy, Vicar, 15 Edward III.; in Latin. Without seal. (Thomas de Heselsheghe was no doubt related to Bishop Walter, before named, who held the prelacy from A.D. 1302 to 1309.)

Release by John le Frye, of Heryngdone, to John, son of Warin de Wellesleigh, of messuages in Biestewalles, in Wells, 28 Edward III.; in Latin. The seal perfect.

Deed executed by William de Litteltone and Stephen de Hulle, Clerks, naming thereby Richard de la More, burgess of Wells, and William Dounframvyle (D'Umfraville), and Mary, his wife, as tenants for life of property in the High Street in Wells, 21 Edward III.; in Latin. One seal gone, a fragment of the other left.

Official copy of a Letter of intendency of David Fleccher and Thomas Cook, as to bequests by Agnes, formerly wife of John de Oxenford, of New Sarum, 2 Richard II.; in Latin, Remarkable, as having attached to it a perfect seal of the Mayoralty of New Sarum.

Deed by which Thomas Leck and Agnes, his mother, convey to Roger de Chytone [now Chewton Mendip], Chaplain to Bishop Jocelyn, their houses and a half acre of land "near Stoberg [now Stobury, near Wells]," in the field (campo) of the same vill, which belonged to Master Adam Lok, mason (cementarius), for 10 marks of silver, 5 marks being then paid, and the other 5 to be paid at the end of ten years after the consecration of Richard Archbishop of Canterbury [cons. 10 June 1229]; they having further delivered up all charters and instruments in full Hundred Court of Wells, the same being now kept in the Treasury, under the care of Master Lambert, Subdean, and Richard de Welles, Canon of Wells, to be delivered to the said Roger on full and final payment of the said sum, A.D. 1229; in Latin. The five seals are gone. Among the witnesses are Lambert, the Subdean, William, Seneschal to Bishop Jocelyn, and others, Vicars of the Church of Wells, Thomas Norais and Deodatus [Dieudonne], masons; "in the tenth year of the Translation of St. "Thomas the Martyr, and the first of the Pontificate of "Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury." Stobury, it may be remarked, is an elevated rock, at which all the Perambulations of the Forest of Mendip commenced.

Deed by which Lambert, the Subdean, and Richard de Welles, Canons, executors and ordainers of the will of Andrew Lok, mason, ratify the preceding conveyance; in Latin. The two seals gone.

Conveyance by John le Kyng, of Wynterflowe, and Agnes de Gorselade [now Garslade, near Wells], his wife, of two houses and 5 acres of land, in Dulticote,

CHAPTER, WELLS.