\ 
 
UCSB LIBRARY 
 
 4>*t. 
 
flfeunicfpal Cbuccb 
 
 OF 
 
 St. %awrence, 
 
 IReaMng. 
 
TSalfantpiu 
 
 BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO., RDINBUKGl 
 CHANDOS STREET, LONDON 
 
THE CHURCH. 
 
OF THE 
 
 Municipal Cbutxb 
 
 OF 
 
 STL 
 
 IReabfng. 
 
 BY 
 
 IRev. Cbarles 
 Curate. 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 
 
 FORBURY ROAD, READING, AND LITTLE EATON, DERBY. 
 
 1883. 
 
TO THE 
 
 WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR 
 
 AND THE 
 
 ALDERMEN AND BURGESSES OF READING, 
 
 THIS ACCOUNT OF THEIR 
 
 BY THEIR OBEDIENT SERVANT 
 
 Hutbor, 
 
preface. 
 
 (I I}C archives of St. Lawrence's Church, in Reading, are 
 amongst the oldest and most interesting in England. They 
 commence in 1410, and are tolerably complete down to the 
 present time. 
 
 The earlier details are so graphic, that they afford not 
 only a wonderful insight into the history and changes of 
 the fabric, the exquisite nature of its furniture and decora- 
 tions so valuable to the ecclesiologist and art student 
 but also illustrate to a great extent the parochial life of the 
 fifteenth and following centuries. 
 
 It is quite beyond the Author's means to publish the 
 documents in extenso, but he has endeavoured to illustrate, 
 by hundreds of literal extracts, the various points of interest 
 connected with the Church, and the manners and customs 
 of the people ; so that the present work will be found to 
 contain all that is really interesting in the records, not only 
 to the antiquary, but to the general reader. 
 
 In many respects this work may be considered a typical 
 history of every parish church in England everywhere 
 the ancient centre of parochial life ; and it is on this 
 account chiefly that the Author has felt justified and en- 
 couraged in his responsible undertaking. 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 The writer desires to express his warmest thanks to the 
 Vicar and Churchwardens for the loan of Church docu- 
 ments; to J. Challenor Smith, Esq., of the Probate Registry, 
 for his courtesy and assistance during his researches at 
 Somerset House ; to Arthur Billing, Esq., for the interest- 
 ing description of the mural paintings discovered by him 
 in the chancels in 1848 ; and to his valued friend, Llewellyn 
 Jewett, Esq., F.S.A., &c., the editor of the " Reliquary," 
 for the pictorial illustrations of the tumbrel. 
 
 CHARLES KERRY. 
 
 Junezttt 1883. 
 
CORRIGENDA ET ADDENDA. 
 
 5, line iS,for " have," read " has." 
 I 3> 2 5>/ ffr " springing," read " springings." 
 28, 20, under 1638, add 
 
 " A canopy was erected over the altar this year, at a 
 cost of 4/. i6s. 6d. It is not probable that this 
 survived the visit of the Earl of Essex's lambs 
 in 1643." 
 
 61, 7,f or " 2 9 J lbs.>" read "261 Ibs." 
 99, K),for " ied," read " vied." 
 
 1 57, y>,for " fUbing," read " 
 
 158, ll, for "^t&ing," read " 
 
 221, 28, for " PHANNEL," r^a^ " PHANUEL." 
 232, ,, 1 1, should be 
 
 l< Honey and fish with #.r he ate." 
 
 232, 39,/tfr"bleds and," read "bledsand," i.e., bloody or 
 bleeding. 
 
 logical Society for 1881-2, p. 45, writes : " Some relics of 
 an early date were found in the Flummery Ditch (on the 
 north side of this headland). They consist of bones of a 
 large ox or bison, and osseous remains of an ox domesti- 
 cated by the Romans. Bones also of a horse, dog, and 
 % fragment of a human skull, and pottery of a rude character, 
 and some pieces of glass form part of the collection." 
 (Now in the Reading Museum.) These remains prove 
 incontestably that the eastern extremity of the headland 
 was occupied by prehistoric races, ages before the Roman 
 
 B 
 
Vlll PREFACE. 
 
 The writer desires to express his warmest thanks to the 
 Vicar and Churchwardens for the loan of Church docu- 
 ments; to J. Challenor Smith, Esq., of the Probate Registry, 
 for his courtesy and assistance during his researches at 
 Somerset House ; to Arthur Billing, Esq., for the interest- 
 
Ibtstor?. 
 
 'HE Parish of Saint Lawrence, Reading, occupies the 
 angle formed by the Thames and the Kennett. The 
 gravel bank on which the older portion of the town is 
 built, here terminates abruptly in a narrow headland, pro- 
 tected originally on the north and east by marshy swamps 
 and deep water-courses, and on the south by the Kennett. 
 A spot so well defended would naturally commend itself 
 to an aboriginal people ; and here, if anywhere, we might 
 expect to find indications of a primitive occupation ; but 
 the surface of the hill has been so much disturbed in 
 mediaeval and modern times, that research in this direction 
 would not produce much satisfactory evidence. There can 
 be no doubt, however, that the numerous remains found in 
 the Kennett in the vicinity of the new bridge at the Read- 
 ing Gasworks in 1881, many of which consisted of pre- 
 historic implements formed of the bones of animals, were 
 swept down there from the margin of the headland by the 
 force of the river floods, and so must be regarded with 
 special interest as illustrating the very early occupation of 
 this elevation many ages before any portion of modern 
 Reading came into being. Dr. Stevens, in his account of 
 these discoveries in the Transactions of the Berks Archaeo- 
 logical Society for 1881-2, p. 45, writes : " Some relics of 
 an early date were found in the Flummery Ditch (on the 
 north side of this headland). They consist of bones of a 
 large ox or bison, and osseous remains of an ox domesti- 
 cated by the Romans. Bones also of a horse, dog, and 
 % fragment of a human skull, and pottery of a rude character, 
 and some pieces of glass form part of the collection." 
 (Now in the Reading Museum.) These remains prove 
 incontestably that the eastern extremity of the headland 
 was occupied by prehistoric races, ages before the Roman 
 
 B 
 
2 EARLY HISTORY. 
 
 invasion ; that it was inhabited during the Roman-British 
 period, and, subsequently, in Anglo-Saxon times. A por- 
 tion of this high ground, now a public garden, is termed 
 the " Forbury ;" a name obviously derived from the A.S. 
 " Forburh," a vestibule : that is, a portion of ground before, 
 or in front of the " burg'' or " bury." A vestibule is a 
 court or porch through which a building or habitation is 
 approached. The early Saxon burgh, then, must have been 
 seated at the eastern extremity of the headland, because the 
 Forbury could never have formed a vestibule to the present 
 town on its western side, since there never was any approach 
 to it through that quarter. 
 
 The way to the Saxon bury was through the Forbury, 
 and hence the name. The position of the once circular 
 Danish intrenchment in the Forbury, now completely 
 effaced, is very significant as to the locality of the original 
 Saxon Burgh. It was formed just where such an earth- 
 work, under a good military leader, would have been placed 
 so as to command the Burgh on the promontory if intact, 
 or to prevent its reoccupation if destroyed. Had the Saxon 
 vill been on the western side of the Forbury, no invader 
 would have intrenched himself in a position like this, where 
 his chance of escape would have been cut away by any 
 formidable descent from the town-quarter. 
 
 About half of the fosse was remaining until the forma- 
 tion of the Forbury Gardens, about the year 1858. The 
 extremities of the arc extended from the western half of the 
 Abbey gateway to a point opposite the old bay-windowed 
 house used by the Messrs. Fuller and May. According to Mr. 
 Coates' Map, dated 1802, the arc was as nearly a semicircle 
 as possible ; the line of the front of the buildings from the 
 Assize Courts to the old house before mentioned, forming 
 the chord of the segment. This ditch or fosse was in some 
 parts at least six or seven feet in depth, and about four or 
 five yards in width. The southern half was obviously filled 
 in at the construction of the Abbey gateway, and other 
 original buildings to the west of it. When intact, the in- 
 trenchment was at least ninety yards in diameter. 
 
 The history of this Danish incursion is thus given by 
 Roger de Hoveden (temp. Hen. II.) : "Anno 871. The 
 Danes, marching into Wessex, came to Reading, situated 
 on the south side of the river Thames, in the county of 
 Berks. On the third day after their arrival, two of their 
 leaders, with a part of their army, went on a foraging 
 
EARLY HISTORY. 3 
 
 party, the remainder, in the meantime, being employed in 
 throwing up an intrenchment between the Thames and the 
 Kennett on the right side of the town of Reading. These 
 (the foragers) were met by Ethelwulf, Earl of Berks, at a 
 place called Englefield, that is, 'The Field of the English.' 
 Here both parties fought with the utmost animosity, till 
 one of the Danish generals being killed, and their army 
 being either routed or destroyed, the Saxons obtained a 
 complete victory. Four days after this battle, King Ethel- 
 red and his brother Elfred having collected their forces, 
 marched to Reading, killing and destroying all before them 
 as far as the gates of the fortification (' arcis') . At length 
 the Danes, sallying out from all the gates (ports), attacked 
 the victorious army, when after a long and bloody battle 
 the Danes obtained the victory/' 
 
 It is probable that the mound in the Forbury, close by 
 this old earthwork, was originally a " tumulus," though it 
 may have been modified in later times : if not of pre- 
 historic origin, it may cover the remains of the slaughtered 
 Danes interred after the struggle on this spot in the year 
 871, when they overcame the Saxons, flushed with victory 
 on their return from Englefield. By this defeat, the Danes 
 became masters of the field, and nothing can be conceived 
 more natural than that they should bury their dead after their 
 wonted manner. They died the death of heroes, and as such 
 it was fitting the high mound should be raised over them. 
 Curiously enough, this mound is on the verge of the Saxon 
 cemetery, though this is not of uncommon occurrence : 
 thus there is a fine barrow in the old churchyard at Taplo\v, 
 Bucks ; and there are tumuli contiguous to the churchyards 
 at Morley, Derbyshire, and Puttenham, co. Surrey. The old 
 church was undoubtedly of no great antiquity at the time 
 of its removal by Henry I., for the burg then clustering 
 round it had been burnt by the Danes only 115 years 
 before, and the original Saxon sanctuary (probably a 
 humble structure of wood) undoubtedly perished in that 
 conflagration. 
 
 If Leland and Camden had only adhered to the words 
 of the original historian of this transaction, it would have 
 prevented much misconception in later times with regard 
 to the early topography of the town. There was no castle 
 in Reading, properly so called, before the time of King 
 Stephen, and this was destroyed about two or three years 
 after its erection by King Henry II. It would appear 
 
 B 2 
 
4 SITE OF THE ORIGINAL CHURCH. 
 
 from the valuable evidence mentioned by Coates, p. 145, 
 to have stood on the site of the old gaol in Castle Street ; 
 but this evidence, so weighty, he seems inclined to set 
 aside. 
 
 Site of tbc Original cburcb. 
 
 In Anglo-Saxon times, parish churches and parish church- 
 yards were inseparable ; and this arose from the almost 
 natural desire of Christians to be interred, if not within, 
 at least as near the walls of their sanctuaries as possible. 
 This privilege of interment within the towns and cities of 
 England was procured by St. Cuthbert, Abp. of Canter- 
 bury, who died A.D. 758 (Weever, Fun 1 . Mon ts ., p. 8). 
 From this time, therefore, it may be affirmed that there 
 was no parish church in this country without its adjacent 
 cemetery, and no Christian graveyard without its church. 
 
 The original burial-ground of St. Lawrence's parish before 
 A.D. 1557, lay on the north side of the Abbey, as appears 
 from an entry of that date in the churchwardens' accounts, 
 and far away from the present parish church. As this 
 arrangement was a deviation from the universal custom, 
 there must have been some special cause. 
 
 The Abbey Church, to which the parisJi burial-ground 
 was contiguous, was never the parish church, and as the 
 parishioners from the remotest times had no other place 
 for general interment, we must look back to a period 
 anterior to the foundation of the Abbey for the solution of 
 the difficulty. It must be this : 
 
 That the old parish church of St. Lawrence, before the 
 foundation of the Abbey, stood within or near this ancient 
 parisli cemetery stood, in fact, in the heart of the old 
 Saxon Burgh ; for the situation of these early graveyards 
 was regulated entirely by the position of the church, and 
 not vice versa. One thing is very certain, that if the 
 parishioners of St. Lawrence had not possessed the right 
 cf interment there before the foundation of the Abbey by 
 Henry I., they would not so easily have obtained that right 
 afterwards, because the precincts of the Abbey were extra- 
 parochial. 
 
 The old parish church was without doubt demolished by 
 Henry I. in A.D. 1121, to make room for the magnificent 
 church of his new monastic foundation, most probably 
 built on its site. The old Saxon church would be used in 
 
SITE OF THE ORIGINAL CHURCH. 5 
 
 common by the inhabitants of the Burgh, and the members 
 of the Convent of Leveva. In the adjoining churchyard 
 then, situated as it was near the centre of the Saxon Burgh, 
 lie the remains of the first Christian population of Read- 
 ing, and, it may be, of the prehistoric population too ; for 
 the sites of heathen temples were frequently selected for 
 the erection of Christian churches, and the bodies of the 
 faithful were deposited near the ashes of their pagan 
 ancestors. (The churchyard of Ribchester, co. Lancaster, 
 occupies the site of a Roman Temple dedicated to Minerva.) 
 
 It is not improbable that the Saxon church was dedicated 
 to St. Matthew, because of the fair formerly held in the 
 Forbury on St. Matthew's Day. Many of our old fairs 
 have grown out of the dedication festivals of the churches 
 where they are held, and are even now frequently coincident 
 with these commemorations. 
 
 The Saxon vill, with its humble church and convent, 
 have long since passed away, and the stately monastic 
 foundation which supplanted them is now a crumbling 
 ruin a perishing fragment of its former grandeur ; whilst 
 the parish church of St. Lawrence, the single representa- 
 tive of these ancient associations, and the hereditary suc- 
 cessor of the church of the Saxon Burg, still survives. 
 That she may long continue to inherit the venerable pres- 
 tige which time has conferred upon her, is the earnest hope 
 of one whose chiefest privilege is to minister within her 
 walls. 
 
DOMESDAY SURVEY. 
 
 2>ome8ba\> Survey 
 
 The earliest survey of Reading is in Domesday Book, 
 completed A.D. 1086. 
 
 The account is divided into three distinct portions : 
 
 I. The survey of the Hundred of Reading. 
 2.. The survey of the Burgh or Bury ; and 
 3. The survey of the Church and its lands. 
 
 In the absence of direct evidence, it seems probable that 
 the Hundred of Reading was co-extensive with the parishes 
 of St. Lawrence, St. Mary, and St. Giles. 
 
 (TRANSLATION.) 
 
 " THE KING HOLDS READING IN DEMESNE. KING EDWARD 
 (THE CONFESSOR) HELD IT. IN READING HUNDRED. THEN, 
 AND NOW, IT DEFENDS ITSELF FOR FORTY-THREE HIDES. THE 
 ARABLE LAND IS FORTY CARUCATES. ONE IS IN DEMESNE. 
 FIFTY-FIVE VILLEINS, AND THIRTY BORDARS, WITH FIFTY-FIVE 
 PLOUGHS. THERE ARE FOUR MILLS OF EIGHTY-FIVE SHILLINGS, 
 AND THREE FISHERIES OF FOURTEEN SHILLINGS AND SIXPENCE, 
 AND A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE ACRES OF MEADOW. THE 
 
 WOODS ARE SUFFICIENT FOR ONE HUNDRED PIGS. OF PASTURE, 
 
 TO THE VALUE OF SIXTEEN SKILL. AND SIX PENCE. IN THE TIME 
 OF KING EDWARD AND AFTERWARDS, IT WAS WORTH FORTY 
 POUNDS, NOW FORTY-EIGHT POUNDS." 
 
 be :i6ut\> or Burgb, 
 
 "THE KING HAS IN THE BURY (" habet in Burgo") OF 
 READING, TWENTY- EIGHT HOUSES (" hagas" or homesteads), PAYING 
 
 FOUR POUNDS FOUR SKILL. FOR ALL CUSTOMS. NEVERTHELESS, 
 HE WHO NOW HOLDS IT PAYS A HUNDRED SKILL. HENRY DE 
 
 FERRARS HAS A HOUSE THERE, AND HALF A VIRGATE (twelve 
 acres and a half) OF LAND, IN WHICH ARE FOUR ACRES OF 
 
 MEADOW WORTH SIX SKILL. GODRIC THE SHERIFF HELD THIS 
 
THE CHURCH AND ITS LANDS. 
 LAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF HARBOURAGE ( u ad 
 
 HENRY NOW HOLDS THE SAME. REINBALD, THE SON OF 
 PETER THE BISHOP, HELD ONE HOUSE THERE, WHICH HE 
 HAS ANNEXED TO HIS MANOR OF EARLEY. IT IS NOW IN THE 
 HANDS OF THE KING, AND IS WORTH SIXTEEN SKILL. PER 
 
 ANNUM." 
 
 Here we have a picture of Saxon Reading. There 
 were only thirty homesteads within the Burgh, two of 
 which were clearly of the better class. It was then 
 a mere hamlet of wooden houses of one story, and 
 covered with straw and reeds. The next item is very 
 interesting : 
 
 " Henry de Ferrars holds a homestead and twelve and 
 a half acres in the Burgh, in which are four acres of meadow 
 of the value of six shillings. Godric the sheriff held this 
 land for harbourage. This expression, ' ad hospitiumj is 
 very remarkable, and in the absence of direct evidence, I 
 am much disposed to believe that it was the plot of ground 
 now called the ' Forbury,' which was not then so circum- 
 scribed on its western and southern sides as at present ; 
 and the hospitality or harbourage was the accommodation 
 it afforded for the encampment of the itinerant tradesmen 
 and others who frequented the festivals or fairs of those 
 days." 
 
 Gbe Cburcb anfc its Xante. 
 
 " HE, THE ABBOT (i.e., of Battle in Sussex), HOLDS A 
 CHURCH IN READING WITH EIGHT HIDES THERE APPERTAINING. 
 LEVEVA, THE ABBESS, HELD IT OF KING EDWARD. THEN, IT 
 DEFENDED ITSELF FOR EIGHT, NOW, FOR SEVEN HIDES OF LAND, 
 AND SEVEN CARACUTES IN THE LORDSHIP. THERE ARE NINE 
 
 LABOURERS (yillaill), AND EIGHT FARMERS (bordaril), WITH 
 FIVE PLOUGHS. THERE ARE TWO MILLS OF ELEVEN SKILL 8 , AND 
 TWO FISHERIES AND A HALF OF FIVE SKILL 8 . IN READING ARE 
 TWENTY- NINE RUINOUS COTTAGES, OF 2&S. 8</., AND TWELVE 
 ACRES OF MEADOW. WOODS FOR FIVE PIGS. THE CHURCH PRO- 
 DUCES THREE POUNDS. IN THE TIME OF KlNG EDWARD IT WAS 
 VALUED AT Q/., AFTERWARDS AT 8/., AND NOW AT 1 1/." 
 
 The church was originally held by Leveva, the abbess 
 of the Saxon convent which was burnt by the Danes at a 
 second incursion in 1006, and which does not appear to 
 have recovered from that disaster. In the year 1076 the 
 
8 THE CHURCH AND ITS LANDS. 
 
 Conqueror founded the Abbey of Battle in Sussex, and 
 between this date and the year 1085 the endowments of 
 the old Reading convent, including the church and its 
 lands, were granted to the monks of Battle, having been in 
 lay hands since the visit of the Danes. ' Sciatis quod tres 
 abbatise in Regno Angliae peccatis suis exigentibus olim 
 destructae sunt Radingia scilicet atque Chelseya et Leomin- 
 stria quas maims laica diu possedit earumque terras et pos- 
 sessiones alienando distraxit" (Foundation Charter, Hen. I. 
 Dugdale, iv. 40.) 
 
 On the foundation of Reading Abbey, this estate was 
 withdrawn from the monks of Battle and given to the new 
 convent at Reading ; certain lands at Apeldreham, with 
 the farm of Boseham, the wood of Bocfalde and Betle- 
 sparrioc, with Yringesmed being given to Battle in ex- 
 change. (Vid. Cayley and Ellis' Dugdale, iii. 233 "Alia 
 Carta eiusdem Regis pro excambio de Rading.") 
 
 The estate near Reading, called Battle Farm, may pro- 
 bably serve to identify some of these old church lands, 
 which amounted to about 1,540 acres at the Domesday 
 survey. 
 
 In 1 1 20 the eastern part of the Forbury appears to have 
 been cleared of every obstacle by Henry I. for the founda- 
 tion of the Abbey ; even the old church of the Burgh was 
 swept away, and re-erected just outside the projected boiin- 
 dary of the new monastery. Parker, in his introduction to 
 the " Study of Gothic Architecture," p. 29, gives an inte- 
 resting parallel : 
 
 " The Conqueror, having taken possession of about a 
 quarter of the old city of Lincoln to build a castle upon, 
 arrd Bishop Remigius having purchased nearly another 
 quarter to build a cathedral and monastery, the Saxon in- 
 habitants were driven down the hill on which the old city 
 stands, and took possession of some swampy land at the 
 foot of the hill, which they drained and redeemed from 
 the fens or marshes, of which nearly all the low country 
 then consisted. On this new land they built several 
 churches." 
 
 The church of Reading Abbey appears to have been 
 completed in the year 1163, when it was consecrated by 
 St. Thomas a Becket. 
 
THE CHURCH AND ITS LANDS. 
 
 " It foas cnolcbe iwn&retJ ^cr fc sfxtt & tfoo 
 
 grace tljat ^Etn omas toas trc^bissop tfio 
 next ?tr t5naftcr as it foolfc tie 
 
 ftuntiretr ?er of grace & sixtt Sc tfjre 
 
 as t^e Htng ^tm tetJ, t^e ^urc^ of 
 S:)at berst tfounieti toas, tijoru ^enrt tije ot^er 
 
 (Rob. of Gloucester, Hearne, 469.) 
 
10 THE FABRIC. 
 
 Borman Cburcb 
 
 consisted of a simple nave with a tower at its western end, 
 and probably an apsidal sacrarium at the other, and, as the 
 original boundary wall of the Abbey crossed the site of the 
 present church from north to south, about the position of 
 the Blagrave Memorial, it was obviously not more than half 
 the length of the present structure. 
 
 The wall at the south-west corner of the nave for about 
 27 feet in length, and from 6 to 12 feet in height, is about 
 five feet in thickness, and is unquestionably a remnant of 
 this first sanctuary. It has no distinctive character, but as 
 it is capped by a Norman window in a wall of reduced 
 thickness, all this superstructure must be of later date than 
 the lower work ; and as the contiguous wall containing the 
 doorway of A.D. 1196 is of precisely the same thickness 
 as this upper masonry, I have no doubt they are coeval, 
 and the little Norman window was reinserted then, at its 
 original level. It is clearly one of a scries long since 
 destroyed, and is especially interesting. 
 
 The original tower was brought into its present form in 
 1458. During its restoration in 1882 several fragments of 
 Norman work were brought to light, showing that it was 
 either modified or reconstructed in 1458 with the materials 
 of the earlier tower. The fragments found in 1882, and 
 preserved in the ringing chamber, are 
 
 1. A scolloped capital, showing a plain chambered abacus 
 
 (c. 1120). 
 
 2. Another capital, very like those on the south doonvay 
 
 of the nave (c. 1196). 
 
 3. A piece of chevron moulding of largish proportions 
 
 (c. 1120). 
 
 4. A piece of perpendicular moulding (c. 1430). 
 
 (All these formed the reverse side of old ashler stones in 
 the angle turrets.) 
 
 There is another in-built fragment of Norman moulding 
 in the north wall of the bell-chamber, on a level with the 
 bell frames, forming the side of a " putlog" hole (c. 1120). 
 
 The presence of the second capital above mentioned, shows 
 
THE FABRIC. I I 
 
 that something was done to the tower in 1196, when the 
 church was so much enlarged. A similar inference may be 
 made from the moulding of 1430. 
 
 As the stones composing the piers and arches of the 
 tower, as well as the voissoirs of the great west window, 
 are of a different material to the rest, they seem to point 
 rather to a modification of the Norman tower in 1458 than 
 to an entire reconstruction at that time ; and it is not un- 
 likely that the massive piers of the tower arches may con- 
 tain the original Norman masonry beneath the covering or 
 adaptations of 1458. Indeed, it is probable that the north 
 and south walls of the tower to a considerable height remain 
 as they were first constructed in 1 120. They are more than 
 five feet in thickness. 
 
 So rapidly did the town increase after the foundation of 
 the Abbey, and so great were the claims on conventual 
 hospitality, that it was found necessary to erect an outer 
 hospitium for the relief of the poor, and to enlarge the 
 church for the accommodation of increasing worshippers. 
 Both of these great works appear to have been carried out 
 by the good Abbot Hugh about the same time, and, as soon 
 as completed, the church was assigned to the new hospicium, 
 or, as it was called, "The Hospital of St. John the Baptist," 
 in the seventh year of the pontificate of Hubert Walter, 
 Bishop of Salisbury, A.D. 1196. 
 
 In this year, or about this time, the Norman church was 
 enlarged to its present dimensions. Of the work of this 
 period there remains 
 
 1. The south doorway of the nave. 
 
 2. The piscina in the south wall. 
 
 3. The jamb of a window discovered above Blagrave's 
 
 monument, with shaft and capital like those of 
 (No. 4). 
 
 4. The three lancets in the chancel. 
 
 5. The arcade between the chancel and the chapel of St. 
 
 John the Baptist (perhaps a little later). 
 
 6. The two lancets blocked at the formation of the east 
 
 window of the north chapel. 
 /. (Probably) the low blocked arch in the wall of the 
 
 north aisle. 
 
 All these in their several positions show the extent of the 
 additions made at this time. 
 
 There is a long list of subscribers on the roll of 1440-1, 
 to the " work of the church" (" opus ecclesiae") ; but as the 
 
12 
 
 THE FABRIC. 
 
 sum of S/. 13^. $d. appears to have been expended this year 
 on the tenements belonging to the church, and the aforesaid 
 subscriptions amounted only to 9/. i6j. 5|^., it was probable 
 that this was the purpose to which those contributions were 
 applied, and that nothing material was then done to the 
 fabric. In this account a few old terms occur which may 
 be interesting : We have " eves borde," " borde nale," 
 " window nale," " lath nale," hertlath, suplath, crests, 
 " zabul," twysts, " dawbyng," and " pynnyng." 
 
 E Complete list of tbe Subscribers to tbe 
 "Morfc of tbe Cburcb" in 1440. 
 
 Dns Hen. Coup vicar, iij s iiij' 1 
 Pastr' Dalamare, iij s iij d 
 Jolies Kirkeby, vj s viij d 
 Robt 9 Morys, vj s viij' 1 
 Wilts Bryssele, iij s iiij d 
 Jolies Deyr, xx d 
 Witts Boteler, xij d 
 Witts Hunt, vj s viij d 
 Robt 5 Kayns, vj s viij' 1 
 Witts Stapper, xx d 
 Thorn Swayn, ij s (M.P. for 
 
 Reading, 1426, died in 
 
 1441). 
 
 Denys Coke, ij d 
 Joh a ne Benton, ij d 
 Joh' Aleward, tyler, viij d 
 Ricus Tumour, vj s viij d 
 Jolies Wyse, iij s iiij d 
 David 9 Gower, iij s iiij' 1 
 Hen. Robf, xij d 
 Ricus Hawkeley, xij' 1 
 Witts Bartheran, iiij 8 
 Henric 9 Boteler, iiij d 
 Thom a s Laurence, viij 11 (cl p ic 9 
 
 poch dee ecctie). 
 Jofies Plumer, tyler, xij d 
 Robt 9 Budd, viij" 
 Witts pvecote, x d 
 JoKes Chaundeler, xx' 1 
 Hen' Ffurberoe, xij d 
 
 Johes Brown, smyth, i d 
 Johes Barthelot, iiij d 
 Witts Rede, iiij d 
 Johes Morys, iiij d 
 Emmota nup relict Join's 
 
 Plumer, ij d 
 Jolies Kale, iiij d 
 Johes Netter, iiij d 
 Hugo p'chemyner, iiij' 1 
 Jolies Taylour, xij' 1 
 Ricus Monmouth, ij d 
 Witts Ludlowe, vi' 1 
 Jolies Benham, xij d 
 Witts Drover, xij d 
 Witts Dyer, xij' 1 
 Johes Mereham, vj s viij' 1 
 Johes Benet, iiij d 
 Robt 9 Brynger, viij' 1 
 Jolies Pasteler, viij' 1 
 Hen Hurtlond, iiij d 
 Ricus Veston, xij' 1 
 Thom a s Hakker, xx d 
 Thom n s Culvl house, xij d 
 Jo!ies Garden], xij d 
 Edward' Dyer, iij s iiij' 1 
 Thorn Coleshill, iiij' 1 
 Jolies Reynolds, ij d 
 Jolies Stevyns, iiij d 
 Johes atte Hatch, viij' 1 
 Thorn Hampton, iiij" 
 
THE FABRIC. 13 
 
 Joties Canon, ij' 1 Thom a s Fferrour, ij d 
 Joties Barton, taillour, iiij d Joties Colyns, vi a 
 
 Joties Bothenall, iiij d Joties Buck, viij d 
 
 Witts Hyne, xij d Joties atte Hethe, viij' 1 
 
 Agn' Gowler, iiij d Ffelicia Weldere, ij d 
 
 Robt 5 Pasteler, viij d Thom a s Luff, vi d 
 
 Johes Merk, ij (l Rog) Coke, xij d 
 
 Nictius Mountford, xij cl Joties Bernard, xx d 
 
 Radus Younge, ij s Joties Hale, xii d 
 
 Ric' Ffarle, xx d Ricus Coup, vi d 
 
 Jolies Vanner, vij d Joties Heryng, viij d 
 
 Reginald Crokesley, iv d Johes Est, iiij d 
 
 Joties Athelard, vi d Witts Wever, iiij' 1 
 
 Ricus Stovyle, ij d Sm a ix ti xvj s v d ob. 
 Margeria Baker, xx d 
 
 In 1458 the churchwardens' roll gives the names of those 
 who contributed to the " Emendation of the campanile ;" 
 but unfortunately the roll has been so much injured by 
 damp, that almost the entire face of the skin has perished, 
 and with it of course the record. There are only twenty- 
 six names legible. In this year the original bell tower was 
 brought into its present form. 
 
 At this time the arches between the nave and north aisle, 
 erected in 1196 by Abbot Hugh, were probably recon- 
 structed. The springing of the arches from the responds 
 at the east and v/est ends of the arcade between the nave 
 and aisle give the original height of the capitals. 
 
 The greenish-tinted stone was now first introduced, and 
 it may enable us to detect the alterations of this period. 
 We find it in the tower arches, the newel at the south-east 
 corner, the voissoirs of the great west window, the nave 
 arches, the sides of the niches in the spandrels, and the 
 windows of the north aisle. Hence we may infer that the 
 lancets of 1 196, formerly in the north aisle, were now sup- 
 planted by the present windows. A corresponding series 
 were also inserted in the south wall, the easternmost window 
 excepted ; teste, the old engravings of the church, especially 
 one by " Shury and Son." Another, if it may be relied 
 upon, shows one window on each side of the nave doorway, 
 exactly like those in the north aisle ; and another, the 
 second from the east end of this wall, of a still later 
 character. 
 
 The last alteration took place about the year 1521, 
 
14 THE FABRIC. 
 
 though something was begun as early as 1518, as appears 
 by the following entry in the church books : 
 
 " Item, gyven by dyiice psons toward the repacon of the 
 church gatherid euy Sonday after new yer s day unto 
 Sonday aft r Michelmas day which amounteth to the 
 sin of (as apperith by a boke of their names) xxi 11 ij s j d . 
 " It. payd to Myller the Joyno r in pte of paymet 
 iiij 11 vi s viij d for makyng of the pclose in the new 
 chapell, xxvi s viij d . 
 
 " It. payd to Harry Horthorne for tymbre workman- 
 shypp, and for bowrdyng of men as apperith by 
 his bill 8 , vif iiij d ." 
 
 A new vestry seems to have been constructed this year, 
 containing a separate altar. 
 
 "Anno 1520-1. It. paid for a hose cloth gyven to the 
 
 ouseer of My lord CardynalP werks to licence 
 
 Chayney the mason to cu from thens, iiij s iiij' 1 
 
 (from Hampton Court). 
 
 " It. paid to John Knyght for couyng of the rode 
 
 lofte and the imag 8 xiiij d . 
 '' It. paid for charg 8 in Ridyng for Chayney the 
 
 Mason, iij s iiij' 1 . 
 
 " It. paid to Harry Cobbe in pte of vj s for takyng 
 
 downe of the bracis of the beamys & for 
 
 settyng vpp of vj new corsis, iij s . 
 
 " It. paid to White the belfounder for arrerag 8 of 
 
 the glasse for the new ivyndoivs in tJie qncrc in 
 
 full payment for the same wyndows, xiij 8 iiij fi . 
 
 "Anno 1521-2. It. payd for the tymber & sawyng of 
 
 viij Corvetts for the new arches, viij 11 . 
 " It. payd to my laborar 8 for besynes done yn the 
 chyrch when the new arches were mayd, 
 iiij 8 xi d ." 
 
 From this we learn the exact date of the present four- 
 centred arches between the nave and aisle. The previous 
 ones of 1458 were not considered sufficiently lofty, so the 
 columns were now raised and the arches stilted : the inter- 
 vening niches were covered with crowns (perhaps in the 
 place of loftier canopies), and new bases adorned with 
 cherubs and shields attached to the whole. The devices on 
 these shields, proceeding from east to west, are as follow : 
 
 1. A shield bearing a gridiron for St. Lawrence. 
 
 2. Two chevrons between three roses. Probably intended 
 
THE FABRIC. I 5 
 
 for " Wickham ;" argt. 2 chev. sa., between 3 roses 
 gules, seeded or, barbed vert. 
 
 3. A shield bearing a rebus, consisting of a tun impressed 
 
 with the letter " B," intended no doubt for Baynton 
 (B-in-Tun, or, B-on-Tun). Richard Baynton was 
 one of the officiating clergy in 1524, "It. to S r 
 Ric. Baynton for mendyng the grett organs at ij 
 tymes iiij V The same year his chamber was repaired 
 at an outlay of il, 2s. 2d. 
 
 4. A shield with a chevron between 3 tuns. 
 
 5. A shield bearing 3 chevrons between 3 bezants, or 
 
 torteaux. 
 
 There is another shield behind this in the north aisle, 
 with a rose in the centre. The remaining shields in the 
 north aisle are without devices. 
 
 The old chancel arch was coeval with the lancets at the 
 east end, c. 1196, and was about five feet narrower than the 
 present one, erected under Mr. Ferrey about 1848. At that 
 time Mr. Billing discovered the stairs to the rood loft in the 
 south pier. The steps were then removed, and the hole 
 was filled with rubble and grouting to form a stronger 
 abutment for the new chancel arch. 
 
 The old views of the church exhibit two dormer windows 
 in the south side of the nave roof; one near the tower, and 
 another over the south doorway inclining to the east. The 
 former of these was of no very recent date : 
 
 "Anno 1521. It. payd to Henry Horethorne for the 
 wyndow yn the south syde of the chyrch next 
 the stepyll besyds y 1 he have gyven, vij s viij' 1 . 
 " It. payd for half a bj of tyle pynes occupyed ou 
 the wyndow, ij d ob." 
 
 There were similar windows inserted in the north and 
 south sides of the chancel roof, and three more over the 
 north aisle looking northwards. 
 
 For repairs of the chancel see under Vicars: "JOHN 
 SMITH." 
 
 The writer has received a most interesting communication 
 from Mr. Arthur Billing, architect and surveyor, 185, 
 Tooley Street, London Bridge, relating to some discoveries 
 made at the restoration of the two chancels about forty years 
 ago. The notes were taken at that time : 
 
 " Immediately beneath the triplet windows in the east 
 wall of the chancel were discovered the remains of three 
 
I 6 THE FABRIC. 
 
 ' Aumbries' or ' Lockers,' in one of which was a portion of 
 wood and iron work remaining, evidently showing that 
 they were once closed by doors, and were probably used 
 for keeping the sacred vessels and other articles of that 
 description. These had been completely hidden by the 
 large wooden altar screen of the Georgian era. Upon the 
 south side of the chancel, at the eastern end, was found a 
 large portion of a piscina, but the bowl altogether gone. 
 There had also been sedilia, but these had been entirely 
 taken out, and the place filled up with brickwork. 
 
 " On the south side of St. John's Chapel, in the portion of 
 wall forming the respond to the eastern arch of the arcade 
 separating the chancel from the chapel, was also discovered 
 a piscina nearly perfect, with the exception of a part of 
 the bowl being broken. This, together with the piscina, 
 the aumbries, and the sedilia in the chancel, have all been 
 entirely filled up. 
 
 " P.S. Several portions of the rood screen were found 
 under the nave floor, near the chancel arch. 
 
 " I have a sketch and plan of the slabs with their legends 
 lying in the chancel and in the north chapel." 
 
 be Gower. 
 
 The stately tower of St. Lawrence's is one of the finest 
 specimens of ecclesiastical architecture in the county, and 
 is justly considered the chiefest ornament of the town. 
 From whatever point it may be viewed, its exquisite pro- 
 portions cannot fail to strike the observer. The parish- 
 ioners and townsmen have shown their appreciation of the 
 treasure, by restoring it to its pristine beauty. The struc- 
 ture is divided into three stages or stories, defined by ex- 
 terior string courses : the lowest is open to the body of the 
 church, the second forms the ringing chamber, and the 
 uppermost contains one of the most musical rings of bells 
 in the south of England. Octagonal buttresses occupying 
 the angles terminate in lofty embattled pinnacles crowned 
 with spirelets, which rise to an elevation of in feet, or 
 23 feet above the top of the battlements. 
 
 The uppermost windows are a careful reproduction of 
 the old ones existing in iSSi ; and, although they are some- 
 what incongruous in their character, it was thought better 
 thus to preserve the architectural history of the building, 
 
THE TOWER. I / 
 
 than to resort to a more correct type, but of no local 
 authority. 
 
 The original south window was probably first destroyed 
 for the admission of the great bell Harry, in 1498. At its 
 first recasting in 1567, it was lowered, and readmitted 
 through this opening : 
 
 " Anno 1 567. For xlij foote of boorde for y c south window 
 in the steple where the bell was taken out and in, 
 and one hondreth & a half of nayles, 1 1 s. v]d" 
 
 It is probable that the tracery just removed, of which 
 the present is a copy, was of this period. 
 
 The canopied niches on either side the tower doorway 
 were formerly occupied by statues of St. Lawrence and St. 
 Vincent. These figures are now preserved in the Vicarage 
 garden, but are in a sadly mutilated condition. The effigy 
 of St. Lawrence shows the remains of a fringed purse on 
 the left side, but the sustaining hand and arm are broken 
 off. He is habited in alb, tunicle, and dalmatic, the orfrays 
 of which exhibit a grape and vineleaf pattern, with an 
 undulating stem. The statue of St. Vincent is habited in 
 a similar costume, but is less perfect. The original heads 
 of both effigies have been destroyed. The backs of the 
 figures are bevelled, to adapt them to the recesses they 
 once occupied. Mrs. Jamieson says : " St. Vincent is 
 usually grouped with St. Lawrence: the Spanish legend 
 makes them brothers, but I find no authority for this rela- 
 tionship in the French and Italian Martyrologies." 
 
 Mr. Coates, in his " History of Reading," writes : " On 
 each side of the door are two niches for images, with two 
 escutcheons of arms in stone now greatly defaced ; on one 
 were the arms of Reading Abbey, and on the other the 
 arms of William Aiscoth, or Ayscough (a chevron between 
 three asses), impaled with the arms of the See of Salisbury, 
 of which he was Bishop from 1438 to 1450." These arms 
 are given by Capt. Symonds in his " Notes" taken April 3, 
 1644, the arms of the Abbey being then on the south side 
 of the doorway. In 1806 the whole of the stonework of 
 the tower was coated with Roman cement, and the old 
 carvings reproduced in the same plastic material, the two 
 escutcheons above mentioned included. 
 
 Owing to objections having been made by an influential 
 tradesman, the arms of the See of Salisbury (the Blessed 
 Virgin and Child) have not been reproduced. This is much 
 
 c 
 
I 8 KNOWLES' TRANSEPT. 
 
 to be regretted, for in every honest restoration original types 
 should be carefully followed. 
 
 Ancient edifices are not exponents of modern thought : 
 we restore them in their integrity as relics of the past ; as 
 monuments of a bygone age. In stamping them with our 
 own impress, we falsify history and the history of art, and 
 proclaim our own incompetence to deal with the precious 
 heirlooms our generous forefathers have bequeathed to their 
 children. 
 
 On the south -west pinnacle of the tower is the following 
 inscription : 
 
 " THIS TOWER 
 WAS NEW ROOFED 
 
 AUGUST 1864, 
 W. H. W. STAVELEY 
 
 J. T. MORRIS 
 CHURCHWARDENS." 
 
 In 1 806, as before stated, the decayed ashler work of the 
 tower was injudiciously repaired with Roman cement even 
 the face of the window tracery and of all the mouldings of 
 the windows and doorways had been hewn away to be re- 
 produced in stucco ; it was very creditably done, too, for 
 the period. 
 
 In 1 88 1-2 the tower and west end of the aisle were 
 thoroughly restored, all the pinnacles reinstated, the one 
 at the south-west angle rebuilt, the window tracery and 
 doorways renewed, and all the decayed stonework replaced, 
 under the care of Joseph Morris, Esq., architect, by Mr. 
 Higgs, builder and contractor, at a cost of about ^2,000. 
 
 IRnowles' transept 
 
 This adjunct, resembling a transept, was erected on the 
 south side of the church about midway between the south 
 door and the west end of the nave, by Sir Francis Knollys 
 the elder, in 1637,* " For the peculiar use of himself and 
 his posteritie, as well for their seates there, as for their 
 burial-place underneath. And to that end and purpose, 
 the Lord Bishop of the diocese in his own person, accord- 
 ing to the ecclesiastical lawes of this realme, consecrated 
 the same to be united and holden as a parte and member 
 of the said church for ever." (Coates.} 
 
 * "On the outside of the aisle was this inscription, ' Sr. F. K. 1633.' " 
 (Coates.) 
 
KNOWLES TRANSEPT. 19 
 
 According to an old engraving, it had on its west 
 side a flat-headed window of three lights overlooking 
 the roof of the piazza. On the south side was a large 
 pointed window of three lights, with a flat-headed doorway 
 beneath, and a small square-headed window above. Its 
 southern limit was coterminous with the front of the 
 piazza. The following achievements, given by Mr. Coates, 
 formerly adorned its walls : 
 
 " i. Quarterly I st , and 4 th , a cross moline voided through- 
 out, between twelve cross crosslets or (Knotty s] ; 
 2 nd , and 3 rd , Gules, on a chevron arg 1 , three roses 
 proper (Cave). 
 
 "2. I st (Knollys}. 2 nd sable, on a bend, cotised, azure, 
 three lioncels passant guardant of the second. 3 rd , 
 Gules a lion rampant or. 4 th , Azure, a fesse, betw. 
 three fleur-de-lis or. 5 th , Chequy, or and azure. 6 tu 
 Sable, a frette or. 
 
 " 3. I st Azure, a chevron gu. betw : three ravens sable. 2 nd 
 Gu : a talbot passant, or : A chief ermine. 3 rd Sa. 
 a chev : az : between three escallops or. 4 th Argent, 
 on a cross sa : a leopard's face, or (Bridges}, impaling 
 Knollys. 
 
 " 4. Or, five crescents azure, impaling (Knollys]. 
 
 '' 5. (Knollys} ; with the crest, an elephant arg\ 
 
 "6. I st , and 4 th , (Knollys). 2 nd , Gu : on a chev. arg 1 three 
 roses proper. 3 rd , party per pale ermine and gu : 
 three talbots heads counterchanged. Over all an 
 escutcheon of pretence I st , and 4 th , sa. a chev : 
 ermine betw. three fishes haurient, argent. 2 lld and 
 3 rd , az : a fesse chequy or and sable betw. three 
 eagles displayed of the second. 
 
 " 7. (Knollys}, bearing an escutcheon of pretence, party 
 per pale ermine and gu : three talbots heads, 
 counterchanged. On each side of the shield are 
 two small escutcheons I st (Knollys}, impaling 
 sable, a saltire engrailed or. 2 nd (Knollys}, impaling 
 azure on a fesse sable, three escalops or. 
 
 " 8. (Knollys), quartering the talbots, counterchanged as 
 before ; and bearing an escutcheon of pretence, the 
 same as No : 6." 
 
 The preceding were in Knollys' chapel. Mr. Coates 
 mentions other escutcheons, which may be inserted here : 
 " Over the staircase leading to the north gallery, hangs this 
 
 C 2 
 
20 BLAG RAVE S TIAZZA. 
 
 achievement ; I st (Blagrave) ; 2 nd Gules, a lion couchant, 
 or on a chief arg*, three crescents of the first. (Dearie.} 
 2 nd Barry of six, or and az : on a fesse gu : three mullets 
 of the second. (Merrick^) 
 
 On the south side of the church is this achievement : 
 I st or, a chief indented sable, a lion passant guardant of 
 the same for Loggins. 2 nd , party per pale, or, and sable, 
 four griffins heads erased, counterchanged. 3 rd , arg 1 , a 
 fesse, vert, between three maunches of the same for 
 Staverton. 4 th , arg*, a plain cross sable, in the first quarter, 
 a fleur-de-lis of the second." 
 
 The remains of the Knollys' family were to have been 
 removed at the demolition of the structure, but it was 
 never done, and the outer pavement now covers the graves 
 of numerous members of this family. 
 
 This structure consisted of a covered walk, extending 
 from the south-west tower buttress or staircase to the west 
 wall of Knollys' transept. The south front exhibited six 
 arches, each of which was capped by a double ogee-shaped 
 gable. The west front presented a single arch (round like 
 the rest), with engaged flat columns, or rather pilasters, on 
 either side. In the gable above was a stone tablet with the 
 following inscription : 
 
 JOHANNES BLAGRAVIVS 
 
 GENEROSUS, MATHESIOSQUE 
 
 ENCOMIIS CELEBERRIMUS, 
 
 LIBRAS C. AD AMBULACRUM 
 
 HOC EXTRUENDUM DEBIT, QUOD 
 
 OPUS MAJOR BURGENSESQUE (PLE 
 
 BENEFICII HUJUS INTER OETERA 
 
 MEMORISE ERGO) PERFICIENDUM 
 
 CURARUNT, 
 
 FEB. I, 1619. 
 
 REPARATUM & ADORNATUM 
 ANNO 1680. 
 
 The easternmost compartment of this portico adjoining 
 the Knollys chapel, had been converted into a cell for 
 delinquents, and a playful story is told of a former church- 
 warden (not a member of the " Blue Ribbon Army") having 
 been compelled to spend an evening there to recruit his 
 
BLAGRAVE S PIAZZA. 
 
 21 
 
 shattered powers before the morrow's dawn. It was thence- 
 forth spoken of as the " Churchwarden's Pew." 
 
 Beneath this piazza., too, and within the memory of 
 many, stood the " stocks," an old-fashioned instrument of 
 parochial discipline, seen in almost every village and town 
 in England fifty years ago. 
 
 In the churchwardens' accounts for 1638, mention is made 
 of a " Tumbrel" deposited, no doubt, under the piazza 
 with the stocks, and perhaps the pillory too ; for this last 
 instrument was in existence a few years ago, when it was 
 sold with some rubbish which had been deposited in the 
 chamber beneath the old town-hall. 
 
 The "tumbrel," or " cucking stool," was specially de- 
 signed for the correction of scolds, brawlers, and women 
 of unlawful condition. Of this instrument there were two 
 kinds : one consisted of a long plank balanced on an axis 
 carried by two wheels. To. one end of the plank was 
 attached a chair, in which the offender was secured ; the 
 other was grasped by the officials of justice (?) (too often 
 by those whose private piques rendered them merciless 
 administrators), and then bowled to the water's edge, 
 where, by a see -saw-like action, the poor culprit was 
 alternately elevated and immersed. 
 
 Mr. Burn, in his " History of Henley-on-Thames," 
 observes : " Another form of cucking stool was a post set 
 up in the water, upon which was a transverse beam turning 
 on a swivel, with a chair at one end of it, and the other 
 end fastened with lock and chain to a short post in the 
 ground. To this fixed machine Gay refers in his lines on 
 Sparabilla, who thinks of committing suicide : 
 
 I'll speed me to the pond, where the high stool 
 On the long plank hangs o'er the muddy pool, 
 That stood the dread of every scolding quean : 
 Yet sure a lover should not die so mean." 
 
22 THE ROOF. 
 
 Halliwell writes : " The tumbrel was originally used for 
 the punishment of offences against the assize, but was 
 afterwards used for scolds arid prostitutes, and continued 
 in vogue in some places till the middle of the last century. 
 The sitting in the chair with the head and feet bare, was also 
 used as a penance, unaccompanied with the ducking, and the 
 form of the stool contributed to increase the degradation." 
 
 IRoot 
 
 In 1410, the church, or a portion of it, was re-roofed with 
 timber from " Erley," and the oldest roll of the churchwar- 
 dens' accounts contains the names of 150 contributors to the 
 work. One of the largest subscribers was John Kent, whose 
 brass commemorating himself and his wife Joan, was re- 
 moved from the chancel floor to the south wall last year for 
 its better preservation. He died about. 1415. Some of the 
 largest contributors were John Hence, 4^. ^d. ; William 
 Baker, 4$-. ^d. ; John Tinte, 4$. ^d. ; Rob. Peyntour, 43. ; 
 John Bennett, 6s. 8d. ; Gilbert Dyer, I'jd. ; John Lathum, 4s. ; 
 Robert Keynes, 8s. 8d. ; John Swalolyf, 2s. ; Philip Rich, 6s. ; 
 John Mereham, 13^. ; Walter Baron, 4s. 4^.; Nicholas Bar- 
 bour, 8s. 8d. ; John Persy, 14$-. ; Will. Smyzt, 4^. ; Ric. Pale, 
 4s.4d.; Ric. Gos, 3-r. 4^. ; Hen. Couper, 4^. 4^. ; Rob. Rythe, 
 22^.; Thomas Chandler, 6s. ; John Kent, 13^.; Will. Peris, 
 4s. 4d. ; Will. Boteler, 13^. ; Joh. Ydefisch, 4s. ; Nich. Cop- 
 land, 2s. 4d. ; Ric. Casse, 8s. 8d. ; John Whyte, 8s. Sd. ; 
 John Bladier, 4^. ^d. ; Joh. Wodemancote, 4s. 2d. ; William 
 Derby, glover (Wm. Derby was M. P. for Reading, 5 Ric. II. 
 1382) ; Nic. Spiser, 43. ^d. ; John Cras, 4^. qd. ; Ric. Glover, 
 4s. ^d. ; Will. Carpenter, 4^. ^d. ; Steph. Everard, 4^. ^d. ; 
 Rob. Baker, 4^. ^d. ; Barthol. Clisth, 4^. ^d. ; Rob. Beche, 
 4J. $. ; Rob. atte Lee, 4^. ^d. ; Joh. Tylere, 2s. ; John Cras 
 gave for a Tyler for one day, 3^., &c. &c. 
 
 It is probable that much of the nave roof is of this date. 
 
 The roof of the north aisle was repaired with boards in 
 1524-5. The chancel roof was ceiled with panel work, or 
 else repaired, the same year, and made resplendent with 
 gold and colours. 
 
 The roof at the east end of the nave, from above Bla- 
 grave's monument to the chancel arch, at the beginning of 
 this century, was elliptical and of panel work, with roses and 
 other ornaments at each intersection of the groining. This 
 
THE CHURCH "RECONCILED - THE FONT. 23 
 
 portion, showing the extent of the ancient rood loft, was 
 removed at the restoration of the nave in 1867. A dormer 
 window was inserted in the " selyng" of the rood loft in 1436, 
 by John Hale, who received 28s. ^d. for his labours. 
 
 Cburcb "IRecondlefc." 
 
 Anno 33-4 Hen. VIII. (1542-3). 
 
 " Payd to the Suffregan in money for reconsyleyng the 
 churche, xl s ." 
 
 This entry implies a desecration of the fabric by blood- 
 shedding, or some other profanation. 
 The culprits are clearly indicated : 
 
 " Itm. Rec. of Robt. Watlyngton to pay the Suffregan 
 
 for reconsylyng the churche, xx s . 
 " Itm. Rec. of Mark Awsepp towards the same, x s . 
 " Itm. Rec. of Robt. Letsh m towards the same, iii s . iiij'V 
 
 " Sm a xxxiij 3 . iiij d ." 
 
 Mark Awsepp, the sexton, was discharged from his office 
 on Lady Day the same year,and one Richard - appointed 
 in his place. 
 
 " It. to mark his di yeres wayges endyd at thannucia- 
 tion of o r ladie last iiij 8 . vj d ." " It. to the newe 
 sexton for a q a r waiges endyd at Mchelmas last 
 past xiij 8 . iiij d ." 
 
 The next accounts, beginning at Michaelmas the same 
 year, place Robert Watlington at the head of the interment 
 list : 
 
 " Rec. for the grave of Robt. Watlyngton & couyng, 
 vij". iiij d ." ' " Rec. for the knyll & tolying at the 
 monethe mynde of Robt. Watlyngton, xvj d ." 
 
 This is significant, and seems to point to a serious fray, 
 in which Watlington, obviously the aggressor, from the 
 extent of his fine, received very serious, if not mortal, 
 injuries. 
 
 be jfont. 
 
 The charge for the Font Taper occurs yearly in the 
 church accounts from their commencement to the Refor- 
 mation. 
 
24 THE FONT. 
 
 1503-4. "It. payed for lettyng hyer the couyng of the 
 
 font, ob." (a halfpenny). 
 
 1508. "It. payed for "a padlok to the font, iij d ." 
 1510. "It. payed for ij. 03 (bushels) of colys at the 
 
 halowyng of the vante, ij d ." 
 1521-2. " Rec. for led of the old font sold, vijV 
 
 " It. payd for bordyng of the olde seatts where 
 
 the old font stode, & for makeyg of a seate 
 
 at the west doore, xviij d ." 
 " It. payd for makeyg of the cou for the ffonte, 
 
 xij d ." 
 1522. It. to Chenye the mason for makeyng the fronte, 
 
 xxxi 8 . viij d . 3 ' 
 " It. payd to the plumar for makeyg the font and 
 
 mendyng of the stepull, ix s . x d ." 
 
 " Chenye" appears to have been employed at Cardinal 
 Wolsey's new works at Hampton Court. His services 
 were procured for St. Lawrence's by an effective hono- 
 rarium : 
 
 1520. "It. paid for a Hose cloth gyven to the ouseer of 
 my lord Cardynalls werks to licence Chayney 
 the mason to cu fro thens, iiij s . iiij cl ." 
 " It. paid for chargis in Ridyng for Chaney the 
 
 mason, iij s . iiij d ." 
 
 1526. " It. for new burneshyng the Crysmatorye, vj d ." 
 1576. "Expenses in masons worke about removing of 
 
 the font & paving, xvj s . viij d ." 
 1639. " It. P d to John Milkesop for a brasse cock for the 
 
 font, 4 s . o'V 
 (For the ancient position of the fonts, see article 
 
 "Seats," anno 1538.) 
 
 Unfortunately, the old font of 1521-2 has been submitted 
 to the "drag," and its venerable aspect greatly injured 
 during the present century ; but it is the identical font 
 made by Master Cheyney, and the font to which the 
 parents and sponsors of Archbishop Laud brought him in 
 his infancy for Holy Baptism. A few traces of original 
 colouring may still be seen on the bowl and shaft. 
 
p. 24. 
 
 THE FONT. 
 
 
ALTARS. 25 
 
 Bltare, 
 
 No less than twelve altars bearing distinct names are 
 mentioned in the churchwardens' accounts, but it is hardly 
 probable that so many existed in the church at the same 
 time. An imperfect inventory of 1523 gives the names of 
 five, but it omits the " High" altar and that of " Jesus," so 
 there must have been at least seven at that period. 
 
 Six altars were sold in 1549, one of which was St. 
 Clement's, and the Lady altar is not in the list, so that at 
 the Reformation there would seem to have been EIGHT, 
 unless the altar of the B. Virgin had been re-dedicated, 
 which is not at all probable ; indeed, the " Lady Mass" is 
 mentioned as late as 1546, so that that altar must then 
 have been in existence. 
 
 " M d . that in the yere of our lorde 1557 & the iij d & 
 iiij th yer s of the reignes of our Souaigne lord & ladye 
 Phillipp & Marye by the g a ce of God Kyng & 
 Ouene of Englond, &c., the Second Day of May 
 beyng Sonday, Wiifm ffynche Suffrigan vnto the 
 Bisshopp of Bathe & Welles hath hallowed the 
 church yarde of the pishe of Saynt Laurence in 
 Redyng. And also the same day & yere hath hal- 
 lowed in the seid pishe fyve awters of stone that is 
 to witte the High Awter of Saynt Laurence ; in the 
 chauncell next called St. Jolins Chauncell one awter 
 called Saynte Johns Alter: in the body of the churche 
 the myddell alter ther called Jlius Alter : in the 
 South syde ther one Alter called our ladye Awter 
 of the Nativitie: and in the north side ther one 
 Awter called Saynt Thomas Awter." 
 
 In the accounts ending Michaelmas, 1559, we have 
 
 "Itm. for takinge downe the awlters & laying the 
 
 stones, v s ." 
 ' To Loryman (the clerk) for carryeng out the rub- 
 
 bysh, x d ." 
 
26 THE HIGH ALTAR. 
 
 A description of these old altars will be interesting, as 
 serving to show the attachment and devotion of our fore- 
 fathers to the service of God, and what great sacrifices they 
 must have made to make the place of His Name glorious. 
 
 1, be Ibigb altar. 
 
 This is first named in the roll of 1433. 
 
 Anno 1499. " It. payd for scowryng of ]? c iiij candylstyks 
 at |? e hy au? xij d . (the two great standards and 
 the two candlesticks on the altar). 
 
 Anno 1503. "It. payed for whipcord to draw J> e klak 
 cloth at sakiyg of masse i d ." 
 
 (It was a custom in the old English church to draw a vail 
 before the altar during the consecration of the elements in 
 accordance with the words : " Eye hath not seen, nor ear 
 heard, nor have entered into the heart of man to conceive 
 the things which God hath prepared for them that love 
 Him.") 
 
 1508. "Itm. payed for a carpynt^ls lyne to draw the 
 black sarsenet before the sacramet at the Hy 
 Aulter, i d ." 
 
 15 10. " Itm. payed for a small lyne to hange the kanape 
 ou the Hy auter." 
 
 1513. "Payd to Robt. Hawtrell for removyng of the 
 front of the Hygh Au?, & setting upp of the 
 same in Seynt Johns Cha u ncell, &c. xiiij 8 ." 
 
 A new altar appears to have been erected in 1514. 
 
 " It. payd to a Suffrygan for Halowyng of the High 
 Aw?, Seynt Johns aw? & a supaltare, vi s viij d ." 
 
 " It. payd to John Knyzt for makyng crossis to the Hygh 
 Awtar & op] s Jvice, viij d " (probably the five crosses 
 at the centre and angles of the slab or mensa.) 
 
 In 1526 the story of the Transfiguration was painted on 
 the wall above it, at a cost of 61. 13^. 4</. (See under 
 " Mural Paintings.") 
 
 " It. to Robt. Pasteler for making a skaffold & enlargeyng 
 
 the High Aw? iij s iiij d ." 
 Anno 1528. "It. for enlargying the Aw? clothes for the 
 
 hygh Aw? w* all man*] of stuff therto belongyng 
 
 & workmanshypp as by a byll appereth, xxii s 
 
 ix d ." 
 
THE HIGH ALTAR. 27 
 
 A beam of brass passed over the chancel, from which 
 lights were suspended before the sacrament. 
 
 Anno 1537. " Payd for skowryng the beam hangyng 
 before the sac a ment, viij d ." 
 
 There were figures of the twelve Apostles, probably in 
 niches in the reredos. 
 
 Anno 1518. "It. paid for wasshyng & dressyng of 
 the Halpas w l the xii Appostels xiij". iiij d . 
 (" Haut-pas" the highest level of the flooring 
 in the sacrarium the altar place). 
 
 Anno J 546-7. " Payd to a paynter for wrytyng of the 
 cloth at the High Aw? ij s . iiij d . (probably some 
 covering for the defaced east wall). 
 
 In 1547 many things were sold : among the rest, a coffer, 
 termed a " coffyn," belonging to the High Altar, purchased 
 by Mr. Bureton (Walter Barton's nephew). 
 
 In 1549 the High Altar was purchased for 6s. Sd. by 
 Mr. Bell. 
 
 There was a cupboard or almery standing at each end 
 for books and utensils, probably concealed by projecting 
 curtains. 
 
 The old stone aumbries, piscina, and place of sedilia 
 were discovered and filled up with rubble, &c., at the 
 restoration of the chancel in 1848. 
 
 At the commencement of Queen Mary's reign there was 
 a return to the old order and ritual : 
 
 Anno 1552-3. "Paid for making of the high Aw? & 
 paving in the churche, xij s ." 
 
 There are plain indications in the accounts of this 
 period of searching official inquiries with regard to 
 the disposal of the goods of the church in the previous 
 reign. 
 
 On the accession of Elizabeth the regime was again 
 changed, as may be seen above at the commencement of 
 this article. 
 
 Anno 1560. " Itm. for a seate of y c comvnyon table and 
 the boord and nayles and the workmanshipp, 
 
 " Itm. for dressynge the high alter and the wall beneth 
 and the bourdes where the altar stood e, ij s . viij d . t 
 
28 THE ALTAR AND MASS OF JESUS. 
 
 1568. "Itm. to Martyn Woodnett for makinge of the 
 
 fframe for the comunion table xxii d ." 
 "Itm. to Edward Paynter for colloringe of ye 
 
 same, iii d ." 
 
 The following entry would seem to show that the eccle- 
 siastical pendulum had swung to the other extreme : 
 
 1569. " It. to the joynar for makyng the comunion table 
 
 and benches with a doore, iiij s . 
 
 This is an early instance of an arrangement which pre- 
 vailed in the later Puritanical era, when the altar was 
 dragged from its normal position and placed in the middle 
 of the chancel, the communicants being seated round it 
 during the administration of the sacrament. 
 
 The next entry shows a return to the old position 
 perhaps under Laudean influence. 
 
 1634. " Paied to the jynor for making the new and mend- 
 ing the oulde winscotte above the communion 
 table, i/. is. Qd" 
 
 " Paid for the communion table, 14.$-." 
 1638. (Inventory) : 
 
 "Item, one velvet cover for the Cion Table 
 with silke fringe of the gift of Mrs. Saunders, 
 price 8/." 
 
 " One velvet quisheon and a booke of Cofnon 
 Prayer gilt for the Coimi Table of the gift 
 of James Read Mr. Henry, 3/." 
 
 Mr. Coates, writing in 1802, says : "The altar-piece is 
 a plain handsome frontispiece of oak, containing in the two 
 centre panels, in gold letters, on a black ground, the two 
 tables of the Law ; and in the side panels, the Lord's Prayer 
 and the Apostles' Creed. In the pediment, which is circular, 
 is the tetragrammaton or word Jehovah, in Hebrew charac- 
 ters, with this text of Scripture : ' The law was given by 
 Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.' Below 
 this : ' Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, 
 goodwill towards men.' " 
 
 This Georgian screen was removed in 1848. Its place is 
 now occupied by a reredos of stone, marble, and tile- work. 
 
 Gbe Hltar anfc flDass of 3esus. 
 
 Henry Kelsall, clothier, of Reading, who died in 1493* 
 states in his will that he was the " fyrst mynder, susteyner, 
 
THE ALTAR AND MASS OF JESUS. 29 
 
 and mayntener of the devocyon of the Masse of Jtiu, kept 
 and songen in the parisshe chirch of Saynte Lawrence in 
 Reding." 
 
 Ten persons, called the " Brethren of the Mass of 
 Jesus," formed the guild or brotherhood at that time : these 
 were 
 
 Richard Cleche, Draper. 
 
 John Baxtster, Tanner. 
 
 John Langham, " Iremonger." 
 
 Stephen Dunster, Draper. 
 
 Rauff Myllin^ton, " Clothyer." 
 
 William Tru/" Yoman." 
 
 John Whylcokks, Chandler and ffisshemonger. 
 
 William Scochon, Draper. 
 
 Richard Smyth, Gent. 
 
 John Twytt. (See "Will of Kelsall.") 
 
 Anno 1 505-6. " It. payed to Maister Cleche for old det 
 du to Jfiu masse." 
 
 This chauntry was refounded in 1506 by a licence granted 
 by Hen. VII. to the inhabitants for that purpose. 
 
 It apears from the will of John Pownsar, 1522, that at that 
 time a certain number of sisters were associated with this 
 guild, and that they each contributed 6s. 8d. per annum 
 to the funds. 
 
 Anno 1545. " Rec. of the Wardens of the JUs masse for 
 a tent in th mi cat place next to the well for 
 iiij yeres endid at thaunuciacon A xxxvj to at 
 x s by the yere. 
 
 " Rec. of the same Wardens for the same tent for An 
 xxxi in the yere that M r Cawode was warden 
 and by hym rec. of John Poynt as apperithe 
 uppon thaccompte of the seid Cawode, vi s viij d . 
 "Rec. of the same Wardens for the same tent for A 
 xxxii paid by M r Turner to M r Justice then 
 byng warden as apperithe uppon his accompte 
 x 8 . 
 
 Sm a Ivj 8 viij d ." 
 
 " Ordinaunce 1547. M d the xviij th day of Apl the 
 first yere of the regne of our Souaigne lord Kyng Edward 
 the vj th before Wilim Bureton then Mayo r of the Borough 
 of Redyng, Richard Justice & Wiftm Edmunde late Mayo r s 
 ther, John Maynforth, Clerk, vicar of the pisshe of Saynt 
 laurence in Redyng aforseid John Sawnders & Edward 
 
3 THE ALTAR AND MASS OF JESUS. 
 
 Butler Wardens of the seid pisshe churche, Nicholas Niclas, 
 John Bell, Rob 1 Blake, John Bukland, Thom a s Sayntmore, 
 Raphe Gladwyn, Gilbt. Johnson & dyuce others infiitants 
 of the seid pisshe assembled together for maynten a unce of 
 the charge of the Clerks & Mynesters of the quyer ther, 
 And other good orders ther to be had & contynowed, it 
 is ordered & enacted by the pties above named in man' 
 & fo r me followyng : 
 
 Jhc Masse That is to witt, the masse of Jfiu in the seid 
 churche to be charged & to pay the sexten his wagis yerely 
 iij h , to the same Sexten for tollyng to Jfic Masse, to our 
 lady Masse ij s viij d . For kepyng of the Clock & scowryng 
 the Cansticks & Desks iij 8 ij d ij prests Chambres & the 
 Clarks ch a mbre. 
 
 " Or lady Masse It. that our lady masse to be charged 
 & to pay John Barkers wage a syngyngman xl s . 
 
 " The Churche. It. the Churche wardens to be charged 
 w* the Clarke wage xx s : w 1 Dixson's wage a syngyngman 
 liij s iiij d : Darlyngtons wage xx s in money, & hous x s : and 
 the vndersexton xiij s iiij d . 
 
 " Ordinaunce. And ou that, it is ordered & enacted that 
 all women of the seid pisshe whos husbonds nowe be, or 
 heretofore have bene bretherne of the Masse of the Jhc 
 shall from hensforth sitt & have the highest seats or pewes 
 next unto the Mayo r s wifs seate towarde the pulpitt." 
 
 In the accounts for 2 & 3 Phil. & Mary, A.D. 1555, is a 
 record of the loss of Sol. sustained by the Jesus Chantry. 
 
 " One Richard Turn 9 late of Redyng, Mercer, disceassed 
 solde unto the bretherne of the Masse of Jlic founded in 
 the seid pisshe certayn lande lying in the pisshe of 
 Kyngsclere in the countie of South, to the yeerley value 
 of iiij" : ffor the whiche he received & had of the seid 
 bretherne the sin of Ixxx 1 ' in full] and entier payment for 
 the same, And desyred that the possession therof myght 
 be stayed for a tyme for c^tayne consideracons Albeit im- 
 mediately af? the money by hym so received he became 
 tenant vnto the seid bretherne, And paied to them to the 
 vse of the seid Masse, the seid rent of iiij 11 yerely duryng 
 his lyfe (And dyed) so that the seid bretherne then had none 
 other possession, whervppon one John Turn 9 son & heire 
 vnto the seid Richard, into the seid londe entred And the 
 same doth w'holde & kepe, so that as yet the seid bretherne 
 ar w'out ther money & also ther londe." (C/i. Wards. Accts.) 
 
 " By the return of the Commissioners appointed to 
 
THE ALTAR AND MASS OF JESUS. $1 
 
 survey colleges and chantries, anno i Ed. VI., it appeared 
 that this chantry was worth by the yere in lands and tene- 
 ments I4/. 'js. id. : reparations communibus annis 5?. i/j. id. 
 and so remaineth to Richard Adeane, incumbent of 39 
 yeres, and mete to serve cure and having besides a share 
 of a free chapel in Wallingford S/. los. Goods remaining 
 there "jos. over and besides one chalice weighing 20 ounces." 
 
 " Belonging to this chantry was a stipendiary priest 
 founded by .Thomas Justice, clerk, and John Clampard, who 
 for the sum of 400 marks, paid to the master and wardens 
 of the guyld of St. Catharine's appertaining to Haber- 
 dashers' Hall in London, have bounden the same to pay 
 yerely at iiij termes out of their said hall, to maintain a 
 priest perpetually to sing in the said church 'jl. ; whereof 
 to the mayor for his cost in riding to London for the same, 
 6s. 8d., and so remaineth to William Webbe, clerk, of 
 the age of 52 yeres, decrepit, and not able to serve any 
 cure, nor having beside this any living, 61. i$s. ^d. Goods 
 remaining there H2s. ^d., chalice, none. 
 
 " Rents given to the use of the poore, and to maintain 
 one yerely obit in the pishe church there by one Henry 
 Kelsall, by his last will, anno 1493 per annum 20 shill. ; 
 whereof in relief of the poor los. and so for the obit los. 
 The number of houseling people in the said parish be a 
 thousand." (Coates' " Reading.") 
 
 From the original Pension Roll of Philip & Mary 
 (Addit. MSS. 8102, Brit. Mus.) we have the following : 
 
 " Wiftmi Webbe nup celebran in 
 poch Sci Laurens in Reading 
 p. a. C s . 
 Penc' 
 
 Rici, A Deane incumben nup 
 cant' voc " Ihs Chanty" in 
 poch Sci Laurenc iBm vi 11 ." 
 
 The tenements belonging to this chantry, with those 
 belonging to Jesus chantry in St. Giles's Church, and to 
 Colney's chantry in St. Mary's, were all granted to the 
 mayor and corporation by Queen Elizabeth in her charter. 
 
 The altar of this chantry was situated in the nave against 
 the north pier of the chancel arch. 
 
 Anno 1502. "It. payed for byndyng & new couyng 
 of the grete antyphoner, & for makyng of & 
 
32 INCUMBENTS OF JESUS CHANTREY. 
 
 puttyng in of the ffeste of the visytaco t a nsfy- 
 
 guracon of JKu." 
 Anno 1508. "It. payed to John Cokks for mending of 
 
 the gret p^ksongboke of Jhu Masse, xx (1 ." 
 " It. for mendyng of Jftc cope and for sovvyng on 
 
 of the aulP cloth }> nej/l frontell of Jhii au? x d . 
 1512-3. John Pownser, warden. 
 1513-18. Nicholas Hyde, warden. 
 1517. "It. a cope paned w* blew velwett & black, & 
 
 orfrey of grene saten-a-brydgis of the gifte of 
 
 the x brethern, enbrod jyd w* the name of Ilic." 
 
 (Invent.) 
 
 1527. " It. for a lok to the long cofer in Ike pew, vij d ." 
 1534. " Payd for ij clamps of Iren for the stepp afore 
 
 Ifis aw? iiijd " 
 1537. " Rec. for tolly ng at the ?ment for the Brethren 
 
 of Ifis masse iiij d ." (a common entry). 
 
 1541. " It. payd for glewyngan Image upon the long desk 
 
 befor Ills aw? i d . 
 " It. payd for paveyng afore Ifrs aw? x d . 
 
 1542. " Rec. of the wardens of Ills masse toward the 
 
 repacoiis of the churche bokes xv 8 ." 
 1549. "Rec d of M r . Bukland for Ific al? & Saynt 
 
 Thomas' al? iiij 8 ." 
 1572. "Itm. paied for workmanshypp and stufe to the 
 
 seats where the chyldren doo sytt where Ihesus 
 
 Altar was, iij s ." 
 
 See also Wills of Henry Kelsall, John Pownsar, and Walter 
 Barton. 
 
 The brass of Walter Barton has been recently placed on 
 the spot formerly occupied by the " table" or reredos of 
 this altar for its better preservation. 
 
 3ncumbents of Jesus Cbantre\>. 
 
 1509. July 9. Edward Colyer, M.A., was instituted, being 
 
 presented by Thomas Carpenter, mayor, and 
 Walter Barton, and Robert Benet, the real 
 patrons. He died the same year. 
 
 1510. April 20. John Richmond, instituted by the same 
 
 persons. 
 
 1517, Jan. 26. John Richmond, instituted on the resig- 
 nation of John Richmond, his predecessor, to 
 
OUR LADY ALTAR OF THE NATIVITY. 33 
 
 which he was presented by William Watts, 
 mayor, and Thomas Everard, and John Vansby, 
 wardens of the church of St. Lawrence, the 
 patrons. He died in 1519, and was buried in 
 St. John's chancel, as appears from the church 
 accounts. (See " Inventory/' 1517.) 
 1521. April 17. William Wright, instituted on the death 
 of John Richmond, being presented by William 
 Gyfford, mayor of the borough ; William Knyght 
 and Richard Turner being churchwardens. He 
 died in 1527. 
 
 Richard a Deane was the last incumbent of the Jesus 
 Chantry. Queen Mary assigned him a yearly pension of 61. 
 
 1537. " Payd for horse hire for S r Ric. Dean, iiij d ." 
 1547. " Paid to S r Richard Deane for wag 8 allowed hym 
 
 by the pisshe, x s . 
 1549. "Paid and lent to Richard a Deane by th'assent of 
 
 the pisshe iiij 11 . 
 " Paid to Sir Ric. a Deane for his yer 8 wag 3 , xx s ." 
 
 Note. The great bell given by Henry Kelsall was 
 termed "The bell of Ihu," in honour of this chauntry, which 
 he first founded. 
 
 In the same way the fourth was called " Our Lady Bell," 
 and was probably used for the " Angelus" as well as for the 
 offices performed at the Lady Altar. The Lady Bell was 
 usually rung at the death of children, as though the Virgin 
 mother had sympathy with parents in their bereavement. 
 The men sat facing the Jesus Altar on the north side of the 
 nave, and the women sat opposite the altar of the Blessed 
 Virgin on the south side ; a coincidence probably inten- 
 tional. 
 
 ur 3lab HItar of tbe 1Rativit& anb tbe 
 
 This altar was at the east end of the nave on the south 
 side of the chancel arch. 
 
 It was probably one of the earliest of the chauntry altars. 
 The writer has not hitherto been able to find any trace of 
 lands or tenements belonging to this chauntry, so that its 
 revenues must have been derived from bequests and volun- 
 tary offerings. It is first mentioned in the roll of 1436 : 
 
 D 
 
34 OUR LADY ALTAR OF THE NATIVITY. 
 
 " Et de dono Juliane Roche j linth' & j Keucheff <p altare 
 Bte Marie." 
 
 There was also an image of the Virgin probably standing 
 near this altar. 
 
 1441-2. "A new bench or settle was placed before the 
 Image of the B. Mary at a cost of 8 d . 
 
 1506. " It. payd for mending of one of the grete candle- 
 stikks before o r Lady vj d ." 
 
 Her figure was probably supported by a bracket in the 
 wall above or near the Lady Altar, so that the two large 
 candlesticks which stood near the altar might be said to 
 stand " before our Lady." 
 
 Anno 1512-13. The wardens of the two masses were 
 first charged with an annual payment of 33 s . 4 d . each 
 towards the sexton's wages. It was paid from this time 
 until the Reformation. 
 
 " It. rec. of William Edmonds warden of o r lady masse 
 towards the wag s of the seid sexten for a yere 
 endid at the seid ffest, xxxiij s . iiijV 
 
 This is the first time the " Lady Mass" is mentioned in 
 the accounts. 
 
 1513-4. " John Barfote, warden. 
 
 1533. " Rec. of the wardens of o r lady masse towards the 
 
 repacons of the churche bokes, xv s ." 
 " Rec. & borowed of o r ladyes box towards the 
 
 repacons of the ij ch a uncells vj 11 ij s iiij d . 
 " Whereof is payd to the hands of Richard Turner 
 
 in parte of payment of vj 11 ij s . iiij d . boroed of o v 
 
 ladyes box this yere, xxij s . iiij d ." 
 1543. "Rec. & borowed of the wardens of o r lady 
 
 towards the makyng of the newe Canstiks for 
 
 rode light & for makyng of Clock x m a rcs." 
 1545-6. "M d that Robt Blake owithe for the hire of 
 
 Sercletts in full payment of xxiiij s . dewe to our 
 
 lady Masse & Assigned to be paied to the 
 
 Churche wardens, iiij s ." 
 "Paid Nicholas (Niclas) the warden of o r lady 
 
 Masse owing to the seid Masse, x m a rcs." 
 
 There is a most interesting relic of this altar inserted in 
 the north wall of the church, consisting of a panel of white 
 marble, formerly a part of the reredos, and bearing a repre- 
 
OUR LADY ALTAR OF THE NATIVITY. 35 
 
 sentation in high relief of the visit of the Magi to the infant 
 Saviour. The Virgin mother is sitting up in her bed bearing 
 the Holy Child in her arms, her head reclining on a pillow 
 placed lozenge-wise against the tester. Her open mantle 
 is secured by a cord passing across the breast and forming 
 a triangle, the lower point ending in a tassel a little above 
 the waist. The aged Joseph with his staff is seated in a 
 chair at the foot of the couch. One of the royal visitors 
 {all three are crowned), in a stooping attitude is presenting 
 his offering to Christ ; his two companions stand in the 
 background, habited in the cassock of the artist's own time 
 a smaller female figure stands near the head of the Virgin. 
 Faint traces of gold and rich colouring are still visible. 
 Every artistic feature points to the end of Richard the 
 Second's reign, c. 1400, as the period of its execution. The 
 iconoclasts of the Reformation have destroyed all the heads 
 with most of the canopy work above. This very interesting 
 fragment was discovered in the vicinity of the pulpit, and 
 judiciously inserted in the wall at the last restoration. 
 (See end of chapter on the Jesus Altar for "Lady Bell.") 
 
 " 2H)e Ornaments tolonggng to ur latoges Stutter fot'tfjjm 
 t!) cfwrc!) of Sbatnte Haforence." (A.D. 1524-5.) 
 
 " ffyrste a vestemente of Russet veluet & whytt damask 
 
 payned & enbroderyd. 
 It. a vestement of grene damask enbrod Jyd w* ka?yn 
 
 whells. (See under St. John's Chapel, anno 1436.) 
 It. a vestement of whytt Brydge satten w* a crosse of 
 
 grene. 
 It. a vestmete of grene bawdkyn w* a crosse of Blew 
 
 enbrod J yd. 
 It. an awl? cloth of blew brydge 8 satten enbrod*] yd w fc the 
 
 ymage of the trynyte and ffloweres w l ij c r teyns of 
 
 blew serssenet belongyng to the same. 
 It. an awl? cloth of Russett veluet enbrod j yd w 4 m*o rs 
 
 w l ij c r teyns of Russet & whyt serssenet to the same. 
 It. an awl? cloth of bawdkyn & blake veluet enbrod*] yd 
 
 w l garters and a nother cloth to the same payned of 
 
 blew & oreng sarssnet w f owt C r teyns. 
 It. ij rede awl? clothes paynted w fc ij c r teyns to the 
 
 same. 
 It. an awl? cloth of lynnen w l ij c r teyns to the same, 
 
 w l rede crosse for lente. 
 
 D 2 
 
36 THE ALTAR OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 
 
 It. ij alt? clothes on diap & a nother playn & ij other 
 
 alt? clothes w th a canvas couyng. 
 It. ij towels of playn clothe one of them diap. 
 It. a prynteyd masboke, in the second leffe ' Dhica p'ma 
 
 Aduet.' 
 
 It. a peyre of cruett 8 of pewder. 
 It. iij paxes. 
 It. a Corpas m)ked w* saynt Anteny Crosse c5teynyng a 
 
 yerde w l a casse of cloth of gold & tawnye veluet 
 
 enbrodl yd w l thes Ires 3fi & Jb (Probably the gift 
 
 ofj&jckard ^mith.} 
 It. a Corpas m^ked w r an ^ in whytesylke coteynyng a 
 
 yerde w 1 a casse of dornex to the same. 
 It. a nother Corpas milked w l this ire Jtt in blake sylke 
 
 & a casse of dornex (very ffebyll). 
 It. a candlestik with ij roses. 
 
 It. ij greatt standard 8 & ij small kanstyks of laten. 
 It. vij seyrclett 8 yn iiij basketts, in the wardens kepeyng. 
 It. a vestment of purple velvet. 
 It. a vestiment of Rede velvet and a white .... 
 It. a vestiment of white Damask w l a velvet crosse \v* 
 
 flowres, rede flo r s. 
 It. a white w tu a grene crosse. 
 It. a vestment of crimesyn velvet. 
 It. a white vestiment of fustien for lent. 
 It. a rownd box gilt abowt. 
 Itm. a ,pcessionall pchement, & j ympnl p'nted. (hymncr 
 
 printed}'' 
 
 (See Will of Thomas Platts.) 
 
 be Hltar of St. 3obn tbe Baptist 
 
 This was situated at the east end of the north chancel 
 aisle, still called St. John's Chapel. This part of the church 
 was separated from the chancel proper by a screen or 
 parclose. It was sometimes called the " Vicar's Chancel," 
 to distinguish it from the other then termed " The Church 
 Chancel." 
 
 The references to this chapel in the old accounts are 
 frequent and interesting, and from them we may form an 
 accurate estimate of its former condition. 
 
 Anno 1436. " Paid to Thomas Hawe for 2 Ibs. of wax, 
 purchased for the lights of St. Catharine in the chapel of St. 
 John." 
 
THE ALTAR OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 3/ 
 
 There may have been an altar dedicated to St. 
 Catherine at this time. If so, it must have been re- 
 moved soon afterwards, because there is no later refer- 
 ence to it in the accounts. This idea is strengthened 
 by the fact that there was a vestment i.e. a chasuble, 
 embroidered with Catherine wJieels, which in 1524 be- 
 longed to the Lady Altar.* The Lights of St. 
 Catherine are first mentioned in the roll of 1433. 
 "About the fifteenth century, some reasonable doubts 
 having been cast not only on the authenticity of her legend, 
 but on her very existence, vain attempts were made to 
 banish her from the calendar : her festival, after being one 
 of the most solemn in the Church, was by several prelates 
 of France and Germany suppressed altogether, and by 
 others left free from all religious obligations. In England, 
 St. Catharine was especially popular. About the year 1119, 
 Geoffry, a learned Norman, was invited from the University 
 of Paris to superintend the direction of the schools of the 
 Abbey of Dunstable, where he composed a play, entitled 
 ' St. Catherine,' and caused it to be acted by his scholars. 
 This was, perhaps, the first spectacle of the kind ever 
 attempted, and the first trace of theatrical representation 
 that ever appeared in England." (Mrs Jameson.) 
 
 Opposite the south-west angle of the tower of St. Law- 
 rence's stood an old hostelry under the invocation of this 
 saint, known as the " Catherine Wheel." It was taken 
 down iu 1882, and its site is now occupied by the newly 
 erected premises of the Messrs. Gregory, Love, and Clarke. 
 This inn was probably of mediaeval origin. 
 
 1505. " It. rec. of the gyft of John Greke toward a payre 
 
 of grete candylstykkes in Seynt Johns chaun- 
 
 cell, iij s iiij d . 
 " John Pownser to the same candylstikks, iij s iiij d . 
 
 Richard Eve to the same, viij d ." 
 " John Cokks to the same, iiij d . Ric. Ffrankleyn to 
 
 the same, viij d ." 
 "It. payed for a payre of gret candylstykkes in 
 
 Seynt Johns chau n cell weying ~ & iii 11 (103 Ibs.) 
 
 p'c le H, vi d . sm lj s vi d ." 
 
 In 1513 the front of the High Altar was transferred to 
 the altar in this chapel. 
 
 * See "Altar of St. Blaise." See also " Monuments." 
 
38 THE ALTAR OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST. 
 
 " It. payd to a laborer for iiij dayes at Removyng of 
 the hygh awter & Seynt Johns aw? xvj d . 
 
 1514. "It. payed to a laborer for iij dayes & di. at the besy- 
 
 nes in brekyng of the awter in Seynt Johns 
 chauncell, xiiij d . 
 
 " It. payed to Croll & hys sHir^nts for iij dayes work 
 in makyng of the awter in Seynt Johns chaun- 
 cell & ofi] werks ]?er iii s iiij d ." 
 
 It was consecrated the same year (vide High Altar). 
 
 1515. "It. payd for makyng of the dore in to the quere 
 
 out of Saynt Johns chaunsell, xiij d ." 
 
 In 1519, S r John Richmond was buried here. He was 
 one of the Incumbents of the Jesus chauntry. 
 
 1523. " It. to an Alabas? man for makeying clene the table 
 at Saynt John's Awl?, & other ymages, xvj d ." 
 
 In the Inventory of the Altars of 1524-5, we have : 
 
 Ornaments belonging to Sbapnte ^ofm's ^falter 
 fottfjin tije same <J)urc!). 
 
 " In p'mis an awl? cloth payned, of red and blew brydge 
 
 satten. 
 " It. an awl? cloth of Blak veluet & bawdkyn enbrod^lyd 
 
 w* gar?es & c'teyns to the same. 
 " It. a nother cloth payned of blew & oreng collo r 
 
 s ; ssenet. 
 
 " It. an awl? cloth of Russet veluet & \vhyte satten. 
 " It. a stayned cloth w* the ymage of o r ladye thervppon. 
 " It. ij grete standards of latten w l ij small kanstyk 8 of 
 
 latten.-" 
 
 1537-8. " Payd for makeyng a hangyng of rede bawdkyn 
 at Seynt Johns Aw? & the curtens before 
 th'appostles at the high Aw?, vj d ." 
 
 At the sale of church goods, in 1549, this altar, with a 
 cope chest, was purchased by Mr. Grey lor 65-. Qd. 
 
 1562. " Sale of olde Tymbcr" 
 
 "Item of Wittm Dudlesoll (C. W.) for the 
 borders of the roode lofte and a trymmar that 
 stoode uppon S. Johns Awlter, x s ." 
 
THE ALTAR OF ST. BLAISE. 39 
 
 1 568. " Itm. for makinge the partycion betwene the chaun- 
 sells & mendinge y e seats in S l Johns chaun- 
 cell, iiij 9 ." 
 
 " Itm. for mendinge of the east wyndowe in S. Johns 
 Chaunsell & the wyndowe by the organs in y e 
 same chancell, xvj d ." (See " Organ.") 
 
 The old stalls or desks, undoubtedly the very same pro- 
 vided by Henry Kelsall in 1493, were removed out of this 
 chapel into the choir at the restoration, under Mr. Ferrey, 
 in 1848. (The east ends of three of these stalls only are of 
 fifteenth century work.) 
 
 This chapel was probably constructed for the Brethren 
 and Sisters of the Hospital of St. John the Baptist, founded 
 by Abbot Hugh, in 1196. 
 
 A good piscina, but with a broken bowl, was discovered 
 in the respond of the arches in the south-east corner of this 
 chapel, in 1848. 
 
 (See Will of Thomas Platts, 1522. Also under article 
 " Seats.") 
 
 Gbe Hitar of St. liaise. 
 
 There is only one reference to this altar in the church 
 records : 
 
 Anno 1433. " Et in panno cepili emp' ad sumin altare 
 & altare Sancti Blasii, ij s ." 
 
 This saint keeps his place in the English reformed 
 calendar. He was considered the special patron and pro- 
 tector of woolcombers and woolstaplers. The dedication 
 of an altar to him in the municipal church indicates the 
 existence of the woollen manufacture in the town at this 
 early period. 
 
 " In simple figures and devotional pictures he is repre- 
 sented as an old man with a white beard, attired as a bishop 
 with the planeta and mitre, holding in one hand a crosier, 
 and in the other an iron comb such as is used by wool- 
 combers, the instrument of his torture : this is his peculiar 
 attribute." (Mrs. Jamieson.) 
 
 If the altar of St. Thomas was not substituted for the 
 altar of St. Blaise in 1502, then the latter was probably 
 removed about 1520, when so much was done to the interior 
 of the church. Its old altar cloth with the embroidered 
 figure of St. Blaise was assigned to the altar of St. Thomas. 
 
4O ST. THOMAS ALTAR. 
 
 St. abomae' altar. 
 
 This stood on the north side of the entrance to St. 
 John's Chancel, and in a line with the Altars of Jesus and 
 the B. Virgin. It is not mentioned in the church records 
 before 1502. 
 
 " It. payed for makyng of Seyte Tlwvfs Aivter, Seynt 
 Georg 8 Awter for settyng of Seynt George in to 
 the loft, viij 8 viij." 
 
 It seems probable that the loft here mentioned was an 
 extension of the rood loft over the north aisle ; the altar 
 and image of St. George being on the gallery, and the altar 
 of St. Thomas, and perhaps two others, beneatli it. This 
 apostle was considered the patron saint of "carpenters" 
 builders, and architects. 
 
 (" Thomas" " Carpenter" a parishioner, was Mayor of 
 Reading in 1504-6-8-9. His wife's mother was interred 
 in the church in 1498-9, and he in 151920. He may 
 have been the founder. His widow " Mres" Carpenter 
 was buried in the church in 1534.) 
 
 Anno 1508. " It. payed to Wiftm Stamford for mending 
 & setting on of a lyon upon a grete candylstyk before 
 Seynt Thomas Aul? iij d ." 
 (The lion was probably one of three couchant, on 
 
 which the base of the standard rested.) 
 1541. "Payd for the desk before Sayn Thomas Aw? 
 viij 8 xi . 
 
 In 1549 this altar was purchased by Mr. John Buckland 
 (mayor) with the Jesus Altar for 4*. It was replaced in the 
 reign of Queen Mary : 
 
 1558 "Itm. for paynting the table ou S. Thom a s awlter v s ." 
 
 Ornaments bclongrmg to Sbagnte 
 
 foitfjfn tfje same <])imf). (1524.) 
 
 In p'mis a vestemete of grene damask w* a Crose of blew 
 
 veluete. 
 It. a vestmete of whyte brydg 8 satten w* a crose of grene 
 
 brydg 8 satten. 
 It. a vestmete of crymson sylk w* grypp 8 & a small 
 
 crose of whyte. 
 
THE SEPULCHRE ALTAR. 4! 
 
 It. a vestmete of rede silk with a small crosse. 
 
 It. a white fusstian for lent. 
 
 It. a blew awl? cloth enbrod^lyd w* the ymag of sent 
 
 Clemete & awngell 5 in the ffronte. 
 It. an awl? cloth of crayne collo r veluete & whyte 
 
 satten & ij c r teyns of s^lssenete of the same collo 8 . 
 It. an awl? cloth of blak veluete fa bawdkyn payned 
 
 enbrod^yd w* garters & ij c r teyns of blew and 
 
 orenge collo r si ssenete. 
 It. an awl? cloth of blak veluete & blew satten w'owt 
 
 c r teyns w l a crucifix. 
 
 It. an awl? cloth w* the ymage of Saynte blasse. 
 It. an awl? cloth of lynnen w l Rede Crosses for lente w* 
 
 c r teyns. 
 
 It. an aul? cloth of c^senet playn blak & oreng. 
 It. a corporas milked w l a fflo r of blak sylke & a case 
 
 of Rede tyssew. 
 
 It. a corporas of blak velvet w l a kercher. 
 It. a nother of blew bawdkyn w* a kercher. 
 It. a pax of copp enamelled w l a crucifix. 
 It. ij grete standards of latten w l ij small kanstyks 
 
 of latten. 
 It. a masboke prynted begynyng in the second leff 
 
 ' stat memoria.' 
 It. ij al? cloths of diap old & a " 
 
 ZTbe Sepuicbre Hltar. 
 
 This appears to have been situated on the north side of 
 the choir beneath the middle arch of the arcade (see below, 
 " 1513"). It was appointed for the deposition of the con- 
 secrated elements of the Eucharist from the evening of 
 Good Friday until the morning of Easter Day ; during 
 which time it was watched by a quasi-guard, after the 
 manner of our Lord's sepulchre. The sacrament was then 
 removed with loud Alleluias and much rejoicing to its 
 accustomed place on the High Altar. 
 
 The church books contain many references to this 
 mediaeval ceremony. 
 
 Anno 1498. "In p 9 mis payed for wakyng of the sepulcr 
 viij d ." Similar entries occur yearly until the 
 Reformation. 
 
4 2 THE SEPULCHRE ALTAR. 
 
 1507.* "It. paied to Sybel Derling for nayles for the 
 sepulcre & for rosyn to the rcsurrcccyou pley 
 ij d . ob." 
 
 1512. "It. payed to Water Barton to the new Sepulcur 
 iiij". xiij s .x d ." This was a very considerable sum 
 at that period, and it must have been an object 
 of unusual magnificence. 
 
 Anno 1513. "It. paydto Harry Horthorne forsettyngupp 
 of the frame aboute the sepulcre & for closyng 
 of the dore in Seynt Johns chauncell to the 
 quyre, vj d ." (See end of this article "Henry 
 Hawthorne") 
 (A new door was opened in 1515.) 
 
 1513-4. "It. payd to Harry Horthorne for ij pecis to 
 hang the sepulcre cloth on, ij d ." 
 
 1513-4. " It. payd for ale at Removyng of the sepulcre 
 to the carpenters iij d . ob." 
 
 1516. "It. paid for makying of the lofte for the sepulcre 
 light li s . ij d ." 
 
 " tf)e Ornaments fctlongpg to tfje sepulcre 0foltcr in 
 tfje same <|)urcl). (1524) 
 
 In p'mis a vestemete of Crymson veluet w 1 a crose of rych 
 
 tyssew. 
 It. a vestemete of Russet satten w* a crose of cloth of 
 
 gold. 
 It. a vestemete of whyt brydg 8 satten w l a Crose of 
 
 grene brydg 8 satten. 
 It. an awl? cloth of Crymson & tawny veluet enbrod jyd 
 
 w l fflo rs of gold : & for the nether pte of the same, 
 
 Crymson saten & cloth ofbawdekyn for the sepulcr 
 
 awter. (Inv, 1517.) 
 It. an awl? cloth of crymson satten & blew bawdkyn 
 
 w l ij C r teyns to the same of grene. 
 It. iij C r teyns of Russete & blew s ,ssenete w l an awl? 
 
 cloth of whytte & grene. 
 It. ij small Kanstykks of latten." 
 
 1538-9. "Paid for makeyng the beam lights ou the 
 
 sepulcre ayenst east j xxj d ." 
 1 544-5 " Paid for sylk poynts for the Sepulcre ij d ." 
 
 * This entry may relate to the performance of a Mystery on "Corpus 
 Christ!" day. 
 
HENRY HAWTHORNE, CARPENTER. 43 
 
 In 1549 the whole seems to have been swept away. 
 " Rec* of Mr. Bell for the sepulcre & the 
 frame for tags thereto annexid xx s ." 
 
 Among the inquiries in 1554 after the goods alienated 
 sold and stolen in the time of Edward VI. we have 
 
 " Item for the valence about the sepulcre to know who 
 hath it in kepyng." 
 
 This is repeated. " It. to enquire for the valence & 
 ffrenge about the sepulcre." 
 
 1561. "Item receyved of Mathew Reynoldes and Water 
 Sawyer for the sepulcre they bought, xx s viij d ." 
 
 In 1562, "The fframe where the sepulcher Lighte dyd 
 stand" was taken down by Willyam Marten and his man 
 together with the rood loft and the way to the same. 
 
 " Sayle of olde Tymber." 
 
 " In p 9 mis of Master Butler for y c loft over the chancell 
 x s " evidently the loft " where the sepulcher Lighte dyd 
 stand." (Edward Butler's brass is now on the south wall of 
 the sacrarium.) 
 
 Note. "Henry Hawthorn" was a Reading carpenter, and 
 obviously a man of some note in his time He first occurs 
 in 1501 as one of the churchwardens of St. Lawrence's. In 
 1508 he presented a ladder of"xx rongs" to the church. 
 It once belonged to John Turner, a turner in the High 
 Street. In 1510 he prepared the wainscot for the ceiling 
 and the decorations of the altar by the Mayor's seat. In 
 1515 a gallon of ale was given to him and his men for 
 raising a " coffer" into the steeple. In 1516 he repaired the 
 seats on the north side of the church. 
 
 Anno 1518. "It. payd to Harry Horthorne for tymbre 
 werkmanshipp & for bowrdyng of men as 
 apperith by his bills, vij 11 iiij d ." 
 
 Very much must have been done to the roof or fittings 
 of the church at this time. 
 
 In 1519 he relaid the gutter between the two chancels. 
 
 He died in 1522 and was buried in the church. 
 
 " Kec. for the grave of Henry Horthorn vi s viij d coiiyng 
 the same viij d ." 
 
 His widow died in 1527, and in the same year William 
 Coon or Cone, Hawthorn's associate, who executed the 
 carving in 1518, was laid to his rest. 
 
 This Henry left a son Henry, who followed his father's 
 
44 ST. GEORGE S ALTAR. 
 
 occupation. He first occurs as the maker of a railing for 
 the belfry in 1528, and in 1530 he was employed for ten 
 days in mending the bells at 6d. " by the day." 
 
 He is mentioned no more in the records of St. Lawrence. 
 In the fine collection of MSS. at Loseley House near 
 Guildford, belonging to Wm. More Molyneux, Esq., there 
 is an account of the removal of certain tents or wooden 
 lodgings from Oatlands to be re-erected at Chobham, 
 anno 38 Hen. VIII. by Henri HartJiorn. Under the 
 heading of " Carpenters" the time of his service is reckoned 
 to be 28 days 40 hours ; and again under the heading of 
 " Sawyers" we have 
 
 " D. to Henry Hothorne in prest on a Reconyng for his 
 owne wadges and other carpenters nott yett payd 
 for Chobba. Reconyng vj u ." 
 
 This document formerly belonged to Sir Thomas Cawar- 
 den, Master of the Revels at that time. 
 
 Curiously enough, either himself or another of his name 
 and calling crops up at Scale near Farnham, where in the 
 C.W. accounts for 1598 " For a boorde and mending the 
 pulpett one daies worke." The name does not occur in 
 Scale Registers before the 27th of Jan. 1593, when he 
 married " Joan Brombye" of that place. He settled there 
 and had issue, William, bap. 1594, Eliz., bap. 1596, Mary, 
 bap. 1599, Thomas, 1603, John, bap. 1606, Robert, bap. 
 1613. The children of William, John and Robert appear 
 in these Registers.) 
 
 St. (Beetle's Hltar 
 
 was constructed at the same time as the altar of St. 
 Thomas (q.v.) anno 1501-2, and apparently on the loft 
 above it. 
 
 (There is a remarkably early instance of this 
 arrangement at Compton Church, Surrey, where the 
 eastern half of the chancel is divided into two stories 
 by an original Norman gallery of stone with cross 
 groinings beneath. The vault is of one span, and its 
 western arch or face is richly decorated. The old 
 Norman rail of oak traversing the front of this gallery 
 is in wonderful preservation. The altar was visible 
 from the nave.) 
 
 Anno 1503-4. "It. payed for ij yerds & an cti of wyer 
 to Y auter in Seynt Georg 8 loft, & for dressyng 
 of the same au? iij d . ob." 
 
MR. JUSTICE'S ALTAR. 45 
 
 As the loft was repaired at the same time as the altar 
 of St. Thomas was constructed, it may be concluded that 
 the gallery above St. Thomas' altar was that which is here 
 called St. George's loft ; indeed, there was no other to 
 which such a term could be applied, for besides the rood 
 loft and this, there were only the ringing floor in the 
 tower, and a loft for the sepulchre light. It was approached 
 by a staircase in the north wall, the upper doorway of 
 which is still visible near the entrance to St. John's Chancel. 
 
 Besides the altar, this loft contained a famous image of 
 St. George on horseback, probably triumphing over the 
 terrible dragon. This was coeval with the gallery and the 
 altar. 
 
 The church records for 15 34 present some interesting 
 details relating to this image. 
 
 Of f Fnrst, payd for iiij or Gaffes (calves) 
 
 \ skynes & ij horsse skynes iiij 8 vj d ." 
 (Evidently for the horse's coat.} 
 " Payd for makeyng the loft that Saynt George standeth 
 
 apon vi d " (a small dais]. 
 " Payd for ij plonks for the same loft viij d ." 
 " Payd for iiij or pesses of clowt-lether ij s ij d ." 
 " Payd for makeyng the yron that the hors resteth 
 
 apon vj d ." 
 
 " Payd to John Paynter for his labo r xlv s ." 
 " Payd for roses, bells gyrdle, swerd, & dager iij s iiij d ." 
 " Payd for settying on the bells & roses iij d ." 
 " Payd for naylls necessarie therto x d ob," 
 
 Note. The George and Dragon Hotel in this 
 parish, commonly called " The George," is mentioned 
 in the church accounts for 1523-4 : 
 
 " Rec. for the knyll of a straung 1 "! that dyed at the 
 
 George xij d ." 
 
 " Rec. for the manes grave that dyed at the George 
 & for couyng of the same vij 3 . iiij d ." 
 
 flfer* Justice's Bltar. 
 
 Thomas Justice was appointed vicar of St. Lawrence's, 
 Sept. 1 8, 1502. He resigned Dec. 20, 1518. Mr. Coates 
 states that he and John Clampard gave 400 marks to the 
 wardens of the guild of St. Catharine, Haberdashers' Hall, 
 London, in order that they should pay the yearly sum of 
 7/. to provide a priest to sing perpetually in the said church 
 
46 THE VESTRY ALTAR. 
 
 of St. Lawrence. Mr. Coates assigns this endowment to 
 the Jesus Channtry. But as there were only two chauntry 
 priests surviving in Q. Mary's days, one of whom, Richard 
 a Deane is expressly named as the incumbent of the Jesus 
 Chauntry, and as Mr. Coates associates William Webb 
 with Mr. Justices foundation at the same time, the two 
 chantries were evidently distinct. 
 
 He was probably the son of William Justice, the elder, 
 of Reading, who represented the town in Parliament in 
 1509-10, and served the office of Mayor in 1513. In his 
 will, dated 18 Feb. 1520, at Somerset House (Reg. Main- 
 waring, fo. 6), is the following : " I bequeath to Thomas 
 Justice my son preest C ounces of plate most necessary to 
 him w* a blake gowne," &c. He bequeathed to the church 
 of Myre, where he was born, io/., that the priest there 
 might pray for his soul and the souls of his parents. He 
 desired that his body might be buried in St. Mary's, 
 Reading, before the Altar of Jesus. 
 
 Anno 1520-1. "It. vppon m. Thom a s Justice for the 
 grave of M rcs Smyth his moder vj s viij d cover- 
 ing vj d ." The sum was paid the year following. 
 
 1531. " Payd for makyng the foldyng hatche by Mr. 
 Justice Awter viij d ." 
 
 Anno 1552-3. "In the custodie of Thom a s Byggs a 
 fair Table for an aw? of the gift of M r Thom a s 
 Justice late vicar ther." 
 (See Index.) 
 
 be IDestr^ altar. 
 
 There is no clue in the church accounts to the position 
 of the ancient vestry. It seems to have been a wooden 
 chamber constructed within the church; its flat covering 
 forming a sort of small gallery. 
 
 1518. "It. for making of an auter in the vestrie, vj d ." 
 1525. " It. to the glasyer for mendyngthe wyndow in the 
 
 ' halpac' ou the vestre, xvj d . J ' 
 
 1562. " Itm. payd to Willyam Marten and his man for 
 settinge up of the borders of the lofte ouer the 
 vestry, xvj d ." (These were the carved borders of 
 the old rood loft purchased by W. Duddelsoll, 
 the C.W., and presented by him for this 
 purpose.) 
 
ST. NICHOLAS ALTAR THE TRINITY ALTAR. 47 
 
 St. flicbolas Hltar. 
 
 1538-9. "Payd for ij tapis made for Saynt Nichus 
 
 Aw?, vj d ." 
 The chamber of a priest or chaplain called " Sir 
 
 Nicholas" was repaired by the churchwardens 
 
 in 1534. 
 1537-8. " Rec. for a surples of S r Nicholas sold, iij 8 . 
 
 Whether this was a temporary altar, erected on the 
 occasion of some boys' festival, or whether it was an old 
 one with a new name, under the auspices of " Sir Nicholas," 
 it is impossible to say, for this is the only reference to it in 
 the church accounts. 
 
 Hltar. 
 
 rnammts falonggng to t&e trgnnte afolter foftfjfrt 
 tfft Same <Ei)UVCf)." (Anno 1524.) 
 
 In p'mis a vestemente of cloth of sylu, w 4 a Crosse of 
 
 cloth of gold. 
 It. a vestemete of Blak veluet w* a Crosse of grene cloth 
 
 of gold. 
 It. a vestemete of grene brydge 3 satten w* a Crosse of 
 
 cloth of gold. 
 It. a vestemete of grene bordalexaund'l w* a crosse of 
 
 yellow dornex. 
 It. a Corpras mayd of a Crysom w t a case of cloth of 
 
 golde & grene veluete. 
 It. a corpras coteynyng a yerd m^lkyd w l this Ire Jtt in 
 
 golde w' a case of Rych Bawdkyn. 
 
 It. a pax of Copp & enamylled w 1 the pytye of o r ladye.* 
 It. a payr of Cruetts of pewd j. 
 Itm. ij small Kanstyks of latten. 
 Itm. ij Awl? Clothes of lynnen playn. 
 Itm. A wrytten maseboke couyd w l crymson veluete in 
 
 the second lefif begynyng ' inimici rugi'et*, w l a pyn 
 
 of sylu for the Regesters." 
 
 Anno 1 549. " Rec. of M r Grey for the Trinitie Alt? of 
 m^ble w* the Trynyte, x 8 viij d ." 
 
 There is no reference to this altar in the church accounts 
 
 * A representation of the B. Virgin mourning over the dead body of Jesus 
 reclining on her knees. 
 
48 THE SIDE ALTAR - ST. CLEMENT'S ALTAR. 
 
 under this name. As the altar was of marble, it must have 
 stood on the ground floor. 
 
 be Sifce Hltat, 
 
 mentioned in 1510, is probably the same as the " The altar 
 by the Mayors Seat," referred to in the same year. 
 
 It seems to have been situated immediately under the 
 rood screen, on the south side of the church, in a chapel 
 to west of the Lady Altar. The piscina, visible in the 
 bottom of one of the nave windows, probably marks its 
 approximate position. 
 
 1510. "Itm. payed for hewyng & pgettyng off the syde 
 
 awter, xiij d ." 
 1510-11. " It. payd to Cone for selyng & dressyng of the 
 
 aw? be M r Mayo r s set, ij s iij d ." (See p. 43.) 
 1541. "Payd for settyng the seats agaynst the syde 
 
 St. Clement's Hltat. 
 
 St. Clement was acknowledged as the patron of smiths. 
 On the easternmost pillar, between the nave and aisle, are 
 the remains of a painted shield, charged with the smith's 
 arms : 
 
 Ermines, two horseshoes in bend arg* on a bordureof the 
 last, a pair of pincers, hatchet, and sword, sable. It is very 
 probable that his altar was in the vicinity of this pillar, and 
 in the north aisle. The shield is on the north-east side of 
 the pillar. 
 
 1516. "It. paid for mendyng of the beame for Say nt 
 
 Clements light, viij d ." 
 1520. " It. payd for mendyng of the cloth before Saynt 
 
 Clement, iiij d ." 
 1549. " Rec. of Thomas Turner for boks & for Saynt 
 
 Clements Alt?, xvij 8 ." 
 
 Iboty Xoat 
 
 Anno 5 Ed. vj. (1551.) 
 
 " At this day it was concludid & aggreid that from hens- 
 forthe euy infiitant of the pisshe shall bere & pay euy 
 Sonday in the yere v d for euy tenement as of old tyme the 
 Holy Lofe was used to be paid and be received by the 
 
LIGHTS. 49 
 
 pisshe dark wekely, the seid dark to have euy Sonday for 
 his paynes i d . And iiij d residewe to be paied & delyued 
 euy Sonday to the churchewardens to be employed for 
 bred & wyne for the communyon. And if any ouplus therof 
 shall be, of suche money so received to be to the use of the 
 churche ; and if any shall lacke, to be borne & paied by the 
 seid churchewardens : pvided allwey, that all suche psons 
 as ar poore & not hable to pay the whole, be to haue 
 Ayde of such others as shall be thoughte good, by the dis- 
 crecon of the Churchwardens." 
 
 1555. Rec. of money gathered for the holy lofe, ix s iiij d . 
 
 1557. Item for the hyer of the bryde pastes this yere, 
 
 vi s viij d . 
 1561. Bryde-past. Item Receyved of John Radlye, 
 
 vj s viij d . (last entry.) 
 
 37-8 H. viij. " Paid for Syngyng brede on Palme 
 Sonday, ij d ." 
 
 The churchwardens' accounts abound with references to 
 lights. They seem to have been of four kinds : i. Symbolic, 
 such as accompanied the celebration of all sacramental 
 rites and the obsequies of the dead ; 2. Festive, such as 
 were used for illuminations on the greater festivals, and 
 especially at Christmas and Candlemas ; 3. Honorary, or 
 Votive ; of such were the lights before the Sacrament, the 
 Rood light, and the lights of St. Catharine ;* and 4. Ordi- 
 nary, or Necessary. 
 
 Of this kind were the Font Taper, the Paschal 
 Candle, and the Altar Lights. Each altar in the church 
 was provided with two candlesticks for the re-table, 
 and not more : it was the old English use. Two of these, 
 
 * See under " Altar of St. John the Baptist." 
 
 E 
 
5O LIGHTS. 
 
 weighing 41 oz., were of silver, and belonged to the High 
 Altar, having been presented by Mr. Richard Cleche. (In- 
 ventory.) 
 
 1508. "It. payd to Hew Goldsmyth for mendyng of the 
 vices in the sylu candylstykks xvj d ." They 
 were parcel-gilt. 
 
 " It. payd to the same Hew for gyldyng and sow- 
 deryng of j? e fote of on sylu canstyk iiij d ." 
 
 At the Reformation sale in 1 547, six great candlesticks 
 or standards were purchased by John Saunders, bellfounder, 
 of Reading. Two belonged to the Lady Altar, two to 
 St. Thomas', and two to St. John's. Two more are mentioned 
 in 1502 as standing in the chancel (see under Paschal 
 Bason} . 
 
 " It. payed for scowryng of the grete candylstikks in the 
 quere vj d ." (see Altars). 
 
 Torches and wax lights were always used at funerals. 
 The tapers were provided by the churchwardens, who 
 charged the friends of the deceased for the amount con- 
 sumed, and from the varying sums we may form some esti- 
 mate of the quality of the deceased, and the nature of the 
 obsequies e.g., 1498 " Itm. rec. for the sepulcr of Thomas 
 Butler vj s viij d . It. rec. for wast of Torchys at the burying 
 of the same Thom a s ij s j d " whereas the next entry, at the 
 burying of " Webb's wife" shows only 4^. for consumption 
 of wax. 
 
 1501. "It. rec. for wast of torchis at the berying of S r 
 
 John Hide vicar of Sonyng ij s vj d " 
 1502-3. " It. rec. ffor the graue of lawrence Morton gen- 
 
 tyllman x s ." 
 " It. rec. for wast of torchis at the same byryng xx d ." 
 
 After 1510 this demand for waste of torches seems to be 
 included in the charge for tolling the great bell. These 
 funeral torches were of large size. 
 
 1498. " Itm. payed for ij torchys weying Ixi 11 p 9 c le ti ij d . 
 ob. xij 8 viij d ." 
 
 1502. " It. payed to M r Smyth for ij torchis weying xlvij 11 
 
 p 9 c le ii iiij d . sm a xv s iiij d ." 
 
 1505. "It. payed for vj torchis weying ^ & xvj" 
 (96 Ibs.) p 9 c le ii iiij d . xxxii 3 ." 
 
 A lantern also was carried before the priest when bearing 
 
THE PASCHAL BASON FESTAL LIGHTS. 5 I 
 
 the Eucharist to the sick in his visitations. It is frequently 
 mentioned. 
 
 The Paschal Taper for Easter was usually large and 
 costly. 
 
 The cost of the provision of this and the font taper occurs 
 as a yearly item. 
 
 1498. " Itm. payed for the Pascalls and the ffonte taper 
 to M r Smith iiij 8 ." 
 
 1498. " Itm. payed for makyng long 9 of M r Smythis molde 
 w* a Judas to the Pascall vj d ." 
 
 1503. " It. rec. at Estur for the pascall xl 8 ." 
 
 1505. " It. paid to Maistres Smyth for wast of the pas- 
 call ij s ." 
 
 " It. payed for xxviij ii wex for a stoke to the pas- 
 call & to the font tapyr and for to renew the rode 
 light p 9 c le ii v d sm a xj s viij d ." 
 
 1508. " It. payed the same day to Wa? Barton for xx 11 of 
 
 wax for a pascall p 9 c le ii v d sm a viij 8 iiij d ." 
 " It. payed to maistres Smyth for making of xiiij 11 
 
 wax to the same pascall vj d ." 
 
 " It. payed to the same maistres for j 11 of grene 
 fflowris to the for seid pascall vj d ." 
 
 THE PASCHAL BASON. 
 
 1498. " Itm. payed for the Pascall bason and the hangyng 
 
 of the same xviij 8 ." 
 " Itm. payed for vij pendaunts for y e same bason 
 
 and Y caryage fro London iijV 
 1513. "It payd for makyng clene of the basyn for the 
 
 pascall & the ij grete candstyks in the quere 
 
 ayenst Es?." 
 
 From the preceding entries it would appear that the 
 Paschal candle was fixed in a bason weighted by pen- 
 dants necessary to keep the candle upright, and suspended 
 probably near the High Altar. With a Judas of wax at- 
 tached, and a wreathing of green wax flowers, the laving of 
 the candle would be considerable hence the necessity for 
 the bason beneath. 
 
 ffCStal XtgbtS. (CHRISTMAS.) 
 
 1510. "Payed for iij 11 of talow candylls for to sett in y* 
 churche on Crystmas Daye iij d ob." 
 
 F: 2 
 
52 FESTAL LIGHTS. 
 
 1524. " It. for makeyng the fframe for the aungells vppon 
 
 Cristmas day iiij d ." 
 
 1525. "It. for i lb of Sysses (small wax tapers) for the 
 
 Aungells at Crystmas ix d ." 
 
 This would appear to indicate a constructional represen- 
 tation of the Nativity attended by angels, perhaps in ranks 
 or gradations, bearing lighted tapers. 
 
 1 506. " It. payed for sysis to the holy bush (holly] at 
 
 Christmas ix d . 
 " Paid Macrell for an Jwly bush before the Rode ij d ." 
 
 (CANDLEMAS DAY.) 
 
 The commemoration of the Purification of the B. V. 
 Mary was especially a feast of lights. Barnaby Googe in 
 his " Popish Kingdom" thus describes the ceremonies of the 
 day : 
 
 ?Ubcn comes tfe &an tofierein tfi.e 'Firsin 
 
 offered (Kljrist unto 
 5Tt)e .father djiefr, as JTClonses lato 
 
 commauntieb fiir to fco. 
 f)cn numbers great of papers large 
 
 both men an& toomen beare 
 o ffifjurcf), being Jjalotocti tfjerc toitft pomp, 
 
 anlr ttretifful toorUes to fjeare. 
 W)is bone, ecfje man fits CTantieH ligfjtes 
 
 tnfjere cfjtefest scmetfi ie 
 (Taper grctcste man be scene, 
 
 anB fortunat to bee 
 CTantJCll burnctfi clere an brtflljt. 
 
 %, fioontirous force antr mtgrjt 
 Uotft in tbese canHtlls lie, torjicl) if 
 
 at ann time tfjec Itgfit 
 sure belebe tfiat neptficr stormc 
 
 or tempest trare abitfe, 
 in tlje sfeies be fieartt 
 
 nor ang Bcbils gpiUc, 
 j&or fearfull sprites, that toalfe bp nig^t, 
 
 nor fiurts of frost or fiailc. 
 
 Alban Butler writes: " The candles are blessed previously 
 to the use of them, because the church blesses and sancti- 
 fies by prayer whatever is employed in the Divine service. 
 We are to hold the candles in our hands on this day while 
 the ' Gospel' is read or sung ; also, from the ' Elevation' to 
 the ' Communion,' " &c. (" Lives of the Saints," Feb. 2.) 
 
ORDINARY LIGHTS. 53 
 
 Special lights were employed in the church on this fes- 
 tival. A kind of chandelier, called a " trendell," was con- 
 structed for the occasion. It seems to have consisted of a 
 wheel, or perhaps a series of wheels, of graduated size, at- 
 tached horizontally to a central pole suspended from the 
 roof, the lights being fixed on the outer margins. 
 
 A new one was made in 1502-3. 
 
 " It. payed to John Turner for makyng of the Trendyll ij 8 . 
 It. payed for corde to the same Trendyll vj d . 
 It. payed for tymber to make ]? e trendyll whele. 
 It. payed for colo's to J? e same trendyll. 
 It. payed to Maistres Smyth for the trendyll xiij 8 iiij d . 
 
 (evidently for lights to furnish it}. 
 It. payed for payntyng of the same trendyll v d . 
 It. payed for a bolte & a swevyll to the trendyll vj d . 
 It. payed for polys to John Turn*] for J? e trendyll ij d ." 
 1 5 39-40. " Payed for the tymber trendle for Candlemas 
 Day iiij d ." 
 
 The sepulchre was illuminated on Easter Day. 
 
 1538-9. " Payd for makeyng the beam lights ou the 
 sepulchre ayenst eas? xxi d ." 
 
 1bonoran> or IDotive 
 
 lights were those burning before the Eucharist, the Rood 
 and other images or pictures. (See under High Altar, 
 1537, Rood Loft. The light of St. Catharine is mentioned 
 in 1433- 
 
 1534. " Payde to Pastier for settynge the braunche apon 
 
 the Rode loft," &c., xvj d ." 
 1536-7. " Payd for takeyng down the braunche in the 
 
 qwere iiij d ." 
 
 " Payd to Hugh Smyth for settyng upp the same 
 braunche agayne & for mendyng a dore to an 
 aumbrey viij d ." 
 
 1547. At the " Reformation Sale" John Saunders, the 
 bellfounder, purchased the following articles 
 of latten : 
 
 " A Braunch w l vij cansticks." 
 " iiij litel cansticks." 
 
54 THE PULPIT. 
 
 "vj greate cansticks." 
 "ij lampes." 
 
 " A beame w 1 x cansticks and spyndells." 
 " vj lynks." 
 
 " xx laten bolls that were of the rode light." 
 1633 (Inventory). " Item, one svvinginge brasse candle- 
 sticke w th xij braunches or socketts" (given by 
 Richard Johnson in 1631). 
 
 1772 (Inventory). "One Brass Hanging Candlestick 
 with sixteen branches or socketts," the gift of 
 Mr. Richard Undenvood. 
 " One with eleven do. the gift of Mr. Richard 
 
 Johnson." 
 The church is now lighted with gas. 
 
 pulpit. 
 
 1537-8. " Payd far makeyng the walls about the 
 
 pulpett ij 8 ." 
 
 1 592-3. " To John Braker for y e work ouer y e Pulpit xxij d ." 
 1639. " It. by a tax of the pishioners toward es the new 
 
 pulpett and church reparations, I3 U 19 s 3 d ." 
 " Itm. p d goodman lime for mooving the pulpit 
 
 and setting him lower 4" 3 d ." 
 1642. The pulpit was removed. 
 
 " It. for taking downe the old Pulpittand making 
 the reading place and setting upp the seats in 
 the chancell and for new tymber & worke 
 iij 11 ij 8 ij d . 
 
 " It. for a hinge & a latch to the old pulpitt xiij d . 
 " It. for an houre glasse & painting, and v turned 
 banisters xiij d ." 
 
 This pulpit was sold in 1741, when the present one was 
 erected : 
 
 ',' Oct. 6. Of M r Slade for the old Pulpit, 4/. 4*. od." 
 
 From Hewett's " Hundred of Compton," p. 79, it would 
 appear that the pulpit of 1639 was sold to the church- 
 wardens of Aldworth, where it may still be seen, with the 
 reading pew of corresponding style, though of somewhat 
 more ornate workmanship. The three lower panels of the 
 prayer desk are large, and exhibit porticos of a temple in 
 perspective (basso-relievo). There are cherubs' heads, and 
 
THE PULPIT, ALD WORTH. 
 
THE ROOD LOFT. 55 
 
 wreaths of flowers depending from perforated scroll- 
 like designs peculiar to the Elizabethan and Jacobean 
 styles. The panels are divided by pilasters with caryatides. 
 The pulpit is similarly treated, but the lower panels instead 
 of porticos have a shield-like design with scrolled and per- 
 forated margins. 
 
 The pre- Reformation pulpit stood somewhere about the 
 -middle of the nave, and probably near one of the pillars not 
 far from the mayor's seat (see under "Jesus Altar," anno 
 " 1545"). The pulpit as it was in 1802 is thus described 
 by Mr. Coates : 
 
 " The pulpit is hexagonal, having a rich foliage of carved 
 work running round the bottom and the compartments on 
 each side. In each compartment is a piece of inlaid work : 
 I, the cross ; 2, the sacramental cup ; 3, the letters I. H. S., 
 with a cross radiated ; 4, an open book, with the words 
 ' Biblia Sacra ;' 5, an inlaid square with a border of scroll- 
 work. The sounding-board is ornamented by a piece of 
 inlaid work representing the Dove, from which flow rays 
 terminated by stars in clusters. It is supported by two 
 fluted pilasters of a composite order. It is said to be after 
 the model of St. Giles-in-the-Fields." 
 
 IRoob %oft, 
 
 This was a large gallery immediately in front of the 
 chancel arch, occupying the whole width of the nave, and 
 extending westward as far as the great beam above Bla- 
 grave's monument. It was approached by a stone stair- 
 case in the south-east corner by the Lady Altar, where 
 the blocked angle indicating its position still remains. 
 The steps were removed and the hole filled up with rubble 
 and grouting when the chancel arch was enlarged in 1848. 
 The roof of the nave above the jube was of a more ornate 
 character than the western portion, and this distinction 
 remained until very recent times. Mr. Coates writes 
 (1802) : "From Blagrave's monument to the chancel the 
 ceiling is elliptical, of panel work, with roses and other orna- 
 ments at each intersection/' Upon the front of this gallery 
 stood, or partly depended, the Rood, a carved representation 
 (probably life-size) of the crucifixion, with the figures of 
 SS. Mary and John standing by on the right and left of 
 the Sufferer respectively. On the principal festivals the 
 
5 6 THE ROOD LOFT. 
 
 " Gospel" for the day was read on the north side of this 
 loft by the " Deacon," accompanied by acoliths with lighted 
 tapers. 
 
 Here also the clerks sang the " Passion" on Palm 
 Sundays. 
 
 The Rood Loft of St. Lawrence's seems to have been a 
 goodly structure, and must have greatly enhanced the 
 beauty and solemnity of the church. The underpart was 
 ceiled, or perhaps groined, with oak work, and . the altars 
 beneath with their lighted tapers dimly seen through the 
 trellis in front, must have had a striking and touching effect. 
 
 The following extracts will open many trains of thought 
 which it would almost be impossible to follow with the pen : 
 
 1436. " Et in fenr de la Selyng in le Roodloft sol' Jofii 
 
 Hale xxiij 8 iiij d ." 
 1498-9. " It. payed for vj laten bolls on the north syde 
 
 of the rode loft viij 8 ." (These were sconces for 
 
 tapers : see 1510.) 
 "It. rec. at Alhalow tyde for the rode lyght 
 
 x 8 iiij d ." 
 " It. payed for xliij 11 of Iren warke on the south 
 
 end of the rode loft to stay the lyght p'c the 
 
 ft ij d . sm a vij 8 ij d ." 
 
 " It. payd for turnyd pynnys to the seid lyght vj d ." 
 " It. payed for scowryng of the laten bolts in the 
 
 seid loft iiij d ." 
 " Itm. payed to Strawford for braggetts to fastyn 
 
 the crests in \> e same loft vj d ." 
 
 (Cressets were hollow vessels employed for holding 
 lights. The term " crests" in architecture is used for 
 any ornamental upper finishing, so the term may refer 
 to any ornamental border standing on the upper front 
 edge of the Rood Loft ; but the expression " in the 
 loft" seems to suggest the former interpretation.) 
 
 1488-9. " It. payed for a lyne to draw the curtens in the 
 same loft iij d ." 
 
 1505. " It. payed to Macrell for tendyng of the rode Iy3t 
 for makyng clene of the rode loft & for shottyng 
 of the organs for a yer endyd at Mychselmas 
 iiij 8 viij d ." 
 
 " It. payed to the Clerks for syngyng of the Pas- 
 sion in Palme Sonday in Ale i d ." 
 
THE ROOD LOFT. 57 
 
 1506. " It. paied for a line to draw the curtens in J? e rode 
 
 loft v d " 
 " It. paied for mending of J? e wyer for Y clothe 
 
 before ]> e rode v d ." 
 " It. paid to Macrell for an holy bussh before the 
 
 rode ij d ." 
 " It. paid to M. Smith for making of the rode 
 
 Iy3t & Tor ij u of new wex to the same iij 8 
 
 iiij d ob." 
 1506. "It. paied to Thom a s Wiche smyth for makyng 
 
 of a key to the gret cofer in the rode loft, v d ." 
 " It. paied to the same John Gege for settying 
 
 up of the wier to draw the clo]? be fore the 
 
 rode in the rode loft iij d ." 
 
 " It. paied for the seling behynde the said rode vj 9 ." 
 ,, " It. payed for v copies to the selyng above the 
 
 rode loft xvj 8 viij d ." 
 " It.. paied to Harry Blankstan payn? for gyldyng 
 
 of the Rode Mary & John in the rode loft 
 
 x 8 iiij d ." 
 " It. paied for setting vp the seid rode Mary & 
 
 John for removyng of th'organs & for making 
 
 y e sete for J? e pleyer of J? e same organs xx d ." 
 1 507. " Paied to the goodman Cone for dressyng of y e 
 
 15 lo-i i. " It. payd for clesyng the Imagerye of the rode 
 
 lofte at request of J? e pisshe ij s viij d ." 
 " It. payd for Renewyng of the vj taps in the 
 
 Rode on the north syde vj 11 di off wax at vij<J 
 
 a ii. A ti of sysis (small tapers] & for the maks 
 
 of the same wax v 8 ij d ob." 
 1513. " It. payed for a claps (clasp] to the cofer in the 
 
 rode loft iij d ." 
 1524. " It. for drynk in the roode loft vppon Palme 
 
 Sonday j d ." 
 1 534. " Payd for makeyng the rode lights ayenst Hallon- 
 
 tyde & Cristmas xviij d ." (These were the 
 
 usual times for renewing these lights.) 
 " It. payd for a q a rte of basterd for the passion apon 
 
 Palme Sonday iij d ." 
 
 (Bastard, a kind of sweet Spanish wine, of 
 
 which there were two sorts, white and brown. 
 
 Ritson calls it a wine of Corsica. The term in 
 
58 THE ROOD LOFT. 
 
 more ancient times seems to have been applied 
 
 to all mixed and sweetened wines. Halliwell.) 
 1534. " Payd for a lyne to pull upp the rode cloth 
 
 j d ob." 
 " Payd to Pastier for settyng the braunche (a 
 
 cJiandelier] apon the rode loft & laying bordes 
 
 there xvj d ." 
 1537-8. " Payd for staneyng the long Curteyns before the 
 
 rode loft x 8 ." (Staining i.e., painting with 
 
 figures or other designs.) 
 
 In the account of the sale of church goods in 1547, 
 among the articles of brass or latten purchased by John 
 Saunders, the bellfounder, we find " xx laten bolls that 
 were of the rode light." 
 
 At the sale of old church timber in 1562, "the borders 
 of the roode lofte" were purchased by William Duddlesoll, 
 and presented by him to be set up again over the vestry. 
 
 So much wanton destruction was made of artistic work 
 in churches at this time by the Puritanical faction that an 
 injunction was issued by the Queen prohibiting all further 
 demolition of Rood screens, &c., until her further pleasure 
 therein was known. The following entry is illustrative : 
 
 1562. " Itm. Payde vnto Gyles Jackson the xv day of 
 November for bryngynge the orders made by the 
 queenes maiesties cofrtyssyoners as consernynge 
 th'alteracyons of Rood-Loftes for his ffee viijV 
 
 1562. "Itm. to Willyam Marten and his man for the 
 takinge downe of the roode lofte & the way to 
 the same, &c. ij s ." 
 
 It was decided by the Queen that the lofts should be 
 removed, but that the screens beneath them should remain 
 in every church to mark the division between the nave and 
 chancel. 
 
 It is probable that the destruction was complete at St. 
 Lawrence's, and that the upper and lower portions were 
 swept away before her Majesty's pleasure became known 
 in Reading : at any rate, a new screen was erected in 1603 
 by Peter Andrews and Roger Knight, the churchwardens ; 
 for in the accounts for that year there is a marginal note 
 in a later hand apparently penned in no friendly humour 
 " They set up the skrine betweene the church and 
 chancell." 
 
ORGANS. 59 
 
 It is not likely that this screen would survive the visita- 
 tion of the fanatical soldiers of the Earl of Essex, who were 
 quartered in the church in 1644, when they did so much 
 mischief to the fittings and defiled the sanctuary to their 
 heart's content. (See under Ringing^) 
 
 The church possessed an organ in 1505 : 
 
 " It. payd for whitleder to the belys of th'organs iij d ." 
 
 In 1506, the "organs" were removed, Mr. Coates thinks 
 from the Rood loft, and makes his deduction from the fol- 
 lowing entry : 
 
 " It. paied for setting up of the seid rode Mary & John, 
 for removing of th'organs & for making y e sete for 
 Y pleyer of Y same organs xx d ." 
 
 In 1510, a new instrument was provided : 
 
 " It. payd to Backebye vppon a bargen of a peyr of 
 org^unce at the instaunce of the pisshe at ij tymes, 
 iiif." 
 
 Of this Mr. Cleche gave vj 8 viij d , and Mr. White xx 8 . It 
 was a large instrument, and the bellows were placed ap- 
 parently below the level of the floor. At Fountains' Abbey 
 are the remains of some underground channels near the west 
 end of the choir, which are believed to have been reservoirs 
 or wind-ducts to the organ above. 
 
 1512. "It. rec. for bryk and mor? left at the makyng of 
 
 the vowte (vault) for the belys of the organs xxj d . 
 " It. paied to Rob 1 Barkbe organ maker xiij 8 iiij d . 
 " It. paied to M. White for waynscott that he 
 
 bowght to the new organs xxxj 8 . 
 " It. payed to Rob* Turner for such stuf as he 
 
 delyued to the same organs xv 8 x d . 
 1512. "It. payed for currying of the leder to the belys 
 
 of the same organs ij s ij d . 
 " It. payed to Ric' Turner & John Kent for the 
 
 organ maker at one tyme xxxj 8 vj d . 
 " It. payed for vj waynscotts at London xiiij 8 . 
 " It. payed to Ric' Turnl & John Kent for the 
 
 organ maker at a noj/l tyme 1 s . 
 
6O ORGANS. 
 
 1512. "It. payed for led to ley vpon the belis of the 
 
 organs vj s viij d . 
 
 (It seems that the old organ was retained, so now there 
 were two instruments.) 
 
 1512. "It. payed for a shepeskyn to mend the belis of 
 
 the old organs and for a ii of glew vij d . 
 " It. paied to a fre mason that shuld haue made 
 
 the arch for the belis of the new organs for iiij 
 
 dayes an di, by the day vj d ij 8 iij d . 
 " It. payed to Thom a s Nycols for makyng of the 
 
 same arch and for tyling of the same viij s . 
 " It. payed to a laborer to breke vp the wall to 
 
 make the arch for iij dayes & a di by the day 
 
 iiij d sm a xiiij d . 
 
 1513. "It. payed to Hew Smyth for iron warke in the 
 
 new organ loft x d . 
 " It. payd for ij lokks to the same organs, one for 
 
 the stopps and the op) for the keyes xj d . 
 " It. payed to Robte Barkbe organ maker for a 
 
 reward v s iiij d . 
 " It. payed for ryding to Wyndso r to set M r Wod 
 
 (Wood) to se the new organs, x a . 
 " It. payed to the same M. for his costs at his 
 
 comyng vij s x d . 
 " It. payed Ric. a Woods costs when he came to 
 
 se the organs vij d (1512). 
 " It. payed for a lok to the organ lofte dore & for 
 
 iron warke to the same loft xij d . 
 1513-4. " It. payd for mendyng and grownde pynnyng of 
 
 the posts vnder the organs ij d ." 
 
 1514-5. Something was obviously amiss with Barkby's 
 new organ ; some faulty construction, or defect in the 
 fulfilment of his engagement ; perhaps the suit indi- 
 cated by the following entry was the result of the visit 
 of Richard a Wood, evidently the organist of St. 
 George's at that time. 
 " It. payd for a man & a hors to London for a 
 
 wryt for Barkbye iiij 8 ij d ." 
 
 " It. payd to Willm Edmonds for makyng a ire 
 to barkbye, j d ." 
 
 " It. payd for expns to barkbye at the same 
 tyme, vj s . viij d ." 
 
 " It. payd for a pece of waynscote for mendyng 
 of the stoppe of the same organs ij d ." 
 
ORGANS. 6 1 
 
 1514-5. " Sum of expenses touching Rob. Barkeby xiij". 
 iiij d ." 
 
 1519-20. The pipes of Barkeky's great organ were 
 sold to Segemond, another organ maker, who appears 
 to have rebuilt or transposed it. 
 
 "It. of Segemond the organ maker for the grete 
 organs CC d 1 xi 11 (291 Ibs.) of led ij u ." 
 
 In the meantime " Young Slithurst" played upon the old 
 'Organ. He was probably the son of Thomas Slithurst, who 
 held two gardens in Lurkmere Lane of the churchwardens, 
 at a yearly rent of 2s. 8d. at this time.' 
 
 1520. " It' paid to Segemond the organ maker for trans- 
 
 posing of the grete organs as apperithe by a 
 bill thereof made vj 11 xx d . 
 
 1521. "It. payd to Segesmond by thadvyse of the pysh 
 
 t a nsposyng & new castyg ye for fronte of the 
 org a ns and settyng y n y e newstope xiij 8 . iiij d ." 
 
 1522-3. Segemond appears to have been as unfortunate 
 with his organ as Barkeby ; at any rate there appears to 
 have been fresh litigation'. 
 
 " It. payd for a <pcesse mayd agaynst Segemond, 
 
 viij 8 vj d ." 
 1524. "It. payd to S r Ric. Baynton for mendyng the 
 
 grett at ij tymes iiij 8 ." 
 1524-5. Another new organ. 
 
 " It. payd for karyeng the new org a ns from the 
 
 wa? to the church, xv d . 
 
 It. to Troll for grownd pynnyng the org. ij d . 
 It, for tymber & bords to the same iij s . ix d . 
 It. for makeyng the paysses for the organs j d . 
 It. to Ric. Bodye for workmanshypp iij s . 
 It. for brede drynk for the organ maker whylls 
 he entewnyd the org. iiij d ." 
 
 From the inexpensive nature of these items, this must 
 have been a small organ for the choir. 
 
 1526-7. " It. for a foldyng bordtothe lytell orgons viij d ." 
 1529. " It. payd for mendyng the case of the lytell organs 
 
 in the dfuncell & the bellows of the same at 
 
 ij times ij s vj d ." 
 1531. "It. for mendyng the stopps of the grete organs 
 
 if." 
 
62 ORGANS. 
 
 I 533- " R GC - f the ffreres in Oxford for the great organs 
 x." 
 
 From subsequent entries it would seem that the great 
 organ was sold to them for I2/. ios., but that the remaining 
 SOs. were never paid before the Reformation swept both 
 the Friars and their organ away altogether. 
 
 The organ built by Segismond and removed to Oxford 
 in 1533 was succeeded by another which succumbed to 
 Puritanical prejudice in 1578. There are no memoranda 
 relating to its erection, and only one touching its demo- 
 lition. 
 
 On Saturday, Feb. 13, 1562, certain articles were pro- 
 posed for discussion in the Lower House of Convocation, 
 evidently by the advanced Puritan party, the 6th of which 
 was, " That the use of organs be removed." There were 
 thirteen disputers, and out of 1 1 7 votes, organs were saved 
 by a majority of one only ! 
 
 In 1566, Bishops Grindle and Home in their reply to 
 the letter of Bullinger and Gualter on the subject of fur- 
 ther reform, wrote, that they did not approve of that 
 figured music, together with the use of organs, that was 
 continued in cathedrals, in these words : " Cantum in 
 templis figuratum una cum strepitu organorum retinendum 
 non arfirmamus imo prout decet insectamur" (see Burnet's 
 " Reformation," iii. 319). 
 
 After this we shall be prepared for the following in the 
 old church book : 
 
 1578. " M d on St. Andrews day being Advent Sunday & 
 the last of November 1578, it was agreed That 
 the organes in St. Johns chauncell for that they 
 shoude not be forfeited into the hands of the 
 organ takers shoulde be taken downe and solde ; 
 and the tymber of them be applied to sett up 
 two seats higher for M r Maior and his brethrene 
 aboue the seate y l now they sitt in." 
 
 " Pd. for taking down y e orgaines xi d . 
 
 " Solde to Rocke 37" of leade which was organ 
 metall, viij 8 vj d . 
 
 " Itm. xxiiij 11 of Leade iij 8 ." 
 
THE PRESENT ORGAN. 63 
 
 pre*1Reformation 
 
 1519. "Young Slithurst." 
 
 1534. "Thomas Alyn for playing at the organs for vij 
 
 wekes ix 8 ." 
 " Thomas Skynn^l for playing at the organs xijV 
 
 1544. "Payd to Sayntmore the clerk for playing upon 
 the orgayns ou & besydes the gatheryng of the 
 pisshe for a yere endid ut sup a xl s ." 
 
 Gbe present roan 
 
 was erected in 1741 by subscription, including the sum of 
 3O/. left by Dr. De la Croix, vicar of Old Windsor, for the 
 support of the monthly lecture, which was applied to this 
 purpose. It was built by Mr. John Byfield, and re- 
 ceived the approbation of Mr. John Stanley and other 
 competent judges of the time, who considered it a very 
 fine-toned instrument. Mr. Coates states that it cost 4OO/., 
 and contains 1179 speaking pipes; but it has been much 
 enlarged since his time. In 1882 a very fine Viol de 
 Gamba was substituted for the old Cremona, and the 
 Trumpet-stop renewed by Mr. Aug. Gern, of London. It 
 appears to have been opened on the 27th of July, 1741, 
 when the local choir was augmented by the choristers from 
 St. George's Chapel, Windsor. A Mr. Tomson seems to 
 have presided at the organ on the occasion. 
 
 1741, July 27. To Mr. Tomson, organist, s. d. 
 
 and expenses for coach, & for the 
 
 Windsor Boys . . .8150 
 
 July 3- To Mr. Clark, organist -33 
 1741-2, Jan. 27. To Mr. Spencer, organist, 
 
 half a year's salary . . . 15 o o 
 
 1742, Sept. 4. Mr. Alcock, organist . .1000 
 Dec. 23. To Mr. Alcock . . 15 o o 
 
 Mr. Alcock was here in 1749, as appears from an original 
 receipt for his stipend, still preserved : 
 
 " 1749, Dec. i. Received of Mr. Cobb, Churchwarden, 
 of St. Lawrence's Parish, in Reading, Berks, the 
 sum of Ten Pounds, being part of my half 
 
64 THE PRESENT ORGAN. 
 
 year's Salary for playing the Organ, due Sep- 
 tember 29, 1749, 
 
 p me, John Alcock, Organist." 
 
 He afterwards became organist of Lichfield Cathedral. 
 Dr. Alcock's compositions are well known.* 
 
 Mr. Spencer succeeded in 1750, and on his death, in 1782, 
 Mr. Remond was elected. He was followed by Mr. Naum- 
 berger. 
 
 The late Mr. Richard Binfield was organist from 1804 to 
 1839, and was succeeded by his accomplished daughter, 
 Miss Hannah Binfield, whose services and connection with 
 the church and choir will long be remembered. On Miss 
 Binfield's resignation, in 1880, the present talented organist, 
 Mr. C. H. H. Sippel, A.C.O., formerly of Cambridge, was 
 elected. 
 
 The great Musical Festivals, held at Worcester, Glouces- 
 ter, and Birmingham, during the present century, were 
 inaugurated at Reading, and the performances were held 
 for many years in St. Lawrence's Church. The " Messiah " 
 was performed here in 1786, and "Judas Maccabaeus" in 
 1787 and 1789. They were discontinued about the year 1840. 
 
 In 1819 the Musical Festival was held on the I5th, i6th, 
 and 1 7th of September. The following particulars are 
 from a reprint of the original programme in the possession 
 of Miss Binfield. The programme is headed, " Berkshire 
 Grand Musical Festival." 
 
 Then follows a list of 170 patrons, consisting of the 
 nobility and gentry of the town and county. To these 
 must be added thirty gentlemen stewards, among whom 
 may be enumerated Sir Claudius Hunter, Bart., Lieut.- 
 Col. Vansittart, T. P. W. Benyon, Esq., R. Dimsdale, 
 Esq., B. Simonds, Esq., Wm. Stephens, Esq., J. Wheble, 
 Esq., &c. 
 
 The great moving spirit appears to have been Mr. Richard 
 Binfield, upon whom the selection of the requisite talent 
 devolved. 
 
 On the first morning, September 15, was performed the 
 entire First Part of Haydn's " Creation," a selection 
 from Mozart's " Requiem," and other miscellaneous pieces, 
 by Handel, Haydn, Arne, Beethoven, &c. 
 
 * His "Ode to Flavia" is printed in the Gentleman 3 Magazine for Nov. 
 1746, p. 605. 
 
THE PRESENT ORGAN. 65 
 
 On the second morning, the Oratorio of the " Messiah," 
 with additional accompaniment, by Mozart. 
 
 On the third morning", a grand selection from Handel's 
 " Redemption ;" the " Dead March in Saul ;" Haydn's "Te 
 Deum ;" with other pieces by Guglielmi, Hasse, Pergolesi, 
 Kent," &c., concluding with the grand Coronation Anthem, 
 " Zadoc the Priest." 
 
 "PRINCIPAL VOCAL PERFORMERS. Miss Stephens, Miss 
 Goodall, and Signora Corri ; Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Knyvett, 
 Mr. Bellamy, and Signor Ambrogetti. 
 
 "INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS. Violins. Mr. F.Cramer 
 (Leader), Mr. Marshall (Principal 2nd), Messrs. Binfield, 
 F. Venua, W. Griesbach, Nicks, A. Binfield, N. Binfield, 
 J. B. Binfield, Marshall, jun., Willcox, Greenwood, Tanner, 
 Berkshire, Tanner, jun., and Paine. Violas. Messrs. R. 
 Ashley, Richardson, Goodwin, W. B. Binfield, Shultz, and 
 Weippert. Violoncellos. Messrs. R. Lindley, T. Binfield, 
 and W. Binfield. Double Basses. Messrs. Dragonetti, 
 Haldon and Berry. Bassoons. Messrs. Mackintosh and 
 Downham. Trombones. Messrs. Mariotti and Brookman. 
 Flutes. Messrs. Ireland and Kates. Oboes. Messrs. 
 Griesbach and Sharp. Clarionets. Messrs. Stohwasser, 
 and Pick-worth. Horns. Messrs. Charlton, Berkshire, and 
 Burton. Trumpets. Messrs. Schmidt, Heron, and Laden- 
 sack. Serpent. Mr. Middleton. Double Drums. Mr. 
 Jenkinson. Organ. Miss Binfield. Harp. Miss M. Bin- 
 field, from London. Conductor. Sir G. Smart. The 
 whole under the direction of Mr. Binfield. 
 
 " The Choruses will be supported by gentlemen of St. 
 George's Chapel, Windsor ; His Majesty's Chapel Royal ; 
 St. Paul's and Oxford ; assisted by the celebrated female 
 choristers from Lancashire. 
 
 " Leader of the Band for the Balls, Mr. Paine, of Almack's, 
 so justly celebrated for arranging the quadrilles, and other 
 fashionable dances. Harp for the Balls, Mr. M. Weippert. 
 
 " The whole of the Band, which will be complete, will con- 
 sist of nearly a hundred performers. 
 
 " The Morning Performances will commence at eleven 
 o'clock ; the Evening Performances at half-past seven. 
 Tickets of admission to the Morning Performances, IQS. 6d. 
 The Concerts at the Town Hall, the Ball and Tea in- 
 cluded, IQS. 6d. 
 
 "It is requested that all carriages proceedingto the Musical 
 Festival at St. Lawrence's Church will fall into line in the 
 
66 IMAGES. 
 
 Market Place, and set down at the west door in Friar Street, 
 with the horses' heads towards the Town Hall ; and after 
 setting down, proceed up Friar Street. On return, the 
 carriages to form a line in Friar Street, and to take up at 
 the west door of St. Lawrence's Church, and drive off 
 through the Market Place. Ladies and gentlemen walking 
 to the church, to enter at the south door in the Market Place. 
 By direction of the magistrates, carriages will not be 
 permitted to drive thro' the entrance to the Forbury, during 
 the performances." 
 
 Besides the Rood with SS. Mary and John, on the 
 Rood loft, there were images of the Blessed Virgin, St. 
 Michael, St. Clement, St. Lawrence, St. George, St. Vin- 
 cent, and probably of St. Leonard. There were also 
 smaller ones standing in the niches over the columns in the 
 nave and aisle. Some of these statues have already been 
 referred to under the account of the Altars e.g,, those of the 
 B. V. Mary, SS. George, Clement, and Michael. 
 
 St. flMcfoael. 
 
 1519. "It. paid for canvas for couyng of Saynt 
 
 Michell iij d . 
 
 " It. paid for cariage of the Image from Maynard 
 oif London iiij d ." 
 
 St. Xawence. 
 
 There were two images of the patron saint outside the 
 building, one of which has already been described under 
 the account of the Tower : the other was in a pentice at 
 the east end of the chancel. 
 
 1520. " Itm. paid for bourds for makyng of the pentice 
 
 ou the Image of Saynt Laurence and for 
 settyng vppthe same Image w'out the churche 
 at thest end of the quere iiij s ij d ." 
 
 1542. " Payd to Richard Joyner for mendyng of the 
 Image of Saynt Laurence iiij d ." 
 
IMAGES. 67 
 
 There was an image of St. Lawrence apparently at one 
 end of the High Altar. (See Will of Richard Bedowe.} 
 
 There was probably an image of this saint in the niche 
 over the easternmost pillar of the nave arcade above the 
 shield with the gridiron. 
 
 St 
 
 (See Inventory of 1517 under Vestments!) 
 
 Her image appears to have been usually habited in a 
 " coat" of cloth of gold, perhaps a royal mantle with sleeves, 
 one phase of her legend representing her as of royal 
 extraction and of the castle of Magdalon. Sometimes she 
 was figured as the pattern of Penitence, with wasted figure, 
 long dishevelled hair, and habited in a blue or violet robe 
 the colour of mourning or contrition. 
 
 St (Beorge. 
 
 This image was mounted on horseback, with arms and 
 trappings complete. 
 
 (See under Altars, p. 45.) 
 
 St. IDincent 
 
 1524. "It. to John PaynPs wyff for'gyldyng of pte of 
 Saynt Vyncent Tabernacle i ij s iiij /' 
 
 We are here indirectly informed that the image of St. 
 Vincent stood beneath a canopy. 
 
 1518-9. " It. paid for cariage of the tab^lnacles by the 
 
 barge vj s . 
 "It. paid Cone for settyng upp the tab*l- 
 
 nacles ij s vj d . 
 
 " It. paid for makyng of a scafold ij d . 
 " It. paid for iiij clammes of iron for the tab J- 
 
 nacles viij d &c." 
 
 There is perhaps no single entry in the old church books 
 from which we may form so correct an estimate of the real 
 magnificence of the church in the olden time as the 
 following : 
 
 1519. " It. paid to John Pay n? in Ernest of xiiij 11 xiij 8 iiij d 
 for gilding of the ij Tab*] nacles in the quere, w l 
 all necessaries therto xx s ." 
 
 F 2 
 
68 IMAGES. 
 
 At this period the wages of a first-class artisan was 6d. 
 a day of a labourer ^d. : workmen at the present time 
 receive ten times the amount ; reckoning therefore by this 
 standard, the outlay in gilding these tabernacles alone was 
 equal to about 136?. los. of our money. 
 
 1516. " It. payd to the Kyngs paynter for a reward for 
 seying the tablnacle vj s viij d ." 
 
 The images were all removed and defaced in 1547- Here 
 are a few particulars of the doings of the iconoclasts of that 
 period : 
 
 1547. " Rec. for c^ltayn trifylls that were saved (implying 
 much wanton destruction} at the takyng down 
 of Imag 8 as followith, that is to witt : 
 
 " Of Rob 4 Euard for all the Imag 8 beyng defaced 
 xviij d . Of a shomaker for c*l tayne tab'Hnacles 
 and other thyng 8 ij s viij d . ! ! ! (and they cost i$6l. 
 for gilding only). 
 
 " Paide to ij carpenters for takyng downe the 
 Imag 8 and tabernacles xij d . 
 
 " Paid to Geoffry Penne & his man for emendyng 
 of the walls wher Imag 8 stode xij d ." 
 
 There is a very significant entry indicative of the state of 
 popular feeling at this time, aroused chiefly by the selfish 
 conduct of the promoters of the Reformation and greatly 
 augmented by the spoliation and robbery of the parish 
 churches and the appropriation of common lands the 
 latter a political sop for powerful non-contents. Here it is : 
 
 " Paid for arrerages of the money for watchyng the 
 bekyns viij 8 ." 
 
 There is another interesting entry immediately following, 
 exhibiting the statecraft of the period. The church plun- 
 derers were quite aware in those days that unemployed 
 leisure to brooding minds might prove a source of danger ; 
 so it was enacted that every parish should provide its 
 " Butts," where the parishioners might become proficient in 
 archery for the safety of the realm, of course. 
 
 " Paid to Wiftm Watlyngton for that the pisshe was 
 indetted to hym for makyng the butts xxxvi 8 ." 
 
MURAL PAINTINGS. 69 
 
 flfoural 
 
 The walls of the church were once covered with diapers 
 and frescoes, some of which were very magnificent. 
 
 St. Cbrtetopber. 
 
 Anno 1503-4. "It. payd to Mylys payn? for payntyng 
 
 of Seynt Xfer viij 8 iiij d . 
 
 " It. payed for new pgetyng (plastering) of J? e wal 
 wher S. Xfer is patyd vj d ." 
 
 The legend of St. Christopher was in high favour in the 
 Middle Ages,and the chief allegorical incident in the story 
 was usually depicted on the walls of the churches. 
 
 He is usually represented as a man of huge stature, 
 fording a turgid river. His staff is grasped with both 
 hands, and on his shoulders he bears the infant Saviour, 
 carrying in His hand a globe as Sovereign and Creator of 
 the world. More rarely it is a cross as its Redeemer. 
 The giant is usually depicted with upturned face, as if in 
 earnest conversation with the Child, but sometimes gazing 
 intently and anxiously on the rising waters. His staff is 
 frequently foliated. Occasionally it is an entire palm-tree 
 with leaves and branches. In the background by the water- 
 side is a hermit with a lantern. The fish, of course, are 
 nearly always visible in the stream. 
 
 The following is one of the many inscriptions which 
 usually accompanied the figure of the saint : 
 
 fjrtstopfjort sancti spectem qufcumciue tuetur 
 IIIo namque itfe nullo languors tntetur. 
 
 Mrs. Jameson, in her "Sacred and Legendary Art." p. 265, 
 gives the legend at length, with a copy of a fine early 
 woodcut of this saint exhibiting all the quaint conven- 
 tionalism of mediaeval art, and probably as much like 
 Miles Painter's production in St. Lawrence's as could be. 
 
7O MURAL PAINTINGS. 
 
 St 
 
 1521. "It. payed to John Payn? for payntyg of Sent 
 leonard left by the wyffs onpaynted xx d . " 
 
 This saint is claimed by the Benedictines as a member 
 of their Order, and either wears the white or the black 
 tunic, fastened round the waist with a girdle. Sometimes 
 he has a crosier as abbot of the community he founded. 
 Occasionally he wears the dress of a deacon. He was 
 invoked by prisoners, or slaves, and all who pined in 
 captivity. 
 
 At Siena is a picture of St. Leonard kneeling and pre- 
 senting fetters to the Virgin and Child. At Florence he is 
 portrayed in the habit of a deacon, standing by the side 
 of St. Lawrence throned, with St. Stephen on the other. 
 (Mrs. Jameson.) 
 
 be transfiguration. 
 
 Anno 1526. " It. to the payn? for payntyng the t a nsfi- 
 
 guracon ou the hygh aw? vj u xiij 8 iiij d ." 
 The cost was defrayed by public subscription. 
 " Rec. of dyus psones towards the gyldyng & payntyng 
 
 of the t a nsfyguracon ou the hygh au? as by a byll 
 
 it doth apere iiij 11 xiij 3 j d . 
 " Rec. for $j & x 11 & di (o.oj Ibs.) of old brase sold at 
 
 j d the pownde xj 8 . iiij d . Sm a v 11 iiij s j d ." 
 
 A full description of the discovery of this painting in 
 1848 will be found at the end of this section. 
 
 The chancel roof was adorned with gold and colours, if 
 not with subjects and diapers. 
 
 1524. " It. to Troll for his labo r in seellyng & in reward 
 xijV 
 
 " It. layd owt for gold xxiij 3 iiij d ." 
 
 " It. to the paynter for drawyng & payntyng the 
 enbowyng (probably a panelled waggon vaulted 
 ceiling like that in the north aisle) xvj s iiij d ." 
 
 " It. for iij knotts (bosses) in the chancell vj ." 
 
 " It. for gyldyng of them ij s ." 
 
 The nave arches were originally ornamented with red 
 stripes, and the niches between them with red borders. 
 
MURAL PAINTINGS. 71 
 
 There are also traces of colour on the font, and on the 
 eastern face of the piers of the tower arch. 
 
 In 1547 all the paintings and frescoes were defaced : 
 
 " Paid for iiij boketts for the werkmen to whytelyrne the 
 
 churche xij d ." 
 " Paid to Alexander Lake a mason for xxiij dayes for 
 
 hym & his s] ant in white lymyng of the churche at 
 
 ix d the day xvij 3 iij d ." 
 " Paid for coleryng of the churche porche & the churche 
 
 dores xix d ." 
 " Paid to a paynter for writyng of the cloth at the high 
 
 Awter ij s iiij d ." 
 
 In the place of the old frescoes texts of Holy Scripture 
 were painted on the whitewashed walls, and the objective 
 method, so suitable for instruction, was made to yield to 
 subjective policy. 
 
 In the following reign, anno 1556, we have "Paid for 
 defasyng of the wrytyngs vppon the walls ther, iiij d ." 
 These Edwardian inscriptions were buried beneath another 
 coat of lime, and, as far as possible, the old pictures 
 replaced, but only again to be smeared over with dreary 
 Elizabethan wash a few years afterwards. 
 
 In 1627 a little attempt was made to beautify the scene 
 of cheerless desolation. 
 
 " It m . payd to Jonathan the Paynter for payntinge the 
 church seats and for payntinge the sprigs (of the 
 hourglass), ffloorishing M r Blagraves monument, as 
 by the paynters bill appereth in pticular xv u ix 8 
 vij d ." 
 
 The author of this work is deeply indebted to Arthur 
 Billing, Esq., architect, 185, Tooley Street, London Bridge, 
 for the following very interesting account of the mural 
 paintings discovered in St. Lawrence's in 1848: 
 
 " The east wall of the chancel was almost entirely hidden 
 by a large wooden altar screen of Queen Anne's or George 
 the First's era, placed directly in front of it, the wall imme- 
 diately behind being, as is universally the case, carefully 
 coated upon the surface with successive layers of white- 
 wash, the careful removal of which disclosed no less than 
 five different series of paintings, one beneath the other. 
 
 " The first and second were each portions of the Creed 
 and Ten Commandments, painted in different periods in 
 
72 MURAL PAINTINGS. 
 
 old English characters ; the third, immediately beneath 
 these, consisted of the chosen sentences of Holy Writ in 
 the quaint spelling of the period, such as follows : ' That 
 at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow,' &c. These 
 letters were of a more decidedly rich and flowing character 
 than those before described, with graceful enrichments of 
 leaves and sprigs, each sentence being enclosed within a 
 border of blue. 
 
 " Beneath these were next brought to light the remains 
 of a magnificent fresco of the Annunciation ; on the left, 
 or north side, was a full-sized figure, supposed to represent 
 the Archangel Gabriel, the body being covered with red 
 feathers, the shoulders surmounted with wings of rainbowed 
 plumage, and the hand carrying a long wand ; the upper 
 facade of a Gothic building formed the background. The 
 figure of the Holy Virgin kneeling at a faldstool, and the 
 accompanying symbolic pot of white lilies, were much 
 more imperfect, but could still be traced without difficulty. 
 Doubtless there were other paintings of a similar character 
 upon different portions of the wall, but they had been all 
 destroyed. 
 
 " The surface of the wall now just described was formed 
 by the filling up of a large triplet window, composed of the 
 several splays and small columns dividing it into three 
 separate portions, with its characteristic arch mouldings 
 extending themselves on the inside the whole width of the 
 east wall of the chancel. The lancet lights forming the 
 window were placed within a few inches of the outside of 
 the wall. These windows belong to the period of transi- 
 tion from Norman to Early English, as is distinctly shown 
 by the character of the mouldings and square Norman 
 abacus forming the upper member of the caps to the 
 columns : the whole of the inside mouldings and columns 
 were formed of chalk, and_ were in a good state of pre- 
 servation. 
 
 " The columns were found to be covered with a bright 
 crimson colour : the neck mouldings to the caps and the 
 bases with gilding. The arch mouldings supported by 
 these were adorned with a beautiful triple arrangement of 
 gilding, crimson and blue, the larger roll moulding having 
 an alternate stripe of gilding and blue, the effect of which, 
 when first painted, must have been very striking. In addi- 
 tion to this, upon the several splays of the windows could 
 be traced a pattern, consisting of a bright crimson flowing 
 
MURAL PAINTINGS. 73 
 
 stalk, having the ends tipped with bright yellow flowers, 
 harmonizing with the colours on the arch mouldings, and 
 continuous throughout the splays, a manner of treatment 
 which must greatly have contributed to the general effect. 
 
 " Upon the upper portion of these splays, immediately 
 beneath the arch mouldings, were painted small, figures of 
 angels, with their hands and wings extended, and having 
 each in their hands a small wand, but they were too muti- 
 lated to be transferred to paper. Lastly, beneath all these 
 layers were a number of small flowers, each consisting of 
 six leaves of a bright crimson colour on a white ground, 
 enclosed with an oblong crimson border. This pattern 
 was continuous throughout. 
 
 " Upon the space immediately above the triplet window 
 was discovered a large painting of seven figures, nearly 
 the size of life, the subject being the Transfiguration 
 on the Mount. The centre figure represented our Saviour 
 standing erect with the right hand uplifted, in the act of 
 blessing. His face was exquisitely painted upon a ground- 
 work of gilding, which extended beyond it, and formed the 
 aureole, and the whole figure was surrounded with a vesica 
 piscis of glory. On His right hand stood Moses, with the two 
 Tables of the Ten Commandments in his hands. Looking 
 upwards towards the left was Elias ; upon the same side 
 were represented, below, the upper portions of the figures 
 of two of the Disciples, and on the other side two more, all 
 looking steadfastly up and in attitudes of adoration. The 
 whole of the figures, and especially the faces, were exqui- 
 sitely painted. The picture covered the whole extent of the 
 surface above the triplet to each side of the chancel wall.* 
 
 "The east wall of St. John's Chapel -is also not without 
 interest. Previous to its restoration it exhibited nothing 
 but that of the usual characteristics of the Perpendicular 
 style, having a window of large dimensions, consisting of 
 three lights, the head of which was again divided into 
 smaller compartments. It was evident there was much 
 painting on the wall, but it was not possible to clear the 
 surface sufficiently to define what it really was, on account 
 of an incrustation of many ugly monuments ; but upon 
 removing some of the plaster, as well as the whitewash, 
 there appeared the remains of two small shafts of columns 
 
 * Sad to say, this picture was " hacked down" at the desire of the then Vicar, 
 uhile Mr. Billing was in London. 
 
74 MURAL INSCRIPTIONS. 
 
 on either side of the window, almost flush with the wall ; 
 these, upon being traced out, gave the arch mouldings of 
 each, and a portion of the inner arches to two lancet 
 windows ; the upper portion of these arches had not been 
 disturbed, the panelled ceiling having been added when 
 the larger perpendicular window was inserted. The centre 
 portion only had been removed, so that it was easy to make 
 out two small lancets or a couplet arrangement similar to 
 the triplet in the chancel, and of not much later date, 
 showing that the chancel and chapel were nearly coeval. 
 Upon carefully removing the whitewash on the remaining 
 portions of the arches, traces of painting were discovered 
 sufficient to decide what they once were, being similar to 
 those in the chancel, and composed of gilding, crimson and 
 blue. 
 
 "Between the arches of the windows was painted a pecu- 
 liar animal of a deep crimson colour, having the head of an 
 eagle, and body and tail like a fox, with wings attached to 
 its shoulders. This, no doubt, had some mystical or sym- 
 bolical meaning. 
 
 " Upon the north side of this wall were remains of a large 
 painting of a very peculiar flowing pattern, jet black in 
 colour; the extreme bordure above, and at the sides, being 
 of a rather light crimson the inner bordure of a light blue 
 colour, and that again bordured by a pattern formed of 
 small spaces, nearly square, with a round portion in the 
 centre of each. The whole appeared to form the corner- 
 piece of a large bordure, from the peculiar character of 
 which, and its position (for it was above the Perpendicular 
 ceiling), it must be considered nearly coeval with the win- 
 dows themselves The design is peculiarly elegant, 
 
 the scrolls intertwining and flowing together in a most 
 graceful manner, and each terminating with the peculiar 
 trefoil leaf, the symbolism of which is obvious." 
 
 flfeurai Jnscriptions. 
 
 The face of the inner ashlers of the tower from basement 
 to summit reveal the Englishman's propensity to perpetuate 
 his memory by engraving his initials. 
 
 On the north wall of the ringing chamber we have 
 
p. 75. 
 
MURAL INSCRIPTIONS. 75 
 
 " R. W. 1596," D. W. On the west wall, T. B. 1692. The 
 window jambs of the bell-chamber are literally scored with 
 these mementoes. On the south window we find " R. 
 KEATE, 1784." " I. D. 1696." On the west window, in 
 letters of the seventeenth century, deeply engraven, appears 
 the name of "WILD." On the east window "I. D. 
 1669." "R. R. 1747." "T. H. 1646." 
 
 On the level of the old ringing-loft, before mentioned, 
 these initials are still more numerous ; one of them, " I. V. 
 I 599>" is very visible from the ground-floor. On the 
 western face of the north pier of the tower arch is the name 
 " GTalcroft," lightly but neatly engraven ; the characters 
 appear of the early Elizabethan period. On the same level 
 there is another written about the same time, " rofccbg." 
 Again, but in an earlier character, we find " 23rebtS tattO 
 pcnetrat cdu." Lower down, " THOM : POCOCK," " E. S. 
 1660." On the east pier of the nave arcade, " W.T. 1626," 
 "E. L. 1690," "F. B. 1654." 
 
 Very many of these interesting autographs have been 
 much injured by the destructive " drag" of the church re- 
 storer. Such an instrument ought to be entirely prohibited 
 in the restoration of our old churches, teeming, as most of 
 them are, with innumerable traces of bygone generations. 
 
 By far the most interesting of all these relics is the 
 device, or cognizance, of the Earls of Warwick, " TJie 
 Ragged Staff" It appears in no less than five places on 
 the tower basement. 
 
 The most perfect of these is on the eastern face of the 
 north pier, opposite the font. In the middle of the staff is 
 a small shield bearing a cross. 
 
 If the cross be intended fora cross "saltire" then it must 
 have been carved by one of the retainers of Richard Nevill, 
 Earl of Warwick, the great " kingmaker," who was buried 
 in Bisham Abbey in 1471, and who bore " Gules, a saltire 
 arg r , with a label gobonne arg 1 & azure ;" but if not, then 
 it was probably the work of one of the retainers of Robert 
 Dudley, Earl of Leicester, fifth son of John Dudley, Earl 
 of Warwick (created in 1547). The second wife of Robert 
 Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was Lettice, daughter of Sir 
 Francis Knollys, Treasurer of the Household to Queen 
 Elizabeth, by whom he had a son named Robert, Earl of 
 Denbigh, who died young and without issue. This Robert 
 died at Cornbury Lodge, Oxfordshire, 1588, and was buried 
 at Warwick. Vide Ralph Brook's Catalogue, 1622. 
 
76 PAINTED WINDOWS. 
 
 Warwick. Now, by my father's badge, old Nevil's crest, 
 
 The Rampant Bear chain' d to the Raged Staff, 
 This day I'll wear aloft my burgonet. 
 
 SHAKESPEARE, Second Part of King Henry VI. 
 
 " Arthgal, the first Earl of Warwick in the time of King 
 Arthur, was called by the ancient British ' The Bear,' for 
 having strangled such an animal in his arms ; and Mor- 
 vidius, another ancestor of this house, slew a giant with a 
 club made out of a young tree ; hence the family bore the 
 Bear and Ragged Staff." History of Signboards, Cam- 
 den Hotten. 1866. 
 
 In a fluting of the south pier of the tower arch the name 
 " ^Cgmson" occurs ; and, near this, the commencement of 
 another name or word in text-hand, " f)Ultt," all in characters 
 of the Tudor period. 
 
 painteb Minbows. 
 
 By one fell stroke, "the storied windows richly dight" 
 were swept way, and plain glass substituted in 1549, at a 
 cost of I5/. IQS. 6d. 
 
 We may form some estimate of the beauty of the old 
 glass by its superb surroundings. In many other churches 
 much was allowed to remain, although perhaps a few 
 saintly heads, or a few offending symbols, had to be sacri- 
 ficed to the spirit of the age ; but in St. Lawrence's not one 
 fragment was left. There is a note at the end of the 
 accounts for 1549 which has been carefully erased, but 
 which is still faintly legible. It shows that, at any rate, 
 the storied panes were not forgotten " It. to remembre 
 what was done w* all the old glasse of the wyndows in the 
 churche." There is no further clue recorded. Was it sold ? 
 was it broken ? or does it still grace the windows of some 
 continental church ? Whatever may have become of it, 
 there is no lover of art in Reading at the present day who 
 would not gladly hail its restoration, if only to contrast with 
 modern work. 
 
 St. Lawrence's unfortunately possesses too many examples 
 of the bad work of the present century. Perhaps the best 
 specimens of colouring characteristic of a particular period 
 may be seen in the lancets over the altar, but this is dis- 
 figured by the wretched treatment of the figures in the 
 medallions. 
 
SEATS. 77 
 
 Seats. 
 
 Seat rents appear to have been a source of church revenue 
 from very early times. 
 
 Anno 1441-2. " Et de iiij d de dono vx'is Joftis Tanner 
 <p j setell." A similar sum was paid by the wives of Robert 
 Hover, John Strode, and Thomas Benham, but 6d. was given 
 by the wife of Nicholas Carter for a front sitting no doubt. 
 
 The seat rents in 1498 amounted to 6s. 6d. The women 
 only would appear to have been accommodated. The 
 seatholders at this time were the wives of Thomas Smyth, 
 .... Hudson, "bocher," John Carpynter, the mother of 
 Agnes Quedamton, the wife of Will. Hasylwood, John 
 Ffauxbye, Will. Watts, Will. Jonson, Bartylmew Capper, 
 Robard Dyer, John Darling, Will. Dayntre, baker, Mathew 
 and Nicholas Goldsmyth. 
 
 1515-6. "Also hit is aggreyd that all women that shall 
 take any seate in the seid churche to pay for 
 the same seate vj excepte in the mydle range 
 & the north range be neth the font the which 
 
 ^\ 
 
 shall pay but iiij d & that euy woman to take 
 her place euy day as they cumyth to church 
 excepte such as have ben mayo r s wyfs." 
 1520-1. " Setis." " Itm. of my lord (the abbot) for his 
 moder sete iiij d ." 
 
 A touching entry. Hugh Faringdon in his promotion to 
 the abbacy, though a man of humble extraction, did not 
 overlook, or forget to provide for, the comfort of his poor 
 aged mother. , 
 
 In 1522 new seats were provided at a cost of 8/. 12s. 2d. 
 
 1527-8. " Rec. of M r Barton for a seate for his madens 
 
 viij d ." 
 
 " Rec. of M r Hyde for his mades seat iiijV 
 1529. " Rec. of Wift a m (barb* to my lord abbot}, for his 
 
 wyffes seatt vj d ." 
 
 1532. "The midle rang afore the font." 
 1538. " The midle range beneth the crose aley." 
 
 From these two entries, and the former of 1515-6, we 
 learn the position of the font at this time. It stood in the 
 
78 SEATS. 
 
 nave in the middle range of seats, and in the path from the 
 south door into the north aisle. 
 
 The wives of the Brethren of the Mass of Jesus had 
 special privileges. 
 
 1 545. " Ordinaunce" " And ou that it is ordered & 
 enacted that all women of the said pisshe whose 
 husbands no\ve be or heretofore have been 
 bretherne of the Mass of IKc, shall from hens- 
 forth sitt & have the highest seats or pewes nexe 
 vnto the mayo r s wifs seate towards the pulpitt." 
 
 1554. Sep. 29. "At this day it was condescended that 
 thes psons heraf? named shall take order for 
 the seats in the churche as well for men as for 
 women Wiftm Edmuds, John Bell, Thom a s 
 Turn*!, and Thomas Sayntmore." 
 
 1572. "Itm. The gatheringe at Whytsontyde for all the 
 woomens seates aboue the saide south churche 
 dore as well of the mydle Raynge as the said 
 syde Range in this Whytsontyde was nothinge." 
 
 1573 "In consideracion that the colleccions or gather- 
 inges heretofore accostomably vsed for and 
 towardes the mayntenance of the Church as 
 well on the feast of All Saintes, The Feast of 
 the Byrthe of owr Lord god, as on Hocke 
 Monday, Hocke Tewesday, Maye Daye, and at 
 the feast of Penticost comonly called Whitson- 
 tyde togyther w th the Chauntery Landes are 
 lefte of, and cleane taken from the Churche to 
 the great Impoverishment thereof, the w ch here- 
 tofore dyd muche healpe the same, It is there- 
 fore of necessytye by and w th the assent, consent 
 and aggreament of the pisheners then and there 
 beinge p*lsente for and towardes the maynten- 
 aunce of the contynuall chardges of the Churche 
 by these p jsents for eumore Ordayned, con- 
 cluded vpon and fully aggreed as hereafter 
 followith, That is, that every woman that here- 
 tofore hathe byn sett by any of the Church- 
 wardens, or that of themselves do or have vsed 
 to sytt on the Sondayes or holydayes in any of 
 the seates beneathe the pulpett, and above the 
 southe syde, church doore, or in any of the 
 seates in the mydel Raynge of seats above the 
 
SEATS. 79 
 
 saide churche doore Shall yerely paye iiij d a 
 pece for the church profytt & towardes the 
 contynuall chardgs therof at two Feasts in the 
 yere, That is to say At the feast of the Byrthe 
 of o r Lord god, and at the feast of pentycost by 
 even porcons. And that all women that be or 
 have byn sett by or w th out the Churchwardens 
 in any of the seates on the south syde Rainge 
 above the pulpett Shall yerely paye vj d apece 
 at the foresaid feasts by even porcons. The 
 same to be gathered by the Churchwardens or 
 their assignes for the tyme beinge at theire pell 
 &c." 
 1576. Queen Elizabeth attended divine service at St. 
 
 Lawrence's. 
 
 "Expenses about Ringers the Queene being in 
 Rheding : In bred drinke money and candells 
 to watche the Quenes seate w th the travise and 
 arras hanging in the chaunsell, vij 8 iij d . 
 
 Gbe ratcment & payment for Seats In St 
 Olawrence's Cburcbe & Cbancell in IReafc* 
 Inge agreeb anfc ratefc bp tbe p'isbioners 
 to be levied \>earl\> for ever beginning tbte 
 sere 1607," 
 
 3n St Jobn's Cbancell. 
 
 (4/.) Mr. Romano, Mr. Bird, schoolmaster. 
 
 Mr. Dewberye, Mr. Newton, Mr. Morley, Mr. Bun, the 
 
 groom es. 
 Mr. Robert Grenefeld, Mr. Bailey, the groomes. 
 
 SEATS. 
 
 1. (At ^d. Parishioners.) Mr. Colthirst, John Walker, 
 
 Humfrey Ffynmore, Thomas Noye, William Green. 
 (The easternmost seat in the North Aisle proper.) 
 
 2. William Thorne, Ffrancis Blake, Roger Walker, John 
 
 Patison. 
 
 3. Edmond Cowper, John Mappleton, John Goodbarnes, 
 
 Rich. Pynke, Rich. Blakman, John Dewell. 
 
SO SEATS. 
 
 SEATS. 
 
 4. Robert Dye, Arther Curtys, Robert Bent, Rich. 
 
 Springall, Richard Johnson, Will. Sone. 
 
 5. Will. Wylande, John Hamblen, Michsell Hamblen, 
 
 Willm. Willes, John Rumsey, Nicholas Styles. 
 
 6. (At $d.) Thorn. Richards, John Bagley, Ric. Dell, 
 
 Tho. Standen, Will. Walker, Rob* Griffith. 
 
 7. John Charlton, John Bonevant, Will. Porter, Will. 
 
 Home, John Burden, John West. 
 
 8. John Nashe, Ric. Case, Geo. Millisent, Danyell Pearse, 
 
 John Ellys, Tho. Thorne. 
 
 9. Dan. Clewe, Xpof Thorne, John Jenyns, Peter Burn- 
 
 ingham, Edward Bagley, Ric. Cooke, John Wylmer. 
 
 10. Thomas Locke, Ric. Cottrell, Tho. Hide, John Berrey, 
 
 Will. Crunage, Mr. Walton. 
 
 11. Saboth Ffilpe, Edw d Merifield, Ric. Bunsen, Will. 
 
 Drusill, Rob. Kenton, John Arther. 
 
 12. Nich. Lamphier, Peter Burren, Will. Saunders, Ric. 
 
 Reddatt, Hen. Randall, Ffrancis Ffrancissar, W m 
 Bagley, Ed. Bradway. 
 
 13. John Malthus, Tho. Humfry, John Watlington, John 
 
 White, Will. Ledburye, Ric. Bagley, John Coles. 
 
 14. Jas. Mason, Tho. Pococke, John Mapleton, jun r , 
 
 Edward Symons. 
 
 15. John Dawson, John Mylles, Nat. Jemott. 
 
 1 6. Tho. Willys, Symon Maynard, Geo. Woolridge, John 
 
 Ryder, Will. Milthecoe, Will. Stitche, Hen. Moore, 
 Andrewe Mace. 
 
 17. John Howse, Edm d Bennett, Griffyn Huse, Symon 
 
 Ffoord. 
 
 1 8. Gabriell Barnes, Tho. Marshall, Abram Paise, Rich. 
 
 Walker, Edw d Banester. 
 
 19. (At 2d.} Good wife Waight, Good wife Shawe, Good- 
 
 wife Pommell. 
 Mr. Walton, iij. 
 
 fllMfcMe Hisle, 
 
 1. (At xijV.) Mr. Thomas Lydell, Mr. Edward Clerke, 
 
 Mr. Edward Birmingham, Mr. Rob 1 Malthus. 
 
 2. (At \i\]d.} Mr. Rob* Calton, Mr. Chamberlyn, Walter 
 
 Watlyngton, Josephe Carter,* John Bagley, sen r . 
 
 3. John Newman, Tho. Burges, Roger Knight, John 
 
 Johnson. 
 
 * Bellfounder. 
 
SEATS. 8 1 
 
 SEATS. 
 
 4. (At vjW.) Mr. Burden, Mr. Wylmere, Mr. Addams, 
 
 Mr. Westley, Mr. Fforster, Mr. Bowden. 
 
 5. (At 4O Mrs. Bowden, M ris Mary Calton, Mrs. Griffen, 
 
 Goodwife Pynke, Mrs. Newport. 
 
 6. (At 3</.) Goodwife Mapleton, G-w. Cottrell, G-w. Ham- 
 
 blen, G-w. Richards, Mrs. Beake, G-w. Browne, G-w. 
 Bayley. 
 
 7. Goodwife Yether, G-w. Locke, G-w. Standen r Jane 
 
 Bagley, G-w. Stitche, G-w. Collyns. 
 
 8. Goodwife Childe, G-w. Pearce, G-w. Merrifield, G-w. 
 
 SymonSj G-w. Clere. 
 
 9. Goodwife Randall, G-w. Jenyns, G-w. West, G-w. 
 
 Burren, G-w. Sedburye, G-w. Bonevant, G-w. Ffilpe, 
 G-w. Home, jun r . 
 
 10. Goodwife Kenton, G-w. Cane, G-w. Thorne, jun r . 
 
 11. Goodwife Coles, G-w. Lamphies. 
 
 12. Goodwife Payne, Ffrannces Jemott, Alice Bagley, 
 
 Eliz. Hoost, G-w. Reddatt, Priscilla Plant. 
 
 13. (At 2d.) Robert Robinson, Ric. Harris, W m Dumper, 
 
 Thos. Ha3es, jun r , W m Joseph, W m Spencer. 
 
 14. Ffrancis Payne, Thomas Illesley, Thomas Watmore, 
 
 Walter Bailey, John Grippe. 
 
 15. Hugh Payte, George Ffeild, Arthur Hooker, Tobye 
 
 Merritt, Thorn. Aley, W m Mathewe, John Watts. 
 
 1 6. (At id.} Mrs. Walten, Goodwife Frankley, G-w. 
 
 Gunnys, G-w. Browne. 
 
 17. Goodwife Pococke, G-w. Ffisher, G-w. Banester. 
 
 1 8. Goodwife Willis, G-w. Joanse, G-w. Grenfeld. 
 
 19. Griffin Huse, Goodwife Hollys. 
 
 "SbeSoutb 
 
 1. S r Ffrauncis Knollis. 
 
 2. Ladye Knollis. 
 
 3. (At 4//.) M ris Clarke, Mrs. Lydall, Mrs. Birmingham, 
 
 Mrs. Malthus, Mrs. Dennison. 
 
 4. Mrs. Calton, Mrs. Malthus, M ris Honys, M ris Lane, 
 
 M ris Watlington. 
 
 5. Widdowe Styles, Goodwife Bagley, G-w. Carter, M ris 
 
 Knight, G-w. Johnson. 
 
 6. Mrs. Newman, M ris Westley, Goodwife Ffnymore, 
 
 Widdowe Thorne, G-w. Samson. 
 
 G 
 
82 GALLERIES. 
 
 SEATS. 
 
 7. Goodwife Wye, G-w. Thorne, G-w. Walker, G-w. 
 
 Walker, G-w. Wilmer. 
 
 8. M ris Fforster, Goodwife Pattison, Widdow Mansell, 
 
 Widdowe Curtys, G-w. Clarke, G w. Grene. 
 
 9. Goodwife Hamblen, G-w. Wilmer, G-w. Bent, G-w. 
 
 Mathewe, Mrs. Dewell, G-w. Goodbarns. 
 
 10. Goodwife Sone, G-w. Rumsey, G-w. Springall, G-w. 
 
 Styles, G-w. Curtis. 
 
 11. Goodwife Greene, G-w. Porter, G-w. Newman, G-w. 
 
 Curtis, G-w. Cowper. 
 
 12. Goodwife Samson, G-w. Burden, G-w. Cooke, G-w. 
 
 Walker, G-w. Buringham, Gooddie Bayley. 
 
 1 3. Goodwife Washe, G-w. Millisent, G-w. Myllet. 
 
 14. M ris Morley, Mrs. Bailey, Goodwife Walker, G-w. 
 
 Burren, & Burmingham. 
 
 15. Goodwife Blackman, G-w. Ffrancissen. 
 
 16. (At 2^.) Goodwife Humfrey,G-w. Bailey, G-w. Ffielder, 
 
 G-w. Price, G-w. Bramley, G-w. Buckshieves. 
 
 17. Goodwife Moore, G-w. Watlington, G-w. Watlington, 
 
 G-w. Woolridge, G-w. Josephe. 
 
 1 8. Wid. Vinege, Goodwife Thornburye, Wid. Hussey, 
 
 G-w. Browne. 
 19. 
 
 20. Goodwife Densill. 
 21. 
 
 22. Goodwife Marshall. 
 
 23. Goodwife Dell, Alice Hull, Anne Yare, Margery 
 
 Walker." 
 
 1637. " Item pd W m Meerbancke for rearing the seate 
 higher for the Burgesses wives 9 s o d ." 
 
 In 1860-1, the church was reseated with substantial 
 benches of oak, designed by Jos. Morris, Esq. 
 Arch 1 . 
 
 The only faculty pew in the church is connected with 
 house now held by Edward Wells, Esq., M.D. 
 
 (Salleries. 
 
 These were removed in 1 848 and 1 867. The following 
 particulars are given by Mr. Coates : "In the year 1719 
 a faculty was granted by the Archdeacon of Berks, for 
 erecting a gallery at the west end of St. Lawrence's Church, 
 
THE BELLS. 83 
 
 and on part of the north and south sides. This gallery was 
 built by a subscription of the inhabitants ; and by the 
 faculty a power was vested in the vicar and churchwardens 
 of placing and seating the inhabitants, paying regard to 
 those who contributed most liberally to the erecting of the 
 said gallery. In 1775 it was agreed that, 'As the original 
 contributors to the gallery should drop off, the pews which 
 they occupied should be let, and the profits arising from 
 them should be appropriated, one moiety to the vicar in 
 augmentation of the vicarage, and the other moiety in aid 
 of the churchwardens' levy.' " 
 
 " In 1740, Mr. Boudry, then vicar of St. Lawrence's, ob- 
 tained a faculty to take down a small old gallery at the 
 north-east end of the church, and part of the gallery at the 
 west end of the church, belonging to the Rev. Haviland John 
 Hiley and Mr. Henry Simeon, and to build a new gallery 
 at his own expense on the north part of the said church, 
 and on the west part of the north chancel, with the power 
 of letting the seats, and of receiving the rents and profits 
 thereof to his own use, and that of his successors for ever. 
 A seat was allotted rent free to Mrs. Elizabeth and Mrs. 
 Anne Eades, for themselves and their boarders, as long as 
 either of them should be alive and keep school in the 
 parish. A seat was likewise allotted to Mr. Hiley for his 
 life and one for his boarders, and front seat to Mr. Henry 
 Simeon." 
 
 "In 1768 Dr. Nicholson, then vicar, erected a gallery at 
 the east end of the church over the entrance into the 
 chancel, at the expense of 6o/. advanced by himself, and 
 being assisted by a benefaction of 6^1. from St. John's 
 College. The rents arising from the pews in this gallery 
 are appropriated to the vicar." 
 
 Ube Belts. 
 
 The bells are first mentioned in the roll of 1433, and are 
 severally distinguished by the terms " little" " middle" 
 and "great ;" from which, it would seem, there were then 
 but three. 
 
 Something was done to the belfry in 1458, when pro- 
 bably another bell was added: there were certainly four 
 
 G 2 
 
04 THE BELLS. 
 
 when Henry Kelsall made his will in 1493, when he made 
 provision for a new tenor in these words : 
 
 " Item, I will and charge that a Tenour bell to be made 
 according to the iiij bellis that now hange in the 
 stepyll of Saynte Lawrence church of Reding afor- 
 
 seide to the some of (there is a blank left in 
 
 the will). The scripture to be made aboute the 
 same Bell" Henry. The Bell of IAu" 
 
 As Kelsall was the founder of the " Jesus Mass" in this 
 church (see his will), it is probable that this bell of his was 
 used chiefly for the services connected with the Jesus Altar 
 and the requirements of the Fraternity of Jesus. The bell 
 was not erected before 1498-9, when we find the record of 
 its consecration : 
 
 " Itm. payed for halowyng of the grete bell namyd 
 
 Harry, vj 8 viij d . 
 "And ovir that Sir Wiftm Symys, Rich Clech and 
 
 maistres Smyth beyng godfaders and godmoder 
 
 at the consecracyon of the same bell and beryng al 
 
 op) costs to the suffrygan." 
 
 William Hasylwood was a bellfounder at Reading from 
 1494 to 1 509, and he may have been the founder of " Harry." 
 He was a parishioner of St. Lawrence's. (His wife was, 
 buried in the church in 1502-3.) 
 
 Anno 1508. "It. payed to Wifhn Hasylwod for anew 
 
 haly water stok of laton, ij s viij d ." 
 (He seems to have married a second time.) 
 Anno 1510. "It. rec. of Hasylwod is weyfT for ringing 
 
 of the grett bell xij d ." 
 
 " It. rec. of Hasylwod is weyff for hir husbond 
 is grave & for couyng of }> same vij 8 ij d ." 
 
 He was buried in the church. 
 
 Anno 1515-6. "Ordinaco Hit is coven a ntyd & aggreyd 
 by the assent & consent of all the pysshe that 
 what pson wyll have the greate bell of the gyfte 
 of Harry Kelsall to be rong at the knyll or any 
 other ?ment or obyte, all such psons to pay for 
 the same bell so ryngyng at euy tyme xij d to 
 the churchwardens for the vse of the same 
 church. And to eiiy pson that wyll haue hym 
 
THE BELLS. 8$ 
 
 tylled to paye iiij d to the seid wardens. And 
 that the seid bell be rong or tylled for no pson 
 but he pay as ys aboue exp^ssed. 
 " P'vyded all wey that the seid bell to be rong or 
 tylled at all tymes for the obite or myndes of 
 the seid Harry Kelsall to be kepte. And also 
 at the obits & mynds to be kepte for M r 
 Thomas Justice vicar of the pissh church of 
 Saynt laurence w*out paying any money ther 
 for, but to have the seid bell rong & tylled for 
 the seid ij psons at all tymes free." 
 
 Henry Kelsall was made a burgess after Michaelmas 
 Day, 1475. 
 
 "Die venlis px post ffin Sci Mich Ardii A. r.r. E. iiij 1 ' 
 xv. Eodem die venit Henr' Kelssale & jur' e' com- 
 burgens 8 gild ml cat 8 & q ad ffn q ta p r m elect' stat. 
 maiorat'. Et sol' di fm. Dne Abb' vt V s V3 v a . Et 
 f> jant'lo iij s iiij' 1 . pleg. Will. Lynacr, Rob. Prow. 
 (Corporation Minute Book.) 
 
 Elected to represent the town in Parliament, 1482 : 
 
 "Anno E. (iiij), xxii ; Jolies Bakestur Maior ij. Die 
 Marc crastio p. ffiii Sci E. R. et Confess' A s a dict s 
 Maior & c5burgens s Burgi pi diet 8 eliger' Henr. Kel- 
 ssale & Wiihn Erne comburgens' pliamenti <px 
 futur' V3 vj to die Novebr' A &c." (Corporation 
 Minute Book.) 
 
 Another member of this family occurs in the church- 
 wardens' accounts. 
 
 Anno 1 503-4. " It. rec. of Randall Kelsall for wast of 
 tcrchis at J? e yer mynd of Harry Kelsall x d ." 
 (A similar entry occurs the following year.) 
 
 Anno 1517. " For the grave of Rand. Kelsalls moder." 
 vij s ij d . (No charge for the bell.) 
 
 Anno 19-20 Hen. VIII. (1528). 
 
 " It. for the Knell of Randall Kelsall nf ' (nihil). 
 
 " It. for tollyng at h 8 moneth 8 mynde nt" (nihil). 
 
 The remission of the ringing fee in these cases, in 
 accordance with the resolution of the vestry and especially 
 the responsibility of Randall Kelsall for the mortuary 
 
86 THE BELLS. 
 
 arrangements of Henry Kelsall, would seem to indicate 
 that Randall was a very near relative, if not the son, of 
 Henry, although he is not once named in the will of the 
 latter. 
 
 Some of the bells, including " Harry," appear to have 
 been sold in the beginning of Edward VI. 's reign, but re- 
 deemed by the parishioners. 
 
 Anno 1550. "Paid & allowed to the churchemen 
 (churchwardens) for the redemyng of bells by 
 them sold, xl s ." 
 
 Among the " Dett 8 owyng" in 1554 we have : 
 " Item vppon Rob* Tylbye & Wiftm Lyppescombe for 
 redemyng of the greate bell by them sold as 
 apperith vppon ther accompts xxxiij 8 iiij d ." (These 
 persons were the churchwardens in 1550.) 
 
 " Harry" survived until 1567, when he was recast for the 
 first time by William Knight, of the Reading Foundry. 
 The whole town and neighbourhood contributed towards 
 the good work. Fifty-five of the parishioners of St. Mary's 
 gave 4U. 8d. (money was then about twelve times its 
 present value) ; seventeen of the inhabitants of St. Giles' 
 subscribed 1 3^. 8d. ; " The men of the Contrye," including 
 the " Myller of Causham/' sent in T.'JS. 2d. ; a hundred and 
 thirty-four of the parishioners gave 61. 13^. ^d. ; and the 
 Bachelors of St. Lawrence i6s. lid. One Marty n Wood- 
 nett lowered the old bell, and raised and re-hung the new 
 one for 3u. %d. 
 
 For this recasting William Knight received 7/. 6s. 8d. 
 
 The last recorded knell rung on the original bell given 
 by Henry Kelsall was apparently for one of the priests of 
 the old regime. 
 
 " The Gret bel : 
 
 In p'mis of Thom a s Kenryck for a priests knell, 
 
 xx d ." 
 " Graves In p'mis of Thom a s Kenryck for y e prestes 
 
 grave, vij s iiij d ." 
 
 In 1578 the tenor, with the fourth, or "Lady Bell," as it 
 was called, inscribed, no doubt, with its " Ave Maria gratia 
 plena," was recast by Joseph Carter, one of the parishioners. 
 " Peace and good neighbourhood," an old bell motto, must 
 then have been a reality; for we again find the parishioners 
 of St. Maries giving "towards y e casting of y e gret bell, 
 
THE BELLS. 8/ 
 
 xxiv 8 vj d ." The following very singular contribution occurs 
 at this time : 
 
 " 1580. Rec. of M r Gryffen for y e penaunce of one Kent 
 allotted to y e gret bell by y e offyciall, vij 3 ." 
 
 At this casting Kelsall was diminished in weight, and 
 consequently in power. 
 
 " 1581. Rec. of Josephe Carter, belfounder, at seuerall 
 tymes for y e rest of ye mettall y* was left out in 
 casteyng y e fourth bell and gret bell, vj 11 ." 
 
 In 1593, Joseph Carter, the bellfounder, was church- 
 warden. The following resolution was undoubtedly his 
 suggestion : 
 
 " Toling by the clapp J . Whereas there was through the 
 slothfulness off the Sextine in times past, a kind off 
 toling y e Bell by y e clapper rope, y 1 was now ffor- 
 bidden and taken away : and that the bell should be 
 toled as in times past, & not in anie such Idle 
 sort. J. Smith, vicar." 
 
 1 594. " At this accompt also y l was agreed that our gret 
 Bell should be cast againe and not so much the 
 Tune of the bell was cared for as to have y 4 a 
 lowd bell and hard ffar. And the churchwarden, 
 Joseph Carter, consented and agreed to cast y l 
 before Midsummer ffollowing : And so he was 
 chosen againe Churchwarden the second Time. 
 These being p'sent Mr. Ffrancys More, Mr. 
 Johnson, Mr. Lydall, goodman Russell, the 
 churchwardens, with others. John Smithe, 
 vicar." 
 
 " The gret Bell waied when he was first taken downe 
 34 cwt. 38"." 
 
 " The same Bell hanged vp againe y s increased in mettall 
 to 36 cwt. 49"." ^ 
 
 " And forasmuch as y l fell out that he was inforced by 
 misfortune of a ffall in the first casting, to cast him 
 twise againe. Therefore there y 8 allowed in curtesie 
 to the said Joseph, being or neighbour, above his 
 bargin of increase, xlV 
 
 " So the somme of the whole is xv li vij 8 ij d ." 
 
 Anno 1618. " Itm. p d to goodman Knight for casting of 
 the 4 bell, 61. ios" 
 
88 THE BELLS. 
 
 "Itm. p d moor to him for j hundred & twenty three pound 
 
 of metell put into her, v 11 xij s the hundred, 6/. i$s." 
 
 Anno 1647-8. "It. p to Ellys Knight & ffrancis 
 
 Knight for casting the greate bell as by their 
 
 bill appeares, xxvi 11 v 3 vj d ." 
 
 " At a meeting of the parishioners of St. Lawrence, in 
 Reading, 2Qth May, 1662. 
 
 "Bells. 
 
 " Agreed that the five Bells in the steeple be made into 
 Eight tuneable Bells, and that the Churchwardens 
 doe take care to see it done. 
 
 " Provided that noe taxe be layd on the parishe towards 
 the charge of altering the said Bells & pvided that 
 the Churchwardens doe bring & secure the said eight 
 Bells in convenient tyme into the said steeple w'hout 
 charge to the pishe. 
 
 Present M r THOMAS TUER, vicar. 
 
 Dcor FFRANCIS HUNGERFORD. 
 
 EDWARD DALBYE, Esq. 
 
 M r EDWARD JOHNSON, 
 
 M r NICHOLAS POTINGER, 
 
 GILES POCOCKE, 
 
 M r HENRIE FFREWIN, 
 
 EDWARD KENT, I ~, , , 
 
 DAVID WEBB, | Churchwardens. 
 
 1663. " Of the pishioners & others w ch was given towards 
 
 the casting y e bells, 62/. $s. 2.d. 
 " Item, p d Henry Knight for casting the 5 Bells 
 
 into eight, 447. 2s. 4^. 
 " Item, p d M r Frewin for tinn put into the Bells, 
 
 S/. i3j. 
 
 1663-4. " To Thomas Knight for opening the greate bell, 
 is. 6d." (ringing her for the first time). 
 
 The great bell was unsatisfactory, so she had to be 
 recast. 
 
 "To Henry Knight, for metall added to the great 
 
 bell, ;/. 
 1665. " It. paid Henry Knight for 5Slb. weight of mettal 
 
 to put in the two fore bells, 2/. i8s. 
 1666-7. "Item p d to Henry Knight for casting the 
 
 seaventh Bell and other charges, 2O/. 15^. 6d. 
 1703,6th Sept. " Agreed at this meeting that the great 
 
THE BELLS. 89 
 
 Bell (being broke) shalbe new cast at the charge 
 of the parish, and the other bells amended. 
 M r ABRAHAM CULVER, \ r , , . >> 
 FFRANCIS BINFIELD, j Churchwardens. 
 
 i ith February, 1704. " Agreed that the 7th bell be taken 
 downe and new cast, and Samuel Knight to 
 doe it & be paid i8/. for the same by the 
 churchwardens. Samuel Knight to be at all 
 manner of charge in taking downe & hanging 
 up the same." 
 
 In 1748 the whole ring was recast in the key of Eb, by 
 Robert Catlin, and the two smallest bells added by sub- 
 scription. Before the recent restoration of the bells in 
 1 88 1-2 they were thus inscribed : 
 
 1. "RICHARD COB . CH.WARDEN . R.C. 1748." 
 
 2. "BY ADDING TWO OUR NOTES WE'LL RAISE" 
 & SOUND OUR GOOD SUBSCRIBERS' PRAISE" 
 
 1748. 
 3- "ROBERT CATLIN FECIT. 1748." 
 
 4. "PROSPERITY TO ALL OUR BENEFACTORS. R.C. 
 
 1748." 
 
 5. "IMPRIMIS VENERARE DEUM MANDATA G B (sic) 
 
 SERVA QUCERES (sic) NON ALIOS UNICUS IPSE 
 DEUS. R.C. 1748." 
 
 6. "THE REV. THOMAS SHUTE, D.D. VICAR 1748." 
 
 R.C. FECIT." 
 
 7. " PROSPERITY TO THIS PARISH. R.C. FECIT. 1748." 
 
 8. "Mr JOHN KIRK, Mr JOHN HARRIS CHURCHWAR- 
 
 DENS. THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT. 
 1803." 
 
 9. " RICHARD WESTBROOK & JAMES WALTER CHURCH- 
 
 WARDENS THOMAS MEARS OF LONDON FECIT. 
 
 I793-" 
 
 10. "JOHN RICHARDS, JOHN ROSS CHURCHWARDENS . 
 ROBERT CATLIN FECIT - 1748." 
 
 On the small bell, which is the representative of the old 
 Saunce or Sanctus Bell, 
 
 " THE REV JOHN GREEN VICAR, JACOB WALTER JOHN 
 NIALE CHURCHWARDENS . THOMAS MEARS OF 
 LONDON FECIT. 1793." 
 
 In the month of September, i88i,the author was kindly 
 
90 THE BELLS. 
 
 permitted by the vicar and churchwardens to undertake 
 the restoration of the bells, then in a very deplorable con- 
 dition : they had not been rung for several years. The 
 tenor was cracked through the canons, and the crown had 
 been strengthened by an iron hoop round the haunch or 
 shoulder. The best advice having been obtained, it was 
 deemed prudent to recast her, and a liberal response 
 having been made by the townsmen and others for this 
 purpose, it was thought desirable to renew the sixth also 
 the worst bell in the ring. With these two was sent the 
 seventh for tuning purposes ; and this, when the stock was 
 removed at the foundry, was found to be in precisely the 
 same condition as the tenor, the fracture having been con- 
 cealed by its beam. These three were recast, and the 
 whole of the bearings, stocks, wheels, and other fittings 
 renewed at a cost of nearly 35O/. 
 
 The weights of the three old bells were 
 
 cwt. qrs. Ibs. 
 
 6th .... 9 o 24^ 
 7th . . . . 10 3 14 .With their canons, 
 loth .... 23 o oj 
 
 The eighth, also sent to Loughborough for the same 
 purpose as the seventh, weighs 1 1 cwt. 2 qrs. 7 Ibs. 
 The three new bells weigh 
 
 cwt. qrs. Ibs. 
 
 6th . . . . 10 o o\ 
 7th .... ii 2 o > without canons, 
 loth .... 24 o oj 
 
 The bells were recast on Tuesday afternoon, January 10, 
 1 882, at the foundry of John Taylor and Co., Loughborough. 
 The author hopes to be forgiven for inserting a quotation 
 from a letter of his to the Reading Mercury, &c., descriptive 
 of the scene : 
 
 " I found the three old bells of St. Lawrence in the 
 drying chamber or ( oven' broken into fragments, on some 
 of which I recognized portions of the old inscriptions. In 
 a short time they were wheeled near the mouth of the 
 furnace, into which they were eventually thrown. The last 
 I saw of our old tenor were some dullish-looking fragments 
 gradually sinking into a seething mass of liquid metal, 
 glowing with intense brilliancy. The opening was closed 
 again with bricks and clay, and in about an hour or so 
 everything was ready. The sight was very interesting. 
 
THE BELLS. 9! 
 
 A narrow channel led from the furnace-mouth to the 
 moulds, and in this duct were placed iron floodgates or 
 stops, by the regulation of which the metal was diverted 
 into the mouths or funnels of the moulds beneath. The 
 precise moment for tapping was one of silent anxiety. At 
 this juncture, with Mr. Taylor's permission, I went near 
 the furnace-mouth, and offered the well-known prayer : 
 4 Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings with Thy most 
 gracious favour, and further us with Thy continual help,' 
 &c. At its conclusion many of the visitors uttered a fervent 
 ' Amen.' In an instant the boiling liquid gushed forth, 
 and sped hurriedly down the previously heated channel to 
 the first ' swallow hole/ and in a few seconds the new tenor 
 for St. Lawrence's Church came into being in its subter- 
 raneous chamber. The first floodgate was then raised, 
 and onward the bright stream rushed into the next mould, 
 and so on successively until the whole were cast ; and 
 thus, within a very few minutes, was born a sisterhood of 
 eight large bells ; three for St. Lawrence's, Reading ; 
 three for Thurleston, Leicestershire ; and two for Baldock, 
 in Herts." 
 
 On Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 21, 1882, the new bells were 
 dedicated, and the ring formally opened at 6.30 P.M., a 
 special service having been held on the occasion. The 
 moment the Benediction was concluded, the bells struck 
 up a glorious peal, the flood of music from the grand old 
 tower filling the town and neighbourhood. The tenor was 
 rung by the author for its first time on Monday, Feb. 12, 
 1882, about three in the afternoon. Who may ring her for 
 the last time God only knows ; but, accidents set aside, she 
 will no doubt hold her deserved position as one of the best 
 bells in the county for centuries to come. 
 
 Hnnate. 
 
 ROYAL VISITS VICTORIES CIVIL WAR, TEMP. 
 CHARLES I., ETC. 
 
 Anno 1506. " It. payed for bred & ale to }> e ryngers in 
 
 }> e rogacion weke ij d ." 
 Anno 1508. "It. payed for ij galons of ale for the 
 
 Ringers on Dedycacio iij d ." 
 "It. payed to the ryng s ls on Holy Thursday of 
 
 co u stom to ryng at ^cession iij d ." 
 
92 THE BELLS. 
 
 " It. payed to the same Wiftm (Poo sub-sexton) 
 
 for rynging on Corp 5 Xpi day at ^cession. 
 " It. payed for vj u & cti Wayght of smale corde 
 
 for the Sanct 5 Bell, & for to toll to Ifiu Masse, 
 
 vj d ." 
 1509-10. " Itm. payed for x Rynggers at the partyng of 
 
 the Kyng, & ffor drynke & to the sexton, ij s 
 
 ob d ." ' 
 
 151 3-4. " It. payd for a galon of ale for the Ryngers at 
 the gettyng of Turvvyn, ij d ." 
 
 (This town was surrendered to the King of England 
 on the 23rd of August. It was all burnt, save the 
 palace and cathedral, on the 26th and a few following 
 days. Vid. Stowe's Chronicle, p. 493). 
 
 " It. payd for a galon of ale for the Ryngers at the deth 
 of the Kyng of Scotts, ij d ." (At Flodden.) 
 
 (" n tf>e 9 of September ISing Sames, tfje fourtf) of ttyat name, fung of 
 Scottcs, teas slain at 3Sramstone bpon ^iprrtf I|ill anfc Ijts armic fciscom= 
 fitttJ bt> tl)c carle of Surrep lieutenant to 3|enrn tfje 8 'JKing of "England." 
 Stowe^ 495.) 
 
 1528. " It. to the quens aumer s^luants, for that the bells 
 
 wer not rong at her comyng in to the town, 
 
 viij d ." 
 Anno 24-5 Hen. VIII. (1533-4). "It. for ryngyng at 
 
 the birth of the princes elizabeth iiij d ." (This 
 
 name in another hand, but coeval). 
 1553-4. "Paid to Ringers at the Kyng & Quenys 
 
 cumyng and goyng xx d ." 
 1560. "Itm. for Ryngynge the great Bell to the 
 
 Slmond, vi d ." 
 1568. "Itm. to the Rynggers at the Queen's coinynge in, 
 
 xvi d ." 
 
 At the foot of the accounts from Michaelmas 1575, to 
 Michaelmas 1576, we have : 
 
 " Expenses about Ringers, the Quene being in Rhed- 
 ing : In bred, drinke, money, and candells, to watche 
 the Quenes seate w th the travise and Arras hanging 
 in the Chaunsell, vj s iij d . (p. orig. 361.) 
 
THE BELLS. 93 
 
 1576-7. " Paid for a verkin of beare at the Ringing for 
 
 the Quene xxii d ." 
 
 1585-6. " Imprimis laid out more than was gathered at the 
 
 ringing for y e Quenes rainge (reign) viii s j d ob.'' 
 
 1587-8. " Paid to the Ringers aboue y* we gathered on 
 
 the Quenes daie, xijV 
 1591-2. " Paid for ringing at hir ma ties coming xxijV* 
 
 " Payd for making cleane of the strete at hir ma tiea 
 
 coming & for cariage xx d ." 
 1602. " It. paid for Ringing when the Queene was in 
 
 towne v 3 ix d ." 
 " Itm. paid for flowers & Rushes for the churche 
 
 when the Queene was in towne xx d ." 
 " Itm. paid for a cloth to hang before the pulpitt 
 
 when the Queene was here ij s yj d ." 
 " Itm. paid for ringing at the cominge of the lord 
 keep iiij d ." 
 
 1612. Goodman Greene & Ffraunces Blake Ch. wardens. 
 " Payd more to the petti Sextone for Ringing a 
 
 Crownation day and to (two) gallons and a 
 halfe a beare out of my one seller, and had 
 maney vill an slandrows words from this 
 Receaver x s ." 
 
 1613. " Payed to them that hope (helped) ring when the 
 
 quien rode by the towne ij 8 ." 
 " Payed Venter when the quien cam first to the 
 
 towne 3 s ." 
 
 " For bread and beare xvj d ." 
 " Moor to Prites two sonnes w h hop ring ij 8 /' 
 ,, " Payed moor to Venter when shee came to the 
 
 Abbye for Ring iij 8 vj d ." 
 " Payed for Ring the 5 of August xiiij V 
 1621-2. " P d him for ringing the greate Bell at 4 & 8 
 
 halfe a yeare 2/. 6 s 8 d ." 
 1633. " M d that if the sexton of the pish ring aboue 
 
 an houre and a half any funerall knell, the 
 
 friends of the deceased shall pay vnto y e church 
 
 for euery quarter of an houre aboue the time 
 
 assigned 6V 
 
94 THE BELLS. 
 
 of tbe Civil Mars. 
 
 Among the old papers now preserved in the new folio at 
 p. 133, is an original bill of " Venter/' the sexton, which 
 may fitly find a place here. It is dated 
 
 " Palme Sundaye, 
 
 " Beinge the 26 of March 1643. 
 " When y e King cam to Twone first, for Ros- 
 
 mery & bays 008 
 
 " "When his Ma tie came from Branfoord for Rose- 
 
 mery & bayes . . . . .008 
 " It. at Crismas for Rosemery & bayes . .008 
 " It. for carrying of the plate forth out of the 
 
 vestry & in o i o 
 
 " To the clarke for removing the church trunke 
 
 out of the vestry to the Doc rs house and 
 
 recarrying it &c (sic} 
 
 " It. for carrying of the Church formes to the 
 
 Abby when the King was there and 
 
 back againe 020 
 
 In the accounts for the year ending May 30, 1644, we 
 have the following : (and as all these entries are very 
 important, illustrating the period of the civil wars, I give 
 them as they occur, being evidently written in chronological 
 sequence) : 
 
 " To Pharrowe for making vpp the seats when 
 
 the parliam* Souldiers were here . .034 
 " To Daniel Browne & goody Venter for 
 
 makeing cleane the church then . .020 
 " It. for ffrankincense to sweeten the church .010 
 " To him (Edward Venter) for Ringing the 
 
 last of November when his M at8 coming 
 
 hither was expected . . . .090 
 " It. p d for Holly & Ivy, Rosmery & Bayes att 
 
 Christmass . . ., . .0110 
 " It. p d to the Ringers on the Kings Corona- 
 tion day 090 
 
 " It. p d for mending the Seats in the Church 
 
 w ch the souldiers had broken downe .016 
 " It. p d for Ewe for the church against Easter, 
 
 and for sticking of itt upp . . .018 
 
THE BELLS. 95 
 
 " It. p d for ringing when the King came last to 
 
 Tovvne . o 10 O 
 
 " It. p<J for Ringing a peale when the Earle of 
 
 Essex came to Towne . . . .026 
 (Observe the difference in these two last payments.) 
 
 In the accounts ending 2ist of April, 1645 
 
 " It. p d to Val. ffallowe for mending seats in 
 the church w ch the souldiers broke 
 downe . . . . . . .032 
 
 " It. p d to Daniel Browne for making cleane 
 the Church twice, & for pitch & frank- 
 incense . . . . . . .05 
 
 " It. p d to ffrancis Thackham for halfe a load 
 of wood burnd in the Church by the 
 Souldiers . . . . . .066 
 
 " It. p d to Val Pharoah for mending Seats in 
 
 the Church 0139 
 
 In the accounts ending 2/th of April, 1646 
 
 " It. p d for i 11 of frankincense and of pitch to 
 
 pfume the church . . . . .008 
 
 " It. p d to Daniel Browne for watching in the 
 church when the soldiers were here, & 
 making it cleane when they were gone .026 
 
 " It. p d to the Ringers for Ringing "after several 
 
 Victories. . ' I O 6 
 
 " It. p d for 2 11 of pitch & 2 U of frankincense 
 
 used in the church 014 
 
 " It. p d to Da : Browne for watching & making 
 cleane the church when the souldiers 
 were last here . . . . .040 
 
 In the year beginning Whit Tuesday, 1647 
 
 " To the Ringers when the Kinge came throu 
 
 the towne . . . . . .070 
 
 " Strewing aubes (herbs) and flowers to strowe 
 the sitis in the Church win the ginarall 
 was in the towne o o 10 
 
 " To the Ringars when the Jinerall war going a 
 
 way . . . . . . .030 
 
 1699. " P d to the Ringers on S. George's Day, io s o d . 
 1688. The sexton's wages were augmented from 7/. to 
 
96 THE BELLS. 
 
 2O/. per annum, " on condition that he ring the 
 bell at 5 of the clock (morning) and 9 (evening), 
 in good order, and look after the chimes and 
 clock as he ought to doe." 
 
 During the I5th century the bells were probably rung on 
 the ground-floor. At the beginning of the i6th century 
 there was a ringing loft on a level with the sill of the large 
 west window in the tower. 
 
 Anno 1502. "Itm. payed to Wiftm Cone for settyng on 
 of a borde vndl the loft for J> e ring'ls, &c. ix d ." 
 
 Numerous initials, with dates from 1599, may still be 
 seen on the piers and arches above the level of the old 
 gallery floor. 
 
 In the present ringing chamber, which is one of the finest 
 in the county, is an early record of change ringing painted 
 on a board. The inscription is as follows : 
 
 July y c 8 th , 1734, 
 
 The whole Peal of 
 
 Grandsire Triples 
 
 5,040 Changes was rung in 
 
 three hours & ten minutes 
 
 by them whose names are 
 
 here mentioned. 
 Henry Samples, Treble. 
 Gyles Newbury, Second. 
 Joseph Philip, Third. 
 Robert Booth, Fourth. 
 Thomas Shurfield, Fifth. 
 Henry Peaty (Bob Caller), Sixth. 
 John Wells, Seventh. 
 William Ford ) ^ 
 Abram Biship f 
 
 "This board was restored at the cost of Mr. Alf. Thomas, 
 Deputy Captain, 1880." 
 
THE CLOCK. 97 
 
 Clocfe. 
 
 The earliest reference to a clock at St. Lawrence's is in 
 the Roll of 1433 : 
 
 " Et in resol. Jofii Tylere p custodia orologii et illumi- 
 
 nacioe lumn, vij s ." 
 " Et in stipendio factoris orologii, ij s ." 
 
 Tyler occurs as clock keeper until 1441. 
 The next entry is very interesting, showing the elaborate 
 nature of the mechanism : 
 
 Anno 1498-9. "It. payed for the settyng of Jak (Jack) 
 with the hangyng of his bell & mendyng his 
 hond, iiij d ." 
 
 Jack's automatic character must have afforded much 
 amusement to the children of those days, and no doubt 
 equal gratification to their seniors. The mechanism may 
 have exhibited other ingenious attractions besides little 
 Jack with his hammer. The clock was somewhere in the 
 church, and visible, no doubt, to the whole congregation. 
 
 Anno 1498-9. " Itrn. payed for makyng fast of the cloke 
 howse w l ij pec 8 of tymb'r set in to the walls 
 w* a mason, viij d . 
 " Itm. payed to Strawford for settyng of a pece 
 
 of tymb'r at y e clok ham] w* nayles, iij d ob. 
 " Itm. payed for wyer to the same clok, xi d ob. 
 " Itm. payd for led to make the payee of the clok, 
 
 v s vj d . 
 
 " Itm. payed for castyng the payee iiijV 
 Anno 1510-11. "It. rec d of Wiftm Veld for a seate for 
 hymself vnder the clock hows iiij d ." 
 
 In 1520 this curious old clock seems to have given way 
 to a successor : 
 
 " It. paid to the clockmaker for a new clok in pte 
 
 of payment of v 11 , xl s ." 
 
 Anno 1521. "In p , mis paid to the clokemakar in pte pay- 
 met of vj 11 x s ffor the new cloke & the dyall, 
 iij n ." 
 
 II 
 
98 THE CLOCK. 
 
 There is a discrepancy in these two entries : perhaps the 
 dial was an extra. This clock seems to have been placed 
 in the tower, as will appear from the following entry : 
 
 Anno 1521-2. " It. payd for glayssyng the stepoll wyndo\v 
 ou the dyall w l p l of old glas and p te new 
 vij 8 vj ." 
 
 1 522-3. " Payd to Garrett for makyg thecloke xxx" viij"." 
 
 In 1560 a new dial was erected at a cost of 46^. Sd. 
 
 Anno 1586-7. "Paid to H. Osmund for mending y e 
 
 clocke broken w l the fall of y e gret bell dapp 1 
 
 ij" vi d ." 
 Anno 1587, The dial was repaired, gilt, &c., at a cost 
 
 of 3/. 1 3.?. 8< 
 Anno 1596. "Ffor timber and bords for a new clock 
 
 howse x s j d ." 
 
 By an Indenture, dated the 1 5th November, 1673, William 
 Young of the city of Oxford, Locksmith, engaged with 
 George Hatton and Samuel Watlington, Churchwardens 
 of St. Lawrence's, for the sum of 2Os. in hand paid at the 
 ensealing of the deed, and for the further sum of 29/. " to 
 make, work, sett upp, and finish, &c., a ffirme, good, sub- 
 stantiall and Tuneable sett of Chymes (in Peale) to 
 two Tunes, viz. : upon the Tune of the cxlviij th Psalme, and 
 the Teune of the cxiij th Psalme, or any other Two Tunes 
 of which the Churchwardens, &c., shall best approve, the 
 same chymes to strike uppon all the eight bells in the 
 tower, &c., of equall & good notes." And he the said 
 William Young also covenanted to make, &c., "a ffirme 
 good and substantiall Quarterne clock, to strike on the 
 aforesaid eight bells in an orderly manner as a quarterne 
 clock ought to doe." The said William Young covenanted 
 moreover " to putt and sett the clocke now standing in the 
 Tower in good and sufficient order as the same ought to be. 
 The said sum of 29/. to be paid as soone as the said chymes 
 Quarterne clock, and other clock shall be truly and effec- 
 tually made, sett upp, finished, perfected, and amended as 
 aforesaid." 
 
 William Young's bond was returned to him on the I3th 
 April, 1680, when the clock was finally completed. 
 
 In the year 1881, the old clock which had collapsed 
 several years before, was removed to afford increased 
 accommodation in the ringing chamber. It was considered 
 
INVENTORIES. 99 
 
 that from the proximity of the tower to the municipal 
 clock, it was undesirable to provide another, since it would 
 only entail an annual expenditure, which the state of the 
 church funds would hardly justify. 
 
 Jnventories. 
 
 The earliest book of church accounts contains four 
 inventories : 
 
 The first of 1503 is defective ; a part of the inventory of 
 the silver being missing, as well as the altar hangings. 
 The whole has been erased by the compiler of the next 
 inventory of 1517, except the list of "Stained Cloths," 
 which is made to do duty for the latter inventory, where 
 the heading appears, but without the items. The author, 
 however, has appended them. 
 
 The second inventory of 1517 is the most minute in 
 detail, and for this reason is here given in extenso. It is an 
 invaluable repertory of mediaeval ecclesiastical furniture, 
 and will be most interesting to every student of ancient 
 art. The church must have ied with some of our smaller 
 cathedrals in the magnificence of her appointments. 
 
 The inventory of 1523 is less interesting: it omits the 
 names of many of the donors specified in the earlier ones. 
 
 These three have been most carefully collated. The 
 asterisk (*) prefixed indicates that the article appears in 
 the previous inventory of 1503, and the " o" in the subse- 
 quent catalogue of 1523 : the numerals refer to the notes 
 immediately following the inventory, in which every varia- 
 tion is noted. 
 
 The fourth is the inventory of the goods assigned to the 
 separate altars, two leaves of which only remain. It was 
 compiled at the same time as the third inventory, as 
 appears from an item in the expenditure of 1523-4 : 
 
 " It. for makeyng thynventorye of all the church goods, 
 & of all the Implemets belongyng to all the 
 awl?s iij s iiij d ." 
 
 The whole of this has been distributed under the account 
 of the several altars, viz. : " Oil Ladyes Awl?," " Trynyte 
 Awl?," " Saynte Thom a s Awl?," " Saynt John's Awl?," & 
 " the Sepulcre Awl?/' 
 
 H 2 
 
100 INVENTORIES. 
 
 44 Ennbtntorge of all an& singlr gooots of tfje tfymtfy of 
 
 Uaurence in <tU&png, rcnetotfj & mate in tfje tgmt of 
 
 arfote r 5& n 'Fansbne p'curators of tfje 
 , the gere of our Hortj ofc a 
 & tfje fotf) pete of t&e ngne of fcgng ^cnrg tfje 
 
 BMate. 
 
 * " 111 p'mis a Crosse of Sylu & gilt w* mary & John 
 
 vveying Ixxix ounc 8 & a q a rt? of the gifte of Mas? 
 Nicfius More late vicar. 
 
 * " It. a senso r of Sylu pcell gilt w*out a pan weyng 
 
 xxx vnc s iij q a r? of the gift of 
 
 * " It. a nother Senso r of Silu pcell gilt w l an Iron pan 
 
 in hym weying xxx vnc 3 iij q a r? of the gift of 
 " It. a Shipp of Silu weyng ix vnc 8 di of the gifte of 
 " It. a noj? shipp of Silu weying v vnc 8 of the gifte of 
 
 Mays? Cletche. 
 " It. ij Canstick 8 of Silu weyng xl vnc s di of the gifte 
 
 of Richard Cleche. 
 
 " It. ij bokes a gospello r (Ixix vnc 3 ) & a pistello r 
 (Ixv vnc 8 ) the one side coued w* Silu pcell gilt w l 
 Imag 8 vppon the same & the other side w l boces of 
 silu, weyng yn all cxxxiiij vnc 8 of the gifte of M r 
 Richard Smyth yema of the robes w* our souayne 
 lord the kyng. 
 
 " It. ij basons of silu weyng xlviij vnc s & di of the 
 gifte of M r Smythe. 
 
 * " It. a pix of siiu" & gilt w* a Silu pyn wayng xvj 
 
 vnc 8 iij q a r? hangyng yn the Chyrch. 
 
 * " It. a monstre of silu & gilt weyng xxiiij vnc s iij 
 
 q n r? for the sac a ment of the gift of 
 
 ^ O 
 
 " It. a Crismatorye of sylu pcell gilt weyng xxij q n rt 
 
 & di of the gifte 
 " It. a pax of silu pcell gilt weing vj one 8 of the gifte 
 
 of 
 " It. ij Cruetts of silu weing vj vnc 8 di of the gifte 
 
 of 
 
 "It. a bell of silu weing viij vnc 8 of the gift of (i.) 
 " It. a chalice of silu & gilt w l a Crucifix on the fote 
 
 ennamellid & the trynite ennamellyd on the patent 
 
INVENTORIES. IOT 
 
 weyng xxv vnc s . (Opposite this, in the margin, 
 " M r Berd hath hym.") 
 
 * " It. a nother chalice of silu & gilt w* a Crucifix 
 
 graven in the fote & an hand on the patent weyng 
 xviij vnc 8 . 
 
 * " It. a nother chalice of silu & gilt w* a Crucifix enna- 
 
 mellyd on the fote & an hond on the patent weyng 
 xv one 5 iij q a r?. (" Stolen," in the margin, written 
 later than 1523.) 
 
 * " It. a nother chalice of silu & gilt w 1 a Crucifix 
 
 ennamellid on the fote & J? e trynite enamellyd on 
 
 the patent weyng xvij vnc s di. (2.) 
 " It. a nother chalice of silu pcell gilt w* a Crucifix on 
 
 the fote & a v*l nacle ($) on the patent weyng xiiij 
 
 vnc 8 q a r?. 
 " It. a nother chalice of silu pcell gilt w l a Crucifix on 
 
 the fote & a unacle gilt on the patent weyng xiij 
 
 vnc 8 di. 
 " It. a nother chalice of silu pcell gylt weyng xviij vnc s 
 
 di of the gyft of Wil^m Stamford. (4.)" 
 
 IReUques. 
 
 " It. a crosse of silu & gilt w* p tc of the Holy Crosse 
 
 therin weyng vj vnc 8 q a r?. 
 " It. a gredyron of silu & gilt w* a bone of Saynt 
 
 Laurence therin weyng iij q a r? of an vnc of the 
 
 gifte of Thom a s Lynde squyer. 
 " It. a rownde box of Cop & gilt w* diuce reliques 
 
 therin. 
 
 " It. a table closed w l reliques. 
 " It. iiij knoppis of Cop & gilt." 
 
 ->:- o (t j n pi m j s an antipher w l ffull legend of the gifte of 
 
 S r John Andrewe su tyme vicar ther, the ij dc lefe 
 
 begynnyng (Patri ct fiiio). 
 * " It. a nother Antiphoner w l full legend of the gifte of 
 
 S r John Serne su tyme vicar ther the ij de lefe begyn- 
 
 nyng (sacerdos ponat}. 
 " It. a nother Antiphoner the ij de lefe (tuii invocatn 
 
 esi}. 
 
IO2 INVENTORIES. 
 
 * " It. a nother Antiphoner the ij de lefe (terns cora te). 
 
 " It. a nother Antiphoner the ij de lefe (eripe te 
 liberante), 
 
 * " It. a portos not Sar' (Sarum) the ij de lefe (sc'pla 
 
 sunf). 
 
 * " It. a new legend the ij de lefe (lectuli ligneu.) (5.) (6.) 
 
 * " It. a queyre the ij de lefe begynnyng (pastor bone). 
 
 * " It. a legend Sco r chayned by fore the vicars stall 
 the ij de lefe begynnyng (vi de Sea Kai\ind). 
 
 * " It. a Martiloge the ij de lefe af? the Kalendre (dio 
 
 mart). 
 
 * " It. an ordinall the ij do lefe af? the Kalendre (pore 
 
 paschc). 
 
 * " It. a Masse boke the ij de lefe af? the Kalendre (mul- 
 
 titudine asfges). 
 
 ~ x ~ " It. a nother masse boke noted (7.) ij de lefe af? }> e 
 Kalendre (hec sacra). 
 
 * " It. a nother masse boke the ij de lefe af?the Kalendre 
 
 (asperges). 
 
 * " It. a nother masse boke the ij de lefe af? the Kalendre 
 
 (more sanctifices). 
 -- " It. a litel masse boke notid the ij dc lefe af? y 
 
 Kalendre (potes expugnans). 
 '' " It. a nother masse boke notid the ij de lefe af? ]? e 
 
 Kalendre (fratres q'cunq^}. 
 
 * " It. a nother masse boke not Sar' noted the ij de lefe 
 
 (Dnica Prima). 
 " ;: ~ " It. a grayle w* ij claspes of silu the ij de lefe (de Sea 
 
 Maria). 
 "" " It. a nother grayle the ij de lefe (regimine chori}. 
 
 * " It. a nother grayle the ij de lefe (populus Syon). 
 
 * " It. a nother grayle the ij de lefe (Dnica prima 
 
 adventtis). 
 
 * " It a nother grayle the ij dc lefe (non solu iacuit). 
 
 " It. a nother grayle the ij de lefe (kumana tire}. (8.) (9.) 
 "" " It. a manuell the ij e lefe (clericos as$gat). 
 
 * " It. a nother manuell the ij de lefe (tcstatem inimici). 
 
 (10.) 
 
 * " It. a nother manuell the ij dc lefe (. . . culorum A men}. 
 " It. a Savvter & a Colett boke the ij de lefe (quoniam 
 
 non esf). (8.) 
 
 " It. a nother Sawter the ij de lefe (qui confidunt in eo). (8.) 
 " It. ij quaires in prent of the visitacon of our lady the 
 
 ij de lefe begynnyng (decacordo). (8.) 
 
INVENTORIES. 1 03 
 
 " It. a queire of the fest of Cristm n s. (8.) ' 
 
 " " It. a |>cessionall the ij de lefe (Maria eccc}. (8.) 
 
 " It. a nother <pcess' writen of the gifte of Richard Turner 
 
 the ij dc lefe (vros es). (i I.) 
 
 " It. a pcess' of the gifte of Ric' Barnys the ij dc lefe. (i I.) 
 " It. a pcess' the ij de lefe (Sp' Sancti). 
 " It. a new legend prynted the ij de leffe (qui estentib^) 
 
 of the gyft of John Barefote. (i i.) 
 " It. a grale pryntyd of the gyft of Thom n s Whyt (in 2* 
 
 fo. cocede quis). (i I.) 
 " It. a manuell of the gyft of S r John Rychmond (in 2 
 
 fo. c"cem in frote) . ( 1 1 .) 
 
 Bofces of 
 
 " In p'mis a grete boce of vellem bourded for masses of 
 
 the gifte of Wtftm Stannford. 
 " It. a nother boke bourded of paper w l masses & 
 
 antempins (? antipkons) . 
 " It. an old boke bourded w l antempins. 
 " It. a noy^) of vellame bordyd w fc antems & exul- 
 
 tavits. (Note 53.) 
 
 " In p'mis a Cope of panys of cloth of gold, of crymson 
 
 velvet & blew velwett of the gifte of M r Thom a s 
 
 Justice vicar. (12.) 
 " " It. ij Copes of tissue (13) red and grenc of the gifte of 
 
 the j)issh. 
 * " It. a Cope of Blew velwett w* floures imbrowdred of 
 
 the gifte of Thom a s Clarke, Hosier. (14). (C. W. 
 
 in 1443). 
 " " It. a Cope of crymson velwett w* orphrays imbrowdred 
 
 & angels floures imbrowdred of the gifte of M r 
 
 Thom a s Justice vicar. 
 " " It. a Cope of White Damaske tissue w l orfrey of crymy- 
 
 syn tissue of the gifte of Cristian Wilcox. 
 " It. a Cope of White Damask tissue w l orfrey of 
 
 Bawdekyn & rosis of gold of the gifte of Raphe 
 
 White of Okyngh a m. 
 " It. ij Copis of red velwett w l orfrey of grene ve'nvett 
 
 sett w l floures of the gifte of John Euard, fifuller.. 
 
104 INVENTORIES. 
 
 * "It. a Cope of cloth of bawdekyn (15) w l birdis & 
 
 floures of gold of the gifte of John Kent. 
 " It. a Cope of blake velwett w 1 qarterys of the gifte of 
 
 M r Smyth (subsequently erased). 
 " It. a Cope paned w* blew velwett & black & orfrey of 
 
 grene saten a brydges of tJie gift of the x brethern 
 
 embrod*lyd w* the name of Ihc. (The words in 
 
 italics erased, and the remainder in another 
 
 hand.) 
 " It. a Cope paned w* black velwett & plonkett saten 
 
 w* orfrey of grene saten a brydges of the gifte of 
 " It. a Cope of blake saten & blonket s^senet paned w ( 
 
 orfrey of grene saten of brydges. 
 " It.ijCopis of white saten a brydg 8 the orfrey Crymson 
 
 Saten sett w* floures of the gifte of Richard Turner 
 
 & Richard Barnys. 
 " It. ij Copes of satten russet & crane the orfrey red 
 
 damaske & satten of the gifte of Maist r Smyth. 
 " It ij Copes of saten a bryges white & grene 
 
 paned w* orfrey of tawney saten of the gifte of M r 
 
 Smyth. 
 
 * " It. a Cope of Crymson Bawdekyn, the orfray of 
 
 yelow saten. (16.) 
 
 * " It. a Cope red Cloth of Bawdekyn of the gifte of 
 
 Joh a nne Barbo r . 
 
 * " It. a Cope of Black worsted w l branchis & birds 
 
 of red. 
 
 * " It. a Cope of white Silke w* this tre JW Crownyd. 
 
 * " It. a Cope of Blew cloth of Bawdekyn. 
 
 * " It. a Cope of red Silk w l signes of the Son of the 
 
 gifte of Dan RoBt Redyng Monke. 
 
 * " It. a Cope of black worsted for obitts. 
 
 tDestemets. 
 
 " In p'mis A sewte of vestements of Crymson Tissue 
 w* grene orfrey of tyssew of the gifte of Wiftm 
 Wattis. 
 
 c " It. a Sewte of blew velwett w* floures imbrowdred 
 of the gifte of Thom a s Clark, Hosyer. 
 
 " " It. a Sewte of white damaske the orfrey of Bawde- 
 kyn w l roses of gold of the gifte of Water Barton . 
 
" 
 
 INVENTORIES. IO5 
 
 " It. a Sewte of red Cloth of bawdekyn w 1 birds & 
 
 floures of gold of the gifte of John Kent. 
 " It. a Sewte of Red Cloth of Bawdekyn w 1 whyt 
 
 ross s of the gifte of Joh a nne Barbo r . 
 It. a Sewte of Black Velwett w* garters of the gifte 
 of M r Smyth (in a later hand in the margin, " deliud 
 to Jhc aw?.") (17.) 
 
 " It. a Sewte of Black worsted w 4 braunches & birds 
 of red. 
 
 * " It. a Chesible suspended w* ij tunycles of ray silk 
 
 (erased). 
 
 * " It. a Chesible w l a rest & all thappell of blew silk the 
 
 orfrey red velwett w* Irnag 8 & Crownes of gold. (In 
 margin " Delyud to Seynt Thomas Awter.") 
 
 * " It. a Chesible w 1 all thappell of blew silk & roses of 
 
 gold the orfray of the Salutacon of our lady. 
 
 * " It. a Chesible of blew silk w* popyngeays of gold 
 
 w* the appells (" sospended" in margin.) (18.) 
 
 * " It. a Chesible of Crymson Silk w 1 grypes w* narow 
 
 Crosse of white." (In margin " Delyud to Seynt 
 Thomas Awter.") (19.) 
 
 * " It. a Chesible w 1 all thappell of grene & black silk 
 
 myxt w* gold braunches suspendid the orfrey red 
 velwett w 1 t|)C in gold of the gifte of Cristian Mere- 
 h a m. ("Suspendyd.") 
 
 * " It. a Chesible w 1 thappell of red silk suspend w* 
 
 Ires of gold 3J & fc> of the gifte of John Serne. 
 (" Suspendyd" in margin.) 
 
 * " It. a white Chesible w 1 a red Crosse & all appell for 
 
 lent. 
 " It. a Red Chesible w 1 narrow Crosse (20) & all 
 
 appell for good ffriday. (21.) 
 " It. a Chesible of grene bourd Alisaunder w fc thappell 
 
 the orfrey of Crymson silk (22) of the gifte of John 
 
 Ffrank (" to Seynt Thomas Autre.") (23.) 
 
 * "It. a Chesible of Cloth of bawdekyn the orfreyof cloth 
 
 of bawdekyn w* thappell of the gifte of John Derby 
 Alderman of London. (24.) 
 
 " It. a Chesible of grene Damaske the orfray red 
 Silk w 1 an Image of Saynt Laurence of the gifte of 
 Margarett Parker (25) of faryngton. 
 
 * " It. a Chesible of Whit Damaske w 1 braunches of gold 
 
 the orfrey blew velwett w 1 thappell of the gifte of 
 John Thorne Abbott of Redyng. 
 
IO6 INVENTORIES. 
 
 " It. iij vestments (26) w 1 thappell 8 of whit saten a brydg 8 
 
 w* orfrey of grene saten of the gifte of M r Smyth. 
 
 (In a later hand " delyvlyd to iij low autres.") 
 " It. a sewte off Russett Tynsyn w l orffreys off blewe 
 
 Tynsyn. 
 " It. a sewte of purpyll velwett In brodryde w* Antony 
 
 Crossys & bellys. 
 " It. a Cotte (coat) ffor Marmawdlyn* of clothe of gold 
 
 (erased}. (These three last entries in a later hand.} 
 * "It. acrosseforachysybyleof oldredeveluetenbrod s lyd 
 & stars of Cowrs golde. 
 
 " It. an awt cloth of crymsyn veluet & whyt damaske 
 enbrod*lyd w l flo rs of Venes gold. (The two last 
 entries in a smaller and neater hand.)" 
 
 Hwtcr Clotbes* 
 
 " In p'mis an Awter Cloth of panes of cloth of gold & 
 
 velwett imbrowdred w' Arch a ngells & floures of the 
 
 gifte of 
 " It. ij Aw? Clothes of tissue red & grene w* a cou for the 
 
 halpase of the same & ij Curteyns of Sarsenett red & 
 
 grene of the gifte of John Pownsar (erased). 
 " It. ij Awter Clothes of white Damaske w* grene floures 
 
 w* ij Curteyns of white & grene sarsenett of the pissh 
 
 gifte (erased). 
 " It. ij Awter Clothes of velvett blew & blak of the gifte 
 
 of Mast r Smyth. 
 " It. an Awter Cloth of saten blew & yelow paned w* ij i 
 
 Curteyns crymson blew & yelow paned of the gifte of 
 
 M r Smy the (erased) . 
 " It. an Awter Cloth of black velwett & bawdekyn paned 
 
 w 1 an Image of Saynt Laurence of the gifte of M r 
 
 Smythe. 
 " It. an awter cloth of sarsenet orenge colo r & blew w l 
 
 curteyns of the same of the gifte of M r Smyth. 
 " It. an aw? cloth of grene tyssew w 1 ij C r teyns of whyt 
 
 & gren s'ssenet. 
 
 " It. an awter cloth of Damaske blew & red w 1 garters. 
 " It. an awter cloth of blew Sarsenet w 1 a frontell of saten 
 
 a brydg 8 blew & red. (In the margin, " Seynt John's 
 
 au?.") 
 
 * St. Mary Magdalene. 
 
INVENTORIES. 1 07 
 
 " It. an awter cloth of black velwett & bawdekyn w* an 
 Image of Saynt Edua r d (28) and for the nether pte 
 of the same an Awter cloth of Sarsenett orenge colo r 
 & blew paned w 1 curteyns of the same of the gifte of 
 M r Smyth. 
 
 " It. an Awter Cloth of blew & Rede Saten w* an 
 Image of Saynt John & Curteyns of blew taffeta to 
 the same. 
 
 " It. ij Aw? Clothes of Crane colo r velwett & whit 
 Damaske panyd w* floures imbrowdred & ij Curtens 
 of whit & crane colo r silk of the gift of for 
 
 Saynt John Aw?. 
 
 " It. ij Aw? clothes w* thappell of the same for o r 
 Lady aw?. 
 
 " It. ij Aw? clothes of blewsaten a brydg 8 imbrowdred 
 w* floures w'an Image of Saynt Clement for o r Lady 
 Aw? & ij Curteyns of blew taffeta of the gifte of 
 John Turner. (29.) 
 
 " It. an aw? cloth of Crymson & tawney velwett 
 ymbrowdred w 1 ffloures of gold & for the nether 
 pte of the same Crymson saten & cloth of bawdekyn 
 for the Sepulcr Awter (margin " at Sepulcr au?). 
 
 " It. ij aw? cloths w* red cross 8 for lent w 1 C'teyns to 
 the same. 
 
 " In p'mis a quysshon the one side cloth of gold & 
 the ctyT\ syde crane colo r saten of the gifte of M r 
 Smyth. 
 
 (Torpas Cases. 
 
 " It. a quysshon the one side blak velwett & the other 
 
 sy d ray Silk. 
 " " It. a quysshon the one side plonkett saten a 
 
 brydges the other syde of Chalkyd fu.-tian. 
 " It. a smale quysshon the one side velwett & the 
 
 other side red saten. 
 " " It. a nother the one side velwett & the other side 
 
 tawney saten. 
 " It. ij pillows, the one side of them of cloth of gold 
 
 & silu & the other side grene Saten a brydg 8 . 
 " It. ij pillows of blew velwett tissew (added in 
 
 another hand " the other syde gren brydg 8 saten"). 
 
108 INVENTORIES. 
 
 " It. ij colzas casses of cloth of gold pirlyd w 1 fres ot 
 3K. & ^ uppon the same imbrowdred wMiij 01 " knoppis 
 of silu & cor<pas to the same. 
 
 " It. iij pillows of russett ray for weddyngs. (30.) 
 
 " It. iij pillows of blew silk. (31.) 
 
 *"It. a corpas case of tissew (added " d'd to sent 
 Thomas aw?"). 
 
 " It. a nother of red silk w 1 lyons of gold. (32.) 
 
 * " It. a nother of blew silk & whit w f bests of gold. 
 (33-) (The words in italics erased, and appended is 
 " p r poll the grownd w* flo of Russet.") 
 
 " It. a nother w 1 the Salitacon of o r Lady. 
 
 * " It. a nother of red silk w 1 branches of gold w* red 
 
 birds a bout. 
 
 * " It. a nother of whit silk w l a red Crosse of Silk. 
 
 * " It. a nother of cloth of bawdekyn w 1 ij lyons. (34.) 
 
 * " It. a nother of red silk the one sid, & bourd Alis- 
 
 aunder the other side. (35.) 
 
 " It. a nother of blew cheverns of gold with the bake 
 syde Russet satten." (Probably the arms of the 
 donor ' 35 .... chevrons or/) (36.) 
 
 <>rnament0. 
 
 O it 
 
 It. a sepulcre Cloth of right Crymson Satten im- 
 browdered w* Imagerye w fc a frontaill of panys 
 conteyning in length iiij yards of the gifte of M r 
 Richard Smyth w* ij clothes of lawnde for the 
 sepulcre. 
 
 It. a canape of tissue for the Sacrament & a lawnde 
 w* iiij botons wrought w* gold & tassells of gold for 
 the pix. 
 
 It. a Canapye of Crymson velwett imbrowdred w* 
 gold floures & the Holy lombe in the mydle of the 
 pcuryng of M r Smyth & the wifes. 
 
 It. a cloth (37) of ray Silk to bere the crismatory 
 at Est r . (38.) 
 
 palls. 
 
 It. a pall of Black velwett w* garters of the gifte of 
 
 M r Smythe. 
 It. a pall of blew velwett imbrowdred w* floures of 
 
 gold of the gifte of Thomas Clarke hosier. 
 
INVENTORIES. 1 09 
 
 " It. a pall of bourd Alisaunder. (39.) (40.) 
 
 * " It. a pall of whit Silke lyned w fc lynen cloth for 
 
 weddings. (41.) 
 * " It. a pall of bord Alisaunder lyned w fc red boke- 
 
 ram. (42). 
 " It. a Cloth of gotis to ley in the weddyng cheyre. 
 
 (43-) (44-) (45-) 
 
 Bannera. 
 
 " It. a banner for the Crosse of red Sarsenet w* Imag* 
 
 of the trynyte & of o r lady. 
 " It. a nother for the crosse of grene silk. 
 " It. v baners of silk w* the Armys of Englond. (46.) 
 " It. a baner of whit silk w fc a Crosse of red. (47.) 
 " It. a strem^ of silk. 
 
 " It. a strem'l of linen. 
 
 " It. a streni) of linen. 
 
 " It. a dext cloth of Crymson Bawdekyn (erased). 
 " It. ij dext Clothes of Dornex. 
 " It. a knop of gold w l tassells of blew sylke. 
 
 " It. a purse of crymysin cloth of gold pyrled for the 
 osts. (48.) (49-) 
 
 " It. ij great stand 1 " J s w* ij small kandylstyks of laten. 
 
 " It ij sensars of latten. 
 
 " It. ij cross 8 of cop & gylt w* ij staves longeyng to the 
 same. 
 
 " It. a crosse foot of coop and gylt. 
 
 " It. ij pax 8 of coop. 
 
 " It. a fyer pan of yron. 
 
 " It. a crysmatory of coop & gylt. 
 
 (The last eight items have been appended to the original.) 
 
 Hwter Clotbes of 
 
 " It. anAwter cloth of Diap in length v yerds & in 
 
 brede a yerd & di. 
 " It. an awter cloth of diap in length iiij yerds iij q a rt s 
 
 & in brede a yerd & di. 
 " It. an awter cloth of diap in length iiij yerds & di & 
 
 in brede a yerd and di. 
 
 " It. an old awter cloth of Diap in length iij yerds & in 
 brede a yerd. 
 
HO INVENTORIES. 
 
 " It. an old awter cloth of diap in length ij yerd 8 & di 
 
 & in brede a yerd. 
 " It. an Awl? cloth of Canvas in length iij yerds & in 
 
 brede a yerd. 
 " It. an old awl? cloth playne in length iij yerds & in 
 
 brede a yerd. 
 " It. an old awl? cloth of diap in length iiij yerds & in 
 
 brede a yerd, 
 " It. ij old awl? clothes of diap in length a pece ij 
 
 yerds & di & in brede a yerd. 
 " It. an old awl? cloth of diap in length ij yerds & in 
 
 brede a yerd. 
 " It. a diap awl? cloth in length iij yerds q a r? & in 
 
 brede a yerd q a r?. 
 " It. an awl? cloth of fyne Holond of iij yerds in length 
 
 & a yerd in brede. 
 " It. a nother of the same cloth of a yerde iij q a r? long 
 
 & a yerd brode. 
 " It. an awl? cloth of Holond new in length v yerds & 
 
 in brede a yerd. 
 " It. a nother of the same cloth in length iij yerds q a r? 
 
 & in brede a yerd. 
 " It. an awl?r playne in length ij yerds & a q a r? & in 
 
 brede a yerd. 
 " It. a nother of playne in length iiij yerds & in brede 
 
 a yerd di q a r?. 
 " It. a nother of playne in length iiij yerds & in brede 
 
 a yerd. 
 " It. a nother of Holond in length iiij yerds & in brede 
 
 a yerd scante. 
 " It a nother of Holond in length ij yerds & di & in 
 
 brede a yerd. (50.) 
 
 " It. a Towell of fvne Diap in length xj yerds & in 
 
 brede iij q a r? mlkyd w l Jtfl. 
 " It. a nother of diap in length ix yerds & in brede 
 
 q a r? & di q a r? oHkyd w' 2H. 
 " It. a nother of Diap in length ix yerds iij q a r? & in 
 
 brede di yerd & di q a r? w'out mark. 
 " It. a nother of diap in length ix yerds iij q a r? & in 
 
 brede di yerd mlkyd w* p^. 
 
INVENTORIES. Ill 
 
 " It. a nother of Diap in length iij yerds iij q a r? n/lkyd 
 
 w fc a gredyron. 
 " It. a nother of Diap old iiij yerds in di length & in 
 
 brede di yerd & di q a r? rnlkyd w fc $. (51.) 
 " It. a nother of playne in length xij yerds & in brede 
 di yerd mlkyd w* <K. (52.) 
 
 Sta\me& Clotbs. 
 
 (The items are not supplied by this inventory, but are 
 taken from that of 1503, the whole of which has been 
 erased except the following particulars) : 
 
 " Also ij staynyd clothis w* ryddels to ]? e same & a couyng 
 
 for the halpace on the hy awl? stayned w* red 
 
 damaske warke & an ymage of Seynt Laurence in 
 
 the mydd 8 . 
 " It. a cloth staynd w* |? e byrth of o r Lorde for J? c fonte 
 
 and a noyl clo]? for ]> e same of lynny w* panys 
 
 white & blew. 
 " It. an aul? clo]? c staynyd w fc an ymage of o r lady of 
 
 Pyte & ij angels and a noJM w* ]> c sepulcre & ij 
 
 angells for |? c hy awl? in lent. 
 " It. an au? clo]? c of ray silk for the ne|/l parte of the 
 
 hy awter w fc a frontell of styrrs of gold. 
 " It. a no]/] aw? clo}> staynyd w fc an ymage of o r lady 
 
 onely. 
 " It. a nof] au? clo];> c stayned w* o v lady Seynt Gregory 
 
 Pyte & Seynt Anne. 
 " It. a nojfl aw? cloth of ]? e salutacon & of ]? e byr]? c of o r 
 
 lorde. 
 " It. a co/llyjt of blak & grene w fc J$I & rosys white & 
 
 red of the gyft of Alyce Adene. 
 " It. an aw? cloth stayned of thassupcion of o r lady 
 
 seynt Anne & seynt Margaret." 
 
 motes to tbe preccMng 3nventor. 
 
 (i.) The original Inventory of 1523 ends here, but the 
 
 following is appended in a later hand : 
 " It. a stiiding cup of silu & gilt w th a cou of the 
 gift of Mastres hide" " xvj." (? oz.) 
 
112 INVENTORIES. 
 
 " It. a pomandl of silu & gilt of the gifte of 
 
 Mastres White." " ix." 
 " It. a sensure of silu & pcell gilt of the giftc of 
 
 Mastres Barton." 
 
 " It- xviij silver aglotts gilt for the sepulcre." 
 ^2.) " Stolen" is written opposite this in the inventory of 
 
 1523 but in a much later hand. (c. 1547.) 
 (3.) " Vernacle." An engraving of the head of Jesus : so 
 
 called from the " vera icon" or true portrait of 
 
 Jesus, on the napkin of St. Veronica preserved 
 
 at St. Peter's, Rome. 
 
 5 salk mafic ntpne abofoe fcebotlg to GTrfstc 
 to t& fjalfi betnacle bmuus anti noble. 
 
 (Morte Arthur, MS. Lincoln, f. 56.) 
 
 (4.) In the Inv. 1523 is appended 
 
 " It. a chalice of the gifte of Mastres Cambie silu 
 
 6 pcell gilt weyng xij vnc s & j q a ?." 
 (5.) The Inv. of 1503 has inserted here 
 
 " It. ij quayers of the Visitacon of o v lady the 
 ij lefe of Y one begynnyng (Elizabeth humili 
 celi gtia] . 
 {6.) The Inv. of 1523 here inserts 
 
 " It a new legend prynted in the secundo left" 
 
 (quiestentibj). 
 {7) Inv. of 1503 inserts here " in which ben red ]> c 
 
 epystyls." 
 
 (8.) This item inserted in the margin of the 1503 Inv. 
 (9.) Following this entry the Inv. of 1523 has : 
 
 " It. a new grayle in print in the seconde left" 
 
 (concede qiiis)." 
 (10.) The list of service books in the Inv. of 1503 ends 
 
 here. 
 
 (u.) These entries are appended in another hand to the 
 Inv. of 1517, so they must have been added 
 between this date and 1523. 
 
 (12.) The Inv. of 1523, at the head of the list of Copes, 
 has in a later hand " It. a cope of cloth of gold 
 of the gift of M r Ths Justice." He died in 
 1547. See Mr. Justice's Altar. 
 (13.) In Inv. 1523 "iij Copes." 
 (14.) Inv. 1503 adds "and Elizabeth his wife." 
 (15.) Inv. 1503 terms it "a rede cope of cloth of gold," 
 
INVENTORIES. I I 3 
 
 which must be regarded as the interpretation of 
 the term " Bawdekyn" used in 1517. 
 (16.) There were two of these in 1503 for the "rectores 
 chory" i.e., chori. 
 
 In a copy of the Salisbury Processional in York Minster 
 Library, in the particulars of the ceremonies at the Font on 
 the morning of Easter Day, the positions of the " Rectores 
 principales" and the " Rectores secundarii" are indicated 
 by crosses ' potent.' The former stand on either side of the 
 priest on the west side of the font : on the east of it stands 
 the bearer of the office book, facing west : again, to the 
 east, are three boys appointed to sing the Alleluias : to the 
 east of these again are the " Rectores secundarii," who are 
 again distinguished by the same crosses ' potent.' At St. 
 Lawrence's these functionaries appear to have been pro- 
 vided with special stools in the choir, their office being to 
 conduct the responds, anthems, graduals, and other musical 
 portions of the service. It would seem they bore a " Tau" 
 cross in processions. Anno 1510-11. " It. payd for couing 
 & dressyng of the ij stoles for the Rectors xix d ." They 
 are mentioned again in 1530. (See Will of Richard 
 Bedowe] . 
 
 (17.) Invent. 1523 " at E()C awter" in the margin. 
 
 (18.) Inv. of 1503 adds "the orfrey on the bak a narow 
 crose with warks." 
 
 (19.) Inv. of 1503 inserts in a later hand, " delyud to ou r 
 lady mass," but in 1523 it was attached to St. 
 Thomas' Altar, q.v. 
 
 (20.) Inv. 1503, inserts "of warks," and 
 
 pr.) adds," ffests of martyrs." 
 
 (22.) Inv. 1503, "w l warks." 
 
 (23.) Inv. 1503 inserts, "It. a chesyble of grene borde 
 Alysaunder, the orfrey crymsyn sylk w* warks 
 & armys on the back w l all apparell." A pen 
 has been drawn through the whole, but in the 
 margin is written " delyued to 3H)C auter." 
 
 (24.) This John Derby built an aisle or chapel on the 
 
 south side of St. Dionys' Backchurch in London, 
 
 and was buried there about 1466. (Stowe's 
 
 Survey). 
 
 Anno 1498-9. " It. payed for mending of Darbyes 
 
 Vestment iiij d ." St. Law accts. 
 A William Derby was M.P. for Reading anno 
 
 I 
 
114 INVENTORIES. 
 
 5 Ric. II. (1382). In the roll of subscribers 
 
 to the new roofing of the church in 1410 he 
 
 is termed a " Glover." 
 (25.) "Margaret Erode" in Inv. 1503, and "Parker" in 
 
 1523, but obviously copied from this of 1517. 
 (26.) " It. iij Chesabylls'' in Inv. 1523. 
 (27.) The Inv. of 1503 is defective: there is no list of 
 
 altar cloths. 
 
 (28.) " St. Thomas" in Inv. 1523. 
 (29.) "At o r ladys aw?" in margin of Inv. 1523. 
 (30.) There were "iiij" in 1503. 
 (31.) The 1503 Inv. adds "and one of red sylk." 
 (32.) Inv. 1503, "a lyon." Inv. 1523 " lyones." 
 (33.) Inv. 1503 (sic}. 
 (34.) Inv. 1503 adds "regant." 
 
 The next item in this inventory of 1503 (an addition 
 in another hand) is 
 
 " Also a nother corpax cace the one syde of cloth of 
 gold and the other syde of blak velwett w l ires of 
 gold r & % of the gyft of quene Elizabeth by the 
 pcuryng of M r Richard Smyth yoma of the quenys 
 robys w* iiij or knoppis of sylver w 1 a corpas cloth 
 to the same." 
 
 In the " Memorials for a History of Henry VI I./' there 
 is frequent mention of this great benefactor to St. 
 Lawrence's : 
 
 Anno i Hen. VII. 1485. Easter Term. "To Richard 
 Smyth of the Queen's Wardrobe, for black 
 silk of damask and crimson satin bought for the 
 use of the lady the Queen, ill. 5$. 6d." 
 
 20 June, 1486. " Grant to Richard Smyth (' in con- 
 sideracioun of the true and feithfulle service 
 whiche oure welbeloved Richard Smythe 
 Yoman of the Robes withe oure derrist wif the 
 quene hath doone vnto us and during hislif 
 entendeth to doo') of the herbage and pannage 
 of the park of Wiggenok, Warwick, during the 
 minority of Edw d Earl of Warwick to his own 
 proper use without yielding or paying anything 
 therefore to the king. 17 June. P.s. No. 959 
 Pat. p. 4. m. 1 6. 
 
INVENTORIES. I I 5 
 
 Further deliveries from the Great Wardrobe 2 Hen. VII. 
 
 " To Nicholas Pownser, Ralph Newham and their thirteen 
 companions yeomen of the King's Crown for 
 the allowances of their watches ; To Thomas 
 Slythurst yeoman of the King's Chamber for 
 the allowance of his watch ; To John Bigge, 
 Richard Noresse, and their twenty companions 
 pages of the King's Chamber for the allow- 
 ances of their watches ; To William Smythe, 
 Richard Bigge, and their six companions pages 
 of the King's Chamber for the allowances of 
 their watches ; To William Bctell, Hamlet 
 Clegge, Richard Smyth, and their twenty-six 
 companions servants of the Lady Queen 
 Cloth of Russet as a gift from the King for an 
 allowance of their watches. 
 
 (If Betell stand for Bedell, then we have no less than six 
 surnames (in italics) of families residing in St. Lawrence's 
 parish at this time.) 
 
 (35.) Inv. 1503 "ray borde alysad^l." 
 
 (36.) Inv. 1523. "It. a nother of p r poll the grownd w* 
 
 fflors of Russet," and " It. vij corpesses." 
 (37.) Inv. 1523. "A sewdary of Ray silk/' i.e., a sudarium 
 
 or maniple. 
 
 (38.) Inv. 1523. " It. a white canopy for lent." 
 (39.) Inv. 1503 "lyned w l blew bocram." 
 (40.) In Inv. 1523 the "borde Alys a under" is erased, and 
 
 " red sarcnett w* a yelow crosse" substituted. 
 (41.) This is erased in Inv. of 1523, and above it is 
 
 written " It. a litle pawll of bawdkynd w* a 
 
 rede crosse for children." 
 (42.) Inv. 1503 has another entry, "It. ij rydels of whyt 
 
 sylk" (rydels=curtains). 
 (43.) Inv. 1503 adds "Of the gyft of Joh a ne Barbour." 
 
 Its significance is obvious ; but this is quite in 
 
 accordance with the form of espousals in the 
 
 Salisbury use, in which the bride vows to be 
 
 "bonour and buxum in bed, and at bord." 
 (44.) Inv. 1523. "It. a cloth w* gootes to ley in the 
 
 weddyng chare." 
 (45.) To the list of 1523 is appended in a later hand, 
 
 " It. a pawl of blak bockram w* a white crosse." 
 
 I 2 
 
I 1 6 INVENTORIES. 
 
 (46.) " vj banners" in Inv. 1523. 
 
 (47.) "ij" banners in 1523. 
 
 (48.) "pyrleyd for visytacons" 1523. 
 
 (49.) After this is a separate inventory (1523) as follows : 
 
 KANSTYKS OF LATTEN. 
 
 " It. ij greate standards of latten. 
 ' It. ij small Kanstyks of latten. 
 ' It. ij sensures of latten. 
 
 ' It. ij Crosses of copp & gylte w* ij staves to the same. 
 ' It. a Crosse ffoote of Copp & gylte. 
 ' It. ij paxes of Copp. 
 ' It. a Crysmatorye of Copp & gylte. 
 " It. a fyar pan of yron. 
 
 " It. xxvij flatte canstiks & ix peacs of branches." 
 (50.) In the list of 1503 is one "merkyd w l a bochers ax," 
 and another "of the gyfte of Dan John Che- 
 veley" the total number then was " xix." 
 (51.) In the margin of Inv. 1503 is an entry which illus- 
 trates this mark : " It. a tewell of dyap of 
 v 3erds in length of ]? e gyft of Thom a s Phylipps 
 wyfe." 
 
 (52.) The Inv. 1503 has at the end of its list of " Tewells," 
 " It. a no]?*] tewell of pane wark blew & white 
 of ij yerds & d"i." 
 " It. a wasshyng tewell made of cresoms (chrisoms) 
 
 of ij yerds & iij q a rt js." 
 
 (53.) Anno 1531-2. The church books were rebound and 
 repaired. 
 
 " The cost 8 of the Books. 
 
 " Payd for iij buk skynes ij stag skynes, & 
 
 viij shepe skynes . . . xviij* vj d 
 
 ' Payd for xxi rede skynes . . . vij s 
 
 1 Payd for glew ...... xij d 
 
 ' Payd for small threde & pak threde . . ij s ij* 
 ' Payd for a dosyn of parchment skynes . ij s ij d 
 ' Payd for xv vellam skynes x s 
 
 ' Payd to the Joynn^l for bordes to the bokes xx d 
 
 ' Payd to the boke bynder for byndyng of 
 
 the bokes xxiiij" 
 
 " Payd for byndyng the new grayle & 
 
 lymyng thereof ix s x d 
 
CHURCH PLATE. I I / 
 
 "Payd for a buk skyn, a shepe skyn, & 
 
 rede skyne ..... ij 8 viij d 
 
 "Payd for naylls & glew for the Saut s in 
 
 Saynt Johns Ch n uncell . . . iiij 3 j d 
 Sma pagis . . v 11 x s iiij d ob. 
 
 " Payd to ffrere Peter for wryttyng & notyng 
 the new grayle & for the vellam 
 therto ..... . xlvj* viij d 
 
 "Payd for vellam for the great leager . iij u xxiij d 
 
 " Payd for fflorisshyng the same boke w* 
 
 stuff therto belongyng . . . iij 11 ix s j d . 
 
 Cbutcb Pate. 
 
 The church plate before the Reformation must have 
 been very magnificent (see Invent. 1517) : its total weight 
 was 583 oz. ; but by 1523, it amounted to 604 oz. ; besides 
 the additional weight (not stated) of the " standing cup" 
 with its cover presented by Mistress Hide, and eighteen 
 silver shields gilt, for the sepulchre, which must have aug- 
 mented it to at least 700 oz. 
 
 In the accounts for 1538 we have the following : 
 
 " Rec. for plate sold (that is to witt) 
 
 ij Kandlestiks weying xl. unc s & di. 
 a Pax weying six vnc s . 
 
 ij Cruetts weying vj. one 8 & cti and a bell weying 
 viij vnc 8 . 
 
 Sma x u xviij 9 vij d . 
 
 It. for a gilt cup w* a. cover vj 11 xiij 8 vij d . 
 It. for a Crismatorie iij 11 . 
 
 Sma xx 11 xj s xj d ." 
 
 This seems to have been done to discharge some old 
 debts e.g. : 
 
 " Payd to Ric. Dodgeson for detts owyng to hym 
 
 the last yere xl 8 viij d . 
 
 "Payd to IHS Masse for old detts vj 11 xiij 9 iiij d . 
 " Payd to o r Lady Masse that was borowed iijV 
 
 After this we find 32^. %d. in hand added to the next 
 year's receipts. 
 
Il8 CHURCH PLATE. 
 
 There was another sale of church plate anno 36 H. VIII. 
 (1544), as if the Churchwardens John Bell & John Buck- 
 land & the parishioners had some presentiment of the 
 coming spoliation. 
 
 " Rec. for c^ltayn plate sold that is to witt : 
 A bason weying xxiiij one". 
 A senser weying xxx one 8 . 
 A pomander weying iij one 8 di. 
 A shippe weying ix one 3 & di. 
 A Crismatorie weying xxij one 8 q a . 
 The sylu vppon ij bok 8 weying xliiij one". 
 An old Crosse w* nayles & other small pec 8 weying 
 
 iij one 8 qr? at iij s xi ob. the once w ch cuinythe to 
 
 the sm of xxvi 11 xiij d iiij d ob." 
 
 Note. In November 1545 the king received from Parlia- 
 ment a grant of Chantries, &c., with a further power of 
 seizure at any time. 
 
 Another sale took place I Ed. VI. (1547), Edward Butler 
 & John Poyntz being churchwardens. 
 
 " Rec. of Nicholas Bull of London, Goldsmyth for c^ltain 
 plate to hym sold as followith (that is to witt) 
 ij Sensars of silu waying Ixvij one 8 iij q a r?. 
 A Crosse of Silu waying Ixxiij one 3 iij q a r?. 
 A bason of Silu waying xiij one 8 di. 
 A Shipp of Silu waying v one 8 iij qrt 8 which 
 cumyth to c. liij q a rt 8 at iiij s x d the once. 
 
 Sma xxxvj 11 viij s viij' 1 ." 
 " Rec. more of the same Nicholas Bull for a Monstrat 
 
 of Silu & gilt waying xxiij one* & for 
 A Chalice of silu & gilt waying xx one 3 which amountith 
 to xliij one 8 at v s iiij d the once. 
 
 Sma xi 11 ix s iiij d ." 
 
 The churchwardens this year have a balance of 3 1/. i $s. 4^., 
 which was delivered to John Poyntz, the senior C.W. for 
 the coming year, " in the presence of the parish." 
 
 Under the head of " Expenses" the following year, we 
 have 
 
 "Paid & delyud to Bell by the assent of the pisshe 
 towards the pavyngs of the strets xiij 11 vj 8 viij d ." 
 
 The silver barely escaped the clutches of the Royal Com- 
 missioners. The same year we have 
 
CHURCH PLATE. I 1 9 
 
 " Paid for makyng of Inventories for the Church goods 
 to the Comyssion js at ij tymes iij s iiij d ." 
 
 " Paid to M r Bell, Mayor, of that was made of a Chalice 
 for pavyng in the strets liij 3 iiij d ." 
 
 " Paid & delyured to M r Bell, Mayor, by M r Nicholas 
 vppon the ij Chalises by him sold towards the 
 pavyng of the Strets by the assent of the 
 pisshe v 11 ." 
 
 Nicholas Nicholas died 2-3 Ed. VI. (1549-50). His widow 
 "Thomosyn" was charged by the C.W. with a debt of 
 8/. I2s. 6d., which her late husband had received for silver 
 and not refunded. She begged to be allowed *$os., which, 
 she said, her late husband had paid to Sir William Webbe 
 and to Sir Harper (chauntry priests) in part of their wages. 
 
 There seems to have been some doubt as to this payment 
 of 30^. to these chaplains : it is couched in the words 
 "supposed to be paid" in a memorandum of 1549. 
 
 Anno 4-5 Ed. VI. " M d at this accompte it was aggreid 
 that if John Radley wold pay to the Churche 
 at the next accompte xl s he to haue a gen Jail 
 acquitaunce for all matiers conslnyng M r Turner 
 & M r Beard & all other matiers for the payment 
 wherof he pmysed to scale an obligation." 
 
 A Bridal Cup bequeathed to the church in 1534 escaped 
 the Commissioners, and remained intact until 1612. 
 
 St. Michael, 25 Hen. VIII. "At this day it is aggreid 
 that the Gilt Cupp of the gifte of M res Hide 
 alweys to remayne in the custodye of the 
 Mayo r , if the Mayo r dwell in the pisshe. And 
 if the Mayo r dwell out of the pisshe, then to 
 remayne & be in the Custodye of hym that was 
 last Mayo r in the same pisshe, to th'use declared 
 in the will of the seid M res Hide, whiche ordre 
 taken by John Reade at Skynn 1 then Mayo r , 
 M r Barton M r Eiiard M r Turner M r Vansby M r 
 White & dyiice others of the pisshe." 
 
 In another hand follows : 
 
 "M ris Hid dissesed in y 8 yere 1534."* 
 
 * The date is wrong. She died in 1532-3, anno 24 Hen. VIII. 
 
120 , CHURCH PLATE. 
 
 To this the following note was appended in the reign of 
 Elizabeth : the ' hand' corresponds exactly with the entries 
 made in 1564. 
 
 " The said Cuppe was given for the vse to be carried 
 before all brydds that were wedded in S l Lau- 
 rence Church, And nowe is turned to be occupied 
 there at all tymes when nede is to occupie more 
 then one comvnyon cuppe at one tyme, to vse 
 & occupye it y r as a comvnyon cuppe, &c." 
 
 The custom of drinking wine in the church at marriages 
 is enjoined in the Hereford Missal. By the Sarum Missal 
 it is directed that the sops immersed in this wine, as well 
 as the liquor itself, and the cup that contained it, should 
 be blessed by the priest. The form of benediction ran 
 thus : 
 
 " Benedic Domine panem istum et hunc potum, et hoc 
 vasculum sicut benedixisti quinque panes in deserto, et sex 
 hydrias in chanaan Galileae, ut sint sani et sobrii atque 
 immaculati omnes gustantes ex iis," &c. 
 
 The beverage used on this occasion was to be drunk by 
 the bride and bridegroom and the rest of the company." 
 The pieces of cake or wafers immersed in wine on this 
 occasion, properly called 'sops/ were probably identical 
 with the " Bride Pastes" mentioned on p. 49. 
 
 This wedding cup was in existence in 1607, as appears 
 by the Inventory of that date : 
 
 " A fayre cupp with a cover. Whosoeu is mayre in this 
 
 parishe keepeth him." 
 
 1612. " The church Cupes was made newetttfr covers to 
 them boatk in the year of our Lord 1612 by M r 
 Doctor Deneyson and William greene and 
 ffrancis Blacke C.W. contayning 34 ovnces or 
 heare thearabout." 
 
 In the Inventories of 1612 & 1613 these two cups are 
 poised at " xxxiij ovncis, three quarternes, and a half 
 x 11 viij 8 ix d . 
 
 With these were associated " Too pewter potes, a great 
 and a leas. A small dyshe to set on the tabell : too paynted 
 dishes."* 
 
 * At Mardale, Westmoreland, is an old Delft dish with the sacred mono- 
 gram, surrounded by rays, in the centre, formerly used as a paten. 
 
CHURCH PLATE. 121 
 
 In the Inventory' of 1633 we find 
 
 " It. ij comunion Cuppes of silver w tu covers weyinge 
 
 33 oun3es and a haulf. 
 " Item, one silver flaggon weytinge ) of the . ft of 
 
 46oun 3 es. I Richard John- 
 
 " Item, one silver bread plate wey- C son j n j^^ 
 
 inge 9 our^es. 
 Anno 1638. " Memorand. The ChallisCupp of M r Arthur 
 
 Curtis w ch cost 5/. by the addition of more 
 
 money (3/. 14^.) by Richard Curtis, was counted 
 
 & made 2 Cupps weighing 34 ounces ij dwts. 
 
 w ch cost 8/. 14*. 
 " Itm. one flagon silver of y c gift of M r Jo. Sanders 
 
 weighing ounces prise 261." 
 In the accounts for this year is an item of 2s. paid 
 
 for the carriage of the flagon, so that we may 
 
 presume that M r Saunders presented this flagon 
 
 the same year. 
 
 The Inventory of 1648 has 
 
 " Item, two silver Cupps w th covers weighing 33 
 ounces & a halfe (pcell gilt) (the Cups of 
 1612). 
 
 " Item, two other silver cupps w th covers weighing 34 
 ounces 2 dwts. of the gift of M r Arthur Curtis 
 & his sonne Richard Curtis. 
 
 " Item, one silver flaggon of the gift of John Saun- 
 ders Esquire weighing 72 ouncs. 
 
 " Item, one silver flaggon weigh- ~\ 
 
 ing 46 ouncs. ( of M r John- 
 
 i silver bread plate weighing 9 f" son's gift." 
 ouncs and a halfe. J 
 
 3n\>entors of 1772, witb 1Rote$. 
 plate. 
 
 oz. dwt. 
 
 " One large Silver Dish, the gift of M" Barbara 
 
 Foster, weighing 62 o 
 
 This dish has a double ogee-shaped 
 
122 CHURCH PLATE. 
 
 oz. dwt. 
 
 edge with gadroon bordering. On a raised 
 centre is a widow's escutcheon bearing a 
 tower embattled between three buglehorns 
 stringed ; impaling, three bars with three 
 lions' heads erased in chief. Underneath is 
 inscribed " The Gift of Mrs. Barbara Foster 
 to St. Laurences Church in Reading!' The 
 Hall mark is the " r" within the cinquefoil 
 shield of 1752-3. 
 
 " One large D Flagon the gift of John Saun- 
 
 ders, Esq. ..... w*' 72 7 
 
 This beautiful vessel, as we have seen, 
 was presented in 1638-9, and bears the Hall 
 mark for that year. On its front is en- 
 graven a shield, bearing ' Per chevron, 
 three elephants' heads (two and one) erased.' 
 The Saunders of Leicestershire, Oxford- 
 shire, & Warwickshire have ' Per chev. sa. 
 and ar. three elephants' heads erased, two 
 and one, counterchanged.' Underneath is 
 engraven " The guift of John Saunders 
 Esquier once an inliabitant in the pislie of 
 St. Lawrence in Readinge" 
 
 " One smaller Do. Do. the Gift of M r Richard 
 
 Johnson 45 1 8 
 
 This very beautiful flagon is inscribed a 
 little above the centre " Ex Dono Richardi 
 Johnson Martii 25 Ano Dni 1632." It 
 bears the Hall mark of 1631-2. 
 
 "One D Paten (or Bread Plate) the gift of 
 
 M r Richard Johnson . . . . w u 1 1 o 
 
 The following inscription is engraven 
 round the centre, " ^ Ex Dono Richardi 
 Johnson Martij 25 Anno Dni 1632." It 
 bears the Hall mark of that year. 
 
 " Two D Cups and Covers the Gift of Mess rs 
 
 Arthur & Richard Curtis . . . w*' 34 9 
 
 Both these chalices, with their covers, 
 bear the same Hall mark, the curved 
 
CHURCH PLATE. 123 
 
 oz. dwt. 
 
 "\>" of 1637-8. One is inscribed "Ex 
 Dono m ri Arthuri Curtes," and the other 
 " Ex Dono m ri Richardi Curtes." They are 
 interesting and beautiful examples of church 
 plate. 
 
 " One other D Paten (or Bread Plate) Bought 
 
 in 1708 w fc - II 7 
 
 This is very like the earlier one of 1632. 
 An inscription encircles the centre, " Haec 
 Patina ex oblationibus collecta erat Anno 
 Dom. 1708." Round the outer lip are the 
 words, " Panis quern frangimus nonne par- 
 ticipatio corporis Domini est." 
 
 " Two D Dishes (to collect the offerings) one 
 
 bought in 1701, the other in 1735 . w l> 24 4 
 
 Under the bowl of the older one is 
 engraven 
 
 William G rover \ and 
 John Knight j Church Wardens. 
 1701. 
 
 The other bowl is of the same size and 
 pattern. Underneath, it has 
 
 "St. Lawrance, Reading 
 Philip Phelp I Churchwardens 
 John Jacob J I735-" 
 
 It bears the Hall mark for that year. 
 Both have the sacred monogram I.H.S 
 
 in the centre within, surrounded by the 
 words, " Benificentiam & Liberalitatem 
 oblivisci nolite," obviously added about the 
 beginning of the present century. 
 
 "One D Bason and Stand, the Gift of M rs 
 Elizabeth Thorn, 1767, for the use of 
 Baptism w t- 21 8 
 
 The church was broken open March 2, 
 1788, when this bason and stand were 
 stolen. 
 
 " One silver head on a staff, made use of by the 
 
1 24 MONUMENTS. 
 
 oz. dwt. 
 
 Sexton or Beadle, when attending the 
 minister. Bought in the year 1767." 
 Weight not taken 
 
 Total weight . . . . 281 13" 
 
 The head now in use is something like an 
 inverted pear surmounted by a cross. The 
 upper portion is divided into four sections 
 by two bands of beadwork intersecting each 
 other at the cross, and terminating down- 
 wards in a similar band passing round the 
 ball at its greatest circumference. As the 
 Hall mark on the socket is that of 1790-1, 
 the old mace must have been renewed at 
 this time. The present mace weighs 1 1 oz. 
 9 dwts. 
 
 To this must be added a funnel-shaped 
 silver strainer, bearing the initials %H. ?., 
 and the Hall mark of 1730-1. 
 
 flbonumente. 
 
 Destruction of Monumental Brasses, 
 
 There are indications in the old accounts of gross neglect, 
 if not of wanton destruction, of the ancient brass memorials, 
 by the authorities before the Reformation. 
 
 As soon as the plates became detached from their ledgers, 
 they were not replaced, but sold. 
 
 1524. " Rec. for broke mettell of the graves weying ix li 
 
 xviij d ." 
 1558. " R. for xvj 11 waight of grave brasse at j d ob ij s ." 
 
 This is not so clean a sweep as was made at St. Mary's 
 in this town about 1 547 
 
 " Receyvid of John Saunders for iij c wt lacking 
 ix 11 of metall that was taken upp of the graves, 
 and of olde candlestycks at vj s the hundred 
 xlvj s ij d ." 
 
 (St. Mary's C.W. accounts.) 
 
_. Ortc< 
 
 p. 125 
 
\ 
 
 (* <ui 
 
 p. 125 (bottom.) 
 
 . 
 
MONUMENTS. 12$ 
 
 The earliest survey of the monuments in St. Lawrence's 
 was made by Capt. Symonds, an officer in the Royal Army, 
 3rd April, 1664. His " Church Notes" are now in the British 
 Museum. (Harl. MS. 965.) They are specially valuable as 
 indicating the original position of the memorials. His 
 observations will be found in the following pages in con- 
 nection with the monuments to which they relate. He 
 attributes the spoliation of some of the gravestones to 
 the " Roundheads" and " Rebells" who were quartered in 
 the church the year before his visit apparently deriving 
 this information from the clerk. 
 
 A notice of these despoiled memorials will be interesting. 
 The best of them form the pavement of the vestry at the 
 west end of the north aisle. 
 
 The largest stone now lying under the north wall was 
 sprinkled with small scrolls, and indications of eight of 
 them remain. There was a shield at each corner of the 
 slab. At the top is the matrix of what may have been a 
 figure of the B. Virgin and Child, though more probably 
 of St. Catharine, for the depression has a circular project- 
 ing outline towards the feet, as if indicating a wheel standing 
 by the side of the figure (see under Altar of St. JoJm 
 Baptist] . Beneath this were the principal effigies of a man 
 and his wife, each about three feet six inches in length. 
 The lower portion of the slab has been cut off, and with it 
 the feet of the principal figures, together with the inscrip- 
 tion, a few scrolls, and two shields. It was certainly one 
 of the finest brasses in the county. (See Illustration^) 
 These indications assign the memorial to about the year 
 1475. In Ashmole's time it was in the vicinity of St. 
 Thomas' altar. It may have been the memorial of Thomas 
 Clarke, hosier, a great benefactor to the church. He was 
 churchwarden in 1436, 1440-2. Amicia, his mother, died 
 in 1442. 
 
 He and his wife Elizabeth presented a cope of blue 
 velvet with a chasuble, two tunacles, and apparels, besides 
 a pall of the same work. The chasuble, or " Vestment," 
 is described as of blue velvet, embroidered with flowers. 
 The pall was also embroidered with flowers of gold. 
 
 Another large slab has the matrix of a fine bracket brass 
 very similar to the memorial of John Bloxham and John 
 Whitton, at Merton College, Oxford, but without canopies. 
 The matrix is in excellent preservation, and has a sharp 
 
126 MONUMENTS. 
 
 well-defined margin. A slender stem rising from a gra- 
 duated base resting on the inscription plate supports a 
 cross bracket, on which stand the effigies of a man and his 
 wife, with a son and two daughters between them. Above 
 the children, and on a level with the upper portion of the 
 adult figures, is a shield. A narrow horizontal inscription 
 label, nearly as wide as the bracket, runs across the head 
 of the memorial. The outlines of the figures are very 
 similar to those of brasses at Bramley, Hants (1452), and 
 Taplow, Bucks (1455). (See Illustration?) 
 
 Another stone lying near the west door of the north 
 aisle in the vestry has a much worn impression of a bracket 
 brass, almost a fac-simile of the last, but with only two 
 adult figures. 
 
 Another stone adjoining the last, and very much worn, 
 has indications of a brass consisting of the effigies of a man 
 and his wife standing on an inscription plate, c. 1512. The 
 figures are slightly turned towards each other. The man 
 was habited in the long civilian's cassock, with the large 
 sleeves of the period. The hair was straight and long, 
 reaching to the shoulders. 
 
 A stone lying under the vestry screen has the much worn 
 matrices of two shrouded figures about two feet in length. 
 Their winding-sheets have been gathered and tied at the 
 head and feet. The figures are slightly turned towards 
 each other, and their emaciated forms were visible through 
 an opening in the shroud as usual. It was placed in the 
 church about the year 1500. 
 
 Close by the south wall of the tower is a despoiled 
 memorial of a very interesting character. The brass plates 
 have perished long ago ; the very matrices are completely 
 trodden out; the glistening rivets alone remain to tell the 
 story. The upper portion of the stone has been occupied 
 by an inscription plate beneath two whole-length figures. 
 In the centre of the slab are three rivets, one of which 
 forms the apex of a triangle, the other two being in base. 
 This location of rivets is distinct from the rest of the plan, 
 and suggests a subject of special character. If the plate 
 indicated had been a shield, the rivets would have been 
 reversed ; the single rivet would have been in base near the 
 point of the shield, and the other two in chief. A plate in 
 
MONUMENTS. I2/ 
 
 the form of a bell would fully comply with the rivet scheme, 
 and identify this slab as the memorial of Henry Kelsall, 
 who gave " The Bell of Jesus" in 1493. Kelsall was buried 
 on the north side of the Altar of Jesus, and the spot was 
 occupied after the Reformation by children. How long 
 they sat there, there is no evidence to show, but probably 
 quite long enough to account for the very worn condition of 
 the stone. 
 
 The gift of the bell, too, would seem to have had a special 
 commemoration at the bottom of the slab, by an inscription 
 ribbon of brass fastened by a single line of rivets, and sup- 
 porting a slender cross beneath the suggested bell. It was 
 very customary in the Middle Ages to represent on the 
 tombs of benefactors the particular object presented by 
 them to the church : thus, the tomb of Amboise, the founder 
 of the great bell of Amiens Cathedral, bears the figure of 
 the bell: a brass at Broxbourne, Herts, 1531, represents 
 John Borrell in armour holding a very ornate candlestick in 
 his right hand, indicating his gift to the sanctuary. Founders 
 of churches in the same way are often represented with a 
 diminutive figure of a church in their hands : at North 
 Creak, Norfolk, it is placed on the right arm of the 
 effigy. 
 
 When Symonds made his "Church Notes" in 1642, a tomb 
 was remaining which he was informed was Kelsall's, but 
 tradition has long since ceased to point out his memorial, 
 and the unfortunate removal of the monument from its 
 ancient site has rendered its absolute identification less 
 certain. Still the evidence adduced is almost conclusive. 
 Symonds writes 
 
 " Another flat stone in y e north yle of the church neare 
 the chancel fairely inlayed w th brasse, the picture of 
 a man w th a priest & beades by his side & a woman : 
 the inscription w ch was under them was stolne by 
 the Rebells of London about May, 1643. 
 
 " A picture of a man and these verses are on y e west side 
 of this stone still : 
 
 3Jf)u gat in 23etf)elem foas tame 
 
 bs pat foe be not forlorne 
 gat foe mag fjatte frg'cton 
 prag gou at fjig fcitft passion 
 
128 MONUMENTS. 
 
 for mangs redemption 
 bring or sofole to eternal saluac'on 
 t|)B celestiall teite 
 for us sap a paf) noster Sr an gibe. 
 
 For Kimsall 
 
 4 y stolne who gave the great 
 
 bell saith the 
 
 clerke. 
 
 There is another fine marble slab under the north arch 
 of the tower showing the matrix of a man and his wife with 
 an inscription at their feet, c. 1510. In 1741 this stone was 
 converted into a memorial for Thomas Awberry. 
 
 J6pitapb0 anfc flDonumente. 
 
 From Rev. C. Coates' " History of Reading." With Notes 
 by the Author. 
 
 Within the rails of the altar, on a flat stone, is this 
 inscription : 
 
 "S. H. S. 
 Beatam anhelantes resuscitationem in vitam 
 
 aeternam, obdormiscunt 
 
 Franciscus Hungerford M.D. et Elizabetha 
 
 uxor ejus, in agro Wilt utrique nati 
 
 ex qua suscepit ille septem filios 
 
 et quinque filias quorum decem supervixerunt 
 
 illi, parsque totius numeri dimidiata 
 
 quam proxime hie sepulta jacet. 
 
 Connubii inter eos vinculum, obstructum fuit 
 
 anno decollations Caroli Primi 
 
 regis optimi et martyris : 
 dissolutum ; primo, uxoris interitum 1696 : 
 annoque sequent}, mors, ilium, meridie noctis 
 Integra, solute dormientem, in medela artem 
 quasi pertimescens, inopinanter, arripuit. 
 Edwardus films eorum unice superstes et heres 
 pietatis ct amoris ergo hoc maerens posuit. 
 
 rille~| 1702 Toctogesimo currente. 
 
 Ob.-| >- anno setatis suse < 
 
 ( ilia J ( sexigesimo sexto." 
 
MONUMENTS. 129 
 
 (Arms corrected from Burke 'Sa. two bars 
 arg*, in chief, three plates, impaling three lions 
 passant guardant. Crest : Out of a ducal coronet 
 or, a pepper garb of the first between two sickles 
 erect, ppr.' 
 
 The Wiltshire branch bore the same arms as 
 the Hungerfords of Farleigh Castle, co. Somerset, 
 where numerous ancient monuments of the family 
 remain in the castle chapel.) 
 
 On a flat stone : 
 
 " Spe resurgendi 
 
 Hie prope depositi sunt cineres Edwardi Dalby 
 
 Ar. qui obiit 30 Martii anno Dhi 1672, 
 
 setatis 56. 
 
 Et Franciscan uxoris eius, filiae superstitis et herdis 
 Caroli Holloway, ar. servientis ad legem : 
 Haec obiit 17 Augusti anno Dm 1717, 
 setatis 90. 
 
 " Et Elizabetha filiae eorundem, qua obiit 
 8 Februarii, anno Dni 1686, setatis 23," 
 
 Arms : Barry wavy of six, Or, and Gules, im- 
 paling a fess between three fleurs de lys : in a 
 canton dexter five ermines. 
 
 Crest : A demi griffin segreant. 
 
 (This stone is now in the churchyard and forms 
 a cover to the passage to the heating apparatus. 
 It is a fine stone and in excellent preservation. 
 
 The pedigree of Dalby, of Reading, is given by Ashmole 
 in his " Visitation of Berks.") 
 
 On a flat stone 
 
 "JOHANNES HUNGERFORD 
 
 de Blackland in Comitatu 
 
 Wilts, hie jacet sepultus. Obiit 
 
 xxviij die Maii, anno 
 
 CIDIOCLXXVIIJ." [1678.] 
 
 (The arms are those of the Hungerfords of 
 
 K 
 
I3O MONUMENTS. 
 
 Heytesbury 'per pale indented gu. and vert, a 
 chevron or,' impaling 'party per fesse indented, 
 a chevron.' This memorial now lies in the S.E. 
 corner of St. John's Chapel.) 
 
 On a flat stone : 
 
 "John Nichols, D.D. 
 
 vicar of this parish 
 
 died June 25, 1788 
 
 aged 65 years." 
 
 (This stone now forms a portion of the upper 
 step into St. John's Chapel.) 
 
 On a flat stone : 
 
 " M rs Ann Harward dy'd February 
 the 27 th , 17 , aged 69." 
 
 (Missing in 1883.) 
 
 On a black marble gravestone on the north side of the 
 altar : 
 
 " M.S. 
 
 Carolus Morus 
 
 publicus auctoritate regia notarius 
 supremae curiae admiralitatis Angliae 
 
 pro-registrarius, honestissimus 
 
 vir charitate insignis, et amico fidus 
 
 sub hoc marmore, spe resurgendi 
 
 sepultus jacet. 
 
 Vitam hanc caducam, secundo die mensis 
 
 Octobris, anno salutis restauratae 1673 
 
 pro beatiori in ccelis mutavit." 
 
 Arms A chevron between three heathcocks. 
 Crest A blackamoor's head. 
 
 (Probably buried beneath the new altar pace.) 
 
 On a flat stone : 
 
 "Here lieth the Body of Richard Curtis Esq. 
 
 who departed this life August 3O th 1731 
 
 aged 56 years. 
 
MONUMENTS. I 3 I 
 
 Also of Elizabeth his wife 
 who died September the 22, 1769, aged 93 years." 
 
 (This monument is missing.) 
 
 On a flat stone : 
 
 " In memory of M r William Watlington 
 who died Oct. 3, 1776, aged 52 years. 
 
 Also in memory of 
 
 M rs Catharine Watlington, 
 
 who died Sept. I, 1779, 
 
 aged 51 years." 
 
 (Now missing.) 
 
 On a black stone : 
 
 " In memory of M r Abraham Watlington sen r 
 late Alderman of this Borough, who died 
 
 Nov. 13, 1766, aged 69 years. 
 Also Elizabeth his wife died June 8, 1768, 
 
 aged 84." 
 
 "And Hannah, their grand-daughter, died July 10, 
 1768, aged eight months and ten days." 
 
 " Also of M r Abraham Watlington jun r , son of the above, 
 who died Dec. the loth, 1773, aged 51 years." 
 
 (Now missing.) 
 
 On a slab beneath a recess which formerly contained an 
 urn on the N. side of the Altar : 
 
 " Jeremiah Nicholson D.D. 
 rector of Kiddington, Oxon, 
 
 and vicar of this parish 
 died July 18, 1771, aged 47 years." 
 
 On a white marble tablet : 
 
 " Near this place 
 lie the remains of 
 
 the Rev. M r Philip Whitehead A.M. 
 vicar of Basildon 
 
 in this county 
 
 and formerly many years 
 
 curate of this parish 
 
 K 2 
 
132 MONUMENTS. 
 
 who departed this painful life 
 
 June 2, 1767 
 
 in humble hopes of a joyful 
 resurrection at the last day." 
 
 (On the north wall within the vestry.) 
 
 On a mural monument : 
 
 ""\KDER THY FEETE READER 
 SLEEP TE REMAINES OF 
 RICHARD FYNNMORE HIS 
 FATHER 8 BENIAMIN & HIS 
 
 BROTHER 8 JOSEPH WHO COM 
 ING FROM OXON TO TE BV 
 RIALL OF A FRIEND FOVND *RE 
 HIS OWN 6 GRAVE & SO MINGLED 
 DVST WITH HIS ANCESTORS 
 FEE* 6 TE YEARE OF CHRIST 
 1664 & OF HIS AGE 40. 
 O1\E SON t LEFT AND I.F. A 
 MOVRKEFVLL WIDDOW WHO 
 PLACED THIS TO HIS MEMORY." 
 
 (The slab, of blue slate with gilt letters, is broken 
 into five pieces, and now lies on the step under 
 the screen at the entrance into St. John's Chapel. 
 Wylliam Ffynmore was C.W. in 1565-6. He 
 gave 5 s towards the recasting of Kelsall in 1567. 
 Humphry Ffynmore, probably his son, was C.W. 
 in 1604. In his accounts for 1605 he writes : 
 
 " Rec.of my brother Willyam Ffynmore executor 
 to my mother Anne Ffynmore I2 d " for tolling 
 his mother's knell. 
 
 William Fynnmore was elected to a scholarship 
 at St. John's, Cambridge, from Reading Grammar 
 School, in 1578. He was B.A. in 1583, and after- 
 wards Bachelor of Law.) 
 
 On a veined marble tablet : 
 
 "Edward Hungerford, Esq., 
 
 Lyes interred in the grave of his father D r Francis 
 Hungerford, near this place. Ob. 6 Feb. 1732 at 70. 
 
MONUMENTS. 133 
 
 By whose will (which was proved in the Prerogative 
 Court) two hundred pounds were given to the maior, 
 aldermen, and burgesses of Reading, and since paid 
 to them by his executors, M r Thomas Blagrave, and 
 M r Robert Deane, in trust, that the interest thereof 
 should for ever be paid to the vicar of this parish 
 half-yearly, so long as he or his substitute shall 
 daily, between the hours of two and seven in the 
 afternoon, read in the church the Common Prayer 
 and Evening Service according to the Liturgy of the 
 Church of England." 
 
 (This slab has been inserted above the arches in 
 the south wall of St. John's Chapel.) 
 
 ST. JOHN S CHANCEL. 
 
 On a monument of white and Sienna marble : 
 
 " To the memory of 
 
 Lieut. Col. M rs Mary Case 
 
 Cha. Marsh died Sep. 9, 1/73, 
 
 Died June I, 1748 aged 61. 
 
 aged 38. Samuel Case Esq. 
 
 M rS Alice Marsh died March 10 1778, 
 
 died Nov. 9, 1781, aged 66. 
 aged 70. 
 
 Arms : Quarterly Arg* & gu : in the first quarter 
 
 a horse's head. 
 Crest A horse's head issuing out of a mural 
 
 crown. 
 
 (The uppermost monument in the S.E. corner.) 
 
 On a white marble tablet : 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of 
 
 The rev. John Spicer M.A. 
 
 rector of Tidmarsh and Sulham, 
 
 prebendary of Salisbury, 
 and for many years master of the 
 free grammar school 
 in this his native town. 
 
134 MONUMENTS. 
 
 His genius, learning, friendship, 
 charity and genuine patriotism 
 render his death which happened on Nov. 27, 
 in the /2nd year of his age, 
 a public and private loss." 
 
 (Now on the north wall in the vestry.) 
 
 On a brass plate in a gravestone, on which is the figure 
 of a man in a own : 
 
 r tins Jfl'ble stone Itet& Skater barton gent 
 fcesesfo ge 
 
 XF tag of &prgll in tfje pere of out lortr otr J^F'mbuf on 
 all ODrgsten joules 3j&u f^aue Jtflercg 
 
 Celeste qutia : btta quf tJtixerat tsta : bermfc? ecce states : ta 
 re<j'esdt Ijumo. 
 
 This monument is perhaps the most interesting memorial 
 in the county. Two years ago it lay on its ledger in front 
 of the altar, having been removed here from St. John's 
 chancel in 1848. From the number of small perforations 
 in the lines of the engraving, the author supposed it to be 
 a ( palimpsest' or ' rescript,' and having obtained per- 
 mission to remove it, his surmisings were verified. On 
 the reverse the plates exhibit portions of the effigy of Sir 
 John Popham, Kt., with the whole of his monumental 
 inscription. 
 
 The plates have been recently enclosed or bordered in, 
 frames of brass, mounted on strong hinges, and attached to 
 slabs of red freestone, which have been inserted in the north 
 pier of the chancel arch. 
 
 The cost of this work was chiefly borne by the members 
 of the Popham family of Littlecote, near Hungerford, whose 
 kind co-operation and assistance in this restoration the 
 author desires thankfully to acknowledge. 
 
 From the will of Walter Barton, printed in this volume, 
 much may be learnt of his family and status (see Index). 
 The following notices are from the church accounts : 
 
 1518. " It. of the gifte of M r Barton toward the making 
 of the vestr' xl s ." 
 
p . 134, 
 
p. 134. 
 
MONUMENTS. 135 
 
 1518' " It. paid for xxq rfc of lime viij d a qr to M r Barton 
 
 xiij s iiij d ." 
 1519. "It. of M r Barton toward the repacon of the 
 
 quere vj s viij d ." 
 1523. Inventory "It. a sensure of silu and pcell gilt 
 
 of the gift of Mastres Barton." 
 (She died in 1545.) 
 1542-3. " Payd for lynyng for the ij tynacles that M r 
 
 Barton dyd give ij s ." 
 
 In 1578 a Mr. Barton and Mr. Walter Bureton 
 or Buryngton, both "living in the contrye," probably 
 at Streatley, gave xij d each towards the recasting of 
 " Kelsall." ' 
 
 Walter Barton's landed property at Streatley was in- 
 herited by the Buriton family. Mr. Haines in his list of 
 monumental brasses (ii. 16 1861) gives the following as 
 remaining in Streatley Church at that time : 
 
 " i. Griffin, son of Thorn. & Eliz. Clarke, 1583. 
 
 2. Margt. wife of Wm. Buryngton, gent, 1570 effigy 
 
 covered by a pew in chancel. 
 
 3. Thomas Clarke, gent, 1600, and wife Elix. a dau. 
 
 & coh. of GriffitJi Barton Esq. (named in Walter 
 B.'s will}, 1598, with 4 chil, Griffeth, Agnes, Eliz. 
 & Margt., in the chancel. 
 
 4. Thomas Buriton Esq. (son & heir of Wm. 3rd son 
 
 of Thomas Buriton, of Hereford, Esq.) 1603, & 
 wife Joan (Wier) by whom he had 6 sons (then 
 dec.) and 1 1 daus, partly covered by a pew." 
 
 The church has been restored since 1861, and some of 
 these are now missing. 
 
 Sir John Popham was buried (according to John Stowe's 
 " Survey of London," p. 478 b edit. 1633) in the cloisters of 
 the Charterhouse, London, where was a monument to 
 his memory. How comes it, then, at St. Lawrence's ? 
 The Charterhouse was dissolved in 1536-7, when the 
 monuments, &c., were sold, Sir John Popham's brass among 
 the rest. It must have been purchased by an engraver, 
 who in the following year received an order for a memorial 
 for Walter Barton. 
 
 The artist fortunately took as much of Popham's brass 
 as suited his purpose, selecting the inscription-plate for 
 Walter Barton's epitaph. 
 
MONUMENTS. 
 
 Barton's effigy is formed of two pieces of Sir John's brass, 
 one containing part of the feet of the knight reposing on a 
 lion, and the other, the arms of Popham impaling Zouch. 
 
 " This impalement of Popham (viz : arg 1 , on a chief 
 gules, two stags' heads cabossed or) with Zouch 
 (viz : gules, a chevron arg* between 10 bezants, 6 in 
 chief and 4 in base), is described by Bysshe and 
 Ashmole in their Berks Visitation of 1666 as being 
 painted with others in the upper windows of the hall 
 at Aldermaston House, which belonged to the 
 Forster family." 
 
 (Edw d Bellasis, Esq., ' Bluemantle,') 
 College of Arms, London. 
 
 The old ledger on which Barton's brass was laid, was 
 undoubtedly the very slab which covered the body of Sir 
 John Popham. In adapting it for a second memorial, the 
 old matrices were chiselled out and the stone rubbed down, 
 but the bottoms of most of the rivet-holes containing the 
 leaded rivets remain, indicating the bearings of the original. 
 The principal figure stood beneath a canopy. The knight 
 was habited in a tabard of arms, and the fragment taken 
 from the left-hand side of the figure exhibits the fourth 
 and part of the third quarterings with the hilt of the con- 
 tiguous sword. The tail of the lion passed under the foot 
 of the knight and terminated in a graceful curve by the 
 side of the sword. The sollerets, exhibiting seven laminae, 
 are finely pointed. 
 
 The slab is of Purbeck marble. 
 
 Sir John Popham's epitaph, on the reverse of Walter 
 Barton's, is as follows : 
 
 " fit iaret |ujjcs D0pfeant fiitos qR& a m ims to IttWji in 
 
 Ijformanltta fr Mis 
 to CjartoM to w at to gdbpgtmi & Jpbi in 
 
 pi abut niij 
 Me Pns' Drills glnua gut pita &C& \xajf 
 
 aft 
 
 Besides this accidental association of the name of Popham 
 with St. Lawrence's, there is an entry in the old accounts 
 which points to a closer connection : 
 
MONUMENTS. 137 
 
 Anno 1498. " Itm. payed for mendyng of Poppams 
 Vestment ij d ." ' 
 
 The " vestment" or chasuble seems to indicate some mass 
 of requiem performed here for some member of the family, 
 and, as it required mending in 1498, it was presumably of 
 considerable age at that time : indeed it may have been 
 given by this very Sir John or his executors for his com- 
 memoration. 
 
 There is a picture of Sir John Popham on horseback in 
 the vestry, presented by Rev. Sir W. H. Cope, Bart., of 
 Bramshill, a copy of an illumination in a MS. in the British 
 Museum. Here the knight is represented in a tabard of 
 arms, with horse trappings similarly emblazoned. His 
 sollerets appear precisely as on the brass, but the arms have 
 the addition of a bezant between the bucks' heads. Might 
 this have been added while Treasurer to the King's House- 
 hold ? 
 
 The Pophams have been seated in the south of England 
 from a very remote period. 
 
 GILBERT POPHAM, of Popham, in Hampshire, living in 
 the time of King John, espoused Joan, dau. and heiress of 
 Robert Clarke (a feoffee in trust for the manor of Popham, 
 as appears by charter of the Empress Maud), and had a 
 son and successor, 
 
 ROBERT POPHAM of Popham who had two sons 
 I. John ; 2. Hugh. 
 
 JOHN, who succeeded his father at Popham, was great- 
 grandfather of 
 
 SIR JOHN POPHAM, who died 16 Ric. II., leaving by 
 Sybil his wife, dau. and heiress of Sir Lawrence St. Martin, 
 two sons, John (Sir) and Henry. 
 
 This SIR JOHN POPHAM was constable and governor 
 of Southampton, and of Touraine and Bayonne in France 
 in the time of Henry V., and according to his epitaph, 
 " lord of Turney in Normandy." He was made Treasurer 
 of the Household in the succeeding reign. 
 
 John Stowe, in his account of St. Sepulchre's in the 
 Bayly, writes " One of the Popham e s (undoubtedly this 
 Sir John) was a great builder there : viz. of one faire Chap- 
 pell on the south side of the Quire as appeareth by his 
 Armes and other Monuments in the glasse windowes 
 thereof, and also the faire Porch of the same church towards 
 the south : his Image faire graven in stone was fixed over 
 
138 MONUMENTS. 
 
 the said porch, but defaced and beaten downe : his titles 
 were these by offices : Chancellour of Normandy, Captaine 
 of Vernoyle, Perche, Susan, and Bayon, and Treasurer of 
 the King's Household. He dyed rich, leaving great treasure 
 of strange coynes, and was buried in the Charter house 
 Church by West Smithfield. The first Nobilitating of 
 these Pophames was by Matilda the Empresse, daughter to 
 Henry the first, and by Henry her son : one Popham a 
 gentleman of very faire lands in Southamptonshire dyed 
 without issue male, about Henry the sixth, and leaving foure 
 daughters, they were married to Fostar, Barentine, Wod- 
 ham, and Hamden. Popham Deane (distant three miles 
 from Clarendon) was sometime the chief Lordship or 
 Mannour house of those Popham e s." 
 
 HENRY POPHAM, brother of this Sir John Popham, died 
 17 Hen. VI., leaving by Joan, his wife, a son, 
 
 SIR STEPHEN POPHAM, who married Margaret, daughter 
 and heiress of Nicholas Read, of Somersetshire, and had 
 four daughters, his coheirs (spoken of by Stowe), viz : 
 
 (i.) Margery, married Thomas Hampden, Esq. 
 
 (2.) Eleanor, married to John Barentine, Esq. 
 
 (3.) Elizabeth, married to John Wadham, Esq. 
 
 (4.) Alice, married to Humphrey Forster, Esq., which 
 accounts for the arms of the Pophams at Alder- 
 maston House, the seat of the Forsters. 
 
 The Pophams of Littlecote are descended from Sir 
 Hugh, second son of Robert, the son of Gilbert, at the head 
 of this pedigree. 
 
 According to Capt. Symonds, this monument in 1644 
 was contiguous to that of John, Rector of Erley, and John 
 Cerne, Vicar of St. Lawrence. 
 
 On a brass plate in a gravestone, where was the figure 
 of a man, is this inscription : 
 
 Igeti) tfje iMtog of 3J^$2 3|^J2<^, late 
 of ifteafctng, mercer, fo&o ijabing Ubetf 50 years left tfjt's 
 eartfjlg tabernacle. 
 
 e foas a lobcr of tije <ospell, anfc a goott fcenefactour to 
 tfie cfnirrf) antf poore of this parisD. but 24 Jttartfi, 
 anno Bom. 1614. 
 
MONUMENTS. 139 
 
 of 3fo|w Jn's son, toijo, Itbt'ng fibc gcarcs, fceceaseli tfce 
 2* &ag of 3wu> &.B. 1614. 
 
 blossoms young be tieatft's means untimely fall from tree, 
 GOTJ eacfy man's nature's course ttotf) cbcrmore ttetree. 
 
 (The whole of this monument has disappeared since 1802. 
 Vide " Views of Reading Abbey.") 
 
 On a marble gravestone : 
 
 " ANTON ius MASONUS DE MARGARETA 
 conjuge sua charissima 
 quse obiit Martii 6 
 1630. 
 
 Here, and in Heaven, rest my blessed wife 
 
 Who was the crowne and comfort of my lyfe, 
 
 In grace by grace to glory let me follow 
 
 My spouse, Thy saint O Thou whose name I hallow." 
 
 Arms A lion rampant, impaling paly of six ; over 
 all a bend dexter. 
 
 (Missing.) 
 
 On various flat stones are the following inscriptions : 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Mary Deane, widow of John 
 Deane Esq., late of Mattingley, in com. Southton. 
 Obiit 5 Mar. anno Dom 1706, aetatis suae 81." 
 
 " Here lie the bodies of John and Richard Wilder late 
 of this parish 1/27." 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Richard Wilder, coach harness 
 maker, Citizen of London, and Freeman, late of the 
 parish of St. James, in the liberty of Westminster, 
 who departed this life the I7th day of December, 
 1735, aged 47 years. Also John Wilder and De- 
 borah, his father and mother. 
 
 " Also to the memory of William Wilder, who died 
 Dec. n, 1731." 
 
 " Here lyeth the body of Robert Blake, gent, twice 
 mayor of this borough, who departed this life March 
 26, 1727, aged 95. 
 
 <: Here also lie the bodies of Ann and Mary, daughters 
 
I4O MONUMENTS. 
 
 of the said Robert and Mary his wife, who departed 
 this life Sept. 21, 1732, aged 24. 
 
 " Here also lieth the body of Mary, the wife of the 
 aforesaid Mr. Robert Blake, who departed this life 
 the 25th day of June A.D. 1734, aged 65 years." 
 
 IN THE VESTRY. 
 On a black gravestone : 
 
 " Anne Watts 
 aged 9 years 
 died the 24th day 
 of October 1723. 
 
 Also 
 Elizabeth Watts 
 
 wife of 
 
 John Watts, who died 
 
 Sept. 25, 1732, in the 6oth 
 
 year of her age. 
 
 Also 
 
 Eliz. Collis her daughter 
 
 ob. Oct 15, 1738 
 
 aet. 41. 
 
 Also 
 
 the body of the abovesaid 
 John Watts 
 late of this 
 
 parish esq, who departed 
 
 this life May 2, 1750, 
 
 aged 78 years." 
 
 THE CHANCEL. 
 
 " In Ashmole's time there was ' a fair grey marble tomb' 
 raised in the chancel, whereon in brass plates were the 
 figures of a man in a gown, and his wife, in the habit of the 
 time, with the following inscription : 
 
 tfje botyies of <2B&foartJ Sutler late of Bea&gng gent, 
 aniJ of gttice iris 
 
n 
 
 LJ 
 
 p. 140. 
 
 - E CriMlltfi .-.'i Rsiinj 
 
MONUMENTS. 141' 
 
 fogfe, fofjtri) (JBtJfoaro foas fgbe tgmes Jtflaior of tfjis 
 
 antf &ge& tf)e btf trage 
 of ^julge 1584. anU tfjc sagefc &Iice ttgetf tije xbiif of 
 
 1583. beging either of 
 tfjtm att tfjere sagetJ licat^es t^rescorc $f tfoelbc gercs 
 
 anti tabgng Igbtti 42 
 gtres margtti together, an& Ubgng i^gntr t^ern tftret onlgc 
 
 , antt (JBIg?abtt^ margetr, an& Sabgtng issue 
 as folloiotti) : 
 
 &lfo, matrttU to OTflltam 23uttett, tsq. 
 
 Under this name was the figure of a woman standing 
 holding up her hands in a praying posture, and under 
 her, three sons and four daughters in the like postures. 
 
 JWarg 23utUr, marrirtr to mill. 3pofoc!l Boctour of 
 Bibtnttg. 
 
 The figure of a woman in the like posture, with two sons 
 and one daughter. 
 
 <U?abtfr 23utltr, married to 
 
 The figure of a woman and two daughters in the same 
 posture of devotion. 
 
 On a rim of brass, fixed in the ledge of the stone, were 
 these verses ; 
 
 <f)fgst to me as Igfe on cart!) 
 
 &nfc teat!) to me is gain ; 
 because I trust tfjrougl) Jim alone 
 
 Sbalbation to obtaine, 
 ^o brittle is tfje state of man 
 
 Sco soon it footf) &ecag 
 50 all tfje glorg of t^e foorlfc 
 
 Jilttst pass anlf fatJe afoag. 
 
 This monument has been laid flat, and the stone is almost 
 
142 MONUMENTS. 
 
 covered by pews, so that only two lines of the inscription 
 are now legible." (Coate's " Reading.") 
 
 Capt. Symonds' account of this monument (1644) sup- 
 plies a few interesting items : 
 
 " A faire Altar Tombe betweene the 2 middle pillars 
 of the chancel. This single escocheon (on a bend 
 between 6 covered cups, a mullet for diff. Butler) 
 is 3 times of each side, and at each eudof the Tombe. 
 
 " Upon y e surface of y e Tombe w eh is grey marble is 
 the 2 pictures of a man & woman : under them this 
 inscription, and betweene them the afore mencoed 
 coate." 
 
 He then gives the arms of Bottell impaling Butler (i.) 
 Gu. a chev. betw. 3 combs argt. for Bottell ; (2.) 
 a cross botonnee ; (3.) a cinquefoil w* a lion passant 
 in chief; (4.) blank. 
 
 The next shield is Powell impaling Butler Per pale, 
 3 lions rampant counterchanged for Powell. 
 
 The third shield is Staverton (arg 1 a chev. sa. betw. 
 3 maunches vert.) impaling Butler as before. 
 
 The " mensa " of this once " high" tomb, now stripped 
 of its brasses, lies apparently over the grave of Edward 
 Butler. In 1848, the three remaining plates were removed 
 to a stone lying near the south stalls in the choir. In 
 1882 they were removed for their better preservation to the 
 south wall of the chancel within the sacrarium, the inscrip- 
 tion plate having been carefully restored by the author. 
 
 3 May, 1614. "Att this accompte my Doct r offred in 
 the behaulf of M r Samuell Powell to paye x s 
 a yere to this churche duringe his lief by pmise 
 for the supporting of M r Butler's toombe. But 
 for some causes it was referred to be considered 
 of vntill another tyme by consent of the 
 pishioners p'nte, and soe the money was re- 
 fused." 
 
 Low Sunday, 16 April, 1615. "As touching M r Butler's 
 toombe he shall pay xx s p ann for eu, or ells the 
 toombe shall not be repayred, but at the next 
 occasion to be pulled downe." 
 
 1618. "For Edward Butler's Tomb : 
 
 At this accompt it was geven to the parishioners 
 to vnderstand that diuers of them have byn 
 
MONUMENTS. 143 
 
 earnest w th M r Samuell Powell to geve some 
 yearly portion towardes the support of his 
 grandfather's Toombe w che was erected in the 
 Churche Chauncell to the hurt of the parishe 
 (there beinge noe allowance to maynteyne it). 
 And that the said Samuell Powell for and to- 
 wards the mayntenaunce of his grandfathers 
 toombe will from thencefourth yerely to the 
 churchwardens of this parishe give xx 8 for ever. 
 And that he will take order as by his counsell 
 he shoulde be advised to bynd some of his land 
 in Readinge to and for the true payment thereof 
 for ever. 
 
 p Wittm Wylmer." 
 
 In 1697 the churchwardens returned that the sum of 
 7/. IO.T. 4<f. was due to them for the standing of M r Butler's 
 Tomb. 
 
 In 1719 the arrearage amounted to I3/. 17 's. ^d. 
 
 The following notices of the Butler family are from the 
 church accounts : 
 
 1498. "It. rec. for the Sepulcr of Thomas Butler vj s viij d . 
 " It. rec. for wast of Torchys at the burying of 
 the same Thomas ij 3 j d ." 
 
 1524. " Xpofer Butteler C.W. " 
 
 1531. Great Bell. " Rec. for the Knyll of Xfer Butler 
 xij d Grave and covering vij 8 iiij d ." 
 
 1539. " Rec. for the grave of John Butteler & for couing 
 thereof vij 8 iiij d ." 
 
 1544. " Rec. for the grave of M res Butler vij 3 iiij d ." 
 
 1546-7. " Edward Butler C.W." In 1556, he contributed 
 three perches of the wall round the new church- 
 yard at a cost of 2\s. ; and in 1562 he purchased 
 the " lofte ouer the chancell" (? the sepulchre 
 loft) for i or. 
 Joan Butler was buried the same year. 
 
 1567. Edward Butler gave los. towards the recasting of 
 Kelsall. This was the largest contribution. 
 
 1582-3 " In p r imis R. for m rs Butler her knill ij 8 yj." 
 
 1583-4. "R.form" Staverton her knill ij 3 vj d "' 
 Itm. m r Edward Butler his knill ii s vi d ." 
 
 On different flat stones are the following inscrip- 
 tions : 
 
144 MONUMENTS. 
 
 "John Eade, born April y c 30, 1715, 
 died April y e n, 1716. 
 
 tariv 17 
 
 " Thomas Addams, M.D. 
 
 departed this life 26 April, 1785. 
 
 He was a most tender husband 
 
 an affectionate father, and a 
 
 sincere friend. 
 Rebecca Addams, wife of Dr. Addams, 
 
 departed this life 28 Dec. 1778. 
 
 Rebecca Addams sister to Dr Addams 
 
 departed this life 8 April 1769. 
 
 Arms Quarterly Argent and Vairy : over all a bend 
 dexter with a crescent for difference." 
 
 On a black marble gravestone: 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Thomas 
 
 Constable, who departed this 
 
 life March the 2nd, 1719, aged64. 
 
 Here also lieth the body of Catherine 
 
 Constable his wife who departed 
 
 this life, the i6th of September 1720, 
 
 aged 63." 
 
 On a black stone : 
 
 " Here lieth interred the body 
 of M r Peter Burningham of London 
 
 merchant, who departed 
 
 this life the first day of June 
 
 anno Domini 1689, 
 
 aged 41 years." 
 
 (The foot of this memorial is covered by the new 
 altar steps.) 
 
 On a black stone : 
 
 " Here lieth the body of W John Knight 
 linen-draper, late of Reading, who departed 
 
 this life the 25 th of July, 1714, 
 
 aged 58 years. And by him his father and 
 
 mother and five sisters lie." 
 
/Iftno /O4-4 
 
 p. 145. 
 
MONUMENTS. 145 
 
 On a flat stone : 
 
 " To the memory of M rs Anne Moulton 
 who died June 2, 1750." 
 
 " Here lieth the body of M rs Elizabeth Dudley 
 the daughter of William Dudley Esq. of 
 Aldersgate Street London. She died Sep- 
 tember the 27 th anno Domini 1652." 
 
 On a gravestone (now near the stalls on the north side 
 of the chancel C.K.) is the figure of a priest in his vest- 
 ments, on a brass plate, and at his feet these lines : 
 
 st 
 
 $t strut poiw : p0nitor oinnis (por. 
 fuisquis ms pi ionsieris sta perkp pta 
 Sum pfo ms tea q'ij ts p me p'0r 0ra. 
 fjit jatet Ms |ol]cs ^itab qut 0biit f troor 
 btt toii ima ini lilliu 
 
 
 (In the inventory of 1517 is the following entry : " In 
 p r mis an antipher w* full legend of the gifte of 
 S r John Andrevve su tyme vicar ther the ij tle lefe 
 begynnyng [patri et filio]." In the previous in- 
 ventory of 1503, after the words "w* full legend," 
 occurs " To lye before the vicare." See List of 
 Vicars?) 
 
 Capt. Symonds states that this monument adjoined the 
 slab of William Goldore and John Sampford in 1644. He 
 also gives a sketch of the shield, which has long been miss- 
 ing viz., ' a cross saltire,' drawn as though there had 
 been a cliicf ^on the shield. Burke, in his "Armory," gives 
 the arms of Andrewes (of London), " Ar. a saltire az., on 
 a chief gu. three mullets or." 
 
 The inscription only remains. There is apparently an 
 excellent copy of the effigy in " Views of Reading Abbey," 
 vol. i. p. 44, edit. 1805. 
 
 On the side of the chancel, over the priests' door, is a 
 marble monument, on which, under an arch surmounted 
 
 L 
 
146 MONUMENTS. 
 
 by a pediment, which is supported by four pillars of the 
 Corinthian order, is a female figure kneeling at a desk with 
 this inscription : 
 
 IN A VAULT 
 
 (FOR WHICH A FACULTY WAS PROCURED) 
 
 TEN FEET FROM THE SOUTH WALL AND TWENTY-FIVE 
 
 FEET FROM THE EAST WALL OF THIS CHANCEL, 
 
 LIES INTERRED 
 
 ANNE HAYDON, 
 
 WIFE OF GIDEON HAYDON ESQ. 
 A GENEROUS RELATION, 
 
 A SINCERE FRIEND, 
 
 AND A GOOD CHRISTIAN. 
 
 SHE GAVE IN HER LIFE TIME I2O/. 
 
 TO THE VICAR OF THIS PARISH ; 
 THREE FIFTHS OF THE INTEREST AS A YEARLY RENT 
 
 FOR THE VAULT ; 
 
 AND TWO FIFTHS TO BE LAID OUT YEARLY (IF NEED BE) 
 
 IN REPAIRING THE VAULT AND THIS MONUMENT 
 
 FOR EVER. 
 
 OB. ISTH OCT. 1747, JET. 6 1. 
 
 Arms Argt. three bars gemelles azure ; on a chief or, 
 a fesse dancette gules : impaling, argt. on a bend 
 azure, three dolphins embowed, or. 
 
 (The vault containing the remains of Mrs. Anne Haydon 
 is marked by a large slab of black marble, bearing the fol- 
 lowing inscription : 
 
 " Under this stone 
 
 lie two sisters 
 
 MARY WATERMAN 
 
 Relict of WILLIAM WATERMAN Esq. 
 
 Ob. 6 Mar. 1736, Mt. 61. 
 
 And also 
 
 ANNE HAYDON 
 
 Wife of GIDEON HAYDON Esq. 
 
 Ob. 15 Oct. 1747. JEt. 6 1." ' 
 
 Above this inscription are two shields of arms 
 those of Haydon, above mentioned, and of Waterman, 
 viz. : 
 
 " Paly of six, arg 1 and gules, three crescents counter- 
 changed ; impaling arg' on a bend azure, three dol- 
 phins embowed, or.") 
 
MONUMENTS. 147 
 
 On a white marble tablet : 
 
 " Thomas Shute, D.D. 
 Vicar of this parish, died Aug. 19, 1763, 
 aged 56 years." 
 
 (During his time, in 1748, the old ring was recast, and 
 the number increased from eight to ten. His name was 
 inscribed on the sixth, recently recast (see Bells]. His 
 monument is now on the north wall within the vestry.) 
 
 In the south wall of the chancel is a monument, on 
 which are the figures of a man and woman kneeling at a 
 desk ; behind the man are three sons ; and behind the 
 woman, six daughters. Beneath are these verses : 
 
 QUAM FUERAT VITA CHARUS, QUAM MORTE LYDALLUS 
 NARRET PASTOR, PLEBS, PAUPER, ET ISTA DOMUS. 
 ISTA DOMUS TESTIS PIETATIS, PAUPER AMORIS, 
 PLEBS OPERUM, FIDEI PASTOR, IN HISQUE DEUS. 
 HANC LECTOR BENE QUI NOVIT FOBOLEMQUE, VIRUMQUE 
 S^PE HOS, AUT SIMILES, EDIDIT ORE SONOS 
 O TER F^ELICEM MATREMQUE PATREMQUE PROPAGO, 
 GUI TALI EX TALI CONJUGE TALIS ERAT. 
 
 At the foot of the monument is this epitaph : 
 
 EST HOC CANDIDE INSPECTOR THOMAS LYDALL 
 GENEROSI, MAJORATUM APUD REDINGENSES TER 
 PERFUNCTI (QUI DOMUS HUJUS SACR^E CONCION- 
 ATORIS PAUPERUMQUE AUXIT REDITUS) ET MAR- 
 GERLE UXORIS ET LIBERORUM PIE CONSECRATUM 
 MEMORISE MONUMENTUM. 
 
 (In 1644 this monument was over the chancel door. 
 
 The shields on the arches above the two principal 
 figures would seem to have been misplaced at the 
 removal of the monument ; for the arms of Lydall, 
 " Azure, a saltire or : on a fesse of the last three 
 torteaux," are over the wife, and a shield presum- 
 ably hers viz., " Arg*, three crosses pomee fitchee, 
 and a chief sable," appears over the head of Lydall. 
 
 Jane, daughter of M r Thomas Lydall, was married to 
 M r William Kendrick, whose monument is in the 
 chancel of St. Mary's in this town. 
 
 Thomas Lydall by will, dated Mar. 6, 1606, bequeathed 
 
 L 2 
 
148 MONUMENTS. 
 
 the sum of 2os. yearly to the church, whereof los. 
 for the repairs of the church, seats, and bells, and 
 los. to be paid to the vicar. 
 He died in 1608.) 
 
 In the same wall is another monument where is the 
 figure of a woman kneeling at a desk : at the top is a hand 
 holding a wreath of laurel, and under the figure is the 
 following inscription : 
 
 MARTHA, UXOR CAROLI HAMLEY 
 
 CORNUB. HIC JACET SEPULTA. FlLIA ERAT THOM^E 
 
 SEAKES DE HENLEY SUPER THAMES IN COMIT. 
 
 OXONLE, QUI OBIIT DECIMO SEXTO DIE MENSIS 
 
 JANUARII AN. DNI 1636. Hoc MONUMENTUM 
 
 STRUXIT EJUS MARITUS CAROLUS AD CONSER- 
 VENDAM EIUS MEMORIAM, QUJE LIBEROS NULLOS 
 POST SE RELIQUIT PR^ESERTIM VERO IN TESTI- 
 MONIUM SUMM^) DILECTIONIS. 
 
 On a tablet of white marble : 
 
 " In this chancel are deposited 
 
 the remains of Joseph Radcliffe 
 
 of the Inner Temple, Barrister at Law 
 
 who departed this life, the 2/ th day of 
 
 July 1760, aged 64 years. 
 
 And of Mary his wife 
 
 a descendant of the family of 
 
 Sir Thomas Button of Cotterel in 
 
 the county of Glamorgan, 
 
 eminent for her true piety, 
 
 who died the first day of December 
 
 1758, aged 65 years." 
 
 (On the north wall in the vestry.) 
 
 On a white marble monument placed in a recess in the 
 south wall is this inscription : 
 
 " Sacred to the Memory 
 
 of William Douglas, batchelor 
 
 an honest man, and an eminent conveyancer : 
 
 remarkable for his 
 zeal for his king, love for his country, 
 
MONUMENTS. 149 
 
 duty to parents, generosity to relations, 
 
 sincerity to friends, integrity to clients, 
 
 benevolence to the distressed, love to all men. 
 
 So great his patience, So generous his soul, 
 
 y* he bore the acute pains that to educate and maintain 
 
 of y e gout for forty y rs all his relations 
 
 with thankfulness. was his chief pleasure. 
 
 So good his judgment, So chearful his temper, 
 
 that he never made that his conversation 
 
 in all his practice was coveted by all. 
 
 any one material error, Now, blest of God, 
 
 nor lost one sum enjoy thou the reward 
 
 entrusted to his care. of true Christian charity. 
 
 D.Jan. 30, 1732 A. 70. W. Boudry, Nephew, P. 
 
 (This memorial to this most exemplary person is now 
 in the tower.) 
 
 On a white marble tablet : 
 
 " In memory of 
 Mrs. Mary Love 
 
 who died 
 Sept. 27, 1777." 
 
 (She bequeathed the sum of 3O0/. in money to the 
 corporation of Reading, with which was purchased 
 377/. js. 2d. " New Four per Cents." which in 1786 
 realized i$l. is. lod. per annum ; on condition that 
 after the repairs of her monument, the annual 
 surplus should be distributed in bread and money 
 among such poor who did not receive relief from 
 the parish.) 
 
 Near the pulpit is a monument which has the figure of 
 a man to the middle under an arch, holding one hand on a 
 globe, the other on a quadrant. He is habited in a short 
 cloak and ruff, surrounded with books on each side of him. 
 On one side is a female figure holding a cube in her hand 
 as offering it to him ; and under her feet is the word 
 'CUBUS.' On the other side is another female figure, 
 offering in the same manner ; and under her ' TETRA- 
 HEDRON.' On the top of the monument are two reclining 
 figures inscribed ' OCTAHEDRON,' ' DODICADRON/ and 
 between them is a figure, now defaced, resembling a 
 Minerva inscribed ' ISOSEDRON :' these are the names of 
 the five regular solids in geometry. 
 
150 MONUMENTS. 
 
 Beneath the whole is this inscription in an oval : 
 
 "JOHANNES BLAGRAVUS 
 TOTUS MATHEMATICUS 
 CUM MATRE SEPULTUS. 
 
 HERE LIES THE CORPES, WHICH LIVING HAD A SPIRIT, 
 WHEREIN MUCH WORTHY KNOWLEDGE DID INHERIT ; 
 BY WHICH WITH ZEALE OVR GOD HE DID ADORE ; 
 LEFT FOR MAIDSERVANTS, AND TO FEED THE POORE. 
 HIS VERTUOUS MOTHER CAME OF WORTHIE RACE, 
 A HVNGERFORD, AND BURIED NEARE THIS PLACE. 
 WHEN GOD SENT DEATH THEIR LIVES AWAY TO CALL, 
 THEY LIVED BELOV'D, AND DIED BEWAIL'D OF ALL. 
 
 DECEASED THE QTH OF AUGUST 
 ANNO D'NI. 1611." 
 
 The ancestor of this family was Ralph Blagrave, a lawyer, 
 of Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, whose second son, Robert, 
 settled in London and married Anne Fyke, the daughter of 
 a gentleman in Surrey, by whom he had John Blagrave, of 
 Bulmarsh, who married Anne, daughter of Sir Anthony 
 Hungerford, of Downe Amney, in the county of Gloucester. 
 
 This John had four sons : Anthony, who married Jane 
 Borlase ; John, the mathematician, the subject of this 
 memorial ; Edward, and Alexander, the chess-player, a 
 yeoman of the guard. 
 
 The mathematician is supposed to have been born in 
 Reading, but in what year is not known. In 1585 he pub- 
 lished "The Mathematical Jewel Margarita Mathematica 
 per Johannem Blagravum Readingensem, conditum, editum 
 et sculptum" a folio " Imprinted at London by Walter 
 Venge, dwelling in Fleet Lane, over against the Maiden- 
 head." He likewise published " Baculum Familiare Catho- 
 licon sive Generale A Booke of a Staffe newly invented 
 by the Author, called the Familiar Staffe ; as well for that 
 it may be made familiarlie to walk with, as for that it per- 
 formeth the geometrical mensurations. Newlie compiled 
 and at this time published for the speciall helpe of shooting 
 in great ordinance, and may as well be employed for 
 measuring of land. By John Blagrave of Reading, gent. 
 1590, 4to." Dedicated to Sir Francis Knolles. The last 
 work he published was " The Art of Dialling, in two parts." 
 London 1609. 4to. 
 
 It is not known whom he married. The lady was pro- 
 
MONUMENTS. I 5 I 
 
 bably a widow, as her daughter is called in his will " My 
 wife's daughter Jane." He died at his own house at 
 Southcot, August 9, 161 1, and was buried at St. Lawrence's 
 Church, near his mother. 
 
 By his will he bequeathed to Joseph Blagrave and his 
 heirs for ever, a messuage or mansion house in Swallow- 
 field, with all his lands in Swallowfield, Eversley, and 
 Reading, in trust, to pay on Good Friday in every 
 year to the Mayor and Corporation of Reading the sum 
 of io/., to be bestowed as follows: " Twenty nobles 
 of the io/. to some one poor maiden servant that hath 
 served, dwelled, and continued in any one service in any 
 of the three parishes in Reading, in good name and fame, 
 the full term of five years at the least, for her help and 
 performance in marriage, but every fifth year the maid to 
 be chosen from Southcot. Also los. to the parson of St. 
 Lawrence for his sermon on Good Friday, and that after 
 sermon, there be 2Os. given to the poorest householders in 
 the said parish of St. Lawrence who shall accompany that 
 maid to whose lot the 20 nobles fell to her dwelling house. 
 Also 3-y. 4/ to the ringers : Also 2Os. parcel of the lot. to 
 60 poor people of St. Mary's parish, and 6s. to 24 poor of 
 St. Giles'. Lastly, the clerk of St. Lawrence's, and the 
 youngest churchwarden, to have 3^. ^d. apiece to join with 
 the minister, by direction of the mayor in the distribution 
 of the io/." 
 
 By a codicil annexed, the testator declares his intention 
 that the mayor and corporation should reserve 2OO/. arising 
 out of several rent-charges before given them, during 
 several leases, to be employed in purchasing and pulling 
 down the middle row of houses between the " Pump" and 
 the " Cage," in order to enlarge the market-place. Then 
 at the end of another seven years the corporation was to 
 receive another hundred pounds of the rents and profits of 
 the lands mentioned in the will, to " buyld a very faire 
 walk under the south side of St. Lawrence's Church in 
 Reading, ten foot broad at the least, and in length from 
 the churcJi porch to the west end of the belfry." 
 
 In the year 1613 the 2OO/. were applied in removing the 
 tenements in the market-place; and in 1620 the church 
 walk was built, which cost 28/. 19^. more than the i8o/. 
 which he had left for that purpose. (Coates' " Reading.") 
 
 One of the houses removed from the market-place in 
 accordance with Mr. Blagrave's bequest belonged to the 
 
152 MONUMENTS. 
 
 church, and at a. meeting convened on the 2nd August, 
 1612, it was decided that the mayor and corporation should 
 erect another house in the parish for the church, " with brick 
 chimney and lofts as habitable, and of the same value to 
 the church as the one to be taken down." 
 
 On a white marble monument : 
 
 " To the Memory of 
 Charles Fanshawe, Esq. 
 
 Rear Admiral, 
 who died February 16, 
 
 1757, 
 Aged 57 years." 
 
 (Now in the tower.) 
 
 On a white marble tablet : 
 
 " Near this place 
 are deposited the remains of 
 
 ROBERT WALSHAM, Esq., who died Nov. the n th , 1791, 
 Aged 72. 
 
 Also of 
 
 ANNA WALSHAM, who died Sept. the i6 th , 1792, 
 Aged 74. 
 
 To the memory 
 of their truly honoured and beloved Parents 
 
 this grateful Tribute 
 
 was placed here by their children, 
 
 Anno 1797." 
 
 On a white stone near the belfry : 
 
 " In memory of 
 
 William Spencer 
 
 late organist of this parish 
 
 who died April 3 d 1782, 
 
 Aged 58 years." 
 
 (In the tower.) 
 
 On a white marble tablet against the north wall : 
 
MONUMENTS. 1 53 
 
 "Hie 
 
 ubi excessit e vivis, 
 
 requiescere voluit 
 
 quod mortale fuit 
 
 GULIELMUS KEATE 
 
 de Wellia 
 in agro Somerset, M.D. 
 
 Probitate 
 
 lit annis venerabilis ; 
 
 Ob. Sept. 10. A.S. 1790. 
 
 JEtst. 8 1." 
 
 IN THE SOUTH AISLE, 
 
 On different flat stones, are the following inscriptions : 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Elizabeth, the wife of Captain 
 George Purdon, daughter of the Rev d D r Samuel 
 Bishop and Penelope his wife, who departed this 
 life the II th day of Sept. 1708, aged 29 years ; as 
 also three of her children ; viz. Penelope, Samuel, 
 and Alicia Purdon : as also the above mentioned 
 Penelope Bishop, widow. Ob. 9 th Jan. 1716, aetat. 
 
 7L" ' 
 
 "Near this stone, in a vault 8ft. by 4, situated n feet 
 from the south wall, lyeth the body of M r8 Jane 
 Whiting, who departed this life April io th , 1745. 
 Here also lies M rs Mary Love, who had a faculty 
 for this vault ; and died Sept. 27, 1777." 
 (Now in the tower.) 
 
 Here lie the bodies of two maiden sisters ; M rs 
 Elizabeth Reeves, aged 58, who died in S fc Mary's 
 Parish, Oct. 23. 1743 ; M rs Margaret Reeves aged 
 55, who died at Caversham the .... day of 
 January following/' 
 
 " Here lieth the body of M r Benjamin Pocock Surgeon 
 and Apothecary of this parish, who departed this 
 life July 11, 1755, aged 33 years. 
 
 This modest stone, what few vain marbles can, 
 May truly say, ' Here lies an honest man.' " 
 
154 MONUMENTS. 
 
 " Here lies the body of M" Elizabeth Milbourne the 
 daughter of Captain Milbourne and Elizabeth 
 his wife, who died Jan. 10, aged 12 weeks and 14 
 days." 
 
 On a black marble gravestone : 
 
 " To the memory of 
 
 M r John Wilcock Druggist, 
 
 who exchanged this life for a better 
 
 April 24, 1776 
 
 aged 62. 
 
 Also of M rs Mary Wilcock 
 
 wife of the abovementioned 
 
 who departed this life 
 
 March 8, 1777, 
 
 in full assurance 
 
 of a blessed immortality 
 
 aged 61. 
 
 Likewise to the memory of 
 
 Mary Marshall, 
 
 niece of the above M rs Mary Wilcock 
 
 who died May 7, 1787 
 
 aged 27." 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Richard Piggot, son of 
 Richard and Hannah, \vho departed this life May 
 30, 1703," &c. (defaced). 
 
 "To 1 the memory of M rs Sarah Elkins, relict of M r 
 Robert Elkins of London, who after a well spent 
 life here, exchanged it in hopes of a better on the 
 22 d of June 1774 in the 8 5 th year of her age." 
 
 (Now in the S.W. angle of the tower.) 
 
 " In memory of M r French, Chymist of this parish, 
 who died June 5 th , 1770, aged 30. 
 
 " Also George Peter French, son of the above, who 
 died January 8 th 1783 aged 13 years." 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Joseph Irving who departed 
 this life Jan. 13 th 1773 aged .... years." 
 
MONUMENTS. 1 55 
 
 "John Rowland died Jan. 4 th 1784, aged 74 years." 
 
 " In memory of M r Thomas Garrard who died February 
 7th, 1773, aged 50 years." 
 
 "Also of his son George Garrard, who died the II th of 
 Dec. in the 17 th year of his age." 
 (Now in the tower, almost obliterated.) 
 
 " In memory of M r Peter Hansell, who died March 
 13 th , 1772, aged 65 years." 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of M r Simmoneau Pine, of 
 Bath, whose virtues, and spirit to exert them, 
 gained him the love of all who knew him. He 
 died at Reading 23 rd of August 1772, aged 49." 
 
 BETWEEN THE AISLES. 
 
 " In memory of Thomas Sentence who died April 9 th 
 1781, aged 12 years." 
 
 IN THE NORTH AISLE 
 
 are several flat stones with the following inscriptions : 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Thomas Awberry. He died 
 May 2o th 1741, aged 69 years. 
 
 " Near this place lieth Elizabeth his wife and 6 of 
 their children." 
 
 (This stone now lies under the north arch of 
 the tower). Coates writes (1802) : "This epitaph 
 now appears on a large flat stone on which were 
 figures of a man and woman : and near it is 
 another stone on which were the figures of a man 
 and woman, with several small inscriptions, and 
 in each corner an escutcheon of arms." This 
 latter the author believes to have been the me- 
 morial of Thomas Clarke, Hosier, c. 1475.) 
 
156 MONUMENTS. 
 
 " Thomas Flory died April 25, 1736, aged 3 years and 
 2 months. 
 
 " Thomas and William Flory, twins ; William died 
 June the 5 th , and Thomas died the 7 th , 1741. 
 
 " Thomas Flory died Nov. 13, 1746. 
 
 " In memory of Deborah Flory, daughter of Thomas 
 and Elizabeth Florey, who died March 22, 1763, 
 aged 20 years. Also Elizabeth Flory wife of 
 Thomas Flory, who died March 20, 1780, in the 
 76 th year of her age. Likewise the said Thomas 
 Flory, who died Dec. 7 th 1780, in the 78* year of 
 his age." 
 
 " In memory of M r William Halifax, late of this Parish, 
 Surgeon, who died May 9 th 1756, aged 35. 
 
 " Also of M r Thomas Halifax who died March 3, 1789, 
 aged 62 years. 
 
 " Likewise of Margaret Halifax, daughter of Thomas 
 Halifax, who died October 13, 1789, aged 25 
 years." 
 
 " Here lie the remains of Mary Pitman, wife of Edward 
 Pitman of London who departed this life March 
 24 th 1773, aged 46 years." Amos iv. 12. 
 
 " In memory of John Aris, gent. Died Jan. 19* 1790, 
 aged 8 1 years." 
 
 " Also of M rs Mary Johnston. Died June 5, 1791, aged 
 63 years." 
 
 " M rs Anne Jacob died May the 2 nd 1797, aged 77 
 years." 
 
 " In memory of M r James Quarrington, who was Mayor 
 of this Corporation. He died A.D. 1714. Also 
 Anne his wife, died A.D. 1758. Likewise in 
 memory of M r Thomas Rootes, he died A.D. 1754. 
 Susannah the wife of the above Thomas Rootes 
 died the 5 th day of June, 1763, aged 63 years." 
 
MONUMENTS. 157 
 
 " Here lie the remains of Elizabeth the wife of 
 J. Hooper, Surgeon, of this Parish, who died 
 Jan. 20, 1761, aged 31." 
 
 "Robertus Robinson, ob. 29 Mar. 1776. JEt 41. 
 John Cole. John Godfrey." 
 
 Kitty White died March 9 th 1765, aged 10 months. 
 Harriet White died Jan. 24 th 1773, aged 19 
 months." 
 
 "John Hocker died Jan 25, 1737, aged 4 years and a 
 half. Thomas Hocker died Oct. 3 rd 1737, aged 
 8 weeks." 
 
 (In the tower.) 
 
 "John Colly died May .... 1743 aged two years 
 and three months/' 
 
 " Here lieth the body of M rs Anne Pedley widow. She 
 departed this life the 2 nd Dec. 1788, aged 53 years." 
 (In the tower on N. side of doorway.) 
 
 " Here lieth the body of Mary Godfrey daughter of 
 .... Blagrave of Bulmarsh Esq. by Elizabeth 
 his wife, and relict of M r John Godfrey, citizen of 
 London. Also her son and daughter, John and 
 Elizabeth. She died June 13, 1738, aged 55 
 years : her son, Jan. 3, 1738, aged 22 years : and 
 her daughter in March 1736, aged 18 years." 
 
 THE FOLLOWING INSCRIPTIONS WERE REMAINING AT 
 THE TIME OF ASHMOLE'S VISITATION : 
 
 On a marble gravestone : 
 
 "tot* JP ammatow lojmmus gate to <rl*, tt 
 30|}nms toe, torii jstowti faratu to 
 , *t 0mnmra Mwnt Muwrtaiu," 
 
 (This brass is lost.) 
 
158 MONUMENTS. 
 
 Inventory of 1517 " It. a nother Antiphoner w fc full 
 legend of the gifte of S r John Serne su tyme 
 vicar ther, the ij de lefe begynnyng [sacerdos 
 ponat.]" 
 
 " It. a chesible w* thapp'ell of red silk suspend w l 
 ires (letters) of gold $ & & of the gifte of 
 John Serne." 
 
 (See Vicars.) 
 
 On a marble gravestone in the chancel : 
 
 jit jarct goljanties $ient wmita unjmsis fre 
 ; : it gutana: u^'0r MUS. uantnt animabas 
 
 " It. a cope of cloth of bawdekyn w l birdis & floures 
 
 of gold of the gift of John Kent." 
 " It. a sewte of red cloth of bawdekyn w* birds & 
 floures of gold, of the gift of John Kent." 
 (Inventory, 1517.) 
 
 In 1410 he gave 13.?. towards the re-roofing of the 
 church. He died about the year 1415. 
 
 Mr. F. J. Baigent in his article on " Sheriffs' Seals," in 
 the " Herald and Genealogist/' states that " This John 
 Kent occurs as plaintiff in an action in the borough court 
 of the City of Winchester held 20 Jan, 1405-6." " Johannes 
 Kent de Redyng, Mercer, quaerens." 
 
 He supposes him to have been the grandfather of the boy 
 commemorated by a small brass in the chancel of Head- 
 borne Worthy Church, near Winchester, thus inscribed 
 
 facet gjofjannts 2tent quondam 
 jBLobt (Eollegu toe SStgnc^tstre r films gbtmonfs 
 latent fcc l&c&pnge cu jus anfme propfcfetur Ueus." 
 
 He was admitted as a scholar on the 23 Aug. 1432, and 
 died Aug. 31, 1435. 
 
 Simon Kent was mayor of Reading in 1430. In 145 1 he 
 sued John Kyrkeby " maryner " of Southampton for a debt 
 of 8/. This can hardly be the John Kyrkby who was 
 mayor of Reading in 1427, 1429, 1432 and 1434, and whose 
 name occurs among the subscribers to the church in 1440. 
 
MONUMENTS. 159 
 
 Nicholas Kent was C.W. in 1501; his wife, Joan, died 
 
 1503- 
 
 John Kent's father (? Nicholas) died 1508, and his wife 
 1509. He was C.W. in 1515. 
 
 Symonds thus describes this monument 
 
 " A flat stone on the north side of the chancel : the two 
 demy pictures of a man & woman : old text." 
 
 This brass has been recently taken from the floor and 
 attached to the south wall of the chancel for its better 
 preservation. The almost defaced portions of the engraving 
 have been restored under the author's supervision. 
 
 On a brass plate fixed in a gravestone : 
 
 " f^ert liet!) frorfefc tfje fcoty) of 3ic!)aift (Eoofce, 23urpss 
 of UUa&inej ; anfc tfje fcotu'es of Julian !)fs forife, antr 
 (SBfctoartr !)ts son ; ifje sato Ifttcfjarfc famg burfcU 
 3Januarg 28, 1587." 
 
 (Lost.) 
 
 On a brass plate fixed in a gravestone : 
 
 44 fm lietl] paster fiestas glow s0mets, v nelTasfet 0f 
 grts, snif late 0itar 0f tty pris^ t$m\ 0f St 
 Qt toliitl] toasA % last bag 0f 
 iit tire gtaw of 0r Sorb 
 
 (Lost. See Zw/ of Vicar si) 
 
 On a brass plate fixed in a gravestone under the figure 
 of an ecclesiastic in his habit : 
 
 for tfje soul of ^tr 3ftfcf)ar& plcofe, Blaster in 
 girts, late fellofo of ^eio OToIIcge, in xfbrtr, fo^c 
 trectastti tfje fourth bag of april tfie gear of our 
 HortJ 1504." 
 
 (William Wylock was one of the subscribers to the 
 restoration of the tower in 1458. 
 
160 MONUMENTS. 
 
 1504-5. "It. rec. of John Wylcox at the burying of 
 
 M. Richard his son for the grete bell xij d ." 
 " It. for wast of torchis the same tyme ij s . 
 "It. rec. of John Wylcox at the month mynde of 
 
 M. Ric' his son for the grete bell xij ( V > 
 1507-8. "It. rec. for John Wylcox grave & for leying 
 
 of the stone on ]> same grave vij 8 vj d ." 
 This John was a " chaundler and ffishemonger/' and a 
 member of the "Mass of Jesus." See Will of Kelsall. 
 1507-8. " It. payed for the leying of the nibble stone on 
 the grave of John Wylcox & for removing of a 
 nof] m] ble stone & for the leying of ]? e stone 
 on Sir John Styrys xx d ." 
 1510-11. "It. rec. for the g a ve of Harry Wylcox &c. 
 
 vijMjV. 
 
 His wife died the same year. 
 1517. Inventory. " It. a cope of white Damask tissue w* 
 
 orfrey of crymysyn tissue of the gifte of Christian 
 
 Wilcox." 
 
 1515-6. "It. rec. for the grave of Christian Wilcox 
 vj s viij d ." 
 
 " It. rec. for the grete bell for the same xij d ." 
 
 " It. rec. for the couing of the same grave vj d ." 
 
 (This brass is unfortunately lost.) 
 
 On another plate, under the figure of an ecclesiastic : 
 
 jactt Bomtnus SSJillidmus (SrolUorc ponfcam 
 btcarius ^anctt Uauunlu to Hctigng : tt IDominus 
 5>of)annes ^ampforir, quondam btcartus ^ancti 
 (Sgftiu: <jut qufoem SSlilItclmus oJwt penulttmus 
 tote mcnsfs iBatf anno Brit 
 
 Capt. Symonds, in 1644, thus describes this memorial : 
 "A small stone neare the south dore of the chancel w th 
 2 pictures, ut supra? 
 
 (This brass is also lost.) 
 
 On a plate fixed in a gravestone lying near the south 
 entrance into the chancel was this inscription : 
 
MONUMENTS. l6l 
 
 <n ^fjomas ^justice Quondam pi remat istutf 
 
 ^emplum, sufc gelfto conch'tur toe tumulo. 
 Bum bixt't, CDijustt cultor futt optimus flfe, 
 
 &acrt mgstcru berus amator erat. 
 (Eufus nunc ammo concecfas (JDlmste ilMcmptor 
 Jttollittr m gremto posse laterc tuo. 
 p^ic fcie 3J anuar " 12, gto 1535 
 Jjt'em claustt extremum." 
 
 (Lost. See Altars and Wills.} 
 
 " On a large flat stone in y e church neaxt the chancel, in 
 the middle yle, the picture of a man between 2 women." 
 (Symonds, 1644.) Of the position of this same monument, 
 Ashmole writes, " In the upper end of the body of the 
 chttrch near the entrance into the north side of the chancell, 
 on a brass plate fixed in a gravestone was the following 
 inscription : 
 
 (It must have lain close to the north pier of the chancel 
 arch. C. K.) 
 
 "fit irat Millms funt pmhm Uaior iilU 
 *t glitia tt |sahlla mom* ms 
 illiits obiit bj Me m dobris 
 
 tos, 
 
 (This inscription was remaining in 1860, when the 
 author took a rubbing of it. It has since been abstracted. 
 The above inscription has been carefully copied from the 
 fac-simile then taken : it is contained in three lines : the 
 asterisks mark their termination. The old ledger of grey 
 marble, showing the matrices of a man between his two 
 wives with an inscription beneath their feet, now lies under 
 the eastern arch of the tower. In the centre of the upper 
 part of the slab is a quadrangular matrix measuring about 
 six inches by five. There are indications of a corresponding 
 one near the bottom of the stone. 
 
 William Hunt was one of the principal subscribers to the 
 
 M 
 
1 62 MONUMENTS. 
 
 work done to the church in 1440-1. His gift is entered 1 
 thus : 
 
 " Et de vj s viij d r. de dono Wtfii Hunt." 
 He was Mayor of Reading in 1436, 1437, an d 1446. 
 
 On the south side of Edward Butler's monument on a 
 brass plate fixed in a marble gravestone : 
 
 "f^ere Igetf) Sbpbbel Sbtabtrton fogfe of 
 
 Sbtaberton, (tat, fofto ItbriJ Sere on tartf) in fjonest 
 Igfe, anij in goofc fame, anti mate a most gootrlg anfc 
 fattMul cntr, fcofjo Irtparttli tin's Igfe tfje 14^ of 
 
 1583." 
 
 (Lost.) 
 
 On a brass plate in a gravestone in the body of the 
 church : 
 
 (Lost.) 
 
 Of this memorial Symonds writes : 
 
 " Upon a large flat stone inlayed w th brasse the 2 small 
 pictures worne & taken away, this inscription though almost 
 worne away. . . . This is in the middle yle of the church." 
 
 "There are divers more flat stones adjoyning, but y e 
 brasses are stoolne away when y e Roundheads possessed the 
 Towne 1643." 
 
 flfeofcern 
 
 Erected since the publication of Mr. Coates' 
 " History of Reading." 
 
 On the east wall of St. John's Chapel, within a quasi- 
 Gothic frame of freestone : 
 
MONUMENTS. 163 
 
 " Sophia, the only child of James Tompson Esq of 
 Peterborough wife for 52 years of Thomas Ring 
 Esq M.D., Born Nov. 3 1768. Married Nov. 26, 
 1787, died May 17 1848 in her 8o th year." 
 
 Near this, but on the north wall, is a large memorial to 
 Thomas Ring,M.D., stating that he was born at Basingstoke, 
 Feb. 3rd, 1761, and that he exercised his profession for 50 
 years. He was one of the founders and principal supporters 
 of St. Mary's Chapel, and essentially contributed to the 
 establishment of the Reading Dispensary and the Royal 
 Berks Hospital. He died 27th June, 1840. 
 
 A little to the west of this, on a white marble slab 
 within a Gothic frame of freestone : 
 
 " To the Memory of 
 the Rev d John Ball, B.D. 
 
 Vicar of this parish 
 
 presented to the living by 
 
 St. John's College, Oxford. 
 
 Died Dec. 17, 1865, aged 66. 
 
 This tablet is erected by 
 parishioners and other friends in 
 grateful recognition of the value 
 
 of his faithful testimony as a 
 
 minister of Christ, while Vicar of 
 
 this parish for more than 30 years." 
 
 Heb. ii. 10. 
 
 On a brass plate beneath the former : 
 
 " To the Glory of God and 
 
 in loving memory of 
 the Reverend Peter French, M.A. 
 for 47 years Vicar of the Parish of 
 the Holy Trinity, Burton on Trent, 
 who died at Reading, Feb. 14, 1878, 
 
 aged 78. 
 
 In this church of St. Lawrence he was 
 
 married, and here received his last Communion 
 
 upon the occasion of the Mission. 
 
 Feb. 12, 1878." 
 
 Psalm Ixxiii. 23. 
 
 M 2 
 
1 64 MONUMENTS. 
 
 On the respond of the arcade within St. John's Chapel 
 in the S.E. corner: 
 
 " Sacred 
 
 to the memory of 
 
 William Wise, D.D. 
 
 for twenty one years 
 
 the resident Vicar of this Parish, 
 
 and 
 
 fifteen years minister of Hurst, 
 where his mortal remains are deposited. 
 He died 14 October 1833, 
 aged 64 years." 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of Katherine, wife of Henry 
 Deane, Esq., who died 21 Nov. 1836, aged 60 
 years. Also Henry Deane, Esq., who died 13 
 Dec. 1855, aged 75 years." 
 
 The vault is 5 ft. on the north side of the com- 
 munion rails. 
 
 On a brass plate on the south wall of the chancel : 
 
 " In memoriam 
 
 * 
 
 John Moss 
 
 for 40 years a member of this choir, 
 died March 25, 1880, 
 
 aged 73 years. 
 ' Lord, I have loved the habitation of Thy house.' " 
 
 On a brass plate, formerly fastened to the floor of the 
 south stalls in the choir, and designed to mark the resting- 
 place of some whose monuments lay beneath : 
 
 REV. W. T. M. WEBSTER 
 MIRIAM WEBSTER 
 
 MARY HUGHES 
 ELIZABETH ELLY 
 
 Attached to the staircase of the tower within the nave is 
 a monument of Caen stone, with a fine effigy, life-size, 
 habited in academical costume, and standing beneath a 
 canopy. Beneath is the following inscription : 
 
MONUMENTS. 165 
 
 " M.S. 
 
 Ricardi Valpy, S.T.P. 
 
 qui 
 
 Scholas Readingensi 
 
 annos L amplius prefuit, &c. 
 
 In Christo decessit 
 
 Londini 
 V. Kal. Apr. M.DCCC. XXXVI 
 
 ^tatis LXXXI. 
 
 et in coemeterio suburbano 
 
 juxta viam Harroviensem 
 
 sepultus est." 
 
 MURAL MONUMENTS IN THE NORTH AISLE. 
 
 In a vault on the north side of this church in which 
 Elizabeth, relict of the late Joshua Loring, Esq., 
 is buried, lie also the remains of Eliza Loring, 
 their only daughter, who died the 24th of 
 January, 1860, aged 88." 
 
 On a brass plate beneath a window-sill : 
 
 " In memory of Richard Prichard Smith M.D. Fellow 
 of the Royal College of Physicians, who for many 
 years practised in this town, and died Oct. 7, 1867, 
 aged 72 years. Of his wife. Eliza, daughter of Peter 
 Breton, Esq. who died Nov. 19, 1833, aged 45 years. 
 And of their children Arthur who died March 17, 
 1844, aged 17 years, and Frederick, Emily, and 
 Eliza, who died in infancy. Also of Katherine, 
 second wife of the above R. Prichard Smith, and 
 daughter of Sir Nathaniel Dukinfield, Bart, who 
 died June 27, 1872, aged 83 years." 
 
 In the tower, on the floor at the entrance, and nearly 
 obliterated : 
 
 " Sacred to the memory of 
 
 Joseph Palmer 
 
 who departed this life 
 
 the 15 th of May 1802, 
 
 aged 75 years. 
 
1 66 MONUMENTS. 
 
 M rs Elizabeth Palmer 
 
 wife of the above, 
 who departed this life 
 
 October 17, 1809, 
 aged 60 years." 
 
 Arms A lion rampant with three estoils in chief : 
 
 impaling ( ?) with a bar in chief. (Not 
 
 mentioned in Burke's " Armory.") 
 
 On the south wall of the tower : 
 
 IN A VAULT NEAR THIS PLACE 
 ARE DEPOSITED THE REMAINS OF 
 
 JOHN BLANDY ESQR. 
 
 WHO DIED MAY 28TH, 1821 
 
 AGED 6 1 YEARS. 
 
 ALSO OF 
 
 MARY HIS WIFE 
 
 WHO DIED APRIL 4TH 1802, 
 
 AGED 42 YEARS. 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 ANNE ELIZABETH 
 
 WIFE OF MR WILLIAM BLANDY 
 
 WHO DIED JUNE 9, 1830 
 
 AGED 33 YEARS. 
 
 ALSO OF 
 
 MARY 
 
 WIFE OF THE REVD. F. J. BLANDY 
 
 WHO DIED JULY 25 1837 
 
 AGED 41 YEARS. 
 
 SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF 
 
 RICHARD BINFIELD 
 
 ORGANIST OF THIS CHURCH 
 
 DURING THIRTY FIVE YEARS 
 
 WHO DIED 28TH DECEMBER 1839, 
 
 AGED 73 YEARS. 
 
 THE ZEAL AND TALENT WITH WHICH HE DISCHARGED THE 
 DUTIES OF ORGANIST, THE AFFECTIONATE CARE WITH 
 WHICH HE TRAINED UP A NUMEROUS FAMILY IN THOSE 
 
MONUMENTS. l6/ 
 
 PATHS OF INDUSTRY AND RELIGION IN WHICH HE HIM- 
 SELF DELIGHTED TO WALK, HIS PIETY TOWARDS GOD, 
 HIS BENEVOLENCE TOWARDS HIS FELLOW-CREATURES, AND 
 THE RECTITUDE WHICH MARKED HIS CONDUCT IN ALL 
 THE SOCIAL RELATIONS OF LIFE, PROMPTED HIS NUMEROUS 
 FRIENDS SPONTANEOUSLY TO ERECT THIS TABLET IN TESTI- 
 MONY OF THEIR GREAT RESPECT AND ESTEEM FOR HIS 
 MEMORY. HIS REMAINS ARE DEPOSITED ON THE SOUTH 
 SIDE OF THE ADJOINING CHURCHYARD. 
 
 On an oval plate of white marble : 
 
 "THOMAS WEST Alderman, died 23 rd of April 1803. 
 aged 55 years." 
 
 " MRS. ELIZABETH HAGGARD died I st May 1822 aged 
 6 1 years/' 
 
 " MRS. ANNE BLANDY, relict of JOHN BLANDY Esq. 
 and formerly widow of the above named Thomas 
 West died 4 th of January 1835 aged 76" years." 
 
 " Mary Francis, wife of Capt. M. Andrews only 
 daughter of T. S. Salmon M.D. died at Hastings 
 March 7 th 1824. Capt. M. Andrews, of His 
 Majesty's 44 Reg fc died at Llandaur in the East 
 Indies 21 July 1830." 
 
 " Martin Annesley Esq. Senior Magistrate of this 
 Borough died 29 June 1822 in his 82 nd year." 
 
 "Thomas Stokes Salmon M.D. died April 3O th 1827." 
 
 "Lancelot Austwick Esq. died 22 Feb. 1829 in his 
 78 th year." 
 
 " Henrietta Venua died Nov r 3 rd 1824 aged 43 years." 
 
 (The stone which covered her grave is now in the 
 
 vestry.) 
 
1 68 WILLS. 
 
 Wills. 
 
 ttbe Mill of 1benr? IReteall. 1493. 
 
 (Somerset House. Reg. "Vox." fo. 5.) 
 
 3n tbc flame of (Bob. Hmen. The xij d aye of 
 
 the Moneth of Novembr in the yere of cure lorde JJ)U 
 M.cccc.lxxxxiij, I Henry Kelsall of Redyng of the Dioc. of 
 Sar' Clothyer, hole and sounde the mynde, not being syke 
 the body, and in my last days not knowing seke, make my 
 p'sent testament trypartited in this maner : ffyrst I bequeth 
 my soule to Almighty God and to our Lady saynt Mary 
 and to all the saints of heven, and my body to be buryed 
 in the parisshe chirch of Saint Laurence of Reding afore- 
 said on the North parte of the Avvter of If)U ther. Item, I 
 bequith to the Cathedrale chirch of Sar' xij d . Item, I 
 bequeth to the high Awter of Saint Laurence chirch aforsaid 
 for forgoten Tythis, and evyll tythed xiiij 8 iij d . Item, I 
 bequeth to the operacions of the saide chirch xx s . Item, I 
 bequethe to the operacions of the chirch of sainte Marys 
 in Redyng aforsaid xx s . Item, I bequeth to the operacions 
 of saynt Gylys chirch there xx e . Item, I bequeth to the 
 ffriers Minours there, xx s . Item, I give to Thomas Kelsall 
 my brother all that same my landis and tentis Rentis 
 Reversions and s juices with all thaier appurten a unces sette 
 and lying w fc in the Burgh of Reding forsaid. And also 
 all that same my two tentis with thaier app r ten a nes sette and 
 lying in the Town of Southampton which tentis w fc thaier 
 appten a ncs late were of Thomas Payne of the saide Town 
 of Southampton, and after, of Roger Kelsall, Brother of me 
 the said Henry, and now been myn the saide Henry : and 
 in oon of the same ij tentis now dwellyth oon John 
 Bawdewyn, and in that other tent now dwellyth in oon 
 Thomas Crassewell. Also all that same my lands and 
 tentis Rents rev'sions and s*l vices medows pastures and 
 lesures w l thaier app'tenaunces sette and lying in the He of 
 Wyght in the Countie of Southampton in the parisshe of 
 Whyppyngham there. And also all that same my grove 
 or wood lying in the Countie of Southampton w l his 
 apptten a nces in the parisshe of Bramley in the saide countie 
 
WILLS. 169 
 
 called Stertwood there. To be had and to be holde all the 
 
 foresaide Lands and tehtis &c to the saide Thomas 
 
 Kelsall and to the heyres males of his body lawfully be- 
 gotten," &c. (Then he appoints that if Thomas die without 
 issue the real estate should go to the next heir male of the 
 kindred of the said Thomas, but should this utterly fail, 
 then he wills that the said lands and tenements) "holy 
 shall remayne to the x personys as underwritten and 
 named maynteners and susteyners of thaier devocion of 
 the Masse of IJiu kept and songen in the parrishe chirch of 
 Saynte Laurence in Reading aforesaide : that is to say 
 now in the firste Richarde Cleche, draper, John Baxtster, 
 tanner, John Langham, iremonger, Stephen Dunster, 
 draper, Rauff Myllington, clothyer, William Tru yoman,. 
 John Wylcokks, chaundler, and ffisshemonger, and William 
 Scochon, draper, with Richard Smyth gent, and John 
 Twytt oon of the deuocyoners and maynteners atte first 
 of the saide Masse of Ifiu. And I myself the said Henry 
 beying fyrst Mynder Susteyner and Mayntener of my 
 devocyon of the Masse of Ihu as all these forsaide persons 
 wele knowen and vnderstonden. To be had and be hold 
 all the forsaid lands &c. to the x persons forsaid mayn- 
 teners and susteynors of the Masse of Iliu and to theyre 
 successors, but if any of these now premises and tents be 
 allowed to become ruinous then" (he bequeaths them) " to- 
 the churchwardens of our Lady Chappell of Knottysford 
 in the Countie of Chesshire and to their successors on con- 
 dition (under payne of forfeture) that they shall keep a 
 yerely Obite or anniversary in the parisshe chirche of 
 Sainte Laurence aforsaide for the Sowle of me the said 
 Henry Kelsale, And for the soules of the which I the said 
 Henry am bounde to pray for, and for the sowles of all 
 cristen, to the value of xx s by the yere as by imperpetuyte. 
 And also by the oversight of the Curatt of the parisshe 
 chirch of Sainte Laurence forsaid, whosoever they be, for 
 the tyme being and that the said curat shall take and have 
 yerely for Dirige and Masses (this truly to be executed and 
 done) xx d for his labour. 
 
 Item, I will and charge that myn Executours shall see 
 that I may have a daylye p^lste to sing for me the 
 said Henry Kelsall in the parish chirche of Saint 
 Laurence aforsaid by the space of vij yere than next and 
 immediatly following after my decease, the said p jste to 
 have for the saide vij yere xl u good and lawful money of 
 
I?O . WILLS. 
 
 Englond, which xl u shall rest in the hands of the saide 
 x personnys Maynteners and susteners of the Masse of 
 Iftu aforseid. Item, I will and charge that myn execu- 
 tours shall ordeyne a stone to be layd upon me the saide 
 Henry and my wife Agnes in the churche of Saint 
 Laurence aforseid to the some ofvi 11 xiij 8 iiij d and upon the 
 saide stone by the ousight of the said x personnys maynte- 
 ners of the mass of lfiu aforsaide A Reson of them to be made 
 upon the same stone such as God will indue them 
 to shewe and sett on. Item, I bequeth to the honoracion and 
 sustentacon of the Masse of lliu of my pper devocon, two 
 iny best Saltsalers of sylver and gilt, the oon coued, 
 and that other not coued, also two my best standing 
 cuppes gilt and coued both. Also my two best 
 Nutts that I have coued and gilted : xij sponys 
 of sylver w fc Wodewoses* vpon the knoppes and 
 gilted ; In this intent that the saide plate afore reherced 
 shall not be shewed ne lent out of the Rome of the 
 persons maynteners &c. of the Masse of Itiu, safe 
 only alwey the saide plate to be had in honoracon 
 .and worshipping of the saide susteyners &c. of the masse 
 of Iftu, and to euy of them if nede shall require kepyng 
 there place. Item, I will and charge that if it be so that 
 any of the plate forsaide, any parte or all, any lone of the 
 same to be layd owte of the Rome of the said x persons 
 maynteners &c., and so proved, that than I will that the 
 heires male whomsoever they be of the said Thomas 
 Kelsall holy shall claime again, and recover ageyn to thaier 
 singuler Avayles by this my last will &c. Item, I bequeth 
 to the Operacons of the Chauncell of Saint John of the 
 parisshe chirch of Sainte Laurence forsaid as to make dexts 
 there, and to the selyng of the same chauncell xx 11 . Item, 
 I bequeth to the chappell of Knottisford aforesaid xl u (to 
 provide a priest to sing his obit for seven years) which x 11 
 shall reste in the hands of the forsaid x personnys, 
 maynteners of the Masse of lliu, and by them to be 
 deluyered. Item, I bequeth to the mending of the way 
 betwene Reding and the Thele xl s , and for mendyng of 
 
 the way betwene Reding and Pangbo r ne xl s , and 
 
 betwene Reding and Shipping Myll xl s , and 
 
 .betwene Reding and Burghfield Brigge xl s , and 
 
 betwene Reding and Canruende xl s . Item, I bequethe for 
 
 * Wodewoses i.e, t wild men, or monsters. 
 
Stall End. tfelealle iff- anno 
 
 p. 170. 
 
WILLS. 171 
 
 the amending of the wey called the Ort lane next 
 to Redinge xl 8 . Item, I bequeth to xl maydens euy of 
 them vj 8 viij d . Item, I bequeth to euy godchild of 
 myne beying on lyve ij s . Item, I bequethe to Thomas 
 Grenewey my suant xl 8 . Item, I bequeth to 
 Henry Woodhatch my godson x 11 . Item, I bequethe to 
 the forsaide Thomas Kelsall my brother a payer of 
 Bryganders covered with velvett, a standerd and a salett. 
 Item, I bequethe to C pore men to euy of them a gown of 
 blak fryse p'ce of euy gown ij s ; they to be deluyered by 
 the discrecon of myn executours, and the saide x 
 personnes maynteners of the Masse of Ifiu. Item, I 
 bequethe to the chirch of Hendley vj s viij d . Item, I 
 bequethe to the chirch of Wokyngham vj s viij d . Item, I 
 bequethe to the church of Stratfieldsay vj s viij. Item, 
 I bequeth to the chirch of Stratfeld Mortemer vj 8 viij d 
 .... to the church of Burghfelde vj s viij d .... to 
 the church of Tylehurste vj s viij d .... of Selhampstede 
 Abbott vj s viij d .... of Tydmershe vj s viij d .... to 
 the parisshe church of Pangbourne vj s viij d .... of 
 Purley vj s viij d .... of Whitechurch vj s viij d .... 
 of Maplederh a m vj s viij d .... of Causham vj s viij 3 
 .... of Shyplake vj s viij d .... of Retherfelde 
 Pypparde vj 8 viij d .... of Lawrence Waltham vj s viij d 
 .... of Hurste vj s viij a .... of Swallowfelde vj 8 viij d 
 .... of Sonnyng vj s viij d .... of Shenyngfelde vj s 
 viij d .... of Wargrave vj s viij d .... of Sulham vj 8 
 viij d .... of Knottesford xx s .... of Rawsthorne 
 vj s viij d .... of Moberley vj 8 viij d .... of Overpever 
 vj s viij d .... of Netherpever vij viij d .... of Newe 
 Chapell in the Strete vj s viij d .... of Lymme vj 8 viij d . 
 
 Item, I bequeth to Margarett Bosden my sister xl 8 . 
 Item, I bequeth to Mawde Bosden her daughter xl s . Item, 
 I bequeth to Margarett Bosden sister of the saide Mawde 
 xl s . Item, I bequeth to euy soon of my brother Thomas 
 Kelsall xl 8 . Item, I bequeth to euy daughter of the 
 said Thomas xl 8 to Jonett Swynton my sister xl 8 to 
 Roger Swynton her son xl s to John Saunder my servant 
 xl 8 to Johne Broke my servant xl 8 . Item, I bequeth to 
 the mariage of Elizabeth Crantmore xl s . Item, I will and 
 charge that Charlys Kelsall son of my brother Roger 
 Kelsall shall haue xx 11 of lawful money of England, which 
 xx 11 was of the bequest of the said Roger his ffather, which 
 money also shall reste in the handes of the x persons 
 
172 WILLS. 
 
 maynteners &c of the Masse of Iftu, into the tyme the said 
 Charles be of the age of xxiiij yere (unless they think he 
 would well dispose it). Item, I will and charge that Eliza- 
 beth Kelsall daughter of my saide brother Roger Kelsall 
 and sister of the said Charles shall have xx 11 which was of 
 the bequest of the said Roger her ffader until she be of age 
 to be married (the survivor of them to have the other's 
 share and in case of the death of both, then the wardens of 
 the Jesus Mass were to apply the4O/. for the benefit of their 
 souls). 
 
 " Item, I will and geve to Thomas Kelsall soon of my 
 saide Brother Roger Kelsall, a place callid the Tower, stand- 
 ing over the Sowth Gate in Hampton aforesaide, w* a 
 Skelyng without the wall there, and a long celar by the 
 Town wall agenst Goddes howse gate which Tower, 
 skelyng, and celar, late had the said Roger Kelsall my 
 brother of the dymyssions and grauntes of the Mayer of 
 Southampton and his brethren by lese of Indenture. Item, 
 I bequeth to the Mynchen* of Rumsey, whiche was the 
 daughter of the saide Roger vj marc. Item, I bequeth to 
 the Almeshowses in Redyng which wer of the foundacon of 
 John of the Larder, to euery of the same howses a couerlette, 
 price of euy of them ij s viij d . Item, to euery of the same 
 howses a pair of Shetis, price of every paier xvj d . Item, I 
 bequeth to euery of my Cosynnes sonnys and doughters 
 lawfully bigotton, betwene Thomas Madok of Knottesford 
 aforesaide, and Elizabeth my sister nowe being alive, to 
 euery of them xl s . I will and charge that a Tenour bell 
 to be made according to the iiij bellis that now hange in 
 the stepyll of Saynte Lawrence church of Reding aforseide 
 to the some of ( ). The scripture to be made aboute the 
 same bell ' Henry. The bell of Ifiu.' Item, I bequeth to the 
 sustentation of the forsaide Masse of Ifiu as aforsaid xl h . 
 Item, I bequeth to the making of the Gyldhall in Reding 
 when the said hall shall be new bilded xl s . It. I bequeth 
 to the daughter of William Swynton xl 8 . Item, I bequeth 
 to Margery Pastlewe vj 8 viij d . Item, I bequeth to Joan 
 Asshendon vj 3 viij d to Henry Sadelervj 8 viij d to the wif 
 of John Leche, Hatmaker, vj s viij d . The residue of all my 
 goodes I will that Thomas Kelsall my brother, and Rauff 
 Whyte of Wokynham whome I make joyntly myn executors, 
 that they may as God will give them grac to dispose of the 
 
 * Mynchen i.e., a nun. A. S. Minicen. 
 
WILLS. 1/3 
 
 said residue to the pleasure of Almighty God, helth unto 
 my sowle, and my frendis sowles, and discharging of theire 
 conscience. These witnesses being present, Maister Rauff 
 Hethcote, Richard Cleche, RaufF Myllyngton, and William 
 True, with other at Reding the day and yere abousaide." 
 Proved at Lambeth some time during the months of 
 January and February 1493-4, which are the dates 
 of the previous and following probates. 
 
 Will of 3obn pcwmsar, 
 
 (Probate Registry. Reg. " Ayloofe," fo. i.) 
 
 3n tbe IRame of (Bob, Hmen* The XXVHJ Day 
 
 of June anno Dni MCCCCCxvij. 
 
 I John Pownsar of Reading in the Dioc. of Sar. Draper, 
 .... do make .... this my last wille &c. I bequeth 
 my soule &c. . . . and my body to be buried in the church 
 of saint Laurence in Redyng aforsaid before the awter of 
 Jlius there where convenient place may be had. Item, I 
 bequeth to the Church of Sarum iiij d . Item, I bequeath to 
 the sustentation and mayntening of the Masse of Jfius in 
 the said church of saint Laurence x 11 , to be paid in maner 
 and form folowing yf Isabell my wife lyve sole vnmaried 
 and contynue Suster paying yerely vnto the said masse 
 vj s viij d , then I will the said x 11 be paide vnto the Wardeyns 
 of the said masse to the vse of the said Chauntery and 
 masse immediatly after the decesse of the said Isabell my 
 wife, and if it fortune the said Isabell to mary or to leve of 
 the payment of the said vj s viij d yerely, then I wil that the 
 said x 11 be paide vnto the said wardeyns unto the vse of the 
 said Chauntry within ij yeres next and immediatly after, 
 but if it shall fortune her to mary or to leve of the yerely 
 payment of vj s viij d , Then I will that a prest being honest 
 and of goode conversation synge and say masse for my soule 
 in the said church of Saint Laurence by the space of one 
 hole yere next and immediatly after my decesse, and he to 
 have for his salary x marc. Item, I will that an obite be 
 kept yerely in the said church of Saint Laurence the space 
 of x yeres next and immediatly after my decesse, for my 
 soule and my frendes soules, expending thereon yerely 
 vj s viij d . Item, I bequeth to the sustentacon and mayn- 
 ten a unce of the masse of our Lady in the said church of 
 
174 WILLS. 
 
 Saint Laurence, vj s viij d .... to every godchild alyve 
 xij d .... to William Hayton and Richard Stamp my ser- 
 vaunts, to every of them vj 8 viij d and a hosecloth. Item, I 
 bequeth to Isabell Barfote, Isabell Rose, and to Alice 
 Sparowe my servants, to every of them vj s viij d . I bequeth 
 to Isabell my wife all that my tenement with thappurte- 
 n a unce sett and lying in the High Strete of Redynge 
 bitwene the two bridgs there, betwene the tenement of John 
 Norris Squyer vpon the south parte, and the tent of the 
 Abbot and convent of the Monastery of Reding aforsaid 
 vpon the north parte, to have and to hold the same .... for 
 ever. I bequeth vnto the said Isabel my wife all that 
 tent sett and lyinge in Reding aforsaid in such place there 
 called Chese Rowe, that is to wit betwene the tent of John 
 Norris Squyer upon the Est parte, and the tent of the Abbot 
 and Convent of the mon. of Redyng aforsaid vpon the West 
 parte &c. After the decesse of the said Isabell my wife, I will 
 that the said tent remayne vnto John Barfote the elder and 
 to Richard his sonne and to the heires of the same Richard 
 lawfully begotten, and for lack of such yssue to John Bar- 
 fote the elder and of his heires, &c. and for lack of such 
 issue, I will that the said tent &c. by the Mayor of the 
 Borough of Reding and by the x brethren of the Masse of 
 Jftus of the church of saint Laurence aforsaid be solde (and 
 the proceeds disposed of according to their discretion) " for 
 the welthe of my soule, my wifes soule, and all Xpn soules." 
 (The rest of his goods and debts he leaves to Isabel his 
 wife, whom he appoints his executrix, and John Barfoot the 
 elder, the overseer of his will.) 
 
 Witnesses Thomas Justice, Vicar of Saint Laurence 
 aforsaid, Thomas Carpenterand William Edmunds. 
 
 Proved at Lambeth the 9th December, 1517. 
 
 Mill of ftbomas iplatts. 
 
 (Somerset House. Reg. "Blamyr,"fo. n.) 
 (Orig. in Latin, dated 24 August, 1522.) 
 
 Bitten. I Thomas Platts of Read- 
 ing in the Dioc. of Salisbury of sound mind &c. do make 
 my last will &c. in this manner. First I give my soul to 
 Almighty God and to the Blessed V. Mary His mother, 
 
WILLS. 175 
 
 and to all saints, and my body to be buried in the church 
 of Saint Lawrence in Reading " in edicula Sancti Johanis 
 Baptiste." I give to the mother church of Salisbury 4 d . 
 It. I bequeath to the High Altar of the said church of St. 
 Lawrence for tithes and oblations forgotten, and to pray for 
 my soul 3 s 4 d . It. I bequ e ath to the light of the Holy Cross 
 " in alto" 2O d . I bequeath to the light of the Blessed 
 Mary the Virgin in the said church 2O d . I bequeath to 
 Agnes my daughter 5/. I bequeath to Joan my daughter 
 5/. The rest of my goods not disposed of, I give to pay 
 my debts and to Margaret my wife that she dispose for 
 the health of my soul as she shall think most pleasing to 
 God and most beneficial to my soul ; and I constitute 
 Margaret my wife my executrix. 
 
 " Et pro magna consideracioe quam habui in Waltero 
 Barton de Reading predict, constituo in supvisorem mei 
 hujus testamenti ea intencione q d ipe intendat et effectualit' 
 laboret circa reputacioem debitorum meorum &c. Hiis 
 testib5 dns Edwarduo Bowes curato de Braynford, Roberto 
 Sadler, Witto Wryght, Raynold de Reding pred. et aliis." 
 
 Proved at Lambeth 10 Nov. 1522. 
 
 Gbe Mill of IRicbarfc Befcowe, 
 
 Ffcar. 
 (Somerset House. Reg. " Hogen/' fo. 22.) 
 
 3lt 2>Cl nomine. Hmcn. The xv day of November, 
 in the xxvj yere of King Henry the eight the yere of our 
 lorde god a thowsande v c and xxxiij, I maister Richard 
 Bedowe vicar of Saincte Lauraunce in Reading of the 
 diocesse of Sar. in hole mynde and good Remembraunce, 
 lawde be to God, make my testament conteyning in hym 
 my last wille in maner and fourme as folowith. Ffirst, I 
 commende my soule to Almighty God, and to the holy 
 company of hevin, and my body to be buried in the chauncell 
 of sainct Laurence church in Reading beforesaid before the 
 ymage of Sainte Laurence at the aulter's end. Item, I 
 bequeth to the cathedrall churche in Sar. iij 8 iiij d to the 
 cathedral churche of Lincolne iij 8 iiij d to the cathedrall 
 churche of sainct David iij s iiij d to the reparacons of sainct 
 
I ?6 WILLS. 
 
 Laurence church aforesaid xl s . Item, I bequeth to the 
 maynctenance of Jesu Masse in Sainte Lauraunce church 
 aforesaid vj s viij d . Item, I bequethe to the mainctenaunce of 
 our lady masse in the "same church vj s viij d .... to the 
 parrishe church of Lukenor xl s . Item, I bequethe to the 
 parrishe church of New Radnor a chalice price iij u .... 
 to Glawster churche a chalice price iiij mrc .... to Lan- 
 dewy abarargh a vestment of grene satten of burges .... 
 to the parish church of Borroth a vestment of grene satteyn 
 of burges. Item, I will that my executour finde and pro- 
 vide to my mother during her life all thinges necessary for 
 hir. Item, I will that my mother shal have during hir life 
 all the revenues profits and use of all my father's landes 
 &c. (He mentions his uncle Sir John ap Rice). Item, I 
 bequeth to the freers mynours in Reading aforsaid xl 8 . 
 Item, I bequethe to Richard Andro xl s and my gowne that 
 I were euy day w*oute the furre, and to his wife my shorte 
 gowne. Item, I bequethe to an honest preest iiij marks 
 sterling to singe two yeres at Sainte Martyns in Oxford for 
 the soules of John Powes and his wife and their benefac- 
 tours. Item, I bequethe to my brother at Godstow to be 
 praied for iij u to the poor people of Lewknor shortly after 
 his burial xl s . To the churches of Adwell, Weston, Asten, 
 Croway iij s iiij d each .... to my cowsen Lewes ap Rice 
 xx s .... to my cowsen David ap Iten xx s . Item, I be- 
 quethe all my bokes to All Sowlen College in Oxforde, &c. 
 Item, I bequethe to Sir John Maynforte for his labour and 
 for my monthes Dirige, x s . Item, I bequethe to an honest 
 preest to singe and pray for my soule one yere in Sainte 
 Laurence vj u xiij s iiij d . And I will the same preest to say 
 Placebo and Dirige and comendacon thrise every weke 
 during the said yere, w* Masse of Requiem on the morrowe, 
 and that to be doon suche dayes in the weke as myn exe- 
 cutour shall appointe, and the saide preest to synge longer 
 for me, if my goodes after my bequestes paid will further 
 extende. Item, I make and ordeyne maister Thomas ap 
 Howell my sool executour &c. Item, I make my lorde 
 Hugh Abbott of Reading and Dr. Gwent, Deane of the 
 Arches, my supvisors &c. and I geve to eche of them for 
 their labour a Riall of gold. Item, I bequethe to my aunte 
 that is blinde x 8 . Item, I bequethe to Saint Laurance 
 church in Reading aforsaid two of my new joyned stools 
 for their Rectours. In witness whereof I have sette myn 
 scale in the presence of these witnesses vnderwriten the 
 
WILLS. 
 
 day and yere above written, Petir Shefforde, Davy 
 Williams, and John Mainforthe curat. 
 Proved at Lambeth 21 Jan. 1534. 
 
 Cbe Mill of William Watts. 
 
 (Probate Registry, " Hogen," fo. 28.) 
 
 3n tbe IRame of (Bob. Hmen. The first day of 
 
 July in the yere of our Lord God M. fyve hundred and xxxv. 
 I William Watts of the parishe of Sainte Laurence of 
 Readyng .... hole in mynd and of good remembrance, 
 laude be to God, make my testament in maner and fourme 
 folowing : ftirst, I coinende my soule to almighty God my 
 maker and Redemer, to our Blissid Lady saint Mary, and to 
 all the holy company of hevyn, and my body to be buried in 
 the parishe church of Saint Lawrance aforsaid before the 
 quere dore. Item, I will that there shall be bestowed at my 
 buriall amongst preests clerks and pour people, fyve pounds, 
 and in lyke maner at my monethes mynde fyve pounds. 
 Item, I will so shortly as can be after my deceas all my 
 debts to be paid .... and that to be doon w'out delaye, 
 which debts be written in my counting boke. Item, I be- 
 queth to the high awlter of Saint Lawrance in Reading 
 aforsaid for tythis & offerings forgotten vj s viij d . Item, I 
 will that an honest preest shall singe and say masse and 
 other divine services for my soule and all Xpn soules the 
 space of oon yere in Saint Lawrence aforesaid, and the 
 preest to have for his labour vj u xiij 8 iiij d . Item, I will that 
 Margaret my wife shall have all my three tenements w fc 
 the appurtenaunces that lyeth between the Vawte and the 
 George gate, and a parcell of arable grounde lying in 
 Whitle called the Clayepittes for terme of her lyf and after 
 her decesse to Henry Watts my cousin keeping an obite in 
 Saint Laurences churche for xx yeres next and imme- 
 diately following the decease of Margaret my wyf, to the 
 value of vj s viij d yerely. (To his wife Margaret he be- 
 queaths 2O/. with all his goods in his house in New Street, 
 except a gilt piece given to Thomas Knight as well 20 
 marks to bring up David his brother. To Richard Knight 
 5 marks. To William Knight 5 marks.) " Item, I bequeth 
 to the Reparacos of thornaments that belongith to the 
 brotherhode of Jesus Masse founded in Saint Laurence 
 
 N 
 
I 78 WILLS. 
 
 churche aforseid five mrcs." (He bequeathed 40" to the Lady 
 Mass for the same purpose, to the reparations of the church 
 20 s , to St Mary's in Reading 6 s 8 d , to St Gyles 6 s 8 d , 
 to the church of the ffriars Minours 6 s 8 d , to Wokyngham 
 church 2O S .) " To Rafe my sonne every yere 2O S ." (He 
 appointed a yearly obit to be kept for his soul in St. Law- 
 rence's so long as Margaret his wife should live, enjoining 
 her to bestow thereat yearly the sum of 4O S among priests, 
 clerks, and poor people. He constituted Richard Turner 
 and Henry Watts his executors. 
 
 Witnesses Water Barton, gent, John Vansbye, Robert 
 Watlyngton " and other moo." 
 
 Proved at Lambeth 13 Nov. 1535. 
 
 Mill of ftbomas Justice, 
 
 (Probate Registry, "Hogen," fo. 31.) 
 
 2>Ci IftOminC, Hmett. The xnij day of Decem- 
 ber the yereof our LordeGod athousand five hundred xxxv. 
 I Thomas Justice, Clerke of Readinge &c do make &c. 
 Ffurst, I commende my soule to Almightie god and to the 
 holly company of hevyn, and my body to be buried in the 
 pishe church of sainte Laurence in Readinge aforesaid 
 .... I bequethe to the pische church of sainte Maries in 
 Readinge aforesaid xx s .... to the pishe church of sainte 
 Gylys in Readinge aforesaid xx s Item, I bequethe to 
 Alice the wife of Thomas Sayntmonde a salte of siluer w fc 
 the couer pcell gilte and vj spones of siluer and a paier of 
 shetes .... I bequethe to every of hir children beinge 
 now alive and unmaried a siluer spone and fourtie shillings 
 in moneye and a pair of shets, and if any of them dye, than 
 their parte to be divided to the survivours brethren and 
 susters. Item, I will my two tenements lyinge in London 
 Strete to Richard my brother, kepinge therfor yerely in the 
 parish Church of saint Laurence an yerely obite for the 
 soules of his frendes and myne. The residue of all my 
 goodes aboue not bequethede after my detts paide, I give 
 and bequethe to Richard Justice my brother, and to Thomas 
 Sayntmounde, whom I ordeyne and constitute myne exe- 
 cutours to dispose the said residew to my poure kynnes 
 ffolks, and other poure people of sainte Laurence parryshe 
 aforesaide, and I give to eiche of them xx s for their laboure. 
 
WILLS. 179 
 
 In witness wherof I have subscribed this with myne owne 
 hande the day and yere above written. 
 
 Proved the 27 of January, 
 1535- 
 
 Will of Walter Barton, 
 
 (Somerset House. Reg. "Dyngely," fo. 17.) 
 
 3n tbe IRame of (Sob, Hmen. i water Barton of 
 
 Radyng in the Dioc' of Sar' being in helth of bodye and in 
 good and parfite memorye ; thanks be to our Lord God, The 
 xxvij day of Octobre the yere of our Lord God a thousand 
 fyve hundreth thirty and sevyn, And in the xxix lh yere of 
 the reigne of King Henry the eight, make my testament 
 and last will in maner and fourme as folowith ffirst I 
 bequeth my soule to Almighty God, and to the suffrage of 
 his blissed mother our lady saint Mary, and to the suffrages 
 of all the holy company of hevyn, And my Body to be 
 buryed there where it shall please god to dispose for me 
 after the discrecion of myn executours. Item, I bequethe 
 to the Cathedrall churche of Sar' vj s viij d . Item, I be- 
 quethe to Sir John Maynfforthe vicar of Saint Laurence, 
 my Curat, in recompense of my tithes necligently forgotten 
 yf any be, and to pray for me xx s . Item, I bequeth to Sir 
 Thomas Lathum parson of Englefield to pray for me x s . 
 Item, I bequeth to maister William Symondes vicar of 
 Busselden to pray for me x s . Item I bequeth to Sir Wil- 
 liam Atkynson parson of Uffeton to pray for me x 3 . Item, 
 I bequeth to the Vicar of Shepelake to pray for me x s . 
 Item I will that there bs deliuered w*in six days after my 
 deceas to fourscore pore householders being charged with 
 Childeren w l in the towne of Radyng after the discrecion of 
 myn executours to every ofthemiij 3 iiij d . Item I will that 
 there be said and doon for my soule at my burying, and 
 as soon as may be doon conveniently, so it be doon at my 
 burying and at my monethes mynde and before, a thou- 
 sande masses. Item, I will ther be delte for me at my 
 burying and before my monethes mynde to poure people 
 dwellyng in the towne of Radyng to pray for me twenty 
 pounds after the discrecions of my executours. Item, I 
 bequeth towarde the mayntenaunce of the Masse of Jim 
 in the parisshe of Saint Laurence of Radyng vj u xiij 3 iiij d . 
 
 N 2 
 
180 WILLS. 
 
 Item, I bequeth toward the mayntenance of the Masse of 
 our lady w l in the said church, thre pounds vj s viij d . Item, 
 I will that all such detts and sumes of money as be ex- 
 pressed hereafter in this quayre be truely contented and 
 paid as spedely as may be conveniently. Item, I will that 
 if there shall be hereafter any other detts or restitucons 
 claymed by any parsone, as I remembre me noon to be, 
 yet if it may appere to myn executours by any likelyhod 
 or coniectur that it shuld be, I will it shall be paide .... 
 Item, I give and bequeth to Alys my wife all my stuffe of 
 householde and all my plate except suche as I shall here- 
 after declare by this my will. Item, I bequeth to Griffith 
 Barton my nevewe oon salt of siluer, parcell gilt w l a couer 
 that is daily occupied on my borde, twelve spones of oon 
 sorte having knapps gilt w l this t r X in euery ende, and thre 
 litle cupps of siluer w l a couer that John Hart made to me 
 when he dwelled at Redyng. Item, I bequeth to William 
 Buryton my nevewe all my weryng gere. Item, I bequeth 
 to Alice my wife all the wares in my shop with the dettes 
 of the whole stock belonging to the same. Item where 
 William Buryton my nevewe for suche money as he hath 
 in the said stock and for his labour hath had before this 
 diverse yeres the fourth parte of the geyn of the said stock 
 and wares towarde his lyving, I will that after my decesse 
 yf he wyll and do contynue his occupying w l my said wife 
 and behave himself toward hir kyndely, that as long as 
 they can so agree together, that he shall have the third 
 parte of the geyn and profitte that shall yerely rise vpon 
 the occupying of the said stock that is to sey, all the profits 
 that shall growe and ryse vpon the said occupying to be 
 yerely rekened, and the thirde parte of the said encrase 
 and geyne to be deliuered to the said William And if they 
 cannot so agree, then I will there shall be deliuered to him 
 in Wares detts and redy money the thirde parte of all the 
 said stock and so to depte the other two partes to be at the 
 discrecion and will of my said wife to dispoase at hir 
 libertie, and if they doe contynue togither in so occupying 
 till my wife decesse, then I will the said William shal haue 
 the halfe parte of the said stock as well in wares, money 
 and detts : in euery thing the other halfe therof to be at 
 the libertie of my said wife to be disposed at hir pleasure. 
 Item, I bequeth to my said wife all such interest and leeses 
 as I have in the psonage of Shiplake in the ferme of Burwey 
 and in the porcon of the tithes of Synsh a m, soo always 
 
WILLS. I 8 I 
 
 that as long as my nevewe William Buryton and she doo 
 contynue togither their occupying, I will he shall haue the 
 half of the profits of the same w* my said wife and the 
 hoole after hir deceas. And if they do not so contynue 
 agree and occupye togither, then I will the said William 
 Buriton shall have noo parte of the profits thereof but my 
 wife to have the hool profits during her lyfe And after 
 hir deceas, my nevewe Henry Barton to have the said 
 Leeses during the termes of the same. 
 
 Item, I bequeth to Thomas Buryton my nevewe 
 vj 11 xiij 8 iiij d . Item, I bequeth to euery of his Childern 
 being in lyfe vj s viij d . Item, I bequeth to John Buryton my 
 nevewe iij h vj s viij d , and to euery of his Childern being in 
 lyfe vj s viij d . Item, I bequeth to my nevewe John Blount 
 fourty shillings, and to eily of his childeren being in lyfe 
 vj s viij d . Item, I bequeth to Thomas Blount my nevewe 
 xl 3 , and to euery of his childern being in lyfe vj s viij d . Item, 
 I bequeth to Richard Blount my nevewe xl 8 , and to euery 
 of his childern being in lyfe vj s viij d . Item, I bequeth to 
 William Buryton my nevewe my leese that I have in the 
 psonage of Ash a mpsted to help to find his childern and to 
 bring them up. Item, I bequeth to my nevewe Griffith 
 Barton all my interest and Leese that I have in the Lord- 
 ship of Southstoke and the psonage of the same with the 
 indenture therof to his own propr use. Item, I bequeth to 
 the same Griffith Barton, to Thomas, Water, and Xpofer, 
 the sons of William Buryton, all such interest and Leese as 
 I have in the Lordship of Mykelton, and the parsonage of 
 the same, to take the profits therof when it shall com, 
 equally to be divided bitwene them foure, And he that doth 
 longest lyve to haue and enioy the hoole leese w* all the 
 profits of the same, and the indenture therof, and that Leese 
 not to be solde nor any part therof but to remayne as aboue 
 expressed w l out any alienacon of any parte therof till the 
 hole shall come to oon of the hands of the said foure 
 persons. And for suretie therof, I will the said indenture 
 shall remayn in the sauff custodye of the Maior and Bur- 
 genses of Redyng by indenture to be kept, and for the 
 custody therof assone as the terme of the said indenture 
 shall begin to take effect, I will the said Maior and Bur- 
 genses shall have yerely out of the same vj s viij d till the 
 said indenture shalbe deliuered as is afore written. Item, I 
 bequeth to William Buryton and to Thomas, Water, and 
 Xpofer, his three sonnes, all such interest as I have in the 
 
l82 WILLS. 
 
 psonage of Cholsey, the profit therof to be equally devided 
 among them (the maior and burgesses to keep the indenture 
 as before) Ffor the custodie wherof, I will shall be yerely 
 deliuered to the maior and burgesses to thuse of their hall, 
 two quarters of good and sote (siveef) whete to be paid 
 yerely out of the said parsonage and deliuered at Radynge 
 w l in their said hall as long as the maior and burgenses 
 shall have the custodye of the said indenture. Item, where 
 I haue caused my recoverers of my manor of Ildesley to 
 make a leese w* me to William Buryton my nevewe of the 
 fferme of Hodcote for terme of certeyn yeres as appereth 
 by the said indenture, upon the whiche fferme I have nowe 
 a stocke of shepe to the nombre of thre hundreth thre score 
 and aboue, The which Leessees made of trust to myn owne 
 vse, I will and bequeth the same leese and the hole stock 
 thervppon to be disposed as herafter doth folowe : Ffirst I 
 will that my said nevewe shal haue the said fferme and the 
 hole stock vpon the same, and he to take the profits of the 
 same to thentent that w l the same profits he shall con- 
 tynually maynten the same stock as good as it is nowe, 
 and the rest of the profits to take to his owne vse toward 
 the keping of his childern till Alice his doughter shall come 
 to the age of mariage. And yf she be ruled in hir mariage 
 by hir said father then I wille she shal haue the said Leese 
 and the hole stock to hir said manage. And if it fortune 
 the said Alice to dye before she shalbe maried, or yf she 
 marye contrarie to hir fathers mynde, then I bequethe the 
 said leese and the hole stock to Thomas, Water, and 
 Xpofer, sonnes of the said William, the profits therof over 
 and beside the maynten a unce of the said stock as is afore 
 v/ritten to be equally divided amonge them, (but if these die 
 without issue) then I give and bequeth the same leese and 
 stock to my Cosyn Gruffith Barton." (He then constitutes 
 his wife Alice his executrix and William Buryton and 
 Robert Watlyngton his executors.) "And I bequeth to 
 the same Robert to helpe my wife in hir cawsis iij h vj s viij d ." 
 He gives the residue to his wife to be disposed for the 
 benefit of their souls according to her discretion. Witnessed 
 by Gruffith Barton, John Trumflet, and John Maynforth 
 vicar there. 
 
 Memorand. I bought my landes in Streteley in Jan : 
 2O Hen : viij, and sens my entre I dyd paye noo quyte rent 
 to my lord of Derbye, the whiche claymeth yerely out of it 
 xxxj s vj d . Item, I doo thinke in conscience I do owe to 
 
WILLS. 183 
 
 paye yerely for such londes as I doo holde of hym in all 
 xvj 8 vj d . Item, certeyn londes there callid ' Goldhurds' is 
 holden of him by the yerely rent of viij s and a pound pep, 
 and of that londes William Ffrewen of Streteley hath all 
 the chief londes that he bought of William Watts of 
 Readyng, and yet I doo knowe I have parte of that londe, 
 but a great dele the lesse and worste parte, yet I can be 
 content to bere parte of the Rent ; And yf I bere yerely 
 iiij 8 I thinke it be w fc the largest. And yf I pay therfor 
 iiij s , then my hole rent to my lord of Derbye for all my 
 londes shalbe yerely xx s vj d . So I do owe them for oon yere 
 at Mich, anno xxi Hen. viij xx s vj d . and so to Mich, anno 
 xxvij. The hole sm a soo owyng vij 11 iij 8 vj d . 
 
 Memorand. I ought to have coihon in all my lords 
 Demaynes as apperith by my evidens of the graunte of 
 John Mohon one of my lords Auncestours and I am kept 
 from it. Item, my lord cawsid certen of my ten a unts and 
 seruants to be indyted of Ryott and of forcible entre for 
 pecible entre into two acres of myn owne grownde in the 
 Suth felde, and therupon ther was an accon taken agayn 
 them at the comen lawe and an Issue joyned, and my lord 
 will sue noo further, the fynes of the said judyments and 
 the costes in the suyte in the lawe in defence of my lords 
 wrong doon to me in that and in other accons tryed agayns 
 my lords ten a nts in repleyves and other, cost me aboue tenne 
 pounds : som recompence I wold I had, and yet, notwith- 
 standing the trouble and wrong that I haue had, if I may 
 haue and enjoy my comen and to haue my londes owt of 
 Waryans according to my right, I wolde my lord were 
 payde of his Rents being behynde, and so after con- 
 tynually. Item, John Clerk of Hagburn claymeth owt of 
 my londes in Sheprege xx d by the yere, yf he can shewe 
 me out of what londe it is dewe to be paid or any other 
 thinge to charge me by, I will he be paid. I am behynde 
 at Mich, anno xxvj I think vj yeres. 
 
 Detts to be paid by myn executours : ffirst I did receyve 
 of Leonard Rede Esquier more than my dutie by tenne 
 pounds towards that I lent him vpon a bill of his hande 
 obligatory tenne irirks and yet I owe him fyve mrks : I dyd 
 delyuer that fyve m a rks to my maister Englefelde to paye 
 him, and the other bill to be cancelled and he must dis- 
 charge me therof. I will it be paid of myn own conscience, 
 for I am in dowte whether he be paide. Item, ther is 
 owyng yet to Pangburn church to buy a Cope, of the 
 
1 84 WILLS. 
 
 legacy of maister Leynham, xiij 8 iiij d . I haue ben in hande 
 w* the parishens to bye a cope and they do not. I will it 
 be doon and paid according to maister Leynhams will. I 
 will that money to be paid. 
 
 Probatum fuit &c. 16 die mensis 
 
 Maii AD. 1538. apud London &c. 
 
 IRobert Watlington, Clotbmafcer, made his win 
 
 6th Jan. 1541. 
 
 " Item, I bequeth to the high aulter in Saint Laurence 
 Church for tithes &c. forgotten, xx d . Item, to the Masse of 
 Jesus in the Church of Saint Laurence, xiij 8 iiij d . Item, to 
 the Masse of our Lady, x s . He bequeathed to his three 
 ' childer' Nicholas, Alice, and Joan, 261. 13^. 4^. apiece. To 
 every servant in his house at his departing, 6s. 8<^. each. To 
 poor people at Warfield, 20.5-. He gave his real property to 
 Nicholas and his heirs. " It. I bequeath to Nicholas my 
 sonne my great goblet and my great Andyrons." The 
 residue of his goods he left to Elizabeth his wife. 
 Proved Jan. 3Oth, 1542. 
 
 Reg. "Spert," fo. 15. 
 
 3obn ftrumflet, fIDercer, gave to his sister Alice 
 
 Trumflet 5/. : to his sister Catharine Sowthy 5/. : to the 
 four daughters of his wife Alice, viz., Bridget, Elizabeth, 
 and Margaret, io/. each. To his son Richard 2OO/. to be 
 taken by 4O/. a year out of the debt of Richard Watlington. 
 To the same Richard he devised all his lands, &c. in Bin- 
 field, Reading, Arborfeld, &c., his wife Alice to enjoy the 
 rents during his son's minority. 
 
 He gave his best gown to his uncle William, his long 
 gown lined with chamlet to Thomas Southy, and his gown 
 of Kentish Russet to his cousin Robert Sheford, his 
 doublet of Damask to Will Watlyngton, his satin doublet 
 to John Gateley, and his chamlet jacket to Richard Mathew. 
 To Robert Style 61. He appointed Mr. Thomas Vachell 
 the elder the overseer of his will. 
 
 Proved 25 Sept. 1549. 
 
 Reg. " Hogen," fo. 38. 
 
THE OBITUARY. 
 
 185 
 
 bituar^ 
 
 A list of the names of those persons whose bequests, inter- 
 ments, and obsequies are recorded in the Church accounts 
 from the year 1410, down to the commencement of the 
 burial registers in 1605. 
 
 The persons whose names are marked with an asterisk 
 were buried within the church. 
 
 Anno 1410. Robert Beche bequeathed vj s viij d to the 
 
 Church. 
 1433-4. Ric. Glover bequeathed x s . 
 
 John Barton (butcher) bequeathed vj a viij d 
 
 to the Church. 
 
 Ric. Benton bequeathed iiij d to the Church. 
 Tho. Glover bequeathed j 8 viij d to the 
 
 Church. 
 Will. Lousse bequeathed j s viij d to the 
 
 Church. 
 John Markham jun r bequeathed vj s viij d 
 
 to the Church. 
 
 John Chapman bequeathed j*. 
 Thomas Cowper bequeathed vj d to the 
 
 Church. 
 
 1440-1. Thomas Hawe bequeathed iij 3 iiij d . 
 John Kayns bequeathed vj s viij d . 
 Ric. Hawkeley bequeathed iij 3 iiij d . 
 1441-2. Thomas Swayn bequeathed vj s viij d . 
 
 Amicia, mother of Tho. Clerke bequeathed 
 
 1498-9. Thomas Butler*. Webby 's wyfe. Henbury's 
 wife of Caversham. Alysaunder Prentyse* 
 wyfe. Thomas Payne. Boldys moder. 
 Richard Ades. Thomas Carpenter's wifes 
 moder*. Plecyes wife. Alysaunder Prentice*. 
 Hudson's wife. John Fuller's wife. Robard 
 Cavyes wife*. 
 
 1501-2. Sir John Hyde, vicar of Sonning*. William 
 Tru (or Trew)'s wife*. Isabel wife of 
 Rob. Sadler. 
 
I 86 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 1 502-3. Harry son of Robard Prow. Lawrence Morton 
 gentyllman*. Roger Johnson's wife*. John 
 Crewse*. Thomas Platts* (see below). Sir 
 John Pymber (priest)*. John Long Master 
 of the Grammar school*. My lord Wod's 
 bequest 6 s 8 d . Thomas Rede*. Elizabeth, 
 wife of Harry Prow. William Hill. 
 (Elizab. his widow married M r Mayho). 
 Sir Will Symmys* (interred w* much 
 ceremony.) Will. Dodson*. William Watts. 
 Will. Harebotell. Will Hasyl wood's wife*. 
 " It rec d of Margaret Platts for a stone to cou 
 her husbonds grave xix ." 
 
 1503-4. William Dodson (Isabel his relict). Joan wife of 
 Nicholas Kent. Thomas Myryman's wife. 
 Tho. Turner's wife. Florence Rede* (Alice 
 Sharp paid the burial fees). Nicholas Kents 
 wife Joan*. William Hill (leaving Joan his 
 widow.) 
 
 " It rec. of Randall Kelsall for wast of Torchis 
 at ]? e yer mynd of Harry Kelsall x d ." (H. 
 Kelsall died in 1493.) John Higson's wife 
 left 8 d towards a Pax. 
 
 1504-5. Richard Wylcox* (son of John. See monts.) 
 Agnes wife of Lawrence Hill. Margaret 
 Nash's husband. Alice a Dene*. Agnes 
 wife of John Sharpe*. Thomas Bunting 
 fees p d by Symond Lamb. John Darling* 
 (father of John Darling C.W.). Anne Dar- 
 ling* "my moder" (i.e. of Jno. Darling 
 C.W.). Agnes, wife of William Watts. 
 Robert Prows wife*. John Love gave 6 s 8 d 
 to the church by will. White his executor. 
 
 1505-6. Helen Langham* fees paid by John Gryffyn. 
 William Hall* fees paid by his widow 
 Margery. 
 
 1 506-7. The husband* of Sybell Darling. Dancaster* 
 fees by his widow. John Arnold. 
 
 1507-8. Master Symeon. A kinsman of Sir Thorn: 
 Walssh. John Wylcox*. Will : Hether 
 fees by M r Cleche. The father of John 
 Kent. Thomas Hart*. Sir John Styry*- 
 fees paid by John Pouncer. Robert Prow* 
 fees by W m Lendall. 
 
THE OBITUARY. iS/ 
 
 1508-9. JohnGryke. John Vyncentt*. Will: Nettar*. 
 William Myllis*. John Kent's wife*. 
 Robert Burlei's wife. M r Rokys*. Colyar. 
 Cave*. Robert Dodson's wife*. Agnes 
 Darling*. Roger Graney*. Thomas Hart. 
 
 1509-10. Mestres Bereman. Nettar's wife. Edwards 
 of the Kinge's Stabull. ' Haselwood's 
 weyff. M r May*. Robert Dodson's kynnes 
 woman*. Harry Wylcock's wife*. Hasel- 
 wood* (the bellfounder). 
 
 1510-11. Nycholas Ward slv^t w* the Kyng*. Raufe 
 Mylyngton* " It. rec. for the great bell at 
 his berying, and duryng the monethe, and 
 at the moneth mynde, v s iiij d . William 
 Cobbe*. John Semper's wife. Rec d of the 
 greate Bell at Hasylwod's mynd xij d . Raw- 
 lyn's wife*. The wife* of John Turner, 
 baker. Harry Wylcox*. Ireland's wife*. 
 Sharpe's wife*. 
 
 1511-12. John Pastier*. John Semper. John Turner* 
 (his son Richard Turner paid the fees.) 
 
 1512-13. Andrew's wife*. 
 
 1 5 1 3-14. Alysaunder Wyld. 
 
 1514-15. Cony's wife. John Roke*. Roger Bryce*. 
 Will : Faryngton*. Will Leycet?*. 
 
 1515-16. Richard Turner's wife* Will. Lendall* (Will. 
 Knight paid for his year's mind in 1525-6.) 
 Philip Rysby's wife*. Isabell Hart*. M r 
 Watt's wife*. M r White*. Christian 
 Wilcox*. John Roke* (buried under the 
 seats). Richard Aman's wife*. Roger 
 Brice (bur d under the seate). Rich d Wryght, 
 baker, bequeaths 3 s 4 d to the church. 
 
 1516-17. Nicholas Kent. William Stamford* (a bene- 
 factor.) 
 
 1517-18. Ralph White of Okyngham. Richard Turner's 
 wife. Xpofer Spakeman's wife*. John 
 Pownsar* (see Wills}. Will. Layward*. 
 Whit (the bellfounder's) wife*. 
 
 1518-19. John Partriche*. John Molyners* (fletcher). 
 Robert Dodson's wife* (a dyer). Will. 
 Kenes wife*. John Lambs wife*. John 
 Lamb*. John Eton*. Will. Trewe* jun r . 
 Richard Goody ere's child* buried w* Dod- 
 
I 88 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 son's wife. Randall Kelsall's moder* (no 
 fees charged for use of the bell see Bells 
 under 1515.) 
 
 1 5 19-20. Rob. Blake's wife*. 
 
 The great bell was usually rung for a knell, 
 and tolled for the month's mind, and 
 ' terment,' or year's mind. The following 
 is the only exception : 
 
 1520-1. It. for Ryngyng at the t'ment of my lord 
 Abbott xij d (Thomas Worcester). Thomas 
 Barber*. Wrights wife. Sir John Riche- 
 mond* buried in St. John's chancel. 
 John Kent's wife. M r Carpenter*. Joan 
 Darling*. 
 
 1521-2. Roger Johnson's wife*. William Trewe*. 
 William Kene. John Gylman. William 
 Traunder the King's Slvant. 
 
 1522-3. John Buckworth's wife*. M res Smyth*. Henry 
 Horthorn* (see an account of his family 
 under Sepulchre Altar}. William Lasse- 
 ham*. Nicholas Kene*. Thomas Watts*. 
 
 1522-3. The vycar of Hakfeld. M res Dabscowrt Davye 
 Joons*. Thomas Tallyer*. John Whyt- 
 tygh a m. M res Vincent*. John Wynyet. 
 John Voyer's wyff*. Harry Carpen?*. 
 
 1523-4. Mr. Richard Cleche's wife.* " A straung' that 
 dyed at the george"*. John Johnson's wife. 
 Rich. Yeves wife. Mr. Everard's wife (died 
 some time before). John a Merkbye's 
 wife. 
 
 1524-5. John Paynter*. Isabell Lessham.* Will 
 Sadler*. Rec. for the grave of Mays? 
 Cletch* by his bequest x s , and for Knell 
 and Month's mind ij s iiij d . Mestres Dawson. 
 
 1525-6. John Goodgame*. Will. Fayrchild*. Rob. Dod- 
 son* (dyer). Robt. Dwight*. Margaret 
 Goodyere*. 
 
 "Gyven to the church by the same M'garett 
 a pott p'ce ij s v* 1 ." 
 Symson's wife. 
 
 1526-7. Margaret Weston*. Henry Currers wife*. 
 Rob. Lykley.* Will. Whytt. 
 
 1527-8. John Andrew's wife*. Thomas Everard*. Ni- 
 cholas Hyde*. Sir Will. Wryght*. Randall 
 
THE OBITUARY. 189 
 
 Kelsall*. (no charge for his knell &c.) 
 Henry Horethorn's wife*. Will Coon* 
 (He appears to have executed all the more 
 delicate wood carving in the church c. 
 1520.). Ric. Wyers wife. John Andrew's 
 wife. John Cottelar. 
 
 1528-9. Thomas Symson*. Symon Lamb's wife*. Sir 
 Thomas*, (a priest.) 
 
 1529-30. Robert Medwyn's wife*. Ric. Chester*. John 
 Andrew's wife*. Nich Eves wife*. 
 
 1530-1. John Russel*. Lawrence Malt*. Ric. Foxley*. 
 Thomas Overthrow's bequest 4 d . 
 
 1531-2. M r Ffoster*. Xpofer Butler*. 
 
 1532-3. Agnes Vansby*. Agnes Coone* (see 1527). 
 M rs Margaret Hide*. Philip Riseby*. 
 Robert Philip. 
 
 1533-4. Ric. Eve*. Alice Paynter* widow. Sir Robert 
 Heth*. Als Watlyngton*. 
 
 1534-5 Simon Lambb*. Richard Barnes* bequeathed 
 vj s viij d . M r Richard Bedow, vicar*, be- 
 queathed 40". Nicholas Eve*. John An- 
 drewes wife. M r Will Watts*, bequeathed 
 xx 3 . (See Wills.} 
 
 1535-6. William Knight, bequeathed 6 s 8 d . Anne 
 Hodson*. 
 
 1536-7. Thomas Panter*. Roger Johnson's wife*. An- 
 teny Brygham. Als Smith*. Will. Smyth*. 
 John Masthalls wife. M r Whitton. Will 
 Smyth's wife*. Robert Watlyngton's wife*. 
 Sir Thomas Englefold, knight. Barnard 
 Gorffyn*. Margarett, servant to Ric. Dodge- 
 son*. 
 
 1 5 37-8. Walter Barton* Knyll xij d v 
 
 (" Rec. for the grave of Wa? Barton & Couyng 
 
 the same w l a stone vij s viij d .") 
 William Coke & his wife. Welsshe's wife. 
 Justynyan's wife. Will. Paslow's wife. Rec. 
 for tollyng at the t'l ment for the Brethern 
 of 1[)S masse. (First entry of the kind.) 
 
 1 5 38-9. John Barfotts wife*. Ka?yn Carpen?*. Wil- 
 liam Buryton's wife.* Andrew Wright's 
 wife*. John Buk. John Vansby's wife. 
 Will Lyppescombe's wife. 
 
 1 5 39-4O- Christian White*. Robert Ellys*. John 
 
1 90 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 Butteler*. Hugh Frankleyn's wife. Wil- 
 liam Turner*. 
 
 1541-2. Mistress Margarett Watts*. John Byrds wife*. 
 John Andrew*. John Rede afe Skynner*. 
 Dodgesons mayd,* (see 1536). Thomas 
 Myrthe*. M r Marble*. Chas. Miller*. John 
 Appowell*. M re * Everard*. Elizab. Kemp- 
 sail*. Nic. Nicholas children*. Ric. Bexe. 
 Margaret Watts. John Bede. 
 
 1542-3. Sir Wilh'3 a m,* chapleyn to Sir Willi3 a m Peny- 
 son, Knyght. Mrs. White*. Mrs. Thor- 
 nell. Stephen Cawodd. David Willi3 a m's 
 wife. 
 
 1543-4. Robert Watlyngton*. Roger Johnson*. Thomas 
 Knyght*. M r Edward the King's servant*. 
 Will. Edmund's wife. " Rec. for tyllyng 
 at the t ) ment of Mr. Justice iiij d ." Will 
 Barber's wife. John Shawe. M rcs Cambye. 
 John Kent*. John Vansbye*. James 
 Hoberd's wife. Gilbert Johnson's wife*. 
 Nicholas Niclas' child*. 
 
 1544-5. James Wild*. Mrs. Butler*. John Cutlers wife. 
 M r Potter. Gatlei's wife. 
 
 1545-6. Joan Knight*. ("Rec. for the grave of M rcs 
 Barton and for couyng of the same vij s 
 iiij d .") Robt. Roys. 
 
 1546-7. John Barfote*. Xpofer Fuller's wife*. Ric. Dod- 
 son's wife*. Thomas Mason's wife*. M r 
 Turner. 
 
 1547-8. Gilbert Johnson*. Peter Laurence. Robt. Ellys' 
 wife. M res Watlynton*. M res Nicholas. 
 Richard Novys. (" Rec. for the knyll of 
 M r Justice xij d *." " Of the grave of M r 
 Justice vij 8 iiij d ." 
 
 1 548-9. Hugh Goodwyn*. " One that dyed at Perkyns." 
 John Trumflet*. Rob. Hodson. Margaret 
 Slythurst*. Rob. Stanshawe. Nicholas 
 Niclas*. Rob 4 Bell. 
 
 1 549-50. Mother Barker. Mother Chamberlayn. Rec. for 
 the knyll of the Vicar. Alice Trumflett*. 
 Edward Phillippes' wife*. 
 
 1550-1. M r Bearde. Thom a s Malthows. Hugh Beke. 
 Rob 1 Blake. W Buckland*. Sawnder's 
 wife*. John Wheler*. 
 
THE OBITUARY. 
 
 1551-2. Thomas Perkyns*. M rcs Myrth*. Joh a nne 
 
 (Joan) Aldeworthe*. Raphe Gladwyn*. 
 I 55 2 ~3- William Bureton*. Anthony Chapman*. Will. 
 
 Davy & his wife*. Will. Avis wife' 55 '. 
 1 553-4- Radley's wife*. 
 1554-5. Richard Mathewe*. Edmund Raynefford*. 
 
 Peersie the corior*. Yerpes wife*. John 
 
 Fforman*. 
 
 1 55 5-6- John Poyntj*. Will. Parslowe*. Richard Court- 
 ney*. Peter Reade. Edward Butler's childe. 
 
 Walter Beryngton's childe (Buryton). 
 
 Thomas Hunt's wife. William Watlington. 
 1556-7. John Reade*. Richard Dodson*. Thomas Sent- 
 
 man*. James Edmonde*. Will. Edmonde*. 
 
 A boy Thomas Edmonde. M rs Turner*. M r9 
 
 Bell*. Goodwyfe Wyar*. Goodw. Johnson*. 
 
 Isabell Moore*. Will.Avyys*. Harry W T at- 
 
 lyngton*. John Myllar. Agnes Myllar. 
 1 5 57-8. Goodw. Huggens*. Will. Baynton. Ric. Smythe*. 
 
 Goodwife Watlyngton*. Goodman Chaun- 
 
 trell*. Robart Myllwarde*. Goodw. Benwell. 
 
 Goodman Harpyn*. Syr Willyam Webbe. 
 
 The Curryar*. M r3 Bourne. Mayster Bourne. 
 
 Goodw. Ffawsby*. Goodm. Constable*. 
 
 Peter Barber's wife. Mother franklyn. 
 
 Tayler the smith's mother & father. 
 
 Goodm. Nightingale's mayde. M r Perkyns. 
 1558-9. M rs Beake. Goodm. Allesaunder. Goodm. Saun- 
 
 ders*. Geo. Wray. Goodw. Sentman*. John 
 
 Bowlde. Leonard Brewar. Ric. Whitbourne. 
 
 Goodm. Tayler's wife. Goodm. Alexander's 
 
 wife. Harry Touse. John Pyckton. John 
 
 Cater. 
 1 559-60. John Coopar. G-w. Constable. Mystres Clyfford. 
 
 G-w. Mathewe. John Andrew's wife. Will. 
 
 Martyn. Maister Bygg. John Gateley's wife. 
 
 Edmond Locke. Goodm. fynmore's child. 
 
 G-w. Cater. G-w. Burgeys. Allesaunder. 
 
 Will. Haslett's child. John Braysey. Francis 
 
 Beake. Eliz. Rewby. Annys Church. Ric. 
 
 Fostbury. John Radley's maid. 
 1560-1. John Huggens. Jone Coopar. Goodm. Wellsh. 
 
 Goodm. Hookar. Jeffery Coopar's wife & 
 
 child.* 
 
192 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 1561-2. John Alloway. Richard Knyght. Will. Wilde. 
 
 Jone Myles. Jone Butler. Agnys Hydar. 
 
 Thorn. Ffawkesby. Widow Cooper*. Goodw. 
 
 Shaw.* 
 1562-3. Father Moore. Nicholas Watlyngton. John 
 
 Webb's wife*. The olde Tanner. Jone ffyne. 
 
 M r Will. Watlyngton*. Agnes Gybbens. 
 1564-5. M rs Tylby*. Anys Burges. Alice Shawe. John 
 
 Phillypp. Ric. Wellshe. Annys Clement. 
 
 Mother Ryther. 
 1565-6. "M r Blacgrove's wyffes knyll xx d ." Maister 
 
 Vachell's daughter. Maister Pollington's 
 
 wife*. Ric. Lock's wife*. Thomas Benwell. 
 
 John Downar*. Maister Butler's son*. 
 
 Thomas Crome. G-w.Dennys.Edw d Phillypp. 
 
 Tho. Ffraye. G-m. Tanner. G-w. Phillypp. 
 1 566-7. " Of Thomas Kenryck for a priest* knell xx d : 
 
 grave 7 8 4 d ." Roger Greete. Gregory's wife. 
 
 Ellis Burgey's daughter. John Cooper's son. 
 
 John Gryffyn's wife. 
 1567-8. G-m. Bush. Rich. Constable*. Tho. Lightfoote. 
 
 Mother Kenryck. G-w. Levered. Salter's 
 
 wife. 
 1568-9. Henry Biggs wife*. " Mystres Okham (of the 
 
 Abbye)". Martha Hubbard. M rs Rudge*. 
 
 Ales Rudge. M r John Rudge*. Rich. 
 
 Turner's servant. Jone Jenkyns. James 
 
 Hubbard. 
 1569-70. M r Turnar*. Rob. Grantam. G-m. Wells*. 
 
 G-w. Battye. Gryffen's wife. Well's dau. 
 
 Thomas Segar. 
 1570-1. Mary Buckland*. Goodman Robynson the 
 
 "fullar"*. DavyePlayne. G-w. Ffaythfull. 
 
 G-w. Arlatt*. Ales Wake. Widow Harry- 
 son's child. Joynar's wife. Stonyford's son. 
 1571-2. Avery Berry's wife's sister. " The Cardmaker." 
 
 Will. Uuddlesoll's chylde. William Budde*. 
 
 Thomas Philpe. 
 1572-3. Edw d Vynge. Thom a s Humfery. Gryffen Mor- 
 
 gayne. Christopher Porter. Hen. Bryges. 
 
 Hen. Lendall. Tho. Thorne. Olde Mother 
 
 Staples. Johanne Harrys. Hen. Cove. Alice 
 
 Browne. Ric. Burges. Marg. Ryder. Johanne 
 
 Banester. Steph. Goldinge. Peter Home. 
 
THE OBITUARY. 1 93 
 
 Hen. Brygges. Old Father Home. Joan 
 Browne. Agnes Browne. Adam Denys. 
 Nich. Turner. 
 
 1573-4. Goodman Jefferie*. GoodwifeBudde. Mr. Blake. 
 Goodwife Locke. G-w. Welche. G-w. Prior. 
 John Roberts. G-w. Johnson. Agnes Grea. 
 Goodman Woodward. G-m. Jimmatt. Wood- 
 ward's wiffe. Wiim Slater. Burgesses 
 man. Will. Sawyer. G-m. Welles. Robin- 
 son's childe. M rs Webbes child. G-m. 
 Web. 
 
 I574-5- Will. Walker. Alice Wells. Roger Clyfforde. 
 Anthony Beake. Jonas Ffringe. Rychard 
 Rolte. Marg* Wyer. Mary Downer. Ric. 
 Bourneham. Walter Morris. John Jenens. 
 Johanne Gamon. Ralfe Deaton. Alex- 
 aunder Kinge. Agnes Downer. Ric. 
 Drewe. Avicia Byrcham. 
 
 1575-6. M r Bowyer. M r Ockham. Mother Horsley. 
 Esdras Cooper's childe. Mother Redwood. 
 G-w. Rutter. W m NightingalFs man. Ro- 
 binson. Goodman Thornes child. Goodwife 
 Bonyvant. 
 
 1576-7. Roger Nightingall*. M rs Hoskins. G-w. 
 Deddlesall*. M r Doleman's man*. John 
 Shrive's wife*. John Robinson*. John 
 Gateley*. the Joyner that died at 
 Dennetts. Pyther's wife. M r Aldworth. 
 Edw d Locke. 
 
 1577-8. John Ryder. Goodwife Child's mother. Gardener's 
 wife. Ric. Turner's daughter. Wodenson's 
 wife. John Williams wife's dau. Will. 
 Knight's dau. Wittm Simonds the Turcke 
 his knell viij d . Will. Rogers. Trapman's 
 maid. An apprentice of London. One 
 Hosier's wife of London. Averie Derrie's 
 dau. Will. Dedollsall. John Dedullsall. 
 
 From Mich. 1578 to Mich. 1579. Hen Bigge's wife*. 
 Christoph. Staper's brother. " Itm. for the 
 knill of Wm. Lawds mother ij 8 v a ." Hunte. 
 Widow Wolfe's husband. 
 
 1579-80. M r Edmonds*. Ric. Welling. John Shrieve. 
 John Arlette. Geo. Lams*. Will. Walwin's 
 child. John Griffen. 
 
 O 
 
194 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 1580-1. M rs Lendall*. Mrs. Turner*. Blackall the 
 clothier. Will. Genynge. John Bumper's 
 child. Jones. Doddese's wyfe. 
 
 1581-2. Goodwife Dell. Tho, Walker's wife. Goodman 
 Dawson. Elizab. Knyght. John Browne. 
 Hen. Taylor. Jone Wilcox. Will. Walwyn. 
 G-w. Berde. John Walles. Anne Browne. 
 Jane Patie. John Lendall. Mr. Hopkin's 
 child. Marg 1 Wilkenson. Alice Evans. 
 G-w. Horslye. 
 
 1 582-3. John Huggins*. M rs Butler*. Leonarde An- 
 drew. Ylkenson. Mother Mooraway. G-w. 
 Nycholson. Joseph Carter's child. Blake's 
 wife. Olde Woddell. Higg's wife. 
 
 1583-4. Ant. Grauntham*. M rS Staverton*. G-w.Stryke. 
 Olde ffather Hayes. Rychard Aldworthe. 
 "M r Edward Butler his knill ij s vj d ." 
 Old Agnes Reed. Hen. Bigg's child. Ales 
 Rydge. " My mother in law Bateman"- 
 (Ffrancys Sykes and John Moore, C.W.). 
 Tho. Clawbutt's child. Rob. Monday's 
 child. M r Harries' child. Coomes the card- 
 maker's son. " One of the gromes of o r 
 queene's stable." Blackall his child. Hen. 
 Biggs his child. Bawlterstone's child. 
 
 1584-5. John Webb. Thomas Knight's wife. Thomas 
 Beale. M r Lydall's child. Nich. Higgs. 
 M r Hopkin's child. John Browne. 
 Thomas Grea. Strik's child. Walter Wat- 
 lington's child. 
 
 1585-6. William Lendall*. Knight*. Green's wife*. 
 Soffe's wife*. G-w. Stokes. G-w. Morrys. 
 Greene's wife. Strowde's wife. G-w. Bar- 
 nard. G-w. Gofife. Goswell. G-m. Thorne. 
 Gaston's wife. Edw d M u ndaie. M r Ffi- 
 ppenie. 
 
 1586-7. Mother Gome's Grave*. Elizabeth Remish*. 
 Gilbert Aldworth. Thomas Bagley. 
 Richard Arlott. Andrew Strike. Nicholas 
 Saunders. John Stratton. Richard Lock. 
 Goslen. Wimper'swife. Edward Brambley. 
 Robert Jonson. Richard Burges. ffather 
 Randole. Aid. Redwood. Curtise wife. 
 Oliver Hanley's son. Beenam's wife. 
 
THE OBITUARY. 195 
 
 Ffoster's wife. Cater's wife. ffather 
 Pyther. Ellys Tomson. Widow Whyte. 
 Old Bennett. Bumper's wife. Mason's 
 child. Cotterell's child. 
 
 1587-8. John Moon's wife*. Avery Berry*. Rowland 
 Combe. Goodwife More. M r Kenrick. 
 Mapleton's wife. Margaret fford. Beatrice 
 Gilkins. Bigg's child. James Winch's 
 man. John Child's child. Hugh Prior's 
 wife. Haile's child. 
 
 1588-9. John Maine*. M rS Child* M rs Daver's man*. 
 Wiifm Crisselton*. Matthew Reynolds. M r 
 Townsend*. Collen's wife. Walter Hawke's 
 wife. M r Callys. Mother Pastier. Weaver's 
 wife. Mother Cooper. M rs Turner's child. 
 Richard Weaver. Denshire. Agnes Sturton. 
 Mathew Renolds. Simon Dee's child. 
 Michael Hamblen's child. John Brambley's 
 child. John Russell's child. Mother Patie's 
 child. John Combe's child. Edw d Nichol- 
 son's child. Thick's dau. Lane's child. 
 M r Whitton's dau. M r Whitton's child. 
 Glover's wife. 
 
 1589-90. Widow Heynse. Goodwife Ryder. M rS Radley. 
 James Baker's wife. M r Burson. Widow 
 Crisselton. John Dumper. Agnes Seaman. 
 Richard Jonson. More's child. Robert 
 Childe. Miles' dau. John Newman's child. 
 William Nightingall's child. Leonard Leve- 
 rett. Edward Lambole's child. Morgan's 
 son. Nicholas' grand-daughter. Braker's 
 daughter. Walter Watlington's maid. John 
 Walsh's maid. 
 
 1590-1. Ffather Robinson*. M rs Powell* (dau. of Ed. 
 Butler). Eliz. Johnson. William Inglish. 
 James Sexe's wife. Goodw. Russel. Mother 
 Browne. M r Whitehead of the Q. stable. 
 Jane Nightingall. Jone Goodwin. Mother 
 Swan. Robert Browne* William Young. 
 Yeoman's wife. Walter Watlington's child. 
 John Eelye. Richard Brodde. John Walker's 
 child. John Butcher in the fifriers. Mother 
 ffoxe. John Sone's child. Jefferee Jenyns. 
 
 1591-2. Edmund Cooper's wife*. Lawrence Barn's wife. 
 
 O 2 
 
I9 6 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 John Gallant's wife. Christopher Barnard. 
 Robert Bowyer. M r Robert Knoles his 
 daughter. Goodw. Henden. William Grene's 
 child. Matthewe's child. Alice Knight. 
 
 1 59 2 ~3' Rouland Gome's wife*. Thomas Turner*. Good- 
 man Moore. M rs Dorothie Hopkins. Good- 
 man Pythers. Goodman Cloiton. John Sone. 
 Fforest's wife. M r Witton. M r Brighton. 
 Thomas Turner. Will m (M r Daver's man). 
 Goodwife Venter. Mother Venter. John 
 Servgood. Thomas Tutler. Eadde. John 
 Russell's child. John Newson's child. Hen. 
 Ffreeman's child. Thome's child. 
 
 1593-4. "Received for Wittm Lawd's grave vij s iiij d ."* 
 
 This William Lawd was the father of the 
 illustrious Archbishop. He was a native 
 of Wokingham. Mr. Bruce, in his history 
 of the Archbishop's Benefactions to Read- 
 ing, states that the father resided in a 
 house on the north side of Broad Street in 
 Reading. Its site is now called 'Lawd 
 Place.' He carried on the trade of a 
 clothier, and filled all the offices in the 
 town save the mayoralty. His wife " Lucy" 
 was the daughter of John Webbe of 
 Wokingham, and sister of Sir William 
 Webbe, Lord Mayor of London in 1591. 
 She was first married to John Robinson, a 
 clothier in Reading, by whom she had a 
 son William, afterwards a Doctor in Divi- 
 nity, Prebend of Westminster and Arch- 
 deacon of Nottingham, and five daughters, 
 one of whom was the mother of Dr. Cots- 
 ford, and the other of Dr. Layfield, both 
 eminent clergymen. The Abp. was the 
 only issue of his mother by the second 
 marriage. He was born in Reading 7 Oct. 
 
 1593- 
 
 See under 1570-1 of this Obituary for " Good- 
 man Robynson the fullar" (Mrs. Laud's first 
 husband), 1 578-9 forthe Archbishop'sgrand- 
 mother (probably buried at Wokingham), 
 and 1 60 1, for the burial of the Archbishop's 
 mother. The monuments belonging to this 
 
THE OBITUARY. 197 
 
 family in St. Lawrence's would most cer- 
 tainly be destroyed by the " Roundheads 
 & Rebells" when quartered in the church in 
 1643. There is no memorial in this town to 
 the Archbishop or his family, although this 
 prelate was one of its greatest benefactors. 
 Widow King*. Goodwife Ffreuen. Good-w. 
 Staples. Davye Vaghan. M rs Hopkins. 
 M r Ffilmer. Willm Simmes. Good-w. 
 Welles. M r Richard Aldworth, maior. Jone 
 Knight. Elizab. Millsopp. John Curteis' 
 sonne. Willm Wigmore. Ellen Walker. 
 John Cater. Thomas Ayres. Margarite 
 Martin. Bradley's childe. Fforest's childe. 
 Anne Wintersall. 
 
 1594-5. Richard Rider*. William Thome's wife. John 
 Ffoote. William Walwin. Agnes Walton. 
 Thomasin Garden. William Linger. George 
 Bradford. Camelle's child. Thomas Willis' 
 childe. Thomas Cutler. 
 
 1595-6. Nicholas Mansfielde*. Henry Bigg*. Thomas 
 Page*. Old M r Child*. Anne Warner. 
 Richard Morrall. Thomas Lewes. Andrew 
 Taylor. Anne Newton. Anne Watlyngton. 
 John Watlyngton. John Andrew. Henry 
 More. Elizabeth Ayierd. Thomas Page. 
 Marie Jones. Alice Rivers. Thomasin 
 Sinwell. Robt. Malton's son. Gabr. Barne's 
 child. Jone Cavie. Collys Browne. George 
 Andrew. M r Charlton's child. Collin's wife. 
 Jone Yeomans. Margerie Benson. Alex- 
 ander Read. Bartlemew Walker. John 
 Pound. Richard Watlington. Mary Stevens. 
 Richard Watlington. Robert Hicks. Ed- 
 ward Skinner. ^ In ye Abbey Thomas 
 More's child." Widow Lightfoot. 
 
 1596-7. Beniamin Turner*. William Jhonson*. Johane 
 Gatelie*. Edmund Percke*. Richard Cook's 
 wife*. M rs Jhonson*. M r Beeke*. William 
 Clemment. Roger Watlington. Elizabeth 
 Smithe. Nicholas Child's wife. Robert 
 Mondie the butcher. Robert Johnson's 
 wife. Christian Neele. Alice Maie. Beniamin 
 Turner. Christopher Porter. Roger Webb's 
 
198 THE OBITUARY. 
 
 child. Redigunt Clarke. John Weston. 
 Johann Carr. Anne Weston. Alice Wick- 
 moore. Agnes Willis. Marie Barrett. Chris- 
 tian Tayler. Elizabeth Clifford. Roger 
 Ffraunces. Richard Fforster. A servant of 
 Edw. Birmingham's. Roger Bayley. John 
 Staples' wife. Johanne Aylard. Alice 
 Walker. Patteson's child. William Walker. 
 John Staples glover. Old Simmes. John 
 Carre. 
 
 1599. M r Stamp*. Bryde'swife*. PauleSadon. Katherine 
 
 Carter. Miller. Thomas Shepherd. Kathe- 
 rine Smithe. Eliz. Byde. Rich. Byde's wife. 
 Anne West. William Walwin. Katherine 
 Seyman. William Ffindye. Alice Sutton, 
 widow. Mary Beallucke (? Bralluck). Garrett 
 Smyth. Rob* Moore. Thomas Moore. Wil- 
 liam Thorpe. Thomas Prentall. Katherine 
 Stone. Eliz.Ebson. George Millesant. Ellis 
 Marten. Sibill Hass. Nicholas Stone. 
 
 1600. Barnard Harrison*. M r Ellis Burges. M r William 
 
 Lendall. M r Symson. M r Barnard's wife. 
 Roger Walker's sonne. Andrew Applebee. 
 Thomas Nightingall. John Walker's child. 
 John Benge's child. William Marshall. 
 Maryan Blinson. Agnes Watts. Robert 
 Dee's child. Joan Welsh. John Braker. 
 
 1601. George Burgess*. Will Dell*. Mother Andrews. 
 
 M r Richard Johnson.* 
 
 " R d for the graue of Wyddowe Lawd & for 
 breking the ground vij 8 viij d ."* (See under 
 
 1 593-4-) 
 
 RogerDawson. Robert Maulthus child. John 
 Pinnsye's child. Agnes Barnes. Margaret 
 Barfoote. William Walker's child. Ffrancis 
 Blake's child. John Bent. Robert Smyth. 
 John Walker's child. 
 
 1602. Henry Mayne*. M r Alexander*. M rs Moore*. 
 
 John Brock's wife*. Rich d Watlyngton. 
 Thomas Hussey. M r Alexander. Arthur 
 Curtice wife. M r Richard Watlington. M rs 
 Moore (see 1595-6). Robert Maulthus wife. 
 Widow Bailey. Richard Wells. John Brock's 
 wife. Robert Bailey. William Marshall. 
 
THE OBITUARY. 1 99 
 
 Ellyn Barrett. Bailey's wyddowe. Richard 
 Ffowler. William Staples' childe. Dannes 
 wife. Ellen Hawle. John Gylle. Elizab. 
 Hill. John Graye. William Greene's child. 
 
 1603. M rs Carter's sister. Ric. Dell's child. John Sy- 
 
 mons' child. Edw d Thorbe's child. John 
 Haryson. Danyell Clear's child. M rs Fill- 
 mer. Goodman Collis. Elizabeth .... 
 Joane Glasse. John Maynerd. Joan Wat- 
 lington. Denes Vnderwood. 
 1 8 Feb. M r Myller's chyld.* 
 
 Father Thomas Wye. John Hutchens. An- 
 thony Bryant. John Gunter. George 
 Rowdes. Lawrence Wayght. JohnGibens. 
 John Bishop. Ayles Noble. 
 
 "Rec d of Sir Francis Knowles x s ." (for a 
 burial). 
 
 M rs An Kendrick. Thomas Levence. John 
 West. John Dawson. Leonard Myller. 
 Ambros Wheyatt. Nathanyell Jemvit. 
 
 1604. Goodwyff Kyng's husband, & her man John 
 
 Swayne. Robert Harmes. Margaret Rum- 
 sey. Alse Justice. Nycholas Stoane. Annis 
 Burden*. Joane West. Harry Moore's boy. 
 John Martyn. Wydow Burgis*. Alse 
 Hulbard. Joane Aley. John Rumsey. 
 Ffrancis Wilmat. Gregory Hissby. M rs 
 Adams. Robert Haryson.* 
 
 " Rec d of my brother Willyam Ffynmore, ex- 
 ecutor to my mother Anne Ffynmore I2 d ." 
 
 Goodman Baker. Goodman Bramley. John 
 Irysh. AnneSpringall. Georg Porchmouth's 
 child. M res Harrys. Richard Traphels. 
 Annys Elezander. William Conoway's 
 child. John Bramley. Eleyzander Withers. 
 Ekary (equerry) Collett. 
 
2OO CHURCHYARD. 
 
 <Eburcb\>arb. 
 
 " M. that in the monthe of August in the yere of our 
 Lord M.D.lvj and in the iij a & iiij th yere of the regnes 
 of our souaigne Lord & Lady Philipp & Marie by the 
 g a ce of god kyng & Ouene of Englond Spayne 
 ffraunce of bothe Ciciles, Jerim & Irelond, Defenders of 
 the faithe, Archduke of Austrie, Duke of Burgundie, 
 Millayne & Brabant, Counties of Haspurge fflanders & 
 Tiroll : John Bell then beyng Mayo r of the Borough of 
 Redyng, Hit was then granted by the Quenys ma te vnto 
 thenKitants of the pisshe of Seynt Laurence w l in the seid 
 Borough of Redyng a Certayne grounde Lying next vnto 
 the pisshe Churche ther, ffor to erecte & make therof a 
 Churche yarde for the seid Churche & pisshe, as by the 
 walls & enclosur 8 thereof then & ther made it doth & 
 may appere, whiche seid grounde for the seid Churche 
 yarde so granted was & is in recompence to the seid 
 infiitants & pisshe of & for another Church yarde of late 
 belongyng vnto the seid pisshe, lying next vnto the late 
 Churche of the late Mon a ther, and from the seid militants 
 taken. The charg 3 of makyng of the seid newe Churche 
 yarde was borne & paied by thenKitants of the seid 
 pisshe in man*] & fo r me as heraf? followith, that is to witt 
 for euy perche of the seid wall contenying xviij fotes, vij 8 . 
 
 John Bell, mayo r iij pches, xxj s . 
 
 Wittm Edmunds j pee & di x 8 vj d . 
 
 Edward Butler, iij pches, xxj s . 
 
 Thom a s Turner, iij pches, xxj s . 
 
 Thom a s Byggs, ij pches, xiiij 8 . 
 
 Water Beryngton, j pche & di, x s vj d . 
 
 Richard Watlyngton, j pche & di, x s . vj d . 
 
 Thomas Sayntmore, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 Rob* Tylbye, j pche, vij 3 . 
 
 Richard Dodson, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 John Radley, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 Xpofer Beryngton, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 Richard Johnson the yong . , ij pches, xiiij 8 . 
 
 Henry Osbo r ne, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 John Sawnders, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 John Coup, j pche, vij 8 . 
 
 Wiftm Lyppescombe, j pche, vij s ." 
 
CHURCHYARD. 2OI 
 
 The new churchyard was hallowed on the second day 
 of May, "beying Sonday in the yere of our Lord, 1557," 
 by " William Ffynche Suffrigan vnto the Bisshopp of Bathe 
 & Welles." 
 
 The following entries relate to the old churchyard on the 
 north side of the Abbey Church : 
 
 1501-2. "It. payed for mendyng of the churchyerd 
 
 wall x d ." 
 1504-5. " It. payed to Macrell for pavyng of the aleys 
 
 of the churchyerd & for beryng away of 
 1 507-8 the same pavyng ij s ." 
 
 " It. payed to Wittm. Poo subsexton for sellyng 
 
 of the nettyls in the church yerd wher the 
 
 vycar hath gevyn the =pfy3t therof for 
 
 kepyng of the same iiij d ." 
 (Observe the vicar's rights in his parochial 
 
 freehold at this time). 
 1547-8. "Paid for repacons done vppon the wall of the 
 
 church yard, v s ." 
 
 The following record of an encroachment is preserved in 
 the 3 rd Register : 
 
 "In April 1699. 
 
 Memorandum that M r Burgis, draper, then 
 raiFd in a little part of the Churchyard by con- 
 nivence of the then vicar, for to adde a decency 
 to his Dwelling House, the Landlord of which is 
 S r Walter Clargis. He is to suffer any parishioner 
 (that desires it) to be buryed there, And any 
 Vicar that hereafter is instituted and inducted 
 into the Church, may chuse whether he wil suffer 
 those Rails to be kept up or not. 
 As witnesseth 
 
 Phannel Bacon, Vicar." 
 
 Another encroachment was made in the same locality by 
 the builders of the new Town Hall in 1881, when several 
 bodies were disturbed. The churchyard was considerably 
 enlarged on its eastern side in 1791 by the enclosure of 
 a portion of the Forbury. The last interment therein oc- 
 curred on the 5th of June, 1879. 
 
202 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 %fet of the Cbuvcb "(Registers, 
 
 1. Baptisms and Births, from 13 April, 1605, to May 5, 
 
 1654. 
 
 Weddings, from Apr. 10, 1605, to May 3, 1654. 
 Burials, from 12 Apr. 1605, to May 17, 1654. 
 
 (There are no records of burials from 1644 
 to 1654.) 
 
 Of vellum, measuring 15^- in. by 6 in., in 
 good condition. 
 
 2. Births, from May 21, 1654, to Oct. 2, 1683. 
 Baptisms, from May 23, 1654, to Sep. 22, 1688. 
 Publications of Intended Marriages, from June 4, 
 
 1654, to Feb. 14, 1668. 
 
 Marriages, from June 20, 1654, to 16 May, 1686. 
 Burials, from May 24, 1654, to June 2, 1687. 
 
 Of vellum 154 in. by 6 in. good condition. 
 
 3. Baptisms, from April 4, 1686, to 26 Sep. 1724. 
 Marriages, from Mar. 27, 1686, to 10 Oct. 1724. 
 Burials, from 25 Mar. 1686, to Sep. 27, 1724. 
 
 In this vol. is a list of "Briefs" from 1686 to 
 I 735- Of paper, and in good preservation, 
 i8j in. long and 8 in. wide. 
 
 4. Baptisms, from 4 Oct. 1724, to Mar. 25, 1772. 
 Marriages, from 4 Oct. 1724, to Mar. 25, 1754. 
 Burials, from 5 Oct. 1724, to Mar. 25, 1772. 
 
 2Oj in. by 8 in. well written vellum sides, 
 leather back wants a little repairing. 
 
 5. Marriages, from Apr. 25, 1754, to June 18, 1762. 
 
 Includes the Regist. of Banns to 1771. 
 15 in. by 9 in. paper good preservation 
 rough calf binding. 
 
 6. Marriages, from June 23, 1652, to Mar. 22, 1772. 
 
 1 5 in. by 9 in. paper rough calf binding. 
 
 7. Baptisms, from Mar. 25, 1772, to Dec. 31, 1812. 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 2O$ 
 
 Burials, from Mar. 25, 1772, to Dec. 29, 1812. 
 
 15 in. by 10 in. good preservation, but wants 
 rebinding. 
 
 8. Marriages, from 29 Mar. 1772, to 16 Feb. 1779. 
 
 14! in. by 9 in. fair preservation rough calf 
 binding. 
 
 9. Marriages, from 22 Apr. 1779, to 29 Dec. 1812. 
 
 15 in. by 10 in. rough calf wants rebacking. 
 10. Baptisms, from 4 Jan. 1813, to Sep. 21, 1834. 
 
 1 5 in. by i o in. forel cover, 
 u. Marriages, from 11 Jan. 1813, to 9 Feb. 1834. 
 
 1 5 in. by 10 in. good paper forel binding. 
 
 12. Burials, from i Jan. 1813, to Dec. 20, 1840. 
 
 15 in. by i o in. very good paper forel bind- 
 ing loose. 
 
 13. Baptisms, from 22 Sep. 1834, to 24 Feb. 1859. 
 
 Good paper forel binding loose. 
 
 14. Marriages, from n Jan. 1813, to 9 Feb. 1834. 
 
 Sound paper good condition forel binding. 
 
 15. Burials, from i Jan. 1813, to Dec. 20, 1840. 
 
 Good paper fair condition forel. 
 
 1 6. Baptisms, from Feb. 26, 1859 to present time. 
 
 Good condition. 
 
 17. Marriages, from Feb. 9, 1834, to June, 1837. 
 
 Good condition. 
 
 1 8. Burials, from Dec. 22, 1840, to June 5, 1879. (The 
 
 last interment,) 
 
 14 in. by 10 in. Good. 
 
 19. Marriages, from July 24, 1837, to Apr. 21, 1847. 
 
 20. Marriages, from Apr. 25, 1847, to Aug. 16, 1856. 
 
 21. Marriages, from Aug. 19, 1856, to May II, 1869. 
 
 22. Marriages, from May 17, 1869, to present time. 
 
2O4 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 Collections on "Briefs" in tbe parieb Cburcb 
 of St. OLawrence out of tbe 3rt> IRegister. 
 
 1686. Oct. For distressed inhabitants of Whitechapel 
 and Stepney, 3 os. %\d. 
 
 1695. Dec. 22. For inhabitants of Grantchester, Cam- 
 bridge. Loss by fire 1250^. Coll. gs. od. 
 
 1695. Mar. 15. Fire at Gillingham, Dorset. Loss 3900^. 
 Collected I2s. 6d. 
 
 1695. Mar. 20. Inhabitants of York. Loss i8ooo,. 
 Coll. 3 2s. od. 
 
 1695. Mar. 20. Netherhaven and Fiddleton, Wilts. Loss 
 
 4590^. Coll. 
 
 1696. Mar. 29. For John Avery, of Twyford, Hants. 
 
 Loss by fire 400^". 
 
 1696. July 19. Some inhabitants of Streatham. 
 1699. May 15. For French Refugees, first to leave the 
 
 Duke of Savoy's country, 23 qs. gd. 
 1703. Apr. 4. For Robt. Bales, Maltster, a loser by fire 
 
 at Dunnington, Yorks., W.R., 1135^". Coll. 
 
 8s. ?>d. (" Dinington"). 
 1703. July 4. For church of St. Germains, in Salop, 
 
 York, gs. ^\d. Estimated repairs, 4000^. 
 1703. July 25. For repairs of Lutterworth Church, 
 
 Leicester, 1528^. wanted. Coll. 9^. od. 
 1703. Sept. 9. For loss by fire in Fordingbridge, Hants, 
 
 to amount of 5059^ 19^. od. Coll. 1 7s. 6d. 
 1703. Oct. 24. Fire in Spitalfields, London. Loss 1200^. 
 
 Coll. gs. od. 
 1703. Nov. 17. Fire atTuxford, Notts. Loss 2666 3^. 4^. 
 
 Coll. i 6s. jd. 
 
 1703. Jan. 27. Repairs of Shrewsbury church, Salop. 
 
 Damage estimated, 4462^ i8s. 6d. Coll. 
 
 20 shill. 
 1703-4. Feb. 6. Fire in Wapping. Loss, 13,040^". Coll. 
 
 13,?. id. 
 1703-4. Mar. 12. Fire in St. Giles-in-the-Fields, London. 
 
 Loss, 1543^". Coll. 8s. od. 
 
 1704. Apr. 27. Relief of Refugees of the Principality of 
 
 Orange. Coll. 12 17 f s. 8d. 
 1704. Sep. 6. " Collected there in the parish from House 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 205 
 
 to House for the Relief of Seamen's widdows 
 
 and orphans upon the account of the dreadful 
 
 storm vpon November the 26th, 1703, 
 
 S $s. 2d." 
 1704. Oct. 22. For Will. Brampton, of Stockton, in 
 
 Stanton Lacy, Salop. Loss by fire, 1536^". 
 
 Coll. I4s. Sd. 
 1704. Nov. 30. For Repair of Monks Kerby Church, 
 
 Warwick, damaged by the wind, to 1497^". 
 
 Coll. 1 us. 4d. 
 
 1704. Dec. Fire in Great Massingham, Norfolk. Damage 
 
 1486^". Coll. 1 1 s. od. 
 
 South Molton fire, Devon. Loss 2234^. 
 
 Coll. los. od. 
 Stoney Stratford fire, Bucks. Loss, 1669^". 
 
 Coll. 14^. 
 
 1705. Sep. 24. Rebuilding of All Saints' Church, Ox- 
 
 ford. Coll. 3 os. 
 1705. Nov. 4. Fire at Rolleston, Stafford. Loss 1134^". 
 
 Coll. 9-r. od. 
 
 1705. Dec. 16. Fire at Kirton, Lincolns. Coll. 105-. od. 
 1705. Feb. 17. Fire, Bankside, St. Saviour's, South wark. 
 
 Loss 1131^". Coll. 7s. 
 
 1705. Mar. 10. Fire in Bradmore, Notts. Loss 2400^. 
 
 Coll. IQS. jd. 
 
 1706. Mar. 31. Fire at Chatteris, Isle of Ely. Coll. 
 
 7-r. od. 
 1706. June. Fire at Inniskillen, Ireland. Loss 8i66;. 
 
 Coll. 2 i6s. nd. 
 July 29. Repair of Beverley Church, Yorks. 
 
 Coll. i os. id. Damage 3500^". 
 ,, Sept. 15. For M r Will Smith of Anchorwicke, 
 
 Wyradisbury, Bucks for a loss by fire. Coll. 
 
 i6s. id. 
 Oct. 20. Fire in Morgan's Lane, Southwark. 
 
 Damage 2706^". Coll. los. ^\d. 
 Nov. 24. Fire at Great Torrington, Devon. 
 
 Damage 1600^. Coll. 9^. ^d. 
 Dec. 15. Repairs of Basford Church, Notts. Coll. 
 
 9.?. 6d. 
 1706-7. Mar. 9. Repairs of Darlington Church, 
 
 Durham. Damage 1704^. Coll. 13^. od. 
 June 8. Fire in North Marston, Bucks. Loss 
 
 346o. Coll. js. lod. 
 
2O6 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 1706-7. June 22. Repairs of Broseley Church, Salop. 
 Damage 1390^". Coll. 8s. od. 
 
 1707. July 13. Fire in Towcester, Northampton. Loss 
 
 1057^". Coll. IDS. od. 
 July 27. Fire in Shireland, Middx. Loss 3505^". 
 
 Coll. IDS. 6d. 
 August 31. Fire at Spilsby, Lincolns. Loss 
 
 5984^". Coll. us. 6d. 
 Sep. 21. Fire in Little Port, Isle of Ely. Loss 
 
 393i;. Coll. I2s. 6d. 
 Nov. 23. Fire at Heavytree, Devon. Loss 991^. 
 
 Coll. 6s. id. 
 Dec. 7. Repairs of Dursley Church, Gloucester. 
 
 Loss 1995^. Coll. 9^. id. 
 Dec. 21. Repairs of Orford Church, Suffolk. Loss 
 
 1450^". Coll. los. 6d. 
 1707-8. Jan. ii. Fire in Woodhurst, Huntingdon. Loss 
 
 583^. Coll. 9-y. id. 
 Mar. 14. For building a Protestant church at 
 
 Oberbarmen, Duchy of Berg. Coll. i 6s. 6d. 
 Mar. 1 8. Fire at Soulham, Warwick. Loss 4454^. 
 
 Coll. 14$-. od. 
 
 1708. Apr. 25. Fire in Charles Street, Westminster. 
 
 Loss 3891. Coll. I4s. od. 
 May 1 6. Fire in Bewdley, Worcesters. Loss 
 
 1384^" 4s. od. Coll. los. <)d. 
 
 May 30. Fire at Alcumbury-cum-Weston, Hun- 
 tingdon. Loss 33i8; los. Coll. 13^-. 6d. 
 June 30. Fire at Lisburne, Ireland. Loss 31770^". 
 
 Coll. 3 9s. od. 
 July 1 1. Fire at Shadwell, Micldx. Loss 6137 17^. 
 
 Coll. i6s. 6d. 
 August. Fire at Wincanton, Somerset. Loss 
 
 2 93<- Coll. 1 1 s. od. 
 August 22. Fire at Great Yarmouth. Loss 1228^". 
 
 Coll. 14^. 4d. 
 1708. Nov. 3. Fire in Strand, London. Loss 17880^". 
 
 Coll. 2 i6s. 8d. 
 Nov. 15. Fire in Edinburgh, Scotland. Loss 7962^". 
 
 Coll. i i$s. $d. 
 1708-9. Jan. 1 6. Repairs of Brenchley Church, Kent. 
 
 Damage iooo.. Coll. us. 6d. 
 June 23. Fire in Holt Market, Norfolk. Loss 
 
 11258^". Coll. 2 js. ^d. 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 2O/ 
 
 1708-9. July 3. Repairs of Llanviling Church, Montgo- 
 mery. Loss 1325^. Coll. los. 
 July 24. Rebuilding Hurlow Church,- Essex, 
 
 burnt down. Loss 2035^". Coll. 17^. %d. 
 Aug. 14. Repairs of St. Mary Redcliff, Bris- 
 
 tow. Loss 44io / . Coll. 12s. 2d. 
 Aug. 21. Several fires in Market Rayson, Lin- 
 coln and county adjacent. Loss 122 8,. Coll. 
 i is. gd. 
 Nov. 4. For the relief of the poor Palatins. 
 
 Coll. 12 i2s. 2d. 
 Dec. 3. Fire in " Stoak/' Suffolk. Loss 2463^. 
 
 Coll. icxy. 
 1709-10. Jan. 8. For building a Protestant church at 
 
 Mitlau, in Courland, 15^. 
 1710. Apr. 30. Fire at Rotherhithe Wall, Surrey. Loss 
 
 640^. Coll. i os. 
 May 7. Fires at Northfleet and Durant, Kent. 
 
 Loss 1613^". Coll. i$s. id. 
 July 2. Repair of church at Ashton-super-Merly, 
 
 co. Chester. Damage 2710^". Coll. 12s. 
 July 23. Rebuilding of Chalfont St. Peters Church, 
 
 Bucks. Damage 1521^. Coll. i6s. gd. 
 Aug. 13. Rebuilding of Stockton Church, Durham. 
 
 Damage 2580^. Coll. 165-. ^d. 
 Nov. 26. us. for a fire in Twyford, Berks and 
 
 Wilts. Damage 1261 ,. 
 Dec. 10. ?s. for afire at Ensham, Oxon. Damage 
 
 1474^ iu. 6d. 
 Dec. 24. 9^. id. for a fire in Pavingham, Beds. 
 
 Damage 700^. 
 1711. Jan. 7. i os. for rebuilding of Cockermouth Church. 
 
 Charge 1331^. 
 Mar. 1 8. I2s.?d. for Repairs of Rotherhithe Church, 
 
 Surrey. Charge 4361^. 
 Apr. 15. los. for Repairs of Cardigan Church. 
 
 Charge 2240^. 
 21 May. us. S$d. for St. Mary's, Colchester. 
 
 Charge 6153^". 
 j, 27 May. 8s. ^d. for Wishar Church, Warwicks. 
 
 Charge i2iO;. 
 10 June. los. 6^d. for St. Helen's Church, alias 
 
 Edington, Isle of Wight. Charge 1203^". 
 24 June. 6.y. for a fire in Edinburgh. Loss 3527^". 
 
208 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 1711. 24 Nov. js. %d. for fire at Tadmore and Market 
 
 Rayson, Yorks. Loss 1169^". 
 9 Dec. gs. 8d. for Rebuilding of Long Melford 
 
 Church, Suffolk. 
 
 1711-12. 24 Jan. 2 14^. 2d. for Rebuilding Woolwich 
 Church, Kent. Charge 5069^". 
 
 1712. May n. gs. ^\d. for Charles Empson of Booth, 
 
 in Howden, Yorks. Loss by fire 2000^. 
 i June. 6s. yd. fora fire in Thames Street, London. 
 
 LOSS I !!!;. 
 
 15 June. 1712^ Ss. lod. for a fire at Little Brick- 
 hill, Bucks. Loss I2jo,. 
 
 6 July. i iSs. 2d. for Rebuilding the Church 
 of Whitechurch, Salop. Damaged to 
 
 5497^- 
 
 1712. Aug. IO. For Ric. Salter, Coleman Street, London. 
 
 Loss by fire iJ2o I2.r. od. 
 Aug. 24. For rebuilding West Tilbury Church, Essex. 
 
 Damage 1117^" 8^. $d. 
 1712-3. Jan. ii. For Adderley Church, Salop. Damage 
 
 8oo; 13-r. od. 
 Feb. 15. For St Clement's, Hastings. Damage 
 
 i$$o 6s. 6d. 
 Mar. ii. For Battle Bridge, Southwark. Loss by 
 
 fire 12254^" 2 8s. 6d. 
 Mar. 15. For Pensford Church, Somerset. Damage 
 
 2742^ 9^. 6d. 
 
 1713. Mar. 29. For Coleorton Church and parsonage. 
 
 Leicesters. Damage 2412^ us. od. 
 June 10. For Burton-upon-Trent Church (repairing). 
 
 Damage 3100^" 1 los. 6d. 
 July 19. For fire at Witheridge, Devon, and at Chil- 
 
 ton, Berks. Loss n6. los. od. 
 Aug. 9. Rebuilding of Woodham Ferrys Church, 
 
 Essex. Cost 1425^ 1 os. 
 Aug. 3. A double loss by fire by Will. Adams of 
 
 Heathill in Sherif Hales, Stafford 2 os. $d. 
 
 Loss i o8;. 
 Sep. 13. For rebuilding the Steeple of Warmingham, 
 
 Cheshire. Cost 885 los. 6d. 
 Dec. 13. Repairing Southwell Collegiate Church, 
 
 Notts. Cost 38oo ;i los. 6d. 
 1713-4. Feb. 21. Fire in St. Mary Church, parish 
 
 Devon. Loss 1392^" 9^. od. 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 2O9 
 
 1713-4. Mar. 7. Fire at Rudgley, Stafford and at 
 
 Wrexham, Denbigh. Losses 1691 . Coll. 
 
 los. ^d. 
 1714. Mar. 21. Rebuilding Quatford Church, Salop. 
 
 Cost IT,66 los. 2d. 
 April 4. Repairs of St. Margaret at Cliffe Church, 
 
 Kent. Cost 1384^ 13^. id. 
 
 1714. Apr. 18. Repairing St. John Baptist Church, South- 
 
 over, near Lewes. Cost 1510^" I2s. 8d. 
 May 2. Repairs of Shipwash Church and Relief 
 
 of Silvanus Carter, a sufferer by fire. Loss &c. 
 
 1155^". Coll. gs. 6d. 
 June 20. For Leighton Church, Salop. Cost 
 
 1516^" js. od. 
 July 4. Rebuilding of Burslem Church, Staffords. 
 
 Cost i6iS us. 6d. 
 Aug. 2. For fire in Blandford Forum. Loss 
 
 7880^" 1 us. 4d. 
 Aug. 15. For two fires in Dorchester, Dorset. 
 
 Loss 2537; 14$-. 2d. 
 Oct. 20. Fire at Bottisham, Cambridges. Loss 
 
 3659^ i 6s. 4d. 
 Nov. 21. Rebuilding Torksey Church, Lincoln. 
 
 Cost 1182^ 13.$-. od. 
 Dec. 5. Rebuilding Ruthin Church, Denbigh. Cost 
 
 3128^" 135. od. 
 Dec. 19. Repairing New Shoreham Church, Sussex. 
 
 Cost 2203^" us. 6d. 
 
 1714-5. Feb. 5. Loss by fire of Will. Bowyer, of White- 
 friars (5146^) 2 is. 6d. 
 Feb. 20. Fires at Preston Bagot and St. Nicholas 
 
 Warwicks. (1162^") I2s. od. 
 Mar. 13. Rebuilding of All Saints, Derby. Cost 
 
 5252^" los. od. 
 
 1715. May 22. Rebuilding St. Peter's Church, Chester. 
 
 Cost 1590^" 8s. od. 
 
 June 22. Towards the great loss of cows in Mid- 
 dlesex, Surrey, and Essex. Loss 24.539^" 
 2 i6s. od. 
 1715. July 17. For Kentford Church, Suffolk, & of 2 
 
 sufferers by fire there (1057^") 12s. $d. 
 Aug. 14. Sufferers by fire at Dryneton, Staffords. 
 & Shinbridge, Gloucesters. Losses 1378^" 
 1 3-$-. od. 
 
 P 
 
2IO CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 1715. Aug. 28. Rebuilding St. Giles', Newcastle-under- 
 
 Line, 12s. od. 
 Sep. ii. Rebuilding St. Marie's, Lichfield (4966^) 
 
 145-. od. 
 
 Nov. 20. Fire at Liverpool (3005^") 12^. 6d. 
 Dec. 4. Rebuilding of Blymhill Church, Stafford. 
 
 (1485^") us. od. 
 1715-6. Jan. 8. Fires at Walker Hith, Lincolns. and 
 
 Wrexham (1425^") los. 2d. 
 Mar. 4. For two sufferers by fire, one at Mitcham, 
 
 Surrey other at Lythwood in Condover, 
 
 Salop (1442^) us. od. 
 
 Mar. 1 8. Rebuilding a church at Sunderland, 
 2 os. od. 
 
 1716. Apr. 29. Loss of John Aron by fire at Little Dray- 
 
 ton, in Idsall ais Shiffnall, Salop (1070^) 
 
 los. od. 
 June 3. Fire at Upton in Westham, Essex. In the 
 
 same Brief for a fire at Tempsford, Bedfords. 
 
 (1940^) 15.?. od. 
 Aug. 10. Fire in Thames Street, London (7639^") 
 
 2 7s. od. 
 
 Oct. 3. Fire at Spalding (20,560^") 2 os. id. 
 Nov. 1 8. Double fire at Ottery St. Mary, Devon 
 
 (4466^) Ss. id. 
 Dec. 16. Rebuilding churches of Chelmarsh & 
 
 Ryton, Salop (2i26) 12s. id. 
 1716-7. Jan. 28. Reformed Episcopal Churches in Great 
 
 Poland and Polish Prussia 5 6s. 6d. 
 , 3 Mar. 3, Fire at Ridgmont, Bedfords. Ss. $d. 
 
 1717. Apr. 29. Fire at Houndsditch, London (5383^") 
 
 2 os. od. 
 June 1 6. Benenden Church & steeple, Kent. Loss 
 
 by fire (1552^") 14^. od. 
 J u ^y 7' Oldbury Church, Gloucesters. Charge 
 
 1163^" 12s. 6d. 
 Aug. 4. Fires at Healthwaite Hill, Yorks. & in 
 
 Whittington, Staffords. (1287^") i6s. 2d. 
 Sep. I. Fire at Harsto .... Derbys. (1426^ 
 
 13-r. 6d. 
 Nov. 30. Fire at Frampton, Dorset (1560^) 
 
 I2.y. od. 
 Nov. 17. Fire at Ellingham, Norfolk, & at Wisbeach, 
 
 Isle of Ely (i6ii;) los. od. 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 2 I I 
 
 1717. Dec. 8. Fire at Putley in Morton Valence, Glouces- 
 
 ter, and another at Townjay, Salop, 13^. od. 
 1717-8. Jan. 5. Repairing Arnold Church, Notts. Charge 
 
 290^ los. od. 
 
 Feb. 9. Fires at Newland in Hurst, Berks. & Chip- 
 ping Wycombe, Bucks. (iO2O,) $s. id. 
 
 1718. May 25. Rebuilding St. Mary 's, Newington, Surrey. 
 
 Charge 1296^" I2s. 6d. 
 June 15. Repairing churches of Ashbourne & 
 
 Mapleton, Derbys. Charge 3016^" 13^. od. 
 July 6. For Grind on Church, Staffords. Charge 
 
 1350^" IQS. 6d. 
 July 20. Fire at Cherrington, Warwicks. Loss 
 
 1476^" us. 6d. 
 Aug. 24. Enlarging Penrith Church, Cumberland 
 
 I4s. id. 
 Sep. 28. Fire at Wilcott & Eusden, Salop. Loss 
 
 171 7; iu. 6d. 
 
 Oct. 26. Arely Church and Steeple los. od. 
 Dec. 7. Rebuilding SheriffHales Church, Staffords. 
 
 los. od. 
 1718-9. Jan. 4. Fire in Little St. Andrew's, Cambridge 
 
 IO.T. 6d. 
 Jan. 25. Rebuilding Dolgelly Church, Merioneth. 
 
 Charge 1449^ 12s. od. 
 
 1719. May 10. Fire at Headington, Oxon, los. Loss 
 
 1983^. 
 
 July 12. Fire in Old Radnor. Fire at Habberley, 
 in Kidderminster (1289^) 14$-. od. 
 
 Aug. 9. Fire at Old Weston, Huntingdons. 
 I2s. 6d. 
 
 Aug. 30. Fires at Cheltenham & Lechlade, Glou- 
 cesters., & at Thornton, Hough, Bickley & 
 Barnston, Cheshire (1307^) I2s. 6d. 
 
 Oct. n. Repairs of church & steeple of Biggies- 
 wade, Bedfords. Charge 1437^ I2.r. od. 
 
 Oct. 25. For church and steeple of Deeping, St. 
 James, Lincoln. Charge 1102^ us. 
 
 Nov. 29. Fire at Thrapston, Northampton. Loss 
 
 3748^" I2s. od. 
 
 i j 19-20. Jan. 3. Fire in Bedford Row, St. Andrew's, 
 Holborn. Loss 4178^" los.od. 
 
 Jan. 17. Repairs of Hartlepool Church, Durham 
 
 I2S. Od. 
 
 P 2 
 
212 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 1719-20. Feb. 7. Rebuilding Hinstock Church, Salop 
 
 1 1 s. od. 
 Mar. 13. Repairing St. John Baptist's Church, 
 
 Chester. Charge 3269^ 15^. od. 
 
 1720. July 10. Repairsof Great Grimsby Church 14^.0^. 
 July 3 1 - Rebuilding Oxstead Church & Steeple, 
 
 Surrey 12s. 6d. 
 Aug. 25. Relief of Sufferers by Thunder & Hail in 
 
 Staffords. 3 8s. ^d. 
 Sept. ii. Sufferers by fire in Paris St. Exon. Loss 
 
 1067 14$. id. 
 Sept. 25. Rebuilding Kingswood Church, Wilts. 
 
 Charge 1000^ 14^. yd. 
 
 1720. Nov. 13. Rebuilding Burton Church, Cheshire, 
 
 (1548^) 13 s. 6d. 
 Nov. 27. Rebuilding St. Olave's Church, York 
 
 (1039^) ios. od. 
 Dec. 1 8. Fire in Igmanthorpe, Yorks., and at 
 
 Norton under Cannock, Staffords. (1133^) 
 
 i is. 6d. 
 1720-1. Jan. 24. Fire at Meon Stoke, Hants (5173^) 
 
 3 os. %d. 
 Feb. 19. Shrawardine Church & Parsonage, Salop 
 
 (1609^) los. od. 
 Mar. 19. Fire at Swaresey, Cambridges.' ios.6d. 
 
 1721. June ii. Rebuilding Fitt's Church, Salop (1509^") 
 
 July 3O. Repairing Tewkesbury Church, Glou- 
 
 cester (3929^") i 13.?. $d. 
 Aug. 13. Fire at Burcott & Wheatley, Oxon 
 
 (1847^) gs. 6^d. 
 Sep. 10. Fires at Lowth, Lincoln, and Newport, 
 
 Salop (1347^") ios. 2\d. 
 Sep. 24. Fires at Kemberton, Salop, & Dissenth, 
 
 Radnor 12s. 6%d. 
 Nov. 6. Kingston-upon-Hull, Yorks. (5840^") 
 
 2 7s. 2d. 
 
 Nov. 26. Repairing Usk Church, Monmouths. Ss.oJ. 
 Dec. 17. Fire at Amberley, Sussex ios. ^d. 
 1721-2. Jan. 8. For Jenkin Vingoe, a sufferer by fire at 
 
 St. Ives 1 1 s. od. 
 
 Feb. 1 8. A fire at Welshpool ios. 6%d. 
 Mar. ii. Fire at Damerham, South Wilts (1365^) 
 14-5-. gd. 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 213 
 
 1722. May 6. Fires in Addington, Randwick ScAlderton, 
 in Surrey & Gloucester (1497^) gs. ^d. 
 
 1722. May 27. Fires in Gratwood, Bilston & Newent in 
 
 Stafford & Gloucester (1184^) los. 6d. 
 July 8. Rebuilding of Upper Darwen Chapel, Lan- 
 
 cashire (1032^") us. id. 
 July 22. A fire at St. John Wapping & Wapping, 
 
 Stepney, Middx. 8.y. od. 
 Sep. 2. Repairing and rebuilding Bakewell Church 
 
 & Steeple, Derby 13^. 
 Sep. 1 8. For Sufferers by an Inundation in County 
 
 Palatin of Lancaster (10,227^") 4 os. od. 
 Oct. 21. Fire at All Hallows, London Wall (iooo) 
 
 us. od. 
 Nov. 1 8. Fire at Abbots Bromley, Staffords. 
 
 (2437^) i os. 4d. 
 
 Dec. 16. Fire at Caldecott, Herts. (1062^") us. id. 
 1722-3. Feb. ii. For "a great Loss of the Inhabi- 
 
 tants in Brithelmston (Brighton) in the 
 
 County of Sussex by the Breaking in of y e 
 
 Sea/' 2 13-$-. lid. 
 
 1723. May 6. For repairing the Church of St. Mary in 
 
 Nottingham 2 os. 2d. 
 June 13. Rebuilding Ruddington Church, Notts. 
 
 July 21. For Repairs of Bangor Church 15^. 
 
 Aug. 15. Repairing Hexham Church, Northum- 
 
 berland 1 IQS. od. 
 
 Sept. 15. Fire at Hearsease, Radnor I2s. 8^d. 
 Nov. 4. For " large repairs" of St. Albans, Herts 
 
 2 is. od. 
 Dec. 22. Rebuilding of Lyons als Holt Church, 
 
 Denbigh (1939^) us. od. 
 
 Dec. 29. Fire at Shennington, Gloucester us. 2d. 
 1723-4. Jan. 8. Fire at Weatherby, Yorks. (7533^) 
 
 i iSs. %d. 
 Mar. i. Repairs of Epperston Church, Notts. 
 
 (1311^) los. 6d. 
 Mar. 22. The Rebuilding of Ilkeston Church, 
 
 Derby s. (1352^") us. od. 
 
 1724. April 19. Fire at Falmouth, Cornwall I2s. od. 
 May 3. Repairing Newport Church, Salop 11^.6^. 
 May 31. Repairing Holt Market Church, Norfolk 
 
 (I229;) - IIS. Od. 
 
214 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 1724. June 21. Fire at Cherry Hinton, Cambridge 
 
 (1045^"} 9*. od. 
 July 26. Repairs of Frodsham Church, Cheshire 
 
 (i io8,) 7s. od. 
 
 Aug. 30. Inundation at Halifax (3395-) 14^. 8d. 
 Sep. 13. Fire at Staverton, Northamptons. 
 
 (2009^") IQS. 4%d. 
 Oct. 4. Fires at Alrewas, Staffords. & Southburgh, 
 
 Norfolk 9^. 6d. 
 Oct 25. Fires at Michael Church, Radnor, and 
 
 Grimston, Leicesters. (1047^) 8s. 8d. 
 Nov. 29. Fires at Camps Hall, Cambridge, and 
 
 Downton, Wilts (1067^) 7s. od, 
 1724-5. Jan. 3. Fire at Cricklade, Wilts (1624^) 
 
 8s. od. 
 Feb. 7. Rebuilding Neath Church, Glamorgan 
 
 Ss. id. 
 Mar. 21. Fire at Knighton, Hereford & Laint- 
 
 werdine, Radnor (1093^) &r. \o\d. 
 
 1725. Apr. 4. Repairing and Rebuilding Wirksworth 
 
 Church, Derbys. 12s. 2d. 
 
 May 23. Fire at East Morden, Dorset us. od. 
 June 6. Rebuilding Bowley Church, Salop 9^. od. 
 July 4. Rebuilding of Langton Church, Lincoln 
 
 I2S. 2d. 
 
 Aug. ii. Fire at Market Lavington, Wilts 
 
 2 7s. 2d. 
 Sep. 5. Fire at Crediton, Devon, & Kirk Deighton, 
 
 Yorks. 9-r. 6d. 
 Nov. 7. RebuildingBampton Church,Westmoreland 
 
 (1355^) I4J-- 6aT. 
 
 Nov. 28. Rebuilding Darlastone Church, Staffords. 
 
 1 1 s. od. 
 
 1725-6. Jan. 16. Rebuilding Waresley Church, Hun- 
 tingdon (2(X>3;) I3-T. 6d. 
 
 Feb. 6. Rebuilding Ormskirk Church, Lancashire 
 los. 6d. 
 
 Mar. 23. Fire at Great Torrington, Devon 
 2 17 s. 
 
 1726. June 12. For Folkestone Fishery 15^. 6d. 
 
 July 8. Fire in Buckingham (19,141^) 4 8s. 
 Sep. 4. Rebuilding Albrighton Church, Salop 14?. 
 Sep. 25. Fires at Alderford, Norfolk, & Great Or- 
 wood, Bucks. (1070^") 14$-. 6d. 
 
CHURCH REGISTERS. 215 
 1726. Nov. 8. Rebuilding St. Nicholas, Worcester 
 
 l I2S. 2d. 
 
 Nov. 27. Rebuilding Tibshelf Church, Derby 
 
 1 1 s. jd. 
 
 Dec. 1 8. Rebuilding West Houghton Chapel, 
 
 Lancashire (1455^) 8s. 6d. 
 
 1726-7. Jan. 29. Rebuilding Backford church, Cheshire 
 
 1729. Aug 24. Fire at Rickingal & Bolshal, Suffolk 
 
 13* 
 
 Sep. 28. Repairs of Tamworth Church, Stafford 
 
 14^. $d. 
 
 Nov. 6. Fire at Stilton, Huntingdons. 1 13^. od. 
 Dec. 21. Repairs of Pershore Church, Worcester 
 
 I2S. $d. 
 
 1729-30. Jan. 13. Repairs of St. John Baptist, Glou- 
 
 cester 1 1 s. 
 
 Feb. 22. Fire at Milbourne, Cambridge 135-. 6d. 
 Mar. 15. Fires in Middlesex and Cheshire, viz., 
 Hornsey and Wheelock us. 2d. 
 
 1730. Apr. 5. Rebuilding Worthenbury Church, Flints. 
 
 I2s. od. 
 May 6. Sufferers by Fire at Copenhagen 
 
 1 Ss. id. 
 May 24. Rebuilding Belston Chapel, Staffords. 
 
 I2S. 2d. 
 
 July 26. Fire at Hinckley, Leicesters. 14^. Sd. 
 ,, Aug. 23. Sufferers by fire in Bearley, Warwicks. 
 
 13^. lod. 
 Sep. 24. Repairs of St. Michael's Church, South- 
 
 ampton 2 2s. 2d. 
 1730. June 21. Inundation by sea at Wroot, Lincolns. 
 
 (2686^) 14^-. $d. 
 Oct. 25. Rebuilding Colnbrook Chapel, Bucks 
 
 us. lid. 
 
 Dec. 6. Fire in Yarburgh, Lincoln i$s. od. 
 I73O-1. J an - IO - Fi re m Kidderminster ?s. Sd. 
 Feb.i4. For Denbigh Chapel,Denbighs. los. ii^d. 
 May 9. Repairs of Llandulas Church, Denbigh 
 
 15*. 
 May 30. For the Church at Chapel-in-le-Frith, 
 
 Derbys. 14^. od. 
 
 Aug. 4. For Cathedral of Llandaff ,2 ^s. od. 
 Sep. 5. For Teabury Church, Gloucesters. 13^. 8d. 
 
2l6 CHURCH REGISTERS. 
 
 1730-1. Oct. 3. For Misley or Mistley Church, Essex 
 
 los. ii\d. 
 
 For Wyesdale Chapel, Lancashire 13^. lod. 
 
 1731-2. Feb. 6. Sufferers by fire in Shirminster, Newton 
 
 Castle, Dorset los. gd. 
 Mar. 5. Sufferers by fire at Wootton-under-Edge, 
 
 Gloucesters. us. o^d. 
 
 1732. Apr. 1 6. Fire at Calcott, Gloucesters. 8.r. g^d. 
 Apr. 23. Repairs, &c. of All Saints Church, 
 
 Hastings n.y. $^d. 
 Sep. 3. Repairs of Draycott Church, Stafford 
 
 1 1 s. id. 
 
 Oct. 15. Bishop's Norton Church, Lincolns. 12s. -$d. 
 Oct. 29. Abbey Langr Cost (? Lanercost) church 
 
 Nov. 28. Sufferers by fire at Ramsay, Huntingdon 
 
 ^3 9 s - ll d- 
 
 Jan. 7. Fire at Manton, Rutland 9^. id. 
 Jan. 21. Fire at North Stoneham, Hants 9.?. 4^. 
 Feb. 1 8. Repairs of Well Church, Lincolns. 
 
 los. lid. 
 
 1732. Oct. 22. For sufferers by fire at Blandford 
 
 2 los. gd. 
 Mar. 5. Repairs of Aberbrothock Harbour 
 
 1 7.?. Afd. 
 
 Mar. 8. Fire at Austerfield, York 8s. $^d. 
 Apr. 8. Repairs of Dudley Church, Worcester 
 
 I is. Tfed. 
 
 1733. Loss by fire at (one Brief) Wood Plumpton, Lan- 
 
 caster 'js. $d. 
 
 Whitefield, Somerset 8s. g^d. 
 Waddington, Wilts gs. I id. 
 Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolns. 8s. I id. 
 Erchfont, Wilts i6s. 2d. 
 Aylesbury, Bucks i$s. ^\d. 
 
 1733. Upon the Brief for Rufford Chapel, Lancaster 
 
 Conington Church, Cambridge 9^. id. 
 Seremby Church, Lincoln 8s. g\d. 
 Mitchel Dean Church, Gloucester 9^. 8d. 
 Monmouth Church, Wales 9^. id. 
 
 1734. Collected upon a Brief for Ealing Church, Middx., 
 
 May 26 13-r. od. 
 Monford Church, Salop, June 23 8^. $d. 
 
LIST OF VICARS. 2 I 7 
 
 1734. Gressingham Chapel, Lancaster, July 28 i$s. $d. 
 Redmarley Church, Worcester, (__'- o. Tll// 
 Edengale Church, Stafford, / Aug.25 BJ.I i J* 
 Christleton Church, Chester, Sep. 2 us. od. 
 All Saints' Church, Worcester, Dec. 8 9^. 2di 
 
 1734. Guilden Morden, Cambridge, Oct. 27 gs. $d. 
 Onniley, Staffords., Nov. 10 IDS. ^.d. 
 
 Barnwell, Cambridge, Jan. 23 2 i?s. 8d. 
 Epvvorth, Lincolns., Feb. 23 js. 2d. 
 
 1735. June 8. Fire at Cottenham, Cambridge Ss. \Q\d. 
 ,, Apr. For Machyleth Church, Montgomery 1 2s. od. 
 May ii. North Meels Church, Lancashire los. 8d. 
 
 %ist of Wears. 
 
 (Extracted by Rev. C. Coates from the Episcopal Registers 
 of Salisbury, with additions and corrections.) 
 
 PATRON. The Abbat and Convent. 
 
 Register of Simon de Gandavo. 
 1299. 6 to Id. Mar. HUGO DE DREYTON. 
 
 1307. 5 to Kal. Jan. WlLLIELMUS DE DEPEFORD. 
 
 Register Mortival. 
 
 1324. JOHN DE WYNCHEDON. 
 
 1325. 13. Cal. April. JOHANNES DE LONGA SUTTON. 
 
 Register Wyvill. 
 
 1332. 3 Id. Maii. WILLIELMUS DE BERTON. 
 1342. 3 Id. Oct. WILLIELMUS DE APPLEFORD. 
 1344. Jan. 30. ADAM ATT AUMERIE. 
 1349. 10 Kal. Jun. WALTER DE HAREWELL. 
 Sep. 22. JOHANNES DE NORTHLECH, by resigna- 
 tion of Harewell. 
 
 Register Waltham, 
 
 1 360. i Aug. HENRY LAMBYN, by the death of William, 
 the last vicar. 
 
2l8 LIST OF VICARS. 
 
 1389. 9 Mar. JOHANNES SCHIPPELAKE, by the death 
 
 of Lambyn. 
 
 1397. WALTER BARTHOLOMEW. 
 1399. June 17. JOHANNES SERNE. 
 
 Register Chandler. 
 
 1418. Dec. ii. THOMAS BLOXAM. 
 
 Jan. 5. LAURENCE HOREWODE, by the resigna- 
 tion of Bloxam. 
 
 1419. Feb. 5. DAVID MICHELL, vicar of Tilehurst, of 
 
 which the Abbat and Convent were also patrons, 
 by the resignation of Horewode. 
 
 1420. Sep. 6. JOHN ANDREWS, by the resignation of 
 
 Michell. (See Monuments?) 
 
 Register Nevylle. 
 
 1428. Mar. 16. JOHN MASON. 
 
 1434. Mar. 19. HENRY COUPER, by the death of 
 
 Mason (gave a donation to the church in 
 
 1440-1). 
 1434-5. F GD - !9- WlLLl AM GOLDORE, Rector of Lasham 
 
 in Hampshire, by exchange with Couper .... 
 
 ob. 1468. (See Monuments!) 
 1468. Oct. 14. NICHOLAS MORE, M.A., by the death 
 
 of Goldore. Ob. 31 Jan. 1477. (See Monu- 
 ments!) 
 1477. Jan. 3. THOMAS HILL, B.LL., by the death of 
 
 More. 
 
 Register Audeley, 
 
 1502. Sep. 1 8. THOMAS JUSTICE, by the death of Hill. 
 (See Monuments!) 
 
 1518. Dec. 20. RICHARD BEDOO, M.A., by the resigna- 
 tion of Justice. 
 
 (The will of Richard Bedoo or Bedoe is pre- 
 served at Somerset House Reg. " Hogen," 
 fo. 22. C.K.) 
 
 Register Campegio. 
 
 1534. Jan. 22. JOHN MAYNSFORTH, by the death of 
 Bedoo, reserving a pension of >\2 to Thomas 
 Justice. (Maynsforth died anno 3-4 Edward VI. 
 1550. C.K.) 
 
LIST OF VICARS. 2IQ 
 
 PATRON. The Crown. 
 
 1553. Sep. 12. THOMAS GRENEWAY, canon of Christ 
 Church. 
 
 Between the presentation of Greneway and 
 Radley there is a void: in 1560 is this 
 entry "To the preacher M r Underwood V s . 
 To Richard Cam, our curate, for a fortnight 
 xiij 8 iiij d ." In an account of the vicarage 
 given by Joel Stephens, Esq. of the Commons 
 in 1744, to Mr. Boudry then vicar, it is stated 
 from a record in the First Fruits Office, that in 
 Q. Elizabeth's reign, the vicarage was in arrears 
 to the Crown for the first-fruits and tenths for 1 3 
 years past. 
 
 Register Jewell. 
 
 1565. Nov. 29. JOHN RADLEY, by the death of the last 
 incumbent. 
 
 Register Gcast. 
 
 1574. April 23. JOHN SMITH, M.A., by the resignation 
 of Radley. He was previously master of the 
 Grammar School, being appointed thereto 1569. 
 
 Anno 1589-90. "Joh a n Smithe vica. St. 
 Lauretii." " The Queere or Chansell was lastye 
 repaired at the Costes of the Quenes Ma tie , our 
 vicar M r Smith folowing the longe suite therof, 
 and obteyned of the lord Treasurer through 
 the reddye helpe and counsell of M r Martin hir 
 Ma tleS Supvisor : And the L : Treasurer allotted 
 xxix 11 x 8 to be received of the Q. auditours 
 towards the Reparations thereof, being comitted 
 vnto M r Ellys Burgesse, then Maior, and the 
 sayd Vicar, to be bestowed theron: w c was 
 done according 1593." 
 
 1597. "M r CHANDLER, vicar" occurs in the C.W. 
 accounts of this year ; and the signature 
 " Joh'an Smithe," in those of the year preceding. 
 
 1602. " M r ABRAM CREY, vicar." 
 
 1603. Jan. 7. JOHN DENN!SON,by the death of Abraham 
 
 Crey. In Hearne's "Antiquities of Glastonbury," 
 p. 275, he gives this extract from the register of 
 
220 LIST OF VICARS. 
 
 Thatcham, in Berks "1603, Abraham Gray, 
 preacher dwelling in Reading, came to 
 Thatcham, and died there and was buried 
 the II th of September, 1603." (There is a 
 manifest discrepancy between "Crey" and 
 " Gray," but the name is spelt " Crey" in the 
 C. W. accounts of St. Lawrence's.) 
 
 Register Abbott. 
 
 1618. THEOPHILUS TAYLOR, M.A., by cession of the 
 last incumbent. 
 
 Register Davenant. 
 
 PATRON. TJie President and Felloivs of St. JoJin's College 
 in Oxford. 
 
 1640. Aug. 5. THOMAS LLOYD, LL.D., by the death of 
 Taylor. 
 
 Register Duppa. 
 
 1643. Sep. 30. THOMAS TUER, M.A. He was admitted 
 of St. Jonn's College, August 2, 1624. From 
 1645 to 1660 Bishop Duppa's register is 
 defective. 
 
 1645. DR. PORDAGE, son of Samuel Pordage, a citizen 
 of London. He afterwards became Rector of 
 Bradfield, Berks, from which he was ejected in 
 1654. He was reinstated after the Restoration, 
 and lived there several years. There is an 
 interesting account of him in Mr. Coates' 
 " Reading," p. 205. 
 
 In the second volume of Churchwardens' 
 Accts. p. 250, is the following : 
 "12 July, 1646. 
 
 The day & yeare aboue written, 
 
 M r George Wooldridge, Maior 
 
 M r Peter Burningham 
 
 M r Richard Holloway 
 
 M r John Webb 
 
 Were chosen Ruling Elders of the pochiall & 
 Congregationall Eldershipp of St. Lawrence in 
 Reading, according to the directions of the 
 L ds & Cofnons assembled in Parliamet &c." 
 (57 parishioners present, including D r Pordage.) 
 
LIST OF VICARS. 221 
 
 1647. THOMAS GILBERT, M.A. The son of William 
 Gilbert, of Priss, in Shropshire : admitted 
 Student of Edmund Hall in 1629. M.A. in 
 1638. Became an "Independent." Resigned 
 1650. Afterwards rector of Edgemond, Salop, 
 from which he was ejected in 1660. Died 
 July 15, 1694, & was buried in the church of 
 St. Aldate, Oxford. 
 
 1651. SYMON FORD, D.D. Resigned 1659. Son of 
 Rich. Ford, of East Ogwell, Devon. By the 
 Worths, his mother's family, he was descended 
 from the Founder of Wadham College, Oxford. 
 Joined the Puritan party 1641. He married 
 M rs Anne Thackham, of St. Mary's, Reading. 
 He was accounted an able scholar, an elegant 
 Latin poet, and a preacher of great eminence. 
 
 Register Henchman. 
 
 1671. Dec. 4. JOHN BRASIER, of St. John's College, 
 B.D., by the death of Ttier, according to the 
 Bishop's register. It appears by Archbishop 
 Laud's Book that Tuer was restored in 1660. 
 He was buried, according to the parish register, 
 Oct. i, 1671. 
 
 Register Ward. 
 
 1678. Jan. 6. SARGENT HUGHES, of St. Mary Hall, 
 M.A., by the death of Brasier. 
 
 Register Burnet. 
 
 1688. June ii. PHANNEL BACON, by the death of 
 Hughes. He was admitted of St. John's College 
 in 1669; M.A. Mar. 23, 1677; B.D.July, 1684. 
 Buried in St. Lawrence's Jan. 16, 1731-2, aged 
 80 years. 
 
 Register Hoadley. 
 
 1732. March 29. EDWARD OWEN, by the death of 
 
 Bacon. He was M.A. Mar. 9, 1720; B.D. 
 Apr. 23, 1725 ; D.D. Mar. 29, 1729. After- 
 wards Vicar of Great Stoughton, Huntingdon- 
 shire. 
 
 1733. Oct. 16. WILLIAM BOUDRY, by the resignation of 
 
222 PRIESTS AND CHAPLAINS. 
 
 Owen. Born Dec. n, 1700. Elected Scholar 
 of St. John's from Merchant Tailors' School 
 1719; M.A. Apr. 10, 1727; B.D. May 17, 
 1732. Afterwards Rector of Checkendon, Oxon. 
 
 1747. Mar. 3. THOMES SHUTE, by the resignation of 
 Boudry. D.D. Dec. I, 1742. Died August 19, 
 1762. Buried in St. Lawrence's. His tablet was 
 erected near one of the south windows of the 
 chancel. The eight bells were recast under his 
 auspices in 1748, and two trebles added to the 
 original octave. 
 
 1763. Nov. 25. JEREMIAH NICHOLSON, by the death 
 of Shute. M.A. 1749; B.D. 1755 ; D.D. 1759. 
 Died July 18, 1771. 
 
 There is a small tablet to his memory on the 
 north side of the altar, under a recess in the 
 east respond in the chancel. 
 
 1772. Jan. 1 6. JOHN NICHOLLS, by the death of 
 Nicholson. M.A. 1749 ; B.D. 1755 ; D.D. 1760. 
 Died June 25, 1788. His broken memorial 
 now lies on the step ascending into St. John's 
 chapel. 
 
 1788. Dec. 2. JOHN GREEN, B.D. 
 
 1812. WILLIAM WISE, D.D. Died Oct. 14, 1883, aged 
 64 years. 
 
 1833. JOHN BALL, B.D. Died Dec. 17, 1865. Presented 
 by St. John's College, Oxford. 
 
 PATRON. The Lord Bishop of Oxford. 
 
 1865. LEWIN GEORGE MAINE, M.A., Vicar of Sowerby, 
 
 Yorks., 1874. 
 1874. JOHN MELVILLE GUILDING, by exchange with 
 
 the Rev. Lewin Geo. Maine. 
 
 priests anb Cbaplains, not Wears, wbose 
 names are recorfceb in tbe Cbureb* 
 warfcens' Heeounts. 
 
 1498. " It. rec. of SIR WrfiM SYMMYS pish plst of his 
 gyfte to the church, iij 8 iiij d ." 
 
 He was one of the sponsors with Richard 
 
PRIESTS AND CHAPLAINS. 223 
 
 Clech and Mistress Smyth at the consecration 
 
 of the great Bell " Harry" the same year. 
 1501-2. "It. rec. of wast of torchis at the berying of 
 
 S r JOHN HIDE vicar of Sonyng ij 8 vj d ." 
 1502-3. "It. rec. at the burying of SIR JOHN PYMBER 
 
 ij 8 iiij d ." 
 1503-4. " It. payed to SIR THOMAS pisshe preste of 
 
 Seynt Maryes for his labo r in ryding to New- 
 
 bery for Thomas Euard the clerke." 
 1507-8. " It. rec. of John Puncer for the grete bel at the 
 
 buryng of SIR JOHN STYRY xij d ." 
 
 "For removyng of a noj? m^ble stone & for 
 
 the leyng of |? e same on Sir John Styrys g*ve 
 
 (part of) xx d ." (Orig. p. 37.) 
 
 " It. rec. of John Pownser ffor the grete bell 
 
 at Sir John is meynd xij d ." 
 1510-11. " It. rec. of S r JOHN TENDALL in money found 
 
 in the church ij d ." 
 1512-3. "It. payd for caryage of S r THOMAS grete 
 
 antiphoner to & fro the church at all dyvyne 
 
 ss'vice to Wiftm Longe for the yer viij d ." 
 1517 (Inventory). " It. a Cope of red silke w l signes 
 
 of the Son (sun), of the gifte of DAN ROB 1 
 
 REYDNG, Monke." 
 1517. " It. a chesible of whit Damaske, w* braunches of 
 
 gold : the orfrey blew velwett w* thappell of the 
 
 gifte of JOHN THORNE, abbott of Redyng." 
 
 (Inventory). 
 1519-20. "It. Ryngyng the knyll for S r JOHN RlCHE- 
 
 MOND, xij d ." 
 
 1523. "It. to S r JOHN SMYTH for a q a r? wages endyd 
 
 at Crystmas xxxiij 8 iij d ." 
 
 1524. " It. payd to SVRic. BAYNTON for mendyng the 
 
 grett organs at ij tymes iiij 8 ." 
 1524-5. " Repacons of S 1 ' Bayntons Chamber." 
 
 " It. payd for q a r?s eveslath & lyme, vj s iiij d 
 
 ob." 
 " It. for vij c (700) laths and ix c lath naylls, 
 
 iij a viij d ." 
 " It. for bord naylls, laths naylls, q a rt? & bords 
 
 iij 8 ix d ." 
 
 " It to the carpen? ij dayes, xij d ." 
 "It. to Troll & his man for workmanshypp 
 
 vij 8 vj d ." 
 
224 PRIESTS AND CHAPLAINS. 
 
 1527. "It. for the grave of SYR WILLIAM WRYGHT, 
 
 vj 8 vij d ." 
 1531-2. "Payd for ryngyng of S r GEORGE FFOSTER's 
 
 knyll vj d ." 
 1533-4. "Rec. for the grave of SIR ROB { HETH 
 
 vj s viij d ." 
 1535-6. " Costs don apon S r NIC' Chamber." 
 
 " For fFewtryng the drow3ght there xvj d ." 
 
 "A key for the shopp dore ij d ." 
 
 " Bryks to pave the hall xvij d ." 
 
 "Payd for bordyng the walls there & for 
 
 naylls therto viij d ." 
 
 " Payd for iij busshells of stone lyme vj d ." 
 "Payd to the Carpen? for workmanshypp & 
 
 for tymfc ij 8 vj d ." 
 1537-8. "Rec. for a Surples of S r Nicfius sold iijV 
 
 " Payd for horse hire for SIR RlC. DEAN, iiij d ." 
 1547. " Paid to S r Richard Deane for wagis allowed 
 
 hym by the pisshe x s ." 
 1 549-50. " Paid to S r Ric. A-Deane for his yer 8 wag 8 
 
 xx 8 ." 
 1540-1. "Payd to FFATHER REYNOLDS for di yeres 
 
 wayges ended then viij 8 viij V 
 
 1541-2. "Rec. for grave of S r WiLLiz a M, chapleyn to 
 Sir Williz a m Penyson, Knyght, vj 8 viij d ." 
 
 1 547. " Paid to S r HARPER for wag s allowed hym by 
 
 the pishe, x s ." 
 
 1548. Paid to S r Harper for his yer s wag 8 xx s ." 
 1549-50. Paid to S r Harper for his yer 3 wag 8 xx 8 ." 
 1548. " Paid to S r WliiM WEBBE for his yer 8 wag 8 xx 8 . 
 1 549-50. " Paid to S r Wiilm Webbe for makyng & 
 
 prykkyng of Songs iij s iiij d . 
 
 1556. " Paid to Sir Willm Webbe for the prests noble, 
 vj 8 viij d ." 
 
 1558. " Syr Willyam Webbes knyll xx d ." 
 
 1552. "Paied to SIR FARYNGTON for his wag s xiij s 
 
 iiij d ." 
 1558-9. "It. to SYR JOHN OF CAU S ] SHAM for xiij week s 
 
 servyce vj s ." A French priest served for one 
 
 day this year. 
 
 1559. "To SIR THOMAS SEARLE xij 8 vj d ." 
 
 " To M r THACKHAM for ij wekes servyce, v 8 ." 
 (succeeded Julius Palmer as master of the 
 Grammar school. Vide Coates, p. 331). 
 
PRIESTS AND CHAPLAINS. 22$ 
 
 1567. " ' The gret bel ' In p r mis of Thomas Kenryck 
 
 for A PRIESTS knell xx d ." 
 " Of Thomas Kenryck for y e prestes grave 
 
 vij s 
 
 1563. " Itm. that I (Will Duddelsoll) and Master Tylby 
 
 dyd gather toward the fyndynge of the 
 mynister M r CROFT for v weekes xvij 3 iij d ." 
 
 1564. "SYR JOHN RADLYE held a stable in Gutter 
 
 Lane." 
 
226 SPORTS, PASTIMES, MYSTERIES, ETC. 
 
 , Hysterics, 
 
 Cburcb Hie. 
 
 The ancient records of St. Lawrence abound with 
 references to the sports and pastimes of our ancestors. 
 The various games and exhibitions appear to have been 
 under the special patronage of the Churchwardens as 
 the chief parochial officers in those days, and were resorted 
 to by them as a means of obtaining money for the dis- 
 charge of their annual liabilities. The commonest of these 
 sports was the Morris Dance, which seems to have accom- 
 panied all other diversions. It was frequently joined to 
 processions and pageants, and especially figured in the 
 festivities and gambols of May Day. The following ex- 
 tracts supply many graphic details of a performance which 
 requires but little mental effort to reanimate : 
 
 1513. "It. payed for a hope (hoop) for the joyaunt and 
 for ale to the Moreys dawnc^ls on the dedi- 
 cacon day iij d . 
 " It payed to the Mynstrells for iiij days xxij d ." 
 
 1529. "It. for bells for the Morece dauncers iij s vj d . 
 
 ("These bells were 1 attached to the elbows 
 and points of the dress and specially to 
 garters for the legs & ankles. . . . They were 
 of unequal sizes and differently denominated, 
 as the fore-bell, the second bell, the treble, 
 the tenor, &c., and mention is also made of 
 double bells." Strutt, 224.) 
 " It. for iij hatts for the Morece dauncers vj d . 
 " It. for ffyve ells of Canves for a cote for made 
 
 Maryon at iij d ob. the ell, xvij d ob. 
 " It. for iij yerds of bockerham for the morece 
 dauncers xij d . 
 
 1530. "It. fora grosse of bells for the morece dauncers 
 
 iij 8 . 
 1541-2. "Payd for lyverys & payntyng the mores cotes 
 
SPORTS, PASTIMES, MYSTERIES, ETC. 22/ 
 
 1553. Debts "It. uppon John Saundcrs, th'appells of 
 the mores dauncers. He saith he delyued 
 them to M r Buklond." 
 
 This relates to an inquiry made in Q. Mary's 
 time regarding the alienation of church goods. 
 
 From the mention of Maid Marian it will at once appear 
 that the Robin Hood play accompanied the Morris dance. 
 The principal characters were Robin Hood, Little John, 
 Will Stukeley, Maid Marian, Friar Tuck and Much the 
 Miller's son, who seems to have played the Fool. This 
 performance was especially associated with the festivities 
 of May Day. 
 
 1498-9. "It. rec. of the gaderyng of Robyn Hod xix s ." 
 1501-2. "It. rec. of the May play callyd Roby Hod on 
 
 the fay re day vj s . 
 " It. payed to mynstrells at the chosyng of Robyn 
 
 Hodvj d ." 
 
 "It. payd to Willm Stayner for ij c (200) 
 lyuays viij d . 
 (The liveries were badges, ribbons, or other 
 
 tokens worn by the performers.) 
 " It. payed for cc lyveryes & c pynnys ayenst 
 
 maydaye vj d . 
 1501-2. "It. payed to Wittm Stayn 1 ! for makyng vp of 
 
 the maydens ban) cloth, viij d . 
 
 1503-4. "It. rec. of the gaderyng of Robin Hod x 
 busshells malt p^c v s . (for the brewing of the 
 church ale). 
 " It. rec. of the gadervng of the same Robyn 
 
 Hod i b3 of whete pic, xij d . 
 " It. rec. of the gaderyng of the seid Robyn 
 
 Hod in money, xlix 8 . 
 " It. payed to an harp on the church hoi)'- day, 
 
 iiij d . 
 " It. payed for bred & ale to Robyn Hod & hys 
 
 c5pany the 5 day, iiij d . 
 
 " It. payed for a cote to Robyn Hod, v s iiij d . 
 " It. payed to a Taberer on Philips Day & 
 Jacob (May Day) for his wagis mete & drynk 
 & bed, viij d . 
 " It. for mete & drynk to Robyn Hod and his 
 
 copany xvj d . 
 
 Q 2 
 
223 SPORTS, PASTIMES, MYSTERIES, ETC. 
 
 I 53-4- "It- payed for felly ng & bryngyng home of 
 the bow set in ]> e m] cat place for settyng vp- 
 of the same mete & drynk, viij d . 
 
 1505. "It. payed for the Bachelors dyn] & sop on the 
 
 Mayday xviij' 1 . 
 " It. payed to Mais? Clech for Robin Hods cote 
 
 & his hosyn vj 8 vij d payed for lyueryes, xj d . 
 " It. rec. of the maydens gaderyng at Whitson- 
 
 tyde at J? e tre (tree) at Y church dore, clerly 
 
 ij 8 xj d . 
 
 (Was this a May bower ?) 
 " It. payed to Crystyan Bryll by the bonds of 
 
 Wittm Stamford for wyne to Robyn Hod of 
 
 Handley & his copany, vj s . 
 " It. payed to the Taberer, vj s . 
 
 1506. "It. payed to Thomas Taberer on the dedicacon 
 
 day for his wagis mete and drynke, x d . 
 "It. payed for a supper to Robyn Hod & his 
 
 company when he cam from ffynchamsted r 
 
 xviij d . 
 1507-8. "It. rec. of the gaderyng of Robin Hod pley 
 
 xvij 3 x . 
 
 " Payed to Mors son the harper, iiij d . 
 1510. "It. receyvyd on Seynt Phylypp & Jacob day 
 
 (May Day) for ij stondyngs at |? c church porch, 
 
 vj d . 
 (This was the old south porch mentioned on 
 
 page 151. The standings were for the spectators 
 
 of the May Games.) 
 
 1529. "It. to the carpyn? for ij dayes to make a laddar 
 of the May poole & for hys mete & drynk, 
 
 1557. " Itm. y e gatheringe of y c yonge folkes & 
 maydens on Maydaye & at Whytsontyde 
 nichil (i.e., nothing). 
 
 " Itm. for the yeough tree, iiij d . 
 
 " Itm. for fetchinge the summar pole, ij d . 
 
 l( Itm. for a breakfast to the yonge men, xvj d . 
 
 " Itm. for a quarter of veale & a q a r? of lambe, 
 iij s iij d . 
 
 Note. There is an almost exhaustive article 
 on this game in Hone's" Every-Day Book," vol. i. 
 
CORPUS CHRISTI. 229 
 
 Corpus Cbtistu 
 
 The festival of Corpus Christi was instituted in honour 
 of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and was com- 
 memorated on the Thursday next after Trinity Sunday. 
 The ceremonies observed cannot be better described than 
 by Googe, a hostile writer of the Reformation era : 
 
 W)tn ttotf) ensue tlje solemne feast 
 
 of orpus CCfjrtstt Bap, 
 2251)0 tfjcn can sljctoe tficir toicfcctr use 
 
 anti fontr anfc fooltsfi, plat). 
 W)t fyallotoeti brcafo tottf) toorsljtp great 
 
 in stlbcr pix tf;co bcare 
 cljurcfje or in tfie citie 
 
 passing Ijcre antr ifjeare. 
 
 armes t^at Scares tf)e same^ttno of 
 
 tfjc toealtljtest men tto ^oltte: 
 
 oticr !)im a canopcp 
 
 of silfee antt dot!) of gol&e. 
 Cfjristc's passion fjcre UcriOctt is 
 
 tnttl) sunttrte masfees antf plapcs. 
 EB, fioitl; Ijcr manUens all 
 
 tiot^ passe amiti tljc fcoascs. 
 
 baltant George toitl; spearc tfjou fetllest 
 
 rije trcanfull uragon {jere, 
 5IIje fcebtPsftousc is lirainne about 
 
 tofitrcin ttyerc Uotf) apperc 
 ^ toontfrous sort of fcamnctt spirttes 
 
 tottf) foulc anti fearful! loofee, 
 Great CCfmstopfKr tiot!) toatic anu passe 
 
 toitfi CCiirist amttt tfje fcroofee. 
 Sebastian full of featljerctt sl)afics 
 
 tijc titnt of trart Uotfi feck. 
 
 itatljrcn tottf) !)ir stnorUe 
 
 in fjanti, putt etucl toljcrle. 
 
 I)allt3 antt tf)C singing Cake 
 
 toitl) Barbara is leK, 
 
 sunBric otljcr paacants planBc 
 
 in inorsljip of tfjis brrtf 
 
 Qlfa eommon toans tottl) botoes arc stratotic 
 
 an1> cucry sircetc besitre, 
 "anti to t^e toallcs anti tointtotocs all 
 
 are bougtjcs anti braunchcs ttUc. 
 Qlfyt monfecs in ebcrn place So roamr, 
 
 t'bc nonncs abroati arc sent, 
 
20 CORPUS CHRISTI. 
 
 riestcs anti schoolmen lotott "fco rorc, 
 
 some use the instrument. 
 t straungcr passing tl;rougl) tfje strecte 
 
 tippon ftis fences tiotf) fall, 
 
 carnestlp tippon this brctic 
 
 as on fits Goti, Uotf) calle. ... 
 ?l number grtte of armcu men 
 
 here all this tofjile So stantt, 
 (To look that no irtsorfcer fie 
 
 nor any filching fiantt. 
 jpor all tfic cfiurcb gooses out arc brought 
 
 Softie!) certatnln tooultr be 
 3 bootie gooti, if cbert) man 
 
 tnigf)t fjabe Ijis liberttc. 
 
 HONE, i. 743. 
 
 The Religious Plays, termed " Mysteries," or dramatic 
 representations of Scripture Histories, were celebrated on 
 this festival. York, Coventry, and Chester were especially 
 famous for these performances, which were enacted in 
 sections by the various trade guilds of those places. The 
 Coventry Mysteries abound in stories from the Apocryphal 
 Gospels engrafted on the New Testament narrative. The 
 Chester plays adhere in their plot more closely to the 
 Scripture story. 
 
 Henry VII. was entertained one Sunday when at dinner 
 at Winchester Castle by the play of " Christ's Descent into 
 Hell," performed by the choir boys of Hyde Abbey and St. 
 Swithun's Priory there. 
 
 Dugdale, in his " History of Warwickshire," published in 
 1656, writes, that "the Coventry pageants were acted with 
 mighty state and reverence by the Grey Friars, who had 
 theatres for the several scenes, very large and high placed 
 upon wheels, and drawn to all the eminent parts of the city 
 for the better advantage of spectators." The play contained 
 the principal stories in the Old and New Testaments, com- 
 posed in old English rhythm. The original may be seen in 
 the British Museum (Cotton, Vest. D. viij.), entitled " Ludus 
 Corporis Christi," or " Ludus Coventrise." 
 
 The Chester Mysteries were performed by the trading 
 companies of the city. 
 
 " Every company had its pagiante or parte consisting of 
 a high scaffolde with two rowmes, a higher and a lower, 
 upon four wheeles. In the lower they apparelled them- 
 
CORPUS CHRISTI. 231 
 
 selves, in the higher rovvme they played, being all open on 
 the tope, that all behoulders might heare and see them. 
 The places where they played them was in euery streete. 
 They beganne first at the Abay gates, and when the 
 pagiante was played, it was wheeled to the High Crosse 
 before the, mayor, and so to euery streete; and so euery 
 streete had a pagiante playing before them till all the 
 pagiantes for the daye appointed were played, and when 
 one pagiant was neer ended, worde was brought from streete 
 to streete, that soe the might come in place therof exceding 
 orderlye, and all the streetes had their pagiant afore them 
 all at one tyme playing togeather, to se which playes was 
 greate resorte, and also scafolds, and stages mMe in the 
 streetes in those places where they determined to playe 
 their pagiants." (Extract given by Hone, i. 757.) 
 
 Drake, in his " History of York" (vol. ii. edit. 1785), gives 
 out of the city registers many curious particulars of the 
 city pageants held there in the reign of Henry V. 
 
 In 1415 the Armourers represented Adam and Eve an 
 angel with a spade and distaff assigning them labour. 
 
 The Fishmongers, Mariners, &c., set forth Noah in the 
 Ark, with his wife and three sons, with divers animals. 
 
 The Bookbinders Abraham sacrificing his son Isaac 
 with a ram, a bush, and an angel. 
 
 Vestment makers and skinners The Triumphal Entry 
 Jesus on an ass with its foal. The twelve Apostles follow- 
 ing six rich and six poor men with eight boys bearing 
 branches of palm-trees, crying, "Blessed is He," &c., 
 Zacchseus ascending a sycamore-tree. 
 
 The following is an extract, slightly modernized, from the 
 representation of Christ's appearance to His disciples in 
 the upper room after His resurrection and the incredulity 
 of St. Thomas. (Corpus Christi Play, York. 1415.) 
 
 Peter. Welcome, Thomas ! where hast thou been ? 
 For wit thou well withouten ween 
 Jesus our Lord then have we seen 
 On ground here gone. 
 Thomas. What say ye ? Man ! alas for teyne (sorrow], 
 
 I trow ye mang (wander mentally). 
 John. Thomas, truly that is not to layne (conceal}, 
 
 Jesus our Lord is risen again. 
 Thomas. Do-way ! your tales are but a train 
 of fools unwise. 
 
233 CORPUS CHRISTI. 
 
 For he that was so fully slain 
 
 how should he rise ? 
 James. Thomas, really he is our Life, 
 
 That tholed the Jews, his flesh rise ; 
 He let us feel his wounds five 
 
 That Lord, very. 
 Thomas. That trow (believe) I not, so mote I thrive 
 
 What ye so say. 
 Peter. Thomas, we saw his wounds wet, 
 
 How he was nailed through hands and feet 
 Honey and fish with no he ate, 
 
 That body free. 
 Thomas. I lay my life it was some spirit 
 
 Ye wened was he. 
 
 John. Nay, Thomas, then he is misgone. 
 For why ? he bade us everyone 
 To grip him grathly, blood and bone, 
 And flesh to feel. 
 Such things, Thomas, have spirits none, 
 
 That knowst thou well. 
 
 Thomas. Now, fellows, let be your fare (proceedings] 
 Till that I see that body bare, 
 And syne my fingers put in there 
 Within his hide, 
 
 And feel the wound the spear shear (cut or tore) 
 Right in his side. 
 Ere I shall trow no tales between. 
 James. Thomas, that wound then have we seen. 
 Thomas. Yea, ye wot never what ye mean, 
 Your wits ye want, 
 Think no sin thus me to teyn (vex) 
 And fill with traunts (tricks). 
 Jesus. Peace, and rest be unto you ! 
 
 And, Thomas, tente to me take you 
 
 Put forth thy fingers to me now : 
 
 My hands you see 
 
 How I was nailed for man's prow 
 
 Upon a tree. 
 
 Behold my wounds are all bleds and 
 
 Here in my side put in thy hand 
 
 And feel this wound and understand 
 
 That it is I. 
 
 And be no more so mistroward (unbelieving), 
 
 But trow truly. 
 
CORPUS CHRISTI. 233 
 
 Thomas. My Lord ! My God ! full well is me ! 
 
 Ah, Blood of price ! blest might thou be ! 
 Mankind in earth, behold and see 
 This blessed blood ! 
 Mercy, Lord, now ask I thee 
 With main and mood. 
 Jesus. Thomas, for thou hast seen this sight 
 
 That I am risen, as I thee hight (called] : 
 
 Therefore trow that every like wight (person] 
 
 Blest be they ever, 
 
 That trows wholly in my rising right 
 
 And saw it never. 
 
 My " brethren," " friends," now forth in fere 
 
 (company) 
 
 Over all in every country sere (many). 
 My rising both far and near 
 Preached shall be, 
 And my blessing I give you here 
 And this menye (company). 
 
 With this introduction the following extracts from the 
 Churchwardens' book will be more intelligible : 
 
 1498. " It. rec. of the gaderyng of a stage play xvij 8 . 
 1507. " It. rec. of the Sonday afore Bartylmastyde for 
 
 the pley in the forbery xxiij 8 viij d . (S. Bar- 
 
 thol. 24 August, about half-way through the 
 
 Trinity Season.) 
 
 " It. paied for a lode of Aldren polls xij d . 
 " It. paied a car? for carying off pypys & hogs- 
 
 hedds in to the forbury ij d . 
 
 " It. paied to the Laborers in the forbury for set- 
 ting vp off the polls for the schaphold ix d . 
 " It. paied to the Bere-man for ber for |? e pley yn 
 
 Y forbury x d . 
 " It. paied to Roberd Lynacre for havyng awey 
 
 off all man j of things owjt off the Forbury. 
 " It. paied for brede ale & bere y 1 longyd to y e 
 
 pleye in the forbury ij s vj d . 
 " It. paied for j ell q a rt of crescloth for Adam 
 
 for to make j peyr of hosyn & j ell for a 
 
 dowblett x d . 
 " It. paied for course canvass to make xiij capps 
 
 w th the makyng & w th the hers (ears) therto 
 
 longyng, ij s iiij d . 
 
234 THE KING PLAY. 
 
 1 507. " It. paied for ij ells di of crescloth for to make 
 Eve a cote x d . 
 
 (The crescloth was a fine linen material 
 the garments of our first parents were pro- 
 bably made very close-fitting, and stained 
 flesh-colour.) 
 
 " It. paied for ij qweyer of pap for the pagentts v d . 
 " It. paied for dyed flex ii_p v d (for wigs for the 
 
 performers.) 
 
 " It. paied for the makyng of a dublett of lethur 
 & j peyr off hosyn off lethur agaynst Corp 9 
 Xpi day viij d . 
 "It. paied to Henry Peyn? for hys labo r ]? e 
 
 Korp 9 Xpi day xx d ." 
 
 1509. "It. payed for thetymber & naylis and the werke- 
 manschip of the fframe ffor the canopye and 
 ffor whyte lyre ffor the same canopye x a . 
 "Itm. payed for xij thredyn poyntys for to 
 
 ffasten the same canopy to the fframe j d . 
 " It. payed for iij new stavys and for the payntyng 
 of the hole (whole) iiij stavys ffor to bere the 
 seyd canopy xij d . 
 1512. "It. payed to Rob 1 Slan for wasting of the Taylours 
 
 torchis on Corpus X 1 day iij d . 
 
 1539. " Rec. of the Shomakers for wex to ther lights v 8 .'' 
 Here we find as usual the trade guilds taking 
 their part in these performances. (See Altars 
 of St. Blaise, St. Thomas, and St. Clement] 
 
 This was a representation of the visit of the Eastern 
 sages (supposed to be Kings) to the infant Saviour. It 
 was clearly an " out-of-door" performance, usually termina- 
 ting in a " church ale" and a supper. The names of these 
 monarchs are said to have been Caspar, Melchior, and Bel- 
 thasar; but other traditions name them differently. Cressy 
 (quoted by Hone) tells us that the Empress Helena, who 
 died about the year 328, brought their bodies from the 
 East to Constantinople, from whence they were transferred 
 to Milan, and afterwards, in A.D. 1164, on the capture of 
 Milan by the Emperor Frederick, presented by him to the 
 Abp. of Cologne, who put them in the principal church of 
 
THE KING PLAY. 235 
 
 that city, where (says Cressy) they are celebrated with 
 great veneration." 
 
 W. Traheron, in his translation of Pedro Mexia's 
 " History of the Roman Emperors," writes: 
 
 " The reliques and bodies of saints which were in the 
 citie (of Milan) and held in great account here (Fred. 
 Barbarossa, Emperor) divided amongst the Bishops and 
 prelates which were there with him ; of which the three 
 Kings, which came out of the East to adore Christ in 
 Bethlehem, were given to the Archbishop and Cathedrall 
 Church of Colen, where (it is said) they are at this day." 
 (1560). 
 
 James Philip, in his " Supplementum Chronicarum" (fol. 
 227, edit. 1486), writes : " But a certain Rudolph, then 
 Abp. of Cologne, being present with the Emperor, and 
 assisting at this overthrow, seized the bodies of the three 
 Magi which Eustorgius, Bp. of Milan, had a long time pre- 
 viously translated from Constantinople, and carried them 
 with great joy to his own city, as is related by Vincentius." 
 There is a very ingenious note in Man's " History of 
 Reading," in which he derives " Kings of Colen" from 
 " Coley," a district of Reading ! ! ! In Hone's " Every-Day 
 Book" (i. 46) there is an account from Du Cange of the 
 Feast of the Star, or Office of the Three Kings, anciently 
 performed by the clergy within the church on the Feast of 
 the Epiphany. 
 
 1498-9. " Itm. payed for horse mete to the horssys for 
 
 the Kyngs of Colen on May Day, vj d . 
 " Jtm. payed to mynstrells the same day, xij d . 
 1502-3. " It. rec. of the Kyng play, xj s . 
 1507-8. " It. payed for carying of a bough for the King 
 
 play at Whitsontyde, iiij d . 
 "It. payed to the taberer at Whyssontyde for 
 
 his labo r , iiij 8 viij d . 
 1514-5. " It.payd for a Kyltherkyn of bere ayestWytson- 
 
 tyde, xvj d . 
 " It. payd for a dosen of good ale & iij galons of 
 
 peny ale to Richard Turner, xx d . 
 " It. payd for cariage of the tre at Witsontyde, 
 
 vj d . 
 1516-7. " It. of the yong men for the gatheryng at the 
 
 Kyng play, xxiij 8 . 
 
 " It. of the tree of the Kyng play late stondyng 
 in the m ,catt place, xij d . 
 
236 THE KING PLAY. 
 
 15 19. " It. paid to Thomas Taberer for the Kyng pley 
 
 at Whitsontide, x s . 
 
 " It. for his mete & drynk at Thom a s Barbors. 
 1539. "Paydfor watchyng the sepulcr & for Colen, 
 
 x d . 
 
 1540-1. " Rec. of the Kyng game this yere, iij 11 viij 3 . 
 1557. "Itm. the saide churchwardens gatheringe at 
 
 y e Kyngale in the Whytsontyde at the church 
 
 ale suppars, xlviij 8 ." 
 
 The following may perhaps illustrate the method in 
 which this King Play was performed with reference to type 
 and prophecy. One of the ancient painted windows of 
 Canterbury Cathedral is divided into seven stages, each 
 containing three pictures. The first illustrates the visit of 
 the Magi. 
 
 1. Balaam riding on an ass. (Type?) 
 
 Over his figure in the glass is inscribed the 
 word ' BALAAM'. The surrounding inscription is 
 "ORIETVR STELLA EX IACOB ET CONSVRGET 
 
 VIRGO DE ISRAEL." Here are type and prophecy 
 combined. 
 
 2. Three wise men riding. (Antitype?) 
 
 They seem to be in doubt of the way. Over 
 them is the Star indicated in Balaam's prophecy. 
 
 3. The prophet Isaiah standing near a gate leading into 
 
 the city. 
 
 By his head is the word ' YSA 1 . The inscription 
 is 'AMBVLABVNT GENTES IN LVMINE TVO ET 
 REGES IN SPLENDORE ORTU VENIABANT.' 
 
 The subject is continued in the next three pictures. 
 
 The first has Pharaoh, refusing to be convinced 
 of the Divine Commission of Moses, in spite of 
 the column of fire leading Israel. 
 
 The second has the antitype Herod refusing 
 to be convinced by the star which led the Magi. 
 
 The third has the conversion of the Heathen, 
 and following Christ the light. 
 
 STELLA MAGOS DVXIT ET AB EOS HERODE 
 REDVXIT. Under this 
 
 SIC SATHANAM GENTES FVGIVNT TE CHRISTE 
 SEQVENTES. 
 
THE PASSION PLAY. 237 
 
 "Ca^mes 
 
 Fuller, in his "Church History" (vi.i. 14.) writes " Wick- 
 liffe constantly inveigheth against Friars under the name 
 ' CAIM/ which he thus explains : 
 
 C = 'Carmelites, 
 A = 'A' ugustinians, 
 I = ' I ' acobins or Dominicans, 
 M = 'M'inorites or Franciscans." 
 
 This pageant probably derives its name from these four 
 orders of Friars, who were the principal performers. If not, 
 the Play of Kayme can only have been another name for 
 that of ' Robin Hood/ whose grandfather, Ralph Fitz Ooth, 
 was Earl of Kyme. 
 
 1512. " It. rec. in money at the play of Kayme, x s vj d . 
 1515. "It. payd for nayles to Caymes pageaunt in the 
 
 rriHcat place, iij d ." 
 
 These nails seem to imply the use of a 
 
 scaffold. 
 
 passion 
 
 This name sufficiently indicates its character. It was 
 a representation of the trial, sufferings, and crucifixion of 
 our Blessed Lord, performed apparently for the most part 
 on the Rood Loft in the church. 
 
 1 505. " It. payed to the clerks for syngyng of the passion 
 on Palme Sonday in ale j d ." 
 
 1507. "It. paied to Sybel Darling for nayles for the 
 
 Sepulcre & for rosyn to the resurrecyon pley ij d 
 ob." (The resin was undoubtedly for the burst 
 of light or illumination at the moment of the 
 Resurrection.) 
 
 1508. "It. payed to Wiftm Poo vnder sexton for carying 
 
 & recarying of bords to the church for the 
 pagfunt of the Passion on Est s l monday & for 
 swepyng of the church at the same tyme viij d ." 
 It is quite clear from this entry that the Resur- 
 rection Play must have followed that of the 
 Passion Play. 
 
238 THE PASSION PLAY. 
 
 1 509. " Itm. payed fifor the caryage off the Burdys ffor the 
 
 pageant on Estyr monday j d . 
 " Itm. payed for iij baner pollis v s iiij d . 
 1512. "Itm. for a q a rte of Malmesey to the clerks on 
 
 Palme Sonday iiij d . 
 1524. "It. for drynk in the rood loft vppon Palme 
 
 Sonday. 
 1 5 34. " Payd for a q a rte of basterd for the Passion apon 
 
 Palme Sonday iij d . 
 1533-4, " Payd to M r Laborne for reformyng the Resur- 
 
 recon Play viij d iiij d . 
 
 1535. " Payd to S r Laborne for a boke of the resurrecon 
 play for a q"re of paper & for byndyng 
 therof ix s x d . 
 1540-1. "Payd for a quarte of Malmesey for the clerks 
 
 vppon Palme Sonday iiij d . 
 
 " Payd to Loreman for playing the pphet on Palme 
 Sonday. ij d ." 
 
 (One great feature in these old Scripture 
 plays was the arrangement of type and prophecy 
 followed immediately by their antitype or 
 fulfilment. Loreman performed the Old Tes- 
 tament shadows as a prophetic intimation of 
 the next scene taken from the New Testament. 
 This is the plan still pursued in the Passion 
 Play of Ober Ammergau. (See tinder King Play.) 
 
 1541. "Payd for bred, ale & beare apon Palme Sonday 
 for syngyng the passion iiij d . 
 
 1549. (2 Ed. VI.) "Paid for a q a rte of wyne on Palme 
 Sonday at Redyng the Passion iiij d ." (This can 
 only allude to the recitation of the Gospel set 
 forth in the ist Prayer Book of Ed. VI. 
 which for Palm Sunday included the whole of 
 the xxvi. chap, of St. Matthew, and the xxvii. 
 chapter to the 57th verse.) 
 
 "Ibocfc Gibe" ant) "Ibocfc fl&oncs." 
 
 " Hock." A.S. Heah = high. High tide or festival, the 
 time of Easter. 
 
 On the Monday and Tuesday in Easter week was com- 
 memorated the massacre of the Danes on St. Brice's Day, 
 1 002. Collections were then made by the churchwardens 
 
CHURCH ALE. 239 
 
 in most parishes in England. Hock Monday was specially 
 set apart for the men, and Hock Tuesday (the principal 
 day) for the women. On both days the men and women 
 alternately with great merriment intercepted the public 
 roads with ropes impounding passengers in their folds, and 
 only releasing them on the payment of a fine. The ladies 
 always appear to have been more successful than the men 
 on these occasions. 
 
 It was also the custom in some parts of England for the 
 men to lift or hoist the women, either in their arms or in a 
 chair, between 9 and 12 on Monday morning, and on the 
 following day at the same time for the women to hoist the 
 men a rude method of illustrating the Easter commemo- 
 ration. 
 
 1498-9. " It. rec. of Hok money gaderyd of women xx 8 . 
 " It. rec. of Hok money gaderyd of men iiij 3 ." 
 
 In 1501 the women gathered 17" 6 d and the men 5 s 4 d . 
 
 In 1546-7 the women raised 3 I s 3 d and the men 8 s 4*. 
 
 29 H. VIII. " Rec. at the ffirst play in East? weke 
 
 xxiij 3 ij d . 
 " Rec. at the second play xj s ij d ." 
 
 Cburcb Hie* 
 
 " For the church ale two young men of the parishe are 
 yerely chosen by their last foregoers to be Wardens, who, 
 devidingthe taske, make collection amongthe parishioners of 
 whatsoever provision it pleaseth them voluntarily to bestow. 
 This they employ in brewing, baking, & other acts against 
 Whitsuntide : vpon which holydayes the neighbours meet at 
 the Church House, and there merily feed on their own 
 victuals, contributing some petty portion to the stock which 
 by many smalls, groweth to a meetly greatness : for there 
 is entertayned a kinde of emulation between these war- 
 dens, who by his graciousnes in gathering, and good 
 husbandry in expending, can best advance the church's 
 profit. 
 
 " Besides, the neighbour parishes at those times lovingly 
 visit one another, and this way frankly spend their money 
 together. The afternoones are consumed in such exercises 
 as olde and yong folke (hauying leysure) doe accustomably 
 weare out the time withal. 
 
 " When the feaste is ended, the Wardens yeeld in their 
 
240 CHURCH ALE. 
 
 account to the parishioners, and such money as exceedeth 
 the disbursements is layd up in store to defray any extra- 
 ordinary charges arising in the parish or imposed on them 
 for the good of the country, or the Prince's service, neither 
 of which commonly gripe so much, but that somewhat still 
 remaineth to couer the purses bottom." (Carew's " Survey 
 of Cornwall," 1602; repr. 1723.) 
 
 1506. "It. payed to the same Macrell for makyng clene 
 of the Church agaynst the day of drynking in 
 the seid Church iiij d . 
 
 " It. payed for flessh spyce and bakyng of pasteys 
 agaynst the said drynkyng ij s ix d ob. 
 
 " It. payed for ale at the same drynking xviij d . 
 
 " It. payed for mete & drynke to the Taberer ix d ." 
 
General Jnbey. 
 
 (The asterisk (*) indicates a recurrence on the same page.) 
 
 H 
 
 ABBEY, Charles I. at, 94 
 
 ,, Foundation of, 8 
 
 ,, GATEWAY, 2 
 
 Queen at the, 93 
 
 the, 192 
 Adam and Eve, 233, 234 
 Addams, 142 
 
 Adene, or "Dene," q. v., n 
 Ades, 185 
 Adwell, 176 
 
 AGLOTTS, or Aylotts of silver, 112 
 Alcock, organist, 63 
 Aldworth, old pulpit at, 54 
 
 family, 191, 193, 194, 197 
 
 ALE, for the clerks on Palm Sunday, 
 
 56 
 
 for the ringers, 92, 93 
 Church ale, 239 
 Ale ward, 12 
 Alexander, 198, 191 
 Allesaunder, 191 
 ALL HALLOW TIDE, 56, 57 
 Alloway, 192 
 
 ALMSHOUSES of John a Larder, 172 
 ALTAR CLOTHS, list of, 106 
 ALTARS, 25-48 
 Alvyngton, 136 
 Aman, 187 
 
 AMIENS, great bell at, 127 
 Andrew, 101, 195, 176, 188, 189, 
 
 190, 191, 194 
 
 Andrews, 58, 167, 187, 218 
 ANGELUS, the, 33 
 Anne, St., in 
 Annesley, 167 
 ANTHONY CROSSES, 106 
 Apledreham, 8 
 
 APOSTLES, figures of the twelve, 27 
 Appleford, 217 
 Appowell, 190 
 ARBORFIELD, 184 
 ARCHES, nave, 13, 70 
 
 new, 14 
 
 Aris, 156 
 
 Arlatt, 192 
 
 ARMORIAL BEARINGS in nave, 14 
 on tower, 17 
 
 , , in Knolly's 
 
 transept, 19 
 
 Arnold, 186 
 
 Ashendon, 172 
 
 ASSUMPTION OF OUR LADY, 1 1 1 
 
 ASTEN Church, 176 
 
 Athelard, 13 
 
 Atkinson, 179 
 
 AUMBRYES, l6, 27 
 
 Aumerie, 217 
 
 Austwick, 167 
 
 Avis, 191* 
 
 Awberry, 128, 155 
 
 AYLETTS, 112 
 
 Ayscough, Bishop of Salisbury, 17 
 
 B 
 
 Backbye, or Barkbye, organ-builder, 
 59, 60, 6 1 
 
 Bacon, 200, 221 
 
 Bagley, 80 
 
 Baigant, 158 
 
 Baker, 22 
 
 Bakestur, 85 
 
 Ball, 163, 222 
 
 BANCO R, Brief for, 213 
 
 Banister, 192 
 
 BANNERS, 109 
 
 BAPTIST, ST. JOHN, altar of, 36 
 
 ,, chapel, 36, 175 
 
 stalls in, 39, 170 
 
 Hospital, ii, 39 
 
 (see " St. John's Chapel") 
 
 Barber, 1 88, 191, 190 
 
 Barbour, 22, 105, 115 
 
 Barentyne, 138 
 
 Barfote, 34, 103, 174,* 189, 190 
 
 Barker, 30, 190 
 
 R 
 
242 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Barnes, 103, 104 
 
 Baron, 22 
 
 Bartheran, 12 
 
 Barton, Walter, Gent., 27, 32, 42, 
 51,77,104, 119, 178, 189 
 his will, 174-184 
 monument, 32, 134 
 Mrs. Barton, 112, 135, 190 
 Griffith, 135 
 John, 13, 185 
 
 Bartholomew, 218 j 
 
 BASILDON, 131, 179, 181 
 
 BASTARD, wine, 57 
 
 BATTLE ABBEY, 7, 8 
 ,, farm, 8 
 
 Battye, 192 
 
 BAWDEKIN, cloth of, what, 112, 113 
 
 Baxter, 29 
 
 Baynton, 6r, 191, 223 
 
 BAYONNE, 137, 138 
 
 BEACONS, watching, 68 
 
 Beake, 191, 193, 
 
 BEAM of brass, 27 
 
 Beche, 22, 185 
 
 Becker, St. Thomas, 8, 9 
 
 Bede, 190 
 
 BEDFORDS., Collections on Briefs for 
 Biggleswade, 211 
 
 Pavingham, 207 
 
 ,, Ridgmont, 210 
 
 ,, Tempsford, 210 
 
 Bedoo, or Bedoe, 175, 189, 218 
 
 Beeke, 197 
 
 Beke, 190 
 
 Bell family, 27, 30, 42, 78, llS, 119, 
 190,* 191,* 200 
 
 BELFRY, the, 1 3, 43 
 
 BELL, Lady, 33 
 
 ,, "Harry," 17, 33, 84, 172, 223 
 
 BELLFOUNDERS, 14, 50, 58 
 
 BELLS, a fine for not ringing, 92 
 the, 83-96 
 tolling, 30 
 
 Benham, 77 
 
 Bennet, 22, 32 
 
 Bent on, 185 
 
 Benwell, 191, 192 
 
 Benyon, 64 
 
 Berd, or Beard, 101, 119, 190 
 
 Bereman, 187 
 
 BERKSHIRE, Collections on Briefs for 
 Chilton, 208 
 
 ,, Hurst, 2ii 
 
 ,, Twyford, 207 
 
 Berton, 217 
 
 Beryngton, or Buriton, 191, 200* 
 
 Bexe, 190 
 
 Bigge, 115, 192, 193, 197 
 
 Billing, 15, 71 
 Binfield, 64,* 89, 166 
 
 Berks, 184 
 Bird, 79 
 
 Birmingham. 80, 198 (see Burning- 
 ham) 
 
 BISHAM Abbey, 75 
 Bishop, 153 
 Bladier, 22 
 Blagrave, 10, 20,* 55, 71, 133, 149, 
 
 15,* 157, 192 
 
 BLAISE, ST., ALTAR OF, 39, 41 
 Blake, 30, 79, 93, 120, 139, 188, 190, 
 
 193 
 
 Blankston, 57 
 
 Blandy monuments, 166-7 
 
 Bloxham, 218 
 
 Bocfalde, 8 
 
 Body, 6 1 
 
 BOOKS, repaired, 31 
 
 ,, Church, list of, 101-3 
 ,, rebound, 116 
 
 Bold, 185 
 
 Borrell, 127 
 
 Bosden, 171 
 
 Boseham, 8 
 
 Boteler, or Butler, 12, 22 
 
 Boudry, 83, 221 
 
 Bowes, 175 
 
 Bowlde, 191 
 
 Bowme, 191 
 
 Bowyer, 193 
 
 Box for offerings, 34 
 
 Braker, 54 
 
 B RAM LEY, Hants, 1 68, 126 
 
 Brasey, 191 
 
 Brasier, 221 
 
 BRASSES, 124. (See Epitaphs and 
 
 Monuments) 
 ,, stolen by Roundheads, 162 
 
 BRAUNCHE, the, 50 
 
 BKEAD for Holy Com., 49 
 ,, singing. 49 
 
 BRENTFORD, Charles I. at, 94, 175 
 
 Brewar, 191 
 
 BRIDAL CUP, 119, 120 
 
 BRIDE PASTES, 49, 120 
 
 BRIEFS, Collections on, in St. Law- 
 rence's, 204-217 
 (See under names 'of Counties.) 
 
 Erode, 114 
 
 Broke, 171 
 
 Brown, 94, 192, 193 
 
 BROXBOURNE, Herts, 127 
 
 Bryce, or Brice, 187 
 
 Bryges, 192 
 
 Brygham, 189 
 
 Brynger, 12 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 243 
 
 Bryssele, 12 
 
 Buck, 13, 189 
 
 Buckland, 30, 32, 40, 118, 190, 192, 
 
 227 
 BUCKS, Briefs for 
 
 Aylesbury, 216 
 
 Buckingham, 214 
 
 Colnbrook, 215 
 
 Chalfont St. Peter's, 207 
 
 Little Brickhill, 208 
 
 North Marston, 205 
 
 Or wood, 214 
 
 Stoney Stratford, 205 
 
 Wycombe, 210 
 
 Wyradisbury, 205 
 Buckworth, 188 
 Budd, 12, 192 
 Bull, 118 
 Bullinger, 62 
 Bun, 79 
 Bunting, 186 
 Burden, 199 
 Bureton, 27, 29, 135, 180, 181, 189, 
 
 I 9 I 
 Burges, or Burgeys, 80, 191, 192,* 
 
 198,* 199, 219 
 BURGHFIELD Church, 171 
 Burlei, or Burley, 187 
 Burningham, 144 
 BURTON-ON-TRENT, 163 
 Burwey, 180 
 BURY, THE, 6 
 Bush, 192 
 Butler, 30, 43,* 50, 118, 140-143, 162, 
 
 185, 189, 190, 191, 192, 194, 200 
 Buttell, 142 
 Button, 148 
 BUTTS, the parish, 68 
 Byfield, organ-builder, 63 
 Byggs ( Bigge), 46, 191, 200 
 Byrd, or Bird, q.v., 190 
 Byrcham, 193 
 
 <r 
 
 Calcroft, 75 
 
 Calton, 80 
 
 Cam, 219 
 
 CAMBRIDGES., Briefs for 
 Barnwell, 217 
 Bottisham, 209 
 Conington, 2 16 
 Campshall, 214 
 Cherry Hinton, 214 
 Grantchester, 204 
 Guilden Morden, 217 
 
 CAMBRIDGES., Briefs for (continued) 
 ,, Little St. Andrews, 211 
 
 ,, Milbourn, 215 
 
 ,, Swaresey, 212 
 
 CAMPANILE, 13 
 CANDLEMAS DAY, 52 
 CANDLESTICKS, 26, 34, 37, 42 
 CANOPY over high altar, 26, 108 
 CANTERBURY, a window at, 236 
 Capper, 77 
 Garden, 197 
 CARDIGAN, Wales, 207 
 Cardmaker, the, 192 
 Carpenter, 22, 32, 4o, 77, 174, 185, 
 
 188,* 189 
 Carter, bellfounder,77, 80, 86, 87/193 
 
 ., Silvanus, a brief for, 209 
 Casse, 122 
 CASTLE, Reading, 3 
 Cater, 191 
 
 CATHARINE, ST., 125 
 play of, 37 
 
 guild of, 3r, 45 
 
 lights of, 36, 53 
 
 ,, WHEEL hotel, 37 
 
 Cave, 187 
 
 CAVERSHAM, 86, 171, 224 
 Cawarden, 44 
 Cawood, 22, 190 
 CAYME'S PAGEANT, 237 
 CENTRES for arches, 14 
 Cerne, vicar, 138, 157 
 Chamberlayn, 80, 190 
 CHANCEL arch, 15 
 ,, roof, 22, 70 
 ,, monuments in, 140 
 Chandler, vicar, 219 
 CHAPLAINS, list of, 222 
 Chapman, 185, 191 
 CHARDFORD, 136 
 Charlton, 197 
 
 CHARTER HOUSE, London, 135, 138 
 Chaundler, 12, 22 
 Chauntrell, 191 
 
 CHAUNTRY LANDS, 30, 31, 78, 118 
 CHECKENDON, Oxon, 222 
 CHEESE Row, 174 
 CHELSEY Abbey, 8 
 Cheney, a mason from Hampton 
 
 Court, 14, 24 
 CHESHIRE, Briefs for 
 
 Ashton-super-Merly, 207 
 Backford, 215 
 Barnston, 21 1 
 Bickley, 211 
 Burton, 212 
 Chester, 209, 212 
 Christleton, 217 
 R 2 
 
244 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 CHESHIRE, Briefs for (continued) 
 
 Frodsham, 214 
 
 Hough, 211 
 
 Thornton, 211 
 
 Warmington, 208 
 
 Wheelock, 215 
 Chester, 189 
 
 Cheveley, Dan John, a monk, 116 
 Child, 195, 197 
 CHILDREN'S KNELLS, 33 
 CHIMES, 98 
 CHOBHAM, 44 
 CHOLSEY, parsonage, 182 
 CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, 51, 57 
 CHRISMATORY, 24, 108, 109, 118 
 CHRISTOPHER, ST., painting of, 69 
 Church, 191 
 
 of St. Lawrence, its original 
 
 site, 4 
 
 ,, yard, original, 4,^200 
 ,, wardens' " Pew,'' 21 
 ,, notes, Symonds', 127 
 CIVIL WAR, 94 
 Clampard, 31, 45 
 Clargis, Sir W., 200 
 Clarke, Thomas, hosier, 103, 104, 108, 
 
 125, 155. ^5 
 
 family, 125, 137, 185 
 CLAYPITS, the, 177 
 Cleche, Richard, draper, 29, 50, 59, 
 
 84, 100, 173, 186, 188* 
 Clement, 192 
 CLEMENT, ST., 41, 107 
 
 ,, altar of, 48 
 
 Clerk, parish, 49 
 Clerke, 80, 135, 183 
 Clist, 22 
 
 CLOCK, the, 30, 34, 97 
 Clyfford, 191, 193 
 Cobbe, 14; or Cobb, 63, 89, 187 
 COINS, Sir John Popham's, 138 
 Coke, 13, 189 
 Cokks, 37 
 
 Collett, an equerry, 199 
 Collis, 140 
 Colly, 157 
 COLNEY'S CHAUNTRYUI St. Mary's, 
 
 3* 
 
 Colthurst, 79 
 Colyer, 32, 187 
 Come, 194, 195, 196 
 COMPTON, Surrey, 44 
 Berks, 54 
 Cone, or Coon, a carver, 43, 48, 57, 
 
 67, 96, 189* 
 
 Constable, 144, 191,* 192 
 Cony, 187 
 Cook, 159 
 
 Cooper, 22, 191,* 192* 
 Cope, Sir W. H., Bart., 137 
 COPENHAGEN, Brief for, 215 
 COPES, list of, 103 
 Copland, 22 
 CORNWALL, Brief for 
 
 Falmouth, 213 
 
 CORPORAS cases, 107 : 
 CORPUS CHRISTI DAY, 92, 229, 230 
 
 Extract from a York Play, 231-233, 
 
 '34 
 
 CORVETTS, 19 
 
 Cottelar, 189 
 
 Cotterell, 148 
 
 Couper, 12, 13, 22, 2OO, 218 
 
 Courtney, 191 
 
 Cove, 192 
 
 Cowper, 185 
 
 Cows, great loss of, Brief for, 209 
 
 Crantmore, 171 
 
 Cras, 22 
 
 Crassewell, 1 68 
 
 CRESSETS, 56 
 
 Crewse, 186 
 
 Crey, vicar, 219 
 
 Crisselton, 195 
 
 Croft, 225 
 
 Croix, de la, 63 
 
 Croll, 38 
 
 Crome, 192 
 
 CROSS, "Tau," used in processions, 
 
 H3 
 
 HOLY, light before, 175 
 
 CROW AY Church, 176 
 
 CUCKING STOOL, 21. (See Illustra- 
 tion) 
 
 Culver, 89 
 
 Culverhouse, 12 
 
 CUMBERLAND, Briefs for 
 
 ,, Cockermouth, 207 
 
 ,, Penrith, 211 
 
 Currer, 188 
 
 CURRIER, the, 191 
 
 CURTAIN for rood, 57, 58 
 
 Curtis, Arthur, 80, 121, 122, 198; 
 
 R., 121, 122, I3O 
 
 CUSHIONS, 107 
 Cutley, 190 
 
 Dabscourt, 188 
 Dalbye, 88, 129 
 Dancaster, 1 86 
 Dane, 139 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 245 
 
 DANISH INVASION, and the en- 
 trenchment, 2, 3 
 Darling, 42, 77, 186, 187, 388 
 Darlyngton, 30 
 DAVID'S, ST., 175 
 Davy, 191 
 Dayne, 185 
 Dayntre, 77 
 
 Deane, 20, 133, 136, 164 
 Ric. a-, 31, 33, 224 
 Alice, in, 1 86 
 Deddlesall, or Duddlesale, 193* 
 DEDICATION of the original church, 
 
 5 ; festival of, 91 
 Delamere, 12 
 Dell, 198 
 DENBIGHS., Briefs for 
 
 Denbigh, 215 
 Holt, 213 
 Llandulas, 215 
 Ruthin, 209 
 Wrexham, 209, 2IO 
 Denison, or Dennison, 81, 120, 219 
 Dennys, 192 
 Depeford, 217 
 Derby, Wm., M.P., 22 
 
 ,, Alderman of London, 105, 113 
 Earl of, 182 
 DERBYS., Briefs for 
 
 All Saints, Derby, 209 
 
 Ashbourn, 211 
 Bakewell, 213 
 Chapel-in-le-Frith, 215 
 Harsto . . . . , 210 
 Ilkeston, 213 
 Mapleton, 211 
 Tibshelf, 215 
 Wirksworth, 214 
 DEVONS., Briefs for 
 
 Crediton, 214 
 
 Gt. Torrington, 205, 214 
 Heavitree, 206 
 Ottery St. Mary, 210 
 
 South Molton, 205 
 St. Mary's, 208 
 ,, \Vitheridge, 208 
 Dewbury, 79 
 Deyer, 12 
 
 DISPENSARY, Reading, 113 
 Dixon, a singer, 30 
 Dodgson, 117, 189, 190 
 Dodson, 186,* 187,* 188, 191, 200 
 DOMESDAY, account of, Reading, 6 
 DORSETS., Briefs for 
 
 Bland ford, 209, 216 
 
 Dorchester, 209 
 East Morden, 214 ( 
 Frampton, 210 
 
 DORSETS., Briefs for (continued) 
 Gillingham, 204 
 Newton Castle, 216 
 
 Douglas, 148 
 
 Downar, 192 
 
 Dray ton, vicar, 217 
 
 DRINK for ringers, 92 
 
 on a Coronation Day, in 1612, 
 
 93 
 
 Drover, 12 
 Duddlesoll, 38, 46, 58, 192, 193 (see 
 
 Deddlesal) 
 
 Dudley, R., Earl of Leicester, 75 
 John, Earl of Warwick, 75 
 William and Elizabeth, 145 
 Dukinfield, 165 
 Dunsdale, 64 
 Dunster, 29 
 DURHAM Co., Briefs for 
 
 Darlington, 205 
 Hartlepool, 21 1 
 Stockton, 207 
 Sunderland, 210 
 
 Dwyght 
 
 188 
 
 Dyer, 12, 22, 77 
 
 Eades, 83, 144 
 
 EARLY HISTORY of the parish, i 
 ,, Manor, 7 
 
 EDGMOND, Salop, 221 
 
 EDINBURGH, Brief for, 206, 207 
 
 Edmonds, 34, 60, 68, 174, 193, 200 
 
 Edmund, 22, 90, 191 
 
 EDWARD, ST., 107 
 
 Edwards of the Royal Stable, 187, 
 190 
 
 ELDERS, RULING, election of, 220 
 
 Elizabeth, Queen of Henry VII., 114 
 ,, Queen, her birth, 92 
 ,, at St. Lawrence's Church, 
 
 79, 92, 93 
 
 Elkins, 150 
 
 Elly, 164 
 
 Ellys, 189, 190 
 
 ELY, ISLE OF, Briefs for 
 
 Chatteiis, 205 
 
 ,, Littleport, 206 
 
 ,, Wisbeach, 2IO 
 
 ENGLAND, arms of, 109 
 
 ENGLEFIELD, 3, 179 
 
 ,, Mr., 183 
 
 Englefold, 189 
 
 EPITAPHS in the church, 128 
 
246 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 ERLEY, a rector of, 138, 157 
 Erne, 185 
 
 ESPOUSALS, form of, 115 
 Essex, Earl of, 59, 95 
 
 Briefs for 
 
 Hurlow, 207 
 
 Mistley, 216 
 
 Upton in Westham, 210 
 
 West Tilbury, 208 
 
 Woodham Ferrys, 208 
 Eton, J., 187 
 Eve, 37, 189* 
 Everard, 22, 68, 103, 119, 188,* 190 
 
 FABRIC, the, 10-22 i 
 
 Fallow, 95 
 
 Fanshaw, 152 
 
 Faringdon, Hugh, Abbot of Reading, 
 
 77, 176 
 
 ,, his mother, 77 
 ,, his barber, 77 
 Farington, 187, 224 
 FARLEIGH Castle, Somerset, 129 
 Fawsby, 191 
 Fayrchild, 188 
 Ferrars, 7 
 Ferrey, 39 
 FESTAL LIGHTS, 51 
 Ffaithful, 192 
 Ffaukesby, 192 
 Ffauxby, 77 
 
 Ffinch, Suffragan Bishop, 25, 201 
 Fforman, 191 
 Ffrewin, 88, 183 
 Ffynmore, 71, 132, 191, 199* 
 Ffynne, 192 
 FLINTSHIRE, Brief for 
 
 Worthenbury, 215 
 
 FLODDEN, Battle of, 92 
 Flory, 156 
 
 FOLKESTONE Fishery, Brief for, 214 
 FONT, 23, 71 
 taper, 23, 51 
 cover, 24 
 hanging for, III 
 ceremony at, 113 
 FORBURY, the, 2, 233 
 Ford, 221 
 Fostbury, 191 
 
 Foster, 121, 122, 138, 189, 224 
 FOUNTAINS' ABBEY, 59 
 Foxley, 189 
 Frank, 105 
 
 FRANKINCENSE, 94, 95 
 
 Frankleyn, 37, 190, 191 
 
 FRIARS, Oxford, 62 
 
 Reading, 168, 176 
 Friar Peter, 117 
 Orders of, 237 
 " Minours," 177 
 
 French, 154, 163 
 refugees, 204 
 
 Fuller, 85, 190 
 
 Fuller and May, 2 
 
 FUNERAL LIGHTS, 50 
 
 GALLERIES in church, 82 
 Gardener, 12 
 Garrard, 155 
 Garrett, clockmaker, 98 
 GASWORKS, Reading, i 
 Gateley, 184, 191, 193, 197 
 Gatley, 190 
 Gege, 157 
 
 GEORGE'S ALTAR, ST., 40, 44 
 loft, 44 
 ,, image, 45, 67 
 hotel, 45, 188 
 gateway, 177 
 GILES' CHURCH, ST., 31, 145, 160, 
 
 1 68, 178 
 
 ,, inhabitants of, 86 
 Gilbert, 221 
 Glad win, 30, 191 
 GLAMORGAN, Briefs for 
 ,, Llandaff, 215 
 
 ,, Neath, 214 
 
 Glawster Church, 1 76 
 GLOUCESTERS., Briefs for 
 
 Alderton, 213 
 
 Bilston, 213 
 
 Calcott, 216 
 
 ,, Cheltenham, 211 
 
 Dursley, 206 
 
 Gloucester, 215 
 Lechlade, 211 
 Morton Valence, 210 
 Mitchel Deane, 216 
 Newent, 213 
 Oldbury, 210 
 Randwick, 213 
 Shinbridge, 209 
 Shennington, 213 
 Teabury, 215 
 Tewkesbury, 212 
 Wootton-under- Edge, 
 216 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Glover, 22, 185* 
 
 GOAT'S-HAIR CLOTH for wedding 
 
 chair, 115 
 Godfrey, 157 
 Godric the Sheriff, 7 
 Godstow, 176 
 Goldhurds, 183 
 Golding, 192 , 
 
 Goldore, 145, 160, 218 
 Goldsmith, 50, 77 
 GOOD FRIDAY vestment, 105 
 Goodgame, 188 
 Goodwyn, 190 
 Goodyere, 187, 1 88 
 Gorffyn, 189 
 Gos, 22 
 Gower, 12 
 
 GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 133, 165, 186 
 Graney, 187 
 Grantam, 192 
 Grauntham, 194 
 Green, 89, 222 
 Greete, 192 
 Gregory, in, 192 
 Greke, 37, 187 
 Grenefeld, 79 
 Greneway, 171, 219 
 Grey, 38, 47 
 Grindle, Bishop, 62 
 GROOMS, the royal, 79 
 Grover, 123 
 Gryffen, 87 
 Gryffyn, 186, 192* 
 Gualter, 62 
 GUILDHALL, 172 
 Guild ing, 221 
 GUILDS, procession of, 234 
 Gwent, Dr., 176 
 Gybbers, 192 
 Gyfford, 33 > 
 Gylman, 188 
 
 1b 
 
 HABERDASHERS' HALL, 31 
 HACKFIELD, 188 
 HAGBURN, 183 
 Haggard, 167 
 Hakker, 12 
 Hale, 13, 22, 56 
 Halifax, 156 
 Hall, 1 86 
 HALPAS, the, 14 
 Hamden, 138 
 Hamley, 148 
 HAMPTON COURT, 14 
 
 Hansell, 155 
 HANTS, Briefs for 
 
 Fordingbridge, 204 
 
 Meonstoke, 212 
 
 Southampton, 215 
 
 Stoneham, 216 
 
 Twyford, 204 
 Ha'rebotell, 186 
 Harewell, 217 
 Harper, Sir, 119, 224 
 Harpyn, 191 
 Harris, 89 
 Harrys, 192 
 Harryson, 192, 198, 199 
 Hart, 180, 166, 187* 
 Harward, 130 
 Haslett, 191 
 
 Hasylwod, 77, 186, 187,* 84 
 Hatche, 12 
 Hatton, 98 
 Hawe, 36, 185 
 Hawkeley, 185 
 Hawkley, 12 
 Haydon, 146 
 Henbury, 185 
 Hence, 22 
 
 HENLEY-ON-THAMES, 21, 171 
 Henry, 28 
 
 the great bell, 84 
 VII, 114 
 HEREFORD, Brief for, 214 
 Hering, 13 
 HERTFORDS., Briefs for 
 
 St. Albans, 213 
 
 Caldecot, 213 
 
 Heth, 189, 224 
 Hethcote, 173 
 Hethe, 13 
 Hether, 186 
 Hewett, 54 
 HEYTESBURY, 130 
 Hide, J., Vicar of Sonning, 185 
 
 Mrs. Margaret, 189 
 HIGH ALTAR, 26-8 
 
 ,, STREET, Reading, 174 
 HIGHWAYS (see Roads) 
 Higson, 1 86 
 Hiley, 83 
 Hill, 186,* 218 
 Hoberd, 190 
 HOCK MONDAY and TUESDAY, 78, 
 
 238 
 
 Hocker, 157 
 Hodcote, 182 
 Hodson, 189, 193 
 Holloway, 129 
 HOLY CROSS, 101 
 
 LOAF, 48 
 
248 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 HOLLYBUSH, 52 
 
 HONORARY LIGHTS, 53 
 
 HOOD, ROBIN, play of, 227, 228 
 of Finchamstead, 228 
 of Handley, 228 
 
 Hooper, 157 
 
 Hopkins, 196, 197 
 
 Horewood, 218 
 
 Home, 192 
 
 ,, Bishop, 62 
 
 Horthome, 14, 15, 42, 43,* 1 88, 189 
 
 Hosier, 193 
 
 Hoskins, 193 
 
 HOSPITAL, Reading, 163 
 
 St. J. Baptist's, 1 1 
 
 HOUR GLASS, 54 
 
 Hubbard, 192* 
 
 Hudson, 77, 1 85 
 
 Huggens, 191,* 194 
 
 Hugh, Abbot of Reading, 1 1 
 
 Hughes, 164 
 
 Sargent, 221 
 
 Humfery, 192 
 
 HUNDRED of COMPTON, 54 
 of READING, 6 
 
 Hungerford, 88, 128, 129-132 
 
 Hunt, 12, 161, 191 
 
 Hunter, Sir Claudius, 77 
 
 HUNTINGDONS., Briefs for 
 
 Alcumbury, 206 
 Old Weston, 211 
 Ramsay, 216 
 Stilton, 215 
 Waresley, 214 
 Woodhurst, 206 
 
 HURST, 164, 171 
 
 Hydar, 192 
 
 Hyde, 32, 77, in, 117, 119, 185, 188, 
 189, 223 
 
 Hyne, 13 
 
 ILDESLEY, 182 
 IMAGE of B. V. Mary, 34 
 IMAGES, 66 
 
 INTERMENTS, intramural, 4 
 INVENTORIES of Church goods, 99 
 of plate in 1772, 121 
 
 made for Royal com- 
 
 missioners, 119 
 IRELAND, Briefs for 
 
 ,, Inniskillen, 205 
 ,, Lisburae, 206 
 187 
 
 Jackson, 58 
 
 Jacob, 123, 156 
 
 Jefferie, 193 
 
 Jenkyns, 192 
 
 JESUS ALTAR and Mass, 28-33, 4^> 
 78,84,105,117,173, 
 179, 184 
 
 chauntrey lands, 30 
 incumbents of, 32, 169 
 a sister of, 173, 176 
 ornaments, 177 
 brethren of, 189 
 
 Johnson 
 
 30, 53, 54, 77, 80,* 81, 
 
 138, 186, 188, 189, 190,* 191, 193, 
 194, 195, !97, 198, 200 
 Johnston, 156 
 
 JOHN'S CHAPEL, ST., 16,42, 117, 170 
 altar, 38, 106, 107 
 paintings in, 73 
 sittings, 79 
 monuments in, 1 33 
 Jonathan 71 
 Joons, 188 
 Joyner, 66, 192 
 JUDAS, for the Paschal, 51 
 Justice, 29,* 31, 45, 46,* 85, 103, 112, 
 
 161, 174, 178,* 190,* 218 
 Justynyan, 189 
 
 Ik 
 
 Kaynes, or Keynes, 12, 22, 185 
 Keate, 75, 153 
 
 Kelsall, Henry, 28, 29, 31, 33, 84, 85 
 his monument, 126-128, 1 86 
 
 will, 168-173 
 
 Randall, 85, 186, 188, 189 
 Kempsall (? Kelsall), 190 (compare 
 
 Kimsall, p. 128) 
 Kendrick, 147, 199 
 Kene, 187, 188 
 KENNETT RIVER, i 
 Kenryck, 86, 192,* 195, 225 
 Kent, 22, 59, 88, 104, 105, 158, 186, 
 
 187, 188, 190 
 Brief s for 
 Benenden, 210 
 Brenchley, 206 
 Colchester, 207 
 Durant, 207 
 
 St. Margaret's at Cliff, 209 
 Northfleet, 207 
 Woolwich, 208 4 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 249 
 
 KlDDINGTON, Oxon, 131 
 
 KING PLAY, the, 234 
 Kirk, 89 
 Kirkby, 12, i<;8 
 
 Knight, 14, 26, 33, 58, 80, 86, 88,* 
 89, 123, 177, 187, 189, 190,* 192, 
 
 193, 194 
 
 KNOLLYS AISLE, 18 
 ,, arms, 19 
 
 family, 75,* Si, 144, 196, 
 199 
 
 KNOTTYSFORD, Cheshire, 169, 171, 
 172 
 
 OL 
 
 Laborne, Sir, 238 
 
 LADY ALTAR and MASS, 30, 33-6, 
 107, 117, 178, 180, 184, 196, 198 
 
 Lady Bell, 86 
 
 Lake, 71 
 
 Lamb, 186, 187, 189 
 
 Lambyn, 217 
 
 Lams, 193 
 
 LANCASHIRE, Briefs for 
 
 Gressingham, 217 
 Inundation in, 213 
 Liverpool, 210 
 North Meels, 217 
 Ormskirk, 214 
 Rufford, 216 
 Upper Darwin, 213 
 West Houghton, 215 
 Wyesdale, 216 
 Wood Plumpton, 216 
 CHORISTERS, 65 
 
 LANDS of the Church, 7 
 
 Langham, 29, 186 
 
 LANTERN, Priest's, 50 
 
 Larder, John a, his almhouses, 1 72 
 
 Lasseham, 188* 
 
 Lathum, 22, 179 
 
 Latten, articles of, 109, 116 
 
 Laud, or Lawd, Archbishop, 24, 193 
 
 LAUD PLACE, 196 
 
 Laward, 187 
 
 LAWRENCE, ST., 66, 101, 105, in 
 the clerk, 12 
 
 ,, Peter, 190 
 
 WALTHAM, 171 
 
 Leche, 172 
 
 Lee, 22 
 
 Leicester, Earl of, 75 
 , LEICESTERS., Briefs for 
 
 Coleorton, 208 
 
 LEICESTERS., Briefs for (continued] 
 Grimston, 214 
 
 )> Hinkley, 215 
 
 ,, Lutterworth, 204 
 
 Lendall, 186, 187, 192, 194, 198 
 
 LEOMINSTER ABBEY, 8 
 
 LEONARD, ST. , a painting of, 60 
 
 Letsham, 23 
 
 Levered, 192 
 
 Leveva, Abbess, 5, 7 
 
 Leyceter, 187 
 
 Leynham, 184 
 
 LICHFIELD Cathedral, 64 
 
 Lightfoot, 192 
 
 LIGHTS, 42, 43, 49, 51, 53 
 
 Lime, 54 
 
 LINCOLN, 8 
 
 LINCOLNSHIRE, Briefs for 
 
 Barton-on-Humber, 
 
 216 
 
 Bishop's Norton, 216 
 Deeping, 211 
 Epworth, 217 
 Great Grimsby, 212 
 Kirton, 205 
 Langton, 214 
 Lowth, 212 
 Market Rayson, 207 
 Seremby, 216 
 Spalding, 210 
 Spilsby, 206 
 Torksey, 209 
 Walker Hithe, 210 
 Well Church, 216 
 Wroot, 215 
 Yarburgh, 215 
 
 LINEN 
 
 church, 109 
 
 Lippescombe, 86, 187, 200 
 LlTTLECOTE, Wilts., 134, 138 
 
 Lloyd, 220 
 Lock, 191, 192, 193 
 Loggins, 20 
 LONDON, Briefs for 
 
 All Hallows, 213 
 
 Coleman Street, 208 
 
 St. Giles'-in-the-Fields,204 
 
 Holborn, 211 
 
 ,, Hounsditch, 210 
 
 Southwark, 205,* 208 
 
 ,, Spitalfields, 204 
 
 ,, Stepney, 213 
 
 Thames Street, 208, 2IO. 
 
 Wapping, 204, 213 
 
 Whitechapel, 204 
 
 ,, Whitefriars, 209 
 
 ,, Westminster, 206 
 
 STREET, 178 
 Long, 1 86 
 
250 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 LONG BUTTON, 217 
 Loring, 165 
 Loryman, 25 
 LOSELEY MSS., 44 
 Lousse, 185 
 Love, 149, 153, 189 
 Luff, 13 
 
 LURKMERE LANE, 61 
 Lydell, 80, 87, 147, 194 
 Lykley, 188 
 Lymme, 171 
 Lynde, 101 
 
 fID 
 
 Mackrel, 56, 57 
 
 Madok, 172 
 
 MAGDALENE. ST. MARY, 67, 106 
 
 MAGI, carving of, 35 (Illustration) 
 
 Maine, 195, 198, 222 
 
 MALMSEY, in church, 238 
 
 Malt, 189 
 
 Malthus, 80, 190, 198 
 
 Mansnelde, 197 
 
 MAPLEDURHAM, 171 
 
 Marble, 190 
 
 MARGARET, ST., in 
 
 Markham, 185 
 
 MARRIAGE CUSTOM, 120 
 
 Marsh, 133 
 
 Marshall, 154 
 
 Marten, 43, 46, 58 
 
 Martin, St., 139 
 
 Martyn, 191 
 
 MARY'S, ST., Reading, 86, 124, 168, 
 
 178 
 
 Mason, 139, 190, 218 
 MASSES for "Walter Barton, 179 
 Masthall, 189 
 Mathew, 184, 191 
 MATTHEW, ST., 5 
 MATTINGLEY, Hants, 139 
 May, 187 
 
 MAY DAY PASTIMES, 226 
 
 Mayho, 186 
 Maynard, 66 
 Maynforth, 29, 176, 177, 179, 182, 
 
 218 
 
 MAYOR'S SEAT, 48 
 Mayors' wives, 30 
 Mears, 89 
 Medwyn, 189 
 Mereham, 12, 22, 105 
 MERIONETH, Brief for 
 
 ,, Dolgelly, 211 
 
 Merkbye, 1 88 
 
 Merrick, arms, 20 
 
 MICHAEL, ST., 66 
 
 Michell, 218 
 
 MIDDLESEX, Briefs for 
 ,, Baling, 216 
 
 ,, Hornsey, 215 
 
 ,, Shireland, 206 
 
 ,, Shad well, 106 
 
 Milksop, 24 
 
 Miller, 190, 191 
 
 MITLAU, 207 
 
 MONMOUTH, Briefs, 216 
 Usk, 212 
 
 MONTGOMERY, Briefs for 
 
 Llanviling, 207 
 
 Machyleth, 217 
 Welshpool 
 
 MONUMENTS, 16, 124 
 
 Morris, 18 
 
 MORRIS DANCE, 226 
 
 Morrys, 194 
 
 MORSTRANCE, a, 2l8 
 
 Morys, 12 
 
 MURAL PAINTINGS, 69 
 ,, inscriptions, 74 
 
 MUSICAL FESTIVALS, 64 
 
 Mykelton, 181 
 
 Myles, 192 
 
 Myllington, 29, 173, 187 
 
 My 11 ward, 191 
 
 Myllys, 187 
 
 MYNCHEN, the, of Romsey, 1 72 
 
 MYRE, 46 
 
 Myrthe, 190, 191 
 
 Myryman, 186 
 
 MYSTERIES, 226 
 
 Nash, 1 86 
 
 NATIVITY, Holy, 52, 1 1 1 
 
 NETHER FEVER, 171 
 
 Nettar, 187 
 
 Nevill, 75 
 
 NEWCHAPEL in the Street, 171 
 
 Newman, 80 
 
 NEW STREET (Friar Street), 177 
 
 Newton, 79 
 
 Niale, 89 
 
 NICHES by the Tower doorway, 17 
 
 Niclas, 30, 34 
 
 Nicholas, 47, 119,* 190 
 
 NICHOLAS' ALTAR, ST., 47 
 
 Nichols, 60, 130, 222 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 251 
 
 Nicholson, 83, 131, 222 
 Nightingale, 191 
 Nightingall, 193, 195, 198 
 Noresse, 115 
 NORFOLK, Briefs for 
 
 Alderibrd, 214 
 Ellingham, 210 
 Great Massingham, 205 
 Great Yarmouth, 206 
 Holt Market, 206, 213 
 NORMAN CHURCH, 10 
 NORMANDY, 138 
 Norris, 174 
 NORTHAMPTON'S., Briffs for 
 
 ,, Staverton, 214 
 
 ,, Thrapston, 211 
 
 ,, Towcester, 206 
 
 Northleach, 217 
 NORTHUMBERLAND, Briefs for 
 
 ,, Hexham, 213 
 
 ,, Lanercost, 216 
 
 NOTTINGHAMS., Brief s for 
 Arnold, 211 
 Basford, 205 
 Bradmore, 205 
 Epperston, 213 
 Nottingham St. 
 
 Mary's, 213 
 Ruddington, 213 
 Southwell, 208 
 Tuxford, 204 
 NUMISMATIST, an early, 138 
 
 OXIORDS., 
 
 Briefs for 
 
 ,, 
 
 Burcott, 212 
 
 )i 
 
 Ensham, 207 
 
 > 
 
 Headington, 211 
 
 II 
 
 Wheatley, 212 
 
 IP 
 
 OATLANDS, 44 
 
 OBERBARMEN, in Berg, a Brief for, 
 206 
 
 OBITUARY, the, 185 
 
 Ockham, 192, 193 
 
 ODE to Flavia, 64, note 
 
 OGWELL, East Devon, 221 
 
 OKYNGHAM, 103, 187 
 
 OLD WINDSOR, 63 
 
 ORGANISTS, 63 
 
 ORGANS, 39, 59 
 
 Osborne, 200 
 
 Osmund, 98 
 
 OVER FEVER, 171 
 
 Overthrow, 189 
 
 Owen, 221 
 
 OXFORDS., friars in, 62 
 
 ,, St. Martin's, 176 
 
 All Souls' College, 176 
 
 PAGES of the King's Chamber, 115 
 PAINTINGS, mural, 69 
 
 ,, ,, disco very of, 71, 74 
 
 PALATINES, 207 
 Pale, 22 
 PALLS, 108 
 Palmer, 65, 224 
 PANGBOURNE, 171, 183 
 Panter, 189 (see Paynter) 
 PARCLOSE, a, 14 
 PARIS, 212 
 
 PARISH CLERK, 12, 25 
 PARISHIONERS, lists of, 12, 22, 79, 
 
 185-199, 200 
 Parker, 105, 113 
 Partriche, 187 
 PASCHAL BASON, 5 1 
 
 taper, 51 
 PASSION, singing of, 56, 57 
 
 play, 237 
 Paslow, 189 
 
 Pasteler, 13, 26, 53, 58, 187, 191 
 Pastlew, 172 
 Paynter, 22, 188, 189 
 Paynter, 28, 45, 67, 69 
 
 ,, the King's, 68 
 PAX, a, 1 86 
 Pedley, 157 
 PENANCE, 87 
 Penne, 68 
 
 Penyson, Sir Wm., Kt., 190 
 Perche, 138 
 Peris, 22 
 Perke, 197 
 Perkyns, 190, 191 
 Persy, 22, 191 
 PEW, a faculty, 82 
 Phelp, 123 
 
 Philip, 189, 190, 192* 
 Philp, 192 
 Phylipps, 116 
 PIAZZA, Blagrave's, 20 
 Piggott, 154 
 PILLORY, the, 21 
 Pine, 155 
 PISCINAS, 16, 27, 39, 48 
 
252 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Pitman, 156 
 PITY, our Lady of, I n 
 Pix, suspended, 100 
 PLATE, church, 117 
 
 sold, 117, 118 
 Platts, 36, 39, 174, 1 86* 
 Playne, 192 
 riumer, 12 
 Pocock, 75, 88, 153 
 Pollyngton, 192 
 Poo, 92, 201 
 Popham, 134-138 
 
 Sir John's brass, 134-8 
 
 Deane, 138 
 Pordage, 220 
 Porter, 192 
 Potter, 190 
 Pottinger, 88 
 Powes, 176 
 
 Powell, 141, 142, 143, 195 
 Pownser, 29, 32, 37, 106, 115, i73i 
 
 174, 1 86, 187, 223 
 Poynts, 29 
 Poyntz, 1 1 8, 191 
 PREHISTORIC REMAINS, i 
 Prentyse, 185 
 
 PRICKSONG, books of, 103 
 PRIESTS, list of, 222 
 PRISS, in Salop, 221 
 PROCESSIONS, 91, 92 
 PROSTITUTES and scolds, 21 
 Prow, 1 86* 
 PULPIT, 54, 55 
 Purdon, 153 
 Purley, 171 
 
 PUTTENHAM, Surrey, 3 
 Pyckton, 191 
 Pymber, 186, 223 
 
 Quarrington, 156 
 Quedhampton, 77 
 QUEEN'S SERVANTS, 115 
 QUYSSHONS (cushions), 107 
 
 1R 
 
 RadclifT, 148, 200 
 
 Radlye, or Radley, 49, 1 19, 121, * 219, 
 
 225 
 RADNOR, NEW, 176 
 
 RADNOR, Co. of, Briefs for 
 
 ,, Dissenth, 212 
 
 ,, Hearsease, 213 
 
 ,, Laintwerdine, 214 
 
 ,, Michaelchurch, 214 
 RAGGED STAFF, 75, 76 (see Illus- 
 tration) 
 Rawlins, 187 
 Rawsthorne, 171 
 Rayneford, 191 
 READING MUSEUM, i 
 Castle, 3 
 ,, Gaol, 4 
 
 Read, 28, i38*(j^Reade and Rede) 
 Reade, alias Skynner, 119, 191 
 REBELS OF LONDON, 127 
 RECONCILIATION of the Church, 23 
 RECTORES CHORI, 113 
 Rede, 183, 1 86,* 190 
 Reding, Dan Robert, a monk, 104, 
 
 223 
 
 Redwood, 194 
 Reeves, 153 
 
 REGISTERS, church, list of, 202-3 
 RELICS, list of, 101 
 Remigius, 8 
 Remond, 64 
 Rewby, 191 
 Reynolds, 43, 224 
 RIBCHESTER, Lancashire, 5 
 Rice, 176 
 Rich, 22 
 Richardson, 89 
 
 Richmond, 32, 33, 38, 103, 188, 223 
 Ring, 163 
 
 RINGERS in 1734, 96 
 RINGING ANNALS, 91 
 
 and TOLLING, 188 
 ROADS, bequests for, 170 
 Robinson, 157, 193, 194, *95 
 Robynson the fuller, 192, 196 
 Roch, 34, 62 
 ROGATION WEEK, 91 
 Roke, 187 
 Rokeby, 75 
 Rokys, 187 
 Romano, 79 
 
 ROMSEY, the minchin of, 1 72 
 ROOD, the, 52, 55 
 ROOD LOFT, 55-59 
 
 ,, destruction of, 58 
 
 ROOD SCREEN, 16, 58 
 ROOFS, 15, 22 
 Rootes, 156 
 Ross, 89 
 
 ROTHERFIELD PEPPARD, 171 
 Rowland, 155 
 ROYAL VISITS, 92-5 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 253 
 
 Roys, 190 
 Rudge, 192 
 Russell, 87, 189 
 Ryder, 192, 197 
 Rysbye, 187, 189 
 Rythe, 22 
 Ryther, 192 
 
 & 
 
 SACERING, or Sacring, 26 
 
 Sadeler, 172, 175, 185, 188 
 
 SALES of church goods, 27, 53 
 
 Salmon, 167 
 
 Salter, 192 
 
 Sampford, Vicar of St. Giles', 145 
 
 160 
 
 SANCTUS BELL, 92 
 Saunders, 28, 29, 50, 53, 58, 121, 
 
 122, 124, 171, 190, 191, 194, 200, 
 227 
 
 Sawyer, 43, 193 
 
 Sayntmond, 178 (? Sentman), 191 
 
 Sayntmore, 30, 78, 200 
 
 Schyppelake, 218 
 
 Scochon, 29 
 
 SCOTS, King of, 92 
 
 Seakes, 148 
 
 SEALE, Surrey, 44 
 
 SEAMEN, widows of, Brief for, after 
 
 the storm of 1703, 205 
 Searle, 224 
 SEATS, 77-79 
 
 ,, broken, 94 
 SEDILIA, 16, 27 
 Segar, 192 
 
 Segesmund, organ-builder, 6l 
 Semper, 187 
 Sentence, 155 
 SEPULCHRE ALTAR, 41 
 
 ,, ,, ornaments of, 42 
 
 the, 53, 107, 112 
 SEPULCHRE'S, ST., 137 
 Serne, 101, 218 
 SERVICE BOOKS, 31, 32, 101 
 SEWDARY, or maniple, 115 
 SEXTON, the, 23 
 Sharpe, 186 
 Shaw, 190, 192* 
 Shefford, 177 
 Sheford, 184 
 SHEPEREGE, 183 
 SHIELDS in the nave, 14 
 SHINFIELD, 171 
 SHIPLAKE, 171, 179, 180 
 
 SHROPSHIRE, Briefs for 
 
 Albrington, 214 
 Adderley, 208 
 Bowley, 214 
 Broseley, 206 
 Chelmarsh, 210 
 Condover, 210 
 Ensden, 21 1 
 Fitts Church, 212 
 St. Germains, 204 
 Hinstock, 212 
 Idsall, 210 
 Kemberton, 212 
 Leighton, 209 
 Monford, 216 
 Newport, 212, 213 
 Quatford, 209 
 Ryton, 210 
 Shrewsbury, 204 
 Stanton Lacy, 205 
 Stockton, 205 
 Shipwash, 209 
 Shrawardine, 212 
 Townjay, 211 
 Wilcott, 211 
 Whitechurch, 208 
 
 SHROUDED FIGURES, 126 
 
 Shute, 89, 147, 222 
 
 SIDE ALTAR, 48 
 
 Silver, 100 
 
 Simeon, 83 
 
 Simonds, 64 
 
 SINGERS, 30, 65 
 
 SINGING BREAD, 49 
 
 Sippell, 63, 64 
 
 SITTING in church, 33 
 
 Skinner, 190 
 
 Slade, 54 
 
 Slithurst, 61,* 115, 190 
 
 Smith, 15, 4 6, 53, 60, 77, 87, 115. 
 165, 219, 223 
 
 Smyth, Ric., Gent., 29, 30, 50, 51, 53, 
 57, 100, 104, 105, 106, 107, 114 . 
 
 Smyzt, 22 
 
 SOMERSETSHIRE, Briefs for 
 Bristol, 207 
 
 ,, Pensford, 208 
 
 Whitefield, 216 
 
 ,, \Vincanton, 206 
 
 SONNING, 50, 171, 185 
 
 SOUTHAMPTON, 168, 172* 
 Southey, 184 
 
 SOUTHSTOKE, l8l 
 
 Spakeman, 187 
 
 Spencer, 63, 64 
 
 Spicer, 22, 133 
 
 SPORTS AND PASTIMES, 226. 
 
 STABLE, the King's, 187 
 
254 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 STAFFORDS., Briefs for 
 
 ,, Abbotts Bromley, 213 
 Alrewas, 214 
 Belston, 215 
 Blymhill, 210 
 Burslem, 209 
 Burton-on-Trent, 208 
 Darlestone, 214 
 Draycott, 216 
 Dryneton, 209 
 Edengale, 217 
 Gratwood, 213 
 Grind on, 211 
 Hailstorm in, 212 
 Lichfield, 210 
 Newcastle, 210 
 Norton-under-Cannock, 
 212 
 
 Ounilly, 217 
 Rolleston, 205 
 Rugeley, 208 
 Sheriff Hales, 208, 21 1 
 Tarn worth, 215 
 
 Whittington, 210 
 
 Stamford, 40, 101, 187 
 Stamp, 198 
 
 STANDARD LIGHTS, 50] 
 Stanley, 63 
 Stanshaw, 190 
 Staples, 192 
 Stapper, 12 
 Staveley, 18 
 
 Staverton, 20, 141, 142, I43> l62 T 94 
 STAYNED CLOTHS, in 
 Stephens, 64 
 Stevens, Dr., I 
 STOCKS, the, 21 
 Stonor, 162 
 Stonyford, 192 
 
 STOOLS for rectores chori, 113 
 STOWE'S SURVEY, 135 
 STRATFIELD MORTIMER, i"Ji 
 STRATFIELDSAY, 171 
 Strawford, 56, 97 
 STREATLEY, 135, 182 
 STREETS, paved, 119 
 Strode, 77 
 Style, 184 
 Styry, 186, 223 
 SUFFOLK, Briefs for 
 
 Bolshall, 215 
 
 Kentford, 209 
 
 Long Melford, 208 
 
 Orford, 206 
 
 Rickingal, 215 
 
 Stoak, 207. 
 SULHAM, 133, 171 
 SULHAMPSTEDE ABBOTS, 171 
 
 SURREY, Briefs for 
 
 ,, Addington, 213 
 
 ,, Mitcham, 210 
 
 Newington, 21 1 
 
 ,, Oxstead, 212 
 
 Rotherhithe, 207* 
 SUSANNE, 138 
 SUSSEX, Briefs for 
 
 ,, Amberley, 212 
 
 ,, Brighton, 213 
 
 ,, Hastings, 208, 216 
 
 ,, New Shoreham, 209 
 
 ,, Southover, 209 
 Sutton, 198 
 SWALLOWFIELD. 1 71 
 
 Swalolyf, 22 
 
 Swayn, 12, 185 
 
 Swinton, 171, 172 
 
 Sykes, 194 
 
 SYMBOLIC LIGHTS, 49 
 
 Symeon, 186 
 
 Symmys, 84, 186*, 222 
 
 Symond's " Church Notes," 17, 125, 
 
 138 
 
 Symonds, 179, 193 
 Symson, 76, 188, 189 
 Synsham, 180 
 
 TABERNACLES, 67 , 
 Tanner, 77 
 
 ,, the old, 192 
 TAPLOW, Bucks, 3, 126 
 Taylor, 188, 191, 220 
 
 ,, bellfounder, 90 
 Tendall, Sir John, 223 
 TENOR BELL, 172 
 Thackham, 95, 224 
 THATCHAM, 220 
 THOMAS', ST., ALTAR, 32, 39, 40,. 
 
 105, 108 
 
 Thomas, Sir, 189, 223 
 Thompson, 163 
 Thorne, 123, 192 
 
 John, Abbot of Reading, 105, 
 
 223 
 Thornell, 190 
 
 TlDMARSH, 133, 171 
 TlLEHURST, 171 
 
 Tinte, 22 
 
 TOLLING the bells, 30 
 
 Tomson, 63 
 
 TORCHES at funerals, 50 
 
 TOURAINE, 137 
 
 To WELLS, no 
 
GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 255 
 
 TOWER, the, u, 16, 18 
 
 TOWN HALL, its encroachment on the 
 churchyard, 301 
 
 Towse, 191 
 
 TRANSFIGURATION, picture of, 26, 70 
 
 Traunder, 188 
 
 TRENDELL, a, 53 
 
 TRINITY ALTAR, 47 
 
 Troll, 6 1 
 
 Tru, Trew, 29, 173, 185, 187, iSS 
 
 Trumflet, 182, 184, 190* 
 
 TRYMMER, a, 38 
 
 Tuer, 88, 220 
 
 TUMBREL, the, 21 (see Illustration) 
 
 TUMULUS in the Forbury, 3 
 
 TURK, a, 193 
 
 TURNAY in Normandy, 136 
 
 Turner, or Turner, 29, 30, 33, 34, 48, 
 53, 59, 78, 103, 107, 119, 186, 187,* 
 190,* 191, 192,* 194, 196, 197, 200 
 
 TURWYN, 92 
 Twyt, 29 
 
 Tylbye, 86, 192, 200 
 Tylere, 22 
 
 ID 
 
 Vachell, 184, 192 
 
 VAIL before the Altar, 26 
 
 Valpy, Dr., 164, 165 
 
 Vansby, 33, 119, 178, 189,* 190, 191 
 
 Vansittart, 64 
 
 VAULT for organ bellows, 59, 177 
 
 Venter, 94 
 
 Venua, 167 
 
 VERNACLE, 101, 102 
 
 VERNOYLE, 137 
 
 VESTMENTS, or chasubles, 104 
 
 VESTRY, 14, 40 
 
 ,, altar, 46, III 
 VICARAGE, 133 
 VICAR'S CHANCEL, 36 
 Vicar's knell, 190 
 VICARS, list of, 217-222 
 Vincent, 187, 188 
 VINCENT, ST., 187, 188 
 Vingoe, 212 
 VOTIVE LIGHTS, 53 
 Vowyer, 188 
 Vynge, 192 
 
 w 
 
 WAGES of sexton, 34 
 Wake, 192 
 WALLINGFORD, 31 
 Walssh, 1 86 
 Walsham, 152 
 Walter, 89 
 
 ,, BishopofSalisbury.il 
 Ward, 187 
 WARFIELD, 184 
 WARGRAVE, 171 
 Warwick, Earls of, 75, 114 
 WARWICKS., Briefs for 
 
 Bearley, 215 
 Cherrington, 211 ' 
 Monks Kerby, 205 
 Preston Bagot, 209 
 St. Nicholas, 209 
 Soulham, 206 
 Wishar, 207 
 Waterman, 146 
 
 Watlington, 23, 68, 80, 98, 131, 178, 
 182, 184, 189,* 190,* 191,* 192,* 
 !94 197,* 198,* 200 
 Watts, or Wattys, 33, 77, 104, 140, 
 
 177, 183, 186, 187, 188 
 Webb, 31, 50,88, 119, 185, 191, 192, 
 
 224 
 
 Webster, 164 
 WEDDINGS, chair, 109 
 
 ,, custom at, I2O 
 
 pall for, 109 
 
 Wells, 82, 192 
 West, 167 
 Westbrook, 89 
 WESTMORELAND, Brief for 
 
 ,, Bampton, 214 
 
 Weston, 176, 1 88 
 Wheble, 64 
 Wheler, 190 
 Whitbourne, 191 
 White, bellfounder, 14, 187 
 family, 22, 59, 103,* 112, 
 119, 157, 172, 187,* 188, 189, 190 
 WHITECHURCH, 171 
 Whitehead, 131, 195 
 Whiting, 153 
 WHITLEY, 177 
 Whitton, 189 
 Whyttyngham, 1 88 
 Wiche, 57 
 Wier, 135 
 
 WIGGENOK, Warwicks., 114 
 WIGHT, ISLE OF, Brief for 
 
 ,, ,, St. Helen's, 207 
 
 Wilcock, 154 (see Wylcock) 
 
256 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 Wilcox, 194 (see Wylcox) 
 
 Wild, 75 
 
 Wilder, 139 
 
 Williams, 177, 190 
 
 Willizm, S r ., 224 
 
 WILLS, 168 
 
 WILTSHIRE, Briefs for 
 
 Cricklade, 214 
 Damerham, 212 
 Downton, 214 
 Erchfoot, 216 
 Fiddleton, 204 
 Kingswood, 212 
 Market Lavihgton, 214 
 Netherhaven, 204 
 Waddington, 216 
 
 WINCHESTER, 158 
 
 WINDING SHEETS, 125 
 
 WINDSOR, Berks 
 
 Wise, 164, 222 
 
 Wod, or Wood, " My Lord," 186 
 
 Wodeman Court, 22 
 
 Wodenet, 28, 86 
 
 Wodham, 138 
 
 WODEWOSES, what, 170 
 
 WOKYNGHAM, 171, 178, 196 
 
 Wolsey, Cardinal, 14 
 Wood, 60 
 Woodhatch, 171 
 WOOLCOMBERS and staplers, 39 
 Worcester, Thos., Abbot of Reading, 
 
 1 88 
 WORCESTERS., Briefs for 
 
 Bewdley, 206 
 Dudley, 216 
 Pershore, 215 
 Redmarley, 217 
 Worcester, All Saints, 
 
 217 
 ,, Worcester, St. Nich., 
 
 215 
 
 WORTHY, Hants, 158 
 
 Wray, 191 
 
 Wright, 33, 175. *%7, 188,* 224 
 
 Wyar, 189, 191 
 
 Wye, 179 
 
 Wylcock, 159, 160, 187 
 
 Wylcox, 29, 103, 186, 187, 194 
 
 Wyld, 187 
 
 Wylmer, 143 
 
 Wynchedon, 217 
 
 Wynyet, 188 
 
 1? 
 
 Ydefisch, 22 
 
 YEOMEN of the King's crown, 115 
 ,, chamber, 115 
 
 Yerpe, 191 
 
 YEW in church at Easter, 94 
 
 YORK, Extract from a Mystery Play 
 performed there, 231 
 
 YORKSHIRE, Briefs for 
 
 Austerfield, 216 
 Beverley, 205 
 Dunnington, 204 
 Halifax, 214 
 Healthwaite, 210 
 Howden, 208 
 Igmanthorpe, 212 
 Kingston-on-Hull, 212 
 Kirk Deighton, 214 
 Market Rayson, 208 
 Tadmore, 208 
 \Yeatherley, 213 
 York, St. Olave's, 212 
 
 Young, 13, 98 
 
 YRINGSMED, 8 
 
 Zouch, arms of, 136 
 
 THE END. 
 
 PRINTED BY BALLANTYNE, HANSON AND CO. 
 LONDON AND EDINBURGH