,-»-r^r:«.^ IMi 1 - ■ : BsiiriVk m IK f^Bisyoii \\A>v^ >'wsj(s=r' *// W^ ff:^ MW THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES J HE TORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE CITY of BRISTOL; COMPILED FROM Original Records and authentic Manuscripts, In public Offices or private Hands ; Illuftrated with COPPER-PLATE PRINTS. By WILLIAM BARRETT, Surgeon, F. S. A. I/' //^ BRISTOL: , ; Printed by WILLIAM PINE, in Wine-Street ; And fold by G. Robin-son- and Co. London; E. Palmer, J. B. Becket,T. Mjlls, J. Norton, W. Browne, W. BuLGiN, and J. Lloyd, Bookfdkrs in Bnjlol ; and by Bull and MfiVLtK, in Bati, ' in/ l^C CoUega Library TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL ^ Levi Ames, Efq; Mayor ; The Worfhipful the Aldermen, and Common Council of the City of BRISTOL. G ENTLEME N, TO you is the History of Bristol with propriety infcribed, to which you have a natural and pecuHar Claim. By public Spirit, Virtue and Loyalty, your predeceffors procuring Liberties and ample Privileges by Charters from our Kings and Queens raifed this City to an high rank in the nation, and by the fame their iucceflors have exalted it to the dignity of being the Second City in the kingdom. Reformed as it is in its Police, enlarged in the number and extent of its Buildings, and increafed in its Trade and Opulence, may it long flourifh by your vigilant and a6live Care, by the great Credit and Reputation of its Merchants, and the Virtue and Industry of the Citizens; and by ufmg the natural local advantages of improving its Port and Harbour to the utmoft, may the Honour be yours of compleating its Grandeur, that Ships may refort hither more and more from every Quarter of the Globe, and the Commerce and Profperity of the City continue to advance to lateft pollerlty. J have the honour to be, Worjhipful SIRS, Your 7710/1 obliged and obedient Humble Servant, S'.^.M^X WILLIAM BARRETT [ V 3 R E F A C E. T TOW the Hiftory of Briftol, fo long expelled, is at length offered to the -*■ -*• public the reader may be curious to know. Twenty years have elapfed fince colleftions for the defign were fought for with great afJiduity and no fmal! expence, and fome progrefs made in compiling it, and even the copper- plates were engraved for the work in folio ; but the author, engaged in a bufinefs that commanded all his time and attention, receiving no encouraf^e- ment to proceed, and finding there was more likelihood for him, " oleum et operam perdere," fat down contented with his firfl; lofs and wholly defifted from the undertaking, locking up his papers for feveral years, intending to leave them to one of more leifure and to a time more aufpicious and favour- able to the undertaking. Retiring from bufinefs into the country and often confined by the gout, he thought he fliould find fome amufcment in this lite- rary employ, and refumed the long intermitted tafk, that he might leave it in a lefs unfiniflied ftate to be compleated and publifhed hereafter. At this time a worthy Do£tor of one of our univerfities, defervedly efteemed by all for his fingular humanity and friendly difpofition, vifited him and warmly folicited him to proceed with the work and publifii it himfelf in his life-time ; for pofihumous works were often neglected, feldom executed to the author's mind, and not unfrequently loft. In a letter afterwards he ui'ged the matter ■with great earneflnefs, and moff generous tender of his friendfhip, concluding with the following fpirited expreffions, which he applied to this occafion. " Hominem te durum et pene crudelem, qui tam infignes libros tam diu teneas. Sine per ora hominum ferantur, &c. Ouofque tibi et nobis invi- debis ? Tibi laudem, nobis maximam voluptatem. Magna etiam longaque expeftatio efl quam frulirari adhuc et differre non dcbcs. — Habe ante ocuLOS MORTALiTATEM ! Dcfiuc fludia tua infinita ilia cunctatioiic frau- dare, quas cum modum excedat, verendum efl, nc inertiae etdefidias vel etiam timiditatis nomen accipiat." This added a fpur to irrefuluti«n, and the " habe ante oculos mortalitatcm" made an impreffion irrefiftable, applied to one in a declining ftate of health and years. In a word, the work was imme- diately refumed and profecuted without intcrmifTion, and then offered to the public, who have liberally patronized it, as the lilt of fubfcribers will fhew, which vi PREFACE. vhich would do honour to any work, and cannot but excite in the author a due fenfe of gratitude. Some readers may perhaps be furprized at the length of tliis Iliftory, whilfl others may exprefs their wonder at its being comprized in one volume : the former may think it unneceffary to defcend to minute particulars, whilfl the latter will judge every thing not fully related and every authority not quoted in the original words an omilTion. — The author has endeavoured to fleer a middle courfe, and will readily give his reafons. Had he been more brief, he could not have given fo much information about the religious houfes, the caflle, and their governors, their antiquities, nor of the manners of thofe times ; nor indeed of their prcfent flate. The reader muft have contented himfelf with a fuperficial view of things, fuch as his own eyes and obferva- tion might have prefented him with,' in which cafe he would have turned away difplcafed at not being informed more than he knew before. On the contrary, if he had been more prolix, and tranfcribed at length the feveral Latin deeds of endowment, original authorities, and charters, he muft have filled a large folio or two quarto volumes. The learned antiquarian would receive much fatisfaftion doubtlefs in perufing the aniient deeds and authentic documents in the original ; but as all fuch are long and tedious, if the prin- cipal matters contained therein be noticed, the reft would unnecefTarily fwell the volume, and ferve only a certain clafs of readers: and therefore though the beginning of the original deed is often given, the tranflation follows in Englifh for the eafe and information of the lefs learned reader ; but fometimes •where the deed is very important and curious, and not too long, the whole is given. The number of Latin deeds, that might with propriety have found a place here, is fuch as alone would have filled a volume. They were col- lefl.ed at different times, the greatefl number by thelate Mr. Alexander Morgan, (whofe indefatigable pains and induftry in this way for many years, as well as Mr. Haines's, fhould have their due praife) befides others tranfcribed from Dugdale, Stevens, and Rymer ; but to refer to them and to abridge others was judged to be in general fufficient, though to avoid deforming the page few marginal references arc fet down, but the great ftorehoufe of Tanner is conftanily referred to. The original deeds and copies colle£led for this Hiftory have been procured with fo much labour, it would be a great lofs to have them difpcrfcd, after the extrafls for this work have been made from them ; it is intended therefore to lodge them in fome public repofitory, pro- bably the Briftol Library. ^Vhocver confidcrs well the time and trouble employed in making fuch a collodion, will readily agree to the propriety of fuch a iTieafure. As PREFACE. Vll Astothofe manufcripts of Rowley, now firft publiflicd ; whatever judgment be formed about them, they are here faithfully tranfcribcd, that by producing all the evidence the judicious reader may be enabled the better to form his opinion concerning that controverfy. Before I conclude I muft add, that by a manufcript in Corpus Chrifti college library, Cambridge, CCCCV. p. 26. cntituled " Conflitutiones Villa; Briftollias," (which I did not receive till the lad flieet of this work was printed off) it appears, among other curious particulars, how they were enabled to build ihe old bridge, which I have faid " no where appears," fee p. 79. " Petunt burgenfes fibi reflitui pontem Avenae.&c." i. e. " The burgelTesalfo defire that the bridge of Avon be reftored to them and the rents upon the bridge, which bridge they and their anceftors built new from the brink orftream (filo) of the water at their own charges together with the alms of the faithful, and have fupported until this day, and are ready perpetually to fupport it ; and in aid of fupporting it they have erefted certain rents upon the fame bridge ; and for the Indulgence of thofe who help, and prohibition of thofe who would deduft from it, they have a bull of Pope Innocent 3d. the predecefTor of Honorius and Gregory. They alfo defire to be reftored to them the rents of a certain houfe and ground, which they bought at the head of the bridge on the fouth fide, for which they have the charter of the abbot and convent of Keynfham, of whom they hold the faid ground ; and alfo have the confirmation of King John con- cerning the faid ground, upon which great part of the faid bridge is founded and fupported." — They fay alfo, '•' that out of the profits of the guild merchants and of the town they fupport eight bridges, the pavement or pitching, five con- duits of water, the Key (Kayam) before the flrips, and the public officers; and that the murage is expended only in inclofing and fortifying the town and fuburb, for which it was granted; and that no waggon, no packhorfe, no man, fhall unload his burden, without firft paying the cuftom to the prepofitor, (nifi cuftumetur ad prepofitum,) &c." Though there is no date to this curious manufcript, it muft be about the year 1314, for they defire therein " to choofcamayor and bailiff's whom they know will be more ufeful and faithful to their Lord the King," who were chofen in that year. The author having thus endeavoured to fulfil his engagements to the public muft now take his leave, requefting the candid reader's favour to excufc all omiflions and errors ; Ouos aut incuria fudit Aut humana parum caveat natura. ERRATA. Page i8, line 19, for unlikely read unlike to, 20, 1. 17, for Tacitor r. Tacito. 37) '• 35) f""" po"" ^, porro ; ioT pacaverat r. paraverat, 68, 1.-9, for j'n r.fx. wj. 1. 25, for were r. rvai. 164, 1. 27, for 1131 r. 1311. 321, 1. 1, dele " Hinton and." 381, 1. 27, dele markofreferenceovcr"/in(;ry,"and place it over"ycK«kcs, F. Com. Magdalen College, Camb, Dr. Archibald Drummond, Ridgeway, Glocc- fterfliire. Dr. Colon Drummond, Briftol. Rev. Dr. Drurv, Head Mafter of Harrow School, ' Right SUBSCRIBERS. XI Right Rev. Lord Bifhop of Exeter. Hon. John Elliott. Pembroke Hall, Cambridge- Hon. EdwMrd James Elliott, ditto. Right Rev. Bifhop of Elphin, at Cambridge. Mr. T. Eagles, Briflol. Rev.Mr. Eafterbrook, ditto. Goodenough Earl, Efq; Pitminfter, Somerfet. Mr. George Eaton, Briftol, Edinburgh Univerfily Libraiv. Alexander Edgar, Efq; Alderman, Briflol. Rev. Mr. Edwards, ditto. Samuel Edwards, Efq; ditto. Mr. J. Edye, ditto. Ifaac Elton, Efq; Stapleton. Rev. Abraham Elton, Clevedon Court, Abraham Elton, Efq; Mr. William Elton, Briftol. Mr. Philip Elliott, ditto. Mr. J. K. Efcott, ditto. Rev. J. Prior Efflin, ditto. Mr. William Evans, ditto, Mr. H. F. Evans, ditto. Dr. Farr, Phyfician, Taunton. Dr. Farmer, Mailer of Emanuel Col. Camb. Mr. Thomas Farley, merchant, Worcefter, Mr. Samuel Fear, Briftol. William Fellows, Efq; F. Com. St. John's College. Cambridge. Rev. Mr. Fifher, Cains College, Cambridge. Mr. George Fiflier, Briftol. Mr. Thomas Flower, ditto. Rev. Thomas Ford, L. L.D. Reftor of Melton Mowbray, Leicefterfhire. Mr. Patrick Foreham, Briftol. Rev. Mr. Foftcr, at Eton. Samuel Franklyn, Efq; Barrifter at Law. John Freeman, Efq; Letton, Herefordfhire. Mr. William Fripp, Briftol. Mr. William Fr\', ditto. Mrs. Anna Frv, ditto. Mr. Edmund Fr)-, London. Mr. Jofepii Storr Er}', Briftol, Mr. Samuel Fn,-, ditto. Mr. Jofeph FuiTel, ditto. G Samuel Gallon, Efq; Birmingham. Rev. Edmund Gappcr, Charlton Adam, So- mcrfctfhirc. Mr. James George, Briftol. Mr. Hugh George, ditto. Sir Philip Gibbcs, Bart. Hilton Park, near Woolvcrhampton. Mr. "William Gibbons, Briftol, Nathaniel Gifford, Efq; ditto. Mr. H. Gillam, ditto. Dr. Glvn.v, Clobcry Phyfician, Cambridge. Dr. Glynn's Friend, anonymous. Mrs. Ann Goldney, Clifton, 3 copies. Mr. Samuel Gomond, Briftol. Henry Goodwin, Efq; Clifton, 2 copies, Peter Goodwin, Efq; Charlton, 2 copies. Rev. Thomas Goodwyn, Vicar of Pitminfter. Rev. Thomas Goddard, Vicar of South Pe- therton and Clevedon, Somerfctfhire. Rev. Mr. Goodall, of Eton. Mr. Jof. Goodale, Briftol. Milncr Goftip, Efq; Thorp Arch, Yorkfliire. Rev. Dr. Gooch, Prebendaiy of Ely. Rev. Dr. Gordon, Prebendary of Lincoln. John Gordon, Efq; Briftol. William Gordon Efq; ditto. John Gore, Efq; Barrow Court, Somerfetftiire. Edward Gore, Efq; Kiddington, Oxfordfhire. Mr. Thomas Griffiths, Briftol. Rev. Mr. Gregory, F. C. of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. Rev. Mr. Grefly, Reclor of Allcr, Somerfet. Mrs. Graves, reliftof the late Admiral Graves, Mr, Kingfmill Grove, Thombury. H Lord Flov.ard, of Walden, Eflex. John B. Hale, Efq; Alderly, Glocefterlhire. Mr. J. Williams Harding, Briftol. Mr. Richard Hale, ditto. Mr. Jofeph Hall, ditto. Mr. G. W. Hall, ditto. Rev. Dr. Hallam, Dean of Briftol. Edmund Trowbridge Halliday, Efq; Mr. Thomas Hanmer, Briftol. Dr. Hardwick, Sodbury. Rev. James Hardwick, L. L. B. Vicar or Ty- thcrington, Glocefterfhirc. Rev. Mr. Hart, St. George's, Kingfwood. Edward Harford, Efq; Briftol. Jofeph Harford, Efq; ditto. Charles Jofeph Harford, Efq; ditto. Charles Harlord, Efq; ditto. Mark Harford, Efq; ditto. Samuel Loyd Harford, Efq; ditto. Mr. Richard Swymmer Harford, ditto. J. Scandrel Harford, Efq; ditto. John Harmer, Efq; Penpark. Thomas Harris, Efq; Alderman, 5 copies. John Harris, Efq; Sherifl' of Briftol. Mr. W. Harris, Deputy Chamberlain of ditto. Mr. James Harris, Briftol. James Harvey, Elq; ditto, jvlr. Jofeph Haflciiis, ditto. Mr. Jofeph Ilaythorn, ditto. Mr. Rich. Hawkefwcll, Chamberlain of ditto, Richard Haynes, Efq; Wick, Glocefterftiirc. Capt. Thomas Haines, Briftol. Jol, Haynes, Elq; Clone, Ireland. Rev. Dr. Head, Ma ftcr of Rugby School, Rev. Mr. Heath, of Eton. Rev. Dr. Heath, Fellow of Eton College, Sir Ifaac Hciird, Garter King of Arms. 2 Dr. xu SUBSCRIBERS. Dr. William Heherdcn. PhvPician, London. Mr, T. Hellicar, Briftol. Mr. JolephHcUier, Dundn,'. Anthony Henderfon, Efq; Briftol. Mr. William Henley, ditto. Mr. C. Hcincman, ditto. Mr. Thomas Hetling, ditto, William Hicks, Elt]: Bitton, Mr. Jcr. Hill, junr. Briftol. Mr. William Hill, ditto, Mr. Richard Hill, ditto. Mr. Benjamin Hill, ditto. Rev. Mr. Hill, Relident at the Englifh Faftory at Lifbon. T. C. Hippifley, Efq; Briftol. Henry Hobhoufe, Efq; Hatfpcn, Somerfet. Thomas Hobhoufe, Efq; at the Temple. Mr. Robert Hodgfon, Briftol, Mr. William Hooper, ditto. Rev. D. Horndon, ditto. Mifs Howard, Levcnham, Lincolnfliire. Mr. Matthew Howell. Mr. James Hughes, attorney, Briftol. Mr. John Humphries, ditto. Mr. Hughes, ditto. Mr. James Hunt, Liverpool. Mr. Hunter, Fellow of Sydney Col. Cambridge, I Mr. Walter Jacks, Briftol. Dr. John Jacob, Phyfician, Salifbuiy. Mr. Jacob, Fellow of King's Col. Cambridge. Jefus College Library, Cambridge. Mr. Jof. James, Briftol. St. John's College Library, Cambridge. Rev. Mr. Johnes, Briftol, 2 copies. Mr. William Jones, ditto. Mr. James Jones, ditto. Mr. Johnrton, Vice Provoft of King's College, Cambridge. Dr. Jowell, King's Profcffor of Civil LaM', Trinity College, Cambridge. ]amcs Ireland, Efq; Briflington. Rev. Dr. Ireland, Reftor of Chrift Church, Briftol. K Mr. Kcene, Briftol. Mr. Kelfon, ditto. Rev. Mr. Kerrich, Prefident of Magdalen College, Cambridge. Rev. Dr. Keys, Dean of Lincoln. Mifs King, Nafli Houfe, Wraxal. Mr. Henry King, Alvefton, Glocefterfhire. Mr. H. King, junr. Briftol. King's College Library', Cambridge. Mr. Jacob Kirby, Briftol. Samuel Knight, Efq; Cambridge. Right Rev. Lord Bifhop of Landaff. Right Rev. Lord Bifliop of Lincoln, Mr. Lambert, Trinity College, Cambridge, William Gore Langton, Efq; Newton Park, Somerfetfliire. Mr. William Lane, of Cork. Rev. Dr. Langford, Under Mafter of Eton School, Rev. Charles Lee, Mafter of Briftol Gram- mar School. Mr. John Lcdyard, Melkfliam, Wilts, Mr. John Lewlly, Briftol. Mr. John Lewellin, ditto, Mr. William Lewis, ditto. * Mr. John Lewis, ditto. Mr. H. Link, ditto. Lady Lippincott, Stoke Bifliop, Glocefterflilrc. Mr.Lockier, Briftol. Mr. Jofcph Llovd, Briftol. 3 copies. Mr. Jofcph Lock, Briftol.' ' Lumbe, Efq; Cambridge, 2 copies. Mrs. Lonfdale Linton, Cambridge, Mr. Low, Surgeon, Briftol. Mr. John Robert Lucas, ditto. Dr. Abraham Ludlow, Ph)lician, Briftol. W. P. LuncU, Efq; ditto. James Fownes Luttrell, Efq; Somerfctniirc. M Mr, John Maddick, Briftol, Dr. Mahony, Hotwells, ditto. Rev. Mr. Manfcl, Public Orator of Cambridge Univcrfity. Mr. John Marks, Tetbury. Mr. Martin, Profeftor of Botany, Sidney Col- lege, Cambridge, Rev. Mr. Maftcrs, Reftor of Landlcach. T. J, Matthias, Efq; Scotland Yard, London. The Hon. T. Maude, F. Com. of St, John's College, Cambridge. Mr. Jofcph Maurice, Briftol. Mr. John Maxfc, ditto. Mr. Andrew Maxfc, ditto. Mr. Matthew Meafe, ditto. Mr. Thomas Meafe, ditto. Mr. Merrick, attorney, Briftol. Mr. Merril, bookfeller, Cambridge, Mr. William Meyler, Bath. Mr. Diederick Mcyeroff, Briftol. William Miles, Efq; Alderman, ditto. Jeremiah Mills, Efq; Harlcy-ftrcet, London, 2 copies. Mr. Thomas Mills, Briftol. Mifs Virtue Mills, ditto. Dr. Milncr, Mafter of Queen's College, Cam- bridge. Rev. ]ohn Milton, Briftol. Dr. Moncrieff, Phyfician, Briftol, Mr. Thomas Morgan, attorney, ditto. Mr. John Morgan, ditto. James Morgan, Efq; ditto. John SUBSCRIBERS. XIll John Morgan, Efq; Briftol. Mr. John Morgan, ditto. Mr. Peter Morris, junr. ditto. Mr. John Mortimore, ditto. James Morris, Efq; Cambridge. Lady Moftyn, Kiddington, Oxfordftiire. Mr. James Mofs, Briftol. Mr. James Mounlfher, ditto. Samuel Munckley, Efq; ditto. N Mr. John Nailor. Briftol. Mr. Thomas Nafh, ditto. Sir Stephen Nafh, Knight, ditto. Rev, Dr. Nafh, Bevere, Worcefterfhire. Rev. Mr. Nafmith, Bennet Col. Cambridge. Richard Nelmes, Efq: Briftol. Rev. James New, Reftor of St. Philip's, ditto, Mr. Newton, Fellow of Jefus Col. Cambridge. Mr. Edward Nichols, Briftol. Mr. John Padmore Noble, Surgeon, ditto. Rev. Dr. Norbury, Fellow of Eton College. Mr. North, Caius College, Cambridge. Mr. Norcrofs, Pembroke Hall, ditto. Mr. Norton, bookfeller, Briftol, 6 copies. Mr. Onefiphoiiis Norman, ditto. Mr. Norrisj Trinity College, Cambridge. O Mr. Okes, Surgeon, Cambridge. Rev.Mr.Olderfhaw, Emanuel Col. Cambridge. Mr. William Oldham, Briftol. Mr. Jer. Olborne, attorney, ditto. The Right Hon. William Pitt, Chancellor of the E.xchequer, M. P. for Cambridge, &c. Right Rev. Lord Bifhop of Peterborough, Hon. Mr. Percival, Lincoln's Inn. Mr. John Page, Briftol. Mr. Arthur Palmer, ditto, Mr. James Palmer, ditto. Mr. Henry Palmer, ditto, Mifs Palmer, ditto. Thomas Partridge, Efq; Cotliam, ditto. Mr. William Parfons, ditto. Rev. Mr. Parkinfon, Fellow of Clirift College, Cambridge. Mr. Henry Pater, Briftol. Mr. Thomas Patty, ditto. Rev. Samuel Peach, Eaft Sheen, in Surr)'. Mr. Richard Pearfon, Briftol. Pembroke Hall Library, Cambridge. St. Peter's College Librarj', ditto. Mr. John Peters, Briftol. Rev. Mr. Peckard, Maft«r of Magdalen Col- lege, Cambridge. Dr. Pennington, Phyfician, ditto. Edward Phcllips, junr. Efq; M. P. for the county of Somcrfct. Mr. Thomas Pierce, Briftol, Mr. William Pine, Briftol, 12 copies. Mr. Edmund Pitts, Burcomb, Wilts. Richard Plaifter, Efq; Briftol. Dr. James Plomer, Phyfician, ditto. Mr. Nicholas Pococke, ditto. Rev. Mr. Porter, Cambridge. Mrs. Porter, ditto. Rev. Mr. Powis, Prebendary of Briftol, Onefiphorus Power, Efq; Briftol. Richard Pottinger, Efq; Burlington-ftreet, London. John Powell, Efq; Briftol. Mr. Profter, ditto. Mr. John Pumel, junr. R Mr. William Rackfter, Biiftol. Mr. G. Rackfter, ditto. Mr. Raine, Fellow of Trinity Col. Cambridge, Mr. William Randolph, Briftol, Rev. F. Randolph. Mr. John Rawlins, Briftol. Rev. Robert Ready, Reftor of Bufcot, Berks. Rev.T. Rcnell, P'rebendar)- of Winchcfter. Mr. Thomas Reynolds, Briftol. Mr. Richard Reynolds, ditto. Hon. Richard Rider, Lincoln's Inn. Dr. Thomas Rigge, Phyfician, Briftol. Rev. Mr. Rimbron, ditto. Mr. Archibald Robe, ditto. Mr. Thomas Roberts, ditto, Mr. Samuel Rogers, ditto. Mr. James Rogers, ditto. Mr. G. Rogers, ditto. Rev. Dr. Robbins, ditto. Mr. Joleph Rogers, ditto. Rev. Dr. Roberts, Provoft of Eton. William Roberts, Elq; Wandfworth. Sir James La Roche, Bart. Briftol, Mr. John Roach, ditto. Mr. James Room, ditto. G.Rofe, Efq; M. P. Weftmlnfter,- Mr. Edward Rolfer, Briftol. Mr. John Rudhall, ditto. Mr. John RulTel, Wraxal. Mr. Thomas Rutter, Briftol. James Sadler, Efq; Briftol. Mr. George Salway, ditto. Edward Sampfon, Efq; Hcnbuiy, Glocefter- ftiire, 2 copies. Mr. Thomas Saunders, Briftol. Mr. Sandiver, Surgeon, Newmarket, Rev. Mr. Savage, Eton. James Scarlet, Efq; F. Com, of Trinity Col- lege, Cambridge. Rowlcs Scudamorc, Efq; Briftol. Mr. Seagcr, attornev, ditto, Mr. ScwarJ, ditto. Rev. XIV SUBSCRIBERS. Rev. Samuel Seyer, Redland. Mr. Seymour, Briftol. Mr. T. bhapland, ditto. Mr. Jofcph Shapland, ditto, Mr. Alexander Sheddcn. Re\'. Mr. Shipton, ditto. Mr. Shepherd, Provoft of King's College, Cambridge. MifsWall Shelford, Cambridgeniirc. Mr. Robert Simpfon, Briftol. Rev. Richard Symes, Rcflor of St, Werburgh, ditto. Mr. Samuel Simmons, Newland, Gloceflerfh. Denham Skeat, L. L. D. Henbury. Henry Skirme, Efq; Lincoln's Inn. Rev. Dr. Jofcph Aivvell Small, Minifter of St. James's, Briftol, 2 copies. Sir John Smith, Sydling, Dorfet. J. \Vildboar Smith, Trinitv Col. Cambridge. Mr. Smith, Fellow of John's Col. Cambridge. Robert Smith, Efq; Clifton, Jofcph Smith, Efq; Briftol. Rev. Dr. Smith, Mafter of Caius College, Cambridge. Mrs. Smith, of ditto. Rev. Mr. Smith, Biddeford, Dcvonfhire. Partridge Smith, Efq; Weftholme. Mr. Smith, Surgeon, Briftol. Sir John Hugh Smyth, Bart. Afhton Court, Somerfetftiire. Lady Smyth, ditto. Thomas Smyth, Efq; Stapleton, Hugh Smyth, Efq; ditto. Mr Robert Southcy, Briftol. Mr. Thomas Southev, ditto. Samuel Span, Efq; ditto. Francis Spilfbury, Efq; London, Rev. Mr. Spry, \'icar of Bedminfter, &c, cumRedcliff, Briftol. William Stephens, Efq; Broad-ftrect, London. G. Stevens, Efq; Flampftead. Mr. James Stevens, Briftol. Mr. William Stephens, ditto. Rev, Lewis Stephens, Reftor of Scmly, Wilts, Mr, Edward Stephens, Rev. Mr. Stevenfon, Eton. Robert Steward, Elq; F. Com. of St. John's College, Cambridge. Rev. Edw. Stillingftect, of Kcll.*ield, Yorkftiire. Mr. T. Stock, Briftol, Thomas Stratton, Efq; ditto. Thomas Strong, Efq; F. S. A. Mr. William Studlcy, Briftol, Rev. Dr. Sumner, Eton. V r. James Sutton, Briftol. Mr. Walter Swayne, ditto. J, Symmon f I # <$^' } >.» B 'l-^i.- f^:^'-^' r>^^& 1) '-:■ \.'i^V ]_. 'j£^&'^^'''''^^^^;^^_^^ljilj-' ■-■- ^ 'M^ Kriiutn r/„ii/>.i nil l/i, Rii'ir Jvrii ,il„;; l/ir Jinsl,>/ ff,>/u;lh \ \ O) [ ^9 ] they had a full view of their enemy and an army, vefTels or fleets at a diflancc, when meditating an attack ; here by being on the narrow arm of a large navigable river, and its lowed pofition towards the Severn and fca, they could cut off all navigation by an enemy and keep open a free and effedual commimication with their friends acrofs Kingroad to Caerwent, their next fta:tion, and by the camps being double and on oppofite fides and facing eacli other, they commanded two fides of a fine country, and could from at lead one of them annoy any veffels or boats pafiing under them or near the banks of the river, and if in the middle of the ftream at full tide thev could eafily reach them by a double attack, and difcharge of their niifiives from each fide of the river"; here laftly they had a free ufe of water to drink &c. and at Sea-mills a good and fufficient flrand for buildings, &c. From thefe two camps Bower-walls (B) and Stokeleigh (C) on Leigh down, a prxUnlura or fence againft. any inroad or attack upon their lines is to be traced, the ranges of ftone appearing flill for fome miles, joining in one from each camp at the top of the comb, then proceeding in a nearly flreight direc- tion toward Fayland. At every opening towards the vales and at every eminence where a diftant profped of the country around and of the river afforded an opportunity of defcrying an approaching enemy, there circular watch-towers were raifed, there the ruins of walls croffing the fence and outworks for garrifons, &c. ftill appear; the ftones ranging in that man- ner loofe above ground at this day. This fence may be traced all the way weftward by the broad high ftony bank for many miles Ikirting the hill, front- ing the fouth and extending towards Clevedon and Walton, * where are now traces of camps marked out near the Severn, which feems to have been its bounds; there is a large camp now compleat called Cadbury, which is circular with a double fofs and high aggera, and under it near Tickenham, Roman coins have been dug, many of which were in poffefllon of 'he late Sir Abraham Elton of Clevedon, Bart, alfo three urns of Roman coins, fome of Conftantine and others of different ages were dug up in Nailfea and Ken-moor not far from the camp, t at a place called Nailfea-wall, which divides Ken-moor C 2 and • Gual is a rampart, from thence is formed Wall, Bal. Val. in the name of towns, as Walton, a rampart town or place. + Thefe coins are many of them now in the poirefTion of Mrs. Hinkes of Nailfea, and a far greater quantity to the amount of fcveral hundred were given to the late Sir J. Smith of Afhton- Court, by Mr. Chattcrton, father of that Thomas Chatterton, who has occafioned fuch difputes relative to feme ancient poems publilhed under the name of T, Rowley, faid by liim to be copied from forac manufcript originals once in his father's poirefTion, ~ Sir John Hugh Smith Bart, [ 20 ] and Nailfea-moor. There are vefligcs alfo of a circular callrum on the brow of a hill oppofite Nafli-houfe, and near Fayland Inn, about feventy feet diameter a caftellet, and about three quarters of a mile farther eaftward is a fquare fort or exploratory turret about feventy feet fquare. Thefe were fortreffcs or cheflers all garrifoned, attendant on the principal ftation of Clifton and Abone, and the old roads from the camps on Leigh-down may be ftill traced through an orchard at the village of Leigh, and through Leigh-wood down to the river Avon at Sea-mills ; on the Banks of which was the Roman fum- mer ftation, occupying the heights on botli fides the Avon down to Sea-mills, from whence the whole with great propriety was called Abone : — a ftation which for fccurity, by having a view and command of the country and of the rivers Avon and Severn, could no where be chofen more properly by this military and politic people. And by creeling other camps at Henbury, Almonftjury, &c. they completely fortified the Severn and Avon, agreeable to Tacitus's defcrip- tion ; who, lib. xii. Ann. fays, " the General Oftorius prepares to difarm the " fufpefted Britons, and to keep or comprehend the rivers Avon * and Severn " fenced with camps." Baxter fays, in GlofT. " Antona Tacitor dicitur flu- men Abona quod aquas calidas feu Badixam praeterfluit etiamfi plurimafuerunt per univerfam Britanniam etfi minoris nota;." Thus fuuated, the Romans lived in garrifon here in fummer, and in winter chiefly under the hills, for a great extent of country. They were fecured from any invafion from the Britons on the South fide by their camps and fences on the hills, with the river Severn in the front, the banks of the Avon on both fides, and a fruitful vale in their pofteftion, guarded by little agrarian camps. Here they had a ready fupply of water, food for their cattle, and corn for thcmfelves. A (lone with a hole in the middle, a little handmill-ftone with which they ufed to grind their corn is ftill preferved, found at Stokeleigh camp ; and the hilt of an old fword was found there. As this was the direct road to Caerwent from the Aquae Solis or Bath, fo doubtlefs there muft have been a great and frequent communication acrofs the river Severn at this place with the ftation at Caer- went, after the conqueft of the Silures, &c. by Oftorius. It appears, that the hath many of thcfo coins at prefcnt, and has been fo obliging as to communicate fcvcral to the Author of this Hiftory, and is a living witnefs of Chatterton the father's fpcaking about them, and favingtliat they were found near Ken-moor ; a proof of his having fomc tafte for antiquities. * Aiijortim Authort Camdtno. — In Britifh language Avon is frequently contraftcd into Ann, An, or Un, as is obfcrved by the Rev. Mr. Whitaker, in his elegant Hiftory of Manchcftcr : fo that it is not impiobable that the Romans formed Antonam from Avon. Horfely calls Antonam the Avon ; and p. 33, fays, " Oftorius we find with his army upon the rivers Severn and Avon, and hereabouts the body of his army, for the moft part, fcems to have lain." C 21 ] the Britifh towns were all conne£led with, or fuuated nigh, the Roman fta- tions, as before obferved, and antiquaries have been critically nice in pointing out their connexion and fituation ; except thofe towns which were formed into colonies from the beginning, and tberefore no camps attendant on them. Under the hill of Clifton, nigh to their ftation Abone, lay Caer Oder nant Avon, (Caer Biito,) or Briftol, not a mile Eaft from and juft under the Roman camps. And Horfely obferves, p. 464, " a Roman ftation may be at a mile or two diftance, and yet the town may have arifen out of its ruins." Lipfius, in his Commentary on Polibius, lib. v. p. 9, where he is treating of the Roman camps, fays, " the winter camps were more accurately, and with greater ■works conftrucled than the fummer ; the former being calculated for longer ftav, and more necelTaries therefore required. Thefe were ftationary, and had more apartments and places belonging to them, as a place of arms, workfhop, hofpital, and the like : indeed they were often built more like towns, efpecially in the lower times of the empire, and where there were con- tinual ftations and praetenturas or outworks againft an enemy ; fuch are on the banks of rivers, of the Danube, Rhine, and Euphrates :" and then he adds, " this is the origin and birth of many noble towns at this day," — " hasc ea origo & genitura nobilium aliquot hodie oppidorum." And an excellent obferva- tion it is, which leaves but little doubt of the city of Briftol, as well as many other cities, deriving their origin from the camps of this polifhed military people in their neighbourhood. It is alfo well obferved by Horfely, in his ElTay on Antonine's Itinerary, in the Britannia Romana, p. 393, " how careful the Romans were to have their ftations placed near a river, and there was no fituation they feemcd fo fond of as a lingula, near the confluence of a larger and fmaller river. If we run along a military way, we are almoft fure to meet with a ftation whenever we meet with a river, at any reafonable diftance from a preceding ftation." — " The places alfo mentioned in the Itinerary feem generally to be caftra ftativa, and there are generally rubbifh, lime, and remains of buildings, in fuch fta- tions as thefe. For befides the fbrt or citadel, garrifoned by Roman foldiers or auxiliaries, there was ufually a town adjacent) which in all likelihood was moftly inhabited by the Britons." How well thefe obfervations of Mr. Horfely agree with the camps at Clifton and the city of Briftol in the neighbourhood, is very obvious to any one ; nor is it an improbable conjcBure, that the very name CacrBrito, (the Britifti city,) might at firft be given to it for diftiiiftion, as inhabited by the Britons, under the protefiion and government of ihc Romans in their ftation near it. Although [ 22 ] Although thefe curious remains of antiquity are within a mile of Briftol, yet little or no attention has ever been paid to them hitherto by a bufy and com- mercial people, wholly engaged in other purfuits ; and what is more to be ad- mired, they have been paffed by unnoticed by Cambden, Gale, and other ^v'riters. If the more obvious antiquities fhould be fo carelefsly overlooked, it is no wonder the fecret whifpers of tradition fliould be difregarded; though fuch traditions, however mixt with fable, do often lead to the difcovery of truth. Of this kind is the following llorv, recorded bv Sir Robert Atkins in his Iliftory of Gloceftcr/liire. " Before the port of Briftol was fettled in Frome river, there feems to have " been a difpute, whether a place called Sea-mills was not as convenient a port " as the other, feveral large and fmall fliips having been built there. This *' occafioned the extravagant fabulous flory concerning St. Vincent and Coram, *' whom the flory makes to be mighty giants, and that they contended which way " the rivers Avon and Froom fliould vent themfelves into the Severn : if the port " of Sea-mills had been judged more convenient, then Coram had prevailed, " becaufe his hermitage was at Weflbury, on the fide of the brook Trim, which " runs to Sea-mills. But the port of Froom being thought more advantage- " ous, therefore the miracle relates, that St. Vincent clave the rocks afundcr, " and fo gave pafTage to the rivers, becaufe thofe rocks derive their name " from a chapel there, dedicated to that faint." This feems to take its rife from fome reality, and may have truth for its foundation, though obfcured by fable and fuperftition. The Roman coins, old foundations of walls, bricks, tiles, &c. dug up here, efpeciallv in making the great dock at Sea-mills, fliew it to have been a place inhabited by that military people ; having feveral camps (caflra aefliva^ or entrenched polls on the high hills of St. Vincent and the oppofite rocks, at Henbury, and other places in the neighbourhood. The Romans in time having defertcd their Ration of Abonc, on the banks of the river Avon, and the port and harbour here in the river Trim, where their gajiies for pafTmg over by water to Caer- went their next ftation lay ; the port of Briftol, Caer Nante Avon, (the city in the vale of Avon river) flourifhed, and became a great city in its ftead : Coram, the ftrong champion of the river Trim, (or the flrong warlike Romans there) no longer keeping that ftation ; and St. Vincent (or the civilized, reli- gious, converted Britons under his patronage) fettling the port of Briflol at the more convenient conflux of the two rivers, the Avon and the Froom ; which, in thofe times, could not but be attributed to the interpofition of a fuint, who had a chapel and hermitage on the fummit of Clifton rock, (of which [ 23 ] which fee before William of Worcefler, p. 13.) But it would add greatly to our fuppofition of the Aboneof the Romans being at this place, iFit fhould appear upon examination that the Roman road, betwixt Aquae Solis (Bath) and their next ftation Venta Silurum (Caerwent), lay in this direftion : and that the diflances of the miles betwixt the two flations fhould exaftly anfwer, both in Antonine's Itinerary and in Richard of Cirencefter. This would be a great confirmation of the truth, worthy of the nicefl; enquiry, efpecially as that Iter xiv. of Antonine has been fo much difputed : — &? adhuc fub judtce Lis eft. Dr. Stukely, in his Itin. Curios, p. 144, v. 1, gives the fourteenth Iter of Antonine thus : Ab Ifca ad Callevam M. P. c. iii. fie. Ifca Leg. 11 Aug. _ _ _ Caerleon. Venta Silurum, _ _ _ - Caerwent, - ix M. P. Trajeclus, _____ Oldbury, - ix M. P. Abone, _-___- Henbury, - ix. Aqiuv Solis, - - _ _ _ Bath, _ - vi. Verlucio, _____ Hedington, xx. Cunetio, ------ Marlborough, x. Spinas, ______ Newbury, xv. Vmdomia, _____ Silchefter, - x. Calleva AUrebatum, _ _ _ Farnham, _ xv. and is of opinion with Dr. Gale, that Trajeflus and Abone are tranfpofed. It is very remarkable he makes Abone to be Henbury, which indeed was one of the camps dependent on their ftation of Abone. — Where in the Itinerary of Antonine and Richard of Cirencefter, the rivers ad Abone, ad Sabrinam, are mentioned ; the Romans might have only ftrong camps by thofe rivers, and before the towns and cities were fully built ; which were afterwards raifed by the Britons near thofe camps, which ferved as inns and defcnfible pofts to the Romans in their journies acrofs the rivers to their other cities or ftations, as obferved by the judicious Doflor, in his obfervations on Richard of Cirencefter. It is mentioned in Somner on forts and pofts (p. 38.) in Kent, that the nume- rals in Antonine are often wrong, and not to be relied on : " there is not ♦' much heed (fays he) t^ be given to the diftances there, being (as fome have obferved) often miftaken ;" therefore if the beginning and end of the Iter be well known and fet right, the intermediate places may be eafily made out by camps, coins found, or Roman remains, as well as by rivers, roads, and fituation. But the Doftor, in his account of Richard of Cirencefter, makes fome alterations in the names, and interprets the eleventh Iter of Richard [ 24 ] Richard thus. — From Aqua? Solis, Bath, by the JuHan-nreet to Menapia: thus in Richard, Iter xi, Ab aquis per viam Julian Menapiam ufque Sic. Ad Abonam M. P. vi. Sabrinam vi. unde Traje6lu intras inBritanniam fe- cundam et flationem Trajeftus M. P. iii. Yenta. Silurum ix. ubi fuit Aaron Martyr; Ifca Sihirum ix. Tibias Amni M. P. vii. Bovio xx. Nidoxv. Leuca- rio XV. ad Vigeffimum xx. ad Menapiam xix. ab hac urbe per triginta M. P. Navigas in Hyberniam. To which Dr. Stukely afTigns the following names. A^. SoHs, - - - _ _ Bath. Ad Alone for Ab one, vi. - Olland, near Kainfliam, Gloccflerfliirc, Ad Sabrinam, - - vi. - Auft upon Severn. Stalio TrajeBus, - iii. - Tydenham or Chepftow. Venla Silurum, 7 . ^ , , , „ . > - IX. - Caerwent, Monmouthlhire. ix. - Caerleon. SlipeJidiaha, Ifca Silurum, 1 Colon, leg Aug. j Tibia Amnis, - - vii. - CaerdifF. Bovium, _ _ _ XX. - Cowbridge, Glamorganniirc. Nidum, _ - _ XV. - Neath. Leucarium, - - xv. - Loghor. "^^IlpidcZ"^] - '"''■ - Narboth caftle. Mcnapa, - _ _ xix. - St. David's. To make this agree with Antonine's Iter and it proves Abone in that is tranfpofed and fhould be placed before Trajeftus, I would interpret it thus Aq. Solis, _ _ _ _ Bath. Ad Abone, _ _ vi. - To the ftation at Clifton on the river Avon. Ad Sabrinam, - vi. - The Severn. TrajeBus, - - iii. - Portifhcad camp on the point. Staiio TrajeBus, ~ - - Sudbrook fejuare camp the place of landing on the other fide in going to Venta Silurum - ix. - Caerwent. • Here the fix miles at Abone is demonftrably a wrong numeral ; it fhould be Jci. which exaftly make the miles the fame as in Antonine. The diftance from Bath through Hanham to the ftation at Clifton, may be reckoned about eleven or twelve computed miles : and the other intermediate diftances agreeing with each other, we need not be too curious about the names of the flations in Richard's time, as they might alter ; but both the diftances [ 25 ] diftances and ftations agree in bringing the road through or near to Briftol, in fixing one at Abonc next to it, and proceeding to one common Tra- jetlus and fo to Cacrwent: whether any likelier places proved to be Roman by fo many camps coins and other antiquities can be found, muft now be fub- mitted to the judgment of every candid enquirer. Gale, Horfely and Stukely take us to Oldbury on the Severn as the only Trajectus, quite a circuitous road in no refped anfwering to the order of the places, flill lefs to the diRanccs, nor to the courfe of the country, to which the road tends. There may be errors in the numerals, which appear too clearly, neither is ex- aBnefs pretended ; but we cannot err as to the right road pointed out in both Itineraries, and as to the beginning and end of the Iter, which arc plain enough. Leland indeed fays in CoUeft. Tarn corruptum eft &c. " This Itinerary of Antonine or whofe ever it be, is fo corrupt, as to require fome Apollo to decypher it, for many names are mifpelt, the order of the places and numbers inverted and vary in different copies, being fet out of their places." This granted, it muft breed ftrange confufion ; but if we are certain as to the beginning and end of an Iter, whatever differences there may be in the number of miles or order of the places, we cannot err much in purfuing the direft road, open and uninterrupted as it is with hills ; and this line of road can no where be fo proper and eligible as through the Roman camp at Briftol and their ftation there in their pafTage over to Caerwent. To fuppofe with Cambden and others, that Trajedus meant Oldbury, or Newenham with Baxter, and Abone to be Alvington or Avington, can have little fhew of probability. It contradifts the order of places fo much, it does not in any degree coincide with the diftances fet againft each, and makes fuch unrea- fonable allowances in the computation as leaves us in the wildeft uncertainty : abfolute certainty and demonftration muft not be infifted on ; but it may be left to every impartial enquirer, whether in general thofe are not moft probably the real places defigned in the Itineraries above, where the diftances are in the neareft conformity with thofe fet down ; where Roman ftations can be proved to have exifted, even now to be traced by old encampments and coins found therein, and where the ftraiteft road to the place lies. But to go from Bath to Oldbury in Gloceftcrftiire, or from Abone at Clifton thither and then over the Severn to Beachly as the Trajectus, and fo over the Wye to Cacr- went, would be fuch a diverfion of the road as is fcarce credible. The fourteenth Iter of Antonine may be explained thus. Iter alio Itinerc ab Ifca callevam ufque m. p. C. iii. D Ab. Ifca, [ 26 ] Af) 7/ca, --------- Carlcon. VcntaSiluntm, M. P. ix. _ _ _ _ Caerwcnt. TrajeBuSj tranfpofed for Abone, M. P. ix. The pafliigc over the water, or to Portilhcad. Abone M. P. ix. -__--_ - The ftation and camps at Clifton. Aq. Solis, M. P. vi. ______ Bath xi. VerlucioneyM. ?. xv. _____ Lacock, where and at Leckham, Naifli Hill and Notton, coins have often been found. Cuneiione, M. P. xx. _____ Marlborough on the Kennet. Spinis, M. P. xv. ______ Speen. Calkva, M. P. xv. _-___- Silchefter orWallingford. The fum total prefixed is one hundred and three miles, but the particulars amount to but ninety eight, which proves the numbers to be erroneous. If eleven be the numeral at Aq. Solis, it would make up the one hundred and three miles of the Iter, and it would come very near to the true diftance betwixt Bath and Abone at the Clifton camp, and the nine miles over the Severn from Caerwent would be as near the truth as can be expcfted. Roger Gale, who communicated to Mr. Hearn an account of the four Roman Ways, has in addition to that letter publiflicd in Leland's Colleflanea, p. 275, V. 6. 2 ed. fome obfcrvations concerning the Wcftern Avon — and fays there, "that beneath Glocefter we have but one ftation, Trajcflus, at "Oldbury;" — but quaere's, "whether the old names, or fitualion of their " Rations on the Weftern Avon are yet retrieved by us, which I fufpcQ muft " be left to time, and the obfcrvations of thofe, who are better acquainted with " that country than I am, to determine." — This is no lefs candidly than judi- cioufly remarked; for Trajc8us at Oldbury has been ever looked upon as the only Roman ftation here by Cambden, &c. yet it now comes out, that the Ro- mans in their journies into Wales or Caerwent, might and did fix other ftations, particularly this at Abone and Clifton, on the banks of the Avon, near which was the Trajeftus in a ftrait road from Bath or Aquae Solis, to Caerwent, anfwering nearly as we fee to the m. p. or miles fet againft each in Antonine's Itinerary, which no other Trajeftus does. — Oland, or Oldland, near Han- ham, though no traces there afcertain it, has been conjeftured by fome to be one, about nine miles from Bath; but from Abone, Sea-Mills or Portifliead, the Trajeflus acrofs the Severn about nine miles, is dired to- Caerwent: — The other Roman way from Bath to Oldbury, being over the hilly ground of Landf- down pafting near Wick, {Vicm,) where Roman relicks were found juft under the [ 27 ] the hill by R. Haynes, Efcj; — fo by Pucklcchurch to Bury-hil!,on thcFroom; whence the road was to Almonfbury, and lo And or Oldbury, and over the Severn to Lydney, where is a great camp, (delineated in Archoeol. v. 5.) near the borders of that river ; and fo into Herefordfliird, &c. It appears hence the Romans had more than one Trajeftus acrofs the Severn ; but to Caerwent they could have none fo convenient and direfl: as this at Abone near Briftol: — if they crofTed at Aull for that ftation flrait to the other fide to Beachly, or to Tidcnham on the fame fhore, they mufl have had a fecond trouble to ferry over another dangerous and rapid river the Wye, where Chcpflow Bridge now flands, or mufl have failed down the Severn from Auft fome way till they came on a line with Caerwent, many miles out of their direft courfe. Horfely, p. 469, fays, " the military way running Eaflward from Caerwent is large and remarkable : I obfervcd it to leave the high way to Chepftovs', and inclining to the South to bend its courfe towards tl>e Severn, but I had not opportunity to trace it to the fide of the river. — The name Old Paflage may not have fo diftant a retrofpeft as the Roman Trajeftus, but yet I con- clude from the courfe of the military way which I obferved myfelf, that the Roman paffage has been below the mouth of the Wye, and I fcarce think the landing place on the South fide can be near fohigh as Oldbury, though this is generally fuppofedj and for this reafon, Oldbury has got the name of Trajec- tus, a tranfpofition of names being now more generally admitted." — Had Mr. Horfely continued his rout on the military way to the bank of the Severn, he would then have found the grand camp of Sudbrook to be the ftation, where they croficd the Severn to Abone the other fide near Briflol. It is worthy of obfervation, that the little river Throggy, on the bank of which lies the great fquare camp Sudbrook, opens here into the Severn, in a direc- tion almoft oppofite to the Briftol Avon on the other fide, as appears on viewing it acrofs Kingroad, Pcnpoll near Shirehampton rifing to the view very diftinft; the mouth of the Throggy forms ftill a kind of pill for veffels, and the river itfelf, though now fmall and filled up, was evidently once navigable up to the city of Caerwent; the bed of the river ftill appearing open, broad, and deep in many places, fo that the communication with the Aquae Solis or Bath and the Abone near Briftol and Caerwent, was dircft, free and well guarded ; and doubtlcfs fucli a well peopled city as Caerwent evidently was, the feat of Roman arts and arms, grandeur and luxury, held great corrcfpon- dence acrofs the Severn with the other ftations and commercial intercourfc with all the country ihey poftefTcd. — In the year 1777, a tcftclatcd pavement D 2 was C 28 ] vas difcovered in an orchard at Caerwent, about 21 feet long by 18 broad, 'made by fmall fquare pieces of ftone about half an inch or more fquarc, inlaid in an elegant form in waving lines and twilled chainlike fhapes, with a very large rofe in the center of the floor, fiirrounded with a circle charged with ten fmaller rofes, painted with four colours, red, yellow, white, and blue ; the fide-wall was plaiftered fmooth and painted red. It fcems to have been the ftate room or tent of the Prefeft of the Legio fccunda Aug. an infcrip- tion on a flone dug up here was, *' Julia EJJeunda vixit annos xxxv. Upon the Romans leaving their flation here and at Caerwent and Caerleon, and upon their departure from the ifland of Britain, the cities and manfions on both fides the Severn, which grew up and flourifhed in peace under their ftrift difcipline and government, became in a flate of confuGon, being terribly harraffcd by the inteftine divifions of the Britons themfelves, and afterwards by foreigners called in to their aid. Caerwent and Caerleon encompalfed with brick-walls, and celebrated for their lofty palaces and temples, Roman baths, teffelated pavements, hypocaufla and theaters, as well as a vaft concourfe of merchants and learned men, fell under the general calamity : the firfl dwindling into a place of no note but for the coins and Roman bricks and infcriptions ftill dug up there, the latter lying buried in its ruins, and ipfx periertruina ; — now it cannot be fuppofed the petty towns in their neighbourhood, Newport and Chepftow, which rofe on their ruins, (being alfo as much, if not more expofed,] fhould receive and afford a fecure retreat and afylum to the numerous inhabi- tants, as well merchants as others, of thefe populous cities, which mud have had then the greatefl. commerce and free trade of any in the Weft of England, to fupply the conveniences and luxuries of fuch a multitude of polifhed citi- zens ; — no; they would naturally apply to places and ftations of greater fafety and well adapted to trade ; and where they could enjoy, uninterrupted, a free navigation and fecurity of commerce. It may therefore be believed, and with the greatefl probability if not certainty, that they immediately fled from their diflurbed condition at Caerleon and Caerwent, and Iranfportcd themfelves direflly acrofs the Severn at Kingroad, to Briflol, then a city alfo under the proteflion of the Romans at Clifton and Leigh in its neighbourliood; and the well-known flation of the Romans here, and ufual intercourfe acrofs the Severn, pointed out to them the propriety of their choice, and the fecurity they fhould enjoy here unmolelled. After they had once feated themfelves here, and the Romans had left their fortified flation at Clifton, the Britons confining on the Severn and in its neigh- bourhood foon flocked hither and incrcafcd the eflablifluncnt of the city: — The C 29 ] The colonies the Romans had at the camps of Henbury, Almondfbury, Old Abby, Sodbuiy, Hinton-Durham, and other adjacent places, fupplicd many inhabitants that did not follow the Romans, but contributed to the fpecdy advance and population of the city. Briftol is juftly reputed to be a fecure place in times of tumult and popular commotions, which we know from hiftory to have been the cafe of Britain when the Romans left it, as appears from their complaints fent to Rome afterwards, of which Gildas gives a moft pathetic and lamentable account. Where then could the merchant, the tradefman, the rich or the poor me- chanic, find a place of greater fafety in fuch times than Briftol, not liable to be fuddenly furprifed and attacked, the Avon being its guard on the Somerfet fide, and the Froom winding round it formed it into an ifland, avery natural and moft effeftual defence ; and the Severn in feme refpeBs, with its feveral fortreftes and entrenched pofts, formed a diftant defence and barrier on the North and Weft fide ; and at the fame time by its free communication by water with other places and the fea, was the beft adapted for a convenient habitation and enjoy- ing all the advantages of commerce, and thereby a quick fupply of every necefTary of life. Befides what has been advanced of the Roman camps and ftations here, under which the city of Briftol rofe and flouriflied, it muft be added, that it is highly probable that military people occupied the very hills within the prc- cinfts of the city ; — as experienced Generals they would pofiefs themfelvcs of all the heights near their principal ftations — accordingly wc find Roman coins have been dug out of the earth on St. Michael's-hill, within the citv, bv Thomas Tyndale, Efq; at the Fort, when he formed and walled in a large garden there. The coins were of Conftantine, Conftantius Gordian, and Tetricus ; — and in the field behind the Montague Inn on Kingfdown, in 1780, ■was found four feet deep, a coin of Conftantine, with the following infcription. Imp. C. Ccnjlantinus p. F Aug. a laureated head: — on the reverfe, a figure of the fun, with Soli InviBo Comili. But both St. Michael's-hill and Brandon-hill have undcrfrone fuch altera- lions by time, large fortifications and entrenched pofts having been made there in later days, efpecially in the great rebellion 1641, that their furfaccs have often taken a new form, and the appearance of the ancient entrenchments is loft ; and every veftige of Roman antiquity muft neceffarily be deftroved and effaced, the coins found being now the only proofs of their having once occupied thefe hills. As [ 30 ] As it vas then from the Roman camps in its neighbourhood, and the road betwixt Bath and Caerwent paffing this way, Briftol may be faid to have dedu- ced its firft origin,* the Britons living there under their proteClion and govern- ment. So from the downfal of thofe populous cities of Caerwent and Caerleon, upon the retreat of the Romans from Britain, it flourifhed and increafed in a moft rapid manner by a great acceflion of new inhabitants from acrofs the Severn ; who foon enlarged its commerce, and fupplied thofe conveniences and luxuries, with which the numerous and polite inhabitants of thofe cities in Wales u fed to be fupplied; and upon the coming of the Saxons, who afterwards occupied the ftrong camps and ports deferted by the Romans, (as Saxon coins dug up there alfo fhew,) — Briftol we fhall find foon became the grand feaport and mart of the Weft Saxon kingdom, agreeable to what Leland has faid of it, " Aufla eft a Saxonibus," — it was increafed by the Saxons — who ufually built on Roman foundations, and occupied places deferted by them. If it fliould be farther aflvcd, at what particular period of time it was founded? To anfwer this queftion with precifion may not perhaps be in any one's power, involved as it is in fo much obfcurity, and difficult from the remotenefs of the time, it can only be faid to have taken its rife, beyond doubt, from the Roman ftation Abone ; growing up by degrees from it, and at laft being blended with it, while the Romans ufed to pafs the Severn to Caerwent; — rifing within the century after the birth of Chrift, and advancing in population, trade and gran- deur from that time, keeping pace with the Romans, while here, and after their leaving the ifland, increafing by a vaft acceffion of inhabitants from every quarter. CHAP. • Though I fuppofe this to have been the firft origin of the city of Briftol, it is not to be omitted, that there is a truditionaiy account mentioned alfo by Rofs, Leland, and in William of Worcefter's manufcripts ; and a manufcript by Ricaut, in the Chamber of Briftol, that Brennus founded Briftol ; — but as the ftoiy of Brennus and Bcllinus is not well authenticated, and there is little hiftorical evidence for it, like the accounts of JefFeiy of Monmouth, of Brute and his Trojans coming hither, deemed all equally fabulous, it will be ncedlcfs to purfue the enquiry. [ 31 ] CHAP. II. (?/" B R I S T O L ?>i ^^f S A X O N ani N O R M A N Times. T T AVI NG inveftigatcd the origin and firfl rife of the city at the -■■ ■*- Roman-Britifli period, I proceed next with the Saxon and Norman accounts. A manufcript difcourfe on Briftol, which has the marks of great antiquity, faid to be wrote by Turgot, a Saxon, in Saxonnes Latyn, mud be acknow- ledged to be of great weight ; and as the writer lived to give the following account of Briftol not long after the very time, in which Cambden afferts Briftol to have firft rifen, it will be a full confutation of that eminent antiquarian. I Ihall add the fame Turgot's " account of auncient coynes found at and near Briftowe, with the hyftorie of the fyrfl coynynge by the Saxonnes, alfo an account of monumental incriptions, faid to be done from the Saxon ynto Englylhe by T. Rowlie." This Turgot is faid to be a Briftol man, was prior of Durham, afterwards Biftop of St. Andrews in Scotland ; he writ a hiftory of Scotland, alfo chronicles of Durham ; annals of his own time, and the life of K. Malcolm. It is faid he wrote alfo a Saxon poem called, the Bloody Battle of Haftynges. All the works of Turgot have never been publiflied; efpecially the follow- ing curious account of Briftol, faid in a very old manufcript to be tranflatcd by T. Rowlie out of Saxon into Englifti, now in my poffcftion. Turgot * it appears was prior of Durham in 1088, having fuccccdcd his preceptor Aid- win who died 1087 in that priory, and was confecrated Bifliop of St. Andrews in 1 108, and was buried at Durham feven years after 1115. " Seft. II. of Turgoteus. — Strange as it maie feem that there were Walks to Radclefte, yet fulle true ytte is beynge the Walles of Brightrycus pallace, & in owre dales remaincthe there a fmall piece neie Efelwynnes Towre. I conceive not it coulde befquare, tho rradytyonfo faieth: thelnhabitcrs wythyn the Walle had ryghte of Tolic on tiie Ryvers Severnc & a part of Avon. Thus much of Radclefte Wallcs. On wliych padage of Turgot, T. Rowlie fubjoins • Lcland in Collfclan V. ii. 542, 538, gives an account of Turgot fiptodam Cleruo Turj^ctaJ tiktn out cf a manufcript book, of the Bifho|'S of Lindislaini. C 32 ] fubjoins the following Emendal or Note: — Hence myghte be the reafonne W'hie the Indabiters of Radclcfte callyd much of the River Avon, Sevcrne; becaufe formerlie reckoned in theyre Tollege with the Severne, as Inhabiter of Radclefte have I ufed Severne for Abona or Avon, & accounted Severne to reeche over anenl Radclefte Strete. " Seft. III. of Turgotus. — Nowe to fpeake of Bryghtflowe, yttes Walles &• Caftelle beynge the fayrefl buyldinge, of ytte I flialle fpeake fyrfte. The pryncipale Streets meete in forme of a Crofs, & is a goode patterne for the Cityes of Chryftyannes. Brightrycus fyrft ybuylden the Walles in fafliyon allmofle Square wythe four Gates — EUe Gate, Baldwynnes or Leonardos Gate, Froome or the Water Gate and Nycholas or Wareburgha's, fo clepcd from Wareburga of the Houfe of Wulverus Konynge of Mercia (& here be ytte noted thatBrightftowe was fometymes inne the hondes of the Mercyesfome- tymeof the Weft Saxonnes, tyll Bryghtricus walled ytte, ande fyxede ytte for ever to hys). Thys Wareburga was baptyzed bye Saynte Warburgus, 8c had a Chyrche ybuilte to her by the Bryftowans — Almoft arounde the Walles was Watere & fowre Brydges or fordes. EUe forde, Santforde or Halleforde beynge where Tradition fayes Saynte Warburgus paffyd ; Frome Forde & Bald- wynnes's Forde, beynge where Tradytyonne faies Sayente Baldwynne fleen the Danes that fled from Bultyngcatune. The Walles have fuffred alteratyon fynce Edward Sonne of Alfrydus Magnus A. D. DIVC-XV. * ybuylden the the Walles 8c newly ybuylden the Caftle — beeynge the goodlyefte of the five ybuilden on Abone Bankes 8c a greete checke to the Danes : he caufed the Gate neare Baldwynnes forde to be callyde Baldwynes before Leonardes. The Caflle thus ybuilden ytte was yeven in fure keepynge to Ella a Mercyan fynce hee routted the Danes at Watchette wythe hys Bryftowans ; and at Wykewarre with hys owne Menne and thofc of Wykewarre, at Canyngan 8c Alluncengan t with his Bryftowans. At the laftc place he conquered : but Eng- lande payde dearlie for the Battle, he dyed inBryftowc Caftle of hys Woundes. He was the ftaye of the Wefte and the Guardyan of Glouceftre, whyche after hysDethe was pyteouOlie facked — hee gave Name to Ellingham ande Eleceftre. Coernicus fucceeds in the Caftle, but was not fo fortunate as hys predecefToure, aRbrdyinge ne Helpe to others, havyng Employmente enowe to kecpe hys. owne. In his days were Bathe & Glouceftre brente : the pagannes alFayled Briftow ande fome entrynge Coerne commandynge alle the fordes to be cutte, whereby all the Dacyans whyche entered were forflayne or drowned. Inne his. daies and the reygn of Kynnge Aedclftan was twayne of Coiners in Bryghtftowe. From hym faie fome came Corne-Strcet + — he buildenanew Wareburgas 915. + So in the original. :j: Called old Corn-ftieet in anticnt writings I have fccn. * [ 33 ] Wareburgas Cbyrchc and added thereunto Houfcn for preefl.es. He was brave and dyd his beft agaynfl the paganes. After hym was Harwardc, who vas fleyn in Redcleft fyde fyghteynge againfte the paganes, Whoe "ottc ne honoure in fighte lofynge three Capytaynes Magnus Hurra & Olbrave &: fleying the feeld — Then Smallaricus, Vincent & Adelwyn — then Egwyn, from whome the Street Egwynne Streete was ybuildennc. Likewyfe in his tyme was the greate Earthquake; manye houfen in Bryftowc fallene downe & the Fyre levyne enfyrede Radclef Strete — Shortely after on the vyolente enfeefynge of the Crownc bie Ethelrede, an Infurreftyon happened in Bryght- ftowe Avhych Egwynne appcafed. After him Aylwardus, Adelbryghte, Am- ftuarde, Algarre, And thenne Leofwynne Sonne of Godwynne Erie of Kente. Upon the afcendynge of Edwarde Confeffour the Natyon was all turnyd French ; ynne the nynthe Yeere of the reigne of Edwarde beeyncrc m. o. xxxxxx. Leofwynne bye thys Charter hadde Bryflowe. Iche Edwarde Konynge, Yeven Bryftoe Caftellynge Unto the keepynge, Off Leofwynne de Godwynne Of Clytoe K)-ndlynge ; Of Ballarde and Battell Le Bartlowe * for Cattayle Alle that on the watters flote. To take Brugbote ? Eke at ye Stowe of Wickwarre breme. And yttes S) Iver Streeme Toe take Havenyche, As Eldermanne of Iche To hys owne Ufe, At his goode Thewes Wytnefsowre Marke before Ralph Dunftan 8c Egwyn Of owre reygne and Ealler Month Yeere &Daie nyne: Thus had hee the Cartel ; & hys fadre Broders, & the Cityfens of Bryghtft^owe ande Nobilytye of Kente entered ynto a folemne League agaynfle the Lon- doners, Who were almofte alle frenchmenne, makynge the fayde League at Br)^ght(lowe. Inne M. L. i. the menne of Dover &■ Kente beynge murdred by the Bullonyans, Godwynne Sc his Kcntiflimen Harolde Sc the Weftfaxons came to Bryftoe to Leofwynne, Who receevd them kyndly ynto hys Caftelle Sc fet forwarde wyth them to Gloucefter Sc after the appoyntment came agayne to Briftowe but throughe treacheree the expedytyone myfTede : Whereupon Kynge Harolde Sc Lcofwyne came wyth Swayne, Toftye, Wolnothus Sc Gyrthe to Bryghftowe Sc Shypped for Hybernia: ande nowe bee ytte noted that When Gryffithc Kyngc of South wales Sc the Irifh pyrates attack'd them Leofwynne ftroke Galfride Kurke Capytaine to the grounde ande toke hym pryfoncr leavyng his armie Where by the South wajlians retyrd to the Coun- E try * Q. If Bcrklaw or Bartalaw — vid. Spclman. [ 34 ] try withe greete lofTe, Leofwync entreated Kurke kyndlie & let hym dcparte to Hibernie Where upon he invited hym to Hybernie, Whither he went with 280 Bryftowans." Such is the account of our city Taid to be given by Turgotus. Whatever may be objeQed to the authenticity of this manufcript, the author can only fay, it has the marks of being genuine, and is faithfully tranfcribed from the original parchment, not without great difficulty to decypher it, on account of the palenefs of the ink and peculiarity of the charafter. It is very certain, the Saxons, after the retreat of the Romans and confe- quent divifions and wars of the Britons, greatly increafed the city both in extent of buildings and in population, and made it a place of greater commerce and refort of fhipping than it had ever had in the Roman-Britifh times. It lay more fecure from Danifli invafions by its inland fituation, not to be ap- proached but by a long and difficult navigation up the Briftol Channel ; and this accounts for the little mention made of it by our hiftorians, as not diftin- guiflied in the Danifli wars : though they tell us, the Danes came as far as the Holmes, where they fuffered a defeat and famine. Though fomc manufcripts infinuate, that this city did not cfcape their piracy and ravage. The Saxons diftinguilhed Briftol fo early with their notice, that Edward, ihe fon of Alfred, built a caftle here for its defence ; and Alfred, in the fifth year of his reign, is faid, in Hollingfhead, to have driven the Danes from Exeter to Dartmouth, where they took fliipping, and difperfed others, " fome of whom fled to Chippenham and fome to Briftol." And in the Chronologia Vila Alfredi, and in the Saxon Chronicle, we find the Danes fpoiling all the country on the Severn, and making irruptions into various parts upon it; and there is no reafon to believe Briftol to have wholly efcaped. An account at the end of Langtoff's Chronicle by Hearn, vol. ii. p. 465. fays, " the Danes landed near Brent in Somerfetftiire, but were put to flight, a great number drowned and flain by King Alfred, and others efcaped and fled to Woorle-hill, where they fortified themfelves, &c." There is to be feen at this day on the faid hill, a camp of wonderful ftrength, with many ag- gcra ; whether Danifli, or not, deferves the attention of the curious. There are many accounts of the Danes infcfting Somerfetfliire, which about the year 900 was much expofed to their ravages, and greatly haraffed by fre- quent invafions of them; their fliips came up the Briftol Chaiuiel, and making defcents on the open and defencelefs towns, fpread terror and defolation wherever they came. In the year 878 they landed near Biddeford with thirty- three fail offhips, and wafted the countrv with fire and fword ; but they were overcome [ 35 ] overcome by the victorious Alfred, their captain Hubba and 1200 men (lain, whom they buried on the fliore near their fliips, and the phice is fince called Hubbaftone. " In the 915, (favs Stow) a great navy of Danes failed about " the AV^eft Country, and landed in divers places, taking great prevs, and " went to their fhips again. The King Edward fenior, (the fon of Alfred) " for ftrengthening the countr)', made a caftle at the mouth of the Avon." — That they certainly infefted this country as far as BriRol Avon, appears fron\ the Saxon Chronicle. " And the Cyningc ha?fde funden wyth him mon fav " with on futh-healfe Saefrcnn-muthan weftan from Wealum Eaft oth Afa;ne- " muthan, &c." i. e. " In the year 918 King Edward thought fit to difpofe " his army at the South part of the mouth of the Severn, from the Weft of " Wales towards the Eaft to the mouth of the Avon, that they might not dare " to infeft any where that part of his land : neverthelefs they withdrew them- " felves privily by night at two times, once in the eaftern part and at Watchet, " and another time at Porlock. But they were conquered both times, that " few remained but thofe only who fwam to their fliips. Then they fet down " at the iflc of Bradanrelic, (i. e. the Flat Holmes,) till they were in great " want of provifions, and many periflied with hunger." Henry of Hunlingdon, I. V. \i° Edzvardifcnioris. " The King caufed the fliores of the Severn, on " the South part from Wales to the Avon, to be guarded, &c." and " that " it was at the ifland of Stepen, or Steep Holmes, they fuffered." Both are not far diftant from each other in the Briftol Channel below Kingroad, wJiere the Briftol fliips lie at anchor. The Anglo-Saxon kings and earls of Glocefter, the then lords or thanes of this country, long held this city under their proteftion and government, and received great advantages from the rents and profits of the town. Aylward Maew, or Sneaw, was lord of it before the Conqueft, mentioned in Leland's Itinerary. He was a Saxon nobleman of the grcatcft rank and fortune, defcended from Edward fenior, (the builder of the caftle, from whom he feems to have held Briftol by gift or inheritance.) About the year goo he is faid to be vir in armis /Irenuus, (Lei. vol. vi. p. 82.) a man of great prowcfs, and " Lorde of Brighteftowe, and founder of the monaftcry of Cranbourne." His fon Algar, with his wife Algiva, fucceeded to the honour of Glocefter and lordfliipof Briftol by right of inheritance; and Briftricus, the fon of Algar, after them. He, being a very rich man, rcfided much at Briftol, and diftin- guiflied it greatly. Briclric, or Brightick, had great pofteftions, is called in Leland viro prccdi- vili; he tranflated the body of King yEthelbert, buried privately on the banks E 2 of C 35 ] of the river Lugg, to Hereford. There is an Earl Bri6lrick mentioned in Leland's Collccl. vol. i. p. 349, the brother of Edward Streona Duke of Mercia. I have in a manufcript a note of the genealogy of Earl Briftric, from BriQric King of the Weft Saxons. Little Froma and Cranbourn three hides was held (with other great eftates^*) by our Earl Briftric, T. E. C. worth 12 1. per ann. : the name in Doomfday-book is fometimes wrote Brihtricus. That Briftric was a great repairer, founder, or improver of Briflol, appears from fome Latin verfes taken from a chronicle of Tewkfbury, quoted by Dugdale in Monafticon, vol. i. p. 161. " Atque ego Briftanus ultimus ante conqueftum Dominus Hoc Templum fundo ; mihimet vere corde jucundo Briftow conftruxi. Honor Jiat ut Crucifixi." That Brifclanus, or BiQanus, means Briftrift, or Bithric, is very certain from the order of the founders here recited. Bri£tric, or Bightric, was a name, quod vcrfu dicere nequis, unfit for Latin verfe. Briclric being a founder of the church of Tewkfbury and at Briftow at the fame timet proves, that it was he probably that firft annexed a cell at Briftol, dedicated to St. James, toTewkft)ury abbey, afterwards attributed to Robert Fitzha)mo, a Norman knight. — Aylward above-mentioned, in the time of King Athelftan, is faid in Mr. Lant's manufcript to have been a principal founder at Briftol, which indeed received great improvement afterwards from moft of the Anglo-Saxon earls of Gloce- fter, who from him continued lords of it : it became afterwards a part of the honour of Glocefter, and the caftle here the caput honoris Glocejirur, in the later Saxon times. Thus the Saxons having driven away the Danes, and expelled the ancient Britifti inhabitants of this city from their native feat here acrofs the Severn into Wales, the Caer Brito, or Briftol, of the Britons became Saxonifed, and the place wholly in their pofieftion ; and the Weft Saxons brought into fub- je8ion all thefc parts. And as they could not fubdue the Britifti fpirit of our Romanifcd anceftors, they contented themfclvcs with fixing their ftation here, polTefling themfelves of the city and ftrong Roman camps in its neighbourhood, (fome Saxon coins in my pofteflTion having been found together with the Roman coins dug there.) They ftrengthened the Saxon government here by every politic ftep ; and by walling the town to a larger extent than before, and increafing its trade and (hipping, it foon became more and more flourifliing, whilft * Of his great pofrcffions, vid. Annals below. ■t In an old grant to the abby of Tewkfbury the rents (coitus) and tythes of Brigcfton is men- tioned tQ be paid to that abby. Vid. bu Robcit Atkins's Hillory cf Gloceftcrniirc. C zi ] •whilft Caerleon and Caerwent, ancient feaports, loft their former gran- deur, trade and importance, and from famous cities dwindled away into obfcure towns, and Newport and Chepdow role up in their ftead. In the time of Edward the ConfefTor, in the year 1051, (1043 fay fome) * Harold and Leofwine the fons of Earl Godwin, are mentioned by our hiftorians to have been profcribed, and that coming to Briftol, " They went " aboard a fhip that tlieir brother Swayne had prepared for them and were " carried into Ireland :" this confirms the account in the manufcript hiftory of Turgot afore mentioned page 33, where the matter is more particularly defcribed. In 1063, Harold then Duke of Suftex and Kent embarked with his forces aboard a fleet at Briftowe to invade Wales, to take revenge on Griffyth King of Wales, between whom and Harold there was a great enmity, t . • Coins have been ever looked upon, as a proof of the dignity and antiquity of the place where they are found. The Roman have been mentioned before ; and the Saxons have alfo left here traces of themfelves by their coins. Here I fhall have recourfe to a curious coUeftion of coins and monumental ftones mentioned by Turgot, preferved afterwards in the cabinet of Mr. Canynge; and although the coins themfelves cannot be produced, yet an account of them faid to be " drawen from the cabinet itfelf" by Thomas Rowlie about 1460, in his own writing is flill extant. And as I would give the real and genuine account of thefe coins in the Tranflator's own words from Turgot, I fhall confine myfelf to a faithful and exaft copy from the original parchment manufcript as follows, in which the ink and letters by time were almoft defaced, and leave the reader to judge of its authenticity. " Of the auntiaunte forme of Monies carefullie gotten for Mayftcr William Canynge by mee Thomas Rowieic." " Greete was the wyfdome of him who fayde the whole worlde is to ne one Creature, whereof every Man and Beafte is a Member; Nc Manne lyveth therefore for hymfelf but for hys fellow creature. Excellent and Pythey was the fayeing of Mr. Canynge that Trade is the foule of the worlde, but Monie the foule of Trade, ande alaffe Monie is nowe the foule of Manie. The age when Metallcs fyrfte paffcd for monie is unnoticed: As Oxen and (heepe is thouglucn to have beene the mode cariie Monie or Change. • Pono HarolJus & Lcofwinus filii (Godwin!) Briftowam adeuntes Navem qiiam fratcr Illorum Suaniis fibi pa^av<;rat, confccndcrunt & in liibcrniam tranfvcfti fuciunt — Sim. Dun. p. 185. Haroldus & Leofvvinus in Hibcrniam transiVctarunt Chron, Brompt p. 9,J3 apud x Script. Stows Annals by Horvcs. p. 95. 96. + Florent. Wygoin. Alfo Turgot before p. 33. [ 38 ] Change. Butte ytte is ftylle more difficyle to fyx the fyrft tyme of ftampeying ytte. Abrahame is fayde to have yeven Shekylls bie wavght : An Ebrewe Writer faithe that in the Daies of Jofliua the Ebrewes enftamped theyre Monies wythe the Symboles of the Tabernacle VefTylles, butte I thynke the fyrfle enftampeyng came from Hcathenne Ammuletts, whyche were markyd wythe the Image of theyre Idolle, &c preefts dyd carrie from Houfe to Houfe begginge or rather demaundynge ofFeryngs for theyr Idolle — The Ebrewes who fcorn'd not to learne Iiiyquytye frome theyr Captives, Sc vaynlie thynkynge as in other thyngs to copy other Natyons myghte take uppe thys enfample Ande enfiamepynge theyre Monic in the oulde tyme of Jofue beyne male happe one of the Idolatries mentyon'd in holie wrete. Examync into antiquytie & you wylle fynde the folk of Athens ftampyd an Owelette the Byrde of Athene, the Sycylyans fyre the Symbole of theyre Godde Vul- canne, thele of ^Egvpt a couchaunt Creeture wythe a Lyonnes Boddie & a Hawkes heade Symbole of theyre Godde Ofyris : Butte to come to owre owne Countrie : Oure fyrfle fathers the Bryttons ufyde yron & BrafTe ryngs fome round, fome fhapyd like an Egge : Eleven of thefe were founde in the Gardenne of Galfrydus Coombe on Sainfte Mychaels Hylle, bie theyre dyf- pofitionne in the grounde feemed to have been ftrunge onne a ftrynge, Sc were alle marquede on Infyde thus M Lykewyfe is in Mayftre Canynges Cabynet an Amulett of Brytifhe Characters peerced at the Toppe. Julyus Caefarres Coynes were the fyrfte enftamped Monies yfede in Englande : after whomme the Bryttonnes coyned as followes. Tenantius at Cacr Britoe, Cunobelyne at fundarie places, butte notte at Caer Brytoe. Arvyragus at Caer Brytoe, Mary us at Caer Brytoe, BafTianus at Cacr Brytoe, Syke was the multitude of monies bie them coyned upon Vyftoryes 8c fykelyke that neyther anie Kynge tyll Arthurres tyme coyned quantity of Metalles for anie ufe nor dyd Arthuree make monie but a peece of Sylverie toe be worne rounde of thofe who han wonne Honnour in Batelles. * Edelbarte Kynge of Kente * Cambden fays Athelbred fiid coined money in England, the penny weighed 3d. five pennies made a fcilling, 48 fcillings their pound, 400 lib. a legacy foi- a King's daughter. 30 pennies a macus, mancufa a mark of filver, mancaa fquarc piece of gold value 30 pennies. But the Saxon coins, names, weights and value, arc the following according to Mr. Clarke's Connexion of Roman, Saxon and Englifh coins. Saxon Gold Coins. Mancus - . - - . v.'t. 54 gr. 6s. of their money, — 9s. od. of ours. Half Mancus .... ^j 3s, ------ 4s. 6d. Later Mancus, ora andAnglo Saxon Shilling 23 is, -_...- 3s, [ 39 ] Kente was the fyrfte Chryftenned Kynge & coyner in Kent, Clmulyn or Ceaulynne of the Wefte Saxonnes, Arpenwahus of the Eafte Angles, ^thcldfrvde of the north Humbres, And Wulferus of the Mercians. The Piece coynd by the Saxonnes was clepen pennyes thryce the Value of our pennyes. In Adelftancs rcygn were two Coyners in Bryghftowe Sc one at Wyckewarre at which two places was made a peece yclepen twain penny. Golde was not coyned tyil the tyme of Edwardus but Byzantes of Conftan- tinople was in ure, fome whereof contayned fower Markas or Mankas fome two, fome one & fome lefs and more. Robert Roufe Erie of Gloucefter had hys mynte at Bryftowe Sc coyned the bed monie of anie of the Ba- ronnes. Henrie Secundus graunted to the Lord of Briftowe Caftle the ryghte of Coynynge, & the coynynge of the Lord wente curraunte unto the Regne of Henricus the thyrde : the Coyns was onne one fyde a Rampaunte Lyonne with ynne a Strooke or bcnde Sinyfter & on the other the arms of Brightftowe. Eke had the Maioure lybertie of coyneyng & did coyne feveral coynes, manie of whyche are in mie I'econde rolle of monies — Kynge Henricus fext, offred Mayllre Canynge the ryghte of coynynge whiyche hee refufed, where- upon Galfridus Ocamlus who was wyth Mayfter Canynge and miefelf con- cerning the faide ryghte, faieth, " Naie bie St. Pauls CrofTe hadde I fuch an offre, I would coyne Lead Sc make ne Law, hyndrynge Hyndes takyng it." No Doubte (fayde Mayfter Canynge) but you'd djfpend Heaven to gette goulde, but I dyfpende Goulde to get Heaven. This curious account is an exa£l tranfcript from the writing on vellum, which, having all the external marks of antiquity to give it the credit of an original, could not be pafled by, however readers may differ in their opinions. If genuine and authentic, it proves, ift. That befides the authorities above recited for the Caer Brito of Nen- nius being the city Briftow, Britifli money was coined here with that name infcribed, though hitherto unnoticed. 2d!v. Silver S; ixor 1 Coins. Shilling at 5cl. . - 112 gr. 5d. of their money, is. id. 1 of ours. Ditto at 4d. - - 90 4d. lid. i Thrimfa - - 67 3d. - - . 8d. 4 Penny or Sceata - - 22 J above 2d. ^ Ilelfling - - «' d Copper. Styca two to a farthing. C 40 ] 2dly. That coins of BafTianus and others " have been dolven wythynn its walles," befides the quantities of coins of other Roman Emperors, which have been found fo frequently very near it. 3d!y. That many coins of Saxon Kings have been thrown up, on opening the ground, in the very flreets of Briftol. From all this the antiquity of the city of Briftol is fully demonftratcd. Befides the coins before-mentioned, faid to be coined here in this old vellum manufcript, there were others certainly dug up in and about Briftol, mentioned before, feme Roman, fonie Saxon: and in another manufcript, penes me, writ- ten in 1708, it is aflerted, that " there were many old Britifli coins dug up at Briftol." In the days of King Athelftan, fays Roger Hoveden, it was de- creed, there fliould be at Canterbury feven monetaries, viz. four of the kingj two of the bifhop, one of the abbot ; at London eight, &c. ; and at Briftow, and other boroughs, one. In Camden's lift of coins we find one of Harold, table 7, of Saxon coins. No. 37; the reverfe is, " Leofwine on BrightfloU;" and in Sir Andrew Fountain's lift, a penny of Harold, coined at Briftow by one Leof, a mone- tary : and in the lift given by Snelling, wherein are the coins of the two firft Williams, I find thofe of Briftol thus defigned : B R I C. B R I C S T O W. BRIGETSTOW. B R I G S T O W. And the filver penny of William the Conqueror, in Dr. Ducarcl's cabinet, reprefents that king full-faced, with two fceptres, Villevi Rex Anglorum. Reverfe, Leofwine on Brici. It is in the higheft prefcrvation, as Dr. Ducarel himfclf aftured by letter the Author of this Hiftory. On a coin of Henry ift. it is called Brifto, and on one of Edw. ift. Villa de Brijlo. In the manufcript of Rowley above, it is faid, " Robert Roufe Erie of Gloceftre coyned the beft money of any of the barons ;" and in another manufcript is mentioned a " Briftow tway-penny." The late learned Prefident of the Society of Antiquaries, London, Dr. Milles, has com- municated to the Author the following obfervations on the coin of this Earl Robert. " The coin of Robert, in which he is reprefented on horfeback, was fuppofcd by former writers to belong to Robert Duke of Normandy, the Conqueror's fon, but by later critics adjudged to Robert Earl of Glocefter : it has the following infcription; X RODBERTUS IV. The crofs, which generally precedes thcfc nummulary legends, is placed dire81y before the firft letter. C 41 ] letter, but in this coin there is a confiderable diftance, owing to the cap of Robert being pointed and breaking into the circle of the legend, feparates from the R, and makes it feem to follow the V; which made Mr. Colebroke. in Archaeol, vol. iv. read it " Rodbertus Dux :" but this would rather give it to Robert Duke of Normandy than to the other. The circumflanccs that feem to weigh in favour of its being a coin of Robert Earl of Glocefter arc, that all the great barons then coined money,* that Robert (as Rowley fays) coined the befl money of any of the barons ; that the rcverfe, which repre- fented a crofs, and fome fquare and fome round forms in the place of the letters, much refemblcsthofeof Euftace and Henry 2d. ; and that this coin was aftually found, with fome coins of thofe princes, at or near Whitbv, as Thorefby fays, p. 350. Antiquities of Leeds." Thus Dean Millcs ; and though Dr. Ducarel in a letter to me aflerts, that " there are none of the old barons' coins that hav^e yet reached our time," there is great reafon to believe this coin of Robert Earl of Glocefler to be rightly appropriated to him. In the days of Edward ift. 1272, there were twelve furnaces at York, and twelve at Brill ol, and more in other great boroughs, for melting filver, in order for hammering and flamping perfeCl monies ; which continued through all the reigns, till about 1663. His coin is circumfcribed with the name of the place of coinage, as Villa Brijlolliot, which is not rare. In Henry the fixth's time, there was a mint in Briflol for coining filver ; the place in Peter-flreet, near the Caftle, (now the Hofpital for the city poor) dill re- taining the name of the Mint; which coining in Henry the fixth's time is alluded to in Rowley's manufcripts, when Mr. Canynge had the offer of the right of coining. In 42 Henry 8th. were coined in Briftol teftoons, groats, half groats, and pennies, with Civitas Bnjlollia; on the rcverfe : and i Edw, 6th. there was a mint at Briftol The following coins of feveral other kings bear the name of Briftol upon them. — The names of 150 coiners appear on the pennies of William the ill and 2d, ft ruck at London, York, Winchefter, Norwich, Exon, Briftow, Sec. Henry iftor 2d. Penny — a full face crowned, in the right hand a fceptre fleury, in the left a mullet of five points. — Rev. Geraudon Brijlow. F Edw. * As proofs. I quote the following from Roger Hovcdcn, A. 1149. Men. Dux Normanno- rum fecit novam monetam quam vocabant monctam Ducis, & non tantum ipfc fed omnes pclen- tes tarn epifcopi quam comitcs & barones fuam faciebant monetam. — And I find the following in William Ncwbrigenfis, b. i. ch. 22. " Domini caftcllorum in Anglia habcbant fingvili pcr- cuffuram proprii numifmalis & potcllatcm regie more fubditis diccndi juris." [ 42 ] Edw. ift. Penny — Rev. Villa Bripdie 22 gr. j. Halfpenny — Rev. Fi7/a Br'JIoIke 11. Edw. 4th. Cold Angel — Ed.Di.Gr. S^-c. The king in a fliip with a fquare flag at the ftcrn, on which is the initial E. on the other fide a full blown rofe, under which is the letter B. for Briftol, the place of coinage ; weight jg gr. Edw. 4th. Groat — Di Gra. Rex Angl.et Franc, on the breafl B. marked on both fides with a coronet. Rev. Villa Brijloll. Edw. 4th. Two-pence — DiG>ai.8cc. Rev. Villa Brifow. Hen. 8th, 1545. Teftoons, Groats, Half Groats, and Pennies — with Civiias Brijlollicc. Edw. 6th. Penny — D.G. Rofafme fpina. Rev. CivUas Brijloli^. Gul. 3d. Half Crown — Magn Britt. &c. 1696, under the infcription a B. ftruck at Briftol in the mint there. There were now five country mints erefted for coining bafe money and filver into current milled money. There Avas brought into Briftol of hammered money and wrought plate as much as made in weight 146,97702. in order to be coined there. There has been dug up when the bridge was taken down and rebuilt, a brafs coin vitli a pope's head on one fide, and on the other a bridge with four arches, as big as half a cr own— -Sixty s 1 1 1 1. pont. Max.facri cuUor ; on the reverfe juft over a figure of a four arch bridge, Cura rerum publicatum. And another of the fize of a large fhilling, with a Oueen crowned, perhaps for the Virgin Mary, fitting on a throne with a fcepter in the right hand, with Ave Mana Gratia plena round; and on the reverfe, a crofs fleury with a quatcrfoil in its center within a border, with a double line in fhape of a quaterfoil, infcribed on the outfide edge alfo with Ave Maria Gratia plena. Whether thefe had any reference to the building of Briftol Bridge of four arches, or to any other, is left to farther enquiry. It feems to confirm the opinion, of the abbots and religious coining monev, called Abby-moncy in the manufcripts of Rowley. While upon this fubjefl of coinage, it may not be improper to add, that it appears the mayor and aldermen of Briftol were authorifed, by the privy coun- cil, to ftrike farthing tokens, in 1594 : but the ftriking of thefe tokens was an abufe, not a releafe from the royal authority. And in Oueen Elizabeth's days the magiftrates of the cities of Briftol, Oxford, and many ftiopkeepers, made tokens of lead and brafs without any authority which they often refufed to exchange: an order was fcnt, dated May 12, 1594, to the mayor and alder- men of Briftol, from the lords of the council, to call in all tokens ftruck in that C 43 ] that city, and that no private trader fhould make any without licence from the mayor. In 1653, there was a copper coinage of halfpence and farthings b) private perfons till 1672, when the king's copper coin took place. One fide of the coin expreffed the name of the place or city, and value of the piece ; and the other, the arms of the city ; if of private perfons or merchants, their name and trade. Briftol farthings are ftill common to be met with, ncatlv executed. On one fide, the arms of the city; on the other, a Brijlol farlhing infcribed, and dated 1562, 1594. As coins dug out of the ground have been ever regarded as proofs of the anti- quity of a place, fo have monumental flones with infcriptions. If any credit is to be given to old parchments w^ith drawings of fuch monumental Hones, with the account of the infcriptions thereon preferved, fuch can be produced with the name of Rowlie affixed to them, as copied from Turgot. Some are faid " to be dolven in Bryftowe, or wythynnc fliort compafs of its walles: one had " this infcribed, Cynwdlinus & Wulferus Mercia;, &: was dolven in the houfe of the " Whyte Friars, ii on St. Mychael's-hylle, iii on Baldwynne's-hyll, iv in " Hic-lane, and the refte in feveral hylles Sc lanes, but fome wythyn the " walls of Baldwyn and Radcleve. One has thys : Hie jacet Coenred Epifcop. " Selfeya, A. D. DCCCCX. : another, Tdlius Sanclus Epifcop. Brighjlow mort. " xxvii Mali, DCXXXII. This was the CofFynne of Saint Tellius, preefte of " Romannus, yclepen the learned Byfliop of Roiachefler, who dyed at " Brightllowe. Several other flones wyth infcriptions and mod auntiaunte " Monuments were preferved in the Abbie of W'cflburie by Mr. Canyngc. — " One flieweth Caer Brito fuUe playne, and was dolven on St. Michael's-hyll. " Another more curyoufe, where Caer Brito may be fene, was dolven on St. " Marie's-hyll. There were drawings of other ftones dug up at Brigftowe " formerly ; fome with Saxon fwords or feaxes, and Danifh battle axes, but " much worn out." To this account of coins and coinage, it may not be improper to add the follow- ing account, copied from an old manufcript in my poflefTion, ofthofefcarce coins, monuments, and other valuable pieces of antiquity, faid once to have adorned the cabinet of a very wealthy and ingenious merchant of Briftol, the worthy Mr. Canynge ; and to have been chiefly collected by Thomas Rowley, prieft, of the fifteenth century, which he calls his Ve/lozu Roll, and entitulcs it. Fa " England's [ 44 ] " England's Glorye revyved in Mayftre Canynge, beynge fome Accounte " of hys Cabynet of Auntyaunte Monunrientes." " To prayfe thys Auntyaunte Repofytorie maie not bee fo fyttynge yn me, Seeynge I gotten itte mofte ; but I amme almofte the onlie Manne acquainted wyth alle of ytte : ande almofte ytte is the nioft precyoufe performaunce in Englande. The fyrfl; thynge at youre Entrance is a Stonen Bedde,* whyche was manie yeers kepte in Towre Errys, and belonged to Erie Bythryck. Rounde the Cabynette are Coynes on greete Shelfes fetyvelie paynfted. The Coynes are of Greece, Venyce, Rome, Fraunce, ande Englande, from the Daies of Julyus Caefar to thys prefent, confyftynge of Denarii, Penys, Ores, Mancas, Byzantynes, Holly Land Moneie, of whych Penys, Denarii ande Twapenyes there are coyned ynne Bryftoe fourtie Sc nyne of dyffarante Sortes ; Barons' Moneie, Citie Monie, Abbye Monie to befyde the coynes and moneie would fyllc a rcdde Rolle. t Goe wee thenne to the oder thynges. The Greete Ledger+ is a Gemme wordie the Crowne of a Kynge : itte contayneth the Workes of Turgotte, a Saxonne Monkc, as followes. Battle of Haftynge, ynne Anglo-Saxonne, donne moe playne bie mee for Mayftre Canynge.^ Hyftoric of Bryghftowe, || inne Saxonnes Latynne, tranflated for Mr. C. bie mee. Auntyaunte Coynes, with the Hyftorie of the firft Coyn- ynge bie the Saxonnes, done from Saxonne into Englyflie. Hyftorie of St. — '■ Churche of Durham. Alle thefe ynne Latynne. Lyfe of Byghtry- cus, Kynge of the Weft Saxonnes, and Annales from hym to Byghthrycus the Erie. Alle thye ynne Englyftie. — Neere is mie unworthie Rolles, beeynge afynyfhinge of Turgotte** to the Reygne of K. Edwarde the — . My Volume of • That fuch a bed, or rather bedftcad, was in being for years at the houfc, in Redclift- flreet, where Mr. Canynge dwelt, has been affirmed by an old inhabitant of that houfc. + From this repofitory (hen were derived the coins, mentioned in p. 38. in the little cfTay on coining. J This feems to be a dlflerent book from thofe Ledger-Books named in the will of Mr. Canynge, which the late Dean Milles juRly fuppofed to be Service-Books for the ufc of the chaplains. — This was a Family-record Book, in which thc>' entered any thing curious or ufcful fo be prcfcrved, and in which they read for their entertainment : mofl families formerly had fuch for their amufement. ^ A poem has been publifhed under this name. Sec Rowley's Poems, by Dean Milles, p. 40, 97. Whether the whole was faitlifuUy tranfciibcd by Chattcrton, or altered by him, may admit of a doubt. \Vc fee here there was fuch a poem extant. II This is the fubjeft of the purple roll, and may be fccn faithfully copied, page 32 of this lliftory. *• This is wanting. It is remarkable, he writes King Edward the — , without mentioning C 45 ] of Verfes, * wyth Letters to and from John Lydgate. My owne Hyflorye of Moneies, CoUedyon of Monymentcs, t &c. Lykewyfc the verie Lettre fente bie the Lordes Rychard of Yorke, Warwyck, & Saryfburyc, to Kynge Henrie. ;J; Onne one Corner yn the Cabynet is a Syghte mod terryble, bee- ynge Inftrumentes of Warre, raunged in fuche Arraie that in the Lyghte of the Sunne, or the comeynge of a candle, ytte fhynethe mofte marvelloufe to be- houlde. Ytte ys of Bryttyfli Swordes and Sheeldes, whych prove the Aunti- quitye of Armoureye, beeynge marqued fome wyth an Ivie Leefe, fome wyth an Oke Leefe, fome wyth a Hare or Hounde, and fuch lyke. Roman Speeres and Bucklers, lykewyfe Blazonede, but all of the fame Charge. Saxonne Swordes or Seaxes ande Sheeldes, blazoned wyth a CroIFe patee. Danyfh Battle Axes and Sheeldes, blazoned wyth a Rafen. The Armour and lafte Teftamente of Roberte Roufe, Conful of Gloucefter. § The Gawntlette of Roberte, Sonne of Wyllyam the Conquerour, whych hee lefte behynde hym in Bryftowe Caftle. Syrre Charles Bawdwynne a Fulforde, commonlie cleped Baudynne Fullforde, his Bonde toe the Kynge Henrye to take the Erie of Warwyke's Lyfe or lofe hys hede, whych he dyd not perfourme, butte loflc his heede to Kynge Edwarde. j| Thus muche for the Cabynette." Various will be the opinions held of thefe manufcript accounts, refpecling their authenticity ; they may probably be called in queftion as much as the poems have been, publifhcd under the name of Rowley. It might however be deemed unfair in an Hiftorian to have concealed what the public have a right to canvas, approve or rejetl as they may judge right. — They are here faithfully tranfcribed and communicated; and are fubmitted to the judge- ment of the candid and ingenuous reader, either to receive or rejeft them. The Author takes it not upon himfelf to determine ; but pays that deference to the judgement of every reader of abilities and candour, as to leave him to form an opinion of it without interpofing his own. Whatever that be, the external evidence of the genuinefs of thele manufcripts was fuch, as fully to authorize him as King Edward the 4th, being a zealous I.ancaftrian, as appears from other pa (Tjgcs in his Letters, and fo not acknowledging Edw. 4th. as king. * This is the poem on Ella, and others not particularly noted. + Some of thcfe are probably thofe mentioned before, p. 38, 43. J That fuch a letter was fcnt, our chronicles bear witnefs. § What a value would be now fct on thefc Britifh fliiclds and fwords, and Roman fuears and bucklers? What an addition even to the Briiifh Mufeum, efpccially the armour of Robcil Roufe, the valiant champion of his day? And what would be the price now of the gauntlet and lafl teftamcnt of Robert, the Conqueror's fon ? II Sec tins mentioned in Stowe's Chronicle, under the year 1461. [ 46 ] authorize liim to give tliem to the public, whatever fhall be infcr'd from the internal evidence. The late learned Dean Milles has already laid before the public in his elegant edition of Rowley's poems with notes, every thing that tends to illuftrate his fiibjeft and develop this intricate and obfcure affair, and place it before the reader in a proper light, and ftriking point of view, to all which I refer ; and if the reader adds to the evidence produced by him, what is here advanced from the vellow and purple roll, and from other original parchment manufcripts under the name of Rowley to be now publiflied in this work, he will then be able to form a juft opinion and judgement of this long contefted fubject, and have the whole evidence before him to direft him in his deter- mination : but " adhuc fub Judice Lis eft." Some fay, the truth may be found not to be with one but betwixt the two contending parties; but as every one will form an opinion of his own in all fuch difputes, who fliall be judge? Each muft after weighing all the evidence judge for himfelf, which he will now be the better enabled to do, from what has been advanced and will yet occur in the courfe of this work. But whatever credit thefc old manufcripts, and ancient accounts of coins and monumental ftones relating to Briftol, demand from the judicious and candid reader ; yet not only in the Saxon but alfo in the Norman times, and later writings we fliall find Briftol making a ftill more confpicuous figure in the hiftory and indubitable records of thofe days. In the time of W. i, it appears from records that in that reign the inhabitants of Briftol were ftiled burgeffcs, when the furvey of the kingdom called * Dooms-Day was made and the place itfelf confequently a Borough ; by which is meant a town witii limited boundaries, walled or not, claiming by pre- fcription or by grant the privilege of choofing its own magiftratcs or gover- nors, for the better regulation of trade or morals under proteftion of the Lord of the fee, from the Saxon Beorghan to fence, keep in fafety &c. And it is granted the ancient burgh and city differed little or nothing in fignification. And the honourable ftation it then filled in this kingdom, appears from its being rated in Doomfday-book higher than any city, or town in England, except London, York and Winchefter. Robert the rhyming Monk of Glo- ceftcr reckons Briftoe among the firft and chief towns in this land : " The furfte lordes and maiftres that yn yis londe wer, " And the chyffe tounes furfte they lete arer, " London &c Everwyk, Lyncolnc Sc Leyceftre " Cocheftre & Cantcrbyrc, Briftoe & Worceftre." About * " Beitunc and Briftow paid lo the King no marks of filvcr and the burgeffcs returned that Bifhop G. had 33 marks and one mark of gold." [ Al ] About the conqiiell; fay fome, were built divers towns to guard the fron- tiers of Wales, Briftol, GlouceAer, Worcefter, Shrewfbury and Chcfter; thefc were garrifon towns of the Marches of Wales: Or rather were ap- pointed fuch from their fituation, though built long before. The Lords Marches were created to watch and ward that country, and were to be always ready to march againfl the Welfh. When Briftol was exempt from the Marches of Wales, which was a great trouble and expence to the town, will appear in the annals. In ift year of W. 2, it is certain, that Godfrey the Bifliop of Conftance and his nephew the Earl of Northumberland, held the caflle of Briftol then an ancient moft ftrong and impregnable fortrefs. * The names of many who were governors of Briftol and its caftle in the Saxon times have been tranf- mitted down to us, fo as to put its antiquity quite out of queftion. The firft chief magiftrate or governor of Briftol was called \ prepofitm dt Brijlou, under the cuftos or conftable of the caftle who held it under the Saxon Earls of Glofter ; and in Edward the Confeftbr's time. In the charter of King John, the chief officer indeed is mentioned in the tranOation under the name oi ^. provoji which anfwcrs io prepofilor. It thus appears that Briftol had its magiftrates and officers or governors of its own long before it was erected into a mayor town or corporate body. In the year 1066, Harding + (whofe name now is in the infcription over the gate way in College Green) the anceftor of the Berkeley family, being a magiftrate and rich merchant of Briftol, held Wheatenhurft in the hundred of Whitfton Glocefterftiire in morgage of Earl Britrick. He is called mayor and gover- jior of Briftol, and Leland fays " he removed the fraternity of Calendaries, (a fociety in Briftol exifting before the conqueft) to the church of All- Hallows, which before were at Clirift Church, and " that the fchools then ordained by thefe Calendaries, for the converfion of the Jews in Briftowc was * Sec chapt. of the caftle below, and annals for that year. + Vid. Doomfday-book 75, in Glocefter, " In Sinefliovcde hund. Rogerius fil. Rad. ten. " manerium quod tcnuit Seruuinus p'pofitas de Briftou dc Rcge E &c." Terra Rogciii filii Rad. Noie Cliftone In Sinefhovcdc Hund. Rogerius fi. Rad. ten. unum Marcnnm tj'd tclnuit Seruuinus p'pofitus de Briftou de rcge E. & poterat ire cum hac tea quo volebat. ncc aliquam firmam inde dabat — Ibi iii hidsc. In d'nio s't iii Car. & vi Vill. & vl bord. cum ii Car. Ibi iii Servi & viii ac. p'ti. Valet, c Solid. Modo lx folid. Suppofcd to relate to the tithings of Almondftjury — Rudder's Gloccft. p. 223. This Serwin being prepofitor of Briftou in the time of K. Edward the Confeftbr, flicws the cliicf officer there to have that title, which name continued in Henry 3(!s. time, \vbci\ tlicrc were a mayor and two prcpofitors. X Aikins Glocefterftiire, p. 261. [ 48 ] was put into the order of the Calendaries and the Mayor;"* which fhews a governor then prefided here even under the name and office of a Mayor lonp before any lifts of mayors we have at prcfent do begin. About the time of the conqueft Robert Fitzhaymon held the honor of Glo- cefter of which Briftol was a part, and he then received the rents or tythes, (Dccimas de E.xitibus Briftolliae) as paid to the Lord of Glocefter then and before, and he gave it to the Abby of Tewkfbury which he founded. Henry 2, in 1144 was educated four years in learning at Briftol, as will appear be- low in the chapters on the cathedral and caftle. In the reign of King John one Englard dc Cygoin held the ferm (firmam) of Brifto for the account (compotum) or fine of 145I. which Richard the burgefs paid for him. In t 1177, 23 Henry 2, the burgeffes of Briftou render an account of eighty marks for Sturmis the ufurer : he freed it in the treafury and was quit. Jordan the dapifer of the Earl of Glocefter owed fifty marks for default. Mag. Rotul 3 Gloft. In the 30 year of Henry 2, the men of Briftou paid a fine of 50I. to have refpite and not to be impleaded without the walls of their town, till the King's return into England. In 1196, 7 Richard 1, a tallage or tax was laid by William Biftiop of Hereford, Hugh Bardolph and others the King's Juftices upon the King's manors and burghs. The burgeftes of Briftol paid 200 marks (133I. 6s. 8d.) and for the fair of Briftol 10 marks (61, 13. 4.) And in 1225, 9 Henry 3, the burgefles of Briftol accounted to the King for 245I. the ferm of their town, the King having demifed the town to them at that ferm, fo that they were to anfwer for two parts of that ferm at the feaft of St. Michael, and for the reft at the feaft of St. Hillary, faving to the King for ufe of the Conftable of the caftle and his family refiding therein the prizage of beer, as much as they ftiall have need of; fo that the burgeffes have the remainder : and faving to the King the Bailiwick (Baillia) of the Berton of Briftol (Barton Regis) and the Chace of Brul of Kcinfliam and of the Wood of Furches, which the King kept in his own hand. In 1201, 12 of King John there was a treafury at Briftol, mentioned in Maddox hiftory of the Exchequer, p. 421 c. 2. x. and about that time the townspaidan aid for the King's paflage into Ireland : X "the burgeflesofGIou- ccfter • Leland, V. vii. 2 Ed. p. 88— vid. Little red book of Briftol, manufcript in Chamber of Briftol, p. 88. and in All Saints parifh, the chap, below. + Vid. Maddox hiftor)' of Exchequer, 143. 228. 486. & alibi. } Auxilium Villarum ad pafTagium Hybernia:, Burgenfes Gloceftria; rcddunt compotum dc 500 marcis de eodcm : Homines de Briftou reddunt compotum dc 1000 marcis dc eodcm : Ho- mines dc redclive rcddunt compotum de 1000 marcis de eodcm &c, Maddox, C 49 ] " cefter render an account (compotum) of 500 marks for the fame, the men of " Briftow 1000 marks for the fame, the men of Redeclive 1000 marks for the " fame. In the treafury were 237I. 6s. 8d. and Englard de Cigoni had 225 " marks to put into the treafury of the king at Briftow. The men of the " templars of Redeclive render account of 500 marks for the lame." King John, when Earl of Moreton only, by marriage with a daughter of William Earl of Glocefter, held the town of Briftol as part of that earldom; and after he came to be king, Briftol became vefted in the crown, and the kings of England ever after received a certain annual fum for the ferm of the town, as the earls of Glocefter did before ; Briftol, as mentioned before, be- ing part of that earldom, and a demefne of it. Thus Hugh Bardolph (Magn. Rot. 31ft Henry 2d.) renders an account (among other things belonging to the Earl of Glocefter's lands,} of 119I. 7s. 5d. of the rent of Briftow, and of the mills, and of the fairs, and for having a houfe at Briftow, 3I. os. lod. where the king's rents are received, and for mending the tower of Briftow, and for hiring carpenters, and for ftones for the mills, and for repairing the houfes in the manors, 13I. os. 6d. So populous, flouriftting, and rich was Briftol in Henry 2d's. time, that he greatly favoured it with his bounty and royal grants, and gave it charters, and alfo a grant* of the city of Dublin (then called Devlin) in Ireland to inhabit, poflefs, and enjoy ; and a colony from Briftol was fent thither for that purpofe, who were to have the fame privileges and free cuftoms they held in Briftol. In 1305, King Edward ift. taking a taillage of all towns and cities corpor- ate in England, Briftol gave him 400 1. for af fine. And in the 45th year of Edward 3d. Rot. 40. by a patent letter of his great feal he demifed the town of Briftol to Walter de Derby and Henry Derneford for one year, they rendring and paying the funis of money referved in the demife. The profits of the town confifted in houfes, {hops, cottages, fheds, gardens, mills, pools, tyne of the caftle, rents landgable, tolls, pleas of court, cuftoms of the fair and market, and other rights belonging to them ; they held it in the fame manner as the mayor and commonalty of Briftol held the fame of the grant of late Queen Philippa, the garden below the caftle and the garden towards the Berton only being excepted ; referving all royal liberties in the faid town, and others of old belonging to the caftle of Briftol ; referving G alfo * A copy of it is extant in Dr. Lcland's Hiftory of Ireland. Alfo in Camden is the following note : " An Englifh colony was tranfplanted from Briftol hither (Dublin) by King Hcniy the *' fccond, giving them this city (which perhaps at that time was drained of inhabitants,) in thc(e " words, " with all the liberties and free cuAoms which tliofc of Briftol enjoyed." From that *' lime it flourifticd more and more, &c," C 50 ] alfo (muhura bladi) a fine of corn to the conftable of the caftle, for his own table and his family's : and (Garneflura in caflro predifto ad molendina ejufdem Villa; quictadeTheolonioindepr2Ellando)&-c. They were to pay befides for that year lool. They were to have liberty to dig the king's ground ; to mend the mill-ponds, when out of repair ; and to pay the conftable of the caftle 20"1. for that year for his wages for keeping the caftle, and every day 2d. for the wages of the porter, and 3d. a day for two watchmen, and an halfpenny every night for their wages, and to pay their vail week after week, or every quarter, as the conftable would have it : and to pay for the year to the abbot of Tewkft)ury 14 1. 10 s. for the tenths of the town ; and to the prior of St. James 60s. of annual rent for the mill ; and to the cuftos maritimus (or water-bailiff) 1 1. 6 s. 8d. (pro roba fua) and to the keeper of the foreft of Kingfwood every day y^d. and to bear for the king all other burdens, expences, dues of charity and cuftoms, fo that a whole lool. remain to the king: and to keep up and repair all houfes, gardens, mills, &c. above-mentioned, belonging to the faid town in the fame good order they receive them. When the fame King Edward 3d. ann. r. 47, made Briftol a county of itfelf, and granted the citv feveral franchifes, it was " provided they do " anfwer to the king yearly for his ferms and other dues." In the 5th year of Edward 4th. John Cogan, fheriff of Briftol, paid 102 1. 15 s. 6d. charged on the mayor and commonalty of Briftol, for the fee farm of the king's town, to Elizabeth confort of King Edward 4th. fettled on the queen for her life. In the great roll, 2gth Henry 6th. Hugh Withiford, mayor of Briftol, and commonalty of the fame, and their fucceffors, ftood charged to the king with 102 1. 15 s. 6d. per annum, for the town of Briftol and the fuburbs thereof, the ditches, gates, flefti ftiambles, &c. demifed to them for twenty years, which were fettled on Queen Margaret by the king for the term of her life. But the city was releafed and exonerated from payment of thcfe and other fee farm rents charged thereon, by the corporation purchafing them of the crown, in the times of Charles ift. and 2d. as will hereafter be made appear. The annals of the city will alfo hereafter contain more explicit accounts, early records, and charters of Briftol, from which may be deduced a full rela- tion of its ancient ftatc and public tranfaBions. CHAP. C 51 ] CHAP. III. A PLAN and DESCRIPTION 0/ BRISTOL, in Us Early and Middle State, IN tracing back, the antiquity of the city many things have neceflTarily occured already in tlie courfe of that inquiry, defcribing the firft and early flatcofit, which fliall now be farther delineated as well as can be collcfted from authentic records and manufcripts, from old plans, and from confidering the firft fcite and ground plot of the town, and comparing it with any veftiges and marks that ftill remain. About a mile from the Roman camp at Clifton or ftation Abone, under the hills and within its viev/ was the Britifh town (Caer Brito) firft laid out at the conflux of the two rivers Avon and Froom, with which it had the ad- vantage of being furrounded except on the northern part, where the caftle was afterwards ereflcd. The ground on which the city was built rifes each way to the center, forming a pleafant hill. Having pitched upon this com- modious ftation they divided it into four ftreets, walling it round after the banks of the rivers for its greater fecurity and defence, placing a gate at the end of each ftrcct ; and being converted to the Chriftian faith, ere£ling ' churches there, and a crofs in the center where the ftreets interfered each other, and formed a crofs an emblem of their Chriftian profcffion. Thus a gate, and a church or chappie terminated each of the four ftreets, and four churches furrounded the crofs at the center. No. 1, Baldwin's afterwards Leonard's gate. No. 2, St. Nicholas gate. No. 3, EUe gate, or that next the caftle fince rebuilt and called New gate. No. 4, Froom gate, or the Water gate. No. 5, Piihay, or Aylward's gate. No. 6, Defence gate. No. 7, Tower gate. No. 8, St. John's gate. No. g, St. Giles's gate. No. 10, Sally-port of the caftle. No. 11, Godfrey's lodge. A wall embattled on the top, joined and inclofcd the whole, though as related in Turgott'smanufcript account, " the walls and gates fufFered altera- tion," yet the fliapc and fcite of the city in general muft have remained the fame and ftill continues fo to this day. G 2 The 'f [ 52 ] The gradual declivity from the center on all fides, contributes greatlv to its being neat and cleanly, every fhowcr wafliing down the dirt into the fub- jacent rivers, befides affording afterwards the advantage of making thofe large gouts fo convenient to this day ; through which, by means of the returning tide, the filth of the city is difcmbogued and daily ebbed away into the Severn fea twice in twenty-four hours. The river Froom, with which it is chiefly moted, arifes at Dodington and Rangeworthy not far from Tet- bury in Glocefterfhire, and running through AEion there called Loden, and Hambrook to Stoke, where it meets a fpring from Lord Bottetourt's park and takes the name of Froom, and fo to Stapleton and clofe under the north walls of the city, paffes Froom-bridge ; and, before the prefent quay was dug, held on its courfe * through the fifli market and Baldwin-ftreet, built on its banks, to St. Nicholas port, along under the walls of the town, and there it emptied itfelf into the Avon in full current ; where was the conflu- ence of the two rivers : it drove a mill erefted for the ufe of the town called Baldwin's crofs-mill, jufl; before its difcharge into the Avon. At Blind-fteps there feems to have been of old a flip or paffage leading to this mill, of which there are fome traces remaining ftill in a cellar at the corner of Baldwin- ftreet ; where are three old ftrong arches on each fide of it now to be fcen, being the thoroughs through which the water of the Froom then flowed, that drove the wheels, the mill-houfe being erefted over them. This courfe of the Froom is not only proved by manufcript and authentic records, but by a whole boat having been of late years found in digging the foundation for a houfe in Baldwin-flrect, and by other remains of fliipping and naval ftores dug up there formerly. Nicholas-ftreet being the bounds of the old city on this fide, the thick old city-wall may be feen there in many places at this day, as it may alfo in Leonard's-lane, embattled ftill at the top next Giles's-gate ; — where being continued on to St. John's-gate along Bell- lane, in which once was a church dedicated to St. Lawrence, it joined the Tower-wall in Tower-lane, which with a ftrong gate in its middle and another at its upper end at the top of the Pithay, extended into Wine-ftrcct, called alfo Wynch-ftreet ; where at Defence-lane it joined the city-wall on the banks of the Avon, which was fortified with a wall round to St. Nicholas gate; — It was called Defence-lane, or Defcnce-ftreet, in all old deeds, (and fince * See Annals for the year 1 247. — alfo the plate. — There is in a manufcript in the Chamber of Briftol called Ryiaut's Calendar, a coloured drawing or view of the city about 1470 as dcf- cribcd above, the (Ireels and houfef laid out in form of a crofs with a gate and church at each end, the High-crofs in the center, and four chuichcs, and the river running round it. L 53 1 Cnce Dolphin-lane, from the Dolphin-inn once there) as a place of defence or barrier for the city on that fide, and fecuring it againft any attempts or infurretlion of the foldiers of the caftle, as defcribed by William Worcefter, p. 236. This was the internal wall of the city, added for the greater ftrength and fecurity ; the external on this fide being conftrutled on the very bank of the Froom, from Froom-gate to Pithay-gate and Newgate, there joining the caftle. On the north-eaft fide it was moted with a little arm of the Froom by a chan- nel made by hand quite round till it met the Avon, which fkirted the city on the fouth fide, where the wall was continued quite round the caftle; thus completing the fortification of the city. The double wall that was built at Tower-lane, and on the banks of the Froom river, is a proof of the antiquity of the place, and of its being augmented from time to time. The old city is faid to have been fortified with that inner wall, by Geoffry Bifhop of Con- ftance ; or it was by him repaired and enlarged, when he, raifing a rebellion againft William Rufus, chofe it for the feat of war, as will hereafter be more particularly mentioned in the chapter on the caftle. Under the wall above defcribed on the fouth fide ran the river Avon, (fo cal- led from Abone, the antient Britifli word for a river,) which parts Somerfetftiire* from Glocefterftiire ; and during the Saxon heptarchy, Briftol was reckoned in thefe two counties or kingdoms : in the former were the Mercians feated; in the latter, or Redcliff fide, the Weft Saxons : and it was by late writers placed by fome in one^ by fome in the other county. This river Avon runs through Wilt- (hire, rifing nearTetbury in Glocefterftiire, at Kemble and Luckington in two ftreams, which join at Malmfbury in one, and pafs through Chippenham, La- cock, t Melkftiam, Bradford, down to Bath and Briftol ; and receiving a branch of the Froom at the Caftle, and the whole river Froom itfclf formerly near Nicholas-port but now at the Quay, glides on in a winding courfc by Redcliff till it paflcs the city and the rocks of St. Vincent below it, which feem as if cleft in * Briftol is ever mentioned in the old Parliament rolls to be in Somerfetfhirc, as Redcliff really was, and in the Weft Saxon kingdom ; — a proof that Redcliff was part of the antient Caer Brito, and not of late rife : though fome manufcripts fay, William Earl of Gloccfter annexed Redcliff to Briftol. + A nunnery there, built by Ela Counlcfs of Salifbury, in Snaihncad, now the feat of John Talbot, Efq. Leland fays, '• filver money was dug up there in a field called Silver-feld." It .was on the Roman road, called by Antoninc Vcrlucio, and by Richard of Circncefter. There arc now the remains of a nunnery, moft compleat of any in England. Ela was buried 1300, in the church of Ofcney ; (he foinded a chapel at Rewly, nigh Oxford, where the foundation ftone, in 1705, was dug up with the name of Ela upon it, and is pr'.li! ved by Hcain, in the Bodleian Library. Vid. Ltlaml. Itin. p. 94, v. 2. C 54 ] in a {lupcndous manner to let it through, and about fcvcn miles below falli into Kingroad, or the Severn fca. Boats of burden ufed of old to carry goods from Briftol to Bath, until the river was obflruCled by wears, mills, &c. as appears by Claus. 4 Edw. 1. p. 1, m, 4, who ordered the removal of them > but it was again made navigable in the year 1727 : fee annals for that year.— And might alfo, in the opinion of many, be let into the Ifis at Cricklade by cutting a new channel for a few miles, and thereby a navigation be efFeCled betwixt the firft and fecond city in the kingdom, London and Briftol, which was oppofed in 1656 by the corporation, as to the prejudice of the city.— Some fteps have of late been taken, by the merchants of Briftol, towards this great work, by a fcheme for extending the navigation from Bath to Chippen- ham ; of which fee annals for the year 1767. The tide in the river Avon flows up as high almoft as to Cainfham, or near four miles ; but after that the barges go againft the ftream, and are drawn along by men, which renders the pafTage fomewhat tedious. Bath is by this means fupplied with timber, deals, &c. for building, wine, cyder, iron, and all bulky goods, from Briftol at a fmall expence. Leland well defcribes the rife and courfe of the Avon, Itin. vol. ii. f. 26, and f. 31, and " enumerates the bridges it pafies through from " Malmfliury, viz. Chriftine-Malford-bridge, five miles lower; Caifway-b ridge, " two miles lower ; Chippenham, a right fair bridge, about a mile lower ; the " town on the right ripe towards London, Rhe-bridge, (in the parifh of La- " cock,) one mile and a half lower; Lacock-bridge, one mile and a half " lower; Staverton-bridge, four miles lower; Bradford-bridge, two miles " lower ; Bath-bridge, of five fair arches, five miles lower ; Briftow-bridge, " ten miles lower. At two miles above Briftow-bridge was a Commune Tra- " jcQus by bote, where was a chapel of St. Ann, and here was great pilgrim- " age to St. Ann." — It is in the parifh of Briflington, and fomc old arches remain of the chapel ftill to be feen. Briftol, being fo commodioufly fituated dt the confluence of two fuch rivers as the Avon and the Froom, could not fail of being fupplied with water, that neccftary of human life ; but had alfo the advantage of being moted round, for its greater fecurity by their united ftreams, which with the embattled walls and caftle muft have rendered it a very defenfible city againft the enemy in thofe early times, efpecially as the whole ground plot was on a hill. In thcfe walls, when " they fuffered alteration," were, bcfides the four gates, others added. The old gates had a groove in the fides from the top to the bottom, in which a portcullis (i. e. a falling door, or wooden frame, fliod Vith ironj fhaped like a harrow,) ^vas let down for the better defence of the citv. L 55 ^ city. Thefe gates are all enumerated and defcribed by Leland. " Newgate ' (as methynkyethe) is in the utar \saulle by the caftle, and a chapelle over itte : itte is the pryfon of the city. St. John's-gate, a churche on eche * fyde of it ; St. John's churche, it is harde on the north fide of it, and there ' be Cryptse. St. Giles's-gate be the fouth-weft of the Key, where Frome ' rennithe. St. Leonarde's-gate, and a paroche church over it. St. Nicolas- • gate, where is a churche cum cryptis. Thefe be the inner gates of the oulde towne cis Sabrinam, as the towne ftandithe in dextra ripa defluentis Avonae." Befides thefe walls and gates, there were others called by Leland the ex- terna or fecunda maenia urbis. The outward wall of the city feems to have run in a line from Froom-gate, after the river Froom was turned into the Key, ftraight along the Key, where was a tower oppofite the Drawbridge, to Marfh- gate, fo round by King-ftreetto the Back-gate in Back-ftreet, the wall there joining the Avon. In making the new ftreet 1771 from Corn-ftreet to the Key, by a fubfcription of 8000 1. of which the corporation gave 2000 1. they found in digging the ground a gout, the old arched gout, once the bed of the river Froom, next St. Leonard's church ; and at the bottom of Clare-ftreet, a wall five feet and a half thick next the Key, once the city wall here. Thefe walls were built when the city enlarged its boundaries, ranging beyond its former limits. Thus Leland : " In the uttar (outer) walles Marfch-gate e regione •* Avonae." Back-gate is alfo intended, but through a flaw in Leland's manu- fcript is not named there. On the RedclifF fide he fays accurately enough, "In the waulle ultra pontem & Avonam be two gates, Raddeclyffe-gate and " Temple-gate, and a greate tower called Tower-Harrys, at the very ende of " the waulle in ipfa ripa Avonaj." But the prefent Temple-gate is of a beau- tiful and neat modern flrufture ; as was RedclifF, now taken down. Leland fays of the wall, " that certain Bochers made a fayre peace of this waull, and it " is the higheft and ftrongefl: of all the towne waulles." This infular fituation of the city obliged them to erefl feveral bridges to the gates that led out of it. Froom-gate of old was a grand and noble flruQure, confiding of two arched ways, adorned with the heads of Brightrick and Robert Earl of Gloccfier; and the bridge flill remains, conftrutlcd of two folid Gothic arches, with (Irong and thick piers, as the cuflom then was. — Through Elle-gate, now Newgate, was the common high road into Glocefler- fhire; this gate, though of one opening or palTage only, feems to confilt of four arches, turned one within the other at different times, which fliews its antiquity : and had a figure in ftone on each fide ; one, holding in his hand a kind [ 56 ] kind of model of a caftle-like building, reprcfents Robert Earl of Glocefter, the repairer and enlarger of the caftle ; the other, having a cup with a cover or chalice in his hand, was for Godfry Bidiop of Conftance, who built fome of the walls, and fortified the caftle, in the fecond year of K. W. 2d. — Below this gate was alfo a bridge, ftill remaining, by which we pafs over a branch of the Froom ; and another juft below it, over the river Froom itfelf: through the firft the Caftle-mills are fupplied with water, and the lafl leads us into the parifh of St. James or Merchant-ftreet. Farther on the Wear is ano- ther, called by the name of Ell-bridge* or of Wear-bridge, (mentioned by Leland,j " harde by the northe-eaft parte of the caRIc of Briilowe;" he adds, " there brekythe an arme out of Frome, a but-fhot above Werebrydge, and " renithe thrwghe a ftonc bridge of one greate arche ; and there at Newgate " the other parte of Frome, reninge from Werebridge, cummithe undar ano- " ther ftone, and fervinge the mille hard withote Newgate, metithe with the " other arme." There muft alfo have been a bridge at Baldwin's (or Leonard's) gate over the Froom, when it ran through Baldwin's-flreet its ancient courfe, though it is long fince deftroyed and the river itfelf there filled up fmce the turning of the courfe of the Froom into the Quay. At Nicholas-gate, of old called Warburghs, there was firft a ferry to St. Thomas flip on the oppofitc fhore or Avon's bank, till a bridge was after- wards conftru£led there, of which hereafter in the annals: at t Pithay-gate, Needlefs-gate, and at Bridewell, once called Monks bridge, (formerly a place of great ftrength, fortified with bulwarks and a tower, which give name to Tower-lane in its neighbourhood) there were afterwards and ftill remain bridges for the better communication with other places. From the defcription already given it appears how well the old town was fituated and fecured on all fides, with every kind of defence by nature as well as Art. By the neighbouring hilly ground of St. Auftin, St. Brandon- hill, + St. Michael's and Kingfdown hills, with the river Froom running in a * Or Ellebridge, fo called in old writings from EUe, lord of the caftlc ; now the flreet next it is corruptly called EUbroad- flreet, for Ellebridge- (Ircct. t Pithay was formerly called the Putte, or pit, from its low fite ; and the gate of old had the name of pons Aylwardi, Aylward's-gate, from Aylward, the Saxon governor of Briftol ; of whom fee the chapter on the caftle. J In the county of Kern,-, in Ireland, there is a very high mount, called Brandon-hill, with the remains of a fmall oratory on its fummit, dedicated to Su Brandon, who founded a monaftcry, (Clonfcrt,) in the year 558, [ SI ] a winding channel underneath was it environed on the north fide ; by Rcd- cliff, Pyle Hill and the river Avon on the fouth, by tlie Caflle very dcfenfi- blc on the eafl ; being feated on a hill, in a valley betwixt thefe hills, jt has given occafion to its being compared to ancient Rome on its fcven hills, its ground plot like that being nearly circular, with a fomewhat greater di- ameter one way then another, enough to make it oval, the river cutting oQ one part about a fixth from the reft ; like it indeed a great part of the city in its improved ftate is fitiiated on fevcral hills. A place io happily feated as BriRol foon began to extend its ancient boun- daries beyond the firfl; erecled walls, and how far, appears by the plan annexed. RedclifFfide becoming large and populous was foon added to the city, whicli very early became a borough town, defended by a caflle. Andrew Dc Chefnc (Gefta Steph.) thus defcribes it as in the time of King Stephen: " Eft Brifloa civitas omnium fere rcgionis civitatum opulentifTima, &c." i. e. " Brillow is the richefl city almoft of all the cities of this country, receiving merchandize from neighbouring and foreign places with the fliips under fail, fixt in a ver)- fertile part of England, and by fituation the mofl defenfible of any city in Eng'and; for as we road of Brundufium, a certain part of the county of Glocefler is here confined in form of a tongue, and flretched out into length ; two riverc was'iing its two banks, one on each fide, and in its lower parts where the ground finks, joining together into one flow of water, form the city: a quick and flrong fca tide, flowing up night and day, occafions the rivers from both parts of the city to ebb into the broad and deep fea, making a mofl fafe and convenient port for a thoufand fliips ; and fo flriclly inclofed is its circuit, that the whole city feems to fwim in the waters, and wholly to be fet on the river banks." This admirably defcribes the city every high tide, when the rivers being full give it this appearance. William of Malmfliury, in the time of Henry 2d. (dcGeflis Ponlif. p. 283 fol.) thus defcribes it : " In eadem valle eft vicus cclc- bcrimus Briftow nomine in qua navium portusab Hibernia& Norwegia et casteris tranfmarinis terris vcnientium rcccptaculum, ne fcilicet genitalibns divitiis tarn fortunata rcgio (Glouceftrienfis) perigrinarumopum fraudaretiir commcrcio." Lord Lyttclion, (in his excellent work, the Life of Henry 2d, vol. ii. P- 177O nn"tcs Malmfbury's authority, " that Briftol was then full of fliips " from Ireland, Norway, and every part of Europe, which brought hither " great commerce and much foreign wealth." And if a place of fuch trade fo early, we may be well affurcd, that the buildings of the city mull be very II mnncrous [ 58 3 numerous and flourifhing, and have been improving long before, as trade always brings together a conflux of inhabitants. The uniting of RcdclifF with the city, by means of a bridge, feems to have been one grand ftep towards this great improvement, or rather the efFe8; of the population and continual refort of fettlers ; who, impatient of the narrow confines of their firft erefted town walls, attempted to enlarge their boundaries and eretl buildings bevond them, and to join by a bridge their neighbours of Redcliff, by a free, uninterrupted communication ; having no other at one time but by means of a ferry at St. Thomas-flip, and perhaps fome other part of the river. Thefe buildings were conftrufted chiefly on the north and wefl fide of the town. A monaftery, dedicated to St. Auguftin in 1148, a priory to St. James, and other religious houfes, began to be eflablifhed through the favour and opulence of great men, and the charitable difpofition of the people. And where thefe houfes devoted to religion rofe, there the inhabitants flocked ; as ifdefirousof dwelling near thofe confecrated buildings, and under the pro- teftion of thofe faints and martyrs, to whom the facred enclofures were dedi- cated, and which they were inftruQed the Deity honoured with his more im- mediate prefence. Leland has enumerated the fevcral religious hotjfes in Brifl;ow in his time, vol. vii. fol. 70, fecond edit, of his Itinerary. " Howfys fumtyme of religion in Brightflowe. — Fanum Auguftini, nunc S. Trinitatis: Infcriptio in porta. There be three tombcs of the Barkeleys in the fouth ifle agayne the quiere. Fanum St. Jacobi ; it ftandithe by Erode Meade by northe from the caftle, on an hilly grounde, and the ruines of it ftandithe hard buttynge to the efte ende of the paroche churche, non longe a dextra ripa Frai, (i. c. not far from the right bank of Froom.) St. Magda- lene's ; a howfe of Nunes* fuppreffyd, on the north fyde of the towne. The Gauntes : one Henry Gaunte, a knight, fomctyme dwellinge not farre from Brandon-hyll by Brightftow, ereftyd a college of priftes with a mafler, on the green of St. Auguftine. Hofpitales in ruin. Fanum » Barptolomei. Fanum 2 irium regum juxta Barptolemeos extra Froome-gate. Aliud3 non procul, &c. i. e. Another not far off, on the right bank of Froom as you goto the priory of St. * On St. Michael's-hill, now the fUe of an inri, the King David. 1 The horpital of St. Bartholomew, once the city-fchool, now Queen Elizabctli's Boys' hofpital. 2 The houfe and chapel of the Three Kings of Cologn, an almthoufe at the upper end of Steep-ftreet, in St. Michael's parifh. 3 Now Spencer's alm{houf(: on the banks of Froom in Lcwin's-mead, 1460. [ 59 ] St. Tames, in Lionsmede-flreet. One4 in Temple-ftrete. Another 5 by St. Thomas-ftrete. St. John's, 6 by Radcclef. An hofpitalle 7 S. Trinitatis hard uithin LafTorde's-gatc. The Tukker's hofpitall in Temple: the Weevers' hofpitall in Templc-ftrete. 8 There was an hofpital of old tyme where of late a nunrye was, caullyd S. Margaret's. " The Grey Friers' howfc9 was on the right ripe of From Watar, not far from St. Barptoleme's hofpital. The Blake Friers »° flode a little highar than the Gray, on Frome in the right ripe of it : Ser Maurice Gaunt, elder brother to Ser Henry Gaunt, foundar of the Gaunts, was foundar of this. The White Fryers n ftode on the righte rype of Frome agayn the Key. The Augudyne Friers' howfe 12 was hard bye Temple-gate wytheine it northe wefte." In another place, vol. v. f. 64. or p. 60. 2d edit, he mentions, " St. Augufline's Blake Chanons 13 extra masnia (without the walls) ibique in magni area facellum, in quo fepultus eft S. Jordanus, unus ex difcipulis Auguftini Anglorum apoftoli. A houfe without the wauUes, as I remembrc, cawUyd the Gauntes, 14 otherwyfe Bon Hommes. [iiii] howfes^s of Freres, of the which the White Fryers place ys very fair." Befides thefe hofpitals mentioned by Leland, there were others mentioned in the will of John Gaywode, 1471, thus : " Pauperes fraternitatis St. Joannis Baptiftae in ecclefia St. Audaeni ; domus Elemofynar. de Long Row Burtoni : domus Elemotynaria Richardi Fofter juxta Redcliff-gate ; pauperes de lazarehoufe de Brightbowe ; pauperes domus H 2 Wil. 4 Spiccr's hofpital, on the weft fide within Temple-gate. 5 Burton's almfhoufc, founded 1292. 6 St. John's, in RedclilT-pit, near St. John"s-lanc there. 7 Trinity hofpital, on both fides the way juft within Lawford's-gatc, the upper end of the Old Market. 8 Still in being there with fome endowment ; fee chap, on Temple parifh. 9 Oppofite Spencer's almlhoufe in Lewin's-mead, now a fugar-houfe, founded in 1274. 10 On the Wear, now the fite of the Quaker's Mecting-houfe, 1229. 11 On Frier's-hill, next Pipe -lane, in the parifh of St. Auguftinc, now the fite of Mr. Colfton's hofpital and other buildings. It extended back to the Red Lodge. 12 Onthceaftfidc juft within Temple-gate, oppofite Temple pipe conduit, now the fite of the Great Garden, called alfo Spring Gardens. t3 The cathedral of the Holy Trinity in College-green. 14 The Mayor's chapel. »5 The White, the Grey, the Black, and Auguftinian. To thefe add St. Sepulchre's in Bell-lane, near St, Laurence church, now warchoufcj, where was a nunnery. [ 6o ] Wil. Caiiyngcs fupermontem de RedclifF, 1442 : domus Elemofynaria Johannis Spiccr juxta portani Tcmpli ; pauperes Fraternitatis Sanftae Catherina;; pau- percs &: egcni apud Aulam FuUonum ; domus Elemofynaria prope ecclefiam omnium fantlorum ; pauperes St. Joannis de la Redclive-pytt ; carcerati egentes de Monkebrigge (or Bridewell) ; pauperes domus Elemofynariae fanftae Trini- tatis juxta Laford's-gate." — To all thefe he was a benefaftor. Others alfo have arifcn fincc, or fucceeded fome gone to ruin ; as St. John's and All Saints' almflioufe, new built; the Merchant Taylors' alraf- houfe, in Merchant-flreet ; Colfton's almflioufe for old men and widows, on St. Michael's-hill ; the Merchants' almfhoufe, in King-flreet ; St. Nicholas almfhoufe, in the fame ftreet ; all which are well built, and have excellent accommodations for the poor, fome are alfo amply endowed. Add to thefe that fpacious and general afylum for the poor, the old, the infirm, the difeafed, and the helplefs, St. Peter's hofpital, the public poor-houfe of the city, near St. Peter's church, the Orphan fchool for poor boys, called Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, formerly next College-green, now removed into Chriftmas-ftrect ; as alfo the great fchool for poor boys, called Colfton's hof- pital, on St. Auguftine's-back, in which one hundred boys arc clothed, fed, and educated, from feven years of age till fourteen, when each has 15I. given him at his going out to an apprenticefliip. The chapels, religious houfes, churches, hofpitals, and almflioufes, are particularly noticed and the meafurements of them as they ftood in 1480, in William Botoner's book, fxtrafts of which will be given in the particular defcription of each as it occurs. In the regifter of William of Wickham, Bifliop of Winchefter, is the following particular of the chapel of St. Brendan : " Ibidem 14 die Augufti, 1403 dominus concefTit, &c." i. c. "he granted to all bencfaflors to the chapel of St. Brendan nigh Briftol and to Reginald Taillor the poor hermit of it, forty days of indulgence by his letters for one year only to continue ;" by which it appears there was an hermitage of religious here with a chaple dedicated to St. Brandon an Irifti Saint. And in an old Latin deed relating to the Caunts, I find a piece of ground or croft juxta pafturam faiifti Bren- dani, near the field of St. Brendan held by a female reclufe or hermit — quam reclufa tenuit. In the year 1351, Lucy de Newchirchc repeatedly offered to the Bifliop of Worccfler and dclired leave to be fhut up in the hermitage of St. Brendan of Briftol, and to quit the world, which after due inquiry into her conduQ and purity of life and neceftary virtues for it, was granted C 61 ] granted her: as we find by this deed, E. Regiflris Wygorniae, Thorefby f. 21 a Commiffio ad inchidendam Luciam de New Chirche Anchoritam. Johannes miferatione divina Epifcopus &c Sakitem ; dileflo filio magiflro Johanni d' Severley Archidiacono noftro Wygornienfi gratiam &: benediflio- nem : accedens ad nos Lucia de New Chirche fe Anchoritam in Heremitorio St. Brendani de Briftol noftrse diocefeos cum inflante et humili devotionc, prout nobis per fui geflus habitum apparebat, includi repetitis vicibus poflu- lavit. Nofque de vita & convcrfationc prcdicls Luciae notitiam non habentes vobis, de veftra fidelitate & induftria & circumfpectione plenias in domino confidimus, ad inquirendum per viros & mulieres fide dignos de converfatione illius Luciae J & fi earn vitje laudabilis efTe et mundae & alia virtutum infignia quae in hunc mundum relinquentibus vigere deberunt, in ea pollere perpen- deritis: ac diebus & temporibus, prout expediens fuerit ac juri confonum & rationi eidem pro fui examinatione veftro arbitrio affignandis, ipfam in mundo propofito perfeverantem inveneritis & confiantem, fuper quo veftram coram Deo confcientiam oncramus, earn in difto Heremitorio Anachoritam includendi per vos vel alium vobis quantum cum Deo poflumus inofFenfo jure, committimus vices noflras. Dat. London: 7 die Maii Anno Dom. milleffimo 000""° LIo & tranflationis noflrae 2d''- Befides thefe Chapels noted by Leland, there was alfo the chapel of St. Giles annexed however to St. Leonard's in 1301, and there were others of a much earlier foundation, and fo old as not even to be feen in their ruins in his time. — The following I met with in an old manufcript penes me in Chat- terton's hand writing from Rowleie. " St. Baldwyns Cliapelle in Baldwyns-ftreet : Brightike haveing made it " ynto a houfc, Kynge Harrie fecundus in hys yinge daies was there taughte: " yn the wall of it was an Ymagerie of a Saxonne Abthane crabattelie " ywroghtenne with a mantille of Eflate which yonge Harrie enthoughten to " be moke fyner dreffc thcnne hys, caufcynge the fame to be quaintilTen yn " elenge felke Sc broderie j thus came Courte drelfe from a Brifloc Yma- " gcrie. " St. Mar)- Magdelens Chapelle : founded by Kilo Ld. Warden of the " Caftle near EUe-gate, fythence ycleped New-gate. Yn thys Chapelle of " the Caftele was ylworne a Treatyc between Coodwyne Earle of Kent, •♦ Harold eftfoons Kynge of Englande, Leofwinus, hys Broders, & other " Nobles of the Londe. •' St. [ ^2 ] " St. Matthyas is Chapellc — Thys ChapcUe vas fyrft ybelden bye " Alwarde a Saxonne ynne 867 & ys now (about the year 1460) made of the " old walles of tlie fame a Free Maconnes Logge, of wyche fame amme I " unwordie & Maftre Canyge Brendren ; ytte ys cleped Canynges place, " Canynges Logge Sc Lyon Logge. " Seynfte Auflins Chappie : Thys freemied pyle ytte is uncouth to faie, " whom the fame dyd ybuyld. But it mote nedes be eld : fythencc it was " yn ruyn in the days of Wm. le Baflarde, The dribblette remaines wvll " fliewe yts aunciauntrie and nice Carvellynge — An aunciaunte Bochord " faieth, Geoffrie a norman Carveller dyd newe adorne the fame in Edward " Confeflbrs daies." This chapel flood next the fine gate leading to the lower Green. In another manufcript by the fame alfo is thus def- cribed " Seynfte Baudwins Chappcle : yt ftooden ynn Baudwynne Street : " the preefte thereof toke Churfotte of alle boates pafleyng the brydge of " woode there ftandeyngc. Brighticke Erie made ytte ynto a dwellyngc " houle for wych fatl Godds Ire dyd hym overtake Sc he deceafyd yn pry- " fon : fome faie hys Corfe was forewyned as flryken wythe a Levyn Brond — " After his putting it to lay ufe K. Harolde lodged there, Robertus Fitz- " Harding lyved there. To this dale ftandcth the Crofs yn the Glebe whi- " lom the Glebe or Church-yard nempt Baldwyns Croffe." This houfe is now called the Back-hall in the fame ftrcet, for weighing and houfing goods on the Back. There was hereabouts one called in fome mannfcripts St. John's chapel. The churches in the city of Briftol being formerly eighteen befides the Cathe- dral with the chapels and churches now confolidated with others, had of old feveral chauntries belonging to each, as will appear more particularly in the enfuing hiftory of each parochial church ; but the following table will give a general account of thera in the year 1547 when " the worfliipful John Cottrel, Dr. of Laws, Vicar General to Paul Bufh, the firfl Bifliop of Briflol, fequeftred to the King's ufe all fruits, profits, emoluments whatfoever &c. for non-payment of fubfidies and tenths then due, on the firft May and at Chriftmas laft pad, and made John Rumney keeper of them fo fequeftred" ift Apr. A. D. 1547. 1. Edw. vi. /. i. d. The monaftry of St. Auguftin near Briftol, - - 67 16 o| The hofpital or houfe of Gaunts or St. Mark, - - 11 4 i^i The hofpital or Domus Calendar, -___- iiio|- A chantry by Wm. Dean there __-_- 0160 Another by Sir Thomas Merry field - - - - 0160 The /. 5. d. 7 13 4 3 o o 6 o o 6 o o [ 63 ] l. s. d. The reQory of the Holy Trinity, [the yearly tenths] 120 A chantry by Richard Erie in the fame church, 013 4 A chantry by Catharine Jonys there, - - _ _ 0128 A chantry by Rob. Alef and Roger Cantock, - 080 Another by Thomas Ball, ______ The reQory of the church of St. John the Baptift, o 14 5^ Chantries founded by Walter Frampton, - _ _ 1 1 iOi| A chantry there by Thomas Rowley, _ _ _ 0140 The vicarage of St. Leonard, [the yearly tenths] 140 The reftory of St. Stephen, _______ 120 A chantry there founded by Richard White, - 015 4 Another there by the fame, --____ 060 Another there by Thomas Belcher, ____ 0120 Another there by Edward Blanket, - _ _ _ 0120 The reftory of the church of St. Audoen, _ _ 068 The vicarage of All-Saints [the yearly tenths] - 084 A chantry by Thomas Holway, _____ 0134 The reftory of St. Lawrence [the yearly tenths] - 089;! A chantry there by Cecily Pollard, ____ 0120 The reftory of St. Werburge, ---___ 100 A chantry there by John Foflcr, --___ 0140 The reftory of St. Mychael, ______ 0120 The vicarage of St. Auguftine, _____ 0120 Xhe reflory of St. Peter, _______ 0129 The reftory of St. Mary in foro, [tenths] _ _ _ o 14 o The vicarage of the church of St. Phillip, _ _ _ 1 10 o A chantry there by John Kcmys, ____ 0120 Another by Robert Forthey, _-___- 0120 The vicarage of the church of St. Nicholas, _ - 220^ A chantry there by Richard Spycer, _ _ _ ^ A 9\ Four chantries there by Evcrard le French, _ - 2 12 4J- Another by William Spencer, ___-_ 0100 Two chantries by Thomas Knapp, _ _ _ _ 168 St. Mary's chapel on the bridge, a chantry there 134 by Edward le French, _______ 0134 The church of St. James, a chantry there by William Ponam, ----___. 0120 Another 12 7 11 26 3 9 5 13 6 8 C 64 ] /. s. d. Another by John Spyccr, ______ oio8 A chantry of the Holy Crofs in All-Saints church, o 16 o Another chantry there, -___--_ 0160 The hofpital of St. John the Baptift in Briftol, - 5 3 Oj The houfe of St. Mary Magdalen, _____ 23 95: The rcftory of St. Mary port, ______ 0107 The vicarage of the church of St. Mary de Redcliff, [tenths] ________ 147-j A chantry by William Canyngs there, _ _ - 168 A chantry there by Richard Mede, - - - - 014 o In the church of St. Thomas, two chantries there by John Stokes, _________ 100 A chantry by John Burton, ______ 013 4 Two chantries by Robert Chepe and others, - 013 4 The vicarage of Holy Crofs, alias Ic Temple, - - 065 A chantry there by John Frances, _ _ _ _ o 10 3^5 Tliefe were the churches chapels and chauntries therein celebrated, fe- queftred to the King's ufe ; — of which chauntries more particular notice will be taken in the account of each parifh church. In a manufcript entitulcd Liber Taxationum Beneficiorum in Anglia, now in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, taken igth year of Edward ift. 1291, is the following account, — In the Archdeaconry of Gloucefler and Deanry of Briftol. Ecclefia St. Stephani, _________ 7 Marc, dimid. Portio abbatis GlaftonijE in eadem, - - - - - 10 Sdl. Portio abbatis de Keynfham in Ecclefia St. Laurentii, 2 So!. Portio prioris, St. Jacobi in Eccles. St. Joannis, - 10 Sol. Ecclefia St. Michaelis, ________6 Marc, dimid. Portio St Jacobi. __________4 Sol. Ecclefia St. Warebrigge, ________ 6 Marc, dimid. Portio abbatis de Keynfham in ecclefia Beat. Maris, 20 Sol. Portio abbatis St. Augufiini in ecclefia omnium fan£torum, __________ 30 Sol. Portio ejufdem abbatis in ecclefia St. Auguftini minoris, ____________ 1 Marc. Ecclefia St. Nicolai, ___--_-__ 6 Marc. ^^ Portio vicarii in cadem, ________ 7 Marc, dimid. Portio prioris St, Jacobi in ecclefia St. Petri, - - 11 Sol. Ecclefia [ ^5 ] Ecclefia St. Trinitatis, -_-___-- 7 Marc, dimid. Ecclefia St. Jacobi, --_______ 23 Marc. Ex exaftifTimo facrarum sdium catalogo cum annuo valore e Dugdal. Mon. Anglic. V. I. p. 1039. Gloceft. /. s. d. Can, St. Aug. Briftol ab. St. Aug. _,-____ 670 13 11 ob. Can. St. Aug. St. Marc. hofp. alias Gaunt's, (alias Bilyfwyke.) 112 9 go. St. Laurence hofpital, __--_-_ 511040. Kalendar. domus, _-__--_- 10 18 80. B. M. Magd. domus, ___---- 2111 30, Weftbury coUcg. ________ 232 14 00. St. Catherin. hofpital, _______ 2115 80. Bendift. Tewkfbury abb. cum cella Jacobi, - _ _ 1598 1 30. Somerfet. Keyndiam abb. _____________ 419 14 3 o. I^Iynchinbarrow, ____________ 2314 30. Temple Comb comandria, - - - - - _ _ _ _ _ 10716110. Bridgwater priory, ____________ 1 20 19 10b. The nineteen churches have been thus enumerated in Latin verfe. De sedibus facris urbe fpeftabilibus. Sunt aedes, quarum furgentia culmina caelo Formofam reddunt fpeftanti turribus urbem : Redclivia, & Thomas, Templum, Philiippus & omnes Sanfti, Auguftinus, Nicolafque, Maria, Johannes, Audeenus, Petrus, Micael, ecclefia Chrifti, Werburgae ct Stephani, nova Pauli, itemque Jacobi, Gauntes, pontificis tandem fpeciofa Cathedra, In quibus aeternae traQantur verba faiutis : Hasc jaclant variis fefe praeccllere rebus, Una fuam jaftat ftruSuram, atque altera te6lum. Altera fublimem, qua tendit ad aethera turrim : Concamerata fibi jatlant fundamina quacdam, Aique fepulchrctum quaedam; fuiit tumque feneftras Suntque pavimentum jadantcs, funt quoque multa; Quae fibi campanas guadent jattare fonoras. Altera praegrandes, atque altera jaftat amaenas. Altera fe numero reliquas fuperare triumphat. Sed quibus ulla puiat claram fefi: cfTe feorfim, Omnibus his junQis jaftal tranfcenderc Rcdcliff. I Of [ 66 ] Of thefe places of religious inflitution, and of the hofpitals or almfhoufes, a more particular defcription and account will be given in the parochial hiftory hereafter. The city, by the virtue* and induflry of our anceflors, and by the unwearied application of its merchants and inhabitants to trade (not to be taught to undergo poverty t) became daily more and more populous, and increafed not only in extending its buildings on every fide but alfo in its credit, opulence, and rank, in this commercial nation. A work was now fet on foot, which, for its boldnefs, grandeur, and defign in benefiting pofterity, would do honour even to the the prefent age : it was no lefs than turning the courfe of the river Froom, filling up its old channel, and digging a new one, to make the Key or Quay for the fafe birthing of the fhips, by which they at low water grounded on a fafe bed of mud, with lefs danger to their bottoms: which is excellently defcribed by Leland, vol. vii. 2d edit. fol. 70. or p. 87. " The haven by Avon flowithe about a two miles above Brightflowe-bridge. " The Ihips of olde tyme cam only up by Avon to a place caullyd the Bek, " where was and is depthe enowghe of watar, but the bottom is very flony *• and rughe ; fens by polecye they trenched fomewhat alofc by northe-wefte " of the old Key on Avon anno 1247, and in continuance bringing the courfe " of From-ryver that way hath mad a fofte and whofy (oozy) harborow for *' grete fhippcs." This * Virtute et Indujlria, is the motto of the Biiftol arms ; a due regard to it will ever prcfcrve its honour and renown to lateft pofterity. —The old arms of the city of Briflol are, gules, a caftle upon an hill by the fea-fide, and the helm of a fhip pafTing by, all proper ; to which were after- wards added, fupporters, &c. Sec the prints. t Indodlis pauperiem pati, the motto of the arms of the Merchant Venturers here. The arms of the Merchants' Society are, barry unde of eight pieces argent and azure on a bend Or, a dragotx volant vert, on a chief g. a lion paffani gardant or, between two bczantSi [ ^7 ] This enterprize of making a new key, and of conflruCling a (lone bridge acrofs the Avon, and joining to Briftol Redclifffide, (which though before a part of the city yet belonging to the honour of Gloccfter, was under a feparate government till the charter of Henry 3d. (which fee in the annals for the year,) was undertaken about the fame time, and formed together one grand complete fcheme, which made fuch amazing alterations, was attended with fuch beneficial confequences to the community, that it ought juflly to be fig- nalized apart as a particular aera, from whence to date the rife, of thofe great improvements that followed; advancing, with a rapid progrefs, the honour, riches, and commercial interefts of this city : which, by the virtue and induflry of its citizens, has rofe to its prefent grandeur and dignity in the nation ; and that alone reflecls greater honour on Briftol than any thing that we have faid or can fay in its praife for its antiquity, the only thing many places, more extolled in chronicles or old hiftories, have now left to boaft of; whilfl this, like a well cultivated fpot, has been continually flouriniing with renewed vigour, extending its commerce to the moft didant regions, enlaro-- ing its antient bounds by additional buildings and magnificent public flruftures, and has thus merited its antient Saxon name Brightftowe, i. e. an illuflrious city, by becoming yearly more and more illuflrious. Previous to conftrufting the ftone bridge and making the new kev, in the year 1239 our prudent forefathers purchafed of the then abbot of St. Augufiin, William de Bradeflone and the convent, ground in the marfh of St. Auguftin fufficient for their purpofe of making the new trench, haven, or quay : a copy of the original covenant between them follows. " Conventio fafta inter abbatem & conventum St. Auguftini, Briflollia?, g's fcales, and immediately depofited in warehoufes at the merchants* backdoors, conftrufted there very conveniently for that purpofe. To land the goods with greater difpatch, fervcral cranes are ere£ted on the wharf of the Quay at proper diftances; that built and con- trived by the ingenious Mr. Padmore, by the Mud-dock, near the Gibb, is an excellent piece of mechanifm, fixed on large pillars of wood, and under it the goods are fecured from the weather : fee the view or engraved print of it. There cannot be a more pleafing walk than round this Quay, when the fpring tide is coming in bringing with it fliips and vefTels of all kinds, laden with wares and treafures from different parts of the globe ; a fight that cannot fail to gladden the heart that cherifhes any regard for his country, or bears a love to Britain. The tide rifes at Briftol Quay more than twenty-five feet per- pendicular; at Rownham, not a mile lower, about thirty-two feet ; at Chep- ftow, fixty feet. In the year 1 765, it was propofed by fome enterprizing, fcheming genius, to keep the vefTcIs conftantly afloat in the Quay, by damming the water up, and erefting double gates or locks, to let the fliips in and out occafionally. — A plan of Briftol Quay, with the projeQion of the fluices and canal for float- ing the fhipping and Severn trows, and for enlarging the harbour by making a new canal through Cannon's-marfh, was engraved and publifhed by the in- genious Mr. Smeaton in January 1765, to which I refer, only remarking, that the Froom alone was in this to be dammed up at the lower end of the Quay, and diverted into a new canal and difcharged at the glafshoufe, the lower end of Cannon's-marfh ; but the expence of doing this was fo great as to quafh the enterprize, the following being Mr. Smeaton's calculation : /. s, d. " To digging, _-__------- 6555 o o Key walling, ___--------- 4887 o o The two fluices, _-___------ 8000 o o The dam and hatches acrofs the prefent mouth of the Froom river, -___----- 1000 o o The hatches at the new bridge and upon Newgate millpond, _-_____---- 600 o o« Contingent cxpences, ____----- 3958 o o Total - ~ £ 25000 o o Exclufivc of purchafc of lands and damages to Bridwcll-mill and Tombs'* dock, Sec." Bac [ 88 ] But Mr. Champion propofed in the year 1767 a much more extenfive fcheme, which was, to dam up the river Avon itfelf jufl; above the Glafs-houfe and flream of water at the Red clift above the Hot-wells, and making a new cut through that point of land, that runs out into the river there, and form- ing a chamber in it fccured by two fluices with double gates one above and the other below, to receive the fllips into the chamber betwixt the gates with the tide, and fo pafs them on towards Briftol or down the river, as might be required; and by making a bridge over the dam and draw-bridges over the chambers, to effccl a communication there betwixt Afliton and Clifton parifhes or the counties of Somcrfet and Glocefter: a plan of this was alfo publiflied to which I refer, but being thought llill more expenfive to execute than the other, and attended with many obvious difliculties and fome perhaps not to be forefeen or known but on trial, the whole was dropt, * and the merchants are at prefent contented with the new additional large mud-dock in the Grove aforementioned and a new dock for keeping fliips afloat, made at the cxpence of the Mcrchant's-hall, in the road to the Hotwells, at the cxpence of near 15,0001. The north fide of the city was not alfo without its improvement as well as the fquare and weftern part : for a better communication with it a Draw-bridge acrofs the Froom or Quay was crefcted in 1714, at the expence of 1066I. 6s. id. And in 1718 a by-law was made that no hallier under the penalty of 20s. for each offence fhould draw any timber on drays or any loaded cart or waggon over this bridge, which being of wood was repaired at a very great expence : and being fince conftrufted in an improved method of drawing up the gates by a curious mechanical contrivance of iron wheels, with cogs, it is more expenfive to repair it when out of order, and the by-law more ncceffarv to be obferved and enforced. Another permanent bridge of flone was alfo built afterwards at the charge of the city Chamber, at the head of the Quay oppofitc Small-flrect, a great convenience as well for carriages as foot-paffengcrs. Superb houfcs were alfo ere£led on St. Auguftin's-green, now called College-green, the fweeteft and mofl delightful fituation in the city in the opinion of mofl; indeed it was ever ellecmed fo : for in the year 1259, in a difpute between the monks of St. Auflin and the brethren of St. Mark about the right of burial in this green, (then the common cemitery of the former) the Bifhop of Worcefler awarded to the latter the liberty of burying there before their houfe, biU on condition of leaving * But tliis fclieme, it is tliought, will be yet put in execution at fomc future timCj fo dcfuous ■ arc they Hill of keeping the fliips always afloat. [ S9 ] leaving the ground always level (" in planiticm redigatur terra propter loci amajnitatem,"} " becaufe of the pleafantnefs of the place." And before the houfes were built and confined the profpeQ, it muft have been exceedingly delightful ; as indeed it is at prefent, and on Sundays and holidays it is the Mall of Briftol, a great concourfe of well drcfTed people flocking hither at fuch times for a walk. Trinity-ftreet, formerly an orchard belonging to the diffolved monaRery and then to the Dean and Chapter, and Orchard-ftreet, belonging in the like manner formerly to the houfe of St. Marks, are all newly erecled within thefe late years. Stoney-hill on this fide is alfo almoft covered with fine houfes, and the hill of St. Michael, fteep as it is, has but little void ground upon it. On this fide alfo are two dry docks for repairing and rebuilding fliips, and two others very large and convenient acrofs the Avon at Wapping, to which there is a paffage at two places by a ferry-boat. At both places fliip-building is carried on with great fpirit and induftry ; at Wapping a large fpacious wet dock with double gates is built lately to receive the fliipping and keep them conftantly afloat ; a proper method to fecure them from being injured in their bottoms, as is fometimes probably the cafe at the Quay by grounding fo often, viz. at every tide. — But a much larger dock than at either of the above places was made at a very great cxpence in the year 1 768, by Mr. Champion, farther down the river; which in Jan. 1769 received a 64 gun fliip with eafe through its gates. But the largeft dock of all for receiving and difcharging fliips of great bur- den and laying them up afloat afterwards, was ftill lower down at a place called Sea or Say-mills on the little river Trim, where fiiips arc admitted with the tide into the dock, capable of containing feveral fcore fail afloat always, through very large gates, particularly contrived for the purpofe; which being fliut down they ride fafe moored, and by the help of cranes they were unloaden there into large lighters or boats of burden, and by them the goods and wares were brought up to the merchants ftore-houfes. It was made at the great expence of feveral private gentlemen, whofe families fincc have been great lofers by the projcft, for the expence attending the keeping the gates and docks in repair, and inconvenience to the merchant of unloading into lighters and having their fliips at fuch diflance have made this dock in 1788 little ufcd. Farther down the river is Hung-road, where is a fafe harbour for the Jarge fliips, and where many unload into lighters as above : Leland fays, " Hunge-road is about three miles lower in the haven than Brigluflow, at tliis ^I rodtr [ 90 ] rode be fome howfys in dextra Avon ripa. About a myle Tower is King's rode, and there be alfo fome howfes in dextra ripa Avona. There is a place almofle agayne Hungrode caulyd Portchcftar, where Hardynge and Roberte his funne had a fayre howfe, and another in Brightftowe towne. Some thynke a gretc peece of the depenes of the haven from St. Vincent to Hunge rode hathe be made by hande : fome fay, that fhipps of very auncient tyme came up to St. Stephanes churche in Brightflowe." As to this laft, there might have been a ■wet ditch between St. Auftin's fide and the marfli of Briftol, which the tide might flow up, and fo bring boats even to St. Stephen's church, which might put the city upon the projefl of making a quay there afterwards ; but it is certain, no fhips could come up fo high till that took place, unlefs through ihe Froom at Baldwin-ftreet, &c. Near Hungroad, on the fouth fide of the river, are two fmall branches, called Crockern Pill and Morgan's Pill, where fhips fometimes lie, and fmall vefTels come to an anchor to wait for the tide. On the north fide of the river, oppofitc almofl; to Crockern Pill, King Wil- liam 3d. landed, near the village of Shirchampton, Sept. 6, 1690, and went to Sir Robert Southwell's, at Kingfweflon, adjacent to it. Rowley (in manufcript/fneiwe) fays, " Hardinge, fadre of Fytz- Hardynge, ban fayre and godelie pofleffyons atte Porteburie eke ycleped Port Ceaftre : Fytz-Hardynge gotte of Hen. 2d. a baileve, a markette, and fayre, on St. Decumbe's day, the fyrfte Mondaie in Whytfon week, the whyche did abyde durynge the whole weckc. Atte thys fayre the bayleve dyd doe hommage to the abbot of Seynt Auftine's yn Briftowe, who dyd dhyther goe wyth hys bre- deren to amount of twa hundredth botes : the hommage was done by fpred- dynge hys fcarlete cloke at the flyppe of Crcocham, wherebie the abbatte dyd londe upon ytte, which hommage dyd entytule the bayleeve to hys rule and an hommage or oar money of fhyppes." Kingroad is reckoned a good open harbour and fafe anchorage, accidents very feldom happening to fliips that lie there ; though to come to it through the Briftol Channel however fafe it be with good pilots, is very dangerous for ftran- gers and ihofe unacquainted with it, but by firing a gun for a fignal, the pill- pilots bred up to the bufinefs and acquainted with every rock or fand bank, &c. from iheir youth, pufli out immediately to meet the fhip and take charge of con- dueling her fafe into harbour. In 1635, a decree pafied for demolifhing all houfes and buildings at Crockern Pill, (except one for paffing the boat over) which had been crctled there by Mr. Morgan, to the prejudice of the city in harbouring bad people there, and deflroying the pofts for mooring fhips in the river Avon, which polls E 91 3 polls are placed on the banks of the Avon from Kingroad up to the city, .and are kept in repair by the corporation ; who in confcquence of this decree appointed perfons to put it in execution. But Mr. Morgan and his tenants again erefclcd houfes there, fo that in the year 1656, by letters patent of Oliver Cromwell, the city was again impowered to fet up mooring ports, and to demolifli the buildings there; but though the 'mooring polls remain, houfcs- have fince been built, and a little town is ereflcd at Pill for the habitation of the pilots and others. On St. Auguftine's fide of tlie city, a mile down tlie river Avon, is the noted rock of St. Vincent,* which furniflies the naturalifl; with thofe beautiful pieces of fpar called Briflol ftones, and other folTils, corals, and fliells, and. the more noted fountain of Hotwell water, iffuing from the bottom of the rock, which Has given to the place the name of the Hotwells. William of Worcefter mentions the hot fpring at Brind as of note when he wrote, in 1480, and defcribes St. \'incent's rock and a chapel there and hermitage. — " Fons ibidem una bowfliot apud la black rocke in parte de Ghyfton clyflFinf fundo aquae, et eft ita calidus, ficut lac vel aqua Badonis." p. 185. And in page 223. he again mentions it in the following words : " Fons calidus ema- nat de profundo aquas Avyn ficut eft BathoniiE in le rok de Ghyfton clyfF in eadem parte in le fliole place. Scarlet-welle eft direfte in parte oppofita in alta parte de Hungerode emanante de rupe." And p. 105. " Scarlettc welle eft fons perclariftimus emanans de alta rupe in parte oppofita aquas in Domi- nio de Lye, &: eft in altitudine in altiori parte de le rok de parte villfe de Lye altitudinis 12 pedum." He thus defcribes Giant's-hole : " Fox-hole eft volta mirabilitcr fcita fuper in alto de Ghyfton clyffe fupcr ripam de la rokk aitiorem et valde periculofus locus ad intrandam voltam ne cadat in mare profunditatis 60 brachiorum & ultra." He alfo defcribes the chapel of St. Vincent in plain Englifti, more intelligibly than in his bad Latin, p. iBj. " The halle of the chapell of Seynt Vincent of Gyfton clyfF is ix ycrdcs longc, and the brede 3 yerdys ; the length of the ketchyn is ... ycrdes (in another place 6 virgas) the brede of the ketchyn is 3 yardes ; and from the chapelle of Seynte Vyn- cent ys to the l()v\-cr water 40 vethym, and from the ovyr parte of the mayn grounde londe of the feyd hygh rok downe to the fcydc cliapelle of Seynt Vincent ben 20 vethym rekened and proved ; and fo from the hygh maync ferme londe of the fcydc rok downe to the lowcft water ground of the channel of Avyn and Froome is 60 vethym and moch more, proved by a yong man of fmythys occupation in Radcleff-ftrcte, that fcyde yt to me, hath both def- M 2 ccndcd • A view of it may be fcen in the plate annexed. [ 92 J cended from the hyglicfl; of the rok down to the water fyde." He goes on to dcfcribe the chapel of the hermitage as twenty fathom (one hundred and twenty feet) from the firm ground in height, as meafured by himfelf, Sept. 26, 1480, or one hundred and twenty-four fleps or thereabout, and (ituated about the middle of the rock as you afcend to the high ground. This rock or cliff of St. Vincent is not more remarkable for its amazing height than for its being equally fo on both fides of the river, the ftrata de- clining to the fouth and anfwcring on each fide alike ; a proof they were never broken or difturbed by the violent and irregular motion and difruption of an earthquake, and that the chafm betwixt for the paffage of the tide was formed at the deluge, and the rock left in the fame feparate and divided ftate it was then fplit into, when the (hell of the earth was cracked through, and the fountains of the abyfs were broken up, according to the true Mofaic account of that great event. It is a very hard marble, or limeltone of a peculiar kind, fromadufl2C) ] Diocefe of Bath and Wells. Somerfet. Deanry of Bridgwater, in the Archdeaconry of Taunton. Livings difcharged. Rcflories, Sec. with their patrons and proprietors. Clear ycarlv value. King's book-, /. S. d. I. s, d. 38 1 8 Stockland Gaunts alias Briflol, vicarage. Mayor and burgcfTcs of Briflol. Prior or mafler of Gaunts in Briflol. About 70 1. per annum, - 694 Deanry of Axbridgc, in the Archdeaconry of Wells. Livin.gs remaining in charge. RcBorics, &c. with their patrons and proprietors. King's book?. Yearly tenths, 42 1 8 Congrefbury vicarage, [St. Andrew] with Lau- rencewick chapel, [St. Laurence] capellano vi 1. fynods vii s. Mayor and aldermen of Briflol, as governors of Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, patrons. Dean and chapter of Wells, proprietors. About 300 1, per annum. - - - 4 4 2 Livings difcharged. Clear yearly value. King's books. 24 2 o\ Locking vicarage, [St. Auflin] fynods iis. iiid. Proxies iiiid. William Plomley, Efq; 1671, pri. Worfpring propr. The Society of Merchants in Briflol. It is about 70I. per ann. - 56 io|- D. RcdclifFand Bcdminfter, in the Archdeaconry of Bath. Livings remaining in charge. King's books. ' Clear yearly value, 5 10 7j Burnet rcftory, about 70I. per ann. - 3^3^ 33 ^5 7i Portifliead reclor)-, fynods vs. viiid. Proxies xvid. Abby Kcynfliam viiis. Mayor and burgeffcs of Tenths, Briflol. About 120I. per ann - - 3 5^+ The Gaunts or Mayor's cliapcl, in Briflol, 25!. per annum for the reader, and 1 1. is. for the fermon every Sunday to the preacher. St. George's new creeled church in Kingfwood. Mayor and corporation. About 1 jol. per annum. R Thcv [ ^30 ] They not only prefent to the above livings, Ijut alfo to many other lefture- fhips, chaplainfliips, &c. But it muR be obferved, that the value of thefe livings in the city chiefly arifcs from the voluntary contributions of the parifhioners reforting to the feveral parifli churches, which have no endowment, fome not even an houfe for the minifter, except Oueen Anne's bounty and certain funis given by charitable benefaflors for gift-fermons to be preached on certain occafions and days appointed. Therefore the value of each church living here muft vary every year, and however computed at a medium cannot be cxaB;. The tythes of the city were formerly paid to the abby of Tewkfljury from the moll early times, being the fum of 14I. 10 s. which at the dilTolu- tion came to the crown, and were purchafed by the corporation, 24 of C. 2 among other things. But the good citizens of Briftol, though they have op- pofed any attempt of having an eftablifhed fum levied upon their houfcs and lands for the fixed fupport of the clergy, have hitherto generoufly contributed to their maintenance ; nor given any caufe for their applying to Government for relief, which they would probably obtain, as in London, their duties in fuch large and populous parifhes being very great, if a fupport due to their labours were meanly afforded or partly withheld. It was a great charafler, wc fee given to our citizens in early times, (vid. p. 83.) that " they maintained preachers at their own colt in commendable fort," and there is little reafon to apprehend they will be ever backward in generoufly rewarding the labours of a learned clergy, and fupporting the offi- ciating lawfully inflituted miniflry of the church of England eftabliflied by law. There were certainly tythes as well as offerings colleQed formerly for their maintenance, though long fince difcontinued, as appears from p. 2. of the great Red Book, that 15th kal. Jun. 1301, in feventh year of his confecra- tion, Robert Archbifhop of Canterbury ifFued forth his mandate to the Dean of Briflol, ftrittly forbidding fome irregular proceedings, that in proving wills, they cited the inhabitants to remote places out of the borough, and or- daining the confirmation of the orders made by the bifhop of the diocefe, re- lating to the better fecuringlind adjufting the tythes of fuch pcrfons, who, living in one part of the town, fold their wares in another. A competent maintenance for the miniflers of the feveral pariflics, even 111 the time of the Prote£lor, was thought fo neceffarv, that on tlie 5th of Oflo- ber 1657 the mayor and commonalty, by the powers of feveral a£ts of parlia- ment, ordained that 909 1. fliould be yearly levied by way of lax and affefTment upon each parifli for their fupport, in the following proportions : St. Michael and St. Auflin, 50I. St. James, 50I. St. Thomas, ]2ol. Temple, 48I. Rcdcliff, [ 131 ] RcdclifF, 4°'- St. Philip and the Caftle, 20I. St. Stephen, 90I. St. Nicholas, 120I. St. Werburg and Leonard, 85 1. All Saints and St. Ewen, 70I. Chrift Church and St. John, 120I. Mar\ port and St. Peter, 96I. And to raife this maintenance by aflbfTment, (" the want of which, they fav, is in no place greater") They further ordain : Firft, that no officiating minifter fhould be de- barred from this benefit. Secondly, that the fabric of all the churches fhould be fupported, and their revenues be given and applied to fuch ufes and the fame purpofes as formerly. Thirdly, they recommend to the fcveral vedries to concert any other proportions that fliall be neceflary, and will join them to aflefs and compel the payment of them. Fourthly, that when they meet to make the poor rates to have the allowance of the juflices according to law, they fhall bring the rate for the minifters maintenance, to have the like con- firmation according to acl of parliament ; all perfons over-rated to appeal at the next quarter feffions. Fifthly, that when a minifter is to be chofen, it fhould be in the liberty of each parifli to choofe their own miniiler where none is already officiating, provided he be an ordained perfon or chofen out of one of the univerfities, and approved of according to the laws of the land. And it appears, that the corporation enforced the execution of the faid a6ls, and the 14th of February 1658, ordered lool. per ann. out of the chamber's revenue towards the better maintenance and encouragement of the paridi minifters. Notwithflanding the great lofTes, by contributions and otherwife, this corpor- ation fuftained in the time of the grand rebellion ; yet we find foon after, in Charles ad's, time, they had fo far improved the city revenues, that they dif- charged fevcral rents payable to the crown, which had been fold Feb. 6, 1650, for577l. 12s. 7d. by Oliver Cromwell and the Commonwealth, but being recovered in the year 1673, 24th Charles 2d. by indenture, dated July 24, the following fee farm rents rcferved paid annually to the crown out of lands, which had been purchafed at the diffolution of religious houfes of Henry 8th. by the citv, were bought on their behalf by Thomas Lee, of London, Efq; and conveyed to the faid mayor and commonalty of Briftol by the Right Hon. Francis Lord Hawley, Sir Charles Harboard, his Majefty's furveyor-gcneral, Sir William Howard, Sir John Talbot of Lacock, Wilts, and William Har- board Efq; truffees appointed for the fale of fee farm rents, and by an aft for veiling them in the truftces and by order of the Lords Commiffioners of the Treafury to them directed. The confidcration money for the whole was 3024 1. 15s. id. and to raife that fum, by an order in the corporation books dated 1671, fome fee farm rents payable to the city were fold by tliem to divers people, but thofe payable out of the marfli of Criftol (now the fquare) R 2 were [ 132 ] Avcre then not thought proper to be parted with, as not to the advantage of the citv. But feeing whence thefe ground rents paid by the city to the crown arofe, we difcovcr what lands belonged to religious houfcs, and wliat great eftates are now in the pofiefTion of the chamber of Briltol from the dif- folution. Parcel of the late hofpital or houfe of St. John the Baptift with- /. s. d. out Redcliff-gatc, within the city of Briflol. For lands and tenements within tlic city of Briftol, with meffuages, tofts, houfes, meadows, paftures, rents, fervices, and other appertenances, lately belonging to the faid hofpital, (except the fite and precincl thereof) a referved rent of - 27 i{- Parcel of the late monaftery of Tewkfbury. For the whole houfe and fite of the priory or cell of St. James, near Briftol, lately belonging to the dilTolved monaftery of Tewkftjury, and all the meftuages, buildings, barns, dove-houfe, pools, orchards, lands, &c. within the faid precinCt as well as without, to the faid cell adjoining. Alfo for all the rec- tories of Stapleton and Mangotsfield, w'ith their rights, &c. thereto belonging. Alfo for the rcQory and church of St. James in Briftol, and for the reCtory and church of the blefled St. Philip and Jacob in the faid city, with their rights, &c. to faid cell or priory of St. James appertaining, with right of pa- tronage : and all manors, granges, mills, lands, &c. in Sta- pleton, Mangotsfield, Itchington, Tockington, Cadbroke, Saltmarfii, and Barton hundred, in the county of Glocefter, howfocver belonging to the faid priory, granted among other things to Henry Brain, Efq; by letters patent 35th Henry 8th. for 6661. 7 s. 6d. with penfions of 20s. out of the reftory of St. Peter, los. out of Chrift Church, 10 s. 4 d. out of St. John's, 1 1. 6 s. 8d. out of St. Philip's, 4 s. out of St. Michael's, 6d. out of St. Ewcn's, — at only per annum, - - 3 i^ 92 For the referved rent of 2 1. 3 s. 4 d. out of the manor of Olvef- ton, belonging to the late diffolved monaftery of Bath, granted among other things to Sir Ralph Sadler, - - 234 N. B. This was afterwards fold off by the corporation to Sir Robert Cann, for 15I. 15 s. the fame fum the city gave for it. Parcel [ ^33 ] Parcel of Tewkfbury monanery. /. s. d. For a yearly rent of 14I. 18 s. 2d. out of the chantry of St. Mi- chael in Winterborne, and lands, &c. thereto belonging in Winterborne, Froomfhaw, Churchfield, Hambroke, and Clif- field, in Gloceflerfhire, paid by the IherifF or chamberlain of Briftol, - - - - - - 14 18 2 Parcel of the pofFefTions of the late monaftery of Bath, affigned for life to the Queen Henrietta Maria, for her jointure. For all that yearly fee-farm rent of 41 1. 3 s. 5 d. refidue of 95 1. 3 s. 5d. ifTuing, due, and payable out of the manor of Con- gerfbury, Somcrfet, and for the patronage of the church of Congerfbury, and its appertenances : alfo the courts Icct, &c. in Congerfbury and Lawrence Wick, paid by the city of Briftol, - - - - - - 41 3 5 Parcel of the houfe of St. Mark of Bellifwick. For all that yearly rent of 20 1, per ann. payable by the city out of the houfe and fite of the hofpital of St. Mark of Bellifwick, near Briftol, called les Gaunts, and for the church, belfry, churchyard there, and for the manors of Erdcot and Lee in GlocefterOiire, to it belonging ; and for the manor of Stock- land Gaunts, with its rights, members, and appertenances, in Somerfetfliire, to the late difTolved hofpital belonging; and the donation, patronage, and free difpofition of the vicarages of the churches of Stockland Gaunts and Overftowcy ; and alfo for the manor, &c. of Wintcrbourne Conner, called Cherburg, in Wilts, with its rights, &c. to the faid hofpital heretofore belonging ; and out of and for all meadows, granges, tenements, and hereditaments, &c. to the faid manors and premifes belonging, in the town of Briftol, or the parifties of Lee and Almondftjury, in the county of Gloccfter, or in Stockland Gaunts, Overftowey, and Brewham, in Somcrfet- fctfliire, or in Winterborne Conner, in Wilts, to the late hofpital les Canutes belonging, as parcel of the faid houfe or hofpital, (except the manor of Pawlet Gaunts, Southam, and Northam, granted by letters patent of Henry 8th. to Richard Cupper) and alfo for and out of the manor of Hampc and its rights and appertenances, in the county of Somcrfet ; parcel of C 134 ] of the late monaftery of Athelny, and mefTuages and lands in /. s. d. Hampc aforefaid in the tenure of Sir Richard Warre ; and for the fite of the houfe of Grey Friers, Carmelite Friers and their appertinences, all purchafed of Henry 8th 33d. year, for the fum of loool. and 20I. per annum rent, - 20 o o Parcel ofthcantient crown lands. For the ferm of the caftle of Bridol with its appertinences the manfion houfe within the caflle in the tenure of Francis Brewfler, the clofe lying without the ditch of the faid caftle called the King's orchard ; the inner green and for forty three feveral tenements within the circuit or walk of the caftle, and for the wood yard there, and three gardens there, and barns, {tables and other premifcs ; and for the walls, towers and ditches inclofing the faid caftle referved in purchafe of the caftle ofC. ift;. an. regni. 6°. - - - - -40 00 Parcel of chantry lands lately concealed. For and out of the fee-farm of the chapel or hofpital of the holy Trinity in the parifti of St. Phillip and Jacob, and all the lands &c. belonging thereto at the rent of twenty fhillings, alfo for the fee-farm of the chapel of the three Kings of Co- logn, in the parifti of St. Michael and the lands thereto be- longing, an annual rent referved of 13 s. and 4d. for it, both granted to Peter Gray by Queen Elizabeth by letters patent dated 8th day of March, in the igth year of her reign, paying yearly per annum, - - - - - - - 1134 Parcel of lands of the priory of St. Mary Magdalen of Briftol. For a rent affize of one tenement on the Back of Briftol, - 040 For an annual rent or tenth referved for all the tenements, lands and other premifes within the city of Briftol, paid by the mayor and burgcftcs at per annum, - - - - 271^ For an annual rent iffuing out of the office of water bayliff of Briftol, granted to the mayor and burgeffes by Henry 7th 18th December, 15th year of his reign, — paying - - o 13 4 For a fee-farm rent iftliing out of the tythes of the city of Brif- tol, payable by the ftieriffis at per annum, - - - 14 10 o For [ 135 ] /. s. d. For an annual rent ilTuing out of an ancient farm of the city of Briftol granted to the mayor and commonalty at per annum (being paid for the fee of the city and its fuburbs, gates, ditches, walls, the rents of the flefh fhambles there, fhops, mills, waters running to the mills, tolls, courts, fairs &c. which farm was granted i Edward 4th 12th Feb.) - 142 10 o The falc of the afore-mentioned fee-farm rents were contraQed for betwixt the city and the crown 30th Auguft 1671. viz. 2I. 7s. xd^. per annum: il. 13s. 4d. perannum: 3I. 10s. gTd. per annum : 2I. 3s. 4d. per annum: and the 20I. per annum, at fixtcen years and half purchafe, and for the thirty three {hillings and four pence per anniun, the 4s. per annum, 14I. 18s. 2d. per annum, the 141. 10s. perannum: and the 41I. 3s. 5d. per annum, at fixteen years purchafe, — and for the reverfion after the Queen of the rents of 40I. os. od. perannum: and 142I. 10s per annum, at eight years purchafe. The clear money paid was 3024I. 15s. id. though the rate of the particulars aforementioned at the rates expreffed is £ 3078 6 2 Deduft intereft for one moiety for 139 days from the 9th November 1671, at the rate often per Cent, &c. - _ 53 11 1 The clear purchafe of the whole _____ 3024 15 1 A purchafe fo well judged by the governing members of the city at that time, that they cannot but be greatly applauded for it by tiieir fucceffors at this day, as by clearing the city lands from the incumbrance of ground rents payable to the crown, it has rendred thefe eflatcs they purchafcd very rea- fonable at firft of the crown in Henry 8th's time much more valuable now ; and has enabled the corporation to found hofpitals, increafe almfhoufes, im- prove their original endowments and render the public ch.arities more ex- tenfive, and employ larger fums of the public money to public ufes and the beneficial advantage and emolument of the citizens. Bcfides thcfe great eftates the corporation are poffefFcd of the manour of Burnet in the county of Somerfet, by the gift of the good and truly charitable Mr. Alderman Whitfon, for the perpetual fupport and education of poor girls, and eretling a fchool called the Red Maids School; they have alio eftates at Wefton in Cordano in the county of Somerfet ; at ITiiiton Derham and Winterbornc in the county of Cloceftcr; at Portifticad in the county of Somerfet; at Congerfl)ury the manor ; at Ovcrftowey and Stockland-Briftol in Somcrfct- fhire; the manor of Gaunls Ercot and the Lea; lands in Staplcton, Portbufy, Alhton, C 13G ] Afliton, Briflington, and at many other places as veil diflant from as near to the city; and an infinite number of houfcs, lands, &c. within the city itfelf and in the fuburbs, the market, the whole of Queen-fquare, Prince's-ftreet, part of College-green, all Orchard-ftreet, <&:c. all which are leafed out on lives, paying ground rents, &c. befidcs fcveral eftates in hand, ground rents, and rents from all the ftandings in the fcveral markets, &c. As thefe were given in truft for charitable ufcs and common profit of the city, they will be noted more particularly, and each endowment given, in the parifli where thofe charities are eftabliflied ; or in the annals, under the year when they ■were beftowed on the city. The following is a fhort fcheme only of the general charities that have been cRabliflied, and agreed on as payable yearly by the chamberlain, bcfides the larger foundations for the fupport of fchools, hofpitals, and others, hereafter to be particularized. In 1737, on the 14th of December, an order of common council was made for a committee to infpeQ and examine into the feveral charities given to the chamber, and payable by them, and for which they (land in truft. The firfl fitting, December 16, 1737, Nathaniel Day, mayor. The laft fitting was Augufi; 17, 1739, William JefFeries, ditto. 1566. Sir Thomas White's gift, in the year 1738 produced, to be lent to burgeffes, 50 1. each, for ten years, intercft; free, on fecurity ; clothiers and cloth-workers to be /. s. d. preferred, _ _ _ _ - 1400 o o 1579- Jo^""" Heydon, tool, to two merchants for four years, pay- ing 1 1. 13 s. 4d. each for intercft, to be given the pri- foners in Newgate. - - - -100 00 1532. Robert Thorn, 500 1. to clothiers and others, who fct the the poor at work, 50 1. each, for ten years, intercft free. .__.-- 500 o o 1634. Alderman Robert Aldworth, loool. to thofe who fet the poor at work, 50 1. each, for ten years, intercft free. 1000 o o 1634. George White, 200I. 20I. each to ten men, for ten years; clothiers to be preferred. - - 200 o o 1627. Alderman John Whitfon, 500I. 250I. to five young men, being mccr merchants, for fovcn years, los. a year intercft to the poor of St. Nicholas parifti in Briftol ; and 250 1. to handicraft tradcfmcn, inhabitants and free- men of Briftol, for fcven years, intercft free. - 500 o o Alder- C ^37 ] Alderman Robert Rogers, lool. to ten burgcfles, for five /. s. d. years, interefl. free ; foap-boilers to be preferred. loo o o 1627. John Dunfler, lool. to ten handicraftfmcn, free burgefTes, for five years, interell free. - - - 100 o o 1623. Thomas Jones's executors paid 380 1. 20I. a piece to free- men, for fix years. _ - - - 380 o o 1594. Alderman Robert Kitchen, 125I. to five merchants, 25 1. each, for five years, interefl: free; and 250I. to free- men, by 5I. and lol. each, for five years, interefl; free. 375 00 1651. Robert Redwood's executors paid 250I. lol. to burgeffes, for five years. - - - - 250 o o i6i6. Dr. James, 50I. to five burgefTes, for two years, interefl; free. - - - - - - 50 00 1629. Alderman Doughty, lOol. to ten handicraftfmen, for five years, intereil free, - - - -100 00 Margaret Brown, ten pounds. - - - 10 o o £ 4965 o " Thefe are the benefaftions of the loan money, * and the meetings to receive petitions from the burgefles for it are, the fecond Tuefday in October, fecond Tuefday in January, fecond Tuefday ih. April, and the fecond Tuefday in July. In a manufcript wrote in 1746, and copied from the Council-books, the following are the yearly payments to be made by the chamber of Briftol^ viz. Sir Thomas White, to twenty-four corporations, to each yearly in rotation, _ _ _ _ - Humphrey Brown, to Weftbury parifli, _ - - To Iron ACton, _ - - To St. Werburgh's, for four fermons, - To St. Nicholas, for a lefture, Abel Kitchen, for apprenticing poor boys. To All Saints' church, - - - To Temple, - .. _ - To Chrift Church, . _ - - ToWeflbury, _ _ - - To the vicar of Kendal, for a fermon, - To the vicar of St. Stephen's, one Sunday in Lent, S Robert * A tabic of this loan money was fixed up in tlic Council-houfe in the year 1 738, /. s. d 104 2 10 10 2 20 14 3 6 8 3 2 3 18 13 4 10 10 C ^38 ] Robert Kitchen, to pariflics, viz. St. Stephen, Manport, All Saints, - - St. Nicholas, St. Peter, St. Ewen's, St. AuguQin, St. Thomas, St. Philip's, Temple, RedclifF, - _ _ St. James, St. Michael's, St. John's, St. Leonard's, St. Werburgh's, Chrifl Church, William Chcfler, to the poor of St. John's, - _ - To the almfhoufe on St. James's-back, Thomas White, to almflioufes of St. John, St. Thomas, St. Mi- chael, Lewin's-mead, 4 s. each per month, is by the year. To St. John's conduit, _ _ _ All Saints' ditto, - _ _ To Newgate prifoners, _ . . George White, to the prifoners in Nev/gate, To a fcholar in Oxford, _ _ _ J. Heydon, to the prifoners in Newgate, _ . _ Alderman Aldworth, ditto, _ _ _ _ Alderman Haviland, for twelve fermons in Newgate, Mr. Lambert, to the hofpital of Trinity, _ - - Joan Ludlow, to the almfhoufe of St, Michael's, Mrs. Wheatly, to All Saints almfhoufe, Nov. 1. /. s. d. 2 2 10 2 2 1 1 10 1 2 2 2 2 1 10 1 1 10 2 7 16 4 9 12 1 1 1 1 8 5 5 3 6 8 1 4 16 1 10 Paid yearly by the corporation for charities and fermons, Sic. £224 6 4 Thefe annual general charities were cftablifhed by the committee, whofe meeting ended 1739, ''^ were all thofe that are marked with an aftcrifli (*) in the lift of wills and in the enfuing jnnals to be given below. In C »39 ] In 1620, 18th OQober, it was agreed, that "in lieu of charities which could not now be rcdored to their right firll intended ufe, 50 1, per annum was or- dered to be always given to place out burgcfTes' children, and lol. per annum to buy coals for the poor; and in 1622, a quarter part of the faid 50I. was to be applied for placing out poor girls, and in 1626 a quarter part to Bride- well prifoners." In 1634, 61. per annum was agreed to be paid yearly to maimed foldiers and other impotent perfons, out of Codrington's lands in Portifhead. Many of Robert Thorn's gifts do not relate to thefe times, becaufe applied before, according to the donor's will ; fo alfo thofe of Nicholas Thorn. In 1625, the mayor, J. Barker, Alderman Whitfon, and others, were ap- pointed to caufe a table of benefaftors to be made, and fct up in fome con- venient place or in the council chamber. In the year 1659, 6th Jan. it was ordered in the Common Council Book, No. K 6. that, " whereas feveral fums of gift money have been applied by the cham- ber to different ufes, the committee of the faid gift money do appoint what feals of the city or of the chamberlain fliould pafs for fuch monies as did pro- perly belong to each feveral donation and fettlement of the worthy benefac- tors to pious ufcs, to the end the city may be fully engaged to make the fame good again." So confcientioufly exa8; and fcrupuloudy honeft were they in applying the money and eftates left to the city's ufe, according to the wills of the refpeftive donors ! In the year 1677, 5th May, order was made, " that 1300I. of gift money Alderman Lawford then acknowledged to be in his hands, and that other monies upon that account in his cuftody, be received by the chamberlain, and be put into a cheft with four locks and keys, and Mr. Mayor with three other of the aldermen be clavigcrs ; other clavigcrs in fucceffion to be eleQcd on the general day of election of the mayor and other officers, which clavigcrs are to difpofe of the monies." L. p. 101. Oftober 13, 1659. The following order appears in the Council Books, I. I. p. 115, " whereas there appeared to be a fudden occafion for the mayor and aldermen to be fatisfied and informed as to the foundations, conflitutions, orders, and ftatutcs of the refpeftive hofpitals, and of the lands rents and revenues belonging to them ; it is ordered, that a committee, with the mayor and two aldermen clavigcrs and town clerk, fearch into the refpeflivc charters records and evidences relating thereto, and draw up their fenti- ments in writing." And in 1680, 31(1 Charles 2d. 5th of February, the fol- lowing entry is made : " \\'hcreas there is an ad of parliament of the S 2 39th [ 140 ] 39th Elizabeth whereby the mayor and aldermen, or any four of them, the recorder and mayor to be two, are made fpecial governors and vifitors over all monies goods and other things given to charitable ufes within the city by any perfon, and to make orders for the due employing the fame and to compel all perfons to yield obedience thereto, notwithftanding which the fame is not obeyed : but in regard other perfons have taken out commiffions and do aft contrary to the faid ftatute ; it was therefore enabled that Mr. Recorder, Sir John Knight and Sir Robert Cann take care to pre- ferve the rights and privileges granted by the faid a£l, and to oppofe all pro- ceedings againft it. The ground rents referved both of the city and country eflates belong- ing to the chamber of Briftol given for charitable ufes and the common profit of the city, are upwards of 3000I. per annum, and including the rents of the market-houfes and (landings, fome eflates in hand not leafed off, with the great additional income arifing from fines and for renewals of leafes upon lives continually dropping in fuch a number of eflates fmall and large as they are poffeffed of, the whole amounts to above io,oool. per annum: in the year 1778, all their eflates and rents produced 14,000!. per annum, though their produce mufl vary greatly at different times. Enabled with thefe large eflates this opulent corporation have not been wanting, befides the above flanding annual difburfcments and others for the public charities, &c. in expending large funis for the general good of the city and better accommodation of the citizens ; particularly, they have pur- chafed ground and builded thereon a new Exchange and erefled a new Market behind it at an expence of more than 50,0001. befides doing other public works occafionally to be recited hereafter to their honour. Great and numerous are the charities in the difpofal and management of the mayor and aldermen, yet the poor of the city for their weekly fupport are under the immediate rule of the governor deputy governor afTiflants and guardians of the poor incorporated by a6l of parliament, of which fee in St. Peter's parifh below. — But befides the mayor, aldermen and common-council of which the corporation confid, and who form the civil government of the city (a regular lifl of whom from the'earliefl time will be given below in the annals) there are others, who refieft an honour upon the city by their diflin- guifiicd office, namely the members of parliament, chofen and fent up by the fuffrages of the freemen to watch over their liberties and to tranfaft the na- tional bufincfs and thofc affairs the city may be particularly interefled in. Briflol was a borough at the Conqueft, before Mcnry ifl's time, as appears by a charter of his without date, wherein the inhabitants are filled by the name ^ ^ V C 111 ] name of bvirgeTes, and in tlie records of the city is ftill extant a manufcript kaleiidar compiled by Mr. Ricaut in Edward ^th's time, wherein it is affirmed to be held of the crown in frank burgage, and to have enjoyed " its fraunchifes lybertyes and auntiaunte free cuftoms time out of mind as the city of London ; and confequently to have its faid liberties confirmed by Magna Charta as London and other enfraunchifed places had." On which account Mr. Ricaut at the end of the kalendar has for the ufe of the magiflrates exhibited ano- ther valuable manufcript, being a true copy of the cuftoms of London, con- tained in a book belonging to Henry Dravey who in the time of King Edward 3d. was recorder of that city. It is alfo to be noted, that in the privileges granted to Briftol by many of our kings, it is declared that the city fhould enjoy the fame in as ample manner as London itfelf. But that it was a bo- rough before any of the charters have mentioned, fome words contained in thofe of King Henry and King John prove ; who while Earl of Moreton only enlarged the privileges of it : and it was afterwards made one town incorporate by RedclifF and Briftol being united, before which time the two parts of the town were under the rule and dire6lion of the fheriffs and officers of its proper counties Glocefter and Somerfet, and fubjefl to the juftices of affize and King's minifters there, as other boroughs were. It had alfo its guilds in early times ; King John's charter taking notice of them as if very flourifliing then and moft probably before the Norman's arrival ; when it was governed by it: own lords or thanes, like the German Burgraves: fo that it may be concluded, Briftol in the Saxon and Norman times had its lords, thanes, or earls (comites,) under whofe cftablifliment were appointed prepo- fitors ; and this form of magiftracy continued till the ift of Henry 3d. as before mentioned- The great privileges granted by the charters- of feveral Kings both with refpecl to appointing its own officers for the civil govern- ment of the city as well as the liberties and advantages it has enjoyed thereby for repairing and improving the town from time to time will fully appear by confulting the letters patent and charters themfclves, which will be in- ferted in the fubfequent annals of the city under the year in which the feveral grants were made. Briftol being thus an ancient borough and town-corporate, it font very early two burgefl"es to the great council or parliament of the kingdom by ancient prefcription, though then called a burgh or borough, (yet, of great note, trade, antiquity, wealth and renown) having liberties and officers within itfelf: thefe two men were chofen formerly by the corporation and freeholders of 40s, per annum rcfiding in the place and by the principal merchants [ 112 ] merchants (Com-burgenfes, fellow-burgefTcs) inhabiting M'ithin its walls, ai appears by fome ancient returns that were tlicn made: and in the by-laws of the corporation in the time of Jolin Barker merchant, mayor, ifl Charles ift ; it is cnaQed, " that whenfocvcr any writ for elcftion of knights, citizens or burgefTcs for the parliament, fliall come to the flicrifFs of this city, the cle8:ion Ihall be made by the mayor, aldermen and common council for the time being, and by the free-holders refident within the faid city and by none elfe;" and it would certainly prevent much riot confufion and expence, had it taken place and thus continued. Thefe when chofcn were to anfwer as knights of the county and burgeffes of the town and borough of Rriftol. But fince the reftoration the returns often mention the election to be made by the citizens at large to the number of 2000 and upwards, and the right of election is now and has been (as far as the memory of man can goj in the mayor, aldermen, common-council and all the burgeffes (except fuch as re- ceive public relief from parifhes or almflioufes) and all the free-holders of the county of Briftol qualified according to law. This was the right univer- fallv agreed on at the many, too many conteftcd eleflions in 1679, 1680, 1689, 1695, 1705, 1710, 1713, 1714, 1721, 1727, 1734, 1739, 1754, 1758, 17741 1780, &c. and fo continues ; and each freeman's vote is regu- larly fcrutinized by obliging him to produce the copy of his freedom and putting him to his oath as well as every free-holder, if required. Ilcncc a general ele£lion of members here produces fuch riot diflurbances and trouble and is attended often with fuch rancour and animofity between neighbours, as perhaps will not fometimes quite fubfide before the return of another eleClion. So that party is faid here to have been carried, unhappily carried to as high a pitch as in any place in England, and the long lift above of contefted eleftions in fo fmall a compafs of years is a lamentable but too convincing proof of it ; though at prefent this party zeal begins to abate and a more prudent, and temperate way of thinking to take place. Briftol being anciently parcel of the county of Glocefter, the flieriff of that county ufed to iffue his precept to the mayor and commonalty to eleft two burgeftes, who were returned by the two fticriffs of Glocefter and the return endorfed on the back of the writ by the faid ftieriffs thus, " No- mina Burgenfium pro Comniunitatibus Burgi Briftoliae clcQorum eftbnd : ad diftum parliamentum Walterus Derby, Johannes Stoke." Thefe were the laft burgeftes for Briftol, that were returned by the ftieriffs of Glocefter 46th Edward 3d. anno 1372. The r 143 ] The following is the original form by the fherifF of Gloceftcrfhire, 1314, the 8th of Edward 3d. apud Spalding on the dorfe of the writ : " Quod venire facias duos burgenfes de villa Briftol, iftud breve retornatum fuit cuftodi li- bertatis \\\\x BriRol, qui fie mihi refpondebat : Eligere feci Robertum Wildemarfhe et Thomam le Efpoter elfend. ad parliamentuni apud Weflm, in Otiabus St. Hillarii, qui manucaptores efTend. ad diem et locum prse- diftos invenirc recufarunt, per quod propter eorum vim, malitiam et refift- entiam de executione iftius mandati ulterius facienda intermittere non potui." Thefe Briftol burgeflcs, refufing to find manucaptors, put the fheriff of Gloce- ftcrfhire to a nonplus. The firft writ iffued to the fheriffs of Briftol for cle£ling burgcftes, after it was made a county within itfelf, is the following, which as it is curious and directs the qualifications of the members to be chofen, and was difcovered in the White Tower and formerly unknown, I fliall fubjoin, tranflating it into Englifti : *• Edvardus, Dei gratia, &:c." " Edward, by the grace of God, &:c. to the fherifF of Briftol wiflieth health. As by the advice of our council, we have appointed a parlia- liament to be held at Weftminfter, on the morrow of Saint Edward the king's day next to come, to talk and treat with our prelates noblemen and chief men, of fome difficult and urgent bufineftes, as well concerning us and expe- diting our war and the right of us and our crown beyond fea, as alfo of the ftate and defence of our kingdom of England and of the Englifli church : we command you, ftriftly enjoining it, that youcaufetobe chofen two burgeftes of the forefaid county out of the more difcreet and more fufficicnt men, who have the heft knowledge in navigation and exercife of merchandize ; and caufe them to come to the place and at the time appointed, fo that the faid burgeftes may have full and fuSicient powers for themfclves and the community of the faid county, to a8; and confcnt to thofe things, which tlicn may happen to be ordained (the Lord favouring us) by the Common Council of this our kingdom in the bufinefs aforefaid : fo as that our bufineftes do not remain in any wife undone, through a defect of the power in them, or through an improper choice of the faid burgeflTcs. We would not that by you or any other flieriff" of our kingdom, any one ftiould be elcflcd of other condition than what is fpecified above, and let us have there the names of the faid bur- geftes and this brief. Witnefs myfelf, at Weftminfter, the 4th of October, 47th year of our reign over England." In [ 114 ] On the dorfe thereof return is made thus: " Virtute iflius, &c." " By vir- tue of this brief I have caufed to be chofen and to come to the prefent parlia- ment of the Lord our King at Wedniinfler, on the morrow of St. Edward's day next, two burgeffes of the more difcreet and more fufiFicient men, who have the befl knowledge of navigation and merchandize, viz. AValter Derby and Thomas Beaupine." To omit all other returns, which were indorfed on the writs themfelvcs, till 12th Henry 4th. 1410, when the full indenture forBriftol was annexed to the writ thus : " Kjec indentura faBa, &c." " This indenture, made between John Spyne, flieriffof Briftol, on the one part, and T. Young, mayor of the town of Briftol, T. Droys, T. Blunt, J. Soly, J. Leiceftre, J. Sutton, W. Boulcy, J. Fifher, W. Frome, W. Bar- ret, &c. &c. of the fame town, on the other part, witneflcth, that by virtue of the brief of the Lord the King, to one part of thcfe indentures annexed, in a meeting held atBriftol, Monday 26th day of Oftober, 13th year of King Ilenrv 4th. the more difcreet and more fufficient men being gathered toge- lher,"^homas Norton and David Dudbroke, merchants and burgeffes of the town of Brillol, were defied to be in the parliament to be held b)' the king at Weflminner, on the morrow of All Souls, to anfwcr as well knights for the county of Briftol as burgeffes for the faid borough ; which faid Thomas and David, being prefent at the elcftion aforefaid, were forewarned to appear to- gether in the faid parliament on the morrow aforefaid, with the confent and affent of the faid mayor, and of the aforefaid honefl men and of the whole town of Briftol, to do all things that may or fhall happen to be ordained in the faid parliament, and all other things that the faid brief requires. In wit- nefs whereof, the aforementioned flieriff and the faid mayor, and all the ho- neft men above-named, have alternately put their fcals to thefe indentures, the year and date above-written." The writs and indentures were nearly verbatim the fame till about the 25th year of Henry 6th. 1447, which were both enlarged ; the former by inferting in it the new flatutes, and direfling the eleflion to be made by the "majority of men dwelling in the fame county, who have a freehold of forty (hillings a year at leaft above rcprifals, and refidents there ; and giving the flieriff power to exa- mine upon oath every cleflor, if he has forty fliillings per annum : and if he make a return contrary to this ordinance, the judges at theaffize were to make inquifition into the matter, and if the fheriff be convicted, he fliall incur the penalty of 100 1. and be imprifoned for one year wiihout bail ; and the knights fo [ 145 'J fo returned fliall lofe their wages. They were to be knights, cfquircs, or gentlemen, none of low degree ; they were to be chofen freely and indiffer- ently by thofe at the eleftion, and their names to be inferted in the indenture between the ftierifF and eleflors : and fuch ele£tion being diflinftly and openly made, it was to be fealcd with his and their feals, and returned into Chancery, annexed to the brief. The eledion being finiflied, an indenture was made between the flieriffand the merchants and others of Brillol, refiding and dwelling therein, who had a freeiiold of forty {hillings value in the faid town ; the members being Thomas Young and John Sharpe, junior. The following is a tranflation of the original indenture made between John Troyt the flierifF and the eleftors on this occafion : " Haic indentura facia, &c." i.e. " This indenture, made at Brillol the laft day of January, in the 25th year of the reign of Henry the fixth, after the Conqueft, between John Troyt flierifF of Brillol on one part, Richard Fofler mayor of the fame town, John Burton, John Sharp, Thomas Halleway, Clement Bagot, William Cannings, John Stanley, John Shepward, &c. &c. burgefies and merchants, dwelling and refiding in the town of Briftol, each of whom hath a free tenement of the value of forty fliillings a year above reprifals in the fame town, on the other part, witnefTeth, that by virtue of the brief of our Lord the King, tacked to one part of thefe indentures, in full court held at Briftol, Monday the 31ft day of January lafl; pafl, coUefting the more difcreet and more fuflicient burgeffes of the town of Briftol, Thomas Youn and John Sharp junior of the fame town, merchants, dwelling and refiding in the faid town, were clcBed to be in the parliament of our Lord the King, to be held at Cambridge on the feaft of St. Scolaflica, the 10th day of February next en- fuing, to anfwer in parliament as well as knights for the county of Briflol as burgeffes for the borough and town aforefaid, according to tlie form of the charter of our Lord Edward late King of England, progenitor of our Lord the King who now is, granted to the burgeffes of the town aforefaid, and by our Lord the King now confirmed, and according to the form of a certain other ftatute now lately publiflicd and enacted in the 8th year of our faid Lord the King, likcwife contained in the faid brief, and alfo publiflied in the ftatutes in the parliament of our Lord the King lafl held : which faid Thomas Young and John Sharp have been forewarned to be and appear at the aforefaid parlia- ment, at the day and place aforementioned, with the affent and confent of the faid mayor and honell men aforefaid, who had the greater number of all thofe who can fpend forty fhillings clear yearly and of the whole ci^nimonalty of the town aforefaid, to anfwer, do, and confent to all and fingular thofe things T which [ 146 ] vhich fliall happen to be ordained in tlie faid parliament, and all and fingular the things which the faid brief in itfelf demands and requires. In witnefs of this, as well the aforefaid fheriff as the mayor aforefaid and all the honefl men aforefaid have fct their feals to thefe prefents: Given at Briftol the day and year afore-mentioned." They were all returned for years afterwards in the fiimc form, and the right of elcftion the fame. Though the right of eledion fince the Rcftoration has been diflerent and altered, being fince that time veiled in all the burgeflbs or freemen at large (except paupers) and in freeholders of forty fliillings per an- num, yet the wifdom and propriety of choofing none but merchants or gentle- men, refiding and dwelling within the city, cannot but be commended as a fit example for our future imitation. In the petition of the corporation for re- newal of their charter, 1 4th Charles 2d. it was firfl inferted, that the parliament men might be chofen by the mayor and corporation and freeholders offorty fliil- lings per annum only, but the claufc was not thought proper by counfel at law, and fo omitted. In the early times of uncorrupt fimplicity, when venality was not known nor praftifed, it appears the parliament men had wages allowed them by their con- Itituents, for their trouble and independent maintenance. And by aft of common council, in the time of A\'illiam Canynges, mayor, 28th Henry 6th. it was ordained, that the parliament men fliould have two fliillings and no more per dav, for their expences. * And in the year 1520, 11th Henry 8th. it was ordered by aft of common council, that the burgeffes fcrving in parliament fhould have twenty fliillings paid them every feffion. Mayor's Kalendar, P-139- In the reigns of Henry 3d. and Edward ifl. no particular fum of expences to be allowed is mentioned in the writs, only in general that " the community by fuch expences be not burdened too much," ultra modutn hand gravdur ; but the 15th Edward 2d. particular fums began to be allowed, according to the quality of the reprefcntatives. Knights, by order, had three fhillings per day each ; efquires, though returned for counties, had but twenty pence per day. In the 16th Edward 2d. knights had four fliillings per day, efquires returned for counties, cities, or boroughs, two fhillings; but 19th Edward 2d. a knight for a fiiire had four fliillings, an efquire for a fiiire three fliillings, and a citizen or burgefs two fliillings; and in the following reign, four fliillings became the fettled allowance for a member for a county, and two fhillings for a citizen or burgefs. Thcfe L 117 ] Thefe allowances feem to be very mean, but when it is confidered that the value of money then was ten or twelve times what it is now, (wheat being then at 3d. per bufliel) it will appear quite otherwife. How are the times now altered fince thofe days, in which the office of member of parliament was thought a great burden ; and perfons ele£led were obliged to find fureties (called manucaptors) for their attendance, and were paid their expences of going to London and attending, which ufed to be the fums above-mentioned ! And no more was allowed, money being fo fcarce and provifions fo cheap in confequente, as appears by the Chronic. Pet. p. 75. in the year 1336, when wheat per buflicl was only 3d. — a fat ox fold for 6s. 8 d a fat fheep, yd. — fix pigeons, id. — a fat goofe, 2d. — a pig, id. This was occafioned, as Knyghton and Fabian obferve, by the great fcarcity of money, owing to the wars with France and Scotland. But how greater ftill is the alteration brought about by time in this refpeft now, when inftead of the members having moderate wages allowed them to defray their expences in attending parliament, they are put to fo much trou- ble and charge in treating their conftituents to procure a feat for even a little borough ; how enormous often the expence has been, let the contefted elefti- ons for cities and counties fliew, in which befides the rancour and ill will kindled amongft neighbours by a mifguided zeal and party fpirit, rich and refpeflabic families have been often injured if not ruined, and their patrimo- nial eftates incumbered. flow much thefe eleftion expences have increafed in a few years (and they are ftill increafing through the kingdom) the following account ofdifburfe- ments in the feveral parifiies in Briftol by the members on one fide, at a con- tefted election in the year 1714, will prove by comparing it with the enormous films that are now advanced and expended in bringing voters from the moft diftant parts in coaches, and treating and maintaining them all during any long ele£lion ; and there has been fad experience of too, too many of late, that have been carried on at the fliameful expence of more than ten times the fum diftjurfed on this occafion. Blufli ! ye Britifti eleftors, who boaft of your liberty and giving a free vote, uninfluenced by any mean confideration of intereft ! &:c. who yet fo evidently do corruptly put the man of your choice who is to fervc you with fidelity, and his friends to a moft enormous expence ! Account of dift)urfcments in the feveral parifties Szc. in the city of Briftol in the eleCiion of Sir William Daines and Jofeph Earlc, Efq. for members of parliament for the faid city in 1714 : T 2 St. /. s. 1 St. Auftin's, - 48 12 X Chrift Church, - 64 15 2 Caftle pieciuBs, - 72 15 1 St. John's, - 35 17 6 St. James's, - 347 12 3 St. Maiy Port, - 20 1 8 St. Michael's, - - 23 13 9 St. Nicholas, - 68 10 2 St. Peter's, . - 27 6 St. Phillip's, - 207 11 11 St. Mary RedclifF, - 176 8 St. Stephen, - 136 3 St. Thomas, - 84 4 Temple, - 189 4 6 St. Werburgh's, - 97 2 4 Benny's note for printing. 27 Woman's note under the Guildhall for beer. » 47 17 J. Bate's for bread and checfe. - 2 15 9 148 1 T. Gary's dinjurfements. Woman's note at the Coun- cil-houfe for cheefc, Sundry notes for knots, Jn. Trapwell for meat and drink, E. Garlick's difburfements. Aid. Shuter's ditto, - Nalh ditto, Whiting ditto, - Tho. Gary ditto. /. s. 5 10 o 5 78 18 2 13 10 29 34 132 Edw. Mountjoy Efq; ditto, 21 Nath. Carelefs ditto, - 30 H. Swyramer Efq; ditto, 70 Law charges in defend- ing againft fevcnty in- formations, - 1 08 H. Watts Efq; difb. - 30 J. Belcher, - - 15 1 7 o 2 7 8 4 o o o o o d. o 5 10 3 o o 8 o 2 6 o o o o o Total 2^2257 9 7 More than twelve times this fum it is faid was expended on each fide (wafted rather) at a late contefted eleftion for the county of Glocefter ; and ^low much for the city of Briftol the contending parties will eafily call to mind not without fome regret at the fhameful profufion and cxpences in the late ill-judged groundlefs contefts and unreafonablc oppofitions : etcuibono? — O civcs! cives ! quas tanta infania cepit! A remedy for the evils and enormous expences attending on contefted po- pular ele£Hons will, it is much to be lamented, remain a long while among thole things, that are devoutly to be wifticd but with difficulty ever to be attained in this age of venality licentioufnefs and want of virtue public and private among the infatuated common people of this land. The remedy ftiould be fo calculated as to aflFecl the head, to ftop this influence of corruption in the lower members. * The • As each member before he takes his feat in parliament is obhged to fwear to his qualification, to a certain real cftatc he is truly and bona fide poffeffed of, fo it were to be wifhed, a proper oath rnigHt be adminiftcrcd to him at the lame time, that he has not given any money, treat, gratuity whatever, place or pcnfionor. promifc of fuch to any freeman or freeholder by himfelf orany agent on his behalf for or towards obtaining his feat in parliament, not unlike the oath againR fimony [ 1-19 ] The following is a lift of fuch members from the 23d. of Edward the ift. 1295, who were returned to the parliament for the borough-town of Briftol, whilft part of Glocefterfliire, the return being then made by the fheriffs of that county : But fince it has been fevered from that county, and made a county within itfelf, the 47th of Edward the 3d. 1373, the writs of fummons have always iffued to, and been returned by our own fheriffs. For this end fundry fpecial returns, fchedules and indentures relating to the eledion of fuch burgeffes and knights (fo far as any records arc extant, either in the Tower of London, the Rolls, Petty-bag, Crown-office or among the archives of the city of Briftol, *) have been confulted and examined. Farliaments held at n ■ r> i t- Kegis Ldvardi 1. Weftminfter John de Taverner, alias Tavern. (+) York John de Taverner, J. de Cheddre. Lincoln John de Malmefbury. London BalliviLibertatis nullum mihidederuntrefponfum^ Weftminfter J. de Wellifhot, J. Hafard. (+) Weftminfter Johanes de Taverner, Rober. de Holherft. (+) A council at Weftminfter. Carlifle GefFery Comper, Nich. Coke, (X) [King Edward tlie 1 ft. died the •7th July, 1307.J Regis Edvardi 2. Weftminfter Stephanus de Bellfmonte, Robert Martyn. London Rich. Colpeks, Johes Fraunceys. London Johes Fraunceys, fenr. Adam Welliftiot. Windfor Johes de Welleftoten, Johes Methelan. Woodftock Hugo de Langebrugge, Johes de Axebruggc. Weftminfter Johes Finreys, Johes Tropin. Robert that they have impofcd upon the clergy mutatis mutandis : and it is hoped, our virtuous Houfe of Commons will one day pafs fuch an aft, which would prevent the riots, blooddicd and murders now not umcommon at fome popular conteflcd clcftions, as well as the ruinous cxpcn- ces often incurred on ihefe occaP.ons, to the great diitrcfs of individuals and injury of families, who for years after do not retiivc the lofs fuflaincd thereby. * Thole marked thus (|) were communicated by the great antiquarian Brown Willis, Efi^; an(l i'-.(.fc witli this mark (*) arc from the archives of Briftol, &c. A.R. A. D. 23 1295 26 1298 28 1300 30 1302 33 1305 34 1306 35 1307 2 1309 4 1311 5 1312 6 6 1313 7 1314 [ 150 ] A. R. A D. 8 1315 12 1319 12 15 1322 16 1323 19 1326 20 1326 1 1 1327 1 1 2 1328 2 4 4 6 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 1330 1332 1333 1334 1335 1336 1337 parliaments licld at Wcftminftcr York Weftminfler York Rippon Weftminfler Weftminftcr Weftminfler Lincoln, Sep- tember 15 Weftminftcr Nov. 1 3 York New Sarum Northampton 5 Weftminfter Winton at Eltham Weftminfter York Weftminfter York Weftminfter York Northampton Weftminfter Weftminfter § This year it was enafted, that if need be. Robert Wildemarfh, Tho. rlc Efpoter, Tho. dc Salop, Robert de Lincoln. Gilbert Pokerell. Richard de WodehuU. (+) Williei dc ClifFe, Johes Fraunceys. Laurentius Pincliard, Tho. de Chiew. Jolies de Axebrugg, Johes dc Fraunceys. Ballivi nullum dederunt refponfum. [King Fdward the 2d. was dethroned 25th of January 1326-7.J Regis Edvardi 3. Edward 2d's. parliament was ftill fitting at "Weft- minfter, affifting in the depofing K. Edward the 2d. which was done accordingly 25th of January. Johes dc Axebrugg, Johes de Romeney. [See Rymer's Fa:d. tom. iv. p. 301. J The fame perfons. Rich. Paves, Hugo le Hunt. Walterus de Efpoter, Johes de Brockworth. Johes de Axebrugg, Hugo le Hunt. (+) Hugo le Hunt, Richard le Paves, (*) Hugo le Hunt, Johes Fraunceys. Johes de Romfey, Johes de Axebrugg. Johes Sterry, Johes de Strete. Robertus Gyene. (+) Johes de Ottery, Johes de Strete. (+) Robert Gyene, Johes Fraunceys. (+) Hugo de Langebrugg, Johes de Strete. Johes Fraunceys, junr. Tho. Tropin. Robert dc Gyene, Johes Fraunceys. (X) Everardus de Fraunceys, Philipus de Torrrington. Gilbertus a parliament fliould be holden once in ever)' year, or oftencr [ 151 ] I. R. A. D. 11 1337 12 1338 12 12 — • 13 1339 14 1340 14 »5 1341 17 1343 20 1346 21 1347 22 1348 22 24 1350 26 1352 27 1353 29 1355 31 1357 34 1360 34 — 36 1362 37 I3S3 38 i3^i 39 1365 4-2 1368 42 43 13^9 45 1371 46 1372 47 1373 50 1376 Pailiamcnis held at Wcftminftcr York Northampton at Walton WeRminflcr Weflminftcr Wcftminfter Weftminftcr Wcftminfter Wcftminfter Weftminftcr Wcftminfter Wcftminfter Wcftminfter Weftminftcr W^cftminftcr Wcftminfter Weftminftcr Wcftminfter Wcftminfter Wcftminfter Weftminftcr Weftminftcr Weftminftcr Weftminftcr Weftminftcr Weftminftcr Wcftminfter Wincheftcr Weftminftcr Wcftminfter Weftminftcr Johes Covely, Hugo Albrighton. (+) Gilbertus Pcckerill, Rich. Woodhull. (+) Everardus le Franceys, Philipus de Torington. Everardus le Fraunceys, Johes dc Strete. (+) Everardus le Fraunceys, Johes de Strete. ('^) Jacobus Tilley, Tho. Tropyn. (+) Johes le Hunt, Johes de Wellifhot. Rober. Gycne, Philipus Torington. Johes de Axebrugg, Johes Fraunceys. Johes Wicomb, Johes Nccl. Everardus le Fraunceys, Johes de Strete. Evarardus le Fraunceys, Johes de Strete. Everardus le Fraunceys, Tho. dc Lodelow. Johes Colyngton, Johes Seymour. (+) Johes Seymour, (but one elcclcd.) Thomas Babbcary, Williel. Coumb. Rich, le Spicer, Reginaldus le French. Reginaldus le French, Rich. Brampton. Tho. Babbcarey, Galfridus Beauflour. Reginaldus le French, Williel. Young. Walterus Frampton, Edwardus Blanket. Johes Serjeant, Johes Stoke. (+) Williclmus Hayl, Williel. Cannings. Williel. Sommerwell, Tho. Denband- Johes Bathe, (upon a fummons of one burgefs.) Rich. Chamberlcyn, Rich. Sydenham. Johes Chcddre, Edmundus Blanket. Johes Bathe. (A council held there. Walterus Derby, Johes Stoke. [All thefc burgeffes for Briftol were returned by the fhcriff of Gloccftcr.j Returned by ihcjheriffs of Brijlol. "\\'altcrus Derby, Tho. Beaupinc. Elias Spclly, Tho. Beaupinc. [King Edward 3d. died the 21ft of June, 1377.] [ 152 ] A. R. 5 6 7 7 8 9 15 16 20 3 8 12 A. D. 1379 1382 1383 1384 1385 1386 1392 1393 1397 1400 1402 1407 1411 2 3 5 8 9 1413 1414 1415 1417 1420 1421 Parliaments held at Glocefter Weflminfter WeflminRer New Sarum Weftminfter Weflminfter Weftminfler Weftminfter Winchefter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter met May 15 Leicefter met April 30 Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Regis Richardi 2. Tho. Beaupine, Walterus de Frampton, Elias Spelly, Johes Stokys. Williel. Cannings, Johes Candavell. (+) Williel. Cannings, Williel. Sommerwell, Johes Cannings, * Williel. Frome. Elias Spelly, Walterus Dodyftill. Elias Spelly, Tho. Knapp. Williel. Frome, Johes Stephan)s. Tho. Beaupine, Johes Stephanys. Williel. Frome, Johes Banbury. [King Richard 2d. depofed by his parliament Sept. 29, 1399.] Regis Henrici 4. Tho. Norton, Rich. Fannys. Tho. Norton, Johes Boys. Johes Droys, Johes Mewton. Tho. Norton, David Dudbroke. [King Henry 4th. died the 20th of March, 1412-13.] Regis Henrici 5. Tho. Norton, Johes Leiceftre. Tho. Young, Johes Spine. (X) Thomas Blount, Johes Clive. Robcr. Ruftell, Rober. Colville. Tho. Norton, Johes Burton. Tho. Norton, Johes Spine. Marcus Williams, Rich. Trenode. [King Henry 5th. died the 31ft of Augufl, 1422.] Rcgii * Son of William Cannings, C ^53 ] A. R. A. D. 1422 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 13 15 20 25 27 28 29 31 33 38 38 38 6 7 12 17 22 1423 1424 1425 1426 1427 1428 1431 1433 M35 1437 1442 »447 1449 1450 H5' 1453 1455 1460 1466 • 467 1472 1477 1482 Parliaments held at Weftminfler met Nov. 9 Weftminfter Weflminfter WeftminRer Weftminftcr Weftminfler Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Cambridge Weftminfter Canterbury Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Reading Weftminfter Coventry Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter met Jan. 20 Regis Henrici 6. John Burton, Rogerus Livedcn. John Burton, Rogerus Liveden. Rich. Trenode, Walterus Power. Henricus Gildenay, John Langley. (+) John Burton, Henricus Gildenay. John Burton, Henricus Gildenay. (+) Rich. Trenode, John Sharpe. Tho. Fyftie, Walterus Power. (+) Rober. Ruftel, Walterus Power. (+) Tho. Fiftie, Tho. Young. (+) Tho. Young, Tho. Norton. (+) Tho. Young, John Sharp. Tho. Young, John Sharp, junr. Tho. Young, John Sharp, junr. Tho. Young, John Sharp, junr. Tho. Young, Willie!. Cannings. John Shipward, merchant, Johes Bar)', gent. (+) Tho. Young, Williel. Cannings. John Shipward, Phillipus Meed. Tho. Ruftcl, John Sharp, junr. John Shipward, Philippus Meed. [King Henry 6th was depofed by the following King, the 4th of March 1460-61.] Regis Edvardi 4. Williel. Spencer, John Bagod, Williel. Spencer, John Bagod. (+) John Twynyhoe, John Bagod. }ohn Hawkins, Edmund Wcftcot. Edmund Wcftcot, Williel. Wykam (*j [King Edward the 4th. died the 9th of April 1483-] U Regis [ »54 ] A. R. A. D. 1484 3 5 7 11 13 21 1485 1487 1489 90 1492 1496 1498 1504 10 12 Parliamenu held at Weftminfter Jan. 23. Weftminfter Nov. 7. Weftminfter Nov. 9. Weftminfter Jan. 13. Weftminfter January. Weftminfter Oa. 13. Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Jan. 21. Weftminfter Jan. 15. Regis Edvardi 5. There was no parliament during this King's reigUj which lafted but two months and thir- teen days, when he was murdered with his brother Richard Duke of York in the Tower of London. Regis Richardi 3. John Twynyhoe, Robert Strange. (*) The firft was recorder of Briftol, ift Richard 3d. Regis Henrici 7. . John Efterfield, Robert Strange. (*) John Efterfield, Hen. Vaughan. (*) Williel. Toker, Johes Fofter. (*) Hen. Vaughan, Phillippus Ringfton. (*) Hen. Dale, The. Snygg. (*} [King Henry the 7th. died the 22d of April 1509.] Regis Henrici 8. Rich. Vaughan, Hen. Dale. (*) Tho. Smyth, Rich. Hoby. (*) Rober. C ^55 ] A/R. 6 14 20 28 33 1 6 A. D. 1515 1523 1529 '537 1542 Parliamtnts held at Weftminfler Jan. 3. Black Friars, Lond. Ap. 15. WeRminfter Nov. 3. Wcftmiiifter June 8. ^^'ellmin{ler 1547 1&2 2&3 4&5 Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Oxford Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Rober. Thorn, Rich. Hoby. (*) Rich. Abyngdon, John Shipman. (*) Nicho. Thorn, Roger. Coke. (*) David Croke, Rober. Ellyot. (+) [King Henry the 8th. died the 28th of Jan. 1546-7.] Regis Edvardi 6. John Walflie, David Harris. (+) [King Edward the 6th. died July 6th, 1553.] Rfgince Marice. John Walftie, Efq; Recorder, David Harris, Gent. (X) John Walftie, Efq; Tho. Lancedon. (+) Regis el Regince Philippi et Marice. John Walftie, Efq. (+) John Walfhe, Efq; Recorder, Wm. Chefter, Alderman. (+) Willie!. Tindal, Robert. Butler. (+) [Queen Mary died the 17th of Nov. 1538.] U 2 Rennce C ^56 ] A.R. 1 5 9 13 14 27 28 31 35 39 43 A. D. 1559 1563 1567 1571 1572 I5S5 1586 1589 1593 1597 1601 12 18 1603 1605 1614 1620 16 23 1625 1625 Pafliaments held at Weflminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Wefiminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter met Jan. 20, 1620-1. Weftminfter Weftminfter met June 8. Weftminfter met Feb. 6, 1625-26. Regina: Elizaheihce, John Walftie, Efq; Williel. Carr, Efq. (+) John Walftie, Efq; Williel. Carr, Efq. (+) Williel. Carr, Efq; Tho. Cheftre, Efq. (*) John Popham, Efq; Recorder, Phil. Langley. {*) John Popham, Efq; Phillip Langley. (+) Tho. Hannam, Efq; Recorder, Rich. Cole. (+) Tho. Hannam, Efq; Recorder, Tho. Aldworth, Efq. C) Tho. Hannam, Efq; Recorder, Wm. Salterne, Merchant. (+) Tho. Hannam, Efq; Recorder, Richard Cole, Alderman. (+) George Snygg, Efq; Recorder, Thomas James, Merchant. (+) George Snygg, Efq; Recorder, John Hopkins, Alderman. (+) [Oueen Elizabeth died the 24th of March, 1602-3.J Regis Jacoli, Geo. Snygg, Efq; Tho. James, Efq. (+) John Whitfon, Efq. John Whitfon, Efq; Tho. James, Efq. (+) John Whitfon, Efq; John Guy, Alderman. (+j John Barker, Efq; John Guy, Efq. (+) [Kingjames the ift.died the 2 7th of March 1625.3 Regis CaroU 1. Nich. Hide, Efq; John Whitfon, Efq. (+) John Whitfon, Efq; John Doughty, Efq. (+) John [ ^bl ] A. R. 3 15 17 A. D. 1627 1640 1640 1642 1654 1656 1659 Pjrliaments held at Weftminfter met March j 7. Weflrainfler met April 13. Weftminfter met Nov. 3. Weftminller Weftminfter Weftminfter John Doughty, Efq; John Barker, Merchant. (+) J. Glanvill, Efq; Recorder, Hump. Hook, Efq; (+) Mump. Hook, Efq; Rich. Long, Alderman. (+) Richard Aldworth, Efq; counfellor at law, Luke Hodges, Efq; (+) [5 King Charles the ill. was murdered by his rebellious fubjeQs January 30th 1648-9.3 King Charles 2d. began Jan. 30. (a) Miles Jackfon, Robt. Aldworth, (*) [h) Robt. Aldworth, John Dodridge, Recorder, (*) Major General Defborough in the room of Dodridge difplaced. Regis § In the year 1653, on the 20th of April the Rump parliament was turned out by the army ; it had fat twelve years, fix months and fcventeen days, during which time, viz. on the 30th of January 1648-g, by an aft of their own authority they caufed his facred Majefty King Charles the 1 ft. to be moft barbaroully murdered, by fevering his head from his body before the gates of his own palace, he having reigned 23 years 10 months and 3 days. King Charles the 2d. his fon began his reign the 30th of Januar)', on which day the regicides had murdered his father, although the regal authority did not take place until the happy refloration of King Charles the sd. in the year 1660. (a) During the ftate of ufurpation in this kingdom were the following proceedings, in what they then called a parliament, viz. on the 12th of December 1653, ^^'^ Speaker, and Tnoftpart of the members left the houfe, and furrendered their power to Oliver Cromwell, who took upon him the ftyle of Protcftor. — On the 10th of June 1654, the writs bore date by Oliver Cromwell's authority, for calling a new parliament to meet at Weftminfter by the 3d of Septem- ber following, the rcprcfentatives that were chofen for Briftol were Miles Jackfon. and Robert Aldworth, (fee Mr. Baves's manufcript, and many others ;) this parliament was diflblved by Oliver the 22d of January 1654-5. (ti) On the 3d of July 1656, new writs were iffued out to call a parliament at Weftminfter the »7th of September following ; at Briftol were chofen, the 20th of Auguft, Robert Aldworth, and John Dodridge. But Major General Defborough petitioning the parliament againft Dodridge, Cromwell difplaced him, and Dcftjorough lat with Aldworth. On the 4th of February 1657-8 Oliver dilTolved this parliament ; and the grand ufurpcr's death happened upon the day of his birth, being the 3d of September following. The parliament v.'hich met at Weftminfter the 7th [ ^58 ] A. R, 12 13 3" 3» 32 A. D. 1660 1661 1678 1679 1680 1680 Parliaments licld at Weftminfter met April 25. '\\'eft minder met May 8. Weftminfler met March 6, 1678-9. Weftminfter Oxford Weftminfler Rfgis CaroU 2, Regular Parliaments, [c) J. Stephens, Efq; Recorder, J. Knight, fenr. Merchant. (+) [d) Sir Humphrey Hook, and Sir J. Knight, Knts. Tho. Earl, Efq; J. Knight, Efq; (+) — A double return the two firft members were continued and fat anno 1670. Sir Robert Cann, Knt. and Bart. Sir J. Knight, Knt. it) Sir Robert Cann, Bart. Sir J. Knight, Knt. (+} Sir Richard Hart, Knt. Tho. Earl, Efq; (+) Sir Robt. Cann, Bart. Sir Walter Long, Bart. (*) [King Charles the 2d. died the 6th of Feb. 1684-5.] Regis of January 1658-9, was called Dick's Convention-Parliament, being the firft which he called. Richard's patty deferting him, he confented to dilTolve his parliament April the ad 1659 ; after which he had a quietus ejl, for on the 25th of April following the houfe was fhut up, and entrance denied the members. But however, on the 7th of May following, the Rump fat again, but was afterwards turned out of the houfe by Lambert, the 13th of Oftober following. And the 26th of December 1659, the Rump was re-admitted, and on the 21ft of February' 1659-60, the fecluded members were re tlored. And the 15th of March following the parliament was diffolved, and another called to beholden at Weftminfter April the 25th, 1660. (c) This parliament met at M'eftminfter the 25th of April 1660. And on the ift of May his Majefty's gracious letters and declaration were read in tlie houfe, &c. On the i3lh of September following the parliament was adjourned to the 6th of November, having palTcd an aft for difband- ing the army, and an aft: of indemnity, (the regicides excepted ;) and on the 29th of November 1660, the parliament was difTolvcd. Admiral Pen, a Briftol man, was polled for, but the corporation favoured Stephens. — Pen was returned for Weymouth. [d) The VI rits for fummoning a parliament in England to convene on May the 8th i65i, were fealed the 9th of March. And on the 8th of May the parliament met at Weftminfter, and the Houfe of Lords were again reftorcd to their ancient privileges ; and the convocation alfo began. On the joth of July they were adjourned to the 20th of November. This parliament often met to difpalch bufincfs, and was often adjourned or prorogued, until the 25th of January 1678-9, on which day this long parliament was diffolved by proclamation, after they had fat nigh 1 7 years. C ^59 ] A. R. A.D. i68^ 7 lO 12 13 1688 89 i6gO 1695 1698 1700 1701 1702 1705 Parliament] held at Weflminfter met May ig, 1685. Weftminfler Weftminfter Weflminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Weftminfter Aug. 20. Weftminfter 1708 Weftminfter Nov. 16. Jfegis Jacohi 2. Sir J. Churchill, Knt. recorder, died foon.(*) And Sir Rich. Hart, Knt. was chofen in his room the loth December. (+) Sir Richard Crump, Knt. '(+) [King James the 2d. abdicated the throne February 13, 1688-9.] Regis et Regince Willidmi tt Marice. Sir Richard Hart, Sir J. Knight, Knts. (*) — Elected to be fent to the convention, who vo- ted againft the Prince and Princefsof Orange being made King and Queen. Sir Rich. Hart, and Sir John Knight, Knts. (+) Regis Willielmi. 3. Sir Tho. Day, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (+) Sir Tho. Day, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (+) Sir Tho. Day, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (*) Sir Wm. Daines, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (+) [King William died the 8th of March 1701-2.J Regince Annce. Sir Wm. Daines, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (+) Sir Wm. Daines, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (+) — This was the firft parliament of Great-Britain conftituted by the Union, which commenced on May-day 1707, where the laft members fat. ScfTions the ift, October 23d 1707, fat on bufi- ncfs, and was diftblvcd April 15th 1708. The 2d parliament fummoned for July 8lh 1708. Sir Wm. Daines, Knt. Robt. Yate, Efq; (+) Parliaments [ i6o ] A. R. 12 A.D. t710 1713 I7M Pailiimcnts held at Weftminller Nov. 25. Weftminfter oa. 1. Weftminfter Parliamenlsfince the Union. The 3d parliament was fummoned for Nov. 25th 1710. {a) Edw. Colfton, Efq; Jofeph Earl, Efq;(+) The 4th parliament was fummoned for 0£lo- ber ift, 1713' [b) The. Edwards, junr. Efq; Jof. Earl, Efq;(+) [Queen Ann died the ift of Auguft 1714.] Regis Georgii 1. The 5th parliament was fummoned for March 17. 17M-15- [c] Sir Wm. Daines, Knt. Jof. Earl. Efq; (*) The 6th parliament was fummoned for May lolh 1722. Jofeph (a) The 26tli of September 1710, a proclamation was publidied for calling a new- parliament. The elcftions were carried on with great warmth every where. The elcftion began at Briflol, where the citizens chofe their worthy benclaftor Edward Colfton, Efq; and Jofeph Earl, Efq. The fcffions began November 25, 1710; during which clettions were regulated, every member for a borough was to have 300I. per ann. freehold or copyhold; and every knight of a fhire 600I. per annum : tlic Houfe did not break up the fcflions till the 12th of June 1711, after fcveral prorogations they met the 14th of January 1711-12, this feffions the parliament fettled the building fifty new churches in London. The fcffions which met the 6th of June 1712, concluded peace with France: on the 2 ill of June the houfe vvas adjourned to the 8lh of July, from which time by feveral adjournments and prorogations a pro- clamation was publifhed the 5th of Auguft 1713 for diffolving the parliament and for calling a new one. (i) The writs were itTued out the 17th of Auguft i7>3- The eleftion for Briftol began Mon- day the 7th of September 1713 ; the candidates were Tho. Edwards and Jofeph Earl, Efq; and Sir William Daines, Knt. the elcftion was carried on with much heat on both fides, in fo much that the poll was clofed the Thurfday following, and the two firft were returned duly clcftcd : and the parliament met the ift of Oftobcr 1713, on the 18th by proclamation they were proro- gued to the 15th of February 1713-14 when they difpatchcd bufincfs, and the 2d of March the Queen made her fpccch, on the 6th of March they adjourned to the 31ft inft. 1714, on the 9th of July following the Queen made her laft fpecch to them and prorogued them to the lolh of Auguft 1714. But Sunday morning a little after 7 of the clock being the 1 ft of Auguft, Queen Ann died in the year 1714. (c) The candidates at this elcftion were Sir William Daines, Knt. Jofeph Earl, Efq; Thomas Edwards and Phillip Frcke, Efqrs; there appeared at the clofe of the poll a majority for the two C ^^1 3 A.R. I A.D. 7 1721 1727 Pailiamems held at Wedminfler May 10. Weflminfter Nov, 28. (d) Jofeph Earl, Efq; Sir Abra. Elton, Bart. (*) The 7th parliament was fummoned for Nov. 28th, 1727. Regis Georgii 2. (e) John Scroope, Efq; Recorder, Abra. Elton, jun. Efq. (*) N. B. King George the ift. died the 11th of June 1727. The 8th parliament was fummoned for June i3th> 1734- W (a) Sir latter, who were carried about the crofs according to cuftom, in the mean time the fheriffs re- turned the two former, — Frekc and Edwards petition, it was renewed the 2d and 3d fcffions.— This was the ift feptennial parliament of King George the ift. Tliis parliament fat eight fefTions; and was ditfolved March the loth 1721-22. ((/) The candidates were Jofeph Earl, Efq; Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, and William Hart, fenr. Efq; the two firft were returned. This was the fecond feptennial parliament which fat fix feffions of King George the 1 ft, was diffolvcd Augufl the 5th 1727. William Hart, Efq; petitioned. (<) This was the third feptennial parliament fince the death of Queen Anne, and the tft of George the 2d. Mr. Scrope was a joint-fecretary of the treafury. It fat feven feflions, was dilfolved April 18, 1734. (j) In the firft feptennial parliament of King George the 2d 1727, the reprefentatives for Briftol were John Scroope, Efq; recorder and fccretary to the treafur)', and Abraham Elton, junr. Efq; Mr. Scroope in the year 1732 when the excife fcheme on tobacco was brought into the houfe, was found to be a great promoter of and a voter for that bill, alfo he voted againfl the repeal of the feptennial afl; in the year 1734, all which gave a general difgufl to the principal eleftors of Briftol, who were determined to oppofc his eleftion in the year 1734. On Wednef- day the 15th of May it began, the candidates were Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, lliomas Cofl^r and John Scroope, Efqrs. the poll continued nine days to the 24th of May, on doling of which when caftup the numbers ftood, for Sir Abraham Elton, Bart. 2428, for Mr. Coftcr, 2071, for Mr. Scroope, 1866, majority for Mr. Cofter 205, whereupon the fheriffs returned the two former. Notwithftanding a petition from the mayor, &c. was brought into parliament for an undue eleftion againft Mr. Coftcr in favour of Mr. Scroope who in the end was obliged to with- draw the petition, not being able to prove one allegation therein. Thefe members voted againft the convocation in the fecond feptennial parliament, which fat fcven fcffions, of which Mr, SoulliWvll fat two, it was diftolved April 28, 1741. C 162 ] A. R. 7 12 13 3-1 20 29 AD. '734 1739 1741 1742 i7i7 1754 1755 Parliamfnts hfid at Weftminller 760 WcPiminftcr AVcftminfter Weftminfler Weftminfler Weftminfter (0) Sir Ab. Elton,Bart.Tho. Coner, Efq.(*) died. Edw. Southwell, Efq. (b) The 9th parliament was fummoned for June 25th, 1741, (c) Sir Ab. Elton, Bart. Edw. Southwell, Efq. (*) (d) Robert Hoblyn, Efq. The 10th parliament was fummoned for Aug. iB^K 1747- (e) Edw. Southwell, Efq; Rob. Hoblyn, Efq. (*) Robert Nugent, and Rich. Beckford, Efqrs. (/) Jarrit Smyth, Efq; in the room of Richard Beckford, deceafed. Hegis Georgii 3. Sir Jarrit Smyth, Bart. Robert Nugent, Efq. Robert (i) Thomas Coftcr, Efq; on Sunday the 30th of September 1739, died at his houfe in the College Green. (3) To fill up his vacancy a new writ was ordered for another elcflion which began Wcdnefday the 28th of November 1 739, the candidates were Edward Southwell, principal fecretary of ftatc for Ireland, and Henry Combe, Efq; Mr. Southwell's intercfl was fupported with Mr. Coflcr's friends, and Mr. Combe's by the corporation, &c. The poll was kept open for fourteen days at clofing of which the numbers flood thus, for Mr. Southwell 2651, for Mr. Combe 2203, ma- jority 448. N. B. There remained upwards of 200 neutral votes. (c) There was no oppofition this elcftion. This was the third fcptennial parliament of King George the 2d. which fat fix fclTions and was then diffolved June 18, 1747. (8g. " In 29 Edw. 3. was the ftaplc ol" wools re\'okcd out of Flanders, and fot at dlvcis places in Englaiid, at Weflminftcr, Cantorbyry, Cliichcftcr and Briftow, Lyncolnc and HuUc." As early as ihc gth Edw. 2. 1316, there was a duty or cuftom paid the King for cvciy fack of wool canicd out of the port of Briftol half a mark ; and for every 300 fhecp {kins -half a mark, and for every laft of hides one mark ; which the King complained the mayor and bailiff had wiihcld from him, or his affign, Martin Ilorncafdc, tlic collcdor and receiver. Rot, 167. a. C i65 ] proper regulations. — In the days of Edward 4. this city was famous for the woollen manufafture, as appears by the ftatute 17 Edw. 4. c. 5. whereby this only city, together with London, was exempted from fcaling their cloths, kerfeys, &c. with a head, according to ftat. 4. of the fame king, when all other places were obliged by it, and long before, viz. ftatute the 12th Rich. 2. 1. 14. it is to be noted, that Briftol had excufed itfelf from purfuing the ftatute of the 47th Edw. 3. c. 1. relating the meafure and aulnage of draps, to which by ftat. Rich. 2. they were particularly limited. The cloth manufaclure indeed, once a ftaple here, (for the government and regulation of which the mayor had the name of Mayor of the Staple of Briftol, and held a court called the Staple-Court,) has now much declined, being removed to other places, and to the North of England, where labour is cheaper : and though immenfe fortunes were formerly gained by it here, the parts of the city where it was principally carried on, have greatly declined with it, and left the roomy houfes in Temple-ftrect, where ftill remains the Wcavers'-Hall and Tuckcrs'-Hall, to be inhabited bv labourers of another kind. — In Edw. 4th's time they complained of the decay of the trade owing to the wool being ex- ported into foreign parts ; alfo on account of the removing of the ftaple from Bayonne, where was a great fale of Briftol drapery ; and the Thouloufe wool being brought another way into other parts of England. In the year 1459, 37 Hen. 6. Mr. Robert Strange, a great merchant of Briftol, (afterwards founder of St. John's almflioufe,) had a goodly fliip fpoiled by the Genoefc in the Mediterranean; this ftiip had a cargo of fpices and other valuable merchandife, which the Genoefe, who could not brook the fuccefs of our merchants, feized; this wrong when King Henry underftood, he made reprifal on the effcfts of the Genoefe merchants in London, whom he alfo arretted and imprifoned until they gave good fecurity to make good the lofs, which amounted to 9000 marks. — The Briftol kalendar calls thefe merchants ftrangers, Lombard Janneys, by whom arc underftood the Genoefe, who followed ufury and other methods of gain, which the Lombards at this time did, who were the firft bankers in London; whence Lombard-ftreet in London, where the bankers refidc, took its name. Kal. p. 122.6. One Thomas Strange, probably the fon of the above Robert, had twelve fhips at one time, faysWm. of Worceftcr, p. 224, in 1480. — The Brafs Battery began here about 1704 : one Sir Simon Clark was the firft inventor of making copper : Mr. Cofter and Mr. Wayne a8ed under him as aftayifts, who after- wards eftabliflicd it here under Sir Abraham Ellon. — .The faid Sir Simon invented white glafs, and cafting iron in loam. The C 167 J The manufaflory of zinc out of calamine ftone and black-jack, was efla- bliflied at Briftol about the year 1743, when Mr. Champion obtained a patent for making it. About 200 tons of zinc were annually made at his copper- works, where the manufaftory was fet up firft ; and afterwards zinc began to be made at Hanham, near Briftol, by Mr. James Emerfon, who had been many years manager of that branch under Mr. Champion, and his fucceffor in the bufinefs. — This operation of procuring zinc from calamine was held at firft a great fccret, and though it be now better known, it is but lately that there were any works of that kind eftablifhed in any other part of either Eng- land or Europe, except thofe laft-mentioned. In a circular kind of oven, like a glafs-houfe furnace, there are placed pots of about four feet each in hcighth, much refembling oil jars; into the bottom of each is inferted an iron tube, which paflTcs through the floor of the furnace into a veffel of water. The pots are filled with a mixture of calamine, or black-jack and charcoal, and the mouth of each is then clofe ftopped with clay. The fire being properly applied, the metallic vapour of the calamine ifl'ucs through the iron tube, there being no other place through which it can efcape, and the air being excluded it does not take fire, but is condenfed in fmall particles in the water, and being remelted is formed into ingots and fent to Birmingham under the name of zinc or fpelter. Cambdcn, Bufching in his Polit. Commercial Geography of Europe in High Dutch, 1762, and Anderfon, all agree in giving Briftol the name of" a re- nowned commercial city." " A confiderable part of it," fays Bufching, " lies on the South fide of the river Avon, and a ftill larger part on the North fide ; having a communication by three ftone bridges, alfo a draw-bridge for letting (hips into the Key, or little river ftiled Froom. It is by far the largcft city in Britain next after London, containing above thirteen thoufand houfcs, and above one hundred thoufand inhabitants, both which arc conftantly increafing. It isfaid by fome to ufe two thoufand maritime veftels, coafters as well as fhips, employed in foreign voyages; and it has many important manufactories. Itsglafs bottle, drinking glafs, and plate glafs manufacture alone occupying fifteen large houfes. Its brafs pan and brafs wire manufactures are alio very confiderable. It has a moft extenfive quay, with dock-yards, &c. for fhip-building, fundiy good hofpitals, and many almftioufes and other charitable foundations ; info- much, that this city for its prudent regulations is perhaps outdone by none, and for its vaft commerce, wealth and fhipping by very few trading cities in Europe." Dr. Campbelin his Political Survey of Great Britain, v. i.p. 147. gives the following juft account of the trade of Briftol, " That great mart, froiti [ i68 ] from which the conjun£lion of the waters of the Severn, Wye, °"^ ^^ '^'''-' Mafter General of Pruffia, the other to the Magiftrates of X Dantzick, [ ^70 ] Dantzick, both in behalf of two of Canynges faflors rcfiding in PrufCa, re- queuing all favour and countenance to the faid two faftorsof Canynges, whom the King calls " his beloved eminent merchant of Briftol." In 1450 we find by a treaty with Chriftian King of Denmark (Feed. T. ii. p. 264.) three places prohibited us from trading to, Iceland, Halgefland and Finmark ; but the above treaty and an Englifh aft of parliament difpenfed with in favour of Canynges, (p. 277. feed. v. 11.) the Danifli King allowing Canynges in confideration of the great debt due to Canynges from his fubjefts of Iceland and Finmark to lade certain Englifh fliips with merchandize for thofe prohibited places, and there to lade fifh and other goods in return : wherefore during his mayoralty of Brillol, becaufe Canynges had done good fervice-unto the King he allowed the fame to be done for two years to come on two fliips, 86 ] voyage made thither \7 Edw. ift. Rot. 1. m. 2. a, [ 213 J this of Briftol, and alfo over tlie adjacent country : no wonder men who were covered with ftccl fliould domineer over burgefTes and peafants, the armed over the unarmed; the former ufed to make captures upon the latter of hay, corn, beer, and other things under divers denominations, to wit, ofprife, tyne of caftle, forage, &c. — The prife of beer, prifa cerevifioe for the ufe of the caftle of BriRoI was ufually worth by the year lOOs. or 5I. and was anfwered to the King as a yearly due. By cuftom thefe captures became familiar and even rightful. But the burgefTes of towns were wont to complain of thefe captures to the King, who in fome charters made to towns, did fometimes grant amongft other franchifcs, that they fliould be free from prife, tyne of caftle, and fuch like captures. In 1289 Peter de la Mare renders an account to the King of 23I. 9s. lod. in lieu of prife of beer called tyne, belonging to the caftle, as part of its profits, fo that tyna caftri feems to have been various at different times. — In the 15th year of Henry 3d. the flieriffof Glocefter, Wm. de Putoft, would not anfwer for the profits of the county, becaufe the King had granted them for the cuftody of the caflles ofBriftol and Glocefter, and for the maintenance of Eleonor his kinfwoman and of all the foldiers dwelling in the caftles ofBriftol and Glocefter all the profits of the county of Glocefter and the rent of Berton Regis there of 60 marks by the year, and the prife of beer worth loos. The caftle ofBriftol being now vefted in the crown and a part of the royal demefnes in the King's hand, he ufed to iffue forth his grant of the conftable- fhip of the caftle to his nobles or favorites; who had 20I. per ann. falary with all profits belonging to the faid office, and the naming of two watchmen ta watch by night and by day, and for the keeper of the gate a fee of 2 d. a day> and 3yd. per day for the two watchmen, as appears from the copy of the grant of the faid conftableftiip the 4th Edw. 6th. to Sir William Herbert,, knight, together with the ftewardfliip of the city, in the following form. Edwardus Sextus Dei gratia, &c. i. e. Edward the fixth by the grace of God, King of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, of the church of England and Ireland the fupreme head, to all to whom thefe pre- ftnts ftiall come, health — know ye that wc in confideration of the good, true and faithful fervice which our beloved and faithful fervant W'm. Herbert knight hath done us in times part, of our own fpecial favour, certain know- ledge and mecr motion, as alfo with the advice of our council have given and granted, and by il.efe prefents confirmed to the faid W. Herbert knight, the office of conftablc or keeper of the caftle of our city or town of Briftol, and warder or keeper of the gate of the faid caftle, and alfo the nomination and appointment [ 214 ] appointment ofthc two watchmen to watch as veil by day as by night within the faid caflle : and that he have authority and power from time to time to no- minate and appoint under him two watchmen within the faid cadle, and we ordain and appoint him the faid W. Herbert, knight, conftableand keeper of the aforefaid caflle, and warder and keeper of the gate of the faid caflle by thefe prefents, to have, hold and enjoy the offices, nomination, cuftody aforcfiiid and each of them, to the faid W. Herbert by himfelf or by fome fufficient deputy or deputies for the term of his life, together with all and fmgular the profits allowances commodities and emoluments freely and as amply as Edward Duke of Somerfet, or any other on account of the faid offices held the fame; and Ave further grant by thefe prefents to the faid W. Herbert for the exercife of the faid office of conflable, twenty pounds payable by the flierifF of Briftol out of the ferm of the faid city, and two pence a day for the office of warder, and for the wages of the two watchmen, three pence farthing, together with all other profits, &c. belonging to the faid offices, &c. And as Edward Duke of Somerfet our uncle lately held the office of fenefchall or fleward of the faid city or town of Briflol, with the fee, profits, &c. belonging to the faid office, of the gift and grant of the mayor and commonalty of the fame, which office with the fee and profits, &c. are lately come into our hands and our difpofal, and fo ought to remain by reafon and virtue of a certain aB: of parliament held at Wcflminfler, 4th November lafl part, among other things publiflicd and propofed, know ye that we have given and granted by thefe prefents to the faid W. Herbert, knight, the faid office of fenefchal or fleward of the faid city or town of Briflol, as fully as it is come to our hands by reafon of the faid a6l of parliament and ought to be and remain, to have and to hold the faid office for the natural life of the faid Duke of Somerfet, without any compofition to us or our heirs, &c. Witnefs myfelf at Weftminfler 27th Feb. 4th year of our reign. The cuflodes or conflablcs of Briflol caflle appointed by the Kings of Eng- land tliat have come to my knowledge are next to be confidered, without omitting any memorable tranfaclions that have happened here during their government. King John in the 6th year of his reign, confirmed to John Ic Warre the grant (which he had formerly made to him before he attained the crown of this realm, at the requefl; of Ifabcl then his wife, daughter and coheir of William Earl of Glocefler) of the honor of Glocefler and caflle of Briflol, with the manor of Briflleton a part of that honor. In the reign of King John, Hugo de Haflings was conQable of Briflol caflle : v.hcthcr it was during his cuflody of it or not, does not appear ; but in [ 215 ] in this reign tlie princefs Eleanor, called the damofel of Brittany, after a fuc- cefsful battle fought by King John againfl licr brother Prince Arthur at Mirablein Normandy, ift Augul^ 1202, was by the King's order fcnt to Briftol caftle, and there kept clofe prifoner for forty years by her cruel uncle King John, for no other crime but her title to the crown after her brother, who was fuppofed to have been privately made away with. She at lall died here unmarried in mifcrable confinement in the 25th of Henry 3d. 1241. In the 7th year of Richard ifl. 1196, Briftol caftle was bcfieged, and one Richard Dorefcuilz was amerced 5I. for having afrnled at the fiege. In the 8th year of his reign, 1224, Henry the 3d. having made Ralph de Wilington (called in old writings Radulphus de Caflello) governor and conftable of this caftle, gave him alfo the wardenfliip of the chace of Kainfham, which fhews the Kings of England had once a chace there for the ranging of deer ; and in 1229 Hugo de Burge was governor here : and in 1257 King Henry the 3d. came to Briftol, and fummoned Lord Percy to attend him there upon an expedition into Wales. In 1244 Henry the 3d. ordains that as often as the burgeffes of Briftol Ihall choofe a mayor, (the time of war only excepted,) they fliall bring him before the conftable of the caftle to be fworn and admitted. Roger de Leeburne a baron. Anno 44th Henry the 3d, 1260 was made conftable of the caftle of Briftol. " In 1264 Guarine de Baftlngburne and Robert Walerande, keepers of Briftow made oute fudenly an hofte to Walingford, but they prevayled lyttle," favs Leland Collect, p. 660. It was defigned for the relief of Prince Edward then a prifoner there, under the Earl of Leicefter one of the rebellious barons. Soon after this Bartholomew de Inovence was made conftable of Briftol caftle. In the Baron's wars in the reign of Henry the 3d. each party being ready to take what advantages fliould offer during that ftate of uncertainty. Prince Edward fon to King Henry, thought it neceflary to ftorc with provifions Briftol caftle, which the King his father had intrufted him with : to that end he came to Briftol and would have obliged the townfmen to find him what provifions he wanted; to fupply which he fined the burgeffes loool. As people ftood then difpofed, this demand made perhaps a little too haughtily raifcd a fedition among the townfmen, which forced the Prince to retire haftily into the caftle; he was no fooner there, but the inhabitants refolved to befiege him ; or at leaft to keep him fo clofely blocked up that he fliould not cfcape, v.cll knowing that for want of neceffaries he could not long relift. This [ 2l6 ] This refolution threw Edward into a very great ftraight : he got out of it how- ever by a device, which indeed freed him from the prefent danger, but foon brought him into another, from whence he could not fo happily difengage himfelf: he fent for the Bifhop of Worcefter and intimated to him, that he intended to adhere to the barons; but defired firfl to talk with the King his fa- ther to perfuade him to give them entire fatisfa6tion : but being tbus blocked up, lie defired him to be fecurit)' for him and to accompany him to London to witnefshis conduft. The Bifliop depending on the Prince's fincerity prevailed on the townfmen to let Edward go ; to which they confented and the blockade was raifed. The Prince and Bifliop fet out on their journey ; but when they came near Windfor, Edward clapping fpurs to his horfe rode avay from the Bifliop, and fecurcd himfelf in that caflle ; but was foon after forced to accept of the barons terms, and to furrender that caftle to them. This was in the year 1263. William fon of Hugh and brother of Gilbert Lord Talbot had cuflody of the caftle of Briftol, the 18th of Henry 3d. In the year 1271, Dominus Johannes de Mufcgres was conftable of the caftle, and William de Stanhurft fubconftabularius. In 1 7th Edward lit. 1289, Peter de la Mare was conftable of Briftol caftle, and renders an account to the King of 23I. 9s, lod. in lieu of prife of beer called Tyna Caftri belonging to the caflle, as part of its profits. The Scotch Earl of Marr was taken and confined in Briftol caftle from the year 1306 to 1314. In the reign of King Edward the ift. upon the beginning of his wars in Scotland, which happened about the year 1295, Bartholomew Badlefmere was employed by the King, who for his gallant behaviour there, was fummoned as a baron to parliament, and became a very great man in his time: he was alfo made governor of Briftol caftle, and received a grant from the King of the manor of Chilham in Kent. He was a fecond time made governor of the caftle, town and berton of Briftol. Roger Bygod fon of Hugh, nephew and heir to the laft Earl, had a grant from King Edward of the caftlcs of Briftol and Nottingham to hold for life, and the 2oth Edward ift. he furrendered them to him again. In the reign of King Edward the 2d. Hugh le Spencer Earl ofWinton, called by hiftorians fenior, for diftin£tion from his fon Hugh, who were both chief favorites of the King, by their excefTive pride and covetoufnefs became extremely odious to the people, as well as to the Oueen and Prince, who were both out of England and durft not return ; being banifhcd by the King as traitors. The Queen hearing of the fentiments of the people, made fail for England, C 217 ] England, where (lie framed a powerful army of mal-contents, who marciiing with her to Briftol, where the King then was, were joyfully received by the inhabitants ; and in tcftimony of her welcome Hugh the father being brought before Prince Edward and the barons attending him, (though go years of age) was condemned to be hanged, which fentence was put in execution on the 25th of Otlober 1326, in the fight of the King and his own fon Hugh (who efcapcd not his punifliment.) Leland tells us. Col. 673. vol. ii. that " Sir Hugh Spenfar the father was drawen hanged and bchedded at Briftowe, and his body hanged up with two ftronge cordes, and after four days it was cut to peices and dogges did cte it : and becaufe he was Counte of Wynchefter his hedde was fent thither." Upon the death of Lord Hugh le Defpencer, the King and Hugh the fon early in the morning entered a little veficl behind the caflle, with dcfign to get to the Ide xjf Lundy, a place of fecurity, or elfe into Ireland ; but after being many days at fea were perpetually driven back bv contrary winds : and at length being obliged to land, they came afliore at Glamorgan, from whence they retired to the abby of Neath, where trufting to the promiles of the Welch they hoped for fecurity. But Hugh not thinking it fafe to trull them got privately into the caftle of Kaerfilli, which he ftoutly defended, and in the end obtained of the forces fent by Queen Ifabel a capi- tulation, with a promife of fafety as to life and limb. After which he got again to the King, but foon after, viz. on the 16th of November following, the King, Spencer, Chancellor Baldock, and Simon de Reading and a few other domeftics, were taken near the caftle of Lantryffcrn ; fome fay, at the abby of Neath. On the 20th following they were removed to Monmouth caftle, where the great feal was forced from the King. From thence they were all brought prifoners by Sir Henry Beaumont to Hereford, and were delivered to the difpofal of the Queen and her fon, who foon after ordered them all (except Chancellor Baldoc) to be hanged: as for the King he was depofed and kept clofe prifoner at Kenelworth-caRle, from thence he was removed in April 1327 to Corf-caftle, and then to Briftol-caftle : there he remained until it was found out that fome of the town had formed a refolutioii to affift him in making his efcape beyond fea. Upon this difcovery he was removed to Berkeley caftle, which was to be his laft prifon : here he was under the care of Sir John Maltravers, and Sir Thomas Gurney : — " Thcfc champions (fays Stowe) bring Edward towardes Barkley, being guarded by a rabble of hcUliounds, alongc by the Grange belonging to the caftle of Briftowe, where that wicked man Gorney making a crowne of haye put it on his head, and the foldicrs that were prefent mocked him, faying, " Tprut avaunt Sir B n Kingc," [ 2l8 ] KiiT'c," making a kind of noife with their mouths as if they broke wind backwards: they feared to be met of any that (liouid knowe Edwardc : they bente their journey therefore towardes the left hande, riding along over the mariJli grounds lying by the river Severn ; moreover devifing to disfigure him that he fliould not be known, they determined to fliave his head and beard ; wherefore as they travelled by a little water that ran in a ditch, they com- maunded hvm to lyghte from his horfe to be fhaven with the faid cold wateV by the barber, who faid, " that water muft ferve for this time." Edwarde an- fwered, " would they, nould they, he would have warm water for his beard," fo filed tears plentifully." On the 22d September 1327, they put their bloody orders into execution by thrufting a red-hot iron through a horn pipe up his fundament, which burnt his bowels, and by this horrible murder the unhappy Prince expired.* — In order to conceal their execrable deed, the two murderers fent for ibme of the inhabitants of Briflol and Gloceflcr to examine the body ; and there appearing no marks of violence, they concluded he died a natural death ; this examination was carefully attefted by witneffes and immediately difperfed over the whole kingdom. In the year 1336, the 9th of Edward the 3d. an inquifition was taken the 17th of May in the caftle of Briftol, relating to the right of patronage of the houfe of St. Mark of Billifwick in Briftol, before Hugh le Hunte, who was then deputy conftable there; and in the 13th of the fame King, Richard de Kynghefton was conftable of the caflle. In the 35th year of Edward the 3d. Queen Phillippa grants Edmund Flam- bard the conflablefhip of this caftle for life, receiving 20I. per ann. befides fees for the watchmen and the officers of the Forcft of Kingfwood and Fil- wood ; he refigned the fame, and then fhe appoints Robert de Foulchurfl in his room, which was confirmed by King Edward. King Edward the 3d. 1373, in his charter fcparated Briftol from the county of Glocefter and made it a town and county of itfelf, and ordered that for the future the mayor when chofen fhould not be prefented [as ufually] to the conftable of the caftle of Briftol to be by him accepted: But that prefcntly after * By inquifition in Cotton's Abridgement of the Records, it appeared that Thomas Lord Berkley was not then at Berkley, and had no part in this murder. — — Mr, Gray in his Pindaric Ode called the Bard, finely touches this barbarous murder : Mark the year, and mark the night, When Severn fliall re-echo with affright The fhricks of death, thro' Berkley's roofs that ring, Shrieks of an agonizing King I [ 219 'J after his election, he fliould take his oath before his next predeceflbr mayor, in ther.uildhallofBriaol. In the 43d year of Edward 3d. 20th Auguft, Hugh de Segrave was appointed governor of this caftle for life. And the 15th July, 47th of Edward 3d. John de Thorp had the conftablefhip of this caftle granted to him. In the loth )car of Richard the 2d. the parliament accufcd many of his domefticsof high treafon, three of whom, viz. Sir John Salifbury, Knight, Sir Thomas Trivet, Knight, and John Lincoln, Efq; (after a long confinement in Briftol caftle,) were at length removed to the Tower of London, after which on tlie 12th of May 1389, Sir John Salifl^ury was executed at Tyburn, and the other two were difcharged. — King Richard by following his own vicious inclinations, and the advice of his evil counfellors, was his own deftruclion. Four of them (in order to efcape the hand of juftice from the Duke of Lan- cafter, who was now in England with an army as a competitor for the crown,) made their efcape from London to the caftle of Briftol with an intention to have made a ftout refiftance,viz. Wm. Scroop Earl of Wiltfliire, Sir John Buftiy Knight, whohadbcenSpeaker of the Houfe of Commons the laft parliament. Sir Henry Green, and Sir James Bagot, Knights. They came here in the month of July 1399. but were foon followed by the Duke of Lancafter, at whofe arrival the gales of the town were thrown open to the Duke's forces; he immediately commanded the caftle of Briftol to be ftormed ; which in four days time fur- rendered at difcretion, and foon after the three firft were beheaded, but Sir ■fames Bagot made his efcape into Ireland. The 29th of September following King Richard was depofed, and not long after he was by eight aftafTins and Sir Pierce of Exton, murdered in Pomfret caftle. — John de Thorp continued conftable of the caftle the 1 ft and 3d year of Richard 2d. Henry the 4th and his wife Joan, Nov. 14, 1413, conftitute Hugh Lutterel conftable of the caftle of Briftol. King Henry 6th. in the year 1444, granted the manor and hundred of Briftol (with other things) to Henry de Beauchamp, fonof the late Earl of Warwick, in rcverfion, from the death of Humphry Duke of Glocefter; and Leland v. 6. Itni. p. 80, calls him, " Dominus quoque Caftri Briftolliae cum fuis annexis." The 16th Jan, 21ft of Henry 6th. Sir John St. Loe was made conftable of the caftle of Briftol for life : he died the 12th of March the 26th of Henry 6th. In the 24th year of his reign 1445, King Henry 6lh grants to the mayor, &c. of Briftol, all the gates, ditches, walls and fuburbs of the faid town, with all fairs, markets and courts there and in the fuburbs, with all fines, iffues, D D 2 redemptions. [ 220 ] redemptions, and amerciaments belonging to the fame, (the caQle of Briftol and ii.> ditches excepted:) this grant was for 60 years, the mayor. Sec. pavinocca{ion to a poem called the Briflol Tragedy, lately publiflied among Rowley's poems, in which the name is called Sir Charles Bawdin Fulford. In the nianufcript (Adams's penes me) he is called Sir John Bawdin Fulford, which fliews how uncertain they were in the name at the time, and that the mifnomcr in that poem derogates little from its authenticity. It is remarkable, that one Sir Cantelow in the fervice of Edward the 4th. is introduced as an active perfon in that tragedy ; and it appears (by a manufcript. Rich penes me,) that Henry 6th. was taken in difguifed apparel at the abby of Salley in Yorkfhire by one Cantelow, in 1465, and was thence brought to Elftonc, and then to the Tower; this is a proof that King Edward the 4th. had fuch a perfon as Sir Cantelow much in his intereft and at his command, and affords fome additional proof of the authenticity of that poem. In the reign of King Henry the 7th. Giles Lord D'Aubeney held the caflle of Briflol; as did afterwards Sir John Seymour of Walfliall in the county of Wilts Knight, he was the fon of Sir Roger Seymour of Evcnfwindon in the county of Wilts Knight, by Cecilia his wife, daughter of John Lord Beau- champ, of Hatche in the county of Somerfct: the faid Sir John in the gth year oftht reign of King Henry the 8th. 1518, was one of the knights for the body of that King; he obtained a grant at that time of the conflablewick of this caflle for his own life, after which to his fon Edward, to hold in as ample manner as the faid Giles Lord D'Aubeny held the fame. In the 4th year of Edward the 6th. Sir William Herbert was granted the cuflody of this caflle, Upo» C 222 ] Upon the alteration of religion in 1549, many rebellious tumults broke out in Cornwall, Devonfhire, Norwich, and at Briftol. At the lall place timely care was taken to repair and fortify the caRle and walls of the city, which were mounted with cannon, alfo the city gates, mod of which were made new ; proper guards being placed night and day to prevent any attempts which might be made by any tumult within the city, or without in order to furprife the fame. By the prudent management of Mr. 'William Chefter the difcon- tented citizens were foon appeafed, by his procuring a general pardon for them ; after which the foldiers within the city (commanded by Lord Gray of Wiltonj marched to Honiton in the Well, where they beat thofe rebels. In 1545 and 1553 a mint was eftabliflied in the caflle, and the church plate feized at the .diffolution was coined there, and a printing prefs fet up. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Sir John Stafford, Knight, was by her Majefty (as a reward of his valour) granted the conftablcfliip of Briftol caftle, in which office he continued a long time ; he was alfo one of the band of gentlemen pcnfioners during the fpace of 47 years to the Queen and King James the ift. he died on the 28th of September Anno Dom. 1605, and was buried with his anceftors on the North fide of the commmunion table in the church of the Virgin Mary in the town of Thornbury in the county of Glocerier, where his monument gives the above account, which has this infcription on it : " Heerc lieth the body of Sirjohn Stafford, Knight, a gentle- man penfioner, during the fpace of 47 years to Queen Elizabeth, and King James, heehad as a reward of his valour and fidelity, conferred upon him by her Matie the connablefliip of Briftol caftle, where hee continued a long time. Hee lived (as himfelfe on his death bed confeffed) in the frail and flippery courfe of a foldier, and a courtier, from the time of his manhood neere unto the time of his death ; notvithftanding fenfible of his end and that accompt hee was to give at the laft day, hee did fully and freely forgive all men fealing the fame by calling for and receiving the bleffed facrament as a pledge of his forgiving other men and of the forgivenefs of his own fins; for whatfoever the frailty of his life or bitternefs of the difeafe whereof he died might be, his hope of a better life through the mercies and fuffcrings of his Redeemer, made him a conquerour over and beyond thofe humane frailties. Hee dying in the found faith of a penitent finner, a loyal fcrvant to his Prince, a lover of his country, wherein he did beare the chicfeft offices of truft and credit, and a founder of an almflioufc in the parifh where he lived, endowing the [ 223 ] the fame with lo pounds per annum to be paid for ever, obiit 28° die Septemb A° Dni. 1624. In cujus memoriam et veritatis hujus teftimonium nepos ejus Sciens videns que hoc monumentum pofiiit hac fretus fpe votoque inquiens ; Non aliter cineres mando Jaccre meos." Arms or rather the creft, though it is in a fliield, gules a wolf's head or. and the Stafford knot or. In the year 1602, 6th of March a petition was prefentedto the privy council from the mayor and commonalty of the city ofEriftol, complaining that Sir John Stafford, Knight, keeper of his Majefty's caftie ofBrilloI, being feldom or never refident there, but leaving a mean and unworthy deputy in his Head hath of late time fuffered many poor and indigent people, to the number of 49 families confiding of about 240 perfons, to inhabit within the faid caftie, who for the moft part are perfons of lewd life and converfation and in no way able • to relieve themfelves but by begging and ftealing to the great annoyance of the citizens, the rather for that the faid caftie being exempted from the liberties of the city though it ftandeth within the body of the fame, doth ferve for a refuge and receptacle of malefaclors as well of the city as others that fly thither to efcape juftice : it was thought and ordered to the petitioners humble requeft, that for avoiding the prefent inconvenience and preventing the like for the future, the Lord High Treafurer of England and Chancellor of the Exchequer calling the faid John Staflord before them, fliould take order for removing the perfons then refiding in the faid caftie unto fuch places where they laft dwelt, and alfo that there be not hereafter any more admitted to inhabit there, but only fuch as Sir John Stafford will undertake for their fufficiency and good behaviour, to the end the city be not further charged or molefted by them, or his Majefty's caftie peftered with any fuch bafe cottagers or fcandalous inmates. By a charter bearing date the 13th of April the 5th of King Charles the ift. 1630, the faid King grants to the mayor, burgcfTes and commonalty of the city of Briftol, all that his caftie of Briftol, (as the ancient demefne and parcel of the pofTefTions of. the crown of England,) with its walls, ditches, banks, houfcs, buildings, courts, orchards, gardens, waters, water-courfes, lands, &c. within the circuit or precinfts thereof. And in confidcration that the fituation thereof was 30 miles from the city of Glocefter, but contiguous to the city of Briftol ; and by reafon that no juftice of the peace for the county of Glocefter lived near the faid caftie to inhabit, and that the officers of the city of Briftol having no authority within the fame, as not being a part of the faid city. [ 224 ] city, whereinto many thieves, malefaftors, and other diforderly livers within the precinfts of tlie faid caftle have fled, and from thence have efcapcd from the hands of jufticc; all which being confidered, the King did ordain and grant that from henceforth the fame fliould be feparated from the county of Gloccfler, and made a part of the city and county of Briftol and in all refpeQs to be fubjeft to the fame powers as that of the faid city ; and that all the inhabitants of the caftle be made free-men of BriQol, and that from henceforth no officer of the county of Glocefler fliould have any power or authority therein; the King referving his right to all his tenants dwelling within the faid caftle as his demefne or parcel of the pofleflions of his crown. By one other charter bearing date at Weftminftcr the 26th of OBober in the 6th year of the faid King, 1631,* he in confideration of the fum of 959!. by the mayor or burgefles and commonalty of the city of Briftol paid into the Exchequer at Weftminfter, which was acknowledged in full difcharge for ever of all that grant made by the faid King to the faid mayor, Sec. of all his caftle of Briftol with all its rights, members, and appurtenances whatfoever, in reverfion of three lives of John, Gillian, and Nathaniel Brewftcr, granted to Francis Brewftcr the 23d of Auguft in the 2d year of the reign of King Charles the ift. 1626, or for 80 years if the faid three lives fliould fo long live, under the yearly rent of lool. In September 1634 the city purchafed of John Brewfter his eftate and one life more to come of the caftle, with the lands, tenements and appurtenances for 520I. which was prefently paid him, all which was granted to the city in fee farm at 40 1. per ann. rent for the fame by the King in recompence of charges for billeting foldiers, tranfporting them to Ireland, and fitting out fliips againft the pirates. It was by application to tlie Queen and her interceflion with the King this grant was obtained. The city had fpent iiool. in billeting the foldiers. The premifes particularly fpccificd in reverfion in the above charier are, viz. the caftle of Briftol, the manfion-houfe within the fame, and all that clofc lying without the ditch of the caftle called by the name of the King's Orchard, containing two acres, and all that parcel of land called the Inner Green ; and thofc tenements (which then amounted to 53) within the precintls, file, compafs, or circuit of the faid caftle, with all that wood-yard there with its appurtenances, and all and Angular the houfes, buildings, ftru61ures, barns, flables, dovc-houfes, orchards, gardens, lands, tenements, cottages, halls, chambers, * After iIls grant in the fame year 1631, a new armoury was built in the caftle cf Briaol. [ 225 ] chambers, fliops, cellars, follars, entries, outgoings, ways, paths, void places, eafments, fruits, waters, watcr-courfes, wharfs, profits, commodities, advan- tages, emoluments and hereditaments whatfoever thereto belonging, excepting out of this grant all advowfons of churches, hofpitals and chapels, and other ecclefiaftical benefits, and all knights fees belonging to the faid preraifes, with all mines of lead, tin, or other mines-royal whatfoever, thereto belonging : all which are granted to the faid mayor &c. and their fucccflbrs forever to be held from him the King, and his heirs and fucceflbrs, as of his manor of Eaft Greenwich in the county of Kent, by fealty only, in fee and common foe- cage and not in capite, nor by knights fervice ; yielding yearly to the faid King and his heirs and fucceflTors a fee-farm rent of 40I. of lawfuU money to be paid into the exchequer at Weflminfler &c. All within the caftle precinQs granted by King Charles the ifl:, was con- firmed to the faid mayor &c. in the 16th year of the reign of King Charles the 2d. dated 22d of April 1664, being after the happy reftoration.* At the beginning of the unnatural rebellion againft King Charles the ift. the magiftrates of the city of Briflol thought it necelTary to repair the for- tifications of their caftle and the walls of the city, which was done accor- dingly by the 23d of Oftober 1642, and alfo to build at the citizens expence a fort on Brandon-hill, with a communication to another fortification on St. Michael's-hill, which was aftenvards turned into a royal pentagonal fort (commonly called the royal fort ;) fee the plate : from this was a communi- cation to another fortification called Colfton's mount, (from his having the command thereof and being alfo deputy governor of the city and callle.) Lord Paulet fent Sir Ferdinando Gorges with Mr. Smyth of Afliton to get leave to bring in certain troops of horfe into Briftol, but the mayor Richard Aldworth refufed, having received exprefs orders from the King it was faid to receive no forces on his fide or the parliaments, but to keep and defend the city for his Majefty's ufe. Sir Alexander Popham fent 500 horfe to Bcdminfter intending to lodge them in Briftol to make up 1000 on the parliament's behalf, but the corporation then refufed him, and fct the train bands to watch and ward as well without the gates as within to keep out all ftrange forces by night and by day, 100 at leaft armed with pikes and mufquets and ball. The gates and portcullifcs were repaired and made ftrong with great chains hanged up within them, and great ftrong rails full of E E long * The office of keeper of King's wood forcfl, and of the foreft of Filwood, was granted by ihc faid King to Colonel Humphry Cook, in i66o. — Sec Sir Robert Alkyns IIiftor)'of Gloceftcr- ihirc, p. 493-, [ 226 ] lontT iron fpikes without every gate, fo that no horfcs could pafs by or over them. The caftle \s-as likewife repaired within with many forts on the walls to plant ordnance on them for defence, the great tower was likewife well repaired with the battlements where they were decayed at the top: the old walls of the tower by the approbation of workmen were found very ftrong, which caufed them to mount great ordnance on the top of the tower to fcower the hills far about. Some elms in the marfh were cut down to make carriages for great ordnance and within were two pieces of great ordnance planted, with gunners to attend them at need. After this came Colonel ElTex towards the city with an army, horfe and foot on behalf of the parliament, which the city intended to keep out, and for two days the gates were double warded for refiflance. The magiftrates befides their old ftore of munition of which they were well provided, pro- cured 300 new mufquets made to furnifli the train bands and others that wanted. The third day which was the 5th December 1642, notice came of the approach of Colonel Effex's army from Berkley and Thornbury, the citizens prefently arrayed themfelves for defence, the mayor and all the council were at the Tolfey, fludyinghow bed to preferve the city for his Majcfty's fervicc, but in the midft of their good endeavours came the mayor's wife and many women more with her with petitions to receive in the parliament's army, and fo diflurbed the council with their importunities, that the women prevailed and procured the gates to be opened to the great grief of the commons pre- pared to fight in defence of their liberty. This wicked council our mayor and aldermen payed foundly for afterwards. The 30th of December Sir Alexander Popham went to Exeterwith one thoufand men. Lord Paulet being denied entrance into Briftol, marched to Wells and weftward, and having fullained fome lofs there and at Sherborne embarked at Minehead for Cardiff AN'here his fon-in-law T. Smyth, Efq; of Afliton died, and his corpfe was brought over to be buried where he was born. The turbulent and the difaffeQed to the King, began now to be very clamorous, and fome of the magiftrates it is faid, (under hand) had no great objeftion to the parliament caufe. Thofe that were immediately concerned were the right worfhipful Richard Aldworth then mayor, and Jofeph Jackfon, and Hugh Brown Efqrs. the flieriffs ; when in the bcgiiming of December the two regiments of foot were admitted. Colonel EfTex their commander imme- diately took upon him the government of the caflle of Briftol. Thofe citi- zens that were loyalifts and would not declare for the rebels, began to feel the weight of their oppreffions; in fo much that at length it became very dangerous C 227 ] dangerous for tlicm to walk the flreets, or if found without the city they were fent prifoners cither to Taunton or Berkley caftles. With fuch defpotick power did the rebels behave ; that Colonel Eflex, offended at one of his foldicrs for modeftly afking for his pay, inftantly fhot him through the head. From this time the caftle was governed by various matters. On the i6th of February 1642-3, five troops of horfe and five companies of foot entered the city, commanded by Col. Nath. Fiennes, Col. Popham, and Clement Walker, &c. And the 27th they were followed by Sir Edward Hungerford's forces, and the caftle was now made a garrifon for the parliament, and for- tifications added to it. Soon after thefe gentlemen came to the city. Col. Effex was made a prifoner; and Fiennes was appointed governor of the city and caftle. In confequence of this, an opprefTive tax was laid upon the citizens, to pay the rebel forces &c. which amounted to the fum of 55I. 15s. per week,* afteffed on their lands, goods, money at intercft, and ftock in trade ; this levy laid on every man's property, was to laft for three months, or till the King's troops were difljanded, which was confirmed by the rebel parliament ; and the firft payment was to begin on the ift of March following; this ordinance extended over the kingdom where the rebel army had any power.t The ftanding committee appointed for this occafion were Robert Aldworth then mayor, Jofeph Jackfon, and Hugh Brown the flieriffs, Rich- ard Holworthy, alderman, Luke Hodges, and Henry Gibbs. The power thefe had in conjunction with the officers of the army, viz. Cols. Fiennes, Popham, Walker, &c. was great, and produced many ads of oppreffion. In March, 1643, an affociation of fome of the principal inhabitants of this city, was entered into, for letting into the city Prince Rupert with fome of his Majefty's forces then at Durdham Down ready to their aid: but before it could be put in execution the defign was difcovered by fome tatding females atlive on the parliament's fide the night before ; which was on the 7th inftant, and two of the principals who had his Majefty's commiffion for fo doing, were taken into cuftody, viz. Robert Yeomans, Efq; one of the laft year's ftieriffs, and Mr. George Boucher, a wealthy merchant ; who experienced the greateft cruelties at the hands of the rebels ; chained by their necks and feet in a difmal dungeon within the caftle for twelve weeks, during wliich time they were deprived of the liberty of feeing or fpeaking with their near- eft relations, or any other acquaintance; confined in the dark without the E E 2 benefit • See Rurnworth's Colls, from p. 932 to 938. + In Fiennes Letters to Mr. John Gunning junr. of Brillol, his demand was 200I. of him by the bearer, v hii.h v.as his man Ralph Hooker, on pain of militaiy difciplinc. [ 128 ] benefit of fire or candle, with /lender diet and pining grief extremely ema- ciated, at length they were brought to their trials before a court-martial at the houfe of Mr. Robert Rogers at the bridge end : where they received fcntencc to be hanged. * In purfuance of which they were brought from the caftle on the 30th of May, 1643, to the place of execution, which was in Wine-flreet, near the Guard-houfe; many perfons were ftruck down for prayintr for them ; nay they were denied the Rev. Mr. Towgood and Mr. Standfall, two of the Church of England divines, to affift them with their prayers ; inftead of whom were fubftituted three of the mod violent and noto- rious fchifmatics they could choofe out of Bridol, viz. Cradock, Rofewell, and Fowler, who inRead of comforting them in their laft moments reviled them, charging them with hypocrify and apoflacy, to the moment they were turned off the ladder, t About this time Walter Stephens, a leader amongfl the rebels, demoliflied the Virgin Mary's chapel on Briflol bridge : and on the 17th of }uly 1643, Governor Fiennes gave orders to demolifli St. Peter and St. Philip's churches; but this happily was prevented on the 22d inft. by Prince Rupert's appearing with 20,000 men to attack the city, which he did on the 24th in fix different parts ; which obliged Fiennes to draw forth his forces out of the caflle, confiRing of 2500 foot and a regiment of horfe and dragoons: he divided them into fix bodies to defend the walls of the city. — However on the 26th Colonel Wafliington found means to force a pafTagc through the hollow way betwixt Brandon-hill and Windmill forts (fecure from the fliot) to Froom-gate, but with the lofs of about 500 of the King's forces, that were killed by the rebels out of the windows of their houfes. At length Fiennes ordered a parley to be beat, + when it was agreed on the 27th inflant that the garrifon with divers citizens fiiould march out of the city; on which Prince Rupert became governor of the city and caRle. The following is a true relation of the taking of Briflol, in a letter from an eye witnefs to the governor of Oxford,July 30, 1643. (Britifli Mufeum, pamph. fol. flieets. No. 3.} " At * In May, 1643, Fiennes had of the King's friends then prifoncrs in the caflle, Sir Walter Pyc, Sir William Crofts, knights, and Colonel Connefby, &c." + See Mercurius Ruflitus, or the Countries Complaint, printed 1648. Sec alfo a Utile pam- phlet publiQied on the occafion, where a very explicit account is given of the mod barbarous ufage, unjuftly inflifled on thcfc fullering gentlemen, extended even to their young families after their death. In a pardon granted by Charles ill. to the mayor, burgclTes, and commonalty of Briflol, dated 4th Feb. igth of his reign, 1643: Nathaniel Fiennes, Richard Cole, Waller White, Thomas and Richard Hippidcy, Robert Baugh, and Herbert, late provoft marflial at Brlflo), were excepted, being aftois or advifcrs and afTiftants in the above detcftable murder. X Vide State Trials, vol. i. [ 229 ] " At the affault of Briflol the outworks were very ftrong, and cod near 500 common men's lives on the King's fide. Colonel Herbert Lunsford was ilain, and the Lord Vircount Grandifon (hot and Maftcr Bellafis woimded in the head by his own fword, which was flruc'ii to his head by a mufkct when they rufhed in upon the works : neither of them in any great danger. It was the hotteft fervicc that ever was in this kingdom fince the war began. In his Majefty's army there are at lead 14000 armed men. The city was furrendered on Wednefday upon this condition ; — That the commanders were permitted to ride out with their fwords, and the common men to march out with their (licks in their hands, fo many as were plcafed to go; but at leaft loooof the garrifon foldiers very willingly remain in the caftle to fcrve his Majefty. Colonel Fiennes marched out without moleftation or hurt, who attempted before to efcape; but was flopped by the feamen, who are his Majefty's friends. The Royalifts found in the city 1700 barrels of gunpowder, with match and bullets proportionable, 60 brafs pieces of good ordnance, and all the arms, 18 good fliips in the river belonging to merchants, and 4 fliips belonging to the Earl of Warwick, that came lately to relieve it, which have good flore ofam- munition in them. The city gives 1400I. by wayof compofition, to fave them from being plundered ; upon which his Majefty hath fent a proclamation flrictly to prevent it, that it fliall be death for any foldier to plunder. Sir Arthur Afliton came poll to Oxford on Friday to inform his Majefty of the ftate of things there. Upon which the council of war and council of flate agreed to fend away Sir John Pennington fpeedily to Briftol, to have the com- mand of the fliips, and a proclamation to all mariners that are willing to ferve the King to this effeQ, that they fliall have their pardon who have ferved under the Earl of Warwick, and alfo their pay that is due from him prefently paid at Briflol, and his Majcfty's pay and his favour for the future. Informations of the 3ifl July were, Briftol taking, Exeter fliaking, Gloucefler quaking. The report is that Briflol is to pay but 50,000!. in money for compofition, but that they are alfo to cloath 1500 of the K-ing's foldiers according to their quality : common men 3I. a fuit, and gentlemen and commanders 61. which amounts to 140,0001. There was found in the caflle of Briflol ioo,oool. as is reported." The day before the city was taken all the family plate of John Harrington, Efq; of Kclfon, was for fecuriry removed into Briflol caflle, among which was a large C 230 ] a large golden font, in which Sir John Harrington (afterwards a very ingenious poet) was chriflened ; a prefent from Queen Elizabeth, his godmother. His houfe had been plundered feveral times : he is faid to have been the only one of that family ever tinclured with difloyal principles. Prince Rupert with part of the forces, confiding of 900 horfe, 2500 foot, and 1500 auxiliaries, hav- ing now polfefTion of the city, his Majefty Charles ift. with Prince Charles and the Duke of York, came hither on the 3d of Auguft, where the King during his flay lodged at Mr. Colfton's houfe in Small-flreet; and he ex- tended his mofl: gracious pardon to many of his inveterate enemies, for which they afterwards made a moft ungrateful return, joining afterwards the rebels, who under Fairfax and Cromwell, having gained fome advantages in the Weft, determined to lay fiege to and retake Briftol, of which the following is the particular relation given by themfelves. "After reducing Sherborn, Briftol being confidered as the only confiderablc port the King had in the whole kingdom for fliipping, trade, and riches, and alfo a magazine for all forts of ammunition and provifions, it was refolved to march thither for reducing that city. Two thoufand horfe were fent before, under Commiffary-General Ireton, to perferve the towns adjacent to Briftol from plunder andiiring, for the better accommodation of our quarters; and advice was fent to Vice-Admiral Capt. Moulton, riding about Milford- haven, to fend fliips into Kingroad to block up Briftol by fca, as this army intended to do by land. Thurfday, Auguft 21. General Fairfax and Lieu- tenant-General Cromwell went and viewed the town, which was now ap- proached ; appointed guards and quarters on the weft fide of the river, and quartered themfelves at Kainftiam that night, where divers lords fent for paffes to come out of the city to go beyond fca, but were all denied. Friday 22- A general rendezvous of horfe ; all this day fpent in fctting guards on Somer- fet fide, where the country men maintained a paflage, the head quarters being this day removed to Hanham. Saturday 23. Fairfax and Cromwell employed the whole day in fettling the quarters and guards on the other fide Briftol. The cannon played this day from the great fort and Prior's-hill fort, but hurt none but one dragoon, who had his thigh ftiot off. The Royalifts alfo fallied out with a party of horfe, but were drove back, when Sir Richard Crane was mortally wounded. The head quarters removed to Stapleton. Auguft 24. the Lord's day. A fally out of the fally port near Prior's-hill fort, repulfed by Colonel Rainfljorough's brigade and horfe. Tuefday 26. A third fally on Somerfet fide on a poft of Colonel Welden's, at Bedminfter, 10 killed and as many wounded. Sir Bernard Aftiley, a ro\ alift, taken and died a few days after [ 231 ] after of his wounds. Thurfday 28. The fort of Portiflicad point, after four days fiege, taken with 6 pieces of ordnance, by which means a communication was laid open with the fhips in Kingroad. Friday 29. A fafl obfcrved by the army to feck God for a bleffing upon the defigns againfl Briftol : Mr. Del and Mr. Peters kept the day at the head quarters, but were difturbed by a fally about noon upon the quarters at Lawford's-gate ; 3 or 4 foldiers taken. Sunday, Augufl 31. Captain Moulton from Kingroad held a meeting with the General, and offered to aflifl; ftorming the city with his feamen. Monday, September 1. Prince Rupert with 1000 horfc and 600 foot fallicd out about twelve at noon the fixth time in full career upon our horfe guards with much fiercenefs, and were made to retreat very haflily ; Captain Guilliams killed and Colonel Okey taken by Prince Rupert. Orders given to view the line and works, and the foldiers to make faggots and all fitting preparations for a ftorm. September 2. After a cotincil of war held, it was determined to ftorm Briftol ; and the manner was referred to a committee of the colonels to prefent in writ- ins to the General the next morniuir, to be debated in a general council of war, which was agreed to be in the following manner : Colonel Welden with his brigade of four regiments were to ftorm in three places on Somerfet fide, 200 men in the middle, 200 on each fide as forlorn hopes to begin the ftorm ; 20 ladders to each place, two men to carry each a ladder at 5s. apiece, two ferjeants to attend each ladder at 20s. each j each of the mufquetry that fol- lowed the ladder to carry a faggot, a ferjeant to command them, and to have the fame reward j 12 files of men with fire arms and pikes to follow the ladders to each place where the ftorm was to be, thofe to be commanded each by a captain and lieutenant, the latter to go before with 5 files, the captain to fe- cond him with the other 7 ; the 200 men appointed to fecond the ftorm to "furnifli each party of them 20 pioneers who were to march in their rear, the 200 men commanded each by a field officer, and the pioneers each by a ferjeant; (thofe pioneers were to throw down the line to make way for the horfe,} the party that was to make good the line to poffefs the guns and turn them ; a gentleman of the ordnance, gunners and mattrofles to enter with the parties, the drawbridge to be let down, two regiments and a half to ftorm in after the foot, if way was made : much after this manner was the general brigade under Colonel Montague's command, confifting of the General's, Col. Montague's, Col. Pickering's, and Sir Hardreffc Waller's regiments to ftorm on both fides Lawford's-Gate, both to the river Avon and the lefler river Froom, the bridge over Froom to be made good againft horfe with pikes or to break it down. Colonel Rainfborough's brigade, confiUing of his own. Major General [ 232 ] General Skippon's, Col. Hammond's, Col. Birdie's, and Lieut. Col. Pridc'3 regiments to ftorm on this fide the Froom, beginning at the right hand of the faih port up to Prior's-hill fort, and to ftorm the fort itfelf as the main buli- nefs : 200 of this brigade to go up in boats with the feamen to ftorm Waterfort (if it could be attempted :) one regiment of horfe and a regiment of foot to be moving up and down in the clofes before the royal fort and to ply hard upon it to alarm it, with a field officer to command them : the regiment of dragoons with two regiments of horfe to tarry ladders with them and to attempt the line of works by Clifton and Wafliington's breach. Such was the manner of the ftorm agreed on, though alterable according to circumftances; the cannon balkets were ordered to be filled, feamen and boats fent for, and September 4th being Thurfday, the weather which had been fo extream wet before, began to alter, and the great guns began to play from the new battery againft Prior's-fort ; fummons were alfo fent to Prince Rupert. To Prince RUPERT. S I R, "FOR the fervice of the Parliament I have brought their own army before the city of Briftol and do fiimmon you in their names to render it, with all the forts belonging to the fame, into my hands for their ufc. — Having ufed this plain language, as the bufinefs requires, I wiOi it may be as cfFeftual with you as it is fatisfaftory to myfelf, that I do a little expoftulate with you about the furrender of the fame ; which I confefs is a way not common and which I fhould not have fo ufed, but in refped to a perfon of fuch fort, and in fuch a place : I take into confidcration your royal birth and relation to the crown of England, your honour, courage, all the virtues of your perfon, and the ftrength of that place, which you may think yourfelf bound and able to main- tain. Sir, the crown of England is and will be where it ought to be, we fight to maintain it there ; but the King mifled by evil counfellors, or through a feduced heart has left his parliament and people, (under God the beft afilirance of his crown and family :) the maintaining of this fchifm is the ground of this unhappy war on your part; and what fad eft"c£t it hath produced in the three kingdoms is vifible to all men. To maintain the rights of the crown and kingdom jointly ; the principal part is, that the King in fupreme aCis con- cerning the whole ftate, is not to be advifed by men of whom the law takes no notice but by the parliament, the great council of the nation, in whom (as much as man is capable of) he hears all his people as it were at once ad- vifing him, and in which multitude of counfellors lies his fafety and his people's intercft. C 233 ] intereft. To fethim right in this hath been the conflanc and faitliful endeavour of the parliament ; and to bring thofe wicked inftruments to jiiftice that have nrifled him is a principal ground of our fighting. Sir, if God makes this clear to you, as he hath to us, I doubt not but he will give you an heart to deliver this place, notwithftandingall the confiderations of honor, courage and fidelity, &c. becaufe their confiftency and ufe in the prefent bufinefs depends upon the right or wrongfulnefs of what has been faid. And if upon fuch conviction you fliould furrender the city, and fiive the lofs of blood and hazard of fpoiling fuch a place, it would be an afl glorious in iifclf, and joyful to us, for the reftoring you to the endeared affeftions of the parliament and people of England, the trueft friends to your family it hath in the world. But if this be hid from your eyes, and fo groat, fo famous, and fo ancient a city, fo full of people be expofed through your wilfulnefs in putting us to force the fame to the ruin and extremity of war, (which yet we fhall in that cafe as much as pofTible endea- vour to prevent,) then I appeal to the righteous God to judge between you and us, and to requite the wrong ; and let all England judge whether to burn its towns, and ruin its cities, and deftroy its people, be a good requital from a perfon of your family which have had the prayers, tears, money, and blood of this parliament ; and, if you look on either as now divided, both ever had the fame party in parliament, and among the people moft zealous for their afTiftance and reftitution ; which vou now oppofe and feek to deftroy ; and whofe con- ftant grief hath been that their defire to ferve your family hath been ever hindred, and made fruitlefs by that fame party about his Majefty whofe councils you aft and whofe intereft you purfue in this unnatural war. I expeft your fpcedy anfwer to this fummons by the return of the bearer this evening, and am. Your Highnefs humble fervant, Sept. 4, 1645. T H O. F A I R F A X." ANSWER. Sir, " I Received your's by your trumpet, and defire to know if you will give me leave to fend a meffenger to the King, to know his pleafure therein. I am. Your fervant, R U P E R T." REPLY. S I R, " YOUR overture offending to his Majefty to know his plcnfurc, I cannot ■give way to, nor admit of fo much delay as that would require ; wherciorc F F thereby C 234 ] thereby I cannot but underfland your intention intimated not to furrcnder without his Majefty's confent, yet, becaufe it is but implicit, I fend ;i;;ain to know more clearly if you have any more pofitive aiifwer to give from yourfelf, which I defirc to receive ; and which I delire may be fuch as may render me capable to approve myfelf. Your Highnefs humble fervant, Sept. 5, 1645. T H O. F A I R F A X." Whereupon his Highnefs after a council of war was held fent 17 propofi- tions, that during a treaty he might ftrengthen the works within, and hear from the King ; and had he confented to the demands, a confirmation by parliament would have been required, which protraftion of time was dcfigned for the advantage of the befieged. In anfwer to this Sir Thomas Fairfax propofed three commiflioners. Colonels Ireton, Fleetwood and Pickering, to conclude a treaty, provided fuch treaty be ended by nine o'clock that night, dated 7th Sept. 1645. -^^' ^'^^ Prince ftill willing to delay defires him to fet down his doubts and exceptions to the propofitions in writing to which he would give a fpeedy anfwer, dated the fame day, which occafioned another letter with 20 propofitions from Fairfax, alfertiiig his tendernefs of the city and of the effu- fion of blood, &c. dated Stapleton 8th Sept. 1645. ^" ^'^'^ Prince Rupert finding omiffions in feveral claufcs, and fome wholly left out, fent a letter the fame day, infifting upon all the forts and lines, except the caftle, to be fleighted and demoliflied, when he would fend commiffioners to regulate and fettle things between them ; but Fairfax in a letter dated the 9th Sept. 1645, infifled on his propofitions and would admit of no farther delay, to which his Highnefs would not confent. The 6th of September every thing prepared for the ftorm ;, the General in the field and the foldiers ready with faggots at their backs, but the bufinefs deferred till Monday morning two o'clock. The 9th Sept. trumpet returning with unfatisfaBory anfwer, at twelve o'clock at night the General was in the field to give orders about drawing out the men and managing the ftorm the next morning. The loth Sept. at two in the morning the fignal was given to fall on at one inflant round the city by fetting fire to fome ftraw and faggots at the top of an hill, and the firing four great guns againfl Prior's-hill fort, from the place the General was torefide at all the time of the florm, being an old fmall farm-houfcoppofite the Prior's-hill fort, conveniently lying upQn any alarm. — The fignal being given, the ftorm immediately began round, the city and was terrible to the beholders. Colonel Montague and Col. Pickering with. C 235 ] with their regiments at Lawford's-gate entered fpeedily, and recovered 22 great '^uns, and took many prifoncrs in the works ; Major Defborough ad- vancing with the horfe after them, having the command of the General's regiment, and part of Col. Groves's. Sir HardrefTe Waller's, and the Gene- ral's regiments, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jackfon, entered betweert Lawford's-gate and the river Froom ; Col. Rainfborough'sand Col. Hamond's regiments entered near Prior's fort ; Major General Skippon's and Col. Birche's entered nearer to the river Froom ; and the regiment commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Pride was divided, part alTigned to the fervice of Prior's fort, and the reft to alarm the great fort, and afterwards they took a little fort of Welchmen, The feamen that were at firft defigned to ftorm by water (the tide failing) alfifted in ftorming the line and works, the horfe that entered here, (befides the forlorn hope,) fo valiantly led on by Capt. Ireton, were in feveral parties commanded by Major Bethel, Major Alford, and Adjutant General Flemming, being of Colonel Whalye's, Col. Riche's and part of Col. Graves's regiments. And after the line was broke down by the pioneers and a gap made in the fame, the horfe with undaunted courage entered, and within the line met with a party of the enemy's horfe, put them to a retreat, mortally wounded Col. Taylor (formerly member of the houfe of commons) of which wounds he died, and took divers prifoners. This fo difheartened their horfe (perceiving withal our foot to be mafter of the line and their men beaten off) that they never came on again to give one charge, but retreated and Rood in a body under the favor of the great fort and Colfton's fort. In the mean while Prior's-hill fort obftinately held out, playing fiercely with great and fmall fhot on our men for two hours after the line was entered; our men all that time in like manner plying them hard with mufket fliot in at the port-holes, until they brought up ladders to the fort ; but it being an high work many of the ladders proved too fliort, through which fault fome that got up were beaten down again. Notwithflanding, this difheartened them not, but up they went again upon the greateft danger and difadvantage, fome at laft creeping in at the port-holes, and others got on the top of the works; Capt. Lagoe of Lieutenant Colonel Pride's regiment being the firfl man that laid hold on the colours, and in the end we forced the enemy within to run below into tlie inner rooms of the work, hoping to receive quarter, but our foldiers were fo little prepared to fliew mercy, by the oppofi- tion that they met withal in the ftorm, and the refufal of quarter when it was offered, that they put to the fword the commander (one Major Price who was a Welchman) and almoft all the officers, foldiers and others "in the F F 2 fort. fort, except a few which at the entreaty of our officers were fpared their lives. Moft happv it was that the ftorm began fo early, for otherwife had the enemy had dayliglit when we fiift entered, we could not have attempted Prior's-hill fort, in regard the great fort and Colfton's fort on the one fide and the caflle on the other might have cut off all our men as faft as they had been drawn up, but being in the dark they durll not fire for fear of killing their own men, their horfc during the ftorm being drawn up between the great fort and Col- fton's fort: but on Somerfet fide fuccefs was not anfwerablc to this on this fide, our forces there being put to a retreat though they went on with much courage; the works on that fide were fo high that the ladders could not near reach them, and the approach unto the line of great dil'advantage. Left during the ftorm the Prince (in cafe he faw the town like to be loft) fhould endeavour to efcape with his, horfe, to prevent the fame Commiftary General Ircton's, Col. Butler's and Col. Fleetwood's regiments of horfe were appointed to be in a moving body upon Durdham-Down, that place being the moft open way and moft likely for the Prince to efcape by ; befidcs part of thofe horfe did alarm that fide of the line and the great fort towards Durdham-Down and Clifton during the ftorm ; as likewife to fecurc the foot. Col. Okey's dra- goons alarming Brandon-Hill fort and the line towards Clifton. — About four hours after taking Prior's-hill fort a trumpet came from the Prince to dcfire a parley, which the General embraced on account of the city's being fet on fire in feveral places, and on condition of the fire being immediately ftopt : which Avas done accordingly, and fo the treaty proceeded, and by feven at night was concluded according to articles. I. That his Highnefs Prince Rupert, and all noblemen, officers, gentlemen, and foldicrs, and all other pcrfonswhatfoever, now refiding in the city ofBriftol, and in tiie caftle and forts thereof, ffiall march out of the faid city and caftic and forts with colours, drums, pikes, bag and baggage. The Prince his High- nefs, gentlemen, and officers in commiffion, with their horfc and arms, and their fcrvants with their horfe and fwords, and common foldiers with their fwords, the Prince's life guard of horfe with their horfe and arms, and 250 horfe befides to be difpofed of by the Prince, and his life guard of firelocks with their arms, with each of them a pound of powder and a proportion of bul- let ; and that none of the perfons, who are to march out under this article, are to be plundered, fearched, or molefted. II. That fuch officers and foldiers that ftiall be left fick or wounded, in the city, caftic, or forts, fiiall have liberty to ftay till their recovery, and then have fafe conduQ to go to his Majefty, and in the interim to be protc6ted. IIL [ ^37 J III. That fuch perfons abovementioned, who are to march away, fiiall have fufficient convoy provided for them to fuch garrifon of tlie King's as the Prince fhall name, not exceeding fifty miles from Briflol, and fliall have eight days al- lowed them to march thither, and fliall have free quarter by the way, and fliall have two oflicers to attend them for their accommodation, and twenty wat^gons for their baggage, if they fliall have occafion to ufe them. IV. That all the citizens of Briflol, and all noblemen, gentlemen, clergy- men, and all other perfons, refiding in the faid city and fuburbs, fliall be faved from all plunder and violence, and be fecured in their perfons and eftates from the violence of the foldiers, and fliall enjoy thofe rights and privileges, which other fubjefts enjoy under the protection and obedience to the Parliament. V. That in conflderation thereof, the city of Briflol, with the caflle and all other forts and fortifications thereof, and all the ordnance, arms, ammunition, and all other furniture and provifions of war, excepting what is before allowed, Ihall be delivered up to Sir Thomas Fairfax to-morrow, being Thurfday, the 11th of this inftant September, by one o'clock in the afternoon, without any diminution or embezzlement, his Highnefs Prince Rupert then naming to ■what army or garrifon of the King's he will march. VI. That none of the army, who are to march out on this agreement, fliall plunder, hurt, or fpoil the town, or any perfon in it, or carry any thing but what is properly his own. VII. That upon thefe articles being figned. Colonel Okey and all perfons now in prifon in the city of Briflol and the caflle and forts of the fame fliall immediately be fet at liberty. VIII. That fufficient hoftages be given to Sir Thomas Fairfax, fuch as he fliall approve this night, who arc to remain with him until the city be delivered. IX. That neither the convoy or officers fent with the Prince fliall receive any injury in their going and coming back, and fliall have feven days allow- ance for their return. X. That upon delivering of the town, fuflScient hoflages be given for the performance of the articles on both parts. Signed by us, Commiflioncrs on the behalf of his HighnefsPrince Rupert„ JOHI^^ MYNNE, \v. TILLYER, AV. VAVASOUR. Sis,ned by us, Commiflioncrs on the behalf of Sir Thomas Fairfax, Kd. MONTAGUE, T. RAINSBOROUGIT, JOHN PICKERING. While C 238 ] While Sir Tliomas Fairfax and the Lieutenant-Gencral Oliver Cromwell were both fitting on the top of Prior's-hill fort, a piece of ordnance was fliot off thither from the caftle, and the bullet grazed upon the fort within two hands breadth of them, but did them no hurt at all ; fo narrow was their efcape. In the ftorm feveral of the Parliament officers both horfe and foot were killed, and many wounded. Major Bethel was fliot entering the line, of which wound he fliortly after died, &c. Thurfday, September 11, Prince Rupert marched out of the great fort, as alfo many ladies and gentlemen. Oliver Cromwell, Lieutenant-General, fent the Parliament a long account of the taking Briftol, calling it" the work of the Lord, which none but an Atheift could deny," and that " 140 cannon were taken, 100 barrels of powder, &c. with the lofs of only about 200 men.'' This was a very important acquifition to the rebel leaders both in the army and the Parliament, and as great a lofs and injury to the King's affairs. Prince Rupert incurred a fevere cenfute from the King, and though he was folicited to enter into treaty by his officers and a council of war, who thought the ports and city not tenable any longer ; yet the King's friends were fo dif- fatisfied with the Prince's behaviour, that it drew from him a public vindi- cation of his conduft; and as the former account is the reprcfentation of the rebels, it will be proper to fubjoin Prince Rupert's own account of the matter, extraQed from a pamphlet called, a Declaration and Narrative of the State of the Garrifon and of the City of Briftol, publifhed 1645. "On Prince Rupert's coming to Briftol, the conftitution of the garrifon had by the eftablifliment contributions fettled for 3600 men for that and the fubor- dinate garrifons, as Nunney, Portfend Point, &c. but on his exafter enquiry, the prefidiary foldiers which went for 8 or goo men were really in the judgment of honeft and judicious perfons betwixt 5 or 600 effeftive ; the auxiliary and trained bands by interruption of trade and by the peftilence then raging there and by poverty and preffures laid upon them were reduced to 800, and the mariners betook themfelves to other parts or the enemy- The commiftioners intrufted for the contribution and fupport of the garrifon abandoned the town upon the enemy's approach, and many confidcrable perfons had leave to quit the town, which diftieartened the reft. For fecuring the place his Highnefs drew in fo many as to make 2800 men upon fight. But after the enemy ap- proached, he could never draw up on the line 1500, and it was impoftible to keep them from getting over the works, and many of thofc were new levied Welch and unexperienced men. The line to be defended was above four mile* [ 239 ] miles in compars, the bireaft-work low and thin, the graflF very narrow and of no depth, and by the opinion of all the colonels not tenable, on a brilk and vigorous aflault. The great fort, which had the reputation of flrcngth, lay open to Brandon-hill fort, which if taken would from its height with the can- non command the whole plain within it, and the want of water was not to be borne man)- days. For the like confideration of danger to the line from another part, his Highnefs built a reboubt without, which on that fide prevented the enemy from erefting a battery, as likewife three others during the fiege, and drew a line of 500 foot. After the misfortune which happened to Lord Gorin. 1645. — The forts, city and caftle without any defacing thereof, with all arms, ammu- nition, &c. were delivered up Thurfday the 11th of September 1645, ^Y three o'clock in the afternoon. The forts, city and caftle being evacuated by the King's troops, the rebels found a great booty tliercin ; 140 cannons, 100 barrels of gunpowder, pro- vifion in the royal fort (where at prcfent the elegant feat of T. Tyndall, Efq; is built) fufficient to ferve 150 men for 320 days, and the caftle was viQualled for near half fo long, fays a manufcript penes me. To increafe the mif- fortunes of the times the plague broke out this year, of which died 3000 per- fons. Philip Skippon who had been appointed governor of Briftol caftle, was commiftioned by the parliament in the year 1646 to carry 200000 1. (which was half the price fet upon the head of his Majefty Charles the ift. by the Scots) into Scotland to induce them to deliver the King up into his enemies hands, ■which was accordingly done the 16th of February the fame year. This was the laft keeper but one and governor of Briftol caftle before its final demolition ; he had been Major General on this occafion, of great Jkill and experience in military operations, which he had acquired abroad in foreign wars; and had it not been for this one man, neither the zeal or conduft of Fairfax, nor the brutal courage of Oliver Cromwell and his troops puftied on by a fpirit of entluifiafm, would have fucceedcd in carrving the cityagainft: Prince Rupert, who was acknowledged to be a General of confummate abilities. The caftle and city being now reduced under the power of the parliament and its officers, it is a grievous unpleafing taft; to recite the fevcral opprefllions the citizens underwent ; one would wifh to throw a veil over fuch fcenes of Avanton cruelty, but hiftorical truth obliges us to notice them here agreeable to the maxim, ne quid falfi diccre audeat, ne quid veri non audeat. — Hiftory records thefe bad cffecls of partv rage, and of falfe religious zeal and love of liberty carried beyond the bounds of law, as a leftbn to pofterity againft ever committing fuch outrage againft the common principles of humanity under the pretence of liberty, in the facred name of religion, and under the mafic of greater piety and reformation. — Bcfides the heavy contributions laid on the merchants and tradefmen loyalifls, informers were encouraged by an aft pafted tlie 26th of March 1644, and committees appointed in feveral counties to enquire after the clergy and fchoolmafters not well aftctled to the parlia- ment government, and to place others of their own learned, able, godly and fit [ 243 ] fit pcrfons in their room and in pofTefTion of their churches. — Accordingly the ftanding committee for Briftol the 2oih of February 1645-6, fequeQered the Rev. Richard Towgood vicar of St. Nicholas, " for his great difaffcClion to the parliament of England and their proceedings," for which he was com- mitted to Bridol cattle, where foon after the Rev. Mr. Richard Standfafl rector of Chrift Church, being alfo fcqucftered was confined. One Evans a preaching taylor was put into his living by the committee. The Rev. Mr. Peirce vicar of St. Philip's was alfo fequeflered, and one Edward Hancock, late a Butler to Sir George Horner knight, was put into his living, where he continued till the reftoration of Charles the 2d. and being then removed he afterwards kept a public-houfe at Horficid, more agreeable to his former employment. The Rev. Mr. Brent vicar of Temple was alfo fequeflered; and many orthodox clergy and others to the number of about 50 pcrfons, were confined clofe prifoners in a difmal room in the cadlc, and there treated with a rigour and cruelty not to be defcribed here — The ufc of the common prayer-book was by an ordinance of parliament in Oct. 1647, under penalty of fine and imprifonment for the third offence prohibited. Let it with cool refleftion be well confidered, that from this polluted fountain of the rebellion 1641 have fprung the feveral divifions in religion among us : Hac fonte derivata clades in patriam populumque fluxit. Hor. The churches themfelves as well as the pallors did not efcape the rage of thefe merciful and meek reformers ; the organs were pulled down, furpliccs torn to pieces, tombs defaced, the church plate flolen. By an ordinance of the 8th of Augufl 1643, and May following, made by the Lords and Commons, order was given to demolilh all monuments of idolatry and fiiperflition, as altars, crucifixes, images, reprcfentations of the Trinity, &c. but images, piftures, coats of arms in glafs or Rone fct up for any monument of King or nobleman, or perfon not reputed a faint to be continued. Cromwell's foldiers were bad judges of this diflinclion, they broke mofl of the curious painted glafs, tore away the brafs, iron and lead from many monuments and defaced jhe infcriptions, which is to be lamented now by all lovers of antiquities, the ruin they fpread in all country churches has never been repaired to this day. The church and llate being at length in a manner fubverted by the murder of the King, the government of the city and caflle was given by the parlia- ment to Mr. Adrian Scroop the laft keeper, after which the royal arms and motto were every where thrown down and defaced in all public places in this city. G G a After [ 244 ] After Oliver Cromwell was proclaimed prote^or orders were given for demolifhing the fortifications of the caftlc of Briflol, which was began the 3d of January 1655 to be difmantled; and in 1656 a new road was made into the county of Gloccfler through the faid caflle : a gate was erefted 1659 called caftlc gate, (in 1766 removed,) before this the common road was through Newgate into the county of Gloceller. Since the demolition of the caflle two handfome flreets have been built on its fite, Caflle-flreet and Caflle-green ; on the caRlc orchard without the fally- port have rifen other ffrccts, Queen-flreet, &c. And Cromwell's levelling orders have been fo well executed that few traces of this venerable flru6lure are now to be feen, which has made fuch diftinguillied figure in hiftory, and been the fubjcft of fo much contention. King Charles the 2d. in his feveral journies to conceal himfelf from his purfucrs by the affiflance of his faithful friends once paffed through this city on horfcback in difguifc, riding before Mrs. Lane towards Leigh-manor houfe, drefl like a country fellow before his miffrefs ; where he lay concealed for fome time and ufed to turn the fpit in the kitchen by way of difguife : the block he fat on is preferved there to this day. — In paffing through the city he could not refill an inclination of turning a little out of his way to take a view of the caflle, the fcene of fo many interefling tranfaQions. In the year 1771, General Melvyl coming to Briflol, and having a great curiofity in tracing out the remains of ancient encampments and fortifications, examined the lines and entrenchments njade round the city in the year 1643, the better to account for Prince Rupert whom he regarded as a great military genius, giving up the city. The author of this hiflory gave him all the intel- ligence then in his power j but could have fupplied him with better, had he received before a curious paper containing the feveral fortified pofls on the line, with the number of ordnance at each, communicated to him by Edmund Turnor, Efq; of Panton-houfe, Lincolnfliire, whofe anceflor * had a com- milfion • Sir Edmund Tumor was the youngeft fon of Chriftopher Turnor of Milton-Ernis, in the county of Bedford, Efq; and brother of Sir Chriftopher Turnor of Millon-Ernis, knight, one of the Barons of the Exchequer in the time of Charles the ad. — At the breaking out of the civil wars he engaged in the fervice of the crown, and was the 4th of December 20th of Charles ift. with a falar)- of 13s. 4d. a day for himfelf, and 3s. 4d. each for three keepers of the (lores, ap- pointed Trcafurer and Paymafler of the garriion there. The 10th of February 1645 he was ap- pointed to the command of a troop of horfe. He was taken prifoncr at the battle of Worcefter 3651, Anno Domini 1663 he received the honor of knighthood, and was appointed Surveyor Cieneral of the out-ports, and was one of the Farmers General of the cudoms.-, — In i68i he fcrved the office of High-fherifFfor the county of Lincoln, where he had purchafed a confidcrablc property. — — An account of his life and charities is publifhed in M'ilford's Lives of worthy pcrfons, folio, 1741, pages 81 and 784. Likcwife in Bilhop Rennet's Caft of impropriations. C 245 ] miffion from Charles the ifl. in 16.14, of Trcafurer of the garrifons of Rriflol, Bath, the town and caftle of Berkeley, Nunny caftle, Farley caftle, and Portfiicad-point: ^ " At the Water fort were 7 ordnance, with a mafler-gunner, 17 s. 6 d. a mate, 14 s. and 3 gunners, each los. per week." This fort was at the point of Brandon-hill, next Limekiln-lane, fronting the Avon, above and oppofite the glafs-houfc. " At Brandon-hill fort, ordnance 6, with a mafler-gunner, mate, and 2 gunners." On the very fummit. " At the great fort, ordnance 22, with a matter-gunner, mate, and 6 gun- ners, and commilTary of victuals." This was the Royal fort, now the fite of the houfc and gardens of Thomas Tyndale, Efq; " At the redoubt, ordnance 7, with a mafter-gunner, mate, and 2 gun- ners." This was fince called Colfton's mount, behind the Montague on Kingfdown. " At Prior's-hill fort, ordnance 13, with a mafter-gunner, mate, and 3 CTunners." This is fince called Ninetree-hill. " At Lawford's-gate, ordnance 7, with a mafter-gunner, mate, and 6 gunners." " At Temple-gate, ordnance 1 4, with a mafter-gunner, mate, and 5 gunners." " At RedclifF-gate, ordnance 15, with a mafter-gunner, mate, and 4 gunners." " At the Caftle and Newgate, ordnance 16, with a mafter-gunner, mate, 11 gunners, and commiftary of viftuals, at 1 1. los. per week." " At Froom-gate and Pithay-gate, ordnance 2, with 2 gunners." This clearly fhews where the ftrongeft fortifications were ; but there are no traces of the line farther than Prior's-hill, by any marks on the furf^ce of the ground ; for defcending the hill from Prior's-hill fort you get into low ground, which has been filled up or built upon fince that time, though the line it appears extended acrofs by the city peft-houfe or lodge over the Froom to Lawford's-gate, thence acrofs the Avon to Tower Harratz and to Temple- gate, and to RedclilF-gate after the Borough-wall unto the river fide, where it ended. CHAP. C 246 ] CHAP. VIII. Of the X\}>]iY of SI. A U G U S T I N, Br I s T o L ; or Monajlery of Black Regular Canons of the Order of St. Yictov.. ^ I "• H E Monks, -who were the early vriters, make little mention of Briftol ; -*- a place of traffick, a trading town, chiefly intent on maintaining ihcm- felves in fecurity, and defending their habitations from any foreign invader in their well-chofen retreat, was not deemed worthy of being celebrated in their writings. Here were no religious houfes then erefled, no fuperb monafteries endowed, to entitule it to their notice. This {late of the citv is well defcribed in the following little poem, faid by Chatterton to be tranflated by Rowley, " as nie as Englyflie wyll ferve, from the original, written by Abbot John, who was ynduftyd 20 yeares, and dyd a£l as abbatt 9 yeares before hys induc- tyon for Phillip then abbatt : he dyed yn M.C.C.XV. beynge buryed in his albe in the mynfter." With *daitive fleppe Religyon dyghte in greie. Her face of doleful hue, Swyfte as a takel t thro'we bryght heav'n tooke her waie. And oftc and ere anon dyd faie " Aie ! mc ! what Ihall I doc ; " See Bryftoe citie, whyche I nowe doe kennc, " Aryfynge to mie view, " Th)cke throng'd wythe foldyers and wythe traffyck-meruie ; " Butte faynftes I feen few." Fytz-Hardynge rofc ! — he rofe lyke bryghte fonne in the rnornc, " Faire dame adrync thein eyne, " Let allc thie greefc bee myne, For I wylle rere thee uppe a Mynfler hie ; " The toppe whereof fliall reech ynto the lliie ; " Ande wyll a Monke be fliornc ;" Thenne dyd the dame replie, " I lliall ne be forelourne ; " Here wyll I take a cheryfaunied refte, " And fpend mie dales upon Fytz-Hardynges brefle." As • Perhaps haitivc, or liaiflifi", hafty, from the French haity, hafly. t Arrow. [ 217 ] As foon as Briflol became the feat of religion and a monaftery was built there and endowed, it makes fome figure in the monadic hiftories, became the fubjcft of their pens, and is occafionally celebrated in their writings, as much as other places. This monadcry of St. Augudin began to be erefled in the year 1140 ; and it appears, that it was fiiccefs in trade by which Hardyng ac- cumulated fuch a fortune here as to enable the fon to build and to procure the royal favour to endow this abby. It was built on a rifing ground, with a delightful profpefl of the hills around in the north-wed fuburb of the ciiy and in the manor of Billefwick. The area of the buildings appropriated for the abbot and his monks was very large and extenfive, as by the rule of St. Augudin, to whom it was dedicated, they were to live here together in common. The walls and part of the large refec- tory or dining room now converted into a prebendal houfe, the abbot's houfe now partly rebuilt and made a palace for the Bifliop's refidence, two fides of the cloiders with a curious chapter-houfe, and fome old beautiful arches and gate-ways, are dill to be fecn. Thefe with the church evidently dcmondratc the whole to have been once a very fpacious and magnificent monadery. William of ^^'orcefter, p. 188. fays, " Sanftuarium locum Sancli Augudini, if^ Jsn- Wolflan Biffiop of WorccRer confirmed to the monaflery of St. Auguftin the fcvcral churches of Affielworth, lierkclcy, Wappcly, Al- mondfbury, alfo St. Nicholas, St. Leonard, All-Saints, and St. Augullin's the Lefs in Briflol. In 1480, in the time of William Hunt abbot, the prior and convent granted an obiit and mafs to be called Abbot William's Mafs, to bo perpetually celebrated by one Cofrcre a pried at fcven o'clock every morning, in a certain new chapel of the Klclfcd Mary the \'irgin, fituafe in the Lad end of the conventual K K church, [ 266 ] church, for the good cRate of the faid William while he fhall live and for his foul after he is departed, &c. for that the faid William devoutly difpofed had caufcd to be eretled at his own expence many great barns houfes and other coflly edifices, as well in divers manors belonging to the faid monaflery as in the faid monaftcrv itfelf, and had made anew the covering of the whole con- ventual church, as well by battlements with ftones and pinnacles decently placed round the faid church as by timber, lead and other neceffaries, and had given to the monaflery there for ever to remain certain veffcls filver and gilt, and fome other jewels (jocalia) filver and gilt of no fmall value, and conferred many other gifts and benefits on his monaflery while he was abbot. The convent enfuredto theBifhopof Worcefter the manor of Gorwell in Somerfet, v.ith a right of common on Mcnydepe for the prior to pay for ever for this obiit, which was eftimated at 81. a year; he died the 14th March 1480. In 1481 John Newland alias Ncilheart, was chofen abbot in his Head. The foll6\ving is a lift of the abbots from Brown Willis, and from the regifters of Worcefter and abbot Newland's manufcript compared with others. 1. Richard the firft abbot was inftituted in 1148 and governed 38 years, (28 according to Newland,) till his death. 2. Phillip fucccedcd and was removed 1 196 (according to the Mon, Anglic. v. J. p. 1034.) to Bellelande in Yorkfhire. 3. John, he governed 29 years, and died the 12th of February 1215, and another of the fame name fucceeded. See page 246. 4. John (according to Newland JofephJ died in fix weeks, and others fay 31 weeks after his eleftion. 5. David was chofen 1216, refigned or died 1234, and was buried under a marble with the figure of a human fkull and crofs on it, near the Elder Lady's Chapel, ftill to be feen there. 6. William de Bradeftone, his arms arc in the window over the high altar, A. on a canton, G. a rofe or. barbed proper. He was of Winterborne in the county of Gloccfter ; he refigned the 20th of Auguft 1242, after which he lived ten years. 7. William Long, called Camerarius dc Cainftiam, faid to have been a monk there ; he died the 17th of May 1264, and lies buried in the North aileonthe left hand of Hugh Dodington. 8. Richard de Malmftjury, he died the 13th of September 1276, after governing 1 2 years. 9. John C 26; ] g. John de Marina ekaed the loth of Oclobcr 1276, was long troubled vith ficknefs and died the 26th of February 1286, having governed lo ycars> and was buried in the chapter-houfc. 10. Hugh of Dodington was confirmed abbot 1287, pat. 9th of Edward ill. died the 26th of November 1294, after governing 8 years, and was buried in the crofs Xorth ailc betwixt two other abbots. 11. James Barry, he obtained the royal affent the 16th of December fol- lowing, pat. 2 2d of Edward the ift. he governed 12 years and died the 12th of November 1306, and was buried luider a marble on the South fide of the Rood altar. In 1299 going to Almondfbury late in the evening, many armed men entered fuddenly and broke in upon him and took away what the abbot had there for his houfliold, and killed his fleward. Annal. ^Vygorn. 12. Edmund Knowles, or de Knolle, was elected by virtue of the royal licence dated the 30th of November 1306, (1311 Reg. Wyg.) he governed about 26 years. He is in Newland's account faid to have begun rejjuilding the church anew the 25th of Edward the ift. the 20th of Augufl, that is now Hand- ing from the ground, (" Ecclefia jam funditus diruta," Reg. V/ygorn,) with the vellry and alfo the King's-hall and chamber, and the fratry ; and procured of the King a confirmation of all the pofTcnions of the monaftery. The fourth Maurice Lord Berkeley was a great promoter of this grant, and procured a papal bull to get benefatiions towards rebuilding the church, fee the patent and claufe rolls the 31ft of Edward the ift. and the loth of Edward the 2d. 1317. Abbot Knowles died the 9th of June 1332, and was buried againft the North wall before the Rood high altar; his figure is in pontificalibus carved in freeftone, lying on his back with a crofier in his hand and mitre on his bread ; arms G.or. a chevron ar^r. three rofes of the firft. 13. John Snow was the firfl; abbot of this monaflery fummoned to parlia- ment, and indeed the laft ; he received the benedidion from the Bifliop of Worcefter at Hartlebury-palace the 4th of July 1332, (the 17th of June according to Newlandj ; having governed 9 years he died July the 12th, 14. Ralph Afh, or Afcli, was confirmed abbot the 2d of Augufl (2 id July Reg. Wyg.j 1341, died the ift of March 1353, and was buried in the iniddle of the choir : he bore for arms a tree in a field all proper; he peti- tioned to be difchargcd from attending the parliament, as expenfive to his houfe, and obtained it in 1341. 15. William Cook was inftallcd bv m indate from the prior of Worcedcr in *he vacancy of that fee the 7th of March 1353, rtfigncd in Odober 13O3, and K K 2 died [ 268 ] died the 8th of April following, 1364, and was buried before the door entering the Lady's chapel, where the crofs of lead is flill to be fcen. According to Ncwlandhe refigned 1365 and died 1366, and that in his time it was found by inquifition what lands the monaftery ponefTed as by efch. the 45lh of Edward the 3d. 1330, memb. 72, in the Tower of London. 16. Henry Shellingford, alias Blebery, elcflcd 1366, he died the 2d of December 1388, and was buried in the nether tomb of the prefbytery which he caufed to be made befide the high altar. He is faid to have wafted the poflefTions of the monaflery by injurious leafcs and his own exorbitant cxpences, Arc. as appears by a letter of Edward the 3d. the 45th year. Reg. Wygorn. Lynn. fol. 48. 17. John Cerny governed 5 years, he died the 5th of Oclobcr 1393, and yas buried in the over tomb of the prefbytery. 18. John Daubeny governed 35 years, and died the 26th of January 1428. 19. Walter Newbury met with great trouble in his office, being unjuflly expelled for five years, and one Thomas Sutton intruded into his place, till thrufl out by the convent for dilapidations and other wafles committed in fuffering quit rents to be loft ; hence no account is taken of his death. As to the abbot Newbury he was a great benefactor to his church, and built the offices to the manor-houfe of Leigh, alfo the manor-houfes of Fyfhead in Dorfetfhire, and of Almondfbury and Afhelwortli in Glocefterfhire, belonging at pVefent to the bifhoprick of Briftol : he governed 35 years, died 1463 the 3d of September, (1473 Reg. \^'yg.) and was buried againfl the North wall of the chapel, carved in ftone in pontificalia, lying on his back with crofier and initrc. 20. William Hunt elcQed the 11th of September 1463, (gth Od. 1473, Reg. Wyg.) and having governed 1 8 years, (7 years Reg. W}g.) died the 14th of March 1481 ; he was a liberal bcnefadtor to his monaftery; rebuilt the roof of the church and ailcs, and caufed the lead to be new cafl all from the tower eaflward, for which he had a yearly mafs decreed him perpetually to be obfervcd ; his arms were az. a St. Andrew's crofs or. 21. John Newland, alias Naileheart, ele£led the 6th of April 1481 ; arms arg. three nails or. pcircing an heart vuln'd proper : he was a very learned man, of great abilities, and often employed by King Henry the 7th. in foreign cmbafTies : he beautified his church and added many buildings to it, and wrote its hiftory and account of the family of the Bcrkeleys, ftill in manufcript : having governed 34 years, he died the laih of June 1515, and was C 269 ] was buried here under a /lately monument. — In Wood's Athenoe Oxon. v. 1, p. 639, may be read a long account of him, " that he was called the good abbot, a perfon folely given to religion and alms deeds," &c. 22. Robert Elliot elefled the 27th of September 1515, fyth Sept. Reg.Wyg.) he enjoyed it 10 years before J. Somerfet, which I take notice of becaufe his name is omitted in the lift of abbots in the chapter-houfe, and by Brown Willis ; he had fome ftiarc in building the flately gate-houfe with abbot Newland, at leafl the upper part of it above the arch, where they made nitches in which they did not forget to place their own flatues with their arms under- neath. On the floor of the cathedral are a great many fquare bricks with the initials R E for this abbot's name ; alfo fliields of arms with the fame initials, which are arg. on a chief G. two mullets of the firfl. 23. John Somerfet elefled about 1526, died 1533 ; he bears the Somerfet arms. 24. William Barton elcfled the gth of September 1534, he with John Giles and 17 others of the monaflery fubfcribed to the King's fupremacy, and three years after deceafed, the 28th of Henry the 8th. 1537. 25. Morgan Guilliam ap Guilliani elefcled 1537, being tlie lafl abbot; he furrendered his monaftery into the King's hands the gth of December 1539, and obtained a penfion of Sol. per annum for life, he died before the year 1553. — In Fuller and Speed's hifiory he is charged with keeping fix lewd women, but it is thought without very good evidence ; thefe andworfe crimes ■were imputed to the monks as a flrong and plaufible excufe for diflblving their houfes. As this houfe was one of the great abbies, it came to tlie crown by the ftatute of the 3ifl; of Henry the 8th. and Mas certified to be worth in old rents- according to Speed 767I. 15s. 3d. per annum, to P idg. clear 670I. 13s. iid. and fome little provifion was made for the monks then turned out. The following account appears entered in the book of pcnfions on the date of the King's commiffion, which has this entry dated December the gth 31ft Henry the 8th. 1539. Firfl, " To Morgan Guilliam late abbat there, with the Manfion Place of Lee, (that is Abbot's Leigh,) tlie garden, orchard and dove-houfe to the fame adjoyning and yealding, (and alfo 20 loads of fyer-wood yearly to be perccyved and taken out of the wood of the faid mannor by the alhgnmcnt of the Kings Ilighnefs's furvcvor or keeper there- C 270 ] there during his life without any thing yielding or paying for the fame,) _ _ _ - Item, To Ilumfry Hicman late prior there, JohnReftal, _ - - - John Carye, - - - Nicholas Corbett, _ _ - Henry Pavye, - _ _ - William Wrington, _ _ - William Underwood, _ _ - Richard Hill, - _ - - Richard Orrell, _ _ _ Richard Sterley, _ _ _ Richard Hughes, _ _ _ £80 8 8 6 13 4 6 13 4 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 Sum £"151 6 8 It is uncertain what became ofthcfe religious afterwards. In the year 1553 John Rcflal, Richard Orell, Richard Kerfey, Richard Hughes, and William Underwood, were living and received their penfions. — In 1554 Rich. Hughes vas made a prebendary of this church. King Henry having got infinite treafure by fupprefTing thefe religious houfes, the better to palliate that feeming facrilege doubtlcfs greatly cried out againft by the people of thofe days, made a fliew of refunding part by ere£ling fix new bifhopricks, of which this diffolved monaRcry was one, which in the 34th year of his reign was erefted into a biflioprick, confifting of a Bifhop, Dean and fix Prebendaries, &c. though like other things ordered in that confufion the diocefe Avas very much diftant from the fee. The church of the monks was fixed upon for the cathedral; which began to be demoliflied, and was like to undergo the common fate of other ancient and venerable ftrutlures (once the glory and ornament of the Englifli nation :) If my author rightly informs me, the rapacious difpofition of the men of thofe times was fuch, that for the fake of the lead with which the weft part of tliis church was covered, they were aQ.ually fet to work upon the fame, and after they had uncafed the roof, quickly proceeded to deftroy the ftruclure itfelf (which was in part effecied) but a ftop being put to the fame by order from the King, by his being informed, that there was yet left ftanding of the fabrick fufficient to make ii a cathedral for the biflrop's fee, the further deftruftion was prevented, and it was left in that ruinOus condition at the welt fide of the tower ftill to be fcen, [ 271 ] feen, a ftanding monument of ihc precipitate and confufed difordcr with which matters were then carried on, and of the rage then (lirred up and violence ufed againfl the monks and their fuperb buildings, where great hofpitality was obliged to be kept for the relief of the poor; while the monafterics ftood there was no a6l for their relief, fo amply did thofe hofpitable houfcs fuccour thofe in want, whereas in the next reign 39 Eliz. no Icfs than eleven bills were brought into parliament for that fole purpofc, and how real a burden the poor tax has been fince needs not be mentioned. The rcfeftion and fupport of the poor was one of the articles often inferted in the grants to thofe houfes. This good cannot then be denied them. In one of the plays attributed to Shakefpeare, wrote certainly as earlv, called the Life of Lord Cromwell, in edition of Tonfon, 1728, vol. ix. p. 166. this ufe of the monalterics is thus inlifled on by Gardiner. Gardiner. Have I not reafon when religion is wrong'd •? You had no colour for what you have done. Cromwell. Yes: the abolifhing of antichrift. And of his Popifli order from our realms : I am no enemy to religion. But this is done ; it is for England's good ; What did they lerve for? But to feed a fort Of lazy abbots and of full-fed friers ? They neither plow nor fow, and yet they reap The fat of all the land, and fuck the poor : Look what was their's is in King Henry's hands. His wealth before lay in the abby lands. Gardiner. Indeed thefc things you have alledged, my Lord, When, God doth know, the infant yet unborn Will curfe the time the abbies were puH'd down ; I pray you where is hofpitality ? Where now may poor diflrcffed people go For to relieve their need or rcR their bones. When weary travel doth opprcfs their limbs : And where religious men fhould take them in Shall now be kept back by a maftifFdog, And thoufand thoufands, &c. Though the drones were turned out of the hive, yet the buildings fo fupcib and fo ornamental to the kingdom might have been fpared, and converted to the [ 272 ] the ufes of charily and hofpitality and be made houfcs of induRry to em- ploy the poor, like country work-honfes fo much talked of now, though fo flowly put in praflice on account principally of the expence in erefling them. To conclude the account of this abby, I here add a copy of the foundation charter, preferved flill in Berkeley caftle, with a tranflation, referring the reader for the red of the deeds, &:c. to the places where they may be confulted. Prioratus SanQi Auguflini de Briflol in agro Glouceflrenfi. Carta Roberti filii Hardingi, de fundatione ejufdem. * Robcrtus filius Hardingi, omnibus hominibus et amicis fuis, et univcrfis fanflae ecclefias fidelibus, ad quos ha?c carta pervenerit, falutem : Scialis quod cum Dominus Rex Henricus manerium de Berchalle,et totamBerchaleiernell'e mihi in feodum et hzereditatem dedifTct, et Carta fua confirmaflet, cum omnibui libertatibus et rebus ad Berchaleicrncffc pcrtinentibus, in ecclefiis, in nemoribus, in pratis, et paRuris, et in omnibus aliis rebus, ficut fuerunt tempore Hcnrici regis avi fui : Ego confenfu et afTcnfu ipfius domini mci regis, ecclefias de Berchaleiernefle ; fcilicet, ecclefiam dc Bcrchalc, et ecclefiam dc Were, et ecclefiam de Beverftan, et ecclefiam de ElTeleward ; et ecclefiam de Almo- defburi, fingulis cum capellis, et terris, et libertatibus ad ipfas ecclefias pcr- tinentibus, pro falute animas mea?, et domini mei regis, et antecefforum meo- rum, et uxoris mea-, et libcrorum, dcdi et concefii ecclcfiee SanQi Auguftini de BriRoli, ct canonicis regularibus ibidem domino fervienti- bus, in perpetuam et liberam clemoffinam, nullo jure retento, mihi vel hseredibus nieis, in przediflis ecclefiis, cum eas vacare contigerit. Similiter et omnes ecclefias de Berchaleiernefle, ubicunque fuerint, cum capellis et omnibus corum pertinentiis dedi, et conceffi prccdidis canonicis in perpetuam elcmofinam, et hac mea carta confirmavi. Iliis tcRibus, Jlenrico Decano Moretoniae, ct Mauritio fratre ejus, Giraldo perfona eccle- fiiae de cam, "W. de Saltmaris, et Adamo fratre ejus, Helia filio Hardingi, Richardo fcriptore, et Alano de BcdmeniRra. The priory of St. AnguRin, in BriRol, in the county of Gloccfler. A deed of Robert fon of Harding Concerning the foundation thereof. Robert fon of Harding to all men and his friends, and all the faithful to to the holy church, to whom this charter fliall come, health: know yc that whereas our Sovereign Lord King Henry gave to me in fee the manor of Berchalle, and all Berchallcirenefle and all that belong to the fame, and by his deed hath confirmed the fame with all the privileges thereto belonging, with its appurtenances both in churches, woods, meadows, paflurcs, and In all * Ex ipfo autographo in armario cartarum praenobilis Gcorgii Domini Berkley, apud Berkley caflrum. [ 273 ] all other things, as they were in the time of his grandfather King Henry. I therefore with the full afTent and confent of the faid Lord my King have given and granted to the church of St. Auguftin of Briflol, and to the canons regular there ferving God, for the health of my own foul and the fouls of my King, my anceftors, my wife, and children all ihofe churches belonging to BerchaleirnefTe, (to wit) the church of Berchallc, Were, Bcverllan, Efle- lefward and Almodefbury, with all chapels, lands, and privileges, with the appurtenances to thofe churches belonging, to be held in free and perpetual alms, no right being retained by me or my heirs in or to the faid churches, when they become vacant: I have likewife given and granted ail the churches belonging to Berchaleirnefs, wherever they fhall be, with the chapels and all their appurtenances to the faid canons in perpetual alms, confirming the fame by this charter. Thefe being witneffes : Henry Dean of Moreton and Maurice his brother, Girald, the parfon of the church of Cam, W. of Saltmarfli, Adam his brother, Heli the fon of Harding, Richard the fecretary, and Alan of Bedminfter. [This deed is of about the year 1148. Bifliop Tanner, in his Notitia Monaftica, p. 480. thinks this is the foundation charter.] The other following deeds, public records, books, &:c. as quoted by Bifliop Tanner, in the Notitia Monaftica, (edition by J. Nafmith, A. M.) give a full and fatisfaftory account of many particulars of the hillory, endowments, rig.its, advowfons. &c. of the abby and bifliopric, to which I refer. Vide in Monaf. Ang. vol. ii. p. See Monafticon Anglicanum, vol. 232, 233, cartam Roberti filii Hard- ii. p. 232, the deed of Robert fon of ingi de fundatione* prioratus : car- Harding of the foundation of the priory mina quasdam Anglic, de Roberto and certain Englifh verfes of Robert Harding, pat. 11, Edw. 2d. p. 2d. Harding, 2d Edw. 2d. p. 2, m. 29, m. 29. per infpcx. recit. cartas Hen- reciting the deeds of Henry Duke of rici Ducis Xormannias confirm. Al- Normandy confirming Almondfbury, modefbcriam, ■\\'appeleiam, etc. Ro- Wappling, &c. Of Robert fon of berti filii Harding! et Johannis com. Harding and John Earl of Morton. Moriton. In Willis's Hiflory of Abbics, vol. i. p. 225, &c. an account of this church, with a catalogue of the abbots, L L ibid * Tlius the title in the Monaflicon. But this charter was not iftadc till after King Henry 2d. came to the crown, and this inonaftery was certainly founded lieforc his reifjn, he having whilft only Duke of Normandy made fevcral donations to it, and declaring in one of liis giants that tliis monaftery " cepi initio juventutis mcx foverc ct juvare." — I ratlier think llie charter of Rols fil. Harding. Men. .^ngl. vol. ii. p. 232. b. lin. 64, is the foundation charier. [ 274 3 ibid p. 324, and App. p. 65, 66. In his Survey of Cathedrals, vol. i. p, 758, a further account of this church, an account of perfons buried there, of the endowment of the bi- shopric and chapter, with a catalogue of the bifhops, deans, archdeacons, and prebendaries, and the names of all the pariflies in the diocefe, &c. In Le Neve's Fafti, p. 48, thefuc- ceffion of the bilhops, deans, arch- deacons, and prebendaries of this ca- thedral. In Rileii Plac. Parliam. p. 165, concordiam inter Bogonem de Clare et abbatem St. Auguftini Briftol, 21(1 Edw. ift. In Dugd. Baron, vol. i. p. 358, 359, of a chantry, &:c. herein founded by Thomas Lord Berkeley. Year Books, 35th Hen. 6th. Mich. ^ 43. In Stevens's Supplement, vol. ii. p. 140, a catalogue of the abbots. In Rymeri Conventionum, &c. torn. V. p. 246, pat. 15th Edw. 3d. p. i. m. 13, pro abbate, de non veniendo ad parliamentum quia non tenet per baroniam nee de fundationc regis * In Ryley's Pleas of Parliament, p. 165, between Bogo de Clare and the abbot of St. Auguftine of Briftol, the 21ft of Edward ifl. Tom. .\iv. p. 748, pat. 34th Hen. 8th. p. 10, m. 26, de ereftione epifco- patus. Tom. XV. p. 77, pat. 37th Hen. 8th. p. g, ni, 25, fuper diftributione 40 1. per ann. eleeraofynarum per de- canum et capitulum. * Printed alfo in Stevens's Appendix, p. 350. In Ryder's Conventionum, &c. vol. v. p. 246, patent, 15th Edw. 3d, p. 1, m. 13, concerning excufing the abbot for not coming to parliament, beeaufe he did not hold the fame, by rcafon of the barony nor as the foun- dation of a king. Concerning the ereftion of the bi- fliopric. Vol. XV. p. J J, patent 37, Henry 8th. p. 9, m. 25, the diftribution of the 40 1. per annum in alms by the dean and chapter. Ibid, [ 275 ] Ibid, p. 370, commifTionem ad de- privandum Paulumepifc. Briftol, A. D. 1554- Ibid, p. 459, pat. 3 et 4, Phil, et Mar. p. lo, m. 24, pro exoneratione Johannis epifc. Brillol. a primitiis et decimis, ratione epifcopatus. Tom. xvi. p. 524, pro Joanne Thornborough epifc. elefto, deca- natum et prebendam in eccl. Ebor. in commendam pofTidentes, eo quod epif- copatus Briftol tarn exilis eft. Regiflra, cartas originales, &c. pe- nes R. R. dom. epifcopum et decanum et capitulum eccle, cath. Briftol. Regiftrum fivepotius hiftoriam fun- dationis hujus coenobii a Joanne New- land abbatc contextani, MS. apud caftrum de Berkeley in com. Gloceft. Abbreviaturas quarundam concefti- onum huic abbatias in MS. Macro, 12, ii. f. 2, a. f. 18, a. Fin. Buckingh. 5 Joan. n. 125, dc terris in Finemere ; fin. in div. com. 11 Joan. n. 55, de advoc. eccl. de Lanvernac, Glamorg. Cart. 36 Hen. 3. m. 13. Plac. in com. Somerfet. 8 Edw. 1. aftif. rot. 27, de c. acris terras in Legh. Cart. 13 Edw. 1. n. 15, pro mcr- •calo ct fcria apud Almundefbury, Glo- ceftcrfliirc. L The fame, p. 370, a commifTion to deprive Paul Bufti, Biftiop of Briftol, in the year 1554. The fame, p. 459, patent the 3d and 4th of Philip and Mary, page 10, m. 24, concerning the exemption of John Bifliop of Briftol from firft fruits and tvthcs. \'ol. xvi. p. 524, concerning John Thornborough, his being eletled Bi- fliop of Briftol and his holding the deanery and prebendary of York in commendam, becaufeof the fmallnefs of the income of the bifliopric of Briftol. The Regifters and original writings &:c. in the keeping of R. R. Lord Bi- fhop and the dean and chapter of the cathedral church of Briftol. The Regiftcr or rather the hiftory of the foundation of this monafterv, by John Newland, abbot, to be found in the caftle of Berkeley, in the county ofGlocefter. (Manufcript.) Abridgments of certain grants to this abbot in Dr. Macro's manufcript, 12. ii. f. 2, f. 18, a. Certain fines in Buckinghamfliire, the 5th of John, n. 125, of lands in Finemere : fines in div. com. 1 1 John, n. 55, concerning the church of Lau- vernack, Glamorganfliire. Pleas in the county of Somcrfcl, 8th of Edw. ift. in the rote of alTizes the 27th, concerning 100 acres of land in Lcgh. A deed the 13th of Edward ifl. n. 15, for holding a fair at Ahnondf . bur\-, in the county ofGlocefter L 2 Ibid, [ 276 ] Ibid, n. 35, pro lib. ^\•ar. in Al- mundelbury, Harfold, et Crumhole, Gloceflr. Leye, Somcrfct. Fifliide, Dorfct, Plac. in com. Gloceflr. 15 Edw. ift. quo war. rot. 1 6, pro libertat. in Berkc- lehernes, &c. pat. 23 Edw. 1. m. Pat. 5 Edw. 2. p. 1, m. 22, pro cccl. de Woiton approprianda. Cart. 11 Edw. 2. n. 17. Pat. 4 Edw. 3. p. 2. m. Pal. 8 Edw. 3. p. 2, m. 3, pro cccl. dc Fifhyde. Pat. 1 1 Edw. 3. p. 3, m. 32, vel. 33. Pat. 18 Edw. 3. p. 2, m. 6, vel. 7, et m. 46, vel. 47, de excambio cum priorc S. John. Jerufalem. Pat. 26 Edw. 3. p. 1. m. 10. Pat. 26 Edw. 3. p. 3, m. de Claven- fwell. efcact. Somerfet. 27 Edw. 3. n. 52. Pat. 32 Edw. 3. p. 2, m. 12. , Pat. 40 Edw. 3. p. 1. m. 35, vel. 36. Efcaet. Gloceftr. 45 Edw. 3. n. 72. Efcact. Dorfct. 49 Edw. 3. p. 2, n. 46. Pat. 20 Rich. 2. p. 2. m. 1 i,de ter- jis, pafturis, et bofcis, in Berkeley, Gloceflr. Ibid, m. 22, pro eccl. de Fifhide approprianda. Pat. 12. Edw. 4. p. 1, m. 15.- Ibid, p. 2, m. 16 et 24, rec. in fcacc. 16 Hen. 8. Mich. rot. 10. The fame, n. 35, for a free War- ren in Almonfbury, Horfield, and Cromhole, in the county of Glocelter, Leye, in the county of Somerfet, and Fifhead, in Dorfetfhire. Pleas in the county of Glocefter the 15th of Edward ill. by which are war- ranted certain privileges, roll the 16th in the hundred of Berkeley, Sec. Patent the 23d of Edw. ill. m. Patent 5th Edward ill. p. 1. m. 22, of the appopriation oi' the church of Wotton. For the church of Fifhead. Of an exchange with the priory of St. John of Jerufalem. Of Clavenfwell efchaet, Somerfet. Of the lands, paflures, and woods, in Berkeley, Glocefterlhire. Of appropriating Fifhead, Pat. C 277 ] Pat. 34 Hen. 8. p. 10, (10 Jun.) pro dotatione epifcopatus. Ibid, (Nov. 28.) pro dotatione de- cani et capituli. In Atkyns's Gloccfterfhire, p. 212, manor and advowfon of Almondfbury, of Afhelworth, p. 222, Arlingham, &c. &c. &c. In Hutchin's Dorfetfhire, vol. ii. p. 301, advowfon of Fyfehead, and lands in G. Kington. In Adamo Domerham, p. 197, pof- fefliones hujus abbatise infra bundas fo- reftarum in Somerfet. In Dr. Archer's Account of Religi- ous Houfes, p. 632, advowfons hereto belonging in the diocefe of Bath and Wells. William of Worceftre Dimenfiones Ecclcfias, p. 233, 289. Leland, Colleft. vol. i. 85. Itim vol. i. 91, 94, &c. Pat. 34th Henry 8th. (10th June) endowment of the bifiiopric. Endowment of the dean and chap- ter, (Nov. 28.) In Adam Domerham, p. 197, the pofleffions of this abby within the bounds of the forefts in Somerfet. CHAP. C 278 ] CHAP. IX. Of the B I S II O P R I C K of BRISTOL, iii DIOCESE, CATHEDRAL, &c TH E Abby of St. Auguftin fo liberally endowed, fo powerfully pro- tcftcd, and fo flrongly fecured by royal charters and confirmations, was now to yeild to the common fate of other religious houfes which werefeized for the King's ufe, though it was thought their riches were the occafion of their ruin, and their gold, jewels and eftates were wanted to enrich the royal coffers ; yet fome plaufible excufcs were to be found for the diffolution ; and the com- miffioners fent upon this bufinefs in many .places probably had fome juft ■warrant for their proceedings, yet they often exceeded their commiflTions, The low finances of the King and an exhaufted trcafury were the principal Teafons of their ufing this violent meafure ; they call about them in their necelTuies and here found a ready fupply to their wants. But there are fome caufes that have been unnoticed, which furely contributed in their natural tendency to haflen and facilitate the diffolution, and abolifli the monaflic life. — The late great increafe of trade and navigation, and the difcovery of America not long before, and the advantages of a free extended commerce had begun now to open men's minds and to give a fpring and a£livity to them unknown before, and to take them off from the quiet ftill life of contempla- tion and religious retirement. The monks themfelves too grew Icfs flritl in their difciplinc, lefs obfervant of their rule, mixing more with the world, which was often complained of in the vifitations of their houfes by thebifhops; their number being feldom kept up, in many not enough to make a convent, or fociety, — A bufy life of commerce and attention to trade eagerly purfucd Avould probably produce finiilar effe£ls now, would foon fupplant religion and banifli it out of the kingdom, if our conftitution of government in church and flate were not fo intimately blended, and our religious eflablifliment not made part of the law of the land, fo that one cannot long fubfifl without the other, but each now mutually fupports the other, and will neceffarily do fo, and the Chriftian religion will thus continue in England ever to flourifh in C 279 ] in its purity amongfl us. — Henry the 8th. whofe profufion of cxpencc and ftron 4 2 St. Crofs, alias Temple church cur. 12 G 3 St. MaryRedclift vie. St. Thomas, cap. Abbot's Leigh, Holy Trinity. Patrons of Livings. Clear value as returned 1711. /. s. ■33 2 (■40 13 Rtligicus Houfr, To which anciently impropriated. Yearly Tenths. d. I. s. d. 8 City of Briftolj Knight Templars, 065 f Prebendary ofBed- ' : bury, minfter in the Prebendary of hurch of Salif- f Bedminfter, 4 7J Formerly [ 28l ] Formerly in the ARCHDEACONRY of GLOCESTER and DIOCESE of WORCESTER. Kamts of Churchis and Chapth. Patrons of Lwingt. Rdigkus Houfi, Value in To which anciently King's books. Clear value as impropriated. Rated 1534. returned 1711 Yearly Tenths. /. s. d, I. s, d. I, s. d. 4 3 4 All-Saints vie. 21 11 8 Chapter of Briftol, Abby of Briftol. 084 6 o o St.Auftin'sthclefsvic. 5 lo o Ditto. Ditto. o 12 o 11 o o Chrid-Church, alias "^ Trinity rec. / 3 8 o ) City of Briftol. 120 St. Ewen's, aliasSt, f o 6 8) Ditto. Owen's rec, J r Prioi-yof St.JameS, St. James's cur. City of Briftol. i Briftol. Abby of t Tewkefburj'. 7 4 7 St. JohnBaptiftrec.-v cum St, Laurences 581 Ditto. o »4 5| ^J now demolilhed. ) 12 o o St, Leonard's vie, 4 1 5 Chaptcrof Briftol. Abby of Briftol. 140 6 o o St, Michael's rec. 5 18 11 City of Briftol. o 12 o St. Mark's car. Ditto, 5 *^°"=§^ of theGaunts C in Briftol. 7 o o St. Mar\'port rec. 6 6 10 DukeofChandois, Abby of Keynftiam. o 14 o 21 1 3 St, Nicholas vie. 7 i6 6 Chaptcrof Briftol, Abby of Briftol, 2 2 ij 6 7 6 St. Peter's rec, 012 5 Cily of Briftol. 012 9 1: o o St, Philip and St,) ^ ^. . , . ,^ , „ , , . ■ M3 10 S Ditto. AbbyofTewken)ury. 1 10 o Jacob s VIC, ^ v^ u i6 o o St. Stephen's rec. 20 13 it The Crown. Abby of Glaftonbury. i 12 o 10 o o St. Werburgh's rec, 33 6 8 Ditto. Abby of Keynlham. 100 County of GLOCESTER, DEANRY of BRISTOL, and ARCHDEA- CONRY of GLOCESTER, 20 o o Almondft)ur\'vic. ■> „.„ ..„.„, .,, r n -n ^ ' (40 13 10 Bifhop of Briftol, AbbyofBnftol. sod Clifton cur, St. An- 5 ^ ,, ,,., „, , C 10 o o Rev. Mr. Taylor. College of Wcftbury. 700 ComptonOrecnfield 7 f 48 1 3 Lady Lippincott* 014 d ■612 6 Elbcrton, annexed -j cur. to01vcfton(46 o o Biftiop of Briftol. Abby of Briftol, o 13 3 J 770. ) M M Nanei [ 282 ] Namts of Churches and Chapels. Value in King's books. Rated 1534. I. s. d. 700 Filton St, Peter rec. 30 Patrons oj Livings, Clear value as returned 1711. /. s. d. 36 o Henburj', St. Miry, "J vie. cum. Auftand L28 North wick chapels, I 27 7 35 20 >7 o o «4 9 Littleton rec. Mangotsfield cur. Horfield cur. o Olveflon vie. St, Helen cum Cap de Alvellon. Staplcton, Holy Tri- nity cur, o Stoke-GifFord, St.' Michael cur. this lies in two pariflies, viz, Wintcrbornc ^20 1 2 and Almondlbury, but is prefented to by Weftbury,HolyTri- nity cur. 6 W'interbome, St, j Michael rec, J »3 M.Brickdale,Efq; 'SirJ. H.Smyth and' Mr. Gores; Lord Middlcton&Mrs. Colflon. Lady Lippincott. Late Mr. Dowle. BilhopofBriftol. Religious Houfe, To which anciently impropriated. Yearly Tenths /. s. d. o 14 o • See of Worcefter. 300 PrioryofSt.James's, Bridol. Abby of Briftol. Chapterof Briftol. Abby of Bath. 280 Tho. Smyth, Efq; Priory of St. James's, Briftol. Dutchefs Dowager of Beaufort. 16 o Mr. Fane. St.John's College, Oxford. College of Weftbury. I 2 »4 » Of thefe churches above-mentioned taken out of Wells and Worcefter diocefe Anno 1542, all thofe of Briftol arc fubordinate to the bifliop's chan- cellor, who inftitutes to them all, except St. Auguftinc's and St. Philip's, which with the out-lying pariflies ftill belong to the archdeacon of Gloccftcr, though the remaining part of the diocefe, which is entirely in Dorfetfliire yet remains to that archdeacon as it did heretofore while it belonged to the fee of Salifbury. For that part of Briftol diocefe that lies wholly in the county of Dorfet, and the names of the feveral pariflies, I refer to E£ton's Liber Valorum republiflicd lately by Mr. Bacon under the name of Liber Regis, and to the Rev. Mr. Hutchins's Hiftory of Dorfet. Of [ 283 ] Of the CATHEDRAL of B R I S T O L. This church is dedicated to the Holy and undivided Trinity ; the feal of the Dean and Chapter formerly was The Trinity, the Son in the bofom of the Father on a crofs with a dove at his ear ; on the reverfe the figure of Henry the 8th. — The grofs impropriety of this reprefentation of the Triune God, three agents in one Jehovah or Divine Effence, of the one God aQing in three perfons in the gracious plan and offices of man's redemption, induced them in 1624 to change their feal for three ducal coronets in pale, a faltier crofs charged with three flcurcs de lis and a portcullis. See the plate of the cathe- dral. — It has belonging to it a dean, fix prebendaries or major canons, fix minor canons or prieft vicars, (one of which is to be facrift,) one deacon, fix lay-clerks or finging-men, one mafter of the chorifters, one fub-deacon, fix chorifters, two mafters of the grammar-fchool, four alms-men, one fub-facrifl or fexton, one proftor who was to be the virger, one butler, two cooks ; in all 39 by Henry the 8th's. foundation : though the places of the inferior members being of fmall value are feldom kept entirely filled as provided for in the ftatutes, which are mutatis mutandis the fame with thofe of Glocefler and others of the new foundation. The firft Bifliop was Paul Bufh, and befides fix major canons or prebenda- ries, fix minor canons were then appointed at ten pounds per ann. for each minor canon; 61. 13s. 4d. for the gofpcller and epifleller; the fame for each of the fix finTing-men. and lol. for the organift. In the old liber valorum in firft edit, the deanry was rated at lool. per ann. and each of the prebendaries at 20I. per ann. but the refcrvcd rents alone of the dean and chapter eftates amount now (1788) to 845I. per ann. which however fcarcely pays the prefent expences of the church and officers, the falaries of the minor canons, organift, &c. now advanced; but the renewals of leafes of eftatcs on lives generally produce near 200I. per ann. to each prebendary and 400I. to the dean, though the amount muft var)' every year. Befides the falaries to the officers of the church, Henry the 8th. has appointed by the ftatutes of foundation 20I. per ann. to be given among poor houfeholders and other poor people, and 20I. per ann. to make and repair the highways; and he made in 1515 the chancellor of the court of augmen- tations, and dean of the royal chapel, and their fucccftbrs and others com- miffioncrs to fee this andotherlike benefadions out of the new-erefted cathedral chapters duly paid every year, pat. 37th of Henr\' the 8th. p. 9 M. 25, (Rymer. Feed. v. 15. p. 77, 78, 134.) A declaration from time to time of t!ic bcftow- M M 2 i»8 C 284 ] ing and employing the faid money in alms and highways was to be delivered yearly into the court of augmentations by order of Edward the 6th. the firll year of his reign, and the commifTioners were to receive from the deans and chapters yearly 40 marks for their care and trouble herein. According to the ftatutes the above-mentioned is the number of the officers, and it is put out of the power of the dean and chapter (bifhop or archbifliop) to innovate or alter any thing contained in the body of the flatutes, fub poena perjurii & amoiionis perpetuae ab ecclefia noftra, (faith the King,) refcrvamus tamcn nobis & fuccelloribus noflris potcllatcm miUandi &c. The dean, " Qui femper domi apud fuam ecclcfiam praefideat &c." vid. Hat. c. 4. et c. 8. The fix prebendaries, " Domi fe continerc & in ecclefia noftra femper refidentes effe volumus." Stat. c. 12. Six minor canons, " Quorum refidentia fit perpetua, ftat. c. 22. ad dei laudes in ecclefice noftra; Templo aftiduc decantandas conftituimus." Stat. 21. c. One deacon, one fub-deacon, " Qui evangelium & epiftolam legent." One praecentor, " Sit ex minoribus canonicis unus, oflicium ejus eft in ecclefia noftra pfallentes cum decano moderari et voce alios praecinere ac veluti Dux efle : abfeniias omnesnotare: libros choro deputatos bene curare." Stat. c. 23. Six chorifters, " Vocibus fonoris et ad cantandum aptis. c. 25. One orgainift, " Sit honeftas fama;, vitas proba-, cantandi et organa pul- fandi peritus, docendis pucris et divinis ofiiciis cantandis ftudiofe vacabit." c. 25. It no where appears that the King or his fucceflbrs have ever difpenfed with or changed this number, or the refpeflive duties of the places; and the bene- fits refulting from the ftrift obfervance of the ftatutes would be many and great in this and every other cathedral church, the open violation of them in fonie and negletl of them in others have been known to contribute much to the very ill performance of the fervice, Icflening the congregation, ruin of the houfes, decline of religion and piety, neglect of hofpitality and charily, and many ancient good orders belonging to the churches. In the endowment of this church the biftiop had a large though not a very convenient houfe appropriated to him, adjoining to the cathedral, which was formerly the abbacy or abbot's lodgings: it opens into the eaft cloifter and confifls of fcveral fpacious apartments, many of which were well repaired and neatly fitted up by Bifhop Smalridgej fince his time it was fuffered to go to C 285 ] to decay, but a late worthy and generous Bifhop, Dr. Biiilcr, in 1744, had great part of it taken down and rebuilt, at the cxpence of near 5000I. Many of the apartments are large and ornamented in a grand manner, and the whole houfe is now exceedingly convenient, by means of the prebendaries receiving certain lands of his lordfhip, which lay behind the fouth fide of Trinity-ftrcet for their's, which lay contiguous to his palace : this enabled him to add to the palace a handfome garden and walks. The chapel which is in the houlfe is alfo very neatly repaired, and wainfcoted with cedar: it is very fmall, being only fifteen feet long and eleven broad ; in the windows is a great quantity of painted glafs, which was lately repaired, and there is more in other parts of the houfe yet to be feen, with the names and arms of two or three of the laR abbots and the firfl: bifhop. The whole fabric is a handfome and commodious dwelling, which his lordfhip and the fucceeding biDiops have made their place of refidencc for about five months in the year, during which time once a week they keep an open tabic for all the clergy and gentry : and Bifhop Butler, in expending fo large a fum upon the fabric of the palace then going to decay, which he knew himfelf (hould not long enjoy, fhewed his mod noble and generous fpirit and proved him worthy of his high office. In 1744, whild the palace was rebuilding a parcel of plate fell through the door in the corner of one of the rooms, which by this accident was found to be decayed, and occafioned the floor's being taken up, when to the furpnze of the workmen a room appeared underneath, in which were found a great many human bones, and inflruments of iron, it was fuppofed to punifh the refrattory and criminals. At the fame time was difcovered a private pafTage to this dungeon, originally conflru£led with the edifice, being an arched wav juft large enough for one perfbn to pafs in at a time made in the thicknefs of the wall, one end terminated in the dungeon, and the other in an apartment ©f the houfe, which by all appearance had been ufed as a court ; but both entrances of this mural pafTage were walled up and fo concealed that no one could fufpeft it to be any other than one folid thick wall. The deanery which ftands at the wcfl end of the church appears to be a good houfe : it was repaired in the time of Dean Crefwick, and almoft entirely rebuilt by Dean Warburton. The prefent yearly value of the deanery is efli- jnated to be as good as the referved rents of the bifliopric. The fi.x preben- daries have all houfes within the cathedral limits, but not rcfiding, they let them out at good rents. The minor canons and finging men are now dcfti- tute of habitations within the church precintls, thou^jh the chapter-books fop [ 286 i for 1529, folio 33, mention the petty canons' chambers in the inner green near the dean's gardens. The weii and fouth fides of the cloifters are pulled down, the fite and ex- tent of them are flill to be feen. The eaft and north cloiftcr would probably have been likewifc demolifhed, but that the firft leads into the chapter-houfe and bifhop's palace. What remains of the cloifler is covered with a floped roof of (lone like a fhcd, which was not the original roofing, that being for- merly of lead. The whole formed an handfome and elegant fquare, but makes now a very mean appearance ; for in the year 1655, Walter Deyos being mayor of Briftol, the lead was taken off from the cloifters as well as from the cathedral, and depofited in the chamberlain's hands ; but a ftop be- ing put to any farther fpoil, an order was made the 8th of January 1655, that the lead removed from the cathedral and cloifters adjoining fhould be fi)ld, and laid out in the neceffary repairs of the faid cathedral. Tolzey Book, p. 99. This was the fecond pillage this cathedral has fuffered fince the general fack in Henry 8th's. rcign. In the middle of the cloifters leading out of the church is an entrance into the chaptef-houfe, M'hich is a very elegant curious building, and has a very handfome ftone roof of two arches, the pil- lars being adorned with curious twifted carved work in the Saxon ftile of architecture, and it is in length 46 feet and in breadth 26 in the infide, and was as much in height till the floor was lately raifed four feet by laying a deal floor above the pavement, to render it lefs damp and make it more conve- nient for the chapter's meeting upon bufinefs, which they now tranfafl: alto- gether here ; and they have fitted up a prefs for their books and rcgifters, and in place of the fine old circular window have put in four large modern fafhes. There is fet up over the door this infcription : " Capitularis haec domusrcparata ct ornatafuit, A. D. 1713, Honoiabili et Revercndo Roberto Booth, S. T. P. decano, Jacobo Harcourt, S. T. B. vice-decano, Hugonc Waterman, A. M. ihefaurario." The fquare of the cloifters was 103 feet every way, there is a door yet leading out of the weft part of the church. Adjoining to the dcanerv is a noble gate-houfc, remarkable for its well-'urned arch and curious workman- fliip. (See the plate.) This fine gate is in the ftile of what Sir Chriftopher Wren calls the Saxon architeQure, before the Gothic or rather Saracenic with pointed 'arches was introduced in this ifland after the crufadcs. The arch is of fuch curious workmanftiip, that words cannot pofTibly give any idea of it, the engraved plate but an impcrfcQ one. The fcrolls, twifts, and other ornaments arc fo interwoven [ 287 ] interwoven and intricate, that the eye is puzzled in furvcying them, and is at lofs where to fix and trace them out. The fweep of the arch is very much admired, though by the ground's being rofe by time its height is lefs, and fo the proportion of it originally is in fome refpeft injured by it. It has been very well preferved, and fufFered very little by time. The rooms over the arch are of much later ereQion than the arch itfelf, being repaired and jUered by the abbots, particularly by Abbot Ncwland alias Nailheart, who was a great builder, and in compliment to the founder of the monaftery placed his effigy, with a model of the conventual church in one hand and the foun- dation charter in his other, in one of the niches over this arch, with the fla- tue of Henry 2d. next him, and underneath them and juft above the crown of the arch the following infcription, in Gothic letters, rifing out of the flone : " Rex Henricus fecundus et Dominus Robertus filius Hardingi filii Regis Daciae hujus monafterii primi fundatores extiterunt." There is no date, and had the infcription been placed there at the very time of the ereftion of the monaftery, 1148, no doubt but the date would have been added. On the fouth fide are the ftatues in ftone of the Abbots Newland and Elliot, in whofe time, 1515, the rooms over the arch probably underwent fome great alteration, who then fixed up their own figures there, and probably the Latin infcription, Inflead of the prefent fa{h window there was formerly a projecting bow win- dow with fmall fquares of glafs leaded; this I have preferved in the plate, aS it was the original form of the building, and more fuitable than the prefent; and a kind of turret of old was carried up on the back part of it, which was the antient ftair cafe leading to the rooms over the gate ; this has been dcflroyed by building a handfome houfe on the eail fide of it. On the weft fide is a poftern, now fhut up and uled by the dean for a coach-houfe ; over it is a room for- merly the porter's lodge. There are feveral coats of arms carved in ftone on both fides of this fuperb gate-houfe. On the north fide at top is Edward the Confeffor's carved, which points out the antiquity of this gate, and is pre- ferved notwithftanding the alteration it has undergone ; next it the arms of England crowned, and Richard de Clare Earl of Pembroke's, being chevro- uee of fix or and gules, below Henry 2d. and Fitz-Harding's. On the fouth fide, bcfides the abbots in effigy and their arms under, are two figures above them, one the Virgin Mary and Child and the other I have not yet found the name of, nor of the two upper figures on the north fide : they are abbots or noblemen who had been fignal benefaClors to the monafterv. Iti [ 288 ] In the rebellious time of 1641, among other ravages then committed and lands of the bifliopric then fold was " the gate-houfe in Briftol fold March 6, 1649, to John Birch for the fum of 18I. 13s. 4d." as the palace and park were at the fame time for the fum of 240I. to Thomas and John Clark. This gate-houfe was leafed out by the bifhop to the Rev. Dr. Sloper, reftor of Spetfbury and chancellor then of this diocefe, who being a very charitable man, among other benefaBions, left to the mayor and aldermen of Briftol hii houfc in College-green, &-c. in truft out of the rents to renew the leafes from ihe Biltop of Briftol, to Mary Hort his neice 5I. and the remainder to buy minion bibles, to be diftributed to poor families by the alderman of each ward, the number to be in proportion of the fize of each ward. This houfe was fold, the bifliop refufing to renew the lives for the corporation, who then put it into Chancery, and it was bought out of Chancery by Hugh Grove, Efq; whofe nephew has lately renewed with the bifliop. The corporation had the pur- chafe money, and now difpofe of the bibles purchafcd by the intereft of the faid money every three years. The monaftery or conventual church itfelf, though not to be extolled for elegance and but a plain ftru6lure, yet being fituatcd on an hilly ground, if now compleat as in the print, would prefent a ftriking front and elevation. William of Worcefter, who furvcyed this church about the year 1480, gives the following meafurements : " The choir of St. Auguftin in Briftol contains in length 64 fleps beyond the chapel of St. Mary. The breadth of the nave of the choir with the two ailcs contains 50 fteps. The length and breadth of the fquare on every fide contains 22 fteps. The length of frayter.^ houfe 26 fteps, its breadth 16. The length of the old church 80 fteps, of the belfry 24, its breadth 64 fteps. The length of the chapter-houfe 56 fteps, its breadth 18." In another place he mentions, " The church of the canons of St. Auguftin. The chapel of Su Mary contains in length 13 yards, its breadth gj yards. The fpace or way of proceflions behind the principal altar before the chapel of St. Mary is 5 yards. The length of the choir from the reredesof the principal altar to the end of the choir contains 29 yards, begin- ning from the end of the aforefaid fpace. The breadth of the nave of the choir and the two ailes of the choir contains 24 yards. There is a decent chapel built on the north part of the aile of the choir containing in length *** yards." We can colled but a very imperfed idea from thefe vague meafurements. (Vide the print or ichnography.) The prefent cathedral, deprived as it is of its weftern part home to the tower, confifts of the choir and the two fide ailcs, all [ 289 ] all of equal height and part of the nave, curioufly vaulted and the arched roof well fupporled, with a crofs aile, and fo complcating but two parts of a crofs. As it now ftands unfinifhed, it is in length from call to weft 175 feet, whereof the choir is loo feet, but in its compleat (late muft have extended 100 feet farther weft ward. The length of the crofs aile from north to fouth is 128 feet. The height of the tower is 127 feet, which ftands in the midft of this aile (as it would in the middle of the church, if the weftern nave was finiflicd) as it formerly ftood. It has one fingular beauty not to be met with in any other cathedral, namely, that the two fide ailes are of equal height with the nave and choir, and finely arched and curioufly fupported, well calculated both for ftrength and beauty. The low fide ailes of other cathedral churches take away much of their grand appearance and lofty look, fo obvious in this at the firft view. The breadth of the body and fide ailes is 73 feet, and it is 43 feet to the height of the vaulting. How the church prefents to us this imperfefl mutilated appearance now is a matter deferving enquiry. There is a tradition that the weft part was demo- liftied home to the tower in that great confufion in Henry 8th's. time, and the materials fold and difpofed of, before that King had determined to convert it into a cathedral and a biftiop's fee. As there is no record to eftablifh this fa£l, others have thought it was never finiflied : the builders of churches are faid firft to eftablifti the whole plan of their building, then begin at the altar or eaft part, ufing that for the religious fervice till by degrees they could com- pleat the whole. Whether they ftopt this building after finifiiing the tower is the queftion. That this is not the firft church erected on this fpot, or the fame that was built by Robert Fitzharding the firft founder, appears from a deed I met with in the Lib. Alb. Wygorn, 6. f 20. for in the year 1311 the church of Wotton was appropriated by the Biftiop of Worcefter to the monaf- tery of St. Auguftin, which was then much decayed, and their revenue re- duced by the expences in rebuilding their church, fumptuoufly built of old by their pious founders, but then through age for the moft part pulled down and the remainder ruinous : in repairing which and in rebuilding they had fpent much and ought to expend much more in the work newly begun. For the relief of thefe expences and their other great neccfi^ities, the biftiop appro- priated to them the church of Wotton, &c." (Dated at London, 1 1 kal. July, 1311-} The original fays, " Quod ecclefia cjufdcm monafterii a piis ipfius fundatoribus antiquis teniporibus ad cultum divinum opere fumptuofo conftrucla dudum propter ipfius antiquitatem ct dcbilitatem pro majori parte fundiius diruta, in parte refidua gravem minatur ruinam ; ad cujus fabricae ref- N N taurationem C 2go ] taurationem plures famptus appofueriint ct ampliores apponere oportebit in opere ibidem novitcr inchoato, &c." In the year 1363, in the time of Mamicc Lord Berkeley, the fourth of that name, a contributor, it was greatly repaired and partly rebuilt, as appears by another deed; by which it is clear, that the whole building and reparations it had undergone were not compleatcd till about that time, 40th Edward 3d. — William of \^'ofcefter mentioning the length of the old church 80 fteps is ano- ther proof that there had been fuch an old church before his time, 1480, and before the prefent was ercfled. In the lives of the abbots (p. 267.) it is faid Edmund Knowles (who was ab- bot 26 years) beg\in building the prefent church anew from the ground, &c. and that he died 1332, which compared with the deeds above, dated 1311 and 1363, fhews by the length of time the building was carrying on, that it muli have been probably compleated in that time, and the ruins at the weftern part (where tenements with gardens were fuftered to be erefted to increafe the dean and chapter's revenue) feem to prove that part to have been pulled down, and a large ftone at the end of one of the garden walls evidently points out the extent of the whole building, and was the weftern boundary ftone of this plain but magnificent abby church; but whether thefe be the ruins of the old or firft built church, or of the later ercfled one by Abbot Knowles, may be ftill an objeQ of doubt with fome, and not cafily folved by any. It is certain fome remains of Gothic arches beyond the tower ftill ftiew the church was once continued to the weftward. The beft idea of the fabric may be formed from a view of the copper-plate print, which reprefents it as compleat, though from the tower to the weftern end be at prefent wanting. It was at one time in very bad repair, but it ap- pears that in the year 1670 1311 1. were laid out on the fabric and prebendal houfes, and that in the years 1681 and 1685 i" the deanries of Towgood and Ecvctt 300I. or more was laid out in mending the floor and beautifying the church, painting the eaft end of the choir and other works, and making a fine timber cafe for the new organ, erected by the contibmion of the dean and chapter and many other well difpofed perfons in the time of Biftiop Wright,, about the year 1630, at the expence of 550 1. in the whole to Mr. Renatus Harris, organ-builder. The ftalls of the choir, 34 in number, (17 on each fide) are very regular, and fitted up about 1542, when it was made a cathe- dral, and have pews under them of a modern make. There is a grand feat for the biftiop, erefled by Paul Bufti the firft biftiop, (his arms being on it) and ano- ther oppofitc for the archdeacon of Dorfet. The floor is laid with black and V hite marble, and you go up to the high altar by fteps of the fame, where the large C 291 ] large eaft window is adorned with curious Gothic tracery-worls, and glazed with painted glafs, on the top the King's arms (Henry 2d.) the Berkeley's of Berkeley and of Stoke Gifford, alfo chevernois of 6 or and G. f. argent on a canton G. a rofe proper, for Abbot Braddone, alfo for Hunt and Elliot, alfo f. argent three lozenges in fefs gules, alfo feveral figures of men with pro- pheta wrote on them in a fcroll. Edward Colfton, Efq; gave 260I. towards beautifying the choir and laying the marble about the communion-table, &c. Above the communion-table, and at the bottom of the eaft window, are a variety of painted arms with the letters \V. B. interfperfed, for William Burton the abbot, who is faid to have built the altar piece, which was afterwards gilded and repaired by the Deans Towgood and Lcvct ; on each fide are two large fliieldsof arms, Henry the 2d. and Lord Berkeley's on the right. King Henry the 2d. and Clare Earl of Pembroke's on the left. In feveral places of the wainfcot of the choir and on the front of the Bifiiop's feat are the letters T. W. twifted together in a cypher, which fome fay have been placed there in compliment to Cardinal Wolfcy, but the truth is, they were for Thomas Wright, who in 1541 was appointed Receiver- general of the Chapter at their firfl: foundation, and had the ordering of their officers and fitting up of this church for a cathedral, and took care to fet up his cypher in all parts, as Abbot Newland and Elliot had done before him and fhewed him the example. In the North aile is a curious painted glafs window and another in the South, the firft reprefents in different compartments the houfe of prayer, with Domus mea domus orationis, and driving the fellers out of the Temple ; Our Saviour anfwering, " reddite Ca;fari, reddite deo ;" Jacob's ladder. Sec. with coats of arms at the bottom : the fecond reprefents Our Saviour in the garden, his refurreclion from the tomb, his afcenfion, Abraham about to offer up Ifaac, Jonah coming forth from the belly of the great fifli prepared for him, Elijah in his fiery chariot ; thefe are faid to be given to this church by Nell Gwyn miftrefs to Charles the 2d. On the Eafl and South fide of the church is a chapel of the Virgin Mary ; an arch adorned with fhields with a chevron only, (the ancient bearing of Fitz- hardings before they added the ten crolfes patee,} is now filled up, but when opened communicated through with the South aile, and was the place of burial for fome of the family ; the very bricks on the floor of this chapel have their arms burnt on them and fome arms of the abbots alfo ; it fccms to be appropriated chiefly to the ufe of the Berkeley family ; it is now tiie veflry. N .N 2 There [ 292 ] There was given to this cathedral fome plate for the communion fervicc the loth of June 1710 by Lady Loyd, a filver patin gilt and filver chalice frilt. with the arms of the cathedral engraved on them : and the od of Auoufl 1712 John Rimifey Efq; prefented to this church a pair of large filver can- dlellicks, very high and weighty, they coft him 114I. and were taken in 1709 by the Duke and Dutchefs fhips of war in their expedition to the South Seas at Paita by Capt. Woods Rogers. The tower is a flrong fquare building, not very high but well proportioned to the fize and heighth of the church ; in it hang five bells, the four lead were caft by Abbot Newland, who died in the year 1515, as appears by the initial letters of his name upon them ?• ji5. three of them bear thefe infcriptions, SanBe Clemeni,JanUa Margarita, fanBa Calharina ora pro nobis, on the fourth is this, Clara vocor Sclariorero; the biggefl has this date, 1570 upon it, 13th Q. Eliz. Here were defigned to be five more as appears by five more vacant frames, out of which there is a tradition the bells were ftolen, but others fay, they were fold to the church of Redclift. The following Ichnography prefents to the eye the infide of the prefent cathedral, better than any words can defcribe it, the letters of refer- ence pointing out particulars. A. the great North door leading down fteps into the cathedral out of the College-green, the ground having in time been greatly rofe before it. B. The way into the Elder Lady-chapel and fleps. C. The door leading into the Cloiflers, Chapter-houfe and Bifliop's- palace. D. The fub-facrift's veflry built on the imperfeft part of the church. E. The great crofs aile, font and ftair-cafe to the confiflory and regifter's office. F. The ftone pulpit, feats of the bifhop, dean, prebendaries, and cor- poration of Briflol. G. The choir with feventeen flails on each fide. H. The bifhop's throne and the archdeacon of Dorfet's ftall. L The veftry and fealing-houfe, formerly St. Mary's chapel for the Berkeley's. K. The high altar and fteps to it. L. The fite of the chapter-houfe, which opens to the Cloifters. M. Tombs of Lords Berkeley. N. Tombs of Sir Richard New- ton, or of Judge Newton, temp. Hen. 6th. of Sir John and Sir Henry New- ton. O. Tombs of abbots &c. P. Bifhop Paul Bufh's tomb. Q. Tomb of Sir John Young and his Lady. R. Monument of Bifliop Searchficld and Dean Chetwynd. S. Codrington's monument. T. Tomb of Sir Charles Vaughan. U. The place of the founder's grave-ftone now removed to letter u. W. Gravc-ftones of Bifhops Howcl, Weftfield and Ironfide. X. Grave- flones of Dean Tomfon, CroITman and Towgood. Y. Grave-ftoncs of pre- bendaries Q C 293 ] bendaries Saul, Rainftorp and Towgood, Z. Stair-cafes of the church, t Mrs. Weeks' monument. On the North fide is a fmall aile called the Elder Lady-chapel, in diftinc- tion to another Lady-chapel at the Eaft and South end of the church. — This on the North fide appears to have been part of the old church before it was rebuilt by Abbot Knowles, being much lower than the reft of the church. — The ftyle of the architefture in the pillars, ceiling and windows being quite different from the remainder of the church ; and the name feems to confirm its antiquity : the chapel alfo where the Newton family are interred and chapter-houfe feem alfo to be of the old foundation ; as do the Cloifters though altered, part of the Bifhop's-palace and the building next to it, being the remains of the common hall, refettory or dining-room of the monks. From this fpecimen of the architefture in the Elder Lady-chapel we may form a good idea of the firft monaftery church ; the neatnefs of the black marble pillars with which it was adorned, and the arched roof (hews it to have been a very rich and elegant Gothic building. Though the fine arch itfelf of the gateway leading into the abby (now the Lower Green) was ofthe old founda- tion, yet the upper part over it appears to be of more modern date ; the ftatues of the late abbots Elliot and Newland, alias Nailheart, with their arms being placed in niches over it area proof, as before obferved : they retained in the new-ere£ted church as much as they pofTibly could of the old that would fcrve their purpofe, though it was but little, without deftroying the fymmetry and proportion of the whole ; yet there ftill remains enough to fhew us that the prefent is of anew and later erection than the original foundation building, if records had been wanting to prove it — In a manufcript of Bitliop Littleton in the library of the Society of Antiquarians, is the following account: " The cathedral appears to be of one and the fame ftyle of building through- out, and no part older than King Edward the ift.'s time, though forae writers fuppofe the prefent fabrick was begun in King Stephen's time, but not a fingle arch, pillar or window agrees with the mode which prevailed at that time. Indeed the tower part of the chapter-houfe waits, together with the door-way and columns at the entrance of the chapter-houfe I ftiould pronounce of that age, or rather prior to King Stephen's reign, being true Saxon architefturc The infide walls of the chapter-houfe have round ornamentat arches inter- fering each other like thofe in St. Nicholas's chancel, Warwick, which was part of the old Saxon nunner)' church. The great gate-way leading into the College-green is round, arched with mouldings richly ornamented in the Saxon taftc. — Qus^j' If this part of the gate-way be not coeval with Fitz- harding C 294 ] liarding founder of St. Auguftine's, temp. Hen. ill. but the infcription and upper part of the gale \\ here the images are placed are far more modern." The Collcgc-green which fronts the cathediai and adds very much to the beautv of the place, is laid out in pleafant walks with rows of lime-trees planted round it, and is the rcfidence of many genteel families, and reforted to bv others for walking on account of its airy and delightful fituation, (propter loci ama;nitatem, as exprefTed in a deed as early as the year 1259.) The BriRol High Crofs, which once graced the center of it, (as appears by the little print annexed,) was removed from High-ftreet hither, for the fake of widening the ftreet and rendering it more commodious for paffengers ; and here it remained for years much admired by all, efpecially by flrangers vifiting this city, till wanting repairs from the injury of the weather, Dean Barton ordered it to be given to Mr. Hoar at Stourton, to adorn his elegant gardens, (where the dean's brother was rcBor of the place.) It is to be wifhed fuch a curious local piece of antiquity had remained Itill here and been repaired occafionally, as a monument of the piety and gratitude of our anceftors to the fevcral Princes who had given charters of liberties to the city : vid. chap, on All-Saints parifh. This green, however beautiful now and the refort of the gay, the beaux and belles of Briftol to walk in as the Mall is in London, was formerly the common burying-placc of the dead, called in old deeds the cemitery of the abbot and convent, by whom a folemn proceffion was ufually made around it on feflival days, and religious rights performed and fermons preached at the great crofs (before the ereftion of the Briftol High Crofs there) at Eafter yearly and the three following days. There have been found here tomb- ftones, and flaills and bones dug up when the new houfes were built on the Gaunts fide ; and at digging up the old trees the 9th of Henry the 7th. the like bones were thrown up, and more lately in mending the walks and erefling the rails. I proceed next to the monuments of this cathedral. The piety of our an- ceftors was fuch that they were not content to rely on their daily devotions and other religious afts in their life time for the fafety of their fouls, but they made what they fimply thought a provifion for their fouls after their deceafe, by cQablifliing chantries, obiits, &c. whilft their children have receded fo much from the ways of their fathers, that negligent too often of their religious duties to their God, they feem to pay too, too little attention or care for their fouls even in their life time, much lefs take any thought for their fouls or thofe of their departed relations or friends after their death. But they have been more [ 295 ] more folicitous about depofuing the dead bodies of their relations and friends, and erecting tombs over them ; whether it be from a defire of convey^ing to poflerity the names of their family, or from a religious perfuafion and hope of meeting them again in another life, fuch monuments or memorials have their ufe and muft not be condemned, as is too much the cafe in this age of levity and affettation of more enlightened underflandings than their anceflors. The monuments and iafcriptions worthy of notice are chiefly the following : On the north lide in the Elder Lady-chapel, which is 50 feet long, 18 wide, and the fame high, under an arch is an altar tomb with the flatues in freeftone in full length of Maurice Lord Berkeley and Margaret his mother, or rather of Elizabeth his wife, according to fome manufcripts, with the fa- mily arms on his furcoat G. a chevron between ten crolTes patee argent. At the head of this monument is the following infcription on a table under the arch, placed therein 1712, — "To the memory of Robert Fitzharding, who laid the foundation of this church, he lies buried with his lady at the choir entrance, * over whom in the arch of the door-way is a lively rcprefentation of the latter judgment. — The monument of Robert Fitzharding Lord of Berkeley, defcended from the Kings of Denmark, and Eva his wife, by whom he had five fons and two daughters : Maurice his eldell fon was the firfl; of this family who took the name of Berkeley. This Robert Fitzharding laid the foundation of this church and monafl:ery of St. Auguftin in the year 1 140, the 5th of King Stephen, dedicated and endowed it in 1148, and he died in the year 1170, 17th Henry 2d, From the faid Robert Fitzharding Lord Berkeley Auguftus the prefent Earl is the 2zd in defccnt." Near the north door is a very elegant monument againfl the weft wall for Mrs. Draper, celebrated by Sterne under the name of Eliza. Genius and Benevolence are reprefented by two beautiful female figures, in which the fculptor has exerted his utmoft (kill. The following is the infcription : — "Sacred to the memory of Mrs. Elizabeth Draper, in whom Genius and Bene- volence were united. She died Auguft 8, 1778, aged 35." Againft the pillar near it is another with an infcription to Mr, Wallis. In the north aile are grave-ftones with Latin infcriptions, to James Har- court, prebendary, who died 1739, aged 59, and of his wife, who died 1733, aged 39, and four children. Another to Richard Towgood, dean, thus : — Hie fitus eft Richardus Tow- good, S. T. B. hujus ecclefire favente Carolo primo prebendarius nee non. parochiae * In the year iGS.j Dean Tliompfon ordered the two large ftones which once had brafs plates, ief into them and were then much worn out, 10 be removed hence under the Dcan'i feat in thr body of the church, where lliey may be fccn in part now. C 295 ] parocViia; St. Nicolai (difla?) concionator egregius et frequens, et pra£licam ci fcholaflicam tlieologiam apprime calliiit : uttumque nefcias an melius intel- lexerit an candidius impertiverit : flagrante bello civili ab exulceratis civibus ecclcfia pulfus eft, et quod faclioni difplicuerit (cui nefas edet placuifTe) in carccrcm detrufus, reftituta monarchia ad curam revocatus, atq; baud ita poll favente Carolo filio ad Decanatus dignitatem proveElus eft; cui fumma cum prudentia et moderatione prsefuit, infulam mcrvifTe contentus. Poftquam per totam vitam, erga Deum, regem, ecclefiam, patriam, fe integerrime geflerat dcfideratinimus fenex (oraculorum facrorum circiter 60 annos in hac civitate laboriofus idem et feliciffimus interpres) dierum fatur in coelum migravit Aprilis 21, anno aetat. s. 8g, Sal. n. 1683. Elizabetha uxor in eodem tumulo fepulta jacet quae obiit Novembris 22, 1685. Near this are the following : — Here lies Mary Blagdon, daughter of Eli- zabeth Towgood, wife of Richard Towgood, Dean of this church, who de- parted this life Sept. 1699. Richardus Towgood, A. M. hujus ecclefiae przebendarius Richardi Towgood ejufdem ecclcfias Decani juxia inhumati meritifque laudibus ornati filius, pa- ternas virtutes, pietatem, fidem, conftantiam, haereditario quafi jure vindi- cavit, perantiquas morum integritatis vir ac per omnia tempora fui fimillimus, defideratus eft 11 0£l. anno aetatis ^g, falutis 1713, cum eodem intumulata jacet uxor Elizabetha, quae mortalitatem exuit 19 Augufti, 1726. Near the above is placed the following infcription : — In memory of her renowned anceftors, Richard Towgood, S. T. B. Dean of this church the grandfather, and Elizabeth his wife, Richard Towgood, M. A. prebendary, the father and Elizabeth his wife ; Mrs. Elizabeth Towgood the daughter, and laft of the family, caufed this monument to be erefted, who, having inhe- rited the virtues of her forefathers, and exhibited the fame illuftrious pattern of unaffefled piety, undiftembled charitv, and unfuUied integrity, to the 77th year of her age, followed them to the manfions of eternal reft Jan. 24, 1767^ Next the above is a pyramidal table on which is a bafs -relief head of the deceafed, and the following infcription : — " William Powell, Efq; one of the panientees of the Theatre-Royal, Covent Garden, died 3d of July, 1769, aged 33 years. His widow caufed this monument to be erefted, as well to perpetuate his memory as her own irretrievable lofs of the bcft of huftjands: Briftol ! to worth and genius ever juft. To thee our Powell's dear remains we truft ; Soft as the ftreams thy facred fprings impart. The milk of human kindnefs warm'd his heart ; Thfll C 297 ] That heart, which every tender feeling knew. The foil, where pity, love, and friendfhip grew: Oh ! let a faithful friend with grief fincerc Infcrihc his tomb, and drop the heartfelt tear. Here reft his praife, here found his noblcft fame. All elfe a bubble or an empty name. G. COLEMAV. Oppofite is a neat monument ; "To the memory of Elizabeth Waftfield, who died at the Hotwells the 26th December 1770, aged 60, wife of Robert Waftfield, Efq; of Mile-End near London, this monument from a juft fenfe of her merit and of his own lofs is erefled by her difconfolate hufband. Dear fhade, adieu ! the debt of Nature's paid ? Death's threaten'd ftroke we parry'd but in vain ; The healing fpring no more could lend its aid, Med'cine no more could mitigate the pain. See by her dying form mild Patience ftand, Hope, Eafe, and Comfort, in her train fhe led : See! gentle fpirits, waiting the command, Hufh her to Silence on the mournful bed. In vain with heartfelt grief I mourn my friend. Fair Virtue's meed is blifs without alloy : Bleft change ! for pain, true pleafure without end. For fighs and moans, a pure feraphic joy ! When Death fhall that new fcene to me difclofe. When I fhall quit on earth this drear abode, Our freed congenial fpirits fhall repofe Safe in the bofom of our Saviour-God. In the fame aile is an handfome mural monument with the following infcription :— »< Mary, the daughter of William Shcrmon, of Kingfton upon Hull, Efq; and wife of the Rev. William Mafon, died March 24, 1767, *£ed 28. Take, holy Earth ! all that my foul holds dear. Take that befl gift, which Heaven fo lately gavcs To Briflol's fount I bore with trembling care •Her faded form ; fhe bow'd to tafle the wave G o And o C 298 ] And dy'd. Does youth, does beauty read the line ? Does fympathetic fear their brcafls alarm ? Speak, dead Maria! breath a drain divine ; Ev'n from the grave thou fhalt have power to charm : Bid them be chafte, be innocent like thee ; ^ Bid them in duty's fphere as meekly move ; And if fo fair, from vanity as free. As firm in friendfliip, and as fond in love : Tell them, though 'tis an awful thing to die, ('Twas cv'n to thee) yet the dread path once trod, Heav'n lifts its everlaRing portals high. And bids " the pure in heart behold their God." Next this is a raifed tomb of alabafter and freeflone gilt, with two marble pillars fupporting a canopy ; between the pillars is the ftatuc of a man in armour : at the top thefe arms : f. a chevron between three children's heads couped at the fhoulders argent, their peruques or, enwrapped about the neck ■with as many fnakes proper, by the name of \\iughan : motto, " ChriRi fer- vitus vera libertas," with along Latin infcription to the memory of Sir Charles Vaughan : — " Sacrum memoriae prinde ac honori viri praenobilis, cujus hie exuvicE repulverefcunt, Caroli Vaughani cquitis aurati, filii et hjcredis Gaul- teri, ordinis itidem equeftris ; ex antiquiffima Vaughanorum Cambro-Britan- norum profapia oriundi, qui quadraginta circitcr et fcptem annos in terris agcns, poftquam virtute fuis praeluxifTet, eruditione doftiflimis quibufque inno- tuifTet, religione plerifque exemplo fuiflct, amoris conjugalis fpccimen edidif- fct, munera publica integcrrime obiifTet, res privatas fapienter compofuifTct, ac animae faiuti imprimis confuluifTet ; tandem, marcore et phthife confedus, mori defiit, Februarii die fexto decimo anno fpei fuae noftrumq; omnium per Verbum carnem faftum adfertae millefimo fexcentefimo tricefimo MDCXXX. Expefto donee veniat immutatio mea. Job xiv. Omnia mutantur nihil interit." On two tables under him are alfo the following Latin infcriptions : Vxores duxit primo Francifcam filiam Roberti Knolles, equitis aurati qua: genere forma et virtute illuflris verum moribunda defcruit mortalitatem ; quo citius el Arflius ChriRo frucretur vita vitali, aetatis fuae anno vicefimo quarto et rcdemptionis humanas 1614 : Delude Dorotheam filiam Roberti Melleri equitis aurati, quae marito cha- rilTimo ma:Ra ac (ni deus voIuiRet) invite fupcrRes monumentum hoc, quale vidcs, ad memoriam ejus, quam fieri potcR diutiRime confcrvandam propriis fumptibus poni curavit. At C 299 ] At the upper end of the north ailc is a very handfome monument to Tho- mas Cofter, Efq; formerly member of parliament for this city, with the fol- lowing elegant infcription. He married Aftrea, daughter of Sir John Smyth, of Long Afliton, Bart, left one daughter by his firfl wife Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Rous, Efq; of Wotton-Underedge ; flic married Robert Hoblyn, Efq; of Cornwall, member for Briftol, 1742, and ere6led this monument to the memory of her father. I, S. E. Thomas Cofter, Armiger Virtutibus tum privatis Tum publicis pra^ter caeteros infignis, Suos ftudio et amore. Homines quofcunque benevolentia, Deum O. M. egregia pietate Profequebatur : Ad variam fcientiam. In machinamentis praecipue et metallis, Perfpicaci ingenio. Ad opes induftria. Ad honorem probis moribus, Viam munivit. A Briftolienfibus Ad Senatorii ordinis dignitatem Sine ambitione, fine invidia eveflus Eandem fumma fide fuftinuit Suorum civium et totius reipublicae bono. Natus Decembris 20, 1684, Sept. 30, 1739, morte luduofa abreptus ; Omnibus quibus innotuit, Sui defiderium reliquit, Illi vero longe triftiffimum. Quae optimi patris memor Virtutum ejus (quarum exemplar ut Poftcris quam diutiflime prodefTct) Mcmoriam, hoc marmore pofito, ^ternam voluit I. H. In [ 300 ] Under the eaft window and by the fide of Bifhop Paul Bufh is the grave ftone of Thomas Weftfcild, late bifiiop of this church, with his and his wives' arms on the fame ; the infcription is in the account of that bidiop. The next under the north wall is : — "Here lieth the body of Mrs. Anne Throckmorton, daughter of Sir Nicholas Throckmorton, late of the foreft of Dean, in the county of Glocefter, Knight. She died the 9th of December, 1698." In the choir below the altar fteps are grave-ftones with thefe infcriptions, on a black ftone by the door of the chancellor's ftall : — " Quod reliquum eft piiffimas virginis et chariflTimae filise Hermiones, Thomas Goodman, M. D. pater, non fine multis lachrymis, fub hoc marmore depofuit: heu ! nimis arfto carcere pro tanta virtute, cujus fedes eft ccelis. Placide in Domino ob- dormivit 11 Aug. anno falutis MDCCXXIV. statis 27. Sub eodem mar- more fepelitur Thomas Goodman, M. D. pater fenex venerabilis oftoge- narius Gulielmo III.^ Annae, / Medicus regius, obiit Dec. xxiii. Georgiol. j MDCCXXXVIII. Georgio II. -' On an old white ftone thus : — " Sub hac petra tumulantur ofta . quon- dam prior' qui obiit vii. Id. Martii, A. D. MCCCCLXXVI. cujus animae propitietur altifllmus. Amen." Another was, " Hie jacet Margareta Grene, mater Thomae Grene, quondam canonici hujus monafterii qu£e obiit ultimo . . . ." On a black ftone by the bifhop's throne is this infcription, with his arms : ■— " William Bradn>aw, D. D. Biftiop of Briftol, and Dean of Chrift Church in Oxford, died December the 16th, 1732, aged 62." On the next is an old freeftone with a black ftone let into it, under which lies Biftiop Thomas Howell, of this church, and on the black ftone was en- graven only this one word,, " Expergifcar." And the next is an old freeftone, under which lies Biftiop Gilbert Ironfide, without any infcription. South end of the chancel. M. S. Nathanielis Fofter, S. T. P. nuperrime hujus ccclelia; preb. et paucis ab hinc annis C. C. C. Oxon Socii. Dignus lane erat, qui multifariae laudis exemplar debeat proponi ; morum fidciq; integritate, qujE Chriftianum deceat, inculpatus; cruditione, qua,- theo- logum ornet, inftruQifllimus j optimarumq; artiuni cognitionc accurata prscel- lens. [ 3<^^ ] lens. Eximiam linguarum peritiam eo unice clirexit, ut inraam cuilibet geiui indolcm penitius infpicerct, proprium Tcriptori cuiq. ingenium certius eru- eret puramq; ex ipfo fonte dcrivaret facri codicis fimplicitatem: hinc natura fagax, doftiina folcrs humanae mentis explorator, philofophorum veterum fedas, primaria quadam placitoium communicatione fibi inviccm affines, et in diverfa paulatim diduftas, fcholarum difcrimina prae ceteris calluit notare, et diftinguere. Hinc porro reconditos Platonis fui fenfiis non ut plerumq; fit, leviter tantum perftringit ; fed quod a Platonis olim amico et familiari quo- dam expeclandum fuiffet, fpeciofo verborum involucro exutos coram leftorem fidit, fidus interpres. Ne talem virum non latis ob oculos haberint polleri, hoc amoris Iu£lufq; fui monumentum exftare voluit uxor fuperfl.es. Ob. 20"'°- Oclo. A. D. 1757. yEtat. 39"°- Under the ftaincd glafs window the call end of the fouth aile. In cemiterio hujus sedis fepultus eft: Robertus Booth, S. T. P. Decanus Briftolise, filiusGeorgii Baronis Delamerifrater HenriciComitis de Warrington. Horum uterque ficuti dubiis admodum temporibus fingularem patriae fidem ac virtutem prseftitit, ita ipfe ecclefiee majorem, quam ab eo acceperat, dignita- tem reddidit^ Verum inter pfurimas ejus virtutes eminuit maxime profufa quasdam in egenos liberalitas, quae facerdotem apprime deceret, vere Chriftianum vere- que nobilem. Nat. A. D. 1661, Ob. A. D. 1720, Dec. Briftol, A. D. 1708* In the South aile. Sacred to the memory of the Rev. Samuel Love, A. M. Fellow of Baliol College, Oxford, and one of the minor canons of this cathedral, who died Odober i8ih 1773, aged 29. When worthlefs grandeur decks the embellifh'd urn. No poignant grief attends the fable bier. But when diflinguifh'd excellence we mourn. Deep is the forrow, genuine the tear. Stranger! fhouldil thou approach this awful fhrine The merits of the honour'd dead to feek ; The Friend, the Son, the Chriftian, the Divine, Let thofe who knew him, thofe who lov'd him, fpeak. Oh ! let them in fome paufe from anguifh fay. What zeal infpir'd, what faith enlarg'd his breaft. How foon tlr unfctter'd fpirit wing'd its way. From earth to hcav'n, from blefling to be bleft! This monument is ercclcd by fome intimate friends of the deceafed, as a; teftimony of his worth and their cftccm. Againft. [ 302 ] A'^aiiifl tlic communion rails on the North fide, in the wall is an arch wherein is an altar tomb, and thereon the effigies of an abbot lying in full proportion in pontificalia, carved in freeRonc, with a mitre on his head feeminglv as old as the fiibrick of the church. This was in memory of Abbot Edmund Knowles, who died Anno 1332, and built the prefent church (as it is faid) leaving vacant-arches in the walls to contain the effigies of his fuccefibrs, and to hold other • monuments in future for perfons to be buried here. Sec p. 267. Below and in the fame wall over the bottom of tlic altar-ftcps is another arch, and therein the effigy of an abbot in fall proportion in his habit, with a mitre on his head as the former, probably in memory of Abbot Walter Newbery, who died the 3d of September 1463. See p. 268. Between the above Abbots, a little higher againfl the wall is fixed a fmall black marble copartment edged round with freefione, fet in the wall in memory ofBifliopof Rowland Searchfield, and Dean Chetwynd; the infcription is given in the account of that bifhop. At the upper end of the North aile, between that and the choir, is a flone corps of Bifiiop Paul Bufli, inclofcd with wooden rails, hing on a low tomb raifed from the floor about 18 inches, the tomb is compofed of fix pillars of the lonick order, which fupport a flat canopy, the whole of frceflone; between the pillars at bottom and round the verge at top is painted an infcription in black letters, to be given in the lift of bifhops. In the South wall in the Choir, below the altar-f^eps, -which are all laid with black and white marble, is under an arch the effigy of Abbot John Newland, with his mitre on his head, lying in full proportion as the other abbots; on a fliield at his feet fupported by two angels is his rebus, viz. an heart pierced through with three nails, alluding to his name, he being often times written Newland, alias Nailheart. For the further particulars I refer you to the lift of abbots, p. 268. A little lower in the place of the confeffionary is a large handfome tomb with two men kneeling in armour, and a woman lying along before them, over them is a canopy fupported by two black marble pillars, at bottom eight children kneeling with a defk between them, on a tablet above their heads this infcription : Here lie the bodies of Sir John Young knight, and dame Joan his wife; file had iffue by him Sir Robert, Jane, and Margaret. She was firfl married to Sir Giles Strangewaycs knight, by whom flie had ifTue John, Edward, George, Nicholas, C 303 ] Nicholas, Ann and Elizabeth; flic was daughter of John Wadham, Efq; and fhe departed this mortal life the i4ih of June 1603, aged 70 years. In the South aile under an arch of the thicknels of the South wall, openin Dei ^pracmium s.refpicit. Charitas J (fervum j Codrington, of Codrington in the county of Gloccfter. This family was or good note in this county in the time of Henry the 4th. (vide Sir Robert Atkins's State of Gloceflerfliire, p. 391.) Joh" Codrington Efq; being flandard-bearer to King Henry the 5th. in his wars in France ; and as it appears by the heralds books, was then armed in a coat with lions in tht fervLce of the faid King in battle to watch and ward under his banner, and for the good fervices that the faid John Codrington had done, or fliould do, and to the worfnip of knighthood, as it is there expreffed, a farther addition was made to his arms in the 23d of King Henry the 6th, 1445. Colonel John Codrington Efq; who married Elizabeth daughter of Samuel Gorges of Wraxal in the county of Somerfet, is of this old family, whofe only daughter married Sir Richard Warwick Bamfield of Poltimore in the county of Devon, Bart. Member of Parliament for the city of Exeter, and in the Parliament 1747 for the county of Devon, and his fon Sir Charles Bamfield is Member for the city of Exeter 1788, and refidcs at Wraxal.— The faid John Codrington Efq; was three times chofen Member of Parliament for the city of Bath, 1721, 1727, 1734. The great grandfather of the late Sir "H-'illiam Codrington of Dodington in the county of Gloceflcr, Bart, was a younget [ 305 ] younger fon of this family, he was Member of Parliament for Minehead in Somerfetfhire at the time of his death, which happened December the 17th 1738 at Dodington, and was fuccecded by his eldcll fon Sir William Codrington the prefent Baronet, whofe father Sir William was created Baronet April the 21ft 1721, in the 8th year of the reign of George the tft. Anne the fourth daughter of Richard Samwell of Upton in Northampton- {hire, Efq; by his wife Frances, eldefl daughter and coheir of Thomas Vifcount Wenman of Tuam in Ireland, married to Robert Codrington of Codrington in Gloceflerfhire, Efq; as may be feen by the arms and infcription on the monument: arms; argent, two fquirrels fejant, addorfed, gules, by the name of Samwell. Crefl, on a ducal coronet, or. a fquirrel fejant, cracking a nut, proper. Without the choir under the dean and prebendaries feat is an ancient large grave ftone that had on it brafTes. — N. B. This feems to be the only grave ftone that had any figure cut on a brafs plate in the whole church, it lay originally at the choir entrance between the abbot's and prior's ftall, and was in memory of Robert Fitzharding Lord of Berkeley the founder, and his Lad\', before it was removed hither. In the great crofs aile and nave without the choir are many grave ftones ; one clofe under the pulpit in memory of Robert Perry matter of the Bluccoat- hofpital founded by Queen Elizabeth &:c. which bears this infcription. Hie jacet Robertus Perry, orphanotrophii magifter vigilantiflimus qui mortem obiit Aprilis 29, 1652. And this other on a black marble Jying near the fteps leading to the bifhop's confiftorv, which is kept in a room above ftairs: Herelyeth the body of Geo. Smyth, late of North Nibley, in the county of Glocefter, Efq; who depajted this life the 29th day of February 1712-13, aged 48. (with his coat of arms.) There are alfo many buried in the nave or body of the church with the name and date cut in a white marble ftone of a lozenge ftiape, fixed in the paving. In a chapel at the lower end of the South aile, extending itfelf equal with the great crofs aile, is againft the Eaft wall an ancient tomb of grey marble, it contained the effigies of two perfons kneeling, and an infcription in brafs underneath them, and their arms behind their heads, but it has been entirely taken away in the civil wars and there's no memorial to whom it belonged; how- tver from William of Worceftcr it appears it was in memory of Sir Richard Newton Cradock, who died December the 13th 14.14, being one of ihc P p judites [ 3o6 ] jufticcs of ibe common pleas. This with the founder's grave flone is the only monument in the whole church that had in brafs infcriptions or fit^ures belonj^ing to them. This monument with two others that are in the fame chapel were in the year J 748 repaired and beautified at the expence of Mrs. Archer of London. The place where the braffes were fixed when taken away left imprcffions againft the tomb, which when repaired was filled up fmooth and thereon is now put the following infcription : In memory of Sir Richard Newton Cradock of Barrs Court in the county of Gloucefter, one of his Majefties Juftices of the Common Pleas, who died December the i3ih 1444, and with his Lady lies interr'd beneath this monu- ment, which was defaced by the civil wars and repaired by Mrs. Archer fifter to the late Sir Michael Newton of Barrs Court 1748. His arms are argent, on A chevron azure, 3 garbcs or. Againfl the South wall in the faid chapel are two handfomc tombs, the firll is compofed of alabaftcr and freeftone, and has at top three fhields of arms; on one belonging to a man is 24 coats, and on another belonging to a woman 12 coats, and on a middle fliield only two coats, viz. of the man and woman impaled. Underneath lie the effigies of a man in armour and a woman in full pro- portion, and under them two fons and four daughters, above them is a tablet with this infcription : — " Here lies Sir Henry Newton of Barr's-Court in the county of Glocefter Kt. who married Katherine the daughter of Sir Thomas Pafton, of Norfolk, Kt. by whom he had 2 fons & 4 daughters; & when he had lived full 70 years religioufiy towards God, loyally towards his Prince, Sc virtuoufly tovi ards men ; ended his life in the year of grace 1599, In aflurcd hope of a glorious refurreftion. Gourney, Hampton, Cradock, Newton laft. Held on the meafure of that ancient line Of Barons blood ; full 70 years he part. And did in peace his facred foul refign : His church he loved ; he lov'd to feed the poor ; Such love affures a life, that dies no more. The other tomb below his is of freellone, in memory of Sir John Newton Bart, fon of Theodore Newton and his Lady, Grace daughter of **** Stone Efq; who died without iffue 1661. It is fupported by two twilled pillars, having the effigy of the defunft lying in full proportion in armour with a truncheon in his right hand, over him is on two tablets painted againfl the wall the following infcription : 1 ft Tablet. [ 307 ] ift Tablet. 2d Tablet. Here lyeth the body of Sir John He was a man of great courage, Sc Newton, Bart, fon of Sir Theodore the greateft loyalty to his Prince, an Newton, Kt. and his Lady Grace, honour to his country, a credit & daughter of Stone Efq; who noble ornament to his name and dy'd without iffue 1661. family. At top is on a fliicld thefe arms, argent, on a cheveron azure, three garbes, or. by the name of Cradock, impaled with the arms of Stone, viz. Parte per pale, or. & gules, an eagle difplayed with two heads azure. There is a fhield here with 24 quartcrings belonging to this family of Newton of Barr's-Court. At the lower end of the South aile, extending itfelf equal with the great crofs aile, is againft the South pillar before the faid chapel, fixed in the fame, a handfome copartment of black and white marble in memory of Jacob Elton Efq; Captain of the Anglefea man of war of 40 guns, who was killed in an engagement on the high feas, his body was thrown overboard and the fliip taken by the French the 29th of March 1745, the infcription is, Jacob Elton Filius natu fecundus Abraham! Elton Barti. Rebus nauticis A tenera Eetate alTuetus, Et in clalTc Britannica, etiamnum Adolefcens Navarcha ; Anno tricedimo fecundo nondum perafto, Duni contra Gallos Pra?lio navali dimicaffet, Properata quidem, Scd pulcherrima morte Occubvit, Die Martii 29"°- A: D: 1745- Qualis erat morum fuavitas, Amici, Quae Humanitas et Benevolentia, nauts, Quam intrepidc ct fortitcr fe geffit, Illc Dies Satis fuperque teflatur. Leve hoc Amoris fuae et Dcfiderii Monumentum Vidua ma^ftifTnna Carolina Filia ct cohceres Caroli Yatc Dc Coulthropc in agro Gloccflrij! Poiii curavit. p I. 2 Thelc C 308 ] Thefe are the principal monuments and memorials of the dead whofe remains lie depofiied in thefe facred manfions. Our anceflors were very earncll in paying all due honours to good men departed, by erefting monu- ments and tombs over their bodies, and tranfmitting to lateft pofterity for our imitation the charafters of the deceafed, their piety towards God and charity towards their fellow-creatures by infcriptions to their memories, many of which as they are very learned, moft of them inflruQive, and all convey fome good Icffons of piety, charity, religious devotion, &c. have their ufe in improving the minds of the living : though there may poflibly be a mixture of flattery and human foible in fome of thofe compofitions. — As monuments exprefs our belief of an immortality by fhewing a regard for our departed friends, they fhould not be accufed of vanity and ambition who pay that grateful regard to thofe whom they wifh to meet again in another and better world : though thisfeems to be one reafon why many worthy men and good fami- lies lie now a-da)"s alniod unnoticed in the repofitories of the dead; a tacit confcflTion alfo of the flight impreflion death and immortality make now on the minds of their fucceflbrs. Having thus finiflied the defcription of this cathedral church and all its parts, I fliall proceed to give an account of its endowment by Henry the 8th. dated the i8th of November the 34th of Henry the 8th. A. D. 1542, out of the ruins of nine monafteries. Value of the Rents. General - - £ 7Z9 4 ** Reprifal - - 60 1 o Clear - 679 3 11 The following fums arife thereout (as appears by the rental) in this manner, viz. Out of the Monaflery of General Value. Reprifal. Clear I'altie. I. s. d. I. s. el. I. s. d. 1. St. Auguflin, Briflol, the Abbot 323 18 o\ 22 8 3 301 9 9^ 2. Michclncy, Somerfct, the Abbot and comit. Hertf. - -122 8 9 1316 3 108 12 6 3. Bruton, Somerfet, the Abbot 88114 - -- 88114 4. Shafton, Dorfet, the Abbot 77 13 \\ o 16 8 76 16 5^ 5. Bath, Somerfet, Priory - - 43 16 o _ _ _ 43 16 o 6. St.OfwaldnighGIoc'.PrioryAbbot42 17 8 14 10 8 28 7 o 7. Taunton, Somerfet, Priory -14 00 ___ 14 00 8. Frithelfloke, Devonfliire, Prior 18 o o 891 9 10 11 9. Bradenftock Com. Wilts, Prior 800 -__ 800 Total - 739 411 60 o 11 679 4 o The [ 309 ] The particulars of each of thefe, viz. where they lie, and from whence the rents ifTuc, may be fcen in the following order: No. I. The Rents of the Monaftery of St. Auguftin in fix counties. 1. BriftoK General Value. Reprifat. Clear Vahe. t. s. d. I. s. d. L s. d. Rents in and about the town 101 60 13 7 4 87 18 8 Penfions outof reQories 6 8 8 6 8 8—94 7 4 2. Glocefter. 1. Southerney manor gio 068 8144 2. Blackfworth manor 7^9 0100 6109 3. Codrington manor - 6 13 4 4. Rectory of Wap- ley - - 4 13 4 5.Erlinghammanor5 17 4 - 6. Henton de Ever- inghill - 020 7. Bradley tene. Witton -36 8 — 20 12 8 368 8. Berkeley-Hernis reftory 65 6 8 9. Clifton tenement* - 108 3. Somerfet. 1. Wear reftory in penfion and compofition - 968 2. Tenement in Stanton Drew o 12 o 3. Three fliops in Bath, rent 050 4. Devon. 1. Halberton manor - 15 15 8^ 1 6 8 2. The retlory there - 33 o o 5. Glamorgan. 1. Penarth manor, with the great tithes - - 19 9 11 o 10 o 18 19 it — 18 19 it 6. Wentlock, Monmouth. 1. Peterfton manor, with the reClory of Kemney with its appurtenances, alfoSt.Melo 34124 3 oil 3111 5 — 31 n 5 Total fum 323 18 cj 22 8 3 301 9 g~ No. • Clifton one acre of pafture worth il. los. per annum, cncompaffcd with fevcral lands of the widow Jane Wilfon, and now in the occupation of Mr. William Hodges. Sec the fur\'ey in 1649, fol. 30. Three acres and a half in Clifton were granted by .\bbot Burton, fee chaptci book. lib. 1. fol. Pcnultima, 17 6 65 6 8 1 8—98 18 9 6 8 12 5 — 10 3 »4 9 oi 33 0—47 9 C 310 ] No. II. Out of the monaftery of Moclvelney the rents are in two counties. 1. Buckingham. General Value, keprifat. Cleat Value. I. s. d. I. $. d. I. J. d. I. s. d. 1. Seymour Court meffuage in Mario --725 72 5 — 725 2. Somerfet. 1. Abbot's Ifle rcClory with Stewnly - - 600 091 ij 5ioo|' 2. Meriot reQory - 1210 1210 3. Ilmifterreftory, 20I. cum Horton, il, 5s. Ilcombe 2I. OS. - - 23 5 o 23 5 o 4. Somerton reftory - 44 13 4 6 16 4 37 ^7 ^ 5. Fifehead rectory - 400 o 9 ii4 3 10 Oj 6. Drayton with the tythes of the lands 1220 Of the de- mean lands of Weftover 2 13 4 7. Morton tythes 1 5 o — 22 04 600 1604 8. Mildney in the parifh of Drayton - 368 368 Total Sura 122 89 1316 3 108 12 6 No. III. The rents out of the monaftery of Brewton are in the county of Somerfet* 1. Reflory of Banwell with Puxton, Churchill 38 3 4 38 3 4 2. South Petherton reflory with four chapels annexed and Swell retlory 5080 50 8 o 88 11 4 Total Sum 88 11 4 €8114 No. IV. [ 311 ] No. IV, The rents out of the monaQery of Shafion in the county of Wilts. General Value. Reprifal. Clear Value. I. s. d. I. s. d. I. s. d. I. $. d. i.Tifburyrec- /. ,. j. tory tythes i6 i6 8 The glebe or manor of the fame reflory 3 g 10 — 20 6 6 2. Bradford reclory, with the manor and four tenements - - 57 6 7^^ o 16 8 76 16 ^\ 76 16 si Total Sum 77 13 ij o i6 8 76 16 5-v N"o- V. The rents out of the monaflery of Bath are in two counties. 1. Glocefter. 1. Olvefton reclory - 17 16 o 17 16 o — 17 16 o 2. Somerfet. 1. Bath-Hampton re£lory 1000 1000 2. Bath-Ford reclor)' 8 6 8 8 6 8 3. Bath-Wick prebendary penfion - -068 068 4. The vicar of Chew penfion -- 700 700 5. Of Newton St. Loe, penfion - 068 068 Total Sum 43 16 o 43 16 o No. VI. The rents out of the monaflery of St. Ofwald near Glocefler arc in the county of Glocefter. 1. Compton Abdale retlory 900 610 2190 2. Norton reftory - 1368 6144 6124 3. Churchdean reQory with Hocalcot _ - 1110 0144 10 68 4. St. Ofwald's in four proportions, or St. Ka- therine's reflory - 754 110 644 5. A C 312 ] General Value, t- s. d. I. i. d. I. s. d. I. s, d. 5. A penfion out of the reftory of Widcombe o 13 4 6. A penlion out of the rec- tory of LafTenden o 80 7. For tythes out of lands of Northcerney - 134 134 Reprifal. Oear Value. I. s. d. 1. s. d. 13 4 080 Total Sum 42 17 8 14 10 8 28 7 o 28 70 No. VII. Out of the monaftery of Taunton in the county of Somerfet. t. Kingflon reftory 1400 1400 No. VIII. Out of the monaftery of Frethil Stoke in the county of Devon. 1. Brodwoodwiger with Week - 1800 891 9 10 11 No. IX. Out of the monaftery of Braden Stoke in the county of Wilts. 1. Marden re£lory -800 800 General Total Sum £ TZ9 4 11 60 1 o 679 3 n From thefe clearly appear the rents granted by King Henry to this church from the faid nine monafteries, all lying Vithin eight counties, (reckoning the county of Glocefter and the city as one) and in thefe eight only the rents arife. J. In the county of Buckingham. /. j. d. From the monaftery of Mechelney - - 725 2. Glamorgan. From the monaftery of St. Auguftin - 18 19 11 3. Wentlock als. Monmouth. From the monaftery of Sti Auguftin - 31 11 5 4. Devon, from the monaftery of 1. St. Auguftin - *. 47 9 o|- 2. Frithelftoke - - 9 10 11 — 56 19 11^ 5. Wilts, from the monaftery of 1. Shafton > . . 76 16 54 e. Bradenftock - a 800 — 84 16 62 6. Glocefter. C 3'3 ] 6. Gloccflcr, from the monaftery of /. s. d. I. 1. St. Au^uftin - 98 18 5 2. St. Ofwald - - 28 7 8- Bath - 17 16 0—145 7. Somerfct, from the monaflcry of 1. Mochelney - 101 10 1 2. Bruton - 88 11 4 3- Bath - 26 4- Taunton - 1400 5- St. Auguftin - 10 3 8 — 240 8. Briftol, from the monaftery of 1. St. Auguftin there - - - 94 7 4 679 4 o And laftly, in this order through every one of thefe counties enquiry may be made into each of the faid rents, to wit, which of them in procefs of time is loft or diminiflied and which encreafed and enlarged, fo that by this means the true value and ftate of the whole may be known, according to which method and diftinftion by counties (in the order in which they are above placed) the treafurer's accounts of the yearly rents (hitherto kept in a moft confufed or rather no order) may for the future be made up with great eafe and clearncfs. Befides thefe rents fo recovered by the royal letters patent to the dean and chapter of this church (or rather intrufted to their fidelity) the advowfons, donations, and rights of patronage of many churches are granted, of which Some fpecially and namely, viz. from the monaftery of 1. St. Auguftin, Berkeley, Wapley, Halberton, Peterftone alias Kempney. 2. St. Ofwald, Churchden, with Hocalcot, Compton Abdale, Norton, with St. Ofwald. 3. Bath, Olvefton, Hampton, Ford. 4. Bruton, South Petherton with Banwell. 5. Mochelney, He Abbots, Ilminfter, Ilcombe, Horton, Somcrton, Mcri- ott, Fifehead, Mildney, and Drayton. 6. Shafton, Bradford, Tilbury. 7. Taunton, Kingfton. 8. Bradenftock, Marden. 9. Frithclftokc, Brodwoodwigor. Q o In C 314 ] In general of all the vicarages and other churches whofe reflories are above granred to ihe fame, but amongfl; thofc churclies intrufted to them fomc have perpetual vicars, curates, and flipendaries. Some churches or chapels are annexed and adjoin to another parochial church, (<".s to the mother) the care of. providing minifters of which belongs to the vicar thereof. Others are not thus annexed or only providing minifters for them more properly belongs to them and their farmers. But they are all fituated in the following fix diocefes : 1. LlandafF. 2. Salifburv. 3. Exeter. 4. Gloceftcr. 5. Bath and Wells. 6. Briftol. "When the King erefted the bifliopric of Briflol, he grants to Paul Bufij, Bifliop of Briftol, all thofe melTuagcs called the abbots' lodgings within the monaflery of Briftol, to him and his fucccfTors. And grants him the manors of Leigh and Rowborrow, in the county of Somerfet, the rectories of Portbury, Clevedon, and Ticknam, and advowfons of the vicarages : The manors of Aflileworth, Cromhall, and Horfield, in the county of Clocefter : lands in Slimbridge and Ailberton : The reftories and advowfons of Aflileworth, Almondftjurv, Ailberton, Horfield, Fclton, and Kingfwefton, late parcel of the pofleffions of Briftol monaftery : The reflories and advowfons of St. Hurft and Minfterwortb, late parcel of St. Ofwald's monaftery in Glocefter: Rctlory of Tockington, and tythes of Over Compton : Reftory and advowfon of New Church in the Ifle of Wight, parcel of Battle abby : Reflory and advowfon of Limington, in the county of Southampton, parcel of Chrift Church priory: Rcclory and advowfon of Buckland, parcel of Hedington monaftery, in the county of Wilts : Manors and advowfons of Fifhead cum Crockefworth, in the county of Dorfet, parcel of Briftol monaftery, habend. to the bifhop and his fuccefTors for ever in puram et perpetuam elymofinam. Teft, June 10th. The value of thofe lands, in a furvey taken about that time, I find to be thus rated : Aflileworth I. 5. J. 59 6 10 ^7 3 1 49 13 10 6 i8 15 lO 19 8 6 8 56 3 1 20 3 5 28 16 6 39 3 34 17 6 8 23 ; 4 1 1 [ 315 ] Aflileworth manor, county of Glocefter - - _ Cromhal manor, county of Glocefter _ _ _ Horfield manor and reftory, county of Glocefter, cum Fclton and Kingfwefton, in the faid county Albcrton rctlory, county of Glocefter _ - _ Almondfl)ury reQorv, county of Glocefter St. Hurft reclory, county of Glocefter - - _ Minfterworth retlory, county of Glocefter _ _ _ Leigh manor cum Membris, county of Somerfct Rowborrow manor, county of Somcrfet _ - _ Portbury reClory, county of Somerfet, cum Tickenham and Clevedon - _ _ . _ _ Fifhead and Crockeford manors, county of Dorfet New Church in Infula Veftae (in Englifh) Ifte of Wight, in the county of Southampton _ - « _ Limington reftory, county of Southampton - - _ Buckland manor, county of Berks _ - _ £^380 12 10 The whole of the endowment, according to the firft valuation, amounted to . - - - - ^^ 383 8 4 The lands and bifhop's demefne at Briftol not given in, in this particular making up, no doubt, the other 3I. odd ftiillir^gs. This was the firft demand and fettlement for firft fruits and tenths, which are now reduced 327 1. 5s. yd. by the following alienations from Briftol biflioprick : Paul Bufti, the firft bifiiop, anno 4th of Edward the 6th. granted to that King the manor of Leigh cum Membris, by deed made May the 25th, 1559. In which the dean and chapter joined Sept. 21 following; and two days after, viz. Sept. 23, the King granted the reverfion of it, after the death of Paul Bufti, to Sir George Norton and his heirs for ever. From Norton's family it came to the Trenchards, . I find no other alienations in the patents, though the rents and fines may have been afcertained, and fo funk the biftioprick ; in which refpecl Bifhop Fletcher is very much com- plained of tempore Eliz, This manor of Leigh, rated at 56I. 3s. id. reduced the value of the firft fruits as above-mentioned, from 383 1. to 3^7). which arc now paid. Q Q 2 Sale [ 3i6 ] Sale of the lands of the bifhoprick in the Rebellion, anno 1641. Horficld parcel of the manor, fold March 1, 1647, to Giles /. s. d. Calvert and Adam Haughton, for - - - 410 15 10 Briflol palace and park, fold June 22, 1648, to Thomas and John Clark, for - - - - -2 40 00 Mifmore, PreOon, Longford, and Aflileworlh manors, parcel of the pofTefTion of Glocefler and Briflol fees, fold Sept, 28, 1648, to Alderman Towke, for _ . _ 3819 1 o\ N. B. The three firft belong to Gloccfter, and only Aflile- vorth to Briftol. Fifhead Magdalen, county of Dorfet, fold June 1, 1649, to John Aclyft, for - - - - - i333 t2 4 Cromhall Abbats manor, county of Glocefler, fold Sept. 28, 1649, to Richard Kirrington and Roger Cook, for - 568 o 2 Horfield and Filton manors, fold Jan. 30, 1649, to Thomas Andrews, for - - . _ _ lo^g ,^ o The Gale-houfc in Briflol, fold March 6, 1649, to John Birch, for - - - - - - 18134 Parcel of Ground near Briftol, fold Auguft g, 1650, to John Lock, for - - - - - -21100 Rowborow manor, county of Somerfet, and lands in Marton, in the county of York, parcel of Briftol and York biflioprics, fold March 21, 1650, to Philip Nye and Thcophilus Archer, for - - - - - 722 1 1 Total £ 8390 7 gi The biftioprick, notwithftanding fomc late improvements of the revenue by leafing out the park for building, which now brings in a ground rent of 70I. per annum, is not valued at more than about 500 1. per annum ; the Bifliop of Briflol is therefore allowed to hold fomething in commendam with it, as the deanry of Chrift Church, a prebend in St. Paul's church, London, or fome valuable benefice. The Bifhop of Briftol collates to Dorfet archdcaconr)' and Fifhead vicar- age, county of Dorfet, Almondfbury, &c, in all 14 benefices, which will appear more clearly with their valuation in the King's books, yearly tenths, lite, dedications, and antient patrons, by the following table. Diocefe C 317 ] Diocefe of Briflol, Glocenerfliire. The following livings are in the gift of the Lord Bifliop of Brillol. The Biflioprick of Brillol * was taken out of the diocefe of Salifbury, except Briflol Deanry, which was taken out of WorceRer. Tirjl Fruils. Yearly Tenths. 1. s. d. I. s. d. 294 11 05 The cathedral church, (HolyTrinity.oIim St. Auguflin.) 27 14 4^ The deanry of this church is in tlie gift of the King, and not charged with the payment of firft fruits or tenths, (charter of eretlion June the 14th 1542.) ' Deanry of Briflol. t Livings difcharged. Clear yearly Value. Rectories cSrc. with the patron and proprietor. 40 13 10 Aldmondfbury vie. (St. Mary) penf. abb. Sti. Au- Xo. 1. guftini 10s. Bifhop of Briflol patron, and impropriator, abb. Sti. Auguflini Briflol, olimimpr. - - 200 Chapels, donations, and curacies. No. 2. Horficld cur. (Holy Trinity) 3I. certified value, abb. Sti. Auguflini, olim prop. Bifhop of Briflol, now impr. and patr. 46 o 8 Elberton, alias Aylbarton vie. or chap, in the county No. 3. of Glocefler, Bifliop of Briflol propr. and patr. o 13 3 Diocefe of Briflol. Deanry of Shafton, Shatefbury. King's Books. Livings in charge. 700 Fiflifield, alias Fifehead Magdalen vie. (St. Mary No. 4. Magdalen) penf. abb. Sti. Auguflini, Briflol, 60s. fynods and proxies 3s. 4d. ecclef. Sarum 2od. Mon. fli. Aug. Briflol, propr. Mr. Newman 1677, Sir Richard Newman patr. 1725, Sir Robert Smyth Bart, prefentcd 1726, the Bifhop of Briflol impr. la * Bifhoprick of Briflol. — The tenths were altered by judgment of the Court of Exchequer, Hilary Term the 8th of Elizabeth, to the fum of ayl. 14s. 4jd. as above. The patent of ereftion of this Bifhoprick, dated June 4, 1542, 34th of Henry the 8th. may be feen in Rymcr's Foedcra, vol. 1 4. p. 748. + Deanry of Briftol This Deanry and two churches in the city of Briftol arc flill fubjeft to the Archdeacon of Gloccfter, o o No. 6. o o No, 7- [ 318 ] In the Diocefe of Gloceftev. Clear yearly Value. Dean Foreft. Yearly Tenlhs. L s. d. Living difcharged. /. s. d. 18 o o Minfterworth vie. * (St. George) - -110 No. 5. Pri. Sti. Ofwaldi, Glocefter impr. the Bifhop of Briftol impr. and patr. but let by leafc to Mr. Pool, and is only a curacy. Deanry of Glocefter. Livings difcharged. 37 o o Afliehvorth vie. (St. Andrew) - - 1 2 11 Abb. Sti. Auguftini, Briftol, olim impr. Bifhop of Briftol impr. and patron. 24 o o Santhurft vie. (St. Laurence) - - 000 Mon. Sti. Ofwaldi, Glocefter, olim impr. Biftiop of Briftol. Diocefe of Saliftjury, county of Berks. Deanry of Abingdon. In the Arch-deaconry of Berks. Living difcharged. 35 o o Buckland vie. (St. Mary) - - - 1 16 5-^ No. 8. Epifc. Briftol, modernus proprietor, pri. Edington in Wilts, olim propr. Mrs. Mary Miilington 1720, by leafe from the Biftiop of Briftol. Diocefe of Winchefter. Deanry of the Ifle of Wight. Living difcharged. 50 o o New-Church vie. (All-Saints) rcprif. 21s. 4d. 148 No. g. Mon. de Belloloco impr. Biftiop of Briftol. Diocefe of Bath and Wells. Deanry of Rcdclift and Bedminfter, in the Archdeaconry of Bath, Somcrfet. Livings difcharged. »2 G 11 Tickenham vie. (St. Ouiricus and Julietta) prox. 5d. o 17 6^ No. 10. Abb. Sti. Auguftini, Briftol, propr. Biftiop of Briftol. The King by lapfe 1753. 23 18 7 Clevedon vie. (St. Andrew) - - 1 1 1 55 No. ij. Abb. Sti. Auguftini, Briftol, propr. Biftiop of Briftol. Clear Mmllcrw'orth vie— Sir Robert Alkyns fays, « iliis is n vicarage turned into a curacy," p. 557. C 319 ] Char yearly Value. Yearly Tenths. I. s. d. I. s. d. 27 15 8 Portbury vie. (St. Mary) prox. 6d. - - i i 1^ No. 12. Abb. Sti. Auguftini, Eriftol, propr. Bifliop of Biiftol. Deanry of Axbridge. In the Archdeaconry of Wells. Living difchargcd, 19 17 9 Rowborrow rec. (St. Michael) fynods 2s. prox. 4d. o 15 o No. 13. Bifliop of Briftol. Diocefe of Gloceflcr. Deanry of Campden. Livings difcharged. Re8;ories &c. Avith their patrons and proprietors. 29 4 6 Eburton vie. *(St. Edburgh) fvnods 2s. - o 18 ii-^; No. 14. The King by lapfc 1714. Bifhop of Briftol 1622, 1638. Abb. Bittlefden in Bucks, olim propr. Endowments of the Chapter of Briftol, Anno 1542, The King grants to the Dean and Chapter of Briftol and their fucceflbrs, all the fite and circuit of the late monaflery of Briftol, except what was before granted to the Bifhop: The manors of Codrington, South Cerney and Blackfworth t cum perti- nentiis, parcel of Briftol abby. A tenement and two clofes in Weftborne, lands in Clifton, and mefluages in Bradley ; lands in Henton in the county of Somerfet, M'ith other hereditaments in Eriingham, Wapley, Bradley, Goodringion, and Hinton, parcels of faid abby. The reftories of Berkeley, Hinton, and Wapley, and advowfon of the vicarages, parcel of Briftol abby. The reftoriesof St. Ofwald, Glocefter, Churchdown, Hoculcot, Compton- Abdale, and Norton, parcel of St. Ofwald's in Glocefter monaftery. Tythesof hay in Wike, Stone, Bovington, Bradfton, Cadbury, Oldminfter, Hamand Hill in Berkeley parifh, late belonging to Briftol abby. • Tythes of Twigworth and North Cerney, reftories of Widcomb and LafTm- den, and twohoufes called the Almorics in Briftol. A diftil-houfe * Eburton, alias Ebringlon vie Sir Wm. Kite has given lol. yearly to the vicar. Alkyns's Gloceftcrfhirc. + The manor of Blackfworth with other things, was fold the 21 ft of March 1649 hy com- minioners appointed for abolifhing deans and chapters &c. to the mayor and commonalty of Briftol, forthefumof 3838I. is. 2d. paid to Thomas Noel and William Hobfon, two of the ireafurcrs appointed to receive the fame. A diftiUlioure and three mills in Rcdclift Juxta Briflol, and a mcfTuage called the Boar's- Head in Briflol. Three (hops in Walcot-ftrcet in Bath, the rc6lories of Hampton, Olweflon, and Ford, late belonging to Bath monaftery, and patronage of the vicarages. The reclory and advowfon of Kingllon, parcel of Taunton monadery. The re£tories of South Pethcrton, Lopington, Barrington, Chcllington, Upton, Sevington, and Banwell in the county of Somerfet. » ThercQories of Abbafs Ifle, Ilmindcr, Horton, Merriot, Ilcomb, Somer- ton, Fifehead, Mochelney, Drayton, and Moreton ; advowfons of the vicar- ages, late poireffions of Mochelney abby. Penfions payable out of the churches of St. Nicholas 4I. 6s. 8d. St. Auguf- tine's 2s. All-Saints 2I. St. Leonard's los. and St. Michael's in Briftol 2s. Penfions of Bathwick prebend, reftories of Chew and Newton St. Loo, parcel of Bath monaftery. The manor and chapel of Pctcrflon in Wemlog, parcel of Briflol abbv. Advowfons of Kempney and PetcrRon in the county of Monmouth, the reftories of Tifbury, Bradford, Winfly, Holt, Atworth, Wraxal, Comberwcll, in the county of Wilts, parcel of Shafteftury abby. The re£tory of Marden in the county of Wilts, parcel of Bradenflock abby. Advowfons of Tifbury and Bradford manor, reflory and advowfons of Halberton in the county of Devon, parcel of Briflol abby. Reflory and advowfon of Brodwoodwigor in the county of Devon, parcel of Frithelflock priory, with all their rights, privileges, &c. which belonged to the late monafleries, &c. and were parcels of the faid manors, rectories, &c. here given tenend. to the dean and chapter and their fucceffors for ever. Tefle. Nov. 18th A. D. 1542, and the 34th of King Henry the 8th. St. Nicholas 4I. 6s. 8. All-Saints 2I. St. Auguflinc's 2s. St. Michael 2s. thefe penfions are paid by the minifler of each parifli, St. Leonard 10s. per ann. is paid as a quit-rent by the churchwarden of the parifli for the time being forahoufein Fiflicr-lane. The whole ground rents of the dean and chapter eflates amount to 845I. per ann. which do not pay the expences of the church, fees of office, flipends to the feveral officers, "canons, finging-men, organifl, fub-facrifl, &c. amounting to about iiiil. per ann. befides the repairs of the church, &:c. But the renewals upon fo many eflates upon an average bring in fo much as renders the dcanry worth above 300I. per ann. and each prebend above 150I. per ann. though it has fometimes amounted to 400I. per ann. to the dean, and 200I. per ann. to each prebendary, but the funis mufl vary. Lord Paulet for the C 321 ] the tythes of Hinton and South Pethcrton, and for the manor of Halberton in Devon, offered 4000I. to put in two lives in 1776, which was under the value; he died 1788, by which thofe eftates fell in to the dean and chapter, Befidesthe following churches and chapels, they alfo formerly prefented to Ilminfter and Somerton vicarages in the county of Somerfet, and to St, Melon's, but by not looking after their right have loft them. The ftatutes of the foundation about the chapter, refidence of the dean and prebendaries, and other officers, are the fame with thofe of Glocefter col- legiate church, printed in Sir Robert Atkyns's ancient and prefent ftate of that county in a large folio volume. The following table gives a particular account of the livings in the gift and patronage of the dean and chapter of Briftol, their value in the King's books, dedication, tenths, &c. Diocefe of Briftol, in Glocefter county. Deanry of Briftol. King's Books. Livings remaining in charge. Yearly Tenths, I. s. d. Reclories &c. with their patrons and proprietors. /. s. d. 24 o o No. 1. Olvefton vie. St. Mary, cum cap. Alvefton, St. Helen, pri. Bath, olim impr. dean and chapter of Briftol, - - 280 There was formerly in this parifli the free cha- pel of Tockington, St. John the Baptift, which did belong to the abby of St. Auguf- tin in Briftol, and after the diftblution was given to the biftioprick of Briftol. Diocefe of Glocefter. Clear yearly Value. Livings difcharged in the Deanry of Durfley. 32 o o Hill a donative (St. Michael) abb. Sti. Au- guftini in Briftol, olim impr. dean and chap- ter of Briftol, now impro. Sir Edward Fuft Bart. City of Briftol. Livings difcharged. ReClorics &c. with their patrons and proprietors. 51 11 8 No. 2. All-Saints vie. dean and chapter of Briftol propr. and patr. - - - 084 5 10 o No. 3. St. Auguftin's vie. dedn and chapter of Bridoi propr. and patr. - - - 0120 R p Char C 322 3 Clear yearly Value, Yearly Tenths. I. s. d. I. s. d. 415 No, 4. St. Leonard's vie. dean and chapter of Briftol propr. and patr, - - -140 7 16 6 No. 5. St. Nicholas vie. dean and chapter ofBrillol 2 12 i^ Diocefe of Salifbury. Deanry of Pottern, in the Archdeaconry of Sarum. Livings difcharged. 40 o o No. 6. Marden vie. f All-Saints) archidiae. 4s. dean and chapter of Briflol inipr. and patr. o 17 9 Diocefe of Gloceftcr. Deanry of Cirencefter not charged. No. 7. Compton Abdale cur. (St. Ofwald) 7I. certified value pri. Sti. Ofwaldi Glocefter, olim propr. church of Briftol patr. Deanry of Glocefler, not in charge. No. 8. Churchdown cur. (St. Bartholomew) 20I. cer- tified value, pri. Sti. Ofwaldi olim propr. dean and chapter of Briftol patr. No. 9. Norton cur. (St. Mary) 20I. certified value, pri. Sti. Ofwaldi, propr. dean and chapter of Briftol patrons. St. Catherine, alias St. Ofwald's vie. dcmo- lifhed, dean and chapter of Briftol patr. • Diocefe of Saliftjury. Deanry of Pottern, in the Archdeaconry of Sarufn. Livings difcharged. 42 o o No. 10. Bradford vie. (Holy Trinity) with fix chapels,* Archidiae. 7s. 6d. pri. Shaftcftjury, olim propr. (vide Leland's Itin. vol. 7. p. 81.) dean and chapter of Briftol propr. and patr. 1 o i|- Diocefe of Bath and Wells, Somerfet. Deanry of Axbridge, in the Archdeaconry of Wells. Livings remaining in charge. King's Books. Reflories &c. with their patrons and proprietors. 26 60^ No. 11. Banwell vie. (St. Andrew) with Puxton chapel (St. Saviour) abb. Brewton 20s. - 2 12 7;^; Abb. Brewton propr. dean andchapter of Briftol. King's * Bradford vie. liath fix cliapcls, viz. W'cftwood, Stoke (St. Edith), Winfly (St. Mary),Wraxal (St.Jamcs), Aldworth, and Molt (St. CathcrincJ. i 323 ] King's Booki. Yearly Tenihs. I. s. d. I. s. d, 12 15} NO' 12. Were vie. (St. George) fynods 10s. 8d. ob. proxies 2s. abb. Sti. Auguftini, Briftol, 9!. 6s, 8d. dean and chapter of Briftol, abb. St. Auflin, Briftol, propr. - - i 4 i|; Chapels, donatives, and curacies. Churchill (St.JohnBaptift) chap. toBanwcll 16I. Puxton (St. Saviour) chapel toBanwcll 16I. Deanry of Bath, in the Archdeaconry of Bath. Livings difcharged. 13 17 5j No. 13. Bathampton vie. (St. Nicholas) fynods 2S. 6d. pri. Bath, impr. dean and chapter of Briftol. o 15 8j 25 3 o No. 14. Ford, alias Bathford vie. (St. Swithin) proxies lod. pri. Bath, impr. dean and chapter of Briftol. - _ - o 17 9^ Deanry of Crewkerne, in the Archdeaconry of Taunton. Livings remaining in charge. 24 o o No 15. South Petherton vie. (St. Peter and St. Paul) fynods 2s. 3d. proxies iSd. ob. - 280 Abb. of Brewton, impr. dean and chapter of Briftol. Clear yearly Value. Livings difcharged. 18 15 1 No. 16. Fifehead vie. (St. Martin) abb. of Mochelney, imp. dean and chapter of Briftol. - o i4 85- 43 2 11 No. 17. Ifle Abbots vie. alias Abbots Ifle, abb. of Mochelney, appr. dean and chapter of Briftol. - - - o 16 o Diocefe of Bath and Wells, Somerfet. 40 17 oj No. 18. Meriot vie. (All-Saints) fynods 12s. 2d. ob. proxies 13d. abb. of Mochelney, appr. dean and chapter of Brinol. - - 1 3 i|; 45 9 3 ^'o- '9- Swell vie. (St. Catherine) fynods 9s. 8d. ob. proxies 4d. abb. of Brewton, appr. dean and chapter of Briftol. - - o 11 o|- R R 2> Clear C 324 ] Deanry of Ilcheftcr, in the Archdeaconry of Wells, Clear yearly Value. Livings remaining in charge. Yearly Tenths. /. s. d. I, 5. d. 10 o o No. 20. Mochelney vie. (St. Peter and St. Paul) [a curacy only] ftipend.* dean and chapter of Briftol patr. abbey of Mochelney propr. 100 Deanry of Taunton, in the Archdeaconry of Taunton. King's Books. Livings remaining in charge. 18 7 11 No. 21. Kingflon vic.t with Cutfton chapel, fynods gs. 8d. ob. proxies 8d. priory of Taunton 15s. dean and chapter of Briftol, priory of Taunton impr. - . - 1 16 9j Diocefe of York. Deanry of Bingham, county of Nottingham. Livings remaining in charge. i5 2 J No. 22. St. Michael's in Sutton-Bonnington rec. ar- chiepifc. pro. fyn. 6s. pro. prox. 6s. 8d. dean and chapter of Briftol. - - 1 10 2j Diocefe of Exeter, county of Devon. Deanry of Tiverton, in the Archdeaconry of Exeter. Clear yearly Value. Livings difcharged. 46 o o No. 23. Halberton vie. + (St. Andrew) epifc. prox. 2s. 8d. Archidiac. prox. fyn. and cath. lis. 3d. dean and chapter of Briftol propr. and patr. - - - -320 Diocefe of LandafF, Monmouthftiirc. Deanry of Newport. Livings difcharged. '20 o o No. 24. Marisfield, alias Merfhfield vie. (belonged for- merly to the abby of Briflol) fyn. and prox. quolibet tertio anno 2od. dean and chapter of Briftol patr. and propr. - - o 12 3 35 o o Xo. 25. St. Melon's vie. (belonged formerly to the abby of Briftol) fyn. and prox. 6s. iid. chapter of Briftol, impr. Biftiop of Landaff. 1 o if Clear • Mochelney is certified to the Governors of Q.Ann's bounty to lie of the cleJryearly value of lol. + Kingflon vie. is certified to the Governors of Queen Ann's bounty lo be of the clear yearly value of 4f)l' '8s. 8d. I Halberton in the original is called a rcftory, — it was in the year i 725 augmcnled by llie Queen's bounty, and the dean and chapter of Briftol and others. [ 325 3 Clear yearly Value. Yearly Tenths. I. s. d. i. s. d. lo o o Rumpney vie. (St. Auguftin's) belonged For- merly to the abby of Briftol,fyn.cSi^ prox. 2od. O 11 o^ Chapels, donatives, or curacies. No. 26. Peterftone-Wenilog cur. (St. Peter) 12I. cer- tified value, dean and chapter of Briflol impr. A^. B. The following livings did formerly belong to the abby of St. Auguftin in Briftol. Diocefe of Bath and Wells. Deanery of Poulet alias Pawlet. Livings difcharged. 47 14 11^ Poulet vie. alias Pawlet (St. John Baptift) prox. 20 d. fynods 8 s. 5d. ob. The King. Abby St. Auguf- lini Briftol propr. - - - 1 1 g|- Diocefe of Glocefter and Deanry of Giocefter. Livings difcharged. 30 o o Witcomb magna rec. (St, Mary) Abby St. Auguftini in Briftol, olim impr. Sir Michael Hicks. 468 Deanry of Hawkifbury. 35 o o Wapley vie. (St. Peter) fynod and prox. 8s. 8d. chapter of Briftol, (W.) Abby St. Auguftini Briftol olim impr. Robert Codrington, Efq; 1705, te- nant to the dean and chapter. - - 0159 Diocefe of LandafFand Deanry of LandafF. Livings difcharged. 800 Pennarth vie. alias Penmarth (St. Auftin) epifc. &c. Archdeacon 7s. 5d. Abby St. Aug. Briftol propr. Thomas Lewis, Efq; 1716. - - " 9 9i The liberal endowment and revenues of this church, we are told by Hey- lin, were very much impaired in the time of Queen Elizabeth, when for thirty-two years together it had no bifliop but was all that time held in com- mendam by the Bifliops of Glocefter, and it is now efteemed almoft the leaft valuable bifhoprick. The pious Charles ift. defender of the faith, and of the church of England by law eftabliflied therein, the tenth year of his reign, made a very neceifary provifional order for the prefervation of the revenues of bifiiopricks, inferted at length in Sir Robert Atkvns's Hiftorv of Glocefteriliire. p. 12. " by which bifliops C 326 ] bilhops were enjoined not to let any leafe belonging to their bifhopricks into lives, which were not in lives already, but that the leafes fhould be for years ; for by turning the leafes of twenty-one years into lives, the prefent bifliop might put a great fine into his own purfe to enrich himfelf, wife, and chil- dren, and leave the fucceeding bifhops, of what dcfert foever to the church, dcflitute of riiat growing means which elfe would come in unto them : by which courfc if continued the biOiop would fcarce be able to live and keep houfe according to his place." This evidences the great care that monarch had for the good of the cliurch and its right government by bifhops. For " prelacy and under it a fubordination of minifters in the church," Sir Robert Atkyns obferves, " is highly becoming the Divine Wifdom, and therefore belief may eafily be given to that croud of primitive writers, who tell us epif- copacy was inftituted by Chrift and his apoftles for the perpetual policy of his church. In human wifdom indeed it feems preferable to parity, and therefore it is natural to imagine, it was inftituted by the divine. Parity is apt in all focieties to breed confufion, which is the reafon that many bodies of men have been forced for their own convenience or prefervation to fet one with more or lefs authority over the refl;. In the very arts, fciences, and profelfions, we fee a preference : the fchools have their doftors, mafters, and batchclors ; the law its ferjeants, barrifters, and attornies ; the camp its captains, lieute- nants, and enfigns ; the Romans their patricians, knights, and plebians ; the country hath its nobility, gentry, and commonalty : and therefore fince all mankind have, as it were, received thefe three degrees of fubordination, we can make no difficulty to prefer the epifcopal (efpecially if we confider its firft original and high defcent) before any other form of church policy, or to believe that the three orders of bifhops, pricfls, and deacons, were a divine inn;itution for the adminiftration of the church," which being carefully vigi- lant over its own members of the eftablifhment as to do6lrine and difciplinc, and allowing free toleration to all who from tender confciences diffent, will thus ever flourifh, the glory of this nation and the envy of others. Briftol being anciently a part of Glocefterfhire belonged with it to the dio- cefe of Worcefler, and the bifhops of that fee prefided here, till itfelf being erefted into a bifliopric by Henry 8th. Paul Bufh was appointed the firfl bifhop, fome particulars of his life I fliall here give and fome account of each of his fucceflbrs in a regular order, as they were promoted to this fee. BISHOPS [ 327 ] BISHOPSofBRISTOL. The arms of the fee are thus blazoned: fable, three ducal coroners in pale or. 1- Paul Bufli, S. T. B. was a native of SomerfetfTiire, and entered with the AuguRin friers at Oxford in 1513, was of Wadham College, laft reftor or provincial of the order of Bonnes Hommes at Edington in Wilts, canon refi- dentiary of Salifbury, and chaplain to King Henry 8th. who appointed him by his letters patent, 4th June 1542, the firfl; bifhop of this new-ere£led fee, and he received the temporalities of it, 16th June 1542, and was confecrated the 25th of the fame month. He foon after alienated the manor of Leigh, near Briftol, a part of the endowment of the biflioprick, by which he deprived it of its beft eftate, to its great injury and lofs. On Queen Mary's acceffion, having broken his vow of celibacy, and knowing himfelf obnoxious, he freely gave up his bifhoprick 1553, and had the reClory of Winterborn, near Briftol, conferred upon him, having buried his wife that year. He built the epifcopal feat and made the choir ftalis in the cathedral, and died Od. 11, 1558, aged 68, and was buried on the north fide of the church, near his wife's grave. He is faid to have had great flcill in phyfic, and wrote a treatife on falves and curative remedies. There is the ftatue of a fkeleton, the emblem of mor- tality, lying on his tomb. He had a grant of arms by Chriftopher Barker,. Garter king at arms, July 7, 1542, argent a fefs G. between three boars paf- fant fable, their tufks, hoof, and bridles or. on a fefs, a rofc between two eagles difplayed. Vide Wood's Athen. Oxon. voU i. p. 8g. more of him. He has this infcription on his tomb: " Hie jacet Dominus Paulus Bufh, pri- mus hujus ecclefias epifcopus, qui obiit 11 die Ottobris Anno Domini 1558,, setatis fuae 68, cujus animae propitietur Chriftus. Dignus, qui primam circum fua tcmpora mitram Indueret, jacet hie Bridolicnfc Dccus : A patre Bufh di6lus, Paulum baptifma vocavit, Virtute implevit nomen utrumque pari. Paulus Edingtoniae bis meffes preco fecutus Inflituit populum dogmate, Chrillc, tuo : Ille animos verbis, impeiifis pavit cgcnos, Hinc fruclum arbufto protulit ille fuo. Ut Madidis arbufta juvant, fic faederc rupto Inter difcordcs pacificator erat." On C 328 ] On a (lone in the choir near to his tomb was this engraved: " Of your tharitie pray for the foulc of Edyth Bufla olherwife Afhely, who deceafed 8 Oa. 1553-" . 2. John Holyman, S. T. P. a zealous Roman Catholic preacher and wri- ter af^ainft the Lutherans, bred at Winchefter fchool ; in 1554, was pro- moted to the fee of Briftol upon the deprivation or refignation of Paul Bufh, and was confecrated 1 8ih November. See more of him in Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. i. 91 1 Fuller commends him as peaceable and committing no bloodflied in his diocefe. He died 20th Dec. 1558. Arms were, argent a chevron gules inter three rofes proper. 3. Richard Cheyney, B. D. after three years vacancy of the fee fucceeded, which he held with Glocefter in commendam fixteen years, Camden fays, he was " Luthero addiciifTunus ;" whilll his fucceffor to the fee of Glocefter Dr. Goodman fays, he was a papift with all his fervants, and was once fuf- pended for popery. He died 25th April, 1579, and was buried in Glocefter cathedral. Arms, cheeky or. and azure a fefs G. frctty argent. Vide Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. i. p. 592. 4. John Bullingham, S. T. P. retired beyond fea in Queen Mary's reign, and returning was 1567 made by Queen Elizabeth archdeacon of Huntingdon and re£tor of Withington and Boxwell in Glocefterfliire j 1568 was made Doftor of Divinity, prebendary of Lincoln and Worcefter. In 1581, Bifhop of Glocefter, and had the fee of Briftol given in commendam, which he held eight years; and it was then taken from him, and he had Culmington or Kilmington, in the county of Somerfet, in lieu of it. He died 20th May, 1598, BiOiop of Glocefter, and was buried in that cathedral. Arms, azure an eagle difplayed argent, in his beak a branch of beech oi". on a chief of the laft, a rofe betwixt two croftes bottonee gules. 5. Richard Fletcher, S. T. P. bred at Cambridge. In 1583, was Dean of Peterborough and the prebendary of Lincoln : elefled Bifliop here 14th Dec. is faid in Sir John Harrington's View of the State of the Church, &c. p. 25. to have taken this fee on condition of leafing out its eftatcs to courtiers, which he fo extravagantly did that he left little to his fucceftbrs. In 1593, lie was tranftated to Worcefter, whilft this lay vacant thirteen years. He attended Mary Queen of Scots on the fcaffold, February 1586, and difturbed her much by onicioufly perfuading her then to change her religion. At length marry- ing a fecond wife. Lady Baker, a very handfomc widow, he grew very dif- contented through the Queen's difpleafurc, he died fuddcniv by the immo- tlerate ufe of tobacco, 15th June, 1596, after having fat Bifliop of London, where [ 329 ] v?here he had little enjoyment. He was buried in St. Paul's. Arms, fable, a crofs fleury argent, four efcalops of the fecond. 6. John Thornborough, at King James's acceflion to the throne, after ten year's vacancy of the fee, was tranflated to it from Limerick, 30th May, 1603, with liberty to keep the deanry of York in commendam. He incurred fome ccnfure on account of a marriage. He was tranflated to W'orccllcr, 17th February, 1616. Vide Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. p. 1. 7. Nicholas Felton, was bred at Cambridge, a Norfolk man, retlor of St. Mary le Bow, Eafton in Effex, and Blagdon in Somerfet, was confecrated Bifliop 18th December, 1617, but tranflated the next year to Ely, and died 5th Oftober, 1626. Arms, G. two lions paffant in pale ermine ducally crowned or. 8. Rowland Searchficld, was of St. John's College, Oxford, confecrated Bifliop 19th May, 1619, died 11th Otlober, 1622, and was buried in Briflol cathedral. Arms, azure, three crofs bows ftringed argent, a chief or. Vide Wood, vol. i. p. 622. g. Robert Wright, was warden of Wadham college, &c. but marrying he refignedon the 23d of March, 1622, was confecrated Bifhop here, and 1632 he was tranflated to Litchfield and Coventry. In his time the ftone pulpit was made in the body of the cathedral, with the feats for the corporation oppofite to it. Vide Wood, vol. ii. p. 654. Arms, party per pale or. and argent, on a chevron azure, three bezants between as many boars heads couped proper. Motto ; Dominus mihi adjutor. 10. George Cook, was bred at Cambridge, confecrated Bifliop loth Fe- bruary, 1632, and 1636 tranflated to Hereford, where he died 10th Decem- ber, 1646, and was buried there. Arms, parted per pale, ruby, and fapphire, three eagles pearl. 11. Robert Skinner, w^as confecrated 15th Jan. 1636, and kept Launton in Oxfordfhire and Greenfnorton in Xorthamptonfhire in commendam with this fee. In 1641 he was tranflated to Oxford, and during the times of the ufurpation having fuffered much he ncverthelefs continued to confer orders, and was the only Bifliop that did it. He was tranflated to the fee of Worce- fler, 12th Oftober, 1663, and died in 1670, being buried in that cathedral with the following Latin infcription on a flat marble flone : — " H. I. E. Rev. in Ch. pater ac Dom. Robertus Skinner, Coll. St. Trinitatis Oxon focius, Carolo primo Britantiiarum monarcha; a facri.s, Doftoratum in Ss. theoUxna almas matris diplomate oblatum fine ambitu ccpit. a rccloria Launton diocEef. Oxon. ad cpifcopatum Briflolicnfcm evocatus, (tantus ecclcfiec filias meruit S s cito [ 330 ] cito fieri parens) mox ad fedem Oxonienfeni tranflatus. Turre Londinenfi a pcrduellibus diu incaiceratus tarn fine culpa quam examine exivit. A Ca- rolo fcciindo ad fedem Vigornienfem promotus poRquam prebyteris fanciendis affuctam dextram fufficiendis pra.'fiilibu mutuam dcdiffct (eorumq; quinque a fiio collegio a-vfp(fcvoK) omnibus ante facrilegam ufurpationem cpifcopus fuper- flcs, junii 1], A. D. 1670, Oclogenarius ad fummum animarum epifcopum afcendit priiis gratia nunc gloria confecratus." Arms, fable, a chevron or. between three griffins heads crazed argent. 12. Thomas 'Weftfield, S- T. P. was advanced to this bifliopric, 28th January, 1641. He fuffered much from the rebels, and had the profits of his lee unjuflly detained from him ; though afterwards reftored by a committee of the rebel parliament, being of fuch an unexceptionable charafter that when they reftored to him his rights, the committee gave him a pafs to go to Brillol, adding therein " that he was a perfon of great learning and merit." He was fuch an excellent preacher, that Biffiop King faid he was born an orator. He was fo modcft and diffident, that it is faid he never afcended the pulpit without trembling, and once fainted away when he was to preach before the King. He died 25th June, 1644, and lies buried in the choir of Briftol cathedral with this infcription, which he compofed himfelf before his death : — " Hie jacet Thomas Weftfield, S. T. P. cpifcoporum infimus, peccatorum primus, obiit 25 Junii 1644 fenio et mserore confedus : tu lector, quifcjuis es, vale et refipifce. Epitaphium ipfe ditlavit fibi vivus. Monumentum uxor mcEftiffima Elizabetha Weftfield marito defideratiffimo pofuit fuperftes." — Arms, f. argent, crofs fable. See Walker's Sufferings of the Clergy, part 2d. p. 3 to 5. ^\''ood, vol. ii. p. 724. 13. Thomas Howell, S. T. P. nominated by the King Bifhop July, 1644, and confecrated by Archbiftiop Ufficr, and enthronized 12th April, 1645, was barbaroufly treated by the rebels. His palace which was then covered with lead, under pretence of having bought the houfe, they luicovered and fold the lead ; which expofed his wife, whom they knew to be then in childbed, to the rain and wind, which with the trouble and grief foon occa- fioned her death. After many bafe indigniiio.% they dragged him violently out of the palace, of which they after made a malthoufe. He ftruggling awhile for his property, catched hold of the ftaple of the door, not knowing where to ffielter his poor motherlefs family of ten children, but they forced him out ; and there they ground at a mill crcttcd there as well as made their malt for feveral years, — and they had it in defign to put up a furnace for brewing at the caft end of the choir in the place of the altar. The inhuman. ufa sc [ 331 ] irfage he received at their hands was fuch that he could not bear it, but did not long furvive their cruelty, and died in lefs than a fortnight after being thus robbed and pillaged and maltreated. He was efteemed an excellent preacher, and of a mild and meek difpofition, a feeling and tender heart, which they broke by this treatment. He died 1646, and was buried in h\i cathedral at the entrance of the choir out of the fouth aile, under a plain ftone without any other infcription but this one word, " Expergifcar." He found few will afFec\ed in his dioccfe at his coming thither, yet he left few ill affefted in it at his death. He left many poor children behind him ; but it is faid, he was fo well loved at Briftol, that after his deceafc the city took upon them the care of his children's education, in grateful fenfe of the memory of this their mod worthy father. See Wood's yVthenas Oxon. vol. ii. p. 656. Arms, G. a falcon, wings expanded, argent. 14. Gilbert Ironfide, S. T. P. was born at Hawkbury near Sodbury, in the county of Glocefter, was fellow of Trinity College, Oxon, 1613, re£lor of Winterborn< Steepleton in Dorfetfliire, and Yeovelton in Somerfetfliire, both of which he kept till the Reftoration ; had a prebend in the church of of York, and December 1, 1660, was elefled to the fee of Briftol, after it had been vacant fourteen years. He was looked upon as the fitteft perfon, being wealthy, to enter upon this mean and reduced biflioprick after fuch long vacancy. He died here 19th September, 1671, aged 83, and was buried clofe to the fteps of the bifliop's feat without monument or infcription. Arms, quarterly azure and G. a crofs fleury or. 15. Guy Charlton, S. T. P. was a Cumberland man, educated at Queen's College, Oxford, was proClor 1635, vicar of Bucklefbury, Berks, and reflor of Havant. He took the fide of the Royalifts in the rebellion, and fuffered accordingly with the reft. After the Refloration he was created Doftor of Divinity, and a chaplain to the King, and dean of Carlide : and 1660, pre- bendary of Durham. And the 20th December, 1671, was elefted to the fee of Briftol, confirmed the 20th January, and confccrated in Henry the feventh's chapel the 11th February following, keeping his prebend in commendam. On the 8th January, 1678, he was tranflated to the fee of Chichefter. He died at Weftminfter, 6th July, 1685, and was buried at Chichefter. Arms, or. a lion rampant, G. Motto : " Sans varier." 16. William Goulfon, or Gulfton, S. T. P. was of Leicefterftiire, edu- cated at St. John's College, Cambridge, and was chaplain to the Dutchefs of Somerfet, who prefented him to SymondftKin,', Dorfet. He was chofen Bi- fhop of Briftol 16th January, and confccrated at Lambeth 9th of Februar\-, S s 2 1678, C 332 ] 1678. He died at Symondfbury 4th April, 1684, and was buried there in the chancel. After his death the Rev. Thomas Long, prebendary of Exeter, ■was offered this biflioprick, but he fcrupling it at firft was denied it after- wards. The arms of Goulflon are argent over three bars nebiile gules, a bend fable, charged with as many plates. See Wood, vol. ii. p. 684. 17. John Lake, S. T. P. was of Halifax, Yorkfliire, and of St. John's College, Cambridge, bifliop of the Ifle of Man, was trandated to Briftol 12th Augufl, 1684, and the next year was hence trandated to Chichefter. He was one of the feven bifliops committed to the Tower for a feditious libel againfl King James 2d. or rather for fiibfcribing a petition to his Majefty, wherein he and the reft fhewed their great averfenefs to the diftributing and publifliing in all their churches the King's late declaration for liberty of con- fcience, <&:c. After King William came to the crown he refufed taking the oaths of allegiance and fupremacy to him, and was therefore deprived of his bifhoprick. On his death bed the latter end of Auguft, 1689, he publicly declared againft them. Arms, A. on a faltirc engrailed f. nine annulets or. 18. Jonathan Trelawney, S. T. P. was of Chrift Church, Oxon, rcclor of St. Ives and Southill, county of Cornwall, was confecrated bifhop 8th No- vember, 1685, and in April, i68g, he was tranflated to Exeter, and 1707 thence to Wincheftcr. He died igth July, 1721, and was buried at Plint or Plenint in Cornwall, the place of his birth, with his anceftors. Arms, argent a chevron fable, betwixt three laurel leaves flipt vert, with the arms of UHlcr as a baronet. See Wood, vol. ii. p. 1183. In Sir John Dalrymple's Memoirs of Great Britain, &c. vol. ii. p, 335. is the following letter from this Bifnop of Briftol to William Prince of Orange then in the kingdom, 1688. •• May it pleafe your Highnefs, " I received the great honour of your Highnefs's letter, and beg leave to return you my moft humble thanks for thofc kind opinions you have been pleafed to conceive of me, which I ftiall endeavour ftill to prefcrve. " My Lord Shrewftiury (with whofe conducl we are all extremely pleafed) •will give you a full account of what hath been done here, which if your High- nefs fliall approve of, it will be great fatisfaBion to me, that I have borne fome part in the work which your Highnefs has undertaken with the hazard of your life, for the prefervation of the Protcftant religion, the laws, and the liberties of this kingdom. « I C 333 ] " I defire Almighty God to prefcrve you as the means of continuing to us the exercife of our holy religion and our laws, and humbly befecch your Highnefs to believe me very ready to promote fo good a work, and on all oc- cafions to approve myfelf your Highnefs's Moft obedient, faithful, humble fervant, Brinol, Dec. 5. 1688. J. B R I S T O L." 19. Gilbert Ironfide, fon of a former bifhop of the fame name, was confe- crated to this fee 13th October, 1689, and July 29, 1691, was trandated to Hereford. He died 27th Auguft, 1701, aged 6g, and was buried in St. Mary Somerfet church, London. 20. John Hall, was mafter of Pembroke College, Oxon, and reftor of Aldgate, and was confecrated here 30th Auguft, 1691. He died February 4, 1709-10, at his college, aged 77, and was buried at Bromfgrove, in the county of Worcefter, the place of his birth. Arms, A. on a chevron en- grailed, inter three lions heads erafed, fable, an etoile or. 21. John Robinfon, S. T. P. was of Cleafly, in Yorkfliire, and bred at Oriel College, 7th Auguft, 1710, was made dean of Windfor and prebendary of Canterbury, and confecrated bifhop 19th November, 1710, Lord Privy Seal, and one of her Majefly's honourable privy council and firft plenipoten- tiary at the congrefs at Utrecht, 1712. He was 13th March, 1713, tranflated to London, and dying 11th April, 1723, aged 72, was buried in Fulham churchyard. Arms, vert on a chevron f". between three bucks paffant oj-. as many etoiles of the laft. See his arms in the wefl window of Briftol cathedral in coloured glafs, alfo a runic infcription. See Gent. Mag. for Auguft, 1780, P- 373- 22. George Smalridge, S. T. P. was of Litchfield, and ftudent of Chrid Church, Oxford, from Weflminftcr fchool, was prebendary of Litchfield, minifter of St. Dunftan's in the Wefl, which he quitted June, 1711, and after- wards was canon of Chrift Church, and 1713 dean, and wa.'j coufecrated bifliop 4th April, 1714, and was foon after made Lord Almoner to Queen Ann. Whilfl he was bifhop here he repaired many of the rooms in the palace at his own coft. He died at his deanry 27th September, 1719, and was buried at Chrift Church, Oxon. Arms, f. a crofs engrailed or. between four buftards refpe£ting each other argent. 23. Hugh Boulter, S. T. P. was of Magdalen College, Oxon, M. A. 12th May 1693, B. A. 28th March, 1705, D. D. ift July, 1708, confecrated bifhop here 15th November, 1719, being before archdeacon of Surrv, rcClor St. Olave's and dean of Chrift Chrift, and one of George ift's. chaplains, who attended [ 334 ] attended him abroad. On the 3d November, 1724, he was tranflated to tlie archbiflioprick of Armagh, and was made Lord Primate and Metropolitan of all Ireland in room of Dr. Lindfey, deceafed. His arms are, or. on a chevron G. three men's fl-wwlls of the field. 24. "William Bradfhaw, was born at Abergavenny in Monmoutlifliire, and bred at Baliol College, Oxon ; took his degree of M. A. at Cambridge, was afterwards D. D. and dean of Chrift Church, Oxon, ^sd Auguft, 1724, and was elefted bifhop here 2ift September, 1724. He was prebendary of Can- terbury and Oxon, and reclor of Fawleigh in Hampfliire. He died at Bath and was buried in Briflol cathedral 16th December, 1732, aged 62. Arms, argent, two bends fable. 25. Charles Cecil, S. T. P. of Chrift Church, Oxon, D. D. and one of his Majefty's chaplains in ordinary, reftor of Hatfield in Hertfordfliire, a defcendant of the Cecils Earl of Salifbury. He was eleCled Bifliop of Briftol 15th January, 1732-3. In the year 1734 he was tranflated to the biflioprick of Bangor, and died in 1737- Arms, barry of ten, argent and azure, over all fix cfcutcheons fable, 3, 2, i, each charged with a lion rampant argent. 26. Thomas Seeker, L. L. D. of Exeter College, Oxon, M. A. 4th Feb. 1723, for which he was grand compounder. July 9, 1733, he was prefented to a prebend of Durham and the reftory of St. James, Wcftminfter, and then to the biflioprick of Briftol the 2d January, 1734-5, and confecrated the 19th. In 1737 he was tranflated to the foe of Oxford, and thence to London, and afterwards to the archbiflioprick of Canterbury. Arms, gules, a bend en- grailed or. between two bulls head. or. 27. Thomas Gooch, D. D. was mafter of Gonville and Caius college, Cambridge, and elefted bifiiop here 28th May, 1737, and the year following Avas tranflated to Norwich, and thence to Ely, and died at Ely houfe, Holborn, 14th February, 1754, and was buried the 21ft in the chapel of Gonville and Caius college, where a monument with an elegant infcription is erefted to his memory. Anns, azure, three boars paftant argent. 28. Jofeph Butler, L. L. D. of Oriel college, took his degree of Bathelor of the Civil Law 10th June, 1721. He was elefled bifliop here 6th Novem- ber, 1738, and confecrated 3d December. He held alfo the deanry of St. Paul's, London, with this fee, and was confirmed therein in 1740. He was clerk of the clofet, 1736, to Queen Caroline, and after her deccafe clerk of the clofet to the King. In Auguft, 1738, he was made prebendary of Ro- chefter and had the valuable reftory of Stanhope in the biflioprick of Durham, which he refigned on being made dean of St. Paul's. In Auguft, 1750, he was [ 335 ] was tranflitecl to Durham. In the year 1714 he rebuilt the bifiiop's palace at Briflol then going to decay, which cod him 5000 1. where he ulually refidcd five months in the fummer. Living a fingle life and having no relations dependent on him, he laid out all his income, and gcneroufly expended more, during the twelve years he was Bifliop of BriRol, than he received from the whole fee. In the year 1750 he propofcd to the corporation the feparation of theout-parifli of St. Philip and Jacob, and building of a new church in Kingf- wood for the better inflruflion of the colliers and poor inhabitants there in tiie Chriftian religion. -In 1750 an a£l of Parliament was obtained for that pur- pofe, and his lordfhip opened the fubfcription with 400 1. and procured 400I- more out of Queen Ann's bounty, the corporation fubfcribed tool. &c. It is the more generous a£l, as he was foon to leave his palace here and quit the diocefe, being about this very time to be trandated to Durham, which took place the fame year 1750, where he employed 130 workmen to i-cpair that palace alfo, and became an annual fubfcriber of 400 1. to the county^ hof- pital there. He died Tuefday i6thjune, 1752, at Bath, in the 63d year of his age, and was buried in a deep brick grave, in which Gilbert Ironfidc in 1671 was interred, at the foot of the bifliop's feat in Brillol cathedral, Bifliop Howell Iving on the right, and Bifliop Bradfliaw on the left fide, with the following infcription on his ftone : H. S. Reverendus admodum in Chriflo Pater Jofephus Butler, L. L. D. Hujufce primo diascefeos, Deinde Dunelmenfis, Epifcopus, Qualis quantufq; vir erat. Sua libentifTime agnovit aetas : Et, fiquid praefuli aut fcriptori ad famani valent Mens altifTima, ingenii perfpicacis et fubafli vis, Animufq; plus, fimplex, candidus, libcralis; Mortui baud facile evanefcet memoria. Obiit Bathoniis .16 kal. Jul. A. D. MDCCLII. Annos natus LX. His arms are, argent, between two bendlcts engrailed, three covered cups fable. 29. John, C 336 ] 29. John Conybeare, S. T. P. born in Devonfliire, was educated at Ti- verton fchool, afterwards fellow of Exeter college, Oxon, where he took his degrees of A. M. and D. D. was efteemed learned, and cultivated a fine gc- ■liius by ftudious application ; an eminent orthodox divine and powerful prea- cher. In 1742 he was made Dean of Chrift Church, and 1750, 27th Nov. Bifliop of Briftol, and 1751, 9th Auguft, came hither being his firft vifitation. He died 13th July, 1755, and was buried here After his death four volumes in oftavo of his fermons were publiflied, to which moft of the nobility, clergy and gentry fubfcribed. 30. John Hume, D. D. of Chrift Church college, Oxford, reflor of Barnes in Surry, and bifhop here 23d July, 1756, and in 1758 he was tranflated to Oxford, and in 1774 to Salifbury, where he continued to his death. 31. Philip Young fucceeded bifliop here 4th Augufl, 1758 ; had heen maf- ler of Jefus college, Cambridge, and canon refidentiary of St. Paul's, and was tranflated to Norwich in 1761. 32. Thomas Newton, was born ift December, 1703, O. S. fon of John Newton, a confiderable brandy and cider merchant, by a daughter of Rev. Mr. Rhodes, who was confumptive and died of that diforder, when her fon was but a year old, from whom he feemed to have inherited a tender conftitu- tion. He was educated in the free fchool of Litchfield, under the direftion of Mr. Hunter, famous for having produced feveral perfons of note and emi- nence. He was fent at fourteen years of age to Weftminfter fchool, by the advice of Dr. Trebeck, whofe daughter his father had married for a fecond wife. The fchool at that time was never in higher eflimation, having five hundred fcholars, under the aufpices of Dr. Friend and Dr. Nicholls. In 1719 he loft his friend and patron, Bifliop Snialridge. He continued fix years at Wcft- niinfter fchool, in the laft was captain. In 1 723 he was elefled to Cambridge through Dr. Bentley, where he refidcd eight months every year, till he had taken his Batchelor of Arts degree, when he was chofen fellow, after which he went to fettle in London, and prepared himfelf according to his inclination from a child for holy orders, and compofcd about twenty fermons, which he wrote in a large legible charafter, that he might never have occafion to copy them. In all his compofitions at fchool, at the univerfity, and every where, always his method was to finifli the whole before he wrote down any part of it ; and to fome of his friends he repeated feveral of his fermons word for word before he committed a tittle to writing, fo that he faved abundance of paper, without blotting or interlining, and could eafily have preached without notes ifhepleafed. His title for orders was his fellowfliip, and he was ordained deacon [ 337 ] deacon sift December, 1729, wVicn twenty-fix years old ; and prieft in Fe- bruary following by that great and worthy prelate Bifhop Gibfon. He became curate at St. George's church, Hanover-fquare, and continued for fcvcral years afTiftant preacher to Dr. Trcbeck, whofe ill health difabled him from performing his duty. His firft preferment was that of reader and afternoon preacher at Grofvcnor chapel in South Audley-ftreet, and by this means be- came tutor to Lord Carpenter's fon, being taken into that family, where he lived fevcral years much at his cafe, and in great intimacy and friendfliip of Lord and Lady Curpenter ; and living at no kind of cxpencc, he was tempted to gratify his tafte in the purchafe of books and paintings and prints, and made the beginning of a colleftion, which was continually receiving confider- able additions and improvements. Here he ftuck for fome time without any promotion, fometimes preached the turns of fome of the prebendaries of W'cflminflcr Dr. Friend and Dr. Nichol, and was in the friendfhip of Bifliop Chandler and the Bifliop of Durham ; the. latter, though he continued bifhop twenty years, yet he beftowed no prefer- ment on this young man (Newton), of whofe company he was ever fo very de- firous that when he flayed away any time from his houfe in vifuing him, he fent for him and kindly reproved him. In 1738 he became acquainted with Dr. Pearce, afterwards Bifhop of Rochefler, who freely and in a moft hand- fome manner offered to appoint him morning preacher at the chapel in Spring Garden, where was a very full and polite congregation, confiding principally of noble families from Whitehall and of thofe of the Lords of the Admiraltv, and other good families in that neighbourhood. This piece of preferment was the beginning of a valuable conneftion with a very learned and a very good man Bifhop Pearce. Pie was afterwards with Dr. Pearce frequently at dinner at Lord Bath's, who proved a moft fincere, worthy, and valuable friend to him ; and by means of Mrs. Ann Deane Dcvonifli, intimate with the Prince and Princefs of Wales, he became noticed bv their Royal HighnefTes, and introdiiced to the acquaintance of the Earl of Bath, two of the moft fortu- nate circumftances of his life. He was now appointed firft chaplain to the Earl of Bath, by -whofe intereft in the fpring 1744 he was preferred to the reclory of St. Mary le Bow in Chcapfide, fo tlial he was forty years old be- fore he obtained any living. He now quitted the chapel in Spring Garden, his fcUowfliip became vacant, and in 1745 he look the degree of Dotlor in Divinity. During the Rebellion he publifhed two fermons on the occafion, and one preached the i8ih of December before the Houfe of Commons. In the fpring of 1747 Dr. Xewton waschofcn lc8urerof St. George's, Hanover- T r fijuarc, [ 338 ] Tquare, in the room of Dr. Savage, deccafed ; and in the month of Auguil following he married his firfl wife Jane, eldefl daughter of Rev. Dr. Trebeck, an unaffefted, modeft, decent, young woman, with whom he lived feven years very happy in mutual love and harmony. As they had no children they continued to board in the parfonage houfe with Dr. Trebeck, free from the trouble ofhoufe-keeping. In 1749 was publiflied Dr. Newton's quarto edition of Milton's Paradife Loft, which has gone through eight editions, a fign of its being well received. The Prince and Princefs of Wales did him the hon- our of being two of his fubfcribers. He next publiflied the Paradife Regain'd and other poems of Milton. In 1751 Dr. Newton preached a funeral fermon on the death of the Prince of Wales at St. George's, which excited the no- tice of the Princefs, who made him one of her chaplains, and was particularly gracious to him ever after. In 1754 he loft his father and wife. It was happy his mind was now much engaged in writing the DifTertations on the the Prophecies, for plunging deep into ftudy was a great relief to him in this aflliclion. This work was well received and tranflated into French, and German in 1761. In 1757 he at length after many promifes and. difappointments by the Duke of Newcaftle, procured a prebend of Weflmin- fter, in the room of Dr. Green, deceafed, and was made fab-almoner to Gil- bert, Archbifliop of York, who gave him alfo the precentorfliip of that church, which he held till he fucceeded Dr. Young in the biflroprickof Briftol and refidentiaryfliip of St. Paul's. He was confecrated biftiop at Chriftmas> 1761, the King having of his own motion made him bifliop, fo that he was not indebted to any minifter for his promotion. Though in the year 1764 he was offered the primacy of Ireland, yet being then paft fixty, and having no family to provide for, and preferring a quiet competency to pomp and great- nefs, he continued Biftiop of Briftol and Dean of St. Paul's to his death. He ufually refidcd at Briftol all the fummer fcafon, attending his cathedral church as often as his health very tender and precarious would permit, la- menting the too frequent abfencc of the dean and non-refidence of the pre- bendaries, and even remonftrating againft it. Having frequent returns of fpitting of blood and never without a cough, he at laft expired without a groan, finking down in his chair as he attempted to take out his watch to fee what it was o'clock, on February 15, 1782, and was buried Thurfday 28th in the vaults under the fouth aile at St. Paul's. 33. Lewis Bagot, a very learned and pious man, was made Dean of Chrift Church, Oxford, 21ft January, 1773, M'hcre he prefervcd good difcipiine,. -and was promoted to this biftioprick, and tranflated to Norwich the next year. lie C 339 ] He has publiflicd a volume of very ingenious difcourfes, in which he has con- futed ihc fpecious opinions of Dcifm and Infidelity by the molt convincing arguments. 33. Chriftopher Wilfon fuccecded, being one of the prebendaries of St. Paul's, London, and is the prefent Bifliop, 1788. DEANS of BRISTOL, with the time of their innallation. William Snow, lafl: prior of Bra- denftock, 4th June, William Levett, loth January, 1685 1542 George Royfe, 10th March, 1693 Hon, Robert Booth, 20th June, 1708 Samuel Crefwick, 8th Sept. 1730 Tho. Chamberlayne, 24th Dec. 1739 1570 William Warburton,* 25th Oct. 1757 1590 Samuel Squire,t 21ft June, 1760 1598 Francis Ayfcough, 5th June, 1761 Cutts Barton, _ - _ 1768 John Hallam, 22d February, 1781 William Whiteheare, 26th July, 1551 George Carew, 5th November, 1552 Henry Jolliffe, gth September, 1554 John Sprint, 16th February, Anthony Watfon, 21ft July, Simon Robfon, 21ft April, Edward Chetwyn, 26th July, 1617 Matthew Nicholas, 22djune, 1639 Henry Glemham, 14th Sept. 1660 Richard Towgood, ift May, 1667 Samuel Croffman, 4th February, 1683 Richard Thomfon, 25th May, 1684 The ARCHDEACONS of DORSET. The endowment of this archdeaconry in the church of Briftol is the impro- priation and advowfon of Guflage All Saints in Dorfetfliire. The valuation of it for the firft fruits was 82 1. 12 s. 8d. in the year 1534. T T 2 Thomas * lie was a learned man and great writer and polcmic:il divine. His Julian is eftccmcd much, and his Divine Legation of Mofcs is replete with Ifaming, but contains fome paradoxical no- tions. He was prcfented to the bifhoprick of Gloceftcr, in which he continued to his death, + lie wrote fome tracts on religion, and was made Bifliop of St, David, [ 340 ] Thomas Cranmer, loth Dec. John Cottrell, 4th April, Toby Matthews fucceeded, after- wards Archbifhop of York, a native of Briflol. Henry Tuckncr, Edward Wickham, Richard Fitzherbert, 27th Aug. Richard Meredith, 25th July, Ralph Ironfide, John Fielding, 25th March, 1542 1574 1607 1621 1660 1668 1683 Robert Cooper, 5th March, 1697 Edward Hammond, lothMay, 1733 John Walker, 2. ft May, - 1740 Died at 82, 8th November, 1780, after being forty years archdeacon George Hand, 18th November, 1780 PREBENDARIES of BRISTOL, and the time of their bein? prefented. It has been ufual, in giving the fucceffion of the prebendaries, to rank them in order according to the ftall they filled when living, placing the fucceffor in the ftall of the deceafed, which for the fake of method fliall be followed here, and it really is the cafe at St. Paul's and moft other cathedral or colle- giate churches ; but in Briftol the fucceftbr takes the loweft ftall, and there is a general remove, though it is uncertain when that method was adopted. But as there are no particular eftates or livings annexed to each ftall here, and the whole chapter income is thrown together and divided, it is a matter of little confequence, but for the fake of order and the cuftomary method. FIRST SLALL. John Gough, 4th June, John Barlow, John Rixman, William Dalby, Arthur Sawle, Richard Hackluyt, - Chriftopher Green, Richard Towgood, - Samuel Croflhian, Roger Edgeworth, 4th June, Chriftopher Pacy, rhomas Thackam, 11th Sept, William Buckle, 12th Sept. 1542 Richard Thompfon, - - 1684 1545 Walter Hart, 13th September, 1685 *554 Deprived 1690, for not tak- ^55^ i"o ''■'C oaths to King William 1559 "^"^ Queen Mary 1585 Nathaniel Lies, -< - 1S91 1616 John Sutton, 22djuly, - 1723 1660 Walter Chapman, i5ihFeb. 1740 1667 SECOND STALL, J 54 2 Robert Gullyford, reflor of 1560 Wraxal, Somerfet, i6thSept. 1596 1590 Thomas Bifte, 19th February, 1612 1592 Thomas Tucker, 23d Nov. 1632 Richard, [ 341 ] Richard Standfafi, 25th Auguft, 1660 James Harcourt, 24th N'o v. 1711 John Raiiiftorp, 30th Sept. 1684 Henry ^^'aterhlnd, 16th April, 1739 Thomas Cary, 2oih May, 1693 Henry Morgan, 4th June, Richard Huys, - John Bridgewater, Clement Forthe, Robert Temple, - Samuel Davies, 12th Sept. THIRD STALL. 1542 William Yeamans, 26th Dec. 1554 John Weeks, 3d March, 1563 Thomas Home, 1576 Richard Smith, 30th April, - 1584 Jofeph Cafberd, 2d June, 1661 G. Henry Rooke, 23d Nov. FOURTH STALL. Roger Hughes, 4th June, - 1542 John Cottrel, 31ft December, 1572 Thomas Withered, - - 1573 John Saunders, - - ^5-77 John Dixe, 24th May, - 1596 John Wilkinfon, 19th Feb. 1613 George Cuthbert, 20th 0£l. William Kempe, 23d Ofl. Samuel Wood, 29th June, - John Chetwynd, 29th June, Charles Livefay, 10th March, John Caftleman, 22d May, FIFTH STALL. Richard Broom, 4th June, . - John Williams, 4th March, Thomas Sylke, 4ih June, Francis Willis, Charles Langford, William Hill, 26th February, Robert Marks, 13th Sept. 1622 1633 1669 1717 1751 1629 1660 1664 1C68 1693 1739 1542 John Dafhfield, 16th Jul\-, - 1660 1543 TheophilusSt. Ouintin, 9th Nov. 1665 1546 Stephen Crefpion, 3d Augull, 1683 1576 Hugh Waterman, 11th Dec. 1711 1586 Richard Monins, 30th July, 174^ 1606 John Aylraer, 15th September, 1750 George Dogeon, 4th June, - Thomas Bayley, 23d January, Edward Green, William Xorris, 12th Xov. - George Williamfon, 7th Aug. 1643 Richard Towgood, 30th July, 1685 - 1619 SIXTH STALL. 1542 John Baron, 24ih November, 1713 1552 Henry Head, 2d March, - 1721 1583 John King. 12th June, - 1728 1627 John Billingdy, 20th Sept. 1738 Nathaniel Forfter,* 1 a Feb. 1754 The * He publiOicd a neat and corrcfl edition of the Ilchrcw Bible in 4(0. in elegant types, not deformed with points, an invention of the Rabbies, and was (killed in Hebrew learning, fo nccefTary to a divine. C 342 ] The Prebendaries that regularly fucceeded after the Rev. Dr. Forfler were, Horace Hammond, 15th June, 1754 Thomas Po^vis, 30th March, 1773 Jofiah Tucker,* lolh Oflober, 1756 Bertie Henley, 7th January, 1758 John Cocks, 28th Auguft,- - 1758 James Welton, 21ft July, - 1760 Charles Tarrant, 9th February, 1761 Edward Dicey, 28th January, 1773 William Speke, 6th February, 1776 CHANCELLORS of BRISTOL DIOCESE. John Cotterel, 4th June, William Dalby, John Sprint, - _ . William Jones, Felix Lewis, - _ _ William Clark, 9th March, Francis James, 31ft July, Sir James Huffey, Gilbert Jones, 26ih Auguft, 1542 Henry Jones, 16th November, 1669 1556 Charles Sloper, 4th June, 1572 Carew Reynell, 13th Sept. 1574 William Cary, 28th Jan. 1580 James Backhoufe, 1584 1590 1603 1625 - 1695 - ^1^1 - ^759 * Afterwards Dean of Glocefler, diftinguifhcd for liis various ingenious writings on trade, politics, &c. CHAP. [ 343 ] CHAP. X. OJthe COLLEGIATE CHURCH and HOSPITAL of the VIRGIN MARY and St. MARK, called the G AUNTS of BILLESWYC K, now the MAYOR'S CHAPEL. THIS Church is fometiincs called St. Mark's, being dedicated as above, not to St. Martin as Prynne has it ; at other times the Gaunt's of Billef- wvck from the original founder and the name of the manor in which it was built, and with part of which it was endowed, — This name of Billefwyck was- probably given to it from the pleafantnefs of the fite of it, (Bellus vicus.) It is not a very large or elegant {Iruflure, but by a generous vote of the cor- poration o/this city, the patrons of this curacy, in 1722 it was repaired at the expenco^of the chamber and beautified, and it is now made a chapel for the mayor'and corporation to attend divine fervice and hear a fermon every Sun(^y morning and on public days, for which the reader has 25I. per ann. anc'the preacher 20s. for every fermon. It was before this time by their pemifTion made ufe of by the French refugees as a place of worfhip, who have ecfted their chapel fmcc in Orchard-ftreet. It is obfervable that this chapel is not built as churches commonly are Ead and Weft, but rather nearer to the North and South, for which fome aflTigii /this reafon, that it was to point to the place of refidence of the joint founders and their anceftors, Berkeley CalUc ; others that it fhould point towards the lands with which it was endowed. The foundation is by fome fuppofed to be begun by Robert de Berkeley^ alias de Were, the fccond Lord of Berkeley, who married Alicia daughter and heirefs of Robert de Gaunt Baron of Folkingham, and to be finifhed by his only fon Maurice de Gaunt, who had affumed the furname of Gaunt from his mother's family.' The exact year when built is a little uncertain, one manufcript has it in the year 27th of Henry the 3d. Maurice died* the 14th of Henry the 3d. 1230. Robert de Gourney his heir and nephew is more jufllv fuppofed to be the founder by order or by the will of his uncle Maurice dc- • Maurice's charter is extant in the church of Wells.— Sir Rob. Afkyns, p. 475. C 344 ] ■de Gaunt; and a charter belonging to St. Auguftin's monaftery dated 1251, feems to point it out that the year of its ereflion was immediately after the death of Maurice de Gaunt, 1230. William of Worccfler fays, "Ecclcfia rcli'-'ionimi &c. — The church of the religious called les Gauntes, the nave of it is 43 ftcps in length, 26 flcps in breadth." p. 188. And in p. 247, " in the fanftuary of St. AuguRin on the North pint of the town of BriRol is tiic church of religion dedicated to St. Mark." The church at prefcnt, which was formerly much larger, confifts of a body and one fide aile ; the length from the South door in the Green is about 123 feet, its breadth 24 feet andn half, the height from the floor to the roof, which is neatly wainfcottcd in the infide, is about 37 feet, the covering is of flone tiles : behind the altar is a lofty window of painted glafs, which has been taken away and plain glafs fixed in its room. It reprefcntcd in the moft beautiful colours Judas betraying our Saviour and delivering him to the foldiers, the fcourging, the bearing of the crofs, crucifixion, taking down from the crofs and afccnfion from the tomb ; the figures were large and in good drawing ; above ihefe in the upper part of the window flill remain painted in glafs the arms or badge of the houfe, viz. f. gules three geefe argent ; alfo the arms of Robert de Gourney, a founder and benefaftor, viz. f. or. three pales azuie ; and iikewife thofe of the Berkeleys: over this window on the outfidc is a daic run into the freeftone with lead, 1R23 (1423.) At the entrance of the Southioor behind the large window there is a gallery with this infcription, " This gall-ry was ereQed and the chapel beautified at the charge of the chamber of this cii-, John Becher, Efq; mayor, and Noblet Ruddock and John Rich, Efqrt flieriffs, in the year 1722 ;" and in the year 1772 a neat organ was put there and tlie whole chapel again repaired and beautified. At the Eaft fide this aile is joined by another about 14 feet and a half broad, making the whole church next the Green to be 39 feet broad : here is a large freeftone pillar which fupports two ardies, making the wideft. part of the church about 36 feet in length, and about 36 feet longer it is walled up, having a door for communication out of the greater into the leffer aile, in all 72 feet long : 36 feet of which is a flat wainfcot roof with feveral carved coats of arms, differing much from the other part of the aile. In this aile are feveral handfome monuments. The tower at the North end of this aile is in height to the leads 86 feet, having 115 fteps ; the whole building is of freeftone 16 feet by i7fquare, witli battlements 5 feet high from the leads with pinnacles at each corner; in the tower are fix bells: the beft idea of it may be formed from the copper-plate Under the tower at the Eaft front is a fmall low door to [ 345 ] to enter the church, and on the North fide another by which you enter into a fmall room, formerly a confeflional with two arches in the wall between tliis room and the high altar for the pried and penitent; there arc eight curious niches round the room in which images were formerly fixed. The roof is vaulted with freeflone, in the center of which arc two curious fliields with fcveral coats of arms in freeflone, viz. England and France, the Gourneys, Points of A£lon in the county of Glocefter, &c. The floor is covered with fquare glazed bricks having many coals of arms on them, and under the floor is a large vault, the entrance of which in 1730 fell in, and upon examining the corps there depofited, fuppofcd to be thofe of the founders of the church, there was found a gold bodkin entangled in fome hair, but it was clofcd up again. This room is now ufed by the chaplains ot the church to put on their furplices &c. On the Wefl fide of the great aile is a large arch anfwering to that under the tower, and probably the church might originally extend further that way ; on the fame fide were the cloiftcrs belonging thereto, and alfo the old hofpital of Billefwyck, fcarce any remains of which are now extant ; and the orchard belonging to it was ordered the 41ft of Elizabeth the 19th of June, then holden by Mr. Beach, not to be let after to any perfon but to be referved to Queen Elizabeth's Hofpital ; but in procefs of time it was built upon and converted into a ftreet, now called Orchard- llreet. In this fmall but neat church are many ftatcly and fuperb monuments and fome ancient ftatues in ftone. The right of fcpulture in the ground before this church was formerly difputed, and William Chew perpetual' vicar of St. Auguftin's the Lefs was accufed in the year 1426 at a court held in the faid church, and found guilty of with-holding and receiving to his own ufe the oblations and cuftomary dues and oflx^rings for burying the dead that lived and died within the bounds of the hofpital of St. Mark, ufualiy enjoyed by the mafter and brethren there; particularly that in 1420 on Palm Sunday he carried away the bodies of William Leach and Chriftin the mother of John Hore, and Andrew Hutchins, from the cemitery of the faid hofpital or houfc of St. Mark, though they lived and died there, and feized and kept dues to the value of a 100 fliillings ; and that the faid William heaping evil upon evil did alfo draw away and folicit Sybil Hutchings, who lived within the precincls of the faid hofpital, from purification after childbirth to be made by her of right in the faid hofpital, and kept the wax tapers and the garment called chryfmar, the offering to the faid hofpital and the other obventions on account of the faid purification belonging to the religious brethren of St. Mark, and U u unjuflly [ 346 -J unjuftlv refiifcd giving any fatisfaflion ; which the faid vicar Chew confelTed, and was therefore condemned in ecclefiaftical excommunication for his obdi- nacv, but on his caufing the bodies which he had rafhly and injurioufly buried in the churchyard of St. Auguflin the Lefs out of their proper burial place to be carried back and interred with all cuftomary forms obferved in the faid hofpital of St. Mark; and on his returning the taper and chryfmar and the loo fliillings, the mafler and brethren there acknowledged themfelves fatisfied, and at the petition of the faid brethren and William the vicar, he was ab- folved from the fentence of excommunication given againft him, " cum Santla ecclcfia nulli claudat gremium." The right of fepulture formerly was no fmall thing to contend for, fince many of the befl; families and the grcateR barons in the land often by their will ordered their bodies to be buried in fuch a particular religious houfe, and it was very beneficial to the friers to enjoy fuch a privilege, fince com- monly fome endowment for a chantry, fome annual celebration of the obiit was left them at the fame time with lamps, maffes, &c. for the fouls of the perfons there depofited, many inftances of which will hereafter occur. To fliew farther the difpofition of thofe times; I find alfo in the time of William Long being abbot, a difpute arofe betwixt the monaftery of St. Auguflin and the houfe of St. Mark, concerning the fite of the faid houfe and works car- ried on there, and their inftitutinga college there, and concerning the pofTef- feffions given by will of Maurice de Gaunt the founder for fupport of the poor, and fome lofles having been incurred, and concerning the right of fe- pulture there. It was at length thus fettled : that the faid houfe of St. Mark fhould be free from all exaOiions and claims of that of St. Auguflin, and have all tenths and oblations that may arife within its bounds ; that it fliould have a free monaftery at their own difpofal and management, a free burying ground, ornaments, bells, &c. ; that the bodies of any dead might be received and buried, but that the plain of St. Auguflin was the common burial ground be- longing to St. Auguflin's monaflery, &c. &c. and to finifh the matter at length Walter Eifliop of Worcefter to prevent any more contention and ran- cour between them ordered that neither of them (hould have common of pa- fture in the faid plain, as they both agreed in its being the cemitery of St, Auguflin; but if any animals fliould enter the faid plain or green for paflure, and the owner not remove them, being thrice warned by the vicar of St. Auguflin the Lefs, or fome other clerk of the faid church, he might pound them till freed by difcharge: the delinquents to pay half a mark as a mulfl to the bifhop ; that the bodies lately buried before the gate of the houfe of St. Mark C 317 ] Mark remain there, but that the earth rofe above the level be removed and made plain, on account of the pleafantnefs of the place : nevcrthelefs it fhould not he the lefs reckoned a ccmitery by the removal of the earth. He ordained that on account of the pleafantnefs of the place the dead bodies fhould be buried in that part of the cemitery where they were ufed to be and no vhcre elfe, unlefs the diocefan or his official fliould think, that ufe required it, and that thofe of the houfe of St. Mark might have free ingrefs, egrefs, in and out of the faid plain, for the fake of going, walking, and wandering where thev pleafed, of driving carriages, drays, and carts through the roads ufeful and neceffary for them, and accuftomcd. He ordered alfo that the abbot of St. Auguftin might mow the faid plain without hindrance of any one and ftrew the grafs in his churches of St. AuguRin the Greater and the Lefs, with this provifo that the abbot make no defence called Hayinge in hindrance of the granted privileges to^the houfe of St. Mark ; but the mower while there muft not be hmdred, referving all accuftomed privileges and rights to the monaf- tery of St. Auguflin and thofe that dwell there, except the right of paflure. This deed is dated 1251. This right of fepulture being thus acknowledged here, the houfe of St. Mark reaped great advantages from it, and efpecially from the burials in their church, lands being frequently granted them by families buried there, they only finding a prieft to pray for the fouls of the departed. Few fmall churches have fo many handfome monuments, many belonging to noble fami- lies, which I fliall proceed to give fome account of as they occur. MoxuMENTS in the church of St. Mark. At the entrance on the 22d of Auguft, 1680, was buried Captain William Bcdlow, without any memorial or infcription, though he deferved to be chro- nicled for the particulars of his life. He is faid to be concerned in the Rye- houfe plot in Charles 2d's. time, and with Titus Oates pretended to difcover the authors of the death of Sir Edmunfbury Godfrey, 1678; and on the oaths of thefe two many were executed, who all denied the charge with their lateft breath. Bedlow was buried near the great door next the green, and his funeral expences are faid to be difcharged by the chamber of the city, his goods having been feizcd and carried out of the houfe for the large debts he had contracted. At the weft end of the eaft aile, next the College-green, is a lofty hand- fome monument with the following infcription thereon. U u 2 Xear [ 348 ] Near tliis place lie the remains of William Hilliard, Efq; who was born at Sea Houfe in the parilh of Ilminfler, in the county of Somerfet : After having by his bright parts foon acquired the knowledge ufually taught in fchool, he entered himfelf a gentleman commoner in Wadham col- let^e in Oxford, where he made himfelf mafter of the liberal fciences; then travelled over the greatefl part of Europe, and returned to his native land a compleat gentleman, and mafter of the European languages ; was put into the commiflion of the peace, for which he was well qualified. He married Mary the widow of William Blome, Efq; one of the daughters and coheiref- fes of Gabriel Goodman, Efq; wlio by her laft will left 200 1. to crcft this monument to his memory. Among other charitable legacies he left lool. to the poor of the parifh of St. Auguftin in this city. The following was infcribed on a ftone here to Dr. Patrick Keir : — " Morte tandem opprefTus qui olim triumphos reportavit H. S. E. Patrick Keir, M. D. \"n egregia indole ct modefta, eamorum fuavitate ut quot ufus eft familiaribus tot fibi conciliavit amicos, ea morum fuavitate ut conciliatos ufque afTervaverit : rei medicce eximie peritus, aliorum falutis curator fedulus, prodigus interim fuas ; fimilis vitae cultus modeftus et luxuris animofus lioftis, cautus in necefTitudinibus amicitiae ineundis, in fervandis fidus : fi plura velis zetas prsfens, quae novit, enunciet, pereunte ilia huic marmori nepotes cre- dant. Obiit 17 Decembris. ^tatis 37." He wrote a treatife on the Briftol waters. In the fame aile are fome neat monuments againft the wall, and in the tables thereof are epitaphs infcribed : To Henry Walter, Efq; fometime mayor and alderman, &c. who died 11 July 1742, aged 75. Henrico Blaake de Pinnels Agro Wilton', obiit 10 Julii 1731, aetat 72, To John Cookin of Highfield, he died 12 March 1627, aged 11.— A neat ftatue of a boy kneeling on one knee, well executed. Memoriae aternae Georgii Upton Armigeri viri optimi & ornatifTimi qui cum 55 annos bene vixiffet, placide obdormivit Jan". 25*. natali fuo A. D'. 1608. Quae lux prima tulit te, te abflulit, ergo fuperftes Cum nequeas vitae vivere vive neci : Integra vita fuit, pia mors, mens dedita Chrifto». Haec facient tumulo te fuperelTc tuo. Lugens pofuit Edwardus Bide. To [ 349 ] To the never dying memory of Margaret Throgmorton, late wife of Sir Baynam Throgmorton of Clovcllwal in the county of Glocefler, Bart, and youngefl daughter of Robert Hopton of Whiteham in the county of Somerfet Efq; fhe died 18 Aug. 1635, aged 25, with 14 lines of poetry in herpraife in Englifh. Arms, G. or. a chevron argent, harry of fix fable, crefl. on a wreath, a falcon volant proper. To John Carr, an arched tomb in the wall with no ftatue on it or epitaph but in the front fome plain fhiclds, and in a cypher J. C. To Sir Henry de Gaunt, his ftatue at length on his back in an arch. He was the fecond mafter of the hofpital of Gaunts about 1230. Gulielmo Swift, publicae fcholae hujus civitatis moderatori. Obiit pridie calend. Junii anno falutis 1623, zetat. 52. To the virtuous Dorothy Popham, late wife of the Hon, Col. Al'. Popham. She died March, 1643. Alfo Sir Francis Popham, Knight, who died 16 March, 1646. Arms, in a fhield 32 coats quartered, the firft is two bucks heads for Popham. This Dorothy was daughter of Cole, Efq; of Nail- fea, Somerfet. Alexander fon and heir of Alexander and Dorothy is buried here. May, 1642. At the upper end of this eaft aile on a raifed tomb lie tlie ftatues of two Knights armed in mail fave their faces, their right hands on their fword hilts, on the left their fliield, with their legs acrofs, which fhews them to be knights of the holy war or crufade, which ended with Henry 3d's. reign, 1268. None of thefe crofs-legged monuments are of later date than Edward 2d. or beginning of Edward 3d. nor earlier than King Stephen. It is uncertain whom they rcprefent, probably the Bcrkeleys or Gourneys. In the weft aile next the pulpit is a curious monument with the ftatue of a lady kneeling, and on each fide two men in clergymen's habits drawing afide a curtain, with the following infcription underneath : — " Memoriae facrum hie fita funt ofia ornatiffimae fa^minas, Dominae MaricC Dom. Edwardi Baynton, nuper de Bromham in comitatu Wiltoniae reli£lce, fiemina fuit ad antiquum morem compofita, illibatae vitae, pietate, forma et omni laude matcrnali virtute muliebri ornata fuam poft quam vitam nimis eheu brevem nee a molediis peni- tus liberam, piam, fidam, pudicam, caftam, gcncrofam hofpitalitate cariiate, aliifq; quam plurimis virtutibus cxcultam omnibus, etiam egenis, caram cgif- fet; eam cum ingenti omnium utriufq; fexus, quibus aut fama, aut facie nota fuit, luftu ac dolore reliquit, pro fieliciori commutavit, ct Chrifto plaridc obdormivit aetatis fua: 44, Anno Domini MDC fecundo. Sordes terra tenet, tenet ingens fpiritus acthra aelhcrcofque locos, hie reftant ofFa fcpulta. iluic [ 350 ] Huic ejus filiigemini dom. Robcrtus etdom. Nicolaus, quosfuo utero conju- gali pcperit friiflifero pofuere monumentum. Arms f. a bend lozenge argent. In the fame aile is an handfome monument with a fliield of the arms of Bcrkelev of Stoke-Gifford at top, and in the table the following epitaph, over a ftatue in armour at full length — " Domini Richardi Berkla?i niiliiis in fuam mortem carmen monitorium : Cum genus et nomen cupiant cognofcerc cuncli, Mentem nemo : fi quis, qui fum, inquirerc pcrgat, Nefcio, refponde, hunc vcrum fc noffe moneto. Whom youth could not corrupt, nor change of days Add any thing but years : he full of them As they of knowledge ; what need this flone praifc Whofe epitaph is writ in th' hearts of men : That did this world and her child fame defpifc, His foul with God, lo here his coffin lies. Obiit Aprilis 26, A. D. 1604. ^Etatis fuse 71." In the chancel is a large finely ornamented and carved tomb and on it within an arch the ftone figures of Sir Thomas de Berkeley and Catherine his lady, daughter of John Lord Bottetourtc. Sir Thomas died 35th Edward 3d. 1361. There are two fhields over them ; one has the Berkeley arms of Stoke quartered with Bottetourtc, which are or. a crofs engrailed fable ; the other fhield is paly of fix or. and azure for Gourney. Next this is another arched tomb for Miles Salley, abbot of Einfliam, after- wards Bifliop of Llandaff : he died in 1516. His ftone figure with mitre and crofier is on the tomb. Againft the wall above is the following on a monument: — " Here lieth the body of Elizabeth James, late wife of Francis James, Dotlor of the Civil Law ; a woman for her excellent virtues and fingular wifdom to be equalled by few of her fex. As fhe lived very religioufly and godly, fo (he died May 1, 1599. Chariffimae conjugi pofuit fuperftes maritus." Dr. James lies buried at Barrow-Minchin church, in the county of Somerfet. Y\dc Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. i. p. 759. Under this is a very grand carved freeftone Gothic arched tomb and monu- ment with the figure of a man in an alderman's gown, with a fon behind him, with the following epitaph on a table : — " Thomas Aldworth obiit Febru- arii 25, anno 1598. Briftoliae [ 351 ] Briftolias quondam qui mercatoris in urbe Munere fundus eras, bis quoque prastor eras, Haec cineris' Aldwortbi tuos tenet urna, fed omnis \'irtutis meritis arflior urna tuis, &c." TJnder the ftone figures is the following infcription : — " Hie jacet Johannes Alduorth, civis, mercator, hujus civitatis vicecomes hujufquc orphanotrophii quondam thefaurarius qui obiit 18 Decembris, 1615, aetatis fuae 51, et Fran- cifcus filius ejus optimae fpei juvenis qui 5 Septem. 1623 obiit, aetatis fuae 24. Terrara cum caelo commutavit, placide in Domino requiens. En pater et natus tumulo conduntur eodcm Ille rei multae, fie fuit ille fpei : Ille probus prudens, pietatis cultor et oequi. Qui norit Icflor, crederct, ifte foret. Ille viae medium cum vicerit, ifte fed oram. Cum Chriflo regnant fuaviter in patria." Above is a ftone with an epitaph to Catherine, the wife of Hopkins Vaughan, ofCaldicot, who died 6th May, 1694. Alfo to George Vaughan, Efq; his fon : he died 16th Sept. 1701, aged 38. Another monument is here to Thomas James, mayor, and parliament man for this city, &c. : he died 1615. Alfo Thomas James, Barrifter at Law, his grandfon : died in 1685. Alfo Alexander James, of Tydenham : he died 1713- In the chancel is a very fuperb monument for William Birde thus : — " Gulielmus Birde obiit Oftobris 8, A. D. 1590. Clarus, prasdives, fapiens et pro grege ChriRi Sollicitus, fedem et viclum cultumque miniltrans Dormit in hoc tumulo, fed fpiritus aethera fcandit : \'ix dedit hifce virum Briftollia noftra diebus Confimilem, feu virtutem, feu castera fpeQes. Cratus erat patrias civis, jucundus amicis Progeniemque fuam multa cum laude reliquit." The fword of magiflracy lies on his tomb. On a (lone here is the following: — " Here lieth the body of Robert Gorges, who departed this tranfitory life March i, 1619. Alfo Sir Robert Gorges, Knight, and Elena his wife, who died 5th November, 1617." This is of the family of Gorges of \Vraxal near Briflol, where they had a feat and park. They bore anciently for arms, a whirlpool, in allufion to the name, afterwards C 352 ] afterwards cheeky or. and azure. The prefent Lady Dowager Bampfylde is the lafl of tliis family, whofe fon Sir Charles Bampfylde pofTefTes the manor of Wraxal, and there refides in 1788, Ralph de Gorges by Edward ift. was fiimmoned to parliament, and was at the fiege of Karlaverock caftle in Scot- land, of whom one fays, " There faw I Sir Ralph de Gorges, a new dubfeed knight, more than once beaten down to the earth with flones, but he was of fo ^ great a fpirit as not eafily to dcfilt ; all his harnefs and attire was mafcled with gold and azure." Many of the Gorges family lie buried in the church of Wraxal : Sir Thomas Gorges is buried at Salifbury cathedral, with a long infcription on a very large and handfome monument. On a table againfl; the wall above Aldworth's monument is the following : " To the pious memory of Thomas Moore and Elizabeth his wife, buried ift the fame grave near this place. Envying their loves Death them divorc'd in fpight. But now in kindnefs doth them reunite : She fick'ning ftole from him with lingering pace He hither came longing her to embrace : So crofTes, accidents, the felf fame fate Rob man of blifs and make him fortunate. Their virtues were admir'd, their hearts were one, One faith they held, one pure religion : Living belov'd by all, fo dead they have A general forrow and a fingle grave ; Where let them reft in peace, till both fhall rife With bodies glorified above the flvies. She departed this life June 7, A. D. 1673. He September 16, 1675. As the church (which with the monuments and infcriptions has now been fully defcribed) was formerly called the Gaunts church, fo the old hofpital thereto belonging went by the name of Gaunts of Billcfwick according to Dr. Tanner's account, becaufe " Maurice de Gaunt * built this hofpital in Billefwick ma- nar, in the north-weft fuburb of the town of Briftol, near the monaftery of St. Auguftin, before A. D. i229,t for one chaplain and one hundred poor peo- ple to be relieved every day. For which ufe he gave the manor of Paulet and fcveral * Lcland, Itin. vol. vii, p. 73, afcribes the foundation of this houfe to Sir Henry dc Gaunt, and faith it was intended for a college of priefts, &c. But Maurice's charter is extant in the regiftcrs at Wells, + Anfclm Bifliop cleft of St. David's is one of the witncnfcs to Robert dc Gourncy's confir- mation of his uncle's charter, and A. D, 1289 was the year of hi; clcftion. L 353 1 feveral mills. Sec. to the canons of St. Auguftin, and feems to have made his hofpital entirely fubjeft to their management and dircQion. But after his deceafc Robert de Gourney his nephew and heir made it a diftin£l houfe for the maintenance of a matter * and three chaplains, and the relief of one hun- dred poor people every day." It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and St. Mark.t and valued 26th Henry 8th. at 112I. 9s. gd. per annum, Dugd. 140I. as Speed. + Lcland, Collect, vol. i. p. 83, fays 140I, and calls it " hofpi- tale feu prioratus St. Marci evangeliflas de Bellifwike alias Gaunies." See in Monafticon Anglicanum, vol. ''• P- 455- tbe deed of Robert de Gourney of the manor of Poulet and the mills of Were and Redwicke, &c. and the provifion for keeping them in repair, &c. Vide in Monf. Angl. torn. ii. p. 455. cartam Roberti de Gourney, pro maner. de Poulet, molendinis de Were et Radewick, &c. ad fudcntationem, &c. Dr. Archer's Account of Religious Houfes, Sec. p. 606. In Prinn's Records, vol. iii. p. i23i ex bund, certif. 50 Henry 3d. 1266, de ecclefia de The 50th of Hen. 3d. concerning the Kantokcfheved (dioce. Bath.) Ibid, church of Kantokfliead (in the diocefe p. 856. prohibitionem arcbiepifco. of Bath]. The fame, p. 85S. the pro- Cantuar. quia tenuit placitum de ad hibition of the Archbifliop of Canter- advocatione hujus domus, 28 Edw. 1. 1300. In Raftall's Entries, p. 463. b. fub titulo, quare impedit de hofpital. plac, dom. Mauritii Berkeley, mil. de ma- giOro eligendo. Years book, 7 Edw. 3. Hill S. 17. 12 Henry 4. Micha. 13. In Willis's HiRory of Abbics, vol. ii. p. 85. et Append, p. g \V w bury, becaufe he held pleas concern- ing the jurifdiftion of this houfe, the 28th Edward ift. 1300. In Raftall's Entries, p. 463. b. un- der the title of quarc impedit of the hofpital. The pleas of the houfe of Sir Maurice de Berkeley, Knight, con- cerning chufing a mafter. Irt * The governor of this houfe is fotrtctimcs called prior, and the hoiifc iifelf a priory of the or- der of St. Auflin, as Lcland, Collcft. vol. i. p. 85. + Not St. Martyn, as Pn,-nnc, vol, iii. p. 123. :{: Lcland, vol. v. p. 74. faith it had 300 marks by t'nc year. Page 53. he calls the Gaunts of JSriilol the Bonnes Hommes (or good men), an order of friers brought into England by Edinuud Earl of Corn-vall, A. D. 1283, others fay 1290, placed at Aflirugg. [ 354 ] In regiftro penes rev. W. dccan. et capit Wellenf. Mauritii de Gaunt fun- datoris cartam. In regiflro Joannis Drokensford epifc. Bathon. et Wellenf. ordinationes Vicariorum de Stokland (A. D. 1317) et Overftowey, A. D. 1327. Cart. 31 Hen. 3. m. 4. pro. lib. war. in Paulet et Stokeland. Pat. 4. Edw. i. m. 9. Plac. apud Wilton. 9 Edw. 1. afTif. rot. 3. de maner. de AVinterborn Gunnore : Cart. 18 Edw. 1. n. 69. pro cod. maner. a rege concefTo. Rec. in fcacc. 20 Edw. 1. rot. 8. dc Ancelino de Gurney olim advocate. Cart. 6 Edw. 2. II. 7. pro maner. de Paulet, Stockland, etc. Pat. 8 Edw. 2. p. 1. m. 3. de tcrris ctpafturis in Compton excambiatis cum epifc. Bathon. et Wellenf. ibid. m. 4. pro eccl. de Stokland approprianda : Pat. 20 Edw. 2. m. Pat. 16 Rich. 2. p. 1. m. 4. de maner. de Winterborn Gunnore et Winterborn Cherburgh. Pat. 6 Hen. 4. p. 2. m. 23. pro Villis de Paulet et Buro: Clauf. 7 Hen. 4. p. 1. m. 11. Efcaet. 7 Hen. 4. n. 23. Pat. 4 Hen. 5. m. 26. de commun. paflur. in Southamme et Xorthamme. Rec. in fcace. 14 Hen. 6. Mich. rot. 9. de maner. de Paulet et claufo vocat. Gauntefliam. In Itin. Will. Wore. p. 188. dimenfiones Ecclefis. Lei. Coll. v. 1. 85. Itin. V. 5. 64. vol. 7. 88. 92. — In Atkyns Gloc. p. 214 of the manour of Gaunt's Urcot. The i3tli of King John, Maurice de Gaunt on an inquifition for knight fervices for each county, M'as rated for Dorfet 1 milit. Sc dimid. Leland, in Itin. v. 6. f. 100. fays, " Maurice de Gaunte was Lordc of Beverflane Caftle by Tetbyrie :" and oppofite has this note, " Loke wither Mauric whcr not firft caullyd Barkely 8c then Gaunle a loco tantum natalium." And v. 8. f. 67. a, he fays, " Baronia de Gaunt partita inter Rogerum de Kerdefton, Sc Julianam de Gaunt Sc petrum de Marley hceredes Gilberti de Gaunt — patet rccorda de Anno 19 Edw. 1. — CoUcft. v. 3. p. 32. 1144 Gilbertus de Gaunt monafterium de Bridlington Caftrum fecit fibi. Gilbert de Gaunt accompanied his uncle William Duke of Normandy into England, who having vanquifhed Harold divided his enemies lands among his Norman friends and followers of his fortune; aniongU whom he particularly favored his nephew, and gave him ample poircffions and created him Earl of Lincoln, which the poflerity of Gilbert de Gaunt enjoyed for five generations, till the male line failed in 1306. It appears in Doomfday (in iisd: Comit:) what exorbitant grants he made him, for in 10, n, 12 and 13 year of his reign this Gilbert de Gaunt alone was feized of one lordfliip in Berkfhire, two in Oxfordfhirc, three in Yorkfliire, fix in Cambridgcfliire, one in Hunting- donfliire, five in Northamptonfliirc, one in Rutlandfhire, one in Warwick- fliirc» [ 355 ] fhire, eighteen in Nottinghamfliirc, and one hundred and thirteen in Lincobi- fhirc, being 154, which was a large edate indeed for fo (hort a time, lie married Alice daughter of Hugh de Monlfort, a great baron of thofe days, and had two fens and one daughter by her; Walter the eldelt fucceeded his father in the title and honour of the earldom of Lincoln about the year 1096, and was buried at Bardney abby. The chief feat was at Folkingham in Lincolnfhirc. Robert the fecond fon married Alice daughter of William Pagancl who founded the priory of Drax in Yorkfliire, and by her had two daughters only; Juliana married to JeofFrey Luttrel, and Alicia married Robert the fecond fon of Robert firnamed Fitzharding, becaufe the fon of Harding a younger fon of the King of the Danes. This Robert had by Alice de Gaunt his wife a fon named Mauritius, and a daughter named Emma ; Maurice took upon him the furname of de Gaunt, looking on that as the mod noble; and Emma his filler married Anfelm de Gourney, younger fon ot Hugh de Gourney, a Norman made Earl of Gourney by William Rufus ; he bore pallv of fix pieces or. and azure, (the arms arc in painted glafs in the window of St. Mark's church,) he had iffue Robert dc Gourney. After- wards Maurice de Gaunt dying the 14th of Henry the 3d. without iffue; the 15th of Henry the 3d. this Robert de Gourney as heir to his uncle Maurice de Gaunt did his homage and had livery of the manor of Poulet in the county of Somerfct, and of his uncle's manors of Beverfton, WcRon, Radwick, Over, and Aylburton ; and made a folemn declaration in the King's prefence that he did not lay any claim to the three hundreds ofEedminfter, Harecliffc, and Portbury in the county of Somcrfet, acknowledging that his uncle Maurice dc Gaunt was only tenant for life of thofe hundreds, and after his deceafe without iffue male they were to go to Thomas de Berkcly by virtue of an entail. It may be obfcrved here, that though the family of the Bcrkelies arc defcended from the ancient barons of Berkley before the conqueft, and fincc the conqueft by Robert Fitzharding the founder of St. Auguftin's monaflery juxta Briftol, from the ancient kings of Denmark ; and by Alicia one of the daughters and heirs of Robert de Gaunt, from Baldwin Earl of Flanders ; yet this Robert de Gourney was the right heir at law, and had the inheritable blood both of Harding and Baldwin preferable to the Bcrkelies ; and entered and claimed all the inheritable lands of Maurice de Gaunt and had livery of them. Robert de Gourney performed his homage in the fame year for half a knight's fee defcended to him by the death of Robert de Harptree his grandfather: he was defcended from the famous Hugh dc Gorncy, fo called from their caftlc W w a »i>d C 356 ] and feignory in Normandy, xvhocamc over with William the Conqueror, and his poftcrity were the moft confiderable barons in the kingdom until the end of the reign of Henry the 3d. and had great pofTeffions, efpecially in Glocefter- fhire and Somerfetfhire, (befides his royalties of de Gournay and de PlelTey in Normandy,) as alfo in Wilts and Dorfet, which amounted in the whole to tweilty-two knights fees and a half; an eftate equal if not fuperior to the firft peers in the kingdom :* and as his anceflors took their furnames from a place in Normandy, fo this gave name to feveral places in the county of Somcrfet, as Harptree Gourney, Harington Gourney, Gourney Slade, Gourney Were or Nether Were, alfo Barrow Gourney, where he founded a place of nuns. This Robert de Gourney was the founder of the Gaunts Hofpital in his ancient manor of Bellifwyck, (which with others came to him from Maurice de Gaunt his uncle afore- mentioned,) on the North fide of the hilly ground on which St. Auguftine's monaftery was built ; where Robert Fitzharding formerly hadahoufe he lived in while he was building that monaftery, which defcended to Robert de Berkley his fon, and from him to Maurice de Gaunt his heir, and from him it came to Robert our founder his nephew Leland v. 7. f 70, mentions, " Hardyng and Robert his funne havynge a fayre howfe at Port- chefter and another yn Bryftow towne, and that Sir Henry Gawnte was a knight fometyme dwellynge not farre from Brandon Hill by Bryflow :" and f. 68, that " Gurney us'd 10 lie muche at Richemonte caflle : it flondith in the roote of Mendipe Eafte of Briflowe in the paroche of Efte Harptree by the * There are many things upon record of the family of (/f Gourney s: — Hugh de Gourney had his lands feizcd by a precept to the Conflable of Briflol Caftle from the King for hunting in the King's chace (Kingfwood) by Briftol for three days without licence, 7th of Henry the 3d. M. 9. 26th of Henry the 3d. Robert our founder gave 20 pounds, no fmall fum in thofe days, to be cxcufed attending the King into Gafcoyne : and the 41(1 of Hcniy the 3d. he had fummons to be at Briftol with horfe and arms to march againft the Welch. — The 41ft of Henry the 3d. in Dorfo N. 6. and the 42d of Henry the 3d. he had a like fummons to he at Cheflcr. \'id. Maddox Formul. Anglic Chart. 100. Hathevvifiade Gurneio Lady of the fee, confirms a grant of land in . Clive Ware made by Alexander de Badicumb, one of her valTals in the court of Barow, Somerfct, which Robert de Gurney her father gave him for his fervice ; this land is furrendercd to the Lady with five fardels of land in Bacwell by a branch of a tree, and by the fame feifm is given by her to the purchafcr to hold of her in capite, he gives a gold ring for his rccognifance, witncfs Thomas de Buritona (Borefon), Matthello de Gurney, Roger dc Balvent, and fcventcen others. This eftate of Barrow is now in the pofleffion of John Gore, Efq; whofe family had great eftates at Gelfdon in Hertfordftiire, and were diftinguifhcd for their loyalty in Charles the ift's. time : at Gelfdon church there is a handlome monument, with a long infcription of the antiquity of the family as coming out of Wilifhire, (Whitley near Devizes,) " ex antiquo Goroeorum ftemmate in agro Wiltonicnfi." — Francis James, doftor of the civil law, whofe wife is buried in this church ot Gaunts, lies buried at the church of Barrow, which was the oratory of the nuns there. N '< [ 357 ] the paroche cliiiclie of yt ; there ftondith yet a pecce of the dongeon of it : — that there is another village by Eft Harptrce caullyd Well iiarptrce Gurney and there bee varietie of amies that Gurney gave in the glafs vvyndowes and his cote armure : — Gurneys lands came to Newton * of Barrcs Courte : — Gurney was Lorde of Stoke Hamedcn, and there lieth buried yn a col- legiate chappie by the ruyns of his caftic : hec was chefc foundar of the howfe of Gauntz, at Briftow, as fomc fay — he was foundar of the priorie of nunes call'd Baron Gurnay in Somerfctniyrc — he was Lorde of Whitcombe and Richemonte Caftle, by Mcndepc 3 miles from Welles, — it is now clene downc — it came after to Hampton, then to Cradock, alias Newton: — Gurney had the fourthe parte of the Lordfhipe of Mendype." — At Stoke under Hambden Leland met with many antiquities of the Gurney family ; v. 2. Itin. f. 54, " I fawe at Stoke in a bottom hard by the village very notable ruincs of a great manor place or caftelle, and yn this remaynith a very auncient caftelle whereyn be divers tumbcs of nobil men and wimcn. — In the fouth weft fide of the chapelle be 5 images on tumbes, on hard joynid to ano- ther ; 3 of menne harnefhid and fliildid and 2 of women: ther hath bene infcriptions on cche of them, but now fo fore defacyd that thev cannot bee redde : I few a flielde or 2, al verry of blew and white — ther be alfo in this part of the chapelle 2 tumbes without images — there is in the north fide of the body of the chapelle a tumbe in the waulle without image or writcing, and a tumbe wyth a goodly image of a man in armes in the north fyde of the quiere of the chapelle with a fheld as I remembre al verrey, and even afore the quier dore, but withoute it lyiih a very grete flattc marble ftone with an image in braffe flattelv graven and this wryting yn French aboute it: " Ici gift le noble & vailiant Chivalcr Maheu de Gurney jadys fencfchal de Landcs, & capitain de Chaftel Daqucs pours noftre Seignor le roy en la Duche de Guyene, que en fa vie fu a la battaile de Bueamarin, & alia apresa lafiege D'Algezire fur la Sarazines, & auxi a les baitailes de la Sclufc, de Creffy, dc Yngcnefti, de Peyfters, de Nazara, D'Ozrey, & a pluziers autres batailles, 9it [ 3^3 ] 1374- Thomas Norton, prior, 21 Richard 2d. Riciiard Byccfter, prior, 1 Henry 4th. Riciiard Winchcller, prior, 6 Henry 6th. 1428. William Newport, prior, 35 Henry 8th. Robert Circefter, prior, who furrendered his priory at the difToliition, Jan. g, 1540, and had allowed him at his dif- milfion, an annual penfion of 131. 6 s. 8d. for his life. Leland in Itin. vol. vi. fol. 88. fays, " Robertus Nothus, &:c. i. e. Robert the bafe fon of Henry ufed on all folemn days to have with him the abbot of Tewkfbyri with twelve monks of Brillol," and that " this Robert built the caftle of BriftoUe, and gave every tenth flone of the caftle towards building the chapel of St. Mary, near the monaftery of St. James at Brillol." ^^'illiam of Worcefler mentions (1480) the meafurements of the priory and church. " The length of the church of St. James 54 (leppys, bredth 40 (leppys. The length of the priory of the aforefaid church 40 flcppys. The lengtli of the chapel of the Bleffed Mary there 40 fleppys, its bredth 12 fteppys. The bredth of the churchyard 130 (leppys, length of the churchyard of St. James 150 lleppys." In another place he fays, " The chapel of the Bleffed Mary of St. James contains in length 21 yards, its bredth 7 yards. The bredth of the chapel of St. Ann contains 4 yards, the length of the faid chapel 8 yards. The length of the nave of the church of the priory of St. James con- tains i5j yards or 26 Iteps. The length of the nave of the parifli church an- nexed to the nave of the church of the faid priory contains 22 yards or 40 fteps.." This priory being a cell to the abby of Tewkfbury and parcel of that great houfe was diffolved with it, and granted, 35 Henry 8tb. to Henry Braync, Efq; citizen and merchant taylor of London, (together with the lordfliip of Hadnoke in the marches of Wales, belonging to the dilFolved pi" 'ry of Lanthony near Glocefter) for the fum of 667 1. 7s. 6d. yielding and paying to the King and his heirs, &c. yearly the fum of 3I. 10s. g^d. for Munimcnta nonnulla pcrtinentia ad ccclcfiam S. Jacobi prope Briflol, 27 Henry 7. MSS. in- ter, codd. R. P. Johannis Moore, n. 351. in bibl. pubU acad. Cantab, f. In Ilin. Will, dc Wore, p. t2o, 290. Dimenf. Ecclcf. In cartulario archicpifcopalus Cantuar. inter libros MSS. autoris in bibl. Bodl. Oxon. p. iga, profeffioncm dc fubminioiie vifitalioni doixi. aicliipifc. Cantuar. A. D. 1260. Atkyns's Glocc- ftcrfhirc, p. 547, 6*7, 727. Cart. Antiq. K. n. 30 fcil. R. Hen. 2. de libertat. pat. 25. Hen. 3. m. i. dc amotionc corporis a.iicnorJc confanguineae regis a prioratu S. Jacobi Brillol ad monaR. dc Ambrcfbury. Pat. 28. lidward 1. 1300, n. 17. dc terra dc ciFclcga ct l.ria, &c. Pat. 13. Edward 3. 1339, p. 2. m. 16. vcl. 17. Pat. 20. Richard 2 .1396, p. 2. m. 22. Pat. 1. Henry /J. 1399. p. 7. m. 6. vcl. 7. Pat. 7. Edward 4. >467. p. 1. m. [ 384 ] for the faid priory of St, James and lands belonging thereto, manor-houfe, tenements, and hereditaments, in the county of Gloccrter. It appears by a deed of falc penes me the following churches paid H. Braync and his heirs in right of patronage an annual rent or penfion, formerly referved to the monaf- terv of Tcwkfburv, viz. the reflory of St. Peter, 1 1. retlory of Chrift Church, los. reftory of St. John for the church, los. and the churchyard, 13s. 4d. reftory of St. Ewen, 6d. and 1 lb. of wax, the reQory of St. Michael, 4s. vicarage of St. Philip and Jacob, 1 1. 6s. 8d. By this eafy and cheap pur- chafe Bravne and his heirs enjoyed this large eflate and the above penfions and advowfon of the parfonage or reftory of St. James, as it is in fome deeds called, but it may be rather deemed a donative, as by the deed Braync was always bound to find a prieft for the church and to allow him a flipend for the cure of fouls there ; alfo the right of patronage to the feveral churches in Briftol above-mentioned that paid him the penfions, with all tythes of corn, hay, wool, lamb, &c. belonging to the church of St. Philip and St. Jacob, and the cuftoms and all profits of the fair and prifage of wine in Whitfon Avcek, which belonged to the priory of St. James ; alfo the right of prc- fentation to the vicarages of the parifli churches of Mangotsfield and Staple- Ion, the former paying him lib. of wax, the latter 2 lb. yearly. Robert Braync, Efq; on the death of his father fucceeded to thefe eftate.s, and from him they defcendcd to Dame Emma, wife of Sir Charles Somerfet, and to Ann Winter, wife of G. Winter, Efq; fillers and co-heire(fes to the faid Robert Brayne, as appears by deed of partition, dated 27th January, 21ft Elizabeth, 1579, penes me. Sir Charles Somerfet enjoyed the fame with the patronage of the churches untilliis death, 11th March, 1598. He was buried in his church of St. James, and left an only daughter, who married Sir Charles Rcdclilf Gerrard, Knight. By an old deed it appears that this churchyard, &c. was leafed for thirty years to George Harrington, mayor, and other.-;, the parifliionens, by Sir C. Gerrard, 15th 08ober, 1617, for the fum of 2GI. 13s. .^d. as a fine, toge- ther with the herbage of the faid churchyard, all privy tythes and oblations, alfo tythe pigs, and all tythes of gardens and orchards lying and being within the parifli of St. James, except tythes of hay, corn, grain, lambs, calves, or wool, belonging to the manor-houfe of St. James, yielding and paying yearly to the faid Sir Charles Gerrard the fum of 3 1. 6 s. Sd. and providing an able and fuFRcient paQor or curate for the church, and paying all tenths, procurations, &c. going out of the faid re£tory or parfonage, and keeping C 385 ] keeping the church and chancel in good reparations when required to the end of the faid term. About the year 1626 Sir Charles Gerrard granted and conveyed the premifes then in Icafe to the churchwardens and inhabitants, to Robert Aldworth and G, Harrington and their heirs in trufl: for the mayor and corporation, who then received the 3I. 66. 8d. and 2s. 6d or a couple of capons in lieu of tythes, and for the church-yard as appears bv the chamber- lain's receipt, who ftill continues to receive the fame ; and alfo the fevcral penfions out of the churches of St. Peter, Chrift-Church, St. Ewen's, St. Michael, and St. Philip's; to which and to this church of St. James the mayor and corporation of Briftol have now the right of prefentation, the firft time they exercifed this right was in the year 1627, and they gave for all thefe advowfons the fum of 450I, only, as appears by Sir Charles Gerrard's receipt the 18th of May 1627. After this leafe had expired the corporation of the city, the 19th of July 1670, by an a£l of common council agreed to grant the parifiiioners and feoffees of the parifli another leafe for 30 vears, if Mr. Paul the minifter fhould fo long live and continue minifter, and receive the agreed ftipend of 40I. per annum, being a moiety of the profits of the fair,* as appears by an entry in the veftry books, except and referved to the corpo- ration the great tythes and the parfonage-houfe, which Mr. Paul then let out, built lately by fome well difpofed perfon, and which houfe is for the fole ufe of the minifter and his fuccefTors for ever, except alfo the yearly rent of 3I. 6s. 8d. and the moiety of the profits of the fair to the faid minifter to be paid half yearly, the parifiiioners to pay all fubfidies, tenths &c. and repair the chancel. The 17th of July the 24th of Cha. 2d. 1672, the corporation of Briftol purchafed of the King the feveral rents referved to the crown payable by H. Brayne and his heirs for the church of St. James and the lands belonging thereto. Vid. p. 132. This priory and its fuperb buildings being thus fold and parted between dif- ferent perfons, were foon difpofed of to others, and the old eretlions con- verted to various ufes ; and the ruin of it is become fo compleat, that no traces of it at prefent (j 788} are feen. The church alone remains to point out its fitc, wliich Robert Earl of Glocefter founded in 1130, and it was called according to Leland, "the chapel of the Bleffcd Virgin Mary and St. James," which was made a parifli church (the city increafing towards the then priory) upon petition of the inhabitants to Thomas Chefterton then abbot of Tewkclbury and to the priory A A A of • In the year 1689 the churchwardens received for the (laildings of ihc fair about 8o!» [ 386 ] of St. James, who admitted them to hear mafs and to celebrate all other divine offices for the living and the dead as in other diocefan churches on certain conditions agreed upon by a deed of indenture, penes me, dated at Tewkefbury St. Andrew's day 1374 ; the prior was to appoint one officiating minidcr or clerk, called in the deed Aqusehajulum or carrier of the holy water, or more if nccelfary : the provilion and donation of which office was to be referved always to the prior, and he was to be fupportcd by a moiety of the profits arifing from the fixing of pales or any thing cUe penetrating or occu- pving the foil of the church-yard at the fair annually held there at the fcaft of St. James, together with half the profits arifing from ringing the bells for the dead, and at their anniverfaries, and two proceffionals. The parifliioners on their part were to build one fquare belfry (campanile) of flone in form of a tower, at their own expence, but the prior to find the ftone and earth for the mortar, as much as was neceffary and could be found within the limits of the priory and its demefnes ; that the bells ffiould be placed therein at the joint expence of both parties, and not to be removed but by the confent of both, and to be ufed in common by both, and to be repaired at their mutual expence. Hence it appears that this church was part of it parochial, and part of it conventual, belonging to the priory or convent : and William of Worcefter, p. 290, defcribes the nave of the one as joining and annext to the nave of the other, and meafuring 22 yards in breadth and 15^ yards in length: and p. 247 he mentions, " the parifli church of St. James near the church of the priory in the Eall part of the town ofBriftol." It had a chancel, but that is pulled down, being the monaflery church or chapel aforementioned ; and fo the tower is left Handing on the Eafl: end between the church and chancel, and ferved formerly to the ufe both of the parifh and convent. The church-yard or fpacious burying ground belonging to this church was confecrated by Simon Biffiop of Worcefter about the year 1129, as appears by his deed of confirmation* of ail tythes and churches which this church poffeffisd, in which is mentioned that of St. Peter of Briftol, within (infra) or beneath the caftle and without the lordffiip of the borough; and it adds, " moreover in that day in which he dedicated the church-yard of the church of St. James t at Briftol, then in building, (becaufe the burgeffes ufed to be carried to burial where they would out of his diocefe) he commanded by his epifcopal authority, that none of the faid city ftiould now be carried elfe- where to be buried except to Tewkefbury; he alfo there appointed and ordained • Stephens Addit. to Dugd. Monaft. v. 2. p. 191, No. 161. 24. ■t " Cemitcrium Eccleiiac Sanfti Jacobi apud Briftol scdificjnda: dcdicavit." [ 387 ] ' ordained that the church fliould be fiibjccl by a perpetual right to the monaflery of St. Mary of Tcwkcfbury on the petition of maflcr Benedicl the abbot, and ^s'ith the confent of Robert the King's fon Earl of Gloccflcr, and the Countefs Mabiliahis wife." This deed afcertains the time of the foundation of this church to be when Benedift was abbot, who continued fo from 1124 to 1137, when he died, fo that at a medium 1130 may be deemed nearly the time when it was firfl built and confecrated, which is 18 years before the great monaftery of St. Auguflin in this city (now the cathedral] was built. The church of St. James being at firft only a chapel to the adjoining priory, was not a very large or magnificient ftrufture, though it is not void of elegance and beautv, the arches of the ailes however are admired as being of the true Saxon architefture, femicircular, with pillars round, plain and maffive, the capitals a very little ornamented — a fpecies of arch Robert Earl of Glocefter the founder feems to have copied from fome in the fine old caflle of Briftol, ■which he was repairing and enlarging at this very time : it confifls of three ailes of equal length, the middle is 29 feet and a half broad and 47 feet two inches high, and the Avhole breadth of the church from North to South is 66 feet. At the Weft end is an organ and gallery, towards the ercfling of which Edward Colfton Efq; gave lool. The tower which is built of freeftone is very ftrong, plain but neat, 29 yards and 2 feet in height, adorned at prefent with a modern baluftrade and an urn at each corner: here is a very mufical peal of 8 bells, with a clock and dial at the South fide: — The vellry-room at the fouth weft end defaces this fouth view of it, the only one that can be taken (vid. plate). — The weft end of the middle aile is in a great meafure hid by the parifli houfes, which buildings bring in a revenue to the church. — There is here a pretty Gothic window, the figure may be feen in the plate, and other embellifliments in that tafle ; this weftern end being formerly the entrance ufed by the monks. — This church was repaired at the expence of 600I. by the veftry and pariflioners when the Rev. Mr. Baylcy was incumbent, about the year 1698; and it was again repaired about the year 1768, the altar cmbelliftied with a painting of the transfiguration, new pews and fpacious galleries erefted the better to accommodate the numerous parifliioners with room, but ftill it is very infufficient for fo large a parifli. Application there- fore has been lately (1787) made to parliament and an aCl obtained fin- dividing it into two pariflies, and creeling another church to be called St. Pauls. So flrict obfervers of the fabbath were the people of this parifli no longer ago than 1679, that at a vcflry liicn held here four pcrfons were judged guilty A A A 2 flf C 388 ] Henry Brayne, Efq; Sir Charles Somcrfet of a mofl heinous crime and were cited into the fpiritual court for purloining the Lord's day in travelling to Bath on foot, to the great difhonour of Almighty God and true religion, for which they confefTed their fins in the faid court and paid 20s. for the ufc of the parilh. — The prefent patrons of this church are the corporation of Briflol, and the value of the living above 400I. per annum. In the year 1291, amongft the valuations of the feveral benefices taken from the Lincoln manufcript, is the following, " the priory of St. Tames, Briftol, without the borough, paid to the church of Tewkefbury 23 marks (15I. 6s. 8d.) per annum, and feveral churches paid penfions to the prior of St. James, viz. St. Michael's, St. Ewin's &c. The following is a L I S T of the M I N I S T E R S of this Church. Patrons. Abby of Tewkcfbury. 1164 Picard, clerk to William Earl of Gloceftcr. The monks in turn belonging to the priory performed the divine offices in the church till the diffolution. 1544 Bartholemew Owyne, he died May loth 1570. 1571 William Wolff. 1576 David Williams, difplaced the next year. 1577 William Jones, died 1585. 1586 Thomas Twinborovv, died 1594. 1594 Thomas Newton. 1601 John Powell. J 61 6 John Mafon. Corporation of Briftol. 1629 William Batchcllor, died the 30th of June 1636. 1636-7 John Paul, not conforming he refigned 1663. 1663 Thomas Home, died 1697, buried in this church. 1697 Benjamin Baily, died the 25th of April 1720, aged 49, he publiflied a volume of Lent fermons. 1720 Samuel Crefwick, D. D. 1727 Dean of Briftol, and afterwards tranflated to the deanry of Wells, but held this cure till 1753. 1753 Price, removed from Temple, buried here and fucceeded by 1771 Carew Rcyncl, buried here and fucceeded by 1783 Dr. Small, the prefent incumbent. The Sir Charles Cerrard. [ 389 ] The Rev. Mr. Batchellor, Mr. Paul, and Mr. Home had feveral funis paid them by the parifli veflry (befides the yearly colleaiOn from the parifhioners) as wages, fuch as 30I. 40I. and 50I. which as lefTees under the corporation bound to find a minifter they were obliged to pav. The impropriation of the chapel ofStapleton dedicated to tlie Holy Trinity, as well as Mangotsfield, belonged to this church ; and becaufe they of Stapleton ufed always to bury at St, James's, the abbot of Tewkefbury the 5th of May 1438 granted them licence to bury at Stapleton, fo as they came to hear mafs at St. James's, and they paid two pounds of wax for this privilege for ever. By ancient deeds without date it appears that Poyntz granted to the church of St. James tythe of hay in Tockyng ton manor. The chauntries in this church were three, one in the 1 ft year of Henry 4th. eftablifhed by John Stone by licence from the King; he gave the prior two melfuagesand one fhop in Brift.ol and its fuburbs, for one monk to celebrate mafs daily for his foul at the altar of St. Thomas. — John Spicer flicrifFof Briftol, by will the igth of Henry 6th. 1440, founded a chauntry here for one prieft and feven monks to fing mafs for ever for the repofe of his foul and his wife Avis's, and for all the faithful ; the annual rents by the rent roll penes me, amounted to lol. is. diftributed to the prior, monks and finging priefts, to the mayor and flieriffs for attending ; the bedcman and for wax tapers, and for bread for the dole to the poor. — William Ponam by will 1454 gave feveral tenements for a chauntry at the altar of the Virgin Mary to be celebrated for his and his wife Edith's fouls, and for his obiit the 9th of February, the proQors to be paid for attending and diftributing bread to the poor. Thefe two laft chauntries were fequeftered to the King's ufe the ift of Edward 6th. for non-payments of fubfidies and tenths. See p. 63, 64. There are in this church but few monuments : — The firft to be mentioned is the founder of this priory and church, Robert Earl of Glocefter, of whofe character and fame fee before in the chapter of the caftle, pages 194. 209. Inthefouth wall once there was a ftone figure prefervedofa man habited like a pilgrim, fuppofed to be for him, which is remembered by fome old perfons now living,* which in the feveral repairs this church has received is now deftroyed and loft, or concealed by the high wainfcot feats there. The Princefs Eleonora (called the Damoifellc of Brittany) was buriedthere after • In the fouth aile near the bclfrj' door in 1710 was a tomb, with a naked figure at full length, fuppofed then to be for the founder Robert Earl of Glocefter, manufcript penes nic. — + 1 . Cart. Antiq. K. n. 30 Scil. R. Hcnr. 2d. dc libcrtatc. patent 25 H. 3. M. i. dc Amotion?- coporis Alionorx confanguincae Regis a prioratu Sanfti Jacobi Briftol ad monaftcr. dc Ambrefbuiy. [ 390 ] after a cruel confinement of 40 years in Briflol caftle by King John her unnatural uncle, who had ufurpcd her right to the crown of England : her body was removed hence to the nunnery of Ambrefijury in Wiltfhire, to which flic had given the manor of Melkfliam near Lacock in Wilts, a licence being obtained for its removal of King Henry the 3d. the 25th year of his reign, 1241. The next perfon to be mentioned is Sir Charles Somerfet, who with his lady Emma lie buried on the fouth (ide of the altar; and a very handfome monument is crefled there to their memory, with the following infcription : againft the monument is the ftatue of a man in armour kneeling at an altar, and oppofite to him his Avife in the fame poflure, and behind her an only daughter alfo kneeling; it is a fpacious lofty monument adorned on each fide Aviih Corinthian pillars, and embelliflicd at top with the arms of the family in a large fliield: Memoria? & pietati facruni Carolus hoc parvo tegitur fub marmore magnus, Corpore procero & prasluftri ftemmate magnus, Sed fama, virtute, fide (ut f^is credere) major; Per zelum Caelum fcandens fit maximus ; adde Principis ut vivens fuerat vexillifer ide, Principis ut moriens Chrifti vexillifer ifte. My body earth, my breath was borrowed ayre. My dated leafe expired years of ftrife. My foul with ftamp of God, temple of prayer, Diffolv'd by death mounted to glorious life : Life was but lent conditional to dye. Death made the period of mortal itye. And gave me entrance to etcrnitye. Above the heads of the figures on the table within a fcroll is the following infcription : Sir Charles Somerfet Knight 5th fon*to the Right Honourable Henry Earl of Worccfler and flandard bearer unto her Majefiies honourable band of gentlemen penfioncrs who married Eme widow of Giles Morgan of Newport Efquirc, daughter and co-heirefs to Henry Brayne Efq; by whom he had one fole daughter firfl married to Ratcliff Gerrard Efq; and after to Edward Fox Efq; he deccafed the 11 day of March Anno Domini 1598, being of tlie * Sec tlie pedigree of the Earls of WorcCftcr, and Dukes of Beaufort in Atkyns's GloccRcr- Hiirc, p. 244. C 39> ] the a^e oT 64 years who lyeth here intombed with his wife Eme who departed Aiiii ) T")omini 1590. On a brafs plate at the entrance of the middle aile was the following infcription to Robert Daws, fon to Samuel Daws of Wotton-under-edge in Gloceftcrfhirc, clothier, who died the 31ft of July 1667, aged i6. Matris ego quondam fola & chariffima proles Hie jacco tumulo conditus ecce meo : Doclrinae ftudio fimul ac pictatis amorc Incubui, fragilis dum mihi vita fuit : At deus incurfu properantem femper eodem Abftulit, & caelis eft mihi fola quies. In the north aile againft the wall arc the following monuments and infcriptions : To David Barrett M. B. who died Feb. 28. 1734. aged 40. To Tho. and Eliz. Hicks grand children of Henry Dighton Efq; Tho. died Sept. the J ft, i68g. Eliz. 28 Dec. 1694. Alfo To Tho, Hicks Gent, who died the lo of Jan. 1716 aged 69 and M,artha his wife who died 6 July 1719 aged 68. To Mr. Henry Dighton who died the 15th of March 1673 aged 64 and Judith his wife who died the 30th of Jan. 1721 aged 87 and George Dightou their eldeft fon who died the 23d of April 1702 aged 68. Againft the weft wall is a marble monument with an infcription : — To Mary Scandrelt daughter of George Dighton wife of Captain Chriftopher Scandrctt, who died Dec. the 20th 1737 aged 66 with Chriftopher Mary and George their children. In the fouth wall is a marble monument : — To Mary the wife of Walter Edwards Efq; daughter to the Right Honourable Richard P'rceman of Battford in the county of Glocefter Efq; fofnetime Lord High Chancellor of Ireland, diftinguiflicd by her birth but much more by her virtues, highly exemplary in the characters of wife and parent; conftant in her devotions, unblemiftied in her life. She died the 12 of July 1736 in the 37th year of her age leaving iffue 2 fons Walter and Tho. arms F. erm and S. party per bend a lion rampant or. quartered with F. az. 3 lozenges in fefT. or. On the firft pillar next the fouth window is a handfome monument with the following infcription and arms, F. er. and S. party per bend a lion rampant or. quartered with F. G. a chevron er. between 3efcallops or. J.uxta banc parietem in adjacente area triumphalem Chrifti fcrvatoris reditum cxpeclat, Thomas Edwards armigcr. vir, in lege municipali cxcrcitatiftimus, fpeflatift [ 392 ] fpcQatae fidei, probitatis cximiee, et fingularis induflrlse, cui, five cHentiiim numerum, five varia, qua: expedivit ncgotia, fpe£lemus, pancos admodum in his omnibus repfnemus pares, fuperiorcm neminem. illi in laboris folatiiim (rara vivendi conditione) concefTit deus, ut non imminiUo aninii vigorc, non gravi' morbo impiicitus, fine taedio, fine vitas faflidio, fcelix conjugc, liberis, fortunis, ad cxtrcmum deveniret feneftutem : ct cum nihil amplius vel in votis reftaret, ut morte facili, et optimo cuique invidenda, inter fuorum lacrimas et fufpiria e vivis excederet : nuptias bis fecit, c primis filium unicum, tres filias fufccpit ; e fecundis fex filios, duas filias, ex ambabufquinque filios, duas filias reliquit fuperftites. Ipfe obijt 7 mo. die Julij A. D. 1727°. iEtatis fuas 83 tic natus 17 die Martii 1644 to. Jana Edwards filia Johannis Walter Tiiomas Edwards uxor dileftifiima, Sc vere vidua cum quo conjunctifiime vixit annos quadraginta quinque matrona omni laude dignifiima eodem loco fuos cineres reponi voluit, obiit Februarii oftavo die A. C. 1733 tic. vEtatisfuae 81 mo. On a brafs tablet near the upper door was cut a figure in an alderman's robes, with fijur fons behind him; oppofite to him his wife with four daughters behind her, all kneeling before an altar, with an infcription to Henry Gibbs mayor, who died the 19th of May 1636, aged 73, and to Ann his wife who died 15th December 1631, aged 70. In the chancel on a ftone — Wm. Batchelor minifler and preacher of this parifli died 3 Jan. 1636. On another thus on a brafs plate — Hie jacet Rev. Benj. Bayly A. M. hujus ecclefiae per annos prope vigintitres ReClor cum tribus liberis multifquc aliis amicis, Ouibufcum affurgere & in corporc immortali revivifcere, O ! Quantum Gaudium ! Ouantae congratulationes ! O Deus Bone ! O Benigne Pater! Tc oramus ut acceleres regnum tuam, nofquc quamfubito tubam iftam carleftem qua ex hifce fordibus ad nubes evocemur, cxaudiamus: O! finuis ex eorum numero, pro quibus Chrifti fanguis baud incaffim effundebatur, coclifque recepti Bcatifica vifionc fruamur: tibi pater filioque tuo falvatori noflro gratiaspro tanto muniere in seternum agentes. Obiit 23 Aprilis A. D. 1720. /Etatis fus 4g. On another was a long Latin infcription to Wm. Hobfon, fon of Henry Hobfon ; he died 1654, /Etat fuae 57, with the arms quartered Hobfon and Colfton And near this, to Margaret Col (Ion, who married the faid Wm. Hobfon; file was only daughter of William Colfton the elder, fhe died 11 May 1647, aged 41. — John Pears, a worthy benefaQor to this city, died 18 Aug. 1662. The [ 393 1 The Che fler family arc buried here ; on a raifod tomb covering a vauk againfl: the wall of trie old priory were infcriptions To James Chefter, who died the 17th of March, 1560. To William Chefler, who died the ift of January, 1572-3. To Edward Chefter, who died in 1580. To Walter the fon of William Chellcr, who died the 2 ill of September, 1641, aged 88. Thomas Chefter, fon of the above William Chefter, was mayor of Eriftol: he purchafed the manor of Almondfljury, and was high fherift' of the county of Gloccftcr in 1577, and was buried Sept. 24, 1583. As this parifli is very large and confequently is burdened with many poor, fo it is very happy to be fo liberally endowed with charitable inftitutions and benefactions, as appears by the following accounts and the tables of benefaclors. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. James's Parifli. i^gg. Alderman Coale gave to the almflioufe on St. James's-back /. s. d. 4I. per annum for ever - - - - 80 o o 1604, Mrs. Alice Coale gave 12I. per annum, to be paid by 20s. per month, to three almftioufes in this parifli for ever 240 o o Mr. Thomas Brooks gave a tenement to the almflioufe in Lewin's-mcad of 61. per annum to twelve poor for ever 120 o o Alderman Robert Kitchen gave 40s. per annum to four houfe-holdcrs quarterly for ever - - 40 o o Alderman Packer gave 10s, per annum to the poor for ever out of the houfe at the Crofs Keys by the Fifli Market 10 o o Mr. Cox gave 20s. to the poor for ever - - 20 o o 1536, Mrs. Harrington gave 2s. in bread weekly. Alderman George Harrington gave 40s. per annum to the poor for ever - - - - -40 00 Mr. Thomas Clements gave 20s. per annum to the poor for ever - - - - - - 2000 Mr. William Sage gave 3I. per annum to the poor, and 20s. for two fermons yearly, for ever - - 80 o o Mr. Pierce gave 20s. for a fcrmon the 5th of November vearly - - - - - -20 00 Mr. Francis Clecd, fomc time ftierifF, gave 40s. to be paid xos, qu'arterlv to four houfekcepers for ever - 40 o o Alderman Richard Vickris gave is. per week for ever 52 o o B B B Aldcrmati C 394 ] Alderman Miles Jackfon gave a garden the rent thereof to /. s. d. the poor in bread for ever, ^^'illiam Davis and his wife gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor for ever - - - - _gooo 1668, John Lewis gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor 10 o o Mr. Thomas Walter, woollen-draper, gave 4s. in bread weekly to the poor for ever - - - 1080 Alderman Arthur Farmer gave 40I. the profit thereof to fix houfekeepers for ever - - - - 40 o o Thomas Farmer, gentleman, gave 50I. the profit thereof in bread and coal to the poor for ever - - 50 o o Second Table. 1668, Abraham Birkins gave 40s. yearly to the poor for ever 40 o o Mr. William Hobfon the elder, merchant, fome time flierifF of this city, gave 40s. per annum to the poor of tliis parifh by 10s. a quarter for ever - - - 40 o o Mrs. Farmer, relift of Mr. Thomas Farmer, gentleman, gave 40I. the profit whereof to the poor in bread for ever 40 o o 1670, Mr. Charles Powell, fome time fherifF of this city, gave 20I. the profit whereof to the poor in bread for ever - 20 o o 1671, Thomas Geft, ofExon, tucker, gave lol. the profit whereof to the poor in bread for ever - - - 1000 Henry Price, gentleman, gave lool. the profit whereof to poor houfekeepers on St. Thomas-day yearly for ever 100 o o 1672, Henry Dighton, of this parifh, brewer, gave 5I. per annum to buy ten coats for ten poor men of this parifh for ever 100 o o 1673, Mr. Robert Markham, of London, gave 5I. the profit thereof to be given to the poor on St. James's-day yearly for ever - - - - - -500 Third T a b l e. 1678, Mrs. Mary Walter, widow, gave 20I. half of the profit to be given to the minificr for a fcrmon on the firfl Lord's-day next after the 9th day of November, in the afternoon ; and the other half of the profit in bread to the poor for ever - - - - 20 o o 1679, Captain Gabriel Deane, of this parifh, gave 30I. the profit to the poor for ever - - - _ 30 o o 1679, /. s. d_ 50 lOO 20 30 5 [ 395 ] 1679, Richard Chriftmas, of this parifh, gave 50I. the profit in bread weekly for ever - _ - - 1680, Mr. Robert Haines and Mrs. Catherine Large gave lool. to the poor - . _ _ _ 1681, Ann wife of Mr. Thomas Hornc, gave 20I. to the poor 1685, Mr. Jeremiah Holway gave 30I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread for ever _ _ _ _ Timothy Parker gave 5I. the profit for ever » Fourth Table. 1685, Mrs. Catherine Dighton gave 50I. the profit of it to be given to ten poor widows of this parifli by 5s. apiece yearly for ever - - - - 50 o o 1686, Mr. Samuel Hale, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof weekly to the poor in bread; and alfo the intereft of 230I. towards the apprenticing of poor children in feven pariflies of this city yearly for ever, of which this is one 240 o o 1687, Sir William Cann, Knight and Baronet, gave lool. to four parifiies, whereof this hath a quarter part, the pro- fit thereof to be diflributed to the poor the 8th of January for ever - - - - -25 00 Mr. Godfrey Vanitternc gave 20I. the profit to the poor yearly for ever - - - - 20 o o Mr. Anthony ^^'ood, fugar-bakcr, gave 20I. the profit to eight poor houfekeepers on the 2d of April for ever 20 o o i6go, Mr. Edward Tilly, merchant, gave 25I. the profit thereof to be given to the poor of this parifh in bread weekly for ever - - - - - 25 00 F I F T ir T A E L E. 1688, John Lawford, Efq; fome time mavor and alderman of this city, gave 50I. the profit thereof to be given to the poor of this parifh in bread weekly for ever - 50 o o 1690, Mr. John Sandfordjjunr. gave lol. the intcrcfl to be diflributed to the poor of this parifli the 14th of February for ever 1000 Mr. John England gave lol. the churchwardens and over- feers being intrufled to diflribute the profit thereof to fix poor widows, not receiving alms, on St. Thomas'- day for ever - - - - 1000 B B B 2 1690, C 396 ] 1690, Samuel Pofkins, of this parifii, mariner, left 5I. to be given /. 5, d. in bread to the poor, which was diftributed. 1703, Mrs. Mary Bickham, widow, gave lool. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifli in bread every Sundiy for ever 100 o o 1705, Ifaac Davis, £fq; fome time fheriff of this city, gave lOol. the profit thereof to be given to the poor of this parifli in bread weekly for ever - - - -100 00 1713, The gift of Mr. Stephen Chapman, fenr. 20s. per annum to the minifter of this parifh and his fucccffors for ever to preach a preparatory fermon to the facrament upon Good Friday, and another 20s. to be diftributed equally to eight poor houfekeepers not receiving alms, but fre- quenting public prayers and the facrament, at the will of the executor, on the 20th of December yearly for ever - - - - - - 40 00 1716, Mr. John Lord, junr. of this city, merchant, gave lol. the iiucrcft thereof to be diftributed in bread yearly to fuch poor inhabitants of this parifh as the church- wardens fliall think fit - - - - 1000 William M'hittington, late of Stapleton, in the county of Glocefler, Efq; deccafcd, gave to this parifli lool. to be laid out in purchafing of lands in fee, which he fo fettled as the yearly rents thereof may be by the minif- ter and churchwardens difpofed of according to their difcretion for the ufe of fuch decayed and poor inhabi- tants as fhall not receive other alms or afTiftance too o o 1718, Mrs. Eflher Paul gave to the poor of St. James in Briflol 5I. tlie profit thereof to be laid out in bread, and dif- tributed on St. Paul's-day yearly - - 500 1722, Thomas Winftone, Efq; gave lool. the intercfl thereof to be laid out in buying of fix coats for fix poor men not receiving alms, to be delivered to them on the Sunday next after the 2 2d day of November yearly for ever 100 o o Sixth Table. 17*5> The Rev. Mr. Stephen Chapman, deccafed, gave 40s. yearly to this parifli for ever, whereof 20s. to the minif- ter for a fermon on the 30th of January, and 20s. to fuch poor of the faid parifh who attend fuch fermon 4000 1718, [ 397 ] J718, Mr. Michael Pope, a difTciuiiig mini/ler of this parifii, /. s. 3. gave 50I. the intereft thereof, viz. 20s. for a fermon on the Sunday next after the feafl of St. Michael, and 30s. in bread to the poor the week following yearly for ever 5000 1724, Mr. John Brittain gave 20I. the intereft thereof to the poor in bread on Chrillmas-day yearly for ever 20 o o 1727, Mrs. Alice James, widow, gave 40I. the intereft thereof to the poor not receiving alms, whereof 20s. to two poor widows and 20s. in bread on Chriftmas-day yearly forever 40 o o 1730, Mr. John Haythorne gave 30I. the profit thereof, viz. 20s. to the minifter for a fermon on Chriftmas-day in the afternoon, 6s. in bread to the poor, and 4s. to the clerk, and fcxton yearly for ever - - - 30 o o 1731, Mr. Charles Weekes gave lool. the intereft thereof to be laid out in fix gowns to be given to fix poor women on the 1 ft of November yearly for ever - - 100 o o Mrs. Martha Stephens left by her will, dated 1726, two meffuages or tenements, the profit thereof (after the deceafe of her hufljand William Stephens) to be given to ten poor widows (not receiving alms) yearly for ever. 1720, George Packer, of this city, merchant, left by will 33s. 3d. per annum to this parifli for ever, whereof 21s. to the minifter for a fermon on the 28th of January, 5s. to the organift, 5s. to the clerk, and 2s. 6d. to the fexton 33 10 o 1723, Mrs. Ann Merrick gave 200I. the intereft thereof to be paid the minifter for reading prayers in the church once every day for ever - - - - 2 00 00 1729, Mr. Ifaac Hollicr, of Woolvcrhampton, left per will lol. the intereft thereof to the poor of this parifn in bread yearly for ever - - - - -looo 1734, Mrs. Jane Edwards gave 2il. the profit to augment the gift of her mother, Mrs. Mary Walter, viz. 10s. 6d. to the minifter, and los. 6d. to the poor in bread on the firft Sunday after the gth of November for ever - 2100 1741, Mr. James Jeancs, merchant, left by will 130I. the intereft thereof to be laid out in fix coats for fix poor men, and fix gowns for fix poor women, inhabitants of this parifh at Chriftmas yearly for ever - - - 130 o o In [ 398 J In the middle aile are two brafs branches. That before the pulpit has engraven on it thus : " The gift of Hugh Cornini, of this parifh, houfe-carpenter, the 21 ft of December, 1706." That near the organ-loft thus : " Jofeph Badger, churchwarden, Thomas Jones, William Barwick, Jofeph Hifcox, Jofeph Hook, fcnr. Jofeph Wood, and William Prior, gave this branch to St. James's church, September 14, 1697. \. B. The is. per week given to the poor of this parifh by Alderman Richard Vickris, and the fame fum per week to Redcliff and Temple, &c. in all lol. 8s. come out per annum of two tenements in High-flreet. It appears from the rent roll, that the annual rents paid for houfes in hand and lands on leafe for lives paying lord's rent belonging to this parifh church amounted in 1743 to 190I. 16s. 6d. per annum, and are probably fince by the good management of the veffry much increafed. There are alfo certain annui- ties or yearly gift money payable out of eflates fettled to the poor of this parifh, amounting to 84I. 18s. YEARLY GIFTS. The gift of Thomas Walter, woolien-drapcr, out of Hook's Mills /. eflate - _ . _ _ Of Mr. Packer, out of a houfc on the Quay, near the Fifli Market _ - - - - Of Mr. Cox, for coal, paid by the chamber of Briflol Of Mr. Francis Gleed, by Chrift Church veflry Of Mr. I~Icnry Dighton, in coats Of Mr. Charles Weeks, in gowns _ _ _ Of the Chamber of Briftol, fundry gifts Of Mr. Thomas Clements, by Mr. Simkin, 1630 Of Mrs. Boucher and Langton, by the Merchants'-hall, as feoffees, to poor widows, at 5s. each, about Sol. to all the pariflies, of which this has a part, perhaps about 500 Of jMr. Birkin, paid by the churchwarden of St. Maryport i2 o o Of Alderman Vickris - - - - 2120 Of St. Peter's Hofpital, for the poor-houfe in Barr's-lane 10 14 o Of the trcafurer of Queen Elizabeth's Hofpital 400 Of Mr. Stephen Chapman, fenr. by Job Gardener's executors _ _ _ _ _ Of Mr. Stephen Chapman, junr. by Mr. Okey's executors Of Mr. James Tucker, out of a houfc in the Pithay Of Mr. Winflone . _ - - /. 5. d. 10 8 3 1 2 5 5 10 4 1 1 1 10 5 The C 399 3 The gift of Mrs. Dighton, in fliifts _ _ - Of Mr. \\'hitiington, out of a houfe in the croft Of Michael Pope, for a fermon, &c. Of Mr. John Haythorn, in bread and a fermon 2 lo o 9 o o 2 lO o 1 lO o Z' 84 i8 o This parifli is of great extent, and has been every year increafing in build- ings and number of inhabitants, which has occafioned it to be divided, 1788, into tuo pariflies, and another church foon td be erefled here to be called St. Paul's : fee p. 85. A line drawn through Merchant-flrcct, Barr's-lane, Stoke's-croft, and up through Hillgrove-ftreet, marks the divifion of the two parifhes, all on the right being allotted to St. Paul's. In 1749 it appears the whole parifh confided of 1347 houfes rated to the poor at 733I. per annum, and there were that year 398 marriages, 400 chriftenings, 416 burials; but in 1559 there were only 8 marriage.^, 10 chriftenings, 7 burials. In 1709 the poor rate was 207I. 14s. 5d. King's tax 588I. 3s. 4d. burials 100, chriltenings 100, weddings 50. But now in the year 1788 each of thefe have been fo amazingly increafed by the new ftreets and numerous acceflion of inhabitants, as almoft to exceed belief, and the rates for the poor have rifen in proportion. From the 25th March, 1565, to the 13th February following, 188 perfons died of the plague in this parifli ; from the 3d July, 1575, to the 20th Jan. following, 137 ; from the 20th Auguft, 1603, to the 22d March, 1603-4, 390; from the nth April, 1645, to the 18th February, 1645-6, 340 perfons. There were in this parifh two frieries ; one houfe of Francifcan or grey friers, another of Dominican or black friers. Wbilft the order of grey friers (louriflied the cuftodv of Briftol had nine convents under it, and each fricry had a common feal ; this of Briftol had St. Anthony of Padua. It was the head convent of this cuftody. William of Worcefter, 1480, thus defcribes it: — " Chorus ecclefue," i. c. " The choir of the church contains in length 28 yards or 50 paces, the breadth of the choir 9 yards or 18 paces, the length of the nave of the faid church wiih the two great ailes contains 28 yards or 50 paces, the breadth of the nave with the two ailes contains 27 yards or 52 paces, the breadth of the belfry fquare tower contains 4 yards or 7 fpaces ; there are 4 arches in the north nave of the church, and as many in the fouth." Leland fays, " The grey friers houfe was on tlie right bank of the f>ome water, not far from Bartholomew's hofpital." And that rightly defcribes its fituation, as on the fame fide of Lewin's-mcad with it, and at no great diftancc from it ; the Prelbyterian mccting-houfc and the large fugar-houfe C 400 ] fiigar-hoiifc next it arc built upon its fitc, and not a trace of it now is to be fecii, tliough once a large grand and noble building, being one of the capital cunodics of Francifcans in the kingdom. Bifhop Tanner notes it, and refers to fonie old deeds concerning it. In an old deed penes me Spencer's almflioufe flill in being is defcribed as dIreQIy oppofite the houfe of the grey friers, which points out the fite of it as above given. In the year 1334 in the church of the friers minors, Briflol, were ordained by the Bifliop of Worcefler 171 accolites, 150 fub-deacons, 39 deacons, and 73 priefts. Before the diocefe of Glocefter and Brillol were taken out of Worcefler the Bifliop had very numerous ordinations. 1485, Brother John Whitfield was cuflos of the cuftody of grey friers, Briftol. This fricry was founded before the year 1234, and after its difTolution King Henry 8th. granted the fite of it to the mayor and citizens of Briftol for public ufes: fee p. 134. The black or Dominican friers, called alfo friers preachers from their office, was on the right hand of the Froom river, according to Leland, founded by Maurice de Gaunt, uncle to Robert dc Gourney, fo that this houfe mufl have been founded as early as 1228 or 1229. I refer to Tanner for the ancient deeds concerning it; though few of the houfes of the friers were ever endowed, yet many of them were large and (lately buildings and had noble churches, in which great men often chofe to be buried, which brought great honour and profit by legacies to them : a curious grave flone was dug up here with a very old date to it by the workmen in making foundations for building here in the year 1748 : fee the engraved print. This church bv the ruins of it appeared to be of large extent, and muR have been a magnificent pile of building. It extended from the Were on one fide towards Rofemary-lane on the other ; one part of the cloifter is turned into a hall for the fmiths company, and ano- part for that of the bakers ; and the Quakers meeting-houfe together with the burial ground and other buildings are upon the fite of this fricrv. The infcription on the engraved plate is as follows : X RENNALD Golde: GiQ : Ici Dev : [efiu] De Sa Alme. E G MCC J. In * 1321, Nicholas Saltford was prior of this friery. In * 14 Ritliard 2d. 1 6th June, the mayor, &c. made a compofuion with Nicholas Sahfuid prior of the friers preachers (near the Were), whereby he granted the prior a feather of water, out of the pipe and conveyance that runs by the Barrs, and had its liead near the chapel mill ; anH'y\wr>-^'\' b M a I / [ 101 ] In 153O' Jo'i" Hilfey, the black frier, of Briftol, was made Bifliop of Rochefter, and was the 66th bifliop : he enjoyed it but three years. Stow. William of Worceller fays, p. 233. *•" The length of the choir of the church of friers preachers contains 26 yards or 44 paces, the breadth of the choir 8 yards or 14 paces, the length of the nave of the church 31 yards or 58 paces, its breadth 21 yards or 34 paces, the cloiftcr 40 paces on all 4 fides. — Maurice de Berkeley, Lord of Beverflone caftlc, died 5ih May, 1466, and it appears was buried here, as were (by the martyrology calendar of thefe friers) John \"iel, Efq; firft flierifF of Briflol, who died gth March, Walter Frampton, who died 2d January, Richard Spicer, id June, Matthew dc Gur- nay, one of the founders of this houfe of friers, 28th Auguft, Lady Maud De]i)'s, Otlober, 1422, Sir William Daubeny, Knight, who lies in the choir: the heart of Robert de Gurnay is buried in this church, Anfelm de Gurney lies in the choir, who died 15th November." The fitc of this fpacious friery was granted, 31(1 Henry 8th. 1539, ^^ William Chefter, Efq; Within this parifli are feven almfhoufes and an Infirmary, which have fuc- ceeded the two fricries, the Francifcan and the Dominican here, to the much greater advantage of the public, and more elfential good of individuals. In Lewin's-mead an almflioufe was founded about the year 1493, (dedicated it is faid to the Holy Trinity) for thirteen perfons, by William Spencer, exe- cutor to the will of William Canynges, deceafed, out of the refiduary goods and eftatc of the faid Canynges, and by his direflion. He alfo appointed, 8th Henry 7th. 67I. 6s. 8d. to be lent to the bailiffs of the town for the time being, and 20I. to the mayor, they paving weekly 2s, to the priefl (or chap- lain) of St. George's chapel on every Saturday, who fhould immediately dif- tribute the fame to the poor of this almflioufe, which Mr. Spencer had built. (V^ide Great Red Book penes camerar. Briflol, f. 317. and Book of Wills.) At prefent this almfhoufe is much out of repair and negle6lcd. The rooms are upon the ground floor, low, and damp. Mr. Thomas Brookes, mayor, 1526, gave a tenement in Tucker-flrect (called the Salmon) of 61. per ann. for ever to this houfe : it is faid he charged all his lands in Briflol to pay C c c the and the water of the fountain near the faid current by the conduit of the town ufq; ad Ic Key pipe to be repaired by the mayor, and brought into a barrel covered with an arch for their ufc : and on that condition the prior granted to the mayor his fountain called Pennywell, and the conduit leading from it to the garden of the faid friers, paying yearly to the prior of St, James lad.— Page 178. Great Red Book. In the deeds referred to by Tanner are, pat. 51. Edward 3. m. 36. de fontc vocat. Pennywell, p. J5. Richard 2. m. 25. pro conduftu aqux facicndo a fonte vocat, Pennywell, 19 Richard 2. pro mcdictate prifarum pifcium rcgi. I [ 402 ] the annuity of 61. But their chief fubfiftence now is from weekly pay of the poor from St. Peter's Hofpital. Alice Cole, reliB of Alderman Richard Cole, by her will, dated 1604, gave to thefe poor people 6s. 8d. per month for ever; it is paid by the treafurer of Queen Elizabeth's hofpital. The churchwardens of All Saints parilh for the time being pay them 2s. 6d, per quarter, as the gift of Alderman Cole, (fee his will ) Thomas Silk gave them il. per annum. The fite of this almflioufe is defcribed in old deeds (penes me) to be oppofite the houfe of the grey friers, next Point-makers-hall, ex- tending from Lewin's-mead into the water of Froom backwards, and over againil the diflblved houfe of the grey friers. It was granted the i3ih of January, 18th Elizabeth, to the mayor and commonalty, at is. rent annually. Another almflioufe on St. }ames's-back is faid to be built by William Chefler, Efq; mayor, in his life time for fix perfons. By his will, dated 1558, he gave 6d. per week among them for ever, iffuing out of his lands called the Black Friers, within this parifii. Ann Colfton (1602) gave 4!. per annum to this almflioufe. In the year 1557 Mr. Philip Griffith gave to thefe poor alms perfons 20s. per annum, as did (in the year 1582) Thomas Chefler, fon of William Chefler, 4s. per annum. In 1599 Alderman Richard Cole by will gave them 4I. per annum, alfo Alice his relift in 1604 gave by will 6s. 8d. per month for ever. William Carr, 1547, gave il. is. 4d. yearly conditionally. In a lane called the Barr's is alfo another houfe for twelve poor perfons to inhabit, which was purchafed with the poor's money, in the year 1693, by the feoffees of the parifli, and rebuilt in 1752. On the wefl fide of Merchant-flreet is an almfhoufe, built A. D. 1701, by the Worfliipful Company of Merchant Taylors of this city, where are nine rooms for the reception of poor men, members of that company, their wives, and widows. Their weekly pay from the Company is 3s. each. On every faint's day, and on every Wednefday and Friday throughout the year, are to be read there the morning prayers of the Church of England. On the fouth fide of Stoke's-croft was built an almfhoufe in that memorable time of the South Sea bubbles, A. D. 1722, by Mr. Abraham Hook, mer- chant ; his intention was to have endowed it for poor Proteftant Diff'enters, but his defign never took place. At prefent there are twelve rooms for the reception of poor decayed women, who are placed in by the truflees of the Prefhyterian congregation in Lewin's-mead, who purchafed this houfe. — They live rent free, but have no weekly pay. Here is alfo an uncertain number of poor boys educated in reading and writing gratis, but their fupport is from their parents. At, [ 403 ] At the nortli-eaft end of Milk-ftrcct is a fniall tenement wlicrc five poor women, maidens or widows, being Eaplills, live rent free. Their weekly pay was is. 6d. each. This houfe was given and endowed by Mrs. Elizabeth Blanchard, who had never been married. She died about 1722. In the year 1740 a neat hofpital was built of freeftonc at the fouth-wefl cor- ner of Milk-ftreet, (having over the door thefe words : " In memory of Mr. Thomas Ridley and Sarah Ridley, being brother and fider never married, ercfled A. D. 1739.) In purfuance of Mrs. Ridley's will, dated 1716, her truftees with 150I. ariGng from the intcrefl of 2200I. which fhe had given, purchafed in the year 1735 a piece of ground in fee farm for this building. This hofpi- tal is for the fupport of five old batchelors, and the like number of old maids, being Proteflants, to inhabit there during life or till they fliall marry. In the year 1742, the men and women were admitted into pay at 3s. each per week. StandfaR Smith, apothecary, by will, gave thefe alms people all a fait of cloathes each at his death, and lol. per annum for their better fupport during the life of Hannah Powles, his fcrvant-maid. The Infirmary, the next charitable inftitution in this parifli, was firfl thought of in the year 1736, and in November that year a fubfcription was opened for erefting it ; and in December the firR general meeting of the fubfcribers was held, at which fome general rules were offered for the well governing fuch a fociety, which at feveral fucceflive meetings received alterations and addi- tions. Certain buildings and ground in lower Magdalen-lane in this parifli being judged a proper place for it were purchafed on a leafe of 999 years of Mr. A. Sharpe of Dublin, the ground rent being 2 il. per annum, and another ground rent of 2I. 16s. per annum. In 1737, 20th June, it was opened for the reception of out-patients, and the 15th December following for in- patients, Perfons of all parties and perfuafions joined in this public charity, defigned tobe, what the title over the entrance expreffes. Charity U.niversai, and calculated for the relief of the human fpecies without diftinttion. Though it was capable at firft of holding only 34 beds, yet as the fchemc by voluntary fubfcriptions had then never been tried out of London, there would have been great reafon of doubting its fuccefs, had not Mr. Elbridgc, comptroller of the cufloms here, undertaken it almofl under his fingle diretlion and at his own expence. He lived long enough to fee himfclf its great and general ufe, and having laid out in his life time in the building and furniture, &c. at leafl 1500I. he left at his death in 1738 the fum of 5000I. to it. From the year 1738 to the year 1756, 11532 in-patients were admitted and 22343 out- patients. How much it has fincc improved by additional benefadions, the C c c 2- annual [ 404 ] annual accounts publifhed by the fociety fufficiently ftiew, and the tabic of bcncfaftors, aniongd whom the following (hould be recorded: 1742, The Corporation of this city, during pleafure, per ann. The Society of Merchants, ditto _ _ _ 1745, The Right Hon. Thomas Earl of Thanet 1751, A friend of Paul Fiflier _ - - Richard Percival, Efq; _ _ _ 1757, Onef. Tyndall, Efq; - - - - 1761, Martha Payne - - - - 1767, John Heylin, Efq; . - - 1771, Mary Innys . _ . - 1772, Right Hon. Thomas Earl of Thanet 1774, Right Hon. Lord Berkeley of Stratton, in the 3 per cent. confols. annuities . _ . _ Peter Wilder _ - - - John Scandrett . _ _ - 1777, Mary Ann Peloquin _ _ _ 1781, William Miller, Efq; by his executors 1782, Ann Hort _ _ - - 1786, Elizabeth Bridgeman, New South Sea annuities 1788, William Turner, of Wraxal, Efq; _ _ _ From the year 1738 to 1788 (fifty years) the money given to this charity in particular funis at different times (by benefaftors living or at their death by will, and coUeQcd at places of public worfliip occafionally) amounts to the fum of 45550I. and upwards, befides the yearly contributions and the fup- port it receives from the annual fubfcribers, citizens and neighbouring gentlemen. In the year 1787 it was rcfolved to rebuild this Infirmary upon a larger fcale upon the fame fpot. In 1788 one wing was compleated, the apartments are more fpacious and lofty for free air, fo necelfary to prevent infeftion and diffipate the noxious effluvia from the difcafcd crouded together. It will be a noble well-contrived building when finifhed, though it will be very expcnfivc and break in upon the capital fund of fupport. There are alfo in this parifli at prefent one Roman Catholic chapel on St. Jamcs's-back, feven meeting-houfes of Proteflant Diffenters, one of Ana- baptifts in Broadmcad, one of Independents in Callowhill-dreet, one Taber- nacle of Methodifts under the rule of the late Mr. Whitcfield's preachers, one of McthodiUs in the Horfe-fair under the rule of Mr. Wcdey, one of Moravians /. s. d. 30 20 500 1000 3000 500 500 500 1000 500 1000 500 500 5000 500 500 1000 1000 [ 405 ] Moravians in Magdalen-lane, one of Quakers in Rofemary-lanc, and one of Prefbyterians in Lewin's-mead. The two left occupy the very fpot and fite of the two frierics, the Dominican and Francifcan of old. The Quakers meeting-houfe is a neat, fpacious building, in a quiet, retired (ituation ; and the meeting-houfe in Lewin's-mcad is now rebuilding. CHAP. xir. Of the CHURCH and PARISH of St. AUGUSTINE the LESS, and the CARMELITE FRIERY, its Site, &c. *" I ^HIS Church was firft founded by the abbots of St. Auguftin's monaftery -*- near it, as a chapel for the accommodation of the inhabitants, who had eretled houfes and lived without the claufum or precin6ls of the convent. It had therefore a very early origin, probably foon after the ere£lion of the monaftery. It is mentioned in Gaunt's deeds in the year 1240. But in the year 1480 it was fo far decayed as to require to be rebuilt and much enlarged. Under that year William of Worcefter, p. 229, thus defcribes it, EccleQa Parochialis, &c. 2. e. "The parifh church of St. Auguftin newly built and ere61ed this year 1480, contains in length with the two ailes excepting the choir 24 yards. The breadtii of the faid church contains 6 yards or 18 feet, and each aile contains in breadth 4 yards or 12 feet ; in the whole the breadth is 42 feet, as told me by a parifhioner. The length of the chancel when built will contain 10 yards." To enlarge the church the ailes have been lengthened very confidcrably at their Eaft end not many years ago, but after all it was found very infulficient for the parifliioners, many new ftreets being built in this healthy and pleafant part of the city. Two large fide galleries were therefore creeled of late, and an organ placed in front at the well end, the gift of Henry Crugcr Efq; of this parifh, member for the city. Over the chancel on the knots of the fret are thefe two coats — a heart pierced with 3 nails, with J N — • for John Newland, alias Nailhcart — the other, in chief two mullets pierced, for the abbot Elliot, — both were great builders and have placed their arms in the glafs [ 4o5 ] glafs windows of this chancel, and the prebendal houfes as well as in the cathedral — they probably contributed towards the building or repairing of this church. It is a plain fabric, has three long ailes M'ith a chancel, and is neatly pewed; has a tower built by contributions of the parifliioners with four pinnacles at the weft end with two bells : it is large enough now conveniently to hold the numerous congregation of this well-inhabited parifh : the church is well fituated on the fide of the College-Green in the middle of a fpacious church- yard walled in. The following have been VICARS of this church of St. Auguftin the Lefs. Patrons. Abbot and convent 1249 William , vicar. of St. Auguflin's. 1291 18 Jan. Serlo de Steynenton. 1302 Walter Battayle. 1311 6 July Peter Tredington. 1348 7 Nov. John Besford. 1361 29 April Thomas Janekin or Jackfon. 1365 8 Feb. Richard Cobyngton — Rich. Barnen)v 1369 18 Oft. John Rovyare. John Cook. 1372 25 Dec. William Cote. 1373 John Rovyare. 1391 John Balle. 1416 8 March William Chew — by death of Ballc. 1464 26 Nov. John Frewen — by death of Chew. 1469 3 March Richard Faunt— by death of Frewen. 1471 22 June Hugh Lewys, alias Martyn — by death of Faunt. 1472 31 July Philip King — by refignation of Lewis. Walter Morrys. John GrylFyth. Edm. Smallwood — by death of Gryffyth. William Wyett — by death of Smallwood. Henry Collins. Walter Ivye, vie. William Robinfon. Clement Lewis. Robert Watfon, miniller. Patrons 1488 5 0cl. 1506 4 Dec. 1514 29 Nov Dean and Chapter 1541 of Bri ftol. 1546 1594 1604 161a Patrons. Dean and Chapter 1632 ofBriilol. 1660 [ 407 ] Jacob Read — died Sept. 10. James Read. Mr, Wootton, vicar and mafler of the grammar-fchool. 1728 James Taylor M. A. — died 14 Aug. 1734. 1734 Jo'i" Sutton. 1745 J. Cafberd, D. D. It is remarkable that this church of St. Auguftin the Lefs is not valued in the Lincoln manufcript 1291, but is wholly omitted, perhaps it was included under the cathedral. It was fcqucRered 1 Edw. 6. fee p. 63. In 1394 Joan Seys gave to the proftor of this parifh an eOatc to have a chaplain to celebrate divine offices for the foul of herfelf and mother. — In 1405 William Folkynham gave lol. to the fabric and feveral tenements to the mayor &c, to have his obiit celebrated here yearly by two chaplains. The monuments in this church are few.— On the fouth wall a monument with this: M. S. Elizabethae (fub marmoriolo juxta pofita?J Johan. Goddard arm. dileftiffimae uxoris quae obiit 29 Oft. 1705. At the entrance of the chancel on a white marble ftone : H. S. E. Maria conjux — Prichard Gen. Chariffima cum 6 natis, quibus hoc pofuit maerens pater — Maritus obiit 8. mater 4 Maii (92). On the north wall of the chancel is a monument and infcription to Robert Cecil fon of the Hon. Robert Cecil, brother to the late James Earl of Salifbury $ he died 30 Jan. 1707, aged 17. Arms, Barry of ten arg. and azure on 6 fhields fable, a lion of the firft on each. Near the veflry door : H. S. E. Robertus Bafkcrville M. D. natus 33 annos. — Obiit 6 Julii A. D. 1700. Round a (lone thus : " Nathaniel Pownel Regiftrar of the Diocefeof Bridol and Dorfet, deceafed 28 March 1611." — He was alfo reftor of Wraxal in the county of Somerfet, and built the parfonage houfe there — the following is the infcription : In memoriam viri optimi prudcntiffimi Mariti fui dilcflifTimi Nathaiiiclis Powncil Diocef: Briftol &: Dorfet. Regiftrarii — Vix natos luxi, cum mors ingrata mariti Me jubet in Lachrymas protinus ire novas. Oh ! bis bina mihi fcrvet tua pignora Chriflus, Parte aliqua fine te fic fruar ipfe tui. Prifcilla Powncil uxor lugcns pofuit. On [ 4o8 ] Arms, a chevron between 3 lions g. quartered, with a crofs fleury between 4 cfcalops. Near this is, " Robert Watfon niinifler, deceafed 10 Sept. 1612." — Alfo a handfome monuinent to Sir William Daines, with a long epitaph, who died 5 Sept. 1724, aged 68; and to Sir Hugh Owen, who died 13 Jan. 1698, aged 53- BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor ot" St. Auguftin's Parifli. 1594, Mr. Robert Kitchen, fome time mayor and alderman of /. 5. d. this city, gave to poor houfe-holders of this parifli for three quarters of a year 10s. per quarter forever 30 o o 1639, Mr. George Harrington, fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave the like gift as above - - 30 o o 1661, Mr. Francis Gleed, fome time flierifF, gave 10s. a quarter to a poor houfe-holder for ever - - 40 o o 1659, Mr. Daniel \''ivers gave lol. the profit yearly thereof to two poor houfekeepers not receiving alms for ever 1000 1665, Mr. James Read, vicar of this parifli, gave lol. to remain to raife 10s. per annum, to be given to ten poor people for ever - - - - 1000 1668, Thomas Farmer, gentlemen, gave 50I. the profit thereof to be given unto poor houfekeepers of this parifli at St. Thomas-day yearly for ever in coal or bread - 50 o o 1672, Henry Price, gentleman, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be given unto poor houfekeepers of this parifli at St. Tho- mas-day yearly for ever - - - 20 o o Mr. John Haynian, of this parifli, merchant, gave 22I. the profit thereof to be diflributed in bread to the poor weekly for ever - - - - 2200 1676, Captain John Martin, of London, born in this parifh, gave 50I. the profit thereof to be diflributed weekly to the poor in bread for ever - - - 50 o o Mrs. Mary Boucher, and her dauglner, Mrs. Joan Lang- ton, widow, gave lands for the payment of los. apiece to fifty-two poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifli hath a proportion. 1684, Mr. John Read, linen-draper, of St. Nicholas parifli, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be diflributed to the poor of this parifli weekly for ever - - - 20 o o 1685, C 409 ] 1685, Mr. Jeremiah Hollway, of this city, merchant, gave 15I. /, s. d. the profit thereof weekly in bread to the poor of this parifh for ever - - _ _ -1500 1689, Sarah the wife of Thomas Langton, Efq; and daughter of Sir William Hayman, Knight, gave looi. the profit to be diftribiited upon Chridmas-day to ten poor widows of this parifli, not receiving alms, forever - 100 o o 1701, Mary Bickham, widow, gave lool. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifli in^ bread every Sunday for ever 100 o o 1702, Sir William Hayman, Knight, gave 4]. yearly for ever, to be diflributcd equally between eight poor widows of this parifli, not receiving weekly alms, on Chriftmas-day yearly ; alfo 20s. for preaching a fermon yearly for ever on Chriftmas-dav in the morning: thefe monies together with Mrs. Sarah Langton's gift arc payable out of a houfe in Horfe-flreet - - - 100 o o 1706, Mr. Thomas Beames, of London, gave the inheritance of lands, in the parifli of Shepton, in Somerfetfliire, which now yield 3I. yearly rent clear of taxes, the profit to be diflributed in this church to the poor of this parifh in good bread and cheefc on the firfl Sunday in every month for ever - - - 60 o o 170S, Sir William Clutterbuck, fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave to this church a gilt plate, weighing 28 ounces, to be ufed at adminiflration of the facrament of the bread, and alfo 40I. in money, the profit thereof to be given in the church to the poor of this parifli in bread upon every Lord's-day for ever - - - 5000 1710, Mr. George Rogers, of Cork, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifli for ever - - 1000 1714, AVilliam Swymmer, Efq; alderman, gave lool. the profit thereof to be diflributed yearly to the poor of this parifh in cloathing on All Saints-day for ever - 100 o o 1715, Thomas Cole, Efq; born in this parifli, gave 30I. the pro- fit thereof to the poor in bread for ever - 30 o o 1716, Mrs. Sarah Colwell, of this parifli, gave to the church- wardens 20I. the interefl thereof to be paid to the fup- port of the charity-fchool yearly, and in failure of fuch fchool, to fuch poor widows as they or their fucceffors fhall think fit - - - _ 20 o o Dun 1718, [ 410 ] 1718, Mr. Samuel Hartnell, of this parifli, gave the inheritance /. s. d. of lands in the parifli of Henbury, in Gloceftcrlhire, now lettat 33I. per annum, to put three poor boys in Queen Elizabeth's Hofpital for ever, two of which are to be out of this parifli _ _ _ _ - 660 o o Mrs. Ann Hartnell, his widow, gave 50I. the profit to five poor widows, not receiving alms, of this parifli, on Michaelmas-day for ever - - - - 50 o o 1722, July 30, John Romfey, Efq; late town clerk of this city, gave 20I. the yearly profit of which is to be diflributed to the poor of this parifh - - - 20 o o Captain John Williams, of Caldy ifland, in the county of Pembroke, gave lol. the profit in bread to the poor on the 25th of Augufl forever - - - lo o o 1723, Mr. Robert Naylor, of this parifli, gave the fum of 40s. per annum to be paid unto four poor houfe-holders of this parifh, not receiving alms, on Chrillmas-day for ever, as the miniflcr and churchwardens fhall think fit: 40 o o Mr. Charles Ansforde, of St. Stephen's parifh, gave 25I. the profit thereof to five poor houfekeepers of this parifh, not receiving alms, on the loth of June for ever 25 o o 1722, Anthony Swymmer, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, received from the churchwardens and veflry of this parifh 290I. * (as will appear by the veflry-book) with an intent to put more to it and build a houfe. He dying foon after, his brother Mr. William Swymmer and executor, knowing his promile, gave the fouth corner houfe in Orchard-ftreet, nearefl to the city hofpital and joining to Alderman Beecher's, to the poor of this parifh for ever, and the rents thereof to be diflributed as the minifler and churchwardens for the time being fhall think fit ; it is let now for 32). a year on a Icafe for feven years - - - - -31000 1726 * Viz. Sir William Clutterbuck's gift for - - . 40 1. Mrs. Mary Bickham's gift for ... ,00 William Swymmer, Efq; his gift for ... loo And Mrs. Ann Hartnell's gift for - - - 50 ego [ 411 ] 1726, April 18, Mr. John Mafkall, of the parifli of Lye, gave /. 5, d. lol. the profit thereof to be yearly diftributed to the poor of St. Augudinc's parifh, as the minifter and churchwar- dens of the faid parifli for the time being fliall think fit 10 o o Mr. William Raymond, fomc time of this parifli, gave lool. for the life of the poor, the intereft thereof to be dif- tributed as the minifter and churchwardens for the time being fhall think, fit - - - _ jqo o o 1739, John Price, Efq; alderman of this city, in his life time gave the fum of lool. the intereft thereof to be dif- tributed yearly on the 15th of June for ever equally be- tween ten poor houfekeepers of this parifh, not receiv- ing alms, by the vicar and churchwardens for the time being, the firft payment to be made June 15, 1739 'oo o o 1740, Mr. Peter Wilkins, late of this parifti, left by his will 30I, the intereft thereof to be diftributed to four poor houfe- keepers of the faid parifli, not receiving alms, on Good Friday yearly for ever - _ _ 30 o o And alfo 20I. to the charity-fchool in the faid parifh as long as the faid fchool continues, and on failure thereof to be applied as above - - _ 20 o o 1733, Mrs. Ann Winter gave 50I. to the poor of this parifli, the intereft thereof to be difpofed of at the difcretion of the churchwardens for the time being _ 50 o o 1777, Captain Prankard gave lOol. to the poor, feamen's widows to be preferred. lOo o o 1735, William Hilliard, Efq; gave lool. to the poor of this parifh, the intereft thereof to be difpofed of as theveftry fhall direct. 100 o o 1745, George Packer gave 50I. to the poor of this parifli, the intereft thereof to be difpofed of as the minifter and churchwardens fliall direfl ; alfo 50I. the intereft thereof to the charity-fchool in this parifh. 100 o o 1748, Captain William Chaloner, of this parifh, gave 50I. the intereft thereof to be difpofed of by the churchwardens to eight poor houfekeepers, not receiving alms, on the 26th day of January for ever. 5000 1757, Mrs. Elizabeth Whitehead gave lOol. the intereft thereof to the poor as the vcftry fliall dirc£l - - 100 o o D D D 2 1762, C 412 ] J762, Mr. Waiter Laugher, merchant, of this city, gave lool. to /. 5. J. the minifter and churchwardens, the intereft thereof to eight poor widows of this parifli, not receiving alms, on the 7th of December yearly for ever - - 100 o o 1736, Mrs. Ann Aldworth, of this parifh, gave three tenements in Frog-lane, the houfe called the Boar's Head and Sal- mon being the corner houfe is one, with two others adjoining, to the poor of All Saints and this parifii, the 25th of December for ever. Robert Sandford, ofBriftol, Efq; gave lOol. to be placed out at intereft, which was to be paid to four poor houfe- keepers, not receiving alms, on St. Thomas-day for ever - - - - - -100 00 1758, Mrs. Ann Thurfton gave by will 300I. to be placed at intereft, the produce thereof to be given to fuch poor fick perfons as the churchwardens fhall think proper ob- jcfts at 3s. 6d. per week to each during their illnefs 300 o o 1764, Mr. Edward Gwatkin gave 50I. the intereft to ten poor houfekccpcrs, not receiving alms, on the 20th of Fe- bruary for ever - - - - 50 o o 1765, Mrs. Mary Griffith gave lool. the intereft thereof to eight poor houfekeepers on Good Friday for ever - 100 o o In this parifh was the houfe of the Carmelite friers. Leland, vol. v. p. 53, fays, " The priory of the Carmelites was the faireft of all the houfes of the frieries in Briftol, and ftood on the right ripe of Frome over againft the Key." According to Speed it was founded in the year 1267 by King Edward i ft. perhaps when Prince of Wales. It was granted after the diftblution by King Henry the 8th. for the ufe of the city. According to William of Worcefter in 1480 the church of the priory was of the following dimenfions: " The nave or body contains 45 paces, the breadth thereof 25 paces, the tower and fpire or broche is 200 feet, the breadth of the tower is 9 feet each way." In the 12th of Henrv 4th. 1411, Peter Thomas was prior of the frier Carmelites of Briftol ; and in the year 1466 John Milverton, who for oppofing the biftiops was committed prifoner to the caftle of St. Angelo, Rome, for three years, wrote many excellent things, at length loaded with grief and age he died at London, 30th of January, 1496. John Stow, a Briftol Car- melite, was an ingenious poet foon after the time of Chaucer. John Spine, a native [ 413 ] native of Briflol, and a Carmelite frier there, became Doflor and ProfefTor of of Divinity in Oxford, and a noted preacher, writ fermons for the clergy and folemn difputations, and died in 1454. Frier John \\alton, D. D. and prior here the 26th of December, the 13th of King Henry 6th, 1434. Nicholas Cantilupe was a Carmelite frier here, and D. D. of Cambridge, and died at Northampton, 1441, leaving many monuments of his literature: thefe were in the catalogue of the moft celebrated learned men of Englifh birth that were w-riters of the order of the Carmelites. John Hooper, S. T. P. was a man of great learning, took upon him the habit of the white friers, Bridol, went abroad after the difFolution of monafteries, and getting acquainted with fome of the refomers, on his return. May 15, 1550, was made Bifhop of Glocefter, and was burnt the 9th of February, 1559, before the wcR end gate of his cathedral, in the time of Queen Mary. The fite of the Carmelite priory was moft certainly where Mr. Colfton's fchool now ftands : feveral verv ancient arches are now extant, and its being oppofite the Key fhews it to be fo ; and though there is a place called White Friers in Lewin's-mead, yet I rather think it to be an error bv con- founding it with the Grey Friery acknowledged to be there (ituated. In old deeds of RedcUfF'parifii I find the hill near Colfton's fchool called Frier's- hill, and a garden there defcribed as on one fide the friery. The old deeds in the cuftody of the Merchants-hall indeed prove this to be the fite of the Carmelite friery. The area and extent of their friery and church on the fouth-weft fide thereto belonging was very fpacious, and in a deed, Otlobcr 1, 5th Edward 3d. 1376, mention is made of a eiftern near the Carmelites, called the eiftern of the pipe of St. John in Broad-ftreet, which goes through Pipe-lane next the fite of this friery, which had a feather from the faid pipe allotted for its ufe, which is ftill continued to Mr. Colfton's fchool. This Carmelite friery was of large extent occupying all the ground from the Red Lodge and garden down the hill to St. Auguftin's-Back, now Mr. Colfton's School, and was bounded by Pipe-lane on the weft and Steep-ftreet on the eaft: and befides the houfe and lodgings for the friers, which Leland celebrates as the " faireft of all the houfes of friers ;" their church was moft elegant and fpacious with many chapels in it, and I find in manufcripts many very good families lie buried therein. Upon a view of frank pledge made the 12th of Hen. 4th. by John Fyftier mayor, and John OlyfFftieriff &c. for the town, Peter I'homas prior of the Carmelites renounced to the faid town 12^ feet and n inches of land near the [ 4H ] the cluirch ofilic convent of the Carmelites in the fouth part, which had been orantcd bv Robert Dudbroke late mayor to the prior and his brethren. The fite of tliis hoiiTe was j^ranted the 6th of May the 33d of Hen. 8th. by the name and title of " all that hoiifc or fite of the late difTolvcd houfe of Friers Carmelite commonly called the White Friers within the faid town of Briflol, and the niefTuage and houfe called the Hoopers' Hall with tlic appur- tenances, within the (iic of the faid late houfe of Friers Carmelites, and for all yards, orchards &c. as well within as near adjoining to the faid fite, fept, walk, circuit and precinft of the faid houfe of Friers Carmelites here- tofore in occupation of David Hobbes Sec." It was purchafed at the dilTolution together with the Gaunts (vid. p. 134.) by the corporation of the city, who afterwards loth Eliz. fold the fite of the friery to Thomas ChefterEfq; but the lodge, the gardens, orchards on Stoney- hill &c. belonging to it Mere fold to Thomas Rowland merchant, who for the fum of 26I. 13s. 4d. conveyed it in fee the 7th of April the 20th of Eliz. to Sir John Young, whofe fon and heir Robert Young of Hafclborough in the county of Wilts, the 28th of March the 41ft of Eliz. fold the Red Lodge and the houfe on St. Auftin's-Back then new-built and called Sir John Young's lower houfe, in occupation of dame Joan Young his widow, to Nicholas Strangewavs of Bradly in the county of Glocefter Efq Queen Elizabeth on comin'T to Briftol kept her court and held a council at this houfe of Sir John Young ; and it was the ufual refidence of the nobility vifiting Briftol. — In 1642 it was inhabited by Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and was offered by him for entertaining the Marquis of Hertford here at that time. It was afterwards purchafed by Mr. Lane and converted into a fugar-houfe, till the pious and charitable Mr. Colfton in the year 1708 bought it to ere6l a fchool for a mafter, two ufliers, and 100 boys to be cloathed, maintained and inftruQed in reading, writing and arithmetic, and in the church catechifm from feven years old till they are fourteen, when they are to be placed out apprentices, he allowing lol. to each at their going out: the expcnce of erefting and endowing this fchool compleatly finiflied by him in his life time was 40,0001. the eftates in lands and ground rents he gave for endowing it produced then 1318I. 15s. 6d.perann. and the charge of fitting up the fchool and dwelling-houfe &c. amounted to about ii,oool. Out of the eftate a clergyman is to be paid lol. per ann. for inftrutting the boys in the church catechifm. -^ He alfo gave at his death to continue twelve years after it lool. per ann. either to thofe who had been apprenticed from the hofpital of St. Auguflin's-Back, or for the apprenticing of boys from Teinplc School by lol. each, the charge about i2ool. John [ 415 ] John Piirrier Efq; merchant of London, out of a jiift fcnfe and grateful acknowledgment of the advantage he received in early life from being educated at this fchool, did in his life time about the year 1782 fettle fo much money in the funds as would make an addition of 5I. to the lol. each boy's apprentice fee given by Mr. Colfton, making it 15I. and alfo prefented 100 new filver badges worn bv the boys, and 100 brafs ones Befides this fchool or hofpital of Mr. Colfton, and alfo the hofpiial of Queen Elizabeth, (of which fee page 376,) this pari fh can alfo boaft of a very noble charity by Alderman Whitfon called the Redmaids Hofpital, who by his will dated the 27th of March 1627 left many and great benefaftions to the city, (vid. his will hereafter) among the reft an endowment out of his manor of Burnet (formerly belonging to Tewkefbury abby) for the educating and maintaining of 40 maidens, who were fome to learn reading and needle-work, fome houfehold bufinefs and other employment to fit them the better for fervice ; and the firft 12 maids chofen out of 12 parifhes were by order of common council placed in a houfe the 4th of Oftobcr 1634, fituate near the College- Green, on the fite of the Gaunts Hofpital or houfe of St. Mark's. — In the year 1655 the 3d of April it was referred to the city furveyorsto confider about erefting an hofpital for maids adjoining to the houfe hitherto ufed for that purpofe according to Alderman's Whitfon's gift, and how the work fliould be fully carried into execution according to the intent of the founder and for the honor of the citv : by which order it appears the endowment had hitherto but partially taken place, or had been difcontinued during the rebellion and ufurpation of Cromwel, and was now rcftored, the houfe or hofpital being new-built and enlarged, which is now a very commodious houfe for the defign, in a quiet retired fituation, and is managed with great prudence and CEConomy to the relief of families, lafting advantage to the poor girls and general good of the community. The fettlcment of this charity was long in agitation betwixt the feoffees of Alderman Whitfon and the corporation; atlaftthe city agreed to add 30I, per ann. to Mr. Whitfon's endowment of the manor of Burnet near Cainfham then let at 90I. per ann. and in lieu of monies theperfonal eftateof Mr. ^^'hitfon left to the chamber for good ufes within the city and paid into the city ftock, 40I. per ann. more was agreed to be advanced towards the new building and addi- tional endowment of the Red-maids Hofpital. On the 2dof September 1659 ^^^^- Mayorefs and Joan Hobfon widow were appointed vifitors of the maids hofpital, with thefe inftruflions, 1. To vifit two days in each month in pcrfon the fald children, 2. To make due enquiry into C 416 ] into tlieir bodily health. 3. To obferve their cleanlinefs and convenient change, fo that they be kept neat and free from vermin, 4. To enquire into the wholcfomencfs and proportion of their diet. 5. To take due notice whether they are tauglit to read Englifli and employed in work that may be for their future preferment. 6. To fee that two of them be every week employed about houfehold affairs. 7. To take care that the vacant places be fupplied by dire6lion and approbation of the mayor and aldermen. 8. On all occafions to reprefent to the mayor and aldermen what is amifs that remedy may be applied. G. Hcllier mayor, Tolfcybook II. CHAP. XIII. OJ the C H U R C II and PARISH 0/ St. iM I C H A E L. 'nr^H I S church is a reftory dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, fituated -■■ on a hill of great height, on the north fide of Briftol. The founder of it was probably Robert Fitzhaymon, who endowed his abby of Tewkfbury with this church. Two large figures in painted glafs in the eaft window over the communion table were fome years paft taken down and deftroyed, with the following infcription without date : " Orate pro animabus Johis Burlington et Johanna; Uxoris ejus qui Johannes et Johanna iftam feneftram fecerunt et fpcciales erant benefaflores hujus ecclcfize." In the year 1193 it was in the prefentation of the monks of the abby church of Tewklbury, as appears by the confirmation of Henry Bifliop of Worcefter of all the benefaftions which Simon, bifhop of the fame diocefe, had granted to the church of Tewkfbury, the monks thereof having then lately prefented Richard Cumblan to it. In the the year 1291 this benefice was in the archdeaconry of Glocefter and dcanry of Briftol, and its yearly value then taken was fix marks and a half, and it was fubje£l to an annual payment of four fliillings for the prior of St. James's part or ftiare. At the diffolution of religious houfes the prefentation of this church (whh many others in Briftol, appendages and parcel of the abby of Tewkftjury) were for 667I. 7s. 6d. fold oft" by letters patent tlie 35th of the ftiid King to Henry Braync, [ 417 ] Bravnc, Efq; who became patron and proprietor of this and the other churches in Briftol. And as this was then fubjetl to a yearly rent orpenfion of four (hil- lings, the fame became payable to the faid Brayne and his heirs for ever, and now to the corporation. The reftor of St. Michael for the time being now pays an yearly ftipendof 2s. to the dean and chapter of Hriftol, which was formerly paid to the monaftery of St. Augufliii. The church confifled of two ailcs and is but fmall, fcarcely fufBcient to ac- commodate the parifliioners. The tower is at the weft end, from which it extends in length to the then altar 73 feet, the aile on the fouth fide including the old vcftrv room at the call end was about 73 feet. The height of the roofs (which were of timber plaftered) was about 26 feet, fupported with 4 freeftone arches and 3 pillars, and was covered with (lone tiles. The breadth of the two ailcs 37 feet. Before the north and fouth doors were porches, over the fouth door the veftry room. William of Worceller fays, " In length it contains 46 paces or 26 yards, in breadth 10 yards or 20 paces, the fquare tower of the new belfry contains a fquare of four fides each 5 yards without the wall, the fouth porch of the church is 1 1 feet long and 10 broad." The tower is ftrong, and at top has freeftone battlements with four pinnacles of a moderate height, and is fur- niflied with a peal of fix bells, which were cad and put up by a fubfcription and pound rate in the year 1739. On the eaft fide of the tower over the roof is a niche wherein is fixed a figure of an abbot, or as fome imagine that of St. Michael the patron faint. Some years paft the worthy benefaftor Edward Colfton, Efq; gave 50I. for the repair of this church. It was fequeftered on the ift of April in the ill year of Edward 6th. 1547. (See page 63.) The clear yearly value in the King's Books was 5I. 18s. nd. Yearly tenths were 12s. In the year 1749 this parifh confifted of 380 houfes which were rated to the fupport of the poor that year 227I. at about iid. in the poond : but the poor rate is fince greatly incrcafed, as well as the number of inhabitants. In the year 1774 a furvey was made of the fabrick, and it was found fo decayed in the walls and roof that it would require 985I. 19s. at a moderate computation to put it in good repair. It was therefore judged better to build a new church entirely for the better accommodation of the increafed pa- rifhioners, which was done by fubfcription of the inabitants and others, being 77 feet long and 62 broad, with a vault or croud under it for a place of burial : this was 20 feet broader on the north and 5 on the fouth fide than the E E K former [ 4i8 ] former church : the Corporation gave 300I. and the Merchant's-Hall 150I. vhich with the funis collcflcd amounted to upwards of 2200I. the foundation was laid with great formality the 4lh of July 1775, and the church was opened the 22d of June 1777. The old tower is preferved. Theredor chiefly depends on the voluntary benevolence of theparifliioners. The annual rent of his parfonage houfe at the fouth gate of the /. s. d. church-yard - - - - - -1500 For monthly prayers &c. at Forflcr's chapel, paid by the corpora- tion of Briftol per ann. - - - - - 10 o o For a fmall houfcat the north gate of the church-yard per ann. 500 For Queen Ann's bounty, it being fettled in two chief rents iffuing out of two houfes in St. James's church-yard, Briflol - 700 For tythe of the two parks - -- - - 1180 For a paddock - - - - - -040 For two fermons - - - - - -220 Ditto Mr. Peter Davis on the 1 ft of March in the evening - 1 10 o Which with voluntary contributions &c. amount in all to about 200I. per annum. The prefent patrons arc the corporation of Briflol, who purchafed the fame in the year 1627 of Sir Charles Gerrard Knight, who married Elizabeth daughter of Sir Charles Somerfet Knight, and grand daughter of the aforcfaid Henry Brayne Efq. The prefent incumbent is the Rev. George Wilkins A. M. A LIST of the RECTORS from old deeds and the regiflers of Worceftcr. Patrons. The abbot and 1193 Richard Cumblain was reftor. convent of 1282 Robert de la More prieft. Tewkefbury. 1286 13 kalend. June, Wm. de Bleyngel. 1308 8 kalend. Nov. Wm. de Bath, accolit. 1309 7 id. May, Ralph de Baketon. Helia was chaplain there. 1313 4 kalend June Johannes de Wygornia pricfl. 1334 1 1 non. Oft. John Wycheforde. 1360 11 Dec. Peter de Dodmancote clerk by refignation of Thomas Southwel. 1361 15 Feb. Symon de Collewell prieft. Patrons. C 419 ] Patrons. 1369 4 Dec. Richard de Marchvnton priefl by refignationof William Allen. 1376 5 July John Pitwcll. 1402 12 Oct. J(>lin Hogkerc by change with John Chamber- lain rector of this church. 1405 9 May, John Hoy. 1411 31 Aug. John Bourc. 1420 9 Nov. Philip Briftow by change with Thomas Faucon- bcrg the lafl; ir.cumbcnt. 1460 17 May, Mailer David Cokland by refignation of John Harptree. 1464 12 July, John Free by the death of Cokland. 1465 24 Sept. John Berfey by refignation of John Free. 1470 6 Oct. Thomas Howell reftor of St. Maryport, by change with John Berfey. 1483 1 Aug. Thomas Galcon by refignation of Leonard Davy the laft reftor. 1512 6 April, Thomas Hall by refignation of Alexander Overton the laft reSlor, referving a penfion of 10 marks. 1523 3 April, John Morys by refignation of Thomas Hall, referving 40s. 1524 4 Feb. Thomas Nichols. 1526 4 Sept. John Fyflie A. M. 1648 Philip Perry reStor, died 17 Feb. 1649 and was buried here. Mayor and 1665 Mathias Bradie reftor, buried here 22 Dec. 1676. Corporation of 1677 John Rainftorp reftor, died 1 May 1693. Briftol. 1693 Samuel Paine re£tor, buried here 20 April 1721. 1721 James Taylor reftor, buried at St. John's March 1722. 1722 Samuel Jocham re£tor, buried here May 30, 1743. 1743 Rumney Penrofe retlor, died 19 July 1749, buried at Bedminfter. 1749 John Culliford reftor. 1766 Samuel Seyer M. A. rector. 1776 George Wilkins M. A. rcclor. E E F. 2 MONU- [ 420 ] MONUMENTS. On the north wall was formerly a brafs plate, fince ftolen away, with the following infcription : Mors fpcrnitatra gloriam B . . . . " Pray for the dead, for thou muft dye Jehu mercy." At one end of this monument this coat' — parted perpale arg. and G. a bend counterchanged — for Chaucer of Woodftock t. Ric. 2. A monument by the church door with a Latin infcription : — " To Nicolas Hill a lawyer, who died Nov. 1597, and to his wife Dorothy who died Nov. In the further north window of the chancel, a table thus infcribed : C dedit. Dominus^^^j^^,;^ Anna filia Richardi Afh vEtalis fuas tertio, obiit 24 Maii With the figure of an afh tree with a fmall branch, and dated 1645. C Sprouts the fame day This Afli ^ , 5-cut down" ' C In May ^ ^ was then j yet lives for aye. On the grave-ftone : Rake, which he employed in adminiRering relief to the diRrefled, and in- ftruftion to the ignorant. His charity was not the tranfient impulfe of cafual compaRion, but the regular cRcft of fettled principles. He adorned an honourable old age with the exaft excrcife of the focial and religious duties, and by a Rric-1 courfe of temperance attained to the age of 84. As he lived in the ChriRian faith, he died in the full pcrfuafion of the ChriRian hope on the 28th of AuguR, 1786." On another : — " To Abigail Freeman, wife of John Freeman, junr. Efc); {he died iGlii March, 1764, aged 28. Abigail their daughter 13th January, o 12 o o 2 6 o 1 6 o 8 o- [ 447 ] 1784, aged 2 years 6 months ; alfo Elizabeth their daughter 16 April 1787, aged 6 years. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of All Saints pai iHi. Robert Colfton the fon of William Colfton Efq; deceafed, /. s. d. a native of this city, gave 61. per ann. for prayers to be read Monday and Tuefday throughout the year, and to the clerk and fcxton 10s. per ann. - 130 o o 1701, John Hicks Efq; fometime mayor and alderman of this cii\-, gave the fum of 12I. los. the income yearly to fuch poor of All Saints parifh as do not receive alms, - 12 10 o 1709, Samuel Bayley Efq; fometime fherifFof this city, gave24l. the intereft thereof to be applied on St. Andrew's day in every year as follows : For a fermon To the clerk To the fexton To each of the 8 alms-women is. -08 o 24 o 1714, Thomas Bayley of this city merchant gave lol. the intereft thereof to be given to the poor of the almflioufe in bread the 16th of April for ever, - _ _ 10 o o 1724, John Cook of this city diftiller gave 20I. for the payment of 20s. for preaching a fermon on the 30th of January for ever, - - - _ _ 20 00 1738, Thomas Gibbs late of this pariOi gave 50I. for payment of 5I. for cloathing the 8 poor women in the almflioufe on the 8th day of April every fecond year for ever, by the churchwardens and veftrvmen, - - ,-0 o o 159 i, Robert Kitchen, mayor and alderman of this city, by his will dated the 9th day of June, gave 10s per ann. to a poor houfliolder, to be paid by the chamberlain of this city on the 25th day of March, - - - 10 o o 1639, Alderman George Harrington gave los. per ann; for ever to a poor houfekecpcr of this parifli, to be paid by the chamberlain the 25th of March yearly, ' - - 10 o o Mr. Roger Hurtc by his will gave lol. to the churchwardens of this pirifh as a ftock, that the churchwardens for the time being fhall every year give to each of the poor women C 448 ] women in the parifli almfhoufe is. each, viz. at Mi- /. s. d. chaelmas and at Chriflmas to buy them wood and coals, 10 o o Alfo he gave the faid parifh 5I. more provided the faid churchwardens fhall procure a fermon to be preached in the church of All Saints on the firft Sunday in Lent in the afternoon, the preacher to have 6s. 8d. - 500 ^599> J""e f^^e 20th, Mr. Richard Cole, then deceafed, gave a tenement in the Barrs called the Greyhound, let at il. 8s. per ann. rented by Richard George brewer, and two gar- dens in St. Philip's parifli, each let at 8s. in all per a:nn. 240 To be given as follows : To the prifoners in Newgate in coals - o 10 o To ditto for three truffes of rye-ftraw - 090 To ditto in bread - _ _ 030 To the almfhoufe in Lcwin's-mead - o 10 o To the Taylors almfhoufe - _ o 10 o To the churchwardens of All Saints for time being o 2 o 2 4 o Gift SERMONS to be preached at All Saints Church &c. in a frame in the veftry-room. BENEFACTORS NAMES. l. s. d. January 30th, the martyrdom of K. Charles the ill. by Mr. John Cook, February 2d, the Purification, by Dr. White, The firft Sunday in Lent, by Mr, Rogert Hurte, May ill, St. Philip and Jacob, by Dr. White, Sunday after St. James's day, by Alderman Richard Cole, Sunday before September the J5th, by Alderman Richard Cole, November ifl, All Saints day, by Dr. White, November 17th, Queen Elizabeth's accefTion, by Mr. Peter Millard, 010 o November 30th, St. Andrews, by Mr. Samuel Bayly, - 0120 December 28th, Innocents day, by Dr. White, - - 2100 For reading morning prayers every Monday and Tuefday, by Mr. Robert Colflon fon of William Colflon Efq; - - 600 The ground rents arifing from the lands and tenements leafed out on lives belonging to the parifli amount to 150I. per ann. what the renewals for lives yearly produce mufl be uncertain and vary. The almflioufcs and public ftrufturcs within the precinQs of this parifh come next to be confidcrcd. — The firft and earlieft to be noticed is the houfc of Kalcndaries, 1 2 lO 10 2 10 10 10 2 10 C 449 ] Kalendaries, wiucli was fituatcd at the foiith-weftern part of the church. William Botoncr, (p. igo, 253, 170.) whofc uncle Thomas Botoncr was a brother here, defcribes it " a college of pricfls founded of old, or fraternity in honour of the feaft of Corpus Chrifli, long before the Conqucfl, about the year 700, as I myfelf faw and read in letters certificatory of an old hand in the time of Wolftan the bifhop. The church is fituatcd on the fouth-weft part of the parifh church of All Saints, and before the time of Edward 3d. was fituatcd in the parifli church of the Holy Trinity, as was certified to mc by a relation of , prior of the faid priory." He adds farther, " a pretty houfc or conduit for water is under the houfc of Kalenders." Thcfe Kalendaries were fo antient and fo fingular an infiitution, that no city in this nation can boaft of the like either with rcfpecl to antiquity or ufe. A^'illiam Botoner is a good evidence of their early origin, and could not be miftaken in what he faw and read in the certificatory letters or writings of their antiquity before the Conquefl in the year 700. And the confirmation of the rights of this focieiy by Gualo the cardinal and pope's legate after crowning King Henry 3d. at Glocefter, 1216, in thefe words, " Propter antiquitates et bonitates in ea Gilda repertas," fhews the antiquity and ufefulnefs of this fraternity, which flourifiied in Briftol from fo early an age, and continued to diffufe knowledge and inftruflion amongft the clergy and laity fo long, and was not difTolved till the time of Henry 8th. at the general difiolution of reli- gious houfes. It appears from records that they were a fociety of religious and laity like a college de propaganda fide, wherein Jews and other Infidels were converted, youth inflrufled and liberally maintained, in tlie fame manner and under the like dircQion as at the Rolls in Chancery-lane, London, and as the cuftody of the rolls was committed to the latter, fo the former preferved the archives of the town of Briflol, whence they were called the Fraternity of the Kalen- ders,* from keeping a kalendar or monthly regifler of all the public a6ts, re- gifiering deeds, rolls, &:c. as that of London took the Rolls, both implying the fame office of chroniclers or public regifters, of which no great cities were deditute. The following copies of original deeds flill extant in the chamber of Briflol arc convincing proofs of fuch an eftablifhment here, and of the fire that hap- I I 1 pened • The law diftionarics call ihcfc kalcndae rural deans' rliaplei-s and conventions of the clergy, fo called becaufc formerly held on the kalends or firft day of eveiy monlii ; but our fociety here confiftcd of clergy and laity, and were of a j)CculiMi kind and » more cxtcnfivc inllitution, as will appear hereafter. [ 450 ] pened in their bochord or library over All Saints church, which deftroyed the the moft valuable records of this city. By indenture under the feal of Tohn ("by divine permif- Fridav after the .J , , ,, ^ , a re a a- r „ '- „ milnon) then abbot of the monaliery oi St. Ausulline ot feaft of St. Peter „.„/.,.. . . „, n , , , ^ , ^ , Briitoi, in the diocele or Worceiter, and the convent oi and Paul, 7 Edw. ,. , ,. r,..r the lame place, to whom impropriation 01 the church ot qd. 1333. . . . All Saints in the diocefe and city aforefaid belonged, re- citing that the co-brethren of the fraternity of the Kalendaries of Briflol, out of a devout zeal for the increafe of divine worfliip, being defirous of erefting a houfe contiguoufly adjoining to the faid church and on the walls thereof, and of the dimenfions after mentioned, to be appropriated for the ufe and ha- bitation of the priefts and co-brethren of the faid fraternity, who then did and thence after for ever in future fliould celebrate divine fervice for the fouls of their co-brethren and of all the faithful deceafed, agreeable to the rights and rules of the faid fraternity, had humbly requefted his (the abbot's) fpecial li- cence and confcnt for that purpofe ; he (the abbot) being willing to grant their requeft as far as may be without prejudice to the faid church or his own rights, did out of regard for the faid co-brethren and their fraternity as far as he had pov.-er grant for him and his fucccffors, that it (hould be lawful for them to build and when built always topoffefs a houfe of that fort for their ufe upon the wall of the north fide of the faid church, that is to fay, extending down- wards from the door on the fame fide and the pillar oppofite it 30 feet in length, and containing towards Corn-flreet acrofs the faid pillar 23 feet in breadth. To be had and holden to the faid co-brethren priefts or their fuc- ceflbrs co-brethren for ever, fo that the faid co-brethren priefts or their fuc- cefTors priefts fliould in future no wife be molcfted in the premifes contrary to the then grant by him the faid abbot or his fucceffors or any other perfon in their name, which faid grant was agreed by them fo to be reftrained as that the faid church under tiie faid houfe fhould by no means be made nar- rower, fliorter, or more confined, or the foot-ftanding for the parifliioners or others of the faithful who fliould come there be Icftcned : and ihefe condi- tions were therefore added to the faid grant, faving likewife always to the faid monaftery and him (the abbot) and his fucceffors the right of appointment and prefentation to the vicarage of the faid church. N. B. The imprcffion of the feal of this deed is three men's heads, proba- bly defigncd to reprefent the three perfons of the Trinity, faid to be the general feal of the Kalendars. This fecm.'? to be the grant of a place for rebuilding and enlarging their houfe. Why [ 451 ] Why this gild, called GilJa autfrairia communUalis cleri ^ populi viUa: Brijlollicr, ■was removed from the church of the Holy Trinity or Chrifl Church does not fo clearly appear, unlcfs we fuppofe it to be done at the folicitation of Robert Harding, who was a great favourite of Henry 2d. and the founder of the monaftery of St. Augudin, to which he had given the church of All Saints. Thefe particulars are recorded in the little Red Book, p. 83, 84. wrote in good Latin, now in the chamber of Briftol. I obtained a fight of the origi- nal deed concerning thefe Kalcndaries, which I have tranflated and inferted at length, as it is a very curious deed and mentions thefe Kalendarics as extant and having their place of meeting at Chrift Church even before tha Conqueft. " Venerabili in Chrifto patri Domino Thomae Dei gratia Wygornias epifcopo fuus humillims ct devotis Robertus Hazell, rector ecclefiae de Derham et decanus Chriflianitatis BrifloUiae fubjeftionem omnimodam tanto patri debet revercntiam et honorem, &c." " Wt have received your order containing the following tenor : Thomas, by divine permifTion, Bifliop of Worcefter, to the beloved in Chrift Matter Robert Hazell, and dean of Briftol, grace and benediftion, &c. In the year 1318, June 8, at ChifTebury, mandate was ifFucd for an inquifition into the rights, charters, and liberties of the fraternity of Kalcndaries, to which inquifition were called the abbot and convent of St. Auguftin, Briftol, frier John de Leye, proflor, and certain burgefles of Briftol, alfo the mayor and commonalty of the faid town, and the other reftors and vicars of the faid deanery, fome appearing perfonally and others by their proQors, in the church of All Saints, we proceeded in the enquiry ; by which we have found that formerly the faid fociety was called the Gild or fraternity of the community as well clergy as laity of Briftol, and the place of meeting of the brothers and fifters of the fame was ufed to be at the church of the Holy Trinity, Briftol, in the time of Aylward Mcau and Briftric his fon. Lords of the faid town, before the Conqueft ; the beginning of which gild and fraternity exceeded the memon,' of man. But after the Conqueft in the time of William tlic Bal- lard, William Rufus, and Henry, Kings of England, and of Robert Fitzha- man, conful of Glocefter and Lord of Briftol, and founder of the monaftery of Tewkfljury, and the fubfequent time of Stephen the King, taking the town of Briftol by war from Robert Earl of Glocefter, founder of the priory of St. James and caftle of Briftol and its lord, which King Stephen being dead in the time of Henry fon of Maud the Emprcfs King of England, one Robert Harding, burgefs of Briftol, by the confent of the faid King Henry and Earl I I 1 2 Robert [ 452 3 Robert and others, whom it concerned, removed tlie faid gild or fraternity from the cluirch of Holy Trinity and eRabliflied fchools at Briftol for the converfion of Jews and the inftruflion of youth, under the difpofal of the faid fraternitv, and protection of the mayor of Briltol for the time being and monaf- tery of St. Auguftin in its fuburbs, and he appropriated the church of All Saints to the faid monaflery, and he caufed a vicar to be chofcn out of the chaplains of the faid gild or fraternity, and to be prefcnted by the abbot and convent of the faid monaflery to the Bifhop of \\'orccfler, of which vicarage the faid monaflery every year ordered a third part to be appropriated in the name of the reSory. And when the heirs of the faid Robert Harding and the' mayors of Briflol for the time being, in the time of Richard and John Kings of England, prote61cd the rights and liberties of the faid gild and fraternity, Gualo, cardinal of the apoftolic fee and general legate, fent to the kingdom of England, came to Briftol, who after he crowned Henry fon of King John at Gloceflcr King of England, kept a general council at Briftol, in which council the king and cardinal approved and confirmed the faid gild and fra- ternity on account of its antiquity and goodnefs found therein, which legate commanded and enjoined William de Bleys, Bifhop of Worcefler, and his fucceffors, to protetl the faid gild to the praife of God and all faints and amendment of devotion, and union of the clergy and laity of Briftol : he more- over procured a confirmation of all the rights of the faid guild, as the poffefTion of all the goods they then pofTefTed or that they fhould get in a juft manner, and efpecially all the houfes, lands, poffefTions, rents, and all other goods, he took under the proteflion of the apoftolic fee, which the Bifhop of Worce- fler approved, and tolerated the faid gild and fraternity. Many other things we made inquifition ; of all which for their diffufenefs we cannot now write, arid thus we have executed your command diligently. Given at Briftol, &c." After an inquifition taken by Wolftan Bifhop of Worcefler in Briftol, July lo, 1340, it was by him ordained with confcnt of the prior and chaplains of the college or fraternity of Kalendaries of All Saints church, •• that the antient rules obfervcd time immemorial fliould be eftabliflied by authority ecclcfiaf- tical, that the faid college fhould have one prieft-prior, to be chofen by the major part of the chaplains and co-brethren without any folemnity of confir- mation, confecration, or bencdi8.ion of any one required, and eight chap- lains, fccular brothers, to celebrate for their defunft brethren and bencfaClors every day ; the admiffion of which ever belonged to the founders of fuch their titles or chauntrics, Mhether one, two, or three, &c. during the life of fuch founder, but after their death to the prior and cofrcres of the college with- out [ 453 ] out prefentation or inftitution elfewhcre fought, which if they neg!e£l for two months then it devolved to the Bifliop of Worcefler, unlefs any difpute arife, which however if not decided in fix months, it was flill to devolve to him. On the firft Monday in every month after the firft bell in the church of All Saints, the brethren, cler^)' and laity were all to meet, being fummoned be- fore hand, and commendation being faid by the prior and chaplains, mafs was to be celebrated by note by one of the chaplains deputed for that purpofe in his turn, and oblations to be offered by all the co-brethren for the fouls of the brethren and all the faithful departed, and as well for the dead" as for the living, efpecially for the infinn brethren prayers were to be faid particularly. And in the middle of the month the prieft was to celebrate mafs for all the bre- thren then alive, and if any fhould die the brethren were all to attend his funeral, and were to fay every day placebo et dirige and one fpecial coUefl in their mafs for thirty days after his deceafe. The laymen and thofe who were not priefls of the faid fraternity were to fay for thirty days thirteen pater- nofters and aves for the foul of the defuncl, unlefs they had rather celebrate one fpecial mafs for him. If any brother fliould be declining to want or fall into ficknefs, he was to be fupported by the alms of the co-brethren for a whole year, or lodged in fome hofpital by the alTiftance of the brethren. — • They were ordered to promote peace, avoid contentious difputes, extin- guilh fchifms. All the profits of the fraternity and oblations were to be col- letled by two fit perfons, chofen by the prior and priefts, and to be kept in the common chefl. for the nccelfary ufcs of the college and for pious ufes and aJmfgivings ; they were to render account twice a year of all receipts and ex- pences. And if the brothers were not prefent and the maflcs omitted, they fhould be fined or expelled the fraternity. In the year 1464 John Bifliop of ■\Vorcefter bv deed eflablifhed the ordinance of the houfe of Kalendars to fet- tle all difpules betwixt the mayor and the brethren or chauntry priefls there, concerning the election of a prior and his duty there ; that as often as the prior by death or refignation fliould become void, the mayor of the town holding confultation with the chaplains or chauntry priefls, with the confent of the greater part of them and of the common council of the town, fhould name and prefent under the feal of the town to the bifhop and his fucceffors within two months a chaplain, a batchelor of divinity, or maflcr of arts, and a fcho- lar in theology fufficiently inflrutlcd in holy fcripture and preaching of the word, to be prior of the faid houfe of Kalendars, and nothing fhall prevent his being inflituted and canonically admitted, if he be found fit in all things, &c. And if the mayor defer prefcnting beyond two months, then it fliall be lawful [ 454 ] lavful foT the bifhop to confer the priory on one graduate duly in- ftruQed, and he ordered that John Shipward, mayor, and his fucceflbrs fhould when chofen into their office take their oath to fupport and defend the faid pHor and his co-freres or cliauntry priefts and their tenants in all their rights ; and in cafe of the mayor, &c. not complying, he fliould lofe the pre- fentation to the faid priory when void, and it might be then lawful for the chauntry priefts themfelvcs to prefent one duly inftrufted, &c. for prior to be admitted by the bifliop. The prior thus entituled and inlUtuted as before fhall conflantly refide in the faid houfe, and fliall take cuflody of a certain library newly erefted at the bidiop's expence in the faid houfe, fo that every feflival day at two hours before nine, and for two hours after, free accefs and recefs may be granted to all willing to enter for the fake of inftruftion, and the faid prior if duly required fliall lay open doubtful and obfcure places of fcripture to all that afk him according to his beft knowledge, and fhall read a public Icflurc every week in the faid library according to the appointment of the bifliop and his fucceffors : and left through negligence of the faid prior the books fhould in any wife be alienated or loft, he ordered that three inven- tories fliould be made of all the books, one to remain with the dean of Briftol, another with the mayor for the time being, and the other with the faid prior, fo that as often as any book fliall be given or bequeated to the faid librarv, within fifteen days after it is acquired it fhall be by the faid dean or other honeft perfon appointed by the mayor placed and chained in the faid library, and wrote down in fome part of the inventory with its true value. He ordered alfo that once every year there fliould be a due collation of all tlie faid books with the inventories or catalogues by the dean, prior, and another ap- pointed by the faid mayor, on a certain day between the feaft of St. Michael and All Saints at their own choice; and if it fliould happen that fome book through neglefl of the faid prior fliould be carried out of the faid library and ftole, the faid prior fliall reftore the faid book to the library under penalty of 40s. above its true value ; and if he cannot reftore it again, then the value of the book and 40s. befides, 20s. to the mayor and the reft for the ufe of the library, chaining the books, &c. was to belong, and be appro- propriated to the faid library. And it was ordered, that as often as the faid prior or any of the chauntrv priefts fliould preach within the town of Briftol, in the conventual church of St. Auftin, or at the crofs near the faid church, in their fermons they fhall pray for the good flate of the bifliop whilft living, and for his foul ^s'hen departed, and alfo for the good ftate of the mayor for the time being and true patron of the faid houfe or priory ; and the prior, for his pcrfonally [ i55 ] perfonally refiding and for his diligence about the library and the books therein depofited, fhall annually receive out of the fruits and proceeds of the faid houfe of Kalcndars at the four ufual terms of the year in equal portions lol. and the reft of the profits of the faid houfe fliall be converted to the fupport of the reft of the brethren as many as can be fupported at the difcretion of the bifhop and of the prior for the time being, fo as none of them fliall receive more than twelve marks annually, and the furplus of the profits to be depofited in the common treafury fafely for the reparation of the houfe and its tenements. And if the faid prior abfent himfelf for fome honeft caufc, he fhall declare the reafon, to be approved of or not by the bifliop or mayor, fo as he mav by no means be abfent above one month in a year together or at times unlefs upon very urgent occafion to be approved of by the bifhop or mayor, and then in his abfence the fenior brother fhall have the keeping of the faid library. All thefe things more firmly to obferve, the prior was to fwear at his inftitution ; and that no prior fhould ever obtain any difpenfation contrary to this ordi- nance, he was to be bound by an oath, under penalty of privation. — Signed by John Harlowe, prior, and John Shipward, mayor, exprefTing their confent. In the year 1466 one John Chaunceler of Keynfham gave 100 marks for the reparation and rebuilding of the houfe of Kalendars and its ruinous tene- ments, and to augment and promote the divine worfliip, for which at the inftance of the Bifhop and of William Canynges mayor patron, the prior was to make four fet fermons, two at Keynfliam and two at Briftol, (one at the conventual church of St, Auftin or at the crofs near it, and the other at the church of Redclift,) every year ; and in thefe fermons was to exhort the people to pray for John and Edyth Chaunceler and for their fouls after they are departed ; and their fouls Vvcre to be fpecially named in the bcde rollc or memento ; and a fpecial colleft faid every day for their fouls by a chaplain and a paternofter and ave maria, and after their deaths folemn exequies by note were to be done in the church of All Saints for the fouls of the faid John and Edyth. We may hence conclude, that in the time of W, Canynges mayor a regular library was inftituted in Briftol, and open to all fo early as 1464, and weekly leflures given at it, which fliews literature was not at fo low a ftatc here as many would have us imagine; on the contrary that it was early cultivated by this fociety under the patronage of the Bifhop of Worccfter and the nia)or, and at the very time too in which Rowley is faid to have lived and llouriftied, which thofe engaged in the controverfy about him would do well to obferve. — The names of the priors of this houfe fo little known or noticed bv ouv nionaf- tic [ 456 ] tic writers that have come to my knowledge are the following: 1440 John iG) ::artl— 1451 John Ilemmynge alias Davy — 1464 John Hcrlow — 1526 Roger Eggeworth — 1542 Thomas Sylke — 12th of Henry the 8th. Wm. Crofs prior. There were five chaiintrics belonging to this houfe and five chaplains or chauntry priefts, one of which was chofen prior, though the Jiifliop of W'or- ceflerLynne in i369in{lituted a chaplain herewith this caution, that it fliouki remain as of old it had been, a Fraternity of Kalendars ; the fociety was fo ancient andof fo long Handing, they were at a lofs whether to call it a priory or not. That they preferved the records of the city and regiftered the public tranf- aBions as well as thofe of their own fociety is proved by fuch a kalendar now extant in the chamber of Briftol, written bv Robert Ricaut a Kalendary, who was town-clerk here in the reign of Edward the 4th. To him we owe the many curious notices we have not only in the two red books, the book of wills, orphans &c. but more efpecially in the kalendar or mayor's regifler, which was firfl; undertaken by him. — He was of this fraternity and feems to have been one of the chaplains above mentioned, and favours Geoffrey of Monmouth as to hiflory and matters of antiquity. In the beginning of the kalendar he fliews his monkifli genius and turn of mind. He firfl exhibits the pifclure of the infant Chrifl lying naked, God the Father on one fide in the clouds like an old man, and oppofite to him the Bleffed Virgin on a throne or fella of flate, over which is a canopy amidft flars, an angel on the left hand with a trumpet, on the corner of a chequered pave- ment a matron llirring a poflet or bafon of broth for the babe, and under the whole thefc words : *• In honorem Dei omnipotentis gloriamq; laudem fuas benediflae matris pro tranquillitate pacis ac profperitate villam Briftolliae inhabitantium nee non pro confuetudinibus, ordinationibus libertatibus et franchefiis diflae villtc melius in poflerum corfervandis et manutenendis, ad rcquifitum ct mandatum vcnc- rabilis viri Williclnii Spencer, majoris dc villa et omnium difcretorum virorum dicti majoris conlultorum ego Robertus Ricaut extunc ibidem communis clc- ricus cleBus a feflo Sanfti Michaelis Archangcli, anno regni regis Edw. 4. poU conquellum 18: iflum librum incepi compofui et confcripfi de diverfis croniclis confuedinibufq; legibufq; libertatibus ac aliis meniorandis neceffariis diverfis ad perpetuam rei memoriam inviolabiliter obfervandis, Adfit principio SanQa Maria meo. Amen." On [ 457 ] On the other fide is written thus : " Jefus facri ventris frudus — Pise niatris prccc dutlus j Sit mihi viae dux eduttus — Libciitcr in hoc opcrc. Amc-n. Thanked be thehighe name of our Lord and famous Chrirte Jefu, excellent glorie & eternal reverence to his bleffcd moder Scinte Marie, honour lauda &z due preifinge be to all the faintes of hev\ n : for as moche as this noble &• worlhipful town of Brinowe," &c. Page i. a. By the foregoing authentic deeds not only the exigence of fuch a focicty, but alfo their place of abode is clear beyond a doubt. Before the Kalendarics were removed to All Saints and had their library in the rood-loft or chamber adjoining to the ftreet on the north fide of that church, their houfe and fchool were in Wine-ftreet near Chrifl; Church, probably at the corner of Pligh-ftreet, where was their church, formerly one of the four churches round the High Crofs, the old ribbed arches in the cellar there ftill pointing it out. This fociety had great benefaclions beftowed on them, and many grants of land in town and country; their lands are often mentioned in old deeds, fomc in the Old Market, Baldwin-ftreet, &c. and by an inquifition taken anno 1547, ifl Edward 6th. by John Cottrel, Dotlor of Laws, vicar-general to Paul Bufli, firfl; Bifhop of Briflol, the " Domus Kalendariorum" before its difiblution, paid to the crown 21s. lo^d. and there were two chauntries there, one by Sir' Thomas Merryfield, whereof he was prieft, rated at 16s. (fee p. 62.) In pat. 34, Edward 3d. p. 2. m. 11. the Domus Calendariorum is mentioned, and an original deed in Latin of John Harlow, prior, and his cofreres under their common feal, dated 6th of Edward 4th. 1466, of lands in Marlh-ftreet was in poireffion of Peter le Neve, Efq; Xorroy. The above does fufficiently evidence the antiquity and reputation of this fociety, which being diffolved was valued the 26th year of Henry 8th. 1534, at lol. 18s. 8d. per annum, * and penfions were paid to fome of the fociety after the difTolution. Mayftcr Leland in his Itinerary thus dcfcribcs this fraternity, as if he had fccn here the above deeds. Itin. vol. vii. p. 87. " A remembrauncc of memorable acles done in Brii^ht- ftow out of a lide boke of the antiquities of the houfe of Calendarics in Brightllow. " The antiquities of the Calendaries were for the mode parte brent by xhaunce. The Calendarics othcrwyfc cawlyd the Gilde or Fraternitie of the Clergie and Commonaltie of Brightftow, and it was firftc kepte in the churche of the Trinitie, fens at All Hallowcs. The original of this fraternitie is out K K K of • Dug J. Monafl. vol. i. p. 1040. [ 458 ] of mynd. Ailardc Mean and Bitrick his funne, Lords of Brightnow, afore the Conquefle. Hamon Erie of Glocefter afore the Conqueft and Lorde of Brighftow. Robertc, conful, funne to Hamon was Erl of Glocefter and Lorde ofBn'shtftow and founder of Tewkfburv, &c. Robert Earl of Glocefter and Robert Harding tranflated the fraternity of Calendaries from Trinitie to the churche of All Hallows. In it were fchools for converfion of Jews, &:c." The houfe where they inhabited after their removal from Chrift Church or Trinity adjoined the churcli of All Saints at the wcftern end, as by the deed appears, and on the fite of it was built the London Coffee-houfc, now a dwcl- ling-houfe, and the conduit of All Saints; and it pofTibly extended farther, as at building the Exchange a vaft quantity of bones were dug up, poftibly out of the burying-ground there of this fociety. I have a drawing of it under the name of Rowleie, about the year 1467, which he calls " the chyrche ora- torie of the Calendaries, whereof the weftern fpyre bevnge brent, the fland- eynge parte was pyghte downe, and the refcftorie ybuylden wyth ytts roiens. Inn itte was 8 hundredthe bookes, in die bochorde mcintc Sexonnc Hyftorie and Lege. Itte was ybuilden by Eva Fytzhardynge and Lewis de Ghentc inn 1092." This account feems to agree with the original deed above mentioned of John Chauncellor of Keynfliam, granting 100 marks for rebuilding this houfe in 1466. The lofs fuftained by this fire was irreparable, as the fociety was fo ancient, and as the records of the city as well as thofe of their own fraternity were in cffefl deftroyed by it, fo that any uncertainty concerning the firit foundation and early ftate of this city may be eafily accounted for, by deriving it from this deftruftive accident by fire ; a lofs greatly to be lamented, but never to be repaired. There was a library room over the north ailc of the church of All Saints, oot long fince to be fccn, to which the Kalcndaries had a communication by a door out of their houfe, but by late alterations of the church and houfe ad- joining it has been deftroyed. The old church books mention a fire happening here in 1466 through the t arclcffncfs of a drunken point-maker, which burnt two houfes next the fteeplc, William Rowley and |ohn Compton being churchwardens that year. About 1 350 Stephen Gnowfale gave this parifh a tenement in All Saints-lane, which was made convenient for an almfhoufc, which was fold for 420I. in 1739, and the fouih and caft part of the Exchange is built on its fite, and the feoffees built a new almflioufc adjoining to St. John's. In 1400 the grand [ 459 ] grand prior and pro6lor of the priory of St. James granted the parifliioncrx a little conduit of water, to which the fpring rifing in the Prior's Orchard (now Bird's garden) was conveyed, and thence in leaden pipes under ground to a public ciftern in Corn-llreet for the ufe of the city, to which Thomas White, Efq; gave 20s. per annum for its repair in the year 1541, payable by the cham- ber out of an eflate at Hinton Derham, Glocefterfhire. This ciftern in 1601 was rebuilt at the e.xpence of 125!. us. id. defrayed by the veftry. As great part of the Exchange and new market arc in this parifh, fome ac- count of them fhould find a place here. In the year 1720 a fchemc was fet on foot to build an Exchange, but it proved abortive. But in 1721 an act of parliament was obtained to enable the mayor, burgelTes, and commonalty of Brillol to build an Exchange, and a committee of fifteen gentlemen were appointed to carry the work into execution and extend their defign to a general market, in lieu of thofe which incum- bered the ftreets of the city, who in the latter end of the year 1738 came to a refolution to purchafe the proper lands, and proceed with their intended work. In 1740-1, 30th January, they agreed witli Mr. John Wood, a learned and and ingenious architetl, to contrive a building round an area, for about 600 people to aflemble in, in fuch a manner as to have the outward appearance of one grand ftruQ:ure to front Corn-ftreet, with two taverns in front, tlie fides forhoufes, infurance and other public offices, the back part for an arcade with rooms over it, part of the general market. The loth of March, 1740-1, the firfl; ftone was laid, the following infcrip- tion being firft cut on its uppermoft bed. Regnanti Georgio II.' Pio, Felici, Augufto, ♦ Libertatis et Rei Mcrcatoriac Domi Forifque V'indicc Primarium Lapidcm hujus yEdificii Suffragio Civium et /Ere publico extrucli Pofuit Hcnricus Combe, Pra^tori A. C. M.D.CC.XL. Several pieces of new coin were thrown under the ftono, wliich was nou laid with great folemnity, amidft ringing of the bells and joyful acclamations of the citizens. The mayor firft and the reft of the gentlemen attending ftrik- ingthc ftonc with a mallet when fixed in its place three tiines. They then with.* K K t; 2 drew L 4^0 ] drew from the foundation to the Council-houfe, vherc they drank profperity to the work begun. In the afternoon the populace were treated with ale, upon the Exchange ground, at the chamber expence. After the work was thus begun, it was carried on according to the tlrift rules of ceconomy, and with all the expedition and difpatch ; fo that the whole fhould, now built, extend 110 feet in front, by 148 feet in depth. This firuclure is fituated almoft in the center of the city, and fronts north- ward to Corn-flrcet. The whole building as well infide as oulfide is fronted with white frcellone of the Corinthian order, upon a ruftick bafement, or ra- ther a bafement compofed of regular flones, fome with chamfered edges, fome with plain edges. The central parts break forwards and make a tetraf- tyle of almoll whole columns, fuppoiting a pediment, in the t\mpan of which the King's Arms are carved in (tone ; the chamber windows are dreffed with rich tabernacles; the attic windows are fquare with architraves round them, and they rife no higher than the bottom of the capitals of the order; fo that the fpaces between the capitals of the columns and pilaflers in this front are fil- led with feftoons, which reprefent Great Britain and the four quarters of the world, with the chief produfts and manufactures of every country. The leveral parts whereof this front is compofed are fmall, which mud be attributed chiefly to the narrow Ilreet wherein they are to be viewed ; all the mouldings proper to be carved arc enriched; the framing of the doors of the front gate is divided in a fort of Mofaic work by large iron nails ; the pannels of the doors are adorned with ornaments in cafl; metal ; and the front of the building on each fide thefe doors are defended from the ftreet by deep areas, Avith handfome iron pallifadoes upon the back walls of thofe areas. The fouth front to the general maket is quite regular. The central part of the front breaks forward to fupport a pediment, in the tympan of which the arms of the city are carved in (lone, and over that there is a turret, in the front whereof the dial of a clock is fixed for the ufc of the market people. The ends of this front break forward likewife and are finifhed with a dome at each end, upon which there are flone pedeflals, wherein fome of the funnels of the chimnies are with fome difficulty brought up. The domes and pedeflals are fix feet more in flank than they are in front, which was owing to the increafe of the arcade. The fouth front and fo much of tk: fide fronts as is level with it confifls of two flories of building, in which the outfide of the arcade appears ruflicated, and all the apertures in the remainder of the firlt ftory of the fide fronts are drcffcd in the lame laflc, that is, with flones cut out in a regular form. The windows- [ 46i ] ■windows over the arcade are of the tabernacle kind, as well as the central wind ws of the fecond flory of the fide fronts. The roof over the ve^ibules and over the middle of the arcade is finifhed with domes fupporting flone turrets, and thofe domes are fo contrived as to appear part of the architefture of the infide of the building, in thofe turrets fome of the funnels of the chimnics of the back work are with difficulty brought up. The turret facing the principal entrance of the Exchange has a clock and dial placed therein, for the ufe of fuch as frequent the place of Exchange. The merchants arms adorn the weft front of the turret on the eaft fide of the periftyle, as a compliment for their benefaflion of 2000I. towards the work, and the mod ancient arms of the city are carved on the eaft front of the turret on the weft fide of the place of Exchange. Sec the prints. The building was fo far compleated by the beginning of Auguft, 1743> that the 21ft of September was named as the day on which it Ihould be opened. The corporation of Brillol having ordered that the market, which was to have been held on W'ednefday the 21ft of that month, fliould be kept upon Tuef- day the 20th, and public notice was accordingly given by the crier, upon Friday before the Exchange was opened the chamber relblved to difcharge at the city expence the poor prifoners confined in Newgate for debt, that every citizen might enjo) liberty upon the day of opening the Exchange. They alfo refolved to treat the workmen employed in the building with a handfome din- ner, and directed that bread and wine fliould be ready at the Council-houfe,. after the Exchange fhould be opened, for all gentlemen without diftinftion to refrefli therafelves with. The mayor of Briftol, Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, invited the corporatioa and fociety of merchants to dine with him at the Merchants-hall upon the day of opening the Exchange, and propofed to the mailers of the feveral trading, companies to treat the members of thofe companies with wine at their rcfpeClive halls, which was accordingly performed. As the Exchange is the fole property of the corporation of Briftol, fo it was ordered that the ceremony of opening it ftiould confift in the corporation meet- ing the fociety of merchants and other traders of the city at the Guildhall in Broad-ftrcet, in walking with thcni from that hall in procetfion to the Ex- change. Now the dawn of the day appointed for doing all this was proclaimed to town and couiitrv, by the difcharge of feveral cannons from Brandon-hill, and then the morning was ufhered in with ringing of bells» The Ihips were foon drefted with their proper colours ; Hags were difplaycd upon fome of the churches, and the ftrcets through which the procefTion was to be made were by an order of the magiftratcs fwept and cleared froniever\- annoyance. The. [ 4S2 J The fame morning (lie mayor made a prefcnt of five guineas lo the maflcr wprkmen of the building to drink to the good fuccefs of the Exchange and profperity to the city of Briflol. He alfo gave them 25I. to be expended in wine and other liquors upon their men. Soon after this the keeper of Newgate carried the prifoners confined in that gaol for debt to the mayor's houfe, and Mr. Mayor after releafing them at the chamber expcncc gave each perfon fomething to begin the world with. He likewife ordered the poor people in the Merchants' almflioufc, &c. to be entertained in a handfomc manner, that the hearts of all denominations of men in the city might be cheered upon the day of opening this building. Ten o'clock was the time appointed for the general meeting of fuch as were concerned in the ceremony of opening the Exchange, by which hour the par- ties began to repair to the Guildhall, and then as the weather was fine the ftreets and houfes were foon lined with an infinite number of people from all parts of the town and country. At eleven the proceffion began from that hall in the following order, or as near it as it was pofTible for the companies to fall in with the train. — Mr. Colfton's boys under the tuition of their maf- ter led the way, and they were followed by the city hofpital boys governed by the mayor and aldermen, then caine the exchange-keeper with a noble flaff in in his hand, and he was followed by the incorporated companies of the city in their formalities, with their colours borne before them, \vith each of their ref- peclive wardens. The mafons company went ift, tylers 2d. porters 3d. hal- liers 4lh. carpenters 5ih. tobacco-pipe-makers 6th. turners 7th. hatters 8ih. fadlers gth. innholders loth. bakers 11th. butchers 12th. tanners 13th. cord- wainers 14th. uire-drawcrs 15th. joiners 16th. dyers lylh. whitetawers 18th. hoopers 19th. fmiths 20th. furgeons 2 id. (with mufie before them) weavers 2 2d. taylors 23d. The citv m.ufic with the addition of two French horns went next after thcfe companies, and they were fuccecded by the city officers who walked according to their ranks, with the flcward of the flierifF's court in his barrifters habit, and the chamberlain in his gown bearing a mace of gold. The town clerk \vas ill, and could not attend the proccflion. Then came the corporation in their fcarlet robes, with their fword of ftate borne before them by the fword-bearer in his gown and cap of maintenance. The mavor and mayor elcft went firfl, the fenior alderman, and after them the rcU of the cor- P'oration according to their feniority. To thefe fuccecded the mailer, war- dens, affiflants, and members of the Merchants-hall, and the whole was clofed with a long train of coaches and chariots to 48 in number. This proceffion paffed up Broad-flreet, down High-flrcct, and fo on to the Back, from thence they went into Quccn's-fquarc at the north-caft corner, and paffing [ 463 3 pafled through the ftrccts on the eaft and fouth fide of that fpacious area, came out upon the lower end of the Key oppofite the place where the Princefs Auf ufta, a letter of marque fliip, lay repairing from the damages fhe had re- ceived, in the laft of four viflorious battles with the Spanifh privateers in the prefent war, one of which privateers her captain blew up in the king's channel, and was particularly rewarded by the Admiralty for his gallantry, good conduft and courage in that brave aflion. From this glorious objefl; the proccfTion was continued up the Key, and then from the north end of it the parties entering Small-ftrect pafTed from that ftreet to the Exchange. This circuit of ground was about 2000 yards in length, the whole train of people and coaches extended about three quarters of a mile, and the procef- fion lafted about two hours, during which time the bells kept ringing and the cannons firing. When the corporation came to the Exchange they entered the building by the gate in the north front, pafied through the hall to the perifiyle,* walked along the porticos thereof to the wefl, and from thence came towards the cen- ter of the piazza, where an haut-pas or rather a fquare plinth t was prepared, which Thomas Stevens, Efq; fleward of the flieriff's court, direQly afcendcd from the eall fide. Then the mayor commanded filence to be kept, and the doors of the front gate which were fluU to keep out the populace to be opened, after which Mr. Stevens addrefTed himfelf to the merchants and tradefmen, by the order of the corporation firft named the building, and then gave them the ufe of the periftyle of it for a place of Exchange in a long fpeech. When the fpeech was ended the mayor began three huzzas, then Mr. Stevens retired, and Mr. Thomas Fane, clerk of the Merchants-hall, took his place, and addreflfing himfelf to fhe corporation in thefe words : " Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen of the Corporation, " The merchants are very fenfible of the obligations they are under to " you, for the great care you have taken in building this Exchange, and I am " commanded in this public manner to return you their thanks for the fame." This being over, Mr. Mayor began three huzzas, after which the corpora- tion and fociety of merchants with the mufic before them, &:c. walked to the Council-houfe, where they were refrcfiicd with wine, and from thciicc in their coaches went to the Merchants-hall to a dinner which was prepared for them. The refpe£live companies alfo retired to their refpeftive halls, to regale them- fclves with the wine Mr. Mayor had prefcntcd them with, and the evening of the * Periftyle is a place cncompafTed with pillai-s (landing round about on the infidc, + A plinth is the lowcnnoft pari of the foot of a pillar, being the form of a tile or f^^jare bnc.li. C 464 ] I his day was concluded with ringing of bells, difcliarging guns, and making bonfires in proper places: all which with the whole tranfaflions of the day was condufted without any ill accident, or any of tliofe diforders too frequently committed at public rejoicings, which may be attributed to this, that the fefli- val of opening the Exchange was in the nature of it agreeable to all parties, and if pageantry on this occafion had been thought necelTary, the public had certainly been gratified with it. But what pageantry could exceed a folemn procefTion of the magifirates and wOiole colletliye trading body of a city, that pays the government a cuftom for their goods of above 150,000!. a year ? The firfl Wcdncfday after Lady-day, being March 27, 1743, the General Market behind the Exchange was firfl opened. CHAP. XV. 0/ the CHURCH and PARISH 0/ the HOLY TRINITY or CHRIST CHURCH, with SI. EWEN's confoMated. CHRIST Church is a reftory rated in the King's Books at 3I. 8s. clear:' its Yearly Tenths, now difcharged, il. 2s. It is of very great antiquity, though the exaft time when founded is a little uncertain. Rowley's manu- fcript fays, " it was founded 920 by Ella, lord-warden of the caflle, and that it was fpired by Alricvs Sneaw in 1004," perhaps Aylwardus Sncaw. It is eertain in taking down part of the fpire to rebuild it in 1765 a date in lead was found let into the ftone near the top 1003 or 1004, as the workmen affirmed ; and in 1787, when this church was taken down to be rebuilt, a Ratuc of a Saxon earl fitting in a niche was difcovered walled in at the front, dcfigned very probably for the founder of it, cither Ella above mentioned or Aylwar- dus Sneaw, in whofe time the fraternity of Kalendaries flouriflicd here. But its antiquity is fully afccrtaincd from its being the refidcnce of that fociety before the Conquell. Philip the priell in 1153 granted a moiety of this church C 465 ] ciiurch which he pofTefTed to the church of Tewkfbury, in the time of Robert Earl of Glocefter, which was confirmed bv Earl William and John Bifliop of Worcefter. (See Stephens, vol. ii. No. 161, 31. Add. to Diigd.) The Earls of Glocefter were patrons to prefentto this benefice, and it is thence moft probable that the Saxon carls were the founders, and Robert Fitzhaymon and Robert Earl of Glocefter his fon-in-law received it from them as part of the honour of Glocefter. It is certain, that the latter founded the priory of St. James, (which fee) and made it a cell to the abby of Tewkfbury, and this church being an appendage to the fame abby, by right of patronage paid a penfion or yearly rent to it of 10s. As that abbot and convent had the patro- nage, fo not content with that in the year 1469 they procured of John Bifhop of Worcefter the appropriation of it, whereby they got the whole profits of the church, a common artifice with them, which has laid the foundation of fo many poor vicarages now, they finding only a chaplain to do the duty, and paving to the church of 'Worcefter yearly 3s. 4d. and to the archdeacon of Glocefter 3s. 4d. but this appropriation was after fome time revoked by the biftiop. " In this church, fays Leland, was fyrfte kepte the Calendaries, otherwifc called the Gilde or Fratcrnitie of the Clergie and Commonaltie of Brightftowe, but fens removed to All Hallows. The original of it is owt of mynde." He there (Itin. vol. vii. f. 87, 88.) mentions their having been tranflated thither by Robert Fitzharding, Robert Earl of Glocefter, and William his fon, all out of a book of the antiquities of the Kalendaries. The prior and brethren here are mentioned in pat. 34. Edw. 3. p. 2. m. 11. This church was no very beautiful ftrufture. It ftands upon the north quarter of the center of the town, where four ftreets meet, High-ftreet and Broad-ftreet, Corn-ftrect and Wine-ftreet. - It was a low building of the mo- del of a quarter cathedral, the tower being very near in the center ; from the ground to the battlements of the tower about 70 feet high, on the center of which a fpire of freeftone rofe about the fame height, on which was a copper dragon, inftcad of a weather-cock. The tower handfome, very high, and had four pinnacles of folid freeftone about 12 feet high, with copper vanes on them. In the tower was a peal often bells, which chimed at the hour of one, fix, and eleven, with two dial plates to the clock at the weft end of the fouth aile, one facing Corn-ftreet and the other High-P.rcet; on the fides of this dial were two men carved in wood, with a hammer in the hand of each that ftruck a bell everv quarter of an hour. L L >. The The middle aile in length from the high altar to the weft door was 94 feet, from the ground to the cieling of the fame aile 41 feet high, the length of the chancel i8 feet. The north and fouth ailcs each 59 feet long. The body of the church was fupported on the north and fouth fide with four arches and five pillars. The width of the church from the north to the fouth door 54 feet, — William of Worcefter (p. 216) fays, " The length of the church of the Holy- Trinity is 22 yards, its breadth 35 fteps. The road of High-ftrect there at the High Crofs is 24 fteps broad, of Wynch-ftreet 16 fteps, of Broad-ftrect 14 fteps, of Corn-ftreet at the High Crofs 14 fteps." There was a good organ belonging to this church. In the year 1751 this church was greatly repaired and beautified and new pewed. A new ftrong arch was turned under the belfry by the pulpit with in- verted arch under ground. The old tower-ftairs were at the fame time con- verted into folid wall and filled up, to ftrengthen and fupport the tower, which was much cracked, and a new ftair-cafe was made in the churchyard. Alio a ftrong arch was built under the old one at the eaft end of the fouth ailc. The organ was gilt and repaired. After this church had been two years and ten month repairing, it was opened for divine fervice on Sunday, November 18, 1753. The expence of the whole was 15001. But in the year 1783 the walls of the church and roof were found to be fo very ruinous and decayed, that the 2d of June application was made to parlia- ment, and leave given to bring in a bill for rebuilding it and widening the ftreets near it. And 1786 they began pulling it wholly down, and in 1788 it was rebuilt on the fame ground, only allowing fome fpace to widen the ftreet there, and will foon exhibit a beautiful ftruflure in the center of the city, and afford a good accommodation fur the pariftiioners reforting to it. The new fpire is beautiful, and the whole building much admired, and is a great ornament to the center of the city, as you go up High-ftreet. In the year 1547 were fequeftered to the king's ufe all fruits, profits, and emoluments whatfoever, &c. for non-payment of fubfidies and tenths due 1 May and 25 December laft. See p. 63. In 1491 Richard Erie, Efq; by will gave nineteen tenements and a garden to find a chaplain daily in the chapel of St. Michael in the church of Holy I'linit)-, to officiate for ever at mafs for the foul of himfelf and Thomafin his wife. The 24th of Henry 5th. Balle's chauntrie of Bryftoe was eftabliftied, the prieft to have 81. per annum. Sir John Chycwe prcfented. Some [ 4^7 ] Some of the lands with which thefe chauntries were endowed through over- fight were not taken to by the crown fo late as the 15th of Elizabeth, for Wil- liam Yate, late fherifF, and Thomas Fawcct, of this parifh, proftors, fet forth that they had received the rents of fundry meiruagcs, &c. fince the dif- folution of chauntries, and had ufually employed the fame among other rents for the wages of theprieft, curates, and clerks of the parifh, the ornaments of the church and the charges of fuch preaching, and the relief of the poor ; but that they were often conftrained to fuits of law for the defence of the title to the premifes : and it appearing that the queen had fome title thereto by the (latute of 1 Edward 6th. (divers of the tenements having been employed before to fuperflitious ufes) they folicited to purchafe them of the queen, who by letters patent, July 13, in the 30th year of her reign, granted the fame to the church- wardens and parifhioners the loth of January, 31 Elizabeth, under certain quit rents; and they for a perpetual continuance of the fame to the parifli cn- feoffeed the fame to the mayor Aldworth and fourteen others of the parifli, that they might apply the fame tenements to the ufes afore mentioned in future. When the feoffees are reduced to fix or four perfons, a new feoffment was to be made to fourteen others, &c. which was continued to be renewed to the prefent. The reffor in 1776 had fome difpute with the feoffees on account of his prevailing on the veftry to grant lool. if he could get another lool. as a gift from the corporation the patrons, procuring 400I. Queen Ann's bounty to his church, which he obtained; but the feoffees judging it a mifapplication of the church flock in the veffry's granting this lool. refufed to allow it. This putting the reftor upon an enquiry into his right to certain wages paid him out of the church flock, fometimcs 25 1, fometimes 30I. per annum, as a gift of the veflry he found that he had a jufl right and claim even to more than they al- lowed him as a boon, and therefore as they refufed him to examine the parifli deeds and papers locked up from him, he filed a bill in chancery in OQober, 1776, which was anfwered by the feoffees and a few of the veflry, and the caufe was heard May 6, 1780, after great trouble and expence to the reftor, and the court declared the charity mufl be confirmed, and the lands, &c. ap- propriated as in the deeds of 31 Elizabeth,- &c. The i8ih of June, 1782, the mafler it was referred to made his report, and the rector was now confirmed in having the fum of Sol. per annum for ever from the 25th of March, 1772. L L L 2 The L s. d. 43 10 20 3 n 5 4 1 4 1 12 ^ [ 468 ] The other appropriations were. Gifts to the poor and intereft of monies whereto they are entitled A tenement bequeathed to the organift _ - _ A gift to the redor, clerk, and fexton, for a fermon A gift to the church _ _ _ _ _ Sheriff's dues --.--- Ground rent to the chamber of Briftol £ 11 15 "3 The anxiety the " law's delay" in this fuit gave the reClor, it was thought, very much impaired his health, as he confidcred himfelf very unjuftly opprcfl: and perfecuted by the feoffees in this matter : it is certain he vifibly declined in his health, had feveral fits of illnefs, and a paralytic flroke, of which he for fometime recovered, but at laft in May, 1 785, died fuddenly, about three years after the decifion of this caufe, which will be of fuch benefit to his fucceffor, having been at a very great cxpencc, which he could ill afford, and not living long enough to receive any advantage from it. The law expence out of the church flock for this fuit amounted to upwards of 1400I. much wanted then to repair or rebuild the church, and to which it had been much better applied. Patrons. Abbot and convent of Tcwkfbury. RECTORS of Chrift Church. 1147 Philip , pricfl. 1282 ^^'illiam de LachefTcrd. 1294 John de Haukefbure. 1296 John de Bredon, 1298 Ricardus de . 1323 William dc Bekcford : taxatur ecclefia ad .\x libr. 1360 Thomas de Aflon. 1369 William de Overyngton. 1406 Johannes Pcdewellc. 1415 Thomas Drayton, a Lollard, preached againfl image worfliip and the proud religious, &c. 1421 John Wright. 1425 William Fydian. 1427 John Dyer. 1450 John Fytfwarren, died 1455. 1456 John Stcphys. 1462 Patrons. [ 469 ] 1462 John Drover, A. M. John Carew. La%s'rence Cokkys. 1485 William Jonys. 1510 John Godryche, S. T. P. 1538 Johannes Terrel. Corporation. 1588 Morgan Jones, died 1616. 1616 Nicholas Leigh. 1618 Edward Shaw. Had a re£lory-houfc in the Pithay granted him, and taken away 1683. 1621 Morgan Williams. 1630 Richard Standfaft, re£lor 51 years: being blind, his fon John afliftcd him. See his monument, epitaph, &c. 1682 Charles Brent. 1729 William Smith. Daniel Debat, D. D. 1785 Thomas Ireland, D. D. M O N U M E N T S. Amongft the memorials of the dead that dcfervc our notice is a very An- gular little mural monument in the chancel. It is infcribed to the Rev. Dr. Standfaft, is a plain white marble table, with an hour-glafs in a kind of pedi- ment on the top, and a death's head below it. " Xear this place lieth the body of Richard Standfaft, Mafter of Arts, of Sidney College in Cambridge, and chaplain in ordinary to his Majcfty King Charles id. who for his loyalty to the king and ftedfaftnefs in the edabliflied religion fuffered fourteen years fcqueftration. He returned to his place in Briftol at the refloration of King Charles 2d. was then made prebendary of the cathedral church of Briftol, and for twenty years and better (notwithdand- ing his blindnefs) performed the offices of the church exaQly, and difcharged the duties of an able, diligent, and orthodox preacher. He was reftor of Chrifl Church upwards of fifty-one years, and died Auguft 24, in the 78th year of his age, and in the year of our Lard 1681. He fhall live again." The following vcrfes were compofed by himfelf to be put upon his monu- ment, and were taken from his own mouth two days beferc his death : Jacob C 470 ] Jacob was at Eelliel found. And fo may we, though under ground. With Jacob there God did intend To be with liim wlicre'vcr he went. And to bring him back again, Nor was that promife made in vain. I'pon which words we rcfl in confidence That he which found him there will fetch us hence. Nor without caufc are we perfuadcd thus. For where God fpake with him, he fpake with us. This worthy divine fuOered greatly in the time of the rebellion, befides be- ing deprived of this his living, which was given to one Evans, a taylor, he was in March, 1645-6, confined in Briflol caflle, " for his difaffeflion to the Parliament of England and their proceedings, which in his printing, praying and preaching he had exprefled." However during his fcqueflration and troubles he was fo well beloved by the vellry of Chrift Church, that they con- tributed to his fupport by an annual falary during his abfence from them, as appears by a letter in the hand of Dean Towgood, a fellow fufferer with him, complaining of his parifliioncrs of St. Nicholas not aQing fo generoufly to him as the others did to Dr. Standfafl. Dr. Standfafl was fo noted and well-received a preacher in this city, that he was appointed by the mayor and corporation (of which body feme of his an- ccftors had been) to preach the public leftures at feveral churches, gift fcrmons appointed by benefaflors to the city. He publifhed a little traEl, called, A Handful of Cordial Comfits, Avhich breathes a true Chridian fpirit, and fliews his true and orthodox principles. — It was reprinted in the year 1767 by his great grandfon, Mr. Standfall Smith, apothecary. Alfo a Caveat againfl Seducers. He was once purfued by his malicious accufers, but putting on the habit of a thatcher, where he lay concealed near Thornbury, in Glocefterfltire, he was, when they came to look for him, aflually upon the houfe, pretending to be bufy at his work. There were but few monuments in this church; one with the following infcrip- tion to the Rev. Charles Brent, rcflor of this parifii : — " Reverendus Carolus Brent, A. M. antiqua ftirpe oriundus, hujus ecclefiae reftor St. Werburgae vicarius, ac canonicus refidentiarius menevenfis cum duabus uxoribus toti- demque liberis juxta requiefcit ; concionator erat cgregius, affiduus, perpoli- tus : vita: probitate ornavit et fplendorc fcrmonum illullravit. Magnas Ciirif- tianae C 471 ] tianse rcligionis veritates, difficillimas theologiae queftiones mira fagacitate ex- plicare ac latentem veritatem erucre optime novit. cum acumine ingenii, fua- vitate morum aniini candorc, benevoleniiacruditione, modeflia inter pkirimos excelluifTet, emigravit, Jun. 13, A. D. 1729, aetatis 63." Another monument near with the following infcription : — " Hie juxta re- conditur Elizabetha Samuelis Pye, chirurgi uxor perdilefta, obftetrix fida, prudens, perita remimifcimini, leQores, quarum ope nafcimur; dein vita probe funclcE baud inviti recordamini obiit 28 Apr. 1725." Underneath was an infcription to that eminent furgeon Mr. Samuel Pye, ■who was buried here September 20, 1759. Juxta etiam requiefcit Samuel Pye, qui varia fcientia, experientia longa et judicio fagaci in morbis difficilioribus fanandis chirurgiam et obftetriciam r in hue urbe fumma ad faftigia provexit : probitate morum intaminata, conftanti, infenefcens, honore plenus ac annis banc vitam meliori commutavit. 20 Sept. 1759, JEt. 74. In the firft crofs aile was a brafs plate with a device of two hands holding up a heart, out of which proceed three fcrolls, on which the following words were infcribed : — " Credo quod redemptor meus vivit, deterra furreflurus fum, in carne mea videbo Dominum falvatorcm meum." And underneath the following epitaph: — *' Orate pro animabus Thomae Balle, burgenfis villas Briftolias et Aliciae uxoris fuas et pro ilia Margerettas filias eorundem qui qui- dcm Thomas, obiit A. D. 1400, quorum animabus propitietur Deus." On a freeltone on the ground: — " Hie jacet Johannis Scynte, obiit 1467." On a (lone is an infcription to Francis dead, who, having done well for the poor departed this life, June, 1, 1661, aetatis 67. If fbewards will be true to their intent, Their works fhall be a lading monument. In the middle aile on a Hone : — " To Sufanna the wife of Auflin Goodwin, linen-draper, and daughter of Cornelius Lyde, of Stanton Wick, Efq; Somer- fet. She died the 13th of June, 1738, aetatis 59." " To Robert Yate, of this city, merchant, who died tha 3 1 ft of December, 1682, aged 67." In C 472 ] In the chancel was a biSI's figure of a man with three fcrolls coming from his heart : — " Credo quod redemptor meus, &c." And underneath the fol- lowing: — " Hie jacct magifter Johannis Fitzwarren quondam rc6lor hujus ecclcfiae, qui obiit 6 Sept. 1455, cujus anim^ propitietur Deus." The following are the particular BENEFACTORS to this parifli. 1594, Robert Kitchen gave 4I. 12s. per annum, los. a quarter to /. s. d the poor, and 52s. in bread - - 02 o o 1636, Henry Yate gave a chief rent of 4I. per annum, il. for a fcrmon and 3I. for the poor. 1639, George Harrington gave 2I. per annum, los. a quarter to poor houfekeepers - - - - 40 o o 1640, Abel Kitchen gave 2I. 12I. per annum to the poor in bread 52 o o 1661, Francis deed gave a chief rent of 3I. per annum, il. for a fermon and 2I. for the poor. 1668, Thomas Farmer gave lands of 2I. per annum for bread or coal for the poor. Arthur Farmer gave 2I. per annum, to be laid out in lands, the produce to be given to fix poor families - 40 o o 1676, Robert Markham gave 10s. per annum in bread for the poor on St. Jamcs's-day - - - -1000 1678, Edward Hearn gave 2 1. per annum in bread for the poor on St. Jamcs's-day - - - - 40 o o 1684, Elizabeth Hearn gave los. per annuiTi in bread for the poor on St. James's-day - - - 10 o o Mrs. Boucher and Langton gave lands in Bedminfter of Sol. per annum to poor widows of the city, of Avhich this parifh has a fhare, at 10s. each. 1685, William Colllon gave 5I. per annum to fix poor houfekeepers 100 o o 1686, Philip Tiler gave 10s. per annum to one poor houfekeepcr 10 o o 1687, Martha Lane gave 10s. per annum to the poor the 22d of December - - - - - 1000 168.8, John Lawford gave 2I. 10s. per annum to the poor in bread to be given every Sunday - - - 50 o o Nicholas Shute gave a tenement of 2I. perann. to the poor. 1701, Arthur Grant gave 10s. per annum to two poor widows jo o o 1708, Sir William Clutterbuck gave 2I. los. per annum, il. for a fcrmon, 10s. to the clerk, and the remainder to the poor in bread * ». « * 50 o o 1712, s. d. o o o o [ 473 ] /. 1712, Mary Grant gave 10s. per annum to two poor widows 10 1740, Nicholas Baker gave 2!. 10s. per annum to four poorVidows 50 Alderman Gibbs gave a chief rent of 3I. per ann. to the poor. George Saltern gave a chief rent of 2s. per ann, to the poor. 1715, Alice Sloper gave lool. for the ufe of the church. 1767, Robert Bolter gave 3I. los. per annum lo the poor - 100 o o Avis Brown gave 14s. per annum to the poor - - 20 o o Cox gave 10s. per annum to the poor in coal - 10 10 o This parifh is poflefTcd of various eftatcs for charitable ufcs, to promote divine fervice, to repair the church, and relieve the indigent, amounting to about i6ol. per annum in 1759, befides fines for renewals on fo many leafc- hold tenements : though the expences of repairing the church from time to time and fome ill-judged law fuits have greatly impaired their income, that they were obliged to folicit the benevolence of the public towards rebuilding the church in 1787. The Briflol High Crofs ^s•as firfl erecled near this ehurch, in tlie center, where four ftreets meet. See the plate. The year 1373 may be deemed the asra from which Briflol may date fome of its greateft improvements, and the citizens in commemoration of Edward 3d. '4 feparating it from the countv of Glocefler and conftituting it a county within itfelf, and fixing its pomerium or boundaries by an ample charter for that pur- pofe, rebuilt the removed Crofs on the very fpot where the old one flood, embellifhed it in a mofl fuperb manner, and placed King Edward 3d. together with three preceding royal benefa8.ors, very well carved for the time, in the vacant niches of the then perhaps defaced faints. Thus gratitude and the loy- alty of the citizens were the laudable motives to this undertaking. King John was placed northward fronting Broad-flreet. He gave the city the firfl and very cxtcnfive charter of privileges, efpecially all the void ground on the banks of the rivers, thereby " to amend the town by build- ing," &c. vide annals for the year. King Henry 3d. was fixed fronting Wine-flreet eaRward. He confirmed Henry 2d's. charter, that eflablifhed it a mayor town and that of King John, and joined Redcliff to Briflol, making it one corporate town. Vide annals. King Edward 3d. was fixed towards Corn-flreet wcflward. He made Briflol a county of itfelf, &c. as above. Annals 1373, the year of re-ere£ling the Crofs in High-ftrcet by voluntary contributions. King Edward 4th. they added afterwards to the other three figures, placing him to front Kigh-fircet fouthward. \'idc annals, i\Gi. AI .M M Tbui- [ 474 ] Thus it flood greatly admired for its antiquity and for its ornaments in which they had been very lavifh for at leaft 260 years ; but in the year 1633 the city having continued to receive frefli and repeated inftances of royal fa- vour, and the Crofs itfelf by this time perhaps wanting fome neceflary repairs, it was this vear taken down in part, enlarged, and raifed higher in the fame ftvle of architcflure, and four other ftatues of kings were now added. Henry 6th. was placed in a new niche eaftward. He granted and confirmed all the charters of his predecefTors. Annals. Oueen Elizabeth was placed weflward, who had alfo confirmed the charters. King Charles ift. northward. He granted a new charter, and fold the caf- tle and its dependencies to the city, which to the great annoyance of the inha- bitants was before out of the mayor's jurifdiflion. King James ift. who had renewed the charters, was placed fouthward. By this additional fuperftruflure and the new figures, it became an objeft flill more admired by flrangers and more efteemcd by the citizens. It was therefore now moft curioufly painted and gilded and inclofed with an iron pallifade, and furroundcd with freeOonc fleps, where all public proclamations were read to the people, and which ferved the market people to fit round when the market was kept in High-flreet. Thefc improvements colt the cham- ber 207I. and its height from the ground was 39 feet 6 inches. In the y.ear 1697 in fuch a public eftimaiion was this Crofs held that it was thought proper to have it frelh painted and gilded, which was done in fuch a coflly manner, that no crofs in the kingdom is faid then to have exceeded it- Here it flood apublic ornament to the city and the admiration of flrangers refort- ing hither, efpecially all lovers of antiquity, until the year 1 733 a filverfmith who lived fronting it, out of enmity to this flru£lure fo efleemed by others, offered to fwear before the magiflrates that every high wind his houfe and life were endangered by the Crofs fliaking and threatening to fall fthough it was not generally then believed) and fo requefled its removal. On this pretence and of its obflru£ling the road by filling up the flrectj it was taken down and thrown by in the Guildhall as a thing of no value, though its removal was much regretted by mofl of the citizens. Here it lay for a long time totally difregarded, till bv the interpofition of Alderman Price and a few gentleman in the neighbourhood of College-green, it was refcued from oblivion by a voluntary contribution for ereCling it in the center of the green, with the ap- probation of the dean and chapter. Here it made a mofl confplcuous figure (fee p. 294) and was greatly ornamental ; it adorned its new flation, and its ftation reflefted an ornameot to it, and it was here viewed with pleafure by ail C 475 ] all as a moft curious piece of antiquity. But even here in time tlie Crofs loft that reverence and regard that had been hitherto paid it throughout all ages, for in the year 1763 it was at leiigth found out that this beautiful ftruCture by interfefting one of the walks interrupted gentlemen and ladies from walking eight or ten abreaft. One Mr. Champion, a great projeQor, interefted him- felf .much in its removal, and folicited fubfcriptions of money to be laid out in removing the Crofs, and widening and rendering more commodious the walks in College-green. The dean and chapter, on whofc ground it was erecled, gave leave for its removal. But many people who fubfcribed for widening and improving the walks, fubfcribed alfo for rebuilding the Crofs in any unexceptionable place, but no fuch could be found in Briilol — all the money fubfcribed for the Crofs was fpent folely in laying out the walks, the Crofs itfelf rudely torn down and much injured by the workmen employed, was thrown by in a corner of the cathedral, where it lay for a long while neglected, till Dean Barton gave it to Mr. Hoar of Stourton, who perceiving its value and out of love for antiquities has ereftcd it in a moft fuperb manner at his elegant feat of Stourhead at the expence of 300I. SECT. II.— Of the CHURCH of St. AUDEN, OWEN, or EWEN, confolidated in 1788 with Christ C .4 u r c h. THIS church, fituated in the center of the city at the meeting of four ftreets, is well dcfcribed 1480 by William of Worcefter : " The parifli church of St. Auden with the chapel of the fraternity of St. John the Baptift is fituated in a dire6l line betwixt the church of St. Werburgh on the weft and the ftreet called Broad-ftrect on the eaft, and the great eaft window of the altar of the faid church is fituated in Broad-ftreet." p. 227. And " The length of the church of St. Ewen, i. e. of St. Auden, contains 22 yards, and the breadth of the faid church, whofe caftern part or altar is direclly oppofite the church of the Holy Trinity, contains 15 yards meafured by me or 30 fteps ; and it has one nave on the north part of the aile, and one aile which is the chapel of the fraternity of St. John the Baptift." p. 215, 253. In 1631 a tower was ercQed at the expence of 196I. in the churchyard. This church though the fmallcft is of greater antiquity than moft. It ap- pears by deeds that " Robert Earl of Glocefter gave the church of St. Auden to Thurftan the prieft of Briftol, and William the Earl, his fon, confirmed it M M M 2 in C 476 ] in the time of Simon Bifliop of Worcefter, and requefted the bifliop to main- tain him therein, as he had admitted him in the time of his father Robert." — This M-as about the year 1130 or 1140, as Simon died in 1150. St. Thomas Archbifhop of Canterbury by deed confirmed to Thurftan this church with all its appurtenances, which Robert Earl of Gloceftcr had given to him in alms, to hold the fame freely as Simon Bifliop of WorccQer had confirmed it to him. This Thurftan afterwards gave it to God and the church of St. James, Brillol, and the abby of Tcwkfliury, to which it paid yearly a fmall pcnfion. This was confirmed by William Earl of Glocefter. The great caft window of the altar of this church, fituatcd in Broad-ftrcet, as well defcribed by William of Worcefter, p. 227. was the place where King Edward 4th. ftood to fee Sir Baudwyn Fullford pafs by to his execution, vhich is confirmed by an entry in the churchwardens book of account, t Edward 4th. " Item, for waftiynge the church payvcn againft K. Edward 4th. is comvnge to Bryftow, iiii ob." Which was in September, 1461. The fouth aile that joined the nave as part of this church was a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptift, belonging to a fraternity, called, the Maf- ter. Wardens, or Keepers, and Society of Taylors, confifting of brethren and fifters, who always kept it in repair till its difFoIution. It had two altars, one to St. Catherine and the other to St. Margaret. This gild was ere6ed and the chapel founded by John Thorp and John Sherp, burgcftcs, who obtained a charter of King Richard 2d. Oclober 16, 1398, and the 22d year of his reign, to found a chapel for a chaplain to celebrate divine fervice for the good eftate of the king and queen whilft alive and for their fouls when departed, and for the fratcrnitv here perpetually founded and incorporated, and he gave them power to choofe a culh)s or warden always to be chofen by the co-bre- ihren, and to hold lands, tenements, &c. for the fupport of the faid chaplain and his fucceftbrs to the value of 100s. per annum for ever, the ftatute of Mortmain notwithftanding. This was confirmed by Henry 4th. in the ift vcar of his reign, and John Thorp and John Sherp put Robert of Glocefter in pofteflTion of the faid chapel, who was to celebrate divine fervice at the altar of St. John in the church of St. Ewin, and to be difplaccdby the mafters and pro8ors of the fraternity in cafe of wilful neglecl upon the third admonition. In procefs of time by divers benefadions this fraternity, called afterwards the Mafters, Wardens or Keepers and Company of Merchant Taylors, became poftcftedof a very confiderable eftate to the amount of 97I. 16s. 8d. in rents and ground rents, bcfides renewals of lives upon their tenements yearly happening. They had additional privileges alfo granted them by Queen Elizabeth in 1571, which [ 477 ] ■which cofl: them 15I. 16s. id. and obtained others of the mayor and common council at the expence of lol. which tiic queen confirmed. Tlicy had then a book of ordinances containing 35 articles, a6ls, and rules, which were all confirmed by letters patent of King James, dated Augull 28, 1615, the fame were again ratified by King Charles ift. May 15, 1640. This company in the year 1701 ovit of their great revenues founded an ahr.flioufe in Merchant- ftreet with a chapel in the parifli of St. James. The old chapel in St. Ewen's church in 1551, 4th of Edward 6th. was granted by the parfon and parifhioncrs with all their right and title to the mayor and com.monalty of Briftol, paying 6s. 8d. per annum, giving the parfon and parifhioncrs power to diftrain for the faid rent upon any of the city lands, with provifo that if the church were at any time difFolved then the rent fliould ceafe. Upon this the corporation taking down this chapel being one ailc of the church built on the fame ground a Council Houfc in the year 1552, with a fhcd covered with lead, fupported with five ftonc pillars before it for the council to walk under in the drv, which mud have greatly darkened the room below. The council chamber above had four high windows of fione tracery work with fmall glafs- fquares with the king's, the city's, and merchants' arms on top ; between the windows was a niche, wherein a ftatue of Charles 2d. was afterwards placed, which being fliewn to one of the court ladies coming to BriRol as an honour to that auguft monarch, fhe fmartly replied, he looked more like a great clumfy porter placed there to keep the entrance. This old Council Houfe was taken down and another in a more modern flyle rebuilt in the vear 1704, and tlie flatuc was then placed againfl the Guildhall. The RECTORS of St. Ewcn or OweTi. Patron- s. ^397 Thomas Lye. Abbot and convent of Tewkfbury. 1403 John Laury. 1130 Thurflan , prieft. 1407 Thomas Ocklcy. 1292 Adam de Moreton. 1421 Richard Collyns. 1317 John Scrovarc. 1448 Richard Hankyn. 1330 Jacobus . 145" Thomas Gyles. 1348 Symon Bullockc. 1452 Thomas Smyth. J370 William Botiller. »454 Thomas Jacob. J379 Thomas Botte. ^459 Sir Thomas Seward. 1381 Stephen Swell. 1501 Thomas Pennant. J 390 John Darcll. '5' 5 Edward Watcrhoufc. 1393 John Podwclle, Mr. C 478 ] Patrons. 1643 Timothy Whatley, Mr. Brayne. 1664 James Pownall. 1549 Joli" Rawiyns. 1670 Henry Jones. 1580 Thomas Long. 1673 Tobias Higgins. 1591 William Welles. J701 James Fielding. Sir Charles Gerard. 1730 Thomas Taylor. 1631 Thomas Gawen. 1770 Rumney Penrofe. Corporation. 1639 Matthew Hazard. There are few monuments in this church. There was on the afcent to the pulpit the following infcribed on a flone : — •' Hie jacet Johannes Coleinan, nupcr reflor iRius ecclcfia?, qui obiit 8 die Mali, A. D. 1502." Alfo on a (tone : — " Thomas Hobfon and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Edmund Wynch, Efq; of London. She died March 18, 1642. He June 7, 1660, aged "/-J. Thus doth the glory of this world pafs Wc die and wither like the flower and grafs ; But fince on earth we are of life bereaven. We flew from earth to Chrift our life in heaven." It appears by the receipt of Robert Recorde, comptroller of the king's mint, that they received in gilt plate 107 ounces, and in parcel gilt 142 ounces ; 249 ounces at one time, which belonged to this church. Befides this, which confifted of chalices, pyxes, croffes, cenfers, fliips for carrying frankincenfe, fpoons, boxes, there was a long lift; of ornaments, filk and vel- vet embroidered, venments, curtains, copes, &c. belonging to this church and to the chapel of St. John. This church is a reClory, the corporation being patrons ; but the parifh confifling of not more than 27 houfcs and warehoufes, the benefit to the redor would be very fmall if the veflry did not allow him a ftipend out of the church flock of igl. per annum, befides the contributions from the parifhioncrs, and a gift fermon by Mr. Hobfon 6s. 8d. * In * The coR for a brcakfafl on Corpus Chrifli day, 1460, is lliiis cnlcrcd in this church book : Item, for a calvc's head and hinge - - - 3d. Item, for two rounds of beef - - . - 6 Item, for bread and ale - - . . - 8 Item, for Maftcr Parfon for his dinner Item, for the clerk - - . . . 4 s Item, for bearing tlie crofs .... a [ 479 ] In 1787 this church was confolidated with that of Chrift Church, and an aft of parliament obtained for taking 'his down and for rebuilding Chrift Church, which laft was compleated in 1788. CHAP. XVI. Of tht CHURCH ani PARISH of SI. WERBURGA. T T is a rectory, dedicated to St. Werburga, fuppofed to be the daughter of -■■ Wulferus King of Mercia, who had a nunnery erefted and dedicated to her honour at Chcfter about the year 670. Others fay, flie was made abbefs by her uncle Ethelred over an ancient nunnery at Trickingham in StafFord- fliire, where flie died in 683. It is fituated in Corn-ftreet, called in deeds of the year 1200 Old Corn-ftreet, near the center of the city ; its eaft end joins the upper end of Small-ftreet. It has three ailes, the length of each from eaft to weft is 72 feet, its breadth is in the clear 58 feet, and the height of the middle aile is 26 feet, having an arched plaiftered cieling, the outfide cover- ing being of Cornifti tile, as are alfo the north and fouth ailes, the height of each being 22 feet, and on each fide the middle ailes are five neat fluted free- ftone pillars, on which are turned fix arches of the fame ftone, which fupport the whole roof of the church. William of Worcefter, p. 200, fays, " It con- tains in breadth ig yards or 34 fteps, and the fquare tower 5 yards on each of the four fides." It had no tower to it for near 200 years after its foundation, when by indenture dated the 11th of April, 1385, between the feoffees and pariftiioners of the one part and John Warwyke then reftor on the other, it was agreed that in confidcration of their granting and confirming to the reftoi and his fucceftbrs for ever a houfc belonging to the parifli fituated in the churchyard, the faid reftor granted to them and their fucceftbrs for ever his meftuage fituated in Corn-ftreet, on which ground the tower is now built, being finifticd with freeftonc in an elegant manner, having 160 fteps in afcend- ing to the top at 6 inches each, which make the height 26 yards and 2 feet; ii is adorned with four pinnacles one at each corner about 10 feet high with a copper vane on each. In C 480 3 In the -center of the floor at top is built a curious hollow work pinnacle about 20 feet high with a gilt ball and weather cock, and in the tower is a peal of fix bells. A\'alter Derby, mayor, by will dated 1385, gave 40I. towards building this church, and Mr. Humphrey Brown, by deed dated the 10th of January, 1624. fc-ttlcd 7I. per annum for ever, ifl'uing out of his farm at Elberton, in the county of Gloceller, for reading prayers every Monday morning ia the year, at fix o'clock, 5I. per annum to the rcBor, 20s. to the clerk, and 20s. to provide candles during the winter feafon. Thomas Aldworth, 1598, gave 4I. to repair this church. Mr. Burroughs, in 1622, gave 50I. for the fame ufe. As to the other charitable benefactions I refer to the lift of them in the church tables. The 5th of January, the 11th )ear of Edward 2d. 1318, the king confirms amongft other things the church of St. A\'erburge and that of St. Mary le Port in Bridol given to the canons of the priory of Keynfliam, in the county of Somerfet, by William Earl of Glocefier, for their better fuf- tentation. The churchwardens for the time being tiicn paid an annual acknowledgment of 6s. 8d. to that priory, which fo continued to the final didb- lution of that houfc, the fitc of which with part of its lands was fold to the Bridges family with the prefentation to the church of St. Maryport in Briftol, to which the Duke of Chandos ftill prefents; but this of St. Werburge was retained in the gift of the crown, whofe receiver ftill continues to receive the annual fum of 6s. 8d. This church being much decayed, and obllrufting the entrance into Small-flreet, was partly taken down and rebuilt, and opened again for divine fervice the 8th of PY^bruai)-, 1761 ; the tower was only repaired at top. Many benefaflions were made to this church by fundry perfons for obiits, chauntrics, and to find lamps at the fcvcral chapels and altars within it. In 1245 Simon Clerk, mayor, granted i2d. annually for a lamp to burn in the choir of the chapel founded and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as did Peter Martur 3s. for divine forvice at the fame chapel in the year 1261, and Nicolas le Barber, in 1304, gave 2s. annually for the fame purpofc, and alio many others. This parifli is offmall extent, confifting of about 46 houfcs, and the reflory is valued in the King's Books at 33I. 6s. 8d. clear yearly value. Yearly Tenths, now dicharged, il. But in the Lincoln manufcript it appears that in the year 1241, the 19th of Edward 1 ft. this church was taxed at fix marks and a half per annum, and by a manufcript (Annal. Wygorn) it is faid, " 1236 confirmavi- mus canonicis de Keynfliam C. folidos dc ccclcfia Smd^ Werburga?, Briftol." The C 481 ] The Lord High Chancellor prefents to this living. The re£lor pays to the crown 3s. 4d. per annum. In the veflrv'-room over the door on the infidc is the following infcription : " Fabricatum fuit hoc facrarium in nicnfe Julii Annoque Domini MDCXCIV, quo etiam tempore condccorata fuit heec Integra ecclefia fumptibus parochia- norum Carolo Brent, A.M. reftorc, Georgio Irifli, Abrahamo Eltono, guar- dianis." In the fame room is hung up in a frame a lift of the GIFT SERMONS to be preached in this church. — January 6, Dr. Thomas White's. May 22, Mr. Humphrey Brown's. March 25, Dr. Thomas White's. May 6, Mr. Humphrey Brown's. June 24, Mr. Humphrey Brown's. June 29, Dr. Thomas White's. July 1, Mr. Humphrey Brown's. Dec. 27, Dr. Tho. Wiiite's, 1729- By the rent roll of the lands belonging to this church the annual amount of the ground rents thereof in 1750 was 47I. J 7s. 4d. which has fince been pro- bably improved. 1281 1290 1292 1333 1339 1360 1364 1367 1401 1404 1410 1416 1430 J436 1440 M72 A Lift' of the Patron. Abby of Keynfham. Roger de Sowey. Thomas de Mersfeld. William Ic Roper, removed becaufe married. Adam de Solweye. Thomas de la G reeve. John de la Leech. Thomas de Berewycke. Thomas de la Crone. Hugo de Penbrugge. John Warwycke. John Molfliam. William Congerft)ury. William Hawevylle. William Fehon. Robert Beaumont. Thomas Tongc. William Sutton. Thomas Merflie. RECTORS. 1474 Thomas Pyttes, refigned with a penfion of fix marks. 1491 Richard Woode. 1500 John Pecke. The King, Patron. 1545 Chriftopher Pacev. Sir William Carr. 1577 Maurice Durant. 1605 Edward Toore. 1608 Richard Collyns 1610 John Farmer. 1634 John Till Adam. Stephens, afterwards maflcr of the Grammar-fchool. 1686 Thomas Palmer. 1694 Charles Brent. 1729 Rumney Penrofe. 1743 John Culliford. 175 Richard S)nies. N N N M O X U- C 482 ] M O N U M E N T S. In the north aile is the following infcription : — " Hie jacet Johannes Punchardon, qui obiit 10 Apr. A. D. 1379, ciijus animae propitietur Deus, Amen." Arms, f. fable, five balls arg. Near this a monument " To Alderman John Barker," a carved figure leaning on his right arm in the robes of a magiflrate. He was mayor in 1607, and died in his mayoralty. Arms, f. az. five cfchallops or, quartered with f. gules, a chevron arg. three goats heads of the fccond. He died 1636. " Terrena fperno, fuprema fpero," with ten Englifh verfcs. Near this on a ftone on the floor an infcription to *' Abeli Rogers, generofo, qui obiit 29 Jan. 1632, act. 20. Filius ad parcntes: Vivo, fruor tandem vcris (ne flcte parentes) Deliciis, caelo, pofteritatc, Deo." . By the veftry a neat monument to " Robert Earle, Efq; fomc time mayor of this city, who died 25 January, 1736, aged 68 ; — a man of drift honour and juflicc, and remarkably punc- tual in all his dealings. He difcharged the offices of mayor and alderman to the general fatisfaflion of the citizens." Arms, G. three efchalops or. Near this a table monument to Nathaniel Boucher, merchant, who died the 22d of March, A. D. 1627, aged 40, leaving behind him nine children. Under a flat (lone by the vcllry door are buried Giles Earlc, gentleman : he died the ()th of January, 1676, aged 85. Alfo Sir Thomas Earlc, Knight, mayor and alderman, who died the 24th of June, 1696, aged 67. Alfo Dame Elizabeth Elianor Earlc, widow of Sir Thomas, who died the 7th of June, 1 709, aged 74. Alfo Jofeph Earle, Efq; M. P. for Briftol, who died the 13th of March, 1729. In the corner of this aile was a finall fquare flone table to the memory of Mr. George Boucher, merchant, who was hanged in Winc-flrcct, May 30, 1643, by the Rebels, with the following verfes on it : Sanguis Martyrum femen ccclefias. Whoever chanceth this way, pafs not by Thefe fainted aflies with a carelefs eye ; They are undaunted duft and did outbrave Whilft they retain'd a foul Death and the Grave ; And ftill bear witnefs in our Martyr's right. That they dare murd95l. to the poor of the city, of which this parifh has part. 1711, George Lyfons gave 50I. the interefl to be laid out in bread for the poor on Sainis da) s - - - 50 o o 1712, Richard Long gave il. 5s. per annum to poor houfeholdcrs 25 o o 1711. C 4S6 ] 1714, James Crofts gave 2!. 10s. per annum to poor houfehoiders 50 o o 1727, Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, gave 2I. 10s. per annum to five poor houfckecpcrs not receiving alms, paid Sept. 1 1 50 o 1 736, Robert Earlc gave 5I. per annum in bread weekly to the poor 100 o o Mrs, Boucher and Mrs. Langton gave lands in Bedminfler to poor widows of the city at 10s. each. Edward Colfton gave 160I. to ereSt a new altar-piece. o CHAP. XVII. 0/ the CHURCH and PARISH 0/ Si. JOHN the BAPTIST, ukh that 0/ St. LAURENCE confoUdated. THIS church confifts but of one aile ; the length of the cliurch 80 feet, the height is about 15 feet ; there is a neat but (inall chancel, with a liandfome altar, behind which is a convenient vedry-room ; the breadth of the church is 24 feet. The tower, topt with a flender fteeple, is built upon a lofty arch over the ftreet, in which are a peal of fix bells. The founder of the church was Mr. Walter Frampton, who had been three times mayor. This reftory is worth about lool. per annum by voluntary contributions and of the vefiry 15I. per annum. Mr. "\^'illiam Burroughs, in 1622, gave a houfe in Chriftmas-fireet for the refidence of the minifter. The yearly value in the King's Books for St. John and St. Laurence rcflories is 5I. 18s. id. The Yearly Tenths, now difcharged, was \^s,.^\d. William of Worcefler fays, " Dedicatio ecclefise St. Johannis, &c. The church of St. John was dedicated the 17th of July. The length of the vaulted roof of St. John's confifls of fix arches with fix windows on one fide towards the fouth, and two windows towards the north frette vowted. It is 16 ftcps high, each ftep 8 inches. It is 29^ yards long befidcs the chancel, and 7 yards broad. The gate of St. John Baptift, upon which is built a fquare tower and a fpirc above it of frecflone with two battlements upon the tower, contains in length 17 ftcps, and was built anew with the church of St. John by Walter Frampton, a noble merchant of the town of Briftol." p. 167, 197, 208, 216. On [ 487 D On each fide of the arched gateway fouth are the two figures ofBellinusand Brennus, two Britifli kings of uncommon prowcfs and fuccefs in war, if we believe the fabulous Geoffrey of Monmouth, witli their coat armour, an ef- cutcheon with a portcullis over one, and a flower dc lis or. over the other ; |J> but it is clear they were put up fince the church \va.s erected, to give fome fanflion to the flory of Geoffrey, quoted by William of Worcefter and others, who have made them the founders of BrifloJ, of as little credit as the flory of Brute and his Trojans peopling England. Mr. Robert Strange, who had been three times mayor of this town, the firft time in the year 1475, the fecond in 1483, the third in 1490, founded an hof- pital ora Imfhoufe in this parifh, by the foot of the fteps going into St. James's out of Tower-lane, and endowed the fame with lands by the Caftle mill up to Newgate, alfo tlie Spur-inn in Vrinc-flreet did belong to the fame ; but by the wickedproceedingsof the people then in trull for this charity they had embezzled the revenues of it. A commiffion to enquire into it As-as held by Dr. Robert Wright, Bifliop of Briftol, and many others, who found that feveral leaves had been cut out of the parifh books which related to this charity, alfo the infcription on his tomb in St. John's churchyard was entirely defaced, and the commiffion proved of no cffe£l ; it was held in the year 1640. The great re- bellion foon after fpread over the kingdom, which put a flop to any further proceedings. The almfhoufe became ruinous, and was taken down and rebuilt in the year 1 721, where now thirteen poor women do inhabit: they are put in by the veftry of this parifh, but there are no lands at prefent with which it is endowed.. The pay to each perfon is is. 6d per week from St Peter's Hof- pital, which is an incorporated body of guardians for the poor of the whole city, edabiiflied by aO. of parliament paffed in the 7th and 8th year of his Ma- jefly King William the 3d. 1696. The Rev. Mr. Powell 1664 gave money to the chamber to pay 2I. per ann. to St. John's almfhoufe. Alice Cole 1604 gave 4I. per annum. Thomas Sylk il. IS. per annum, 1565. The feoffees and veftry of this church are poffeffed of near fifty tenements, leafed out on lives, the rcferved or ground rents of which amounted in the year 1754 to the fum of 861. 8s. annually befides renewals. RECTORS [ 488 ] RECTORS of the Church of St. John. Patrons. Abbot and convent of Tewkfbury. J 285 William Bcind. 1286 John de Stowcy. 1304 Thomas de CiRon, habiiit cuflo- diam ccclcf. Sti. joannis. 1309 Dom. Pagan de Brillol. 1337 William de Bermingham. 1361 John Loveftoke de Afton. John Bonecocke. 1369 Ilcnrv Cammile. 1379 Richard Wodecote. William Wade. 1385 Richard Maykyn. 1388 Richard Wormbrugg. 1392 Richard Crokc. 1406 John Shaw. 1420 John Mybbys. 1427 Richard Clerk. 1433 Thomas Wheton. 1460 Nicholas Runel. 1465 Thomas Clent. 1482 William Thomas, refigned, and had a penfion yearly of five marks. 1505 Walter Walflie. 1507 John Tofte, by refignation of Walflie. 1531 Tho. Tafker, by death of Tofte. Sir Charles Somerfet, Patron. 1567 Roger Price. Mayor and aldermen. Patrons. 1580 Roger Rife, 22 Eliz 1604 Wm. Davells, Si. verbi minifler. 1634 Nicholas Pownall. 1660 Thomas Coleman. 1730 James Taylor. 1746 Carew Reynell, and chancellor ofBriftoi, Thomas Bound. John Davie, M. A. 1779 Rev. J. Johnes, M. A. There arc few monuments in this church. The firft is the founder's on a a raifed tomb with his figure at length in his alderman's robes enclofcd with a a railing, at the top of which is the following infcription : — " Ilic jacet corpus Gualteri Frampton, mercatoris, et hujusecclefiae fundatoris terque villae BriftoUiae mayoris 1357." On the ground near this tomb arc the effigies of a man and woman in brafs let into the flone, with fix fons and fix daugiitcrs, and the following infcription : — " Hie jacet Thomas Rowley, quondam mercator et vicecomes hujus villae Briftolliae qui quidem Thomas obiit 23 Jan. A. D. 1478, et Margaret uxor quae obiit A. D. 1470. Quorum animabus propitietur Deus, Amen." Out of the mouth of the man comes a fcroll and thereon, " SanBa Maria ora pro nobis." Out of the woman's, " San6la Trinitas unus Deus miferere nobis." In the cript or vault under the church is a large tomb of alabaficr, and on its fide [ 489 ] fide the figures of the fix fons and fix daughters with their father and motlior vilhout epitaph, but fuppofed to be for the above Thomas Rpwlcv. Againft the fouth vail in tlie chancel is a marble monument to the memory of Andrew Innis, gentleman, who died the 29th of December, 1733, aged 82, and his wife Joan, who died the 3d of May, 1672, and Elizabeth his fecoud wife, who died 1711, by whom he had fourteen children, Againft the north wall is a handfome monument to "William Donning, Efq; alderman, who died the 15th of November, 1695. John his fon died the 15th of April, 1701. James, mayor and alderman, died the 8th of March, 1745- There were two chauiitries here founded by Walter Frampton in St. John'.'^, one called Cantaria St. Marine, of which Richard fon of John Coke was chaun- try prieft, another of which in 1531 John Poppely was prieft. The faid Frampton inftituted alfo a chauntry in the church of ^V'raxhal, in the county of Somerfet, a delightful village feven miles from Briftol, and ordered the naming of a chaplain to be always by the mayor of Briftol for die time being. There was another chauntry at St. John's alfo by Thomas Rowley, and a chapel of the Holy Crofs. It may be remarked here, that Rowley was the name of a family that flou- riftied in Briftol for many years and at different periods. Whether the fo much celebrated Rowley, of whom we have fuch difputed accounts, was chauntry prieft of this chauntry, founded here by his relation, muft be left to the opinion and judgment of the reader. It is recorded in Chatterton's hand- writing that Rowley was chauntry prieft of St. John's. That it was a Briftol family appears from many deeds, in which they are often mentioned. One Thomas Rowley was chauntry prieft at Redcliff. And in a Bcde-roll of All Saints church Walter Rowley and William Rowley are to be prayed for by name among the benefaftors to that church. In the year 1479 ^^'^'Hiam Rowley of this city was buried at St. Mary's church of Dam, in Flanders. At the weft fide of the toWer was an old church formerly, dedicated to St. Lawrence. William of Worcefter dcfcribes it as having been 28 yards long, and 9 yards wide. When it was built is uncertain, but it is of a very old foundation, and going to decay and iiaving but a nnallparifti belonging to it, it was united and incorporated with St. John's in the 22d of Elizabeth, 1580, having Ijccn fold in the lime of Henry 8th. to H. Brayuc, whofc fucccHbr Sir O o o Charles C 490 ] Charles Somerfet fold the fite of it for buildings upon lives. John Hawkys twice mayor, by will, 4 May, 16 Henry 8ih. gave a third part of his cfhite to the retlor and proftors of the church of St. Lawrence, the whole cllatc valued at that time at gool. Some remains of arched windows do now alone point out its fite next to St. John's-gate. There was alfo not far dillant from this another church, dedicated to St. Giles, over the gate at the bottom of Small-ftreet. This has alfo undergone the fame fate, and was united to St. Leonard's about the time of Edward 3d. and is noticed by William of Worcefter, p. 248. The following were the RECTORS of St. Lawrence. Patron's. Robert le Ware. 1303 Robert, diclus Ware, de Briftol fubd. 13 kal. Feb. John le Ware. 1321 John de Wedmore cap. kal. Maii, taxat ad v marc as. 1348 John de Quenyngton, pbr. 26 March. John Forfter. Tho.BrokeMiles.1406 William Dene, 12 May. 1414 Nicholas Schaldere, 5 May. John Wyllc. Roger Saunders. J. Dom.de Lyfle. 1446 William John. 1457 Thomas Wandre, 7 May. 1460 Robert Chaloner. 1467 William Adice. Thomas Talbot. John Newton. Vice C. Lyfle. 1499 Thomas Tappefcote, 9 December. 1 Arthur Planta- 1524 Oliver Browne, 6 October, genet and Eliz. Uxor ejus. 1526 John Funtayne. Corporation. 1548 — • B E N E F A C T O R S to the Church and Poor of St. John Baptift Parifh. Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Mary Langton, /. s. d. widows, gave lands for payment of 10s. apiece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifli hath a proportion. 1683, Mrs. Elizabeth Horn gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifh for ever - - _ 10 o o 1685, I 491 ] 1685, Mr. Richard Stubbs, merchant, gave 50I, the profit thereof /. s. d. to the poor of this parifli for ever - - 5000 1701, Mr. John Dunning, of this parifii, merchant, gave to the churchwardens 25I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread on the ift day of January yearly for ever 25 o o 1 709, Capt. John Price, late of this city, gave to the churchwar- dens of this parifli lol. the intereft thereof to be given to the poor in bread on St. Jolin's-day yearly for ever 1000 Mrs. Hannah Cole gave 30I. the interefl. thereof to be paid to fix poor widows of this parifli on St. Thomas's-day yearly for ever - - _ - 30 o o Mr. Robert Kitchen, alderman of this city, gave 20s. per annum to the poor for ever - - - 20 o o Mr. George Harrington, alderman of this city, gave 20s. per annum to the poor for ever - - - 20 o o Mr. Thomas White gave to the maintenance of this parifli conduit-pipe 20s. per annum, to be paid by the cham- berlain of this city for ever - - -2000 Mr. William Griffin gave 10s. for a fermon to be preached upon St. John's-day, and 3s. 4d. in bread to be diftri- buted the fame day to the poor - - -1300 Mrs. Elizabeth Colfl^on, widow, gave 10s. per annum for a fermon to be preached on New Year's day for ever lo o o 1669, Mr. Edward Langley, of this parifli, merchant, gave two tenements for 58 years, the profit thereof to be diftribu- ted in bread weekly to poor houfekeepers. 1678, Mr. Edward Hurn, fome time flieriff of this city, gave 30I. the profitthereofinbread to thepoor of thisparifliforever 30 o o 1687, Thomas Edwards, late of this parifli, Efq; gave 20s. per annum for ever, iffuing out of lands in the parifli of St. Philip and Jacob, in the county of Glocefter, which by his will he directed fliould be applied for preach- ing two fermoMs yearly for ever in tiiis church, one on St. Thomas's-day and the other on Good Friday - 20 o i> 1733, Mrs. Jane Edwards, widow of the above-named Thomas Edwards, by her will gave 20 guineas to this parifli, the profit arifing therefrom to be laid out in bread annually on St. Thomas's-day, and diflributcd by the church- wardens to the poor of this parifli - _ 21 o O o o 2 Mr. [ 492 ] /. 5. d. Mr. Robert Strange, fomc time mayor of this city, was founder of this parifli almnioufe. Mr. William Chefler, feme time mayor of this city, gave four tenements, the profit thereof to the poor, and 7!. los. per annum quit rents. Mrs. Margaret Tindal gave a dwelling-houfe and 20s. per annum in money. Mrs. Cole, the wife of Alderman Cole, gave to the poor of the almihoufe 6s. 8d. per month - - - 6 10 o Mr. Thomas Coleman, fome time reQor of this church, gave to the poor of the almflioufc 4s. per month 5200 Mr. Andrew Yates gave 16s. per annum to the poor of the almflioufe. Mr. William Burrowes gave a dwelling-houfe to the reftor of this parifli. 1661, Mr. Francis deed gave 40s. per annum to four houfe- kccpers quarterly, los. each to fuch as receive no alms 40 o o 1669, The parifliioners have purchafed 5I. 4s. per annum for 2s. a week in bread to the poor of this parifli for ever. 1719, Mr. Samuel Hartnell, of Sf. Auguftine's parifli, gave the inheritance of lands in the parifli of Henbury, in Glocc- flerfliire, now let at 33I. per annum, to put three poor boys in Queen Elizabeth's Hofpital for ever, one of which is to be of this parifli. jull under the tower on the fouth next Broad-ftreet is St. John's ciftern, to which is brought by lead pipes from Park-fl;reet the fpring-hcad a conftant fupply of water. To repair the pipe when out of order Thomas White left 20s. per annum. A large feather from this ufed to fupply the Carmelite friery, afterwards called Sir John Young's Great Houfe, (now Colflon's Hof- pital) and in 1654 this feather, which had been made fo large as to deprive the citizens of the water, was ordered by the mayor and commonalty to be cut off and the pipe laid level in the ftrcet, the conduits and pipes of the city being under their care, and the churchwardens of St. John were ordered to fee it duly executed, and to enter into any ground or place to the fountain head to view and amend the defe£ls. As early as Oftober i, 50 Edward 3d. 1376, Walter Derby being mayor, an agreement was made with Hugh White, plum- ber, at his own cofl during life to bring the water to the Key pipe. All Saints pipe C 493 ] pipe and St. Jolin's pipe, at the yearly fum of lol. Mention is made of a ciltcrn near the Carmelites called, " the ciftcrn of the pipe of St. John's, in Broad-flreet." In this parifli of St. John is the Guildhall of the city, a very ancient ftruc- ture, thus dcfcribed by William of \\'orcefter, in 1480, p. 239, " The breadth of the Gylhalle of Briftol in Broad-ftrcet contains 23 yards with the chapel of St. George, founded by Richard Spicer, a famous merchant and burgcfs of the town, about the time of King Edward 3d. or Richard 2d. There is a very worthy fraternity of merchants and mariners belonging to the faid chapel. This chapel contains in length 20 flcps befide the fpace of the chancel, its breadth 12 fleps." The Guildhall is a loftv, long, fpacious, and airy room, arched with wood work, and well adapted for the bufincfs of holding the quarter fefTions and yearly aflizes. The jury retire into St. George's chapel to agree about the verdict; and there is a very convenient grand jury room and galleries fitted up for the witnefTes and fpectators upon trials, feats for the judge, mayor, al- dermen, and flieriffs, and a court for the counfellors ajid a bar for the prifoners. The Taylors'-hall is alfo in this pariflr, built on void ground given to the fraternity of Taylors of St. Ewen's, wherein they meet on feftival days in their gowns to v.-ait on the mayor, and where they tranfacl the bufinefs of their fociety. Bridewell, of old called Monkenbridge or Munkbridge, the common pri- fon of the city, was once an old tower and fortification, new built in 1577, and rebuilt in 1721 by the chamber at the cxpence of 1053I. 3s. To this there were many benefaftors. Thomas Chefter, 1582, gave 2I. per annum, and Thomas Kelky 20I. And 1507 Peter Matthew lool. to.kecpthe poor in Bridewell at work. Sir John Young 20I. Sir William Young 50I. and 1597 Margaret Brown lol. Thomas Aldworth 15I. to the fame ufe and to buy them bedding. In the year 1694 Froom-gate in this parifli was removed. C II A P C 4,94 ] C H A P. XVIII. OJ ihe CHURCH and PARISH of Si. NICHOLAS, wiih Si. LEONARD'S conJolidaLed. Til I S church of St. Nicholas is of great antiquity, being one of thofe which bounded the old citv, and was built on a line with the city wall, fo that the account in the manufcript under the name of Rowley as it is the only, fo it may probably be the trucfl. " Thys chyrch was founded by Erie Britr)cke in M...XXX, and fy thence was yeven to SeynQe Auguftynes myn- flerre in Bryftowc, as we may fee wyth the ftorie of the mynftcrre ynne the notable worke of the abbate." Now it is very certain that Abbot Newland left in manufcript the hiftory of his church and the Berkeley family, and mentions Robert third fon of Robert Fitzharding (about 1172) having given unto that monaftery the church of St. Nicholas in Briflol. The dean and chapter of the cathedral are the patrons. In the year 1503 this church was partly rebuilt, for in the will of Thomas Knapp, an eminent merchant and late mayor, 20I. is given " towards building St. Nicholas church." The building was fpacions laid out in the form of two ailes, the one north terminated with a beautiful chancel, adorned with an altar-piece, being a painting on the wall in per- fpeQive, to which there was an afcent by twelve ftcps, with a pavement of black and white marble, which had a noble efFeft as you approached the altar. It was fituated over the arched gateway called Nicholas-gate, where was a clock, and over it a ftatue in ftonc of Henry 2d. who in his young days was educated at Bridol, and at a fchool in this parifh. The roof of the church was covered with lead, and fupportcd with four arches and five (lender pillars< all of freeftone, which on the fouth fide leaning threatened to give way, and in 1730 being repaired the following infcription was placed near the entrance of the church there : " Hasc compta Dei domus modo collapfura quatuor novis columnis fuffulta et ornata ftabilimen ct ornamentum recepit. Pirmius fla- biliatur precibus, evangelio, puritate morum, clarius ornetur continuato caetu congrcgantium." There was a veftry-room on the fouth fide that projected over the ftrcct. Here you entered into an arched place or vault called the Croud, [ 495 ] Croud, of almofl the whole length and breadth of the church, which had a row of four large pillars, and on the nortli fide five arciied openings with iron bars for windows, to let in light into this dark repofitury of the dead. Leland takes notice of this, Itin. p. 85. " where is a churcii of St. Nicholas cum crypiis." Croud is then an abufe of the word crypt, from the Greek y^vTp.v, to hide, a hiding place for the dead. Vv'illiani of Worceller defcribes it thus, p. 201. " The breadth of the whole vault or croud with the two ailcs arched with the number of five pillars contains 12 yards, and five great pillars and five arches are un the faid croud. Alfo the fquare belfry tower contains 5 yards, ex omni parte." And p. 284. " T!ie Icngtii of the croud of St. Nicholas contains befides the chapel widi 7 yards for the breadth of the chapel of Holy Crofs 31 yards, its breadth contains 12 yards, 13 foot." The high fpire or fieeple was conftriiftcd of wood, ftrongly and curioufly framed toge- ther and covered witli lead, the pieces jointed and let one into the other^ which William of Worcefter calls " magnum pinnaculum feu fpera de mea- renno elcvata cum plumbo cooperta." There were fix bells in the tower, and the great clock bell was fixed in the fteeple above the reft, with this infcription on it : " Georgius Campana Briftow ad voluntateni maior et communit. rcmovetur tempore Walteri Darby, maioris, A. D. 1369." "When the pafTage over the old bridge and through the arch of St. Nicholas- gate up High-ftrect was become fo very inconvenient and dangerous, that it was thought neceffary to take down the bridge and St. Nicholas-gate, upon which the chancel of the church flood, it was long debated whether it would not be better to rebuild the church wholly, as it was a very old llruflure, and removing a part might endanger the whole. Accordingly the bridge com- miflioners having allowed the veftry 1400I. for the damages the cliurch muft neceffarily fuftain, and loool. more towards building it anew, the plan for rebuilding the church, though it might be at an additional expence, was ap- proved of, and in October, 1762, they began taking down the church. In two old arches in the fouth wall were found two fkclctons of pcrfons, who muft have been buried there foon after or at the erection of the wall of the church ; perhaps when rebuilt in the time of Thomas Knapp before mentioned in 1403. In conftruCling the new church they prcfcrvcd the croud without diflurbing the afhes of the dead ,- but found the tower and fpire too defetiive to be kept {landing, they therefore took them down alfo, and built the prefent noble ftone tower and fpire in the fame place, which was not iiniflied till 1768. The old Ijx bells were new call into a fine peal of eight belli befides the clock belL in the ilet?plc. Tlie A\'Hffl(?'"buiMing brought a great charge upon the parifli ellatcs, and cod above 6000I, The prefent church however is a very fine building, being one broad and lofty room with a flat cicling, and an elegant ftucco raifed cornice round it, adorned with mahogany feats and an elegant pulpit. The old organ was creded here again in a handfome gallery. The prefent new ftrufture has a iiglu and airy appeirance, and the room being not intcrfecled with pillars and arches is more open, and fecms well calculated for the audience all to fee and hear the preacher, yet in the opi- nion of moR it has not fo ftriking an eifecl as the old form of building ; •— the high-embowcd roof With antique pillars maffy proof. With ftoripd windows richly dight. Calling a dim religious light. Mii.ton'. Divine fervice is no where better kept up than in this church. Befides dailv prayers here celebrated from time immemorial, there is a lethire- fermon preached every Tuefday afternoon, for which the preacher is paid 25I. per annum by the chamber of the city and a fermon morning and after- noon on Sundays. For the afternoon Jermon the vicar is paid 20I. per annum out of the chamber, the gift of Humphrey Brown in the )ear 1629, who vefls an ellate at Filton in GloceRerfliire in tlie mayor and commonalty, for them " to provide and maintain for ever a learned Icfture-fermon on every Lord's day in the afternoon at St. Nicholas in Briftol, or at St. Werburgh's, or fome other church in the city, by fome able, learned, and godly preacher, a Batche- lor in Divinity at Icalt, for the better inftrucling the people in the deep myfte- ries of God, and of his faving health, &c." There was a vicarage-houfe and garden formerly belonging to the vicars of this parifh, but it was taken away by the vellry in 1625, and upon complaint of Mr. Towgood they allowed him 4I. per annum in lieu of it; but upon his re- turn after his fequeftration they promifed to allow him 14I. per annum toward.^ houfe rent, which however it appears they never performed, alledging he had nothing to fliew for it, fo they revoked their promifc. The houfe is defcribed in deeds as fituated in Back-flreet, in the Rackcy on the north fide, 22 Feb. 9 Eliz. p. 447. of Book of \\'ills and Enrolment of Deeds in the chamber of BriRol. This vicarage is worth to the minifler above 200I. per annum, by coUeftions ■from the parifliioners, bcfidcs the gift fermons and furplice fees. The C 497 ] The following is a Lift of the VICARS from the year 1240. Patrons. Dean and chapter. Patrons. Abbot and convent of St. Auguftin. 1551 JohnRaflal. 1593 George Harris. 1602 William Robinfon. 1620 George Hanis. 1626 Richard Towgood. Samuel CrofTman. 1700 John Read, vie. to 1713. John Gadcarth, by nomination of Lord Guilford, in a letter to Dean Tompfon. William Goldney, died 1747. 1748 John Caftehnan. John Camplin, D. D. precentor of the Cathedral, vicar of Olvefton and of Elberton in the county of Glocefter, and lefturer of the church of St. Mary-RedclifF. 1240 'Walter Filomena. 1286 Michael RuHTelyn. 1301 Adam Ic Jeovene. 1 3 n Walter de Saunford. 1313 Walter de Kemefcote. 1341 Thomas Egifton. 1348 John de Beitoner. 1349 William de Tormerton. 1352 Walter Afch. 1361 Thomas Spette. 1369 John Cromme. 1378 William Brythlampton. 1387 Nicolas Adams. 1404 Thomas Yotflete. 1405 John Vaughan. 1430 William Parker. 1446 Tohn Arffos. 1493 John Burton. 1508 Thomas Coke, A. M. 1515 Thomas Hannibal. There were formerly the following Chauntries belonging to the Church of St, Nicholas. /. s. A chauntry by Richard Spyccr - - 12 7 Four by Everard Le French - - 26 3 Another by "William Spencer - _ 5 o o Two others by Thomas Knappe - - 13 6 8 There was a religious gild or fraternitv of the Holy Ghofl within the crowd of St. Nicholas, cum capella in honorem Santas Crucis ibidem; they received rents \vith the brothcriiood and caiualtics 18I. 5s. per annum. — The expences of the priefls and clerk for celebrating the Holy Ghoft mafs and anthems, yearly falary ,was 61. 13s. 4d. which with wine, ringing the bells and cleaning the croud amounted to .ibout 9I. per annum in toto, and colts " for the drynk- yng of the brotherhoode on Holy-rood day" amounted to 5I. 6s. where tlie wheat in 1529 is charged 2id. per bufhel, candles id. per pound, 14 gallons of milk IS. 2d. double ale 2d. per gallon. Sec. P p p The d. 1 1 9 [ 498 ] The following are the principal MONUMENTS to be met with here. John 'W'hitfon alderman, and a great benefaftor to the city, lies buried in the crowd, his figure in ftone well carved and painted in his alderman's gown, on a handfome arch tomb, with fquare pyramidal pillars on the fide, and over him a tabic with the following infcription : — The particulars of his charitable endowments and gifts will be fliewn in the lift of wills and charitable donations, ar.d are fct down on the monument. " In memory of that great benefa£lor to this city John Whitfon, mayor and alderman, and four times member in parliament for the fame, who died in the 72d year of his age, A. D. 1629 ; a worthy pattern to all who came after him : out of his fcvcral eftates he bequeathed, viz. /. s. d. To 52 poor childbed women To the Redmaids Hofpilal To Redcliff Grammar-fchool To the Merchants' Almflioufe To poor fcholars at O.xford To poor houfekeepers To poor widows To St. Nicholas parifii To the ufe of merchants and poor tradcfmen intereft free - - 500 o o The grave where he and his three wives lie and one daughter is clofe before the monument; he was buried the 9th of March 1629 : he was hurt by a fall from his horfe, which was the fuppofed caufe of his death ; and being captain of the trained bands of the city, they attended his corps to St. Nicholas church, and the mufquctcers gave him three vollies over the grave at the interment, according to the military cuftom. In the north wall of the crowd is a monument with a Latin infcription : '■ To Francis Knight Efq; who died 20th Aug. 1616." In the eaft wall of the chancel was a fmall marble monument to Edward Runcomb Efq; of the ifland of Montferat, born at Goathurft in the county of Somerfet ; he died the 1 ith of Sept. 171 2, aged 53. Near this another to Elizabeth Hart, daughter of Wynnof Denbeigh, (he died Oft. 1734. Alfo to Sir Richard Hart, who died Jan, 16, 1701. In the wall was this infcription in a table at the foot of the veftry ftcps ; " Dum precaturusafcendis ad domum Dei Moriturus refpicc domum morluorum : En 52 per annum. 120 ditto. 8 10 6 ditto. 26 ditto. 20 52 26 S C 499 ] En fub hoc facro fornice criptam vetuflam V'etuftiorem fordibus collapfoque folo fa6lam Simplex munditiis nitet ; Ut decet eccle(iani Anglicanam : Nam in honorem Dei In ufum fepulturae In gratiam fuperftitum Hoc ccrmiterium ad planiticm reda£liim Repurgatumque novis ornabatur cancellis Impenfis parochianoruin Cura yEdilium A. D. 1718." Near the fleps was the following infcription : — " Hie jacet Johannes Papinham, quondam mercator et burgenCs villas Briflollias, qui obiit 7 Apr. 1438." BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. Nicholas Parifii. 1583, Mr. William Tucker, alderman, gave 40s. per annum, at /, s. d. Eafter 20s. and at Chriftmas 20s. and 6s. 8d. for a fermon next Sunday after Trinity Sunday for ever 46 o o 1595, Mr. John Brown, alderman, gave twelve fhifts, fix for men and fix for women, to the value of 26s. 8d. per annum, one year to the Merchants' almfhoufe in the Marfli, and two years to this parifh, and fo to continue for ever - - - - _ 26 o o Mr. Matthews gave 40s. per annum, 20s. at Eafter and 20s. at Chriflmas, for ever - - - - 40 o o Mrs. Alice Webb gave 20s. per annum upon Good Friday for ever - - - - - 20 00 1597, Mr. George Snow gave 20s. per annum, 10s. at Michaelmas and 10s. at Chriftmas, and 6s. 8d. for a fermon the Sunday before the 24th of June for ever - 26 o o 1620, Mr. William Challoner gave i2d. per week in bread, and 10s. for a fermon the 9th day of January - - 62 o o 1628, Mr. John Whitfon, aldernian, gave 50I. per annum to poor houfe-holdcrs of this parifh, and 20s. for two fermon.s, viz. upon the 2 8lh day of Oclobcr and the 7th day of November, for ever - - - 70 o o P pp 2 1594, [ 500 ] 1594> Mr. Robert Kitchen, alderman, gave 40s. per annum to I, s. d. four poor houfe-holders quarterly for ever - 40 o o Mr. John Langton, alderman, gave 40s. per annum to four houfe-holders quarterly, and 12s. for a fcrmon to be preached at Horficld on the firft Sunday in Lent, for ever - - - - - -5200 1639, Mr. George Harrington, alderman, gave 40s. per annum to four houfe-holders quarterlv for ever - 40 o a Mr. William Pitt, merchant, gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread for ever - - - 50 o o Mr. Roger Hurt gave 6s. 8d. for a fermon on the 24ih of June for ever - - - 6100 Mr. '\\'illiam Burro wes gave 20s. for a fermon on the 3d of May for ever - - - - - 2000 Mr. John Henry gave 10s. for a fcrmon upon St. John's- day, the 27th of December, for ever - - 10 o o Mr. George Hart gave 20I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread for ever - - - - 2000 Mr. Abraham Birkin gave 40s. per annum to four poor houfe-holders (receiving no alms) quarterly for ever 40 o o Mr. Michael Deyos, merchant, gave i2d. per week in groat bread to three poor houfe-holders (not receiving other alms) for ever, and 13s. 4d. to the minifler of this parifh for a fermon to be preached on the 3d day of Auguft in the morning, and 4s. 8d. to the clerk and fexton for ever - - - - 70 o o Sir Thomas Langton gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread weekly for ever, and 20s. for a fcrmon to be preached upon Good Friday for ever - 70 o o Mr. John Dymer, fheriff of this city, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor in bread quarterly for ever - 1000 1675, ^^- Edward Baugh, of this parifh, linen-draper, gave lool. the profit thereof to be given to the poor in bread weekly forever - _ . _ 100 o o Mr. Thomas Bevan, of this parifh, a member of the com- mon council, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be given to the poor in bread weekly for ever - - 20 o o 1678, [ 501 ] 1678, Mr. Ricliaid Holland gave lol. the profit in bread to the /. s. d. poor of the almfhoufe on Eafler-day for ever, and lol. towards building it, founded by thcparifh 1638 - 20 o o 1680, Alexander James, Efq; fomc time mayor and alderman of this city, gave 20I. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifh for ever - - - - -20 00 1681. Mr. Timothy Parker, fomc time fherifF, gave lol. the profit thereof in bread weekly to the poor for ever 10 o o Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Joan Langton, widows, gave lands for the payment of 10s. apiece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh hath a proportion. (N. B. The lands lie in the parifh of Afhton, and let at Sol. per annum.) 1683, Mr. George White, fome time flieriflFand alderman of this citv, gave lol. the profit thereof to four poor houle- holders not receiving alms quarterly - - 1000 i686, Mr. John Hart, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof to be given in bread to the poor of this paridi weekly forever 10 o o 1687, Mr. George Morris, merchant, and member of the com- mon council, gave 20I. the profit thereof to the poor at Chriftmas and Eafter for ever - - 20 o o Mr. Richard Vaughan, a member of this parifh, gaveiol. the profit thereof to the poor in bread on St. Thomas's- day yearly for ever - - - - 1000 Sir WilliaiTi Cann, Knight and Bart, gave lool. to four parifhcs of this city, whereof this hath a fourth part, the profit thereof to be diftributed to the poor the 8th day of January for ever - - - 25 o o Mr. Charles Herbert, grocer, gave lol. the profit to be given to the poor of this parifh upon the 28th day of June for ever - - - - 1000 Mr. Stephen Watts, merchant, once a member of the com- mon council, gave lol. the profit to be dillributed to the poor at Chriftmas for ever - - 1000 i688. The 23d of January, the Lady Ann Cann, reli£l; of Sir Robert Cann, of this city. Knight and Bart, born in this parifli, gave lol. per annum for twenty years to the poor of this parifh, widows chiefly to be relieved. i6go. [ 502 ] 1690, Mis. Elizabeth Hall, widow, gave lool. which according /. s. d. to her will was laid out in the purchafe of a houfe, the rent whereof (all charges deduQed) is for the preach- ing of twelve fermons yearly, viz. on the firfl; Saturday in each month in the afternoon for ever - 100 o o Mrs. Margaret Abbey, widow, gave 50I. the profit thereof for the better relief of the poor, which was accordingly to her will diftributed - - - - 50 o o Mr. John Sandford, junr. gave lol. the profit thereof to be difiributcd to the poor on the 14th of February yearly for ever - - - 10 o o Mr. George White, fome time fherifF of this city, gave lol. the profit thereof in fix-penny bread to the poor (not receiving alms) at Chriflmas for ever - 1000 1693, Sir William Cann, Knight and Bart, a former bencfa6lor to this paridi, gave 103I. for payment of 40s per annum for a fermon yearly on St. Gcorge's-day againft Atheifm and Prophanenefs, and 13s. 4d. yearly to the clerk, or- ganift, and fexton, and 3I. los. per annum to be equally divided to feven poor houfe-holders of this parifli the fame day (fuch as frequent divine fervice to be prefer- red) for ever - - - - 103 00 1694, Mr. Jedidiah Pickford, a member of the common council, gave 30I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread atChrift- mas and Eafter for ever - - - 30 o o Mr. David Reynon, churchwarden, (born in this parifh) gave 30I. for payment of 36s. to nine poor families on Candlemas-day for ever - - - 30 o o 1699, Mrs. Ann Longman, widow, gave 195I. to the poor of this city, of which this parifli hath a proportion. 1 706, Mrs. Jane Mitchell gave lol. the profit in bread to the poor at Chriflmas yearly - - - 1000 1708, Mr. Charles Roynon, of this parifli, gave 20I. the profit in bread on every Lord's- day - - - 20 o o 1710, Mr. William Higgs, late of this parifli, gave sol. to poor houfe-holders and others within this parifli, which fum was diftributed to them accordingly the 23d day of December -, - - - - 20 00 1712 [ 5^3 ] 1712, Augufl tlie 6th, Mr. William Evans, of this parifli, in /. s. d. memory of Iiis dutiful daughter Martha Evans, gave 20I. to pay los. to the miiiiAcr for a fermoii on the fame day, and los. in bread to the poor for ever 20 o o 1713, The Rev. John Read, D. D. late vicar of St. Nicholas church, gave 20]. to the poor of this parifh, the intereft thereof is to be diflributed in bread at the difcretion of the churchwardens on the firft Sunday after the 15th of February for ever - - - - 20 o o 1714, Mr. James Croft, of this parifii, gentleman, gave 50I. the profit thereof to poor houfekeepers of this parifh yearl)', at the difcretion of the overfeers and churchwardens 50 o o 1716, The 23d of January, William Jackfon, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave 50I. the intereft thereof to poor houfekeepers of tliis parifh (not receiv- ing alms) in coals for ever, as the veftry fhall direct 50 o o 1718, Mr. William Bayly, fome time flieriff of this city, gave 50I. the intereft thereof to poor houfekeepers of this parifln, not receiving alms, on the 25th of March for ever - - - - - 50 o o 1722, Capt. John Williams, of Caldee ifland, in the county of Pembroke, gave lol. the profit thereof in bread to the poor on the 25th of Auguft forever - - 10 o o 1725, Mr. Chriftopher Wallis, a member of the common coun- cil, and churchwarden of this parifti, gave 30I. the intereft whereof is to be diftributed to poor houfekeepers on the 24th day of October for ever - - 30 o o 1726, Capt. Jofcph Whitchurch, late of this parifli, merchant, gave 20I. the intereft thereof to the poor of the almf- houfe on the firft Sunday in December yearly for ever 2000 1727, Mr. Derrick Popley gave los. per annum for a fermon on the firft Sunday in Lent for ever - - 10 o o 1728, Mr. John Brittain, tobacconift, gave 20I. the profit to the poor of this parifti on St. John's-day yearly for ever 20 o o 1729, Mrs. Alice James, widow, gave 20). the profit in twelve- penny bread to the poor of this parifti, not receiving alms, on Chriftmas-day yearly for ever - - 2000 17301 C 504 ] 1730, Mr. Richard Bradley, late of Bewdley, gave lol. to the poor /. 5. d. of this parifh, which was accordingly to his will dif- tributcd - - - - -10 00 Mr. Richard Leverfedge gave 50I. the intcrcO whereof is yearly on the 18th of Augufl to be paid to five poor houfekcepcrs of this parifli - - - 50 o o 1731, Mrs. Elizabeth Tudor gave 10s. per annum to be dlRributcd on the 8th day of June to two poor widows not receiv- ing alms - - - - - 1000 1732, Dr. John Gafkarth, late reftor of All Hallows Barkin in London, formerly vicar of this parifh, gave 30I. to the poor of this parifli, as the veflry fhould direfl - 30 o o 1733, Mr. John Haythornc, fenr. formerly of this parifli, whi- tawer, gave lol. the intereft to be diflributed to the poor of this parifh in bread yearly on the 24th of June for ever - - - - - -1000 1734, Mr. John Stephens, late of this parifli, hooper, gave 20I. the intercfl to be diflributed to the poor yearly on the 26th of January for ever - - - - 20 o o 1737, Ilenry Walter, Efq; alderman, gave 50I. to the poor of this parifli, which was diflributed according to his will 50 o o 1741, Mr. Thomas Hungerford, fenr. formerly of this parifh, linen-draper, gave 50I. the interefl thereof at 4 per cent, to be diflributed to the poor, 20s. in coal and 20s. in bread yearly on St. Thomas's-day for ever 50 o o 1741, Mr. Paul Weflon, late of this parifh, grocer, gave 20I. the interefl thereof to the poor on St, Paul's-day for ever 20 o o 1742, Mr. Richard Willet, late of this parifli, diflillcr, gave 24I. the interefl thereof to fix poor houfe -holders, not re- ceiving alms, on the 2gth of May for ever - 2400 1683, John Read, linen-draper, gave 30I. to the poor in bread weekly for ever - - - - 30 o o In a table in St. Xicholas church is the following lift of GIFT SERMONS. /. 5. d. Firft Sunday in every month, Mrs. Elizabeth Hall's - 600 January 9, or Sunday after, William Chaloner's - - o lo o Good Friday, Sir Thomas Langton's - - - 100 April C 5<^5 ] April 23, Sir William Cann's, Knight, 1693 May 3, William Burrowes's - _ _ _ Sunday after Trinity, William Tucker's, alderman Sunday before the 2.1th of June, George Snow's June 24, Roger Hurt's - _ _ _ . Augufl 6, Mr. William Evans's, 1712 Augufl 3, Mr. Michael Deyos's - - - Oaober 28, ;> November 7,SJ°''"^^'^''''"°"' ^'^'l' " ' ' ' ° ° December 27, Mr. John Henry's - - - o 10 o Firfl Sunday in Lent, to be preached at Horfield, the gift of John Langton, alderman - - - - - 0120 Firll Sunday in Lent, Derrick Popley's - - - 010 /. S. d. 2 1 6 8 6 8 6 8 10 13 4 o The ground rents and tenements belonging to this parifh produce annually about 190I. per annum. In this parifli was formerly a chapel dedicated to St. John, and another on Briftol Bridge, ereBed and founded by King Edward 3d. and his Queen Phi- lippa, and endowed by the mayor and burgeffes of Briftol, to which many left legacies^ John Hanker and John Hackft.on gave two meffuages and three Ihops on the Back of Avon to John Gweyn, chaplain there, to pray for their fouls and their wives, &c, 49 Edward 3d. Pope Boniface, the nth year of his pontificate, by a fpecial letter denounced the wrath of the Almighty and of the apoflles Peter and Paul againft any one who fliould hinder divine offices being performed in this chapel, faving neverthclcfs to the church of St. Nicholas its proper rights, dated at Rome the nth year of his pontificate ; which chapel howrver has long fincc been defecrated. The Cooper's-hall in King-flrcet in this parifli prefents a building with a handfome front, the elevation of whitih was publiflied by Halfpenny, the ar- chitect, in 1744. The weft front is 6^ feet g inches broad, and the fcclion 6^ feet 4 inches. See the plate. The Cuftom-Houfe is a large and fpacious brick building in the center of the north fide of the fquare, conveniently fiiuated for the merchants to have lecourfe to, was built by the corporation and pofTellion taken of it in 1711. There isalfo here an almflioufe ercclcd on ground next the then city wall, granted to the veftry of this church for this purpofe. It ferves for the habi- tation of fevcral poor people; but it has no cndowmciit, all l;ere receiving parifli pay, Qqq SECT. [ 5o6 ] SECT. U. — O/lhc CHURCH and PARISH of Si. LEONARD. AT the wed end of old Corn-ftreet formerly flood three arched gateways forming togeiher a triangle. The fouth gate led to Baldwin-flrect, the north to the Key, and the eaft which was largeft led to Corn-ftreet, over which flood a plain freeftone tower, 65 feet high from the ground, and 18 feet in front from north to fouth and from eaft to weft 10 feet, having four fmalK freeftone pinnacles at the top, furrounded with freeftone battlements. In the tower were only two bells, one large and the other fmall. Under the bell- loft within the church was built againft the eaft window a beautiful neat altar. The communion table and rails round it were of mahogany, and part of the floor was laid with black and white marble. The body of the church confifted but of two ailes, extending over the three gateways; and as part of the floor was of timber covered with paving ftones and over the arches, it could not admit of any corps being buried there, but on the north fide was a fmall crvpt where the dead ufually were interred, at the end of which you afcended by a flight of thirteen flone fteps to the only door of the church, at the weft end of the north aile, which was in length 35 feet, and the fouth aile from the altar to the weft window about 55 feet and 30 feet high to the ceiling: the width of both ailcs was 30 feet. Hence it appears the church was but fmall, plain, and of an anticnt fabric, being fuppofed to be built foon after laying out the firft boundaries of the old town, to the walls of which it joined on each fide. It is faid in the manufcripts of Rowlie, " Itte was ybuilden bie Algar, a Saxon, in 1010. It has a chauntrie to the honour of St. Baldwynne, whofe fliryne was therein keppen." It is mentioned in a deed, 25 Edward ift. 1297, wherein Simon de Burton, about this time founding RcdclifF church, grants the tenements he then lived in in Corn-ftreet, newly built within the gate of St. Leonard, to John DiQo, which afterwards paid 6$. 8d. twice a year for the maintenance of a lamp to burn in this church. It is a vicarage, rated in the King's Books at 4I. is. 5d. clear yearly value, the number of dwelling- houfes about fcventy-four, and nine warchoufes. Mr. William Pennoycr, a native of the parifli, in the year 1670, gave 16I. per annum for preaching a Icflure-fcrmon here once a week, and it was endowed with 200I. Queen Ann's bounty, which with the voluntary contributions of the parifliioners made the living about 55I. a year to the vicar. It was in the prefcntation of the dean and chapter. The laft incumbent was the Rev. Mr. John Davie, who removed to St. John's, to which he was prefented April 1766, in lieu of this church, which was then pulled down to lay open a new ftrect called Clare- ftreet. C 5^1 ] ftreet, and the parifh confolidated with St. Nicholas. In 1319 the chapel of St. Giles which belonged to this church being ruinous was pulled down, the chancel bells, books, and veftments dcftroyed, and in 1331 its revenue being impaired it was wholly annexed to St. Leonard, to which it had been of old fubjeft, and the facraments and religious offices were to be no more continued there without licence from the vicar, to whom all tenths and oblations were to be paid. In this parifli in St. Leonard's-lanc is a free fchool, endowed by Mr. Pen- noyerwith lol. per annum to a mafter to teach 20 boys to read, write, and cy- pher, and the accidence. He gave alfo lol. per annum to an honeft widow woman to teach twenty girls to read and few, and 5I. per annum to the poor of the faid parifh for ever. This church was fhut up in June 1766, and January 28, 1771 they began to take it down, and fold the altar piece to Backwell in Somerfetfhire. A lift of the V I C A R S of St. Leonard's church, fo far as can be found in the church books, and in Regift. Wygorn. Patrons. Abbot and convent of St. Auguftin. 1274 Richard deSt. AuguftinoCapell. 1290 John Dumyng, 3 March. 1323 Robert le Toyt, 3 March. 1492 William Clark. 1525 Francis Pollard. 1530 John Hawks. 1534 Thomas Silkc. 1559 Mr. Vaughan. 1326 Philippus de Caftro GodcriQi, 1575 Thomas Cavcrleyc, the firft Pro- died 1328. 1328 Hugh de A6lon. Philip Sherer. 1393 William Brytlampton. 1409 Thomas Chamberleyn. 14J0 Nicholas Clerkclap. 1420 Roger Pert. 1426 Robert Pcwfey, 25 March. 1447 Thomas Knight. 1450 John Tornour. 1453 Sir John Lewis 1479 William Croffe. teftant minifter. 1600 Mr. Dickley. 1612 Mr. Waltfon. 1613 Richard Williams. 1626 John Norton, M. A. 1690 Samuel Payne. 1721 Robert Clark. 1732 John Sutton. 1734 Samuel Jocham, 12 September. 1743 William Prichard, 9 July. 1750 John Berjew, 19 July. 1753 John Davie, 9 May. In the year 1615, the 20th of March, Robert Redwood by will gave an houfc in King-ftreet adjoining the town wall, there to be converted to a Q Q Q 2 library [ 5o8 ] library for the public ufe, and ordained that the vicar of St. Leonard's fliould be librarian, if a graduate in the Univerfity and his religion anfwerablc thereto, to be approved of by the mayor and aldermen. This houfe with feme additions was farther granted the 12th of April 1636, by Richard Vicaris merchant to the mayor or comonalty to the fame ufe. The 27th of October 1738, it was agreed by a committee of the corporation to rebuild this houfe, now become ruinous, from the ground, of the following dimen- tions, 38 feet long, 25 feet wide in the clear, with cellars underneath and offices not exceeding ten feet high for the librarian, and the library room over that 16 feet high, and the front above the ground fhould be built with freeflone. This plan was executed in the year 1739, with an handfome elevation. The old books which were given by Tobias Matthews, Arch- bifliop of York, a native of Briftol, and various people, to the number of 500 were depofited during the building, in the Council-houfe, and then brought back to the library room, and replaced in elegant oak cafes. In the year 1738-9, it appears ^\'m. Jeffries Efq; mayor, expended in building the library, - - - - - 184 6 7 1739-40, Stephen Cluiterbuck Efq; mavor, - - 681 3 o Henry Combe Efq; mayor, - - 435 18 6 Total /" 1301 8 1 But this library has received great improvement and a new eRablifliment by the Briftol Library Society, having this place granted them witli the ufe of the books of the old library by the corporation, and by a new wing being added to the former building in 1786, to hold the number of books now- added yearly to the former coUeClion, purchafcd by the money arifing from the annual fubfcribers and other bcnefaftors, that it now contains a large felefl: coUeftion of books in various fciences and languages of the beft editions, which each fubfcriber under certain rules and regulations, has the liberty to take home to perufe at his leifure, and the library is opened three times in the week mornings at n o'clock, and four times a week at 6 o'clock in the evenings, for the citizens fubfcribing yearly one guinea to rcfort there to read. Several lands and tenements were given to this church for obits and chaun- tries. In 1482 Elias Spelly gave lands yielding yearly 5I. 8s. 8d. and Agnes his wife ditto il. 13s. 4d. and 20 marks in money. John Barr, in 1501, gave 40I. to buy veftments, and 60I. for achauntry for priefts to fing for his foul lor ten years after his death. Wm. Cooder, 2I. per ann. and a chalice wt. 23 ounces alfo 20 ounces of filver to make the oil vat, and 40I. to buy the bcfl fuit of blue velvet with branches of gold. Wm. Wodington gave to the gilding of the C 509 ] the figures of our Lady, St. Leonard, and St. Giles, 61. The plate belonging to this church amounted to 222 ounces and half, which was taken to by King Henry 8, and Edward 6, and 13th Auguft 1549 was delivered into the king's mint of Briftol for his highnefs's ufe by virtue of his majefty's letter, the jew- els and plate belonging to this church 131b. 8 ounces two chalices excepted as appears by Mr. Records receipt. In 1553 a frefh demand was made upon the parifh, when they left them only one chalice, wt. g oz. and three bells. In 1424, fome remarkable charges occur which fhew the price of things at that time, paid 2d. for a quart of wine, 8d, for wafhing the fepulcre, paid, for two facks of coaL^ 2d. (by which it appears coalpits were opened near Briftol as early as that year,) paid for two pounds of candles 2d. In the year 1476 the annual income from ground rents &c. for the fupport of the church amounted to 9I. 18s. 4d. In 1514, it amounted to nl. 18s. 4d. In 1751, to 34I. 10s. 4d-. CHAP. XIX. 0/ Ike CHURCH and PARISH cf Si. STEPHEN. nf HIS church is dedicated to St. Stephen the protomartyr, and former- -*• ly belonged to the abbots of Glaftonbury, who were probably the founders, being patrons of it till the diffolution. It paid yearly two marks to the infirmary of that abby, (fee Johann. Glafton. v. 2. p. 417.) which was the gift of Henry Bifhop of Worcefter about the year 1378 : it paid alfo a pound of cummin to Glaftonbury, which had five meft^uages in Briftol fituated in Marfh-flreet, at a place called Glaftonbury-court to this day. The church ftands between theoutwardandinward walls of the city on the banks of the Frome, which ground the tide formerly flowed over, whence the ftrcet adjoining took the name of Marfti-ftreet alias SkadpuU-ftreet, the river Frome running nearer this church of old and through Baldwin-ftrcet into the Avon: it is frequently mentioned in very old deeds. In 1304 the re£lor had alegacy left him. "William of Worcefter, p. 282. fays, " The height of the tower of St. Stephen from the erthe table to the gargylc is 21 fathom or 42 yards, and the height from i C 510 ] ' from the gargyle to the crope which finiflies the floiie work is 31 feet, and its breadth the eafl and weft part is 12 feet, and north and fouth 14 feet and from the ground to its very deep foundation is 31 feet ; and it has four ftories, and in the fourth ftory are the bells." And p. 235. he fays, " The church is 30 yards long and 19 broad, and 44 high, and has feven arches on each fide and feven windows, and in each fide and each window four dayes ; and that the tower is (p. 120.) 125 feet high, befides 31 feet below the ground ; and (p. 268.) that the foundation for building is here fo bad that they dig 47 feet to make a foundation, and that they found a boat there and a togh of bay cloth and a great tree fquared of 16 feet long found." There was no tower to this church till die reign of Edward 4th. about 1470. Camden fays, (after Leland, vol. vii. f. 61.) it was ercfted by John Shipward, a wealthy mer- chant, with great charge and moft curious workmandiip. This is confirmed by an old infcription formerly on painted glafs under the effigies of a man and ■woman in the great weft window, now deftroyed : " Orate pro animabus Jo- haniiis Shipward ct Catheriiiae uxoris ejus, qui Johannes iftam fencftram fecit et fuit fpecialis benefa£lor hujus ecclefiae." This tower is very lofty and finely proportioned, and a fpedator is ftruck with its beauty. It has from the ground to the top 177 ftone fteps, each 8 inches high, and meafures on the cutfide 39 yards and 1 foot, and is adorned on the top with four neat Gothic hollow worked pinnacles, each 15 feet high; in one of them the largeft a bell is fixed on which the clock ftrikes the hour. In 1703 three of thefe pin- nacles were blown down in a hurricane on November 27, which by their fall did great damage to the fouth aile. There are eight bells in the tower, lately new caft. The church has three aUes, the middle one 88 feet long, the fouth aile 88 feet, at the end of which is the new veftry room : the north aile 60 feet. The church is 56 feet broad : the middle aile above 50 feet high, the fide ailes 25 feet. The whole church is neatly wainfcoted, and was new pewed with mahogany by a fubfcriplion of the parifhioners in 1733. There were formerly feven chauntries endowed for finging mafs for the fouls of the founders, (fee p. 63.) According to the Lincoln manufcript, this church was rated at fix marks and a half. The value of the reftory to the incumbent is thus to be computed, viz. in Tucker-ftrcet 12I. and RedclifF-pit 5I. at Law- rence Wefton, Glocefterfliire, 4I. voluntary contributions and furplice fees make the whole amount to about; 250I. per annum. In Regift. Wygor. is a Latin deed, confirming to the monks of Glaftonbury an annual pcnfion out of this church of two marks to their infirmary, dated the [ 51^ ] the 8th of the calends of May, 1315. In 1375 Richard Brandon gave 100 fhillings to the fabric, and 1398 John Vyel " legavit ecclefiae Stephani,'' i, e. " gave to the church of St. Stephen one ring in which was fet a ftone, part of the very pillar to which Chrift was bound at the fcourging, to be kept among the relics for ever." In 1473, ^^^^ 14th of December, John Shipward, fenr. was interred here : he left large eftates to the poor, efpeciallyto the fraternity of St. Clement, and gave this church two curious miffals, a large gilt chalice, rich veflments for the high altar, the Guillows-inn in High-ftreet with other tenements, fix gardens for two chaplains to celebrate his obiit, the reClor with nineteen chaplains, and the mayor, fhcriffs, and their officers to attend, who where to choofe the chaplains, and difmifs them if incorrigible. Mrs. Ann Peloquin left 400I. to this church, and her houfe in Prince's- ftreet for the per- petual habitation of the vicar. The prefent patron is the King, and it is pre- fented to by the Lord Chancellor. The learnedand Rev. Jofiah Tucker, D. D. is the prefent incumbent. The lands and ground rents belonging to this church amount to about 50I. per annum. At the diffolution 154 ounces of filver plate belonging to this church, befides many coftly veflments, were fold for the ufe of the king. RECTORS of St. Stephen's Church. 1504 Richard Collyns, mailer of St;. Patro.vs. Abbot and convent of Glaflonbury. 1304 "Walter de Mynte. 1330 William de Beynton, 1337 Hugh de Babynton. 1344 Walter le White. 1348 Thomas le Younge. J360 Roger le Teflayre. 1387 Thomas Barton. William Eflcourtc. 1436 Robert Catrykc. 1438 John Gomond. 1465 John Ilarlowe de Stoke, died December 6, i486. 1480 William Bokct. 1494 Sir Thomas Manfon. 1498 John Eflrefeld, A. M. John's hofpital, Redclive.. The Crown, Patron. 1554 Hugh Jones. 1562 John Knight 1588 John Tyfon. 1610 Alexander Lawes. 1621 Robert Higgins. 1628 Hugh Hobfon, 1641 Richard Harward. 1642 Henry Jones, chancellor of this- diocefe, died 1695. 1671 Nicholas Penwarnc. 1691 Charles Livefay. 1708 Thomas Frankland. 1731 Henry Becher, 1743 [ 5^2 ] 1743 Alexander Siopfoid Catcott, a 1749-50 Jofiah Tucker, D. D, the prc- good poet, profound linguift, fent incumbent, 1788. well flcilled in the Hebrew and the fcripture philofophy, and judicious fchoolmallcr. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. Stephen's PariOi. /. 5. d. 1594, Alderman Robert Kitchen gave 10s. a quarter for ever 40 o o 1674, Mr. John Dymer, fome time fheriff of this city, gave lol. the profit thereof in bread quarterly for ever - 10 o o Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Joan Langton, widows, gave lands for the payment of 10s. apiece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which St. Stephen's hath apart 1678, Mr. John Miner, mariner, gave two tenements and a cellar, the profit to be employed for the binding of apprentices of Teamen's fons for ever; alfo the moiety of fix tene- ments, a flable, and two gardens, for the maintenance of a fermon to be preached in St. Stephen's church the firft Friday in every month for ever, and 20I. the profit thereof to be given in bread to the poor the beginning of December yearly for ever - - - 20 o o 1685, Mr. Jeremiah Holloway, merchant, gave 20I. the profit in bread to the poor of St. Stephen's parifli for ever 2000 Mr. Thomas Ware, roap-maker, gave gd. a week in bread for ever - - - - - 3850 1686, Elizabeth Dickefon gave 5I. the profit in four-penny bread the 2d of February for ever - - - 500 1687, Mr. George Morris, a member of the common council, gave 20I. the profit to the poor at Chriftmas and Eafier for ever - - - - - 20 00 Sir William Cann, Knight and Bart, gave lool. to four pariflics in this city, whereof this hath a quarter part, the profit thereof to be diftributed to the poor the 8th of January for ever - - -* -1000 1690, Mrs. Margaret Abbey gave 40I. to the poor, which was diflributed according to her will, and given in bread every J.ord's-day . - _ . -40 00 1594. C 5^3 ] 159-i, Mr. Robert Kitchen, mayor and alderman of this city, /. i. di gave IS. per week for ever _ _ _ 52 o o 1637, Mr. Francis Derrick, merchant of this city, dcceafed, gave is. per week for ever - _ _ 5200 1638, The parifhionersof this parifli have purchafcd 5I. 4s. per annum for 2s. per week in bread to the poor for ever 104 o o Mr. William Eaton and Mary his wife, of this parifh, dc- ceafed, gave lid. per week for ever - - 47 10 o 1649, ^''- Richard Long, mayor and alderman of this city, dc- ceafed, gave 60I. the profit thereof to the poor weekly, paid by the chamberlain 3I. per annum - - 60 o o 1659, Humphrey Hooke, Efq; twice mayor and alderman of this city, gave 4s. in bread and 4s. in coal weekly to the poor of this parifli for ever _ _ _ 416 o o 1661, Mr. Francis Gleed, fome time flieriff of this city, gave 10s. a quarter to a poor houfe-holder for ever - 40 o o 1701, Arthur Grant gave 20I. the profit to be diftributed at Chriflmas yearly to four poor houfe-holders not receiv- ing alms -- - - - 20 00 1709, Captain John Price, late of this city, gave to the church- wardens of this parifh lol. the interefl thereof to be given to the poor in bread on Twelfth day yearly for ever - - - - - 10 00 1713, Mrs. Mar)' Showell, of this parifl), widow, gave lol. the interefl thereof to the poor in bread on the firfl Friday after the 18th of Augufl yearly for ever - 10 o o 1714, Mr. Ifaac Elton, of this parifh, merchant, and member of the common council, gave 50I. the profit thereof to be diflributed in bread and coal to the poor of this parifli, not receiving aim.-;, on the 2 2d day of November yearly for ever - - - - 50 o o 1722, Captain John Williams, of the ifland of CaUly, in Pem- brokefhire, gave jol. the profit thereof to be given to the poor in bread on the 25th day of Augufl yearly for ever, by the churchwardens - - -1000 Mr. William Proffer, needle-maker, gave 20I. the profit to a poor family, having more than one child and not receiving alms» on the i6ih of Augufl for ever, by the churchwardens - - - - 20 o o R R R ■^7271 C 514 ] »727, Mr. John Newman, of this parifh, plumber, gave 26I. the /. 5. d. intereft to tlie poor in bread weekly for ever - 26 o o J 701, Mr. William Freke, merchant, gave 50I. the interefl thereof to the poor of this parifh yearly for ever 5000 1732, Mr. Thomas Freke, merchant, gave 50I. the interefl thereof to the poor of this parifli yearly for ever - 5000 Mr. James Couch, apothecary, gave lol. the interefl thereof to four poor widows, not receiving alms, on Michaelmas- day yearly for ever - - - - 1000 1738, Mr. James Brown, of this parifli, gave lol. the interefl thereof to poor people, not receiving alms, on Good Friday yearly for ever - - - lo o o 1744, A dial over the weft door, the gift of Mr. Thomas Horwood, of this parifli. 1639, Alderman George Harrington, of this city, gave 40s. per annum to four houfekeepers for ever - - 40 o o 1781, Mrs. .'\nn Peloquin gave to the poor of this parifli 400I. and a houfe for the re^Efors _ _ _ _ ^00 o o The following are the principal MONUMENTS of this Church. In it was buried the 9th of April 1575, Margery wife of George Snigge, Efq; who this year was mayor of Briflol, flie died of the plague. George Snigge, Efq; alderman, was buried the 13th of P'cb. 1582. Sir George Snigge, Knt. Son of the above George Snigge, was buried the 23d of December, 1617. He died the 11th of Nov. and lay in flate fix weeks, at Merchant Taylor's Hall in Broad-flreet, from which hall he was conveyed to this church and buried. At the upper end of the chancel where "the communion table, now flands, againfl the altar, was the tomb of Sir George Snigge, Km. being incloled with iron grating, and thereon a flatue leaning on his right fide, in the habit of a judge. His body was buried in a leaden cofTin under the monument, but when the church was new pewed with mahogany in the year 1733, this monument was taken down and removed to tlic cad end of the fouth aile where it now flands, with a Latin infcription tranflated into Englifli thus : " Here lies the body of George Snigge Knt. ferjeant at law, one of the Barons of the Exchequer, a mofl fldlful judge, formerly recorder of this famous city, who ill his life time zcaloufly applied himfelftothe worfliip of God ; he impartially adminifleredjuflice, was a diligent promoter of virtue, and a fevere oppofer of vice; he was always a charitable reliever of the poor and needy. He died to the great lofs and grief of this his honoured city and much loved [ 5^5 ] loved country (whofc interefl he had always at heart) the nth day of Nov. 1617, in the 73d year of his age. His loving daughter Ann Snigge hath erefled and dedicated this monument in perpetual tcflimony of her pious gratitude and duty to her moft deai? father. Conditur hoc tumulo juris lequamque pcritusj Jus aliis vitae dixerat atque necis ; Jus rigidum favas mortis vitare nequivit. Omnia fub leges quas vocat atra fuas. At vero fpolium,mors atra reportat opimuni, Exultans viclrix, lo triumpe, canat. Eripuit, fateor, miferam mors improbavitam,' Morbis, zerumnis, anxietate gravem. Afl iuvita refert etiam mors improbavitam, Plenam caelefli lumine luce Dei. Eripuit veros quos praebet mundus honores, Caeleftique dedit femper honore frui. Againfl: a pillar is a neat monument to " Thomas Freke, Efq; merchant, and Frances his wife and five children, flie died the 22d of Nov. 1724, aged 31, he died the 12th of July 1732, aged 38. Arms barre or and fable on a chief 3 mullets of the ift." Another handfome monuhient to '^ Martin Pring, merchant, fometimc general to the EaO. Indies, &c. Hie terris multum ja£latus et undis. He died 1626, aged 46." Another to " John Frankland, D. D. dean of Gloucefler, and mafter of Sidney College, Cambridge, 22 years reftor of this parifli, he died Sept. the 3d 1730, aged 56." On a ftone is an infcription to " Sir Humphry Hook, of Kingfwefton in the county of Gloucefler, he died the 16th of OClober, 1677, and his wife Florence daughter of Sir Hugh Smyth of Long Afliton, Bart, fhe died the 3d of Sept. 1692, aged 60, alfo 2 fons and 4 daughters." Another to " Samuel Clarke, merchant, who died the 20th of Ocl. 1679, Caelum erat in votis vivi, port fata potitum, Affequitur vitam vitabeata piam. In the fouth aile is a monument to " Robert Kitchen and his wife, he died the 5th of Sept. 1594, he was a great benefaflor to the poior of this city." R r. R 2 'I'hc [ 5^6 ] The parifh of St. Siephen is large, extending from along Clare-ftreet, the Quay, iMarfh-nrcet, King-ftrcet, Prince's-ftreet, into the Square, one half of which is in this parifh, in which was a chapel dedicated to St. Clement, now demoliflied : on the fite of it is built a fpacious hall for the Society of Merchant \'enturers, incorporated by King Edward 6th's. letters patent, and afterwards confirmed by Queen Elizabeth and King Charles ift. It is built of frceftone, and confills of two noble lofty rooms, forming the fliapc of an L, adorned in the infide with the portraits in full length of fome principal mer- chants, benefaftors to the fociety and the commonalty of BriRol. The bed idea of it may be formed by viewing the plate. This fociety are feized of divers manors, lands, and tenements in trufl, for the maintenance and fupport of fundry hofpitals, fchools, and almflioufes, particularly thofc of Edward Colfton, Efq; once a worthy member and great ornament of this fociety, as he was an honour and blefhng to the houman race, of whom fee p. 443. In 1699 they built their left wing of their almflioufe for poor failors and their widows, contiguous to their hall, rebuilt the old one, and united both angles, for the maintenance of nineteen men and twelve women ; fix of the men have 2s. a week granted them by Edward Colfton, Efq; by fee farm rents for ever. The merchants and traders of Briftol not free of this corrpany pay certain fees for wharfage on fhipping goods, which freemen of the city and company are exempted from, which produces a confiderable income to this fociety, who hold it as lelTees under the corporation for 90 years. The leafe lately expired has been again renewed. I find in a deed the " Senefchallos Gild^e Mercatorum" mentioned as early as 1 240, which proves the exiRence then of a gild of merchants in Briftol, and to have been of great antiquity. In 1595 the poor in the Merchants almfhoufe were maintained by one penny in the pound on feamcn's wages, and three halfpence on every ton of (hipping ; but thefc payments are now difcontinued, and others fubftituted for the relief of feamen in diftrefs, under the title of the Seaman's Hofpital, for which a fund is rifen but no building ercfled. The Ouay conduit, fo ufcful not only to the inhabitants of this parifli, but alfo to the merchants \yhofe fhips are fupplied with water and the water cafks belonging to them arc oftentimes filled there, was in the year 1601 built anew, for which work this parifh gave lol. Mr. J. Barker, merchant, 25I. and the chamber of Briftol was at the remaining expcnce. The water is brought in lead pipes from Clafs Mill, a mile and a half from the city. This conduit was removed renioved in 1782, when the tontine warehoufes were built, and the old houfcs in the Fifli-market taken down and a new and commodious ftreet built called Stcphen's-flreet in their place. The acl for ihe relief and fupport of maimed and difabled feamcn and the widows and children of fuch as fliall be killed, flain, or drowned in the Mer- chants fcrvice was made in 17.17, the 20th of George 2d. The corporation of the Merchant Venturers of Briftol are appointed truflees for the duties received there. The fund arifes from 6d. per month to be paid by fcamen in the Merchants fervice from all fliips belonging to Eriflol, and the mafters of fhips are im- powered to keep in their hands 6d. per month out of the wages, fliares, or other profits, payable to each fcaman. No hofpital is built, though ground was once laid out for it under Brandon- hill, it being alledged the truftces can relieve many more unfortunate objects. C II A P. XX. 0/ (he CHURCH 0/ S/. PETER and Si. PAUL, and thai of St, MARY LE PORT. TT is a reclorv, founded before the Xorman Conqucd by one of the Anglo- -*■ Saxon Kings or Earls of Glocefler foon after the caftlc, to which it feemcd at one time to have belonged. And when the earldom of Glocefler was given to Robert Fitzhamon the founder of Tcwkfliury monaOery, he gave this rec- tory to it; and in 1130 Simon Rifliop of Worccder confirmed by deed all the churches to that monaOery which it then pofTcircd, among which the church of St. Peter of Bricflon with the tythcs of the rents of Bricflon is particularly mentioned with its appurtenances within the caRle of Briftol (which it had anciently enjoyed) as well as out of the domains of the borough of the town. — In 1106 King Henry ift. confirmed all things given by Robert Fitzhamon and others to the church of Tewkfbury, among which is the church of St. Peter of Briflol, then written Bricflou, and the tythes of the rents of Briflol. (Atkyns's Clocefferfliirc, p. 738.} And in the year 1191 Henry Bifhop of W'orcefler by [ 5^8 ] by his charter teftifies that, on the preTentation of the monks of Tewkfbury, he had admitted Richard Cumblain to the moiety of the church of St. Peter, vhich Stephen de Ripum held before him, paying a yearly penfion out of it of 3$. to the church of St. James in Briftol, then a cell to Tewkfbury. In the IJncoln manufcript, 1291, lis. was paid to the prior of St. James, and in 1553 augmented to 20s. per annum, afterwards received by Henry Brayne, Efq; the purchafer of this and other churches of Henry 8th. at thedilfolution. It was fituated near to the wall of the caftlc next the barbicana caftri, de- fcribed to be at the eafl; end of the church. It has three ailes, the north and fouth being 96 feet long, the middle is 111 feet long ; their height about 36 feet • the width of the whole body of the chuixh is 54 feet. The arched roofs co- vered with Cornifli tiles are fupported with feven neat pillars of frecdonc, on which are turned fix arches. The tower is large and plain, not very lofty, 26 yards and 1 foot high, with four pinnacles of folid freeftone, each about 12 feet high, and battlements round it._ It has eight bells, with a clock and dial. This church was decaying and out of repair, and 1749 a faculty was ob- tained out of the Bifliop's Court to repair and beautify the whole, which coft upwards of 800I. out of which 42 il. 12s. was raifed by a pound rate on the land holders at 4s. 3d. in the pound, and the reft taken up on the parifli fecu- rity. At the eaft end of the fouth aile was a chapel, dedicated to the honour of the Blcffcd Mary of Bellhoufc. It belonged to a fraternity then newly be- gan fo called, to which ^\'illiam Spicer in the year 1500 gave a garden and houfe in Marfliall-ftrcct, as did others. John Eftcrfield in 1504 had a yearly obiit folemnized here for ever on the 18th of February. RECTORS. Patroks. 1362 Pctrus dc \\'oodmancote. Abbot and convent of Tewkfbury- 1369 Nicholas de Walfebourne. 1181 Stephen de Ripum. 1384 Thomas Vcfey. 1184 Richard Cumblain* 1392 Thomas Pine. 1224 David . 1399 John Grey. 1285 Robert de Lcche. 1401 James Fitz Hugh. 1288 Gregory de Wanbcrge. 1409 Thomas Lye. 1332 John de Draycotc. 1425 Thomas Stevens. 1333 ]ohn de Kemefegh. 1431 William Edwards. 1338 Richard de Grencville. 1446 Robert Loude. 1347 John de Wolfringion. 1450 Hugh Pavis. 1352 Philip Maris. 1462 Thomas Bcver. 15^4 [ 5^9 ] 1464 Nicholas Smyth. 1488 William Tyfher. 1499 John Thomas. 1510 ^\'illiam Fadur. 1526 John Williams 1533 John White. 1542 John Pill. 1546 Sir John ap Howel. Corporation, Patrons. 1561 Sir John ap Alrede. 1565 Robert Commandrc. 1574 David Martyn. 1582 Thomas James. 1610 John Burnley. 1618 Robert Pritchard. 1642 John Blagroe. 1664 Robert Forfith. 1667 jofias Pleydell. 1689 Hugh Waterman. 1746 John Jones. 1760 Dr. Barry 1781 Thomas Broughton. M O X U M E N T S. At the entrance of the church on a large flat flone were three brafs figures, now taken away, and the following infcription: " Sub hoc marmore tumula- tum eft corpus clariffimi viri Johannis Efterfield, hujus oppidi mercatoris et ejuf- dembismaioris et aldcrmanniuna cum corporibus Alicia;, fcolaftica?, et Matildis uxorum cjufdcm Johannis, qui obiit 18 Feb. A. D. 1507, quorum anima- buspropitietur Deus." Underneath on a fcroll : " Domine mi miferere mei." In the middle aile on a large ftone were three biafs figures for Andrew Norton, Efq; and his wives Elizabeth and Helen, he died the ift of Sept. 1527. In the fame aile is a magnificent monument to the memory of Robert Aid- worth, merchant and alderman of this city, who died the 6th of Nov. 1634, with a long latin infcription. He was a great benefactor to this city. In the north aile a monument to George Harrington, Efq; mayor and alderman of this city, he died the 2d of Jan. i68g. Upon a ftone in the middle aile was this " Sir John Cadaman, Knt. was beheaded in the caftle, for killing Miles Callowhill an ofiiccr of the garrifon, while Prince Rupert had poffeffion of Briftol, and was buried la this church the gth of April, 1645. In the fouth aile is a very large tomb within a Gothic arch, adorned with a great deal of curious workmanfliip and various arms without any infcription, there is the figure of a lady carved, lying upon the tomb who was of the family of the Newtons, of Barrs Court, Glocefterfliire, as appears from the arms. In the churchvard was buried the poet Savage, who having experienced a variety of good and bad fortune, at length died in Newgate, and was buried here, Newgate being in this parifli. Near C 520 ] Near the churchA'aid was formerly an almflioufc, now dcHroycd, ercfted bv Robert Aldworth, whoalfo built the parfonagc-honfe, oppofite to which is St. Peter's pump or well of St. Edith, remarkable for fine water. St. Peier's church plate confiRs of one flnggon, y.^y ounces, coft 20I. 17s. 4d. infcribed, " Ex dono parochianorum in ufum facrae euchariftia-, A. D. 1G82," one filvcr chalice, 1570, tuo filvcr plates, 1682. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. Peter's Parini. 1625, Mr. Richard W'icLham gave 42I. 8s. the profit thereof to the poor for ever. Mr. Chriftopher Kedgwine gave los. a year for a fermon for ever. Mr, Thomas Clements gave a houfc for two fermons yearly, and the reft to the poor for ever. Mr. Robert Aid worth gave lool. the profit thereof to the poor for ever. 1591, Mr. Robert Kitchen gave 40s. a year to the poor for ever, 1639, Mr. George Harrington gave 40s. a year to the poor for ever. 1658, Mrs. Elizabeth Spurt gave 40s. February 17, 1657, ^os. for a fermon the 29th of June and 20s. to the poor of this parifli yearly for ever. 1661, Mr. Francis Gleed, fome time flierifF, gave los. a quarter to a poor houfe-holder for ever. 1673 Mr. Henry Northall gave a houfe in Broadmead for the ufc of the poor for ever. 1661, Mr. Wniiam Balman gave 52s. yearly to the poor alms-folks of this parifh, being i2d. in bread every Lord's-day for ever. 1677, Mrs. Mary Davis gave 20I. the profit thereof 10s. for a fermon on the 1 7th of July, the reft to the poor in bread for ever. Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Joan Eangton, widows, gave lands for the payment of los. apiece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh hath a proportion. ifj'i2. Mr. Vincent Thorn, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor for ever. 1683, William ColRon, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof to two poor houfckeepcrs of this parifh yearly forever. 1685, Mr. Nicholas Tilly, of this parifh, gave 50I. the profit thereof in two- penny bread to poor houfekeepers weekly for ever. 168G, Mr. Samuel Hall, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof weekly to the poor in bread forever, andalfothe intercftof 230I. towards the plac- ing apprentices of poor children in fevcn pariflies of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh is one. 1688, [ 521 ] i688, John Lawford, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave i2d. a week, in bread to the poor of this parifli for ever. 1690, Mr. Edward Tilly, of this' parifh, gave lool. to four parifhes in this city, whereof this parifh hath a quarter part, the profit thereof to be given weekly to the poor in bread for ever. 1691, Edward Fielding, Efq; and alderman of this city, gave 2ol. the profit thereof to be given to two poor houfekeepcrs of this parifli (receiv- ing no alms) on St. Thomas's-day yearly for over, and formerly gave lol. towards fetting up the bells. 1692, Mrs. Elizabeth Fielding, widow, gave lol. the profit thereof to one poor inhabitant of this parifli (receiving no alms) on St. Thomas's- day yearly for ever. 1695, Mr. William Opie, fome time fherifF of this city, and inhabitant of this parifli, gave 26s. a year, to be given weekly in bread to three poor people of this parifh for ever. 1699, Mrs. Ann Longman gave 1951. to the poor of this city, of which this parifli hath a part. Samuel Wallis, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave 20s. for preaching a fermon annually in this church on the day of elefting a governor, cS:c. for the better providing for the poor of this city, and 5s. to the clerk and fexton to be divided between them, received from the treafurer of St. Peter's Hofpital. 1698, Mr. Thomas Harris, late of this parifli, apothecary, left lol. to be dif- tributed to five poor houfekeepcrs, 10s. each, for four years. 1699, John Hicks, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave the profit of a houfe in Temple-flreet, to be didributed yearly to fix of the poorefl men or women of this parifh (not receiving alms) on the 13th day of February for ever. 1703, Mr. Richard Beauchamp, late of this parifli, now of London, gave 30I. the profit to be diflributcd io three poor houfekccpers of this parifli (not receiving alms) on Good Friday for ever. 1706, Mr. Robert Berkeley, late of this parifh, gave the fum of lool, the profit thereof to be employed for the placing of a poor boy of this parifh apprentice every year for ever, the faid boy not belonging to the Mint. 1707, Mrs. Sufanna Havncs, of this parifli, gave 30I. the profit thereof to be diflributcd among fix poor women of this parifli equally on the 13111 of April yearly for ever. S s s 1713, C 522 ] ijt2, Mrs. Hannah Fielding, daughter of Alderman Fielding, gave 20I. tlie profit thereof for the keeping at fchool a poor child or children of this parifh yearly for ever. 1714, SirWilliam Clutterbuck, Knight, fome time mayor and alderman of thi>s city, gave 40I. to this parifli, the profit thereof to be given to the poor in bread every Lord's-day for ever. Thomas Trye, of Hanham, Efq; gave 40I. to this parifh, the profit thereof to the payment of 40s. per annum for ever to the minifter of the faid parifh, for inftrufting the youth in the church catechifm during the time of Lent. 1720, Mr. John Short, of the Caftle Precinfls, gave 30I. the profit to four poor widows of this parifh (not receiving alms) on the ift of Novem- yearly for ever. 1724, Mr. Richard Gravett, Efq; gave 20!. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifh on the firfl Sunday in every month for ever. Mrs. Elizabeth Fitzall, of the Caftle Precinds, gave the fum of tool, the intereft of it to be diflributcd half yearly in bread among poor houfekeepers in this parifh (not receiving alms.) 1728, Thomas Moor, Efq; of St. Michael's parifh in this city, gave 50I. the intereft thereof to be laid out by the churchwardens in cloath- ing poor houfekeepers in this parifh on the 4th of January yearly, and one moiety of 81. 15s. being the ground rent of two houfes on St. James's-back, to be likewife laid out by the churchwardens in cloathing poor men on St, Thomas's-day yearly for ever. 1753, Mr. James Birch, late of this parifli, gave 60I. the profit thereof for a fcrmon in this church and a dinner for the veflrv on the 10th of December yearly for ever. 1746, The Rev. Mr. Hugh Waterman, fifty-fcven years reftor of this parifh, gave lool. viz. 20s. part of the intereft thereof for a fermon the fecond Sunday in Auguft; the remaining intereft to cloath fonie poor pcrfon or pcrfons of this parifh (frequenting the communion of the church of England) at Chriftmas for ever. Thp ground rents and tenements belonging to this church eftate produce about Sol. per annum, befidcs renewals. This parifh is of no large extent, confifting only of 203 houfes in 1749, paying 225I. poor rate to St. Peter's Hofpital at 1 lid in the pound. This hofpital was erected at the great houfc in St. Peter's church yard, formerly inhabited by Thomas Norton, Efq; M. P. for this city in isgg &c. afterwards by Robert Aldworth, Efq; and in the years [ 523 ] years tSgG, and 1697, the 7th and 8th of William 3d. the hofpital wag cftabliflied by aCl of parliament, with a governor and deputy governor, trea- furer and guardians. The money they -were empowered to raife in the year 1696, for the city poor was 2380I. i6.s. in 1716, 3500I. in 1736, 3500I. in 1756, 4500I. in 1763 it was 6842I. 7s. g~d. and in 1783, 16548!. 12s. 2^6. which maJces the fum of 9706I. 4s. 5d. increafe of expenditure in 20 years, owing c?liiefly to the number of poor gaining fettlemcnts by renting houfcs of lol. a year, and being charged and paying in their own name to the poor rates. Befides being ereCled as an hofpital for the fupport of the poor of the city, fundry benefaflions were given at different times to eftablifli an infirmary there for the relief of the fick and difeafed, which amounted in the whole to 4905I. 10s. od. as appears by the tables in the committee room. The cor- poration of the poor have a feal, being a hive of bees flying about, with this infcription, " Sigillum Guber : dep : Ga;b : affiftant : ct Guardian - pauper: Civitat : Briftol :" with this motto " Hyemis memorcs Eeftate laborant." Newgate in this parifh was built by a tax on the inhabitants of the city, for fcvcry lool. ftock is. 6d. for every 20I. per annum 3d. It bears the follow- ing infcription on the front. yEdificatum Sumptibus Civium et incolarum Hujus Civitatis. Anno Domini MDCXCI Johanne Knight Equite Prastore Roberto Dowdin ^ ,,„„,, > Vicecomitibus. Johanne \ eamans ) SECT. II.— 0/ the CHURCH of Si. MARY L E P O R T. 1 T is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and moft probably had William Earl of Clouccltcr for its founder: for he is expreily faid about 11 70, in the time of Henry the 2d. to have granted and confirmed this church to the priory of Keynfliam, for the fuftcntation of the canons there, as appears in the recital of King Edv.-ard 2d deed dated 5th Jan. 1318, confirming that donation. In the Lincoln nianufcript 1291, is the valuation of this re6lor)- thus, " Ec- clefia Beata^ Mariae portus Abbati Keynfliam 20s." It has two ailes and flands on a rifing ground above the Avon the north fide of it; and there formerly was a gradual afccnt to it from the river: where Ihips of old time ufually difcharged their cargoes — fee p. 97, note, whence it •took the name of Mary of the port. The fouth ailc from the great weft door S s 5 2 under [ 524 ] under t^ie tower to the altar is in length 107 feet, the north ailc 73 feet, the two ailes arc 37 feet in breadth, the fouth aile is 26 feet high: and the roof covered with Cornifh tile, and the whole fupported with fix freellone arches and feven pillars neatly fluted and painted, the pews are of Dutch oak, and the altar piece neatly embelliflied and painted, infcribcd at the top with lohovah Alliinu, in Hebrew charaflcrs within a glory ; i"rhti m.li Jehovah OUR Aleim is one Jehovah. The tower has 108 fleps, and is from the ground to the floor of the leads 72 feet, on it arc four pinnacles, in it arc eight bells put up in 1749, being then recafl; ; on the tenor very old was this infcrip- tion in Gothic letters, "Maria: filii : tui : auxilio : Guberna: parochias : tuae in Mora." — There were many chapels in this church. — Phillis HoUoway in 1417 gave 20I. by will to found a chapel for a prieft to pray for her foul. — Mr. John Inhyng 1457 by will gave fifteen fiiops and a rack in Bear-lane in Tcmple-ftreet, and a houfe there for niafs to be celebrated for ever on ^'^alen- tine's day in the chapel of St. Kathcrine, and that eight pricfls fliould attend the celebration, each to have 4d. — John Newman fettled the rent of his tene- ment in the Shambles for another mafs. — Thefe chauntries were all fupprelTed 37 Henry 8th. 1546, and given to the King. The following curious account of this church was given by Chatterton, as Iranfcribed by him from Rowley, which is fubmitted to the judgment of the reader : Seynfte Maries Chyrchc of the Porte. Thys chyrche was ybuyldennc in M..XVI. by a Saxonne manne clepcd Eldred, botte fomme thynkethe he allein dyd itte begynne leevynge odcrs to fynyfhe ytte fromme a (tone in the futh walle onne whyche ytte was wrotenne, Eldredrus pofvit primum lapydem in nomine patris filii et fpiritus fanfli, M.XVI. butte underllonders of auntyauntrie fynde ytte enured in buyldcynges lolclie reared bie the manne emcntioned. Itte was endowed wythe the landes •w/theoute the walles of Eryflowc, and exempted for its paryflie from caftlc tync. Ynne ytte was a manne ynne Chrieflenmas M.C.X.XX. fleene wythe a Lcvyiibrondc. Ynne M.CCC. ytte was rcpayred bie Roberte Canynge of the houfc of Wylliam Canyngc. Bie the bochorde of the rcvcf- trie ytte appeeres thatte manie dowghtie dyfputes haven beene ban of the Flefhe Shammble daymen bie the queene ynne dower ynne caftle garde. Be- fore the dales of Roberte Canynge, greete fyre of Wyllyam Canyngc, greetc barkes dydde ryde before Corporatyonne flrcete, butte MaOre Roberte have- yiige twoe of large howfen in Radclcfte and workehowfcs meinte wilieile drewe the trade to the oder fyde of the brugge toe the greetc annoie of Seynflc [ 525 ] Sevnfle Marie of the Porte the honowre of SeynQe Marie of Redclefte, the enlargemente of thatte fyde, and the honowre and dygnenefs of hys ownc fa- milie. From him dyd the glorie of the Canynges ryfe ; Mr. Wyllyam Canynge having his pyfture, whereyn ys he commandeynge houfes to ryfe from the moddie bank.es of ryver. He repaired as aboove yn atone for for- vyninge the trade, and was there imburyed undorre a ftonc full fayre of whommc dydde I thus wrytc, whyche ys graven onne brafs and wyllc eftfoones bee putte on hys ftone : Thys Morneynge Starre of Radcleves ryfynge raie, A true man, goode of mindc, and Canynge hyghte Benethe thys ftone lies moltrynge ynto claie, Untylle the darkc tombe flicen an aetcrne lyghte. Thyrdc from hys loyns the prefentc Canynge came ; Houten are anie wordes to telle his doe, For aic, fhall lyve hys heaven recorded name, Ne fhalle ytte die whannc tyme fliall be ne moe. When Mychaels trompe fliall founde to rize the foullc He'lle wynge toe heaven with kynne and happie be their dole. RECTORS of St. Maryport. Patrons. 150* Richard Boyce. Keynfham abby. 1272 Robert , reClor. 1288 John Homme. 1314 Simon de Welles. 1327 John le Leche. 1335 William de Pendleford. 1342 '\^'■ilIiam Horfeley. 1348 William de Taverner. 1388 John WeRon. 1396 William Ryel. 1400 Richard Roche. 14H Walter Ellyott. 1417 Thomas Stephens. 1436 David Brcnny. 1448 John Kemeys. 1453 Roger Rygelyne. 1465 John Talbot. 1470 John Berfcy. 1482 John Hawley. 1534 Lodowick Johns. 1543 Bartholomew Lcweck. Sir Thomas Bridges, Patron. 1544 Thomas Greede. 1547 John Pitt. 1560 Richard Arthur. 1605 Alexander Lawcs. 1620 Edward Alman. 1663 Robert Forfith. 1664 George Willington. 1671 Jofias Pleydell. 1689 Hugh Waterman. Duke of Chandois, Patron. 1746 'William Saunders, D. D. 1750 John Collinfon. 1779 J°^" Ncal.. The [ 526 ] The Monuments and Epitaphs in this church \vorthy notice are th-e following : At the eafl end of the north aile is an old arched monument \s'ith two pillars at the fideSj at the top of each are the letters J. E. but what names they defignate it does not appear from any infcription. In this aile arc three neat marble monuments againft the north wall, " To the memory of Thomas Smith, apothecary, fon of Bernard Smith, apothecary, mayor of Taunton, and Catherine, daughter of Nicholas Stand- fad, apothecary, grand daughter of Richard Standfaft, M. A. chaplain in ordinary to his facred Majefty King Charles ift. who on account of his invio- lable loyalty to the king and firm attachment to the church, was for fourteen years deprived of the reftory of Chrift Church in this city, whereof he was incumbent upwards of fifty-one years ; but on tlie refloration of the king reftorcd to his benefice, and promoted to the dignity of a prebendary of the cathedral church of this city, wherein notwithftanding a total privation of fight he continued to difcharge the refpetlive duties of each province, as an able, diligent, and orthodox divine Thomas Smith died Oftober 8, 1730: Catherine, his wife, April 15, 1743." Within the north door under this monument about three feet on the cafl; fide of the door was to be feen in the ground an old mooring pofl, preferved till lately, to which fliips were formerly moored, when they were difcharged on the beach, where the Shambles lately were, now Bridge-flreet, fee William of Worcefter, p. 170. i8g. before the building of the ftonc bridge over the Avon in 1247. Another near the form er, '• To the memory of Standfaft Smith, apothe- cary, a native of this parifh, this flone is infcribcd by Thomas Smith, his elder and furviving brother. Inheriting the found principles of his family, he was ever a ftrenuous advocate for our mod excellent conftitution in church and ftate, and having lived in great efieem for his free and public fi>irit and libe- rality on all occafions, he died much lamented the 18th of Oftober, 1774." Another thus: " Beneath this monument are depofited the remains of Thomas Smith, gentleman, late of the parifli of St. fames, apothecary, but a a native of this. He died the 28th of October, 1779. Being folicitous of giving fome teftimony of his veneration and regard for the religious offices of the church of England, which when living from principle he admired and loved, he left by will 400I. the intereft thereof for celebrating divine fervice every Wednefday and Friday morning in this church of St- Maryport for ever." Another, C 527 ] Another, " To the memory of Thomas Kington, of Notton, Wilts, E{q; who changed this fliort life for a blelTed immortality, OQober 15, 1786, aged 48 years. He married Sufanna, youngefl daughter of Auflin Goodwin, Efq; formerly one of the fheriffs of this city : by her he had nine children, four of whom lie buried with him in the fame vault. Under the deepeft fenfe of her own and of her children's lofs, his afflifted widow infcribes this ftone to the beft of hufbands, and the beft of fathers." At the entrance of the weft door was : " Hie jacet corpus Johannis Borus hujus villcc . . . et Agnetis quondam uxoris ejus. Obiit 10 Feb. 1476, quo- rum animabus propitietur Deus." BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of this Parifii. 1594, Robert Kitchen gave 10s. a quarter to the poor for ever. 1639, George Harrington, alderman, gave 10s. to the poor for ever. 1661, Francis Gleed gave 10s. a quarter to the poor for ever. 1668, Abraham Birkin gave los. a quarter in bread, and 20s. for a fermon. 1685, Mrs. Boucher and Langton gave los. apiece to feveral poor widows. 1690, Mr. Edward Tilly gave 25]. the intereft to the poor in bread for ever. 1695, Mrs. Elizabeth Pitt gave 10!. the intereft yearly to the poor. 1736, A private donation often guineas, the intereft in bread yearly. 1774, Standfaft Smith, apothecary, gave this church the branch and crimfon velvet furniture for the defli and pulpit, &c. 1782, Thomas Smith gave 400I. 40s. to the clerk and fexton and the remain- der of the intereft to the rcftor for reading prayers twice a week. The money was laid out in the funds. There is a fmall churchyard adjoining walled round. In the year 1749 this pari fti confifted of about 96 houfcs, then rated to the poor 128I. at lo^d. in the pound ; but is fince much enlarged and im- proved by the new buildings in Bridge-ftreet. The churchwardens ufed to receive a fum for the penns for fheep and fwine, which ufed to be placed every market day in front of the church and the houfes there, before the new prefent market was laid out. This parifh eftate in the rents of tenements and ground rents produces about 78I. per annum, and the church has in plate one lilver flaggon 57 ounces 10 pennyweights, one filver cup and cover gilt 57 ounces 5 pennyweights, and two filver plates 28 ounces 15 pennyweights. C H A P. C 528 ] CHAP. XXI. OJ Iht CHURCH ani PARISH of St. PHILIP ani JACOB. THIS Church was founded early, being firft a chapel to a religious houfe or priory (probably Tcwkefbury) of the order of St. Bencdift, fituated at the eafl part of the prcfcnt church ; which was afterwards enlarged as the inha- bitants increafed, and the old market held here for the ufe of the caflle and the town brought a great conflux of people. — The cxaft lime when it became parochial is not known, but it was very early, being mentioned in Gaunt's deeds before the year 1200, and like St. James became aparifli church through the acceffion of inhabitants. — The prefent church is large and fpacious, con- fiding of a body and fide ailes, and a handfome embattled tower (with eight bells and a clock) on the fouth fide between the church and the chancel. It appears to have been built at diiTercnt times, and was repaired not long fince at a very large expcnce. It was a re£lory, but afterwards made a vicarage and appropriated to the abby of Tewkefljury, and purchafcd by H. Brayne of Henry 8th. in 1578: Sir Charles Somerfet and G. Winter Efq; who married the coheirefTes of Brayne, had the right of patronage, and fold it to the mayor and commonalty of BriRol, the prefent patrons. It is rated in the King's books at the clear yearly value of 43I. 16s. the yearly tenths were il. 10s. It is worth to the incumbent in tythes in the out-parifli, colleflions and fees about 200I. per annum. There were two chauntries here, one founded by J. Kemys 12s. another by Robert Forthey 12s. which were fcqueftered 1 Edw. 6th. 1547. William of Worcefler, p. 247, fays, " there was a parifli church here near the church of the priory in tiie call fide of the city." The length of the body of the church from the end of the chancel, compofed of the middle, north and fouth ailes, is 26 yards ; the length of Kemys'saile is 16 yards, and 4 yards and 1 foot wide, and 8 yards high. In C 5-^9 ] . In the year 1388, the 2d of April, Henry Wakefield Bifliop of Worcefler, by deed in the \\'hite Book at Worceller, f. 337, 338. appropriated and an- nexed the then re£lory of St. Philips to the monaftery of the Bleffcd Mary of Tewkfbury, they having complained to him of their poverty and inability of maintaining hofpitality to all comers at their houlc, fuuated as it was next to the public road, and of their loffes and ruinous ftate of their buildings and other burdens they were fubjcft to, a grant therefore alfo being obtained of the King, referving only out of the fruits and profits of the faid church a fit and fufficient portion for the fupport of the vicar, to be prefented by them and admitted by the bifliop, which portion was to be comprehended under the grant and appropriation of it to them, exprcfsly to be dedufted out of the pro- fits of the faid church. They were to take poffeffion upon the death or refig- nation of the then re£lor, and to difpofc of the rents and profits of it, &c. at their will, paying annually to the cathedral church of Worcefter half of a mark or los. an annual penfion every Michaelmas- day, under the penalty Offil. And by a deed, dated 1394, entituled, " Dotatio Vicariae Sti. Jacobi," (Reg. Wyg. Clyfford,^ f. 75.) Richard Bifhop of Worcefler ordains, that Hugh Hope, the firft vicar, flaali have a manfe or dwelling-houfe built for him, at the expence of the abbot and convent, to be maintained and fup- ported afterwards by the faid vicar and his fuccefTors, and fliould receive out of the profits of the faid church yearly by the hands of the prior of the priory of St. James twelve marks of fiher : all other profits arifing out of the faid church received by the vicar to be paid to the religious of Tewkfliury or their prior of St. James, the vicar to do all the duty, and have the cure of fouls in the faid parifli ; and as by a flatute of the 4th of Richard 2d. the diocefan upon all appropriations of churches fliould order a convenient fum of filver to be diftributed amongft the poor of the parifh out of the profits of the church, Richard Bifliop, 1403, ordered 6s. 8d. only to be given at Chriflmas yearly to the poor by the religious of Tewkfljury, on account of the fmallnefs of the church and its revenues. In 1279, 12th Sept. procefs was ifTued out of the office of the Bifliop of Worcefler againft Peter de la Mare, conflablc of the caftle of Briftol, and others his accomplices, for infringing the privileges of the church, in taking out William de Lay fled for refuge to the churchyard of St. Philip and Jacob, for carrying him into the cafllc and imprifoning him, and laflly cutting off his head. Nine or ten being involved in this crime, their fentence was to go from the church of the Friers Minor in Lewin's-mead to the church of St. T' T X Philip [ 530 3 Philip and Jacob through the flreets naked, except their breeches and in their {hirts, for four market days for four weeks, each receiving difcipline all the way: and Peter de la Mare was enjoined to build a flone crofs at the expence of loos. at leaft, that one hundred poor be fed round it on a certain day every year, and that he fliould find a prieft to celebrate mafs during his life where the bilhop fhall appoint. The flone crofs above is mentioned by William of Worcefter: " Alta; crucis prope folTam caftri Briftoll." Alift of the RECTORS and VI J Patrons. Abbot and convent of Tewkfbury. 1275 Rich. Hammond de Newynton 1290 Robert Anketul. 1328 Ralph de Wymborne. 1331 Walter de Kaerwent. 1340 Walter Freeman. 1346 Richard le Small. 1348 John de Wydcombe. Nicholas de Ufk. 1349 Nicholas de Fifherton. 1351 William Sandcvere. 1394 Hugh Hope, firfl; vicar. 1400 John White. 1420 Philip Fulgare. 1421 Stephen Graunger. 1422 John Heaneman. John Faurthermorc. 1435 John Laurence. 1471 Richard Chylde. 1475 Lodowic Williams. 1481 Mile Terre. 1493 Robert Browne. MONUMENTS. In Kemys'saile by the chancel is a handfome monument with his figure in robes of magiftracy to H. Merrit, Efq; flieriff of this city, and a benefaftor to the parifli, he died the 11th of Sept. 1692, in the 71ft year of his age. In C A R S of the church of St. Philip and acob. 1504 Thomas Strange. 1505 James Botiller. 1511 William Burgill. 1513 John Gardiner- 1526 John Collis, A, M. 15.45 Nicholas Corbet. David Conden. Mayor and common council. Patrons- 1562 Thomas Colman. 1604 William Yeman. 1633 John Pierce. 1661 Edward Hancock. 1663 Thomas Godwyn. 1675 Thomas Cary 1712 Jofeph Taylor. 1723 William Cary, fon of Tho. Cary. 1 758 Carew Rcynell, fon of the Chan- cellor Carew Reynel, Bifliop of Down and Connor. 1770 James New. C 531 ] In the north aile on a ftone is an infcription to H. Merrit, the ycsunger,. goldfmith : he died the 10th of June, 1698, aged 40. A neat monument to the memory of three children of Thomas and Mary Chamberlain. Another to Thomas Warren, who died January 23, 1722, aged 68. Oq a done an infcription to Gabriel Wayne: he died the 15th of Januarys 1722, aged 75. On a raifed tomb an infcription to Edward Cox, merchant, who died Auguft 3, 1627, aged 57. Another infcription to Thomas thefon of H. Wliitehead, who died the 15th of Auguft, 1700. Alfo William Whitehead, fome time flierifF, who died the 25th of February, 1720, aged 40. In the chancel arc feveral hatchments of the Elton family, and on a flone an infcription to Ifaac Elton, merchant, who died the 23d of October, 1714, aged 34, and his two daughters both baptized Mary ; and on another to Eli- zabeth the wife of Peter Day, Efq; daughter of Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, who died the 6th of November, 1718, aged 26. Alfo on a ftone the follow- ing infcription : — " Hie fita funt offa Johannis Price interioris templi Londi- nenfis juris confulti, qui poflquam per 40 amplius annos pace fummaq; rerum affluentia fruitus vir reipublicae ftudiofus vixerat, et revulfas dein ab efFre- nata turba facratas heu ! olim felicifhmi regni leges, violatam majeftatem et jus omne divinum humanumque viderat, reduQa demum per fereniffimum regem urbe hac avita pra:dia fuburbana reverfus pertaefus fragilitatis humanae fatis conceffit quinta die idus Oclobris anno falutis 1643, a^t^tis fu«e 61." On a ftone is the figure of a crofs bow and a dog and round the verge of it, " Thomas Putley, fome time keeper of the Queen's foreft, departed the laft day of Oclober, A, D. 1596." — This was when Kingfwood was a de- mefne, and in pofTeffion of the crown. Here is alfo a monument to William Vigor, gentleman, who died the 20th of February, 17J9; alfo his fon William, who died the 19th of June, 1730, aged 33. An infcription to Thomas Cary, vicar of this church : he died the 30th of OQober, 1711, aged 61. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. Philip's Parifli. a 705, Mr. Samuel Davis, fome time ftierift" of this city, gave 50I. /. s. p. the profit thereof to the poor of the in-parilh weekly in bread for ever - - - - ,50 o o T T T 2 1 708, C 532 ] J708, Mr. John Edwards, of this parifh, wheelwright, gave 50I. /, s. d. the profit thereof to be diftributed to ten poor hoiifc- keepers of the in-parifli, not receiving alms, on the 27th of January yearly for ever - - - 5000 fog, Mr. Nicholas Whiting, of this parifh, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor of the out-parifh for ever - 10 o o 1712, Mrs. Eleanor Bayly, widow, of the out-parifh, gave 20I. for the ufe and benefit of this church, to be difpofed of at the difcretion of the prefent churchwardens 20 o o J 7 15, Jofeph Jackfon, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave 40s. yearly to the in-parifli for the bene- fit of their poor, and 4I. yearly to the poor of the Callle Precinfts for ever - - - 120 o o 1712, Mr. Samuel Perry gave 5I. to the out-parifli for binding out an apprentice (not upon the alms) to a free tradef- man in this city yearly for ever - - - 100 o o Henry Whitehead, formerly mayor and alderman of this city, gave 40I. the interefl; thereof to be difpofed of by the churchwardens to poor houfekeepers of the in-parifli not receiving alms on Candlemas-day yearly for ever 40 o q. 1730, Mr. John Jaincs, of this city, mariner, gave in his life time two tenements in Cheefe-lane, the profit thereof for the cloathing of as many poor men's widows of this parifh, as the clear rent fhall amount to on Sept. 29, for ever. Mr. Edward Cox, of this city, gave 81. per annum to the poor, and 4I. for eight fermons yearly for ever. 1694, Mr. Alderman Kitchen gave 40s. per annum to houfe-hol- ders who are poor for ever. 1639, Mr. Alderman Harrington gave 40s. per annum to the poor for ever. Mr. Abraham Clements gave 30s. per annum to the poor of the out-parifh, and 10s. for a fermon the ifl of January for ever. Mr. Francis Gleed, of this city, gave 40s. to the poor to be paid quarterly for ever. Mr. William Burroughs gave 20s. per annum to the pooj for ever. Mr.. [ 533 ] Mr. Thomas Farmer gave 50I. the profit thereof to the /, 5. d. poor for ever - - - - 50 o o Mr. William Curtice gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor for ever - - - - 50 o o Mr. Abraham Birkins gave 5s. per annum to the poor in bread for ever - - - - 500 Mr. John Harford gave 5I. 155. 4d. per annum to the poor for ever. Mr. Timothy Parker gave 5I. the profit thereof to the poor in bread yearly for ever - - - 500 Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Joan Langton, vido\vs, gave lands for the payment of los. apiece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this in-parifh hath a proportion. 1-734, Capt. John Roure, of this parifh, merchant, gave 20I. to to the churchwardens, the profit thereof to be given in bread to the poor of the out-parilh on the 27th of Auguft yearly for ever - - - - 2000 Mr. Anthony Whitehead, of this pavifli, gave 20L the profit thereof to the poor houfe-holders of the out-parifli, not receiving alms, on the ift of May yearly for ever 20 o o 1685, Mr. Jeremiah Hollway, of this city, merchant, gave 30I. the profit thereof to the poor of the in parifh yearly for ever - - - - - 30 oo- 1686, Mr. Samuel Hale, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof weekly to the poor in bread for ever: and alfo the intereft of 230I. towards the placing apprentices of poor children in feven parifhes of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifli is one. 1687, Sir William Cann, Knight and Bart, gave lool. to four pariflies in this city, whereof this hath a quarter part, the profits thereof to be didributed to the poor the 8tli of January for ever. 1688, John Lawford, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor of the in-parifh yearly in bread for ever - - 50 o o 1689, Mr. William Scott gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor of the in-parifli yearly for ever - " 10 o o 1689, [ 534 ] 1689, Mrs. Elizabeth Pitts, widow, of this parifh, gave 20I. the /. s. d. profit thereof to the poor of the in-parifh yearly forever 20 o o 1690, Mr. Edward Tilly, of this gity, gave lool. to four paridies, whereof this in-parifli hath a quarter part, the profit to be given to the poor in bread weekly for ever. 1692, Mr. Henry Merritt, fome time flierifFof this city, gave 50I, the profit thereof weekly in bread to the poor of the out-parifli for ever - - - - 50 o o Mr. Edward Terrill gave 50I. the profit to the poor of the in-parifh for ever _ _ _ _' 50 o o Dr. Sherman gave 9I. 10s. the profit to the poor of this parifh for ever - - - 9100 John Brown, labourer, gave lol. the profit to the poor of this parifh for ever - - - 1000 1695, Mr. Walter Stevens, of this parifii, gave 3I. 13s. 4d. per annum, to be diftributed in bread to the poor of the in- parifh weekly ibr ever. 1701, Mrs. Barbara Merritt, widow, gave 30I. the profit thereof yearly to the poor of the out-parifh for ever - 30 o o Herbert Vaughan, Efq; gave lol. the ufe thereof to the poor of the in-parifli for ever - - 10 o o 1720, Mrs. Chrillian Blackbourn, widow, gave to the miniller for two fermons on Afli Wednefday and Good Friday in the afternoon yearly for ever 10s. each, to the clerk is. 6d. each, and to the fexton is. each. Mr. Jofcph Colebrook, of the out-parifh, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor of the out-parifh in bread on the 16th of October yearly for ever - - 10 o o Mr. William Vigor, of this parifli, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be given to the poor of the in-parifli in bread on the 2d of February yearly for ever, by the church- wardens of faid parifh - - - 2000 Capt. James Smith gave 3I. 6s. .\(\. yearly for ever, for ; preaching two fermons, one on the 4th of January and the other on the 9th of May, and for bread to the poor of the out-parilli, and 12I. 10s. to the in-parifli, the interell thereof to be given yearly in bread to poor hoiifckeepcrs, not receiving alms, at the difcretion of the churchwardens refpe£tively. 1720, [ 535 ] 1720, Mr. Henry Cibbcs, of this city, gave lol. the intercft /. s. d. thereof to the poor of this parifh for ever - 10 o o 1727, Sir Abraham Elton, Bart, gave 50I. the intereft thereof to to be paid on the ifl day of May yearly for ever to the minifter for preaching a fermon, if it falls on a Sunday then it is to be preached the day following 20s. and the refidue thereof to be equally divided between ten poor houfe-holdcrs within the out-parifli not receiving alms for ever - - - - -50 00 Mrs. Alice James, widow, gave 20I. the intereft thereof to be given in twelve-penny bread to the poor of this pa- rifh, not receiving alms, on Chriftmas-day yearly for ever - - - - -20 00 J728, Mr. William Welfh, Mr. Daniel Shewring, and Mr. John Pittman, gave 20I. the profit thereof to poor houfe- keepers of the out-parifh on the 8th of March, not re- ceiving alms - - - - 20 o o 1733, Mrs. Dionis Gibbes, in memory of her brother Mr. Har- rington Gibbes, merchant, of this city, gave 50L the profit thereof to be diftributed as followeth : 20s. for the minifter to preach a fermon on the 28th of September in the afternoon if not on a Sunday, but if fo on the day following ; and the remainder to be diftributed by the churchwardens in bread to the poor of the out-parifh yearly for ever - - - - 50 o o Edward Colfton, Efq; gave lol. per annum for twelve years after his death to the charity-fchool of St. Philip's 10 o o A lift of GIFT-SERMONS to the parifti of St. Philip's, Briftol. January 1, Thomas Clement's, Efq; May 1, Sir Abraham Elton's, Bart, January 4, Mrs. Elizabeth Smith's. May 9, Mr. James Smith's. Eight Sundays in the year, Mr. Cox's. September 28, Mrs. Dionis Gibbes's. Afti Wedncfday and Good Friday, Mr. Chriftopher Blackbourne. In St. Philip's parifli is the hofpital dedicated to the holy and undivided Trin-ity, and St. George, on the fouth fide within Lawford's gate. It was founded by John Barftaple merchant and burgefs of Briftol, who had ferved the office of mayor three times,^ IfabcUa his wife is faid to have founded an hofpiial C 536 ] hofpital on the north fide of the gate. This John Barflaple provided for fix poor men and fix poor women, and a prieft to officiate to them, in the hof- pital, with chambers and gardens to each, he endowed the fame with certain tenements to the yearly value of3ol, los. 4d. for ever, I cannot find any valuation of this hofpital the 26th Henry 8th. But it was happily prcferved at the reformation, and granted by Queen Elizabeth anno regni 20th 1578, 14th Feb. to Peter Gray, Efq; of Segenfee, Bcdfordfhire, at 20s. per annum, and then purchafed for 100 marks by the corporation to apply it to charitable ufcs, v/ho have fo carefully improved the revenues, that there are now ten poor men, and twelve poor women, maintained at 3s. per week each ; the yearly income of the faid eftate was increafed in 1749, to 298I. 18s. 4d. This charity has been further augmented by the benevolence of Mr. John Matthews a burgefs of Briftol, wiiii 18I. per annum, given in the year 1521, fo that the whole amounts to 31 61. 18s. 4d. per annum, and the vicar of St. Philip's, in which parifli this hofpital is, hath 81. per annum, to read prayers to them every Thurfday and Saturday in the week for ever, and for one fermon and facrament on Holy l^hurfday. The clerk of the parifli has for his trouble 40s. per annum. As the yearly income is increafed, the corporation did in the year 1739 make an additional building to that hofpital on the north fide of the gate of the fame foundation, placing therein twenty-four women only, twelve of which have 3s. per week as being upon the old foundation, and in the nev/ additional building are placed twelve men, fix of which have 2s. per week and the other fix at prefent have only houfe rent free. Bifliop Tanner, in his Notitia Monaftica, p. 483. fays, that this hofpital was founded anno 4 Henry 5th. 1416, and fays there was certainly fome foundation before that of John Barftaple's time, though probably not fully fettled. * But he was mif- informed, for Ifabel his wife, who is faid to be a joint founder with him, died in the year 1400, and his death followed in Oftober 1411, which is feveral years before the time mentioned by the Bifliop to be founded, and their grave iloncs with each infcription on them are now to be feen in the year 1788. The following infcriptions are under his and his wife's figures, being brafs let into freeftone with his cypher and a coat of arms under his wife ; they lie on the right and left fide of the high altar. She died the 1 ft year of King Henry 4th. and her hufband the 13th of the faid king. Under his, " Hie Vide the Licence of King Henry 5th. to John Bai fiaple in the city chamber. Pal. 3, Hen, 4. p. 1. m. 16. Par. g. Hen. 4. p. 1 . m. 4. pro gilda ibidem fdcicntU, Pat. 13. Hen. 4. p. 4. p. ,, „,. 3. pro ten. in Rugeway. Pat. 4. Hen. 5. p. j, m, 2, vol, iii. jacel [ 5Z7 J jacet Johannes Barftaple, burgenfis villze Brifto!, fundator iftius loci, qui obiit 15 kalen Oclob, iitera Dominicalis D. A. D. MCCCCXI. cujus animae pro- pitietiir Deus, Amen." Under her's, " Hie jacet Ifabella, quond. uxor Johannis Barflaplc, quae obiit A. D. MCCCC. cujus animae propitietur Deus, Amen." The religious gilds were founded chiefly forticvotion and aims deeds, the fecular for trade and alms deeds. Thus King Henrv gthu by patent letter of his great feal gave licence to found this religious gild or fraternity to the honour of the Holy Trinity and St. George in the fuburb of Briftol, and made it perpetual thus : — " Rex omnibus ad quos, &c. falutem. Sciatis quod cariflimus pater nofler Dominus H. nuper Rex Anglias per literas fuas pa- tentes (he doth not fay of what date) de gratia fua fpcciali concefFerit et licen- tiam dcderit, pro fe et haeredibus fuis quantum in ipfo fuit, Johanni Barftaple, to found an hofpital or almcry and a gild, in fuburbio BriftolliEE — et quod utraq; domus hofpital itatis five elemofinariae ac fraternitatis five gildae praedic- tarum, per fe perpetua et incorporata exifteret imperpetuum, et quod unus capellanorum prsediclorum effet cuftos domus hofpitalitatis five elemofinariEc prasdicl (oe) ac cuftos domus hofpitalitatis five elemofinarise Sanftse Trinitatis juxta LafFordcfyate in fuburbio Briftollise nuncuparetur, et alter eorum capellanorum effet magifter five cuftos fraternitatis five gildae praedicla?, et ma- gifter five cuftos fraternitatis five gildae Sanftae Trinitatis juxta LafFordefyate • in fuburbio Briftolliae nuncuparetur imperpetuum, et quod utcrq; cuftodum praediflorum per fe effet habilis ad perquirend (um) et recipien (dum) ter- ras tenementa et alias pofTefliones quecumq; habcnda fibi et fucceffo- ribus fuis imperpetuum ita quod neuter illorum de pofTeffionibus altcrius in aliquo nullatcnus fc intromitteret, et quod uterq; cuftodum prasdictorum no- mine fuo pras notato, et fuccefTores fui, in quibufcumq; curiis noftris et alibi placitare et implacitari poffet, ac commune figillum haberet imperpetuum, quodq; uterq; cuftodum praeditlorum ac fratres et forores" — might make ordi- nances and conftitutions for t'ne government of their houfe, as by the faid let- ter patent might appear. The prefent king, viz. Henry 5th. granteth leave to transfer the faid almcry and gild, and to found a gild or fraternity in honour of the Holy Trinity and St. George. — " Et quod fraternitas five gilda prae- di6la per fe perpetua et incorporata exiftat in perpetuum, et quod ipfi annuatim quendam magiftrum de feipfis eligere poffint, who magifter gildae five fraterni- tatis Sanclae Trinitatis et SanCli Georgii Briftolli (ae) nuncupetur imperpetuum. Etquod praediftus magifter gildce five fraternitatis prcdiCljefimuIcum gilda five fra- ternitatc przedifta fint pciTonae habilcs et capaces ad perquirend (um) etrecipi- end (urn) terras tenementa ct alias pofTcffionesquaicumq; l,abend(a)et tenend (a) U u u fibi [ 538 ] fibi et fucceffioribus fuis imperpetuum, and that nomine praenotato they may plead and be impleaded. In cujus, &c. tefte regc apud ^^'cftmonafle^illm 15 die Februarii." Pat. 4. Hen. 5. m. 1. In the out-parifh of St. Philip and Jacob, without Lawford's-gate, upon the north fide of the road to Bath, in the hundred of King's Barton, at the caft end of the city, in the county of Gloceller, was an hofpital for leprous perfons, dedicated to St. Laurence, before the 8th Henry 3d.* The patro- nage of the maflerfhip was in the crown, but was granted 3d Henry 5th. to Humphrey Duke of Gloccfter. Sir Robert Atkyns feems to confound this lall account, for he afferts that the hundred and manor of Barton with the ad- vowfons of the hofpital of St. Laurence did belong to Edward Duke of York, grandfon to King Edward 3d. p. 421. Bifliop Tanner fays in his Notitia, p. 481. that it feemed afterward that this hofpital did belong to the college of Weftbury. Sir Robert Atkyns, p. 802. confirms the fame, and that King Edward 3d. granted the hofpital of St. Laurence near Briilol t towards their maintenance, and that this and all other eftates belonging to that college, at the diflblution of religious foundations, were granted to Sir Ralph Sadleyr, the 35th Henry 8th. (Vide p. 850.) The original grant from Henry 8th. to Sir Ralph is in the pofTcnion of Sir John Hugh Smyth, of Long Afhton, Bart. Vide in Mon. Angl. tom. xi. p, 438. cartam regis Henrici 3. (anno regni 32,) de quadam fclda conceffa iRi hofpitali. Pat. 8. Hen. 3. ni. 10. quod leprofi de S. Laurentio fit quieti de hun- dredis, &c. Pat. 32. Hen. 3. m. 3. Pat. 14. Edw. 2. p. 2. m. 3. de cuftodi concelT. per regem. Pat. 3. Hen. 5. p. 1. m. 8. By the original grant, dated 24th March, 25th Henry 8th. among other things belonging to the late diffolved collegiate church of Weftbury, as houfes and mefTuages in Briilol and large pofTcfiions in Henbury, Auft, Penpark, &c. was granted the fite of the hofpital of St. Laurence near Briftol, and all manors, lands, tenements, to the late hofpital belonging, fituate, lying, or being in Netherwyk, Overwyk, and Hennewyk, paying the king for the fite of the faid hofpital il. 4s. lod. for the lands in Netherwyk, &c. 4s. 83-d. for Weftbury college 19s. lod. and for the manor of Clifton il. per annum. * '^'"g John, in the year 1208, and alfo King Edward 2d. the 10th of his reign, confirmed divers lands to the raaftcr and brethren of this hofpital of lepers of St. Laurence. + This confirmation was of the fite of the hofpital of St. Laurence near Briftol, witli all its lands and tenements in Rcdwick, which lately belonged to the college of Weftbury, was alfo granted the 05th of Henry 8ih, J542, to Sir Ralph Sadleyr, Knight. Vide Sir Robert Atkyns,, P- 175- C 539 ] By a fiirvey of the manor of St. Laurence, taken in April 1629 by H. Leiy penes me, then part of the pofFeffions of Sir Ralph Sadleir, of Stondon, in the county of Hertford, Efq,- it appears that the manor-houfe, &c. was then in pofTefTion of Robert Hooke, of Briflol, Efq; and its fite, together with the chapel-houfe. Sec. abutted fouth on London highway and Chapel-lane on the Eaft, St. Laurence leeze on the north and weft parts ; and that the fum total of acres of the demcfnes of this raanor was 205 acres 1 rood ; fum total of the yearly value was 96I. 13s. 4d. and the fum total of the then yearly rent being out on lives was 16I. 8s. This was but a fmall part of the pofTcnions belonging to the college of Weftbury, which was granted at the diffolution, 36th Henry 8th. to Sir Ralph Sadlcyr. They had lands in Henbury, Sec. which then yielded from the lef- fees yearly, as from valuation and furv^ey then taken (according to the original rental penes me) appears as under : At Henbury, Compton, Redwyck, Northwyke, Weftbury, Cote, /. s. d. Laurence- Wefton, Shirehampton, Charleton, tythes of Weft- bury, Rydeland, Cote, and Stocke - - _ 116 13 1 Befides woods, Gooddown-grove full of oaks g acres, Hyg- wood 50 acres, Goddy-grove 29 acres, Comb-wood under Blaze-hill 18 acres, Afli-grove 17 acres. From the demefne lands of the bifhop of Worcefter - 26 12 6 Other cftates granted out at the court then held - _ 108 o o The manor of Clyfton, leafe- rents - - - 10 o o The manor of St. Laurence, without Lawford's-gate, and land in Syfton belonging thereto - - - - 9 5 ^ Tenements and lands in the city of Bryftowe - - 23 9 8 Befides heriots, <&c. Total £ 294 oil St. Philip's out-parifli being large and populous, in the parliament held 1751 an aft was pafted for dividing the parifli of St. Philip and Jacob, and for erecting a church in the new intended parifli ; the preamble to which recites, " that the church was not large enough to contain the inhabitants." in order to promote that good intention, Thomas Chefter, Efq; lord of the manor, gave a piece of ground in Kingfwood, the fite of the church dedi- cated to St. George, churchyard, parfonagc-houfe, and a field near it. Dr. Butler, Bifhop of Briftol, gave 400I. towards the maintenance of the new vicar, befides which he obtained 400I. more from the Governors of Queen s U u u 2 Ann's C 540 ] Ann's Bovmty. The corporation of Briftol gave towards building the church 250I. provided they fliould have the prefentation of the living, which they now enjoy ; the Merchants Society gave 150I. Mr. Onefi. Tyndal lool. The afcl was after fomc delays carried into execution, and on Tuefday March 3, 1752, David Pcloquin, Efq; mayor, attended by the aldermen, and the other commifTioners appointed for building the new church, went in their coaches in proceffion to the fpot marked out for the purpofe, and laid the firft ftone of the ftruClure, putting under it feveral pieces of the coin of George 2d. the upper part of it had the following infcription : Templum hoc Dei Opt. Max. Gloriae Et Hominum indies peccantium Saluti Sacrum Erigi voluit pietas publica ; Abfit Tamen, Quod inter ignota nomina Reverendi admodum in Chriflo patris ; Jofephi Butler, Nuper Briftoilienfis Epifcopi Lateat Nomen. D. D. D. 400I. Jam turn ad Dunelmenfes migraturus. On the lower part of the flone was this : Regnante Georgio fecundo Jufto, Clementi, Forti, Angularem hunc Lapidem 5 Non. Mart. 1752. Pofuit David Pcloquin, Civitatis Brifloll. Praetor. Thus at the expencc of 2853I. 17s. y^d. was the church and vicaragc-houfc compleated, and a place of worfhip erefted for the refort of the numerous inhabitants of Kingfwood, which from being a wild forefl; for deer is now become a well-inhabited place, with feveral thoufand induftrious and civilized people, living happily in their neat cottages. This chace of Kingfwood was a dcmefne of the crown belonging to Briftol caftlc, but was in proccfs of time divided, by a mutual confcnt and combination among the feveral lords, who had eftates confining upon it, and not by any grant from the crown, as was made appear by furvey and inquifuion taken May 26, 1652, by Endimion Porter [ 541 ] Porter and others in the Exchequer, when it was pro\ ed the total improved value of the whole chacc was per annum 1241!. os. 4d. Total of acres 3432 and 2 roods. Total of grofs value for cottages, timber, coal-mines, Sec. 2082I. 10s. For deer about 30, formerly 1500 or 2000, 30I. But the Nullum Tctnpm bill that has fince been paffed has now fixed the right in the prefent lords, however dubious their title was before. One Mr. Dyer of Bridol was the reputed ranger of Kingfwood chace, and a duty called chiminagc was ufually paid at Lawford's-gate for ever pack-faddle pafTing through the faid chace during the fairs of St. James and St. Paul. Leland, vol. vi. p. 67. has, " Antiquae limitcs fore/la: do Kingefwode." — " The forefle of Kingefwode cummythe onte Barres Courte, Mayftre New- ton's howfe," vol. vii. p. ,12. CHAP. XXII. 0/ the CHURCH and PARISH o/" TEMPLE, otherwife HOLY CROSS. IT derives its name from the religious fociety of Knight Templars, its founders, an order inftituted about the year i n 8, wearing an habit white with a red crofs upon the left fhoulder ; their fuperior was called Matter of the Temple. In Monaft. vol. ii. p. 530. is an account of the eftates granted to them, among which are " apud Briftol ex dono Comitis Roberti, &c. lands at Briftol of the gift of Earl Robert, part of which was built on by the brethren themfelves, part by other men, &c." This points out clearly the time when this church and parifli were founded, in the reign of King Stephen, when Robert Earl of Glocefler flourifhed. By its proximity to Brittol, being fepa- rated from it only by the river Av9n, it foon incrcafcd in inhabitants, efpe- cially after the ereflion of the bridge : a great market, was held at Stallage- crofs, and a free and frequent intercourfe betwixt thofe on both fides of the river foon took place. The church feems to have been built at feveral times. The following curious account of this church tranfcribcd from an original old vellum manufcript, faid (o be written about the year 1460 by Rowlic, is the mod ancient : " Tys C 542 3 " Tys uncoutlie whanne thys chyrche was fyrfl. ybuilden, nathelefs I reede yn the bochorde of the reveflrie, that in 1271 fyx women in Eafter wake dyd doe penaunce for ewbrice, goeynge from St. PauUe's crofle to the new chyrche of Templarres : certis is the evcntc knowcn, howgates ytt became crouched. Gremondei, a Lumbard, dyd make grete boafte that hee woulde ybulden a chyrche moe frcme thannc anie yn Bryflowc. The Knyghtes Templarres cftfoons dyd hem emploie, Gnoffenglie defpyfciiige the argues of Johannes aBrixtcr, a Bryfloc manne borne, who tlie fame woulde haveybuylden on the hylle cleped Celnile-hylle, and fythence Pyll-hylle, alleageynge therefore that the river ban formerlic ranne thorowe St. Paulcs ftrete, and a lane anearc whylomc was cleped Rhiftreete, in Saxonne tongue the ftrete of the ryver : bie reafon wherofe the bottome m'ote be moddie, and ne able to beare a chyrche. Nathelefs the halle worke was begonne in the verie lane of Rhi- ftrete ; but tyme cftfoons ftiewed the trouthe, for the towre ne hie nor heavie fonke awaie to the fouthe, tareynge a large gappe from me the chyrche's bod- die : a maconne was kyllen and three of more aneuthe fleyne. To the ob- fervynge eyne the whole order of the chyrch is wronge, and fcemethe as tho' ftiaken bie an erthequake. The Knyghtes Templarres let itte lie unconfc- crate untylle fyxtcne yeeres, whanne for Gremondie agayne defpyfingc John a Brixter, ytte was crenelied atoppe goynge ne bier than beefore, glayzeinge the wyndowes and fyngeynge thcreynne. Botte the pryncypalle dyeyngc, another dyd hym fucceed, whoc dyd fende for Johnne a Bryxter and em- ploied hym. He than began t6 ftaie the fame bie pyles and rayfed the fame as hie againe ynn the towere makeynge ytte ftronge and Idftable, leave- ynge the fyrfte battlementes to fticw howe farre hce dyd rayfed ytte. Hee dyed, and eyn 1296 Thoma: Ruggilie added the three fmalle chapelles for dailie chauntries, one of whych was graunted to the weavers bie Kyngc Edward of that name the fyrfte." The leaning pofition and crookednefs of Temple tower is generally noted, and Brunius or Braun in his Theatrum Urbium, (Coin: 1576) mentions it in the following terms — " Praccclfam habet & elcgantcm &c." i.e. " The church of Holy Crofs has a very high and elegant tower which I may venture to compare in thicknefs and heighth with that of St. Martin's the Lefs at Cologn. When the bells that are in it found, it is fo moved this Jmd that way that at lengih by the too great and frequent fhaking, it has feparatcd from the body of the church ; and has made a chink from the very top of the roof to the foundation, gaping fo wide as to admit four fingers brcdth. Abraham Ortelius wrote me word, that himfelf put a ftone of the fize of a goofe egg into [ 543 ] into this chink, which he faw himfelf give down wards as the place was nar- row or wide, and at length by the frequent colilion was fqeezed to pieces ;. and that when he put his back againfl the tower, he was afraid he fliould be opprefled by its fall ; that the mayor and others of authority there told him, the whole fabrick of this church formerly fhook and was like to fall before this chink was made there, and with fuch force, that the lamps were put out and the oil wafled : of this there were many living witneffes in that parifli. But the church now, becaufe it is not afFefted by the found of the bells, (lands M-ithout motion." It appears by the will of Bernard Obelly, 1390, and of Reginald Taylor Tucker, dated 1397, that Temple Tower was building anew to which he gives 5I. and a miffal to the altar of the Holy Trinity, near which was the image of St. John the Baptift. But William Botoner, p. 228 fays " The height of the fquarc tower was built anew by the parilhioners in the year 1460, for the ringing of large bells," and p. 203, that " the new belfry tower is five yards fquare on every fide," (ex omni parte) or in the whole. What this new building in 1460 was, is uncertain ; but the above will of ' Reginald Taylor feems to point out the certain time, when the tower was new built ; that the firfl work was ill executed and wanted to be repaired, appears not improbable, confidcring how much it funk at the foundation. In 1772, it was examined and found by meafurement to lean at the South Weft corner three feet nine inches from the perpendicular. It appeared from opening the ground in the year 1774, to put in new gate polls at the entrance of the church, that thick foundation walls extended from the tower into the ftreet fifty or fixty feet, laid there doubtlefs for an addi- tional fupport to that inclining fide of the tower ; upon forcing through them the water gufhed out and prevented their being further traced or the piles being difcovered that probably fupport them. This however fliews the great care that had been taken at times to fupport the tower, built as it is on fuch marfhy and foft ground. William of Worcefter in 1480 fays, "The moll beautiful church of the- Temple is founded in honour of the Holy Crofs in the manor and Ilreet called Temple-flreet, and has great liberties and franchifes." p. 261, " it contains in length 53 yards, being twice meafured by me." p. 239, " the breadth of the church-yard is 570 flops in the whole." — The church is from eaft to weft J56 feet long, the chancel is 74 feet, and the body of the church 82; it is 50 feet high, the chancel is 19 feet wide, and the north and fouth ailes 59 feet wide. It was ceiled and beautified in 1701 at the expencc of 300I. out of the pariflv ftockj. [ 541 ] flock, and lool. was given by Mr. Colflon, who alfo gave lol. more towards the handfome portal. It was now pcwcd, and a ftately organ built over the well door; and now the long ailes, large windows, lofty ceiling, flender pil- lars, and its fpacious area ftrike you with awful furprife at lirfl entering this facred building. There is a beautiful altar of curious workmanfhip, and on each fide a painting of Mofes and Aaron well executed ; and the floor is neatly paved with diamond-cut ftones. On entering the weft door in the middle aile in the floor is laid in white marble, a crofs about 5 feet long, to preferve the remembrance of the two crolfes of old inlaid with frceftone among bricks, with w^hich the church was before paved. In 1724 a new marble font was crefted here. The ancient arms of the church was the fame as thofe of the Knight Tem- plars, and of the Temple in London, the Holy Lamb and crofs — the lion and the crofs at the entrance fcems to beamiftake of the artift. It was jfnade a vicarage in 1342 by Ralph Bifhop of Bath and Wells, the endowment of which is ftill extant in the regifiers of Wells, a copy of it (penes mc) I compared with the original there the 15th of April 1772, by which it appears that the prior and brethren of the hofpital of St. John of Jeru- falem, to whom the lands of the Knight Templars had been given, were to receive of the vicar 100 fliillings out of the fruits and proceeds of the faid church, and the vicar was to receive the whole refidue of all oblations, fruits and proceeds of the faid church befides; together with a houfe for his habita- tion : and the prior and brethren were to repair the chancel alway ; and the vicars were to bear all other charges &c. and the prior See. were to prefent to the vicarage upon every vacancy. A cliauntry was founded hereby John Fraunccs, 5th of Edw. the 3d. and another by A\'illiam Ponam. — This living is rated at the clear yearly value of 33I. 2s. 8d. the tenths now difcharged were 6s. 5d. It is rated in the King's books at 3I. 4s. per ann. The corporation purchafcd the patronage of this church w ith part of the lands, once the property of thefe religious, as appears by the following deed : " Memorandum. That we the mearc the burgeffcs and communaltie of the citye or towne of Bryflowe in the countie of Bryftowe do defvre to bye and perchafe of the Kyng's Hyghneffe the manor of Temple Fee and all the howfes, byldinges, land, tenths, medc, paflure, rent, fervyce, libertys, franchyfes, and all other profytts and commodityesto the fame manor belongyng, wyth the appertynances fctt lying and bcyng withyn Brvftowc aforcfaid, and withyn the libertyes of the fame, and in Portbury and ^^'cft "\\'cfton, and alfo a certain vacant C 545 ] vacant peece of ground lyingc upon the Burge of Bryftowe : and alfoe all fuch howfes, buyldingcs, edyficeSj londys, mede, padure, rents, profetts, &:c. the whych were late, and belonged to Sir John Dudley Knight, of the honorable order of the garter, Vyfcount Lyfley, which fayd manor and all other londe, tenths, hereditaments mentioned and comprized in the particulars to thefc prefents annexed, the feid maer, burgcffes and communaltic do affirme and declare to the Kynges Hyghnefs to be of the cleer yeerly value to his Hyghnefs in yeerly rents and fermes of 71I. 16s. 2d. over and above all yeerly outcharges and rcpryfes, and not above. In wytnefs whereof Sir Edward Beynton Knight, and Gyles Dodyngton, deputes and attorneys to the feyd maer and burgeflesand communaltie, fufficiently authorifed, deputed and conlliiuted by the wryting of the faid maer c&rc. of Bryftow under their com- mon feale, to thefe prefent have fet theyr feveral feales and fubfcribed theyr names. Yoven the laft daie of June the 36 yere of the reygne of the feyd fovereygne Lorde Kynge Henry the Eigth. EDWARD BEYNTON. GYLES DODYNGTON. To this is annexed a fchedule entitled, Pacell. Terr ; et pofTeflionum nuper prioratus, Sive hofpitalis fanfti Johannis Jerufalem in Anglia, among which are the yearly quit rents of many houfes in Temple-ftreet, rents of lands by copy of court roll in Weft Wefton, Portbury and in Briftol : Temple Mead was let by indenture under the feal of the faid late priory to John Campton on paying yearly 3I. 6s. 8d. the clear rent of all thefe lands was then 14!. 7s. lod. and the rental of all the other lands of Temple manor, called Lord Lyfle's, which was very large, and confifted not onlv of tenements in Temple-ftreet, but in every part of the city, and in Barton Regis hundred, amounted to /. s. d. the clear annual rent of 57I. 8s. 3d. - - - 57 ^ 3 14 7 11 7116 a A fum, which fince the purchafe made by the corporation of Briftol, amounts now to a clear yearly ground rent, befidcs renewals of lives, as follows: Fee farm rents only of the knights of St. John of Jerufalem for /. s. d. one year, are - - - - - 22 14 i:^ Fee farm rents and rack rents of Lord Lifle's lands, are, for one year 116 6 4 71 16 2 Increafe in ground rents alone fince the 36ih year of Hen. 8th. £"67 4 3^ W w w Temple z C 546 ] Temple mead;!, part ofthe lands belonging to the houfe of the Knight Tem-^ plars, were therefore exempt from tythes, and are fo to this day, the corpora- tion holding thofe lands in the fame manner as the religious did. The fite of the houfe of Knight Templars, and afterwards of the prior and brethren of St. John of Jerufalem, is at prefent not very eafily to be traced — I fiippofeit was near to the church of their ereflion, and as I find Beer-lane and Temple-Comb mentioned in deeds to be in fuburbio; the prefent fite of Dr; White's hofpital and the houfes adjoining fecm to be the fpot, where old arches ftill appear to point it out, though fome have placed it at Temple-Gate, where the Auguftine friers afterwards had their houfe and church, of which below. The vicar chiefly depends on the free gift and contributions of hisparifliion- ers, amounting in the whole to about 150I. per annum, furplice fees included, befides two little dwellings. The prefent incumbent is the Rev. Mr. Eafterbrook. \' I C A R S of Temple. Patrons. Prior of St. John of Jerufalem. 1342 John Jurdan. William dc Hctherington. 1370 Walter Berforde. J 447 William Bonavy. J1452 John X'efFc. 1614 Richard Knight. 1639 Abel Lovering. 1642 Jacob Brent. 1660 John Chetwin. 1672 Arthur Bedford. 1700 William Cary. 1723 Samuel Curtis. 1738 Henry Becher. 1473 Nicholas Whithel. 1475 John Mafon, alfo rcclor of 1743 Thomas Jones. vWraxal. 1756 John Price. 1476 John Thomas. 1767 Alexander Stopford Catcott, 1512 Robert FcRham. author of an ingenious trca- Corporation. life on the Deluge. 1563 Edward Togood. i-j-jg Jofcph Eafterbrook. 1575 Richard Barwick. 1600 Richard Martin. The following are the principal Monuments and Infcriptions in this church. In the chancel : " Samuel Curtis vicar died 14 Jan. 1738, aged 44." A monument with infcription to, " John Stone, thrice mayor, who had 4 wives; he died 24 June 1575; with his effigy and his 4 wives," with the brewers arms. •• To Jacob Brent vicar, who died 22 Ott. 1666, aged 60 ; with fome acroftic verfcs." " To [ 547 ] ' " To John Thomas viear, whodied i Jan. 1476." " To John Chetwin vicar, who died 4 Dec. 1672, aged 50." " To Walter Berforde vie." In the north wall a handfome monument with a long Latin infcription : " To George Knight Efq; maior, who died 13 Dec. 1659, aged 89. — Alfo Sir John Knight his fon, alderman, who died 16 Dec. 1683, aged 71. — Alfo his fon John, who died 29 May 1684, aged 38. — Alfo Thomas Knight Eiq; fon of Sir John, who died 26 April 1699. — Alio Ann the wife of George Knight Efq; who died 19 Aug. 1645. — Martha the widow of Sir |ohn Knight, who died 20 Jan. 1696. — Alfo Mary wife of John Knight Efq; who died 17 Oct. iQjS'—And Ann Knight daughter of Thomas Knight, who died 22 Sept. J 725 — Arms paly of 6 arg. & G. quartered, with parted per bend ermine and fable countcrchangcd, a lion rampant or. In the fouth wall of the chancel a monument, " To Alderman Crabb, who died 14 Oct. 1702, aged 87." On a black ftone an infcription : " To John Hawkins Efq; eldefl fon of Sir John Hawkins Knight, alderman, he died 27 March 1738, aged ^j. — Alfo Sir John Hawkins, who died 6 July 1723, aged 74." — Arms f. arg. a St. Andrew's crofs fable, charged with 5 fleurs de lis or. Under a brafs figure an infcription: " To Richard Loyd, with fix fons and feven daughters, he died 13 May 1621." — Arms f. ermine, a St. Andrew's crofs fable. At the entrance into the chancel lie the family of Hinde, with infcriptions : " To John Hinde Efq; mayor, who died 28 April 1699, aged 68. — Elizabeth daughter of Richard JBrickdale, and grand daughter of John Hinde Efq; (he died 1 Aug. 1723." John Brickdale Efq; one of his Majefty's Juftices of the Peace for the county of Somerfet, and father of Matthew Brickdale Efq; prefent Member of Parliament for Briflol (1788) was buried at Temple, being their family burying place. He died 2 November 1765. In the Weavers Chapel is the brafs figure of a man in the poRure of devo- tion, with the following lines: Es tellis, Chriflc, quod non jacct hie lapis ifle. Corpus ut ornctur, fed fpiritus ut memoretur : Hue tu quo tranfis, magnus, medius, puer, an fis. Pro me Aindc prcces, dabitur mihi fie ^'enia.■ fpcs. The date was 1396. W w w 2 11k [ 548 ] Hie jacet Dus Richardus Goldekeme quondam Capellanus ftae Catheiinae, obiit die mcnfis Maii A. D. 1443, cujus animae propitietur Deus amen. — Tliere is a cro fs on the ftone with J, H. S. At the eaft end of this chapel was the Holy Lamb in painted glafs, alfo quarterly G. a lion rampant or. with cheeky or. and az. — The Gorges arms. — And in the north window were formerly thofe of Hungerford, Punchardon, Bradefton, Ferrers, Morgan, Arthur, Fitzwarrcn alias Blunt, Brook, England, Valance, and of Eleanor of Caftile Queen of Edward ill. all in painted glafs, now ftolen away. There is a curious ancient brafs fconce with twelve branches, on the top the Virgin and child in her arms in full proportion, and under them St. Michael killing the dragon, of very neat workmanfhip, probably ufed in the time of the Knight Templars. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of Temple Parilh. 1634, Mr. George White, merchant, gave by will to the churchwardens and parifhioners of Temple in Briftol for the time being 25I. in money, to be paid into the hands of the overfcers of the poor, to be by them and the churchwardens fo laid out and fettled that by the profit thereof arifing a fermon may be yearly preached in Temple Crofs in Briflol upon St. Georg's-day (being the 23d of April) for ever. — The preacher to be nominated by the mayor and aldermen of the city of Briftol. 1639, Mr. George Harrington, alderman, hath given 40s. yearly to four houfekeepers by 10s. a quarter for ever, Mr. William Pitt hath given the ufe of 25I. to the poor for ever. 1594, Robert Kitchen, alderman, gave los. for a fermon and izd. weekly in bread, and 40s. yearly to four houfekeepers by 10s. quarterly. 1622, Thomas White, D. D. for two fermons yearly, and founder of an almflioufc for ten perfons. Mr. Edward Batten and Mary his wife gave 40I. the benefit thereof to be diflributed in bread weekly to the poor of thisparifli for ever. Mary Stile gave lol. the benefit thereof to be diflributed in bread weekly to the poor of this parifh for ever. Mr. Richard Ditty gave lol. the benefit thereof to be diftributcd in bread M'cekly to the poor of this parifh for ever. 1656, John Barker, alderman, gave one annuity to the churchwardens of Temple parifh of 4I. 6s. 8d. per annum forever outofahoufe in Tcmple-flreet, to have thirteen fermons preached in the year, viz. one C 549 ] one every Sunday in the month in the parifh church of Temple, but if in cafe it is omitted for the fpace of three months then the annuity to ceafe. 1659, George Knight, Efq; late mayor and alderman of this city, gave 8d. weekly in bread to the poor, and 12s. 6d. for a fcrmon yearly for ever. 1661, Mr. Francis deed, fome time flicrifF of this city, gave 10s. a quarter to a poor houfekeeper for ever. 1668, Arthur Farmer, Efq: alderman, gave 40I. the profit thereof to be dif- tributed upon All Saints-day to fix poor families of this parifh for ever. Mr. Abraham Birkin gave 40s. per annum for ever to four houfe-hol- ders, receiving no alms, quarterly for ever. Mrs. Mary Beekham gave a houfe in Frog-lane, the profit thereof in bread to the poor. Mrs. Mary Gray gave 50I. the profit thereof, viz. 6s. 8d. for a fermon on the Sunday after St. Andrew's-day, and the reft for putting poor fatherlefs children to fchool. 1683, Mr. Thomas Goldfmith gave lol. per annum for ever; 4I. per annum in bread to the poor of this parifh, 40s. a year to the cloth workers almfhoufe, and 40s. a year to the poor of the weavers almfhoufe, each to have it given quarterly ; and 40s. a year to be given to Martha Hyatt for her life, and after to fix poor widows of the faid parifh on St. Thomas's-day for ever. 1683, Sir John Knight the elder, alderman of this city, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be given in bread weekly for ever, befides 22I. given to the poor immediately. 1685, Mr. Jeremiah Holway, fenr. merchant, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be given weekly in bread to the poor of this parifli for ever. 1686, Mr. Robert Amberfon, merchant, gave 25I. the profit thereof to be given in bread to the poor of this pari/li weekly for ever. Mr. Samuel Hale, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof in bread to the poor of this parifh for ever. And the profit of 230I. to feven parifhes to place a boy or girl apprentice, whereof this parifh hath a proportion. 1688, Mr. John Lawford, alderman, gave 52s. in bread yearly forever. 1689, Mr. William Middlemore, dyer, gave lol. yearly for five years to the poor of this parifh, beginning March 25 1690, [ 55^ ] 1690, Mrs. Alice \Ve{l gave three houfes, the profit thereof to the poor of this parifh for ever. Mrs. Margaret Abbey, widow, gave 30I. to the poor of this parifli, which was diflributed according to her M'ill. 1609, Mrs. Ann Longman, widow, gave 195I. to the poor of this citv, of of wliicii this parifli hath a part. 1702, Mr. John Hudf'on, of this parifli, clothier, gave 13s. 4d. to the niiiiif- tcr, 4s. to the clerk, and 2s. 8d. to the fexton, for a fcrmon on St. John's-day for ever ; and 20s. for four widows or houfekcepcrs of this parifh, not receiving alms. 1706, Sarah Smith, widow, daughter of Mr. Thomas Smith, gave 6s. 8d. apiece to three poor widows of this parifli on St. Thomas's-day for ever. 1701, Edward Colflon, Efq; gave lool. towards the ceiling and heautif)ing of this church, and 60I. more for a portal and altar-piece. 1703, Mrs. Sarah Colflon, widow, gave 50I. the profit thereof to be yearly and equally given to fix poor houfekeepers of this parifli, not receiving alms, at Chriftmas for ever. 1709, Mr. George Hudfon, the only fon of Mr. John Iludfon, gave 20I. to 80 families of Temple parifli, which was diflributed as by will, the interefl of 50I. to fix houfekeepers not receiving alms, viz. 8s. 4d. to each, to be diflributed by the churchwardens of the faid parifh on Afli Wcdncfday, and 10s. for a fcrmon on the fame day for ever. 1712, Mr. Abraham Spirring gave 30I. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifli in bread weekly for ever. 1713, Mr. John Gray, cloth-worker, born in this parifli, gave 40s. a year for ever, viz. 10s. for a fermon to the miniiler, 2s. 6d. to the clerk, is. 6d. to the fexton, and 26s. paid for the relief of four fick fa- milies on the 1 7th dav of November, at the difcrction of the church- wardens. The fame Mr. Gray gave the refiduary part of his eflatc, which amounted to uol. to be diflributed by his executors to fuch poor perfons as they think fit. Ordered, that it fhall be applied towards the main- tenance of the charity-fchool girls of this parifh for ever. 1716, Mrs. Jane Shute, daughter of Sir John Knight, of this parifli, deceafed, gave lol. to the poor of this parifli, the interefl thereof to be given in bread on Chriflmas-day yearly for ever, 1721, [ 55^ ] 1721, Mr. John Brittain gave 20I. the intereft thereof to the poor in bread on Chri(lmas-day for ever. 1722, Capt. Matthew Nicholas gave 20I. the interefl thereof to be paid yearly to four poor failors widows, and for want of fuch to four poor houfe-holders of thisparifh for ever, to be diftributed on the 9th of November, being his birth-day. 1724, May 11, Mr. John Newman, plumber, gave 26I. the profit in bread, made into two-penny loaves, to the poor of this parifli on the Lord's- day for ever. Mrs. Grace Brown, gave 15I. the intereft to five poor widows, not re- civing alms, on the 5th day of March for ever. 1729, Mr. Ifaac Hollier, of Wolverhampton, left lol. by will, the intereft thereof to the poor of this parifh in bread yearly for ever. 1731, Mrs. Elizabeth Nicholas, widow, gave 30I. the intereft thereof to be diftributed to fix poor failors widows, or (if none) to fix. other houfe- keepers, not receiving alms, yearly, on the ift day of Februarv, being the day of her birth. 1725, Mrs. Ann Knight, daughter of Thomas Knight, Efq; third fon of Sir John Knight, late of this parifli, gave tool, the intereft thereof to be given in bread, to fuch poor of this parifli as are moft in need of it : one half of it on the gth of May, and the other half of it on the 22d of September for ever. She alfo gave two large filver candie- fticks for the ufe of the church. 1740, June 24, Mr. John Jayne, mariner, of Temple parifti, gave 140I. the intereft thereof for the education and cloathing of the poor charity girls of the faid parifti for ever. 1681, Mr. Abraham Short, of Hambrough, and fervant to Mr. John Hinc, of this parifti, fugar-baker, gave lol. the ufe thereof weekly in bread to the poor for ever. Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Jane Langton, widows, gave lands for the payment of los. apiece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh hath a proportion. 1682, William Colfton, Efq; merchant, and fome time ftierift' of this city, gave 50I. to this parifti, the profit thereof weekly in bread to the poor for ever. 1670, Mr. Richard \'ickris, alderman, gave 52s. yearly for ever in bread. Mrs. Lucy Pefter, widow, gave unto the poor of this parifti 50I. the profit thereof yearly for ever. 1678, [ 552 ] 1678, Mr. William Goldfmith gave lol. the profit thereof to be diftributed in bread, on the 20th of January, to the poor of this parifh yearly for ever. r67'2, Mr. Thomas Gueft, of Exon, gave lol. to the poor of this parifh, the profits thereof for ever. 1676, Mr. Robert Markham, of London, gave lol. the profit thereof to be given to the poor of this parifii in bread on St. Paul's-day yearly for ever. The following are the GIFT-SERMONS preached in this church. Sunday after St. Paul'.s-day in the St. Thomas's-day in the forenoon, morning. Alderman Kitchen's. Dr. White's. A(h Wednefday, Mr. Geo. Hudfon's. Chriftmas-day in the morning, Mr. April 23, Mr. George White's. George Knight's. Afcenfion-day and Tuefday in Whit- St. John's-dav, Mr. John Hudfon's. fun week, Mr. T. Warren's, fenr. Thirteen fermons in the year, on Midfummer-day, Dr. White's. the firft Sunday in the month, in November 17, Mr. John Gray's. the afternoon, Mr. John Barker's, Sunday morning after St. Andrew's- alderman. day, Mrs. Mary Gray's. The lands and tenements belonging to this parifh produce in ground rents about 170I. per annum, befides renewals of lives. The 26th year of Henry the 8th. a great controverfy arofe betwixt the Lord prior of St. John of Jerufalem in England, and the mayor and commonalty of Briftol, relating to the privilege of fanfluary in Temple-ftreet, and of having a law day to hold court with the ufual privileges, and return a brevium and exe- cution of the fame in the faid flreet; claiming alfo that his tenants and inhabi- tants within the faid flreet being not burgefTes, might vend their merchandifes therein in open fliops; all which articles were denied by the mayor, and after much variance the matter was referred to Sir J. Fitz-James chief juflicc, and Richard Broke chief baron, who ordered that the liberty of fanfluary fhould be void, and that procefTes fhould be ferved in the faidftreet by the city officers M'iihout difturbance of the Lord prior. — The refl of the matters in difpute were referred to another time ; but Henry the 8th. fettled them moft efFeBually at the reformation, by the fupprefTion of religious houfcs. There were ("ome peculiar privileges belonging to Temple Fee, of which Arthur Efq; is named as lord, alfo mentioned by William of Worcefier; which C 553 3 which in time were loft : and in the year 1490 it is faid, " thefe was no court, bayly or cnnftable of Temple Fee for ten weeks," and afterwards that ' Tem- ple Fee was broken." In this parifli and in Temple-ftrect on the north fide within the gate was a friery of brothers Eremites of St. Auguftin Of this houfe Bifhop Tanner in his Notitia Monaftica, in folio, p. 483, fays, " The Auguftine friers hoiifc was hard by the Temple-gate, witliin it on the north weft." It was founded by Sir Simon and Sir William Moniacute, about the beginning of the reign of King Edward the 2d. and was granted the 35th of Henry the 8th. 1543, to Maurice Dennis. Vide in Mr. \A'^illis's hiftory of abbies, vol. 2. p. 325, the dimenfions of the church and chapter houfe. Pat. 6 Edw. 2. p. 2. m. 2. vel. 3. Pat. 11 Edw 2. p. 1. m. 10. ibid, p. 2. m. 22. de cccc. ped in longit. "et cc. ped in latit. concelT. Will, dc Monteacuto pro manfo elargando: pat. 17 Ed. 2. p. 2. m. 6. William of Worcefter in 1480 gives the dimenfions of the Briftol frieries ; and of this, " The length of the body of the Auguftynian brethren's church contains 30 yards or 54 paces, the breadth thereof contains 9 yards or 16 paces ; the length of the chapter-houfe 24 yards, the breadth thereof 8 yards ; the length of the cloifters contains 30 yards, the breadth thereof 3 yards; the breadth of the belfry 5 yards." He adds, " In 1320, the day before the ides of July, the place of the brother Eremites of the order of St. Auguftin was confecrated ; there is in the church one fmall nave and only one aile." In the year 1366 Sir John de Gourney Lord of Knowle granted the ground for an aqueduct from Pile-hill to Temple-gate near this houfe, for the ufc of the friers here, from a fountain called Ravencfwelle at a place called Hales. The 1 ith of Edward 3d. licence was granted to William de Montacute for a certain piece of land in the fuburbs of Briftol, containing 200 feet in length and 40 in breadth, contiguous to the manfion of the beloved the prior and brethren of the order of St. Auftin to enlarge their manfion, faving to the lords of the fee all due fervices, by letters patent dated at Wyndefore. This was a grant of the land in the Great Garden. Thomas Lvons, Efq; 5th Henry 4th. granted the friers leave to bring their aqueduCl direct through his land called Brandiron-clofe otherwife Long Croft with power to dig the ground, &:c. Thefe original deeds are in Temple veftr\'. Temple conduit was built 1561, and 1587 J. Griflcn gave twft tenements to keep it in repair. This water courfe is kept in very good order, and the X X .X fountain [ 554 ] fountain head is yearly vifited by the parifh officers, and they have expended preat funis toprefcrve it at different times and to prevent the fprings from being flopped. You enter the cavern by a door at the fide of the hill, on the very bank of the Avon on the left hand of the Bath road at Totterdown, and paffing through a narrow cut in the folid rock for 125 yards exaflly in length, you come to the refervoir or large trough of frceflone, into which three or four fprings rifing with force through crevices in the bottom of the rock are conti- nually flowing in bubbling ftreams, from hence the water is conveyed in large leaden pipes laid at the bottom of the channel cut in the rock, which pipes you walk upon in going to the ciftern, the roof above in the rock being from 10 to 20 feet high in fome places; the water is conveyed from the pipe head through the fields next it quite to Temple-gate, where is a ciftern arched over for public ufe : a feather conveyed it to the religious houfe adjoining, now be- longing to Mr. Warren. From the gate it is now led through Temple-flreet to the Neptune, and to a large ciftern the fouth fide of the church and from thence with a fmall feather to the vicaragc-houfe, which ferves the ftrect with great conveniency as well as the neighbourhood. In the year of our Lord 1613 Thomas White, D. D. being a native of this parifh and then living, erefted an bofpital in Temple-flreet called the Temple Hofpital, for eight men and two women, and one man and one woman were afterwards added by himfelf. He Endowed the fame with lands and tenements of the yearly value of 52I. or thereabouts. In the year 1622 he enfeofFed and confirmed to the mayor, burgeffes, and commonalty of the city of Briftol, and their fucceffors for ever in truft, four meffuages and tenements, fituate in Grays Inn-lane, in the county of Middle- fex, near the city of London, then in the occupation of Sir Ralph Haufby, Knight, of the yearly value yf 40I. to be applied to divers charities. And after his death, a rent charge of 140I. per annum was direfted to be iffuing out of the manor of Bradwcll, in the county of Effex, and licence of Mort- main obtained in 1626 from King Charles ift. to purchafe the faid annuity. — By his will alfo he direCled that one man and one womau fliould be added upon the foundation of the faid hofpital to thofc ten before appointed, now twelve in number. Firft fettlement was - - - £5^ Second ditto for increafe of alms - 6 Third ditto by his will _ _ - 40 Total £ 98 per annum. In [ 535 ] In Templc-ftreet at the corner of the way leading to Great Garden is an hofpital ereQcd, and endowed with lands and tenements in Breach Yate and Wycii and Abfton to tlie value of 200I. or 300I. per annum. This gift is by the diredions and appointment of Mr. Thomas Stephens, alderman of this city, the fame being enfeoffed to divers gentlemen of the faid city, for the maintenance of twelve women there with a weekly allowance to each of them of 23. 6d. One other hofpital in the Old Market was founded by the fame perfon, and endowed with the fame lands as above. His will bears date the 6th of April, 1679. The next charitable foundation in Temple-ftreet, but nearer Temple-gate on the fame fide of the way is the fchool of Edward Colllon, Efq. It was erefted and endowed by him in the year 1711, for the educating in read- ing, writing, and cyphering, and perfecting in the underdanding of the church catechifm as it is now eftablifhed by law, and alfo for cloathing forty poor boys of this parifh yearly for ever. The faid Edward Colflon, Efq; was a native of this pariQi. See p. 443. The eflate with which he endowed his charity-fchool in Temple-flreet is an annual fee farm of Sol. per annum. The charge was about 3000I. In a deed dated 1393 I find mention is made of an hofpital or almfhoufe within Temple-gate, oppofite the houfe of the Auguftinian brethren, and in another dated 1471 it is called Domus Elemofynaria Johannis Spycer juxta portam Templi, of this there are no remains at prefent. There is a fchool for girls, firfl; founded by the benefaflion of Mr. John Cray, and improved and fupported at prefent by voluntary contributions. Under the Tuckers'-hall is an ancient hofpital, fuppofed to have been founded by the Tuckers' company, wherein fix poor people have their dwel- lings, and 20s. per annum from the faid company ; but they received an additional benefaftion from Mrs. Sarah Smith of 40s. per annum in the whole. The following are the particular benefaClors to the company of Cloth Workers and to the fix poor of the fame company under their hall : Mr. Thomas Goldfmith gave one filver caudle cup, weight iij ounces, to the ufe of the company, in memory of his fon Thomas Goldfmith. /. s. d. John Sprint gave 6s. 8d. yearly for ever, paid them on Candlemas-day o Henry Davis gave 6s. 8d. yearly for ever, on Good Friday Richard Floyd gave 6s. yearly for ever, on New Year's-day Mr. Thomas Goldfmith gave 2I. yearly for ever, paid them quarterly 2 Mrs. Sarah Smith gave 2I. yearly for ever, paid to tiicm quarterly Paid them dut of the rent of the hall at St. Paul's fair The whole yearly income to the fix poor £"514 4 Xxx 2 In 6 8 6 8 6 2 2 15 C 556 ] in Tcmplc-ftrcet is al To a Targe hall called the Weavcrs'-Piall', where the iriaflers and company meet to choofc officers and accompany them before the mayor to be fworn according to their charter ; where they ufed to audit their accounts and keep their leafcs and records. They have feveral lands given them, which they hold under feoffees for the ufe of the poor of the hofpital under the Weavers'-hall for four poor women, who have about is. per week each from the Weavers' company. Alfo by a grant dated the 2 2d of Decem- ber, 1673, (now in the cuftody of the mafter of the Weavers) from the maf- ter and company of Tuckers, the faid poor arc intitled to fome per- quifites by them granted at St. Paul's fair, to be paid the mafler and wardens of the \Vcavers' company on every 2d day of February, for the benefit of the poor for ever. The poor here had at firfl: only 2s. 6d. per quarter, the gift of Mr. Thomas Goldfmith ; but they afterwards alfo received an addition of 40S. per annum, the gift of Mrs. Sarah Smith, payable out of an cflate at Max Mills, in the county of Somerfet. Round the bell at the Wcavers'-hall was this infcription in Gothic letters : " Elizabeth de Burco : libera de ira Dei nos Jefu Chrifte." In 1786 this Weavers'-hall, ufed as a chapel for the Methodids, was let on a leafe for 100 years at an advanced rent of eight guineas per annum to the Jews for a fynagoguc, who have decorated it in a neat expenfive manner. It was opened for their ufe the 15th of September, 1786, with great ceremony, mufic, &c. Under this is a fmall chapel with a large flone table, where divine fervice was antiently performed, but for many years hath been totally omitted. To this company belong feveral pieces of plate, and a horn like that at Queen's college in Oxford. The Weavers' chapel in Temple church alfo belongs to tliem, and they keep it in repair and receive for breaking the ground there. Pra)'crs are read in it by the vicar yearly the 29th of May and the 5th of N'ovcmber in the morning, for which they pay 5s. This company has declined greatly with the trade of clothing in this city. The money collefted for the (landings, &c. at the winter Briftol fair, kept in Temple-flreet at St. Paul's tide, but the day is changed fince to the ift of September, is applied to charitable ufes, being firfl: applied to repair the water pipes and conduit of this parifh, and the remainder is diftributed to the poor. Edward 6th. granted the charter the 24th of May 1550, for holding this fair for eight days to the mayor and commonalty, who " out of charitable companion to the poor of the parifh and their better relief and fupport," did by indenture the 28th of September, 2d Charles 2d. give and grant to the church- C 557 ] churchwardens and parifhioners and their fuccefTors full power and authority for and in the name of faid mayor and commonalty, to gather and levy and receive all tolly, ftallage, profits, and revenues of the fair, to be employed for the relief of the poor and reparations of the faid parilh and the water courfcs thereunto belonging, the churchwardens paying to the corporation at Lady- day for ever the fum of 20s, The fair is accordingly proclaimed the day be- fore it is held by the city crier, charging all to fell no wares till the following morning at feven o'clock. CHAP. XXIII. OJ the CHURCH ani PARISH of Si. THOMAS. ' J ""HIS was from the earlieft times a chapel to Bedminfler, and is called -*■ in old deeds by the name of the Chapel of St. Thomas the Martyr, and feems to have arifen upon the increafe of buildings and inhabitants on Rcd- clifFfide of the city; for Redcliff-flreet itfelf was part of the manor of Bedmin- fler of old, and belonged to Thomas de Berkly as fuch. In a manufcript (penes mcj the church is faid " to have been very old, and being fouilie rent " and crafed was rebuilden by Segawen or Segovian, a Lumbard gouler or " ufiirer;" but in what vcar is not mentioned. It is very apparent, that it was built at different times. The prefent ftrufture is lofty and fpacious, after the Gothic order, with a lofty nave and long fide ailes, and the tower at the weft end with bells without any fpire ftrong and plain. It is in length from the weft door to the higli altar 46 yards, the porch is 3 yards and 2 feet, and the breath of the whole church ig yards 1 foot. William Eotoner, p. 214. fays, " The length of tlic cluirch of St. Thomas contains 73 fteps or 48 virgae or yards, its breadth 21 yards." But in p. 204. " The church of St. Thomas with the choir contains in length 80 fteps, its breadth 55 fteps ;" and in p. 239. he fays, " It is 43 yards in length," which fticws the uncertainty of his mcafurcment." This church is often mentioned in old deeds as early as the year 1200. It is next to RedclifF the largeft as well as moft elegant building, though only a chapel i: 558 ] chapel like it to another fBedminfter) church. Tiiis parifli formeriy being well inhabited and full of clothiers, and their dependents required fuch a fpacious church to affemble in for divine fervice, where every individual thought it his duty or was obliged to attend, efpccially every fabbath-day. Edward Colflon, Efq; gave 50I. towards the repairs of this church. Near the middle is a cupola raifed or glazed lanthorn, alfo an organ which coft 360]. is at the weft end. John Stoke eftablifhcd a chauntry the 15th of March, 6th Richard 2d. for two chaplains to celebrate every day before the altar of the Virgin Mary in this church, where the faid John Stoke was buried, for the fouls of his Majefty and of the commonalty of Briftol, of himfelf and Joan his wife, Sec. and he left to the protlors 5I. 5s. per annum for them to have his obit held annually and that of his three wives on the 27th of May. John Burton, burgefs of Briftol and merchant, by will dated March 1, 1454, 3d of Henry 6th. gave lands and tenements to Nicholas Pittes, vicar of Red- cliff' and St. Thomas, Philip Mede and others, to find a chaplain for a per- petual chauntry in this church at the altar of St. John the Baptift, near which he was buried, to pray for the King and Queen, himfelf, and Ifabcl his wife. Robert Chepe left mefluages and tenements in RcdclifF-ftrcet, Temple- ftreet, and Dcfence-ftreet, 11th Henry 4th. for a chauntry pricft to pray for his foul and that of Agnes his wife, at the altar of St. Nicholas in the church of St. Thomas. Richard de Welles having obtained licence of Mortmain of King Edward 3d. did by will bequeath tenements in Fuller's-ftreet for a chauntry in the chapel of St. Thomas, at the altar of the Holy Trinity and the Virgin Mary, which was confirmed by Ralph Biftiop of Bath and Wells, at BanwclJ March 9, 1333. The principal Monuments and Infcriptions are the following: A monument to Edward Bovey, with brafs figures with four fons behind him, and two daughters behind his wife, with an acroftic of ten lines. He died the 20th of April, 1662. Arms, or. 3 crofs bowsG. impaling Giffiud G. three lions or. paftant. Another, large, " To Edward Morgan, Efq; alderman, who died 13 Sept. 1669, aged 61." Arms, or, a griffin rampant f. quartered with G. two bars or. " To Richard Crump, alderman and member of parliament, who died 14 January, 1699, aged 72." Arms, chevernois of fix, or. and G. " To Charles GreOey, apothecary, of an antient family in Derbylhire," with a long Latin infcription. Arms, vaire, arg. and G. " To [ 559 } " To Humphrey Brent, A, M. minider of this church," with a long Latin infcription in his praife. He was buried under the communion tabic 1677, aged 40. '• To Maurice Ceely Trevillian, Efq; who died 2 April, 1781, aged 74." *' To John Haythorn, who died 14 January, 1732, aged 74; and to Ni- cholas- Haythorn his fon, who died 6 March, 1733, aged 38; Anna his mother, who died 27 July, 1710, aged'44; alfo Henry Haythorn, who died 11 July, 1737, aged 27." " To Ezekiel Longman, Efcj; flieriff, who died g Auguft, 1738; and Sufanna his wife, who died 6 March, 1733, aged 58." " To John Berrow, Efq; mayor, who died 29 November, 1745, aged 60; and Mary his wife, who died 1 July, 1745, aged 60." Arms, arg. a fefs f. betwixt three goats heads couped erafcd of the fecond. " To George Hellier, alderman, who died 21 April, 1656; and Eleanor his wife, who had fix fons and eight daughters : fhe died 28 Auguft, 1643." — Arms, G. chevron or. betwixt three fpur-rowels of the fecond, quartered with chevernois of fix or. and G. On a high tomb near the font was this : '* Robertus Rogers, aldermannus, obiit 1 1 Apr. 1633, aetat, 80. Alionorauxor, obiit 15 Jan. 1624. — Richardus Rogers, miles filius Roberti, obiit 18 Aug. 1635, aet. 39. Rebecca uxor, obiit 3 Jan , aetat. 20. Sine prole. — Richardus filius Richardi ex Maria con- juge, obiit i8Juli|i 1634. ^voprimo." In the churchyard a tomb with infcription " To Matthew Warren, 1639." Arms, az. within three mullets or. a lion rampant of the fecond. — Alfo Judith Warren, daughter of William Gibbs, flieriff, with feveral children, nine fons and five daughters. Date obiiterated. — Pofuit Matthew Warren non fine la- chrymis 7 May, 1627." r In the fame wall, " To William Gibbs, fome time of the common council of this city : he died 3 April, 1603. Alfo Ann Loyd, daughter of William Gibbs: flic died 4 December, 1625." Arms, arg. three battle axes in fefs f. a crefcent in chief. Sir Philip Gibbcs, Bart, of Hilton park, near Wolverhampton, is dcfcended from this William Gibbs of Bridol. One George Gibbes, brewer, bouglu an eflate at Bedminflcr in the year 1625 for the lives of his three fons, George, William, and Matthew^ There are feveral tenements and lands belonging to this church, which toge- ther produce about 140I. per annum, befides renewals of lives. The church plate is one large filvcr chalice 24 ounces 2 pennyweights, one ditto gilt, 1605, 13 ounces 5 pennyweights, one »il\er in ufian fiicree eucha- riilisc. [ 56o ] liftia;, 1685, two flaggons large, the gift of Thomas Woodward, 1635, 37 ounces 15 pennyweights, one fmall, donuni Thomae Heathcote, 16 May, 1630, 36 ounces 15 pennyweights, two candleflicks, the gift of Mr. John Gibbs, fenr. 1717. The vicars of St. Thomas are the fame as thofe of Rcdcliff, to which it is a chapel. The colleftion for the vicar annually amounts to about 90I. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. Thomas's Parifh. Bencfaftors to St. Thomas's almflioufe in the Long-row. 1292, Mr. Simon Burton, five times mayor of this city, founded this almflioufe for (ixteen perfons, (He is buried therein.) 1530, Thomas White, Efq; fome time mayor, gave 4s. per month for ever to the poor therein. 1547, Mr. John Sprint gave 3s. 4d. on Good Friday for ever. 1566, Mr. Thomas Silk gave 3s. at Eafter and 3s. at Chriftmas for ever. 1550, William Pyckes, Efq; fome time mayor, gave 61. 13s. 4d. per annum for ever, to be diftributed to the poor of the almflioufe. 1634, Matthew Warren, Efq; fome time mayor, gave los. on the fecond Sunday in Lent for ever. 1647, Mr. John Cox gave 10s. on St. John's-day forever. Mr. Robert Wory, of London, a native of this parifli, gave 5I. per annum, to be paid on the ift day of May, Auguft, November, and the 2d of February by equal proportions yearly for ever. 16691 Edv/ard Morgan, Efq; fome time mayor and alderman of this city, gave i2d. per week to the poor in bread for ever, out of his lands at Pimell at Tockington, in the county of Glocefler. 1670, Sir William Penn, Knight, gave 30I. the profit thereof forever to the poor of this parifh. 1672, Mr. James Brathwayte, fon-in-law of Mr. Richard Crumpe, gave lol. to the ufe of the poor on the 22d of Oftober for ever. 1673, Mr. Chriftopher Brinfden gave 30I. the profit thereof to the minifler for a fcrmon los. to the clerk 2s. 6d. to the fexton is. 6d. and the reft to the poor, on St. Bartholomew's-day or the 24th of Auguft for ever. 1674, Mr. Edward Grant gave 30I. the profit thereof to the poor houfekeepers of this parifli at Chriflmas for ever. 1677J C 5^1 ] 1677, Mr. James Friend gave 20I. the profit thereof in equal didributions to four fick families yearly for ever. i68o, Mr. Samuel \\'harton, fomc time flicrifF of this citv, gave 20s. to be equally diftributed to four poor houfe-holders or widows, not re- ceiving weekly alms, on St. Thomas's-day yearly for ever. 1683, Mr. Nathaniel Webb, grocer, and member of the common council, gave 20I. the profit thereof to the poor at Michaelmas yearly fur ever. 1684, Mr. Michael Hunt, foap-maker, a member of the common council, gave 20I. thcjprofit thereof to the poor at Michaelmas yearly for ever. Mr. Richard Brayfield, grocer, gave lol. the profit thereof to four houfe-holders at Chriflmas yearly for ever. 1685, Mr. Robert Amberfon, gentleman, gave looi. the profit thereof to fix poor houfe-holders, not receiving alms, yearly for ever. 1686, Mr. Samuel Hale, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor in bread weekly for ever; and alfo the interelt of 230I. towards the placing apprentices of poor children in fcven parifhesof this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh is one. 1687, Mr. Charles Herbert, of this city, grocer, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifli yearly for ever. 1691, Mr. Robert Wory, citizen of London, born in "this parifh, gave lool. the profit thereof to the poor in the almflioufe yearly for ever. 1693, Mr. James Seward gave lol. the profit to be difpofedof to the poor on Sunday for ever. 1695, Mr. Edmund Laggat, of Chew Stoke, gave 20I. the profit to the poor of this parifli for ever. 1699, Mr. John Gore, gent, gave 20I. the profit thereof, viz. during his life J2s. to four of the moft aged perfons in the almflioufe two men and two women, and 12s. to four houfekeepers (poor and not receiving alms) and after his deceafe to eight like poor houfekeepers on St. John's-day yearly for ever. 1701, Mr. John Worgan, wine-cooper, gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor, of which this parifii hath 32s. per annum for eight houfe- keepers, viz. 4s. each on the 2gth of September for ever. 1706, Mr. John Hipfley, of this parifli, gave 40I. the profit, viz. 20s. per annum to the minifter for catcchifing the children and reading pray- ers on week days, and 20s. per annum to four poor fick families of this parifh for ever. t709, December 20, Sir Thomas Day, Knight, born in this parifli, fome time member of parliament and twice mayor and elder alderman of this YyV citv, [ 562 ] city, gave lol. to the poor in bread at his funeral, and 30I. the pro- fit thereof to the poor in bread weekly for ever ; and 50I. more to- wards rebuilding the almfhoufe in the Long-row. 1714, Mr. Charles Jones, of this parifli, foap-maker, gave 20I. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifli for ever. 1716, Jofeph Jackfon, Efq; fome time alderman of this city, gave 40s. a year for ever, los. of it to be paid every quarter to a poor burgefs or bur- gcfs's widow of this parifli. 1737, Mr. Edward Dowell, late of this cit\-, gave lool. the profit thereof to forty poor houfe-holdcrs of this parifli on St. Thomas's-day yearly for ever. Mrs. Lydia Williams, late of this city, widow, gave lool. the profit thereof to eight poor widows of this parifli, not receiving alms, on the 18th of Odober yearly for ever. Mr. George Bridges, late of this parifli, diftiller, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor yearly for ever. Mr. Samuel Nelmes, late of this parifli, diftiller, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor in the alniflioufc in coal on St. Thomas's-day yearly for ever. 1724, Mr. John Newman, plumber, gave 20I. the profit thereof in bread to the poor of this parifli on Sundays for ever. 1726, Mrs. Althea Hopkins gave 20I. the profit thereof to four fick families of this parifli, not receiving alms, quarterly for ever, at the difcre- tion of the churchwardens. 1727, Mr. Matthew ^^'organ gave 40I. the profit thereof to eight poor fami- lies of this parifli, not receiving alms on the 28th of October for ever. 1730, Mr. Morris Thomas gave 20I. the intereft to the poor in bread on the ifl; of March for ever. 1785, Mr. T. Lewis gave 20I. the intercfl; thereof in coals yearly forever. 1651, Mrs. Julian Stibbins gave 20s. to the poor yearly for ever. 1656, Mr. Chriftopher Tovey gave 20I. the profit thereof weekly to the poor for ever. Mr, George Hellier, alderman, gave 40I. the profit thereof 10s. yearly for a fcrmon, the refl, for ever to the poor in bread. 1658, Mr. Samuel Hellier gave lol. the profit thereof weekly to the poor in bread for ever. Mr. Thomas Longman gave 30s, upon St. Thomas's-day to fix houfc- keepers yearly for ever. 1659, [ 5G3 ] i659> Edmund Denton, in the county of Buckingham, Efq; and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Sir Richard Rogers, Knight, gave 45I. to the poor of this parifh for ever, the profit of which is to be diftri- buted to them in bread weekly. Mr. George Longman, of London, fon of Mr. Thomas Longman, of this paridi, gave 50I. the profit thereof to be difpofcd of as foUow- eth : 20s. for a fermon, the clerk 5s. the fexton 2s. 6d. and the reft of the intcreft to be given in bread to the poor on the 14th of Yc- bruary yearly for ever. 1679, Mrs. Mary Boucher and Mrs. Jane Langton, widows, gave lands for the payment of 10s. apiece to 52 widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifli hath a part. N. B. The lands were purchafed in 1679. 1567, Mr. Walter Weft gave 20s, yearly to the poor for ever. 1620, Thomas Hobbin gave 4I. 10s. to be diflributed yearly for ever to the poor at Chriftmas, and 10s. for a fermon. 1626, Chriftopher Woodward gave 10s. yearly for ever to the poor, and los. for a fermon. 1630, Mr. Ralph Farmer gave is. per week in bread for twenty years. Mr. Robert Kitchen gave 20s. to two houfekeepers yearly for ever. Paid by the chamberlain of Briftol. 1632, 1635, Sir Richard Rogers and Mr. Robert Rogers gave 2s. 8d. per week in bread to the poor for ever. 1634, Mrs. Eleanor Woodward gave 10s. yearly for ever. Mr. Matthew Warren the elder gave lol. for a ftock to the ufe of the poor for ever, and 10s. yearly to the almfhoufc. 1639, Mr. William Pitt, of this parifh, merchant, gave 30I. in land to the poor for ever. Mr. George Harrington gave 20s. to two poor houfe- holders yearly for ever. Paid by the chamberlain of Briftol. 16] 2, Mrs. Mary Stile, widow, gave lol. the profit yearly to the poor for ever. i66i, Mr. Francis Gleed, fome time ftieriff, gave los. a quarter to a poor. houfe-holder. 1667, Mr. John Pope, aldermen, gave 10?. for a fermon, and 20s. per annum to the poor of this parifti on the 7th of November yearly for ever. 1C68, Mr. Michael Dcyos, merchant, gave 40s. per annum in bread and coals to four poor widows for ever. Yyy 2 1668, c 5^4 : 1668, Mr, Anthony Farmer, alderman, gave 40I. the profit thereof to be diftrilnited on All Saints-day to fix poor families of this parifh for ever, the heads thereof to be freemen of this city. GIFT-SERMOXS to be preached in St. Thomas's church. New Year's-day, Mr. C. Woodward's. Innocents-day, Mr. Robert Rogers's, St. George's-day, Mr. Geo. Benfon's. alderman. Eafter Monday, Sir R, Rogers, Kiit. Firit Sunday after All Saints-day, Mr. Tuefday in Rogation week, Mrs. Elea- John Pope's, alderman. nor Woodward's. The fecond Sunday in Lent, Mr. Whit Tuefday, Mrs. Julian Shuter's. Matthew Warren's. St.Thomas's-day, Mr. Tho. Holbin's. February 14, Mr. George Longman's. Chriftmas-day, Mr. George Hellier's, Bartholomew's-da}', Mr. Chriftophcr alderman. Brimfdcn's. In thisparifli was an almflioufe, erefted by Simon de Burton about the year 1292. Leland, vol. vii. p. 89. mentions it: " The almefehowfe by Seynt Thomas churche is called Burtons Almfliowfe. Burton maior of the towne and founder is buried in it." It was rebuilt at the expence of the parifh. Thomas Silk 1566 gave yearly il. is. Walter Weft 1567 gave 15s. yearly. William Picks or Pikes, mercer, by will 1551 gave 61. 13s. 4d. to arife out of land purchafed by his executors, and veiled in the corporation that the chamberlain fliould pay that fum yearly to the fixteen poor of this houfe. Thomas White gave them 2I. 8s. per annum by the chamberlain. Robert Wory gave 5I. per annum by the churchwardens. The reft; of their mainte- nance they receive from St. Peter's Hofpital, the general poor houfe of the city. The faid 'William Picks gave this parifti alfo 20I. " towards fetching home of the water to St. Thomas's pipe." To this others had been contributors, particularly John Stokes 1381, vho bv will ordered to be buried in this church in St. Mary's chapel, and " bequeathed money towards the new work of bring- ing water from RedclifF and Temple-gate to the church of St. Thomas in a leaden conduit." But afterwards bv an agreement with the veftry of Redcliff, and a fmall yearly gratuity, and being at the joint expence of repairing the Redcliff pipes when out of order, this work was placed on a permanent footing; and the inhabitants are fupplied with water here whenever it flows at Redcliff, being brought thence in leaden pipes. In [ 5^5 ] In 1570 \\'il!iani Tucker, draper, then mayor, did at his own great charges purchafc a market to be kept in St. Thomas-ftrect on Thurfday throughout the year. In the grant of Queen Elizabeth of St. Thomas-ftrect market, ii Decem- ber, the ]3fh year of her reign, the poverty of the inhabitants and ruinous Rate of the houfes there arc mentioned as reafons for granting tiic inhabitants the privileges of a market: " Cum nobis dctur intelligi, &c. i. c. Since it is made known to us by the mayor and commonalty that not only the ftreet cal- led St. Thomas-ftrect, but alio the houfes, ftruclures, and edifices in it are reduced to ruin and decay, to the great nuifance of that part of the cii\- ; and that the late inhabitants being forced by want, through the decay of their trade of making woollen cloths have fufFcrcd their houfes to go to ruin; and that a certain almflioufc fituatcd near the laid flreet for the fupport of many poor, and alfo a certain canal or pipe of water fituated there which be- yond the memory of man has been fupported and maintained chieny by the faid inhabitants, are now in fuch a Hate on account of their poverty, that in a fhort time they will come to extreme ruin, if a remedy be not provided, Szc We therefore confidering the premifes, as alfo that the faid mayor and com- monalty and inhabitants of the faid flreet may be the better able to fupport and maintain as well the faid houfes and buildings in the faid ftreet, as theaforcfaid almflioufc and pipe of water, have granted of our free grace, &c. to the faid mayor and commonalty and their fucccffors, that they may have one market every Thurfday (die jovis) in each week in the faid flreet of St. Thomas for yarn, wool, (averiis) cattle, and all other things: and we grant to the afore- faid mayor and commonalty and their fucccffors all flallage, picage, toll, and cultoms of the faid market with their appurtenances, alfo the toll and weighing of yarn, wofjl, and other tilings, &c. and all other ufual profits of a market." Page 80 of the Great V.'hitc Book of Bridol. This grant being obtained, Michael Sondlcy, apothecary, with the refi of the veflrv, builded the market place and a kind of tolfey the whole breadth of the church in front, with a flat covering of lead fupported by pillars of free- (lone, and round it were afterwards pods with brafs caps for telling money or writing upon, on which were tlic dates and names of the donors, Thomas Day, Efq; 1691, Nathaniel Day his fon 1691, John Core, of Knowle, gent. 1691, Robert Stevens, of Knowle, gent. i6gi, Nicholas Baly, foap-makcr, 1691 ; but thefe with the erection were all removed in the year a 781. The ^^'ool-hall there feems to have been built at the iame time, having the arms of Queen Elizabeth upon it. That the parifh might have the benefit of of this market, the feoffees of this church purchafcd the fame with all its profits [ 5^6 ] profits from tlic corporation, and pafTed away certain houfcs in Wine-ftrcet, beinti St. 'I'liomas churcli land, to the ufc of the chamber, where were after- wards ere8cd a meal or corn market and two new houfes in their room; but the churchwardens of St. Thomas were obliged by covenant to pay the cor- poration 20S. a year rent for the i-oyalties of the market, and 2s. 6d. for fuit to Temple Fee out of fcveral tenements, alfo 5s. per annum for the flicep market. The market was then proclaimed in form to beholden the firll time the Thurfday after Lady-day, the 13th of Elizabeth, and fo for ever to continue. CHAP. XXIV. OJ the CHURCH ani PARISH of Si. M A R Y- R E D C L I F F. RE D C LI F F (Radcclivia, Ruber Clivus) with St. Thomas and Temple pariflics, like Soulhwark in London, lie on the fouth fide of the city and of the river. All ancient deeds agree in proving its antiquity, then part of the manor of Bcdininfter. But Lcland mentions it (in Cygrn. Cant.) " as being added to the city after the bridge was built, and being furrounded with a ftrong wall, when William Earl of Gloceftcr governed this province and city." And Camden very erroneoufly calls Rcdcliff, " fomc little houlcs belonging to the fuburbs, joined to the rell of the city by a ftone bridge." In the year 789 the Saxon King Brightricus, or Bithrick, is faid to have ereBcd a church of '• durable ftonc, goodlye to behouldc," alfo a pallace, of both which at prcfent not the leaft traces are to be fccn to afccrtain their fite. But in an old vellum roll (penes me) is the following fhort account of it : " Ynne dolvynge wythynne the walle was foundc in the howfc of Johannes Cofhe in Radcleve-ftreet a parchmente in wh)ch was wroten the accountc of Brythrycus pallace called Rudhalle wyth the walles of Radcleve :" Alfo of " the auntyaunte gate of Saynte Marye ybuylden by Kynge Bythrycus in the year dccx.\.\.\ .\xxxix ; as itte floodcn in daies of Edwarde Con- feffoure;" it was preferved in a rude drawing, being embattled at top, and adorned with two fliiclds with a crofs patce on each fide of the window, and the [ 5^1 ] the fame on each fide of the top of the arch, where was to be feen the foot of a portcullis to lot down. The fame WeQ Saxon King Britrick is faid alfo to have built " the afTorcia- ments erafen afterwards by the Danes." — Of all thefe buildings of antiquity there are however at prefent no remains. — The old gate of Rcdclilf has been taken down, and rebuilt in an elegant manner in 1730 ; and this laft alfo to render the llrcet more commodious was taken down in the year 1772. The old chronicles of Briftol (in the city chamber and others) mention a church built to our Lady at Redcliff by Sir Simon de Burton, under the year 1294. An old church there before tending to ruin had feveral grants of land by will made towards repairing it, fome of which are dated fo early as the year 1207, 1229, 1230, a proof of the old church afore-mentioned being erefled before Sir Simon de Burton's: — there are alfo feveral original indulgences (penes me) granted by feveral bifhops with relaxation of penance on certain conditions, viz. that " they would devoutly vifit the church of the Blellcd Marv of RedclifF in Briftol, and there charitably contribute towards the repair of the fame, and pray for the fouls of thofe there interred;" the foul of Helen de Wedmore is in one particularly to be prayed for, wliofe body is there buried as mentioned in the indulgence, one of which bears date Briftol 1232, being granted by John Biftiop of Ardfert ; another by Peter Quivil Bifhop of Exeter, dated at Radeclyve 1287 ; another by David Archbifhop of Caflel, dated at Briftol in the firft year of his confecration 1246;* another by Chriftian Epifcopus Hymelacenfis, dated at Briftol 1246, in the year of his pontificate; and another by Robert Bifhop of Bath and Wells, dated 4 kalcnd. of November 1278, in the fourth year of his confecration. Thefe were all found in Canvnge's cheft over the north porch of the prefent church of Red- clifF: as thev were granted towards promoting the repairs of the fabrick of a church here then in ruins, they undeniably prove that there was a church here dedicated to the Blcfied Mary of RedclifF long before the time of that mentioned to be built by Sir Simon dc Burton, fuppofcd to be the firft founder of a church here. The • Omnibus ad quos prcfcns fcriptum pcrvcncrit : Cliiiftianus Dei gratia Hymelacenfis Epifcopus falutem sctcrnam in domino : de mifericordia Dei Omnipolentis ct Gloriofx- Viiginis genelricis ejus & omnium fanftorum mentis plenius confidcntcs omnibus confcflis & vere penitcnlibus qui caufj vencrationis & orationis ccclefiam bcata: Marix dc Redclivc pic & devote vilitavcrint ncc non dc bonis fibi a deo conccffis ad rcparationem cjufdem ecclcfiic alcquid caritativc contulerint atque pro animabus quorum corpora ibidem requicfcunt oravcrint dc injunfta fibi pa^nitcnlia dccem dies relaxamus— datum apud BrifloUiara Anno Graiiac MCCXL\'I, poniiiicaius nofhi Anne C 5S8 ] The following account of Sir Symon dc Byrtonne, and of his bcinf a founder of a churcli at RedclifF, is tranfcribcd from a parchment manufcript of Rowley's, communicated by Chatterton : " Symonnc de Byrtonne cldeft fonne of Syrre Baldwynus de Byrtonne was borne on the eve of the annunciation m.c.c.xxxxxxv. hee was defyrabelle of afpctl and in hys yowtlie nuich yevcn to Tourncvevnge, and m.c.c.xxxxx.xxx at \\'ynchcihe yule games won niycklc honnoure, heabflaynyd from marryagc, he was myckle learned & ) buylded a houfe in the Yle of Wyghtc after fafhyon of a pallayfe royaul goodlye to behoulde wyth carvelly'd pyllars on whych was thys ryme wrotcn : FuUc nobillc is thvs Kyngelie howfc and eke fuUe nobille thee, echone is for the other fytte as faynftes for heaven bee. Hee ever was fuUen of almefdeeds and was of the poore beloved: in M.c.c.Lxxxv Kynge Edwardc * kepte hvs ChryRmafle at Bryghtftowe and proceeded agaynlle the Welchmenne ebroughtenne manye ftronge and dowgh- tee knyghts, amongft whom were Syrre Ferrars Nevylle, Geoffroie Freeman, CUmar Percie, lieldebrand Gournie, Ralph Mohun, Syr Lyfter Percie, and Edgarc Knyvet, kn\ghtes of renownc, who cRabliflicd a three days jouflc on Saynftc Maryes Hylle : Syrre Ferrars Nevylle appeared dyghtc in ruddy armoure bearyng a rampaunte lyon Gutte de Sangue, agaynflc hym came Syr Gervayfe Teyfdylle who bearyd a launce iffuynge proper but was quycklie overthrowen : then appeared Leonarde Ramfey who had a honde ifTuante holdeynge a bloudie fwerde peercynge a courounc wyth a fheelde peafcnue wyth fylver ; hee ranne twayne tyltes but Neville throwen hym on the thyrde rencountrc : then dyd the aforefayd Syrre Symonne de Byrtonne avow that if he overthrowen Syrre Ferrars Nevylle, he woulde there erc6le & buylde a chvrche to owre Lad)e : allgate there ftoode anigh Lamyngtonnes Ladies chamber : hee then encountred vygoroufly and bore Syrre Ferrars horfe and man to the grounde remaynynge konynge, viclore knyght of the Joufte, ande fettynge atte the ryghte honde of K. Edwarde. Inne m.cclxxxxi hee per- formed hys vowen ) buyldcn a godelye chyrch from a palterne of St. Ofwaldes Abbyes Chyrche and the day of our Lordcs natyvyty m.c.cci, Gylbert dc Sante Leonfardoe Byfliope of Chycheflre dyd dedicate it to the Holie Vyrgynne Marye moder of Godde."t Though * This circum fiance is proved by our old chronicles under the year 1285, " Rex Edw. 1. per Walliam progrediens occidcntalem intravit Glamorganciam, qua: ad Comitem Gloveruii nofcitur pertincrc : Rex dein BridoUiam vcniens fcflum Dominica; nativitalis co Anno ibi tcnuit." + Tlic poem of the Tournament in the printed coUcftion of Rowley's poems fecms to bear fome relation to this account of Sir Symon de Bourton, which if genuine mufl tend to confirm the authenticity of that poem. [ 5% ] Though other proofs cannot be produced at prefcnt concerning iliefe pani* cular anecdotes of the life of Sir Symon de Burton, yet it is mod certain from indubitable records, that he was a citizen of Briflol of the grcateft eminence and rank in it, had been chofen mayor fix times (vid. annals below for tiie years 1291, 1292, 129J, 1296, 1303, 1304,) of great wealth and renown, and a very bountiful benefactor there, having erected an almfhoufe about 1292 in the Long-Row, in the parifh of St. Thomas, where Leland fays he was buried, and the almfhoufe rebuilt flill retains his name. I find his arms " blazoned thus: f. azure, a crefcent within a bordure or. by the name of Burton: by others thus, azure afefs between three talbots heads erafcd or. This church of de Burton's feems not to have been completed, or to have obtained very large endowments, for a manufcript (Hobfon's) favs, " Simon de Burton, mayor in 1294, had two years before began to build Redcliff church, but he lived not to finifli it, which afterwards William Cannynges did, and gave lands to repair it for ever." Whether the church was dedicated for religious offices before it was finiflicd, and was left to be completed afterwards is worthy of enquiry, for it can be proved that in the year 1376 (fee the mayor's calendar) " William Cannynges built the body of RedclifF church from the crofs aile downwards, and fo the church was finifhed as it is now." This was but 75 years after the dedication of Burton's church, fo that it may be prefumed to be the completing that which was begun and partly built by him ; efpccially as it was their cuftom in all large works of this kind " to lay out the plan, build part, and leave it to be com- pleted by their fucceffors in future times.* They ufually began at the eafl end or choir part, which when finifhed was confecrated, and the remainder carried on as far as they were able." Such large buildings required great cxpences as well as long time, and great labour to finifii them, at an sera too when money Was fcarce and many good workmen not eafily procured. As a confirmation of this, in fcveral wills dated about the year 1380 Sec. (for the church mull have taken many years to be completed) money is often given to the fabrick and repairing of Redcliff church. t This William Canynges was for the fixth time mayor of Briftol in the year 1389, a merchant of great fortune, weight and refpeQ among his fellow-citizens; in a ftationof life fitted to be a leading man, and to have the charafler of a founder of fuch a work, promoted no doubt by donations by will and volinitary contributions of other Z z z devout • Vid. Bcntham's Hiftor)- of the Cluirch of F.ty. + One will dated 1388, of John Muleward, mentions a gift in money, " ad opus bcatx Maj-ias de Rcdecly\'-c :" which (hews the work was then going on. [ 570 ] devout and ucll-difpofed people, as M'ell as by grants and indulgences from the bifliops of thofe days. He lived to the year 1396, when the church was probably finiflied. But this church erefted at fo much cod, and that had been fo long lime in building, was at St. Paul's tide 1445-6 fomuch damaged in a ftorm of thunder and lightning, that the lofty fpire or (leeplc was thrown down, and falling upon the body of the church injured it fo much, that it was almoft ruinous. The manufcript accounts of this are related nearly in the fame maimer, in two very ancient ones it is recorded, " 1445, at St. Paul's tide was very tcmpftuous weather, by which Redclifffteeple Avas overthrown in a thunder clap, doing great harme to the churche by the fall thereof, but by the good devotion of Mr. William Canynges it was reedified to his everlalting prayfe." — Another, though differing in the year, fays in 1442, (the year Mr. William Canynges was mayor,) " This William Cannyngcs wyth the helpe of others of the worflripfulle towne of Briftol kepte mafons and workmenne to edifie, repayre, cover and glaze the church of RedclifF, which his grandfather had founded in the days of Edward the 3d." — In another thus : " William Canynges reedified and enlarged the church of Redcliff almofl dellroyed by lightning in 1445, in fo e.xquifite a manner, that he has ever fince paffed for the founder thereof, and be afterwards gave 500I. to keep it in repair." — Here we have a fecond William Canynge, fon of John and the grandfon of William, for a founder, which will fettle the doubts that have arifen about his being the fole original founder of this church There was one here before Burton had began, and Canynge's grandfather had completed this. — Leland fays of St. Sprite's chapel, " tliis ons a paroche before the buildyng of Redcliff greate new chyrche." Whether this or another, may be a little uncertain : one there certainly was long before the year 1200, as is proved by old deeds. That the laft William Canynges was affifted by his fellow-citizens contributing towards this great work is very probable ; that he kept a great number of carpenters and mafons at work as above-mentioned is proved by William Botoner, p. 99, where he fays, " habuit opcrarios, carpentarios, mafoncs &c. omni Dei C. homines:" and p. 1 9 1, he mentions "the houfcs of the workmen in freeftone for the foundation of Redcliff church," " as fituated near the chambers of Cannyngcs priells." — All this tends to prove what part the laft William Canynges had ia building or rebuilding Redcliff church to entitle him to the name of a founder, as he has been generally and defervedly efteemed. — The fame plan was ob- lerved by him in rebuilding and rcftoring it to its original beauty after being thrown down by the lightning; the fouth aile, where the mifchicf fellhcavicft, fecms feems to have been rebuilt with a fomewhat more elevated arch and in a lighiet ilyle than the north } a difference alfo is between the windows of the north and fouth aile. — The fall of fuch a large and very high fteeple upon the church muft have done great injury, and deftroyed every thing wherever it fell. That Mr. Canynges was a great builder farther appears from his ereflions after-A-ards at the college of VVellbury, of which he is called Renovator & quafi alter fundator ; famofus & cgregius vir, magnse induflrias & circum- fpeftionis, & inter aeteros fpecialifTunus benefaftor ecclefiae de Rcdcliff: [in a deed dated 1474 he is fo called.) — He was the chief promoter of the work, the principal and " moft fpecial" benefattor to it; he was then the wealthiefl: and \vifeft (ditirHmus & fapientiffimus, as \\'illiam Botoner, p. 83, calls him,) for fuch an undertaking: his piety and devotion excited him to profecute, and his great riches enabled him to complete it : and whatever others might have con- tributed towards it, the whole feems to have been under his moft judicious conduft and management, as he was confeffcdly the chief man of the city and moft capable of fo grand a work. — Regard to his anceftors muft alfo have been a powerful motive with him, as it was renewing and reinftating a work his grandfather had fignalized himfelf in completing; which feems to be implied in one of his deeds, wherein he fays concerning his benefaftions to this church, " ut pias voluntas anteceflbrum meorum &c," " that the pious will of my anceftors &c. might be obferved &c." and as to his piety and devout turn of mind, it cannot fo well be feen as in his own words, in a deed dated the 6th of Edward the 4th. for eftablifliing the chauntry of St. Catherine in this church.* The following deed concerning a grant of money to the friers minor of this city for their belter fupport fiiews his pious and charitable difpofition : " Be it known unto all men, that the 29th of November in the year 1465, v.c tlie guardian and friers minor all of the convent of Briftol there dwelling, confi- dering the affection of pure devotion of the worfliipful man ^V'il!iam Canynges which he daily fhews to the order of our feraphick father St. Francis and cfpecially to our convent aforcfaid in exhibiting his alms and manifold benefits long fince conferred upon us, and in future to be beftowed — fur out of his pious Z z 7, 2 charity ♦ Cii-n ego Wllliclinus Canynges mcrcalor villa: BriftoMia:, per qiiani pluiiinos annorum curriculos fcciilaribus ncgoliis inultirormitcr cxplicatus honePto cum laljore mercatorio rem auo-cro domcfticam induftriofi; ciiravciun, iminincntc niihi tandem debilitate ficculi animadverteiis ;a:ii mundialci profperos oibis quam gloriam & fplcndorcMn ir.dabiles & fiftitios quaii iclu oculi multoties cvancfccrc, fumniamque filicitatcin in rebus ca:'.cllibus Dei complacciitia in fui divinl cultus augmcnfo aliifquc operibus Caritatum ad animonim (jdellum mcdi-'Iam perfiPide conccrnens e foot, befydes the crucyfyxe of the fayde chalyce, and fo hys fowle to be praid forre." Not far from William Coke's flone is another, nearer Canynge's monument : " Hie jacet Joannes Blecker, pandoxator, cujus animae propitietur Deus." This brewer (pandocator) might probably be another fervant of Mr. Canynges, for he orders by deed penes me that his obiit fliould be kept in the chapel of St. Catherine. Near this is alfo another, " Hie jacet Richardus Coke et Tibota uxor ejus, quorum animabus propitietur Deus." On a flone near Canynge's tomb was the following: " Here lies Thomas Chamber, of this parifli, merchant, and his wife Ann. She died 1620, he October, 1617. When [ 583 ] When I was young in wars I ftied my blood. Both for my queen and for my country's good : In elder years my care was chief to be Soldier to him who {hcd his blood for me." Philip Baunt, merchant, buried at RedclifF in 1404. In his will he gives to John Caunterbury, chaplain here, " quendam librum meum de Evangcliis Anglicc. qui eft in cuftodia Joannis Stourton," — a proof they had the Gofpels in Englifli fo early as 1404, though perhaps not in common. Under the north window of the great crofs ailc is a Knight Templar, lying on a plain altar tomb in a coat of mail, with a fhield on his left fide, and a fword in his v'ght hand, all carved in frceflone, probably dcfigned for Robert de Berkeley Lord of Bedminfter and Redcliff, a bcnefaQor to this church. About the middle of the crofs aile was buried Everard le Fraunces. Over him is a plain altar tomb, with his figure in the robes of a magiftrate, and for- merly the following infcription : " Hie jacet Everardus le French, qui in hac ecclefia duas fundavit cantarias et duas alias in ecclefia St. Nicolai, et fuit ter maior hujus villce cujus animae propitietur Deus, Amen. M.CCCL." In the fame aile : " Hie inferius fub lapide marmoreo fcpelitur corpus Thomae Young, armigeri nuper dc villa Briftol, ac filii ac hseredis Thomas Young unius jufticiorum in communi Banco, et Jocofze uxoris ejus qui quideni Thomas obiit 15 Maii, A. D. 1506, quorum animabus propitietur Deus, Amen." With his coat, lozenge vert and or. on a bend G. three ebecks or griffins heads erafed or. three G. Sir G. Young of the county of Devon is defcendcd from this family in Briftol. — Eng. Baronet, vol. iii. p. 334, 339. vol. iv. p. 620. In ili.c windows were formerly in painted glafs the arms of England, of Har- rington, Hungerford, Canynges, Cradock, Berkeley, Mede, Sturton, Dyrick, Says, Graunt, Montague, Cheyncy, Fulk Fitzwarren, Sir J. Inyn, Rivers, Szc. Againfl the pillar near Mr. Canynge's tomb is fixed a neat marble monu- ment with the following infcription to the memory of one, who juftly deferved the charafter here given her by her hufband : flie was taken from him in early life: — ''■ Eheu ! dies atro carbonc notanda ! Filius et quatuor fili^ in fola- men patris (favente Deo) adhuc vivunt valcntque 1789. Filius Highamee in comitatn Somerfctcnfi eft retlor. M. S. Maria!, chariffimae conjugis Gulielmi Barrett, chirurgi : Qua; morum fuavilatc, Vita; C 584 ] Viiae fimplicitate, Benignitate animi, Pietate in Deum eximia Omnes, quibus innotuit, fibi devinxit : Conjvigali qnaque virtute inoniala Maritiim dulci amoris copula ConflriClum tenuit, fuprcmo Ilaud citius die diffoluta : Tabe pulmonari penitus confeBa, Ouam fortitudine Chrifliana fiiftinult, In Domino tandem fine gcmitu Placidc obdormivit die 8 Maii 1763, ^tat. 32. Filiolum unum cum quatuor filiabus Sola nunc felicitatis pignora, Futurae fpcs, marito reliquit, Qui hoc monumenlum amoris ergo Bene merenti pofuit." At the north end of the fame aile is a monument with the following in- fcription : — " Near this pillar arc dcpofitcd the remains of Mrs. Fortune Little^ widow of Mr. John Little, late of this parifli. She died June 28, 1777, aged 57. Oh ! could this verfe her bright example fpread, And teach the living while it prais'd the dead : Then, reader, fliould it fpeak. her hope divine. Not to record her faith, but ftrcngthen thine ; Then fliould her ev'ry virtue (land confcfs'd. Till every virtue kindled in thy breafl; : But if thou flight the monitory flrain And fhe has liv'd to thee at lead in vain. Yet let her death an awful lefTon give. The dying Chriftian fpeaks to all that live ; Enough for her, that here her afhes reft Till God's own plaudit fliall her worth atteft. Hannah More." At tlie eaft end of the north aile is ereftcd a large magnificent altar tomb, curioufly carved all over with work in the Gothic ftyle, to the memory of Thomas Medc, Efq; and his wife, whofe ftatucs in frecftone are lying at length with C 585 ] with their coat of arms, S. a chevron ermine between three trefoils flipt argent. He was fheriffof Briflol 1452. His country feat was at Fayland, in the parifh of Wraxal, in the county of Somerfet, then called Mede's Place. — On the outfide of his tomb was fixed a plate of brafs with an infcription on it, part of which is ftolen away and this only remains : " predidi Thomas Mede ac termajorisiftius villscBriftoUiae, qui obiitzodiemcnfisDecem- bris. Anno Dom. 1475, quorum animabus propitietur Deus, Amen." Under the fame tomb lies Philip Mcde, Efq; his brother, whofe will bears date 11 Janury, 1471, in which he orders his body to be buried at the altar of St. Stephen, in the church of Redcliff, to which he was a benefaflor. His will; Ifabel and John their fon alfo lie here, their figures being engraved on a brafs plate 22^ inches long and ig broad, which is fixed to the back of the tomb : the infcription on the fide is now deftroyed. He had been thrice mayor and member of parliament for Briflol 36th Henry 6th. 1460. His daughter Ifa- bella married the fifth Maurice Lord of Berkeley, fee p. 256. by whom flie had ifTue three fons, Maurice, Thomas, and James, and one daughter, Ann. On the ground under this monument was once the following infcription, now obliterated : " Hie jacet Johannes Mede, burgenfis villae Brifloliaj, qui obiit 17 die menfis Aprilis, A. D. 1496, et juxta eum requiefcit Alicia, uxor ejus, quorum animabus propitietur Deus, Amen." Out of the mouths of the two figures in the brafs plate above mentioned proceed the following words in a fcroll from the man's, " San6ta Trinitas unus Deus miferere nobis," from the woman's, " Pater de coelis Deus miferere nobis." In the fame aile are monuments to the memory of " The Rev. Richard Sandford, A. M. who died 6 Augufl, 1724, and of Elizabeth his fifler, who died 22 September, 1728." " Of John Tilly, wlio died 22 February, 1658, and Elizabeth his wife, who died 7 September, 1660." " Of Sir William Penn, Knight, born at Briftol 1621, of the Penns of Penns Lodge, in the county of Wilts. He was made captain at 21, rear- admiral of Ireland at 23, vice-admiral of England at 31, and general in the firfl Dutch wars at 32, whence returning in 1655 he was chofen a parliament- man for Weymouth 1660, was made commifTioner of the admiralty and navy, governor of the forts and town of Kingfale, vice-admiral of Munfler and a member of that provincial council, and in 1664 was chofen great captain commander under his Royal Highncfs in that fignal and mod evidently fuc- cefsful fight againfl; the Dutch fleet. Thus he took leave of the fea, his old clement, but continued his other employs till 1669, when through bodily • B 8 u B infirmities [ 586 ] infirmities (contra fied through the care and fatigue of public affairs) he withdrew, prepared and made for his end, and with a gentle and even gale in much peace arrived and anchored in iiis lad and heft port, at Wanftead, in the county of EfTex, 16 September, 1670, being then but 49 years of age and 4 months. To whofe name and merit his fun.'iving lady ere61ed tliis remembrance." — Over his monument were 3 long old flreamers and fome old armour, and on his (lone this motto : Duin Clavum teneam, with the arms f. arg. on a bar v. q balls of the firft." " Of Eliz. Batchelor wife of John Batchelor alderman of this city; — flie was daughter of Giles Combes Efq; of Fifehead in Somerfetfhire, and died 21 Aug. 1683." In the chancel was a flone with a brafs margin let into it, thus infcribcd : " ilic jacet Lodovicus Morris, quondam balllvus villse Briflollia;, burgenfis ct mercator, qui obiit quarto decimo die menfis Februarii, A. D. 1464, cujus animae propitietur Deus, Amen." Near this, " Orate pro anima Joannis Willy, qui obiit 27 menfis Junii, A. D. I454,et Agnetisuxoris cju?, quae obiit 1450." On the ftone is a fhuttle. Here arealfo ftones with infcriptions, " To Sir William Lewis, Knight, and alderman, and four virgin daughters : the former died 23 May, 1712, the latter Bridget died 28 February, 1703, aged 18; Mary, the 8 September, 1710, aged 21; Sarah, 10 January, 1710, aged 28; Elizabeth, 26 March, 1712, aged 20 years and 3 months." " To Martha, wife of Nathaniel Day, Efq; daughter of Mr. Robert Hawkefworth. She died 23 January, 1729." A monument with infcription " To Edward Durbin, chemirt, who died 3 January, 1763, aged 75." On the floor of the chancel is a large black marble ftone with brafs curi oufly laid in and engraved with the figures of a man and woman, with fix fons underneath the man and eight daughters under the woman, with the following infcription : " Hie jacct Johannes Jay quondam vicecomes iflius villae, et Joanna uxor ejus; qui quidcm Johannes, obiit die 15 menfis Maii, A. D. 1480, quorum animabus propitietur Deus, Amen." This John Jay was a merchant of great eminence, as appears by William of Wyrcefler, p. 267. and Johanna was fifter to William of Wyrcefler. On the right hand as you afcend the altar is a large flat ftone with brafs plates curioufly inlaid, engraved with the figures of a man and woman with a fliield of arms over and under each, G. on a chevron wavy argent, charged \vith fleurs de lis f. The infcription is this; " Hie jacct corpus vcnerabilis viii [ 5^7 ] viii Johannis Brook quondam fervientis ad legem illuflridlmi principis fa.licis memoriae regis Henrici o8avi et jufticiarii ejufdcm regis ad afTifas in partibus occidentalibus Anglias et capitalis fenefchali iliius honorabilis domus et mo- nafterii Beatae Mariac de Glafconia in comitatu Somcrfet, qui quidem Johannes obiit 25 die menfis Decembris Anno Domini millefTniio quingcntcfTimo 25°, et juxta cam requicfcit Joiianna uxor ejus una filiarum et liaeredum Richardi Amenae, quorum animabus propitietur Dcus, Amen." On the floor a black ftone with an infcription in Latin to Sufanna the wife of Sir Robert Yeomans, Bart, and member for the city. She died 20 Sep- tember, 1680. Refurgam. — Alfo her fifter Elizabeth, wife of William Staf- ford, ofBradfield, Berks, Efq. She died 20 April, 1671. Per mortem ad vitam. Arms, quarterly, f. a chevron arg. between three fpears heads of the fccond for Yeomans. Azure on a bend or. three mullets G. for Stafford. In St. Mary's chapel a monument of marble with a Latin infcription to Elizabeth the wife of John Gibfa, A. M. prebendary of Bedminfter and vicar of this church, daughter of Nathaniel Ingelo, S. T. P. and of Mary the daughter of Richard Vickris, merchant, and mayor of this city. She died 7 Oftober, 1710, aged 43, after a marriage of 6 years, 1 month, and 7 days. In the fame on a very large flone with a figure of thedeceafcd in his judge's robes engraved in a brafs plate inlaid is an infcription round the margin on a flrip of brafs : " Hie jacet Johannes Inyn Miles, capitalis jufticiarius domini regis ad placita coram ipfo rege tenenda, qui obiit 24 die Marcii, Anno Do- mini MillefCmo C.C.C.CXXXIX. cujus animas propitietur Deus, Amen." — Under the figure are the following verfes : Julie Deus, paticns Judex, miferere Johannis Inyn, jus faciens Miles fuit ejus in annis: Urbe recordator fuit hac Baro ScacariL Summus, et in banco judex capitalis utroque Juflitiam voluit connexam cum pictate, Militiam coluit fubnixam nobilitate : Jufte Johan. fortis Miles jam propitiatus Efto, fores mortis fibi claude, remitte reatus. Underneath his arms, f. or. a fcfs az. inter three unicorns heads coupcd arg. within a bordure of the fame, quartered with a lion rampant, alfo two other fhields. His country feat was of Bifhopfworth, near I-"ih\ood, now a farm-houfc-. in which are flill to be fecn the arms in coloured glafs in the windows. Hij fon William had Alice, a daughter, married to John Kekewyck 5 September, 1515, who died at Bifhopfworth without iffue 20 May, 1529. His daughter B B 1; B 2 Ifabcl [ 588 ] Ifabcl married John Kenn. His fon Chrifloplier 1519 had a daughter Eliza- zabeth, who was married to Lord Paulet, of Hinton St. George, whereby this family's eftate at Bifhopfworth came to Lord Paulet, who flrll pofTefles it. Thefe arc the chief monuments and infcriptions in this church, but the churchyard mufl not be paffed by unnoticed, being fpacious, planted with trees, and the walks through it kept very neat: fee the plate. There was an elegant crofs in the center of it, taken notice of by William of WorceHcr, p. 211. " Cemiterium ecclefias de Radclyff continet 500 greffus ; cruxpulcher- rima antificiofe operata in medio." It is now deftroyed. Sermons ufed to be preached from it formerly. Here are fome good tombs and infcriptions worthy of notice. 1207 1276 1290 1327 1338 1342 1356 1374 1381 1389 1391 1393 1399 1410 1429 1434 1496 1438 1446 The following is a Lift of the VICARS. William , chaplain of 1460 William Sey. RedclifF. 1464 Chedworth. Richard de Newbcry, vicar. John le Rung, clericus. Gerard le Tyllet. Robert de Merfhton, chaplain. William de Jatton. Ralph de Clive. William of \\"ykcham had the prebend of Bedminfter cum RedclifF. John French. William Draper. Henry de Nethenene. Nicholas Geill. John Lamynton, chaplain. Thomas Godefellow, chaplain. John Bufli, chaplain. William Dudleft)urg. Joannes Phreas or Freas. Vide Lei. de Script. Brit. p. 466. John Bath. Roger Saundey. Willliam Peircy or Perry. Nicholas Pittes. 1473 William Chock, younger bro- ther of Sir Richard Chock, of Aftiton. 1508 Edward Powell, D. D. V. See Wood's Ath. Oxon. vol. i, p. 46. 1534 Henry Williams, prefented to it by Cardinal Campeius, 2d Edw. 6. See Wood, vol. i-. p. 681. 1550 Thomas Norman. 1555 John Blackfton, deprived 1 Eliz» 1559 Arthur Saule. 1579 Meredith Hamner. 1585 Samuel Davis. 1623 Thomas Palmer. He publifhed a fermon, entituled, Briftol's Military Garden, preached before the Trained Bands. 1636 Giles Thornborough. 1637 John Carfe. 1639 ^^'illi^m Noble, cjefled. 1639 Matthew Hazard, intruded. 1660 [ 5^9 ] i€6o Francis Horton. 1744 Thomas Broughton, the learned 1670 Humphrey Brent. publifherof the Dictionary of 1678 Richard Thompfon. all Religions, folio, and the 1685 William Manning. Profped of Futurity in 8vo. 1701 John Gibb. He built the large and other trails, vicarage-houfe at a great ex- 1772 Edmund Spry, A. M. the prc- pence. fent vicar in 1788. This vicarage * is valued in the King's Books at the clear yearly value of 40I. 13s. 84d. and its tenths arc difcharged. It is worth to the vicar in vo- luntary contributions about lool. per annum, befides furplice fees and gift- fcrmons, but with St. Thomas and Abbots Leigh all chapels to Bedminfter, the whole affords a decent income to the incumbent. This church had been at different times liberally endowed with large eflates- for fupport of the fabric and of divine offices celebrated therein, as well as for charity to the poor, the aged, and infirm of this parifh ; and by an inflru- ment out of chancery in the beginning of Charles 2d's. reign it appears a little before that time it had lands to the full amount of 4oor. per annum, but during the Commonwealth, with fo little honefty was the church affairs admi- niflered, the feoffees and parifh officers granted long leafes and fold lands by collufion to each other for little or no confideration, by which the revenue of the church was wafted. One Cecil was an aftfve perfon in this matter, and is mentioned as highly culpable and ordered to reflorc feveral tenements again to the church. The great ravage then committed, and lofs of deeds embez- zled during that anarchy, rendered it impoffiblc to repair at the Relloration wholly the mifchief done by the levelling republicans of thofe days. Not only the church eflates but the flruElure itfelf did not efcape the ravage; they tore down many of its ornaments and all the lofty pinnacles round the church, which were curioufly carved and added much to its external beauty and have not fince been rebuilt ; while on the infide they ftole the brafs plates from the monuments ; they broke down the fine organ, and getting together the prayer books and the homilies, and even the bibles, with cufliions, caf- focks, &c. they made a bonfire of them, as the funeral pile of the cinuch: and parading the flreets with flreamers made of the furplices cut into flags, and tooting upon the organ pipes they marched in triumph through the flreets. It * According fo the Lincoln manufcript Bedminfler and its chapels produced 70 marks or 46I. 133. 4d. the vicar of Bedminftcr 8 marks, in all 72 marks or 52I. The temporalities of Bcdminflcf paid to tlic abbot of Whytland ;os. and to the abbot of St. AuPju 81. 15s. in. all 9I. 15s. [590] It is not without great ceconomy and good management, the church officers have recovered and prefervcd what eftates now remain, and improved lince its revenue. By the rental the annual ground or referved rents of the whole, confining of about 80 feveral meffuages and tenements, amount to about Sol. per ann. and the other charitable benefa6lions in money &c. to about 3gl. 15s. total 119I. 15s. per annum, bcfides the money arifing from the renewal of Icafes of fo many tenements for lives — which have enabled the parifli to lay out large fums to repair the church and embellifli it with paintings and keep it in conftant repair, to pay for additional duty in the fervice, a Icclurer, organift &c. BENEFACTORS to the Church and Poor of St. Mary RedclifF Parifh. 1594, Mr. Robert Kitchen alderman, los. a quarter for ever, 1632, Mr. Robert Rogers alderman, is. a week for ever, 1635, Sir Richard Rogers, Knight, 6d. a week for ever, 1639, Mr. George Harrington alderman, los. a quarter for ever, 1639, Mr. William Pitt merchant, 25I. the profit thereof for ever, 1641, Mrs, Thomafine Harrington, is. a week forever, 1642, Mrs. Mary Stile lol. the profit thereof for ever, 1647, Mrs. Blanch Yeamans 20I. the profit thereof for ever, 1649, Mrs. Ann Edfon 20I. the profit thcrcoffor ever, 1650, Mr. George Gibbs brc%ver, is. per week forever, 1652, Mr. Robert Edfon dyer, 20I. the profits thereof for ever, 1653, Mr. Hugh Brown alderman, 54s. yearly forever, 1654, Mr. John Haytor milliner, 6d. a week for ever, 1661, Mr, Francis Glecd, fometime flieriff, 10s. a quarter to a poor houffiolder for ever, - - - 40 o o 1662, Mrs. Mary Gibbs gave 30I. the profits thereof to the poor for ever, - - - - 30 o o 1667, Mr. Arther Farmer, fometime mayor and alderman of this city, gave unto this parifh the interefl of 40I. yearly to 6 poor families on All-Saints day, - - 40 o o 1668, Mr. Thomas Farmer, Gentleman, gave unto the poor of this parifh 50I. the profit for ever, - - 5" " o ?668, Mr. Richard Vickris alderman, 52I. yearly for ever in bread, 52 o o .'.670, William Curtis of London, Efq; born in this parifh, gave 50I, the profit thereof to be diflributed to the poor on Chriftmas-day yearly for ever, - - 5000 Sir /. 5. d. 40 52 26 40 25 52 10 20 20 52 20 54 26 [ 591 ] Sir William Penn, Knight, gave 50I. the profit thereof to /. j. d. be given to the poor yearly for ever, - _ ro o o Mrs. Elizabeth Caro gave 5I. the intcrefl to the widow or widows of one hufband, yearly for ever at Chriftmas-day, 500 1675, Mr. Jofeph Bullock in memory of his father Mr. William Bullock of this parifh, merchant, gave 70I. the profit thereof to be diftributed as followeth, 3I. 4s. to the poor, 15s. to the miniflcr for a fermon upon the 4th of Otlober, and 3s. 4d. to the clerk, and is. 8d. to the fexton yearly for ever, - - _ . 70 o o 1675, Mrs. Ann Prewett, late of this parifh, widow, gave 20I. the profit thereof to the widow or widows of one hufband only, but if there be no fuch widow in this parifh then to fome widow in Temple parifli, at Chriflmas yearly for ever, - _ _ - 20 o o Mrs. Mary Boucher and her daughter Mrs. Joan Langton, widows, gave lands for the payment of los. a piece to 52 poor widows of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh hath a proportion. 1678, Mrs. Sarah Birks of thisparifli, widow, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be diftributed to the widows of one hufband only, on Chriflmas-day yearly for ever, - 20 o o 1683, ^^^^- Elizabeth Yeamans, widow, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor for ever, - - 10 o o 1685, Mr. Jeremiah Hollo way, merchant, gave 20I. the profit thereof in bread to the poor of St. Mary upon RedclifF parifli for ever, - - - - 20 o o 1686, Mr. Samuel Hale, merchant, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor weekly in bread for ever: and alfo the interefl of 230I. towards the placing apprentices of poor children in 7 pariflies of this city yearly for ever, of which this parifh is one, - _ _ - 240 o o 1686, Sir Robert Yeamans, Knight and Bart, and born in this parifh in the year 1617, gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifh in bread on every Lord's day for ever, - - - - 50 o o :68g, John Lawford, Efq; fometime mayor and alderman of this city, gave 50I. the profit thereof to the poor of this parifh in bread on every Lord's day for ever, - 50 o o 1690, [ 592 ] j6qo, Mrs. Margret Stokes, Asidow, gave lol. the profit thereof I. s. d. to the poor widows of this parifh at Chriftmas yearly forever, - - - - lo o o i6gi, ^^rs. Sufanna Compton, widow, gave lol. the profit thereof to the poor in bread on Midfummer-day for ever, lo o o 1693, Mr. Dennis Pitt's widow, gave 30I, for the fettling of 6 poor boys of this parifli apprentice, - - 30 o o 1709, William Whitehead, Efq; of this parifli, and alderman of this city, gave 50I. the profit thereof to 10 poor houfe- keepers of this parifli not receiving alms, 5s. to each at Chriftmas yearly for ever, - - - 50 o o 1719, William James of this parifh. Gentleman, gave 30I. for the payment of 10s. to the minifter for a fermon in the after- noon on the 5th of November in this church, againfl pride, atheifm, popery and profancnefs : 1 7s. more to be diftribiited in two-penny bread to the poor of this parifh after fuch fermon, is. 8d. to the clerk and is. 4d. to the fexton for ever, - - - - 30 o o Mrs. Mary Carift^rook of this parifli, the fole and virgin daughter of John Carifbrook, Gentleman, gave to feveral dif^reffed families (not receiving alms) 40s. a year, being confirmed by her father, and Mr. Thcophilos Carifbrook her only brother, to be diftributed on the 27th of May, being the day of her interment, and on the 24th day of December for ever, - - - 4000 1721, Mrs. Ann Tilly of Keynfliam in the county of Somerfet, fpinfter, gave 20I. the profit thereof to be diftributed in bread to the poor of this parifli on Chriftmas Eve yearly for ever, - - -^ - 2000 1724, Mr. John Newman plumber, gave 26I. the profit in bread to the poor of this parifli on Sundays for ever. 26 o o 1724, By the voluntery contributions of fome of this parifli was raifed the funi of 20I. and paid into the vcftry, the profit thereof to be paid for ringing the bells in memory of the late worthy Edward Colfton, Efq; on the fccond day of November yearly for ever, - - 2000 1733, Mr. William Prewett of this parifli left lol. a year to the poor of the Spittle-houfe out of the feveral tenements at Cathay for ever, - - - - 1000 1734, C 593 ] 1734, Mrs. Mary Smith, widow, of this parifli, gave to the poor /. s. d. of this and St. Thomas parifhes 30I. per ami. for 86 years, and afterwards the rent of fcveral mefTiiagcs &c. 600 o o 1737, Mr. Edward Dowell, late of this city, gave lool. the profit thereof to 40 poor houfekecpers of this parifh on St. Thomas-day yearly for ever, - - 100 o o 1738, Mr. John Jaine of this parifli gave 150I. the intorefl; thereof to be given to the poor of this parifh in cloathing yearly for ever, - - - - 150 o o 1742, Mr. John Fifher of this parifh, difliller, gave 50I. to buy plate for the ufe of the altar, and alfo lOol. the profit thereof to apprentice a poor boy of this parifli from the charity-fchool in Pile-ftrect yearly, - - 150 o o 1759, Robert Sandford, Efq; by will gave loool. the interell to 30 poor houfekeepers yearly not receiving alms, 1000 o o 1776, Mr. James Gully left5ol. the interefl towards cloathing the poor boys in Pile-ftreet fchool, - - 50 o o 1777, Mr. G. Watfon gave 20I. the interefl to Pilc-flrect fchool, 20 o o Mr. ' of this parifli gave tool, the interefl to Pile- llreet fcliool, - - - - loooo A LIST of GIFT SERMONS found in the Veftry-room at St. Mary.RedclifF Church. /. s. d. January ifl. Mrs. Ann Edfon to the minifler - - o 10 o To the clerk and fexton - - - 030 March J 3th. Sir Robert Yeamans to, the minifler - - 056 To the clerk and fexton - - - o i 10 Palm-Sunday. Mr. George Gibbs to the minifter - - o 13 4 To the clerk - - - - 014. Good-Friday to the minifler - - - - 0100 To the clerk - - - - - 020 Three Sermons at Whitfuntide, to the minifler - - 1100 To the clerk - - - - - 034 Trinity-Sundav to the minifler by agreement, the giftof Tlio. Ciffill, o 10 o tDclobcr 4th. Mr. Jof'eph Bullock to the minifler - - o 15 o To the clerk - - - - 034 To the fcNton o ^ » 018 C c c c November (, S. d. o lO o o 1 8 o 1 4 2 lO o C 594 ] November 5th. Mr. William James to the minifter To the clerk _ _ _ _ To the fexton _ _ _ - Chriftmas-day and Eaftcr-Sunday the veflry to the minifter - AbcJOt the year 1207 Lord Robert de Berkelv granted to this church at the requeft of William the chaplain, all that his fountain of water from a place called Hugewell (beyond Lower Knowlej, to have a perpetual conveyance in pipes through his lands to a convenient place for its reception, where it was ever to remain for the ufe of the church and parifh and the miniftcrs thereof, from which refervoir the faid lord granted a pipe an inch wide to convey part of the water to the hofpital of St. John the Baptift for the ufe of the matter and friers there. The brethren of this hofpual had an ancient chapel contiguous to the weft end of the church dedicated to the Holy Spirit. This hofpital of St. John confifted of brothers and fifters of the order of St. Auguftin, and in the little red book in the chamber of Briftol, p. 199, Johannes " Farceyn alias Farcey is faid tcsf be the -founder of this hofpital or houfe of St. John the Baptift in Redcliffe-putte." — It became in time very well endowed, and had many tenements in Briftol as well as eftates in the country belonging to it. — It was firft under the government and patronage of the Bifliop of Bath and Wells; but for fometime before the diftblution the mayor and commonalty of Briftol are called the true patrons of it. — It was fituated at the bottom of Redcliff-Hill, and extended from Redcliff-Pitt forwards to the Avon backwards — no traces of it at prefent remain except a lane called St. Joann's-lane there may feem to point it out — houfes are now built on the fite of it. The following is the engagement each member made on his admiflion into this hofpital. Ego N. P. promitto continenter vivere, et fine proprio juxta regulam Sc obfervantiam in Domo five Hofpitale Sanfti Johannis Baptiftas Briftollia: antiquitus obfervatam, Sc confuetam ; profiteorq; ordinem regularem Sanfti Au"uftini juxta inftituta ejufdem Domus five hofpitalis — necnon me premifla. fideliter obfervaturum aftringo per prefentes. In cujus rei teftimonium manu mea propria hie me fubfcribo. Fricnborough manor now called Barrow Hill Farm, in the pari fti of Farm- borough, Somcrfct, belonged to this hofpital of St. John, and was granted by Henry the 8th, to Dr. George Owen, the 29th of April the 36th of Henry the 8th. who fold it to J. Bufli of Dulton, Wilts, Efq; the 3d of June the 38th of Henry the 8th — In 1664 it was fold by Sir Hugh Smyth of Long-Aflnon, together [ 595 ] together with Compton-Dando, to Popham, Efq; in which family it how remains. By a deed, the original in Bidiop Ralph's rcgifter in the church of Wells, f, 324, it appears that frier John dc Monington prior of St, John's hofpital, wifhing to be releafed from the care of faid hofpital, having refigned it into the Bifhop's hands, the Bifhop allotted to him one chamber therein, and the manor of Bifhopfworth and its appurtenances for his fupport, with 9 oxen, with plow and wain and the reft of the apparatus of the faid manor for his life. Dated at Chew 1348, 19th year of the Biiliop's confecration. This hofpital was well endowed with lands which are mentioned in old deeds, particularly in thofe belonging to the Gaunts. — The following is a lift of fome of the principals (or mafters) of the hofpital of St. John the Baptift without RedclifF-Gate, who were chofen at firft by the Bifliop of Bath and Wells, afterwards by themfelves and recommended by the mayor and com- monalty of Briftol the patrons, who prefented them to the Biftiop for inftitu- lion and induction before their admiffion — they took the oath aforementioned in the prefence of the patron. 1261, Brother Thomas. 1292, Edmund dieto le Thyelare. 1343, John de Monigton mafter the 29th of July the 17th of Edward the 3di he refigned 1348. Brother Lawrence mentioned in Gaunts deed p. 62. 1383, William Topefleye mafter. 1430, Nicholas Sterr. 1442, John Hall, inftituted at the prefentation of Clement Bagot, mayor of Briftol, and the commonalty ; this hofpital was by its foundation collegiate, but there being now but one brother in the faid college not 22 years old, therefore for want of brethren it ceafed to be a college. 1467, William Prowe, at the prefentation of William Canynges mayor ; he left the reftory of Wraxal for this. 1504, Richard Collins S. T. P. having a difpenfation from the apoftolic fee to hold any benefice, was inftituted and inducled to the reftory of St. Stephen the 16th of March 1504. 1542, Richard Bromcfield furrendcred this houfe &c. to King Henry the Bth's. commifTioners the 7th of March in the 35th of that King's reign, after above 364 years poflTenion by the friers,. — it was granted to Dr. G. Owen. Cccc 2 In [ 59^ ] In 1306 the Bifhop of Bath and Wells appropriated the reQory oFBackwcll inaf^iftro et fratribus hofpitalis St. Johannis Briftoliae (ex lamentabili querela) that they were flarving, &:c. In the year 1383 a grant was made by the raafter and friers to the proQors of the fraternity of the Holy Ghoft there of the ufe of their chapel, dedicated to the Holy Ghoft, in the churchyard of St. Mary de Redeclyve, for the term of fifty years. This grant was made at the very time RedclifT church was finini- ing by William Canyngcs the elder, and probably this fraternity ufcd to refort to the church of RcdclifF, and had a chapel there to their ufe, but were now obliged to apply to the houfe of St. John for the ufe of their chapel in the churchyard. This chapel of the Holy Ghoft in the churchyard of St. Mary RcdclifF, having belonged to the niafter and friers of the houfe or hofpital of St. John the Baptifl: without Redcliff-gate for many ages was alfo at the furrender of the faid hofpital, &c. taken into the king's hands. Leiand fays, " It was a paroche before the building of Rcdcliff great new church," which feems to be mere conjeflure. In the year 1571 Queen Elizabeth gave the faid chapel by her royal grant to the parifliioners of St, Mary Redcliflf", for a free grammar and writing- fchool, as appears by her deed. This chapel was in length from eaft to weft ^6 feet, and in breadth from north to fouth 26 feet. Being converted to the ufe of a public fchool, it has had fomc benefaClors, and at prefent it has the following endowments: Do£lor George Ovv'cn, phyfician to King Henry 8th. by indenture dated the 2d of May, 1552, obliged the mayor, burgeffes, and commonalty of Brifiol annually to pay for ever 4I. to the maftcr of this fchool. John Whitfon, Efq; by his laft will dated the 27th of March, 1627, ap- pointed the mayor, burgeffes, and commonalty of Briftol and their fucceffors for ever in truft, that they pay a chief rent of 81. 10s. 6d. and three bufhels and a h.ilf of wheat and three bufliels of rye yearly for ever, out of his manor of Chew Magna, to the mafter of the free grammar fchool at or near RedclifT church in Briffol. This chapel as it ftood fo near the church of RedclifF as to hide in fome meafure the weftern view of it, was in the year 1766 entirely taken down, and in the wall under the weft window of the chapel was found a ftone coffin with a figure carved on the lid, and under it, " Johannes Lamyngton." * On open- ing * John Lamyngton is mentioned among the chaplains of Rcdcliff church for ;hc year 1393, fo that Lamyngton's Lady's chamber might be the name of this building before the fraternit)' ot the Holy Ghofl gave it the name of St. Sprite's chapel. Sec p. 568. C 597 ] ing it the fhapc of the whole human body, or rather of its folid parts, vas to be feen prefcrved in the natural pofition, hut on being touched fell all into dud. The fchool is ftill continued in St. Mary's chapel at the cafl end of Redcliflf church, without any additional endowment. Bevond St. Mary's or Redcliff-hill near Bright-Bow t was of old the hofpl- lal of St. Catherine, in the parifli of Bcdminlter, which now joins to Briftol and is a parifh of large extent. The church of Bedminfler is very ancient, and a vicarage formerly belonging to the abby of Whvtland, dedicated to St. John the Baptift, and is mother church to RcdclifF and St. Thomas, which with Abbots Leigh are chapels of eafe to it. The hofpital of St. Catherine was inBcdminRer where now a glafs-houfe is built : fomc arch windows there flill point out its fite, and the fields behind it are called Catherine Meads to this day. It was endowed with them and other lands in Afhton. Tanner's Notitia Monaftica by Nafmith refers to deeds concerning it. The following is William of Worcefter's account, p. 294. — " Longitudo navis ecclefiaj. Sec. The length of the nave of the church of St. Catherine, called clfewhere tlic Free Chapel, near Briftol, contains 16 yards, its breadth contains 7-7 yards ; the length of the chancel g yards, its breadth ^^ yards. 1290, Lord Robert Barklc, the founder and patron of the hofpital of St. Catherine, who died May 3. Lord Thomas de Barkle, Knight, brother of the faid Robert, who gave lands and tenements in Byniopfworth and confirmed the faid founda- tion made by the fame Robert. Sir Adam de Heyron, Knight, lord of the village of Afliton, Thomas Heyron his predeccd'or, who gave lands to it ; Alexander de Alneto, his ancedors and fuccefTors ; William Lyons, his an- ceftors and fuccefTors; ^^'illiam Comyn, of Briftol; Richard Dyer; Julian Sufe ; John the fon of the gojdfmith ; Chriftian Roo ; John Stryglyng; Sir John Thorp, prieft." — Thefe were benefaftors to this hofpital. He mentions this hofpital alfo under the following name : " Hofpitalis domus in ecclefia Sanflas Cathcrina; ubi magifter Henricus Abyngdon muficus de capella regis eft magifter." The faid Abyngdon was maftcr of St. Catherine's hofpital in the year 1465. In fomeold court rolLs, dated the ift of Richard 2d. at Ayfchton Merryotts, in poffeftion of Sir John Hugh Smyth, Bart, it appears that the hofpital of St. Catherine was exempted from fuit and fervicc at that court, by a charter of Alexander de Alneto then produced, by which lands in .Vfliton near the church and oppofite Clevedon were gra.nted by him to Robert the mafter and the bre- thren + Alfo called Brightcnc-briJgc from Brighlric, who probably firfl made .1 bridge there, for ihc better communicalion between 13cdminftcr and Brillol. C 598 ] lliren and fiflers of thafhofpital in free alms," &c. This Alexander dc Alneto (of the Alder Grove) was lord of the manor of Afhton and a great man in his time ; and at the end of a manufcript entituled. Liber Ruber Bathoniae, in the poncfTion of Lord Weymouth at Longleat, written in 1428, is the following epitaph in a hand-writing different from the manufcript in the year 1582. " Hie jacet Alexander de Alneto et Erncb'orea uxor ejus, ct Julius de Alneto filius eorum et Lucia de Marifcis filia eorum et Jordanus de Marifcis filius ejufdem Lucia?, et "Willielmus de Marifcis filius ejufdem Jordani. — N. B. Dedit Alexander ecclefiee petri et monachis Bathoniae Manerium dc Chamely anno 1153, reg. Sleph. ulti. To this is fubjoined the following note by the writer: " Eft iftud epitaphi- um, &c.— This epitaph was carved at the right of the entrance of the ruinous church formerly dedicated to Minerva, to be fcen in that place by the curious^ December 7, 1582, in the city of Bath." In 1349 Ralph Bifliop of Bath and Wells admitted Walter de Eftham prieft to the honfe or hofpital of St. Catherine near Briftol, at the prefentation of Lord Thomas de Berkeley, patron. 1343, John de Kynenton, 29th O6lober, prefentcd. 1357, 4th December, John dc Eggefworth. The bifliop received his pro- feflion following: " Ego Johannes Eggefworth, &c. i. e. I John Eggefworth promife perpetual obfervance of good morals, chaftity, all denial of pro- perty, which I will keep from my foul from this time according to the rule of the hofpital of St. Catherine near Briftol, in the diocefe of Bath and Wells, which I henceforth profefs as ordained by the holy fathers, as much as is con- fiftent with the faid rule, or hereafter fliall be confiftent for me to obferve, and I will lead my life according to regular difcipline." At the fame time he fwore obedience to his diocefan Ralph Bifliop of Bath and Wells. Regift. Radulph. f. 328. In 1375, Richard Bromdon by will gave 20s. to maintain the can fey at Brightenee-Boughe and the houfc or convent of St. Catherine near Briftol^ called alfo in Dugd. Baron, p. 358. " St. Catherine Pulle near Briftol," to which Lof-d Berkeley gave lands in Afliton, Portbury, and Bedminfter. Richard Waldgrave being mafter or cuftos of this hofpital, 1553, an agree- ment was made that the image of the holy St. Catherine, fixed up in the front houfe between the caufey and the barton of the faid hofpital, fhould be kept clean and in repair. There is a long poem of the Life of St. Catherine, and fome good verfes in it, in the Lib. Rub. Bathon. penes Lord Weymouth. The C 599 ] The chapel of St. Catherine was valued at the difTolution at 21]. 15s. ^d. thereof rents refolute yearly were 5s. 4d. de claro 21I. 10s. At its being fold, 2 Edward 6th. it was certified to have a chalice of fdver, 8 ounces et dimid. ornaments appraifcd at 4s. 6d. bell metal 101 lb. that William Clark was then mafter of St. Catherine's hofpital, who afllgned only three cottages for the poor to live in, but no maintenance. The pried before him was bound to fay mafs thrice a week. It hence appears this houfc went gra- dually to decay, the friers by degrees dcferting it, probably the cafe of many other religious houfes. Befides thefe hofpitals in the parifli of RedcIifF, there is one juft without Temple-gate called " Rogers's Magdalens of Nunney." Falling to decay, it was rebuilt. It affords a dwelling for eight women and as many men. No- vemberiy, 1613, Mr. Rice Thomas, parfon of Norton Malreward, in the county of Somerfet, left them 20s. per annum. There is alfo an almflioufe oii the fouth fide of Redcliff'-hill, founded by Mr: Canynges, for fourteen perfons to inhabit. On the north fide of Pile-ftreet in 1739 ^^'^'^ founded a frce-fchool for boys, by the joint contributions of many well-difpofed inhabitants of this parifh, which has received the following endowments, and thofe p. 393, before : 1734, Edward Colfton, Efq; - - - £" 20 o o per ann. Matthew Worgan gave in money - - 2100 1742, John Fifher, gentleman, ditto, the intereft to ap- prentice out a poor boy - - - 100 1749, Giles Malpas built the fchool-houfe - 120 John Macie, Efq; gave - - 50 Mrs. Gratian Kington - - - 50 On Redcliff'-hill is, 1787, a houfe built for a fchool for girls, fupported by voluntary contributions. In RedcIifF churchyard is an almffioufe for twelve widows, called the Houfe of Mercy, built and endowed 1784 by the late Mr. William Fry, who has appointed feoffees for the management of this charity, where the widows have each a neat room, lodging, and maintenance. The [ 6oo ] The following Interlude is among the moft early communications of Clut- icrlon to Mr. Barrett, and as it has an immediate relation to the church of RcdclifF, is here printed verbatim et literatim from Chatterton's own writing, and fubmitted to the judgment of the reader : An ENTYRLUDE, plaied bie the Carmelyte Freeres at Maftrc Canynges hys greete howfe, before Maftre Canynges and Byfhoppe ' Carpentene, on dedicatyngc the chyrche of Oure Ladie of Rcdclefte, hight THE P A R L Y A M E N T E OF S P R Y T E S. Wroten bie T. Rowleic and J. = Ifcam. Enlrodu&yon bie Oueene Mabbe. ( Bie Ifcamme. ) WHAN from the erthe the fonnes 3hulftred, Than from the flouretts ^ flraughte with dewe; Mie leege menne makes yee ■'awhaped. And wytches theyre ^wytchencref doe. Then ryfe the fprytcs ' ugfome and ^rou. And take theyre walke the 9 Ictten throwe. Than do the fprytcs of valourous menne, Agleeme along the '° barbed halle ; Plcafaunte the "moltrynge banners kenne, Orfytte arounde ynhon9urde fiallc — Oure fprytcs '=atourne theyr '3eyne to nyghtc. And looke on Canynge his chyrche bryghte. In 1 ji)hn Carpenter, bifliop of \^'orcefler, who, in conjunflion with Mr. Can'yngc, founded the abbey at WVftbury. 2 John Ifcam, according to Rowley, was a canon of the nionaRei-y of Saint Auguftinc in Briftol. He wrote a dramatic piece called " The Pleafaunt Dyfcorfes of Lamyngeton ;" alfo at the dcfire of Mr. C?nyngc (Rowley being llicn colleftlng of drawings for Mr. Canynge) he trandated a Latin piece called Miles Brydolli into Englifh metre. The place of his birth is not knowHt 3 Hidden, 4 Stretched. I think this line is borrowed from a much better one ol Rowley's, v'v.. " Like kyngc cuppcs brafleyngc wyth the momyngc dew.'' I'he reafon why I think Ifcam guilty of the plagiary is, that the Songe to Ella, from whence the above line is taken, was wrote when Rowley was in London coUefting of drawings for Mr. Canynge to build the chinch, and Ifcam wrote the above little before the finifhing of the churchi 5 Aftonifhed. 6 Witchcraft. 7 Terrible. 8 Ugly. 9 This is a word peculiar to the Weft, and fignifics a churchyard. 10 Hung with banners or trophies. u Mouldering- t2 Turn. 13 Eyes. [ 6oi 3 In fothe yn allc mie Mbifmarde roundo, Troolie the thynge muftc be '^bewryen : Inne ftone or woden •worke ne founde, Nete fo '^bielecoyle to myne eyne. As ys goode Canyngc hys chyrche of ftone — Whych '" blatauntlie wyllc fhewe his prayfe alone. To Johannes Carptnierre Byjhoppe of Worcejlerre. ■— {Rie Rowleie.) To you goodc Byfhoppc, I addicfs mie faie, To you who honoureth the clothe you weare ; Lyke pretious '^bighes ynne golde of befte allaie Echone dothe make the other feemc more fayre : '9 Other than you where coulde a manne be founde So fytte to make a place beeholie grounde. The fainftes ynne ftone fo netelie =°carvelled, Theie ^' fcantlie are whatte theie enfeeme to bee ; Bie fervente praier of yours myghte rear thevre heade, Ande chaunte owte maffes to oure Vyrgyne — D D D D "Was 14 Curious. 15 Bewr)'en, declared or made known. 16 Well pleafing or welcome. 17 Loudly. 18 Jewels. 19 Carpenter dedicated the church as appears by the fol- lowing poem, wrote by Rowley : Scone as brj-ght fonne alonge the {kyne, han fente hys ruddie lyghte ; And fayryes hyd j'nne Oflyppe cuppes, tylle wyfli'd approche of nyghte — The mattyn belle wyth Ihrj-llie founde, reeckode throwe the ayre ; A troop of holie frceres dyd, for Jefus maffe prepare — Arounde the highe unfaynted chyrche, wythe holie relyques wente ; And even,' door and poflc aboute wythc godlic thynges befprente. Then Carpenter yn fcarlctte dreftc, and mytred holylic ; From Maftre Canyngc hys greatc howfc, wyth rofarie dyd hie — Before hym wente a throng of frceres who dyd the mafle fonge fyngc, Bchynde hym Mallrc Canyngc came, tryckd lykc a barbed kynge, And then a rowc of holie frceres, who dyd the mafs fonge found. The procurators and chyrche reeves next prcft upon the ground, And when unto the chyrche thc) e came a holie malfo was fangc. So lowdlie was theyr fwotic voyce, the hevcn fo hie it range. Then Carpenter dyd puryfic thc chyrche to Goddc for aic, Wythe holie mades and good pfalmcs v.hychc hce dyd thcrcyn fdic. Then was a fermon prcechcd foon bic Carpyntcrrc holie, And after that another one yprccchcn was bic mcc : Then allc dyd goc to Canyngcs houfc an Entcrlutlc lo playc, And drynk hys wync and ale fo goodc, and praic for him for aic, ao Can'cd. 21 Scarcely. C ^02 ] Was everic prelate lyke a Carpenterre, The chyrche woulde ne blufhe at a Wynchefterrc. Learned as Beauclerke, as the confefToiir Ilolie ynne lyfe, lyke Canynge charitable, Bufie in holie chyrche as Vavalbur ; Slacke yn thyngcs evyllc, yn alle goode thynges flable, Honefl as Saxonnes was, from whence thou'rt fprungc ; Tho boddie weak thie foule for ever younge. Thou knowefl welle thie confciene free from fteyne, ^* Thie foule her rode no fable batements have ; -3Yclenchde oer wythe vyrtues befte adaygne, A daie'^aeterne thie mynde does aie^^adave. Ne fpoyled widdowes, orphyans dyftrefle, Ne flarvvynge preefles ^^ycrafc thie nyghtlie refte. Here then to thee let me for one and alle Give lawde to Carpenterre and commendatyon. For hys grerte vyrtues but alas ! too fmalle Is mie poore fkylle to fhewe you hys jufte ' blatyon. Or to blaze forthe hys publicke goode alone. And alle hys pryvate goode to Godde and hym ys knowne. Spryte of Nymroddefpeakdh^ [Bie Ifcamvie.) Soon as the morne but newlie wake, Spyed Nyghte ^ yftorven lye ; On herre corfe dyd dew droppes fhake. Then fore the fonne upgotten was I. The rampynge lyon, felle tygere. The bocke that fliyppes from place to place. The 3olyphaunt and ^rhynocere. Before mee throughe the greene woode I dyd chace. Nymrodde 22 Rode, completion. I take the meaning of this line to be. " The completion of thy foul is free from the bkck marks of fin." 23 Covered. 24 Eternal. 25 Enjoy. 26 To break. 1 Blation, praife. 2 Dead. 3 Elephant. So an ancient anonymous author : The olvphaunt of beafles is The wilefl I wis, For hec alwaie dothe eat Lyttlc ftore of meat. 4 Rhiaoccros, C 603 ] Nymrodde as fcrypturcs liyglu mic name, Baallc as ^ jetted fiories faie ; For rcarynge Babelle of greetc fame, Mie name and^renomc flialle lyvcn for aie : But here I fpic a fyner rearynge, Gcnft w'hych the clowdes dothe not fyghte, Onne whyche the flarres doe fytte to appcarynge ; A\'eeke mcnne thynke yttc rcache the kyngdom of lyghte. O where ys the mannc that buylded the fame, ' Dyfpendynge worldlie flore fo welle ; Fayn woulde I chaunge wyth hym mic name. And ftandc ynne hys chauncc nc to goe to hclle, Sprytes of AJfyriam fyngeih. Whan toe theyre caves aeterne ^abeftc. The waters ne moe shan dyftrefte. The worlde fo large ; Butte dyde dyfcharge Themfelves ynto the)re bcdde of refte. Then menne '°befprenged alio abroadc, Ne moe dyde worfliyppc the true Godde : But dyd create Hie temples great Unto the ymage of Nymrodde. But nowe the Worde of Godde is come. Borne of maide Marie toe brynge home Mankynde hys fliepe, Theme for to keepc In the folde of hvs heavenlie kvngdome. Thys chyrche whyche Canynge he dyd reer. To bee " difpentc in prayfc and prayer, Mennes foulcs to favc. From '2 vowrynge grave, Andc puryfye them '3 heaven were. D D D D 2 Spr)ks 5 Dcvifcd or faigncd, 6 Renown. 7 Expending. 8 Abcllc, .-jccordlng to Rowley, humbled or brought down. " And Rowlcic faics " tTiic prydc wyllc be abefte." Entroduftyon to the EnlyrUidc of the Auoftate. 9 Preterite of have. loSotlcrcd. ti Difpentc, ulVd. i '• Devouring. 13 Hcavcn-ward, fo Rowley, [ 6o4 ] SpryUi cf > Elk, ^ Bythrycke, Fytz-hardynge, Frampton, GaunUs, Segowen, Lanyngdcn, Knyghtes Templars, and Byr tonne. [Bic Roxvleie.) Spryte of Bythrycke fpeakdh. EUe, thie Bryftowe is thie onlic care, Thou arte lyke dragonne '^ vyllant of yts gode ; Ne lovynge dames toe kynde moe love can bear, Ne Lombardes over golde moe vyllaunt broode. Spryte of Elle fpeeketh. "^ Swythyn, yee fprytes forfakc the ^ bollen floude. And ^ browke a fygthe wyth mee, a fyghte cnfyne ; Welle have I vended myne for Danyflie bloude, Syth thys greete ftruflure greete mie ^whaped eyne. Yee that have buylden on the Radclefte fyde, Tourne there youre eyne and fee your workes outvydc, Spryte of Bythrycke fpeeketh. What wondrous monumente ! what pyle ys thys ! That byndes in wonders chayne •'entendcmente ! That doth aloof the ayrie flcyen kyfs. And feemeth mountaynes joyned bie cemente, From Godde hys greete and wondrous (lorehoufc fente. Fullc welle myne eyne ' arede ytte canne nc bee, .That manne coulde rearc of thylke agreete extente» A chyrche fo J baufyn fctyvc as wee fee : The flemed cloudcs difpartcd from it flic, Twylle bee, I wis, to alle eternytyc, Elk'i fpryle fpeeketh. Were I once moe cade yn a mortalle frame, To heare the chauntric fonge founde ynne myne earc. To heare the maffes to owre holie dame, To viewe the crofs yles and the arches fayrc. Throughe " Not gouldc or biglies wyllc bnngc thee heaven were Nc kyne or mylkic flockes upon the plaync, Ne mannours rvch nor banners brave rnd fayrc, Nc wife the fwcctcft of the erthUc traync. Entroduftyon to the Enterlude of the Apoftatc." » Keeper of Briflol cafllc in the lime of the Saxons. i" An Anglo-Saxon, who in William the Conqueror's time had Briflol. <: Vigilant. '' Swythyn, qiiickly. « Swelled. ' Enjoy. e Whapcd, amazed. •> Underftanding. ' Conceive. J Elegantly large. * Frighted. [ 6o5 ] Throughe the Iialfc liul fired fylver twynklynge glare Of yon bryghte moone in foggie mantles drefte, I muft contente the biiyldyng to ' afpere, Whylfte *" ifliad cloudcs the " hallie fyghte arrefle. Tyll as the nyghtes growc ° wayle I flie the lyghte, were I manne agen to fee the fyghte. There fytte the canons ; clothe of fable hue Adorne the boddies of them everie one ; The chaunters whyte with fcarfcs of woden blewe. And crymfon p chappeaus for them toe put onne, Wythe golden tafTyls glyttrynge ynne the funne ; The dames ynne kyrtles alle of Lyncolnc greene, And knotted fhoone pykes of brave colourcs done : A fyner fyghte yn fothc was never feen. Byrtonnes fpryie fpeaketh. Inne tykes and turnies was mie dear delyghte. For manne and Godde hys warfare han renome ; At everyche tyltynge yarde mie name was hvghte, 1 beare the belle awaie whereer I come. Of Redclfte chyrche the buyldynge newe I done. And dyd fulle manie holie place endowe. Of Maries houfe made the foundacyon, And gave a threefcore markes to Johnes hys toe. Then clos'd myne eyne on erthc to ope no moc, Whylft fyx moneths myndc upon mie grave was doe. Full gladde am I mie chyrche was "i pyghten down, Syth thys brave ftrutture doth agrectc m)ne eye. Thys ^ geafon buyldynge * limcdft of the townc, Like to the donours foule, fhalle never die ; But if percafe Tyme, of hys dyrc cnvic, Shalle beate yttc to rude wallcs and ' throckes of (lone ; The ^ faytour traveller that pafl'es bic -' Wylle fee yttes "" royend auntyaunte fplendourc fhcwnc Inne the " crafd arches and the carvellynge. And pyllars theyre greene heades to heaven rearynge. Spryte ' To view. m Broken. " Wcll-plcaring, alfo holy. " Old. p Chappeaus, hats or caps of eftatcs. i Pyghten, pulled down. ' Rare. ' Mod noble. " Heaps. V. Wandering, * Ruind. » Broken, old. C 606 ] Spryte of v Segowen fpeekeih. •= Beftoykynge golde was once myne onlie toie, Wyth ytte ni'^ foulc wvthynne the coffer laic ; Ttu: dvd the madrie of mic lyfe cmploic, llic nyghte mie ^ leman, and mie '' jubbe bic dayc. Once as I dofynge yn the wytch howre laie, Thynkynge howe to '^ benym the orphyans brcadde. And from llic ^ rcdelefs take theyre goodes awaie, I from the fliien heard a voyce, which faid. Thou (Icepeft, but loe Sathan is awake ; Some deede thats holie doe, or hee thie foule wyllc take. I fwythyn was "^ upryfl wyth feere '^aftoundc ; Methoughte yn e merke was plaien devylles felle : Strayte dyd I nomber twentic aves roundc, Thoughten full foone for to go to hclle. In the morne mie cafe to a goode prceftc dyd telle. Who dyd '" areede mee to ybuild that daic The chyrche of Thomas, thenne to pieces felle. Mie heart ' difpanded into heaven laie : Soon was the fylver to the workmenne given, — Twas befte ^ aftowde a ' karynte gave to Heavne. But welle, I wote, thie caufalles were not foe, Twas love of Godde that fette thee on the rearynge Of this fayre chyrche, O Canynge, for to doe Thys "" lymed buyldynge of fo fyne appearynge : Thys chyrch owre leffer buyldyngs all owt-daryinge, Lykc to the moone wythe ftarres of lyttle lyghte ; And after tymes the " feetyvc pyle reverynge. The prynce of chyrches buyldcrs thcc fliall hyghte ; Greet was the caufe, but greetcr was the effcQ,e — So alle wyll faie who doe thys place profpeft. Spryle of Fyiz Hardynge fpcekdh. From royal patentcs dyd I have rctaynynge. The rcdde hayrde Dane ccnfcltc to be mic fyre ; The ' Aullfiircr, a native of Lombardy. ^ Deceiving. ••' Lcman, whore. ^ Bottle. <■ To take away. * Rcdelefs, hclplcfs. "= Rifcn up. •' Aftoniflicd. « Darknefs. * Ccunfcl, * expanded. ^ Beftow'd. ' A loan. " Noble. " Handfomc or elegant. [ 6o7 ] The Dane who often throwe thys kyngdom draynynge, \^'ould mark thcyre waie athrowgh wythe bloude and fyre. As flopped ryvers aiwaies ryfc moe hyghcr, And rammed flones bie oppofiires llronger bee; So thie whan vanquyfhed dyd prove moe dyre. And for one "peyfan theie dyd threefcore flee. From them of Denmarques royalle bloude came I, Welle myghte I boartc of mie gentylytie ; The pypes male founde and bubble forthe mie name, And tcllen what on Radclefte f)dc I dyd : Trinytie CoUcdgc ne agrutchc mie fame. The fayreft place in Bryftowe ybuylded. The royalle bloude that thorow mie vaynes flydde Dyd tynfle mie harte wythe manie a noble thoughic ,- Lyke to mie myndc the mynfter vrcarcd, 1\'ythe noble carvel workmanfhyppe waswroughte. Hie at the p deys, lyke to a kyngc on's throne, Dyd I take place and was my felf alone. But thou, the buylder of this i fwotie place. Where alle the faynCtes in fweete ajunQyon flandc, A verie heaven for yttes fetyve grace. The glorie and the wonder of the lande. That fhewes the buylders mynde and fourmers handc. To bee the befte thatte on erthe remaynes ; At once for wonder and delyghte commaunde, Shewynge howe muche hee of the godde retevnes. Canynge the great, the charytablc, and good. Noble as kynges if not of kyngelie bloude. Spryte of Framptone fpedeth. Bryftowe fliall fpeeke mie name, and Radclefte toe. For here mie deedcs were goddelye everychone ; As Owdcns ' mynfler bie the gate wyllc fhewc. And Johncs at Bryftowe what mie workcs han done. Befydcs '^ anere howfe that I han bcgunne ; Butte mync comparde to thyften ysa ' groffc: Xetc o A countr>-inan, alfo a foot foldicr. p Firft tabic in a monaftcry, where the fupcrior fat. ^ Sweet, or delighting. ' monaftcry. • Another. ' A laughing-ftock. [ 6o8 ] Nete to bee nicncioncd or looked upon, A verie " puneldrc or verie fcofFe ; Canynge, thie name fhall lyven be for aie, Thie name ne wyth the cbyrche fiialle waftc awaie. Spryte of Gaunts fpeekdh. 1 dyd fuUe manie reparatyons give. And the Bonne Hommcs dyd fulle ryche endowe j As tourynge to mie Godde on erthe dyd lyve, So alle the Bryftowe chronycles wylle fliewe. Butte alle mie deedes wylle bee as nothyngc nowe, Sythe Canynge have thys buyldynge fynyflied, Whych feemeth to be the pryde of Bryftowe, And bie ne buyldeyng to bee overmatched : Whyche aie Ihallc lafte and bee the prayfe of alle, And onlic in the wrecke of nature falle- A Kn^ghte Tc7nplars fpryte fpeeketh. In hallie lande where Sarafins defyle The grounde whereon oure Savyour dyd goe. And Ciiryfle hys temple make to ^'' mofchyes vyle, Wordies of defpyte gcnft oure Savyour throwe. There twas that we dyd owre warfarage doe, Guardynge the pylgryms of the Chryftyan "faie; And dyd owre holie atmes in bloude embrue, Movynge lyke thonder boultes yn drear arraie. Owre ftrokes lyke v levyn tareynge the tall tree Owre Godde owre arme wyth lethalle force dyd ^ dree. * Maint tenures fayre, ande mannoures of greete welthe, Greene woodes, and brook lettes runnynge throughe the lee, Dyd menne us gyve for thfcyre deare foule her helthe. Gave erthlie ryches for goodes heavenlic. Nee dyd we lette oure ryches b untyle bee. But dyd ybuylde the Temple chyrche foe fync, The whyche ys wroughtc abowte fo " bifmarelic ; lite V An empty boaft. " Mofqucs. " Fath. y Lightning. ^ D)i\c. " Many. * Ufclefs. ' Curioudy^ [ Gog ] Itte feemctli '^ camoys to the wondrynge eync : And ever and anon when belles ryngcd. From place to place ytte moveth yttcs hie hcade : Butte Canynge from the fweate of hys owne browes, Dyd gette hys golde and rayfe thys fetyve howfe. Lanyngdonnes Spryte fpcekdh. Lette alle mie faultes bee buried ynne the grave ; Alle obloquyes be rotted mythe mie dufte ; Lette him fyrft carpen that no " vemmes have : 'Tyspafte mannes nature for to bee aie jufte. But yette in fothen to rejoyce I mufte, That I dyd not immeddle for to buylde ; Sythe thys ^ quaintifTed place fo gloryous, Seemeynge alle chyrches joyned yn one s guylde, Has nowe fupplied for what I had done, Whych toe mie '' cierge is a gloryous fonne. Elk's Spryte fpeekdh. Then lette us alle do jyntelie reveraunce here. The befte of menne and Byfhoppes here doe ftande: Who are Goddes ' fhepfterres and do take good care. Of the goode fhepe hee putteth yn theyre hand ; Ne one is lofte butte alle in well ^ likande Awayte to hearethe Gencralle Byfhoppes callc, When Mychaels trompe fliall found to ynmofte lande, AfFryghte the wycked and awaken alle : Then Canynge ryfes to eternal refte. And fyndes hee chofc on erthe a lyfe the befte. Eeee CHAP. <* Crooked upwards, Lat.fimus. ' Faults. '' Curioully devifcd, « Company. *> Candle. Shepherds. ' Liking. C 6io ] CHAP. XXV. 0/ the GREAT BENEFACTORS lo the CITY, their CHARITABLE FOUXDATIONS, ENDOWMENTS, &c. 'T~^ HERE is not perhaps a luition upon cartli, vho have made fuch ample -»- proviiion for the poor as this, as well b\- charitable donations as by eretling almfhoufcs, hofpitals, infirmaries See. for their relief. By the returns made by the minillers and churchwardens of the pariflies of England and Wales to the Houfe of Commons, of private donations inverted m the hands of truflecs and feoffees only in the year 1788, it appears the whole annual pro- duce of the money given was 48,243!. los. 5d. of land 210,4671. 8s. tod. total 258,7101. if)s. 3d. an immenfe fum annually diftributed, which would be ftill greater if the enquiries had been extended to corporations companies &c. It reflefls defervcd applaufc on the worthy benefaftors, who afting upon motives of true, religion and upon chridian principles have imitated the gra- cious example of that divine perfon who went about doing good, and left us an example that we fliould follow his ficps in relieving the fathcrlefs, the widow, liie poor, the imprifoned, the fhanger, the difcafcd, the hungry and thiriU'; — \ ct is it to be lamented, that notwithflanding all thefe liberal bene- faftions and a conllant and rcgidar levy bcfides upon all the eftatcs in the kingdom b\' the poor-rates fo burthenfome in each pari/li, yet through fomc negletl or mifmanagement, the want of keeping them iu regular employ or fome other caufe, the poor dill complain in our flrcets, and every where fliflrelTed objects prefent themfelves to our view. It is at prcfcnt under the conllderation of Parliament to find a remedy for this great evil. — The worthy bcnefaQors of old naturally thought they fliould greatly relieve, if not remove the diflreffes of their fellow-creatures, and ought to be ever cflcemcd and held in veneration for the noble charities they bellowed and princely foundations they clliihliflied. None have more diflinguiflied themfelves than the mer- chants of Bridol on this occafion : thev can boafl of their Canynges and Col- Ilon, two mod refpc8.ablc names and charaflcrs for charity of the early and later [ ^11 ] later times ; bcfidcs a long lift of woiLliics, who have fignalizcd ihcmfclvcs lor their charitable donations at difPcrcnt periods, founded fchocjls, hofjjitals, and houfcs for religious inflruftion, attentive to the fnpport of i)odilv wants, and folicitous at the fame time to reclaim the vicious and inllrnci; the yountr and o the ignorant in the great and important truths of the ciniflian religion, pro- viding in the moft liberal manner for the body and foul, humanizing the heart, and giving it good imprcffions, feldom afterwards to he erafcd. The following is the long lift of JJencfaclors this citv hath to hoaft of, who many in their life time, more at their death, left large fums of mone\ or eftates in land to charitable ufes, impelled thereto bv a generous ])hilanthropv or love of their fellow-creatures, and the more noble ])riniiplc, tlic reiigiouis confideration of fuHilling the exprefs command of their Sa\ iour and their God; and their works do follow them. — Some of them dulv fenfible how necefTary both to health and morals, labour and employment in fonic bufinels are, have very judicioufly left fums of money towards a ftock or fund to keep the poor at work, the heft of charities; even the confined prifoner, many in hofpitals, almflioufes and infinnaries might employ their hands in fome (li^hi bufinefs, as knitting, making toys, fpinning wool, hemp, or cotton &c. to their own emolument and advantage to their health, as well as the good of the commonwealth: whilft living there wholly idle and their hands unemployed, it induces a habit of lazinefs ever after, renders the mind torpid, and the body morbid, and the difeafe inveterate, often protraftinc; the cure. It will be found at length, nothing but employing the poor will do to alle- yiate the burden of the poor-rates, this nation now labours under beyond all bounds. Till feveral pariflies that lie contiguous join in ere8ing a work- houfe to keep their poor at work, no human means will ever be devifed to remedy the evil ; the poor without employment will become more wretched and idle, more wicked and more difeafed, relying upon the parifti pa\- they lofc all good habits of induftry, become indolent and difeafed, notwithftanding the infirmaries and hofpitals erected for their relief. Itis very certain, when charities were invcfted in religious houfcs formerl\-, they were often much abufcd and perverted to other purpofes than the donor or founder intended, but in a public corporation there is Icfs danger of fuch abufc ; and greater care and better management where io many fuperintend may juftly be cxpecled, to j)revent the charities by length of time deviating from the donors intentions, and ceafingto anfwer the good ends for which they were inftituted. The Corporation of Briftol have to their honour recorded them all in a book, open to the infpeclion of the whole bf)d\ , where the wills Etc K 2 arc [ 6i2 ] are all infcrted, the lands defcribed which are allotted for their fupport, and their ends afcertained, that nothing but wilful inattention and negleO; can ever occafion their being mifapplied or loft. CITY BENEFACTORS. 1292, Simon Burton gave land by will, producing 4s. per week, /. s. d. vefted in the corporation of Briftol, to the relief of 16 poor people in an alnafhoufe ereQed by him in the Long- Row, orphan book C. B. about - - 220 o o 1385, Walter Darby by will gave 40I. towards building the tower of St. Werburgh's church, - - - 40 o And 17 tenements to be fold and the money to be diftri- buted to the poor. And 205I. to religious houfes, _ - - 205 o o All veiled in the corporation O. B. fol. 15. 1377, Richard Spicer by will gave 17 tenements to the city's ufc, now the Back-Hall, formerly Spicer's-Hall, corpora- tion O. B. 1388, Walter Frampton by will gave tenements towards marrying poor maidens and other good ufes, corporation O. B. f. 2 1 . 1400, *John Barftable by will gave lands and tenements to found an almhoufe in the Old Market, vefted in the corporation, recorded in O. B. 1403, *Thomas Knapp gave by will to the common profit of the city 133 6 8 And towards repairing St. Nicholas church - 20 o o Corporation O. B. 1434, Mark Williams gave by will to buy corn to ferve the poor at an eafy rate, (corporation little red book f. 71,) 66 13 4 J 466, William Canynges gave by deed for divine offices in Red- cliffchurch - - _ _ 340 o o And in plate to the faid church - - 160 o o Vefted in the vicar and prottors of RedclifF. 1474, He alfo gave by will five tenements and other lands to be fold, the money half to the city's ufe and half to the chauntrics, and to the poor, blind and lame, - 60 o o He alfoerefted an almftioufe, corporation great red book f. 247, 291, and O. B. f. 200. 1489, C ^^3 ] 1489, Robert Strange gave by deed lands to found St. John's alniflioufe. Veftry of St. John's. /. s. d. 1493, *\\'illiam Spencer gave 20I. to be lent to the mayor during his office, and 661. 8s. 8d. to the flieriffs, paying 2s. weekly to the poor of the almflioufe in Lewin's-mead, 86 8 8 Corporation 1494, He gave alfo by ^vill a tenement of 4I. per annum for fcr- mons &c. Redcliff. John Bagod gave tenements for the ufo of the city, they paying yearly to the prifoners in Newgate 3s. 4d. 1503, *John Fofter gave by will lands and tenements for building and endowing Fofler's almflioufe. 1521, John Matthew by will gave lands and tenements to the corporation for Trinity almdioufe. i532,*Robert Thome gave by will 300I. to buy corn and wood when cheap, and fell to the poor at the fame price when dear, _ - _ - _ And 500I. to lend intereft free to young clothiers, And 300I. towards founding his father's grammar-fchool. And 1235I. in divers charities to be paid by his executors, 1235 Cor. G. R. B. f. 233. 1541, Thomas Hart by will to the corporation lool. lopublic ufcs, 100 o o And tenements the income to free the city gates from toll, G. R. B. of Orphans f. 259, 292. 1541, *Thomas White by deed |an. 14, gave lands in the manor of Hinton Derham, Gloce(lcr{hire, to feoffees and the chamberlain 1 il. per annum, to exempt the Severn trows from paying toll, cuftom, murage, or keyagc for goods carried from the key of Briflol, payable to thcfheriff or other perfon : and 2!. 8s. to Fofler's almfhoufe, ditto to St. John's ditto, ditto to Spencer's dito, ditto to St. Thomas ditto; il. to All-Saintspipc, ditto to St. John's ditto, in all 22I. 12s. per ann. G. R. B. f. 33. 1542, He alfo gave by will il. 10s. 8d. per ann. to tjic prifoners in Newgate, G, R. B. f. 235. 1542, King Henry the 8th. gave by charter lands to the dean and chapter, they paying thereout 20I. per ann. to poor houfekeepcrs, and 20I. to repair highways. 300 500 300 a.^^.S [ ^H ] 1546, Nicholas Thornc gave by will to the corporation lool. for /. s. d. repairing bridges, 25!. for repairing the banks andagra- nary, 63I. 13s. 4d. to maids on their marriage, 300I. to the library at Bartholemew's, 36I. 13s. 4d. for repairing the fchool, and 400I. to lend young clothiers, - 928 6 8 1550, William Pickcs by will gave tlic chamberlain 50I, for re- pairing highways, and 20I. for St. Thomas pipe, 70 o o And land 61. 13s. 4d. per ami. for the poor in Burton's almflioufe, G. O. B. f. 518- 1552, Dr. George Owen gave by deed to the corporation tenements value 53I. 16s. 6d. per ann. to pav thereout 30I. 6s. 8d. to 20 poor in Foller's almlhoiife at yd. each every Friday, il. to other poor on fellival da) s, 12I. to a pj-eachcr yearly, 4I. to the matter of the grammar- fchool on Rcdcliff-Hiil, in all 471.6s. 8d. ^555» *R'chard \Miatley gave by will a tenement value 10s. per ann. to All-Saints almflioufe, G. O. B. f. 291. ^55^> \\'illiam Chefter gave out of a tenement called Black Friers per ann. il. 6s. to the almflioufe on St. James's-Back, to be paid 6d. weekly. 1559, Humphry Hook b)- will gave the corporation 680I. to pay 4s. per week to the poor of St. Stephen's in bread, and 4s. per week in coal, the remainder of the intcreft to Queen Elizabeth's Hofpital, - - - 680 o o 1560, James Chefter gave to the corporation 61. 13s. 4d. to the ufc of the poor, and 5I. per ann. to the fame ufe, 6 13 4 J 564, James Dowlc by will gave lol. to the hofpital in the Marfh, and lol. to repair the caufcway towards Auft, O. B. f. 293, 20 o o 1565, John Such gave the corporation bv will 4I. for the poor of the city, and 2I. for the fchool in the Marfh, O. B. f. 295, 600 1566, *Sir Thomas White by deed gave the corporation and St, John's college in Oxford 2000I. to purchafe land of 120I. per ann. and thereon to raife loool. 800I. to be lent5ol. each to 16 young clothiers lo years intercll free, and 200I. to buy corn to be fold to the poor without gain, and after the expiration of the 10 years to pay yearl\- to 22 other cities 104I. a year in rotation for the ufc of 4 C ^^5 ] young clothiers of the faid towns for lo years in lilce /. s. d. manner, - _ _ _ 2000 o o 1566, *Thomas Silk by deed gave the corporation 40I. the intereft to be paid between 4 almflioufcs, - - 40 o o ^0^7* ^^'alter \\"eft gave a tenement to the poor of St. Thomas and the prifonersin Newgate equally. 1569, *}ohn Uodrige ga\t: two gilt flaggons, weight 152 ounces 8 peny weights, for the ufe of the mayor. * Lambert gave the corporation 16s. per annum for Trinity almnioufc. 1572, *Francis Codrington by will gave tlie corporation lands in Portifhead to find bedding for the poor of Trinity hofpital. 1574, William Carr by A\ill gave the corporation land value per ann, lol. to the poor of the city in the fevcral almfhoufes. And 26I. 13s. 4d. towards the marriage of poor maids, and 25I. to the highways, O. B. f. 312. - "51^3 t i575> ^^"" Carr by will gave the corporation 60I. to cloath poor people, and 50I. to buy wood and coal to be fold to the poor without gain, O. B. f. 51. - - 110 o o 1275, Ricliard Wickham by will gave 681. for a library in the gramniar-fchool, - - - - 68 o o ^bloy J"'^" Hollifter by will gave the corporation lol. to buy wood to fell to the poor without gain, - - 10 o o yzng, John Hayden gave by will to the corporation lool. to be lent to a young iradefinan at3l. 6s. 8d. intercd - 100 o o 1582, *Thomas Chcftcr by deed gave the corporation in land lol. per ann. to St. John's almflioufe 7I. 16s. to that on Su James's Back 4I. and to the people in Bridewell 2I. 1,-83, Thomas Kelke gave by will to the corporation in land lol. per ann. for the ufe of the poor, and 70I. for different ufes, O. B. f. 343. - - - 70 o o 1.583. William Tucker gave by will to the fcoflees of St. Xicholas a tenement, 2I. 6s.. 8d. per ann. to the poor of that parifli 2I. and for a fcrmon there 6s. 8<1. 1-86, Ralph Dole by will gave out of a tenement in Maryport- flrctt, il. per ann. to repair St. Peter's pump. 1586, C 6i6 ] 1^86, *John Carr by vill gave the corporation the manor of Con- /. s. ct. gerfbury, to found Queen Elizabeth's hofpital. 1587, *John Griffen by will gave lool. to buy corn to fell to the poor without gain, and 5I. to repair Bedminfter caufey ; and to the feoffees of Temple 2 tenements to relieve the poor and repair the conduit. - - 105 lo o 1587, *Anthony Standbankby ■vvill gave the corporation tenements on the Key, the income to Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, O. B. f. 378. 1587, Peter Matthew gave by will lool. to buy wool and flax to keep people at work in Bridewell, f. 373, - 100 o o 1587, Sir John Young gave 20I. to keep the prifoners at work in Bridewell, Thorn's Audit Book, - - - 20 o o 1587, John Wilfon by will gave 2 tenements in St. James's, 26I. per ann. for the Taylors almfhoufe. 1587, William Young gave by will 50I. to keep the prifoners at work in Bridewell, - - - - 50 o o 1589, *William Bird gave 500I. to Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, 500 o o i5g2,*Richard Coal gave by will, proved in Doftors Commons J 599, lands and tenements to Queen Elizabeth's hofpi- tal ; alfo to the corporation reverfion of lands for the ufe of the poor of the city, and 85I. for the poor, 30I. for repairing the roads, and 20I. to marry poor maids, and tl. for 2 fermons at All Saints, - - 135 o o 1594, *Robert Kitchen by will gave the corporation 400I. to be 400 o o lent young tradefmen, at 25I. lol. and 5I. each, intereft free ; and 7I. 16s. per ann. in bread to the poor of Chrift Church, St. Stephen and Temple; 12I. per ann. for placing out 6 poor children; 2I. 13s. 4d. per ann. to- wards maintaining a fcholar at Oxford or Cambridge ; 26I. per ann. to poor houfliolders of the feveral parifhes in Briftol. . _ _ 1595, John Brown gave by will out of 2 tenements on the Were 2I. 6s. 8d. for fhirts and fliifts to the poor of St. Nicho- las, the remainder of the rent to the poor of the faid parifli, &-C. Book of Wills, f. 7. 1596, George Snow by will gave the feoffees of St. Nicholas a tene- ment in Tucker-ftrcet, they paying il. per ann. to the pool [617] poor, and 6s. 8d. for a fermon. He alfo gave icl. to be /. /. J. diflributed to the poor of Briftol, N. B. of W. f. 14, 10 o o 1596, John White gave by will 43I. 6s. 8d. to the poor, 43 6 8 1597, Margaret Brown gave lol. to eaiploy prifoners in Bridewell, 10 o o 1598, Thomas Aldworth by will gave 108I. to fiindry charities, 108 o o i6o2,*Lady Mary Ramfey gave 1450I. to Ouccn Elizabeth's hof- pital and the poor of the city, _ _ . 1450 o o 1602, *Ann Colfton gave 200I. to the corporation, they to pay 12I. per ann. to the poor of three almflioufes - 200 o o 1602, William Gibbs gave by will lol. to Queen Elizabeth's hof- pital, - - - _ - -1000 1604,* Alice Cole gave by will 20I. per ann. to feoffees, arifing out of certain lands, for 4 almflioufes 4I. each and for 4 fermons ; alfo 20I. per ann. more, iffuing from the fame, to cloath poor boys ; flie gave alfo 60I. to poor decayed houfcholders, and 35I. to be divided between certain minifters, N. B. of W. f. 88, - - 95 o o i6o5,*John Barker by will gave the corporation 20I. as guardians of orphans, - - - - 20 o o 1605, Margaret Tindall by will gave a houfe in Broad-ftreet and lands in Worcefterfliire 17I. per ann. to the feoffees of St. John's. 1609, John Fownes gave the corporation 661. 135. 4d. to pay annually 4I. to rake and clean the walks in the Marlh, 66 13 4 1610, John Hopkins gave by deed to the Society of Merchants lol. they paying 13s. 4d. per ann. to the Merchants almf- houfe, - - - - - 1000 1G13, *Catherinc Boucher by will gave a covered cup and fliim- mer double gilt for the ufe of the mayor, he paying 10s. for a fermon on the elcPiion day at Chrift Church. i6i3,*Thomas White gave lands and tenements, 52 1. per ann. to endow a hofpital in Tcmplc-nrcct. i6i4,*Francis James gave 50!. to lend pooi tiadefnien lol. each intereft free for 2 years, - - - 5(5 o o i6j4,*John Dunfter gave lool. to lend to handicafl men at lol. each intercfl free for 5 years - - - loa o o Tobias Matthews gave books to the library in King-ftreet. 1615, Robert Redwood by deed gave a tenement for a librar\- and 200I. to lend poor tradefmcn lol. cath intereft free, 10 o o V f f f >Gi7, [ 6i8 ] /. 5. A. 1617, Joan Murcott by will gave 200I. to the poor, - 200 o o j6i8, Elizabeth Hopkins by will gave to the Society of Merchants 5I. for the Merchants almfhoufe, and 5I. for the Taylors almfhoufc, - - - - 10 o o 1619, *Matthcw Haviland gave 4I. perann. out of certain lands to the corporation for 12 fermons in Newgate. 1619, Thomas Ilolbin gave by will lool. to the corporation, they paying to the poor of St. Thomas and for a fermon there 5I. per ann. N. B. of W. 100 o o 1620, William Chaloner by will gave the churchwardens of St. Nicholas 3I. 5s. per ann. ilTuing out of certain lands, for them to lay out in bread for 6 poor perfons, a two- penny loaf each every Sunday and for a fermon there. i622,*George Nethway by will gave 50I. to the corporation to raife 3I. per ann. to increafe the falary of the mafter of the grammar-fchool, - - - - 50 o o 1622, *Dr. Thomas White by deed gave the corporation lands, to ereft and endow an almflioufe in Temple-ftreet, and te- nements in Grays Inn, 40I. per ann. for the following ufes : to give the prifoners in Newgate 2I. a fermon at Temple crofs on St. John's-day il. 4 fermons at St. Werburgh's lol. 4 fermons at All Saints lol. one fermon at Temple 5I. to the poor of Temple hofpital in addition 61. a dinner for the governor of Temple hofpital on St. Thomas's-day 2I. to charges about the hofpital 4I. 1623-4, He alfo by will gave tool, to the highways, - 100 o o 1621, Samuel Davis gave by will 50I. to raife 2I. 10s. per ann. jl. thereof to buy coal for the poor of St. Thomas, il. for coal for the poor of Bedminfter, and 10s. for a fermon at St. Thomas, - - - - -50 00 1622, *Janc Ludlow gave 60I. to raife 3I. perann. il. thereof to the poor of St. Michael's, il. to Foftcr's almfhoufe, and il. to the poor of St. Auguftin the Lefs, - - 60 o o 1622, Thomas Jones by will gave the corporation 380I. to lend to poor freemen at 20I. each with intereft, the intereft to charitable ufes, _ _ _ _ 380 o o 1624 or 1634, William Burrows gave a tenement in Chriflmas- ftrcet, for a parfonage-houfe for the minifter of St. John's, C 619 ] John's, and 50I, to repair St. \\'erburgh's church ,- and land 16I. per annum to 8 poor old men and women, - - - - - 50 o o 1625, William Griffith gave il. per ann. out of land for 2 fcr- mons at St. John's. 1625, Bartholomew Ruflel by will gave a tenement 81. per ami. to the poor of St. Michael's and to repair that church. 1626, Thomas Towns gave the corporation lool. for a (lock to keep poor people at work, _ _ _ too o o i627,*Edward Cox gave by will the following fum.s annually : 4I. for 8 fermons at St. Philip's, lol. for apprenticing poor boys, and lol. to buy coal for the different parifhes in Briftol. 1627, *John Whitfon by will gave the corporation tenements 20I. per ann. for 20 lying-in women ; alfo his manor of Bar- nett, to ereft and endow a fchool for 40 poor girls; alfo quit rents of Chew Magna 81. 10s. 6d. per ann. and 3 bufhels of wheat and 3 bufhels of rye to the mailer of Redcliff^free fchool; alfo 500I. to lend to young tradef- 500 o o men 50I. each for 7 years intereft 10s. for each 50I. ; alfo out of a tenement on the Back 3I. per ann. 2I. thereof to repair St. Nicholas church and il. for 2 fermons ; alfo 20I. per annum for 2 exhibitions in Oxford. The refiduary eflatealfo, amounting to about 3000I. was left to the corporation, _ _ _ 3000 o o 1629, John Doughty by will gave the corporation tool, to be lent intereft free for 5 vears to handicraft men, 100 o o 1629, Humphrey Brown by will gave lands in Felton to the cor- poration, on condition they had 4 fermons in the year preached at St. Werburgh on days therein mentioned, and a lefture every Sunday afternoon at St. Nicholas ; alfo lands in Eiberton, for morning prayers at St. Werburgh's. 1630, Robert Redwood by will gave the corporation 200I. to lend lool. each to poor burgcflcs intereft free for 5 years; and 20I. to the poor of Briftol, - - 220 o o 1G30, William Pitt by will gave lol. to Briftol library, and Sol. to the poor of St. Thoma.s, Rcdclifi, and Temple, qo o o F F F F '2 1634, [ 620 ] 1634, Matthew Warren by will gave 20I. to the poor of Temple, 20 o o 1634, Robert Rogers gave by will lool. to the corporation, to be lent to 10 burgcfles intereft free, - - 100 o o 1634, Robert Aldworth gave the corporation by will loool. to be lent poor clothiers 50I. each intereft free ; and lool. to the poor of St. Peter's almfhoufe, - - 1100 o o 1634, *George White by will gave the feoffees of Temple 25I. they to pay for a fermon at Temple crofs yearly ; and to the corporation 200I. to lend to 10 poor clothiers intereft free ; lOol. to raife 5I. per ann, for relief of prifoners in New- gate ; lOol. to buy materials to keep poor people at work; lOol, to raife 5I. per ann. for an exhibition in Oxford; 150I. for a chain of gold for the mayor, if re- fufed for charitable ufes ; alfo a tenement 5I. per ann. for the poor of St. Michael's. _ - _ g^o o o 1636, Richard Vickris gave the corporation 2I. per ann. by deed for the keeper of Briftol library. 1636, *Ann Snigg gave the corporation by will 200I. with which 200 o o they purchafed an annuity of 12I. per ann. towards main- taining 2 poor fcholars burgeffes of Briftol in Oxford. 1639, *George Harrington gave the corporation 240I. for them to diftribute 26I. at 10s. weekly to poor houfeholders in the parifties of Briftol, and to pay the clerk 20s. a year for keeping the accounts, - _ _ _ 240 o o 1640, Robert Strange gave lands to erefl; and endow St. John's almflioufe for 15 poor people. 1641, Thomas Harrington gave the corporation by deed 5I. 4s. per ann. for the poor of St. James's in bread. 1653, Hugh Brown gave the corporation lands in Mangotsfield for charitable ufes ; he alfo gave out of lands in Ham- brook 2I. 14s. per ann. to thepoorof RedclifFand 2I. 14s. per ann. to the poor of St. John's in bread ; he alfo gave to the poor of Temple 3I. to the poor of St. John's 3I. of Redcliff 3I. of St. Philip's 2I. and of St. Auguftin 2I. he gave alfo to the Society of Merchants a tenement and jool. to maintain 3 poor people in their almfhoufe, 100 o o 1656, [ 621 ] 1656, *Richard Long by will gave lands in Sifon, for cloalhing /. s. d. poor men in the Merchants almllioufe, and lool, to raife 5I. per ann. for the poor of St. Stephen's in bread, 100 o o 1659, *Huniphry Hook by will gave the corporation 680I. to give the poor of St. Stephen's parifh 8s. weekly in bread and coal, the remainder to Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, 680 o o 1661, Francis deed by will gave 28I. per ann. iffuingout of tene- ments to a poor houfliolder of 13 parifhes in Briftol, 2I. each, il. to the accountant, and il. for a learned fermon to be preached at Chrift-Church on St. Matthew's day. 1663, *John Pears gave the corporation by will 20I. to pay il- per ann. for a fermon at St. James's the 3 ill of March, 1664, *Rev. Mr. Powel gave 2I. per ann. to 4 almfhoufcs. 1668, Abraham Birkins gave the feoffees of St. Maryport-lands iol. per ann. 2]. thereof to 4 poor people of Maryport, 2I. to ditto of St. Nicholas, 2I. to ditto of James's, 2I. to ditto of Temple, and il. for a fermon, 10s. to the collector, and 10s. to the poor in bread. 1668, Thomas Farmer by will gave the corporation 700I. to raife 35I. per aiin. 20I. thereof to apprentice out two boys of Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, and the remaining 15I. to the poor of 6 pariflics, 2l.ios. each, - - 700 o o 1659, George Knight by will gave the feoffees of Temple 36I. the intereft to pav for a fermon and bread to the poor annu- ally in Temple parilh, and out of a tenement 10s. per ann. to the poor of St. Nicholas, - - 36 o o 1696, Mary Bickham gave the feoffees of Temple a tenement and lOol. the income andintereft to be given in bread every Sunday to the poor of Temple, alfo lool. to the parifli of St. Auguflin, the interefl for the lame purpofe, - 100 o o 1670, William Pennoyer by will gave out of lands 41I. per ann. lol. thereof for the maintenance of a fchool-mafter in St. Leonard's, lol. for a fchool-miftrefs there, 16I. for a lefture in that church once a week, and 5I. for bread to the poor. 1670, Michael Day gave 2I. 13s. per ann. to 3 poor houfholders of St. Nicholas, and 13s. 4d. for a fermon, and 4s. 8d. for the clerk and fexton. 1678, C 622 ] 1678, Juhn Miner gave lands for a monthly fermon at St. Ste- /, s. d. plien's, 2 tenements to apprentice feamens fons, and 20I. the intcreft to buy bread for the poor of St. Nicholas, 20 o o 1679, Thomas Stephens gave lands at AVyke and Abfton to feoffees to ere£l and endow 2 almflioufes, in the Old Market and Tcmple-ftreet. 1683, Mary Boucher and Joan Langton gave the Society of Merchants lands in Bedminfler Sol. per ann. for poor widows, los. each. 1685, *Andrew Barker gave the corporation by deed 6 tenements and lool. to apprentice poor boys of Queen Elizabeth's hofpital, - - - - 100 o o 1686, John Lawford gave 2I. 12s. per ann. to the poor ofSt. Peter, and 2I. 12s. to the poor of Temple, iffuing out of tene- ments, to be given weekly in bread; he alfo gave 50I. each to St. Philip's, St. James, Rcdcliff, and Chrift- Church, the intercft for the fame purpofe, - 200 o o Mary Gray gave 50I. 6s. 8d. of the intereft for a fermon, and the remainder to keep poor children at fchool. i68G, Samuel Hale by will gave 230I. the intereft to apprentice 230 o o one poor boy or girl out of each of feven pariflies, and 70I. the intereft to buy bread for the poor of the fame pariflies, - - - - 70 o o 1696, Edward Cohfton Efq; by deed gave the Society of Mer- chants lands to ereft and endow an almfhoufe on St. Michael's-Hill, and to maintain 6 poor mtfn in the Merchants almfhoufe. 1708, He alfo gave them by deed other lands to endow an hofpital for 100 boys on St. Auftin's-Back, and to endow alfo a fchool in Temple-ftreet, p. 444. *Dr. Sloper by will gave the corporation a tenement in College-Green of 15I. per ann, to buy bibles for the poor in each ward, 1716, Sarah Ridley gave feoffees by will 2200I. to purchafe land to endow an hofpital for old maids and batchclors, 2200 o o 1725, John Gray gave 120I. to Temple charity-fchool for girls, 120 o o 1726, Thomas Warren gave a tenement in Temple-ftreet, the income for a fermon and bread for the poor of Temple. 1729, [ 623 ] J 729, Ann Aldworth gave tenements, 2I. 10s. of the rent Tor a /. 5. d. fcrmon &c. at All-Saints and St. AuRiirs, the remainder to All-Saints almflioufc. 1749, Peter Davis gave 50I. to the charity-fchool of St. Michael and St. Aullin, and 150I. the intcreft for a fermon and bread for the poor of the parifli of St. Michael's, 200 o o 1727, Sir Abraham Elton by will gave 50I. each to the parifhes of St. John and St. Wcrburgh, the interefl for the ufe of the poor, and 50I. the intereft for a fermon and for the poor of St. \\'crburgh's, and 50I. the intcrcfl to maintain a decayed failor in the Merchants alniflioufe, and lool. to Trinity hofpital, - - 300 o o 1779, Mary Ann Peloquin gave the corporation 3<)ol. the intereft 5I. to the reflor and 2I. to the curate of St. Stephen's for fervice and a fermon on the 25th of December, the remainder to the clerk and fexton ; and 15,200!. the intereft to 38 poor men and 38 poor women houfe- keepers of Briftol ; 2500I. the intereft to poor lying-in women il. 10s. each; loool.to 20 poor fingle women or widows and 10 poor men of St. Stephen's upon St. Ste- phen's day yearly : flie alfo left her houfe in Prince's- ftreet for the perpetual refidcnccof the rettor ofSt. Ste- phen's, , _ - _ 19000 o o Note, Thofe BenefaQions marked thus * were eftabliftied by the committee of the corporation in the year 1739, fee p. 138. CHAP. [ 62.4 ] C II A P. XXVI. A BIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT of EMINENT BRISTOL MEN. BI B E R T was a native of Briftol, a monk of St. Benedi8;, and a ver\'- famous divine according to Lcland, a great hiftorian and philofopher, (Stevens Monaftic, v. i. 190,) he flouriflied very early but the time is not well known ; he left behind him many works which are now loft, except feme fer- ttions and the hiftory of his own time. Ralph ofBriftol, being there born was bred in the neighbouring convent of Glaftonbury. Going over into Ireland, he firft became a treafurer of St. Patrick's in Dublin, then 1223 Bifhop of Kildare, he wrote the life of St. Laurence Archbifliop of Dublin, and granted (faith Sir James ^Varc) certain indulgences to the abby of Glaftonbury, probably in gratitude for his education therein : he died 1232. Richard Lavingham, prior of the Carmelite friery in Briftol, was a great writer in divinity about the latter end of the 14th century, and is reported by Pit, p. 534, to have epitomized Bedc's hiftory, beginning his work with " Britannia, cui quondam Albion &c." John Mil verton is mentioned by Sir R. Baker in his chronicle as a man of note in Edward the 4th's. reign, he calls him "a Carmelite friar of Briftow, and provincial of his order, who becaufe he defended fuch of his order as preached againft endowments of the church with temporal pofTcftions, was coimnitted to prifon in the caftle of St. Angelo in Rome, where he continued three years :" he is mentioned by Bale in an epiftle dedicated to Oucen Elizabeth 1548, prefixed to her tranflation of the godly meditation of Margaret Queen of Auftria, out of French, who fays, '* he was a provyncyall of the Carmelytes and was full 3 years a pryfoner in the caftle Angelo at Rome at the fute of the Biftioppcs of England for preferring the order of monks and friers above the offyce of Byftioppes, and loft fo the Byftioprick of St. David's to which he had been a little before elcfied. I'hys matter (fays he) have I hearde under the title of Evangclick Perfeftyon, moft depely rcafoned in theyr ordynary dyf* putatyon,* [ 625 ] putatyons at theyr convocatyons and chapters as they tlien called them, yet by thofe whome I knewe moft corrupt lyvers," — Milverton died in London 3oih January, i486, and was buried in the choii of the monaftery church of tlic Carmelites there, fee Weaver, p. 438. with a Latin infcription in curious monkifli rhymes. John Stowe, " the Briftol Carmelite," was a poet of fome reputation in Henry 6th's. time. He is mentioned by Rowley in his poem to John Lvdgatc on Ella, lord of Briftol caftle, together with John Clarkyn, " one of niicklc lore." Stowe is noted by Sir Richard Baker, in his Chronicle, as flouriftiing in that reign ; but he calls him a monk of Norwich, and Doclor of Divinity in Oxford. Dr. Wharton, in his Elfay on Poetry in England, vol. '; fuppofes his name to be Stone, who was a Carmelite at Briftol and died at Cambridge. Sebaftian Cabot, born at Briftol of Genocfc parents. His father John Cabot and wife then refided there, which moft of the writers agree in. And T. Lanquet, in Chronicle, fays, " Sebaftian Cabote in 1499, ^^^ '^^ of aCe- noefe and born in Briftol, profeffing himfelf excellent in knowledge of the circuit of the world, was fent from Briftol to difcover ftrange countries, and he at firft difcovered Newfoundland." Vide before p. 173, 174. John Spine is faid by Pits, p. 673. to be born in this city, and was a Car- melite and Doftor of Divinity in Oxford, leaving fome books of his writint^to pofterity. He was buried in Oxford 1484. Thomas Norton, born at Briftow, is celebrated among the men of note in Edward 4th's. time. As an alchemift, he wrote fome books in that art, and in chemiftry ; alfo a poem, mentioned by Wharton, in which he celebrates Mr. Canning. Fuller, in his Worthies, fays of Thomas Norton, that " He boafted himfelf to be fo great a proficient in chemiftry, that he learned it to perfeftion in 40 days, when he was 28 years old, and complaineth that a merchant's wife in Briftol ftole from him the elixir of health, fufpefted to be the wife of William Cannings of Briftol, (cotemporary with Norton) who ftarted up into fuch great wealth and fo fuddcnly, the cleareft evidence of their conjecture." He quotes Theat. Chymic. of Elias Aftimole for this, p. 441. but the abfurditv of this conjecture is too apparent. Of this T. Norton, fej more annals 1477. Some fay he ruined himfelf and friends who trufted him with their money, (not un- ufual with thefe enthufiadic alchymiftsj and died very poor in 1477. AVilliam of Worcefter, firnamed Botoner from his mother's famil\-, a native of Briftol, was born on St. James's-back of parents, not ex cqueftri ordine as Tanner faith, but tradefmen, whiiawers, fl Difpofe, i Noifed. ^ Named, P Dreffed. s Suit of ' Darkncfs. » Cover'd. [ ^29 ] Next Radcleve chyrche, oh workc of hand of heaven, Where Canynge (heweth as an infirument Was to my bifmarde eynfyghte newlie given, *Tis paft to blazon ytt to good contente : Ye that wouldc fayne the fetyve buyldyngc fee Repayre to Radcleve and contented bee. But it appears from the little effays faid to be collefled and written by Row- ley for Mayfter Canynges, that their friendfhip was founded on their mutual love of learning and polite literature, and the cultivation of tne ufcful arts. The following are printed from the very originals in Chatterton's hand-writing, fent in two letters to Horace Walpole Efq. S I R, Being verfed a little in antiquities, I have met with feveral curious manu- fcripts, among which the following may be of fervice to you, in any future edition of your truly entertaining anecdotes of painting — in corre£ling the miftakes (if any) in the notes, you will greatly oblige. Your moft humble fervant, THOMAS CHATTERTON. Bridol, March 25th, Corn-itreet. The Ryje of PeynBeynge, in Englande, rvrcten bie ' T. Rowkic, 1469, for Majlre* Canynge. Peynfleynge ynn Englande, haveth of ould tyme bin yn ure ; for faieth the Roman wryters, the Brytonncs dyd dcpyfle themfelves, yn fondric wyfe, of the fourmes of the fonne and moone wythe the hearbe woadc : albcytte I doubte theie were no fkylied carvellers. The Romans be accounted of all men of cunnynge wytte yn peynfleynge and carvellynge ; aunter theie mote inhylde theyre rare devyces A'nto the mynds of the Brytonnes ; albcytte attc the commeynge of Hengeyft, netc appcares to wyttencfs yt, the Kyftes are rudelie vcorvcn, and for the niolle parte bcyge hepes of Itones. Hcngcftc dyd J T. Rowleic was a fecular pried, of St. John's, in this city ; his merit as a biographer, hifto- riographcr is great, as a poet ftill greater : fomc of his pieces would do honor to Pope ; and the perfon under whofe patronage they may appear to the world, will lay the Englifhrnan, the anti- quars', and the poet, under an eternal obligation. 2 The founder of that noble Gothic pile. Saint Mary Rcdclift Church in this city : the Mcccnas of his time : one who could happily blend ilie poet, the painter, thepricft, and the chriflian pcifeft in each : a friend to all in diftrefs, an honor to Briftol, and a glory to thccliurch. C 640 ] dyd brynge ynto thys reaulme herchaughtric, whyche dydde biynge peynfleynge. Hengefte bare an 3 afce ahrered bie an afgod. Horfa, anne horfe faulcaunte, whyche eftfoones hys brodcr eke bore. Cerdyke, a fheld i adryfene; Cuthwar a fliclde •'afcgrod: whofe enfamples, were followed bic the hyiidlettes of hys troupe, thys emproved the gentle art of peynfleynge. Herehaughtrie was yn efteem amongfte them, take yee thefe Saxon acheuementes- ^ Heofnas uii secced-fet was ybore of Leof — an abthane of Somertonne — 7 Ocyre aaded — ybore bie Elawolf of Mercia. * Blac border adronet an ftorve adellice — the auntiaunte armoiirie of Briftowe — a9 fcclde agrefen was the armourie of yElle Lord of Bryftowe ca-ftle — croffes in maynte nom- bere was ybore, albeyt chiefes and oder partytiones was unknowen, until! the nynthe centurie. Nor was peynfteynge of flieeldes theire onlie emploie, walles maic bee feene, whereyn ys auntyaunte Saxonne peynteynge ; and the carvel- lynge male be feene yn imageies atte Keynefhame ; Puckilchyrche ; and the caflle albeyt largerre thane life, theie be of feetyve hondiewarkc. Affleredus was a peynfter of the eighth centurie, hys dreffe bee ynne menne, a longe alban, braced wythe twayne of azure gyrdles; labellcs of redde clothe onne his arme and flatted beaver uponne the heade. Nexte Aylward in tenthe centurie ycorven longe paramentes ; wythoute, of redde uponne pourple, wyth goulde bcltes and dukalle couronnes beinge rems of floreatcd goulde — Afflcm a peyn6ter lived ynne the reygnc of Edmonde; whane, as florie faiethe was fyrfl broughteynto Englande, the couneynge mylterie of fteineynge glaffe of which he was a notable perfourmer ; of his worke male bee feene atte Afliebyrne, as eke at the mynfter chauncele of Seynfte Bede, whych doethe reprefente Seyn£le "\\'arburghe to whoes honoure the mynfterre whylome ban bin dedycated. Of his lyfe be fulle maint accountcs. Goe\ nge to partes of the londe hce was taken bie the Danes, and carr) ed to Dcnmarque, there to bee forflagen bie fliotlc of arrowe. Inkarde afoldyer of the Danes was to (lea hym ; onne the nete before the feefte of deathe bee founde Afflem to bee hys broder. AfFrighte chaynede uppc hys foule. Ghaftneffe dwelled yn his breaftc. Ofcarre the greate Dane gave heft bee fliulde bee forflagene, with the commeynge funne ; no teares coldc availe, the morne cladde yn roabes of ghaftncfs was come; whan the Daniquc Kynge bchcfted Ofcarre, to araie hys knyghtes eftfoones, forwarre: Afflem was put yn theyre flyeyngc battailes, fawe 3 A (hip fupported by a idol. 4 An imbofTed fhield ; being rudely carved with flowers, leaves, fcrpentes, and whatever fuitcd the imagination of the caver. 5 A fhield painted in the fame tafte as the carving of the laft. 6 i\zurc a plate ; which is the fignification of Kcced-fet. 7 Or Pomeife — aad in Saxon was little green cakes, offered to the afgods or idols. 8 Sable within a border undee, a town walled and crencUed proper. 9 A fhield carved with croITcs, C 641 ] Tawe his countrie enfconccd wythe foemen, hadde hys wyfe andc chyldrcnc broghtcn capteeves to hys fliyppe, ande wasdcieynge wythe forrowc, whaniic the loudc blantauntc \s-ynde hurled the battayle agayiifte an Jieck. For fraughte wythe embolleynge waves, he fawc hys hroder, wyfe, and chvl- drenne fynke to deathe : himfelfe was throwen onne a bankc ynne the I fie of Wyghte, to lyve hys lyfe forgard to alle emmoife: thus moche for Afflem. '°Johne, feconde abbatte of Seynfte Auftyns mynflere, was the fyrfte Eng- lyfhe paynftere yn oyles ; of hym have I fayde yn oder places relateyngc to his poefies. He dyd wryte a boke of the Proportione of Ymageries, whcre- ynne he faicth the Saxonncs dydde throwe a menglcturc over theyc coloures to chevie them from the weder. Nowe mcthynkethe fteinedc glaffe mote need no fyke a cafinge, buttc oile alleync ; botte albcytte ne peynQeynge of the Saxonnes bee in oyle botte water, or as whylome called eau. Chatelion, a Frenchmane, learned oyle paynfteynge of abbat Johne. Carvellynge ynnc hys daies gedered new beauties, botte moflelie was wafled in fmallc and dri- blelet pieces, the ymageries beeynge alle cladde ynne longe paramentes, whan the glorie of a carveller fhulde bee in ungarmented ymagerie, therebie fliewinge the femblamente to kynde. Roberte of Glowfter liflcd notte his fpryghte toe warre ne learnynge, butte was the fonne, under whofe raies the flowrettes of the fielde fhotte ynto lyfe : Gille a Brogtonne was kyndelie nor- riced bie himme, whoe depyfted notable yn eau. Henrie a Thonton was a geafon depyElor of countenances ; he paynfted the walles of Mafter Canynge hys howfe, where bee the councelmenne atte dynnere ; a mofte daintie ande feetyve performaunce nowe ycrafed, beeynge done ynne M.CC.I. Henrie a Londre was a curyous broderer of fcarfes ynne fylver ande golde and felkes diverfe of hue. Childeberte Wefte was a depyftour of countenances. Botte I I I I above 10 This John was the greateft poet of the age in which he lived ; he underflood the learned languages. Take a fpeclmen of his poetry on King Richard 1 ft. Harte of hone ! fliake thie fworde, Bare thie mortheyngc fteinede honde : Quace whole armies to the queedc, Worke thie wylle yn biirlie brondc. Barons here on bankcrs-browdcd, Fyghte yn furrcs gaynftc the cale ; Whilcft thou ynnc thonderyngc artncs. W'arrikcth whole cyllycs bale. Harte of lyon ! Sound the heme I Soiinde yite ynto inner londes, Fearc flics fportine ynne the cleeme, Innc thie banner terror ftondct. [ 642 ] above alle was the peynfler John deBohunn, whofe worke maic be feene yn Weflmynfter halle. " Of carvellers and oder peynfters I fhalle faie here- after, fyrfl Englyfchynge from the Latyne cis to wytte. Peyn6leynge improv- eth the mynde and fmotheth the roughe face of our fpryghtcs. S I R, I offer you fome further anecdotes and fpecimens of poetry and painters, and am Your very humble and obedient fervant, THOMAS CHATTERTON. March 30, 69, Corn-ftreet, Briftol. Uijlorie of PeynBers yn Enghnde. Bie T. Rowley. Haveyngc fayde yn oder places of peynfteynge and the ryfe thereof, eke of fomme peynfteres ; nowe bee ytte toe be fayde of oders wordie of note. Afwolde was a fkylled wyghte yn laieynge onne of coloures; bee lyved yn Mercias, ynne the daies of Kynge Offa, ande depyded the countenauncc of Eadburga hys dauter, whyche depyfture beeynge borne to Brightrycke he toke her to wyfe, as maie be feene at large in ^ Alfridus. Edilwald Kynge of the Northumbers underllode peyn6leynge, botte I cannot fynde anie piece of hys ^ nemped. Inne a manfion at Cepenhamme I have feene a peynfteynge of moche antiquitie, where is fytteynge Egbrychte in a royaul manner, wythe kyiiges yn chaynes at hys fotc, withe mein£te '^ femblable fygures, whyche were fymboles of hys lyfe ; and I haveth noted the Saxons to be more notable ynne lore and peynfteynge thann the Normannes, nor ys the monies fythcnce ■the daies of Willyame le Baflarde fo fayrelie flroken as aforctyme. I eke haveth fcen the armorie of Eafl. Sexe mod ^ fetyvclie depytled, ynne the medR of an auntyaunte wall. Botte nowe wee bee upon peynfteynge, fomme- whatte maie be faide of the poemes of thofe daies, whyche bee toe the mynde what peyn£leynge bee toe the eyne, the coloures of the fyrfte beeynge mo dureynge. Ecca Byfhoppc of Hereforde yn D.LVII. Mas a goode poete, whome I thus Englyfhe : Whan azure fkie ys veylde yn robes of nyghte, Whanne glemmrynge dewedropes "^ flounde the ^ fay tours eyne, Whanne flying cloudes, betinged wyth roddie lyghte. Doth on the brindlynge wolfe and wood bore fhine, Whanne ji I have the lives of fcveral eminent carvers, painters, &c. of antiquity, but as tlicy all relate to Briflol may not be of fervice in a general hiflorie. If they may be acceptable to you, they arc at your fervice. =■ This is a writer, whofe works I have never been happy enough to meet with,— ' Mentioned. ' Metaphorical. ^ Elegantly, handfomely. ' Aflonifli. ' Travellers. C 643 ] Whann even ftar fayre hcrehai^lite of nyght, Spreds the darke doufkie fhceiie alongc the ' mees. The wreethynge - neders fends a 3 glumie lyghte, g And houlets wynge from 4 levyn blafted trees. Arife mie fpryghte and feke the diftant delle, And there to ecchoyng tonges thie raptured joies ytelc. Gif thys manne han no hande for a peyn£ler, he han a head : a pycliire ap- pearethc ynnc cache lyne, and I wys fo fync an even fighte mote be drawn, as ys ynne the above. In anoder of hys vearfes he faithe, Whanne fprynge came dauncynge onne a flourette bedde, Dighte ynne greene raimente of a chaungynge kynde ; The leaves of hawthorne boddeynge on hys hedde. And whyte prymrofen coiireyngc to the wyndc ; Thanne dyd the ^ fliepfter hys longe ^ albanne fpredde Uponne the greenie bancke and daunced arounde, Whileft the foeft flowretts nodded onne his hedde. And hys fayre lambes 7 befprenged onne the ground;] Anethe hys fote the brooklette ranne alonge, "W'hyche ftrolled rounde the vale to here hys joyous fonge. Methynckethe thefe bee thoughtes notte oft to be mettcn wyth, and ne to bee excellede yn theyre kynde. EUmar Byfhoppe of Selfeie was fetyve yn ■workes of ^ ghaftlienefs, for the whyche take yce thys fpeeche : Nowe maie alle helle open to golpe thee downe, Whylfte azure '^ merke '" immenged wythc the dale, Shewe lyghte on darkened pcynes to be moc " rounc, O maieft thou die lyving deathes for aic ; Maie floodes of Solfirre bear thie fprighte '= anoune, Synkeynge to depths of woe, maie "3 levnnebrondes Tremble upon thie peyne devoted crowne. And fenge thie alle yn vayne emploreynge hondes ; Maie alle the woes that Godis wrathc cannc fende Uponne thie heade alyghte, and there theyre furie fpendc. Gorweth of Wales be fayde to be a wryter goode, bottc I underftande not that tonge. Thus moche for poetes, whofe poefies do beere refcmblance to pyftures in mie unwordie opynion. AlTcrius was a wryter of hyftorics ; he ys buried atte Seynte Keynas College ynnc Keynfliam wythc Torgotte, aiiodor I I I 1 2 writer 1 Meads. 2 Adders, perhaps ufcd for glow-worms. 3 Gloomy. 4 Lightning. 5 Shepherd. 6 A large loofe white robe. 7 Scattered. 8 Terror. 9 Darkncls. lo Mingled. 11 Terrific, la Ever and anon, often. 13 Thunderbolts. [ ^44 ] writer of hyflories. Inne the walle of thys college is the fombe of' Seynfte Keyna, whych was ydoulven anic, andc placed yiine the walle, albeit done yn the daies of Cerdycke, as appeared bie a crofTc of Icadc upon the " kyfle; ytte bee moc notablie perfourmed than 3 meynte of 4ymageries of thefe daies. Inne the chyrche wyndowe ys a ^ geafon peynfteynge of Seyn£le Keyna fytte- ynge in a trefoliated chayre, ynne a longe alban braced wythe golden gyrdles from the wafle upwarde to the breafle, over the whyche ys a fmaule azure ^ coape ; benethe ys depy£ted Galfridus, M.LV. whyche male bee that Geof- froie who ybuylded the geafon 7 gate to SeynQe Auguftynes chapele once leadeynge. Harrie Piercie of Northombcrlande was a * quaynte peynQer; he lyvedeyn M.C. and depySed feveralleofthe wyndowes ynne Thong abbie, the greate wyndowe atte Battaile abbeie ; hec depyfted the face verie welle wyth- alle, botte was lackeynge yn the mofle-to-bee loked-to accounte, proportione. Johne a Roane paynBed the fliape to an hayre ; he carved the cafte for the fheelde of Gilberte Clare of 9 thek fetyve perfourmaunce. Ellwarde '° ycorne the cafte for the feale of Kynge Haroldc of moft^ geafon worke ; nor has anie feal fythence bynne fo rare, excepte the feale of Kynge Henrie the fyfthe, corven bie Jofephe Whetgyfte. Thomas a Baker, from corveynge croffe loafes, toke to corveyng of ymageryes, whyche he dyd moft fetyvelie ; hee lyved ynne the cittie of Bathe, beeynge the fyrfte yn Englande thatte ufed hayre ynne the bowe of the " fyddle, beeynge beefore ufed wythe peetched hempe or flax. Thys carveller dyd decefe ynn M.LXXI. Thus moche for carvellers and peynfters. John was induced abbot in the year 1 186, and fat in the dies 29 years. As vou approve of the fmall fpecimen of his poetry, I have fent you a larger, which though admirable is ftill (in my opinion) inferior to ' Rowley, whofe vorks when I have leifure I will fairly copy and fend you. The W A R R E. Of warres ^ glumm pleafaunce doe I chaunte mie laie, Trouthe tips the 3 poynftelle wyfdomme •» fkemps the lyne, Whylfte hoare experiaunce tclleth what toe faic. And 5 forwyned hofbandrie wyth blearie eyne, Stondcth 1 This, 1 believe, is there now. 2 Coffin. 3 Many. 4 Statues, &c. 5 Curicus. 6 Cloak or mantle. 7 This gate is now ftanding in this cit)', though the chapel is not to be fccn. 8 Curious. 9 Very. 10 A contraftion of ycorvcn, carved. 11 Nothing is fo much wanted as a hiftory of the violin, nor is any antiquar)' more able to do it than yourfelf. Such a piece would redound to the honour of England, as Rowley proves the ufe of the bow to be known to the Saxons, and even introduced by them. j None of Rowley's pieces were ever made public, being till the year 1631 fhut up in an iron chcft in RcdclifF church. s Gloomy. 3 Pen. 4 Marks. 5 Blafled, burnt. C 645 ] Stondeili and ^ woe bcments; the trecklynge bryne Rounnynge adone hys cheekes which doethe fhewc, Lyke hys unfrutefuUe fieldes, longe firaungers to the ploughc. Saie, * Glowftcr, whanne ' befprenged on evrich fyde. The gentle hyndlette and the vylleyn fclle ; Whanne ^ fmetheynge 9 fange dyd flowc lyke to a tyde, And fprytes were damned for the lacke of knelle, Diddeft thou kenne ne lykenefsto an helle. Where all were mifdeedes doeynge lyche unwife. Where hope unbarred and deathe eftfoones dyd fhote theyre eies. Ye '° fhepfter fwaynes who the " ribibble kenne, Endc the '- thyghte daunce, ne loke uponnc the fperc : In '3 ugfommnclfe ware mofte bee dyghte toe menne, '■1 Unfelinefs attendethe '5 hounourewere ; Quaffe your '^ fwote '7 vernage and '* atreeted beere. The following obfervations mufl occur to every reader of thefe letters to Mr. Walpole on the poetry and paintings of antiquity : 1. Is not Chatterton's offering to produce the whole colleftion to him to be inferted in the next edition of the Anecdotes on Painting, a ftrong proof of himfelf fuppofing them originals or copied from fuch and authentic, or his own good fenfe would never have rifqued the difcovery of their being other- wife to fo able a judge in fuch things as Mr. W^alpole, foconverfant in thefe verv fubjetls. However he might impofe upon others, he never would have chofen fuch a one for the firft trial of his impofition. 2. He fent Mr. Walpole a fecond letter, and offered to continue this corref- pondence, and tranfcribe for him every thing of Rowley's he had in his poffef- fion for publication. 3. Thefe related to fubjefts fo various, would any man with the Icafl fenfe ever attempt a deception in fuch numerous inftances of poetry, painting, carv- ing, heraldry, divinity, antient manners, hiftory of Briftol, and other places, &c. ? In each of which he mud neceffarily lay himfelf open to deteftion. 4. Let the coincidence of fcveral circumftances related by Chatlcrton, and agreement with the fame recorded in old deeds and in the city books in the chamber, be weighed and compared, and with other facls, of which he could not poffibly come at the knowledge. 5. Let 6 Laments. * Earl or confulof Gloccder. 7 Scattered. 8 Smoking. 9 Blood. 10 Shepherds. ii A fiddle. J2 Compaft, orderly, tight. 13 Terror. 14 Unhappincfs, 15 The place or rcfidcnce of honour. »6 Sweet. 17 Vintage, wine, cyder. 18 Extrac- ted from corn. C 646 ] 5. Let all the external evidence alread/ advanced on this occarion be well weighed, the difficulty of forging not a few lines but whole pages on parch- ment be ■confidered, and what ends could l)c anfwered by it, &c. and then the impartial will be able to form a juft opinion of this matter in difputc. The critics may contend about the originality of all or any of the nianu- fcripts, about alterations or additions made, about the ufage of old and obfo- lete words and the language of the time, fuffice it for the author of this hiftory that he has faithfully and honeftly tranfcribed and printed them. If it offends, and what will not offend, the " genus irritabile vatum," he fhall leave them to amufe themfelves at their Icifure in the way they like bed, but widies nothing but an enquiry after the truth would dire£l their pens. ■\^'hethcr they are or are not authentic, whatever alterations in the form or words have been made, and additions and interpolations inferted by Chatterton, they are here faithfully prefented to the reader to form his own judgment upon them ; whilfl the author cannot but lament the unhappy fate of this mifguided youth, who leaving the good principles in which he was educated, and led aftray by the falfc glare of a flrong imagination and flat- tering pride of fuperior underftanding, reafoned himfelf out of all thoughts of a futurity, and forgetting he was a being accountable for his aflions to his Maker and hisjudgc, put a period to his exiftence, and committing a murder upon him- felf ruflied out of life into the prefence of his Maker, without a defire of atonement or forgivenefs, without any belief in or reliance on a Redeemer. In his laft letter to a friend, dated Auguft 12, 1770, he fays, " Heaven fend you the comforts of Chriftianity ; I requeft them not, for I am no Chriflian." The following letter, printed from his own hand-writing, fliews the prevailing temper of this unhappy youth. His mafter, Mr. Lambert, 'the attorney, found a letter upon the writing-defk of Chatterton, addreffed to a worthy, generous man, Mr. Clayfield, Hating " his diflreffcs, and that on Mr. Clay- field's receiving that letter, he (Chatterton) ftiould be no more." At this letter Mr. Lambert being alarmed fent it to Mr. Barrett, thinking he might difTuade him from this impious attempt on himfelf, who fending immediately for Chat- terton qucRioned him clofely upon the occafion in a tender and friendly man- ner, but forcibly urged to him the horrible crime of felf-murder, however gloffcd over by our prefcnt libertines, blaming the bad company and princi- ples he had adopted ; this betrayed him into fome compunflion, and by his tears he feemed to feel it — at the faine time he acknowledged he wanted fot nothing, and denied any diftrefs upon that account. He next day fent the following letter : To [ 647 'J To Mr. Barrett. S I R, Upon recolleclion I don't know how Mr. Clayficld coul J come by his letter, as I intended to have given him a letter but did not. In regard to my motives for the fuppofcd rafhnefs, I fhall obferve, that I keep no worfe company than m^fr'f ; I never drink to excefs, and have without vanity too mucli fenfe to be attached to the mercenary retailers of iniquity. — No! It is my pride, my damn'd, native, unconquerable pride that plunges me into diftraflion. You mud know that i9-20th of my compofition is pride : I mult either live a flave, a fervaiu, have no will of my own, no fentiments of my own which I may freely declare as fuch, or die ! Perplexing alternative ! But it diflrafts me to think of it. I will endeavour to learn humility, but it cannot be here. What it will coft me on the trial Heaven knows ! I am. Your much obliged, unhappy, humble fervant, Thurfday evening. T. C. Some few w-eeks after this he planned the fcheme of going to London, and there writing for the bookfellcrs, &c. Moll of his friends and acquaintance contributed a guinea apiece towards his journey, and he there fettled, but carried his libertine principles with him, coelum non animum mutans, till the fame pride, the fame principles impelled him to become his own executioner. He took a large dofe of opium, fome of which was picked out from between his teeth after death, and he was found the next morning a mod horrid fpeftaclc, with limbs and features diflorted as after convulfions, a frightful and ghaftly corpfe. Such was the horrible cataftrophe of T. Chatterton, the producer of Rowley and his poems to the world. But to return from Rowley to his friend and patron Mr. Canynges. It is remarkable, nothing has been found after the latter's becoming Dean of Weftbury relating to Rowley, nor is he mentioned in the will of Mr. Canynges, in the prerogative office in a book called Wattic, p. 125. dated 12 November, 1474, which has given occafion for many furmifes ; but miglit he not have died before that date, before his patron ? It is now left to the judicious and candid reader to form his own opinion concerning Rowley and Chatterton, whiUl the life of Mr. Canynges mud be confidered that of a wife and worthy man, a diligent, rich and honed merchant, who with the greated honour and integrity filled the office of chief magidraic of this city five times, and of rcprefentativc in Parliament in 1451, and 1455 : ajid C 548 ] and leaving the woiid and its vanities ended his charitable and pious life in religious retirement. William Yonge, member for Briflol the 34th of Edward the 3d. 1361, had a fon Thomas mayor 1411, and member in Parliament 1414, by his will dated the 14th of March 1426, he ftiles himfelf burgefs of Briftol, and orders his body to be buried before the altar of St. Nicholas in the church, of St. Tho- mas ; and leaves legacies to the friers mendicant of Briftol, and for finding a chaplain to pray for his foul in that church for a whole year, and he leaves his wife his manfion in Temple-ftreet, and other meffuages there and in the fuburbs of Briftol. Thomas Yonge was a great merchant in 1408, and mar- ried Joanna the widow of John Canynges, and mother of William Canynges the founder, and there is reafon to believe had the care of the education of "\\'illiam Canynges then a minor of only fix years old at his father's death. — This Thomas had two fons, Thomas and John ; Thomas the elder being an eminent lawyer was returned member for Briftol* in the 15th, 20th, 25th, 27th, 28th, 2gth and 33d of Henry the 6th. was appointed King's ferjeant the 3d of Edward the 4th. and chief juftice of the common pleas with a grant often marks per ann. the 7th of Edward the 4th. and 1463 was recorder of Briftol : dying 1476 was buried in Chrift-Church, London: he died feized of the manor of North Wraxal, Wilts, with the advowfon of the church and of the manor of Eafton in Gordano, Somerfet, near Briftol. Mr. Canynges in his deeds calls this Thomas Yonge brother. The prefent Right Hon. Sir George Young of Devonfliire is lineally de- fcended from this family in Briftol, arms ermine on a bend between two cotizes fable, three Griffins' heads erafed or. creft on a wreath arg. and fable a boar's head erafed vert brifted or. mantled g. double arg. — Motto, Fortitu- dinc& prudentia. William Grocyne, native of Briftol, 1467 bred at Winchefter fchool, where when a youth he was a moft excellent poet. The following tctraftick is (aid to be made by him extempore on his miftrefs pelting him with a fnow ball. Me nive candenti petiit mea Julia ; rebar Igne carere nivem, nix tamen ignis erat Sola potes noftras extinguere Julia flammas Non nive, non glacie, at tu potes igne pari. He * J. 153 lie moved in the Houfc of Commons, that as King Henry had no ifTuc, the Duke of \ ork might be declared heir-apparent of the crown ;. but he was committed to the Tower for this motion.— Smoll.'ti's hill. v. 5. p. 27. [ 649 ] He afterwards went over to Italy, where he had Demetrius Chalcondilus and Politian for his mafters, and returning to England was the fufl public profcfTor of the Greek tongue in Oxford. There is no more to be added to his honour, except that Erafmus in his epiftles often owns him pro patrono fuo ct prascep- tore. He died in 1520, aged 80. Vide Wood, Ath. vol. i. p. 13. Bio- graph. Brit, p. 201. Fofter on Accent and Quant. 1763, p. 210. John Brook, ferjeant at law to King Henry the 8th. and one of the juftices of affize in the weflern parts, was a very eminent lawyer, and chief Reward to the abbey of Glaftonbury ; he lies buried in Redcliff church, witli an infcrip- tion fee p. 587. His fon David was chief baron of the exchequer the iflof Queen Mary. He married Catherine daughter of John Lord Chandois, and died without iffue. Sir George Snjgg was one of the barons of the exchequer, a mofl upright judge and fkilful lawyer, and recorder of Briltol. Seep. 514. Dr. George Owen is faid in a manufcript penes me to be a native of this city, to which he became a diftinguiflied benefaftor : fee p. 396. 434. He is celebrated by J. Leland, among the encomia illuftrium virorum, p. 96. vol. V. 2d edit, in a copy of Latin vcrfes, both as a philofpher and phyfician. He was for his abilities highly favoured at court, and appointed by the difcerning Henry the 8th. phyfician to himfelf. Queen Catherine, and Edward the 6th. — He attended Cardinal Wolfey in his lafl: illnefs by exprefs order of the King. (Stow.) He was fellow of Merton college, Oxford, lived at Godftow in Ox- fordfhire in clofe friendfliip with J. Smith, Efq; mayor of Briftol, and was a great purchafer of abby lands of Henry 8th. who favoured him much. He died October ig, 1558. Hugh or Robert Elliot, fherifF of Briftol, principal pilot of this nation, with Mr. Thorn 1527 made a voyage for difcoveries, and firft peopled Newfound- land, though he met not with public encouragement. Hackluit, Voyag. vol. iii. p. 10. See before p. 177. John Fowler, a printer here, a fccond Henry Stephens, a good poet and orator, well (killed in Latin and Greek, abridged Thomas Aquinas, and tran- flated Oforius into Englifh; but not liking the Reformation of Exlward 6th. and Oueen Elizabeth, went to Antwerp, and died at Namur 1579, and lies there intererd in the church of St. John. Robert Thorn, born in Briftol, and bred a merchant taylor in London. — He was bleffed with a plentiful fortune, and what is more with a liberal mind and charitable and benevolent heart. He is faid to have bellowed more than 4440I. to pious ufes, and amongft other things founded and endowed the free grammar-fchool in this city; amidft all not forgetting his poor kindied in the K K K K dillribiitioii C 650 ] diftribution of his fortune or enriching the public to the negleft of them, he gave them 5140!. befides large funis he forgave that they owed him. He died a batchelor in the 40th year of his age in 1532, and was buried in the church of St. Chriflopher, London, with the following monumental infcription: Robertus cubat hie Thornus, mercalor honeflus. Qui fibi legitimas arte paravit opes : Huic vitam dederat puero Briflollia quondam, Londinum hoc lumulo clauferat atque diem, Ornavit ftudiis patriam, virtutibus auxit, Gymnafium erexit fumptibus ipfe fuis. Leflor quifquis ades requiem cineri precor optes, Supplex et precibus numina flefte tuis. Obiit 1532, aetatis vero fuae anno 40. Of Nicholas Thorn, brother of the above Robert, fee p. 483. Robert Thorn the elder, father of the above Robert and Nicholas, was bred a merchant, and was mayor of Briftol 1514, and knighted in Seville. He had all the rule of white foap. — In the Temple church, London, is the fol- lowing infcription to him : Robertus jacet hie Thorne, quem Briflollia quondam Pretoris merito legit ad officium. Huic etenim femper magnae rcfpublica cura?, Charior et cunftis patria divitiis, Ferre inopi auxilium, trifles componere lites, Duke huic confilio quofq; juvare fuit. Oui pius exaudis miferorum vota precefque Chrifle, huic in coeli des regione locum. In the Briflol grammar-fchool are two paintings of Robert and Nicholas Thorn. Arg. three lozenges G. a lion pafTant, or, chief fable, with his cy- pher T. R. and the following verfes : Spina vocor, fupereft tribuatur gloria danti Quae bona pauperibus fpina dat effe Deo. And over Nicholas Thorn's picture is, " Ex fpinis uvas collegimus." William Child, Doftor of Mufic, born in this city, was chanter of the king's chapel, obtained licence to proceed I3otlor of Mufic at Oxford, which degree he completed in an aft celebrated in St. Mary's church, July 13, 1663. He was educated in mufical praxis under one Elway Bevan, the famous compofer and organift of the cathedral of Briflol. He fucceeded Dr. John Mundy as organifl at the chapel royal at Windfor, and then was one of the organifls of his Majcfly's C 651 ] diapel at Whitehall and of the private mufic to King Charles 2d. There are divers compofures by him of tunes to pfalms, catches, rounds, canons, and divine hymns. William Gibbes, Doflor of Phyfic, wasanative ofBrifloI, his family refid- ing in the parifh of St. Mary RcdclifTand having great property there without Temple-gate. He was phyfician to Queen Henrietta Maria and Mrs. Mary Stoner of the antient family of that name in Oxfordfhirc. James Alban Gibbes, of Bridol, fon of William Gibbes of that city, edu- cated a papift at St. Omer's, travelled through Germany, Spain, Italy, &c. and became a compleat fcholar, and was made lefturer of rhetoric at Rome by Pope Alexander 7th. in the fchool of Sapienza and had a canonry of St. Cel- fus given him by the faid Pope, who having publiflicd a book of verfes, our Gibbes had a copy of verfes fet before them. This difcovered Gibbes's poeti- cal genius, which caufed him to be fo much admired that Leopold the Emperor in 1667 did create him poet laureate, giving him at the fame time a gold chain ■with a medal hanging thereto, to be always worn by him efpecially at folemn times and in public places, which being made known to Clement gth. he was admitted to his prefence, kiffed his foot, and was congratulated by him ; on which account he dedicated his firft volume of poems to that Pope. He fent his gold chain and medal to Oxford in 1670 to be kept there in their archives, as a teftimony of refpeft to that fountain of learning. He died 1677, aged 66, and M-as buried at Rome in the church of St. Maria Rotunda. He was a mod voluminous writer of poems, not without great vanity. There is a head engraved of him before his Latin poems, printed at Rome i668 in 8vo. and under it the following diftich : Tot pro Gibbcfio certabunt rcgna, quot urbcs Civem Maeonidem affcrnere fuum. Dr. Bathurfl wrote a folemn piece of irony upon him : " Carmen in honorem viri celeberimi et principis poetarum Domini Dofloris Gibbefii, cum diploma a Czefarea Majeftate fibi a merito conceflUm aeternitati in mufarum templo confecraflTet. Oxonium gratare tihi, nunc la?ta theatri Limina, Sheldoniafq; arccs Gibbefnis intrat: Cerne et apoUinea rediniitus tcmpora lauro EHundat jubar et phabi patris acmulus ardet, Sec." Dr. Gliffon, a phyfician and great anatomill, defccnded from Walter Glif- fon of this city, was educated in Caius college, Cambridge, and became very eminent. He was made King's Profcffor of Medicine and Fellow of the K K K K .: College C 652 ] College of Phyficians, and anatomical reader in that college in 1639. He praftifed phyfic in the time of the rebellion at Colchefler in EfTex, and was prcfent at the fiege. He was chofcn prcfident of the college, and wrote fcve- ral books in his art, and is fitmous for his difcovery of the capfnla communis, vena cava, porta et fellea, and for difcharging the liver of fanguification. He died in St. Bridget's parifh, London, 1677. He and Dr. Wharton difcovered the internal falivary duft in the maxillary gland. His account of fanguifica- tion was efteemed very rational. His Tractatus dc Ventriculo et Inteftinis et de Hepate, Amd. 1677, 4to. arc among his principal works. He vifited patients in the time of the plague, and kept off the infeftion by keeping bits of fpunge dipped in vinegar in his noftrils. Dr. Thomas White was the fon of John White, born in Temple-ftreet, Briftol, became a ftudent at Magdalen college, Oxford, 1566, whence he went to London, and was a noted preacher and much efteemed, was rcftor of St. Dunftan's in the Weft. In 1584 he was made DoQor of Divinity, had a prebend of St. Paul's given him, and was canon of Chrift Church, Oxon, iggi, and in 1593 canon of St. George's church, Windfor. Being a generous man and very charitable, he expended the eftates he got from the church in charitable ufes to Sion college, erefling almfhoufes, &c. fee p. 554. He died 1 March, 1623. In the chamber of Briftol is his pic-lure with fome verfes under it, which end " Ouique Albos cceli portamque invenit apertam." Tobias Matthews was born in St. Thomas parifli on Briftol bridge, bred at Chrift Church, Oxford, was Bifhop of Durham, then Archbiftiop of "iork, and died there 1628. There is a print of Tobias Matthaeus, Archiepifc. Eborac. by Rcnold EHlracke fc. 410. and a portrait of him in the hall at Chrift Church, Oxford, of which he was dean. He was tranflated from Dur- ham in 1606, and was an ornament to the univerfity as well as to the high fta- lion he filled in the church. lie had an admirable talent for preaching, which he never fuffcred to lie idle ; but he ufcd from town to town to preach to crowded audiences. He kept an exact account of the fermons he preached after he was preferred, by which it appears that he preached when Dean of Durham 721, when Biftiop of that diocefe550, and when Archbiftiop 721, in all 1992. He left nothing in print but a Latin fermon againft Campian and a letter to James 1 ft. Obiit 29 March, 1628, aet. 82. He had a fon called Sir Tobie Matthews, of whom his father had conceived great hopes from his forward and lively parts ; but being fent abroad to complete his education, he was fe- duced by Parfons the Jefuit to the church of Rome, and pcrfuadcd to enter into that focicty. He was afterwards much immerfed in politics in the reign of Charles [ 653 : Charles ift. and James ift. Obiit 13 Oct. 1655. This eminent divine was a benefaftor to his native city ; and wifhing to excite a love of literature amongfl; the citizens, he prefented them with fundry books towards forming a library of found divinity and other learning, " for the ufc of the aldermen and fhop- kecpers there." See p. 508. William Haywood, an excellent preacher of his time, was born (being a cooper's fon in Baldwin-ftreet) in the city of Briftol, eleclcd fcholar at St. John's college, Oxon, by the endeavours of John Whitfon, alderman of this city, (an encouragcr of his (Indies) anno i6i6, aged 16 years. He was foon made fellow of that houfe. Dr. Laud had a refpeft for him and his learning, made him one of the domeflic chaplains in ordinary to King Charles id. In 1636 he wasaftually created Doctor of Divinity. About that time he became vicar of St. Giles in the Fields near London. In 1638 was made canon of the eleventh ftall in the collegiate church of Wcftminllcr. This perfon by the Puritans was looked upon as a favourer of Popery and as a creature of Archbifliop Laud, for which in the beginning of that rebellion he was thrown out of his vicarage by the long parliament, and was imprifoned in the compter, Ely houfe, and in the fhips, ct length he was forced to fly, and his wife and children were turned out of doors and reduced to great want. After which he kept a private fchool in Wiltfliire, under and in the name of his fon John. He was reftored to his vicarage and other preferments at the Relloration, and died 17 July, 1663, and was buried at WcRminRer. William Penn was born at Briftol 1621, fee p. 585. where is an account of him as admiral and general in his epitaph. He was vice-admiral at the attack of St. Domingo 1654, and afterwards at the taking of the valuable ifland of Jamaica, which we have poffefTed ever fince. He was admiral of the white 1655 and knighted. He was father of \\'illiam Penn, the founder of Pennfyl- vania, who had turned Quaker by tlie preaching of one Thomas Low, to the "reat trouble and regret of his father, who was however reconciled to his fon beforehis death, and left him an eftate in England and Ireland of 1500I. per ann. which enabled him to obtain of the king the grant of land in America, and ereft Pcnnfylvania into a province. Sir William Penn the admiral died 16 September, 1670, and was buried at Redcliif church. Dr. William Thomas, Bifliop of Worcefter, was fon of Mr. John Thomas, a linen-draper of Briftol, who lived in a houfe of his own on Briftol bridge, where his fon was born on the 2d of February, 1613, and baptized at St. Ni- cholas church the Friday following. He was bred at the public fchool at Carmarthen, went to St. John's college, Oxford, in his iCth year 1C29, from whence [ 654 ] whence he went to Jefus college, where he took 1632 his Baichelor of Ails degree, and was chofen the principal fellow and tutor of his college. In 1638 he was ordained prieft, andappointed vicar of Penbryn in Cardiganlhire, and afterwards to Laugharne. He was deprived of his living by the parlia- ment committee in 1644, from which time to the Relloration he endured great hardfliips, being a fulferer to the amount of above 1500I. and obliged to keep a little private fchool for the fiipport of liis family. At the Reftoration he had his living again, and was promoted to the dcaiirv of Worcefter November 25, 1665, and in 1667 was promoted to the fee of St. David, which he held with the deanry of Worcefter. After being Bifhop of St. David's fix vears greatly loved and refpefted by all, he was tranfiated to the fee of Worcefter in the room of Bifliop Fleetwood, and came thither in Auguft, 1683, where he en- deavoured to amend the morals of the people, reftore the duties of his church by obliging the prebendaries fome to be always refident, and by great hofpi- tality and charity recommended himfelf to his funftion. He refufed to dif- perfe the king's declaration, and fignified to all his clergy his diflike of it; yet he refufed taking the oaths to King William, and was preparing to leave his palace, when on the 25th of June he pioufty refigned his fpirit into the hands of God, in the 76th vear of his age ; the whole eftate he left behind him amounting to not more than 800I. which he left to charity. Edward Colfton, the eldeft fon of William Colfton, mayor and alderman of Briftol, by Sarah daughter of Counfellor Bettins was born 2d November, 1636, in the parifti of Temple. The family of Colfton had long flouriftied in this city. The 31ft of Edward 3d. Hugo Colfton married Edith the widow of John Newland, and Thomas Colfton before that time, 19 Edward 3d. had eftates bequeathed to him in Temple-ftreet by John Wodewrowe. In Guil- lim's Heraldry mention is made of one Colfton in Effex, having a coat ar- mour of two barbels or fifti refpefting each other, p. 69. 1 Edward 3d. from thence the family might probabi) firft have rifen. Thomas Colfton, 19 Eliz. 1577, was mayor of Briftol, and died alderman 16 November, 1597. Wil- liam Colfton, the grandfon of this Thomas and father of Edward, ferved the office of ftierifi^ in 1645, ^""^ ^^''^ made deputv lieutenant of Briftol under the Duke of Beaufort, and a fortified redoubt at Kingfdown was called Colfton's Mount from him. He died, aged 73, 1681, and being deaf and infirm in his old age was excufed attending the council as alderman on that account. Edward Colfton his fon being well inftruded not only in learning fit for bufinefs, but in the principles of the chriftian religion according to the purity of the church of England; was at years of maturity fent as a fitclor to Spain, where C ^55 ] where he behaved with great diligence and prudence. He cultivated the Spanifh trade of oil and fruit with fuch indullry, that befides the fortune defcending to him from his parents, and fome fay by the death of his brothers, (one of whom is faid to be conful at Venice,) he acquired great riches, fo great that the family fince have never yet given any account how his fortune accumulated fo fall. — It has been faid he was alfo concerned early in the trade to the Ead Indies; — all agree that he was a mod fuccefsful merchant, and never infured a fliip and never loft one. He firft lived in Small-ftreet, Briftol, and having fo much bunncfs in London, and being chofen to reprefent the city in Parliament, he removed thither and afterwards lived as he advanced in years a very retired life at Mortlake in Surry, conftantin his daily devotional duties and in his attendance on the public offices of the church, and exemplified the fincerity of his chriftian profefTion by the nobleft; aQs of chriftian benevolence, of which fee p. 622. 444. But his private donations were not lefs than his public, he fentat one time 3000I. to relieve and free debtors in Ludgate by a private hand; and freed yearly thofe confined for fmall debts in Whitechapcl prifon and the Marlhalfca ; and fent loool. to relieve the poor of \\'hitechapel ; and twice a week had a quantity of beef and broth dreft; to diflribute to all the poor around him. Any failor fufFering or caft away in his employ, his family after- wards found a fure afylum in him: how folicitous he was of doing good and having his charities anfwcr the dcfign of their inftitution, appears from a letter of his dated Mortlake 8th Dec. 1711, to Mr. Mafon the mailer of the Society of Merchants in Briftol, the truftees of his charity. — " Your letter was received by me with great fatisfaclion, becaufe it informs me that the Merchants-Hall have made choice of fo deferving a gentleman for their mafter, by whom I cannot in the leaft think there will beany neglefl: of their affairs, fo neither of want of care, in feeing mv truft repofed in them religioufty performed, becaufe thereon depends the welfare or ruin of fo many poor boys, who may in time be made ufeful as well to your city as the nation by their future honeft endeavours, the which that they may be is what I principally defire and recommend unto you. Sir, and the whole Society. Your humble fcrvant, EDWARD COLSTON." When fome friends urged him to marry, his ufual reply was with a fort of pleafantnefs, " every helplefs widow is my wife and her diftreffed orphans my children." — What adds greatly to his charaCler as a charitable man, he per- formed all thcfe works of charity, however great and extenfive, in his life time; invefted revenues for their fupport in truftees hands, lived to fee the trufts juftly executed, as they are to this day ; and perceived with his own eyes the good C 656 2 good efFeCls of all his edablifliments. — That his great fortune might the lefs embarrafs him with worldly cares, he placed it out chiefly in government fecurities, and the eflatcs he bought to endow his hofpital were chiefly ground rents. And notwithftanding all thcfe public largefles he provided amply for all his relations and dependents, leaving more than ioo,oool. amongft them. Rev. Charles Codwvn, B. D. fellow of Baliol College, Oxford, grandfonof Dr. Francis Godwyn, Bifliop of Hereford, and great grandfon of Dr. Francis Godw) n, BifiiopofBath and Wells; was educated the greatefl part of his life in Briflol. His humanity, modeft^y, candour, probity and inoflxMifive and un- blamcable life, as well as his learning and knowledge of antiquities, juftly endeared him to his friends, to whom he was very communicative. — He died the 23d of April 1770, and left a well chofen and valuable library, and a large colleflion of coins ancient and modern, and the bulk, of his fortune to the univerfity of Oxford. He was interred at his own rcquefl in the chapel of Wolvcrcott near Oxford. He drew up and tranflatcd the charters of Briflol at therequcft of the corporation, which were publiflied in the year 1736. Sir William Draper was a native of this city, his father being a cuftom-houfe officer of this port, who placed his fon under the Rev. Mr Bryant, mafterof the cathedral grammar-fchool there, where he received the firft rudiments of his learning. He went early into the army, and abroad to the Eafl Indies ; and had his firfl regiment given him in 1757 by the King for his fervices at Madras. — He planned and executed with great conduft and refulution the reduction of the Manilla and the Phillippine Iflands the 6 of Oflober 1762, forwhich bold and fpiritedenterprife hehad the 16th regiment of foot, and had the firft vacant red ribbon given him and was created Knight of the Bath. — The Spaniards protcfted the ranfom bills for Manilla, by which the brave troops on that occafion, with their General, fufi'ered a great lofs, which could not be recovered without involving the nation in a frefli war with Spain. — Sir William purchafed ahoufe at Clifton, in the neighbourhood of his native city; where he levelled the ground oppofite the Roman camp and planted a vifta of yew- trees, and dug up many Roman coins in levelling the ground. — Here he lived retired for fome years, and improved tliis fpot and creQed in the front of his houfc a frecflone obelifl<, with this infcription on the bafe : Gulielmo Pitt, comiti dc Chatham, Hoc Amicitiae privata; tcflimonium, Simul ci honoris publici monumentum, Pofuit Gulielmus Draper. i On [ ^57 ] On the left to anfwer the obelifk is a Cenotaph, confiding of a raifed tomb fupporting a large vafe, with an urn at top, well executed in freeftonc ; engra- ven upon the fide of the vafe are thefe lines : Side gradum, fi quaeefl Britonum tibi cura, Viator, Sifte gradum ; vacuo recolas infcripta fcpulcro Triftia fata virilm, quos Bellicus ardor Eoum Proh dolor ! baud unquam redituros mifit ad orbem : Nee tibi fit lugere Pudor, fi forte tuorum Nomina nota legas, fed cum terraquc marique Inviclos heroum animos et fafta revolvas. Si patriae te tangat amor, fi fama Britannum, Parce triumphales lacrymis afpergere lauros. Quin fi AfizE penetrare finus atque ultima Gangis Pandere clauftra pares, Indofque lacepfere Bello Ex his virtutem difcas, verumque laborem. Fortunam ex aliis. A table beneath is infcribed withand contains the names of the places taken and of thofe officers of the 39th regiment who perifhed in the Indian war, in taking Arcot, Pondicherry, Manilla, and the Phillippine Iflands. Sir William engaged in a literary controverfy with the celebrated Junius in defence of theMarquisofGranby, and fliewed himfelf able at the pen as well as the fword, tan marte quam Mercurio. — He afterwards left Clifton and lived at Bath and London, where he died. Ll L £. [ 6'59 j ANNALES BRISTOLLI^; O R, ANNALS OF THE CITY. A. D. 50 nr^HE Roman armies having about this time made incurfions into 51 -*- the remoteft parts of Britain, their proprajtors took pofTef- 52 fion of the moft advantageous ports on the heights and on the great rivers and fortified them with ftrong camps, fee p. 7 to 30 ; which from Rations became in time to be inhabited, and were like cities, taking the name often of the rivers, on the banks of which they were con- flruftedj hence the camps at Clifton and Rownham Hill near Briftol, on the river Avon, in the Itinerary had the name Abone, and from them the Britifh city Caer Brito or Brightftow, rofe up and flouriflied under the immediate care and proteClion of Ostorius Scapula, p. 21, who according to Tacitus at this time " cinflis Caftris Sabrinam et Antonam fluvios cohibere parat. 53 The Roman Ration Abone being 12 or 14 miles from their colony 54 or city Aquae Solis, Bath, and the next Ration to it on the road from 55 thence to the city Cacr Went acrofs the Severn, foon increafed, and 56 in a few years became a moR important fortrefs, confiRing of three 57 Rrong camps placed on both fides of the river Avon, and conRantly 58 occupied with troops; and had other entrenched poRs on I.eigh- 59 Down, and at Sea-Mills, Henbury and AlmondRjury attendant upon 60 it ; the ruins of all which are Rill to be fcen. — As this received a con- &c. tinual fupplv of Roman inhabitants, it became a place of fettlcmcnt &C. and a fixed Ration to them, and the city Cal-r Brito or BriRov/ near it, L y. I. I. 2 fooii [ 66o ] A. D. foon enlarged itfclf by a conflux of Britons living in fecurity under the Roman government, civilized by free and mutual intercourfe, adoptincr their manners and habits, and leaving their wandering life in woods built houfes and erefted towns for their cohabitation, and by inter- marriages and trafficking with them in fupplying the garrifons with provifions ^>9 ] fhall anfwer at due time for the fame according to the form of tlic (latutc of fuch recognifances at Wenminfter fct forth. And moreover the burgelTcs fhall have view of frank pledge in the town and fuburbs thereof for the good fervice done by them to the King and his progenitors, and for a fine paid, with all things to fuch view belonging, and (hat they fhould not be queftioned for what has been done before. Witnefs the King at Weflminfler the 28th of February in the id year of his reign, and confirmed the 5th. A. D. 1217 1218 i2ig 1220 1221 3 22 2 1223 1224 1225 1226 1227 1228 1229 1230 1231 1232 1233 1234 1235 1236 1237 1238 1239 1240 1241 1242 12 13 M.WORS. Martin Underyatc. John Athalle. Robert HolbraQ. Roger de Staines. Walter Mom bray. John de Berdwvcke. James de Rowborowc. Walter de Wynton. Hugh de Fairford. John de Marfefielde. Henry Long. Nicholas Higham. John Brufelaunce. Henry de Berdwycke. Elias Spryngham. Walter le Fraunces. Richard Ayhvard. Jordan Brown. James le Warre. Richard de Horton. Phillip de Pawlet. Thomas de Wefton. Robert le Bell. Richard Aylward. Prepositors. Richard Martyn, Hugh Upwell. Richard Palmer, John Snowe. John Oldliam, Henry Vynpenny. Peter leGoldfmith, Robert de Monmouth. John de Rumney, Philip le Coke, Robert de Wefton, William Dexe. Thomas le Spycer, Walter Ubbely. Robert Martyn, John Metheham. Richard de Bury, John de Broadways. William Colepeke, Nicholas Coker. Alexander Rope, Henry de Tame. William Chard, Richard Bryan. Nicholas de Portbury, Wm. de Hayles- Ralph Atfhip, \\'alter Ic Rede. John de KerdyfF, John Atwall. Henry le Walleys, Thomas de Pedefton. Gilbert le Plomer, Thomas le Chaloner. Thomas Updyke, John Ergleys. William Clarke, John de Belliter. William Goldc, Richard de Bury. Thomas Aylward, Roger Cantockc. Richard Ofmonde, John de Gallande. William le Chilton, Henry le Challoncr. \^'m. de Bellcmonte, Rob. de Kilmainam. The ground in the Marfh of St. Auguflinc was now purchafcd of Abbot Bradfton for making the trench called the Quay, fee p. 68. William Spackftonc. William de Leigh, Robert Parment. John Veils. Thomas Rice, Richard Hackall. Ralph Moiny. Paul Cut, Roger Snake. 1244 C 670 ] A. D. MAVoRi. Prepositors. J 244 Walter Ncfliam. Ralph Nupton, John Walker. This year King Henry granted the following charter: — " Hcnrv King of England Lord of Ireland Duke of Normandy and Acquitain and Earl of Anjou. Knowvc, that we do grant and h)- this our char- ter conHrm, for us nnd onr heirs, to the burgeifes of BriRol, that they may out of themfelyes, chofe a coroner. And the burgeffes through the trcfpafs of feryants fhall not forfeit their goods. And if any of the burgeffes fliould die within our land or jurifditlion, their goods fhall not be forfeited by death with or without a will. And they fliall have their liberties as free as the ciiy of London. And the negleB: of ufage of privileges fliall be no prejudice. And all their liberties fliall be by them freely enjoyed. The difturbers thereof fliall forfeit 20I. And we do grant and confirm the faid charter, as it doth reafbnably teflify. And moreover we do grant to the burgeffes, for us and our heirs, that they and their fucceffors, burgeffes of the faid town for ever, fhall be free of murage, ftallage, and pannage through all England and the dominion thereof. And whenever they fhall choofe their mayor in the town aforcfaid (time of war excepted) they fliall prefent him to the conflable of the caflle of Briftol as he was wont to be at the Exchequer, ;uid thereof fhall certify to the treafurer. Thefe being witneffes ; our befl beloved brother, Edmund Earl of Kent &c." Dated the 28th year of his reign, and confirmed the 40th. 1245 Elias de Axbridge. J"hn de St. Barbara, Richard de Tilley. 1246 Richard Froflall. David le Wright, Richard de Lemfler. 1247 Richard Aylward. \\'illiam Tonnard, John Norfolk. The following charter was granted by Henry the 3d. — " Henricus Dei Gratia &:c. Sc.iatis &c. Know ye, that we have granted for us and our heirs to our burgeffes of Redclive in the fuburbs of Briftol, that they for ever fliall anfwer with our burgeffes of Briflol before our juflices, as our faid burgeffes of Briftol do anfwer, and where they anfwer and not elfewhere: wherefore we will and firmly command for us and our heirs, that our faid burgeffes of Red- clive in the fuburb of Briftol do anfwer with our burseffes of Briftol before our juftices as our faid burgeffes of Briftol do anfwer and where they anfwer and not elfewhere as aforefaid. Thefe being witneffes, Richard Earl of Cornwal our brother, Richard de Clare Earl of Glocefter and Hertford, John Maunfel provoft &c. Given under our hand at Wodeftoke the 28th of July in the 31ft year of our reign, 1247." About [ 671 ] About the fame time Maurice Fitzliarding confirmed to his men of RedclKF, ^^•hich was in his lordfhip or fee, all their liberties and cufloms which Robert his father had granted them in Henrv the id's, time, which fee before p. 73. " Mauritius filius Robcrti omnibus hominibus fuis Sz aiuicis falutem. Sciatis mc concefriffc & hac cai ta mca confirmaffc hominibus meis de Redclive omnes confuetudines libertates & quietancias quas habucrunt in tempore patris mei Sc quas pater meus iis carta fua confirmavit : hi funt tcfles Elias Capellanus, magifter Mauritius, Adam Dapifer & alii. After obtaining this charter of the King, the mayor, burgeffes and com- monalty ofBriftol, with the confcnt and joint charges of the men of Redclive, and the governors alfo of Temple fee, (the trench for forming the New Key or Quay begun in 1240, being now completed,) begun building a large ftonc bridge over the Avon, p. 75. Henry the 3d. alfo confirmed the charter of King John, and granted to the burgeffes an additional liberty, that none of them for the future fhould be molefled by any of his juftices of the forefl: or any of his bailiffs for venifon found within the walls of the fame town. Dated at Wodeftoke the 36th year of his reign. A. D. Mayors. Prepositors. 1248 Reginald de Panes. .1°^" Wcflon, Walter de Berkham. The charter of the town being now enlarged the fiiire ftones were fet up, both on Somerfet and Gloceflerfhire fides, how far the city bounds fhould go ; which were again more particularly afcertained afterwards by perambulation, and the charter of Edward the 3d. 1249 Galfridus le Wright. Walter Tropp, William Snake. 1250 John Adrian. Vv alter Dalmagc, Henry Farnham. 1251 Roger deBury. Thomas de Norwood, John Cornhill. 1252 Elias Long. Rob. de Bellemont, Gilbert de Malbrege. 1253 Thomas Rowfe. John Attwood, John Atknowle. 1254 Raynold White. Ralph Ouldham, William Hafeldenc. 1255 Henry Adrian. Hugh Mitcliel, William Sevar. The King bellowed on his fon Prince Edward the town of BriUol and other revenues. 1256 Adam de Berkham. Robert Shirley, William Freebody. A great famine in Brifiol, provifions were fo fcarce that people often fought for the carcafes of dogs and other carrion ; wheat fold here for 16s. the bufhel. Prince Edward was taken by the Barons, who by the King's connivance had enriched himfclf by the fpoils of the A. D. [ 672 ] the country, the firll caufe of the barons wars. The army oeing dif- charged came and abode at Briftol, until the Prince made his efcape, and they then went to the battle of Evefliam. Mayors. Prepositors. 1257 Roger de Stokes. Thomas Eldifliam, Robert Pickeridge. 1258 Clemenf Romney. Roger Piper, Thomas Winficld. 1259 William de GlouceRer. John Plartniorn, Robert Hornebey. 1260 John de Lync. Ralph de Bird, Roger deCantock. Robert de Peretone, Abbot of Glaflonbury, difcharged the many debts of his abbey; Roger de Cantocke, citizen and prepofitor of Briftol, demanded 82lb. of filver, owing fince the laft abbot's time ; but it was compromifed by the interpofition of friends, and the abbot paid him 15 pounds. 1261 Robert Kilmanam. Thomas Tremworth, Richard Ruftheton. 1262 Adam de Berkham. Thomas Hemmingfield, Geoffry Uflicr. 1263 Thomas Rowfe. Harry de Puxton, Robert Tremworth. Prince Edward a prifoner in the caftle of Briftol. 1264 Henry Adrian. Jofeph Caparon, William Chadbourn. 1265 Stephen Ormftone. Ralph Bardwin, John E.xhall. Prince Edward took Briftol caftle from the barons, and the town was fined loool. 1266 Thomas Sclby. Raynold Richards, John Puxton. 1267 Simon Clarke. William de Bclmontc, Roger de Berckam. This year the prepofitors were called Senefchals or Stewards. Mayors. Seneschals. 1268 Robert Manfell. Jo''*" Legatt, Peter Marten. 1269 Robert Fifher. Simon Adrian, Roger Draper. 1270 Ralph Palden. Richard de Clifton, Thomas Hafelden. 1271 John WifTcy. Roger de Cantock, William Bradwick. 1272 Richard de Welles. Robert Snowand, Simon de Wedmorc. 1273 Peter de Keinftiam. Jo^^" Salkin, Ralph de Ax. 1274 Thomas de Hafelden. Simon Adrian, William de Marina. 1275 Gerrard le Francis. John de Portfhead, Robert Lancafter. 1276 Simon de Bardney. Rob. de Kingfwood, Raynald de Capener. 1277 John de Lydeyard. Robert Truelove, William de Scriven. 1278 Roger le Tavernor. John Bryan, Nicholas Atokcs. Wars were now between King Edward and Lewcllin Prince of Wales, in the midftof which four fhips of Briftol took a prize near the iftand A. D. 1279 1280 1281 1282 1283 1284 1285 1286 1287 1288 1289 1290 1291 1292 1293 1294 1295 1296 1297 1298 1299 1300 1301 1302 1303 1304 »305 Seneschals. John Iloddy, Thomas Conon. John dc Cardiff, Robertde Whetmarfh. William Wedmore, Robert Golding. Richard Atokes, William Boyfe. [ 073 ] ifland of Scilly, in which was the intended fpoufe of Lewellin and daughter of Simon Montford, which was well accepted by the Kin^. See Langtoft's chronicle. Mayors. Peter de Rumney. John Beauflour. \\'illiam Horncaftle, Roger Piper, (fome Thomas Coker.) Peter de Rumney. Richard Tunbrill, William Whitchwell. King Edward ift. came from Wales to Bridol about the middle of December, and kept his ChriRmas here with much content and fatis- faclion, and held a parliament. Richard de Mangotsfield. Henry Horncaftle, Galfrid Snell. Thomas de Wefton, John Tonney. William Howden, Thomas Preftley. Thomas Royfton, John Bennington. John de Cheddre, John le Long. Hugh de Langbridge, John Francis. Simon de Burton, William Randolph. John de Cheddre, John de Snow. Walter Glen, Simon Ricroft. Walter Godfhalf, Thomas de \Vefton. Robert de Ottery, William Rowbrough. This year the mayor founded the church of St. Mary RedclifF, and alfo the alinfhoufein the Long-Row in St. Thomas parifh, fee p. 567. Richard de Mangotsfield John de la Ware. Roger de Grafton. Roger ie Draper. Roger Turtle. Richard Mangotsfield. Simon de Burton. Thomas de Tilly. Walter Francis. Simon de Bourton. William Randolph. Simon de Bourton. John Snow. Richard Mangotsfield. Roger Turtle. Thomas de Tilly. Walter de Adrian. Simon de Bourton. Thomas le Grave. Simon de Bourton. Simon de Bourton. Thomas Updifh, Robert Holdbufli. Robert de Ottery, William Rowbrough. John de Long, Adam Welfliot. Jeffery Godfhalf, William Marina. John Francis, Hugh de Langbridge. Richard de Colepitt,Wm. de GlafTonburv. Robert Boflock, Jolm Horflialt. Robert Ottery, Nicholas Rowbrough. John Tike, Roger Beauflour. William Updifli, Robert Hornhurfl. N> Robert Ottery, Nicholas Rowbrough. N N N Tht .?/*?. [ 674 ] A. D. 1306 1307 1308 1309 1310 1311 1312 1313 1314 1315 1316 i3'7 1318 1319 1320 1321 1322 1323 1324 1325 1326 1327 1328 1329 1330 1331 1332 1333 »334 1335 The town of Briftol gave the King 400I. and it was paid into the treafury, to be freed from certain payments required of ail cities and towns. Mayors. Seneschals. William Randolph. John de Chedder, John de Long. John Snow. Nicholas Brerton, Thomas de Barwici<, JohnTaverner. William Le Olive, Gilbert Pickering. King Edward came to Briftol with Gavefton in his way to Ireland, tO' bring him on his way thither. John Taverner. Robert de Ottery, Adam Welfcott. William Randolph. Joh" Ramney, Walter Trapin. J. Danfelier. Thomas Spicer, Robert Randolph. William Hore. John Beauflower, Thomas le Spicer. John le Taverner. Lawrence de Gary, Richard de Whitt. This year fenefchals were left out and bailiffs chofen in their place. Bailiffs. Richard Winfman, John le Honte. Robert Holburt, John Wellifhotte. Richard Colepeck, Henry Winpenny. Thomas Fraunces, Hugh de Langbridge. Richard de Paines, Richard le White. Roger de Littlebury, Jeffery de Wraxall. William Hangfield, Hughde Prowt. Gilbert Pickeril, Clement Turtle. Thomas le Spicer, Hugh de Langbridge. Everard le Fraunces, Stephen le Spicer. Stephen le Spicer, Gilbert Pickerill. John Fraunces, Walter Prentis. Robert Guy en, Robert de Wrynton. John de Romney, Nicholas Free. John Atwell, Henry de Francis. Roger Plewett, Henry Babcarv. Stephen de Spicer, Henry Babcary. Jofias de Ramy, Thomas Terpin. Stephen le Spicer, Henry Babcary. Jofias de Ramy, Peter Teftin. Stephen le Spicer, Thomas Terpin. Richard dc Calne, Walter de Peleveli. 1336 Raynald de Paines. William Randolph. Robert PalTons. Richard Tilly. Roger Terrill. William de Axe. • Richard de Tilly. Richard de Tilly. Roger Terrill. |ohn de Keinfliam.. John de Romney. John dc Romney. Roger Turtle. Hugh de Langbridge. John Francis. John dc Axbridge. Roger Turtle. Everard le Frances. Roger Turtle. Roger Turtle. Hugh Lanbridge. Roger Turtle, 7 times mayor. C ^75 J A. D. Mayors. Eaififfs. 1336 Everard le Frances. Thomas Tilly, John de Laxhani. 1337 Stephen le Spicer. Robert de Wrington, John le Spiccr. 1338 Stepiicn le Spiccr. Peter Teftin, William Hanny. 1339 Everard le Frances. Thomas Turpine, John de Cobbinton. 1340 Roger Turtle. James Tilly, Thomas Blanket. 1341 Roger Turtle. Thomas Turpine, Thomas Blanket. 1342 Robert Wrington. William Hains, Thomas Albon. 1343 Stephen le Spicer. John Curtis, William Hanny. ^344 Stephen le Spicer. William Hains, Thomas Albon. 1345 Robert Gwyen. John Neal, James Tilly. William de Colford, then recorder of Briftol, at the requeft of the commonalty drew up the ordinances, cuftoms, and liberties of the town and recorded them in writing, together with the by-laws and other memorable things for a perpetual remembrance ; and the mayor calling to his affiftance 48 of the more powerful and principal citizens as Roger Turtle, Robert Gyen, Sec. they agreed on many ufcful laws and ordinances, which were confirmed by the charter obtained of Edward the 3d. dated the 16th of Oftober in the 5th year of his rei"-n including thofe of Henry the 3d. Edward the 2d. John Earl of Moreton. Amongfl: many regulations then made it was ordered that no leprous man flay within the precinQs of the town, nor any common woman remain within its walls ; andiffuch women be found rcfidinfr there then the doors and windows of the houfes fliall be unhung and carried by the ferjeants of the mayor to the houfe of the confiable of the ward and there to be kept till the women be removed. — That no whore fhould ever appear in the flrccts, or even within the bars in St. James's without their head covered (capite (Iragulato) &c. &c. 1346 Robert Gwyen. Robert Codner, William Hanny 1347 Robert Wrington. Roger Banner, Walter Wenlake. 1348 John le Spicer. John Cobbington, Roger Prentis. In Januarv this year the plague raged far and near, Rcgifl. Radulp. Epifc. Wellens. 1349 Robert Gwyen. Edmund Blanket, Ravnald French. 1350 John Wickham. John dc Caftlccary, V/alter Darby. 1351 John Spicer. Robert Chedre, Walter Derby. 1352 John de Cobbinion. Thomas de Coventrv, John de Caftlecary. X N N N 2 '353 [ 676 ] A. D. Mayors. 1353 Richard Ic Spycer. 1354 Richard le Spycer. *355 Thomas Babcary. 1356 Reynald le French. 1357 Walter Frampton. 1358 Reynald le French. ^359 Thomas Babcary. 1360 Robert Chedre. 1361 Richard Brandon. 1262 Robert Chedre. 1363 Walter Derby. 1364 John Stokes. 1365 Walter Frampton. 1366 John Stokes. 1367 Walter Derby. J 368 John Bath. 1369 Elias Spelly. 1370 John Bathe. J 371 Richard Spycer. Bailiffs. Robert Attwall, John Stoke. John Stoke, Richard de Dean. Richard Hemming, John Cobbinton. Walter Derbv, Thomas Inhing, Richard Bromdon, JefFery Beauflower. John Stoar or Sore, Henry Vyell. Walter Derby, John Stoke. F.lias Spelly, Henry SomerweU. Walter Derby, William Canynges. Elias Spelly. Henry Willifton. Henry Willifton, William Woodrover. William Hayle, John Bate. |ohn de Stowe, Henry Willifton. William Somervell, John Keenc. William Dagon, John Blunt. John Blunt, John Vyell. William Canynges, John Vyell. Thomas Beaupenny, Henry Vyell. John Inhynge, John Prefton. Mayors. Sheriffs. Bailiffs. 1372 Wm. Canynges. John Vyell. Tho. Sampfon, Walter Hudly. 1373 Wm. Canynges. John Vyell. Tho. Sampfon, Nich. Studley. This year a new charter was granted by Edward the 3d. fee Briftol charters p. 6. by which the King willing to help the town, and on account of the good behaviour of the burgelfes towards him, and of their good fervice by their fliips and otherwifc done in times paft, and for a fine of 600 marks by them paid, granted the town to be feparatcd from Glocefterlliire and Somerfetfliire and to be henceforth a county of itfelf, to have one fherifF out of three returned into chancery to be chofen by the King, who is to be efcheator, the fheriff to hold his court the firfl Monday in every month ; and the mayor to hold his court as hath been accuflomed. — The mayor after his eleftion fhall take his oath before his next predecefTor mayor in the Guildhall, and not be prefcntcdto the conftable of the caftle to be by him accepted ; that the mayor and fherifF are to hear and determine the feveral offences, and no other juftice to intermeddle ; and that the mayor have power to enroll deeds of lands, tenements «fec. within the faid town in like manner as in chancery, with power C 677 ] power to prove wills of lands &c. within tlie faid town, and to put the legacies in execution : that they fhall be burdened to fend but two knights and bur- geffes to parliament; and in cafe any thing new and of difficulty fhall happen, the mayor and fheriff fliall choofe 40 honeft men, who together fhall have power to make bye-laws and to raife taxes for the necefTity and profit of the town. — All difturbers to be puniflied by the mayor and fheriff, and all former liberties and charters are alfo confirmed. — WitnefFes William -Archbifhop of Canterbury primate of all England, and others, dated at Wodeftock the 8th of Augufl, the 47th of Edward the 3d. At the fame time the King granted a commiffion to 12 men of Briftol, 12 of Gloceftefhire, and 12 of Somerfetfliire, by perambulation to fix by verdift the meets and bounds of the town, as in page 105, which fee. — This charter was confirmed by parliament. A. D. Mayors. 1374 Walter Frampton. 1375 Wm. Canynges. 1376 Walter Derby. 1377 Tho. Beaupeny. 1378 Elias Spelly. 1379 J°^" Stokes. 1380 Walter Derby. 1381 Wm. Canynges. 1382 Elias Spelly. 1383 Tho. Beaupenny. 1384 Walter Derby. 1385 Wm. Canynges. 1386 Thomas Knappe. 1387 Wm. Somervell. 1388 JohnVyell. 1389 Wm. Canynges. 1390 Elias Spelly. 1391 Thomas Knappe. 1392 John Canynges. 1393 John Somervell. 1391 Wm. Froome. 1395 John Barftable. 1396 Thomas Knappe. '397 John Banbury. Sheriffs. Tho. Beaupeny. Henry Vycll. Wm. Somervell. Walter Studly. Wm. Coombe. Tho. Knappe. Wm. Somervell. John Candever. John Canynges. Rob. Candever. Tho. Sampfon. John Somervell. Peter Barogh. Wm. Froome. Wm. Wodrowe. John Barflable. Tho. Athay. Baimi FS. Tho. Sutton, Reginald Towker. No bailiffs this year. Wm. Coombe, Tho. Knappe. Tho. Sampfon, Wal. Tyddeley. Wm. Elingham, John Stanes. John Stanes, John Barftablo. Rob. Candever, John Canynges. Walter Seymor, John Prillon. John Stanes, Wm. Warmifter. John Somervell, Peter Barogh. John Young, Wm. Draper. Roger Tucker, John Bright. Wm. Froome, Thomas Athay. Thomas Colllon, John Snell. Tho. Athay, John Stephens. John Banbury,John Havering. Rob. Dudbrook, John Sclwoddc John de Banbury. John Burtone, Ric. Hantcford. Walter Seymour. Tho. Norton, Ric. Brookworth. Wm. Solers, Thomas Blunt. John Pry Hon, John Cafllc. R' Dudbrook, John dcSodbury. R'- Brookworth, John Hardwitk. Wm. Draper, Henry R(jkcrill. 1398 John Havering. John Stephens. Roger Toker. ■Wm. Warmifter. John Pryflon. C 678 ] A. D. Mayors. 1398 John Canyngcs. 1399 Thomas Knappe 1400 Wni. Froome. 1401 John Barflable. 1402 John Stephens. 1403 Thomas Knappe. 1404 Rob. Dudbrook. 1405 John Barftable. 1406 John Droyfe. 1407 Thomas Blunt. 1408 John Fiflier. 1409 John Droyfe. Sheriffs. Bailiffs. Robert Baxter. Jo'i" I'-' Manner, John Sodbu: >% Thomas Blunt. Tho. Glocefler, Jeffry Barber. Robert Dudbrook. Mark Williams, John Seelv. Thomas Norton. Rich. Paines, Simon Algod. Thomas Young, Nich. Exetor. John Droyes, Adam Inhyng. Robert RufTell, Gilbert Joyce. John Cleve, John Newton. Jam. Crokys, David Dudbrook. John Spyne, Robert Barflable. John Shipward, John Leycefter. John Sutton, Wm. Bendey. John Seely. Thomas Gloufter. John Droyes. Mark Williams. John Fifher. Thomas Young. John Olyffe. James Cokys. In the parliament of the loth of Henry the 4th. the commons of the counties of Somerfet, Briftol and Wilts, exhibited their petition to the King to remove all wears and obftruftions of the river Avon, which hindered the free paflage of boats and other veflels to the public pre- judice, and much enhanced the price of carriage by water betwixt Bath and Briftol. Before the time of R.ichard the iH. the Avon to Bath was navigable, and wine, wax, fait, wool, fkins and cloth ufed to be carried in vefTels between Bath and BriRol ; and there is a long deed (Clauf. 4. Edw. 1. Pat. ii. M. 4.) being a writ dire£led to the mayor of Briftol, and Richard de Tikehull fheriff of Somerfet, to fee all wears and obftru£lions in the river Avon betwixt Briftol and Bath removed ; that the faid navigation be free and uninterrupted ; which however in the fucceeding reign was again obftruftcd and again ordered to be cleared. Robert Clovelde, Walter Parle. Wm. Stephens, David Ruddeck. Thomas Hendy, Wm. Barret. Wm. Wefterly, Walter Milton. John Draper, John Milton. Nich Baggod, John Shipward. John Burtone, Nicholas Dennis. Roger Levcdon, Walter Milton. Thomas IloUway, John Langley. Henry Gildency, Thomas Fifh. Rich. Trenolde, John Cotton. Richard Arves, Edmund Brown* 142a 1410 John Seely. Nicholas Exeter. 1411 Thomas Young. John Spine. 1412 John Cleve. John Sharpe. 1413 Thomas Norton. John Newton, 1414 John Droyes. Robert RufTell. i4»5 John Sharpe. Wm. Bendy. 1416 Thomas Blount. David Dudbrook, 1417 Robert RuflcU. John Leycefter. 1418 John Newton. John Burtone. M»9 James Cokis. David Ruddock. 1420 Thomas Young. Roger Lavindon. 1421 John Spyne. Nicholas Baggod. [ ^79 ] A, D. Mayors. 1422 Mark Williams. Sheriffs. Bailiffs. Richard Trenoldc. Thomas Erie, John Peers. A mint eflablifhcd atBrifto! ftjr Cfiinirif'. 1423 John Burtone. 1424 John Leycefler. 1425 John Cleve. 1426 Robert Ruffell. 1427 John Newton. 1428 Roger Levedon. 1429 John Burtone. 1430 John Leycefler. 1431 Rich. Tranode. 1432 John Sharpe. 1433 John Fiflier. 1434 Tho. Holeway. 1435 John Milton. 1436 Richard Fofter 1437 Clement Baggod. 1438 Hugh Whitford. 1439 J°'^" Sharpe. J 440 Nicholas Freme. 1441 Wm Canynges. 1442 Clement Baggod. 1443 John Stanley. 1444 John Shipyard. Thomas Holway. Thomas Earle. Robert Cloveld. Nicholas Dennis. John Sharpe. Henry Giidney John Heihc, Richard Alexander, Thomas Hook, Walter Powell. Walter Powel, John Snethe. Clemi Baggod, Hugh Whitford. Andrew Parle, John Erie. John Talbot, John Triott. John Shipwarde. Richard Fofter, John Albinton, Hugh Whitford. Wm. Dunftcr, John Papinham. Clement Baggod. Richard Arfoifc. Richard Fofler. Tiiomas Fiflier. John Spycer. Walter Powel. Nicholas Frome. '^\'m. Canvnges. Richard Roper. John Stanley. John Shipward. Nicholas Hill. William Coder. John Spicer, Nicholas Frome. Tho. Noreys, Wm. Canynges. John Englifh, Thomas Markes. Richard Roper, John Stanley. Nicholas Hill, William Clynche^ William Coder, John Forde. Thomas Hore, Thomas Balle. Thomas Mede, John Gofling. William Pavy, John Shipward. John Whiteford, Wm. Howell. Nicholas Stone, Robert Sturing, Richard Hatter, Rich. Haddon. Wm. Skermott, Wm. Powney. Philip Mead, Thomas Rodgers. John Foord. 1445-6 This year about St. Paul's tide RedclifF ftecple was thrown down by a great tempeft; of thunder and lightning, and great damage was received by the faid church, which was re-cdificd by the good devotion of Mr. William Canynges, merchant. 1445- Nicholas Hill. John Bolton. Richard Marfliall, Rich. Bayly. This year a charter was granted the town by Henry 6th. who came to Briftol at this time. He granted to hold and occupy the town to their fuccefTors unto the end and during the term of 60 years in reverfion of 20 years to be ended. And moreover he granted to the mayor. Sic. during the faid term of 60 years certain liberties, franchifes, &c. under a cer- tain form, yielding and paving yearly to King Henry 6th. and his heirs at the end of the faid 20 years, during the faid term of 60 years, 102!; 15s. 6d. at the fcaft of Eaflcr and St. Michael the archangel, by equal portions [ 68o 3 portions to the abbot of Tcwkefbury 14I. 10s. to the prior of St. James of Briftol, and to his luccefTors for the tirne being, for the annual rent of the mill of the faid town, 3I. to tlic conllablc of the caftle of BriRol, and his of- ficers for the time being, that is to fay, to the porter of the gate and watch- men of the cafllo, and to tlie forefler of Kingfwood, 39I. 14s. 6d. to be paid during the term of fixty years as aforefaid. He alfo granted all fines, forfeit- ures, &c. in as full manner as if he had retained the town in his own hands ; fo that the mayor and commonalty may levy, gather, and receive and retain all floods forfeited to the ufe and profit of the fame mayor and commonalty and their fucceffors for ever, and alfo have the court of view of frank-pledge, &c. (the efcheat of lands and tenements in times to come happening being always excepted) all the before-mentioned privileges, liberties, &c. within the faid town and prccinfts thereof happening or to happen he granted fully, and wholly to the mayor, &c. yielding and paying 102I. 15s. 6d. in manner as aforefaid. Sheriffs. John Troyte. Thomas Balle. William Pavie. Thomas Hore. Robert Sturmy. Richard Hatter. Thomas Mead. William Howell. Philip Mead. Thomas Rodgers. William Daine. This year Queen Margaret came toBriftol with her nobility. '457 William Coder. JohnWickham. John Gierke, Robert Ball. 1458 Philip Mead. }ohn Baggott. John Hawks, John Jav, junr, 1459 Thomas Rodgers. Robert Jakis. John Gaywood, John Saint. 1460 Wm. Ganyngcs. Tho. Kenyflbn. Wm.Woddington, Lewis Morris. J461 Philip Mead. William Spencer. Robert Strange, Henry Balle. Edward 4th. in September came to Briftol, and had SirBaudwin Ful- ford. Bright, and HefTant, Efqrs. beheaded. See p. 220. 1462 John Wickham. Rich. Alberton. John Fofter, JefFry Griffith. 1463 John Shipward. John Hawkins. William Bird, Walter Cofton. 1464 William Coder. John Cogan. William Rokye, John Gyton. 1465 A. D. Mayors. 1446 Richard Fofter. 1447 Richard Fofter. 1448 John Burtone. 1449 Wm. Canynges. 1450 John Burtone. 1451 John Stanley, 1452 William Coder. 1453 Robert Sturmy. 1454 Richard Hatter. 1455 Jobn Shipward. 1 456 Wm. Canynges. Bailiffs. William Deane, William Talbot. William Rolph, John Wickham. John Eaftmande, John Bennet. Rich. Abberton, Wm. Spencer. John Sharpe.junr. Wm. Dillyng. Robert Jakes, John Hofier. Thomas Afh, William Raines. Nicholas Long, Tho. Keynfliam. William Hatton, John Cogon. John Baggott, Robert Bolton. Henry Chefter, John Jay, fenr. C 681 J A. D 1465 1466 1467 J468 1469 1470 1471 1472 »473 »474 M75 1476 1477 1478 1479 1480 1481 1482 1483 1484 1485 i486 1487 1488 1489 1490 1491 1492 1493 1494 •t495 1496 1497 1498 1499 1500 Sheriffs. John George- John Gavwood. John Hooper. Robert Strange. William Bird. Henry Chefter. Mayors, William Spencer Wm. Canynges. Robert Jakys. Philip Mead. John Shipyard. Tho. Kainlham. John Hawkes. John Cogan. "William Spencer Robert Strange. William Bird. John Baggott. John Shipward. William Spencer. John Shyven, Edmund Weftcott. John Powke. Wm. Wodington. William Duket John Fofter. Wm. Wickham. Henry Vaughan. Bailiffs. J. Shipward, junr. E. Wcftcot. Walter Grimfteed,Tho. Rowley. Wm. \\"ickham, John Skevyn. John Lancorton, John Goodard. Henry Vaughan, John Powke. John Stevens, William Dokett. Wm. Weddington. John Powke, John Eaflerfield. John Jay. John Gurncy, John Gregory. Edmund Weftcott. John Swayne, Thomus Flexall, John Fofter. Thomas Hexton, Wm. Rowley. Thomas Rowley. John Sing, Richard Sherman. John Chefter, Philip Caple. John Batkok, Clement Wiltfhiro. John Drewes, Richard Bond. John Griffith, John Wofwall. Rob. Bonnok, John Houndeflow. Wm. Regent, John Langforde. Thomas Spicer, Henry Dale. John Vaughan, Wm. Gawnfell. John Hemming, William Spyccr. Philip Kingfton, Hugh Joncs^ John Jay, Thomas ap Howell. Nicholas Brown, John Walfh. Clement Wiltfliire. John Howell, John Hurler. Thomas Spicer. Jol"i Taylor, Robert Fourtie. William Regent. Rich. Vaughan, Geo. Mononx. The ftone bridge on the Were now made, and the ftreets new paved. The city gave the King 500I. as a benevolence. William Toker. Henry Dale. David Cogan, John Fiftier. Clement Wiltfhire. John Drewes. John Popley, Roger Dawes. Henry Vaughan. Philip Kingfton. John Keynes, Philip Green. Matthew Juhbes. Nicholas Brown. Hugh Jones. Robert Strange. Henry Vaughan. Wm. Wickham. John Pynke. John Eafterfield. John Stephens. John Swaine. Edmund Weftcott. Richard Sherman Wm. Wickham. John Snigg. John Eafterfield. John Pinke. Robert Strange. John Stevens. John Cheftre. John Eafterfield. William Regent. John Drewes. Henry Dale. Philip Kingfton. Nicholas Brown. Rich. \'aughan. William Eallby, John Rowland. David Lyfton, John Jones. Thomas \'aughan, John Elliott. Richard Vaughan. William Lane, John Spicer. John Jay. John Vaughan, Tho. Weftcott. Philip Green. Richard Hobby, Walter Rice. Hugh Elliot and John Batten, IhcrilFs this year. O o o o A C 682 ] A new charter granted this year from Henry 7th. to the corporation, that they (hall have fix aldermen, the recorder to be one, with like powers as the alder- men of" London, to be chofen for the firft time by the mayor and common coun- cil and always after by the aldermen. And that the two bailiffs to be chofen as of old hath been iifed, fhall likewife be flieriffs of the county, and be fworn into and execute both offices. And the mayor and two of the aldermen, in- ftead of the fherifl's as before, are (with the alfent of the commonalty) to choofe the forty coinmon council-men, with the fame powers as were granted to them by the charter of the .{jlh of Edward the 3d. And that for the futvire there fhall be one chamberlain, who fliall be defied by the mayor and common council in the Guildhall : the perfon fo elefted fhall be a burgefs, and continue in that office fo long as the mayor and common council fliall pleafe : he fhall alfo take his oath to perform the office of chamberlain before the mayor, &c. and alfo fliall have a feal affixed to his office, with the like pow- ers as the chamberlain of the city of London. That if any of the town of Briftol, &c. for the future fliall be difobedient to the ordinances of the mayor, aldermen, and common council, or fliall be any ways abetting or caufe dif- turbance on the eleftion of the mayor, or any other officer whatfoever, the of- fender fliall be puniflied according to the law of the kingdom of England, by the mayor and two of the aldermen. And alfo the faid mayor fliall have power to take the probates of wills of lands, tenements, rents, and tenures, within the faid town, fuburbs, and precinfts of the fame, bequeathed within two years after the death of the teftator : fo that fuch tenements and legacies be pro- claimed in full court of the Guildhall of Briflol, and enrolled in the rolls of the fame court, the enrolment fliall be of record ; and from thence the faid mayor and hisfuccelfors may have power to put the legacies aforefaid in execution by his officers in form of law, or by due procefsto be made before them by writ ex gravi querela, at the profecution and elcclion of any man who will profecute the fame. And that the mayor and one alderman may hold their courts, and fuch pleas and plaints as at any time before have been ufcd and accuftomed, for the time being for ever. And that all fines and amerciaments fliall come to the mayor and commonalty of the town, without accounting to the King, Jiis heirs, or fucccffors. Alfo Henry the 7th. in the firfl year of his reign, dated at Weftminftcr, September 24, did give and grant to Thomas Hoflcins the oflice of bailiflf of ihe water of the town of Brillol for term of his life, and at his deceafe it is "ranted to the mayor and commonalty to chufe one of the burgetfes of the faid town to that oflice, and he fo to continue lb long as it fhall pleafe the mayor ap-d [ 6Ss ] and aldermen of the faid town for the time being, and he fhall be named Bai- liff of the Water, alias \^^1tcr-Bailiff of the faid town; and the mayor, &c. fliall have power to nominate and conRitiite the wages, fees, &c. to the faid office due and anciently accuftomed, yielding to the King and his heirs a rent of four marks of lawful money of England yearly, at the fcaft of St. Mi- chael the Archangel, and to be accountable for no more than the four marks as aforefaid to be paid for the fame office. And we grant that any three of the faid aldermen, whereof two of them fliall be the mayor and recorder of the faid town, may be juftices of goal delivery within the town, and may have for the future for ever the like power with other juftices of gaol delivery, faving always to the King and his heirs all amerciaments at gaol delivery. Thefe be- ing witneffes, our moft dear firft-born fon Arthur, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and others. Dated at Knoll, the 17th of December, in the 15th year of our reign, 1500. See p. 134. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1501 George Mollins. Thomas Snyg, Thomas Paruaunt. 1502 Hugh Jones, alias Brewer. John CoUor, John Capell. In the colleQ.ion of public aBs, upon the gthof December this year, 1502, King Henry gave a patent to James Elliot and Thomas Afliurft, merchants of Briftol, and to John Gonfalez and Francis Fernandez, natives of Portugal, to go with Englifli colours in queft of unknown countries, upon certain terms expreffed in the patent. Richard ap Merrick, William Bedford. William Jefferis, Edward Penfon. Thomas Elliott, John Harris. William Edwards, John Attwillis. John Edwards, Simon Jarvis. John Matthews, William Neal. John Williams, John Wilkins. Robert Hutton, Ralph Aprys* John Hutton, Humphrey Brown. Thomas Dale, Thomas Broke. William Wodey, John Shipman. John Ware, Richard Tonnell. Richard Abyngdon, William Vaughan. Thomas Pacy, Edward Prynne. John Drcwes, John Pope. John Hall, William Dale. O o o o 2 15'^ 1503 Henry Dale. 1504 David Cogan. 1505 Roger Dawes. 1506 Philip Ringfton, 1507 John Vaughan. 1508 Richard Hoby. 1509 John Capell. 1510 John Poplay. 1511 John Rowland. 1512 John Ellyott. 1513 William Bedford. 1514 Robert Thorn J515 Roger Dawes. 1516 John Vaughan. 1517 Richard Hoby. 1518 John Edwards. C 684 ] A. D. Mayors. ^5^9 John Williams. 1520 Roger Dawes. 1521 John Shipman. 1522 John Rowland. 1523 John Williams. 1524 John Hutton. 1525 Richard Abingdon. 1526 Thomas Broke. 1527 John Ware. 1528 Richard Tonnell. 1529 John Shipman. 1530 Thomas White. 1531 Thomas Pacy. 1532 Clement Bays. 1533 William Shipman. 1534 Roger Cook. 1535 1536 1537 1538 1539 1540 1541 1542 Sheriffs. Clement Bays, Robert Sailbrige. William Shipman, Robert Aventry. Robert Eljyott, Roger Coke. Gilbert Cogan, William Chefter. Robert Chapman, John Davis. Thomas JefFeris, John Spring Henry White, John Jervis. George Bathram, David Lawrence. Thomas Nafli, David Hutton. Nicholas Thorn, John Thorn. William Kelke, Thomas Silke. George Hall, Robert Adams. William Carey, John Mancell. John Smith, William Pykes. William Howell, Anthony Pain. John Brampton, Nicholas Woodhoufe. The King and his train went to Thornbury and the mayor fent him ten fat oxen and forty fheep for his hofpitality, and to Queen Ann a filver cup and cover with 100 marks of gold. One manufcript fays. King Henry 8th. went to Thornbury in hispro- grefs, and thence came difguifed toBriftol with certain gentlemen to Mr. Thorn's houfe and fecretly viewed the city, which Mr. Thorn fliewed him, and he faid to Mr. Thorn, " this is now but the towne of Briflol, but I will make it the city of Briflol," which he afterwards did by erefting it into a bifliop's fee. See p. 80, 279. Great difputes about laymen's preaching in Briflol favoured by the mayor, and priefls fent to Newgate. John Hutton. Thomas Hart, John Northal!. Richard Abingdon. Richard Prinn, Thomas Moore. William Chefler. Thomas Winfmorc, Rowland Cowper. Thomas Jeffreys. David Harris, William Jay. George Wifard, an heretic, preached in St. Nicholas church, and was ordered to bear a faggot for his erroneous do£lrine. Roger Cook. William Rowley, William Young. John Springe. See p. 379. William Spratt, Richard Morfe. Richard Watlcy, Robert Saxfe. William Ballard, William Pcpwall. 1543 Robert Elliot. Henry White. [ (>S5 ] A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1543 Thomas Pacy, fenr. Francis Codrington, Thomas Landfdown. The litany was firft fung in Englifli in a general proceffion from Chrift Church unto St. Mary RedclifF. 1544 Nicholas Thorn. John Gurney, Roger Jones. 1545 Robert Adams. William Carr, Robert Davis. 1546 William Gary. John A Weilis, Thomas Joackym. 1547 John Smyth. Thomas Harris, William Tindall. 1548 William Pyckes. Edward Tynte, John Mathews. 1549 William Jay. Edward Prynne, John Stone. 1550 David Harris. Roger Milward, Thomas Sheward. 1551 Roger Gook. William Jones, Nicholas Williams. 1552 William Chefter. Thomas Tyfon, Anthony Standback. ^553 Jo'""" Northall. John Pikes fen. Thomas Pikes jun. 1554 John Smyth. Giles White, John Cutt. He died in his mayoralty and was buried in St. Werburgh's church, he was anceftor of the Smyths of Long-Afhton, fee p. 484. 1555 William Young. Thomas Shipman, John Griffiths. 1556 Robert Saxfe. George Snigg, ^V'illiam Butler. In this year Queen Mary incorporated the Merchant Adventurers to Ruffia into a company, confiding of 4 confuls and 24 affiftants; and Sebaftian Gabotbornin Briftol of Geneofe parents was conftituted the firft governor, being the chief encourager of this branch of trade. 1557 William Pepwall. William Tucker, Arthur Richards. 1558 Robert Adams. John Brown, John Prewett. 1559 Roger Jones. Thomas Chefter, Thomas Kelke. 1560 William Carr. Michael Sowdelay, George Higgins, 1561 John Reekes. John Wade, Thomas Golfton. This year the citizens of Briftol by the induftry and coft of this mayor, were clearly exempted and freed for ever from the marches of Wales, which had been very burdcnfomc to them. 1562 John Stone. John Roberts, William Belflier. 1563 Nicholas Williams. Thomas Young, Richard Davis. 1564 Anthony Standback. Edmund Jones, Thomas Slocomb. 1565 John Northall. William Young, John Jones. A wind-mill was crefted on Brandon-Hill by Mr. Read the town's attorney, where before the chapel of St. Brandon ftood. .566 John Cutt. Phillip Langley, Thomas Aldworth. *5^7 C 686 ] A. D. Mayors. 1567 William Pepwall. 1568 John Stone. 1569 Thomas Chefter. 1570 William Tucker. 157^ John Stone. 1572 John Brown. 1573 Thomas Kelkc. 1574 George Snigg. 1575 John Prewett. 1576 John Wade. 1577 Thomas Colfton. ^578 John Roberts. 1579 Thomas Young. 1580 Thomas Slocombe. 1581 Philip Langley. 1582 1583 1584 1585 1586 Sheriffs. Dominick Chefter, Walter Fykes. Thomas Kyrklanti, Robert Smith. Thomas Rowland, Richard Cole. William Hicks, John Barnes. Thomas Warren, Randolph HafTell. '\\'illiam Gibbons, Robert Kitchen. Edward Porter, William Bird. ^^'illiam Salterne, Robert Halton. Michael Pepwall, Nicholas Blake. John Afli, Richard Afhurft. William Hopkins, Walter Standfaft. William Prewett, Ralph Dole. George Bathram, Francis Knight. William Parfey, William Yate. Bartholomew Cook, Humpry Andrews. By charter this year Queen Elizabeth granted the town 6 more aldermen added to the former 6, with the like powers according to the directions of this and other charters; agreeable to this charter 6 alder- men were fvvorn this year, and the city was divided into 12 wards, over which were fet 11 aldermen, the recorder always made the 12th. Thomas Aldworth. Thomas Pollington, John Webb. A letter wrote by this mayor to Sir F. Walfingham, extant in Hackluit's Voy. v. 3. p. 182. dated March 27, 1583, concerning the Briftol merchants furnifhing 1000 marks and two fliips, one of 60, the other a bark of 40 tons, for the difcovery of the coaft of America S. W. of Cape Breton, and their zeal for the weftern difcovery was greatly commended in a letter from that her Majefty's principal fecretary. Walter Pykes. Walter Davis, William Ellis. Thomas Rowland. Rice Jones, Richard Kelke. Richard Cole. Henry Gough, John Hart. The 17th of March the Earl of Pembroke came from Wales to Briftol to review the trained bands, and he taking the upper hand of the mayor, notice thereof being given to the Queen, fhe fent for him by poft to court and he was committed to the Tower for a time, he paid a fine for the offence. William Hicks. Edward Long, John Hopkins. 1587 [ 687 ] A. D. 1588 1589 1590 1591 1592 1593 1594 1595 1596 1597 1598 »599 1600 1601 1602 1603 1604 1605 1606 Mayors. Sheriffs. John Barnes. William Vawer, Ralph Hurt, Robert Kitchen. Nicholas Hobbs, John Oliver. Four fhips were this year fitted out from Briflol to join the Queen's fleet at Plymouth againll the Spaniards, their names were the Unicorn, the Minion, the Handmaid, and the Ayde. — The 23d of July the Spanifh Armada wasdeftroyed by our fleet, we took 15 great fhips and 4791 men, in our Channel. — All the canvas that was brought to the Back-Hall was bought up and fcntto London to make field tents, par- ticularly for the camp at Tilbury. — We took upon the coaft of Ireland in September 17 more fliips and 5394 men, in all 32 fhips and 10,185 men. John Whitfon, Chriftopher Kedgwin. George Snow, Hugh Griffith. Thomas James, Walter Williams. Richard May, John Young. John Barker, Richard Smith. Matthew Haviland, Thomas Pitcher. Richard Rogers, John Sly. John Boucher, Robert Aldworlh. John Englesfield, Richard George. This year was a fcarcity of provifion in Briflol, every perfon of ability was obliged to keep as many poor perfons in their houfes as their income would permit, for fear of an infurreftion, wheat being then fold for 20s. a bufliel, malt at 8 s. Rye at los. Dantzic Rye at 5s. The parliament in the year 1601 appointed a weekly relief for the poor in every parifh, and the manner how it fliould be raifed. William Bird. John Hopkins. Walter StandfaH:. Thomas Aldworth. Michael Pepwall. Francis Knight. William Parfey. William Yate. John Webb. William Ellis. John Hart. John Hopkins. William Vawer. Ralph Hurt. John Whitfon. Chriflopher Kedgwin. Thomas James. John Barker. William Gary, Abel Kitchen. William Colfton, John Harrifon. John Boulton, Thomas Hopkins. William Hopkins, John Fowncs. Thomas Farmer, John Aldworth. William Barnes, George Richards. William Cole, George Harrington. John Rowbrough, John Guy. Thomas Packer, John Doughty. This year upon the 20th of January, being Tuefday morning, at high-water there arofe fo great a flood that the fea broke down the banks and drowned all the niarfli country. 1607 [ 688 ] A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1607 Matthew Haviland. Robert Rogers, Arthur Neads, 1608 Jolin Boucher. Thomas Moor, William Young. i6og Robert Aldworth Thomas Aldworth, William Challoner. This mayor was a great adventurer in trade and fuccefsful in mer- chandize. John Guy returned from Newfoundland from fettling a colony, leaving his fon there. The great fcarcity of corn the preced- ing year was now fucceeded with a moft plentiful harveR. 1610 John Eglesfield. Thomas Whitehead, William Pitt. i6n William Gary. William Burroughs, Henry Gibbs. Mr. John Guy, with a preacher and feveral men and women, re- turned to Newfoundland to his fon. 1612 Abel Kitchen. Chriftopher Gary, John Barker. 1613 Francis Knight. Ghriflopher Whitfon, John Gunning.' Queen Ann came to Briftol, and was prefented by the mayor with a rich embroidered purfe of gold, and attended in a grand proceffion of the trained bands and others to her lodgings at Sir John Young's, St. Auguftine's-back, when flie was faluted with 42 great guns. Sunday flie went to the college, and Monday a fham fight at high tide was exhi- bited for her entertainment, and Tuefday flie went to Bath. She was fo pleafed with her reception here, that flie gave the mayor a gold ring fet witli diamonds worth 60I. faying, " flie never knew fhe was a Queen till flie came to Briflol." 1614 Thomas James. John Langton, Humphrey Hook. 1615 John Whitfon. William Baldwin, John Tomlinfon. 1616 Thomas Farmer. Henry Yate, Henry Hobfon. 1617 George Harrington. Matthew Warren, William Turner. 1618 John Guy. Thomas Cecil, Thomas Wright. 1619 Thomas Packer. William Lilfet, Humphrey Brown. 1620 John Doughty. Andrew Charlton, Peter Millard. 1621 Robert Rogers. Richard Holworthy, Richard Long. 1622 William Young. Edward Cox, William Jones. 1623 William Pitt. Oliver Sncll, Ezekiel Wallis. 1624 Henry Gibbes. William Pitt, junr, Nathaniel Boucher. 1625 John Barker. George Knight, John Taylor. By aft of common council Brandon-hill was adjudged to the mayor and fherifFs, but the citizens were allowed to dry clothes there. 1626 Chriftopher Whitfon. John Lock, Walter Ellis. 1627 [ 68c, ] A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1627 John Gunning. Richard Aldworth, Richard Plea. This mayor gave 10s. per week whilft he lived to good ufes, as did Alderman Kitchen at his death. 1628 John Langton. Alexander James, Francis Crefwick. 1629 Humphrey Hook. Thomas Colflon, Giles Elbridgc. 1630 John Tomlinfoa. Derrick Poppely, Gabriel Sherman. Charles ift. by a charter granted that the caftlc, with the walls, banks, ditches, houfes, gardens, &:c. within the precintlsof the caflle be hence- forth for ever feparated from the county of Glocefter, and made part of the city and county of Briflol, and to be uitiiin the bounds, jurif- diftion, and authority of the mayor, fheriffs, coroners, and juflicci, &c. and that no officer of the county of Glocefter intermeddle, and that all the inhabitants of the caftle fliall be made freemen of Briftol, and that the mayor fliall anfwer alike for the caftle, although it be parcel of the crown lands, &c. Dated at Weftminfter, 13 April, 5th year of his reign. Sec p. 224. 1631 Henry Yate. John Gunning, junr. Miles Jackfon, The caftle was purchafed of Charles ift. who granted it to the cor- poration for the fum of 959!. in reverfion after three lives, which they alfo bought off afterwards. See p. 225. They paid the King 40I. per annum rent, which was purchafed of the crown in Charles 2d's. time. See p. 134. 1632 Henry Hobfon. Thomas Jackfon, William Fitzherbert. 1633 Matthew Warren. Robert Elliott, Thomas Flovd. 1634 Andrew Charlton. John Langton, junr. Thomas Hook. 1635 Richard Holworthy. William Cann, William Hobfon. It appeared by the Cuftom-houfc books the city paid vearly above 25000I. for cuftoms ; and towards fitting out a fleet againft France and Holland in league, meditating fome ftroke againft this nation, Briftol gave 2163I. 13s. 4d. 1636 Richard Long. Richard \'ickris, Thomas Woodward. 1637 William Jones. Edward Peters, William Wyatt. 1638 Ezekiel Wallis. George Hellier, Luke Hodges. From September to December the city was never free from commil- fioncrs and purfuivants, who examined on oath merchants what com- modities thev had fent to fca, what entries were made at the Cuftom- houfe, what foreign goods imported, <&c. for years paU .'' Agreeable P p !• i' to [ 690 ] to thefe informations they examined, whereby fome were compelled to accufe one another, and were fent for up to London. Shopkeepers alfo were exa- mined, and had great impofls laid on them. Soap-makers paid 4I. cuftom per ton for foap, the brewers forty marks per annum for a commiflion, which were fuch grievances that it foured the nation much againfl the king and go- vernment, &c. Four aldermen and fome merchants went to complain to the King concerning the above fevere ufage, on the city's behalf. His Majefty embraced them moft gracioufly, and was forry that by wrong information he had granted fuch oppreffive comminions, which then however he could not recall ; but gave them liberty to prefer a bill againft them in the Star Cham- ber, and retain counfellors to plead for them before the privy council ; for before thefe commiffioners, were lords and judges over them. They ftaid at great expence for trial, but it could not be determined ; his Majefty wilhed them to follow their fuit, and when it came to the higheft his grace would mediate between them. To add to thefe troubles, corn was fcarcc this year and fold for gs. a bufhel, and would foon have been 20s. if a great quantity of French wheat and other grain had not been imported into Briftol and other ports. The 28th of July this year, a fhip was launched at the end of the Quay, ia which eleven boys were drowned, and flie was called thence the Drown Bov. A. D. Mayors. SiiERiirs. 1639 George Knight. Matthew Warren, Walter Dcyos. 1640 John Taylor. Henry Gibbs, Edward Pitt. 1641 John Lock, Richard Balman, Robert Yeamans. The latter part of this year, war was begun by the Parliament againfl; the King. Denzil Hollis was nominated as fit to command the militia at Briftol. He fubfcribed loool. againft the King. 1642 Richard Aldworth. Jofeph Jackfon, Hugh Brown. 0£lober 23, the caftle of Briftol was repaired and the walls round the city, a fort made at Brandon-hill, and another on St. Michael's-hill near the wind- mill afterwards turned to a royal pentagonal fort. Two regiments under Col. Effex were, by the management of the mayor's wife, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs. V'ickris, let into the city. A weekly afTcffment was made by the Parliament on all cities and counties. Briftol paid 55I. 15s. per week, levied upon all lands, goods, money, ftock, &c. in the manner of a land tax, (which was a precedent whence the land tax was afterwards taken.) Befides,. many were obliged to a heavy compofition to fave the remainder of their cftates. The mob having now the rule, the better fort of inhabitants dared not appear ia C 691 ] in the ftrects without being grofly infulted by the rebellious rabble, and il they went out of town they were taken up and fent to prifon. See p. 227. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1643 Humphrey Hook. Henry Crelwick, William Colfton. Augufl: 2, the King, Charles ift. came to Briftol, and Sundav wcnr to college. 1644 Alexander James. Nathaniel Cale, William Bevan. 1645 J"^^" Gunning. Jo^^n Young, Walter Stephens. The peftilcnce raged in the city, about 3000 died. 1646 Richard Vickris, Walter Sandby, Edward Tyfon. 1647 Gabriel Sherman. Arthur Farmer, George White. 1648 William Cann. Robert Challoner, Robert Yate. This mayor did in his year proclaim no King to be in England, and the fuccefibrs of Charles ift. to be traitors to the flatc. He was the firfl: that did it, after it was refufed by the Lord Mayor of London. 1649 Miles Jackfon. William Dale, William Yeamans. 1650 Hugh Brown. James Crofts, George Hort. The walls about the Royal fort made by order of Parliament, who gave loool. towards it. 1651 Jofeph Jackfon. George Lane, Robert Cann. 1652 Henry Gibbs. Thomas Amory, Jonathan Blackwell. 1653 George Hellier. John Pope, ThomasBubb. Quakers came firft to Briftol. 1654 John Gunning. Jo'""" Lawford, Chriflopher Griffith. 1655 Walter Deyos. Thomas Harris, John Bowing. 1656 Richard Balman. Robert Vickris, John Harper. Oliver Cromwell, November 10, fcnt for James Nailor, Dorcas Erbury, and other Quaker preachers, to London. The Parliament pafTcd fentence on Nailor to /land in the pillory two hours, and then to be whipped by the common hangman, his tongue to be bored through with a hot iron, and his forehead to be fligmatized with tlie letter B, and then to be fent to Briftol to be there publicly whipped : — a fevcre fentence ! 1657 Arthur Farmer. John Willoughby, Henry Appleton. December 8, 1657. This day was received a letter from ihc Lord Pro- teclor as follows : Oliver, P. Trudy and well beloved, we greet you well: remembering well the late ex* prcffions of love that I have had from you, I cannot omit any opportunity to P !■ p i' 2 cxprcis [ 692 ] cxprefs my care of you. I do hear on all hands, that the cavalier party are (lefigning to put us into blood. We are, I hope, taking the beft care we can by the blcfTing of God to obviate this danger; but our intelligence on all hands being that they have a dcfign upon your city, ve could not but warn you thereof, and give } ou authority as we do hereby to put yourfelves into the bell pollure you can for your own defence, by raifing your militia by vir- tue of the comniiffion formerly fent you, and putting them in a readinefs for the purpofe aforefaid ; letting you alfo know that for your better encourage- ment herein, you fhall have a troop of horfe fent you to quarter in or near your town. We defire you to let us hear, from time to time, what occurs touching the malignant party, and fo we bid you farewell. Given at White- hall, this 2d December, 1657. To our trufty and well beloved the mayor, aldermen, and common council of the city of Briflol. In purfuance of this command, the city was put into a pofture of defence^ by raifing the militia. Sheriffs. Edward Morgan, Nathaniel Collins. Francis Gleed, Timothy Parker. Richard Grigfon, Thomas Langton. Thomas Stephens, John Hicks. John Wright, Sir Robert Yeamans. John Broadway, Richard Stremer. The 5th of September, the King and Queen, with James Duke- of" York and his Dutchefs, and Prince Rupert, &c. came to Briftol, and were fplendidly received and entertained by ^he mayor, at a dinner provided on the occafion. They returned to Bath at four o'clock,, 150 pieces of ordnance were difcharged in the Marfli at three diftinfl: times. 1664 Joli" Lawford. John Knight, Ralph Oliffe. Charles 2d. confirmed the charters of Charles ift. of 1630, 1631. 1665 John Willoughby. William Crabb, Richard Crump. 1666 Sir Thomas Langton. J"'i" Floyd, Jofcph Crefwick. 1667 Edward Morgan. Henry Gough, John Aldworth. J 668 Thomas Stephens. Humphrey Little, Richard Hart. 1669 Sir Robert Yeamans. Charles Powel, Edward Hurn. 1670 John Knight. Thomas Dav, Thomas Eaflon. 1671 John Hickcs. Richard Stubbs, Thomas Earle. A. D. Mayors. 1658 Walter Sandy. 1659 Edward Tyfon. 1660 Henry Crefwick. i66t Nathaniel Cale. 1662 Sir Robert Cann. 1663 Sir John Knight. [ 693 ] A. D. Mayors. Siikriffs. 1672 Chriftopher GiifTuh. Edward Young, JoJin Cook. 1673 Richard Stremer. John Cicil, John Dymcr. 1674 Ralph OlifFe. Samuel Wharton, Edward Fielding. 1675 Sir Robert Cann. Charles Williams, George Lane. 1676 William Crabb. Henry GlifTon, Henry Merrett. 1677 Richard Crump. William Donning, John Moore. 1678 Sir John Lloyd. William Jackfon, William Clutterbuck. 1679 Jofeph Crcfwick. William Hayman, William Swimmer. 1680 Richard Hart. Abraham Saunders, Arthur Hart. 1681 Sir Thomas Earle. Sir John Kight, Richard Lane. 1682 Thomas Eafton. John Coombcs, George Hart. 1683 Sir William Clutterbuck. Nathaniel Driver, Edmund Arundel. A quo warranto being brought againft the old charter, it was refigncd into the King's hands. 1684 Sir William Hayman. Giles Merrick, James Twyford. Charles 2d. granted a new charter, by which he confirms it as a city incor- porate and county within itfelf with the fame bounds ufually enjoyed, and grants the fame powers to the mayor and two flicriffs, &c.. that they may have a common feal, and take the oaths of allegiance and the oaths appointed by aft of parliament for corporations; that the common council men may not exceed forty-three, to continue for their natural lives, who are to have power to make laws, iSre. but not contrary to the ftatutes of the realm, and to be in force but one year if the Lord Chancellor approves thereof. The mayor and fheriffs to be always chofen the 15th of September, and all the oaths aclminifkred the 2gth-. If the mayor or flieriff die, another to be elettcd by the common council. A recorder to be chofen a barrillcr of five years {landing, to be approved under the royal hand. That there be tw-elve aldermen, the recor- der to be the fenior alderman. That they be rcfidcnt in the city, and no one elefled for nuiyor, flicrifl, or aldcrmaa that fliall voluntarily abfcnt himfelf when to be fworn, and a fine not exceeding 5;ool. be impofcd on thofe refuf- ing to be chofen, unlcfs they fwear they are not worth 2000I. The mayor and aldermen to be juflices of the peace, and to punifh ofl'enders at the felTions four times a vear. That a town clerk be chofen by them, a barriUer of three years; and a llcward of the flieriff's' court, alfo two coroners. Tin- mayor. Sec. to have the regulation of the markets, and may have three fairs fvjr wool. Sec. the 18th of April, the 10th of June, and the firfl Thurfda.\; after Michael- mas, to be kept in King's-flrcct ; and fi\e otiier fairs for horfcs. Sec. the 25 til. C 694 ] A. D. 25tli of January in Temple-nreet, on the 25th and 26th of March al Rcdcliff-Hill, on the 25th and 26th of May in Broadmead, on the 25th, 26th and 27th of September in Temple-ftreet, and on the 25th, 26th and 27th of November on Rcdcliff-Hill; alfo that tliev mav keep the piedpowder-court there at the faid fairs, with the liberties and cuftoms thereof. 1683, witnefs myfelf at Weftminfter the 2d of June, the 36th year of our reign. PIGOT. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1685 Abraham Saunders. William Merrick, Robert Yate. On the 25th of June a great alarm in Brillol of the Duke of Mon- mouth's coming hither from Taunton and Wells: which caufeda great llir.— .The Duke of Beaufort, Lord Lieutenant of the city, drew up 21 companies of foot in Redcliff-Mead. The Duke of Monmouth certainly was on his March towards the city of Briflol, abounding in money, arms, ftores, and in his own friends, intending to make an attempt upon it, becaufe he was affured of affif- tance from within : but the Duke of Beaufort having declared to the citizens that he would fct fire to the town if they made an infurreftion ; Monmouth is reported to have faid, " God forbid that I fliould bring the two calamities of fire and fword together on fo noble a city!" and marched towards Bath : from whence he retired to Frome, and thence to Bridgwater, where from the top of a high tower he took the laft view of a country he forefaw he muft foonquit: whence perceiving Lord Feverfham's horfe and foot lying at a diflance on King's Sedgmore, from each other and carelefly encamped, he refolved inflantly to attack them in the night, but was defeated, and taken afterwards near Ring- wood in Dorfctfliire, lying in a ditch covered with fern in the habit of a peafant ; he had fome green peafe in his pocket on which he had fub- fiRed, with his George of diamonds, having not flept for three nights ; from exhauftion of fpirits he fainted and wept. — He was tried and con- demned the 15th of July this year to be beheaded, then 30 years old. Judge Jefferies came to Brilfol and opened his commifTion with a long fpeech full of afperity againll the citizens of Briftol, accufing the mayor &c. of pride, and of kidnapping away and felling abroad to his advantage fellows that had been brought before him for fmall crimes, and making them compound to go abroad &c. recorded in the life of Lord Keeper North. — He condemned fix men here for high trea- fon, three were reprieved. 1686 A\'illiam Swymmer. George Morgan, Edward Tockncll. 1687 [ %5 ] A. D. Mayors. Siieiuffs. 1687 Thomas Day. Thomas Saunders, Thomas Hiiie. The 13th of January there came a letter and order of council from King James for difplacing the prcfent members of the corporation, and placing others therein named in their room, which was accordingly done. The glh of April this year the declaration was brought hither for indulging all perfons in their religion of what kind foever, and in build- ing meeting-houfes, acquainting the next juftice of peace therewith: for which the dilfenters prcfentcd an addrefs of thanks from all parts of the kingdom. — The panick that now had pervaded all ranks of people left popery fliould be introduced under this mafk, and the dread of many lofing their lands that once belonged to fome abby, operated fo powerfully, that neither this declaration nor his immediate order for reftoring corporations difplaced, would avail: many great men and bidiops, fee page 332, fided with the Prince of Orange, and many mili- tarv officers deferted to him. i688 Wm. Jackfon. J"'in Lyflon, Jofcph Jackfon. The old corporation was rellored by the King's proclamation, which concluded with " his gracious intention of calling a parliament as foon as the general difturbance of his kingdom by the intended invafion will admit thereof." But the 5th of November the Prince of Orange landed in England; and the 13th of Feb. 1688-9 he and his Princcfs were proclaimed King and Queen, andon the 15th fo proclaimed here ; whereby our civil and religious liberties were fecured on the firmefl. bafis, the bill of rights obtained, and magna charta and our glorious conftitution in church and (late invariably eftablifhed, — now admired and envied by all the world. 1689 Arthur Hart. John Bubb, John Blackwell. 1690 Sir John Knight. Robert Dowting, John Yeamans. 1691 Richard Lane. Thomas Bradway. Thomas Opic. Bifhop Hall occafloned the eftablifhing of the clergy fociety's feafl, 1692 Edmund Arundel. James Pope, Henry Coombes. 1693 Robert "^'atc. Marmaduke Bowdlcr, John Batchelor. 1694 Sir Thomas Day. John Hawkins, Sir Wm. Daines. Eroom-Gate taken down with the houfe over it. 1695 Samuel Wallis. Wm. Lewis, Wm. French. 1696 John Hinc. Peter Saunders, Francis Whitcluircli. i%7 C 696 ] A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1697 John Bubb. Nathaniel Day, John Day. 1698 John Blackwell. George Stevens, John Swymmer. 1699 )ohn Batchclor. Wm. Whitehead, James Holledge. 1700 Sir \Vm. Daines. Robert Bound, Ifaac Davis. 1701 John Hawkins. Samuel Bayly, Richard Bayly. The coronation day of Queen Ann was celebrated here with great folemnity, and much pageantry difplayed by the young men and maidens dreft with ribbons and wearing coronets of laurel leaves gilded, at- tended with mufic, and the procelTion was very noble and grand, the fhips were drefl out, as well as the churches, gates and houfes, cannons firing and bells ringing, windows all illuminated, the whole concluded with burning the figure of the Pope with a triple crown. 1702 Sir Wm. Lewis. Abraham Elton, Chrillopher Shutcr. 1703 Peter Saunders. Thomas Hort, Henry Whitehead. A great dorm of wind and rain that drowned all the marfh country, and all the cellars and warehoufcs in Briflol were filled, to the very great damage and lofs of the merchants; the boats fent hence faved the lives of many found upon trees &c. 1704 Francis Whitchurch. Anthony Swymmer, Henry Walter. The number of alehoufes here were limited to 220, flage plays forbid within the jurifdiclion of the city. lyor^ Nathaniel Day. Morgan Smith, Nathaniel Webb. 1706 George Stevens. Abraham Hook, Nicholas Hicks. 1707 Wm. Whitehead. Onefiphorus Tindall, Thomas Tyler. 1708 James Hollidge. Philip Freke, John Day. A fcarcity of corn, and it being bought up by the merchants to fend abroad, occafioned an infurreftion of the colliers, which was appeafed by reducing the price of wheat to 6s. 8d. per bufliel. 1709 Robert Bound. James Haynes, Thomas Clements. The new cuftoni-houfe in Queen-Square was built by the corpora- tion, atthetxpence of 2777I. 7s. 5d. 1710 Abraham Elton. Edmund Mountjoy, Abraham Elton, jun. Queen Ann renewed the charter of Briflol, (fee Briftol charters, p. 273,) confirming all former charters and liberties, and granting pardon to the mayor and other officers for having executed their offices without approbation under the royal fignct, contrary to the charter of the 36th of Charles the 2d. and relcafing all fuch powers in faid charter re- ferved [ 697 ] ferved of approbation of fuch offices to which they fhall be chofen ; and releafing all power in the crown of removing any mayor or other officer, &c. Dated 24 July, 1710. Twenty marks fterling to be paid as a fine into the Queen's hannipcr. Cowper, chancellor. The annual dinner of the Loyal Society was held the 2d of November, Mr. Colfton's birth-day, who could not come being aged, and was reprefented by the Moft Noble Henry Duke of Beaufort. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1711 Chriftopher Shuter. William Bayly, Poole Stokes. An aft of parliament was procured, at the expcnce of the Duke of Beaufort, to compleat the navigation betwixt Briltol and Bath ; though thirteen years elapfed before any thing was done, when by dividing the expence into thirty-two fhares, it was fet about by fubfcription, and completed December 27, 1727, when the firft barge was brought to Bath from Briftol, laden with deals, lead, and meal. 1712 Thomas Hort. Richard Gravet, Henry Watts. 1713 Anthony Swymmer. John Becher, Henry Swymmer. 1714 Henry Whitehead. William Whitehead, Richard Taylor. 1715 Henry Walter. James Donning, Jofeph JefFeries. Lord Berkeley was made Lord Lieutenant of this city. 1717 John Day. Henry Nafh, John Price. 1718 Edmund Mountjoy. Samuel Stokes, Edward Foy. 1719 Abraham Elton. Arthur Taylor, John King. 1720 Henry Watts. Robert Addifon, Jacob Elton. The new wharf on the Back, oppofite King-ftrcet, built by the city, at the expence of 1053I. 3s. 1721 John Becher. John Rich, Noblct Ruddock. 1722 Henry Swymmer. Robert Smyth, Lionel Lyde. A new gunpowder repofitory built at Tower Harris, which coft the corporation 143I. 18s. 5d. 1723 James Donning. John Blackwell, Nathaniel Wraxhall. 1724 Jofeph Jeffisriesi Nathaniel Day, William JefFeries. 1725 Robert Earlc. Michael Puxton, Stephen Clutterbuck. 1726 Peter Day. Ezekicl Longman, Henry Coombe. An aft obtained for erefting turnpikes round the city ; but the col- liers, not being exempted from paying and under-hand encouraged, cut down and entirely deftroycd them. Q Q Q Q The [ 698 ] The wharf continued to be built on the Back behind the Square for 180 feet forward. It cod the chamber 488I. 12s. yd. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1727 Henry Xafli. Richard Bayl\', John Bartlet. 1728 John Price. Henry Lloyd, Abraham Eton. 1729 Samuel Stokes. John Barrow, John Day. 1730 Edward Foy. Edward Buckler, William Barnfdale. The firfl: incendiary letters ever known in the kingdom were fent to divers perfons here, threatening to fire their houfes if they did not leave ten guineas in certain places. Mr. Packer, fhip-builder, had his houfe burnt down in confequence, which fo alarmed the city that it caufed a double watch till fix in the morning. A reward of 400I. was offered. One Power, an Irifli attorney, was taken up on ftrong proof and circumftances ; but he got fome to fwear fo, that he was cleared. 1731 Arthur Taylor. Edward Cooper, William Barnes. 1732 John King. ' -. John Foy, Buckler Weeks. 1733 Jacob Elton. Micltael Pope, Benjamin GlifTon. The great crane at the Gibb built by the ingenious Mr. Padmore, and the dock compleated at the expence of the Merchants' Society.— See the print, p. 87. The Prince of Orange vifited this city. 1734 John Rich. Thomas Curtis, James Laroche. Two petitions were prefcnted to the parliament againfl the return of Mr. Cofter for member, which being thought afterwards unjuft and ill- grounded were withdrawn. This however occafioned much ill will among the citizens, fee p. 161. as Mr. Cofter was a very uiiexception- able candidate, a fenfible and worthy man, and refident in Briftol. He lies buried in the cathedral, fee p. 209. with a handfome monu- ment and elegant Latin infcription. 1735 Lionel Lyde. David Peloquin, John Clements. 1736 John Blackwell. Morgan Smith, Abraham Elton. 1737 Nathaniel Day. Jofeph Eyles, Henry Dampicr. This mayor fixed up the table of the loan money and benefactors for public infpeftion in the Council-houfe, fee p. 136. and made manv improvements in the city. 1738 William Jefferies. John Coinbe, Giles Baylv. His Royal Highnefs Frederick Prince of Wales and Augufta his Princefs came hither from Bath, and were met by the mayor, &c. at Temple-gate, where a platform was erefted for the corporation dreflcd in [ ^99 ] in tlicir fcarlet gowns to falute them on their coming, and the recorder deli- vered a fpeech to them. All the trading companies, with their flags, &c. walked in proceffion before their coach up High-ftreet and along the Quay to Oueen-fquare to Mr. Combcs's. After he had received the compliments of the clergy, gentlemen, &c. he was conducted to the Mcrchants'-hall, where an elegant dinner was provided, and a ball at night. They lay at Mr. Combes's that night, and returned the next morning at ten o'clock to Bath, highly pleafed with their entertainment here. The library, built at the expence of the chamber, amounting to 1600I. in the whole, was finifhed this year. See p. 508. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1739 Stephen Clutterbuck. Michael Becher, David Dehany. 1740 Henry Combe. Walter Jenkins, William Martin. The loth of March the firfl; ftone was laid for the foundation of the new Exchange. See p. 459. 1741 John Bartlett. John Chamberlain, Henry Muggleworth. 1742 Abraham Elton. William Cofsley, Jeremiah Ames. 1743 John Berrow. Ifaac Elton, John Durbin. 1744 John Day. John Foy, Buckler Weeks. 1745 William Barnes. Thomas Marfh, John Noble. The Pretender's Son, having now formed a large body of highlanders, was advanced into England as far as Derby, and threw the kingdom into the utmoft confternation, Confultations were every where held, for putting thcmfelves into the befl pofture of defence. Numbers of the citizens here met at the Mer- chants'-hall, and there fignedaparchment, containing their refolution to ftandby King George and the Royal Family ; and on another they fubfcribed their names to fuch fums as they intended to contribute for raifing men for the King's ufe, which at lengh amounted to 36,4501. They gave about 5I. a man to inlift, and above 60 were fent to be incorporated in the King's guards, London. Monday the 7th of Oftober the Trial privateer, and her prize which fhe had taken, bound to Scotland with firelocks and other warlike florcs, having on board 6000I. in money and a number of men, came into Kingroad. Two Iriflimen taken on board the prize were font to London in a coach and fix horfes the Thurfday following. Alfo two London privateers, the i2ih of fuly, landed here the money taken in two Spanifli fhips, which was depofited in the Cuftom-houfe, where it was v/eighed. Its weight and value was as follows: Qqq e 2 1093 [ 700 ] Cwt. qrs, lb. 1093 Chefts of filver, weight, grofs - _ _ _ 1573 2 10 Tare, at 10 per cent. - - - - - - 97 2 10 Neat - 1476 o o 1476 Cwt. weight neat is 2,644,992 ounces, at 5s. 6d. per ounce, comes in flcrling money to 727,372!. 16s. Befides five chefts of wrought plate, feveral tons of cocoa, a gold church in miniature, and feveral other valuable things. It was conveyed to London in twenty-two waggons, guarded by foldiers. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1746 Edward Cooper. Henry Swymmer, Richard Farr, junr. It is remarkable, that at this time William Cann, Efq; town clerk, John Mitchell his clerk, and James Britton the under clerk, officers under the corporation, were all mad. The former cut his throat with a pruning knife, but not mortally ; the two latter were fcnt to the mad houfe at the Fifliponds. 1747 John Fry. John Berrow, Giles Bayly. 1748 Buckler Weeks. Jofeph Daltera, Ifaac Baugh. The market flieds on the Back to fecure the corn were finiflied. 1749 Thomas Curtis. William Barnes, John Curtis. 1750 James Laroche. George Wear, Jofeph Love. A great dorm of wind in January, and on the 8th of February an earthquake in London, and felt alfo here. Two fhips, fitted out here for the whale fifhery at Greenland, arrived with two whales; the blubber was boiled at Seamills. This lucrative trade is not revived Cnce. The naturalization bill of foreign Pro- tcftants was oppofed by the citizens of Bridol. 1751 David Peloquin. Henry Dampicr, Ifaac Baugh. 1752 John Clement. Daniel Woodward, Edward Whatley. A riot by the colliers from Kingfwood, on account of the fcarcity of corn, kept up for a whole week. The citizens were fworn as confta- blcs, and armed in defence of the city. The colliers refifted; many were wounded, fome (liot and killed, before the riot was quelled, and three were indifted and tried, fome fuffered by fine and long im- prifonment. 1 753 Abraham Elton. Henry Bright, Thomas^ Harris. The intended bill to naturalize Jews was ftrongly oppofed in this city by addrefles fcnt to the members of parliament, from the citizens at large^^^and from the Merchants'-hall. »754 [ 701 ] A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1754 Morgan Smith, Thomas Knox, Thomas Dean. This year the new flone bridge was built and finifhcd at the head of the Key, which coft the chamber upwards of 2500I. The bill was alfo pafFed for regulating a nightly watch in this city. 1755 Henry Dampier. Henry Weare, James Hillhoufe. The Draw-bridge was rebuilt on a new plan, and much more commo- dious than the former. It cod the chamber 1066I. 6s. Seep. 88. 1756 Giles Bayly. Nathaniel Foy, Auftin Goodwin. 1757 William Martin. Robert Gordon, Ifaac Pigucnit. Fifty-one privateers fitted out at Briftol to cruize againft the French to the public good in taking the (lores going to the French in America, but many private perfons who hoped to make their fortunes by thefe adventures were great lofers. 1758 Henry Muggleworth> John Berrow, Samuel Webb. Friday, November 3, was taken without rcfiftance by the Antelope, of 50 guns, a 64 gun French man of war, called the Belliqueux, 415 men, blown up our channel near Lundy, and could not get back. 1759 Jeremy Ames. Charles Hotchkin, John Noble. 1760 JohnDurbin. Ifaac Piguenit, Samuel Sedgeley- In January the corporation rcfolved to prefent the freedom of this city to the Honourable William Pitt and the Duke of Newcaftle in two gold boxes. — The att for taking down the old bridge paffed. 1761 Ifaac Elton, Jofeph Daltera, William Barnes. In September, 1761, the day of the Royal nuptials was celebrated in this city with great folemnity and eclat, and on December 27 the Duke of York honoured this city with his prefencc, by invitation of the mayor and aldermen. A temporary bridge built above the old one, wliicii was begun to be taken down. See p. 96. 1762 John Noble. George Were, Thomas Farr. In 06tober a great flood, fo that the low lands were all fcven feet under water. 1763 Richard Farr. Andrew Pope, John Durhin. 1764 Henry Swynimer. James Larochc, John Bull. On the 27th of September, 1764, Mrs. Rufcomb and Mary Sweet her fervant murdered at her houfe in College-green, at eleven o'clock in the morning. The wicked author has never been difcovercd. This year the great New Dock was begun by Mr. Champion. 1763 C 702 ] A. D. Mayors- Sheriffs. 1765 Ifaac Baugh. Ifaac Elton, junr. Michael Miller, junr. The ftone bridge was built at Bridewell, which had hitherto been of wood, now decayed. The new Theatre built in King-flreet and opened with the play of the Confcious Lovers with the Miller of Mansfield, for the benefit of the Infirmary. An aft pafled to take down all the fign-pofls and fpouts, and to carry the water down the fides of the houfes into gouts. Rioting here about the fcarcity of corn, which occafioned an order of Council to ftop all veffels laden with corn till the parliament fat. 1766 William Barnes. William Miles, Henry Cruger. Callle-gate taken down, and removed by Mr. William Reeve, mer- chant, to his feat at Briflington. Key-lane was widened by taking down the houfes on one fide. 1 767 George Weare. Edward Brice, Alexander Edgar. A new commodious dock made at the Grove, and the Key wall con- tinued round to the market-houfe on the Back. Brunfwick-fquare in St. James's laid out for building. 1768 Edward Whatley. John Crofts, Henry Lippincott. September 17, Briftol bridge was finiflied by the contraftors. Decem^r.15, William Hillhoufe chofen fword-bearer, in the room John Wraxal, deceafed. The Bridge rebuilt was now open for paflTengers. See p. 96. 1769 Thomas Harris. John Merlott, George Daubeny. The time of holding the two yearly Briftol fairs was changed from the 25ih of January to the ill of March, and from the 25th of July to the ift of September. 1770 Thomas Dcanc. Henry Lippincott, Ifaac Elton, junr. St. Leonard's church and Blind-gate were taken down and the old buildings behind it, by which St. Stephen's church was more opened to view. 1771 Henry Bright. Levi Ames, Jeremy Baker. The new road opened from Corn-ftrcet to the Quay, and Clare-flreet began to be built. A ftage coach for paffengers betwixt Briftol and the Hotwells, at a fix- penny fare, began to run regularly ; five or fix more were foon added, for the convenience of the inhabitants of Briftol and the Hotwells. [ 703 ] A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1772 Nathaniel Foy. John Xoble, John Anderfon. 1773 Robert Gordon. Andrew Pope, Thomas Pierce. 1774 Charles Hodgekin, John Diirbin, James Hill. 1775 Thomas Farr. Edward Brice, John Noble. J 776 Andrew Pope. John Farr, John Harris. An aft pafTed for the regulation of lighters, &c. and other purpofes. 1777 Sir John Durbin, Knight. John Fiflier Weare, Philip Prothero. The American Colonies proclaimed themfelves independent of Eng- land. And feveral attempts to fire the city, the fhipping at the Key, &c. in his enthufiafm for the Americans, were made by Tphn Aitkin, the painter; a warehoufe was burnt down in Bell-lane. The citizens were fo alarmed, that gentlemen kept nightly watches ; but Divine Juflice overtook the villain, and he was hanged at Portfmouth. 1778 Sir John Durbin, Knight. Benjamin Lofcombe, James Morgan. 1779 Michael Miller, junr. Edward Brice, Jofeph Harford. John Bull, (in the room of M. Miller, junr. who died in his mayoralty.) 1780 William Miles. Samuel Span, Jofeph Smith. 1781 Henry Cruger. Robert Coleman, John Collard. 1782 Edward Brice. Rowland Williams, William Blake. Next to All Saints church the houfe rebuilt at the fouth end, and the Tolzey made there 1615 taken down. The Quay conduit erefted anew 1703 taken down and removed, and the Fifh JVIarket there in future appointed to be held in St. James's New Market in Union-flrect. 1783 John Anderfon. John Garnet, Andrew Henderfon. 1784 John Farr. John Fifhcr Weare, James Harvey. The foundation of the new Infirmary erefted on a larger plan was laid June 2. A manfion-houfc for the mayor's refidencc fitted up in Ouecn-fquarc, and a new banqucting-room in Charlotte-ftrect adjoin- ing opened the 5th of April following for company. 1785 John Crofts. Jofeph Harford, Sir Stephen Nafli, Knt. A Marine Society cftabliflied here for educating poor boys for the fea fervice. ^ 1786 George Daubcny. Evan Baillie, Thomas Daniel. A fland of three hackney coaches firfl fet up at the Exchange for the ufc of the citizens, foon incrcafcd to twenty. November 4, the foundation floJie for rebuilding Chrift Church was laid. The C 701 ] The library in King-ftreet was enlarged with an additional wing built by the Library Society, fo that it now holds conveniently a very large colleftion of books ancient and modern, of the bell editions, and in all fciences. The Rev. Mr. Alexander Catcott left by will a great many books to it, and a cabinet of very curious, valuable, and fcarce foflils, fliells, ores, 8cc. for the life of the public. See p. 508. A. D. Mayors. Sheriffs. 1787 Alexander Edgar. John Morgan, Robert Claxton. The three Briftol police or regulation bills were palfed in parlia- ment this year. 178^ Levi Ames. James Hill, John Harris. In this mayoralty, March 5, 1789, a general joy was diffufed through the city on account of the King's happy recovery, and being able to refume the reins of government. Bell ringing, firing cannons all day from Brandon- hill, a general brilliant illumination at night, with tranfparent emblematical devices, and every demonftration of joy that could be difplayed, proved the true affeftion and loyalty of our citizens for their amiable and auguft Sove- reign, who thus reigns in the hearts of his fubjecls. ;. [ C-^ ^^" Annals may be continued as events occur, and the Hijlory thus proceed, ] ■«?. / . 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