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 THE EARLY HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 
 
 WYCOMBE, IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.
 
 I III 
 
 EARLY HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES 
 
 01 
 
 W Y C O M B E, 
 
 IN 
 
 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. 
 
 BY 
 
 rOHN PARKER. 
 
 <Jc!liuombc : 
 BUTLER & SON. PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS. 
 
 187S.
 
 .'it of translation and reproduction is rcso.
 
 
 PLAN 
 
 OF 
 
 THE ANCIENT TOWN 
 
 OF 
 
 WYCOMBE. 
 
 C 
 
 AUDITS PRECINCTS 
 
 MEM 
 
 um/nri ,/Jnci.jd ftm: 
 
 — V/„„, h, 1,11.1, ir\ .Till! H.-r. i„l>,
 
 
 TO 
 
 THE RIGHT HONOURABLE 
 CHARLES ROBERT, BARON CARINGTON, 
 
 WHOSE INTEREST IN THE WELFARE AND PROSPERITY 
 OF WYCOMBE IS WELL KNOWN, 
 
 CI) is SToIumr 
 
 IS 
 (WITH KIND PERMISSION) 
 
 DEDICATED 
 
 BY 
 
 THE AUTHOR, 
 
 WITH EYERY EXPRESSION OF RESPECT AND ATTACHMENT. 
 
 917726

 
 VII 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Although Wycombe occupies the proud position of ranking amongst 
 the most ancient of the Incorporated Towns in England, yet it is remark- 
 able that no Chronicler has been raised up to record, at length, its early 
 history and antiquities. The Reverend Thomas Langley* in 1797 pub- 
 lished " The History and Antiquities of the Hundred of Desborough ; " 
 a work of considerable merit, and justly deserving great commendation. 
 In 1847 Dr. Lipscombe published "The History and Antiquities of the 
 County of Buckingham." And this was followed, in 1848, by Mr. H. 
 Kingston's History of Wycombe, with recollections of his native Town. 
 These works contain but brief and imperfect sketches of the early History 
 of Wycombe. And the Author feels it due to himself to state, that, 
 without detracting from the labours of Dr. Lipscombe and Mr. Kingston, 
 much of the reliable information found in the two latter works relating 
 to Wycombe was furnished by himself, when he held the Office of 
 Town Clerk to the Corporation. 
 
 These histories, while affording much valuable information, contain 
 inaccuracies, which the Author has corrected ; and important omissions 
 are supplied in the following work, which he trusts may prove not 
 
 * He was Rector of Whiston, Northamptonshire, and died July 2S, 1S01.
 
 VIII 
 
 altogether uninteresting to the Antiquary, the Topographer, and the 
 o-eneral reader. The sources from whence he has derived his informa- 
 
 O 
 
 tion are chiefly, the muniments deposited in the Archives of the Wycombe 
 Municipal Charity Trustees, the National Record Office, the British 
 Museum, and the Bodleian Library. 
 
 It may be added, that the muniments of the Corporation, which were 
 formerly deposited in the Church chest, were some years since examined, 
 and a schedule of them made by the Author ; and their investigation has 
 considerably facilitated his researches and simplified his labours. 
 
 The Author has not deemed it expedient to encumber his pages 
 with elaborate details, but simply to give a faithful, unvarnished, and 
 concise History of Wycombe in the olden times. He is very sensible 
 of the many imperfections of the Work, but trusts that it will meet with 
 the indulgence and approval of the candid reader. 
 
 The Charters and Grants relating to the Borough, long since out of 
 print, are introduced as an Appendix, including in it translations, not 
 before published, of an Agreement in the Court of Westminster, the 10th 
 of Henry III., between the Burgesses of Wycombe and Alan Basset. 
 Also of a Charter of Confirmation, of Queen Mary ; and an Office 
 Copy of a Charter of Confirmation of King Charles II., granted "to the 
 Forrens of Chiping Wickham and other places." 
 
 The Author very gratefully acknowledges his special obligations to 
 his friend Edward J. Payne, Esquire, M.A., of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister-at- 
 Law, and Fellow of University College, Oxford, for the valuable assist- 
 ance rendered by him in the compilation of the Work.
 
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 IX 
 
 SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 His Royal Highness The Prince of 
 
 Wales 
 The Right Hon. The Earl of Beaconsfield, 
 
 K.G. 
 The Right Hon. The Lord Carington. 10 
 
 Copies. 
 The Right Hon. The Dowager Lady 
 
 Carington. 
 The Right Hon. The Lord Boston. 
 The Right Rev. The Lord Bishop of Carlisle, 
 
 Rose Castle, Carlisle. 
 Lady Dashwood, West Wycombe Park, 
 
 5 Copies. 
 Lieut.-Col. The Hon. W. Carington, M.P. 
 The Hon. Rupert Carington. 
 Gen. Sir Percy Douglas, Bart., Fenlade 
 
 House, Taunton. 2 Copies. 
 The Worshipful The Mayor, William Phillips, 
 
 Esq., Wycombe. 
 Randolph Crewe, Esq., J. P., Wycombe. 
 Martin T. Smith, Esq., Southborough Park, 
 
 Surbiton. 
 Martin Ridley Smith, Esq., Southborough 
 
 Park, Surbiton. 
 
 Captain The Hon. Oliver Montague, Royal 
 
 Horse Guards. 
 C. R. S. Scott Murray, Esq., Danesfield, 
 
 Marlow. 
 The Rev. C. O. Goodford, D.D., Provost of 
 
 Eton College, Eton. 
 Sir Philip Rose, Bart., Rayners, Penn. 
 
 2 Copies. 
 Col. Home, C.B., R.E., War Office. 
 H. W. Bristow, Esq., F.A.S., 28, Jermyn 
 
 Street, London. 
 The Venerable Archdeacon Purey Cust, The 
 
 Prebendal, Aylesbury. 
 Frederick Ouvry, Esq., P.S.A., 66, Lincoln's 
 
 Inn Fields, London. 
 Robert Browne, Esq., J. P., Kilskeagh, Co. 
 
 Galway. 
 E. W. Williams, Esq., Stanmore House, 412, 
 
 Old Kent Road. 
 James Whigham, Esq., Judge of County 
 
 Courts, Cromwell Road, Queen's Gate, 
 
 Kensington. 
 \V. H. Cook, Esq., Q.C., Judge of County 
 
 Courts, 42, Wimpole Street, London.
 
 J. O. Griftits, Esq., Q.C., Recorder of Read- 
 ing. 3 Copies. 
 I.ieut.-Col. Creaton, 7, Sydney Place, Onslow 
 
 Square, Brompton. 
 The Rev. Charles Lowndes, M.A., Hartwell 
 
 Rectory, Aylesbury. 
 The Rev. Robert Chilton, MA, Vicar of 
 
 Wycombe. 2 Copies. 
 W. Lowndes, Esq., J. P., The Bury, Chesham. 
 A. Gilbey, Esq., J. P., Wooburn Park. 
 William Rose, Esq., J. P., Wycombe. 
 Arthur Vernon, Esq., J.P., Wycombe. 
 Thomas Wheeler, Esq. 3 Copies. 
 The Rev. James Poulter, M.A. 3 Copies. 
 Miss Wheeler, Wycombe. 3 Copies. 
 Edward Wheeler, Esq. 
 Mrs. Wheeler, Wycombe. 
 Henry S. Wheeler, Esq., Wycombe. 
 George Wheeler, Esq., Wycombe. 
 Mrs. Henry Wheeler, Beech Wood, Wycombe. 
 
 2 Copies. 
 Francis Wheeler, Esq., Wycombe. 2 Copies. 
 Miss Emma Wheeler. 
 T. B. Grove, Esq., Water Croft, Penn. 
 Matthew Harpley, Esq., Royal Horse Guards. 
 Owen Peel Wethered, Esq., Marlow. 
 Joseph A. Piggot, Esq., The Elms, Bedford. 
 A. H. C. Brown, Esq., J.P., Kingston, Tets- 
 
 worth. 
 The Rev. H. T. Young, M.A., Mallard's 
 
 Court, Stokenchurch. 
 James Watson, Esq., J. P., Langley House, 
 
 near Slough. 
 H. M. Musgrave, Esq., 45, Holland Park, 
 
 Kensington. 
 
 The Society of Antiquaries, Burlington 
 House, Ticcadilly. W. C. Knight Watson, 
 
 Esq. 
 The Rev. John Haydcn, Fairwood, Wey- 
 
 bridge. 
 John Turner, Esq., Wycombe. 
 T. J. Reynolds, Esq., Wycombe. 
 Mrs. Lias. 
 
 D. Clarke, Esq., Town Clerk, Wycombe. 
 W. V. Baines, Esq., Wycombe. 
 W. Parker, Esq., Solicitor, Thame, Oxon. 
 Thos. Lucas, Esq., Wycombe. 3 Copies. 
 B. Lucas, Esq., Wycombe. 2 Copies. 
 Thos. Marshall, Esq., Solicitor, Wycombe. 
 Thomas Griffits, Esq., Wycombe. 
 Mr. Taunt, Wycombe. 
 J. M. Davenport, Esq., Solicitor, Oxford. 
 Mr. C. Pierce, Wycombe. 
 Mrs. Meres, Brunswick Villa, Kew Road, 
 
 Kew Gardens. 
 Alfred Leadbetter, Esq., Wycombe. 
 Miss M. E. Carter, Allan Bank, Great 
 
 Malvern. 
 H. J. Jenour, Esq., 23, Belsize Square, 
 
 Holloway, London. 
 Mr. Tottle, Wycombe. 
 Mrs. Field, Fir Grove, Weybridge. 
 Thos. Essex, Esq., Eastbourne. 
 Mr. Edmund Pierce, Wycombe. 
 John Letts, Esq., 8, Bartlett's Buildings, 
 
 Holborn, London. 
 John Letts, Jun., Esq., 8 Bartlett's Buildings, 
 
 Holborn, London. 
 The Rev. W.J. Burgess, M.A., Lacey Green, 
 
 near Risborough.
 
 XI 
 
 Mr. Walter Skull, Wycombe. 
 
 F. Benham, Esq., 1 1, Gloucester Terrace, 
 
 Regent's Park. 
 Joseph Albright, Esq., Wychwood House, 
 
 Charlbury. 
 James. Tatem, Esq., Reading. 
 A. Caviller, Esq., Spring Hill, Upper Clapton. 
 William Terry, Esq., Peterborough House, 
 
 Fulham. 
 Henry Rose, Esq., 8, Porchester Square, 
 
 London. 
 William Wildes, Esq., The Moor, Wooburn. 
 Richard Rotton, Esq., 3, The Boltons, West 
 
 Brompton. 
 The Rev. J. W. Buckley, M.A., St. Mary's 
 
 Rectory, Paddington. 
 Richard Smith, Esq., Solicitor, 7, New Square, 
 
 Lincoln's Inn. 
 W. H. Hayden, Esq., Wycombe. 
 The Rev. T. H. Browne, F.G.S., Wycombe. 
 Mr. Mawcr, Wycombe. 
 Mr. Gardner, Wycombe. 
 John Thomas, Esq., Wooburn, Bucks. 
 Edward Baxter, Esq., 16, Cockspur Street, 
 
 Pall Mall, London. 
 J. E. Prestage, Esq., Solicitor, Manchester. 
 R. J. Coltman, Esq., The Prebendal, Thame. 
 Mr. John Kibbles, Wycombe. 
 Charles Hall, Esq., Twickenham. 
 Miss Loader, Thame. 
 Mr. Abbott, Draper, Thame. 
 Joseph Eedes, Esq., 2, George Street, Euston 
 
 Road, London. 
 Mrs. Edwards, Castle Hill, Wycombe. 
 Mrs. Hooper, 6, Cecil Road, Clifton, Bristol. 
 
 Mr. John Smith, Oxford Road, Wycombe. 
 
 H. C. Rooke, Esq., 12, Bruce Grove, Totten- 
 ham. 
 
 Mrs. Fowler, Great Marlow. 
 
 B. North, Esq., Princes Risborough. 
 
 Mr. Alfred Wright, Wycombe. 
 
 Mr. T. Glenister, Wycombe. 
 
 Samuel Lacey, Esq., The Willows, Thame. 
 
 Philip D. Tuckett, Esq., 10, Old Broad 
 Street, London. 
 
 Walter L. Vernon, Esq., 4, Trinity Street, 
 Hastings. 
 
 Mrs. Prosser, The Elms, Thame. 
 
 Messrs. Franklin, Ascott, Wallingford. 
 
 H. B. Downing, Esq., Apna Villa, Boxmoor, 
 Hemel Hempstead. 
 
 Mr. R. Collins, Jun., Wycombe. 
 
 Mr. R. Vernon, Wycombe. 
 
 Mrs. Edelman, No. 8, Montpellier Crescent, 
 Brighton. 
 
 Mrs. D' Urban, 13, Beacon, Exmouth, Devon. 
 
 W. H. Charsley, Esq., Charsley's Hall, 
 Oxford. 
 
 L. W. Pearson, Esq., Warwick House, 
 Cheltenham. 
 
 Mr. Dracott, Wycombe. 
 
 Mr. J. P. Gegg, Cressex Farm, Wycombe. 
 
 The Rev. Oliver J. Grace, M.A., Saunderton 
 Rectory. 
 
 John Hussey, Esq., Custom House, Liver- 
 pool. 
 
 Edward J. Payne, Esq., M.A., 23, Old Square, 
 Lincoln's Inn. 
 
 Mrs. Rooke, 12, Finsbury Park Villas, Green 
 Lanes.
 
 Ml 
 
 Edward Griffin, Esq., Manor House, Tower- 
 
 sey, Bucks. 
 A. Barron, Esq., St. John's Lodge, St. Ann's 
 
 Road, Stamford Hill, N. 
 William Weller, Esq., Springfield, near High 
 
 Wycombe. 
 The Rev. George Venables, M.A., Vicar of 
 
 Great Yarmouth. 
 J. M. Dean, Esq., Southampton Lodge, 
 
 Lordship Road, Stoke Newington, N. 
 R. S. Besant, Esq., Kingston Crescent, 
 
 Portsmouth. 
 Mr. Thos. Field, Aylesbury. 
 Mr. John Bowler, Wycombe. 
 S. Jones, Esq., 67, Peckham Grove, Camber- 
 well, Surrey. 
 Mr. R. T. Jones, Easton Street, Wycombe. 
 Mr. W. A. Redington, London Road, 
 
 Wycombe. 
 
 Mr. Edwin Saunders, Slough. 
 
 Mr. Joseph Child, White Hart Street, 
 
 Wycombe. 
 The Rev. R Barlow Simpson, M.A., The Ter- 
 race, Spalding, Lincolnshire. 
 George D. Heatley, Esq., Hazlemere Lodge, 
 
 Wycombe. 
 F. Charsley, Esq., The Lodge, Iver, Ux- 
 
 bridge. 
 Mr. Amos Abbott, Wycombe Marsh. 
 James Medwin, Esq., Elm Lodge, Denmark 
 
 Hill. 
 Henry Fryer, Esq., Solicitor, 1, Gray's Inn 
 
 Place, Gray's Inn. 
 Mr. John Smith, Builder, Great Mario w. 
 The Rev. J. F. Coslett-Williams, M.A., 
 
 Senior Curate of High Wycombe. 
 J. G. Wrigley, Esq., Mus. Bac. Oxon, 
 
 F.C.O.
 
 THE 
 
 <L r arIn Mjistorn anb Antiquities of ©iDcombc, 
 
 IN 
 
 BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. 
 
 WYCOMBE is a town of great antiquity; it formed part of the terri- 
 tory of the Cassii, and was occupied by a tribe called by Ptolemy 
 the " Catyeuchlani," and by others " Catuvillani." 
 
 Brewer, in his learned introduction to the " Beauties of England and 
 Wales," mentions Wycombe as having been a Roman Station or camp ; 
 but it is not enumerated in the list of stations given in the Itinerary of 
 Richard of Cirencester. It is situated about eight miles distant from the 
 Ikening or Icknield Street, or Road of the Iceni, which was first constructed 
 by the aborigines, and improved by the Romans. This road skirts the 
 Chiltern Hills and runs by Wendover, Ellesborough, Little and Great 
 Kimble, the Risboroughs, and Bledlow. Wycombe is situated on the very 
 ancient road forming a short cut between the Thames at Hedsor and the 
 Icknield Way, and this accounts for the presence of the Roman remains, 
 which will now be described. 
 
 In the year 1724, in a mead called Great Penns Mead, a Roman 
 tesselated pavement was discovered, of which the following record is 
 contained in the third volume of the " Journals of the Wycombe Municipal 
 Charity Trustees " : — - 
 
 " Burgus de Chepping Wycombe in Com. Bucks. 
 
 " l'rimo die Jullii Anno Dni 1724° 
 "Memorand: That then was found in a Mead called great Penns Mead, belonging to 
 the Right Honourable the Earle of Shelburne, about a quarter of a mile from the said Burrough.
 
 an old Roman Pavement set in curious figures, as circles, squares, diamond squares, < 
 s mares, hearts, and m my other curious figures, with a Beast in the center, in a circle, like a 
 dog standing sideways by a tree, all set with stones in red, black, yellow, and white, about a 
 quarter of an inch square ; the whole pavement was about ffourteen foot square ; the ffine 
 work in the middle was ten Moot long, and eight Moot broad, the rest was filled up with 
 Roman brick about an inch and a halfe square." 
 
 The following is an extract from Delafield's MSS., Gough Collection, 
 Bib. Bodl., Oxon. Small vol. of miscellaneous memoranda, which refers to 
 the above pavement : — 
 
 " Mr. John Bates, Draper of this place [Wycombe,] (a Gentleman of a good understanding 
 and of a public spirit) ordered a copy of it after the original to be taken, which he had painted 
 on a canvas footcloth, and which for many years served as an occasional carpet for his Parlour- 
 I have seen it many a time, and as far as I can remember, it was diversified into a great variety 
 of work in small squares, and the middle set off with the form of a perfect wild beast." 
 
 In the year 1862 Great Penns Mead was identified by means of a 
 lease granted in the reign of Henry VIII. of the Lady Mead, which is 
 described as being situate at the east end of the Rye, and abutting south 
 upon the meadow called Penn Mead. The late Lord Carington kindly 
 granted permission, and provided labourers, to explore the meadow with 
 a view of discovering the pavement thus recorded, when the remains of a 
 Roman villa were uncovered, consisting of the foundations of a portico, the 
 floors of several apartments, and an atrium or hall, consisting of a square 
 flanked by two oblongs, the whole being enclosed by bands of double and 
 single guilloche. The oblong compartments contain a series of sea monsters 
 with twisted tails. The square is again resolved into a smaller central 
 square (the design of which is lost), with four still smaller squares at the 
 angles, which arc occupied by female busts, representing the Horae, or god- 
 desses of the seasons. The one that remains perfect appears to represent 
 Spring. All the mosaics are executed with very fine tesserulae of black, 
 blue, red, yellow, and white, on a solid basis of flints anil rubble. Another 
 compartment also contained mosaic pavement with a margin of common 
 red tessera;. This pavement is totally destroyed, but the tesserula; found, 
 many of which were no larger than peas, show it to have been of singularly 
 fine and minute workmanship. The pavement on the right of this was also 
 destroyed, showing the hypocaust. Three of the pilae remained perfect on
 
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 GROUND PLAN OF 
 
 ROMAN VILLA 
 
 DISCOVERED IN 
 
 GREAT PENN'S MEAD, 
 WYCOMBE. 
 
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 the floor. The site of the pavement discovered in 1724, was at the entrance 
 to the villa, and no doubt was the well known Cave Canem, recorded as 
 having been found ; the whole was destroyed, but most of the tesserulae 
 found on the spot were of the finest and most minute character. The entire 
 central building lay only from twelve to eighteen inches below the surface. 
 Leaving the central building, we proceed through the court of the villa to the 
 eastern fortification walls. At the north end, near the brook which runs 
 close by, are the foundations of inner and outer walls ; in the latter are the 
 remains of two turrets, eighteen feet apart ; between these was an entrance 
 to the villa, traces of which still remain in the wall. The turrets project 
 five feet from the wall, and are paved with common red tesserae, each 
 having a seat of the same pavement. Southward from these turrets are the 
 most remarkable remains brought to light, composing a distinct set of apart- 
 ments of much larger dimensions than those in the central building. The 
 largest apartment had a hypocaust, and the ruins of the pilse were found 
 mixed with pieces of guilloche pavement of superior workmanship, and 
 rubbed to a fine surface. Nearly adjoining the larger apartment, at a depth 
 of about four feet, was found, what without doubt was the bath, having 
 pavement composed of white tesserae, each about half an inch square, the 
 margin and other parts being laid in red. The sides were plastered, and 
 decorated in fresco ; a part of a fish resembling a roach was painted on 
 one of them, with the colours in a good state of preservation. The bath 
 projects from the wall to correspond with the turret. The following relics 
 were found, i.e., an arrow-head, two bone hair-pins, and a statera or miniature 
 steelyard in bronze, similarly engraved to one found at Cirencester, and 
 which is considered one of the most rare and valuable of Roman remains. 
 Many broken pieces of pottery were also found, but without any potter's 
 mark. It is remarkable that none of the remains lately discovered appear 
 to have been known to the antiquaries of 1724. 
 
 Nearly adjoining to Great Penns Mead, and which was only 
 separated by the Windsor Way, or Loakes Lane, is the ancient British 
 camp, with its inner and outer entrenchments, called Keep Hill. In 1826 
 eleven ancient British gold coins, in fine preservation, were found 
 deposited in the hollow of a stone on this hill, five of which were purchased 
 by the late John Norris, Esquire, of Hughenden House; three of them 
 were presented by him to the British Museum, and one to the Antiquarian
 
 Society at Edinburgh. There is also an intrenchment in the wood adjoin- 
 in-- to Keep Hill, called Deane Garden Wood. 
 
 Dr. Browne Willis, the Buckinghamshire antiquary, who, about the 
 beginning of the last century, visited Wycombe, mentions in his MSS. 
 (which are deposited in the Bodleian Library), that in the meadow adjoining 
 on the north to Great Penns Mead, called Holywell or Halliwell Mead, 
 there were, according to tradition, remains of a Roman fortress, and from 
 pieces of red tessera; lately discovered in the mead, which are larger than 
 those in Great Penns Mead, it is probable that the fortress was erected 
 long prior to the villa already described ; and there are also still remains 
 of Lynchits, supposed to be of Roman, or rather of Saxon origin, on 
 the slopes north of the London Road, extending from the Amersham Hill 
 to Loudwater. Dr. Willis also mentions that "above the church, about 
 two furlongs distant, is a Celtic or British fortification, called Mawtrim's 
 or Mamuck's Well, afterwards called Maimer's Well, about three hundred 
 yards from the Castle Hill, lying on the north side; it is round, with 
 entrances on the north and south sides, and is bounded on the east, and 
 partly on the north, by the ancient British road, called Crendon Lane." 
 He adds, " about fifty years ago was discovered, near the bottom of Castle 
 Hill Mount, which was a square Roman camp, a giantdike man in perfect 
 shape ; but on touching it, it mouldered into dust, the bones only remaining; 
 some of which were for their size carried to Oxford. This was judged, 
 (says Dr. Willis), to be some Saxon or Danish commander, and the 
 mount raised in memory of him." We should incline, however, to the 
 opinion that they were Roman remains, and that the mount formed part 
 of the site of a castle.* There were, according to Dr. Willis, several 
 subterranean rooms and passages, leading from the mount down to the 
 church, or rather to the town ; these were some years since partially un- 
 covered from an opening made at the west end of the mount, — this partial 
 opening the author inspected, — the remaining portion was filled up with 
 
 * In an ancient Herald's Book in the Bodleian Library, is contained a return of all the 
 royal castles in England, from which it appears that there were only two in Buckinghamshire ; 
 one situate at Buckingham, and the other at Wycombe. From entries of presentments in the 
 early Court Rolls of the Manor of Temple Wycombe, hereafter referred to, we may gather that 
 the latter castle was an appurtenance to the Manor, and without doubt, was held by Robert de 
 Vipont, as Lord thereof, in the reign of king John.
 
 loose chalk which obstructed the further exploration of what would seem 
 to have been the remains of the old castle. The ancient well on the lawn, 
 in front of the present House, was no doubt an appurtenance to the castle. 
 In the year 1863, an excavation was made in the Wycombe Cemetery, 
 which forms part of Maimer's Well, and which, as we have observed, was in 
 the immediate neighbourhood of the above two ancient camps ; when a pit 
 was discovered, which may be described as a nearly circular chamber, seven 
 feet deep, eight feet in diameter at the top, and slightly tapering to a diameter 
 of six feet at the bottom. These limits were well defined, the chalk having- 
 been sharply cut away all round and at the bottom. The chamber occupied 
 the whole of the grave spaces numbered 329 to 332, and portions of those 
 numbered 386 to 388 of the division of children's graves marked D on the 
 Cemetery Plan on the unconsecrated side. The chamber was filled up with 
 layers of different substances ; a little less than three feet of the bottom 
 consisted principally of charred wood, evidently the remains of a cremation. 
 Three feet above this was a mass of bones, unburnt pottery in fragments, and 
 chalk rubbish. The pottery was partly red, partly black, partly unbaked, 
 and of Celtic manufacture ; several pieces of the black pottery were put 
 together, and formed the principal portion of a small urn. Among the 
 bones were the jaw-bone of a boar, and the teeth of horses, etc. Besides 
 these, there was a fragment of iron, and some roughly-shaped flint imple- 
 ments. These relics were covered with a stratum, twelve inches thick, 
 of large squared flints, which come up to within a few inches of the surface ; 
 other remains have since been discovered, of which no record has been 
 preserved. Langley, in his history, mentions that many years since, part 
 of a Roman vessel was found, when a cellar was dug in a house in the 
 High Street, now belonging to Mr. Herbert Simmonds. Roman coins have 
 also been found in the neighbourhood, of the Emperors Nerva, Antoninus 
 Pius, and Marcus Aurelius ; and a few years since, in the garden in front 
 of the house in Allhallows Lane, adjoining the house formerly called 
 Wcllysbourne House,* but lately The Priory, on the west, was discovered 
 a Roman well, which is the sure sign of the proximity of a Roman station. 
 On the same premises, tesselated pavements of an early type were at the 
 
 * This house was for several years the residence of the Wellysboume family, from which 
 it took its name.
 
 same time found ; and when digging the foundation for Wesley Chapel, 
 in the immediate vicinity, a portion of ancient walling was uncovered, which 
 most probably formed part of the station. 
 
 The name Wycombe is variously spelt in early records. The earliest 
 spelling is Wycumb, or Wicumbe, after which, in the fourteenth century, 
 we have Wycombe, as the name is now spelt, and not until the end of the 
 fifteenth century was the prefix of Chipping or Chepping introduced. In 
 the sixteenth century we have the spellings, Wyckham, and Wickham, which 
 were commonly used for above a hundred years. From the fifteenth 
 century downwards, the town is sometimes called East Wycombe, Much 
 Wycombe, and Great W'ycombe (Wycombe Magna); of late years the prefix 
 High, which dates from the time of Charles I., has been chiefly in use. 
 Camden, in giving the derivation of the name Wicombe, says, " Wi, (Saxon) 
 Holy; Wic. Wich, comes from the Saxon pic, which, according to the 
 different nature and condition of places, hath a threefold signification, 
 implying either a village, or bay made by the winding banks of a river, or a 
 castle." Dr. Johnson says, Comb in the end and Comp in the beginning 
 of the names, seems to be derived from the British Kum, which signifies 
 a valley, and had the same meaning anciently in the French tongue. Chip, 
 Cheap, Chipping, in the names of places imply a market, from the Saxon 
 Ccepan, to buy. The name of Wycombe is really compounded of two 
 Celtic elements Wy, one of many forms of the common element, meaning 
 water, and Cum, a valley. It is thus, like Penn in the immediate vicinity, 
 a genuine ancient British name, of an antiquity far exceeding most of the 
 names in the neighbourhood. There is an ancient tradition, that the 
 stream made the mills, the mills the market, and the market the town, and 
 the Celtic word is thus of some significance. 
 
 The first historical record connected with Wycombe occurs about the 
 year 800, when, says Lambarde in his Topographical Dictionary, page 438 : 
 " Earl Ethelmund departed from Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, to fight 
 against Weolstan at Cumberford. Weolstan having knowledge, met him 
 forthwith with his men of Wiltshyre, and gave him a great Batteil, wherein 
 bothe the Capitaines weare slayne, but the Wiltcshyre men kept the field." 
 
 Fabius Ethelwerd, in his Chronicle of King Egbert's Conquests, gives 
 a rather different version of this battle. He says, "that on the very same day 
 as Egbert was raised to the kingdom of the West Saxons, Ethelmund was
 
 passing through a farm, Wiecum, intending to go to a ford called Kemps- 
 ford, Duke Woxstan met him there with the centuries of the inhabitants of 
 the province of Wiltshyre. Both of them fell in the battle, but the men of 
 Wilts remained the victors." It is not certain that Wycombe is the place 
 here referred to, but it is clear that Wycombe was, in Saxon times, an 
 important settlement, from the great extent of common fields, divided by the 
 ancient lynchits, already referred to. 
 
 William of Malmesbury, in his Life and Miracles of St. Wulstan, who 
 was the last of the Saxon Bishops, and presided over the Diocese of Wor- 
 cester from a.d. 1062 to 1067, records two miracles which the Bishop is 
 said to have performed at a town called Wicumbe, the identity of which 
 place is established by its then being situated in the Diocese of Lincoln, and 
 on the high road from Worcester and Oxford to London. The account of 
 these miracles is obviously taken from the work of Coleman, who was chap- 
 lain and biographer of the saint, as we find in the Harleian MS., No. 322 : 
 " As St. Wulstan was journeying to the court at London, he lodged at a 
 town called Wicumbe, in an old house, whose ruinous appearance threatened 
 a speedy fall. And in the morning, when he was about to recommence the 
 journey, the building began to crack, and the rafters and beams to give way 
 downwards. All the servants jumped out of doors in a fright, so panic- 
 struck as to forget altogether that their master was alone within ; but once 
 safely out of doors, they remembered him, and shouted loudly to him to come 
 out before the whole building fell down together; but none was brave enough 
 to go in and rescue him. But he, fortified with the buckler of faith, stood 
 calm and immovable ; and by virtue of his sanctity, the impending destruc- 
 tion was suspended, until the horses and baggage were safely got out and 
 loaded ready for departure. Then the holy man went forth from the 
 building, and immediately the whole house was violently shaken, and fell 
 with a terrible crash, walls and roof, into a chaotic heap of ruins." 
 
 Here Coleman records the second miracle which the Bishop wrought 
 in the same town (Wycombe), though six years after that just described : 
 " Spording, of abundant fortune, and a well known admirer of the saint, 
 had built a church there at his own costs, which he resolved should be 
 consecrated by no other than Wulstan, but that could not be done without 
 the permission of the Bishop of the Diocese ; so he obtained license to that 
 effect from Bishop Remigius of Lincoln. On the appointed day, the Bishop
 
 came and consecrated the church, taking especial pains in preaching to the 
 people, and confirmation of children. After which he goes to Spording's 
 house to dine. Now the wife of Spording had a maidservant who was 
 afflicted with a grievous disease ; her head was horribly swollen, and her 
 tongue was enlarged to the size of an ox's, and protruded from her mouth. 
 She took no food, except a little meat already masticated for her, or drink 
 poured down her throat with a spoon. The matron feared to enter into 
 conversation with the Bishop, but told the circumstance to Coleman, who 
 acquainted the Bishop with the case. The Bishop had a piece of gold, 
 which had been pierced with the head of the Holy Lance ; this he took and 
 dipped in the water which he had previously blessed in the consecration 
 of the church, and gave it the girl to drink. This healing draught was 
 speedily followed by a complete cure, as the matron and other witnesses 
 declared on oath to Coleman some days afterwards." For an account 
 of the discovery of the head of the Holy Lance, see Gibbon's " Decline 
 and Fall," vol. vi., quarto edition, page 51. At this early period the people 
 of Wycombe were attached to Pagan superstitions, which Hugh, Bishop 
 of Lincoln,* a century after, had some difficulty in persuading them to 
 relinquish. " Northampton laid aside the worship of a robber {i.e., some 
 Teutonic hero-deity), and Berkhampstead and Wycombe gave up the 
 worship of springs, through Hugh's vigorous exertions." Probably the 
 powerful spring called the Round Basin, is the spring alluded to, which rises 
 at the east end of the Rye, close to the remains of the Roman villa in 
 Great Penns Mead, and the Roman fortification in Holywell Mead. These 
 remote historical records must, however, be accepted with some reserve, 
 as they are not unfrequently of a legendary character, and are not to be 
 relied upon for their veracity with implicit confidence. We shall have 
 occasion hereafter to refer to the church and its consecration, and to correct 
 some errors relating thereto in the statements made by Langley. 
 
 Wycombe is not only a town of great antiquity, but it is recognized 
 in the charters of successive sovereigns as a prescriptive borough ; but 
 when it was incorporated, does not appear from our municipal muniments. 
 It is, however, remarkable, that it is not so described in Domesday Book; 
 and at the period of its compilation, Brady, in his History of Boroughs, 
 
 * See Life of St. Hugh.
 
 after remarking that it is curious that Wycombe is not ranked in Domesday 
 Book as a borough, says, " Wycombe formed part of the Terra Episcopi 
 Wintoniensis ; and, as appears in Domesday Book, the manor was allotted 
 to the Monks of Winchester for their diet." Brady here makes an error. 
 It was the manor of West Wycombe that was so allotted : but the two 
 Wycombes are not distinguished from each other by any prefix in Domes- 
 day Book. The omission to designate Wycombe a borough in Domesday 
 Book does not militate against the possibility that it may have been at that 
 time a prescriptive borough. 
 
 The following extracts are taken from the Missenden Cartulary, 
 deposited in the archives of the British Museum, and relate to properties 
 of Missenden Abbey in Wycombe ; the muniments referred to are rendered 
 remarkable for their great antiquity, the earlier of which belongs to the 12th 
 century, and dates of this period are everywhere rarely to be met with. 
 
 " In the temp, of Henry i st . 
 
 " Mabel, Sawards dau r . of Wycombe, grants to the Canons of Missenden, Tents once held 
 by Hervey Merchant, Rob', of Berkhampstead, Ernald Sprot, Adam Fitz Robert, Robert del 
 Brook, Martin Cultier [Cutler], Gilbert Fitz Brickman, and that now held by Gumdwin." 
 Witnesses, Tho 5 ., Chaplain of Godstow, Adam, Chaplain of Wycombe, Godfrey, Clerk, Allan 
 Tanner, Geoff. Fitz Baldwin, and or 5 ., (these names have been transcribed as a specimen ; 
 all the documents have numerous witnesses, sometimes with names of interest). 
 
 W'm. Fitz Hervey. — "Two shops towards the west from his great messuage towards the 
 Market Place of Wye." " Rent charge of 8d. per year to the Church of Wycombe." 
 
 "Godfrey, Clerk of Wye, gives his house and land in Wye. after the death of his wife." 
 [Qy. to the Church of Wycombe.] 
 
 The above muniments are probably of a date not much later than the 
 foundation of the abbey at Missenden in 1 133. 
 
 " Elias Gwynant gives to the abbey, his mill in the fee of Wycombe, called Gwynant's Mill 
 with the app" ■ viz., " as the water divideth Frienett, from the corner of the Upper Mill Croft, 
 down to the bridge below the said mill, and on the other side next my house, as meres [qy. 
 metes] and bounds show," etc. "Also, all between the mill-head and the water which divides 
 Frienett, except the new garden. "Also the whole meadow of Bulleswell, and 1} acre of his 
 meadow, i.e., that ih acre in West Wycombe Mead, etc. (i.e., Upper King's Mead)." "Also land 
 in East Field, West Field, and Middlefield," and " that heved's acre in Figel furlong, and 3 acres 
 in Rube furlong, and all East grove," which lies under " Rainers-grove." ..." The Canons 
 are also to have by view of his bailiff, all necessary timber out of his woods for the repair of 
 s d - Mill. Rent charge payable to Gwynant's mother.'' 
 
 This is clearly the mill at Wycombe Marsh, belonging to Henry 
 Wheeler, Esq.
 
 IO 
 - Elias Gwynant gives half of his mead in Wycombe, five marks coiison." 
 
 This deed is remarkable as being the first with a date. It is dated 
 " the year in which King Richard came back from Germany, i.e., 1 194." 
 
 Robert of Rouen.—" All his land between Cerasarii and Hurt-pleie, and halt of the head 
 lands around same." - 
 
 (Elias Gwynant is a witness.) Cerasarii " the cherry orchards "(?) 
 Wycombe having at a very early period been famous for its cherries. 
 
 S d Elias Gwynant— a long deed, mentions " the Seye"[qy. Reye or Rye] as a common 
 held, or pasture. Also a shop next to Fit/.hervey's " Curia " or farm yard, in Wycombe. 
 
 Walter de Rouen, "land between Bull's Croft and 'Sinker's Dell' in the fee of W\ 
 combe." 
 
 Ralph Fitz Isabel, "all his Ten'" in Wycombe." (Geoffrey of Oakridge and Matthew of 
 West Wycombe, are witnesses.) 
 
 Do. "Messuage late Gladwin the Smith" — "save a rent of four horse-shoes, which was 
 payable to Geoffrey Fitz Angod." 
 
 Agnes Cole of Wye, Spinster. — " All her heritage from her father William Cole, 'within 
 and without the borough.' " This is the earliest notice, so far as is known, of the borough 
 boundaries. 
 
 This document is of the thirteenth century, as it mentions Thomas 
 Walder, whose will is dated a.d. 1291. 
 
 Avice, daughter of William Rufus (Redhead or Russell) of Wye. — " Messe and appts. in 
 Wycombe. Rent chge. of id. to the light of the Ch. of Wycombe." 
 
 " Indres. of Fine, 22nd of Henry III., 6 acres of arable, 1 of meadow, 1 mess and 2 mills in 
 Wycombe." 
 
 Do. "In the King's Court at Wycombe, 30th of Henry III., before Rog. de Tharkeby, 
 Gilbert Preston, Simon de Winton and John Cobham, Justices in eyre — Abbey of Missenden 
 v. Rich' 1 ' Fitz Geoffrey, Deforciant." 
 
 Do. "At Dunstable (3rd Henry III.) in wc h Matthew Brand seeks ag"' Elias Gwynant, 
 Deforciant, the 5th part of a Knight's fee with the app' in Wycombe." 
 
 Do. "At Aylesbury (20th Henry III.) W. Fitz Hervey rents in Wycombe." 
 
 THE MANOR 
 
 was, at the Conquest, holden by Robert de Oily, or D'Oyley, who had his 
 fee in right of his wife, taxed at ten hides. There were thirty carucates 
 [about 1,000 acres] of land. In the demesne, four hides and three carucates. 
 There were forty villeins, with eight bordars [peasants or cottagers] having 
 twenty-seven carucates : eight servants and four bordars ; and six mills,
 
 I I 
 
 worth seventy-five shillings per annum ; pasture, three carucates, and for 
 the horses of the Lord's Court, and the carts for the villeins. Woods for 
 five hundred hogs. In the whole valued at .£26, as also when surveyed; 
 when Robert first had it, £ 10, and in King Edward's time, £\2. This 
 manor belonged, before the Conquest, to Brictric, who held under Queen 
 Edith (see Bawdwen's Domesday Book — Bucks, page 49). 
 
 The great and independent possessions which belonged to Robert 
 D'Oyley, in right of his wife, were derived by her from that powerful Saxon 
 Thane, her father, Wigod de Wallingford. 
 
 We have abundant evidence of the early confederation of our ancestors 
 and predecessors, to protect themselves against the insolence and aggressions 
 of the marauding barons of those ancient times. It has justly been re- 
 marked by Dr. Robertson, that "the institution of Municipal Boroughs 
 has conduced more than any other circumstance to the emancipation 
 of Europe from the thraldom of the feudal system ; and contributed more, 
 perhaps, than any other cause to introduce regular government, police, and 
 arts. Their establishment was the effect of that spirit of liberty which has 
 gone abroad. They became wealthy associations. Their traffic not only 
 brought them riches, but gave them power. Their increasing wealth and 
 commerce established among them burgher watch and ward, and voluntary 
 associations for the protection of property." The question whether Wycombe 
 was a borough town at the Conquest may be answered in the affirmative. 
 In the Charter of the 21st of Henry III, we find the burgesses pleading 
 the liberties they had of the ancestors of the Lord the King, which would 
 carry us back to Henry I., to whom the incorporation of the borough 
 is, on all hands, ascribed ; but his charter was most probably only confirm- 
 atory of liberties and privileges long previously enjoyed by the burgesses, 
 and which were also confirmed by Magna Charta, cap. ix. About the 
 time of the Conquest," says Camden (vol. i., page 327), " Wigod de Walling- 
 ford was Lord of the Borough of Wycombe, and of the out village (i.e., 
 parish) belonging to it (as an old Inquisition expresses it), after whose death 
 Henry I. appropriated it to the Crown." 
 
 In the 9th of Edward I., this borough again reverted to the Crown, 
 and was a second time annexed to the Honour of Wallingford ; and accord- 
 ingly the steward, or bailiff of that liberty, received the profits of the 
 Manor of Wycombe ; and upon demand of burgesses for this town,
 
 I 2 
 
 executed the return of them during the reigns of Edward the First and 
 Second, and in the beginning of that of Edward the Third. 
 
 The burgesses, ever distinguished for their loyalty, were amongst the 
 very few from the boroughs who at first, in obedience to the Royal Precept, 
 returned members to represent them in Parliament. % 
 
 There is no doubt that the Borough of Wycombe was originally the 
 property of the Crown, and was, in all probability, granted to farm to the 
 burgesses at a certain fixed rent. 
 
 Maddox, in his " Firma Burgi," says, "there are numerous instances 
 of boroughs granted to farm to the burgesses in fee, or for term of years, 
 or at the king's pleasure. The burgesses must have been incorporated to 
 a certain degree, at least ; for the payment of the rents reserved on these 
 grants was made long before there are any traces of charters of municipal 
 incorporation." In further confirmation of the antiquity of the borough of 
 Wycombe, we find in the Pleas of the Crown, Hilary Term, 3rd Edward I., 
 an ancient custom in this borough " to sell land and serve on juries at twelve 
 years of age," was recorded. In the year 1825 the records then deposited 
 in the Tower of London were searched, in the hope of finding Henry the 
 hirst's Charter granted to Wycombe, when it was ascertained that none 
 of his charters were extant ; but from a very interesting article in the 
 Standard newspaper of January, 1873, on the Public Records, it is stated 
 that no charters of Henry the First were extant prior to the iSth year 
 of his reign; yet we find, according to Brady, in his History of Boroughs, 
 that Henry the First granted large immunities to boroughs. In consequence 
 of Brady's assertion, a further search was made at the Public Record Office 
 for this charter, but without success. As, however, the ancient court 
 called the Aula Regia then existed, and which followed the king and his 
 household in all his progresses and expeditions through his dominions, 
 accompanied by the Chief Justiciar or Capitalis Justiciarius totius Anglican, 
 who had the custody of the public records, and which were conveyed from 
 place to place by strong packdiorscs, the religious houses being under 
 requisition to provide these horses for the purpose, free of expense ; it 
 cannot be considered surprising that, from such a precarious mode of 
 transport, a great deficiency of these early records exists, and which was 
 the subject of complaint, even in the reign of Henry II. 
 
 'I he rent reserved in the case of this borough, with certain manorial
 
 rights, was, from time to time, granted by the Crown to the more powerful 
 barons, and ultimately to (one of their number) Alan Basset,* of Wycombe, 
 as appears by the charter of the fifth of John. Alan Basset was present 
 at the signing of Magna Charta. It is very evident, as will presently 
 appear, that Alan Basset was guilty of acts of aggression towards the 
 burgesses of Wycombe. The late Dr. Lipscombe, in the course of the 
 Author's correspondence with him on the Topographical History of Wycombe, 
 kindly sent him a manuscript copy of the agreement made in the Court at 
 Westminster, in the 10th year of the reign of King Henry III., between 
 the burgesses of Wycombe and Alan Basset ; and which is recited in the 
 charter of confirmation of the 21st of the same King's reitrn ; a translation 
 of which agreement, with some explanatory notes by the learned doctor, is 
 as follows : — 
 
 From the Fine Rolls. 
 
 Bucks, 10 Hen. 3. No. 125. 
 
 " Between the burgesses of Wycombe Querents and Alan Basset, ot certain damages and 
 injuries which the said Alan had done to the said burgesses, as they aver, contrary to the 
 liberties which the same burgesses say that they hold of the ancestors of the Lord the King. 
 
 "Alan granted to the said burgesses the whole borough and town of Wycombe, with the 
 rents, markets, and fairs, and with all other things to a free Burgh appertaining, etc. ; and with 
 the edifices of+ Knavesthorn and the rents, etc., excepting the demesnes of the said Alan, and 
 his lands in the foreigns, and the mills there reserved in a fine passed between the aforesaid 
 Alan Basset, anil the Abbess of Godestowe [Co. Oxon], so as that the rents and customs which 
 the men of the said Abbess were wont to render to the said Alan, may remain to the said Bur- 
 gesses and their heirs in aid of the aforesaid fee farm to be paid according to the former fine 
 passed between the said Alan and the aforesaid Abbess. Saving always to the said Alan and 
 his heirs all reasonable aids, when the Lord the King and his heirs shall make talliage of the 
 
 * Arms of Basset : Barry nebule of six argent and azure. 
 
 t This singular expression (says Dr. Lipscombe), "is probably intended to mean the 
 Knavestorn, that is the Prison House, or place for custody of thieves, and transgressors against 
 the laws. A Knaves' Hall, or hall for strangers, was not an unusual appendage to old mansions, 
 not even of the higher orders, but in old houses about Queen Elizabeth's time, and I remember 
 one in the house of my father which was not inappropriately converted into a pantry." 
 
 With every respect for the judgment of the learned doctor as a distinguished etymologist, 
 we are compelled to repudiate his opinion as to the probable true rendering of the word 
 " Knavesthorn,' - as it is beyond reasonable doubt "cnihtenthorn " [Saxon] which means " Court 
 of Burgesses," the buildings in question being simply the guild- or mote-hall. Sheriffs-torn is 
 the common word in Domesday Book for the County Court, and '• Cniht " [Saxon], or 
 " Knight" the common english for a burgess in a city. See Stubb's "Constitutional History," 
 vol. i.
 
 '4 
 
 domain lands throughout England. And be it known that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs acquit 
 and release to the aforesaid Burgesses, etc., as against the said Lord the King and his heirs, the 
 fee farm of twenty pounds which the said Alan was thereupon indebted to the Lord the King, 
 and in like manner of the service of one Knight's fee which the aforesaid Alan was accustomed 
 to pay as his service, which the aforesaid Alan held of the grant of King John, lie it known 
 likewise, that die favis de averiis,* annually on the lands of the said Alan shall be and remain 
 as they have been accustomed, saving to the said Burgesses and their heirs the customs thence 
 issuant And the said Alan and his heirs shall have all fairs holden in the streets of Wycombe, 
 etc. And let it be known that many Burgesses named and acknowledged in the Town there, 
 shall be in peace, agreeable to the same." 
 
 These fairs, with the lands on which they were held, were by tine 
 released and transferred by Alan Basset to the burgesses of Wycombe. 
 
 In 1212-13, Alan Basset gave King John .£133 65-. 8d. and an excel- 
 lent palfrey, that his daughter might marry William Lord de Lanvallei. 
 
 King John divided the out village of Wycombe between Alan Basset 
 anil Robert de Vipont, who was also a powerful baron f and was present 
 at the signing of Magna Charta. And by the charter of the 5th John (as 
 already referred to), the Avhole of the manor of Wycombe was granted to 
 Alan Basset, except what Vipont held, on payment of ^20 per annum, and 
 doing the service of one knight's fee. Alan Basset died in the 1 7th year 
 of Henry III., 1232, leaving issue, Gilbert, who married Isabel, daughter 
 <if William de Ferrers; he died 25th Henry III., 1240, and his only son 
 soon after, in consequence of which, Wycombe came to Foulke Basset, 
 Dean of York, afterward Bishop of London, and he paid the rent for it, 
 30th Henry III., 1245 > Dut > being a clergyman, his estate devolved to 
 Philip Basset. He married Hawise, daughter of John Grey of Eaton, and 
 left issue a daughter and heiress, Alice, wife of Hugh le Despenser, Lord 
 Chief Justice, who was killed at the battle of Evesham, August 6th, 1264. 
 This Alice or Olivia married, secondly, Roger le Bigod, Earl Marshal, who 
 in right of his wife, together with the Knights Templars, claimed the right 
 of frank pledge, assize of bread, etc., in suburbio de W) comb, 4th Edward I. 
 She died 9th Edward I., 1280, leaving issue Hugh le Despenser, her heir, on 
 whose attainder, 1326, this manor reverted to the Crown. 
 
 "Escact. 9 Edward I. 9. Elen Lady le Despenser died, seised of Wycombe. The manor 
 house and herbage was returned to be worth 2 per annum, 260 acres of arable land worth 2' 1 per 
 
 * Averii (equi jugales) that is a yoke of oxen. [ Arms of Vipont : Or, six amulets, gules.
 
 15 
 
 acre, and five mills worth . . . and the Jurors likewise declared Hugh le Despenser her 
 heir." 
 
 In 1326 the manor reverted to the Crown by attainder. 
 
 In 1332-6 and 7, Edward III., the king, for the good service rendered 
 him, granted the manor to William de Bohun, who was afterwards, viz., 
 1337, created Earl of Northampton, K.G., and on a partition of the estates 
 of that noble family in 142 1, the manor again became vested in the Crown. 
 
 In 1479, 18th Edward IV., the Queen, the Archbishop of York, and 
 others being seized to the use of the King, and his heirs and successors, of 
 the manor of Wycombe called Bassetsbury, the fee farm of the town of 
 Great Wycombe, etc., they, on the special command of the king, demised 
 and granted the premises, with the appurtenances, to the Custos or Dean and 
 Canons of Windsor and their successors, until the king, his heirs or succes- 
 sors, should grant them other land of the same value. (See Ashmole's Gar- 
 ter, p. 1 70.) 
 
 The manor has, since this date, been in the possession of the Dean and 
 Canons of Windsor, who have leased it to successive lords and ladies. The 
 family of Raunce were lessees of the manor for many years prior to 1574 ; 
 and John Raunce rebuilt the manor house in the reign of James the First. 
 
 The following is a list of the names of the earlier lessees of Bassetsbury 
 Manor. 
 
 1574. Edward Lord Windsor. 
 
 1657. Thomas Gower, Esq. 
 
 1666. Roger Rea, Esq. 
 
 1670. Edward Atkins, Esq. 
 
 1679. John Loggan, Esq. 
 
 16S2. Althea, Mary, and Elizabeth Loggan. 
 
 1683. Mary Loggan. 
 
 1691. Sir Orlando Gee, Knt. 
 
 1 71 7. Sir Francis Dashwood, Bart. 
 
 The manor is now vested in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and is 
 held on lease by the representatives of the late Sir George H. Dashwood, 
 Bart. 
 
 The rent charge of .£30 i$s. 4</. was, by an indenture dated the 24th 
 March in the 15th of Henry the Seventh's reign, reduced to .£26. 
 
 The other manors, included in the grant of king John to Robert de
 
 i6 
 
 Yipont, arc called Temple Wycombe, Loakes, and Windsor or Chapel Fee. 
 Robert de Vipont demised and granted these manors to the Knights Tem- 
 plars, to whom he was a great friend and benefactor, and who enjoyed them 
 till the dissolution of their Order, by Edward II. in 1324, when it is supposed 
 Temple Wycombe was granted to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. In 
 the 22nd of Edward IV. Robert Bardsey died, seized of the manor of Loakes, 
 which was held as of the Honour of Wallingford by fealty. 
 
 From a rent roll preserved, it appears that the manors of Temple 
 Wycombe, Loakes, and Windsor or Chapel Fee, were in the Crown in the 
 4th of Henry VIII. King Edward- the Sixth, in the 7th year of his reign 
 (1552) granted the manor of Temple Wycombe, with all its appurtenances 
 formerly belonging to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, to John Cock. 
 
 The court rolls of the manors of Temple Wycombe, Loakes, and 
 Windsor or Chapel Fee. 
 
 The court rolls begin 1st Richard II., 1377, from which the following 
 extracts are taken : — 
 
 2 Henry IV. " Item ; they present that John Dryvere doth not set up a cross upon his house." 
 
 4 Henry IV. " Lord grants to R d Pymme and John Ravenynge his Fulling Mill, called Gosenham 
 
 Mulne in the fee of the Temple." 
 12 Henry iv. "Item; they present that R A Sperlyng hath cut down the wood of the lord at Caste! 
 
 Grene." 
 
 '• That John Frenschemon hath committed trespass on the Castel Grene." 
 7 Henry V. " At this Court was granted to William Ker a certain ' hegge rowe ' near le Old Castell, by 
 
 Ralph Astley in coiison of 20 s ' to be paid to the Lord." 
 
 3 Henry VII. " Dec r 15, Russell, a baker, presented tor keeping a scolding Harlot in his house." 
 
 22 Henry VII. "They present that W m Pavear hath committed an assault upon Andrew Loxborough with 
 
 one ' Aleboll ' of the value of a £ d " 
 
 " Item ; that Geoffrey Welshman hath committed an assault on Andrew Loxborough with 
 one weapon called a ' dager,' of the value of 2 d - and drew blood, contrary to the peace." 
 
 " Item ; that the s d - Geoffrey Welshman committed an assault on W m Mapulton with his 
 fist, contrary to the peace." 
 
 " That Xich Baker hath sold fish before they were seen and tasted by Tho s Grene the taster 
 of meat and fish, and hath also sold fish to make to himself excessive profit." 
 
 '• \\ "' Russell and W" 1 Pavear presented for harbouring vagabonds and divers other sus- 
 picious foreigners, and for allowing misrule and unlawful games, namely, ' disyng and curdying,' 
 contrary to the form of the statute." 
 
 "That the ditcli by Temple Slowe is obstructed to the hurt, etc. Also the watercourse at 
 the 'Mershe' near the Mill called 'Gowes Myll.'" 
 2 '' | II< -' nr >' "April i.j' 1, George Sawyer's Wife presented for keeping ill government in her Inn. Bailiff 
 
 ordered to remove her."
 
 '7 
 
 March 1 2. " A presentment against the Inhabitants of Wycomb, because they have not bowes 25 Elizabeth. 
 
 and arrows according to the Statute in that case provided " [viz. 22 Edw. I\ r ., cap. 4]. 
 
 In 1604, 3rd James the First, June the 22nd, John Raunce conveyed 
 Loakes to Richard Archdale, Esq. ; and afterwards, August 28th, 162S, he 
 conveyed Temple Wycombe, and Windsor or Chapel Fee manors (which 
 last he had purchased of Thomas Wells, Esq., in 1609) to tne sa ^ Richard 
 Archdale. 
 
 In 1700, Thomas Archdale, Esq., conveyed the above manors to Henry 
 Petty, Lord Shelburne, who was second son of the famous Sir William 
 Petty (remarkable for his literary and scientific attainments) by Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Sir Hardress Waller, Knt., of Castletown, Co. Limerick. In 
 1699 he was created Baron Shelburne, and in 1709, Viscount Dunkerron 
 and Earl of Shelburne. His Lordship having survived all his children, 
 died in 1751, after devising his estates to John F~itzmaurice, second son of 
 his sister, Anne, Countess of Kerry; which John was, on the 7th October, 
 1751, created Viscount Fitzmaurice and Baron Dunkerron; and on the 
 26th June, 1753, Earl of Shelburne ; he was made a Peer of England on 
 the 17th May, 1760, as Baron Wycombe ; and dying 14th May following, 
 was succeeded by his eldest son William, who was created Viscount Calne 
 and Calnston, Earl of Wycombe, and first Marquess of Lansdowne, on the 
 30th Nov., 1784, and K.G. He married first, 5th February, 1765, Sophia, 
 daughter of John Earl Granville, by whom he had John Henry (afterwards 
 Marquess of Lansdowne); another son, William, who died young; and 
 secondly, Louisa, sister of the Earl of Upper Ossory, who died 7th August, 
 1 7S9, and by whom he had Lord Henry Petty, born in 1780, upon whom, 
 after the issueless death of his elder brother, devolved the Marquisate, with 
 this estate. 
 
 Lord .Shelburne, having served in important offices of State under the 
 Bute, Grenville, and Chatham Ministries, and also under the Rockingham 
 Ministry of 1782, became Prime Minister of England, in 1783. He died 
 the 7th May, 1805, and was buried in the family vault in the north aisle 
 of the chancel ; but it is most surprising that there is no inscription in the 
 Church to perpetuate the memory of this eminent statesman. 
 
 We may here add some particulars from the life of his Lordship, by 
 his grandson, Lord Edmund Fitzmaurice, which may be interesting to the 
 reader. 
 
 D
 
 iS 
 
 Extract from the Lady Shelburne's Diary. 
 
 "Wycombe, Saturday, 28th January, 1768. ... At four o'clock, Lord Shelburne 
 came [to Loakes] and brought Lord Clare with him ; in the evening we had a party ; and at 
 half an hour after six, our company began to assemble. Amongst our Ladies was a very pretty 
 bride, the wife of the Mayor (Mr. Rose*). Lord Clare divided his compliments between her, 
 and Miss Kitty Shrimpton.t We sup'd at eleven, in the India Paper Room, that we might 
 not encroach upon Sunday morning. And the whole was over at twelve o'clock, and nobody 
 the worse for this sober recreation." 
 
 " November 6th. Lord Shelburne and Colonel Barre came and sat with me and renewed 
 a conversation they had with Lord Chatham, till Mr. Trice [Vicar of Wycombe] whom we had 
 >ent for to christen our little boy,J arrived from Wycombe, who sup'd with us." 
 
 " Lord Camden rated Lord Shelburne's oratorical powers above those 
 of any peer of his time, Lord Chatham alone excepted. Lord Thurlow 
 complimented him on the correctness and minuteness of his information, 
 and even Walpole does not deny him a high place amongst the debaters of 
 his time." 
 
 Boswell, in his "Life of Johnson," mentions that "Johnson was at a 
 certain period of his life a good deal with the Earl of Shelburne, as he 
 doubtless could not but have a due value for that nobleman's activity of 
 mind, and uncommon acquisitions of important knowledge, however much 
 lie might disapprove of other parts of his Lordship's character, which were 
 widely different from his own. Johnson was a frequent guest at Loakes 
 House." 
 
 From the Memoirs of the Abbe Morellet, as qtioted in the Life of 
 Shelburne, we make the following extracts relative to his visit to Wycombe. 
 
 [A translation from the French. .] 
 
 " Arriving in London, I found Lord Shelburne absent, but he had left orders to receive me ; 
 indeed, he had done more, and having forewarned his brother Fitzmaurice, then member for 
 Wycombe, of my arrival, he (whilst waiting the return of my Lord) brought me to Wycombe, 
 a place situated about seven or eight leagues from London, and the first title in the peerdom 
 of Lord Shelburne, which is now his son's. He carried off also Col. Barre', Doctor Hawkes- 
 worth, director of the first voyage of Banks round the world, and Garrick, and Franklin, two 
 men whom it is sufficient to name. We passed, or spent five or six days at Wycombe, and as 
 you may see in sufficiently good company. Franklin, who already showed to England as the 
 
 * Grandfather of William Rose, Esq., J. P. f A maternal ancestor of the author. 
 X The Honourable William Petty, who died 27th January, 1778.
 
 19 
 
 politician and statesman, that she had soon to fear, was then much more known in Europe by 
 his grand discovery of the identity of electric fire with that of thunder ; and by his beautiful 
 theory of electricity ; but public economy and government matters occupied me more than 
 philosophy, and the conversation naturally returned to these subjects. We discussed much the 
 general question of the liberty or freedom of trade, and the two great questions, which hang 
 on that, the freedom of commerce in India and the freedom of commerce in corn ; ideas upon 
 population in general, and upon that of America in particular; upon the relation of Colonies 
 with the Capitals ; upon the progress of English America, and of those one ought to foresee, 
 had their turn in our conversation. We spoke also of music, for he loved it ; and philosophy, 
 and morals, but in few words, and at long intervals, for nobody practised better the maxim of 
 Fontaine, 
 
 ' The wise man Is sparing of time and words.' 
 
 I saw him make there the experiment of calming the waves with oil, that one has looked upon 
 as a fable in Aristotle and Pliny. It is true that they were not the waves of the sea, but those 
 of a little river which flowed in the park of Wycombe. It was ruffled by rather a fresh wind. 
 He ran back about two hundred steps from the place where we were, and making some magical 
 gestures, he shook three times over the stream a flask which he had in his hand ; a moment 
 after the little waves weakened themselves or calmed down by degrees, and the surface of the 
 water became smooth as glass. In the explanation which he gave us of this phenomenon, he 
 told us that the oil contained in his flask, spreading very much as soon as it was thrown in, and 
 making the surface of the water smoother, prevented the wind from having a hold on it, and 
 principally over the part of the river which received the first impulse of it, and that the agitation 
 of the inferior parts began to calm of itself, and not being renewed from the part above, nor 
 communicated to from below, calm spread itself everywhere." 
 
 We find in the journal of the venerable John Wesley, that in one of his 
 visits to Wycombe, viz., Oct. nth, 1775, he makes the following entry rela- 
 tive to Loakes. 
 
 " I took a walk to Lord Shelburne's house ; what variety in so small a compass ! a beautiful 
 grove divided by a serpentine walk, conceals the house from the town ; at the side of this, runs 
 a transparent river with a smooth walk on each bank. Beyond this a level lawn, then the house 
 with sloping gardens behind it ; above these is a lofty hill, near the top of which is a lovely 
 wood, having a grassy walk running along just within the skirts of it. But can the owner rejoice 
 in this paradise ? No, for his wife is snatched away in the bloom of youth." [Lady Shelburne 
 died January 5th, 1771.] 
 
 "It may not be amiss" (remarks Lord Shelburne in a very striking 
 passage which brings to light the unenviable position of the owner of a 
 close borough), " to say a few words upon the subject of boroughs." 
 
 " Family boroughs, (by which I mean boroughs which lie naturally within the reach of cul- 
 tivation of any house or property), are supposed to cost nothing ; but I am sure from my own 
 experience and observation, that if examined into, they will be found to cost as much as the 
 purchase of any burgage tenure whatever, by means of what I call insensible perspiration. Like
 
 public taxes, the amount is not perceived for a great while, and by some people not at all ; but 
 it consists in paying always a little, and most commonly a great deal too much, on every article ; 
 and in every transaction you are confined to a particular set of tradesmen, and often to their 
 connections in town, and can never control their charges. The rents of houses and lands must 
 be governed by the moderation of voters. You must be forthcoming on every occasion, not only 
 of distress, but of fancy ; to subscribe too largely to roads, as well as every other project which 
 may be started by the idlest of the people ; add to this, livings, favours of all sorts from Govern- 
 ment, and stewardships, if there is an intriguing attorney in the town, who, under the name of 
 your agent, will deprive you of all manner of free agency upon your own property, and some- 
 times of the property itself, if it is a small one ; without mentioning the charges and domestic 
 disorder attending a great deal of obscure hospitality, and a never ceasing management of men 
 and things. And after all, when the crisis comes, you are liable to be outbid by any nabob or 
 adventurer; and you must expect all that you have done to go for nothing, and the most you 
 can look for is a preference. What can you say to a blacksmith who has seven children, or to 
 a common labouring man who is offered ^700 for his vote ; or to two misers who are offered 
 ^2,000, which are instances distinctly upon record at Wycombe, since Mr. Dashwood's election.'' 
 
 The manor house of Loakes was enlarged and much improved by 
 William, Earl of Shelburne. The Marquess of Lansdowne disposed of all 
 his estate at Wycombe (except the advowson of the vicarage) in August, 
 1798, to The Right Honourable Robert Lord Carrington, formerly Robert 
 Smith, the friend and confidential adviser of the younger Pitt, who often 
 retired to Loakes from the cares of State. The manor house, now called 
 \\ y combe Abbey, was very considerably enlarged and greatly improved by 
 his lordship, from designs, and under the direction, of the celebrated architect, 
 James Wyatt His lordship died the 18th September, 1838, and was suc- 
 ceeded in his title and estates by his son, The Honourable Robert John 
 Smith ; he was born January 16th, 1796, was elected Member of Parliament 
 for Wendover, and subsequently for the county of Bucks, in 1820; and in 
 1831 he was returned, with Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., as member for the 
 borough of Wycombe. His lordship succeeded His Grace the Duke of 
 Buckingham as Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of Buckingham- 
 shire, and Colonel of the Royal Bucks King's Own Militia. He was a 
 F.R.S. He took the surname of Carington by royal license, 26th August, 
 1839. In 1822 he married the Honourable Elizabeth Katherine Forester, 
 second daughter of Cecil Weld, 1st Baron Forester; she died in 1832, 
 leaving issue, Mary Isabella, b. 1824, d. 1S40; Cecilia Katherine Mary, b. 
 1826, m. 1853, Charles John Colville of Culross, P. C, 11th Baron in the 
 Peerage of Scotland. His second marriage was on August 2nd, 1840, with 
 the Honourable Charlotte Augusta Annabe'la Urummond Willoughby,
 
 >- 
 
 Uj 
 CD 
 CD 
 < 
 
 CD 
 O 
 
 o
 
 2 I 
 
 youngest daughter of the 20th Baron Willoughby de Ercsby. His 
 lordship died March 17th, 1868, having had issue by the latter marriage, 
 Augusta Clementina, b. 1841, m. 1864, Lieut.-Col. Campbell ; Charles 
 Robert (the present lord), b. 1843, educated at Eton and at Trinity College, 
 Cambridge, where he graduated B.A., 1863, appointed Cornet in the Royal 
 Horse Guards 1865, Capt. 1869, was M.P. for Wycombe 1865-8; William 
 Henry Peregrine, heir presumptive, b. 1845 > was educated at Eton ; m. 
 187 1, Juliet, only daughter of Francis Warden, Esq., of Paris; appointed 
 Lieut, and Capt. Grenadier Guards 1867, Capt. and Lieut.-Col. Dec, 1872, 
 Secretary to the (acting) Lord Great Chamberlain 1871, elected M.P. for 
 Wycombe, April, 1868; Eva, b. 1847, m. 1869, Charles Augustus, Viscount 
 Petersham, eldest son of Charles Wyndham Stanhope, 7th Earl of 
 Harrington ; Rupert Clement George, b. 1852, was educated at Eton, ap- 
 pointed Lieut, and Capt. Grenadier Guards 1874. 
 
 Lord Carington is the patron of several livings, viz., Bledlow V., 
 Moulsoe R., High Wycombe V., Bucks ; Humberston V., Lincolnshire. 
 With the Earl of Lisburne, Llanghby I., Llanvair Clydogan I., Cardiganshire. 
 
 Creations, Baron Carrington, in the Irish Peerage, 1 796, — Baron Carring- 
 ton, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom, 1797. 
 
 Arms, — Or : a chevron cottised, between three demi-griffins, the two 
 in chief respectant each other, in sable. Crest, — An elephant's head, erased, 
 or, eared, gules, charged on the neck with three fleurs-de-lis, two and one, 
 azure. Supporters — Two griffins, wings elevated, sable, the dexter charged 
 with three fleurs-de-lis, the sinister with three trefoils slipped, or. 
 
 Motto, "Regi semper fidelis." 
 
 But to proceed with the early history. We find from the Itinerary of 
 King John, that His Majesty slept in Wycombe three times ; viz., October 
 2 7th and 28th, 1204, passing from Northampton to Windsor ; May 10th, 1207, 
 passing from London to Brill ; May 2nd, 1 208, from Woodstock to Southwark. 
 
 On the second of these dates he grants the Archdeaconry of Totnes 
 and Prebend in Exeter Cathedral, vacant by the death of Gilbert Basset, 
 to Walter de Gray. The king probably heard of the Archdeacon's death 
 from Alan Basset, his brother, who entertained the royal party at Bassets- 
 bury Manor House. 
 
 With the time of Henry III. begin the series of Municipal Rolls, from 
 which most of the succeeding facts are extracted.
 
 22 
 
 To commence with Ledger, Book No. i, (to which reference has already 
 been made). The leaves at the beginning of this Ledger are probably of the 
 14th century, with illuminated initial letters in red and blue ; the context, 
 much abbreviated, being apparently a series of commentaries upon the 
 Pandects of the Emperor Justinian, with glosses in the margin. Some of 
 these leaves are perfect. The writing on the leaves is beautiful, probably 
 by an Italian hand, but very minute ; the subject in general seems to be 
 the inheritance and division of property. 
 
 The volume most probably was given to the town in the year 1475, 
 by William Redhode (or Redhood), the then Mayor, as we learn from an 
 inscription in the first (numbered) folio, said to be written in Redhode's 
 own hand, of the Latin of which the following is a translation. 
 
 " In the name of God, Amen, in the year of our Lord 1475, and in the year of the reign 
 of King Edward, after the Conquest the fourth, the fifteenth. I, William Redhode, then 
 Mayor of Vill and Borough of Wycombe, to the honour of God, the blessed Virgin Mary, and 
 all the Saints, have given this Book to the Burgesses of the said Vill and Borough, called a 
 Register for all the goods, charters, evidences, rents, and names of feoffees, of all lands and 
 tenements, with their appurtenances, to the Parish Church of Wycombe aforesaid, and to the 
 Burgesses, pertaining or belonging, with the Vill aforesaid," etc. 
 
 Only one or two entries belong to the reign of Henry III., as far as 
 can be ascertained from their style, as no dates are introduced until the 
 latter part of the reign of Edward I. 
 
 The first mention of a Mayor occurs in the reign of Edward I. (1285), 
 when Roger Outred, Oughtred, or Hutred, is described as Mayor in each 
 year up to 1302. He was succeeded by Gervase le Baker, who continued 
 in office until 1320. 
 
 The reign of Edward I. furnishes us with several particulars of early 
 life and manners at Wycombe. An extract from the Rotuli Hundredorum 
 is printed in the Records of Bucks, dated 1273, in which the Jury present 
 that, " Roger Maloysel, Bailiff of the Honour of Wallingford, took of Ad. 
 De Oxford of Wycomb, one pair of shoes of the value of sixpence for this, 
 that during the time he should not put him on the assizes, that is to say, his 
 name on the Jury List. Also they declare that the said Roger, on the last 
 circuit of the Justices of Wycomb, maliciously extorted from Agnes 
 Bordwad six marks, while shu was imprisoned in the hostel of Symon de
 
 Ireland, and gave half to the said Symon, as he acknowledged to many 
 persons." Records of Bucks, 11-271. 
 
 The " Pleas de quo warranto Bucks, Rot. 1, Edw. I., 12S6," afford us an 
 amusing story of a proceeding by ejectment. Gilbert de Thornton, King's 
 Attorney at the assizes at Wycombe * in this year, claimed against the 
 Abbot of Missenden, a messuage in Wycombe, as the King's escheat, as 
 the property of a Norman born, Nicholas le Vinetur, who died seized 
 of it. The abbot came in person and declared that Nicholas passed the 
 house to him, by a fine, and held it afterwards of him for life only, but that 
 now it ought to revert to him as the right of the Church of Missenden. 
 To this Gilbert replied, that this was not the case, but that all the abbot's 
 right consisted of actions of intrusion after the death of Nicholas. And 
 that he should prove that the said Nicholas continued his possession by 
 himself, his wife, and his servants, and never changed his estate. And so 
 issue was joined. 
 
 Then the sheriff was enjoined to form a jury of twelve men residing 
 near the Town of Wycombe, and twelve men of the town itself, none of 
 whom were connected with the Abbot, to try the cause ; but hereupon 
 came the Mayor and bailiffs of Wycombe, and declared that they had such 
 liberty in their town of Wycombe, that all enquiries of assize and law 
 concerning houses and property in Wycombe, ought to be made before 
 burgesses of the town and not by foreigners ; and they demanded that 
 this liberty should be in no respect infringed. They also declared that 
 the Abbot had calumniated and injured the commonalty of the town in 
 other respects. Now this was clearly the worst thing they could have done, 
 and prevented their obtaining their demand. Ultimately the jury was 
 
 * We gather from the Annals of Tewkesbury (124S), pa. 137, that Wycombe was an 
 Assize Town in the earlier part of the 13th century. 
 
 " 1. Richard, Earl of Gloucester, sued us (the monks of Tewkesbury) for advowsons of 
 Churches, to wit, of Hambledone, of Merlawe [Marlow], of the Church of All Hallows, London, 
 by the King's Writ before the Justices in Eyre at Wycomb, and obtained judgment with one 
 cheerful assent." 
 
 " 2. In the same year, on the Sth day after St. Hilary, the Justices in Eyre held the assizes 
 for the County of Bucks at Newport, and after finishing the business for (the north) part of the 
 county there, adjourned for the remainder of the Court to Wyckumbe, on the Sth day of the 
 following Easter." The assizes were also held here eleven times between the years 16S4 and 
 1 7 1 1. Gough's MSS.
 
 24 
 
 formed of seven burgesses and five foreigners; "thus saving," says the Record, 
 " to the said burgesses, their liberty aforesaid." Then the jury gave their 
 verdict, which will be given in the words of the Record. 
 
 "And William de Saunderton, Robert Fitzwalter of Daventre, Richard le Wydington, 
 Reginald de Beauchamp, Thomas le Talyer — Foreigners. Roger le Cordewaner, William le 
 
 ( Irfeure, Roger le Hynton, Richard le Saundwell, Robert le Poor, Matheule Folur, and Geoffrey 
 le Clerk, Burgesses of Wycombe, declare that the said Nicholas was a Norman and born in 
 Normandy ; and purchased that house of one Alice la Peynture, to hold to the said Nicholas 
 and his heirs; and afterwards the said Nicholas sojourned in the Abbey of Missenden, where he 
 had a certain pension of meat and drink (corrodium) and there by a certain sickness was 
 detained ; and then, in that sickness the said Nicholas made to the said abbot and convent 
 the aforesaid grant; and a certain letter directed to one Gilbert le Mercer his servant, who 
 took care of his taverne (tabernam) at Wycumb, concerning putting them (i.e., the Abbot and 
 convent) in possession; thereupon, which grant and letter, one Reginald de Chovel, Canon of 
 Missenden, carrying with him to that house, entered that house; and thereupon Gilbert gave 
 him possession according to the aforesaid letter. But they declare that the said Reginald 
 found in that house the wife, the family, the household goods, and other chattels of the said 
 Nicholas. And the same Reginald considering these things, asked the wife of the said Nicholas, 
 that she should go out into the street to buy fish and other things, of which he had need. And 
 she at the request of the said Reginald, going out, on her return the same day, found herself 
 shut out : but immediately she, by a certain ladder, entered that house by the window of a 
 certain gallery of the said house. And they declare that the said wife with the servants and 
 chattels of the said Nicholas, there dwelt, without any removal by the said (Abbot and con- 
 vent) until the said Nicholas being recovered from the said sickness, to the said house returned 
 and entered that house. And in the presence of his neighbours, there called together, the said 
 charter and letter . . . entirely contradicted, and Gilbert, his servant, who put the same 
 Abbot in possession ..." 
 
 The mutilated state of the Record does not allow us to know the lair 
 of Gilbert. 
 
 A second entry, Rot. 5, records the recovery of the messuage on the 
 part of the King, and that it was worth forty shillings per annum. The 
 first memb., Rot. 2. of the Municipal Records, is a bond dated 1295, from 
 Ralph Rechel, who obtained, according to the recital, a grant of the house 
 from the King, to pay Matilda, late wife of Nicholas le Vinetur, one mark 
 per annum, the dower to which she was legally entitled. The deed is 
 witnessed by the Mayor and Burgesses, William Orfeur, Richard le Sand- 
 well, and Geoffrey the Clerk, who were jurymen on the trial. 
 
 At Fol. lxviii. of first Ledger, is the following remarkable entry. 
 
 "On Tuesday, in the 40th year of the reign of King Edward III., it was ordained that every 
 child of a burgess, who at the time appears to be the oldest, alter the decease of his father, on
 
 25 
 
 claiming the freedom [of the Borough] shall have the same on paying 10V., without any 
 further payment; namely, to the Mayor i' 1 ., to the clerk | d ., to the under bailiff £ d ., to the gilds- 
 men [gildains] 8 d ., and to the Master of St. John's V 1 ., he making oath, etc." 
 
 The following is a translation of a deed in Norman French, contained 
 in the Records of Wycombe, being an award made by Joan, Countess of 
 Hereford, 1407. 
 
 " This indenture of three parts witnesseth that whereas divers debates and discordes have 
 arisen between the Mayor and the Commonalty of Wycomb, and Raulf Lude, Esquier, for 
 that the said Mayor and Commonalty have claim of twenty and one shillings of rent for certain 
 tenements the which the said Rauf holds of the said Mayor and Commonalty in the town 
 aforesaid, and suit at their Court of Wycombe two ... at the Feasts of Saint Michel and 
 Hokday,* and two shillings and threepence for one meadow, the which the said Rauf holds 
 of them in the Town aforesaid. And also the said Mayor and Commonalty have claim of the 
 said Rauf and demand one ancient rental touching the Mayor and Commonalty of the said 
 Town, the which the said Rauf hath in his possession. And also the said Mayor and Com- 
 monalty have plaint, that the said Rauf hath built one house upon the waste land of the said 
 Town, of which debates and claims, as well the said Mayor and Commonalty as the said 
 Rauf, have submitted them to the ordinance and determination of the most noble and gracious 
 Dame. Joan de Bohunne, Countess of Hereford, and to hold and perform the award, ordinance, 
 and determination, of the said Countess, the said parties are bound to the said Countess and 
 other certain persons each party of them. 
 
 " Whereupon the said most noble Dame, by the advice of her Council, hath examined all 
 the matter and all the evidences of the one party and the other, unto her shown, and inspects 
 the said evidences, and hears the reasons on both sides. And the said Countess hath awarded 
 and ordained, that the said Rauf and his heirs shall pay the said rent of one and twenty shillings 
 for all the tenements which the said Rauf holds of them in the Town aforesaid, as . . . the 
 said Rauf and the said Mayor and Commonalty in like manner to have the said two shillings 
 and three pence . . . Thomas Lude, father to the said Rauf, whose heir he is . . . 
 his heirs hath . . . parcel of the said tenure in the said town, holds the right ... in 
 the said . . . by which release the said tenements are . . . tenements to the said 
 Mayor and Commonalty as touching the said two tenements at the rent of . . . the said 
 Mayor and Commonalty and the said Rauf duly discharged from their Court. And the said 
 Mayor and Commonalty have . . . have been seised of the said suit. That the said 
 Countess shall . . . certain persons." 
 
 The Countess of Hereford was a great benefactress to the monasteries 
 of Essex, as appears from the State Rolls. She was grandmother to 
 Henry V., and a resident in her own right at Bassetsbury Manor. 
 
 Before remarking on the documentary history of the Middle Ages, in 
 
 * Hockday, the second Tuesday after Easter, in commemoration of the slaughter of the 
 Danes on that day, and their expulsion from England, a.d. iioo. 
 
 E
 
 26 
 
 connection with the subject in hand, a few topographical observations may 
 not be out of place. The borough is situated principally on the highway 
 (via regia) from London to Oxford ; and is divided into four wards, Easton 
 Ward, Paul's Row Ward, out of which High Street Ward was probably 
 taken, and Frogmore Ward ; now the most populous of the four Wards. 
 Separate rates were made for each ward, when the Poor Law Act, of the 
 43rd of Elizabeth, came into operation. The ancient British road through 
 Chiltern passed by Desborough Castle, the back of Newland, through the 
 now depopulated suburb of Horseyn or Horsenden, and the Windsor way 
 through Wycombe Abbey Park, close to Great Penns Mead, bounding the 
 borough on the south. 
 
 The easternmost piece of land in the borough adjoining the Rye and 
 Halliwell, or Holywell, Mead on the west (both already referred to), is a 
 meadow belonging to the Chapel of St. Mary, which was (inter alia) assigned 
 by Queen Elizabeth to the Corporation, who leased it in the latter part 
 of the 13th century to Roger Outred, then Mayor, as tenant at will. In 
 1346, Roger's son, William, resigned it to the Mayor and burgesses. In 
 1369, we find the Wardens of St. Mary letting it to John Bynewell, and 
 describing it as adjoining William Outred's meadow, i.e., that belonging to 
 the mill, and the Pontfolde, which was in later years called Perm or Great 
 Penns Mead. In 1540, the wardens granted it to John Brasebrydge, Esq., 
 the Mayor, particularising its situation minutely, for a term of thirty years. 
 The meadow was leased by the Corporation to Lord Shelburne, who, in a 
 subsequent arrangement with the Corporation, gave a portion of it up to 
 the Rye, the rest being added to and remaining part of Halliwell Mead, 
 now belonging to Lord Carington. The ditch separating it from the Rye 
 may yet be traced, and the borough boundary stones on the east mark its 
 limits in that direction, dividing it from Halliwell Mead. 
 
 The Rye is a commonable pasture of about thirty acres, being an appur- 
 tenance to the lands belonging to the Hospital of St. John, and conferring 
 no small benefit on the inhabitants of the town. Its antiquity is great. 
 The origin of the rights in connection with it has been erroneously ascribed 
 to Queen Elizabeth, and the popular tradition is, that " that glorious Dame," 
 on the occasion of a temporary sojourn at Wycombe, being inconvenienced 
 by the non-supply of milk at the royal breakfast table, caused this meadow 
 to In: given to the town, in order that such an occurrence might be
 
 27 
 
 obviated for the future; but as we find the Rye as early as the 13th 
 century was a common meadow belonging to the Corporation, we are com- 
 pelled to discredit the tradition. It was really the common pasture of the 
 tenants of the ancient demesne of Wycombe, prior to the incorporation 
 of the borough : and on the incorporation, the burgesses entered into the 
 rights of the tenants. A family, taking name from the Rye, was established 
 here during the 13th and 14th centuries. We find the meadow of Geoffery 
 atte Rye adjoining Our Lady Mead and Halliwell Mead in 1346. This 
 Geoffery probably was the occupier of the Rye Mill. In the Rye, the 
 inhabitants of the borough by ancient prescription have the right of com- 
 mon for two cows and a heifer in the day time only. An Old Topo- 
 grapher* says : — 
 
 " All the inhabitants of the borough have liberty at all times to walk, and use sports and 
 pastimes, such as running, leaping, wrestling, riding, back swords, and other plays, at their 
 pleasure, without being trespassers. The liberty ot" using these exercises is very much valued by 
 the common people." 
 
 From a memorandum in 15 18 (vide "Ecclesiastical Antiquities"), 
 Rowland Messenger, Vicar of Wycomb, would seem to have discovered 
 some grounds for setting up a claim to the Rye, alleging it to be the 
 property of the Church, but he made no attempt to establish the claim. 
 From time immemorial the borough election days and law days (so called) 
 of the mayor and burgesses were there held. At the law days and views 
 of frank-pledge, all the leases were renewed, and fresh grants made in the 
 presence of the inhabitants ; resolutions and orders were openly made and 
 proclaimed, and other public business transacted. This custom may reason- 
 ably be supposed to have been a relic of the moots or gemotes of the 
 Aivdo-Saxons. Pound Mead is included in, and situate at the east end of 
 the Rye, nearly adjoining the Dyke on the North, and Great Penns Mead 
 on the West, the mounds of which are still traceable. This mead was, in 
 1633, in the possession of the Standish family, who sold it to Thomas 
 Archdale of Loakes House; he again sold it to the Reverend John Biscoe, 
 of St. Thomas Parish in Southwark, in whose family it remained till his 
 grandson, Samuel Jacques of Uxbridge, sold it to the Mayor, bailiffs, and 
 
 * Author of a curious MS., descriptive of the Borough of Wycombe in the beginning of 
 
 the last century ; penes the author.
 
 28 
 
 burgesses, in 1719, for ^150, which sum was raised by the sale of oak 
 on Town Farm, and oak and ash on Kingshill Lands. The Corpora- 
 tion leased it to Bigoe Hensell, goldsmith, who converted it into a hop 
 ground, but the speculation did not pay, and he surrendered his lease. 
 Rot. Wye. Burg. 
 
 The Hayward's House, near the Rye, is an old tenement, concerning 
 which there are several singular entries in the Registers ; one is in a Rent 
 Roll, temp. Phil, and Mary, from which it appears that rent was taken for 
 it : — 
 
 " Item ; of Thomas a Lee, Cowherd, for his howse sumtyrae an hermitage, V 
 
 No records of the hermitage or hermits remain ; but, as at a very early 
 period hermitages were frequently found at the entrance to our ancient 
 towns, without doubt hermits did take up their abode at this spot. We 
 find the house at a subsequent period described as the " Hermitage," or 
 " Snail," and also as an Almshouse, belonging to the Hospital of St. John. 
 
 The two mills near the Rye are both of extreme antiquity, the one at the 
 north-west end of the Rye is called Bridge Mill, and the other at the north- 
 cast, Pann Mill ; these mills, though included within the boundary of the 
 borough, were always considered as belonging to the Parish of Wycombe, 
 and were assessed to the parochial rates. They are excepted in Alan 
 
 Basset's grant of the borough. The owners of these mills have each the 
 right of common in the Rye for a mare or gelding. In Ledger No. I., fo. 
 
 144, we find the following order : — 
 
 " Memorandum the ninth daye of October, in the first yere of the reigne of our sovereigne 
 Ladye, Quene Elizabeth, beinge thelawedaw in the gelde halle, John Sterlynge then being 
 maier, it was ordeyned and agreide by the whole howse, that the Myllmen that be or shall be of 
 Panne Myll, and of Cristofer Paitefer's Myll, shall have no horse, geldynge, nor mare, goinge 
 in the Rie, onlesse he or they Do loode and serve the towne withe the same horse, geldynge, or 
 mare, upon the payn of flforfiture of his or their common in the seide Rie ; and that at no tvinc 
 or tymes, he or they shall have any other kynde of horse or mare goinge there, but such only 
 as serve the towne as afore ys seide." 
 
 In the year 1380, one of these mills belonged to Thomas atte Lude, 
 who terminated a dispute concerning his right of common in respect of the 
 mill, by granting the Mayor and burgesses a rent of one shilling, issuing out 
 of a shop in the market place in tenure of John Geky, as a consideration for 
 a confirmation of his right, at the same time acknowledging that he had
 
 previously no right of common there, unless by special favour of the 
 burgesses. 
 
 Separated from the Rye, which extended to Horsenden Lane, and 
 which was the entrance to it, is Easton Street, formerly called " Easton 
 Towne," in early deeds " Estynton," giving name to the ward. This ward 
 contains that part of the town eastward of Crendon and Horsenden Lanes. 
 Here was formerly held a fair on the Day of St. Thomas the Martyr : " For 
 all manner of pepuls for cum to the forsayde fayer free, w'oute any maner of 
 staullayge payde that day to the bayllys," which was the " holde custome of 
 thys borough of Wycomb and by the Kyng's graunts," to the Mayor and 
 burgesses, " tyme aute of mynde," as appears by an order of the Court " held 
 on the Thursday before the feast of St. James the postyll," 1527, wherein 
 the Mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses lament that " now ther cummythc but 
 few, or ells none of thys towne and borough thethyr for to kepe and mayn- 
 teyne the forsayd ffayer ther in that place, whareas of holde costume was 
 wont for to be kept, but kepythe ther schopys and ther stallys at home 
 ther as they doo dewll her w'in the sayd towne," and make a stringent 
 order " that from thys tyme fforwarde, that no maner of man nor woman 
 w'in the sayd towne kepe ther schoppys and ther stallys at home ther 
 as they doo dewlle. Nor make nowe Schowe forthe into the strete on 
 that day, but resorte into the ffayer ther as yt is wonte to be kypte, apon 
 payne of ev y Borges so afending Xs, and of ev y fforynar, III s . and IIII d ., 
 the one halff to the Baylyffs and the othyr half to the Chamberr of 
 Wycomb." Notwithstanding this severe enactment, the fair in Estyn- 
 towne has long been a thing of the past. 
 
 Crendon Lane is so called from its leading up the ancient British 
 road to the depopulated hamlet near the Upper Temple Farm, called 
 Croyndon or Crendon. The charter of Henry III. mentions Crendon's- 
 hatch with Hazelmere. The houses in Horsenden Lane were purchased 
 by John, Earl of Shelburne, and were afterwards demolished. His Lord- 
 ship obtained a lease of the lane as waste ground from the Mayor and 
 burgesses, and included the same in the grounds of Wycombe Abbey, 
 in the middle of the last century, the fee of which was purchased by the 
 late Lord Carington. 
 
 The High Street, also giving name to a ward, is a continuation of 
 Easton Town, westward, terminating at the Guildhall. Most of the shops
 
 (shopaes) of the burgesses in the 13th century appear to have been in 
 " Alta Strata ; " so little has the name or the locality changed. This, the 
 topographer of the beginning of the iSth century described as the " Beauty 
 of the Borough, for here the houses exceed in magnificence most of the 
 buildings of the borough, for goodness of brick, mortar, and other materials, 
 of which the modern houses are built," it ma)' be (he proceeds) "Great 
 Britain can't show better." It is rather curious that in the reign of Henry 
 VII. the Vicars of Hughenden and Wooburn had town houses in the 
 1 ligh Street; the house of the former was situate on the site of Wine Vaults 
 now belonging to Mr. Leadbetter, and the latter on the site of the house 
 at the" corner of Crendon Street, lately erected by Mr. Robert Vernon. 
 This house originally belonged to the Corporation, to whom, in 1319, 
 it was granted by William Oughtred. It was let in 1388 to "Will. 
 I >epham, Sir Robt., Vicar of Wouborne, and Sir Geof. Laver, priest, with 
 certain privileges." 
 
 The High Street had a curious collection of old inns, some of which 
 have disappeared ; there was the George, adjoining the Red Lion Inn on 
 the west, in which was the scene of a memorable election in 1 723. An account 
 of this Inn may be found in three scarce tracts extant, wherein it is de- 
 scribed as " the neatest, the largest, and most convenient public house, 
 or place to receive so great a company." The Red Lion Hotel, i.e., the 
 ancient portion of it, comprehends the whole of the building, including the 
 gateway on the west side of the present hotel. In Churton's " Founders 
 of Brasenose College," we find that John Cox of Kyrtleton, Oxon, wool 
 merchant, gave a messuage called the Red Lyon in Cheping Wycombe, 
 and 120 1. in money, to purchase land to provide two priests, being fellows ; 
 one of them an Oxfordshire, or south countryman, to make annually, each 
 of them, a sermon at Kyrtleton, and to pray for the founder." The rent 
 of the inn, 20 Edw. IV., was .£8 6s. Sd. (Vate, pa. 119, 129.) In 1535 
 it was let for £5 only. (Extract from Valuation of First Fruits Office.) 
 Churton considers inns generally at that time depreciated in value. There 
 is an entry in a rent roll of the 16th century as follows : " Of the Principal 
 of Brasenose for the Rcdde Lyon 2' 1 ." That part of the hotel which formed 
 the ancient inn still belongs to Brasenose College. The Antelope, adjoin- 
 ing the Red Lion on the east, was a famous inn, erected c. 1480, on the 
 site of two others, called the New Inn and the Saracen's Head. The
 
 3 1 
 
 Royal Oak, which was burnt down nearly a century ago, was situate on the 
 east side of what is now called Church Square, formerly the Hog Market. 
 It was a famous house of call, at which the Mayor and Corporation were 
 accustomed, up to the end of the last century, to hold their convivial 
 meetings. The Maidenhead Inn stood at the corner of the lane called 
 Hailey's, afterwards Maidenhead, and now Crown Lane ; this inn was made 
 somewhat locally notorious as the scene of the misconduct of Mr. William 
 Child, an attorney, practising at Chesham, who, while conducting a case 
 in the Borough Court of Record, in 1662, used insolent and indecorous 
 language to the Mayor and Aldermen, for which he was struck off the roll 
 of that court. The Three Cups, on the other side of Maidenhead Lane, 
 stood on the site of the house occupied by Mr. Mason. The Falcon, 
 the Cross Keys, and the Whcatsheaf, bespeak their own antiquity. The 
 Katherine Wheel, opposite the Red Lion, was an ancient inn, chiefly built 
 of timber, and elaborately decorated with carved work ; it was burnt down 
 in the year 1780, by an incendiary, who was a private in the Oxford Blues. 
 The porch, covered with ivy, which now adorns the Hayward's House, 
 formed the entrance to the inn. Here Charles II. once stopped on his 
 way through Wycombe from Oxford, on the 30th September, 1663, accom- 
 panied by the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Rupert, the 
 Duke of Monmouth, and many others of the nobility. From an old record 
 we find — 
 
 "They did come into the town about 4 of the clock of the same day. They came from 
 Oxford. The king in his progress going back again to London. The king did go out of the 
 town between V. and VI. of the clock the next morning, and was at his palace at Whitehall 
 before 9 of the clock in the morning. The queen did go out about VII. of the clock, and 
 dined at Uxbridge, and then went to Whitehall." 
 
 There is a room at the back of the house occupied by William Rose, 
 Esquire, then adjoining the premises of the Katherine Wheel, which is 
 hung with tapestry, and which, according to tradition, was used by the 
 King during his sojourn at Wycombe. In a note on the Coat of Arms of 
 Cardinal Moreton, in a paper on the Cordwainers of Oxford, in the "Archaeo- 
 logical Journal," VI. 279, occurs the following extract from a letter of Aubrey 
 to Anthony Wood, dated London, Vigil of SS. Luke and Paul, 1681, as 
 follows : — 
 
 " His coat somewhat resembles the Shoemaker's Amies, who give three goate's heades, as
 
 you may sec in the sign Without Bocardo. This coate of Moreton is in a west chamber of 
 the Catherine Wheele Inn, at Great Wiccomb in Bucks, w th (as I remember) the Cardinal's 
 Cappe." 
 
 The original letter is in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford. 
 
 Paul's Row Ward includes the Guildhall, the Church and Parsonage, 
 All Hallows Lane, Noyes Lane near the church gates at the south 
 entrance, the north side of White Hart Street, formerly called Hoog Lane* 
 and the streets called Paul's Row, Crown Lane, formerly called Hailey 
 Lane, afterwards Maidenhead Lane, and St. Mary's Street. 
 
 The old Guildhall claims our attention as an important municipal 
 building; it was erected in 1604, and stood on "twenty-two large posts, 
 or pillars, of heavy oak." After serving the public purposes of the town 
 many years, it was ultimately burnt down. Amongst the old records we 
 find some scattered notices of a former Guildhall or Guildhalls are preserved; 
 the earliest is in 13S0, when a gallery (solarium) at the end of the Guildhall 
 was granted to John Deye, at an annual rent of 35. 4c/., a stipulation being- 
 made " that the bailiffs should be at liberty to open and shut the door of 
 the prison of the town, if required." Among the " rents belonging to the 
 Chamber," temp. Philip and Mary, is an entry as follows : " Of Rowland 
 Lyttleboy for his house under the geld hall X". III d ." There were also 
 shops under the Guildhall of 1604. 
 
 Whilst on the subject of the Guildhall we may add another curious 
 notice which is preserved. 
 
 '• Nicolas Gerarde ") The gelde halle dore to stande open, if any burgesse be comytted to 
 Mai or. ) Warde." 
 
 " M '. that the thursday next after the fest of Sent Thorn 5 , the martir the XX' 1 ' yere of 
 Kyng Harr. the VII th , in the full Gildaule before Nichus Jerard Mayi of the burowgh and all 
 the hole comynte of the same, that 'it is ordenyd and stabely acted the geld hall dor shall be 
 stondying opyn ffrely wher as ony burgess be comitted to ward be the comaundemet of the 
 Mayr for the tyme beying and inspeciall that other burgess may have licens to exorte and 
 advise hym to the beste.'" 
 
 In addition to the old Guildhall, " were places or roomes called Clapper 
 Court and Dungeon, of or belonging to the Counter or Geale thereunto 
 adjoyneing." An oaken corbel from the old Guildhall is preserved in the 
 
 * Hoog is Dutch, or Old Saxon, for "High." Hoog Lane is the same as High Street. 
 The High Street in most Hutch towns is still called " Hoog Laan."
 
 9 
 
 =3 
 
 «— • 
 
 ! 
 
 <S
 
 present Council Chamber, and one of similar design is in possession of the 
 .Author. 
 
 Paul's Row, which chiefly embraces the centre of the town, contains 
 the Queen's Head public house, also, opposite the front of the church, the 
 remains of the Chantry of the Holy Trinity, and many other old houses, 
 a row of which, abutting on the churchyard on the west, was some years 
 since pulled down ; these latter houses were subject to a heriot of a couple 
 of fat pullets, and which were presented to the Mayor on the ist of January 
 yearly, who, according to ancient custom, invited the bailiffs to partake 
 of them. Paul's Row also contains within its limits the Queen's Head, 
 the house formerly called the Chequers Inn, and the Royal Oak. The name 
 " Paul's " probably took its name from the Poull family, who flourished in 
 the middle of the fourteenth century. There is mention made of a house 
 called Coppydhall in " Poulys-rewe," in 1516; this house is now occupied 
 by Mr. Dracott. 
 
 Saint Mary's Street and St. Mary's Bridge opened on the Windsor 
 highway on the south, near the place where Horsenden Lane entered the 
 same road. 
 
 Since the blocking up of Horsenden Lane, and the pulling down the 
 houses there and at the bottom of St. Mary Street, in the middle of the 
 last century, the aspect of this part of the borough has been completely 
 changed. The highway east of the old cross roads, as far as Marsh Green 
 has been converted into ornamental water, belonging to Wycombe Abbey. 
 The highway west of the cross roads was variously called St. Margaret's 
 Lane, Pokes, Poukes, or Loakes Lane, and enters New Land at a place 
 called Loakes Gate. East of the cross roads, in early times, extended the 
 suburb of Horsenden. 
 
 Frogmore, the most populous ward of the borough, contains the 
 districts of New Land, Oxford Road, the south side of White Hart Street 
 (formerly called " Hoog Lane"), and Bull Lane. In Frogmore was one 
 of the Houses of Correction for the borough ; the governor having ^"5 per 
 annum paid by the churchwardens. New Land (" le Newedande ") was an 
 integral part of the town in the fourteenth century, and contained the 
 Knaves-thorn already mentioned. The Oxford Road was in the thirteenth 
 and succeeding century called " Beyggerie," a name of much etymological 
 difficulty.
 
 34 
 
 " La Grene " was frequently mentioned in the thirteenth century ; it 
 was what was lately called Frogmore Garden. 
 
 It is conjectured, and there is every reason to believe it was the fact, 
 that the present boundary of the borough, as described in the charters, and 
 more in detail in the copy of its perambulation hereafter set forth, is com- 
 paratively modern. The names of " New Land," " La Grene " [Frogmore], 
 and Easton Town, indicate that they were outside the ancient teme domini- 
 cales (or that is to say) the "inland," or demesne, constituting the small burgh, 
 and homestead or dwelling of the Saxon chief, which, in all probability, ex- 
 tended from the end of White Hart Street to the bottom of Crendon Lane. 
 and from the castle and church on the north, to Bridge Mill at the bottom 
 of Paul's Row on the south. Within this limit seem to have dwelt the 
 burgesses, who cultivated the common fields on the slopes of the hills, and 
 depastured their cattle in the Rye. The original road into the Rye was, as 
 we have mentioned, at the end of the High Street, down Horsenden Lane. 
 The plan of the hospital of St. John in Easton Street, shows that, the 
 site of it extended down to the mill stream, and that the present road was 
 subsequently cut through it. Easton Street was probably at first only a 
 road for the most part leading to the hospital, and to the mill called 
 Pann Mill, around which a few houses gradually sprang up, which were 
 called Easton or East Town. The road leading from Great Marlow to the 
 north of the county by Crendon Lane, left Wycombe on the left, just as the 
 road leading to London, by the old Windsor way, left it on the right. The 
 town might thus be barred up at night, without interfering with traffic about 
 the country. East of the town you would then have an open space, and when 
 the hospital came to be built in the twelfth century, it is here that the site 
 would naturally be selected. East Town, as appears by the records, and 
 as we have mentioned, had its separate fair, and this fact is confirmatory 
 of its being a distinct district. The old Windsor way near Loakes, and 
 the name of Horsenden, seem to point out the locality of the ancient hamlet 
 of Horseyn, hereafter particularly referred to, which disappeared as the 
 borough grew up in a more convenient situation. Any difficulty that may 
 occur to the reader as to the disappearance of a hamlet of the Middle Ages 
 will be removed when it is borne in mind that the homes of the peasants 
 were for the most part mud-walled huts covered with thatch, and easily 
 changed their locality.
 
 35 
 
 There can be little doubt that the site of the homestead of the ancient 
 demesne lands of Wycombe was called Church Square, and was most 
 probably occupied by Wigod de Wallingford, of whom mention has already 
 been made. We- find from the records of Wallingford, that "William the 
 Conqueror, in 1067, instructed Robert D'Oiley to convert Wigod's Castle 
 into a strong fortress, and Wigod, under pressure, removed to the Out-berry 
 of Wycombe." We may here add, an old chronicler informs us, that 
 " Wigod had the favour and confidence of Edward the Confessor, who paid 
 a visit to his castle, and through his influence created Wallingford a Royal 
 Burgh. After the battle of Hastings, Wigod invited the victorious monarch 
 to pay him a visit at the castle ; the invitation was accepted, and at this 
 place the conqueror received the submission of Archbishop Stigand and 
 the principal barons, before he marched with his army into London. 
 Wigod died in the beginning of the reign of Henry I. When the 
 burgesses became sui juris, it was in the middle of Church Square that they 
 very naturally would erect their " Geld halle," and the space formed round 
 this site may account for the curved line taken by Paul's Row, which, in 
 the earliest times, must have been the lane surrounding the homestead, and 
 leading to the open space, " La Grene." The cabins of the ceorls or serfs 
 were undoubtedly grouped in various positions round the homestead. The 
 meadow ground, which, in the last century, lay "behind the Katherine 
 Wheel," would be part of the demesne meadows, and Bridge Mill, the 
 natural place for people to cross and recross the river, so that the " Brigge," 
 [bridge] was eventually erected at that spot. The position of the mill and 
 the church clearly shows that the demesne homestead would be situated 
 between them. And the castle mound, etc., would have been originally 
 erected as a defence to the demesne below. 
 
 These conjectural observations the author must leave for the consider- 
 ation of the antiquary, in the hope that should he be disposed further to 
 pursue the subject, which is sufficiently interesting to engage his attention, 
 he may be rewarded for his labours by the discovery of some further 
 historical details confirmatory of the site of the ancient demesne of 
 Wycombe. 
 
 The present Guildhall was erected at the cost of John Earl of Shel- 
 burne, in 1757, and was renovated by Sir G. H. Dashwood, Bart., M.P. for 
 Wycombe, in 1859.
 
 36 
 
 CONSTITUTION OF THE BOROUGH. 
 
 The early muniments of the borough describe it as an "ancient and 
 populous borough " situated within the parish of Chipping Wycombe, but 
 not coextensive therewith, having separate parochial officers and rates, 
 yet with formerly but one church for the whole parish. 
 
 We may here mention that, prior to the year 1830, the borough was 
 considered as a county within the county. A treasurer was appointed by 
 the borough magistrates, who made orders from time to time on the 
 overseers for the maintenance of borough prisoners, and for the incidental 
 expenses of the gaol ; but the non-intromittant clause in the charter of 
 Philip and Mary containing no words expressly excluding the county 
 magistrates from exercising concurrent jurisdiction within the borough, 
 they, in the following year, claimed their original right of so doing, which 
 right they have since occasionally exercised.* 
 
 Quarter Sessions were formerly held in the borough ; they had, how- 
 ever, been in abeyance for some years, but were revived during the 
 mayoralty of Mr. Ward, in 1S01. 
 
 We have already remarked there is very little doubt that the borough 
 was made a free burgh by Henry the First. It was governed by a court 
 of burgesses up to the middle or latter part of the thirteenth century, when 
 we find the first mention of Mayors, officially appointed as such. About 
 that period the municipal body seems to have been composed of the Mayor, 
 two bailiffs, two gildans, and the burgesses called the Commonalty. 
 Aldermen do not appear until the fifteenth century ; by the charter of 
 Philip and Mary, they were called principal burgesses, and were twelve 
 in number, including the Mayor. There was also a high steward appointed 
 under this charter : the Corporation consisting of a Mayor, twelve 
 Aldermen, a High Steward, and two Bailiffs. 
 
 The Arms of the Corporation are : Gu. on a mount Proper, a swan 
 Arg. gorged ducally, and chained or. 
 
 The office of the bailiffs in early times seems to have comprised the 
 following duties, namely, the collection of the rents belonging to the cham- 
 ber ; the keeping of the peace generally, including the custody of offenders, 
 
 * In support of the right of the county justices, see "The King against T. Sainsbury, 4th 
 Term Reports, 451."
 
 Bro K & Layton.I^ndon 
 
 (Llic WLlprmnbr (L mantra turn Oxing . 
 
 ram ncienl Sculptum po e i n Aull i
 
 37 
 
 and the carrying out of the sentences and orders of the court; and 
 attendance on the Mayor and burgesses on official occasions. They seem 
 to have been paid by certain perquisites in the way of fines, etc. 
 
 The gildan's office is not so clearly defined, but it appears it was part of 
 his duty to see that none but the lawful number and kind of cattle were 
 depastured in the Rye. The office has long been disused. 
 
 The office of sub-bailiff is as old as the thirteenth century. This was 
 afterwards called the office of Sergeant at Mace. 
 
 The appointment of the municipal officials was in earlier times a matter 
 of much ceremony. The burgesses appear from the following order to have 
 served different offices in rotation. 
 
 "An order made the thirde yere of Queen Elisabethe, Rowland Witnall then Maior, cor- 
 cerninge the election of new bayliffs. 
 
 "First, when any Burgess 5 - be chosen to Office within this Borough* the first [year] to be 
 Geldens, the seconde to be Churchwardens, the thirde to be Constables, and then to be chosen 
 Bayliffs, and for that yere beinge to be of counsayle w' the Maiy' and his brethren and the assist- 
 ants. And that no pson hereaft/ wythin this borough shal be any assistant, untill he hathe 
 borne the offices before expressed, or otherwyse compound for the same." 
 
 "Mdm. that thes words (or otherwyse compound for the same) were put in by the consent 
 of the whole company, the XXII nd of October, 1584, and thes words, except he be a gentleman 
 rased forth." 
 
 The assistants answered to the Common Councillors of the present 
 daj r . 
 
 In considering the constitution of the municipal body in pre-Reforma- 
 tional times, it is necessary to mention that there is every reason to believe 
 that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, the Guild of traders, and the Frater- 
 nity or Guild of St. Mary, were much the same body under different names, 
 so complete was the union of Church and State in matters of temporality. 
 The " Mayor and his brethren " anciently possessed almost absolute authority 
 
 * Note. — In 1590, March i6'\ "An Order was made in Council this day that every Bur- 
 gess elected within this Borough, over and above the sums that shall be imposed, shall within 
 20 days after his election at his own charge deliver to the use of the Corporation a Leather 
 Bucket, to be kept in the Town Hall of the Borough," a precaution in case of fire. 
 
 1594. An Order that no Burgess inhabiting out of the Borough shall have any voice of 
 election of Mayor, or Burgesses for the Parliament. 
 
 1595, April 12"' At the Leet holden this day, it was ordered that every Bailiff of this 
 Borough shall make him a gown for his own wearing, before the Feast of Pentecost ensuing, 
 and wear the same at the Court, and Assemblies, under pain of .£20 for failure.
 
 38 
 
 within the borough, and ruled their constituents literally with a rod of iron, 
 and very appropriately the Mayor carried on state occasions an iron staff. 
 
 We find a "Md m that the xxv" 1 daie of November ao dni. 1576, Ao. xviii. Eliz. : Regine, 
 WilT"- Fletewode Esquier, Recorder of the Citie of London, did gyve irat : the maire, bailyffs, 
 and burgesses, of this borowe one Stafie of Stele . . . parcell gilte and doweskyn to be a 
 staffe of Justice for the Twne in ppetuam rei memoriam." 
 
 The limits of the Borough are described as follows : — 
 
 & 
 
 " A Perambulation of the Ancient Boundaries axd Limits of the 
 Borough of Chepping Wycombe, in the County of Buckingham, 
 
 made axd taken this i3th day of august, 1 846. 
 
 " The Boundary of the said Borough commences at a Stone placed in a wall over a stile, 
 in the South corner of Temple Field, between a Meadow in the occupation of The Rev' 1 Thomas 
 Henry Paddon, and Castle Hill, and continues close along under the Elms growing on a bank 
 at Castle Hill aforesaid, on the South side of the said Elms, in a straight line, to a Stone hereto- 
 fore put in there, about four feet from the fence of Castle Hill, at the corner by the Pightle 
 Gate, but which stone has since been improperly removed, and placed ten feet from the said 
 Pightle Hedge, and which was ordered to be replaced, and thence continuing in a straight line 
 along the ditch under the South side of the said Pightle Hedge, to a stone formerly in the centre 
 of the Old Amersham Road, but which has been improperly removed to the West side of the 
 said Old Road, and was this day ordered to be replaced thirteen feet lower down, and thence 
 turning in a Southerly direction, continues down the centre of the said Old Road through the 
 Pond to that part of a House there, lately converted out of a Stable, built by one Mr. John 
 Charsley, now in the occupation of Mr. William Paine, dividing and taking in about Three feet 
 of the North-West end of that part of the said House, heretofore the Stable, but now in the centre 
 of the Building, where a X > s made, and continuing through the same to the centre of the South 
 end Wall thereof, to a X on the Yard Wall, four feet from the present Amersham Turnpike 
 Road ; from thence across the said Turnpike Road in an oblique direction to a mark on the 
 Northern end of a house formerly occupied by Mr. Town, now the property of Mr. Alderman 
 Lane, and in the occupation of Mr. Hatchett, and so along the North side of the Wall in Town 
 Field, as far as the Stone at the top of the Wall at the corner of the Burial Ground, belonging 
 to the Society of Friends, and thence immediately turning down in a Southerly direction, along 
 under the Eastern side of the said Burial Ground, and the Garden belonging to Mr. Thomas 
 Edmonds, as far as the mark on the Garden Wall, on the Southern side of Saffron Piatt; thence 
 in an Easterly direction, along the North side of the said Garden Wall (the Southern boundary 
 of Saffron Piatt), as far as a X on tne East side of Bibbey's Alley, then turning up a few yards 
 towards the North (forming a corner), as far as another Stone, thence in an Easterly direction 
 along the North side of the Hedge, belonging to the Garden heretofore part of Saffron Piatt, 
 as far as another Stone ; thence turning immediately down and continuing in a straight line 
 through the said gardens, taking in five feet of the West end of the House occupied by Mr. 
 Smith, to the South side of the London Turnpike Road, where there is a Stone in the River 
 Bank, and so through the River in a straight line to where another stone used to be placed, on
 
 39 
 
 the opposite side thereof, at the East end of the Tumbling Bay in the Rye, but which Stone has 
 been removed and another ordered to be placed there ; and from thence along the Bank of the 
 said River, towards the New Mill, as far as a Stone, and from thence across the Rye (leaving a 
 corner thereof to the left) as far as an Aspen Tree on the South side of the watercourse, taking 
 in the said Tree, and continuing in an Eastern direction a few yards, as far as a Stone on the 
 Eastern side of the Wall dividing the Rye from the Antelope Meadow ; and from the said Stone 
 turning in a Southerly direction across the said Antelope Meadow, as far as another Stone, 
 Twenty-four yards from the Hedge, which Stone had been improperly removed, and placed in 
 the Hedge, but which was replaced ; then turning back, again from the said Stone towards the 
 Rye, to a Stone there on the West side of the hedge, dividing the said Meadow from the Rye, 
 and so straight up the Rye towards the West, to another Stone there ; then turning towards the 
 Dyke, and keeping in a straight line to a Stone in the Rye Bank of the Dyke, continuing the 
 said straight line into the centre of the Dyke, then turning down towards the West, and keeping 
 the said straight line down the centre of the Dyke, as far as, and opposite to, a Stone, near a 
 Lombardy Poplar Tree in Rye Mead, on which there is a X 5 on the Northern side of the 
 Dyke across the Rye Mead, towards the Town of Wycombe, to a Stone between a large Elm in 
 the Shrubbery there, called the Dark Walk, on the Southern side of the Mill Stream, opposite to 
 Mr. Wilkinson's Garden, and so from the said Stone to another Stone, in the North Bank of the 
 Dyke, in the said Dark Walk opposite the Fruit Garden belonging to Lord Carington, and from 
 thence across the Dyke, to a large Spruce Fir Tree in Lord Carington's Park, and from thence 
 to a large Elm Tree on the North front of the Abbey, nearly opposite the Entrance Hall, where 
 the company were regaled with Bread, Cheese, and Beer, the gift of the said Lord Carington, 
 and from thence in a straight line to a mark on the inner side of the Wall, on the Western side 
 of the Road leading from Marlow to Wycombe, thence in a straight line across the Footpath 
 leading from the said Marlow Road into New Land, to the South side of the Ash Tree standing 
 in West Field, about Forty yards from the said Mark on the Wall, taking in the said Tree, and 
 from thence along the ancient boundary at the bottom of West Field, to a Stone about Fifteen 
 yards South of the South- West corner of the Garden Wall, by the North side of the Footway, 
 and so along the said Ancient Boundary to the Stone at the South-East corner of the Orchard, 
 late of Mr. Harman, now of Mr. Charles Busby, abutting upon the said West Field ; and thence 
 along the South side of the said Orchard, and along the South front of Four cottages, belonging 
 to the said Charles Busby, in a line therewith across New land, to an ancient mark at the South 
 end of a cottage, belonging to Edward Ring, and so through the said House, taking the same 
 into the Borough unto and along a watercourse running on the South side of a Meadow, called 
 Morecraft's Meadow, now Buildings and Garden ground, to a Stone there, about Twenty yards 
 from a garden belonging to Thomas Mealing, and from thence across another Meadow, in a 
 Westerly direction, to a Stone, on the North side of Watery Lane, about three yards from the 
 South corner of the said Garden, and continuing along the North side of the said Watery Lane, 
 as far as the South-West corner of Mr. Finch's Meadow, and into and along the Western bound- 
 ary thereof to the corner of the same, taking in the said Western boundary thereof as 
 far as a mark on a Willow tree, and from thence on the other side thereof, about Fifty yards to 
 the South-West corner of a Meadow belonging to Mr. Enoch, taking in the South 
 Boundary thereof; from thence along the Boundary of the said Meadow, and so down the South 
 side of the Back Water of Bowdery's Mill, leaving the said Mill on the North, and from thence 
 continuing in the same direction, until the same back water enters the Mill Tail, and along the 
 South bank of the said Mill Tail as far as a Stone there, thence crossing the said River in a
 
 40 
 
 straight line, into the Ancient Watercourse, running into the said Mill Tail on the North side ot 
 the said River, and into and along the said Watercourse, as the same passes through the Fell- 
 monger's Yard, and through the house of the late Mr. Samuel Treacher on the North side of the 
 Street of Wycombe, leading towards Oxford, and so continuing in the said Watercourse across 
 the said Street, through the passage of the Public house on the North side of the said Street, 
 called the Angel ; and in the course thereof, as it bends there to the Eastern side of the 1 )ove 
 House Mead, and also along the Eastern side of the Meadow, late belonging to Mr. Gibbs, and 
 now of Mr. Edmond Heninghem, as far as the South-West corner of the Saw Yard Wall, where 
 a Poplar is marked on the Eastern side of the said watercourse, and from thence along the 
 North side of the said Wall, as it bends there, and continuing the said Wall, and into and along 
 a watercourse, through Violet Court, and so along the said watercourse, until it enters another 
 watercourse on the Western side of the Road leading to Hitchendon ; and from thence across 
 the said Hitchendon Road, to a X m the wall of the Garden, belonging to the House formerly 
 occupied by Mrs. Jamieson, and now by Mrs. Wilkins, late the property of Mr. John Manning, 
 and now of Mrs. King, and across the said Garden Four feet nine inches from the said house, 
 to a mark on the Wall on the Western side of the Orchard, lately belonging to Mr. Carter, now 
 rented by Mr. John Turner, Surgeon, where is a Stone on the Eastern side of the said Wall, and 
 from thence across the said orchard in a straight line towards Temple Field, to a post about 
 fifteen yards distant from the Eastern Hedge of the said Orchard, and from thence in a Southerly 
 direction, in a straight line as far as a Stone there, near to an Alder Bush, where a Stone was 
 ordered to be placed, and thence over the Eastern hedge of the said Orchard, to the Stone at 
 the corner of Temple Field, where the boundaries of the said Borough commence." 
 
 •• Perambulation of the Ancient Outward Boundaries of the Parish of 
 Chepping Wycombe, made on Wednesday and Thursday, the 25 hi 
 and 26th October, 1820. 
 
 "Wednesday, 25th October, 1820. Entered from the West Wycombe Road, the close 
 opposite Cubbidge's Mill [a X]> went up the north side of the hedge, this close called Lower 
 Brook Field. Across the old chalk pit into the second close [Upper Brook Field] by the 
 north side of the hedge, a X on entering the third close [Further Black Croft] on the top 
 of the hill, by the north side of the hedge; X enter the south corner of Tinker's Wood, and 
 down the south side of the wood, out at Chittle Hill, keep along the top bearing south-west, 
 Lord's Close being on the other side of the hedge, second close (still Chittle Hill) keep straight 
 on to 8 Acres Close, belonging to my Lord [Carington], on the other side of the hedge, 
 Further Beddow's belonging to the Temple Manor on the other side of the hedge. 
 
 " Entered near the bottom of Chittle Hill, 12 Acre Close (arable), at the south corner, and 
 keep a little way down in that direction by the hedge a X at Chittle Spring, east corner of 
 12 acres; entered a meadow at the east corner over Chittle Spring (meadow belongs to Mr. 
 Widmore) along the south hedge side, over the brook into the next little meadow, same 
 direction by south hedge, a X on 'he Ash Tree ; on entering this close across the Hitchendon 
 Road, over the opposite bank and hedge, and X- Hold straight east across the clover field 
 called Kitchen Field. Through the hedge near the south corner of the Fallow Field a X J 
 across this close to a stone in the hedge about 50 yards on the left of the east corner of the 
 close. Through the hedge from the stone to the east corner of the next close (Turnips), into
 
 4i 
 
 Green Street, Green Street a X- Bear due east up the street X hy 'he pond, and under the 
 oak tree on the right, belonging to the Terrier's estate. The right hand ditch is the boundary 
 a X at Close Gate, belonging to Benjamin Shrimpton, on the right hand side of the street. 
 A X hi White's garden [a seeming encroachment] on the right hand side of the street near the 
 ( ottages. Through the hedge out of Green Street into Benjamin Shrimpton's orchard, occupied 
 by West ; i X on a sapling in a dry pond — X a pigstie. Tree in the same orchard adjoining 
 the cottage along the south hedge side, X a tree near a cottage at the south corner of the 
 orchard, out into the road near the turnpike — the cottage belongs to Charles Axton of Amer- 
 sliam, and is occupied by Hugh Jackson [house about 30 yards east of the turnpike] X on 
 the opposite (south) side the road in front of Jackson's cottage, which cottage is intersected; 
 Jackson is a wheelwright. Another X on 'he south side of the road just within the encroach- 
 ment, and a little nearer the toll gate. 
 
 "A long dispute about which tree at the back of Jackson's cottage was to be marked. 
 
 " Through the pond at the south side of the Amersham Road, east, across the 
 close. Through the hand gate ; Through Barton's Farm yard, and marking the barn door. 
 Along the south hedge of Wycombe Heath, X an oa ^ tree > an ^ a neighbouring gate. 
 Enter the wood on the heath, marking the trees on the south-west hedge, a X at the north 
 of Rushmere Pond, and through the pond another X- The north corner of Penn Wood, 
 due south from Rushmere Pond to Potter's Cross, along a dry ditch dividing Penn Wood 
 on the left, from Wright's Coppice on the right. Go through a cottage and garden side of 
 a pond, still hold on the course of the dry ditch, due South Potter's Cross, make a X south 
 of the pond; south to Tyler's Green, north corner of Mr. Hearn's shrubbery, a X east side ot 
 Mr. Hearn's house, holding south to a little lane, round a pond, west to John Tilbury's, south- 
 east into Moses Wingrove's orchard, across it in same direction, across John Wingrove's 
 orchard, the road running straight parallel on the left of us. The Bell at Tyler's Green, a X 
 under the tree in front of it. The 5th row of trees from Penn House Wall, is in Wycombe 
 straight south under them they'X an e ' m tree > south of Widmer Pond, in the 4th row from 
 Penn House, go through Widmer Pond, due south, and lunch at the Red Lion, Penn. 
 
 " From Widmer Pond down the horse road south, X 'he ash tree at the first gate, and also 
 the soil on the south (right) of the tree. 
 
 ''Mr. Prickett and Mr. Bearcroft took possession of an encroachment on Tyler's Green 
 occupied by Weller. 
 
 "The boundary is decided to be about 10 yards south-west of the ash tree, i.e., on the 
 right hand side of the road. The road being considered to be in Perm Parish, and the X 
 accordingly made east of Robert Wright's Homestead, on the road side the hedge. Entered 
 Robert Wright's Close, keeping close to the east side the hedge, which hedge is an old 
 encroachment. To Beaconhill or Pistells Pond. Through the pond south the hedge on the 
 west. Through the Willows, the house occupied by Edmond Hancock, on the east, going 
 through his garden, a X south of Hancock's garden pales. Go southward through the wash 
 and pits, keeping close by the edge, west ; go through Henry Stratford's orchard, also through 
 the Widow Hawes's garden, still keeping the south, and marking an apple tree in the garden ; 
 intersecting near the middle of Widow Hawes's house, and marking between the door and 
 window on the south ; cross a lane, and enter the hedge of Henry Stratford's garden (an 
 encroachment), continue a southern course through Miss Lovett's encroachment, and through 
 the middle of John Hazell's garden, Beaconhill (whjre the pole stood), A X- 
 
 "Through Grove's Encroachment, the road on the east, still south, about 10 yards within 
 
 G
 
 4^ 
 
 the east hedge. A X on tne common still Beaconhill due south, downwards to a Pollard Oak, 
 going through the front, a trilling encroachment in this line. From Pollard's Oak, straight 
 down Snigg's Lane southwardly, Town Farm [a complaint of no cheese cakes from either 
 house right or left] ; keep on down Snigg's Lane. Entered James Spicer's garden, keeping 
 the east hedge on the left hand, took about 5 or 6 yards of it, leaving Edmund's House on 
 the west or right hand. Snigg's Lane Road belongs to both parishes, each repairing one half; 
 made a X on tae east s'^ °f Snigg's Lane, just before the entrance into Loud water Lane, 
 leading into Deerham's Farm. 
 
 " From Snigg's Lane nearly south, down Wooburn Lane, to the mud hole about 200 yards 
 and made a X- 
 
 "Entered the hedge at the mud hole, and held south by the hedge side, going into Dupre's 
 Close on the east side of Sam 1 . Griffin's, Deerham Farm, continue the same course through the 
 second close. Third close, the hedge rather north-west near the end of this close, entered a 
 coppice, keeping close to the hedge, which runs westerly; cross westerly to a lialk. The 
 balk west, and go south to the end of the balk, and then cross a stone wall into John Smith's 
 orchard (Knaves Beech), then straight to Smith's house. Keep close to Smith's House wall, 
 the wall standing west, and coming out at the bottom of Smith's garden, south into the London 
 Road. 
 
 "Cross the road to the north end of the pond, cross the hedge and go westwardly (the 
 hedge south) to Knaves Beech, mark the tree (an ash). From the beech, proceed south to the 
 Wire Mill Head, in the corner of the Close, marking a tree on the north side the pond. Pro- 
 ceed westwardly the side of the rivulet, to the corner of the Close [Little King's Mead], north- 
 ward by the rivulet side to the garden fence of Hedge Mill. 
 
 " Through the river into the mill yard, in at the back door of Spicer's house, mark the 
 middle beam of the back kitchen, and out at the front door. From Spicer's, or Hedge Mill, 
 south up the back lane to an ash tree, opposite Mr. Davis's Mill, the fir tree marked, no 
 ash tree now standing. From the ash tree south-west up the hill, the hedge on our right, enter 
 Pye Grove, going southward, up to an old ditch or balk, which lies west; keep up an old dry 
 ditch almost due south, through the wood, the furze being a little to the south-east. 
 
 "Through a pond to a large oak tree, with ancient marks upon it, close to the south hedge 
 of the wood. Over the hedge of Mincham Wood into the lane leading to Flackwell Heath; 
 cross the road, and bear due west from the oak tree, across a turnip field to a gap in the hedge, 
 formerly a gate. Got over the gap into Flackwell Heath, and made a X J due north across 
 the Heath to another X [many encroachments on the right hand, inspected by the freeholders] ; 
 X in James Partridge's garden (an encroachment) through to the orchard belonging to the 
 Green Man, and through the house (i.e.,) through the parlour window, marking the beam, and 
 thence (marking a cherry tree in the orchard), out at the north end ot the orchard a X [here 
 they bumped old Dell]. 
 
 "Go north from last mentioned orchard, across the Heath, and enter Mr. Ilaye's orchard, 
 crossing the orchard northwardly to some white cottages, which are marked ; then north across 
 another orchard, marking an apple tree, over the hedge into a sort of cross road, by a house 
 called the Lawsuit House, and a X made on the little Green. The Lawsuit House standing 
 north west. Go in a line due north, by the side of the Lawsuit House (which we leave on the 
 hit hand) across a little close by the side of a lane, to the road again, through the hedge X 
 and keep the road due north X at & e pits by the road side, enter garden occupied by John 
 Weedon, leave Weedon's house on the right hand side, and through the next garden, leaving
 
 43 
 
 garden fences close on the left hand, out at the cross path and X > through Thomas Baker's 
 garden and house, northwardly out at the pits, and X °y tne roadside, through the middle 
 of Smith's and Moody's gardens on the left hand side of the road. Through Moody's house 
 and orchard to the mud hole, and a X> keep Flackwell Heath and Stony Rock Lane from 
 Flackwell Heath End to Wynch Bottom, a X made opposite Spicer's garden. From Spicer's 
 at Wynch Bottom in a north-west direction towards Handy Cross, keeping the highway [or 
 lane without gates] all the way to Handy Cross, a X at tne outlet of the lane into the Marlow 
 Road on the south side the road, cross the road northerly (leaving the cottages on the left) 
 to Holmer's Lane a X- 
 
 " From Handy Cross to Olders, or Holmer's Farm north, by the hedge side, the hedge east. 
 Second Close, hold as before by the hedge side, the hedge east. Holmer's Farm being the 
 3rd Close, hold as before northerly, then north-east, then again northerly. To Holmer's 
 orchard, aXon the north-east, and of the orchard, cross orchard hedge, and continue north 
 over next Close (Holmer's Farm), cross the lane leading from Cressicks to Booker at the gate 
 X continue north or north-west down the hedge side of next Close. Hedge east, enter the 
 next close at the corner of this, and bear down the hedge side north-east, the hedge south-east. 
 At north-east corner, enter turnip close down the hedge side. Hedge north to the end of the 
 close, continue south-east down half next close, enter a gap to next close, bear north-east, then 
 more eastwardly through the close passing Pond Riding. 
 
 "Then into next close by the hedge-side, the hedge being south. Hold on the same course 
 (north-east), through the next close by the hedge, the hedge south-east [part of this is a horse 
 road], enter the gap at the end of this close into Oakridge Wood. Go north-east by the wood 
 side, which is southward, a X at trie gap by Mr. Allnutt's 1 2 acres and Lower Meashes ; at 
 this gap enter 1 2 acres and go to the hedge south-east [but qy ? if the outskirts of Oakridge 
 Wood hereabouts are not in West Wycombe parish] ; enter the gap near the wood about 50 
 yards before the end of 12 acres, and X' enter tne west corner of Pitt Field, and go up the 
 woodside, the wood hedge nearly south, holding on eastwardly. Enter Lord Carrington's piece 
 (a long piece) at the north-east of Oakridge Wood, keep under the hedge of this piece north- 
 east. The hedge south-east excluding the piece. East corner of Lord Carrington's piece, 
 Pitfield a X. g° east down Booker Lane, pass Green Street Lane, marking a X at thc north east 
 end of the lane in passing. Go on down Booker Lane into West Wycombe parish, John 
 Turner's garden on the right or east of the land, through the yard of Cubbidge's Mill, through 
 the shop, over the coal house, and south of the bridge a X-" 
 
 In 1398, we find the following order : — 
 
 "That no man of whatever condition shall be delaying (commorans) in the town of 
 Wycombe after ten o'clock at night. Any wanderer ought to go out of the town unless he 
 have reasonable cause for wandering therein. And if any one be so found wandering about 
 after the said hour, he shall be immediately seized and imprisoned by the servants of the town, 
 and detained in prison until he be set at liberty by the Mayor (or some one holding his place) 
 and the commonalty.'' 
 
 This order was no doubt made under the provisions of the Statute of 
 Wynton, 13th Edward I., Stat. 2. Cap. 4., which declares, 
 
 " That from henceforth, to wit, from the day of the Ascension unto the day of St. Michael,
 
 44 
 
 in every city, six men sh:ill keep at every gate ; and in every borough twelve men shall watch 
 the town continually all night from the sun setting unto the sun rising, and if any stranger do 
 pass by them, he shall be arrested until morning; and if no suspicion be found he shall go 
 quit ; and if they find cause of suspicion, they shall forthwith deliver him to the Sheriff, and the 
 Sheriff may receive him without damage, and shall keep him safely, until he be acquitted in 
 dtie manner." [See also 5th Edward III., Cap. 14, which confirms the above enactment.] 
 
 The whole of the records of the Borough Court during the Lancastrian 
 period have perished, and a long blank of seventy years brings us to the 
 time of William Redehode, before mentioned. 
 
 The following is an award made apparently about 1470, which is some- 
 what interesting in an architectural point of view. 
 
 " This ys the Awarde, lawde, dome, and Juggement of Thomas Pym, Mayrc of y towne of 
 Wycombe, Xpofre Wasse, Will'" Redehode, Richard Gary, Wal r Collard, Arbitrors, indifferently 
 chosyn bytwene Thomas Baydon the elder, and Will 1 " Aley, of and upon all man r contversyes, 
 stryves, etc., . . . atis had and moved bytwene them, and in especyall for a Dormand 
 [joist or beam] of a howse bytwene them. 
 
 " Wherein we the said Arbitrors give dome and Juggement, that the same Thomas Baydon 
 shall suffre the same Will'" Aley to Dormond upon hym savyng the same Thomas Baydon harm- 
 less, both Wedyr Tyght and Wynde Tyght w' sufficient defence of smoke; Restyng no purloyne 
 uppon the same Thomas Baydon's Howse; but bere the said purloynes uppon his ownegrounde, 
 at his owne ppre costes and charge." 
 
 " furthermore we geve lawe de warde and Juggement, that the same Thomas Baydon shall 
 not make nou Wyndow, ne hole, nor convey no lyght, under hys owne walplate, wherby he 
 may have any man' sight into the grounde of the same Will'" Aley ; and which of them breke 
 this oure awarde shall lese 20 lb. wex, to the behofe of tire Chirche of all halowys of Wycombe, 
 to be leveyed by the Churchemen of the seid Chirche, for the tyme beyng." 
 
 Another award of similar nature, dated iSth January, 1503, by Nicolas 
 Gerard, and Thomas Nasche, between Gefery Pusey, and John Peytefer, 
 provided that Gefery shall — 
 
 " Relese all man' of Watytfallis, evis droppis, palis, postis, the wiche the same John newe 
 hath bilde." 
 
 The first order for Weavers, 13 16, declared that all weavers who wish 
 to work within the liberty of this borough, shall not pay in future to the 
 Gildans for doing their office \2ii. per annum for every loom working, but 
 from henceforth, shall be free in all things concerning the Guild of traders, 
 except stallages. This order seems to have been made to induce the 
 weavers to settle in the borough. The next order, temp. Henry VIII., is
 
 45 
 
 less liberal in its provisions. It commences with the not very appropriate 
 invocation : — 
 
 " Jhus mcy. 
 "An acte for wevers and fullers." 
 " FForasmoche as it hath plesed the Kyng's grace to direct his gracious letter of Comyssyon 
 or letter myssyf unto the mayre of this Borough for the tyme beying, or ellys in tyrae to com, 
 shal be and to the Burgessys of the same, to order and execute all and singler the p r miss s of the 
 abovesayd Comyssion, or letter myssyf according to thee auncyent pvelage and gode customys of 
 the same borough lyke as in the sayd comyssyon or letter myssyf playnly dothe apere, remayn- 
 yng in the tresory of the same, berying Dat." . . . 
 
 " Wherefor we Roberd Aishebroke now mayr, w' th aldermen burgess aboveseyd, by one 
 assent and consent, the 6' h day of Marche in the secund yere of the regn of King Henr: the S' h 
 in the Gildaule have pvided and ordened for a ferme and a continuall ordinauns and comynwell 
 of the said borough, that no psoii or psons occupyyg the crafts or occupacons of wevyng,* 
 ffullyng, schall from this forthe ocupy intromet nor medyll more than in . . . of one of the 
 same occupacons. Also that no pson ne psons ocupy nor intromete w' in the said Burgh ; 
 Except those psons that have be prentyce, or ellis brought up in their youth w' craftysmen of 
 the same occupacon. Provided alhvay that this ordynance schall not be dowtfull in hynderauns 
 or hurtyng of pson or pesons to inhabite them w* in this borough, beyng or ocupyeing ony of 
 the aboveseid ocupacons, notw'stondyng the ordinaunce and pvision abovenamed. Moreov' it 
 is pvided and ordeyned by the said May r , Aldermen, and burgesses, that what man' of pson or 
 psons will take upon them to use or ocupy in ony of the aboveseyd craftys, or ocupacons, con- 
 trary to the pvision and ordynaunce above specyfyed, schall renne in penalte, and fforfetur of 
 x li sterlyng, then and as ofte as it schall happyn ony pson of ocupacon or craftis aboveseid 
 to offend doyng contrary to the said pvision and ordynaunce ; and the said x li to be leveyed of 
 and upon the godys and the catalls of the said offendo r s, by commandemet of the May r for the 
 tyme beyng, and aldermen of the same borough, whe r of the one pte so levyed schall remayn 
 and stond to the use of the pische churche of the same town, the second pte to the use of the 
 Chamb r , and the third pte unto the baylys ffor the tyme then beyng by even porcons. 
 
 " Also it is pvided and for a ferme ordynaunce stablysched, by the said May r , Aldermen, 
 and burgess s, at the aforename'day and place, that none of the aforenamed ocupyers of ony of 
 the crafts of wevyng, ffullyng, or dyyng, or clothyng, put not forthe none of ther werk to dy, 
 weve, nor full, othirwyse then to craftsmen of the same borough ocupyyng that ocupacons. And 
 if that the ptyes so puttyng forthe ther work, well and truly may be pved w' a resonabill price 
 for the same, w'in the seid Borough upon the payn of fforfetur of 3I1 6 s - S d -, then, and as ofte 
 as ony of the aboveseid ptyes do offend and contrary the same pvision and ordinace And the 
 said 3I1 6s 8d to be levyed in manner and forme afore rehersed ; and to the same use as afore 
 is lymyted. Provided allwey by the sayd Mayr Aldermen and burgess s if ony clothear be 
 deceved, hyndred, or ells hurte, in the defaulte of Dyar, ffuller, or ells wefer, that then the pte 
 so hurte, schall be recompensed, and alowed of his hurts, at ony tyme beyng aldremen and 
 
 * It is very clear that from a very early period an extensive cloth manufactory was carried 
 on in Wycombe, as from the ancient record already referred to, we find there was a fulling mill 
 in Wycombe in the reign of Henry IV. ; and we gather from history that others were afterwards 
 erected in the same locality.
 
 4 6 
 
 burgess, to levey of the godys, and catalls, of the same wardens, to the use and behof of any 
 such clothear so hyndered to the valowe of his I >am ige." 
 
 "An order conc r ninge wevers of other mens worke within this Borough. 
 
 j.'J'.' ,11 \| S ' or " „ " M* 1 the 8* day of Julii in the seconde yere of the reign of ower sovereigne Ladye Queue 
 
 F.lisabcthes gTace, it is fully established and agreide by the assent and consent of John Sterlinge 
 then Maior, with the Aldermen, Bayliffs, and Burgess s, of this Borough, that all man* of men 
 
 beinge wevers within this Borough, that now dothe, or shall after the feast of next 
 
 comynge after the date hereof, use to weve other mennes worke, shall not from thenceforthe 
 weave or cause to be woven any kersey, or kerseys, of his or their owne worke, upon the payne 
 and penaltie of the forfiture for ev y such kersey, or kerseis, so woven, of his or their owne, as 
 is aforeseide 40s of good and lawfull money of England, to be leviede of and upon the goods 
 and cattalles of everye suche offendor, by the commandement of the Maior for the tyme beinge." 
 
 March the 14th in the same year the Mayor confirmed the foregoing 
 order of Ashbrook's. 
 
 April 20th, 4 Jac. I., 1606. An order was made on all foreigners who 
 come to dwell within the town, to pay such fines as shall be assessed and 
 levied by the Mayor : — 
 
 "And it is further ordered that every foreyner and straunger and inhabitaunte in this 
 towne, shall paye for theire Loonies, y' have Loomes, and they that have noe Loonies, to paye for 
 their Shoppwindowes Yl d a yeare for every Loome." 
 
 The first order concerning Brewers is dated 1527, and is as follows :— 
 
 " The brewer not to tiple. 
 "Also be yt Inactyd and orderyd before the said Mayer and all borgessys, and the comi- 
 nalte of the sayd towne and borowe, from thys day forward that no man' of man, nor woman, 
 that shall brew to sale and typpyll hit w'in hym or hyr, but send it into the towne to the 
 typpellars, for to be solde acordyng to the Mayers prysse, upon payne so affending the flfyrste 
 tyme 10 s . fowarnyd the seconde tyme, 13*. 4''., and the thyrd tyme 20 s ., for to be levyd apon 
 suche gudds, and catallys, as thay have here, or ells can be founde w'in thys towne, or borowh, 
 aforsayd. And yf ther be any Burges agyn thys ower ordinaunce and acte, that we have afore 
 made, that than the Mayer for the tyme beyng shall comyte hym or hyr to warde, and dyscharge 
 hym of hys Burgeswycke, or ells hyr of hyr fredome. And so to presyn them as forinars and 
 not as burgess, and to forfeyt to the chambur of this towne 40 s . for hys mysedoyng agyn the 
 gud order of this towne, and our acte made aforsayd, and for to syt in prison 3 dayes, and 
 3 niwteys, after the costome of thys towne as a fforynar, and so for to put yor Sewerte to the 
 Mayer and hys brethern for to paye all soche merceements, or fynys as ys afore rehersyd, made 
 and grauntyd be us. Also no nianer of typpellar from thys daye forwarde, shall brew to salle 
 and typpell y' w 1 in hym or hyr a pon payne, the fyrst tyme 10 s , the second tyme, 13' 4', the 
 thyrd tyme 2o\ for to be levyd apon ther gudds and catalls as they have here or ells can be 
 founde w' in this borough aforsayd. And the sayd typpellars wyll not abaye oure sayd acte, 
 deyde, and ordenaunce, thus made her, but wyll very byl the Mayer for the tyme beyng callyng
 
 47 
 
 them afore hym for to know why they do not abaye the order that ys aforemade, by the sent of the 
 conien howse of thys borowgh. And they wyll not so abay yt, then the Mayer shall comyt them 
 to warde, and so to prison hym or hyr 3 dayes and 3 nytes as ys afore rehersyd. And also yf 
 ther be any man or woman that dothe make labur and sewte, owte of thys towne contrary agyn 
 the order, and Inactyd and made by us afore rehersyd, that than the Mayer shall calle them 
 afore hym and hys brethern, and to banesche them thys towne and for to dewell no more yn yt. 
 And also yff the Mayer be at any chargys in executyng of thys acte whe all wyll by a holle assent 
 grauntyth for to paye hym all hys costs and charges at the townes costes and charges payd to 
 hym by the Chamberlynes for the tyme beyng howte of the Chamber money, or ells any othyr 
 offyeer for the tyme as yt shall be thowthe best, by the dyscrescyon of the said Mayer and hys 
 bretherne." 
 
 This extreme jealousy on the part of the Guild of any " sewte " made 
 against their order out of the town, is further illustrated by the following 
 regulation : — 
 
 COMFLAINTE MADE W T OUT 1YCENCE OF MAIOR. 
 
 " M 4 that it is inacted and ordeyned in the geld hall before the mayr John Aley and his 
 bretheryn, and all the comynalte of the same Borowgh, that if ony Barges in tyme coming from 
 this day forthe, make or cause to be made ony labor, by compleynt to ony pson or psons, w'out 
 licens of the Mayr, that ony burgess so oftendyng to forfeyte for his defaute 40 s and 3 dayes 
 psonment. And ony forenar so oflfendyng to forfeyte io' and 6 dayes psonment, the payn to 
 be levyed by the bayles for the time beying, the one de to the Chambr, and the other to the 
 baleys." 
 
 " The same order is ratified and affirmed. 
 
 " M d - that on the election day ther holden, the 13 day of March in the ffyfte yfe of the 
 reign of our soveign Lord Kyng Edward the syxt, before Mr. Richard Cary then Mayer and his 
 brethern, it is enacted by the whole howse w' the consent of the seid Mayer and his brethern, 
 that the act above wretyn is ratiftied and affyrmed to stond in full strenght and effect forevV' 
 
 "Memorandum y' y* 19"' of May 1647, the act above written is further confirmed by us 
 whose names are subscribed, 
 
 "James Bigg Mayor 
 Edward Bedder 
 John Gybbons 
 
 Mathew Petcfer 
 George Bradshaw 
 John Collins 
 Ge°' Moore " 
 
 Nicholas Bradshaw 
 Henry Elliott, baylefe 
 
 "John Alleye, 
 Maior." 
 
 " Richarde 
 
 Cary, Maior,' 
 1 55 1. 
 
 The next order affecting Brewers is dated April 10th, 1559, and is as 
 follows : — 
 
 " Memorandum it is mooreov' orderede and agreide, the daye and yre before specifiede by 
 the seide maior bailiffs and burgess's that all man' of comon brewers of ale and here that shall 
 be admytted from henceforth w'in this borough, shall from tyme to tyme be bounde in a recog- 
 nisaunce every of them in 5 li unto the maior, for the tyme, beinge that he or they shall not 
 tiple or sell ale or bere within his or their howses upon the forfiture of the seide 5 li. And also 
 
 ' ' Thomas 
 Kelc, Mann.
 
 48 
 
 that all man' of typlers shal lie bounde in lyke man' not to brewe in their howses, to sale upon 
 the lyke payne. Ami for the comyttinge of any such offence by any suche brewer, or typler, 
 contrary to this order, it shall be lawful! at the commandement of the Maior for that tyme being 
 to levie of and upon the goods and cattalles of ev >J suche offender to the value of the seide 
 and all other orders to stand, made, and concerning the brewers and tiplers that arc in this 
 book." 
 
 An order on Butchers is as follows : — 
 
 "Rolxrt " M ' that at the lawe daye in the Rye being the 26 th day ot Aprell in the 4"' and 5"' yeres 
 
 Mayor" of the reignes of Kinge Philippe and Queene Marye before Robert Gravet Mayor and his 
 
 brethern, and the burgesses there came in the bochers dwellinge within the Borough and did 
 fully covennt, and graunt, that from this present tyme they will paye, or cawse to be payde, 
 yerely unto the baylifis, the some of 13' 4', an 1 the seide bochers havinge therfore ob of ev y 
 cowe or stere hide, that straungers shall bringe in to be solde, and for e verye oxe hide brought by 
 the seide straungers, i rf , and for every dosen of calve skynnes i J , and for ev ry standinge of the 
 seide straungers bochers i rf ." 
 
 Another order is as follows : — 
 
 •'Cheping "Ad vis. franc pleg. ibiii tent in le Rye 27 th dii Aprilis, Anno 21 st Eliz. Rcgine coram 
 
 Wicombe, Willo Mundye genos maiore Will Twayts Ruland Eles Thurstayne Wynche Ruland Brasbridge 
 
 John Litleboy and Thomas Eles, balliis. 
 
 "W"' Mun.lv, " It. this daie yt ys ordered by the mayer bailyffs and burgeses, that the butchers dwell- 
 
 Mayor," j n g e w tj n this borrowe, shall pay yerely to the bailyffs there, for thier billynge (>' % d and the 
 owte bochers 6' S^ more to be charged equally accordinge to their billynge this order to . . . 
 duringe and untill other order shal be taken." 
 
 " John " At the leete holden in the Guyldhall of this boroughe the fower and twentith day of Aprill 
 
 !' l,lbn x?' ,. i" the one and ffortithe yere of Queen Elizabeth, 
 (nut. .Mayer. J ^ 
 
 '599- " No Butcher shall kyll any neate or beast, or sell, or offer to sell the same, w'''in this 
 
 borough, unles the same neate or beast, have stoode, lyen or ben, undriven and unchased by 
 
 the space of ffower and twenty howers next before the same neate or beast bee so kylled, uppon 
 
 payne of fforfeyture of twentye shillinges to the maier bayliffes and burgesses of this borough 
 
 for every offence, contrary to this ordinaunce. Nor shall have, or kecpe, above one stall in the 
 
 markett of this Boroughe uppon the like payne. And yt is likewise ordered that no Butcher 
 
 dwellinge out of this boroughe shall sell or offer to sell any beefe in the markett of the boroughe 
 
 unless he bringe the hide and talowe of the same beast to the same markett, and will sell the 
 
 same to any pson y' shall offer to give him a reasonable pryce for the same. Nor shall sell or 
 
 offer to sell any manner of ffleshe in the markett on any markett daye betwenc Michacllmas, 
 
 and Shrovetyde, after fower of the clocke in the afternoone. Nor on any markett daye betwene 
 
 Shrovetyde and Michacllmas, after sixe of the clocke in the afternoone, uppon payne of fforfeyture 
 
 of five shillinges to the Maior bayliffs and burgesses of this boroughe, for every offence against 
 
 this ordinannce, wch penalties shal be levied uppon the goodes and chattels of such butcher so 
 
 breakinge any of the same ordinaunces. 
 
 " It is allso on the same day by the same authorytye ordered and established that no higler, 
 
 nor any other pson, or psons, using to buy any victualls to the end to sell the same againe, shall
 
 49 
 
 buy any fflesh, powltrye, butter, cheese, egges, or such like victualls in the markett of this 
 boroughe, before the markett bell have runge, uppon paine of fforfeyture of the same ffleshe, 
 powltrye, butter, cheese, egges, or other victualls, so bought contrary to this ordinaunce, to the 
 Maior, bayliffes, and burgesses of this boroughe." 
 
 The next order brings us to the time of the erection of the shambles in 
 the Hogmarket. 
 
 " At the Courte leete holden the nynthe daye ot Aprill ano dni. 1627, John Littlepage 
 esquire then maior. It is ordered that no fforraine butcher shall showe any meate on any stalle 
 on any market daye hereafter, that shal be erectede in any other place or places in the sayde 
 burrowe, until the comon shambles alreadye builte for that purpose shall be furnishede w 1 
 butchers, excepte it be the stall of William Haddinet employde to that use, for \vh. he payethe 
 
 i2 rf by the yeare. 
 
 John Littellpage Mayor 
 William Guy Senior 
 William Ayer 
 Robert Bisco 
 Richard Gibbins 
 John Davenport 
 John Bigg 
 George M. Dier 1 B ^ (es 
 
 Nathanaell Weedon / 
 
 "These shambles were built on an octagonal plan in 1622 by the advise and appointm' of 
 W" 1 - Aire, Alderman." 
 
 We may take it for granted that William Aire was the architect of the 
 building. The building was pulled down in 1 761, to make way for the 
 present structure, which was built from the design of Adelphi Adams. 
 
 At the end of the Register is the following stray memorandum : — 
 
 " It'" it is ordered the 17 th day of Jun 1590, that every butcher standinge in the market to 
 sell beffe, shall weye onlye by the comon scalles and wayghts apoynted by 2 sworne men therto 
 ewsse, shall yeld and paye unto the sworne men for ther paynes and travills therin for every day 
 2 rf ; and if it hapen any butcher a stranger, to kill or sell above one oxe, bullock, or cowe, then 
 the same butcher to pay for every day 3''." 
 
 An act made Aprill 24-1564 imposes a tax of 20' yearly on ony Shoemaker residing in the Z} X '" 
 Town. In consideration whereof, " yt is orderid and agreide, that there shall noo foren Sho- Mayer."' 
 maker come into the mkett to make any shewe their, with their shois to the hurt and hinderaunce 
 of the seide towne shomakers except onely y' it shal be lawful! to all the saide fforren shomakers 
 to come in and to make their shewe uppon the twoo flfaier dayes w'out interruption of any psoo 
 or psons w'in this borough." 
 
 A precisely similar enactment was made regarding Hat makers, and 
 
 it
 
 hat sellers, Dec. lS, 1620, Thomas Gibbons, Mayor, imposing on them a tax 
 of six shillings only. 
 
 We next quote an order on Foreign Tailors in the year 1609. 
 
 "John Little- "M ' that at the lectc holden the i6 t! ' daye of October in the year of the Reigne of o r Sove. 
 
 page, yor. taJgne lord James by the grace of God of England, France, and Ireland, and Seaventh, and 
 of Scotland, the three and ffortith. The taylors inhabiting w ,hi " this boroughe came and com- 
 ])layned that they were much oppressed \v' h the nomber of fforeyne Taylors continuallye com- 
 ming into the liberty's, and much impoverished, and hindered in the exercise of theire trade 
 thereby. Whereuppon yt was ordered by the then maior, aldermen, and baliffes present ami 
 consenting at the requeste and humble suite of the said taylors, that from thenceforthe noe 
 fforreyne Taylor excepte he were eyther borne, or hadd seaven yeares served as an apprentice 
 to a taylor w :h in the boroughe, should come to dwell or to keepe any shoppe w"'in this 
 boroughe, uppon payne to have his shoppe windowes shutt uppe, by the Serjeante for tyme 
 beinge. And if, after his shoppe windowes so shutt uppe, and uppon commandem' of the 
 then Mayor to forbeare the exercise of the trade or misterei, he shall presume to contemptuouslye 
 either to open his windowes or to use his trade or misterei. w"'in his owne dwelling howse, or 
 shoppe, then uppone payne to be imprisoned by the then Maier untill he have bothe satisfied 
 the Maior for his contempte, by submission, and shall be obedient to this order." 
 
 In consideration thereof the " Taylors agreed to pay for ever an annual 
 taxe of 10s." 
 
 "The Tailors inhabiting within the Borough, complaining that they were much oppressed 
 with the number of foreign Tailors coming within the liberty, and much impoverished and 
 hindred thereby, an order was made on the 1 6th October, 7 James I., that in future such 
 foreign Tailors should keep no shop in the town ; and in case of contravention of the order, 
 their shop windows should be shut up by the Serjeant of the town; if further resistance were 
 made, they were to be committed to prison." 
 
 '•Memorandum, that this 6th day of March, 1664, Nicholas Wilson gave security to dwell 
 in the Burroughj and to follow his only vocation of distilling strong waters ; ami did then assume 
 and undertake not to follow any other calling by keeping of a retaile shop or the like; and then 
 at his admittance did pay a fine of 50.C to the towne. 
 
 "Jno. Boulter, Clerk." 
 
 Following the above order on Tailors in the pages of the Records, but 
 preceding it in date by many years, is one intituled, 
 
 •• Roger " An order for wearinge of lyverye contrarye to the Statute. 
 
 ■ „ •• M '. that at the law day helld at Wykomb yn the yelld hall the Thorsday next afff the 
 
 fest of sent Luke the Avangell yn the yerre of our Lord Cod XIII C 1111 and X, aforre Rog' 
 Bramston then mayrrof the town, y' ys ordered, it be the avys of the sayd mayrrc and hess bretherne, 
 and granted be all the borgess and comonallte that be dwellyng w'yn thay sam town, That eff 
 ther be any Borges dwellyng w'yn the sam town from thes day forthe, werre any leffray sayne 
 ■ onysant contorare to the statuets of the lande, shall lees his fredom and xl. s of lawfoll
 
 5' 
 
 monay of yngland, the on hallf to the Mayrre, the toder halff to the Baylyf for the tym beyng, 
 to be levid upon the Goods and cattells be the sam baylyf of them soo fownden fawte, and allsoo 
 eff ther be any dwellai w'yn the sam tovvne, nat beyng Borges, werre any leffray contrare to the 
 statueds chall haff 7 days presonment w'owt any surte and to les 10 s , the on hallf to the Mayrre, 
 the oder hallf, to the Baylyf for the tym beyng, to be leved be the sam Baylys apon the Goods 
 and cattells of theis soo fownden fawte. Thes ackt to be form and Staboll and leve a Ball alls 
 ofton tyms as any fawt ys fowndon yn manar and form as ys afor rehersed." 
 
 The statute referred to is the 1st Henry IV. cap. 7, 1399, confirmed 
 by 7 Henry IV. cap. 14, and repealed by 3 Car. I. cap. 4. The most 
 curious thing in the minute is its extraordinary orthography. From an 
 inspection of the two entries which follow it, there is no doubt that it is in 
 the handwriting of Roger Bramston, the Mayor already referred to. The 
 two acts refer respectively to the oft-forbidden turning of pigs out on the 
 " Kyngs hewway," and the selling of grain without payment of tribute; the 
 latter providing that " ther shall noo psonds nooder of the Town nor of the 
 Contey be let to buye all manor of grayn accordyng to the law w'owyt due 
 trepett payeng To the baylys or to any of oder parsons." 
 
 " Thirsday after hokday, 1489." 
 
 Woodfetchers, in 1563, were ordered to be punished in the open stocks, 
 according to the discretion of the Mayor. 
 
 I* 1 57 1 all "intenaunts being strangers, and acountyd, and knowen heggbrekers, to avoide 
 the towne by pentecost next comyng, uppon payne of imprisonament and ev r y of the inhab'auncs 
 suffering them to remayne and dwell in ther seid houses, to pay 20 s , and y' no intenaunts be 
 receyved hereaff into anie house, or houses, uppon payne of 20 s ." 
 
 The following enactments relate to the Mayor. 
 
 "WYCOMBE. 
 
 " M' 1 . that on the Thorsday next aft r the feste of Seynt Seythe * the 14th yere of Kyng 
 Henry the VII, at the Law day held yn the yeld hall Before Rogg r Bramston, then beyng 
 maire of the seyd Towne, hit is ordeyned and stablyshed and acte by the assent of the seyd 
 maire and all the Burgess and comynnalte of the sayd Boroghe, that ther shall no maire be 
 electe or chosyn from this day forthwarde, excepte he come owte of the howse callyd y c counsel! 
 howse of the sayd borghe, and if ther be ony burgeys of ye seyd borghe geve His voyce, or 
 electyon, to any psone or psonys other wyse then is before rehersyd, to lese his fredom of ye 
 
 * It may be observed in passing, that the St. " Seythe " here mentioned, was the virgin 
 Saint Oseth of Aylesbury in this county. Tor the account of her, see Dr. Liptcombe's "History 
 of Bucks," vol ii., p. 3.
 
 5- 
 
 seyd borghe and a fyne of io\ half to y c mayre for the tyme beyng, and that other halfe to the 
 Chamb' to be levyed by the Baylyffs for the tyme beying, of the goods and catells of such 
 psone or psonys that so offendyth. And if ony foryner w'yn the seyd Burghe dwellyng, geve, 
 or graunt, his voice or ellectyon to ony oilier psone or psonys otherwyse then before is named. 
 shall have 7 days psonemet wfowet ony man* maynprise and lese a fyne of 5 s to be levyed 
 by the baylyffs in man' and forme aforesayd." 
 
 The magisterial dignity of the Mayor having been grievously insulted, 
 was justly revenged by the following enactment. 
 
 "PUNYSCHMET FOR ILL DOERS 
 AGAYN THE MAYR." (" Mallefacf cont. maiorem ") 
 
 " At the Courte holdyn in yelde hall the Thursday next before the ffest of Pentecosten, in 
 the io' h yere of the reyngn of oure soveraign lorde Kyng Henr. the eyghtith, it is ordeyned by 
 the mayre at that tyme beyng Thomas mere, Rob' Astbroke, and Will'" Chalfount, Aldermen 
 of this borough, wyth the moste pte of the burgens, belongyng to ther comyn, and counselhouse, 
 for as moche as now of late, divs variaunces stryfys debats and grudgs hathe be moved and hadd 
 bctwene the abovesaid mayr and othir burgens, on the one pty, Richard Pede and Thomas 
 Scherefeld burgens, on the other ptye, for divs e wordys unfittyng spokyn agayn the said may' 
 by the abovenamed Richard Pede and Thomas Schereffeld uppon ther ill mynde and counsell 
 pursued a citacon agayn the said mayr, and other of the said burgens of the same Towne out 
 of the arched And also the said Richard Pede and Thomas Scherefeld hathe comitted and 
 spokyn divs wordys unlefull agayn the said mayre, as seyng that they wolde have a newe mayr, 
 and no thyng thereof done in dede. Wherfor now it is aggreed by the assent and consent of 
 tin- said Mayre and Aldermen and the more pte of the burgens of the comyn house, that the 
 forsaid Richard Pede and Thomas Scherefeld, shall sursease and no ferthur p r serve in the said 
 arches, or ells where agayn the said mayr and Burgens as is above wretyn upon the payn of 
 40s. of ev y yche of them to be levied to the use of the hole Chamb r . And furthermor upon the 
 payn oflesying, and utterly dischargyng of ther fredom and Burgeswyk. And aftur that to be 
 reported, and taken as fforeners, and to abide suche punyschemet as schal be then thought by 
 the discrescon of the said Mayr, Aldermen, and other of the said Comyn house. And in lyke 
 wyse all and ev y Burgess' offendyng the Mayr for the tyme beyng, to have punyschemet by the 
 Mayr, Aldremen, and Burgess' of the comyn house accordyng to his, or there demerits, in tyme 
 to com." 
 
 From an order, dated 1504, it is enacted "that ev v mayr chosyn from 
 that clay fortheward, schall ocupye the rome but one yere togedyr for 
 certin considcracons for the godc order, and rules of the seid borowgh." 
 The next enactment, in 1505, provides "that he shal be charged by othe 
 upon a book yerely." 
 
 We also find two orders, dated respectively 1505 and 1563, against the 
 practice of canvassing for elections, which seems to have been introduced 
 about this time ; any burgess offending " w' dewe pve [with due proof] to
 
 53 
 
 lose 20', and that to be levied of his gods to the behove of the chamb r , the 
 one halfe, and the othir halfe to the repacon of the chirch," etc. The latter 
 one increases the penalty to ^"io. 
 
 By an order, dated 21st September, 1608, "the Bailiffs should from 
 thenceforth keep two Feasts yearly in the Guildhall for the Mayor and 
 Burgesses, on the days on which the ' Leetes' are held ; under a penalty of 
 20 s , to be paid by each Bailiff on neglect thereof." 
 
 There is also an order made in 1613, by William Shrimpton, Esq., 
 Mayor, that all apprentices shall be enrolled before the Mayor and Re- 
 corder, and to serve not less than seven years, after which they are to be 
 free men and women of the borough ; the women, however, only so long as 
 they shall live unmarried. In the same year occurs the election of John 
 Scott to the office of a yealding or "gildan," who is to serve until some 
 other be elected in his room. 
 
 At Folio liii., Ledger I., there is " An order for wearing the badges," of 
 very considerable length. Among other things it is stated : — - 
 
 " And whereas the poore people of the said Burrough are growne very numerous and are 
 likely to increase dayly, to the great impoverishment of the tradesmen of the said Burrough, 
 many of them through idleness, being able to work, yett will not, because they find an easier 
 way of living by collection. And unlesse some speedy care be taken to prevent the excessive 
 growth of such poore, all, or the greatest part of the tradesmen of the said Burrough in a short 
 time are like to come to poverty, and to be unable to maintain themselves and familye by reason 
 of such great taxes towards the relieffe of the poor." 
 
 The benefit of the " easie rates " when " the poor people wore badges," 
 is then adverted to ; and it is therefore ordered by the Mayor, and the 
 major part of the " Common Councell," that before the Overseers or Church- 
 wardens give 
 
 "Any releiffe, collection, or money, to any poore man or woman of the said Burrough, 
 they shall give a badge, being the sign of the swan, or the town amies, and shall cause him, her, 
 or them, to wear the same upon his or her uppermost garment, at all times, soo as the same may 
 been seen apparently and openly." 
 
 In case of refusal, no relief or " collection " is to be given ; as it is clear 
 that the person refusing can live without it. 
 
 The Mayor, Bailiffs, and Steward, were, by the Charter of Philip and 
 Mary, empowered to hold a Court of Record from three weeks to three 
 weeks, to hear and determine all actions for the recovery of debts, etc., not
 
 1 
 
 exceeding the sum or value of .£20 ; and her.' we may appropriately add 
 the Oath to be taken by Attorneys practising in the Court. 
 
 " May 22, 1665. — The forme of the Oath that the Attorxeves are to 
 be sworne to before they are admitted to practice in the court 
 of this burrough. 
 
 " You shall sweare that from henceforth duringe the tyme y° shall continue to practice as 
 an Attorney or Solicitor in this Court of the Burrough of Chepinge Wicombe, not to act any 
 thing that may tend to the p'judice or damage of the same Burrough, or ingage yo r self in any 
 cause or lawsuit that shall at any time be coiHenced ag' the Corporacon itselfe as it is a body 
 politique or corporate by virtue of his mat ics late gracious Letters patterns, but shall endeavor 
 to the best of yo r skill and power at all tymes (as occasion serves) to uphold and p'serve the 
 privileges and imunities of the Burrough, and to be aydinge and assistinge to the Mayor for the 
 tyme beinge and the Coition Councell ag' all psoiTs that shall comence any suite in law or other- 
 wise endeavor to oppose or disturbe them in p'curinge or maineteyninge of their just rights and 
 priviledges, and that yo. shall pleade noe forreine pson to any accoii that y" shall appeare in the 
 said Burrough Court, soe helpe y u God." Reg. Burg., N°- i., F°- 46. 
 
 This oath was probably consequent on the misconduct of Mr. William 
 Child, of Chesham, who having been admitted to practice in the Court 
 
 "Several tymes very insolently and uncivilly behaved himselfe towards the Mayor and 
 Aldermen of this Burrough, as namely, at a Court Dinner at the White Hart, where in his dis- 
 course he gave to Mr. Edward Bedder one of the Aldermen of this Burrough much under- 
 valuing and slighting language, telling him in playne termes, ' It should not be as he would have 
 it, neither should he comand or have his will,' with many other short curbing words misbe- 
 coming his place and p'fession." 
 
 And further : — 
 
 " Att the generall sessions of the publique peace holden for this County at the Guildhall of 
 this Burrough the tenth day of Aprill last past, there beinge some businisse of consequence to 
 be discust that related to a matter in difference between the burrough and the p'ish, the said 
 Mr. Child being not reteyned in the cause, nor in the least concerned in it, yet nevertheless to 
 show how willing and ready he was to doe the Burrough an injury, did then and afterwards, 
 counsell the p'ishioners, and side and take pte with them agaynst the Burrough, and moreover 
 deridingly in the open Hall did then say to the Mayor and Aldermen then p'snte (' you make 
 your Charter a nose of Wax'), and further did then publish and speake (in a scoffing manner) 
 several scurrelous words tending to the reproach and discredit of the Mayor and company on 
 purpose to make men have them in derision." 
 
 And also on the 28th July, " at the signe of the Maydenhcad, to show 
 how far he had the Mayor and Court of Aldermen in contempt," said to Mr.
 
 55 
 
 Lucas, a Justice of the Peace, and other Aldermen, several untranscribable 
 expressions of contempt and ridicule, " for all of which several misde- 
 meanours, slovenly languidge, malepart caridge, and fanatick-like deport- 
 ment," the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, formally expelled him 
 from practising any more in the Court, but " out of favour to his clyants," 
 allow him " tyme to bring those causes to a period that he is now concerned 
 in, and are depending in the Court. But shall not for the tyme to come 
 appeare to any new accon for any pson or p'sons whatsoever." F° 27, 1662. 
 
 We cannot refrain from quoting in this place the disfranchisement of 
 Mr. Henry Shepard, Feb. 6th, 1678, for "insolently misbehaving himselfe, 
 by beinge drunke and offring affronts to sev'all gentlemen, namely Sir John 
 Borlase, and others, the third day of this instant ffebruary at the signe of 
 the Katherine Wheele, in this Burrough," being reported generally to be " a 
 man of uncivill and rude behaviour at other times not becominge his place of 
 a Burgess of this Burrough." " In token whereof," proceeds the Record " it 
 is ordered that the great Bell shall be rung out accordinge to custome, in 
 testimony of his misdemeanors, and for his disfranchisement." 
 
 According to ancient custom, which was continued up to the passing 
 of the Municipal Corporation Act, the outgoing Mayor was "tolled out," 
 by tolling of the great bell on the morning of the Mayor's election. After 
 which the Corporation proceeded in state to St. Mary's Chapel, and in sub- 
 sequent years to the Parish Church, when a sermon was preached suitable 
 to the occasion, for which 6s. Sd. per annum was left by Mr. Wainwright 
 to the Vicar of the Parish. On the Corporation returning from the chapel 
 or church they proceeded to the Guildhall, the pathway being strewed with 
 flowers, preceded by a drummer, who drummed the old Mayor out. The 
 burgesses elected the Mayor in open common hall,* and at the close of the 
 election, the Corporation went in procession round the Market Hall, when 
 
 * At fol. 141 of first Ledger we find the following curious entry : — " The Thursday after Midlent 
 Sunday, 20 Henry VII., Nicholas Jerard is mentioned as Mayor. ' In the Gilde Haule holdene 
 the day above wretyne, etc., that it is stabylly actide from this forthe that no burgesse, nor 
 forener make no labour, nor desir no man to speke before the day of election of the Meyre, for 
 no singular desir, but every manne to schewe ther voyces at ther owne mynde, without trobyll 
 or unresonabille doynge ther in the tyme of ther election, under the payne of every burgess that 
 so offendyth, with dewe prove, to lose XX s , and that to be levied of his godes to the behove of 
 the Chambre the one halfe, and the other halfe to the reparation of the Chirche. And every 
 forener so offendyng to lose Xs., and to be levied in lyk wyse," etc.
 
 S6 
 
 the new Mayor was drummed into office, accompanied by a merry peal of 
 bells from the Parish Church. After partaking of a luncheon, the Mayor 
 and Council attended at the Bar Iron Warehouse, in White Hart Street, 
 when each member of the Council was weighed, and his weight duly re- 
 corded. Such was the order of proceedings during the past generations, 
 but how far back the practice thus described originated, it would be difficult 
 to determine ; however we may assume that it was of remote antiquity. 
 
 We may here mention that from a very early period the Members of 
 Parliament for the borough were, on their election, carried on men's shoulders 
 round the Market Hall ; this practice was in later years superseded by tin- 
 more graceful form of chairing the representatives round the borough in 
 elegant chairs, tastefully decorated with their respective colours. 
 
 The burgesswick of Wycombe in the seventeenth century became quite 
 a position of fashion among the county gentry, of whom we find very many 
 enrolled therein, as having taken the oath of office, and in particular the 
 following well-known personages : — 
 
 1658. Sir James Harrington, Knt. 
 1660. Sir Edmund Pye. 
 
 „ Sir John Borlase, Marlow. 
 1668. Robert Danvers, Esq. 
 1672. John, Earl of Bridgewater, 
 Lord Lieut, and High 
 Steward of Wycombe. 
 ,, Sir Wm. Egerton, his son. 
 ,, John, Lord Lovelace. 
 Wm. Lovelace, Esq. 
 ,, Richd. Lovelace, Esq. 
 
 Sir John Borlase, Knt. & Bart. 
 „ John Borlase, Esq. 
 ,, John Tipinge, Esq., Chequers, 
 
 Stokenchurch. 
 ,, Thomas Clayton, Esq. 
 
 1684. Sir Dennis Hampson, Bart. 
 1688. Sir John Hoby, Bart., Bisham. 
 „ Thomas Lewes, Esq., of West 
 Wycombe, and Alderman 
 of the City of London. 
 ,, Edm. Waller, Esq., Beacons- 
 field, son of the poet. 
 ,, Hon. Wm. Jephson, Boston 
 House. 
 1 69 1. Hon. Chas. Godfrey. 
 ,, Hon. Thos. Wharton. 
 ,, Sir Thos. Lee, Bart., Hart 
 well. 
 1698. Hon. Goodwin Wharton. 
 ,, Sir Thomas Skipwith, Bart. 
 
 To this we might add in the next century : — 
 
 The Hon. Wilbraham Tollemache, of Colvellv Hall, Cheshire.
 
 57 
 
 The Hon. Charles Stanhope. 
 
 Admiral Sir John Jervis, Knt. of the Bath. 
 
 The Rt. Hon. John Henry Petty. 
 
 The Rt. Hon. William Pitt. 
 
 Edward Young, LL.D., Author of " The Night Thoughts ;" and 
 
 Sir Samuel Romilly, with many others. 
 
 An order in 15 14 decrees the payment of io^d. on the election of every 
 burgess, ^d. to the Mayor, $d. to the bailiffs, 2d. to the steward, and \\d. 
 to the sub-bailiff. Another in 1541 commands the attendance of the Alder- 
 men and burgesses on " lawe dayes," " lection dayes," and " secyon dayes," 
 inder penalties of 2s. for an Alderman, and is. for a burgess. 
 
 The records of the subsequent age do not present us with the same 
 lively picture of manners as those of the mediaeval period. 
 
 The Charter of Philip and Mary recites that the Mayor, bailiffs, and 
 burgesses — 
 
 " Of whose fidelity and circumspection towards us, not only by the relation of our nobles, 
 peers, and subjects, but also of our certain and royal knowledge, especially in the times of the 
 rebellions of John late Duke of Northumberland, and Sir Thomas Wyatt, Knight, lately attainted 
 and convicted of high treason, and their accomplices, against us lately attempted, have most 
 faithfully adhered to us and have manfully resisted the same rebellions." 
 
 This charter confirms previous privileges, and institutes the office of 
 High Steward, the first being Thomas Farmer, Gentleman. 
 
 Thomas Draper, alias Farmer, was of Great Marlow, and afterwards 
 became Member of Parliament for Wycombe. He was of the family of 
 Fermor or Farmer, afterwards created Earls of Pomfret. He died August 
 8th, 1580, and was buried at Somerton, Oxon, after bestowing many bene- 
 factions on this and other places.* By a deed dated 1572, he gave to the 
 borough a house in the town, in the occupation of Richard Reade, weaver ; 
 this is supposed to be that now called Saw Pit House, in Easton Street, 
 
 * The following inscription is on his tombstone. 
 
 " Thomse Farmer armigero, viro animi magnitudine contra hostes, beneficentia. erga doctos 
 admirabili, domino hujus territorii benignissimo, et novas scholar fundatori optimo ; in perpetuam 
 sui suaeque conjugis Brigettss foeminre lectissimse memoriam ex testamento executores sui hoc 
 monumentum flentes erexerunt. Obiit vero anno Domino millessimo quingentesimo octagesimo, 
 die Augusti Octavo." — Collins, vol. iii., p. 500. 
 
 I
 
 58 
 
 which forms a portion of the properties of the Wycombe Municipal Charities. 
 His seal exhibits a classic bust in a helmet, sinister, faced in profile. 
 
 The reign of Elizabeth is marked by nothing extraordinary in our 
 annals. According to tradition, the Queen, in 1566, on the occasion of her 
 Majesty's visiting the University of Oxford, on her return, did Edward Lord 
 Windsor the honour of a visit at his seat at Bradenham, where she was 
 sumptuously entertained; and Wood, in his "Athense Oxon.," vol. i., p. 416, 
 informs us " that his Lordship's kinsman, Miles 'Windsor,' spoke an oration, 
 which giving the Queen great content, she, in a high manner, commended 
 it to the Spanish ambassador then present." Her Majesty and suite left 
 Bradenham House on horseback, passing through some of the loveliest 
 scenery in the county, by the way of the primeval forest of Walter's Ash, 
 over Downley Common, and through Tinker's Wood, down the ancient 
 way called Hobbes Lane, to Wycombe, where she was welcomed by the 
 hearty greetings of her loyal subjects. The route from Bradenham to 
 Wycombe is still traceable on the southern slope of the Downley Hill, and 
 Tinker's Wood. The queen is said to have paid a visit to John Raunce, 
 Esquire, at Bassetsbury Manor House, where she remained until the 
 following day. 
 
 Queen Elizabeth's Charter in 1 598, and James the First's in 1609, present 
 us with nothing remarkable. The latter, indeed, abolished the office of High 
 Steward and substituted that of Recorder. Yet we find, notwithstanding 
 this, that the aldermen continued to elect noblemen and others to the 
 honorary office of High Steward, viz., Scott the Regicide, in 165 1, and the 
 Earl of Bridgewater in 1672 ; the Lord Chancellor Jeffries in 1683, and 
 Thomas, Marquis of Wharton, in 1 7 1 5. And at the same time Recorders 
 were also elected. 
 
 Among the miscellaneous orders of this period is one— 
 
 " That the towne seale shall always remayn in the tresurye, upon paync and penaltie ot 
 C lb. to be leviede upon the goods and catalls of the Maier for the tyme beinge for not fullinge 
 of this order ; if he, the seide Maier for the tyme beinge, do not when the occasion shall serve 
 to occupye the seide seale for the townes busyness, then the seide seale immediately to be putte 
 into the treasurye agayne w'out any further delay." 
 1624. Memorandum, " That the daie and yeare abovesaid it is condiscended, concluded, and 
 
 fullie agreed by the Maier, Aldermen, and Bailiffs, of the said Burrough," etc., etc., "that bur- 
 gesses shall have only one stall on market day except by payment of a foreigners stallage." 
 "Geo Welles, Maier."
 
 59 
 
 The burgesses, ever loyal to their sovereign, and staunch supporters 
 of Protestantism, commemorated the Gunpowder Treason with great spirit, 
 on the anniversary of the plot. Large bonfires were made in the four 
 wards ; one in front of the Guildhall ; one as you enter Easton Street ; one 
 near the bridge in St. Mary's Street ; and one opposite the Canal. The 
 men of the different wards kept up a spirited skirmish with fireworks. The 
 Mayor, aldermen, and bailiffs, assembled in the Guildhall to witness the 
 rejoicings ; after which they regaled themselves, as we are quaintly informed, 
 " with cold spareribs and apple sauce." The loving-cup of spiced ale was 
 passed round the festive board, loyal toasts were drunk with hearty enthu- 
 siasm, and the downfall of Popery predicted with groans. 
 
 Passing to the time of Charles the First, we find that during the civil 
 war Prince Rupert at one time made a sally upon Wycombe ; it was on 
 the occasion of his acting under the advice of the adventurous Hurry 
 (Urrie), when he determined to attack the Parliamentary forces, under Lord 
 Wentworth of Bradenham House. At four o'clock on Saturday, June 17, 
 1643, his trumpets sounded to horse in the streets of the City of Oxford. 
 The cavalry, joined by infantry from I slip, proceeded to Stokenchurch, 
 leaving Thame, where Essex was quartered, to the left. It being now too 
 late to reach Wycombe, they encamped in the woods. Early in the morn- 
 ing they attacked Postcomb, and sacked Chinnor, killing fifty men, and 
 making sixty prisoners. Hampden advised Essex, but in vain, to call in 
 the detachment from Wycombe ; if he had, it would have been too late ; 
 for Rupert, avoiding the western approach to the town, "fell in," says 
 Clarendon, " at the further end of the town towards London, whence no 
 enemy was expected, and so no guards were kept there. A regiment of 
 horse and of foot were lodged there, which were cut off or taken prisoners, 
 and all the horses and a good booty brought away. From thence they 
 marched backward to another quarter, within less than two miles of the 
 general's own quarters." (Clarendon, Ed. Oxford, 1707, vol. ii., p. 261.) 
 
 The encounter before alluded to took place in the Rye, where the 
 Parliamentary forces, under Lord Wentworth, opposed the skirmishing 
 party. The latter had proceeded down the Back Lane, which gave access 
 to the Rye, before its conversion into a watercourse ; the conflict was of 
 too unimportant a character to give it an historical significance, or to make 
 it the subject of further observation.
 
 6o 
 
 We find the King himself next appearing in Wycombe as a prisoner. 
 His sojourn at Holmby House was terminated by an order to bring him to 
 the Parliamentary head-quarters at St. Albans, thence, after more vicissi- 
 tudes, to Caversham, where he lodged at Lord Craven's. Here, Sir Philip 
 Warwick says, '"he could perceive the King was very apprehensive in what 
 hands he was, but was not to let it be discovered." Thence through Henley, 
 Marlow, and Wycombe, to Woburn. 
 
 The following entry of the journey of Charles is found in the Borough 
 Records, Anno, 1647. 
 
 " Kinge Charles marched through this Towne ffro Casiim toward Woborne in Bedfordshire 
 (Mr. James Bigg then beinge Maior) and afterwards, was beheaded at Whitehall gate uppon 
 the 30th day of January Anno 1648, to the ppetuall infamy of the English tiation." 
 
 Oliver Cromwell granted a charter to this borough, which provided 
 that ei<jht burgesses should be elected as additional Common Councilmen 
 yearly. The following is an entry of some of the annual elections : — 
 
 "Monday, 5th July, 1658. 
 
 " Att a Comon Counsell held for the Burrough of Cheping Wicombe the day and yeare 
 abovesaid. The Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Burrough (being then p r sent) by 
 virtue of the new charter, did then elect and sweare theis pticular psons hereunder named, to 
 be additional CoiTTon Counsellmen w th in this Borough, for this ensuing yeare, viz'. — 
 
 Joseph Birrott -\ Joshua Grange 
 Hugh Shrimpton / William Bovington 
 Jerome Gray [ Samuel Welles 
 
 William Bigg ) William Freer." 
 
 The increase in the number of the council was no doubt wisely ordained 
 to correct abuses which crept in, when the old select body, who were self- 
 elected, had sole authority. 
 
 The fate of Oliver's charter is told thus : — 
 
 "This charter was, on the Restoration, burnt by consent in front of the Guildhall, when 
 Mr. Lucas was Mayor." 
 
 On the occasion of the royal proclamation of 1681, appealing to the 
 whole nation, the Corporation forwarded to the King the following address, 
 which is a curious and interesting specimen of the verbosity of the day : — 
 
 " To the King's most excellent M:r; 
 
 "The most humble adresse of yo r Mat'"' most Loyal 1 subjects the Mayor, Aldermen, 
 Bayliffs, Burgesses, and other Inhabitants of yo r . Ma"./ Antient Corporation of Chepping 
 Wycombe, in the County of Bucks.
 
 6i 
 
 " May it please yo r sacred Mat'. c 
 
 " Most of o r late defeated Politicians,* disappointed of theire dark designem". by yo r . 
 M at" s pfound wisdom and divine prision have endeavoured to disparage all loyall adresses 
 either as uselesse and insignificant, or as discountenanced and unregarded, and that the glutt 
 of them doth cloy and surfett rather then satisfie yo r . Mat ,e . 
 
 " Notw th standing these slye pjected discouragements, wee have alwayes detested and re- 
 jected them togeather with theire now exploded scanty and forsaken abettors. And have ever 
 incerted o r loyall selves amongst the resolute, grave and deliberate psons. And wee doe most 
 highly applaud the stout fidelios, the strenuous, brisk, and valiant youth, of this yo r now much 
 undeluded nation. We therefore yo r Mat"? most dutyfull and most devoted subjects, entyrely 
 pfesse : That wee will to the utmost stresse of o r sinews, to the latest gaspe of o r lives, and the 
 last solitary mite in o r coffers, adhere to yo r made. And wee beseech yo r Mat'? most gratious 
 acceptance of o r most humble and unfeigned thankfullnesse for all yo r Mat'? most princely pur- 
 poses comprized in 'yo r mat ies most gratious delaracon, yo r royall resolves for frequent parlia- 
 ments. Yo r most pious intentions to perpetuate the ptestant religion amongst us, yo r equall 
 governm' in Church and State, by the Lawes establist. And the legall (though we hope in God, 
 the many yeares remote and distant) discent of yo r royall diadem. Many have out stript us in 
 the wing, but none shall exceed us in theire wishes; we envye much theire more earley applye, 
 but none shall ever appeare more faithfull, though many in this have been more fortunate." 
 
 " God p'serve yo r Mat'" from all rebellious Machinations. 
 
 "Amen." 
 
 " This addresse was deliv'' to his Ma lie by D tor - Lluellyn att Windsore upon Bartholomew 
 day, August 24 th Anno 1681. 
 
 " Mr. Henry Bigg being then Mayor." 
 
 " Test. Jo. Bigg. T. Clerke." 
 
 "Dr. Gumble, who wrote the life of General Monk, and is said to have 
 greatly assisted him in restoring the parliament, and breaking the power of 
 the army, by which the return of King Charles the Second was effected, was 
 vicar here, but not, I believe, by episcopal institution." (Gough's MSS.) 
 There were great rejoicings in Wycombe on account of the Restoration. 
 
 Dr. Lluelyn practised medicine in Wycombe for many years. See an 
 account of him in his epitaph amongst the monumental inscriptions hereafter 
 given, and also his life in Anthony a. Wood. He resided in the fine old 
 Elizabethan house in Easton Street, now occupied by Mrs. Wheeler. He 
 was the author of " Wickham Wakened, or the Quaker's Madrigal," in dog- 
 grel rhyme, and other Poems. See copy of the inscription on the tablet 
 in the church to his memory, with the translation, hereafter given. Mrs. 
 Crosse, his last surviving daughter, died in 1767 at the age of ninety-three. 
 
 * The " defeated politicians " alluded to in this marvellous composition were probably 
 Shaftesbury, Algernon Sidney, and Somers.
 
 62 
 
 His grandson, Richard, became a Fellow of Magdalen College, and Rector 
 of Saunderton, and died in 1770, aged sixty-two. He is buried near his 
 grandfather and father, in the vicar's aisle of Wycombe Church. We may- 
 add that Dr. Lluelyn's great grand-daughter, Mrs. Bowles, possessed the 
 gloves which King Charles the First wore on the day of his execution. 
 
 In the seventeenth century, Wycombe was accounted one of the strong- 
 holds of Quakerism. Here the great founders of the Society occasionally 
 met their friends for conference and religious worship, at the house of Dr. 
 John Raunce in White Hart Street, which stood on the site of the present 
 National Schools ; and some of these early Friends, with Thomas Ellwood, 
 the companion of the immortal John Milton, were frequently entertained at 
 the ancient White House in the High Street. The oak table around which 
 they sat, and enjoyed the hospitalities of the worthy host, is still preserved 
 in this old edifice. 
 
 In consequence of the well-known refusal to bear arms, or to take oaths, 
 and also for alleged extravagance of manner, a special Act was passed for 
 their repression; when more than four thousand were soon in prison, though 
 as a fact, the Quakers were one of the smallest of the Nonconformist bodies, 
 and of these, five hundred were imprisoned in London alone. Large as it 
 was, the number rapidly increased ; and the King's Declaration of Indul- 
 gence, twelve years later, set free twelve thousand Quakers who had been 
 incarcerated. 
 
 In early times Frogmore contained a House of Correction, near Temple 
 End, which, most probably, was within the jurisdiction of the county ; the 
 governor receiving a salary of £5 per annum, which was paid by the church- 
 wardens, it maybe presumed out of moneys arising from some private bene- 
 faction. To this House of Correction, Thomas Ellwood and Morgan Wat- 
 kins, with four other Quakers, were committed by Ambrose Benett, Justice 
 of the Peace, who surprised them at a meeting at Hcdgerley, about a mile 
 from his house. " Having got scent of the meeting," says Ellwood, " he 
 catched up a stack-wood stick, big enough to have knocked any man down, 
 and brought it with him, hidden under his cloak. After listening outside to 
 Morgan, who was speaking, on a sudden he rushed in among us, with the 
 stack-wood stick held up in his hand, ready to strike, crying out, ' make way 
 there.'" He selected six for punishment, whom he would have committed 
 to "Ailesbury gaol" had not Mrs. Parker desired him to consider in time,
 
 63 
 
 " hoiu he would answer the cry of our blood, if by his sending us to be shut up 
 in that infected place, we should lose our lives there ; " for the pestilence was 
 then at Aylesbury. 
 
 Ellwood was recommitted to the House of Correction, June 7th, 1666, 
 for twelve weeks ; during his imprisonment he betook himself, for an em- 
 ployment, to making of nets for kitchen service to boil herbs, etc., in. 
 
 Quakerism was in all probability strong in Wycombe about the time 
 of the Commonwealth. The principal patron of Quakerism in these parts 
 appears to have been Isaac Pennington, who lived at the Grange, Chalfont 
 St. Peter, and as Ellwood's family were resident at Crowell, Oxon, he paid 
 frequent visits to the Grange. He describes a meeting held at the Grove, 
 Chalfont, where James Naylor, afterwards too well-known as "the blasphe- 
 mer," held forth. Here (this was before his conversion to Quakerism) 
 Ellwood was so much struck with the force of Naylor's reasoning, that he 
 determined to hear more, and accordingly he came to a meeting at " High 
 Wicomb " on the ensuing Thursday ; and that his father and family might 
 think him to have gone out coursing, he let his greyhound run by his 
 horse's side. 
 
 He remarks, — 
 
 "When I came there, and had set up my horse at an inn, I was at a loss how to find the 
 house where the meeting was to be, I knew it not, and was ashamed to ask after it. Wherefore 
 having ordered the hostler to take care of my dog, I went into the street, and stood at the inn 
 gate, musing with myself what course to take. But I had not stood long, ere I saw an horseman 
 riding along the street, whom I remembered I had seen before at Isaac Pennington's, and he 
 put up his horse at the same inn. Him therefore I resolved to follow, supposing he was going 
 to the meeting, as indeed he was. Being come to the house (which proved to be Jo/in Raiunr's), 
 I saw the people sitting together, in an outer room, wherefore I stept in, and sate down on the 
 first void seat, the end of a bench just within the door; having my sword by my side and black 
 clothes on, which drew some eyes upon me. It was not long ere one stood up and spake, whom 
 I was afterwards well acquainted with, (his name was Samuel Thornton) and what he spake was 
 very suitable, and of good service to me ; for it reached home, as if it had been directed to me. 
 As soon as ever the meeting was ended, and the people began to rise, I, being next to the door, 
 stept out quickly ; and hasting to my inn, took horse immediately homewards." 
 
 This was in 1659. Ellwood says he was treated with more than 
 ordinary kindness by Raunce, who was a physician, and by his wife Frances, 
 whom he calls " both a grave and motherly woman, and having a hearty 
 love to truth." He lay during a sickness afterwards at Raunce's house. 
 Ellwood came constantly afterwards to meetings at Wycombe. " At the
 
 6 4 
 
 next meeting, which was held in a 'fair room' in the house of Jeremiah 
 Steevens, instead of Raunce's, because the latter was too small, Edward 
 Burrough, of London, ministered." 
 
 At length the municipal Authorities of Wycombe determined on the 
 suppression of the Quakers, and in the early records of the Corporation we 
 find the following entries : — 
 
 "Memorand: that the eight day of January 1664 beinge Sabbath day, Samuel Trone, 
 Jeremiah Steevens, Nickolas Noy, John Littleboy, John Cock, George Ball and Joseph Steevens, 
 all of this Burrough, Labourers, and beinge p'fessed and knowne Quakers, having this day 
 assembled themselves together with divers women at the house of John Raunce in this Burrough, 
 under p'tence of religious worshipp, contrary to a late Act of Parliam', and beinge brought be- 
 fore us, beinge two of His Mat ls Justices of the Peace for the Burrough aforesayd, have acknow- 
 ledged and confessed the same, and thereuppon the sayd sev'all p'sons were this psent day by 
 warrant under o r hands and seales committed to the house of correction, (which was a loathesome 
 dungeon in Frogmore Ward in this Burrough) there to remayne for the terme of three months 
 according to the seyd late Act of Parliam 1 it being the first tyme that they or either of them 
 
 have been convicted of the same offence." 
 
 " Henry Elliott Mayer " 
 
 " Robert Whittone." 
 
 These suffering people do not appear to have been deterred from 
 holding their meetings by an enforcement of the law, as on June 1 ith, 1665, 
 four of them, viz., Trone, Cock, Littleboy, and Jeremiah Steevens, " it 
 beinge Sabbath day, and in the tyme of Divine service," were found " with 
 sevall other p'sons at an unlawfull assembly at the same house, and were 
 again committed to the house of correction for six months." The severity 
 thus exercised on the Quakers is alluded to in Dr. Lluelyn's doggrel 
 poem, " Wickham Wakened." 
 
 REPRESENTATIVES IN PARLIAMENT FOR THE 
 BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE. 
 
 Edward I. 
 
 28 Par. at Westminster, Stephen Ayott,* Thomas Taylur. 
 
 30 ,, at London, Adam dc Guldeford, Roger Allitarius. 
 
 33 ,, at West., Roger Allitarius, John le Piston 
 
 34 „ „ Peter le Cotiler, John le Baker. 
 
 35 ,, at Carlisle, Peter le Cotiler, Andrew Batyn. 
 
 * In his place, being infirm, John de la Lude.
 
 Edward II. 
 
 i Par. Northampton, Peter le Cotiler, Roger de Sandwell. 
 
 2 ,, at West, Peter le Cotiler, Edm. de Haveringdown. 
 
 2 at West. 
 
 6 „ Thomas Gerveys, Matthew le Fuller. 
 
 6 ,, Robert Paer, William le Cassiere. 
 
 8 „ Balliviis honoris Wallingford, nullum dedit responsum. 
 
 t 2 at York, Robert Smith, William le Fote. 
 
 1 6 at West., Richard le Haslere of Harlere, Bennet le Cassiere. 
 
 19 „ John le Taylor, John de Sandwell. 
 
 20 „ Roger Sandwell, Matthew le Fuller. 
 
 Edward III. 
 
 i Par. at Line, Richard atte Walle, John atte Donne. 
 (t at York, Cedilla manca.) 
 
 2 at Northampton, John atte Don, Henry de Mussenden. 
 4 at Winchester, John le Harriere, Richard Perre. 
 
 6 at West., Matthew Fuller, Richard Fottering. 
 
 7 „ Jordan de Wycombe, Richard Bennet. 
 
 8 „ Jordan de Wycombe, Richard Beneye, qy. Bennet. 
 
 9 „ John Ayot,* Richard Perkyn. 
 
 io ,, John le Harrare, Thomas Gervays. 
 
 io Council at Northampton, John Agod, qy. Ayot, Richard Abyndon. 
 
 1 1 Par. at West., John le Clerk, John Pool. 
 
 12 at York, Stephen Ayot, John le Taverner. 
 
 12 at Northamp., Thomas Gerveys, Jordan de Preston. 
 
 12 at West., Thomas Gerveys, Jordan de Preston. 
 
 13 „ Thomas Gerveys, Jordan de Preston. 
 
 14 „ Jordan de Preston, Thomas Gerveys. 
 
 1 5 „ Robert Stenstoole, Robert Haughford. t 
 20 „ Robert Haughford, Ralf Barber. 
 
 * He was Lord of Shalleston in the hundred of Buckingham, which estate passed in mar- 
 riage with his daughter and heiress to William Purefoy, whose family still possess it. 
 
 f Query Harleyford : there was, it is believed, a family of that name then residing there. 
 
 K
 
 66 
 
 2i at West., John Martyn, Robert Cuttingham. 
 
 22 .. Walter atte Leech, William Cassiere. 
 
 29 ,, Thomas Gerveys, Ralf Haughford. 
 
 31 Thomas Gerveys, Robt. qy. de Haughford. 
 
 31 John Mepertshale, Thomas Gerveys. 
 
 34 ,, Thomas Gerveys, Robert le Wheeler. 
 
 34 Thomas Gerveys, Robert Spigwinell. 
 
 36 „ Thomas Gerveys, William Frere. 
 
 39 „ Thomas Cornwaile, Richard Barbour. 
 
 42 ,, William atte Dene, Thomas Cornewayle. 
 
 43 „ Thomas Gerveys, William atte Dene. 
 
 45 Council at Winchester , William atte Dene. 
 
 46 Par. at West., William atte Dene, John Bledlowe. 
 
 47 „ William atte Dene, Thomas Ballard. 
 53 „ William atte Dene, Thomas Ballard. 
 
 Richard II. 
 
 1 Par. at West, William atte Dene, Rich. Sand well. 
 
 2 at Gloucester, William atte Dene, Rich. Jurdaine. 
 
 3 at West., William atte Dene, Richard Sand well. 
 
 5 ,, Thomas Ravell, Walter Frere. 
 
 6 „ William Kele, William atte Dene. 
 
 7 at New Sarum, Stephen Watford, John Petymin. 
 
 8 at West, William atte Dene, Richard Kele. 
 
 9 „ Stephen Watford, Richard Kele. 
 
 10 „ Walter Frere, Richard Holyman. 
 
 1 1 ,, Walter Frere, Richard Holyman. 
 
 12 at Cambridge, Stephen Watford, William atte Dene. 
 
 15 at West, William Dene, William Depham. 
 
 16 at Winchester, William Depham, Walter Waltham. 
 18 at West, William atte Dene, Nicholas Depham. 
 20 „ Richard Sandwcll, Walter Waltham. 
 
 Henry IV. 
 
 1 Par. at West., John Cottingham, William Clerke. 
 3 „ Nicholas Sperling, John Sandwell.
 
 6; 
 
 Henry V. 
 
 i Par. at West., Henry Spiling, Roger Moore. 
 
 2 ,, William Hall, John Coventry. 
 
 3 ,, William Clerk, Andrew Sperling. 
 5 ,, Andrew Sperling, Robert Moore. 
 
 7 at Gloucester, Wm. Merchant, John Cottingham. 
 
 8 at West., Roger Moore, Thomas Merston. 
 
 9 ,, John Harewood, Thomas Pusee. 
 9 „ Roger Moore, Richard Merston. 
 
 Henry VI. 
 
 i Par. at West., Nicolas Stepton, John Coventry. 
 
 2 ,, John Coventry, Roger Moore. 
 
 3 „ William Whapelade, John Cottingham. 
 
 4 at Leicester, Thomas Muston, William Stocton. 
 
 6 at West, John Coventry, John Justice. 
 
 8 ,, John Wellesbourn,* John Bishop. 
 
 9 ,, Roger Moore, William Fowler. 
 
 1 1 „ John Martyn, John Blackpoll. 
 
 13 „ John Durein, John Cottingham. 
 
 14 ,, John Durein, John Cottingham. 
 
 15 at Cambridge, John Hill, Esq., Bartholomew Hailing. 
 20 at West., John Radeshill, John Martyn. 
 
 25 at Cambridge, John Wellesbourn, John Martyn. 
 
 27 at West, John Wellesbourn, John Haynes. 
 
 28 „ William Stocton, Nicholas Fayrewell. 
 
 29 „ William Stocton, Thomas Moore. 
 
 31 at Reading, Walter Collard, David Thomasyn. 
 
 Edward IV. 
 
 7 at West, Thomas Mansell, Thomas Catbery. 
 
 1 2 „ Thomas Fowler.f Thomas Fayrewell. 
 
 * He was probably descended from Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and resided 
 at Hitcbenden [Hughenden]. 
 
 t Sheriff, 19 Ed. IV., 2 Rich. III., and 3 Hen. VII.
 
 68 
 
 17 at West., Thomas Gate, Thomas Wellysborne. 
 The writs, returns, and indentures, from 17 Ed. IV. to Henry VIII. 
 are all lost. 
 
 Henry VIII. 
 33 Par. at West, John Gatts,* William Dormer. 
 
 Edward VI. 
 
 1 Par. at West., Thomas Fisher, Armigyll Wade. 
 6 „ Henry Peckham, John Cheyney. 
 
 Mary. 
 
 1 Par. at West., Henry Peckham, Robert Drury. 
 1 „ at Oxford, Henry Peckham, Thomas Pymme. 
 
 Philip and Mary. 
 
 1 and 2 Par. at West., John , Robert Drury. 
 
 2 and 3 ,, Henry Peckham, Robert Drury. 
 
 4 and 5 ,, Thomas Pymme, Robert Woodlease. • 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 1 Par. at West., Thomas Pymme, qy. 
 
 5 ,, Thomas Fermore, Esq., Thos. Neale, qy. 
 
 13 ,, John Russel, Robert Christmas. 
 
 14 „ Thomas Neale, Rowland Goales. 
 
 27 ,, John Morley of London, George Cawfield of Gray's 
 
 Inn. 
 
 28 ,, Thomas Ridley, LL.D., George Fleetwood de la 
 
 Vache. 
 31 „ Owen Oglethorp of Newington, Oxon., Francis 
 
 Goodwin. 
 35 ,, Thomas Tasburgh of Beaconsfield, Thos. Fortescue 
 
 of the Inner Temple. 
 39 „ William Fortescue, John Tasburgh. 
 
 43 „• Richard Blunt, Henry Fleetwood. 
 
 * Sheriff, 38 Hen. VIII.
 
 6 9 
 
 James I. 
 
 i Par. at West., John Townsend, Kt.,* Henry Fleetwood. 
 12 ,. William Borlase. 
 
 1 8 „ Richard Lovelace, Arthur Goodwin. 
 
 21 „ Henry Cook, Arthur Goodwin. 
 
 Charles I. 
 
 i Par. at West., Henry Cook, Thomas Lane, 
 i „ Henry Cook, Edmund Waller. 
 
 3 ,, William Borlase, Kt, Thos. Lane. 
 
 15 ,, Edmund Verney, Kt. Marshal, Thos. Lane. 
 
 16 „ Edmund Verney, Kt. Marshal, Thos. Lane, 
 
 Richard Browne, vice Verney, deceased. 
 1654. Thomas Scotf of Lambeth. 
 1656. Thomas Scot, Maj.-gen., Tobias Bridge. 
 1658-9. Thomas Scot, Maj.-gen., Tobias Bridge. 
 
 Charles II. 
 
 12 Par. at West, Edmund Petty, Richard Brown, Edmund Petty, 
 
 Recorder, Thomas Scott, double return. 
 
 13 „ Edmund Pye, Kt. and Bart, John Borlase, Bart, 
 
 Robert Sawyer, vice Pye, deceased. 
 31 „ John Borlase, Bart, Thomas Lewis. J 
 
 31 ,, John Borlase, Bart, Thomas Lewis. 
 
 32 at Oxford, John Borlase, Bart, Thomas Lewis. 
 
 * Ancestor of the Marquis Townshend. 
 
 ■j- Major-general Thomas Scott was a brewer's clerk, afterwards became an attorney at 
 Aylesbury, and was elected as one of the representatives of Aylesbury in the Long Parliament, 
 and subsequently, by countenance of the Grandees, was elected to represent this borough. He 
 was so violent against King Charles the First, that he desired no other epitaph over his grave 
 than "Here lies Thomas Scott, one of the King's Judges." He signed the warrant for the 
 King's execution, and suffered death as a Regicide. See " Heath's Chronicle of the Civil Wars." 
 
 X Alderman of London, and Lord of the Manor of West Wycombe.
 
 yo 
 
 James II. 
 i Par. at West, Dennis Hampson, Bart, Edward Baldwin, Recorder, 
 
 and Lord of the Manor of Temple Wycombe. 
 
 William and Mary. 
 
 i Par. at West, Thomas Lewis, William Jephson. 
 2 „ William Jephson, Thomas Lewis, 
 
 Charles Godfrey, vice Jephson, deceased. 
 
 William III. 
 
 7 Par. at West., Thomas Lewis, Charles Godfrey, 
 
 Fleetwood Dormer, vice Lewis, deceased. 
 10 .. Charles Godfrey, John Archdale, 
 
 Thomas Archdale, vice John Archdale, who 
 refused to take the oaths, being a Quaker. 
 
 12 „ Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer, 
 
 13 „ Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer. 
 
 Anne. 
 
 1 Par. at West., Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer. 
 4 ,, Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer. 
 
 7 „ Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer. 
 
 9 ,, Sir Thomas Lee, Bart, Charles Godfrey. 
 
 12 „ Sir Thomas Lee, Bart, Sir John Wittewrong, Bart. 
 
 George I. 
 
 1 st Sir Thomas Lee, Bart., Sir John Wittewrong, Bart 
 9th The Hon. Charles Egerton, The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Shelburne. 
 Feb. 1. 1725. Charles Collyer, vice Egerton, deceased.* 
 This Election was declared void. 
 
 • It has previously been mentioned, that the borough of Wycombe was not, in earlier times, 
 altogether exempt from corrupt and illegal practices at Parliamentary Elections, which will be 
 further indicated by the copies of publications issued from the press on the occasion of the 
 contested election between the Hon. Charles Collyer and Harry Waller, Esq., for which see 
 Appendix II. 
 
 See also a graphic account of the Marquis of Wharton's canvass of the borough, in the 
 Liberal interest, which is corroborative of the above remark. Appendix III.
 
 7' 
 
 March 8. The Hon. C. Collyer again elected. 
 
 March 1 7. By order of the House, his name was erased, and that of 
 Harry Waller inserted.* 
 
 George II. 
 
 1st Harry Waller, William Lee. 
 1730 The Hon. Sir Charles Vernon, vice Lee, made one of the 
 
 Judges of the King's Bench. 
 8th Harry Waller, Edmund Waller. 
 
 Sir Charles Vernon, vice Edmund Waller, who made his Election 
 for Marlow. 
 1 5th Edmund Waller, Harry Waller. 
 
 Edmund Waller re-elected, having been appointed Cofferer of His 
 Majesty's Household. 
 21st Edmund Waller, Edmund Waller Jun. 
 28th John Waller, The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Shelburne. 
 31st Edmund Waller, vice John, deceased. 
 
 George III. 
 
 1st Robert Waller, Lord Viscount Fitzmaurice. 
 1 76 1 Isaac Barre, vice Lord Vise. Fitzmaurice, called to the House of 
 
 Peers, now Marquis of Lansdowne. 
 9th Robert Waller, The Rt. Hon. Isaac Barre. 
 15th Robert Waller, The Hon. Thomas Fitzmaurice. 
 2 1st Robert Waller, Lord Viscount Mahon. 
 25th Robert Waller, Lord Viscount Mahon. 
 1786 The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Wycombe, vice Lord Vise. Mahon, 
 
 called to the House of Peers, on the decease of his father, 
 
 Earl Stanhope. 
 30th The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Wycombe. Admiral Sir John Jervis, 
 
 K.B.t 
 
 * The Mayor made a false return. See " Journals of the House." 
 
 f Sir J. Jervis after various promotions, was, in 1795, appointed to the command of the 
 Mediterranean Fleet, with which he performed the great exploit of his life, by intercepting and 
 defeating the Spanish Fleet off Cape St. Vincent, February 14th, 1797. For this victor)', Sir J.
 
 3 6th 
 
 R 
 
 42nd 
 
 S 
 
 47th 
 
 S 
 
 48th 
 
 S 
 
 52nd 
 
 S 
 
 58th 
 
 s 
 
 72 
 
 1794 Sir Francis Baring, Bart., vice Jervis, made Steward of the Chil- 
 tern Hundreds. 
 Rt. Hon. the Earl of Wycombe, Sir John Dashwood King, 
 Bart, 
 ir [. D. King-, Bart., Sir Francis Baring, Bart. 
 ir J. I). King, Bart., Thomas Baring, Esq. 
 ir J. D. King, Bart., Thomas Baring, Esq. 
 ir J. D. King, Bart, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. 
 ir J. D. King, Bart., Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. 
 
 George IV. 
 
 1820 Sir J. D. King, Bart., Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. 
 r826 Sir J. D. King, Bart, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. 
 
 William IV. 
 
 1 83 1 Hon. Robt. John Smith, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart. 
 
 1832 Hon. Chas. Grey, vice Sir T. Baring, Bart., resigned. 
 1835 Hon. Robt. John Smith, Hon. Charles Grey. 
 
 Victoria. 
 
 1837 George Robt. Smith, Esq., G. H. Dashwood, Esq. 
 
 1841 Geo. H. Dashwood, Esq., R. Bernal, Jun., Esq. 
 
 1847 Geo. H. Dashwood, Esq., M. T. Smith, Esq. On the death of 
 
 Sir G. H. Dashwood, Bart. 
 1862 Martin T. Smith, Esq., J. R. Mills, Esq. 
 1865 The Hon. Chas. Robt. Carington, J. R. Mills, Esq. After the 
 
 passing of the second Reform Bill, Captn. The Hon. W. 
 
 Carington. 
 
 Tervis was raised to the Peerage by the title of Earl St. Vincent, and Baron Jervis of Meaford. 
 Two Brass pieces of Ordnance taken from the enemy were presented, as a token of regard, by 
 the noble and gallant Earl, to the late Isaac King, Esq., one of the Aldermen of the said 
 Borough, and also a Magistrate for the County, and were subsequently presented by his Grand- 
 son, the late Rev. Isaac King, of Bradenham R.ectory, to the Author.
 
 73 
 
 "Copy STATE OF THE POLL, at the Election of two Burgesses to serve in the ensuing 
 Parliament, for the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, in the County of Bucks. Taken before 
 the Worshipful and Reverend John Manning, Mayor, on Saturday, June die Nineteenth 1790. 
 
 " Candidates — Right Hon. Earl Wycombe, Sir John Jervis, Knight of the Bath, and John 
 Dashwood, Esq. 
 
 Sworn 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 
 Sworn 
 Ditto 
 
 Sworn 
 
 Sworn 
 
 Sworn 
 
 Sworn 
 
 Henry Howard, of Camberwell, Surrey, Farmer 
 
 Henry Alnut, Sen., Borough of Wycombe, Gent. 
 
 Joseph Veary, Sen., of Ditto, Blacksmith 
 
 Samuel Baldwin, of Charing Cross, Westminster 
 
 Joseph Steel, of Well-End, Bucks, Gent. 
 
 R" Hon. Isaac Barre, Stanhope-S'., Westminster 
 
 John Carter, Borough of Wycombe, Maltster 
 
 Josiah Powell, of Ditto, Gardener . 
 
 Samuel Welles, of Ditto, Esquire 
 
 Joseph Stevens, of Ditto, Miller 
 
 Richard Witchurch, of Ditto, Esq. 
 
 Joseph Shrimpton, of Ditto, Gent. . 
 
 Isaac King, Parish of Ditto, Esq. 
 
 Richard Welles, Borough of Ditto, Gent. . 
 
 Ferdinand Line, City of Bristol, Gent. 
 
 Christopher Widmer, Wycombe, Brandy Merch 1 . 
 
 John Price, Talgarth, Brecon . 
 
 Henry Grange, Borough of Wycombe, Esq. 
 
 Daniel Squire, of Ditto, Gent. 
 
 Thomas Jones, Clerk, of Dinton, Bucks . 
 
 William Lowe, of Piccadilly, London, Painter 
 
 Samuel Rotton, Borough of Wycombe, Esq. . 
 
 Thomas Birch, City of London, Linen Draper 
 
 Samuel Veary, Borough of Wycombe, Blacksmith 
 
 Thomas Rose, of Ditto, Jun. 
 
 Thomas Weller, of Ditto, Carpenter 
 
 Thomas Shrimpton, of Ditto, Esq. 
 
 James Batting, of Ditto, Esq. . 
 
 Samuel Manning, of Ditto, Esq. . 
 
 James Price, Clerk, of Ditto . 
 
 John Charsley, of Ditto, Attorney at Law . 
 
 Thomas Rose, of Ditto, Apothecary . . 
 
 John Bates, of Wycombe Marsh, Esq. 
 
 Richard Welles, City of London, Stationer 
 
 Samuel Welles, Borough of Wycombe, Brewer 
 
 Joseph Shrimpton, Bedford Square, London, Esq 
 
 William Peck, Lambs Conduit S'., London, Esq. 
 
 Hon. Wilbraham Tolleniache, City of Westminster 
 
 Hon. Thomas Fitzmaurice, Llweny, Sou. Wales . 
 
 W 
 
 J 
 
 D
 
 74 
 
 Sworn 
 
 Sir John Jervis, K.B 
 
 Right Honourable Earl Wycombe 
 Thomas Clarke, Borough of Wycombe, Esq. 
 John Bates, of Ditto, Esq. .... 
 Thomas Clarke, University of Oxford, Gent. 
 John Manning, Clerk, Borough of Wycombe 
 Joseph Bell, of Ditto, Esq. 
 James Fastnage, of Ditto, Gent. . 
 
 w 
 
 J 
 
 a III II 
 
 34 
 
 26 
 
 ^ » >* 
 22 
 
 "Copy STATE OF THE POLL at the Election of a Burgess, to serve in Parliament, 
 for the Borough of Chepping- Wycombe, in the County of Bucks. Taken before the Worshipful 
 Thomas Clarke, Esq., Mayor, on Saturday the 1st of February, 1794. 
 
 Sworn 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 
 Candidates — Sir John Dashwood, Bar', of West Wycombe House, and 
 Sir Francis Baring, Bar*. 
 
 I) 
 Henry Allnutt, Sen., Borough of Wycombe, Gent. 
 Right Hon. Col. Barre, Stanhope Street, Westminster 
 John Carter, Borough of Wycombe, Gent. . 
 Samuel Welles, of ditto, Esq. . 
 James Fastnage, of ditto, Gent. . 
 Joseph Bell, of ditto, Esq. 
 Thomas Rose, of ditto, Apothecary 
 John Bates, Esq., Reading 
 William Lowe, of Piccadilly, London, Painter 
 Daniel Squires, Borough of Wycombe, Gent. 
 Rev d John Manning, of ditto, LL.B. 
 Ferdinand Line, City of Bristol, Gent. 
 Thomas Birch, City of London, Linen Draper 
 Rev d Richard Welles, Portsmouth . 
 Samuel Romilly, Esq., Lincoln's Inn, London 
 John Bates, of Wycombe Marsh, Esq re 
 James Blackstone, Esq., V.P., Oxford . 
 John Tirel-Morin, Esq., Weeden Lodge, Bucks 
 Joseph Shrimpton, Borough of Wycombe, Gent. 
 Andrew Biddle, of ditto, Brewer 
 Thomas Shrimpton, of ditto, Esq. 
 Rev. Thomas Clarke, Buckland, Bucks 
 Rev. James Price, A.M., Vicar of Wycombe 
 Richard Welles, City of London, Stationer 
 Robert Cosens, Tetsworth, Oxon, Grazier . 
 James Batting, Esq., Borough of Wycombe 
 John Price, Talgarth, Brecon, Gent. . 
 Rev d Thomas Jones, Clerk, of Dinton, Bucks 
 
 B
 
 75 
 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 Ditto 
 
 Thomas Aldridge, Esq., of Wycombe . 
 
 John Goodwin, of Wycombe Marsh, Paper Maker 
 
 Samuel Veary, Borough of Wycombe, Blacksmith 
 
 Samuel Wells, Borough of Wycombe, Gent. 
 
 Henry Grange, Borough of Wycombe, Esq. 
 
 Joseph Stevens, of ditto, Miller 
 
 Richard Whichchurch, Esq., Mumfords, Bucks 
 
 Rev. James Prosser, of Cheddington, Bucks 
 
 Ben. Vaughan, Esq., M.P., Finsbury Square, London 
 
 John Rutt, Mould Maker, Wycombe 
 
 William Vaughan, Esq., London 
 
 Josiah Powel, of Wycombe, Gardener 
 
 John Sherwood, Mark Lane, London, Contractor 
 
 Sam. Sproston, Gent 
 
 George Harman, Borough of Wycombe, Cooper 
 
 Samuel Rotton, Borough of Wycombe, Esq. 
 
 James Matthie, of ditto .... 
 
 Samuel Manning, of ditto, Esq. 
 
 Isaac King, parish of ditto, Esq. 
 
 John Charsley, of ditto, Attorney at Law 
 
 Right Hon. Earl Wycombe 
 
 Henry Smith, Drapers' Hall, London, Gent. 
 
 Thomas Clarke, Esq., Mayor 
 
 D 
 
 B 
 
 22 
 
 29" 
 
 The following are the results of the Polls taken since 1 794 
 
 1832. Hon. Robert Smith 
 
 Hon. Col. Grey 
 
 Benjamin Disraeli, Esq 
 1 84 1. Sir G. H. Dashwood, Bart 
 
 R. Bernal Osborne, Esq 
 
 J. Freshfield, Esq. 
 
 W. Alexander, Esq. 
 1852. Sir G. H. Dashwood 
 
 Martin T. Smith, Esq. 
 
 Wm. Simpson, Esq. 
 
 On the death of Sir G. H. 
 
 1862. J. R. Mills, Esq. 
 D. Cameron, Esq. 
 
 170. 
 
 140. 
 
 119. 
 
 rt 1 80. 
 
 159. 
 
 130. 
 
 80. 
 
 259- 
 
 204. 
 
 in. 
 
 Dashwood. 
 220. 
 
 158.
 
 7<3 
 
 After the passing of the second Reform Bill, when the Borough 
 returned one Member only : — 
 
 1868. Capt. The Hon. W. Carington 701. 
 
 J. R. Mills, Esq. 500. 
 
 1874. Lieut. Col. The Hon. W. Carington 953. 
 
 Mr. H. Broad hurst 415. 
 
 F. Charsley, Esq. 19. 
 
 MAYORS OF CHIPPING WYCOMBE. 
 
 14. Thomas Gale. 
 
 15. William Readhead. 
 
 Edward IY. 
 
 16, 17, 18. Richard Cary. 
 19, 20, 21. Christopher Waes. 
 22, 23. Richard Car) - . 
 
 1. The Same. 
 
 Richard III. 
 
 William Readhead. 
 
 
 
 Henr\ 
 
 ' VII 
 
 
 
 I. 
 
 William Readhead. 
 
 
 14. 
 
 15- 
 
 Roger Bramston. 
 
 2. 
 
 William Monday. 
 
 
 16. 
 
 
 John Alley. 
 
 3- 
 
 Thomas Pyman q. 
 
 Pymm. 
 
 17- 
 
 
 Robert Astbrook. 
 
 4- 
 
 Roger Bramston. 
 
 
 18. 
 
 
 William Alley. 
 
 5- 
 
 Robert Astbrook. 
 
 
 19, 
 
 20, 21. 
 
 Nic. Gerrard. 
 
 6. 
 
 Thomas Pymm. 
 
 
 22. 
 
 
 Robert Astbrook. 
 
 7,8. 
 
 Richard Cary. 
 
 
 23- 
 
 
 Nic. Gerrard. 
 
 9, 10. 
 
 Thomas Pymm. 
 
 
 24. 
 
 
 William Alley. 
 
 Hi 12, 13 
 
 Humphrey Wellisbon. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I [enrv 
 
 VIII 
 
 . 
 
 
 1. 
 
 Thomas Freere. 
 
 
 
 5- 
 
 Robert Astbrook. 
 
 2. 
 
 Roger Bramston. 
 
 
 
 6. 
 
 William Chalfont. 
 
 
 Robert Astbrook 
 
 
 
 7- 
 
 Richard Burch. 
 
 4. 
 
 Richard Burch. 
 
 
 
 8. 
 
 William Chalfont.
 
 77 
 
 9, io. Thomas Freere. 
 
 28. 
 
 William Juncklyn. 
 
 1 1 . Robert Astbrook. 
 
 29. 
 
 Christopher Pusey. 
 
 i 2. William Chalfont. 
 
 3°- 
 
 George Peytever. 
 
 13, 14. Robert Astbrook. 
 
 3'- 
 
 John Keele. 
 
 15, 16. Richard Burch. 
 
 32. 
 
 John Brasbrich. 
 
 17. Robert Astbrook. 
 
 33- 
 
 William Juncklyn. 
 
 18. George Peytever. 
 
 34- 
 
 John Littleboy. 
 
 19. William Juncklyn. 
 
 35- 
 
 Thomas Bottery. 
 
 20, 21, 22. Robert Astbrook. 
 
 3 6 - 
 
 George Peytever. 
 
 23. William Juncklyn. 
 
 37- 
 
 William Alley. 
 
 24, 25, 26, 27. Geo. Peytever. 
 
 33. 
 
 Thomas Chalfont. 
 
 Edwai 
 
 u) VI. 
 
 
 1. John Welles. 
 
 4- 
 
 William Gravetts. 
 
 2. Robert Pusey. 
 
 5- 
 
 Edward Cary. 
 
 3. Simon Whitmell. 
 
 6. 
 
 George Paytefer. 
 
 7. John R 
 
 aunce. 
 
 • 
 
 Ma 
 
 RY. 
 
 
 1. Thomas Chalfont. 
 
 4- 
 
 George Littleboy. 
 
 2. John Raunce. 
 
 5- 
 
 Robert Gravett. 
 
 3. Thomas Pymm. 
 
 6. 
 
 Thomas Keele. 
 
 Eliza 
 
 BETH. 
 
 
 1. Thomas Keele. 
 
 14. 
 
 William Thwaites. 
 
 2. John Sterling. 
 
 15- 
 
 Robert Collings. 
 
 3. Rowland Witnall. 
 
 16. 
 
 Rowland Witnall. 
 
 4, 5- - 
 
 i7- 
 
 Thomas Keele. 
 
 6. William Thwaites. 
 
 18. 
 
 Rowland Brasbrigg 
 
 7. George Littleboy. 
 
 19 
 
 Robert Cullyn. 
 
 8. Francis Sparkes. 
 
 20. 
 
 Tristram Winch. 
 
 9. Tristram Winch. 
 
 21. 
 
 William Munday. 
 
 10. Thomas Francis. 
 
 22. 
 
 Tristram Winch. 
 
 1 1. Thomas Keele. 
 
 23- 
 
 Thomas Keele. 
 
 12. Francis Sparkes. 
 
 24. 
 
 Robert Cullyn. 
 
 13. Tristram Winch. 
 
 25- 
 
 William Munday.
 
 78 
 
 26. 
 
 Tristram Winch. 
 
 35- 
 
 John Greenland. 
 
 2 7 . 
 
 Francis Challener. 
 
 36- 
 
 John Gibbons. 
 
 28. 
 
 John Greenland. 
 
 37 
 
 John Fox. 
 
 29. 
 
 Thomas Kcmpe. 
 
 38. 
 
 John Welles. 
 
 3o. 
 
 John Gibbons. 
 
 39- 
 
 Thomas Welles. 
 
 3i- 
 
 Thomas Hayly. 
 
 40. 
 
 John Greenland. 
 
 32. 
 
 Francis Challener. 
 
 41. 
 
 Thomas Gibbons 
 
 o "1 
 JO- 
 
 John Fox. 
 
 42. 
 
 Thomas Tayler. 
 
 34- 
 
 John Welles. 
 
 43- 
 
 Ambrose Conwa) 
 
 44. William Shrimpton. 
 
 James I. 
 
 1. Gabriel Redman. 
 
 2. George Welles. 
 
 3. William Ayre. 
 
 4. Gabriel Redman. 
 Thomas Welles. 
 Michael Burgh. 
 John Littlepage. 
 Thomas Brandon. 
 Thomas Gibbons. 
 William Shrimpton. 
 Robert Eeles. 
 
 5- 
 
 6. 
 
 7- 
 
 8. 
 
 9- 
 10. 
 1 1. 
 
 1. William Guy. 
 
 2. John Littlepage. 
 
 3. John Bigg. 
 
 4. John Davenport. 
 
 5. Richard Gibbons. 
 
 6. Thomas Lock. 
 
 7. Richard Gibbons. 
 
 8. Thomas Ayre. 
 
 9. Matthew Pettypher. 
 10. Edward Winch. 
 
 Charles I. 
 
 12. 
 
 William Ayre. 
 
 13 
 
 Robert Biscoe. 
 
 14. 
 
 John Littlepage. 
 
 15- 
 
 . 
 
 16. 
 
 George Welles. 
 
 i7- 
 
 Thomas Brandon 
 
 18. 
 
 Thomas Gibbons. 
 
 19. 
 
 Richard Gibbons. 
 
 20. 
 
 John Davenport. 
 
 21. 
 
 Robert Biscoe. 
 
 22. 
 
 George Welles. 
 
 1 1. 
 
 John Gibbons. 
 
 12. 
 
 Richard Nelson. 
 
 
 ( Thomas Bedder. 
 [Thomas Welles, 
 
 x 3- 
 
 14. 
 
 Thomas Hobbs. 
 
 15- 
 
 George Bradshaw. 
 
 16. 
 
 John Collins. 
 
 17- 
 
 William Guy. 
 
 18. 
 
 
 19. 
 
 .
 
 79 
 
 20. 
 
 
 
 22. J 
 
 imes Bigg. 
 
 21. 
 
 Edward Bedder. 
 
 
 23. C 
 
 reorge More. 
 
 
 24- 
 
 John Gibbons. 
 
 
 
 The 
 
 Commonwealth. 
 
 
 1649 
 
 Nicholas Bradshaw 
 
 
 1654. 
 
 Nicholas Bradshaw. 
 
 165c 
 
 Stephen Bates. 
 
 
 1655. 
 
 Henry Elliott. 
 
 1651 
 
 . William Fisher. 
 
 
 1656. 
 
 John Grove. 
 
 1652 
 
 James Bigg. 
 
 
 1657. 
 
 Samuel Guy. 
 
 1653 
 
 [ John King. 
 
 
 1658. 
 
 Richard Nelson. 
 
 ' ( John Gibbons. 
 
 
 1659. 
 
 George Timberlake. 
 
 
 
 Charles II. 
 
 
 13. 
 
 Richard Lucas. 
 
 
 26. 
 
 Alexander Parnham 
 
 14. 
 
 Thomas Gibbons. 
 
 
 27. 
 
 Henry Bedder. 
 
 15- 
 
 Nicholas Bradshaw. 
 
 
 28. 
 
 Edward Bedder. 
 
 16. 
 
 Thomas Gibbons. 
 
 
 29. 
 
 Thomas Davies. 
 
 '7- 
 
 Henry Elliott. 
 
 
 30. 
 
 Charles Elliott. 
 
 18. 
 
 Edward Bedder. 
 
 
 3 1 - 
 
 John Wheeler. 
 
 19. 
 
 James Bigg. 
 
 
 32. 
 
 Jonathan Randall. 
 
 20. 
 
 Richard Lucas. 
 
 
 33- 
 
 Henry Bigg. 
 
 21. 
 
 Samuel Welles. 
 
 
 34- 
 
 John Michell. 
 
 2 2. 
 
 Thomas Gibbons. 
 
 
 35- 
 
 John Pettypher. 
 
 23- 
 
 Robert Whitton. 
 
 
 36, 37- 
 
 John Lane. 
 
 24. 
 f 
 
 Martyn Luellyn. 
 'Nicholas Bradshaw. 
 
 
 38. 
 
 Robert Whitton. 
 
 M 
 
 Henry Bigg. 
 -Richard Lucas. 
 
 
 
 
 1. Robert Whitton. 
 
 2. John Bigg. 
 
 James II. 
 
 Richard Rutt. 
 
 4. George Bradshaw. 
 Thomas Grove.
 
 So 
 
 i. Thomas Grove. 
 2. Thomas Fellows. 
 •?. Thomas Stevens. 
 
 William and Mary. 
 
 4. Thomas Barnes. 
 
 5. John Bigg. 
 
 6. Thomas Alford. 
 John Blacknall. 
 
 Edward Marshall. 
 George Grove. 
 
 8. 
 
 9- 
 
 10. Thomas Fellows. 
 
 11. Thomas Barnes. 
 
 William (alone). 
 
 12 
 
 George Clewer. 
 Ferdinando Shrimpton. 
 
 1 3. Thomas Stevens. 
 
 14. John Bigg. 
 
 15. Thomas Alford. 
 
 Anne. 
 
 I. 
 
 Thomas Alford. 
 
 
 7- 
 
 Thomas Wood. 
 
 2. 
 
 Thomas Alford. 
 
 
 8. 
 
 The same. 
 
 3- 
 
 Thomas Stevens. 
 
 
 9- 
 
 Thomas Russin. 
 
 4- 
 
 Benjamin Hinckman. 
 
 
 10. 
 
 Hugh Shrimpton. 
 
 5- 
 
 George Alford. 
 
 
 1 1. 
 
 Ferdinando Shrimpton. 
 
 6. 
 
 Ferdinando Shrimptoi 
 
 . 
 
 1 2. 
 
 Thomas Stevens. 
 
 
 13- 
 
 Benjamin Hickman. 
 
 
 
 George I. 
 
 
 1. 
 
 Benjamin Hickman. 
 
 
 8. 
 
 Richard Shrimpton.* 
 
 2. 
 
 Henry Hunt. 
 
 
 9- 
 
 Ferdinando Shrimpton. 
 
 3- 
 
 Thomas Wood. 
 
 
 10. 
 
 John Smales. 
 
 4. 
 
 John Stevens. 
 
 
 1 1. 
 
 Thomas Shrimpton. 
 
 5 
 
 and 6. Hugh Shrimpto 
 
 n. 
 
 1 2. 
 
 Edward Bedder. 
 
 7- 
 
 John Smales. 
 
 
 '3- 
 
 Ferdinando Shrimpton. 
 
 
 
 14. The same. 
 
 
 * In 1726, Richard Shrimpton, the Mayor, was served with an order of the House of 
 Commons, for permitting Harry Waller, Esq., or his agent, to inspect the Records of that 
 Borough (in consequence of a late election), and refused to obey the same; when he was 
 ordered to be taken into custody by the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the books for entering the names 
 of the freemen to be delivered to the Clerk of the House ; and the House made the following
 
 Si 
 
 io 
 1 1. 
 
 12. 
 
 13- 
 14. 
 
 i5- 
 16. 
 
 Ge< »rg 
 
 1. Ferdinando Shrimpton. 
 
 2. Joseph Tomlinson. 
 
 3. The same. 
 
 4. Edward Bedder. 
 
 5. Ferdinando Shrimpton. 
 
 6. The same. 
 
 7. John Welch. 
 
 8. Ralph Dean. 
 
 9. Edward Bedder. 
 The same. 
 John Bates. 
 John Clarke 
 Samuel Welles. 
 Joseph Shrimpton. 
 Richard Beacham. 
 John Welch. 
 
 33. Thomas 
 
 E II. 
 
 1 7. Edward Bedder. 
 
 18. Ralph Dean. 
 
 19. John Bates. 
 
 20. Ralph Dean. 
 
 2 1 . John Clarke. 
 
 22. Richard Bates. 
 
 23. Thomas Aldridge. 
 
 24. Richard Bates. 
 
 25. Richard Welles. 
 
 26. John Welch. 
 
 27. Joseph Shrimpton. 
 
 28. Richard Beacham. 
 
 29. Samuel Welles. 
 
 30. Thomas Rose. 
 
 31. John Bates, Jun. 
 
 32. Ralph Dean. 
 
 Aldridge. 
 
 George III. 
 
 1. Richard Welles. 
 
 2. Rev. James Price. 
 
 3. John Welch. 
 
 4. Joseph Shrimpton. 
 
 5. Samuel Welles. 
 
 6. Thomas Rose. 
 
 7. Thomas Rose, Jun. 
 
 8. John Bates. 
 
 9. Thomas Aldridge. 
 
 10. John Birch. 
 
 11. Samuel Shrimpton. 
 
 12. John Widmer. 
 
 13. Isaac King. 
 
 14. Samuel Shrimpton. 
 
 15. Rev. James Price. 
 
 16. Joseph Shrimpton. 
 
 resolutions thereupon : — " That in an entry of burgesses there had been made certain erasures ; 
 that persons had been admitted to vote who had no right so to do ; that the Honourable Charles 
 Collyer was not duly elected ; that Harry Waller, Esq., was duly elected to serve in that Parlia- 
 ment; that the Mayor was guilty of divers arbitrary, illegal, and partial proceedings at the 
 election ; and that Edmund Marshall, who had presumed to read the proclamation against riots, 
 whilst the burgesses were legally assembled for the electing a burgess to serve in Parliament, 
 without having sufficient authority, was guilty of a high infringement of the freedom of elections. 
 And it was ordered that the Mayor be committed to Newgate, by the Speaker's warrant ; and 
 that Edward Marshall be taken into custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms." 
 
 M
 
 82 
 
 17- 
 
 Thomas Rose. 
 
 39- 
 
 iS. 
 
 Joseph Steel. 
 
 40. 
 
 19. 
 
 Samuel Welles 
 
 41. 
 
 20. 
 
 John Bates. 
 
 42. 
 
 21. 
 
 Samuel Welles. 
 
 43- 
 
 22. 
 
 Joseph Bell. 
 
 44. 
 
 23- 
 
 Thomas Clarke. 
 
 45- 
 
 24. 
 
 Isaac King. 
 
 46. 
 
 25- 
 
 John Shrimpton. 
 
 47- 
 
 26. 
 
 Samuel Manning. 
 
 48. 
 
 27. 
 
 Rev. James Price, Sen. 
 
 49. 
 
 28. 
 
 Thomas Rose. 
 
 5°- 
 
 29. 
 
 Rev. James Price, Jun. 
 
 5i- 
 
 30. 
 
 Rev. John Manning. 
 
 52. 
 
 3 1 - 
 
 Daniel Squire. 
 
 53- 
 
 3 2 - 
 
 Samuel Welles. 
 
 54- 
 
 33- 
 
 Joseph Bell. 
 
 55- 
 
 34- 
 
 Thomas Clarke. 
 
 56. 
 
 35- 
 
 Isaac King. 
 
 57- 
 
 36. 
 
 Samuel Rotton. 
 
 58. 
 
 37- 
 
 Andrew Bicldle. 
 
 59- 
 
 38. 
 
 Benjamin Blackden. 
 
 60. 
 
 
 Geor< 
 
 3E IV. 
 
 1820. William Parker. 
 
 182 1. William Rose. 
 
 1822. Richard Barry Slater. 
 
 1823. John Carter. 
 
 Samuel Manning. 
 Rev. James Price. 
 Charles Ward. 
 Thomas Clarke. 
 Thomas Rose. 
 Isaac King 
 Charles Ward. 
 Richard Barry Slater. 
 Andrew Edward Biddlc. 
 William Baly. 
 Samuel Manning. 
 William Sproston. 
 John Carter, Jun. 
 William Parker. 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 William Rose. 
 Thomas Westwood. 
 Richard Barry Slater. 
 Rev. James Price. 
 Richard Barry Slater. 
 John Carter. 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 1824. John Matthie. 
 
 iS: 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 1826. Isaac King. 
 1S27. William Parker. 
 
 1828. William Rose. 
 
 
 
 WlL 
 
 LIAM IV. 
 
 
 1829. 
 
 William Denny. 
 
 
 
 I833- 
 
 Thomas Westwood. 
 
 1830. 
 
 Thomas Westwood. 
 
 
 
 1834. 
 
 Robert Wheeler till Dec 
 
 1831. 
 
 John Carter. 
 
 
 
 and 
 
 26th, when Town Coun- 
 
 1832. 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 
 
 i835- 
 
 cillors were elected.
 
 
 Vic 
 
 IT>RIA. 
 
 '8 36 
 
 James George Tatem 
 
 1856 
 
 
 (Jan. 1st. to Nov. 9th). 
 
 1S57 
 
 i8 3 6 
 
 George Harman. 
 
 1858. 
 
 ^37- 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 [859. 
 
 1838. 
 
 John Carter. 
 
 i860. 
 
 1839. 
 
 Buckmaster J. Tuck. 
 
 1 861. 
 
 1840. 
 
 George Lloyd Parker. 
 
 1862. 
 
 1841. 
 
 John Turner. 
 
 1863. 
 
 1842. 
 
 Alfred Lane. 
 
 1S64. 
 
 1843. 
 
 William Jackson. 
 
 1865. 
 
 1844. 
 
 Joseph Hunt. 
 
 1866. 
 
 i845- 
 
 Charles Harman. 
 
 »? 
 
 1846. 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 1867. 
 
 1S47. 
 
 William Blandy. 
 
 1868. 
 
 1848. 
 
 William Rose. 
 
 1869. 
 
 1849. 
 
 John Nash. 
 
 1 8 70. 
 
 1850. 
 
 Robert Wheeler, Jun. 
 
 1871. 
 
 1851. 
 
 John Turner. 
 
 1872. 
 
 1852. 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 1873- 
 
 1853- 
 
 Alfred Lane. 
 
 1874. 
 
 ft 
 
 Joseph Hunt. 
 
 1875. 
 
 1854. 
 
 Ralph Lansdale. 
 
 1S76. 
 
 i855- 
 
 Thomas Wheeler. 
 
 1S77. 
 
 . William Henry Hayden. 
 . Alfred Lane, Jun. 
 
 Buckmaster Joseph Tuck. 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 Ralph Lansdale. 
 
 Thomas Wheeler. 
 
 Joseph Hunt. 
 
 Purton Weston. 
 
 Charles Strange. 
 
 Robert Wheeler. 
 
 John Turner. 
 
 Thomas Wheeler. 
 
 John Turner. 
 
 William Henry Hayden. 
 
 John Parker, Jun. 
 
 Joseph Hunt. 
 
 Francis Wheeler. 
 
 Thomas Gilbert. 
 
 Thomas Wheeler. 
 
 William Vincent Baines. 
 
 George Wheeler. 
 
 William Phillips. 
 
 In the year 1608, by an Order in Council, the Mayor was required to 
 make a feast on his going out of office. 
 
 In 1654, the Mayor was allowed ^"40 per annum towards defraying the 
 expenses incident to his office. 
 
 In 1 66 1, the allowance was increased to ^50, the outgoing Mayor, on 
 the Thursday before Michaelmas day, to make a feast for the enter- 
 tainment of the new Mayor, the aldermen, and burgesses. 
 
 In 1 69 1, the Mayor's salary was reduced to £40. 
 
 In 1699, ^ was further reduced to ^20, and in the same year increased 
 to ^30. 
 
 From 17S2, the salary was again increased to ^50.
 
 84 
 
 In i 79 1, it was reduced to ^20. 
 In 1S16, it was increased to ^30. 
 In 18 19, it was reduced to ,£20. 
 
 In 1826 to 1835, the Mayor's expenses only were allowed. 
 In 1836, under the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, no 
 allowance was made to the Mayor for any of his expenses. 
 
 High Stewards. 
 20 Oct., 165 1. Thomas Scott, Esq., Maj.-Gen. 
 
 17 Aug., 1672. John, Earl of Bridgewater, Lord- Lieut, of the County 
 
 of Bucks. 
 23 Dec, 1686. George Lord Jeffries, Baron of Wem, Lord High 
 
 Chancellor of England.* 
 John Lord Lovelace. 
 6 Feb., 1693. Rt. Hon. Thomas Wharton, Compr. of their Majesties' 
 
 Household, afterwards Marquis of Wharton. 
 
 18 April, 1 715. Rt. Noble Philip, Marquis of Wharton. 
 
 Recorders. 
 
 Thomas Waller, Esq. 
 Thomas Lane, Esq. 
 Edmund Petty, Esq.f 
 
 * This was the notorious Lord Chief Justice Jeffries whose country seat (which he rebuilt) 
 was, Bulstrode Park, in this county. Mr. Justice Foster pronounced him to be " the very worst 
 judge that ever disgraced Westminster Hall." Granger adds, "Juries were overborne, judgment 
 was given with precipitation ; even the common legal forms were neglected, and the laws them- 
 selves openly trampled upon by a murderer, in the robes of a Lord Chief Justice." On William, 
 Prince of Orange, ascending the throne, Jeffries was discarded by the Court, and by his 
 barbarities he had rendered himself obnoxious to all classes of the community. He disguised 
 himself in the garb of a sailor, intending to quit the country. He was discovered drinking in 
 the cellar of the Red Cow alehouse, in Anchor and Elope Alley, near King Edward's Stairs in 
 Wapping; a mob collected round the house, seized Jeffries, and carried him to the Lord 
 M iyor; who sent him with a strong guard to the Lords of the Council, and their Lordships 
 committed him to the Tower. He entered the gates of that gloomy old fortress a robust man, 
 but rapidly wasted to a skeleton, and died a miserable death on the 18th April, 1689. Truly 
 " the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness." 
 
 f Edmund Petty was of a good family in Oxfordshire, quite distinct from the ennobled 
 family of Petty, and having different anus.
 
 85 
 
 John Clark, Esq., of Aston Rowant, 1674. 
 
 Edward Baldwin, Esq., removed by Order in Council, 10th February, 
 
 16S7. 
 Sir James Etheredge, 1687, o. 1730. 
 Edmund Waller, Esq., 1689, resigned, 
 Fleetwood Dormer, Esq., 1695, resigned. 
 William Lee, Esq., 1 718, resigned 
 Harry Waller, Esq., 1730. 
 Richard Whitchurch, Esq., 1768. 
 James Blackstone, D.C.L., Vinerian Professor in the University of 
 
 Oxford. (A fine Portrait of Dr. Blackstone is in the Council 
 
 Chamber of the Guildhall.) 
 Sir Giffin Wilson, Knt. 
 
 By the Act to amend the Representation of the People of England 
 and Wales, 2 Will. 4, c. 45, the Borough of Wycombe, being included in 
 Schedule B of the Statute, was deprived of one of its members. 
 
 By the Municipal Corporation Act, 5 and 6 Will. 4, c. 76, so much of 
 all Laws, Statutes, and usages, and so much of all royal and other charters, 
 grants, and Letters Patent then in force, relating to the several Boroughs 
 named in Schedules A and B to this Act, or to the inhabitants thereof, or to 
 the several bodies corporate named in the Schedules as were inconsistent 
 with, or contrary to, the provisions of this Act, were thereby repealed. 
 
 The Borough of Wycombe, being included in Schedule B of the Statute, 
 was deprived of the original right under its charters of holding Quarter 
 Sessions, and of appointing a Recorder, and Coroner. And under the pro- 
 visions of the Statute, the Corporation is to consist of four Aldermen and 
 twelve Councillors, and out of the Aldermen or Councillors of such Borough, 
 the Council shall elect a fit person to be the Mayor of such Borough, who 
 shall continue in his office for one whole year, and by the Statute 6 and 7 
 Will. 4, c. 105, s. 4, and until his successor shall have accepted the office 
 of Mayor, and shall have made and subscribed the requisite declaration. 
 
 By the 71st section of the 5 and 6 Will. 4, c. 76, it is enacted that 
 all bodies corporate, seised of Charity Estates and Funds, should continue to 
 hold the same until the first day of August, 1836, or until Parliament should 
 otherwise order, and should immediately thereupon utterly cease anil deter-
 
 86 
 
 mine. And the Statute provides that if Parliament should not otherwise 
 direct on or before the first of August, 1836, the Lord High Chancellor, or 
 Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, should make such orders as he or 
 they should see fit for the administration, subject to such charitable uses or 
 trusts, of such trust estates. No such Parliamentary direction respecting the 
 charities having been made, a petition was, on the 22nd day of May, 1838, 
 preferred by Messrs. George Harman, James George Tatem, two of the 
 Aldermen of the Borough, and Alfred Lane, one of the Councillors of the 
 Borough, to the Lord Chancellor, praying for the appointment of Trustees 
 of the Charities, when fourteen persons were appointed Trustees. 
 
 Eighteen years afterwards, an appointment of twelve Trustees was 
 made by the Master of the Rolls, to supply vacancies among the Trustees 
 so appointed, and a scheme for the management and regulation of the 
 Grammar School and Almshouse Charity was approved on the 26th July, 
 1856. 
 
 TERRIER OF ESTATES BELONGING TO THE 
 CORPORATION. 
 
 
 COPY OF THE RENT ROLL 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 FOR THE 
 
 
 
 
 
 BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE. 
 
 
 
 
 Namt of Tenant. 
 
 Properly Liable. 
 
 Amount p 
 
 T A 
 
 Hit. 
 
 Lord Carington. 
 
 Rcdfords Pieces ..... 77 
 
 °) 
 
 
 
 
 .Sundries ...... 
 
 5 5 
 
 ° \ '3 
 
 •9 
 
 I 1 
 
 
 College Yard ..... 
 
 1 7 
 
 n) 
 
 
 
 II. Edgerley. 
 
 Encroachm', House in occupation of Woodl 
 
 and . 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 1" 1 1 inn's Exors. 
 
 „ 4 Houses, Frogmoor Gardens 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 E. Hutchinson. 
 
 „ St. Mary Street 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 W. H. Mayne. 
 
 ,, Oxford Street . 
 
 
 2 
 
 '5 
 
 
 
 William Mealing. 
 
 Rent of House, Newland . 
 
 
 S 
 
 
 
 
 
 Joseph Varney. 
 
 Encroachment, White Hart Street 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 John Kibbels. 
 
 ,, Hon-. , 1 iston Street . 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 Ja\ Puttnan. 
 
 Rent of Warehouse, Town Hall . 
 
 
 • 5 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 William Raffety. 
 
 Rent Charge, College Yard 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 M11. Strange. 
 
 do 
 
 
 
 
 ■7 
 
 
 
 C. H. Tilly. 
 
 Encroachment, Palings, Easton Street 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 W. Tomlyn. 
 
 „ Window, St. Mary St. . 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 6 
 
 Sam'. Turner. 
 
 Rent Newland ...... 
 
 
 8 
 
 
 
 
 
 Tho\ Wheeler. 
 
 Encroachment, Easton Street 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 
 George Ranee. 
 
 Rent Charge, Railway Terrace . 
 
 
 • '4 
 
 
 
 
 
 W. Judson. 
 
 Shutter Box, Little Market House 
 
 
 
 
 2 
 
 6 
 
 County Court. , 
 
 t for holding Courts in Hall . 
 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 

 
 S7 
 
 "N°. i. 
 
 X . 2. 
 Farthing. 
 
 N". 3. 
 N°. 4- 
 
 Farthing. 
 
 N°. 5- 
 
 Farthing. 
 
 N°. 6. 
 Farthing. 
 
 N". 7. 
 N°. 8. 
 
 Farthing. 
 
 N°. 9. 
 
 N°. 10. 
 
 N°. 11. 
 N°. 12. 
 N°. 13. 
 
 Farthing. 
 N°. 14. 
 
 N°. 15. 
 
 N°. 16. 
 
 N°. 17. 
 
 N°. iS. 
 
 THE WYCOMBE TOKENS. 
 
 Thomas Atkines = his half peny, of Wickham, 166S = T. E. A. 
 Thomas Bates = (Prince of Wales's Feathers) in Wickham 166 1 = T. B. 
 
 Thomas Bntterfield = (A Wheatsheaf) in Wickham = his half peny. 
 Tho. Dimarsh of High Wickham, 1668 = T. A. D. 
 
 William Fisher = (The Cloth Workers' Arms) in Wikcombe, 1652 = W. A. F. 
 
 Jeremiah Gray, IN. = (A Swan chained, Or) Hey Wickiam = I. M. G. 
 
 John Harding, IN. = Great Wickome = I. M. H. 
 Fransis Ingeby, IN. = 1666, Wickum Parrish = F. I. 
 
 John Juson at the = (Chequers) in High Wickham, 1669 = his halfe peny 
 
 I. M. I. 
 Rich. Lucas of Wickham = R. D. L., 1670, rather dead than disloyal = (Lion 
 
 Rampant). 
 Richard Lucas - (Lion Rampant) in Wickham, 1653 = R. D. L. 
 John Morris, 1666 - (a stick of Candles) in Wickham his half peny = I. M. 
 Richard Preist = R. E. P., 1662, in High Wickham = (a Crown). 
 
 John Rowell in High Wickham, 1667 = his halfe peny. I. M. R. 
 
 Robert Whitton = (a stag) of Great Wickham = R. K. W. 
 
 Edward Winch of Wiccombe - (Arms, on a fess, 3 crosses, pat. once on a 
 
 comton, 5 fleurs de lys), his halfe penny = E. P. W. 
 Robert Frier = (a Rose) in Hie Wickham. 
 James Gomme, 181 1 = (The Guildhall, and Corporation Arms) = token XII 
 
 pence." 
 
 In the year 18 17, the Charters and Letters Patent granted to the 
 Corporation were translated and published by subscription, when a question 
 was raised, in whom the right of election of burgesses was vested. The 
 burgesses, as already mentioned, elected the Mayor in Common Hall, by a 
 majority on a show of hands. The select body, viz., the Common Council, 
 elected the burgesses under a presumed bye-law, not extant in writing. In 
 Hilary Term, 18 19, an application was made to the Court of Queen's Bench, 
 in legal phraseology, for a rule to show cause why an information in the 
 nature of a Quo Warranto should not be filed against Thomas YVestwood, to 
 show by what authority he claimed to be one of the burgesses of the borough. 
 No cause being shown, the rule was made absolute in the following Easter 
 Term ; and an information was filed against the defendant, to which he 
 pleaded, 1st, an ancient custom for the Mayor and Common Council of the
 
 borough to elect the burgesses ; the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th being in substance the 
 same, founding the right of such election upon a presumed bye-law. Issue 
 was taken to these several pleas, and on the trial of the same before Mr. 
 Justice Richardson and a special jury at the Bucks Assizes in 1S21, a 
 verdict was found for the defendant generally upon all the issues. In 
 Michaelmas Term, 1821, an application was made to the Queen's Bench to 
 set aside the verdict, on the ground of all the issues being found for the 
 defendant, which was manifestly wrong ; and the verdict should have been 
 on one plea only. The Court granted this application as to the issues, 
 upon the first and second pleas, with liberty to each party to amend their 
 pleadings, without costs. 
 
 Following out the precise nature of these legal proceedings, in Michael- 
 mas Term, 1S24, the case came on for argument, when judgment was given 
 for the Crown on the two first pleas, and for the defendant upon the third 
 plea; Mr. Justice Bailey dissenting, and the Lord Chief Justice expressing 
 a doubt, and not pronouncing an opinion on the point. 
 
 The effect of this judgment was to set aside the custom alleged in the 
 first and second pleas, and to establish the bye-law in the third plea as 
 good and valid. Against this judgment a Writ of Error was carried to the 
 House of Lords on the part of the Crown. The case was heard on the 
 20th and 28th May, 1829, when the judgment of the Court below was 
 affirmed. The Corporate Body had therefore the right to repeal the bye- 
 law. Thus ended the most protracted and costly litigation, which was, in 
 fact, a combat between the Parliamentary representatives of the borough, 
 and the burgesses, whether or not the borough should be continued a close, 
 or restored to its original position of, a free borough, in conformity with the 
 provisions of its ancient charters. The unsatisfactory state of the law of 
 Corporations at this period, and which was rendered more glaringly ap- 
 parent, by the case of The King v. Westwood, led to the introduction of 
 the bill for the regulation of Municipal Bodies. 
 
 In the year 1833, the Mayor, Robert Wheeler, Esq., convened a special 
 meeting of the burgesses, to consider the propriety of rescinding the bye- 
 law, when it was resolved by a large majority to rescind the same. For 
 this laudable and popular act on the part of the Mayor, as well as for the 
 high estimation in which he was justly held by tin- inhabitants and burgesses, 
 they presented him with a very handsome silver epcrgne, at a public dinner,
 
 89 
 
 held in the Guildhall, on the 16th May in the same year, with the following 
 inscription engraved on it. 
 
 " Presented to Robert Wheeler, Esq"., by the Inhabitants and Burgesses of 
 High Wycombe and its vicinity, in testimony of their respect and gratitude for his 
 upright, patriotic, and successful exertions during his fourth Mayoralty, in procuring 
 the repeal of the Bye-law which deprived the Burgesses of the rights granted them 
 by the Charters ; for his steady and consistent support to the great measure of 
 Parliamentary Reform ; and for his uniform zeal and liberality in promoting the 
 improvements of the Town, and advancing the interests of the Inhabitants. 
 
 " Virtus repulsae nescia sordidae 
 Intaminatis fulgit honoribus." 
 
 Upon petition of the Town Council, under the authority of the Munici- 
 pal Corporation Act, sec. 98, a Commission of the Peace, bearing date the 
 1 6th of August, in the 15th year of the reign of Queen Victoria, was granted 
 to the Mayor of the borough, and the Mayor for the time being, William 
 Rose, Randolph Crewe, and Thomas Treacher, Esquires. On the death 
 of Mr. Treacher, Charles Fowler, and Charles Thomas Grove, Esquires, 
 were appointed on the Commission, and some few years after, on the death 
 of Mr. Fowler, Alfred Gilbey, Arthur Vernon, and Henry Stephens 
 Wheeler, Esquires, were appointed as Magistrates for the borough. 
 
 By the Statute 41 Geo. 3, c. 15, entitled an Act "for taking an 
 account of the population of Great Britain, and of the increase or diminution 
 thereof," which was the first census taken in this country. 
 
 The following return was made by William Payne and William Parker, 
 Overseers, and John Prestage and James Kingston, Churchwardens, in 
 March, 1S01 :— 
 
 Number of Houses . . . 458 within the Borough. 
 
 Males . . 1088 ) , 
 
 1 otal 2349 within the Borough. 
 
 Females . . 1261 
 
 Males . . 850 ) „ . . ... , _, . , 
 
 „ , \ total 1893 within the Parish, 
 
 l-emales . . 1043 ' 
 
 4242 Population 1S01. 
 
 A return made by Joseph Burrough and John Hill, in 1S11. 
 Number of Houses . . . 474 within the Borough. 
 
 N
 
 go 
 
 Males 
 Females 
 
 Males 
 Females 
 
 [ 148) 
 
 '34 = I 
 1065 I 
 1201 i 
 
 Total 2490 within the Borough. 
 
 Total 2266 within the Parish. 
 
 4756 Population 181 1. 
 
 1 11 1 8 1 1 there were 440 houses in the Parish 
 A return made in June, 1821 
 
 Number of Houses . 
 
 Males . -1333 
 
 Females . 
 
 551 within the Borough. 
 
 Males 
 Females 
 
 ^o 1 
 1311 
 
 1424 
 
 Total 2864 within the Borough. 
 Total 2735 within the Parish. 
 
 5599 Population 182 1. 
 
 In 1509, the population of the Parish was 1000. 
 The population of the Borough and Parish was 
 
 In 1831 .... 6299 
 
 1841 
 1851 
 
 1861 
 1871 
 
 6469 
 7179 
 
 8375 
 10492 
 
 A brief account of the murder of Mr. Pontifix of Downley, March 22nd, 
 1736. 
 
 "This morning early, Marsh and Marshal condemned for the Murder and Robbery of Mr. 
 Pontifix, the Farmer, near High Wycomb, were brought in a Cart from Aylesbury, to Rye 
 Common, lying between the two Wycombs, and about eleven o'clock were executed on a 
 Gibbet of an extraordinary height, being 28 feet high, that the Spectators, who were very 
 numerous, might have the satisfaction of seeing justice done on two villains, who had deprived 
 of life a Person highly esteem'd by all that knew him. 
 
 "They had been out 8 days upon the pad, when coming late into High Wycombe, to lie, 
 they overheard some persons taking their leave in order to go home into the Country ; upon 
 which they conceal'd themselves till they were past, and then followed ; which young Pontifix 
 observing, and telling his Father that some persons were following them, he stood still at a stile 
 above Bell Field, and leading to Downley, till they came up, and upon their asking the way to 
 West Wycombe, he kindly informed them, and a moment after, Marsh turning back, shot the 
 Farmer dead without further speaking. 
 
 "They both confessed the Robbery, but denied they had any intention to murder him;
 
 o 
 
 O 
 
 X 
 CO 
 
 < 
 
 Q_ 
 
 CD 
 
 o 
 o
 
 9i 
 
 Marsh owned that he approached Mr. Pontifix with the Pistol cocked ; and his finger upon 
 the Trigger, but his foot slipping just as he came up to him, he undesignedly let it off. 
 
 " This he declared in the most solemn manner, saying it would prevail him nothing to 
 prevaricate at that time. 
 
 " They were afterwards hung in chains." 
 
 Such was the pressure of the crowd to witness the spectacle, that the 
 front wall of the Royal Grammar School, which projected very considerably 
 over the present footpath, was pushed down. Some years afterwards, the 
 remains of the bodies were removed at the request of Lord Shelburne. 
 
 OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 In Wharton's " Anglia Sacra," vol. ii., pa. 257, which is an incorrect 
 abstract of Malmesbury's " Life and Miracles of St. Wulstan," it is said that 
 the church (of course the earliest building of Norman structure) was erected 
 by a townsman of the name of Spurt Lunser. That it was dedicated to All 
 Saints by St. Wulstan, by a license obtained from Remigius, temp. Hen. II., 
 is clearly inaccurate, so far as fixing the reign of Hen. II. as the period 
 of dedication, as this king was not crowned until 11 54, and Wulstan died 
 in 1097. The date of its consecration is evidently limited by the bishop- 
 ric of Remigius, namely, to the interval between the years which he held 
 the See, (i.e.) 1070 and 1092. In the Harleian MSS. it is recorded, and 
 most probably the record is accurate, that neither Spording, who is pre- 
 viously referred to, nor Spurt Lunser, but the wealthy Saxon Suarting built 
 the church ; the latter is mentioned in Domesday Book (which was com- 
 menced in 10S1, and completed in 1087), as holding Bradenham, and also 
 lands in Cheddington and Caldecot in the Hundred of Desborough. The 
 Rectory of Wycombe was appropriated to the monastery of Godstowe Co. 
 Oxon, before 1209 (as is presumed) by King Hen. I. after he had seised 
 upon the Honour of Wallingford as an Escheat. In the Taxation Rolls of 
 Pope Nicholas, 1291, the value was stated at thirty marks (but by the 
 Bishop of Norwich estimated at 60 marks), a pension being payable to 
 the prior of Bee in Normandy,* of 12 marks for the Rectory, and 10 for 
 
 * Bee, as is well known, was a Benedictine Abbey, and one of the most famous in France; 
 founded by the Venerable Helluin, a.d. 1034.
 
 92 
 
 the Vicarage. About the year 1186, St. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, con- 
 firmed the grant (inter alia) of the Church of Wycombe, to the House of 
 St. Mary and St. John the Baptist of Godstowe. The old Norman Church 
 was taken down, and the present church was partly erected on its site, (it 
 has been supposed by some) by the Abbess and Nuns of Godstowe about 
 the 2nd Edwd. I. (1273) ; but when we consider that this Monastery was, 
 according to Lambarde, valued, as appears by the records, at ^274 per 
 annum, and in the Return made of Religious Houses at the time of the 
 Dissolution, at ^319 iSs. Sd. per annum only, as recorded in Speed's "Great 
 Britain," page 795 ; and making every allowance for the difference in the 
 value of money, it is most improbable that, with all its other responsibilities, 
 the Abbess and Nuns were in a position to embark in so formidable an 
 undertaking. We may, however, presume, as Wycombe, in the thirteenth 
 century, was a flourishing Town, that the Church was built by the parishioners, 
 aided by the wealthy Lords of its Manors. 
 
 In an ancient Roll of Institutions to Livings, and of Endowments of 
 Vicarages in the time of Hugo de Wells, Bishop of Lincoln, who began to 
 preside over the Diocese of Lincoln a.d. 1209, is contained as follows : — 
 
 [Translation.] " Wycombe. At this place three Chaplains are needful. The Vicar shall have, by the 
 
 style of perpetual Vicar, the moiety of all oblations and obventions of the Altar, with all the 
 tithe of Cheese and Eggs on Easter Eve, to the same Church coming, and all the tithes of 
 Geese, and all the tithes of Gardens and Orchards within the Borough, except the oblations and 
 obventions of four days by the year, to wit, of the day of the Purification, of Good Friday, of 
 Easter Day, and the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and except all the Tithes of Wool, 
 Flax, Lambs, Pigs, and Calves, when a whole Calf shall fall due, and except all the tithes of 
 fruit, gardens, and Orchards, without the Borough, and all the tithe of Teasels used in the busi- 
 ness of Cloth dressers,' as well within the Borough as without. And except all the Eggs, 
 other than on Easter Eve, to the same Church coming, and all offerings of Candle throughout 
 the year, except the Candle that comes on a Sunday to the Altar with the Bread that is to be 
 consecrated ; all which things above excepted shall wholly belong to the Abbess and Nuns of 
 Godstowe. The Vicar also shall have a Manse assigned to him on the West side of the House 
 of the Abbess, and shall discharge the synodals. And the Nuns shall provide for the enter- 
 tainment of the Archdeacon {i.e. when he makes his Visitation). Hubert of Wycombe, Chap- 
 lain, presented by the said Abbess and Nuns, is admitted and instituted perpetual Vicar, with 
 the Vicar's charge and pension. And the office of Buteyng* is enjoyned him by this present 
 writing." 
 
 * The "office of Buttyng," here enjoined, relates to the famous "Church Ales." or "Scot 
 Ales" of the middle ages. "The Church Ale " was one of the numerous expedients adopted 
 prior to the Reformation for raising money. Wealthy parishioners, or indeed parishioners of
 
 93 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE CARTULARY OF GODSTOWE. 
 
 "Endowment of the Vicarage of Wycombe, according to the Register of Lincoln. [Translation.] 
 
 " The Vicar of Wycombe, shall have, in the name of his Vicarage, a moiety of all oblations 
 of the altar, with the whole tithe of cheese, and all eggs, on Easter Eve, coming to the said 
 church ; and all tithes of geese, and tithes of gardens and orchards within the borough, Except 
 the oblations and obventions of four days by the year, to wit, the day of the Purification of the 
 blessed Mary, the day of the Preparation [i.e., Good Friday], Easter Day, and the day of the 
 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. And except all tithes of wool, flax, lambs, young pigs, and 
 calves, when a whole calf shall happen, and except all tithes of fruits of gardens and orchards 
 without the borough, and all tithe of Teasels which appertain to the business of Fullers, as well 
 within the borough as without, Except also, all eggs save on Easter Eve forthcoming to the said 
 church, and all offering of candles through the whole year, save the candle which comes on Sun- 
 days to the altar with the bread to be consecrated; All which things above excepted shall 
 wholly appertain to the Abbess and Nuns of Godstowe. And the Vicar shall have a manse 
 assigned to him on the West side of the house of the Abbess, and he shall pay Synodals, and 
 the Nuns shall procure a lodging for the Archdeacon. And it is to be remembered that this 
 endowment was abiding by scrutiny of the Register of Lincoln, under the Seal of Henry Bishop 
 of Lincoln, under date at Lydyngton, the twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of Our Lord 
 One thousand four hundred and three, and in the fifth year of the consecration of the said 
 Henry." 
 
 "CONFIRMATION by Lord Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln of all our 
 Churches. 
 
 " TO ALL the faithful in Christ to whom the present Writing shall come, Hugh, by the grace [Translation.] 
 of God, Bishop of Lincoln, Greeting in the Lord. Desiring to attend with devout favour to the 
 just petitions of suppliants, especially are we bounden to afford the protection of our patronage 
 to religious houses, lest those benefits, which by the bounty of the faithful have been conferred 
 
 any degree, contributed malt to the Church as a free offering, in addition to their tithes in kind. 
 This malt was duly brewed by the Church Authorities, and on a stated festival, when the " Ale 
 was fairly old," the Parishioners used to repair to the Church Yard, or some other convenient 
 place, and celebrate the wake, or feast of the Dedication of the Church. "These festivals, 
 however piously intended, grew by degrees into great excesses of eating and drinking and other 
 irregularities; and which, by the way, were at the first in some sort indulged to the English by 
 Gregory the Great, at the feast of the Dedication in lieu of their sacrifices while they were 
 heathens, viz., that they might set up booths round the Church, and there feast and entertain 
 themselves ; a custom which was evidently borrowed from the Jewish ritual. See Nehemiah 8 c. 
 16 and 17 vs. Each person paid, according to his means, some small sum for the privilege of 
 joining the festival." " The Buttyng [or tunning] of the Ale " was a duty of some importance, 
 and it was natural enough to lay it, in the case of Wycombe, upon the Vicar, though the profits 
 on the "ale" or carousal, went to the Rectory, t'.e., to the Abbess and Nuns of Godstowe. The 
 amount paid by each guest, called his " scot," or " shot," became a regular phrase, and hence 
 the name of "scot" or " shot ale." The holding of these festivals was prohibited by Canon 
 88. But they were in some measure revived for a time by the "Book of Sports." Gibson's 
 "Codex," 191. Burn's " Ecclesiastical Law," Quarto edition, vol. ii., p. 277.
 
 94 
 
 on holy and religious places, bee by the malignant depravity of anye either meddled with over- 
 much, or by long lapse of time buried in oblivion ; We, therefore, will it to come to the know- 
 ledge of you all, that we ratify, and by this present Charter do confirm unto the religious house 
 of Saint Mary and Saint John the Baptist of Godestoweand to the women of Christ serving God 
 there, towards their support for their uses in time to come for ever, the benefactions granted by 
 the bounty of the faithful in Christ, which in their proper names we have caused to be set forth, 
 that is to say : of the gift of Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, of worthy memory, one hundred 
 shillings yearly to be received in toll of the Market of Bannesberi ; of the gift of King Henry, 
 son of the Empress Maud, the churches of Wicumbe and of Blockesham, with all their appurte- 
 nances; of the gift of Ailwin son of Godegose, the Church of Saint Giles, with all its appurte- 
 nances, which is situate without Oxineford ; of the Gift of Agnes, daughter of Payne fits-John, 
 the church of Dunigtune, with all its appurtenances ; of the gift of Simon de Wahille, a moiety 
 of the Church of Pateshille, with all its appurtenances. The aforesaid benefactions, therefore, 
 as upon the same Nuns they have been reasonably conferred, to be fully converted to their own 
 proper uses and to be served by their own proper Chaplains, We ratify, and by our Episcopal 
 authority do confirm. We grant also to the aforesaid handmaids of Christ, that they shall be 
 free and quit from all exaction and custom and grievance, Saving our Episcopal right and the 
 dignity of the Church of Lincoln. Which thing, in order that it may be accounted firm and 
 valid, We by this present writing and by Our Seal have caused to be confirmed. These Wit- 
 nesses : Master Stephen, Chancellor ; Master Roger de Rolvestone, Master Symon de Siwelle, 
 Master Geoffrey de Lechelade, Canons of the Church of Lincoln; Thomas Walerand, Eustace 
 Payan, Triests of Godestowe ; Geoffrey, Deacon; John, Clerk; Thomas, Steward; Luke, 
 Janitor ; Henry de Eatune ; Henry of York ; William of Baggeherste." 
 
 " ORDINANCE of Lord Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, concerning 
 our Churches of Saint Giles, of Bloxham and of Wycombe. 
 
 [Translation.] " TO ALL the faithful in Christ to whom the present writing shall come, Hugh, by the Grace 
 
 of God Bishop of Lincoln, Greeting in the Lord. We will it to come to the knowledge of you 
 all, that we with the authority of our Council have ordained perpetual Vicarages in the Churches 
 of Wycumbe, of Bloxham, and of Saint Giles, Oxford, and at the presentation of our beloved 
 daughters in Christ, the Abbess and Nuns of Godestowe, have admitted perpetual Vicars to the 
 Vicarages so ordained, and have instituted them in the same. Moreover, the aforesaid Vicar- 
 ages are ordained in this wise, to wit : — That the perpetual Vicar of the Church of Wycumbe 
 shall have, in the name of his Vicarage, a manse assigned to him on the West side of the house 
 of the Abbess in Wycumbe, and a moiety of all the oblations and obventions of the Altar, with 
 the whole tithe of cheese and all Eggs on Easter Eve coming to the said Church, and all tithes 
 of geese, and all tithes of gardens and Orchards within the Borough, Except the oblations and 
 obventions of four days by the year, to wit, the day of the Purification, the day of the Prepa- 
 ration [i.e., Good Friday], Easter-day and the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross ; and 
 except all tithes of wool, flax, lambs, young pigs and calves, when a whole calf shall happen ; 
 and except all tithes of the fruits of gardens and orchards, without the Borough, and the 
 whole tithe of teasels which appertain to the business of Fullers, as well within the Borough as 
 without, Except also, all eggs (save on Easter Eve) coming to the said Church, and all offerings 
 of candle through the whole year, save candle which comes on Sunday to the Altar with the 
 bread to be consecrated. All which things above excepted shall wholly appertain to the Abbess 
 and Nuns of Godestowe. And the Perpetual Vicar of the Church of Blokesham shall have, in
 
 95 
 
 the name of his Vicarage, the whole Altarage of that church and of the Chapel of Middelcumbe, 
 Except tithes of wool, and lambs of the mother-church of Blokesham ; he shall have also the 
 corn which is wont to be given when threshed to the said Church of Blokesham and Chapel of 
 Middilcumbe, and which is called Chercheset ; and he shall have a manse which is situate 
 between the manse which was of Payan de Bereford, and the manse which was of William 
 Coleman. And the perpetual Vicar of the church of Saint Giles in Oxford shall have, in the 
 name of his Vicarage, a moiety of all Altarage of that Church with the whole tithe of gardens, 
 except wool, and flax, and lambs, and except candle on the day of the Purification of the 
 Blessed Virgin, which the said Nuns shall wholly receive. He shall have, moreover, a manse 
 where the Chaplain of the Church was wont to dwell, for which the Vicar shall pay to the said 
 Church sixpence yearly. And in these three Vicarages so ordained, the aforesaid Nuns shall 
 sustain all ordinary charges of the said three churches as are due * and accustomed, except 
 Synodals, which the Vicars shall pay. Further all the Vicars, so often as they shall be ad- 
 mitted to the Vicarages aforesaid, shall take an oath of fealty to the before mentioned Nuns. 
 The Chaplains also, if the said Vicars shall receive any to assist them in ministration together 
 with themselves in the said churches, shall likewise swear in presence of the Vicars and of the 
 Proctor of the Nuns sent thither by them for this purpose, that they will be faithful to them, so 
 long as they shall be there, in the things which affect the said Nuns in those churches, Saving 
 in all respects the Episcopal customs and the dignity of the Church of Lincoln. And in witness 
 hereof we have caused our seal to be set to the present Writing. These Witnesses : — Robert, 
 Archdeacon of Huntingdon ; Master William of Lincoln, Chancellor ; Master's William of 
 Canterbury [or Cambridge], Hugh of Greneford, and Nicholas of Evesham, William of Winche- 
 cumbe, and Oliver de Chedney, Clerks. Given by the hand of Thomas de Filketone, Chaplain 
 and Chancellor of Lincoln, at Croppery, the day before the Ides f of December, in the twelfth 
 year of our Pontificate." 
 
 35 th Hen. III. 
 " For the Nuns of Godstowe. [Translation.] 
 
 " The King to Archbishops, etc. Greeting. 
 " We have inspected the Charter of the Lord Richard the King our Uncle in these words, 
 ' Richard, by the grace of God, King of England, Duke of Normandy, Aquitain, and Earl ot 
 Anjou, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, and all his Ministers, 
 and faithful subjects of his whole land, Greeting; know ye that we have granted, and in per- 
 petual alms confirmed by our present Charter, to God and the Church of the Holy Mary, and 
 Saint John the Baptist of Godstow, and the Monks there serving God, that Gift which the Lord 
 Henry the King our Father made to them, and by his Charter confirmed, and all gifts which 
 have been made to them, that is to say, of the gift of the Lord Henry our Father, the Vill of 
 Wulgaricot and the place which is called Godstow, in which its Church has been founded with 
 the assent and consent of Bernard of S'. Waleric and his heirs, who, that is to say, Bernard, 
 granted the aforesaid Vill, and that place, to the Lord Henry our Father, and gave and de- 
 livered seizin by a Silk Cloth, with which a hood is made, with the whole domain and the 
 right of the Advowson of the same Abbey, which he formerly had in the same, so that the 
 aforesaid Abbey be for ever free, and in Capite of our Crown, as the Abbey of Saint Edmond 
 and other Royal Abbeys, which are established through England, also of the gift of the Lord 
 
 * " De vita : " for debita, an error in the orig': 
 t Thirteenth.
 
 9 6 
 
 Henry our Father the Church of Wycomb, with all its appurtenances, and other Churches, & , 
 therein named. 
 
 "Wherefore, we will and firmly command that the aforesaid Abbey of Godstow and the 
 Nuns there serving God, have and hold all the before named and whatsoever had been acquired 
 for godly distribution, in free and perpetual alms, well and in peace, freely and quietly, full, 
 entirely, and honourably, in wood and plain ; in Meadows, and pastures, in waters, and Mills, 
 in ways, and paths, in pools, and streams, within Borough and without, and in all other places 
 with soc, and sac, and Tholl, and Theam, and infanganethef [infangthefe *] entirely quit and 
 free, and that their tenants be quit of Shires and Hundred Pleas, and actions, aides, and assizes, 
 geld and Dam Geld, murder and robbery, scuttage and Hydage, gifts, and scots, and works of 
 Castles, Houses, Walls, parks, Streams, ditches and bridges, and summage and Carriage, and of 
 ward penny, and aver penny, and hundred penny and Thening penny, and that they be quit 
 throughout all our land, and by water, of toll and passage, and frontage, and talliage and lastage, 
 and of all other customs which appertain to us, and with all their liberties and free customs. 
 
 "And we prohibit that any one do them injury or molestation in anything, because the 
 aforesaid Church of Godstow and the Nuns of the same place, and all their things and posses- 
 sions, and their men, with all other things in England, are more especially under our own hand, 
 protection, and custody. Witnesses, Hugh, Bishop of Durham, Richard of London, Godfrey of 
 Winchester, Hubert of Salisbury, Elect, William, Earl of Arundel, William of Saint John, Stephen 
 of Longchamp ; Roger of Pratell ; the Steward, Nicholas Bilet ; Robert of Wytefeld. Given 
 at Winchester, the seventh day of October, by the hand of William Longchamp, Elect of Ely, 
 our Chancellor, in the first year of our reign. We moreover, the aforesaid, grant and confirma- 
 tion holding firm and valid, do grant and confirm the same for us and our heirs as the aforesaid 
 Charter reasonably testified. These being Witnesses, The Venerable Father Silvester, Bishop 
 of Carlisle ; John of Plessy, Earl of Warwick, Ralph the son of Nicholas, Robert Passelewe, 
 Archdeacon of Lewes ; Master W. of Kilkenny, Archdeacon of Coventry, Bertram of Crioyl, 
 John of Lessynton; Roger, Robert Waller, and Roger of Lachington, William Geruum and 
 others. 
 
 " Given under our hand at Woodstock, the eleventh day of July in the thirty-five &"'. 
 
 Ministers' Ac- 
 count.32 II. 8. 
 
 County of 
 Oxford. 
 
 
 Translation of Confirmation. 
 
 "AN ACCOUNT of all and singular Bailiffs, Farmers, and all other the Ministers of our 
 Lord, the now King Henry the 8" 1 by the Grace of God, of England and France, Lord of Ireland, 
 and on Earth of the English Church, the Supreme Head, concerning all Lordships, Manors, 
 Towns, Townships, and also of all other possessions and Hereditaments whatsoever, to divers 
 lately dissolved Monasteries and Priories in the aforesaid County, late by virtue and authority 
 of Parliament suppressed and dissolved, belonging or appertaining in the hands of our Lord 
 the King, now being, that is to say, from the feast of S'. Michael the Archangel, in the year of 
 our said Lord the King the 31 st , to the same feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, from thence 
 next ensuing, in the year of the same our Lord the King the 32 nd ., That is to say, for one 
 entire year. 
 
 * A privilege allowed in the Saxon Governments to the Lords of certain Manors, to pass 
 judgment on any theft committed within the fee.
 
 97 
 
 "THE ACCOMPT of Thomas Catliff, Collector of the Rents and Farms there, for the 
 said period. 
 
 # # * # 
 
 " And of ;£i6 13 s . 4 d . of William Grene, the Farmer of the Rectory of the parochial Church 
 of All Saints in Chepynge Wicombe aforesaid, with all and singular Houses, Barns and Edifices, 
 to the aforesaid Rectory belonging or appertaining, and all and singular the tenths of Hay and 
 Corn within the aforesaid Parish of Chepynge Wicombe, with the tenths of wood and wool, 
 within the Parish aforesaid. And with all lands, tenements, meadows, leasowes, pastures, woods, 
 commons, rents, and all emoluments, commodities and advantages to the aforesaid Rectory 
 belonging or appertaining, in as ample manner and form, as Geoffrey Bishop, or Henry Turner, 
 or either of them the said Rectors, had or occupied (the patronage and donation of the Vicarage 
 of the same Church of All Saints of Chepynge Wicomb, and the Chantry called Bowers 
 Chantry, within the aforesaid Church excepted), and altogether reserved, in the tenure of 
 William Grene, so to him demised by Indenture dated the 12 th day of March, in the 22 nd 
 year of King Henry the 8 th , to have for the Term of 22 years, Rendering therefore yearly, as 
 above, at the Feast of S'. Michael the Archangel, and Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Man-, 
 by equal payments, beyond £S paid every year by the aforesaid Farmer, to two Chantry Priests 
 called " the Chamell Priests," at the Feast of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary and 
 St. Michael the Archangel, by even payments and 116 s . and 8 d . by the aforesaid Farmer, in like 
 manner paid to one Priest called Bower Priest, within the aforesaid Church, to perform at four 
 times of the year, viz., at the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, St. Michael the 
 Archangel, the Birth of our Lord, and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by equal 
 portions ; all charges as well ordinary as extraordinary, from the premises issuing, and the costs 
 of the aforesaid Farmer, as is in the Indenture amongst other things contained : 
 
 The sum is 
 
 £l(> „ 13 n 4-" 
 
 Gocistowe in 
 tli- ( < 'iiiity of 
 Oxford. 
 
 Office of 
 Collector of 
 Rents. 
 
 Chepynge 
 Wycombe in 
 
 tile County of 
 Bucks. 
 
 " Between the Abbot of Godestowe and Lord John Coleman. 
 
 "On the 27 th day of November, in the 5" 1 year of the reign of King Edward the 3 rd , 
 after the Conquest. It is agreed between the Abbot of Godestowe and the Convent of the 
 same place on the one part, and Lord John Coleman, Rector of the Church of Glacton, and 
 Lord Robert atte Walle de Newenden, perpetual Vicar of Makeseye, jointly and severally, on 
 the other part, as follows : — That there should not be better condition of one, than the other, 
 viz'., That the said Abbot and Convent have given, granted, and to farm let, to the said John 
 and Robert, and their executors, from the day of the Translation of St. Thomas the Martyr 
 next after the day of the date of these presents, for the term of 10 years thence next following 
 and fully to be completed, the Manor and Rectory of Wicumbe, together with all profits of 
 corn, wool, and lambs, rents, lands and customs, and with all and singular commodities and 
 tithes, during the said term to the said Rectory, in any manner belonging, appertaining, or 
 falling, except all vestments and exchanges from the said Church arising, which to the Convent 
 of Godestowe are reserved; to which certain agreement faithfully to keep, the said Abbot and 
 Convent bind themselves, and their goods spiritual and temporal whatsoever in their manors, 
 wheresoever they may be found in the said district." 
 
 [Translation.] 
 
 \(For/ion omitted.)]
 
 9 8 
 
 COPY TERRIER. 
 
 I >ate after 16S1 to 1691. 
 
 "THE VICARAGE of Cheping Wiccombe in the County of Bucks hath a fair dwelling- 
 house, standing on the West side of the parsonage house, and over against the North side of the 
 Church. The house is built with timber, and where the walls have been decay*d they are 
 repaired with Brick, elsewhere the Walls, plaistered walls. The house contains a large hand- 
 some Hall, with two Luge Windows against the South Sun. On the East side of the Hall there 
 is a parlour indifferent large. On the West side of the Hall there is a parlour or dining Room 
 neatly wainscoted, and a little Closet belonging to it. Behind the Parlour on the North side 
 there is a Kitchen and two Butteries, and a place to brew in, and a Seller. Over the Hall and 
 the Parlours there are fouer lodgeing Chambers, to two of which there are two Closets. And 
 over the Kitchen, there is a lodgeing Chamber, and next to that Chamber, there is a hay loft, 
 and next to the Hay Loft over the Seller there is a roome for wood, where also one may set an 
 horse or cow. The House, Hayloft and Woodroom, are covered with Tileing. The two 
 Parlours are floor'd with deal bordes, the Chambers are floor'd with boards of Oake. The Hall 
 and the Kitchen and one of the Butteries, and the place for brewing, are floored with pavement- 
 ing Tiles. There belongs to the Vicarage house a piece of ground lying round about it, 
 containing in length 68 foot and | before the South side of the house, and on the west side of 
 the house 184 foot, and on the North side of the House 188 foot, and on the East side of the 
 House 150 foot. This piece of ground is fenced on the West side with a Brick Wall, on the 
 South side with a tall stone Wall of Flints, to the Vicarage Gate, and from the Vicarage gate to 
 the parsonage house, with a tall wooden fence of pales. And on the East side, it is fenced with 
 a wooden fence or pales from the parsonage house throughout ; on the north side it is fenced 
 about halfway with pales, and halfway with a quick set hedge. The repairs of the walls, and 
 Tiling of the house has been by the Churchwardens, at the charge of the Town, and parish, 
 and usually put into the Church Rate. Besides this piece of ground and the church yard, and 
 a little Cartway between the Churchyard and the Vicarage pales ; there is noe Glebe Land as 
 we know off belonging to the Vicarage. The Churchyard wall, which is built of Flint Stones, is 
 repaired by the Parson, as farr as the parsonage ground goes, and from thence by the Church- 
 wardens as farre as the stone wall goes. All Tythes of gardens, Orchyards, and grounds, within 
 the Burrough, belong to the Vicarage. There is within the Town a Gift of Five pounds a year 
 for ever, payable, out of two tenements next adjoyning to the Antilope on the West side, left to 
 the Vicar by the Will of Mr. Richard Rut, for reading morning prayer on Munday's, Twes- 
 dayes, and Thursdayes, weekly, throughout the year. There is an ancient gift of a Noble a 
 year left by one Mr. Wainwright, for preaching an election sermon on the Thursday before 
 Michaelmas day, at the election of the Mayor, which the Mayor and Aldermen, considering it 
 was but small, were pleased to order it, to be noe less than Ten shillings, which accordingly is 
 payed me, by the Town Chamberlain. 
 
 " In the Parish, the Vicar has noe Tyth of grain, nor hay, nor wood, nor wooll. But by 
 custome there is left him the Tyth of roots, and fruits, and of the fowles, or geese, and the Eggs 
 of poultry. There is left also to him the Tyth of cattel, Calves, Lambs, Pigs, milk and cheese, 
 also the Tyth of Bees, Wax and Honey, all which Tyths may be gathered in kinde, but beeing 
 very troublesome, it is usually paid by composition with the Vicar, as they can agree. The 
 custome for Easter Offerings is fower pence for Single persons, Six pence for a Man and his 
 Wife. The dues of Mills are a Noble. For marriages, the custome is to demand Five shil- 
 lings, At christenings, a Shilling is paid, which I suppose is for the Churching Offering, and the
 
 99 
 
 Registering of the Child. For Buryals they pay a shilling. But we want our ancient Bill of 
 Fees, which was lost I suppose in the time of Trouble. My predecessor and I have received 
 a mortuary of Ten shillings for rich people, but some contend against it. The Vicarage payes 
 to the Crown for Tenths, Two pounds, seven shillings, and eight pence halfepenny. To the 
 Bishop for procurations at his Visitation, five shillings. To the Archdeacon for Synodals, three 
 shillings. The Church has a pulpit, a reading Desk, a large Bible and common prayer Booke, 
 a Booke of Homilyes, a Booke of Canons, the nine & thirty Articles, a Saints' Bell to ring to 
 prayers, a chest for Almes ; the steeple has a ring of six, of very good and tuneable Bells, a 
 Clock and Chymes, a moon Diall inwards to the Church, on the outside a Clock Diall, and a 
 Sun dial. The Chancell has rails before the Communion Table, at which Three score people 
 may kneel at a time. The Communion Table, has a Table cloth lyeing upon it, & at the 
 giving of the Sacrament, a white linnen Table cloth over it. There are three Pewter Flagons 
 for Wine, a Silver Chalice, & Silver Cover. The inscription on the side of the Chalice is, 
 'This cup belongs to the Church of Cheping Wiccombe in the County of Bucks.' It was 
 bought by Robert Noy, Richard Piggot, & Robert Bowdrys, Churchwardens in the year of 
 our Lord 167 1. The inscription on the cover is, 'This Cover belongefh to the Church of 
 Cheping Wiccombe in the County of Bucks,' & was bought by Peter Sillers, Joseph Shingle- 
 ton, John Bedder, & William Turner, Churchwardens, 1686. There is a pewter plate to lay 
 the Communion Bread on. There are two pewter plates, each with a foot at the bottome to 
 hold by, & an high edge round about the upper side, made for the purpose to receive the 
 oblations before the Sacrament. There are two surplices. There is no Stock for any Repairs. 
 The Clark, Sexton, and Grave-digger are appointed by the Vicar, & are maintained by what 
 the people give them at Easter, & by ringing of the Bells, & attending on Christening, 
 Buryals, & marriages. The Churchwardens pay the Grave digger Forty shillings a year, for 
 sweeping & keeping clean the Church. The Silver Chalice above mentioned weighs Ten 
 Ounces and an half. The Silver Cover above mentioned weighs Five Ounces and a fower 
 penny weight." 
 
 ''RICH. SHRIMPTON ln , , TH^OMAS CORDELL Vicar of the 
 
 „ TT „ „„,_„,„ }• Churchwardens. Church of Cheping Wiccombe in the 
 
 1HU. r h,LHJ\\ ) -, ._ , ,, 
 
 County of Bucks. 
 
 " The foregoing is a true Copy of an original Terrar 
 remaining in the registry of the Lord Bishop of 
 Lincoln at Lincoln. 
 
 RICHD. SMITH 
 
 Registrar of the Diocese of Lincoln." 
 
 "N.B. — The above named Thomas ' 
 Cordell was Instituted to 
 the Vicarage of Cheping 
 Wiccombe on the 3rd 
 August 16S1. R. S." ) 
 
 Pakice Lincoln 
 Sepf- 12. 1845. 
 
 COPY TERRIER belonging to the Vicar of Chepping Wicombe. 
 
 Date supposed to be about 171 1. 
 "THE VICARAGE HOUSE contains 1 Hall, 1 Kitchen, 2 panrrys, 2 parlours. The 
 best Wainscoted, & both floor'd with deal, 6 Chambers floor'd with Oak. The front of the House 
 is 55 feet long by 28 feet. The Brew House, Stable and Hayloft, adjoining to the house, are
 
 lOO 
 
 47 feet long & 16 feet wide. A wood house not far from the bouse is 17 by 13 feet. The 
 house is built with Timber and dirt, but til'd. 
 
 "The Ground about the Buildings is on the west side 795 feet, fenced with a brick wall, 
 and house on the East side is 160 feet, fenced about half way with a good brick Wall and a 
 parsonage house, the rest is with pales. On the South end is 131 feet fenced 3 parts with brick 
 and Stone Walls, the other part with pales. On the North side is 187 feet fenced with a quick 
 hedge, and about the 6th part with pales. All this Ground comes to 3 roods, 15 poles, and 26S 
 feet. There is a Brick and Stone wall on y c East side of the passage going up from the North 
 end, to the house which parts it from y* Garden, 50 feet long & 5 feet high. On y e West side 
 of y' passage, there is a quick to be kept cut. There is no more Glebe belonging to the Vicar 
 except you look upon the Church Yard as such. 
 
 "All manner of Tithes within the Verge of the Corporation belong to y c Vicar, & all 
 small Tithes in the parish, except that of wool. These Tithes are taken some of them in 
 Kind, but generally compounded for & pay'd every half year in money. There is no modus 
 for anything except barely for paper Mills, & Corn Mills, that have been such time out of 
 mind. There is nothing paid out from the Vicar's Tithes. The fee for Marriage is 5 s /-, for 
 Easter Offering 4 d , for Churching i s /-, for Mortuary io b /-, for burying in the Church, sometimes 
 a Guinea, sometimes half a Guinea, but never less than ten Groats; for burying in the Church- 
 yard, if no going into the Church, 1 shilling, but if there is, sometimes more. And there is a 
 pension of 5 lb per annum for reading prayers, left by one Mr. Rut. The Clerk and Sexton have 
 been chosen time out of mind by the Vicar ; the Clerk's fee is a Groat a House at Easter, a 
 Groat for Churching, a shilling for marriage, 5 s /- for the Great Bell, if the Corps is buried in 
 Church, but 4 s /- if in the Churchyard, 2 5 /6 d for the 7"' Bell, 2 s /- for all the lessor, but the first, 
 and that is i s /6 d . The Sexton has 2 lb per annum for sweeping the Church, i s /- for digging an 
 Adult person's Grave, and 6 d for a Child's, if the Corps is buried in y c Churchyard, but if in the 
 Church 2y6 d for the former, & i s /6 d for the latter. 
 
 "There are 8 Good Bells belonging to the Church. The biggest weighing about 2700 
 weight. A good velvet cloth and cushion to the pulpit, a good brass candle stick, a silver cup 
 and cover weighing 15 ounces 3 /4-> 3 pewter Flaggons & 2 Salvers, a good linnen cloth & 
 2 Napkins, & a plain woollen cloth belonging to the Communion Table; 2 surplices & a 
 hood, a Bible & 2 Common prayer Books, a good clock and chimes — ". 
 
 "J. GUISE— FERD SHRIMPTON— JOHN HEALEY— Churchwardens". 
 
 "A true Copy having been examined with the Original Terrier 
 remaining in the registry of the Lord Bishop of Lincoln. 
 
 ROBT. SWAN. 
 Lincoln io ,h Sept r 1845". Reg. 
 
 In a Deed without date, but apparently of the middle of the 1 3th 
 Century, the Burgesses of Wycombe granted Adc fit/. Walder for their 
 lives, to him, and for the Service he had done them, that they and their 
 successors are his Attorneys to see and cause that the Grant which the Ab- 
 bess and Convent of Godstowe granted him, be fully carried out, viz., that 
 the said Abbess" and Convent find for ever one fit Priest to celebrate the
 
 IOI 
 
 Priestly Office in the Church of Wycombe, specially for the Soul of Walder 
 his Father, and of Alice, his Mother, and for his Soul, and that of Agnes, his 
 Wife, and of all faithful departed. And that all things contained in the Deed 
 of the said Abbess and Convent be fully carried out. 
 
 In the reign of Edward I. (1274) John le Bowyer gave the Church of 
 Wycombe 3 Torches of Wax, each 4 pounds weight, to be found, out of his 
 Tenement, which he granted Walder de . between William Ger- 
 
 veys' house, and Richard le Hurlers, and 3 s /- out of the said William 
 Gerveys', and /i2 d out of late Gregory le Barber's. The said Walter to find 
 out of the said houses and rents, 3 Torches, 2 on Lady day, and 1 on 
 Christmas day, for ever. 
 
 We may here add what is probably the probate Copy of the Testament of 
 William atte Coumbe, in Latin, written on parchment, and dated Tuesday, 
 — a.d. 1354, whereby he leaves (inter alia) "to the Church of Bradenham 
 one sheep ; to the Church of Hugendene one sheep ; and to the Church of 
 Wycombe one sheep ; to Sir Roger, Chaplain of the parish, 6 d ; to the Sacrist 
 3 d ; to the Clerk 2 d . He leaves to the Wardens of the Church of Wycomb 
 2 s / of yearly rent from the tenement of Richard le Carpenter, formerly, of 
 John le Mareys [Marsh] to find one torch, and the raising [levationem] of 
 the body of Christ, in the Chapel of the Blessed Mary of Wycombe. To 
 the same Wardens also 6 d yearly to be received from a certain Shop, which 
 formerly belonged to Matthew le Fullere near the tenement of W. le 
 Carpenter. Also to the same Wardens, one penny of rent from the tene- 
 ment which belonged to Serche, towards the fabric of the Church. Also 
 20 5 to be spent on the day of his burial, and the same on his Annivisary 
 days. The residue of his goods he leaves to be distributed, at the discretion 
 of his executors for his Soul, and the Soul of Thomas atte Coumbe, to his 
 Uncle ; one earthen pot [brec] excepted, which he leaves to the house of St. 
 John the Baptist, of Wycombe. " And, for the execution of this testament, 
 I do make, ordain, and appoint, Sir John Parson of Bradenham, and Edith 
 my Wife to be executors." 
 
 With regard to the Architectural features of the present Church, there 
 are some fine specimens of the early English Work. Many of the Windows 
 with their tracery, as well as the beautiful arcading in the great South Porch, 
 have been preserved. The structure originally consisted of the Nave, 
 Aisles, and Chancel, with their high pitched, or gable roofs, and the Tower
 
 102 
 
 rising between the Chancel and the Nave. At the West end of the North 
 Aisle, doorways have been discovered which evidently led to a building of 
 two Stories, long since demolished, traditionally called " the Confessional," 
 but correctly, the Revestry with Sextry above. We learn from Dr. Browne 
 Willis's MSS. that the North Aisle was originally called the Vicar's Aisle, 
 and had been widened for the erection of eight Altars which formerly existed. 
 In 1518 there were, however, only six Altars in the Church, beside the High 
 Altar, namely, St. Clement's, St. Nicholas', Name of Jesus, the Bower, and 
 the Resurrection Altar, but to which must be added the Altar to St. Mary's 
 Chapel, to be presently mentioned. The construction of the Nave is of the 
 period of the 15th Century. The length of the whole building is 180 feet ; 
 the Nave is 48 feet high. The South Aisle was of a very little later date. 
 
 The South Aisle in the Chancel is the most modern part of the Church, 
 and was called " the Bower Chancel," and originally was very beautifully 
 decorated. There was a Chapel in the Church dedicated to St. Mary, 
 which in all probability was situate in the Chancel, at the back of the High 
 Altar. 
 
 In the 23rd, Edward III., by his Testament, Matthew, son of Matthew 
 le Fuller, left a tenement in the High Street, to maintain a lamp to be 
 always burning before the Altar of St. Mary in the Church of Wycombe. 
 There were also eight Altars in the Aisles of the Chancel in 1526. In the 
 early part of the 15th century considerable alterations took place, as all the 
 piers and arches, the roofs in the Nave, the Aisles, and the clerestory win- 
 dows disclose the work of the perpendicular period. The old Tower, which 
 contained a peal of five bells of great weight, was removed. And the last 
 great alteration, or rather addition, which we have to record, as completing 
 the building as it now stands, was the erection of the present magnificent 
 Tower, in the year 1522, under the superintendence of Rowland Messenger, 
 who had been Vicar of Wycombe from 150S to 1511, when he resigned the 
 living. The Tower was completed with much rejoicing "ryngying of bellys, 
 and pypying of Organs." 
 
 We may here mention that Rowland Messenger was also Prebend 
 of St. Botolph's, Lincoln, and Rector of Winwick, Northamptonshire. It 
 appears that he was a man of considerable Architectural skill, energetic, and 
 somewhat notorious in his time ; he was appointed by Cardinal Wolsey a 
 Clerk, or Comptroller of the Works, on the erection of the Tower of Christ
 
 ICK 
 
 Church College, Oxford, in 1525. Longland, Bishop of Lincoln, and Con- 
 fessor to Hen: VIII., in the year 1532, under the provisions of the in- 
 famous Statute against Heretics 2 Hen: IV. c. 15 (which Fox, the Martyr- 
 ologist asserts, never received the assent of the Commons), directed a 
 Warrant to the Sheriff of Bucks, for the burning of the venerable Thomas 
 Harding of Chesham, who had for some time been incarcerated in the 
 prison attached to the Bishop's Palace at Wooburn, significantly called, 
 " The little ease," on a charge of heresy, and particularly, for denying the 
 real presence in the sacrament ; and the bishop appointed Rowland Messen- 
 ger to take the oversight of his martyrdom. 
 
 Thomas Rave of Great Marlow, having abjured, says Fox, " when he 
 came to Wycomb, there to do his penance, Rowland Messenger bound his 
 fagot with a silken lace." This penance was the bearing of a fagot on a 
 Market day, on the Shoulder, the penitent standing on the highest step of the 
 Market Cross ; and from thence, bearing his fagot in a procession within the 
 Church, and at High Mass kneeling on the highest step before the Altar. 
 
 By the Statute of Hen: II. already referred to, bishops were not only 
 permitted to arrest and imprison, so long as their heresy should last, all 
 preachers of heresy, all schoolmasters infected with heretical teaching, all 
 owners or writers of heretical books, but a reprisal to abjure, or a relapse 
 after abjuration, enabled them to hand over the heretic to the civil officers, 
 and by these, (so ran this first legal enactment of bloodshed, which defiled 
 our Statute book), he was to be burnt on a high place before the people. 
 
 In the Plowman s Tale (formerly ascribed to Chaucer) are the follow- 
 ing lines relative to the prosecutions of supposed Heretics : — 
 
 " These * hav more right in England here, 
 
 " Than hath the King, and all his lawe ; 
 
 "They hav purchased such powere, 
 
 " To taken hem whom list or knawe ; 
 
 " And say that heresie is there sawe, y 
 
 " And so to prison wol heme sende. 
 
 " It was not so by elder lawe, 
 
 " God for His mercy it amende. 
 
 " The Kinges lawe wol no man deme, 
 
 " Angerliche without an answere, 
 
 " But if any man these misqueme, 
 
 * Viz. [the bishops.] f [say or talk.]
 
 104 
 
 ■' lie shall be baited as a bere ; 
 
 " And yet well worse they wol him tere, 
 
 " And in prison wollin him penile,* 
 
 " In gines, and in other gere, 
 
 " Whan that God woll, it may amende." 
 
 In the early part of the present century, a stone Sarcophagus of a 
 very early period, about five feet long, was discovered in the North Wall of 
 the Church. And lately, a fragment of zigzag moulding, which it is pre- 
 sumed belonged to the old Norman Church, and also a quantity of mediaeval 
 pavements were uncovered. And more recently in the South Aisle, near 
 the little door, and about six inches beneath the surface, some more pave- 
 ment of the same period has been discovered, on the removal of which, 
 another stone Sarcophagus was found without a lid, lying west and east ; 
 it is sculptured to receive the head and shoulders, and is about five feet 
 eight inches in length, and in good preservation. The Aisles of the Church 
 and Chancel were both divided by ancient carved screens, or parcloses, 
 which were erected by Mr. William Redehode, to whom reference has al- 
 ready been made. 
 
 The screen of the South Chancel Aisle had a well preserved inscrip- 
 tion in Oak as follows : — 
 
 " Praye for the Soules of Rycharde Redehode, 
 
 "Agnes his Wyfe, the whyche Richard bilded this parclose with tymbre in the yere off oure 
 Lord God 1468, on — Soules — God." 
 
 These Screens were some few years since removed, which is much to 
 be regretted by the admirers of Church Architecture. The inner Arch at 
 the west end, now opening to the Tower, discloses the remains of the old 
 west window, with its jambs prolonged, till they reached the ground ; this 
 pointed Arch, which is an object at once striking and beautiful, partly carries 
 the Tower. 
 
 The iron gates in front of the South entrance to the Churchyard were 
 the gift of the Earl of Shelburne, and formerly stood at the St. Mary Street 
 entrance to Loakes House. 
 
 In concluding our remarks on the Church, we may add, that this noble 
 and stately edifice ranks first in importance among the Churches of the County, 
 
 * [hang.]
 
 io5 
 
 and was by Dr. Kay, the learned Bishop of Lincoln, denominated the 
 Cathedral of Buckinghamshire. 
 
 In 1509 a dispute arose between Thomas Heywood, LL.B., Vicar of 
 the Parish, and the Parishioners, as to the Vicar's neglect of parochial 
 duties, which was referred to Dr. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese. And his 
 Lordship decreed in his domestic chapel at London, May 18th, 1509, that 
 on account of the number of souls being 1000, and the extent of the parish, 
 the Vicar should be resident, and have an Assistant ; and in case of absence, 
 should provide two Curates, or Officiating Clergymen. 
 
 The following is a list of the earlier Vicars of Wycombe : — 
 
 Vicars. Patrons. 
 
 Philip resigned. 
 
 Robert Maynard, 9 cal. April... 1273. per conventum de Godstow ...resigned. 
 
 Odo de Watlington 1273 resigned. 
 
 John de Clera, 15 cal. April ... 1276 
 
 John le Palmerede Bloxham ... 13 10 
 
 John de Broughton died 1368. 
 
 Elias de Merston, May 2nd ... 1368 
 
 Will. Chestayne died 1 4 1 8. 
 
 Thos. Sprott, August 24th ... 1418 
 
 John Croxley Exchanged for Islington with. 
 
 Richard Dal by, Sept. 9th ... 1433 
 
 Robert Waring died 1470. 
 
 / by reason of his being in 
 possession of the tempo- 
 Hugh Clay, Oct. 30th 1470. ...per Regem. - ralities of the Nunnery, 
 
 quitted for West Wy- 
 
 \ combe. 
 
 John Thayles, Dec. 4th 1471 per Regem resigned. 
 
 John Fisher, Jan. 19th 1472 per conventum de Godstow 
 
 Tho. Gilbert, LL.D., Dec. 28th, 1482 
 
 Thomas Botiler, occurs 1487 ••• 
 
 T. Heywood LL.B. March 26th, 150S resigned. 
 
 Rowland Messenger, March 1 2th, 1 5 1 1 resigned. 
 
 William Wright, March 6th ... 1539 
 
 Richard Philips, March 20th ... 1555. ... by Jane Raunce resigned. 
 
 Thomas Bernard, August 1st, 1557. ... by John Raunce* 
 
 John Dans, May 25th x 592. •■■ by Robert Raunce 
 
 Philip Chamberlain r S94- ••• by the same 
 
 * Note. — Dr. Brown Willis supposes the Crown sold this Benefice to them, and that 
 Raunce, the Patron, was only a lessee of the Crown. 
 
 l'
 
 io6 
 
 Vicars. Patrons. 
 
 Gerard Dobson,* Nov. 6th ... 1629. ... by ten Citizens of London 
 
 George Fownes, during the Commonwealth 
 
 Thomas Johnson, Nov. 15th ... 1660. ... by Matthew Archdale, Esq 
 
 ....... t ivr .1 rr ( ''V .Matthew ") resigned for W'oo- 
 
 \\ llham Ley, May 20th 1064. . / \ ° 
 
 ( Archdale, Esq. J burn. 
 
 Vincent Owen, June 7th 1669. ...by the same 
 
 Isaac Mills, A.M., Feb. 20th ... 1673. ... by the same resigned. 
 
 Thomas Cordel, Aug. 3rd 1681 buried here April 22, 1711. 
 
 Samuel Guise, A.B., May 30th ... 1711. ... by Hen: Petty, Lord Shelburne 
 
 And again 1724 buried here Oct. 19, 1753. 
 
 Edmund Trot, LL.B.,f Dec. 6th 1753. ... by John, Earl of Shelburne 
 
 James Price, B.A., Nov. 24th ... 1763. ... by William, Earl of Shelburne 
 
 And again, M.A., Jan. 6th 17S4. ... the same ... buried here, Jan., 17S8. 
 
 James Price, B.A. March 21st ... 17S4. ... the same, Marquis of Lansdowne, K.G. 
 
 The 1st Ledger referred to, folio 3, contains — 
 
 "An Inventory of the Goods of the Parish Church of All Saints at Wycombe, made there 
 a.d. 1475, in the time of Nicholas Grove, John Porter, William Harper, and Thomas Lytylpage 
 the Younger, Wardens of the Church aforesaid : the following is a copy. 
 
 " A sewte of vestmentes of rede bawdekyne, beryng werke damaske branchis of Gold, with 
 lyons and byrdis of the same. A sewte of stuffe berynge werke branchis of grene, with levis ot 
 golde. A sewte of rede velewet, powdyrde, with crowns of gold. A sewte of blewe bawdekyn, 
 berynge werke grene branchis with byrdis of gold. A sewte of white bawdekyne, powdyrde with 
 birdis of golde. A sewte of rede sylke, powderid, with w^hite branchis. A sewte of blacke for 
 Requiem Mas. A chesapylle of rede bawdekyne, powdered, with birdis of golde, with an awbe 
 (alb) longyng therto. A sewte of grene velewet, except the cope, beryng a grene bawdekyne. 
 A chesapyll and tenekylle of sylke, beryng branchis of blewe purpylle with apys of golde, with 
 apparell therto. A sewte of blewe sylke, with rayes of golde, except the awbys and copis of 
 playne white sylke. A white chesapyll, with apparell therto ; ii. chesapyllis of sylke with ap- 
 parelle therto ; ii. olde chesapylles of sylke ; vii. pelowis of sylke and of bawdekyne ; iii. pallis 
 of clothe of sylke, powderide with gold ; vi. auter clothis to lye uppone the hye auter. A palle 
 for the hersse of blacke sylke ; a blacke saye clothe [perditur, lost. — Note] ; another of wollen 
 [pcrditur, lost. — Note]. Item v. longe hoselynge towellis of diaper; ii. waisshinge towellis for 
 the hye auter ; a blacke frontell for the hye auter, with branchis of grene powderid, with squier- 
 elles of gold. Item, a blewe frontell with branchis of grene, powderid, with hyndis of golde. 
 Item, v. corperas cases of diverse clothis of sylke, vii. corporassis of casis lynnyne. Item, a purse 
 of clothe of golde ; a purse of clothe of sylke, with the reliquis. Item, iii. baneris of sylke, with 
 the stavis thereto, a crosse baner of sylke with a staffe of copur and gylte ; a crosse staffe peyntid ; 
 iiii. banir clothis of lynnyne. Item, a canape of purpull sylke, with iiii. botons gylt ; a canape 
 of white clothe; vi. pynounse [pennons] of sylke ; iii. pendauntes of sylke; iii. lecturne clothis. 
 Item, iiii. steynide clothis for the hye auter, with iiii. curtayns, ii. steynid clothis, for the hye 
 
 * Dobson occurs in 1652, when the Living was worth ^20 per Ann., and in 1752 the 
 Parliament augmented it by a grant of ^50 per annum, out of Queen Anne's Bounty. 
 
 f Dr. Trot ruined himself in rebuilding the Vicarage House, and died at St. Kitts, leaving a 
 destitute widow.
 
 107 
 
 auter, with iiii. curtayns, ii. steynid clothis, with a frontell counterfeet clothe of gold for the 
 hye auter ; ii. curtayns of purpylle sylke ; ii. auter clothis for Lent, with the curtayns ; iii. 
 lecturne clothis for Lent. A staynid clothe of gold, powderid with gold and sylver for the 
 Sepulcur, with a lynnyne clothe therto ; a Sepulcur of tyniber with a stole therto. A vayle 
 of white, with a crosse of rede ; ii. canstykkys of latone to stonde uppone the hye auter ; ii. 
 grete canstykkys of latone, to stonde in the queir. A sensare of latone, a shippe of latone ; a 
 pyx box of latone, with a box of ivorie. A crismatorie of sylk, that-weyth xxvii. unces. A 
 chalys with a patent of sylver and gylt, that weythe xvi. unces and i. quarter. A chalys with a 
 patent of sylver and gylt, that weyth xviii. unces and i. quart. A chalys with a patent of sylver 
 and gylt, that w-eythe xxvii. unces and dwt. A chalys with a patent of sylver and gylt, that 
 w r eythe xxx. unces i. quarter. A chalys with a patent of sylver, that weythe xii. unces and dwt. 
 A sensare with cheyns of sylver, that weythe xxxvii. unces. A sensare with cheynes of sylver, 
 that weythe xxxiii. unces i. quarter. Item, ii. shippes of sylver, with ii. sponys of sylver, that 
 weyth xx. unces, iii. quarters, and dwt. A crosse of sylver and gylt, that weythe lxxiiii. unces ; 
 a fote of a crosse, with a penacull of sylver and gylt, that weythe lxi. unces ; ii. crewettes of 
 sylver, that weyne ix. unces and quarter ; ii. basyns of sylver, that weyne xxx. unces ; ii. 
 canstykkys of sylver, that weyne xlix. unces and half unce. Item, a pax of sylver and gylt with 
 v. stonys, that weythe xv. unces ; a lytyll box of sylver and gylt, that weyth 3 unces ; a lytyll 
 box of sylver with dyverse reliquis therin ; a box of copur and gylt, and enamilde, with reliquis 
 therin. A crosse of copur and gylt ; another crosse of copur and gylt with iiii. stonys. A 
 crosse of latene ; another of tree [wood] : a surplice for the quere. Item, ii. Mass bokys to the 
 hye auter; ii. grete Luggeris [Leigers, or Antiphonars] in the queire ; iiii. Portowis [Portifories, 
 or Portehors] a Responsor, with a lytyll Graylle ; v. Grayles ; vi. Prosessioneris ; ii. Manuellis ; 
 i. Dirgeboke ; ii. Pystyl bokys [Epistle books] ; a Legent ; i. Ordinalle ; i. Martilage [Martyr- 
 ology] ; a Cathalicane [Catholicon] ; a lantome ; an halywater stok of latone ; ii. lecternys of 
 tymber ; ii. hoselyng bellys [houseling bells] ; iii. bellis for the bedmanne [bedeman, or sum- 
 moner] ; ii. beris [biers] with ii. coffyns therto. Item, i. crowe of irene wei'ng ix. Ii. weight. 
 Item, a sute of clothe of golde tyssu of the gyfte of Sir John Stoktone of Londone, with alle the 
 aparelle. Item, ii. Copys of whighte damaske, the orferasse [orfrays] of bleu damaske, ex dono 
 Willdmi Redehode [the gift of William Redehode]. Item, ii. blac copys of worstede, the orfe- 
 rasse of blew worstede, poudered, with letters of gold, ex dono dicti Willdmi Redehode [the gift 
 of the said William Redehode]. Item, a palle of imperial! a — . Item a Processionary, coveryd 
 with black damaske. Item, ii. awter clothis of blew worstede, powderyd, with flowyrs of golde 
 and spangyls of sylver. Item ii. curteynes of blew sarsenet, frengyd with sylke. Item, a pyx 
 of sylver gylt, with a lytyll pece of sylver, weyeing xvi. unces. Item, ii. candystykkes of latene, 
 stondyng in Seynt Nicholas chauncelle. Item, a Kercheffe of plesans, with a bordur of sylke and 
 golde, ex dono Johannis Collarde. Item, a gowne of purpylle sarsenet for Ihesus awter, ex dono 
 foliannis Collarde. Item, a cloth of blac worstede for the herse, with a whyte crosse imbrow- 
 deryd in v. placis with the name of Jhesus. Item a canape of launde, with iiii. botons of 
 nedylle worke, freyngyd rounde abowte with rede sylke and golde, ex dono Margeria Bontyngo 
 [the gift of Margery Bontynge]. Item, a lynnyne cloth, with a crosse of blac bokeram, for the 
 roode. Item a towelle to hossyl [administer the Sacrament to] peple, conteyning by estymacion 
 xix. yerdes with blewe porelles [q y . tufts] at the end. Item a baner clothe of blew-sylke, 
 chaungeable with a fegure of the Trinite, of the yefte of John Collarde. Chales with a patent 
 of sylver and gylte, weyeng x. unces, of the yefte of William Redehode ad dictam Ca/d/an 
 Beatce Maria: [to the said Chapel of S'. Mary]."
 
 ioS 
 
 In folio 4.6 by a like Inventory taken in the year 1503, some of 
 the former items have disappeared and others arc added. Among the 
 latter : — 
 
 "A sewte of rede sylk with stems, and thefloure de luce. A sewte of blak with flouris of 
 golde in the crosse. A cope of grene bawdekyn with lyones rampyone of gold. A Chesebylle 
 of grene horde alisaundre [a cloth, probably resembling sandalwood] with a crosse of saye sylke. 
 Myters of diverse sewtes, ii. stremers of sylke, one rede, another blewe, iii. qweryes noted, of 
 the Visitacion of oure Lady, iii. qweyres of the Transfiguration of Jhesu, and the Masse also. 
 Two bokes, on off Seynt Austen's workes, another of Seynt Gregories worke, iiii. wol. stremers 
 to goe by the crosse uppone high days." 
 
 In folio J. 6 follows an Inventory of the Church goods made on the 
 20th of January, 10th Henry VI 1 1, (a.d. 15 19), in the presence of 
 Thomas Kare, Mayor. The last in general resembles the preceding 
 ones : the " Hygh awltere " is mentioned ; the " Bowre awltere," the 
 " Resurrection awltere." " Jesus awltere " ; " Saynt Clements awltere." 
 Many " vestments " are mentioned ; among them " a vestment of grene 
 dornekke," [Cloth of Tournay] " a stremer of bokerham, image of our 
 Lady." A " baner of bokerham of Sayent Poule." 
 
 The 2nd Ledger, folio 1, contains the following record of — 
 
 THE CHURCH BELLS. 
 
 " An accompt of the w" of the old, and new Bells ; the charge ot casting, and their inscrip- 
 tions. Cast in the year 1 7 1 1. 
 
 ( W Lt of y c OKI Bells. Inscriptions. 
 
 cut. 
 
 6. 29 ii o 11 00 Jos. Pettiphur May r ; Cha. Elliott AlcU ; Jno. Bigg, T. Clerk ; Tho s Grove, 
 
 Cris. Landell, Sam. Freeman, Rob 1 Rastliff, c.w. 1683. 
 
 5. 20 11 1 11 04 Martin I.ewcllin May 1 ", Rob' Roy, Cris r Weeden, Rich' 1 Piggot, Rob' 
 
 bell w tt Bowdrey, Church"^ V. 1672. 
 
 4. 15 11 2 nil " Love God" 1636. 
 
 3. 12 11 o 11 18 Multis Annis Resonet Campana Johannis 1583. 
 
 2. 9 11 o 11 18 Sit noraen domini Benedictum. 
 
 1. 8 11 o 11 10 Praise the Lord 1620.'' 
 in all 94 " 1 i' 05
 
 109 
 
 W» of the New Bells. 
 I cwt. 
 
 8. 25 11 i 11 00 Sam 1 Guise M.A. Vicar, Nath : Morgin, Wra. Packer. 
 
 Sam 1 Wells, Fra. Williams, C. W. Rich d Phelps, Wade Mee, 171 1. 
 17 n 3 11 00 Hugh Shrimpton May r ; Tho s Russin, Justice, 
 
 Tho s Wood T. C. Rich' 1 Allen, Jn° Carter, Bail : R.P. fecit 171 1. 
 13 11 1 11 06 Messeurs Jno : Lane, Tho s Stevens, Geo. Grove, Fred : Shrimpton, 
 bell w« Tho s Wells, Aid" R. P. fecit 1 7 1 1. 
 
 11 11 3 11 08 Messeurs Benj: Hickman, Jos. Pettipher, Rich d Shrimpton. 
 
 Hen: Hunt, Aid". R.P. fecit 171T. 
 9 11 3 11 00 God preserve the Church of England, and our gracious Queen, 
 
 Ann, R.P. fecit 171 1. 
 7 1. 3 .1 00 Rich d Phelps of White Chappell, London, cast these eight Bells in ye 
 year 1 7 1 1 . 
 2. 6 11 2 11 22 Edw d Stevens, Clark : Luke Gurney, Sexton, R. P. fecit 17 11. 
 1. 6 11 3 11 15 W m Shrimpton, T. Clark, Jn° Rose, Serjeant. 
 ^ inallo9 n o n 23 W m Hailey, Beadle, R.P. fecit 1711." 
 
 " The taking down of y e old Bells, altering y e Frame, Wheels, stocks, Clappers, Brasses, 
 Carriage from Spade Oke Wharfe to London, all other charge at London, casting the eight new 
 Bells, and adding five hundred weight of new mettle ; Carriage back to Spade Oke Wharfe. 
 Hanging y c new Bells, and all other charges (except carrying y° old Bells to Spade Oke Wharfe 
 and bringing y e new Bells back from thence, was undertaken and performed by Mr. Richard 
 Phelps of Whitechapell, Lond : Bell founder, for y e sum of one hundred and fourty pounds." 
 
 The second bell was added to the above by the Earl of Wycombe, and 
 the 3rd by Lord Henry Petty. 
 
 The following inscription is cast upon the tenor bell : 
 
 " May all whom I shall summon to the grave, 
 " The blessings of a well spent life receive. 
 
 The Rev d James Price Vicar, 
 Mess' 5 Richard Barton, Sam 1 Bates, James Kingston, 
 Daniel Turner, Churchwardens, W. B." (No date). 
 
 The old Chimes were constructed by Mr. George Harman, Sen. (an 
 amateur of considerable mechanical skill), who also constructed the cele- 
 brated chimes in Cripplegate Church, London ; the cost of the Wycombe 
 Chimes was paid by the Marquis of Lansdowne. Mr. Harman was by 
 nature of musical genius, for he also built an excellent chamber organ, 
 which he presented to his son, the late Alderman Harman, conditionally, 
 that he first played upon it the old hundredth psalm tune. 
 
 The Church has lately been restored ; the interior of the nave and
 
 I 10 
 
 choir, completely, and the exterior, partially, under the direction of the 
 eminent architect, Mr. Street. 
 
 A memorial window, of exquisite art, by Hardman, to the late Right 
 Honourable Robert John, second Lord Carington, has been placed at the 
 east end of the chancel, by the voluntary contributions of his Lordship's 
 tenantry and friends. 
 
 A new Town Clock has recently been erected in the Tower of the 
 Church, by public subscription, having four dial plates, one of which is 
 illuminated ; and with a new set of chimes, playing seven tunes ; the list, to 
 which is added the names of the gentlemen presenting the same, is as 
 follows, viz. : — 
 
 
 Tune 
 
 
 Sunday 
 
 Easter Hymn 
 
 Mr. F. Wheeler. 
 
 Monday 
 
 Rousseau's Dream ... 
 
 Mr. J. 0. Griffits. 
 
 Tuesday 
 
 O Rest in the Lord 
 
 Mr. J. Parker, Jun, 
 
 Wednesday 
 
 Sicilian Mariners' Hymn .. 
 
 Mr. F. Wheeler. 
 
 Thursday 
 
 Blue Bells of Scotland 
 
 Mr. B. Lucas. 
 
 Friday 
 
 The Last Rose of Summer 
 
 Mr. W. V. Baines. 
 
 Saturday 
 
 Home, Sweet Home 
 
 Mr. A. Vernon. 
 
 The chimes are played on the Church Bells every three hours. 
 
 In 1545 William Avis was Parish Clerk and Organ Player. 
 
 An Organ by Green was placed in the Church in 1783. Mr. Maber- 
 ley, an ancestor of an old Wycombe family, of the name of Pontyfix, was 
 for many years the Organist, and was succeeded by his nephew, Mr. 
 Pontyfix. This Organ was a few years since removed, and a magnificent 
 Organ, by Jones, was erected in the Vicar's Aisle, and contains the most 
 valuable of the pipes of the old Organ. 
 
 THE ALTAR PIECE. 
 A brief sketch relative to this picture, and as to its presentation to the 
 Church, may not be altogether uninteresting to the reader. The picture, 
 which represents St. Paul preaching to the British Druids,* was painted by 
 
 * As to the reasonable probability of St. Paul having preached in Britain, see Speed's 
 " Great Britain," and the authorities therein cited, p. 203 ; Bp. Newton " On the Prophecies," 
 vol. ii. p. 237 ; and " The Early British Church founded by St. Paul," by the Rev. Henry Smith, 
 Chaplain of Parkhurst Prison.
 
 i i r 
 
 John Hamilton Mortimer, an English historical painter of great merit ; and 
 for it, as being the best historical picture, he obtained the first prize of 
 one hundred guineas from the Society for the encouragement of Arts, 
 Manufactures, and Commerce. Doctor Bates, of Little Missenden, who was 
 the great friend and patron of Mortimer, on one occasion visiting him, 
 went into his studio, and to his great surprise found Mortimer playing with 
 a ball at the game of fives against this picture. The Doctor remonstrated 
 with him for his temerity ; Mortimer said he did not value the picture 
 particularly, and that the Doctor was quite welcome to it ; which offer he at 
 once accepted. Doctor Bates presented the picture in 1778 to this Church. 
 In 1779 Mortimer was, without solicitation or expectation, created a 
 Royal Academician by the especial grant of the King. His reputation was 
 now established, and his celebrity increased by the production of his pictures 
 of King John granting Magna Charta, The Battle of Agincourt, Vortigern 
 and Rowena, and other admired works. "In the freedom of his pencil" 
 (says Gould), "and the savage air of his banditti (his favourite subject) he 
 approached nearly to the boldest efforts of Salvator Rosa." After an illness 
 of a few days, Mortimer died on the 4th of February, 1779, aged 40, and 
 was buried in Little Missenden Church ; six months afterwards his remains 
 were exhumed, and in honour of his great master-painting, they were in- 
 terred in the chancel of this Church. 
 
 In anticipation of the restoration of the Church, the Churchwardens 
 obtained a faculty authorising the removal of the Altar Piece. And it was 
 resolved in Vestry that the same should be presented to the Corporation, 
 which was accepted. And this splendid production of art now graces the 
 Council Chamber of the Guildhall. 
 
 The Church Register dates from the year 1598. 
 
 The Churchyard was closed by order of the Secretary of State ; and 
 the Cemetery was opened in July, 1855, which being pleasantly situated on 
 an eminence, commands a charming view of the town and its immediate 
 neighbourhood, embracing the beautiful grounds of Wycombe Abbey ; 
 Hughenden Manor, the seat of the Earl of Beaconsfield, with the pic- 
 turesque little Church, and Vicarage House attached ; also West Wycombe 
 Park, and the Church on the opposite hill ; restored by Francis Lord le
 
 I I 2 
 
 Despenser, after the Italian style. This Church has been ironically described 
 by Wilkes as " built on the top of a hill for the convenience and devotion of 
 the town at the bottom." Or as another wit irreverently adds, — 
 
 " A temple built aloft in air, 
 That serves for show, if not for prayer." 
 
 THE PRINCIPAL MONUMENTS, Etc., IN THE CHURCH. 
 
 In the North slisle of t/ic Chancel. — The principal object of interest 
 is an elegant mural monument by Scheemakers, to Henry Petty, Earl of 
 Shelburne. It consists of an architrave, supported by double Corinthian 
 columns of gray marble, the whole placed upon a basement of fine white 
 marble ; between the pillars stands a sarcophagus of gray stone, upon which 
 reclines the dying Earl, supported on his right elbow, and by his side 
 Religion, with an open book. Upon the front of the sarcophagus is a 
 medallion with the head of Sir William Petty (the Earl's father) in alto. 
 To the left of this group, an erect male figure, habited as a Roman warrior, 
 and seated by his side, an elegant female caressing an infant. To the right 
 another group, showing a youth tended by two female figures, emblematical 
 of Wisdom and Virtue. At the back of the centre group is a pyramidal 
 tablet of Sienna marble, surmounted with the family shield, and bearing two 
 cherubims, prepared to crown the expiring statesman. Above the entabla- 
 ture are two female figures in a reclining attitude, and holding the attributes 
 of Justice and Truth. All these statues, twelve in number, are in white 
 marble, and the size of life. The inscription is as follows : — 
 
 To the Memory of Henry Petty, Earl of Shelburne 
 
 Son of Sir William Petty. His Lordship married Arabella 
 
 Boyle daughter of Charles Lord Clifford, son and 
 
 heir apparent of Charles Earl of Cork and Burlington, 
 
 by whom he had issue, 
 
 Julia, who died unmarried, aged 23 years ; 
 
 Charles, who died at the age of 12 years. Ann, who married 
 
 Francis Bernard, Esq., of Castle Bernard, in the kingdom of 
 
 Ireland, and died at the age of 30 years, leaving no issue. 
 
 James Lord Viscount 1 Hmkerron, 
 
 Who married Elizabeth Clavering, daughter and co-heiress of 
 
 Sir John Clavering, in the bishoprick of Durham ;
 
 James Lord Viscount Dunkerron, died in the 40 th year of his age. 
 
 Elizabeth, his Wife, in the 32"' 1 , and with their only son, 
 
 Who died an infant, lie buried underneath 
 
 This monument. 
 
 Henry Earl of Shelburne, 
 
 Having survived his wife and children, bequeathed his fortune 
 
 to John Fitzmaurice, second son of his Sister Ann, 
 Countess of Kerry, on condition of his taking the surname of 
 Petty, and died in the 78"' year of his age. 
 He and Arabella his wife, lie buried under this monument. 
 This monument was erected by Slingsby Bethel, Esq., alderman 
 of London, and William Monck, Esq., of the Middle Temple, London, 
 his lordship's executors, 1784. 
 
 In contemplating this fine work of art, the eye is struck by the admir- 
 able foil afforded by the flowing draperies to the straight lines of architec- 
 ture. It is principally of light veined marble, and is some 26 feet high. A 
 finer composition is rarely met with, and the examination of it is equally 
 gratifying and satisfactory. It is surrounded with an iron railing — we trust 
 a needless protection. 
 
 In the south aisle, on a brass plate : — 
 
 Here under lyeth buried, the bodye of Margaret Trone, the 
 daughter of — Trone, and An his wife, who deceased the first 
 of November, 1588. 
 
 Also a beautiful monument, by Carlini, representing Lady Shelburne 
 
 reclining on an urn, with her two children, the effect of which is truly 
 
 imposing, — 
 
 Sophia 
 
 Daughter 
 
 of John and Sophia, Earl and Countess Granville, 
 
 Wife 
 of William Earl of Shelburne, Baron of Wycombe, 
 Mother 
 of John Henry Viscount Fitzmaurice 
 and William Granville Petty, 
 Died in the twenty sixth year of her age, 
 on the sixth of January, MDCCLXXI. 
 Her price was far above rubies, 
 Her children arise up and call her blessed ; 
 Her husband also, and he praiseth her. — Solomon. 
 
 Above the monument is her ladyship's achievement.
 
 i >4 
 
 The following curious and unique inscription is on a tablet in the 
 north aisle of the Chancel. William Bradshawe, whom it commemorated, 
 resided at the Bridge Mill. Four of his sons were graduates of Oxford 
 (one of them of Brasenose, and another of Balliol) ; and on the death of the 
 parents, each of them contributed these epitaphs in elegant Latin. 
 
 Epitaphium. 
 
 In obitum Gulielmi Bradshawe qui obiit Jul. 19. 16 14 
 
 An: retat: 103. Et Margeriae Uxoris ejus quae obiit Jul. 15. 1620 An. aetat 96. 
 
 Et Gulielmi filii ipsorum Qui obiit September 9. 1596 An. .Ivat: 29 
 
 Junxit amor vivos, defunctos jungit et urna, 
 
 Jungit ccelum animas corpora jungit humus : 
 
 Ista manent stabili semper connubia nexu : 
 
 Et mors ipsa nequit solvere vincla Dei 
 
 F. B. Sac. Theol: Doct. 
 
 Aliud 
 
 Qua? genuere vorant .rpovus et xpovos, almaque: tellus 
 Sed (micrum est) iterum que vorat ipsa parit. 
 
 N. B. Sac. Theol: Bach. 
 
 Aliud 
 Mors tibi jam stimulum moriens Salvator ademit: 
 Mors vitam, at mortem vita secunda fugat. 
 
 R. B. Art. M r . 
 
 Aliud 
 In damno lucrum est, injuria finore ditat, 
 Corpora quae recipit mortua, viva dabit 
 
 1. 11. Art. M r . 
 
 Translation. In memory 
 
 uf \Ym. Bradshawe, who died July 19, 1614, aged 103; and of Margery, his wife, who died 
 July 15, 1620, aged 96 ; and of William, their son, who died September 9, 1596, aged 29. 
 
 Love joined their lives, the tomb unites their dust, 
 The realms above unite their souls, we trust. 
 Such perfect bonds not death itself can sever, 
 Whom God thus fitly joins, he joins for ever. 
 
 F. B., D.D. 
 
 Like time, like fabled Saturn, mother earth 
 Devours her sons, but gives them second birth. 
 
 N. B., B.D.
 
 i'5 
 
 Where is thy sting, O death ? 'tis nought to me, 
 Thou endest life : another life ends thee. 
 
 R. B., M.A. 
 
 Where loss is gain, why dread we death's attack? 
 Earth takes us lifeless, deathless yields us back. 
 
 J. B., MA. 
 F. Bradshawe, D.D., was a fellow of Magdalene College, Oxford. See Anthony a. Wood. 
 
 In the south aisle, on a white marble tablet, enriched with decorative 
 emblems of his profession, viz., a casque or modern helmet, sword and 
 spear, and within a wreath of laurel, the words, " Ladoeira," " Salamanca," 
 is this inscription : — 
 
 Captain William White, 
 
 Of His Majesty's 13* regiment of Light Dragoons, 
 
 and D. A. Q. M. G. of Cavalry, under his Grace the Duke of Wellington, 
 
 was mortally wounded at the battle of Salamanca, the 22"'.' of July, 181 2, 
 
 in the 3o lh year of his age. 
 
 Of whom his brave companions in arms have 
 
 borne this honourable testimony that " he fell nobly, 
 
 acting with distinguished bravery in a glorious cause, with a character 
 
 unblemished as a man and as a soldier, adorned with unsullied integrity, and 
 
 undaunted courage ! " a testimony amply corroborated 
 
 by the official Gazettes of Sept i8'. h , 1810, and May 9 th , 1812. 
 
 He survived until the night of the 23 rd , and ere he breathed his last had the satisfaction 
 
 of knowing that he died, as he had lived, the companion of Victory. 
 
 Lieut. Gillespie White of the same regiment twin brother 
 of the above, and holding similar rank on the staff of the army 
 in Egypt, commanded by Sir Ralph Abercrombie K.B. 
 died at Damietta Oct. 15".' 1801, at the age of 20 years. 
 
 Also, on a neat mural tablet, near the communion table, is the follow- 
 ing inscription, held — ■ 
 
 Sacrctj 
 
 To, the Memory of 
 
 William Sproston, of 
 
 High Wycombe, Gentleman, 
 
 Who departed this life 
 
 The 26 ,: ' day of January, 1841, 
 
 in his 78'.' year.
 
 1 16 
 
 A faithful director of 
 
 The Royal Free Grammar School, 
 
 In this Borough 
 
 for 47 years. 
 
 " Go and do thou likewise." 
 
 This tablet is erected by his only 
 
 Surviving and beloved brother, 
 
 Samuel Sproston Esq., of Sproston Wood, 
 
 Wrenbury, in the County of Chester. 
 
 Also on a neat white marble sarcophagus, adorned with a sculptured 
 figure of a serpent coiled, emblematical of wisdom and eternity :— 
 
 Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Manning LL.B. 
 
 Formerly of St. Mary's Hall, Oxford, and 
 
 Alderman of this Borough. He died 
 
 the 1 " Oct., 1822, aged 67 years. 
 
 Within the Communion rails, on a brass plate : — 
 
 Here lyeth the body of Robert Kemp, who departed this life 
 the 2S.. November, a.d. 162 i. 
 
 Wife, children, wealth, this world, and life forsaken, 
 
 In silent dust I sleep ; when once awaken, 
 
 My Saviour's might a glorious change will give — ■ 
 
 So loosing all I gayne, and dying, live. 
 
 My fame I trust the world with, for 'tis true, 
 
 Posterity gives each man his due. 
 
 M. S. 
 
 Hicjacet Martinus Lluelyn, 
 Eruditus Medicinse Doctor, 
 I \ F.de Christi olim Alumnus 
 Sceviente Civilis Belli Incendio 
 (Hum Oxonimn I'nesidio muniebatur) 
 Cohorti Academicorum (ideli Prcefeclus erat 
 Adversus ingruentem Rebellium ferociam 
 Postea quam serenissimo Carolo Secundo inter juratos medicus 
 It Collegii Medicorum Londinensis Socius 
 Auke Sanctre Maris dudum Principalis 
 Dein hujusce comitatus [renarcha 
 Nee non Municipii hujus seme! Prcetor
 
 uy 
 
 Regix Authoritatis et Religionis Ecclesia: Anglicanae legibus stabilitre 
 Strenuus Assertor 
 Inconcussus Amator 
 Celeberrimus et Insignis Poeta 
 
 Qui res egregias et sublimes pari ingenio et facundia depinxit 
 Bino matrimonio fselix septem liberos superstites reliquit, 
 Lastitiam et Martinum ex priore, Georgium, Ricardum et Mauritium ex posteriore 
 
 Nuper amantissimo Conjuge 
 Nunc Masstissima vidua Martha Georgii Long de Penn gen: filia. 
 Heu quam caduea corporis hurnani fabrica 
 Qui toties morbos fugavit, Ipse tandem 
 
 Morbo succumbit anhclus, 
 Doctorum et proborum maximum desiderium 
 
 Obiit 17 Martii 16S1 annoque aetatis 66. 
 
 Translation. 
 
 Anus, a lion rampant crowned. 
 
 Impaling, a lion rampant inter 8 croslets with a bordure charged with ermine. 
 
 M. S. 
 
 Here lies Martin Lluelyn, 
 
 A learned Doctor of Medicine, 
 
 Formerly a student of Christ Church, Oxford. 
 
 During the Civil War, 
 
 at the siege of Oxford, 
 
 He was a lieutenant in the loyal company of Students, 
 
 Formed to oppose the ferocious rebels. 
 
 He was afterwards one of the sworn physicians of Charles II. 
 
 and Fellow of the College of Physicians in London. 
 
 He was Principal of St. Mary Hall, Oxford, afterwards J. P. for this County, 
 
 And once Mayor of this Borough. 
 
 A strenuous supporter and unshaken admirer 
 
 of the Crown and Church as by law established. 
 
 A most famous and illustrious Poet, 
 
 who treated of lofty subjects with an ability 
 
 and eloquence not unworthy of the same. 
 
 Twice married, he left seven surviving children, 
 
 Letitia and Martin by his first wife, George, Richard, and Maurice, 
 
 By his second, Martha daughter of George Long of Penn, Gent., 
 
 late his loving wife, now his disconsolate widow. 
 
 Alas ! how frail a creature is man ! 
 
 He, who so often banished disea 
 
 At last becomes its victim. 
 
 Regretted by all learned and l:< <><l m 
 
 He died 17 March 1681. 
 
 Aged 66.
 
 i iS 
 
 At the foot of the; tablet is an epitaph to his daughter, Martha Crosse, 
 who died Feb. i, 1767, aged 93. 
 
 On a llat stone in the nave, beneath the chandelier, is the following 
 inscription, much defaced : — 
 
 Barnes 1701. 
 Is Johny dead ? though young and small in age, 
 Translated quickly, from this wordly stage, 
 Life's like a tlower, which of itself will die. 
 And nipt with frost, soon hangs its head awn'. 
 Death spares not any mortal, but is bold, 
 To take both Kings and Peasants, young and old ; 
 Be watchful then, when God doth give you ear 
 Of death and judgment, none knows who is near. 
 
 On a very neat mural tablet in the north aisle :— 
 
 " The memory of the just is blessed.'' 
 
 Sic red 
 
 To the memory of Isaac King, Esq., 
 
 < >ne of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of 
 
 Bucks, and an Honorary Member of the Board of Agriculture. 
 
 He was a firm supporter of constitutional Liberty, sincerely 
 
 attached to the Established Religion of his Country ; 
 
 a. most affectionate husband and father, a faithful 
 
 friend, an honest and benevolent man. 
 
 Died Dec. 24".' 1S12. .*Etat. 72. 
 
 Also 
 
 Sacred to the memory of 
 
 The Rev: Isaac King, LI.. I!. 
 
 Twenty five years Vicar of West Wycombe, 
 
 In the County of Bucks, 
 
 Who 
 
 " Vfter he had served his own generation by the will <>l God 
 
 fell on sleep." 
 
 Born Manh 2lf! 1776, died January 26 1 . 1 ' iS;>j. 
 
 This tablet was erected by his surviving widow and < hildren 
 
 1 testimony of their affection.
 
 n 9 
 
 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and 
 there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither 
 shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed 
 away." — Revelation xxi. 4. 
 
 Also near the Communion rails — Azure, a maunch ermine, over all a 
 bend gules. Bearing argent a chevron inter 3 crosslets gules in pretence. 
 
 Near 
 
 This place lies the body of Ferdinando Norton, Gent., formerly 
 
 one of His Majesty's band of Musicians, 
 
 and many years an inhabitant of this Borough. 
 
 He died January 5'.'', 1773, aged 76 years ; 
 
 Leaving many legacies to the poor, and to the Magdalen and 
 
 SI. Luke's Hospitals, ,£300 each. 
 Also of Bridget his wife, daughter of M r Thomas Woodroff, 
 Linen Draper, of London, she died June 25, 17 71, aged 64 years. 
 To commemorate such valuable characters, so much esteemed 
 through life for their honesty, religion, and charity, this monument 
 is erected by their nephews and nieces, as a small mark of 
 gratitude and affection. 
 
 On a neat tablet close to the Communion rails :— 
 
 In Memory of 
 
 Ann the beloved wife of 
 
 Thomas Westwood, Esq., of this town 
 
 and eldest daughter 
 
 of Samuel and Isabella Welles, 
 
 Died Jan: 28, 1S39, aged 83 years. 
 
 Also, 
 
 Of the said Thomas Westwood, Esq:, 
 
 who died July 21*! 1839, 
 
 aged 64 years. 
 
 Many years an alderman of this Borough. 
 
 Also on a slab in the south aisle is the following inscription : — 
 
 " Here lies in hope of a blessed resurrection of the just to eternal life, the body of Richard 
 Shrimpton, Gent", Alderman, and thrice Mayor of this Corporation, and Justice, when he died. 
 He departed this life June y c 2o' h 1727 aged 77 
 
 "For being just unto his Friend, 
 his enemies hastened his end.''
 
 120 
 
 Also, a monument erected to perpetuate the — 
 
 Memory of 
 
 Ml Sarah Shrimpton 
 
 The beloved wife of Thomas Shrimpton, Esq ; 
 
 a native of this borough. 
 
 She departed this life the 28* day of May, 1783, 
 
 to the inexpressible grief of her family and friends 
 
 "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." 
 
 Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims. 
 
 For all the pious dead ; 
 Sweet is the savor of their names, 
 
 And soft their sleeping bed. 
 
 They clie in Jesus, and are bless'd ; 
 
 How kind their slumbers are! 
 From suffering, and from sins releas'd, 
 
 And freed from ev'ry snare. 
 
 Far from this world of toil and strife, 
 They 're present with the Lord ; 
 
 The labours of their mortal life 
 End in a large reward. 
 
 Peace all our angry passions then ! 
 
 Let each rebellious sigh, 
 Be silent at the sovereign will, 
 
 And every murmur die. 
 
 The sculpture over the above tablet is, by the elder Westmacott, 17SJ. 
 
 In the north nisle, on a neat mural tablet : 
 
 John Shrimpton, El | . 
 
 Major of the Tower of London, and Alderman 
 
 of this Borough, died March 28"', 1787, 
 
 Aged 4S years. 
 
 He left the character of a brave officer in every part of 
 
 the world, and as an honest citizen, a 
 
 generous man, and a steady friend, was universally 
 
 regretted by this town, and corporation.
 
 12 I 
 
 Sacred 
 
 To the memory of Joseph Shrimpton, Esq, 
 
 of this borough, who died 16"' April, 1783, in the 
 
 7 2 n '. 1 year of his age. 
 
 Also, 
 
 Of Esther Shrimpton, wife of the above Joseph Shrimpton, 
 
 Who died March S'-, 1782, aged 71 years. 
 
 "The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance." 
 
 Near this place are deposited the remains of 
 
 George Clavering, Esq., of Greencroft, in 
 
 the parish of Lanchester, and County of Durham. 
 
 He was the second son of 
 
 Sir James Clavering, of Axwell Park, 
 
 in the said County, Bart., 
 
 and died at High Wycombe, on his journey from Bath, the 
 
 22"? day of May, 1794, aged 73 years. 
 
 On a slab in the pavement of the north aisle : — 
 
 Mary, wife of Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant, 181 1. 
 
 Also, in the north aisle ; arms, azure, a chevron ermine inter 3 talbots 
 
 passant or. — Impaling. In chief a lion passant, in base a chevron ermine 
 
 inter 3 fer de molines sable. (Turner) — Crest : a wolf's head on a ducal 
 
 coronet. 
 
 Here lyeth the body of Thomas Archdale, Esq., 
 who departed this life Aug. 9'* 171 1, aged 36. 
 
 In Memory of 
 Richard Lluelyn, B.D., late fellow of Magdalen College, Oxon, 
 and Rector of Saunderton, 
 who died 25 ,h Dec, 1770, aged 62. « 
 
 R
 
 12 2 
 
 In the south aisle, on a mural monument of marble : 
 
 Near this place is buried M r Mary Wyngrove, wife of M r George 
 VVyngrove, of this town, and daughter ot Christopher Newell, of Postcomb, 
 in the parish of Lewknor, Oxon, Gentleman. She died 23^ Sep., 1758, 
 aged 53 years. 
 
 Also, 
 
 In a vault in the chancel of this Church is deposited, 
 
 Fanny, 
 
 Relict of John Stone James, Esq., Barrister at Law, in which 
 
 profession his upright conduct and ability distinguished him. 
 
 After a pious, beneficent, and truly Christian life, 
 
 tranquilly resigned for immortality and endless bliss, 
 
 the 7"-' of July, 1831, in the S^}- year of her age. 
 
 She rests here in holy hope, with three beloved daughters 
 
 and two sons : 
 
 Fanny, who died in the 21", Harriet, in the 18*, 
 
 John, in the 16".', Robert, in the 14"', and Man-, 
 
 in the 1 a* year of their age. 
 
 Lovely — as seraphs and as cherubs bright, 
 
 Pure as the dew — brilliant as morning light, 
 
 Thy native goodness and thy mental grace, 
 
 On fond remembrance leave a lasting trace. 
 
 Like rare exotics, whose attractive bloom 
 
 Unfolds to captivate — but withers soon. 
 
 So thou ! with nature's choicest gifts replete, 
 
 In higher climes thy full perfection meet. 
 
 Lamented is thy transient sojourn here, 
 
 Still o'er thy ashes falls affection's tear ! 
 
 Ye watchful angels, guard their precious dust, 
 
 Till raised "by faith," from earth's surrend'ring trust. 
 
 And heaven ! do thou the miscreant's arm arrest, 
 
 That, impious, would that sacred spot molest. 
 
 Fierce let thine anger pour, in vengeance shed 
 
 Thy wrath upon invaders of the dead. 
 
 This consecrated pile, which sure should prove 
 
 The resting-place of piety and love, 
 
 Let none e'er enter that would dare 
 
 Disturb those ashes in this " House of Prayer."
 
 123 
 
 On a mural monument, these arms in a lozenge : — 
 Oz. a lion ramp, or, debruised with an incscutcheon, Gules, three 
 Catherine wheels, Or : on a Chief of the Last a bull's head cabossed, S. 
 
 below : — 
 
 Dtuotrt 
 
 By Mary Elizabeth Hazard, 
 
 of Terriers House, in this parish, 
 
 to the memory of the best of mothers, 
 
 Jane, 
 
 Relict of the Rev: George Lewis A.M., 
 
 Rector of Echingham, 
 
 in the bishoprick of Chichester, 
 
 and Vicar of Westerham, 
 
 in the Diocese of Rochester. 
 
 She died May xxvr a.d. mdccxciv, 
 
 Aged lxiii years. 
 
 On a simple marble tablet, in the south aisle : — 
 
 To the Memory of Elizabeth King, 
 who died Dec. 7* 1782, aged 24 years. 
 
 Go, happy spirit, freed from sin and care, 
 Go claim the palm which patient sufferers wear; 
 Enjoy the meed victorious meekness gains, 
 Go take the crown triumphant faith obtains. 
 
 What artful vice and humble worth conceal 
 The day of dread disclosure shall reveal ; 
 Then shall thy life in sweet memorial rise 
 And God himself, the judge, award the prize. 
 
 H. Mure. 
 
 Here lyeth the body of John Sparkes, Esq., 
 
 Near his father, Mr. E. Sparkes, and his brother, Mr. J. Sparkes, 
 
 Who both died before him, being about 70 years old. 
 
 He served High Sheriff for the County of liuTks. 
 
 He died the 17".' April, 1707, in the 7 9 1 '' year of his age.
 
 124 
 
 Here lycth the body of Edward Sparkes, Esq , who departed 
 this life January 2o'-'.', 1727, aged 38 years. 
 
 Also, 
 
 Here lye interred the bodies of 
 
 Elizabeth Sparkes, wife of John Sparkes, Esq., who departed 
 
 this life Oct. 27, 17 11, aged 63, and of 
 
 Sarah Sparkes, daughter of the said John and Elizabeth Sparkes, 
 
 who departed this life Dec. 31 st , 171 1. 
 
 Arms — A chief in base, 6 pears or. 
 
 Here lyeth interred the body of Thomas Alford, of this town, 
 
 who departed this life 17* day of July, 1704, 
 
 in the 59"' year of his age, 
 
 and during the second time of his mayoralty in this 
 
 Corporation. 
 
 On a mural monument : — 
 
 Devoted by Ann Bigg, to the lasting Memory 
 
 of her dear husband, John Bigg, Doctor of I'hysick. 
 
 He was a constant and true member of the Church of England, 
 
 a prudent and loyal subject, very temperate, perfectly chaste, 
 
 a maker of peace, both in his private capacity and in 
 
 his public offices, both in the Borough and County : 
 
 of a charitable and even temper, never 
 
 uttering a word like an oath or a curse : very ingenious : 
 
 eminent and successful in his profession, a most 
 
 affectionate husband, a tender father, whose 
 
 example through all the stages of life 
 
 is most worthy of imitation. 
 
 He died 15"' June, 1701, aged 58 years, 
 Survived by one son, anil two daughters, Ann and Catherine. 
 
 On a stone, under the communion table : — 
 
 Here lyeth the body of Samuel Welles, Attomey-at-Law, 
 
 Sole surviving son of Samuel Welles, Cent., and Martha his Wife. 
 
 who both lie interred near this place.
 
 12; 
 
 In the north aisle : — 
 
 SacrrtJ 
 
 To the memory of Archibald John Murray, 
 
 third son of Digby Murray, Esq., 
 
 who died 17* March, 1840, 
 
 aged 8 years and 1 1 months. 
 
 On a brass plate in the chancel : — 
 
 In memory of the 
 
 truly virtuous and faithful wives of John Lane of this Town, 
 
 Margery and Mary. 
 
 As earth to bodyes, soe heaven to sacred soule's the center, 
 
 Through this the one by death, yet that the other by heavenly 
 
 life doth enter, 
 As when all finite times by God's decree are spent, 
 Then shall such souls most gloriously resume what nature lent : 
 Undoubtedly such is, and such shall be the bliss of these two 
 
 saints ; 
 Such pious actors of faith and religion's work no sin attaints, 
 As there by grace in Christ you live in glory's lasting fame, 
 So here by love your honoured virtues gaine a never-dying name. 
 
 In the south aisle of the church are these tablets :— 
 
 The mortal remains of 
 
 Henry Allen, a native of this Town, 
 
 were deposited with military honors at Secunderabad, 
 
 in the East Indies, 
 
 where he had served six years as an Ensign in 
 
 the 24"' regiment of Infantry of the Madras Establishment. 
 
 In the bloom of his youth, after a short illness, he died 
 
 beloved and regretted, June 24'. 1 : a.d. 1814, 
 
 aged 22 years. 
 
 In remembrance of whom 
 
 his surviving father dedicates this tablet. 
 
 In sure and certain hope 
 
 of the resurrection to eternal life. 
 
 Near this tablet repose the mortal remains of 
 
 Henry Allnutt, Esq., 
 
 who died April 20'.'.' 1S13, 
 
 aged 67. 
 
 Also, of Thomas Allnutt, his youngest son, who departed 
 
 this life Sept. 15, a.d. 1812, aged 20 y< ai
 
 126 
 
 Sncrrtj 
 
 To the Memory of 
 
 William Rose, Esq., 
 
 Who departed this life July i, 1S46, 
 
 aged 70 years. 
 
 Having exercised, after his Father and Grandfather, 
 
 the profession of Medicine and Surgery, 
 
 forty years in this place; 
 
 Valued throughout for his care and skill ; 
 
 Respected for his unblemished integrity, and 
 
 beloved for his kindness. 
 
 Resting solely on the merits of his Saviour, his walk and 
 
 conversation were humble ; and have left to his 
 
 affectionate and grateful family a precious 
 
 example of a christian spirit and 
 
 character, the most unostentatious and self denying. 
 
 "The memory of the just is blessed." 
 
 In the north aisle, on neat marble tablets, are these inscriptions : — 
 
 To the memory 
 
 of 
 
 John Hollis, Esq., 
 
 Who during a long life, unremittingly 
 
 practised the benevolent virtues of his ancestors. 
 
 He expired at his residence in this town, 
 
 on the 26'.'' day of Nov. 1S24. 
 
 aged 81. 
 
 ' lie delivered the poor that cried, the fatherless, and him that had none to help him." 
 
 A Memorial for 
 
 Henry Grange, formerly of Aston Clinton, in this County, 
 
 who died in the 67 1 .'.' year of his age, on the 1 ' April, 1755, 
 
 and Rachel, his Wife, 
 
 who departed this life the 31':' Aug., 1746, 
 
 I 63 years. 
 
 Rachel, their daughter, died June 29'.'', 1774, aged 55 years. 
 
 Martha died January 5".', 1780, aged 55 years. 
 
 Also, Henry Grange, their only son, who died April in'.'.', 1796, 
 
 in the 7<>" year of his age, and 
 
 Ann, his widow, who, '<> tin- inexpressible grief of her 
 
 urviving daughter, closed this mortal life the 27"' April, 1807, 
 
 1 ed 6i years.
 
 [27 
 
 ( )n a mural tablet, in the north aisle of the Church : — 
 
 Sacrcti to tlje fficmoru of 
 
 The Rev. Thomas Jones, A.M., 
 
 Rector of Radnage and Vicar of Ihnire, in this County, 
 
 who departed this life, Feb. 26, 1833, 
 
 in the S3"? year of his age. 
 
 Also to the memory of Mary, Wife of the above 
 
 Rev. T. Jones, Feb: 1, 1844, 
 
 aged 71 years. 
 
 Also, to the memory of 
 
 Mary Susan, the beloved and 
 
 only child of the 
 
 Rev. Thomas and Mary Jones, 
 
 who departed this life, 
 
 after a short illness, 
 
 on Jan : 20, 1822, 
 
 aged 1 1 years. 
 
 "Gone but not lost." 
 
 To the Memory 
 of 
 Robert Nash, Esq., 
 who departed this life on the 28* day of Sept., 1831, 
 aged 75 years. 
 Having for upwards of fifty years practised as a Solicitor. 
 " Such was his calling. 
 He was honest, kind, forgiving, meek, 
 Easy to be entreated ; gracious, mild, and with all patience 
 And affection, taught, rebuked, persuaded, solaced, counselled, 
 Warned." 
 
 Also of 
 
 Mr:. Charlotte Nash, his Widow, 
 
 Who died 13 1 .'.' day of Sept., 1835, aged 76 years. 
 
 "The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." 
 
 I n other parts of the Church and chancel are these inscriptions : — 
 Arms — Gules, a fess or inter 3 hands couped at the wrist or. Crest — a 
 naked hand holding a sword. 
 
 Near this place lies interred the body of 
 Joseph Peytever, alias Pettipher, Gent ; 
 
 one of the Aldermen of this Borough, 
 who departed this life the 
 
 1 1".' day of June, 1730, aged 50 years.
 
 128 
 
 [It is remarkable that one or more of this name or family have served 
 public offices, in every King's or Queen's reign since the reign of King 
 Henry VI. (except the short reign of King Richard III.), as appears by the 
 Ledgers of the Corporation.] 
 
 Left surviving one Son, Joseph, who departed this life, 
 Aug. 14*, 1748, aged 19 years. 
 
 On a stone :- 
 
 Devoted by M r Vincent Owen, some time Vicar 
 
 of this Church, to the memory of his dear Wife, Elizabeth, 
 
 the second daughter of Edmund Petty, Esq., 
 
 who died May 24".', 1672, 
 
 in the 2S"' year of her age and lyeth here buried, of 
 
 whom the world was not worthy. 
 
 Deo gratias quod habui, imo habeo. 
 
 Near this — a stone to the memory of Edmund Petty, Recorder of the 
 Borough, who died Dec. 16th, 1661. 
 
 Sncrca 
 
 To the memory of Elizabeth, Wife of 
 
 Daniel Rennet, Esq., of Farringdon House, Berks, 
 
 and Daughter of the late M' William Ball, of this Borough, 
 
 who died Nov. 24 ,h , 1815, aged 59 years. 
 
 She was an affectionate wife, a sincere friend, and a 
 
 true Christian. 
 
 Ermine, a chevron gules. 
 
 In memory of 
 
 Mf. Samuel Guise, Vicar of this Parish, 
 
 born March 26, 16S1, died Oct. 16. 1753.
 
 129 
 
 2. fHcmorial 
 
 For 
 
 Jacob Wheeler, 
 
 late of y e 
 
 Parishe of St. Andrevves, Holborne, 
 
 Shoomaker, deceased, 
 
 who was borne in this Towne, 
 
 and gave by will yearly to y' Poore 
 
 of this Towne, for ye space of 47 
 
 years yet to come, theis charitable 
 
 benevolences following : — 
 
 ^5 gownes to 5 poore men. 
 
 1 co s - to 100 poore people. 
 
 52 s ' yearly for bread weekly to be 
 given in this place, to 13 other 
 poore folkes of this Towne, and 
 
 20 s ' for a sermon annually to be 
 made in this Churche. 
 
 All which are to be performed by 
 y e Company of Inholders of y e citie of 
 London during y c said terme of 47 years. 
 He died y c 10 day Jvne, 162 1, being 
 aged 54, and is buried in SF. Andrewes 
 Parishe above saide. 
 
 " Vivit post Funera Virtus." 
 
 In memory of 
 
 Susannah, Wife of the Rev. Thomas Jones, 
 
 of Dinton in this County, and only daughter of the 
 
 Rev. James Price, late Vicar of this Parish, 
 
 Ob. 27. Sep, 1802, JEl. 42. 
 
 Also, of Susan Philippa, only child of the 
 
 Rev. Thomas Jones and the above Susannah his wife, 
 
 Obit. 6 Oct., 1806, JEl. 18—. 
 
 On a flat stone, close to the parish chest, behind the Organ-loft, is this 
 inscription : — 
 
 George Clewer 
 is dead. 
 
 March 19 th , 1701. 
 Aged 55.
 
 George Clewcr died under the following remarkable circumstances : 
 He was a native of Wycombe, and previous to his death, went to London, 
 and seeing a piece of stone in a mason's yard, purchased it ; observing, it 
 would do well for his gravestone; and ordered these words to be engraven 
 on it, — 
 
 " George Clewer 
 is dead." 
 
 The next day he started home and arrived as far as Uxbridge, when 
 he was taken ill and died in a few hours. The identical stone with the 
 inscription marks the spot where his remains were deposited. 
 
 The following arms were formerly in the Church : — 
 
 i. Within a. bordure a fess inter 3 martlets. 
 
 2. Arms of Wycombe. 
 
 3. A lion rampant guardant crowned, in his sinister paw, a roundle. 
 
 Argent 2 bends engrailed. Argent 2 bends gules impaling sable 
 within a bordure a fess inter 3 martlets or. 
 
 During the Rebellion, all the ancient brasses were taken from the grave- 
 stones. The register, the first part of which is very much mutilated, com- 
 mences 10th September, 1598. 
 
 At the Dissolution, the Rectory was granted to Robert Bennet, Bishop 
 of Hereford ; in his will, proved Dec. 8th, 1617, he leaves his lease of the 
 tithes of Chepping Wycombe to his cousin Robert Bennet. 
 
 The Rectory afterwards became the property of Samuel Welles, Esq., 
 who died August 15th, 1807, when the Trustees under a settlement sold the 
 property in various lots. 
 
 THE CHAPEL OF ST. MARY, CALLED THE 
 CORPORATION CHAPEL. 
 
 Of the Chapel of St. Mary, the Records furnish but few particulars. It 
 is supposed to have been situate in a street called Bynethe brigge [Beneath, 
 or Beyond Bridge]. This bridge is, without doubt, the bridge near the 
 ancient mill originally belonging to Alan Basset, and called Bridge Mill,
 
 Ill 
 
 and the name of the Street was probably, after the erection of St. Mary's 
 Chapel, altered from Byenethe brigge Street to St. Mary's Street ; this 
 Street led to St. Margaret's Hospital for Lepers, called the Loke. 
 
 In Dr. Browne Willis's MSS. is a Copy of an Indulgence from Richard 
 de Graves, Bishop of Lincoln, dated at Tinghurst [Fingest], Bucks, 1273, 
 for the reparation of St. Mary's Chapel in the Churchyard of Wycombe. 
 And that considerable works were prosecuting with this building, in the 
 fourteenth century. As there was (as we have already mentioned) a Chapel 
 dedicated to St. Mary in the Parish Church of All Hallows, it would ap- 
 pear the Bishop refers to some other Church Yard than that of All Hallows ; 
 and this seems to be confirmed by the fact, that in the fourteenth century 
 there was a Churchyard situate between St. Mary Street on the West, and 
 Horsenden Lane on the east, and then described as " Horsyn Churcheyerd," 
 which in all probability was belonging to some destroyed Church of a depo- 
 pulated Village, or part of the town, known as Horsyn or Horsenden, and 
 it is most probable that the Bishop referred to this Churchyard connecting 
 St. Mary's Chapel with it. Not a vestige of the Chapel remains, and the 
 exact site of it is not known ; but it is presumed to have been where the 
 two Alms Houses (lately sold) were standing on the West side of the Street. 
 Several tesselated pavements of the fourteenth century have lately been 
 uncovered in the locality of the " Horseyn Churcheyerd." The Chapel of 
 St. Mary was rebuilt between the years 1338 and 1378, and was under the 
 control of two Wardens, who were always burgesses of standing, and were 
 indifferently styled "Wardens," " Churchmen" or Collectors of St. Mary's 
 Chapel. But in the year 1338 we find four Wardens coming into office ; 
 and further they are styled " Wardens of the Work," (custodes operis Beata: 
 Maria.). In their first year of Office, Andrew le Goys gave a messuage to 
 be disposed of towards defraying the expenses of the repairs ; and Gilbert 
 le Marshall gave a rent charge on a meadow, and other small benefactions 
 for the same object. The Municipal body added their contribution towards 
 the works. And Alan at Wythege, one of the surviving Wardens, by his 
 will in 1353, gave his house in Godstowe-fee in the borough, to be dis- 
 posed of towards defraying the expenses of the repairs. In the same year 
 Richard Coleman granted his messuage and land to the Wardens for the 
 benefit of the Chapel. And in 1371 William Frere gave the messuage 
 wherein he dwelt, situate in Newland, for the like purpose. In 1384, the
 
 Mayor and Corporation provided a new Manse in Frog-more, for Sir John 
 atte Stoke, Chaplain of St. Mary's, for which he was annually to render one 
 red rose to the Guild, at Midsummer, and they confirmed to him the office 
 and stipend of Priest of the Blessed Mary of Wycombe. 
 
 " Full sweetly heard he confession, 
 Ami pleasant was his absolution, 
 He was an easy man to give pennance, 
 There as he wist, to have a good pittance." 
 
 Chaucer. 
 
 The Corporation attended the Chapel of St. Mary on their solemn Jaw 
 days, and other municipal meetings ; and on special occasions the Chaplain 
 was wont to preach a Sermon. The same Bell which summoned the Cor- 
 poration to Chapel summoned them to their Councils and other Corporate 
 assemblies. 
 
 At folio cxli. of the first Ledger we find the following entry, which is a 
 translation from the Latin : — 
 
 "Also at a view of frankpledge holden in the Rye, before Richard Cary Mayor, with the 
 consent of all the burgesses there, on the 8 lh day of May in the 17" 1 year of the reign of King 
 Edward, after the Conquest the Fourth, it was ordained and granted unto William Redehode, 
 and his assigns, that these two Chaplains, called ' Our Lady Preist,' and the ' Boure Preist ' 
 who now are, or for the time being shall be, shall have and hold those two Chambers with the 
 Gardens adjoining, and their appurtenances, late of Henry Colleshille, near to the tenement 
 called, ' The Charnelle House,' on the north side of the Church Yard ; To have and to hold 
 the said two chambers, with the Gardens adjoining and their appurtenances, to the aforesaid 
 Chaplains so long as they hold and fulfil their Offices ; rendering yearly therefore to the said 
 William Redehode and his assigns 13 s ' 4''- of lawful money of England, at the two usual terms 
 of the year, namely the Feasts of St. Michael the Archangel, and of the Annunciation of the 
 Blessed Virgin Mary, to be paid yearly by the hands of the Collector of the rents of the Chapel 
 of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the renter of the Rectory there, &c." 
 
 The Priest of St. Mary's Chapel was evidently Clerk to the Corpora- 
 tion ; that is, he entered and transcribed their Records. There are several 
 evidences of this in the old Journals: among others, the same hand that 
 entered an act concerning weavers, and fullers (temp. Hen. VIII.), has 
 prefaced it by the invocation I. II. Y.S., M r C.Y. 
 
 The Municipal Records show that the Lady Priest was simply hired 
 to say Mass for the Guild, and that he held his Office during the pleasure of 
 the Corporate Body. His Manse in Frogmore was exchanged in 1475 for 
 one in Godstowe fee, in All Hallows Lane, now called Church Side, and
 
 '33 
 
 known by the name of the Town House. It was the duty of the Lady 
 Priest to pray daily in the Chapel for the members of the Guild, while 
 living, and for their souls, when dead. It is very questionable whether this 
 duty was regularly performed, as Skelton has quaintly, but truly said, — 
 
 " The Diriges are forgotten, 
 Theyr founders lye there rotten, 
 But where theyr soules dwell, 
 Therewith I will not mell." \_mcddlc\ 
 
 Colyn Cloute, 427. 
 
 William Redehode, in making his bargain with the Corporation for 
 prayers in St. Mary's Chapel, stipulated, that for every omission of prayer 
 for the Souls of himself and his family, the priest shall be fined 4I 
 
 At folio cxl, Ledger 1, is the following entry : — 
 
 "At the Gildhall there holden in the 14''' year of the reign of King Edward, after the 
 Conquest the fourth, before Thomas Gates then Mayor, there being, with the consent and will 
 of all the burgesses and tenants of the Chapel of the Blessed Mary the Virgin, it was there 
 ordained " (the preceding translated from the Latin) — " that the Breyst hired, that syngeth, or 
 seyth Mas at oure Lady Auter, and all other Breistis that shall be hired in 'tyme to come in the 
 Chapell foreseid for ever to say Mas, and bytwene the offatorie, or [before], that he wasshe at 
 the lavatorie, he shall turne hym at the auteris ende, and pray for the good state, welfare, and 
 prosperitie of all the tennantes, menne and womenne, bretheryne and susteris, unto the said 
 Chappell of Oure Lady, and for the good state, welfare, and prosperitie, of all the tenauntes, 
 menne and womenne, bretheryne and susteris, unto the saide Chappell of Oure Lady, and for 
 the good staat, welfare, and prosperitie, of Willyam Redehode and Jone his Wyfe, and of 
 Margerie Fyssher, terme of theire lyves, and for all theire Kynred, being alyive. Wich done, 
 Miscrcatur etc. Paternoster earn Suffragiss, and a Colet [Collect] Deits caritatis &*'.. — And after 
 the deeces of the said William Redehode and Jone his Wyfe, and of Margerie Fyssher, to be 
 prayed for with them that be departed out of this world, it is to be understonde that when the 
 Breist hath prayed for the quicke, then he, standying stylle at the auteris ende, shall pray for the 
 sowlis of all the tennantes, menne and womenne, and of all the sowlis of all the brethern and 
 susteris and benefactors of the same Chapell ; and in especyell for the sowlis of Richard Rede- 
 hode, and Agnes his Wyfe, and for the sowlis of all theire Kynrede; for the sowlis of William 
 T.ancastelle, Emma his Wyfe, and for the sowlis of all theire Kynrede ; for the sowlis of John 
 Covyntre and Jone his Wyfe, and of all theire Kynred ; for the sowlis of Henry Colleshill, and 
 Agnes his Wyfe, and for all theire Kynred ; for the soule of Thomas Fyssher and for alle his 
 Kynrede ; and for all Cristene sowlis he shalle sey De pro/undis with the Versiclis and Colet 
 Indina or Fiddium, as in a tabylle stondyth uppone the same auter opynly it apperyth. For 
 the whiche dayly prayeris kept, the foresaid Henry Colleshill geve to the towne of Wycombe 
 the reversion of his house, with the gardyne lying therto, bytwene the house of the Charnelle, 
 that the preistis of the Charnelle dwelle in, on the est part, and the house of Thomas Gate,
 
 134 
 
 sometyme Jone Briggewateris, on the west part, the kynges hyeway on the south part; the 
 whiche house the foresaid William Redehode hath repairde ami made. Whiche costis and 
 char-is draweth to the somme of xiiii. lb. — Also the foresaid William Redehode willeth and 
 grannteth that after his deces be delivered to the keperis of Oure Lady auter, and collectoris of 
 oure Lady Rent, a chalys, part gylt, with the scripturs on the fote — Orate pro animabus Ricardi 
 Redehode, Agneiis uxoris ejus, Willelmi Redehode, et Johanna uxoris ejus, weying x. unces anil 
 more of trove weyght ; one preist to synge ther with on the workedayes. The foresaide Meyre, 
 burgeys, and tenaunts, wollen and grauntyne that yf the preist that now is, that seyth Mas at 
 oure Lady auter, and alle other prcistis that shalle be hirede in tyme to come to syng at the 
 foresaide auter, shal pray dayly for the foresaid lyvis and sowlis by name. And yf it so fortune 
 and happe the foresaid lyvis and sowlis to be unprayed for by iii dayes in a month, the foresaid 
 preist to lese [lose] iiiid. of his wagys to the reparacion of the same chaunselle, as ofte tymes as 
 he and any other, in tyme to come, so dothe forgete the foresaid lyves and soulis, unprayed for. 
 And yf it so be that the collectors of Oure Lady rent, the wiche shalle pay for all the wagys of 
 the foresaid preist, rebate not so moche of his wagys as ofte tymes as defawte is founde, and 
 acounte theruppone in there rekenyingis not do, than the Chirchemen, to the behovith [behoof] 
 of the Chirche, to receyve the forsaide iiii d. of the preistis wages, to be payed by the hondis 
 [hinds] of the Collectors of Oure Lady rents, and they to acounte uppone the same. — Also the 
 tabylle on the auter, with names to be repayrid at alle tymes when it nedith, on the cost of Oure 
 Lady Rent." 
 
 Datcil circ : 
 
 1475- 
 [Translation.] 
 
 Extract. 
 
 "THIS is the Will of Edward Cary the elder. I will that immediately after my decease my 
 feoffees make and deliver estate to Richard Cary my son, of and in one tenement, with its 
 appurtenances, situate in the borough of Wycombe, in a certain Street called Frogmore, on fee 
 of the Abbess of Godstowe, between the tenement of Robert Colyn on the north part, and the 
 tenement late William Bernard on the south part as metes & c To have and to hold the aforesaid 
 tenement with its appurtenances to the foresaid Richard Cary and Johan his wife and the heirs 
 of the body of the same Richard lawfully begotten. And if it happen that the aforesaid Richard 
 die without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then the aforesaid tenement with its appurte- 
 nances to remain to Walter Cary, brother of the aforesaid Richard, and the heirs of his body 
 lawfully begotten. And if it happen that the aforesaid Walter die without heirs of his body 
 lawfully begotten, then the aforesaid tenement with its appurtenances, to remain to Margery 
 Wykcs, sister of the aforesaid Richard and Walter, and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten. 
 And if it happen that the aforesaid Margery die without heirs of her body lawfully begotten, 
 then the aforesaid tenement with its appurtenances, to remain to the Mayor and burgesses of 
 the said town and their successors for ever, to the sustaining <jf the Chapel of the blessed Mary 
 the Virgin there, and for the sustaining of a Chaplin there, to sing Mass for the sowls of the 
 aforesaid Edward and Matilda his wife, Richard, Joan, Agnes, Walter, ami Margery, and all 
 their Ancestors, and all faithful departed, & all their friends &c." 
 
 To the latest days of the unreformed religion, the Chapel of St. Mary 
 and its Priests and Wardens existed. At the Dissolution, it was, as we 
 gather from the Inventory hereinafter referred to, rich in furniture, plate, 
 jewels, and vestments. It possessed a magnificent image of the \ irgin,
 
 135 
 
 crowned with a crown of massive gold. Most of these Ecclesiastical trea- 
 sures were votive offering's, given by Burgesses and their wives, and among 
 the donors, were William Redehode, Robert Astbroke and Mrs. Astbroke, 
 Miles Nichols, and "Mother" Filby. The great Window of the Chapel 
 was glazed at the cost of the Executors of John Wilcocks, in pursuance of 
 the directions contained in his Will, dated 1506. 
 
 In the Ledger No. 1, fol. ix., is an Inventory dated the 20th of January 
 10 Henry VIII (a.d. 15 19) "of the godes, jewellys, and ornaments, belong- 
 ynge to the Chapelle of oure Lady." Among the items, the following may 
 be noticed, — "A Crowne for our Lady, silver and gylte, with stonys on the 
 border of the same. Another crowne, lesse, with eyght stonys on the 
 bordere of the same. An ouche of silver lyke a bokylle of silver, and gylte. 
 A pair coralle bedys with xl. stonys, of silvere and gylte, and rynge of 
 silver," — a line run through it and added — " sold to Johan Putt." " A pair 
 of blak bedys, with xxi. stonys of silver and too ringes of silver." — " The 
 rynges wher sold." — " A pair of bedys, rede amber, with one peny of silver 
 upone them." — " Ther lakketh the peny." 
 
 " Another pair bedys of yellow amber, with gaudes of jasper stonys. 
 A pair of bedys, amber, and glasse, with ii. ringes of sylver." — "The rynges 
 were solde." — " A pair of blacke gettys [jet] bedys and anothyr of ambur. 
 A Chaplet for our Lady, of tyssewe. A garment to oure Lady of white, 
 with ermyns. A Masseboke, prented. A lytelle portewas, called our Lady 
 Portewas [portifory, an ensign or banner]. A curten clothe, for our Lady 
 lofte. A gyrdylle, the pendentes with awkament [qy. tin] : iiii. thyrchoys 
 [turquoises] with a laude [a large bead]. 
 
 Fol. xxi "Anno regni Regis Henrici Septime decirao octavo, xii. of November." — 
 " Inventory of the goods in the Chapel of the Blessed Mary the Virgin there, in the time of 
 William Aley and Hamlet Taylour, Wardens, delivered before Robert Aschebrok, Mayr." 
 
 The following are amona; the items mentioned : — 
 
 "II. chalys, one grete doybll gylde, a nothir parte thereof gylde, with a scripture [writing] 
 abowte the fote, praying for the sowlys of William Redhode and his friendis. A Crowne of 
 silver upon oure Ladyes hede, and gylde. A pece of coral, with ii. typpys of sylvere. A bede- 
 stone of silver, anamelled." 
 
 The Redehode family are intimately connected with the history of 
 Wycombe in the latter end of the fifteenth century. William was a rich 
 salter of London, having his Country seat in Paul's row, " Agenst the west
 
 1 3 6 
 
 ende of the Churchc of Wycombe," as we have already mentioned, called 
 Coppydhall. He was also a great benefactor to the fraternity of St. Mar)-, 
 and as we have seen, Masses were agreed to be sung in the Chapel of 
 St. Mary for him and his friends. He repaired, at a cost of ^14, a house 
 left by Henry Coleshill to the borough authorities, and fitted it up as two 
 Chambers (duas cameras cum gardinis) with gardens attached, for the resi- 
 dence of " Oure Lady Priest and le Boure Priest," in 1475. The deed of 
 Covenants for Masses, dated 1475, contains a proviso for the delivery at 
 his decease, to the " keeperis of oure Lady auter," " a chalys, part gylt, with 
 
 this scripture on the fote, ©rate \j. anflmsf lUri l\t£irI)ol3f, ngii urtsi rjus 
 
 Mlitti l\ftlfl)0tlf & 30l)cT tltfSJ rjtlS, weying x. unces and more of troye 
 wyght." This Chalice is included in the Inventory of St. Mary's Chapel. 
 Besides vestments, banners, altarclothes, curtains, and candlesticks, there 
 were II. latyn candilstyks apou the aziter for priketts besides two grete ones 
 in the choir ; a crowne of silver apon our ladyes hede and gylde ; a 
 brodegyrolle whyte corse the pendant, and the bokull dobyll gylde w 1 vi. 
 stodes." 
 
 The Priest was to sing on the " worke dayes." 
 
 The following is a list of the earlier Priests of the Guild Chapel of 
 St. Mary, Wycombe. 
 
 Stephen Egod, 1291. 
 Andrew Lyons, 1362. 
 John at Stoke, 1375. 
 
 Richard Butte, 1392. 
 Robert Brampton, 1506. 
 
 A curious and interesting fact in connection with this Chapel is recorded 
 by Foxe the Martyrologist, who says, " that Henry Phip was accused in the 
 bishop of Lincoln's Court, for that being chosen Roodman, or keeper of the 
 Rood Loft, of S'. Mary's Chapel, he should say, that he must go and tend a 
 Candle before his block Almighty. For which he abjured his error in 1521 
 before bishop Longland." 
 
 At the suppression of the lesser Monasteries, under the provisions of 
 the Stat. 27 Hen. 8th, Cap. 8th, St. Mary's Chapel with the "messuages, 
 lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures, rents, reversions, services, 
 and hereditaments, whatsoever belonging thereto, in Wycomb, called or
 
 12,7 
 
 known by the name of the fraternity of the Blessed Mary, or by the name 
 of our Lady Rents," was (inter alia) granted to the Crown. 
 
 And Queen Elizabeth, by her Letters Patent, in the 4th year of her 
 reign, 21st July, 1562, granted the same to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
 gesses, and their successors, towards the support and maintenance of a 
 Grammar School, and four poor persons, which will more particularly be 
 referred to when treating of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. 
 
 The following is a record of the Chauntries at Chipping Wycombe, 
 derived from the Certificates remaining in the Augmentation Office, as the 
 same were taken 2 Edw: VI., 1549. 
 
 " A Chauntrie called the Bowere, in the Parish Church of Chipping Wycombe, is worth, by 
 yere clere, over and beside certain reprizes, £ 4 11 16 11 o." 
 
 "Two Chauntries, called Charnells, within the said Town, are worth by the yere clere 
 above certain reprizes, ^12 11 5 11 10. Sir Thomas Huchinson and Sir Roger Hawkins are 
 incumbents there. The said Incumbents of the age of 73 yeres, hath yerelie coming of the said 
 Chauntries for their annuities or stipends by yere clere to either of them £6, and what other 
 living the said Incumbents hath, is not presented." 
 
 " There was also a Chauntry dedicated to the Holy Trinity." 
 
 ACCOUNT OF LOUDWATER CHAPEL. 
 THE HAMLET OF LOUDWATER 
 
 is about three miles south east of Wycombe, on the London Road. 
 
 The Chapel was built by William Davis, Esq., in 1 78S ; was conse- 
 crated by Dr. Pretyman, Bishop of Lincoln, June 25th, 1 79 1, and endowed 
 by Mr. Davis with lands, then of the value of ,£40 per annum. 
 
 In 1804 Mr. Davis added the south wing to the Chapel, and by his 
 will he bequeathed .£400 for its further endowment. He died at Loud- 
 water, 17th Oct., 1 8 18, aged 91. The building is quite plain, without orna- 
 ment, about forty-five feet long, having on the roof, which is slated, a small 
 turret, containing a single bell, and surmounted with a vane. The entrance 
 is at the east end, and on each side are three semi-circular beaded windows, 
 the walls being strengthened with as many buttresses. It stands in a small 
 cemetery. Loudwater obtained .£400 of Queen Anne's Bounty, and a 
 Parliamentary Grant of .£2,400, in addition to the private benefaction of 
 ,£1,200. The Chapel was some years since further enlarged, and the 
 
 T
 
 -<R 
 
 Parsonage House attached to it greatly improved by the late W. R. 
 Davis, Esq. 
 
 The Reverend George Campbell Broadbelt, formerly Rector of Aston 
 Sandford, was the first incumbent, and died in June, i8or. The Reverend 
 William Pryce was presented to the living in Nov., 1801, and he held it 
 up to his death in 1833. The Reverend James Prosser was presented to 
 the living in the same year, and resigned it in 1841 ; he was succeeded by 
 the Rev. Edward Arnold, who died about the year 1865, and he was suc- 
 ceeded by the Rev. W. P. YVoollcombe, who continues the Incumbency. 
 
 CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS. 
 
 Tanner in his " Notitia Monastica" says, "that previous to the 13 
 Hen. III. a Hospital for Lepers, dedicated to St. Margaret, and called the 
 Loke," was founded in Wycombe. And on the 13th May, 1229, a Charter 
 confirming the same was granted by Hen. III. " to the leprous brethren of 
 the Hospital of S'. Margaret of Wicombe, that they and their successors 
 forever should have every year one fair at the aforesaid Hospital of S'. Mar- 
 garet, to continue for two days, that is to say, on the eve and on the day of 
 S'. Margaret, well and in peace, freely and quietly, with all liberties and free 
 customs to such fair pertaining." 
 
 There was also a Hospital in Wycombe dedicated to St. Giles ; King 
 Hen. V. granted this Hospital to Thomas Giles ; and in the next year 
 granted it with St. Margaret's Hospital to Henry Swain, on the resignation 
 of Thomas Giles ; but subsequently the gift of the Mastership of St. Giles' 
 Hospital was in the Collegiate Church of Windsor. Jacob Mallet, of 
 Windsor, in 15 16, resigned the Mastership to the College, reserving 4.0s. 
 per annum during his life. He was executed for treasonable words spoken 
 against King Hen. VIII., viz., "that the king had brought his hogs to a fine 
 market." See Ashmole's " Berkshire." 
 
 In a Catalogue of the Religious Houses in England, contained in 
 Speed's " Great Britain," p. 787, the Hospital of St. Margaret is described 
 as being dedicated to a Priory, and valued at ,£22 6s. jd. j
 
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 '39 
 
 OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST AND 
 THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 
 
 There is every reason to believe that this Hospital was founded in the 
 twelfth century ; the existing architectural remains of the Hall indicating its 
 Norman origin. The Hall is supposed to have been built about the year 
 1 1 75. Dr. Lipscombe, in his History of Buckinghamshire, relying on the 
 opinion of the late John Norris, Esq., of Hughenden House, erroneously 
 denominates it a Norman Church. It was about 62 feet long, and appears to 
 have consisted of a nave 16 feet wide between the pillars, and side-aisles 
 6 feet wide ; and stood, or rather stands nearly north and south. There 
 were three pillars on each side of the nave, alternately round and octagonal, 
 supporting four plain semi-circular arches 13 feet in diameter, the two outer 
 ones at each end resting upon brackets or capitals, built up in the north 
 and south walls. Of the six pillars four remain ; they are about 2 feet in 
 diameter, 8J feet high, including the capitals, which are ornamented with 
 sculptured foliage and shells ; and on one of them is a dragon, which has 
 unfortunately lost its head. One pillar has disappeared entirely; of another 
 the capital only remains, supported by a brick wall. Of the arches, two on 
 the east side of the nave remain entire, and three parts of a third ; on the 
 west are three, two of which had been bricked up to form an outside wall, 
 and had windows cut through the tops of them ; but enough of the original 
 stone work remains to show that they were semi-circular like the others. 
 The fourth arch has quite disappeared; and also the one which was opposite. 
 The entrance to the Hall is at the south end fronting the street ; and some 
 years since, on the plaster at the entrance being removed, four small 
 transitional Norman capitals were discovered, supporting a pointed receding 
 arch ; the shafts were gone, but have now been restored. Mr. Norris very 
 handsomely defrayed the expense attending the restoration, and the original 
 entrance again ornaments the street. A new scheme is in contemplation for 
 the future government of the Grammar School and Almshouse Charity ; a 
 plan has been prepared by Mr. Arthur Vernon for the restoration of this 
 Norman Hall, to be appropriated for the purposes of a school and class 
 rooms for the Royal Grammar School, which has been highly com- 
 mended and approved by the Charity Commissioners ; the accompanying 
 print represents the Hall restored. The school room, which is on the
 
 140 
 
 east side of the Hall might have been the refectory, or more probably the 
 Chapel of the Hospital, as it stands east and west. It is twenty-four feet 
 long by twenty-one wide. It has no Norman architecture about it ; but in 
 the North Wall is one lancet-shaped window, and another of the decorated 
 style ; and one has since been added, corresponding with the latter, in place 
 of a door which led into the Hospital grounds. The establishment consisted 
 of a Master, and poor Brethren and Sisters, who were appointed by the 
 Burgesses. In Tanner's " Xotitia," it is stated that the Mayor and Bur- 
 ;es were the Patrons of the Hospital in the 19th Edw. III. In the Master 
 was vested the freehold of the Hospital Lands as tenant for life, who was 
 always a Clerk in Holy Orders, and who said daily prayer in the Hospital. 
 The Brethren and Sisters were appointed on the ground of poverty and 
 sickness (as recognised in the statute made at Leicester, 2 Hen. V., Stat. 1., 
 for reform of the Estates of Hospitals), and took vows of chastity and 
 obedience. By a deed, dated 1245, tne Brethren and Sisters were bound 
 to distribute annually at Ladyday, to the poor asking alms at the Hospital, 
 bread of two quarters of wheat, and to pray for the soul of Adam 
 Walder ; and this the Burgesses bound themselves to see done. 
 
 Thomas Walder, of Wycombe, who made his will, " langurus in ex- 
 tremis," in 1290, in the presence of Sir John the Vicar of Wycombe, left 
 three houses in the town, one of which is called King Edmund, and on 
 which three houses he charges three shillings annually,* to be paid to the 
 Hospital. 
 
 In 1302 Adam de Schenholte incidentally mentions a house held by 
 Walter le Hariere of the fee of the Hospital, adjoining the house which 
 Henry his brother recovered in the King's Court against Richard Le Cotiler 
 in the street then called Bynethe brigge. 
 
 William Atte Combe, in 1354, left the residue of his property to 
 be distributed " for his Soul's good, excepts one . . . which he leaves 
 the house of S- John Baptist of Wycombe." Endorsed on the back of a 
 lease, granted by Edward Wellesbourn, Mister, in 1515, is a portion of a 
 copy in much earlier handwriting of a Bull of Pope Gregory the 9th, 
 addressed to Grostete, Bishop of Lincoln, 1 235—1 241, as follows : — 
 
 Xotf.. — Xo doubt a hostelry, having the sign of King Edmund.
 
 i 4 i 
 
 " The Composityon of the hospytall of Saunte 
 John's of Wicobe. 
 " Thys content of this Chart ys y! Rob! by the grace of God byschope of lyncholn toke y" 
 popys letts r yn thes wordys, Greygory Pope Svant to the Svants of God, sends to his welbelovyd 
 brot- Byschope of Lyncholm, halsying (greeting), & hys blessyng, wyllyng hym to know, y' hys 
 welbelovyd chyldren y e Master & y 5 brethern of the ospetaule of Saint John Baptist of Wycobe 
 m lyde supplycatyon mekely ... as mouche as they had ... I made y* yor y r 
 howse I wolde . . ." 
 
 The copy ends thus abruptly. 
 
 The lease purports to have the hospital seal appended, but it has 
 been torn off. Many years after (to all appearance) the lease was written 
 on the back. 
 
 The handwriting of the Bull looks like that of the thirteenth, or of the 
 early part of the fourteenth century. Its date may be defined approximately 
 by comparison of the list of Popes and Bishops of Lincoln, and is between 
 1235 and 1 24 1. Bishop Robert Grostete held his see from 1235 to 1254. 
 Pope Gregory IX. (who established the Inquisition), held the Popedom 
 from 1227 to 1 241. "We may," says Mathew Paris (cited in Dugdale's 
 Monast. Ang. p. 322), "be j'ustly proud of a connexion, even in so remote a 
 way, with the excellent Grostete, one of the best bishops who ever sat on 
 the Episcopal Bench." 
 
 The Records furnish us with a scanty list of the Masters of the 
 Hospital, vizt. : — 
 
 Robert X I26 5- 
 
 Adam de Warwick, late Rector of Bradenham, 1276. 
 
 Galfridus, 1304. 
 
 Richard de Caykay, 7 May, 1304. 
 
 John de Marham, 1343. 
 
 Hugo de Newton, March, 1343, late Prebendary of Banbury. 
 
 Michael de Northburgh, 1344, resigned 1354. 
 
 John de Hall, 1354. 
 
 John Atte Corner, 1355. 
 
 Hugo de Bridham, 1361. 
 
 John Talworth, 1382. 
 
 John Dede, 1440. 
 
 John Benet, 1456. 
 
 Hugo Clay, 147 1, resigned..
 
 William Blackpoll, 147 r. 
 
 John Wykes, 1474. 
 
 Edward Hampden, 1 4 7 S . 
 
 Galfrid Hemmingley, 1493. 
 
 Edward Wellesbournc, 1493. 
 
 William Trewe, 1522. 
 
 Christopher Chalfount, 1546, resigned 1553, 
 And who was the last Master of the Hospital. 
 
 It appears from deeds belonging to the Wycombe Municipal Charity 
 Trustees, that in the second year of the reign of Edw. VI. the Hospital of 
 Saint John Baptist was vested in Christopher Chalfount, Clerk, by virtue of 
 his office as Master of the said Hospital for life, and which he granted to 
 Sir Edmund Peckham and George Juncklyn on lease for 21 years, at the 
 rent of £8 per annum. That by another indenture the said Christopher 
 Chalfount disposed of his estate and interest in the said hospital to 
 the said Sir Edmund Peckham, during the life of the said Christopher 
 Chalfount, rent free. And that the said Edmund Peckham and George 
 Philyps, Gentleman, executors under the will of the said George Juncklyn, 
 deceased, did on the 1st April 3rd Edw. VI., 1548, in consideration of ,£30 
 paid to them by the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of Chipping Wycombe, 
 bargain and sell to the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, All the said 
 Hospital, with the lands and premises ; to the intent that the said Mayor 
 and Burgesses should bestow all the yearly rents towards the foundation of 
 a Grammar School, to be erected within two years from the date thereof. 
 And in default thereof, then the said Sir Edmund Peckham and George 
 Philyps should re-enter and possess the estate again. Sir Edmund Peck- 
 ham died April 18th, 1560, or 4, and with Dame Anne his wife is buried 
 under a splendid canopy tomb in Denham Church. 
 
 It also appears by the Borough Records, No. 1, fo. 22, that the Mayor 
 and Burgesses established a Grammar School within the period prescribed, 
 as by — 
 
 'An Agreement made the xxv 1 !' daye of Mche in the fifte year of the reign of our Sovereign 
 Lord Kynge Edwarde the VI"' ; It was agreed First, the whoole howse of the Towne of 
 ( Ihiping Wi< obe to keepe the Hospital of Saint John's w 1 the appurtenances thereto belonginge, 
 in the hole hands of the Towne, that ys to save, Richarde Carye then Mayor w' all his brethren 
 ami the Burgesses, to let and sett as they shall see cause in yt. And morcov' we be all agreyde to 
 pay the stepende of eyght powndes yerely to the saide Scole Mayster. And we all gyve to Mr.
 
 H3 
 
 Peckham hartye thankes for his good wyll, and for the apointinge of the Scole Maister at his 
 pleas', and we the hoole howse be agreide that the saide M r- shall have the pleasure and pflte of 
 a Cowe, or twayne in ower Corney accordinge to the custome of the Towne, and also to have 
 V. Loode of Woode yerelye." 
 
 Whether the Grammar School, as thus established, was suffered to 
 continue during the short, but unsettled years of Queen Mary's reign, is 
 extremely doubtful ; for Langley observes that " after the Dissolution, Queen 
 Mary gave it (i.e., the Hospital) to Sir Thomas Throgmorton." What 
 rights the Crown had over the Hospital at this time, or as to the validity of 
 the above grant, cannot at present be ascertained. But Sir T. Throgmorton 
 could have held it only for a short period, as Queen Elizabeth had not been 
 four years on the throne before the Mayor and Burgesses are found assert- 
 ing their ancient right as Patrons of the Hospital, and evincing a laudable 
 desire to see their school restored, and to have it established on a more 
 sure and royal foundation. On the iSth of July, 1562, the Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Burgesses granted the said Hospital, and lands belonging thereto, and 
 also the rents which had belonged to the Fraternity of the Blessed Mary, 
 and called the Lady Rents, to Queen Elizabeth, in order that the same 
 might be created a Royal Grammar School. And the Queen, three days 
 afterwards, i.e., on the 21st July, by her Letters Patent, regranted to the 
 Mayor and Burgesses, and their successors for ever, the said Hospital and 
 lands, and the rents and revenues thereof, and also the said Lady Rents, to 
 be applied towards the support and maintenance of the said school, and of 
 four poor persons. The income of the Lady Rents amply provided for the 
 alms people. 
 
 By Charter of King James I. already referred to, we find the Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses were evidently groaning under the heavy burdens 
 recently imposed on them by the Statute of the 43rd of Eliz. for the relief of 
 the poor, and complained that the number of poor and needy people in the 
 Borough was much increased, and did daily more and more increase, to the 
 great charge of the Borough, and alleging that the Hospital lands and 
 premises would well and competently suffice, as well as to maintain and 
 support the said Grammar School, and four poor people, as also relieve 
 more poor and needy persons in the same borough ; license, power, and 
 authority, therefore, were by the said Charter given to them and their 
 successors, by their discretion, or of the major part of them from time to
 
 '44 
 
 time, to take, expend, and dispose, of all and singular the Rents, etc. of the 
 said Hospital, given and granted to the maintenance of the said Grammar 
 School, and four poor people, according to the pious intention of the said 
 late Queen in the same Borough to be sustained and relieved ; as also to the 
 relief and support of other poor and needy men in the same Borough, from 
 time to time inhabiting and dwelling; and which was confirmed by the 
 governing Charter of the 15th of Charles II. 1663. 
 
 £ s. d. 
 
 •^1 
 02 
 
 The Hospital was valued at the Dissolution at . . 715 
 
 Remes, or Town Farm, was then let at . . .400 
 
 The Master's stipend at the establishment of the 
 school was, being the entire income of the Hos- 
 pital . . . . . . . . .800 
 
 THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE EARLIER MASTERS 
 OF THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL. 
 
 The Reverend — Wrothe, 1548. 
 
 William Wilkinson, A.M. 
 
 „ Gerard Dobson, late Vicar of Wycombe, 1645, resigned 
 
 1646. 
 
 „ Henry Wyat, A.M., afterwards Rector of Bradcnham, 
 
 1646, resigned 1661. 
 „ Philip Humphrey, 17th July, 166 1. 
 
 „ William Lardner,* A.M., formerly Rector of Bradcnham, 
 
 1671. 
 „ Joseph Howe, 1673, died 1701. 
 
 ,, Joseph Loveday, A.B., resigned 1707. 
 
 ,, Samuel Guise, 1707, died 1753. 
 
 ,, Thomas Heather, Jun., 1754, resigned 1762. 
 
 * Mr. Philip Humphrey, the late Master, having died very poor, his successor (Mr. Lard- 
 ner) was bound, on his election by the Common Council, to pay to his Widow Katherine, ten 
 pounds, in the course of the next two years, " provided she does not turne Quaker in the mean 
 time, or otherwise become a Sectary, and not observe and obey the Liturgy of the Church of 
 England."
 
 145 
 
 The Reverend William Edwards, 1762, suspended 1 77 1 . 
 
 „ Alban Thomas, 1771, died 1 7S9. 
 
 ,, Daniel James, 1789, died 1795. 
 
 Mr. William Sproston, 1793, died 184 1. 
 The Reverend Joshua Finlinson, 1841, resigned 1842. 
 Mr. Edwin Fox, 1843, resigned 1852. 
 The Reverend James Poulter, A.M. 1852. 
 
 Among distinguished men who were pupils at the Royal Grammar 
 School, we may mention Edmund Waller, the poet ; Sir Denis Le Marchant, 
 Bart., M.P., late Clerk of the House of Commons, and author of the Bio- 
 graphy of his father Major-Gen. John Gaspard Le Marchant ; Lieut. General 
 Sir John Gaspard Le Marchant, Bart., K.C. B., G.C.M.G., late Commander 
 in Chief at Madras ; Major Charles Douglas ; Major James Dundas Douglas, 
 Assistant Adjutant General in Afghanistan and Deputy Military Secretary 
 to Government, killed in action near Pesh Bolak in the Afghan Campaign 
 in 1840; General Sir Robert Percy Douglas, Bart., formerly Assistant 
 Adjutant-General to the Forces, and Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, and 
 late Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good 
 Hope, 1864-8; H. W. Bristow, Esq. (son of Major-General Bristow), Pro- 
 fessor of Geology, and one of the Examiners of the Council of Military 
 Examination; J. O. Griffits, Esq., Q.C., Recorder of Reading; and we 
 may add the names of Edward J. Payne, Esq., M. A., a fellow of University 
 College, Oxford, and of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister-at-Law ; and W. G. 
 Hayden, Esq., M.D., who were educated by the present able Head Master 
 of the School, The Reverend James Poulter. 
 
 The smaller Charities that come next in order were created under the 
 Wills of Ambrose Conway, of Chipping Wycombe, Gentleman, also of 
 
 Davie Dorothy Pelkam, Widow of Sir William Pelham, Knight, also of 
 
 The Right Hon. Robert Lord Dormer, also of 
 
 Thomas Church, Citizen and Draper, of London, also of 
 
 Weinwright, sometime of London (will without date), and 
 also of 
 
 William Littlcboycs, Gent, (also will without date) ; whereby they 
 respectively gave and bequeathed the several sums therein severally men- 
 
 u
 
 146 
 
 tioned, for the purposes as set forth in the following entries, contained in 
 the Ledger No. I. of the Corporation, folio 16, with the particulars of their 
 investments and the application of the incomes arising therefrom. 
 
 "Burg: de Chipping Wicombe in Com. Backs. 
 "Whereas Thomas Church, Citizen and Merchant of London, by his Will and Testament, 
 bearing date the 16* Aug' 1616, did give and bequeath to the said Borough 100 Marks of lawful 
 money of England ; and also Ambrose Conway, by his last Will and Testament, did likewise 
 give to the said Borough the sum of .£10; and Sir Robert Dormer, Knight, did give to the 
 said Borough the sum of 20 nobles, to be employed to the use of the poor of the said Borough ; 
 and also whereas the Lady Dorothy Pelham, by her last Will and Testament, did likewise give 
 and bequeath to the same Borough the sum of £20 to be put forth at i8</. the pound, and the 
 interest of the two parts thereof, viz. 20^., to be employed for the use of the poor, and the other 
 10s. thereof to be paid yearly to the Surveyor of the highways for the amending thereof, all which 
 monies, with and amongst divers other moneys of the proper stock of the said Borough, were 
 laid out upon the new erecting and building of the butchers' shambles in the said Borough, by 
 the advice and appointment of William Aire, late Alderman of the same Borough ; and whereas 
 also there was had and used towards the building of the said Shambles, and the east corner of 
 the old markethouse for a convenient sitting for the Judges of Assize, certain timber out of the 
 hospital lands belonging to the said Borough : Now it is concluded and agreed by the Mayor 
 and Aldermen of the said Borough this present day, that in consideration of the said Legacies 
 and timber, there shall be yearly paid out of the said Shambles to the Overseers of the same 
 Borough, to the use of the poor of the same Borough, the yearly rent or sum of ^12 of lawful 
 money of England, to be paid quarterly by equal portions ; and that the residue arising out of 
 the said Shambles shall be paid to the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough, 
 and their successors, in regard of their stock and charges disbursed upon the said Shambles 
 and the ground whereupon they are erected ; and that the Town Chamberlain for the time 
 being shall yearly pay to the Surveyors of the highways the sum of 10? in part of the gift of 
 the said Lady Pelham." 
 
 The shambles have been pulled down, but the Corporation consented 
 to pay .£10 yearly in respect of these Charities. 
 
 In the above mentioned Ledger, folio 15, there is the following entry 
 dated 23rd September, 1633 : — 
 
 '• MS — That Weinwright, sometime of London, deceased, in and by his last Will 
 
 and Testament, bequeathed unto this Borough the sum of ^20, to the intent that the Mayor 
 of the said Borough for the time being should for ever pay to the use of the poor of the 
 said Borough the sum of 23*. \d., to be disposed of at the discretion of the said Mayor ; and 
 also 6s. 8d. more to be employed otherwise as the said Mayor should think most fit, yearly for 
 ever, which said sum of ^20 was by Richard Gibbons, Alderman, in the time of his late 
 mayoralty, disbursed upon the new Mace of the said Borough: Now to the intent that there 
 may be perpetual payment made of the said 307- in manner aforesaid, it is hereby ordered, 
 that the Mayor and Mayors of the said Borough for the lime being shall yearly from hence- 
 forth, on the day of their going out of their Mayoralty, and election of the new Mayor, pay
 
 147 
 
 to the use of the poor of this Borough 23s. 4</., to be disbursed and disposed of where he 
 shall think most fit, and that the other bs. %d. shall be paid to the Vicar of the Church of 
 the Borough yearly on the day of the election of the said Mayor, unless the greatest part of 
 the Company shall think fit otherwise to dispose of the same." 
 
 This yearly sum of £1 35. ^d. is known by the name of Mace Money. 
 
 The above stipends were called half-yearly payments and Mace Money, 
 amounting to £\ 1 35. \d. per annum, and on the recommendation of the 
 Charity Commissioners, are received by the Wycombe Municipal Charity 
 Trustees, and applied for the purposes of the Charity. 
 
 Also in the above mentioned Ledger, folio 15, there is the following 
 entry, dated 2nd September, 1633, signed by the Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Aldermen : — 
 
 " Memorandum. That, whereas William Littleboyes, Gent., of a pious and charitable dis- 
 position, did by his last Will in Anno: Dni. give the sum of ^100 to the Town of Chepping 
 
 Wycombe, which he appointed to be employed at the discretion of Sir Randolph Mainwaring, 
 Knight, deceased, and George Littleboyes, Esq'?, his brother, and their heirs for ever, towards 
 the comfort of the poorest and most needy in that towne ; and appointed that the profit of the 
 said ^100 should be laid out weekly upon bread, to be distributed every Sabbath day to those 
 persons whose necessities may be thought greatest, or their miseries the most extreme, by 
 reason of their age or other incident infirmities, as by the said last Will appeareth ; And whereas 
 the said sum of ^100 was delivered into the hands of the Mayor and Corporation of this town, 
 to the intent that they should purchase so much land as they could conveniently purchase for 
 that sum, to the intent that the said gift might be perpetuated for ever by weekly payments, the 
 said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses have, with the said ;£ioo, this day purchased from William 
 Ayre, & c , a quantity of land lying at Coleshill, in the parish of Agmondesham, in the County of 
 Herts, called by the name of Stock Grove, and containing about 13 acres, then in the occu- 
 pation of Robert Bell, his Assignee or assigns, which is likely for ever to yield £5 11 10 11 o 
 per annum at least, Do hereby order and decree, that the whole profits of the said land shall 
 for ever be employed by 2s. weekly, or more, as the profits will amount unto, to the relief of 
 the poor of the said Town, according to the intent of the said last Will ; and to the intent the 
 same may with more indifferency be disposed of, it is appointed that the ancientist church- 
 warden, and ancientist overseer of the poor of the said Town, for the time being, shall, with the 
 consent of the Mayor for the time being, distribute the said rents weekly, as near the intent of 
 the said Will as possibly they can ; and the Mayor shall at the end of the year, always at his 
 going out of his Office, give account to the Common Council of the said Town, what the profit 
 of the said Land hath been for his year, and how it is improved, and how bestowed, or employed, 
 to the intent the said Charitable use may in nothing be defrauded." 
 
 In another Ledger, dated 1770, also containing the minutes of the pro- 
 ceedings of the Mayor and Common Council of the Borough of Chipping 
 Wycomhe, from that year unto the present time, there is an entry signed 
 by the Mayor, Bailiffs, and certain members of the Common Council, from
 
 1 |.S 
 
 which it appears that the Corporation employed the said ,£100, together 
 with ,£180 more, raised by them from the sale of a rent charge of ^"io a 
 year, in the purchase of lands and tenements at Coleshill, and vested the 
 same in trustees upon trust that they should pay to the Overseers of the 
 said Borough, for the use of the poor thereof, the rents and profits of the 
 premises, so as the Overseers should cause £5 10s. of the rent to be weekly 
 distributed, in bread, according to the true intent of William Littleboyes' 
 Will, and if the Overseers should neglect or refuse so to do, then other 
 persons fitting and willing to undertake the same were to be appointed to 
 receive the rents and profits of the premises, and to apply the sum of 
 .£5 10s. according to the desire of William Littleboyes ; and that for several 
 years then last past, the Overseers had applied the whole of the £5 lay. to 
 the use of themselves, in common with other inhabitants of the said Borough, 
 contrary to the true intent and meaning of the deed, and also the Will of 
 William Littleboyes; and therefore the Mayor and Common Council ordered, 
 on the 26th June, 1800, that in future the Overseers for the time being 
 should weekly, on Sunday in every week for ever thereafter, distribute in 
 bread to poor persons of the Borough, who should stand in most need there- 
 of, an equal and proportional part of the said sum of ^"5 10s., agreeable to 
 the Will of William Littleboyes; and the residue of the rents of the said 
 Estate at Coleshill should be paid yearly to the Hospital Chamberlain of 
 the said Borough for the time being, for the use and benefit of poor people 
 belonging to the said Borough, agreeable to the same rules and orders as 
 those by which the chamber rents were then paid and applied. 
 
 The Stock Grove Farm consists of 22 acres, and is let to Abel Slade, 
 on lease for 21 years, from Michaelmas, 1861, at the yearly rent of 
 ,£21 js. 6d., which is received by the Wycombe Municipal Charity Trustees, 
 who pay and apply the same as follows, viz. : — £5 iay. for bread for the 
 poor, and the residue towards the support of the Grammar School and 
 Almshouse Charity. 
 
 The bread is given away the last Sunday in every month. 
 
 BOWDEN'S CHARITY. 
 
 " Mary Bowden, of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, by^her Will, 
 proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, the 30th October, 1790,
 
 i 4 9 
 
 gave to the Rev. James Price and Isaac King, Esq., the sum of ,£1000, to be 
 by them laid out and invested in the public funds, or in the purchase of lands, 
 tenements, and hereditaments, in the County of Bucks, which should appear 
 to them most advantageous for carrying the pious and benevolent dis- 
 position of the said Mary Bowden into execution, upon trust, in the first 
 place, as concerning the sum of .£30, part of the interest and produce to 
 arise from the said sum of £1000 as aforesaid, to pay the same to the Rev. 
 Alban Thomas, the then Master and teacher of the Free Grammar School, in 
 the Borough of Chipping Wycombe aforesaid, in augmentation and addition 
 to his then salary, and after his death, discharge, or resignation, to pay it 
 unto such other person or persons as should be appointed in his stead Master 
 of the said free grammar School, and to his successors for ever, and to 
 apply the remainder of the said interest or profits so to arise from the said 
 ,£1000 to the finding of clothes and fuel for such poor widow persons as 
 should live in, and be entitled to, the benefit of the Almshouse at the bottom 
 of the town of Wycombe, in equal shares ; and the said testatrix by her Will 
 appointed the said trustees her executors. A sum of ^1,547 145. 10^/. 
 Three per Cent. Reduced Annuities, was originally standing in the names 
 of the Reverend James Price and Isaac King; on the death of Mr. King, 
 Mr. Price, without the power of executing any deed of appointment of fresh 
 trustees, in respect of this Charity, transferred the stock into the names of 
 himself, Mr. William Rose, and Mr. John Carter ; Mr. Price survived Mr. 
 Rose and Mr. Carter ; and on the death of Mr. Price, his surviving repre- 
 sentative received and applied the income of the Charity. The attention of 
 the Charity Commissioners was called to this Charity, suggesting the impor- 
 tance of a fresh appointment of trustees, when the Commissioners discovered 
 that the .£1,547 14s. ioe/. Three per Cent. Annuities had been disposed of; 
 and moreover that Mr. Price's representative had been guilty of a breach of 
 trust, by appropriating the produce of the stock to his own use. The case 
 was certified to the Attorney General, who on the 3rd of October, 1869, 
 preferred his petition to the Lord Chancellor against Mr. Price's represen- 
 tative ; the result of these proceedings was, that after payment of the costs 
 of the suit, about six hundred pounds stock in the Three per Cent. Annuities, 
 and five cottages situate at Buntineford, Herts, were recovered. 
 
 The Stock was transferred to the Official Trustee of Charitable Funds, 
 and invested in Bank £$ per Cent. Annuities ; and the five cottages were
 
 •50 
 
 vested in the Wycombe Municipal Charity Trustees ; and they were let into 
 the receipt of the rents and profits of the same. And out of the income of 
 the Charity, so far as the same would extend, it was ordered by the Court 
 that the yearly sum of ,£30 be paid to the Master for the time being of the 
 Free Grammar School. And the remainder (if any) of such income, be paid 
 to the poor Widows in the Almshouse named in the Will, and in such manner 
 as directed by the Will of the said Mary Bowden, deceased. 
 
 TERRIER OF ESTATES, 
 
 THE PROPERTY OF THE WYCOMBE MUNICIPAL CHARITY TRUSTEES, AFTER 
 SEVERAL EXCHANGES OF LAND HAVING, WITH THE SANCTION OF THE 
 CHARITY COMMISSIONERS, BEEN EFFECTED OF A BENEFICIAL CHA- 
 RACTER TO THE CHARITY. 
 
 Town Farm, formerly called Remes ....... 
 
 Ginion's Field Farm (Marsh) ........ 
 
 Hulnett's Meadow behind late Catherine Wheel; Pound Mead at the 
 east end of the Rye ; the Little Meadow, forming part of the Home 
 Meadow (Lord Carington's), adjoining Loake's Lane ; a piece of 
 Arable Land in the Rye Field, adjoining Pound Mead ; and the 
 Hospital Meadow, or Rye Mead; and a Quit Rent of 14s. per 
 annum ........ 
 
 Priest Croft and Crabb Tree Mead (Marsh) . 
 
 Ginion's House and Garden (Marsh) . 
 Ditto Cottage and Garden .... 
 Ditto Cottage and Garden .... 
 Ditto Eleven Garden Allotments, each 13 r. 6 p. 
 
 Land called Triggs, near Cryers Hill . 
 
 Land, Cottage, and Buildings, at Kingshill . 
 
 Spital Croft, Cottage, Barn, and Lands 
 
 " Stock Grove," Land, and Buildings, Colcshill 
 
 Land near the Harrow, Hughenden 
 
 Sawpit House and Premises .... 
 
 House and Premises, Paul's Row, Wycombe (Wootton 
 
 Town House and Premises (Miss Drewett) . 
 
 Rent Charge on Land at Wycombe Marsh, known as Brook 
 
 for a description of these Lands, see the Court Rolls of the Manor 
 of Temple Wycombe ......... 
 
 Rent of Borough Shambles and Mace Money ^n 35. 4,/. 
 
 B) 
 
 ands, 1 is. 
 
 Gross Annual Rental 
 
 ^632 1 1 j. 4d. 
 
 A. 
 
 190 
 
 S3 
 
 5 
 4 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 I 
 8 
 7 
 24 
 22 
 
 4 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 o 
 o 
 
 3 
 
 7 
 7 
 1 
 o 
 o 
 3 
 3 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 o 
 
 355 
 
 o 
 16 
 26 
 16 
 16 
 
 6 
 
 32 
 
 o 
 
 10 
 
 3° 
 o 
 
 ■5 
 
 4 
 
 '9 
 
 17
 
 '5i 
 
 In addition to this rent roll, there is ,£2,456 lys. \id. Stock, invested 
 in Consols, the result of sales of different Charity properties, which sum, with 
 the accumulating dividends, is intended to be applied towards the restora- 
 tion of the ancient Grammar School, and the erection of a Master's house, 
 under the direction of the Charity Commissioners. 
 
 The Charity Commissioners in 1833 made a very exhaustive Report on 
 these Charities, to which any reader is referred who may wish further to 
 pursue the subject. 
 
 LANE'S CHARITY. 
 
 John Lane, late of Hammersmith, in the County of Middlesex, Esquire, 
 by his Will dated 2nd January, 1674, devised two little Tenements in 
 Cornell Lane (now called Crendon Street), in Chipping Wycombe, with 
 their appurtenances, for almshouses for the habitation of two poor widows, 
 or two other poor old people, as the major part of his friends and persons 
 thereinafter named or appointed to be overseers thereof, should choose out 
 of the poor inhabitants of Chipping Wycombe aforesaid ; and he gave and 
 appointed for the maintenance of the same charitable use, his messuage and 
 lands thereunto belonging, and therewith then used, in Great Missenden, 
 which he bought of William Pratt, and also the little close of land, which he 
 bought of Robert Lane, in Great Missenden aforesaid ; and his two tene- 
 ments in Agmondesham (Amersham), which he bought of William Mead, 
 and purchased in his own name, and in the name of Andrew Hale ; and he 
 appointed to each of his said poor almspeople 40s. in money, yearly, to be 
 paid at or about the feasts of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, 
 Michaelmas, St. Thomas, and Lady-day, by equal portions; and every 
 second year, or once in two years, the sum of 25s. to be bestowed in cloth 
 for a gown for each of them, or 10s. one year and 15^. the other year of 
 those two years, as in the discretion of the said trustees thereinafter named 
 for the ordering and governing of the same, or the major part of them, 
 should seem fit for the need or use of the said poor people ; and for the 
 better raising of the said maintenance and monies for the said poor, as also 
 for raising the sum of 10s. yearly to be kept in the bank for the repairing of 
 the said devised messuages, lands, and tenements, and other 10s. yearly for 
 the charges of the yearly meetings of his trustees or three of them ; the said 
 Testator thereby nominated and appointed trustees and overseers therein 
 named, and thereby directed, that if one or more of his said trustees should
 
 '52 
 
 die, that then the major part of the surviving trustees should choose in the 
 place of them so dying such person or persons as they should think fit for 
 filling up the number of six ; and the Testator devised to his said trustees, 
 their executors, administrators, and assigns, his said messuages, lands and 
 tenements, which he bought of William Pratt, and all his estate and interest 
 therein, which was a lease therein to come for the term of about 380 years, 
 and the said close bought of Robert Lane, and also his tenement in 
 Agmondesham, to hold to them their heirs and assigns in trust, for the 
 charitable use aforesaid, and willed that his heir or heirs should confirm his 
 said gift and appointment. The Testator died in the year 1675, and his 
 Will was proved in the Prerogative Court, on the 18th November in the 
 same year. The property belonging to the Charity recently consisted of — 
 
 Two cottages in Wheldon Street, Amersham. 
 
 Also an allotment under the Amersham Inclosure, containing about two 
 roods. 
 
 A house and carpenter's workshop, outbuildings, and garden, and 
 4 a. 2 r. 29 p. of pasture and arable land at Great Missenden, yielding an 
 annual rent of ,£86 1 is. od. (less income tax). All the properties have been 
 sold, except the Almshouses, and the purchase money has been invested in 
 the Consols, in the name of the Official Trustee of Charities ; the dividends 
 are applied for the benefit of the Charity. 
 
 The Almspeople receive 6s. per week each, and 2£ each at Christmas. 
 The trusts of this Charity are declared by a Deed approved by the Court of 
 Chancery. 
 
 MURLIN'S CHARITY. 
 
 John Murlin, late of High Wycombe, Gentleman, by a Codicil to his 
 Will dated 15th January, 1799, gave unto his executors therein named 
 the sum of ,£300 to be appropriated at interest on Government or mortgage 
 security, or in the purchase of lands, as they should think best, in their 
 names ; and he directed that the interest and proceeds should be paid over 
 and applied by his said trustees, for the support of the Methodist Chapel, 
 and the poor of the Society and Congregation thereof, in High Wycombe, 
 in such manner as his Wife, during her life, should direct, and after her 
 decease, that the same should be paid and applied to and for the same pur- 
 poses, equally, according to the discretion of his trustees.
 
 '53 
 
 By subsequent Codicils an additional trustee was appointed, and the 
 testator desired that the number of three trustees should be always kept 
 up, and that the above legacy should be paid within one month after his 
 decease, over and above all duties. During Mrs. Murlin's life, the interest 
 had been by her divided into three parts, one of which was to be received 
 by the Minister for the time being of the Chapel, another to be expended 
 by the Chapel Steward in repairs thereof, and the remaining third to be 
 distributed, by the Poor Steward, amongst the poor of the Congregation 
 attending the Chapel. The surviving trustee neglected to apply the 
 income of this Charity, and the principal sum, together with the accumula- 
 tion of interest held by him, amounted in 1833 to ^"460, the residue of 
 which, after payment of the arrears of interest due to the recipients, and 
 the costs incurred in Chancery proceedings, was invested, and realized 
 £Z°7 5 s - id- Consols ; this amount of Stock was, by the order of the Court, 
 invested in the name of the Official Trustee of Charitable Funds. 
 
 PHILIP LORD WHARTON'S CHARITY. 
 
 His Lordship, by instructions dated the 24th April, 1693, directed, — 
 
 " That 1050 Bibles with the singing Psalms bound up therewith, and the like number of 
 Catechisms, should be yearly provided, and that there should be a printed paper posted inside 
 the Bibles to this effect, ' These reading psalms in the English translation in the Bible are to 
 be learnt without Book, by the child to whom this book is presented, namely, the i-, 15* 25'.'.', 
 37'! 1 , 101", 113* and 145*.' The reward to be given to such Children who can read, of poor 
 people, of good report, in the Cities, Towns, and places, therein named, in Yorkshire, West- 
 moreland, Cumberland, and Buckinghamshire, in the latter County, (namely) in Winslow 10, 
 Aylesbury 20, Wendover 10, Amersham 10, Chesham 10, Chipping Wycombe 10, Great Marlow 
 10, Beaconsfield io, Wooburn 10, Winchenden and Waddesdon 10; and that on the day of the 
 delivery of the Bibles there should be sermons preached, for which 10 s /- is allowed at such 
 places as are therein named, the purport, design, and scope of every such sermon to be, to discover 
 and prove to the people the truth, usefulness, sufficiency, and excellency of the Holy Scriptures, 
 and the people's right to have them fully in their own language ; and also their duty to read, 
 study, and search the Scriptures, and take them for their only unerring rule of faith, worship, 
 and manners." 
 
 These Bibles, with the Assembly's Catechism, were originally uni- 
 formly given to the Children in Wycombe, and the other places, on the 
 above conditions. About the year 1805 the Pastors of the Dissenting 
 Churches were deprived of the disposition of the Charity, and the same was 
 
 x
 
 '54 
 
 placed in the hands of the Clergy of the Church of England. The number 
 of Bibles granted to Wycombe is now 25. 
 
 THE ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE 
 
 Was established in Wycombe in 1799, under the patronage of His Royal 
 Highness the Duke of York. The Antelope Inn, which occupied the space 
 between the Red Lion Hotel and the house belonging to Thomas Mar- 
 shall, Esq., was converted into College premises. The Institution, founded 
 on the plan of the Military Academy at Woolwich, embraced a complete 
 system of military education for officers desirous of qualifying themselves to 
 serve on the general staff. Lieut.-Colonel John Gaspard Le Marchant, of 
 the 2nd Dragoon Guards, was appointed Lieutenant Governor and Super- 
 intendent General of the College, who, from his extensive knowledge of 
 military tactics, was eminently qualified for the appointment ; he composed 
 a code of instructions for the sword exercise, which was approved by the 
 Duke of York, and forms a permanent part of the regulations of the army. 
 This led to his turning his attention to the swords worn by the cavalry ; 
 and the pattern he selected was adopted by the army. In 1796 he pub- 
 lished, by His Majesty's command, a work on the Cavalry Exercise, which 
 has since gone through five large impressions. Soon after he prepared a 
 work on Military Education, which was submitted to, and highly approved 
 by, the Duke of York; and this led to many interviews with His Royal 
 Highness, resulting in the establishment of this College, and also one at 
 Great Marlow for the junior department. In 181 1 Colonel Le Marchant 
 was promoted to the rank of Major General; by a regulation in the Army 
 this promotion rendered the holding of the office of Lieutenant Governor 
 incompatible; he therefore vacated the appointment, to enter upon the more 
 arduous duties of commanding a brigade of cavalry, then about to embark 
 for service in the Peninsula, where he distinguished himself as a gallant 
 officer, and on several occasions received the public approbation of Lord 
 Wellington. 
 
 Lord Wellington, in his despatch on the triumphant victory gained 
 at the memorable battle of Salamanca, on the 22nd July, 181 2, bore the 
 honourable testimony, " that the success was dearly purchased by the loss 
 of that most noble officer, General Le Marchant," who at the head of his
 
 heavy brigade of cavalry, under General Sir Stapleton Cotton, in a brilliant 
 charge against a body of infantry (which they overthrew and cut to pieces ; 
 and in the moment of victory, while carrying the Standard of England 
 through the ranks of France), fell mortally wounded, deeply regretted by his 
 numerous friends and brother officers. Colonel James Butler succeeded 
 General Le Marchant as Lieutenant-Governor of the College. General 
 Francis Jarry (late Aidc-dc-Cavip to Frederick the Great), Knight of the 
 Military Order of St. Louis, was appointed Inspector General of Instruc- 
 tion ; Major Douglas was appointed Commandant of the College, with the 
 rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army ; Lieutenant-Colonel Fred. Mac- 
 kenzie, Secretary thereof; and Charles Greenwood, Esquire, Treasurer. 
 General Jarry resigned his appointment of Inspector General of Instruction 
 in 1806, and died at his residence, Welleysbourne House, the 15th March, 
 
 1807, aged 75. His funeral was conducted with military honours, and his 
 remains were interred in the Chancel of the Parish Church. Major Douglas 
 succeeded General Jarry as Inspector General of Instruction. "The 
 Army," says his biographer, " dates an era from Major Douglas's appoint- 
 ment to the Military College; for he supplied it with a 'new class of officers, 
 who made it able to go anywhere, and do anything.'" " The training hand 
 was unseen, but its work was apparent everywhere, and nowhere more 
 than in the staff of Wellington. Our commanders have borne the same 
 impress down to our own time, and it has been signalised by Hardinge, 
 Gomm, Simpson, and Brown, in our latest struggles on the fields of India 
 and the Crimea." 
 
 " Col. Douglas cultivated the minds of grown men who were versed in 
 the uses of the world and the camp. He brought knowledge down to the 
 humblest ability, and advanced it to a point that satisfied the highest, at the 
 same time raising the moral tone of the students, by keeping before them 
 the example of his own conduct." "And such was Howard Douglas, in the 
 flower of his life — the guardian of virtue, the kind fosterer of merit." 
 
 Col. Douglas remained at his post through the year, and in February, 
 
 1808, without sacrificing his appointments at the College, he was appointed 
 Assistant Quartermaster-General to the expedition to Spain, which set out 
 in the following autumn. The death of his half-brother, Sir William, raised 
 Col. Douglas to the baronetcy. After his engagement in the Walcheren 
 Expedition, and the bombardment of Flushing, Sir Howard returned to his
 
 156 
 
 duties at the Military College. In 1S11 he was appointed to reside in the 
 provinces of Gallicia, for the purpose of communicating with the commanders 
 of the Spanish armies, and of distributing such arms and stores as might be 
 sent from this country: he accordingly repaired to the head-quarters of Lieu- 
 tenant-General Lord Wellington, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces 
 in the Peninsula, and placed himself under his orders. He was also present 
 at the Sieee of Bureos, after the raising of which, he returned to England. 
 1 le published a Work on Naval Gunnery. This treatise was followed by an 
 Essay on Fortification. In 1824 he attained the rank of Major-General, and 
 was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, and Major-General 
 in command of the troops in that province, together with those in Nova 
 Scotia, Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Bermuda. 
 He made great improvements in, and restored the prosperity of the colony. 
 Fredericton owes to Sir Howard Douglas its college, for which he obtained 
 a charter conferring the privileges of an university. The King gave his 
 name to the College, appointing Sir Howard its first Chancellor. He was 
 installed in the office on the 1st of January, 1829, which he held until 1S35. 
 He originated a school for naval gunnery ; this school was established on 
 board the Excellent at Portsmouth. He brought out improved editions of 
 his Naval Gunnery, and published an Essay on Military Bridges. The King 
 paid a tribute to his worth in a public Address at the Royal Military College 
 at Sandhurst, in June ] S34, and eulogised his services and literary produc- 
 tions, describing him "as an officer of first-rate ability and scientific attain- 
 ments." In 1S35 he was appointed Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian 
 Islands. He initiated several improvements in the Islands, by the construc- 
 tion of roads ; procured funds for a poor house and lunatic asylum, and for 
 the improvement of prisons ; as well as a large sum for purposes of public 
 instruction. The town of Corfu had long suffered from a scarcity of water; 
 he constructed a reservoir, employed soldiers to lay down pipes, and brought 
 a plentiful supply of water to the town. The appointment to the Ionian 
 Islands he held from 1835 to 1840. Soon after Sir Howard's return to 
 England, he was elected Member for Liverpool in the Conservative interest, 
 which seat he held from 1S42 to 1847, when he retired. He supported the 
 Cambridge Asylum (of which he became President), and other charities and 
 institutions. " His services had won him the honours of the Bath, of which 
 he was a Knight Commander in the Military Division, and a Grand Cross
 
 

 
 of the Order of St. Michael and St. George." And Lord Palmerston offered 
 him the Grand Cross of the Military Division of the Bath shortly before his 
 death, but this he declined, alleging that he was "too old for such vanities." 
 He died on the 9th of November, 1861. 
 
 "Earthly distinctions ceased for him, and 
 He gave his honours to the world again, 
 His blessed part to Heaven, and died in peace." 
 
 There were also at the College, who had distinguished themselves 
 in the service, — The Right Honourable Henry, Lord Hardinge, P.C.,G.C. B., 
 late Commander-in-Chief; General Sir Benjamin D' Urban, G.C. B., who 
 was successively Governor of Antigua, of Demarara, Essequibo, and also of 
 the Cape of Good Hope ; Field Marshal Sir William Maynard Gomm.G.C.B., 
 formerly Governor of the Mauritius, afterwards Commander-in-Chief in 
 India, and late Governor of the Tower; and Major-General Henry 
 Bristow, after three years service in the Royal Navy, entered as an 
 Ensign in the Hertfordshire Militia, 14th February, 1805 ; became a 
 Cornet in the 1st Life Guards, 1st May, 1805, in which regiment he became 
 Lieutenant 30th September, 1805, and Captain 1st September, 1808. 
 While in the Life Guards he became one of the earliest students at the 
 Senior Department of the Royal Military College at High Wycombe, 
 where he obtained a first-class certificate. 
 
 In 1S09 he served as Captain with the 2nd Battalion of the 1 ith (North 
 Devonshire) Foot, in the Walcheren Expedition, and was present at the 
 Siege of Flushing. He was in garrison at Gibraltar in 181 1, when the 
 Spanish army, under General Ballasteros, took refuge under the guns of 
 that fortress. 
 
 In October and November of the same year, part of the period during 
 which the city was blockaded by the French, General (then Captain) Bristow 
 was in Cadiz, and in the following December he joined the army in Portugal. 
 He was immediately placed on the Quartermaster-General's Staff, on which 
 he continued to the end of the year. Being attached to either the Head- 
 Quarters, the 7th, or the 1st Division, he was present at most of the opera- 
 tions carried on in the North of Spain, under the Duke of Wellington ; and 
 he received the Peninsula War Medal, with three clasps, for the battles of 
 Salamanca, Vittoria, and the Pyrenees. General Bristow was also at Cadiz
 
 r 5 8 
 
 during the bombardment of that city by the French Fleet in 1823. On the 
 22nd Jul)-, 1S50, he attained the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. He became 
 Colonel on the 9th November, 1846, Major-General 20th June, 1854, and 
 retired from the army on 17th August, 1855. 
 
 General Bristow, who, since 1823, had been more or less identified with 
 the cause of Spanish Independence, died at Madrid on the 23rd November, 
 1874, aged 89. His funeral was celebrated in the British Cemetery, and 
 was attended by Mr. Layard, the English Minister ; Colonel George Fitch ; 
 General Millasodel Bosch; Duke of Castellejos, the only son of the late 
 General Prim ; and other English and Spanish residents. The coffin was 
 covered with the British flao-, and at the moment of lowering it into the 
 grave, full military honours, including a salute, were paid by a battalion of 
 500 soldiers, sent for that purpose, as a mark of respect to the deceased, by 
 the Captain General of Madrid, General Primo de Rivera. 
 
 Whilst the College was flourishing at Wycombe, a military survey, 
 and a model plan upon an elaborate scale, were prepared by the staff, under 
 the supervision of Sir Howard Douglas, representing a complete fortifi- 
 cation of the town and its immediate neighbourhood. 
 
 The establishment added very much to the attractions, as well as the 
 trade, of the town. It continued here until the early part of the year 1813, 
 when the Government transferred it to Farnham, in Surrey, and the Junior 
 Department to Sandhurst, in Berks, in the preceding October. 
 
 EMINENT CHARACTERS OF WYCOMBE. 
 
 Wycombe has to boast, amongst others, of the following notable per- 
 sonages : — 
 
 The first we remark upon is William of Wycombe, who must not be 
 confounded with the celebrated William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, 
 and founder of New College, Oxford ; as the latter was a native of Wyke- 
 ham, Hants ; the former, of Wycombe, Bucks. 
 
 Nothing is known of his parentage, except that he was born at 
 Wycombe about the beginning of the reign of Henry I. In 1129 he 
 . ame Chaplain to Robert Betun [or Bethune], thirty-third Bishop of 
 1 [ereford, who was a native of Flanders, and formerly Prior of Llanthony. 
 His learning was profound, as is evidenced in his life of Betun in Latin, in 
 two books, printed in Wharton's " Anglia Sacra," in 1691. "He became
 
 '59 
 
 odious to the monks of Llanthony on account of his severity of discipline, and 
 his determination to procure the removal of their Monastery to its original 
 place, whence it had been removed under the following circumstances : 
 After the death of King Henry I. and Archbishop Anselm, there followed 
 a time of great confusion and rapine, by means of which the Monastery of 
 Llanthony was exposed to many robbers, and reduced to much distress ; 
 hereupon the Canons sent to the former Prior, Betun, then Bishop of Here- 
 ford, informing him thereof; who directed them all to come to him, which 
 they did, and he entertained them in his own Palace, giving them the use of 
 his Episcopal Chapel. Some of the most zealous, however, among them 
 did not consent to this abandonment of the old Abbey, but remained there ; 
 and were particularly induced to do so, as that establishment afforded the 
 only aid travellers could then procure in this district. 
 
 " When the Canons had lived two years with the Bishop, Milo, Earl of 
 Hereford, gave them a place near Gloucester, where they founded a new 
 Abbey, which was consecrated in 1 1 36, and dedicated to St. Mary the 
 Virgin. Earl Milo added to it many large possessions, and the Canons, 
 growing rich and faring sumptuously every day, forgot their old Abbey, 
 and declined to return to it ; although their new Charter, which they had 
 procured, distinctly provided that when peaceable times were restored, they 
 should leave Gloucester (except thirteen of their number), and return to old 
 Llanthony. This, Bishop Betun in vain endeavoured to induce them to do, 
 for they only sent thither a few infirm old monks, who lived there in sad 
 scarcity, almost on bread and water." 
 
 During the troubles of Stephen's reign, Hereford suffered greatly. 
 The Cathedral was deserted and desecrated, and the Bishop himself was 
 obliged to take flight in disguise ; on his return, he cleansed and repaired 
 the building. He was one of the best and worthiest Bishops of his age, a 
 man of peace and religion, when by far the greater number of English 
 Bishops were little better than turbulent Barons. 
 
 Wycombe, when appointed to the Priory by the Bishop, set himself 
 earnestly to reform the Monastery, much to the distaste of the monks, who 
 feared an interruption of their easy life. 
 
 Wycombe's earnestness found vent in an invective against the Earl of 
 Hereford, whom he severely censured for his encouragement of the monkish 
 delinquencies. Whatever the charges against the Earl were, Wycombe was
 
 i6o 
 
 certainly imprudent in this attempt, however well meant ; for his son and 
 successor, Earl Roger, highly incensed, proceeded to vindicate his father's 
 character by summarily turning him out of his priory, abetted and supported 
 by the monks, to whom Wycombe had so long been invidious. His old 
 patron, Bishop Betun, was now dead, so our poor townsman, then grown 
 old and friendless, was fain to retire on a single canonry, and to live at 
 Frema {query, Frome), where he employed his last days in writing, as we 
 have mentioned, the life of his old patron ; a work which has rescued him 
 from oblivion. It is in two books of moderate length, and is remarkable as 
 being the only known literary production of a native of this town, pre- 
 viously to the time of Bishop Alley. 
 
 The next worthy we note is William Alley, who was a native of 
 Wycombe, and was educated at Eton. In 1528, he was elected to King's 
 College, Cambridge. Having studied at both the Universities of Oxford 
 and Cambridge, he took Holy Orders, and obtained a Benefice ; but being 
 a zealous supporter of the Reformed Church, he quitted it on the accession of 
 Queen Mary to the Throne, and practised physic during the remainder of 
 her reign. He was afterwards Divinity Lecturer at St. Paul's Cathedral, 
 where he acquired great reputation, obtained the Bishopric of Exeter from 
 Queen Elizabeth in 1560, and held that See until his death, on the 15th 
 April, 1570. He was the author of " The Poor Man's Library," 2 vols., and 
 a Hebrew Grammar; he also translated the Pentateuch in the authorised 
 version of the Bible, undertaking the work by command of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 We now follow on with a list of names more or less distinguished. 
 
 &" 
 
 John Munday, goldsmith, also a native of Wycombe, was elected 
 Lord Mayor of London in 1522. 
 
 Charles Butler, M.A., of Magdalen College, Oxford, whose birthplace 
 was at Wycombe. After he left the University, he was appointed Master 
 of the Free School, Basingstoke, Hants, and subsequently was Vicar of 
 Wootton St. Lawrence, in the same county. In 1636 he published "The 
 Principles of Music in Singing and Setting, with the Twofold Use Thereof, 
 Ecclesiastical and Civil." This work abounds with a great variety of 
 curious learning on the subject of music, selected from the best writers,
 
 i6i 
 
 ancient and modern. He also published a Treatise on Rhetoric, in Latin ; 
 and also on the Female Monarchy of Bees, in a small quarto, beautifully 
 printed. See Wood's Ath. Ox. c. 2., p. 201. 
 
 The Reverend George Fownes, M.A., was born in Shropshire, and 
 educated at Shrewsbury ; he afterwards became a student in the University 
 of Cambridge, where he distinguished himself as a scholar. He held the 
 living of Wycombe for several years at the time of the Commonwealth, 
 where his labours were signally blest. Previous to the Restoration, he 
 voluntarily vacated the living, and became Pastor of the Baptist Church 
 of Broadmead, Bristol. Sir Robert Yeemans seized him when eneaeed in 
 preaching, and committed him to Newgate ; but a flaw in the Warrant of 
 Commitment procured his acquittal, after six weeks' imprisonment. He 
 was afterwards incarcerated in Gloucester Gaol, for refusing to take the 
 Corporation Oath, and for riding within five miles of a corporate town. An 
 attempt was made to convict him of a riot, but the Jury acquitted him. 
 The Bishop's Chancellor, being one of the Justices on the bench, exclaimed, 
 " What ! not guilty ?" the foreman replied, " No, not guilty ; for can George 
 and his horse be guilty of a riot, without any other company ? I say 
 not." However, he was remanded back to prison, where he remained two 
 years and a half, till God was pleased to release him by death, which 
 transpired on the 29th November, 1685. The following is the honourable 
 testimony of the Church to his talents and his character. " On the 29th 
 of November, 1685, our Pastor died in Gloucester Gaol, having been kept 
 there two years and about nine months a prisoner, unjustly and maliciously, 
 for the testimony of Jesus, and preaching the Gospel. He was a man of 
 great learning, of sound judgment, an able preacher, having great knowledge 
 in divinity, law, physic, etc. ; a bold, patient sufferer for the Lord Jesus and 
 the Gospel he preached." 
 
 The Reverend Samuel Clark, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke Hall, Cam- 
 bridge, son of the Reverend Samuel Clark, Rector of St. Benet Fink, 
 London, who lost his Fellowship for refusing to take the engagement, 
 was presented to the Rectory of Grendon- Underwood, in this county, by 
 Thomas Pigot, Esquire, of Doddershall House, in the year 1657, and was 
 ejected in the year 1662, on the passing of the Act of Uniformity. Mr. 
 
 Y
 
 i6;> 
 
 Clark removed to Upper Winchendon, the seat of Philip, Lord Wharton, 
 who was the ercat ornament of the British Peerage, and the distinguished 
 patron and sincere friend of the Nonconformists, where he found a " refuge 
 from the storm, and a covert from the face of the spoiler." Mr. Clark 
 afterwards retired to Wycombe, and took up his abode in Easton Street, 
 and, after the manner of the Apostles, formed a Church in his house, which 
 was the first Nonconformist Church established in Wycombe, and over 
 which he presided up to the period of his death. He was much superior to 
 his father in learning ; and applied himself early to the study of the Holy 
 Scriptures. He published Annotations on the Bible, which were the labour 
 of his life ; and also a Survey of the Bible, with other works. Dr. Calamy 
 says of his Annotations, " that it is a work of great judgment, that it bears 
 the lively signature of his exact learning, singular piety, and indefatigable 
 industry ; that it commonly fixes on the true sense of the place ; diligently 
 observes the connexion of things ; freely represents the principal matters 
 that occur ; and contains the fullest account of parallel 'passages of any 
 other then extant." It obtained the concurring testimony of Dr. Owen and 
 Mr. Baxter ; and a learned Primate recommended it to young divines, at 
 their ordination. " Mr. Clark," says his biographer, " was a man of very 
 considerable learning ; a good critic, especially in the Scriptures ; a great 
 textuary ; an excellent preacher ; a great enemy to superstition and bigotry, 
 yet zealous for unaffected piety and extensive charity. His soul cleaved to 
 the purity of the Gospel and its institutions ; and he disclaimed everything 
 that looked like superstition. He, knowing God to be jealous for His wor- 
 ship, thought with Bishop Jeremy Taylor, ' that the teaching of Divine 
 truths by symbolical things, and actions of human invention, was too low, 
 too suspicious, and too dangerous, to be mingled with the Divine services, 
 but the introducing of significant rites and ceremonies destroyed the Church, 
 not only in her Christian liberty, but in the simplicity, purity, and spirituality 
 of her religion, by insensibly changing it into a ceremonial and external 
 service.'" — Ductor Dubitantium, 1. iii. \\ 668, sec. 7. 
 
 " He lived usefully and in much esteem, serving God with great 
 patience, self-denial, prudence, and peaceableness ; unweariedly seeking the 
 furtherance of His kingdom, when it was made peiilous to do so." He died 
 suddenly, while conducting the public devotional exercises of the sanctuary, 
 on February 24th, 1701, aged 75, and his remains were interred in the
 
 163 
 
 Chancel of the Parish Church ; but to use the words of one who composed 
 this Epitaph to his memory : — 
 
 " No costly tomb, nor monumental stone 
 Marks out the place where Clark, the Man of God, 
 Doth lie. He needs them not ; his name, his works 
 Still live on earth ; and in that spirit world, 
 Where goodness ever dwells in memory, 
 He finds reward, the favour of his God ; 
 Not that alone ; for there with purest love 
 All join to welcome him whose days were spent 
 For Christ and Man, whose thoughts and words and deeds 
 Were consecrate to truth and goodness." 
 
 Mr. Clark was succeeded by the Rev. John Pownall, under whose 
 ministry the Church and Congregation very considerably increased, so much 
 so as to render it necessary, in the year 1 714, to erect a Meeting House in 
 Crendon Lane, which in subsequent years was twice enlarged, and school- 
 rooms added to it, and it is now known as Crendon Street Chapel. 
 
 John Rowell, who resided in Wycombe about the year 1756, was by 
 trade a plumber, and practised the art of Glass painting. He was employed 
 by the late Duke of Richmond at Goodwood, and executed many pieces 
 for Dr. Maddox, Bishop of Worcester ; particularly, " a history of Christ 
 praying in the Garden," after a design of Dr. John Wall, of Worcester. He 
 painted a set of windows for Dr. Scawen Kenrick, in the Church of Ham- 
 bledon, Bucks. " The Nativity of Christ," and the " Roman Charity," were 
 also executed by him in two large windows ; the former was purchased 
 of his widow by Mr. Chute, of The Vine, in Hampshire ; the latter, by 
 Viscount Fane. The colours in some of his paintings stand very well ; 
 in others they have been observed greatly to fail. He discovered the 
 beautiful red which is so conspicuous in our old windows ; but this secret 
 is supposed to have died with him.* 
 
 Miss Hannah Ball was a resident in Wycombe from her childhood ; in 
 her Diary she informs us that she was born March 13th, 1733 ; blessed with 
 parents who possessed Hagar's wish, " nor with riches crowned, nor poverty 
 
 * See Granger's " Biographical History,'' vol. iv. p. 335.
 
 104 
 
 depressed." In one of Mr. Wesley's early visits to Wycombe she was 
 prevailed on by a friend to hear him preach ; in her Diary she remarks, " I 
 went at five o'clock in the morning, at which time the service commenced ; 
 I was struck with the venerable appearance of Mr. Wesley, but more deeply 
 affected with the words of his text, which were taken from Matt. xv. 2cSth, 
 ' O woman, great is thy faith ; be it unto thee even as thou wilt,' " and she 
 thus became one of the first-fruits of his ministry in Wycombe. She adds, 
 " I began my Diary in the year 1766 ; after three months' close exercise, I 
 was brought by Divine assistance to resignation's shrine, with ' Father, Thy 
 will be done.' From that time I found power to give the Lord all my 
 heart." She very frequently corresponded with Mr. Wesley, and this she 
 continued nearly to the close of his life. In another part of her Diary she 
 observes, " I desire to spend the remaining part of my life in a closer 
 walking with God, and in labours of love to my fellow-creatures, — feeding 
 the hungry, clothing the naked, instructing the rising generation in the 
 principles of religion, and in every possible way I am capable, ministering to 
 them that shall be heirs of salvation." Miss Ball was the first person who 
 established a Sunday School in Wycombe, in the year 1769 ; this circum- 
 stance is rendered the more remarkable from the fact of her taking nearly 
 fourteen years' precedence of Mr. Raikes of Gloucester, the hitherto admitted 
 founder of Sunday Schools, his school having been established in the year 
 1783. Miss Ball continued the school at Wycombe for many years; and 
 also met the children every Monday to instruct them, " earnestly desiring," 
 as she adds in a letter to Mr. Wesley, " to promote the interest of the 
 Church of Christ." Miss Ball attended the Parish Church with the chil- 
 dren, and it was called Miss Ball's School. 
 
 She died August 16, 1792, in the fifty-ninth year of her age, and was 
 succeeded by her sister, Miss Ann Ball, who continued her excellent work. 
 
 Thomas Orger was the son of Mr. George Orger, who was a Member 
 of the Society of Friends, and resided at Hertford. 
 
 Mr. Orger removed to Wycombe in the year 1784, and placed his son 
 al the Royal Grammar School, under the care of The Reverend Alban 
 Thomas, by whose able tuition he made considerable proficiency. 
 
 In 1795 he entered a merchant's office at Sunderland, and accompanied 
 the merchant on one of his voyages to St. Petersburg ; he subsequently
 
 i6 5 
 
 returned to Wycombe, and established a printing office. In 1804 he mar- 
 ried Miss Mary Anne Ivers, who was a celebrated actress of the day ; and 
 the following year he resided chiefly in London. In 18 14 he entered him- 
 self as a student of civil law at Hertford College, Oxford. In 1824, on the 
 recommendation of Dr. Crombie, Author of the Gymnasium, and Dr. Jones, 
 the compiler of a Greek and English Lexicon, he obtained the degree of 
 D.C.L. from the Marischal College, Aberdeen. In 181 1 he published a 
 translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses, with the original Latin text ; and also 
 a literal prose translation of the Odes of Anacreon. He educated a number 
 of private pupils, and after Mrs. Orger's death, which transpired in 1849, he 
 retired to Oxford, and resided with his son-in-law, Mr. Reinagle, the cele- 
 brated violoncellist, where he died of apoplexy, June 2nd, 1S53. 
 
 John Hollis, Esq., the son of Isaac Hollis, was born in the old Eliza- 
 bethan House, in Easton Street, already referred to. He was trained up in 
 the principles of Protestant Nonconformity, and received a liberal education ; 
 he was on intimate terms with many literary men of his day, and particularly 
 with the celebrated Dr. Samuel Parr. In the Doctor's Catalogue of his 
 valuable and extensive library, he mentions Mr. Hollis as having given to 
 him his work entitled "An Apology," in the year 1809 ; and in the summer 
 of 1812 he sent him his other works. The Doctor remarks, that "Mr. 
 Hollis leads a studious and blameless life at High Wycombe," where he 
 sometimes visited him. "He is confessedly an unbeliever, but he never 
 writes profanely ; he is charitable and respectful in his judgment upon the 
 character of Christians ; he devotes his time and his fortune to doing good ; 
 and, be his errors what they may," Dr. Parr observes, " I am bound by the 
 principles and spirit of Christianity to love and to honour such a moral 
 agent as Mr. Hollis." In another note Dr. Parr adds, "that he knew Mr. 
 Hollis personally, and considered him one of the most serious, upright, and 
 benevolent of human beings ; they often conversed upon the most important 
 subjects ; and whatsoever were the errors of Hollis, he supported them 
 with much ability, and without any taint of acrimony or profaneness." 
 
 Mr. Hollis was also the intimate friend of that distinguished artist, 
 John Opie, who was Professor of Painting in the Royal Academy; their 
 friendship continued up to Opie's death, in the year 1807. Opie painted a 
 fine portrait of his friend, which was engraved by Warren ; and it is said
 
 i66 
 
 that the execution of the engraving so delighted Hollis, that on seeing it, he 
 exclaimed with considerable warmth of admiration, "Well, well, I declare 
 we are all immortalized; yes, all of us are immortalized." His charity 
 towards every class was commensurate with the dictates of his liberal soul, 
 which ever devised liberal things, so that it may be justly said of him as of 
 the patriarch Job, " When the ear heard him, then it blessed him ; and when 
 the eye saw him, it gave witness to him, because he delivered the poor that 
 cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The bless- 
 ing of him that was ready to perish came down upon him, and he caused 
 the widow's heart to sing for joy." 
 
 In Dr. Parr's Catalogue, Mr. Hollis's works are enumerated, amongst 
 others : — 
 
 " Free Thoughts," consisting of remarks occasioned by Dr. Paley's 
 Reply to Hume; "Hypercritical Strictures on certain passages in the 
 Critical Review"; "A Letter to a Friend"; "The Reflections of a Soli- 
 tary"; and a small volume of " Miscellaneous Poems," published anonymously 
 " By a young Man." Mr. Hollis, in later life, remarked that "these poems 
 were the production of a simple young man indeed." He published in an 
 octavo volume his opinions on revealed religion, in a letter addressed to a 
 friend. He was also the author of other works, copies of all of which he 
 presented to Dr. Parr. He died on the 26th November, 1824, in the 81st 
 year of his age. His coffin was placed in a stone case, and interred in 
 the Nave of the Parish Church. 
 
 Mr. James Gomme was an auctioneer, and a Burgess of the Borough of 
 Wycombe. He might be said to combine, as Dr. Johnson expressed it, 
 " that which is rarely to be met with in persons of his class, the civility of 
 the tradesman, and the manners of the gentleman." 
 
 He possessed considerable mental powers, and a retentive memory ; 
 he sought and enjoyed the society of literary men, and lived in habits of 
 intimacy with Mark Noble, the antiquary, with whom he carried on a 
 lengthened and most interesting correspondence. He was also on most 
 friendly terms with Lord Dormer, Sir Isaac Heard, Sir George Naylor, and 
 many other distinguished persons ; and was particularly honoured with the 
 friendship of the celebrated Edmund Burke. In 1 795 Mr. Gomme wrote to 
 the Biographer of Burke, and remarked that "corn became much increased in
 
 i6 7 
 
 price, and the poor felt the pressure severely." Mr. Burke, who was ever 
 feelingly alive to their wants, and never backward in exerting himself to 
 afford relief, had a windmill in the park at Butler's Court, in which he 
 directed good corn to be ground, had it made into bread at his own house, 
 and retailed it to the poor at a very reduced price. " This," he said, " was 
 a better plan than merely to make them a present of it. The bread was, of 
 course, unadulterated, and excellent. He had it served at his own table. I 
 partook of it there ; and he requested me to take a loaf to Wycombe, in order 
 to show to the more opulent people of that town and vicinity how much might 
 be done, and with comparatively little trouble, for the benefit of the lower 
 order of the community." Mr. Gomme adds, " Calling at Butler's Court one 
 day, after passing through a drenching shower of rain, Mr. Burke pressed 
 me to take a glass of strong sherry, which he said was of his own importa- 
 tion, and the very best he could procure." " I cannot," he added, " offer 
 you brandy, for I will never pay a guinea per gallon for that, or for any 
 other article, from that country (France)." " Shortly after this, it so hap- 
 pened," Mr. Gomme observes, "that I was invited to dine at Butler's Court. 
 ' You will meet,' said Mr. Burke to me, ' the Bishop of St. Pol de Leon, of 
 the Roman Catholic Church, and Dr. Walker King, a dignified clergyman 
 of our more fortunate and purer Church.' This latter part of the sentence 
 was pronounced emphatically, probably in allusion to the then unhappy state 
 of the French Church and Clergy ; and to Burke's having been suspected of 
 being a Roman Catholic, when there was nothing whatever to countenance 
 such a supposition, except his having some relatives of that persuasion, and 
 his advocating their cause in Parliament and in the press. This stupid pre- 
 judice was not, however, confined to the lower class of people ; for I once 
 heard a person holding a considerable office under government term him, 
 ' a kiln-dried Roman Catholic' But to proceed, at table I accordingly 
 met with the reverend persons Mr. Burke had mentioned, along with several 
 others of his friends ; but here let me say, I shall never forget the manner 
 in which he descended the ground flight of stone steps to receive me, the 
 cordial pressure of his hand, and the graceful and dignified demeanour of 
 introducing me to his other guests. 
 
 " Burke had a way of doing these little things which struck me as 
 being peculiarly his own, and calculated to make a strong impression on 
 the mind of a stranger. He was particularly attentive in his own house, or
 
 1 68 
 
 at his own tabic, to any man who was of inferior rank ; he would frequently 
 address his conversation to such person, in order to overcome any diffidence 
 he might feel, and, as the phrase is, draw him out, to exhibit any peculiar 
 merit or talent he possessed. His own conversation, in his gayer moments, 
 was various and excursive ; he did not dwell long on common matters, but 
 giving you some bright and brilliant thoughts, or happy phrases, which it 
 seemed difficult to forget, would pass on to some kindred or relative topic, 
 and throw out the coruscations of his wit or imagination upon that also, thus 
 keeping up a kind of intellectual sharp-shooting on every subject that offered. 
 It will be supposed there was some effort in this, and it is not improbable; 
 but it was not obvious. His mind, however, seemed to be mostly on the 
 stretch, and few things escaped it. I think it was impossible ever to mis- 
 take him for an every-day man ; for in his efforts to sustain his reputation 
 for superiority in private society, he sometimes failed in his hits, and 
 stumbled into, or below, mediocrity ; but he recovered in a moment his 
 dignity and proper station." 
 
 " Mr. Burke founded the French Emigrant School at Penn, in 1796, for 
 the destitute children of those who had perished by the guillotine, or the 
 sword of the Revolution. The Abbe Moraine was the Superior, or Head- 
 master of the School, and was assisted by the Abbe Lefevre and the Abbe 
 Chevallier." 
 
 Mr. Gomme states that " In April of that year the Emigrant School was 
 opened, and Mr. Burke, for the remainder of his life, watched over the 
 institution with the solicitude, not merely of a friend, but of a father. He 
 visited it frequently, sometimes daily, being about three miles distant from 
 his house, and often supplied the table of masters and scholars from his 
 own. His smiles might be said to have gladdened the hearts of the exiles ; 
 I have witnessed many interesting scenes there of that nature ; they were 
 doomed, alas ! too soon to lose their kind benefactor. At the annual distri- 
 bution of prizes the senior scholar delivered a Latin oration in the presence 
 of a large assembly of nobility and gentry, in the great hall, in which Mr. 
 Burke was always alluded to as their patron and friend. He assigned to 
 these youths a blue uniform, wearing in their hats a white cockade, inscribed, 
 'Vive le Roi ;' those who had lost their fathers had it placed on a bloody 
 label ; those who had lost uncles on a black one. The Marquis of Bucking- 
 ham made the School a present of a brass field-piece, and a pair of colours
 
 169 
 
 which wore displayed on public days, as a source of youthful pride, by these 
 descendants of suffering loyalty. After the death of Mr. Burke, I was 
 appointed Treasurer, and received from the Lords of the Treasury fifty 
 pounds per month for the support of the establishment. Upon the restora- 
 tion of the legitimate monarchy in France, in 18 14, the money was remitted 
 thence, until the dissolution of the Institution on the 1st of August, 1820 ; 
 when, on the departure of the superior and the pupils, the colours were 
 presented to me as a token of remembrance, and I retain them with satis- 
 faction, from the interesting associations they recall." 
 
 From the above extracts, it is evident that Mr. Gomme shows great 
 power of discernment in his descriptions of Mr. Burke's conversations. We 
 must add that Mr. Burke introduced Mr. Gomme to Louis the Eighteenth, 
 when the King resided at Hartwell, in this County ; the King treated him 
 with the greatest kindness, and after His Majesty's restoration and return 
 to his dominions, transmitted to Mr. Gomme, as a testimony of his regard, 
 the Cross of the Order of St. Louis. Mr. Gomme was a Fellow of the 
 Society of Antiquaries, of London. We may add, that he was a portly man, 
 of dignified appearance, and wore the costume of the last century. On the 
 occasion of the funeral of His late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, Mr. 
 Gomme attended the mournful obsequies merely as a spectator ; and as he 
 approached the Royal Chapel of St. George, Windsor, in a pitiless shower 
 of rain, he was, from his appearance, evidently taken by an official for a 
 dignitary of the Church of England, and was accordingly ushered into the 
 sacred edifice. He mentioned to the Author, that as he passed his Grace 
 the Duke of Wellington and other great Officers of State, who were near 
 the entrance to the Royal Chapel, he observed the venerable Lord Eldon 
 standing on his hat, for the protection of his feet from the wet. He died 
 30th July, 1825, aged 59, and his remains were interred in a brick grave 
 in the Nave of the Parish Church. He left a large collection of valuable 
 curiosities, paintings, books, and MSS., which were sold by public auction in 
 the Town Hall. 
 
 John Wilkinson, Esq., who resided in Wycombe for many years, was 
 the son of a pious clergyman of the Established Church. He received a 
 liberal education, and on the death of his father, his mother seceded from 
 the Established Church, and joined the Society of Friends, in whose 
 
 /.
 
 17° 
 
 principles she trained up her son, and of which Society he became a 
 distinguished ornament, an Evangelical Minister, and was repeatedly the 
 President of their Yearly Meetings. During the visit of the Emperor 
 Alexander to this country in 1S14, Mr. Wilkinson preached before His 
 Imperial Majesty, his sister the Grand Duchess of Oldenburg, and suite, 
 at the Friends' Meeting House in St. Martin's Lane, London. His subject 
 was. the effects of vital religion, and the nature of true worship, beautifully 
 applying the text, " He is their help and their shield," and afterwards con- 
 cluded the service with earnest and appropriate prayer. Mr. Wilkinson 
 formed one of the deputation of three to wait on the Emperor with a 
 congratulatory address from the Society of Friends; when his Imperial 
 Majesty took occasion to allude in the kindest terms to Mr. Wilkinson's 
 sermon, and expressed how fully his spirit united with him in prayer at 
 their Meeting. The Emperor remarked that he should never forget the 
 opportunity, and as the deputation withdrew, he took each of them by the 
 hand and said, "I part with you as a friend and a brother." 
 
 "Subsequently, during an interview with the late Thomas Clarkson, 
 Esq., in Paris, the Emperor very kindly inquired after Mr. Wilkinson, and 
 the two Friends who formed the deputation to wait on him in London, and 
 said, ' the two hours' conversation that he had held with them were among 
 the most agreeable hours he had spent in England; that the religious oppor- 
 tunity which he then had with them made a very serious impression on his 
 mind, such an one, indeed, as he believed he should never forget, and he 
 could not but have a high regard for the Society to which three such good 
 men belonged.' In the year 1829 it pleased Almighty God to visit Mr. 
 Walkinson with an overwhelming affliction, in the removal by death of an 
 only beloved and most interesting Daughter, at the age of thirteen years 
 and eight months, which he bore with Christian fortitude, and the sweetest 
 resignation to the Divine will." 
 
 In the autumn of 1832 Mr. Wilkinson delivered four discourses in 
 London, which were taken down in short-hand, and published without his 
 cognizance, as the Editor very justly remarks, "for their intrinsic excellence." 
 There were also two sermons delivered by him at the Friends' Meeting 
 House in Manchester, and one at Liverpool, and published under similar 
 circumstances, which alike breathe a spirit of deep-toned piety and ardent 
 zeal for the conversion of his fellow-sinners.
 
 In addition to Mr. Wilkinson's intimate acquaintance with the classics, 
 few men were more conversant with theology, ancient and modern history, 
 and general literature ; he also possessed no mean knowledge of the arts 
 and sciences. He was distinguished by a noble and generous spirit, and 
 an enlarged and benevolent heart ; he was blest with a placidity of temper, 
 most gentlemanly and urbane manners, and endowed with a mind of a 
 superior order, abounding in intellectual resources, delighting in the beauties 
 of nature, but, above all, adorned with humility and that Christian love 
 which hallowed all the other gifts and graces Providence had so liberally 
 bestowed on him. 
 
 In the month of February, 1836, Mr. Wilkinson seceded from the 
 
 Society of Friends, and published a book entitled "Quakerism Examined," 
 
 in reply to a letter of Samuel Tuke, in which he displayed the powers of his 
 
 well-cultivated and vigorous mind. Subsequently he became a member of 
 
 the Established Church. He was no bigot, but revered good men of every 
 
 denomination. He was a liberal supporter of all the various societies 
 
 having for their object the spread of the Gospel and the improvement of 
 
 the moral and religious condition of his fellow-creatures. Love to all 
 
 mankind was deeply engraven on his heart, and his charity towards every 
 
 class was commensurate with the dictates of his liberal soul, which ever 
 
 devised liberal things. That imperfections mingled in his character we 
 
 cannot doubt, for he was human ; but surely of him it may with truth be 
 
 said, — 
 
 " E'en his failings lean'd to virtue's side." 
 
 All who had the happiness to share his intimacy will readily unite in 
 this testimony ; his friendships were those of the heart. He has left behind 
 him an example that may instruct and encourage others. His praise is in 
 all the Churches, and his memory will long be embalmed in the recollection 
 of his many and sincerely attached friends. He died in the month of 
 December, 1 846, and his remains were interred in a brick grave in Hazel- 
 mere Church Yard. His Will (subject to Mrs. Wilkinson's life interest) 
 contains the following munificent bequests : — 
 
 To the British and Foreign Bible Society ..... ;£ji°oo 
 
 „ London Missionary Society .... ... 2,000 
 
 Church Missionary Society ....... i,5°o 
 
 „ Baptist Missionary Society ....... 1,500
 
 To the Wesleyan Missionary Society ,£1,000 
 
 „ Religious Tract Society ....... 1,000 
 
 London Association in Aid of Missions of the United > 
 
 Brethren, called Moravians ...... J ,5 
 
 Pastoral-Aid Society 250 
 
 Irish Society of London, for Promoting the Education and -\ 
 
 Religious Instruction of the Native Irish, through the > 250 
 
 Medium of their own language . . . . .) 
 
 We should not omit to mention the principal manufactures of the Town 
 and Parish, which are as follow : — 
 
 And first, of Paper, which was at an early period brought to such 
 perfection, that to Mr. John Bates, of Wycombe Marsh, was awarded the 
 Gold Medal of the Society of Arts, "for manufacturing paper equal to the 
 French, for receiving impression from mezzotinto, and other engraved 
 copper plates." 
 
 Wycombe is also celebrated for the manufacture of Chairs, which of late 
 years has very considerably increased, so much so, that it is said, upon the 
 average, in 1874, about seven chairs were made per minute in the town and 
 neighbourhood for every hour of the da)- and night, being nearly one and a 
 half millions in that year ; and they are exported to almost every Country in 
 the world. 
 
 Another important manufacture is that of Pillow Lace. Although it 
 is not in so flourishing a condition as in former years, yet it continues to 
 be an extensive source of employment. 
 
 We may mention that in the year 181 2 the Auxiliary Bible Society 
 was established here, supported by many of the Nobility and Gentry of the 
 County, and the whole of the Clergy, Nonconformist Ministers, and others 
 of the town and neighbourhood. 
 
 In the list of subscriptions and donations, the name of Mr. Moses 
 Solomon, an unconverted Jew, residing in Paul's Row, is included. 
 
 The amount of subscriptions and donations for the year 181 2 amounted 
 to £882 I CM. 6(/. 
 
 At a Public Meeting held in the Guildhall, on the 4th January, 1S1:, 
 for the purpose of establishing a Royal Lancasterian School, Viscount 
 Mahon occupied the chair, and in a very able speech stated the object of
 
 the meeting. After which, Mr. Fox, the Secretary to the Institution for 
 Promoting the Royal British System of Education, addressed the meeting. 
 The Hon. Robert Smith (the second Lord Carington), at the early age of 
 seventeen, moved the various resolutions constituting the basis of the Society 
 intended to be instituted. "In a neat but short speech " (says the Editor 
 of the Statesman Newspaper) " he very modestly addressed the meeting, 
 stating his approbation of the opinions already advanced by his noble 
 relation and Mr. Fox, and expressed the pleasure he felt on the occasion, 
 in being engaged in promoting so desirable an object." The meeting was 
 supported by the Clergy, the Dissenting Ministers, the leading members of 
 the Society of Friends, Robert Wheeler, Esq., and other influential persons 
 of the Town and neighbourhood. 
 
 Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., M.P., was appointed President; the Right 
 Hon. Lord Carrington, the Right Hon. Lord Gardner, Viscount Mahon, 
 Sir John Dashwood King, Bart, M.P., and the Hon. Robert Smith, Vice- 
 Presidents. 
 
 The footpaths of the Streets in the Borough were, in 1810, paved 
 with Denner Hill Sand Stones, under the provisions of the Local Act of 
 Parliament for paving and lighting the Borough. 
 
 On the 5th March, 181 1, there was a grand torchlight funeral of the 
 remains of Louisa, niece of General Sir Howard Douglas, Bart., which 
 were interred in Wycombe Parish Church. 
 
 The Savings Bank was established in 18 18. 
 
 On Nov. 9, 1832, Her Majesty the Queen, then H.R.H. Princess 
 Victoria, accompanied by her mother the Duchess of Kent, passed through 
 Wycombe on her way to Oxford, changing horses at the Red Lion Hotel. 
 
 The Town was first lighted with Gas in 1S36. 
 
 The Wycombe Poor Law Union was established in 1835. 
 
 The Wycombe Amicable and Literary Institute, in 1844. 
 
 The Odd Fellows' Lodge, designated the " Loyal Bud of Hope," was 
 opened at the Swan Inn, in 1845. 
 
 The Wycombe County Court, in 1847 ; John Herbert Koe, Esq., Q.C., 
 Judge. 
 
 The Wycombe Branch Railway, connecting the town with the Great 
 Western Line at the Taplow Station, was opened in 1847, which Line has 
 since been extended to Oxford and Aylesbury.
 
 '74 
 
 On the 19th of February, 1863, Mrs. Alfred Lane, the widow of Mr. 
 Councillor Lane, in carrying out her late husband's intention, presented, in 
 the most handsome manner, to the Corporation a fine painting after Van- 
 dyck, of Philip, fourth Lord Wharton ; of Lady Jane, his second wife (by 
 whom he became possessed of the Goodwin Estates at Upper Winchenden 
 and Wooburn) ; and of Henry, their fourth and infant son ; the picture was 
 included in the finest collection of portraits by Vandyck and Sir Peter Lely, 
 in England, which adorned the gallery of his Lordship's palace at Wooburn, 
 then in all its grandeur and magnificence. This grand picture is placed 
 in the Council Chamber of our Guildhall. The old palace was taken down 
 in 1750, and the present house was erected on part of its site. The other 
 portraits were purchased by Sir Robert Walpole, and were afterwards trans- 
 ferred to the collection of pictures in the Winter Palace of the Emperor of 
 Russia, at St. Petersburg. 
 
 In June, 1877, a splendid full-length portrait (by Graves) of His Royal 
 Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, K.G., G.C.I., etc., etc., robed 
 as a Knight of the Garter, was presented to the inhabitants of the Borough 
 and Parish of Chepping Wycombe, by the Right Honourable Charles 
 Robert Lord Carington (who served as Aide-de-Camp to His Royal High- 
 ness during his Indian tour), in acknowledgment of the welcome given to 
 his Lordship by his fellow-townsmen on his return, May 24th, 1S76. This 
 fine production of art graces the Guildhall. 
 
 The Author deems it a very suitable and gratifying conclusion to his 
 history, to chronicle here the visit to this ancient town of Queen Victoria, 
 on her way to Hughenden Manor, on Saturday, the 15th December, 1877, 
 when Her Majesty was the guest of the Premier, the Right Honourable 
 the Earl of Beaconsfield. Wycombe did its utmost on the occasion by 
 way of appropriate demonstrations of loyalty. Flags, banners, and mottoes 
 vvere everywhere displayed ; triumphal arches were erected ; and one of 
 them was a construction of chairs, the staple manufacture of the town, of 
 various artistic designs. Guards of honour from the Royal Bucks King's 
 Own Militia, under Captain Powell, Leiutenant Rose carrying the Queen's 
 colours ; and the 1st and 2nd Companies of the Buckinghamshire Battalion 
 of Rille Volunteers, with their respective officers, Lieut. T. Lunnon, and 
 Sub- Lieutenant Gilbey ; being under the command of Lieut.-Colonel O. 
 P. Wethered, were in attendance. The Right Honourable the F.arl '
 
 175 
 
 Beaconsfield ; the Right Honourable the Lord Carington ; Lieut.-Col. the 
 Honourable \V. Carington, M.P. ; Sir Charles L. Young, Bart. ; J. O. 
 Griffits, Esq., O.C. ; the Mayor and Corporation in State ; the Reverend 
 Robert Chilton, Vicar ; the Reverend James Poulter, Head Master of the 
 Royal Grammar School, with the scholars of the foundation ; Randolph 
 Crewe, Esq., Chairman of the Parish Local Board, with several of its 
 members as a deputation from that body, and many others, including an 
 assemblage of the fair sex, were present at the Railway Station, to await 
 Her Majesty's arrival. Punctually at a quarter past one o'clock the Royal 
 train entered the station, the band of the Bucks Militia playing the National 
 Anthem. Her Majesty, who was accompanied by Her Royal Highness 
 Princess Beatrice, and looked remarkably well, was handed from the train 
 by the Earl of Beaconsfield, who introduced the Mayor to the Queen ; the 
 Mayor presented to Her Majesty an Address from the Corporation, beauti- 
 fully illuminated on vellum, which was as follows : — 
 
 " May it please your Majesty, we the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the ancient 
 Borough of Chepping Wycombe, as representing a population which has always shown itself 
 loyal to the Throne, and deeply interested in every movement having for its object the 
 promotion and advancement of the welfare of the nation at large, desire most cordially and 
 loyally to convey to your Majesty our sincere and hearty congratulations upon your Majesty 
 passing through our Town, on the occasion of a visit to our distinguished neighbour the Prime 
 Minister of the Country ; and at the same time to express our earnest desire that, under the 
 smile of Divine Providence, your Majesty may long live to rule over a contented, happy, and 
 loyal people, and that the peace and prosperity which has so signally marked your Majesty's 
 gracious reign, may continue to distinguish the rule of this great nation and its dependencies, 
 under your Majesty's guidance, for many years yet to come." 
 
 The noble Earl, speaking for the Queen, said that Her Majesty thanked 
 the Burgesses for their address, and desired him to express her great satis- 
 faction at- finding herself, after a long lapse of years, once more in her loyal 
 Borough of Wycombe. The Mayor then introduced his youthful daughter 
 to the Queen, who, in a very graceful and simple manner, presented a 
 beautiful bouquet to Her Majesty. 
 
 Lord Beaconsfield, on the conclusion of the ceremony, led Her Majesty 
 to the open carriage, in which, amid the singing of " God Save the Queen," 
 by the school children, and the ringing of the Church bells, she took her 
 seat with Princess Beatrice, and the Dowager Marchioness of Ely, lady in 
 waiting ; General Ponsonby and Colonel Du Plat were in attendance on
 
 '7" 
 
 horseback, preceded by the carriage of the Premier. There was no escort, 
 the whole cavalcade consisting of the gentlemen in attendance, the outriders, 
 and the mounted police. Through the town the procession moved at a 
 mere walking pace, amid the plaudits of thousands, and the waving of 
 handkerchiefs from the windows of all the houses. After passing through 
 the arch of chairs, and through the last of the triumphal arches erected by 
 the entrance to Frocfmore Gardens, which was surmounted with the now 
 significant inscription, " Hail, Empress of India," the postilions broke into a 
 trot, and the remainder of the journey of a mile and a half was quickly 
 accomplished. The stay of Her Majesty lasted very little over two hours 
 After luncheon, the Queen visited the Church and Church Yard, where the 
 remains of the late Viscountess Beaconsfield are entombed ; there is a mural 
 tablet on the exterior east wall of the Church to her memory. The Queen 
 also planted a tree on the lawn of Hughenden Manor. By a quarter to four 
 o'clock Her Majesty and the Princess had been conducted back nearly 
 along the same route ; and on the royal party approaching the arch of chairs. 
 Her Majesty stopped the carriage, and inspected and much admired this 
 unique and artistic structure ; on reaching the railway station, the farewell 
 cheers were as hearty as were the demonstrations of welcome. The return 
 to Windsor was accomplished at half-past four o'clock.
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 A A
 
 CHARTERS AND GRANTS 
 
 RELATING TO 
 
 %\t §oroii0b of Cljcping WLyitfsmlat, 
 
 IN THE 
 
 COUNTY OF BUCKINGHAM.
 
 CHARTER ROLLS. 
 
 * 5 John. m. 24. The Manor of Wycombe to Alan 
 
 Basset. 
 1 2 Hen. III. m. 4. Fair granted to the Hospital of 
 
 Wycombe. 
 
 * 13 Hen. III. m. 7. For the Lepers of St. Mary at 
 
 Wycombe. 
 * lb. m. 8. Alan Basset. 
 
 * 21 Hen. III. m. 4 & 5. The Burgesses of Wycombe. 
 
 35 Hen. III. m. 4. The Church at Wycombe. 
 
 * 13 Edw. I. No. 59. The Burgesses of Wycombe. 
 
 * 1 Hen. IV. p. 2. No. 6. Borough of Wycombe. — Confirma- 
 
 tion. 
 3 & 4 Hen. V. No. 2. Free Warren in Wycombe, &c. 
 
 granted to the Duke of Bedford. 
 
 INO: AD QD DAMNUM. 
 
 8 Echo. II No. 161. Messuage in Wycombe, in the Honor 
 
 of Wallingford. 
 
 PATENT ROLLS. 
 
 19 Ed. Ill p. 3. m. 3. For the Prior of St. John of Jerusa- 
 lem. Certain Lands and Woods 
 in Wycombe. About sixteen 
 acres of Land, and one acre of 
 Woodland. 
 
 * The Charters having this mark (*) prefixed, are those now printed.
 
 4 Ed. III. p. 2. m. 5. Manor of Wycombe, and a rent of 
 
 _£i8 8s. Sd. granted to Thomas, 
 Duke of Norfolk. 
 6 Ed. III. p. 2. m. 8. Town and Manor of Wycombe. 
 
 Grant to the Earl of Norfolk. 
 18 Ed. III. p. 1. m. 28. Piece of Land in Wycombe granted 
 
 to Egid. le Trampor. 
 16 Ric. II. p. 2. m. 19. Chantry of the Holy Trinity at 
 
 Wycombe. 
 28 Hen. VI. p. 1. m. 1 & 2. Grant of Free Warren in Wycombe 
 
 to Robt. Wittingham. 
 
 ESCHEATS. 
 
 9 Ed. I. No. 9. Alisea le Despenser dies seized of 
 
 the Manor of Wycombe, &c. 
 
 CLOSE ROLLS. 
 
 1 5 Edw. I. m. 6. dors. Wycombe Farm. 
 
 19 Edw. I. m. 9. Manor of Wycombe to Hugh le 
 
 Despenser. 
 
 18 Edw. II. m. 38. Lands in Wycombe to the Knights 
 
 Templars. 
 
 19 Edw. II. m. 23. Messuage in Wycombe. 
 20 Edw. II. m. 4. Wycombe Manor. 
 
 6 Edw. III. m. 17. Manor and Town of Wycombe. 
 
 Surrender by the Earl of Nor- 
 folk to the King, of a Fee farm 
 Rent. 
 Id. m. 37. Lands and Tenements in Wycombe.
 
 7 
 
 iS Echo. Ill . p. i. m. 25. Two Water- Mills, &c. in the town 
 
 of Wycombe. 
 43 Edw. III. m. 30. Lands, &c. in Wycombe. 
 
 10 Hen. IV. m. 32. Lands, &c. in the parish of Wy- 
 
 combe. 
 12 Hen. VI. m. 2. Lands, &c. in the town of Wycombe. 
 
 18 Hen. VI. m. 35. Lands, &c. in the town of Wycombe. 
 
 15 Edw. IV. m. 3. Tenement and Land in the parish 
 
 of Wycombe. 
 18 Edzo. IV. Dean and Canons of Windsor, the 
 
 Manor of Bassetsbury, and Fee 
 farm of the town of Great 
 Wycombe, &c. (Ashmole's 
 
 " Garter," p. 1 70.)
 
 The Manor 
 of Wycumbe 
 granted to 
 
 Alan Basset. 
 
 For £20 a 
 year. 
 
 And the Ser- 
 
 1 f one 
 
 Knight. 
 
 THE FIFTH OF JOHN. 
 
 10th June, 1205. 
 
 Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in 
 the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the 
 Fifth year of the Reign of King John, membrane 24, is thus con- 
 tained : — 
 
 "THE CHARTER OF ALAN BASSET. 
 
 "JOHN, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Nor- 
 mandy and Aquitain, Earl of Anjou, To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls, 
 Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful people, 
 Greeting. — KNOW YE, that we have given, granted, and by our present Charter have 
 confirmed, to our beloved and trusty Alan Basset, All the manor of Wycumbe with 
 its appurtenances, except what Robert de Vipont there held, To have and to hold 
 to the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, of us and our heirs, Rendering therefore yearly, 
 at our Exchequer, twenty pounds ; that is to say, ten pounds at the Exchequer of 
 Saint Michael, and ten pounds at the Exchequer of Easter: And moreover, doing 
 therefore the service of one Knight for all service. Wherefore we will and firmly 
 command, that the aforesaid Alan, and his heirs after him, shall have and hold the 
 aforesaid Manor with the appurtenances, as is aforesaid, well and in peace, freely, and 
 quietly, entirely, and fully, and honourably, with all liberties and free customs to the 
 aforesaid Manor pertaining. Witness, William Earl Marshall, William Earl of 
 Arundel, William Ear] of Ferrers, William de Breosc, Peter de Stok, &*c. 
 
 ••(Phucii by the hand oij. d, Braunch, Archdeacon of Worcester, at 
 the tenth day of June, in the fifth year of our Reign." 
 
 (A true Translation.) 
 
 26th April, 1817. 
 
 W. ILIJNGVVORTH. 
 Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower.
 
 THE THIRTEENTH OF HENRY III. 
 26th March, 1229. 
 
 Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in 
 the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the 
 Thirteenth year of the reign of King Henry the Third, membrane 
 9, is thus contained : — 
 
 " For Alan Basset, concerning the Manor of Wycumbe. 
 
 jtJflU'P, by the grace of God, King of England, &c. To the Archbishops, 
 &c. Greeting. — We have inspected the Charter of the Lord John, our Father, in 
 these words : JOHN, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke 
 of Normandy and Aquitain, Earl of Anjou, To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, 
 Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful 
 people, Greeting. — KNOW YE, that we have given, granted, and by our present 
 Charter have confirmed, to our beloved and trusty Alan Basset, All the manor of 
 Wycumbe with its appurtenances, except what Robert de Vipont there held, To 
 have and to hold to the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, of us and our heirs, Ren- 
 dering therefore yearly, at our Exchequer, twenty pounds ; that is to say, ten pounds 
 at the Exchequer of Saint Michael, and ten pounds at the Exchequer of Easter: And 
 moreover, doing therefore the service of one Knight for all service. Wherefore we 
 will and firmly command, that the aforesaid Alan, and his heirs after him, shall 
 have and hold the aforesaid Manor, with the appurtenances, as is aforesaid, well and 
 in peace, freely, and quietly, entirely, and fully, and honourably, with all liberties and 
 free customs to the aforesaid Manor pertaining. Witness, William Earl Marshal/, 
 William Earl of Arundel, William Earl of Ferrers, William de Breose, Peter de Stok, 
 Robert le Roppel, John de Stok. Given by the hand of J. de Braunch, Archdeacon 
 of Worcester, at the tenth day of June in the fifth year of 
 
 our reign. We, therefore, this gift and grant ratifying and confirming the same for us 
 and our heirs, do ratify and confirm to the aforesaid Alan and his heirs : These 
 being \Yitnesses, Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, Justiciar of England, Philip de 
 Albaniaco, Ralph Fitz A T icholas, Nicholas de Moles, John Fitz-Philip, Geoffry de 
 Spencer, and others. 
 
 tStUCIt by the hand of the venerable Father Ralph, Bishop of Chichester, our 
 Chancellor at Marlcbridge, the 26th day of March, in the 13th year of our Reign." 
 
 (A true Translation.) 
 26th April, 1817. W. ILLINGWORTH. 
 
 Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower. 
 
 B B 
 
 Henry has 
 
 inspected the 
 Charter of 
 John. 
 
 Recapitulated. 
 
 The Manor 
 of Wycumbe 
 
 granted to 
 Alan liasset 
 for £zo a 
 year. 
 
 and the 
 service of one 
 
 knight. 
 
 Confirmed.
 
 io 
 
 From the Fine Rolls in Turr. LoncL, Bucks, io Hen. III., 125. 
 (A translation by Dr. Lipscombe, corrected) : — 
 
 15f tlUffll the Burgesses of Wycumbe Querents, and Alan Basset, of certain 
 damages and injuries which the said Alan had done to the said Burgesses, as they 
 aver, contrary to the liberties which the same Burgesses say that they hold of tin- 
 ancestors of the Lord the King. Alan granted to the same Burgesses the whole 
 Borough and Town of Wycumbe with the rents, markets, and fairs ; and with all other 
 things to a free Borough appertaining, and with the edifices of Knaves-thorn, and the 
 rents, &c. ; excepting the demesnes ot the said Alan, and his lands in the foreigns ; 
 and the mills there reserved in a fine passed between the aforesaid Alan Basset, and 
 the Abbess of Godstowe, so as that the rents and customs which the men of the said 
 Abbess were wont to render to the said Alan, may remain to the said Burgesses, and 
 their heirs, in aid of the aforesaid Fee farm, to be paid according to the former fine 
 passed between the same Alan and the aforesaid Abbess, saving always to the said 
 Alan and his heirs all reasonable aids when the Lord the King and his heirs shall 
 make talliage of the Domain lands throughout England. And be it known that the 
 aforesaid Alan and his heirs acquit and release to the aforesaid Burgesses, &c, as 
 against the said Lord the King and his heirs, the Fee farm of Twenty pounds, which 
 the said Alan was thereupon indebted to the Lord the King ; and in like manner the 
 service of one Knight's fee which the aforesaid Alan was accustomed to pay as his 
 service, which the aforesaid Alan held of the Grant of King John. Be it known like- 
 wise that the fairs of Oxen annually on the lands of the said Alan, shall be and remain 
 as they have been accustomed, saving to the said Burgesses and their heirs the customs 
 thence issuant. And the said Alan and his heirs shall have all the Dung found in 
 the Streets of Wycumbe, &c. And be it known that many Burgesses named in the 
 fine aforesaid, and all other Burgesses named and acknowledged in the Town there, 
 shall be in peace agreeable to the same."
 
 1 1 
 
 THE THIRTEENTH OF HENRY III. 
 
 13th May, 1229. 
 
 Amongst the Records oi the Court of Chancery preserved in 
 the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the 
 Thirteenth year of the Reign of King Henry the Third, membrane 
 7, is thus contained : — 
 
 "For the Lepers* of Saint Mary of Wycumbe. 
 
 " $)ttU"f\ King, &c. Greeting.— KNOW YE, that we for the love of God, and 
 for the health of our soul, and for others the souls of our ancestors and heirs, Have 
 granted, and by this our Charter Have confirmed, to the leprous brethren of the 
 Hospital of Silt/!/ Margaret^ of Wicumbe, that they and their successors for ever, 
 shall have every year one fair at the aforesaid Hospital of Saint Margaret, to continue 
 for two days ; that is to say, on the eve and on the day of Saint Margaret, unless, 
 Ike. Wherefore we will, &c. that the aforesaid lepers and their successors for ever, 
 shall have and hold the aforesaid fair at the aforesaid Hospital of Saint Margaret, 
 well and in peace, freely and quietly, with all liberties and free customs to such fair 
 pertaining as is aforesaid. Witness, &c. 
 
 " (Stbfll by the hand of the venerable Father R. Bishop of Chichester, our Chan- 
 cellor at Westminster, the thirteenth day of May, in the thirteenth year of our Reign." 
 
 (A true Translation.) 
 
 26th April, 1817. W. ILLINGWORTH. 
 
 Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower. 
 
 Henry allows 
 the Hospital 
 
 To have one 
 l'air every 
 year for two 
 days. 
 
 With all 
 
 Liberties and 
 free Customs. 
 
 * Prior to the reign of John we hear little in our Histories or Chronicles of the existence 
 of leprosy in England. We find from "Rymer's Federa," vol. i. part i. p. 19, there were 
 somewhere in the Diocese of Lincoln, houses to receive women who suffered from this terrible 
 disease. Gul. Nubrigiensis, who died in 1208, makes mention of a noble hospital, for the 
 reception of lepers, near Durham, as does Stowe, of hospitals for the same purpose, viz., the 
 I.oke, in Southwark, another at Mile End, and a third in St. Giles's. 
 
 " Better than a lazere, or heggere." 
 
 — Chaucer, in the character of the Friar. 
 + So in the original.
 
 I 2 
 
 THE TWENTY-FIRST OF HENRY III. 
 24th June, 1237. 
 
 Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in the 
 Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the 
 Twenty-first year of the Reign of King Henry the Third, No. 5, is 
 thus contained : — 
 
 For the Burgesses of Wycumbe, 
 
 Agreement in 
 the Court at 
 Westminster 
 in llie 10th 
 year of Henry 
 the Third, 
 
 Between the 
 Burgesses of 
 Wycumbe and 
 Alan Basset. 
 
 Alan granted 
 to the Bur- 
 gesses all the 
 Borough, with 
 the Rents, 
 Markets, and 
 Fairs ; 
 
 And the pur- 
 chases lie has 
 made, and the 
 buildings of 
 Enavene- 
 thorn, except 
 his demesnes, 
 outlying 
 Lands, and 
 Mills, for 
 
 iEl)f i\in<J, To his Archbishops, &c. Greeting. — WE have inspected the final 
 Agreement made in our Court before our Justices at Westminster, between the Bur- 
 gesses of Wycumbe and Alan Basset, in these words : This is the final Agreement 
 made in the Court of the Lord the King at Westminster, from the day of the puri- 
 fication of the blessed Mary in one month, in the tenth year of the Reign of King 
 Henry, Son of King John, before Martin de Patesludl, Thomas Je Moleton, Thomas 
 de Heyden, Robert de Lcxinton, Geoffry le Sauvage, Warine Fitz-Johel, Justices and 
 other faithful subjects of the Lord the King then there present, between the Burgesses 
 of Wycumbe, Plaintiffs, and Alan Basset, concerning the wrongs and injuries which the 
 same Alan did to the same Burgesses, as they have said, against the liberties which 
 the same Burgesses say they have of the gift of the ancestors of the Lord the King. 
 And whereupon there was a plea between them in the same Court, that is to say, 
 that the said Alan as much as in him and his heirs is, hath granted to the same 
 Burgesses, All the Borough of Wycumbe with the Rents, Markets, and Fairs, and 
 with all other things to a free Borough pertaining, without any reservation, and with 
 all encrease and purchases which the said Alan hath made in the same Borough, 
 and with the Buildings of Enavencthorn as the same Alan held such Buildings, and 
 with the Rent of four shillings, which Geoffrey Fitz Angod used to pay, and with all 
 other their appurtenances, and all things to that Borough pertaining, except the 
 demesnes of the said Alan and his out lying Lands and his Mills, which entirely 
 remain to the said Alan and his heirs, To have and to hold to the said Burgesses 
 and their heirs at Fee farm of the said Alan and his heirs for ever : Rendering 
 therefore yearly thirty pounds and one mark of Silver at two terms of the year, that
 
 is to say, at the feast of Saint Miehaa, fifteen pounds and half a mark ; and at the 
 feast of Saint Mary, in March, fifteen pounds and hall a mark ; for all service and 
 demand to the aforesaid Alan or to his heirs pertaining : And this Agreement was 
 made between them, saving the fine made between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess 
 of Godstowe, so as, to wit, that the rents and customs which the men of the same 
 Abbess are accustomed to render to the said Alan, shall remain to the same Burgesses 
 and their heirs, in aid towards making up the aforesaid Fee farm, according to the fine 
 before made between the same Alan and the aforesaid Abbess, saving to the said 
 Alan and his heirs, his reasonable aids, when the Lord the King and his heirs shall 
 talliage his demesnes throughout England. And be it known, that the aforesaid 
 Alan and his heirs, shall acquit the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, towards the 
 Lord the King and his heirs, from the Fee farm of twenty pounds, which the same Alan 
 thereof oweth to the Lord the King ; and likewise from the foreign service of one 
 Knight's fee which the aforesaid Alan oweth out of this land of Wyeumbe, which he 
 hath of the gift of the Lord King JOHN : Also be it known, that the fair of cattle 
 shall continue every year in the field of the same Alan, where and as it used before 
 to be, saving to the said Burgesses and their heirs, the customs arising therefrom: 
 And the said Alan and his heirs shall have the dung found in the Streets of Witumbe, 
 as the same Alan used before to have the same ; and if perchance the aforesaid 
 Burgesses or their heirs shall not render to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid 
 thirty pounds and one mark, at the terms appointed according as is aforesaid, or the 
 talliages when they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs 
 to distrain the same Burgesses and their heirs, by their cattle found within the aforesaid 
 Borough, and without, upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs, until full payment 
 of the aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and of the aforesaid talliage. And for 
 this grant fine and concord, the aforesaid Burgesses have remised and quitted claim 
 for themselves and their heirs to the same Alan and his heirs, all damages which 
 they said they have [sustained] by the aforesaid wrongs and injuries. And be it 
 known, that Adam Waldcr, Thomas Fitz-Pagan, John de Brightewell, John le Due, 
 William Cole, Robert de Shebinton, John Fitz-Robert, Walter Slegh, Walter le Dial;, 
 Ralph Faber, Baldwin le Seler, Nicholas Bruttcmcr, Hugh Faber, Geoffrey Fitz-Kathcrinc, 
 Richard de Dusteberg, Walter de Poterugg, William de Bcrklia instead, Roger Fitz-Philip, 
 Simon le Tanner, Adam Merl, Walter Filz-Warin, Alexander le Duh, Geoffrey Bouche, 
 Henry la Neir, Adam Bll, Peter Kippelust, Burgesses of Wycombe, came into the 
 same Court, and testified that all other Burgesses of the same town ratified that 
 Agreement, and granted the same : We therefore ratifying and confirming the afore- 
 said final Agreement for us and our heirs, do grant and confirm the same with our 
 seal, as the chirograph between them thereof made, one part whereof remains in the 
 hands of the same Burgesses, and the other in the hands of the heirs of the same 
 Alan, and the foot of the same chirograph in our treasury, reasonably testifieth. These 
 being Witnesses, William elect [Bishop] of Valenciennes, Simon de Montfort, William 
 
 £$o anil one 
 mark a year. 
 
 The rent 1 ., Sec. 
 payable by 
 
 the men of 
 the Abbess of 
 Godstin* \ to 
 remain to the 
 Burgesses. 
 Saving 
 able a: 
 Alan when 
 the King 
 talliages his 
 demesnes. 
 Alan to 
 the bni 
 of the ,£20 a 
 year, ami the 
 service of one 
 knight's fee to 
 the King. 
 The cattle fair 
 to continue in 
 Ainu's field. 
 
 The Burgesses 
 
 to have the 
 
 customs there" 
 
 1 i. 
 
 Alan to hive 
 the dung in 
 the streets. 
 If the Bur- 
 gesses should 
 not pay their 
 rent or talli- 
 age^. . Uan 
 may seize their 
 cattle. 
 
 The IJurgesses 
 quit their 
 claim for 
 damages. 
 
 Twenty-six 
 burgesses 
 testified in 
 Court that all 
 the other bur- 
 gesses ratified 
 this agree- 
 ment. 
 
 The Kingcon- 
 firmed the 
 
 «amt. 
 
 t )ne part of 
 the Chiro- 
 graph remains 
 with the bur- 
 gesses, and the 
 other part
 
 14 
 with the heirs j t . Ralegh, Brother Gicffrey our Almoner, Geoffrey Despeneer, Henry de Capell, and 
 
 of A/titi, ami 
 
 the foot of it others. 
 
 in the King's 
 
 treasury. << f- ( 
 
 <i?IUril by the hand of the venerable Father Ji. Bishop of Chichester, our Chan- 
 cellor at Oxford, the twenty-fourth day of June, in the twenty-first year of our Reign." 
 
 (A true Translation.) 
 
 25th April, 1817. W. ILLINGWORTH. 
 
 Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower.
 
 THE THIRTEENTH OF EDWARD I. 
 
 1 2th June, 1285. 
 
 Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in 
 the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the 
 Thirteenth year of the Reign of King Edward the First, after the 
 Conquest, No. 59, membrane 18, is thus contained : — ■ 
 
 " For the Burgesses of Wvcumbe. 
 
 " 9Tf)r iiilllj, to his Archbishops, &c. Greeting. — We have inspected the 
 Charter of Confirmation, which the Lord Henry, of famous memory, late King ot 
 England, our Father, made to the Burgesses of Wycumbe, in these words : HENRY, 
 by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and 
 Aquitain, and Earl of Anjou, to his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Earls, 
 Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful subjects, 
 Greeting. — We have inspected the final Agreement made in our Court before our 
 Justices at Westminster, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe and Alan Basset, in these 
 words : This is the final Agreement made in the Court of the Lord the King at West- 
 minster, from the day of the purification of the blessed Mary in one Month, in the 
 tenth year of the reign of King Henry, Son of King John, before Martin de 
 Patcshull, Thomas de Moleton, Thomas de Heyden, Robert de Lexinton, Geoff ry le 
 Sauvage, Warine Fitz Johel, Justices, and other faithful subjects of the Lord the King 
 then there present, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe, Plaintiffs, and Alan Basset, 
 concerning the wrongs and injuries which the same Alan did to the same Burgesses, 
 as they have said, against the liberties, which the same Burgesses said they have of 
 the gift of the ancestors of the Lord the King. • And whereupon there was a plea 
 between them in the same Court, that is to say, that the said Alan, as much as in 
 him and his heirs is, hath granted to the same Burgesses, All the Borough of Wy- 
 cumbe, with the Rents, Markets, and Fairs, and with all other things to a free 
 Borough pertaining, without any reservation, and with all encrease and purchases 
 which the said Alan hath made in the same Borough, and with the buildings of 
 Enavenethorn, as the same Alan held such buildings, and with the rent of four 
 
 The Kins has 
 inspected the 
 Charter of 
 confirmation 
 granted by 
 Henry the 
 third. 
 
 Recapitulated. 
 
 Agreement in 
 the Court at 
 Westminster 
 in the loth 
 year of Henry 
 the Third, 
 
 Between the 
 Burgesses of 
 Wycumbe and 
 Alan Basset. 
 
 Alan granted 
 to the Bur- 
 gesses all the 
 Borough, with 
 the Rents, 
 Markets, and 
 Fairs ; And 
 the purchases 
 he has made,
 
 i6 
 
 and the 
 buildings of 
 Enavenc- 
 thorn. 
 
 Except his 
 demesnes,out- 
 lying Lands, 
 
 and .Mills, for 
 J,ya and one 
 mark a year. 
 
 The rent-, &c. 
 payable by the 
 men of the 
 Abbess of 
 Godstaive, to 
 remain to the 
 Burges 
 
 Saving reason- 
 able aids to 
 Alan when 
 
 the King talli- 
 ages his de- 
 mesnes. 
 Alan to acquit 
 the Burgesses 
 of the £zo a 
 year, and the 
 service of one 
 knight's fee 
 to the King. 
 The cattle fair 
 to continue in 
 Alan's field. 
 The Bui 
 to have the 
 customs there- 
 from. 
 
 Alan to have 
 the dung in 
 the streets. 
 If the Bur- 
 gesses should 
 not pay their 
 rent or talli- 
 ages, Alan 
 may seize 
 their cattle. 
 The Bui 
 quit their 
 claim for 
 damages. 
 
 Twenty-six 
 burges 
 
 testified in 
 I ourl that all 
 
 the other 
 burgesses ratl- 
 in '1 this agree- 
 ment. 
 
 shillings which Geoffiy Fitz Angod used to pay, and with all other their appurten- 
 ances, and all things to that llorough pertaining, except the demesnes of the said Alan 
 and his outlying Lands and his Mills, which entirely remain to the said Alan and his 
 heirs, To HAVE and TO HOLD to the said Burgesses and their heirs at Fee farm of the 
 said Alan and his heirs for ever: Rendering therefore yearly thirty pounds and one 
 mark of Silver at two terms of the year, that is to say, at the feast of Saint Michael, 
 fifteen pounds and half a mark ; and at the feast of Saint Mary, in March, fifteen 
 pounds and half a mark ; for all service and demand to the aforesaid Alan or to his 
 heirs pertaining : And this Agreement was made between them, saving the fine made 
 between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess of Godstowe, so as, to wit, that the 
 rents and customs which the men of the same Abbess are accustomed to render to 
 the said Alan, shall remain to the same Burgesses and their heirs, in aid towards 
 making up the aforesaid Fee farm, according to the fine before made between the 
 same Alan and the aforesaid Abbess ; saving to the said Alan and his heirs, his 
 reasonable aids, when the Lord the King and his heirs shall talliage his demesnes 
 throughout England. And be it known, that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, shall 
 acquit the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, towards the Lord the King and his 
 heirs, from the farm of twenty pounds, which the same Alan thereof oweth to the 
 Lord the King; and likewise from the foreign service of one Knight's fee which 
 the aforesaid Alan oweth out of his land of Wyeumie, which he hath of the gift of 
 the Lord King JOHN : Also be it known, that the fair of cattle shall continue every 
 year in the field of the same Alan, where and as it used before to be, saving to the 
 said Burgesses and their heirs, the customs arising therefrom : And the said Alan and 
 his heirs shall have the dung found in the streets of Wicumbe, as the same Alan 
 used before to have the same ; and if perchance the aforesaid Burgesses or their 
 heirs shall not render to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid thirty pounds anil 
 one mark, at the terms appointed according as is aforesaid, or the talliages when 
 they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs to distrain the 
 same Burgesses and their heifs, by their cattle found within the aforesaid Borough, 
 and without, upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs, until full payment of the 
 aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and of the aforesaid talliage. And for this 
 grant, fine and concord, the aforesaid Burgesses have remised and quitted claim for 
 themselves and their heirs to the same Alan and his heirs, all damages which they 
 said they have [sustained] by the aforesaid wrongs and injuries. And be it known, 
 that Adam Waldo; Thomas Fitz-Fagan, Tohn de Brightewell, John le Due, William 
 Cole, Robert de Shebinton, John Fitz-Robcrt, Walter Slegh, Walter le Drak, Ralph 
 Faber, Baldwin le Seler, Nicholas Bruttcmcr, Hugh Fiber, Geoffrey Fitz-Kathcrine, 
 Richard de Dustcbcrg, Walter de Foterugg, William ' de Bcrkhamsted, Roger Fitz- 
 Fhilip, Simon le Tanner, Adam Mai, Walter Fitz-Warin, Alexander le Duk, Geoffrey 
 Bouche, Henry la Neir, Adam Bit, Peter Rippclust, Burgesses of Wycombe, came into 
 the same Court, and testified that all other Burgesses of the same town ratified that
 
 17 
 
 Agreement, and granted the same : We therefore ratifying and confirming the afore- 
 said final Agreement for us and our heirs, do grant and confirm the same with our 
 seal, as the chirograph between them thereof made, one part whereof remains in the 
 hands of the same Burgesses, and the other in the hands of the heirs of the same 
 A/an, and the foot of the same chirograph in our treasury, reasonably testifieth. These 
 being Witnesses, William elect [Bishop] of Valenciennes, Simon de Montfort, William 
 de Ralegh, Brother Geoffrey our Almoner, Geoffrey Dcspenscr, Henry de Capell, and 
 others. Given by the hand of the venerable Father R. Bishop of Chichester, our 
 Chancellor at Oxford, the twenty-fourth day of June, in the twenty-first year of our 
 Reign. 
 
 Now we, the grant and confirmation aforesaid ratifying and confirming the same 
 for us and our heirs, to the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, do grant, and confirm, 
 as the final Agreement aforesaid, and the Charter of Confirmation aforesaid, justly 
 and reasonably testify, and as the aforesaid Burgesses and their Ancestors the liberties 
 aforesaid have hitherto reasonably used. These being Witnesses, the venerable 
 Fathers R. Bishop of Bath and Wells, and W. Bishop of Norwich, Edmund our 
 Brother, William de Valance our Uncle, Edmund Karl of Cornwall, Gilbert de Clare 
 Earl of Gloucester and Her/ford, Roger le Bigod Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of 
 England, John De Warren Earl of Surry, William de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, 
 Robert Tibetot, William Lcybum, Robert Fits-John, our Steward and others. 
 
 " l2?(bOt by our hand at Westminster, the twelfth day ot June." 
 
 The King con- 
 firmed the 
 same. 
 
 One part of 
 the Chiro- 
 graph remains 
 with the Bur- 
 gesses, and 
 the other part 
 with the heirs 
 of Alan, and 
 the foot of it 
 in the King's 
 treasury. 
 
 Confirmed. 
 
 25th April, 181 7. 
 
 (A true Translation.) 
 
 W. ILLINGWORTH, 
 Deputy Keeper ot the Records in the Tower. 
 
 C C
 
 1 8 
 
 THE FIRST OF HENRY IV. 
 iSth May, 1400. 
 
 Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in 
 the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the 
 first year of the Reign of King Henry the Fourth, part the 2d, 
 membrane 15, is thus contained: — 
 
 CONFIRMATION, WYCUMBE. 
 
 The King has 
 inspected the 
 Charter of 
 Eda>. I. 
 
 Recapitulated. 
 
 Agreement in 
 the Court at 
 Westminster 
 in trie iotli 
 year of Henry 
 the Third, 
 
 Between the 
 Burgesses of 
 Wycumbeand 
 Alan Basset. 
 
 Alan granted 
 t.> the Bur- 
 i all the 
 
 *Euf l\in(J to his Archbishops, Bishops, &c. We have inspected the Charter 
 of the Lord Edward, heretofore King of England our Progenitor, made in these words : 
 EDWARD by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of 
 Aquitain, to his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sher- 
 riffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful subjects, Greeting. — We have 
 inspected the Charter of Confirmation which the Lord Henry of famous memory, 
 late King of England, our Father, made to the Burgesses of Wycombe, in these 
 words; Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke ol 
 Nortnandy and Aquitain, and Earl of Anjou, to his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots-", 
 Priors, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sherriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and 
 faithful subjects, Greeting. — We have inspected the final Agreement made in our 
 Court before our Justices at Westminster, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe and Alan 
 Basset, in these words : This is the final Agreement made in the Court of the Lord 
 the King at Westminster, from the day of the purification of the blessed Mary in one 
 -Month, in the tenth year of the reign of King Henry, Son of King John, before 
 Martin de Pateshull, Thomas de Moleton, Thomas e/e Heyden, Robert de Lexinton, 
 Geoffrey le Sam-age, Wartne Fltz Joliel, Justices, and other faithful subjects of the 
 Lord the King then there present, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe, Plaintiffs, and 
 Alan Basset, concerning the wrongs and injuries which the same Alan did to the same 
 Burgesses, as they have said, against the liberties, which the same Burgesses said they 
 have of the gift of the ancestors of the Lord the King. And whereupon there was 
 a plea between them in the same Court, that is to say, that the said Alan, as much 
 as in him and his heirs is, hath granted to the same Burgesses, All the Borough of
 
 '9 
 
 Wycumbe, with the Rents, Markets, and Fairs, and with all other things to a free 
 
 Borough pertaining, without any reservation, and with all encrease and purchases 
 
 which the said Alan hath made in the same Borough, and with the buildings of 
 
 Enavenethorn, as the same Alan held such buildings, and with the rent of four 
 
 shillings which Gcoffry Fitz Angod used to pay, and with all other their appurtenances, 
 
 and all things to that Borough pertaining, except the demesnes of the said Alan and 
 
 his outlying Lands and his Mills, which entirely remain to the said Alan and his heirs. 
 
 To have and to hold to the said Burgesses and their heirs at Fee farm of the said 
 
 A/an and his heirs for ever : Rendering therefore yearly thirty pounds and one 
 
 mark of Silver at two terms of the year, that is to say, at the feast of Saint Michael, 
 
 fifteen pounds and half a mark ; and at the feast of Saint Mary, in March, fifteen 
 
 pounds and half a mark ; for all service and demand to the aforesaid Alan or to his 
 
 heirs pertaining : And this Agreement was made between them, saving the fine made 
 
 between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess of Godsfowe, so as, to wit, that the rents 
 
 and customs which the men of the same Abbess are accustomed to render to the said 
 
 Alan, shall remain to the same Burgesses and their heirs, in aid towards making 
 
 up the aforesaid Fee farm, according to the fine before made between the same 
 
 Alan and the aforesaid Abbess ; saving to the said Alan and his heirs, his reasonable 
 
 aids, when the Lord the King and his heirs shall talliage his demesnes throughout 
 
 England. And be it known, that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, shall acquit the 
 
 aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, towards the Lord the King and his heirs, from 
 
 the Fee farm of twenty pounds, which the same Alan thereof oweth to the Lord the 
 
 King ; and likewise from the foreign service of one Knight's fee which the aforesaid 
 
 Alan oweth out of his land of Wycumbe, which he hath of the gift of the Lord 
 
 King JOHN : Also ee it known, that the fair of cattle shall continue every year 
 
 in the field of the same Alan, where and as it used before to be, saving to the said 
 
 Burgesses and their heirs, the customs arising therefrom : And the said Alan and 
 
 his heirs shall have the dung found in the Streets of Wicumbe, as the same Alan 
 
 used before to have the same ; and if perchance the aforesaid Burgesses or their 
 
 heirs shall not render to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid thirty pounds and 
 
 one mark, at the terms appointed according as is aforesaid, or the talliages when 
 
 they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs to distrain the 
 
 same Burgesses and their heirs, by their cattle found within the aforesaid Borough, 
 
 and without, upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs, until full payment of the 
 
 aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and of the aforesaid talliage. And for this 
 
 grant fine and concord, the aforesaid Burgesses have remised and quitted claim for 
 
 themselves and their heirs to the same Alan and his heirs, all damages which they 
 
 said they have [sustained] by the aforesaid WTongs and injuries. And be it known, 
 
 that Adam Walder, Thomas Fitz-Pagan, John dc Brightewcll, John Ic Due, William 
 
 Cole, Robert dc Shebinton, John Fitz-Robcrt, Walter Slegk, Walter le Drak, Ralph 
 
 Faber, Baldwin le Sclcr, Nicholas Bruttcmcr, Hugh Faber, Geoffrey Fiiz-Kathcrine, 
 
 B ;h, with 
 the R< 
 
 Markets, ami 
 Fairs ; And 
 the purchases 
 lie has made, 
 and the 
 buildings of 
 Enavau- 
 thorn. 
 except his 
 demesnes, out- 
 lying Lands 
 and Mills, for 
 ^30 and one 
 mark a year. 
 
 The rents, &c. 
 payable by 
 the men of 
 the Abbess of 
 Godstowe, to 
 remain to the 
 Burgesses. 
 
 Savingreason- 
 able aids to 
 Alan when 
 the King talli- 
 ages his de- 
 mesnes. Alan 
 to acquit the 
 Burgesses of 
 the £ 20 a 
 year, and the 
 service of one 
 knight's fee 
 to the King. 
 The cattle fair 
 to continue in 
 Alans field. 
 The Burgesses 
 to have the 
 customs there- 
 from. Alan 
 to have the 
 dung in the 
 streets. If 
 the Burgesses 
 should not 
 pay their 
 rent or talli- 
 ages, Alan 
 may seize 
 their cattle. 
 
 The Bur- 
 gesses quit 
 their claim 
 for damages. 
 
 Twenty-six 
 burges-es 
 testified in 
 Court that all
 
 20 
 
 the othei bui • 
 
 : atified 
 
 [reement. 
 
 The KitiL; con- 
 firmed the 
 
 same. 
 
 i (ne part of 
 the I lui'i- 
 graph i 
 with the bur- 
 gesses, and 
 the other part 
 with the heirs 
 of -!/<irt, and 
 the foot of it 
 in the King's 
 treasury. 
 
 Confirmed by 
 
 iv. I. 
 
 Confirm, it by 
 Henry IV. 
 
 Uthough any 
 of the liberties 
 have nut been 
 
 used, the bur- 
 may 
 enjoy them 
 in future. 
 
 Richard de Dusteberg, Walter dt Poterugg, William de Perkhamsted, Roger Fits- 
 Philip, Simon le Tanner, Adam Merl, Waiter Fitz-Warin, Alexander le /Jul; Geoffry 
 Boucke, Henry la Mir, Adam Bil, Peter Kippelust, Burgesses of Wycombe, came into 
 the same Court, and testified that all other Burgesses of the same town ratified that 
 Agreement, and granted the same: We therefore ratifying and confirming the afore- 
 said final Agreement for us and our heirs, do grant and confirm the same with our 
 seal, as the chirograph between them thereof made, one part whereof remains in the 
 hands of the same Burgesses, and the other in the hands of the heirs of the same 
 Alan, and the foot of the same chirograph in our treasury, reasonably testifieth. 
 These being Witnesses, William elect [Bishop] of Valenciennes, Simon de Montfort, 
 William de Ralegh, Brother Geoffrey our Almoner, Geoffrey Despenser, Henry de Capell, 
 and others. Given by the hand of the venerable Father R. Bishop of Chichester our 
 Chancellor, at Oxford, the twenty-fourth day of June, in the twenty-first year of out- 
 Reign. Now we, the grant and confirmation aforesaid ratifying and confirming the 
 same for us and our heirs, to the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, do grant, and 
 confirm, as the final Agreement aforesaid, and the Charter of Confirmation aforesaid, 
 justly and reasonably testify, and as the aforesaid Burgesses and their Ancestors 
 the liberties aforesaid have hitherto reasonably used. These being Witnesses, the 
 venerable Fathers R. Bishop of Bath and Wells, and W. Bishop of Norwich, Edmund 
 our Brother, William de Valance our Uncle, Edmund Earl of Cornwall, Gilbert de- 
 clare Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, Roger le Bigod Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of 
 England, John De Warren Earl of Surry, William de Peauehamp Earl of Warwick, 
 Robert Tibetot, William Leyburn, Robert Pitz-John our Steward, and others. Given 
 by our hand at Westminster, the twelfth day of Tune, in the thirteenth year of our 
 reign. 
 
 "Now we, the grants and confirmations aforesaid, ratifying and confirming the 
 same, for us and our heirs, as much as in us is, do accept, approve, and to the afore- 
 said Burgesses, their heirs and successors, do grant and confirm, as the final Agree- 
 ment and Charters aforesaid justly and reasonably testify : Moreover being willing 
 to do more ample grace to the same Burgesses, of our special grace, we have granted 
 for us and our heirs, as much as in us is, to the same Burgesses, that ALTHOUGH 
 they or their predecessors, any one or more of the liberties in the final Agreement 
 and Charters aforesaid contained in any case arising hitherto have not used ; Never- 
 theless the same Burgesses, their heirs and successors, may for the future, fully enjoy 
 and use those liberties, and every of them, without the hindrance or impediment ot 
 us or of our heirs, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, or other Bailiffs, or Ministers, 
 of us or of our heirs whomsoever : These being Witnesses, the venerable Fathers 
 Tin 'mas Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England, R. Bishop of London, W. 
 Bishop of Winchester, II. Bishop of Lincoln, Edmund Duke of York our most dear 
 Uncle, Thomas Earl of Warwick, Henry Earl of Northumberland, Ralph Earl of West- 
 moreland, John Searle our Chancellor, John Norbury our Treasurer, William Roos de
 
 Hamlak Knight, John Grey de Coaenore Knight, Reginald de Grey de Ruthyn Knight, 
 Thomas Rempston Knight Steward of our Household, Master Richard Clifford Keeper 
 of our Privy Seal, and others. 
 
 " <0ll)fU by the King's hand at Westminster, the eighteenth day of May. 
 
 By the King himself for forty shillings paid into the Hanaper." 
 
 (A true Translation.) 
 
 5th May, 1817. W. ILLINGWORTH, 
 
 Record Office, Towet.
 
 THE FIRST OF MARY. 
 
 15TII November, 1553. 
 
 The Queen 
 has inspected 
 
 the Charter of 
 Edw. I. 
 
 RtcatitulaUd. 
 
 Agreement in 
 li' I "iirt at 
 Westminster 
 in the loth 
 year of Henry 
 the Third, 
 
 Iletwccn the 
 burgesses of 
 Wycumbe and 
 Alan Basset. 
 
 Alan granted 
 to the Bur- 
 
 gesses all the 
 I'orough, with 
 the Rents, 
 Markets, and 
 
 iflcU'P, by the grace of God Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defender 
 of the Faith, and Supreme Head of the Church in England and Ireland. To all 
 whom these present writings shall come greeting. We have inspected Letters patent 
 of confirmation of our Lord and Father Edward the I., heretofore King of England, 
 made in these words : Henry, by the grace of God, King of England and France, 
 and Lord of Ireland, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Dukes, Earls, 
 Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and to all Bailiffs and faithful people 
 greeting. — We have inspected a Charter granted in these words by our Lord and 
 predecessor, Edward, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Acquitain. 
 To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, &c, greeting. We have inspected a 
 Charter of Confirmation which our Lord and predecessor Henry of gracious memory, 
 and late King of England, granted to the Burgesses of Wycumbe in these words : 
 Henry, by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, Normandy, and 
 Acquitain and p]arl of Anjou, To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, &c, 
 greeting. We have inspected a final Agreement made before our Justices at our 
 Court of Westminster, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe and Alan Basset in these 
 words. This is the final Agreement made in the Court of our Lord the King at 
 Westminster in one month from the day of the Purification of the Blessed Mary in 
 the tenth year of the reign of king Henry, son of King John, before Martin de 
 Pateshall, Thomas de Woleton, Thomas de Heyden, Robert de Lexington, Balfro 
 Lee Mannas, Warren Fitz Joel, Justices and other faithful subjects of the KiiiLj 
 then present. The Burgesses of Wycombe Complainants and Alan Basset concerning 
 the wrongs and injuries which the said Alan Basset had done to the said Burgesses 
 contrary to the liberties of the said Burgesses which they say they enjoy by grant 
 of the ancestors of our Lord the King, and whereupon it was pleaded between 
 them in the same Court, to wit The said Alan Basset granted as much as in him 
 and his heirs is to the said Burgesses all the Borough of Wycombe with the 
 revenues markets and fairs, and all other things belonging to a free Borough or in 
 any way appertaining, together with all increase and purchases which the said Alan
 
 hath made in the Borough, together with the Building of Enavenethorn as the said 
 Alan held such Buildings and with the rent of Four shillings, which Balfro Fitz 
 Angod was accustomed to pay and with all other their appurtenances and with all 
 things pertaining to that Borough. The demesnes of the said Alan excepted, and 
 his outlying lands and his mills which shall remain wholly to the said Alan and his 
 heirs To have and to hold to the said Burgesses and their heirs at fee farm of 
 the aforesaid Alan and his heirs for ever, Paying yearly thirty pounds and one 
 mark of silver at two periods of the year, namely, at the feast of Saint Michael 
 fifteen pounds and half a mark, and at the feast of the Blessed Mary in March 
 fifteen pounds and half a mark for all service and demand of the aforesaid Alan 
 or to his heirs pertaining, And this Agreement is made between them, saving the 
 fine made between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess ot Godstowe so as to wit 
 Those rents and customs which her men are accustomed to render the said Alan 
 shall remain to the Burgesses and their heirs in aid of the aforesaid fee first made 
 according to the fine first made between the said Alan and the aforesaid Abbess, 
 saving to the said Alan and his heirs his reasonable aids when the Lord the King 
 and his heirs shall talliage his dominions throughout England, And be it known 
 that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs shall acquit the aforesaid Burgesses and their 
 heirs towards the Lord the King and his heirs of the farm of twenty pounds which 
 the said Alan then owed to the Lord the King, And likewise of the fee of the 
 foreign service of one knight which the aforesaid renders for the land of Wycombe 
 which he held by the gift of our Lord King John, And be it also known that 
 the cattle fairs shall continue to be held in each year on the Land of the said 
 Alan, where it was always accustomed to be, reserving to the said Burgesses and 
 their heirs the dues arising therefrom, and the said Alan and his heirs shall have 
 the dung found in the streets of Wycombe as the said Alan before that was accus- 
 tomed to have, And if perchance the aforesaid Burgesses or their heirs shall fail 
 in paying to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid thirty pounds and afore- 
 said mark at the appointed periods according as aforesaid or the talliages when 
 they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs to distrain 
 on the said Burgesses or their heirs the cattle within or without the aforesaid 
 Borough upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs to the use and discharge 
 of the aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and the aforesaid talliages, And for 
 this concession grant and agreement the aforesaid Burgesses remit and quit claim 
 for themselves and their heirs of the said Alan and his heirs all damages which 
 they say they have sustained through the aforesaid wrongs and injuries, And be it 
 known that Adam Walder, Thomas Fitz Pagan, John de Brightwell, John le Due, 
 William Cole, Robert de Shobinton, John Fitz Robert, Walter Sleigh, Walter le 
 Drake, Ralph Faber, Baldwin le Weler, Nicholas Bruttemar, Hugh Faber, Balfro 
 Fitz Catherine, Richard de Dusteburg, Walter de Pederug, William de Berkhamp- 
 Stead, Roger Fitz Philip, Simon le Tanner, Adam Serle, Walter Fitz Warrene, 
 
 Fairs ; And 
 the purchases 
 he has made, 
 and the 
 buildings ol 
 Enavene- 
 thorn, except 
 his demesnes, 
 outlying 
 Lands, and 
 Mills, for ^30 
 and one mark 
 a year. 
 
 The rents, &c. 
 payable by 
 the men of 
 the Abbess ot 
 Godstowe, to 
 remain to the 
 Burgesses. 
 
 Saving reason- 
 able aids to 
 Alan when 
 the King talli- 
 ages his de- 
 mesnes. Alan 
 to acquit the 
 Burgesses of 
 the ^20 a 
 year, and the 
 service of one 
 knight's lee 
 to the King. 
 The cattle fair 
 to continue in 
 Alan's field. 
 The Burgesses 
 to have the 
 customs there- 
 from. Alan 
 to have the 
 dung in the 
 streets. If 
 the Burgesses 
 should not pay 
 their rent or 
 talliages, Alan 
 may seize their 
 cattle. 
 
 The Burgesses 
 quit their 
 claim for 
 damages. 
 
 Twenty-six 
 burgesses 
 testified in 
 Court that all 
 the other bur- 
 gesses ratified 
 this agree- 
 ment.
 
 The King con- 
 firmed the 
 same. 
 
 One part of 
 the Chiro- 
 graph remains 
 \\ itli the Bur- 
 gesses, and 
 the other part 
 with the heirs 
 of Alan, and 
 the foot of it 
 in the King's 
 treasury. 
 
 Confirmed by 
 
 1. 
 
 Confirmed by 
 Henry IV. 
 
 Although any 
 of the liberties 
 
 haV€ not been 
 
 used, the Bur- 
 
 es may 
 enjoy them in 
 future. 
 
 Alexander le Due, Balfro Buche, Henry le Neir, Adam Byll, Peter Kippcsone, 
 Burgesses of Wycombe came into the same Court and that they and all the other 
 Burgesses of the same Town have ratified and consented to the Agreement, We 
 therefore ratifying and granting the aforesaid final Agreement for us and our heirs 
 do approve and confirm with our seal as the chirograph made between them, one 
 part remaining in the possession of the Burgesses, another in the possession of the 
 heirs of the said Alan, and the foot of the said chirograph in our treasury reason- 
 ably testifieth. These being Witnesses, William elect (Bishop) of Valenciennes, 
 Simon de Montfort, William de Raleigh, our Brother Balfro, our Almoner, Balfro 
 Despenser, Henry de Capel, and others. Given under the hands of the Venerable 
 Father, R. the Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor at Oxford on the twenty fourth 
 day of June in the twenty first day of our reign. But we for the concession and 
 confirmation of the aforesaid, ratifying and granting of the aforesaid for ourselves 
 and our heirs to the before mentioned Burgesses and their heirs grant and confirm 
 as a final Agreement aforesaid and charter of confirmation aforesaid justly and 
 reasonably testifieth and as the aforesaid Burgesses and their ancestors, the liberties 
 aforesaid have reasonably used. These being Witnesses, the Venerable Fathers, 
 Richard, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and William, Bishop of Norwich, Edmund our 
 Brother, William de Valence, our Uncle, Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, Gilbert de 
 Clare, Earl of Glocester and Hertford, Roger le Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, Marshall 
 of England, John de Warrene, Earl of Surrey, William de Beauchamp, Earl of War- 
 wick, Robert Tibotot, William de Leyburn, Robert Fitz John, our Seneschalt 
 [steward] and others. Given under our hand at Westminster on the twelfth day 
 of June in the twelfth year of our reign. But We for the concession and con- 
 firmation of the aforesaid, ratifying and granting to them for us and our heirs as 
 much as in us is Do accept and approve, and to the before mentioned Burgesses 
 and their heirs we grant and confirm as the final Agreement and Charter aforesaid 
 justly and reasonably testifieth besides being willing to confer a greater favour on 
 the said Burgesses we grant it in our special grace for us and our heirs as much as 
 in us and our heirs is to the said Burgesses the liberties enjoyed by them or their 
 ancestors one and all as a final Agreement and Charter aforesaid, and if any cause 
 of dispute should arise of what they have not hitherto been in full possession never- 
 theless the Burgesses their heirs and assigns with their liberties or any of them shall 
 fully use and enjoy them without any hindrance or impediment of either our heirs, 
 Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, or others Bailiffs or Ministers of our Husband our 
 heirs to every one of whom these witnesseth, Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury 
 and primate of all England, Richard of London, William of Winchester, Henry of 
 Lincoln, Bishops, Edmund, Duke of York, our dear Uncle, Thomas of Warwick, 
 Henry of Northumberland, Ralph of Westmoreland, Earls, John Serle Chancellor, 
 John Norburry our Treasurer, William roos de Hamlec, John Grey de Codmore, 
 Reginald Grey de Ruthen, Thomas Kempsone, Master of our Household, Knights,
 
 25 
 
 Master Richard Clyforde, keeper ot our privy seal, and others. Given' under our 
 
 hand at Westminster on the eighteenth day of May in the first year of our reign. 
 
 But We for the concession and confirmation of the aforesaid, ratifying and granting 
 
 them for ourselves and our heirs as much as in us is we accept and approve but 
 
 Now we grant and confirm to the Burgesses aforesaid of Wycombe as a final Agree- The Queen 
 
 ment and Charter aforesaid justly and reasonably testifieth, In testimony whereof same. 
 
 we have ordered these our letters patent to be drawn in Witness myself, Given 
 
 at Westminster on the fifteenth day of November in the first year of our Reign. 
 
 L. S. 
 
 D P
 
 26 
 
 THE FIFTH AND SIXTH OF PHILIP AND MARY. 
 
 2/TII AUGUST, 1558. 
 
 First Part of Patents In the Fifth and Sixth Years of the Reign 
 of King Philip and Queen Mary: — 
 
 Wycombe has 
 
 always been a 
 market town 
 ami free 
 borough 1 f 
 mayor, bai- 
 liffs, ami bur- 
 gesses. 
 
 Might h..l,l 
 two Fails 
 
 yearly. 
 
 Market and 
 mercantile 
 
 guild. 
 
 Concerning the \ THE KING and QUEEN, To all to whom, &c. Greeting.— 
 Mayor, Bai- WHEREAS as We understand the town of Chepinge Wycombe, 
 
 tiffs, and Bur- otherwise called Wycombe, in our County of Buckingham, as well 
 
 gesses of Chef- by a Charter of the Lord Henry the Third, formerly King ot 
 
 ping Wycombe, f England, ancestor of us the aforesaid Queen, and by Charters 
 of a grant to of other Progenitors of us the said Queen, formerly Kings of 
 
 them and their England, as by virtue and force of the custom there (from 
 
 Successors. J time whereof memory doth not exist) had and used, hath al- 
 
 ways been a market town and perpetual free Borough, and incorporated of the 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the same town, for all the time aforesaid ; and 
 have had and obtained various liberties, franchises, acquittances, and immunities 
 there continually, from the time abovesaid, and the same have used and enjoyed 
 without interruption, and especially by the intent and meaning of the premises, 
 have been always from the same time pleadable and impleaded by the name of 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, of the town of Wycombe, and have had and held 
 many lands, tenements, and hereditaments, within the same Borough ; and at present 
 have and hold to them and their successors, as in right of the same Borough for 
 ever. And all and all manner of lands, and tenements, and possessions whatsoever, 
 being within the same Borough, for all the time aforesaid, from time to time 
 deviseable, have been, and at present are, devised at the will of the possessors 
 thereof, and the same Burgesses for the time aforesaid have had and used amongst 
 other things, that in right of the same Borough, two fairs may be there held in 
 every year, that is to say, one to be holden on the Feast of the Translation of 
 Saint Thomas the Martyr, and continue until noon ot the morrow of the day of 
 the same Feast ; and the other to be holden on the Feast of the Exaltation of 
 the Holy Cross, and to continue until noon of the morrow of the same Feast ; 
 and one market there to be holden in every week, that is to say, on Friday, and a
 
 27 
 
 Mercantile Guild with a Hall and other customs and liberties to such Guild apper- 
 taining. So that no one who should not be of the same Mercantile Guild might be 
 able to sell or buy within the same Borough, Flax, Wool, or Thread, or Skins, or 
 Hydes, or any other thing to such Mercantile Guild appertaining, unless by those 
 who should be of the same Guild. And also for the same time have had all Pleas 
 and Plaints within the same Borough happening there, for whatsoever causes, except 
 those which appertain to the Crown ; with these liberties, that they should in no 
 wise plead or be impleaded concerning their tenements being in the same Borough, 
 by writ of Mort d' Ancester, but should be brought within the same Borough, by the 
 law of the same Borough. And that it should be lawful for them for the debts of 
 all persons arising within the same Borough, to distrain, and for their loans made 
 within the same Borough. And that they should have of foreign men due Toll and 
 due customs. And they have been free and quit for all the time aforesaid of Toll 
 in all places throughout England. And that the assize of victuals made and consti- 
 tuted by good men of the said Borough, should be kept and preserved by their 
 Bailiffs. And the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, by the name of Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses of the Town of Wycombe, hold, and have long held, the same Town 
 or Borough of us, and the Progenitors of us, the aforesaid Queen, formerly Kings 
 of England, to fee farm ; Rendering therefore yearly, a certain yearly rent, which 
 now by Charter of the Progenitors of us, the said Queen, is payable to the Dean 
 and Canons of the Free Chapel of the Queen within our Castle of Windsor within 
 the County of Berks ; As in the said Charters, which certain of the Progenitors of 
 us, the said Queen, have confirmed, is more fully contained. And whereas now 
 our beloved and faithful subjects of our Town or Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, as 
 well for the greater security and assurance of the premises, as for the rule and their 
 better government and improvement of the same Town or Borough, have humbly 
 besought us, that we would condescend not only to confirm, approve, and ratify, the 
 Town or Borough aforesaid, and all and singular other the premises above expressed 
 and specified, and also all the singular franchises, liberties, privileges, commodities, 
 profits, and emoluments, whatsoever, to the same Town or Borough appertaining 
 and belonging, or in the same Town and Borough from the time aforesaid used, 
 approved, or allowed ; but also, that by this our present Charter, we would conde- 
 scend to incorporate anew the Town aforesaid and the inhabitants thereof, and to 
 make and create them a Corporation of Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, in manner 
 and form following : KNOW YE, that We consenting to the petition aforesaid, and 
 considering that our aforesaid subjects, of whose fidelity and circumspection towards 
 us, not only by the relation of our nobles, peers, and subjects; but also, of our 
 certain and Royal knowledge, especially in the times of the rebellions of John late 
 Duke of Northumberland, and Sir Thomas Wyatt Knight, lately attainted and con- 
 victed of High Treason and their Accomplices, against us lately attempted, have 
 most faithfully adhered to us and have manfully resisted the same rebellions. And 
 
 Might plead 
 and be im- 
 pleaded con- 
 cerning their 
 tenements by 
 the law of the 
 Borough. 
 Mightdistrain 
 for all debts 
 and loans. 
 And have toll 
 of foreigners ; 
 and have been 
 free from toll 
 throughout 
 England. 
 The assize of 
 victuals kept 
 by the bailiffs: 
 the borough 
 held of the 
 Crown, pay- 
 ing rent to 
 the Dean and 
 Canons of 
 U'inJsor. 
 
 The town and 
 
 inhabitant, 
 
 incorporated 
 
 anew. 
 
 Faithful du- 
 ring the re- 
 bellions of 
 the Duke of 
 Northumber- 
 land and Sir 
 Thomas 
 Wyatt.
 
 2S 
 
 All former li- 
 berties, 
 ratified, al- 
 though not 
 hitherto used. 
 
 The town con- 
 stituted a flee 
 borouyh. 
 
 that our same subjects may be the better and more fully certified of our Royal 
 and Queenly affection and favor, which we have towards them on that account ; 
 Therefore of our especial grace, and of our certain knowledge and meer motion, 
 willing to make to our beloved subjects of the said Town or Borough of Wycombe a 
 more ample Charter in that behalf, Do, as much as in us lies, accept, approve, and 
 ratify, and by this our present Charter grant and confirm to the said now Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses, their heirs and successors ; All and singular the liberties, 
 franchises, privileges, acquittances, immunities, grants, free customs, rights and 
 laws aforesaid, and other things aforesaid as well by the said Burgesses and 
 their predecessors heretofore there used, as to the same Burgesses by the Charters 
 of the Progenitors of us the said Queen in any wise granted : And moreover of 
 our further and more abundant grace, We have granted for us, the heirs and 
 successors of us the said Queen, as much as in us lies, to the same now Mayor 
 ll.iililfs and Burgesses, and their successors, that although the same now Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses, or their predecessors, may not hitherto continually have 
 used any or either of the liberties, franchises, privileges, acquittances, immunities, 
 grants, and customs, aforesaid, or any other things in any Charters or Letters of the 
 said predecessors of us the aforesaid Queen contained and specified for any cause or 
 impediment : Nevertheless the same now Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their 
 heirs and successors, Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, from henceforth fully, 
 freely, and with impunity shall have and use all and singular the liberties, franchises, 
 privileges, acquittances, immunities, grants, customs, rights, and pre-eminences, as 
 well in the same Letters or Charters contained, as by the said now Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses, or their predecessors, heretofore used, without the hindrance, impeach- 
 ment, disturbance, molestation, vexation, disquieting, or impediment of us, or ol the 
 heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen, the Justices, Escheators, and Sheriffs, 
 Coroners, Bailiffs, or other Officers or Ministers of us, or of the heirs or successors 
 of us the said Queen whomsoever ; any statutes, ordinances, provisions, establishments, 
 acts or appointments enacted or made, or to be enacted or made, or judgments 
 rendered, and Charters or Letters Patent of us, or of the ancestors or predecessors of 
 us the said Queen, in times past, to the contrary made or granted, or other things, 
 causes, or matters whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding. And further of our 
 more ample grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion ; We will, ordain, 
 constitute and grant, for us and the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, by 
 these presents, That the said Town of Wycombe in our County of Buckingham, from 
 henceforth may and shall be a free Borough Corporate, in deed, fact, and name, for 
 ever of one Mayor, two Bailiffs, and Burgesses, by the name of Mayor Bailiffs and 
 Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe. And that the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the same Borough, shall be from henceforth one Commonalty, and one body 
 corporate and politic in deed, fact, and name, for ever by the name of Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses of the same Borough of Wycombe. And that, from henceforth for
 
 29 
 
 ever they may and shall be a body corporate, and one perpetual commonalty, in 
 deed, fact, and name, and shall have perpetual succession. And the same Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses, one Commonalty, and one body corporate and politic, of 
 themselves really and fully We do create, erect, ordain, make, constitute, declare, 
 and incorporate, for us and the heirs and successors of us, the said Queen for ever, 
 by these presents. And the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses by the name of 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe, from henceforth for ever, 
 We will and command by these presents, to be called and named : and that by the 
 same name, and under the same name, they shall and may be able to plead and be 
 impleaded, sue and defend and be defended, answer and be answered, in all Courts 
 and Places of us, and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, and in 
 other Courts and Places whatsoever, as well Spiritual as Temporal, as well in all 
 and singular actions, suits, plaints, causes, and demands, real and personal, or mixt, 
 as in all and singular other causes and business, and matters whatsoever. And that 
 the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors, may and shall have a 
 Common Seal for doing and treating of all and singular their affairs : And that it 
 shall and may be lawful to them and their successors, at their pleasure, the same Seal 
 to break, change, and make anew. And also we will, and by these presents, for 
 us and the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, constitute and ordain, that 
 twelve Burgesses may and shall be and be named, principal Burgesses of the afore- 
 said Borough of Wycombe aforesaid ; all of which same Burgesses, We will shall 
 be DWELLING and INHABITING within the Borough of Wycombe afore- 
 said. And also We will, and by these presents, for us and the heirs and successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen, grant and ordain, that in the said Borough of Wycombe, 
 there may and shall be one officer who shall be called and shall be, Steward of 
 the same Borough, to do and execute all and everything which to his office doth 
 appertain and ought to appertain, by himself or by his sufficient deputy or deputies; 
 That all and everything to his office appertaining may in due manner take effect : 
 Further know ye, that We of our especial grace, and of our certain knowledge 
 and meer motion, Do assign, nominate, make, and ordain, by these presents for us, 
 and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, our beloved Robert Gravel, 
 an honest man and inhabitant of the said Borough of Wycombe, faithfully by 
 his oath to execute the office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, until Thursday 
 next before the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next ensuing, and from the 
 same Thursday, until another Person elected shall be in due manner sworn faith- 
 fully to execute the same office. And also, We assign, nominate, ordain, and 
 make, Thomas Farmer, Gentleman, to be the first and present Steward of the said 
 Borough of Wycombe, to exercise, do, and execute justice, and other things which to the 
 office of Steward doth appertain or ought to appertain, by himself or by his sufficient 
 deputy or deputies. And also, we have assigned, nominated, made and ordained, 
 our beloved Thomas Raveninge and Rowland Rutte, honest men, and inhabitants 
 
 May plead 
 and be im- 
 pleaded. 
 
 And have a 
 common seal. 
 
 Principal bur- 
 gesses to dwell 
 within the 
 borough. 
 
 Steward. 
 
 Robert Gravtt 
 
 first mayor. 
 
 T/ioniiis Far- 
 
 mcr first 
 steward.
 
 30 
 
 First bailiffs. 
 
 Court before 
 the mayor 
 bailiffs and 
 
 steward or 
 their deputies 
 
 To determine 
 all debts, &C. 
 
 not exceeding 
 £20. 
 
 I'.y attach 
 ment and 
 
 distress. 
 
 of the said Borough of Wycombe, to be the first and present Bailiffs of the Borough 
 of Wycombe aforesaid, and faithfully by their oath to execute the office of Bailiffs 
 of the same Borough of Wycombe, until the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed 
 Virgin Mary next ensuing; and from the same feast until other persons elected 
 shall be in due manner sworn, faithfully to execute the same office. And further, 
 w 1 will, and of our certain knowledge and meer motion, for us and the heirs and 
 successors of us the said Queen, by these presents, grant to the aforesaid Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, that they and their 
 successors shall have and hold, and shall and may be able to have and hold a 
 certain Court before the Mayor Bailiffs and Steward of the Borough aforesaid, or 
 their or either of their sufficient deputy or deputies, being Burgesses of the Borough 
 aforesaid, in a certain Common Hall, called The Guildhall, or other place in the 
 same Borough more convenient, to be holden from three weeks to three weeks, or 
 oftener at their pleasure for ever. And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Steward, 
 or their or any of their sufficient deputy or deputies, shall have full power and au- 
 thority to hear and determine, in the same Court by plaints, in the same Court to 
 be levied, all and singular pleas, plaints, and actions, concerning all and all manner 
 of debts, accounts, covenants, contracts, trespasses by force ot arms or otherwise, 
 in contempt of us or the heirs or successors of us, the said Queen, made covenants, 
 detinues, contempts, deceits, wythernam, and other things and actions, real, personal, 
 and mixt whatsoever, within the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, and the limits, 
 bounds, and liberties thereof, in any wise arising, or to arise, happening, or to 
 happen ; provided the same debts, accounts, covenants, contracts, and other actions, 
 personal or mixt, shall not exceed the sum or value of twenty pounds. And the 
 same Mayor Bailiffs and Steward, or their or any of their sufficient deputy or 
 deputies for the time being, upon such questions, pleas, and plaints, and actions, 
 shall have power, authority, and faculty, against the persons defending, against whom 
 such plaints, pleas, or actions shall happen to be levied and moved in the afore- 
 said Court, to draw them in plea by summons of attachment and distress, according 
 to the law and custom of our kingdom of England, and for default of chattels and 
 lands of the defendant within the Borough aforesaid, and the limits, bounds, and 
 liberties thereof, where or by which they might be summoned, attached, or dis- 
 trained by attachment of their bodies, and severally to hear all and singular the 
 aforesaid matters, and to deduce and determine the like process, considerations, and 
 executions of judgment, by which the like matters may be deduced and determined 
 in our Court of our County of Buckingham, before our Sheriffs, Justices, or Minis- 
 ters, of the same Court. And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Steward aforesaid, 
 or their or any of their sufficient deputy or deputies, Burgesses of the Borough of 
 Wycombe aforesaid, for the time being, shall hear and determine all and singular the 
 same matters, according to the laws, statutes, and constitutions of this kingdom of 
 England, from time to time, within the said Borough of Wycombe. And that the
 
 said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, and their suc- 
 cessors, shall have and receive, and may have and receive, All fines, services, 
 issues, and other profits whatsoever, of and in the Court aforesaid, arising, com- 
 ing, accruing, or happening ; to the behoof, and use, and profit, which to the 
 said Mayor, and Bailiffs, and Burgesses, shall seem best to be expended. And 
 moreover we will, and for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid 
 Queen, by these presents, grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the said Borough of Wycombe and their successors, that they and their suc- 
 cessors may and shall have full power, authority, and faculty, whensoever it shall 
 please them to assign, nominate, constitute, and appoint, one fit person to the office 
 of Under-Bailiff of the aforesaid Borough, to serve in the Court aforesaid, and for 
 making, executing, and performing, proclamation, arrest, process, execution, and other 
 things to the same office incumbent, belonging, or appertaining, within the aforesaid 
 Borough and parish of Wycombe, and the limits, bounds, and precincts thereof. 
 And further of our more ample grace, for the better maintenance and support 
 of the said Borough of Wycombe, we will and for us, and the heirs and suc- 
 cessors of us, the aforesaid Queen, by these presents grant, to the aforesaid Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe; That the same Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses, by the name of Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough 
 of Wycombe, may and shall be persons able and capable in the law, without a writ 
 of Ad quod Damnum to be obtained, prosecuted, and returned, in the Court of 
 Chancery of us or the heirs or successors of us, the said Queen, to purchase, 
 receive, and take to them and their successors or otherwise, lordships, manors, lands, 
 tenements, rents, revenues, services, hereditaments, liberties, jurisdictions, and privi- 
 leges whatsoever, situate, lying, and being within the Borough aforesaid, which are 
 not holden immediately of us in capite nor by Knight's service, nor of any other 
 person or persons by Knight's service ; so that the same lordships, manors, lands, 
 tenements, rents, hereditaments, liberties, franchises, rights, jurisdictions and privi- 
 leges, shall not in the whole exceed the yearly value of twenty pounds. And 
 further we will, and by these presents, for us and the heirs and successors 
 of us, the aforesaid Queen, grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the said Borough of Wycombe and their successors, that the same Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, shall have and hold, and shall and 
 may be able to have and hold for ever, one Market on every Friday in every 
 Week, to be holden and kept in the said Borough of Wycombe; and two Marts or 
 Fairs to be holden and kept there yearly, one of which marts and fairs shall begin 
 at noon of the day of the Feast of the Translation of Saint Thomas the Martyr, 
 and continue until noon of the morrow of the day of the same Feast ; and the other 
 of the same marts or fairs shall begin at noon of the day of the Feast of the Exal- 
 tation of the Holy Cross, and continue until noon of the morrow of the day of the 
 same Feast, together with a Court of Piepowder, there to be holding during the 
 
 Fines to go to 
 the corpora- 
 tion. 
 
 Under bailiff. 
 
 Corporation 
 may purchase 
 l.i iuK &c. 
 within the 
 borough, 
 
 If not held in 
 capite, nor by 
 knight's ser- 
 vice, nor 
 worth more 
 than ,£20 a 
 year. 
 
 Market. 
 Two fairs. 
 
 Court of Pie- 
 powder*
 
 Toll, &c. 
 
 Caul. 
 
 Mayor, bar- 
 lifts and stew- 
 ard may com- 
 mit. 
 
 View of frank- 
 pledge, 
 
 Before the 
 
 mayor bai- 
 lifls and stew- 
 ard, or their 
 deputies. 
 Fines &c. to 
 go to the cor- 
 poration. 
 
 time of the same marts or fairs, together with stallage, piccage, toll, fines, and 
 amerciaments, and all other profits, commodities, and emoluments whatsoever, to 
 such market, marts, or fairs and Court of Piepowder, or by reason thereof coming, 
 accruing, arising or happening, and with all commodities and free customs, to such 
 market, marts, or fairs appertaining or belonging, to be taken and 'converted to the 
 proper use and behoof of the said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and the commo- 
 nalty of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, for the time being. Wherefore we will, 
 and firmly command, for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, 
 that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors for ever, freely, 
 peaceably, and quietly, shall use and have the aforesaid market and fairs, with all 
 the commodities and free customs to such market and fairs appertaining or belonging. 
 And moreover of our further Grace, We will, and by these presents, for us and 
 the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses, and their successors, that they for ever shall have, use and enjoy, a 
 prison or gaol in any convenient place within the same Borough, to be limited and 
 assigned according to their discretions for ever, and that they the aforesaid Mayor, 
 Bailiffs and Steward, and every one of them, shall and may be able to commit to the 
 prison or gaol aforesaid, safely and securely there to be kept, until they shall be 
 delivered therefrom according to the form of law, all and singular persons who by the 
 aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses or their Deputies, or the Stewards whomso- 
 ever within the same Borough at any time hereafter shall happen to be apprehended, 
 or taken for any crime or offence deserving imprisonment. And further KNOW 
 YE, that We of our especial Grace, and of our certain knowledge and meer motion, 
 for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, Do grant to the 
 aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe and their 
 successors, view of frankpledge of all and singular the inhabitants and resiants, as 
 well intirely as not intirely residing within the said Borough of Wycombe, and within 
 the limits and bounds thereof, and all things which to view of frankpledge appertain 
 or belong, or ought to appertain or belong, to be holden in the aforesaid Common 
 Hall, or House called Guildhall, within the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, twice 
 in a year, that is to say, once within a month of Saint Michael, and again within a 
 month of Easter, to be holden before the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Steward of 
 the Borough aforesaid, or their or any of their sufficient deputy or deputies, for the 
 time being, in every year. And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, may 
 and shall have all and all manner of fines, redemptions, issues and amerciaments, 
 and all other profits ot, or in the aforesaid view of frankpledge, in any wise coming, 
 arising, or happening, to be taken and converted to the proper use and behoof 
 of the said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and the commonalty of the aforesaid 
 Borough of Wycombe, for the time being, so that no other person besides the Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town aforesaid, shall have or hold in any wise here- 
 after any view of frankpledge, or any other Court in the said Town or Borough, or
 
 33 
 
 any place thereof, unless only by the licence and consent of the said Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses, or their heirs and successors thereto specially obtained or to be 
 obtained. And also we will, and by these presents for us and the heirs and 
 successors of us the said Queen grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the Borough aforesaid, and declare by these presents, that the bounds and limits, 
 metes, circuits and precincts, of the Borough aforesaid, shall extend and stretch 
 as hereunder limited and specified ; that is to say, from a certain bridge called 
 Wynkles Bridge in Frogmore, situate at the west end of the same Borough or Town, 
 unto a certain meadow called Hallywell Mead, situate at the east end of a certain 
 common pasture, called the Rye Mead, belonging to the said Mayor Bailiffs and 
 Burgesses, and being parcel of the possessions, and from thence to a certain ditch, 
 situate on the north part of a certain curtilage called Bourhayes, and from the same 
 ditch unto a certain bridge in the street, called Saint Mary Street, near to a certain 
 house or farm, called Lokes, which same bridge leads to the town of Marloii'c, on 
 the south part. And that all and singular houses, edifices, lands, tenements, void 
 grounds, and soil whatsoever within the bounds, metes and limits thereof, may and 
 shall be, and shall be reputed to be, part and parcel of the said Borough of 
 Wycombe, now by these presents into a body Politic as aforesaid erected and in- 
 corporated. And further of our more ample grace, We will, and for us and 
 the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, by these presents grant to the 
 aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe and 
 their successors, that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors, 
 may and shall have within the Borough aforesaid, and within the metes, bounds, 
 limits, and liberties of the same Borough, assize and assay of bread, wine, and ale, 
 and of other victuals, and also of measures and weights whatsoever, and the amend- 
 ment, punishment, and correction thereof, so often as and when it shall be expedient 
 and necessary ; and also may and shall have all and all manner of fines, redemp- 
 tions, and amerciaments, and all other profits therefrom coming or happening. 
 And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors, by their 
 common council, or by the major part thereof, may and shall have authority, power, 
 and faculty to frame, constitute, ordain, and make from time to time, laws, statutes, 
 and ordinances whatsoever, for the government and rule of the artificers and other 
 inhabitants, and for the victualling of the said Borough, and for the better rule 
 and government of the same Borough and the inhabitants of the same : so that the 
 said laws, statutes and ordinances shall not be repugnant nor contrary to the laws 
 and statutes of our kingdom, nor to the prerogative of us and the heirs and successors 
 of us the said Queen. And also of our ample grace, We will and of our certain 
 knowledge and meer motion, for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid 
 Queen, by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the 
 aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, and their successors : that the same Burgesses of the 
 said Borough for the time being, or the major part of them, from time to time every 
 
 E E 
 
 Limits of the 
 borough. 
 
 Corporation to 
 have the assize 
 of bread, 
 wine, ale, 
 measures and 
 weights, &c. 
 
 And all fines 
 therefrom. 
 
 Common 
 Council may 
 make laws. 
 
 Burgesses to 
 nominate the 
 mayor.
 
 Mayor to take 
 an oath. 
 
 If the mayor 
 die or be re- 
 moved, the 
 burgesses to 
 elect another 
 within eight 
 days. 
 
 If a burgess 
 die, or dwell 
 out of the 
 borough, or 
 be removed, 
 the mayor 
 bailiffs and 
 burgesses to 
 choose 
 
 another within 
 fourteen days. 
 
 \ car from henceforth for ever, on Thursday next before the Feast of Saint Michael 
 the Archangel, shall assemble and shall and may be able to assemble, in the afore- 
 said Hall, called The Guildhall, or in any other convenient place within the afore- 
 said Borough of Wycombe, and there shall and may be able to nominate and assign 
 one honest and discreet man from the Burgesses and inhabitants of the said Borough, 
 to be Mayor of the same Borough for one whole year then next ensuing ; which same 
 man, so elected to the office of Mayor, after his corporal oath in due manner made 
 and taken, shall bear the office of Mayor of the same Borough of Wycombe for one 
 year then next ensuing. And further we will, and by these presents for us and 
 the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen grant to the aforesaid Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses, that every person hereafter elected to the office of Mayor of 
 the aforesaid Borough, shall take a corporal oath before his last predecessor in the 
 same office, if the same predecessor shall be living and shall be then present ; and 
 if his same predecessor shall be dead, or shall be absent, before the steward or his 
 sufficient deputy and other the Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, there 
 present for the faithful execution of the said office of Mayor. And if and so often 
 as it shall happen, any person being Mayor of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, to 
 die or be removed from his office during the time which he shall be Mayor of the 
 same Borough, that then and so often the Burgesses of the same Borough surviving, 
 or for the time being, or the major part of them, shall assemble, and shall and may 
 be able to assemble in the said house and place, at a certain day prefixed, within 
 eight days next following the death or removal of the said Mayor of the said Borough, 
 and there to nominate and elect one other honest man of the Burgesses and in- 
 habitants of the said Borough to be Mayor of the said Borough, until Thursday then 
 next ensuing before the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel ; which same man so 
 elected and nominated, after his oath taken in manner and form aforesaid, shall bear 
 and exercise the office of Mayor in the said Borough, until the said Thursday next 
 before the Feast of Saint Michael then next ensuing. And further we will, 
 and of our certain knowledge and meer motion, for us and the heirs and successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses, and their successors, that so often as and whensoever it shall happen 
 any Burgess of the Borough aforesaid for the time being to die, or to dwell out 
 of the said Borough, or be removed from his office of Burgess of the same Borough 
 for any cause, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough, or the major part of them, from 
 time to time, when and as it shall please them and seem expedient within fourteen 
 days then next following the death or removal of the said Burgesses, or of any of 
 them, to assemble in their said Guildhall at their pleasure, and there to nominate 
 and elect one or more of the inhabitants of the said Borough of Wycombe, and 
 then not being of the Burgesses of the same Borough, to be Burgess or Burgesses 
 of the Borough aforesaid, during the life of them and each of them. And that
 
 30 
 
 every person so nominated and elected, from the time of such election, shall be 
 a Burgess of the same Borough during his life, or otherwise if it shall so seem 
 good and expedient to the said Mayor Bailiffs and other Burgesses of the said 
 Borough of Wycombe, or the major part of them. And that every person so nomi- 
 nated and elected, and to be nominated and elected, to the office of Burgess of the 
 Borough aforesaid, shall take a corporal oath before the Mayor and Bailiffs of the 
 same Borough, well and faithfully to execute the office of Burgess of the Borough 
 aforesaid. And further we will, and for us and the heirs and successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen, by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses of the same Borough and their successors, that so often as and when- 
 soever it shall happen the steward of the same Borough for the time being, to die 
 or be removed from his office of Steward of the same Borough, for any reason- 
 able cause, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor Bailiffs 
 and Burgesses of the said Borough, or the major part of the same Burgesses for the 
 time being, from time to time, when and so soon as it shall please and it shall seem 
 expedient to assemble in the said Common Hall, called the Guildhall, within the 
 same Borough at their pleasure, within eight days next following the death or 
 removal of the said steward, or at any other time at their pleasure, and there to 
 nominate and elect one other fit person to be steward of the said Borough of 
 Wycombe during his life, or otherwise, as to the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the 
 said Borough of Wycombe, or the major part of them for the time being, shall seem 
 good and expedient. And that every person so nominated and elected, and to be 
 nominated and elected to the office of steward of the Borough aforesaid, by himself 
 or by his sufficient deputy or deputies, shall well and faithfully exercise and do, and 
 cause to be done and exercised, all things which to justice and other things which 
 to the office of steward of the same Borough doth appertain. And also we will, 
 and for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen by these presents 
 grant and ordain that there may and shall be in the said Borough, two Burgesses of 
 the Parliament of us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen ; and 
 that the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, upon a writ of 
 us and the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, for the election of Burgesses 
 of the Parliament to them directed, may and shall have power, authority, and 
 faculty, to elect and nominate two discreet and honest men to be Burgesses of the 
 Parliament of us and of the successors of us the aforesaid Queen, for the same 
 Borough. And the same Burgesses so elected, at the charges and costs of the said 
 Borough and of the commonalty thereof, shall send to the Parliament of us and of 
 the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, wherever it shall be then holden 
 in the same manner and form as in other Boroughs of our kingdom of Eng/a/id, or 
 in our Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, hath been used and accustomed ; which same 
 Burgesses so elected and nominated, We will to be present and to remain at the 
 Parliament of us and of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, at the 
 
 Burgesses to 
 take an oath. 
 
 Steward to be 
 elected by 
 mayor bailiffs 
 and burgesses. 
 
 Two burgesses 
 of parliament 
 to be elected 
 by mayor 
 bailiffs and 
 burgesses. 
 
 And sent at 
 the expense of 
 the borough 
 and common- 
 alty. 
 
 In the same 
 manner as 
 hath been 
 used.
 
 Mayor to be 
 justice of the 
 peace. 
 
 Fines to go to 
 the Crown. 
 
 No sheriff to 
 execute his 
 office in the 
 borough. 
 
 charges and costs of the said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Wycombe, during the 
 time which such Parliament shall happen to be holden, and in the like manner and 
 form as other Burgesses of the Parliament for whatsoever other Boroughs or Borough 
 within our kingdom of England can do, or have been accustomed to do. And 
 which same Burgesses in such Parliament of us and of the heirs and successors of 
 us the aforesaid Queen, shall have their voices as well affirmative as negative, and 
 shall do and execute all and singular other things there as other Burgesses, or any 
 other Burgess of our Parliament for whatsoever other Boroughs or Borough can have, 
 do, or execute, or can or may be able to have, do, or execute. And further we 
 will, and by these presents ordain and grant that the said Mayor of the Borough 
 aforesaid, for the time being, may and shall be Justice of us and of the heirs and 
 successors of us the aforesaid Queen, to preserve the peace within the aforesaid 
 Borough, and shall have full power and authority to preserve the peace of us and 
 of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, within the Borough aforesaid, 
 and to do and execute all other things which to the office of Justice of the peace 
 of us, and of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, in any our coun- 
 ties of England doth appertain, to do and execute for the good keeping of the 
 peace of us and of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, and the 
 quiet rule and safe government of the people of us and of the heirs and successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen, for all and singular articles and ordinances to keep and 
 cause to be kept within the Borough aforesaid, according to the force, form, and 
 effect of the statutes and ordinances thereupon enacted ; and to cause to be 
 punished all those whom they shall find acting and offending against the force and 
 effect of the statutes and ordinances aforesaid, according to the law of our land ; 
 and to hear and determine all and singular those things according to the law and 
 custom of our kingdom of England, as fully and intirely, and in as ample manner 
 and form as the Justices of the peace in the county of Buckingham, or elsewhere 
 within this our kingdom of England have heretofore had or exercised, or shall have 
 and exercise hereafter, without the Borough and liberty aforesaid ; so that the said 
 justice of the peace within the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, for the time 
 being, shall not proceed to the determination of any felony without the special com- 
 mand of us or of the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen ;' saving to us 
 and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, All and singular fines, 
 amerciaments, redemptions, and other profits of the said office of justice of the 
 peace coining or accruing. And further, of our more ample grace, We hue 
 granted, and by these presents for us and the heirs and successors of us the afore- 
 said Queen, Do grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Wycombe 
 and their successors, that they and their successors for ever shall have the return 
 of all our writs and attachments and the execution thereof, so that no Sheriff or 
 other Bailiff or Minister of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, 
 shall enter the same liberty for the execution of writs and summonses, or attach-
 
 37 
 
 merits, or to exercise any other office there, unless in default of the same Mayor 
 Bailiff's and Burgesses and their successors, or other Ministers of us the aforesaid 
 Queen there ; And moreover of our especial grace, We have granted, and by 
 these presents for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen do 
 grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, that the aforesaid Mayor to 
 be elected for a time and for one year, as soon as he shall be so elected to be 
 Mayor, may and shall be Escheator and Coroner of us and of the heirs and suc- 
 cessors of us the aforesaid Queen, and Clerk of the Market of us and of the 
 heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, within the Borough aforesaid ; and 
 that he shall do and execute all and singular those things which to the office 
 of Escheator, Coroner, and Clerk of the Market appertain and belong, to do and 
 perform within the Borough aforesaid. And that he shall take an oath well and 
 faithfully to perform and exercise the same offices of Escheator, Coroner, and 
 Clerk of the Market, by the same Mayor, before the old Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall take upon himself the office of Escheator, 
 Coroner, and Clerk of the Market. And that no other Escheator, Coroner, or Clerk, 
 of us or of the heirs or successors of us the said Queen, shall in any wise enter into 
 the said Borough or the precincts thereof, or there intermeddle, to do and perform 
 any thing there which to the office of Escheator, Coroner, or Clerk of the Market 
 doth appertain to do and perform. And further of our more ample grace, and of 
 our certain knowledge and meer motion, We have granted for us and the heirs and 
 successors of us the aforesaid Queen, as much as in us lies, that the aforesaid Mayor 
 Bailiffs Burgesses and honest men of the said Borough of Wycombe and their heirs 
 and successors residing, dwelling, or inhabiting within the same Borough, shall be quit 
 and discharged of Pavage, Passage, Lastage, Tallage, Carriage, Pesage, Piccage, and 
 Terrage, throughout our whole kingdom of England and our dominions. We have 
 also granted to the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses aforesaid, and their heirs and 
 successors, that they shall have and receive all manner of fines for trespasses and 
 other misdeeds whatsoever, and also fines for licence to agree, and all manner of 
 other fines, redemptions, and amerciaments, from or by whatsoever cause accruing ; 
 and also issues forfeited of all such men, tenants, resiants, or dwellers in the said 
 Borough of Wycombe, although the same men, tenants, resiants or dwellers, may be 
 ministers of us or of the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen. And that the 
 same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, shall have all and all manner 
 of forfeitures, year day waste and estrepement, within the same Borough happening 
 or arising, adjudged as well in the presence of us or the heirs or successors of us 
 the aforesaid Queen, as elsewhere, in the absence of us or the heirs or successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen, before whatsoever Justices of us, or of the heirs or suc- 
 cessors of us the aforesaid Queen. And that they shall be able to levy, perceive, 
 and have, all that which to us our heirs and successors concerning such forfeitures, year 
 day and waste, and estrepement might appertain, if this our present grant to the same 
 
 Unless in de- 
 fault of the 
 mayor, &c. 
 
 Mayor to be 
 escheator ami 
 coroner. 
 And clerk of 
 the market. 
 
 To take an 
 oath. 
 
 Inhabitants 
 quit of pavage, 
 &c. &c &c. 
 throughout 
 
 Corporation 
 to have fines 
 for trespasses, 
 &c.
 
 Inhabitants 
 not to be 
 drawn into 
 plea before 
 the steward 
 of the crown 
 for the assize 
 broken in the 
 borough, nor 
 for trespasses. 
 
 Corporation 
 to have fines 
 by burgesses 
 adjudged 
 before the 
 steward <if 
 the crown. 
 
 Steward of 
 the crown not 
 to exercise His 
 office in the 
 borough. 
 
 Corporation 
 to have the 
 
 chattels of 
 felons etc. 
 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses had not been made, to the use of the same Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, by their Bailiffs or Ministers. And that 
 they shall and may be able likewise from henceforth for ever to levy, perceive, and 
 have, such fines, redemptions, and amerciaments, of all such tenants, resiants, or 
 dwellers in the said Town or Borough of Wycombe; and also the issues by them 
 or any of them forfeited, which shall happen to be made or adjudged, or forfeited 
 before us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, or in the 
 chancery of us or the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen, or before 
 whatsoever Justices and Ministers of us or the heirs or successors of us the afore- 
 said Queen, by Estreats of such Courts of us or the heirs or successors of us the 
 aforesaid Queen, without the hindrance or impediment of us or the heirs and suc- 
 cessors of us the aforesaid Queen, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coroners, Bailiffs, 
 or other Ministers of us or the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen whom- 
 soever. We have moreover granted for us and the said heirs and successors of 
 us the aforesaid Queen, to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough 
 aforesaid, that neither they nor their heirs and successors, nor any person dwelling 
 in the same Borough, shall be drawn into plea before the Steward or Marshal of the 
 Household of us or of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, for the 
 assize of bread, wine, and ale, in the same Borough broken, or for any trespasses by 
 them or any of them without the Verge or within the Verge before or after the 
 coming of the same Steward and Marshal, or either of them, to those parts, or at 
 the time of the said Steward and Marshal being in those parts, to whatsoever person 
 made or perpetrated, nor shall he or they be hindered or molested or in any wise 
 aggrieved before the same Steward and Marshal, on those accounts or any of them. 
 We have also granted for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, 
 to the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, and their suc- 
 cessors, that they shall be able to levy, perceive, and have to the use and profit of 
 the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and of the whole Commonalty of the said 
 Borough of Wycombe, all and all manner of issues, fines, redemptions and amercia- 
 ments, by any Burgess of the said Borough of Wycombe for the time being forfeited 
 or adjudged before the Steward and Marshal of the Household of us and the heirs 
 and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, for the time being. We have also granted, 
 and by these presents firmly forbid, any Sheriff, Constable, or Bailiff, or the afore- 
 said Steward and Marshal of the Household of us or of the heirs or successors of 
 us the aforesaid Queen, or any Minister or Officer of us or of the heirs or successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen, besides the Mayor and Bailiffs of the said Borough for the 
 time being, in any wise to enter the same Borough, in any manner to exercise his 
 office there, unless in default of the same Mayor or Bailiffs or any of them ; but 
 all that shall appertain and be done by the Mayor and Bailiffs and their successors 
 from henceforth for ever. We have also granted for us and the heirs and successors 
 of us the aforesaid Queen, that the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their
 
 39 
 
 successors from henceforth, shall have all manner of chattels of felons and fugitives, 
 as well felons of themselves as others whomsoever, outlaws, attainted and convicted 
 persons, and from whatsoever cause of all the men and tenants aforesaid, as well 
 intire tenants as not intire tenants and resiants, and of all the dwellers and inhabi- 
 tants within the said Borough of Wycombe, and goods and chattels waived, estrays what- 
 soever within the said Borough, deodands and treasure trove within the Borough 
 aforesaid. And if any man of the tenants and residents of or in the same Borough, 
 or any other person in the same Borough, for any his offence or misdeed what- 
 soever, ought to lose life or member, or shall fly and not stand to judgement, 
 or shall commit any other trespass for which he ought to lose his chattels, in what 
 place justice ought to be done, whether in the court of us or of the heirs or 
 successors of us the said Queen, or in other courts, the chattels shall be of the same 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and it shall be lawful for them to put themselves in 
 seizin of the same chattels, and the same chattels to retain to their use without the 
 hindrance or impediment of us or the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen, 
 the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coroners, or other Bailiffs or Ministers of us or of 
 the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen whomsoever. And that they the 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall have whatsoever goods 
 and chattels, called Manuopera, taken or to be taken with any person being within 
 the Borough aforesaid. We will also, and by these presents grant to the aforesaid 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, that they may and 
 shall have these our letters patent under our great seal of England in due manner 
 made and sealed, without fine or fee, great or small, to us in our Hanaper or else- 
 where, to our use for the same in any wise to be rendered paid or done : Although 
 express mention, &c. In witness whereof, &c. Witness, The King and Queen at 
 Westminster, the twenty-seventh day of August. 
 
 And waifs, 
 estrays, 
 deodands, 
 treasure trove, 
 and chattels 
 forfeited by 
 offenders. 
 
 And manu- 
 opera. 
 This charter 
 granted with- 
 out fee.
 
 40 
 
 THE FOURTH OF ELIZABETH. 
 iStii July, 1562. 
 
 Twenty-fourth Part of Close Rolls in the fourth year of the Reign 
 of Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 The corpora- 
 tion patrons 
 of ,S7. John's 
 hospital. 
 
 Have granted 
 the same to 
 the Queen. 
 
 As also our 
 lady rents. 
 
 Of a writing ^ 
 
 between our 
 Lady the 
 Queen, and 
 the Mayor 
 Bailiffs and 
 Burgesses of 
 Cheppyng 
 Wycombe. J 
 
 TO ALL Christ's faithful People, to whom this present writing 
 shall come. The Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Great Wycombe, 
 Otherwise called Cheppyng Wycombe, in the County of Bucking- 
 ham, true and undoubted Patrons of the Hospital of Saint John 
 \ the Baptist in Wycombe aforesaid, Greeting in the Lord Everlast- 
 ing. KNOW YE, that We the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and 
 Burgesses, of our unanimous assent and consent Have given, 
 granted, and by this our present writing confirmed, to our Lady 
 Elizabeth by the grace of God, of England, Erance, and Ireland 
 Queen, Defender of the Faith and so forth, All the scite, bounds, and circuit of the 
 said Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, And all the Hospital aforesaid. And 
 also all and singular messuages, houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, feed- 
 ings, pastures, commons, rents, reversions, services, and hereditaments whatsoever, 
 situate, lying and being in Wycombe aforesaid, and in the parishes of Penne, Ilichen- 
 den and Great Marlowe, in the said County of Buckingham, and any of them and 
 elsewhere wheresoever in the same County which to the said late Hospital did 
 formerly belong or appertain, or which as part, parcel or member of the same late 
 hospital were heretofore had, known, accepted, used, or reputed. And also all 
 those our messuages, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures and heredita- 
 ments whatsoever, in Wycombe aforesaid, called or known by the name of the fraternity 
 of the Blessed Mary, or by the name of our Lady Rents : And also all and 
 all manner of woods, underwoods, and trees whatsoever, of, in, and upon the 
 premises growing and being, and the land, soil, and ground of the same woods, 
 underwoods, and trees ; and the reversion and reversions whatsoever of all and 
 singular the premises above expressed and specified, and of every parcel thereof. 
 And also the rents, reversions, and yearly profits whatsoever, reserved upon whatso- 
 ever demises and grants in any manner made of the premises or of any parcel 
 thereof, To have, hoi ,d, and enjoy the aforesaid scite, bounds, and circuit of the
 
 41 
 
 aforesaid late Hospital, and the aforesaid late Hospital, and also the aforesaid 
 messuages, houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures, rents, 
 reversions, services, woods, underwoods, and all and singular other the premises 
 above expressed and specified, with every of their appurtenances to our aforesaid 
 Lady the Queen, her heirs and assigns, to the proper use and behoof of our same 
 Lady the Queen, her heirs and assigns for ever. And We the aforesaid Mayor 
 Bailiffs and Burgesses, by these presents will warrant and for ever defend the afore- 
 said scite, bounds, and circuit of the said late Hospital, and the aforesaid late 
 Hospital, and also the aforesaid messuages, houses, edifices, lands, tenements, and 
 all and singular other the premises with their appurtenances to our aforesaid Lady 
 the now Queen, her heirs and assigns, against us and our successors. In Witness 
 whereof, We the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses have put our Common Seal. 
 Dated the eighteenth day of July, in the fourth year of the reign of Elizabeth, by 
 the grace of God, of England, Erance, and Ireland, Queen, Defender of the Faith, 
 and so forth. 
 
 And be it remembered, that on the nineteenth day of July, in the year above 
 written, the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses came before our said Lady the 
 Queen, in her Chancery at Westminster, and acknowledged the writing aforesaid, and 
 all and every thing in the same contained and specified in form abovesaid. 
 
 The corpora- 
 tion acknow- 
 ledged the 
 aforesaid 
 grant in the 
 Queen's 
 chancery. 
 
 F F
 
 42 
 
 THE FOURTH OF ELIZABETH. 
 2 ist July, 1562. 
 
 hird Part of Patents in the fourth year of the Reien of Queen 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 The corpora- 
 tion mil 
 to found a 
 
 grammar 
 school. 
 
 sup- 
 in ill foi 
 persons. 
 
 The Queen 
 grants the 
 corporation 
 
 licence to 
 found a 
 school. 
 
 For t/te Mayor \ THE QUEEN, To all to whom, &c. Greeting. —WHERE AS, 
 
 Bailiffs and We now understand that our beloved subjects, the Mayor Bailiffs 
 Burgesses of : and Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe, in our County of 
 the Borough of Buckingham, are minded and intend not only to make, found, 
 Wicombe of a erect and establish a certain Grammar School, of one Master or 
 grant to them Pedagogue, for the good education and instruction of boys and 
 
 and their sue- youth, according to the ordinances and statutes by the same 
 rs. J Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors or any of 
 
 them, therefore to be made, augmented or found, to be perpetually hereafter sus- 
 tained and exhibited in the same Borough of Wycombe, in our said County of Buck- 
 ingham ; but also, at their proper char I expenses to support and maintain 
 four poor persons within the same town for ever. And whereas also, the same 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses have humbly besought us, that We would condescend 
 to grant our royal license to make, found, erect and establish the School afore- 
 said : We considering not only the premises, but also the pious, good, laudable, and 
 devout intention of the aforesaid .Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses in the premises, and 
 inwardly desiring as much as in us lies to augment all and singular those thii 
 which may in any wise concern the good education and instruction of boys and 
 youth, and the relief of the poor, of our especial grace and of our certain know- 
 ledge and nicer motion, have ed nd iven license, and by these presents 
 rant and give license, for us our heirs and successors as much as in us lies, 
 to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the IB ough of Wicombe 
 and their successors ; that they and their successors, or any of them, shall and 
 may be able to erect, found, and establish, a certain Grammar School, of one 
 Master or Pedagogue as is aforesaid, according to the ordinances and statutes by 
 the same Mayor Bailiffs and B or their successors in that behalf, to be 
 made, framed, ordered, and established in the said Borough of Wicombe, in our
 
 
 said County of Buckingham, to continue for ever hereafter. And that the same 
 Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, may or shall be able to prefer, 
 create, and ordain a proper person whomsoever to be Master or Pedagogue, and 
 for Master and Pedagogue of the same School, according to the ordinances and 
 statutes by the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses or their successors, for the ; 
 and wholesome government and rule of the same School to be made, framed, and 
 established. And further of our grace we will, and by these presents for us our 
 heirs and successors grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, that they 
 and their successors shall make, and shall and may be able to make, proper and 
 wholesome statutes and ordinances in writing concerning and touching the ordering, 
 and government, and direction of the Master of the School aforesaid, for the time 
 being ; and the stipend and salary of the same Master and other things touching 
 and concerning the same School, and the order, government, preservation, and 
 disposition of the rents and revenues appointed, and to be appointed to the support 
 of the same School, which same statutes and ordinances so to be made, we will. 
 and grant, and by these presents command inviolably to be preserved from time to 
 time for ever, so that the same statutes and ordinances shall not be to the prejudice 
 of us our heirs or successors, nor contrary to the laws, statutes or ordinances, of this 
 our kingdom of England. And whereas the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the said Borough of Wicombe, have humbly besought us that for their better 
 sustenance, support, and maintenance of the School aforesaid, and of the Poor aforesaid, 
 we would be pleased to extend to them our royal munificence, grace, and liberality : 
 Kxow ye that we at the humble petition of the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses 
 of the said Borough of Wicombe and also in consideration of the late Hospital of 
 Saint John the Baptist in Wycombe aforesaid, and of all and singular messuages, 
 lands, tenements, rents, revenues, services, and other hereditaments whatsoever to 
 the same late Hospital in any wise belonging or appertaining, and of all the 
 messuages, tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever in Wycombe aforesaid, called 
 or known by the name of the fraternity of the Blessed Mary, or by the name 
 of Our Lady Rents, by the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, patrons of the said 
 Hospital, to us our heirs and successors lately given, granted, and surrendered, 
 to do our pleasure therewith ; as by their deed remaining of record in our 
 Chancery more fully doth and may appear : Of our more ample grace certain 
 knowledge and meer motion, Have given and granted, and confirmed, and by 
 these presents do give, grant, and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and 
 Burgesses of Wycombe, All the scite, bounds, and circuit, of the late Hospital of 
 Saint John the Baptist in Wycombe aforesaid in our said County of Buckingham ; 
 And all the Hospital aforesaid, And all and singular the messuages, houses, edifices, 
 lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures, commons, rents, reversions, services 
 and hereditaments whatsoever, situate, lying and being in Wycombe aforesaid, and 
 in the parishes of Penne, Hychendon, and Great Marlowe, in our said County of 
 
 And a 
 a master. 
 
 And make 
 
 statut 
 cerning the 
 
 master his 
 stipem I and 
 other things. 
 
 And the rents, 
 
 cVe. fur the 
 support of the 
 same school. 
 
 lb- Queen 
 grants the 
 hospital of 
 St. John,
 
 44 
 
 And our lady 
 rents, 
 
 To be held of 
 Windsor 
 castle, in free 
 soccage. 
 
 The corpora- 
 tion to have 
 all rents since 
 lady day in 
 the 2d. year of 
 Edw. VI. 
 
 May purchase 
 lands, &C, 
 
 Buckingham, and every of them and elsewhere wheresoever, in the same County, 
 which to the said late Hospital did formerly belong or appertain, or which as parts, 
 parcel, or member of the same late Hospital have heretofore been had, known, 
 accepted, used, or reputed. And also all those messuages, lands, tenements, 
 meadows, feedings, pastures, rents, reversions, services and hereditaments whatso- 
 ever in Wycombe aforesaid, called or known by the name of the fraternity of the 
 Blessed Mary, or by the name of Our Lady Rents. And also all and all manner 
 our woods, underwoods, and trees whatsoever, of, in, and upon the premises growing 
 and being, and the land, soil, and ground of the same woods, underwoods, and 
 trees, and the reversion and reversions whatsoever of all and singular the premises 
 above expressed and specified, and of every parcel thereof; and also the rents, 
 revenues, and yearly profits whatsoever, reserved upon whatsoever demises and 
 grants in any manner made of the premises or of any parcel thereof. To have, 
 hold, and enjoy the aforesaid scite, bounds, and circuit of the aforesaid late 
 Hospital, and the aforesaid late Hospital and also the fraternity of the Blessed 
 Mary, called our Lady Rents in Wycombe aforesaid ; and all and singular the 
 aforesaid messuages, houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures, 
 rents, reversions, services, woods, underwoods, and all and singular other the 
 premises above expressed and specified, with every of their appurtenances to the 
 aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, to the proper use and 
 behoof of the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors for ever; To 
 be holden of us our heirs and successors, as of our Castle of Windsor in our 
 County of Berks, by fealty only in free soccage and not in chief, for all rents, 
 services, and demands whatsoever, for the same, to us our heirs or successors, in 
 any wise to be rendered, paid, or done. And further of our more ample grace, 
 We have given and granted, and by these presents for us and our heirs, Do give 
 and grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe, 
 all the issues, rents, revenues, and profits, of all and singular the premises above 
 expressed and specified, with every of their appurtenances, from the Feast of the 
 annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was in the second year of the reign 
 of the late King Edward the Sixth, our dearly beloved brother, until this time 
 coming or accruing : To hold to the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of our gift, 
 without account or any other thing for the same to us our heirs or successors in 
 any wise to be rendered, paid, or done : And moreover of our further especial 
 grace, we have given and granted, and by these presents for us our heirs and 
 successors, Do give and grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the 
 Borough of Wycombe aforesaid and their successors, special license and free and 
 lawful faculty, power and authority, to have, receive, and purchase, to them and 
 their successors for ever, towards the support and maintenance of the School afore- 
 said, and of the poor persons aforesaid, as well of us our heirs and successors as 
 of any other persons and person whomsoever, manors, messuages, lands, tenements,
 
 45 
 
 rectories, tythes, rents, and other hereditaments whatsoever, within our kingdom of 
 England or elsewhere within our dominions, which are not holden of us our heirs or 
 successors immediately in chief, or by knight's service, provided they shall not ex- 
 ceed the clear yearly value of thirty pounds, beyond the aforesaid messuages, lands, 
 tenements, and other the premises above by these presents given and granted ; the 
 statute concerning lands and tenements not to be put in mortmain, or any other 
 statute, act, ordinance, or provision, or any other thing, cause, or matter whatsoever 
 to the contrary thereof, had, made, enacted, ordained, or provided, in any wise not- 
 withstanding : Provided always, and further we will, and by these presents ordain, 
 that all the issues, rents and revenues of all the aforesaid lands, tenements, and 
 possessions above by these presents granted, shall be converted or expended towards 
 the support of the School aforesaid, and of the poor persons aforesaid, and to the 
 reparation and support of the houses, lands, tenements, and possessions aforesaid, and 
 not otherwise, nor to any other uses or intents. We will also, and by these 
 presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town of Great 
 Wycombe aforesaid, that they may and shall have these our letters patent under 
 our great seal of England, in due manner made and sealed, without fine or fee, great 
 or small, to us in our Hanaper or elsewhere to our use for the same in any wise 
 to be rendered, paid, or done : Although express mention, &c. In witness whereof, 
 Sec. Witness, THE QUEEN at Westminster, the twenty first day of July. 
 
 If not held of 
 the crown in 
 chief, nor by 
 knight's ser- 
 vice, nor 
 worth more 
 than ^30 a 
 year. 
 
 Rents &c. not 
 to be applied 
 to any other 
 uses. 
 
 Granted with- 
 out fee. 
 21st July. 
 
 By the Q UEEN herself, &c.
 
 4 6 
 
 C II ARTER 
 
 GRANTED TO THE 
 
 MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSF.S 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BOROUGH OF CHIPPING WYCOMBE, 
 
 BY QUEEN ELIZABETH, 
 
 ist March, 1598, 
 
 In the Fortieth Year of Her Reigx. 
 
 Ol a Grant 
 to them and 
 their Succes- 
 sors for the 
 Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and 
 
 I I -05 Of 
 
 1 irough 
 of Cheppiug 
 
 otherwise 
 
 1 'ounty 
 of Bucking- 
 ham. 
 
 THE QUEEN, To all to whom, &c. Greeting.— WHEREAS our Borough of 
 Cheppiug Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, in our County of Buckingham, is an 
 antient and populous Borough, and the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough 
 of Wycombe aforesaid, have had, and used, and enjoyed divers Liberties, Franchises, 
 Immunities, and Pre-eminences, as well by our Charter, and by the Charter of the 
 Lord Philip, and our dearly beloved Sister Mary, late King and Queen of England, 
 as by Charters of other our Progenitors and Predecessors, Kings of England, to 
 them and their Predecessors heretofore made, granted, or confirmed, as also by 
 reason of divers Prescriptions and Customs in the same Borough, from Time whereof 
 the Memory of Man is not to the contrary used : And whereas We are informed 
 that certain Defects, Ambiguities, and Uncertainties, are in the Charters and Letters 
 Patent aforesaid, by Reason that some Tilings in the same contained were not 
 granted plainly, expressly, nor by Words sufficiently proper for the good Rule, 
 Government, and Advantage of the Borough aforesaid, according to the true Intent 
 of the same Charters or Letters Patent : And whereas our beloved Subjects, the 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid, have humbly 
 besought us that we would be pleased to shew and extend to the same Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses, our Royal Grace and Munificence in that Behalf, and that 
 We, for the better Government, Rule, and Improvement of the same Borough, 
 would condescend to ratify, confirm, approve, make, renew, constitute, or create 
 anew, the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough into one Body
 
 47 
 
 Corporate and Politic, by our Letters Patent, as to us should seem most expedient ; 
 We therefore, willing that from henceforth for ever in the same Borough there 
 shall continually be had one certain and undoubted Method of and for the Keeping 
 of the Peace, and the good Rule and Government of the People there ; and that 
 the Borough aforesaid from henceforth for ever shall be and remain a Borough of 
 Peace and Quiet to the I >read and Terror of the Wicked, and in Reward of the 
 Good ; and that our Peace and other Deeds of Justice may be kept there without 
 further Delay ; and hoping that if the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same 
 Borough, and their Successors, are able to enjoy by our Grant more ample Honor, 
 Liberties, and Privileges, then they will consider themselves bound more especially 
 and strongly to perform and exhibit to us, and to our Heirs and Successors, the 
 Services which they are able of our special Grace and of our certain Knowledge and 
 mere Motion, have willed, ordained, constituted, and granted ; and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs and Successors, do will, ordain, constitute, declare, and grant, That 
 the said Borough of Wicombe, in our said County of Buckingham, from henceforth 
 may and shall be a free Borough of itself, and that the Burgesses of the same 
 Borough and their Successors from henceforth for ever may and shall be, by Force 
 of these Presents, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, and Name, of 
 one Mayor, two Bailiffs, and the Burgesses, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County 
 of Buckingham, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, and Name, really 
 and fully for us, our Heirs, and Successors, we do erect, make, ordain, constitute, 
 confirm, and declare by these Presents ; and that by the same Name they shall have 
 perpetual Succession ; and that they, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses 
 of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Bucking- 
 ham, may and shall be for ever hereafter Persons able and capable in the Law to 
 have, purchase, receive, and possess Lands, Tenements, Liberties, Privileges, Juris- 
 dictions, Franchises, and Hereditaments, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they 
 may be, to them and their Successors, in Fee and Perpetuity, and also Goods and 
 Chattels, and whatsoever other Things, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they 
 may be, and also to give, grant, demise, and assign Lands, Tenements, and Here- 
 ditaments, Goods and Chattels, and to do and execute all and singular other Deeds 
 and Things by the Name aforesaid : and that by the same Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Burgesses of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County 
 of Buckingham, shall and may be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be 
 answered, defend and be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before 
 whatsoever Judges and Justices, and other Persons and Officers of us and of our 
 Heirs and Successors, in all Suits, Plaints, Pleas, Causes, Matters, and Demands, 
 real, personal, or mixt, as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, 
 < r Sort they may be, in the same Manner and Form as other our liege People of 
 this our Kingdom of England, Persons able and capable in the Law, may and can 
 
 A Body Cor- 
 porate, in 
 Name of 
 Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses, 
 
 Lands, &c 
 
 May plead, 
 &c
 
 43 
 
 Common Seal. 
 
 Mayor. 
 
 Bailiffs. 
 
 Burgesses. 
 
 Common 
 
 Council. 
 
 ' Irdaining of 
 Laws for the 
 !:■ roueh. 
 
 he able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be de- 
 fended, and to have, purchase, receive, possess, give, grant, and demise : and that 
 the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Chcpping 
 Wycombe, otherwise Wtcombe, in the County of Buckingham, and their Successors, 
 shall have for ever a common Seal, to serve for doing their Affairs and Business 
 whatsoever, and of their Successors ; and that it shall and may be lawful to the 
 same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, the same Seal at their 
 Pleasure, from Time to Time, to break, change, and make anew, as to them shall 
 seem meet: And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and 
 Successors, grant and ordain, That from henceforth for ever there may and shall be, 
 within the Borough aforesaid, one of the most honest and discreet Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, in Form hereafter in these Presents mentioned, to be elected, 
 who shall be and be named Mayor of the Borough aforesaid : and that in like 
 Manner there may and shall be, within the same Borough, two honest and discreet 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, in Form hereafter in these Presents mentioned, 
 to be elected, who shall be and be named Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid : And 
 also we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and 
 ordain, That from henceforth there may and shall be, within the Borough aforesaid, 
 from Time to Time, twelve honest and discreet Men, continually residing and dwel- 
 ling within the same Borough, who shall be and be called Capital Burgesses of the 
 said Borough : And that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, 
 and their Successors, or the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever, shall 
 and may be able to elect so many and such other Men inhabiting or not inhabiting 
 within the Borough aforesaid, as to them shall seem to be most expedient, to be 
 Burgesses of the said Borough : And we will, and by these Presents for us, our 
 Heirs, and Successors, grant, That the aforesaid Bailiffs and Capital Burgesses shall 
 be and be called the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, and shall be 
 from Time to Time assisting and aiding to the Mayor of the said Borough of 
 Clupping Wycombe, otherwise Wtcombe, aforesaid, for the Time being, in all Causes 
 and Matters touching or concerning the Borough aforesaid: And further we 
 WILL, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the afore- 
 said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, 
 That the Mayor, Bailiffs, and twelve Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, 
 and their Successors for the Time being, or the major Part of them, of whom the 
 Mayor for the Time being We will to be one, may and shall have full Power and 
 Authority to frame, constitute, ordain, and make, from Time to Time, such reason- 
 able Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances whatsoever which to them shall seem to be good, 
 wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary, according to their sound Discretions, 
 for the good Rule and Government of the Burgesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants ot 
 the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and for declaring in what Manner and 
 Uider the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and the Artificers, Inhabitants,
 
 49 
 
 and Residents of the Borough aforesaid, shall behave, and carry, and use them- 
 selves in their Offices, Mysteries, and Business within the same Borough, and the 
 Limits thereof, for the time being, and otherwise for the further good and public 
 Utility and Rule of the same Borough, and the Victualling of the same Borough, 
 and also for the better Preservation, Government, Disposition, letting and demising 
 of the Lands, Tenements, Possessions, Revenues, and Hereditaments to the afore- 
 said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, by these Presents, or other- 
 wise given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or hereafter to be given, granted, or 
 assigned, and other Things and Causes whatsoever touching or in any wise con- 
 cerning the Borough aforesaid, or the State, Right, and Interest of the same Borough : 
 and that they and their Successors, by the Mayor for the Time, and the Bailiffs, 
 and Capital Burgesses aforesaid, being the Common Council of the same Borough, 
 or by the major Part of them as aforesaid, so often as they shall frame, make, 
 ordain, or establish such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances in Form aforesaid, shall 
 be able to impose and assess such and so many reasonable Pains, Penalties, and 
 Punishments, by Imprisonment of the Body, or by Fines and Amerciaments, or by 
 either of them, towards and upon all Delinquents against such Laws, Statutes, 
 an 1 Ordinances, or any or either of them, as and which to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Capital Burgesses, the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time 
 being, or the major Part of them as aforesaid, shall seem to be reasonable and 
 requisite ; and shall and may be able to levy and have the same Fines and Amercia- 
 ments, without the Impediments of us, our Heirs, and Successors : all and singular 
 which Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances so as aforesaid to be made, We will to be 
 observed under the Pains in the same to be contained ; so nevertheless that such 
 Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Imprisonments, Fines, and Amerciaments, shall not be 
 repugnant nor contrary to the Laws, Statutes, Customs, or Rights of our Kingdom 
 of England: And for the better Execution of our same Grant in that Behalf, We 
 have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, and by these Presents, for us, our 
 Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved John 
 Greneland, now Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, to be the first and present Mayor 
 of the Borough aforesaid, willing that the same John Greneland shall be and continue 
 in the Office of Mayor of the same Borough, from the making of these Presents 
 until the Thursday next before the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel next ensuing, 
 and from the same Feast until another of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid 
 shall be elected and sworn to the same Office, according to the Ordinances and 
 Constitutions in these Presents hereunder expressed and declared, if the same John 
 Greneland shall so long live : We have also assigned, nominated, and constituted, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, consti- 
 tute, and make our beloved Anthony Anthony and Thomas Bilson, now Bailiffs of 
 the Borough aforesaid, to be the two first and present Bailiffs of the Borough 
 aforesaid, to continue in the same Office until the Thursday next before the Feast 
 
 G G 
 
 Disposition ol 
 Lands, Sc. 
 
 Penalties and 
 Punishments. 
 
 First Mayor, 
 Bailiff's, and 
 Burgesses.
 
 5o 
 
 of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary next ensuing, and from the same 
 Feast until two other Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be preferred and 
 sworn to the Office of Bailiffs of the said Borough, according to the Ordinances 
 and Constitutions in these Presents hereafter expressed and declared, if the same 
 Anthony Anthony and Thomas Bilson shall so long live : We have also assigned, 
 nominated, and constituted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, 
 do assign, nominate, constitute, and appoint our beloved Tristram ll'ynehe, Robert 
 Cullen, William Mundy, John Gibbons, John Fox, John Wells, Thomas Wells, George 
 Wells, Thomas Taylor, Ralph Evershy, William Littleboy, and John Lit/lepage, 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be the twelve first and present Capital 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office during their 
 Lives, unless, in the mean time, for bad Government or ill behaving themselves in 
 that Behalf, they shall be removed from the same Office : And further we WILL, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That 
 the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the time being, or 
 the major Part of them, from time to time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have 
 Power and Authority, yearly and every year, on the Thursday next before the 
 Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, to assemble themselves, or the major Part ot 
 them, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place 
 within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Dis- 
 cretions, and there to continue until they, or the major Part of them there then 
 assembled, shall elect or nominate one Burgess of the Borough aforesaid to be 
 Election of Mayor for the Year ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form following ; and 
 
 Miivor 
 
 that they shall and may be able there to elect and nominate, before they shall from 
 thence depart, one Burgess of the Borough aforesaid, who shall be Mayor of the 
 Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ; and that he, after he 
 shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Mayor of the Borough afore- 
 said, before he shall be admitted to execute the same Office, shall take a corporal 
 Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly on the Day of Election, if he shall then 
 be present ; and if he shall be absent, then within one Month then next ensuing 
 the said Day of Election, before the Mayor, his last Predecessor, and in his Absence 
 before such of the aforesaid Capital I'.urgesses for the Time being, and other the 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present in the Guildhall 
 of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough 
 aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and 
 faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the same Office; and 
 that after such Oath so taken he shall undertake, and ought, and shall, and may 
 be able to execute the Office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, until the Thursday 
 next before the Feast of .S7. Michael the Archangel then next ensuing, and further 
 until another of the aforesaid Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be in due
 
 5i 
 
 Manner and Form elected, preferred, and sworn to be Mayor of the Borough afore- 
 said : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Suc- 
 cessors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, 
 and their Successors, That the Mayor, Bailiffs, and the aforesaid Capital Burgesses, or 
 the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have 
 Power and Authority, yearly and every Year, on the Thursday next before the Feast 
 of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to assemble themselves, or the major 
 Part of them, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient 
 Place within the aforesaid Borough, to be limited and assigned according to their Dis- 
 cretions, and there to continue until they, or the major Part of them there then assem- 
 bled, shall elect or nominate two Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs for Election of 
 the Year ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form following ; and that they shall a ' ' s ' 
 and may be able there to elect and nominate, before they shall from thence depart, two 
 of the aforesaid Burgesses, who from thenceforth shall be Bailiffs of the Borough 
 aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ; and that they, after they shall be so 
 as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, before they 
 shall be admitted to execute the said Office, shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy 
 Gospel of God yearly on the Day of Election, if they shall then be present, and if they 
 shall be absent, then within one Month next ensuing the Day of Election aforesaid, 
 before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, or in the Absence of the said Mayor, 
 before the Bailiffs their last Predecessors, or either of them, in the Presence of such of 
 the aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and 
 other the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall be then present in the Guild- 
 hall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough 
 aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and 
 faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the same Office ; and that 
 after such Oath so taken they shall undertake, and ought, and shall, and may be able 
 to execute the Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, until the Thursday next 
 before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary then next ensuing, 
 and further until other of the aforesaid Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be in 
 due Manner and Form elected, preferred, and sworn to be Bailiffs of the Borough 
 aforesaid : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and 
 Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said, and their Successors, That if it shall happen the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, 
 at any Time hereafter within one Year after he shall be preferred and sworn to the 
 Office of Mayoralty of the Borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, to die or be removed from 
 his Office, which same Mayor not well behaving himself in the same Office, We will Mayor re- 
 to be removeable at the Pleasure of the aforesaid Capital Burgesses, and of the other Misbehaviour. 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, who 
 shall be then present, so that the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said may or shall be then present, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to
 
 52 
 
 Bailiffs re- 
 moveable for 
 
 Misbehaviour. 
 
 Burgesses re- 
 move&ble for 
 
 Misbehaviour. 
 
 the aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, to 
 assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days next ensuing the 
 Death or Removal of the same Mayor in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in 
 any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to elect, prefer, and 
 nominate one other honest and fit Man of the aforesaid Burgesses, of the Borough afore- 
 said into the Mayoralty, and for Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, in the Place of him 
 so dead, or removed from his Office ; and that he into the Office of Mayoralty so 
 elected and preferred, having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form aforesaid, shall 
 have and exercise the same Office during the Residue of the same Year, and until 
 another Burgess of the Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the same 
 Office ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if it shall happen the Bailiffs 
 of the Borough aforesaid, or either of them, to die, or be removed from their Office of 
 Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, which same Bailiffs, and each of them, not well 
 behaving themselves or himself in their Office aforesaid, We will to be removeable 
 at the Pleasure of the Mayor and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the 
 Time being, or the major Part of them, that then and so often it shall and may be 
 lawful to the Mayor and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time 
 being, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days next after the aforesaid Bailiff, 
 or Bailiffs shall so die, or be removed from his Office aforesaid, to assemble in the 
 Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Bo- 
 rough aforesaid, and to elect and prefer one or two of the Burgesses of the Borough 
 aforesaid, into the Place or Places of the same Bailiff, or Bailiffs, so dead or removed 
 from his Office ; and that he or they, so elected and sworn, shall have and exercise 
 the same Office or Offices during the Residue of the same Year, and until another or 
 others of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the 
 same Office of Bailiff or Bailiffs of the same Borough, having first taken a Corporal 
 Oath in Form aforesaid; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if any or 
 cither of the Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall die, or be removed from 
 his Office, who not well behaving themselves in their Office, We will to be remove- 
 able at the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and the major Part of the 
 aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the same Borough, for the Time being, then that the 
 Mayor and such of the rest of the aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said, who shall be assembled in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other 
 convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according 
 to -their Discretions, or the major Part of them so assembled, at the Pleasure of the 
 Mayor and the Residue of the Capital Burgesses, shall and maybe able to elect and 
 prefer one, or as many as shall be deficient of the aforesaid Number of twelve of the 
 best and most honest Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, into the Place of the same 
 Capital Burgess, or Capital Burgesses, so dead, or removed from his or their Office or 
 Offices ; and that he or they, so elected and preferred, shall have and exercise the same 
 Office to which he or they shall be so elected and preferred, so long as they shall well
 
 53 
 
 behave themselves in the same Office; and that the aforesaid Mayor so newly elected, 
 before he shall execute the same Office of Mayoralty, shall take a Corporal Oath be- 
 fore such Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, as shall then be present ; and that the 
 Bailiffs so newly elected, in like Manner, before they shall execute the same Office, shall 
 take a Corporal Oath before the Mayor and Capital Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said, or the major Bart of them ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And 
 further we will, and by these Bresents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant Steward. 
 to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their 
 Successors, That they and their Successors shall have in the Borough aforesaid for ever' 
 one honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of this Kingdom, to be elected and 
 nominated in Form hereunder expressed, who shall be and be called Steward of 
 the Borough aforesaid : And we have assigned, constituted, and made, and by these 
 Bresents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, ordain, constitute, and 
 make our beloved Sebastian A'e/e, Gentleman, to be the first and present Steward of the 
 Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office so long as he shall well behave him- 
 self in the same Office ; and that the same Sebastian Kde shall and may be able to 
 have, exercise, and enjoy the same Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid, by him- 
 self, or by his sufficient Deputy or Deputies ; and that the same Sebastian Kele, and 
 his Deputy or Deputies, before they shall proceed to the Execution of his Office afore- 
 said, shall take a Corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God before the Mayor of 
 the Borough aforesaid, faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the 
 same Office ; and that after the Death or Removal of the aforesaid Sebastian, the Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the 
 major Fart of them, in a convenient Time shall and may be able to elect, nominate, and Election oi 
 prefer one honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of England, from Time to 
 Time, so often as to them it shall seem to be necessary, to be Steward of the Borough 
 aforesaid ; and that he who shall be so as aforesaid elected, preferred, and nominated 
 into the Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid, after the Death or Removal of the 
 said Sebastian, shall and may be able to have, exercise, and enjoy the same Office of 
 Steward of the Borough aforesaid, by himself, or by his sufficient Deputy, having first 
 as aforesaid taken a Corporal Oath faithfully to execute the Office aforesaid, during 
 the Pleasure of the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid : 
 And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, 
 grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and 
 their Successors, that from henceforth for ever there may and shall be in the Borough 
 aforesaid one Officer, who shall be and be called Serjeant at Mace, to serve in the Serjeant at 
 Court of the aforesaid Borough, and to execute and perform Broclamation, Arrest, 
 and Execution of the Process, Mandates, and other Business to the Office of Serjeant 
 at Mace, in the Borough aforesaid and the Barish of Wicombe, and the Limits, Bounds, 
 and Precincts thereof appertaining, from Time to Time, at the Will and Pleasure of 
 the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, which same Ser- 
 
 Mace.
 
 54 
 
 Court of Re- 
 cord to be 
 held. 
 
 Its Jurisdic- 
 tion. 
 
 jeant at Mace shall be appointed, nominated, and elected by the aforesaid Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or by the major Part of 
 them, so often as to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses shall seem 
 convenient and necessary ; and shall be attending, from Time to Time, upon the 
 Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being; and that the aforesaid Serjeant 
 at Mace, so as aforesaid to be elected and nominated, may and shall be in due Manner 
 sworn, well ami faithfully to execute his Office aforesaid, before the Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or the major Part of them, for the 
 Time being, of whom the Mayor for the Time being We will to be one ; and that 
 after such Oath so taken, he ought, shall, and may be able to execute and perform the 
 same Office during the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and of the 
 twelve capital Burgesses, or the major Part of them, of whom the Mayor We will to be 
 one : And further we will and ordain, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and 
 Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said, and their Successors, That the aforesaid Serjeant at Mace, in the Borough afore- 
 said to be deputed, shall carry and bear a gilt or silver Mace, and engraven and orna- 
 mented with the Sign of the Arms of this Kingdom of England, every where within 
 the said Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, the Suburbs, Liberties, 
 and Precincts thereof, before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being : 
 And we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the 
 aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Succes- 
 sors, That they and their Successors from henceforth for ever shall have, and hold, and 
 shall and may be able to have and hold in the Guildhall of the same Borough, or in 
 any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, one Court of Record, on 
 Monday in every third Week, or oftener, at their Pleasure, to be holden before the 
 Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and so many and such of the twelve Capital Bur- 
 gesses for the Time being, as shall have been Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, if they 
 are willing to be present, the Steward and Bailiffs of the same Borough, or one of the 
 Bailiffs, or the sufficient Deputy, or sufficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the 
 Borough aforesaid, for the Time being ; and that in the same Court they shall be able 
 to hold by Plaints, in the same Court to be levied, all and all Manner of Pleas, 
 Plaints, and Actions, concerning whatsoever Trespasses by Force and Arms, or other- 
 wise, in Contempt of us, our Heirs and Successors, done or to be done, and of all and 
 all Manner of Pleas upon the Case, Debt, Account, Covenant, Deceit, Detinue of 
 Charters, Writings, and Muniments, and Chattels, taking and detaining of Cattle and 
 Chattels, and other Contracts, for whatsoever Causes or Things, within the Borough 
 aforesaid, and the Limits and Precincts thereof, arising or happening, provided the 
 same Debts, Accounts, Covenants, Contracts, and other Actions, personal or mixed, 
 shall not exceed the Sum or Value of forty Pounds ; and that so often as any Person or 
 Persons whomsoever shall be willing to implead any other Person or Persons whomso- 
 ever, possessing or holding Lands, Tenements, Rents, or Hereditaments within the
 
 55 
 
 Borough aforesaid, the Limits and Precincts thereof, concerning the same Lands, Tene- 
 ments, Rents, and Hereditaments, he or they so willing to implead shall prosecute 
 our Writ of Right Patent, issuing out of our Court of Chancery of England, to be 
 directed to the aforesaid Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, upon which same Writ in 
 the Court aforesaid, before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, 
 and so many and such of the twelve Capital Burgesses for the Time being, as shall 
 have been Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, if they are willing to be present, the 
 Steward and Bailiffs of the same Borough, or one of the Bailiffs, or the sufficient De- 
 puty, or sufficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the Borough aforesaid for the 
 Time being, he or they, so as aforesaid willing to implead, shall make his Protest to 
 sue his Plaint upon the aforesaid Writ, made in the Nature of a Writ of Assize, Novel 
 Disseisin, Mort d' Ancestor, Attaint, or in the Nature of any other Action or Writ what- 
 soever at the Common Law, as the Matter and Case shall require ; and that such Pleas, 
 Plaints, and Actions, as well real as personal and mixed, shall be there heard and 
 determined before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and so many and such of the 
 Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being, who have been 
 Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, if they are willing to be present, the Steward and 
 Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or one of the Bailiffs, or the sufficient Deputy, or 
 sufficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the Borough aforesaid, in the Guildhall 
 of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough afore- 
 said, by such and the like Process and Means, according to the Law and Custom of our 
 Kingdom of England, by which, and as shall be agreeable to our Law, and in as ample 
 Manner and Form, and as in any other Court of Record, in any other Borough or 
 Town Corporate within this our Kingdom of England, is used and accustomed, or may 
 or ought to be done : And we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, by these 
 Presents, grant and ordain, that the Serjeant at Mace of the Borough aforesaid, for 
 the Time being, shall make and execute all Pannels, Juries, Inquisitions, Attachments, 
 Precepts, Mandates, Warrants, Judgments, Process, and other Things whatsoever neces- 
 sary to be done, touching the Causes aforesaid, or other Causes whatsoever touching 
 or concerning the Borough aforesaid, within the Borough aforesaid and the Liberties 
 thereof, as to them shall seem proper, according to the Exigence of the Law, and as in 
 like Cases is used, or ought to be done in any other Court of Record, in any other 
 Borough or Town Corporate within this our Kingdom of England ; and that the 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, shall 
 and may have and receive all Fines, Services, Issues, and other Profits whatsoever, 
 of and in the Court aforesaid, arising, coming, accruing, or happening to be ex- 
 pended to the like and such Use and Profit, as to the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses shall seem best : And further we, of our special Grace and of our cer- 
 tain Knowledge and mere Motion, for us, our heirs and Successors, grant to the afore- 
 said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough of Chepping Wycombe, other- 
 wise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham aforesaid, and their Successors, View of
 
 <tf 
 
 Frankpledge 
 
 Inhabitants 
 
 free of Tan- 
 nage. 
 
 Fines, &c. 
 
 Frankpledge of all and singular the Inhabitants and Residents, as well entirely as not 
 entirely, residing within the said Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, 
 and within the Limits and Bounds thereof, and all Things which to View of Frank- 
 pledge appertain or belong, or ought to appertain or belong, to be h olden in the 
 Common Hall, called the Guildhall, or in any other convenient Place within the afore- 
 said Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, twice in the Year, that is to 
 once within a Month, of Saint Michael, and again within a Month of Easter, to be 
 holden before the aforesaid Mayor, Steward, and such of the Capital Burgesses as shall 
 have been Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present, and the Bailiffs, 
 or either of the Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or the sufficient Deputy, or suf- 
 ficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time 
 being, in every Year; and that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses may and shall 
 have all and all Manner of Fines. Redemptions, Issues, and Amerciaments, and all 
 other Profits of and in the aforesaid View of Frankpledge, in any wise coming, arising, 
 or happening, to the proper Use and Behoof of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
 gesses, and of the Commonalty of the said Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise 
 Wicombe aforesaid, for the Time being, to be taken and converted; so that no other 
 Person besides the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall 
 in any wise hereafter have or hold any Yiew of Frankpledge, or any other Court 
 in the said Borough, or any Place thereof, unless only by the Licence and Consent of 
 the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, or their Successors, thereto specially obtained, 
 or to be obtained: And further, of our more ample Grace, and of our certain Know- 
 ledge and mere Motion, We have granted for us, our Heirs and Successors, That the 
 aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, Burgesses, and other Inhabitants of the said Borough of Chep- 
 ping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, and their Successors, residing, dwelling, or inhabiting 
 within the same Borough, shall be quit and discharged of Pannage, Passage, Last- 
 age, Tallage, Carriage, Pesage, Piccage, and Terrage, throughout our whole Kingdom 
 of England: We have also gTanted to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and liurgesses 
 aforesaid, and their Successors, That they shall have and perceive all Manner of Fines 
 for Trespasses and other Misdeeds whatsoever, and also Fines for Licence to agTee, 
 and all Manner of other Fines, Redemptions, and Amerciaments, from whatsoever 
 Cause, and by whatsoever Cause arising, and also Issues and Forfeitures of all such 
 Men, Tenants, Residents, or Dwellers in the same Borough of Chepping Wycombe, 
 otherwise Wicombe, although the same Men, Tenants, Residents, or Dwellers, shall be 
 Ministers of us, or of our Heirs or Successors; and that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses, and their Successors, shall have all and all Manner of Forfeitures, Year, 
 Day, Waste, and Estrepement within the Borough aforesaid, arising or happening, 
 adjudged as well in the Presence of us, our Heirs and Successors, as elsewhere in the 
 Absence of us, our Heirs, or Successors, before whatsoever Justices of us, our Heirs, or 
 Successors; and that they shall be able to levy, perceive, and have all that which to 
 us or our Heirs concerning such Forfeitures, Year, Day, and Waste, and Estrepement,
 
 57 
 
 might appertain, if our present Grant to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, had 
 not been made, to the Behoof of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their 
 Successors, by their Bailiffs or Ministers ; and that they, in like Manner, from hence- 
 forth for ever shall and may be able to levy, receive, and have such Fines, Redemp- 
 tions, and Amerciaments of all such Men, Tenants, Residents, or Dwellers in the said 
 Borough of Cheppittg Wycombe, otherwise Wkombe, and also the Issues by them or 
 any of them forfeited, which before us, and our Heirs or Successors, or in the Chancery 
 of us, our Heirs or Successors, or before whatsoever Justices and Ministers of us, our 
 Heirs or Successors, shall happen to be done, adjudged, or forfeited by Estreat of 
 such Court of us, our Heirs and Successors, without the Hindrance or Impediment 
 of us, our Heirs or Successors, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coroners, Bailiffs, or 
 other Ministers of us, our Heirs or Successors whomsoever : And further we will, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Bo- 
 rough aforesaid, and the Circuit, Bounds, and Precincts thereof, may and ought to ex- 
 tend and stretch themselves, as well in Length as in Breadth, to such and the like 
 Metes and Bounds to which and as of old they have been accustomed, of Right and 
 lawfully to extend and stretch ; and that all and singular Houses, Edifices, Lands, Tene- 
 ments, void Grounds and Soil whatsoever, within the Bounds, Metes, and Limits thereof, 
 from henceforth may and shall be, and shall be reputed to be Parts and Parcel of the said 
 Borough of Wicombe, now by these Presents erected and incorporated into a Body Politic 
 as aforesaid : We have moreover granted, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, do 
 grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and 
 their Successors, That the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, during 
 the Time which he shall happen to be in his Office, shall be Justice of us, our Heirs 
 and Successors, to preserve and cause to be kept the Peace in the same Borough, the 
 Liberties and Precincts thereof, and also to keep and correct, and cause to be kept and 
 corrected, the Statutes concerning Vagabonds, Artificers, and Labourers, Weights and 
 Measures, within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof; so that 
 the Mayor of the same Borough, for the Time being, shall have from henceforth for 
 ever Power and Authority to inquire, hear, and determine all Matters, Plaints, Causes, 
 and Articles, which to the Office of a Justice of the Peace, Labourers and Artificers 
 appertain ; so nevertheless that the said Mayor, for the Time being, shall not in any 
 wise hereafter proceed to the Determination of any Treason, Murder, or Felony, or of 
 any other Matter touching the Loss of Life or Member, within the Borough aforesaid, 
 the Liberties or Precincts thereof, without the special Mandate of us, our Heirs or Suc- 
 cessors, and nevertheless he shall and may be able to do, inquire, hear, and determine 
 all and singular other Offences, inferior Defaults, and Articles, which to the Office of a 
 Justice of the Peace within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, 
 appertain as fully and entirely, and in as ample Manner and Form as any other Justice 
 of the Peace of us, our Heirs or Successors, in any County of our Kingdom of 
 
 II II 
 
 Bounds of the 
 Borough. 
 
 Mayor a 
 Justice of the 
 Peace within 
 the Borough.
 
 53 
 
 ( !aol. 
 
 Mayor Clerk 
 of the Market. 
 
 Escheator and 
 
 Coroner. 
 
 England, as Justice of the Peace, can or may be able to inquire, hear, or determine : And 
 that the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time 
 being, and their Successors, shall have from henceforth for ever, within the Borough 
 aforesaid, the Liberties or Precincts thereof, a Prison and Gaol, proper to keep all 
 those who shall hereafter happen to be taken, attached, or apprehended within the 
 Borough aforesaid, or the Liberties thereof, for Felonies, Trespasses, or whatsoever 
 other Crimes, Contempts, and Offences there perpetrated, as in that Behalf, in the same 
 Borough, hath been heretofore used and accustomed ; so that they so being in the Gaol 
 aforesaid, who cannot reasonably be delivered by the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, 
 for the Time being, according to the Liberties and Customs of the said Borough, shall 
 be delivered by the Justices of us, our Heirs and Successors, assigned to deliver Gaols, 
 or to take Assizes there, according to the Law and Custom of our Kingdom of England, 
 and as hitherto hath been accustomed to be done : And further we have granted, 
 and for us, our Heirs, and Successors, by these Presents, do grant to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That 
 the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, from henceforth for ever may 
 and shall be Clerk of the Market within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and 
 Precincts thereof, and shall do and execute, and shall and may be able to do and exe- 
 cute for ever, all and every thing which to the Office of Clerk of the Market there doth 
 appertain to do, and to perform all and singular other Deeds and Things which to the 
 same Office appertain to be done and performed, within the Borough aforesaid, the 
 Liberties and Precincts thereof; and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 same Borough, for the Time being, for ever may and shall have the Assize and Assay 
 of Bread, Wine, and Ale, and of other Victuals, Fuel, and Wood in the said Borough, 
 the Liberties and Precincts thereof, and the Amendment of the same Assize broken, 
 and also the Punishment, Correction, and Amerciaments, and Fines of all Persons 
 there offending in the Abuse of Measures and Weights of Fuel or Wood, as well in 
 the Presence as in the Absence of us, our Heirs and Successors ; so that the Clerk of 
 the Market of the Household of us, our Heirs, or Successors, for the Assize of Bread, 
 Wine, and Ale, broken and other Victuals, or such Weights or Measures, or for the 
 doing of any other Thing touching or concerning the Office of Clerk of the Market, 
 shall not in any wise enter or presume to enter within the Borough aforesaid, the 
 Liberties or Precincts thereof : We will also, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, 
 ordain and grant by these Presents to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor of the same Borough, for the 
 Time being, and his Successors for the Time being, during the Time which he shall be 
 in the Office of Mayoralty, may and shall be Escheator and Coroner of us, our Heirs 
 and Successors within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, and 
 shall do and execute, and shall and may be able to do and execute, within the Borough 
 aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, all and every thing which to the Office of 
 I cheator and Coroner there doth appertain to do; and that he shall take an Oath
 
 59 
 
 well and faithfully to do and exercise the same Offices of Clerk of the Market, Escheator, 
 and Coroner, before the old Mayor and the Capital Burgesses, or the major Part of them, 
 before he shall take upon himself the Offices of Clerk of the Market, Escheator and 
 Coroner ; so that any or either of the Escheators or Coroners of us, our Heirs and Suc- 
 cessors in our County of Buckingham, shall in no wise intermeddle or presume to 
 enter, nor shall arry of them in any wise hereafter intermeddle or presume to enter, 
 to do any thing which to the Office of Escheator or Coroner within the Borough afore- 
 said doth appertain, unless in Default of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the 
 Time being : We have moreover granted for us, our Heirs and Successors, and by 
 these Presents do grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough 
 aforesaid, and their Successors, That neither they nor their Successors, nor any Person 
 dwelling in the same Borough, shall be drawn into Plea before the Steward or Marshall Prevention 
 of the Household of us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Assize of Bread, Wine, ^ m eas ' 
 and Ale in the same Borough, broken, or for any Trespasses by them or any of them, 
 without the Verge or within the Verge, before or after the coming of the same Steward 
 and Marshall, or either of them, to those Parts, or at the Time of the being of the 
 same Steward and Marshall in those Parts, to whatsoever Person done or perpetrated, 
 nor shall they be hindered or molested in any wise, or aggrieved for those Occasions 
 or any of them : We have also granted, for us, our Heirs and Successors, to the 
 aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Succes- 
 sors, That they shall be able to levy, receive, and have to the Use and Profit of 
 the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and of all the Commonalty of the said 
 Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, all and all Manner of 
 Issues, Fines, Redemptions, and Amerciaments, by any Burgesses of the said Borougli 
 of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, for the Time being, before the Steward and 
 Marshall of the Household of us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Time being, for- 
 feited or adjudged : We have moreover granted, and by these Presents firmly for- 
 bid, that any Sheriff, Constable, or Bailiff, or the aforesaid Steward and Marshall of 
 the Household of us, our Heirs or Successors, or any Minister or Officer of us, our 
 Heirs or Successors, besides the Mayor and Bailiffs of the said Borough for the 
 Time being, shall in any wise enter the same Borough in any wise to exercise their 
 Office there, unless in Default of the same Mayor and Bailiffs, or any of them, but 
 all that from henceforth shall appertain and belong to the Mayor and Bailiffs, and 
 their Successors for ever : And we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs 
 and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough 
 aforesaid, and their Successors, That they may and shall have the Return, as well of 
 Assize as of all and all Manner of other Writs, Precepts, Bills, and Warrants of us, 
 our Heirs, and Successors, within the said Borough, the Liberties and Precincts there- 
 of, hereafter arising or happening, and the Execution thereof by the Bailiffs of the 
 Borough aforesaid for the Time being : so that no Sheriff, Bailiff, Constable, or other 
 foreign Minister of us, our Heirs or Successors, shall enter the Borough aforesaid, or
 
 6o 
 
 Market. 
 
 Fairs. 
 
 Return of two 
 
 Barges 
 
 Parliament. 
 
 the Liberties or Precincts thereof, for the Return or Execution of the aforesaid Writs, 
 Precepts, Bills, Warrants, Summons, or Attachments, or either of them, or to exej 
 cise in any other Thing his Office there, or with the same or any of them 
 shall intermeddle, unless in Default of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, 
 or their Successors: And further, of our more ample especial Grace, and of our 
 certain Knowledge and mere Motion, We have granted, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That they and their 
 Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and from henceforth shall and may be 
 able to have, hold, and keep for ever within the same Borough one Market in 
 every week throughout the Year, in and upon every Friday, as hitherto they have 
 had and used; and also that they and their Successors shall have, hold, and keep, 
 and from henceforth for ever shall and may be able to have, hold, and keep for 
 ever two Fairs or Marts by the Year within the same Borough, to be holden in 
 every Year for ever ; the first of which same two Fairs or Marts yearly, shall begin 
 at Noon of the Day of the Feast of the Translation of Saint Thomas the .Martyr, and 
 shall continue until Noon of the Morrow of the Day of the same Feast ; and the second 
 Fair or Mart of the aforesaid two Fairs or Marts yearly, shall begin at Noon of the 
 Day of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and shall continue until Noon 
 of the Morrow of the Day of the same Feast ; together with a Court of Piepowder, 
 there to be holden at the Times of the same Fairs or Marts ; and together with all and 
 all Manner of Tolls, Customs, Profits, Commodities, and Emoluments whatsoever, to such 
 Fairs or Marts, and Court of Piepowder appertaining, belonging, accruing, arising, or 
 happening ; and that the Fairs or Marts aforesaid shall be holden in the Places of old 
 used and accustomed ; so nevertheless that the aforesaid Fairs or Marts shall not be to 
 the Prejudice of other neighbouring Fairs or Marts near adjacent: And also WE will, 
 and for us, our Heirs and Successors grant and ordain, That there may and shall be in 
 the said Borough two Burgesses of the Parliament of us, our Heirs and Successors ; and 
 that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, upon the Writ of 
 us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Election of Burgesses of the Parliament to them 
 directed, may and shall have Power, Faculty, and Authority to elect and nominate two 
 discreet and honest Men Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be Burgesses of the 
 Parliament of us and of our Successors for the same Borough ; ami the same Burgesses so 
 elected at the Charges and Costs of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their 
 Successors, for the Time being, to send to the Parliament of us, our Heirs and Succes- 
 sors, wheresoever it shall be then holden, in the same Manner and Form as in other 
 Boroughs of our Kingdom of England, or in our ancient Borough of U'icombc aforesaid 
 hath been used and accustomed, which same Burgesses so elected and nominated, We 
 will to be present and to remain at the Parliament of us, our Heirs and Successors, at 
 the Charges and Costs of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, during the Time which 
 such Parliament shall happen to be holden, in the like Manner and Form as other Pur-
 
 6i 
 
 gesses of the Parliament, for whatsoever other Boroughs or Borough within our Kingdom 
 of England, can do or have been accustomed to do ; and which same Burgesses in such 
 Parliament of us, our Heirs and Successors, shall have their Voices, as well affirmative 
 as negative, and shall do and execute all and singular other Things there as other Bur- 
 gesses, or any other Burgess of our Parliament, for whatsoever other Boroughs or 
 Borough may have, do, and execute, or may or can be able to have, do, or execute, by 
 whatsoever Reason or Means : We have also granted, and by these Presents, for us, 
 our Heirs and Successors, do grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
 gesses, and their Successors, from henceforth shall have all manner of Felons and 
 Fugitives, as well Felons of themselves as other Persons whomsoever, outlawed, attainted, 
 and convicted, and for whatsoever Cause of all the Men and Tenants aforesaid, as well 
 entire Tenants as not entire Tenants and Residents, and of all Persons dwelling or 
 inhabiting within the said Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, and Goods 
 and Chattels waived and Estrays whatsoever, within the said Borough, Deodands and 
 Treasure Trove within the Borough aforesaid ; and if any of the Men, Tenants, and 
 Residents of or in the same Borough, or any other Person in the same Borough, for 
 any Offence or Misdeed whatsoever, ought to lose Life or Member, or shall fly and not 
 stand to Judgment, or shall commit any other Trespass for which he ought to lose his 
 Chattels, in whatsoever Place Justice ought to be done, whether in the Court of us, our 
 Heirs or Successors, or in any other Court, the Chattels shall be of the same Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and it shall be lawful for them to put themselves in seizin of 
 the same Chattels, and to retain the same Chattels to their Use, without the Hindrance 
 or Impediment of us, our Heirs, or Successors, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coro- 
 ners, and other Bailiffs, or Ministers of us, or of our Heirs or Successors whomsoever ; 
 and that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall have 
 whatsoever Goods and Chattels called Manuopera, taken or to be taken with whatso- 
 ever Person being within the Borough aforesaid : And further know ye that we, 
 in Consideration that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, 
 and their Successors, shall and may be able, the better to sustain and support the 
 Charges in the Borough aforesaid, from Time to Time, and for the better Mainte- 
 nance and Support of the Free Grammar School within the Borough aforesaid, of our 
 especial Grace and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, have granted, and by 
 these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, as much as in us lies, do grant and 
 give special Licence, and free and lawful Faculty, Power, and Authority to the afore- 
 said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, to 
 have, receive, and Purchase to them and their Successors for ever, as well of us, our Purchase of 
 Heirs, and Successors, as of whatsoever our Subjects and liege People, or of any " "' l *" 
 
 other Persons or Person whomsoever, Manors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rec- 
 tories, Tythes, Rents, Services, and other Possessions, Revenues and Hereditaments 
 whatsoever, which are not immediately holden of us, our Heirs or Successors in chief,
 
 62 
 
 Former Privi- 
 leges con- 
 firmed. 
 
 nor of us, our Heirs, or Successors immediately, by Knight's Service, without the special 
 Licence of us, our Heirs, or Successors, provided the same Manors, Messuages, Lands, 
 Tenements, Rectories, Tythes, Rents, Reversions, and Services, or other Possessions, 
 Revenues, and Hereditaments, so to be had, received, and purchased, shall not exceed 
 in the whole the yearly Value of twenty Pounds, the Statute concerning Lands and 
 Tenements not to be put in Mortmain or any other Statute, Act, Ordinance, Provision, 
 or Restriction, or any other Thing, Cause, or Matter whatsoever, in any wise notwith- 
 standing : We have also granted, and given special Licence and lawful Faculty, 
 Power, and Authority ; and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do 
 give and grant to whatsoever Subject and Subjects of us, our Heirs, and Successors, 
 and to whatsoever Bodies Politic and Body Politic, and other Persons whomsoever 
 and every of them, That they and every of them shall and may be able to give, grant, 
 sell, leave, assign, or in any other Manner and Manners whatsoever, alien, devise, or 
 assure any Manors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rectories, Tythes, Rents, Rever- 
 sions, Services, and other Possessions, Revenues, and Hereditaments whatsoever, which 
 are not immediately holden of us, our Heirs or Successors in chief, nor of us, our Heirs 
 or Successors immediately, by Knight's Service, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, provided the same Manors, 
 Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rectories, Tythes, and other Hereditaments whatso- 
 ever, so as aforesaid to be given, granted, sold, left, assigned, aliened, or devised, shall 
 not exceed in the whole the clear yearly Value of twenty Pounds by the Year; the 
 Statute concerning Lands and Tenements not to be put in Mortmain, or any other 
 Statute, Act, Ordinance, Provision, or Restriction, or any other Thing, Cause, or Matter 
 whatsoever, in any wise notwithstanding : And moreover, of our further especial Grace, 
 and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, We have given, granted, and con- 
 firmed ; and by these Presents for us, our Heirs and Successors, do give, grant, and con- 
 firm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their 
 Successors, all and singular the Manors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Hereditaments, 
 Liberties, Free Customs, Privileges, Franchises, Immunities, Exemptions, Acquittances, 
 and Jurisdictions whatsoever, which the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 aforesaid Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, by whatsoever 
 Names or Name of Incorporation, or by whatsoever Incorporation, or by Pretext of what- 
 soever Incorporation heretofore rightly and lawfully, have had, held, used or enjoyed, 
 or ought to have, hold, use, or enjoy, by Reason or Pretext of any Charters or Letters 
 Patent, by us or by any of our Progenitors, in any wise heretofore made, confirmed, or 
 granted, or by whatsoever other lawful Means, Right, Custom, Usage, Prescription, or 
 Title heretofore lawfully used, had, and accustomed, to have and enjoy to the same 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors for ever; Rendering therefore to 
 us, our Heirs, and Successors, the like such and similar Rents, Services, and Sums of 
 Money, and Demands, which for the same to us, our Heirs and Successors have been 
 heretofore due, paid, and of Right accustomed : We will also, and grant to the aforesaid
 
 63 
 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That they 
 shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able to have, hold, use, and enjoy 
 for ever, all the Liberties, Free Customs, Privileges, Authorities, and Acquittances afore- 
 said, according to the Tenor and Effect of these our Letters Patent, without the Hin- 
 drance or Impediment of us, our Heirs, or Successors whomsoever ; being unwilling that 
 the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or any or either of 
 them, or any Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, by Reason of the Premises, or of any 
 of them, by us or by our Heirs, the Justices, Sheriffs, Escheators, or other Bailiffs or 
 Ministers of us, our Heirs, or Successors whomsoever, shall be therefore hindered, 
 molested, vexed, or aggrieved, or in any wise disturbed : We will also, and by these 
 Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, That they 
 may and shall have these our Letters Patent under our Great Seal of England, in due 
 Manner made and sealed without Fine or Fee, great or small, to us in our Hanaper 
 or elsewhere, to our Use for the same, in any Manner to be rendered, paid, or done, 
 although express Mention, &c In Witness whereof, &c. Witness, The QUEEN, 
 at Westminster, the first Day of March. 
 
 By Writ of Privy Seal, &c.
 
 64 
 
 CHARTER 
 
 GRANTED TO THE 
 
 MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE, 
 
 BY KING JAMES THE FIRST, 
 
 i 7'ni June, 1609, 
 
 in the Sixth Year of His Reign. 
 
 Of a grant to 
 the Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, ami 
 ; ises <>f 
 
 tin Borough 
 of Chipping 
 Wycombe, and 
 their Succcs- 
 
 THE KING, to all to whom, &c. Greeting.— WHEREAS our Borough of Cheppikg 
 
 Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, in our County of Buckingham, is an ancient and 
 populous Borough, and the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe 
 aforesaid, have had, and used, and enjoyed divers Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, and 
 Pre-eminences, as well by Charters of the Lady Elizabeth, late Queen of England, and 
 by a Charter of the Lord Piiilip and Lady Mary, late King and Queen of England, as 
 by Charters of divers others of our Progenitors and Predecessors, late Kings of England, 
 to them and their Predecessors heretofore made, granted, or confirmed, as also by 
 Reason of divers Prescriptions and Customs in the same Borough, from Time whereof 
 the Memory of Man is not to the contrary used : And whereas We are informed that 
 there are certain Defects, Ambiguities, and Inconveniences in the Charters and Letters 
 Patent aforesaid, by Reason that some Things in the same contained, were not granted 
 plainly, expressly, or in proper Words, for the good Rule, Government, and Advantage 
 of the Borough aforesaid, according to the true Intent of the same Charters or Letter's 
 Patent: And whereas our beloved Subjects, the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of 
 the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid, have humbly besought us that we would be pleased 
 to shew and extend to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, our Royal Grace and 
 Munificence in the Behalf, and that We, for the better Government, Rule, and Improve- 
 ment of the same Borough, would condescend to ratify, confirm, approve, make, renew, 
 constitute, or create anew the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough 
 into one Body Corporate and Politic, by our Letters Patent, with the Addition of certain
 
 65 
 
 Liberties, Privileges, Immunities, and Franchises, as to us shall seem most expedient : 
 We therefore willing, that from henceforth for ever there shall be continually had in 
 the same Borough one certain and undoubted Method of and for the keeping of the 
 Peace, and the good Rule and Government of the People there ; and that the Borough 
 aforesaid from henceforth for ever shall be and remain a Borough of Peace and Quiet, 
 to the Dread and Terror of the Wicked, and in Reward of the Good, and that our 
 Peace and other Deeds of Justice may be preserved there without further Delay ; and 
 hoping that if the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, and their Succes- 
 sors, are enabled of our Grant to enjoy more ample Honour, Liberties, and Privileges, 
 then they will esteem themselves bound more especially and strongly to perform and 
 exhibit to us, and our Heirs and Successors, the Services which they are able, of our 
 especial Grace, and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, have willed, ordained, 
 constituted and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do will, 
 ordain, constitute, declare, and grant, That the said Borough of Wicombe, in our said 
 County of Buckingham, from henceforth may and shall be a Free Borough of itself; and 
 that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, by whatsoever Name they 
 have been heretofore incorporated, and their Successors, from henceforth for ever may 
 and shall be, by Force of these Presents, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, 
 and Name, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chipping 
 Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham ; and them by the Name 
 of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chcpping Wycombe, otherwise 
 Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Declared a 
 Fact, and Name, really and fully for us, our Heirs and Successors, We do erect, ra te^ url, °* 
 make, ordain, constitute, confirm, and declare by these Presents, and that by the 
 same Name, they shall have perpetual Succession ; and that they, by the Name of 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise 
 Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, may and shall be for ever hereafter Persons 
 able and capable in the Law to have, purchase, receive, and possess Lands, Tene- May possess 
 ments, Liberties, Privileges, Jurisdictions, Franchises, and Hereditaments, of whatso- 
 ever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, to them and their Successors, in Fee and 
 Perpetuity, and also Goods and Chattels, and whatsoever other Things of whatso- 
 ever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, and also to give, grant, demise, and 
 assign, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, Goods and Chattels, and to do and 
 execute all and singular other Deeds and Things, by the Name aforesaid ; and 
 that by the same Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of 
 Chcpping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, shall and 
 may be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend, and Ma >' plead, 
 be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before whatsoever Judges and 
 Justices, and other Persons and Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, 
 in all Suits, Plaints, Pleas, Causes, Matters, and Demands, real, personal, or mixt, 
 whatsoever, as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort 
 
 I I
 
 66 
 
 ( 'i.miii"!i 
 Seal. 
 
 Mayor. 
 
 Hailiff-.. 
 
 Aldermen. 
 
 Burgesses. 
 
 Common 
 Council. 
 
 May ordain 
 Laws, ..Vic. 
 
 they may be, in the same Manner and Form as other our liege People of this 
 our Kingdom of England, Persons able and capable in the Law, to plead and 
 be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, and to have, 
 purchase, receive, possess, give, grant, and demise, may and can be able ; and 
 that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of 
 Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicotnbe, in the County of Bucks, and their Succes- 
 sors, shall have for ever a Common Seal, to serve for doing their Causes and 
 Business, and of their Successors whomsoever; and that it shall and may be law- 
 ful to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, the same 
 Seal at their Pleasure from Time to Time to break, change, and make anew, 
 as to them shall seem meet: And further we will, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and ordain, that from henceforth for ever 
 there may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, one of the most honest 
 and discreet Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be elected in Form hereunder 
 in these Presents mentioned, who shall be and be named Mayor of the Borough 
 aforesaid ; and that in like Manner there may and shall be within the same 
 Borough two honest and discreet Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be 
 elected in Form hereunder in these Presents mentioned, who shall be and be 
 named Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid : And also we will, and by these 
 Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant and ordain, that from hence- 
 forth for ever there may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, from Time 
 to Time, twelve honest and discreet Men, continually inhabiting and dwelling with- 
 in the Borough aforesaid, who shall be and be called Aldermen of the said 
 Borough ; and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, and 
 their Successors, or the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever, shall 
 and may be able to elect so many and such other Men, inhabiting or not 
 inhabiting within the Borough aforesaid, as and which to them shall seem most 
 expedient to be Burgesses of the said Borough : And we will, and by these 
 Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the aforesaid 
 Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, shall be and 
 be called the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, and shall be, from Time 
 to Time, assisting and aiding to the Mayor of the said Borough of Clapping 
 Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, for the Time being, in all Causes and 
 Matters touching or concerning the Borough aforesaid : And further we will, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that 
 the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, 
 for the Time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the Mayor for the 
 Time being We will to be one) may and shall have full Power and Authority 
 to frame, constitute, ordain and make, from Time to Time, such reasonable Laws,
 
 67 
 
 May let 
 Lands, &c. 
 
 Statutes, and Ordinances whatsoever, as to them, according to their sound Discre- 
 tions, shall seem to be good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary for the 
 good Rule and Government of the Burgesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants of the 
 Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and for declaring in what Manner and 
 Order the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and the Artificers, 
 Inhabitants, and Residents of the Borough aforesaid, shall behave, conduct, and 
 carry themselves in their Offices, Mysteries, and Business within the same Borough, 
 and the Liberties thereof, for the Time being, and otherwise for the further 
 Good and public Advantage and Rule of the same Borough, and the Victualling 
 of the same Borough, and also for the better Preservation, Government, Dispo- 
 sition, letting and demising of the Lands, Tenements, Possessions, Revenues, and 
 Hereditaments, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Succes- 
 sors, by these Presents, or otherwise, given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or 
 hereafter to be given, granted, or assigned, and other Things and Causes what- 
 soever, touching or in any wise concerning the Borough aforesaid, or the State, 
 Right, and Interest of the same Borough ; and that they and their Successors, 
 by the Mayor for the Time being, and the Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough 
 aforesaid, being the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, or by the major 
 Part of them as aforesaid, whensoever they shall frame, make, ordain, or establish 
 such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, in Form aforesaid, shall be able to impose 
 and assess such reasonable Pains, Penalties, and Punishments, by Imprisonment of 
 the Body, or by Fines and Amerciaments, or by any of them, against and upon all 
 Delinquents against such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, or any or either of them, 
 as and which to the same Mayor, Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, 
 for the Time being, or the major Part of them as aforesaid, shall seem to be 
 reasonable and requisite, and shall and may be able to levy and have the same 
 Fines and Amerciaments, without the Impediment of us, our Heirs and Successors ; 
 all and singular which Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, so (as aforesaid) to be made, 
 We will to be observed, under the Pains in the same to be contained ; so never- 
 theless that such Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Imprisonments, Fines, and Amercia- 
 ments, are not repugnant nor contrary to the Laws, Statutes, Customs, or Rights of 
 our Kingdom of England ' : And for the better Execution of our same Grants in this 
 Behalf, We have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made our beloved Thomas First Mayor. 
 Welles, now Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, to be the first and present Mayor of 
 the Borough aforesaid, WILLING that the same Thomas Welles shall be and continue 
 in the Office of Mayor of the same Borough, from the making of these Presents, 
 until the Thursday next before the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next 
 ensuing, and from the same Feast until one of the Aldermen of the Borough afore- 
 said shall be elected and sworn to the same Office, according to the Ordinance and 
 Constitution in these Presents expressed and declared, (if the same Thomas Welles 
 shall so long live) : We have also assigned, nominated, and constituted, and by 
 
 Penalties and 
 Punishments.
 
 6S 
 
 Fir,t Bailiffs. 
 
 First Alder- 
 men. 
 
 Nomination 
 of Mayor. 
 
 these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, no assign, nominate, constitute, 
 and make our beloved John Damporte and Robot Biscoe, now Bailiffs of the same 
 Borough, to be the two first and modern Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, to 
 continue in the same Offices of Bailiffs of the same Borough, until the Thursday 
 next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary next ensuing, 
 and from the same Feast until two other of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid 
 shall be preferred and sworn to the Office of Bailiffs of the same Borough, accord- 
 ing to the Ordinances and Constitutions in these Presents hereunder expressed and 
 declared, if the same John Damporte and Robert Biscoe shall so long live; We have 
 also assigned, nominated, and constituted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs 
 and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved John Welles, 
 Thomas Taylor, Ambrose Conway, William Shrimpton, Michael Burr, Gabriel Red- 
 man, George Welles, William Ayer, William Littleboy, John Littlepage, Richard 
 Ilynde, and Tlwmas Brandon, Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be the twelve 
 first and present Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Offices 
 during their Lives, unless, in the mean time, for bad Government or ill behaving 
 themselves in that Behalf, or for not inhabiting and residing within the Borough 
 aforesaid, they shall be removed from the same Offices : And further we will, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That 
 the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the Time 
 being, or the major Part of them, from time to time, for ever hereafter, may and 
 shall have Power and Authority, yearly and every Year, on the Thursday next 
 before the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, to assemble themselves, or the major 
 Part of them, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient 
 Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their 
 Discretions, and there to continue until they, or the major Part of them there then 
 assembled, shall there elect or nominate one of the Aldermen of the Borough afore- 
 said to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ; 
 and that then and there they shall and may be able to elect and nominate, before 
 they shall from thence depart, one of the Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for 
 the Time being, who shall be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for one whole Year 
 then next ensuing ; and that he, after he shall be so as aforesaid elected and nomi- 
 nated to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall be admitted to execute 
 the same Office, shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly 
 on the Day of Election, if he shall be then present ; and if he shall be absent, then 
 within one Month then next ensuing after the said Day of Election, before the Mayor, 
 his last Predecessor, or in his Absence before such Aldermen of the Borough afore- 
 said for the Time being, and the rest of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, 
 who shall be then present in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any 
 other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned
 
 •6 9 
 
 according to their Discretions, rightly well and faithfully to execute the same O.'fice 
 in all Things touching the same Office; and that after such Oath so taken he shall 
 and may be able to execute the Office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, until the 
 Thursday next before the Feast of -SV. Michael the Archangel then next ensuing, 
 and further until one other of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid in 
 due Manner and Form shall be elected, preferred, and sworn to be Mayor of the 
 Borough aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitutions above, in these 
 Presents mentioned : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our 
 Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of 
 the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, from Time 
 to Time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have Power and Authority, yearly and 
 every Year, on the Thursday next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the 
 Blessed Virgin Mary, to assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, in the 
 Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the 
 Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, and 
 there to continue until they, or the major Part of them then assembled, shall elect 
 or nominate two Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs of the Borough Nomination 
 aforesaid, for the Year then next ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form 
 following ; and that they shall and may be able there to elect and nominate, before 
 they shall from thence depart, two of the aforesaid Burgesses, who from thenceforth 
 shall be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing; 
 and that they, after they shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be 
 Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, before they shall be admitted to execute the same 
 Office, and each of them, shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God 
 yearly on the same Day of Election, if they shall be present, and if they shall be 
 absent, then within one Month then next ensuing the Day of Election aforesaid, 
 before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, or in the Absence of the said Mayor 
 before the Bailiffs their last Predecessors, or either of them, in the Presence of 
 such of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and 
 the rest of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall be then present in the 
 Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the 
 Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly 
 well and faithfully to execute the same Office of Bailiffs of the same Borough, in all 
 Things touching the same Office; and that after such Oath so taken they shall and 
 may be able to execute the Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, until the 
 Thursday next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
 then next ensuing, and further until others of the aforesaid Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid shall be in due Manner and Form elected, preferred, and sworn 
 to be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitu- 
 tions in these Presents above mentioned : And further we will, and by these
 
 7° 
 
 If Mayor die, 
 or he re- 
 moved, 
 
 another to 
 be elected. 
 
 If Bailiffs 
 die, or be 
 removed, 
 
 others to be 
 
 elected. 
 
 If Aldermen 
 
 i i be 
 
 removed, 
 
 Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That if it shall 
 happen the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, at any Time hereafter, within one 
 Year after he shall be preferred and sworn to the Office of Mayoralty of the 
 Borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, to die or be removed from his Office, which same 
 Mayor not well behaving himself in the same Office, We will to be removeable 
 at the Pleasure of the aforesaid Aldermen and the rest of the Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, who shall be 
 then present, so that the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid are 
 or shall be then present, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to the 
 aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, to assemble them- 
 selves, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days then next ensuing the Death 
 or Removal of the same Mayor, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in 
 any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to elect, nominate, and 
 prefer, one honest and fit Man of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid to 
 be Mayor, and for Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, in the Place of the same Mayor so 
 dead, or removed from his Office ; and that he, so elected and preferred into the Office 
 of Mayoralty, having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form aforesaid, shall have and exer- 
 cise the same Office during the Residue of the same Year, and until one other of the 
 Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid shall be in due Manner elected and sworn to the 
 same Office ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if it shall happen the 
 Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or either of them, to die, or be removed from their 
 Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, which same Bailiffs, and each of them, not 
 well behaving himself in his Office aforesaid, We will to be removeable at the Pleasure 
 of the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major 
 Part of them, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor and 
 Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, 
 within fourteen Days next after the aforesaid Bailiff or Bailiffs shall so die, or be 
 removed from his Office aforesaid, to assemble themselves in the Guildhall of the 
 Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to 
 elect and prefer one or two of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, into the Place or 
 Places of the same Bailiff, or Bailiffs, so dead or removed from his Office ; and that he 
 or they, so elected and preferred, having first taken a Corporal Oath for the same Office 
 of Bailiff of the Borough aforesaid, in Form aforesaid, shall have, and exercise the same 
 Office or Offices during the Residue of the same Year, and until another or others of 
 the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the same Office of 
 Bailiff and Bailiffs of the same Borough, having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form 
 aforesaid; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if any or either of the 
 Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid shall die, or be removed from his Office, which same 
 Aldermen, or any or either of them not well behaving himself in his Office, We will to 
 be removeable at the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and the major
 
 ?r 
 
 Part of the aforesaid Aldermen of the same Borough, for the Time being, that then the 
 Mayor and such of the rest of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, who 
 shall be assembled in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or any other convenient 
 Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Dis- 
 cretions, or the major Part of them so assembled, at the Pleasure of the Mayor and 
 Residue of the Aldermen of the same Borough, shall and may be able to elect and pre- 
 fer one or more of the best and most honest Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, in the 
 Place or Places of the same Alderman or Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, so dead, 
 or removed from his Office, to supply the aforesaid Number of twelve Aldermen of the 
 same Borough ; and that he or they, so elected and preferred, having first taken a Cor- 
 poral Oath, rightly, well, and faithfully to execute the same Office before the Mayor of 
 the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or before the Bailiffs of the same Borough, 
 or either of them, shall have and exercise the same Office or Offices to which he or they 
 shall be so elected, preferred, and sworn, so long as he shall well behave himself in 
 the same Office ; And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and 
 Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, 
 and their Successors, That they and their Successors from henceforth for ever may and 
 shall have within the Borough aforesaid one honest and discreet Man, learned in the 
 Laws of England, who shall be and be named Recorder of the Borough aforesaid: And 
 we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, by these Presents, grant, That the 
 Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, shall do and execute all and 
 every thing which any Steward of the same Borough, by Virtue of his Office of Steward 
 of the same Borough, could or ought heretofore to do and execute, and not otherwise, 
 being unwilling that after the Date of these our Letters Patent, any one shall be elected, 
 preferred, and nominated into the Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid ; but that 
 the Recorder shall be elected and preferred in the Stead and Place of the same Steward, 
 from Time to Time, for ever, to execute all and every thing which to the Office of 
 Steward did heretofore appertain, and not otherwise ; and for the better Execution of 
 our Will and Grant in that Behalf, We have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, 
 create, and make our beloved Thomas Waller, Esquire, to be the first and present Re- 
 corder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue so long as he shall well behave himself in 
 the same Office, and during the Pleasure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the 
 same Borough ; and that every Person to be elected and nominated into the same Office 
 of Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall be admitted to execute the same 
 Office, shall take a Corporal Oath before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the 
 Time being, and so many of the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, who shall 
 be willing then to be present, rightly, well, and faithfully to do and execute all and every 
 thing which to the Office of Recorder, so as aforesaid elected in the Place of the 
 Steward, appertain in and by all things : And further we will, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of 
 
 others to be 
 elected. 
 
 Recorder. 
 
 Office of 
 Steward 
 abolished. 
 
 Thomas Wal- 
 ler, Esq. ap- 
 pointed Re- 
 corder.
 
 Recorder how 
 
 to he ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 Predecessor of 
 every Mayor 
 t" In' Justice 
 of the Peace. 
 
 His Duties 
 and Powers. 
 
 the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that from Time to Time, and at all Times, 
 after the Death or Removal of the aforesaid Thomas Waller, it shall and may be lawful 
 to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, fur the Time being, or 
 the major Part of them, (of whom the Mayor for the Time being We will to be one) to 
 elect and prefer one other honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of England, to 
 be Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office during the Plea- 
 sure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the same Borough for the Time being, 
 having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form aforesaid ; and so as often as the Case 
 shall so happen : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and 
 Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said, and their Successors, That the Mayor and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for 
 the Time being, and the last Predecessor of every Mayor of the same Borough for the 
 Time being, for ever hereafter, may and shall be Justices of us and of our Heirs ami 
 Successors, and each of them may and shall be a Justice of us, our Heirs, and Succes- 
 sors, to preserve the Peace of us and of our Heirs and Successors, in the same Borough, 
 the Liberties and Precincts thereof, and also to preserve, correct, and keep, and cause to 
 be corrected or kept, the Statutes concerning Artificers and Labourers, Weights and 
 Measures within the Borough aforesaid, the Suburbs, Precincts, and Liberties thereof; 
 and that the said Mayor and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, 
 and his last Predecessor, or any two of them, (of whom the Mayor of the Borough afore- 
 said, for the Time being, We will to be one) shall have full Power and Authority 
 to inquire concerning whatsoever inferior Offences, Defects, and Articles, within the 
 Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, done, moved, or perpetrated, 
 or hereafter to be done, moved, or perpetrated, which the Justices and Keepers of 
 the Peace in any County of our Kingdom of England, by the Laws and Statutes 
 of our same Kingdom of England, as Justices of the Peace, only ought or may 
 be able to inquire; so nevertheless that they, or any, or either of them shall not 
 in any wise proceed to the Inquisition, Trial, or Determination of any Treason, Murder 
 or Felony, or any other Thing or Matter touching the Loss of Life, or Member, 
 within the Borough aforesaid, the Suburbs, Liberties, and Precincts thereof: And 
 further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to 
 the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Succes- 
 sors, That the Mayor, Recorder, and last Predecessor of every Mayor of the same 
 Borough, for the Time being, so as aforesaid, being in the Office of Justice of the Peace, 
 or any two of them, (of whom the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, 
 We will to be one) by their Warrant in Writing, subscribed and signed, and to be 
 signed with their own proper Hands, shall and may be able to send all such and so 
 many Persons who hereafter shall be taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid 
 Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise called Wieambe, the Liberties and Precincts 
 thereof, for Treason, Murder, Felony, Homicide, or Robbery, done or to be done, or for 
 Suspicion of Felony, to the common Gaol of our County of Buckingham, there to re-
 
 n 
 
 main to be tried, and to answer for their Offences before the Justices of us, our Heirs 
 
 and Successors, of Oyer and Terminer, or our Justices assigned, or to be assigned, to 
 
 deliver the Gaol in the said County of Buckingham, willing, and by these Presents 
 
 commanding, as well the Sheriff of the County of Buckingham aforesaid, as the Keeper 
 
 of the common Gaol of the same County of Buckingham aforesaid, for the Time being, 
 
 That they and every of them upon such Warrant by the aforesaid Justices of the Peace, 
 
 within the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, for the Time being, 
 
 or any two of them, (of whom the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being, 
 
 We will to be one) to be made, and to them or either of them to be directed, shall 
 
 receive and safely keep all and such Persons so as aforesaid by the aforesaid Justices of 
 
 the Peace within the Borough aforesaid, hereafter to be taken, arrested, attached, or 
 
 found in the aforesaid Borough of Wicombe, the Liberties or Precincts thereof, for the 
 
 aforesaid Murder, Homicide, Robbery, or other Felony, done or to be done, or for 
 
 Suspicion of Felony, and so as aforesaid to be sent to the aforesaid common Gaol of the 
 
 aforesaid County of Buckingham, there to remain to be tried, and to answer before the 
 
 Justices of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, of Oyer and Terminer, or the Justices 
 
 assigned, and to be assigned, to deliver the Gaol of the County aforesaid, for the Time 
 
 being ; and these our Letters Patents, or the Inrollment thereof, shall be to the aforesaid 
 
 Sheriff and Keeper of the common Gaol of the County of Buckingham aforesaid, for the 
 
 Time being, for the same sufficient Warrant and Exoneration in that Behalf: And 
 
 further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the 
 
 aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, 
 
 That they and their Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and shall and may be able to 
 
 have, hold, and keep, within the Borough aforesaid, ever}' Year for ever, four Fairs or F.iirs. 
 
 Marts ; the first of the said Fairs or Marts to begin on the Feast of Saint John the 
 
 Baptist, and to continue through the whole of that Feast ; and the second Fair to begin 
 
 on the fourteenth Day of September, and to be holden and continue through the whole 
 
 of that Day ; and the third Fair of the same four Fairs or Marts, on the Day of the 
 
 Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Judc, the Apostles, and to be kept and continue through 
 
 the whole of that Day of the Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Judc ; and the fourth Fair 
 
 of the same four Fairs or Marts to begin on the Saturday next before the Feast of Lent, 
 
 and to be kept and continue through the whole of that Saturday ; together with a Court 
 
 of Piepowder there to be holden in the Time of the same Fairs or Marts, and with all Court of 
 
 . Piepowder. 
 
 Liberties and free Customs, Tolls, Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other 
 
 Profits, Commodities, Advantages, and Emoluments whatsoever, to such Fairs or Marts, 
 
 and Court of Piepowder appertaining, arising, accruing, or happening, or in any wise 
 
 appertaining or belonging; so nevertheless that the aforesaid Fairs or Marts shall not be 
 
 to the Prejudice or Damage of other Fairs or Marts adjacent: And fi/rthf.r WE WILL, 
 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, 
 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That they anil 
 
 their Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and shall and may be able to have, hold, 
 
 K K
 
 74 
 
 Markit. 
 
 Court of Pic- 
 powder. 
 
 No Foreigner, 
 except a Vic- 
 tualler or Tan- 
 ner, to hold a 
 Stall without 
 a Licence. 
 
 Borough con- 
 firmed in 
 Rights, 
 Liberties, 
 Lands, &c. 
 
 and keep, within the Borough aforesaid, one Market in every Week in every Year fur 
 ever, on Friday, to he kept and holden within the Borough aforesaid ; and that in the 
 Time of the same Market all and singular Persons coming and resorting to the same 
 Market shall and may be able to buy, sell, and expose to Sale from henceforth for ever all 
 and singular Wares, Merchandize, Grain, and Things whatsoever, as all and all Manner 
 of Oxen, Sheep, Hogs, Horses, Mares, Geldings, and Colts, and all and all Manner 
 other Animals and Cattle alive and dead whatsoever, at their Pleasure, according to the 
 Laws, Customs, and Statutes of our Kingdom of England, paying the Tolls and Customs 
 therefore due to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for 
 the Time being, To the proper Use and Behoof of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
 gesses, and their Successors, towards the Support and Maintenance of the Charges and 
 Expences of the same Borough ; together with a Court of Piepowder, there to be nolden 
 at the Time of the same Market, and with all and all Manner of Liberties and free Cus- 
 toms, Tolls, Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other Profits and Com- 
 modities, Advantages and Emoluments whatsoever to such Market and Court of 
 Piepowder appertaining, arising, accruing, or happening ; so nevertheless that the same 
 Market shall not be to the Damage or Prejudice of other neighbouring Markets there 
 near adjacent ; and that no Foreigner who shall dwell out of the Borough aforesaid, 
 unless he shall be a Victualler or a Tanner, from henceforth shall make, take, or use any 
 Stalls within the Borough aforesaid, at the Time of the Market there, without the Licence 
 of the Mayor and Aldermen of the same Borough, or the major Part of them, of whom 
 the Mayor for the Time being We will to be one : And further we will, and by 
 these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, give, grant, and confirm to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, all and all 
 Manner of Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, Exemptions, Privileges, Acquittances, 
 Jurisdictions, Lands, Tenements, Wastes, void Grounds, Commons, and Hereditaments 
 whatsoever, which the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid now have, 
 hold, use, and enjoy ; or which their Predecessors, or any of them, by whatsoever Names 
 or Name, or by whatsoever Incorporation, or by Pretext of whatsoever Incorporation 
 heretofore have had, held, used, or enjoyed, or ought to have, hold, use, or enjoy, of any 
 hereditary Estate, by Reason or Pretext of any Charters or Letters Patent, by any of our 
 Progenitors and Ancestors, late Kings or Queens of England, in any wise heretofore 
 made, granted, or confirmed, or by whatsoever other lawful Manner, Right, Title, Custom, 
 Usage, or Prescription heretofore lawfully used, had, or accustomed ; although the same, 
 or any or either of them, heretofore have not been used, or have been abused or dis- 
 continued, and although the same or any or either of them are or have been forfeited or 
 lost, to have, hold, and enjoy, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, and their Successors for ever; except nevertheless always and out of 
 these our Letters Patent, and this our Grant wholly reserved, all and all Manner of 
 Rents, Services, Sums of Money, and Demands whatsoever, which to us or to any of our 
 Progenitors or Predecessors, or to any other Person or Persons for or in respect of the
 
 75 
 
 Premises, or any or either of them have been heretofore accustomed to be rendered or 
 paid, or ought to be rendered or paid : Wherefore we will, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs and Successors, firmly enjoining, ordering, and commanding, that the 
 aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, 
 shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able fully and entirely to 
 have, hold, use, and enjoy, for ever, all the Liberties, free Customs, Privileges, 
 Authorities, Jurisdictions, and Acquittances aforesaid, according to the Tenor and Effect 
 of these our Letters Patent, without the Hindrance or Impediment of us, our Heirs 
 and Successors whomsoever; being unwilling that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
 gesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, or any or either of them, by 
 Reason of the Premises, or of any of them, by us, or our Heirs or Successors, the Justices, 
 Sheriffs, Escheators, or other Bailiffs or Ministers of us, our Heirs and Successors, 
 whomsoever, shall be therefore hindered, molested, vexed, or aggrieved, or in any wise 
 disturbed ; willing, and by these Presents commanding and ordering, as well the 
 Treasurer, Chancellor, and Barons of our Exchequer at Westminster and other the 
 Justices and Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, as our Attorney and 
 Solicitor General, for the Time being, and every of them, and all other our Officers and 
 Ministers whomsoever, that neither they nor any or either of them shall prosecute, or 
 continue, or make, or cause to be prosecuted or continued any Writ or Summons of Quo 
 Warranto, or any other our Writ, Writs, or Process whatsoever, against the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or any or either of them, for 
 any Causes, Things, Matters, Offences, Claim, or Usurpation, or any of them, by 
 them or any of them, due, claimed, used, attempted, or usurped, before the Day of the 
 making of these Presents ; willing also, that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid, or any of them, shall in no wise be molested, or hindered by any or 
 either of the Justices, Officers, or Ministers aforesaid, in or for the due Use, Claim, or 
 Abuse of any other Liberties, Franchises, or Jurisdictions, within the Borough aforesaid, 
 the Limits or Precincts thereof, before the Day of the making of these our Letters 
 Patent, or be compelled to answer to them, or either of them : And whereas our 
 dearly beloved Sister the Lady Elizabeth, late Queen of England, by her Letters Patent, Grammar 
 sealed under her great seal of England, bearing Date the twenty-first Day of July, in the 
 fourth Year of her Reign, did give and grant to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of 
 the Borough of Wkombe aforesaid, all the Scite, Bounds, and Circuit of the late Hospital 
 of Saint John the Baptist, in Wicombe, and all the Hospital aforesaid; and all Messu- 
 ages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments in Wicombe aforesaid, and in the Parish of 
 Pennc, Hichcnden, and Great Marlowe, in the County of Bitckingham, and elsewhere 
 wheresoever in the same County, which to the said late Hospital did then lately belong ; 
 and all her Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments in Wicombe aforesaid, 
 called by the Name of the Fraternity of the Blessed Mary, or by the name of our Lady 
 Rents, which same Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, so by the afore- 
 said late Queen Elizabeth to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses given and 
 
 School.
 
 7 6 
 
 granted, were solely for the perpetual Maintenance of one Grammar School in Wiconibt 
 Maintenance aforesaid ; and also for the perpetual Maintenance and Relief of four poor People, 
 ile. to be relieved in the same Borough; as by the same Letters Patent amongst other 
 
 Things more fully doth appear : And whereas we are credibly informed by the 
 Information of the now Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough, that the 
 Number of poor and needy People in the same Borough is much increased, and daily 
 doth more and more increase, to the great Charge of the same Borough : And also we 
 are likewise informed, that the said late Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, and the 
 aforesaid Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, by the said late Queen 
 Elizabeth, as aforesaid given and granted, to the perpetual Maintenance and Support of 
 the Grammar School, and four poor people in Wicombe aforesaid, will well and compe- 
 tently suffice, as well to maintain and support the aforesaid Grammar School ami 
 four poor People, according to the Ordinance and Intention of the said late Queen 
 in the said Borough ; as also to relieve more poor and needy Persons in the same 
 Borough ; We desiring to relieve the great Charges and Expences of the same 
 Borough, and also willing that the poor and needy People of the same Borough should 
 be succoured by all good and convenient Ways and Means ; and nevertheless willing 
 that the aforesaid Grammar School and the aforesaid four poor People, by the aforesaid 
 Letters Patent of the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth to be relieved in the same Borough, 
 shall be chiefly and before all others perpetually sustained and maintained, according to 
 the Ordinances and Intentions of the same late Queen Elizabeth, in the same Letters 
 Patent mentioned, of our especial Grace and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, 
 have given and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do 
 give and grant Licence, Power, and Authority, to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and 
 Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That they and their Successors, 
 by their Discretion, or of the major Part of them, from Time to Time, shall take, ex- 
 pend, and dispose of all and singular the Issues, Rents, Revenues, and yearly Profits 
 whatsoever of ali and singular the aforesaid Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Here- 
 ditaments ; so by the aforesaid late Queen as aforesaid given and granted to the 
 Maintenance of the aforesaid Grammar School and four poor People, as well to the 
 perpetual Support and Relief of the aforesaid Grammar School and four poor People, 
 according to the pious Intention of the said late Queen, in the same Borough to be 
 sustained and relieved, as also to the Relief and Support of other poor and needy Men 
 in the same Borough, from Time to Time, inhabiting and dwelling ; and also to the 
 Support of the Charges and Expences of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, in 
 and about the Defence of their Title in and to the aforesaid Hospital, Messuages, 
 Lands, Tenements, Rents, and other the Premises to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses, by the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth, so as aforesaid given and granted, and 
 to no other Uses, Intents, or Purposes : We will ALSO, &;c. without Fine in the Hana- 
 per, imc. although express Mention, &c. In Witness, whereof, O^c. Witness, Tin 
 
 KING, at Westminster, the seventeenth Day of June. 
 
 By Writ of Privy Seal.
 
 77 
 
 CHARTER 
 
 GRANTED TO THE 
 
 MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE, 
 
 BY KING CHARLES THE SECOND, 
 
 i 6th November, 1663. 
 in the Fifteenth Year of His Reign. 
 
 THE KING, to all to whom, &c, Greeting.— WHEREAS our Borough of Chepping 
 Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, in our County of Buckingham, is an ancient and 
 populous Borough, and the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe 
 aforesaid, have had, used, and enjoyed divers Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, and 
 Pre-eminences, as well by Charters of divers of our Progenitors and Predecessors, late 
 Kings or Queens of England, to them and their Predecessors heretofore made, granted, 
 or confirmed, as also by Reason of divers Prescriptions and Customs used in the same 
 Borough, from Time whereof the Memory of Man is not to the contrary : And whereas 
 our beloved Subjects, the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe 
 aforesaid, have humbly besought us that we would be pleased to show and extend our 
 Royal Grace and Munificence to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, in that Behalf, 
 and that We, for the better Government, Rule, and Improvement of the same Borough, 
 would condescend to ratify, confirm, approve, make, restore and constitute the said 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough into one Body Corporate and 
 Politic, by Letters Patent : We therefore willing, that from henceforth for ever in 
 the same Borough there shall be had continually one certain and undoubted Method of 
 and for the keeping of the Peace, and the good Rule and Government of the People 
 there ; and that the Borough aforesaid from henceforth for ever shall be and remain a 
 Borough of Peace and Quiet, to the Dread and Terror of the Wicked, and in Reward 
 of the Good, and that our Peace and other Deeds of Justice there may be preserved 
 without further Delay ; and hoping that if the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same 
 
 Of a Grant ol 
 a Charter to 
 the Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of 
 the Borough 
 of Chepping 
 Wycombe, to 
 them and 
 their Succes-
 
 78 
 
 A Body Cor- 
 porate. 
 
 May possess 
 Lands, ^c. 
 
 May plead, 
 &c. 
 
 Common 
 Seal. 
 
 Borough, and their Successors, are made able by our (Irani to enjoy more ample 
 Honours, Liberties, and Privileges, then they will consider themselves bound more 
 especially and strongly to perform and shew such service as they are able to us, and 
 to our Heirs and Successors, of our especial Grace, and of our certain Knowledge and 
 mere Motion, We have willed, ordained, constituted and granted, and by these 
 Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do will, ordain, constitute, declare, and 
 grant, That the said Borough of Wicombe, in our said County of Buckingham, from 
 henceforth may and shall be a Free Borough of itself; and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Burgesses of the same Borough, by whatsoever Name they have been heretofore 
 incorporated, and their Successors, from henceforth for ever may and shall be, by Force 
 of these Presents, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, and Name, by the 
 Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, other- 
 wise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham : and them by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, 
 and Burgesses of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County 
 of Buckingham, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Name, and Fact, really 
 and fully for us, our Heirs and Successors, We do make, ordain, constitute, confirm, 
 and declare by these Presents, and that by the same Name, they shall have perpetual 
 Succession ; and that they, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough of Cheeping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, 
 may and shall be for ever hereafter Persons able and capable in the Law to have, 
 purchase, receive, and possess Lands, Tenements, Liberties, Privileges, Jurisdictions, 
 Franchises, and Hereditaments, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, to 
 them and their Successors, in Fee and Perpetuity, and also Goods and Chattels, and 
 whatsoever other Things of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, and also to 
 give, grant, demise, and assign, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, Goods and 
 Chattels, and to do and execute all and singular other Deeds and Things, by the Name 
 aforesaid ; and that by the same Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the 
 Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, they 
 shall and may be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend, and 
 be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before whatsoever Judges and Jus- 
 tices, and other Persons and Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, in all 
 Suits, Plaints, Pleas, Causes, Matters, and Demands, real, personal, or mixt, whatsoever, 
 as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, in 
 the same Manner and Form as other our liege Subjects of this our Kingdom of 
 England, Persons able and capable in the law, can and may be able to plead and be im- 
 pleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, and to have, purchase, and 
 receive, possess, give, grant, and demise; ami that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur- 
 gesses of the aforesaid Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the 
 County of Buckingham, and their Successors, shall have for ever a Common Seal, to 
 serve for doing their Causes and Business, and of their Successors whatsoever; and that 
 it shall Mid ma) bo lawful to the same Major, Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their Sue-
 
 79 
 
 cessors, the same Seal at their Pleasure to break, change, and make anew, as 
 to them shall seem to be best; And further we will, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and ordain, that from henceforth for ever there 
 may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, one of the most honest and discreet 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be elected in Form hereunder in these Presents 
 mentioned, who shall be and be named Mayor of the Borough aforesaid ; and that in Mayor. 
 like Manner there may and shall be within the same Borough two honest and discreet 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be elected in Form hereunder in these Presents Bailiffs, 
 mentioned, who shall be and be named Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid : And also we 
 will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant, ordain, and con- 
 firm, that from henceforth for ever there may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, 
 from Time to Time, twelve honest and discreet Men, continually inhabiting and residing 
 within the same Borough who shall be and be called Aldermen of the said Borough ; 
 and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, and their Successors, Burgesses. 
 or the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever, shall and may be able to elect 
 so many and such other Men, inhabiting or not inhabiting within the Borough aforesaid, 
 as and which to them shall seem most expedient to the Burgesses of the said Borough : 
 And we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm 
 to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Suc- 
 cessors, that the aforesaid Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their 
 Successors, shall be and be called the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, and Common 
 shall be, from Time to Time, assisting and aiding to the Mayor of the said Borough of 
 Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, for the Time being, in all Causes and 
 Matters touching or concerning the Borough aforesaid : And further we will, and by 
 these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the 
 Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, for the 
 Time being, or the major part of them (of whom the Mayor for the Time being We 
 will to be one) may and shall have full Power and Authority to frame, constitute, ordain 
 and make, from Time to Time, such reasonable Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances what- May ordain 
 soever, as to them shall seem to be good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary, 
 according to their sound Discretions, for the good Rule and Government of the Bur- 
 gesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and for 
 declaring in what Manner and Order the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses, and the Artificers, Inhabitants, and Residents of the Borough aforesaid, shall 
 behave, conduct, and carry themselves in their Offices, Mysteries, and Business, within 
 the same Borough, and the Limits thereof, for the Time being, and otherwise for the 
 further Good and public Advantage and Rule of the same Borough, and the Victualling 
 of the same Borough, and also for the better Preservation, Government, Disposition, 
 letting, demising of Lands, Tenements, Possessions, Revenues, and Hereditaments, to 
 the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, by these Presents, or
 
 So 
 
 Penalties ami 
 Punishments. 
 
 First Mayor. 
 
 First Bailiffs. 
 
 First Alder- 
 men. 
 
 otherwise, given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or hereafter to he given, granted, or 
 assigned, and other Matters and Causes whatsoever, touching or in any wise concerning 
 the aforesaid Borough, or the State, Right, and Interest of the same Borough ; and that 
 they and their Successors, by the Mayor for the Time being, and the Aldermen and 
 Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, being the Common Council of the same Borough or by 
 the major Part of them as aforesaid, so often as they shall frame, make, ordain, or 
 establish such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, in Form aforesaid, shall be able to 
 impose and assess such reasonable Pains, Penalties, and Punishments, by Imprisonment 
 of the Body, or by Fines or Amerciaments, or by either of them, towards and upon all 
 Delinquents, against such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, or any or either of them, as 
 and which to the same Mayor, Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for the 
 Time being, or the major Part of them, shall seem to be reasonable and requisite ; and 
 the same Fines and Amerciaments they shall and may be able to levy and have without 
 the Hindrance of us, our Heirs and Successors ; all and singular which Laws, Statutes, 
 and Ordinances, so (as aforesaid) to be made, We will to be observed, under the Pains 
 in the same to be contained ; so nevertheless that such Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Im- 
 prisonments, Fines, and Amerciaments, shall not be repugnant nor contrary to the Laws, 
 Statutes, Customs, or Rights of our Kingdom of England : And for the better Execution 
 of our same Grants in this Behalf, We have assigned, nominated, constituted, and 
 made, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, 
 constitute, and make our beloved Robert Whitton, now Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, 
 to be the first and present Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, willing that the same 
 Robert Whitton shall be and continue in the Office of Mayor of the same Borough, from 
 the making of these Presents, until the Thursday next before the Feast of Saint Michael 
 the Archangel next ensuing, and from the same Feast until one of the Aldermen of the 
 Borough aforesaid shall be preferred and sworn to the same Office, according to the 
 Ordinances and Constitutions in these Presents expressed and declared, (if the same 
 Robert Whitton shall so long live) : We have also assigned, nominated, and constituted, 
 and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, 
 and make our beloved Thomas Prcslee and Edward Bedder the younger, now Bailiffs of 
 the same Borough, to be the two first and present Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, to 
 continue in the same Offices of Bailiffs of the same Borough, until the Thursday next 
 before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary next ensuing, and from 
 the same Feast until two other Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be preferred and 
 sworn to the Offices of Bailiffs of the said Borough, according to the Ordinances and 
 Constitutions in these Presents hereunder expressed and declared, if the same Thomas 
 Prcslee and Edward Bedder the younger shall so long live: We have ALSO assigned, 
 nominated, and constituted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do 
 assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved Nicholas Bradshaw, Thomas 
 Gibbons, Edward Bolder the elder, James Bigg, Henry Elliott, Richard Lucas, Edward 
 Winch, Edward Huinfrcy, Robert Fryer, Jonathan Randall, Samuel Wells, and John
 
 8i 
 
 Harding, Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be the twelve first and present 
 Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Offices during their lives, 
 unless in the mean time, for bad Government or ill behaving themselves in that Behalf, 
 or for not inhabiting and residing within the Borough aforesaid they shall be re- 
 moved from the same Offices : And further we will, and by these Presents, for 
 us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That the Mayor, Aldermen, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being, or the major 
 Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have Power and 
 Authority, yearly and every Year, on the Thursday next before the Feast of St. 
 Michael the Archangel, to assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, in the 
 Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the 
 Borough, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, and there to con- 
 tinue until they, or the major part of them there then assembled, shall then elect or 
 nominate one of the Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid to be Mayor of the Borough Election of 
 aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ; and that then and there they shall 
 and may be able to elect and nominate, before they shall from thence depart, one 
 of the Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, who shall be Mayor 
 of the Borough aforesaid for one whole Year then next ensuing ; and that he, after 
 he shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Mayor of the Borough 
 aforesaid, before he shall be admitted to execute the same Office, shall take a 
 corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly on the Day of his Election, if he 
 shall be then present ; and if he shall be absent, then within one Month then next 
 ensuing after the said Day of Election, before the Mayor, his last Predecessor, or in 
 his Absence before such Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being, and 
 the rest of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present in the 
 Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough 
 aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and 
 faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the same Office ; and that 
 after such Oath so taken he shall and may be able to execute the Office of Mayor of 
 the Borough aforesaid, until the Thursday next before the Feast of St. Michael the 
 Archangel then next ensuing, and further until one other of the aforesaid Aldermen of 
 the Borough aforesaid in due Manner and Form shall be elected, preferred, and sworn 
 to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitutions 
 above in these Presents mentioned : And further we will, and by these Presents, for 
 us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor, Aldermen, 
 and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, 
 from Time to Time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have Power and Authority. Nearly 
 and every Year, on the Thursday next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the 
 Blessed Virgin Mary, to assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, in the Guild- 
 
 L L
 
 82 
 
 hall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough 
 aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, and there to con- 
 tinue until they, or the major Part of them there then assembled, shall elect and 
 
 nominate two Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, 
 
 Bailiffs. 6 ° . ! 
 
 for one Year then next ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form following ; and 
 
 that they shall and may be able there to elect and nominate, before they shall from 
 thence depart, two of the aforesaid Burgesses, who from thenceforth shall be Bailiffs of 
 the Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing; and that they, after 
 they shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Bailiffs of the Borough afore- 
 said, before they shall be admitted to execute the same Office, shall take, and each 
 of them shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly on the Day of 
 Election, if they shall then be present, and if they shall be absent, then within one 
 Month then next ensuing the Day of Election aforesaid, before the Mayor of the 
 Borough aforesaid, or in the Absence of the said Mayor, before the Bailiffs their last 
 Predecessors, or either of them, in the Presence of such of the aforesaid Aldermen 
 of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and the rest of the Burgesses of 
 the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present in the Guildhall of the 
 Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to 
 be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and faithfully to 
 execute the same Office of Bailiffs of the same Borough, in all Things touching the 
 same Office ; and that after such Oath so taken they shall and may be able to execute 
 the Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, until the Thursday next before the 
 Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary then next ensuing, and 
 further until others of the aforesaid Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid in due Man- 
 ner and Form shall be elected, preferred, and sworn to be Bailiffs of the Borough 
 aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitutions in these Presents above men- 
 tioned : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, 
 grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore- 
 said and their Successors, That if it shall happen the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, 
 at any Time hereafter within one Year after he shall be preferred and sworn to the 
 
 If Mayor die, Office of Mayoralty of the Borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, to die, or be removed 
 from his Office, which same Mayor not well behaving himself in the same Office, We 
 WILL to be removable at the Pleasure of the aforesaid Aldermen and of the other 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being or the major Part of them 
 who then shall be present, so that the major Part of the Burges'ses of the Borough 
 aforesaid may or shall be then present, That then and so often, it shall and may be 
 lawful to the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, to 
 assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days then next ensuing 
 the Death or Removal of the same Mayor, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, 
 
 another to be or in aiiy other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to elect, nominate, 
 and prefer one honest and fit Man of the aforesaid \ Mermen of the Borough aforesaid,
 
 83 
 
 to be Mayor and for Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, in the Place of the same Mayoi 
 so dead or removed from his Office, and that he so elected and preferred to the Office 
 of Mayoralty, having first taken a corporal Oath in form aforesaid, shall have and 
 exercise the same Office during the Residue of the same Year, and until one other of 
 the Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid shall be in due Manner elected and sworn to 
 that Office, And so as often as the Case shall so happen: And if it shall happen 
 the Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or either of them, to die or be removed from 
 their Offices of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, which same Bailiffs and either of 
 them not well behaving themselves in their Office aforesaid, We will to be remov- 
 able at the Pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the 
 Time being, or the major Part of them, That then and so often it shall and may be 
 lawful to the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or 
 the major Part of them, within fourteen Days next after the aforesaid Bailiff or 
 Bailiffs shall so die or be removed from his Office aforesaid, to assemble themselves 
 in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within 
 the Borough aforesaid, and to elect and prefer one or two of the Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid into the Place or Places of the same Bailiff or Bailiffs, so dead or 
 removed from his Office, and that he or they so elected and preferred, having first 
 taken a corporal Oath to execute the same Office of Bailiff of the Borough aforesaid, 
 in form aforesaid, shall have and exercise the same Office or Offices during the 
 Residue of the same Year, and until another or others of the Burgesses of the 
 Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the same Office of Bailiff and 
 Bailiffs of the same Borough, having first taken a corporal Oath in form aforesaid, 
 and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if any or either of the Aldermen 
 of the Borough aforesaid shall die or be removed from his Office, which same Alder- 
 men and every or any of them not well behaving themselves in the same Office, We 
 will to be removable at the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and 
 the major Part of the aforesaid Aldermen of the same Borough for the Time being, 
 That then the Mayor and such of the Residue of the Aldermen of the Borough 
 aforesaid, who shall be assembled in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in 
 any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned 
 according to their Discretions, or the major Part of them, so assembled at the Pleasure 
 of the Mayor and the Residue of the Aldermen of the same Borough, shall and may 
 be able to elect and prefer one or more of the best and most honest Burgesses of 
 the Borough aforesaid, in the Place or Places of the same Alderman or Aldermen of 
 the Borough aforesaid, so dead or removed from his or their Office or Offices, to 
 supply the aforesaid Number of twelve Aldermen of the same Borough ; And that he 
 or they so elected and preferred, having first taken a corporal Oath, rightly, well, and 
 faithfully to execute the same Office before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for 
 the Time being, or before the Bailiffs of the same Borough, or either of them, shall 
 have and exercise the same Office or Offices to which he or they shall be so elected, 
 
 If Bailiffs die, 
 or be re- 
 moved, 
 
 others to be 
 
 elected. 
 
 If Aldermen 
 die, or be re- 
 moved, 
 
 others to be 
 
 elected.
 
 84 
 
 Recorder. 
 
 John Clerke, 
 i nomina- 
 ted Recorder. 
 
 Election of 
 I i uler. 
 
 Mayor, Re- 
 corder, and 
 late Mayor, 
 
 preferred and sworn, so long as he shall well behave himself in the same Office: And 
 further we will, and by these Presents for us, our Heirs, and Successors grant and 
 confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and 
 their Successors, That they and their Successors from henceforth for ever may and 
 shall have within the Borough aforesaid, one honest and discreet Man learned in the 
 Laws of England, who shall be and be named Recorder of the Borough aforesaid : 
 And we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm, That the 
 Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, shall do and execute all and 
 every Thing which any Steward of the same Borough by Virtue of his Office of Steward 
 of the same Borough, could or ought heretofore to do and execute, and not otherwise ; 
 Being unwilling that, after the Date of these our Letters Patent, any Person shall be 
 elected, nominated, or preferred to the Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid ; 
 But that a Recorder shall for ever be elected and preferred, in the Stead and Place of the 
 same Steward, from Time to Time, to execute all and every Thing which to the Office 
 of Steward heretofore did appertain, and not otherwise ; And, for the better exe- 
 cution of our Will and Grant in this Behalf, we have assigned, nominated, constituted 
 and made, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, do assign, nominate, 
 constitute, create, and make our beloved John Clerke, Esquire, to be the first and 
 present Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue, provided he shall well 
 behave himself in the same Office, during the Pleasure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and 
 Bailiffs of the same Borough; And that every Person so to be elected and nomi- 
 nated to the same Office of Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall be 
 admitted to execute the same Office, shall take a Corporal Oath before the Mayor 
 of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and so many of the Common Council 
 of the Borough aforesaid who shall then be present, rightly, well, and faithfully, in 
 and by all Things to do and execute all and every Thing which to the Office of 
 Recorder, so as aforesaid elected in Place of the Steward, appertain : And further 
 we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant and con- 
 firm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and 
 their Successors, That from Time to Time, and at all Times, after the Death or Re- 
 moval of the aforesaid John Clerke, it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor, Alder- 
 men, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of 
 them (of whom the Mayor for the Time being we will to be one), to elect and 
 prefer one other honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of England, to be 
 Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office during the Pleasure 
 of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the same Borough aforesaid, for the Time 
 being, first taking a corporal Oath in Form aforesaid ; And so as often as the Case 
 shall so happen. And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, 
 and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses ol 
 the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor and Recorder of the 
 Borough aforesaid for the Time being, and the last Predecessor of every Mayor of
 
 S; 
 
 the same Borough for the Time being, may and shall be Justices of us, and of our 
 Heirs and Successors, and each of them may and shall be a Justice of us, our Heirs 
 and Successors, to preserve the Peace of us, our Heirs and Successors, in the same 
 Borough, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, and also to preserve, correct, and keep, 
 and cause to be corrected or kept, the Statutes concerning Artificers and Labourers, 
 Weights, and Measures, within the Borough aforesaid, the Suburbs, Precincts, and 
 Liberties thereof; And that the said Mayor and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, 
 for the Time being, and his last Predecessor, or any Two of them (of whom the 
 Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being we will to be one), shall have 
 full Power and Authority to enquire concerning whatsoever Petty Offences, Defaults, 
 and Articles within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, done, 
 moved, or perpetrated, or hereafter to be done, moved, or perpetrated, which the 
 Justices and Keepers of the Peace in any County of our Kingdom of England, 
 by the Laws and Statutes of our same Kingdom of England, as Justices of the 
 Peace, ought or are able to inquire ; so nevertheless that they shall not in any wise 
 proceed, nor shall any or either of them proceed to the inquiring, trying, or deter- 
 mining of any Treason, Murder, or Felony, or of any other Thing or Matter touching 
 the Loss of Life, or Member, within the Borough aforesaid, the Suburbs, Liberties, or 
 Precincts thereof: And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs 
 and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of 
 the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor, Recorder, and last 
 Predecessor of every Mayor of the same Borough, for the Time being, and being so 
 as aforesaid in the Office of Justice of the Peace, or any two of them, (of whom the 
 Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, We will to be one) by their 
 Warrant in Writing, subscribed and signed, and to be signed with their proper 
 Hands, shall and may be able to send all such and so many Persons who hereafter 
 shall be taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid Borough of Chepping 
 Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, for Treasons, 
 Murders, Felonies, Homicides, or Robberies, done or to be done, or for Suspicion of 
 Felony, to the common Gaol of our County of Buckingham, there to remain to be 
 tried, and to answer for their Offences before the Justices of us, our Heirs and Suc- 
 cessors, of Oyer and Terminer, or our Justices assigned, or to be assigned, to de- 
 liver the Gaol in the said County of Buckingham, willing, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs, and Successors, commanding, as well the Sheriff of the County of 
 Buckingham aforesaid, as the Keeper of the common Gaol of the County of Buck- 
 ingham aforesaid, for the Time being, That they and each of them upon such War- 
 rant by the aforesaid Justices of the Peace, within the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, 
 otherwise called Wicombe aforesaid, for the Time being, or any two of them, (of whom 
 the Mayor of the said Borough for the Time being, We will to be one) to be made, 
 and to them or either of them to be directed, shall receive all such Persons so as 
 aforesaid by the aforesaid Justices of the Peace within the Borough aforesaid, hereafter 
 
 Justices of 
 "tlie Peace. 
 
 Their Duties.
 
 86 
 
 to be taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid Borough oi Wicombe, the 
 
 Liberties or l'rei inets thereof, for the aforesaid Murders, Homicides, Robberies, or other 
 Felonies, done or to be done, or for Suspicion of Felony, and so as aforesaid to be sent to 
 the aforesaid common Gaol of the aforesaid County of Buckingham, and shall safely 
 keep them, there to remain to be tried, and to answer before the Justices of us, and 
 of our Heirs and Successors, of Oyer and Terminer, or the Justices assigned, and to be 
 assigned, to deliver the Gaol of the County aforesaid, for the Time being ; and .these 
 our Letters Patent, or the Inrolment thereof, shall be to the aforesaid Sheriff and 
 Keeper of the common Gaol of the County of Buckingham aforesaid, for the Time 
 being, sufficient 'Warrant and Exoneration for the same in that Behalf: And more- 
 over we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, by these Presents grant and 
 confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough of 
 Wicombe, and their Successors, That they and their Successors may and shall have full 
 Power, Authority, and Faculty, whensoever it shall please them to assign, nominate, 
 
 Bailift. constitute, and appoint one fit Person to the Office of Bailiff of the aforesaid Borough, 
 
 to serve in the Court aforesaid, for the executing and performing Proclamation, Ar- 
 rest, Process, Execution, and other Things to the same Office incumbent, belonging or 
 appertaining, to be had within the aforesaid Borough and Parish of Wicombe, and 
 the Limits, Bounds, and Precincts thereof : And also we will, and by these Pre- 
 sents for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and declare by these Presents, that 
 
 Li.nits of the the Bounds and Limits, Metes, Circuit, and Precincts of the Borough aforesaid, shall 
 extend and stretch themselves, as is hereunder limited and specified (that is to say) 
 from a certain Bridge, called Wynkks Bridge, in Frogmore, situate at the West End of 
 the same Borough or Town, unto a certain Meadow, called Halywdl Mead, situate at 
 the East End of a certain common Pasture, called Rye Mead, belonging to the said 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and being Parcel of their Possessions ; and from 
 thence to a certain Ditch, situate on the North Part of a certain Curtilage, called 
 Bowr/iayes, and from the same Ditch unto a certain Bridge in the Street, called Saint 
 Marye Street, contiguous to a certain House or Farm, called Lakes, which same Bridge- 
 leads to the Town of Marlow, on the South Part ; and that all and singular Houses, 
 Edifices, Lands, Tenements, void Grounds, and Soil whatsoever, within the Bounds, 
 Metes, and Limits, of the same now are and from henceforth may be, shall be, and shall 
 be reputed to be Parts and Parcel of the said Borough of Wicombe, now by these Pre- 
 sents incorporated and confirmed into a Body Politic as aforesaid : And further we 
 will, and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, 
 by these Presents grant and confirm to the aioresaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses 
 of the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid and their Successors, That they shall have and 
 
 Shall hold a hold, and shall and may be able to have and hold a certain Court before the Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, or their or any of their sufficient Deputy 
 or Deputies, being Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, in a certain Common Hall,
 
 §7 
 
 called the Guildhall, or other Flacc in the same Borough most convenient, from three 
 Weeks to three Weeks or oftener, to be holden at their Will for ever ; and that the same 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Recorder, or their or any of their sufficient Deputy or Deputies Its Powers, 
 shall have full Power and Authority to hear and determine in the same Court by 
 Plaints to be levied in the same Court all and singular Pleas, Plaints, and Actions 
 concerning all and all Manner of Debts, Accounts, Covenants, Contracts, Trespasses 
 by Force and Arms, or otherwise, in Contempt of Us, Our Heirs, or Successors, done, 
 Covenant, Detinue, Contempt, Deceit, Withernam, and other Things and Actions, 
 real, personal, and mixt, whatsoever, within the aforesaid Borough of Wieombe, and 
 the Limits, Bounds and Limits, and Liberties thereof, in any wise arising or to 
 arise, happening or to happen ; Provided the same Debts, Accounts, Covenants, Con- 
 tracts, and other Actions, personal or mixt, shall not exceed the Sum or Value of 
 Forty Pounds : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs 
 and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of 
 the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that they and their Successors shall have, 
 hold, and keep, and shall and may be able to have, hold, and keep, within the Borough 
 aforesaid, in every Year for ever, four Fairs or Marts ; the first of the same Fairs or Fairs. 
 Marts to begin on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, and to continue for the whole 
 of the same Feast ; and the second Fair to begin on the Fourteenth Day of September 
 and to be kept and continue for the whole of that Day ; and the third Fair of the same 
 four Fairs or Marts to begin on the Day of the Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude, 
 the Apostles, and to be kept and continue for the whole of that Day of the Feast of 
 Saint Simon and Saint Jude; and the fourth Fair of the same four Fairs or Marts to 
 begin on Saturday next before the Feast of Lent, and to be kept and continue for the 
 whole of that Saturday, together with a Court of Piepowder, to be holden there in 
 the Time of the same Fairs or Marts, and with all Liberties and Free Customs, Tolls, 
 Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other Profits, Commodities, Advan- 
 tages, and Emoluments whatsoever, to such Fairs, Marts, and Courts of Piepowder, 
 appertaining, arising, accruing, or happening, or in any wise appertaining or belonging ; 
 so nevertheless that the aforesaid Fairs or Marts shall not be to the Prejudice or 
 Damage of other neighbouring Fairs, near adjacent : And further we will, and 
 by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid 
 Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That 
 they their Heirs and Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and shall and may be 
 able to have, hold, and keep, within the Borough aforesaid, one Market in every Market. 
 Week in every Year for ever, on Friday, to be holden and kept within the same 
 Borough; and that at the Time of the same Market all and every Person coming 
 and resorting to the same Market, shall and may be able to sell, buy, and expose to 
 Sale from henceforth for ever as well all and singular Wares, Merchandize, Grain, 
 and Things whatsoever, as all and all Manner of Oxen, Sheep, Pigs, Horses, Mares, 
 Geldings, and Colts, and all and all Manner other Animals and Cattle alive and dead 
 
 Court of Pie- 
 powder.
 
 
 Court of Pie- 
 powder. 
 
 No Foreigner, 
 to hold a Stall 
 without a Li- 
 cence, except 
 &c 
 
 Former 
 
 Charters 
 
 confirmed. 
 
 whatsoever, at their Pleasure, according to the Laws, Customs, and Statutes of our 
 Kingdom of England, paying the Tolls and Customs therefore due to the same 
 Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, 
 to the proper Use and Behoof of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses and their 
 Successors, towards the Support and Maintenance of the Charges and Expenses of the 
 same Borough ; together with a Court of Piepowder, there to be holden at the Time 
 of the same Market, and with all and all Manner of Liberties and free Customs, Tolls, 
 Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other Profits, Commodities, Advantages, 
 and Emoluments whatsoever, to such Market and Court of Piepowder appertaining, 
 arising, accruing, or happening ; so nevertheless that the same Market shall not be 
 to the Damage or Prejudice of other neighbouring Markets there near adjacent; 
 and that no Foreigner who shall dwell out of the Borough aforesaid, unless he shall 
 be a Victualler or a Tanner, from henceforth shall make, take, and use any Stalls within 
 the Borough aforesaid, at the Time of the Market there, without the Licence of the 
 Mayor and Aldermen of the same Borough, or the major Part of them, of whom the 
 Mayor for the Time being We will to be one : And further we will, and by 
 these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, give, grant, and confirm to the 
 aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, 
 all and all Manner of Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, Exemptions, Privileges, 
 Acquittances, Jurisdictions, Lands, Tenements, Wastes, void Grounds, Commons, and 
 Hereditaments whatsoever, which the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough 
 aforesaid now have, hold, use, and enjoy; and which any of them or their Predecessors, 
 by whatsoever Names or Name, or by whatsoever Incorporation, or by Pretext ot 
 whatsoever Incorporation heretofore have had, held, used, or enjoyed, or ought to have, 
 hold, use, or enjoy, of any hereditary Estate, by Reason or Pretext of any Charters or 
 Letters Patent, by any of our Progenitors or Ancestors, late Kings or Queens of England, 
 in any wise heretofore made, granted, or confirmed, or by whatsoever other lawful 
 Manner, Right, or Title, Custom, Usage, or Prescription heretofore lawfully used, had, 
 or accustomed ; To have, hold, and enjoy, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors for ever ; except always out of 
 these our Letters Patent, and this our Grant and Confirmation wholly reserved, all and 
 all Manner of Rents, Services, Sums of Money, and Demands whatsoever, which to us or 
 to any of our Progenitors or Predecessors, or to any other Person or Persons for or in 
 respect of the Premises, or of any or either of them have heretofore been accustomed to 
 be rendered or paid, or ought to be rendered or paid: WHEREFORE we will, and by 
 these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, firmly enjoining, command and order, 
 that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their 
 Successors, shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able fully and 
 wholly to have, hold, use, and enjoy, for ever, all the Liberties, free Customs, 
 Privileges, Authorities, Jurisdictions, and Acquittances aforesaid, according to the Tenor 
 and Effect of these our Letters Patent, without the Hindrance or Impediment of us, our
 
 §9 
 
 Heirs or Successors whomsoever; being unwilling that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, or any or either of them, by 
 Reason of the Premises, or of any of them, shall therefore be hindered, molested, vexed, 
 or aggrieved, or in any wise disturbed, by us, or our Heirs or Successors, the Justices, 
 Sheriffs, Escheators, or other Bailiffs or Ministers of us, our Heirs or Successors whom- 
 soever : willing, and by these Presents ordering and commanding, as well the Treasurer, 
 Chancellor, and Barons of our Exchequer at Westminster and other the Justices and 
 Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, as our Attorney and Solicitor General, 
 for the Time being, and every of them, and all other our Officers and Ministers 
 whomsoever, that neither they nor any or either of them shall prosecute, or continue, or 
 make or cause to be prosecuted or continued any Writ or Summons of Quo Warranto 
 or any other our Writ, Writs or Process whatsoever, against the aforesaid Mayor, 
 Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or any or either of them, for any 
 Titles, Things, Matters, Offences, Claim, or Usurpation, or any of them, by them 
 or any of them duly claimed, used, attempted, had, or usurped, before the Day of 
 the making of these Presents ; willing also, that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses 
 of the Borough aforesaid, or any of them, shall be in no wise molested or disturbed 
 by any or either of the Justices, Officers, or Ministers aforesaid, in or for the due Use, 
 Claim, or Abuse of any other Liberties, Franchises, or Jurisdictions, within the Borough 
 aforesaid, the Limits and Precincts thereof, before the Day of the making of these our 
 Letters Patent, or shall be compelled to answer for the same or any of them : 
 And whereas the Lady Elizabeth, late Queen of England, by her Letters Patent, 
 sealed with her great Seal of England, bearing Date the twenty-first Day of July, 
 in the fourth Year of her Reign, did give and grant to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid, all the Scite, Bound, and Circuit 
 of the late Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, in Wicombe aforesaid, and all the 
 Hospital aforesaid ; and all Messuages, Lands, Tenements, in Wicombe aforesaid, 
 and in the Parishes of Paine, Hichenden, and Great Mario:;', in the County of 
 Buckingham, and elsewhere wheresoever in the same County, which to the said late 
 Hospital did formerly belong; and all her Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Here- 
 ditaments in Wicombe aforesaid, called by the Name of the Fraternity of the Blessed 
 Mary, or by the Name of our Lady Bents, which same Lands, Tenements, and 
 Hereditaments, so by the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth, were given and granted to 
 the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses solely towards the perpetual Maintenance of 
 one Grammar School in Wicombe aforesaid; and also towards the perpetual Main- 
 tenance and Relief of four poor Persons, to be relieved in the same Borough ; as by 
 the same Letters Patent among other Things doth more fully appear: And whereas 
 we are credibly informed by the Information of the now Mayor, Bailiffs, and 
 Burgesses of the said Borough, that the Number of poor and needy Persons in the 
 same Borough is much increased, and daily doth more and more increase, to the 
 great Charge of the same Borough : And also we are likewise informed, that the 
 
 M M 
 
 Grant of 
 Queen Eliza- 
 beth for Main- 
 tenance of a 
 Grammar 
 School, &c.
 
 go 
 
 Confirmed. 
 
 Oaths to be 
 taken by 
 Officers of the 
 Borough. 
 
 s.iid late IIospit.il of Saint John the Baptist, and the aforesaid Messuages, Lands. 
 Tenements, and Hereditaments, by the said late Queen Elizabeth, as aforesaid given 
 and granted, towards the perpetual Maintenance and Support of the Grammar School 
 and four poor Persons, in Wiconibe aforesaid, will well and competently suffice, as 
 well for the Maintenance and Support of the aforesaid Grammar School, and four 
 poor Persons, according to the Ordinances and Intent of the said late Queen in the 
 said Borough ; as also for the Relief of many other poor and needy Persons in the 
 same Borough : We desiring to relieve the great Charges and Expenses of the same 
 Borough, and also willing that the poor and needy People of the same Borough may 
 be succoured by all good and convenient Ways and Means ; and nevertheless willing 
 that the aforesaid Grammar School and the aforesaid four poor Persons by the 
 aforesaitl Letters Patent of the said late Queen Elizabeth, to be relieved in the same 
 Borough, shall be perpetually supported and maintained, more especially and before 
 all others, according to the Ordinances and Intent of the same late Queen, in the 
 same Letters Patent mentioned, of our especial Grace and of our certain Knowledge 
 and mere Motion, have given, granted, and confirmed ; and by these Presents, for 
 us, our Heirs and Successors, do give, grant, and confirm Licence, Power, and 
 Authority to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, 
 and their Successors, That they and their Successors, by the Discretion of them, or 
 the major Part of them, from Time to Time, shall take, expend, and dispose of all 
 and singular the Issues, Rents, Revenues, and yearly Profits whatsoever of all and 
 singular the aforesaid Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments so by the 
 aforesaid late Queen given and granted to the Maintenance of the aforesaid Grammar 
 School and four poor Persons as aforesaid, as well to the perpetual Support and 
 Relief of the aforesaid Grammar School and four poor Persons, according to the 
 pious Intention of the said late Queen, in the same Borough to be supported and 
 relieved, as also to the Relief and Support of other poor and needy Men in the 
 same Borough, from Time to Time inhabiting and dwelling; and also to the Support 
 of the Charges and Expenses of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, in and 
 about the Defence of their Title in and to the aforesaid Hospital, Messuages, Lands, 
 Tenements, Rents, and other the Premises to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, 
 by the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth, so as aforesaid given and granted, and to no 
 other Uses, Intents, or Purposes : And further we will, and by these Presents, 
 for us, our Heirs, and Successors, ordain, and firmly enjoining Command, That the 
 Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, Recorder, and all other the Officers and Ministers of the 
 Borough aforesaid, and their Deputies, and also all Justices of the Peace of us, our 
 Heirs and Successors within the Borough aforesaid, in or by these our Letters Patent, 
 now nominated, or by Virtue, or according to the Tenor of the same Letters Patent, 
 or of any other Letters Patent heretofore made, hereafter to be nominated, elected, 
 or constituted, before they shall be admitted to the Execution or Exercise of the 
 Office or Offices, Place or Places to which they are now respectively nominated,
 
 91 
 
 appointed, or constituted, so as aforesaid, or hereafter in Form aforesaid, shall be 
 nominated, elected, or constituted, or shall in any wise intermeddle in that Behalf, 
 and every of them shall take, as well the corporal Oath, commonly called the Oath 
 of Obedience, as the corporal Oath, commonly called the Oath of Supremacy, upon 
 the Holy Gospel of God, before such Person or Persons, as and who are at present 
 appointed and designated, or hereafter shall be appointed and designated by the 
 Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom to give and take such Oath : And further we 
 will, and declare our Royal Intent, That no Recorder, or Common Clerk of the 
 Borough aforesaid, from henceforth to be elected or constituted, shall intermeddle in 
 such Office or Offices, or any of them respectively before they and each of them 
 respectively shall be approved by us, our Heirs, or Successors ; any Thing in these 
 Presents contained, or any other Thing, Cause, or Matter whatsoever to the con- 
 trary thereof in any wise notwithstanding, although express Mention, &c. In Wit- 
 ness whereof, &c. Witness, The KING, at Westminster, the sixteenth Day of 
 November. 
 
 By Command of the King. 
 
 Recorder and 
 Common 
 Clerk to be 
 approved of 
 by the King 
 before enter- 
 ing upon 
 Office.
 
 9 2 
 
 CHARLES THE SECOND. 
 
 By the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King 
 Defender of the Faith, &c. 
 
 TO all to whom these our present Letters shall come Greeting. We have beheld a 
 certain Record remaining in our white Tower of London in these words an Antient 
 Charter remaining in the white Tower of London. Henry by the grace of God King of 
 England and of France and Lord of Ireland to all and Singular our Loving Subjects 
 of England to whom our present Charter shall come Greeting. Know yea that we have 
 given and by this our present Charter Confirmed to our beloved Subjects and Common- 
 ers which belong's to Holmere Heath in the County of Bucks ; to wit, the Village of 
 Penn and the Forrens of Amersham, Little Missenden and the Forrens of great 
 Missenden, Hitchinden and the Forrens of Chiping Wickham and the Forrens of 
 Wendover Eborat : with all Libertyes and Priviledges underwritten to wit the Metes 
 and bounds are set forth as followeth, In the first place Hasselmere Widdemere and 
 Niming Chase Watts hatch Holmers hatch Lerepynnes hatch Wildens hatch Samsons 
 hatch with Witchmere hill, Gawdestakes and so as the way leadeth to Woodsheeves lyeing 
 and being towards the Gate stakes of Pennbury the Mannor of S* Roger atte Penn 
 Knight Rogmansham hatch Garret Green Colmorham, Devonseeles hatch Totteridge 
 hatch Crendens hatch with Hasselmere with all the parsells and appurtenances whatso- 
 ever belonging to the Common with all Libertyes Freedom's and immunities of 
 Commoning belonging to the said Towns and Villages as aforesaid that is to say the 
 Town of Penn the Forrens of Amersham little Missenden and the Forrens of great 
 Missenden Hitchinden and the Forrens of Chiping Wickham and the Forrens of 
 Wendover Eborat : with all Liberties underwritten that is say Tollage in fornat-solve, 
 Litood, vite need vite strefe Gelde, Hideage Stallage, Misdeming, Wardquint, Borr the 
 boot to have and to hold all the aforesaid Common with all the Liberties and Priviledges 
 above specified for ever : Now know yea that this our present Charter for us and our 
 Heirs as much as in us lyeth we have warranted and Defended to the aforesaid men and 
 their Heirs in the aforesaid Town's and Villages for ever. In Witness whereof &c. The 
 King being Witness at Westminster in the day of S'. Peter in Chaines. Now know yea 
 that the Tenor of the aforesaid Record at the desire and request of Walter Cary and 
 Stephen Young, Gentlemen, Edward Sparkes, Jeremy Sexton, dlcenden Maid, Samuel 
 Skidmore, John Sexton, Richard Freeze, Silvester Barkley, John Barkley, Frances 
 Alnott, W'" Morton, Thomas Fellow, W" Mead, Tho. Lane, Tho. Morton, Richard
 
 93 
 
 Morton, W? Russell, Rob*. Biscow, Francis Putnam, W'.'.' Russell, Rich?. Terry, XV? Winter, 
 Michael Cox, Joseph Bovingdon, Zacharia Alnott, Joseph Child, James Child, Anthony 
 Ball, John Child, Tho* Harwood, Edward Brown, Stephen Heme, Ralph Dennis, W m 
 Kemp and Jonas Humphry, We have Caused to be exemplified by these Presents In 
 Witness whereof we have made these our Letters Patterns Witness myself at Westminster 
 the 20 1 . 1 ? Day of June in the 17'* year of our Raign. 
 
 GRIMSTON. 
 Conveint cum Recordo Gulielmust Ryley, 
 June y c 20 1 * 1665. 
 
 ( JOHN COELT ) 
 
 Examined by and > Clerks. 
 
 (THOMAS ESTCOURT. ) 
 
 We whose names are Subscribed saw M r . XV? Ryley attest by his Hand Written that 
 this Coppy agreeth with the Record. 
 
 JOHN PHILLIPS Clerk. 
 
 ROBERT PARKER. 
 
 1. Tolage, Signifieth a Tole or Tax and to be Tole free in Markets and Fairs. 
 
 2. Stallage, Signifies Money Paid for Pitching of Stalls in a Fair or Market. 
 
 3. Geld, Signifies Money or Tribute. 
 
 4. Hideage, is an extraordinary Tax to be paid for every Hide of Land. 
 
 5. Miss Deming, Chainging of Speech in Court. 
 
 6. Litwood, or litood Cutting of wood for the Tenants or Commoners. 
 
 7. Borr, the Boot Timber for Building and Fences. 
 
 8. Wardquint, Free from Wardshipp.
 
 94 
 
 [OUR WYCOMBE ACTORS OF THE TIMES OF THE 
 
 TUDORS. 
 
 In a book of expenses of the reign of Henry VII., there is an entry of one hundred 
 shillings, given as a reward to the King's players. In the household books of this 
 Sovereign, from 1492 to 1509, several companies are mentioned, that of the King, of 
 the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Oxford, and Northumberland ; and according 
 to the same authority, a company was attached to each of the following cities and towns : 
 London, Coventry, Wycombe, Mile End, Wymborne Minster, and Kingston. 
 
 The first legislative enactment in which the profession of Actor is mentioned, is one 
 of the reign of Edward IV., and in it, all players are exempt from the sumptuary laws. 
 (See Statutum De Cibariis Utendis, io" 1 Edward III., a.d. 1336.) It may not be 
 altogether uninteresting to add. that the object of this Statute was to restrain 
 the expense of entertainments ; it recites the great inconvenience to the more 
 opulent, by expense in eating, and the ruin to those of less affluent fortunes, from an 
 endeavour to imitate this extravagance. It therefore ordained, that no one should be 
 allowed, either for his dinner or supper, above two courses, as also not above three dishes 
 in each course ; and it likewise expressly declared, that soused meat was to count as one 
 of these dishes ; certain feasts were however excepted, in which three courses were 
 permitted. We need not look further than into a bill of fare for a great feast, or 
 entertainment in those days, to see that the expense and gluttony were immoderate. 
 (See Barrington on the more ancient Statutes, pa. 240.)]
 
 95 
 APPENDIX II. 
 
 "A TRUE ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 WYCOMB ELECTION 
 
 IN A LETTER TO A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT." 
 
 "Sir — 
 
 Quis tulerit Graccos de seditione Querentes, is a reflection I made with myself, upon 
 reading an account of the Wycomb Election, wrote, as I suppose, in favour of Mr. 
 Waller ; if anything that is full of falsehoods and inconsistencies can be said to be done 
 in favour of a Gentleman ; the notoriety of the fact is this, — that on the day of Election, 
 a rabble procur'd from all adjacent parts, had, by the Chamberlain's permission, taken 
 possession of the Town-Hall, and secur'd to themselves the advantageous posts, with 
 a full purpose to obstruct the Honourable Mr. Collyer's voters ; that as the Mayor was 
 coming to open the Election, himself was insulted, beat and menac'd. That when he 
 attempted to go up into the Town-Hall his Officers were overpower'd, and he, with the 
 apparent risque of his life, forc'd to retreat ; that seeing the violence so outragious, he 
 had no other way to consult his own safety, and the freedom of Election, but by 
 betaking himself to a place where the Rioters might be excluded. That, on this neces- 
 sity, he thought the George-Inn not an improper place, being near at hand, and having 
 rooms spacious enough to receive the Voters ; That, being seated there, he sent for the 
 two Candidates, to apprize them of the danger he conceiv'd himself in, by attempting 
 to come to the Town-Hall, and desir'd them to bring their Electors thither; That, 
 
 accordingly, he proceeded to take the Poll regularly, and if Mr. W thought not 
 
 proper to let his Voters appear, it must be occasion'd from a consciousness of his 
 minority, which he hoped to supply (when Bribery prov'd ineffectual) with force and 
 violence ; and now that he is defeated every way, makes calumny his refuge at last ; for 
 when he charges Mr. Smales with endeavouring to engross the Corporation, he forgets 
 the attempt not long ago made of obtruding fourscore and more Honorary Members 
 upon it, and 'tis to Mr. Smale's lasting honour and reputation, that he opposed so gross 
 an invasion, and so justly defended the Corporation's rights. 
 
 This, Sir, in short, is the truth of the case ; and I have only this short reflection to 
 
 make from the whole, that the freedom of Elections is quite extinct and gone, when the 
 
 dint of money, and the force of a prevailing riot shall pretend to postpone a manifest 
 
 maj ority. 
 
 I am, Sir, &c."
 
 9 6 
 
 "A TRUE STATE 
 
 OF 
 
 WYCOMB ELECTION. 
 
 " This Corporation in the year 1720 consisted of about 120 legal Voters ; but some 
 short time before the election of Members for the present Parliament, a Relation of the 
 present Petitioner did, with the assistance of the then Mr. Bedder, a Butcher and Ale- 
 house keeper, procure 80 new Burgesses to be made at one time, contrary to law and 
 the ancient usage of the said Borough. 
 
 For redressing that irregular practice, application was immediately made to the Court 
 of King's Bench, and Informations in the nature of Quo Warrantos were exhibited 
 against the said So new made Burgesses : And upon a fair and full trial had at the 
 Assizes for the County of Buckingham, it was determined that they were illegally 
 chosen ; and Judgment was given that they should be ousted and removed. 
 
 About 60 Burgesses have been since made at several times, according to the Charter 
 and the constant usage of the Borough ; not by the contrivance of Mr. Smales, as has 
 been suggested, but by the general consent and nomination of the then Mayor, Alder- 
 men, and Bailiffs ; and not one of their Elections has been controverted. And to 
 convince even Mr. Waller, the Petitioner, that those 60 new Burgesses were impartially 
 made, there needs no more than to observe, that 25 of them have appeared in his interest, 
 and signed their names to a Petition in his favour. As to Mr. Richard Shrimpton and 
 Smiles, they were so far from having any view of being alternately chosen Mayors of 
 the said Borough by means of those last made Burgesses, that in the year 1723, which 
 was the very next year after the making of those Burgesses, Ferdinando Shrimpton 
 (ihe Town Chamberlain, and Mr. Waller's principal Agent at the late Election) 
 was chosen Mayor of the said Borough, and held the said Office for that year, the 
 said Smales the ensuing year, and Mr. Richard Shrimpton this year. 
 
 Thus the Corporation stood, when the Mayor received the Precept for the last 
 Election ; at which the Candidates were the Honourable Charles Collyer Esq. and 
 Harry Waller Esq. 
 
 It is admitted that the Town-Hall was the place appointed for the Election, and 
 it will appear by unquestionable evidence, that the present Mayor intended, and on the 
 day of Election used his utmost endeavours, even with the hazard of his life to go 
 into the Town Hall, in order to proceed on the Election with all fairness and im- 
 partiality, but was industriously and tumultuously opposed and prevented from so 
 doing by the Petitioner's Agents and followers : And there is good reason to believe
 
 97 
 
 that this opposition was made by the direction or privity or Mr. Waller, the Petitioner; 
 for that the said Mayor having intimation given him some few days before the Election, 
 that several Bargemen, and other persons from the adjacent Towns, who had no pretence 
 of voting at the said Election, did intend to assemble there upon the day of Election 
 in favour of Mr. Waller, in order to disturb the orderly proceeding at the said Elec- 
 tion ; and that Ferdinando Shrimpton, the present Chamberlain of the said Town, and 
 a professed Agent for the said Mr. Waller, had clandestinely gotten the keys of the 
 Town Hall into his possession ; the said Mayor thought he had just reason from these 
 unusual proceedings to suspect that some unfair designs were carrying on by the 
 said Mr. Waller, or his Agent the Town Chamberlain. And therefore, to preserve the 
 peace of the said Election, and prevent any disorders that might be intended, the 
 said Mayor sent to the said Town Chamberlain the evening before the day of 
 Election to deliver him the said keys, which he peremptorily refused. 
 
 Upon the morning of the Election the Mayor, observing that his former suspicions 
 were just, and that the Town Chamberlain made use of his keys partially in letting in 
 the Friends, Agents, and Voters of Mr. Waller, to the said Hall and excluding all other 
 persons, sent again to him to demand the said keys, in order to prevent such irregular 
 proceedings, but was again refused. 
 
 About one or two a clock on the day of Election, the Mayor proceeded towards 
 the Town Hall in his usual formality, with his Constables and other Officers attending 
 him, and as he came near the said Hall, found the whole area and the Stairs leading 
 to the Town Hall crowded with Bargemen and other tumultuous persons riotously 
 assembled, armed with Clubs, and obstructing his going into the said Hall, and crying 
 out A Waller, A Waller. 
 
 The Mayor being surpriz'd at this tumultuous and unusual proceeding ordered 
 his officers to make way for him, which they endeavoured by all possible means 
 to do ; but the said crowd the more opposed, shouting and crying A Waller, 
 A Waller, holding up their clubs ; and one of the Servants of a near Relation 
 of Mr. Waller drawing his sword, and holding it up drawn in his hand, rendered 
 it totally impossible for the said Mayor to enter the said Town Hall to proceed 
 to an Election there, as he really intended and endeavoured to do. 
 
 The Mayor then called for the Proclamation to be read, in order to disperse 
 the said Mob so riotously assembled, but could not procure any to be brought to 
 him. 
 
 At length the said Mayor perceiving that he could not possibly make his way 
 into the said Hall, notwithstanding his hearty endeavours so to do, but observing 
 some of his officers knockt down and much bruis'd, and himself insulted and 
 thrown against a post ; and being a man of 70 years of age, unable to contend 
 longer against so great a multitude, was forced to give over his attempt to get 
 admittance to the said Hall and to consider in what other place he could best 
 perform his duty in obedience to the precept delivered to him. 
 
 N N
 
 98 
 
 The George Inn was the nearest, the largest, and most convenient Publick 
 House, or Place to receive so great a company ; and Mr. Waller, one of the 
 Candidates, continuing up Stairs in the Town Hall, and not endeavouring to 
 appease or disperse the riotous Assembly, so that the Mayor could not possibly 
 converse with or consult him : He found himself under a necessity either to be 
 guilty of a total breach of his duty in not proceeding to an Election, or else 
 to adjourn to some other place to do it in. And accordingly he caused Pub- 
 lick Proclamation to be made in the place where he stood below the Hall, 
 surrounded by the said Crowd, to adjourn the said Election or Poll to the said 
 George Inn ; and immediately caus'd notice to be given of this Adjournment to 
 the said Mr. Waller and his Friends and Voters. 
 
 At the same time the said Mayor gave strict orders to his constables and other 
 officers, to preserve the Entrance into the said Inn, and into a large Ground Room 
 next the Street there, free and clear from all disturbances, that the Candidates, 
 their Agents and Voters might have an entry and free access to come and Poll 
 as they pleas'd : Which Orders were observ'd accordingly, and every Person had 
 free liberty to come in and Vote or Poll as they had right and thought fit. 
 
 Before the Poll began. Mr. Waller, with several of his Friends and Agents, 
 came into the said Room where the Poll was appointed to be taken, and had 
 notice given them, that the said Mayor was fore'd to adjourn the Poll to that 
 Place, and was ready to receive the Poll of such as pleas'd to offer it. And 
 thereupon several Burgesses appear'd and poll'd for Mr. Collyer the sitting Mem- 
 ber, and Mr. Ferdinando Shrimpton, the Town Chamberlain, and one of the 
 principal agents for Mr. Waller, and one Bedder, another Burgess, appear'd and 
 Poll'd for the said Mr. Waller, and some other Burgesses appear'd for him. But 
 the said Mr. Waller, well knowing that a great majority of legal Burgesses were 
 ready to vote for the sitting Member, and whom, by the scheme before con- 
 certed between him and the Town Chamberlain, in securing the Town Hall to 
 themselves, they thought they should be able to exclude, withdrew himself, and 
 gave up the Election, and refus'd to Poll any more of his Voters. 
 
 And now the said Mr. Waller, who by his Agents and Friends so violently 
 and obstinately oppos'd the said Mayor, and prevented his coming into the said 
 Town Hall to perform his duty in proceeding to the said Election in the usual 
 Place of Election, and who put the said Mayor under an absolute necessity of 
 adjourning to some other Place, or rendering himself liable to the censure of the 
 Honourable House of Commons, by not proceeding to an Election at all, disen- 
 genuously makes use of this so necessary and legal an adjournment, as a pretence 
 to conceal his own minority, and call in question your sitting Member's fair Election 
 by an undoubted majority of legal votes. 
 
 It is hoped that the necessity the Mayor was under to adjourn the Poll, being 
 occasion'd by the impossibility put upon him by the Petitioner and his Agents to
 
 99 
 
 proceed in the usual place, will prevent any imputation of irregularity in the said 
 Mayor in that respect. 
 
 " On the whole matter, the adjournment was absolutely necessary and strictly 
 " legal ; for it will hardly be pretended, that the consent of the Candidates was 
 " any ways requisite to such an adjournment ; there being no law forbidding the 
 " Chief Magistrate of a Borough, in such an exigence, or even on any occasion, 
 " to adjourn an Election or Poll to a convenient Place within the same Borough ; 
 " And the Mayor having made the said Adjournment as near the Town Hall, as 
 " he could possibly do with safety, and that in the hearing and sight of the Peti- 
 " tioner and his Adherents, who obstructed the Mayor's going to the place first 
 " appointed for the Election, it follows evidently that the adjournment was as law- 
 " ful as if it had been made in the Town Hall. 
 
 " It hence follows, by necessary consequence, that the Election at the George 
 " Inn was in every respect as legal as if it had been begun and carried on in 
 '■ the Town Hall ; and the rather for that the Voters had freer and safer access 
 " to the George Inn, than they could possibly have had to the Town Hall ; in 
 " regard the Mayor and Constables (the proper Peace Officers of the Borough) 
 " were ready at the George Inn, to admit all the Voters and to afford them the 
 " protection of the Law ; whereas the Town Hall was beset by a multitude of 
 " disorderly and riotous Fellows raked up from all corners, by the Petitioner to 
 " obstruct the Mayor in the execution of his Office : And so from first to last, 
 " it seems plain that the Sitting Member was as duly elected and returned, as 
 " if he had been chosen in the Town Hall by the unanimous voice of all the 
 " legal Voters of the Borough."
 
 IOO 
 
 WYCOMB ELECTION. 
 
 The unparalleled attempt at the George Alehouse at Wycomb having mis- 
 carried, and the Election being declared void, a new Writ was issued out for 
 electing a new Burgess in the room of the Honourable Mr. Collyer, and the 
 Precept having been delivered to the Mayor, he, according to his usual manner, 
 pocketed the same several days, before he proclaimed the Election. 
 
 The day of Election being come, the Mayor proceeded to the Poll, when a 
 noble Lord, a Stranger of the Borough, to whom Smails had resigned his Minis- 
 try, took upon him to direct the Mayor, and, in effect, presided at the Election. 
 All the Votes, that stood upon the Town Books, being call'd over, and as many 
 as were present on both sides being polled, it was expected that the Mayor 
 wou'd have declared the majority upon the Poll, as is usual, and as was desired 
 by the Candidate, Mr. Waller. But the Mayor refused to do so, and proceeded 
 to call for three persons (and admitted them to poll for Mr. Collyer) who never 
 pretended to any right to vote at any Election before, two whereoi were made 
 free, as they said, by the illegal Charter of King James II., and the other under 
 strong suspicion of being qualified that morning by a Razure, and a little Forgery 
 in the Town Books. 
 
 The Poll being thus concluded, the Mayor still declined to cast up the Books, 
 and declare the majority ; but Mr. Collyer, being conscious how it stood, demanded 
 a scrutiny, which the Mayor, with the advice of his new Governor, readily complied with. 
 
 The Gentlemen met accordingly, and the Mayor having made a previous de- 
 claration, that he wou'd return Mr. Collyer at all events, they proceeded to this pretended 
 scrutiny. Some objection was made by the Mayor to one vote of Mr. Waller's ; 
 upon which the Mayor being desired to produce the Ledger Books that contain'd 
 the entry of the names of the several Burgesses, in order to examine the right of 
 that vote, he absolutely refused to do it, tho' 'tis well known, that the liooks are 
 the very foundation of all scrutinies in the like cases, and more particularly 
 necessary in this, for the information of those Gentlemen on Mr. Collyer's side, that 
 were Strangers to the Borough: But they having been so civil, as to compliment 
 the Mayor that he 'knew better than them, and that he had no occasion for liooks, 
 but was the sole Judge, and might admit or disallow as he thought fit without inquiry ;
 
 IOI 
 
 the Gentlemen on the other side quietly withdrew, being unwilling to interrupt them 
 in so fair and so impartial a proceeding. The way being thus made clear for him, the 
 Mayor took care to strike as many votes from Mr. Waller's Poll as would leave 
 Mr. Collyer a Majority of one single vote; so nicely scrupulous was he of taking 
 more from Mr. Waller than wou'd just do his Business. 
 
 Thus ended the famous scrutiny of the Poll at Wycomb ; a scrutiny carried on 
 by persons, on one side, intirely ignorant of the rights and qualifications, as well 
 as the very persons of the Electors ; without evidence of any kind, or the very 
 Ledger Books of the Corporation, which contain the names and qualifications of 
 the Electors, and which are the proper evidence upon all Scrutinies of this nature, 
 in all Corporations whatsoever ; and before a determined Judge, who refused all 
 information even from the Books in his own custody, and had bravely declared 
 beforehand his firm resolution to return Mr. Collyer. 
 
 Thus prepared the Mayor proceeded to the Town Hall and there declared the 
 numbers to be 80 and 81, and being ask'd who had the 80 he said Mr. Collyer. 
 Notwithstanding which, Mr. Collyer produced an Indenture ready drawn, returning 
 himself, and made the Mayor sign it, having his hand upon the Indenture all the 
 time ; which being taken notice of as an irregular proceeding by the other Candi- 
 date and his Friends, Mr. Collyer immediately called for Marshall the Post Master, 
 that keeps the George Ale-house, and bid him read the Proclamation against Riots, 
 which he accordingly did, whereupon most of the Gentlemen and Electors, whereof 
 several were Justices of the Peace, dispers'd and left the Hall. 
 
 Thus ended this Election, which though extraordinary in every part of it, yet 
 was concluded with the most amazing circumstance that ever was heard of. The 
 Freemen and Electors of England, assembled by virtue of his Majesty's Writ, in 
 the exercise of their just Rights and Privileges, according to the constitution of the 
 Kingdom, dispersed by a Proclamation like so many Felons and Vagabonds; and 
 this done by the order of a Gentleman that had no authority (though in the presence 
 of the Mayor) and by a Person that was not an Officer of the Peace, is a specimen 
 of a dangerous nature, to shew what may be done in future Elections, if not prevented 
 by the Justice of Parliament ; But it is to be hoped, that a Law, which was pass'd 
 so lately, for preserving the Peace of the Kingdom, and for the security of his 
 Majesty's Person and Government, shall not be made an Engine to terrify the 
 Electors and the Freeborn subjects of the Kingdom, and to disperse them when 
 legally assembled to choose their Representatives in Parliament.
 
 
 WYCOMB election; 
 
 The Corporation of Chipping Wycomb, at the time of the Election of Members 
 for this present Parliament, consisted of about one hundred voters ; since which 
 time, Richard Shrimpton, the present Mayor, who was likewise chosen to that 
 office in the year 1722, by the contrivance of one Smales, an Alderman of that 
 Town, has made above Seventy Honorary Freemen, scatter'd abroad in all parts 
 of the Kingdom, by which means the said Shrimpton and Smales have been 
 alternately chosen into the Office of Mayor of the said Borough, exclusive of the 
 rest of the Corporation. 
 
 Thus it stood, when the present Mayor receiv'd the Precept for making the late 
 Election, which was proclaimed by him to be made on the first of this instant 
 February, at the Town Hall at Wycomb, the usual place of Election ; at which time 
 Henry ^Valler, Esq., a neighbouring Gentleman, and Capt. Collyer, stood Candidates. 
 
 The day of the Election being come, the Mayor sent to the Town-Chamber- 
 lain, to demand the keys of the Town Hall ; but this Officer being appointed by the 
 Common Council and Corporation, and entrusted by them with the custody of the 
 said keys, suspecting some ill design in making that demand, which had never been 
 made by any Mayor whatsoever at any Election before, returned a very civil answer ; 
 and acquainted him, That whenever he sent Notice that he was ready to proceed 
 to the Election, he would wait upon him with the keys ; and accordingly the 
 Chamberlain did attend at the Town Hall for two or three hours for that purpose, 
 and did, before the Mayor pretended to come to the Hall, open the Doors, and 
 gave the keys to the Mayor's Officers who were left there to guard the same. 
 
 In the mean time, many of the Burgesses being admitted into the Hall by the 
 said Officer as usual, and having waited there several hours, sent to the Mayor, 
 to desire to know, when he would come to the Election ; to which he sent for 
 answer, That he would come when he thought fit. About half an hour after 
 two, the Mayor proceeded to the Town Hall with mighty pomp, and a great number ol 
 Drums, Kettledrums, Trumpets, Hautboys, and other Warlike Musick, attended with the 
 Candidate, Capt. Collyer, and a vast Retinue of Servants and others, which drew 
 together a great crowd of people, as well out of curiosity as admiration of so unusual 
 a sight. Thus they marched to the Foot of the Stairs leading up to the Hall.
 
 which were guarded by the Mayor's own Officers, with their Staffs in their Hands. 
 Several of Capt. Collycr's Voters went up into the Hall before him with great ease, 
 notwithstanding the press that was chiefly owing to his Cavalcade, and the resort 
 of so many Strangers as is usual on such occasions. But as the Mayor seem'd to 
 proceed to go up the stairs, Smales pull'd him by the Sleeve, and led him off to 
 the George Ale-house, as had been before concerted, where they intended to 
 proceed to the pretended Election. 
 
 What notice they gave to their friends upon this occasion to repair to the George, 
 was not known to the other Candidate, Mr. Waller, and his Friends, who attended in 
 the Hall, expecting the Mayor, till they heard he was at the George Inn. Then Mr. 
 Waller, with about four or five Burgesses and Gentlemen, went to the said Inn, 
 to desire him to come to the Hall, and proceed to the Election, assuring him there 
 was no disorder nor disturbance ; and this was before he had begun to proceed upon 
 his pretended Election, which was in a little Room, that would not hold above 20 or 30 
 people. But the Mayor, in answer, bid them be gone for a pack of Rogues and 
 Rascals, and ask'd them, What business they had there ? and some persons in the 
 Room desir'd the Mayor to read the Proclamation against Riots, and disperse those idle 
 Fellows. 
 
 Soon after that, the two Bailiffs, with several of the Aldermen, and others, went like- 
 wise to the Mayor, to desire him to come to the Hall, to proceed to an Election, 
 assuring him all was peaceable and quiet ; and told him, if he apprehended any Mob, 
 he might easily disperse them, and they would give him their utmost assistance ; but he 
 was determined to the contrary, and continued in the Alehouse, and made a sham Poll 
 among their own Friends, whilst the major part of legal Voters were attending in the 
 Town Hall, till after they had made this pretended Election. 
 
 Mr. Waller and his Friends, having attended till after five o'clock at the Town-Hall, 
 and hearing what was done, drew up a Petition to the Honourable House of Commons, 
 which was signed by 75 legal Voters ; whereas the pretended Poll, consisted of but 49 
 against 2, whereof one indeed, a Creature of theirs, was order'd to vote for Mr. Waller, 
 to give some pretence to call it a Poll. 
 
 This is what they call an Election, not begun at the Place appointed by Proclama- 
 tion, nor adjourned by consent of parties ; nor made in any Publick Place where the 
 Voters cou'd have free access, or where they cou'd have the protection of the Magistrate ; 
 but huddled up in an Alehouse, where the Mayor had no authority, where the Inn-Keeper 
 was sole Master, and might, without breach ot any Law, admit, or exclude, whom he 
 pleas'd ; as was intended, if Mr. Waller's Friends had come to Poll ; of which Design, 
 Affidavits have been made by those that heard the orders given for that purpose. Thus 
 was this Election made in an Alehouse, under the very Tap ; in an Alehouse, kept by a 
 principal Agent of Capt. Collyer, and, what is more extraordinary, a Post Master, who. 
 by an express Law, is forbid, under the severest penalties, to meddle in Elections, in 
 any manner whatsoever.
 
 104 
 
 In short, if the facts above mention'd are compar'd with the laws now in lorce for 
 preserving the freedom of Elections, it will appear that there is not one clause in any 
 one of them that has net been violated on this occasion, and that this single stratagem of 
 making Elections in obscure, uncertain places, if allow'd of, is sufficient to evade all the 
 Laws that ever were, or ever can be, made, to secure the very basis of our constitution 
 which is a free and open choice of members to serve in l'arliament.
 
 105 
 APPENDIX III. 
 
 AN ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MARQUIS OF WHARTON'S CANVASS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BOROUGH OF WYCOMBE, 
 
 IN THE LIBERAL INTEREST, IN THE REIGN OF 
 
 GEORGE I. 
 
 The Marquis of Wharton, who was an adept in electioneering tactics, " recom- 
 mended," says his Biographer, " two Candidates to the Borough of Wycombe ; the Tories 
 invited two of their own party, to oppose him, and money was spent on both sides. A 
 gentleman, a friend of the Tory Candidates, was requested to go down to the Borough 
 with them, to assist them in their canvass. When they came to Wycombe, they found 
 my Lord Wharton was got there before them, and was going up and down the Town 
 with his friends to secure votes. The gentleman with his two candidates, and a few 
 followers, marched on one side of the Street, my Lord Wharton, his candidates, and a 
 great company, on the other. The gentleman not being known to my Lord, or the 
 townsmen, joined in with his Lordship's men to make discoveries, and was by, when my 
 Lord, entering a shoemaker's shop, asked, " where Dick was?" The good woman said, 
 her husband was gone two or three miles off with some shoes, but his Lordship need not 
 fear him, she would keep him tight ! " I know that," says my Lord, "but I want to see 
 Dick, and have a glass with him ! " The wife was very sorry Dick was out of the way. 
 " Well " says his Lordship, " how do all thy children ? Molly is a brave girl by this time, 
 I warrant ! " " Yes I thank ye, my Lord," says the woman. And his Lordship continued 
 " Is not Jimmy breeched yet ? " This sort of interference by a Peer of the realm 
 rendered opposition hopeless. The " gentleman ' slipped away to tell his friends, that 
 no one had a chance against a Marquis with such a memory as this, and who had the 
 happy address to make himself beloved by every rank. They therefore " immediately 
 relinquished the contest." 
 
 O O
 
 io7 
 
 Since the Author has sent the manuscript of his Early History 
 and Antiquities of Wycombe to the Press, the Charity Com- 
 missioners have made a Scheme relating to Wycombe, Pclham's, 
 and other Charities, already described in the preceding pages, and 
 which Scheme has been approved by the Queen in Council. The 
 Author has much pleasure in adding a copy of the Scheme with 
 Her Majesty s approval of the same, to the Appendix, with a list 
 of the Governors under the Scheme.
 
 io9 
 
 APPENDIX IV. 
 
 AT THE COURT AT WINDSOR, 
 
 The 29x11 day of June, 1878. 
 PRESENT: 
 
 THE QUEENS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY 
 
 IN COUNCIL. 
 
 WHEREAS the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales 
 have, in virtue of the powers conferred upon them by " The 
 Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, 1874," and of every other 
 power enabling them in that behalf, made a Scheme, relating to 
 Wycombe, Pelham's, and other Charities : 
 
 And whereas all the conditions in regard to the said Scheme, 
 which are required to be fulfilled by the said Acts, have been 
 fulfilled : 
 
 Now, therefore, Her Majesty, having taken the said Scheme 
 (copy whereof numbered 501 is herewith annexed), into considera- 
 tion, is pleased, by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, to 
 declare, and doth hereby declare, Her approval of the same. 
 
 C. L. PEEL.
 
 I [ [ 
 
 CHARITY COMMISSION 
 
 IN THE MATTER OF THE ENDOWED SCHOOLS ACTS, 
 
 1869, 1873, AND 1874. 
 
 SCHEME for the Administration of the Foundation known as 
 the Grammar School and Almshouse Charity in the Borough 
 of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise High Wycombe, otherwise 
 Wycombe, in the County of Buckingham, originally established 
 in pursuance of a charter or Letters Patent of Queen Elizabeth, 
 dated on or about the 21st day of July 1562, and since regu- 
 lated by a Scheme of the Court of Chancery, dated on or about 
 the 26th day of July 1856, and of certain other Foundations 
 and Endowments. 
 
 Future admi- 
 nistration of 
 Foundation. 
 
 Foundations 
 comprised in 
 Scheme. 
 
 General Administration of Foundation. 
 
 1. The Foundations and endowments above-mentioned or referred 
 to shall henceforth be administered as one Foundation by the 
 Governing Body herein-after constituted, in accordance with the pro- 
 visions of this Scheme, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar 
 School and Almshouse Foundation, herein-after called the Founda- 
 tion. 
 
 2. The Foundations and endowments above-mentioned or referred 
 to are the above-mentioned Grammar School and Almshouse
 
 1 I 2 
 
 Charity, and also such or so much of certain other Foundations 
 and endowments at Wycombe above-named as shall become part of 
 the Foundation hereby established, and subject to the provisions of 
 this Scheme under the provisions of any other Scheme or Schemes 
 to be made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, aiu ' l ^74- 
 
 Aimspeopie. , p art f t ] ie Foundation, being the part now applicable for 
 
 charitable purposes, not educational, namely, the land and buildings 
 now occupied exclusively for the benefit of the fourteen existing 
 Aimspeopie of the said Grammar School and Almshouse Founda- 
 tion, and the yearly sum of ^187 4^. out of the income of the 
 Foundation shall be applied for the benefit of the Aimspeopie as 
 herein-after provided. Subject as aforesaid the Foundation shall 
 be applicable wholly to the educational purposes of this Scheme. 
 
 Governing 
 Body. 
 
 4. The Governing Body, herein-after called the Governors, shall, 
 when completely formed and full, consist of 15 persons, of whom 
 nine shall be called Representative Governors, and six shall be 
 called Cooptative Governors. 
 
 Representa- 
 tive Gover- 
 nors. 
 
 5. The Representative Governors shall be competent persons duly 
 qualified to discharge the duties of the office, and shall be appointed 
 by the following electing bodies respectively in the following pro- 
 portions, that is to say, — - 
 
 Two by the Town Council of the Borough of Chipping 
 Wycombe. 
 
 Two by the Local Board of the Parish of Chipping Wycombe. 
 
 One by the School Board for the Borough of Chipping Wy- 
 combe ; 
 
 One by the School Board for the Parish of Chipping Wycombe;
 
 1 1 
 
 Two by the Justices of the Peace for the County of Buckingham, 
 acting in and for the Petty Sessional division in which the 
 parish of Chipping Wycombe is situate ; 
 
 One by the Justices of the Peace for the Borough of Chipping 
 Wycombe. 
 
 Such appointments shall be made as often as there may be occasion 
 by the body entitled to appoint, at a meeting thereof which shall 
 be convened, held, and conducted as nearly as may be in conformity 
 with the ordinary rules or practice of such bod)-, or failing such 
 rules or practice, then in conformity with regulations to be made 
 or approved by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales. 
 Every Representative Governor shall be appointed to office for the 
 term of five years, reckoned from the date of the appointment. The 
 first Representative Governors shall be appointed as soon as con- 
 veniently may be after the date of this Scheme. The Chairman 
 or other presiding officer of each meeting at which the appointment 
 of any Representative Governors or Governor shall be made, shall 
 forthwith cause the names or name of the persons or person so 
 appointed to be notified, in the case of the first such appointment 
 to the clerk to the Municipal Trustees of the Borough of Wycombe, 
 and in the case of every subsequent appointment to the Chairman 
 of the Governors or their clerk, if any, or other acting officer. Any 
 appointment of a Representative Governor not made as aforesaid, 
 within six calendar months from the date of this Scheme, or of the 
 notice herein-after prescribed of the occurrence of a vacancy, as 
 the case may be, shall for that turn be made by the then existing 
 Governors. 
 
 6. The Cooptative Governors shall at first be eight instead of six, Cooptative 
 
 Governors. 
 
 namely : — 
 
 p i
 
 114 
 
 * Joseph Hunt, 
 The Rev. Robert Chilton, 
 James Thurlow, 
 Randolph Henry Crewe, 
 Charles Strange, 
 Thomas John Reynolds, 
 Herbert Simmonds, and 
 William Rose, 
 
 being eight of the Municipal Trustees of Wycombe ; and their 
 appointment shall take effect from the date of this Scheme, and 
 shall be for the term of their respective lives. 
 
 The future Cooptative Governors shall be competent persons duly 
 qualified to discharge the duties of the office, and shall be appointed 
 in every case by the general body of Governors at a special 
 meeting, by a resolution to be forthwith notified by them, with all 
 proper information to the Charity Commissioners, at their office in 
 London ; but no such appointment shall be valid until it has been 
 approved by the said Commissioners, and their approval certified 
 under their official seal. The future Cooptative Governors shall be 
 appointed to office for the term of eight years, reckoned from the 
 date of the approval. 
 
 Vacancies. 7. Any Representative or Cooptative Governor who, during his 
 
 term of office, shall become bankrupt or incapacitated to act, or ex- 
 press in writing his wish to resign, or omit for the space of two con- 
 secutive years to attend any meeting, shall thereupon forthwith vacate 
 the office of Governor ; and the Governors shall cause an entry to 
 be made in their minute book of every vacancy occasioned by any of 
 
 * Deceased.
 
 i'5 
 
 the said causes, or by the death or the expiration of the term of office 
 of any Representative or Cooptative Governor ; and as soon as con- 
 veniently may be after the occurrence of any vacancy a new Repre- 
 sentative or Cooptative Governor, as the case may be, shall be 
 appointed by the person or bod)' entitled as aforesaid to make such 
 appointment, but so that except at first, as herein-before provided, 
 the number of Cooptative Governors shall never be more than six. 
 Notice of the occurrence of every vacancy of the office of Repre- 
 sentative Governor shall be given, as soon as conveniently may be, 
 by or under the direction of the Governors to the proper appointing 
 or electing person or body or the clerk, if any, or other acting officer 
 of such body. Any Governor may be re-appointed. 
 
 8. Religious opinions, or attendance or non-attendance at any Religious 
 
 ° 1 opinions no 
 
 particular form of religious worship, shall not in any way affect the cUsquaiifica- 
 qualification of any person for being a Governor under this Scheme. 
 
 q. Every Governor shall, at or before the first meeting which he Declaration 
 
 J J ° by Governors 
 
 attends upon his first, or any subsequent appointment, sign a °'^". tryinto 
 memorandum declaring his acceptance of the office of Governor, 
 and his willingness to act in the trusts of this Scheme. And until 
 he has signed such a memorandum he shall not be entitled to dis- 
 charge the functions of a Governor. 
 
 10. The Governors shall hold meetings in some convenient place Meetings of 
 
 & * Governors. 
 
 in Wycombe, or elsewhere, as often as may be found necessary or 
 desirable, and at least four times in each year, on and at convenient 
 days and times to be appointed by themselves, and to be notified 
 to each Governor by the clerk, if any, or by some other person 
 acting under the direction of the Governors, at least three clear days 
 previously to every meeting.
 
 Preliminary 
 meeting. 
 
 I 10 
 
 11. A preliminary meeting for the arrangement of the conduct of 
 the business shall be held upon the summons of the Clerk to the 
 Municipal Trustees of Wycombe upon some day to be fixed by him 
 being within one calendar month after the time at which, under the 
 provisions herein contained, the administration of the Foundation shall 
 be assumed by the Governors in place of the present Governing Body. 
 
 Chairman. 
 
 12. The Governors shall, at the said preliminary meeting, and 
 afterwards at their first meeting in each year, elect one of their 
 number to be Chairman of their meetings for the current year, and 
 they shall also make regulations for supplying his place in case of 
 his death, resignation, or absence during his term of office. The 
 Chairman shall always be re-eligible. 
 
 Quorum and 
 voting. 
 
 13. A quorum shall be constituted when five Governors are present 
 at a meeting. All matters and questions shall be determined by the 
 majority of the Governors present at a duly constituted meeting ; 
 and in case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second 
 or casting vote. Whenever any decision is carried by the votes of 
 less than a majority of the whole existing number of Governors, any 
 two Governors may, within fifteen days from the day of the decision, 
 require by a notice addressed to the Chairman of the meeting that 
 the decision shall be once reconsidered at a special meeting, to be 
 held not later than one calendar month next after such decision. 
 
 Special nuet- 
 ings. 
 
 14. The Chairman or any two Governors may at any time summon 
 a special meeting for any cause that seems to him or them sufficient. 
 All special meetings shall be convened by or under the direction of 
 the person or persons summoning the meeting by notice in writing 
 delivered or sent by post to each Governor, specifying the object 
 of the meeting. And it shall be the duty of the clerk, if any, to give
 
 "7 
 
 such notice when required by the Chairman or by any Governors 
 having a ri"ht to summon such meeting. 
 
 IS- If a sufficient number of Governors to form a quorum are not Adjournment 
 
 ^ L of meetings. 
 
 present at any meeting, or if the business at any meeting is not 
 fully completed, those present may adjourn the meeting to a sub- 
 sequent day and time, of which notice shall be given in manner 
 aforesaid to each Governor. 
 
 1 6. A minute book and proper books of account shall be provided Minutes, 
 by the Governors, and kept in some convenient and secure place of 
 deposit to be provided or appointed by them for that purpose, and 
 minutes of the entry into office of every new Governor, and of all 
 proceedings of the Governors, shall be entered in such minute book. 
 
 1 7. The Governors shall cause full accounts to be kept of the Accounts, 
 receipts and expenditure in respect of the Foundation ; and such 
 accounts shall be stated for each year, and examined and passed 
 annually by the Governors at the first or second meeting in the 
 ensuing year, unless some other meeting shall be appointed for the 
 purpose with the approval of the Charity Commissioners, and every 
 
 such account shall be signed by the Governors present at the meeting 
 at which it shall be passed. 
 
 The Governors shall cause sufficient abstracts of the accounts to 
 be published annually for general information. Such abstracts may 
 be in the form given in the schedule hereto, unless some other form 
 is prescribed by the Charity Commissioners, in which case the form 
 so prescribed shall be followed. 
 
 18. The Governors may from time to time make such arrange- Business 
 
 J arrangements. 
 
 ments as they may find most fitting for the custody of all deeds and
 
 i iS 
 
 other documents belonging to the Foundation, for deposit of money, 
 for the drawing of cheques, and also for the appointment of a clerk 
 or of any necessary agents or other proper officers for their assist- 
 ance in the conduct of the business of the Foundation, at such 
 reasonable salaries or scale of remuneration as shall be approved 
 by the Charity Commissioners, but no Governor acting as such 
 clerk or officer shall be entitled to any salary or remuneration. 
 
 Vesting pro- 
 perty. 
 
 19. From and after the date of this Scheme all lands and here- 
 ditaments, not being copyhold, belonging to the Foundation, and all 
 terms, estates, and interests therein, shall be vested in the Official 
 Trustee of Charity Lands, and his successors, in trust for the Foun- 
 dation ; and all copyhold hereditaments belonging to the Founda- 
 tion, and all terms, estates, and interests therein, shall be vested in like 
 manner, upon such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon be- 
 tween the Governors and the lord of the manor. And all stock in the 
 public funds and other securities belonging to the Foundation, and 
 not hereby required or directed to be otherwise applied or disposed 
 of, shall be transferred to the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds, 
 in trust for the Foundation. 
 
 Management 
 and letting of 
 estates. 
 
 20. All the estates and property of the Foundation not required 
 to be retained or occupied for the purposes thereof, shall, subject as 
 herein-after provided with regard to the part thereof known as the 
 Rye Mead otherwise the Rye, be let or otherwise managed by the 
 Governors, or by their officers acting under their orders, according 
 to the general law applicable to the management of property by 
 trustees of charitable foundations. 
 
 Timber and 
 m inerals. 
 
 21. Any money arising from the sale of timber or from any 
 mines or minerals on the estates of the Foundation shall be treated
 
 ii 9 
 
 as capital, and shall be invested in the name of the Official Trus- 
 tees of Charitable Funds, under the direction of the Charity Com- 
 missioners, except in any special cases in which the Governors may 
 be authorised by such Commissioners to deal otherwise with such 
 money or any part thereof. 
 
 22. So soon as the lull number of Governors shall have been Transfer oi 
 
 administration 
 
 completed according to the provisions of this Scheme, or upon the of Foundation 
 
 101 * to Governors. 
 
 expiration of the first three calendar months after the date of this 
 Scheme, if the full number of Governors shall not then have been 
 completed, the administration of the Foundation shall pass to the 
 said Governors in place of the present Governing- Body, and 
 such Governing Body shall thereupon become ipso facto removed 
 and discharged from their office, and shall cause all deeds, minute 
 and account books, and other papers and documents belonging or 
 relating to the Foundation, and all cash balances and personal effects 
 belonging thereto, and not herein required to be transferred to or 
 vested in the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds, to be delivered 
 or transferred unto the said Governors or as they shall direct. In 
 the meantime the Foundation shall continue to be administered and 
 managed so far as may be necessary by the present Governing Body 
 as nearly as may be in conformity with the provisions of this Scheme. 
 The aforesaid time of three calendar months may be extended, if 
 necessary, by an order of the Charity Commissioners, made upon 
 the application of any one or more of the present Governing Body, 
 or of the Governors, if any. 
 
 23. After the administration of the Foundation has passed to the Governors 
 
 may act al- 
 
 Governors as aforesaid, the Governors for the time being, if a though body 
 
 & not full. 
 
 quorum is constituted, may act for all the purposes of this Scheme 
 although the Governing Body as herein-before constituted is not full.
 
 120 
 
 -ion as 
 to present 
 Master. 
 
 Temporary 2 ^ g f ar as ma y \y C practicable and convenient, the School may be 
 
 arrangements, carried on as heretofore until the end of the school term which may 
 be current at the date of this Scheme, or which according to the pre- 
 viously established practice would begin next after that date, or until 
 such other time as may with the approval of the Charity Commis- 
 sioners be fixed by the body for the time being having the 
 administration of the Foundation under this Scheme. 
 
 25. The Rev. James Poulter, the present Master, shall have the 
 option on declaring the same to the Governors in writing of being 
 retained as the first Head Master under this Scheme, and if he 
 exercises such option, so as to become the first Head Master under 
 this Scheme, shall not be liable to be removed, except for a cause 
 for which he might have been dismissed from his present office, if 
 this Scheme had not taken effect ; but if he fail to exercise such option 
 as aforesaid within six calendar months from the date of this Scheme 
 the Governors may forthwith remove him from his present office ; 
 and the question of compensation to be assigned to him on such 
 removal shall be determined by the Charity Commissioners. If the 
 said James Poulter exercises such option as aforesaid the Governors 
 may, on his ceasing to be Head Master, grant to him such pension, 
 if any, as may be approved by the Charity Comissioners. 
 
 Scheme to be 26. The Governors shall take all requisite measures for bringing 
 
 brought into 
 
 operation as the provisions of this Scheme into active operation for the regula- 
 
 soon as 
 
 practicable. t j on f t h e School as soon as practicable, and they shall have power 
 to make all suitable and proper arrangements for that purpose. 
 
 .Sa\ing of 
 interests of 
 scholars. 
 
 27. Any payment, or exemption from payment, Scholarship, Ex- 
 hibition, or other benefit to which any free scholar or other boy who 
 was on the Foundation on the ist day of June 1875 is legally 
 entitled thereunder shall be continued to him.
 
 I 21 
 
 The School and its Management. 
 
 28. As soon as conveniently may be the Governors, either bv School site 
 
 J J and buildings. 
 
 altering or adding to the present school buildings, shall provide 
 proper school buildings and a residence for the Head Master suit- 
 able for not less than 100 day scholars and 20 boarders, and 
 planned with a view to convenient extension, and may apply for 
 the purpose a sum not exceeding .£5,000 to be provided or raised, 
 if needful, out of the capital endowment or property of the 
 Foundation by sale or otherwise, but for all the purposes of this 
 clause they shall act subject to the consent and approval of the 
 Charity Commissioners. 
 
 2Q. No person shall be disqualified for being a Master in the Masters not 
 
 J l A to be required 
 
 School by reason only of his not being, or not intending to be, in q^" Holy 
 Holy Orders. 
 
 30. There shall be a Head Master of the School. He shall be Head Master. 
 a graduate of some University in the United Kingdom. Every 
 
 future Head Master shall be appointed by the Governors at some Appointment. 
 meeting to be called for that purpose, as soon as conveniently may 
 be after the occurrence of a vacancy, or after notice of an intended 
 vacancy. In order to obtain the best candidates, the Governors 
 shall, for a sufficient time before making any appointment, give 
 public notice of the vacancy and invite applicants for the office by 
 advertisements in newspapers, or by such other methods as they 
 may judge best calculated to secure the object. 
 
 31. The Governors may dismiss the Head Master without assign- Dismissal. 
 ing cause, after six calendar months, written notice, given to him 
 
 Q Q
 
 I - 2 
 
 in pursuance of a resolution passed at two consecutive meetings held 
 at an interval of at least fourteen days, and convened for that pur- 
 pose, such resolution being affirmed at each meeting by not less than 
 two thirds of the Governors present. 
 
 32. The Governors for what in their opinion is urgent cause 
 may, by resolution passed at a special meeting convened for that 
 purpose, and affirmed by not less than two .thirds of the whole 
 number of Governors for the time being, declare that the Head 
 Master outrht to be dismissed from his office without the aforesaid 
 
 O 
 
 notice, and in that case they may appoint another special meeting to 
 be held not less than a week after the former one, and may then by 
 a similar resolution, affirmed by as large a proportion of Governors, 
 absolutely and finally dismiss him. And if the Governors assembled 
 at the first of such meetings think fit at once to suspend the Head 
 Master from his office until the next meeting, they may do so by 
 resolution affirmed by as large a proportion of Governors. Full 
 notice and opportunity of defence at both meetings shall be given 
 to the Head Master. 
 
 Declaration to 33. Every future Head Master, previously to entering into office, 
 
 be signed by 
 
 Head Master. shall be required to sign a declaration, to be entered in the minute 
 book of the Governors, to the following effect : — 
 
 " I declare that I will always, to the best of 
 
 " my ability discharge the duties of Head Master of the Wycombe 
 " Grammar School during my tenure of the office, and that if I am 
 " removed by the Governors I will acquiesce in such removal, and 
 " will thereupon relinquish all claim to the mastership and its future 
 " emoluments, and will deliver up to the Governors, or as they direct, 
 " possession of all the property of the School then in my possession 
 " or occupation."
 
 34- The Head Master shall dwell in die residence assigned for HeadMaster's 
 
 official resi- 
 
 him. He shall have the occupation and use of such residence and dence - 
 of any other property of the School of which he becomes the occupant 
 as such Head Master, in respect of his official character and duties, 
 and not as tenant, and shall, if removed from his office, deliver up 
 possession of such residence and other property to the Governors, 
 or as they direct. He shall not, except with the permission of the 
 Governors, permit any person not being a member of his family to 
 occupy such residence or any part thereof. 
 
 35. The Head Master shall give his personal attention to the Head Master 
 
 not to have 
 
 duties of the School, and during; his tenure of office he shall not other em P'°)- 
 
 & ment. 
 
 accept or hold any benefice having the cure of souls, or any office or 
 appointment which, in the opinion of the Governors, may interfere 
 with the proper performance of his duties as Head Master. 
 
 36. No Head or Assistant Master of the School shall be a Masters not to 
 
 he Governors. 
 
 Governor. 
 
 37. Neither the Head Master nor any Assistant Master shall Masters not to 
 
 receive other 
 
 receive or demand from any boy in the School, or from any person l !" ana "," f 
 whomsoever on behalf of any such boy, any gratuity, fee, or pay- 
 ment except such as are prescribed or authorised by this Scheme. 
 
 38. Within the limits fixed by this Scheme the Governors shall jurisdiction of 
 
 Governors 
 
 prescribe the Q-eneral subjects of instruction, the relative prominence over school 
 
 r e> J r arrangements. 
 
 and value to be assigned to each group of subjects, the arrange- 
 ments respecting the school terms, vacations, and holidays, the 
 payments of day scholars, and the number and payments of boarders. 
 They shall take general supervision of the sanitary condition of 
 the school buildings and arrangements. They shall determine what 
 number of Assistant Masters shall be employed. They shall every
 
 124 
 
 year assign the amount which they think proper to be contributed 
 out of the income of the School Foundation for the purpose of 
 mnintaining Assistant Masters and providing and maintaining a 
 proper school plant or apparatus and otherwise furthering the 
 current objects and the efficiency of the School. 
 
 Governors to 
 consider views 
 and proposals 
 of the Head 
 Master. 
 
 39. Before making any regulations under the last foregoing 
 clause, the Governors shall consult the Head Master, in such a 
 manner as to give him full opportunity for the expression of his 
 views. The Head Master may also from time to time submit 
 proposals to the Governors for making or altering regulations 
 concerning any matter within the province of the Governors. The 
 Governors shall fully consider any such expression of views or 
 proposals, and shall decide upon them. 
 
 Jurisdiction of 
 Head Master 
 over school 
 
 arrangements. 
 
 40. Subject to the rules prescribed by or under the authority of 
 this Scheme the Head Master shall have under his control the choice 
 of books, the method of teaching, the arrangement of classes and 
 school hours, and generally the whole internal organisation, manage- 
 ment, and discipline of the School, including the power of expelling 
 boys from the School or suspending them from attendance thereat 
 for any adequate cause to be judged of by him : Provided that, upon 
 expelling or suspending any boy he shall forthwith report the case 
 to the Governors. 
 
 Appointment, 
 dismissal, 
 and payment 
 of Assistant 
 
 Masters. 
 
 41. The Head Master shall have the sole power of appointing and 
 of dismissing all Assistant Masters, and shall determine, subject to 
 the approval of the Governors, in what proportions the sum assigned 
 by the Governors for the maintenance of Assistant Masters, or the 
 other current objects of the School, shall be divided among the various 
 persons and objects for which it is assigned in the aggregate. And
 
 12: 
 
 the Governors shall pay the same accordingly, either through the 
 hands of the Head Master or directly, as they think best. 
 
 42. The Head Master shall receive a fixed yearly stipend of ^150. H^HfaLr. 
 He shall also be entitled to receive a further or capitation payment 
 calculated on such a scale, uniform or graduated, as may be fixed from 
 
 time to time by the Governors, at the rate of not less than £1 10s. a 
 year for each boy attending the School. The amount of this further 
 or capitation payment shall be ascertained and paid to the Head 
 Master by the Governors, together with the proper proportion of his 
 fixed stipend, at such convenient intervals or times as the Governors 
 may think fit. So long as the said Rev. James Poulter holds the 
 office of Head Master he shall receive out of the income of the Foun- 
 dation such a further yearly payment, if any, as may be needed to 
 make up his income under this clause to ,£220 yearly. 
 
 43. The Governors may make such regulations and arrangements Boarders. 
 as they may think right for the reception of boarders either in the 
 
 house of any Master, or in a hostel or hostels conducted under the 
 management of the Governors, or, if they think fit, in both of those 
 ways. 
 
 44. All boys, including boarders, except as herein-after provided, r^a^ht 
 shall pay tuition fees, to be fixed from time to time by the Gover- Warding. 
 nors, at the rate of not less than £<\ nor more than £8 a year for 
 
 any boy. No difference in respect of these fees shall be made 
 between any scholars on account of place of birth or residence or 
 of their being or nor being boarders. The payments to be required 
 from a boarder exclusive of the tuition fees shall not exceed the 
 annual rate of .£40 for each boy. No extra or additional payment 
 of any kind shall be allowed without the sanction of the Governors
 
 126 
 
 Ages for the 
 School. 
 
 and the written consent of the parent, or person occupying the 
 place of parent, of the scholar concerned. 
 
 45. All payments for tuition fees shall be made in advance to the 
 Head Master, or to such other person as the Governors shall from 
 time to time determine, and shall be accounted for by the person 
 receiving them to the Governors, and treated by them as part of 
 the general income of the Foundation. 
 
 46. No boy shall be admitted into the School under the age of 
 seven years. No boy shall remain in the School after the age of 
 1 7 years, or if he attains that age during a school term then after 
 the end of such term, except with the permission of the Governors, 
 which in special cases may be given upon the recommendation of 
 the Head Master. 
 
 To whom 
 School is 
 open. 
 
 Applications 
 for admission. 
 
 Register of 
 applies 
 
 47. Subject to the provisions established by or under the authority 
 of this Scheme, the School and all its advantages shall be open to 
 all boys of good character and sufficient health who are residing 
 with their parents, guardians or near relations within degrees to 
 be determined by the Governors,, or in some boarding house estab- 
 lished under the sanction of the Governors. No boy not so re- 
 siding shall be admitted to the School without the special permission 
 of the Governors. 
 
 48. Applications for admission to the School shall be made to the 
 Head Master, or to some other person appointed by the Governors, 
 according to a form to be approved of by them, and delivered to all 
 applicants. 
 
 49. The Head Master or some other person appointed by the 
 Governors shall keep a register of applications for admission show-
 
 i-^7 
 
 ing the date of every application and of the admission, withdrawal, 
 or rejection of the applicant, and the cause of any rejection and the 
 age of each applicant. Provided that every person requiring an 
 application to be registered shall pay such fee as the Governors 
 may fix, not exceeding 5s. for each applicant. 
 
 50. Every applicant for admission shall be examined by or under 
 the direction of the Head Master, who shall appoint convenient 
 times for that purpose and give reasonable notice to the parents or 
 next friends of the boy to be so examined. No boy shall be ad- 
 mitted to the School except after undergoing such examination and 
 being found fit for admission. Those who are so found fit shall, if 
 there is room for them, be admitted in order according to the dates 
 of their application. 
 
 51. The examination for admission shall be graduated according 
 to the age of the boy, and shall be regulated in other particulars 
 from time to time by or under the direction of the Governors, but 
 it shall never for any boy fall below the following standard, that is 
 to say : — 
 
 Reading. 
 
 Writing from dictation. 
 
 Sums in the first four simple rules of arithmetic, and the multi- 
 plication table. 
 
 52. The parent or guardian of or person liable to maintain or 
 having the actual custody of any day scholar may claim, by notice 
 in writing addressed to the Head Master, the exemption of such 
 scholar from attending prayer or religious worship, or from any les- 
 son or series of lessons on a religious subject, and such scholar shall 
 be exempted accordingly, and a scholar shall not by reason of any 
 
 Entrance 
 examination. 
 
 Special 
 exemptions 
 from religious 
 instruction 
 and worship.
 
 [28 
 
 exemption from attending prayer or religious worship or from any 
 lesson or series of lessons on a religious subject, be deprived of any 
 advantage or emolument in the School to which he would otherwise 
 have been entitled. If the parent or guardian of, or person liable 
 to maintain or having the actual custody of any scholar who is 
 about to attend the School, and who but for this clause could only 
 be admittted as a boarder, desires the exemption of such scholar 
 from attending prayer or religious worship, or from any lesson or 
 series of lessons on a religious subject, but the persons in charge 
 of the boarding houses of the School are not willing to allow such 
 exemption, then it shall be the duty of the Governors to make 
 provisions for enabling the scholar to attend the School, and have 
 such exemption, as a day scholar, without being deprived of any 
 advantage or emolument to which he would otherwise have been 
 entitled. If any teacher in the course of other lessons at which any 
 scholar exempted under this clause is in accordance with the ordin- 
 ary rules of the School present, shall teach systematically and per- 
 sistently any particular religious doctrine, from the teaching of which 
 any exemption has been claimed, as in this clause before provided, 
 the Governors shall, on complaint made in writing to them by the 
 parent, guardian, or person liable to maintain or having the actual 
 custody of such scholar, hear the complainant, and inquire into the 
 circumstances, and if the complaint is judged to be reasonable, make 
 all proper provisions for remedying the matter complained of. 
 
 instruction. 53. Subject to the foregoing provision, religious instruction shall 
 
 be given in the School under such regulations as shall be made from 
 time to time by the Governors. Such instruction shall be in accord- 
 ance with the principles of the Christian Faith. No alteration in any 
 such regulations shall take effect until the expiration of not less than 
 one year after notice of the making of the alteration shall have
 
 129 
 
 been given by the Governors in such manner as they shall think 
 best calculated to bring the matter within the knowledge of persons 
 interested in the School. 
 
 54. Instruction shall also be given in the School in the follow- 
 ing subjects : — 
 
 Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. 
 
 Geography and History. 
 
 English Grammar, Composition, and Literature. 
 
 Mathematics. 
 
 Latin. 
 
 At least one Foreign European Language. 
 
 Natural Science. 
 
 Drawing and Vocal Music. 
 
 Subject to the above provisions, the course of instruction shall 
 proceed according to the classification and arrangements made by 
 the Head Master. 
 
 55. There shall be once in every year an examination of the Annual ex- 
 
 amination. 
 
 scholars, by an Examiner or Examiners appointed for that purpose 
 by the Governors, and paid by them, but otherwise unconnected 
 with the School. The day of examination shall be fixed by the 
 Governors after consulting with the Head Master. The Examiners 
 shall report to the Governors on the proficiency of the scholars 
 and on the position of the School, as regards instruction and disci- 
 pline, as shown by the result of the examination. The Governors 
 shall communicate the report to the Head Master. 
 
 56. The Head Master shall make a report in writing to the S 8 ^^^ 
 Governors annually at such time as thev shall direct on the general report 
 
 R R
 
 130 
 
 condition and progress of the School, and on any special occurrences 
 during the year. He may also mention the names of any boys who, 
 in his judgment, are worthy of reward or distinction, having regard 
 both to proficiency and conduct. 
 
 scholarships. ^ - Scholarships shall be maintained in the School, in the form of 
 
 exemptions, total or partial, from the payment of tuition fees repre- 
 senting an aggregate yearly value of not less than ^40 for such pe- 
 riods, and granted, subject to the provisions of this Scheme, on such 
 conditions as the Governors think fit. Boys to whom such exemp- 
 tions shall be granted shall be called Foundation Scholars. The 
 exemptions may be awarded in favour of candidates for admission 
 to the School, on the result of the examination for admission, and 
 in favour of boys already attending the School, upon the reports of 
 the Examiners made on the result of the annual examination, but no 
 exemption shall be granted to any such last-mentioned boy unless the 
 Head Master shall report that he is deserving of it by reason of his 
 character and good conduct. No more than 10 per cent, shall be 
 wholly free, and no partial exemption shall be granted so as to extend 
 the number of Foundation Scholars to more than 20 per cent, of 
 the boys actually attending the School. In awarding such Scholar- 
 ships preference shall be given to the extent of one half of the total 
 number of Foundation Scholars to boys who shall during at least two 
 years have attended some Public Elementary School within the 
 Parliamentary borough of Wycombe. 
 
 I'upil Teach- 
 ers. 
 
 58. In the case of any scholar of special promise and aptitude 
 for teaching, the Governors may prolong the period during which 
 he may remain at the School beyond the time otherwise prescribed ; 
 and otherwise make arrangements whereby he shall receive instruc- 
 tion in the art of teaching, and shall give such assistance In the
 
 ordinary work of instruction in the School as may be deemed 
 
 desirable. They may award any reasonable sum by way of 
 
 remuneration for services so rendered to the School by any scholar 
 so retained as a teacher. 
 
 59. Subject to such reasonable regulations, not inconsistent with the Exhibitions. 
 provisions of this Scheme, as the Governors may from time to time 
 prescribe, the Governors shall establish Exhibitions tenable at any 
 place of higher education approved by them, and to be awarded 
 to boys who are being and have for not less than three years been 
 educated at the School. Two such Exhibitions, each of a yearly 
 value of not less than ^"30 tenable for four years, shall be established. 
 The yearly amount applicable under this clause may be reduced 
 or suspended, if necessary, owing to insufficiency of income. 
 
 60. Every Scholarship and Exhibition established under this 
 Scheme shall be given as the reward of merit, and shall, except so 
 far as any restriction as aforesaid extends, be freely and openly com- 
 peted for, and shall be tenable only for the purposes of education. 
 If the holder shall, in the judgment of the Governors, be guilty of 
 serious misconduct or idleness, or fail to maintain a reasonable 
 standard of proficiency, or wilfully cease to pursue his education, 
 the Governors may at once determine the Scholarship or Exhibition, 
 and for this purpose, in the case of an Exhibition held away from 
 the School, may act on the report of the proper authorities of 
 the School or place of education at which the Exhibition is held, 
 or on such other evidence as the Governors think sufficient. For 
 the purposes of this 'clause the decision of the Governors shall 
 be final in ever)' case. 
 
 Conditions as 
 to Scholar- 
 ship and 
 Exhibitions.
 
 i.;- 
 
 Land and 
 buildings, 
 
 and number 
 of Alms- 
 people. 
 
 'I'm A i msp] i 'N i . 
 
 61. The said land and buildings applicable as aforesaid for die 
 benefit of the Almspeople shall continue to be applied for this purpose. 
 The number of Almspeople shall henceforth be fourteen, and they shall, 
 as vacancies in this number occur, be appointed by the Governors as 
 herein-after provided. 
 
 Qualification 
 of Alms- 
 people. 
 
 62. The Almspeople shall be appointed from amongst those duly 
 qualified, as follows, that is to say : — the candidates for admission shall 
 be of the age of fifty years and upwards, and shall have resided in the 
 borough of Chipping Wycombe for the space of five years next pre- 
 ceding the time of their election, and shall be such as by some unfore- 
 seen misfortune not happening by their own default shall have become 
 reduced in circumstances and be in greatest want, and shall not have 
 been in the receipt of parochial relief within a period of one year next 
 preceding the time of their election. 
 
 Stipends of 
 Almspeople. 
 
 Appointment 
 of Alms- 
 people. 
 
 63. The stipends for the Almspeople shall be as follows ; that is to 
 say, for four of them 8s. each, weekly, and for the others 4s. each, 
 weekly. The four almspeople now in receipt of S.>\ each, weekly, shall 
 be the first four entitled, subject as herein-after provided, to the receipt 
 of the sum of 8^. weekly. 
 
 64. The Almspeople shall be appointed by the Governors from 
 amongst proper objects on the occasion of every vacancy, but no elec- 
 tion shall take place until the expiration of one month after the notice 
 of the vacancy signed by the clerk or other proper officer shall have 
 been fixed on the door of the vacant Almshouse and on the Town 
 Hall. The Governors shall not in rotation elect a person to fill the 
 vacancy, but shall elect only such persons as shall, after a careful con-
 
 sideration of the claims of the several candidates, appi I to answer 
 
 the qualifications aforesaid and to be most deserving'. 
 
 65. The Governors shall provide a minute book for the Almshouses j£ n ^ >ok 
 in which the clerk or other proper officer shall enter the name and age people ' 
 
 of every person elected thereto, together with the date of the admission 
 and the state of health, station, and condition in life of every such 
 person previous to the election, and the date and cause of death or 
 removal. The particulars required by the next following clause to be 
 given shall also be entered in such minute book. 
 
 66. All applications for admission to the Almshouses shall be made Appft 
 
 i 1 tor admission. 
 
 in writing through the clerk or other proper officer, and shall be taken 
 into consideration by the Governors at their next meeting. Such 
 applications shall contain the name, age, and places of residence during 
 the preceding five years of the applicant, together with his or her state 
 or condition in life. 
 
 67. None of the Almspeople shall at any time absent themselves Aims, 
 
 ' l *■ ' not to absent 
 
 from the Almshouses for a period exceeding twenty-four hours, without themselves, 
 the special consent in writing of one of the Governors or of the clerk 
 or other proper officer, and then only for such time as shall be then 
 authorised. 
 
 68. If at any time it shall appear that any of the Almspeople shall ^^J^ 
 be given to insobriety or immoral or unbecoming conduct, the Gover- 
 nors, on proof thereof to their satisfaction, may, if they shall think lit, 
 
 displace such person so misbehaving, and proceed to place another or 
 others in his or her place. The provisions of this clause shall be made 
 known to every person at the time of his or her entering the Alms- 
 houses.
 
 ' 34 
 
 Almshouses 
 not t 
 underlet 
 
 69. None of the Almspeople shall be permitted to underlet the 
 Almshouse premises allotted to him or her, or to suffer any stranger to 
 occupy the same or any part thereof. 
 
 Repairs anil 
 improvement ; 
 fund. 
 
 Other ex- 
 penses. 
 
 Pensions. 
 
 Application of Income. 
 
 70. As soon as the state of the School funds will admit, the Gover- 
 nors shall transfer the sum of .£1,333 & s - %d- Government stock into 
 the name of the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds, and shall place 
 the same in their books to a separate account, entitled " Repairs and 
 Improvements Fund." The income of such Fund shall be paid to the 
 Governors, and applied by them in ordinary repairs or improvements 
 of property used for the purposes of the School and of the Almspeople, 
 and if not wanted for that purpose shall be accumulated by them for 
 the like purpose in any future year or years. Until the Repairs and 
 Improvements Fund is provided, the Governors shall treat the sum of 
 ^40 yearly as applicable to the same purposes as the income of the 
 Repairs and Improvements Fund, as to ,£30 thereof for the purposes 
 of the School, and as to the remaining ^10 for the purposes of the 
 buildings occupied for the benefit of the Almspeople. 
 
 71. After defraying the expenses of management, and of any ordi- 
 nary repairs or improvements which the income of the Repairs and 
 Improvements Fund or the yearly sum payable in lieu thereof may be 
 insufficient to answer, and providing for the Alms branch as aforesaid, 
 the Governors shall employ the income of the Foundation in paying 
 the Head Master, and in making the several payments herein-before 
 directed or authorised for the purposes of the School. 
 
 72. The Governors may, if they think fit and the income at their 
 disposal suffice for the purpose, agree with the Head Master for the 
 formation of a fund in the nature of a Pension or Superannuation
 
 '35 
 
 Fund, the main principles of such agreement being that the Head 
 Master and the Governors respectively shall contribute annually for 
 a period of 20 years such sums as may be fixed on ; that these con- 
 tributions shall accumulate at compound interest ; that in case the 
 Head Master serves his office for 20 years he shall on his retirement 
 be entitled to the whole accumulated fund ; that in case he retires 
 earlier on account of permanent disability from illness he shall also be 
 entitled to the whole of the same fund ; that in all other cases he shall, 
 on his ceasing to be Master, be entitled to the amount produced by 
 his own contributions. If any question shall arise upon the construc- 
 tion or working of this provision, the same shall be referred by the 
 Governors to the Charity Commissioners, whose decision thereon shall 
 be final and conclusive. 
 
 72)- The residue of income of the Foundation, if any, may be em- Residue. 
 ployed in improving the accommodation or convenience of the school 
 buildings, or premises, or generally in extending or otherwise promoting 
 the objects and efficiency of the School. Whatever shall not be so 
 employed shall, on passing the yearly accounts be treated as Unapplied Unapplied 
 
 surplus. 
 
 Surplus, and shall be deposited in a bank for the account of the 
 Governors, to the intent that the same, so soon as it shall amount to 
 a suitable sum, shall be invested in the name of the Official Trustees 
 of Charitable Funds in trust for the Foundation in augmentation of its 
 general endowment. 
 
 General. 
 74. The said Rye Mead, subject to any existing rights of the inha- B ?i? ,te ?? M 1 
 
 J J ° ° ol Rye Mead. 
 
 bitants of the borough of Chipping Wycombe in or over the same, may 
 be retained by the Governors for the purpose of a recreation ground 
 for the scholars and Almspeople of the Foundation and of such inha-
 
 136 
 
 Payment in 
 
 vt of 
 
 l.ittleboy's 
 Charity. 
 
 Further en- 
 dowments. 
 
 bitants. For the expenses of management and of any improvements 
 of the said Rye Mead, the Governors may apply all fees or payments 
 received from such inhabitants in respect of the exercise of their rights 
 in or over the same, and may also apply any further yearly sum not 
 being in any year more than £\2 14.W 
 
 75. If and so soon as the Foundation, known as Littleboy's Charity, 
 at Wycombe aforesaid, becomes subject to the provisions of this 
 Scheme, the Governors shall in respect thereof apply the sum of 
 £$ 10s. yearly in the distribution of bread according to the directions 
 of the will of William Littleboy the Founder of that Charity. 
 
 76. The Governors may receive any additional donations or endow- 
 ments for the general purposes of the Foundation. They may also 
 receive donations or endowments for any special objects connected 
 with the School, which shall not be inconsistent with or calculated to 
 impede the due working of the provisions of this Scheme. Any 
 question arising upon this last point shall be referred to the Charity 
 Commissioners for decision. 
 
 General power 
 
 mors 
 to make regu- 
 lations. 
 
 Question of 
 proceedings 
 
 Scheme. 
 
 Construction 
 of Scheme. 
 
 77. Within the limits prescribed by this Scheme the Governors 
 shall have full power from time to time to make regulations for the 
 conduct of their business and for the management of the Foundation, 
 and such regulations shall be binding on all persons affected thereby. 
 
 78. Any question affecting the regularity or the validity of any pro- 
 ceeding under this Scheme, shall be determined conclusively by the 
 Charity Commissioners upon such application made to them for the 
 purpose as they think sufficient. 
 
 79. If any doubt or question arises among the Governors as to the 
 proper construction or application of any of the provisions of this
 
 137 
 
 Scheme, the Governors shall apply to the Charity Commissioners for 
 their opinion and advice thereon, which opinion and advice when given 
 shall be binding on the Governors and all persons claiming under the 
 Trust who shall be affected by the question so decided. 
 
 80. From the date of this Scheme all jurisdiction of the Ordinary Jurisdiction 
 
 •> 'of Ordinary 
 
 relating to or arising from the licensing of any Master in the School abolished. 
 shall be abolished. 
 
 ion 
 of Crown as 
 Visitor. 
 
 81. From the date of this Scheme all rights and powers reserved J U ™<J 
 to, belonging to, claimed by, or capable of being exercised by, Her 
 Majesty, as Visitor of this Foundation, and vested in Her on the 2nd 
 day of August, 1869, shall be exercised only through and by the 
 Charity Commissioners for England and Wales. 
 
 82. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time, in the 
 exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction, frame Schemes for the alteration 
 of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes be not 
 inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools Acts, 
 1869, 1873, and 1874.. 
 
 Charity Com- 
 missioners to 
 
 make new 
 Schemes. 
 
 S3. From and after the date of this Scheme the Foundation shall 
 for every purpose, except as herein provided, be administered and 
 governed wholly and exclusively in accordance with the provisions 
 of this Scheme, notwithstanding any former or other Scheme, Act of 
 Parliament, Charter, or Letters Patent, statute, or instrument relating 
 to the subject matter of this Scheme. 
 
 Foundation to 
 be gi tvemed 
 
 exclusively by 
 this Scheme. 
 
 84. The Governors shall cause this Scheme to be printed and a j^^;', 1 " 
 copy to be given to every Governor, Master, and Assistant Master 
 
 s s
 
 138 
 
 upon their respective appointments, and copies may be sold at a 
 reasonable price to all persons applying for the same. 
 
 8^. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which Her 
 
 Scheme. ^ J 
 
 Majesty by Order in Council declares Her approbation of it.
 
 '39 
 
 SCHEME for the Administration of the Foundation known as 
 Bowden's Gift, in the Borough of Wycombe, originally established by 
 the will of Mary Bowden, dated on or about the 30th day of 
 October, 1790. 
 
 1. From and after the date of this Scheme the above-mentioned Union with 
 
 \\ ycombe 
 
 Grammar 
 
 School. 
 
 Foundation and its endowment shall be part of the Foundation 
 established by a Scheme made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 
 1869, 1873, an< l J 874, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar 
 School and Almshouse Foundation, and shall be administered 
 according to the provisions of the said other Scheme. 
 
 2. From and after the date of this Scheme all lands and heredita- vesting pro- 
 perty. 
 
 ments, not being copyhold, belonging to this Foundation, and all 
 terms, estates, and interests therein, shall vest in the Official Trustee 
 of Charity Lands and his successors in trust for the said Wycombe 
 Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation ; and all copyhold 
 hereditaments belonging to this Foundation, and all terms, estates, 
 and interests therein, shall be vested in like manner upon such terms 
 and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the Governors and 
 the lord of the manor ; and all stock in the public funds and other
 
 140 
 
 securities belonging to this Foundation shall be transferred to the 
 
 ( Miicial Trustees of Charitable Funds, in trust for the said Wycombe 
 Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation. 
 
 Charity Com- 
 iners 
 
 may make 
 new Scheme-. 
 
 Date of 
 Scheme. 
 
 3. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time in the 
 exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction frame Schemes for the altera 
 tion of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes 
 be not inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools 
 Acts, 1869, 1S73, and 1874. 
 
 4. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which, under the 
 provisions of the said other Scheme, the administration of the said 
 Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation passes to 
 the Governors constituted under that Scheme. 
 
 Charity Commission, 
 
 31 July 1877. 
 
 At a Meeting of the Board held this day, at which there were 
 present five Commissioners, of whom one was the Chief Commissioner, 
 this Scheme was approved and directed to be submitted to the 
 Committee of Council on Education. 
 
 (Signed) D. C. RICHMOND, 
 
 Secretary.
 
 141 
 
 SCHEME for applying for the advancement of Education the 
 Endowment of the Foundation known as Littleboy's Charity, in 
 the Borough of Wycombe, in the County of Buckingham, origi- 
 nally established by or under the will of William Littleboy in or 
 before the year 1633, subject nevertheless as in this Scheme is 
 referred to, and for the administration of the same Foundation 
 and its endowment. 
 
 1. It is hereby declared, with the consent of the Governing Body, Declaration. 
 that it is desirable to apply for the advancement of education the 
 endowment of the above-mentioned Foundation, subject as herein- 
 after referred to. 
 
 Union with 
 Wycombe 
 
 ( .laminar 
 School. 
 
 2. From and after the date of this Scheme this Foundation and 
 its endowment shall be part of the Foundation established by a 
 Scheme made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, and 
 1874, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar School and Alms- 
 house Foundation, and shall be administered according to the pro- 
 visions of the said other Scheme. 
 
 3. From and after the date of this Scheme all lands and heredi- Vesting pro . 
 taments, not being copyhold, belonging to this Foundation, and all
 
 '4 = 
 
 terms, estates, and interests therein, shall vest in the Official Trustee 
 of Charity Lands and his successors in trust for the said Wycombe 
 Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation, and all copyhold 
 hereditaments belonging to this Foundation, and all terms, estate, 
 and interests therein, shall be vested in like manner upon such terms 
 and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the lord of the 
 manor ; and all stock in the public funds and other securities be- 
 lono-inc: to this Foundation shall be transferred to the Official Trus- 
 tees of Charitable Funds, in trust to the said Wycombe Grammar 
 School and Almshouse Foundation. 
 
 Payment in 
 
 t of 
 Littleb y's 
 
 Charity. 
 
 4. It is intended that in respect of this Foundation the sum of 
 £8 10s. yearly shall, subject to any alteration of this Scheme or of 
 the said other Scheme, be applied according to the provisions ex- 
 pressed in the said other Scheme in respect of this Foundation. 
 
 Charity Com- 
 missioners to 
 make new 
 Schemes. 
 
 5. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time in the 
 exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction frame Schemes for the altera- 
 tion of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes be 
 not inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools 
 Acts, 1869, 1873, T 874- 
 
 Date ot 
 
 Scheme. 
 
 6. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which, under the 
 provisions of the said other Scheme, the administration of the said 
 Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation passes to 
 the Governors constituted under that Scheme.
 
 M3 
 
 CHARITY COMMISSION. 
 
 In the Matter of the Foundations respectively known as PEL- 
 HAM'S CHARITY, CONWAY'S CHARITY, DORMERS 
 CHARITY, CHURCH'S CHARITY, WAINWRIGHT'S 
 CHARITY, THE SAW PIT HOUSE CHARITY, 
 FREER'S GRANT, and THE KING'S HILL FARM 
 CHARITY, in the Borough of WYCOMBE, in the County 
 of BUCKINGHAM; and 
 
 In the Matter of the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, and 
 1874. 
 
 Scheme for applying for the Advancement of Education the 
 Endowments of the above-mentioned Foundations. 
 
 1. It is hereby declared, with the consent of the Governing Body, Advancement 
 
 of education. 
 
 that it is desirable to apply for the advancement of education the 
 Endowments of these Foundations so far as not already so appli- 
 cable. 
 
 2. From and after the date of this Scheme, these Foundations Union with 
 
 another 
 
 and their Endowments shall be part of the Foundation regulated by Foundation. 
 a Scheme made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, and
 
 Vesting pro- 
 perty. 
 
 '44 
 
 1S74, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar School and Alms- 
 house Foundation, and shall be administered according to the pro- 
 visions of the said other Scheme. 
 
 3. From and after the date of this Scheme, all lands and here- 
 ditaments, not being copyhold, belonging to these Foundations, and 
 all terms, estates, and interests therein, shall vest in the Official 
 Trustee of Charity Lands and his successors in trust for the said 
 Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation ; and all 
 copyhold hereditaments belonging to these Foundations, and all terms, 
 estates, and interests therein, shall be vested in like manner upon 
 such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the 
 lord of the manor; and all stock in the public funds and other 
 securities belonging to these Foundations shall be transferred to and 
 vest in the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds in trust for the 
 said Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation. 
 
 Charily Com- 
 missioners to 
 make new 
 Scheme. 
 
 4. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time in the 
 exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction frame Schemes for the altera- 
 tion of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes be 
 not inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools 
 Acts, 1869, 1S73, and 1874. 
 
 Date of 
 Scheme. 
 
 5. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which, under the 
 provisions of the said other Scheme, the administration of the said 
 Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation passes to 
 the Governors constituted under that Scheme.
 
 145 
 
 WYCOMBE GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND ALMSHOUSE 
 
 FOUNDATION. 
 
 LIST OF GOVERNORS, 1878 
 
 Cooptative Governors mentioned in the Scheme. 
 
 The Rev. Robert Chilton. 
 James Thurlow. 
 Randolph Henry Crewe. 
 Charles Strange. 
 Thomas John Reynolds. 
 Herbert Slmmonds, and 
 William Rose. 
 
 Representative Governors. 
 
 William Phillips and 
 George Wheeler 
 
 George Long and 
 
 Alfred Stone 
 
 Thomas Marshall 
 Daniel Clarke 
 
 The Rev. George Phillimore 
 Sir Philip Rose, Bart. 
 
 1 
 
 Alfred Gilbey 
 
 Appointed by the Town Council of 
 the Borough of Chepping Wy- 
 combe. 
 
 Appointed by the Local Board for 
 the Parish of Chepping Wycombe. 
 
 Appointed by the School Board for 
 the Borough of Chepping Wy- 
 combe. 
 
 Appointed by the School Board for 
 the Parish of Chepping Wycombe. 
 
 Appointed by the Justices of the 
 Peace of the County of Bucking- 
 ham, acting for the Petty Ses- 
 sional Division in which the Parish 
 of Chepping Wycombe is situate. 
 
 Appointed by the Justices of the 
 Peace for the Borough of Chep- 
 ping Wycombe. 
 
 T T
 

 
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