mmmmmmBm^ ifii^HHiHB^LMW^W^l' Ex Librii C. K. OGDEN THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES fm r d THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE ABBEY AND BOROUGH O F e n € ^ ^ 9i Ml COMPILED CHIEFLY FROM MSS. IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM. s'*-*-^-*"^! ■ By WILLIAM T I N D A L, M. A. LATE FELLOW OF TR IN I T Y- C O LL EG E, OXON. Lo! defolate the feat of ancient piety. — The rugged walls, th' unjointed ftones confefs The iron tooth of Time; the half-funk arch The weight of whelming years. — On Avon's brinl:, Refleded from the pure fky-tindur'd wave, A facred, foUury fcene it forms, UKPDBI.l>n£D Pouc. EVESHAM: PRINTED AND SOLD BY JOHN AGG ; AND T. N. LONGMAN, PATERNOSTER-ROW, LONDON. 1794. / fcqo ADVERTISEMENT. TT was in the end of autumn, 1792, that the author fird heard of a delign to publifh a fketch of the Hiftory and Antiquities of the Abbey and Borough of Evejham. The idea of a tolerable defcription of the paft and prefent flate of an Abbey once fo magnificent, and in a fituation fo piclurefque and beautiful, mod pleafmgly' ftruck his imagination ; and, refolving to promote the undertaking by every means in his power, he, foon after, engaged to write a preface to it. By little and little, this intended preface induced a farther en- gagement to take upon himfelf the entire conduct of the work ; — at firft, with few materials, and little profpeft of fuccefs. An accefTion to thefe materials foon however flowed in fo plentifully from the Britifh Mufeum and other fources, as to have fwelled the book to its prefent dimenlions : — far beyond what was originally intended, or what the price affixed to the fubfcrlption will, in prudence, juftify. It may be needlefs to inform the experienced reader, that the author was, at his firft fetting down to the work, but a 7iovice in ancient lore ; or that the undertaking has not yet educated him is_v-)k*i3<:*laining againft Henry Lcnch de Dorcdale ; and (hewing that the faid Henry Lench, with a flrong armed band, had cut down trees at Ombrefley belonging to the afore- faid Abbot to the value of an hundred (hillings and upwards, and entirely car- ried them off. — Had entered his free warren there, and caught and taken away many hares, rabbits, partridges, and pheafants ; and had fo grievoufly re- proached and threatened one John Brewer, the miller of the Abbot aforefaid, that the faid John Brewer, his men, and the reft of the tenants there, could not go about their ordinary bufinefs through fear for their lives. — That he had broken the mill belonging to the aforefaid Abbot, and, with an hatchet, had entirely demoliflied the great wheel of the faid mill ; had pulled up the flood- gates, three capons, and a whole flagon. He alfo incurred a debt of three hundred and fixty pounds by fuflaining a fuit at law againft one Thomas Bredet, knight, and Nicholas his fon, which at length he gained ; but after great expences in fending over meffengers to the king and the nobility, who were then in Norraand)'. [Stevens's Appen. p. 139.] ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 37 gates, and, cutting them in fmall pieces, [in parvis pecibus] had thrown ihenj into the water. The Abbot's complaint was heard, and the mifchievous Henry de Doredale was, by order of the council, to be arrefted and brought before them. Re- ceiving however timely notice of their defign, Henry took care to convey himfelf out of their knowledge. The affair was afterwards compromifed, on the arbitration of Philip Morgan, bifhop of Worcefter, John Beauchamp, lord of Bergevenny, and other refpedable perfons. Henry de Doredale was completely to repair the mill at his own expence ; to afk the Abbot's pardon upon his knees, in which pofture he fhould continue till the Abbot raifed him up ; and laftly, to make oath that he would not ever after do, or procure to be done, any mifchief or damage whatever to the Abbot or his tenants. A letter is ftill extant which was written on this occafion by Leyot, the chancellor, to the Abbot. It is a good fpecimen of the ftyle and extraordi- nary mode of fpelling at that period, and, as fuch, may deferve perufal. Reverent fader and lord, I recomaunde me to youre goode ant bountenoufe fadrehede yn the trewyfte wife, defiryng ever the welfare ant the felicite of youre re- verent fadrehede as of myfelf, preying you lowly that my homly wrytyng yn no wyfe difplefe that gentil and trewe herte that God has fet in you. For as I dar, I youre trewe lervant by my trowth while I lyve, compleyne me that yee lifte not lete me yn the noumbre of youre other fervants be privey to fiche matiers as my povertnefle might doo any maner of pleifir to youre goode ant bountenoufe lordfhip. For be my trouthe I will while I lyve both by lawful menys and awful, be youre trewe man to the utterance of my powere agayns alle youre adverfaries, where fome ever they dwelle, or what condicion that thai be of; outcepte fiche perfones the wiche I wel not yee of youre wif- daim wil not offend yn no wife. Revent fadre and lord, I come out of the forefl of Dene, the whyche is my lordcs lordfhip, on Monday laft to Wor- cefler ; ant the Wolafhull ant Wode wyth other diverfe gentilles told me muches of the proceffe of the mifrewle of Brace's fone in lawe to you wart, ant 38 HiSTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE ant howe he kepte not his day, and fo yee were vexed in voide bycaufe of hys nonn appeiance ; the whiche is little joy of me be my trouth. Bute myn owne good lord then hyth wel yn youre hert that yf yee, or any of youre tenaunts, or the lefte child toward yow, fuffre eny wrong other yn body, good, or catell, bote yffe it be fore revenkyfl bothe lawfully and awfully as the caufe requirith, blame youre felfe ant no man elles. For, bleft mot God be of his mercy, ye be as well endofid with lordfhips ant frenlihode, ant fer- vice of other pore men, as any lord of youre eftate in this reme. Ant for the effedual execucion of this matier, for Code's love I youre fervaunt as I dar require you that yee fpare not nothur the labour of my perfone ant of alle my frendes ant the expences of my goods : preying yow of youre good ant faitfuU lordfhip that yee lift by the berer of this yn this matier com- maunde me youre will with alle youre othur pleifirs. Ant yn the accom- plifement of theym I fhall be no gret fleper by my trouthe. Ant I bifeche Almighty God of his endlefs mercy give you evir as wel to fare as ever farde Criftene creature. Wryten in youre awyn houfe at Hinptone, yn the whiche I tiift yn God haftely to fe yow, the 17 day of June. Youre trewe fervaunt by my trouthe, Richard Leyot. Richard de Bromefgrove* prefided feventeen years, and dying May 10, 1435, was buried in St. Mary's chapel, near the fteps afcending to the altar. XLIX. John Wickwan,t or Wickwane, before prior, fucceeded ; of whom nothing memorable is told, but that he was e\eS.ed Abbot in January, 1436, and on the following St. Thomas's day was confecrated by the bifhop of Bath, at Dangerfwold. After a long abbacy and much infirmity, he died [ in • Some farther regulations relative to the good fare of the monks were made by Richard de Bromfgrove. He ordained that on the day of Pentecoft each monk, whether prefent or abfent, fliould be allowed twenty pence, one capon, and one quart of wine ; — ihe prior three (hillings and four pence, Uvo capons, and two quarts of wine. — The Abbot'o fare we may guefs at by the former regulation. [Stevens's Append, p. r39.] t Called Sir John Wickwan in Talbot's MS. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 39. in the year 1460. He was buried in St. Mary's chapel, before the image of St. Katharine.* To him fucceeded L. Richard Pembroke, S. T. P. or profeffor of divinity ; who was eleded March 3, 1460 ; confecrated by the bilhop of Hereford ; and died March 7, 1467 : the feventh year of Edward IV. LI. Richard Hawkflbury, before prior, now was eleded Abbot, and after confecration by the bifhop of Lincohi, was inftalled at Evefham on Auguft 6, 1467. One circumftance rather memorable is by fome authors related of this Abbot : — that he flood godfather to Richard, fon of George, duke of Cla- rence, born in the Monaftery at Tewkefbury, in the year 1476. But " this," fays Stevens, " I cannot but believe to be a miftake."t He gives however no reafons for his incredulity. What is more certain is, that about this time the Monaftery was almoft overwhelmed by the number of noble vifitants it entertained, and who feemed to quarter themfelves upon the poor monks with little ceremony. In unquiet times thefe houfes were, in fad, the befl and fafeft of inns. A debt of one thoufand marks was incurred by the Con- vent in providing for their reception. This Abbot prefided ten years, and died April 6, 1477: the feventeenth year of Edward IV. LII. William Upton, a monk of Evefham, and prior of Alcefler, was next eleded, on April 18 ; was confecrated by the bifhop of Beriton, in the chapel of the reclory of St. Chriftopher's, in London, on May 6 ; and in- ftalled on the loth following. He prefided only five years : but notwithftand- ing found means, in that time, to pay off the debt of a thoufand marks con- traded by his predeceffor. Dying on the i ith of Augufl, 1483, he was bu- ried in the Abbey church, between the baptiflery and the altar. He was fuc- ceeded by Lni. John • Wickwane increafed the Abbey rents to the additional yearly value of nine pounds eleven Qiillings. He alfo ordered the celebration of the Epiphany in a much more folemn manner than it had hitherto been kept. [Stevens's Append.] t Supplement, vol. i. p. 45o. 40 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE LIII. John Norton, prior of the cloifter, on the 4th of September, 1483: the firft year of Richard III. This Abbot firft inftituted the feaft of the vifi- tation of St. Mary to be yearly celebrated. He alfo ordered that, on the day of his own anniverfary, each brother fhould have twenty pence ; and among them one deer, from the deer-park at Off'enham, which he enlarged for that purpofe. He alfo (a comfortable confideration !) laid in a frelh ftock of wine for the Abbot's cellar. On the vigil of the feaft of St. Mary which he had appointed, he, (as he earneftly defired,*) finifhed his life, in the year 1491 . He was buried jult before the afcent of the fteps to the altar of Jefus. LIV. Thomas Newbold, cellarer of the Convent, was then eleded Abbot, on July 18, 1491 : the leventh year of Henry VU. He was confecrated by the bifliop of Hereford, and inftalled on September 10 enfuing. After pre- fiding above two and twenty years, he died a fudden death on the night of the 6th of December, 15 13, and was buried in the church, at the head of his predecefforVgrave. LV. Clement Lichfield, f before prior, and a man who cannot be men- tioned without emotions of pity and reverence, was made Abbot of Evefham on December 28, 1513. He received confecration, by the bifhop of Afcalon, at his own manor-houfe at Offenham. Both the learning and virtues of this man were admirable. He was a munificent patron to his Convent, and laid out much money in repairing old buildings and erecfHng new ones. He adorned the choir with much elegance and fplendor ; built a very handlome tower in the cemitary; (which ftill remains entire, and of which a defcrip- tion will hereafter be given;) and added two chapels of extraordinary beau- ty, one to St. Lawrence's church, and the other to the church of All Saints. — Many heavy pecuniary burdens were laid on him by Henry and his minifters ; in purfuance probably of the plan, about this time adopted, of oppreffing thefe foundations in every poffible manner. He paid one hundred and • Talbot's MS. t Tichfield, in Stevens ; but this is probably a blunder of the piefi. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 41 and fixty pounds to the king as ufual for a free eledion ; one hundred pounds to Wolfey, who demanded this fum without affigning any reafon. He lent five hundred marks to the king, which, not being repaid to him, he wifely converted into a gift. He paid fifty marks to the king for fifths ; the fame fum for a premunire ; fifty pounds to Wolfey for his vifitation, with which he doubtlefs would willingly have difpenfed; twenty pounds to Wolfey, at ano- ther time, for his protection ; befides feveral fees to the fervants of the king and the cardinal. One whole year he was compelled to maintain twenty-four of the king's fervants daily at his table, and to provide fufienance for their horfes. He continued Abbot till near the diffolution ; and then, not chufing to fur- render his Abbey to the king, was, by the vile arts and low devices of Crom- well, obliged to refign his paftoral ofiice to LVI. Philip Hawford,* alias Ballard, a young monk of Evefham ; who was, in the year 1539, created Abbot for the fole purpofe of furrendering the Abbey. This he did on November 17, in the fame year. — The grief and indignation of poor Lichfield, who furvived this cataftrophe but a Chort time, may eafily be imagined. It may, without exaggeration, be fuppofed to have broken his heart. He died at, or near Evefham, and was buried at the entrance into his own chapel, in the church of All Saints ; where there is fiill to be feen a large blue flab which protected his remains, but of which the infcription is now entirely defaced. The following was put up, in his life-time, in a window of the fame church. Orate pro anima dementis Lychfeld facerdotis : cujus tempore Turns Evejhamia (Edlficata ejl. This infcription alfo has long fince difappeared, with the reft of the painted glafs. The Abbey church, where doubtlefs he would otherwife have been in- G terred, * I have, at this time, in my poflefllon an indenture made between this Hawford, when Abbot, and one John Aldington, of Middle-Littleton. The feal to it is of dark brown wax, very hard, 2nd is almoll entire. 42 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE terred, being too large for parochial ufe, was dcmoliflied immediately on the furrender. This and the whole fite of the Abbey was, by Henry, granted to Sir Philip Hobby, who loft no time in fecuring the profits of his bargain. The tower alone was faved at the interceffion of the townfmen, who, it is not unlikely, had contributed liberally toward its eredion. It was purchafed, for their own ufes, at the time when all the other ftatcly buildings fell under the axe and the hammer. As for the fcoundrel Hawford* he was, for his dirty fervices, rewarded with a penfion of two hundred and forty pounds per annum ; and afterward, (in the year 1553,) with the deanery of Worcefter : probably in lieu of the penfion. He alfo died in the year i557.t Thefe anecdotes of a few obfcure and fequcftered monks, though ex- tradled with fome labour from various writers, will, I doubt not, appear fuf- ficiently dry and uninterefting to many readers. A catalogue of fuch ufelefs, and, in general, flothful beings, will not certainly much intereft an age that boafts of fo much fuperior information and adivity. But it is the world, in m'm'iature. Materials are not, it is true, in the prefent cafe fo far indulged us as to prefent them to the public eye in this extended view ; but there is good reafon to fuppofe that if all the intrigues of our conventual conclave, — all their differences, feceffions, parties, and plottings, could be at this time fully and faithfully related, the narration of them would compofe as intereft- ing and ufeful a work as any portion of hiftory now extant. Among thefe Abbots the fate of poor Lichfield muft appear truly pitiable to every reader. After having many years enjoyed his dignity in peace and affluence; — after having endowed his Monafteiy with many elegant orna- ments • " We fee here," fays the honeft and plain-fpeaking Stevens, " that men of confcience and courage were, by the vilefl; arts, removed from their Abbies ; and fuch wretches as this Hawford, or Ballard, put into their places, that they, induced by large penfions and liberty to live lewdly, might bafely furrender up their Monafleries." To wliich he might have added, — and make it feem a meritorious aftion for the king to feize their poiIe(fions. t The exaft number of monks at the diflblLltion is not known. But we find that in the year ^55 3 > (the firfl; of Mary,) there were twenty-four of them to be provided for; among whom was J. Feckenham, dean of St. Paul's, ten pounds, [Dr. Nafh, vol. i. p. 401.] ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 43 ments and ufeful additions ;' — to live to fee the total demolition of all was more than human philofophy can commonly bear. From long refidence and habitual veneration, every flep and angle of his Convent muft have been to him an objed of attachment, love, and profound regret. The tombs of his venerable predeceffors, and of the fainted founder himfelf, diHodged from their ftations, and thrown undifiinguiflied into heaps of rubbifti, was a fpeclacle that muft have excited the moft painful fenfations in every good Catholic, and which few honeft and candid Proteftants would, I hope, blufh to admit. That the vileft arts were employed to make this worthy man weary of his refidence, and even of his exiftence, we have no reafon to doubt ; as the paltry devices of Henry and his miniilers* are now well known. Neither is it probable, as Lichfield's honour and confcience were fuperior to compro- mife, and he was not moreover the immediate refigner, that any fupport was allowed him. Poverty therefore muft have been ruthlefsly added to the many heavy calamities that embittered his old age. When on any occafion reformation is really wanted, it muft, I fuppofe, always be the general fenfe that it is fo. That it was in fome degree requi- fite here, no one can doubt ; nor can we, from the teftimony of hiftory, hefitate to fay that the general voice was for it. To endeavour therefore to heighten the odium againft the monaftics by grofs mifreprefentation, or to render them uneafy in their ftation by every low contrivance, feems to have been a very injudicious and hateful policy. Injudicious becaufe certainly not the beft or.neareft way of arriving at the propofed end ; — and hateful on ac- count of the means employed. But it was (what we ought ftill more to depre- G 2 cate,) " The merit of thefe was certainly due to Cromwell. Henry himfelf was too fincere and fearlefs a tyrant to invent or defcend to praftife fuch devices. The other was a fly, dark, and defgning, yet, I believe, to his mafter faithful and zealous, charafter. The ftratagems ufed at Godftowe were notorious, even at the time. The abbefs of that nunnery had an infamous fellow of the name of Dr. London (afterwards pilloried) quartered upon her, to feduce her nuns from their obedience, and make her houfe intolerable to her. The poor woman, in a tranfport of grief and vexation, wrote a very pathetic letter to the king, which Stevens has preferved in his Appendix to Dugdale. [Vol. I. p. 537.] 44 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE cate,) a moft deftrudive precedent , which may hereafter be farther perverted to difunitc the bonds of general fociety. «' The objeeH of thefe reformers however was good." This in the prefent cafe muft, I believe, be granted. Yet to obtain this good, every evil means was purfued ; — and there cannot be found a maxim more pernicious to the welfare of mankind, than that the ejid will jujl'ijy the means employed to gain it. Concerning the former, we are liable to be wretchedly miftaken : — the latter are often ufelefsly employed, and thus become mere mifchief for its omifake.* Infhort, — the queftion put by St. Paul, whom thofe who may happen to have read him will ftill allow to have been no common reafoner, — " (hall we do evil that good may enfue?" — may fafely and univerfally be anfwered as he has anfwered it, — " No, God forbid." • Madame de Sillery Brulart (the ci-devant countefs de Genlis) has, in a late work, an excel- lent paffage on this topic. She however applies it to the condu6l of the late unhappy king of France, which fhe fuppofes was infincere and fallacious ; but furely it may be turned with much greater force and effeSi againft a party whofe conduft has ever been a tifTue of fraud, perjury, cruelty, and deception. " If," fays flie, •' we fuppofe it allowable to commit a crime from the hope or even with the certainty, of effecting a good, we overturn all the fupport of morality; we fubfti» tute arbitrary inventions for eternal principles ; circumftances alone will determine the merit or the infamy of aftions; and Impojiure, revenge, znd ferocity will often impudently claim the recom- pence of virtue." [LeflTons of a Governels to her Pupils.] CHAP. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 45 CHAP. III. REVENUE AND ENDOWMENT OF EVESHAM ABBEY— VALUE SOON AFTER THE CONQUEST AND AT THE DISSOLUTION OF MONASTERIES. IN the attempt to inveftlgate the Revenue of a foundation fo long fince diffolved, fome degree of intricacy and confufion will probably be ex- pe^ed by the reader ; nor will he fuffer any confiderable difappointment. Little more, in fad, can now be done than to detail, from charters and various other fources, the feparate fragments of Revenue, and afterwards to put them together in the cleareft and moft luminous method we are able. With the extent of the original Endowment, and with the names of thofe villages that it comprehended, the reader has already been made acquainted. Domefday record will be our next, and moft authentic intelligencer. From that minute and extenfive furvey, we fhall inform ourfelves what new poffef- fions this Abbey had acquired, in a courfe of almoft four hundred years ; as well as of the exaft value, at that period, of all its acquifitions. It will, moreover, ferve as a kind of text-book on which many notes and obfei"\'a- tions, and to which many additions will afterwards be made. For the fake of the Englifh reader a tranflation of that part which relates to Evefham will be given ; to which as the genuine antiquary will attribute fome difficulty, he will, of courfe, fliew proportionable indulgence. But firft, it may be proper to notice a fhort lift of benefactors to this Monaftery, preferved by Dugdale,* moft of whofe donations took place prior to the conqueft. r. King • Ex Regiftro quodam Abbathiae de Evefliam, per Rob. Clover, Somerfet Heraldum, defumpla. 46 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE I. King Ethelred, fon of Penda king of the Mercians, was (as we have aheady fccn,) the firft and principal benefactor ; as he furnifhed Egw'in with the fpot of ground called Ethomnie, or Haiim, on which the Abbey was built. This was acquired as far back as the year 701. The fame king gave after- wards the caftle of Chadbury, and the ancient monaftery of Stratford; for which Eg-w'in, in the year 703, exchanged that oi Fladbury. This king, about the year 705, refigned his crown and became a monk of Bardney: at which place he was buried. He reigned thirty years over Mercia, and lived thirteen more after taking the vow. II. Offa, king of the Eaft Angles, fon of Siglierc, king of the fame people, in the year 703, gave OJj'cnham: — a place which, to this day, bears his name. He afterwards, by the advice of Kenefwith, daughter of Penda and fifter to Ethelred, a lady whom he wiflied to efpoufe, but certainly took an odd me- thod of doing fo, went to Rome with Kenred and Egw'm, where he became a monk and died in 710. This place is noticed in Domelday, and the value dif- tindly pointed out. III. Ethelward, or Aylward, under-governor of the Wiccians, gave to this Convent Omhrejley, in the year 706. This acquifition is alfo noticed, and its exad value ftttlcd in Domefday record. IV. Aylric, fon of OJhere,* king, gave Childes-Wykwane, in the fame year. If this is the fame place with that called Wiquene in the above regifter, (which there is every reafon to fuppofe,) particulars concerning this eftate likewife may there be found. V. Kenred, king of the Mercians, fon of Wolfere, gave Hampton, (&c.) in 708. For this alfo Domefday may be confulted. VI. Ceolred, • There is in this lift the fame confufion and variety of fpelling in the names of perfons that fo perplexes every other part of early hiftory. I follow Dugdale clofely in thofe names, for evident reafons. But this OJherus, or Olh.ere, feetr.s to have been governor or earl of Worcefterfiiire, rather than king. He is by Dugdale in another work called Ojr'ic, earl of Worcefterfiiire, [Dugdale's Baron, vol. i. p. 2.] ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 47 VI. Ceolred, king of the Mercians, the fon of Ethelred, the original bene- faftor, (but not, it feems, by his queen OJlritha,) gave Ragley, (8cc.) in the year 711. — This place is not fpecified as a part of the Evsjham pofTeflions in the furvey, which, in this place, feems to break off abruptly. VII. Ethelbald, king of the Mercians, (called othevwiie ^lelhard,) the fon of Alwy, or Eljwy, and the coufin of Ceolred, gave Ha&one, in 716. — There is no mention of this among the poffeffions of this foundation in Domefday, nor of the following donation. VIII. Offa, fon ofTunfrkh, king of the Mercians, gave Dumyngton, (&c.) in 757- IX. Beortolph, king of Mercia, gave Pebwortham, in 774. If this is the fame with Penwortham,* or, as it is called in Domefday, Peneverdant, it had, before the conqueft, reverted to the king. X. Ufa, earl of Wanvick, gave Wiflahsford and Little Grafton, in the year * This place, whether the fame with Penwortham or not, had, before the conqueft, been alienated from the Convent. There are feveral fo curious particulars recorded of Pemvortham and Leyland in Domefday, that, though not ftriftly confonant to my plan, I will copy them for the fake of the curious reader. " Rex E. tenuit Lalland, Ibi i. hida, In Lailand Hand, et 2. carucatae terrae. Silva 2. leuv. longa, et i lata, et aira Accipitrum. Ad hoc manerium pertinebant 12. carucatae terne, quas te- nebant 12. homines liberi pro totidem maneriis. In his 6. hidx, et 8. carucatae terrae. Silva ibi 6. leuv. longa, et i . quarent. lata. Homines hujus Manerii et de Salford non operabant per con- fuetudinem ad aulam regis, neque metebant in Augufto. Tantummodo unam haiam in filva fa- ciebant, et habebant fanguinis forisfafturam, et foeminse pafTae violeatiam. De aliis confuetudini- bus aliorum Maneriorum erant confortes. Totum Manerium Lailand cum Hund. reddebat de firma regi 19. libras, et 18. folidos, et 2. denarios." •' Rex E. tenuit Peneverdant. Ibi 2. carucatae terra, et reddebant 10. denar. Modo eft ibi caf- tellum, et 2. carucatae funt in domino, et 6. burgenfes, et 3. radmans, et 8. villani, et 4, bovarii. Inter omnes habent 4. car. Ibi dimid. pifcaria, Silva et aine accipitrum ficut T. R. E. Valet 3. libr." 48 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE year 973, and during the reign of king Edgar. — The former of thefe places is, in Domefday, called Witdavesjord, and many particulars are given of it. XI. Ethelred, king of England, the brother of St. Edward the Martyr, gave one manfe or farm in Stow, [^Stowya,'] near Malgarcjbury, in the year 987. — This donation is probably comprehended in Domefday within the ar- ticle Malgarcfberia. XII. Canute, king of all England, gave, in the year 1018, the lordfhip of Badby and Newnham. — This had, it is likely, pafTed into other hands, or been exchanged for other poffeffions, before the furvey was taken ; though, in later time, we again find it among the undoubted acquirements of this Abbey. The donations that follow feem, from the comparatively modern names of the donors, to have been made after the conquefl, but are inferted here not to leave the lift incomplete. Warm Bujhell gave the church of Penwortham ; with the tythcs, kc. Richard Bujhell, his fon, gave the church at Leylond, kc, Albert Bujhell, fon of Richard, gave various lands in Longeton, EJieJlon, Lelande, and Meoles. Robert Bujhell gave various eftates at Penwortham, Galfrid Bujhell, his fon, gave divers eftates in Longetone, * For other donations before the conqueft, I refer the reader to the charters, and titles of chaiters, colleded in the Appendix. Many of thefe had certainly been • There is a long lift of inferior benefaftors, to the number of one hundred and thirty-feven, but without their donations fpccified, to be found in Stevens. [Append, p. 145.] It was drawn up in the years 1444, and 1450, by Thomas Wynchecombe, precentor to this Monaftery. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 49 been loft or exchanged, as was the cafe of Badby and Newham, or Newnham, in Northamptonfhire, before that period. This we find however, from fub- fequent records, was afterwards recovered to the Monaftery. But mention is made in thefe of fome other pofleffions, and among them of five manfes or farms granted by Edwy, in the IJle of Wight, which feem to have been fpeedily and irrecoverably loft. Tranflation of that part of Domefday-Book which refpeds Evejham Abbey, [p. 175.] WORCESTERSHIRE. I N Evefham,* where the Abbey is fituated, there are, and always were, three hides of free land. H There * By the kind aflillance of Mr. Ayfcough, librarian to the Britifh Mufeum, I am enabled to give fome account of the chief tenants at the places here mentioned. Thefe notices are copied from Vefpafian B. XXIV. among the Cotton MSS. They feem to have been written about the time of Abbot Randulf: — of courfe between the years 12 13, and 1 229. The lift of the Evejham tenants occupies nine folio pages of the MS. and is therefore too long for infertion ; but the names and tenures of thefe tenants at other places will frequently accompany the furvey. — The method ufually obfer\'ed in the MS. is to give, firft the charters belonging to each place ; then the boun- daries in Saxon ; and laftly the names of tenants with their different tenures. Though this plan fometimes feems to have been neglefled, and a jumble of different places introduced under the fame head, it has neverthelefs been thought proper in thefe extra • • • • 56 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE Bradjortune fix hides. In the demefne are four carucates, and fixteen villans, and feven bordarers with ten car. There is alfo a mill, value forty pence, and ten acres of meadow land. It was, and is flill, worth fix pounds. The fame Abbey has alfo Badefe'u* There, in the time of king Edward, there Jo * * * * tenet i. virg. terr. et facit fervitium Regis et deberet portare pannos cujuf- libet Monachi per totam Angliam in expenfa Dni Abbatis, et laec libertas eft in voluntate Dni Abbatis et Cellerarii. Robertus tenet i. virgatn pro iiij. fol. et arat cum aliis, et hoc eft in voluntate Dni Abbatis. Quatuor funt virgx Bovarionim. Unaqueque earum debet operari in autumpno per duos dies, et a fefto S. Michaelis ufque ad feftum S. Martini debet unaquaque die portare furruginem apud Evejham ad opus Abbatis. Decima eorum in manu fua eft. Bercharius debet cuftodire oves fi fuerint. Debet operari per duos dies in ebdomada ufque ad autumpnum, et in autumno per iij. dies ; et debet auxilium, et tolnum, et pafnagium. Porcharius cuftodiat porcos, et debet operari per ij. dies in feptimana ufque ad autumpnum, et in autumno per iij. dies; et debet auxilium, et tolnum, et pafnagium. Quatuor funt Cotlandae. A fefto S. Martini ufque ad vincula S. Petri debent operari per fep- timanam ij. dies, et in autumno ufque ad prediflum terminum iij. et debent decimas, et auxilium, ct tolnum, et pafnagium. Radulfus tenet i. dim. virgam pro ij, fol. et auxilium, et geldat, et tolnum, et pafnagium, et chirchefet, et alias confuetudines. In villa predifta funt xxxij. virg. Si operantur, per totam feptimanam debent operari preter fabbatem, et die dominico debent fummagium facere, et fi fecerint die fabbati reddatur eis de wudfelver ix. den ; prima die quadragefimae i. den. de filfepeni et de hidwude i. Quadrigam, et "eldat, et auxilium, et tolnum, et pafnagium, et chirchefet ; et unaquaque caruca die Lunae a fefto S. Michaelis ufque ad annuntiationem S. Mariae dim. acram, et una quaelibet virga i. acram de Bene. Si cenfant iiij. pro virga, et chirchefet, et auxilium, et tolnum, et pafnagium ; et debet metere per i. diem, et arare, et falcare, et vineam fodere, et colligere et fummagium faeerc ; et fi herciat per i. diem, alia die fit quietus. Tota decima in blado, in lino, in agnis, et in ceteris fecibus, Domini. Capella habet xiiij. tuuas (sic) de proprio blado hominum, et habet dim. virgam et vj. aaas quietas ab omni fervitio. • In villa de Baddejheie Philifpus Senefcallus habet v. virgatas et dim. Tres funt geldantes, duae et dimidia funt libere : et habet molendiuum quod valet i. marcam. Sacrifta de Evejham debet habere ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 57 there were fix hides and an half. In the demefne are two carucates, * * * * and twelve villans with eight car. There are alfo four fervants, and a widow- woman. It was worth fix pounds ; now only three pounds and ten (hillings. This Abbey has Liteltune. There, in king Edward's time, were feven hides. In demefiie are two carucates, and fifteen villans, and one Norman with two villans. Among them they have feven car. — There are likewife I three habere decimam Senefcalli in blado. Ricardus Francels habet dim. hidam, et facit fervitium Regis; et geldat cum aliis, et debet invenire Runcinum unum ad portandum pannos cujuflibet monachi per totam Angliam, eund in expenfa Dni Abbatis. Duae virgae funt Bovariorum. Unaquaque earum debet invenire ij. homines ad carrucam per totam ebdomadam. In autumno debet invenire unaquaque die ebdomadae i. hominem in opere Domini. In Villa ilia funt xxj. virgae et dim. virg. Si operentur, per totam ebdomadam debent operari preter fabbatem, et die dominico debent fummagium facere. Si die Sabbati operantur vel fuma- i ant, reddatur eis die Lunae de wudefelver ix. den. in inventione Sanftae Crucis, nativitate S. Johannis, exdltatione S. Crucis, prima die Quadragefimae i. den. de fiffepeni, fefto S. Martini i. quadr. de ligno ; fcilicet hidwude, tolnum, pafnagium, chirchefct, et geld, et auxilium et carruc. Debet arare per unamquemque ebdomadam i. dim. acram, ufque ad annutiationem S. Mariae, et I . acram de Bene unaquaque virg. Si cenfant iij. et toln. et pafnag. et chirchefet ; et debet metere pro I. die in ebdomada, et arare, et falcare apud Huniham, et adjuvare fodiendi vineam et colli- gendi, et fumagium debet. Et fi herciant, una die, alia die fint quieti. Faber habet dim. virg. quietam ab omni fervicio pro opere curiae. Walter habet Cotlandam, et operatur per ebdomadam ij. diebus, et in autumpno iij. dies, et auxilium. Johannes fimiliter, et auxilium. Wido Porcarius habet mafagium et v. acras pro cuftodia porcorum, et quietus eft ab omni fervi- tio ; et Dominus debet ei invenire corredium fuum, de termino S. Michaelis ufque ad feftum S. Martini in bofco. 3^oAjnne;Clericus tenet dim. virg. terr. proxvm. den. Tota decima Villse tam in blado, quam in agnis, et ceteris fecibus, et in lino, Domini eft, preter decimam Senefcalli. Capella habet xxi. Uavas de blado hominum, et habet dim, virg, ten:, quietam ab omni fervitio. 58 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE three fervants, and eight acres of meadow. It was worth four pounds ten (hillings ; now feventy fhillings. The fame church poffeffes Huniburnc. There were two hides and an half in the time of king Edward. — In demefne are four carucates, and a prieft, and ten villans, and four bordarers with four car. Aifo four fervants. It was worth three pounds ; now four. There are eleven acres of meadow. This church has Ambrejleye : * this eflate was anciently free f for three hides ; this is affirmed by the Abbey charters. But, in the time of king Ed- ward, there were reckoned up, woodland and cleared land together, fifteen hides, and three of thefe were free land. There are in demefne five carucates, and thiity villans, and twelve bor- darers, and two priefts, and two radmen, and ten herdfmen. Among them all thefe have twenty car. There, a fhare:J: and an half in the fifhery yields yearly two thoufand eels, and there are two mills, value eight (hillings, and four acres of meadow land. A wood of two furlongs, and in Wich^ one falt-furnace. In the time of king Edward, and afterwards, it was worth eighteen pounds; now only fixteen.ll This • Another of Egiuin's endowments, as was alfo Hampton. + Meaning, I apprehend, that paying tax, or doing fervice for three hides of it, the reft was free of either. t I do not underfland exaftly whether here is meant a fjh-pmd and the half of another, or the right oi fjhing in the river. The words are : " Ibi ftfcaria et dimid reddunt 2 miliia anguillarum." J Droitwich. II Ambrejlega Ecclefia tenet dim. hidam quietani ab omni fervicio. Henricus prefbiter tenet terram qua? fuit Hunte, et terram T'urberti, h unam Coteriam quae eft inter has duas terras, de Villinagio Domini, proviij. fol. Domus ejus eft in cimiterio. Idem tenet i. pratum quod fiiit Henrici Clerici, et terram de Homme pro iij. fbl. Idem tenet j. moram fupcr ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 59 This Abbey poffeffes Hanfiin. There were five hides in the time of king Edward. In Ofu^aldejlau hundred. In demefne are three carucates, and fif- teen villans, and five bordarers, and one Norman with four bordarers. Among them all, thefe have feven car. There are alfo eight fervants, and I 2 ten fuper Doverdale pro vj, den. Super dim. hidam quae adjacet ecdefias. Sunt vj. ruftici. Tres apud Northamptun et iij. apud Clegehamtun. Idem Henricus habet totam decimam villse, prater decimam de Dominio. Idem reddit x.'lib. annuatim ad operationem ecclefiae de Evejham. Idem reddit annuatim Lx. fol. Abbati. Ricardus HI. Mauritii tenet ij. hidas et dimid. pro feudo dim. mil. Idem tenet i. molendi- num pro dim. marc. Idem habet iiij. ruflicos in Compehamton in ASlona, In Hevedlega habet Abbas iij. Coterias, unaque earura debet operari in ebdomada per iij. dies. Scil. die Lunas, die Mercurii, die Veneris. Ifti debent averia fua in ovile Domini in nofte. Ifti debent tol. pal. aux. Ifti debent vigilare in curia Domini cum prefens fuerit. Ifti |debent bra- ciare et arare benerth. et bederipe. Si'coteria predifta cenfat, debet ij. folidos annuatim, et pre- diftas confuetudines. Quatuor funt virge bovariorum. Ifti cuftodiunt boves et arant per v. dies Domino: die fabbati ad opus fuum. Preter hoc ifti debent cuftodire latrones, fi fuerint, in curia. Si cenfat, virgatus iij. fol. debet annuatim, et alias confuetudines. Porcarius debet cuftodire porcos, fi fuerint; fi non, ij. fol. et tol. et paf. et aux. et alias con- fuetudines. Bercarius debet cuftodire oves, fi fuerint ; fi non ii.fol. et omnes confuetudines. Stephanus tenet i. bordellum pro xij. den. Nkholaus Bajlard tenet i. bordellum, et operatur die Lunae in ebdomada. Walterus cognatus Prefbiteri tenet i. terr. de dominio, et dat iiij. fol, Randulfus tenet de bovaria i. terr. et dat v. fol. In Wilenliale Wudemanni Robertus, Ricardus, OJbertus dant pro terr. fua xj. fol. et dant tol. et paf. et aux. et arant femel in anno et femel metunt. Aluredus pro terra fua dat ij. fol. et tol. et paf. et aux. In Barlega Harding et Vidua pro terra fua dant xL. den. et tol. et paf. el aiiXt et arant et metunt. Robertus pro terra fua dat vj. fol. et tol. et paf. et aux. et arat et metit. OJbertus Rugge pro terra fua dat iiij. et prediftas confuetudines. Hugo Mac dat xxxij. den. et prediftas confuetudines. Idem 6o HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE ten acres of meadow, and a new-made vineyard, and two mills, value twenty (hillings. It was worth an hundred {hillings ; now fix pounds.* This Idem Hugo debet xij. den. pro i. afTarta. Ahredus de Forda dat ij. fol. et predifta fine arura. [aratura.] Aluredus Wifdom dat xij. den. et predift. fine arura. Thomas Clech dat xij. den. et prediflas confuetudines. Walterus Moledinarius dat v. fol. et predift. fine arura. In M'u/mora viij. homines et i. coteria quae eft intra firmam. Ifti dant xxvj. fol. et predifta fine arura. WiUielmus PVudeward d^t xij. den. OJbcrtus et Jordanus viij. fol. et predifta. Eimlfus Coder ale ij. et omnes confuetudines. Rkardus fil. Aluredi xxviij. den. et omnes confuetudines fine arura. Faber tenet terram fuam pro fervitio curiae et quietus eft. Reginaldus fil. Ulf xviij. fol. et confuetudines fine arura. Aluredus fil. Ulf iiij. fol. et confuetudines fine arura. Robertas fil. Jordanis xviij. den. et confuetudines fine arura. In Havedlega Alexander et Aluredus iiij. fol. et confuetudines fine arura. Will, de Brome iij. fol. et confuetudines. Hicholaus frater Molendinarii ij. lol. et confuetudines fine aratura. Eadw'mus Fahel ij. fol. et confuetudines. Elyas ij. fol. et confuetudines, fi non fuerit de bedeleria. Terra Torti ij. fol. et confuetudines fine aratura. Ambrejlega de confuetudine debet reddere xv. fextaria mcllis, et iiij. milia anguillarium, et ix. virginti mitas falls. • In Hamtona WiUielmus Pintelthein tenet dim. hidam, et debet ire cum Runcino fuo per totam Angliam ad portandum pannos aijuflibet Monachi, in expenfa Abbati?. Idem tenet dim. virga- tam quam Arnaldus de Celario tenuit pluribus annis pro iij. fol. Hanc dim. virg. Abbas Adam ei accommodavit, ad tempus, pro jfudea, quam prediftus IVillielmus duxit in uxorem. Quatuor virgae bovariorum funt : per totum annum virga debet invenire ij. homines ad carru- cam Domini. Et in autumpno ij. homines in ebdomada, et ad wid. (sic) oc. etad fenum debent adjuvare, ettollum, etpafnagium; nee chirfet, nee decim. nee wudefelver, nee fifpani, nee hid. — Unde. Bercharius tenet vj. acras pro cuftodia ovium, fi fuerint ; et eft quietus ab omni fervitio : et fi non luerint, dabit xvi. den. et fi non cenfat, operabitur quantum i. Cotlanda. Porcharius ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 6i This church has alfo four hides at Benlngeorde* and Urjo has five hides there. Thefe five hides Walter Abbot of Evejham dereined f at Ildeberg, at the jundion of the four {hires, in the prefence of the bifhop of Bajeux, and other of the king's barons. There Porcharius tenet dim. virg. pro cuftodia porcorum, fi fuerint ; et fi noiifuerint, debet xvj. den. pro dim. terra virgae ; et fi non cenfat, operabitur quantum i. Cotlanda. Sex funt Cotlandae. Unaquaeque debet operari in ebdomada per ij. dies, et in autumpno per iij. dies; et tolnum. et pafnagium, et auxilium. Henrkus Clerkus dim. hidam pro x. fol. folebat operari, et geldat, et fervitium Regis. Radulfus tenet unam virgam pro v. fol. et tollum, et pafnag. et auxil. et debet arare, et falcare, et metere, et vineam fodere, et colJigere ; k quando operabatur, pro virga ilia ficut alii homines in villa fecerint, fic et ille feck, et omnes confuetudines. Ricardus itxitt i. virgam pro iij. fol. & vj. den. et auxil. et arat, et metit, et colligit fenum, et vineam colligit, et fervitium Regis. Hugo Sorel i. virgam pro tribus fol. et auxil. et arat, et metit, et fenum colligit, et vineam colligit, et fervitium Regis. XXiij. Virg^e funt. Si operantur, per totam ebdomadam debent operari, et fi fabbato opereu- tur, reddatur eis ; die dominico fummagiant : et in autumpno, in ebdomada, ij. homines de (sic) creis. Et fi meffis operantium fuerint meflata, debent accommodare Domino unaquaque die ij. homines ; et auxil. et tollum, et pafnage, et ix. den. et wudefelver, et fifpeni, et hidwude, et fervitium Regis, a feflo S. Michaelis ufque ad Pafcha, unaquaeque carruca in ebdomada, die Lunae dimid. acram, et benarth, et chirfet. Si cenfarent, v. fol. pro virga ; et auxilium, et arant, et metunt, et fenum et vineam colli<»unt et pafn. et tollum, et fervitium Regis. Galfridus Mare/callus tenet ij. acras de dominio Abbatis, et hoc efl in voluntate Abbatis. Perruc apud Lortebume debet operari die Lunae in ebdomada, per totum annum. Molendinarius habet i. dim. virgam, et i. crofUm, et i. pratum, et i. molendium pro viij. den. in ebdomada per annum. Radulfus Arnold tenet Lillingehom, fcil. i. croftam, pro xij. den. * Bengworth was acquired by Egwin, as his charter teftifies. There is a lift of the bordarers only of this place in the Cotton MS. t DiraUodnavit : — a word difficult to render, aiid ot which, as here applied, I do not know the exa^ 62 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE There are two carucates, and five villans, and two bordarers with two car. There are alfo fix fervants. In the time of king Edward it was worth fixty ftiillings ; afterwards fifty jhillings ; now fixty fhiHings again. In Efch Hund. Mortune exafl meaning. I have therefore adopted an old Norman law-term which feems nearly of the fame import. In certain other parts of Domefday diratiocinavit appears to fignify the reclaiming or re- deeming an eftate from mortgage. But we do not find that there was any mortgage in this cafe ; but rather that IValter was obliged to rejign many of the poffeflions of this Abbey which had been unjuftly acquired by his predecefiTor. — Perhaps fome little liglit may be thrown on this fubjeft, (at leaft, a dry topic will be fomewhat enlivened,) if I give from Hemingus [p. 80.] the particulars of a remarkable tranfaflion concerning an eftate at Bcngworlh, which may have had fome connec- tion with the event here recorded. It feems however to relate more immediately to the four hides mentioned juft before in Domefday as belonging to Evejham Abbey. — It was contended that Walter ought to hold thefe four hides under the bifliop of Worcefter. — " Concerning this bufinefs," (fays the pladtum or decree of William I. which is preceded by an epiflle of Gosfrid, bifliop of Conftan- tia, and two otliers of William on the fame fubjeft,) " there arofe a great difpute between the abbot and the bifliop : the former, for a long time, unjuftly excufmg himfelf. At length this caufe was tried and finally decided in the prelence of Gosfrid, bilhop of Conftantia, whom the king had commanded to afTift in putting his decree in force : — as alfo that he Ihould endeavour to come at the merits of the caufe, and to decide juftly between the contending parties. A great con- vention was accordingly held in Worceflerfliire of the neighbouring earls and barons, in the prefence of Gosfrid. The bufmels was fully difcuffed, and the abovementioned claim was fet up, over the abbot, by the bidiop. The abbot defended himfelf. The bifliop then appealed to lawful witnefles who, in the time of king Edward, had been acquainted with the true ftate of thefe affairs. — At length, accortling to the king's orders and a decree of the barons, the court proceeded to judgment ; and, becaufe the abbot laid he had no witnefles againft the bifliop, it was adjudged by the court that the bilhop fliould nominate his witneifes, and, on an appointed day, bring them with him. That thefe fhould then confirm the bifhop's allegations by an oath, and that the abbot might bring what reliques he pleafed with him for the fame purpofe. This was agreed to by both parties. The appointed day arrived. Bifliop li'ljlan appeared, as did the abbot H^alter, and the barons who had been prefent at the former promulgation of the deaee. The abbot brought his reliques, namely, the body of St. Egwin. There were alfo prefent, on the part of the bifliop, cre- dible witnefles prepared to take the above-mentioned oath. One of them was Edric, who in the time of Edward had been fteers-man of the fliip, and alfo leader of the troops which the bifliop had then provided in thefervice of tlie king. — Another was Kineward, who had been vicecomes of Worceftedhire ; one who had himfelf feen thefe things, and bare teflimony of them. Siward alfo was a witnefs, a rich man of Seropfcyre, and OJhern, the fon of Richard, and Turchil, of IVarwic- fcyre, and many other elder t ioad nobles, of whom the greater part are now alleep. But many ftill fuivive ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 6^ o Mortime* is pofleffed by the fame Abbey. There, in the time of king Edward, there were five hides ; but great part of this land has now been difpofed of elfewhere. In demefne is one carucate, and feven villans, and two herdfmen, with four car. There are likewife fifteen acres of meadow- land. A wood of three roods long, and one broad. It was, and ftill is, worth thirty (hillings. Rannulf holds it of the Abbot. This Abbey has alfo Achelenz. There are four hides and an half. In de- mefne is one carucate, and three villans, and four bordarers with one car. There are alfo two iervants, and fix acres of wood-land. In the time of king Edward furvive who were fpe'. Iblidis, dono Rodherti Abbatis, fne Capitulo, etfuper exeommunicationcm Saniia Maria et S. Egicini patris nojixi. Willielmus Siluanus tenet i. hidam apud Goldoram, (sic) pro x. folidis ad firmam per annum, et detinet cenfum per vim, defeiiu Abhatum. In Achefench habet Willielmus Meldrope dimidiam hidam, dono Rodherti Abbatis, contradicente Capitulo. Randulfus frater Abbatis Walterii habet in Withelega iij. hidas de dominio. In Kinewartuna iij. hidas de dominio. In Stohe ij. hidas de dominio. In Liteltona ij. hidas et dimid. In Dretfortona iij. hidas et i. virgatam, dono Walterii Abbatis, contradicente Capitulo. Willielmus ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. n Permortham and its adjacencies were certainly given after the conquell. — There are however two places, called in the founder's charter Mayeldfjbeordy and Sildfwkk, to the names of which I can find no refemblance either in Domefday, or in the modern appellations of villages, in any of thofe counties where the Abbey had eftates. Our enquiry into the remaining part of the eftates of this foundation will not be very long. Its acquirements after the conqueft do not feem to have increafed with the rapid proportion in which they were accumulated before that Willielmus Senechallus habet apud Baddefeiam v. virgatas; ex hiis iij. funt de dominio et geldant : ij. funt liberae. Wdlielmus de DunUune habet in Dunitona v. virgatas et dimid. de dominio, et fedet in dominica manfione Abbatis, dono Walterii Abbatis, contradicente Capitulo. Hugo "Travers habet v. virgatas in Liteltona de dominio, dono Walterii Abbatis^/Tne Capitulo. Hugo de, Bretfortun habet in Bretfortun ij. hidas et dimid. dono Walterii Abbatis, Jlne Capitulo. [To this fucceeds a h'ft of the names of certain knights or foldiers of the king who held of the Evefham church above fixty-four hides ; without performing any fervice for them, but to the king. It then proceeds as follows :] In Londiniis Ecclella S. Michaelis de Cornhulle pertinet ad Ecclefiam de Evefham cum tribus do- mibus, et reddit annuatim Ecclefiae ij. marcas, et femel in anno ignem, falem, et litariam. Ecclefia de Hildendona hahe i. hidam. Dimidium hidae efl de dominio Domini, quam Milo Crifpin dedit Waltero Abbati ad faciendum hofpitium fuum ; et predifta dimidia hidas pertinet ad Ecclefiam. Ipfam Ecclefiam dedit Ecclefise de Evejham Brian fl. Comitis ; et reddit annuatim i. marcam, et unum hofpitium invenit integrum Abbati per annum ; et, fi iterum venerit, ignem, falem, et litariam. In Wirecejlerfire, xx. hidas, et v. hidas, et dim. hid. et xij. acras. In Glocejlerfire, Lvj. hidas. In Warrexvicfire, xx. hidas, et i. virgatam. In Norhamtonfre, iiij. hidas. In Staffordfire, ij. hidas. Summa C. et Lvj. hidas, et dimid. hidam, et i. virg. et xii. acras. The intelligent reader will eafily perceive that thefe extrafts, though they quote feveral fe«- tences word for word from Domefday, are by no means a copy from it, but rather an enmneration of the heavy loffes the Abbey had fuftained by means of the Norman Abbots ; who, prefuming probably on the king's partiality, had enriched their friends and dependants with its potftdions. — Befides being a curiofity in themfelves, thefe extracts throw confiderable light on the nature of our ancient tenures. 78 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE that time. Ecclcfiaftical emoluments will moft of all fwell our account ; asi in thefe, much afliftance is derived from the extenfive colledions of Dr. Nafh: to which however confiderable additions are made from other quarters. Thefe extrads will tend to elucidate likewife the tem]X)ral poffefTions of the Abbey, and, in fome inftances, fhew their ftate at the prefent time. Churches in and near Evejham, of which the Abbots of that place were once the proprietors. I. Ml Saints, ? T ^ Evejham : — both formerly appropriated to the II, St. Lawrence,^ A Abbey, to which they ferved as fubordinate chapels. The priefts who ferved them were called chaplains, and had the fame allow- ance with the monks. They are now united ; and, as St. Lawrence is almoft in ruins, indudion to All Saints only is taken. The vicar is fupported by the Eafter offerings, and the contribution of the inhabitants* III. Bengworth: — where is a very ancient church dedicated to St. Peter, of which, as well as of the two former churches, a farther account will hereafter be given. IV. Hampton, magna et parva. — The church, dedicated to St. Andrew, was, after the diflblution, annexed to Chrijl Church College, Oxford. In this church, according to Mr. Habingdon, there was formerly fome curious painted glafs, alluding chiefly to its connexion with the Abbey. This has, long fince, been deftroyed. V. Bradforton. — The church is dedicated to St. Leonard, and the living was, in queen Elizabeth's reign, appropriated to Thomas Hareward. The manor ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 79 manor continued with the crown till about the fame period ; when it was given to the famous earl of Leicefter, from whom his brother, Ambrofe Dudley^ earl of Warwick, inherited it. Afterwards it paffed through various hands. In Mr. Hab'mgdons time it was held by a William Canning. It now [1779] belongs to William Lutwyche, Efq. of Lutwyche, in StaffordQiire. VI. Church- Honeyborn. — This living, after the diflblution, was granted to the Carell family, of Harting, in Suffex. It was left by Sir Thomas Carell be- tween two daughters, his coheireffes. One of thefe daughters was married to Richard, vifcount Molineux ; the other to Henry Parker, lord Morley. Thomas Habingdon, of Hindlip, by marrying lord Morley's daughter, afterwards in- herited it : from whom it defcended to the Compton's of Hartbury. — The lands in this parifh, after the diflblution, were, for the greater part, given to the dean and chapter of Weftminfter ; the reft to Philip Hoby, knight, of Bif- ham, in Berkfhire. The manor oi Poden, likewife in this parifh, was once the property of the Hobys ; but now of Walwyn Graves, Efq. of Mickleton, in Gloucefterfhire, grandfon to the very refpedable antiquary and hiftorian Richard Graves, Efq. — The inhabitants of Honeyborn had, while connefled with the Abbey, feveral cuftoms remarkable enough to merit notice. Some account of one of thefe, a yearly proceffion to the Abbey, I give from a Latin paper preferved by Dr. Nafh in his account of this parifli. '* Eugenius bifliop, kc. — to the beloved fons of God the Abbots of Wynchecombe, and Gloucejler, and Hayles, in the diocefe of Worcefter, health and apoftolic benedidion. — It appears from a petition lately exhibited to us, that the inhabitants of the parifh of Honiborn have, for thefe fix and twenty years paft, continued a cuftom, — that one perfon from every houfe there fhould annually in Pentecoit, go in proceffion to the Monaftery of Evejham with a crofs and banners carried before them, and there pay feverally the fum of one farthing for each houfeholder in that parifh. But as it appears that many other tenants and dependants of the above Monaftery are alfo ac- cuftomed to go thither in proceffion at the fame time, and that, by their meeting in the way thither with each other, many grievous contentions and quarrels have arifen, through each party's endeavours to vindicate for them- felves 8o HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE felvcs the honour of precedency, and that from thence many mutilations, and even many murders have aiifen: — to avoid in future thefe dangerous difTcnfions, we ordain that they now ceafe from their loiig-eftablifhed cuftom of procefTion ; but that they neverthelefs continue, as before, to pay each houfeholder one farthing to the above Monaftery, at the accuftomed feafou of Pentccoft. As moreover it is afferted by the inhabitants of the vicinity, that the aforefaid village is diftant about three miles from the Monaftery, and that the above tenants and dependants, fufficiently numerous in them- felves, and moreover elated by a confidence in the favour of their lords the Abbot and reft of the Monaftery, have not feared to ered the horn of pride and defiance againft the faid inhabitants of the vicinity, through which they were ufcd to pafs, we have been, on the part of the faid inhabitants, humbly fupplicated that we would deign to provide for their future fecuiity by guard- ing againft evils and dangers of this kind." — The paper then finilhes by pro- hibiting thefe curious proceffions, and threatening with excommunication thofe who fhall dare to perfevere in them. VII. Offenham. — The church is dedicated to St. Mary and St. Millhurgh. After the diffolution the profits of the living devolved to Chrijl Church College, in Oxford. This college ftill prefents to the curacy, but neither inftitution or indudion are now uftd. — Ihe landed property was firft granted to Sir Philip Hoby, whofe nephew Sir Edward Hoby fold it. It afterwards came into the pofleffion of the Hazlewoods. From them it paffed into feveral hands. Part however was purchafed by Mr. Freeman, and this devolved to Mr. Bund. — Richard Bromefgrove, Abbot of Evefham, about the year 141 8, built a new room at Offenham; with a window of fine painted glafs, reprefenting the fa- lutation of the Virgin Mary. He alfo completely repaired the chapel of the manor-houfe there, at the expence of three and twenty pounds. We are alfo informed by Leland, that Clement Lichfield, the laft Abbot but one, built (or rather rebuilt,) an houfe in this parifh which had always been a fort of country refidence for the Abbots of Evejham. Finding the diffolution of his Abbey inevitable, he refigned ; and retiring altogether to this place, probably died in it. VIII. The ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 8x Vin. The three Littletons, South, Middle, and North, all belonged (as did likevvife their churches or chapels,) to the Evejham foundation. There is now no church at North Littleton : but the parfonages of the other two belong to Chrijl Church College, in Oxford. — After the diffolution all three were given to Thoraas Leigh ; but the property is now in various hands. North Littleton is, at this time, the property of many. Of South Littleton, Lord Coventry is lord of the manor and principal land-holder. Middle Littleton now belongs to Sir John Rujhout, who is lord both here and at North Littleton. IX. Norton and Lenchwick. — Of thefe the firft only has a church. The great tythes of this were by Henry VIII. granted to Worcejier cathedral. Both pariQies were, at one time, the property of the great monopolizer here, Sir Philip Hoby. At prefent lord Craven has the manor : but the dean and chap- ter of WorceJlcr prefent to the vicarage. X. Badfey : — to which Aldington is a chapelry . The church , dedicated to 5'^. James, is a donative, and no inftitution or indudion is required. This church, together with five others in the vale, viz. Hampton, Wickamjord, Middle and South Littletons, and Offenham, was, by the pope's authority, ex- empted from all epifcopal jurifdidion , and appropriated to the Convent of Evejham ; which received the tythes of the whole parifh, and ferved it by one of its monks. It is now appropriate to Chrijl Church College in Oxford, which appoints a ftipendary prieft. — Both Badfey and Aldington were once poffeffed by Sir Philip Hoby. The firft of thefe is now in various hands ; the latter be- longs to lord Foley. XI. Wicemford, or Wickamjord, called Wickwan in the charter of Kenred and Offa, and Wiquene in Domefday, was one of Egwin's original endowments. The church is dedicated to St. John Baplijl, and was granted by Henry VIIL to Chrijl Church in Oxford. The property, after the diffolution, fell to the Throckmortons ; and afterwards to the Sandys family, where it now remains. Xn. Omberjley, called anciently Ambrejley, (the name of which is by Ken- net derived from the famous Ambrofius,) is alfo to be found in the original M charters. 82 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE charters. The Abbey of Evejham obtained the appropriation of the church, (dedicated to St. Andrew,) in the year 1326. For this William, then Abbot of Evejham, paid yearly to the bifhop of Worcefter thirty fliillings. It now belongs to lord Sandys. The manor fell to the crown at the dilTolution ; and by the accounts of the bailiffi, it appears produced then the yearly fum of one hundred and fixty-three pounds ten (hillings and two-pence halfpenny. Through various hands it paffed into the Sandys family, who ftill retain it. Xni. Oldhorough, called formerly Olberge, and which is the fame place I prefume that is, in Egwins charter, called Ulbcory, came into the hands of Thomas Foley, of Stoke-Court, in Herefordfliire ; from whom, through va- rious hands, it paffed by purchafe to John Pejhall, clerk of Guildford, (I fup- pofe the late Rev. Sir John Pejhall,) for the fum of five hundied pounds. — The property, at firff, belonged to Valentine Knightly; afterwards to Pack- wood, Efq. who fold it to the truftees of the earl of Catherlough, XIV. Sfomy, or Abbots Morton. — No account is given by Dr. Nafh of the church, or the hands it fell into, after the difTolution. The property fell to the all-grafping Sir Philip Hoby, but is now in various hands. In WARWICKSHIRE. I. T^INTON, a large parifh. — It was given by St. Egwin* at the foun- IJ dation : but was afterwards, with other pofTeflions, wrefted from the Abbey by Alferus, or Elf ere, who expelled the monks in favour of fecular canons. n. Wixjord. • The fhort notices of thefe parifhes are chiefly extrafted from Dugdale's Warwickfhire. But Blnton does not appear among the founder's acquirements. The place called in Egwin's charter Buchtun feems rather to apply to Burlitun, or Bourton on the water. Binton is however noticed in Domefday among the Worcefterihire eflates, and is there called Bulntun. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 83 II. Wixford. — This place, in the Conqueror's time, (but Domefday ex- preffly fays in king Edward's time,) was held by one Wigot or Weyth. This man is faid to have been grandlbn to the famous Guy, earl of Warwick, This is one of the eftates which the rapacious Godwin feized. But it again reverted to the Abbey by purchafe, in the reign of the Confeffor, III. Ardens Grafton. — Here the Abbey had a fmall portion of land given it by the abovementioned Wigot, which was, in 964, confirmed to it by Uffn, his heir, who was buried here. This date differs from that in the lift of be- nefactors, which is 973. IV. Weathle. — This village, fituated near the river Arrow, is among the endowments procured by Egwin himfelf. In Domefday it is called Wilelie. In the time of Henry II. it was held of the Abbey by Ranulf Kinwarton. In the thirteenth year of Edward the firft, the Abbey, as it appears, challenged a court-leet and fome other privileges; all which were allowed. In the reign of Richard II. the monks added to their poffeffions here, by purchafing from one William Patty, a freeholder, two meffuages confifting of one yard land and an half, and three acres of meadow-ground. All this, at the diffolution, fell to the crown. V. Samburn : — fo called from a little fandy brook near it, was alfo given by the founder. The Abbot of Eve/ham, in the reign of Edward I. claimed here the fame privileges as at Weathle; and thefe privileges were allowed. VI. Kingle : — made once part of the parifh of Kinwarton ; but, before the fifth year of Henry III. had become a parifh itfelf. At that time Stephen de Ragley granted to Evejham Abbey one hundred and fifty acres of land in this place. The Abbot here likewife claimed the fame privileges as at Sambourne and Weathle. He had moreover at this village an aifize of bread and beer, and right, by prefcription, to ered a gallows. One Richard Borduit is re- corded to have deprived the monks of fifty acres of the land they poffefled here ; but his pretext for fo doing is not now known, M 2 Vn. Hillborouglu 84 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE VII. Hillborough. — By whom this was given to the Abbey cannot now be difcovcred. It was however foon wrefled from it. In the time of William Rulus, Robert, then Abbot oi Evejham, granted it to one William de Severcute. Vm. Ilminglon. — No land here feems to have belonged to the Abbey. The church was, in 1291, valued at thirty marks ; out of which one mark was paid in penfion to the Abbey. In the reign of Henry VIII. it was va- lued at thirty pounds, and then the yearly penfion paid to the Abbey was only fix (hillings and eight pence. IX. King's Broom. — This place, which fiands on the north-eaft fide of the Arrow, was given in 711, foon after the foundation of Evejkam Abbey, by Ceolred, king of Mercia ; and was, with other eftates, wrefted from the Abbey by Odo, bifhop of Bajeux, and half brother to William I. Odo gave it to one OJberne, who mortgaged it to Egelwin, the then Abbot of Evejham, for four marks of gold. As he could not pay the mortgage, it once more reverted to the Abbey. When both Odo and Egelwin were dead, the heir of OJberne feized it again. X. Salford Prior : — lies alfo on the river Arrow. It contains Dunningfon, and two other hamlets. A fait fpring found here in the year 513, gives name to this place. It was part of the founder's endowment, but did not continue long with the Abbey. In Edward the Confeffor's reign, Godiva, wife to earl Leofric, pofTeffed it. After the conqueft it was given to the canons at Kenilworth, at which time the then Abbot of Evejham fued again for it. At length an agreement was concluded that the Abbey (hould have thirty fhillings a year penfion from the canons. This happened in the nine- teenth year of Edward I. XI. Salford Minor : — was given at the foundation in 709, and belonged to the Abbey when Domefday furvey was made. FROM ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 8r, FROM the accurate and very laborious refearches of bilhop Tanner, we are informed of feveral other church poffeffions of this Abbey. — i. The advowfon of Barford,* in Warwickfhire, — 2, Of St. Micliael's, Cornhill, in London, — 3. OfCoraW/e,t in Oxfordfhire, belonged to it. 4. The impro- priations oi H.'illingdon,X in Buckinghamfhire, with a third part of the de- mefne tythes, — 5. O^ Leyland, in the diocefe of Coventry ; together with the appropriations of — 6. Badby, in Northamptonfhire, — 7. Mucklelon, ia the diocefe of Worcefter, and of — 8. Merylon, in that of Lincoln, all be- longed to Evejham Abbey. — This foundation had moreover a penfion of ten {hillings yearly from the Kenilworth canons, over and above (I apprehend,) the thirty fhilling penfion compounded for at Saljord Priors. The Abbot had ecclefiaftical jurifdidion over many of the churches in the vale of Evejham, which he obtained of the bifhop in exchange for the advowfons of Klnwarton and Wejlon. All offerings made to the ftatue of St. John Baptift, in South- Jlone,% in the parifh of Stamford, in Worcefterfhire, belonged to the Evejham monks, and doubtlefs many other ecclefiafiical emoluments; but of the above only are there proofs extant in any work or records I have had opportunity to confult.ll Befide the eftates enumerated in Domefday, it appears, from authentic records, • For the vouchers of thefe I refer the reader to Tanner's Notitia. [pp. 618, 619, and 620,] t Ceded to one Alicia de Gras, with a penfion referved. % For this church there may be feen in Rennet's Parochial Antiquities [p. 151.] the charter of Brian Fitz-Coimt. Sec alfo titles of charters in the Appendix. 5 There is ftill preferved in that parifli the offertory bafon in which thefe offerings were re- ceived, with an infcription very difficult to make out. See Dr. Nafli's pleafing account of that place. [Vol. 2. p. 366.] II It appears however, from the title of a charter inferted in the Appendix, that they had alfo the great tythes of, and, I believe, fome land in Pikejlege, or Pikefley, in Herefordfhire. 86 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE records, that this Abbey had lands in Grafton, Coughlon, or CoEton, Ragley,* and Overjley, in Warwickftiire ; — at Penwortliam, Farr'mgdoi}, Tilltngdon, and Leyland, in Lancafhire ; — tenements, leparately from their eflates, in Bartharriy Seyvjhury, and Aldgate, in London ; and two virgates of land in Kewnham Marys, in Northamptonfliire. It is known likewife that it polfelfed confider- able eflates in Badby, if not the entire manor. f Confiderable emoluments likewife muft have arifen from a market, and two annual fairs at Stow, in Gloucejlerjhire ; — a market, and one fair, at Om- brejtey, in Worcellerfhire ; — liberty of the foreft oi' Feckenliam; a right of common pafturage at Waleton, in Lancafhire ; — free wairenage at Badby, % in Northamptonfhire ; — a knight's fee at AJlon Somerville, in Somerfetfhire ; — liberty to impark three hundred acres of land at the OmbreJIey; — to indole and impark pait of the foreft at Badby ; — and the liberty of the entire hun- dreds of Salemoujbury, in Gioucefterfhire, oi WhitlaxJord,% oxWicksfordy in Warwickfhire, and of Blakcnhurjl, in Worcefterfhire, Of entire manors it is known to have poflefTed that oi' ChedwortJi, firft with- out licence from the king, which was however afterwards obtained; — of Bengworth, given by one of the Beauchamps ; — of Ulleberwe ; (the fame, I appiehend, with Oiberge, or Oldborough ;) Muckleton, Nethrcote ,\\ and Ywelyy in • This place, like Badhy and Penwortham, is faid to have been given before the conqueft ; and, though not inCerted in Domefday as part of the Abbey's poffenions, appears again afterwards indu- bitably as fuch. [See lift of benefaftors.] t The memorandum of Sir Philip Hoby likewife fpecifies fome lands in Elford and Slaughter, in the county of Gloucefter. [Stevens's Supp. p. 463.] % This Abbey had a right of free imrrenage alfo in the following places: — Omherjley, Offenham, the three Littletons, Iloneyborne, Hoddeho, Bretforton, Aldington, Badfey, Wikewan, or IVickamford, Hampton, Bengworth ; [in Worcederfhire.] — and at Willerfey, Swelle, Bradwell, Donington, Stawe, Mangerjbury, Tattejlrop, Burton, and Clapton, [in Gloucefterlhire.] J I do not in Domefday find any mention of fuch an hundred. IVhitlaxford or Wicksford itfeJf is thtie placed in Fernccumbe hundred. But thus Tanner, and after him Dr. Nafii. II See titles of charters in the Appendix. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 87 in Gloucefterlhire; — 7a;%c'o72, Seinjbury, and over Sydington, Tydelmerlon, Admifcote, Exford, and probably many more for which we have now no fuf- ficient vouchers. It cannot however be fuppofed but that Badby, when they obtained leave fo largely to impark, muft have been one of their manors. Thefe are to be underftood as in addition to thofe places in Domefday, which we may prefume, from the mode in which they are noticed, were alfo the manors of this foundation. But this detail, efpecially the latter part of it, muft, as we cannot now appreciate the exad value of thefe poifeffions or privileges, appear vague and unfatisfadory. It will however ferve to give the reader a general knowledge of this Abbey's ample endowments. What in reality can we think of them, when we are told, from undoubted authority, that this Abbey loll, within no very long period of time, and without any material derangement in its affairs, no lefs than twenly-e'igld manors, and three appropriate reworks? I will now end this dry and tedious fubjed, for which I hope the follow- ing chapter on the Cuftoms of the Abbey (more perhaps by the variety, than the nature of its information,) will make fome amends, by inferting from Stevens an exad account of the profits of one of its fmalleft manors ; — that of Salford AbboiSt in the county of Warwick. Manor of Salford Abbots, in Warwickfhlre, parcel of the pofTef- fions of Evejham Abbey, I. rm "y H E rents of the heirs of Thomas Littleton, Efq. deceafed, arifing 1 from one mill, now dilapidated, and from one meadow or clofe, called Mille-crojte, amounting yearly to one pound fix (hillings and eight- pence. II. The 88 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE II. The rents or farm of a }X)rtion of land belonging to the lordfhip, of twenty (hillings, and of one meflliage there, and of one virgate and an half of land, called H'mdges, let to Thomas Sorrel for feventeen fhillings per an- num ; — one pound feventeen fliillings. III. The rents or farm of the grange-houfe of the manor, and of another portion of land belonging to the lordlhip, and of a meadow called the farm- meadow, let to jfohn Amarye, — one pound. IV. The rents or farm of one meffuage and of one virgate of land, cal- led Meringe, of eight fhillings, and of another melTuage and half a virgate of land, called Wilden, of feven fhillings, let to the above jfohn Amarye, — fifteen fhillings. V. The rents or faiTn of another meffuage and half a virgate of land, cal- led Colkdts, let to John Rawlins, — eight fhillings. VI. The rents or farm of one meffuage and of one virgate of land with its appertinancies, called Hewes, let to John Heyward, — fixteen fhillings. VII. The rents or farm of two meffuages and of one virgate and an half of land, called Hudges, let to Riclmrd Emmes, — one pound four fhillings. Vni. The rents or farm of one meffuage and of one virgate of land, cal- led Da maryes, and of one cottage, called Nortone, let io Richard Crawler , — eighteen fhillings and four-pence. IX. The rents or farm of one meffuage and of one virgate of land, called Hagemes, let out to John Ballard, — thirteen fhillings and four-pence. X. The rents or farm of one cottage, with half an acre of meadow-land, let to Agnes Webbe,— two (liillings and eight-pence, XI. The ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. lig XI. The rents or farm of one meffuage and of half a virgate of land, with one meadow, called Baxters, let to Magaret Meryngey widow, — nine (hillings. XII. The rents or farm of one bake-houfe let out to Thomas Merynge, at the will of the lord of the manor, — one (hilling. XIII. The farm of a portion of the tythe of hay in Salford, which lately belonged to the almoner of the Monaftery, now let to Edward Mounteffed and Sibilla his wife, by indenture that they fhould yearly pay, — fix (hillings and eight-pence. XIV. The farm of all and fingular the tythes and portions of tythes, both great and fmall, in the town and parifh of Salford Abbots, in the county of Warwick, (excepting that portion of the hay tythe abovementioned,) — three pounds. XV. The perquifites of the court there, and other incidentals, amount- ing ufually every year to — two (hillings. The whole amount is twelve pounds nineteen JhiHings and eight-pence. This account (it being without any date,) feems to have been made foon after the diffolution of the Abbey. The value of this foundation, as eftimated at the diflblution, was, accord- ing to Stevens, one thoufand two hundred and Jixty-eight pounds, mneJMUmgs and ten-pence; according to Dugdale, one thoufand one hundred and eighty-three pounds, twelve JhiHings and nine-pence. For very evident reafons, (fuch as rents paid in kind and other incidental emoluments,) we may fafely chufe the higher number of the two ; and, even at that eftimation, fuppofe it greatly under- rated. Now if we may be allowed the conjedure, that the value of money has decrcafed in regular proportion to the intervening diftance of time, (and yet it is probable this decreafe has happened with a continued acceleration,) as we before determined it to have been, when Domefday was written, N about 90 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE about twenty-three to owe, * it muft, of courfe, at the difiTolution, have been in the proportion oi feven to one. The annual revenue of Evefham Abbey will thus aiife to the fum of eight thoufand eight hundred and feventy-Jix pounds J at the loweft. But it is, on every account, probable that if we had made it twelve thoufand pounds per annum, we fliould ftill have fallen far fhort of its real income. f * This proportion of twenty-three to one, which I have met with in feveral writers on Englifh antiquit}', includes within it, I take for granted, this coniideration ; — that the value of the Nor- man pound was equal to about three pounds twojkillings of our prefent money. If not the value of this foundation, as eftimated by the Norman record, mufl be taken ftill confiderably higher. + Our idea of the value of this foundation will be prodigioufly raifed, (pofUbly too muchfo,) if we attend to the valuation of another monafiery, that of St. Albans, by Vdal. At the ditfolution that abbey was valued only at £2510 6s, id. — " If," fays the above author, " all the old lands were united together, they would be worth at this day, in all rents, profits, and revenues, about jf 200,000 a year; according to the improved rents at this day."— Now the valuation of Evefliam being £1183 12/. ^d. at the diffolution, the prefent value, according to this mode of calcula- tion, ought to be almoft £95,000 per annum. CHAP. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 9' CHAP. IV, CUSTOMS AND INTERNAL REGULATIONS OF EVESHAiM ABBEY. IT will not be eafy to devife a better method of obtaining a complete idea of the rules and eftablifhed cuftoms of this foundation, than by layine before the reader a clofe tranflation of the Inftitutes of the Abbot Randu/f; drawn up about the year 1223. To this, any occafional fragments of infor- mation preferved by Stevens and other antiquaries, may be compendioufly fubjoined, in the form of notes. The original caufe of this body of hiftitutes was a difpute which arofe between the abovementioned Abbot, and the refl of the fraternity, relating to feme almofl obfolete regulations. To prevent thefe contentions in future, by the advice of the ftrenuous Thomas de Marle- berg, fo often commemorated, all the ancient cuftoms, before traditional, were collected and written down by the Abbot, and were afterwards fubmitted to the pope for his approbation ; which was tranfmitted through his legate. The reader will fcarcely require to be admonifhed, — that our bullnefs here is merely with the peculiar regulations of this foundation. Moft of thefe are probably included in this paper of Inftitutes, if we except perhaps fome differencies in their mode of divine fervice ; in which refped thefe houfes often varied from each ether : but upon which it would be too prolix here to dwell. For the genera! regulations of the order, Dugdale and the Sup- plement of Stevens may be confulted, where all requifite Information on the fubjed will be found.* N2 INSTITUTES * It fhould here be obferved that there is a fort of abridgment of this paper to be found in Dugdale, [vol. I. p. 146.] beginning with thefe words : •« Cum Johannes Dei gratia," &c But that evidently contains merely the heads of the other, though perhaps fomewhat more clearly ex- preffed. This is doubtiefs a copy of the original inftitutes of Randulf ; and although very per- plexed 92 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE INSTITUTES OF EVESHAM ABBEY, WRITTEN BY THE ABBOT RANDULF. TO all the fons of our holy mother the church to whom thefe prefents fhall come, Randulf, by the grace of God, Abbot of Evefliam and of the whole Convent of that place, wifhcth health and profperity in the Lord. — Since we have been thought worthy to obtain f'om pope Innocent the third a confirmation of the written diftvibution or affignmcnt of our rents to the various offices in our Convent ; not of fuch rents as we pofTefTcd before the time of that confirmation, but alfo of fuch as we have fince acquired ; we have judged it of moment to commit to poflerity in writing the knowledge and proper diffribution of them as thus effabliihed by authority. For both by pope Innocent the fecond, and pope Alexander the third, not only thofe rents which we poffeffed in their times, but fuch alfo as we might afterward by lawful means acquire, were granted and confirmed to us : to which pri- vileges it will appear from thefe our regulations and cuffoms that we are julfly entitled. The Inflitutes of this our Convent now follow.* The plexed in flile, and often obfcure in other refpefts, contains many more curious particulars, and much more minute information than the other. It is to be found in the original Latin in Stevens, [Appen. p. 128.] who copied it from the Cotton MS. Auguftus II. 9. The abridgment is flill to be feen in the Augmentation Office, with the ieals of the Convent affixed to it. * With refpeft to the connexion thefe foundations had with the adjacent towns, and the jurif- diftion ufually claimed over them, the following paper accidentally picked up at a grocer's flioji at Evejham, by the publifiier, will afford confideiable information. No diligence however, (and much was ufed,) could procure more of it than is here given. It feems to be part of a depofition at feme trial relating to the privileges of the town, foon after the diflblution ; but, I believe, leffens the power and jurildiftion oi the Abbey much beyond the truth : or, at leafl, what they originally were. This it was natural enough to do when the Abbot's power no longer exifled, and the town was ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 93 ITie Abbot conftantly refiding within the limits of the Convent fhall, ac- cording to ancient ufage, lead among the brethren a regular life and conver- fation ; and (hall manage their temporal concerns providently and faithfully to the beft of his power, and fo as may mod conduce to the utility of the church. The was contending for privileges which it might now take to itfelf without detriment to the original ponelTors. " To the 6th interrogatory he depofeth and faith : — That the faid abbot, bailiffs, and rent- gatherers, before the diffokition of the faid Monaftery, had no government or rule over the faid town : — but that the government thereof all tended to the bailiffs of the faid town for the time being. •J. — To the 7th interrogatory he depofeth and faith: — That, before the diffolution of the faid Monaftery, the faid bailiffs and governors of the faid town, for the time being, did gather and re- ceive the profts of the markets and fairs holden within the faid town, and were the governors thereof. 8 To the 8th he depofeth and faith: — That, before the diffolution of the faid Monaftery, the bailiffs and governors of the faid town had and received the perquifites and profits of the ieets and courts there holden within the faid town. 9. — To the 9th he depofeth and faith : — That he never knew, in all the time of his remem- brance, any of the abbots of the late diffolved Monaftery eleft, make, or chufe any of the bailiffs of the faid town ; but knew of his own knowledge that one Clement, fometime abbot there, did reguejl the inhabitants of the faid town that one John Matthews, then the chief cook, might be chofen one of the bailiffs of the faid town. — To which the faid inhabitants anfwered that they would not feek their bailiffs in the abbot's kitchen. Whereupon the atbol promifed them to provide another cook for that year if they would eleil him bailiff, and did fo accordingly. Whereupon the faid inhabi- tants did chufe and eleil the faid Matthews one of the bailiffs of the faid tczm. To the 10. II. 12. 13. and 14. he cannot depofe. 15. — To the 15th he depofeth and faith : — That, before the diffolution of the faid Monaftery, the bailiffs of tlie faid town, for the time being, did, in all the time of his remembrance, chufe the two fergeants at mace within the faid town, and the 6e//-man there ; — which bell-man, as he thinketh, is the common crier. To the 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. and 23. he cannot depofe. 24.— To 94 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE The prior, fub-prior, the third /nor, and other obedientiaries ot the order; the prior oi' Pevuvriliam, the precentor, dean, facrifl, chamberlain, manciple, the cellarer, infrmarer, almoner, the keeper of the vineyard and garden, the in- fpedor of the church-fabric, the pit anciary, and the attcnder onjlrangers, fliall all be chofen in the general council, and with the general confent of the whole Convent, or of its better and wifer part ; and fhall afterwards be by the Abbot of the faid Convent ratified and confirmed in the chapter-houfe. If (which God forbid!) any one of thefe fliall behave himfelf difhoneflly or imprudently in his office, or (hall manage badly the affairs of the fraternity, being firft correded for it according to regular ufage, he fliall, if he do not amend, be afterwards removed from his office in full chapter, and another fliall immediately and in the ufual form be by the chapter appointed in his flead : — left by any accident, or by the negled or deccafe of the Abbot, thefe offices ffiould fall into the hands of the king, or through any delay in noticing fuch offences due fubordination fliould be leflened in the Convent, or new delinquencies fliould by fuch negled arife. The prior and the aforefaid fuperiors of the order fliall, affifted alfo by the Abbot's endeavours, ufe all diligence to preferve the ftrideff monaflic difci- pline according to the rules of the bleffed Benedidt ; and chiefly they fliall take care left the monks fliould have in their poffcflion any thing which it is con- trary to the regulations to poffefs ; that they eat no where except in the re- fediory ; that their pittancies be required of, and dealed out properly by the almoner ; that they do not go out of the Convent without leave of their fuperiors ; 24. — To the 24th he depofeth and faith : — That the bailiffs of the faid town for the time being, have had the hearing and determining of all delates, controverfxes, and mijdemeanours, happening within the faid town in iheh fairs and markets there kept, before the dilToIution of the faid Monaf- tery ; but what they have done fmce he knoweth not. To the laft inteiiogatory he cannot depofe. Signed RICHARD HOBY, RICHARD EGEOCK, WALTER JONES." ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. .95 fuperiors ; that filence be obferved in all places where it is required by thfc ftatutes ; and that they frequently confefs their offences, but to thofe only who are deputed for that purpofe. All thofe officials who receive the rents fhall four times in every year audit their accounts before the Abbot, (or whomfoever he may appoint in his ftead,) the prior, and fix others of the fraternity, three of whom fhall be nominated by the Abbot, and three by the Convent. The manciple fhall do the fame every week. Thefe officials while at home fhall be conlidered as a permanent body, and fhall, as fuch, attend the refi of the fraternity to the church, the chapter-houfe, the cloifters, and the refedory ; that if (which God avert!) any defed, omiffion, or vacancy fliould arife in any of the offices, they may be at hand immediately to fupply for them. No one (hall at the fame time hold two feparate offices ; but each official fhall have an affiftant appointed for the alleviation of his labour, and as a witnefs of his diligence. If any one in office fhall through the badnefs of the times* expend more money than the rents allowed to his office will afford, the deficiency fhall be fupplied from any redundancy that may arife in the other offices. But if none of them fliall have the means of making up for this deficiency, the Abbot himfelf fhall fupply for it by the hands of the cellarer for exteriors. If moreover all the offices have fufficient, and there fhould be any refidue left, the Abbot, with the confent of the chapter, or the greater and wifer part of it, may difpofe of fuch refidue in fuch a manner as may moflly conduce to the utility of the Convent. But if any lofs fhall accrue to thofe rents which are affigned to the offices, either for a perpe- tuity, (which God avert !) or for a time only * * * * or thefe rents fhall be entirely loft or in any way diminifhed, the Abbot fhall, by confent of the chapter, determine on fome means for fupplying thofe on which the lofs fhall chiefly fall from other refources. It is, on the other hand, lawful likewife for the Convent to increafe both the general rents and thofe affigned to particular offices, to acquire new or augment the old ones by any juft and equitably* « 41 Propter maliciam temporis." g6 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE equitable means ; and either temporally or for a perpetuity to exchange them for other pofTeffions of equal value and utility to the Convent. The cellarer for exteriors, or fteward of the Convent, fhall be appointed by its members and by the Abbot in chapter. His office is (under the Ab- bot) to take on him the whole care of the concerns of the Abbey, (excepting only thofe rents which are affigned to particular offices,) and freely to ad- minifler neceflaries to the ufe of the monks ; fuch as bread, ale, broth, fire, fait, and certain other articles expreffed in the Inftitutes. The cellarer fhould alfo, according to the ability of the Convent, provide for the entertainment of guefts and ftrangers. But it is the office of the chief cook or manciple to provide for thofe among the abovementioned who are of the religious or- der, in the fame manner as for the monks of the houfe ; excepting however the Abbots and their chaplains, for whom nothing (liall be by him provided except on fafi days : fo that thefe regulations do not in any wife affed them, unlefs at thofe times when they eat in the public refectory. But the cellarer (hall provide for the fervants of the obedientiaries of the Abbey, and admi- aiiler a juft and proper allowance according to the eltablilhed regulations of the houfe. This officiary Ifiall moreover be accountable to the Abbot not only at the four abovementioned periods, but as often as the Abbot fhall think proper ; and, as has been already obferved concerning the reft of the officials, unlefs he behave well in his office he may, at the jufl; requeft of the Convent, be by the Abbot in chapter removed from his flation, and another appointed in his room. The Abbot fhall preferve entire the number of monks, and fhall neither receive or rejed any one, either for a time or for a perpetuity, without con- fent of the Convent, or of its greater and wifer part, affembled in chapter. He fhall not confer any church or other rents or eflates of any kind to any one without the confent of the chapter, neither ffiall he difmifs the tenants or hufbandmen without confent of the fame. He fhall likewife obtain the confent of his Convent for the recovery of thofe eftatf s which may have been alienate^, cither in his own time or in that of his predcceffors. In like man- ner muft he confult the reft of the Convent, alTembled in chapter, both in ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. ^j in ecclefiaflical and civil caufes, as well with refped to the mode of carrying them on, as to their termination and decifion. The fervants who are re- tained to attend on the monks, — thofe of the infirmary, taylory, the laun- dry, the refedory, the facrifty, the locutory, can be appointed or removed only with confent of the chapter, as before fpecified. But all this is to be underftood as in no wife afFecling or interfering with the regular Inftitutes o£ the order. To the priorjliip* belong all ohventlons or fees under common feal ; and all the tithes of Bengvaorth, both great and fmall, arifing from land belonging to the Abbot and monks there : and thefe to buy parchment for the writing of books. To the fame office belongs alfo the hall or manor-houfe of Bengworth, with the crofts appertaining to it, the garden and vineyard, the meadow which lies before it, and all thofe meffuages belonging to the faid crofts which are iituate around it, from the houfe of Thomas Algar, as far as the houfe of Walter Bellard. For prior Thomas , by the common confent of the Convent, exchanged for this eftate a certain portion of land at Littleton, which he had purchafed of Radulf, the fteward there, from which, at the time, a greater rent was paid than from the eftate at Bengworth. On which account it was O ordained * The laborious Stevens has collefted from MSS. in the Cotton Library many curious frag- ments relating to the offices of this Convent, which will very properly ferve as notes to the Infli- tutes of Randulf. The following relating to the priorfhip ot Penwortham is one of thefe, extrafted from Vitellius 1 7. fol. 240. " Memorandum : — That the Convent of Evefliam (hall have from the priorfhip of Penwortham^ yearly againft the feaft of St. Egwin, fixty falmons, viz. that number oifamlets, or four and twenty fifli of a larger fize that may make up the fame weight. Befides thefe the faid prior Iball prefent tlie Abbot with two large falmons, and the prior of Evejham with one. The prior never- thelefs fhall be allotted one out of the former quantity. Mem. — That Radulf oi Wylecote, formerly prior of Penwortham, afligned to the Convent for the expences of blood-let tir.g, fixty ihillings yearly from his improved rents; and IVitliam de Chiriton, our Abbot, confirmed this adignment, in the year of our Lord 1320. The fame prior was accuftomed to fend to each of the monks one whole falmon." 98 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE ordained * that the prior for the time being fhould ever afterwards, on the anniverfary of the aforefaid prior Thomas, fuftain thirty poor perfons in the locutory, for the good of the fouls of the prior and the reft of the brethren ; and fhould moreover find a wax-taper on the ftftival of St. Wljlan, and ano- ther on the fefiival of St. Credan, to bum day and night before their refpec- tive fhrines. To the office of dean belongs a corredy of one fervant of the cellar ; and alio the coUedion of Peter's pence, wherefoever the bifliop does not colled them : from whence he is annually to pay to our lord the pope twenty fhil- lings. To this office belong likevvife the vifitation of all the churches in the vale, and the fees of all caufes appertaining to the deanery, from whence the dean is to furnifh an allowance or additional pittance to the Convent on the Sunday on which is fung Miferkordia Domini. '[ To the office of precentor or chanterX belong the tithes of Stokes, and fome lands * It may be fuppofed that the Bengworth eftate afterwards increafed in value fo much as to exceed the other in its yearly returns. Otherwile this donation to tlie poor would feem rather to have been impofed as a punifhment. + Probably the 89th Plalm, My fong Jhall be always of the loving kindnefs of the Lord, kc. in which cafe however it fliould be Mifericordiam, or Mifericordias Domini. t " To the office of precentor it appertains to deliver out the arms [armaria] to the care of the young men, and to fee the fame be repaired. When the Convent (hall meet in the cloijter [I pre- fume, — the library which was over one fide of the cloijier is here meant,] he fhall, on hearing the fignal given, go round the cloifler and replace the books, if by chance any one fliall have forgotten fo to do. He mufl alfo take the charge of all the Convent's books, and have them in his keeping, provided his ftudies and knowledge be fuch as make him worthy of the office. No one fliall take out a book without its being written down in his roll or lift ; nor fliall any book be lent without a proper memorandum of it, which memorandum likewife fhall be written down in his book. It is alfo his concern to prevent any negligence from taking place in the duties of the Convent. ir any one through forgetfulnefs fliall negleft to begin" [finging in the choir] " when he ought to begin, or, having begun well, fliall afterwards deviate from the proper chaunt, it is his office to make him begin in proper time, or, in cafe he is wrong, corre6^t his miftake. He fliould more- over ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 99 lands in Hampton, from whence it receives yearly five fliilllngs ; and fome other lands in Akejler, producing about as much. From thi^ fund he is to find parchment for briefs, and for charters or leafes to be figned by the com- mon feal, for the briefs of deceafed brethren, and alfo ink for the writers of the Monaftery ; — colours for the illumination of books, — neceffaries for binding them, and for all needful repairs of the organs. To the facr'ijly belong fix chapels in the vale : namely, thofe of Korton, Lenthewike, Morton, and Uffeham, and two in Evejham ; of which two laft, viz. All Saints 3.nd St. LawreiKC, the chaplains ought to have daily from the cellar and buttery, bread and beer, in like proportion with the monks. The facrift ought alfo to provide for the fuftenance of one fervant in the fame O 2 manner over notify to the Abbot beforehand all the chaunts which he is to fing and lead off with in the choir. Whoever is to read or fing in the Monaftery fhould, if he receive no notice from him before the time, liften to, and follow his leading off. The care likewife of the briefs," [in this inftance meaning, I apprehend, meffages and letters,] " which are accuftoraed to be fent out from the Monaflery, devolves upon him; as well as of many other things expreffed in the Infii- tutes. There alfo belongs to this office of precentor that apartment in the court which is near the prior's ftable, viz. a good chamber above, and one beneath, with a liable over againft it, and two careltates [careSata] of hay, and one carailate of beans and peafe annually to be received from the lord Abbot. — By his office he ought alfo to ride with the younger brethren as often as tliey fhall ride out pro ordinihus fujcipiendis ; at their expence however both with refpeft to the horfes and other matters. — The precentor ought moreover to provide and prepare « * * « thofe Icriptural texts and reprefentations, [fcriptura tabule,] which are made ufe of in the feven feftivals, viz. at Chriftmas, the depofition of St. Egwin, Eafter, Pentecoft, the Affumption of the bleffed Mary, the tranllation of St. Egwin, and the feaft of All Saints; for which fervice, as well as for his other labours during thefe feftivals, he lliall receive at each of them one prychpot," (the reader muft appeal to much deeper antiquaries than myfelf for the explanation of this odd word,) " and four of the fnialler fort of loaves baked for the monks. — It is the precentor's office alfo on the feven principal feftivals to carry to the Abbot the book of legends," [fo I underftand legendam here to imply, rather than the fciiptures or the miffal,] " that he may appoint what part Ihould be read at matins." [In this place fome words are effaced in the MS. It concludes with the following pallage which, both from iuconncxion and obfcurity, I chul'e to give in the original words.] * • » « « j,y[g fuerit, quam leftionem Precentor debet audire iecundum librum. Et no- tandum, quod quandocumque fuerit proceflio in villa, Precentor babet affignarecanti latamas (sic^ tres vel plures inter hos aut illos, fecundum difcretionem et haLilitatcm vocum." [Stevens's Appen. p. 140. copied from Vitellius E. 17. fol. 252.] TOO HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE manner as the Abbot's fervants are provided for, and to take care that he {hall have fufficient provender for one hoife, and proper forage from the grange. — Tlie facrift moreover fhall receive yearly two marks from the church of Baddebi ; ten fhillings fiom the chaptl of Withlakesjord, and from the meadow at Saljord; half a mark from the church at Wejlon ; five fliillings and two cakes of wax from the church at Stowe ; five pounds of wax from the church of St. Alban, in the city of Worcejler; and three marks from fome land in the fame city. Thofe fliops [/oWa] which are fituated near the gate of the Monaftery belong likewife to the facrifly. He receives yearly four- pence from the premifes of William the fmith ;* [Fabri ;] two pounds of wax from the lands of Nicholas the cook; [Cod;] five-pence from the land of Malildis in Merjiowe ; t fix-pence from the land of Nicholas the facrifi, [Sa- cri/le,] • It is difficult always to diftinguid] in Ihefe old writings the occupation from the furname of the perfons mentioned ; though there can be no doubt but that the latter frequently owed its origin to the former. + Befide thefe particulars, I have procured from the Britifli Mufeum many additional memo- randa of the revenue belonging to the facrift. Tliey were copied from fol. lo. of the MS. fo often mentioned, and feem to differ from Randulf 's paper of Inftitutes rather in the names of tenants than in the eftates from which this revenue was drawn. I therefore conclude the MS. to have been of fomewhat later date than the Abbot's performance. I (hall infert here only a few of fuch articles as are curious and may intereft the antiquary. Capella S. Margaretcc debet [Sacriftae] annuatim unam libram incenfi per manus perfonae S. Andrea. De curia Abbatis [in Wirecefire] xL. den. Aldwinus Spich xiiij. den. et confuetudines dc terra iuxta Aulam piSam. Terra Hugonis vj. den. et i. falmonem. De terra Edgari prefbiteri in vico meretricum xiiij. fol. et iiij. den. Sacrifta habet in Hacchejlench iij. fol. et una virgata terrae de OJberto liberc. Idem OJhertus tenet dim. hidam ut equitet cum Sacrijla in equo propria per totum. Duas vero hidas (una virgata minus) habet in ufus Sacrilleriae Sacrifta et unam hidam in bofco. Idem habet v. fol. de terra Henrici de Hamtun ad inveniendum unam lampadem ante altare S. Thomae Martyris. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. lOI crije,] in the fame place ; fix-pence from the lands of the fenefcall, [Scnef- calli,] which before were Gerald's; fix-pence from the land of Bulet; thirty- pence from the lands of Ferre ; two-pence from the lands called le Hojiere, in Bruggejlrete ; two (hillings and four-pence from the lands of William de T'lwe, in the great ftreet ; fix-pence from the lands of the fame William dc Tiwe, next to thofe called le Hofiere, in Bruggejlrete ; forty-pence from the lands of the fteward, [Difpfrifatoris,'] next to the grounds of William de Time; fixteen-pence from the ellate called Gor(fffW5, in Colejlrete; two (hillings from the lands of Reginald the fmith ; \_Fabri;'\ eight -pence from the lands of Wal- ter, next to them ; the fame fum from the lands oi Pate; fixteen-pence from the lands of Nichobs the fuller, near the water ; twenty-pence from the lands of Henry the fmith ; [Fabri;] four-pence from the adjoining lands of William Tiwe; fourteen-pence from the lands of S'otow the fmith ; \^Fahri;'\ eight- pence from the lands of Andrew the cook ; [Coa;J and five fiiillings from the lands at Hampton. In Lench there belong to the facrifty three hides and and an half. \x\ Bretforton, in one field fifty five acres. In another, feventy- fix, which are demefne land. Of the villanage lands, five virgates and an half; and both the great and fmall tithes* of the fame lands. The tithes alio of four hides in the above parilh, two of which belong to Hugh, and two to a foldier of Cotton; the tithes both great and fmall of nine virgates of the land of Pagan, in Lutleton ; the tithes of five virgates of the fenefchall's lands in Badejeye ; the tithes of a certain free tenant of the demefne lands at * There is in Stevens [Appen. p. 134.] a minute, but not very interefting account, of the tithes for which the pariflies both of Lench and Bradforton were anfwerable to the facrifl of Evejham ; and alfo the names of the perfons who paid them. As it throws but little additional light on the Cuftoms of the Abbey, I do not infert it in full. From Bradforton the facrift received yearly forty-four thraves of corn, excepting one garb. At the end of the Lench account is the following general memorandum. '• Summa decimarum fpiritualitatis et temporalitatis Evefhamias in epifcopatu Wigornienfi xxx/. lis. ixd. Inde dominus Abbas folvit xix/. xv;. viid. ob. Et conventus x/. \us. id. ob. Abbas et conventus folvent pro medietate in archidiaconatu Wygomie xi/. xx/. id. Inde ALbas vii/. xvj. — d. ob. q. In archidiaconatu Glocellriae medietatem decime ml, \is, ixd. Inde Abbas XLiiij. xd, Et conventus xxi;. xid." 102 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE at Pike/ley, in Herefordfhire ; and all the offerings and bequefls to the altar at Evejham.* To the altar of St. Mary in the ciypts there are to be furnifhed from the facrifty feven wax tapers, to burn continually while the mafs of our lady the gloiious Virgin is there celebrated, (two of which were from the earlieft anticjuity found by the facrift,) together with one wax light to bum perpe- tually day and night. For the fupport of this, as well as of the above- mentioned, * " According to ancient cuflom, the facrift ought to fumifli one wax-taper to burn continually before the fTcat altar. By the new regulations, he is obliged to fumifli another to burn in like manner before the fhrine of St. Egwin, and a lamp to burn day and night before the tomb of St. Wlfin. He is alfo annually bound to furniih to the Convent a pittance of falmon and an allow- ance [caritas] of wine, on the day of the death of the fame faint. According to ancient cuftom, the facrift ought to find two wax-lights daily for the mafs of St. Mar)' ; all the veftmenls and other apparatus of the altar ; every night one creffet to burn till mornin" before the altar ot St. Mary ; and one lamp to burn by day : to fupport which expences all the offerings there made were his perquifites. By the new Inftitutes, he is obliged to furnidi one wax-taper to bum continually there, and feven others, (including however the two abovementioned,) to burn at the mafs of St. Mary; to find incenfe daily for the fame purpofe ; to keep one lamp continually burning by day, and one creffet by night, as is mentioned before. But neither veftments, vafes, or any other apparatus for the altar is he obliged to fupply, unlefs in cafes of great neceffity ; fuch as may be fuperin- duced by theft or by fire, which may God avert from the Monaftery ! Nor does the facrift now receive the offerings made there, but the altar-keeper. The faaift ought alfo by the new Inftitutions to find yearly, againft the feftival of St. Wijlan, two wax-Rohts to bum day and night before his flirine, and two againft the feftival of St. Credan ; on both which occafions one is to be underftood as for himfelf, and the other for the prior. For the fupply of thofe for the latter, the newly-acquired tenement which once belonged to Galfrid the fon of John, between the tenements of Adam le Vejie, and of William de "Tywe, near the gate of the Monafter)', is appropriated. Its value is twelve-pence. k This official is obliged moreover to furnifti a lamp to bum continually before the altar of St. Mary, and this from the tithes of the ancient lordlhip in Acthejlend, which lordlhip was firft ac- quired and applied to the above ufe by Abbot Thomas, when facrift. To the fame purpofe all the muftard- ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 103 uientioned, Mafter Adam Sortes, when facvift, affigned half a virgate of land which he had redeemed from one Peter de Lewz ; the fmall tithes of nine vir- gates of land in Lutleton, which he obtained [evklfl from the redor oi Lutle- ton church ; and alfo the tithes of the newly cleared wood-lands of Lewz, [de affartts de Lewz,'\ which right of clearing [ajjarta7idi] the fame facrift had acquired, at a high price, from many perfons who had a right of common pafturage there. The faciifts, from the remoteft antiquity, had been obliged to provide one creffet, which burned only during the night. One lamp to bum perpetually was fupplied from the tithes paid by the lordfhip of Lerc'Z, w-hich prior "Thomas fii-ft of all received and applied to that ufe. Left the facrift lliould feem overburdened by the aforefaid expences, it was provided that the keeper of that altar* fhould find all the veftments and other necef- faries muftard-feed belonging to the Convent is appropriated by the facrift. The whole value of the above is five marks and eleven (liillings. The eftates and rents appropriated yearly to the altar of St. Mary in the crypts, next follow. Before the altar of St. Mary in the crypts, according to ancient cuftom, one lamp ought to bum by day and one crefiTet by night, and at every mafs of St. Mary two wax-lights to be lighted up ; and thefe, as was faid before, the facrift always fupplied. But by the new regulations, one wax-light and one lamp are to bum there continually, and one creffet by night as formerly. In- cenfe moreover is daily to be fupplied at mafs, all which things the facrift is to find ; and to fup- port thefe expences he has, as was before mentioned, certain rents affigned. Befide thefe, at the ce- lebration of the mafs of St. Mary, twenty-four wax-lights ought every day to burn. Of thefe the facrift finds fix, the fenefcall of Evefliam one, and the altar-keeper all the reft. At the fame mafs, there ought alfo thirty-three lamps to be lighted up, which lamps the altar-keeper is to fup- ply. He furniflies likewife all veftments, vafes, and other apparatus for the altar; and the facrift has no utenfils to fumifli there, excepting in a cafe of great neceflity ; (uch as may have been oc- cafioned either by fire or by thieves, which may God avert!" [Stevens's Appen. p. 146.] * Stevens has fome curious information concerning the altars of this Abbey and their confe- cration, to which I have made fome additions from the Britifli Mufeum, and fliall infert the whole. " Memorandum : — That in the year of our Lord 1295, and in the twenty-third of the reign of king Edward, on the 17th of the kalends of January, and on the Friday after the feftival of St, Lucia, our Monaftery was reconciled [reconciUc^um] by the bifliop of Bangor, Alfo on the morrow, ro4 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE faries for it, which aforetime had been fupplied by the facrifts. The fame altar-keeper ought alfo to furnifh thirty lamps* to burn while mafs is there celebrating, and feven wax-tapers ; to enable him to do which, all the niuflard- niorrow, viz. on the Sabbath, the i6th of the kalends of the fame month," [fo in the original ] " the four altars behind the great altar were confecrated by the bilhop of St. AJdph, who on the fame day held an ordination [ordines cclebravit] in a folemn manner. On the following Sunday the fame bifliop dedicated the church of St. Lawrence. On the Wednefday following, viz. on the feftival of St. Thomas the Apofile, he confecrated two altars in the crypts ; — the altar of St. James and of the Apoftles, and the altar of St. Blafe. Alfo on the Thurfday eniuing, he [con- fecrated two other altars in the crypts, viz. thofe of St. Andrew, and of St. Benedict. On ano- ther Thurfday, the fcftival of St. Thomas the martyr, he confecrated the church of Bretforton ; and on the morrow, the feaft of St. Egwin, he dedicated the church of Honyburne. On the Sab- bath, the eve of the circumcifion, he confecrated the altar of St. John the Baptift. In the fame year, and on tlie feaft of St. Peter, ad vincula, he dedicated the church of horton. On the feftival of St. John the church of Baddefeye was alfo dedicated ; and on the day after the feaft of St. Egwin he confecrated the chapel of St. Mary." [Appen. p. 141.] The following notices are from the Britifh Mufeum. " Memorandum: — That on the ides of September, in the year of our Lord 1357, the ve- nerable father Reginald, birtiop of Worcejler, dedicated the greater altar in the chapel of the manor- houfe at Ambrcjlcye, in honour of the Saints Mary Magdalene, Anne, Katharine, and Benedift. The fame bifliop alfo on the fame day dedicated the lower altar in honour of the Saints Egwin, Mary, Thomas of Canterbury, George, and Sebaflian. Memorandum: — That on the 9th of the kalends of Oftober, 1358, the venerable father Richard, archbiiliop of Nazarus, conlecrated the upper altar in the chapel of the manor-houfe at Offenham, to the honour of St. Mary the glorious Virgin, St. John the Apoftle, St. Thomas of Canterbury, St. Michael the Archangel, St. John Baptift, St. Anne, St. Margaret, and St. Martha. The atorefaid father confecrated alfo, on the 8th of the kalends of Oftober, the lower altar which is under the Abbot's chamber, in the fame manor-houfe, to the honour of the jSaints Martin, Benedict, Chriftopher, George, Leonard, Mary Magdalene, Katharine, Apolonia, and Winefrid, [Harleian MS. 3763. fol. 115.] * The following cliarter of John, Abbot of Evejham, contains fome very curious and minute information concerning the cufloms of this houle, particularly the regulation of the lights; and minute particulars are, after all, the moft acceptable in our enquiries into remote antiquity. "To ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. TO ) feed from the granges was affigned over to the facrift ; all the offerings made to the fame altar ; two (hillings from the lands of Walter Per, near the bridge at Eovejham ; nineteen-pence from the lands of Wtlliam Carpenter, on Run- P liulle; " To all the faithful in Chrift to whom thefe prefents fliall come, John, by the divine per- million. Abbot of the Monaftery of Evejham, and of the Convent of the fame place, eternal health and profperity in the Lord. — Know ye that we, by unanimous confent, have given, granted, and by this our prefent writing have affigned and confirmed, (for the falvation of our own fou!, and for that of T'homas, monk of Evejham, and our prior,) one tenement with a court adjoining, purchafed at the expence of the above T'homas, to the office of fub-prior of our aforefaid Convent, This tenement is fituated in the High-ftreet of Evejham, on the weftern fide, oppofite to the gate by which carriages enter the cemitary, between the tenement of the facrift of the above Monaftery, which William Fremon inhabits, on the one fide, and the tenement of the pitanciary, in which refides William Weler, on the other, together with that firft chamber fituated in our infirmary for- merly in the occupation of John Warxivyk, on the left fide of the entrance to the infirmary, to have and to hold the aforefaid tenement, with all its appurtenancies, as well as the chamber above- mentioned, to Henry Bengeworth, fub-pnor, and his fucceffors for ever. Neverthelefs with this condition, that the fub-prior, for the time being, fhall furnilh two lamps, one at the gate of the locutory, ante Karulos, and another before the gate of the kitchen, witli lights in them continually burning at night, from the time of complines, in honour of the crucifix there placed, and for the fake of the proceffions devoutly and frequently to be made by all of us before our collation ; and alfo that the brethren contemplating God in the cloifler may be enabled to pray more de- voutly for the pardon of our and their own offences; viz. from the feaft of the tranflation of St. Egwin, biffiop and confeffor, until the feaft of the purification of St. Mary, as often as, and at thofe times on which it may be neceCTary. With this provifo however, that the aforefaid fub- prior, together with the third prior, fhall, with the aid and affiftance of the prior himfelf, ufe all diligence that the gates of the cloifter, towards the court, be fhut as often as the Convent fhall meet in the cloifter ; and alfo that the maffes of the Holy Ghoft, and thofe for the defun6t, {hall by no means be negle6ted or delayed. But if it (hould happen, through the negligence of the above-named fuperiors, that the gates fhould not be fliut, or that the aforefaid maffes ffiould be delayed beyond their proper time, the faid fuperiors fhall become liable to the rebuke and admo- nition of the prior. Or if, by the negleft of the aforefaid fub-prior, the faid lamps and the lights belonging to them fliall not be properly fupplied, or fliould be negligently lighted up on any of the nights before fpecified, we ordain that luch defeft fhall be amended and fupplied for by the prior for the time being, and by the Convent at large. We alfo ordain and grant that the faid brother Thomas, prior of our Monaftery, fliall, as long as he fliall live, poflefs the faid tenement with the court adjoining, without the moleftation of any one. — If any perfon fliail rafhly prefume to counteraft or contradict this our ordinance, may he by fuch deed incur the indigna- tion of the omnipotent God, of the bleffed Virgin Mary, of the Apoftles Peter and Paul, of the holy Egwin, and of all the faints, — Given in our chapter-houfe, in the year of our Lord one thoufand four hundred and fifty, on the feaft of the decollation of St. John the Baptift." io6 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE Jiulle;* twelve-pence from the lands of William Ourry, in the new made eftate which lies between the land of Albanida Capis, and the land of John Gavejlon, as alfo from the lands of the wife o{ jfolin Caperis, which lie between the land of Philip the facrift, and the lands of the faid John ; the whole rents of the tenements built upon the fpace before occupied by two (hops and an half, toward the gate of the cemitary, and of the houfes built over the piazzas of three (hops and an half in the great ftreet, near the gate of the cemitary, towards the Abbey gate ; of two fhops which Adam Sortes bought ; of two more which prior Thome bought near thofe of Ric/iard de Warwic; of the lands which M. the relidi of Credan, gave to the Monaflcry ; of all thofe lands in Eavejham which were once the property of Richard de Kent ; of fome lands in Stretjord ; two (hillings from the eftate at RadeforJ; two (hillings from the eflate at Strengejham ; and laftly, two (hillings from the eUate at Marcleye. To the almery belong two bake-houfesf in Eovejham, a third in Benigwithe, and all thofe bake-houfes in the valley in which cuftomers are ufed to bake bread ; the tithes of hay of William de Tiwe, of Roger Alard, and of Ernald Camhralang ; half a mark from the land of John de Kent, in Eovejham; four fhillings * There is much obfcurity and confufion in this part of the original, which extends a con- fiderable way. I have been obliged fometimes to alter the mode of punctuation to make any fenfe at all of it. + The following memoranda are to be found in Latin, in Dr. Nafh's colleftions. [Vol. i. p. 420.] " Mem. — That it appears, from a vifitation held at Evefham, to have been an ancient cuflom in that town that the lord Abbot of Evejham for the time being now has, and all his predeceflors always have had, diverfe mills in Evejham : and that the almoner of the faid Abbey for the time being had, agreeable to the fame cuftom, two common bake-houfes there : at which mills and bake- houfes all the tenants and inhabitants of the (aid town are bound to grind their com and bake their bread." " Mem.— That Richard the lord Abbot did, in the ninth of the reign of Henry V. repair the malt-mill at Evejham, and made there a new wheel with other reparations, to the amount of twelve marks." «' Item ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 107 fhilHngs from the (hops of Adam Credan, in the High-ftreet, near to the Chops of St. Mary ; half a mark from certain other (hops near to another of St. Mary ; twelve-pence from the lands of Cramfot, with an iron-fhop or fmithery upon them ; fix-pence from the lands of Godefrid Bagart ; twenty- two-pence from the lands of Rogel, near another bake-houfe ; the whole rents of the lands called the fpital-lands, near the bridge, excepting only eight-pence belonging to the pittanciary ; twenty-pence from the lands of Kondulf the weaver, of Feudo Streche ; forty (hillings from the lands which Ifabella, the daughter of Henry King, gave ; two fhillings from the lands of Henry de PipUnton ; two (hillings from the lands called le Burunno ; fixteen- pence from the lands of Richard Eadmund ; twelve-pence from the lands of Bonpain ; forty-pence from the lands of Stephen the prieft ; fix-pence from the lands of Lilie ; twelve-pence from the lands of Richard Juvenis ; (or the younger;) the fame from the lands of Murielle de Sfrigul; and fix- pence annually from R. Twain, and his heirs, for the liberty of culti- vating Chiteham. — In Gloucefterlhire there belong to the almery four (hil- lings from the lands occupied by John Croume, which Adam the monk brought into our poffeflion ; eight fhillings from the lands of Botild, which were given with Robert the monk ; twelve-pence from the lands occupied by Roger Sewi, which Adam BotiLi gave us ; and forty fhillings from the lands which were occupied by EJegar, There belong alfo to it two marks from the penfion of fixty fhillings from the church of Omhrejley, namely : twenty (hillings for the relief of the poor in the Lord's fupper ; half a mark for the anniver- fary* of Randulf; for that Abbot afligned thefe two marks to the almery, P 2 ^ as " Item Mem. — That the fame Abbot, in the tenth year of Henry V. repaired and caufed to be renewed, on the eaftem fide of Evejhnm, one mill with all its apparatus, from top to bottom, with an entire reparation of the flood-gates belonging to it ; together with fome reparation de la Zare, [quaere, what? — or whether mifprinted?] in the fame place." The privilege concerning bake-houfes was confirmed in the thirty-fifth year of Edward I. on account of one William Tettebury's fetting up an oven in his own houfe. * The anniverfaries at Evefham were very numerous, and are particularifed by Stevens at con- fiderable length. [Appen. p. 141.] But as the account of them contains little more than the allignment ;o8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE as mny be found in a written account in the chapter-houfe concerning the good works of the Abbot Randulf. For when the fame Abbot had built fix mills on the manors of the Abbey, he afligned to the alniery, in lieu of the tithes of the faid mills, the mill of Aldington, which he himfcif had bought ; from which, with the crofts and houfes appertaining to it, the almoner, at the time the donation was made, received annually fixtcen (hillings. From the fame village the almoner receives alfo ninety eggs. He ought moreover to receive the tithe of all the bread baked, bought, or delivered out below the Abbey-gate. The care of the monk's garden properly belongs to him, that from thence he may fupply pottage and broths for the refrefhment of the affignment of certain rents to the celebration of thefc anniverfaries, (a icind of reading of whick we have perhaps too much already,) I fliall content myfelf with the infertion of the following charter, relating more particularly to the cujloms of this Abbey. " To all the faithful in Chrift by whom this pre fen t writing fliall be feen or heard; — William, by divine permifTion Abbot of the Monaftery of Evejham, eternal health in the Lord. — Adverting to the indigence of the beloved fons and brethren the prior and reft of the Convent, as fome relief to that indigence, we grant for ourlelves and our fucceflbrs, and aflign for ever to the prior and our Convent, one meffuage, with a garden and clofe, in the village of Baddefeye, and two caiTicates of arable land, with the tithes of every kind arifing from them, and with the meadow and pafture land in the common fields of the fame place belonging to the above land, all which we acquired for our ufes from John de IVelleJIeye, knight, and now adign to the chamberlain of our aforefaid Monaftery for the lime being, for ever. We will and ordain that the faid chamberlain Ihall, in confideration of the aforefaid emoluments, and of others afligned over to his office, pay yearly on the feaft of the purification of the bleffed Mary, to the prior and reft of the Convent, the fum of ten pounds fterling, over and above what he was accuftomed to pay them. And that the ten annual pounds which the laid prior and Convent were accuftomed to receive againft the feaft of St. Andrew the Apoftle, from the chamhirlain, pre curfu coopertoriorum, they liiall now receive annually at the feaft of the purification of the bleffed Mary. The faid prior and reft of the Convent are allowed to convert the aforelaid fum to their ufe in purchafing veftments for ten of the brethren ; which veftments and clothing are to be delivered out yearly, at the feftival of Eafter, proceeding according to lisniority. We alfo will and ordain that, in fome proper part of the aforefaid garden, there be from the common purfe erected edifices for the recreation and lolace of the fick monks ; [minulorum ;] and that in the fame garden they have full liberty to walk for their exercile and amufement ; and that both they and the other monks, (with the licence of the prior or his vice-gerent,) may, when they wifh to eat there, receive from both kitciuns their allow- ance in the fame proportion with thofe monks who remain in the Convent. — The laid prior and Convent ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 109 the poor, in coJleSfa cervijie ad featndum ahum vel potum. This official ought likewife to receive, on the day of All Souls, one feme of corn from the gra- nary ; the fame quantity on the death of any one of the Evefham monks ; and yearly from the land of William de Ponte, in Alincejler, nine-pence. To the refectory belong the fmall tithes of Wikewam, Baddefeie, and Aide- tone, for the reparation of the pumps, and the furnifhing cups, meafures, glafs -windows, falt-fellars, and other utenlils ; together with twelve lamps and their oil : concerning all which he fhall be refponfible to the prior, whofe office it is in chapter to appoint him. There belongs alfo to him what is left of the ale after our firft meal,* and every day fix meafures [ju/ie] from the cellar ; out of vv'hich he fhall give a pittance to the Convent after collation on the Lord's-day, and once in every week at the time the hymns to St. Maiy are fung ; and he fhall moreover furnifh a potation after our collation, where there is not one before it. He muft alfo fupply for many other expences and regulations concerning thofe monks who have been blooded or are infirm, from the fame fund. As often as our potation fhall be made after noon,f [or the ninth hour] the refedorer fhall be allowed two meafures of ale from the cellar. To Convent have moreover of their free will granted to us, that when we fliall have departed from this life, every year on the day of our anniverfary, every monk that has been ordained to the priefthood in the aforefaid Monaftery (hall be bound to celebrate each one a mafs, cum al'tis oratio- num fuffragiis, in true charity for our foul. And becaufe the memory of any one is more deeply imprinted on the minds of his fellow men in proportion to the benefits they have received from him, that our memory may not fpeedily periQi, we by thefe prefents affign and make over for ever to the day of our anniverfary four pounds and ten (hillings of annual rents acquired by us in Merftowe, viz. fixty (hillings toward the relief of the poor; and thirty flnllings for the refrelh- ment of the Convent: committing the cuftody, receipt, and diftribution of the above-named rents to the almoner of the aforefaid Convent for the time being. — In teflimony of which we have fet our feal, and the feal of the chapter to thele prefents. Given in the chapter-houfe, on the oftaves of the Apoftles Peter and Paul, in the year of our Lord M,CCC,XXVIII. * Colkila cervijie pojl primum cibum. If I have miftaken the fenfe of this and other fimilar paflages, I confefs I know not how to reftify the miftake. + Nona in Convents was the ninth canonical hour, or three o'clock; when the monks dined, which was never till alter noon fong. Their day began at fix o'clock. no HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE To the Infirmary belongs Buunfone, together with the wood there; half a mark from the cleared woodland at Sanford, with all other its appurtenancits. The tnfirmarer ought allb to be allowed one fow, with proper lood for her during one whole year, vel duos porcos ad plancherum, et unum iruncum de ceU- rarto contra natale, qualemfert una B'lga curie * This official has moreover the fulling-mill at Burton, with one virgate of land ; forage for one hoife ; to- gether with a certain quantity of ftraw to heat water for wafliing clothes ; from which, together with other appurtenancies, the infirmarer receives to the value of three marks annually. But, on account of the many tedious and burdenfome cuftoms of that office, the Abbot fliall make up to him thefe three maiks from another fund, when he (hall have propei ly decided on the means. There belong alfo to the fame official the two mills at Stowe, from whence he receives fixteen fhillings ; two (hillings from the land of Tow) in the fame place ; two fhillings from an eftate near to the above ; and twenty-pence from the land of Andrea in the fame town. In Eovejhamy twenty-pence from the lands oi Rlcltard Sparwe ; eighteen -pence from the lands of Galfrid the miller ; and forty-pence from the land of John de Kent. At Penwortham,\ from the land of Stephen de More, two fliillings ; eighteen- pence • I am obliged in this place as well as in the former ones, when any thing is remarkably ob- fcure, to trefpafs on the reader's patience by inferting the palfage as originally written. + Befide Penwortham, this Abbey had two other dependent cells, Othenejey or Odenzee, in Den- mark, before mentioned, and Akejler, in Warwicklhire, which was afterward confoiidated with it. A communication of privileges likewife fubfifted between this foundation and thofe of Whitby, Torh, and Malmjbury; concerning the latter of which monafteries an agreement or convention is preferved by Stevens : and as it relates to the cuftoms of both houfes may be worth perufal in Englifli. " This is the convention made between the Abbot of M. Robert II. and the Abbot of E, Roger II. and the Convent of both places : — That as often as the Abbot or any of the fraternity (hall mutually arrive at either place, they fhali have full liberty of entering the chapter, and Qiall partake as freely of all benefits both temporal and fpiritual, as if he were a monk of that houfe. If it fhall happen that any member of either church fliall, through the commiffion of any excefles, be obliged to take refuge in the other, he fliall be committed only to the general cuftody. [Or, I fuppofe, confined within the limits of the Monaflery.] If any one, by the fuggefi^ion of the devil or hJs ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. m pence from the land of Robert Antigonia, at Hoton ; twelve-pence from the land of Robert Sureis ; fix-pence from a certain eftate in Farinton ; twelve- pence from the fifhery of Robert Bujfel ; half a mark from Sullejlon ; and one mark for the expences of bleeding,* which the Abbot Randulf gave from the church of Huniburne. To the plttandary there belong ten marks from the new made efiate at Eovejkam. Twelve pints of honey from Ambrejleye ; twenty-five fhillings from Ullebererwe ; his own depraved will, fliall leave his proper refidence without leave of abfence, he ihall be al- lowed refuge in the other : and if he afterwards repents and makes proper fatisfaftion, he may by the Abbot be reconciled to his own foundation, and reftored to it ; unlefs his fault be fuch as de- ferves deprivation. — For the dead of either houfe the following cuftoms fhall be obferved. For a dead Abbot one tricennale (liall be performed ; three maffes fhall be celebrated by fome one who is a prieft ; by thofe of an inferior order one pfaltery fhall be faid through ; and in the refeftory an annual pittance fliall be dealt out. — For a dead monk are the following regulations. Having heard of his death, if the brief ihall arrive in proper time it fhall immediately be read ; and abfolution being given, Verba mea, with a Dirige, fliall be on the inftant performed. On the enfuing holiday raafs fhall be folemnly celebrated for him in the Convent, three maffes being performed for him by each priefl, and the pfaltery is to be faid through by the inferior orders. An allowance alfo, the fame as is ufual for living perfons, fhall for thirty days be demanded for his foul. The names both of Abbots and monks departed fhall be infcribed in the martyrology in both foundations. That this convention may remain firm and inviolate, the feal of both Convents is affixed thereto." The convention with Othenefey which is alfo preferved, [Dugdale, vol. i. p. 150.] is fimilar to the above ; but feems more fevere on the article of offenders and runaways, who are not to be received either there or at Evejham. — " For brethren departed the following rules are, at both places, to be obfer\-ed. The anniverfary fhall be infcribed in the martyrology; and food for thirty days is to be allowed. For any of the officials thirty plenary offices are to be fung in the Convent during a whole year ; and each of the fraternity are to fay thirty maffes, or ten pfalteries. As foon as the brief fhall arrive, the table Jhall be beaten on, a vigil fliall be fung, and the trumpet founded." — This charter or epiflle is figned by Riculf, Regni, and Illucb, all bilhops. • The following curious and whimfical apportionment of the church rents of Ambrejleye and Baddeby is from Stevens. [Appen. p. 132. copied from the Cotton MS. Nero D. 3. fol. 243.] Memorandum : — That when the lord WiUiam de Clieriton, Abbot of the Monaflery of Evelliain, and fcm of John Herewarde, of the town of Tettebury, (whofe brother was Abbot of Cirfeter, and 112 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE Ulkberexve ; one mark from the church of Hildendum; one mark from the rents of Penw'it/iam ; half a mark from the mill of the fcntfchall at Sanford; forty- and whofe fifter Abbefs of Lachor,) fome time fince granted and afligned for himfelf and his fuc- ceffors for ever, the churches of Omlrejley and Baddehy, with all their rights and appurtenancies, to the prior and reft of his Convent, to be difpofed of and expended as it might feem beft to them ; (as plainly appears from his letters written on that occafion) which churches the aforefaid Abbot ac- quired legally and canonically for the ufes of his Convent for ever. — Brother Pdcr de Wyhe, prior of Evejham, willing that the profits of the churches aforefaid fliould be difpofed of and expended according to the Abbot's intentions, in full chapter, in the chapter-houfe of Evejham, on the Thurfday next after the feftival of Chriftmas, viz. on the feftival of St. Egwin bifhop, and in the year of our Lord 1344, did, with the unanimous confent and affent of his whole Convent, difpofe and ordain, that on each year for ever, on the feftival of the afcenfion of our Lord, twenty-four pounds of filver money from the aforefaid churches fhould, in equal portions, be diftributed by the burfar of the faid Convent between the prior and reft of the Convent, for providing fpices and other necelTaries ; and other four and twenty pounds, in like manner, on the feaft of St. Peter ad vincula. Befide this, that fix pounds and eighteen fhillings of filver money from the rents of the above churches fhould be annually for ever divided by the fame burfar among thofe monks that are let blood, for defraying their expences in blood-letting. Alfo, that the faid prior and Con- vent fliould more willingly _kecp and preferve a perpetual memory of the above-named Abbot in their malTes and prayers, the faid prior, with the unanimous affent and confent of the whole Con- vent, has, beyond the accuftomed allowance, added two days for the recreation and amufement of thofe who are let blood, at each of their blood-lettings, viz. Wednefday and Thurfday : fo that thofe who are let blood may at each blood-letting, on the Sunday, after celebration of the greater mafs, afk leave of the prior or of fome one elfe in the choir, in the ufual way ; having obtained which, without leave of any one elfe, thofe who have been let blood may abfent them- felves from the choir and the chapter-houfe, from that time until the beginning of the greater mafs, on the Friday next enfuing; whether they remain at home or elfewhere: except on the folemn feftivals celebrated in their copes. What remains from the above church-rents, (excepting the fum premifed, namely : fifty-four pounds and eighteen (hillings,) fliall be depofited in the treafury of the aforefaid Convent for the maintenance and repairs of the above-named churches ; and the faid prior and Convent have a right to expend it either to that ufe, or to the fupport of the Evejham church, as they may find expedient. Moreover: — When the fame Abbot had acquired and affigned certain annual rents of nine marks to the almoner at Evejham, to fupply a falary for two chaplains to celebrate maffes in the great church of Evejham, for the foul of Waller of Gloucejler, from the profits of the manor of Batlinton, to be paid to the fame at the four ufual quarters, in equal portions, it was the will and intention of the faid Abbot, and of Walter, in their life-time, that fixh chaplains fhould be provided who were fkiilcd in and knew well how to perform the hymns in honour of the bleffed Virgin ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 113 forty-two-pence from the land between the eftate of Henry King, and that oi Alexander Fojfard ; and twelve-pence from the land of John Portar.* To the fuftenance and relief of the brethren in the infirmary there belong two marks from Wrotejleye and Lmintone; from the manciple alfo ten fliillings, Q which Virgin Mary, in the chapel dedicated to her, where the body of IValter himfelf now lies buried. The aforefaid prior confidering that chaplains of this kind might be better provided by the keeper of the faid chapel than by the almoner, with the unanimous confent of his whole Convent, did, in the place and on the day and year before fpecified, ordain that the almoner for the time being (hould every year in future, at the accuftomed four terms, pay to the keeper of the chapel of the blefled Mary the four abovementioned nine marks, and the keeper himfelf fiiould provide chaplains of this kind fufficiently (killed in linging, and of good behaviour. And, if the afore- faid keeper (hould negligently perform the fame, the payment of the faid nine marks (liould revert to its former mode, namely : that the two faid chaplains (hould annually be paid four marks each for their fervices, by the hands of the almoner. * The lift of days on which extraordinary pittances were by this official dealt out to the Con- vent I am obliged to give in the original terms in which I received it from the Britifli Mufeum. [Cotton MS. Vefpafian B. XXIV. fol. i .] Befides being in fome parts untranflatable, in one or two places, (owing to the difficulty of making out thefe old MSS.) we are conftrained to content ourfelves with a fort of fac-fimile of the letters ; without any poflibility ot getting at the fenfe of the paCTage. Caritates primorum per annum. In nativitate Domini. In feftivitate S Egwin'i, In circumcifione Domini : hoc eft de Pitanciariis. In Epiphania Domini. De S. Vincento dim marc, per manus Sacriftae. [sic] In purificatione S. Maria. la 114 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE which the kitchens fet apart for charitable ufes ; five marks from the facrift, which that official gave annually for his board and entertainment, and which the Abbots formerly ufed unjuiUy to extort fiom him. Abbot Randulf how- ever perceiving that, according to the privileges of the church and the ftatutes of the chapter general, the facrilly, like the other offices, ought to In anniverfario S. Wlfni, cum pitancia : hoc eft Sacriftae. Ad utramque collationem potus d'cett. [sic] In Annunciatione Dominica. In Ramis Palmarum. In Cena Domini, et ad collationem dimidiam caritatem. In Pafcha Domini. Dominica qua cantatur Mifericordia Domini : hoc eft caritas Decani. In feftivitate S. Johannis ante portam Latinam. Vinum cum tribus ferderis* In afcentione Domini. In feftivitate S. IVijlani. In Pentecofte. In feftivitate S. Trinitatis. In feftivitate S. Odlerji dim, marc, per manus Sacriftae de ecclefia de Bacferton, [sic] In feftivitate S. Johanis Baptiftas. In feftivitate Apoftolorum Petri et Pauli. In craftino tranfiationis S. Benedifti, vinum cum pitancia : per manus Sacriftae panni. In feftivitate S. Marix MagdaUna. In transfiguratione Dni. In affumptione S. Maris. In anniverlario Regtnaldi Abbatis cum pitancia. In nativitate S. Maria, In feftivitate S. Egwini : caritas et dimid. prope hofpites. In exaltatione S. Crucis. In feftivitate Religuarum ad vinum et pitantia, pe bartf. [sic] per manus Sacriftae. In feftivitate S. Michaelis. In feftivitate omnium Sanftorum. [In feftivitate omnium animarum cum pitancia.] In feftivitate S. Martini : h-.-c eft caritas Abbatis de Bradewell. In anniverfario Adx Abbatis cum pitantia. In fefto S. Katherina : hec eft Cantoris. In conceptione B. Mariae., i [H. Prioris, fecundum patentcm terrae Prioris de Deningwortk.] In anniverfario ^ Hondolpkt Abbatis, cum vino et pitantiis. Caritates ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 115 to be free and unburdened, renounced this yearly payment and all other exadions for himfelf and fuccefibrs for ever ; ordaining moreover, that thefe rents of the facrifty which the Abbots ufed to appropriate fhould, like the rents of every other office, be freely expended in the accommodation and utility of the monks in general. — Left the pittandary (hould be deftitute of Q 2 pafture Caritates Medonium per annum. In fefto S. Fabiani et Sebaftianl. In fefto S. Agnetis virginis. [In fefto S. Vincentii.] In fefto S. li''uljlani pro fanflo vidu, [sic] In converfione S. Pauli, In cathedra S. Petri. In fefto S. Gregorti, [In tranflatione S. BenediSli.] In fefto Apoft. Philippi et Jacohi. In anniverfario Regum Adelredi, Kenredi, et Offa : cum potu ad utrumque Abbatem de cella. In fefto S. Petri ad vincula. In fefto S. Laurentii. In vigilia afTumptionis B. M. hec eft de pitantiis. In occ. [sic] S. Credani. In fefto S, Bartholomei, In decollatione S. Johamis Bapt. In dedicatione Criptarum. [In fefto Reliquarum.] In oft. S. Eagwlni, In fefto S. Mathei. [In fefto S. Edmundi.] In verfatione "fhoma Abbatis. [In fefto S. Ofwaldi.] In tranflatione S. Ofa>aldi. In fefto S. Dionijii. In fefto S. Crifpini et Criffiniani. In fefto S. Apoft. Symonij et Judte. In albis die Animarum. In fefto S. Hildce. In fefto S. Admundi. In fefto S. Andres. In fefto S. Kicholai. In fefto S. Thoma Apoft. Is lib HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE paftuve for his flicep, oxen, and pigs, prior Thomas gave to this oflficial, (in aid of his own anniverfary,) a wood in Echekwz, which he had purchafed of Peler de Lewz; throughout which wood the pittanciary might have a free run in acorn feafon for his pigs, as far as the gate towards Borrijlcye. He has alfo a right of common paflure for all kinds of cattle round that \ icinity ; and this equally free with that which the facrift poffefTes at Lewz, and the infir- marer at Buuntone. — The fame prior Thomas alfo afligned the eftate at Mer- Jiowe, which he bought of Hugh de Warwick, to defray the expences of his own anniverfary ; as alfo that near to it which he purchafed of the daughter of Randulj, the fergeant. — For the due celebration of the feftival of S. John ante portavi Latinam, Abbot Randulj afligned twenty (hillings out of the pen- fion of fixty arifmg from the church of Ambrejkye. This which the Abbots once gave to their clerks, \clerkis,'] the legate made over to his chaplain ; but, being afterward applied to other ufes, the Abbot appropriated one mark, from the above penfion, for the expences of his own anniverfary. Abbot Adam had before afligned ten fhillings from the church rents at Bradwellc to the anniverfary of the Abbot Reginald, and ten more fhillings from the fame rents to his own anniverfary. To the kilchen there belong the third filh-pool* beyond the fountain of St. Egwin, and alfo the old town and market-place of Eovejham; from which the III fefto S. Stephdiu, In fefto Innocentium. In fefto S. Thoma Martyris. In tribus diebus in hebdomada Pafchae, et oftavis. In tribus diebus Pentacoftes. In tribus diebus in affumptione, et o^lavis. Item in omnibus lepteni feftivitatibus de colla. [sic] tam in vigilia quam in die. N. B. All that is included between brackets has in the original a line drawn through it as if meant to be erafed. • Vivarium'. — probably here means a fifh-pool, in which fenfe it is fometimes ufed in the claffic authors. Many of thefe ftews may be feen at this day near the fite of the Abbey, though now enarely diied up. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 117 the wi(7nc?/)/e receives every Sabbath-day* five fhiUings and three half-pence ; and annually, at the beginning of Lent, four thoufand falted fiflies.f To this office belong alfo a mill near the bridge, another at Hampton, with all its ap- purtenancies ; from both which every Sabbath-day it receives three fliillings, and fixty (ticks of eels every year. The tithes of the above mills, and of the hay of the meadows which belong both to them and certain other mills, viz. thofe o^EoveJkam, Hampton, Huffeham, Foke-mulne, Twiford, Chadelburi, BaJdefeie, and Wikwane, all are affigned to the kitchen. Thefe tithes are appropriated to the furnifhing pickles:}: and brine for pickling during the feafon of Lent. The town of Sfowe and its market alfo belong to the kitchen, ■§ from whence it * By dies Sabbati, Saturday appears to be intended in thefe old writings. The note concerning the confecration of altars, near the beginning of this chapter, plainly evinces this ; where it is evidently diftinguiflied from the dies dominica, or Lord's day. How the Sabbath of the Jews came to be noticed as fuch in a Chriftian fraternity, I am unable to determine; nor do I remember to have feen any notice taken ellewhere of this remarkable circumftance. t AUetium: — probably fomething of the herring kind. It certainly means fome kind of flQi tliat they were accuftomed to pickle. t Allec. J This ufeful office was, as we might expeft, uncommonly rich and well provided for. Its revenue, or rather that part of its income here fpecified, in money, would amount at lead to one thoufand two hundred pounds of our money. But befides the rents mentioned here, there was a confidera,ble contribution levied on the principal officials of the Convent merely for fpices, an account of which has been preferved by Stevens ; and as it contains fome other mifcellaneous in- formation I have tranflated and will hete infert it. "FOR SPICES. From the Abbot two marks; from the prior twenty fliillings; from the prior of Penwortham two marks ; from the facrift two marks ; from the chamberlain two marks ; from the cellarer two marks ; from the infirmarer twenty (hillings ; from the gardener twenty (hillings; from the man- ciple twenty (hillings ; from the refeitorer fix (hillings and eight-pence. Mem : — That all offerings to the great altar, as well thofe of gold as of filver, belong to the facrift ; except at the time when any monk celebrates his firft mafs, or reads the gofpel for the firft time. ii8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE it receives every Sunday four {hillings ; fixty (hillings from Morton ; the fame from Sanford; four pounds from Withelakesfor ; from the mill of that place tvventy-fcur fliillings annually, and twelve flicks of eels; twenty fhillings from the mills of the fenefcall at Smiford; twenty-five fhillings and forty flicks of eels from the mills at Chedelbury and their appurteuancies ; twenty-eight fhillings and forty flicks of eels from the mills of Twljord and Aldintone, with their appurtenancies ; ten fhillings from the mills at O/Te/iam; half a mark from Foke-rmtlne; from the mill at Wikewan now only eight fhillings. From Wodefe fixty fhillings belong to the kitchen, and from the filhcry at Amhref- leye twenty-three fhillings. — In Gloucejler from the eflate of^ Robert Boiild three fhillings and one halfpenny belong alio to it ; and two fhillings and one pound time. All offerings moreover to everj' other altar in the church, (excepting that in the chapel of St. Mary,) both thofe that are made for the living and the dead, are the property of the Jacrift. It was decreed in full chapter before Roger Zatton, that all thofe who refide in the cemitary or within the limits of the Abbey fliould, at their death, pay a mortuary; and alfo thofe who have not previoufly inhabited the town for a year and a day, John, Abbot of Evtjham, affigned to the facrifty of the church of Evejham, fix acres of arable land which he had purchafed of Mafter John de Lutkton, of the parifli of South-Lutleton, together with their tithes; in the year of our Lord 1316. Mem. —Thdit Thomas de Marlehorough • • • • • acquired and afterwards, with the confent of the Abbot and Convent in full chapter, decreed, that from that time all thofe tenants in the vale of Evediain that paid an heriot, according to the cuftom of the manor, Ihould, (as is fpecified in the cuftomary bcok of the lord Abbot,) ever after pay to the aforefaid lord Abbot as their heriot, the befl animal of their live ftock, viz. of horfes, mules, oxen, or cows, but not of Iheep. And if they have no fuch animal, then the heft dead beaft. Moreover that they (hould pay the fecond beft animal to the facrift of the Monaftery for the time being, for an heriot, or rather mortuary. Alfo that the fame rule (liould be obferved concerning mortuaries in general, according to the ancient cuftom of the vale of Evejham." [Appen. p. 135. from Nero D. 3. fol. 245.] The latter part of this laft memorandum will ferve to explain a fentence in the paper of " the good works of prior Thomas," concerning which I was in fome doubt while tranflating it. The odd phrafe fecundo meliorcm means nothing more or lefs than fecond bejl. [See Chap. II. p. 27.] ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM, ng pound of pepper from an eftate and a bake-houfe at Winchekumb. — In EoveJJiam from fome land in Brutjlrete one pound of pepper. From the lands of Reginald F'lfz-Willl-nn annually half a mark ; from Penwrtham four marks, a certain quantity [fumma] of falmon, and two thoufand falted fifhes; [alle- t'lum ;] from every carucate of land in the vale of Eovejham that belongs to the lordfhip, excepting Aldinfone, annually three hundred eggs ; and from every manor three-pence to furnifh difhes, [difcos,'] and twelve pots. [o//e.] From Bradwelle ninety eggs, three-pence, and twelve pots, [oik.'] Alfo on each day the mandpk fhould be allowed forage for one horfe, with bran like- wife from the granary. He ought moreover to have two porkers ad Plange- tum; and, as often as he buys fifh at the maiket of Eovejham for the whole Convent, he ought to be allowed from the buttery bread and a meafure of ale for the refrefhment of thofe who fell the fifli. For every kind of food that requires a fauce in which ale is ufed, he fhould be allowed ale from the cellar, and cheefe once in the day ; to purchafe which, (in cafe it fhould not be provided him from the cellar,) the Abbot RandulJ affigned the profits of the chapel of Breffordtone. The manciple fhall alfo have, on the feveu principal feffivals, feven femes of corn from the granary, ad fnxinas, and, on the feaft of St. John, ante portam Lafinam, one allowance; [prebendarium;] another on the feaft of St. Adulf ; a third on Septuagefima ; a iourth for puddings on the day of Parqfceve;* three at Eafter ad fackndum Jakones ; and as many on rogation days for the fame purpofe. To the chamberlain's office belong Malgarejbury and Swek, as they anciently did ; and, inftead of Burntone, Tatekjlroppe is now affigned to this office, and the Abbot has Bwrn/one : — with this provifo however, that the Abbot, ac- cording to this new allotment, fhall receive neither veftments t nor board- money * Quaere: — Whether Parac/e/?, or Whitjundayf + Stevens has preferved an allotment of certain rents to purchafe winter boots for the fra- ternity, out of which two fhillings were allowed to each member; excepting the prior of Pen- wortham and the chamberlain. I find alio from a bull of pope Innocent IV. that the Evefham monks, havmg reprefented that their Monaftery was fituated in a very cold and windy fpot, (which I20 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE money from the chamberlain as he did before. For this manor, with all its appurtenancics, was affigned for ever to furnifh vcftmcnts to the monks. The chamberlain ought moreover to have daily an allowance for one fervant, and fupport for one horfe from the granary, with forage from the [grange, in the fame proportion with the fervants and horfes of the Abbot. To the fupport of ihe fabric of the church* and the cloijler, with its ad- jacencies, there belong fifteen marks from the church oi Ambrejleye; for which (if (which by the way does not feem altogether the truth,) were allowed to wear a fort of cap, made however as conformable to the general drefs of the order as poffible. A copy of this bull is ftill to be feen in the Britifli Mufeum. [Harl. MS. 3763. 99. b.] • From the Harleian MS. 3763. in the Britifh Mufeum, I was favoured with the following paper concerning a contribution to be levied on the Convent for the reparation of feveral of its buildings. The original is in Latin, and is dated 1295. " In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghoft, Amen. In the year of our Lord 1295, and on tlie ides of February, tl:e Abbot and Convent being affembled in chapter, John, Abbot of Eovcjham and of the Convent there, having a fpecial regard to the finifliing liis chapter-houfe then jiift begun, and alfo to the reparation of the dormitory, lefeflory, cloifler, and infirmary; and farther confidcring that the common fund of the houfe, to which in matters of this kind chief recourfe was to be made, was then very (lender and nearly exhaufled ; with provident deliberation and unanimous confent they chofe and appointed five of tlie fraternity, viz. Jolm Strech, Robert de Reckeford, Walter de lUockeleye, Adam de Hatdeye, and Wdliam de Dengexmrth, giving to the faid perfons full power of providing and ordering how and from whence works of this kind might be beft and eafieft executed, and the indigence of the community in future be alleviated. The prior and reft of the Convent granted, and bona fide promited, that they would truft to the pro- vident care and ordering of the faid five brethren, and would liold their proceedings good and lawful. The aforefaid five brethren, having then confulted with the Abbot and with certain of the fraternity wlio were chiefly (killed in fuch matters, refolved that on every year, at the four ac- cuftomed quarterly terms, forty fliillings Ihould be fet apart and paid from the priorfliip. Ten marks from the chamberlain's office. Sixteen marks from the facrifty. Ten marks from the prior- fliip of Penwortliam. Forty (hillings from the hojldary. [An office I find no mention of elfewhere.] Twenty (liillings from the infirmary. Two (hillings from tlie chantry. Ten fliillings from the deanery. Twelve (hillings from the altar of the bleffed Virgin. Three (hillings from the gar- dener's office. The aforefaid five brethren ordained alfo, that all the rents of the pittanciary fhould be given up for this contribution, and thofe expences that official (hould incur in collations and ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 121 (if by any negled the money fhould be left unpaid,) the neceflary repairs muft be otherwife fuppHed from the finances of the Abbot. The tithes of William Beorin, at Offeham, are alfo fet apart to the fame ufes, together with the fmitheries of the fame village ; the predications of the Abbey ; (or profits, I prefume, arifing from the preaching of any member of it;) and the bequefis of the faithful, or any other gratuitous profits that may arife.* To the cell provided for the accommodation of Jlrangers there belong the R fmall and other neceffary charges fliould be made up to liim, Likewife that all the rents of the burfary of the Convent, all bequefts to the martilugium, (sic) and thofe made towards the repairs of the church, fhould be contributed to the fame purpofe : excepting only fuch as were neceffary to the expence of that office. That all offerings to the cro(s, excepting thofe made on the two feflivals of the holy crofs, which belong to the facrifty, fhould be in like manner contributed. Moreover that all offerings at tlie tomb of St. Wlfm, and thofe made at the gate of the church, as well in wax as in money, fliould be collefted for the fame ufes: excepting only the neceffary expences for fupply- ing the lights. To collect, receive, and faithfully to expend all which, the above five brethren ordained that two monks fliould be by the prior and Convent, in chapter, deputed, who fliould demand, colleft, receive, and depofit in the common cheft of the treafury this contribution, keeping it under their care and the prior's key, and fliould afterward, at the will and difpofal of the prior and reft of the Convent, deliver it out and pay it away. And becaufe it feemed to the aforefaid five brethren that each of the offices to be taxed were, communihus amis, competent both to the contribution and their own fupport, they ordained, that if any one of the fraternity who had the care of any of the aforefaid offices to be taxed, fliould of his own accord, and contrary to the will and affent of the Convent, in any way diminifh, detraft from, or detain any part of the con- tribution thus provided to the great utility of the church, (which may God avert!) the Abbot, at the requifition of the Convent, may without delay remove from his office fuch official, vvhofoever he be, as an unworthy, ufelefs, and improvident guardian of the property of the church, and by advice of the Convent may appoint in his place another more worthy perfon. — This provifion or ordonnance the aforefaid Abbot has accepted and ratified in all things; to the greater confirmation of which his feal, together with that of the Convent, is affixed to it. — Given in the chapter-houfe of Evejham on the day and year aforefaid. * It is unpleafant to throw out farcafms on a body of men who I firmly believe jwere, taken generally, both good and pious: but a modern Wittol would here certainly remark, — that, while the good fathers provided bountifully for their kitchen, they left their church almoft entirely to acci- dental bequefts. Thus they could never want the pretext of poverty to excite the charitable mu- nificence of the laity. 122 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE fmall tithes of the three Lutlinions, to purchafe towels, cups, and bafons for accidental guefls. Thefe are the Cuftoms and Regulations of the Evejham Convent, as ap- pointed in ancient times, and to be enforced by the cellarer general. This official ought every day to furnifh for the refeclory feventy-two loaves of bread for the monks, each of which is to be of the weight of five fliillings,* and of which every monk is to have one. The prior i=; to have two, (ex- cept at thofe times when he fhall eat with the AM)ot,) and one alfo at fup- per, together with a meafure [jufla'] of ale, unlels he fhall fup with the Abbot, or in the refedory. Neverthelefs he that fhall lit at the high table as guardian of the order fhall have two, one of the fame fort as thofe provided for the Abbot, t and one cup of the Abbot's wine. He who fhall have cele- brated the greater mafs fhall have two. The reader alfo, the manciple, and fer^'ants, fhall have one mixed, and in winter a whole meafure. Eleemo/ma- rius autem Jeptem pro decima, et tres ad mandatum, et duos ad trkemales currentes percipiet. Each of the fraternity fhall every day receive two meafures of ale, each of which fhall contain two pittancics ; of which pittancies fix make up a pint J royal. Befide this the prior fhall have one ad nacum tractuni, and he who fhall fit at the difh§ one cup at dinner, and another in the evening. The cellarer mufl alfo fupply fait, fuel for the fire, materials II both for the food and beverage of the monks, and likewife for two puddings, viz. one of them to be made of a flrike of dried or a full meafure of new beans from the • As told in copper money doubtlefs. t " Scilicet unam de pafta Abbaii^ et unum cyphum vini de Abbate." X Sextarium regis. § Probably to carve for the reft, if difcus the word in the original may here be rendered dijh. It might however, I believe, be rendered d,fjk : as it was ufual for fome one to read portions of fcrip- ture during their meals. II Summagium : — a word that feems to be in thefe old writings ufed in a very extended fenfe. Summagium facere, and fummagiant, are words that frequently occur in the account ot the tenants and their tenures, in the foregoing chapter; but I muft confels myfelf ignorant ot their exaft meaning, both there and in the preient inftancc. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAiVT. t2^ the granary, and another to be made of twelve loaves of monk's bread, or of one ftrike of wheat from the granary ; and this for every day, except in the time of Quadragefima, when the monks are to be allowed two femes of beans from Hiiniburne, to make puddings throughout all Lent ; as alfo twelve femes of oatmeal to make gruel on the fourth and fixth holiday throughout the feafon ; and meal for pottage every day in the fame feafon. The monks ought moreover to have at the feven principal feftivals feven cyffoUes of wheat from the granary, ad wq/lellos ; and on the tranflation of St. Egwin an eighth, as well for fupper as for dinner ; and one fciffol ad wqftellos at the feaft of St, John before the Latin gate; one on the feafl of St. Odulf; one on the day of All Souls ; one on the anniverfary of the blefled Wljin ; one on the anniverfary of the kings Ethelred, Kenred, and Offa ; one on the anniverfary of Abbot Reginald; one on the anniverfary of Abbot Adam; and one on the anniverfary of Abbot Randulf. On the advent of our Lord, the monks fhall be allowed fourteen femes, ad formittas ; as many againft Chriftmas ; and the fame quantity in Lent, at Eafter, Pentecoft, the affumption of the blefled Mary, and the tranflation of St. Egwin : all to be received from the granaries. The monks ought alfo to have from the cel- lar, on every Sabbath-day, a pittance for their collation, admandatum; as alfo for every collation at the feftivals, as well thofe that are celebrated in copes, as in albs ;* and that both on the eve and the day itfelf : excepting R 2 only • The following account of tlie various dreffes worn at different fervices in Eve/ham Abbey, is among the curiofities obtained from the Britiih Mufeum. [Harl. MS. 3763. p. 115. b.] " Mem. — That the cuftom of this church is, in all the feftivals of the ble(fed Mary, to ufe a white vejlment. On the eve of All Saints, of the nativity of our Lord, in the fupper of our Lord, and on the eves of Eafter and Pentecoft, a red one. On the nativity itfelf we ufe a large black chefable at the greater mafs. On the fame day we go to mafs at cock-crowing. On Eafter- day, Afcenfion-day, and the day of Pentecoft, for the greater mafs, a zuhite chefable embroidered with gold is to be uftd. On the feaft of St. Egwin, on the day of All Souls, and on the anniver- fary of St. Wlfin and of the kings, a lejfer black chefable is to be worn." Another memorandum that follows, relating likewife to the cuftoms of this Abbey, T muft infert in the original language, for reafons that will be evident to thofe who may perufe it. " Cum 124 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE only the collations of the feven principal f' afts, for then the pittanciary is to furnifli them. They ought moreover to have a pittance allowed fiom the cellar for dinner, on each ot the odaves ot the principal feftivals, at leaft of fuch as have odavcs ; excepting however thole days on which we wear our copes, for then they are found by the pittanciaiy. But for their collation on each day of the above odaves they fhall receive it from the cellar ; and this from Chriftmas to the Epiphany. On eveiy day in m'lferkordiis regulari- bus every two brethren fhall have one meafure from the cellar ; but after being let blood they fliall have one for dinner, and another at fupper. He who fliall have been cupped [venfofafus] fhall have on that day only one meafure from the cellar. The fervant who fhall let the monks blood Ihall have both bread and ale from the cellar, if he have blooded more than one. As often as the napkins fliall be waflied the wafliers fliall receive from the refedorer a loaf of monk's bread from the buttciy. The fervants who attend on the monks while bathing fhall have from the buttery bread, and a mea- fure of ale from the cellar, on each day for three weeks before the nativity, and for three weeks before Palm Sunday. — The Abbots and alfo the monks of Evffham fhall have their corredy (or allowance) for a whole year after their death, in the fame proportion as while they lived ; and this to be befiowed on fome poor perfon for the good of their fouls. — The fervants who watch with any brother near his departure ought to be provided with bread and ale from the cellar. — When the death either of the Abbot or of any monk of another foundation fhall happen, provided they were members of the " Cum olim pro iifu fuerit obrervatum quod Ebdomadarius Evangelium ad magnam mifTam, quicunque eflet in ebdomada proxima ante Pafcha, omnes paffiones, omnia evangelia ipfius ebdo- madae, lettom (sic) in capitulo feria quinta, ac benediftionera cerei in vigilia Pafcliae, per feipfum legeret vel fumptuofe per alium legi procuraret: — Frater Petrus de JVyk Prior cum confilio Con- ventus in Capitulo inter eos celebralo, die dominica proxinie ante fefium S. Gregorii A. D. 1338, pie confiderans ipfius ebdomadarii, aliis Ueoneratis, laborem, juvamen et hoc foli polfe contingere cafualiter, multis annis, benigne conftituit et rationabiliter ordinavit, — quod ebdomadarius Evan- gelii ad magnam miflam in ebdomada predifta, padionem indoca. (sic) Ramis Palmarum, evaiige- liam feriis fecunda, quinta, et (abbato, ac lettor (sic) in Capitulo feria quinta. Senior vero Diacono- rum, excepto ebdomadario predifto, paflionem feria tertia. Secundus fenior palTionem feria quarta. Tertius paflionem feria fexta, et quartus benediftionem cerei in fabbato Pafchae per feipfos legant, vel per alios faciant legi competenter ; ut fie alter alterius onera portatis, et lex Chrifli impleatur." ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. I2r, D the Evefham chapter, ad annah pro Ahbate et trkcnnale pro monaclio, bread and beer may be by any poor perfon demanded from the cellar in the fame pro- portion which a monk enjoys while living. — The cellarer ought to allow to each poor perfon who fhall have been in the chapter-houfe at the Lord's fup- per, one loaf and three falted fifhes, and as much ale as may be necelTary. If any one fhall preferve or add to thefe regulations, may the Lord increafe his days upon earth, and preferve him to eternal life ; but if any one fhall deftroy or detracf^ from them, may the Lord diminifh his days, and defhoy his exiftence from off the earth. Amen. Amen. Amen. IN thefe minute regulations there is doubtlefs much matter for wonder, fome for pra'ife, and a little for laughter. The former muft be excited by the tedious mummery they contain ; many charitable provifions for the poor will demand reverence ; and fome of the more trivial inftitutions will pro- bably provoke a fmile. How much muft a poor novice have had to learn before he could look forward with any certainty to the day when he might eat and drink his belly-full ! Yet, upon the whole, it will not be eafy to find any record that admits a reader more completely into the interior of an ancient Englifh monaftery, than the above paper of Inftitutes.* But will not fome pedantry and fome fuperftitious regard for thefe mo- nadic mummeries be attributed to the recorder of them? — Should this be the cafe, he knows not how he can ward off the imputation better than by quoting * In Stevens's Appendix [p. 146.] is a Latin epiftle of confolation addreffed to the monks of Evefham during the ablence of their Abbot. It was written by Peter Blefenjis, (or de Blots,) who was archdeacon of London, and vice-chancellor to Henry I. about the year 11 17. Nothing but the great length of this and the foregoing chapter would have prevented my tranllating and infert- ing it here ; as (although not ftri^tly relating to the cuftoms of this Abbey,) it is written in a pleafing, though rather enthufiaftic manner, and contains many excellent topics of confolation under real calamities, drawn from religion. It may be found in the Appendix in the original lan- guage. 126 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE quoting the lines of a genuine poet, who was himfelf a lover of antiquity ; and who pleads with much candour, as well as with a truly poetic fpirit, in defence of a brother antiquary, in the following terms : " Deem not, devoid of elegance, the Sage,* By Fancy's genuine feelings unbeguil'd, Of painful pedantry the poring child ; Who turns, of thefe proud domes, th' hiftoric page. Now funk by Time, and Henry's fiercer rage. While cloifter'd Piety difplays Her mould'ring roll, the piercing eye explores New manners, and the pomp of elder days. Whence culls the penfive bard his pidur'd (lores. Nor rough, nor barren, are the winding ways Of hoar Antiquity, but ftrown with flowers." [Warton, Sonnet III.] • Dugdale : — on a blank leaf of whofe Monaflicon the above lines were written. CHAP, ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 127 CHAP. V. SITE, AND REMAINING ANTIQUITIES OF EVESHAM ABBEY. TH E relids of ancient magnificence at Evejham are few ; but on that very account the more precious. Enough flill remains to convince us that there were once edifices on the fpot of more than common elegance, as well as magnitude. Befide the old gateway on the north, (which is in the pureft Saxon iTianner, and may, without much improbability, be conjecf^ured part of the original flrudure,) — the tower built by Lichfield, ftill entire, — the two chapels of All Saints and St. Lawrence, the latter fpeedily haftening to decay, and other edifices already mentioned, there are various fcattered fragments that from their beauty and finifhed liile of execution demand par- ticular notice. But firft it may be proper to fay fomething of the general fite of this almoft forgotten fabric. The whole of the fpace allotted to the Abbey is a peninfula formed here by the river Avon. The fhape of that part of it on which the Abbey flood is, with fome little irregularities, that of the fedion of an ellipfis bifeded lengthwife, but not exadly at its greater diameter.* This bifedion is made by a long wall,t of which the greater part ftill remains, and which doubtlefs formerly * The narrowefl: part of this elliptical feftion feems to be that toward the fouth-eaft. + This wall was probably erefted fome time between the years 1 1 22 and 1 149, bj' Abbot Re- ginald, who built much about the Convent. In a pretty long account of Abbots which I received from the Britifh Mufeum fince I began this work, but which I could not, without fwelling the work too much, infert at length, the following particulars are related (in Latin) of this Abbot. <' He inclofed the whole Abbey and the cemitary with an excellent wall. He built great part of the walls of the nave cf the church ; as alfo the old refeftory, and a regular locutory with a chapel to it ; a hall for guefts, and the great kitchen." This account is fo minute as to defcend even to the 128 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE formerly reached from the river on the weft fide, to the fame river, on its return round l)y the fouth, to the eaft fide. All around on the edge of the river are meadows perfectly level, and of the richcft foil. From thence, the ground very gently afcends in the elliptical form before fpoken of; and on this little elevation flood once the Abbey with its dependencies, its gardens and pleafure grounds. All this fpace, excepting a fmall meadow or two, is now occupied by fome of the moft fertile and luxuriant gardens in the world. To a fpedator ftanding on any part of this bank the view is delightful and highly diverfified.* On the fouth-eaft, at the diflance of about four miles, {lands Breeion hill, (which, next to the Malvern hills, has the heft claim 'of any in this country to the name of mounfain,) with its forefls intermingled with cultivated fpots and farm-houfes, and a fine park defcending to its Ikirts. To the eafi, on which fide is what is properly called the vale of Evefham, are the Broadway and other hills, in a long chain of confiderable height, with almoft numberlefs towns and villages in the intermediate dif- tance, and a tracfi of country too much famed for its fertility to need defciip- tion. The fmall elevation on which Bengworth flands, with the river at the bottom, forms the firft diflance on this fide. On the north is the town of EveJIiam. The weft view is clofed by a high and fteep bank on the other fide of the river, belonging to the parifti of Hampton, of a beauty and form entirely pe- culiar to itfelf. But it is from this very bank that this delicious fpot and its adja- cencies appear to the higheft advantage. The whole there affumes the appear- ance of an admirable piece of fcene-painting. The objeds feem too artificially, though the bells and veflments. " He caufed to be founded the bell Benedicl and its companion ; the finall htWGhuce^er and its companion: gave a large blacjc cope, and many veftments, books, and other ornaments to this church." It was plainly from the above hiftorical lift of Abbots that Talbot's MS. was trandated ; but with much abridgment, and in a very mutilated manner. It is intituled, " Extrafta particula de geftis Abbatum," and is contained in the Harleian MS. 3763. fol. 168. • Mr. Gough, (among other writers,) in his new edition of Camden, bears fufficient teftimony to the extraordinary beauty of this fpot. " No fituatiou" (fays he) " can be more luxurious or beautiful than that of this Abbey, placed in the centre of a curve formed by the river Avon, and on a regular afcent from the river." [Vol. 2. p. 370.] ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 129 not regularly, difpofed for this combination to appear the work of nature. The town of Evejham, there feen at its full dimenlions ; the hanging gardens around it; the Abbey fite, with the tower and two highly pidurefque fpires ftill flanding ; the back-ground of Broadway hills, and fore-ground of the bank itfelf fteeply defcending to the river ; all together form a fpecies of landfcape that will appear new and peculiar even to thofe who are moft converfant in the ftudy of nature and her various fcenery. It is on the north-eafl fide of the above-mentioned gentle elevation that the chief part of the former edifices feem to have flood ; and it is there only that any remains of them are now to be found. That thefe buildings were once fplendid and numerous may be colleded from the former part of this work:* but all knowledge of their exad fite and formation was loft even S to • The buildings already mentioned in the courfe of this work are : I. The church, feveral times rebuilt, and at lafl: brought to great perfeftion both in fize and beaut)'j In fome extra6ts from a MS. work of Mr. Habington there is the following account of it. — " It contained three aides of a more than ordinary breadth, and was extended from the gate- houfe now flanding eaftward almoft to the new tower ; having cloifters anfwerable on the fouth fide, together with walks and courts for the recreation of the monks, with a veiy great and curious walk to go at certain times to the little church to celebrate mafe; which church is now the parifh church of St. Lawrence. All which Abbey and cloifters were of curious workmanlhip, and had within- fide one hundred and fixty-four gilt marble pillars. There were alfo in the church fixteen altars, all in fo many chapels dedicated to their refpe6\ive faints." Concerning the one hundred and fixty-four gilt pillars, which would feem a wajle of mag- nificence and fplendour, an ingenious acquaintance (the Rev. Wm. Aldington, reftor of I'odnam,) whom I have fometimes confulted in the courfe of this work, has a very probable conjefture that it means nothing more than that the fmall cluftered pillars in the church were fattened together by rings of gilt copper. This conjecture feems fupported by a paffage in Green's Survey of Worcefter. [p. 53. firft edit.] II. . The cloijlers, frequently mentioned in the chapter of Abbots, as alfo in the above quota- tion from Mr. Habington : over one fide of which was III. The library, built, or poffibly only repaired, by John de Drokehamton, about the year 1295. IV. The refeaory, V. The 130 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE to our earlieft antiquaries. Little now can be done, unlefs we chofe to enter into an ufelefs train of arbitrary conjedure, than to feled each frag- ment that now remains on the fpot, and defcribe it more copioufly or fuc- cinclly, in proportion as it more or lefs merits an obferver's notice and ad- miration. The firft relid of antiquity that prefents itfelf on entering upon the Abbey-fite from the town, is the ancient gateway on the north fide of the prefent V. Tlie dormitory. VI. The infirmary or hofpital., MI. Tht prejhytery. VIII. The chapter-houfe. IX. The mifericordia : I fuppofe a diftinfl building from the infirmary. X. The hcutory. Thefe feven laft mentioned buildings are all noticed in the enumeration of the " good afts of prior 'Thomas" [p. 24.] as repaired or improved by him. XI. The almery, probably the fame with the mifericordia. XII. The kitchen. In latter periods two of thefe are mentioned in fome of the charters, Befide thefe it is probable there was a chapel dedicated to St. Michael, diftiiift from the church. The two chapels of All Saints and St. Lawrence are ftill ftanding. — We read alfo of various crypts, and a chapel dedicated to St. Anne, near the locutory. Many other buildings are fpecified in the grant of the fite to Sir Philip Hoby, and of fome the fite is given us, 1 . The almery is there faid to be fituated near the north gate of the Abbey. 2. The Abbot's Jiables, toward the fouth. 3. The hajfe-court, toward the eaft, 4. Barton-gate, on the weft. 5. A kitchen. 6. Two other Jiables, 8. A dove- ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 131 prefent church-yard. It was once, as may be feen by the note fubjoined, furmounted by a tower. At prefent a private dwelling is built over it : fo that it is difficult to fay how much of the ancient fabric remains. It is al- together in the Saxon ftyle of architedure, and on either fide is a row of fmall Saxon arches, rifing about four feet and an half from the ground, merely ornamental. The ftones of which it is built, and which are remark- ably large and maffive, are of the darkeft brown hue from extreme antiquity. A large arch was doubtlefs once the form of this entrance, but the building ereded over prevents all certainty on this head. Entering through the gate- way you arrive in the church-yard, probably always a cemitary. The two chapels (afterwards churches) of All Saints and St. Lawrence S 2 next 8. A doue-houfe, over Barton-gate. 9. The Jiore-houfe, abutting on the tower of the north gate ; upon the granary toward the fouth ; and upon the almery on the eaft. 10. A whole court and buildings round it called the chamberer's-chamber, abutting on the Abbot's pools againft the eaft ; upon the baffe- court weft ; upon the Abbot's garden fouth; and upon the buildings called the Prince' s-ckapel chamber north. 11. Another /!»/c.7ien. 1 2. A houfe called the taylor's, or the apple-houfe. 13. Another called the receipt, where the records were kept. 14. The JlewarcTs lodgings. 15. Another dove-houfe. 16. The buildings called Dortor Prenfe lodgings. All thefe were to be excepted from deftru(ftion at the general wreck ; but what has become of them fince no one has been able to inform us. There were alfo referved the almery garden ; a curtilage called the almery court : the garden called the hynde garden, near Barton-gate ; another garden ; a fmall curtilage ; one orchard within the park called calve's croft, with a pool of water in it; and laftly another garden. — Though the fite and abutments of thefe referved offices are fometimes given, yet the very buildings and places on which they abutted having alfo periOied, very little light is by thefe mean* thrown on the general form and original appearance of the Monaftery. 132 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE next prefent themfelvcs ; the former of which Hands clofeon the left, at the edge of the cemitary, and the latter near the centre of the open fpace. The church of St. Lawrence is now haftcning to complete ruin, and as fuch prefents a fine objed to the lover of pidurcique beauty. The eaftern win- dow, remarkably finifhed and beautiful, fonns a plate in this work, and will therefore need no minute defcription. Of the internal fabric and monu- ments of thefe churches a farther account will occur in the article of public edifices and monumental injcriptiom in this town. On the eaft from this church, and almoft in a dired line from its eaftern window, flands the famous tower, with a gateway under it, ereded by Cle- ment Lichfield. It is by many eftecmed an almoft perfed model of the pcr- fedion of Gothic architcdure ; though in the opinion of fome connoiffeurs, (and not, I fuppofe, without reafon,) the art had before ihe period in which this tower was ereded already paffed its fummit,* and was then verging faft to decay. This is apparent in the ftyle of its decorations and in the fhape of its arch, which, departing too far from the lancet form, afiumes almoft the heavinefs of the Saxon order. This ftyle, arifing probably from bad fpecimens of Grecian architedure obferved by our remote anceftors in Pale/line, was now, after its progrefs of feveral ages through the varieties of the Gothic fpecies, degenerating once more into a bad. imitation of the Grecian model. On the whole however this tower is, excepting perhaps the towers of All Saints in Derby, of Gloucejter cathedral, York minfter, and a few • The period in which the Gothic ftyle preferved its higheft perfeftion is fuppofed to have been between the reigns of Henry III. and Henry VII. " All the buildings" (fays Mr. Gray, a very good judge, in his 44th letter,) " of Henry the Second's time are of a clumfy and heavy proportion, with a few rude and aukward ornaments; and this flyle continues to the beginning of Henry the Third's reign, though with a little improvemen,t, as in the nave of Fountain's abbey, 8jc. then all at once come in the tall picked arches, the liglit cluftered columns, the capitals of curled foliage, the fretted tabernacles and vaultings, and a profufion of ftatues, &c. that conftitute the good Gothic ftyle; together with decreafing and flying buttreffes, and pinnacles on the out- lide." The ereftions of Henry VII. and particularly the famous chapel at Weftminfter, will plainly evince that, according to the above definition of Mr. Gray, the purity of this ftyle was not loft in his time. Of buildings ereded afterward, I know of none that comes fo near excel- lence as the very tower in queftion. \. o^ Abbky Akch wrqMA Vikw of Bicnoworth. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. '33 a few others, the fineft fpecimen of architedure left by our popifh anceftors in the whole kingdom. It is likewife allowed to be one of the lateft, if not abfolutely the laft.* — A farther defcription of this alfo will be more fuitably inferted in the chapter on the public buildings of Evejham. Near this tower, at the angle formed by the cemitary on the louth-eaft, the old wall begins to be vifible, and ftretches away nearly in a right line almort to the edge of the river, weftward : nor is there much doubt but it formerly extended itfelf to the fame river, on the eaft fide. In many parts of it, toward the cemitary, there are vefiiges of ancient door-ways and win- dows, which lead us to fufpecTt that fome part of it muft once have ferved for other purpofes than a mere boundary. There is alfo one very ancient chimney ereded on it, which ferves for a fire-place in a fummer-houle (landing on the wall. It is hexangular, and has a fort of battlement on the top like thofe belonging to the chapels in All Saints and St. Lawrence ; though, as may be fuppofed, on a much fmaller fcale. From hence it be- comes extremely probable that this wall, ^vhich may have at firfl: ferved only the purpofe of an enclofure, had afterwards cells and other habitable offices annexed to it. It is altogether built of the fmall flat ftone obfervable in mofl: eredions of the fame kind. Juft on the fouthern fide of this wall, but near its eaftern extremity, are the pleafant gardens and premifes inhabited by Mr. Phillips, who, with a confiderable tafie for antiquity, has every advantage for its flxidy that a gen- tleman can poffefs. It is on the eafi end of his garden that the famous arch ftill fubfifts which has fo frequently been admired and delineated by the lovers of Gothic architedure. Though its feet are now buried in the foil to within about four feet of the fpringing of the arch, it is eafy to difcern that it muft once have pofleflTed every advantage of elegance of form, as well as excellence of execution. It is pointed, but obtufely ; which circumftance feems • Mr. Gough fuppofes it the " laft building erefted by popery in England." [Edit, of Camden, vol. 2. p. 370.] But I have been credibly informed of an edifice, but do not recolleft where, that was begun immediately before the diffolution, and left unfnljhed when that event took place. r34 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE feems to fix the time of its erection lo the early part of Henry the Third's reign, or fome late peiiod of his predecefTor's. From the fpringing of the arch it is divided by three mouldings of the neatefl workmanlhip into two compartments. In each of thefe are eight figures now deprived of their heads, (I have heard in a drunken frolic,) but of very fuperior perform- ance. The outer row are feated ; the inner ftanding : and the draperies be- longing to both are particularly admired by curious vifitors. In the middle, at the top, is a mutilated figure of an angel praying. The centre of the inner range of figures had, it is affirmed, once an infcription on it ; but all veftiges of this are entirely gone. The whole height of the arch is, at prefent, only feventeen feet : but what was its former elevation is not eafily to be know'n. From the ufual proportion obferved in thefe Gothic erec- tions, we may however guefs that, if formerly a gateway, rather more than one third of it is, at prefent, buried in the earth. If a window, as fome conjecture, it muft have funk, or the ground have rifen around it, to an incredible degree. The plate which accompanies this defcription, and is vejy accurate, will give a better idea of this valuable fragment than any words can convey. As there can be little doubt but that the church was fituated near this fpot, and probably extended from this gate weftward as far as where the houfe of Mr. Phillips now ftands, at about the diftance of one hundred and fifty yards, we may reafonably fuppofe this arch either to have been one of the principal entrances into the church, into fome chapel in the eaftern part, into the prefbytery or chapter-houfe, or fome other building conne(fied with the church. That it was ever the great eallern window, (as I have heard conjedured,) feems to outrage all probability. The height* of fuch a win- dow, in a building of any fize, could not be luppofed at lefs than the diftance • The reader has no doubt obferved that the author of this work has ahvays been careful to keep within the bounds of probability, rather than exceed them. Put I believe the following calculation refpefting this arch would come nearer to the truth than wh I have written above. Neir, if not quite, one AaZ/of the arch is under ground. Thus the whole height above thirty feet. It a window, at leaft twenty-five feet muft be under ground. If a eratext/jy, probably about fifteen feet are buried. Ai that tieptli nearly we may therefore fuppofe the pavement of the Abbey-church to lie. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. i^r^ diftance of ten feet from the ground. Now as the earth has evidently co- vered more than one third of the arch itfelf, the whole rife of the furface or (inking of the fabric, (for both probably operate,) could not, in this cafe, be eftimated at lefs than eighteen feet. This, though there is no doubt a vaft mafs of rubbifh under the foil, feems, if not impoffible, a great impro- bability. Neither is the fize of this ruin, though fufficient for a gateway, equal by any means to what we ufually fee allotted to the larger windows of fuch a fabric ; as the whole height, without violating eveiy rule of propor- tion, could never have been more than about five and twenty feet ; and the total fpan is little above thirteen. We may therefore conclude it to have been a gateway : though into what part of the building it is not now eafy precifely to determine. Between this arch and Mr. Phillips's refidence, and at the depth of at leaft eight feet below the furface, it is conjedured the ancient pavement of this once magnificent church lies nearly entire. The conjecture is pro- bable; unlefs we fuppofe the pavement to have been marble, and thus worth the trouble of removing, before the rubbifh thrown from the walls and roof began to cover it at the demolition. And even under pait of this it is pro- bable there remain the ancient crypts or vaults, fiill, in great meafure, un- filled with earth or rubbifh. That there is a cavity here, as well as on the eaflern fide, of great extent, is evident from feveral circumftances enu- merated in the fubjoined note.* Much light might certainly be obtained by a thorough inveftigation of the premifes by the fpade, and probably many valuable articles be difcovered ; but the certain cxpence would be fo con- fiderable, * Mrs. Phillips, the mother of the gentleman before-mentioned, aflured me that, not long fince, the pavement of their cellar funk in to a confiderable depth, and continued fo to do till prevented by a thorough reparation, — Not far from the houfe is known to be a cavity in the earth of prodigious dimenfions, as (though it has never been opened,) may be concluded from its hav- ing ferved always for the receptacle of dirty water, kc. without any neceffity for its being cleanfed ; a fmall opening having been made to it, and a grate fixed therein in the manner of a link or common fewer. — ^Not many years back the Quakers had a general meeting at Evejham, and booths were erefted for their accommodation on the bank, to the north eaft of the Abbey fite: juft where it begins to delcend to the water. On making a hole in the earth with a large iron bar, for the upright i:;6 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE o fiderable, and the return either in articles of profit or amufement fo uncer- tain, as hitherto to have deterred the proprietor from all attempts of this kind. It is impoflible to walk in this garden, which to a native antiquary mufl feem almoft claffic ground, without a variety of emotions congenial to the fpot. When we refled that underneath repofe the bones of the founder, venerable from intrinfic worth, of a numerous body of faints and martyrs, that owed their veneration perhaps merely to accidental circumftances and the folly of their cotemporaries, we feel that kind of awe and ferious delight which certainly partake confiderably of the nature of the fublime fenfation. Though thefe objeds almoft of worfhip to our popiQi forefathers retain little eftimation in the mind, or rank in the calendar of a Proteflant, yet on the fancy of a lover of antiquity, while contemplating them, much of that fombre fort of fatisfadion is refleded which refembles, in fome meafure, the light that once gleamed through the dimly-tindured windows of the fabric. The number of years that have rolled away fince their interment, which the mind always fubdivides, by an imperceptible operation, into months, days, and even hours; the numerous generations of men that have fince occupied the fcene of life ; the almoft infinite changes fince produced in manners, drefs, and cuftoms of every fpecies ; all croud into the mind, and produce in it nearly the fame kind of fubdued aftonifhment which is excited by fome vaft and perpendicular cliff whofe head is loft in mift, and whofe fides are perpetually fcourged by the billows of the ocean. But befide thefe faints and martyrs fo often mentioned in a work which, like the prefent, is compofed almoft entirely from monaftic records, many likewife lie interred on the fpot who had no great pretenfion to the former title ; though to their pride and ambition they certainly were martyrs. Simon Mountfort, upright pole of one of thefe booths, it funk fuddenly its entire length into the earth, and was re- tained above it only by the fork left purpofely on its top. This, as well as the above circum- ftances, plainly evinces that there are (till fubterraneous excavations exifting of very great extent, in exploring which the labour and expence would, it is likely, be repaid to the projeftor. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 137 Mountfort, his fon Henry, Hugh le Defpenfer, jufticiary of England, and, it is probable, Peter de Mountfort,* William de Mandeville, Ralph Baffet, Sir John St. John, as well as many other perfons ilain at the battle of this place, were interred by the monks in the Abbey church. f Simon himfelf, though no faint, was a great hypocrite, and a favourite of the monaftics. He ufually wore fack-cloth next his body ; fafted and prayed much ; and, what was ftill more efficacious in thofe days, gave largely to the church of his poffeffions. His body was therefore taken from among the heap of flain foon after the fight, and buried here with great folemnity. Many miracles, it is affirmed by the monks, were wrought at his flirine. But thefe have now ceafed to appear, as well as the fhrine that worked them. The recollecftion how- ever of thefe remote events adds the charm of hiftorical meditation and re- refiedion to the many others to which this folemn fpot gives rife. The houfe itfelf which Mr. Phillips inhabits, though faid to have been compofed of the materials vvliich once formed part of the church, retains no veftiges of very remote antiquity: but his out-houfes, &(C. being more flightly put together, and founded on parts of the ancient fabric, ftill exhibit feveral curious fpecimens of them, hi one, at prefent ufed as a firaw-houfe, are to be feen in the walls (which are about the diflance of fifteen feet from each other in breadth, and about thirty in length,) arches of very confider- able dimenfions, and of remarkably light architecture. There are four T difcernable * It is at leaft certain that the three former were buried before the great altar. Henry is faid himfelf to have affifted at the funeral of the earl. Tyrrel the hiftorian affirms that he faw at Cam- bridge a MS. containing prayers by the Evefham monks addrefifed to Simon Mountfurt, whom they efteemed a martyr. [Dr. Nafh, vol. i. p. 413.] t Some years ago, (but I never could learn the exaft time,) a flteleton, not in complete ar- mour, as is aiferted by Mr. Gough and fome other authors, but with confiderable remains of ar- mour on it, was dug up inclofed in a ftone coffin in the premifes of Mr. Phillips. It was foon interred again, as fome affirm in the garden ; while others informed me in the neighbouring church of St. Lawrence. It was by many imagined to be the remains of Simon Mountfort himfelf: but, as there were no infignia confpicuous on the armour, it is at lead as probable that it was the body of one of his companions, of fome note, flain in the fame battle. Could I have been affured of the fpot, curiofity would, 1 believe, have urged me to attempt a fecond difmterment. ir.8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE 'O difcernable on each (ide, and one, fomewhat wider, at each end. All are at prelent clofed up, and feem to have been fo many years; as there are both door-ways and windows in the interftices, of very ancient Ihudure theiu- felves. This place is generally luppoi'ed to have been part of the cloifter, and its fituation on the fouth fide of the church feems to favour the conjec- ture. But the arches having been flopped up, and that in a manner which feems to indicate this was done before the diilblution took place ; and, above all, the two arches at the ends render it probable that this was fome ftrudure of more confined dimenfions than cloifters ufuallyare: — probably fome office in, or nearly conneded with, the church. In another part of the fame out-houfe, at prefent ufed as a repofitory for coal, are to be fecn the veftiges of an ancient fiaircafe of confiderable fize ; and doubtlefs part of the monafiic fabiic. The fiairs feem to have been formed on the plan now called geometrical; as the furface of the wall they are fixed to is, underneath them, nearly on the fame plane with that above them. Its jagged points and rough protnberancies however, under thefe fiairs, ferve to evince that this may not have been always the cafe. A part of moft of thefe ftone fiairs fiill adheres to the wall : and the upper fiair, which turns confiderably round to the left, is nearly entire. Over them are the remains of fmall arches which have likewife adhered to the wall, and plainly fliew it was once arched over, and probably a work of confiderable elegance. Enough is not preferved to inform us of the exad dimenfions of the whole, nor of the apartment to which thefe fiairs afcended. In another out-houfe not far off', there remains a niche of about fix feet in height, and of admirable workmanfiiip. It is impoflible to forbear fancy- ing it the very niche in which the crucifix, mentioned in a note on the pre- ceding chapter, was once placed, and to which daily procefiions were made. It is furmounted by a Gothic canopy of wonderful richnefs and beauty, and compofed of that hard and durable ftone which has enabled all the relics of this Abbey to retain a finifli and perfedion that I do not remember elfewhere to have feen. Befide thefe remains of former fplendour preferved in the premifes of Mr. Phillips, ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 139 Phillips, there are llkewife two inhabited houfes, one on each fide of them, that prefent many veftiges of it. Both were certainly parts of the Abbey. In that toward the church-yard facing the north, in a room ufed as a wafh- houfe, was once a large arched gateway, now clofed up, with a fmall Gothic window over it. In the corner of the fame room is an enclofed round fpace, or kind of turret, which once undoubtedly ferved for a fpiral flair-cafe ; though the flairs themfelves have long fince entirely difappeared. In another part of the fame premifes may be feen the remnants of a very large arch, which has its correfponding parts, at a confiderable diftance, in the coach-houfe of Mr. Phillips. This appears to have been, in all probability, the great weflern entrance into the Abbey church. The other dwelling, to the fouth, feems entirely compofed of the Abbey remains. A large Gothic window toward the flreet, flill entire, plainly points it out as part of fome ancient fabric. On entering the houfe, confiderably beneath the furface of the earth, you come through a long pafTage to a kind of niche, where there is every reafon to fuppofe a crejfet or lamp was formerly placed. It is of light Gothic workmanfliip ; not unlike, but lefs ornamented than, that of the niche before-mentioned. The top of its canopy has been broken off to make room for the low cieling above. By projecting confidera- bly from the wall, it admits of open work on all fides ; and has a communi- cation a!fo with an adjoining apartment, from whence it was probably fup- plied with oil. — In that apartment, throughout antique, is a very large fire- place, with a richly carved entablature over it ; and near it a window of confiderable fize, and of Gothic confirucfiion ; the top of which now only remains entire. The great breadth of this fire-place, as well as the whole appearance of the apartment, feems to indicate it to have been one of the feveral kitchens which adminiftered to the luxury, and (let us not with-hold its due praife,) the hofpitality of this ancient foundation. At Coughton, near Alcefter, where this Abbey once had confiderable pof- feffions, there is a large gateway to the houfe of Sir John Throckmorton, which is reported to have been removed from Evejkam, foon after the diffolution. The report came from fo good authority, that the author of this work thought it requifite to make an excurfion thither, on purpofe to examine whether this T 2 edifice 140 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE edifice bore any internal evidence of its antiquity and origin. It was found a very magnificent llrudure, ot near an hundred feet in h( ight, and about twenty in breadth, at the front. The fides are of greater dimenfions. It is turretted and embattled, more in the caftle (tile, than that of any ccclefiaftic edifice.* The windows are many and large, and of a form that partakes but little of the Gothic, but fuch as we ufually find in eredions of about the time of Henry the Eighth, or his predecefTor. The turrets have thefe large win- dows as well as the reft of the building ; and one of them, that to the fouth. by which you afcend to the top, has a row of windows above the level of the leads. Thefe turrets are hexangular ; and between thofe on the north fide, is a chimney of a very peculiar (hape : it being embattled like the reft of the building. In two places on the front, above the firft and under the third ftory, are the Throcknwrton arms. Some pains were taken, in the examination of thefe arms, to difcover, if poffible, whether they were of later date than the other parts of the tower. The higheft feemed evi- dently fo ; being of much whiter ftone : but the loweft had every appearance of being coeval with the reft of the fabric. The arch at bottom is plainly modem ; and the appearance of the ftones in the whole of the lower part is different from thofe at fome height, which are uniformly of a deep brown hue. On both the fronts, over the arches, are mottoes, now almoft defaced. On the weft, the firft verfe of the hundred and twenty-feventh Pfalm : Kijl Dominus edificaverit domum, kc. and, over the eaft arch, the following verfe of the fame Pfalm. Whether or not this gateway was really once a part of Evejham Abbey, the author will not take on him to decide ; but, on the whole, appearances are not in favour of the fuppofition. On the other hand, the authority for it is very good ; as a gentleman of the higheft ve- racity at Evejham has declared that he had it from the mouth of the late Sir Robert Tlirockmorloii, who no doubt had fufficient vouchers for the fad. — But in all thefe accounts of removed edifices there is a kind of dilemma, of which it is difficult to get rid. If, as was certainly the cafe, only the ma- terials were removed piece-meal from Evejham, it is ten to one they were not put together again exadtly in the fame manner : — and that any confiderable part • The reader will find among the titles of charters, kc. in the firft Appendix, two which plainly {hew that net only the principal gate, but alfo the greater part of the Abbey, was embattled. This certainly adds fome weight and credit to the report. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 141 part of the edifice was removed entire cannot be thought poffible. — At moft, therefore, we can expect to find at Coughton only a good tmltat'wn of the wefiern gate of Evejhum Abbey.* The reader has now been conduc'^ed to every fragment that could have made any part of this famous Abbey. To put them together as the compo- nent parts of an entire fabric, or even to conjedure their ufes as taken feparately, it would not be prudent, with fo few materials, to undertake. From a knowledge of what thefe eredions ufually confifled of, and from a review of their prefent detached fragments, a plan of the w^hole might un- doubtedly be framed. But fo much muft unavoidably be left to the illufive operations of fancy, and fo much gratuitous conjecture muft neceffarily be hazarded, that fuch a plan would probably feem as much a reprefentation of any other monaflery as of the Abbey in quefiion. — By forbearing this, I hope therefore to affume fome merit, in forbearing to trifle either with the reader's patience, or his credulity. The feal, of which I have been favoured with an imprefllion,t on both fides nearly perfed, remains next to be noticed. This imprelTion was affixed to an indenture made between PliiUp Haujord, the laft Abbot, and one of the Abbey tenants : and is of dark brown wax, very hard, but ratlier brittle.:}: It is circu- lar, • Dugdale, in his Warwickfliire, fays only of this gate that it was " built by Sir George 'Throck- morton, who intended the reft of the houfe flioiild be finiflied in the fame ftyle." The reft of this edifice is as unlike it as poffible, at prefent. Sir George lived at the time of the dilTolution ; but furely Dugdale would have noticed the remarkable circumftance of the removal had it been true. — In the chancel of Cou^/jfon church, (which, for its painted glafs and other curious articles, I fliould recommend to the notice of every antiquary,) is a plate of brafs infcribed to the memory of " Dame Elizabeth Throckmerton, the laft Abbas of Denye, and aunt to Sir George Throckmerton, knight," who died in the year 1547. t Procured by Mr. Blayney, attorney, of Evejham, to whom this work is, on feveral accounts, much indebted. X The beginning of this indenture is as follows : " This indenture made the i6th day of December, in the yere of the reign of king Henry the Vlllth, in the lande fupreme lordd of the chiu-che of England the 30th, betwene Philip, by the permiffion 142 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THL br, and of about four inches diameter. As this feal is very clearly and mi- nutely dcicribed by Dr. Nafh, who has alfo given a plate of one of its fides, (though it Items he had not fufficient authority for the other,) an account of it is here given almoft in the fame words. In the centre, on one fide of the feal, is reprefented the fwineherd Eoves, furrounded by his herd, and round him this infcription : EOVESHE. VENETIE. AIT. WAS. SWIN. CORLIMEN. CLEPET. VIS. EOVISHOM.* Above, on the left, a crowned female, followed by two figures, the one bare-headed the other covered, points with a crofs to the church afterwards built ; under the reprefcntation of which is written : ECCE. LO. QUE. ELEGI. Ecce locum quern elegi.f Bilhop Egwin in pontificals, is reprefented on the right, kneeling to the church ; and behind him are two figures which may reprefent the Virgin's appearance to him, as related in the legend. Round the feal is this infcription : SIG ILEUM. SANCTE. MARIE. ET. SANCTI. ECGWINI. EPI. EO\'£SHA]\IENSIS. I\I0NASTERII4 On the reverfe are, on the left and near the top, the Virgin and child ; and under them a king giving to a bifhop a charter fuperfcribed : DAMUS. REGIE. permiffion of God, Abbot of the exempt Monafterye of our blelTed lady the Virgyn and Sent E^win of Evejham, in the countie of \Vorcefier, of tlie order of Sent Bennet, and the Covent of the fame place, on the one party ; — And John Aldyn^^ton the cider of Myddle Lyttleton, in the faid countie of Worcefter yeman, Margarete hys wyfe, Thomas Aldyngton and John Aldyn^ton the younger, the fonnes of the forefaid John Aldyngton the elder, on the other partye ; — Witneffeth, kc." This inftrument is a leafe of the manor-houfe and demefne lands of Middle Littleton. • Thus explained (fays Dr. Naflj,) by a learned friend: — " Eovefhe fervus apud infulam Ait erat porcorum, ruflici homines vocant banc Eovefi habitationcm." Or in Englifh : Eovejhe was keeper of fwine at the ijland Ait. The country people call this the habitation of Eoves. t In Englifli : Behold the place which I have chofen. t The feal of St. Mary and of St. Egwin bifhop of the Monajery of Evejham. A ^V 1^ I QUI T I. E 8 ViisrUitf /.<• ifivt-n re tin.'. \1/VA- /'>■ ■'^- - >rROE.<'/// (nitiiinr t^/''Aurtffitttitv PuhttjIifA tntJ-A^.ty/tntari ijQ*. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 143 REGIE. LIBERTATI. Under the charter, the three lions of England. Behind the king, a queen, and an officer with fomething hke a crown on his head, holding a hawk. Over the bifliop is a church, as on the other fide. Round this fide of the feal : DICTIS. ECGWINI. — UHER ATRINI. OMNIBUS. UNDE. PIE. NITET. AULA. SAC. MARIE.* This feal is very ancient ; but not, I prefume, of Saxon fculpture : the in- fciiption round it is in the Saxon letter, and partly in that language. But the canopies over the figures are, as well as the churches reprefented on it, all in the early Gothic form. The figures are neatly and fiiarply cut in ; but, in ge- neral, flender beyond all human proportions. There was another feal in which the horfe-lock (the Abbey arms,) forms a cJievron between three mitres. A reprefentation of this may be found in Tanner's plate of abbatial feals ; but the firfi-mentioned was, it may be prefumed, the feal ufed on all occafions of moment. f There have been, as may be imagined, at various periods, a great num- ber of ulenfils, ornaments, and other little articles picked up on the Abbey- fite. Thefe getting into many different hands, and often changing their owners, it would be difficult now to particularife. Some of them, found many years ago, are faid to have been fo valuable as greatly to have advanced the • It is difficult to interpret this infcriptioii, though in the Latin language. The word uheratrini which is imperfeft, or probably wrongly copied, is, in its prefent (late, a word of no language: but on that, whatever it be, the whole lenfe of the infcriptioa depends. + Dr. Nafh fays, at the end of his account of this feal : — " I fliould have engraved this reverli?, [the fide on which is the figure of a king prefenting a charter,] if I could have found any authority for it befides the impreffion of a plate, fuppofed to be done by Mynde for Dr. Thomas's intended hiltory of Worcefterlhire ; it is there faid to be among the evidences of Edmund Lechmere, of Hanley-caflle, in the county of Worcefter, Efq. and to be be the feal of Abbot Richard, in tb.e year 1474. Mr. Weft fhewed the Society of Antiquaries, 1736, a deed of this Abbot of the faid date, difcharging the Monaftery of Alcefler from dependance on him, to which was appendant this feal, with both fides very fair." — The author of this work may think himfelf fortunate, that he has been able to acquire what had efcaped the refearches of the learned and laborious topogra- pher above-mentioned. 144 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE the fortunes of their difcoverers. One, of little or no value at all, lately fell into the hands of the author of this work. It was found by digging in a field not far from the Abbey-precin,ds. It is a round plate of metal, appa- rently copper, with a (hank fixed in it, and is about three inches in diame- ter. It has been richly gilt, and enamelled with various colours. Round it is a rim, or fort of frame, about half an inch in breadth, which has likewife been highly ornamented. On the plate itfelf are three mitres, the Abbey arms, in green enamel, but with gilt edges. It feems to have been part of the furniture of fome Abbot's horfe, and was probably worn on the forehead of that animal. From many parts of the foregoing work, it will appear that thefe dignitaries were fufficiently oftentatious in their apparel and other ac- coutrements. But thefe poor Abbots and their horfe-furniture have now long fince pafTed away, and the fullen blafts of above two hundred and fifty winters have howled over their graves, and through their (battered dwellings ! — Thefe men, who united a real arrogance to a feigned humility ; — once fo bufy, opulent, and doubtlefs troubleionie to their equals and fuperiors ; — powerful enough to ferve as a counteipoife to the tyranny of the barons and nobility, and adiive enough not feldom to gain the afcendancy over them ; — thefe proud affertors of the dodrines of the humble Jefus are now of no more impoitance than merely to intereft for a while the imagination of a few infignificant enquirers into antiquity ! Upon the whole however, — a man who views human life with a philofophic regard rather to the happinefs and comfort of the human race, than to that opulence which accrues from commercial induftry, and which does not always fecure thofe advantages, will be inclined to hope, but will not without fome hefitation venture to affirm, that we have, at this day, better inftitutions in their (lead. It would not be eafy to employ fo many folitary hours in enquiries of this kind, without various reflexions, which the fubjed muft naturally excite. The temper of the prefent times, tending daily more and more to an extreme fo diametrically oppofite to all monadic habits, (themfelves, no doubt, an extreme equally to be (hunned,) muft incline a thoughtful mind to run a kind ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 145 kind of parallel between fuch ftrange deviations from the happy medium of reafon and truth. — A few defultory hints to this effed may perhaps meet the candid reader's excufe, and not unfuitably clofe this part of the work. An emandpat'ion from all prejudice, and a degree of illumination of intellect, unknown to our fober anceflors, are now the boaft of every half-informed underftanding. Thefe lights, (as they ftile them,) and this freedom of thought fuch perfons are eager to communicate to the minds of men ilill lefs informed than themfelves ; and, like the ignis Jatuus in nature, to lead them aftray from all their real interefts and beft concerns. They in general neither themfelves poffefs, or can of courfe communicate to others, more than fuch a partial view of the duties of fociety, as regards merely their own claims upon it. If, as we cannot doubt, there exift behind the curtain, to agitate thefe puppets, both men of really enlarged views, but with minds blinded by their enthufiaftic projeds ; as well as artful villains without either illumination or principle; they carefully conceal from each individual thofe duties fociety may claim from him. Thus are the ignorant multitude excited to ads of violence and rebellion, while they fuppofe themfelves merely vindicating their proper rights. To prejudice of every kind, or any thing to which the appellation can be wrefted, thefe worthies allow no quarter : — and under the name of preju- dice they would willingly include all that is great, venerable, or holy. Thus are thefe men, (fuch, at leaft, as are lincere in their tenets,) themfelves the mofl ftriking examples of prejudicial abfurdity< The inviolable fidelity of an Arab to thofe whom he has entertained in his tent, and who have eaten fait with him, would doubtlefs, by thefe enlightened gentlemen, be deemed a prejudice. Yet to this is it owing that a favage ceafes, in one refped at leail-, to be fuch ; and that numbers of our countrymen have efcaped the fnares of treachery and avarice. There is little doubt but, in the fubfequent improvements of the age, all the ties of kindred and affinity, as well as all other our moft amiable propenfities, will Ihortly be included within this comprehenjive term. In fad; — what are U fuch 146 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE fuch things to a pltilofopJier, who confiders the unlverfe as one family, and all mankind as brethren? — Brethren, in feme fort, indeed we are; and to the religion thefe philofophers fo much impugn is it entirely owing that we ever, in any refped, behaved as fuch : — but certainly in the prefent ftate of things, (and probably in any flate that could be devifed, independently of that religion,) brethren, of whom we fhall be ever happy in the afliftance of our nearer and real kindred to repel the continual attacks. The ages o^ chivalry, and oi feudal fervice which have, in the prefent woik, fo long employed our attention, may, at leaft, be faid to have kept our an- ceftors in a decided ftate, either of peace, or of war. of which the latter was open, generous, and occafionally foftened by every kind intercourfe of humanity. The fyftem lo much recommended, and even prefied upon us, by ihefe philojophic gentlemen* would, if ever adopted, keep us in a ftate between both. If of peace, — it would be the peace of continual turbulence, con- tention, and domeftic inquietude. If of war, — a war difgraced by every fecret ad of treachery, as well as by every poffible horror which we can in imagination combine with the mofl felfifh and favage ferocity. It has ever appeared to me, that the claffic hiflorians have taken nearly the fame effed upon the heads of thefe men, as the old romances are faid to have produced in the crazy brains of the knight of La Mancha. With the violence, rather than ardour, of a fchool-boy, they attempt daily to imitate what common fenfe would tell them cannot, in thefe times, be attained ; and thus play at philofophers and politicians. — If a patriotic gift of three livres fterling is to be accepted at the hands of a barber's apprentice, it is done in the pompous periods of Livy. — If a paltry town or fortrefs has been taken, mural wreaths are decreed, and fet harangues are made, which refemble the fame author in nothing but his verbofity. Sometimes indeed our amufement is varied by an afFeded oration in the minced periods of 'Tacitus, f But alas ! * Gentlemen is a very Gothic term, and I entreat pardon for ufing it : — but if I had made ufe of the word men, it would probably have been thought liable alfo to fome objeftions. + No difrefpeSl for the dajjics is here intended ; but merely to the paltry and afFefted imitation of them that was daily exhibited in the French National AJfembly, not long fmce. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 147 alas ! — if a general is beaten and driven home with lofs, he is by no means received there with the Roman generofity, and candid commiferation. The French baboon grins forth from the Roman toga ; — and he is either driven an exile from his country, or facrificed by the daggers of fcoundrel and coward aflaflins. What thefe heroes, (by mverfion,) meant to efFefl, is for none but them- felves to decide ; and is moreover now fcarcely worth the trouble of enquiry. A ftate of abfolute anarchy could never have been their only and ultimate intent : nor indeed could they have fuppofed fuch a ftate would fubfifl fo long as for themfelves to derive much advantage from it. — Certzin philofophic projeStors are doubtlefs lurking behind the tapeftry, who would efteem the blood of thoufands, and the happhejs of millions, as of little moment, in com- parifon of a brilliant and noify experiment. Thefe may poffibly hope, by bringing fociety to its original ftate of inconnedion and confufion, to re- new once more, lefs tacitly, the focial compad ; and thus commence a new asra of exiftence. But here alfo lies a difficulty. Thefe men, at leaf! fuch of them as are not entirely blinded by enthufiaftic vapours, muft be aware that, unlefs the prefent generation be entirely extirpated, (and the blame does not feem to reft with them that it Ims not,) no fuch event could poffibly be brought to pafs. Thus the happinefs and quiet of the prefent generation is idiotically facrificed to the idle and vifionary hope of benefiting fome future race of mankind. From a difguft to fuch difgraceful fcenes, a mind addided, in any degree, to order and tranquillity, will not be undelighted fometimes to liften to " the voice of paft times," and even revert, in idea, to the oppofite extreme of monaftic feclulion and inadivity. — A lively writer of the prefent day has obferved, that " the beft thing we can often do, is to do nothing at all." — This, which he applies to political concerns, might, I fear, be now extended to morality itfelf. li nothing he done , at leaft, mfchief and criminality wiW he avoided. If to the monaftic the world and its pleafures uere facrificed, fomething, at leaft, was gained : an acquaintance with God and his own heart. That ufelefs being, a monk, before the manifold abufes of later periods crept in, and as far as regarded himfelf, enjoyed bleffings far beyond what the prer U 2 fent 148 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE fent race of philofophers could promife us, even were the hejl of their plans to take the jullejl effect. He was himfelf a link in the chain oi fiibordination, that conned^ed together a number of human beings in peace, order, tran- quility, and contemplative devotion.* — How far thefe inftitutions affefled the public weal, would be a difcuffion too weighty and extenfive for the pre- fent work : but we may venture to affirm that the cortmonally^ at leaft, nwft have beheld thefe monaflics, while they retained their primitive fimplicity and purity of manners, with reverence and the defire of imitation. Dillurbed more frequently, than at prefent, by the ambitious wars of their princes, and by the turbulent peace of their tyrant barons, it was probably owing to this order of men that they did not entirely degenerate into barbai ifm and brutal ferocity. That fuch inditutions are neceffary, or even expedient in the prefent times, few would be fo bigotted as to affirm: — efpecially if it be confidered how generally we poflefs, and how greatly we have improved on, * What the ci-devant comtejfe de GenUs fays, in a late work, of the monks of La Trappe, very nearly accords with iny ideas of thefe inftitutions in general, in their early and purer Rale. " From their original endowment, and the beqnefts of private individuals, tliey are fuffiriently wealthy to afford three days hofpitality to every poor traveller who paffes ttiat way. When all the beds in the houfe are occupied, the traveller is accommodated at the inn, and his expences defrayed by the monks. If, during thefe three days, he falls fick, they take care of him till his recovery ; he is attended by their furgeon, fupplied by them with medicines ; the monks alfo vifit him, drefs his wounds, 8ic. If any poor traveller be in want of money to purfue his journey, they give him as much as is neceffary to carry him to the place of his deftination. Not a day paffes without their beino vifited by perfons of tliis defcription, particularly foldiers. It frequently happens that the oratitude and admiration which fo much benevolence infpires, induce the perfons who are the ob- iefts of it to become members of their fraternity, and pafs their lives with them. Indeed whoever is in purfuit of virtue in all its perfeftion, will find it only here, under a form, it may be, fome- what too aufiere, but (o true, fo fublime, that it is not at all aflonilhing that a mind lulceptible of enlhuliafm Ihould refolve upon the great facrifice. Thefe monks alfo affift and take care of all the poor in the neighbourhood for many leagues round. I interrogated a great number of the peafants, who fpake of them with the refpeft and veneration, that we fhould feel for angels if they were to condefcend to refide among us. Shew me the individuals that, with the fame revenues, can do an equal portion of good, both by their example and their beneficence ! Where fhall we find fuch virtues, unlefs religion infpires them !" The greater credit may be given to the above recital, as the good lady who wrote it cannot eafily be fufpe6led of a partiality for monaftic inftitutions. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 149 on, thofe relids of ancient literature and fcience which were, by means of thefe ufelefs and reviled beings, preferved and handed down to pofterity.* " But fuperJlUJon and ignorance, the parents of every vice, and of perfecu- tion, the moft horrid of them all, were then triumphant." — They confefs- edly were : — but that fuperftition and ignorance are more likely to brget in- tolerance, than the oppofite extremes infidelUy, and what is falfely ftiled phi- lofophy, cannot fo eafily be granted. Our own times, in fac^l, have plainly evinced to us, that this idea, though prevalent fo long, is merely a vulgar error ; and that there exifls no h'lgot, like an infidel; — no perfecutor, like an athc'i/L How often have we found thefe inconfiflent philofophers lamenting in their writings the fad effe(fb of this perfecuting fpirit, in former ages! How often have we fmiled at their jufl farcafms on its inefficacy to effed any ufeful purpofe ! — Yet to thefe truths, as they refped themfelves, they feem wholly and judicially blind. They do not perceive that their fond efforts will probably occafion the revival of a more fervent and purer Chriftianity than, at prefent, prevails in Europe. — That this may eventually happen, every true friend to the human race mufl ardently wilh ; and by fetting before our eyes a ftriking example of the goodly effccls produced, even by a temporal fufpenfion of the Chrifdan maxims, thefe worthies have unintentionally taken the neareft way to promote fuch a moft defirable event. We may now, not unreafonably, hope to retrieve that happy medium between fuperftitlon and rational Chriftianity, (another word for infidelity,) which it is fo difficult to attain; or, when attained, to render permanent. We may yet be preferved from a fquallid laxity, both of morals and religion ; and, at length, avert that period, of late fo much to be dreaded, when every vice that could dif- honour the trueChriltian or real gentleman fhould meet with its abettors, and even with fome degree of the public countenance and fupport. APPENDIX * Domeftic comforts, doubtlefs the greateft of all, are, it is true, to be omitted in the lift of bleffings that could be enjoyed in a ftate of monkifh celibacy. The " Ou peut on etre mieiix qu'en Jem de fa famille," though of late fo proftituted by French faaion, is neverthelefs as true in mo- rality, as beautiful in the mufic of the elegant Gretri, But it may reafonably enough be queftioned, whether the abfolute privation of thefe comforts would be much worfe than the confufion that would be introduced in them by thefe reformers: — who, making light of the matrimonial en- gagement, would, of courfe, poifon all the fources of conjugal as well as parental happinefs. APPENDIX OF CHARTERS, kc. RELATING TO THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. Num. I. Carta Kenredi et Offa. [Dugdale. vol. i. p. 145, ex Regiftro de Evefham in bib. Cott. fol. 64.3.] ij T N nomine patris, et filii, & fpiritus fanfli, Amen. Quoniam tranfeuntis quidem mundi -^ viciffitudo cotidie per incrementa temporum crefcit, et crefcendo decrefcit, et ampliando minuitur, crefcentibus repentinis variorum incurfuum ruinis, finis eflfe cunftis in proximo cernitur; ideo vanis ac tranfilibus rebus, manfura coeleftis patriae praemia mercanda funt. Qiiapropter ego Kenredus, Dei dono rex Merciorum ; et ego Offa, divina permiflione Orientalium Anglorum guberna- tor, pro redemptione animarum noftrarum ac predeceObrum nortrorum, et fubfequentium falute, donamus, concedimus in loco in quo beata Virgo Maria fe venerabili viro Egwino manifeftavit, in HOMME, et prsefenti libello confirmamus, ad honorem et reverentiam ejufdem Dei genitricis, Ixvij. manfas ex duabus partibus fluminis quod vocitatur Avena. Tres videlicet quae funt in HOMME. In LENCH-WIC j. In Nortona vij. In OFFEHAM j. In Litletona xiij. In Aldingtona j. In Daddefeia v. et dimid. In Dretfortona xii. In Hunihurna ij. et dimid. In Willerfeia vij. In Wiavona iij. In Benigwrtltia et in Hamtona ix. Et ex mera liber- alitate, ficut dignum eft, et regali munificentia, pnenominatas manfas, ubi manifeftatio habita fuiffe refertur, cum caeteris partibus praeaffignatis, regia; libertati donamus, ac omnipotenti Deo, ac beatis apoftojis eius Petro et Paulo in perpetuum libcras commendamus, quatinus ibidem con- gregatio monachorum, fecundum regulam beati BenediEii, pofdt inftaurari, et indefmcnter Chrifto famulavi. Ad majorem autem noftrae donationis firmitudinem, in notitiam tam praefentium quam in pofteriim fuccedentium venire volumus quibus limitibus facer locus quern regiae libertati dona- tum Deo contulimus, circumfeptus includitur. In APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF, 8cc. irr J- In primis a Tmyford es. parte auflrali ufque in Cromchomme, juxta decurfum fluminis, ambitus loci protraliitur, ac inde juxta aquam ufque ad divifionem terras de Fladchur<^, quae Mcredic appel- latur, ?c fic ill direftum per afcenfum montis per medium *jEldegaren ad Ealdene[winlia< Ego Offa rex confenfi. Num. III. Carti Egwlni Wigornknjis epilcopi. [Dugdale, vol. i. p. 146. ex eodem MSto.] EGO Egwinus, W?ffiorum humilis epifcopus, volo manifeftare omnibus fidelibus Chrifti, quali- terper fanfti fpiritus infpirationem, et per labores multarum &c magnarum vifionum oftenfum eft mihi, quod ego primum unum locum edificare deberem ad laudem &c gloriam omnipotentis Dei et Sanftae Maria, omnium eleftorum Chrifti, et etiam mihi ad eternam retributionem. Cum igitur maxime floreremi in A\t\i\i^Etbelredi regis, expeti ab eo locum qui HA UM nuncupatur, in quo loco fanfta et perpetua virgo Maria primum cuidam paftori gregum, Eoves nuncupato, de- hinc etiam mihi cum duabus virginibus librum in manibus tenens apparuit. Mundavi igitur lo- X cum, 154 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF cum, opufqiie incepfuin, Dei oplimi laudefur gratia, ad finein perduxi. Volo igitur oftendere omni fequenti generationi qiias pofiefliones fupiadiilo loco acquifivi, et ipfas terras ab omni exac- tione poteftatum omnium adquietavi, ipfamque adquietationem apoftolicis auftoritatibus et privilc- giis, necnon et regalibus ediftis confirmari feci, ut fratres fecuiidum regulam fanfti DenediBi inibi Deo fervientes fine perturbatione vitam agerent. Nomina etiam villarum volo manifeftare, quas omnes liberas et jufte acquifitas Deo et lanftae Maria obtuli. Itaqiie ab Athelrcdo rege quoddam coMiobium, quod Fkndaburch nominatur obtinui, quod poflea pro alio coenobio quod Streatforda nominatnr miitavi, port parvum vero tempus a predi6ii regis fratre OJwardo viginti manfas in loco qui Troiford appellatur adquifivi. Poftea vero fuccedente in regnum Kenredo conceflit et ipfe mihi oftoginta quatuor manfas fupcr utrafque partes illius fluminis, quod Avona vocitatur. Quidam autem adolefcens, Athericus no- mine, ofto manfas mihi conceffit, et Waherus venerandus facerdos alias ofto milii manfas donavit. Sicque Deo propitio brevi tempore CXX. manfas predifte Chrifti ecclefie acquifivi, ficut fcriptum eft et confirmatum in chartis ecclefine, et in libro manifeftatur terra et termini ejus, quem fcripfit Brichtwaldus epifcopus, et diftavit precepto Romani pontificis, cum confciifu principum totius An^Ua. Haec vero funt nomina villarum quas, ut I'upradic^tum eft, acquifivi ; EOV'ESHAM, BENyAGURTH, HANTUN, BADDESEY, WICQUE, HABURNE, BRADFORTUN, WII.- LERSLEY, WITHLEY, SAMBURN, KINWARTUN, SALTFORD major et minor; AiM- BRESLEY, ULBEORY, MORTUN, BUCHTUN, AIELEYGARESBERRIE, TITTLESTROM- PE, Snella major, MAYELDESBEORDY, SILDSVVICK quoque. Has omnes terras, ut prefalus fum, liberas ab omni calumnia adquifivi et fanflae Dei ecclefiae obtuli. Qui ergo locum quem apoflolica dignitas et regia poteftas regia libertate donavit, ct nos auftoritate Dei et fanftorum apoflolorum donamus, depravare aut minuere vel contaminare prefumpferit, judicetur ante tribu- nal Chrifli, et nunquam in Chrifti veniat memoriam, nifi in hac vita penitens cmendet. Qui vero fervaverit et adauxerit, benediftionibus repleatur. Fiat. Amen. — Scripta eft haec charta anno Dominicae incarnationis DCCxiv. X Ego Egxvinus per fignum fanftae crucis. X Ego Kenredus rex fubfcripfi. X Ego Offa per fignum crucis confirmavi. X Ego Brkhwaldus archiepifcopus fubfcripfi. Ego Ofwarduj frater ejus confirmavi. Num. THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 155 Num. IV. Carta Egwini de Fledanbyrg. r Dugdale, vol. i. p. 121. ex Reg. Wigom. in Bib. Colt. Tiberius A. i;. fol. 10. a.] REVERENTISSIM.-E femper memoriae pontificis OJlfori, ego Ecuuine Deo dilpenfaiUe fucceffor in epifcopatum eSifto. Monaflerium autem cui nomen eft Fledanburch, quod in hac eadem cartula ex altera ejus parte eidem praediclo praedeceffori meo fubfcriptione regali tradi- tum afferatur, huic venerabili noftro fecundum feculum principi JEthelheardo, quantum id a me fieri poteft, in poffenionem concedo, ea tamen conditione, ut femper inibi coenobialis vitae ftatuta ferventur. Pro recoinpenfatione vero hujus noftrae donationis, in loco cui nomen eft act Stret- forda XX. caffatorum terram ab eo in jus ecclefiafticunr accepi. Sciendum tamen me rationabili quadam caufa conpulfum id voluifTe facere ut ei xliiij. manentium terram pro viginti manentis darem, id eft, ea conditione ut poft diem ejus terra ifta fine contradiftione alicujus ad Weogernenfem ecclefiam in jus epifcopali fitdonata mihi et ilVi Ojlforoque meo anteceffori elemofinam fempitemam. Pax confirmantibus atque fervantibus : minuentibus vero vel contradicentibus difperCo perveniat fempiterna. Mthelrlc jEthelbert Omulinge abbas. Hii funt confirmatores et teftes. Num. V. Carta Offa Regis Merciorum de Eovi'engolad. (chart. Heming. p. 638. ex Vefp. B. xxiv. in bib.Cott.] T N nomine Domini Summi : Ego Offa, Almi regnantis gratia Rex Merciorum, partem terre juris -*- mei, quam largiflua benevolentia Dominus gratis donavit, Efme Comiti, Pnefe^loque meo, rura trium tributariorum vocat. Eowengelad perdonabo; anno ab Incarnadone Domini, DCClxxxiiij, et regni mei, xxvij. Et fie ager hoc pretio emptus eft ; C. oves, XXX. boves et X 2 vaccas. 156 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF vaccas. XXX. equos idomitas (sic) dedit. Rus etiam hoc modo donatum eft, et fuum mafculum podideat et non femininuni ; et poft obitum profapie illius data fit tarn villa, quam univerfa terra, que in fna poteftate eft, ad religiofam Ecclefiam que nuncupatur Evejham. Ego Offa. Ego Cinedred. Ego Bortliunus. Num. \1. Carta Edwardi Regis de terra eadem. (Chan. Heming. p. 839. ex Vefp. B. xxiv. in bib. Cott.] IN nomine Domini noftri Jefu Chrifti. Ego Eadwardus Rex fum teftis, quod Mamie Abbas, et y£/Af/w/u^ Monachus, ememnt zh Eammero terram, que ab incolis vocitatur Eunelade; et CO concede ex mea parte, ut femper fit ad menfam (sic) fratribus: Et fi aliquis foras miferit, Deus mittat eum foras de Paradifo. His teftibus confentientibus, quorum hic inferius nomina carraxari (sic) videntur. X Ego Eadwardus, Rex Anglorum, fubfcripfi. Ego Edfims, Dorobernenfis Ecclefie Archipreful, confenfi. Ego Mlfricus, Eboraceniis Archipreful, confenfi. Ego Ltfng Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Ealdred Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Wlfsing Epifcopus confenfi. Ego j£theljlan Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Dodeca Epifcopus confenfi. Ego St'igand Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Eadnotb Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Willelm Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Leofric Dux confenfi. Ego Godwine Dux confenfi. Ego Siward Dux confenfi. Ego Swegn Dux confenfi. Ego Beorn Dux confenfi. Ego Mlfgor Minifter confenfi. Ego THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM, 157 Ego Mlfstan Minifter confenfi. Ego Mergeat Minifter confenfi. Ego Owine Minifter confenfi. Ego Mlfnod Minifter confenfi. Ego Mannig Abbas confenfi. Ego Godwine Abbas confenfi. Ego jElfric Abbas confefi. Ego Mglwlne Dccanus confenfi. Ego Wlmer Minifter confenfi. Num. VII. Carta JEljgan Ducis de Leilesjord, [Chart. Heming. p. 640. ibidem.] IN Nomine Domini noftri Jefu Chrifti. Ego Mlfgarus Dux demonftro ad omnes fideles Dei, quod ego reddidi, per licitum Domini mei Regis Eadwardi, terram que dicitur Deilesford JEgelwio Abbati, propter fex marcas auri, ad opus Sanfte Marie de Eovejham in cibum (sic) fratri- bus; audivi enim, et fcio, quia ilia terra antiquitus jacuit ad Ecclefiam, et ideo reddidi ei: Et Cquis de Ecclefia retraxerit, de regno Chrifti retrahatur. X Ego Eadwardus Rex Auglorum, fubfcripfi. Ego Eadgith Regina confenfi. Ego St'tgandus Archiepifcopus confenfi. Ego Aldredus Archiepifcopus confenfi. Ego Wlwi Epifcopus confenfi. Ego WiUelrn Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Siward Epifcopus confenfi. Ego Leofric Dux confenfi. Ego Har aid Dux confenfi. Ego j£lfgar Dux confenfi. Ego Tojling Dux confenfi. Ego Leofwine Dux confenfi. Ego JElfwme Abbas confenfi. Ego Mljsl Abbas confenfi. Ego Brand Abbas confenfi. Num. 158 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Num. VIII. Carta Leofrici Comitis de terra de Hamtune, pugdale, vol. :. p. 85a. ex reg. Eves. f. a6. a.] EGO Leo/nVux Comes manifeflo in Brevi ifto; quod terrain quae vocatur Hcamtunc, ad Monaf- terium de Evejham dedi ; et mifi in illam Ecclefiam, quam ego et conjux mea Godgyve ibidem in honore Sanftae et individuae Trimtatis, pro animabus noftris devote aedificavimus; et hoc cum viau et hominibus, et omnibus rebus et confuetudinibus ad eandem pertinentibus, ita (icuti ego ipfe unquam melius illam in manu mea tenui et poffedi : Et ego, quamdiu vixero, iliius terrae procurator et defenfor effe volo ; et confentire nolo, ut aliquis injufticiam in ea faciat plus nunc, quam tunc, quando in manu mea ipfum habui,et in ea fedi. Ifiam terram ex dono regio accepi; et ad earn, ficut Cnut Rex milu conceffi, veni, quia fuaeerat poleflatis earn concedendam cui vellet tradi ; nam frater meus Normannus illam ante me habuit, ficut Rex Ethelredus, ad relinquendum, poft fe, cui hseredi voluiffet libenler ei, pro fuo grato fervicio eam conceffit ; quia ex praevaricatione in jus ejus, refto nobilium fuorum judicio, accepit; et ipfe frater meus tam diu fine clamore et ca- lumpnia omnis hominis in ea fedebat et poffidebat, quamdiu vivebat; et ego poft eum quantum michi placuit; Et qui modo habent, ficuti ego habui, volo ut ipfi habeant. Ifte brevis fcriptus habetur, ut fit in teftimonium et meae elemofinae ftabile firmamentum, quam Ecclefiae conceffi lervis Dei, ad eorum vi£lum. Modo eft Dirtegus Epifcopus teftis hujus meae donationis, et totus Comitatus Wtgornienjts Civitatis. Deus totius mundi creator et reflor, qui cunfla creavit et fecit, ei cunftorum corda fcrutatur et renes, cunftos qui huic meae donationi adjuvaverit, ut firma fit, fua bcnedi<£tione multiplicet, et cuftodiat : Et accrefcere qui voluerint, cuftis bonis crefcant et repleantur. Num. IX. Carta Regis WUlklmi, terras ad Evefhumenfem Abbathiam, in Waru'kenji Comitatu jacentes, confirmans. [Dugdale, ibidem.] WREX Anghrum W. Epifcopo, et R. Vicecomiti falutem : mando vobis et praecipio, • quatinus Adehv'imm Abbatem terras Ecclefiae de Evejham ; Saltforda fcilicet et EJricefiun, et Milecotam, et Ragele, et Arwam, et Ecclejhalam, et Blldeburgwth, et Grafton, et IVithlakesford, et THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 159 et Dorjttone, et alias terras, quas in Vicecomitatu de Warewic habet, cum magno honore et quieto' tenere facialis, ut eas habeat et teneat ad ufus fervorum Dei, cum mea bona pace et proteftione: Et tibi praecipio R. Vicecomes, ut non confentias, quod aliquis injufticiara de aliqua re facial ; quia confentire nolo; fet cum fac a et faca, et omnibus confuetudinibus plenaliter fuas res teneat: Et fi ei aliquis injuflitiam facere praefumpferit, clamet ad me Abbas et ego ei plenam reftitudinem, de quibus clamaverit, faciam. Num. X. Carta Roberti de Stafford, donationem de Wrotejlek et Lhhiione, per Roberium avum fuum, confirmans. {Dugdale ex Reg. de Eves. f. 5:. a.] SCI ANT univerfi, tam prsfentes quam futuri, quod ego Robertus de Staffordia, et Roberta! filius meus et hsres, conceflimus et confirmavimus, et praefenti fcripto atque figillo corrobora- vimus donationes terrarum illarum, fcilicet Wrotejleie et Livintune, quas Rodbertus avus meus con- tulit, et Pater meus Nicholaus conceffit Ecclefiae de Eovejham, et Monachis ibidem Deo fervientibus ; ut prasnominata Ecclefia terras illas pr3edi6las habeat et poflideat in puram atque perpetuam elemo- fmam ; atque imperpetuum teneat praedida Ecclefia praediftas terras liberas et quietas, et folutas ab omni exaftione et feculari fervicio, tam regio, quam ad me et ad haeredes meos pertinente; in fylvis, in pratis, et in pafcuis, et in omnibus aifiamentis, quae ad praed if tas villas pertinent. Hlis teftibus, Rodberto filio Odonis, Willielmo de PVitteleia, Rodberto fratre ejus, Godfrido Bras, Johanne Conjlahulario, Rogero de Ulehale, Rodberto Clerico, et pluribus aliis. Num. i6o APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Num. XI. Carta Waldemar'i Regis Danorum de Piiorate de Othenefie in Dania^ cella de EveJJjam. (Dugdale ex Reg. de Evefh.] X X T'ALDEM ARUS Dei gratia Rex Danorum, univerfis faiiftae matris eccleflae filiis falutem. ' ' Quod antiqua pnEdece(i'orum majeftas firmavit, nullatenus volumus iufirinare, verum prout debemiis, et poffumus, roborare, et ampliare. Notum fatis eft, et verum eft, quod cum avus meus, piae memoriae Ericus, apud Othenefei monachos habere defponeret, luggerente et confti- tuente Hubaldo tunc ibidem epifcopo, aedificatores primos de ecclefia Evejhamenji, et monaftics re- ligionis inftitutores accepit. Dignuiii itaque judicamus, ut confederationem ecclefiae de Othenefei quam habet ad matrem fuam ccclefiam de Evejham, et dignitatem quam habet ecclefia Evejhamenjis in filiam ecclefiam de Othenefei, a praefuto avo meo Erico confirmatam, autoritate noftra firmemus: Ut fcilicct eccleiia de Othenefei matrem fuam de Evefham veneretur, concilium, et auxilium in defo- latione ab ea quaerat. Ecclefia de Evejham filiam fuam, ecclefiam de Othenefei, et filios inibi habi- tantes, diligat, et foveat. Prior loci de Othenefei, apud Evejham vel Othenefeiam, eleftus, auftori- tate matricis ecclefiae de Evejham firmetur. Si quis frater cum licentia ad utroflibet venerit, ficut RIonachus ecclefiae fufcipiatur, nee in aliquo, quod ad fratres ecclefiae pertineat, fiat alienus. Sic ufque ad tempora noftra fuifle, et lie effe debere, et haec Othenienjis, et ilia Evejhamenjis teftatur ec- clefia, quod et nos in omnibus imperpetuum obfervari volumus, et aufloritate noftra praecipimus, ct ne ducatur id in irritum, at inconcuffum et ratum maneat, figilli noftri teftimonio confirma- mus. Haec confervantes confervet Dominus, renitentes et obloqucntes impugnet altiflimus. Amen. — Data eft carta anno Dominicae incarnationis MCLxxiiij. per manum fratiis Willielmi a corpore ecclefiae de Evejham tunc in Priorem elefti, et ad regimen prioratus, Othenefeiam tranfmifTi, et per propriam manum noftram ibidem introdufti, praefidenti tunc eidem loco vencrabili epifcopo S^ et prelente Fretherico Hethebienft epifcopo. Pro carta epifcopi Othenienfis anglice reddita, vide caput de conjududmhus. Num. THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. j6i Num. XII. Carta Ricardi Bujell de Penewertham, [Dugdale vol. i. p. 360. ex Reg. de Evefli. penes Ric. Fleetwood.] NOVERINT prefentes et pofteri quod ego Ricardus Bujfell, concedo, et fcripto meo ct figillo meo confirmo ecclefiae de Evejham, omnem donationem, et totam elemofinam quam fecit pater meus Wartnus praediftas ecclefiae, videlicet, ecclefiara de Penewertham, cum decimis et omni- bus pertinentiis fuis, et Farington, cum omnibus pertinentiis fuis, et in Longetona duas bovatas terrae, k de ecclefia LeilanJia, tres folidos, et duas partes decimae de dominio, et de capella de Moles duos folidos, et duas partes de dominio de Frechelton, et iVarinton, pifcationem unius retis liberam, et quietam, et totam decimam couredii domus fue; et quod abbas habeat curiam fuam in Penverham in omnibus tam liberam, ficut pater meus habuit fuam, vel ego meam ; Hea funt donationes quas ego poftea donavi, videlicet, ecclefiam de Letlandia cum omnibus pertinentiis fuis. De tota pifcatione mea, excepta pifcatione duaram retium, quartum pifcem. In Longetona quatuor bovatas terrae; capellam de Moles cum omnibus pertinentiis fuis. Has praediftas donationes quas .pater meus War'mus contulit prasdiftae ecclefiae de Evejham, et quas ego poftea contuli, ego Ricardus Bujfell concedo et prefenti fcripto atque figillo meo confirmo, ut ecclefia de Evejham poflideat, et pacifice teneat, libevas, et quietas, et ab omni feculari fervitio et exaftione folutas, in pratis, in pafcuis, in aquis, in ftagnis, in fabulonibus, in pifcariis, in bofco, in piano, in pannagio, et omnibus libertatibus, et liberis confuetudinibus, in puram, et perpetuam elemofinam, pro falute mea, et haeredum meorura et pro anima patris mei et antecelTo- rum meorum. Hiis teflibus, Waltero Prefbitero de Prejlona, Lidulfo de Croflona, Ealwardo Prefbitero de Langeton, Gaufrido Capellano, OJberno Capellano, Radulpho Capellano, Roberto diacono, OJberno filio Edmundi, Ormo filio Magni, Warino filio ejus, Sweni Child, y WilUAmo i62 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF WtUietmo filio Alani, Hudrcdo filio Siocni, Arilura de ArJIon, Sweni de Penewertham, Ada fratre ejus, Sibilla forore ejus, Matilda forore ejus, et multis aliis. Num. Xin. Carta Abbati's Evejhamenfis de Hakewike ad cellam Penworlha fpedante. (DUfdale, ibidem.} DOMINUS Abbas M. omnifque congregatio Eve/hamii talem conventioncm cum hiis quatuor fratribus, IVolfgeato, Swetno, Radulfo, Liulfo, de terra quae Hokewike dicitur, fecerunt, fci- licet, quod dominus abbas dedit fupradirtis quatuor fratribus xxviij. 161. ex conventione, ut cla- ment quietam omnem calumpniam quam habueruut luper illam terrain femper et in perpetuum. Liulfus vero unus ex illis devenit homo proprius abbatis, ea Conventione, ut teneat de illo unam partem iplius terra, et per fmgulos annos in nativitate fanftae Maris, centum Salmones, pro ipfa terra, bonos reddat. Hii vero funt teftes hujus Conventionis, . Dominus Abbas Prior Benedidus Aluredus, Num. XIV. De confolidatione Prioratus Alencejirenfis Abbatiie de Evtjham. pujdale, vol. I. p. 473.) REX (kc.) Sciatis quod cum domus five abbatia de Alencejlria in comitatu l^^arwici, Wygom. dice, ordinis fanfti Benediai, fundationis inclitorum progenitorum noftorum, nof- trique palronatus ratione ducatus noftri Lancajlria pleno jure exiftens, ex negligentia et remillionc diverforum THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 163 diverforum abbatum ejufdem, aliifque infortunii fui cafibus, in religione cuitu divini fervitii an- tiquitus habita et obfervata, ad fui diflblutionein devenit, in tantum quod abbas a diu folus re- manfit in eodem ; Necnon pro eo quod fruftus redditus et proventus ejufdem domus de primaria fundatione conceffi ob temporum fubfecutorum detrimenta in tantum decorruerunt, quod ad fuf- tentationemcongruam numerimonachorum ex fundatione ejufdem limitati.hofpitalitatemque debi- tam et alia pietatis opera fubeunda, non fufficiunt. — Nos praemiffa intime ponderantes, ad indivi- duae T'r'tnitatis et beate Maria virginis honorem, cultufque divini in ecclefia conventuali monafterii de Evejham ampWuUonem ; necnon ad fuftentationem congruam numeri monachorum, hofpita- litatemque debitam, et alia pietatis opera in domo five abbatia de Alincejlria praedicta, dc primaria fundatione ibidem limitata, perpetualiter habenda, tenenda, et obfervanda dedimus Ricardo abbati etconventui difti monafterii de Evejham, et fuecefforibus fuis jus patronatus et advocationem do- mus five abbaliae de Alincejlria praedifta, in puram et perpetuam elemofinam, ea intentione ut ipfe abbas et conventus di^tam abbatiam de Alincejlria cum fuis juribus et pertiiientiis, ipf s abbati et conventui et fucceiforibus eorundem, et eorum monafterio de Evejham, confolidari uniri annefti appropriari et transferri procurent, et in ipforum abbatis et conventus proprios ufus perpetualiter poflidendam concedere poterint. (kc.) — T. Rege apud Weftm, xix. Mail. Num. XV. Carta Henrlci Ducis Lancaflrle de terris, kc. monachis de Evejham conceflis in Penwortham. (Stcv. Append, p. 135. ex MS. in Bib. Cotton. Neio. D. 3. fol. 246.] HENRICUS Dux Lancajlrie, Comes Derbie, Lincolnie, Leycejlrie, ac Senefcallus Anglie, omnibus dileftis et fidelibus fuis tam miniftris quam ballivis falutem. Noverint univerfi per prefentes nos dediffe, concefliffe, relaxaffe et omnino de nobis et heredibus noftris quietum clamaffe Abbati et Conventui Evejhamie et fuecefforibus eorum imperpetuum omnes terras ac tenements, meffuagia, fervicia, domus, reverfiones, cum advocationibus ecclefiarum, capellarum, dionitatum, cum elemofinis, pifcariis, panagiis, libertatibus, liberis curiis, communiis, eftoveriis fuis capicndi tam in bofco et piano quam in mora, marifco, et turbariis, tam de claudendo, edificando, et ad edificia et ad conftrufta reparanda, quam ad comburendum, et ad alia neceflaria fua facienda, fine perturbatione noftri, heredum noftrorum feu miniftrorum noftrorum, feu aliorum quorum cunque, que quidem terre, tenementa, meffuagia, fervicia, communia, reverfiones, advocationes, dignitates, elemofine, pifcarie, panagia, libere curie, communia, efloveria Abbas et Conventus habuerunt ante diem confeccionis prefencium in villa de Penwortham, Faryngton, Honyke, Hoton, Longeton et Leylond, ct per eafdem bundas et metas, Preter has donationes ego do et concedo et Y 2 figUIo 1^4 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF figillo meo confirmo Deo et San<; /iilricus archidiaconus. X Ordric niger. X Frithericus clericus. y, Alfw'mus filius Brihtneri, Ratificatio Johannis cardinalis et apofiolicje fedis legati de confuetudinibu? Evefhamenfis Monafterii. [Dugdale, vol. i. p. 149. eit Autographo fub figillis in curia Augmentatioiium.] JOHANNES Dei gratia fanft^e Marix in via lata diaconus cardinalis, apoftolicae fedis legatus, dile6tis fratiibus abbati et conventui de Eovejham in vero falutari falutem. Ea quae pro ftatu religioforum locorum et obfervantia regulari provide ftatuuntur, firmiter et inviolabiter volumus obfervari. Eapropter veftris poftulationibus annuentes, conftitutiones quafdam pro ftatu monafleri^ et reiigionis obfervantia inter vos communl fa6las affenfii, et redaftas in fcripto, ptout rationabiliter et regulariter fafta funt, et ab utraque parte fponte recepte, legationis auftoritate qua fungimur confirmamus, et praefentis fcripti patrocinio communimus. Hujus autem confirmationis auftenti- cum fub communi cuftodia cum figillo ecciefias noflrx fervanduni pofuimus : et haec omnia (igil- lorum noflrorum appofitione roboravimus. Et ut haec omnia iniperpetuum immutilata firmiter obferventur, magifter Rodbertus de PVlveia, et magifter Thomas de IVarewic, et VViUielmus fenefcal- lus de Eovejham, ?id petitionem et inftantiam domini R. abbatis, eo praefente, in animam ipfius ab- batis, ipfum abbatem premifla omnia pro poffe fuo obfervaturum, et nos patema dileftione trafta- turum, et confdio conventus fui fe ul'urum, taftis facrolanftis evangeliis juravit, et nos conventus finguli et univerfi hoc idem nos obfervaturos fub eadem cautela promifimus, et domino reverendo, obedientiam et reverentiam exhibituros quamdiu nos palerna traftaverit affeftione. Et prcedifti Rodbertus, Thomas et Willielmus jurati in teftimonium praemiflbrum fimul nobifcum figilla fua appofuerunt. Epiftola i66 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Epflola Petri Blcfcnfa Londineiifis Archidiaconi ad Priorem ct Conventum de Lrejham: — five confolatio monachorum in ^ui Abbatis abfentia. [Stev. Appen. p. 149. ex VjiellioD. 3. :.foI. 131.] "TAILECTIS fratribus et amicis P. Priori et Conventui de Evrjham P. Dies. Lond. Archid. -*--' fjlutem, et fi quid dulcius aiit defiderabiliiis eft falute. Affliftioni veftre totis animi precor- diis et intenfa caritate compaciens, epiflolam vobis confolatoriain fub aliqua flili urbanitate decre- veram fcribere; fet quia turba negocionim mihi jugiter tumultuofe incumbit, totus fere abforptus ab eis, aut non fum mecum, aut diverfus et diftraflus fum, et fie diffipate funt cogitationes mee, torquentes cor meum, ut vix non dicam epiftohm poflim fcriberc, fed breve breviffimum. Vos auteni qui fpirituales eftis, quorum unicuique data eft manifeftacio fpiritus ad utilitatem, in hujus tempeflatis efHuente malicia, noviftis qualiter vobis oporteat converfare et iuttari cum mundo. Mundus enim in maligno pofitus, plenus laqueis, plenus fcandalis, et pecatis, circumfeptus peri- culis, praviscolloquiis, iniquis confiiiis, exemplis peflimis, et mortibus anime infinitis. Proinde redimamus tempus quum dies mall funt, nee poterit vobis deeffe folacium fi velitis frequenter inftare oracioni, facreque fcripture. Porro neceffe eft ut venient fcandala, et probcntur corda hominum, atque inter flagella domini prcbeat improvifis vexatio intelieftum. Omnes equidem filii ire 'fumus, et fi nobis dominus iratus appareat, nos amorem ejus non odium eftimantes, ipfi flagellum cum cquanimitate portemus. Verbum Prophete eft, Irani domini portabo quia peccavi ei. Flageliat nimirum dominus quem corripit, et in fuis verberibus nobis memoriam habundancie fue fuavitatis abicondit, ut quos facit huniiles fibi confervet amabiles. Vult enim ut de patientia noftra, quia de longo, vite fruftus fpirituales, et jufticie manipulos colligamus. Sunt- autem huoiLis fpiritus, tefte Apoftolo, caritas, gaudium, pax, longanimitas, bonitas, benignitas, man- fuetudo, fides, modeftia, continencia, caftitas. Omnibus hiis privatur qui fuftinentia caret ; propi ter quod Salomon dicit, Ve hiis qui fuftinentiam perdiderunt. Suftinenda vero funt pacienter fla- gella domini quibus nos erudit ad falutem. Dejicit enim ut erigat, vulnerat ut fanet, ut prefTura vertalur in gloriam et affli6tio in coronam, ut qui prius flageilatus fuerit cum propheta decantet, Confitebor tibi, domiiie, quoniam iratus es niihi, converfus eft fuior tuus et conlolatus es me. Quod autem dominus per Sathanam colofizari permifit Apoftolum, fecit eum audire quod virtus in infirmitate perficitur ; qui et de feipfo dicit, Quum infirmor tunc forcior fum et potentior. Uli- nam fie vos corrigat et emendando emiiiidet, ut no.i deflruat, et fera penitentia vos oporteat quere- lari et dicere, Deftruxifti nos ab emundatione; etillud, Multo ludore fudatum eft et non exivit de ca rubigo; et rurfus, Percuflifti eos et non dolueruiit. Dolete igitur et plangite faltem difpendia fpiritualis exercitii, £x hac enim turbatione perditis quietiflimos Rachel ajnplexus, divine fuavitatis experiencias, THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 167 experiencias, et beate contemplacionis excetTus. Quomodo namque mens hominis perplexa et anxia et humanis foUicitudinibus intricata fpiritualibus inherebit, aut cogitabit eterna? Sunl autem hujus mali occafio quidam inter converfus perverfi, inter columbas corvi, angues inter an- guillas, fufurrones, detraftores, Deo odibiles. Hii ut habeant equitandi materiani, feminant zizania inter fratres, contumant dolos, faftidiunt manna, fanguineas dapes appetunt, menfuramque Gomor in ollas carnium atque in allia et pepones Egypti convertunt. Sic abhoininaciones clauf- tralesparadifi delicias exuunt, et poft fe trahentes feculum quern reliquerant, forenfibus fe inge- runt confiftoriis, atque in viarum difcurfibus, et in tumultibus curiarum, quicquid meruerant dampnabili comniercio pro eterna perdicione c»mmittuut. Denique fa6"ti transfuge et emanfores a clauftro, efFrenes, vagi et Sarabaite, dantur in reprobum fenfimi, ut jam nee anime difcrimen attendant, neque vereantur infamiam nee tremenda Dei judicia timeant, donee fodiatur peccatori fovea, et penitendi facultate prorfus ablata a domino perpetua excommunicatione perculfi corruaut in gebennam. In taiite igitur neceflitatis articulo, pfallite fapienter, oiate I'erventer, inflate vigi- liis, ignitis compuflionibus, humilationibus avcanis, lachrimis, gemitibus, difciplinis. Sic enim dominus banc procellam convertet in auram, et abfque dubio divinum fentietis auxilium quibus denegatur humanum. luravit domiiius et non penitebit eum, nee mentietur Veritas quod fub jure jurando firmavit, dicens, Amen, Amen, dico vobis, fi quid petieritis patrem ia nomine meo, dabitvobis. Quis ergo negligat pacem pctere, nifi qui earn renuit impetrare? Corrigite quoefo, et in dominum dirigite vias veftras, quia teftimonio Salomonis cum placuerint vie hominis domino tunc inimicos ejus convertet ad pacem. Obfecro autem vos, per milericordiam Dei, ut erga paf- torem veftrum, qui pro communi libertate tarn periculofe vie difcrimini fe exponit, fidelem et fmcerum atque indivifibilem habeatis affectum. Sitis etiam inter vos unanimes et unius moris in domo, nee fmt in vobis fchifmata, fed unitas Ipiiitus in vinculo pacis; ubi eft enim pax ibi eft Deus, nam in pace fa6tus eft locus ejus. Omnis equidem congregatio vcl couventus debet effe cithara dd. ubi multe et diverfe corde quodam regular! moderamine quafi quodam pleftro de com- poficione diverfa mentium dulciffime faciant harmonie concentum. Si fit ibi corda que rauce (bnet aut ftrepat, ne inducat difcordiam omni ftudio ad confonanciam reducatur, Miror autem et con- queror quod apud dominum Canth. virum magne prudentie et confilii precellentis nullum fupra hac turbacione remedium inveniftis. Solent enim quadibet defperatas lites compefcere, et inexora- biles magnatum difcordias in gratiam reformare. Utinam vero nullam haberetis tiduciam in Ro- manis; nam ut aliqua que in libro experientie legi fub filencio claudam, iilud pofiTum vobis ad memoriam revocare, quod Machabeorum principes, quamdiu in domino confifi funt, de hoftibus fuis reportavere titulos triumphales, et ex quo inierunt federa cum Romanis miferabiliter in prelio corruerunt. V'os autem couiidite in domino ; qui enim confidit in eo non confundetur : Tunis fortiffima nomen ejus Chriftus, heri et hodie et in eternum, nee abbreviata eft manus ejus ut falvare non poflit. Petite tantummodo in nomine falvatoris. Promitto enim quod nullam apud eum patiemini repulfam fi falutaria poftuletis. Titles ;68 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Titles of other ancient Charters, kc. which on account of their length and number could not be inferted in full. [Harl. MSS. 43. D. 58.] /CONFIRM AT 10 Edw, Regis Abbati de Evejham de terris in Kynwarton cum fig. ^ [r. E. 3.] [45. 1. 27.] Carta IValteri de Bello-Campo Militis WtUielmo Abbati de Evejham de iifdem cum fig. [I. E. 3.] [xi. 55.] Licentia Edwardi Regis Henrico de Ombrejlegh quod terras in Darfyngefcote Con- ventui de Evejham dare poffit cum mag. fig. [4. E. 4.] [44. D. 37.[ Littera procuratoria Clementi Abbatis exempli Monafterii B. M. et S. Egwini de Evejham ad Abbates Winchcomb et Colchejier. [xxvii. 193.] Scriptum Johannls fil. et her. Malculmi Mufard IVil/ielmo Abbati de Evejham de maneriis de Wytheleye in Com. Warrewylc et de terris in Kyngleye cum fig. [Cotton MSS. Vefpafian B. xxiv.] Carta inter Th. Abbatem de Evejham et WilUelmum de Tywe de excambio terr. in Hampton pro terr. in LutUngton. [2. b.] Obligatio Johannls Prioris Evejham WilUelmo de 'Tywe filio Ricardi de Tywe pro 20 marcis argenti. — Anno 1243. Obligatio Johannis Prioris Evejham Moric'w Archidiacono Gloverniae pro 10 marcis. 1243. Conventio inter Abbathias de Evejham et Wytthy de communicandis privilegiis. Conventio cum Monaftcrio Ebor. de eodem. Carta Eylwini Abbatis Ecclefiae Ethonia, Reynero Capellano fuo, et ReSlori Ecclefise S. Andrea Wigorn. de capella B. Margarita in predifla Ecclefia. [8. b.] Carta Rand'jlf. Abbatis Evejham k Conventus IVilllelmo de Warleya de deciinis de PykeJIcg. fu- periori de terr. Hugonls de Kehefwlke quod (sic) vixerit pro 40 den. annuatim (olvendis. [10. b.] Carta de controverfia inter Monaflerium Evejhamenfe et JVIonaflerium Winchelcumbenfe iupei Ca- pellam de Hunlberna terminata. [u.] Carta de controveriia inter Monafterium Evejhamli et Ecclefiam de Kenilworth fuper Capellam de Wklakesjord dccx^di. [11. b.] Confirmatio ejufdem per Rogerum Wigorn. Epifc. Conventio inter Abbatem de Evejham et Priorem de Kenlldewrda fijpcr Capellam de parva Salford. [ 1 2.] Scriptum THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 169 Scriptum Savari Abbatis S. Mariie Ebor. IVtllielmo Abbati Euejham de ferviciis pro defunflis fratribus. [12. b.j Conventio confile in Abbatem Mauricium de Evejham et Abbatem WiUielmum de Hwltehi. [13.] Scriptum inter R. Abbatem de Hwittebi et R. Abbatem Evejhamii fuper Ecclefiam de Hun- t'tndon. Adjudicatio R, Wigorn. EpHc. in Controverfia inter Adam Abbatem Evejham et Ricardum mili-' tern de Aldnn^tona. 11 76. Confirmatio VVd. Wigorn. Epi. Abbati de Evejham de 15. marcis ad conflruftionem et fuflen- tationem operis Ecclefis Evejham de Ecclefia de Amhrejleya. [13. b.] Confirmatio ejufdem per /. Wigorn. Ep. [14.] Carta B. flii Comitis Ecclefias de Evejham de Ecclefia de Hildendon cum tertia parte deciraae de dominio fuo cum. terr. &c. apud Oxebruge. Confirmatio Gileberti Herejordenfs Epifcopi de fundatione loci voc. Suljan per Hugonem fil. Roger i. [14. b.] Finalis concordia inter. Abbatem de Evejham et Henrkum fil. Philippi de terr. in Sudington. [3. R. I.] CartK quatuor IVilllelmi Regis Abbatiae de Evejham de privilegiis. [15.] Cixta. Admmidi Regis. (Saxonice.) 944. [15. b.] Carta £a(fre(/z Regis Anglorum. (Saxonice.) [16. b.] Carta Eadwig Regis Anglorum Athelgeardo in infula Vefta (sic) v. manfas. [17.] Carta Cnut Anglorum Regis et Algiva fuoe collateranae Ecclefise de Evejham de quatuor manfis in Badebi et Neweham 1020. (Liimites Saxonice.) [17. b.] Finalis Concordia inter Robertum de Wlveie pofitum loco Abbatis de Evejham ad lucrand. et perdend. et Lethiam et Julianam filias Willielmi de Baddebi de terr. in Baddebi. 2. R. i. [21.] Finalis Concordia inter Will. fil. Roberti de Ejlenajlon petentem et Robertum de Wlveie pofitum loco Abb. de Evejh. de terr. in Nsuham. 3. R. 1. Finalis Concordia inter Will. fil. Stephani de Nevuham petentem et Abbatem de Evejham de terr. in Neweham. 6. R. 2. [21. b.] Finalis Concordia inter Abbatem de EveJIiam petentem et Rogerum Hubert quem calumpniabat effe villanum fuum tenentem de terr. in Neweham. 10. R. i. Relaxatio Hugonis de Sapy Re6toris de Ambrejleye Abbati de Evejham quod 13. 1. argenti no- mine penfionis annuae quam de eadem ecclefia annuatim perceperant ab antico fingujis annis eif- dem religiofis perfolvere quam diu Rector fuero. i ^19. [22.] Johannes de White Vicarius perpetuus de Leylond WilUelmo Abbati de Evejham quod 40s. argenti nomine penfionis annuae fideliter eidem Abbati perlblvam. 1332. Carta Adelwardi fubregulus OJberi quondam regis Wicciorum filii de terr. Amhrepye concen- tieute Coenredo rege iVIerciorum cum pifcaria Ombrefwell et Levarjord anno 706 et poftea con- Z tirmata 170 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF firmita per Ceolredum regein Merciorum et Athilhaldum regem Merciorutn et Offa rege Aiiglorum. [22. b.] Carta Athelbaldi Regis de una portione manfionis in Wico (sic) emptorio falis quae nos Sallwich vocamus ad ecclefiam de Cronuchomme. [24. b.] Carta Henrki Regis ecclefiae de Eovejham et Adir Abbati de Lx. acris terrse in forefta de Am- breflega. Carta Will. Regis JVillielmo Abbati de £-u'f/?iam de IVcpiny, (sic) Swella, et Kentnwortha con- finnata per 0. Bajocenfem Epilcopum. Carta Edelredi Regis Miniftro fuo Nordmanno de v. manentibus in Heamtune* 988. [25.] Carta confirmationis VV'tU. Regis Abbatiae de EveJIiam. (25. b.] Carta A. hhhd.Us Evejham Godefrido Servient! Abbatis de terr. in Hamtona quamdiu fuperftes erit reddendo 2s. 2d. per annum. [28.] Carta AHrici Oferi Regis filii viij. videlicet manentium in Childefwicwon confentiente Rege Ken- redo ad locum qui dicitur Etiiom. [29.] Carta Cnut Regis Brihtymo baroni fuo de quinque hidis apud Benin^wurde. [30.] Carta A. Abbatis Evejhatn R. filio I'Villielmi de Cotterun de molendino de Samhurne in excambium pro terr. in Morton et Norton. [31.] Inquifitio quod ecclefia de Hillingdon vacans fit et in patronatu Abbatiae de Evejkam qui prefen- tant Walterum de Longedoa et eftimatio ejufdem ecclefiae xx. marcarum eft et eft antiqua et debita penfio unius marcae, 1220. [31, b.] Carta Kcnrcdi Regi': Merciorum (qui ivit Romam et cum illo cepit Ec^zcinum Wicciorum Epifc.) Ecgwino de quinque cairatis quae Mortun appellatur ut eccieda quae Cronuchomme nuncupatur quam tunc moderno tempore contruxit pofHdeat. 708. [32.] Carta Eadwardi Regis Merciorum de v. manentibus in at Lench ad ecclefiam de Cronuchomme. [33-] Carta Eadwardi Albionis Regis de v. caffaiis in loco qui vulgari Lench dicitur meo fideli mihi oppido qui ab hujufce infulae gnofticis nolo ')sjred nuncupatur onomate. [ ^4.] Carta Kenredi Regis Merciorum fideli amico et pontifici biil'enos agros quam incolae vocitant at Vlenbeorge. 70Q. [34. b.] Carta Regis Mercenfium Athilboldde terr. quae dicitur ^jf?une trium manentium Bucan Comiti fuo. 718. [35. b.] Alfgarus Dux teftiftcat quod Ordwius pater Aikvi Abbatis dedit ecclefiae de Evejham ABune. Carta WiUielmi fil. Rogeri de Watervilla de terra de Budeli Abbati de Evejhum. [36. b.] Carta Randulfi de Kinewarton Rogero Abbati de Evejham de ecclefia de Kinewarton cum capella de Alna et cum capella de PVitheleia. Carta • Here u infertcd : — Pilia A',ix. [A receipt for malcin{,j o THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 171 Carta PhilUppi Senefchalli ccclefiae Evejham de ampliorata cervifiae quam pcrcipiebat in bracino Abbatis in excambium pro molenclino de Salfordia. [37-] Car;a Randulf de Lent Ecclefiae de Evejham de terra de Bradelega cum hominibus ejufdem terrae qui de eadem terra reddunt ixs. Carta BenediSli * * * fil. Stepbani London de ecclcfia S. Michaelis in Comhull in London Ada Abbati de Evefiam. [37. b.] Carta liadidfi fil. Eadwini de molendino de Evejham juxta pontem et de molendino de Hamton Abbati de Evejham. [42.] Carta Rogeri Abbatis Evejham jfohanni Grene et Altthla uxori fuae de prediftis. Carta Henrici de Taiden et uxoris fuae Agnetis Abbaiiae de Evejham de terr. verfus Burthton, [43-] Carta Willielmi de Pin^cem ecclefiae de Evejham de tota decima de dominio fuo de Slocier. Carta Walleri fil. Ricardi de Clifford feci (sic) diruere et evellere domos edificatas juxta foffe prope viliam S. Edwardi in Swella. Conventio inter Abbatem A. et Walterum filium Ricardi de Bradewell fuper quoddam mafua- gium in Bradewell. Conventio inter A. Abbatem Evejham et Bardulfum fil. Rogeri de Cheflelton de prato in Tatlef- trop quod prefatus Barduljus calumpnlabatur in communem pafturam. [44.] Carta Hugonis de Gundevilla omnibus hominibus Abbatis de Evejham de libera poteftate et quieta eundi et emendi et vendendi in foro fuo de Campendena. Bulla Innocentii Papae ut beneficiis cum vacuerint liceat ordinare. 8. Pontif. [46. b.] Bulla Innocentii Papae in confirmatione libertatum &c. 8. Pont. [47. b.] ; Scriptum de pecunia Romae recepta ad ufus ecclefiae de Evejham. [48. b.] Conventio inter Reginaldum Abbatem de Evejham et Sperlingum Prefbiterum de ecclefia S. Michaelis de Cornhulla Lond. [5 2.] Finalis concordia inter Rogerum Abbatem de Evejham et Hervithurn Bagoth et Milicent uxorem ejus de terr. de Wrotill, et Livinton. i Joh. Regis. Inquifitio quod Abbas et homines fui de omnibus villis fuis qui funt in Com. Wigom. femper fuerint quieti de theoloneo et omnibus confuetudinibus et de omnibus rebus quas vendebant et eme- bant apud Wigorn.* Carta Beorhtulfi Regis Merciorum de decern manentibus terr. in Willerfeie ad locum qui dicitur at Egwines Homme. [60.] Confirmatio priviligiorum ab Henrico Rege. Alia confirmatio Henrici Regis. Carta R. Abbatis Evejham ad mandatum patris noftri Hugonis Ojlienfis epifcopo Runfredo clerico epifcopi de ann. redd. 8. marc. [61.] Z 3 Carta * See Steveiu't Appendix, [p. 141.] 172 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Carta R. Abbatis Evefham Mauritio fil. Rosier} de Ptrfore de decimis bladi vallas Evejham. IVilUclmus dc Somerville feofavit H'aUenim Gola^re de manerio de AJ}on Somervill et IValteruJ fecit fidelitatem et homagiuin IVillielmo de Ben^avorth Abbati de Evejham. 17. E. 2. IVilUclmus de Somerville fecit homagium pro dic^o n;anerio. 18. E. 2. Carta Henrici Regis Abbatiae de Evejham quod ipfi imperpetuum habeant catalla tam omnium hominum fuorum quam omnium tenentium fuorum integre tenentium et rion integre tenentium refidentium et non refidentium et aiiorum refidentium quorumcunque tam de et in omnibus terris et tenementis quam de omnimodis feodis et poffedionibus fuis in Com. Wigorn. Gloc. et VVarw. felonum et fiigivitorum utlegatorum dampnatonim attinitorum conviftorum ac in exigendis pro felonia pofitoriim necnon mulierum taliter wainiatarum cujuflibet eorundem. Ita quod fi quis hominum vel tenentium pro delicto fuo vitam vel membrum debeat amittere vel fugerit et judicem ftare noluerit vel aliud quodcunque diliftum feu forisfaftum fecerit pro quo bona et catalla fua debeat perdere ubicunque juflitia de eo fieri debeat five in curia noftra vel heredum (eu fucceflorum noftrorum five in alia curia fint ipfa bona et catalla ipforum Abbatis et Conventus. 23. H. 6. — Per breve de privato figillo et de dat. prediit. auftoritate P irli:imcnti. [65. b.] Admiflio Johannis fil. Ricardi Predomme ad terr. in Seynebury, [66. [ Carta Eadzmrdi totius Angliae Bafilei ecclefiae de Eovejham de terr. .quae dicitur S&elle. 1055. Cum metis Saxotiice. [66. b.] Finalis concordia in curia Regis apud Evejham inter Rogerum fil. VVillielmi et Wibertum Trunket de terr. de /?a^;7. — H. i. cum confirmatione Regis. [67. b.] Finalis concordia inter Abbatem de Evejham et Henricum de Ragt. de terr. in Rag!. 2. R. i. Finalis concordia inter Radulfum Abbatem de Evejham petentem et Stephan. m de RaggI, tenent. de terr. in Raggl. 5. H. 3. [63.] Carta Randulf Abbatis Evejham confirmans venditionem terrae in Merjlowa quam Ricardus de Herverton Clericus fecit Rogero de Per for a. (70.) Obligatio Rogeri de Perfora Abbati de Evejham de 2s. ann. redd, ex terr. in Merjlomi. Carta OJ'ce Regis Merciorum de qualuor manentibus in loco qui dicitur Danncjtreatun. 778.. [70. b.] Bullae variae Papales annorum 709 — 713 — 11 63 et duae dXitxx Alexandri et dementis. [72.] Caitae duae Thomce Abbatis Evejham Waltero de Bellocampo de terr. in Ambrejleya. (74.) Bullae Papales dementis Celejlini et Innocentii in confirmatione privilegiorum. (74. b.) [Harl. MS. 3763.] Carta inter Rogerum Abbatem Evejham et Robertum Sprot de ihopis et gar- dinis in civitate London. 18. R. {55. b.) Carta Henrici Regis ecclefiae de Evejham de hundredo de Blacahurjf. Item ut ad Edwardejiow fit porta et mercatio die Jovis et quod ecclefia de Evejham habet omnes confuetudines. (79. b.) Carta Henrici Regis Ricardo Abbati et conventui de Evejham quod recipiant de omnibus terr. et THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 173 et ten. et hominibus fuis ubicunque fint omnes denarios . R. de appropriatione eccl. de Ombrejleye. 19. E. (123.) Confirmatio Edw. R. de cantaria de Hauleye. 19. E. 2. Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Evejham, Baddeby, North Luttelton et Bretforton. 20. E. ( 1 23, b.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Hampton. 12. E. i. (124.) Licentia Edw. R. de terr. in Kynewarton, i . E. 3. Confirmatio Edw. R. de Wytheleye et Kyngeleye. 3. E. ( 1 24. b.) Licentia Edw. R. adquirendi £xx. terr. et redd. 3. E. Confirmatio Edw. R. omnium libertatum. 4. E. {125.) Carta £(fr«/. R. de appropriatione eccl. de Lfyonci. 4. E. (126. b.) Confirmatio Et/w. R. appropriationi eccl. de B(i'. 4. E. (127.) Carta Edw. R. imdemnitatis. 4. E. CiiiU Edw. R. de iexx. in Darlyngefcote. 4. E. (127. b.) Carta Edw, R, de terr. et ten. capellae B. M. de Barton. 5. E. Carta THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. '75 Carta Edw. R. de cuftodia maneriorum Tatlynton Baddefeye Kynewarton Wkiteleye et Kyngeley habeiida tempore vacationis. 6. E. (128.) Licentia Edw. R. pro porta Abbatiae kervelanda. (sic.) 6. E. (128. b.) Licentia Edw. R. pro excommunicatis capiendis. 6. E. Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Dretforton. 8. E. Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Baddefeye. 8. E. (129.) Licentia £rfa/. R, pro Abbatia firmanda et J^frnW/anc/a. 10, E. (129. b.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Faryngton et Leylond. '10. E. Ctrli Edw. R. de Kyngeswynford. 11. E. {130.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Tatlefcroft. 1 2. E. Revocatio Edw. R. prefentationis ecclefiae de Amhrejley. i, E, (130. b.) Carta Edw. R. de vafto de Penwortham, 8. E, Carta Edxv. R. de maneriis de TideUnenton et Adminfcote &cc. 40. E. (131.) Carta Edw. R. de mefluagiis et redditibus in London. 40. E. Carta ££/j0. R. de putura (sic) de Penwortham. 18. E. 3. (131. b.) Carta Ediv. R. de terr. in Leylond et Longeton. 10. E. (132. b.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Ho^xttyk et Pemmrtham et Farintone. 16. E. 3. Carta Edw. R. Piiori et Conventui quod habeant cuftodiam Abbatise tempore vacationis 9 E (133.) Carta Edw. R. de manerio de T'adltnton et Newbold.* 16. £. (134.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Newbold. 9. E. Cartae duae Edw. R. de terr. in Amhrejley, Evejham, Bengeworth, South Luttelton, Bradewell, Donyngton, Seymjbury, Stowe S. Edwardi, Malgarjbury et parva Hampton et de manerio de Over- Sydingtou. 25. E. 3. (134. b.) Confirmatio Edw. R. fuper appropriationem ecclefiae de Baddeby. 27. E. 3. (136. b.) Carta £(fi4'. R. de feria et mercatu in ^m6rf/?f)'e. 28. E. 3. (137. b.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Evejham, Bengeworth, Ambrejleye et Norton. 32. E. 3. (138.) Carta Edw. R. de terr. in Hudicotebertram et Seynebury, Bradewell, Stowe, et Malgarjbury. 37. E. (139.) Carta Edw. R. de commutatione de Raggeley et Kyngeleye. 43. E, 3. (140.) Carta Edw. R. de manerio de Eyford et de Stowe Malgarejbury Barton et Wikeryfyndon, 49. E. 3. (140. 0.) Carta £(/:«/. R. de parco de .^m6re/?e)'e. 50. E, 3. (141. b.) Generalis * Here u inferted in the MS, — Mem.>— quod Adam Hern|mron cleticus obiit ultimo die menfis martii. im. J 76 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Generalis rcmiffio Regis Edw. fafta communitati Angllae in parliamento Wcfttnonaft. 51. E. 3. (142) Confirmatio Ricardi Regk quod prior et Conventus habeant cuflcxiiaiii ALbatiac tenijKjre vaca- tionis. 3. R. (143.) Confirmatio /^(carJ/ Regis poffeffionum &cc. 16. R. (145.) Conceffio Ix. fol. de ecclefia deOmbreJleye, (152. b.) Donatio de terra de Dyninton ad infirmos. Affignatio capellae de Luttleton ad hoftilare. (153.) Confirmatio capellae de Bretforton. Ordinatio mifericordiae. Donatio obventionum et oblationum ad crucem. ( 153 . b.) De Sacerdote celebrante pro negligentiis conventus et anniverfario Hinricl Abbatis. 1 263. (154.) Confirmatio iiij. £. de ecclefia de Honeyborn. (154. b.) Confirnaatio redditus pro ffrt'o 5ci IVyjiani. 1262. Confirmatio redditus obventionum et oblationum ecclefiae Evefhamtm, (155.) De terra de Bereford affignata Elemofinario. De anniverfariis Willielmi de Whytechurch Abbatis. (155. b.) De eodem (sic) anniverfariis. De redditu de Seynejbury dato ad veftitum monachorum. 1307. { 156. b.) De incremento redditus ad officium coquinae per Johannem Abbatem. 8. E. 2. De anniverfariis Dili. J oh ann t s Ahh^iis. (157.) De anniverfariis Walteri IValtore Prioris. (157. b.) De donatione terrs de Baddefeye. De capcllano et anniverfariis Dni Nkholai de Baddefeye. 133 1 . ( 158. J De anniverfariis Willielmi de Chiryngton Abbatis. 1332. Affignatio ecclefise de Omfcrp/Zevf. 1344. (158. b) Affignatio ecclefiae de Bflfffff?'}'. 1344. {159O Conceffio ecclefiae de Leylond et panis ad cenam conventus. 1347. De Sicerdote celebrante pro fratribus defunftis et aliis benefaftoribus. 1350.* (159. b.) De Sacerdotibus cclebrantibus in capella ad cari/ar/um. 1360. (160.) De novo redditu pro incremento cum incremento dierum. 1361. (161.) De penfione Archidiaconi Nor^Aam/)fon. 1320. {162.) De penfione epifcopi Lincoln. 1321. De * In thif year nnany of the ^vefliam monk< died of the plague . THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 177 De penfione capituli H'igorn. 1326. [162. b.] De penfione epifcopi Cefirte reader as a very great cuiioEty, and wifh much it were in my power to render it into EngUfh, that it might be more generally read. But this as will eafily be feeo, it it nearly, if net ^nite impoUible, to perfcrm. i8o APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF 6. Merarhs, cum ympnarlo gloffato. 7. Guydo de vero diftamine. Biblia. Siniftra pars oculi. Speculum Curatorum. Tabula fuper Augufi'mum de civitate Dei. Manipulus florum. DidiniTtiones. Boetius de confolatlone Philofophiae. Dockyn. Flores Bernardi. Wallenfis. Summa confcienti33. Cojlelcy fuper Apocalipfin. Stimulus amoris, cum aliis traftatibus in eodem volumine. Vitae SoE Eufrafa, cum aliis traftatibus. Egidius de regimine Principum. Quaternus de prima injungenda. Quaternus fummae Crifojlomi, cum aliis traftatibus in eodem volumine. Quaternus Hugon'ts de Sco VOiore, cum aliis traflatibus in eodem volumine, Quaternus de doflrina dicendi et tacendi. Quaternus de articuiis fidei, cum aliis traftatibus. Quaternus de Diabolicis fantafmaticis. Quaternus legum, cum diverfis traftatibus. De origione Religionis fecundum Ricardum Heremitam de Hamipole, Quaternus de MuCca, et artis mctricae. Quaternus de Statutis Angliae, cum mullis aliis traflatibus. Holkote fuper fapientiam. Purgalorium Patricii San6ti. Defcriptio orbis, cum cronicis abbreviatis. Primum Pfalterium. Primus liber de matutinis de Dna, cum vij. pfalmis primalibus. Liber Jfob Jf unions. Bernardus Caffinenfis fuper r , Smaragdus fuper r . Quaternus de conftitutionibus Bcnedtcli. Quaternus qui dicitur Philofophia Monacbonm, cum diverfis tra6tatibus de ordine. Quaternus fuper Regulam, In papire non ligatus. Quaternus niger qui dicitur Formula Novicorum. Speculum Stultorum. Pfalterium Jerommi. Parvus liber de leptem artibus liberalibus. Quaternus THE ABBEY OF E V E S U A M. i8i Quaternus major de feptem artibus liberalibus. Quaternus de arte nototatoria, (sic) cum aliis traftatibus. Diffuafio Valerii ad Rttfinum de uxore non ducenda. Quaternus de peregrinatione terrae fanftae. Bellum Trqjanum, cum vita Atexmdri in quaterno. Quaternus de Fifica. Quaternus Odorici, cum aliis traftatibus. Policronica, cum aliis traftatibus. BuUum Trojanum ligat. Alius quaternus de bello Trojano. Cronice fratris Man. Primacii Dni Papae. Cronice abbreviate. In papiro. Quaternus de confeflione. Quaternus primariae inftitutionis Monachorum. Quaternus de inquifitionibus faciendis in vifitationibus. Liber Agriculturse. Formula vitze honeftae. Secretum fecretorum, Mort de Arthor, cum Sankreal in eodem volumine. Quaternus Gallicus de diverfis matcriis. Ymago de Mounde. Benfiis (sic) de Hampton, Amys et Amylon. Liber parvum (sic) narrationum. Albumafar. J oh. de Sacrobofco. Quaternus de compofitione Aftrolabii, et ejus fpeciebus. Quaternus de divifione temporum. Quaternus de Compotis. Quaternus de mirabilibus mundi et aftronomiae. Tabula Martiniani. jfohannes Androw. Conflitutiones Papae dementis. Concordia Dilcordantium. Deere tales ij. Summa fuper titulis Decretalium. Johannes Androw fuper 6. et 7. librum Decretalium. Inftituta Decretalium et Decretorum. ' Bromezart. Parvus liber de orationibus. Pretium iftorum librorum cum quatemis dilcernat pii difcretio legcntis, Pretium veftimentorum de blew velvetto lx.^". Pretium i82 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF Pretium veftimentorum de viridi velvetto, xx. j{". Pretium veflimeiitoTum de auro de Luc. vj. marc. Preliiim veftimenti cum rofis, xx. s. Pondus magni Calicis, x. £. Pondus Calicis de opere 5aracenorum, Ixvij. s. Pretium librorum cum precibus fcripturne, xlvij. marc, et dimid. Pretium pro fliftura unius mappae mundi, vj. marc. Cujus animae propitietur Deus. Anima ejus et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum, per Dei mifericordiam, in pace requiefcant. Amen. Amen. Amen. [P. 195.] NEXT to the Abbot, the greateft reverence and obedience is due in all cafes to the prior, who in the Rule is denominated Prepojltus honor ab'tUorum domus Dei. He, after the Abbot liimfelf, can exercife the higheft power both in words and aftion, that, by the example of his life -tnd the perfuafion of his doftrine, he may inftrufl his brethren in what is good, and reclaim them from evil. To him alone is the prieft fubfervient who performs divine fervice. All matters like- wile that are going on out of the Convent-limits are, if the Abbot fhould be abfent, under his controul. As often as occafion requires he holds, or orders to be held, a chapter on all tlie fervants that belong to the different offices of the Monaftery ; and by his command due puniflimeiit is in- flifted on delinquents. As he paffes through the cloifter or tlirough the choir, it is not cuftomary, when he is about to fit down, for all the brethren to rife to him ; but only thofe who are near the place where he is about to fit. Wherefoever, out of the cloifter, he fliall find any of the monks feated, they fliall all rife to him. The prior of the cloifter, or tlie guardian of order, Ihall every where attend the firft prior. As far as poffible he ought continually to be in or about the cloifter, and to preferve there good order witii all folicitude. It is the office of the firft prior, while he is in the Monaftery, to punifli or pardon any offences there committed. In cafe however of his abience, this office devolves to the prior of the cloifter ; except in thofe caufes of moment which muft be leferved to the arbitrement of the firft prior, or of the Abbot himfelf. Thefe officials, as well as the deans, fliould be chofen from among the beft and moft prudent members of the Convent ; as fuch perfons will be leaft likely ever to raife a clamour through private enmity to any one, or to pafs over any neglefts through private friendihip. Above all others, they fhould ftudy every where to conduft themlelves religioufly and orderly, and thus ferve as examples to the reft of the Con- vent. They muft be attended to reverently in the chapter-houfe ; and after fuch have been heard who come tliithc to plead excufes or afk pardon for any offence, it is the office of thefe principally to ledge complaints againft offenders. [P. 195. b.] THE ABBEY OF EVESHAM. 183 [P. 195. b.] MEMORANDUM: —That prior Avkius, becaufe he had made over the two villages of Baddeby and Newenham, which were part of his own inheritance, to this church, repeated the fame form of gift after the hlejfed Wlfius, at the requefl of his relations, had unjujlly taken poircffion of the above-mentioned places. They were both of the fame parentage.* — It was by the advice of the fame prior Avicius that earl Leofric and the countefs Godgiwa built here an handfome church in honour of the Holy Trinity; in which they procured a crofs of large fize to be erected, and images of St. Mary the mother of God, and of St. John the Evangeiift, to be magnificently made of gold and filver ; and alfo gave a green chefable, a leffer black cope, and inany other coRly or- naments. Alfrictis, who was prior under Abbot Agelwy, built the dorcelli of the chapter-houfe. [P. 196.] MEMORANDUM: — That to tlie celebration of the anniverfary of Walter de Walcote, prior, are adigned all thofe rents which he acquired in the town of Eve/ham and at Penwortham ; but with this provifo, — that the almoner for the time being Ihall find annually to the Convent a fufficient pittance of falmon, or fome other fi(h of the beft kind that can be procured, together with an allowance of the beft wine; the refidue of which Ihall, at the difcretion of the almoner, be faithfully diflributed among certain poor perfons. — The above prior acquired alfo one cope of green filk, embroidered with golden apoftles ftanding in tabernacles. Alfo an alb, with work reprefenting the hiftory of St. Katherine ; and another alb, with figures of the God- head fitting, and the apoftles ftanding round. — This prior moreover affigned thofe rents to the office of the facrifty which we find written down in the martirology, and thele were to furnifh one wax-light; which, together with that furnilbed by the facrift, was daily to burn cfuring all the private maffes celebrated throughout the whole year. {P. 201.] MEMORANDUM: — Quod, ex approbata confuetudine vallis Evejhamiie, re- manebunt pro inventario poft mortem vicariorum defun6torum ad futurum fuccefforem: — i. Caruca cum toto apparatu. — 2. Cartca (sic) cum toto apparatu. — 3. Unum /"urnej/ fixum. — 4. Una magna Cuna. — 5. Unv\s Alvus. — 6. Una ^rcAa. — 7. Una Vanga, cum una tribula. — 8. Unz Scala. — 9. IJnum Lint heamen ad ventum. — 10. Una Olla enea. — 11. Vm Pelvis, cum lavatorio 12. Una Men/a, cum treffel. — 13. Una Mappa, cum manutergio. — 14. Unum Rafum de ligno. — 15. Una Falx. [Ibidem.] This memoTandura it was imiioflible to make out without much gratuitous conjeflure. This paOTase in the original runs thus: Be ano 1 1 , erani ferenteh. 1^4 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF [Ibidem.] MEMORANDUM :* — That the facrift fliall furnini three wax-lights continually burning before the great altar. One before the altar of the blelled Mary in the crypts. Eight to bum only when procefHons are made to the mafs celebi-ated at the above altar. And as many at all private m ilTes that are faid throughout the year, in the church. He rnuft alio find two wax-lights to be lighted up every day ; one of which is according to ancient ufage, the other to the late regu- lation of Walter da Wakote. He niuft moreover furnilh one lamp to burn before the altar of St. Peter by night only. Another before the altar of the bleffed Stephen. A third before the altar of the Holy Trinity. A fourth before the altar of St. John. A fifth before the pulpit. One alfo in the chapel of the bleffed Mary Magdalene, to burn only by night. A lamp moreover is to be fur- niflied for the tomb of St. WHin, to burn both day and night. In the chapel of St. Lawrence two wax-lights of four pound weight are to be found by the facrift, which are to burn only during mafs. [P. 203.] MEM: — Quod Infirmarius debet percipere per manum 5acn/?J G and A D L I N G, which are corruptions of ^theling, noble, fplendid, famous. AL, HAL, are derived from the Saxon Healle, a hall or palace. So in Gothic Alk fignifies a temple, or any other Jamous building. < ASK, ASH, AS, all come from the Saxon M(c, an afh-tree. BAM, BE A M, as initials in the name of any place, ufually imply it to be, or at leaft to have been, woody; from the Saxon Beam, which we ufe in the fame fenfe to this day. BARROW, 204 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE to any great extent ; nor is this a woik that will, with propriety, admit of more than a few defultory remarks. — A fmall number of thefc towns are, as their nam^s imply, evidrnlly of Britifh origin ; with fometimrs the fubfe- qiicnt advantage of becoming a military flalion for the Roman foldiers. Others may have arifen entirely from thefe (hitions. To many of our princi- pal cities and large towns the rcfidence of fome or olher of the Saxon princes gave origin long after. Some of thefe had however prcvioufiy been Roman flations. A baron's caftle, or a religious foundation, in later periods, gave rife to great numbers of our fmallcr towns and large villagrf. In ftill later times a great road leading to the metropolis has, on its direcTtion being altered, fometimcs ftduccd many inhabitants from a neighbouring \illage, and been the caufc of the eredion of a new one within the fame parochial limits. The rapid BARROW, whether in the beginning or end of names of places, fignifies a grove; from Bearvve, wliich the Saxons ufed in the fame fenfe. BRAD, being an initial, fignifies broad, fpacious, from the Saxon Brad, and tlie Gothic Braid. BRIG, (and polTibly alfo BR IX,) is derived from the Saxon Bricg, ^ bridge i wliich to this day in the northern counties is called a brigge, and not a biidge. BRUN, BRAN, BROWN, BOURN, BURN; are all derived from the Saxon Born, Bourn, Brunna, Burna ; all fignifying a river. BUR, BOUR, BOR, come from the Saxon Bur, an inner chamber, or place of Jhade and retirement. BURROW, BURH, BURG, are derived from the Saxon Burg, Byrig, a city, town, tower, or cajlle. BYE, BEE, come immediately from the Saxon By, Byring, a dwelling. CAR, CHAR, in the names of places, feem to have relation to the Britifli Caer, a city, CASTOR, CHESTER, are derived from the Saxon Ceafter, a city, town, or cajlle; and that from the Latin Cajlrum : the Saxons chufmg to fix in fuch places of Itrengtti as the Romans had before built or fortified. CHIP, CHEAP, CHIPPING, in the names of places, imply a marie^; from the Saxon Cyppan, Ceapan, to buy or traffick. COMB, in the end, and C O M P in the beginning of names, feem to be derived from the Britifh Kum, which fignifies a low fituation. COT, COTE, COAT, are all from the Saxon Cot, i cottage* CRAG, ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 205 rapid progrefs of many modern towns, from the introdudlon of fome kind of manufacture, is almoU too obvious even to mention. The fpot whereon the prefent Borough of Evejham ftands was, as we are afilired by ancient authors, before the eredion of the Abbey a folitary wil- dernefs, over-run with thorns and brambles. An imagination accuftomed to fuch fpeculations will eafily follow its progrefs from a few tenants and de- pendants fettling around the Abbey, with the addition afterwards, as the wants of mankind increafed, and trade branched out into various indepen- dent cafts, of a num.erous race of handicraft men ; and fo down to its pre- fent comparative flate of opulence and population. That thefe fettlers were, at firfl, entirely dependant on the Abbey, cannot, on confulting the older records, CRAG, is in Britifh a rough fieef rock, and is ufed in the fame (enfe in the northern counties, at this dsy. DEN, may fignify either a valley, or a ze/oody place ; for the Saxon Den imports both. DER, in the beginning of names of places, is generally to be derived from Deor, a wild beajl: •unlefs the place ftand upon a river; for then it may rather be burrowed from the Britilh Dur, water. ER, a fyllable in the middle of names of places, comes by contraflion from the Saxon Wart, dwellers. ERNE, ERON, come from the Saxon Em, Earn, 2i cottage, or place of retirement. E Y, E A, EE, may either come from Ig, an ijland, by changing the Saxon g into y, which is ufually done ; or from the Saxon Ea, which (ignifies a water, river, &C. or iaftly frum Leag, a feld, by contraftion. FLEET, FLEOT, FLOT, are all derived from tlie Saxon Fleot, which fgnifies a 6a> or gulf. G R AVE, a final fyllable in the names of places, is from the Saxon Grasf, a grove or cave. HAM, whether initial or final, is no other than the Saxon Ham, a houfe, farm, or village. HOLME, HOWME, whether jointly or fmgly, comes from tiie Saxon Holm, i river- ijland ; or if the place be not fuch, the fame word fignifies alfo a hill, or mountain. HOLT, whether at the beginning or end of the names of any place fignifies that it is, or has been, woody, from the Saxon Holt, a wood; or poflibly fometimes from Hoi, hollow, efpecially when the name ends in tun or dun. HYllST, HURST, HERS T, are all from the Saxon Hyrft, z xoood ox grove. INGE, 2o5 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE records, and confide ring the fpirit of the tVudal tenures, be at all doubtful. This indeed records of a much later date will flievv to have been entirely the cafe. Had any fpecies of manufa arch of Blackfriars-brklge in London, but the fide arches do not at all corref- pond with that or with each other. We find mention of a bridge here as early as the year 1159. It mufl however have undergone va^ny partial, if not total repairs ; as again, in the year 1374, we find the greater part of it was fwept away by a flood. On the weftern fide of it the town occupies a regular, but fteep afcent, and makes a figure worthy of much larger, and better built places. Its fplendid tower, and two churches crowded together within a very fmall fpace, excite in a ftranger the idea of a cathedral, or of fome collegiate edifice. The old wall which formerly feparated the Abbey from the town began from the weftern extremity of this bridge, and ex- tended quite to the river on the other fide of the peninfula. At the eaftern end of it flood the caftle of Bengxsjorth, which belonged to the Beauchamp's ; till, as we have already feen, it was moft heroically attacked by one of the Abbots, about the year 1156, and razed to the foundation. Not the leaft remains of it are now to be obferved, except that the fpot it occupied is ftill called the Caftle, and that there is a moat of fome depth which nearly fur- rounds the fite, and communicates with the river on both fides. The villages which border on thefe two incorporated towns are Offenham, nearly north ; Aldington, a hamlet to Saf/ej, north-eaft; Wickamford , almoft due eaft ; H'lnton, fouth-eafl: ; Hampton on the fouth, extending alfo to the river due weft ; and Lench-wic, on the north-eaft. Of moft of thefe fome no- tice has already been taken. EveJIiam confins of two principal ftreets. On the north is the High- ftreet, (not impropeily fo called, being in general well built, and at leaft equal in breadth to any ftreet in England,) to which, but near its fouthern extremity, the Bridge-ftreet, ftill better built, but comparatively narrow, joins at right angles. This ftre t, after fome level fpace, defcends rather abruptly to the bridge, which conneds it with Bengrwrth, It has many hand- fome fhops, and feveral very good and well attended inns. A little to the fouth of the jundion of thefe two ftreets, and in a fort of irregular fquare called the iViarket- place, ftands the Town-houfe or Guild- E e hall ; •210 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE hall ; a plain, but fubflantial and roomy edifice. It is fupported by arches, and over them is a handfome apartmpnt tor public meetings, which, in the winter feafon, is often graced by a genteel and numerous adem- bly. PalTrng out at the eaftern angle of this fquare, you come, through the old Saxon gateway before-mentioned, into the cemitary, or church-yard; likewife a fquare, and pleafantly planted with trees. Here, witlu'n a few yards of each other, ftand the two churches, and the tower built by Clement Lichfield. Through the arch of this tower you ent«T an oprn green Ipace overlooking the river, and known by the appellation of the Crofs-church-yvd; either from its having formerly had a crofs ereded in it, or becaufe it was the cemitary to that part of the Abbey church which was once intt rfK^^ed by the tranfept or nave. This fpot, though probably at all times c^ nfider- ably elevated above the river, feems to have derived much additional height from the quantities of rubbifh which were fcattercd all aiound from the immenfe fabric of the church, at the time of its demolition. Wherever you break the furface nothing but thefe fragments are to be found. There is alfo the greateft reafon to fuppofe that under fome part or other of it the crypts of that edifice ftill lurk undifcovered. This terrace is remarkable for its pleafantnefs and extended views, and is of confiderable refort as a kind of public walk. The inferior ftreets and lanes deferve notice only as having been men- tioned in the ancient records. 0.it-ftreet, frequently noticed before under the name of Ode-ftn et, joins to the High-ftreet on its eaftern fide, and in- teracting Cole-fheet, (of which alfo mention is frequently made in the old writings,) paffes down to the river. Cole-ftreet uniting itfelf to Bridge- ftreet on its northern fide, after crofling Oat-fireet, falls into a lane called Swan-lane ; which latter joins to the High-fireet, quite at the noi thern ex- tremity of the town. Below thefe, and almoft on the river's brink, is another broad b'it irregular lane, called Mill-hill; which, running paiallel to Cole-fireet, conneds the lower pait of Bridge-ftreet with the large corn and oil mills here ereded on the Avon. On the weflcrn fide of the High-ftreet are two other inconfiderable lanes running \ ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 211 running parallel to it. The neareli of thefe is at prefent called Briton-ftreet, and is doubtlefs the fame which under the appellation of Brutte, and fome- times Brugge-ftreet, in the ancient records of the Abbey, conveys to the reader an idea of fome population and importance. It now does not, that I know of, contain a fingle habitable tenement. The furtheft, of a fimilar defcription, is called Little-worth. Thefe, on the northern fide, both fall into an uninhabited lane called Ga' diner's Line ; and, at the foutheru end, communicate with Bewdley-ftrett, of a lefs foilorn appearance, Thefe two laft-mentioned lanes run alfo nearly parallel to each other. On the weftern extremity of the town, and in front of the houfe of Mr. Phillips, fo often mentioned before, is a wide and fcatteredly inhabited open fpace called, for what reafon I know not, Maftiff's-green. This terminates in a narrow pafTage, which running between the old Abbey-wall and the garden-grounds, pafTes down to the river, aciofs which there is here a ferry to Hampton. Of the above affemblage of flreets and lanes is compofed the whole of the prelent town of Evejham. Bengworth confifts of little more than a fingle ftreet, called Port-fireet, which follows the courfe of the turnpike-road to a confiderable diftance. This road does not pafs through Eve/ham, but turning fhort to the left at the foot of the biidge, keeps for fome fpace on the river's edge, and fo leads to Perfhore and WorceJIer. In the charter of incorporation we are informed that the frequent tumults and difiurbances which happened at Bengworth, to the coercion of which the power of the bailiffs of EveMiam did not then extend, were the principal caufe of its junction to that town. This was effeded in the third year of James the firft, at the interceffion of Henry prince of Wales, as ap- pears by the two rough-hewn verfes at the head of the charter.* Ee 2 In Princeps, • Mi pater, hoc primum pro Cambris da m'tki votum. Rex. Sds me, nate, nihil pojfe negare tihi. 212 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE In ancient times Evefham was governed by two bailiffs, who, in all civil caufes, acled under the Abbot.* The corporation at pref nt confifts of a mayor, high-ileward, recorder, chamberlain, fevcn aldermen, of whom four aie juftices of the peace, twelve capital burgi-ffes, and tw> nty-four other burgeflVs, called atTillants. There are alio many other infciior offices, of which the adminiflration has been fome time dilufrd, and now lies doimant. The corporation has authority to hold feffions, and try felonies and trcafons. The mayor is almoner and clerk of the market. He has deodands, the goods of felons, and toll. In the town-houfe above-mentioned, which was built by one of the Hohys, (probably Sir Edward,) the affize foi the county was at one time held, but is now removed to Worce/lcr. The piivihge of trying and executing for capital offences is likewife transferred to the general aflize held at that place ; nor has any execution taken pLce at EveJIiam fince about the year 1740, when a woman was burnt for petty trealon, The gallows however, as an emblem of executive authority, ftill remains, though foi lorn and untenanted, about three-quarters of a mile to the north of the town. Lcland, who at the command and expcnce of Henry the eighth travelled nearly over the whole kingdom, that he might preferve every valuable me- morial of the lately diffolved monafterics, fays of this town in his quaint and obfolete language: — " The town of Evejham is meetly large, and well builded with tymbre. The markct-fted is fayre and large. There be divers praty flreets in the towne. The market is very celebrate. In the towne is noe hofpital or other famous foundation but the late Abbey." This market, ftill much frequented, is kept weekly on Mondays. There are four yearly fairs, the firfl on the fecond day of February, the fecond on the Monday next after Eafter, the third on Whit-Monday, and the fourth on • This plainly appears from the following incident mentioned by Dr. Nafli: from whom many of the following particulars are alfo borrowed. " Ii the 20th vear of Henry the third the liberties of Evefham were feized for ufing falfe mea- fures when the king was here ; but they were reftored upon the fubmiflion of the Abbot and monks. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF E\'ESHAM. 2 15> on the twenty-fiift day of September. Thefe fairs are particularly famous for the fdle of (Irong black horles. In the fifth year of queen Elizabeth this town contained the following number of families: — The parifli of All Saints one hundred and feventy- three, anJ St. Lawrence one hundred and thirty-eight. In 1776, they jointly contained four hundred and fifty families, according to the return made to bifhop North. Upon an exad furvey taken in 1777, All Saints was found to contain two hundred and fifty-three families, and one thoufand and fifty-two indi- viduals. St. Lawrence contained one hundred and ninety families, and feven hundred and ninety-fix individuals. Thus we may obferve that what- ever was the decline in population, immediately after the dilTolution of the Abbey, fince the reign of Elizabeth, the Increafe has not been inconfiderable. No furvey has fince been made, nor can the number of inhabitants be fup- pofed to have varied much fince that period.* At four fliilHngs in the pound, St. Lawrence pays to the land-tax one hundred and fixty-eight pounds and thirteen fhillings. All Saints, one hundred and feventy-nine pounds eleven fhillings and nine-pence." The town has an exclufive jurifdiclion, and does not pay to the quarter-rates. The • A rough fort of eftimate of the prefent population of thefe two pariflies may be made in the following way. — The average of burials in the parifli of All Saints, for the laft twelve years, is twenty two and near one-half; which being multiplied by forty-five, a number out of which one perfon at leaft, even in the fmallefi: and moft healthy places mufl die, one year with another, produces the number one thoufand and twelve for the prefent population. This compared with the number found at the furvey in 1777, fhews a decreafe of forty individuals. The average in St. Lawrence, for the fame term of years, is feventeen one-half, which, by the fame method, produces the number feven hundred and eighty-feven. This compared with the furvey has a de- ficiency of nine. As this kind of calculation is very liable to fallacy, though much praftifed at prefent, I fliould lay no great ftrefs upon it, did not the baptifms in both pariflies indicate the fame thing. Average 214 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE The arms granted to the corporation by their charter are: — Azure, a prince's crown over a garb of the earldom of Chefter all Or, bound with the fame, and Sables, between two oftrich's feathers of Wales, Argent within a border of the third bezantry for the earldom of Cornwaliis, Sables. What Dr. Nafli affirms of the foil of the county in general, is true of the vale around Eveflwrn m particular ; excepting that the former of the two qua- lities he mentions is much the moft prevalent in this country.—" The ploughed grounds of Worcefterfliire are of two kinds, a ftiff clay frequently with marie underneath, or a light foil with gravel under it. Almoft all modern i.nprove- ments," he adds, " have tended to the advantage of the light foils; the rents of which have by that means been doubled or trebled within the laft century. The ftiff clay ftill wants improvement; to obtain which the good farmer takes great care to keep his ground dry, does not make his lands too high, but makes them fmall, and where neceflary carries off the fprings by under- ground drains filled with wood, ftone, or any other materials which will let the water pafs through, and not eafily rot ; not fuffering any water to ftand in the furrows. He always ploughs his land in fealbn, that is, in dry weather ; and repeats the ploughing and harrowing as often as poffible. He pulverifes the clay as much as he can, taking every oppoitunity of Itirring the mould. He ploughs deep, efpecially the fallow, by which he creates foil. He always fets his beans and peas in rows, and hoes them. He fets potatoes, cabbages, &c. and moulds them frequently. He fows turnips and hoes them three times ; for, by drawing them, as mentioned beneath, he can raife turnips advantageoufly AVERAGE OF BAPTISMS IN All Saints. St. Lawrence. From 1777 to 1784, (inclufively,) — a8 one-half. ----- 24 feven-eighths. 1785101792, 26 one-half. ----- 24 one-eighth. The population of Bengwortk was in the year 1779, found to be five hundred and eighty. Number of houres, one hundred and thirty-four. Land-tax at iour Ihillings, — ninety-two pounds fix ihillings and four-pence. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 215 advantag;eoufly upon ftiffifli clay. He never will attempt to raife too many crops without a fallow, if the land be not naturally very good. Two crops are fufficient ; but let the nature of the land be ever fo rich, he never at- tempts more than three crops and a fallow : for in this, as in many other in- ftances, the greedy farmer is his own enemy, waftes his feed and time, im- poverifhes his land, and has no return : whereas the clay-foil, if well tilled and kept in good hulbandry, yields much more upon an acre than the light land. Yet it muft be confefTed that the light lands have many advantages : they may be ploughed almofl in any feafon, the team need never lie idle ; whereas the vale farmer had better let his horfes play for weeks together, than attempt to plough when the ground is wet. Again, ftrong land has this difadvantage : — it produces the largelt crops in dry years, when corn is al- ways cheap ; whereas the light lands will have the beft crops in wet years, when corn will always be dear ; thus verifying the old proverb : IDfjcn tljc fanu Dots fccti tlje clap, <0 ! tijtn 'ti0 lack and txica*a=Dap : 25ut Uoi)cu tbc claii Doc0 feed ttjc faud, €> ! tl|cn m VucU for old ^itslaud." The fame judicious author has feveral other remarks on the hufbandry of this country, which, though perhaps the modern improvements in agricul- ture (of which by the way he feems to fpeak too contemptuoufly,) have rendered them in fome meafure fuperfluous, I will alfo infert. " The 'grafs land is managed better than the ploughed, for the good farmer levels it, drains it, and frequently dungs it, and finds by expcience that manure pays better when put on green-fward than on tillage : but wet land muft firfl be drained and made found by rolling and penning of ftieep, otherwife the manure finks through the bog, and has very little effed. Upon fuch lands as cannot be drained, which are very few indeed, coal afhes, rubbifh, and fuch things, anfwer better than rich manure. Our farmer- do not manage their hedges well, but put in too much dead wood, and mike them 2i6 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE them fo thick that the live quick is killed. They do not make their ditches deep and wide enough. In clay foils they fhould never be lefs than four feet wide, and four deep. They w^ould then f cure the hedges, and ferve as drains to the land. A year or two after the hedges are plafhed, they fhould be guarded from cattle either by a fence, or by frequently fprinkling them with cow-dung and lime. The uplands fhould not be too frequently mowed ; not oftener than once in three years, and fhould be manured the year they are mowed. Where the land is fubjed to flood, the manure fhould be put on as foon as the hay is carried : in other grounds as early as poffible in winter. In many foils a very good way of manuring grafs grounds is by pulling the turnips from a neighbouring field, and feeding cattle and fheep with them on the green- fward. One acre of turnips pulled will go as far as two eaten upon the fpot. Befides in wet feafons or in land naturally moift the farmer may feed his cattle with turnips, which otherwile he could not do without great prejudice to his tillage. If the grafs-ground be very wet he keeps his cattle in flails, giving them turnips, grain, or oil-cake, according to their feveral pi ices. The dairy-man finds no inconvenience by giving his cows fome turnips, but they fhould not be fed entirely upon them ; if they are, the tafle of the but- ter may be affedied. But fure I am, that thofe who talk much of the ofKn- five fmell and tafte of oil-cake beef, turnip mutton, kc. do it more out of fafhion and compliment to the delicacy of their own tafte, than any real fenfation. The g-^neral rent of the paflure lands is under twenty Ihillings an acre. On the Avon's banks meadow-lands are under thirty,* at which rent many of them were valued in the time of Elizabeth, when all the cattle and Iheep kept upon the hills were wintered in the vales ; whereas by the improve- ments • In this refpeft I apprehend the intermediate diftance of time (though Dr. Nafli's work was publiflied no longer ago than 1781,} has made fome difference. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 217 ments of clover, fanfoin, turnips, and fuch like, the farmers in the vale, both for the fake of keep, and for preferving their jheep found, often fend their flock upon the hills. As for burnet, lucerne, and an hundred other modern improvements, they are the ideas of fpeculative men who farm upon a fmall fcale. This county in general has no breed of cattle peculiar to itfelf, moft of the land being fuppofed too rich to carry a breeding ftock. The horned cat- tle come chiefly from Herefordfhire and StafFordfhire, and the (heep from Herefordflrire, Wales, Dorfetfliire, and Shropfhire." The air of this part of Worcefterfhire has nothing fo peculiar as to merit much notice. It varies, as ufual, according to the difference of foils and fituations. Around Evejham, where the foil is light, it is pure and falu- brious. In lower fituations and deeper foils it is more or lefs fo as circum- ftances vary : but no where are agues, fevers, or other epidemic diforders fo frequent as in mofl other countries. The water from the fprings, which are very numerous around this town, is rather hard and heavy ; and not unfrequently tindured with fome mine- ral. It is alfo too apt to fubfide to the bottom of veffels in a flony fediment, which is perhaps the worft quality water can poffefs. Brecdon, a vei7 high hill fouth-weft of Evejham, certainly contains much iron ; and from it a fpring runs to Cropthorne, (about two miles from this place,) which yields to few in point of chalybeate powers. There has alfo been much ferruginous matter obferved, though in fmall and fcattered particles, in a gravelly foil, to the north of the town : all round the fpot called Battle-well. But in the prefent cafe neither of thefe qualities, of which the one mufl be invariably detri- mental to the conftitution, and the other perhaps equally fo by continual ufe, feem to preponderate fufficiently to affed the health of individuals. Thofe complaints which might be expeded from their prevalence do not, as I am informed, appear more frequently here than in other fituations. The Avon water has one peculiarity worth mentioning ; — it almoft equals Ff in ii8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE in weight and havdnefs that from the pumj-s. This quality, hitherto unac- counted for, is fuppofed to prevent the falmon, with which the Severn abounds, from entering this river. Few inftances are remembered of their being caught in the Avon ; but this circumftance may probably be the caufe that other fiQi, particularly eels, with which it abounds, are more firm in Iheir texture, and of better flavour than thofe of any other river. Two or three of the fmaller kind of antique utenfils lately found in this vicinity, and of which the figures and defcription were fuinifhed me by the Rev. Mr. Beale of Bengworth, will properly enough clofe my account of this town. No. I. in the annexed plate reprefents a cup, probably of very ancient workmanfhip, which was found near half a mile northward of Bengworth, and about a furlong from the Avon, on its eaftern fide. A meadow here rifes gently from the river, and in it part of the turf was broken up to dig for fand. After removing two or three feet of common mould, and a layer of fand of the depth of four feet, in a very hard bed of gravel was found the cup here reprefented. The workman ftruck his pick-axe into the brim, which he broke by that means, not being aware of any thing worth prefer- vation. He afterward broke near an inch of the brim all around, to make it level and uniform. No building or ancient encampment was ever fituated near the fpot, if we except only that part of Bengworth which fiill goes by the name of the Caftle, though no remains are now vifible. The ftrata of earth were obferved to lie quite undifiurbed, and in their natural ftate. Both the form and materials of the cup are coarfe and rough. The colour of it is neareft that of free-ftone or dry mortar. Though plainly a compofition, it is far harder than any ftone, and on the infide may be traced, though faintly, circular maiks, fimilar to thofe on the infide of a dice-box. If the rudenrfs of the workmanfhip and coarfenefs of the mateiials may be ad- mitted as indications of antiquity, this cup may claim a date prior to the government of the Romans in this illand. Its circumference in the wideft part is feven inches, in the fmalleft three and an half. Its height is about fix inches, diameter two, and infide depth five and an half. No. II. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 219 No. II. is an ancient ornament, as is fuppofed, to fome coat of armour, either of man or horfe, to which it was probably fixed by three fmall pins ; there being three holes difcernable in it, though partly filled up by fand and ruft. It is brafs, and from the ground-work which is lefs wore than the prominent parts, appears to have been richly gilt. The figure on it is a re- prefentation of St. George of Cappadocia flaying the dragon, and is very like what is itill ufed for the order of the garter. This ornament was found in the garden of a houfe at Bengworth that formerly belonged to the Watfon family ; at the head of which was the celebrated John Watfon, firft dean, and afterward bifhop of Winchefler. This honour he attained by means of that fhrewd and difcerning woman queen Elizabeth ; who being informed by the earl of Leicefier that Watfon had fecretly offered two hundi ed pounds to him that he might obftrud his intended promotion, and this merely out of a love of private life and fludious retirement, like an excellent judge of charader pronounced that — " he who would give two hundred pounds to decline preferment was more worthy of it than he who would give two thoufand to attain it. No. III. is a brafs inflrument which the ingenious hiflorian of Manchejler, to whom a figure of it was fent, affirms to be, and obvioufly is a celt. Thefe have been found in every part of the ifland, but, as they vary in their con- firudion, it was thought proper to infert a reprefentation of this. It was found near a fpot called the Battle-well, of which more will be faid hereaf- ter. — Antiquaries have differed very much concerning the ufe of thefe in- ftruments, and from their fize and form it is very difficult to conceive they were of any ufe at all. Mr. Whltaker adheres to the opinion which he has long fince given to the public in his " Hiflory of Manchefler,"* and confi- ders it as a light battle-axe for hunting. S. Gale, an eminent antiquary, publilhed, in 1724, a " Differtation on Celts," in which he gives it as his opinion that they were fleaing knives, (called by the Romans Ctdtor excor'ta- iorius,) and were ufed for feparating the fkins from the bodies of animals offered in facrifice. This he fays of fuch only as are made of brafs. Mr, Ff2 Whitahr * Quarto, vol, i. p. 13 — 16, 220 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE Whifahr (in a private letter to Mr. Beak on the fubje^t,) fays, that " if fucli weapons as thcfe had been ufed only in facrificcs, there could never have been fo many, by hundreds, as there are. The frequency of their difco- very fliews the commonnefs of their ufe. They muft have been as nume- rous as the occafions of warfare, or the calls of hunting. They are too light for warfare generally, and were therefore deftined for hunting. The heavy maflive celts of ftone were certainly defigned for war ; but, what is lingular, no fuch have been found in metal." CHAP. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. a?i CHAP. VII. PUBLIC EDIFICES — CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, WITH ITS MONU- MENTAL INSCRIPTIONS— ST. LAWRENCE— ST. PETER IN BENG- WORTH — TOWER OF CLEMENT LICHFIELD — TOWN-H ALL- SCHOOLS, kc. THERE is perhaps no fpecies of writing more dilgufting to a reader than a long continued feries of uniform defcription. Some care will therefore be requifite, where fo many fubjeds prefent themfelves, to avoid a tedious prolixity in their delineation. Between the minutenefs of mere church-notes, and that fort of vague reprefentation which impreffes on its ob- jed no diftinguifhing mark or charader, there is a middle way much more eligible than either, in works of confiderable extent. But as it is the privi- lege of genius only to feize thefe leading and difcriminating features, and of the exadeft judgment only to give to each objed its due portion of notice or admiration, the author will be content to purfue a more beaten track: — fatisfied if he can but avoid the extremes both of endlefs particularity, and of a too carelefs and indifcriminate attention. The church dedicated to All Saints has been mentioned in the former part of this work ; but as no plate of it has been engraved, and it is an edifice of a very peculiar conltrudion, fome farther defcription of it may feem requi- fite. — From an ancient deed of one of the abbots, inferted in the Appendix, it might be too haftily fuppofed that this church was firft ereded about the year 1350. The deed runs thus: — "For this purpofe, (to pray for the fouls of the departed kings of England, for the profperity of the reigning monarch Edward the third, and for other benefadors,) we have conftruded a chauntry in the chapel newly-ereded in the cemitary of our Monaftery at Evejham, near the Abbey-gate : and appointed two chaplains to celebrate divine 222 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE divine fervice there, in honour of the blelTed Virgin Maiy the glorious mo- ther of God, where there is likewife an image devoutly erected to her me- mory ; and in honour of whom, and to his own glory, God has vouchfafed to work many and great miracles* in that place." The fituation feems per- fedly well to agree with that of the prefent edifice : but befide that it has an appearance of much greater antiquity, the deed is fo worded as to make it very doubtful whether it was the chapel itfelf or merely the chauntry belong- ing to it, that had then been newly-ereSled. In tranflating the deed f the author gave into the former fuppofition ; but from a thorough infpedion of the church, he is nearly convinced that many of its parts may boaft of a much earlier date than that \tience. s ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. '39 Argent and Sable. In the firft window of the fouth aide : Azure a chain in a chevron with a lock Or, the Abbey arms. In the fecond fouth window : Paly of fix Argent and Azure a chevron Ermine, fuppoited by two eagles Or. The more modern infcriptions on grave-fbnes are moftly torn up or de- faced. In the chapel only are fome infcriptions, ftill vifible, commemorating feveral perfons of the family of Field. A gentleman of that family now re- fides at Evejham, who has authentic documents to prove that, foon after the diffolution, a confiderable quantity of land, and above thirty tenements, lying north of the Abbey-fite, were by James I. granted to an anceftor of the fame name, then in high office at court. — By this gentleman was the firft hint of undertaking this work fuggefted to its author: — a hint which the manner in which it has been executed muft render meritorious or fuper- fluous, in the public eflimation. The church of St. Peter in Bengworth will not long detain the reader. It is a large, irregular, and plain, but ancient edifice ; ornamented with few monuments of note. There is reafon to fuppofe that on the fame fpot or near it, a more ancient church once flood ereded by earl Leofric, and dedi- cated to the holy Trinity. A memorandum in the Abbey appendix* makes mention of fuch an edifice, as well as of the cofUy manner in which it was decorated : and it would be difficult to affign any other fituation for it. There is moreover a tradition, ftill current, that the church was originally dedicated to the Trinity. — Habington has not negleded this church ; but gives, in his ufual manner, the following account of its painted glafs and other ornaments. In the eaft window of the chancel : Gules a feife between fix martlets Or. On the other fide : Or a chevron Gules and quartering Ermine. t In * Page 183. + The author mufl: not be confidered as refponfible for the corre6lnefs of all thefe heraldic no- tices : being utterly ignorant of the fcience. All he could do has been to copy the MS. notes of Habington, and fometimes compare them with Dr. Nafli's printed extracts from them. Thcle lat- ter extra£ls do not however extend to this church. 240 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE In the eaft window of the fouth aille: — " Orate pro animabus Willidmi Cltyrylon * * * *. In the weft window of the fouth aifle : — Party per chevron Azure and Gules, three cups covered Or. In the fame window are the names of 'John Wajhborne and Richard Cawie, benefadors. On the north wall is a marble monument of Mr. Thomas Watfon, born in Evejham, and a free-holder of that place. He was a confiderable benefador, and died 1561 . — This ftill remains ; to which, at different periods, the fol- lowing monuments have been added. Eaft end of the north aifle : — Mrs. Frances Wat/on, November 20, 1727, aged eighty. And her coufin, — Mrs. Thomazine Watfon, December 6, •737, aged eighty-one. In the fouth aifle is a very fplendid, but equally taftelefs monument of marble, ereded to the memory of 'John Deacle, Efq. of whom farther mention will be made. Much coft and labour have here been lavifhed in vain. Though even the lace-work of the cravat, and the fur on the alderman's robe are moji minutely worked, yet the effed of the whole is heavy and fpirit- lefs to a remarkable degree. — This worthy man, who was an alderman of London, and rofe to great wealth from the loweft poffible ftation, gave by will in 1706, the fum of two thoufand pounds to endow a free-fchool at Benguvrth ; for teaching, clothing, and putting out apprentice thirty poor boys. Fifty ftiillings per annum were referved out of this donation to pur- chafe bread, on every Sabbath, for twelve of the pooreft inhabitants of this parifb, who were daily to frequent prayers at the fchool-houfe. On the front of the gallery are many other benefadions fpecified. Moft of thefe are, as Bengworth forms a part of the Borough, the fame as were be- foie noticed in All Saints. One or two additional donations, appiopiiated entirely to this parifh, fhall be briefly mentioned. Andrew ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 241 Andrew Ordway, by will, gave in 17 12 twenty {hillings per annum out of a houfe in Bengworth to the poor of that pariih ; to be diflributed by the overfeers. John Martin, by will dated February 28, 17 13, gave, out of the rents of a meffuage and fome lands in Hampton Parua, ten pounds per annum to any pious and orthodox' minifter of the church of England that (hall undertake to read prayers, preach, and catechife in the parifh church of Bengworth. Alfo three pounds to the poor of the above parifh. Mrs. Frances Wat/on, by will dated September 7, 1727, gave one hundred pounds ; of which the intereft was to be laid out in bread, and weekly dif- tributed to the poor of Bengworth, at the difcretion of the minifter and church-wardens. George Gardner gave, by will, fifty pounds ; the interefl of which was to be diflributed among aged perfons of this parifh who were unable to work. Mrs. Tliomazine Watfon gave, by will of the date of September 2, 1737, the fum of one hundred and fifty pounds ; the intereft of which fum was yearly to be diflributed in the following manner: — two thirds to the minifler of the pariih, and the remaining third part to be weekly diflributed in bread to fuch of the poor as fhall attend divine fervice. — This has fince been realized in lands and tenements at AJhton Underhlll, in the county of Gloucefler. The very accurate view which has been inferted of the tower will render much farther notice of it fuperfluous. Its ornaments, as may be feen by the plate, are in a good tafle, and uniform in the two fronts. The fides, as having probably been once connecfled with, or in fome meafure hidden by adjacent buildings, have, to a certain height, been more neglecfied. The open-work of the battlements on the top, with their annexed pinnacles, is remarkably light and elegant. The whole height is about one hundred and fevt nteen feet, on a bafe of about twenty-two feet fquare. It was certainly the intent of the archited to have raifed this building confiderably higher. This is apparent not only from the general form of the tower, rather low in proportion to its breadth, but alfo from the flying buttrefles ; which are feldom, as in the prefent cafe, carried quite to the fummit. The whole I i edifice 242 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES*OF THE edifice has an appearance as frefti as if ereded within the prefent century : which may, in part, be accounted tor by its being much fheltered from the wefterly winds and driving rains from that quarter. Theie is a peal of eight large bells in it ; but the biggeft of them is too deep, almoft by half a tone, for the reft. Both from fituation and intrinfic beauty, this edifice is a great ornament to the whole vicinity.* This tower had, as we are informed by Lcland, a very large bell at firft fet up in it, which is fuppofed to have continued there till the reftoration.f About that period the townfmen who had purchafed the tower, joining to- gether, took the bells out of all the fteeples, and melted them down into the prefent peal. There was, prior to this, another bell-tower bi longing to the Abbey, but its exad fituation cannot now be known. This more ancient tower, as we read in Leland's collections, was repaired in the feventh year of Edward I. and nineteen years afterwards fell entirely down. The town-hall, of which a good reprefentation is alfo given, is, though fpacious and well-built, too plain and unornamented to demand very parti- cular attention. In the apartment above, which is a handfome room, an affembly is held throughout the winter feafon, and a court of record every Tuefday. All trials, both on civil and criminal caufes, are alfo held here ; the privilege for trying the latter of which has not been either openly or tacitly • I have been informed that this tower was left unfinifhed at the diffolution ; and was not com- pletely covered-in till long after that period. But beddes that the ornaments on the top feem per- feftly congenial to the reft of the fabric, the circumflance of the great bell, recorded by Leland and mentioned above, appears entirely to overthrow this fuppofition. — The probability is, that a forefight of the impending difiTolution haftened its finifhing, and thus prevented a farther progrefs in altitude. + The date affixed to thefe bells does not however quite accord with this idea, which is the fug- geftion of Browne Willis. That of the biggeft bell is 1631 ; — in the mayoralty of Edward Gugley, and the early part of the reign of Charles I. The dates of all the reft are very modem, viz. 1741. They have all mottoes, but not worth the tranfcribing. Em/mved byJMoe /lJ-L/'tn/i>tJ~i0^-fvin*ary!90. TOM^N HALL. 'I'hu Flute u- himbh- >1Minit,;ltc thejr Members of tli, iWnovituri wlir Vjiv Palrvnuv.t tlu'-^i'. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 243 tacitly lefigned, or even fufpended : though the infrequency of its exertion of late years has, with fome perfons, given rife to this fuppofition.* In this Borough are two free-fchools ; one in Evejham, the other in Beng- worth. Of the former but few particulars can be gleaned. We only know that it was endowed originally by Clement Lichfield, whofe name is engraved over the chief entrance, with fome good carved work, and the ufual " Orate, &c." We alfo know that Eyford, in the parifh of Slaughter, in Gloucefter- fhire, was once appropriated to the inftrudion of the youth of Eve/ham; and probably belonged to this very foundation. At the time the other revenues of the Abbey were feized by Henry VIII. this alfo was alienated from it. But with the fame fimulation of juftice by which he was willing to Ikreen his avaricious views, when, out of the immenfe revenues of religious houfes, he fcantily endowed a few new bilhopricks, this fchool was foon after very ■ parfimomoujly refounded. We find by the charter it was entirely new-model- led at the period this town was ereded into a Borough ; and it ftill is entitled the prince of Wales's fchool, from Henry, fon of James I. At prefent ten pounds per annum are paid to the mafter by the auditor: but there is a pretty good houfe, and certain other fmall emoluments. The fchool in Bengworth, which comes more properly under the clafs of charUy fchools, was founded by the above-mentioned John Deacle, Efq. in the year 1709. In his laft will, dated July 24, 1706, a copy of which now lies before me, he hid mentions his intention of fetthng a free-fchool in Beng- worth, his native place, for the education of thirty of the pooreji boys in that parifh. If not fo many of that defcription there, the numbei to be fupplied out of Evefham. The nomination of thefe boys in the church-wardens and overfeers of Bengworth, and in the mayor and capital burgeffes of Evejham. li 2 No * In fpeaking on this fubjea, [p. 212,] I ufed too ftrong an expreflion in faying that the right of trying and executing for capiial offences was transferred to the county affize. The privilege, I underftand, remains in full force, though feldom of late made ufe of. Some account of the laft trial here which was followed by an execution, will be given in the Appendix to this part of the work. 244 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE No more than ten boys from EvefJiam, at one time, to be admitted. The age of admiffion not lefs than eight, or more than ten. To accomplifh this his laudable intention, he dire^s his executors to difburfe the fum of two hundred pounds within fix months after his deceafe, in building a convenient fchool-houfe ; provided the chapel adjoining to Bengworth church could not be acquired for that purpofe. Moreover, within the fpace of two years af- ter his deceafe, to lay out the fum of two ihoufand pounds in the purchafe of lands and tenements of the yearly value of one hundred pounds, for the en- dowment of the fchool; conveying this land, as well as the fchool-houfe and ground on which it fliould be built, to the Draper's company in London and their fucceffors, in trujl. Out of this yearly fum, twenty pounds annually weie to be paid to the matter for teaching to read, write, and caft accounts, and for reading prayers, daily morning and evening, in the fchool. Fifty JhiU'ings were to be allotted to the poor of the parilh, in a weekly allowance of bread. Fifty more to the repairs of the fchool-houfe. Thirty-Jmr pounds annually to be expended in clothing the boys, in the following manner: — Each a \cfl of blue kerfey woollen cloth, with a petticoat of yellow cloth. One blue cap, now (injudicioufly I think,) exchanged for a common hat. Two fhii ts, two pair of fhoes, and two of ftockings. Twenty-Jive pounds t annually, were farther allotted to the putting out four of theie boys apprentices to fome honeft trade ; recommending two of them to the corporation of EveJJiam, and two others to the care of the Draper's company. Five pounds, yearly, to be expended in bibles, catechifms, and other ufeful books. The refidue to be laid afide for taxes and contingencies. This is certainly a noble and ufeful charity ; and has not, except in fome few inftances, had the ill fate of being perverted from its oiiginal intent, like moft other benefadions of the kind. It was, for fome time however, con- fiderably negleded: the Diaper's company refufed to acl as truftees, and even the houfe was not built till feveral years had elapfed. In confcquence of a petition from the principal inhabitants of the place, dated November 13, J 727, to the executors, and by the fubfequent care of the minifters of the parifh, the ftate of this excellent charity began much to improve ; an ex- ceeding ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 245 ceeding good fchool-houfe was built ; and all proper vigilance ufed in in- fpeding the condud of the perfons employed in it. There are four meeCitig-houfes, for as many different perfuafions, now iu Eve/ham ; where the diffenters have increafed, and ftill, it is faid, do increafe in a greater proportion than a (launch friend to the eflabiiQiment would wifh. It is pity fome expedient cannot be devifed to render poffible an union with fuch of thefe feclaries as are more moderate in their opinions, and deviate leaft in effential doctrines. The good effe(fls of fuch a coalition muft, I fup- pofe, be obvious to all parties. But fo great, unhappily, is tiie perverfenefs of our common nature, efpecially in matters ot this kind, that no advances could be eafily devifed by one party, that would not be with fcorn rejeded by the other : — and thus, as is fomewhere obferved by Swift, it would be of fmall ufe to widen the portal, when fo many would obftinately refufe to en- ter it ; and fo many more, as if in mere contempt, would over-leap the wall. With great pleafure would the author dwell, even to tedium and laffitude, in his account of the manufadures, 8cc. of this place, did any fuch, in re- ality, exift. But there is nothing at prefent that can even be claffed under this head, if we except only a large oil-mill ereded on the Avon, northward of the town. The ufes and ftrudure of this machine are too well known for any defcription to afford much pleafure or inftrudion. — A fmgular event happened however lately at this mill, which may not be quite unworthy no- tice. It exhibits, in a very ftriking light, the efted that fanaticifm fometimes works on uneducated minds. I have heard (it ihould not be concealed,) this affair differently accounted for: — but the caufe firft affigned feems the only one, except infanity, powerful enough to produce fo dreadful an effed. Not long iince a man of the lower clafs entered this mill, and feemed to obferve its operations with much curiofity, and iilent attention. The large pendent beams that, by repeated ftrokes on the wedges below, ferve to prefs the oil from the feed, appeared, moft of all the machinery, to excite his wonder and approbation. After looking on for fome time, he feized a mo- ment 246 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE ment when the eyes of the workmen were otherwife engaged, and fuddenly drawing a fliarp axe from under his clothes, at the inftant one of thefe beams was fufpended to ftrike, he laid his hand acrofs the wedge ; and, holding the axe over it, the beam with one blow fevered it from his arm, at the wrift. He had, with moft aftonifliing precaution, furnilhed himfclf with a drefling for the flump ; and, haftening away to a medical perfon in Evejliam, defned him to apply it. It was found tolerably well fuited to the puipofe ; but of rather too coarfe and clumfy a texture to be willingly employed by the ope- rator. — The arm was dreffed with a better apparatus; and the man departed, little daunted by the adventure, but feeming rather to exult in his own cou- rage and perfeverance. DifTcrcnt motives are afligned for the ftrange refolution this man thus flrangely put in execution. One, and that the moft probable, is that he had committed fome atflion which, after the commifTion, did not entirely approve itfclf to his confcience : and thus wrefling a well-known text in fcripture from its original intention, and applying it to his own cafe, he thought he could not make a more fuitable atonement than by ridding himfelf of the offending member. — Whatever the caufe, the effedl was certainly an extraor- dinary one. — The reader will probably recoiled fome other narratives (how far real it is not eafy to determine,) of nearly the fame import. This how- ever is exadly true in every circumftance. Related to the author by many perfons of this town, all agreeing in the main circumftances of the tad, it was afterwards confirmed by the furgeon who drefled the wound ; who had every particular from the man himfelf, excepting only a certain information of the motive by which he was urged to this exploit. CHAP. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OFEVESHAM. 247 CHAP. vm. EMINENT PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN BORN AT, OR HAVE RESIDED IN, EVESHAM. HAVING thus conduced the reader through what may be entitled the modern antiquities of this place, it will be fome fatisfadiion to remount, for a time, to its real and genuine archaeology : in giving fome farther ac- count of thofe abbots, or other monalb'cs, who were eminent either for their munificence, their wifdom, or their virtue, The materials afforded us for this undertaking are, though entirely new to the public, yet often both mi- nute and trifling.* The addition of a cope, a chefable, or embroidered vefl:- ment to the Abbey-ftock, is fometimes the whole they will furnifli. But on fuch information, when drawn from authentic fources, and noted down by antiquity itfelf, a true antiquaiy will fix his eye with fatisfaflion. Nor will, it is hoped, a common reader regard it without fome degree of approbation, when he finds thefe minute tranfadions afcribed to charaders of diftinguifhed piety and benevolence. Next after the founder, of whom what fcanty particulars antiquity could furnifh have already been given, Ailfward, who was made abbot by Ethelred n. in 1 014, was one of the beft and moft adive of thefe monaftic rulers; a great improver of the condition of his convent ; and a very learned and virtuous man. By his exertions was the infatiable Godwin finally expelled from the monartery, and all its poffefTions recovered* He \vas probably a Dane by extradion, being related to Canute the great ; and when the latter fucceeded to the Englifh throne, was made by him bifhop of London. He did • They are all extrafted from one of the Abbey Regifters in the Mufeum, and were referved for this part of the work as the fitted place ior minute hiftory. 248 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE did not however defert his convent. At his entreaties, Canute prefented the Evejham monaOery with the valuable relics of St. Wyftan, and alfo with a black chc fable of the moft coftly fort, with all its appending ornaments. Ailfward himfelf purchafed for his convent the relics of St. OJiilfus, which fome traders in that commodity were, at that time, carrying to London for fale. Thefe relics which, in the prefent times, we fhould find it difficult to difpofe of at an equal price with broken glafs or rufty iron, even to the manufaflurers of hartffiorn, were doubtlefs, in thefe early periods, valued at an exorbitant rate. The remains of the two faints afterward occupied two magnificent fhrines in the Abbey church, and ftill, in all likelihood, lie bu- ried in its ruins. This abbot however gave what was much better, — many books both of divinity and grammar to his monaftery, the names of which are not handed down. He likewife ably vindicated his foundation againfl the encroachments of the bifhop of the diocefe, and, as already mentioned in the beginning of this vvoik, firft obtained that a monk of this houfe (hould be created dean of the whole vale of Evcjkam, with independent jurifdiclion over it. Ailfward died 6 kalends of Auguft, in the year 1044, and was bu- ried at Ramfey in HuntingdonQiire. Mannius, or as he is called in the regifler, Mimnius, his fuccefTor, was by no means inferior to Ailfward in eflential qualification, and in perfonal ac- quirements was far fuperior to him. He was (killed in moft of the fine arts, if they could then be called fo, and, which is fingular enough, was the beft goldfmith in the kingdom. He began and lived to finifh, fays the regifter, a much finer, and more elaborately-conflruc^ed church than that which Evejkam before polfeiled : but it feems more probable he only completed that which Ofward began about one hundred years before. He built a fhrine for St. Egwin of gold fet with precious flones, of which the fame regifter relates a circumftance I am almofl afraid to record, fo much docs it rcfemble the fic- tions of enchantment : — That in this fhrine three jewels were fo placed as to throw a Jlrong light over great part of the church. This excellent lapidary alfo formed fhrines for the remains of St.Odulfus, and St. Credan one of the former abbots. He wrote and illuminated with his own hand a miffal, and a large pfaltery ; and performed many other ufeful and elegant works of the fame ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 249 fame kind. After fome time, falling into a lingering illnefs, he refigned his charge to the verfatile Egelw'in, who, fays the regifter, appointed two perfons of high eflimation in the convent, with feveral inferior fervants, to attend his benefacftor: frequently himfelf vifiting him with great refped and humble veneration ; nor, white Mannhs was alive, would he be called abbot of Evejham, though he aded in all refpeds as fuch.. With this Egelwin, his worthy fucceffor, we have already made fome ac- quaintance, and feen how he contrived to joflle his neighbours out of their pofTeiTions. All was however for the good of the church, and the monks fail not to heap on him the higheft encomiums. Several olher inftances are given of this man's dexterity in temporal affairs, which fhew that his abilities were extenfively employed, and that he often aded both as a kind of counfel, and even as a judge, in matters that did not concern his own convent. His be- nefadions to the Abbey, (if thofe can be called fuch which were probably drawn from its own revenues,) were very confiderable. He gave it veft- ments, of all the various kinds ; a large crofs ; and an altar beautifully inlaid with gold and filver. He alfo built a very handfome chapel, and dedicated it to St. Nicholas. A large wax-taper was by him appointed to bum all night on the principal felHvals. At the time he was made abbot there were only tzvelve monks : this number he enlarged to thirty-fix; and, by his dextrous management in acquiring new lands and pofleffions, he was better able to fup- port them all, than his predeceffors had been to provide for the former li- mited number. He died 22 kalends of March, 1077, and is faid to have left a large fupply of money for building a new church. His immediate fucceffor Walter was the firft Norman abbot, and a very learned and able man. William the firft was by no means deficient in judg- ment and difcrimination of charader ; and though he took fufficient care to difplace all the Saxon prelates as foon as poffible, he always provided them fucceflbrs of great worth and ability. It is indeed the higheft compliment to Egelwins good management and fkilful trimming, that he preferved his itation fo long after the conqueft. This Walter, with the money Egelwin had left, built the crypts and the reli of the church, as far as the tranfept, excepting Kk the 250 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE the tower; in which laft he proceeded no farther than the fupporting arches, and the Hrit flory. He made a vineyard on the other tide of the water. Many books were by him given to the convent. On the other hand the monks complain that both Walter, and his fucceffor Robert, much enriched their relations and dependants with the fpoils of the Abbey. Walter died 13 kalends of February, 1086. Reginald, who became abbot in the year 1 122, was a great builder. His predeceffor Maurkms had ju(t ereded what was, at the time the legifier was written, called the old chapter-houfe, a dormitory, and a locutory, with a chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, annexed. Reginald added to thcfe a ftrong wall feparating the Abbey from the town. Of the former eredions even the fite is, at preieiit, a defidcratum : the latter, in fome meafure, flill exifts. He continued Walter s labours, and proceeded to build the nave of the great church. The old refedory, another more regular locutory, with a chapel annexed to it, a hall with a chamber over it for the reception of guefts, and the great kitchen were part of his labours. He made alfo the great crofs, and built a magnificent roof, or tabernacle, over the fhrinc of the founder. He gave two thuribles, or cenfovs, and two large candlefticks of filver gilt. He caufed to be founded (as was before mentioned,) the two great bells Benedict, and his compeei- ; and the fmall bells Gloucejler, and his compeer. But it would be tedious, even to the minuter antiquary, to relate all the benefadions, or, as the monks call them, the good acts of this abbot. He died in September, 1149. Adam, the next abbot excepting one, w^as at leaft an equal bcnefac^or ; and the good monks have been at leaft equally minute in their gratitude to him. His firfl care was to finifli the elaborate {brine of St. Egwin ; to make an aquadud, and a lavatory ; in the completion of which much money was expended, and feveral benefadors contributed. He alfo founded the two biggeft bells Jcfus, and Glorinfus ; furnifhed a red cope embroidered with the figures of birds in gold, and a variety of other ecclefiaftical ornaments. A nfw teflament, and the old one with a commentary, were among his acquifi- tions of this kind. He built a large granary, a bake-houfe, the old in- firmary ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAxM. 251 firmary where now is the abbot's chamber, and a private dormitory. The grange at Offenham, feveral other houfes there, together with the fifh-pools, the apartment adjacent to the infirmary, and the reading-defk in the chap- ter-houfe are all of his performance. He finilhed the cloifter begun by- the abbots Mauritius and Reginald, and completed the nave of the church, by the affiftance of the dean of Wells, and other well-difpofed perfons. The Abbey was by him enriched and beautified by a great number of glafs windows, in almoft every part. He purchafed two hides of land at Newenham for one hundred marks, from a perfon called de Watteville. Here the regifler con- firms what was before faid of his having made the cup which w^as, by his fuc- ceflbr, paid in ranfom of Richard I. But this, as was then obferved, could not have been purpofely done without the gift of prefcience ; and therefore was not a circumftance worth recording. This abbot acquired to his office the privilege of wearing all the epifcopal ornaments, excepting the riijg; and obtained a favourable decree from the pope concerning the independent ju- rildiction of the Abbey. He appointed that a large wax-light fhould burn perpetually before the great altar, and the tombs of the faints. " On this account," (fays the old record,) "although the former abbots were very re- ligious and well diipofed perfons, this abbot is faid above all of them to have reformed the order." He died 2 ides of November, 1 191, Roger Norreys, who came next, did nothing, as was formerly obferved, but difcompofe the order ; but his fucceflbr Randulf, prior of Worcefler, fet evei"y thing again to rights. He gave the profits of Blnton (which I did not, from the information derived from Habington's papers, before fuppofe had con- tinued fo long with the Abbey,) to the ufes of the infirmary. So many cir- cumftances have been related of this abbot, both in the fhort fketch already given of his life, and in his paper of inftitutes, that it will be fuper- fluous to dwell much larger on his adions. Some curious veftments he ac- quired fhall be briefly enumerated. He furnifhed the church of Eve/ham with three beautiful copes ; one of white lilk embroidered with gold ; a chefable of the fame make ; another cope of red fatin figured with horfes of gold and griffins ; and a third of green fatin with figures of angels bearing cenfors, of leopards, and golden flowers. He procured alfo a ftole, with a maniple of Kk 2 purple 252 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE purple filk fringed with gold, a dalmatica, and a pall, all interwoven with gold. To thefe were added a paftoral ftafFof very rich workmanfhip. This fhewy abbot bought alfo a very large ring to be worn at mafs, a rnitre, and another flill richer cope of embroidered fatin, with the figures of angels bear- ing cenfors, and of griffins in gold. — But to this finery th^^re is no end. One more iet of veflments alone fhall be noticed, which feem to exceed all the; refl. He furnifhed for the chapel of St. Mary a chefable of red fatin fpotted wnth golden ftars, and two floles, with maniples of golden fiingc and filver bells appending to it ; one of which is in the chapel of the blclfed Mary, and the other kept in the treafury. Of table furniture, this abbot provided for the refedory a magnificent filver cup, and another de mazere ;* together with many filver fpoons, and other utenfils. He bought alfo a receptacle for the eucharift ; two large filk cufliions ; and made three abbot's feats. He dug a fifh-pool at Omhnfleye, another at Honeyborne, and built a mill thereon, and a dove-houfe on its fide. The three mills of OJfenham, Hampton, and Wfke- wane were made by him; as alfo the fifh-pool oi Bradewell, with its mill. At Evejham, the fecond and third fifh-pool were his work : for the firft is of very ancient date. He built the manor-houfe of OmbrcJIeye, with its dove-cote, and the houfe of Honeyborne. The granges of Willarfeyc, of Aldynion, of Wykewane, of Evejham, and of Lenchwyk, were much improved by this abbot. After building fix mills on the manors belonging to the abbots, inftead of their tithes, he granted to the almoner the whole profits of that at AldynfoTi, which he had purchafed himfclf. — More of this minute hiflory is retailed to us in the regifter ; but this will probably fuffice for the greater part of readers. This abbot died i6 kalends of January, 1229. With his fucceffor the adive Thomas de Marleburg, and his labours, we are already well acquainted ; though feveral particulars are recorded of him in this regifler which the paper, before inferted, does not contain. None of thefe are however remarkable enough to merit a place here. Of Richard le Gras little is mentioned, but that he procured for the Evejham church a cope of Saracen work, called by the odd name of Cautekope; that the • This term frequently occurs ; but I do not underfland it. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 253 the great church was dedicated in his time, A. D. 1239 ; and that he was much employed in negotiations and embaffies by Henry the third. He died 5 ides of December, 1240. The next abbot, "Thomas de Gloiiver, was not deficient in the purchafe of copes, 8cc ; all which aie in the regifter minutely defcribed as above. His iiicceffor Henry appears to have undertaken a much better tafk: — to get vid of a troublefome debt the convent had incurred ; partly, no doubt, through the extravagance if former abbots in the purchafe of thefe very ornaments. He bought many farms, and applied their profits to ufeful purpofes ; affign- ing all the offerings made to the holy crofs at Evejham to the fupport and reparation of the church. A curious deed concerning an affignment of the fame kind may be found in a former p^rt of this work.* Fifty (hillings per annum were fet apart by this man, out of an eftate he had bought of one Radulf de Bretforfon, to the fupport of a chaplain, to pray daily for pardon of the convent's negligences in celebrating divine fervice. Of this deed the title only is inferted in the Abbey appendix ; but the purport of it might in- duce one to fuppofe the turbulence of the times had begun to afifecl the difeipline of the convent, which fuffered a total interruption by the fubfe- quent events. This abbot gave many veftments, of which I will give a fhort fpecimen. He fumifhed three copes, one of red filk, worked by hand with white doves and lilies of gold, and another made of Baudekin, with golden fcallops and lily-flowers of red filk. A third of red fatin, which the chap- lains of the abbot ufe when he himfelf is dreffed for the altar. He acquired moreover two chefables ; one of red filk, alfo worked by hand with white doves in the hinder part, and another of white Baudekin, with birds of gold, having their beaks of violet-coloured lilk. — There is more of this in the regifter, but with fo little variety, that i^may be omitted without much lofs to the reader. Henry died in November, 1263. In the following year happened the battle of Lewes, quickly fucceeded by that of Evejham. This latter event feems to have disjointed every thing in this Abbey, which remained without a ruler for about three years. — Leaving therefore * Page 120. ■254 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE therefore thefe abbots for a lime, let us advert to feveral of the monks who lived about this period, and were very eminent for ufeful fcience, or (kill in the fine arts. The firfl, in order of time, is Waller Odinglon, a monk of EveJIuzm, who was very remarkable for his profound knowledge in mufic, aftronomy, and mathematics in general, in the early part of the thirteenth century. Stevens, in his Supplement, has veiy abfurdly dilunited the two names of this man, and fpeaks of Walter and Odington as two diftind perlbns, both however monks of this houfe. We may fafely reunite thefe two factitious perfonages, and apply what he fays of both to this monk alone. — " Walter monk of Evejham, a man of a facetious wit, who applying himfelf to literature, left he fhould fink under the labours of the day, the watching at night, and con- tinual ohfervance of regular difcipline, ufed at fpare hours to divert himfelf with the decent and commendable diverfion of mufic, to render himfelf the more cheerful for other duties. Whether this application to mufic drew him off from other ftudies I know not. but there appears no other work of his than a piece entitled — OJ tite Speculation of Mujic." — Farther on, fpeak- ing o{ Odington, as of another perfon, he informs us that " he was famous in his time for philofophy and rilathematics, and is faid to have written — Of the Motion of the Planets, and — Of the Clmnges in t/ie Atniofpliere."* The above apology for Waller^s application to mufic is (as a late elegant writer * Fuller, in his Worthies, has an odd flight concerning this ingenious monk. — " Walter of Evejham was born thereabouts, and bred therein a Benediftine monk. His harmonious mind ex- preiied iifelf in its love ofmufic, wherein he attained to great eminency, and wrote a learned book in that faculty. But here lilious Bale [cent. i8. num. lOO.] lets fly without fear, (though not without fome wit,) inveighing againft all mufic in churches, pretending to produce a pair-royal of fathers for his opinion, viz. St. Jerome calling fuch chanting, theatrales modulos ; Gregory term- ing it coni'uetudin.m reprehenjlbUem, and Alhanafius flatly forbidding it the church for the vanity thereof. But by Bale's leave, fuch (peak not againft the decent ornament of mives, who reprove the garlfh attire of harlots; the abuje, not the uje, of mufic being taxed by the fathers aforefaid. Our Walter flourilhed anno 1 240." ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 2r,< writer* on the art juftly obferves,) " entirely needlefs ; for mufic was, and ftill is, fo much the bufinefs of a Romifh prieft, that to be ignorant of it dif- qualifies him for his profeflion." This indefatigable, as well as elegant hifto- rian, took the trouble minutely to examine the MS. production on mufic of this Walter, which ftill fubfifts in Bennet Library, at Cambridge. It will per- haps be fome gratification to a mufical reader if I follow this writer through his refearches concerning this old producT'on ; — confident that a lover of humanity w'lW pardon an author who fteals a few hours from unpleafing re- flexions on the turbulent degeneracy of the age in which we live, and dedi- cates them to an art that breathes only tranquility and benevolence. The title of this MS. is — Walterus Monadms Evejhamice de Specalatlone Mujicas, The firft page, only, has been injured by time, and fome vacuities have been left by the fcribe, which feem intended to have been filled up with red ink. The work is divided into fix books. The firft contains ten chapters, on the divifion of the fcale, and harmonlcal proportions. The fecond part confifts of eighteen chajflers. The firft of thefe is an eulogium on mufic, in which he defcants on the nine Mufes and their attri- butes ; fpeaks of David's power over the fpirit of Saul, by means of his harp ; quotes Clemens Alexandrinus , but not in Greek; and after giving the invention of inftruments to Tubal, relates the manner in which Pythagoras difcovered harmonical proportions by the weights of a blackfmith's hammers. Speaks of major and minor fcmitones, and of the Comma. He has a long chapter on the propoitions of the major and minor thirds : here he takes occaiioa to defcribe the different kinds of human voices, from the (hrill cries of the in- fant to the deep and dying groans of an old man ; but mentions not thofe of the cajlrat't. Accounts for the thirds having been regarded as difcords by the ancients who adhered to the proportions of Pythagoras ; and fays, that to pleafe * Dr. Bumey in his general Hiftory of Mufic ; [vol. 2. p. 156.] whofe words are chiefly made ufe of in the following account of Odington's MS. 256 HISTORY AND ANTIQtiTIES OF THE pleafe in harmony they muft necefTarily be altered, or, as it was afterwards called, tempered. In his feventeenth chapter he gives a lift of the lefs per- fedi double founds, or the concordant difcords; and thefe he fays are fix : the major and minor third ; the major fixth ; the two tenths, or octaves of the thirds ; and the diapafon and diateffaron, or eleventh. The third part is chiefly fpeculative, and confined to harmonics: forming the fcale, and dividing the monochord by numbers, and giving rules for the proportions of organ pipes, and the cafiing of bells. His chapter De Organis componendi is manifeftly defigned for the proportions of pipes in the injrument called an organ,* not the organum, or fecond voice part in difcant, of which he treats feparately in his laft book. This, and his chapter De Cymbaiis jadendis, or cafting of bells, are curious, and the firft inllrudions of the kind that have been met with in the manufcripts of the middle ages. The laft chapter of this book is De Tropis, by which he means the ecclefiaftical modes, which he gives with their Greek names, in a literal notation. The fourth part concerns poeticaj feet and rhythms more than mufic. After this the MS. is continued in a different and more difficult hand- writing, in which the abbreviations are utterly unlike the former part. Much pradice in this way had however enabled the hiftorian to proceed in his ex- amination, which he thus continues : Part the fifth contains eighteen chapters, which are in general very curious and uncommon. In one of them entitled De Signis Vocum, he gives us an account of the charaders ufed in noting down the chanting, or plain-fong, in his own times, which are totally different from thofe which occur in any other author. This notation does not exprefs merely the elevation or de- preffion of a fingle found, but entire intervals or fhort pafTages, and even the • Walter alfo gives us, in this work, fome account of the firft introduflion of the organ into Europe. Ht fays that " in the year 757 an iaflruuient of this kind was firft of all feiit into fiance, to king Pepin, by the Greek emperor." ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 257 the inflexions of the voice, in almoft every fpecies of interval, by a fingle character. The terms he ufes are — PunSlum, for a fingle note ; Bifpun&um, for two notes defcending ; Tripundtum, for .three ; BkonpunStis, for five afcending regularly, and again defcending ; and fo on, in a way that cannot eafily be underftood without reference to the MS, or this hiftorian's full and clear account of it. He fpeaks afterwards of that kind of notation, the in- vention of which is attributed to Guido, but without mentioning that author, — The reft of the book is employed in defcribing different forts of ecclefiafti- cal chants, and in giving rules for compofing them. Of thefe he gives fome fpecimens which appear more florid than are ufually found in milTals of the fame period. " This" (adds the hiftorian,) " feen:is the moft complete de- fcription and notation of the ecclefiaftical chant that I have found in any author of equal antiquity." In the fixth, and lafi part, he treats of the Canlus Menfurabllis, or meafured- fong ; which, fays this author, will fill up a chafm in the hiflory of that im- portant part of mufic, which has been left void by all other treatifes I have been able to confult. Here he gives rules for organizing, or mufic in parts ; and for the compofition of figurative mufic, — meaning, I apprehend, its meafured notation. The chapters are on the following fubjeds: DeLongis, Brevlbus, et Semibrevibus ; De Plicis; '^lot modis Longa perjeita et imperfecta dicitur ; DePauJis; Be Ligaturis, kc. Of all ^vhich, as well as their combinations in Meafured Mufic, he fpeaks in a very ample and fatisfadory manner. In one of the chapters of this laft part, which treats of the perfed and imperfect modes, and their mutations, he compares mufical Times to poetical Feet, in a more full, clear, and ingenious manner, than has been done fince by any other writer. The author declares in his laft chapter, that he has nothing to fear frona the feverity of faftidious critics ; as his intention was not fo much to invent rules of his own, as to coiled the precepts and opinions of his predecefllbrs. However, he feems to have been the firfl: that fuggefted a fliorter note than the femibreve, though he did not give it a form ; for in the firft chapter of LI the 258 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE the laft book, we have the following paffage : — " I, firft of all, have divided the ferhibieve into three parts, which I call minims, flill retaining the figure of the femibreve, left I ftiould feem to depart from the dodrine of others." — The text is much abbreviated here, and difficult to decipher ; however, he certainly fpeaks of fnraller portions of time than the femibreve ; of which, no mention being made of them in other trads, he feems to have been the mventor. Tlie mufical examples in this trad are (as we underftand from its able in- fpedor,) very incorred, and frequently inexplicable; owing to the ignorance of mufic in tranfcribers. But if this MS. were corrected, and fuch of the examples as are recoverable, regulated and reftored, it would be the mofk ample, fatisfadory, and valuable, which the middle ages can boaft. Here the curious enquirer into the ftate of mufic at this early period may difcover not only what progrels our countrymen had made in the art themfelves, but the chief part of what was known elfewhere. I have not been able to acquire any biographic information concerning this monk ; not even the date of his admiffion into the monaftery, or of his death. But his mufical treatife has been fo much extolled by the excellent judge I have juft cited, — is of fo early a date, and withal fo fcarce and in- acceflible, — that it feemed incumbent on an hiftorian of this Abbey to allow it more confideration than is ufual in works of the prefent kind. About the fame period, or rather later, there were two other monks of this foundation in confiderable eftimation for fcience. Hugh dc EveJJiam was cither a native, or monk of this place, probably both ; and was accounted the firft phyfician of his age. A difpute arifing at Rome concerning fome me- dical qucftion, he was fent for by pope Martin IV. who was fowell fatisfied with his (kill as to create him a cardinal, in the year 1280. The Italians how- ever envied him his preferment ; and are faid to have poifoned him, about 1287. He was buried at Rome. In the early part of his life he had pafTed through the preferments of archdeacon of Worcefter, redor of Spofford in Yorkfhire, prebend of Tork^ and prodor for the archbiftiop of York, at Rome. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 259 Rome. Some medical and theological MSS. of his are, according to Leland» ftill extant in the Bodleian Library, at Oxford, Elms de Evejkam, who flourifhed about the fame time, was eminent as a biographer and hiftorian. He was of good family, and expeded an ample patrimony : but either through fome difappointment in his expedations, or perhaps merely a love of lludy and retirement, he became a monk of this foundation. He wrote a chronicle, and the life of Becket ; which latter work Leland affirms that he met with in Whitby-abbey. A perfon of the fame name, and probably this very monk, is known to have been prefented, in the eighteenth year of king John, to a prebend of Hereford, Two other monks are mentioned by hiftorians as of fome eminence, con- fiderably after this period : but few particulars of them are handed down to us. One of them is by Hearne fuppofed to have written the Life of Richard IL which that antiquary found among the Cotton MSS. and publifhed in the year 1729. The other, whofe name is known to have been jfofeph, wrote a colledion of letters ; two infipid ones of which coUedion Hearne publiChed at the end of the biographic work above-mentioned. By the author of the Speculum Angbrum, which feems little more than an abridgement of F?i//i»r, another monk of thishoufe is mentioned, whofe name appears to have been John Cumin. This man became firft archbifhop of Dub- lin, and was, by one of the popes, afterwards made a cardinal. No dates or farther particulars are given ; nor is any inftance of his eminence in fcience or literature pointed out. It is now time to return once more to our abbots. — The regifter feems to expand as it proceeds into more modern periods ; and, befide throwing new light on the difficult fubjed of the revenue, details many other curious par- ticulars. — IVdliam de Wyfecltyrche was, in the autumn of 1266, made abbot by the legate Ottoboni. This man feems to have added much to the income of the Abbey. He acquired a confiderable eflate at Dereford, together with the advowfon of the church there, and affigned it to the almery; with however L 1 2 a refer- 26o HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE a rcfeivation for the expences of his own ann'werfary, in which thefe digni- taries fecm now to become very oftenlatious. He purchafed many rents in Eve/Jiam, Be7igvi'ort/i, Baddeby, and Omhrcjleyc ; from which alfo he fet apart twenty fliillings annually, for the fame purpofe. He bought moreover the manor of Bengeworth of William heauchamp, carl of Warwick, with all its ap- pendages. Many charters of confirmation drawn up by this abbot may be found in the regifter; among which is one afligning a newly acquired lent of feventy fhillings per annum to the maintenance of an immenfe wax-light, which was to burn in wafte before the flu incs of the faints ; and a lamp ot equal magnitude, to be fixed before the crofs on the pulpit of the great church. — He did not negled to add to its finery. — A cope of purple falin, with vine-branches worked in gold ; a chefable of white filk ; and two new tunicks of white cloth added new fplcndor to the former pomp of thefe mo- naftic peacocks. He died 3 nones of Auguft, 1272. So much is faid, in this record, of the four fucceeding abbots, that I muft be careful to confine my extrads within reafonable limits. John de Broke- hampton, the next abbot, acquired by purchafe, or other means, the manor of Seynrjhury, then worth thirty pounds per annum, with the advowfon of the church. The manor of OUebarwe, worth twenty pounds, with that ad- Towfon. The fee (a knight's-fee, as appears by other accounts,) of AJlon ; and many new rents, with fome farms at Evejham. In the manor of Baddeby and Kewenham, no lefs than feventy-eight fhillings advance was made in the rents. Thirty-five, together with the acquifition of a windmill,* at Honey- born. Twenty-four, with another windmill, at WHlarfey. Farther purchafes were niade at Bengcworlh, Norton^ the Littlefons, Hampton, Hudicofe, Donyntorij Baddefeye, Borouc/Uon, IBurton,] and Twyford. New veftments were alfo pro- cured. A red cope, which once belonged to William de Bqfco ; another of white fatin ; fix chefables, one of violet-coloured filk ; another of the fame colour, with a reprefentation of the crucifixion on its back part ; a third of a violet - • This is Ihe firft mention of this kind of machine that occurs in the old records. No fuch things are now to be feen in this country : their place being belter fupplied by a great number of water-mills. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 56r a violet-colour, lined with red fatin ; a fourth of white fatin, worked with, leaves and flowers ; a fifth of the fame materials ; and a fixth of violet- coloured filk, lined with red fatin, the fame which is now kept in the chapel of the lord-abbot, were all acquired by this man. Two tunicks, with the fame number 5f dalmaticas of violet-coloured fatin ; and feven albs, were alfo added to cur wardrobe. — The fame abbot built the abbot's hall, with a chamber and a chapel; a kitchen with a larder adjoining; two new chambers in the weftern part of the Abbey, with a large liable ; eight fumptuous granges, on fo many manors; an apartment at Honyborn, with a chapel; the chancel of the church there ; the chancels at Wdlarfeye and Hampton ; the church at Norton ; two new aparments at Offenkam ; and laftly all the buildings on the manor o^WUlarfeye, excepting only the great Sables there. — Some things which follow in the record cannot eafily be deciphered; and furely from what can, we may be allowed to judge that in thofe times the art of writing hiftory confifted merely in detailing fuch events, as no one would willingly read. But the authenticity of thele old fragments of antiquity, as well as the difficulty of reading, or procuring copies of them, will be my beft and only apology for continuing them, to the utter indifference perhaps of nine tenths of my readers. — This abbot died, in a good old age, on the 15 kalends of. September, 1316. William de Chyryton fucceeded both to his office, and to his diligence in encreafing this Abbey's revenues. The manors of Tatlynton and WttMeye were now added to them. Farms, lands of various kinds, and tenements were acquired in Derlyngefcote, Kyngeley, Baddefeyc, "Eve/ham, the Littletons, Honyham, Wihwonjord, (fo it is called in the regifter,) Bretjorton, Kynewarton, Ollebarwe, and Bengcworth, to a great amount. Tlie advowfons of the churches of Leylond, Omhrejleye, and Baddeby, were alfo procured by this abbot. — Many of the minuter regulations he made in his convent 1 fhall pafs over ; but fome that relate to the buildings of this Abbey, all now fo completely levelled with the earth, fhould be mentioned. — He granted, for the ufe of the Hojii- larliis, the old apartment near the abbot's hall, to be fitted up for the accom- modation of guells of any religious order. He built that moft ftatcly gate of the Abbey, with its chapels and apartments, all very handfomely embattled on SOS HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE on the top. From this gate as far as to the Avon, he fortified the Abbey on that Cde with a ftone wall. He alfo made the two contiguous gates toward the gardens, with a very pleafantly fituated chamber over them. Many of the granges were repaired or rebuilt by him. — Nor did he negled the finery. — He procured a chefable, and two tunicks of violet-coloured filk, with lily- flowers and croffes interwoven. Alfo a very good alb, of that kind of work which is called Whippedxmrk. — This is very curious: but I mult appeal to my female readers, if any fuch, and requeft a note on this palTage. — He laftly furnilhed a green alb, woven with golden flars. After this he could do no better than quit the ftagc, full of years and glory ; which he did in Decem- ber, 1344. William de Boys, the next abbot, is honoured with a very jovial chara% been affeded by this order. All things confidered, it may not perhaps be deemed too wild a conjedure to fuppofe, that this very bridge was broken down by the prince, immediately before the battle; to prevent all poffibility of the earl's efcape to the metropolis, where lay his greateft ftrength ; and to complete the fnare in which he was involved. Two circumftances maybe adduced, which tend fomewhat to confirm this conjeciure. One of thefe, which relates to the evident marks of carnage near the fite of this bridge, will hereafter be more fully noticed. The other is, — that no fufficient evidence can (I fuppofe) be brought to prove, that there was, at that period, any other regular paffage from Worcejler to the metropolis. The prefent great road, on the fouthern fide of Evefliarriy is known to be of very modem date. There was, I have been informed, a rather more ancient road, that led from Worcejler, through Per/hore and Hin" ton, to London ; but this, as it did not include Evejham in its courfe, is en-r tirely out of the queilion. The two conjectures therefore, — that the road by which the prince approached to EveJIiam was then the principal paffage from Worce/ler to that place, — and that its correfponding branch, over the bridge of Offenham, was then the only paffage from Evejham to London, feem to carry equal probability, and, in fad, to fupport each other. — We have, it muft not be concealed, fufficient proof from old records, that a bridge at £i^<;7l^7?? had been, before, ereded : but that it led to the metropolis, except by a very indirect progrefs, or afforded effedual means of efcape, may very rea- fonably be called in queftion. — Thefe circumftances have been detailed at fome length, that the reader may be enabled to judge, for himfelf, of the probability of fuch unfupported conjedures, which feem, notwithftanding, of confideiable importance to the narrative, — But to return : — Prince Edward made his appearance on the heights, northward of the town, early in the morning ; while Leicejler hailed his approach, as the means of enfuing vidory and triumph. But to prevent all poffibility of a miftake, on the firft appearance of an armed force fo near him, he is reported to have fent an officer* very fkilful in heraldry, to the top of the clock tower of the R r Abbey, • Knighton fays it was his barber. 3o6 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE Abbey, in order to certify himfelf, by the ftandards, of his fon's approach. This man, having afcended the tower, plainly difcerned feveral ftandards waving in the van, which bore the infignia of the Montfort paity. He was about haftily to defceiid, and confirm his general's expectations : but ftill gazing on the troops, as they gradually approached, he foon difcovered the unwelcome enfigns of Mortimer flying in the rear. He called aloud to the earl, who anxioufly waited the event below : — We are loft! Tliefe are not, as you fuppofe, your fon's forces, but thofe of the prince, your b'ltfereft enemy, — Leicef- ter, well aware of the extreme difadvantage of his fituation, is faid to have exclaimed : — May God then receive our fouls \ our bodies are in the power of our enemies! The hurry and confufion that immediately enfued in Evefham and its en- virons, may be beft imagined by thofe accnftomcd to fuch events. The troops* were in hafte called forth ; but to thtir leader all hope was utterly extinct. It is affirmed, that he ordered his men to make a fort of fummary confeffion to the monks, and afterward attempted their encouragement in thefe words : — Let all thofe who afpire to die for their country, its laws and liber- ties^ inftantly prepare for battle. Thofe who wijh only for an inglorious exijlence are at full Uberty to depart. His dcfperation was probably vifible in his countenance. His fon Henry Montfort endeavoured to throw a gleam of hope on this dark fhade of melancholy prefage; but to no purpofe. The old earl replied : — This defpair is not on my own account, my fon! Your own^ and your brother s pride and ambition have led us all to this dfmal extremity. A'wer- ihelefsy I truft, Ijfiall die in the caufe of God and of juftice. — This was an awful moment ! We hear this ambitious charader, poffibly from the effed of long habit, haranguing with all the generous and difinterclted patriotifm of an Epaminondas. We might reafonably expec"! fome fmcerity in the fentiments didated by fuch a terrible conjundure. But hiftory affords too many ex- amples of thofe, who having long deceived others, at length arrive at deceiv- ing themfelves ; and wrap themfelves up in the dark cloak of diflimulation, to the very laft moment of their exiftence. It • The number of forces, in either army, is very indiftinftly to be afcertained from hi/lory. We may however fuppofe Montfort's army to have amounted to about feven thoufand men, and the prince's to a confiderably greater number. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. r> vJ 07 It was fome time after noon, or about one o'clock, before the earl could prepare for the reception of his unwelcome vifitants. Edward, it is proba- ble, allowed him full leifure to effed this ; contented with the advantageous fituation he occupied, and which we may fuppofe him unwilling to abandon. About two, the earl marched from the town with his forces drawn up, as fome affirm, in a denfe, circular body. The unfortunate Henry, much: againft his inclination, was obliged to appear in a very confpicuous part of their army. All hiftorians agree that he was, on this occafion, dreffed in Lekejlers armour, and difguifed in all his habiliments. The reafons for this ftep, though obvious, will hereafter be more fully difplayed. Before they had entirely quitted the town, the Welch troops furnifhed by Llewellyn, and already fufficiently harraffed by hunger and fatigue, haffily took, to flight ;. and attempting to crofs the Avon, were many of them drowned, and the refl, according to the jocular Knighton,* a fecond time baptized in that Jlream. Both the example and the prefag€ afforded by this event, were of the very worft kind, The earl, notwithffanding, proceeded with a refolute and de- termined countenance : but was not, we may reafonably prefume, allowed to reach the brow of the firff acclivity, before the attack began. Knighton ^ who lived much nearer the time of this event, and who from his local fitu- ation, not very remote from the fpot, had better opportunities of informa- tion than molt other hiftorians, exprefHy affirms that Edward, on feeing Leicejler approach from the town, haftened his march, that he might engage him before he could reach it.f All hiftorians unite their ttflimony, to prove this battle was diffinguilhed by peculiar rage and ferocity. If we take into conlideration the fentiments that mufl have afluated each party, in this conteff, we fhall not doubt it. Defpair, from their hopelefs fituation ; with the near profped of total ruin R r 2 and • He fays it was the river Dee in which they perifhed : but this, from the diftance and fituation of that river, is impoffible. " Antequam progrejfi funt fugerunt Wallenjes a Comite Stmone, et in tran- feundo Jlumen Dee muld fubmerf funt, et rellqu't denuo baptizati," + FejVtnavitque ut montis divo afcenfu primos belli iilus occupare fqffit. 3o8 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE and extermination, mud have difpofcd the call's forces to fell their lives as dear as poflTible. On Edward's fide, revenge ; his father's captivity and dif- grace ; the total depreflion of all his magnificent expe^ations ; with, at this arduous moment, the near profpedl of their revival, with increafed fplen- dour and dignity, mnft have added inconceivable fervour to his natural cou- rage and adivity. Early in the conflid, the flaughter of great numbers of Monffort's troops, feemed to indicate the event of the battle. But no man deferted his polh Death or viclory were the only alternatives. Enclofed by the nature of the place, within a very fmall fpace of ground ; and oppoftd, according to the CUftom of the times, man againfl man, no quarter was allowed by one party, or accepted by the other. As the day declined, the weary forces of Leice/ler began to flacken their efforts ; and it was then an event happened which would grace a romance, equally with a true recital of events. The king, ex- pofed in the front of the battle, and doubtlefs combating with no great ar- dour againfl his own party, was, by a common f Idier, wounded in the fhoulder, and flruck to the ground. The man was proceeding to difpatch his royal antagonift, when Henry uttered the fimple, yet Hriking expreflion, which all hiftorians have thought worthy their particular notice : — Lo not kill me. I am Henry of Wmchejier, your khg. He was, obferves the old annalift, a fimple man, and not over-warlike. The expreflion renders the remark entirely ufelefs ; but it faved his life. Adam de Monte alto, or Monthaut, hear- ing it, ran to his fuccour. A rumour of the flrange accident petvaded the troops, in fpite of the tumult and hurry of the fight, and reached his fon Edward. He rufhed to the afliflance of his father, thus flrangely difguifed and endangered, and having provided for his fafety by a giiard, and haftily implored his blefling, left him to reanimate his aftonilhed forces. But during this fliort interval, a blow had been ftruck which at once de- cided this obftinate conteft. Simon Montfort, with his fon Henry, and a few of his moft faithful adherents, was now flruggling, on foot, againft adverfe fate, and the near approach of inevitable deflruflion. His horfe had been killed under him, and he was nearly furrounded by an hoft of enraged ene- mies. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 3^9 mies. Perceiving all refinance ufelefs, he exclaimed to his opponents: — Is there no mercy among you ?* The reply was prompt : — Wliat mercy for a traitor! He is reported to have again uttered the exclamation ufed on Edward^ firft appearance : — Then may God have mercy on our fouls; our bodies mufl perijh? No great refpedl was paid either to his piety, or his defpair. He, his fon, and fmall party of attendants were foon after clofed with, and cut to pieces. Edward was foon informed of this fortunate event ; and viclory, from that moment, became certain. The adverfe army was totally difmayed by the lofs of their chief, and fled in every diredion. The (laughter, on all fides, was dreadful. If any probability may be allowed to the conjedlure, that the bridge at Off'enham was deftroyed immediately before the conflict, we may imagine great multitudes, ignorant of the demolition, to have attempted to efcape that way, and perifhed either in the water or by the fword. The refervoir, now called Battle-well, is traditionally reported to have been fo choaked with carnage, as to have remained long ufelefs to its frequenters. The whole period of time occupied by this conteft was feven hours ; from two in the afternoon, to nine at night: — but of thefe at leaft two hours may be appropriated to the purfuit and flaughter. The number of the flain is not well afcertained ; but it could not be lels than near three thoufand of the commonalty. The principal barons who here met their fate were, according to Knighton, Simon Montfort and his fon Henry, Hugh le Defpenfer, Ralph Bajfet, Thomas de Eflerlye. William de Manda- ville, John de Beauchamp, Roger de Route, and Guy de Baliol. To thefe HoUing- Jhed adds, Sir William York, Walter de Crcppings, Roger St. John, and Rcb.'rt Tregoz. Guy de Baliol or Balliof, a foreigner, was fo mangled by his wounds, that they were obliged to inter him in all his habiliments ; and thus, of all thefe * This does not feem conformable to the idea generally formed of his charafter. As for the ex- datnations which follow, they feem to me little lieightenings adopted by the old annalift, (Knighton,) and if not real, extremely probable. But father Daniel's afTertion does not merit this indulgence. He affirms that — At the time of Montfort's death, there happened fuch a dreadful (lorm of thunder and lightening, and Inch a thick darkneis in the air, as were more terrible to his parly, than the death of their chief. 3IO HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THK thefe warriors, appears moft likely to be the man whofe remains, cloathed in armour, were lately dug up at Evejham. It could not, as fome fuppofe, be Montfort himfelf ; as we are affured, on all hands, that his head was cut oft" after the fight ; and, with a wanton barbarity uncommon even in thofe times, fent, with certain (hameful appendages, to the wife of Mortimer, at Wigmore caftle. The Evejham monks who had, we may prefume, during the conteft, prayed moft fervently for the fuccefs of their favourite, had now nothing to do but prepare for his obfequies. Simon Montfort, and moft of the other chieftains of the party, were buried in the Abbey church. Henry himfelf is faid to have aflifted at the funeral of the earl. It is rather remarkable, that the arms* of feveral of thefe fallen heroes, ftained on glafs, are now to be feen in the eaft window of the church of Fladbury, where the author refides. Some have imagined they were there buried : but the moft probable method of accounting for this circumftance is — that thefe arms were removed from the Abbey-windows, by fome curious perfon, at the demolition. " And now" (fays Camden) " inftantly, as though the fink of mifchief had been cleanfed, a welcome peace which he (Simon Montfort) had banifhed, did every where appear." But this is aflerting too much. Though great things had been done, much ftill remained to be effeded. So great indeed and various were the difficulties through which Edward made his way to the throne, that it is impoffible, notwithftanding his too great feverity, and fome fubfequent failures in his foreign undertakings, to deny him the fiift rank among the heroic monarchs cf this nation. The events immediately fucceed- ing the battle, fcattered fo widely over the pages of hiftory, may be com- preffed within a very fmall compafs, and are judged neceftary for the com- pletion of the prefcnt defign. The • Thefe arms are: — i. Quarterly Argent and Gules frette, Or: over all a bendlet Sable. Le Dejpenfer. — 2. Gules a lion rampant queue fourche Argent. Montfort. — 3. Mortimer with an efci.icheon, Argent. — 4. Two bars, and a quarter Gules. Bofco vr Corbett. — 5. Bende of ten Or and Azure. Montjort, — 6. Gules a telle countercompoue Argent and bdbie tietween fix croffes Or. BoieUr, ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 311 The firft ufe Henry feemed to make of his deliverance from captivity, and his victory at EveJJiam, was the perfecution of his enemies, and the confifca- tion of their eftates. It was thought requifite for fecurity, to root out even the fmalleft fibres of commotion. A parliament was called, of a very diffe- rent complexion from the preceding one, which feconded all his defigns. The citizens of London were doomed to forfeit all their privileges ; to have their gates demolifhed ; their magiftrates and ornaments abolifhed ; and, in a word, to fubmit entirely to the king's mercy. This was obtained only by an exorbitant fum of money. The barons, above all, were in a flate of confufion and defpair, which it would be difficult to dtfcribe. Simon Montfort, Lekejler's eldeft fon, on whom they now direded their eyes as a chieftain, thought it expedient to take mea- fures for his own fafety. With this intent, he fet at liberty, without a ran- fom, Richard the king's brother, who had, all this time, been his prifoner at Kenilviorth caftle. His example was followed by many other perfons, who hoped to make their peace, by reftoring the prifoners they had taken in the battle of Leims. But thefe good offices availed little with Henry in their favour. Young Montfort, perceiving his doom refolved on, left Ken'dworth, with a fufficient garrifcn, for the iile of Axholme, in the marfhes of Lincolnfhire. This feemed fo fafe an afylum for his party, that they flocked daily in great numbers to his ftandard. Edward marched thither, without delay ; and though the place was rendered almoft impregnable by its fituation, feconded by every effort of art, this prince, with his ufual adivityand perfeverance, furmounted every obftacle in his way. After a vigorous defence they were obliged to furrender, in the beginning of the year 1266, on condition only of their lives being preferved. All other matters were referred to the arbitrement of Richard, king of the Romans, and prince Edward. The former affured Henry, that the garrifon of Kenilworlh had, foon after the affair at Evejhani, refolved upon his deftrudion ; and that it was entirely owing to young Mont- fort that his life was fpared. He therefore intreated the king would grant him a free pardon. This is a pleafing trait of gratitude and honour, which the lavagenefs 312 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE favagenefs of the period renders fiill more interefting. Henry however, by the advice, as is faid, of the earl of Gloucefter, (who had fome reafon to hate the Montjort family,) refolved on his banishment. A penfion of five hundred marks per annum were offered, if he would give up the poffeffion of KenUworlh caftle. But this it was not in his power to perform . The gar- rifon would hearken to no mediation ; and young Montjort joined himfelf to fome pirates of the cinque-poits, and, for fome time, led a life of violence and rapine. It being very evident that the inhabitants of thefe ports were abettois ot his outrages, Edward was deputed to chaftife them : but he con- trived to reduce them to their allegiance, by milder meafures. By promifing an amnefty, and a confirmation of their privileges, they returned to their duty, and took a new oath of allegiance to their fovereign. But Kenilworth f^ill defied all the efforts of Hemy, and his heroic fon. Henry Hajl'mgs and William de Pattijhulle , who commanded there, relied fo far on the flrength of the fortifications, and of the garrifon which confided of fe- venteen hundred men, and depended fo much on the promife of a relief by young Montjort, that they would hear of no terms of furrender. There was alfo a {hong body of rebels in the northern counties. Henry, fon of Richard, was detached againft thefe northern free-booters. He furprifcd and totally defeated them : but could not fecure their chiefs ; who, joining the late malecontents at Axholme, took refuge in the ifle of Ely, in Cambridgefhire, and committed horrid ravages in all the neighbouring counties. The celebrated encounter of Edward with the free-booter Adam Gurdon, happened toward the end of this year, 1266. — Thofe hifiorians, parti- cularly the Scottijh writers, who would deny their conqueror every virtue and accomplifhment, cannot furely, on perufing this romantic incident, with- hold from him the praife of fingular valour and provvefs; and, where not too far exafperated by oppofition, of the moff heroic generofity. Kenilworth caftle was at length taken, in the beginning of the following year. The garrifon had been long fo reduced by famine, as to be obliged to cat their horfes; and came forth with the appearance oi Jpedlres, rather than ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 3to than men. Nor would they, even now, furrender, till forty days had been allowed them, to wait for the fuccour which they vainly expeded from young. Manifori, Thefe advantages, and the hope of ftill greater againfl the Ely rebels^ elated the king, as ufual, beyond all bounds. The promifes which his fon had formerly m-ade to the earl of Gloucefter, on his efcape, were now en- tirely negleded. The condud of this nobleman, every-where apparently whimfical and inconflant, feems here to- have been fo in the extreme. It may, however, be eafily reconciled to the rules of juttice and found policy. He refolved to keep the king to his engagements, by throwing additional weight into the fcale of the oppofite party. He fent word to the malcontents, and to Llewellyn prince of Wales, that he would endeavour to give them af- fiftance. It was a dangerous experiment ; and he was indebted only to good fortune for its fiiccefs in the fmalleft degree. Henry inftantly took the alarm: but did not think proper to abandon his enterprife at Ely, where he was fully employed. The earl, taking advantage of his abfence from the capital, marched thither with a confiderable body of forces, and entered the city be- fore the inhabitants knew what to make of his intentions. The pope's legate retired to the Tower ; which the earl befieged, and quickly obliged to fur- render. ' He then threw off the mafk by publifhiTig a manifefto, declaring — that he took up arms only to procure tolerable conditions for the malecon- tents, and to oblige Henry, and his fon, to. perform their engagements. The king then, in great hade, fent to prince Edward, in the northern parts of the kingdom, and, joining their forces, they pofted themfelves at Sirat- Jord. It was now that the earl of Gloucefter found he had deceived himfelf, in a point of the higheft confequence. He had reckoned greatly on his own popularity ; but found that of Edward was far fuperior. This prince's repu- tation for bravery drew great numbers to his ftandard, and Gloucejicr, daily abandoned by fome of his forces, was at length obliged totake refuge in the interceifion of the king of the Romans. That good prince, exerting himfelf in his favour, obtained his pardon, on condition of his laying down arms ; and alfo an amnefty for the city of London, which would otherwife have, S s once 3T4 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE once more, been feverely punilhed. He farther extended his good offices to the rebels at Ely : but, on this head, Henry and his ion remained inexorable. Thefe malecontents being now the only obje(f^, were vigoroufly aflaulted ; and, having no refource left, were foon obliged to fubmit, with the condi- tion only of their lives being fpared. Peace was now fpeedily to be reftored to the harrafTed kingdom. Llewellyn, the only enemy of its tranquility, foon after, in the end of 5267, lent ambaffadors to fue for it. It was granted, on his promifing to pay the fum of twenty-five thoufand marks, and to do homage tor his principality. — All being quiet at home, Edward, and Henry* fon to the king of the Ro- mans, received the crofs, in the beginning of the following year, from the legate Ottobonl. The earls of Pembroke and Warwick, with upwards of one hundred and twenty knights, and great numbers of the people, followed their romantic example. St. Louis, king of France, was to command, in chief: but it was happy for Edward that he did not, in all refpeds, follow the fortunes of his leader. In'order to obtain fatisfacTtion for a certain tri- bute withheld from his brother, the king of Sicily, Louis laid fiege to Tunis; with a refolution not to quit it till he had obtained his end. This he effec'^ed: but, juft as he was leaving the African Ihore, the plague broke out among his troojis, and carried off not only the greater part of thefe, but alfo moft of their leaders, and the good Louis himfelf. Whoever confults the records of his reign, will perceive that this worthy charader had a much better claim to the title of faint, than moft of thofe who have been honoured with that appellation. Edward having no concern with this affair, wintered in Sicily; with intent of purfuing his voyage to Paleftine, early in the following fpring. Though the • This young prince foon after met with a very difaftrous fate. Pafling through Viterho, in his way to Guienne, Guy de Montfort, fon of the late earl of Leicefter, encountered him as he was entering a church, and murdered him at the foot of the altar, to revenge his father's death at Evejham. Neither Henry nor his father, Richard king of the Romans, were in that battle: but this tragical confequence of it proved the caufe of the death alfo (through grief) of the amiable, but not very Jteroic Richard. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. oik the death of Louis had rendered him hopelefs of much fuccefs, he thought it incumbent on him to perform his vow. Thither he repaired, in fpring, 7271 ; and after performing feveral exploits, of more brilliancy than advan- tage to the caufe, met with thofe romantic incidents which have afforded a fubjedi to fo many romances, dramas, and hiftorical paintings. Finding however little could be effedied with his fmall force, he refolved to return home ; and, while on his voyage, heard of Henry's dcceafe. His charader had been raifed fo high by his many heroic adions, that he was received every where, on his return, with exclamations of triumph ; but no where with more than in his own kingdom. He was foon after crowned; and du- ring a reign of thirty-five years, maintained a unitorm character of magnani- mity and the love of juftice, but a little too much ftained by ads of feverity. THUS ended this memorable conteft between licentious ambition, and the luft of defpotic power : and thus does providence, fporting with the defigns of purbJind mortals, often produce the higheft good from the worft intentions. The whole was a game perpetually playing, and, in all appearance, perpetually to be played. It confifted merely of the felfilh ftruggles of party. But here a crown, not an inferior office dependent on it, was the objed. As the prize was richer than common, fo did the competitors difplay a more than common proportion of treacheiy, fraud, and cruelty. The noblefi: advantage to which a generous people could afpire, — the right of the commonalty to interfere with moderation in affairs of ffate, — and the full efiablifhment of their liberties, before only indeterminately fketched out in the charters of jfo/in,, were the refult of thefe fierce contentions. But no thanks are due to the adors in them : they ferved but their own ends. We fhould rather look up to that Being who, by fecond caufes, that often to our weak fight appear both contradic^tory and inadequate, difpofes of all thofe events which we often ffruggle, in vain and bloody contelb, to oppofe. Though the barons originally took up arms in a caufe both jufl and ne- S s 2 ceffary, 3i6 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE cefraiy, yet it cannot be fuppoled that the ultimate defigns of their leader tended to the public good ; or that he cared tor any kind ot liberty, but that oi lyrann'ifing himfelf over his equals and inferiors. Many, 1 am aware, have efpoufed a different opinion : and fuch have an equal right to maintain and affert it. But as motives are, in mod cafes, hidden from our obferva- lion, aBions will beft decide on the man, A fliort but impartial abftrad from the life of this problematic charader will determine the controverfy, better than any argument which either party can adduce. Simon de Mojitfort was the fon of the famous general of the fame name, ■employed in the war againft the Albigenfes. From his office in this war, which had, with the bigots of thofe days all the merits of a real cru- fade, he was diftinguiflied by the title of the mojl holy Count ; and thus left to his pofterity an hereditary claim to the veneration of the monks. He was killed, in the year 12 i8, by a flone thrown from the walls of TMoufe, which he was then bcfieging.* Two other fons are noticed by an ancient 1iiftonan,t who tells us that, after the death oi' Simon de Montjort, his fon and heir Amalric railed the fiege of Tholoufe, and carried his father's body, when embowelled, to Carcajjbne, for interment. In a fubfequent fiege, Guidoy count de Bigorra, the brother oi Amalric, and another fon oi Simon, was alfo killed. From this we may infer, that the Simon de Montjort, who atterward took the lead in Engiifh politics, was probably the third and youngejl fon of this famous general. For the earlier incidents of his life, the records of a foreign country mufl be confulted. His firfl appearance in our own was about the year 1237: when, having abandoned the French court in difguft, we find him very affi- duoufly and fuccefsfully cultivating the favour of Henry the third. The His epitaph, -written by Roger de Injula, or De I'lje, runs thus: Datur item fato, cafuque cadunt itcrato Simone fublato ; Man, Paris, atquc Cato, t M. Paris Hid. MS. cited by Uftier. ABBEYAND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 317 The very firll: year after his arrival, an opportunity oftered, wheu it ap- peared to our verfatile courtier more advantageous to hazard the lols of this favour, than fecurely to retain it. The illuftrious earl of Pembroke had been fome time dead, and left Henrys Mer a widow. Monijort, who was proba- bly of an agreeable perfon and addrefs, perceived the advantage it might give him to be allied to one fo nearly related to the king. Knowing however, that if he proceeded openly, his prcfumptuous ambition would meet with derifion, rather than fuccefs, he contrived, in fecret, fo far to ingratiate himfelf with this lady,* that the king, foon after, found it neceffary to have them privately married in his chapel. Richard, the king's brother, was highly exafperated by this affront ; and reprefented to Henry the difgrace of her marrying a younger brother, of fo inferior a family. The king was obliged to explain. He convinced Richard of the abfolute neceffity of the marriat^e : adding that it was already folemnized, and the princefs far gone with child, Montfort finding the court a little irkfome to him, at this period, carried his wife to Rome ; where he got the pope to confirm this alliance. He then re- turned to England, and appeared at court, as much in favour with the mo- narch as before. This circumftance, more than any other, ferved to raife a violent clamour againfi foreigners about the king's perfon ; and it is curious to find, fome years after, when MoJitJort had changed his party, this very man, now the object of it, had become the chief promoter of this clamour againft foreign influence. In the year 1239, he was created earl of Lticefler.t A few days after Henry had fliewed him this mark of his favour, with a furpriling degree of childifh abfurdity, he accufed Montfort, in public, of having debauched his lifter, and bribed the pope to confirm the marriage. The reproach was a little unfeqfonable : but the earl, dreading farther refentment, fet out for France * This good lady had, after the death of her hufband, made a vow of perpetual chdjlily, t It is affirmed, by a late hiftorian, [Smollet] that Simon Montfort inherited the honour of Hinckley, the Jlewardjhip of England, and the county of Leicejler, in right of his mother, who was daughter and co-heirefs ol Robert Fitz-parnel, earl of Leicefler. 2i3 HISTORY AND A-NTIQUITIES OF THE o France the fame clay, with the princefs his wife ; well knowing the king's winth would be as fuddenly appeafed, as it had been unexpededly awakened. *' Henry, who" — fays Rapin — " could neither love nor hate long," re- called him from thence, in 1240. The earl, foon after, fet out on an ex- pedition to Paledine, where he remained but a (hort time. His difpofition had little of the romantic cad. A court befet by contending parties, where, by intrigues, he could moft fuccefsfully promote his own intereH and ambi- tious views, was the proper field for this bufy charader. We hear little of him during Hairy's inglorious campaign in France, or any other tranfaftion, for fome years ; till, in 1249, fome of the Gafcon nobility having revolted, he was fent over to Guienne, or Gafcony, to reduce them, and acquiied great reputation by his prudent and fuccefsful management of the affair. Henry was much elated by this good fortune ; and concluded the chaftife- ment of the Gafcons would ferve as a perpetual example to his Englifh fub- Jeds, and prevent their even murmuring at any defpotic meafures which he might adopt. On this prefumption, he received Leicejier, at his return, in 1251, with the moft extravagant honours, and the mofl profufe rewards. This condud exceedingly heightened the general odium both againd the king himfelf, and this favoured foreigner, as, at the fame time, this injudicious monarch feemed to undervalue any fervices performed by his native fubjeds. Thus was the earl himfelf the chief caufe of that unworthy condud, which he afterward made the pretence of all his rebellious meafures. But the fubtle Gafcons were, about this time, near outwitting their artful governor. Deputies arrived, the fame year, from Guienne, accufing him of the moff unjuft and fcandalous oppreflions. He was, in this infiance, as will appear by the fequel, rather the injured than injurious party, Leicejier .v;;iited on the king to juflify himfelf, and denied every particular laid to his charge. He wondered the king would liflen to the frivolous complaints of the Gafcon rebels, againft a man who, in a po(l where others were ufed to enrich them- felves and their creatures, had ferved him faithfully, and expended great part of his effate in his office. Henry affured him that he gave no credit to thefe accufalions : that, on the contrary, he had refolved to fend commif- fjoners ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 313 fioners to Guienne, to acquire thorough information of the conducl of thefe artful rebels. To convince him further of his good opinion, he made the earl a fecond prefeat, and ordered him to be in leadinefs to return to his government. While Leicejler was in preparation, the Gafcons, informed of his intended reinftatement, deputed the archbifhop of 5ozir(/e3?/.Y, to renew their accufa- tion and complaints. The commiffioners, who had been fent to Guienne on enquiries, returned, while this prelate was in London. Their report was, — that the earl had indeed ufed fome of the Gafcon nobility rather harfhly : but, as far as they could find, according to their deierts. This report might have acquitted Leicejler, at any other period : but Henry, who was unable to judge for himfelf, had, in the interval, been gained over by the bi(hop of Bourdeaux, and fuddenly darted afide into the oppofitc extreme. He had been affured by that prelate, — that if Leicejler (hould return to Guienne, that province muft be irrecoverably loft. This idea made fo deep an impreflion on the king, that he refolved to facrifice the earl, to preferve, if poffible, the aff(?dions of the Gafcons. He ordered Leicefter's accufation to be brought before the peers, and determined to ufe all his influence to procure his condemnation. The whole kingdom, no lefs than the earl himfelf, was affonifhed at this unexpecled change. But this adive and politic Itatefman took, perhaps the only meafure, that could have prevented his utter ruin. He found means to gain over Richard the king's brother, the earl of Gloucef- ter, and moft of the powerful party in oppofition to the court. Relying on their fupport, on the day appointed, he appeared with much confidence before the court, and juftified himfelf, with fo much force and ffrength of evidence, that his accufer the archbifliop was extremely .puzzled how to pro- ceed. Whenever he opened his mouth to maintain his affertions, he found himfelf interrupted by a repetition of Leicejler's arguments from fome one or other of the barons, now become his friends. It was the king's turn now to wonder and become indignant. He could not refrain from (hewing his dif- pleafure, and ufing feveral very harfh expreflfions. Leicejler finding his j uni- fication complete, now improved his vidory, and began to boaft his fervices; tailing on Henry, with much arrogance, to keep his word with refpecl to the 320 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE the pvomifed reward. A curious dialogue enfued. The king replied, — he did not Ihtnk it nccejfary to keep his word with a traitor. The earl, enraged be- yond all bounds, told him plainly, — he lied : adding that, were he not a king, he would make him repent his words. It is not pojfible, continued Leice/ler, to fuppofe, that fuch a prince as you are can ever praSlife confejjion. Tes, replied Henry, lam a Chrijlian, and confefs ojten. To what end, faid the earl, without repentance of former offences ? I repent, znfwered Henry, of nothing fo much, as having lavijhed my favours on a man like yon, with fo little gratitude, and fo much infolence andhnUdity. — The king then gave orders to have him fcized: but finding his friends preparing to aflift him, he was himielt fcized with a moft unkingly trepidation, and defifted from his purpofe. He had even the weak- nefs to allow of an application in the earl's favour, and became, to outward appearance, entirely reconciled, on very trifling fatisfadlion. But this info- lence funk fo deeply in his mind, that he could never afterward txtnfee this former favourite, without betraying fome emotion. — We cannot, after pe- rufing fuch a pafTage, wonder at any of the (trange events of this reign ; and Rapin, after recording it, very judicioufly remaiks that — " no one would believe it to be fad, were not all hiftorians unanimous in its atteftation." From this period, Leicejler may be confidered as having changed his party. He was, in the year 1252, fent back to Guienne ; but with a defign rather to keep him out of mifchief, than to promote his intereft. Soon after, this dutchy was given to Edmund, the king's youngeft fon. The Gafcons rejoiced much in this alteration ; and having no longer reafon to fear a man, now fpeedily to be recalled, laid fo many fnares in his way, that it required all his fagacity to efcape them. He contrived however to make them fenfible of his difpleafure, before he left the province. In the following year, 1253, the condud of thefe Gafcons plainly evinced that they were determined to rebel, and that the caufe of their former com- plaints was merely an apprehenfion that Leicejler's vigilance and activity would difappoint their intentions. He was no fooner recalled,* than a plot was dif- covered to deliver up that province to the king of Caftile. This alfair, which had • He had retired into France, immediately after his refignation. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 321 had very troublefome confequences, is no otherwife connedled with my fub- jed, than by the circumftance of Leicejler's offering his fervices to the king, at the clofe of this year ; and his marching fome troops, at his own expence, into the province. His arrival, added to a report that Alphonfo, king of Caf- tile, was in private treaty with Henry to betray them, produced a great effedl, and they foon after returned to their obedience. This adion has a good, and generous appearance : but whether the motive were revenge on the Gafcons, or gratitude to Henry, it would be difficult, as well as rafh, to decide. In the year 1258, we find the name of Simon Montfort, as chairman of the committee, appointed to draw up the famous articles of the Oxford parlia- ment. Thefe articles met with confiderable oppofition. Earl Warrenne plainly refiifed to fign them. Prince Edward, who had before fworn to their ob- fervance, endeavoured afterward to retrad. Henry, fon to the king of the Romans, withheld his aflent, till they had been approved by his father. Lekejler, ever arrogant and prefumptuous, gave him to underftand, that, if he did not unite in thefe mea Cures, he fhould not keep poffeffion of a foot of land in the kingdom. William de Valence, the king's half-brother, againft whom thefe new regulations were particularly levelled, declaring he would not fign fuch articles as tended to diminifh, or rather annul, the royal pre- rogative, was threatened by Leicejler, vv^ith a refumption of all the grants he held from the crown. When he obferved, — that he knew how to defend his property, — Leicejler informed him, — his head Jhould pay for his dlfobedience . William, and his brother Aymer, chofe rather to banifh themfelves the king- dom, than either fign thefe articles, or incur the danger of a refufal. Henry, thus ftripped of his authority, both feared and hated Leicejler, in the extreme. He was obliged to ratify the Oxford provifions, though they expreffly deprived him of all his prerogatives: but he could not, on fome occafions, help fhewing both his terror and his refentment. One day, as he was going from the Tower by water, a violent ftorm arofe, which obliged him to land at the neareft place of fhelter. This happened to be' Durham- houfe, then belonging to Leicejler, The earl came out to receive him, and, obferving his perturbation, enquired if he was afraid of the thunder and T t lightening, 322 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE lighteninsj, adding that — there was no danger, as tliejlorm was nearly paji. Ko, no, hid Henry, the Jlorm Is not over : hut, by God's head, I am more ajr aid of thee, than of all the thunder and li^htenin^ in the univerfe. The king had indeed reafon to fear this violent and encroaching fubje(ft. It appears plainly, from our hiflory, that the barons, under his guidance, had refolved never to lay down their authority, even after all the purpofes, for which it had been afTumcd, were efTeded. Richard the king's brother, about this time, wrote to them that he defigntd to return into England, to affift them in appeafing the commotions of the kingdom. The anfwer was : — That they would na'er fujfer him to return into the kingdom, unkfs he /wore to ohfene the Jlatutes of Oxford. Richard received the deputies, who brought this imperious mefTage, with equal haughtincfs. He informed them, that, — he thought it very J} range the barons Jhould thus nan model the government, without his concurrence ; and protefled — he would neither take the oath they required, nor defi^ from Ms intentions of coming to England. The barons then equipped a fleet to difpute his pafl'age : but Richard, giving way to neceffity, and believing, at the fame time, that his prefence was neceffary at home, rendered it ufek fs by confenting to fign the articles. He came to Dover and took the oath, in the prefence of the king, and a great number of the barons who went to meet him. But in the year 1260, a jealoufy and mifunderftanding broke out among the barons themfelves, on accout of their authoritative leader. He begun now to ufurp all the power delegated to the twenty-four commiffioners, and was even fufpeded of aiming at the fovereign power. The earl of Glouceflcr, to form a party againtt him, fpread a report, which he doubtlefs did not him- felf credit, that Leicejler was in league with prince Edward, and was endea- vouring to place him on the throne, during his father's life. Poor Henry, then at St. Omers, was fo grievoufly alarmed by this report, that he would not for fome time venture to return to England, left his life, or, at leaft, his liberty fhould be attempted. But prince Edward, who harboured no fuch black intentions, fully juftified himfelf to his affrighted fire. Gloucejler, find- ing this indired mode would not fucceed, attacked Leicejler in a more open way. ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF E V E S H A iM. 323 way. He accufed him of feveral mifdemeanors committed both in England and in Guienne, and demanded a day fhould be appointed, for him to prove thefe charges. Lekejler appeared, on the day fixed, with fuch confidence and apparent innocence, that Gloucejler fhrunk from the taflc he had im- pofed upon himfelf, and required longer time : alledging that his witnefTes were not all prepared. The king of the Romans, the general reconciler, made up this quarrel ; very much, as it afterward appeared, contrary to his own interelt and fecurity. He went flill farther : — by foftening and mode- rating fome of the oflenfive articles, he undertook, and in fome meafure fucceeded in, effecling a general reconciliation. But Lekejler could ill brook this proceeding : it went direcfily againft all his plans ; and he retired to France in great difguft. As he could not openly affign his motive for this ftep, he pretended that he ought not to truft a prince, who never hefitated at a breach of faith if he thought it would tend to his own advantage. This happened at the end of the year 1262. In the following year, his party beginning again to ftir, (the king's ab- fence in Guienne giving them a favourable opportunity for their cabals,) Lekejler returned ; and from that moment we may date the commencement of thofe troubles which fo long harrafled this unfortunate country. All the tranfadions of this ambitious character during that period have been already fo fully detailed, thai it will be improper farther to notice more than two ; both of a very particular caft and complexion. The famous tournament appointed by Lekejler'% diredion, in the begin- ning of the year 1265, is one of thefe fmgular manoeuvres. Gloucejler faw this feftival in no other light, but'that of a fnare laid for his liberty, if not his life ; and, though Rapin does not notice fome effential circumftances in this affair, we cannot doubt but it was meant as fuch. Other hiftorians, al- moft unanimoufly, inform us, that — on Gloucejler's not appearing at this tournament, Lekejler prevailed on the young nobility who were affembled for other purpofes, to proceed diredly againft him to the marches of Wales; in hope of taking him by furprife. He was luckily upon his guard : but this Tt 2 is 324 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE is fuch a dark piece of treachery and dirty knavery, as plainly (hews the con- triver was neither fit to rule, or even to exifl. Another, of no very diflimilar nature, was the laft adion of Lekejler's life : — the remarkable circumilance of his dreffing the captive Henry in his own armour, and placing him in the front of an army hoflile to himfelf. For this, three motives may be reafonably affigned : either of which a man of honour, or even true courage, would fj urn irom his imagination. He muft either have intended, by this trick, to elieci the fpecdy deftrudion of the king ; (which in fad was very near taking place;) — or, he mult have fuppofed, in cafe of a difcovery, fuch an incident would check the ardour of his opponent's troops ; — or lafily, and mofl probably, he hoped to keep open an opportunity for his own efcape, if it ihould prove a meaiure of expe- dience. But from all thefe motives, uncorrupted nature revolts with indig- nation. No valid arguments can be adduced to prove, that honour and common honefty fhould ever be feparated from the politics, either of peace, or war: and thofe who attempt to difunite them, or palliate their effedts when thus difunited, deferve worfe of the human lace than he who lliould recommend even fu'tdde as a laudable example. The charader of Simon Montfort is no uncommon one, nor anyAvhere of difficult folution. Ambition and felf-intereft were the ruling paffions ; and thefe he purlued through right and wrong, and over obflacles which common minds could not contemplate without horror and amazement. To thefe, he brought great abilities, and the moft daring courage. When fuperior talents and equal villany are thus united, they, as in the pvefent cafe, commonly prove the greateft bane of focial order, and the fcourge of the country which they inhabit. At the lame time, it muff not be diflembled, that there is no charader concerning which both our hiftorians and fubfequent writers have more widely differed. To fome he has appeared the Cataline.'. to others the Brutus^ of his age. Though it muft be eafily difcerned to which party the author's opinion inclines, he will not attempt to decide on his political merits ; but, from ABBEY AND BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 325 from the very fufficient evidence already colleded, leave the reader to form his own opinion on the fubje3 Jolcph Preef'y 1 739 Jofeph Biddle J 740 Robert Manfel and Tho- mas Airfield 1741 Richard Home 1742 John Whitfield 1743 William Jones 1744 Nicholas Feild 1745 William Churchley 1746 John Murgatroyd 1747 Thomas Staple 1748 John Rogers 1749 Chailes Welch 1750 I'homap Hull 1 75 1 Charles Welfborne J 75 2 William Calcott 1753 William Penny 1754 Meyrick Feild ■755 William Preedy 1756 John Murgatroyd 1757 William Phillips 1758 Thomas Hull 1759 Thomas Dunn 1760 Thomas Rous 1761 William Preedy 1762 Elias Andrews 1763 John Stickley 1764 Jofeph Biddle 1765 Thomas Staple Charles THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 3^3 1766 Charles Welfborne and William Penny 1767 John Stickley 1768 Rev. Evan Jones and John Rulhout, e(q. 1769 Thomas Hull 1770 Anthony Roper 177 1 George Walter 1772 John Roper 1773 James Agg '774 John Stickley 1775 Bartholomew Dunn 1776 Thomas Hull 1777 John Rock 1778 Richard Soley 1779 Charles Welfhome 1700 Samuel Sandys 1781 John White 1782 John Hunter 1783 John Phillips 1 704 Henry Goore 1785 James Wellborne 1786 William Balefon, er(j. 1707 William Bonaker 1788 William Preedy 1789 John Brown 1790 Mathias Stralton 1791 Richard Soley 1792 William Bonaket' 1793 Charles Wclfbomc No. III. Short Notice of the Trials of Furn'wal and Gary, ["taken from the Record Book of the Borough of Evediam.] Borough of Eve/ham, in the county of Worcefter. . ' I ' O wit, the general fedions of the peace of our fovereign lord -*■ the king, holden at the Guild-hall in and for the faid Borough, on Tuefday the 15th day of April, in the thirteenth )-ear of the reign of king George the fecond, over Great Britain, Sec. before '' Jofeph B'lddle, Efq. mayor; William taylor, Efq. recorder; and Ro- bert Cookes, Efq. juftices of our faid lord the king, affigned to keep the peace of the laid Borough : and alfo to hear and determine divers felonies, trefpafles, and mifdeeds, in the Borough aforefaid done and committed : and the gaol of the faid Borough from the prifoners therein to deliver, and fo forth. The names of the jurors to enquire for our fovereign lord the king and the body of the faid Borough. Thomas Andrews, John Murgatroyd, Thomas Harris, Thomas Taylor, Thomas Suffield, Jofeph Dewes, John Whitfield, Thomas Bove)-, John Smith, Richard Home, Paul Afhmore, John Rogers, Thomas Hull, Samuel Preedy, William Churehley, William Jones, Jofeph Tovey, Charles Wellbome, and Thomas Yarnold, WUliam Kettle, Thomas Hyet, Gents. Adex ,^34 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF After the gvand jury fworn, and charge given, adjourned to four of the clock, afternoon. Thea accordingly met; and adjourned to eight of the clock in the forenoon on Wednefday, the i6lh day of April, Borough oi Evejham, on Wednefday, the i6th of April. At the court then held by adjourn- ment, Jonathan Gary, otherwife jB/cA, of the parifh of All Saints, in the Borough oi Evejham, la- bourer, was inditled and arraigned for breaking open the dwelling houfe of Thomas Harris, on the 5th day of February, in the thirteenih year of his prefent majefty, about tlie hour of two of the clock in the nigiu of the fame day, by force and arms, and with intent the goods and chattels of the faid Thomas Harris felonioufly and burglarioufly to fteal. Upon his arraignment pleaded, not guilty, and put himlelf upon God and his country ; which country found him guilty of the in- diftment. The faid Jonathan Gary, otherwife Bick, was a fecond time indifted, for breaking open the dwelling-houfe of IVilliam Jew, gent, on the fame 5th day of February, about the hour of two of •the clock in the night of the fame day, and felonioufly and burglarioufly ftealing thereout goods and money to the value of fifteen fliiliings and fix-pence. Upon which indiftment he was ar- raigned, pleaded not guilty, and put himfelf upon the country ; which country found him guilty — Death. To be hanged. Then alfo John FurnifuH, otherwife Furnivall, was indi(?led for breaking gaol, and being at large before the expiration of feven years, for which term he was ordered to be tranfported by the juftices of this court, at their feffions held the 2nd of Oftober, in the thirteenth year of the now king. Upon which indi6tment the faid FurnifuH was arraigned, and pleaded not guilty, and put himfelf upon the country ; which country found him guilty— Dea/A. To be hanged. Then the court adjourned to three o'clock, afternoon. Borough of Evejham, Wednefday, the i6th of April, at three o'clock, afternoon. At the court then held at the Guildhall of the faid Borough, by adjournment. Then the faid Jonathan Gary, otherwife Bick, and John FurnifuH, being fet to the bar, were feverally afkcd why fentence of death fhould not be then pronounced againft them, according to the feveral verdifts that had been found againft them ? And neither the faid Jonathan Gary nor John FurnifuH having any thing to fay why (uch fentence fhould not pafs upon them. — Then fen- tence of death was accordingly palled upon them. Then the court adjourned to Tuefday, the 22nd of April inftant, there to meet again at nine of the clock in the forenoon. CONSTITUTIONS THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM.' ^§ No. rV. Conftitutions of the Borough of Evejliam. /CONSTITUTIONS, orders, and ordinances, made, ordered, and conftituted by the mayor, ^-^ recorder, alderman, chamberlain, and capital burgefTes of the Borough of Evejhafh, in thtf county of Worcefter, in the Guild-hall of the faid Borough, for the better government and or- dering of the faid Borough ; and of the officers, minifters, refiants, and inhabitants within the famtf Borough : as alfo for the ordering and government of the fchoolmafter and fcholars of the be^ grammar fchool within the faid Borough, according to the charter of our fovereign lord king James the firft, in the third year of his reign, in that behalf granted : and by virtue of another charter in the fame behalf, granted by our late fovereign lord king Charles the fecond, under his hignefs's great feal of England, bearing teft the twelfth day of June, in the fix and thirtieth year of the reign of his faid majefty king Charles the fecond, over England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, &c. as followeth. First, That the mayor of the faid Borough yearly, always hereafter, fhali be chofen on tlie Tuefday next after St. Bartholomew 's-day, in manner and form following : (that is to fay:) The mayor for the time being (hall firft caufe the ferjeant at mace of the faid Borough for the time being, fix days before every Tuefday next after St. Bartholomew's-day, to warn the recorder, all the aldermen, capital burgefTes, and other the eleftors appointed by the faid later charter, by eight of the clock in the forenoon, in their feveral and refpe^tive habits and gowns, to meet at the mayor's dwelling-houfe for the time being, to attend the faid mayor to church, there to hear a fermon ; and thence to attend the faid mayor to dinner : and in the afternoon to attend the faid mayor to the Guild-hall or Council-chamber of the faid Borough, there to make eledjon of a mayor of the faid Borough for the year then enfuing : tlie faid mayor fo to be ekfted being fuch an one of the common council of the faid Borough for the time being, as by the faid later charter is capable of being elefted. And for the more orderly proceeding therein, the faid mayor or common council, or greater number of them, fliall firft nominate two ot the faid common council, who fliall then ftand in eleftion to be mayor; out of which two the faid mayor and common council, or the greater number of them, fliall eleft one to be mayor for the year then xefpeaively following; who accordingly fhall take upon him the exercife and execution of the faid office or place of mayor of the faid Borough, on Tuefday next after the octaves of St. Michael the archangel then next after. And the faid mayor fo to be elefted, with the common council or as many of them as fliall be prefent at the faid election, fhall accompany the faid old mayor back again to his houfe, after the faid eleftion. And if the old mayor for the time being ffiail fail to give notice as aforefaid of luch election, then he fhall incur fuch fine or penalty as the refidue of the common council, or the greater number of them, fhall impofe upon him, accjid- ing to the quantity of the offence. And every of the common council, having fuch warning as aforef-idj 336 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF aforefaid, that (liall make default to meet at the mayor's houfe, and to attend him to the church, thence to dinner, or to the Guild-hall or Council-chamber as aforefaid, fliall forfeit for fuch de- fault twenty fhillings: which refpeftive fines of the faid mayor and common council refpeftively, fliall be to the ufe of the chamber of this Borough. IF. Item, — That the mayor eleft and common council, in their refpeftive habits, on every Tuefday next after the oftaves of St. Michael, by eight of the clock in the morning, fliall meet at the mayor's houfe for the time being, and from thence accompany him to church to hear a fer- mon, and thence to the Guild-hail, there to continue until the mayor eleft Ihall have taken his oath. And that the faid mayor eleft fliall there accordingly take his oath. Handing in the inner bar of the court in the faid Guild-hall, before the then mayor his predcceli'or, and fuch of the common council as lliall be there picfent. III. Item, — It is further ordered, conflituted, and agreed, that tlie mayor for the time being fliall, from time to time, as occalion ihall be minifteied, give his voice and ali'ent upon every elec- tion of a new mayor, and upon all and every other lawful occafion and confultation for the good government of this Borough, \yith the major part of the common council of the faid Borough for the time being ; upon pain that every mayor fo refufing, or not alleniing to give his voice with the major part of the faid common council, iliall forfeit for every time fo refuling, or not afTenting in the matter of election as aforefaid, the fum of one liundred pounds, and to be impri- foned until he (hail pay the faid fum of one hundred pounds: and alfo for refuling or not afient- ing to give his voice with the greater number as aforefaid, in any other matter, (relating to the good government of the faid Borough,) to forfeit fuch fum or funis of money as to the faid lom- mon council, or the greater number of them, from time to time fliall be thought fit and real'on- able, according to the quantity and quality of the offence. IV. Item, — If any mayor, or any perfon of the common council of the faid Borough (hall, at any time, difclofe, utter, or make known the counfel of the mayor and common council con- cerning matters conferred and communed of, and in their Council-chamber or Guild-hail, touch- ing tlie affairs and government of the faid Borough, then he or they fliall every one forfeit to the ufe of this Borough, for every time fo offending, the fum of forty Ihillings. V. Item, — That every mayor of this Borough fliall, after his mayoralty, as hath been formerly accuftomed, yield up his account to the mayor for the time being, and to the reft of the chamber, of all fuch profits, perquifites, and fums of money which came to his hands for the ufe of this Borough during the mayoralty of fuch late mayor, or with which he was intrufted at the day in the late charter mentioned lor that puvpole ; utilels the time of fuch account iliali be deferred by the order of the mayor and common council ; and then (hall make his account on fuch day as Ihall be appointed, upon pain of forfeiture of one hundred pounds for his default therein. VI. Item, — It is conftituted and ordained, that the firft Friday in every month (hall continue and abide to be the day of the mayor's court or monthly meeting, according to the laudable cuf- tom THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 337 torn of times pafl, to confult of fiich things as fliall be for the benefit and good government of this Borough : and that the mayor for the time being fball caufe his ferjeants to give notice to the refpeftive members of the common council of fuch monthly meeting, and of every other meeting of the faid common council which the mayor for the time being in his diicretion ibalJ, upon any emergent occafion, think fit to fummon. And after fuch notice given, then if any perfon or per- fons of the faid common council fhall fail to appear at fuch monthly or other meeting, according to fuch notice, he and they fhall forfeit and pay to the ufe of the faid Borough the fum of two {hillings lixpence toties quoties fuch failure fliall be made, except reafonable excufe can be given to the fatisfaftion of the mayor and common council of the laid Borough, or the greater number of them that fhall be prefent when fuch refpeflive failure (hall be made. VII. Item, — That the mayor for the time being, being clerk of the market of and within the faid Borough, with one of the common council, and one warden of a company, and one of the conftables of the faid Borough, as the faid mayor flvall nominate, (hall once every week, at the lead, fearch the bakers, brewers, artificers, and craftmen's houfes within the faid Borough, to fee how they keep the aflize, and whether their victuals he wholefome and allowable to be fold ; and to fee whether their meafures are perfeft according to the ftandard ; and whether other artificers behave themfelves according to the laws. ■& VIII. Item, — That the common council fliall every of them have his and their place and pre- cedency according to their auncientie, as hath formerly been gravely and laudably obferved ; as alfo Ihall have decent gowns accordingly as hath been accudomed formerly ; and fhall in fuch order and decency attend the mayor on the Lord's day, and fuch feftivals and holy days as they have heretofore ufed to do upon fuch days, and at all other times, as often as the mayor, upon extraordinary occafions, fliall fummons them fo to do, upon fuch refpeftive pains and penalties as the mayor and common council, or the greater number of them, lliall think fit to impofe. IX. Item, — That no debauched or fcandalous perfon fhall be elefted into the common coun- cil, or into the number of affiftants. X. Item, — That every one that fhall hereafter happen to be elefted mayor, alderman, capital burgefs, or affiftant of aisd within the faid Borough, and fhall refufe to take upon him or them to exercife fuch oifice or place, ihall forfeit and pay to the ufe of this Borough fuch fines, penalties, or forfeitures, as fhall be impofed by the mayor and common council, or the major part of them, not exceeding one hundred pounds for any one default. XI. Item, — That the mayor for the time being fhall, within one month after the deceafe or removal of any alderman^ capital burgefs, or affiflant of this Borough, caufe the common council «f the faid Borough to be fummoned to meet at the Council-chamber or Guild-hall of the faid Borough, to eleft another alderman, capital burgefs or affiffant, as the cafe fliall refpeftively require. Xx XII. Item, 338 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF XII. Item, — Tliat all writings being of public purport and relation to the corporation and common feal of this Borough, (hall be kept in a cheft, or fome other convenient place in the Council-chamber, that a ready recourfe may be had to them upon all occafions when the mayor and common council Ihall there meet. And that no common feal of the faid corporation (hall be affixed to any writing relating to the lands and goods of the corporation, without the confcnt of' the chamber, or gv-eater part of them, upon pain of forfeiture of one hundred pounds for every fuch offence. XIII. Item, — That no perfon of the common council of this Borough, or any other inhabi- tant thereof, not being prefent in the Council-chamber or the Guiid-hall of this Borough when any matters fliail be conferred or agreed upon by the mayor or common council of the faid Borough, (hall by any means fpeak againft, or go about to break off, overthrow, or impugn any fuch order or agreement that fliall happen to be fo conferred of or agreed upon, unlets by due and orderly courfe in the Council-chamber, by fliewing forth his or htr reafbns how the fame may be prejudicial to the government of this Borough, upon pain to forfeit to th.e ufe of this Borough fuch penalty as the mayor and common council, or the major part oi them, fhall im- pofe. XIV. Item, — That every apprentice, after he ha'h actually et bona fide ferved the time of his apprenticefliip, Iliall be made free of this Borough, and take the ufual oaths of a freeman, and pay the accuftomed fees. And if fuch apprentice or apprentices (hall refufe or negleft to be ad- mitted and (worn free as aforefaid, by the (pace of twelve months next after their refpcftive terms and apprenlicelhips are out, then he or they Oiall lofe the benefit ot lus or their freedom. XV. Item, — If any apprentice or fervant fhall be abiifed by their m?(ler, or any m^fter by their fervant, then they relpeife. XIX. Item, — The chamberlain for the time being fhall attend from time to time the mayor and common council, at every mayor's monthly court, to tlie intent then and there to enter and regifler in a book, to be produced for that purpofe, all the orders and otiier the proceedings of every of the faid courts : which faid book fhall be fafely locked up prefently after the end of every court, in a cheft or other fafe place therefore efpecially to be appointed, which fliall be locked up with two keys, whereof the mayor to keep one, and the chamberlain for the time being the other. XX. Item, — It is ordered, conflituted, and appointed, that the mayor and common council of this Borough fhall, between St. Michael the archangel and the nativity of our Saviour, nomi- nate and choofe one alderman and two capital burgeffes, to be aiding and aflifting unto the mayor for the time being, in the government of the free-fchool of the faid Borough, for one whole year together. And they fo from time to time yearly, as much as in them lietli, fliall have and take care for the due reparation of the faid fchool ; and fhall be ready, as well in the behalf of the fchoolmafter as of the fcholars, to hear all complaints and grievances happening to arife between X X 2 the 340 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF the faid mafter and his fcliolars, or any otliers, for matters as well concerning the good govero- ment and ordinancy of the (choolmafter, as of the demeanour and carriages of the fcholars. XXr. Item, — Whereas the inhabitants of tliis Borough, for the better regulations of Iheic trades and occupations, have formed themfelves into divers companies and fraternities, (that is tm fay,) the company or fraternity of the Mercers, as the fiift company ; the company or fraternity of Cordwainers, as the fecond company ; the company or fraternity of Cloth-workers, as the tliird company; the company or fraternity of Glovers, as the fourth compny ; and the company or fraternity of the Ironmongers, as the fifth and laft company ; and have had and enjoyed divers conflitutions and orders refpcftively, whereby they have been the better governed : neverthelcfs, through the licentioufnefs of the late wars, confuliou got into the pljce of order, and many indi- reR ways have been taken to leffen and bring into contempt tlie order and good government of this Borough. And amongft other innovations brought in, it is not the leaft that the feveral and Tefpe6^ive focietiesj companies, or fellowfhips refpe^tively have taken upon them to make many flrangers free of their faid companies, without fo much as acquainting the mayor and common council therewith. And under the notion of this fuppofed freedom, fuch flrangers and others that are fo brought in, refufe to be admitted and fworn freemen of the faid Borough, to the great lofe and prejudice of the faid common council, and to the under-valuing and contempt of the good government of the faid Borough. For tlie avoiding of which mifchiefs and inconveniencies for the time to come, and that a right underftanding may be had between the common council and the faid refpeftive fraternities or companies, it is conftituted, ordered, and decreed, that the con- ftitutions and orders of the laid refpef'tive five companies fliall be, and are hereby revived, and fliall continue and abide in as full power, ftrength, and virtue, as ever they were: fubjeft always to the conftitutions, orders, and conditions following. Firft, — It is ordered and conftituted, that no perfon or perfons of the faid refpeftive companies (liall prefume to admit, fwear, or otherwife howfoever take into their refpeftive company or com- panies, any perfon or perfons, until the mafter or wardens of fuch company or companies, and the greater number of them, and the mayor and common council of this Borough, or the greater number of them, (hall have confented and agreed thereunto, under their refpeflive hands ia writing ; the fame confent to be entered in the town book, or fome other book for that purpofe. Item, If the mayor *and common council fliall at any time hereafter admit to the freedom of this Borough any perfon or perfons which fliall be of any trade or occupation belonging to any one of the five companies as abovefaid, the faid perfon fo admitted to freedom fliall notexercife any fuch trade or occupation till he fliall alfo be made free of fome one of the faid five companies, unto which fuch trade or occupation fliall belong : fuch company not exa6\ing, by way ol fine for admittance in their company, any greater fum than fuch as fliall be impofed on the faid perfon by the common council for the freedom of this Borough, provided fuch fum be not lels than ten pounds. Item, — It is conftituted and ordained, that upon the admiffion of every or any perfon or per- fons THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 341 fons into any or either of the faid fraternities, the perfon and perfons fo to be admitted as aforefaid, fliall firft take the oath of a freeman, and the other oaths mentioned in the late charter granted to this Borough the twelfth day of June, in the fix and thirtieth year of the reign of our late fove- reign lord king Charles the fecond. And if any perfon or perfons (iiall be elefted or admitted into any or either of the faid company or companies otherwife, or in any other fort or manner than as aforefaid, then every fuch eleftion and admittance fhall be void to all intents and puipofes. And the mailer and wardens of each faid company or fraternity that fliall prefume to do olherwife, or in any other manner than as aforefaid, ihalj forfeit and pay, to the ufe of the mayor, aldermen, and burgefiTes of this Borough, the fum of twenty marks apiece, to be levied as other fines and for- feitures are appointed to be levied as aforefaid. Item, — It is ordained, that no perfon within the faid Borough ihall fraudulently or colourably prefume to take any apprentice, with intent to make him a freeman, without doing and perform- ing feven years aftual fervice at the leaft. And that the mafter of fuch apprentice Oiall caule the indentures of fuch apprentice to be inrolled with the chamberlain of the faid Borough for the time being, within the fpace of three months next after the date of fuch indentures, under pain of the disfranchifement of fuch mailer: and that fuch apprentice fliall have or take no benefit, as to the freedom of the faid Borough, by fuch indenture. Item, — That the relift of every freeman may ufe the trade of her deceafed hufband during Tier widowhood ; and the eldefl; fon which every freeman fliall leave at his death, fhall be made free by his father's copy, if required. Provided always, that if any article, ordinance, or matter before fpecified, fhall be contrary to the king's hi^hnefs's laws or flatutes, or the commonwealth of this Borough, that then the faid ar- ticles, grants, rules, or ordinances before fpecified, for fo much as in the faid ordinances are con- tained, which is, or in any wife may be found contrary or repugnant to the faid laws or ftatutes, or commonwealth of the faid town, fliall be utterly void and of none effeft ; any article, matter. Or claufe, before made or granted to the contrary, notwithitanding. In witnefs, confirmation, and for the better corroborating of all which premifes, the mayor, aldermen, and burgefiTes of the Borough aforefaid, have not only fet hereunto the common feal of their faid incorporation, but alfo the faid mayor, recorder, aldermen, chamberlain, and biirgefles, hereunder more particularly mentioned, have hereunto fubfcribed their particular and refpeflive names, and fixed their feals, the firft day of June, in the third year of the reign of our fovereign lord James the fecond, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, king, de- fender of the faith, &c. anno dom. 1687. We, Sir Richard Holloway, knight, one of his majefly's jufiices afligned to hold pleas before his majefty, and Sir Thomas Jenner, knight, one of the barons of the exchequer, juftices afligned to take the aflizes at Worcejler, in the oounty of Worcefler, have viewed and examined all and every the before-mentioned conftitutions, orders, and ordinances, and do, as much as in us lies, approve and 34' APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF ^nd allow the fame. In witnefs whereof we have hereunto put our hands and feals, at the adizcs held for the faid county, the one and twentieth day of July, in.the third year of the reign of our fovereign lord James the fecond, by the grace of God of .England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Jting, defender of the faith, he. anno. dom. 1687. RICHARD HOLLOWAY, (L.S.) THO. JENNER, (L.S.) Edward Walker, mayor, (L.S.) Wm. Rudge, (L.S.) James MicheU, (L.S.) Ro. Martin, (L.S.) Martin Ballard, (L.S.) Nicholas Feild, (L.S.) Richard Tounge, (L.S.) Geo. Hopkins, {L.S.) John Hurne, {L.S.) Tho. Harris, (L.S.) Will. Martin, (L. S.) Jarritt Smith, (L.S.) William Lane, (L. S.) No. V. Oath of a Freeman. YOU (hall fwear that you fhall be true liege-man, and true faith and truth bear to our fove- reign lord the king, his heirs and lawful fucceflbrs, and to your power fhall aid and affift the mayor and other officers of this town for the time being, and to them fliall be obedient and at- tendant, concerning fuch things as they, or any of them, fliall lawfully and reafonably will or command you to do. You fliall alio well and truly obferve, perform, fulfill, and keep, all fuch orders and rules as are and fliall be made and eftablilhed by the common council of this town, for the good government thereof, in all things to you appertaining. You fliall alfo give, yield, and be contributory to and with the corporation of this town, fo far forth as you ought or fliall be chargeable to do. And you fliall not, by colour of your freedom, bear out, or cover under you, any foreign perfon or flranger ; but, according to the beft of your fkill, with cunning and power, you fliall uphold and maintain all the liberties, franchifes, good cuftoms, and ufages, of this town and corporation. So help you God. No. VI. Charter of the Borough of Er'^T^^m, granted by Jflmw I. A. D. 1605. JAMES, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &C. To all whom thefe prefent letters fhall come, greeting. Whereas our burgh oi'EveJham, in the county of Worcefter, has been an aatient aod popular burgh, and the burgeifes of THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 343 of the faid burgh, fometimes called by the name of bailiffs, aldermen, and burgeTes of the faid burgh, and fometimes by other names, for time out of mind have had, ufed, and enjoyed divers liberties, cuftoms, franchifes, immunitie?, and preliminaries,- as well by reafon of divers charters and letters patent heretofore to them and their predecefTors made and granted, as of divers prefcrip- tions, ufages, and ciiflems within (he faid burgh anciently ufed and accuftomed. And whereas the fergeants at mace of the faid burgh now carry and Ijear, and for a long time part ha\ e ufed to carry and bear, before the bailiffs of the-faid burgh for the time being, within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinfts thereof, two filver maces, engraved and adorned with the arms of the princes of Wales : and whereas we are informed that our town of Ben?:worth, in the faid county of Worcefter, adjoins and lies near the faid hurgh of Evejham, and that many diffentions, quarrels, mifbehaviours, riots, and other violations and diflurbances of our peace, and feveral abufes and evil deeds are oftentimes committed and perpetrated without punilhmc.its and correftions withnl our faid town of Ben^worth, through tlie defeft of good difcipline and government in the faid town, to the great damage, grievance, perturbation, and moleftation, as well of the reHants and tenants within the faid town, as of the burgelfes and inhabitants of the faid burgh of Evfjham; for which reafons our beloved (ubjefts, as well the bailiffs, aldermen and burgeifes of our faid burgh of Evejham, as the tenants, reliants, and inhabitants of the faid town of Bengworth, jointly, and of their unanimous affent and confent, have mod humbly befought us that we ihould in this be- half manifefi: and extend our royal fjvour and munificence towards them, and that we, for the better difcipline and government of the laid burgh and town, would vouclifafe, as it ihould feem to us moft meet, by our letters patent, to make, reduce, and create, as well the faid bailiffs, al- dermen, and burgeffes of the burgh ot Eve/ham aforefaid, by whatfoever name or names of cor- poration or incorporation they heretofore have been incorporated as the tenants, ref.ants, and in- habitants of our faid town of Bengworth, in the faid county of \Vorcefter, lying near and adjoin- ing to our faid burgh of Evejham, into one body corporate and politic, by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh of Evejham, in the county of VVorcefter. We, therefore, willing that from henceforth for ever, as well in the faid burgh of Eve/ham, as in our faid village of Bengworth, there may be h^d one certain and undoubted method of and for the keeping of our peace, and for the diicipline and government ot our faid burgh ar.d town, and of our people there inhabiting, and of all others thereto retorting. And that the laid burgh and town trom hence- forth forever may be and remain a burgh of quietr.efs, to the dread and terror of ail evil delin- quents, and for the reward and fupport of the good. And that our peace, and all otiier our afts of juftice and good government, may there be the belter oblerved, hoping, that as the faid bailiffs, aldermen, and burgeffes of the faid burgh, and the laid tenants, refiants, and inhabitants of our faid town of Ben;worth, and their fucceilors, will by our grant enjoy more extenfive ho- nours, liberties, and privileges they will then think themfel\es obliged, in a more efpecial man- ner, to do the utmoff in the fervice of us, our heirs and fucceffors. And alio at the humble petition and requeft of our raoft iliuftrious and dearly beloved eldeft Ion, prince H nry, (it beitig the firfl: requefl he ever made to us in our realm of England,) of our fpecial favour, and out of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we have willed, created, ordained, declared, and granted, and by thefe prefenls, for us, our heirs and fucceflbrs, do will, ordain, create, conftitute, declare, and grant, that the (aid burgh oi Evejham, and the faid town of Bengworth, in our county of Wor- cefter, and the bounds, limits, and precinfts of the faid burgh and town, from henceforth forever, may be and ihall be joined and united, and be one undivided and fiee burgh of itfelf; and that as well the laid bailiffs, aldermen, and burgeifes of the laid burgh of Euefham, as the laid tenants, refiants, and inhabitants of the laid town of Bengworth, and their fucceilors, whether heretofore lawfully incorporated or not, from this time forward forever, without any queftion or doubt here- after to be raifed, may be and ihall be, by virtue ot thefe prefenls, one bouy corporate and politic, in reality, deed, and name, by the name of mayor, aldermen, and burgefliss of the burgh of Evejham, in the county of Worcefter. And lor ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, we make, ereft, ordain, conftitute, create, confirm, ratify, and declare them, by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgeifes of the burgh of Evejham, in the county of Worcefter, one body coqwr^te and politic, in reality, deed, and name, fully and really by thefe prefents. And that by. the fame name . ->* 344 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF name they may enjoy a perpetual fuccelTion, and that by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh of Evijhjm, in the county of Worcefler, they ma\' and lliall be, in all future times, perluns able and capable by law, and a body corporate and pwlilic by law, capable to ha\c, purchale, receive, enjoy, retain, and poffcfs manors, lands, tenements, liberties, privileges, ju- ri.'diftions, franchifes, and all other hereditaments whatfoever, of what nature, kind, name, quality, or fpecies foever they be ; and alfo to give, grant, demife, alien, affign, and difpofc of lands, tenements, and hereditaments ; and by the name aforefaid to do and execute all and lingu- lar other ads and things whatloever. And that they may have power, by the laid name, of mayor, aldermen, and burgedes of the burgh of Evijham, in the county of Worcefler, to plead and be im- pleaded, anlwer and be anfwered, defend and be defended, in any courts and places whatfoever, and before any judges andjuftices, and other officers whatloever, of us, our heirs and fuccelfors, in all and fmguiar aflions, pleas, fuits, plaints, caufes, mattei^s, and demands wiiatfoever, of what kind, nature, quality, or (pecies they may or Ihall be, in the lame manner and form as any other our liege fubje6ts of this our kingdom of England, being perlons capable by law, or any other body corporate and politic within this our kingdom of England, may or can have, receive, purchale, poliefs, enjoy, retain, give, grant, demile, affign, alien, and difpofe of, plead and be impleaded, anfwer and be anfwered, defend and be defended. And that the laid mayor, aldermen, and bur- gedes of the faid burgh, forever licrafter, may have a common leal for caules, and to iiirve in ilie tranfafting the bufinefs of them and their fuccellors : and that it lliall and may be Jawlul for the did mayor, aldermen, and burgedes of the laid burgh, and their fucceflbrs, the laid feal from time to time, at their plealure, to break, change, and make anew, as to them fliall leem molt meet. And further, we will, and by tb.efe prelents for ourlelves, our heirs and fuccellors, do grant to the mayor, aldermen, and burgedes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccellors, that our faid burgh ot Evejham, and the circuit, precinfts, compafs, liberties, franchiles, and juriluictions thereof, may extend and reach through and about the whole limits and precin6is of the parilhes of All Saints and St. l,awrence, in tlie faid burgh, and tiirough the whole village and parilh of Bengic'irtli atbrefaid: (viz.) from the fouth fide of the bridge of Evejham, otherwife called Beug- xvorth-bridge, near a certain houfe now or heretofore called Le Old Guild-hall, by the banks ot a certain river there called Avon, incompalfing a certain park and meadow there called Abbey Park and Meadow, towards Evejham aforefaid, as far as a certain flone wall, called the Abbey Park Wall, and Irom thence along the banks of the river Avon aforefaid, to a ditch anil watei-courfe, being the furtliermoft bound of a certain clofe there, commonly catkd Higden-clofe, near a certain mill there, called Chadbury-miil, and from thence along the lurthermoft bounds and limits of the faid dole, called Higden-clofe, towards Lenchwich, as far as the king's highway there, and fo by the faid highway to a certain way or lane there, called Lenchwick-Lne, (othervvile 0_ff'e;:ham-lane,) and from thence by the faid path or lane called Lenclacick, otherwile Ojj'enham-lane , to a certain bridge called Ojfinham-bridge, alias "Tayford-btidse, and lo by the fouth fide of the faid bridge towards Evtjham aforefaid, to the banks ol the river Avon aforefaid, on the weft pait, and from tlience, by the banks of the faid river, towards i'lvyAii'n aforefaid, to a certain field calied the Paddock, including the faid field, and the mill called Evejham- mill, with ail the parcels of land and ledowes to the laid mill belonging or adjoining, and from thence, by the banki of the laid river, to certain houfes, called the Alms-houles, including the houles adjoining or adjacent on the north fide of the laid bridge called Evijham-bridge, alias Btngworth-bridge, and lo by the faid bridge, ovei the nver, to our l.iid village ot Dengicorth, and Iroiii thence through the whole town and pariih of Bengworth, and all the borders, limits, bounds, and precinils ot the faid p^rilli of Bengworth, compafling, comprehending, containing, and including all houles, mills, fields, lands, and places within the faid pariih ot Bengworth, by whatfoever naiiies and afipellations they are called and known, or before this time had been ufed to be called or known. And further, we will, ai.d by thefe piefents for our-eives, our heirs and fuccellors, do give and grant to the faid mayor, aicicinitn and burgeifes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffbrs, free liberty, power, and ainhoruy. And that it fnall and may be lawful for the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelles of the burgh atbrefaid, and their fuccellois, to go about or make prottllions over the fame, li-r their true and belter information thereby, to be had as often as they pleafe, or fhaii think necellary to be done ; and that without any THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 345 any writ or other warrant on that behalf, from us, our heirs or fucceffors, for that purpofe to be fued for or profecuted. And we alfo will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fuc- ceflors, do grant and ordai^i, that from henceforth forever there fliall and may be within the faid burgh feven of the burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, to' be chofen in the manner hereafter in thefe prefents mentioned, who fliall be and be called aldermen of the faid burgh. And alfo that there Ihall be within the faid burgh twelve other burgelTes of the faid burgh, in manner hereafter in thefe prefents mentioned, t:j be chofen, who Ihall be and Ihall be named capital burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid. And that there ihuli and may be within the (aid burgh two officers, in manner hereafter in thefe prefents mentioned, to be elected and made, one of whom fhall be called recorder of the faid burgh, the other, chamberlain of the fame burgh; which faid aldermen, capital bur- gefTes, recorder, and chamberlain, fliall be of the common council of the faid burgh : out of which faid feven aldermen, burgelTes, recorder, and chamberlain, being of the common council of the faid burgh, one Ihall from time to time be chofen and nominated, in the form hereafter in thd'e prefents mentioned, to be mayor of the faid burgh. And we further will, and by thefe pre- fents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceTors, do grant and ordain, that from henceforth forever there fhall be within the faid burgh four and twenty of the faid burgelfes of the faid burgh, to be chofen in the manner hereafter mentioned, who inall be and be called afliftants of the faid burgh. And that the reft of the faid aldermen, capital burgelfes, recorder, and chamberlain of the faid buigh, not being in the office of mayor thereof, and the faid twenty-four affiftants, fliall be from time to time affifting and aiding to the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, in ail caufes, things, bulinelfes, and matters touching, or in any wife concerning, the faid burgh. And fur- ther, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fuccelfors, do grant to the mayor, aldermen, and burgelTes of the burgh of EveJJiam aforeiaid, and their fuccelfors, that the mayor, aldermen, recorder, chamberlain, and capital burgefles of the Taid burgh, for the time being, or the major part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will ihall be one, in the common hall, chamber, or other convenient place within the faid burgh, met to- gether, (upon public fummons for that purpofe made,) may and fhall, from time to time, have full power and authority to make, conftilute, ordain, and appoint fuch reafonable laws, ftatutes, coftitutions, decrees, and ordmances, in writing, which to them, or the major part of them, whereof the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, according to their found difcretions tlrall fee m good, wholefome, profitable, honeft, and neceHary for the good re- gimen and government of the laid burgh, and all and Tingular the officers, fervants, artificers, in- habitants, and refiants whatlbever of the (aid burgh, for the time being, and for declaring after what manner and order the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelTes, and all and (ingular the officers, fervants, artificers, inhabitants, and refiants of the faid burgh, for the time being, Ihall behave and carry themfelves in then- offices, fervices, funitions, trades, a)id bufineffes within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinfts thereof, for the further public good and common advantage, and good government of the laid burgh, and the viil-tualling of the lame, and all other caufes and things whatfoever, touching, or m any wife concerning the laid burgh. And that they the faid mayor, aldermen, recorder, chamberlam, and capital burgefles for the time being, or the greater part thereof, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the tune being we will Ihall be one, may and fhall have power, as often as any laws, (latutes, rights, ordinances, and conftitutions Ihall be made, ordained, or coi.fiimcd, in maimer aforefaid, to make, ordain, limit, and provide fuch p\miO)ments, pams, and penalties, cither by imuri)onments, or by fines and amerciaments, or either of them, for all tranfgreli<)rs or breakers of luch laws, inliitulions, flatutes, ordinances, and conftiiutions, or either of tliem, wliich to the laid mayor, aldermen, recorder, chamberlain, and capital burgelTes of the faid burgh for the time being, or the greater part of them, whereof the mayor of the laid burgh for the time being we will ihall be one, ihall leem requifiie and neceffary, for the better obiervance of the I'lid laws, inftuuiions, decrees, orduiances, dna conftitutions ; and the fame fines and amerciaments to levy, enjoy, have, and receive, to the ufe of the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeiies of the laid burgh, ana their fucceflors, without any hinderance of us, our heirs and fucceflors, or any the otficers or m milters of us, our heirs or fucceflors, and without ac- count to be rendered or given to us, our hens or fuccelfors, for the lame : all and fingular which y y laws, 346 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF laws, ordinances, inflitiitions, conftitutions, decrees, and ftatiites, fo as aforefaid to be made, we will (liall be obferved tinder the penalties in the lame contained. Provided Inch laws, iiiltitutiuns, ordinances, conftitutions, imprilonments, fines, and amerciaments, be reafonable, and not re- 5)iign-int or contrary to the laws, natiites, cuftoms, or rights of our kingdom of England. And or the better performance of our will and grant in this Lehalf, we have afl;gncd, named, crea'.ed, conflituted, and m.ide, and for ourfelves, our heirs and luccelibrs, do allign, name, cieate, ConRitute, and make our beloved Robert Allen, prefent capital bailiff of the faid burgh, to be the firft mayor of the faid burgh ; willing that the faid Robert Allen Ihall be and continue in llie office of mayor of the faid burgh, from the day of the date of thele prelents, to the firft Tuefday which (hall happen and fall out next after the feaft; of St. Michael the archangel, next coming, and from that time until fome other (hall beduly elefted and fworn to that office, according to the appointment and provifion herein after expreiled and declared, (if the faid AViv;/ ^i(/f;i lliall fo long live.) We have alio affigned, named, created, conllituted, and made, and by ihefe prelents for ourfelves, our heirs and luccelfors, do aflign, name, crejte, conftitute, and make-, our well- beloved Sir Philip Ki^liUy, knt. Sir i'lwnuis i^i.^^s, knt. Ttiomjs IVatjvn, D.ivid banfcm, Robert Allen, Philip Harris, and Philip Pjrjons, to be the Hi ft and modern (even aldermen ot the burgh aforefaid, to continue in the laid offices during their natural lives, unlels in llie meantime for ill government or mifbehaviour, or any other realonnble caule, they or either of them are or ihall be removed from their offices. We have alio afligntd, named, created, conftituted, and made, and by thele prelents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceilors, do alfign, name, create, coulutule, and make our beloved David Fowles, knt. Lewis Bayley, Philip Gardner, len. Bartholomew Momford, James Mi::hell, Edward Walker, Edward Bowland, Henry Smith, Richard jfames, len. Gilbert Smith, John Wajhborn, and William Robins, to be the firft twelve capital burgelles of the faid burgh, to continue in the faid offires during their natural lives, unlels in the meantime lor ill government or miftDehaviour, or any other reafonable caufe, they or either of them are, or Ihall be removed trom thele offices. We have alio aftlgned, named, created, conftituted, and made, and by thefe pre- lents for ourfelves, our heirs and lucceflors, do allign, name, create, conftitute, and make our beloved William Biddte, ien. Geo. Haivkins, Richard Harward, John Winiioll, Rubei t BrantUy, Ed- ward Lepper, Rannlph Bate, William Allen, Jofeph Phelps, William Chandler, John Deacle, John Preedy, I'i'illiam Brooke, John Jelfe, Richard James, jun. William Hardman, Barthdomew ^lolty, Robert Bijhvp, Philip Gardner, jun. Arthur Godlon, Thomas Andrews, Ifaac Dijj'on, i homas Smith, and William iorkins, to be the firft twenty-four affiftants oi the faid burgh, to continue in the laid offices during their natural lives, unlefs during that time for ill management or mifbehaviour, or any other reafonable caufe, liiey or either of them are, or Ihall be, dilplaced. And furtlier, we will, and by thefe prefenls for ourfelves, our heirs and luccelfors, do give and grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelies of the burgh aforefaid, and their luccelfors, that the mayor, al- dermen, capital burgelles, recorder, and chamberlain of the faid burgh lor the time being, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, from time to time, forever, may and (hall have power and authority yearly, upon the firft Tuefday which lliall happen and fall out next after the feaft of St. Bartholomew, to name and ap- point one of the common cx)uncil of the faid burgh to be mayor of the faid burgh ; who being fo elected and nominated Ihall, after fuch election and nomination, (to wit, from the fiift Tuelday which ihall happen and fall out next after the fe.ift of St. Michael the archangel next eiiluing,) be and continue mayor of the (aid burgh for one whole year, then next following, and that he who Ihall be fo as aforefaid nominated and eleftcd into the office ot mayor of the burgh afoielaid, Ihall, before he fliall be admitted to perform that office, take his corporal oath before the laft ma) or his predeceflbr, and recorder, and the reft of the common council of the faid burgh, or all of ihem who lliail ihen Le prefent, on every firft Tuelday next after the feaft of St Michael the archangel, after Inch tle(^tic'n and nomination, to execute the office of mayor of the laid burgh well, laith- fully, and truly, in all things touching the faid office ; and that after fuch oath, fo as aforefaid made, he may perform the office of mayor of the laid burgh for one whole year next following. And further, we will, aird by thefe prelents lor ourfelves, our heirs and fucceilors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelles of the faid burgh, and their lucceilon, that if it ihall happen that THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 347 that the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being fliall, wilhin one year after he has been fo as aforefaid elefted and fwoin to tliat office, die, or be therefrom removed, that then and fo often it fl:iaU and may be lawful for the reft of the common council of the faid burgh then furviving or remaining, for the time being, or the greater part of them, one other out of themfelves, into the place and office of fuch mayor of the faid burgh, fo dead or difplaced, to chufe and prefer, accord- ing to the appointment and provifion in thefe prefents above declared : and that he that is fo elefted into the office of mayor of the faid burgli, having firfi taken his corporal oath in manner aforefaid^ may have and exercife the faid office during the remainder of the faid year : and fo from time to time, as often as the cafe fliall fo happen. And wheidoever it fhall happen that any or either of the faid feven aldermen, or of the faid twelve capital buvgeffes of the faid burgh, Ihall die or be removed from the faid offices of aldermen or capital burgeffes of the faid burgh, whom we intend fhall be removed when they miibehave themfelves in the faid offices, at the pleafure of the mayor and the reft of the common council of the faid burgh, or major part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will fliall be one, that then and fo often it fliall and may be lawful to and for the faid mayor, aldermen, recorder, chamberlain, and capital burgeffes of the faid burgh, then furviving or remaining, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, one or more of the burgeffes of the faid burgh, in the place or places of liich alderman or aldermen, capital burgefs or capital burgeffes of the hid burgh, fo happening to die or be removed, to eleft, nominate, and prefer, to fupply the number of the faid ieven aldermen and twelve capital burgeffes of the faid burgh ; and that he or they fo as aforefaid to the office or offices of alderman or aldermen, capital burgefs or capital bur- gefies, chofen and preferred, having before the mayor, aldermen, recorder, chamberlain, and ca- pital burgeffes of the faid burgh, or the major part of them for the time being, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will (hall be one, taken his or their corporal oath, well and faithfully to perform thofe offices refpeSively, fliall be of the number of the faid feven aldermen or twelve capital burgeffes of the faid burgh : and fo from time to time, as often as the cafe fhall fo happen. VVe alfo will, and for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do by thefe prefents grant, that whenfoever it ihall happen that any of the faid twenty-four affiftants of the faid burgh fhall happen to die, or be removed from that office, we intending that fuch affiftant or affiftants, not be-. having him or themfelves well in the faid office, fhall be removable at the pleafure of the mayor and the reft of the common council of the faid burgh, for the time being, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will fliall be one, that then and fo often it fliall and may be lawful to and for the faid mayor, and the rtft of the common council, for the time being, or the major part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will fliall be one, to eleft, nominate, and prefer one or moi^e of the burgelles of the faid burgh into the place or places of fuch affiftant or affiftants, fb happening to die or be difplaced, to fupply and make up the faid number of twenty-four affiftants of the laid burgh. And that he or they, fb as aforefaid to the office or officis of afliiVint or affiftants of the faid burgh, chofen and preferred, having taken his Corporal oath before the mayor and the reft of the common council of the faid burgh, or the greater part of them, fhall be of the number of the faid twenty-four affiftants of the faid burgh: and thus from time to time, as often as the cafe fhall fo happen. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do grant and ordain, that one of the refiants and nihabitants of the faid pavilh of Benguiorth aforefaid, within the faid burgh, fhall every feventh year, at the ieaft, be eleited and preferred in the mayoralty of the faid burgh, according to the appointment above-mentioned in thefe prefents. And that from time to time, and at ail times ■liereafter, two of the faid ieveu aldermen, four of the faid twelve capital burgetles, and eight of the faid twenty-four affiftants of the faid burgh, be and ihall be inhabitants and refiants withm the faid pariih ot Ben^e/ortk. And that Philip Kcighley, knt. be and fhall be one of the aldermen of Xhe laid burgh, during his natural life ; and after his deceafe, every lieir male of the faid PItilip Keighley ihall fucceffively be one of the aldermen of the faid burgh, if at the time of the death of his predeceffor he fliall have attained to the age of one and twenty years; but if not, then when he inall attain to fuch age, he fhafl be chofen and preferred to be one of the aldermen of the laid burgh, during his natural life, any thing in thefe prefents contained to the contrary thereof, or V y 2 any -348 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF any other thing, caufe, or matter wha^foevpr, not'vithftandin?. Moreover we will, and by iheftf prefents for ouifelves, our heirs and fucceffrrs, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and hur- geffes of the burgh aforefaiii, and their fucceffor?, that if ihy perfon or perfons that Ihall be here- after elefted or nominated to the offices of ma\or, aldermen, capital burgeffes, or to any other office within the faid bursh, having notice or knowledge of his or their election, fhall refufe or deny to exercife the office or office'; to which he or they io refufing Ih.ill be elefted or nominated, that then and fo often it Ihall and may be lawful to and for the (aid mayor, ?ldermen, and the reft of the common council of the faid burgh, for the tiine being, of wliom the mayor of the laid burgh for the time being we will fhall be one, to tax and impofe upon fuch perfon or perfons fo refufing, fuch fines and amerciaments, as to the !aid mayor, aldermen, and the reft of the com- mon council of ilie faid burgh for the time being, or the greater part of thcin, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, fliall feem reafonable; and him or them refufing or denying to pay the faid firjes and amerciaments fo impofed, to commit to prifora within the faid burgh, and there in prifon to keep, until he or they fliall pay, or caufe to be paid, the faid fines and amerciaments, to the iilie of the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelles of the (aid burgh. And further, we will, and by thele prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fnccef- fors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefies of the burgh aforelaid, and their fuccef- fors, that they and their fuccellbrs may and Ihall have witliin the (aid burgh, one notable and difcreet man, to be chofen and nominated in manner hereafter in thefe prefents exprefTed, who (hall be and be called high fieward of the faid btirgh : and we have affigned, conflituted, and made, and by thefe prefents lor ourfelves, our heirs and fuccellbrs, do alfign, name, conftitute, and make our well-beloved and faithful fervant, Thomas Clialoner, knt. to be the firft high fteward ol the faid burgh, to continue in tlie faid office during his natural life: and that from time to time, and at all times after the death of the faid Thomas Chaloner, knt. the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgeffes of the burgh aforelaid, for the time being, or the greater part of them, Ihali and may chufe, nominate, and piefcr, oite notable and difcreet man, from time to time, to be high Reward of the faid burgh : and that fuch perlon or perfons, who after the death of the laid Thomas Chaloner, knt. Ihall be fo as aforefaid elefted, cholen, and nominated, into the office of high fteward of the faid burgh, Ihall and may excrcile and enjoy the faid office ol high fteward of th^ fjid burgh, during the pieafure of the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgeflcs of the burgh afore- faid, or the major part ol them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and luccedbrs, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgelles of the burgh aforefaid, and their I'uccefTors, that they and their fuccellbrs, from henceloith forever, may and Ihall have within the faid burgh one honeft and difcreet man, fkilled in the lav.s of England, in the manner hereafter in thele prefents exprelfed and fpecitied, to be cholen and named, who Ihall be and be called recorder of the faid burgh : and that the recorder of the laid buvgh, fo as aforefaid to be cholen and named, before he he admitted to the exercife uf the laid office, Ihall take his corporal ojtli before the mayor of the faid burgh, well and failhtuily to execute the office of recorder uf the faid burgii, according to his knowledge, in all things touching or concerning the faid office; and that aher fuch oath, ib made, he may exercife and ufe the office of lecorder of the faid burgh, by himlelf or his fuf- ficient deputy, within the laid burgh. And we have affigned, named, created, conftituted, and made, and by thefe prefents, for ourfelves, our heirs and lucceliors, do allign, name, create, cori- ftitute, and make our beloved Henry Frowick, of Lincoln s-inn, in the county ot Middieliex, elq. learned in the laws of England, to be the firft recorder of the laid burgh, to continue in the laid office during his natural lite. And that from time to time, and at all times alter tlie death of the iaid Henry Frowick, the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefies of the burgh aforelaid, fur the time being, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgli for the time being we will ihall be one, Ihall and may, from time to time, at their pieafure, cleft, nominate, and prefer one other difcreet man, itilled in the laws of Erigland, into the office of recorder of the faid burgh : and that they who after the death of the faid Henry Frowick, or after he Ihall of h:8 own accord have left the laid office of recorder of the faid burgh, Ihall be elected, prtlerred, and nominated to that office, may and fliall have, exercife, and enjoy the lame, durmg the pkalure of THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 2 49 of the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgeffes of tlie faid burgh, for the time being, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will fhall be one, fuch perfon having firft taken his corporal oath well and faithfully to execute the faid office of recorder of the faid burgh, in manner aforefaid. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents do, for our- felves, our heirs and fucceffors, grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelTes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, that the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefles for the time being, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will (hall be one, may and (liall have power from time to time, to eleft, conflitute, and create one of the burgefles of the faid burgh, to have, exercife, and perform the office of chamberlain of the faid burgh, as long as fliall feem expedient to the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefles of the faid burgh, or thi greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, or until the faid chamberlain fhall of his own accord leave the faid office, or fliall die : and that fuch burgefs of the faid burgh, in manner aforefaid chofen, preferred, and created, or to be chofen, preferred, and created chamberlain of the faid burgli, fliall take his corporal oath before the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefles of the faid burgh fur the time being, or as many of them as will be prefent, faithfully to do and execute all thofe things whicli belong to the office of chamberlain of the faid burgh. And that the chamberlain of the faid burgh for the time being, fliall and may receive, and keep to the ufe of the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefTes of the burgh aforefaid, all and all manner of rents, fines, amerciaments, revenues, profits, commodities, and emoluments whatfoever, to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelfes, and their fucceflbrs, in right of their corporation, belonging or pertaining, incurred, due, or payable, and the fame at their command, from time to time, layout and expend : and that the chamberlain of the faid burgh for the time being, fliall keep in the chamber of the faid burgh all and Angular the writings, charters, evidences, and minuments whatfoever, to the faid mayor, aldermen, anil burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, for the time being, belonging, or in anywife appertaining; and fhall yearly for ever, on the feaft of St. Matthew, render a true and juft account to the mayor, aldeimen, and capital burgefles of the faid burgh for the time being, or the greater part of them, of all things by him fo received, levied, kept, or had. And alfo that every chamberlain of the faid burgh, for the time being, who (hall happen to be removed from his faid office, or fhall quit the fame of his own accord, fhall, within one month next after his removal, or voluntary leaving of his faid office, if thereunto required, render a true and faithful account to the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefles of the faid burgh, or as many of them as will be prefent, of all things in his office by him received, had or done. And for the better execution of our will and grant in this behalf, we have afligned, created, conftituted, and made, and by thefe prefents for ourfelvcs, our heirs and fucceflbrs, do affign, create, conflitute, and make our beloved Ruffel Andrews, gent, to be the firfl chamberlain of the faid burgh, to continue in that office during his natural lite. And that from time to time, and at all times after the death or furrender of the faid Rujel Andrews, the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, for the time being, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, fhall and may from time to time, and at all times, at their will and pleaiure, eletl, nominate, and prefer one other difcreet man to be chamberlain of the faid burgh. And -that fuch perlon who,- after the death or furrender of the faid RuJJ ill Andrews, fliall fo as aforefaid be elefted and named to the office of chamberlain of the faid burgh, ihall and may have, enjjy, and exercife the laid office of chamberlain of the faid burgh, during the pleafure of the iaid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor far the time being we will Ihall be one ,■ fuch perlon having firft taken his corporal oath before llie mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, rightly, well, and faithfully to execute the laid office of cham- berlain of the faid burgh. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fucceflbrs, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgelfes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceifors, that if it ihall happen that the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, fliall be fick to that degree that he cannot be able to attend the necefl"ary bufmels of the faid burgh, or for any other realonablecaule, (to be allowed by the capital burgelfes of the faid burgh, or tne greater part of them,) Ihall go out of the fame, that then and fo often it fhall and may be lawful for the mayor 350 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF mayor of the laid burgh for the time being, from time to time, to make and conftitute an honcft ana difcreet man, out of the aldermen of the burgh aforefaid, to be deputy of the laid mayor, for the time being, fo afHifted of ficknefs, or being abfent, for any fuch reafonable caulc to be allowed as aforefaid, to continue in the office of deputy mayor of the faid burgh, in the abfence or fick- nefs of the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, during his mayoralty : which faid alder- man, fo as aforefaid to be confiitutcd deputy mayor of the laid burgh for the time being, flial! and may do and execute all and fmgular the things which belong to the office of mayor of the faid burgh, within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precincts thereof, during the pleafure of the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, in his abfence or iicknefs, by virtue of thele our let- ters patent, as fully and amply as the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being might or could, by virtue of thefe our letters patent, or by any other means, h.ive done or executed the fame ; the faid deputy mayor having firfl taken his corporal oath before the recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, or his deputy, well and faithfully to execute all and fmgular lliofe things which be- long to the office of deputy mayor of the faid burgh : and fo from time to time as often as the cafe Ihall fo happen. And if it fhall happen that the recorder of the laid burgh for tlie time being, fhall be fick to that degree that he cannot attend the necceffary bufmels of the faid burgh, touch- ing the office of recorder thereof, or for any other reafonable caul'e fhall go out of the faid burgh, that then and fo often it fhall and may be lawful for the recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, fo make and conflitute, frc.m time to time, an honefl and difcreet man, of the burgeffes of the faid burgh, to be deputy of him the faid recorder, for the time being, fo afHifted witli fick-* nefs, or for any other reafonable caufe abfent, to continue in that office of deputy recorder of the faid burgh, in the abfence or ficknefs of the faid recorder for the time being, during his pleafure : which faid biirgefs, to as aforefaid conflituted deputy recorder of the faid burgh, fhall and may do and perform all and fmgular thofe things which belong and ought to belong to the office of re- corder of the friid burgh, within the faid burgh, and tiie liberties and precin6ls thereof, during the pleafure of the recorder oi the faid buvgh for the time being, in his abfence or ficknefs, by virtue of thefe letters patent, as fully and amply as the recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, by virtue of thefe our letters patent, or by any other means, might or could have done: fuch deputy recorder having (irfl taken his corporal oath before the mayor of the faid burgh, or his deputy, for the time being, rightly and faithfully to perform the fame : and fo from time to ijme, as often as the cafe fliall fo happen. And we will, and by thefe prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fuccellbis, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, that they and their fuccefiors, from henceforth forever, may have and hold, jnd have power to have and hold, a court of record within the f.iid burgh every Tuefday in every week throughout tlie year, to be holden before the mayor of the faid burgh, or his fufficieiit de- jAity, and the fenior alderman of the faid burgh, and alfo the recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, or his fufficient deputy, or any two of them, whereof the miyor or recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, or their, or either of their fufficient deputies, we will (hall be one. And that they lliall and may, in the faid court, by plaint, the fame to be levied, hold ail manner of pleas, a6tions, fuits, and demands, real, perlonal, and mixt, and of all trefpafses wliatfoever, within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precin6ts tiiereof, moved, happening, had, or committed, or hereafter to be done, moved, had, or committed ; and of all and lingular debts, actions upon the cafe, droit, account, covenant, detaining of charters, writings, jiiinuments, and chattels, taking and detaining of cattle and chattels, and all other contracts wiiatfoever, out of whatloever caufes and things within the faid burgli, and the liberties and precin6ts thereof, arifing, or hereafter happening to arife; although the faid trcfpafles, debts, accounts, covenants, receipts, detinues, or other contrafls, amount to, or exceed the fum or value of forty Ihillings, and not exceeding the debt, fum, damage, or value of one hundred Eounds. And that fuch pleas, fuits, plaints, and actions, may there be heard and determined efore the faid mayor, or his fufficient deputy, and the fenior alderman of the laid burgh, and alfo . the recorder thereof for the time being, or his fufficient depulv, or any two of them, of whom the mayor or recorder of the faid burgh, or their, or either of tlieir fufficient deputies for the time tieing, we will ihall be one, by fuch and fuch like procefs, means, and methods as are agreeable and according to the laws and cufloms of our kingdom of England, and in as ample manner and form. THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 351 form as in any other court of record, in any other city, burgh, or town incorporate, within this our kingdom of England are ufed and accuftomed. And that the mayor and recorder of the burgh aforefaid, for the time being, may and (hall have power and authority, from time to time, in full court aforefaid, to name, eleft, and appoint, admit and fwear, as many fit and expert men to be attornies, and attend in the faid court of record, as often as their prefence, attendance, and fervice fhall be required, as to the (aid mayor and recorder of the faid burgh, for the time being, fliall feem neceffary to be elefted and named, as in any other court ot record within this our king- dom of England is ufed and accuftomed. And that the faid attornies for the time being, and all other officers and minifters executing any office or fervice within the faid court of record, about the adminiftration or execution of juftice within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precincts thereof, may hereafter have and receive all fuch reafonable fees and rewards for the execution of their duties and offices, as they anciently have had and received, or of right ought to Ijave and re- ceive. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelfes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, that they fhall and may have forever within the laid burgh, the liberties and precincls thereof, a prifon or gaol, for the fafe cuflody of all and fingular the prifoners attached, or to be attached, or to be committed to the fame prifon or gaol, for any manner of caufe, which within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinfts thereof, may be inquired of, prefented, punilhed, or determined, there to remain until they, in a lawful manner, are delivered. And that the mayor of the laid burgh for the time being, may and fliall be keeper of the faid gaol. And moreover, of our further fpecial grace, and out of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we, for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do, by thefe prefents, grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelfes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, that they the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles, and their fuccef- fors, from henceforth forever, may have, enjoy, and recieve, to the proper ufe and behalf of the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles, and their fucceffors, all and all manner ol fines, iffues, amerciaments, forfeitures, and profits in the faid court, before the faid mayor, or his fufficient de- puty, and (enior alderman, and recorder of the faid burgh, or his fufficient deputy, or any two of them as aforefaid, or before our juftices, or thofe of our heirs and fuccellors, affigned to keep tiie peace within the faid burgh, coming, falling-out, arifmg, happening, or being forfeited: and that it ffiali and may be lawful to and for the faid mayor, alderman, and burgelies of the burgh aforefaid, and their lucceffors, from time to time, and by their proper fervants, to levy and col- lect the faid fines, iffues, amerciaments, forfeitures, and profits, according to the laws and cuftoms of our kingdom of England, and the fame to have and enjoy to the proper ufe and behalf of the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes, and their fucceffors; rendering thereout to us, our heirs and fucceHbrs, yearly, of and for all and fingular the faid fines, illues, amerciaments, forfeitures, and profits, the ancient farm or rent of thirteen pounds fix ihilliiigs and eight-pence, ot lawful money of England, to be paid into the hands of our bailiffs of the premifes for the time being, at the feaft of St. Michael the archangel, and Eaftcr, by even and equal portions, to be yearly torever paid, as the fame has been anciently accuftomed. We have alfo granted, and by thele prefents for our- felves, our heirs and fucceftbrs, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccellors, for the time being, that they and their I'ucceflijrs, from henceforth forever, may and ihall have, to their own proper ufe and behalf, all and all manner of goods and chattels, waived, deodands, the goods and chattels of felons and fugitives, Jelo's dc fe, out-lawed or to be out-lawed, waived or to be waived, condemned, or to be condemned, judged or to be judged, attainted or to be attainted, convicted or to be convicted, fugitives, and under out-law for felony, from time to time arifing, happening, or coming, of all and fingular the burgelfes and in- habitants of the burgh aforefaid, and the liberties and precinfts thereof. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fucceifbrs, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelies ot the burgh aforefaid, and iheir fucceffors, that the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, and his fucceifors, may and ihall have full authority and power to prefs and to take the mufter of our liege fubjetts within the faid burgh, and the limits and precin<:-ts of the fame, in foiue convenient place thereof, when and as often as he or they ihall think proper io to do ; and to chaftife and punilh thofe who fhall refufe to obey the lawful commands of the faid mayor of y,2 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF of the faid burgh for the time being, by imprifonment of their bodies according to his difcretion ; and Ihat no lieutenant or commiffioner of us, our heirs and fuccedbrs, alTigned or to be affigned to prefs or take inufler in the (aid county of Worcefler, Ihall prefs or niuder any men refiding or inhabiting within the faid burgh, and the limits and precinfts thereof, nor ihall enter the faid burgh, or the limits and precinfts thereof, to do or execute any thing relating anyway to their offices, unlets with the allent and coiifent of the mayor of the laid burgli for the time being. And moreover, of our further favour, and of our certain knowledge and mere nuHion, wc will, and by thefe prefents fur ourlelves, our heirs and fuccellors, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen and burgelfes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccellors, that they the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles, and their fuccellors, fhall not be conftrained or compelled out of the faid burgli, by any means, to come before us, our heirs or fuccefsors, or juftices of the common pleas, or thofe of our heirs or luccefors, or the juftices of us or our heirs afligned to take the aflizes, and for gaol delivery, or the juftices of us or of our heirs, alligned to hear and determine divers felonies, tref- pafses, and evil behaviours, or our juftices of n//;' /t/u/, or thole of our heirs, or the juftices of us or our heirs adigned to furvey walls, ditches, gutters, I'ewers, bridges, or pools, or any other the commilTioners of us or of our heirs, or the Iheriffs, eftreators, coroners, or other officers or minii- ters of us, our heirs and fuccelTors, or the ftewards and marlLal, or clerk of the market or houlhold of us or our heirs; neither fliall they, or either of them, be put or impanelled for juries, or other inquefts, in any aflizes within the i^id burgh; neither ihall they, or either of them, lorleit any idues or amerciaments, by any means, to us or our heii-s, upon that occalion ; but Ihall forever be acquitted therefrom, unlefs they, or any or either ol them, ihall have lands and tenements out of the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinfts of the iame, for which they ouglit to be charged. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fuccellors, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgelses of the burgh aforelaid, and their fuccefsors, that Thomas Chaloner, knt. Dauid Fowles, knt. William Fleetwood, knt. and Adam Nfwton, e\q. during their na- tural lives, and alio the mayor and recorder of the faid burgh lor the lime being, and alio four of the aldermen of the faid burgh for the time being, to be adigntd, named, and eledrted by the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgcfses of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccefsors, or by the ma- jor part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh tor the tune being we will iliall be one, which faid aldermen of the faid burgh, and every of them, may and ihall, iorever, be keepers and juftices of us, our heirs and fuccefsors, for the keeping and preferving, and for cauling to be preferved and kept, the peace of us, and of our heirs and luccelsors, witiun the laid burgh, and the limits and precinfts thereof, and alio for the keeping and cauling to be kept the ftatutes and ordinances of IVincheJler, Northampton, and IVejtminJttr, made for the keeping of the laid peace, and for keeping the ordinances there and ellewhere made conceramg hunters, workmen, labourers, artificers, fervants, hofts, beggars, and vagabonds, and thole who call themlelvtrs travelling men; and likewife for the keeping the ftatutes and ordinances made in the Hrlt and lecond yejrs of the reign of our late predecelsor, Henry the fourth, king of England; and alio lor the keeping of the ftatute of king Henry the fifth, made in the parliament held at Wejiminjter, in the third year of his reign, concerning the walhing, clipping, and filing of the money ot uur kingdom, and tor the keeping and cauling to be kept, all other ordinances and ftatutes, made, or to ue made and pub- lilhed, for the good of our {^)eace, and of our heirs and fuccelsors, and lor the quiet regimen and government of our people, and of our heirs and luccelsors, in all and finguiar articles whatioever, within the laid bur^h of Evejham, and the limits and precinfts ihereot, according to the powers, form, and efteft thereof, and for the correction and puuilhment of all thole who lluil be found delinquents againft the form of the faid ordinances and ftatutes, in the manner therein prefcribed ; and for cauling all thofe who threaten any of our people with the hurt ot their bodies, or burning of their houles, to come before them, or fome of them, to find iulhcient lureties for the peace, and their good behaviour towards us, and the people of us, our heirs and luccelsors; and it they Ihall refufe to find fuch lureties, then to commit them to prilon in our laid burgh, to be lately keptfo long, and until they fhall find fuch lureties as afoielaid. Moreover we will, and by thele prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fuccefsors, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgef- les of the burgh aforefaid, and their luccelsors forever, that the laid Thomas Chaloner, David FowUs, William THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. or-,, WiUiam Fleetxvootf, and Adam Newton, during their natural lives, and alfo the faid mayor, recorder, and four aldermen of the faid burgh, for the time being, fo as aforefaid to be chofea and nomi- nated to the office of juftice of the peace for the time being, or any three of them, of whom the mayor and recorder for the time being we will fliall be two, from this time forth forever, may be juftices of us, our heirs and fucceifors, to inquire by the oathof honefl and lawful men of the faid burgh, by whom the truth of the matter may be better known, of all and all manner of felonies, incliantments, incantations, arts, magic, trefpaffes, foreftallings, regratenings, ingroffings, and exactions within tlie faid burgh, and the limits and precinfts of the fame, by whomfoever, and after wliatfoever manner, done and committed, and which may therefrom henceforth happen to be done ; and alfo of all and lingular other malefaftions and offences, of which our juftices of the peace may lawfully inquire within the faid burgh, and the limits and liberties of the fame, in whatfoever manner done or committed, or which may there henceforth happen to be done or at- tempted. And alfo all thofe who againft our peace, and to the difturbance of our people, fliall go or ride, or hereafter fliall prefume to go or ride, in afTemblies, with armed force. And alfo all fuch as lie in wait to maim or kill our people, as effeftually as by any of the keepers and juftices of the peace of us, our heirs or rucceilbrs, affigned and to be adigned to inquire of fuch felonies, tiefpafles, and malefaftions, in any county of our kingdom of England, by virtue of the ordi- nances and ftatutes aforefaid, or of any others before this time made, or hereafter to be made, ac- cording to the force and effeft of our letters patent, to them for that purpofe made or to be made, ought and is ufed to be inquired into,- and from time to time to hear and determine all and lingu- lar the premifes, and all other things whatfoever, attempted or committed, or hereafter to be at- tempted or commited within the faid burgh, and the limits and precinfts of the fame, as by the faid keepers of the peace of us, our heirs and fuccelfors, afligned and to be affigned to hear and determine fuch felonies, trefpafses, and malefactions, in any county of our faid kingdom of Eng- land may or ought, by virtue of the aforefaid ordinances and flatutes, to be difcuffed and deter- mined according to the laws and cuftoms of our kingdom of England, and the form of the ordi- nances and ftatutes aforefaid, without any commiffion or letters of us, our heirs and fucceffors, for that purpofe to them to be granted. And further, we will, and of our fpecial favour, and out of our certain knowledge and mere motion, for ourlelves, our heirs and fuccelfors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen and burgelfes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccelfors, that the mayor and recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, and the faid four aldermen, fo as aforelaid from time to time elected and nominated to the office of juftice of the peace, or any three of them, of whom the mayor and recorder of the faid burgh for the time being we will fliall be two, be from henceforth forever juftices of us, our heirs and luccefsors, from time to time to deliver the gaol of the faid burgh of the prifoners now therein, or to the fame gaol from henceforth, for what caufes foever, to be committed. And that the coroner of the laid burgh for the time being, do from time to time make return of all juries, inquefls, depofitions, pannels, attachments, and in- dentures, by them or either of them taken or to be taken, to the mayor, recorder, and the faid four aldermen, fo as aforefaid to be chofen and named into the office of juftice of peace within the faid burgh, from time to time, or any three or more of them, of whom the mayor and re- coider of the burgh aforefaid for the time being we will fhall be two, when and as often as they ihall be minded to deliver the faid gaol of the prifoners therein being ; and that they attend them in all things touching the delivery of the faid gaol, and execute the command of the faid juftices for the time being, and every of them, from time to time, in the fame manner and form as any flieriff of our kingdom of England, before the juftices of gaol delivery, of us, our heirs and fuccel- fors, in any county of our kingdom of England u(ed to do, return, attend, and execute the fame, by the laws of this our kingdom. And that the faid mayor, aldermen and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccefsors, may and iliall have, and may ereft a gallows, from henceforth within the faid burgh, or the liberties of the lame, for the hanging of felons, murderers, and other malefaftors within the laid burgh condemned, or to be condemned thereto, according to the laws of this our kingdom of England. And that the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their luccelsors, may by themlelves, or their officers or deputies conftituted in the faid burgh, apprehend and arxcll all felons, thieves, and other malefactors whatfoever, within the Z z faid 354* APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF faid burgh, and llie limits, precinfts, and liberties thereof, and them to commit to gaol within the faid burgh, there lafcly to be kept until by due courle of law delivered. And further, we have given and granted, and by thefe prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fuccefsors, do give and grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceilors, that the mayor of the laid burgh for the time being may and (hall ha%e the return of all writs, precepts, bills, and warrants, of us, our heirs and luccellors; and the ellreats and precepts of our juftices iiinerant, as well of the pleas of the fored, as of the common pleas, or other juftices whatloever; and allij the return of attachments, as well of pleas of the crown, as any other in the laid burgh, and the liberties and precinftsof the fame, or any part thereof ariling or happening, and execution of them to do by the precept of the mayor of the laid burgh for the time being ; io that no Iheritf, under-lheriff, bailift, or other officer of us, our heirs or fuccelfors, may enter the faid burgh, the fuburbs or precinfls of the lame, to do any thing or things to their offices in that behalf belonging, unlefe for the default of the faid mayor or his fuccelfors, or their fervants for the time being. And further, wc will, and by thefe prefents for ourfclves, our heirs and fucceffors, do grant to the mayor, aldermen, and burgeifes of the burgh atorelaid, and their fucceilors, that tiie mayor, al- dermen, and capital burgelles of the burgh afurelaid, for the time being, or the major part of them, of whom the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, may, and may have power from time to time, at their plealure, to ele^t and nominate one of the capital burgelles, or of the affiftants of the laid burgh, to be coroner of the faid burgh : which faid coroner, fo as afore- faid to be cholen and named, having ti'ken his corporal oath before the mayor of the faid Lurgh for the time being, rightly, well, and faithfully to execute that office, in all things touching or concerning the fame, may have and exercile the faid office of coroner of the faid burgh, during the plealure ol the laid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgelles, or the greater part of tliem, of wlioin the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being we will Ihall be one, or until lonie other perlon Iball be duly elefted into the oifice of coroner of the faid burgh, according to the ordinance and provilion in thefe prefents above-mentioned and expreffed: and that he who ihall be cholen and i'worn as aforefaid into the office of coroner of tlie faid burgh, may, and may have power to do and execute all things whatloever which belong to the office of coroner of the laid burgh, within the lame, and the liberties and precinfls tliereof ; fo that no other coroner of us, our heirs and fuc- ceffors, may hereafter, by any means, intermeddle or enter into, or prefume to enter into the faid burgh, tlie fuburbs or precin6ls thereof, to do any thing that belongs to the office of coroner of the faid burgh. And further, we being willing to extend our favour in this behalf to the mayor, aldermen, and burgelles of the faid burgh, and their fucceffors, of our fpecial favour, and out of our certain knowledge and mere motion, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldennen, and burgeffes of the burgh alorelaid, and their fucceffors, and we, firmly enjoining, command, that from henceforth forever, no (heriif, under-lheriff, eftreator, coroner, keeper or juflice of the peace, or any other miniftcrs of us, our heirs or fuccelfors, may enter into, or by any means prefume to enter into the faid burgh, the fuburbs, liberties, or precinfts of the i'ame, to do or exercife any thing or things there which be- long to their offices, unlels for the default of the mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforelaid, fur the time being. And further, we have granted, and by thefe prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fucceilors, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgeifes of the buigh afore- faid, and iheir luccellors, that the mayor of the laid burgh for the time being, from henceforth forever, be and ihall be our clerk of the market, and efcheator of us, our heirs and liicceilois, wuhin the laid burgh, and the liberties and precinfts thereof; and that the faid mayor for the lime being, Ihall and may do and perform all things whatloever to the laid offices of clerk of the .market and elcheator, or either of them, belonging ; and to perform all and lingular other aits and deeds which belong to thele offices, or either of them, within the laid burgh, the luburbs and precinitb of the fame; (o that no clerk of the market or elcheator, of us, our heirs or fuccellijrs, ■fhall by any means hereafter intermeddle in, or by any means enter, or prelume to enter into the ■faid burgh, to execute any thing which belongs to the offices of clerk of the market or elcheator, or either of them. And further, we will, and by thele prefents for ourlelves, our heirs and fuc- ceffors, do grant and ordain, that iiova henceforth forever there be and Ihaii be within the laid burgh THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. * 355 burgh of Evejham, two burgefTes of parliament, of us, our heirs and fucceffors : and that the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, upon any writ of election of burgeffes of prliament, of us, our heirs and fucceffors, to them dire6led, may and fiiail have power and authority to eleft and nominate two difcreet and honeft men, to be burgeffes of the parliament of us, our heirs and fucceffors, for the faid burgh ; and to fend the faid burgeffes fo chofen, at the cofts and charges of the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh afore- faid, and their fucceffors, to the parliament of us, our heirs and fucceffors, wherefoever it fhall be holden, in the fame manner and form as in other burghs of this kingdom of England is ufed and accuftomed : and we will that the faid burgeiles, fo chofen and named, fhall be prefent and remain in tlie parliament of us, our heirs and fucceffors, at the coffs and charges of the faid mayor, alder- men, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, for the time being, during all fuch time as fuch par- liaments happen to be holden, in like manner and form as other burgeffes of parliament, for any other burgh or burghs whatfoever within our kingdom of England, ufed to do ; which faid bur- geffes in fuch parliament of us, our heirs and fuccelfors, fhall have their votes, as well affirmative as negative, and there do and perform all and fingular other fuch things as any other burgefs or burgeffes of our parliament, for any other burgh or burghs whatfoever, may have, do, or perform, by any way or means whatfoever. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, forever, that they and their fucceffors may have, hold, and keep, and may have power to have, hold, and keep, in the faid burgh, yearly forever, in every week, two markets, one of them on Monday, and the other on Friday, in each week throughout the year ; and alfo three fairs in every year forever, the firfl of the faid fairs to begin on Monday, in the fecond week next after the feaft of Eafter, and to continue all that day, and on the morrow of the fame ; the feconri fair to begin on Monday next after the feafl; of Whitfuntide, and to laft all that day, and on the morrow thereof; and the third fair to begin on the feafl or day of St. Silvins, and to con- tinue all that whole day, and on the morrow of the fame ; together with a court of pye-powder there to be holden, during the time of the faid fairs and markets, with all liberty and free cufloms oftoUage, ftallage, picage, fines, amerciaments, and all other profits, commodities, and emolu- ments whatfoever, to the faid markets, fairs, and court of pye-powder, belonging or appertaining, as in the faid burgh have heretofore been ufed : provided neverthelefs, that the faid markets and fairs be not to tlie prejudice of any other markets or fairs. We have moreover granted, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, (as much as lies in us,) that no ftranger, not being a burgefs of the faid burgh, may fell or expofe to (ale, or caufe to be (old and expofed to fale, any merchandifes, wares, or traffic, within the faid burgh, or the liberties and precinfts thereof, otherwife than in the grofs, unlefs only in the times of the fairs there kept, under pain of forfeiting to the (laid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of he burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, all fuch wares and merchandifes fo as aforefaid againft the form of thefe prefents to be fold or ex- pofed to fale, or the prices thereof; and that it fhall and may be lawful to and for the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of tlie burgh aforefaid, by their proper (ervants and officers, to levy and feize the laid wares and merchandizes, or the prices of the lame, (b as aforefaid happening to be forfeited, by virtue of thefe prefents, according to the laws and cuffoms of our kingdom of Eng- bnd, and the fame, fo levied and (eized, to have, enjoy, and retain, to their own proper ufe and behalf, forever, without any account to be rendered, paid, or made to us, our heirs or fucceffors, for the fame : and thefe our letters patent, or inrolment thereof, fhall be from time to time a fuf- ficieat warrant and indemnity to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the faid burgh, for the time being, and all and lingular their officers and fervants whatfoever in this behaff. And moreover, we will, and by thele prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceffors, do giant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, that trom hence- forth forever, there be and fhall be within the laid burgh, two officers, who fhall be and be called ferjeants at mace, (b as aforefaid to be chofen and nominated, and being duly (worn before the mayor and recorder of the faid burgh for the time being, to execute the (aid office well and faith- fully, fhall and may perform and exercife the lame. And further, we will and ordain, and by Z z 2 " thele 356 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF thcfe prefenfs for ourfelves, our heirs and fuccenbrs, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceliors, that the ferjeants at mace in the faid burgh to be deputed, fliall cany or bear gold or filver maces, graven and adorned with the arms of the princes and heirs apparent of the kingdom of England, before the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, in all places within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinfls thereof. And fuither, we will, and by thefe prefentsfor ourfelves, our heirs and fucceflbrs, do grant to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccelfcrs, that they may have, hold, and enjoy, and may have power to have, hold, and enjoy, within the faid burgh of Evejham, a view of frank pledge of all and fingular the inhabitants and refiants within the laid burgh, and the limits, precinfts, and jurildiflions thereof, and all things which belong, or may or ought to belong or appertain to a view of frank pledge, to be holden twice a year, viz. one within a nionlh of Eafter, and the other within a mouth of St. Michael, in every year, to be holden before the mayor and recorder of the faid burgh, or their fufficient deputies for the time being, and to do all things whatfoever which belong to the view of the frank pledge, in the fame, and as ample a man- ner and form as heretofore has been lawfidly or by right uled and accuflomed within the faid burgh. And further, for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceliors, we do grant to the faid mayor, al- dermen, and burgedes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, tlut not any of llum, nor any of the inhabitants and refiants %vilhin the faid burgh, and the limits and precin6ts thereof, Ihail be made and affigned tax-gatherers, afleilbr, or collector of any cuftoms, taxes, tolls, iubfdies, tenths, fifteenths, or any other fums of mon.ey whatfoever, granted or to be granted, to us, our heirs or fucceliors, unlefe only within the faid burgh, and the limits and precin6ts thtreof ; willing alio, and granting by thefe prefenLs, to the mayor, aldermen, and burgefe afoielaid, that they, and all other the inhabitants and refiants within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinftsof the fame, or either of them, fliall not by any means be taxed or affelTed for fuch cuftoms, taxes, tollage, I'ubfidies, tenths, fifteenths, or other fums of money whatfoever, to us, our hiiis t>r fuccef- fors to be granted, by any other perfon or perfons than the mayor, aldermen, and burgeiics of the faid burgh. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceliors, do grant to the mayor, aldermen, and burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceflbrs, that the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgelfes of the faid burgh, or the major part of them, of whom the mayor of the fitid burgh for the time being we will fliall be one, may and liiall have full power and authority, from time to time, as often as to them ihall feem neceifary, realonably to tax and allefs all thole who now or hereafter, at any time, Ihall be inhabitants, refiants, and dwellers within the faid burgh, and the limits and precinfts thereof, in any fums of money by them to be paid and anfwered for, towards the needful and neceifary charges, cofts, and expcnccs of the faid burgh, and the liberties and precincts thereof, and for all matters and things touching, or in anywife concerning the faid burgh ; and to levy and receive, from time to time, of and from all inhabitants and dwellers whatfoever within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precintts there- of, all fums of money by them fo as aforefaid to be taxed or alfefled, to the ufe of the faid burgh, according to the law and cnftom of our kingdom of England, and as in any other burgh, city, or town incorporate within this kingdom of England, has been ufed and accuftomed: and thefe our letters patent, or copies thereof, fliall be from time to time a fufficient warrant and indemnity to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes, in this behalf. And moreover, we, of our further fpecial favour, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion, defiring to provide for the fafety, defence, and government of orphans and infants, which hereafter Ihall happen or be within the burgh of Evejham aforefaid, and that their goods and chattels, from henceforth forever, may from time to time, duiing the minority of fuch oiphans and infants, be well, faithfully, and juftly kept and prelerved, for the ufe, profit, and advantage of the faid orphans, during their nonage, for thtir greater profit and convenience : we will, and by thefe prefents, for ourlelves, our heirs and fuc- ceiTors, do grant to the faid mayor, aldermen and burgefles of the burgh aforefaid, and Itieir fuccel- fors, that the mayor, aldermen, and capital burgefles of the faid burgh for the time being, may and {hall have, from henceforth forever, the cuftody and government of all orphans of burgefles what- foever, within the faid burgh, and the liberty and precincts thereof, and that they may and Ihall have power and authority to receive, levy, and colleft, and keep and caufe to be kept, in the chamber THE BOROUGH OF EVESHAM. 357. chamber of the faid burgh for the time being, by the chamberlain of the faid burgh for the time being, all goods and chattels, debts and legacies whatfoever, within the faid burgh, and the liber- ties and precinfts thereof, being found of all orphans of any burgefs or burgefTes of the burgh aforefaid, hereafter happening to die, and the faid goods and chattels, debts and legacies, to place out and employ to the beft ufe, benefit, profit, and advantage of the faid orphans ; and that they fhall be chargeable to the faid orphans with the faid goods and chattels, debts and legacies; and the fame goods and chattels, debts and legacies, together with the increafe and profit thereof, at fuch an age, and in the lame manner and form, in all things, fhall pay and deliver, or caule to be paid and delivered, to the faid orphans, as in our city of London now is, or has been anciently ufed and accuftomed ; and that they may have all fuch aftions and remedies for the withdrawing and taking away any orphan happening to be within the faid burgh, and for the recovery of their goods and chattels, debts and legacies, and do all fuch and fuch like offices, for the better govern- ment and prefervation of fuch orphans, and their goods and chattels, debts and legacies, as in the city of London have heretofore been and ought to be ufed ; and that they may do and perform all and fingular other things, touching fuch orphans, and their goods and chattels aforefaid, as hereto- fore hath been ufed to be done in tlie faid city of London, and not otherwife,or in any other man- ner : all and fingular which things we will, by thefe prelents, fliall be inviolably oblerved. And further, we will, and by thefe prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceflbrs, do grant to the mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the faid burgh, and their fuccellors, that the mayor, aldermen, and capi- tal burgefles of the faid burgh for the time being, or the greater part of them, of whom the mayor for the time being we will Ihall be one, mjy and fliall have full power and authority, from time to time, to chufe, nominate, affign, and conftitute fuch and fo many perfons, inhabiting and refiding as well without the laid burgh, as within the faid burgh, the limits and precin6ls thereof, to be burgeffes of the faid burgh, as to the faid mayor, aldermen, and capital burgeffes, or the greater part of tliem, fliall feem moft conducive to the public good and advantage of the faid burgh, in the fame manner and form, and under the fame corporal oath, to be taken by every of tlie faid burgeffes fo to be chofen and affigned, as the burgeffes of the faid burgh of Evejham, within the fame, ufed formerly to take ; and that fuch burgeffes of the faid burgh, and every of them, from henceforth forever, may fully and peaceably have, obtain, poffefs, and enjoy all the liberties, pri- vileges, franchifes, and immunities, hertofore by us, or by any of our predeceflors, kings orqueen> of England, granted to the builiffs, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh of Evejham, by that or any other name or names whatfoever heretofore incorporated. And further, of our fpecial grace, and certain knowledge and mere motion, we have given and granted, and by thefe pirefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fuccellors, do give and grant to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgelTes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccellors, full power, authority and jurifd;<5lion, that the mayor of the faid burgh for the time being, may have power to exercife, within the faid burgh, and the liberties and precinfts thereof, from henceforth forever, puniihments and corrertions upon all and fingular drunkards, and all harlot^ whores, bawds, and all other wicked and incontinent perfons whatfoever,- and alfo all and fingular thofe who difhoneflly and malicioufly, upon any occafion, converfe together, or wickedly quarrel ; and alfo all fuch as are called fcolds, and other delinquents inhabiting or dwelling within the faid burgh, or the liberties thereof, as well by verdiit and prefentment of twelve honeft and lawful men of the faid burgh for the time being, as by any other ways and means, which to the faid mayor for the time being fliall feem moft expedient. And further, of our fpecial favour, and out of our certam knowledge and mere motion, we have granted, and by thefe prelents for ourfelves, our heirs and fucceflbrs, do give and grant fpecial licence, free leave, and lawful power and authority, to the laid mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and their fucceffors, to have, receive, and purchafe, to them and their fucceffors forever, meffuages, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, paftures, woods, underwoods, rectories, tithes, rents, reverfions, and other hereditaments whatfoever, within our kingdom of Enghnd, or elfe- where in our dominions, as well of us, our heirs and fucceffors, as of any other perlbn or perfons whatfoever, which are not held of us, our heirs or fucceflbrs, immediately, in capite, or by knight's fervice, fo as fuch meffuages, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pauures, wjods, underwotids, reftories, tithes, rents, reverfions, lervices, and other hereditaments fo by them to be had, taken, or 358 APPENDIX TO THE HISTORY OF or puTchafed, do not exceed in the whole the clear yearly value or fiun of forty pounds, beyond all charges and reprizes, (the flatutes of lands and tenements in niortinaiii, or any other ftatute, aft, ordinance, or provifion before that time made, ordained, or provided, or any other aH. caufe, or matter whatfoever to the contrary thereof in anywife, nolwithftanding.) Alio we give, and by thefe prefents (or ourfelves our heirs and fuccefTors, do grant to all and every our fubjeft or fub- jefts whatfoever, and of our heirs and fuccefsors, fpecial licenfe, lawtul power and authority, that they, or any or either of them, may have power to give, grant, fell, bequeath, or alien, to the fain mayor, aldermen, and burgeffes of the burgh aforefaid, and tlieir fuccefsors, mefsuagcs, lands, tenements, meadows, paftures, woods, underwoods, rectories, tithes, rents, reverfions, fcrvices, and other hereditaments whatfoc^er, which are not immediately held of us, our heirs or fuccel- fors, in capite, or otherwife by knight's fervice, fo as the laid mefsuages, lands, tenements, mea- dows, paftures, feedings, woods, imderwoods, rectories, tithes, rents, reverfions, li^rvices, and other hereditaments, fo by virtue of thefe prefents to be given, granted, bequeathed, or aliened to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefses of the burgh atorefaid, and their luccedbrs, do not ex- ceed in the whole clear yearly value the fum of forty pounds, beyond all charges and reprizes, (the ftatutes of lands and tenements in mortmain, or any other thing, caufe, or matter whatloever, heretofore had, made, done, ordained, or provided to the contrary thereof in anywife, notwiih- (landing.) And further, we will, and by thefe prelents for ourfcives, our heirs and fuccefsors^ do give, grant, confirm, ratify, and approve to the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefses of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccefTors, all and all manner of liberties, franchifes, immunities, ex- emptions, privileges, difcharges, jurifdiflions, lauds, tenements, waftes, commons, and heredita- ments whatloever, which the mayor, aldermen, and burgelfes now have, hold, uie, and enjoy, or which they or their predeceHors, by wliat name or names foever, or by whatfoever incorporation or pretence of any incorporation, have heretofore had, ult;d, and enjoyed, or ought to have, ufe, or enjoy, or any eftate of inheritance, or by reafon of, or under pretence of any charters or letters patent, by any of our predeceflors or anceftors, kings or queens of England, by any means here- tofore made, confirmed, or granted, or by any other lawful means, right, title, cuftom, ufe, or prelcription whatfoever, heretofore lawfully ufed, had, or accuftomed, although the lame, or any of them, have formerly been difufed, abufed, or difcontinued, and although the fame, or any or cither of them, are or have been forfeited or loft, to have, hold, and enjoy, to the laid mayor, al- dermen, and burgefses of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccefsors ibrever, yielding and paying therefore to us, our heirs and fuccelsors, yearly, fuch, fo many, fo great, and the fame rents, Cer- vices, fums of money, and demands whatloever, as and which heretofore have been accuftomed, or ought to be rendered and paid to us for the fame : wherefore we will, and by thefe prelents for ourfcives, our heirs and fuccefsors, firmly enjoining, do command that the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefses of the burgh aforefaid, and their fuccefsors, may have, hold, enjoy, and may be capable fully and abfolutely to have, hold, ufe, and enjoy forever, all liberties, free cuftoms, pri- vileges, authorities, jurifdittions, and difcharges aforelaid, according to the tenor and effei^t of thefe our letters patent, without any let or hinderance whatfoever, of us, our heirs or fuccefsors ; we being willing that the faid mayor, aldermen, and burgefses of the faid burgh, and their fuc- cefsors, or any or either of them, may not be difturbed, molefted, vexed, or grieved, by us or our heirs, or by our juftices, Iheriffs, efcheators, or other our bailifts or minifters, or of our heirs or fuccefsors whatfoever, by reafon of the premifes, or any of them : wilfing, and by thele prefents for ourfelves, our heirs and fuccefsors, commanding, as well our treafurers, cfjancellors, and ba- rons of our exchequer, and of our heirs and fuccelsors, as our attorney and folicitur general for the time being, and every of them, and ail other our officers, and minifters of our heirs and fuccefsors whatfoever, that neither they, nor any or either of them, ifiall profecute or continue, or make or caufe to be profecuted and continued, any wut or fummons of quo warranto, or any other writ or writs, or procefses whatfoever, againft the mayor, aldermen, and burgefses of the burgh aforefaid, or any or either of them, for any caufes, matters, things, offences, claims, or ufurpations, by them or either of them due, claimed, attempted, ufed, had, or ufuipcd before the day of the makmg of thefe prefents: wijhng alio, that the mayor, aldermen, and burgefses of the laid burgh, or either »jf them, fliaJl not be molefted or difturbed by any of the juftices, officers, or miuiiters aforelaid, for THE B O R O U G H O F EVESHAM. 3^9 for or by reafon of the life, claim, ufurpation, or abufe of any liberties, franchifes, or jurirdic- tions, before the day of the making of thefe letters patent, or be compelled to anfwer to the fame, or either of them. And whereas the lady Elizabeth, late queen of England, by her letters patent under the great feal of England, bearing date at Wejlm'mjler, the eighteenth day of February, in the ninth year of her reign, for Ihe confideration "therein rnentioned did give and grant to her then beloved Edward Hobby, efq. fon and heir of Thomas Hobby, knt. then deceafed, the ollice of bailiff of the hundred and liberty of Blakenhurjl, in her county of VVorcefter, thentofore parcel of the podeflion of the late monaidery of Evejham, in the faid county of Worcefier, and all and Angular amerciaments, efcheats, eftreats, profits of courts, view of frank pledge, and all other profits whatfoever, from time to time happening within the faid hundred and liberty, and made, ordained, and conflituted the faid Edward, bailiff of the hundred and liberties aforefaid, by the fame her letters patent, (except neverthelefs, and always referved out of the faid grant, to the faid late queen, her heirs and fucceffors, all amerciaments, efcheats, eftreats, forfeitures, perquifites, and other profits within the town of Evejham, in the faid county of Worcefier,) to have, hold, perceive, exercifc, and enjoy the faid ofKce, and all and lingular the premifes in the faid letters patent exprefsed and fpecified, with the appurtenances, (except before excepted,) to the faid £i. read Henrjr Seymoce, Efq. I O F SUBSCRIBERS. Thofe with this mark * are Sulfcribers for fine Copies. R, -EV. Thomas Aflifield, Evefliam •Rev. William Aldington, Reftor of Todnam •Major John Aldington, Stratton, Cornwall Mr. E. Andrews, Worcefter, 2 copies Mr. T. Amphlet, Omberfley B •Rev. T. Beale, M. A. Bengworth, 2 copies Rev. Dr. Breedon, of Bear-court, Berks Rev. Robert Burgefs, Reftor of Elmley Lovett 'Rev. Robert Blayney, Vicar of Aldborough, Suffolk Rev. Mr. Biddulph, Briflol Rev. T. Bree, Allefley, VVarwickfliire Rev. William Bree, Colelhill Rev. Jofcph Biddle, Beckford •Rev. Mr. Brifcoe, Alhton-Keynes, Wilts Rev. Mr. Butterworth, Evefliam Dr. Berkeley, Writtle, Effex Dr. Burney, St. Martin's-lane, London •Thomas Bowles, Efq. Wanfled, Effex •George Bowles, Efq. ditto William Batfon, Efq. Bourton Thomas Benbow, E!q. Worcefter "James Brazier, Efq. Bewdley •James Brindley, Efq. London •Thomas Bund, Efq. Wick Mr. Thomas Bennett, South Littleton George Beft, Efq. Perfliore •Thomas Blayney, Efq. Evefliam John Brown, E(q. ditto Mifs A. W. Brown, ditto Mr. William Barnes, ditto Mr. William Bonaker, ditto Mrs. Biddulph, Belvidere, Bath Mrs. Boyce, Fernhill Mr. William Burrows, Willerfey Mr. John Ballard, Littleton Mr. Burne, Surgeon, Perfliore Mr. George Bourne, ditto Mr. Beale, Attorney, Upton-upon-Severn Mr. R. V. Brooke, London Mr. Thomas Baldwin, Toddington Mr. John Millard Benton, Pebworth Mr. John Butterworth, London C •Right Hon. Earl of Coventry, 2 copies Rev. L B. Carpenter, Reftor of Elfted, Suffex Rev. Edward Cooper, Vicar of Evefliam Rev. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Rev. Samuel Cooper, Loxley Mr. Jofeph Cooper, ditto Mr. T. B. Cooper, ditto Richard Clarke, Efq. Worcefier Richard Bourne Charlett, Efq. Elmley-Caftle •William Couraud, Efq. Evelham, 2 copies Mr. R. P. Cotton, ditto Mr, J. W.Cotton, ditto •Mr. John Clarke, ditto Mr. Cheek, ditto Mr. John Clarke, Eengvvorth Mrs. Ann Caraffa, Edmonton Samuel Collett, Efq. Worcefter Mr, Samuel Cormell, Honeyborne D •Right Hon. Earl of Dartmouth Sir John Daihwood, Bart. Weft Wycombe Rev. John Davies, A. M. Fellow of Trinity Col- lege, Oxford Rev. Mr. Davies, Cropthome Rev. B. Davies, Evefliam Rev. Mr. Dawfoii, ditto William Dickens, Efq. Chennington George Dominicus, Efq. John Darke, Efq^ Breedon •Mr. John Durham, Poftlip Mr. William Doyle, Magdalen College, Oxford •Mrs. Ann Dunn, Evefliam Mr. George Day, ditto Mr. Drury, ditto Mr. Thomas Davies, ditto Mr. James Doyle, ditto Mrs. Damon, St. Thomas-ftrect, Portfmouth "^Mr. William Dimery, Overbury E •Right Hon. Earl of Exeter John Embury, Efq. Twining Mr. James Evans, Allefborough Mr. George Ewans, Evelham Mr. Thomas Eden, Bengworth F •Rev. Dr. Fotheringham, Fladbury •John Fidkin, Efq. Brokencote, Worcefterlhire Edward Fifher, Efq. Prefbury GloucefterOiire- Mr. Benjamin Feild, Evefliam Mr. James Feild, Worceftcr Mr. Francis Findon, Attornej-, Sliipflon Mr. Fletcher, Oxford G •Richard Gough, Efq. London Captain Gardner, Worcefler Mr. Valentine Green, F. A. S. London Mr. Thomas Bovey Green, Blockley Mr. John Green, Bromfgrove Mr. Thomas Goore, Evefham •Mr. G. Grofvenor, ditto Mr. Goulding, London Mr. J. H. Griffiths, Broadway Mr. H. Goore, ditto H •Right Hon. Lord Harrowby Rev. Dr. Hey, Norrifian ProfefTor of Divinity, Cambridge, Rev. Dr. Harrifon, Reftor of Hey ford, Oxford Rev. James Hippefley, Reftor of Stow Rev. Mr. Hulme, Breedon Rev. R. Hinckley, Vicar of Brails Rev. Mr. Herringham, Chipping-Ongar Dr. Philip Hays, ProfeiTor of Mufic, Oxford •Thomas Holt, Efq. Redgrave-Hall, Suffolk, 3 copies •William Hayley, Efq. Eartham, SufTex Jofeph Ifles Heathcote, Efq. South-Broome- Houfe, Devizes Ifaac Hobhoufe, Efq. Weftbury-College, Glou- cefierfliire Charles Hayward, Efq. Quedgeley, ditto Charles Henry Hunt, Efq. Stratford-upon-Avon Richard Hall, Efq. Bourton on the Water William Hall, Efq. Beverye William Hall, Jun. Efq. ditto James Hall, Efq. ditto Thomas Hall, Efq. ditto Captain Hume, Gerrard-flreet, SjIio, London Edward Horfman, Efq. Banker, Campden Mr. Hands, -^ LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Mr. Hand', Evefliam •Mr. T. Harris, ditto "Mr. Jolin Hunter, ditto Mr. Thomas Humphries, ditto Mr. Thomas Hill, ditto Mr. Richard Homer, Dudley Mr. Richard Hirons, Bengworlh Mr;. Holland, Wickhamford MeliVs. HoU and BrandiQi, WorceAer, 6 copies Mr. James Hickman, Old Coombe Mr. Anthony Hanks, Salford •Mr. Jofeph Hill, Attorney, Red Marley Mr.' Hazard, Bath Mr. John Hughes, Stratton Mr. William Hafswell, Stratford Mr. William Houfe.Jun. Perlhorc John Hunter, Efq. ditto Mr. RobeVt Hawes, Nortliwick Mr. William Harbidge, Bidford I •Rev. Jofeph Ingram, D. D. Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford Rev. Mr. Jennings, Evelham Rev. Lewis Jones, Bengworth Rev. D. Jones, Badfey Rev. John Jaques, Packington, Warwickfliire Dr. John Johnfon, Phyfician, WorceAer Mr. Thomasjarrett, Evefliam Mr. Johnfon, Attorney, Temple, London Mr. Samuel Jones, Gloucefter Mr. John Jordan, Stratford K Rev. Mr. Kilvert, Prebendary of Worcefter Charles Kemp, Efq. Evelham Mr. Francis Kite, ditto L •Right Hon. Marquis of Lanfdowne Rev. T. Load, Hinton Rev. William Longford, Reftor of Stretton Rev. William Loggin, Reftor of Long Marfton Wakeman Long, Efq. Upton Edward Lyne, Efq. Saltford, Somerfetfliire Jofeph Lavender, Efq. Evefliam Mr. William Loxley, ditto Mr. Thomas Lloyd, Shipnon Mr. Daniel Lloyd, Merton-biidge, Suney Mr. Thos. Lloyd, South Moifou-flreet, London •Mr. Thomas Leonard, ditto Mr. Richard Lumbert, Surgeon, Campden Mr. Long, Attorney, Pcrihore M James Martin, Efq. M. P. Ovcrbury •Rev. J. Martin, Reftor of Bourton on the Hill Rev. Mr. Morgan, Rcftor of Chelmsford Rev. John Morgan, A. M. Vicar of Burton Daf- fett, Warwickfliire Rev. Mr. Mogridge, Perfliore Charles Monro, Efq. Finchley, Middlefcx Mr. William Malin.";, Evelham Mr. Edward Marriott, ditto Mr. Benjamin Murrell, ditto Mr. John Morfe, Bengworth Mrs. Mafon, London •Mr. Maud, Brifiol Mr. John Millard, Pebworth Mr. Miller, Surgeon, Shipfton Mr. Marfliall, Leiichwick Mr. Jofeph Mawman, York Mr. Mutlow, London N •Rev. Treadway Nafh, D. D. Bever3'e, Worcefter Mrs Nelfon, Evelham Mr. William New, ditto Mr. Nind, Overbury •Mr. J. Nind, ditto O Rev. Mr. Owen, Shipfton Mr. John Outhwaitc, Attorney, Evefham Mr. John Ofborne, ditto Mr. Oldaker, Fladbury P Right Hon. Lady Caroline Peachey, Weftdean, Suflex Sir James Peachey, Bart, ditto Rev. T. Price, Librarian of the Bodleian, Oxford •Rev. Mr. Preftbn, Chevniug, Kent Rev. Di". Preedy, Brington, Northamptonfliire Rev. LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. Rev. John Pelly, Reftor of Wefton-Subedge Rev. Mr. Pritchett, Perfhore George Perrott, Efq. Cracombe William Preedy, Efq. Hampton George Penrice, Efq. Salford John Phillips, Efq. Evelham Mrs. Phillips, Sen. ditto Mifs Phillips, ditto Mr. Jofeph Pratt, ditto Mr. James Pearce, ditto Mr. John Profter, ditto Mifs Diana Ann Parfons, Newthorpe Grange, Yorkfhire Mrs. Page, Chichefter Mifs Phillips, Weaon Rev. Mr. Henry Profter, Stafford Mr. William Parr}', Salford Mr. John Perrin, Child's-Wickham Mr. William Phillips, Attorney, Hampton Mr. John Phillips, Ditchford Mr. Peter Penny, Downton-Hall, Salop R •Sir John Rulhout, M. P. Northwick, 2 copies •John Rufliout, Efq. ditto •George Rulhout, Efq. ditto •Sir Charles William Boughton Roufe, Bart. 2 copies •Edward Rudge, Efq. London, 2 copies Rev. John Ryland, Reftor of Sutton Coldfield Rev, J. Rawlins, Cropthorn Rev. Mr. Roberts, Chelmsford Jofeph Roberts, Efq. Coombe Matthew Raper, Efq. Herts George Ramfey, Efq. Marlborough-Buildings, Bath Thomas Rammel, Efq. Harvington John Roper, Efq. Bengworth Mr. Thomas Ruffell, ditto •Mr. William Reynalds, Evefham Mrs. Rawfton, Lexden, Effex Mr. Roe, Perfliore Mr. John Reynalds, ditto Mr. Robhifon, Jun. Birmingham Mr. John Rickards, Attorney, ditt* Mr. John Rock, Cleeve-Prior S Rev. James Stillingfleet, M. A. Prebendary of Worcefter Mrs. Stillingfleet, Worcefter Rev. Martin Stafford Smith, Re6tor of Fiadbury Rev. William Scott, Reaor of Willerfey Rev. Thomas Symonds, Rettor of Guiting Rev. Charles Jafper Selwyn, Vicar of Blocklcy Rev. J. Smyth, Evefham John Smith, M. D. Savillian Profeffor of Ge«- metry in the Univerfity of Oxford Mrs. Smith, Oxford William Smith, Efq. Cby-hill, Kent . William Sands, Efq. Barton-Caftle John Stickley, Efq. Bengworth Mr. John Suffield, ditto Mrs. Smith, Evefliam Mr. John Smith, ditto, 2 copies Mr. Jofliua Smith, ditto Mr. Henry Smith, ditto Mr. Matthias Stratton, ditto Mr. William Soley, ditto Mr. Richard Savage, Surgeon, ditto Mrs. Stanford, Salford •Mr. Swinney, Birmingham •Mr. Thomas- Stanley, Nethertoii *Mr. Samuel Salloway, Southwark Mr. Thomas Smith, London Mr. Stockdale, ditto Mr. S. W. Suffield, ditto Mr. Benjamin Smart, ditto Mr. Smart, Worcefter Mr. Sandford, Surgeon, ditto Mr. Shepherd, ditto Mr. William Bonner Shekell, Pebworth Mr. Arthur Stiles, Alcefter Mr. R. Sheldon, Birmington Mr. William Slatter, Tidmington Thomas LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. •Thomas Thompron, Efq. M. P. London, 2 copies •Sir George Thomas, Bart. M. P. Dale-Park, Suflex •Sir John Throckmorton, Buckland, Berks Rev. Mr. Twinhig, Colchefter Rev. T. Tordiffe, Fladbury Robert Tindal, Efq. Chehiisfurd Henry Tonge, Efq. Ebrington Dr. Thomplon, W^orcefter Thomas William Tomkyns, Efq. Evefliam Mi:. Richard King Thomas, ditto Mr. William Timbrel), ditto Mr. John Twinberrow, London W ''Right Rev. Lord Bilhop of WorceRer Sir Charles T. Withers, knt. Worcefter Edmund Wigley, Efq. M. P. Rev. James Wilraot, D. D. Reftor of Barton Rev. Reginald Wynniatt, Rev. John Warmoll, Woollerflnll W. Wakeman, Efq. Beckford Francis Welles, Efq. Upton •Thomas Jacob White, Efq. Witley •William Wheeler, Efq. Winterfold 'William Welch, Efq. Inner-Temple, London Capt. Watfon, Stone, Worcefterlhire "Charles Welch, Efq. Evelham Mr. Jonathan Williams, ditto Mr. Thomas Wickins, ditto *Mr. Charles Welch, London Mr. H.W.Ward, ditto •Mr. Watfon, ditto •Mr. Wade, Briflol Mr. H. O. Wills, ditto Worcefter Library Mr. John Wenfley, Worcefter Mr. Henry Weeks, ditto Mr. W. Winter, Mr. Robert Wheeler, Attorney, Stratfjrd Mr. Thomas Wefton, Fladbury Mr. Thomas Wheatcroft, Ditchford Mr. Thomas Wilkes, Mr. Jofeph Walker, Oxford Mr. Walker, Birmingham Mr. Wheeler, Little Woolford. Y •Right Hon. Earl of Yarmouth, 2 copies UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. ^ 1 1 lOlk MR 16 201)5 Form L9-20m-7,'61(Cl437s4)444 690 E89T4 Tindal History and ^ntiguiii-SS— of the abbey and borough of Evesham ^.^^.^^ *DA 690 E89T4 D 000 452 708 mmmm^