ORIGINAL LETTERS, &c.
RELATING TO THE
BENEFACTIONS OF ARCHBISHOP LAUD
TO THE COUNTY OF BERKS.
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ORIGINAL LETTERS,
AND OTHER DOCUMENTS,
RELATING TO THE
BENEFACTIONS OF WILLIAM LAUD,
ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY,
TO THE
COUNTY OF BERKS.
EDITED BY JOHN BRUCE, ESQ. F.S.A.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR THE BERKSHIRE ASHMOLEAN SOCIETY,
BY JOHN BOWYER NICHOLS AND SON, PARLIAMENT STREET.
M.DCCC.XLl.
J 'v-O
COUNCIL
<.'F THE
BERKSHIRE ASHiMOLEAN SOCIETY,
ELECTED MAY 23, 1840.
President,
THE RIGHT HON. THE EARL OF ABINGDON, D.C.L.
LORD LIEUTENANT OF THE COUNTY OF BERKS.
Vice-Presidents,
THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF DOWNSHIRE,
K.P. D.C.L.
THE VENERABLE EDWARD BERENS, M.A.
ARCHDEACON OF BERKS.
JOHN BLIGH MONCK, ESQ. Director.
RICHARD H. ALLNATT, ESQ. M.D.
CHARLES BLANDY, ESQ. Treasurer.
JOHN BRUCE, ESQ. F.S.A.
ADAM DUFF, ESQ.
CHARLES EYSTON, ESQ.
JAMES ORCHARD HALLIWELL, ESQ. F.R.S., F.S.A.
WILLIAM FULLER MAITLAND, ESQ. M.A., F.S.A.
PHILIP PUSEY, ESQ. M.P.
JOHN RICHARDS, JUN. ESQ. F.S.A. Secretary.
THOMAS NOON TALFOURD, ESQ. Serjeant-at-Law, M.P.
WILLIAM J. THOMS, ESQ. F.S.A.
RICHARD THOMAS WOODHOUSE, M.D.
REV. SAMUEL WILDMAN YATES, M.A.
/^ #T»r"k# » « ^ (^
INTRODUCTION.
It falls within the province of the local historian to
commemorate the actions of celebrated persons born
within the limits he desires to illustrate, and his obli-
gation to do so is the more certain in the instance of
an individual who has maintained in after-life a connec-
tion with the place of his nativity, whether as possessing
property, exercising influence, or devoting his wealth to
advance its prosperity. A consideration of this obligation
induced the Council of the Berkshire Ashmolean Society
to determine upon printing the documents which are
contained in the following pages. Archbishop Laud,
from whom most of them proceeded, was a native of the
chief town in that county to which the attention of the
Society is to be directed, and the documents themselves
principally relate to acts of charity and munificence on
the part of the Archbishop, which yearly revive through-
out the county of Berks the memory of his anxiety for its
welfare. It is indeed only as a benevolent and charitable
native of Berkshire, that, in this Society, we have anything
to do with Archbishop Laud. The merits or faults of his
Vlll INTRODUCTION.
political conduct constitute a most important subject of
consideration, but it is one upon which I am sure it would
not be agreeable to the Council that I should enter. They
would have the Archbishop set before the members of the
Society, not as the advocate of poUtical principles respect-
ing which men will differ to the end of time, but as a man
of kindly feelings and sympathies, labouring to better the
condition of his poorer fellow-subjects, and especially of
those connected with him by the tie of a common birth-
place.
It weighed also with the Council in directing this
publication, that it will tend to correct the erroneous
notions which are prevalent respecting the nature
of Archbishop Laud's Berkshire charities. In one
author we read, that " in his native town of Reading he
founded an excellent school ;" in another, that " he
founded an hospital in Reading ;" in a third, that " he
erected and endowed an almeshouse in Reading;" and
these representations, which are the mistakes of writers
of character and authority, — the main props of English
biography, — have been repeated, or have been but partially
corrected by later inquirers. In the following pages an
endeavour is made not only to give the history, but to
explain both the nature and the extent of the Archbishop's
munificence exercised towards his native county. In the
Transactions of the Royal Society of Literature (ii. 205),
INTRODUCTION. IX
there is an interesting paper, written by Archdeacon Todd,
upon the services rendered to general Hterature by Arch-
bishop Laud ; in the following pages we have an illus-
tration of his liberality flowing in another direction ; and,
with respect to both, we may adopt the language of the
Archdeacon, and assert, that his " bounty was more like
that of a King than of a subject." " In bestowing," as
was said of an Archbishop with whom Laud has been
compared, " he was most princely."
As a further illustration of the character of this
celebrated man, I have added, in the Appendix, a trans-
cript of his will, which has hitherto been known only
through the abridgment published by Wharton in the
first volume of the Archbishop's Remains, p. 454. Whar-
ton had principally in view the Archbishop's public cha-
racter, which before his time had been treated with great
injustice.* He consequently omitted many passages of
the will which relate more particularly to the Archbishop's
private affairs ; but, at the present day, and with reference
* It is gratifying to know that Wharton's work was duly appreciated at
Reading. In the Corporation Diary, under the date of 19th September*
1695, occurs the following entry : " It is alsoe agreed, that a small deske
be fixed to the wainscott on the left hand side of the chimney in the coun-
sell chamber, and that the booke (lately bought by the company, and this
day brought thither by Mr. John Blake,) intituled, The History of the
Troubles and Tryall of the most Reverend Father in God William Laud,
late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, deceased, be chained to the said desks
with a small brasse chainc."
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. I. h
X INTRODUCTION.
to the purposes of this pubHcation, those very passages
are amongst the most interesting. We form our notions
of the Archbishop as a prelate and a statesman, from the
principles which govern the parties in the Church and
State to which we attach ourselves ; but men of all parties
feel an interest in stripping a public man of the deco-
rations which dazzle those who see him only at a distance,
in following him to his own chamber, in observing who
are his friends and what his pursuits, in tracing the
character of his thoughts in his unstudied expressions,
and penetrating, through the medium of his unpreme-
ditated actions, even into his feelings and affections.
The passages omitted out of Wharton's publication of
the Archbishop's will are precisely of the kind which
enable us to do this with respect to him, as a few
instances will prove. For example, there is evidence of
character, and proof of constant affection in his legacies
to the widow and children of the Duke of Buckingham
(p. 63). The memory of that nobleman was, perhaps,
more unpopular than that of any man who had lived in
modern times ; but Laud did not scruple to place his
widow and children next in order, in his will, after his
sovereign and his college, and to declare, that he " had
a faithful heart to love, and the honour to be beloved of
him." Wharton omitted two of these bequests.
Again, it is pleasing to find that the secluded, severe
churchman, whom we are taught to consider as morose
INTRODUCTION. XI
and churlish, could describe the accomplished and elegant
William Cavendish, the first Duke of Ne\vcastle, a poet, a
musician, and a ^vit, as his " much honoured friend,"
and that he left him, in that character, his best " diamond
ring, worth £140 or neere it" (p. 63). This bequest was
omitted by Wharton.
The bequests to his domestic chaplains (p. C4) lead to a
knowledge of the class of divines whose presence he secured
near himself. Amongst the legacies of that description
it will be observed that he leaves to Dr. William I lavwood,
the well-known Vicar of Saint Giles's in the Fields, who
was deprived by the Long Parliament, and suffered great
hardships during the Rebellion, one of the seal-rings im-
pressed upon the reverse of the seal to the Deed of Gift to
Reading, which is engraved in the frontispiece. The
particulars of these bequests were omitted by Wharton.
The Archbishop's attachment to places is exemplified
by his donations to the poor of all the several parishes in
which he had resided (p. 64). The long enumeration will
enable any future biographer to trace his course of
preferment. These also were omitted by Wharton.
So again, the names of his servants (p. ^Q>), which were
omitted by Wharton, illustrate passages in his Diary, and
show the nature of his establishment, whilst his bequests
to them throw light upon his conduct as a master.
His fondness for music may be inferred from the cnu-
Z/2
Xll INTRODUCTION.
meration of his instruments ; an organ, a chest of vioUs,*
and a " harpsico in the parlour at Lambeth" (p. 65). The
organ here mentioned is distinguished from that in his
chapel, which, with his barge and pictures (as well those
he found at Lambeth as those he added) he bequeathed
to his successor, if the troubles in the State left him any.
In Wharton's abridgment of the passage relating to
the Archbishop's books (p. 67), there are some omissions
which are worthy of note. The " Vulgar Bibles " were no
doubt copies of the Vulgate.
The passage relating to the Archbishop's sermons
(p. 68) was altogether omitted by Wharton. He had
revised some of them, with a view to the press, and
had marked them with the letter Y ; but he directed
that even those should not be printed until they had
been perused by one of his reverend friends Bishops Juxon
and Wren, or by Dr. Steward, Dean of Saint Paul's,
" nor yet then unless the times will beare them."
The passages which contain bequests to his nephews
and nieces, the descendants of his brothers and sisters of
the half blood, which are inaccurately abridged in Whar-
ton, will be found to contain information which rectifies
* A chest of violls was a case, or box, with several partitions, usually
lined with green baize, and intended to preserve viols (the predecessors of
the violin) from injury by the weather. A chest held six or more instruments,
and was often curiously ornamented.
INTRODUCTION. XIU
mistakes of the Archbishop's biographers respecting his
faniil}'' connections.
In all these respects, and others which it would be
tedious to enumerate, the Archbishop's will contains
particulars which are desirable to be known, but are not
to be found in Wharton's abridgment. I have therefore
printed the whole will, and I point out these differences
between the copy and the abridgment, not by any means
with a design to depreciate Wharton, but to account
for the re-publication, and to draw attention to some of
the facts which are thus disclosed. The will was first
printed in the Appendix to the present volume from a
copy in the Harleian MS., No. 4115, fo. 34, but upon
making application at the Prerogative Office to compare
it with the original, I was informed, that, by the regula-
tions of that Office, I could not be allowed to do so.
The copy in the Harleian MS. being inaccurate in some
minor particulars, the Council of the Berkshire Ashmolean
Society were thus obliged to incur the expense of pro-
curing from the Prerogative Office an office-copy of
the whole Will, which, by payment of another fee, I was
permitted to examine with the original. The will having
been already set up in type, I did not think it worth
while to put the Society to the further expense of alter-
ing the orthography ; it will therefore be understood
that, except in the case of palpable errors, the ortho-
XIV INTRODUCTION.
graphy of the copy now printed is that of the Harleian
MS., but that, in words, it is an accurate representation
of the original. The will was altogether written by the
Archbishop's hand, and was signed by him at the bottom
of every page. It has two seals affixed upon the last
page, one in wax, the other upon a wafer covered with
paper : both are impressions of one of the seals which
appear upon the reverse of the seal of the Deed of Gift
to Reading, as represented in the frontispiece.
As a further local illustration of the subjects to which
the letters relate, I have introduced them with a brief
sketch of the history of the ancient Hospital of Saint
John, Reading, out of which arose the Grammar
School which forms the subject of several of the Arch-
bishop's letters, and the Master of which is one of the
recipients of his bounty. In the Appendix I have also
inserted all the documents and manuscript -entries illus-
trative of the history of that Hospital which I have been
able to find. Two of them have been printed before,
but I did not think that circumstance a sufficient reason
for their omission from a collection which is now, as far
as I know, complete.
With the addition of this introductory matter and the
will, it is hoped that the volume will be found not only to
illustrate an interesting episode, if it may be so termed,
in the Archbishop's life, but to exhibit a striking proof of
INTRODUCTION. XV
the value of that portion of our educational system by
which school and college are linked together. The son
of humble parents, whose dreams of ambition on his be-
half probably never pictured his ascent beyond the station
of a successful merchant, is sent to a borough-school,
attached to which are two scholarships at Saint John's,
Oxford. He distinguishes himself, and obtains one
of them. The road to promotion is thus opened to
him, and the blessing of Providence upon the steady
exertion of his faculties enables him to rise to the Chan-
cellorship of Oxford and the Archbishoprick of Canter-
bury. In its general outlines the tale is too common to be
marvellous, but the gratitude of the Archbishop to every
spot which afforded him a resting place on his ascent is
almost unexampled. Berkshire owes him a large debt
for that portion of his munificence which fell to her share,
and in acknowledging the obligation, and making known
its amount, the Ashmolean Society is but performing a
duty which has been too long delayed.
The Society is indebted to the Trustees of the Church
Charities of Reading for their ready permission to tran-
scribe and pubhsh the Letters and Deed of Gift, which are
in their possession. In the examination of the papers
with the originals, I was much facilitated by the kindness
of John Jackson Blandy, Esq. the Town Clerk of Reading;
and, throughout, I have received the most effective and
XVI INTRODUCTION.
valuable aid from my friends John Richards, jun. Esq.
and William Richard Drake, Esq. whose residence at
Reading afforded me great facilities for the acquisition
of information. Mr. Drake was kind enough to make
transcripts for me of all the Letters and the Deed of Gift-
I beg also most respectfully to acknowledge my obli-
gation to the Rev. Philip Wynter, D.D., Vice Chancellor
of the University of Oxford, and President of Saint John's
College, for information most kindly furnished to me from
the archives of that College.
The frontispiece, which is an excellent specimen of
proper pictorial illustration, and a most effective represen-
tation of the original, is a contribution to the Society
from Mr. Henry Clark Pidgeon, who, during a residence
of several years in the county of Berks, gave great atten-
tion to its antiquities, and having now devoted himself
to art as a profession, was anxious to have his name thus
associated with the first publication of the Ashmolean
Society. The frontispiece was not contributed until after
the description of the Seal at p. 28 had been printed,
which accounts for the omission of a reference to it in
that place.
JOHN BRUCE.
London^ 14 February, 1841.
TABLE OF REFERENCE TO THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
I. 1634. Aug. 27. Order from Charles I. to the Corporation of Reading
to remove certain shambles lately fixed up in Browne's Hill,
Broad Street, in that town . . . . p. 8, n.
II. 1636. May 2. Letter from Secretary Windebank to the Corporation
of Reading, that, upon a vacancy in the Mastership of
Reading School, his Majesty's pleasure is, that they shall not
choose a Master without the consent of the Archbishop of
Canterbury and the Bishop of the Diocese . . p. 10
III. November 30. Letter from the Corporation of Reading to
Archbishop Laud informing him of the death of the Master of
Reading School and begging his directions . . p. 11
IV. December 1. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Corpo-
ration of Reading, setting forth the hindrances towards pro-
curing a competent Schoolmaster, and advising them to apply
to the President of St. John's College, Oxford, to recommend
a sufficient man . . . . . . p. 12
V. December 5. Letter from the President and Fellows of St.
John's College, Oxford, to the Corporation of Reading,
recommending Mr. William Page to be appointed Master of
their School . . . . . . . p. 14
VI. December 15. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Corpo-
ration of Reading seconding the recommendation of Mr.
Page ........ p. 17
VII. 1640. March 26. Deed of Gift from Archbishop Laud to the town
of Reading for binding out poor boys apprentices, marrying
poor maidens, and augmenting the Vicarage of St. Lawrence,
and the Salary of the Master of Reading School . p. 21
BEUKS. AbUM. SOC. 1. C
Xviii TABLE OF REFERENCE
VIII. 1640. March 28. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Corporation
of Reading, announcing the completion of his charitable
intentions on behalf of the town, and giving them some
dii'ections thereon . . . . . • p. 29
IX. June 25. Letter from Mr. Thomas Turner to Mr. John
Jennings, Mayor of Reading, requesting him to come up or
send to Archbishop Laud for £100, half a-year's rent of
the lands at Bray . . . . . . p. 30
X. Julv 17. Letter from Archbishop Laud to Mr. John Jen-
nings, Mayor of Reading, directing the payment of £25 to the
Executors of Mr. Taylor, the Vicar of Saint Lawrence, who
had died on the 9th May 1640 . . . . p. 31
XI. November 13. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Mayor
and Aldermen of Reading, sending them half-a-year's rent of
the Lands at Bray, and stating his reasons for not interfering
with their choice of a Member of Parliament . p. 33
XII. November 10. Letter from Mr. Thomas Turner to Arch-
bishop Laud, petitioning, on behalf of a poor widow, that one
of her sons might be apprenticed to herself . p. 35
XIII. November 29. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Mayor
and Aldermen of Reading in reply to Mr. Turner's peti-
tion p. 37
XIV. 1641. October 28. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Mayor
and Aldermen of Reading commenting upon his troubles, and
requesting them to send a trusty person to him in the Tower to
receive half-a-year's rent of the Lands at Bray . p. 39
XV. December 23. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Mayor
and Aldermen of Reading, thanking them for their care in
the execution of their Trust, and directing a payment to
be made to the Town Clerk for his trouble . . p. 40
XVI. 1 642. October 20. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Major of
Reading, requesting him to come or send for the money for the
year past ... ..... p. 42
XVII. October 27. Letter from Archbishop Laud to the Mayor
and Aldermen of Reading, sending them £160 in full for a
year's rent of the lands at Bray, which is all he could
TO THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.
XIX
receive, and that he had it not in his power to make up the
deficiency, and prescribing the way in which it should be disposed
of ......... p. 44
XVIII. 1662. November 1. Letter from Mr. George Thome, Mayor of
Reading, to Mr. Dalby, the Steward or Recorder of the Town,
requesting him to attend Sir Orlando Bridgman, who formerly
kept Archbishop Laud's Courts, and endeavour to find the
Court Rolls of Bray p. 48
XIX. 1663. May 8. Letter from Mr. Edward Dalby to the Mayor of
Reading, reporting his interview with Sir Orlando Bridg-
man ......... p. 49
XX. 1665. October 6. Letter from Dr. Baillie, President of St. John's
College, Oxford, upon the inability of the Vice Chancellor
and himself to make their Visitation that year, and making
two requests respecting the regulation of the Charity p. 31
XXI. Charter of Endowment of the Hospital of Saint John, Reading
Appendix, p. 55
XXII. Consent of Hubert Walter, Bishop of Salisbury, to the appro-
priation of the Church of St. Lawrence, Reading, to the
Hospital of Saint John .... ibid. p. 56
XXIII. Ceremonial upon the reception of a brother or sister into the
Hospital of Saint John .... ibid. p. 57
XXIV. Allowances to be made to the residents in the Hospital of Saint
John ........ ibid. p. 58
XXV. Memorial respecting the suppression of the Hospital of Saint
John ........ ibid. p. 60
XXVI. Will of Archbishop Laud .... ibid. p. 61
ARCHBISHOP LAUD'S BENEFACTIONS
TO
BERKSHIPvE.
Amongst the many public institutions of the town of Read-
ing, there is no one, with the exception of the Abbey, which
has contributed more either to its advantage or celebrity, than
THE Grammar School. It had its origin in a presumed act of
usurpation on the part of one of the Abbots of Reading, the par-
ticulars of which have been rather inaccurately related.
At no great distance from the gate of the Abbey, and west-
north-west from Saint Lawrence's Church,* there anciently stood,
as if in contrast with the magnificence of the royal foundation, an
Almshouse or Hospital for poor religious persons. This humble
building, being dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, was styled
Saint John's House, and a chapel in the north chancel of Saint
Lawrence^s Church, called Saint John's Chapel, was set apart for
the use of its inmates.f
The circumstances under which this Almshouse or Hospital was
founded were most benevolent. It had come under the observa-
tion of Abbot Hugh, the second of that name and the eighth
Abbot of Reading, tliat, whilst the rich traveller never failed of
* Leland's Collect, ii. 30. f Coates's Reading, 310.
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. 1. 13
2 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
a splendid reception at the abbey-gate, the poor wayfarer and
the soHtary pilgrim, if not actually repelled, too often met with
treatment which was equally repugnant to Christian charity
and to the pious wishes of the royal founder. As a remedy for
such unseemly conduct, the Abbot and Convent determined to
build a place of reception which should be set apart for the poor
and needy. Hence the erection of Saint John's House, which
they placed just without the Abbey-gate, so that those who
did not apply, or did not find entrance there, might be received
into this humbler dwelling with all becoming courtesy.* Twenty-
six poor persons, who were the constant residents in the new
Hospital, were provided for in the following manner. With the
consent of the Bishop of the diocese, the church of Saint Law-
rence was annexed by the Abbey to the Hospital,t as a main-
tenance for thirteen poor persons of either sex ; and other thir-
teen, who were all to be men, were to be supplied with all things
necessary out of the alms daily distributed by the Abbey. The
needy travellers, for whose use the Hospital was primarily de-
signed, were to be maintained out of the profits of a mill at Leo-
minster, which were relinquished by the Abbey to the Hospital.
Hugh, the Abbot under whose sanction this transaction took
place, governed the Abbey from about A.D. 1180 to A.D. 1199, J
and the diocesan who gave his consent to it was Hubert Walter,
Bishop of Salisbury, elected to that see on the 15th September
1189,§ and translated to the archbishopric of Canterbury in the
* Vesp. E. V. fo. 19, verso. Dugd. Mon. IV. 42 ; and see Appendix, I.
t Vide the consent in the Appendix, No. ii. It sets forth the payments to a curate
in the twelfth century. Amongst them, he was to have twenty shillings per annum for
his apparel, such allowances of meat and drink as if he were a monk of Reading Ab-
bey, seven pence per week for meat, a decent residence, and all legacies to the church
under six pence ; when they were above that sum he was to divide them with the Ab-
bey. When obliged to attend ecclesiastical synods, the monks were to provide him
with a horse. Vide Appendbc, II.
X Dugd. Mon. iv. 39.
§ Rad. de Diceto, 648, Twysden. Bromton, 1161, ibid.
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 3
year 1193.* The foundation may therefore be dated between the
two latter years.
The form of admission of the brethren and sisters is entered in
one of the chartularies of the Abbey, and seems to have been
simple and impressive. The inmates of the house being assem-
bled, the applicant repeated the 51st Psalm and certain ejaculatory
prayers; after which supplication was yifered upon his behalf, that
God would receive him into the number of the faithful, in like
manner as he was received into that fraternity, and would grant
to him, through the one Mediator, opportunities for the perform-
ance of good deeds, and grace to persevere in them ; and that,
as brotherly love united the assembly then present on earth, so
piety might render the new brother finally worthy to join the
company of the faithful in heaven.
This apjDears to have been all the ceremony on the admission of
a brother ; when the new member was a sister, there was a fur-
ther, or perhaps another, service. The hymn Veni Creator Spiritus
was sung by the sister about to be admitted, kneeling before the
altar ; after which a prayer was offered, that she to whom had
been given the grace of continence, might be pardoned all her
sins, and might finally attain to the companionship of heaven.
She was then sprinkled with holy water ; her veil and chlamySy or
outer garment, Avere blessed, and supplication was offxired for her
perseverance in her purposes of integrity and chastity. She was
then clothed with the cap, veil, and chlamys, and, having received
the kiss of peace from each of the sisterhood, was instructed in their
privileges and mode of government, and so the ceremony ended.f
Various particulars of the allowances made to certain of the
brethren and sisters are preserved, and give an insight into the
mode in which houses of this description were managed. One
brother, who had been a shoemaker in the Sartuarie, or Soutry,
in Reading,^ and who was admitted in 133(), received every Aveek
* Rad. de Diceto, 669, Twysden. Gervase, 1583, ibid.
f Vespas. E. v. fol. 8, verso ; and vide Appendix, No. III.
+ This was probably the place knowji afterwards as Cobbler's Row, and formerly
4 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
seven loaves, termed the Abbot's chopyns — no doubt made of
fine flour — and three of a coarser kind, made of blaclcwyth, or
black wheat; he had also half a mess of meat daily; and was
allowed three ells and a half of russet for his habit, and twelve
pence for his shoes and in reward for his services in the almonry,
which he was to render in turn with the monks. In the same
year there were five sisters who received weekly seven white
loaves termed joryA" or ^jrykked loaves ; and three who received
three white loaves of the founder's weight, and six smaller ones
called miches. At each of five great ecclesiastical festivals every
sister received an entire dish of meat, or one penny. Four pence
per annum was allowed for the expense of the lamp hanging in
their hall, and at Easter and Christmas one halfj^enny was to be
given to each sister, and one penny to the prioress, for an obla-
tion. A candle proper to be blessed was to be furnished to each of
them at the feast of the Purification ; and two shilhngs and sixpence
was to be given to each for her habit. When any one of the sis-
ters died, the almoner had the disposition of her effects, but was
to give to each of the sisters a halfpenny or a farthing, to offer on
behalf of the deceased, and to the prioress a penny. The almoner
was to repair their house and chapel, and allow their maid servant
seven miches weekly. Any act of incontinency, in either brother
or sister, was to be punished with expulsion.* Other particulars
of a similar character will be found in the Appendix, No. IV.
The character of the foundation seems gradually to have de-
viated very widely from the intentions of the founders; and, by
the middle of the fifteenth century, the brothers had disappeared,
and the house had become simply an almshouse for the widows
of decayed townsmen of repute. They still retained their chapel
in Saint Laurence's Church, where these religious women —
"wydowes in chast lyvyngg" — resorted "to say ther prayers
situate on the south side of the market-jjlace. It was taken down about the end of the
last century, and the site thrown into the market-place.
* Vespas. E, v. fol. 6, and fol. 80, verso; and see Ai)pendix, IV.
ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE. 5
in certain seasons of the day and nijt;" but the revenues of
the churcli, and the profits of the mill, were lost, the inmates
of the house receiving, " out of the Abbey, every weke, certeyne
of bred and ale, and also money; and, as yt ys seyd, oons in the
vere a certevn clothvno/'
AVhether this state of things led to inconveniences and immo-
ralities — which is very likely — does not appear, but, about A.D.
1465, Abbot John Thorne suppressed the house altogether.
Some years after^-ards Edward IV. came through Reading in his
way to Woodstock, and " ryding over Caversam brydge,''* certain
persons took occasion to prefer a complaint against the Abbot for
various usurpations, and, amongst them, for the suppression of
Saint John's House. The King listened to the complaint, and
referred it to the consideration of Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of
Salisbury, commanding him to investigate the circumstances, and
see that all things were regulated according to the intentions of the
founders. This occurred in 1479, and Bishop Beauchamp shortly
afterwards held a Visitation, which is said to have disclosed many
things to the discredit of the Abbey, and to have rendered the
Bishop " full ylle content." The complainants were in hope that
their ends were gained, and that the Hospital would be restored,
but the Bishop had scarcely departed from Reading when he was
seized with illness, and within a few days died.f
Whatever may have been Abbot Thome's reasons for the sup-
pression of Saint John's House, he seems to have perceived after
the Bishop's visitation that the Abbey M'ould not be allowed to
retain the resumed revenues in peace. Determining therefore to
apply them to another purpose, he gave out " unto hys neygh-
bores" that he was about to convert the dwelling-house into a
free-school, with a master who was to have a salary of ten marks,
and an usher witli one of five ; and that Master Robert Shor-
* Coates, Appendix, No. ix.
t Additional MS. Brit. Mus. G214, fol. 14, vide Appendix, V. ; and Dug. Mon. iv. 47.
6 ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE.
borne, the Dean of Saint Paul's, had given forty pounds as an
endowment for the school. Still the execution of the project
was delayed; neither master nor usher made his appearance, nor
was " man, woman, ne chyld relevyd ther." *
After some years the former complainants renewed their suppli-
cations,t but nothing was done until 1486, when Henry VII.
visited Reading. When at the Abbey, his keen eye was attracted
by the old, deserted ruins of Saint John's House, and the inqui-
sitive monarch, of whom it has been remarked that he exercised
in his kingdom the authority of a watchman rather than that of a
sovereign, inquired of Abbot Thorne, "What old house is that?"
The Abbot gave its history, and the King, apparently not disap-
proving of its suppression, merely remarked, that its revenues
should be converted in pios usus. The Abbot then explained his
sclieme for a grammar-school, which the King not only sanctioned,
but agreed to endow the school with an annual sum of ten pounds,
to be paid out of the crown-rents of the town of Reading.^ Fur-
ther delay was impossible ; " one W^illiam Dene, a rich man and
servant in the Abbey, gave two hundred marks in money," § and
thus endowed, both with an income and with ready cash, the work
was soon completed. The memory of Henry VII. its founder, if
he may be so termed, was long preserved in Reading School by
his portrait on panel, which used to be suspended in the school-
room,|l and bore the following inscription,
" ViRGIXIBUS SEDES FUIT H^C MONIALIBUS ^DES,
HospiTiuM Henricus Musis donavit amicus.'^
It does not lie within my subject to pursue in detail the history
* Additional MS. Brit. Mus. 6214, fol. 14, vide Appendix, V. ; and Dug. Mon.
iv. 47. t Coates, Appendix, No. ix.
X Leland's Collect, ii. 31. The Charter granted to the town of Reading by Eliza-
beth acquits the town of the ten pounds annually jiaid to the schoolmaster. Coates's
Reading, 311, et seq. § Leland's Coll. ii. 31. |1 Coates, 311, et seq.
ABP. LAUD b BENEFACTIOXS TO KERKSIIIRE. 7
of the School which was thus founded ; but I must mention, that
Sir Thomas White, Lord Mayor of London in 1553, and the
munificent founder of Saint John's College, Oxford, annexed two
scholarships in that college to the school of Reading, and vested
the appointment to them in the corporation of that town.*
The eminent prelate whose letters I shall hereafter introduce,
was born at Reading on the 7th October, 1573, and was a pupil
in the grammar-school for some years before 15S9.t The place
of his birth, a house on the north side of Broad Street, was
standing until Avithin a few years, when it was taken down and a
row of houses termed Laud Place erected on its site. His father
was William Laud, a native of Wokingham, w^ho carried on the
trade of a clothier in Reading, and filled " all offices in the town save
the mayoralty."! His mother, whose christian name was Lucy,
was daughter of John Webbe, of Wokingham, and sister of Sir
William Webbe, Lord Mayor of London in 1591. She was first
married to John Rol)inson, a clothier in Reading, by whom she
had a son WiUiam, afterwards a Doctor in Divinity, a Prebendary
of Westminster, and Archdeacon of Nottingham, and five daugh-
ters, one of whom was the mother of Dr. Cotsford, and the other
of Dr. Layfield, both eminent clergymen. The future Archbishop
was the only issue of his mother by her second marriage. §
Laud's progress at Reading school was such as gave token of
future eminence, and his master there, although described by him
as " an ill schoolmaster," had sufficient discrimination to perceive
the promising character of his diminutive and sickly pupil.
" When you are a little great man," he is reported to have said
to him more than once, " remember Reading school !" || The
words may have stimulated his youthful ambition, and prompted
him, in after life, to the acts of munificence I am about to comme-
morate. Laud removed from Reading to Saint John's College at
* Coates, 315. t Hist, of Troubles, 1.
+ Ibid. 473. § Heylya's Laud, p. 42; and vide Appendi.\. VI.
'I Le Bas's Laud, p. 4, upon the authority of Lloyd's Memoirs, 255,
8 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
Oxford, in July 1589, and in the following June was elected by
the Corporation of his native town to one of Sir Thomas "White's
scholarships m that college.*
" The ill schoolmaster,^' whose memorable words I have
quoted, had long yielded up his chair, and the " little great man"
had become Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellor of the
University of Oxford, Vvhen the first of our documents brings him
again into connection with Reading school. It was now presided
over by Andrew Byrd, a man of considerable attainments, who
united the professions of pedagogue and physician, and was well
thought of in both of them. Byrd had been schoolmaster for, at
any event^ twenty-six years,t and was probably in a state of ill-
health when, the following letter M^as addressed to the Corporation
of Reading by the King's Secretary of State. There can be little
doubt, from the subsequent correspondence, that it was written at
the instance of Laud, and it is at once memorable and charac-
teristic, that his first interference with Reading school was by an
act of authority which, even in those days, was unjustifiable, J and
* Hist, of Troubles, 1. t Coates, 335.
X Although clearly illegal, it is to be feared that, during the reigns of James I. and
Charles I. a summary interference of the Crown in the affairs of Corjjorations was not
at all uncommon. The following curious paper, the original of which is in the pos-
session of the Corporation of Reading, proves the length to which this interference
was carried. Such acts of absolute power were thought by some persons to come
within the prerogative of the King as parens patriee ; but the better opinion, from a
period considerably anterior to the reign of Charles I., was, that the King could not
command the performance of any judicial act, except through his courts of justice.
Rex prcBcipit was held to mean lex 2}rcEcipit , and the law could only speak through the
judges. (Coke's 1st Inst. 130 a. 2nd Inst. 186.)
Charles R.
Trustie and welbeloved, we greets you well. Whereas we vnderstand that the place
commonly called Browne's hill, at the end of the Broad Streete, neere the Butchers'
Rowe, in your Towne, was wont to be a place of recreation to walke in, and faire and
open for ayre, at other times, and that, heeretofore, upon markett dales, the shambles
vsed there by Countrie Butchers were mooveable, and sett aside att night, after the
markett, and so the place left free and handsome all the weeke after. And whereas
we further understand, that the said place is now pestered with vnhandsome shambles
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 9
which in ours would be esteemed tyrannical. That his intentions
were good need not be disputed, but it is equally clear that his
mode of carrying them into effect was indiscreet and arbitrary. It
was by such acts that he too often fastened upon his designs, at
their outset, suspicions from which no subsequent experience of
his good meaning could altogether set them free. " He was a man
of great courage and resolution," remarks Lord Clarendon, " and
being most assured within himself, that he proposed no end in all
his actions and designs but what was pious and just — as sure no
man had ever a heart more entire to the King, the Church, or his
country, — he never studied the easiest vrays to those ends; he
thought, it may be, that any art or industry that way would dis-
credit, at least make the integrity of the end suspected, let the
cause be what it will.* He did court persons too little; nor
cared to make his designs and purposes appear as candid as they
were, by shcA^-ing them in any other dress than their own natural
beaut}', though perhaps in too rough a manner; and did not
consider enough what men said, or were likely to say of him."t
sett up and fixed there, so that all the roome is continually taken up, and the beautii;
and pleasure of that streete vtterly lost. We have, therefore, thought fitt to take
notice of this inconvenience, and doe hereby require you to take present order that the
said standing shambles be forthwith taken downe, and the hill left free and open for
mooving shambles, as in former times. And, if there be anie Cage, or Roundhouse
there, or anie other incumbrance whatsoeuer to that Streete, which hath not bene there
heretofore, Our will and pleasure is, that the same be forthwith remoovede into some
more fitt place, and the Hill presently cleered, as you will answere the contrarie.
Given, vnder our signett, at our Court at Woodstock, the seuen and twcnteth day of
August, in the ninth yeare of our reigne.
(Siqjerscrijjtion.J
To our trustie and welbeloved the Mayor and Burgesses of our
Towne of Reading, in our County of Berks.
* There seems a little obscurity here. Probably the sentence should stand thus : —
" being most assured within himself that he proposed no end. . but what was pious and
just. . he never studied the easiest ways to those ends ; he thought, it may be, that
any art or industry that way would discredit, at least make the integrity of the end
suspected. Let the cause be what it will, he did court persons too little."
t Hist. Rebell. lib. i.
BERKS. ASIIM. SOC. I. C
10 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
SECRETARY WINDEBANK TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
After my harty commendacions.
His Majesty, vnderstanding that by the paynes and diligence
of Andrewe Byrd, Dr. in Phisick and Schoolemaster of the Free
Schoole in that Towne, the said Schoole is become very consi-
derable, and divers good Schollers have bene bred there, in his
princely care that it be supplyed for the time to come with able
Schoolemasters, hath commanded me to signify his pleasure to
you, that, whensoever the place of Schoolemaster there shall
become void by the death, resignation, or other auoydance of the
said Dr. Byrd, you forbeare to chuse or admitt any person there-
unto, without the consent and approbation of the Lord Arch-
bishop of Canterbury his Grace, and the Lord Bishop of that
Dioces, for the time being. This tending so much to the good
of your Towne, and of the publique, His Majesty expects your
conformity herein, and that you giue him accompt thereof accord-
ingly at the next vacancy of the said place. And so I bid you
hartily farewell, and rest.
Your very loving frende,
Westminster, 2 May, 1636- Fran : Windebank.*
fSuperscription.)
To my very loving frindes the Mayor and Burgesses
of the Towne of Reading now being, and that
hereafter for the time shalbe.
* Windebank was an intimate friend of Laud's. Witness the two following extracts
from his Diary : —
" [1629] Aug. 14. Dies erat Veneris ; I fell sick upon the way towards the Court
at Woodstock. I took up my lodging at my ancient friend's house, Mr. Francis
Windebank. There I lay in a most grievous burning fever till Monday, Sept. 7.
" [1632] June 15. Mr. Francis Windebancke, my old friend, was sworn Secretary
of State; which place I obtained for bim of my gracious master King Charles."
(Hist, of Troubles, 44. 47.)
Other passages relating to Windebank occur at pages 21, 24. His house was at
Hains Hill, in the parish of Hurst, in Berkshire. (Ibid. 24, 25.)
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 11
The event wliich Avas CA-idently anticipated when Secretary
Windebank's letter was written, soon took place : Dr. Byrd died
on the 2Sth of November, and on the succeeding Wednesday, the
30th, the following letter was addressed by the Corporation to the
Archbishop :
THE CORPORATION OF READING TO ARCHBISHOP LAUD.
From the original Draft in the possession of the Trustees of the
Church Charities of the Borough of Beading.
May it jDlease your Grace,
In May last wee receved letters from the Right Honourable
Mr. Secretarye Windebank, a true coppye whereof wee heere in-
close, and, in obedience to his Majestyes pleasure in them declared,
— our schoolmaster's place now voyde by the disease of Doctor
Byrd, who dyed Mondaye night last, — wee all make our address
unto your Grace for dyrection what wilbee expected on our parts
best to bespeake our conformetye, and our loyall and dutifull rea-
dynesse of submission, whereto wee shall applye ; and wee are the
rather incoraged to craue assistance in the way wee are to goe,
havinge lately found so livelye expressions of noble respects to-
wards us, for which, and for all honorable favours, w^ee beseech
your Grace receive the retorne of our humble and thankful!
acknowledgments, with this, that wee hold it ours, and the towne's
greate honor and happiness to live in the looks and love of your
Grace, which, howbeit wee cann never deserve, yet shall it bee
ever in our care and studye to make appear wee are.
In all thinges to be commanded by
Your Grace.
Superscription.
To the Right Reverend Father in God the Lord
Archbishopp of Canterbury his Grace.
30th November, 1G3G.
12 ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE.
Probably the foregoing letter was sent to Croydon by a mes-
seno-er who waited for the Archbishop's reply, which is dated on
the following day.
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
Fi'om the original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Salutem in Christo. After my harty commendacions, &c.
I have receyued your kinde letters, and read in them the death
of Dr. Birde, who hath taken a great deale of paines, and done a
great deale of seruice in your schoole at Readinge, and hath
brovioht up diuers of your sonnes, and some of them are at this
daye uery able men to doe God, the Kinge, and the Church, ser-
uice. And, if you desire the flourishing of that schoole, and the
like good to be continued to your children hereafter, it will lye
upon you, by the aduise of your freindes, and the best care your
selues can take, to fitt your selues with an able and a painfull
man, that will be contented to doe as Dr. Birde did in his begin-
nings. And, to doe him right that is gone, I doe not thinke it will
be an easye thinge in all respectes to equall him ; but what helpe
or assistance I can giue you in that, or any thing else that may doe
good to the towne, I shall, neyther now, nor at any tyme else, while
I lyue, be wanting. Besides, you are much bound to his Majesty,
that he hath been pleased to descend soe lowe, as by his Secretary
to take care for the well fitting and furnishing of that your schoole,
for which I purpose, God willing, in your names, on Sunday next,
to give his Majesty thankes, and, withall, to acquaint him, how
ready and carefull you are to conforme to such direccions as he
was pleased to giue you by Mr. Secretary.
Two thinges there are, which will be great hindrances to the
getting of an able schoolemaster into that place. The one is, the
poorness of the stipend, not exceeding, as I remember, £10 per
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 13
annum. The other is, that the house which heretofore belonged
to the schoolmaster, and stood uery conveniently for him, you
have neglected, when the tyme was, to renewe and continue in
your handes, to the schoolmaster's use. Soe that now, there be-
ing noe house for him, and the tymes being soe chargeable for all
thinges of necessary use, yourselves must needs conceyue it "svill
be a thinge of great difficulty to gett a sufficyent and a carefull
man that will be content to reside upon the schoole for such
maintenance, unless you can thinke upon some way how to re-
couer that house, or another, and to make some addicion to en-
crease his means, Nvhich I referr to your consideracion ; and, in
the mean tyrae, I shall doe the best I can to informe my selfe, and
prouide you, of as able a man as I can gett.
I pray give me leave to putt you in mynde, that you have noe
preferment for your schoole, but onely for two places into Saint
John's College in Oxford, and, by God's blessing, of later tymes,
some of your sonnes have thrived extraordinarily well there, and
at this time there are two hopeful! younge men in the coUedge,*
and, therefore, I thinke you shall doe very advisedly to write to
the President and senior fellowes to name some able and suffi-
cyent man to you, which I presume they will not refuse to doe,
and take it kindly besides. And this I assure you, that, as well
as I loue that place, if they haue not a suffiycent man to send you,
they shall not send unto you any one unsufficyent, or any waye
unfitting. And I doe hereby pray you, together with those letters
* William Brackston and William Creed, the two young men referred to, and both
natives of Reading, fully justified Laud's hopes. The former, who was son of an Al-
derman of Reading, became one of Laud's chaplains; the latter was an eloquent
preacher, and a divine of great eminence. During the Usurpation he was Rector of
East Codeford, or Codeford Saint Mary, in Wiltshire, and, shortly after the Restora-
tion, was appointed Regius Professor of Divinity in the University of Oxford, and
Archdeacon of Wiltshire. He died on the 19th July 1663, and was buried in
Christ Church, Oxford. Vide Athenae Oxon. Bliss's edit. iii. 637 ; Coates's Read-
ing, 435.
14 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
of your owne, to send these of myne, in which I have desired the
President, for my sake, to take all the care that possibly he can,
and to fitt your schoole with a Saint John's man, if it may be, or
else to prouide you some able and sufficyent younge man in the
University, whose -fittnes I will examine my selfe, before I will
absolutely recommend him to you.
Soe, with thankes for your kinde remembrance of me, in the
close of your letters, and giving you hereby assurance that I
shall allwayes be most ready to serve the towne in all thinges
which are within my power, I leave you all to God's blessed pro-
tecion, and rest
Your very louinge friend,
to serve you,
Croidon, Decemb. 1, 1636. W. Cant.
{Superscription.)
To my uery louinge freindes, the Mayor and cheife
Burgesses of the towne of Reading, in Berks, these.
The Archbishop's advice was promptly acted upon. I have not
been able to procure the letter which was written to the president
and fellows of Saint John's, but its tenour may be gathered from
the reply. There is no copy of it at Reading, and the Rev. Dr.
Wynter, the President of St. John's, having very kindly searched
for the original amongst the archives of the College, informs me
that he cannot find any such letter.
The following is the reply.
the president and fellow^s of saint John's college,
OXFORD, TO the CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading,
Right Worshipful Mr. Major, and the rest of the Magistrates,
The loue and respect we finde that you beare unto the colledge,
in your late desire of being furnished for a schoole-m aster from our
ABT. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 15
house, and so wauing the immediate election in tliis case, we
heartily wish that wee be as well able to satisfy, unto your con-
tent, as wee are willing to returne thanks for them, to the utmost
of our power. Your owne kinde proffer, and the knowne deserts
of the deceased incumbent, but above all, the ingagements you
justly pretend to my Lord's Grace of Canterbury (whose pious
munificence hath by all right entitled him our patron, and us his
servants), make us jealous that we cannot be too carefull, nor too
well prouided to answer your expectation to the full. Neither
may we imagine that our best endeavours will be ill bestowed, in
the due supply of that place, whose happinesse in present it is to
make an honest boast of having enriclied the Church abroade with
such eminent persons, and furnished us at home with such hope-
full ones. May it please you, therefore, to take notice, that in a
deliberate care, not altogeither disproportionable to your owne good
intendments, we have, according to your request, submitted one
to my Lord's Grace his approbation, who himselfe also hath writte
effectually to the coUedge that we should be very carefull on your
behalfe. His name is Mr. William Page, a master of arts and fel-
low of our house ; a man able for his schollershippe, conformable
to the doctrine and discipline of the Church, and for his de-
meanour (for ought we could ever understand) unblameable. To
say the truth, such a one of whome our hope is, that you will never
have sufficient cause of being ashamed to owne him, nor we to
have nominated him.
We may not forgett likewise to thanke both your care and
bounty for the free promise of an improuement to your ancient
stipend, if the master's discreete carriage and sedulous attendance
shall meritt it. Which, as it cannot but adde an edge to his in-
dustry for the deserving of it, so it enforceth us to acknowledge
the second time that wee cannot thinke any man too good, nor his
paines too greate for that schoole, whose overseers are so ready to
cherish both with an unasked-for liberality ; and thus, with a hope
16 ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE.
that we have furnished you, and with our wishes that it may so
prove, to your full content, wee take leave and rest.
Your very louing friends,
Richard Baylie, President.*
Thomas Atkinson.
Henry Warner.
John Smith.
Saint John's, Oxon. Nicholas Vilett.
December 5th, 1636. Nathanael Croocher.
{Super sorption.)
To the Right Worshipfull Mr. Maior of Reading,
and to the Worshipfull the Magistrates, our very
loving friends, deliver these.
* Dr. Baylie, the celebrated president of Saint John's, is too well known to require
any note ; but I cannot forbear mentioning one circumstance in his history, which is
especially honourable to Laud. In 1611, when Laud was a candidate for the Presi-
dentship of Saint John's, Baylie, then a young man, was warmly attached to the cause
of his opponent. At the time of election, as the scrutiny proceeded and it became
apparent that it would be favourable to Laud, Baylie suddenly snatched up the scrutiny
paper, and, in a moment, tore it to pieces. This foolish act of youthful intemperance
threw doubt upon the validity of the whole proceeding, and the question was brought
before James I. who confirmed Laud's election. In ordinary cases Laud and Baylie
would have been bitter enemies for ever ; but, in this instance, as well as in others
which might be produced, what was said of another Archbishop of Canterb'iry was true
of Laud,
" do my Lord of Canterbury
But one shrewd turn, and he 's your friend for ever."
Laud saw that Baylie was a promising young man, and he determined to win him. He
released him from the censures inflicted upon him as soon as possible ; he gave him his
favour, appointed him one of his chaplains, married him to the daughter of his mater-
nal brother, Dr. Robinson, aided him to obtain the very Presidentship of which he
had sought to deprive his future patron, and, finally, appointed him the sole executor
of his will. (Heylyn's Laud, 60, 61; Le Bas, 19,21.) Dr. Baylie returned Laud's
kindness with a warm and constant friendship, not only to him but to the cause which
he had so much at heart. The R. B. found upon some of the money coined at Oxford
for Charles I. are Dr. Baylie's initials, and the money in question was coined out of
the plate belongmg to Saint John's. (Fasti Ox. i. 470, ed. Bliss.)
ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE. 1?
This letter was in a few days succeeded by the following re-
commendation from Laud :
THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO THE CORPORATION OF
READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Heading.
Sakitem in Christo. After my hearty commendacions, 8cc.
Upon the receipt of your first letters to me after the death of
your worthy schoolmaster, and my ancycnt acquaintance, Dr. Byrd,
I writt to St. John's College, in Oxon. as yourselves knowe ; to
this end, that if they could furnish your towne with an able and
sufficyent schoolmaster, I might not be dryuen to looke farther.
The rather, because of the relacion which our worthy founder
hath left between that colledge and your schoole.
In these my letters I laide soe strict a charge upon the Presi-
dent and senior fellowes of tliat house, that they should name
noe man to me for whose both honesty and discretion, as well as
sufficyency in learning, they would not be as answerable to me,
as I must be to the Towne ; as that I thought it fitt, more letters
then one should pass between us before I would resolue to recom-
mend any to your choyce. In this respect, if I liaue made you
staye a little the longer, yet I hope you will take it kindly, partly,
Ijecause you may, by this, perceyue how carefull I am to name
noe man to you till I have taken him and his worth into serious
consideracion ; and, partly, because this staye can be noe great
hindrance to your children, Christmas being neare, in which
tyme there is noe great schooling.
I haue seen the letter which you sent to the colledge. It is a
uery kinde one, and with a great deale of respect both to my selfe
and them, for which I liartily thankc you. And you can ncucr
doe your selues, nor the Towne, more right, then to tliinke upon
some waye for the l^ettering of the Schoolmaster's allowance :
for till that be done, you may, by favour and God's blessing, gett
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. 1. O
18 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
a sufficient Schoolmaster, but the place, of it selfe, as it now
standes, will neuer inuite an able man to continue, and reside
upon it. And whereas you write, that you will consider of some
incouragement by adding to the schoolmaster to hold up the
reputacion of your schoole, I doe not onely thanke you hartily for
it, but doe hereby promise you, that, if I lyue to outgrowe the
great expenses I have been at, I will doe somwhat alsoe my selfe,
being sensible to this daye what it is to be bredd under an ill
schoolmaster.
Now, after all deliberacions, I doe hereby recommend unto you
the bearer hereof, Mr. Page. He is a Master of Artes, and
fellowe of St. John's Colledge„ which he is willing to leaue, and
reside upon the schoole. He was bredd at a uery good schoole
himselfe, and therfore knowes the better how to be a school-
master. Besides this, I have receyued from Mr. President and
the fellowes, a uery large testimony of his sufficiency in that
kinde of learning, as alsoe of his honesty and sobernes in conuer-
sacion. He was with me at Croydon, and, by that exercise of his
which I my selfe sawe, I hope he will answere the testimony giuen
him. And, therfore, I doe hereby recommend him to you, and
pray you to make choyce of him for your schoolmaster. And,
when he is in that place, I shall not faile to laye all my powers
vipon him, to be diligent and carefull in the discharge of his duty
to yourselves and your children. And yet, notwithstanding this
testimonye given me concerning him, I shall desire you to trye
him (if you thinke litt) by any or all of your three learned minis-
ters that lyue with you in the towne, whom I doubt not but he
will satisfye. Thus, with the rememlDrance of my love to your-
selues, and my dayly prayers for the good of that place, I leaue
you all to the grace of God, and rest.
Your uery lovinge and assured freind,
Croydon, December 15, 1636. W. Cant:
( Su2Jerscriptioti,)
To my uery worthy freindes the Mayor and cheife
Burgesses of the Towne of Readinge, in Berks, these.
ABP. LAUD*S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE. 19
The bearer of these testimonials was immediately appointed to
the vacant mastership. He has been the suljject of several mis-
takes : 1. Coates, in his list of Masters,* interposes, between Dr.
Byrd and him, Dr. John Denison, a learned divine, who resided
at Reading, and was successively minister of all the parishes
there, but who does not appear to have been ever master of the
school. Anthony Wood speaks of Dr. Denison as '^ chief mode-
rator of the free- school in Reading/'f but, whatever that may mean,
it is clear that he did not succeed Dr. Byrd as master. 2. It is
evident that the person recommended by the Archl)ishop and
Saint John's College was a Master of Arts, and a Fellow of that
College; but Anthony Wood]: has mistaken him for a gentleman
of the same name, who was of All Souls' College, and was
admitted Doctor in Divinity in 1634. In these particulars Wood
has been followed by Coates, § but the two William Pages were
clearly distinct persons. The Doctor was a celebrated divine, and
rector of East Locking, in Berkshire ; the Master of Arts was a
poor schoolmaster, only not obscure enough to be beneath the
notice of the Commissioners of Sequestration, who ejected him
in 1644. Dr. Wynter informs me that he was admitted scholar
from Merchant Taylors' School in 1628, and that he Ijecame M.D.
in 1653, which renders it probable that he supported himself
during the Usurpation by the practice of physic; at the Restora-
tion, he procured a writ of restitution to the school, || but it was
abandoned; and on the 6th March, 1660-1, he resigned his
right^ — probably for a consideration.
Hitherto Laud's interference with Reading had been of a
questionable, if not of an improper kind, but far better things
had been floating in his mind. As a town, Reading stood next in
his affection to Oxford, and his paper entitled, " Things which I
have projected to do, if God bless me in them," contains two
schemes for its advantage. The latter of the two, as it stands
in the paper, but the first executed, was " A Charter for the town
* Coates, p. 336. f Athen. Ox. ii. 439. ed. Bliss. I
§ Coates, p. 337. II Ibid. H Ibid. 311, u.
20 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
of Reading, a Mortmain of, &c."* Against this note, Laud, at
some subsequent period, wrote " Done ;" and it was carried into
effect on the 17th of December, 1638. The charter which was
then granted by Charles I. will be found in Man's History of
Reading,t and an abstract of it in Coates.J It contains a clause
enabling the Corporation to purchase lands to the value of cfSOO
per annum, M^hich is no doubt what Laud alludes to in the words
" a Mortmain of, &c/' The charter then granted continues to be
the governing charter of the borough, subject to some slight al-
terations made by charters granted in the second and tenth years
of Charles II. and one in the reign of William IV. ; and also to the
changes introduced by the Act lately passed for municipal reform.
Laud's other project was thus described by him : " To settle
an Hospital of Land in Redding, of 100 pounds, in a new way.
I have acquainted Mr. Barnard, the Vicar of Croydon, with my
project. He is to call upon my executors to do it, if the sur-
plusage of my goods, after debts and legacies paid, come to three
thousand pounds.^' § This was the original memorandum, and
against it Laud subsequently wrote, " Done, to the value of £200
2ier annum."
The origin of this design is recorded by Laud, in his Diary,
thus: — "[1634] Jan. 1. The way to do the town of Reading
good for their poor ; which may be compassed, by God's blessing
upon me, though my wealth be small. And I hope God will bless
me in it, because it was his own motion in me. For this way
never came into my thoughts (though I had much beaten them
about it) till this night, as I was at my prayers. Amen, Lord !"||
This, it will be remembered, was written but a few months after
his accession to the Archiepiscopate, and his design was pro-
bably then limited, as mentioned in his memorandum, to £100
per annum : it was not carried into execution until six years after-
wards, and then the amount was made up to double that sum.
* Hist, of Troubles, 69. f App. p. i. % P. 65.
§ Hist, of Troubles, p. 69. || Ibid. p. 50.
ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE. 21
The exact nature of his settlement will best appear from the
following abstract of his Deed of Gift ; but I may shortly state,
that he conveyed to the Corporation of Reading certain lands at
Bray, in Berkshire, of the value of £200 per annum, reserving to
himself the right of disposing of the rents during his lifetime, but
directing that, after his death, the Corporation, every first and
second year, should lay out £120 of the income in apprenticing at
Reading twelve poor boys, ten of them born in Reading, one in
Wokingham, "^ where," he says, " my father was borne," and one
at Bray, where the lands were situate. Every third year no boys
were to be apprenticed, but the £ 1 20 was to be bestowed in mar-
riage portions to six poor maids, five from Reading, and one from
Wokingham. The Reading boys were to be sons of persons of
good reputation, and inhabitants of not less than fourteen years'
standing. The girls were in like manner to be children of honest
parents, and to have served one mistress, or dame, for the space of
three years. In this manner £l20 of the income was to be ex-
pended for ever ; of the remaining income, £50 per annum were
to be paid to the Vicar of Saint Laurence's, Reading ; £20 per
annum to the Schoolmaster of Reading School ; and the remaining
£10 per annum was to be set apart to defray the expenses of a
triennial visitation by the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, the Presi-
dent of Saint John's College, and the Warden of All Souls', to
whom he gave very large powers of inspection and control.
ABSTRACT OF ARCHBISHOP LAUD's DEED OF GIFT TO THE
CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original, in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borovglt of Reading.
To ALL Christian People, to whome this present writinge
shall come. William Lawd, by the providence of God,
Lord Archbishopp of Canterburye, Primate of all England,
and Metropolitanc, Sendeth Geetinge in our Lord God ever-
22 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
lastinge. Whereas I, the said William Lawd, have latelie
bought of Sir John Blagrave, of Southcote, in the countie of
Berkes, Knight, Dame Magdalen his wife, Suzan Blagrave, Mag-
dalen Blagrave, and Jane Blagrave, theire daughters, the landes
hereinafter mencioned, with an intencion to dispose the rentes
thereof for ever, towardes the bindinge of poore boyes to be
apprentices, the marryeinge of poore maides, and the increase of
the maintainannce of the Vicar of the Church of Saint Lawrence in
Readinge, and of the Schoolemaster of the Free-schoole of
Readinge. Nowe knowe yee, that I, the said William Lawd,
that the said good and charitable workes by mee intended maie
bee maintained with the rentes of the said landes (all which nowe
are, or verie shortlie wilbe, of the cleere yearelie value of Twoe
hundred poundes), by theis Presents doe give unto the Maior,
Aldermen, and Burgesses of the borough of Reading, and their
successors for ever, All that the Mannor and Lordshipp of Strowd,
alias StafFertons, alias Shiplake, in the said countie of Berkes, the
Mannor howse of Strowd in Bray, in the said countie of Berkes, and
all the landes therewith occupied, and those messuages, landes, and
hereditaments in Braye aforesaid, or elsewhere in the said countie
of Berkes, called Little Strowd, Easts, Whites, Curres, and Tile-
howse. And those landes called Kippinges, Brookes, Culver-
howse peice, Rithies, and Ould Grove, and the messuages, landes,
and hereditaments, situate in Braie aforesaid, in the occupacions
of Anthony Blagrave, John Page, Richard Ellice, and Thomas
Loggins, and late the landes of the said Sir John Blagrave and
Dame Magdalen his wife, Suzan Blagrave, Magdalen Blagrave,
and Jane Blagrave, daughters of the said Sir John Blagrave and
Dame Magdalen, and all commons, courts, royalties, franchises,
and appurtenances to the said mannor and premisses belonginge,
and all the mannors, landes, and hereditaments of mee the said
William Lawd, situate in Bray aforesaid, Cokeham, AVinkefeild,
Maidenhead, and Winsor, or elswhere in Berkes (Sauinge those
landes in Braie called Budds Pastures, latelie by mee demised to
ABP. LAUD S BKNEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE. 23
Simon Winch, Gentleman, for the tearnie of one and thirtie
yeares, att the rent of fortie poundes yearUe, the benilitt whereof
I doe intend shalbe for ever imploied for the maintainance of an
Arabick lecture, by mee newelie founded in the Vniversitie of
Oxeford) To have and to holde the said mannor and premisses
unto the Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the l)orough of
Readinge, and theire successors for ever, Uppon especiall
TRUST and confidennce, That they shall permitt mee the said
William Lawd, duringe my naturall life, to receaue the rentes, and
to dispose the same to the vses above mencioned, or to such other
vses as I shall appoint. And after my decease. That they shall,
for ever, truelie, faithfuUie, and Avhollie, distribute and imploie the
rentes of all the said premisses for the good vses hereafter
declared. That is to saie. First, I doe hereby will that the
Maior and Aldermen of Readinge, shall yearlie meete att the
Guildhall there, uppon the seaventh dale of October, and shall
then, for the first yeare, chuse twelue younge boies to be bound
apprentices to such trades as they cann gett maisters to take
them, allowinge unto everie of them tenn poundes apeece : and
the Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses shall paie the money to
theire maisters, and see them bound, before Sainct Andrewe's dale
followinge, payeinge for the Indentures out of the tenn poundes.
And, for the second yeare, they shall, att the same time and
place, chuse and bind out twelue more younge boies, with the
same allowance of tenn poundes to each of them. Theis children,
thus to be chosen and bound apprentices, shall, tenn of them, be
such as haue bin borne in Readinge, one in Ockingham, wdiere
my father was borne, and one in the parish of Braye, where theis
landes lye : And they shall be the children of honest poore
people, whoe either want theire parents, or whose parents are
unable tf) place them abroade, yet with a more speciall care to be
had of the fathcrles ; And they shall be bound apprentices, all of
them, in the towne of Readinge, soe longe as any tradesmen of
honest reputacion there will take them ; But, if it soe fall out
24 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
that, att anie time, there shall not be found such within that
towne that will take theis youthes with this allowance to be theire
apprentices. In that case, it shall be lawfull for the Maior and
Aldermen to bind them in any other towne of the countie of
Berkes, or in London, as they please. And likewise, if it shall
soe happen, att anie time, that there should not be youthes
enough in the said towne of Readinge, soe qualified to be bound
apprentices, In that case it shall bee lawful for the Maior and
Aldermen to take them out of anie towne, or village, in the
countie of Berks (beginning at Ockingham). And, because theis
shall not turne to be a detriment to the towne of Readinge, by
dramnge poore families thither, in hope to place theire children.
Therefore my expresse will is, and I doe hereby ordaine, that
noe youth shalbe chosen out of the towne of Readinge, vnless his
father hath been a dweller, and of honest reputacion, in the towne,
for the space of fowerteene yeares before, at least. And I further
require, if anie of my kindred come to be distressed, and neede
this helpe, that the Maior and Aldermen haue respect to them,
Ijefore others, when they shall finde theire want as greate, and
theire reputacion as good. The Third yeare after my decease, I
will haue the summe of one hundred and twentie poundes, above
raencioned, given to sixe poore maides, towardes theire marriage
porcions, to be named and chosen the seaventh dale of October
by the Maior and Aldermen of Readinge, as aforesaid, and the
money to be paid them before Sainct Andrewes dale next follow-
inge. And I will that five of theis maides shall be borne in Read-
ing, and the sixth in Ockingham ; all such as have beene borne of
honest parents, and have served one mistris, or dame, for the
space of three yeares togeather, att the least. And soe, for this
one hundred and twentie poundes a yeare, I doe hereby will and
ordaine, it shall be thus imploied for ever, after my decease;
TwoE yeares for the apprentices, and everie Third yeare for the
marriage of poore maides ; as is before expressed. And I doe
hereby further will and ordaine, That, out of the rentes of the
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 25
premisses herein mencioiied to be graunted, the Maior, Alder-
men, and Burgesses of the borough of Reading shall for
ever paie, yearelie, fiftie poundes, att our Ladic Uaie and
Michaelmas, by equall porcions, to Theophilus Tailor, Vicau
OF Sainct Lawrence Church in Readinge, and to his
successors, Viccars there, and Twentye poundes, att the
same feasts yearelie, and for ever, to the Sciiooleaiaster
OF the Free Schoole of Reading, and to his successors,
Schoolemasters there. Provided alwaies, that if the Schoole-
master of the Free Schoole of Reading l)e not able and dilli-
gent (of which I make my visitors hereafter mencioncd judges),
or if the Vicar of Sainct Lawrence live not resident uppon
the Viccaridge, the paiement to either of them shall cease,
and be bestowed up2:)on the bindinge out of more youthes
apprentices ; But it shall cease noe longer then till the Viccar
reside and the Schoolemaster be approved able and dilligent.
And whereas I haue latelie demised all the premisses herein
mencioned to be graunted (exceptinge one farme called Curres)
for the tearme of one and thirtie yeares, under severall yearelie
rentes, amountinge to one hundred ninetie three poundes ; Nowe,
to the end all whom this poore act of charitie concerned may
reape some benifitt by it, I doe will and ordainc that the rent of
theis, however improveable, yet shall never be raised nor im-
proved by the Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Readinge, above
the summe of twoe hundred poundes in the whole ; neither shall
they make any greater leases of the landes than for one and
twentie yeares. And whereas, upon the leases by mee alreadie
made, I have provided, that, when theis leases shalbe within fower-
teene yeares of expiracion, the tenantes thereof shall renewe the
same for one and twenty yeares, I doe hereby will and ordaine,
that, upon everic lease hereafter to be made, the leassees shalbe
tied to surrender the same within eight yeares then next foUow-
inge, and to take newe leases for one and twentie yeares ; and for
such renewall of theire leases, everie teiinant shall paie one yeare^s
berks, asiim. soc. 1. E
26 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
cleere vallue of the landes soe leased, over and above the rentes to
be therevpon reserved, and noe more ; and everie fine soe taken
shalbe laid out that present yeare, either to bind out poore ap-
prentices, at tenn poundes a man, or to make porcions for more
maides, att twentie poundes apeece, as the yeare in which the fines
are taken shall happen to fall to be a first, or a second, for appren-
tices, or a third for poore maidens' marriages. And if, after this
faire dealinge with the tennants, they shall not paie in att the tyme
and place appointed theire severall rents respectively, and renue
att the eight yeares' end, and inhabite the bowses themselues, and
keepe them in good repaire. Then it shall be lawfull for the said
Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses of Readinge to reenter, and pos-
sesse all for which the rent shalbe then vnpaid, or vppon which
the bowses shalbe out of repaire, and they may then lett to what
tennants they please, uppon securitie to paie theire rent duelie,
and to rejDaire the howseinge decentlie. And, if it should hap-
pen, by any sinister act (which God forbid), that anie quarrell, or
question, vnseene and soe vnprovided for, should be made against
the title of theis landes, I will, that the charge of all suites there-
vpon ariseinge should be borne out of the rent; and, for that
time, the charitable worke shall cease, in whole or in parte, accord-
ing as the charge ariseth ; But soe as that, soe soone as the suite
(if any happen to be) shall end, then presently all shall goe on
again e, and in the waie before directed. And, to the end this
worke male the better proceed and contynue, I appoint the Vice
Chauncellor of the Vniversitie of Oxford, the Presi-
dent OF Sainct John Baptist's Colledge, and the War-
den OF Ajll Soules' Colledge, in the said Vniversity,
for visitors of this worke of charitie ; and if either of theis twoe,
the President or the Warden, happen to be Vice Chancellor, in
the yeare of visitacion, which shall be kept everie third yeare,
beginninge from the seaventh of October which shalbe next after
my decease. Then the Vice-president of Sainct John Baptist
Colledge, in Oxeford, shalbe the third visitor for that time, and the
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 27
visitacion maie be held by them, or anie two of them, or, in case of
anie extremitie, by the Vice-Chancellor onehe. This trienniall
visitacion shalbe held in the Guildhall of the town of Readinire,
vppon the seaventh of October, vnles it be a Sunndaie, and then
it shall be kept the next dale after. The visitacion shall last but
one dale, but the visitors may after sett in order anie thing that is
found amisse. To beare the charges of theis visitacions I allowe
tenn poundes a yeare, which, against everie third yeare comes, will
make thirtie poundes, with which I conceave the Maior, Alder-
men, and Burgesses maye entertaine the visitors, and find them
convenient man's meate and horsemeate for the night they come
in, the dale they stale, and the morningewhen they returne. And
I will and ordaine, that, out of the rents of the premisses, the said
Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses shall dispend the said summe of
thirtie poundes for ever. Item, I will and ordaine, tliat a
coppie of this deed be left with the President and SchoUers of
Sainct John Baptist Colledge, in Oxford, to be kept among the
Colledge Evidennces in some boxe by itselfe, that my visitors re-
sideing there maie with more ease see the deed, and thereby pre-
pare theire articles for the visitacion att the times appointed. And
I DOE hereby heartilie praie my successors, Archbishopps of Can-
terburie, and the Lordes Chancellors, or Keepers of the Greate
Scale of England, to give all assistance to this poore guift of mine,
vppon anie iust complaint that shall bee brought vnto them,
either by the towne or by my visitors, which theire inferior paines
and power cannot rectifie, and that they will preserve this worke
of charitie, that the heartes of the poore people (for whose releife
I offerr it vpp to God, that in greate mercie gave it mee) maie
blesse them, of which theire honorable care I cannot doul)t. And
IN WYTTNES of this my deed and graunt, I, the said William
Lawd, Lord Archbishopp of Canterburie, Ilavie hcrevnto
sett my hand and scale, the sixe and twentith dale of March,
in the fifteenth yeare of the raigne of our Soveraigne Lord
Charles, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, Fraunce,
28 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
and Ireland, Kinge, Defender of the Faith, etc. Annoque Domini
1G40. (Signed J W. Cant.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of Orl. Bridge-
man, Adam Torless, Walt. Dobson, Willni. Dell,
E. Leuenthorpe, Will. Bagot, Simon RoUeston,
John Houlton.*
The seal is of red wax, appendant upon a cord of red and white
twisted silk, and bears on the obverse, in the centre, the arms of
the Archl)ishoprick, underneath which, on a smaller shield, are the
arms of Laud — on a chevron, between three estoiles, three cross-
lets patee fi tehee — and above it, on the right side of the shield, a
hand issuing from the clouds, directing attention to the arms of
the see, and on the left, an eye looking upwards, with a scroll
which contains the word sursum ; around the whole is the legend
SiGILLVM . GviLIELMI . LaUD . ArCHIEPISC [OPI Ca]nTVARI-
ENSis. On the reverse are three impressions in pale, of a small
ruby seal, mentioned in the Archbishop^s will, and containing the
arms of the see impaling his own arms.
The Archbishop accompanied his deed of gift with the following
explanatory letter. It here appears that, although by the deed the
Archbishop reserved to himself the disposition of the property
during his life, it was his intention that the trusts should be acted
upon at once, and that he contemplated the payment to the Cor-
poration at the proper time, of the full sum of £200 per annum,
settled by the deed.
* There are two of these witnesses whose names deserve particular notice. The
first, who was afterwards Sir Orlando Bridgeman, was the celebrated loyalist lawyer :
it is sufficient simply to point attention to his name, as seeming to indicate that Laud
had his assistance in the preparation of the Deed. He held the Archbishop's Courts,
and was probably his general legal adviser. The second is a name which ought never
to be forgotten in connexion with that of the Archbishop. On the one hand, it exhibits
an instance of " the constant service of the antique world;" and, on the other,
affords a pleasing proof that Laud's infirmities of temper and manners were but the
rough covering of a kind and generous heart. The history of Adam Torless is told
in the two following passages from Laud's Diary :
" [1624] Oct. 2, Saturday. In the evening at Mr. Windebank's, my ancient ser-
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 29
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Salutem in Christo. After my hearty commendacions.
I haue had a greate longing in myselfe to doe some good for the
towne of Redding, according to such abiUty as itt should please
God to blesse me with. And, I heartily thanke him for itt, I have
noM" done itt. And I have done itt in such a way, as I hope, by
God's blessing, shall bee a meanes to preuent the increase of poore
in that populous towne, and yett bring none to itt. I have pro-
uided soe as that both the poore and the Vicar of St. La^^Tence,
whose meanes is poor, and your schoolemaster, whose alloM'ance
is not greate, shall bee better'd by itt. And, in the disposition of
this my charity, I have soe far preuayled with his gracious Ma-
jestic, as that the fifty pound a yeare which I give to the Vicar
of St. Lawrence, shall not fill vp anie part of the mortmaine which
I formerly procured for the towne, as you will see by the instru-
ment vnder the Broad-seale, which, together with my owne deed
for the lands, I delivered to Mr. Maior and Mr. Brackstone, att
their late being with mee, for the vse of the Towne. And itt is to
reniaine in your custody, not in the Vicar's. And whereas you
will finde by the deed that I have exprest charitable uses for the
full summe of two hundred pownd a yeare : and that the land, for
these two or three yeares, will not yeeld that whole and intire
summe : yett 1 will that you proceed, att the seuerall tymes ap-
poynted, to doe all which I have required in my deede. And I
shall supply that which is wanting for the yeares aforesaid, out of
vant, Adam Torless, fell into a swoon ; and we had much ado to recover him ; but, I
thank God ! we did."
" [1641] Sept. 23, Thursday. Mr. Adam Tories, my ancient, loving, and faithful
servant, then my steward, after he had served me full forty-two years, died, to my
great loss and grief." (Hist, of Troubles, 13, GO.)
The latter passage, it will be remembered, was written ia the Tower.
30 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE,
my owne purse, till the rent of the lands answer in full to the
summe by mee designed. This I thought fitt to doe in my life-
tyme, and not burden my executors with itt. And that which I
shall expect from you and your successors is, that you doe from
tyme to tyme continually performe that which I have order'd by
my deed, and all the vses therein mentioned, as you and they will
answere itt when wee shall meete together att the judgment seate
of Christ. To whose mercy and blessed protection I leave you all,
and rest
Your very louing friend,
Lambeth, March 28th, 1640. W. Cant.
[Superscription,)
To my very louing freinds, the Maior, Aldermen,
and Burgesses of the towne of Redding, these.
The writer of the following letter was one of Laud's domestic
chaplains. He was a native of Reading, son to Thomas Turner,
Mayor of that borough in 1611, 1620, and 1630; and, like so
many of Laud's friends, was of Saint John's College, Oxford.
He married Margaret, daughter of Laud's friend. Secretary Win^
debank, and, by her, was the father of Dr. Francis Turner, Bishop
of Ely. His principal preferment was the deanery of Canterbury,
of which, together with several other Hvings, he was deprived during
the rebellion, and was subjected to very harsh treatment. At the
Restoration he regained his hvings, and died on the 7th October,
1672, aged 81. He was buried in the cathedral at Canterbury.
doctor THOMAS TURNER TO THE MAYOR OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Sir, I am commaunded by my Lord's Grace of Canterbury to
signifie unto you, that his Grace hath receiued the half-year's rent
for the lands at Bray, which amounts, as I take it, to £100. If
yourself will bee pleased to come upp, or els to send some suffi-
ABP. laud's BENEFACTION'S TO BERKSHIRE. 31
cient man authorized from your company, to receiue the sayd
money, his Grace is reddy to paye it. Haueing noe other busines
wherwith to trouble you at present, I commend my affectionate
loue to yourself and my good sister your wife, ever resting
Your loueing brother, more Mailing then able
to doe you service,
June 25, 1640. Thomas Turner.
To the Right Worshipfull my worthy frend, Mr.
John Jennings, Maior of Reddinge, these bee.
From the next letter we learn that Theophilus Taylor, the Vicar
of Saint Lawrence, mentioned in the Archbishop's deed of gift,
died before any benefit accrued under it. The right of Taylor's
executors to receive a proportionable part of the Archbishop's gift
to the vicarage was submitted to his consideration ; and we have
here his determination of the question :
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE MAYOR OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Salutem in Christo.
Sir, I have receaued your letters of the 14th of this present Julye.
And in them the acquittance for the hundred pownd which I sent
you for our Lady-daye's rent of the land which I after con-
veighed to the towne. In this letter you and your brethren are
desirous to know what my "will and pleasure is concerning the dis-
tribution of the 25 li. assign'd by halfe-yearly payment to the Vicar
of St. Lawrence in the deede which I haue made to the towne.
In these your letters you signifie to mee that the late Vicar,
Mr. Taylor, did not dye till the 9th of May last; and that, there-
fore, it is conceaued the 25 li. should belong to him. The truth
is, in strictnes of law and right, one halfe of the sayd summe, or
neare itt, belongs to Mr. Taylor's executor (vnlesse it be consi-
der'd that my grant did not passe till after our Lady-day). But,
32 ABP. laud's RENEFACTIONS to BERKSHIRE.
howsoeuer, Mr. Taylor was a very honest man, and one to whom
I intended more good then this, had God beene pleased to lend
him life to enjoy itt. And, therefore, I desire you, the Maior, and
your brethren, to pay the whole 25 li. to Mr. Taylor's executor,
and God send them much good of itt ! Soe, hauing nothing els
at present to trouble you with, I leave you all to God's blessed
protection, and rest
Your very louing friend,
Lambeth, July 17th, 1640. W. Cant.
[Superscrijdion,)
To my very louing friend, Mr. John Jennings, Maior
of the towne of Reddinge, these.
The lapse of half-a-year, and the approach of the time for
paying the apprentice-fees for the twelve boys selected at the first
meeting of the trustees,* brought a communication from the Arch-
bishop which occasioned Mr. Alderman Brackstone to be sent to
him to receive, on behalf of the Corporation, one hundred pounds,
the amount of the haK-year's rent due at Michaelmas, 1640. The
messenger upon this occasion was no doubt the same person of
that name who had been with the Archbishop on a former occa-
sion. He was Mayor of Reading in 1643, and probably was
son of Anthony Brackstone, Mayor in 1637, and father of William
Brackstone, junior, Mayor, in 1667-
Mr. Brackstone, upon his return to Reading, was the bearer of
the following letter from the Archbishop, which contains matters
of both public and personal interest. It seems that, upon the
election of members for the last Parliament, which met on the
13th April, 1640, the Archbishop had used his influence with
the Corporation of Reading, to procure the return of two Mem-
bers. That Parliament, as is well known, soon came to an
end; but another, destined to attain an endless celebrity, was
* The meeting was on the 7tli October ; the money was to be paid before the 30th
November.
ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE. 33
summoned to assemble on the 3rd of November following. Upon
this occasion the Archbishop made no application to the Corpo-
ration of Reading ; and in the letter before us he assigns two rea-
sons for not having done so : 1. The existence of a dispute as to
the persons in whom the right of election was vested ; and, 2. his
anxiety lest Reading should suffer on account of his personal un-
popularity. This part of the letter, with its allusion to the late
attack upon Lambeth Palace, cannot but be regarded as extremely
important.
Sir Edward Herbert, then the King's Solicitor General, who is
mentioned in the letter, and Sir John Berkeley, afterwards active
in the service of the King, and one of the attendants upon him in
his lowest fortunes, were the members returned to the previous
Parliament upon Laud's recommendation.*
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Salutem in Christo. After my hearty commendations.
These are to lett you know that I have sent you [one] hundred
pownd, which is the rent of the lands at Bray which I have giuen
to the towne, for this halfe-yeare, ending att Michaelmas. The
reason why I receaue the money is because the rents are some-
what imperfect, and soe will continue for about 2 yeares. And I
am willing (if God lend mee soe long life) both to make all per-
fect, according to my guift : and to see itt so order'd, as that no-
thing may crosse with that which I have done for Oxford. I
desire you therefore to remember my loue to your brethren the
Aldermen, that they may know thus much, and doe heartily pray
you all both to pay the money, and to binde out the poore boyes
apprentices, att the tymes and in the manner as is prescrib'd in
* Coates, App. No. xiii.
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. I. P
34 ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE.
my conveighance, to which I referre both myselfe and you. And
soe God of his mercy blesse the Towne, and my poore guift to itt.
One thing more I shall desire yourselfe and the Aldermen to
know ; that the reason why I did not write vnto you to recom-
mend the choyce of a burgesse for this Parliament, as I did for
the last, was, not out of any opinion that you would give mee
lesse respect now then you formerly did, but it was out of two
consideracions : the one, because I saw that in the former Elec-
tion there was a difference between you and the Commons about
the right of chusing ; which I was not willing to stirre a second
tyme, — though what your owne right was, and what theires, you
might have certainly knowne before this tyme, had you followed
my direction, and^ attended the King's Sollicitor, Mr. Herbert,
with your Charters. The other, because I founde there was a
great deale of causlesse malignitye cast vpon mee, for I know not
what, as yourselves cannot but know by the tumult which lately
besett my howse,* and I was very careful] that, whatsoeuer malice
reported of mee, or did to mee, noe part of it should in the least
degree reflect upon the Towne, by chusing a burgesse at my en-
treatye. I have nothing els to trouble you with, but hope that
your officer hath taken a coppie of my conveighance to lye ready
for your dayly vse, that the originall may be kept the fairer and
the safer. Soe wishing you all health and happines, I leaue you
to God's blessed protection, ever resting
Your very louing freind,
Lambeth, November 13, 1640. W. Cant.
(Superscription,)
To my very louing friends, the Maior and Aldermen of Redding.
* The incident referred to is thus mentioned in Laud's Diary :
" [1640] May 9, Saturday. A paper posted upon the Old Exchange, animating
prentices to sack my house upon the Monday following, May 11, early.
May 11, Monday night. At midnight, my house at Lambeth was beset with 500
of these rascal routers. I had notice, and strengthened the house as well as I could ;
and, God be thanked, I had no harm : they continued there full two hours. Since, I
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 35
The next letter, which contains anotlier case of conscience sub-
mitted to the Archbishop, Avas forwarded to him by Mr. Brack-
stone, when he went to receive the 100/. It is dated before the one
last given, but I think it better to keep it and the reply to it toge-
ther. The writer was the person before mentioned as the father of
Dr. Thomas Turner, Laud's chaplain. He was a man whom Laud
says, he had " cause to esteem.^'
MR. THOMAS TURNER TO ARCHBISHOP LAUD.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
May it please your Grace,
There is a poore widowe in our Towne, having four small children,
whose husband whilest hee lived vsed the trade of a beerebrewer
there, and died soe much indebted that, his del)ts being paid, shee
hath noe stocke left to continue that trade, nor any other meanes
to provide releife for her poore children. And shee, having made
suite to the Maior and Aldermen for tenn poundes, parcell of your
Lordship's guift to our towne, to binde one of her children, being
a boy of about 13 yeares of age, apprentice to herselfe, hoping
thereby to continue her small trading, for provision of releife fur
herselfe and her children, they doubt whether your Lordship
wilbe therewith well pleased ; therefore, at the earnest request of
this poore widowe, I make bold to present her suite to your Lord-
ship, humbly entreatinge your Lordship to signifie your will and
pleasure herein, and as in dutie bound, I shall rest.
Your Lordship's cuer to be commanded,
Readinge, 10 Nov. 1640. Thomas Turnour.
May it please your Grace, further to give way for the binding
have fortified my house as well as I can, and hope all may be Siife. But yet libels are
continually set up in all places of note in the city. My deliverance was great ; God
make me thankful for it." (Hist, of Troubles, 58.)
Clarendon states the number of the rabble at " some thousands ;" and adds, that their
violence was thought " so just a cause of terror, that the Archbishop, by the King's
command, lodged lor some days and nights in Whitehall." (Rebell. lib. ii.)
36 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
of two other poore children (with parcell of your Lordshipp^s gifte),
whome this bearer shall nominate.
The answer of the Archbishop is not only interesting for the
characteristic way in which he viewed the application respecting
the widow, but peculiarly so on account of the period at which it
was written. The Long Parliament met on the 3rd of November ;
and a few days afterwards, their first work of any moment — the
resolution to impeach Laud's gifted friend, the Earl of Strafford —
took the King, the Government, Laud, and all his friends, by sur-
prise. Clarendon says, that from the time the Earl was named,
most men considered that a Committee would be appointed to
receive information against him, but that Pym and his party had
secretly determined to adojit a bolder course. On the 11th No-
vember, when the usual hour for the House of Commons to adjourn
had arrived, an order was suddenly made that the doors should be
closed, and, after several inflammatory harangues, a resolution was
carried, that they should send at once to the Lords, accuse the
Earl of high treason, and desire that he might be committed to safe
custody. In the mean time, it had been arranged with some of the
Lords, that their House should be kept from rising. About three
o'clock in the afternoon the Earl, who was unwell, and had not
stirred from home that morning, hearing that both Houses still
sate, thought fit to go tliither. He arrived just in time to listen
to the accusation against himself, and be committed to the custody
of the Usher of the Black Rod.* The suddenness of this manoeuvre,
and its success, more especially with the House of Lords, para-
lysed the members of the Government, and beyond measure in-
spirited the popular leaders. It was on the second day after this
great work had been accomplished that Laud describes himself, in
the following letter, as hurrying from Lambeth to the Parliament
House. On the 25th November, the Earl was committed to the
Tower J and three days afterwards, Prynneand Burton, having been
* Clarendon Book iii.
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 37
released from Jersey and Guernsey by order of the House of
Commons, made their triumphant entry into London. Multitudes
of people, Clarendon says above ten thousand, accompanied them
into the City ; " the common people strewing flowers in the ways
as they passed, making great noise and expressions of joy for their
deliverance and return ; and in those acclamations mingling loud
and virulent exclamations against the Bishops, who had so cruelly
persecuted such godly men.^^ * It was in this time of trouble, the
storm lowering over his head, the sounds of Prynne and Burton's
triumph ringing in his ears, and whilst the ministers of the state
and judges of the law were like men in an extasy, that Laud
quietly turned to the aftairs of his Reading charities, and answered
the apphcation of Mr. Thomas Turner thus.
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Salutera in Christo. After my hearty commendacions,
These are only to lett you vnderstand, that when Mr. Brack-
stone, one of your Companie, was lately with mee at Lambeth for
the receipte of the hundred pounde due to your Towne from mee
att Michaelmas last, there was a suite preferred to mee by some
there whom I haue cause to esteeme, that, in the joutting forth of
this yeares apprentices, I would giue way that a widdow woman,
left with many children, might take a sonne of her owne to be her
apprentice, and haue the allowance which is assigned by my deeds.
When Mr. Brackstone came to mee, I was going in haste to the
Parliament Howse, and soe sent my answere by him only by word
of mouth, which answere was, that I was contented, uppon the
entreatie made to mee, to grant this one particuler, but that, for
hereafter, I would haue noe more done in that kinde.
Now, least ray verball answere then given should bee in any
* Clarendon. Book iii.
38 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
thing mistaken, or not remembered in the future, I thought fitt to
write these fewe lynes to you, and to signifye that, in all tymes to
come, I will haue poore mens sonnes bounde to bee Apprentices
according to all conditions expressed in my Deedes to the Towne,
and noe other. Neither will I any more permitt. That any man,
or widdow-woman, shall haue my pension, or allowance, to haue
any one of theire children bounde Apprentice to themselues,
because, I easily see how my charity in that kinde may bee
abused.
To the end, therefore, that this will and desire of myne may
bee strictly and perpetually obserued. These are to pray you, the
now Maior and Aldermen, to register this Letter in your Towne-
booke, and to lay up this Letter itselfe with the Euidences for the
Land, that soe it may be kept in memory, and my will herein not
broken. This is all that, for the present, I haue to trouble you
with. But my prayers are, and shall bee, dayly, for all happines
uppon you, and that place. Soe to God's blessed protection I
leaue you ;
Youre very loving freind,
Lambeth, Nouember 29th, 1640. W. Cant.
( Svperscription,)
To my very loving [friends the] Maior and Alder-
men [of the] Towne of Reddinge, these.
The next letter was written from the Tower. Nothing could
exceed either the rapidity or the ease with which the govern-
ment was destroyed after the committal of Strafford. Before the
end of 1640, Laud was in custody, and Lord Keeper Finch, and
Secretary VVindebank, were in exile. Within two months after
the meeting of Parliament, the King had made concessions which
were dishonourable, and consequently ruinous, " the great states-
man Strafford, the great churchman Laud,"* together with the
* Whitelock's Memor. p. 38.
ABP. laud's BENEFACTIOXS TO BERKSHIRE. 39
head of the law and the first minister of state, were all got rid of,
and the course of alteration Avas almost unimpeded. But it is
with Laud alone we have to do. Two extracts from his Diary will
sufficiently illustrate the admirable commencement of the follow-
ing letter :
[1640] Dec. 18. l^riday. 1 was accused by the House of Com-
mons for high treason, without any particular charge laid against
me ; which they said should be jirepared in convenient time
I was presently committed to the Gentleman Usher; but was
permitted to go in his company to my house at Lambeth, for a
book or two to read in, and such papers as pertained to my
defence against the Scots. I stayed at liambeth till the evening,
to avoid the gazing of the people. I went to evening prayer in
my chappel. The psalms of the day, Ps. xciii. and xciv. and
chap. i. of Esai, gave me great comfort. God make me worthy
of it, and fit to receive it ! As I went to my barge, hundreds of
my poor neighbours stood there, and prayed for my safety, and
return to my house. For which I bless God and them.
[1641] March 1. Monday. I went in Mr. Maxwell's coach to
the Tower. No noise until I came into Cheapside, but from
thence to the Tower I was followed and railed at by the ap-
prentices and rabble, in great numbers, to the very Tower-gates,
where I left them ; and I thank God^ He made me patient." *
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Heading.
After mye hartye comendations, &c.
These ar to remember mye loue to yourselfe and your bretheren,
and God's blessinge be upon the Towne ! I cannot but be
sensible of the greate affliction that lyes vpon me, in which yett,
bye God's mercye and goodncs, I haue two great comforts, mye
innocence, and mye patience, both which it hath pleased God bye
* Troubles, pp. 60, Gl.
40 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
his grace to giue me. In thiss mye misfortune I humblye thanke
God I haue not yett forgotten mye selfe, and, as longe as I forgett
not mye selfe, I cannot but remember that place.
These ar thearfore farther to lett you knowe, that I haue
receaued aUmost all the rent for Braye, and am readye to make
the summe perfect. Soe that if you please to send such a man to
me as you will trust with the receit of the monye, and lett hime
bringe with hime an acquittance to me for the receit, I will pre-
sentlye paye it hime. It is in siluer, and thearfore I conceaue
fittest to be returned. But that I leaue to your owne wisdome :
onlye I praye send a safe man to receaue it, and the sooner the
better. Soe with desyer of your prayers for me, I commend you all
to God's blessinge, restinge, soe longe as it pleases hime,
Your verye lovinge frend.
The Tower, October 28, 1641. W. Cant.
(Superscription,)
To mye verye lovinge frends Mr. Peter Burming-
ham, Maior of the Towne of Reding, and the
Aldermen his Bretheren, these.
The next letter sufficiently explains itself. Besides the arrange-
ment as to the Town-clerk, it gives an account of some of the
irregular applications (for perhaps the applicants did not meditate
imposition,) with which, at the commencement of their trust, it
was to be expected the Trustees would be troubled.
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE CORPORATION OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
After my hartye commendations, &c.
I haue receaued a thankfuU and a kinde leter from you, in the
name of the Towne, for that little with which God hath inabled
me to doe some good to that place, to which, under God, I owe
mye birth. And I am verye glad to heare from you, that poore
ABP. laud's BEXEFACTIOXS TO BERKSHIRE. 41
gift of myne is like to be soe beneficial I to that place. God bless
it that it maye.
In these leters you putt me in mynde, that, at the three years
end, appointed for the nsitation of mye gift, and the orderinge of
it, thear is, and will be bye mye deed, thirtye pound to entertayne
the Visitors for one daye and a night. Thiss summe you conceave
will be to large for that vse, and that sixe pound of it, after the
proportion of fortye shillings per annum, maye well be allowed
out of it to youre Towne Clarke, for his pains in registeringe the
carridge of thiss Trust residinge in you. That soe the Visiters
from tyme to tyme may see howe carefull you haue bin, both of
me and the poore, in thiss busynes.
The truth is, I was carefull that mye Visitors might ])e well
entertayned, without anye the least chardge to the Towne, to
whome I must be sufficientlye behoklinge for their paynes. But
noe man putt me in minde of the Towne-Clarkes paynes. And
mye thoughts wear soe full otherwise, that I quyte omitted it.
But I harteh^e thanke you for puttinge me in mynd of it, and
findinge out thiss waye for hime. I doe thearfore order, that, out
of the thirtye pound reserued for the Visitors' entertaynmcnt,
thear shall be for ever sixe pound, after the proportion of fortye
shillinges a yeare, be payed to the Towne-clarke for the tyme
beinge, for his paines in thiss busynes : And for your soe doinge,
thiss leter of myne shall be your warrant. And thearfore I desyer
thiss leter maye both be kept and register'd.
One thinge more I am to thanke you for. And that is, your
great care which I heare was taken at your last Election of Boys
to be bound Apprentices, in which you wear like to be deceaucd
with some not borne in your Towne, but that your care preucnted
it. I thanke you all hartelye for thiss, and desyer the continuance
of it in all particulars, for if you shall giue waye to a l)rcach in
one, it will be taken in another, and nothinge in tlie end remayne
intyre. But I prayc take heed that noe Journycman, or anye tha
is not a Housekeeper for himsclfe, or is an Inmate, have anye
BERKS. ASHM. SOC 1. G
42 ABP. LAUD^S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE.
Boye bound with hime, for those great inconveniences which maye
attend vpon it. And I am bold to giue you thiss caution, because
I heare thiss was hke to be putt vpon you. I haue nothinge els
to trouble you with at present, but doe humblye and hartelye
desyer of God, that noe abuse may pervert mye good intentions
in that worke.
To whose blessed and mercifull protection I recommend both
mye selfe and you, and rest
Your verye lovinge but vnfortunat frend.
Tower, December 23, 1641. W. Cant.
I praye send me word of the receit of thiss leter.
{Superscj'iption,)
For the right worshipfull mye verye worthye frends
the Maior and the Aldermen of the Towne of
Redinge, these.
The letter of the 28th October, 1641, carried the payment of
the rent up to the Michaelmas of that year. The following relates
to the rent of the succeeding year. Laud^s anxiety respecting the
safety of the money in those " broken times," will be thought
fully justified, when it is considered that the King and Parliament
had then just taken the field against each other. Three days
after this letter was written the opposing armies met, and the first
battle — that of Edgehill — was fought between them. Whitelock
remarks, and no doubt truly, that upon news of these proceed-
ings, " all countreys were alarmed and frighted, being a strange
thing in England."*
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE MAYOR OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Chai'ities
of the Borough of Reading.
Sir,
Now that Michaelmas is past, and you settled in your office, I
would hartilie desire you, if you have anie occation of comeing to
* Memorials, p. 61.
ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE. 43
London, you M'onkl come to me yourselfe : or, if not, that then
you would send some bodie to me whome you will trust for the
Towne, to receive the money for this yeare past, or at least soe
much of it as can bee gotten from the Tennaunts; for I doubt
Loggins will not doe well with me and the Towne att parting.
When you come or send, you shall haue my Letters to your selfe
and the Towne, how I thinke fitt the money should be disposed
this yeare.
Soe to God's blessed protection I leave you, and rest
Your very lo^'ing freind.
Tower, Octob. 20o, 1642. W. Cant.
I pray you, if you come not yourselfe, send one whom you and
the Towne may trust, that you maie receive the money safe these
broken times.
( Superscription^
To mye verye lovinge frend Mr. Thackham, Maior
of the Towne of Reddinge, these.
The next letter, which is the last from the Archbishop, is one
of great interest. It would seem from the postscript, that Alder-
man Harrison, who had been Mayor in 1640, and filled the chair
again in 1647, waited upon the Archbishop, in consequence of the
last letter, and received from him 160/. being all the rent that had
been paid up to that time. The letter disposing of that sum appears
to have been written before the messenger's arrival— the postscript,
which slightly alters the arrangement, being added afterwards.
The Archbishop's inability to make good the deficiency, is
accounted for by the following entry in his Diary, on the 15th of
the same October in which this letter was written. " Resolved
...that the fines, rents, and profits of Archbishops, Bishops, Deans
and Chapters should be sequestered for the use of the Com-
monwealth."*
* Troubles, p. G4.
44 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
ARCHBISHOP LAUD TO THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF
READING.
From the Original in the j}ossession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
After my hartye comendations, &c.
I haue sent you bye thiss bearer one hundred and threescore
pound of mye Rents from Braye, which is all I can gett of mye
Rents thiss yeare past. I hope I haue ordered busynes soe as
tliat the Towne will not suffer anye more in that kinde. But
nowe^, soe it is, that Loggins his tearme beinge expired^ he leaves
the thinge, but payes not the fortye pound rent which is nowe
due. I am informed he hath made over his estate to paye debts,
but wheather that be trueth, or but a pretence, I knowe not,
nether am I in a condition at present fitt to releeue myeselfe, or
you. Nor am I in that case, that I can make vp the summe for
you out of mye owne means. Thearfore, I conceaue thear will be
a necessitye of proportioninge thiss busynes thiss yeare accordinge
to thiss failinge, which I conceaue, allsoe, is fittest to be done thiss
waye. I Avould not have the number of the maydes which are
nowe to be releeued, lessened. But I desyre Mr. Maior, and
the Mdermen his bretheren, to order it thuss, that whearas fortye
pound is to be abated, they take one twenty pound of it from
that which should otherwise haue bin payed to Dr. Lloyed ; and
other twentye proportionaljly from each mayde, soe that each of
them may have soe much less as the twenty pound comes to.
Thies is all the occasion I haue at present to wright to you, and am
sorye with all mye hart I should have it. And, trulye, if mye
fortunes had bni such as they might haue bin, had it soe pleased
God, I would most willinglye have supplyed thiss want myself e,
but nowe I must desyer them whoe bye it are 2)utt to this loss,
to beare it, as I doe more, with patience. I praye God bless the
Towne and all that ar in it, and lett me haue yowre prayers to help
ABP. laud's BEXEFACTIO.VS TO BERKSHIRE. 45
guide me to an end of mye trebles. Soe to God's blessed pro-
tection I leaue you, and rest
Your verye lovinge, poore frend,
Tower^ October 27, 1642, • W. Cant.
Whereas I am informed by Alderman Harrison, that the day
for the Visitacion is past, and that there will be noe need of a Visi-
tacion during my life, I am contented for this tymc, that the
money which is in banke for the enterteynment of the Visitors, be
applyed to the charitable use, and then Dr. Lloyd may have all
his money; and the maides must be content for this yeare to
take theyr seuerall summes with proportionable abatement.
W. Cant.
[Superscription^
To my very louinge friends, Mr. Tliomas Thackham,
Mayor, and the rest of the Aldermen of the
Towne of Reding in Berks, these.
The increasing distractions of the times, the greater severity of
his confinement, and the attention the Archbishop Avas called
upon to give to the parliamentary proceedings against himself,
■ — proceedings which involved almost all the principal actions of
his life, — sufficiently account for the absence of further letters
from him to the Corporation of Reading. After he had re-
mained in custody nearly three years upon a mere general accusa-
tion, the Commons preferred their charges against him. His
trial, with the preliminary proceedings, occupied another twelve-
month, and, finally, the Judges reported, that nothing which was
charged against him was treason by any known and established
law of the land.* The impeachment was then abandoned; an
Ordinance of Attainder was hurried through both houses, and, on
the loth January, 1G44-5, the Archbishop suffered death on Tower
Hill, l)eing, as he stated on the scaffold, not only the first Arch-
bishop, l)ut the first man, that ever died by an Ordinance in Par-
* Troubles, p. 442.
46 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
liament.* The iniquities of this proceeding are a copious theme^
and a standing lesson, but they belong to those who treat Laud's
life as a whole, and not to my confined inquiry.
Twelve months before his death (on the 13th January, 1643-4),
he made his will, an admirable and beautiful document, so full of
private and personal details, and so strikingly illustrative of his
character and opinions, that I have thought it right to pubHsh it in
the Appendix.t In this document, after alluding to his benefac-
tions to Oxford, " where he was bred," and to Reading, " where
he was born," he charges his executor, as he will answer him at
the bar of Christ, to lay out the residue of his estate upon land,
and to settle 50/. per annum upon the town of Wokingham, 50/.
per annum upon Henley on Thames, 50/. per annum upon Wal-
lingford, and 50/. per annum upon New Windsor, upon the like
uses, for the apprenticing poor boys, and giving marriage portions
to poor maids, as he had declared of his lands at Bray, giren to
the town of Reading.
The will remained unproved until after the Restoration, when
Dr. Baylie, the sole executor, carried it into the Prerogative Court
of Canterbury, and obtained probate on the 8th January, 1661-2.
Ultimately, on the 2d September, 16/2, in consequence of certain
proceedings in the Court of Chancery, with the nature of which I
am not acquainted, a fee-farm rent of 140/. 6s. 2d. reserved out of
the lordships and manors of Hagborne, otherwise Hagbone, and
Aston Upthorpe, in Berkshire, and another rent of 52/. Is. Sd.
issuing out of certain lands within the homage of Eye and Duns-
den, in Oxfordshire, and another rent of 8/. 12*. 8d. reserved out
of certain woodlands at Nettlebed and elsewhere, in Oxfordshire,
were conveyed to Nathaniel, Bishop of Oxford, and seventeen
other persons, upon trust, to pay the four several sums of 50/. to
each of the towns mentioned by the Archbishop, to be applied by
them as he had directed. On the 1 2th of March, 1 706, Gilbert
Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury, and seventeen other persons, were
* Troubles, p. 448. f Appendix, No. vi.
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 47
appointed trustees in lieu of those orioinally named, and, by an
agreement amongst the four towns, the rents were apportioned
amongst them. I have not learned who are the present trustees,
nor when there was any visitation, nor what was the nature of the
original partition ; but, judging from certain parhamentary returns,
it would seem that there is now considerable discrepancy between
the amounts received by the several towns. Whether this has
arisen from taxes since imposed upon this description of property,
or from what other cause, I am not informed, but in one instance
the 50/. has dwindled down to 40/. Ss. 9d. per annum. In each
of these towns, however, the Archbishop's charity is still in
existence, and sums are yearly appropriated, in apprenticing boys,
or portioning young maids.
But let us return to Reading. The Corporation entered upon
their duties in a most becoming manner. Upon the execution of
the Deed of Gift, they provided a book, which they entitled, " The
Booke of the yearely accompt of all and singular the rents,
revenewes, issues, and profeitts, of the mannors, lands, tenements,
and hereditaments, given and conveyed to the Maior, Aldermen,
and Burgesses of this Borough, and their successors, for ever, in
trust, by the most reverend father in God, William Lawd, Lord
Archbyshopp of Canterburie, for the maintenance of the good and
charitable workes by him intended, and expressed in the con-
veyance thereof hereinafter registred." Then follow a transcript
of the Deed of Gift, and the Archbishop's letter of the 29th No-
vember, 1640. The account of receipts and payments succeeds,
and is opened with the following memorandum. " Anno Domini
1640. Nowe be it knowne unto all men, that, although the afore-
named William Lawd, Lord Archbishoppe of Canterburie, accord-
ing to the purport, true intent, and meaning of his conveigliance,
herein-before regestred, hath received the rentes, issues, and
profits, of the manner, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, in
the said conveigliance mencioned, yet nevertlieles, beinge willing
and desirous that the good and charitable workes by him intended.
48 ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE.
and therein expressed, might, in his hfe time, take effect, he, the
said Lord Archbishopp of Canterburie, in this yeare, being the first
yeare after the seahnge of the said conveighance, hath given to the
Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses, of the said Borough of Readinge
(as this yeare's rent of the said landes), two hundred poundes, in
money, by them to be distributed, converted, and employed, in
the manner as is prescribed in the said conveighance, of which
two hundred poundes the said Maior, Aldermen, and Burgesses,
have paid and distributed as foUow^eth."
The account then succeeds and has been continued in the self-
same book, from the opening of the trust to the present time.
There seems but one chasm, and in that are inserted the following
words :
" The said Lord Archbishopp of Canterbury departed this life
the tenth day of January, anno Domini 1644."
Shortly after the Restoration, the Corporation were solicited by
their tenants at Bray to hold a manorial court there. The follow-
ing corresjjondence again introduces Sir Orlando Bridgeman, and
exhibits some of the pitiable consequences of the late times of
disorder.
Mr. Edward Dalby, to whom this letter is addressed, was
appointed Steward or Recorder of Reading, on the 28th May
1(>60,* in the place of Mr. Daniel Blagrave, the regicide, who
then fled to the continent. Man has omitted Mr. Edward Dalby
out of his list of Recorders, t
THE MAYOR OF READING TO MR. EDWARD DALBY,
THE RECORDER.
From a Copy in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Sir, — The Company being solicited by some of the tenants at
Bray to keepe a court there, -which wee haue power to doe from
the late Lord Archbishopp of Canterburye's conveyance to the
* Corporation Diary, f Hist, of Reading, p. 391.
ABP. LAUD S BEXEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE. 49
Corporacion, although, being neglected, and finding the ancient
Court Rolls not to be in our custody, wee make it our request to
you, that you wilbe pleased, as you shall finde opportunity, to
attend Sir Orlando Bridgman, who, as wee are informed, did for-
merly keepe the said Archbishopp's courts, desireing his Lord-
shipp, if hee can, to direct you to the finding out of the said Court
Rolls, that soe wee may, with your assistance, be the better ena-
bled, after the terme, to hold a court there, which, as the tenants
say, may be advantageous to vs and them.
This, by consent of my brethren, I thought good to trouble
you with, remayning.
Your very louing friend,
G. T. [George Tiiorne] Maior.*
Reading, 1 Nov. 1662.
MR. EDWARD DALBY TO THE MAYOR OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
Sir, — I haue had some discourse with Maior Aldworth, f
concerning the business you intrusted to my care ; but be-
cause Sir Thomas Doleman is not yet come to London, hee de-
sires the matter may bee deferred till such time that both of them
may consult togeather vpon the state of the case and petition ; and
alsoe to advise with Mr. Sollicitor Generall, or some other emminent
councell, before any adresse bee made to the Parliament; and to
that purpose it will bee necessary that a coppy of Mr. Kendrick's
will, and alsoe of the decree in the Exchequer, bee sent hither some
time the next w^eeke, by some trusty person wlio hath occasion to
come to London. In the meane time, Maior Aldworth desires you
would satisfy yourselues what is now the remaining stock in cer-
* Mr. Thorne was appointed Mayor at the Restoration, in the stead of Mr. Samuel
Jemmatt, who was displaced. (Corp. Diary.)
f Sir Thomas Doleman, knight, and Major Riehard AUlwortii, were elected Mem-
bers for Reading in the first Parliament after the Restoration.
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. 1. II
50 ABP. laud's benefactions to BERKSHIRE.
taine and what lande haue been purchased by the Corporacion since
the sayde decree, and to what value, and what sume was giuen for
them ; that soe perfect instruction may bee giuen to such person
with whom you shall advise.
I haue this day presented your letter to the Lord Cheife Jus-
tice, Sir Orlando Bridgman, who told mee hee would l)ee very
ready to pleasure the Corporacion with the Court Rolles of Bray,
but hee much doubted that they might bee lost amongst many
other writeings that were plundred from him in the late times of
disorder; neuertheless his Lordship gaue one of his gentlemen a
greate charge to make a strickt search and inquiry for them
amongst the remaineing writeings and papers ; and if they may
bee found, to deUuer them to mee for the vse of the Corporacion :
I haue for his better incouragement promised him civill rewarde
for his paynes, which would haue been expected by him, and I
hojje will not bee ill bestowed by the Corporacion : I haue nothing
else at present but my hearty wishes for your safe iourney to Lon-
don, and some good occasion to bring you to the Temple, where
I remaine
Your affectionat kinsman and servant.
May 80 (16)6'3. Edw. Daley.
To the Right WorshipfuU George Thorne, Esq.
Mayor of Reading, these.
The first visitation of the Archbishop's Charities to Reading
took place on the 7th October 1648, and, with an interruption
during the Commonwealth, and also, as would seem from the fol-
lowing letter, in the year 1665, the A'isitation has been continued
triennially ever since. The folloMing letter from the Archbishop^s
executor. Dr. Baylie, marks the time of the introduction of a
limitation of the Archbishop's bounty to members of the Church
of England. It cannot be doubted that such a limitation is in
strict accordance Avith his M'ishes. When the Archbishop's deed
of gift was prepared, nonconformity had not acquired such a re-
cognised standing as to render such a limitation necessarv.
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 51
THE REV. DR. B.VYLIE TO THE MAYOR OF READING.
From the Original in the possession of the Trustees of the Church
Charities of the Borough of Reading.
I cannot bee confident, Right Worsliipfull, that the letters which
our Vicechancellor and my self subscribed and directed vnto
you vpon Tuesday last are come vnto your hands ; their more
important buisnes was, that your -worthilie respected self and
your brethren might bee certified vpon what vrgent necessitie wee
were here deteined att Oxon, and could not attend our duetie of
visitation for this yeare ; and, after that, you might vnderstand
how earnestlie wee were affected that it might bee obteined from
you, first, that noe maide should pertake of his Grace's charitie,
who had not approuved herself carefull in a conformitie vnto the
doctrine and discipline of the Church of England, and had mani-
fested the same in a late receiving of the Sacrament of the Lord
his Supper from the hands of one of your ministers in his parish
church ; whereto wee added our particular request that Sarah
Hulebert, a maid servant vnto the Ladie Armorer, might bee de-
signed by you, and pertake of his Grace's bountie and charitie ;
in the first of these you will doe yourselfes much right, and in tlie
second, a kindnes to Mr. Vicechancellor and my self, who shall
remain.
Your affectionate frend and servant,
Richard Baylie,
President of Saint John Baptist's College.
Oxon. Octol). 6, 1665.
For the Right Worshipfull and very worthelie re-
spected the Major of Reading, these.
From the death of the Archbishop up to 1814, the lands settled
by him were let on septennial leases at an annual rent of l'OO/. ;
the tenants having then dechned to renew, the trustees agreed
to let the property at a rent wliich would produce a clear annual
rent of 561/. I'Js. Gld. It was then thought right to apply (u the
o2 ABP. LAUD S BENEFACTIONS TO BERKSHIRE.
Court of Chancery to sanction a scheme for the application of
the excess of the rent beyond the 200/. per annum mentioned by
the Archljishop. The matter was referred to Master Jekyll, who
by his report, dated 2d Oct. 1815, sanctioned the following scheme,
viz. " That the 10/. apiece given every first and second year to
twelve boys born in Reading, Wokingham, and Bray, for appren-
ticing them, should be increased, by adding a further sum of 10/.
and three to the original number, making fifteen boys at 20/.
apiece ; and as to the third year, that the six 20/. given to the
poor maidens for their marriage portions, should be increased to
25/. apiece, and that the number of such marriage portions should
be increased by the addition of six, making together twelve poor
maidens at 25/, apiece, which in each year will amount to the sum
of 300/. That the stipend of the Vicar of Saint Lawrence in
Reading, and to his successors, of 50/. should be increased by add-
ing 75/., making together 125/. That the stipend of the school-
master of the Free School of Reading of 20/. and to his successors,
should be increased, by adding 30/. making together 50/. That
the stipend to the Town Clerk for the time being, of 405. for mak-
ing up the accounts, and attending the triennial visitation, and
for his loss of the septennial leases, the estate being now rack-
rented, should be increased by adding 3/. making together 5/.
That the allowance of the trustees for paying the charges of the
visitation by the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford, the President of
Saint John's College, and the Warden of All Souls' College,
visitors of the charity, directed by the donor to be 8/., should be
increased, by adding 12/., making together 20/. ; — which several
sums amount to 500/."
And further, " That in respect of the clear residue of the rents
and proceeds of the said trust premises beyond the sum of 500/.,
that the same, subject to all proper deductions, be annually di-
vided between the several persons interested in the ajoplication of
such trust estate in the following proportions : twelve twentieth
parts thereof to be applied by the trustees in the binding out more
ABP. laud's benefactions TO BERKSHIRE. 53
apprentices, at a premiimi of 201. apiece, every first and second
year ; and the third year in portions to poor maidens at 25/.
apiece ; five twentieth parts to he paid to the Vicar for the time
being, of the parish church of St. Lawrence ; two twentieth parts
to the schoolmaster of the Free School of Reading and his suc-
cessors ; subject, however, as to the two last payments, to the pro-
viso in the Archbishop's deed ; and that the remaining one twen-
tieth part be retained by the trustees towards the charges of the
visitation, and in augmentation of the Town Clerk's salary ; and,
in case of a diminution in the said charity revenues below 500/.
a year, then that the several persons interested in the application
of the revenues do abate in proportion to such decrease, according
to the aforesaid rates ; but the boys to continue in number the
same, and the premiums to abate, and the maidens to abate in
number, and not in value of their portions."
This scheme was put in practice in 1816, and continues to be
acted upon up to the present time ; renewing, from year to year,
the remembrance of Laud's benevolent anxiety for the welfare of
his native town. He may have been impatient, severe, indiscreet,
incapable of those compromises and half-measures which may be
necessary in the conduct of public affairs ; but, on the other hand,
he was conscientious, pious, temperate, generous ; and such deeds
as those which I have now set forth are a memorial in his behalf to
all generations. They have outlived the clamour of strife and per-
secution ; they defy the otherwise unconquerable malice of politi-
cal partisanship ;
They plead, like angels tnimpet-tong-ued, against
The deep damnation of his taking-off.
APPENDIX.
No. I.
CHARTER OF EXDOWMENT OF THE HOSPITAL OF SAIKT JOHN,
READING.
MS. Cotton. Vesp. E. v.fol. 19 b.
Carta Hup^onis Abbatis et conventus, de Capella
Sancti Laurentii, et de constructione Hospitalis.
Universis Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit, frater
H[ugo] Radingensis ecclesie minister humilis, et ejusdem loci conventus,
unanimis in Domino salntem. Ad universitatis vestre noticiam volumus
pervenire, excellentissimum quondam regem Anglorum Henricum primum,
domum Radingensem fundasse ad sustentationem monachorum ibidem Deo
devote ac religiose servientium, et ad susceptionem hospitum transeuntium,
precipue tamen pauperum Christi ac peregrinorum, sicut ex ipsius carta,
penes nos habita, satis dilucide perpendi potest. Verura divitibus, ut ipse
eorum timor exigit, splendide ac honorifice ex more receptis, pauperes et
peregrini minus reverenter quam decuit, et longe aliter quam regia devotio
disposuit, in retroactis temporibus suscepti sunt ; unde cum ipsius elemosine
non solum participes, verumetiam procuratores simus, ut in conspectu Dei
illam fideliter dispensemus, eam in quantum sufficiraus etiam pauperibus
volumus esse communem. Cui [cujus ?] rei causa, ad relevandum inopiam
pauperum, et subsidium peregrinorum, hospitale quoddam extra portam
construximus, ut qui admissus non fuerit in hospicio supcriori, ibi saltern,
quam reverenter poterit, suscipiatur ; unde, assensu et consensu dyocosis
episcopi, domini H. Walterii, ut carta ipsius super eodem nogotio apud nos
habita testatur, ecclesiam beati Laurentii prefato hospitali in perpetuani
elemosinam concessimus, ad sustentationem xiij. pauperum in victu et vestitu
et in aliis necessariis, aliis xiij. pauperibus fratribus consimiha ahmenta ex
cotidiana et consueta elemosina nostra subministrantes. Ad \isum voro
peregrinorum transeuntium concessimus omnes exitus molendini Fiilcroz de
5G APPENDIX,
Loomiuistre. Et ne hec donatio nostra lapsu temporis apud posteros in
dubium veniat, aut alicujus ausu temerario infringi et irritari attemptetur,
earn sigillorunn nostrorum appositione communire dignum duximus. Omnes
autem quicnnque predicte donationis fautores et defensores extiterint, con-
cedimus participes esse omnium bonorum que fiunt in domo nostra, et in
prefato hospitali. Si autem quis in contrarium uenire presumpserit, con-
terat eum Dominus in etemum.
No. II.
CONSENT OF HUBERT WALTER, BISHOP OF SALISBURY, TO THE APPRO-
PRIATION OF THE CHURCH OF ST. LAWRENCe's, READING, TO THE
HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN.
3IS. Cotton. Vespas. E. x.fol. 20 a.
Hec carta excerpta est a carta generali confirmationis
Huberti W[alterii] Episcopi Sarisburiensis.
Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad quos presens carta pervenerit, Hubertus,
Dei gratia Sarisburiensis Episcopus, salutem in Domino. Ne beneficia que a
Christi fidelibus, pio aifectu et affectuosa pietate, locis religiosis et viris in
eis jugem Deo praestantibus famulatum, misericorditer impenduntur, sive
processu temporis sive malignantium versutia, possit in posterum perturbari,
episcopal! decet ea prospectione et protectione communiri. Attendentes
igitur fervorem religionis dilectorum nobis in Christo filiorum Abbatis et
Conventus Radingie, et hospitalitatis gratiam peregrinis, et advenis, et om-
nibus caritatis beneficium postulantibus, impensam eisdem monachis, aucto-
ritate pontificali confirmamus ecclesiam Sancti Laurencii de Rading cum
omnibus obventionibus et pertinentiis suis ad usus pauperum Dei in Hospi-
tali quod juxta eandem ecclesiam situm est coUectorum. Ita quidem quod
perpetuus vicarius, ad presentationem eorumdem monachorum, a nobis, vel
successoribus nostris, institutus, in eadem ecclesia, xx. solidos annuatim de
eisdem monachis ad indumenta sua percipiet ; et panem et potum sicut mo-
nachus ejusdem monasterii ; et septem denarios per ebdomadam pro compa-
nagio ; et hospicium honestum ; et legata sua usque ad sex denarios et
infra, supra autem quod exercuerit, cum monachis dimidiabit ; oblationem
etiam suam percipiet per quatuor sollempnitates anni. Ipsi etiam monachi
dyaconum propriis sumptibus invenient eidem ecclesie et capellano minis-
APPENDIX. 57
trantem. Indulsimus quoque cidem vioario, quia infirmis ot pauporibus in
prefato hospitali oportet cum curaui ot diligentiam impeudere, ut ad capitu-
lum, nisi in burgo Radingie, venire non cogatur ; sed ad synodum pro
statutis ecclesie audiendis, semel in anno, cum aliis sacerdotibus et cleriois
conveniat, et tunc hiidem monachi capellano equum invenient ; et si forte
episcopus in presentiam suam eundem capellanum pro excessu vel crimine
sue vocaverit, ubi episcopus voluerit in episcopatu suo coram eo couiparebit.
Datum apud Sunning per manum Williebiii Raimundi, xiiij kalendas Maii
Pontificatus nostri anno septimo. Hiis testibus.
No. III.
CEREMONIAL UPON THE RECEPTION OF A BROTHER OR SISTER INTO
THE HOSPITAL OF SAINT JOHN, READING.
MS. Cott. Vespas. E. v.fol. 8 b and 11 a.
Modus recipiendi fvatres vel sorores in hospicio Suncti Juhannis.
Inprimis gemtftectendo dicat psalmum Miserere mei Deus, ex integro, cum
gloria patri. Kyrieleison. Pater noster. Et ne nos. Salvum fac servum,
vel ancillam tuam. Mitte ei, Domine, auxilium de sancto. Esto ei, Domine,
turris fortitudinis. Domine, exaudi orationem. Dominus vobiscum. Oremus.
Oratio. Suscipiat te Dominus in numero fidelium suorum, et [sicut?] nos,
licet indigni, suscipimus te in fraternitatem istam, concedatque tibi, per
unigenitum suum, mediatorem Dei et hominum, locum bene agendi ct in-
stanciam perseverandi ; et, sicut nos hodie caritas fraternitatis specialiter ■
conjungit in terris, ita divina pietas, que fraterne dilectionis est autrix et
amatrix, cum fidelibus suis conjungere dignetur in celis ; per Dominum.
Iterum genujlectendo coram altari dicat ymnum, Veni Creator spiritus ;
deinde leuet se et dicat, Dominus vobiscum. Oremus. Onmipotens sempi-
terne Deus, respice propicius super banc famulam tuam, quam ad novam
continencie gratiam uocare dignatus es ; tribuas ei remissionem onniium
peccatoi-um suorum, atque ad celestium donorum consorcium pervenire con-
cedas ; per Dominum.
Postea aspergatur aqua henedicta. Item henedictio velaminis et cla-
midis. Dominus vobiscum. Oremus. Deus, bonarum virtutum et om-
nium benedictionum largus infusor, exaudi preces nostras, et bas vestes,
quas famula tua pro conservande castitatis signo sc ad operiendam ox-
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. I. J
68 APPENDIX.
poscit, benedicere et sanctificare digneris ; famulam tuam, Doinine, cus-
todia tue pietatis muniat, ut integritatis et continencie sancte proposi-
tum quod, te inspirante, suscepit, te protegente, illesum custodiat ; per
Dominum.
Postea mittendo velamine super caput dicat, Velet te Dominus hoc
velamine, in signum humilitatis et pudicicie. In nomine Patris.
Delude mittat capicium et imponendo clamidem dicat, Induat te Do-
minus clamidem, in signum integritatis ac continencie salutaris. In nomine
Patris.
Postea osculetur ah omnibus sororibus, et enumeratis sibi benejiciis
sororitatis et guhernacionem loci, et cetera ad placitum, et sicjinitur.
No. IV.
ALLOWANCES TO BE MADE TO THE RESIDENTS IN THE HOSPITAL OF
SAINT JOHN, READING.
MS. Cott. Vespas. E. V. fol. 6 a.
Memorandum, quod Johannes Yweyn percipiet omni anno de Elemosi-
nario Radyngie pro calciamentis suis xl. d., in die Sancti Leonardi, et unum
Warmamentum de secta pauperum, et omni ebdomada vij chopyns et iij
prikkedlof, et quolibet die dimidium ferculum et unum potellum cervisie
pro cochia.
Memorandum, quod Margeria de York, soror Hospitahs Sancti Johannis
Baptiste, que nuper percepit vij chopyns per ebdomadam, ex convencione
pristina, modo percipiet iiij. panes fundatoris et iij chopynos, sicut AUcia de
Quapelade.
Die veneris in crastino nativitatis Sancti Johannis Baptiste, anno regni
regis Edwardi tercii a conquestu xlix°. intravit Johanna Grome domum hos-
pitahs Sancti Johannis Radyng, et pro sorore domus predicte recepta est,
ad percipiendum quoUbet die unum panem vocatum prikkedlof, et j potel-
lum cervisie, et in aliis sicut una sororum ibidem percipit in omnibus, ad
terminum vite sue.
Die Veneris in festo Sancti Calixti Martiris anno regni regis Ricardi se-
cundi a conquestu tertio intravit Matilda domum hospitalis Sancti
Johannis Radyng, et pro sorore domus predicte recepta est, ad percipien-
dum quolibet septimana iiij panes fundatoris et iij chopynes.
APPENDIX. 69
Ibid.foL 80 b.
De liheracionibus per Elemosinarium faciendis.
Vicarius Sancti Laurencii vij panes de pondere fundatoris in obduniada ;
Garcioiii ejusdem vij panes blakwyth in ebdomada
De fratribus in domo Sancti Johannis.
Fratribus in domo Sancti Johannis commorantibus liberacio facienda est
prout inter elemosinarium et ipsos fuerit conventum. Anno rcgni regis
Edwardi tertii a conquestu x°. unus frater erat, T., quondam sutor de Sar-
tuarie, intuitu caritatis admissus, qui percipit vij panes de chopyn abbatis, et
iij blakwyth, per ebdomadam ; et dimidiuni forculum in die ; iij ulnos de
Russet et dimidium pro Wanamento ; xij d. pro sotulariis et serviciis per
vices ad elemosinarium.
De sororibus.
Item, anno supradicto vj. fuerunt ibidem sorores, quarum quinque quelibet
vij panes albos de ij pryk. percepit ; et iij sorores, quarum quelibet iij panes
albos de pondere fundatoris, et vj miches percepit. Et quelibet pro com-
peraagio biduo quadrantem percipit.
Nichilominus tamen, quelibet soronim in diebus Pasche, Penthecostes, Om-
nium Sanctorum, Nativitatis Domini, et die Martis ante quadragesimam,
unum fei'culum integrum carnium, vel denarium percipit ; et quatuor dona-
rios in anno pro lampade in aula earum pendente ; et quelibet ad festum
Pasche et Nativitatis Domini pro oblatione obulum, exccpta Prioressa, que
in hiis festis j. d. percipit. Et quelibet earum unam candelam honestam ad
festum Purificationis beatae Mariae percipit. Quelibet pro Warneamento
ij.s. vj. d. percipit. Et cum aliqua sororum moritur, de bonis ejus elemosi-
narius dispendit ; quelibet tamen sororum, pro oblatione que pro defuncta
offerre debet, unum obolum, vel quadrantem, excepta Prioressa j.d., percipit.
Domos etiam earum elemosinarius reparabit, una cum capella earum.
Ancilla etiam sororum onmi ebdomeda vij miches percipit. Si quis auteni
frater ibidem, vel soror, de incontuaencia convicti fuerint, de ipsa domo pcr-
petuo expellentur.
vj sorores habent xxiiij albas panes, item xix chopin.
60 APPENDIX.
No. V.
MEMORIAL BESPECTING THE SUPPRESSION OF SAINT JOHN's HOSPITAL
AND OTHER HOUSES OF ALMS IN THE PATRONAGE OF READING
ABBEY.
Additional MS. Brit. 3Ius. 6214, /oZ. 14.
On a tyme as Kyng Edward the iiijth came thorowgh Redyng towards
Woodstocke, in the xixth yere of hys regne, complaynts were made unto
hym hy the towne and the countrey uppon th'abbott and the covent of
Redyng, of certeyne weys, brydgys, chapells, and howsys of almes, not kepte
nor maynteynyd accordyng to ryght and conscience, and as they have ben
wonte of old tyme, to the whych as hyt ys seyd they have bothe londs and
lyvelods suffycyent. As fyrst a parte of Caversham bryge, with a chapell
there vpon of the Holy Gost ; also a chapell, at the west end of the towne,
of Seynt Edmund's the Kynge and Martyr, virherin lyeth the bonys of many
Cristen people ; and now yt ys made a barne, &c. Also ther was without
th'abbey gate a place called Seynt Johnys Howse, wher in were founde and
kepte cei'teyn relygyous women, wydowes in chast lyvyngg in Godds ser-
vyce, praying nijt and day for the Kyng's estate, and for the sawles of ther
founders and benefactors, wherin was a feyr chapell of Seynt John Baptyst
for the seyd women, to sey ther prayors in certain seasons of the day and
nijt, and wher also massys were seyd many tjTnes in the yere, and other
devjTie servyce also : whyche women wont to have out of th'abbey, every
weke, certeyne of bred and ale, and also money; and as yt ys seyd, oons in
the yere, a certeyne clothyng ; and thys was ordeynyd for such women as
had been onest mennys wyvys, that had borne offyce in the towne be fore,
and in age were fall in poverte, or that purposed no more to maiye, &c.
And now ther ys nother Godds seruyce nor prayour, nor creature a lyue to
kepe hyt. But th'abbott takethe the profyytt therof, and dothe no suche
almes nor good deds ther wyth. More over, an other chapell ther was in
the est syde of the towne, callyd Mary Magdelyn Chapell, and lyvelod
therto for to releve therin syke folks, as lazarrs, and an howse for them to
dwell in be syde, with feyr londs perteynyng therto ; wherof th'abbott takethe
the profytts, and bathe taken downe the seyd chapell and all the howsys
ther to apperteynyng. And so ther be no poer people relevyd therby as
now, &c. nother were not many days. Whyche complaynt made as ys a
boue rehcrsyd, the seyd King Edward the iiijth commaunded my lord
AI'l'ENDIX. 61
Rycharcl Beuchampe, then beyng bysshop of Salysburye, in ry5t streyt
wyse to see the reformacon of all thes thyngs shortely to be had. And
that every thynge were dysposed accordyng to the foundation and fyrst
ordenaunce, &c. Neuertheles thus hyt happned ; after the Kynge had
gevyn thys commaundment, the seyd bysshopp came to the place in hys
ordenarij vysytacon, and to th'entent to haue take due examinacon and utter
knowlege, and so due dyreccion of thes maters, he contpiowyng hys vysy-
tacon tyll a certeyne day, departed from the place full ylle content, not only
for thys, but, as yt ys seyd, for many other thyngs mysordred within the
place, in like wyse by wylfulnes of the seyd abbott and his accessoriis.
And within a few days after he dyssecyd by Godds vysytacion. And so
all thos maters stondyth styll hyderto vnrefourmed. Notwithstondyng my
lord of Salysbury, that last dyssecyde, seyd, that who so ever ys bysshopp of
Salysbury ys one of the founders of the howse of Scynt Johns, as ho had
euydence to shew, and entendyd yef God had lent hym lyfe yt shuld have
been retomed a yen to the vse of systeris as yt was of old, accordyng to the
fvrst fundacion. Whych place as now th'abbott hath transposed to the forme
of a Fre Scole, seyng vnto hys neyghbores, that he hath so provyded that a
scole Master shuld haue of hym yerly x. marke, and an Vsshar v. marke, to
teche ther gramer free, ^-c. Seyng, more over, that Master Robert Shor-
borne, now Dene of Pollys, had gevyn hym to the same en tent, xlli. Ne-
vertheless ther ys as yet nother scole, nor man, woman, ne chyld relevyd
ther. But the place hath the prophytts therof thys xxxv yere.
No. VI.
WILL OF ARCHBISHOP LAUD, FROM THE ORIGINAL IN THE PRERO-
GATIVE COURT OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.
Janua. 13, 1643-4. In Dei Nomine, Amen. — I, William Lauu,
by God's great mercy and goodnes. Lord Archbisho])p of Canterbury, be-
inge in perfect health, though at this time a prisoner in the Tower of
London, God knowes for what, in due and serious consideracion of human
frailty, doe hereby make, ordaine, and declare this my Last Will and Testa-
ment, in manner and forme following.
And first, in all humility and devocion of a contrite heart, I heartily begg
of God pardon and remission of all my sinncs, for and through tlie merit
62 APPENDIX.
and mediacion of my alone Saviour Jesus Christ. And, though I have
been a most Prodigall Sonne, yett my hope is in Christ, that for his sake,
God, my most mercifull Creator, will not cast off the bowells and compassion
of a Father. Amen, Lord Jesu. In this hope and confidence, I render up
my soul with comfort in the mercyes of God the Father, through the me-
ritts of God the Sonne, in the love of God the Holy Ghost : And I humbly
pray that most Blessed and Glorious Trinitie, One God, to prepare me
for and preserve me in that houre of my dissolucion, and to make me wait
every moment when my changeing shall come, and in my change to receive
me to that rest which he hath prepared for all them that love and feare his
name. Soe Amen : Lord Jesu, Amen.
Whomesoever I have in the least degree offended, I heartily aske God
and him forgivenes. And whosoever have offended me, I pray God forgive
them, and I doe. And I hope and pray that God will forgive mee my
many great and grievous transgressions against him. Amen.
For my faith ; I dye, as I have lived, in the true orthodox profession of
the Catholique faith of Christ, foreshewed by the prophetts, and preached to
the world by Christ himselfe, his Blessed Apostles, and their successors ;
and a true member of his Catholique Church, within the commmiion of a
living part thereof, the present Church of England, as it stands estabUshed
by lawe.
Secondly, I leave my body to the earth, whence it was taken, in full as-
surance of the Ressurreccion of it from the grave at the last day. This
resurrection I constantly believe my deare Saviour Jesus Christ will make
happy unto mee, his poore and weary Servant. And for my buriall, though
I stand not much upon the place, yet if it conveniently may bee, I desire to
be buryed in the Chappell of St. John Baptist College in Oxford, under
the Alter or Communion-Table there. And should I be soe unhappy
as to dye a prisoner, yet my earnest desire is, I may not be buryed in
the Tower. But wheresoever my buryall shall be, I will have it private,
that it may not wast anie of the poore meanes which I leave behinde mee
to better uses.
Thirdly, For my worldly estate, I will, that my debts bee presently paid,
which at this time, I prayse God, are very small.
Then for St. Paule's Church, it grieves me to see it at such a stand ; and
though I have, besides my paines, given largely towards it, and the repayres
thereof; yet I leave it a blessing of 800/., which will be truely paid in for
APPENDIX. 63
that woi'ke, if ever it goe on, while tlie party trusted with it lives. But
my Executors are not charged with this ; 'tis in safe but other hands.
Item, I take the boldnes to give to my Deare and Dread Soveraigne
King Charles (whom God blesse) 1,000/. and I doe forgive him the Debt,
which hee owes mee, being 2,000/., and require that the two tallies for it
be delivered upp.
Item, I give to St. John Baptist's College in Oxford, where I was bredd,
all my Chappel-plate, guilt or parcell-guilt ; all my Chappell-furniture ; all
such Bookes as I have in my studdy at the time of my death, which they have
not in their library ; and 500/. in money, to be laid out upon land. And I
will, that the rent of it shalbe equally divided to every Fellow and Scholar
alike, upon the 7th day of October, every fourth yeare. Something els I
have done for them already, according to my ability : and God's everlasting
blessing be upon that place and that societie for ever.
I give to the Right Honourable Katheraigne Lady Dutches of Bucking-
ham, her grace, 100/.
I give to the Right Honourable George, Lord Duke of Buckingham, his
grace, my chalice and patens of gold ; and theis I desire the young Duke
to accept, and use in his Chapell, as the memoriall of him who had a faith-
full heart to love, and the honour to be beloved of his father, Soe God
blesse him with wise and good counsells, and a heart to follow them.
I give to the Right Honourable Mary, Lady Dutchesse of Richmond,
daughter to my most honourable friend Geoi-ge Lord Duke of Buckingham,
my cupp of gold with a cover to it.
I give to my much honoured friend William Lord Marquesse of New-
castle my best diamond ring, worth 140/. or neere it.
By father and mother I never had brother or sister, but by my mother
many; they were all auncient to mee, and are dead, but I give to their chil-
dren as follows :
To Henry Robinson, sonne to my brother Dr. Robinson, 200/.
To his brother John Robinson, 200/.
To his brother Thomas Robinson, 200/.
To their sister Elizabeth, wife to Doctor Baylie, 100/.
And to their sister Lucie, 100/.
To Dr. Cotsford, sonne of my sister Amye, 100/.
To Dr. Edward Layfeild, sonne of my sister Bridget, 100/. haveing
already provided well for both of them, as alsoe for some other above named.
G4 APPENDIX.
To Elizabeth Holt, daughter of my sister Bennett, 50?. and I had given
her as much before, besides yearely allowance.
To William Bole, sonne of my sister EUzabeth, 50/. and I forgive him
the debt which he owes me.
To , daughter to my sister Bridgett, and now wife to Mr.
Snow, 50/.
Item, I give to them which have been my chapleyns in house, as fol-
loweth :
To Dr. Thomas Turner, my ring with a diamond and the garter about it.
To Dr. Thomas Walker, my ring with a saphire in it.
To Dr. Ed. Martin, my ring with a hiacinth in it.
To Dr. William Haywood, my ring with an emerald, being my seale ring,
with the amies of my sea joyned to my owne.
To Dr. John Oliver, one of my watches.
To Mr. John Alsope, the other of my watches.
To Mr. George Wilde, my ring with a toadstone in it.
To Mr. Thomas Maye, my auncient friend, my ring with an emeraud, in
which onely my armes are cutt.
Item, I give to the poore of severall places to which I have or formerly
have had reference, as, namely,
To the poore of Magdalen parish in Oxford, 51.
To the poore of the parish of Saint Giles there, 51.
To the poore of Stanford in Northamptonshire, neere Lutterworth, 5/.
To the poore of North Kilworth in Leicestershire, 5/.
of Ibstoke in Leicestershire, 5/.
of Kuckston in Kent, 5/.
of Norton in Kent, 5/.
of West Tilbury in Essex, 51.
of Creeke in Northamptonshire, 5/.
of Huntington, 5/.
of Lincoln, 51.
of Carmarthen, 5/.
of Aberguilley, 5/.
of Brecknock, 5/.
of Wells, 10/.
of Fulham, 5/.
APPENDIK. 65
To the poore of Canterbury, 10/.
of Lambeth, 10/. | Besides what I have given to theis two
of Croydon, 10/. J places already in perpetuity.
To the University of Oxford, where I was bred, and to the town of
Redding, where I was borne, I have given already in perpetuity, as God
hath made me able.
Item, I give to soe many of my servants as did continue my servants to
the time that the storme fell upon mee, as foUoweth, but to noe other but
such as I now name, haveing done otherwayes very well by many of them :
To Mr. William Sherman, 20/.
To Mr. Walter Dobson, 20/.
To Mr. Wi. Dell, 20/.
To Mr. Benjamin Holford. 20/.
To Mr. Svmon RoUeston, 50/.
To Mr. George Snath, 30/.
To Mr. James Southes, 50/.
To Mr. Henry Joyner, 40/.
To Mr. Thomas Smith, 40/.
To Francis Lee, 20/.
To John Holden, 10/.
To Philip Clarke, 5/.
To Giles King, 51.
To Nicholas Tasker, 10/.
To Ralph Merrifeild, 40/. besides what I have already done
for his uncle's sake.
To John Sturt, 5/.
To Mr. Ralph W^atts, 10/.
To Thomas Sadler, 10/. To John Howell, 10/. To
Richard Cressall, 10/. To John Flud, my chamberkeeper, 5/. To Thomas
Lambert, 5/. To Ed. Nutt, 51. To Christopher Hunt, 5/. To Walter
Morris, 5/.
To W^illiam Harman, 40/.
To Mr. John Cobb 50/., my organ that is at Croyden,
my harp, my chest of vioUs, and the harpsico in the Parlour at Lambeth.
And my will is, that all these my legacycs bee paid to the severall Legatees
BERKS. ASHM. SOC. 1. K
G6 APPENDIX.
within the space of one yeare after my death, if the times grow quiet and
fitt for such payment in my name, or els soe soone as they shall be soe.
The remainder of my estate, above that which is given, or shalbe added
in this my will, I charge my executor (as he will answer mee at the bar of
Christ) that he lay it out vppon land, as farr as it will goe ; and then setle it
by some sure course in law to such uses, and under the same condicions, as
1 have setled my land at Bray, upon the town of Redding. And if my
meanes will reach so far, I will that 50/. a yeare be setled upon the towne of
Ockingham, and 50/. a yeare upon Henly upon Thames, and 50/. a yeare upon
Wallingford, and 50/. upon Windsor, to the uses aforesaid for ever. If it
rise to lesse, I will that there be a proportionable and even abatement to all
theis places ; but if it purchase more (as it must needs if I bee justly dealt
with) whatsoever is above this 200/. a yeare I will shalbe setled upon my
kinseman Doctor Richard Baylie, president of Saint John's CoUedge in
Oxford, during his life, and on his sonne William Baylie and the heires of
his body lawfully begotten for ever.
For my Lease of Barton Farme, neere Winchester, and held of the Ca-
thedrall Church there, which I purchased in the name of my servant Mr.
Richard Cobb, the rent whereof is 370/. per annum, I dispose of it as fol-
loweth :
First, I give out of it, during the terme of the Lease, 50/. a yeare to
William Baylie, above named ; secondly, 50/. a yeare to my kinseman John
Walker, sonne to Dr. Thomas Walker ; thirdly, 40/. a yeare to the eldest
Sonne of Dr. Layfield, my kinseman, and 50/. a year to the Citty of Win-
chester, to be employed in all things as the land which I gave to Redding is,
saving that I will have this imployed for the binding out of apprentices
onely.
Then I geve out of the same Lease 40/. a yeare during that terme,
to my servant Mr. William Duckett, and 40/. a yeare to my servant
Stephen Hall, in regard these two have indured a long imprisonment with
me.
Item, I give out of the same Lease 50/. a yeere to Dr. Baylie aforesaid,
and 50/. a yeare to Mr. Richard Cobb, above-named.
And if the Cathedi'all att Winchester be suffered to stand and enjoy
its lands, I leave the power of renewing this Lease to Dr. Richard
APPENDIX. 67
Baylie, he paying to Mr. Richard Cobb lOU/. for his painos taken for mee
in this purchase, and making good whatsoever 1 have given before out of
this Lease during the whole yeares of my purchase.
And Whereas I have given and do hereby give two 40/. out of this
Lease yearely, during the terme of it, to my servants Mr. William Duckett
and Mr. Stephen Hall, my will further is, that if either of them dye within
that terme, or both, hee or they soe dyeing shall have free power to dispose
by his or their will as hee or they please of the 40/. a yeare respectively
to each of them belonging during the time aforesaid.
Item, I give to my successor (if the present troubles in the State leave
me any) my organ in the chapell at Lambeth ; provided that he leave it to
the sea for ever. Likewise, I give him my barge, and furniture to it. As
for the pictures in the gallery at Lambeth, I leave them to succession ; as
well those which I found there, as those which I have added. But in case
the Archbishoprick be dissolved, as 'tis threatned, then I will, that my ex-
ecutor add the organ, the barge, and such pictures as are mine, to my
estate, that is if they escape plundering.
Item, I give to my servant Mr. Richard Cobb (besides that which I
have already given him) 50/. if he deale truely with my estate. To my
servant Mr. John Goodwyn, 10/. To my servant Mr. Ed. Sayer, 10/.
By this Will I doe revoke all former wills ; and doe charge my Executor
(as he will answer me before Christ) that he performe my will punctually
in all particulars, which the rapine of the time shall not have plundred from
him, or the vyolence of it over-ruled him.
Item, I give to my godsonne William Wrenne, sonne of my worthy friend
the Lord Bishop of Ely, 100/.
Item, I doe lay upon Dr. Baylie above-named, the care of all my
papers and paper-books, if they can scape the violence of the time. And I
doe give unto him two Vulgar Bibles in octavo, covered with vellam, and an
English Bible in 4to, cover'd with murrey leather, in which are some briefe
noates upon the Liturgye ; and a noat-booke in folio, covered with vellam,
with the letter A. upon it on both sides, in which is my catalogue of bookes,
in relacion to my studdy, and my directorie to allmost all my other
papers and bookes : All which papers and paper-bookes I give unto him
alsoe, but with this charge, that he burnc all that he thinks not fitt to use
68 APPENDIX.
himselfe, that my weaknesse, whatere it bee, bee not any man's scorne ; and
my dilligence, I am sure, cannott bee.
As for my Sermons, I leave them likewise to Dr. Baylie's care ; all that
are faire written, and have this marke [Y] before them, I have revised,
and yet I will not have any of them printed unles they bee perused either
by Dr. Juxon, Lord Bishop of London, or Dr. Wrenn, Lord Bishop of
Ely, or Dr. Steward, Deane of Saint Paules, my reverend friends, nor yet
then unless the times will beare them.
And I doe hereby name and appoint Doctor Richard Baylie, President
of Saint John Baptist's CoUedge in Oxford, my sole Executor of this ray
last will and testament ; and I doe give him, besides what I have already
given him, 200/. for his paines. But if Dr. Baylie shall not be living at the
time of my death, or shall dye before he make due probate of this my will,
then I make executor of this my will my kinseman Mr. John Robinson of
London, merchant, and give him for his paines 200/. And in case he dye
before me, or before he make due probate of this my will, then I make Dr.
Edward Layfeild my executor, and give him for his paines as before ; and
in case he dye before me, or before he make due probate of this my will, then
I make Dr. Thomas Walker, Master of University Colledge in Oxford, my
executor, and give him for his paines as before to Dr. Bayley ; and whoso-
ever of taose fower above named lives to bee my executor as is heere
appointed, I doe hereby require the same care of him both in respect of my
estate and of my papers, which I have laid upon Dr. Baylie.
And my expresse will is, that whatsoeuer my estate amount unto, my
executor shall have noe more of it, then is particulerly and by name given
in this my will.
And I doe heartily pray my Executor to take care, that my booke
written against Mr. Fisher the Jesuite, may be translated into Latine and
sent abroad ; that the Christian world may see, and judge of my religion.
And I give unto him that translates it, for his paines, 100/.
Item, I doe hereby constitute and appoint my worthy friends William
Juxon Lord Bishopp of London, Walter Curie Lord Bishopp of Winches-
ter, Matthew Wren Lord Bishopp of Ely, and Bryan Duppa Lord Bishopp
of Sarura, overseers of this my last will and testament, and I doe give them
for their paines 10^ a peece.
APPENDIX. 69
If my estate will reach it, I give blacks to my Executor, my overseers,
and those servants which attend me in my prison, and noe other.
Thus I forgive all the world, and heartily desire forgivenesse of God and
the world : And soe againe commend and committ my soul into the hands
of God the Father, who gave it, in the merritts and mercyes of my Blessed
Saviour Jesus Christ who redeemed it, and in the peace and comfort of the
Holy Ghost who blessed it ; and in the truth and vnitye of his Holy Catho-
lique Church, and in the Communion of the Church of England, as it yet
stands established by lawe.
I most willingly leave the world, being weary at my very heart of the
vanityes of it, and of my own sinnes many and great, and of the greivous
distractions of the Church of Christ almost in all parts of Christendome,
and particularly in this kingdome : which distractions God in his good time
make upp, who well knowes upon what many of them are grounded.
And in token that this is my last will and testament, I have subscribed
my name to every page of it, and sealed it in the presence of those whose
names are under written. It A testor W. Cant.
Geo. Snaith.
Stephen Hall.
Edm. Sayer.
William Harman.
Ralph Merryfeild.
For the money to bear the charge of those Legacies expressed in my will,
and other intendments, I have, for fear of the present storme, committed it
to honest, and, I trust in God, safe hands. And I doubt not but they will
deliver the mony in their several custodies to my Executor for the uses
expressed, but I forbear to name them, least the same storme should fall on
them, which hath driven mee out of all I have considerable in my own pos-
session. W. Cant.
This will was proved by Dr. Richard Baylie, in the Prerogative Coiwt of
Canterbury, on the 8th January, 1661-2.
INDEX.
Aberguilley, 64.
Aldworth, Richard, 49.
Alsope, John, 64.
Armorer, Lady, 51.
Aston, Upthorpe, 46.
Atkinson, Thomas, 16.
Bagot, William, 28.
Barnard, Mr. 20.
Bayle, Elizabeth, 63.
Dr. Richard, 13, 16, 46, 50, 51,
66, 67, 68, 69.
WiUiam, 66.
Beauchamp, Richard, Bishop of Salis-
bury, 5, 61.
Berkeley, Sir John, 33.
Blagrave, Anthony, 22.
. Daniel, 48.
. Jane, 22.
, Sir John, 22.
Dame Magdalen, 22.
Susan, 22.
Bole, William, 64.
Brackstone, Mr. 29, 32, 35, 37.
Anthony, 32.
William, 13.
—^——— William, jun. 32.
Bray, 21, 22, 23, 30, 33, 40, 44, 46,
48, 50, 52.
Brecknock, 64.
Bridgeman, Sir Orlando, 28, 48, 49, 50.
Buckingham, George 1st Duke of, x.
George 2nd Duke of, 63.
Katharine Duchess of, C3.
Burmingham, Peter, 40.
Burnet, Gilbert, Bishop of Salisbury,
46.
Byrd, Andrew, 8, 10, II, 12, 17, 19.
Canterbury, 65.
Carmarthen, 64.
Caversham Bridge, 5, 60.
Charles I. 8, 16, 20, 63.
Clarke, Philip, 65.
Cobb, John, 65.
Richard, 6G, 67.
72
INDEX.
Codeford, East, 13.
Cokeham, 22.
Cotsford, Dr. 7, 63.
Creed, William, 13.
Crecke, 64.
Cressall, Richard, 65.
Croocher, Nathanael, 16.
Croydon, 12, 14, 18, 65.
Curie, Walter, Bishop of Winchester,
68.
Dalby, Edward, 48, 49, 50.
Dell, William, 28, 65.
Dene, William, 6.
Denison, Dr. John, 19.
Dobson, Walter, 28, 65.
Doleman, Sir Thomas, 49.
Duckett, William, 66, 67.
Dunsden, 46.
Duppa, Bryan, Bishop of Salisbury, 68.
East-Locking, 19.
Edward IV., 5, 60.
Ellice, Richard, 22.
Eye, 46.
Finch, Lord Keeper, 38.
Flud, John, 65.
Fulham, 64.
Goodwyn, John, 67.
Grome, Johanna, 58.
Hackborne, or Hackbone, 46.
Hains Hill, 10.
Hall, Stephen, 66, 67, 69.
Harman, W^illiam, 65, 69
Harrison, Alderman, 43, 45.
Haywood, Dr. William, xi., 64.
Henley upon Thames, 46, 66.
Henry L, 55.
VII. ,6.
Herbert, sir Edward, 33, 34.
Holden, John, 65.
Holford, Benjamin, 65.
Holt, Elizabeth, 64.
Houlton, John, 28.
Howell, John, 65.
Hulebert, Sarah, 51.
Hunt, Christopher, 65.
Huntington, 64.
Huish, 10.
Ibstoke, 64.
Jemmatt, Samuel, 49-
Jennings, John, 30, 31, 32.
Joyner, Henry, 65.
Juxon, Dr. Bishop of London, 68.
Kel worth, North, 64.
Kendrick, Mr. 49.
King, Giles, 65.
Kuckston, 64.
Lambert, Thomas, 65.
Lambeth, 30, 65.
Lambeth Palace, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 67.
Laud, William, Archbishop of Canter-
bury, his birth, 7 ; birthplace, ibid;
parentage, ibid; educated at Reading
INDEX.
73
School, ibid.; and at St. John's, Ox-
ford, 8; letters to, 11, 35; letters
from, 12. 17, 29,31,33,37.39,40,
42, 44 ; origin of his acquaintance
with Dr, Baylie, 16 ; his projects for
the welfare of Reading, 19,20; na-
ture of his gift to that place, 21 ;
abstract thereof, ibid. ,- committal to
custody, 38 ; sent to the Tower, 39 ;
copy of his will, 61 ; death, 45 ;
present state of his charities at Read-
ing, 52 ; mistakes respecting his Berk-
shire charities, viii. ; omissions in
Wharton's abridgment of his will, ix,,
X., xi., xii., xiii. ; his sermons, xii.
Layfield, Dr. 7.
. Dr. Edward, 63, 66, 68.
Lee, Francis, 65.
Leominster, 2, 55.
Leventhorpe, E. 28.
Lincoln, 64.
Lloyd, Dr. 44, 45.
Loggins, Thomas, 22, 43, 44.
Maidenhead, 22.
Martin, Dr. Edward, 64.
Maxwell, Mr. 39.
Maye, Thomas, 64.
Merrifield, Ralph, 65, 69.
Morris, Walter, 65.
Nettlebed, 46.
Newcastle, William Marquess of, xi.,
63.
Norton, 64.
Nutt, Edward, 65.
Oliver, Dr. .tolin, 64.
Oxford, Magdalen parish, 64.
Money coined at, 16.
Nathaniel, Bishop of 46.
St. Giles's parish, (> !,
University, All Souls, li).
Christchurch, 13.
St. John's 7, 13, 14, 16, 17,26,
30, 62, 63, vide Baylie, Dr. llic-hard.
Page, John, 22.
William, 15, 18, 19.
Reading Abbey, Abbot Hugh, 1, 2, 55 ;
Abbot John Thome, 5, 6.
Broad Street, 7.
Brown's Hill, 8, 9.
Butchers' Row, 8.
Cobblers' Row, 3.
Grammar School, 1, 6, 7, 8,
10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17, 18,21,25,61.
. • Laud Place, 7.
. Mary Magdalen Chapel, GO.
St. Edmund's Chapel, 60.
St. John's Hospital, 1, 2, 5,
6, 55, 56, 57, 58.
St. Lawrence's Church, 1, 2,
4,55,56; Vicar of, 22, 25, 29, 31,
52, 53, 55, 56.
Sartuaric, or Soutry, 3.
Richmond, Mary Duchess of, 63.
Robinson, Dr. 16.
• Henry, 63.
John, 7, 63.
Lvicie, 63.
. Thomas 63, 68.
■ William, 7.
Rolleston, Simon, 28.
BERKS. ASIIM. SOC. 1.
74
INDEX.
Sadler, Thomas, 65.
St. Paul's, London, 62.
Sayer, Edward, 67, 69.
Sherman, William, 65.
Shiplake, 22.
Sherborne, Robert, Dean of St. Paul's,
5, 61.
Smith, John, 16.
Thomas, 65.
Snath, or Snaith, George, 65, 69.
Snow, Mr. 64w
Southcote, 22.
Southes, James, 65.
StaflFertons, 22.
Stanford, 64.
Sturt, John, 65.
Steward, Dr. Dean of St. Paul's, 68.
Strafford, Earl of, 36, 38.
Strowd, 22.
Little, 22.
Tasker, Nicholas 65.
Taylor, Theophilus, 25, 31, 32.
Thackham, Thomas 43, 45.
Thome, George, 49, 50,
Tilbury, West, 64.
Torless, Adam, 28.
Turner, Francis, Bishop of Ely, 30.
Dr. Thomas, 30, 64.
Thomas, Mayor of Reading, 30,
35, 37.
Vilett, Nicholas, 16.
Walker, John, 66.
Dr. Thomas, 64, 66, 68.
Wallingford, 46, 66.
Walter, Hubert, Bishop of Salisbury, 2,
55, 56.
Warner, Henry, 16.
Watts, Ralph, 65.
Webbe, John, 7.
Sir William, 7.
Wells, 64.
White, Sir Thomas, 7, 8.
Wilde, George, 64.
Winch, Simon, 23.
Winchester, 66.
Windebank, Francis, Secretary of State,
10, 11, 28, 30, 38.
Margaret, 30.
Windsor, 22, 46, B5.
Winkefield, 22.
Wokingham. 7, 21, 23, 24, 46, 52.
Woodstock, 5, 9, 10.
Wren, Dr. Bishop of Ely, 68.
William, 67.
York, Margeria de, 58.
Yvfeja, John, 58.
THE END.
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