1641–1642.

1641, Oct. 1.mdash;Arthur Mattock appointed general receiver of the bishop of Bath and Wells.mdash;p. 86.

1641, Oct. 16.mdash;Thomas Holte, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe II, on the resignation of Walter Raleigh, S.T.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 87.

1641, Nov. 8.mdash;Lambert Osbolston, M.A., installed in the prebend of Ilton, on the death of Richard Flamstede, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 88.

1641, Dec. 17.mdash;Samuel Lanfire, B.A., installed in the prebend of Dinder, on the resignation of Mr. [William] Oldis, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 89.

1641–2, Jan. 22.mdash;Walter Raleigh, S.T.P., one of the chaplains in ordinary to the king, installed in the deanery of Wells, on the death of George Warburton, S.T.P., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 90.

Admission of Dr. Raleigh as a canon resident, on paying 100l. caution money.mdash;p. 92.

1642, April 1.mdash;A chapter was held in usual form. Present: the dean, Dr. Gerard Wood, archdeacon of Wells, Dr. Paul Godwyn, Dr. Robert Crichton, the treasurer, and Tristram Towse, notary public, deputy chapter clerk.mdash;p. 94.

All the vicars appeared, except Mr. Simon, Alderley and Mr. Benford.

Lots were cast as usual for the chapter patronage.

Two months were allowed to the dean as part of his residence, for his attendance in the king's service.mdash;p. 95.

An entry inserted in a different hand, stating that a loan of 20l., part of Dr. Powell's money, had been repaid by mdash;Saunders, July 1, 1642; signed, Gerard Wood.

1642, April 2.mdash;Tristram Towse, at his own request, is discharged of Mr. Budge's legacy, "which with th'encrease made delivered to him was 160l. at that tyme." The receipt is signed, Ger. Wood.

1642, April 8.mdash;Mr. Richard Allen junior [?], clerck, being instituted to the parsonage of Battcombe, which was lately belonging to one Mr. Richard Barnard, a greate precision, comeing for an induction, with a brother of his, being likewise a clergie man, and another stranger, a layman, being a Londoner, there being a very faire crucifix at the upper end of the south end of the cathedrall church of St. Andrew in Wells, behinde the quier, this Londoner most moliciously threw a stone at it and broke it, the said two Allens standing at the lower end of the ile, and beholding it, and watching that none came the whiles.mdash;[MS. on fly-leaf of Ludolphus, Vita Jesu Christi, Cathedral Library.]

Accounts of Thomas Walker, S.T.D., Communar, 1641–42.

Payments: 10l. to Robert Ayshe, the schoolmaster.

Cash Book of Thomas Walker, Communar, 1641–42.

Near the end is an undated list of payments for the fabric stated to be transferred to the master of the fabric's book; there are considerable payments for paving and for the carriage of stone and gravel, timber and nails for the tower; 9s. 4d. for 28 loads of rubble carried away; 10d. "for casting abroad the rubble beelow the deene's"; 3s. 4d. for the ringers in of the judges.

1642–1643.

1642, Oct. 1.mdash;Henry Hampson, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe III, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 99.

1642, Dec. 13.mdash;The canonical house, vacant by the death of William Woodhowse, granted to James Wood, LL.B., prebendary of Wedmore V.mdash;p. 100.

1642, Dec. 31.mdash;Arthur Mattock installed in the prebend of Wanstrow, on the death of James Mabb, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 101.

1642–3, Jan. 7.mdash;Thomas Balch, M.A., appointed vicar of Dulverton, on the nomination of the dean of Winchester [Dr. Young].mdash;p. 102.

1643, April 15.mdash;The captaines [?] . . . divers pictures and crusifixes in the church and our Lady chaple, likewise did plunder the bishop's pallace, and broke all such monuments or pictures they espied, ether of religion, antiquity, or the kinges of England, and made havock, and sold for litle or nothinge all the howshold stuffe. One of the captaines had a note given him of divers of the towne, and of their estate, who were thowght to adhere to the kinge, which he tearmed a society.mdash;[MS. on title-page of Ludolphus, Vita Jesu Christi, Cathedral Library.]

1643, May 10.mdash;Mr. Alexander Popham's souldiers, he being a coll. in [?] or for the parliamente, after dynner rusht into the church, broke down the windowes, organs, fonte, seates in the quire, the busshops see [?], besides many other villanies.mdash;[MS. on title-page of Ludolphus, Vita Jesu Christi, Cathedral Library.]

1643, June 3.mdash;Humfrey Sydenham, M.A., installed in the prebend of Wedmore III, on the death of [William] Lute, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 103.

[At this chapter the dean and Dr. Crichton, canons resident, and Mr. Robert Ash, a prebendary, were present.]

1643, Sept. 9.mdash;Sebastian Smith, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Worminster, on the death of William Woodhowse, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 104.

Charles Gibbs, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, on the resignation of Sebastian Smith.mdash;p. 105.

1643–1644.

1643, Sept. 30.mdash;There were present in the chapter house the dean, Gerard Wood, archdeacon of Taunton, Paul Godwyn, Robert Crichton and Thomas Walker, canons resident.mdash;p. 106.

Officers were appointed for the coming year as usual.

1643, Oct. 1.mdash;The same members met in the chapter house and adjourned to the following day.mdash;p. 107.

1643, Oct. 2.mdash;Present, the same, and Dr. Sebastian Smith. William Peirs, M.A., archdeacon of Bath, appeared and alleged he had the dignity of a canonical house and prebend in this church, and therefore prayed to be admitted a canon resident; he offered 100 marks (as he asserted) in a purse, for his caution money. But the dean answered "se non teneri per aliquam priorem promissionem ad elegendum dictum dominum archidiaconum, ideo nec proposuisse nec hoc capitulo dictam electionem proponere velle."mdash;p. 108.

Robert Chapline, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe XI, on the death of Robert Lute, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 109.

James Dewbery admitted a vicar-choral for a year of probation.

Dr. Walker appointed steward for two years; the chapter adjourned to the following day.mdash;p. 110.

1643, Oct. 3.mdash;William Watts, S.T.D., produced letters from the king in favour of his admission as a canon resident. Dr. Crichton protested that when he had formerly given his consent to the pre-election of Mr. Peirs, he was ignorant of the laws and customs of this church. He thought that the votes [suffragia] of the chapter as to every election should be kept intact until the chapter assembled, and that "pessimum esse exemplum posteritati, pessimum exemplum a pessimo ductum . . . protestatus est etiam coram deo se nunquam inposterum, aut pro ullo favore aut ullo timore, suffragium aut vocem suum se promissurum dum in capitulum intraverit." At the request of the archdeacon of Bath [Mr. Peirs], Tristram Towse was ordered to give him copies of the acts relating to the promise to elect him a canon resident.

An indenture was sealed of the tower called Brownes Gate.mdash;p. 111.

1643, Oct. 27.mdash;Christofer Prior, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Barton David, on the death of [John] Dodd, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1643, Oct. 30.mdash;Roger Wood, prebendary of Combe XV, surrendered his canonical house (late Robert Crichton's) and also produced a written surrender by James Wood, prebendary of Wedmore V, of his canonical house (late William Wood-howse's); the latter house was granted to the said Roger Wood and the former to the said James Wood.mdash;p. 112.

1643, Dec. 29.mdash;William Peirs, M.A., installed as archdeacon of Taunton, on the death of Dr. [Samuel] Ward, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;p. 113.

1643, Dec. 30.mdash;William Davis, M.A., installed as archdeacon of Bath, on the resignation of William Peirs, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.

1643–4, Jan. 4.mdash;The dean raised the question whether by the royal letters in favour of Dr. Watts, dated September 18 last, they were bound to defer the election of a new canon. It was unanimously agreed that they were not so bound, especially as they had waited for Dr. Watts from Sept. 18 to Jan. 4, through two solemn chapter days and various adjournments; within which days, if he had come and shown himself habilis pro omnia, the chapter would have been ready to obey the royal letters.mdash;p. 114.

Having inspected the charter of the church and considered the chapter acts relating to the pre-election of Mr. Peirs, late archdeacon of Bath, it was declared that, since all preelections of canons resident destroyed freedom of election and were contrary to the charter and the custom of the church, all acts touching the said pre-election were revoked and annulled. Dr. Godwyn dissented, holding himself bound by his previous promise; he would not make such promises in future.

Roger Wood, M.A., a prebendary of this church, admitted a canon resident, on the death of Dr. [Samuel] Ward, late archdeacon of Taunton. He shall not begin residence nor have any commodity as a resident before October 1, 1644. Dr. Godwyn dissented, and Dr. Smith considered that in view of the royal letters the election was void.mdash;p. 115.

Lots were cast as usual for the chapter patronage.

1643–4, Jan. 5.mdash;"Whereas the deane and chapter at their charge, on the intreaty of the vicars-chorall of this church, have built two seates for the wiefes of the said vicars to sitt in the choyre there, and since the ereccion of them some of the said woemen cannot agree about their places thereinmdash;they doe order that the said woemen shall sitt in the respective sides of the said choyre, by preisthoode and seniority as their husbandes places are in, without any disturbance."mdash;p. 116.

1643–4, Jan. 15.mdash;Ordered to enter in indentures where rent is in arrear [intrare in indenturas ubi redditus a retro existunt], and to sue for all arrears due to the dean and chapter or to the fabric.mdash;p. 117.

[At the foot of the page there is a note that this book was shown to Bartholomew Backwell at his examination in a chancery suit between Reynold Dight, plt., and the dean and chapter of Wells and others, defts., at Taunton, October 14, 1667. There is a similar note on the fly-leaf, of the production of the volume to Alexander Harrison, gent., on the same occasion.]

1644–1645.

1644–5, Jan. 28.mdash; (fn. 1)In domo decanali Wellensi, coram domino decano, doctore Wood, et magistro Rogero Wood, canonicis residentiariis dictœ ecclesiœ, actum fuit ut sequitur, in presencia mei, Tri: Towse, notarii publici, actuarii, etc.mdash;p. 95.

The dean acknowledged to have received from Dr. Wood 40l., part of the 160l., as above. Dr. Wood stated that he had paid 80l. to Dr. Walker, according to an order of the dean, Dr. Godwyn, Dr. Crichton and Dr. Smith, in further payment of the said 160l.; he produced the order under their hands.

The chapter seal was affixed to the appointment of Arthur Mattack as general receiver of all lordships, manors, lands, etc., of the bishop, to be held for life, with a fee of 10l.mdash;p. 96.

It is this day ordered by consent of the persons heere present, that yf it shall heareafter happen that the corporacion of the deane and chapter to be dissolved by act of parliament or by any other lawful meanes, that then every canon that hath paid in his caution, or theyr executors, administrators or assignes, to whom the same shall belonge as executor or administrator of the said canon so hapning to dye, or otherwise legally avoyded, shall be paid his cawtion, as abovesaid, out of debtes dew to the said deane and chapter or theyer predecessors or to theyer successors, etc.

The chapter seal placed to a lease of Chedder rectory to Christofer Dodington, esq., for the lives of himself, Mary his wife, and of John and Francis, sons of Francis Dodington, knight.mdash;p. 96.

1644–5, Jan. 28.mdash;Present, the dean, Dr. Gerard Wood, Dr. Robert Crichton and Mr. Roger Wood.mdash;p. 121.

Confirmed a lease for 21 years to Arthur Mattock and Alexander Jett, gentlemen, of the manor of Chard and certain lands in Banwell, for a fine of 53s. 4d.

[The remainder of the book is blank, except that about the middle are some notes which appear to be the beginnings of a subject-index to the 1571–99 volume of chapter acts.]

On the fly-leaf is an undated table of fees payable on the enthronization of a bishop, the installation of a dignitary of the church or prebendary, and the admission of a canon resident, to the dean, president of the chapter, sacrist, clerk of the chapter, choristers and library.

1659–1660.

1660, July 2.mdash;Appointment by William [Piers], bishop of Bath and Wells, of Edmund Peirce, knt., LL.D., as vicar-general in spiritualities, etc.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 331.]

1660–1661.

1660, Oct. 3.mdash;Lease to Alexander Jett, notary public, for 40 years, of a house in a street in Wells called the New Works, "next adjoyning to the Guild Hall in Wells aforesaid on the south side, and the porch or gate leading into the churchyard of the cathedrall church aforesaid on the northside, and the Chorister Howse on the east side"; paying 40s. yearly to the "commoner," to the use of the choristers. Lessee to do suit of court twice a year at Canon Barne.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 341.]

1660, Dec. 21.mdash;Appointment by the bishop of Richard Hickes senior and Richard Hickes junior, as surveyors general of all lordships, manors, etc.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 357.]

Undated; about 1660.mdash;The cannonicall house collated on Dr. Piers was destroyed in the late troubles, and converted to a public roome and house for reception of the country at the time of the assize and sessions kept in that towne, and the assize and sessions have been usually kept there. Dr. Piers hath since built and repaired the same, and converted it again into an habitable house. But of late, since the kinges restauracion, there is a greate market house built before the dore of this canonicall house, which hath drawne the market from other partes to the very dores of this house, to the greate annoyance of the said house.mdash;[Deeds, 3rd series, no. 230.]

1660–1, Jan. 7.mdash;Appointment by William, bishop of Bath and Wells, of Alexander Jett of Wells, notary public, as registrar of the bishopric, on the surrender of James Huish.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 337.]

1660–1, Jan. 8.mdash;Appointment by the bishop of Thomas Westley the younger, gent., as keeper of the palace of Wells and of the prison, commonly called the Cowhouse, and of the convicted and attainted persons being in the same; also bailiff of the stock in our house or manor of Wells and keeper of all woods and underwoods.mdash;[Ledger G, pp. 353, 355.]

1660–1, Jan. 11.mdash;Appointment by the dean and chapter of George Walrond of Ille Brewers, co. Somerset, gent., as clerk of the courts and auditor.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 358.]

Communar's Cash Book [? Dr. Dugdale, Communar], 1660–61.

[After the return of the chapter in 1660, the new communar seems to have been puzzled by some of the items in his predecessors' accounts, and accordingly made the following notes.]

Mem. the sum of perditions must be entred into the warranta and the fees pro Tabellario must be there deducted.

Perditions to be payd in fine anni. What are they?

Super ; what is it? and A.B.C. Quid significat?

Realiter persolvit; recessit quietusmdash;Termes used.

For acquittances, for every one iiijd. to be payd.

Be sure to receave mony befor you set it down in the booke; and booke it befor you give an acquittance.

[Perditions were days lost by the absence of each individual vicar; a list of such under the heading deductis perditionibus will be found in the communar's book for 1677–8.]

Payments: 80l. for the organs; 1l. 4s. 6d. to Mr. Oker for travelling about the organs; 2l. 10s. to Mr. Aysh, the schoolmaster, and 10s. to Mr. Oker, the organist, for one quarter.

Accounts of Dr. Piers, Keeper of the Fabric, 1660–61.

Payments: 62l. 19s. for lead, Oct. 29, 1660; 29l. 7s. 2d. for tiling and other expenses, Oct. 22, 1660; 19l. 3s. 2d. for the like, Sept. 13, 1661; 3l. 7s. for church books for the choir, Oct. 8, 1661; 16s. to the ringers, Nov. 5; 1l. 10s. to Robert Taunton for mending the organ, Jan. 4, 1661; 1l. 2s. for fagots for a bonfire, July 10, 1661; 8l. 19s. 2d. for tiles, Jan. 23, 1661; 28l. 1s. for lime, Jan. 31, 1661; 100l. for lead, Sept. 24, 1661; 34l. 7s. for lead, Aug. 28, 1661; 7l. 8s. 4d. for lead, July 10, 1661; 2l. to Henry White, the king's messenger; 4l. 15s. for 14 Common Prayer books for the vicars, Aug. 24, 1661; 10s. to the ringers when Mr. dean came home, Dec. 20, 1661; 1l. to the ringers on Coronation Day, April 23, 1661; 3s. 6d. to Mr. Oaker for sending a messenger to Bristol to the organist, Jan. 11, 1661; 7l. 15s. 4d. for lead, May 4, 1661; 9s. 6d. to Matthew Thomas, the glasier, July 27, 1660; 2l. to James Thomas, the glasier, Dec. 23, 1661; 9l. 6s. 8d. to Christopher Pheris, glasier, Feb. 5, 1661; 161l. 16s. 10d. for timber and workmanship, no details, Jan. 9 to Dec. 24, 1661; 109l. 0s. 5d. to smiths and glasiers, Jan. 11 to Dec. 21, 1661; 4l. 18s. 1d. to Martin Snow about the chimes, Feb. 15, 1661; 1l. to the ringers, April 23, 1661; 27l. 0s. 11d. to labourers, Feb. 21 to Dec. 24, 1661; 55l. 7s. 3d. to tilers and plasterers, Jan. 3 to Dec. 24, 1661; 22l. 15s. 1d. to tilers, Jan. 25 to Dec. 21, 1661; 29l. 19s. to the freemason, Jan. 11 to Dec. 24, 1661, William Beaton appears to have been the supervisor; 1l. to the ringers, May 29, 1661; total, 1,309l. 0s. 10d.

Cash Book of Dr. Piers, Keeper of the Fabric, 1660–61.

Receipts : 50l. for cautions on the election of residentiaries (fn. 2); 214l. 6s. from tenants when they accepted; 800l. from the dean and chapter.

Payments : 1,084l. 5s. 3d. for work and repairs (no details); 1l. to the ringers on the king's coronation; 1l. 2s. for two bonfires; 4l. 15s. for 14 books of public prayers; 8s. 9d. for the whirlygig; 80l. for our little organ.mdash;With Communar's Book, 1679–80.

1661–1662.

1661, Oct. 3.mdash;Appointment by the bishop of Timothy Revett of Wells, gent., as auditor general.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 377.]

1661–2, Feb. 27.mdash;Appointment by the bishop of John, Lord Poulett, Baron of Hinton St. George, and John Poulett, esq., his son, as chief stewards of all his hundreds, manors, etc.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 472.]

Cash Book of Dr. Peirs, Master of the Fabric, 1661–62.

Payments : 303l. 8s. 11d. for work and repairs; 422l. 4s. 4d. for necessary expenses (no details), whereof 400l. towards the new organ.mdash;[With the Communar's Book, 1679–80.]

Undated; about 1662.mdash;The humble petition of John Oker, organist, most humblie sheweth

That since our late happie restauracion to our places, there is due to your peticioner from the prebendarie of Wanstraw, for two yeares sallerie, 53s. 4d., of which your peticioner cannot receive any thinge; your peticioner haveinge had a long and tedious sickness, whereby it hath put hm to great charge and expence.mdash;[Deeds, 3rd Series, no. 221.]

1662–1663. Cash Book of Dr. Peirs, Master of the Fabric, 1662–63.

Receipts : 1l. 6s. 8d. for the burial of Mr. William Walrond, esq., and 6s. 8d. to the ringers; the like, Mr. Thomas Coward, captain; the like, mdash; Hodges.

Payments: 8l. 8s. for 24 Communion Books; 106l. to Mr. Taunton, the organ maker.

Cash Book of Arthur Alderly, Escheator, 1662–63.

The balance, 17l. 8s. 6d., is divided into 22 parts, 8 to the canons, 12 to the vicars, one to the choristers and one to the clerks.

1663–1664.

1664, April 1.mdash; (fn. 3) Present: William Peirs, S.T.D., archdeacon of Taunton, president of the chapter, Thomas Holt, S.T.B., chancellor, John Sellack, S.T.P., archdeacon of Bath, Grindall Sheafe, S.T.P., archdeacon of Wells, canons resident; Alexander Jett, notary public, chapter clerk. A proctorial letter from Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., the dean, was produced.mdash;ƒo. 1.

The following vicars-choral appeared:mdash;Arthur Alderley, John Mosse, Augustine Benford, Francis Standish, Daniel Davis, Thomas Standish, Robert Alderley, Thomas Clarke, John Hobbs and John Browne. John Edmondes and Sebastian Dewbery were excused. Thomas Beaumont was sick.mdash;ƒo. 1d.

1664, July 4.mdash;Whereas we, the dean and chapter of this church, have repaired the whole structure of the same, which was miserably damaged in the late troubles [in nuperis motibus misere labefactatam], almost from the foundations, at great expense, beyond our means [supra vires], and hardly to be believed; it seems good to us, with the consent of the most reverend father in Christ the lord bishop, at once to request and enjoin the other prebendaries that, whereas in all repair of buildings they contribute indeed not one fourth part to relieve our burdens, now at least in the completion of this work [in operis coronide] each one will wish to give a proof of himself, and with his own moneys will adorn his own individual seat or stall (as it is commonly called) in the choir, so that all things within [the church] may shine brightly and correspond [rutilent et respondeant]; and thus, when they come, they will be fittingly [decore] seated, and they will commend to posterity the love [affectum] which they owe to the mother,mdash;Robert Creyghtone, dean, William Peirs, Thomas Holt, J. Selleck, Grindall Sheafe. [Repeated on ƒo. 11. with actual signatures.]mdash;ƒo. 10.

1664, July 7.mdash;Thomas Standish, clerk, one of the vicars-choral, excommunicated for not appearing on the first day of this chapter, with the other vicars-choral, according to the custom of the cathedral, now appeared.mdash;ƒo. 13.

Accounts of Thomas Holt, the Communar, 1663–64.

Payments: 10l. to Charles Thurlby, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs.

Communar's Cash Book, 1663–64.

Payments : 10l. to Mr. Charles Thirleby, the schoolmaster; 10l. to Mr. John Browne, the organist; 2l. to the almshouse nomine Gascoigne; 1s. 6d. to three poor seamen; 1s. 6d. to three Irish gentlemen.

1664–1665.

1664, Oct. 7.mdash;Statute for detaining the dividends of the canons until the debts of the church are discharged.mdash;ƒo. 21.

Whereas among all the cares and concerns which are incumbent on us, those things should always be first and principal which touch equally the usefulness and honour of our church, which since we have adorned it, at immense and lavish cost [cum impensis vastis et prodigiosis], so that it now yields to no cathedral throughout the whole of this island in splendour and magnificence, wherewith almost all the yearly dividends and rents of our canons are fallen away to nothing [in nihilum ruerint]. And whereas the venerable man, the archdeacon of Taunton [William Peirs], our comminar for some years past, through too much charity and heedless friendship for the dean and canons, his confratres, has lent moneys against their dividends at the end of the year, whereby not only are our funds exhausted and the rents of the year consumed, but also some confusion is caused in the accounts of years somewhat in arrear [aliquot retro]. Wherefore, in order to provide for these inconveniences hereafter in due course, we, in full chapter, and with the assent and fatherly counsel of the most reverend father in Christ, the lord bishop, our diocesan, have ordained and enacted these two things:mdash;

First, that no canon shall ask for or seek to have any part of the dividends but at the end of the year, when the debts of all the canons are paid to the church and the church itself fully discharged from any money.mdash;ƒo. 21d.

Secondly, we order that the pernicious custom of our church of lending moneys by the comminar before the end of the year shall die out [exolescere]; and we severely and strictly enjoin every comminar in future, by this common vote of all, that he do not pay, lend or advance (on pretext of the said custom) to any canon any moneys against the dividends at the end of the year, lest fresh troubles accrue to the church and a worse confusion grow anew in our reckonings [nostris rationibus].mdash;Rob: Creyghtone, Sebastian Smythe, Will: Peirs, Tho: Holt, J. Selleck, Gr: Sheafe.

1664, Dec. 30.mdash;William Kidley, B.A., installed in the prebend of Combe IV, on the resignation of Robert Baskett, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 24.

1664–5, Jan. 2.mdash;Humfrey Marsh resigns the office of sacrist, to which he had been appointed Nov. 1, 1624. James Williams appointed in his place, on the nomination of Richard Busby, S.T.D., the treasurer.mdash;ƒo. 27.

1664–5, Jan. 10.mdash;The chapter adjourned from the chapter house to the deanery, where the sitting continued in magna parlura.mdash;ƒo. 33d.

1664–5, Jan. 12.mdash;Ordered "that wheras since this blessed restauracion all the stewardes of the said deane and chapter have been and are like to be at very great trouble and vast expences, as well in other particulars as in keeping their entertainmentes at their auditt feastes yearly, so that if there be not a competent provision made for them, as well for the tyme since the said restauracion as also for tymes to come, are likely to be at great losse in the execution of their said office: Wee, the said deane and chapter now assembled, . . . being all desireous and well pleased that the steward for the tyme being, the principall officer of our said chapter, may not be putt to such great troubles and expences and not receive yearly competent allowance for the same, . . . with one consent doe herin enact, order and decree that all the herriottes, which from the said restauracion have been paid unto the precedent stewards of the said church unto this present, and which for the future from tyme to tyme shalbe received by the stewardes of the said cathedrall church for the tyme being, have and shalbe by them received and kept to their owne proper use, benefitt and behoofe, towardes their said great troubles and vast expences: Provided alwayes that the said stewardes doe execute their said office personally and not by proxie: And that the said stewardes shall not be accomptable for the same, either for the tyme past or the tyme to come"mdash;ƒo. 37d.

1664–5, March 4.mdash;Samuel Lanfire junior, M.A., installed in the prebend of Dinder, on the resignation of Samuel Lanfire senior, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 39.

1665, April 1.mdash;Alexander Harrison, notary public, elected chapter clerk pro tempore.mdash;ƒo. 42.

1665, April 7.mdash;Thomas Earle, clerk, M.A., appointed master of the grammar school of the cathedral church of Wells (in place of Charles Thirlby, clerk, M.A., resigned), on the nomination of Dr. Holt, the chancellor; he having first subscribed the declaration enjoined on schoolmasters by the act of uniformity of common prayers, and having taken the oath of supremacy and renunciation of all foreign powers, and sworn reverence and obedience to the dean and chapter, and to conceal the secrets of the chapter, should any come to his notice.mdash;ƒo. 44d.

1665, April 12.mdash;Alexander Harrison, notary public, appointed registrar or scribe of the acts within the peculiar jurisdictions of the dean and chapter.mdash;ƒo. 47.

1665, April 13.mdash;Nicholas Dowthwaite, gent., appointed clerk of the courts of the dean and chapter and auditor of the accounts, on the resignation of George Walrond.mdash;ƒos. 48, 48d.

1665, April 14.mdash;Ordered that all writings of their records, in whosesoever hands they may be, are to be brought into the custody of the dean and chapter.mdash;ƒo. 49d.

1665, July 1.mdash;The dean protested against the recent election of Nicholas Dowthwayte as under-steward of the chapter, or clerk of the lords' court, as it is commonly called, the nomination to which office belongs to the dean, who is himself perpetual chief-steward. The matter had been done in the dean's absence, to despoil him of his ancient rights. He felt compelled to appeal to the bishop, and in the meantime inhibited Dowthwayte for taking any part in the said office.mdash;ƒo. 52d.

1665, July 22.mdash;John Vannam, M.A., installed in the prebend of Whitchurch, on the death of Henry Hampson, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 56d.

1665, Aug. 18.mdash;Anthony Moss admitted a perpetual vicar-choral.mdash;ƒo. 62.

1665, Sept. 11.mdash;Roger Ley, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VIII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 62d.

1665, Sept. 29.mdash;Francis Mundy, S.T.D., installed as sub-dean, on the death of James Masters, (fn. 4) S.T.B., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 63d.

Accounts of Thomas Holt, the Communar, 1664–65.

Payments : 10l. to Thomas Earle, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs; 2l. for sermons on the solemn fast days for the stay of the plague; 1l. to Dr. Thomas Holt for a sermon on the day of thanksgiving for the naval victory super Belgas.

Communar's Cash Book, 1664–65.

Payments: 2l. 10s. to Mr. Thirlby, the schoolmaster (1st quarter); 7l. 10s. to Mr. Thomas Earle, the schoolmaster (three quarters); 1l. 15s. to John Paris, one of the choristers, at his going to the university; 13l. 19s. 6d. "layd out at the assizes at Taunton, Mar. 15, 1664[-5], upon the tryall for the chayne, to councill, etc., ut patet per billam"; 2s. "to a distressed gentleman, his wife and famely"; 1l. "payd Dr. Billingsby for serving my cure at Lamyat when I preched on the thanksgiving day, July 4, 1665"; 3l. 15s. to Mrs. Oaker for her son John Oaker, one of the choristers, for three quarters from Christmas to Michaelmas, 1665, signed, Mary Oker.

1665–1666.

1665, Oct. 3.mdash;William Westley, gent., appointed chapter clerk, on the nomination of Dr. Holt, the chancellor.mdash;ƒo. 66d.

1665, Oct. 5.mdash;Sealed and confirmed a lease to Sir James Thynne, knight, for lives, of the prebend of Warmister alias Luxfield, made by Mr. Richard Merry, M.A., prebendary there.mdash;ƒo. 68.

1665, Nov. 24.mdash;James Farewell, S.T.D., installed in the prebend of Combe XII, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 71.

1665, Dec. 11.mdash;Thomas Holt, S.T.D., a canon resident, installed in the prebend of Litton, on the death of Thomas Walker, S.T.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 72.

1665–6, Jan. 4.mdash;The dean protested against the disobedience and shuffling of the canons resident as to preparing a reply to the king's letters in favour of electing Dr. William Fane as a canon resident in place of Thomas Walker, deceased. This the dean was prepared to move at the general chapter on Jan. 2; but the canons wasted two whole hours in fruitless disputations about the practice of the church and the meaning of certain words, required further time for consideration, and proceeded with other business. He protested against any business, public or private, being transacted in chapter until the king's letters have been dealt with.mdash;ƒo. 74.

The other canons in turn protested that the last clause was invalid and that they had power to act when there was a full chapter, and humbly and with all obedience they left the termination of the said election to the king. Then, decano absente, they adjourned to the following day.mdash;ƒo. 74d.

1665–6, Jan. 5.mdash;The said canons ordered to be sealed a lease for lives of Dulverton Rectory to George Peppin.

1665–6, Jan. 6.mdash;The said canons met and adjourned to Jan. 8, when they unanimously decreed to do the king's request [peticionem].mdash;ƒo. 82.

They approved of Dr. Mundy as a worthy person to be elected a canon resident.

They ordered Dr. John Selleck, the steward, and Dr. Grindall Sheafe, the comminar, to sue all persons who were debtors to the chapter.

They unanimously revoked and rescinded the act intituled Statutum de cohibendis canonicorum dividentiis dum ecclesiœ debita exonerentur, made October 7, 1664.mdash;ƒo. 82d.

1665–6, Jan. 10.mdash;Decano absente. Sealed letters patent of the office of registrar of the bishop of Bath and Wells;and decreed an instrument to Doctors Selleck and Sheafe for suing all debtors to the chapter.mdash;ƒo. 75.

1665–6, Jan. 26.mdash;William Fane, S.T.D., prebendary of the prebend of Taunton, having a canonical house, is admitted as a canon resident, on paying 100 marks caution money. The 100 marks [66l. 13s. 4d.] is to be divided as follows: to the vicars-choral 6l. 13s. 4d., to the fabric of the church 6l. 13s. 4d., and the balance equally between the dean and the six canons. Dr. Fane to begin his residence on January 1 next, and not to have any emolument or dividend as a canon before then. If he shall die before October 1 next (fn. 5) the caution money shall be repaid to his executors, administrators or assigns. He took the oath of supremacy and swore to observe the statutes, ordinances and laudable customs of the cathedral church.mdash;ƒo. 75d.

1665–6, Feb. 5.mdash;Mr. Francis Symons resigned his right to the office of steward of the old Alms House in Wells, to which he had been elected by the dean and chapter, and prayed that Mr. Samuel Heath might be chosen in his place. Heath was elected, on condition that he admitted the right of election to be in the dean and chapter unless something should be found to the contrary in the statutes and ordinances of bishop Bubwith the founder.mdash;ƒo. 77.

1665–6, March 13.mdash;Sealed and confirmed letters patent of the office of registrar or scribe in the whole diocese and episcopal jurisdiction of Bath and Wells, granted by the bishop to John Prickman, gent., and Ezekiel Jett, notary public.mdash;ƒo. 77d.

1666, April 7.mdash;Ordered that Mr. Nicholas Dowthwayte go to Mr. Towse and give him notice to enter in the big book of records, at his own expense, certain indentures and letters patent, granted, sealed or confirmed in the time of Mr. Alexander Jett, his grandfather [maspiter]; and also to bring in to his own place records concerning the dean and chapter.mdash;ƒo. 80.

The master of the fabric is to proceed with the repair of the cloister, now in decay.mdash;ƒo. 80d.

1666, April 9.mdash;Prebendaries and all others owing moneys to the fabric or the church are to be written to for payment, and in default are to be cited.

1666, April 18.mdash;Robert Latimer, B.A., installed in the prebend of Combe II, on the resignation of Thomas Holt, S.T.D., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 81.

1666, July 2.mdash;Dr. Sheafe, the communar, is to end all accounts with the choristers [rationes omnes cum choristis finire] down to June 24 last; from which day, and within a month, they are to live with the master of the choristers and to sleep in his house, etc., under penalty of suspension.mdash;ƒo. 84.

Adjourned to July 5, on account of the intervening fast-day.mdash;ƒo. 84d.

1666, July 6.mdash;Sealed letters patent of the office of surveyor general of all the lordships, manors, etc., belonging to the bishopric of Bath and Wells, in Somerset or elsewhere in England, to Richard Hickes of Wells, gent., for life, as appointed by the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 85.

1666, July 7.mdash;Anthony Mosse, vicar-choral, removed for neglect of his duties.mdash;ƒo. 86.

Alexander Harrison, the deputy chapter clerk, was ordered to demand of Mr. Charles Thirlby, vicar of St. Cuthbert's, Wells, the yearly pension of 34l. 0s. 1d., due from the said vicarage for divers years, and to certify the chapter, that proceedings may be taken against him if he has not paid by October 1.

1666, July 10.mdash;Emanuel Sharpe, clerk, installed in the prebend of Aishill, on the death of Robert Roche, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 86d.

1666, Aug. 16.mdash;Sealed and confirmed an indenture of divers things, as appears in the book of records, granted by Dr. Peirs, archdeacon of Taunton, to Edward Clarke of Chipley, Somerset, esq. (fn. 6) mdash;ƒo. 87.

Accounts of Grindall Sheafe, the Communar, 1665–66.

Payments : 10l. to Thomas Earle, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs; 60l. to Robert Taunton ad organum.

Accounts of William Peirs, Master of the Fabric, 1665–66.

Receipts : Burials, Mrs. Niblett, 13s. 4d., and 3s. 4d. for the bell; Edith Niblet, the like; Jane Weekes, 1l.; Tristram Davidge, 13s. 4d.

Payments : 1l. 3s. for removing the seats in the choir; 3l. 10s. to the tiler for work by the chapter house.

1666–1667. Accounts of Grindall Sheafe, the Communar, 1666–67.

Payments : 10l. to Charles Thirlby, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs; 9l. 15s. 6d. pro libro publicarum precium authorizato per actum parliamenti, cum magno sigillo Anglie annexato, ut perpetue in archivis recordatur; 1l. 16s. 6d. for repairing the chimney in the audit house.

Accounts of Dr. William Peirs, Master of the Fabric, 1666–67.

Receipts : Burials, Mrs. Niblett, 1l. 13s. 4d.; Mr. Marsh, 13s. 4d.

1667–1668.

1667, Oct. 26.mdash;Lease to Thomas Stephens of Wells, innholder, for 40 years, of a tenement in New Street, heretofore called the Three Horsloaves, but now the Globe; rent 30s.; lessee to do suit of court twice a year at Cannon Barne.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 590.]

Accounts of John Sellecke, the Communar, 1667–68.

Payments : 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs.

Communar's Cash Book, 1667–68.

Payments : 5l. to Mr. Thirlby, the schoolmaster, for 2 terms, paid to the chapter; 5l. to Mr. John Potenger, the schoolmaster, 2 terms; 10l. to Mr. John Browne, the organist; 5s. "to a poore man that came out of Scotland, whose father was lost, and with him 2,000li., by a shipwreck"; 4s. for 4 chimneys in the "awditt house" for half a year; 2s. to 6 French seamen; 2s. "to a poore cavalier that had byn sold a slave"; 1s. to a poor man that had been a slave at Constantinople; 5s. to the ringers on April 23; 10s. to the ringers, May 29; 4s. for fagots for bonfires, Sept. 26.

1668–1669.

1668, Oct. 5.mdash;Lease to William Andrews of Wells, mercer, for 40 years, of the first house from the east end of the New-works, "with a porch or gate, commonly called Pennylesse Porch or Bench, and also two chambers over the same adjoyning to the said tenement, being parte and parcel thereof," and a garden in New-works gardens; rent 33s. 4d.; lessee to do suit of court twice a year at Canon Barne and to contribute to the cost of repairing the great goutes and pipes of lead.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 615.]

Accounts of John Selleck, the Communar, 1668–69.

Payments : 10l. to John Potenger, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs.

Communar's Cash Book, 1668–69.

Payments : 10s. to Mr. John Yorke for writing a calendar for the preaching turns; 1s. to a poor man that had been captive at Salley; 1l. 18s. for scouring the Ludburne by Mr. Rivett's wall; other payments for the same; 10s. to the ringers at the coming of the judges, Aug. 7; 13s. 4d. to the ringers, Nov. 5.

1669–1670. Accounts of John Selleck, the Communar, 1669–70.

Payments : 10l. to John Potenger, the schoolmaster; 10l. to Mr. Browne, keeper of the organs.

Communar's Cash Book, 1669–70.

Payments : 3s. to a poor old man that had been taken captive by the Turks; 10s. to two Hungarian gentlemen that had been captives in Buda; 100l. "payd Coll. Francis Wyndham, by the order of the deane and chapter, to gratify him, as appeares by his receipt"; 100l. "allowed by the deane and chapter out of my lord Poulett's fine, for the repaires of the fabricke"; 5s. "given the ringers when I brought the kinge's congeedeleere," May 19; 12s. to the ringers at the election of the bishop, May 25; 1l. "given the ringers by Dr. Sheafe, when the newes was brought that the deane was to be bishop"; 2l. to Lieut.-Col. Roberts in distress; 2s. to two poor cripples wounded in the Dutch wars; 1s. to four poor French seamen; 1l. to the poor vicar of Ashill.

1670–1671.

1671, April 7.mdash;Lease to Edward Bisse of Wells, gent., for three lives, of the rectory and parsonage of the parish and parish church of St. Cuthbert and the barn called Cannon Barne and two courts and yards adjoining, and all tithes of corn, grain, hay, mills, etc., and all other profits of the rectory and parsonage; except and reserved all courts, etc., fines, reliefs, etc., and the prison and the house used for the same, and the pound adjoining the barn, and the use of the barn for keeping courts, as heretofore used, and the advowson of the vicarage; rent 40l.; lessee to repair the chancel of St. Cuthbert's Church.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 628.]

Accounts of William Peirs, S.T.P., the Communar, 1670–71.

Payments: 10l. to John Pottinger, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Browne, keeper of the organs.

Communar's Cash Book, 1670–71.

Payments : 2s. 6d. to the ringers for trial of the new bells, Feb. 2, 1670–1; 1s. to the bellfounder; 7l. 0s. 6d. to John Mosse for repairs to the Choristers' House; 2s. to two poor seamen lately prisoners in "Argiers"; 5l. 11s. 2d., Mr. Mosse's bill for the schoolhouse; 10s. to the ringers when the judges came to Wells, Sept. 9; 2l. 15s. for books of public prayers.

1671–1672.

1671–2, Jan. 13.mdash;Lease to Francis, Lord Hawley, of Buckland Sororum, co. Somerset, for 21 years, of the fishing, fowling and hunting within the hundred of North-Curry, etc.; rent 16s.

Lease to him, for three lives, of Ham-mills and a newly erected mill; rent 4l. 5s.mdash;[Ledger G, pp. 679, 681.]

Accounts of the Master of the Fabric, 1671–72.

Receipts : Burials of Mary Davidge, mdash; Clarke, vicar-choral, and mdash; Marsh, widow, 13s. 4d. each and 3s. 4d. for the bell.

Payments : 213l. 1s. 1d. for work and repairs.

1673–1674.

Accounts of Grindall Sheafe, the Communar, 1673–74.

Payments: 10l. to Charles Thirlby, the schoolmaster; 8l. 13s. to Mr. Browne and Mr. Jackson, keepers of the organs.

1674–1675.

1674–5, Jan. 19.mdash;Lease to Sir William Portman of Orchard, knight and bart., for three lives, of the capital messuage or mansion house of Northcurry, etc.; rent 48l. 19s. 10d.mdash;[Ledger G, p. 632.]

Accounts of Grindall Sheafe, S.T.P., the Communar, 1674–75.

Payments: 10l. to Charles Thirlby, the schoolmaster; 38l. 3s. 4d. to Mr. Jackson, the organist.

Communar's Cash Book, 1674–75.

Payments : 10l. to Charles Thirlby, the schoolmaster; 45l. 6s. to John Jackson, the organist; 1l. duobus perigrinis, patri scilicet et filio, Christianis e Chaldœa, si fide digni sunt; 5s. to Barry, M.D., qui naufragium fecit; 3l. 10s. 6d. for six books of common prayer.

1675–1676. Accounts of Robert Creighton, the Communar, 1675–76.

Payments : 10l. to Charles Thirlby, the schoolmaster; 31l. 11s. 8d. to Mr. John Jackson, the organist; 2l. to Mr. Jackson for music books.

Communar's Cash Book, 1675–1676.

Payments : 11l. 14s. to Mary Browne, widow of John Browne, the late organist, as a gift, and 2l. 10s. for the rent of her house; 10l. to the town of Northampton, which was burnt; 2l. to Mr. Jackson, the organist, for music books.

Accounts of Robert Creighton, Keeper of the Fabric, 1675–1676.

Receipts : Burial of mdash; Carlile, 1l. 10s.

Payments : 1l. 12s. 6d. to John Boord for mending the clock; 2s. for repairing the channel [canalis] vulgo le Leadbourn.

1676–1677. Accounts of Robert Creighton, Keeper of the Fabric, 1676–77.

Receipts : 1l. 10s. each for the burials of a son of Mr. Baily, the chancellor, and a son of Mr. Daues [?], and 16s. 8d. each for a son of Mr. John Day and a son of Mr. Nicholas Niblett.

Payments : 12s. to the ringers on the wedding of the Prince of Orange, Nov. 3, 1677.

1677–1678. Communar's Cash Book; Robert Creighton, the Communar, 1677–78.

Payments : 1l. for the redemption of captives in Crete under Turkish rule; 1l. for the repair of the suburbs of London called Southwork, destroyed by fire; 5l. to Mr. Hall, late organist, for two months not allowed in the accounts for 1674.

Accounts of Robert Creyghton, Keeper of the Fabric, 1677–78.

Receipts : 16s. 8d. each for the burials of Mrs. Davidge, Mr. Thomas Morgan and Mr. John Day's son.

Payments : 6d. for the carriage of a catalogue of books, lately edited [nuper editi], directed to the dean and chapter.

1678–1679. Accounts of Dr. Thomas Holt, the Communar, 1678–79.

Payments : 10l. to Charles Thirlby, clerk, the schoolmaster; 10l. to John Jackson, organist, for his stipend, and 23l. in augmentation; 20l. to John Jackson, master of the choristers.

Communar's Cash Book, 1678–79.

Payments : 10l. to Mr. Charles Thirlby, the schoolmaster; 41l. to Mr. John Jackson, the organist; 10s. "to a Gretian"; 2l. paid by the dean towards the redemption of Captain Witheridge; 2s. "to a man robd at Stonnage"; 1l. to a poor man of Shapwick whose house was burnt; 1s. to a wounded soldier of Tangier; 2s. to a poor scholar of Cambridge; 8s., Oct. 24, 1679, "for 8 fire hearthes in the cloyster and schoole" [crossed out]; various payments to and for Charles Tudway, a chorister; an original bill, for making him a coat and breeches and supplying stockings and shoes, is inserted.

1679–1680. Communar's Cash Book; Dr. Thomas Holt, the Communar, 1679–80.

Payments : 5l. to Mr. Thirlby, the schoolmaster, for two quarters; 5l. to Henry Winchcombe, the schoolmaster, for two quarters; 1l. 10s. to the escheator for the pension of Mountroy College and 12s. for a house lately built in Mountroy Lane; 1l. to a Spanish "prosilite"; 1s. to a seaman taken by the Turks; 20l. to Mr. Harris, May 4; 10l. to him, Sept. 9; 20l. to him, Nov. 8; 10l. to him, Dec. 16.

1680–1681. Accounts of William Peirs, S.T.P., the Communar, 1680–81.

Payments : 10l. to Henry Winscombe, clerk, schoolmaster, 10l. to John Jackson, organist, and 22l. 18s. 7d. augmentation, and 20l. as master of the choristers; 10l. to Renatus Harris for repairing the organ.

Communar's Cash Book; William Peirs, S.T.P., Archdeacon of Taunton, the Communar, 1680–81.

Payments: 2s. to a poor Hamborough merchant, "ship-wrack'd"; 10l. to Mr. [Henry] Winchcombe, clerk, the schoolmaster; 10s. to the post for the loss of his horse; 8s. 10d. for viewing the chancel of Chedder; 3l. 7s. to Mr. Healy, a bill of law charges about the repair of Chedder church; 1l. 8s. 8d. to Mr. Healye for Mr. Deane by order of the chapter, for books which Mr. Deane bought for the library; 1680[-1], Jan. 1, 10l. to Mr. Harris for 102 pipes for the organ; 1681, April 13, 1l. to Mr. Jackson for his compositions of service, and 1l. more, a reward; 2l. to Mr. Healy for his diligence in the library.

Communar's Cash Book (another), 1680–81.

Payments : 1s. to Mr. Harris, his men to drink; 10s. to Mr. Jackson for repairs to the organ-loft; 7s. 6d. for mats for the church; 17s. for a rope for the chimes; 1s. 6d. for carriage of Mrs. Fane's books to Mr. Healy; 11s. 9d. to Mr. Healy for Mr. Sandys' Common Prayer book; 8l. to Mr. Rene Harris for a year's salary due at Michaelmas.

1681–1682.

1681, Oct. 1.mdash;Whereas a boate is lately built at the charge of the deane and chapter . . . and of Robert Pope, gent., to bee imployed towards the repairinge of the sea-walls att Burneham and Huntspill, These presents witnes that I, the said Robert Pope, have on the day of the date hereof, received of Dr. William Peirs, comener of the said church, the somme of fouer pounds, beinge two partes of three of the charge of the said boate; and I doe hereby promise that if at any time I doe let the said boate to hire to any person, I will answer unto the deane and chapter, and their successors, two partes of three of the profittes thereof. (Signed) Ro. Pope.mdash;[Communar's Book.]

1681–2, Jan. 4.mdash;I doe hereby promise to exchange six shillinges, viz. two half-crownes and one shillinge, which I have this day paid to Dr. Peirs, beinge bad money. (Signed) William Hilman.mdash;[Communar's Book.]

Accounts of William Peirs and Thomas Peers, executors of Dr. William Peirs, deceased, and Henry Dutton, Communars, 1681–82.

Receipts : 180l. from Mr. Bisse for renewing his estate in the rectory of St. Cuthbert's; 50l., Mr. Dodington's fine for renewing the rectory of Chedder; 700l. from Sir John Sidenham for renewing the rectory of Stogumber; 42l. from Mr. Charles Francis for renewing the manor of Winscombe; 2,400l. from Mr. John Palmer for the purchase of the rectory of Bishop's Lideard.

Communar's Cash Book; William Peirs, S.T.P., Communar, 1681–82.

Payments : 1s. 6d. to a Spaniard traveller, maimed; 18s. to Mr. Healy for two Common Prayer books, one for "our Ladye's Chappell," the other for Mr. Dutton; 20l. to Mr. Sandys towards the rebuilding of the vicarage house of Mudford; 5s. to John Wilshire when he brought Dr. Peirses [sic] gift of books to the library; May 29, 15s. to the ringers and 2s. for a boon-fire; Aug. 22, 10s. to the ringers for welcoming judges; 5l. 8s. for 675 of oaken boards; 25l. to James Thomas towards his bill for leading the church; 3l. 15s. 2d. paid him for glazing "the Ch. Audit and schoole house"; 8s. chimney money "for the schoole and cloysters"; 1s. for mending a lock and key of the grammar school; 1s. to a Turkish captive; 5s. to Mr. Prickman for gathering of calamint, at 2s. a pound; 6s. 9d. Thomas Fry's bill for making letters in Dr. Holt's seat in the choir; 50l. to James Thomas, "plummer"; 8l. to Mr. Rene Harris for cleansing and tuning the organ, being a year's salary due Michaelmas, signed Rene Harris; 2s. "to 18 seamen, taken by the Turkes, rescued by a French man of warr, and set a shore at Leverpool;" 1l. 12s. for 64 foot of oak timber, 6in. square; 20l. to Mr. Healy towards the library, given by Dr. Busby; 16l. 17s. 3d. for 1,775 foot of oaken boards; 10l. 19s. to James Thomas, "plummer"; 1l. 10s. to Mr. Healy for a great ledger book; 6s. for a chapter book.

Accounts of the Executors of Dr. William Peirs, deceased, and Henry Dutton, Masters of the Fabric, 1681–82.

Receipts : Burials; Thomas Canington 16s. 8d., Thomas Beamont 23s. 4d., Dr. Peirs 30s., Abraham Prickmangen 13s. 4d., Joseph son of John Day 16s. 8d.

Payments : 8l. to Renatus Harris, his stipend for repairing the organs.

1682–1683.

1683, April 1.mdash;Present, Thomas Holt, S.T.P., chancellor, John Selleck, S.T.P., archdeacon of Bath, and Robert Creyghton, S.T.P., precentor; Richard Healy, M.A., notary public, deputy chapter-clerk. (fn. 7) mdash;ƒo. 1.

1683, April 2.mdash;Present, the above and Edwin Sandys, M.A., and Henry Dutton, S.T.B., two other canons resident.

Richard Collins, B.A., admitted a vicar-choral for his year of probation.mdash;ƒo. 1d.

1683, April 5.mdash;All future leases shall contain a covenant by the lessee to pay all taxes and rates except such as are imposed by act of parliament.mdash;ƒo. 2d.

1683, April 12.mdash;Ordered that a letter, dated this day, from Peter, bishop of Bath and Wells, (fn. 8) be entered into the legier book.mdash;ƒo. 3.

1683, April 12.mdash;Bishop Mews to the chapter. Wells.

My reverend brethren,

Having received the copy of a letter presented to you at your last meeting by Mr. Wm. and Mr. Tho. Peirce, in which they do (as they ought) professe a very great deference to your body, but at the same time make a very unbecoming reflexion (if I may be allow'd to say so) upon mee, in relation to Mr. Sandys's title to the canonry of this church, of the legality of whose investiture into which they might (had they vouchsaf'd to apply themselves to mee) bin fully satisfy'd; I cannot but think myselfe obliged as well for your satisfaction (if any doubt should remayn with you) as for the confirmation of Mr. Sandys his right, and my own vindication, to declare, and I do by these presents declare that their suggestion is scandalously false: Mr. Sandys having duely perform'd all which the law requires to be done before mee, as may appeare by my certificate under my hand and seale.

I should add much more, did not religion and charity command my passion, and you should have had this under a fairer character, but that I did not think it so proper to deliver my thoughts to you under any other hand but my own, which will allwayes subscribe mee

Your affectionate, though, at present, affronted,
brother,
P. Bath & Wells.

[Ledger, 1681–1701, p. 26.]

1683, April 13.mdash;The chapter to the bishop. Chapter House, Wells.

Wee received your lordship's letter of the 12th of this instant, and have made an act for the recording of it, and accordingly so it is done; and wee shall be ready to give your lordship all other satisfaction, as in duty wee are bound. Wee are sorry that anything should come to us that might be in the least measure troublesome to your lordship, no chapter in the world being more tender of the honour of their bishop, nor more ready to expresse their obedience then wee are and shall ever study to be to the utmost of our power. Wee were not able to foresee or prevent the heats and imprudencies of youth, and are troubled that they should be guilty of anything looking like an affront, especially towards your lordship. Wee have not been so far concerned in the difference between our bro. Sandys and Mr. Peirces as to question the legality of his election, but wee are concern'd that there should be any reflexion upon your lordship, especially such a one as carries scandall with it. Wee shall endeavour, as much as lies in us, to heale up the wounds and close the breaches between them, and wee humbly beg your lordship's helping hand to make an effectuall composure, and your lordship's blessing upon,
Right Reverend,
Your lordship's most dutifull and obedient,
Tho: Holt.
J. Selleck.
Rob: Creyghton.
Hen: Dutton.

[Ledger, 1681–1701, p. 27.]

1683, April 20.mdash;William Westley, notary public, clerk of the chapter.mdash;ƒo. 4.

1683, April 28.mdash;Ordered "that there shall be a declaration drawn up, to be propos'd to the full chapter and confirm'd by them the first of July next, to set forth that the dean and chapter have an undoubted right to a Pentecostall visitacion of the prebendaries of this cathedrall church and the liberties thereof yearly, by the constitutions, statutes and customes of this church."mdash;ƒo. 4d.

1683, May 15.mdash;A caveat addressed to the dean and chapter, not to pay any fine, dividend or quotidian to the rev. Edwin Sandys, a reputed canon, until he prove that he has been duly and truly elected; interposed by William and Thomas Peirs, sons and executors of the will of William Peirs, D.D., whilst he lived one of the canons. [Cancelled.]mdash;ƒo. 5.

Memorandum that the 1st of August, 1683, Mr. dean and the canons residentiary, Dr. Holt, Dr. Creyghton and Mr. Dutton, being met in chapter, did decree that the above written caveat was surreptitiously entred by Mr. Westley, the chapter clerk, without their order or privity, and did decree the same to be voyd and null.

1683, Aug. 1.mdash;Ralph Bathurst, M.D., the dean, was present.mdash;ƒo. 8.

The dean produced a letter from the king:mdash;
Charles R.

Trusty and welbeloved, We greet you well. Having seen a capitular act made by you, the deane and chapter of our cathedrall church of Wells, containing certaine regulations how the canons residentiaries of that our church are to make their residences there throughout the yeare, that the same may be done in such manner as may best conduce to the service of God, the honour of that church and the convenience of the members thereof; which capitular act is in the words following:mdash;

Cum in Canone 44to cautum et provisum sit quod ecclesiarum cathedralium canonici ita semper residentiœ tempora per totius anni curriculum inter se distribuant, ut ecclesia sua residentiariis, saltem aliquibus, nunquam penitus destituatur: Cumque nuperis temporibus, summa disciplinœ. ecclesiasticœ incuria, evenerit ut omnes canonici inter primores menses ad residentiam suam una convolaverint, reliquo anni tempore neglecto nimium atque insuper habito; eo scilicet fine ut residentiœ suœ termino per id tempus qualitercumque adimplto totius anni sequentis commoda et emollita salva sibi prœstent atque integra; nos, ut sanctionis tam laudabilis authoritas vindicetur, atque honori et commodo ecclesiœ hujus melius in posterum consulatur, sic statuimus et decernimus.
1°.mdash;Quod ineunte anno, scilicet, intra octavas festi sancti Michaœlis, decanus et canonici in capitulo congregati tempus residentiœ suœ per annum sequentem ita ordinent et disponant, ut bini saltem, per singulos anni quadrantes, continuo residere teneantur.
2°.mdash;Quod integrum sit cuilibet canonico, juxta ordinem dignitatis quam in ecclesia obtinet, designare quo sequentis anni quadrante vices suas obire maluerit.
3°.mdash;Illis autem canonicis, quibus quadrimestris residentiœ officium incumbit, liberum esto, quartum, qui superest, mensem, quocunque anni tempore, sive continue, sive interpolatim, ecclesiœ impendere.
4°.mdash;Ne tamen prœsens hoc statutum iis, quibus posteriores sortes obligerint, fraudi sit, insuper decretum esto, quod omnia stipendia, dividenda, obvenciones, aliaque cujuscunque generis commoda et emolumenta, non solum iis debeantur et solvantur qui intra primum anni quadrantem residentiam suam actu compleverint, sed iis etiam qui complere parati sunt, licet ipsos sors sua in posteriores menses detruserit, ita ut residentiam actualem finere aut vero inchoare, nondum potuerint.
5°.mdash;Singuli autem canonici, et prœcipue decanus ipse, quotiescunque residentiœ suœ vices obierint, pauperibus sublevandis, hospitibusque honestiori modo excipiendis operam dabant; imprimis vero sedulo jurabunt ut preces publicœ rite et canonice celebrentur et frequententur prœsertim ab iis, quorum maxime interest, vicariis scilicet et choristis, neque ipsi tamen divinis officiis temere se subducent, nisi negotiis importantis (?) aut causa sontica, aliave urgentissima et gravissima impediti.

Actum capitulare decani et capituli ecclesiœ cathedralis Wellensis decretum et inactitatum, 17° die Octobris. anno domini 1670.
Rad: Bathurst, decanus.
Guliel: Peirs, archidiaconus Taunton'.
Tho: Holt, cancellarius.
Gr: Sheafe, archidiaconus Wellen'.

We do approve the said capitular act, and do by these presents confirme and ratifie the same in every part and article thereof, requiring that the rules therein declared be constantly and punctually observed yearly and every yeare by the deane and canons residentiaryes of that our church that now are and hereafter shall be; as likewise that those, whose lot for making their residences shall fall into the latter part of the yeare (they being willing and ready to do the same, as in the 4th article is expressed) shall have and receive all their stipends, dividends, obventions, and other benefits and emoluments of what kind soever, although they have not actually finished their residences or, it may be, not begun them.

Given under our signet and signe manuall at our palace of Hampton Court, the tenth day of May, 1683, in the five and thirtieth yeare of our reigne.

By his majestie's command.
L. Jenkins.

1683, Aug. 1.mdash;The caveat entered in this book, May 15, 1683, under the hand of William Westley, the chapter clerk, against the title and interest of Mr. Sandys, canon residentiary, is declared null and void, and the election of Mr. Sandys good and lawful.mdash;ƒo. 10.

On the nomination of Richard Busby, S.T.P., the treasurer, John Peace is elected clerk of the cathedral, in place of Thomas Sandford, deceased.mdash;ƒo. 10d.

1683, Aug. 2.mdash;Richard Thomas of Wells, woollen-draper, surrendered an indenture of an inn in Chamberlaine Street, called "The King's Arms," granted to Adrian Bower, gent., and took another lease for three lives.mdash;ƒo. 11.

Accounts of Henry Dutton, the Communar, 1682–83.

Receipts : 2l. 6s. from Mr. Aylworth, pension from the College of Mountroy.

Payments : 2s. to 18 seamen rescued from the Turks; 1s. to a poor shipwrecked Genoese; 5s. towards redemption of captives; 1s. to a poor Italian; 1s. to a poor Swede; 2s. to 4 shinwrecked Spaniards; 8s. to a poor [woman] "to redeeme her sonne from Argiers"; Mr. Winchcombe, the schoolmaster; Mr. John Jackson, the organist; 10s. for a great leiger book, 6s. 8d. for a chapter book, 1s. for the carriage of them from Oxford; 1l. on a brief for Wapping; 17s. 6d. for two halberts; 1l. towards the losses by fire at Newmarket.

Accounts of Henry Dutton, Master of the Fabric, 1682–83.

Receipts : Burials, John Greene's wife, 13s. 4d.; Mary Kingston, servant to Dr. Selleck, 5s. 4d.; John Hussey, servant to the bishop, 5s. 4d.; Mr. Lemon's son, 16s. 8d.; mdash; Morgan, widow, 16s. 8d.

1683–1684.

1683, Oct. 1.mdash;Joseph Shallett, M.A., produced royal letters under the privy seal, directed to the dean and chapter, recommending his election as a canon residentiary on the first vacancy occurring after those who have already obtained royal letters shall have been elected. Dated at Winchester, Sept. 4, 1683. Signed, L. Jenkins.mdash;ƒo. 13d.

1683, Oct. 3.mdash;The pew or seat on the north side of the church, above the pulpit, where Mrs. Morgan, deceased, usually sat, is granted (during the pleasure of the chapter) to Dr. Baylie, the chancellor of the diocese, for his lady to sit in.mdash;ƒo. 15.

1683, Oct. 4.mdash;The dean is allowed two months in complement of his residence, "in consideration of his being one of his majestie's chaplaines in ordinary and so being obliged to wait a whole month yearly upon his majesty, and in consideration of his journies in relation to that duty and of his being liable every yeare to preach a sermon before his majestie in Lent."mdash;ƒo. 15d.

1683, Oct. 26.mdash;Ordered "that the clerk of the courts do search the court-rolls, whether the occupiers of the tenement called `Crouch' in the mannor of Whitchurch Canonicorum be not obliged to entertain the steward of the dean and chapter and other the church officers at their keeping courts; and if the said occupiers be obliged, they decree that prosecution shall be speedily against them for default in that particular."mdash;ƒo. 16.

1683, Oct. 27.mdash;Ordered "to prosecute the tenants who are indebted to the church for Martins Wheate, due to the said deane and chapter."mdash;ƒo. 16d.

1683, Nov. 14.mdash;Edwin Sandys, M.A., installed in the prebend of Hewish and Brent and in the archdeaconry of Wells, on the death of Charles Thirlby, M.A., pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 17d.

The vicarage of St. Cuthbert's, Wells, being vacant by the death of Mr. Thirlby, and the nomination belonging to Mr. Sandys "per sortes, vulgo balls," he relinquished his right. The chapter presented Henry Winchecombe, clerk, M.A., a vicar-choral, prebendary and schoolmaster of the cathedral church.mdash;ƒo. 19.

Richard Oliver, S.T.B., Fellow of St. John the Baptist's College, Oxford, installed in the prebend of Wanstrow, on the resignation of Edwin Sandys, pursuant to mandate of the bishop.mdash;ƒo. 19d.

1683, Dec. 6.mdash;In the audit-house [in domo auditoriali]. (fn. 9) William Peirs, S.T.P., late archdeacon of Taunton and canon residentiary, having left 50l. to the dean and chapter, ordered that it be placed in the hands of the comminar to relieve the burdens of the church.mdash;ƒo. 21.

1683, Dec. 7.mdash;Thomas Davis appointed clerk of the church, on the death of William Thomas.mdash;ƒo. 21d.

1683, Dec. 12.mdash;Dr. Creyghton and Mr. Dutton, supervisors of the houses for this year, report "that there is one little thatcht house belonging to the deanary of Wells, built and set up, as they believe, by Dr. Burgesse, in the late unhappy times, upon the north wall of the said deanary by the lane commonly called `College Lane.'" They advise that it be taken down. Ordered accordingly.mdash;ƒo. 22.

1683, Dec. 17.mdash;30l. of Dr. Busby's money is still remaining. Ordered that 4l. be paid to the widow of Mr. Thomas Beaumont, a priest-vicar of this church, lately deceased, and 5l. to Dr. Creyghton for certain pious and charitable uses as to which the chapter has given him directions.mdash;ƒo. 23.

1683, Dec. 20.mdash;The tenants of the twelve houses commonly called `New-works' having appeared yesterday in chapter, and some of them having complained that the great pipe, which brings the water to the twelve houses, is out of repair, all the said tenants (who are lessees of the dean and chapter) are warned that if they fail to pay their proportions, as they are obliged by their leases, they will be sued for breach of covenant.mdash;ƒo. 24.

1683–4, Jan. 2.mdash;The chapter met in the chapter-house and adjourned to the audit-house or exchequer.mdash;ƒo. 25.

1683–4, Jan. 5.mdash;In the chapter-house, the bishop being also present, Gabriel Greene and John Cooper, vicars-choral, appeared and confessedmdash;"that they had offended God Almighty, and broken the king's lawes, by affronting Mr. William Peirs, son of the reverend Dr. William Peirs, late canon residentiary of this church, deceased, and riotously assaulting his man in his roome at the Miter Tavern, within the citty of Wells; and therefore they do ask Almighty God, the king's majestie, and the said Mr. Peirs forgivenesse for the same." They are warned to behave themselves, and, in sign of penitance, to receive the Sacrament in the cathedral on the morrow.mdash;ƒo. 26.

1683–4, Jan. 10.mdash;Sealed letters dispensatory of the bishop, giving Mr. Sandys leave to pull down the canonical house on the west side of the palace, and to build a new house, fit for a canon residentiary, on different foundations.mdash;ƒo. 27d.

Unanimously ratified and confirmed a capitular act, made October 29, 1632, that no prebendary or priest-vicar presume to violate the statutes of this church and ecclesiastical canons, by celebrating or solemnising matrimony in the cathedral by virtue of any licence from the bishop or any other person whatsoever not having jurisdiction within the cathedral.mdash;ƒo. 28.

1684, April 2.mdash;Richard Collins, B.A., admitted a perpetual priest-vicar-choral.mdash;ƒo. 29d.

1684, May 6.mdash;Ordered "that pursuant to an act of chapter of the 20th of December last past, touching the great pipe which brings the water to the twelve houses commonly called `the New-works,' Mr. William Westley shall pay the workmen for the repaire of the said great pipe till it comes to the first of the twelve houses, and that the chapter will reimburse him for the same, hee first allowing his own proportions due from him upon the covenants in his leases."mdash;ƒo. 31d.

1684, May 7.mdash;Sealed the answer of the dean and chapter to a bill in chancery ex parte Edward Strode, esq.mdash;ƒo. 32.

"Since all the indulgence of the throne and all the mildnesse of the church cannot oblige the dissenters of this kingdome to their duty, but that they still foment designs to lay them both in one common ruine; and since it is unequall that those persons should enjoy the lands of the church and the blessings of that tenure, who despise her lawes and professe themselves her enemies"mdash;it is therefore orderedmdash;"that for the future no persons whatsoever who hold any estate from the dean and chapter of this cathedrall church, either by lease or copy, shall be admitted to renew or purchase any further interest in any such estate, unlesse a certificate be first brought to the chapter, under the hand of the minister of their parish, that they doe live in obedience to his majestie's lawes, and that they have received the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Supper within a yeare next before their admission to make any such purchase, or that the chapter by some other way be ascertained of such conformity of the purchasers."
Tho: Holt.
J. Selleck.
Rob: Creyghton.
Edwin Sandys.
Hen: Dutton.
mdash;ƒo. 32d.

1684, July 2.mdash;Henry Dutton the younger, M.A., appointed vicar of Pucklechurch, co. Gloucester, on the death of John Knowles; nominated by Dr. Creyghton, to whom it fell on the last casting of lots.mdash;ƒo. 34d.

Henry Dutton, S.T.B., appointed steward for two years.mdash;ƒo. 35.

1684, Aug. 7.mdash;Henry Dutton the younger, M.A., installed in the prebend of Combe VI, on the death of John Knowles; and William Durston, M.A., in the prebend of Scamford alias Shalford, on the resignation of [Thomas] Cartwright, S.T.P.mdash;ƒo. 37.

1684, Aug. 12.mdash;Walter Hart, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford, installed in the prebend of Aishill, on the resignation of Thomas Lessey, M.A.mdash;ƒo. 39d.

Cash Book of Henry Dutton, S.T.B., the Communar, 1683–84.

Payments : 4s. "to Bpp Potter's grandson"; 4s. 6d. for 6 sacks of coal used about the "sodringe worke"; 6d. to Mr. Healy for the oathes of allegiance and supremacy, to lie in the chapter house; 10s. to the ringers at the bringing in of the new charter; 1s. to three Barbados men, planters, wrecked at sea; 10s. to Mr. Sandys his workmen, at the laying of the foundation of his house; 5s. to a distressed Switzer; 5s. for a brief to Channel Row, Westminster; 1s. to a poor scholar that spoke Latin; 3s. to a troop of Barbadoes merchants; 2s. 6d. to a poor Staffordshire minister; 5s. to Jonas Wilcox for mending the bellows of the organ, "whether this must be payd by Mr. Harris I know not"; 2l. 10s. to my Lord Fitzhardinge for one quarterly pension to the French minister; 10l. to Robert Bayly for mending the clock, according to the bargain made with him; 1l. 9s. 6d. to John Prickman for gathering calamint in Winscombe; 1l. 5s. to Mr. Thomas Peirs for a Bible; 8l. 17s. 11d. for repairs to the choristers' house.

Accounts of Henry Dutton, S.T.B., Keeper of the Fabric, 1683–84.

Receipts : 4l. 13s. 8d. for burials, viz.: Dame Frances Creyghton, 30s.; Elizabeth Deane, 30s.; Mistress Trencher, 16s. 8d.; Mr. Westley's son, 16s. 8d.

Payments : 52l. 10s. 2d. to workmen for repairs; 8l. to Renatus Harris, the repairer of the organs, for his stipend this year.

1684–1685.

1684, Oct. 1.mdash;Mr. Henry Dutton, canon residentiary, appointed official of the dean and chapter within their peculiar jurisdictions.mdash;ƒo. 42.

mdash; Traunt, one of the tenants in New-works, is ordered to take down within a month the stable which he has built in his garden there, contrary to the covenant in his lease.mdash;ƒo. 42d.

Persons who have erected new cottages on the wastes of the manors of North Curry, Wrantage, East Curry and Knap-fee are to be "prosecuted at law."

1684, Oct. 6.mdash;Ordered "that for the future all monies to be given to any briefs or any other public uses by any members of the chapter shall be paid by the commoner for the time being out of the publick stock, the quotum to be ordered by the canons then upon the place, and not any monies to be required of any particular member of the chapter."mdash;ƒo. 44.

Ordered "that the said Mr. Edwin Sandys in compensation of his charges of the last audit-feast, made in the first yeare of his stewardship, instead of the herriots lately granted, or reversions, shall have to his own use, or to his executors or administrators, the next fine which shall be made from that copyhold estate in the mannor of Winscombe which is now in the possession of Susan Stokes, widdow," etc.

In future every steward shall receive 20l. yearly, "which summe, with the acceptavit fees, usually received by the steward, and 40s. for the second audit, shall be his full satisfaction and compensation for the entertainments which hee shall make at the audits, without expectation of any herriots or reversions."

1684, Oct. 8.mdash;"Mr. Sandys shall have and receive and cut down the tree in the churchyard, next to the whirlygog leading to the deanary, towards the building of his canonicall house."mdash;ƒo. 45.

1684, Oct. 23.mdash;In the exchequer. Ordered "that Mr. Christopher Broome, atturney at law, be desired to take care of prosecuting those persons at North Curry, and in the mannors adjoyning, belonging to the dean and chapter, who have erected cottages there without the leave of the chapter."mdash;ƒo. 46.

Ordered "that 50li., part of the 100li. which Dr. Busby lately gave to the library, shall be lent to the Revnd Mr. Sandys, upon bond, for half a yeare, to be employed upon his house which hee is now building, he giving his personall security to repay it."