The Home Counties
Magazine Volumes One to Fourteen
Some East Kent
Parish History by Peter de Sandwich
The following extracts from the Visitations
of the Archdeacon of Canterbury, which I propose to give the readers of this
magazine, will be read with interest, from the light which they throw on life
in rural Kentish parishes, some two or three hundred years ago. The original
returns are in the Cathedral library at
Contents
FOLKESTONE. (Now in Elham Deanery.)
HAWKINGE. (Now in Elham Deanery.)
XIX.-GOODNESTON, next Faversham.
XXXVI.—DOVER:
ST. MARY THE VIRGIN.
XXXVIII.—ST. MARY THE VIRGIN PARISH.
XXXXV.—ST. MARGARET'S AT CLIFFE.
This parish is a few miles east of Canterbury, and is first mentioned as Wickham in the year 948, when a grant of "six 'mansas' (hides), which the people of Kent call six 'sulings' (or ploughs worth), was made by King Eadred to a religious woman named Ælfwynne." The second part of the name Breux, or Bruse, is from the Breuse or Braose family who were the owners of the Manor from about 1218 to 1325.
1569. That
Mr. Robert Foemell, of our parish, hath pulled down by his own private
authority, an old chapel called Hooke chapel, late standing in the same parish,
and kept the chapel churchyard forcibly from the parson there, contrary to his
ancient rights and interest. [The site
of this chapel is at the present day unknown, but the chapel is mentioned in
the year 1511, when Archbishop William Warham, on
1578. John Loftie, of our said parish, for that he hath not received the Holy Communion this Easter twelve-month, or received by our minister; for that he wished not, nor is willing to have the same.
1581. The churchyard is not fenced as it should be.
1585. We present our parson for that he hath felled, or caused to be felled, certain trees growing in the churchyard of Wickhambreux aforesaid, giving offence to the parishioners.
John Smythe (rector 1560-1602), said he felled two trees and employed them on the repairs of the church.
1. We present Thomas Beake for that he hath, and doth seize and retain a piece of land belonging to our church, being within the said parish, contrary to all right and equity; and hath contrary to the consent of the most part of the parishioners of our parish, upon the same made fire and waste.
2. Thomas Beake being chosen sidesman by our parish according to custom, refuses to take the same upon him.
3. Thomas Beake absented himself from church about a quarter of a year ago upon Sundays and Holy Days, when our Mr. Carter had openly in the pulpit in the forenoon, published, and had also given notice to all the parishioners, to resort to the church in the afternoon to hear a sermon, he the said Beake contemptuously to the offence of the good of such well disposed persons without any lawful cause, in contempt as we think of the preacher and his doctrines, absented himself from church.
1586. They have no box or chest for the poor, neither any other for the keeping of their register book.
1588. We have no Communion cup.
1603. We present John Haringford, of our parish, for refusing to pay his part of a cess made for the reparation of our church.
1605. Thomas Beake doth withhold certain church lands from the churchwardens, which had been a legacy given to our church by will; and his father, and after his death, his mother, and after her decease, himself hath paid rent always for it, but now doth deny it.
1605. July 22 (a second presentment). Thomas Beake hath in his possession land belonging to the church of Wickhambreux aforesaid, for the yearly rent of which land, or otherwise out of the said land, the occupiers thereof, the predecessors of the said Thomas Beake, being his grandfather, his father, and his mother, occupiers of the said land, have paid yearly to the churchwardens of the parish of Wickhambreux for the time being, for and by the space of these forty years past and upwards, until such time as he the said Thomas Beake came into the possession of the said land the sum of £12. 6s. lawful English money, or otherwise did allow for the same to the churchwardens of Wickhambreux.
1607. Our second bell is cracked, but we will have it shortly moulded.
1608. We whose names are under-written, do present unto your worship, Margery Loftie, wife of John Loftie, and Clemence Taylor, wife of Robert Taylor, both of Wickhambreux, for that they have at diverse times, within this quarter of the year, chidden, brawled, railed, and fought one with the other openly, and although they have been reproved for it by the minister, yet they will not forbear, but live very uncharitably and unchristianly, to the offence of all their neighbours.
1615. We have no carpet for the communion table.
We have not a convenient seat in our church for our minister to read from.
We have a communion cup and a cover to it, of silver, but the same is not a fair communion cup.
We have not a strong chest for alms for the poor, which hath locks and keys.
Our church is not well repaired, and our belfry-roof unslated, by our churchwardens default, and our churchyard is not well fenced in.
1619. In
the parish church of Wickhambreux, the great bell being broken, the
churchwardens and other parishioners have without any lawful authority, caused
two small or little bells to be made thereof, and appropriated a yard residue
of metal of the broken bell to their own proper use, contrary to the law and
authority. [They were eventually ordered to make the four bells, then in the
1627. We do present Henry Fostall and Alice his wife, both of our parish, for that there is a common fame within the said parish, that they are very contentious and uncharitable persons, and sowers of discord between their neighbours. Also they offend their neighbours by their profane swearing, and the same in within our parish.
1628. William Field, of our
parish, for being
absent from church upon Easter
Day last past, being
Robert Marshall, for a common drunkard or drunken person, who by reason of his said drunkenness offends most of the well-disposed parishioners.
1631. We present upon a common fame the wife of Richard Terry, and the wife of Sampson Espe, for common talkers in the time of divine service, and for disturbing the other parishioners of Wickhambreux in the time of divine service.
1636. To our knowledge, all have received the Communion this last Easter in our parish, that are of sufficient age, except John Uffington and his wife Margery, but for what cause we know not, whom we now present for not receiving the Communion last Easter according to the articles. [The result of this was that they abused their Rector as the presentment of the following year shows].
1637. John Uffington and his wife Margery, for uttering and using many opprobrious and scandalous words against Mr.John Smith, parson of our said parish [rector 1602-43], in calling him a liar, and saying he was a slanderer of his neighbours, and that he did write lying letters against them, and that the said Mr. Smith did cause his neighbours to forswear themselves about his lies. Furthermore, the said John Uffington and his wife affirmed that the said Mr. Smith, our parson, was an oppressor of his neighbours, taking away their goods wrongfully, and used other railing and 'abusening passages' against the said Mr. Smith, to the great disgrace and disparagement of the said Mr. Smith and his ministerial function, as the common fame is, in our parish.
1638. Elizabeth, wife of Sampson Espe, clerk of the parish, upon a common fame, that she is regarded to be a contentious person and a sower of discord amongst her neighbours, and a slanderer of her neighbours.
This parish is between three and four miles
east of Canterbury, and the place is first mentioned in the year 696, when
Withred, King of Kent (694-725) granted "five ploughsworth of the land
that belongs to me at Littelbourne," to the Monastery of St. Augustine at
The following presentments were made at the Visitations of the Archdeacons of Canterbury.
1578. That
we had no quarterly sermons, for we had not a sermon in our parish
William Bowerman, for absence from his church most commonly upon the Sabbath days, and also for that he hath not received the Holy Communion these three last years past.
Thomas Hodgekin, for absence from church most Sundays and Holy Days. When he appeared in the Archdeacon's Court, he stated, "that he had been but three Sundays from his parish church, and those days he was at Wingham, where he heard a sermon preached."
John Hilles, for his continual absence from church, and also that he hath not received the Holy Communion, neither he nor his wife the last year. He stated "he mostly worked out of the parish, and goeth to the church where he worketh."
1579. Richard Cole, for abusing his tongue against honest men, when he is in company, or frequently in the alehouse, in his drink, with the blasphemers of godly holy men, to the great affront of his neighbours.
Dame Barber, widow of Richard Barber, for withholding from the parishioners payment for her husband's grave, being within the church. She appeared in the Archdeacon's Court, 8th December, 1579, and said "her husband was buried in the Church of Littlebourne, but not at her request, for the churchwardens expressly denied to her, to have him buried there, but that afterwards at the request, and upon letters to them sent by Sir John Hales, he was buried in the church, but not in the part of the Church, where she would have had him buried, neither did they demand anything of her for the breaking of the ground, nor at any time since, but a little time before this presentment."
Good wife Bate, for withholding certain duties belonging to the Church, which she should pay, twelve-pence by the year, for the six former years.
1585. Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Waller, hath not been at our parish church, above four times since Christmas last, to our knowledge.
Joan, wife of William Webb, hath not received the Holy Communion this last year past.
Thomas Hodgkin, for that his father was buried in our parish church, and hath not allowed us for the breaking up of the pavement.
1603. Christina, wife of William Mott, and Anne, the wife of William Hunter, for their uncharitableness, the one with the other.
1607. Our Minister [Roger Bristow, 1601-10] doth not wear the surplice, so often as is required in this article; but he hath a hood, being a Master of Arts. Neither doth he catechise the youth of our parish, so often as is required. He administered not the Communion but only at Easter-time, or at the most, but once after Easter.
[The Rubric at the end of the Catechism in 1552, required— "The Curate of every parish, or some other at his appointment, shall diligently upon Sundays and Holy Days, half-an-hour before evensong, openly in the church, instruct and examine so many children of his parish sent unto him, as the time will serve, and, as he shall think convenient in some part of this catechism. This was altered to the present rubric in 1662].
1608. The wife of James Miller, of Littlebourne, for not receiving the Holy Communion in our parish church this Easter last.
Richard Boykett doth very negligently resort to our parish church, and is very often absent from our church.
1609. We have not service on Wednesdays and Fridays, not being holy-days, so often as is required in this article.
Richard Boykett will not, nor hath not, received the Holy Communion, and doth not frequent his parish church as he ought.
1610. That our Vicarage House lacketh reparations, in the default of Mr. Bristow, our Vicar. Our Vicar is not resident now, or bestoweth anything to the poor of the parish, that we know of.
1615. We have no flaggon to put the wine in, whereby it may be set upon the Communion Table.
Our Vicar [Christopher Cage, 1610-17] reads divine service on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on the eves of the Sundays and holy-days.
1617. Elizabeth Weekes, the wife of Edward Weekes, of Littlebourne, for railing at, and cursing me the said Christopher Cage and my wife, wishing the Pope and the devil take me. She is a malicious and contentious person, amongst her neighbours, and especially for making discord between me the minister and my parishioners.
The churchwardens presented Mr. Cage, our Vicar that we have not had monthly on the Sundays a sermon, this last year as by the said article is set down. He also does not instruct the youth.
1620. The wife of John Whitehead, of Ickham, who coming to our church of Littlebourne, going into the pew of Afra, the wife of George Courthope of our said parish, to hear divine service, was by the said Afra thrust back, whereupon the wife of the said John Whitehead began to thrust into the pew with greater violence, at last they both fell together most shamefully to thrusting and rushing, pinching and pulling one another, at least a quarter-of-an-hour together, to the great offence of the parishioners there, and evil example to others, and to the hindrance of the minister there, that he could not begin prayers.
1629. We present Mr. Silas Hawker, our Vicar [1617-52], for that his vicarage-house wanteth repairing.
1637. The vicarage-house is in good repair, but as the fame is, there was formerly a barn to it, which is altogether dilapidated. The Vicar, when he appeared in the Archdeacon's Court, said that the said barn was begun about forty years since, by a former Vicar of Littlebourne, who was also Rector of the adjoining parish of Stodmarsh, and now there is no use for the said barn.
William Eames, for standing ex-communicate in St. James' Church at Dover, and receiving the Communion at Littlebourne on Good Friday last past. Eames explained that about four years ago, being imprisoned in London, he was excommunicated in Dover, which he never knew of till last Easter; coming down into the country and being altogether ignorant thereof, he did frequent the parish church of Littlebourne, and received the Holy Communion on last Good Friday, but would not have done so, if he had known, until absolved.
The churchyard is neither walled, railed, or paled, but hedged.
We present John Knott and his wife Katherine, for refusing to come to Divine Service.
1557? Thomas
Rutton presented for withholding of 28 cwt. of lead, more or less, and one kine
belonging to the
Mr. Warren
presented for withholding of eight acres of land from the said church, which
was given by one
Thomas Corkwell for withholding of a house from the said church, which was given by the said Aldred's widow towards the obit aforesaid. [The above occur in a volume of undated presentments made by commissioners, probably in the first year of the reign of Queen Mary. In 1557 Nicholas Harpesfield, Archdeacon of Canterbury (1554-9) visited all the churches in the diocese, even those exempt from the visitation of the Archdeacon. Perhaps the volume may be a part of that visitation].
1569. That their Bible is not of the largest volume.
That the Sacrament is ministered in fine manchet bread.
That there are goods pertaining to their church in the hands of one William Lothbery, Esq., of London, dwelling in Terns (sic) Street at the Gilten Cross, to the value of £20. and more, he then being churchwarden, and hath made no account for it. Mr. Lothbery is now at St. Stephen's.
That these persons have not received the Holy Communion Edmond Darnell and his wife, Peter Pattynson's wife, Edward Young. That their Vicar is parson of Ham. Peter Pattynson is a blasphemer and a railer. Edmond Darnell a drunkard and blasphemer. That their schoolmaster teacheth grammar by another work than is set forth by public authority.
1579. Our minister [Thomas Pawson] doth not wear a surplice.
1584. We have not a surplice.
1594. Thomas
Pawson, our minister, for very often omitting wearing of the surplice in
reading service and administering the
sacrament. [Thomas Pawson was vicar of
1597. The butchers of their parish do sell meat openly, and keep open their shops upon Sundays, and in time of divine service.
1608. Christopher Leggatt, miller, did by himself or his servant grind corn in his mill on the 11th September last, being a Sunday, in the time of divine service or sermon in the parish church of St. Mary, to the affront of well disposed persons.
Robert Smith and Robert Richards being butchers, do kill and sell flesh, and keep open their shop windows on Sundays and holy days in the time of divine service.
1609. Stephen
Huffam, clerk, of St. Mary's, Sandwich, for marrying William Hayward and his wife
on the ninth day of January, 1609, which was in the times prohibited, without
licence or dispensation. [Stephen Huffam (or Hougham) vicar of St. Mary's,
1600-24, was also vicar of St. Nicholas at Wade, in the
1614. Mr.
Openshaw and Mr. Cedred have preached. We have a font in the usual place. One
bell is broken and sent to
1615. We do every year walk the circuit of our parish, but in certain places anciently known to be ours, we are denied both the cess for our poor, and church dues, and therefore we do present them:—Thomas Deane, of St. Mary's, for his malt-house; Daniel Barnes for his malt-house; Nicholas James for his dwelling-house; and John Wilson for his dwelling-house.
1617. Elizabeth Carter, of the parish of St. Mary's, and Margaret Kennett, of St. Peter's (the daughter of John Kennett), for fighting in our church in time of divine service upon the Sabbath Day, the 21st day of September, 1617, as we stand informed by John Amye, our clerk, and William Hamden, one of the Serjeants of our town.
1624. Abraham Rutton, late of our parish, now of St. Peter's, for refusing to pay his cess to our poor, he being cessed at 2s. a year, and being behind for three quarters, before his departure out of our parish.
1625. Christopher Leggatt for refusing to pay his cess to the church for his mill, which is five shillings; and it hath been lawfully demanded of him.
1626. John Bowdon for not paying the sum of four shillings, he being lawfully cessed towards the use of the poor.
1632. Jane Barham, of St. Clement's parish in our said town, coming to our parish church, hath intruded into a pew, contrary to our advertisement, and thereby disturbed and kept out of the same pew some of our parishioners of good rank who used to sit therein; she being by some of us required to refrain and come out of the said pew, not only refused so to do, but likewise laughed in a jeering manner, as we conceived, in time of divine service, sermon, and administration of the sacrament, for which being in a few words reproved by Robert Dunkin, one of the churchwardens, she called him "Jack in an office," and such other unseemly words.
1636. We have the Book of Common Prayer, and the Bible of the largest volume, well and fairly bound.
1638. The churchwardens and sidesmen say that there is one Mr. Robert Jagger that refuseth to pay his cess made for the church and churchyard repairs, being one quarter's cess, the sum of six shillings.
And also one Katherine Goager, widow, that refuseth to pay her cess made for the reparations of the church and churchyard aforesaid, being one quarter's cess, the sum of eight shillings.
1639. Christopher Verrall, of St. Mary's parish, and John Markham, of St. Clement's, for quarrelling and fighting in the churchyard.
This was a chapel-of-ease attached to St. Mary's Church and under the control of the churchwardens of that parish. It was generally known as the chapel of St. Jacob, and had a burial ground, afterwards used as a cemetery for the parish of St. Mary. The chapel was served by a hermit, whose hermitage, at the south-west corner, was in the gift of the Mayor and Jurats of Sandwich. When suppressed in the reign of Edward VI., the last hermit, John Stewart, became vicar of St. Mary, until his death in 1564.
The book of undated presentments (1557?) first referred to under St. Mary's parish, contains the following:—
Thomas Burwell and Thomas Watson presented, for that when they were churchwardens of the said church, they sold all the ornaments.
Thomas Burwell
withholds two garden plots, with one little shed belonging to the said
John Broke, of
John Huggesson, withholds one vestment belonging to St. James' church.
VI.—
[Undated, probably 1557]. Thomas Pynnocke for that he hath not accounted for the goods of the Church, this two years.
Walter Shuttenden for that he hath not accounted for the church goods this two years.
Mr. Tyler for that he hath not accounted for the arrearage of the church goods for two years.
Thomas Cotton and Richard Orpen, churchwardens there, have not accounted for two years.
1569. That the Communion is ministered in fine white common bread. That the Chancel is somewhat uncovered, and the windows unglazed.
1577. That our churchyard is not well fenced and enclosed.
1579. That we want a surplice.
1590. The Church now by the last tempest wanteth reparations.
1594. Mr. George Joye, their minister, for omitting the wearing of the surplice in the time of divine service and administration of the sacrament.
Also Mr. Joye for removing a tombstone out
of the middle chancel; removing it to Elmsted without knowledge and consent. [The
Rev. George Joye, M.A., was rector of St. Peter's,
1602. Alexander Woodcock, of our parish, for that he living in our parish, and he having a child born in our parish, he caused the same to be christened in the parish of St. Mary, contrary to law.
1603. John Gates and George Parker for playing at “cailes” [Cailes is the Kentish name for skittles and ninepins.] in a victualling house in the time of divine service, in the morning of the seventh day of August, being the Sabbath Day.
Thomas Godfrey for
travelling into the
Also William Barber for carrying and selling fruit.
William Oveland for selling victuals and entertaining company in his house, in the time of divine service on the fourteenth day of August, being the Sabbath day.
1604. Thomas Morrice withholds £5. of money, and sixteen ewes, being part of the Stock belonging to the church and poor of the parish.
1605. George Wood for that he hath taken away a certain tombstone out of the churchyard which did lie over his father, and it was taken away five years ago, and although he hath promised to lay a better in place for it, yet hath laid none.
1607. We present Mr. Simons [vicar, 1600-16] for not repairing the chancel and parsonage house.
Isaak Goger for not keeping his fence repaired, next to the churchyard.
George Richard our clerk for teaching children, not being licenced.
1608. The
Vicar doth not repair his chancel and vicarage-house. [Peter Simon, M.A., was
vicar, 1600-16. In 1615 it was stated that the parsonage and vicarage had no
glebe land, more than a little garden, together with the backside and stable
adjoining thereto, belonging to the vicarage house, which paid three shillings
a year to St. Bartholomew's Hospital in
The late churchwardens, John Amye and William Griffin, for that they suffered the churchyard of St. Clement's to be digged by hogs, annoyed by dunghills, and in some places unfenced, and also suffered clothes to be washed in it and spread in it, to the great annoyance of the churchyard.
The said churchwardens have suffered one John Burfoot, an excommunicated person to be buried in the said churchyard. They have not repaired the windows of the Church with glass, so that it is annoyed with birds. They have suffered the north aisle in our church to be stopped up and straightened, by building of a seat or pew, to farm out the same, which both Mr. Archdeacon and Mr. Commissary being with our views gave commandment that it should be removed and amended, which as yet is not.
Adam Hayward, miller of St. Clement's in Sandwich, did permit his mill to go, and did by himself or his servant, grind corn in his mill, being within the parishes of St. Clement and St. Peter on the eleventh day of September, being the Sabbath day, in the time of divine service and sermon to the affront of well disposed persons.
Isaak Goger and Nicholas Joanes for not keeping their fence sufficiently repaired next to the churchyard, whereby the churchyard is annoyed very much.
Jane Moore, wife of John Moore, householder of St. Clement's parish, for disturbing the minister in the administration of the Holy Sacrament of Baptism, by violent taking away of the child, immediately upon the sprinkling, before the admission, and obstinately refused to bring it again.
Also Jane Moore refuses to kneel at prayer, and stand at the saying of the Creed according to the accustomed order and uniform practice of our congregation, whereof being gently admonished she with others of her faction, most impudently stand at prayer and kneel at profession [the Creed], giving out, as the report is, both this and the other disorder will be safely answered. These abuses were committed on the twenty-seventh day of November, 1608.
1615. Two houses encroach on the churchyard by making a door; the house of Widow Iden, and the house of Nicholas Jones do annoy the churchyard by passages and dung hills.
1617. Isaac Goger for refusing payment for six acres, being a piece of land called Larrupps, and four acres being late Mr. Symons, paying eleven pence per acre at a cess made the eight day of November 1616.
John Broker, alias Carley, for ten acres of land.
Richard Style, for twenty-nine acres of a piece of land, called Archer's Lowe.
We present William Richardson, gent., of the parish of St. Peter's in Sandwich, for a certain cess made by the consent of the parishioners of St. Clement in the town aforesaid, the twenty-third day of February, 1617, for three score and one acres of land which he occupieth in our parish of St. Clement, being therein cessed at four-pence the acre towards the reparation of our church, the making a new pulpit there, and also for other necessary and ordinary ornaments to the said church belonging.
1618. Thomas Fyle for denying to pay the duties belonging to our clerk, whose wages due from him are two shillings and eightpence.
Nicholas Castaker for two shillings being for certain land at fourpence the acre, cessed towards the reparation of the church aforesaid.
Mr. Edward Chilton, jurat, doth refuse to pay part of his cess, being cessed at twenty-six shillings, and he will pay twenty shillings, so that the sum due is six shillings.
1619. John
Pett, George Cornish, and Joseph Hatch, of
the parish of St. Clement in
William Smithley hath not paid his share of the clerk's wages for one half-year due at Michaelmas last, eight pence. And when fourpence for one quarter was demanded of him by the parish-clerk, he denied payment and reviled the parish-clerk, calling him knave and paltry begging fellow.
1621. That our churches of St. Clement's and St. Mary should for four months in every two years, each of them observes Wednesdays and Fridays prayers, and St. Peter's should observe them eight months in every year. Now for the other two churches we have not to answer; but for our own minister doth not observe them, and as for the Commination he hath never read it since he was our vicar. [The rubric then was "a Commination against sinners, with certain prayers, to be used divers times in the year." The service was " After Morning Prayer ended, the people being called together by the ringing of a bell, and assembled in the Church, the English litany shall be said after the accustomed manner; which ended, the Priest shall go into the pulpit and say thus"]
Our minister hath two benefices, and hath a sufficient curate at his other benefice, but hath none at our parish church, he being absent himself.
We present Mr. Francis Fotherby, our minister or vicar, for particularly and purposely impeaching a point of doctrine preached by Mr. Richard Marston, our late lecturer, in our church concerning drunkenness, wherein Mr. Fotherby, by comparison of a quart and pint pot, made such an apology for drunkenness, saying a man could not be said to be drunk, so long as he could get out of a waggon way, or hold up his finger; whereupon divers young folks that heard him said they might now drink by authority, so long as they could bear it away. [In the year 1611 the Corporation of Sandwich allowed £30. to a Mr. Richard Marston, preacher of God's word, to be entertained to preach a weekly lecture in the town. He died in 1620 and was buried at St. Clement's].
He doth sometimes wear his surplice at the administration of the Holy Communion; as for his hood, we know not of any he hath.
He did refuse to visit the wife of Adam Trickhearne, being thereunto earnestly required.
Our minister hath not to our knowledge denied to baptise; but he refused to bury the child of John La Motte, referring it to his clerk to do it, which the clerk also peremptorily refused to do, until he might first be paid for the burial, and so the child was left unburied for that night.
We have the Book of Canons, whereof our minister readeth thereof this last year, but when in reading he met with any canon that concerned his duty, he skippeth over it, and readeth it not at all.
He doth sometimes resort to such houses, where (as we hear by common report) he doth sometimes behave himself, not so well for example as he ought to do, but distinguisheth himself by immoderate drinking to the grief and affront of the beholders.
Our minister is
seldom resident with us, neither keepeth he any hospitality to our knowledge,
whereupon we have cessed him at forty shillings a year to the poor, whereof he
will pay the thirty-two shillings, but refuseth to pay the forty shillings. [Francis
Fotherby, vicar of St. Clement's, 1618-42, was ejected by the Puritans; he was
also vicar of Linstead near Sittingbourne, 1618-49, where he was sequestered;
being presented to both livings by the Archdeacon of Canterbury. Charles
Fotherby was both Archdeacon (1596-1619) and Dean of Canterbury (1615-19) and
in addition held the rectories of Aldington and Bishopsbourne in
1621. We have a Register Book, but whether it be parchment or paper, we know not, for as it hath been used before our time so it continueth, that is that John Shearman, our parish clerk, keepeth it at his own house, not tending or shewing it to us the wardens and sidesmen, to take note of anything therein, but writeth and certifieth himself at his own pleasure, and then he telleth us we must put our hands thereto, but whether it be right or wrong, we must rely upon his credit for it.
We have a Book of Martyrs belonging to our church, but our clerk hath lent it out we know not where, so that our parishioners can have no benefit thereof.
We have a strong and sufficient box or chest for the alms of the poor, conveniently placed and kept locked under two locks and keys, the one in the keeping of the clerk for the minister as he saith, and the other in the keeping of one of the wardens. For the clerk will keep what he can, and order, dispose, and rule, at his own pleasure, without the acquaintance or knowledge either of the wardens, or sidesmen, or parishioners; which we hereto complain, present, and desire reformation.
We earnestly and humbly desire that John Shearman, our parish clerk, may be charged and taught to meddle less with sworn men's office, and the church goods, and to let them remain and execute their charge and duty according to their own care, and not to be taught by him, as they refuse to do; and he shall not hereafter open and frame his mouth of foul language in their face, as he hath formerly and lately done.
That John Brook
professeth to serve the cure of St. Clement's in Sandwich, having no licence
from the Ordinary, nor having subscribed according to the Canons, nor bringing
any testimonial from the Ordinary of the diocese from whence he came. That he
hath served within the diocese of
1622. That John Brook, curate, hath served the cure in St. Clement's, Sandwich, three quarters of a year and more, now surpliced.
He suffers men to receive the Communion without kneeling, and never advised them to kneel, neither publicly or privately.
He baptized the child of one Mr. Wilson of another parish, without making the sign of the cross, of which Mr. Wilson's minister understanding beforehand, willed him to desist, but he would not.
He caused John Dirand and Richard Saunder, convicted of perjury in the earlier court, to do their penance with their hats on their heads.
He administered
the Communion at St. Bartholomew's hospital, [just outside the town of
He baptized five children at once, and signed none of them with the sign of the cross.
He always curtailed the Common Prayer, and is sometimes hours in his sermon.
In the time of receiving the Communion he chargeth the churchwardens to gather money from the communicants, and causeth them to lay it down at the communion table, before service be ended, to the great offence of them which are there present.
1623. There is a breach in the [churchyard] wall, through which the tenants of Richard File come into the churchyard, and much annoy it, making it an ordinary backside; also a door which the said Richard File hath made into the churchyard, wherein he putteth straw usually.
We present Adam Hayward or Hooward, son-in-law or servant to John Polhill, miller, for grinding upon the Sabbath day in time of divine service; and going to him to request him to leave off, he told me he would grind in spite of the minister, or he that said nay, and told me that I had nothing to do with it.
1624. Specifing the presentment made at the last Visitation concerning the annoyance of our churchyard, I further declare that Richard File hath of late broken down a hole or passage into the churchyard of St. Clement, whereby divers of his under-tenants whose names cannot be safely known, do pass and repass into the churchyard and much annoy and defame, as well by the sullage of their houses, as by the most noisome excrements of their bodies, and otherwise.
Richard File upon his appearance, upon interrogation must declare their names that are the offenders therein; and the said Richard File, I present as the main agent and instrumental cause in the premises. When Richard File appeared in the Archdeacon's Court, he alleged that now the hole or passage is stopped, and a door instead thereof placed and kept shut; and that he hath no under-tenant at all now dwelling in the place, nor any annoyance now made by him the resident, and of his under-tenant, nor shall hereafter be made.
1625. The vicarage house is somewhat in decay.
1626. In the year 1624, at a vestry, we the churchwardens of the parish of St. Clement in Sandwich, with the assistance of many of the parishioners, did make a cess for the repair of our church, and at that time did cess and tax one Thomas File for a certain house which he had in his occupation, which Thomas File, before the cess was paid, died, after him his brother Richard File as heir, entered on all his brother's lands, which Richard we have often entreated to pay the cess, but will not. Whereupon we desire that you would take cause by order of law against him, that payment may be made.
1627. John Jones, of Sandwich, executor of the last will and testament of Richard Jones, late of Deal, deceased, for refusing to pay a legacy of twenty shillings, given by the said Richard Jones, to the parishioners of the parish of S. Clement, in Sandwich, although hath often been demanded it.
1629. Mr. Francis Fotherby, our vicar, for that he hath let the vicarage house and the stables go to ruin.
1632. Christopher Stare and William Smithley, of the parish of St. Clement, for that they will not pay their cesses made towards the repairs of our parish church; William Smithley, three shillings and sixpence; Christopher Stare, two shillings.
Also William Smithley for not receiving the communion in our parish church, or elsewhere that we know of, by the space of two years last past, and when the minister exhorted him to come, he answered that the Word of God taught him not to come, because he was not in charity. The minister replied that the Word of God taught him to be in charity and to come, and not to neglect the ordinance of God, as it was a fearful sin to live so long in malice, and that he could not say the Lord's Prayer with any comfort to himself, except he were in charity.
Alexander Mynge and Richard Cooke, for that when churchwardens they did sell all the ornaments of the church, and have not accounted thereof as yet. Mr. Warren, for withholding a piece of ground called the parsonage of St. Peter's.
The widow of
Edmond Mitchell, for withholding of one chalice, double gilt from the
Mr. Forley, for withholding of a chalice,
parcel gilt, of thirteen ounces, from the
1569. That they lack the Bible of the largest volume.
That our minister doth minister the Communion in fine "manchet" bread.
That one William
Lothbury, citizen of
1581. Nicholas Bayley annoyeth the churchyard with a gutter from his house.
1582. The
minister weareth no surplice. [John Stebbing, Rector of
1590. The church now, by the last weather, wanteth reparations.
1594. Our minister doth not usually wear the surplice, although he doth divers times wear the same, and doth not obstinately refuse the same.
We have not any peculiar pew for the child wives, neither hath there been any these thirty years, but every woman sitting in her ordinary pew, the minister reading the service accustomed for the same. The churchwardens were ordered to provide a convenient pew for that purpose. [At Stourmouth this seat was called the " child-bed pew."]
Some part of our churchyard wall is broken down by one Daniel Omer of the parish.
1596. Richard Hawker, the last churchwarden for the church, hath not given up his accounts of the last year.
Thomas French and Edmond Paine for striving in the church in the time of divine service, about sitting in a pew.
1597. John
Cleveland, the
1601. William Howley, Samuel Hook, .... Pinkeney, John Hall, playing in the time of divine service at shovel-board, who refused to pay the fine of twelve pence [for being absent from church] on the eleventh day of October, 1601.
1604. Richard North, glazier, of the parish of St. Peter's, for that, at the time of the election of our mayor, he stood in our church window and break the glass of the said window, and flung the glass away, as the fame is in our parish.
Thomas King of St.
Peter's, glazier, for standing in the window of our church and taking the glass
out of the same window, and put it in his pocket, on the election day of our
mayor. [On the Monday after the Feast of St. Andrew (Nov. 30) the election of
the Mayor of Sandwich took place, in the
1605.We present John Loverick of our parish for abusing and disturbing our parson, Mr. White, in his ministry, reviling and calling him atheist, heretic, schismatic, seditious teacher, inordinate liar, and common drunkard, with many other such-like abusive wrongs, as further by our said parson and other sufficient witnesses is to us informed. [Harcin White, B.D., was Rector of St. Peter's from 1600 until his death, in October, 1627.]
We have a Register Book of parchment, but we want a chest with three locks, which we crave time to provide till Bartholomew-tide next.
We lack the Book of Homilies, for which we crave till Bartholomew-tide to provide.
We have no chest (for the poor) with lock and keys, but crave till Bartholomew-tide to provide one
.
1606. We, the churchwardens and sidesmen of the parish of St. Peter in Sandwich, do present these persons, hereunder written, who do neglect to pay their part of a cess made by the minister and parishioners for the repairing of our church, and the church-suit depending in law for certain houses belonging to our parish: Edmund Paine, five shillings; Thomas Hunt, eight shillings; and John Mills, minor, a cobbler, sixpence.
We present one
sometime Joan Oste, now Joan Rolfe, for keeping and detaining a house which
she entered into by force of arms, and kept it from the parish
Mrs. Parker, widow, refusing to pay her cess for repairing of the church, and the church-suit.
Richard Tatam and Richard Foster do suffer drinking and playing in the time of divine service in their houses.
1607. The
churchwardens of St. Peter in
John Kennet, who in sermon time gave offence to the parishioners by saying “that is a lie," speaking to the minister.
1608. Mr. White, the rector, doth not catechize; and once refused to baptize a child, upon the twenty-fifth day of December last, being brought to the church, because he had no knowledge afore; and for the burying, he doth neglect it.
We, the minister and churchwardens of the parish of St. Peter in Sandwich, do present these persons for not paying the clerk his accustomed duties, according to the article, viz, Nicholas Colbrand and John Mynge, both of our parish; and Augustin Wynate, of the parish of St. Mary in Sandwich, for refusing to pay the charge for the burial of his child.
We have not any of our bells imbeasseled [embezzled], but a couple of them are a little cracked.
Arthur Simpson and Abraham Coger, being butchers, do kill and sell flesh and keep open their shops on Sundays and holydays in the time of divine service.
1609. Thomas Burrowes, for not paying our clerk such church duties as of right belong unto him.
Thomas Bartlett, .... the wife of James Chilton, Angel Hawke, and Moses Fletcher, all of St. Peter's, Sandwich, for privately burying a child of Andrew Thomas, of St. Mary's parish, who is strongly suspected not to die an ordinary death; the which they secretly conveyed to the vault, without any notice given to the vicar or clerk, or any company of neighbours but such only as seemed necessary thereunto; this they did the twenty-third or twenty-fourth day of April last, the lawfulness of which some of them seem not satisfied, by calling into question the lawfulness of the King's constitutions in this and other behalf; affirming this thing to be popishly ceremonious and of no other sort, for the truth of all which they promised, with much more, when it shall be further required. The now resident incumbent there, I have hereunto subscribed my name this eighth day of May, 1609.
Moses Fletcher, for burying of his own child, upon the sixth day of November last, in the sermon time, very disorderly and unseemly.
Henry Collett, John Ellis, and Andrew Hatch, for refusing topay their cesses towards the new making of our bells: Henry Collett, five shillings; John Ellis, two shillings; Henry Hatch, two shillings.
1612. Edward Hayward, for selling flesh on the Sabbath Day. He replied that he only sold flesh when he had leave from the mayor for the same.
John Matthews, John Carkett, Samuel Hande, Abraham Coger, for the like offence.
1613. We present Thomas Allen, Thomas Baker, and Richard Masterson, for affirming that the form of godly worship in the Church of England established by law, and contained in the Book of Common Prayer and administration of the Sacrament, is a corrupt and unlawful worship, and repugnant to the Scriptures, and that the rites and ceremonies in the Church of England are wicked, anti-Christian, and superstitious, and such as religious and godly men cannot, with any good conscience, use or approve of.
The same three are also presented for not frequenting their parish church on Sunday to hear divine service.
Timothy Steare, for offending his neighbours by his common swearing and blaspheming of the name of God.
Alexander Fagg, for refusing to pay three shillings and four pence, his cess towards the payment of the new casting of our bells.
Also the following for refusing payment: Anne Verrell, widow, five shillings; John de Scesse, two shillings; Isaac Birkesye, twelve shillings; Samuel de Walle, three shillings and four pence; Simon Peisther, one shilling and four pence; Widow Peake, four shillings; Thomas Heneker, six shillings.
Samuel Creispe we
present, for reviling of us churchwardens, by the name of knaves and roguish
fellows in requiring of his cess. [There are now eight bells, cast in the year
1779, in the tower of this church. Before that date, it is said, there were six
bells, known as the "Six Oxfords," which are said to have been
transferred from Canterbury Cathedral, where the south tower at the west end of
the nave was called the Oxford Tower. In 1758, however, there were only five
bells, four made by Joseph Hatch in 1625, and the largest, or tenor, dated 1727.
("Bells of
In the year 1561,
at Seasalter parish, a presentment was made "That their Bells are stolen
away, and were conveyed to Mr. Lynche’s house at
Margaret Heale, the wife of Thomas Heale, of St. Peter's parish in Sandwich, for quarrelling and brawling in the churchyard of the said parish, but especially against Stephen Tupett and his wife, on the ninth day of November, 1613.
John Amye, our parish clerk, for extortion, in taking of the parishioners more than his dues for tolling and ringing of passing bell and burial.
1614. Jacob Waymer, for refusing to pay three shillings, his cess towards the bells of the parish of St. Peter's.
Douston Kemp, for refusing to pay three shillings.
When Jacob Waymer
appeared in the Archdeacon's Court, he brought a letter: " This bearer,
Jacob Wimer, Dutchman, that he, being of our parish of St. Clement an
inhabitant, and paying all duties as a parishioner (because his wife is, and
hath been time out of mind, in our parish), now by violence is oppressed by the
churchwardens of the next parish, who maketh your Court an instrument of their
tyranny by citing and vexing the poor man by your process and citations, which
hath caused him to pay unjust exactions, also to suffer unlawful molestations.
Which if it please you to take knowledge of this our letter, and release and
discharge him against his adversaries, you shall do that which is just and
right. Otherwise the whole parish, taking it as a general wrong to alter parish
bounds and limits, will help themselves by such other means against their
opposers. So hoping of your charity and discretion in this matter, we cease to
trouble you further at this time.
1614. James Hunt, for refusing to pay his cess of eight pence a month, to be paid to the poor.
1615.
Matthew Mennes detaineth £3 13s. 10d. of our parish stock, the which,
his father being churchwarden, left due to the parish upon his account, and
which the said Matthew hath often assured by promise to pay, but still delayeth,
the same being about six years since it was due. [This Matthew Mennes was the
son of Andrew Mennes of
1617. David Bubber, for refusing to pay a cess of four pence per acre, for fourteen acres, being lawfully demanded.
1618. John Wilson, and John Ellwood his servant, George Roadd, Richard Atkins and his wife, and Ann the wife of John Brett, for obstinately refusing to receive the Sacrament kneeling; and especially the aforesaid John Wilson for charging the warden, being appointed to take him up, not to lay his hands upon him, for he would not stir, and saying to the officer that he was not in his authority to remove him there.
One William Ellwood of our parish, who, as the report goeth, doth on Sunday entice many people, and preacheth unto them and prayeth; and when they go to prayers, they (as the fame goeth), either put out the candle, or remove it into another room.
1620. William Ellwood, Andrew Hatche, and Thomas Denne, all of our parish, for disturbing our minister, Mr. Harcin White, in his sermon by excessive laughter, and other unsufferable behaviour, deriding him to his face impudently, as we are informed by the said minister. Which abuse was offered unto him the seventh day of February last past, amongst five hundred people at the least.
1623. Mr. Harcin White, the rector, for not repairing the middle chancel of the church.
Walter Hamon, being churchwarden, for a disorder, in taking the pulpit cushion and sitting on it at the reception of the Communion.
1624. Harcin White, rector of the parish, did present Horestice Silden and Andrew Jeffright, churchwardens of St. Peter's aforesaid, for not repairing of the middle chancel thereof, according to ancient custom and the order of this Court.
1628. We present that Mr. Thomas Warren, pretending himself to be minister of the said parish, hath administered the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper in the said parish church to such persons as did not kneel at the receiving thereof.
2. The said pretended minister hath not signed the sign of the cross on the forehead of some children whom he hath baptized in the said church.
3. The said minister doth not wear his surplice in the reading of public prayers and the administration of the Sacrament in the said church.
4. The windows of the middle chancel of the church are not well glazed, in defect of the minister.
The pretended
minister, Thomas Warren, suffereth John Warren his kinsman to be his curate, to
read, baptize, and preach for him in the said church, but what licence the said
John Warren hath so to do within this diocese we do not know, but he readeth
divine service in such manner as his master useth, by omitting the Litany,
Epistles, Gospels, Commandments, and most part of the Common Prayers, not
wearing the surplice in administration of the Sacrament and reading divine
service. [Thomas Warren was rector 1627-38, being presented by the Corporation,
and although there was some dispute, the Crown (then the alternate patron),
owned that it was the right of the Corporation to present. An attempt was made
to have a Mr. Brooke appointed rector, who was chaplain in the ship of Sir Henry
Mervyn, Admiral of the
1629. We present that we have not heard Mr. Warren read all the Common Prayers upon Sundays, but upon holydays we have heard him.
2. We have heard him read Common Prayers upon some Fridays and we have heard him read the Commination.
3. He hath not worn the surplice at the Sacrament of Baptism, but at the Communion he hath.
4. We present that the great window in the middle chancel is, very much broken and unrepaired, in default of the minister.
1631. Thomas Warren, minister of the said parish, doth administer the Sacrament to some that do not kneel at the Communion.
1635. We present Widow Millis for suffering William Hofut, of St. Clement's parish, with two other strangers, whom we know not, to tipple in her house in the time of divine service upon Sunday.
Matthew Ashwell, for suffering strangers, whom we know not, to be tippling in his house in time of divine service.
Stephen Rider, for suffering John Lambert, a carpenter, with others that we could not come to the knowledge of, by reason they would not let us into the house, for tippling in time of divine service.
Jasper Collins, for suffering some to be tippling in his house in time of divine service, and yet he has no alehouse.
Richard Earle, a gardener, of our parish, and Esaar [Esau?] Burell, gardener, for selling their wares in time of divine service.
Thomas Harte of St. Peter's parish, Thomas Owens of St. Clement's parish, Adam Hayward of Elmstone, with another of Elmstone parish that we know not, for tippling in the time of divine service at the house of Simon Mount of our parish.
1638. We know of none that do affirm the Church of England is not a true Apostolical Church, nor any that do impeach her real supremacy in causes ecclesiastical, nor any that do affirm that the form of God's worship in the Church of England, established by law, and contained in the Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments, is a superstitious worship, nor any that do affirm that the government of the Church of England under His Majesty by Bishops, Deans, Archdeacons, or the rest that bear office in the same, is repugnant to the Word of God, or that the rites and ceremonies are wicked and superstitious, and such as men zealously affected may not with a good conscience subscribe to, or that the Articles agreed on in the Convocation, 1562, are erroneous, and such as one may not with a good conscience subscribe, or that the form and manner of making and consecrating Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, is repugnant to the Word of God, neither any that join themselves in a new brotherhood, accounting those Christians who are conformable to the doctrine, governance, rites, and ceremonies of the Church of England to be unfit for them to join with in Christian profession, but one widow Peake, who stands excommunicate for it.
We know of none that is a hinderer to the Word of God as read and sincerely preached, or are favourers of any usurped or foreign power, or a defender of erroneous doctrine, within our parish, but one whose name is George Wren.
We have none that are known to be witches, sorcerers, or soothsayers, nor any that resort to such for help, that we know of, neither have we any that are noted for malicious or contentious persons, that we know of, or that are railers and sowers of discord between neighbours, or that are railers against ministers, neither do we know of any that do offend their brethren by adultery, incest, or uncleanness, but by drunkenness, blasphemy, and swearing, Thomas Deering and James Sharpell.
[This parish, anciently Wodenesbergh, is a
mile and a half south-west of
1565. We present that there are holes in one of the glass windows and the church is unpaved in divers places, to the value of 3s. 4d. The vicarage house needs repairs. The place in the chancel where the altar stood before is unpaved not decent.
1566. A great part of the chancel is unpaved.
1574. James
Broker, for withholding of his share towards the repairing of the highway
between Woodnesborough and
1569. The chancel lacketh paving and tiling. The vicar is not resident. [Walter Harrison was vicar from 1568 until his death in 1596.]
One Thomas Knappe hath not received the Holy Communion these four or five years in our church.
That our vicar is a layman, and not entered into orders.
That they have not had their quarter sermons.
That one Cicelye Broke, executrix of the last will and testament of Jerome Wymarke, her late husband, hath not bestowed the sum of forty shillings which her husband willed toward the repairing of the highway.
1578. That James Webster doth keep an alehouse, and victual Flemings in the service-time.
Our chancel is out of repair, that when it raineth it wetteth the Communion Table most unseemly.
Richard Neame, gent, executor to his father John Neame, withholds certain legacies for the repair of our church.
1583. That our minister sometimes weareth no surplice, and sometimes omitteth to say prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays.
1584. The church and steeple are in great decay.
1586. The south side of the church needs to be repaired.
1590. We present Edward Virgin of Beaksbourne, that he refuseth to pay his portion of a cess made for the reparation of our church, being cessed at 5s. 4d. for one cess and 2s.8d. for another.
Our steeple is in some decay, which cannot be repaired before there be seasoned timber to do it with, which will not be this summer besides that, we have bestowed upon the necessary repairing of our church already £20 and upwards this year, and thereby want some money to do it with until more be provided.
Raymond Brooke refuses to pay his rental due to the church, the which heretofore he hath paid, and it is twenty pence a year.
John Bare, for
that he now negligently cometh to his parish church, and of late he was absent
therefrom as followeth: 24th February, being St. Matthias' Day, both forenoon
and afternoon; the 14th February, being Sunday, both forenoon and afternoon; 21st
February, being Sunday likewise; the 28th February, being Sunday, in the
forenoon; and the 7th March, both forenoon and afternoon. [When he appeared in
the Archdeacon's Court, he stated that on St. Matthias' Day he was at
Samuel Berry was absent from church on St. Matthias' Day, both forenoon and afternoon, also the 28th February and 7th March. [He explained he was a labouring man, and on the day named was at Adisham.]
1592. The lead of our church be out of repairs, but shall be amended with as much speed as may be; and it had been done before this time, but we could not get a workman to our mind.
The glass of the windows of our church be in need of some repairs.
1594. The windows of the chancel of the church want glazing, and iron bars. Also the chancel is unrepaired by default of Mr. Hales of Tenterden, farmer (i.e. lessee) of our parsonage.
1596. Mr. Harrison, our minister, hath of late omitted to read the articles.
2. That he hath of late not called the children to learn them the catechism.
3. That our minister, Mr. Walter Harrison, use not to wear the surplice when he christened children, and very seldom at other times.
4. Our minister is a contentious person, chiding and brawling in the church and churchyard.
We do want a Book of Homilies, for want whereof our minister hath not this last quarter read in his ministrations. [The First Book of the Homilies was printed in 1547, and the second Book in 1563.]
Our church porch is decayed, and wants tiling on the west part.
Our church wants paving in many places of the body of the same.
The surplice and other church linen is undecently kept wants washing, as our minister hath much complained thereof.
Anne Brenchlie, the wife of Augustine Brenchlie, in the mont hof August, 1596, came to the church at Wodensbergh to give thanks for her safe delivery of childbirth, and being in the church and required by the minister to sit in the usual place appointed the women to sit in in such cases, she utterly refused so to do, in contempt of that good time out of mind, and evil example of all women there present, so as she resteth yet unchurched (sic).
[See under the year 1594 of St. Peter's,
1600. That John Knight of Wodensbergh went out at the middle of the sermon on Sunday the 9th November, 1600, with one Samuel Ballard and Thomas Brooke, saying unto them, “We may go drink a pot of ale before this tale be done,” meaning the sermon, and they came not again at that time.
1602. Robert
Hotton, late of Elham but now of Wodensbergh , for that he refuseth to pay his
share towards the reparation of the
1603. James Watts, vicar of the parish [1596-1619], for not wearing the surplice in saying the Common Prayer upon Sundays and holy days, and also not reading the Commination against sinners. [The vicar stated that he hath done, and doth many times, use to wear the surplice in time of divine service, and though sometimes he wear not the same, yet he never doth in a contempt. And for the other things presented, he useth ordinarily to preach in his “case.”]
1605. That the Communion Table is not covered in the time of divine service with any carpet as yet, but we purpose and promise shortly to provide one.
1606. There were days appointed for [the perambulation of the parish, and it rained and we could not go.
We present the
several persons undernamed for refusing to pay their several assessments, or
sums which they are severally cessed at towards the reparations of our parish
church of Wodensborough, and the necessary ornaments thereunto belonging:
Raymond Brooke, 27s. 9d.; Thomas
Harrison, 45s.; William Marsh (now Of
Ashford), 4s.; Thomas Morris, 12s. 6d.; Abraham Rutten of
1607. Thomas Morris, for not receiving the Holy Communion the Easter last, who hath stood excommunicate we know not certainly how long.
Raymond Brooke and Christopher Poulder did not receive the Holy Communion last Easter.
1609. Thomas
Barber, of the town of
One of the bells hath a small crack these nine or ten years.
1610.
Thomas Nowell the elder, of
1614. By the size of our congregation many times there be many do absent themselves from church when we think they might and ought to be there, and by name Thomas Morrice hath come to church very seldom of late, and (as we are informed) hath laboured in the fields on the Sabbath Days to the offence of some.
One Robert Hatton, in the time of his being churchwarden, did employ certain money which had belonged to a common stock unto the church, we know not how; neither can we hear that he did give up his account for it, or that, having been formerly presented heretofore, any satisfaction hath been given unto the parish.
1637. Mrs. Anne Blessenden, wife of Mr. John Blessenden of Wodensbergh, whom we present for withholding the sum of £6, being the remainder of a legacy given to the poor of our parish in and by the last will of Mr. John Smith, deceased, late of our parish, of which will she is one executrix; the other is dead.
1638. Mr. Jasper Green, our minister [vicar 1628-61], for cut down a tree in the churchyard and employing it to his own private use.
That their Communion Table is not railed in, but lieth so open as that dogs or boys may undecently abuse or profane it.
1640. I,
Jeremy Wills, one of the churchwardens, do present John Neame, of the parish of
Staple, for non-payment of his cesses made
Also those whose names follow, for non-payment of their several cesses according to a cess made the 9th June, 1639, for the reparaation of the church, rating the inhabitants of the said parish; the rate of 21/2d. the acre, and the out-dwellers after the rate of 2d the acre, for every acre of land: Robert Barham, for 24 acres 4s., Jacob Strackes, for 5 acres, 10d.; Thomas Wilkes, for 10 acres is.1s. 8d.; John Sampson, for 4 acres, 8d.; Sir Matthew Men kt., for 34 acres, 5s. 8d.
1569. That the minister ministereth the Communion in common bread, and for default of a decent Communion cup they minister in a glass.
That Mr. Cranmer
enjoyeth the tithes of the chapel of
That one Jode's
widow is suspected of witchcraft and she hath not received the Communion at
Easter. [Thomas Cranmer, born in 1535, was the eldest son of Edmund Cranmer,
Archdeacon of Canterbury (1535-54). On
1589. Our communion cup is not altogether so comely and convenient as it ought to be.
Our south chancel wanteth some glazing and some other light repairs, which is to be maintained by the parson.
1590. We present Jeramie Pinnocke of Ash, gent., for that he was churchwarden the last year, and hath not yet made his account to the parish as he ought to do. And further his door adjoining to the churchyard is many times left open, to the annoying of the churchyard with hogs.
We present Nicholas Carye of Birchington in
the
Richard Stone for not repairing to his parish church on Sunday and Holy days, so often as he ought to do, to hear divine service.
1591. Jeramie Pinnocke, late warden, for retaining such sums of money as remain in his hands upon his account due to the church, viz., 38s. 6d. or thereabout.
We want the first and second tome of Homilies, a cushion for the pulpit, and a surplice, which we cannot provide for want of money, our church-stock being spent and our former churchwa 20s.out of purse already.
1592. The church is at reparations and needeth to be mended. A gutter of lead between the church and chancel which is at reparations, and the charges of repairing the same, is indifferently to be levied and made between the parishioners and the farmer of the parsonage.
One bell is broken which is to be repaired and amended by the parishioners.
1594. The limits of our parish were not walked in the Rogation Days, by reason that there wanted the presence of the ancientest men of the parish, with some of the younger sort to go and instructions concerning the same limits, and to accompany their minister and clerk and the churchwardens therein, according to the instructions of this article. [John Stebbing was vicar of Ash 1593-1616, and was buried in the chancel of this church 3oth December, 1616. See under 1582 in Vol. III p.20, for further particulars.]
1595. We present William Cutbourne, Tobias Allen, Thomas Dale, for not coming to the church orderly as is required.
1605. We present that our church and churchyard want.repairing by the default of many that do not pay such cesses as have been made with the general consent of the parishioners, minister, and churchwardens; specially by the default of Sir Thomas Payton, who upon reasonable and divers demands made of the said cesses doth not pay the same, whom therefore we present; first, for not paying of the cess made to that use the 31st January, 1599, viz., eight shillings and fourpence; second, for not paying the cess made to that use the 24th February, 1602, namely, eight shillings and fourpence; thirdly, for not paying the cess made to that use, the 19th February, 1604, namely twelve shillings, upon whose default of payment many others withhold to pay, protesting that they will readily pay upon the first demand whensoever they shall be certified that he hath paid.
We have not as yet any seat to read in, or table of degrees [of marriages forbidden], but will provide it as soon as may be.
1609. Peter Hawke and Thomas Swaffer, the churchwardens of Ash, for that their churchyard is unfenced, so that the hogs come into the churchyard and root up the graves.
[When they appeared in the Archdeacon's Court they promised to provide some kind of fence to keep out the swine, until the house be edified which is blown down.]
The churchyard is not so fenced towards Thomas Harrison's tenement called "The George," and that by his default the swine pertaining to him come into the churchyard.
Richard Solly and William Solly of the parish of Ash, for refusing to pay a cess towards the reparation of the church.
1611. John Kirby, our late churchwarden, hath lopped certain trees on our churchland for the satisfaction of himself, upon the arrearage of his accounts.
1614. George Gibbons of Bridge refuseth to pay his cess made for the reparation of our church steeple, made in the year 1613 by the parishioners of Ash and confirmed by the Ordinary.
1616. One of our bells was lately broken, we have had no convenient time to amend it, but it shall be done as speedily as may be.
The floor of our chancel is not well kept or cleanly, because the grave belonging unto Mr. John Stebbing, late curate of Ash where he was buried, is not paved by Thomas Stebbing, his exor., dwelling in Winsburrow [Wodensborough], who ought of duty to do it.
1617. Ann, the widow of John Goldfinch, and her son, John Goldfinch, have not received the Sacrament this Easter, and the said John Goldfinch is very negligent in repairing to our church to hear divine service.
Robert Ralph, for profaning the Sabbath by tippling and selling of beer and keeping disorder.
John Andrews, for profaning the Sabbath by making of hay and being told of it, he said if he were presented, it was but four groats matter.
Robert Hitchin of Goodneston, having an orchard of cherries in Ash, hath profaned the Sabbath by selling and pulling of cherries.
Stephen Norwood, for grinding on the Sabbath day. When he appeared in the Archdeacon's Court he owned that on one Sunday in the morning early his mill did go and grind corn upon some great necessity, but left grinding at least an hour before morning prayers that day, but saith that he and his servants were that day at divine service both forenoon and afternoon, and protesteth that hereafter he will duly observe and keep the Sabbath days according to the laws of God and this realm.
Edward Joy of
["Podder" is the name given to beans, peas, tares, vetches, or such vegetables as have pods. "Cop" is a shock of corn, a stack of hay or straw; and as a verb, to throw or heap up anything.—" Dict. Kentish Dialect."]
1618. William
Carr and
Timothy Hart, for his disorderly selling of beer upon the Sabbath day, and for suffering of people to be drinking and playing at cards and dice from the end of evening prayer to ten or twelve o'clock at night almost every Sabbath day, and the seventeenth day of January for once.
George Snode, for disordering himself by overmuch drink, and then offending his neighbours by railing speeches, saying to the constable " a Pop [ Pope ?] of all Puritans," or the like words.
1619. Thomas Hopkins, innkeeper, Thomas Gibbs, Richard Norwood, Thomas Mason, for their most foul disorder and scandalous behaviour on the last Sabbath day in time of divine service, in the house of the said Thomas Hopkins; and we do request that some short exemplary punishment may be inflicted on them, to give satisfaction to the people of our parish who by their lewd actions they have much offended.
Our great bell is lately broken and is not as yet mended. Our churchyard is not well and sufficiently repaired as it ought to be.
1620. Thomas Ladd, innkeeper, for suffering sundry persons to drink in his house on the Sabbath day in time of divine service. Also selling of beer commonly on the Sabbath day; and many men complain they cannot keep their servants from his house on the Sabbath days.
Part of our
churchyard boundeth upon land in the occupation of Thomas Hopkins of
Mr. Crosyar (living at the house of Andrew Omer), that hath preached in our parish church in the absence of our minister, without the knowledge of our minister or of us the churchwardens, or without showing his licence to us the churchwardens. [In 1634 the following occurs in the accounts of the churchwardens of Ash: " given to Thomas Woodruffe a preacher for his acxarsies in our minister’s absence."]
1621. Our minister doth not now read the Book of Canons on Sundays or Holy days, because our parish is not at this time provided of one.
1622. I, George Stocke, parish-clerk of Ash, do present Richard Gibbons of the said parish of Ash, for detaining the clerk's wages due from him for these five years and a half at four pence the year, which cometh unto twenty-two pence.
1626. John Bax of the parish of Ash, that in the house of the said John Bax on the eighth day of January, 1625-6, being the Sabbath day, there was an unlawful Conventicle, and on the day following there was holden a conference at the same place by two ministers of Stourmouth, Mr. Huntley and Mr. Fellowes with two Separatists or Brownists which Conventicle and Conference hath done much hurt in our parish of Ash, and some other adjoining parishes by reason many persons whose names we are not very certain of, were present at both these meetings.
On the 16th day of
February, 1625-6, John Bax appeared in the Archdeacon's Court and said,
"that on the day mentioned one Matthew Gilven of Westwell, together with
John Fenner of Egerton returning homeward from
And he (Bax) saith that for his own part he
doth utterly disallow of, disclaim, and renounce, all and every such tenets and
positions as are specified in the Schedule aforesaid, so held by the said
Fenner and Gilven, and to which henceforth [Some words are evidently omitted
here.] himself so far as they disagreed
with the rest of the laws of the Church of England; and indeed esteemeth them
to be false and slanderous and will hereafter have a care that no such Conventicles
or Conferences shall be held in his house, or himself be present in any other
place, at the like again." [George Huntley was rector of Stourmouth
1610-29, being deprived by the
In the year 1626 are presentments of William Brigham [vicar 1626-38], that on Sundays he readeth not service in the parish church of Ash in the forenoon, but leaveth his parishioners quite destitute; and that on holy days he readeth not divine service at all in his said parish church; and that likewise he resideth not on his cure, but liveth in a farm of his own in Wingham, that whensoever they may be requiring his service, as for baptising of children, visiting of the sick, or the like, he is always absent and to seek, by all which he giveth cause of offence to his parishioners, and likewise himself and his ministry is thereby disrespected. He hath the parsonage of Ham, and therefore on one Sunday in the month he rcpaireth thither to read divine service, leaving the parish to supply his place in his cure of Ash, as usually his predecessor did before him. And on such holy days he hath often at his first coming, and till of late, read divine service on those days, and because he saw very few, and sometimes none, come to the church, he hath desisted from so doing. When William Brigham appeared in the Archdeacon's Court he stated that he will hereafter observe the holy days in his cure of Ash; and as touching his non-residence, he saith that indeed he is abiding at his own house in Wingham parish, but saith that the same is the next adjoining parish to Ash, and nearer to the church than some part of the parishioners, and in case he hear of any necessity of his cure, either to visit the sick or the like, at least if he be sent for, he never do refuse to go to such offices as appertain to his place and calling in such respect.
[William Brigham
was vicar of Wingham 1607-18, and married at
Thomas Lade, victualler, for keeping company in his house in time of divine service on the Sabbath Day, in the morning and afternoon; these persons were strangers, whose names we know not.
John Sampson and Thomas Cooke, churchwardens of the last year, because they have not delivered up their account.
1627. Thomas Colson, for cleaving of wood in the churchyard of Ash on a Sunday, happening about a month ago, to the offence of the beholders and the profanation of God's holy Sabbath.
1629. Whereas John Prowde, late of Ash, in his last will appointed John Prowde his exor., to pay unto the use of the poor of the parish of Ash yearly one chaldron of coals, and also at his own charge, upon some part of his lands bounding upon Ash churchyard, to set up a convenient house to the use of the parish school-house and store-house, but as yet he, the said John Prowde, hath not paid in any coals, and he hath set up the frame of a house but it is neither covered, walled, or boarded.
[John Prowde, or
Proude, was the owner of Moat Farm in Ash parish. The long building behind the
Ship Inn, which is “adjoining the churchyard, but not upon it,” is probably the
building then erected. See “A Corner
of
1637. John Umfrey, for that he sells his father's goods, and will not pay the clarke his duties for burying him [the father] and ringin his knell.
On the eleventh day of December, 1637, Nathaniel Brent, vicar-general and commissary of Archbishop William Laud, ordered the churchwardens: That they take away the seat at or under the east wall and window of their quire or chancel, and provide a new and decent Communion table, with a better or more seemly carpet or cloth to it, and place it at the said east end of the quire, fencing it off with a decent and seemly rail to stand before it nearest quire, for the parishioners to come up unto at the time of the celebration of the Sacrament, and there, being accommodated with some convenient thing to kneel upon, to receive the same, the minister during the time of the celebration keeping within the rail.
1638.
Our church is not yet finished in the repairing, but the workmen be
about it, and it shall be done with so much speed as may be. Some paving be
broken, but they shall be speedily mended. We have glebe lands, but we can find
no terrier of them in our chest of church writings. Our minister and we could
not go the bounds of our parish in Rogation days, because he was at
Stephen Chandler, for not paying his cess towards the reparation of the parish church and ornaments thereof, being seven shillings and sevenpence; Christopher Adams for his cess, four shillings and fourpence; Vincent Reynolds, two shillings and sevenpence.
I, Richard Sanders, churchwarden of the parish of Ash, present John Neame, of the parish of Staple, for saying the Archdeacon's Court, or Commissary Court, was a devilish court, or to the same effect, in the presence and hearing of divers besides myself.
We present John Bax for going to other churches, and William Icasday and Thomas Friend for the like.
1639. Ralph Winfield, for threshing on the Sunday.
1640. Our parish clerk is denied his wages by Mr. Thomas Bramfield, of Staple, having a farm in Ash called Wedington, which is three shillings the year for his wages; and it was in the year of our Lord 1639.
We present Sir Matthew Mennes, knight, for that he lets our Communion chancel be untiled and unglazed.
1664. Thomas St. Nicholas the elder, of the parish of Ash, esq., for a wilful disturber and interrupter of divine service in that part of the Common Prayer Book which concerns the burial of the dead. Inasmuch as he, upon the 10th August last, accompanying the corpse of one widow Solley of the same parish to the church, the corpse was no sooner set down, but he laid his hand upon it and desired some of the standers-by to put it presently [i.e., immediately] into the grave. I, being ready to officiate, desired him to forbear, and again and again did desire him to forbear till the time. He not forbearing nor regarding me, I desired him to consider that the service was allowed of the law, and I was ready to do all office according to that law, and therefore desired him to consider better what he did and not to disturb me. He replied that he would see the corpse in the ground, and that he would be gone. I, seeing him obstinate, did begin to officiate, but he nevertheless continued with his hat on his head, urging some of the standers-by to put the corpse presently into the grave, which being done accordingly, he presently hasted away, not staying to hear the service read, but drawing others away with him, to the manifest contempt of authority, the scandal of some, and the evil example and encouragement of others, upon many of whom, by his eminence as a lawyer and a person of fair estate, he hath no small influence.
[John Benchkin was vicar 1664-93. Of this Thomas St. Nicholas, a noted local supporter of the puritans, see Planche's “A Corner of Kent,” pp. 373-5.]
1665. We present Richard Marbrook for refusing to pay two cesses made for and towards the repairs of our parish church, for sixteen acres at one penny the acre for each cess, in all two shillings and eightpence.
Abiezar Boykyn, for two cesses, one shilling and fourpence; Alice Adams, for two cesses, fourpence; Richard White, for working on Christmas Day last.
1670. The churchwardens of Ash present John Proude, for refusing to pay his church cess, which is six shillings and eightpence, for 160 acres of land. Also Stephen Stringer, for ek shillings and sixpence; and William Taylor, for four shillings, for ninety-six acres of land.
1683. Alexander Mills did, for about three years together, have morning service, and not above five or six persons to hear prayers and upon their request hath since served it only with afternoon, unless it be upon a Sacrament day, and then he serves forenoon only.
When he appeared
before the court he was admonished to read morning and evening prayer on
Sundays in the parish
[Alexander Mills
was also vicar of St. Clement's,
1686. Alexander Mills, then curate of Ash, for not residing in the parish of Ash, nor administering the Sacrament or supplying the cure on the fifteenth day of July, 1686.
On the fifth of August Mills appeared and said: That he doth believe that he himself did administer the Sacrament in Ash Church at Whitsuntide, and the Sunday next following, and that on the Sunday after Christmas Day last Mr. Pigot, in his absence, did administer the Sacrament at the said church of Ash for him; that on the Sunday after Easter Day last the Sacrament was administered within the said church by Mr. Burvill, a neighbouring minister, he having occasion to be absent. And as to his not residing in the said parish, he saith that he hath no house there to reside in, and for that cause did not nor doth reside there; and as to his supplying the cure by himself or a sufficient curate, he saith that when he is at home he doth generally supply the said cure himself, and in his absence Mr. Smith, mentioned in the said presentment, doth supply it for him, who doth read prayers twice a day and preach once, and he doth believe that the said Mr. Smith is but only a deacon, and not in priest's orders, but doth intend and design to take orders of priest the next ordination.
[John Piggot was
vicar of St. Mary's in
Among some undated presentments, probably between 1553-58, were the following:
Edward Morris of Wingham, and Thomas Rye of Goodneston, presented for that they wilfully destroyed a table of alabaster which was taken from the altar and set in the vestry.
Sir Henry Palmer, knight, always the front pew with consent of the parish.
[This second entry
fixes the date of this undated volume as before 1559, for Sir Henry Palmer was
buried in
1569. That they lack a chest or box for the poor.
That the churchyard lieth unfenced in the default of Mr. Thomas Palmer.
One Elisabeth Ratcliffe is an obstinate and dissipate person.
Simon Sollye withholdeth the certain money given to the church by the will and testament of Richard Sollye, to the value of a noble. Robert Barker, of Ickham, withholdeth certain money from the church.which was the debt of John Gason.
That one Beake hath not given in his accounts, which of late he hath as churchwarden, and withholdeth certain money from the church.
Richard Warham hath committed fornication with Elizabeth Boughton.
1595. We present our church wanteth paving and tiling.
Alice Melinden, the wife of Thomas Melinden, for that she casused a pit to be made in her garden plot, and buried her child in it, and because she is yet unchurched. [When she appeared in the court] she said that one Thomas Chapman was the occasion thereof, for that he said he would have a jury upon the death of the child, being untimely born by reason that the said Chapman did misuse her, the said Alice Melinden.
1596. That there is an exercise, so called, of preaching in the church of Wingham by Mr. Sellers, rector of Eythorne, and Mr. Flower, rector of Stourmouth, and such as they shall
assign upon the Sunday last past.
[John Seller, D.D., rector of Eythorne, died in 1614, and was buried in Canterbury Cathedral on the 18th October of that year. A Mrs. Ann Sellers, widow, was buried there the fifth day of January 1625-6. John Flower was rector of Stourmouth 1580-99, and buried at Stourmouth 31st May, 1599.]
John Miller doth not repair to our parish church, and will not be absolved, being excommunicate.
Thomas Eastman, husbandman, who lives and hath lived apart from his wife, being thereby scandalous and of a notorious evil life, by the space of one whole year.
1602. Thomas Catetnan and Symond Norris, the churchwardens, for that their pulpit is not furnished with a sufficient cloth and cushion.
Thomas Millenden, for being absent from our parish church many Sundays and holy days between the Feast of St. John the Baptist, 1602, and St. Michael the Archangel last past, he being an inhabitant of our parish. Also he refuseth to pay the cess made for the reparation of our church, to which cess he was cessed at twelve pence.
[Of these two
chief parishioners who quarrelled at a vestry meeting, Sir Thomas Palmer was
the eldest son of the before-mentioned Sir Henry Palmer; Sir Thomas lived at
Wingham for sixty years, and in September 1573, entertained in his house Queen
Elizabeth when she was on her way from Sandwich to Canterbury. Knighted on the expedition
to
The Oxenden family had been resident in the parish from the reign of Edward III., and Edward was the eldest son of Henry Oxenden of Dene. Edward lived at Brooke, one of their estates, between Staple and Wingham, and married Alice Fowler of Islington, by whom he had twin sons, William and Henry, also six daughters, of whom the youngest, Margaret, married William Brigham, vicar of Wingham, Ash, and rector of Ham, previously mentioned under Ash parish (see p. 59). the brother of this Edward Oxenden descends the present Sir Percy Dixwell Oxenden, baronet.]
1613. Our fifth bell is broken, and we desire that we may have some reasonable time set down for the amending of the same.
Mr. Edward Oxenden, for not tiling and glazing his chancel, by default whereof the church is very much annoyed.
[This would be the
Brooke chantry chapel, on the north side of the chancel of
1614. The churchwardens, for neglecting to present the decay of a window in the church, by reason whereof the pigeons do much annoy the church and chancel thereof. And also for not providing bread and wine for the last Communion, being the second day of October, 1614, they having sufficient warning thereof and required to provide the same.
1618. Our small bell hath been cast, and, finding her not tunable, parishioners sent her away again.
Our churchyard wall wants repairing, and where we repaired the same it has been lately broken down.
Our Communion cup is too little, and, moreover, is broken in the stand.
[The present
vessel is inscribed: “This cup was given to this parish of Wingham by Hector du
Mont, a Frenchman, born
1618. William Lott, for refusing to pay his cess toward the church, although divers times we have demanded it, being two shillings.
We, the churchwardens of Wingham, upon due examination of the Book of Articles, find nothing worthy to be presented either concerning the church or parish, but only the scandalous and unreverent carriage of George Corketon in the church of Wingham towards the end of divine service, the minister being about to go up into the pulpit, since which time this George Corketon hath very negligently come to church. The sum of those words which George Corketon was heard to speak in the church, and is instructed by those men whose names are hereunder written: “After the first psalm [saith Corketon] you shall hear him [meaning the minister] sing another psalm, and after that you shall hear the fool go prating into the pulpit, and if I do not like it well, I will be gone before he be half done,” and he was as good as his word. When the minister went up into the pulpit, then George Coirketon says, “Now the fool begins to prate; it is a sound tale; if I do not like it I will be gone, ere ever he speak forty words.”
We, the churchwardens, do present John Wesbeech of our parish, chandler, for keeping open his shop and selling of wares in the time of evening prayer, upon the twenty-fourth day of January last, 1618, being Sunday evening, having warning given him of the same before the churchwardens.
1619. I, Reginald Eastland, sexton of the parish of Wingham do present Thomas Terry of the said parish for not paying of my duty the sum of twelve pence. This he had to pay.
1620. The bible of the new translation, with the service books, are not yet bought according to his Majesty's injunction.
The pews, or most of them, are unboarded.
The windows want glazing.
The belfry and church-porch are not fittingly whitened.
The outside of the church and steeple want plaster work.
The church-gate and stile want repairs.
William Oxenden's chancel wants sufficient timbering and tiling.
[Most probably this was the Dene chapel, on the south side of the chancel, which contains the monument of the Oxenden family.]
1638. Their Communion table hath not a decent carpet for the same, as it ought to have.
1725. Elisabeth Palmer, of Wingham, for not repairing the chancel. It was stated in the Archdeachon's Court that the said Dame Elisabeth Palmer was proprietor of the parsonage of Wingham, and that the repairs of the great chancel did, and do, belong to her; and that she was ready to repair and do such matters as were complained of in the said presentment given in against her by the churchwardens of Wingham aforesaid. Whereupon the judge directed that the dirt lying in the said chancel should be removed and the pavement amended by Easter next, and the other repairs done at, or before, next midsummer, and that she do certify
their being done unto the next court following.
[This Dame
Elisabeth Palmer was the third wife and widow of Sir Thomas Palmer, the last
baronet of the Wingham family, he being tried in
1729. Terry
Matthews, of Wingham, for brawling, wrangling, and profane swearing in the parish
of Wingham on Friday, the second day of May, 1729, he being, among other
parishioners, met the parish
or to that effect.
[1557?] Mr. Garvise Lynch, parson there, presented for that he said no mass at Elmeston but once since Easter, nor any more. [A vol. undated, but of the time of Cardinal Pole, 1553-8.]
[Gervase Lynch was
rector of Elmstone 1550-80, being presented by Margaret Hendley, the widow of
Sir Walter Hendley. Also vicar of the adjoining parish of
1560. They have neither parson, vicar, not curate [resident]; he doth receive the fruit and profits, being a temporal man, leaving none to serve the cure.
1561. Their
parson is not resident. That he hath
1563. The parson is not resident. They have no chalice to change, but they have a glass.
1573. Griffin Jones of Wickhambreux, for detaining a certain yearly rent or duty belonging to our said church, of twenty pence a year, going out of a piece of land within the parish of Ash, at a certain place there called Hodon, the ownere whereof is Griffin Jones of Wickhambreux aforesaid.
1578. They have not the Book of Homilies, nor any box for the registers.
1607. We present Mr. Percy Wyborne, our parson [1600-55] that of late he hath neglected to preach. We know not whether he be a preacher allowed or not, neither hath he procured any sermons to be preached in the church by the space of half a year past.
1608. Our lesser bell is broken. Also Mr. William Gibbs hath, in one plot of his land adjoining the churchyard, dug and encroached so near on the churchyard, as by reason thereof the rails there in one place (for the space of two or three rods) are almost fallen down, and so in other places the said fence is much impaired, that cattle and other animals come through.
[William
Gibbs lived at Elmstone, being the owner and Lord of the manor. He married in
1597 Elizabeth, the daughter of Thomas Fleet, of
1609. Edmond Gibbs, the elder, for refusing to pay unto Stephen Harlow, parish clerk, his clerk’s wages, due for three quarters of a year ended at Michaelmas last.
The said Edmond Gibbs last Whitsunday, in the church and the chancel of Elmstone aforesaid, he did use very unusual words unto me [Petley Wybourne] when I did affirm a truth unto him, that I lied. Likewise at the same time and place, he did call me a sow then, the parishioners of Elmeston then being present.
[This
Edmond Gibbs was uncle to the former William Gibbs.
Lawrence Huffam and William Foorde did commonly work on the Sabbath day, whereupon on Saturday, the second of September, at even, I talked with Lawrence Haffam, telling him then of what he had done, and that he should cease to do the like again. The morrow following being Sunday, I chanced to go to Wingham, when I saw them both mowing barley for one Robert Sackett; when I talked with them, Lawrence Huffam answered he had a friend in a corner who would answer anything if I should proceed against him, which friend, he [i.e., the rector] understood, is Thomas Greenland, for he has, I am informed, bid them go to work, and he would bear them out in it.
Thomas Greenland, for that his men did carry in his corn on Sunday, the tenth day of September.
William Gibbs, gent., churchwarden of Elmstone, did of late present the said Thomas Greenland for working after morning prayer on the Sabbath day in harvest time last, in carrying of the barley.
The said Thomas Greenland presented the said William Gibbs for that his servant at the self-same time did work in the field in harvesting of the barley of the same William Gibbs.
Also I, the said Thomas Greenland, sidesman aforesaid,do present the same William Gibbs for that on the Feast day of St. Andrew last he commanded one of his servants to grind malt in the time of divine service, and his servant at his command; did so.
William Gibbs hath caused the earth of the churchyard on the one side thereof, to the length of two rods by estimation to be digged and carried away, so that before the digging thereof five foot, or thereabout, would have served to stand in the old place where posts before did stand.
Whereas one of the bells belonging to the church of Elmstone hath been lately new cast, and the bell-founder conditioned and agreed with the parishioners to have for the same £3 15s.; and likewise whereas there hath been a little glass bestowed on the windows, and a few days by a mason about the church, all which may come to £4 or £5; for the which the parishioners have offered or are willing to make a cess.
Mr. William Gibbs, being churchwarden there, had, without the consent of the parishioners or sidesman, by adding superfluous matter unto the said bill, which brought a charge upon the parish of £8, or thereabout, and that he hath made a cess of thirteen pence or fifteen pence, for what intent or purpose it cannot be imagined, unless he make attempt that the parish shall pay for his wilful and needless work of carrying and re-carrying mould or earth from and to the churchyard, and that the said William Gibbs could not get any of the said parishioners to consent to his unreasonable cess, but only his uncle …. Gibbs, and that upon condition that he should be eased or remit the value of one acre or two in the cess, which was granted him by the said churchwarden.
Also there is certain glebe land belonging to Elmestone Chutch, the rent whereof hath not been gathered this seven or eight years, and Mr.Gibbs hath been requested to demand and gather the same to help defray this charge, but he refused so to do, and saith there will be use for the same when Thomas Greenland is gone out of the parish.
Thomas Greenland, for that he being lawfully cessed at the sum £3.12s. towards the repairs of the parish church, refuseth to pay the same.
Also William Walker, lawfully cessed at the sum of 9s. 8¼d. towards the repair of the church, refuseth to pay the same.
April, 1610. We have no chest at all to keep the surplice in, nor other ornaments belonging to the church.
2.We have not the ten commandments set up on the east end of our church, we had them set up on paper, but they are torn already; we would therefore desire they might be set up in a table of wood, sufficiently and well made that they may continue.
3,. We have no strong chest for the alms of the poor, nor never had that is known of, because our parish is small.
4. The pews in the body of the church are much decayed.
5. The tower loft of the belfry is all open and ruinated.
6. The eaves of the church on the south side, where they were board plated, the boards thereof are rotten.
7. The lead of the church on the north side is faulty, so that when the rain falleth it washes the walls on the inside of the church.
8. The steeple windows of the church are open and untrapped, so that many times the pigeons fly in.
9. The churchyard on the south side is unfenced, and the rest of the fence is not sufficient, but that any kind of cattle being put into the churchyard may go out of the churchyard into the ground adjoining, or any kind of cattle being put into the ground adjoining may go into the churchyard.
10. The earth on the south side of the churchyard fence is risen so that the middle rail is almost covered with earth, and the rail fence is not two foot high, whether it were the rubbish or scraping of the church were laid there, or how it came, I know not, but the rails are rotten therewith, and the fence much the worse.
11. We have no pulpit cloth, or cushion of silk, or such like instead thereof.
October 1610. Our churchyard is not well fenced in the default of William Gibbs, late churchwarden there, who was required to repair the same by order of the archdeacon.
When he appeared in the court, he answered and alledged that he was for one year churchwarden of Elmstone, and that by the custom of the said parish he was to continue two years, and that the churchwarden before him did continue in office for two years; and that he as the churchwarden for the first year, did pull down the fence of the churchyard, being ruinous, intending to set up and replace the same, and bought timber, which still remaineth in the churchyard, but contrary to his expectation was put out of his office the first year, being then out of purse for the repairs of the bells and other necessaries for the church the sum of £10 and upwards, which money he hath not received as yet, and is not likely to receive it, and he is now out of his office of churchwardenship.
Mr. William Gibbs and Mr. Edmond Gibbs refuse to pay the amount for which they are cessed to repair the church.
We present that we have had no clerk or sexton these twelve months and more, to ring our bells or clean our church, but as our minister sometimes doth toll a bell, because Mr. Edmond Gibbs will not pay the clerk his wages, when we had a clerk.
Mr. Edmond Gibbs hath taken from our church certain bricks and paving tiles and employed them to his own use, to the number of a load as the report goeth, and hath detained them these seven or eight years, notwithstanding they have been divers times demanded of him, for which cause a needless charge of providing new hath since been brought upon our parish.
1633. Daniel Forwic, for not being at church at Easter and other times.
1635.
Edward Chambers refuseth to pay his cess made towards the repair of the
church, in which he is cessed at 29s. 3d.
1636. Our minister performeth the duty as is required on Sundays, but not on the Holy days.
When Petlye Wyborne appeared in the court he said that he had gone to the church on those days, until he was weary thereof, because nobody came; and there is no parish clerk to open the door or towle the bells, and that he is willing to perform the same again, when there is a clerk under him.
1637. Sure a surplice we have and he doth wear it, but no hood; and whether he be a graduate or not so, we know not.
When the rector appeared in the Archdeacon's Court he was admonished to procure a hood and wear it according to the canon and answerable to his degree.
1639. The names of those who have not paid Lawrence Jolfe [his wages as clerk for the space of these two years and a quarter, ending at the Feast of St. John the Baptist last: Mr. William Gibbs senior, and Mr. Edmond Gibbs.
Also Abraham Chambers, four shillings a year; he is behind for three years.
Gabriel Drayson, eightpence a year, and he is behind also for three years.
John Bromley, eightpence a year, and is behind for three years.
Daniel Forwic, sixteen pence a year, and is behind for three years.
Stephen Carter, fifteen pence a year, and is behind for three years.
And John Harrison; all of Elmeston, who refuse to pay the parish clerk.
1641. Our late churchwarden, John Bromley, hath given up his account before the minister, churchwarden, and parishioners, but yet retained the sum of 18s. 4d. due, according to his own account, to the parish.
N.B.—The parish of Elmeston then had only one churchwarden, as at the present day.
Commencing with the next issue of this
magazine, we propose in the place of these Presentments from the visitations of
the Archdeacon of Canterbury, to print the visitation which Archbishop Parker
held in his diocese in the year 1569. This MS. is in the cathedral library at
1579. The church requires certain repairs. When the churchwardens appeared in the Court of the Archdeacon, thay stated that the work had been done.
1580. We lack our Book of Homilies, and also our book of Common Prayer is worn and somewhat torn, and the plot of our churchyard is not railed. The Parsonage House needs reparation, and the chancel wants mending.
[Walter Jones was Rector 1554-80, and was non-resident in 1554 when his curate was Marmaduke Smythe and in 1555 Edward Standish.]
1585. The wife of John Godfrey for that she hath not received the holy communion at Easter.
Their minister for not giving warning nor catechising those youths within the parish according to his duty. That he had not gone the perambulations this last year.
Mr. Flower doth not instruct the servants and others in parish in the catechism as is appointed, although presented here to fore for this same.
[John Flower, M.A., Rector 1580-99 was resident in the parish during which time six of his children were baptized. He was buried on the 3lst May, 1599.]
1586. The church and churchyard want repairing. We have not a cloth for the pulpit. We have not the Book of Homilies, neither do we think we shall need them.
1588. The church wanteth some reparations, namely two buttresses on the north side of their church are in decay and want mending.
Widow Jone [? Joade] refuseth to pay her cess of seven pence; and Anthony Moore in our parish is a common drunkard.
1590. We want a day for the mending of the church and churchyard.
1603. Thomas Murton, the executor of Edmund Murton, refuseth to pay a cess made by the said Edmund Murton for the necessary repairs of our church and the ornaments thereof.
1603. Joan, wife of John Godfrey, for not receiving the communion this last Easter nor any time since.
1607. John Redwood detains his share of the clerk's wages four years at the Feast of Our Lady last past, being five shillings and four pence by the year.
1617. William
Birkland for serving the
1619. George
Huntley, Rector, hath been many years absent from his said cure saving at
certain times, but the same hath been well served by sufficient curates; and he
saith that by the statutes of this Realm he is dispensed withal, living in the
[George Huntley, M.A.,
was Rector 1610-29. In the parish register is an entry that he read "the
Book of Articles in the parish church
George Huntley and his curate Edward Fellowes were present with some Separatists or Brownists at a religious conference held in the parish of Ash in 1626 (see vol. iii. p. 297).
He was probably of
Presbyterian sympathy, for he was fined £500 and imprisoned for several years
by the
In 1631 George Huntley petitioned Attorney-General Noy; “everyman who has taken the oath of Supremacy is bound to defend the royal jurisdiction over the state ecclesiastical. The Archdeacon of 'Canterbury, Dr. Kingsley, in commanding the petitioner by an uncanonical, anticnonical, and antidiplomatical postscript, private letter and message to preach his visitation sermon, has gone beyond the canons, and contrary to the canons and to his Majesty's prerogative.” Petitioner prays the Attorney-General to procure for the petitioner leave at the Kings Bench bar to defend the jurisdiction of the Crown over the whole clergy, he pledging himself to defend the same solidly against all men, and to show the Archdeacon and all such as have assisted him are to be fined and imprisoned at his Majesty's pleasure."
George Huntley
then brought an action against Drs. Balcanqual (Rector of Adisham, etc.) and Baker
and others of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners who heard his case for false
imprisonment; when the Attorney-General advised that the defendants must plead the
High Commission, but as this was objected to as being derogatory, it was arranged
that Bishop Laud and Rives, the King's advocates, should inform the King of
this business. On
Thomas Mottershed, deputy registrar of the High Commission Court, on October l0th, 1634, wrote to William Dell, who was secretary to Archbishop Laud, that when at the Attorney-General's, there he met Mr. Huntley, who had so long sued the Commissioners Ecclesiastical upon an action of false imprisonment, who importuned the Attorney-General to be one of his counsel, but he refused until he had seen the Archbishop and the Judges of the King's Bench. Huntley annoyed everyone in his cause, so that on January 1634-5, the following order of the King in Council was issued. Upon complaints made to the King by Sir Henry Marten, Judge of the Admiralty Court, that he had been much abused by George Merefield, an Attorney who had by undue means procured a writ of capias against Sir Henry Martin in the name of George Huntley, clerk. Merefield having been heard what he could say for himself, it was resolved that he should be proceeded against by the Attorney-General in the Star Chamber. And the Lord-keeper was prayed to give direction to the cursitors, that if any original writ came to be sued out, against any the Judges of King's Courts, for any acts of theirs, as judges, they should not issue the same before acquainting the Lord-keeper, and that the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench and Common Pleas should give like orders to the filazers of their courts. Four days later, from the Fleet prison, George Merefield petitioned for release, being a young man and that he did proceed out of ignorance and was heartily sorry.
Five years later when on 31st March, 1640, the parishioners of Stourmouth sent to the Committee of Religion, their petition against their Rector, Robert Carter, they asked that Mr. Huntley might be restored to his living, or some other godly-minded man might be appointed. But for some reason Robert Carter was not deprived, much as they wished it, but died in 1645.]
1623. Philip Wallop of our parish for topping of a tree upon the Sabbath day. When he appeared in the Court he stated that after or about sunset of the day mentioned he did cut two or three boughs, and therewith mended a gap in his grounds.
John Hilles set up a bar-post on the Sabbath day. He confessed that the bars between his land and other men's land being decayed and fallen down, whereby the cattle of the one marsh passed to the other marsh, so on the day mentioned he mended the post and rails on the morning of that day.
1637. Walter Carter [rector, 1629-37] for tnat his rectory-house wanteth tiling and plastering in some parts thereof, and the stable and other buildings thereunto belonging do want underpinning; the orchards and other lands thereto belonging are not sufficiently fenced, the pales thereof being taken away and no other fence made in the place thereof.
Also the chancel of our church wanteth repairing in the walls and seats, for the which same we have formerly presented the said Mr. Carter, but the same is not yet amended.
1638. Mr. Wootton for serving the cure without licence. He stated that he was a Fellow of King's College in Cambridge, and having occasion of business with Mr. Carter the present incumbent of Stourmouth, he was requested by him to officiate the cure there for him in his absence, he being to go to visit the Bishop of Winchester, which request the said Mr. Wootton condescended unto, and hath served the cure there since Mr. Carter took his journey, and intends to leave the same so soon as Mr. Carter returns.
[Robert Carter,
M.A., Rector, 1637-45. For the petition against him in 1640, see
"Proceedings in
1639. We present all those several persons whose names are written down by George Webb our late parish-clerk, in a note hereunto annexed, being all the inhabitants and parishioners of our parish of Stourmouth, for neglecting and refusing to pay our said parish-clerk his accustomed wages and duties for the time that he executed the office of parish-clerk within the said parish, he being legally elected according to the canon unto that office and then not opposed by the parishioners:—John Gibbs, John Calton, William Underbill, Andrew Lyam, John Lyam, Philip Wallop, Henry Measday, Widow Sare, Widow Bowhouse, Roger Wybourne.
It was stated in the Archdeacon's Court that there was a dispute; they maintained that George Webb was not the lawful paristh clerk but one William Underbill who was entitled to the same office a year past and more, to whom they would pay the same.
1640. Mr. Robert Carter, rector of Stourmouth, for refusing or neglecting to church or give thanks after childbirth for her delivery, the wife of John May of our parish, she devoutly coming to church upon notice before given on a Lord's day in divine service time the forenoon for that purpose, and meekly kneeling before his face in the accustomed child-bed pew as it is called, where the women of our parish have ever accustomarily and usually presented themselves to that end.
Also for not repairing the parsonage barn now standing, and doubt that it will fall down if it be not thoroughly repaired. On the thirteenth day of July the rector appeared in the Court of the Archdeacon and said (1) that the person did not come to be churched near unto the communion table according to the rubric [“nigh unto the place where the table standeth”], which if she would have done, he was then ready to have performed his duty enjoined, and when she shall so do he will be ready to perform his duty, there being a convenient place as he saith near thereto for that purpose; (2) that the barn is not sufficiently repaired but he is now repairing the same.
[Child-Bed Pew seems to have been an unusual name for seat (see vol. iii, p. 21, under the year 1594; also p. 214, year 1596 At Cundale, in Yorkshire, it was called the " child-wife pew."]
That the Parsonage (or Rectory) is in good repair, but parsonage barn and the pales belonging to the orchard of parsonage are in great decay and want much repairing.
To the 14.—He doth duly as is required on Sundays and Holy Days read prayers, but not on Wednesday or Friday now.
To the 37 and 38.—We answer that our Minister that now is, doth not behave himself orderly and decently as befits him, for as the common fame is, he giveth himself to gaming, playing at dice, cards and tables, spending his time idly by night and by day, to the great scandal of the parishioners and ill example and otherwise to those Articles we find nothing.
To the 54.—We know of none, but we answer and present our now minister Mr. Carter, for that he refused to church the wife of John May of our parish, although she tendered herself humbly upon her knees in the ancient usual place and desired him to church her; yet he utterly denied as he said she should come up into the chancel where he would church her; our ancient churching place having time out of mind been in the body [i.e. nave] of the church, towards the upper end, but not in the chancel, and so she remained unchurched to her great woeful grief and ours and she hath been unchurched almost half a year.
[Then follows a
long list of complaints very similar to those presented to the Parliamentary
Committee of Religion, printed in " Proceedings in
1560. That the rood-loft is standing.That the Vicar of Preston [Edward Paratt 1558-62] is not resident upon his benefice but hath let it to an unlearned man.
John Longley, butcher, is a great blasphemer of Almighty God and a great slanderer of his neighbours.
William Watson doth absent himself from coming to the church, and hath not received the communion since the time of our Queen.
John Dixon and
Agnes Frost, widow, for that they were married at
Mr. Clement Norton late Vicar of Faversham for conveying [away] of certain Latin books that were for the service of the church in Queen Mary's days.
Thomas Belk doth absent himself out of the Quire. («'c).
1561. That those whose names follow, were married out of their parish :—Frances Curtys, William Chalborne.
That our vicar hath Tenham also and hath license for it.
1562. William Bennett keepeth victualling in the time of service. Also John Williams.
1575. We
present Anthony Lee to be a common minstrel, also Thomas Pasheley and Allen
Carter. (On 12 July when Carter appeared in the
1579. The church yard walls are not sufficiently fenced.
John Brooke of Faversham, gentleman, for that he doth owe unto the parish church of Barharn, for goods his father bought of the parish, to the sum of £3, and two kine, and also for the farm of the kine for twenty years.
Robert Shrubsole being executor unto Edmund Deale, who gave by his will 20s. by year for certain years, as witnesses will appear, and yet not paid.
1580. We hear by fame that the wife of Edward Frende is resorted to as a witch, otherwise called a cunning woman.
Mistress Santon cometh not to church, because as she pretendeth she understandeth not the English tongue; and yet she can chide with her neighbours in English an hour by the clock.
1581. We say that Mr. Vicar doth not continue his exercise in catechising of children, as he was wont to do.
Robert Kirton is a common drunkard and blasphemer.
Richard Philpott who is executor of his father William Philpott's will, late of Kennington deceased, for a legacy of 3s. 4d. given to the poor of our parish in his last will and testament; and he hath been asked it divers times, and he saith that he is discharged by his account, having paid the same legacy.
The chancel and chapels be not sufficiently paved, the steps to the altars be not pulled away; our church-yard is not well fenced or cleanly kept, neither be the images in the windows defaced.
Elija (sic) Mede[He was the first master of
the
Richard Gill an honest man, teaches children, but whether he be licensed we know not.
Richard Wood an honest man doth teach, not licensed as we think.
Richard Potkin and his wife have not received the communion at all. Also for the like:—Richard Martin and his wife, Thomas Cheeseman and his wife, Henry Benjamin, Christopher Amys, Gregory Hubbard and his wife, John Unkell, Walter Goodale and his wife.
1583. We present the Parson for not paving and glazing his chancel, and also for not amending of a buttress at the south side of our chancel.
Matthew Taylor for not coming to the church orderly.
That certain houses for poor folk to dwell in belonging to our vicarage, for that they are not sufficiently repaired.
Mark Elfrythe our minister, Albert Bassett, minister of Boughton under Blean, and the minister of Ospringe, for that they have preached in our parish church unlicensed by the now Archbishop of Canterbury.
John Colwell, clerk, for that he hath used to say the common-prayer and service in the church, unlicensed.
John Dryland and his wife have not received the holy communion in our parish church this whole year last past.
1584. That certain houses belonging to the vicarage are very much in decay, very like in short time to fall down.
The church-yard is not sufficiently fenced.
The shops are kept open upon the holy-days, and working therein.
The Minstrel hath
a wife in another place, he dwelling in the parish of Faversham, and keepeth
not company with her. That same
minstrel playeth upon Sundays and holy-days, and thereby withdraweth the youth
from their masters’ houses until
1585. We present the whole parish for that the church is greatly out of reparations, and that we can get no money to repair it withal.
George Haselwood for not coming to church, nor receiving the communion these three years.
Jane the wife of Robert Jessop for that she doth obstinately keep herself from church, and a very unquiet woman of her tongue.
Our Vicar for not catechising since the last Visitation.
The wife of Nicholas Finch, and the wife of Thomas Cloake, for disturbing the whole parish in the time of divine service.
John Hawlett vehemently suspected to be an usurer, for that he did make a corrupt bargain with one John Balden of Ower [Oare] about Easter last past, to whom he lent £10 in this sort:—That if the said Balden did repay the £10 on Midsummer day next following, that then he should pay for the loan thereof three loads of logs and one months pasture of a gelding; but if he did not at the day abovesaid repay the £10, that then he deliver to Hawlett three score loads of billetts by midsummer then next following.
Also John Watts who lent to one William Carter of Boughton-under-the-Blean .£5, about Michaelmas last past, by one year; and for the £5 and the loan thereof he was to pay £6, with one Nicholas Bull his security.
1591. The wife of Clement Walton a smith, being a godmother to Thomas Hudson's child of our parish, and holding the child, would not suffer the minister to sign it with the sign of the cross; and when the minister offered twice to sign it, she stepped back and would not suffer him, and when the minister did uncover the child's face, she pulled the kercher over it again twice, because he should not sign it with the sign of the cross. Then the minister was constrained to take the child from her before he could do it, and then she went into a seat and would not take the child again; whereupon the minister was constrained to deliver the child to the clerk. Wherefore we present her for her contempt and for a contemner of the Book of Common Prayer.
Elisabeth Pelham wife of Thomas Pelham, for using herself unquietly and unreverently in time of divine service, and for a common disturber of the congregation, as in chiding and throwing of mats, at her pew-fellows in the church.
The Dean and
Chapter of Christ Church in
One Colling, for that he preached the seventh of June in our church, and as the report goeth hath no order for the same.
1592. Nicholas Cross our clerk, for that he doth sometimes upon the Sabbath-days and holy days, read divine service; and for that he doth marry and bury, and deliver the cup in the administration of the communion.
Mr. Christopher Finch, for not receiving the communion the last Easter, nor a good while before. On the 14 November he stated in Court:—That at the time of Easter he received not at Faversham, because that the week before Easter he went up to London about some business he had there in Her Majesty's service, but saith that he doth receive at the least four or five times every year. [Christopher Finch was mayor of Faversham in 1578, 1597, and part of 1607, in which year he died. His first wife Ann died in 1592 and was buried in the south aisle of the church.]
1594. Mr.
Christopher Finch for breaking the ground in the church of Faversham, to bury
Anne his wife, the 14 August 1592, and for not covering the same ground again. Also
for breaking the ground in the same church to bury one Herbert Finch son of the
said Christopher, the
Elias Mead of our parish doth privately in his house teach grammar scholars, but whether he be thereunto licensed yea or no, we know not [see comment in 1581].
We say that neither the minister nor clerk, nor any other old or young, did go about the bounds of the parish in the Rogation-week) by reason of our vicar's sickness and weakness [Mark Elfryth, the vicar, died in 1594].
1602. That John Watts went to dredge oysters in the sea, upon Margarets' day last past.
Ellen the late wife (sic) of Mr. Henry Sakar, for using herself disorderly in the church in time of divine service, by thrusting of Mrs Hawlet out of the place where she was set, and chiding with her.
Richard Lile, for his shop-windows being opened on divers Sabbath days in the time of divine service.
George Greenstreet for absenting himself from church divers Sabbath days; and for a common drunkard as the fame goeth.
1603. Solomon Trewman for being absent from church divers Sabbath-days. Also William Ramsey, gentleman, for the like offence. Edward Newesfield, butcher, for opening his shop-windows on the Sabbath days.
1606. Walter Upton, Thomas Finche, and Thomas Usborne, upon the 21st day of September last being Sunday, in the time of divine service in the forenoon did eat and drink all service time, in the house of Thomas Walker of Oure, being an ale-house.
1608. We present the heirs of Mr. Christopher Finch, for not covering the grave (in the church) of the said Christopher, deceased.
Thomas and Alice Chillenden son and daughter of Thomas Chillenden of Faversham, were baptised in the parish church of Graveney, the 11 October 1607, by Mr. Thomas Paine the Curate of Graveney, and the said Alice was buried in Graveney, the 10 April last.
John Master and Dorothy his wife, for that they were married in times prohibited, without license, the 8 February.
On 4 October when Master appeared in the Court he confessed:—That he was married on Monday, being Shrove Monday last past, by Mr. John Phillips, vicar of Faversham.
1609. John Davis for practicing phisick without license.
John Swaton and John Clevill for practising surgery there without licence.
John Cortall or Cruttall for that he practiseth surgery, without license. On 24 July when he appeared in Court he objected to the statement that he hath practised surgery without a license; confesseth that he hath practised under one John Nevill, and one Henry Fuggler barbers in Faversham, but never for himself, since he set up shop for himself, except once when he let one blood for Dr. Spencer.
Thomas Askew for that he practiseth surgery without license.
1610. Thomas Brabin being himself churchwarden at Faversham, did on the 12 August being Sunday in the afternoon continue in a tavern or victualing-house, playing at tables1 or some other game at the evening prayer time.
William Harris, butcher, for dressing of meat upon the Sabbath-day after it hath ronge (sic) all in to Morning Prayer.
John Courtell for being excommunicated and coming to the church.
1611. Mrs. Ramsey, widow, for that she refuseth to pay her cess and clerk’s wages, and she will pay none.
Peter Moone for that he will not pay his cess to the church likewise.
Tobias Streateman
practiseth phisic not being licensed. Also one Askew, and Phillips, and
1612. William Tomblyn, for refusing to pay his cess of 6s., willing us also to sell away the lead of the church, and to thatch the same.
John Huggens for refusing to pay his cess of 12d., to the church.
Widow Adhams for refusing to pay her cess of 4d. to the church.
1613. There is one William Lagg, who hath taught young children [without license], but he saith he will do so no more.
1614. John Upton the son of Nicholas Upton, deceased; the said John being executor of the last will of Mr. Deale late of Faversham, deceased, for breaking the ground in the church for the burial of the aforesaid Mr. Deale, and hath not covered the same again. Also we present him for refusing to pay the clerk’s wages according to custom,—the sum of12d. being three quarters at 4d. a quarter.
(1. This was a kind of game like backgammon, played on flat boards - Skeat's "Etymological Dictionary".)
I present Anthony Bodle and John Tente, late churchwardens, for that they have not given in their account before the minister and parishioners, nor passed the same over to the succeeding churchwardens by bill indented, according to the Canon in that behalf constituted.
2. I present the said churchwardens and especially Anthony Bodle, for that usually for the most part of every monthly communion through the whole year last past wherein they were churchwardens, we had not sufficient wine brought to the communion table according to the order, but have been compelled by the perverse obstinacy of the said Anthony Bodle, to stay divers times 'twice or thrice in a communion, for supply of wine from the tavern, to the great scandal and offence of the communicants.
(Signed) John Phillips, Vicar of Faversham.
1615. John Partridge and his wife absented themselves from church the last Sabbath-day in the forenoon, being the tenth day of this present September, and sold beer the same day in the time of divine service.
We have within our parish two phisicians, viz., Mr.....Lapworth, and Mr. Brenchly (Brenchley); one midwife Mrs. Joan Annett; five surgeons, Mr. Thomas Arnott, John Nevill, Tobias Stretnam, John Cruthall, Bartholomew Hilton. How long they have used their several licences, or by what authority, we know not; nor do we know their state, but they are well accompted of.
1617. Edward Swire and Thomas Barrington, did upon one Sunday since or about Midsummer day last past, gather cherries in a cherry-garden in Selling, in the time of divine service, to the great offence of such as saw them, and others.
1619. Rose, the wife of John Becke, malster, for disturbance in the church, and thrusting herself into a pew there, being often forbidden so to do, having also been offered to be placed elsewhere.
On the 15 November when Rose Becke appeared in the Court she stated:—That she hath hitherto set in a pew in the church of Faversham, although she were forbidden the contrary by the churchwardens, and saith that they did offer to place her in a seat behind a pillar in the same parish-church, where she could not hear divine service, and therefore she did refuse to be by them so placed there.
Stephen Harwood, Anthony Peterson, Robert Lelesden, John Watte, for giving railing speeches, and threatening us, for pulling off the locks of their pews, who were not suffered to come to gather a brief from seat to seat.
1622. Bennett the wife of Anthony Bodle for making disturbance in our church, in refusing Susan the wife of William Wratting to sit with her in the pew, being placed there to sit, by our churchwardens.
On 25 November, when Bennett Bodle came into the Court, she alleged:—That she hath used to sit in a pew or seat in the parish church for the space of twelve, ten, eight, or at the least three years last past; and with her used to sit in the same seat, an ancient aged woman, for and during the same time and none other; and that the seat is not sufficient or large to hold any more than two persons conveniently to sit and kneel therein, for the same, seat is not above four foot long and three foot broad, and the said Wratting offering to come to sit with her, and so disturb her in her seat, she refused or would not suffer her to sit there, because there was not room enough for her to sit there, together with the other two who formerly did sit there.
Mary the wife of Thomas our sexton, for railing and scolding in very unchristian like manner in our parish church in time of divine service on Sunday the 2 February, both against us the churchwardens of the parish, and also against the wife of John Fothered, to the great offence of them that sat near her in the same church.
The 19 March, 1622-3, she appeared in the Court and alleged: That on the Sunday mentioned she coming in divine service time, to sit in her usual seat in Faversham church to hear divine service, did find in the same seat Fothered’s wife, placed there that day as she said by the churchwarden, whereupon she knowing four persons to have usually sat there before that time, the same pew being but four foot in length at the most, that they had room too little already before, that were placed to sit there, and that the wife of Fothered sat better in the seat where she sat before, than she could sit there.
1639. Mary Friend wife of Thomas Friend, yeoman, the last year was placed by us in a good and convenient pew or seat with her own consent, and did therein sit; yet since she hath refused, and left her seat, and cometh to the seat from whence she was removed, others being placed therein, to the offence of those that behold her, and to the evil example of others of her quality and disposition; and doth behave herself very irreverently, laughing and nodding her head at those that sit there, maintaining her daughters to sit at the door of the seat, where the servants of those that belong to the pew should sit, striving and striking those that speak to them, to remove or put them from the seat.
When on 12 June, Mary Friend appeared in the Court, she stated:—That true it is that about Easter last, she did consent to be placed by the churchwardens in another pew, than wherein before that she usually did sit in the church, but having sat there but some few days she said it was very inconvenient for her, in regards of her distance from the minister, wherewith she acquainted the churchwardens or one of them, and desired to be removed hence into some other more convenient place, which they neglecting, she afterwards removed to her old pew, and finding the same locked, did indeed go over to sit in, but not in any uncivil manner.
Daniel Brice a carpenter who being taxed the last year for his house wherein he did dwell, towards the reparation of the church twelve pence, and for the clerk’s wages, for the house wherein he now dwelleth, for half a year four pence, which hath often times been demanded and not yet paid.
Nicholas Swaiton a recusant that standeth excommunicate.
Jacob Silver a barber, for using his trade of a barber upon the Sabbath day or Sunday, when he and his servant did work upon their trade upon Sunday the 3 November last.
Thomas Baker lately removed to Dover, who whilst he lived at Faversham was taxed towards the repairing of the church for his dwelling house and malt-house which he then occupied, 2s.; and towards the ornaments of the church for his ability 1s.; and for the clerk’s wages for a year 4d.; all of which was demanded of the same Thomas, but he refused to pay it.
William Pye for practising and administering phisic without licence, although he hath been admonished and inhibited for the contrary.
1640. The wife of Thomas Friend for living apart from her husband, and hath so lived many years, she will not permit him to come into her house, but causeth the door to be shut up against him, and he being in great want and necessity doth crave relief not only of his friends and acquaintances in private, but of strangers also, even at men's doors.
When on 12 February she appeared in the Court, she alleged: That true it is that by reason of her husband's unthrifty carriage and careless expense in former times, they are now brought into great poverty, although they were born of good parents and well brought up, and now so it is that some of her friends taking them into their charitable consideration, have towards the maintenance of her and her children allowed unto her a certain proportion for her and their maintenance, so as she reserve the same to that purpose only, and do not suffer her husband any way to participate thereof, there having been care likewise taken by some of her friends to provide a place in a castle at Rochester for her husband, that so he might be and subsist therein, and not trouble or molest her. That her friends knowing the ill disposition and expensive carriage of her husband, are in that regard so bent and set against him, that they have resolved and determined in case she entertain or admit her husband to dwell with her, they will wholly withdraw their goodwill and annual exhibition and allowance from her, upon whose courtesy and goodwill only she doth depend and maintain herself.
James Tunbridge taxed towards the reparation of the church, for the house and shop which he now occupieth 18d., and towards the ornaments of the church for his ability 6d., and for the clerks wages for one whole year 8d., all which hath been many times demanded and is unpaid.
Stephen Swales taxed towards the reparation of the church, for the house he lived in for the last year 6d., and for this year 6d.; and for the clerk's wages a year 8d.; all which hath been of times demanded, but he refuseth to pay.
On 8 April, 1640, application was made to Archdeacon William Kingsley:—That many of the pews and especially in the body of the church are decayed, old, unsightfull (sic) and not uniform, wherefore they humbly desire license of the Court to reform and new build the pews in the church, for the convenience of the inhabitants. Which petition the archdeacon and his official seeing to be reasonable, granted as they desired, provided they build not the new pews above four foot and two inches in height.
Nathaniel Besbeech the elder, gentleman, for refusing to pay his cess to the church, being cessed in several cesses for his land and house, at £7 2s. towards the reparation of the church, and for his ability at 4s. for ornaments to the church.
Likewise John Pordage of Copton for £3 8s. towards the reparation of the church.
We the churchwardens of the town of Faversham do present these persons under named for not paying their several cesses made for the reparation of our church bells, steeple, and pews:—
1. Robert Hayes late of Faversham, but living
principally at
2. Edward Ames, 2s.
3. John Berry, 3s. for his house, and for his ability 6d.
4. George Fully 4s. house, and ability 3d.
5. Edward Allen 4s. for house, and ability 3d.
6. Henry Pilbure 2s. for house, and ability 3d.
7. Richard May 2s. for house.
8. Edward Wherral 2s. for house, and ability 4d.
9. Henry Platt 4s. for house, and ability 6d.
10. John Smith of Ewell in Faversham 6s. for house, ability 1s. 6d., and land £6 14s.
11. Joseph Heeler at Langden, house 7s., ability 2s., land £6 13s.
12. John Greenham of Homestone, house 8s., ability
3s., land £9 14s.
13. George Drury of Davington, for land £4.
14. John Boviar of Boughton Blean, for land £1 4s.
15. John Bunce of Sheldwich, for land 12s.
16. Francis Jeffry of Westwood in
17. ….Clements of Graveney, for land 9s.
18. William Huggins of Boughton Blean and Graveney, for lands 12s.
19. Thomas Ince of Boughton, for land 8s.
20. Thomas Ince again as executor of Edward Shrubsole, and Ottaway Shrubsole of Faversham living with Justice Edwards, for land £2 4s.
21. George Philpot of Ospringe, for land 2 s.
22. Richard Rose of Luddenham, for land £1 6s.
23. John Greenstreet of Perry in
24. The widow of Bezahel Creake, late of Tenham, deceased, whilst he lived executor of Thomas Napleton late of Graveney, for land 10s.
25. Jeffery Pordage of Goodneston, for land, £2 6s..
1641. The churchwardens complained to the Archdeacon and alleged: That they being out of their office have tended their accounts to the parish, and that the parishioners referred the examination of the accounts to Mr. Caslock, Mr. Napleton, Mr. Wharton, Mr. Wraight, and Mr. Dyers, who have seen and examined the same, and except not against it; by which it appears that they are out of purse £21 18s. 5d., and desiring their money the parishioners refused absolutely to set their hands for the allowance of the same accounts, and therefore they exhibit the same and leave it to be seen and perused by anybody having interest.
1662. Shadwaren Pope for teaching school without licence. Also for the like William Knatchbull and George Bushbridge (sic).
1664. These are to certify and inform those whom it may concern, that these persons following teach school without licence:—
George Besbeech, Edmund Page, William Knatchbull, Thomas Carter.
1669. Thomas Webb of our parish for teaching school without licence. Also Nathaniel Ladd for the like.
1671. Joseph Edwards for not bringing his child to church to be baptised.
The
1690. That one Mr. John Blackstone pretended clerk, doth take upon him to officiate as curate of the parish, and to preach there, and that he refuseth or neglects to show that he hath any license so to do, and that he is a stranger to them and is generally represented not to be in holy orders.
In May 1690, the
Judge of the Archdeacon's Court decreed and ordered:—That in case the present
minister of the parish church of Faversham, Mr. Gamlyn, do not take care for
the supplying of the cure of the parish, he did order and appoint the present
churchwardens Mr. Ames and Mr. Baker, being then in Court, that they do
provide a minister to supply the cure there during the absence of Mr. Gamlyn,
and the said Mr. Gamlyn do satisfy such person for his pains therein, and he be
ordered so to do, in case he make refusal.1
To the Archbishop of
We the people
called Quakers desire it may be registered in the
(Signed) John Sims
John Maddox
John Love
1 July I696.2
[To be continued.]
1 John
Gamlyn, was vicar of Hernehill (near Faversham) 1676-1681; vicar of
2 The
Toleration Act was passed in 1689
1560. THOMAS WOOD is detected for a common swearer.
That the good wife Wroote did receive two books, the one a Mass Book, the which she neither will deliver nor tell where they are.
Richard Geneyst for conveying of two books, being now deceased, as one of our company well knoweth named John Tailinge.
The Vicar doth not his duty in reading the Homily on Sunday.
1562. The Vicar readeth not the Homilies nor the Injunctions.
That they have neither chalice nor communion cup but a glass.
[Thomas Pawson, Vicar 1560-65, Vicar of St. Mary's Sandwich 1565-97 where he was buried 23 February 1597.]
1576. The Vicarage of
[Gervase Lynch, Vicar 1550-59 Rector of Elmeston 1550-80; Vicar of Preston a second time, 1565-78. The Preston Registers contain a note—"On 1 July 1565 Gervase Lynch formerly Vicar of Preston was instituted by the Dean and Chapter of the Great Church at Canterbury, but again through the ingratitude of the parishioners, he left them once more forever to the waters of Lethoe (eos in flumen Lethoeum detrudens).]
1578. Our Vicarage House is much in decay; and we have had no sermons here since our Vicar came to us.
When the Vicar
(George Eltonhead 1578-93) appeared in the
1579. The Vicarage-house be much decayed, therein the fault of Sir Gervase Lynch late vicar there.
When George Eltonhead appeared he said that he hath bestowed a considerable sum in repairs upon the vicarage-house.
1580. The churchwardens presented Henry Taylor servant to John Feryman, for being at unlawful games during the time of divine service, and especially on the Feast day of All Saints last past, both in the forenoon and afternoon; and not only did offend; in being absent, but enticed others to unlawful games. Being admonished of his faults by the vicar and sidesman, did rail on him I and call him brabbler, with other such like words.
1581. The chancel is not well tiled, neither well timbered, and like any day to fall down more and more.
1585. Our Bible is not of the last translation, and it is also torn. We have not our quarterly sermons.
1586. Thomas Paramour for that he doth refuse to pay his cess for the provision of the new bible. He hath not received the Holy Communion according to the Canons this last year, or at Easter last.
1590. Our church is in hand to be repaired and shall be finished as soon as we can possibly.
1591. Our Vicar for causing the clerk of our parish for to read the service being not licensed.
Our church is not altogether well glazed in one window on the south side of the church.
1592. We present as heretofore that Dalby the clerk doth read divine service, whether licensed or no, we know not.
Our church is not sufficiently repaired for that certain tiles are blown off, and the church lieth open to the rain and weather.
1596. We present Richard Harris for a common profaner of Her Majesty's Laws, having no kind of office in the parish, breaks the law by unlawfully with-holding his twelve pence for his absence from service many times on Sunday out of mere contempt, and also upon the 20th May last past both at morning and evening prayers, without any approved cause. He refused to be bound by oath unto the 11th and 12th articles, and doth not only deride and mock his former offences, but also makes others of base condition to abuse and rail at the said offences.
The churchyard in many places is altogether very open and unfenced, all the planks on the east south and north sides being rotten and decayed, and not sufficient to keep out hurtful cattle that may defame the graves of the dead, as is forbidden in the said article [of presentment].
Richard Pettit
absenting himself from his parish church on Sundays for the most part, and
living apart from his wife, by the counsel of his brother in law the parish clerk
of Chillenden for the most part. He also is charged, that he conveyed away his
goods, leaving his wife on the parish of
We also present him as a slanderer of his honest neighbours (as John Phillip), a disturber of the quiet of the parish, by carrying vain and false tales and words, and for the most unquiet living with his wife when they were together, to the great grief of the parishioners, threatening to break her neck, with other such words.
John Howlinge, a railing uncharitable fellow, and a common brawler with his neighbours, speaking in most unusual terms unto one Stephen Batteman, yeoman, of our parish; and especially for railing at Mr. More our Vicar, being a Master of Arts and a godly preacher, calling him knave and many other unseemly terms, and for striking him very violently without cause, with a sharp hook on the first day of October when he came to the field to see what tithes were his. John Philips churchwarden was an eyewitness, being then in the company of our minister.
1601. That their Vicar is not, nor hath been resident upon his benefice for the space of one whole year past, nor paid any of the income of his benefice to the poor of the parish.
[William
More M.A., Vicar 1593-1608, was also one of the minor canons of
1602. We present Thomas Gifford churchwarden of Preston, for not making of his accounts for receiving of the money for bread and wine, which he had of the communicants at Easter last past.
1604. That the churchyard being enclosed with rails and pales which are decayed, hath these twelve years been open and unfenced, for horses kine and hogs very unseemly defame the graves of the Christians there buried, although the churchwardens have been oftimes admonished and moved therein.
1607. The churchwardens for suffering the Church these four months past to be full of dust and rubbish, very unseemly for the House of God and noisome unto the people, and the pews so full of dust and noisome that the people cannot sit in any devout manner in them, the which unseemliness both the inhabitants and strangers do greatly complain of. We also present the said parties for suffering the churchyard to be bestrewed with rubbish and broken tiles of a long time, destroying the pasture of the said place, to the great hindrance of the Minister. Also for not repairing the gate of the churchyard according to the ancient custom there used.
When one of the churchwardens—John Phillips appeared in Court he stated—that about eight weeks ago the church and churchyard was by reason of the repairing of the church strewed with rubbish, but the same was abated some six weeks ago. Also that the gate was mended.
Nicholas Neame for saying the office of a Deacon without his orders.
Our Minister by the report of John Phillips, churchwarden, that he stayeth drinking at the ale-house until he goeth reeling away. (This charge on investigation was dismissed.)
1608. That Nicholas Neame clerk of that parish hath since the return of Mr. More, contrary to licence given him by Doctor Newman, continued his usual way of reading service, churching women at home in their houses, and burying, until this fortnight past. (He was suspended from his office.)
1608. The wife of Vincent Brise of our parish, did brawl with and abuse John Allen the churchwarden of the parish, in calling him " sodden nose knave," as the said Allen saith, and further that he the said Allen did look like a sodden shepherd, as we have heard her say, in the churchyard of Preston; for which we do present her that she may be punished, or by leniency in this case, she and all such contentious people be encouraged to abuse and resist the Kings officers.
I, John Williams, churchwarden or Preston, do present John Allen then also churchwarden of our parish, for that he kept a garland in his house on the twenty fourth day of June last past being Midsummer day; the twenty ninth day of the same month being St. Peters Day, and the first day of July following being Sunday, and then suffered playing upon instruments and dancing, all the said holy-days without intermission, and on the said Sunday after evensong was ended until eight or nine of the clock at night, all which time there was much tippling and drinking as the common ) fame is in our parish.
We also present
the said Allen his son Thomas Allen, and John Johnson for that they went with
the plough and ploughed on
I, John Allen, churchwarden of Preston, do present William Pollard for that he did much abuse and revile me (being churchwarden then) in the churchyard in calling me scurvy pig and ape.
[“
We present George
Philpott for not causing his children and servants to come to the church to be
catechised at the time appointed. He also caused Tomson the Baylie [i.e.Bailiff] to arrest on petty actions
Mr. More the minister, in the church and churchyard of
We do present George Philpott, William Pollard, Thomas Philpott, John Philpott, Vincent Brise, John Lott, for entering violently into the chancel of Preston church on the twenty-first day of February last 1607, at the end of morning prayer, laying violent hands on Mr. More the minister, having his surplice on, and calling him " run-a-way," with other unseemly terms, causing from the hours of twelve until four in the afternoon of the same day, great disorders in the church and churchyard.
We present George Philpott, John Phillips, William Pollard, Vincent Brise, Thomas Philpott, John Philpott and Robert Philpott, for their rude behaviour in the church in the time of divine service and sermon, viz., sitting with their heads covered, and seldom kneeling, often sleeping, and running into the church with their heads covered, to the great affront and ill example of the congregation.
We know no such fame of Mr. More our Minister, as John Phillips hath presented. [This refers to the drinking at the alehouse see under 1607.] And we present the said John Phillips George Philpott and Vincent Brise, for the first devisers spreaders and whisperers both in the parish and also elsewhere, about our minister.
1609. The seat where the divine service is usually read and the duties of my ministry performed, is very indecent and inconvenient, and also standeth in such a place in the chancel so far within, that the most part of the parishioners cannot hear the divine service read to them.
[Nathaniel Nelson, vicar 1608 until he resigned in 1616. He married
Mary Genvey, the daughter of Richard Genvey, Rector of St. Martins,
We present .... Greeder, the maid-servant of John Allen for that she hath not received the holy communion these three or four years, and cometh to church very seldom, for which as we hear he is greatly in fault, in that he keepeth not her in clothes as should be fit and decent for her.
William Pollard in contempt of the divine service seldom or never comes to the church until the most thereof is ended, and then not above once in the month, and having divers times been admonished of his negligence and contempt therein, goeth about saying that divine service is ended before the time, which is never done.
Robert Philpott in a most unchristian and contemptuous manner, laying aside all fear of God and care of his own salvation, keeping in his house, and cometh not at all to the church, neither to divine service or sermon in a malicious humour, because he hath been sundry times reproved for misdemeanour by me, and hath not been at church this four or five weeks, giving the excuse that he is not at ease, whereas he goeth abroad a mile from home.
John Philpott hath used many railing and irreverent speeches against me in the churchyard, charging me that I kept a dishonest house, calling me railer, and uses many other railing and threatening speeches against me, the occasion being I reproved him for sending for me to take my tithe hay, and when I came he refused to pay it.
Goodman Andrewes continually profanes the Sundays and Holy Days, doing thereon the ordinary work of his vocation in a most irreligious manner to the great affront of those that be well and godly disposed.
We present Edward Taylor of our parish for a drunkard and tippler, as the fame goeth in our said parish. He is also a contentious person injureth the reputation of his neighbours by railing and slanderous speeches, and specially against one Ralph Goodyear, calling him knave and his wife witch, saying they keep none but whores and witches, and he called for a candle to light him home, when he was in a common roadway, not above twenty rods from his house.
Stephen Carlton
obstinately refuses to pay unto a lawful cess made the twenty first day of May
1609, for the repairs of
Having diligently read out and explained the Articles [of Enquiry] given in charge, there is not to my knowledge anything contrary to the Articles worthy of Presentment, save one Edward Tayler of our parish for being excommunicate these three months or thereabouts.
That John
Bradford refuseth to pay unto the parish-clerk for the burial of three of his
children, and ringing of the knell.
1615. William Lott on Sunday last being the third
day of March, in the forenoon until seven of the clock and past and in the time
of divine service, did follow and work on his ordinary labour of fencing or
hedging, forbidden both by the laws of God and the statute or ordinance of the
kingdom, in which shameful abuse and horrible profanation of the most blessed
Sabbath the majesty of God was much dishonoured, and the mind of the godly and
virtuous greatly offended. I therefore humbly and earnestly beseech and crave
redress hereof, being a practise very impious and if not severely punished an
example very hurtful and dangerous. The said William Lott is also very unruly
and disorderly, and one that draweth company to his mother's house to swill and
drink on the Sabbath days, selling drink without licence and against the laws.
1624. George Taylor for absenting himself from
service on Sundays and Holydays.
When
1631. Anne Neame the wife of Richard Neame for
wilfully and obstinately refusing to come to the Holy Communion at Easter, and
neither would come unto the Minister when he sent unto her by her husband, nor
yet by the churchwardens.
1662. Michael Huffham, and Harrison Beard
churchwardens there, for suffering one Mr. Nichols who is not in orders, frequently
to preach in their parish church.
Thomas Coltson
water-bailiff there for that he having the custody of the keys of the said
parish church, did open the doors to let in the aforesaid Mr. Nichols and his
congregation into the said church there.
[This was evidently the Charles Nichols of
Adisham, where he was presented in the same year “for teaching school without
licence.” Also there is—“A presentment made by Richard Austen churchwarden of
Adisham
[In this
and the following papers will be given the Presentments made to the Archdeacon
of
1569. BP. Parker's Visitation.) That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus. The Parson is not continually resident.
Rectory:—In patronage of Anthony Sonde, esquire.
Rector:—Dom. Peter Player, he is married, does not live there, has also the Vicarage of Throwley in the same Deanery, he does not preach, has no licence to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 6
Communicants, 34. —(Page 37.)
1578. That they have had but one sermon this half year.
We have not a cover to our communion cup, also we have a surplice, and our Curate will not wear it, because he saith it is not sufficient.—(Vol. 1577-84, fol. 16.)
1579 Our church somewhat wanteth reparations.—(Fol. 26.)
We have not a surplice for we are not able to buy one, for our parish hath but only two men of ability, to do it or any else that we are charged with, and we were this year charged with the buying of our communion cup and the reparations of our church.— (Vol. 1577-84, fol. 31)
1580. (Archdeacon William Redman, 1576-96, issued the following order to every parish in this year.)
1. That in every parish there be provided before Christmas x a comely pulpit to lay upon the same when the sermon shall be.
2. That in such places where the minister hath usually used to pray the Divine Service in the body of the church, there be also provided before Christmas next, a convenient and seemly pew one foot higher at the least, than the end of the ordinary pews, and the same to be enclosed, having a low seat without the same thereunto adjoining for the parish clerk.
3. That the churchwardens and sidesmen either jointly or severally by course, do every Sunday and Holyday diligently note such persons (especially householders), as are absent from divine service either in the forenoon or afternoon, and after prayers ended shall make a Bill of the same. And the churchwardens or one of them shall so soon as conveniently they may, demand of such as cannot render a reasonable cause of their absence the forfeiture by statute appointed, and levy the same accordingly.
4. That the churchwardens do in the beginning of every usual quarter of the year, certify in writing under their hands, and the hand of their several ministers, the names of such as obstinately refuse to pay the same forfeiture for their absence, alleging no especial excuse of their absence from divine service.1—(Vol. 1580-82.)
1581. That we lack a surplice.—(Fol. 49.)
We had no sermons but those that have been preached by parson himself.—(Vol. 1577-84, fol. 67.)
1584. We lack a cushion or cloth for the pulpit, which we provide very speedily.
Our minister thinketh not our surplice sufficient, but he hath one making.—(Fol. 11.)
1590. Our church and chancel is not in sufficient repair, through the great winds that have happened this year; we will repair them ; soon as we can get wherewithal to do with, hitherto we could ; not, but we hope we shall now shortly.—(Vol 1584-92, fol. 151.)
1.
This order of 1580 applies to all the parishes
printed in former volumes of this Magazine, although found in another volume
since they were printed.
1604. Our minister doth not as yet wear the graduates hood, tippett, and square cap, but saith that he doth very well allow of them, and with all convenient speed provide them and use them, is he doth already the gown, cloak, and surplice, with other things enjoined in these times and places.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 129.)
1610. We have such a pulpit, such a chest, and so appointed and used, and our church in good condition, and our parsonage house which was in some want that way, by reason of a controversy betwixt him and his farmer who should do it, but is now agreed misse [sic] now in mending.—(Fol. 3.)
All have received [the communion] at Easter last, but some thrice in the year.
On the 29 Feb. 1610-11, Thomas Giles appeared in the Archdeacons Court, and said:—That he hath not specified the names of such as did not receive the communion therein the last year, and that by reason there are many servants and others that do go out and come into the parish before the year be expired, and that he taketh no special note of such as receive, he doth not nor cannot well know where they are which have not received there the last year, but saith hereafter he will observe better.—(Fol. 9.)
1613. We had such books and so employed them, but they were burned in our parson's house, which we will renew again with what convenient speed may be.
On 14 June 1613 when William Hill appeared in the Court, he said:—That they had a book in parchment of christenings, marriages, and burials, and likewise a Book of Canons, as are mentioned in the articles [of presentment], which book their minister Mr.Yate took home unto his house, and there by casualty of fire his house being burned, the books likewise aforesaid, as Mr. Yate saith perished in the fire.—(Fol. 96.)
Our church and chancel are in good condition, but our parsonage-house and stable are burned both to the ground.—(Fol. 97.)
1616. Our church and chancel are in good
condition, but there is a chapel which the farmer (Robert Giles) of
1620. Our churchyard is in some want of reparation, by reason of a controversy betwixt the parish and the Manor-House, which was wont to maintain more than is now performed, but we haw taken a course for the deciding of it, and it shall be repaired wit] as much speed as it may conveniently be done.—(Fol. 69.)
1625. That the window at the east end of a certain chancel a the south side of our church, belonging to the Court-lodge of Badlesmere, wanteth much reparation as well in the glass as upon work of the same, and is indeed almost ruinated and decayed which is to be repaired as the common fame goeth by Sir Richard Sands [? Sondes] owner of the said court-lodge, or else by Thoma Munde former of the same.—(Fol. 216.)
The churchyard
lacketh fencing in some parts, which
1580. (See under Badlesmere.)
1587. We present Mr. Thomas Hawkins the elder, hath not received the communion at Easter last past.—(Fol. 19.)
Also Mr. Thomas Hawkins the younger, and his wife, Anne Robinson, Alice Pellin widow, and Greene a schoolmaster in M Hawkins' house.—(Fol. 20.)
1588. Our Book of Common Prayer is somewhat torn, also our church is a little in reparation. Our chancel is somewhat to be repaired by reason of the burial of Mr. Hawkins and Mr. Basset1 and the chancel lacketh leading.—(Vol. 1587-89, fol. 71.)
1603. We present Mr. Thomas Hawkins and his wife, Mr Henry Pettit and his wife, Mr. John Best, John Carter and his wife, Thomas Territt and his wife, for that they have not received the communion this last Easter within our parish of Boughton Blean.—(Vol. 1602-4, fol. 100.)
1612. John King the younger, of our parish, tippler, for suffering and admitting divers persons to play games in his house on the Sabbath days, in the time of divine service and sermons, and also on holydays, but who they be that he hath so suffered and admitted, we know not.—(Vol. 1611-13, fol. 129.)
1 [Albert Bassett, Vicar 1576-87, was buried
1625. Sir Thomas Hawkins Kt., and his lady, for not coming to church, to hear divine service read.
Also, Mrs. Mary Watton, William Pettit and his wife, Joan Crafte widow, Florence Watson, Siriak Hawkins.
Ursula Dad and Margaret Cox, servants in the house of William [Pettit, for that they have not been at our parish church, by the space of three months last past at the least.—(Vol. 1625-27, fol. 65.)
I637. We present for Popish Recusants, Sir Thomas Hawkins and his lady, Mr. Forrest, Mr. John Rucke, Mr. Blake, John Kennett and his wife, Katherine Hawkins, Dorothy Steward, Mrs. Simcocke widow, Thomas Oldknowle, John the coachman, Anne Finch, Mary Blake, all dwelling at Sir Thos. Hawkins.—(Fol. 52.)
Also Mr. Pettit and his wife, Mary Watton, Mr. Collins, John Baily, Anne Rayner, Mary Cook, Isabel the chambermaid, John Stookes, all dwelling at Mr. Pettit's.—(Fol. 58.)
They are also presented in 1638—" for Papists that never come to church."—(Vol. 1636-39.)
1639. John Collier for refusing to pay his cess made towards the reparation of the church, being cessed for twelve acres at a penny the acre, and for ability 2d.
We have heard, and Mr. Baker one of the churchwardens doth know for he is a witness to the Will of Henry Chapman late of Boughton Blean, deceased, that the said Chapman did give to the parish 40/-, which have been detained from our poor by Thomas Cobb, esquire of Chilham, and the widow Chapman deceased, which Mr. Cobb hath the will in his custody yet unproved, as we have heard.—(Fol. 2.)
Our middle chancel being called the parson's chancel, wants reparations, the farmer is Mr. John Boys of our parish.
We have Popish Recusants, one John Pettit son of Mr. Pettit, and Mr. Collins who teacheth him his books.—(Fol. 3.)
John Spencer son of Adam Spencer, and his wife, and the widow of Adam Spencer, for neglecting usually their own parish church, and frequenting Hernehill church. Also the wife of William Rucke, and the wife of Richard Proud for the like.—(Fol. 4.)
John Neaden servant to Sir John Rough, Kt., for bringing with him a hawk to church, with the fluttering jingling of bells, and muting in service times, disturbs the congregation and annoys the church.—(Fol. 6.)
Our minister (Samuel Smith) is willing to wear the hood, if the parish provide it, being to be used in that congregation, being of no other use for him - (Vol. 1639-66, fol. 7.)
[To be continued]
[
1561. That the parson is not resident. They lack their sermons. They lack a Psalter Book, the Paraphrase, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Homilies. Their church is not comely kept. The churchyard is indecent and unclosed. They lack a surplice, and a decent table with the apparel thereunto.— (Vol. 1561-2, fol. 125.)
1563. That the parish church and chancel there, is all fallen down, except the walls, in default of one Sir Thomas Courtopp late parson there . . . Thomas Hills is parson there.
There lacketh a perfect Book of the Bible, there is one but divers chapters are torn out of it, and is not of the largest Volume.
There lacketh also a surplice for the minister, a book of Common Prayer, a Psalter Book, a Paraphrase, the Book of the Homilies, a communion cup, a table for the communion, a tablecloth for the same, and the covering upon the same tablecloth, also a convenient seat for the minister, and a chest for to keep in the Register Book.
The churchyard lieth unenclosed and unseemly. Also they have not had their quarter sermons, but the Homilies read.—(Vol. 1563-4.)
1569. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.)
Rectory in patronage of William See.
Rector:—Dom. Thomas Coulson, he is married, lives there, has one benefice, and hospitable as far as he is able, not a preacher nor licensed to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 1
Communicants, 6. —(Fol. 35.)
1578. That we have our service said sometimes in the forenoon on the Sundays and Holydays only. Our chancel is fallen down. We have a Bible and Service Book, but the rest of our books are wanting. Also our churchyard is not sufficiently enclosed.—(Fol. 20.)
1579. I present unto your Worship that such presentments as I presented when last before your Worship, which was on the 24th November last past, lieth over so still. But I have talked with my Master for it, and he saith he will amend such things as be needful about the church, as soon as may be possible; as for me I am but his servant and can of myself do nothing to it. By me John Allen, churchwarden.—(Fol. 25.)
The chancel is down, and hath been so of long time.—(Fol. 30.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, Vol. vii., p. 212.)
1580. We present Mr. Colson the parson, for that he sayeth no service upon Wednesdays and Fridays. Also the chancel is greatly in decay.
When Mr. Colson personally appeared in the Court, he stated: —That there is but one house in his parish, and therefore he hath not said service, by reason of the small number of the parishioners, who resort not to hear service.
And as to the reparation of the Chancel he allegeth that at his coming to the parsonage, the house and barns were in great ruin and decay, in so much that he disbursed in reparation thereof £41 and more, being so enjoined by His Grace of Canterbury, and that his living is not able to maintain further charges.
We have no communion cup of silver with cover; also there lacketh a cloth to cover the communion table, a surplice, a box for the poor, neither is there a Register Book and the churchyard is not well fenced in all parts.—(Vol. 1577-84.)
1585. There is no surplice, the books are greatly decayed. The communion cup is of pewter. The churchyard is unfenced and no man looketh to the repairing of it.—(Fol. 27.)
1589. We present that the Parson of Buckland, doth not read the Book of Common Prayer as he ought to do.
2. Also he doth not read service upon Wednesdays and Fridays*
3. That the chancel is decayed.
4. We have not our quarter sermons.
5. And for the church and other implements to the church, the parishioners are ready to provide them, so the chancel may be made to keep them; and for the churchyard there are pales or other stuff hauled to enclose it.—(Fol. 138.)
1590. The chancel is altogether decayed only the walls remain, and the church lacketh tiling, the tiles are provided; and the churchyard is not all fenced, but it is not annoyed with anything.—(Vol. 1584-91, Fol. 152.)
1593. The church lieth very unseemly, being offensive and noisome to the parson and the parishioners, as never or seldom clean, and besides as a lime or mortar house in an unseemly manner.
2. The parson is enforced for the calling of the people together, to toll the bell himself, as having no clerk or other known person to give attendance in that behalf on Sundays and Holydays.
3. The Bible belonging to the church is very much torn and uncovered, wanting many chapters in divers places, and altogether unfit for that purpose.
4. There is neither decent table nor cup for the celebrating of the Holy Communion.
5. There is no church gate into the churchyard, and upon request thereof, denial hath been made of providing one, for that the parson cannot have his way thereto upon what occasion serves.
6. There are in our parish some who notwithstanding private and public admonition given by the parson, come very seldom to the church.
7. The parishioners come so uncertainly to the church that the parson can hardly at any time assure himself of a convenient audience for hearing any sermon that he shall provide.
8. The churchyard is insufficiently enclosed, namely with a hedge through which Mr. Hill's conies, whereof he hath a small warren adjoining, have their ordinary passage there for their food, by means whereof the parson can have small use of the churchyard:—(Fol. 83.)
I, Francis Taylor, churchwarden of the parish of Buckland, do present those whose names are hereunder written, for that they refuse to pay their cess which they are cessed at, towards the reparations and necessary uses of our church, although they have been divers times thereunto required:—
Edward Hilles, 30s.
Bartholomew Ellen of Stone, 20s.
Thomas Sare of Norton, 10s.
Bartholomew Dane of Luddenham, 2s. 8d.
Widow Borent of Tenham, 12d.—(Fol. 97.)
Mr. Bassett now being at Norton, for that he hath served at our parish the cure there under Mr. Goldsborow, being not licensed nor sufficiently authorised to do the same, from Michaelmas to Christmas.
Mr. Goldsborow our parson, for that we have had no service neither morning or evening prayer in our church, said by him or any other, all the holydays or festival days, in Christmas last.— (Vol. 1584-91, Part II, fol. 100.)
1604. Nicholas Gouldsborrow (sic) parson of Buckland; for that there is no service said in our parish church, according to the King's Majestys Laws; and also for that he refuseth to administer the communion, bread and wine being brought and set upon the communion table; also he refuseth to ask the banns of marriage of two parties of the parish.—(Fol. 118.)
That order be taken that the parishioners be assembled in the church at the time of divine service upon Sundays and Holydays, and then to hear the same according to the Canon; whereas and now by reason the ordinary means of calling the people together, by the tolling of a bell in all other places used, is not here; the minister is enforced to stay there some times by the space of an hour altogether unaccompanied, and often times to depart away without doing any service at all, as having nobody to read it unto. —(Fol. 126.)
1605. There is a great Bible and a new book of Common Prayer, decent for any church.
2. As I take it they needeth no book of Homilies, for that there is a sufficient preacher doth preach, but once in six weeks and sometimes less.
3. The communion table is and hath been sufficient for so small a church and less company.
4. There is a communion cup of silver, with a cover of silver.
5. There is no book of parchment nor place to keep it, but there shall be one shortly, so soon as the chancel be built to the same.
6. The church is decently paved, but where lately there was one buried.
7. There is a covering for the communion table when there is a communion; and for the pulpit it is a place for to read divine service in, and no other place for want of the chancel.
8. There is neither lime nor sand but in the belfry, as in all other places used.
9. There is but one place for the minister to read and to pray, this is for want of the chancel.
10. There is a very decent font of stone but no cover, it shall be provided.
11. The place in the church is kept very obscene with pigeons, or pigeon dung.
12. The youths are sent to the church to be catechised, which the minister doth not but in such sort, that they are sent away rather than come there.
13. For walking the Perambulations we shall have one or two out of my house at any time.
14. The parishioners never miss duties, Sundays or Holydays, but that there is a bell tolled the parishioners come duly to church if they be in the parish; but times when the priest doth come he will not toll, but departeth and sayeth no service, which was ordered before my Lord Grace, that the parson or his man should toll the bell when he came.
15. There was an old Bible and Book of Common Prayer which Master Hill hath in his keeping, but he was compelled to buy new to the value of 30s., for there is no man in the parish to help them without the parson.
16. There was a collection made by Francis Taylor from out-dwellers for the other necessaries to the value of £20, and there was laid out by Taylor and Hill, £10.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 125.)
That certain books formerly belonging to the parish have been by Mr. Edward Hills, parishioner, converted to his private use or disposition, without any authority or consent of the parson.
That certain money collected by one Francis Taylor, Churchwarden of Buckland, of divers out-dwellers for reparation of the church and other necessaries, and by the said Taylor paid to Mr. Hills, may be accounted for.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 127.)
1607. The Book of Common Prayer is not read according to the service of the Book, neither doth he observe the orders in the said book, for that we have had no service Wednesdays nor Fridays.
2. The parson of Buckland, Mr. Goldsborrow, hath not been resident upon his benefice this two years, nor no curate.
3. He doth not read all the divine service on the day he doth preach; he doth administer the Sacrament in his own person.
4. He doth not, and I also send them, and then he will not teach them as they report.
5. He hath no residence in Buckland, and as for visiting he says he will never come about them.
6. The church is decently kept, but the chancel is down, and the parsonage-house and all other houses will go after.
7. There is none but do receive the communion, but he denieth us a communion when we call for it.
8. That Mr. Goldsborow hath dug up a walnut tree and divers (Vol VII) apple trees about his parsonage house, neither doth he give anything to the poor, which he ought to do; and further he carryeth away all the tithe corn and the corn of his glebe.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 84, Part iii.)
1607. There is none as yet, for that the chancel is down and no place to keep the same; there shall be one provided.
There is a Book of Common Prayer, a font or stone, a communion table, and a fair linen cloth upon it at the communion, but no carpet of silk. The rest we want.—(Vol. 1606-10, fol. 85.)
On the 18th day of September, 1706, the Official of the Archdeacon inspected the bill of presentment made by the present churchwardens of the parish for the last Easter Visitation, wherein it is presented that part of the parish church is blown down, and the part now standing and the steeple are in great danger of falling down also. He ordered the churchwardens forthwith to make a church rate in order to rebuild the part of the church so fallen down, and repair what is in danger of falling, and certify what hath been done thereunto at the next Easter Visitation, and that a copy of this order be sent unto them by the Registrar of this Court.—(Fol. 90.)
On 5 May, 1707, when at Sittingbourne holding a Visitation, John Saunders, one of the wardens of the Parish of Buckland, appeared before the Official of the Archdeacon and said, that, by reason of the paucity of the inhabitants of the parish and the smallness of the rents of the land in the same, that to rebuild and repair the church will cost at least £150. Whereupon, inspecting the certificate, he did monish John Saunders that he do forthwith give due notice for the making of a church rate and collect the same by Michaelmas next, and then certify at the Visitation to be then holden that he hath so done, and appear to receive such further order therein as the Court shall think fit to make upon him touching the same.—(Fol. 90, Vol. 1678-1735.
[Continued from VOL. XI, p. 265.]
1557(?). Cardinal Pole's Visitation(?) Thomas
Corkerell1 and Thomas Warren2 presented for withholding
of one tenement and a barn, with fifteen acres of land, which was [given] to
the church of Our Lady in Dover for divers exequies there to be done. And also
the said Thomas Warren doth with-hold one lamplight, which
should come out of two acres of land given by Mistress Tokye.—(Fol. 43.)
John Plane for
that he doth withhold one chalice from
Edmund Michell had the best chalice belonging
to Our Lady Church in
Mr. Foxeley3. for that he lost one chalice weighing ten ounces, wherefore he hath paid 40s.—(Fol. 43.)
Richard Bowker, for withholding from the church St. Mary one cow and 40s of money.—(Fol. 44.)
The Presentments
of Thomas Bassingborn and his fellows of
Thomas Rutter for withholding of 28 cwt. of lead, more or less, and one rope belonging to the church of Our Lady there.
Andrew Mynge and Richard Cooke4. for that when the were churchwardens, they did sell all the implements [ornaments(?)] and have [made] none account thereof as yet.
Mr. Warren, for
withholding of one piece of ground, called the parsonage of
The widow of
Edmond Mitchell, for withholding one chalice, double gilt,
from the
Mr. Foxeley, for
withholding of a chalice parcel gilt of 13oz. from the
Mr. Warren, for withholding eight acres of land from church, which was given by one Grove. And also that he doth withhold fourteen acres of land and a barn, given for an Obit to be kept in the church, by one Alder's widow.—(Fol. 49.)
Hewe [sic]
John Owen, for keeping bawdry.—(Fol. 66.)
1569. (Archbishop Parker's Visitation.) That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The minister doth minister the Communion in fine manchet-bread.
The church lacketh reparations, for it raineth in, in every place; and our chancel is unpaved where the Communion Table standeth.
That one John Almonson doth not use to come to the church but twice or thrice in a quarter. And we present one Griffin Edward's wife for the like fault.
That one Thomas
Paynter saith that he is a papist [sic],
and that he hath a book by the which he will approve that Saint James said mass
at
Mr Warren hath five or six pounds of the alms-house money in his hands, since he was Warden of the house, and the alms house is in great decay, yet cannot we get the money from him.
John Knappe being of St. Peter's and the church being decayed5. the whole parish was appointed to come to St. Mary by Mr. Denne, being Commissary, but he will not come there.
That Mr. Warren doth owe for three years and a half rent of our church, at sixteen pence by the year, and he will not pay it.
Mr. Almonson keepeth away the rent of a piece of ground which belongeth to our church, and twelve pence by the year, which is behind unpaid for seventeen years, as by the books doth appear.
Mr Edwardes oweth six shillings and eight-pence, for breaking the ground in the church to bury his mother.
Awdrian White, widow, oweth eight shillings, for burying her son in the church.—(Vol. 1569.)
1595. Edward Butler, for striking John Goodwin in the church in the time of the election of our Mayor6. as Edmund Mitchell and the said Goodwin do affirm.—(Fol. 66; vol. 1594-6.)
1602. We present the inhabitants of the Masondew [sic] according to the charge given unto us by Doctor Newman, to have them reputed within the parish of St. Mary in Dover, for not coming to the Communion at Easter last, viz.: William Hannington the elder, William Hannington the younger, Moninge Hannington, Joice Hannington, Thomas Millway and his wife, James Tattman and his wife, Thomas Constable and his wife, John Brookland and his wife, Widow Bony. - (Vol. 1600-2; fols. 192-6.)
1609. We present Mr. James Hugeson, the elder, for that he denieth to pay the minister's wages, which he is cessed at by those who are appointed by the whole parish, for to make the cess for the minister's wages; and they have cessed him at 20s. a year, and he doth owe for half a year, which is 10s.
Henry Hodes, for the like, cessed at 14s. a year, and owes 7s.
Francis Clarke, cessed at 8s., doth owe one quarter, 2s.
William Hannington, cessed at 12s., and doth owe half a year 6s.
John Kempe, cessed at 6s., owes half.
Thomas Harrison, cessed at 6s., owes 3s.
John Gates, cessed at 12s. a year, and doth owe half a year 6s.; but is now gone out of the parish, and doth dwell place called Sellinge, within two miles of Faversham.
John Baker, miller, of the Maison Dieu, for the like, and is at cessed at 6s.a year and doth owe for half, 3s.
We also present the same John Baker for suffering his man to load sacks or bags with meal, on his horse, on Sunday being the 24 September, 1609.—(Fol. 118-121; vol. 1608-
1625. John Jacob, for not paying toward the new churchyard.
Thomas Gull, for not paying the church-due.—(Fol. 48.)
William Savery, for violating the Sabbath by selling of Butchery ware on the Sundays and other Festival days that in time of Divine Service, setting open the shop window as on the weekdays.
When on December 15 he appeared in Court, he confessed:
__That he hath sometimes sold flesh on the Sabbath days within this half year last past, before Morning Prayer, and in the evening, after Evening Prayer ended.—-(Fol. 49.)
Also for the like—Thomas Savery, Thomas Briant, John Spencer, Edward Marlton, Abraham Chandler, Jacob Love who killed a bullock on Sunday, September 18 last, which he said was upon extraordinary occasion.—(Fols. 49-51.)
... Kennett, for usual selling of flesh-meat in the time of Divine Service, Sundays and Holy Days.—(Fol. 53.)
1626. Jasper Fowler, knight, being a parishioner of the parish, for refusing and not paying the Minister his duties, neither his offerings, neither to the church reparations, according to a cess made by the parishioners, for this year now past.—(Fol. 53.)
We, the Churchwardens and Sidesmen, present Edward West, Frank Evernden, Daniel Gray, and William More, for that they have not paid the Minister his due or stipend for this year now past.—(Fol. 118.)
Christopher Hewes, victualler, for suffering Daniel Powell, servant to Mr. Samuel Moore of Dover, to tipple and drink in the house of the said Christopher, on Sunday the nine and twenty day of October last past in the time of service.— (Fol. 170)
We also present the said Daniel Powell for being tippling and drinking in the house of the presented Hewes, on the 29th day of October last past, being Sunday, in time of Service.
On December 18, when Daniel Powell appeared in Court, he confessed:—That he was taken drinking with a Frenchman, a countryman of his, who brought him a letter from his father out of Normandy.—(Fol. 170.)
1636. Robert Ladd and William Row, carpenters, for working and using their trade on Ascension Day last, in the time of DivineService.—(Fol. 4.)
John Roberts,
On
Walter Smith, shoemaker, for suffering his servants to work on their trade on St. John the Baptist's Day last, in the time of Divine Service.—(Fol. 5.)
John Siseley, for misdemeaning himself on one or more Sundays in our Church in the time of Divine Service, to the disturbance of our Minister and some part of our congregation, for climbing over seats, and intruding himself into a seat not appointed for him.—(Fol. 15.)
James Bollard and James Codde, for a similar offence, intruding themselves into a seat not appointed for them, and Codde more particularly for breaking off or putting back the lock of our middle gallery door, into which he was never assigned to sit for performance of any divine office.
It is by the Minister and Churchwardens since the presentment, complained and informed that James Codde, upon Sunday the nineteenth day of last month, again twice (as in former times) violently did handle the man who is appointed to keep the door, and disturb others in intruding himself into a pew where he was never placed.—(Fol. 19.)
1637. We present these persons following: Humphrey Mantle, Richard Golden, Michael Brownley, James Huggeson the elder, and John Bing, for entertaining within their houses merchants which are sojourners, strangers who come from Spain, France, Holland, Flanders, or some other place beyond the seas, and do use merchandising or are factors for foreign merchants at Dover, which do not come to Divine Service or receive the Holy Communion; whose names are Martin Dolman, Mr. Cosse, Mr. Varges, Mr. Gale, Mr. Peters de Vautin, and John de Marie, merchants.—(Fol. 58.)
On June 22, when Martin Dolman appeared in the Court he stated:—That he doth not go to church nor receive the Communion, and saith that he is a factor, and a subject of the King of Spain, and freed by the Articles of Peace, between the Kings of England and Spain.
Gale said that he doth not understand the English tongue —(Fol. 60.)
We present David Lemson, John de Lavillette, Mr. Budier, Mr. Le Tosse, Mr. Vandewell, Mr. Van Ellen, Jan Newporter, Walther Wybuaines, William Rickham, Rowland Baker, Cornelius Cose, Harman Stopgate, Mr. Basserode, Mr. Van Owen, Henricke Adiranson, James Colfe, and Elisabeth Danster, for recusant Papists, inhabiting and now dwelling in the parish, being all strangers come beyond the seas out of His Majesty's Dominions, and the greater part of them merchants or factors, and masters of ships or vessels belonging to the said port.—(Fol. 61.)
We present Mr. Tosse's two sons, John Rappart, Jaques Tosse, James Pettit and his wife, Nicholas Blowet and wife, Lawrence de Fesse and his wife, Charles Russell, his wife and daughter, Walter Wibourner's wife, Balliard and his wife, all inhabitants of the parish, but strangers come all out of His Majesty's Dominions, for being at Mass at the house of Thomas Garrett, dwelling at the sign of the George in the said parish.
On June 22, it was explained in Court on behalf of Tosse (and the others), that the Queen of England's Bishop coming from London to Dover to pass beyond the seas, did in the house of Mr. Garrett say Mass, and that they heard it, being strangers born, and subjects of the King of Spain, and Tosse was a factor of Dover for the merchants beyond the seas.— (Fol. 65.)
1638. We present Daniel Page and John Painter of the same parish for a disturbance in the\churchyard of the parish, at the burial of a corpse, on a Wednesday in the afternoon.— (Fol. 145.) '
Margaret Watkins of the same parish, for disturbance in the Church, on . . . of . . ., being on a Sabbath Day in the time of christening in the afternoon.—(Fol. 141.)
Aaron Wellard, brewer, for working with his beasts and carriages, in carrying of lime on St. Andrew's Day last, in time of Divine Service.
Paul Wymond, brewer, for working with his beasts and Carriages, in carrying of beer on the same day, in time of Divine Service.—(Fol. 142.)
William Savery, butcher, for his frequent profaning of the Lord's Day by selling of meat on the same.
Also for the like offence, Edward Hartford, John Spenser, Edmund Marlton, Abraham Chandler, Ralph Franke, Simon Ladd, Robert Zimmerden, John Palmer.—(Fols. 168-170).
That of ancient time there was in the southward aisle of the Parish Church of St. Mary, near the upper end of the same, a certain door which for many years hath been stopped up, but in such manner as to this day there is manifest appearance of a door sometime there; of which door the Minister and Churchwardens and parishioners for many occasions are in great want, and for lack of it suffer many very considerable inconveniences, as by a letter of Mr. Reading directed to the Register [sic] of this Court may more fully and particularly appear.—(Fol. 182.)
William Rogers the elder, sailmaker, for being drinking and tippling in the house of John Loome of the parish of St. James the Apostle, in Dover, innkeeper, on Easter Monday last in time of Divine Service; and the aforesaid John Loome, for suffering him to drink and tipple there.—(Fol. 209.)
William Marshall, William Rogers junior, sailmaker, Roger Winter and John Frost, for drinking and tippling in the house of William Blisse of the parish of St. James, Dover, victualler, on Easter Monday, in time of Divine Service.—(Fol. 209.)
Cornelius Bent, for default of payment of his cess for the reparation of the Church, and the Minister's stipend there, for these two years and a half past, at 2s. the quarter, amounting to 20s.
Also Edward Vautin and Edward Peters, for two years and a half, being assessed at 6d. per quarter each of them, which in all amounteth unto 6s.
Jaques Tasse, for a year and a half at 5s.the quarter which amounteth unto 30s.—(Fol 224.)
We, the Churchwardens of St. Mary in Dover, do present and certify to the Court, that there is in our churchyard under the church wall, a certain monument or tomb, erected for and in memory of the wife and daughter of Julius Deeds or one of them, which leaneth and shelveth towards the church wall, insomuch that standing under the eaves of the church the rain dropping down upon it, hath much impaired and daily more and more annoyeth the church wall, endangering| the spoil and ruin thereof; whereof we have admonished Alexander Deeds, the said Julius Deeds' eldest son, with desire that he should amend the same tomb or monument and set it up right; but not with standing, he hath hitherto neglected and deferred so to do; wherefore we desire the Court to take notice of this mischief.—(Fol. 223.)
Jaques Tasse, for default of payment of his cess for a year and a half, being assessed at 5s. the quarter, which amounteth unto 30s.
And likewise the wife of Robert Callant, for striking the daughter of Robert Fiennes, in the Church, in time of Divine Service.
On November 27, the wife of Callant alleged in Court, that she being big with child, and her being at Church it the afternoon at St. Mary's in Dover, as a child was christened she was taken ill; whereupon she left her pew, and crowding through the pace (being exceedingly thronged), she had way given her by all save one woman kind, who hindering her in her passage out of the church; she did gently lay her hand on her head and strike her softly once on the head, and two or three times bid her give way; which she did not out of any malice or intent to hurt her, but only to cause her to make way for her to go out of the Church, being very big with child, not knowing what might speedily happen.—(Fol. 224.)
1639. Isaac
Goodwin, for using, employing and travelling with his horse and waggon from
On October 17 he stated in Court: That he did it being commanded by the Mayor of Dover, being for the conveyance of certain goods of the Queen's mother.
John Kenton, beer-brewer, upon the information of the wife of John Gill, mason, for brewing beer in his brew-house on the Sabbath Day.—(Fol. 269.)
Thomas Garret,
tapster of the parish of St. James,
Roger Smith and Thomas Roe, for their not usually resorting to church to hear Divine Service upon Sundays and Holy-days. but usually absenting themselves from the same.—(Fol. 270.)
Elisabeth Barrow, for cutting with a knife or scissors, in the Parish Church in the time of Divine Service, the petticoat and Waistcoat of the daughter of Roger Smith.—(Fol. 270.)
William Tatnall, shipwright of Dover, on the first day of August, 1639, appeared before the Rev. Edward Aldey, Surrogate, for that upon a Sunday, happening on or about the 23rd day of June last past, he, understanding that there was a private meeting at the house of William Tiddeman of Dover, where John Trendle, a stone-hewer, was to make a speech of some matters concerning religion, and being desirous to hear him, repaired thither in the forenoon, where he found the said John Trendal [sic] and his wife, Joan Tiddeman, dame of the house, the wife of one Crooke, John Haselwood, and Edward Goodwin of Dover, with two or three strangers, who were altogether in a chamber over the kitchen of the said Tiddeman's house, where for an hour together John Trendal expounded the seventh verse of the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah, and when he had done then he [Tatnall] went home to dinner, and repaired thither again in the afternoon. Then the said John Trendal expounded again for an hour or thereabouts, on the first verse of the third chapter of the first Epistle of St. John, there being present the persons aforenamed and no others. Then, not approving of what he [Trendal] delivered, repaired no more unto him, for which his fault and absenting himself that Sunday from his Parish Church, being never absent upon any such occassion before, nor will again, absolutely disclaiming all such writings, he submits himself to the pleasure of the Court.—(Fol. 289.)
Anne, wife of John Broome of Dover, maltster, confessed (the third day of August, 1639) that on or about the twenty first day of July last past in the afternoon, being Sunday, heard that one John Trendal, a stone-hewer, was at the house of one William Tiddeman of St. Mary's in Dover, where that afternoon he was to discourse upon some point of religion; and hearing that he had very good parts, out of a curiosity she went to the said Tiddeman's house, and heard him discourse for an hour; he first prayed almost a quarter of an hour, then named a place of Scripture, being out of the twelfth chapter of the Romans, beginning: " I beseech you therefore, brethren etc.;" upon which he made an hour's discourse or thereabouts, but what the effect of the discourse was she saith she remembereth not, it being far beyond her capacity to understand; and saith that she never heard him but that one time that she will not hear him any more, that she dislikes his opinions, that she holds the doctrine, discipline, and government of the Church of England, and considers all other opinions as dangerous and desparate, that she was at her Parish Church in the forenoon, and is a diligent frequenter or the same. She confesses that there were then present Elisabeth the wife of John Hogben, Susan Lee, widow, Edward Godwin, William Tiddeman's wife, and the wife of Nicholas Crookes, and others which she knows not.—(Fol. 289; vol; 1636-9.)
1640. We present William Tatnall, Edward Goodwin, Susan Lee, widow, Anne the wife of John Browne, Elisabeth the wife of John Hogben, John Haslewood, Joan the wife of William Tiddeman, and Jane the wife of Nicholas Cromp, for being at a private meeting, assembly or conventicle with John Trendall7., a lay person, at the house of William Tiddeman, mariner, in the parish of St. Mary, on a Sabbath-day, in one of the months of June, July, or August last past, which meeting tendeth to faction and schism, as is reputed.—(Fol. 24; 1639-66.)
1661. The second day of October, the thirteenth year of feign of Charles II, before Edmund Peirce, Commissary, and In the presence of John Raven, notary-public.
At which day and place personally appeared John Carlisle Of Dover, gent., and did take the oath well and truly to execute the place of Church-warden of the parish of St. Mary in Dover, And to make true presentment of all such offences as shall be committed contrary to Ecclesiastical Law.
Also the same day
John Foster of
And whereas the said Church of the parish is in decay in divers places, viz.; in the leads of the south and north aisles and the windows thereof, and the font to be there is altogether wanting:
The said Commissary then admonished them to
set up a font in the usual place, and to repair the church, before Thursday the
last day of this instant October, and then make Certificate thereof to the
1663. John Edwards and Robert Fleming, for publicly disturbing our Minister in discharging and several times offering to discharge his duty and office in burying the corpse of the said Edward's mother, and for not permitting him to do any part thereto belonging, but rudely putteth the corpse into the grave, and by their adherents with their hands and feet in a most indecent manner, scraping and spurning the earth into the grave.—(Fol. 244.)
Edward Godin, for his public affronting and disturbing our Minister, in burying the corpse of his mother, for interrupting him at his entrance into the church-yard, ready and desirous to do his office according to the Canons, for commanding the bearers to carry the body to the grave, not permitting him to do any part of his office at the grave, and by his wife and other company rudely covering the corpse, some with their hands alone, some with their feet, another snatching the spade or shovel from the sexton and covering the coffin, abusing both the Minister and form of burial enjoined by the church.— (Fol. 245.)
Alice, the wife of Edward Goodwin for disturbing our Minister in burial of the dead, for not permitting him to do his office, but by her rude deportment among others hindering him from the same.—(Fol. 246.)
Henry Turner, for non-payment of his cess
of 10s., for and towards the necessary reparations of our
Also the following for the like default:
John Thomas, 9s.; James Adkins, 14s.; Andrew Brov 14s.; Geoffrey Blinston, 8s.; Henry Archer, £1; David Adamson, 5s. 3d.; John Crawle, 10s. 6d.; Thomas Whate £1 5s.; Edward Marrey, 14s.; Thomas Williams, 5s. 6d.; Thomas Stare, .£1; Henry Teddeman junior, 10s. 6d.; William Turner, 12s.—(Fol. 246.) [To be continued.]
1665. Mr. Arnold Brames for not paying a cess made
towards the reparation of the parish church, being rated at the sum of 8s.
Also
for the like:
George Finish, 8s.;
John Fearnes, 4s.; Richard Golder, 3s.; James Gradner, 1s.; Nicholas
Gillett, 1s.; Timothy Greenleaf, 1s.; William Hales, 4s.; Alexander Hardy, 1s.—(Fols.
445-6 vol. 1639-66.)
1670. We present James Baylie for having school
without licence.
John Milford of
our parish, for the like, and for preaching weekly in the house of Samuel
Taverner.—(Fol. 10.)
John Godden for
not having his child baptised.
Nathaniel Barry
for preaching in a malt-house.
Richard Hobbs
for preaching weekly in the house of Samuel Taverner.9—(Fol. 11.)
The following
long dispute is about the manner of electing the churchwardens:
On April 15, 1681 in the Archdeacon's Court held in the parish church of St. Margaret at Canterbury, it was stated: That there is and hath been time out of mind and whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, an ancient custom used and observed within the parish of St. Mary in Dover, that the parishioners there should yearly chuse and have chosen, two persons of the parish to serve as churchwardens the said parish; and that according to and in observance of this custom, the parishioners of the parish did on Easter Monday last past, meet in the parish church of St. Mary in order to elect church officers for the parish to serve for the year 1681 now current; and that then and there Benjamin Goodwin and Edward Baylor, inhabitants of the said parish were by the major part of the parishioners of the parish, then met together for the purpose aforesaid, elected and chosen churchwardens for the parish to serve for this year 1681. And the parishioners for all the time aforesaid have had the sole right and privilege to choose the churchwardens for the parish, and that the minister of the parish for the time being, hath no right or power to chose or elect any churchwarden for the parish, but only to vote (if he see fit) as an inhabitant or parishioner; and it was desired that they might be admitted and sworn churchwardens of the parish.
John Lodowick,
clerk,[Vicar],however, dissented and denied the custom alleged. The other side
owned that Lodowick was the lawful minister of the parish, and hath been for
divers years last past, and that Lodowick and his predecessors, ministers for
the time being of the parish have from time to time, and time whereof the
memory of man is not to the contrary, usually and constantly, when the minister
and parishioners of the parish could not agree upon a joint choice of
churchwardens for the parish, chose and elected one churchwarden for the
parish, and the parishioners the other churchwarden there, according as the law
in that behalf made and provided doth appoint.
And further it
was alledged that at the time aforesaid, on Easter Monday last past, John
Lodowick did meet together with the parishioners to elect churchwardens, as is
alledged when John Lodowick and the major part of the parishioners not agreeing
upon a joint choice of churchwardens for this present year, the said John
Lodowick did then and there, according to the Canon in that behalf made and
provided, and according to the custom of the parish, chuse Clement Burke, a parishioner
of the parish, to be one of the churchwardens of the parish to serve for this
present year. And that the major part of the parishioners met as aforesaid did
then chuse Benjamin Goodwin to be the other churchwarden of the parish to serve
for this present year. Wherefore they
desire that Burke and Goodwin may be admitted and sworn as churchwardens
accordingly.
Then
the Judge, at the petition of George Upton, notary, on behalf of the other
parishioners, offering themselves ready as witnesses to prove what is
respectively alledged by them, did assign them to prove their respective
allegations.
Then
William Stokes
stated that he had been a parishioner of St. Mary for about thirty years last
past, and hath several times within that time been present at the election of
church officers for the parish, and that he never knew the minister of the
parish for the time being in all that time save twice, solely to elect and
chuse a churchwarden for the parish.
Thomas Scott
said that he had been present at most of the elections of churchwardens for the
parish for twenty years and upwards, and that in that time he never knew the
minister of the parish solely to chuse a churchwarden, but hath several times
known the minister to nominate a person to the parishioners to be elected one
of the churchwardens, and that the major part of the parishioners have
accordingly chose such person to be one of the churchwardens for the parish.
Further Upton [on
behalf of the parishioners], as a subsidiary proof of his allegation, did shew
an ancient book belonging to the parish, wherein the names of several persons
are written down in several places of the said book, to have been chosen churchwardens
of the parish by the major part of the parishioners; which were all the proofs
offered in that cause.
Then, on behalf
of John Lodowick and the matter by him alledged, were produced as witnesses George
West and Aaron Wellard, gentlemen, respectively of the parish of St. Mary in
Dover, and Richard Cooke of St. James's parish, who were sworn.
George West said
he was present about forty-four years since at the election of churchwardens
for the parish of St. Mary, being in Easter week, at which time one Mr.
Reading, now dead, was minister there, and that Mr. Reading did at the election
claim a right or custom to chuse one churchwarden for the parish, and Mr.
Reading did chuse Edward West, the witness's father, who was an inhabitant of
that parish, to be his churchwarden for the parish for that year; and that none
of the parishioners then present did object to anything against Mr. Reading's
right so to do, and Edward West did take the office upon the choice.
Aaron Wellard
deposed that he was present at the election of churchwardens for the parish at
Easter, 1665, and that Doctor Hinde, being the minister of the parish, was
present at the choice, and did then complain that the parish was in arrears to
him for his stipend or salary, and did then declare that he would use his right
in choosing one churchwarden for the parish, as the law allowed him, in order
to his being better paid the same. And that then Doctor Hinde did immediately
choose this witness as his churchwarden for that year, and that the
parishioners then present and met upon that choice oppose Doctor Hinde in his
choice, and did declare that they had the sole right to chuse both the
churchwardens, and did chuse two persons to serve for the parish. At the Visitation holden after that Easter
before Sir Edmund Peirce, Commissary of this Diocese, the said matter was heard
before Sir Edmund, and after a full debate of the differences, did admit this
witness as one of the churchwardens for the parish chosen by Doctor Hinde, and
did reject one of the persons chosen by the parishioners, and that thereupon
the parishioners caused the name of the person rejected, to be struck out of
the aforesaid ancient book,
shewed on the behalf of the parishioners, wherein the names of the persons so
chosen by the parishioners were wrote down.
Richard Cooke
stated that about twelve years since, he, being then a parishioner, was elected
as one of the churchwardens of the parish by Doctor Hinde, then minister there,
and that he did serve as churchwarden upon that election, and that he was
present at the election of churchwardens before that time, and that one time
Doctor Hinde did chuse Mr. Carlisle, a parishioner, to serve as his
churchwarden; and another time Doctor Hinde chose William Wellard as his churchwarden;
and Doctor Hinde claimed a right so to do, and the said Mr. Carlisle and Mr.
Wellard served as churchwardens upon that choice.
Whereupon the
Judge, having heard both parties in the case, said it did not appear from any
proofs offered, but that the Minister for the time being was one of the major
part of the parishioners electing when there was not a separate choice. — (Fols.
72-3; vol. 1675-98.)
In the parish-church
of St. Mary in Dover, April 24, 1683, before Thomas Bouchier, D.C.L., appeared
Edward Roberts and Nathaniel de New, churchwardens of the parish, who alledged
that there are certain seats situated and placed at the east end of the chancel
of the church, and that by reason of them and divers other seats set up in the
chancel, the place where the Communion Table now standeth is too straight and narrow
for the decent reception of the minister and communicants, in time of the
administration of the Holy Communion. So
that the minister may not be conveniently heard of the communicants
in his prayers and administration, nor the communicants so conveniently, nor
in that number communicate with the minister, as they may do in case these
seats now standing at the east end of the chancel, be a moved [sic] and
taken away.
Furthermore,
these seats at the east end of the chancel do not properly belong to any
particular persons, and that there are seats more convenient in the church or
chancel for the persons now usually sitting in these seats at the end of the
chancel to be seated and placed in, and that at such times as his Majesty hath
happened to resort thither to Divine service, he hath expressed his dislike of any person sitting in those seats
standing at the east end of the chancel, and hath ordered the doors of these
seats to be nailed up, and thereupon these seats for some time were not used.
Wherefore they humbly prayed the Judge that he would grant them licence to move
and take away these several seats standing at the east end of the chancel, and
that they may place the Communion Table more conveniently and commodiously for
the minister and parishioners to communicate.
Whereupon the Judge
did decree letters proclamatory to be sent out to be published in the church of
St. Mary upon some Lord's day, preceding the tenth day of May next, in the time
of divine service, and all persons that can present any right or interest in
the seats, situated at the east end of the chancel, to be thereby admonished to
appear, on the 10 May in the Consistory Court of Canterbury, between the hours
of nine and eleven in the forenoon of the same day, to shew sufficient cause
(if they have any and shall think it their interest so to do) why the said
seats ought not to be moved and taken away, and they placed in some other
convenient seat or seats in the church or chancel.
On May 10, the
churchwardens, with Nicholas Cullen, then Mayor of Dover, William Stokes,
William Richards, John Bullock, Thomas Scott, William Bax, Edward Franklin, and
Edward Wyvill, Jurates of Dover, appeared, and stated that these seats at the
east end of the chancel of the church of St. Mary at Dover, and now moved for to be
taken down and moved, are very ancient seats, and have been there erected and
placed time out of mind, and are seats wherein the Mayor and Jurates of that town for the time being, have for all
the said time usually sat to hear divine service and sermons read and preached
in that church; and that they are the present
Mayor and the major part of the Jurates of the town and have a
special right and interest in these seats, and therefore (on their behalf) it was humbly
prayed that they might have a competent time assigned to propound and shew
their right and interest in the seats.
The case was adjourned
unto June 7, when the churchwardens alleged: That there is a convenient place
at the side of the chancel to erect a seat for the use of the Mayor and Jurates
of the town for the time being, to sit and hear divine service and sermons read
and preached in the church which may contain at least fourteen or sixteen
persons,and will be much more convenient and decent for them, and that they are
ready and willing to erect such a seat forthwith. They did further allege that
the right of placing and displacing the parishioners in the seats, as well in
the chancel of the church of St. Mary as in the body of the church, hath from
time to time, and time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, been
vested in the churchwardens of the parish for the time being, and in no other
person, and that for all the time the churchwardens for the time being have continued
and exercised such their right.
Richard Cooke,
of the parish of St. James in Dover, stated :- That he was a parishioner of St.
Mary's in Dover before his Majesty's Restoration and divers years since, and
that about fourteen years since his Majesty happening to be for some days
together at Dover, and he (Cooke) at that time one of the churchwardens of the parish
of St. Mary, one Mr. Dupper who was then a servant belonging to the Green
Cloth, with some other gentlemen, came to him as being one of the churchwardens,
to know what convenient seats there were in the church to place his Majesty and
his attendants in; and that he thereupon went with the said Mr. Dupper and
other gentlemen to the church, and shewed them where the Mayor and Jurates sat,
as supposing that seat to be most convenient for his Majesty; and that the said
Mr. Dupper and others the gentlemen who went with him declared, that his
Majesty would by no means sit above the Communion Table, that it was an indecent
and irreverent thing in his opinion for the Mayor and Jurates to be there
placed. And that his Majesty was placed in another seat in the church, and that
the Mayor and Jurates at that time did forbear sitting in the seats
standing above the Communion Table; and he further deposed that for all the
time aforesaid, he hath known the right of placing and displacing the
parishioners both in the church and chancel of the church, to have been in the
churchwardens for the time being. And that about seventeen years since his wife
was seated in that church by the churchwardens for the time being, and further
that in the time of the late rebellion, Mr. Nicholas Cullen, the now reputed
Mayor of Dover, was one of the churchwardens of that parish, and did upon his
(Cooke's) knowledge place one Denn, a parishioner of that parish, in a seat in
that church, as he was one of the churchwardens.
Aaron Wellard
did depose, that he hath been house-keeper in St. Mary's parish in Dover for
about thirty-four or thirty-five years, and hath for all that time known that
the churchwardens of that parish for the time being, have usually placed and
displaced the parishioners there in seats in that church, as there hath been
occassion and have claimed a right and privilege so to do, and that he himself
was churchwarden for years in that time, of that parish, and did in that time,
seat several of the parishioners as occassion did require.
Warham Jemmett
did depose that he hath for the space of twenty years last past known that the
churchwardens for the time being of the parish of St. Mary have claimed a right
to place and displace the parishioners of that parish in their seats in the
church, and that he having been churchwarden of the parish in that time, upon
the request of the Governor of Dover Castle, who did usually sit at the
right-hand of the Mayor of Dover, in the seats placed above the Communion
Table, and disliking his sitting there as he thought it unseemly, was by him placed
in another seat in that church.
Samuel Lucas did depose
that he hath known for the space of thirty-five or thirty-six years last past,
that the churchwardens for the time being have seated and displaced divers of
the parishioners of that parish in the parish church, and have always claimed a
right so to do.—(Fol. 91, vol. 1675-98.)
[1557? Cardinal
Pole's Visitation].
The Presentments of the
Jurates of
St. James's Parish.
John Allowe,
mariner, for that he saith "auryculer” confession is not good, and that he
will never be confessed of a priest; and that he will not [go] to church.
The
following do not come to church:—Alexander Mynge and his wife, William
Greeneway and his wife, Thomas Hide, mariner, …Smythe, shipwright, and his wife, …Burke
supposed to be a priest, John Peers of Buckland, miller; John Dawes, …Collins' wife, for that she doth not look
upon the sacrament, nor do reverence unto it.
John Sayers, now
dwelling at Hythe for that he did eat flesh last Lent.—(Fol. 10.)
The Presentments of
Thomas Bassingborn and his fellows of
Thomas Burnell
and Thomas Watson, for that when they were churchwardens of the church they
sold all the ornaments, but what [is] due they know not.
Thomas
Cockerell, for that he withholdeth two garden plots with one little tenement,
belonging to the
John Broker of
John Hughson,
for with-holding of one vestment [and] three cushions belonging to St. James's
church.—(Fol. 50.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p.
212.
1587. On June 29, Mistress Tenche came into the
church of St. James in Dover, and did set a lock upon one of the pews in the
church, wherein was one Mistress Watson placed and sat in the pew long time with
others, for that when the same Mistress Watson, when she came to church could
not go into the pew, and she broke off the lock, and so Mistress Tenche hearing
thereof did nail up the pew again. The
next Sunday following she sat in the same pew, and took in with her such as she
would herself, and we willed and placed those in the pew again who were before
in it; and she willed us not to place any in that pew, saying," You have
not used me well; meddle with that you have to do." The Sunday following
she being in the seat, she said unto us— “Now that I am in my pew, set me out
if you will.” We answered—" We mean
it not, so you will be content with them that doth sit with you." {When
service was done, we being talking in the church, she, being gone out of the
church, came in again, tapping one of us on the shoulder said—" I charge
you, as you have placed her in, displace her again, or else take that will
follow."—(Fol. 38; vol. 1587-89.)
1604. Alice Shanks, widow, for her being in our
parish three years, and will not come unto our parish church, nor will not pay
any duty unto the priest and clerk.—(Fol. 20.)
Leonard Trynett,
for taking a table out of the church, and for not paying his duty unto the
priest and clerk these three years and a half.
Also Katherine
Mase, widow, and Alice Bailey, for the like. —(Fol. 21; vol. 1604-5.)
1608. Susan the wife of John Spring, mariner, for
that she did in the church chide with Margaret Beeching, the maidservant of
John Woodgreen of the same parish, in the time of divine service in the month
of December last past, as we are informed by sufficient persons.
Likewise we are
informed that she hath, since the time aforementioned, in like manner chid with
Katherine the wife of John Woodgreen.—(Fol. 2; vol. 1608-9.)
On December 14, 1637,
the churchwardens were monished: —That they take order to have the pews or
seats, built and erected at the east end of the chancel or quire of their
parish-church of St. James, taken down and had away, and, that done, to advance
and remove up their communion-table to the same east or upper end, and before
it to build and place a decent rail across the quire or chancel, for the
communicants, accomodated with some convenient thing to kneel upon, to come
unto and receive the Blessed Sacrament there, at the hands of the minister in
the time of celebration, keeping himself within the same rail, according as it
was given in charge to the minister and churchwardens throughout the Diocese,
at the last ordinary visitation.—(Fol. 127.)
1638. John Jeffery, Richard Neales, and Henry
Turner, for being a-drinking in the house of Thomas Sweeting of this parish,
'victualler,' on the second day of this present month September, in the time of
divine service, and himself being there in company with them.
On
Also we present
John Kenton of this town, for being found drinking in the house of Thomas
Groves, innholder, on the same second day of September, in the time of divine
service. — (Fol. 232; vol. 1636-9.)
1670. Robert Fleming
of our parish for not paying to the repairs of our church.—(Vol. 1670-75.)
EWELL OR
1560. That they lack a vicar. Edward Holte hath in his hands ten ewes. Our
service is not done at due hours. They
delivered two books to be burnt. They
have not had the Homilies read.—(Fol. 26; vol. 1560-84.)
1561. It is presented that they have had no
"symonds" [sermons] by the
Vicar.
They lack the
Homilies, Psalter, and Paraphrase; and the church, chancel and vicarage-house
are in decay.
Their vicar is
also vicar of River.
Edward Holte
hath in his hands ten ewes belonging to our church, and the church has no
profit of them.
That these whose
names do follow are negligent in coming to the church, and give the
churchwardens "stowt" words when they are monished of it:—Thomas
Harte, Edward Holte, Austen Pye, and one Marshall.
Edward Holte is
a slanderous man against the proceedings of the Queen's Majesty, and a sower of
contentions between neighbours, with great threatenings.
John Hadley is
Reader, in our church, not authorised.— (Fols. 80-1; vol. 1561-62.)
1563. The chancel lacketh reparation.
That …Brenchley's
widow is suspected of incontinent living with one Silvester, a tailor.
Edward Holte
hath ten ewes belonging to the church, and they cannot have no farm of him, nor
the stock.
That the curate
is gone over the sea to
1567. The glass windows in the Steeple lacketh
glazeing, and the leads in the Steeple are broken and lacketh mending.
Also the great
bell lacketh a rope, and the stools in the church be all at reparation.
The chancel
walls be broken, and the stools there be rotten down, nor the chancel is not
paved.—(Vol. 1566-67.)
1569. [Abp. Parker’s Visitation]
Rectory:—impropriator,
Dom. de Burkherst.
Vicar, Dom.
Richard Phountayne, who is married, does not reside there, has also the
vicarage of Lydden and the vicarage of River, not a preacher nor licensed to preach,
not a graduate.
Householders,
30.
Communicants,
60.—(Fol. 56.)
That our Bible
is decayed and torn. They lack the
Paraphrase of Erasmus. That our church
in divers places is not watertight, by means whereof the timber and building
thereof rotteth and decayeth.
Clement Fawcomer
doth withhold a chest from the church.) —(Vol. 1569.)
1572. That our Steeple and Bells are so far gone to
reparations, that unless speedy remedy be had they will serve to small use; the
cause why they are not repaired by the said parish is poverty, wh: so aboundeth
there that many cesses made heretofore in the said parish for the maintenance
of the same, the premisses fall to ruin and are little the better for the said
cesses, wherefore we crave your further order in this behalf.—(Fol. 45; vol.
1572-74, Acta Curiae.)
1578. We present Mother Davye for a scold and a
troublesome woman.
Our church be at
reparations in the aisle besides the chancel. Richard Davye, for that he will
not pay the clerk's wages these three years.—(Fol. n; vol. 1577-83.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p.
212.
1589. Our churchyard hedges are now at reparations
by the reason of the soldiers.
Also we present unto
you the wife of one Edward Martyn for a common disturber of her neighbours and
a giver of evil speeches.—(Fol. 75.)
We present
Sylbrowe the wife of Richard Clement for that she is known to be a railer and
quareller with her neighbours and for that she called the Vicar of Ewell,
"arrant-knave," only for demanding his dues for tithes.
William
Hugborne, smith, for that he is known to be a back-biter and slanderer of his
neighbours.—(Fol. 78.)
1590. First we certify your Worship that divers of
our parish have not received, some being letted with sickness and some being at
a woman's labour upon Easter day, since which time our Vicar hath for the most
part been absent, and hath not appointed no Communion; since which time of our
Vicar's absence, there is a common name and fame that heretofore he hath lived
incontinently with the widow of one William Wyer, whom he took into his house,
and she is suspected to be with child, and is gone out of the parish, and hath
left three small children there.
Our Minister
[Francis Saunders, 1583-94] hath called none to be catechised.
Also we present
Mr. Saunders' wife for a common disturber of her neighbours, fending and
proving10 about the street with out any just cause.—(Fol. 84;
vol. 1585.92.)
1591. On July 13 Francis Saunders, Vicar of Ewell,
had to appear in Court: For that he hath, and doth not only suffer his wife to
live apart from him, but also doth suffer her to go in such attire as is not
seemly for a minister's wife; whereby offence groweth unto the minister not
only in her unseemly attire and habit, but also thereby scandalous of
life.—(Fol. 20; vol. 1591-3.)
1592. That heretofore there hath been two bushels
of barley to the reparation of the church, out of the lands now John Stokes's,
yearly to be paid, which hath been long withholden.
Mistress
Saunders, our Vicar's wife, was resident in the parish at Easter last, and is
now departed, and hath not received the Communion.—(Fol. 92.)
Alexander Avery
and his wife hath stood excommunicate the space of one whole year and a half or
thereabouts, their wealth is little or nothing at all to our knowledge; the cause
which they were excommunicated was, for that they were absent from the church,
and not paying his cess to the reparation of the church.—(Fol. 145.)
1593. We present our Vicar for that we have not had
Divine Service one Sunday or two at the least.
2. Also for that his mansion-house is not
decently repaired.
3. He doth not gather his tithes himself, but
hath appointed another to gather them, or let them to him.
4.
We certify unto your worship that our Vicar appointed the whole parish that
they should go the perambulations upon Ascension Thursday, and they all gave
their attendance, and then our Vicar could not go, and so it is not gone as
yet.- (Fol. 176; vol. 1585-92.)
1594. Francis Saunders comes to neither service nor
sermons in our parish church since the Feast of Michaelmas last past.
The
said Saunders, as we think in our consciences, and the common bruit, also
liveth very disorderly and incontinently; to the great grief of us and many
more good Christians, having his chamber hard by his harlot, as it is reported.
— (Fol. 34.)
John
Starkie, for that his beast-cart travelled on certain holy days, as it is
reported. — (Fol. 42.)
We
present that there hath been no Register Book before our time, to our
knowledge, neither for christenings nor burials within our said parish, but
since Michaelmas, 1593, which we have since kept; neither have we any Books of
Homilies longing to our said parish. — (Fol. 45.)
That
our chancel wants reparation, and we have often required Clement Fawkner and
Richard Clement, farmers of our parsonage, to repair the same, and yet
notwithstanding they do neglect the same. — (Fol. 45.)
We
present Mr. Johns [William Jones, Vicar, 1594 - 1600], Vicar of the parish, for
that he sayeth not service in the accustomed place that hath been used
heretofore.
Richard
Hanninge, for that he hath maliciously disturbed our Minister, not only both by
words, writings and laughter in time of divine service and sermon, to the great
vexation our Vicar and parishioners, chiefly the third day of August.
Also
he refuseth to pay the cess, made by the churchwarden the second day of
October, 1593.— (Fol. 48.)
Nicholas
Brewer for that he commonly laugheth in the church in the time of Divine
Service, to the great vexation of our Minister and the rest of our parish.
Thomasine
the wife of Richard Hanninge, for disquieting of our Minister in time of Divine
Service divers times, chiefly the seventh of September, in putting the Minister
from his seat, where his desk stood and the books of service, with violent
hands, to that end we think that the parishioners should have no Evening
Prayer. And our Minister, being so disturbed put off his surplice, that we had
no Evening Prayer at all, the whole parish being assembled.—(Fol. 50.)
We
complain and crave your Worship's favour and assistance against Richard
Hanninge, Clement Fawlkner and Richard Clement, for that they refuse to pay the
cess made by us churchwardens and others of the parish, for the reparation of
the church and other necessaries.—(Fol. 51.)
1596. Thomas Wills, for reading of some prayers in
the church, but the parish are not discontented therewith, being upon
extremity, when Mr. Jones cannot intend [sic] it.— (Fol. 61.)
There
is a schoolmaster . . . Clarke who teacheth privately divers men's children in
our parish, but whether he be licensed or no, we know not.
John
Dilnott, churchwarden of the parish: That we want a comely Communion Table
cloth, and that as often as occassion is offered to use the said cloth, we make
a sheet serve instead thereof.
2. That the body of our church is so out of
reparations, as that it raineth therein, and annoyeth the people sitting in
their pews.
3. That the church and chancel wanteth
paving.—(Fol. 62; vol. 1583-92, Part ii, 1593-1602.)
1607. We present our church that it is not
sufficiently repaired. Also John Dilnott and George Marsh, that the chancel is
fallen in decay, and the pews and seats therein are not sufficient and
decent.—(Fol. 100.)
1610. Patience Turkle, widow, of Ewell, is a very
contentious woman and notorious scold, and a curser of her neighbours. —(Fol.
22; vol. 1609-18.)
1619. Richard Prince, John Holt, and Edward Somes,
of our parish, for that on Sunday the eleventh day of this April, as the same
goeth in our parish, they were all of them in the house of William Mills of our
parish, being an ale-house; the said Mills being then at church and not knowing
thereof, and of very good and civil conversation, and were drawn into this inconvenience
unawares and unwittingly.—(Fol. 7.)
1620. Andrew Read, being required by Clement
Falkner, parish-clerk there, to pay
his wage, being 4d. the year, for whole years due by him and not paid, in
toto 8d.; the said Andrew did expressly refuse to pay the same, and told
him he should get it by law if he had anything from him; his house and backside
being worth 20s. the year.—(Fol. 20.)
1629. Henry Hobday and Henry Carter, his servant,
playing at "footeball" the second day of February last past in the
time of Divine Service.—(Fol. 147; vol. 1619-32.)
1635. Jeremy Dilnott, for abusing the Sabbath Day
bringing of goffs home from the Menes11 upon two several
times. When he appeared in Court, he
confessed that he df one time fetch home goffs, [Goff, the commest kind of
apple. Dict. Kentish Dialect.] as is
presented.—(Fol. 31.)
FOLKESTONE. (Now in Elham Deanery.)
HAWKINGE. (Now in Elham Deanery.)
1. Thomas Cockerell in 1563 was occupier of
property that had belonged to the Domus Dei at
2. A
3. Thomas Foxley, Mayor of Dover in 1542; (see Dover Charters, p. 345.)
4. A
Richard Cooke was one of the Chamberlains (custodes) of
5. See History of
6. The election of the Mayor of Dover took
place in the
7. For the fragment of a Petition from John
Reading, Minister off St. Mary's,
9. See note at the end about this Samuel Taverner.
10. [To Fend and Prove means to argue, wrangle. – Hist.
11. [Menes/Minnis is a
common or waste piece of rising ground.]
VOL V - ARCHBISHOP PARKER'S VISITATION,
transcribed
by arthur hussey.
The volume that
contains this Visitation of the Diocese is in the cathedral library at
Canterbury, and has no inscription on the cover, but under Sevington it is
stated "now in July Anno 1569," which fixes the year j and the
mention of the " Commissary " shows it to be the returns of a Visitation
by the Archbishop, and not of the Archdeacon of Canterbury. The first pages are
wanting, there being returns from only two parishes in the Deanery of
Canterbury.
In “Documentary
Annals of the Reformation,” by E. Cardwell, vol. i. p. 320, are printed the “Articles to be enquired of within the Diocese
of Canterbury in the ordinary visitation of the most reverend father in God
Matthew, by the providence of God Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All
England, and Metropolitan, in the year of our Lord God, 1569.” These returns,
now probably for the first time printed, answer to all those inquiries.
.
To those interested
in this Elizabethan period of history it may be mentioned, that in the
cathedral library at
That the
churchyard is not well fenced, and the parsonage in great decay, no hospitality
kept, nor the parson resident.
That the
churchyard is annoyed with the feeding of cattle by Mr, Blundell, Vicar, and
that certain church goods was (sic) sold by John Pirkin, sometime
churchwarden, to Mr. Courtop deceased, which goods were converted to the use
of the church.
That Margaret
Seaward, Agnes Wyles, are scolds, and James Kytchen cometh to church being
excommunicate.
That George
Hunte and John Rooke for not coming to church; and James Eliat for playing at
cails in time of divine service, the twenty-seventh of June, at Rooke's house.
John Howell and Edward Joiner for the like offence, the third day of July.
That one Davy
Mydleton by his last will and testament did give a house in S. Dunstan's to the
use of the poor, who made Lyby Orchard overseer, Thomas Strodyck in Wynechepe,
executor. One John Nightingale, of S. Dunstan's, doth occupy the same, and the
report is which they believe to be true, that part of the money is kept from
the poor, and not disposed according to the Testator's will.
That there is
remaining in Simon Browne's hands, being assignee of Mr. Christopher Courtop
for lands and tenements belonging to the church, £7.14s.
In the hands of
Mr. Roper for two bushels of wheat, which yearly should be paid out of a
tenement called Stane in his hand, being behind more than twelve years, as by
the account of the church doth appear.
In the hands of
John Dawnton, butcher, certain rent which is 18d. by year, going
out of a garden in his possession, being behind twelve years and more.
Rent of a house
in Croker lane in
That when the
Parson is absent the parish-clerk readeth the service.
That the Parson
is not resident upon his benefice.
That Matthew
Tanner, and one Thomas, servant unto Mr. Giles, have not received the Communion
at Easter last past, nor since then.
That
the Parson there hath two benefices, one in
William Symon,
Robert Kenne, Nicholas Lovett, and Matthew Tanner, for that they dwell so far
from their own church, come not to the parish
That Robert
Helte is [a] Sorcerer as it is thought, and that he hath been suspected in
times past of the same thing.
The bible is
torn and broken in divers places.
That the
injunctions are not read according as it is appointed in the same injunctions.
That Mr. Vicar
hath stopped up a window in the chancel, and taken away the iron bars and hath
dobed [daubed ?] up the window. And that their church goods hath been sold by
Thomas Bridges and Thomas Ewell, churchwardens, and with the consent of the
parish hath taken £15, part hath been bestowed on the church, and the rest is
to be bestowed.
That Mr. Vicar
should be a peace-maker, but is a peace-breaker.
That the said
Vicar did send his wife away from him, being in her travail, and is given to
filthy "lykar." The said Vicar hath another benefice in
That the said
Vicar and Mr. Robert Seathe are in great fault for railing and scolding, to the
disquiet of the parish.
That the vault
of the Chancel is like to decay and fall.
That there is a
cope remaining in the hands of Robert Sprackling of St. Lawrence, executor to
John Sayer.
That the
Vicarage barn was down seven years past, and is not set up again.
That the Vicar
is not resident, but they have a Curate; he is a Prebendary of Christ Church,
letteth his benefice to farm and keepeth no hospitality.
That Peter Peele
hath lived these two years from his wife.
That John
Paramore detaineth certain money in his hands which was gathered of the
communicants, namely a penny a piece for the space of these four years.
That Robert
Young of
The Minister
omitteth the Litany and the Homilies, and expoundeth some part of the
Scriptures.
Thomas Hardyman
and James Cob come not to their own parish church, being two miles off, but go
to the next parish church.
That the Chancel
is out of-repairs in the default of
They have no
Vicar there these eighteen years; the Parson is
They
have had no sermon this three years, but one.
Thomn Leavett is
a sower of discord in the parish, between neighbour and neighbour, and man and
wife, not paying the clerk's wages, and conformable to no good order.
That the
churchyard wall upon the north side lacketh reparation.
The Curate there
weareth apparel like a layman.
There is neither
Parson or Vicar resident and that they do not relieve the poor there.
The Curate doth
not call upon fathers and mothers, and masters of youth to bring them up in the
fear of God.
That Mr. Darall,
vicar there, hath three benefices, that is to say, Monkton in Thanet, Chilham, and
Richard Crispe,
gent., his wife and family doth not come to their parish church, being
principal persons, for that his house is so far distant from the said church,
and were licensed by Mr. Collins when he was Commissary.
Robert Wollett
now of the parish of Eastry hath withheld one cop of wheat and another of
barley from the parish-clerk, then due to him.
William Edwards
and Elisabeth his wife dwelling with one Browne of the parish, doth not resort
to the church on the Sabbath-days.
The
Vicarage-barn is fallen flat to the ground, saving two sides, fit for the fire.
That one George
Towyht, exor to one William Reynolds the elder of the parish of Herne,
deceased, hath given by his last will and testament, to the reparation of the
Church of Herne £5; and to every ten poor maidens' marriage 6s.8d.; and
hath given by his will for the space of twenty years to the poor at Michaelmas
time, and to three of his kinsmen's children 10s a year, which is
unpaid. Also he gave to his god-children, and his wife's god-children £5. Also
there was one Thomas Farmer deceased, in the said parish of Herne, did give by
his last will to Herne, Reculver, and Hoath £7; Richard Cobb, William Button
and George Merett, overseers.
That the Vicar
sometimes useth to minister the communion in common bread.
That certain of
the parishioners have absented themselves from the church.
John Wade, late
churchwarden there, hath in his hands certain stock belonging to the church,
which he hath not made account of.
The chancel is
not sufficiently repaired. They have no quarter sermons.
That they find a
duty to be paid out of the lands which were Alexander Norwood's, now being in
the hand of one Thomas Maxted, viz., 6s. 8d.,
given by one Sir Hugo, sometime Vicar there, as a perpetual obit, being unpaid
for the space of these eleven years.
The stipend
which should come out of the Parsonage toward the relief of the poor people,
hath been unpaid for this four or five years, being the sum of 2s.
That the place
where the altar stood is not paved, and we lack a cloth to lay uppermost on the
table.
The churchyard
is not enclosed.
Our Parson hath
one other benefice called Luddenham beside Faversham, and that as he sayeth is
letten out to a farmer.
That one
Alexander Consant received a cow which belonged to the church, and hath not
made an account to the parish for her.
That we lack a
Bible in the largest volume, and the Paraphrase of Erasmus, which was stolen
away out of the church a year ago.
Mr. Thomas
Coleman received the goods of one Henry Kent, which he oweth to certain poor
men, and doth withhold it without authority.
That there are
divers that have not communicated according to the laws appointed, whose names
shall be certified in writing with as much speed as may be possible.
Our Curate hath a
benefice which is a mile or so [distant] called Swalcliffe and is resident upon
the same, and he saith he came by it lawfully.
William Holoway
doth refuse to pay anything to the poor man's box, and is found able by the
parish.
That the
minister doth minister the communion in common fine bread.
They have had
two barns to their parsonage, and one of them is fallen down.
That the wife of
George Walcot is a common scold and blasphemer of God's holy name.
That Peter Parks
is a common liar.
Mr. Armerer late
Parson of Ivychurch did give to the said parish church by his last Will, to the
reparation of the same 2Os.; and one Robert Wheateley his executor doth
detain and withhold the same.
That whereas one
William Watts of the parish of Ivychurch, departed, did give by his last will
unto the relief of the poor of the same parish a legacy of the fourth part of
all the portion or part given to his child, which died within the years
mentioned in the said Will, with the increase of the said child's part for the
time being, as by the said last Will and Testament of the said William Watts,
bearing date the eighteenth day of April 1555 more plainly it may appear. But
one Mr, Blechynden who married the widow of the said William Watts doth detain
and withhold the said legacy from the said parish, and also
from other fatherless children, who ought of right to have the said child's
part.
George Walcot is
suspected of the sin of witchcraft.
Whereas Roger
Sympson late of Ivychurch, deceased, did give unto George Sympson his son forty
shillings, at such time as is already past, and our parish is charged with
keeping of the said child; but the child's part aforesaid is with holden from
the child and from the parish also by Mr. John Edolf and Christopher Sharpe of
New Romney.
That they lack
the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
Their Parson is
parson of Snargate.
John Wood of
Tenterden, deceased, willed to the use of the poor in Kenarton every year
twenty shillings, to be paid for the space of twenty years, which hath been
paid only one year by Thomas Hatche and John Ward exors.
Richard Friend
late of Wittersham willed to one Hamon Watts now of Kenarton 6s. 8d. of
yearly rent going out of one tenement which one Jerman dwelled in, which hath
not been paid and is unpaid eleven years, in the default of Thomas Harward of
Brookland, exors of the said Richard Friend.
That they have
not the Paraphrase of Erasmus, and their Bible lacketh certain leaves.
The Sacrament is
ministered in common bread.
There were
certain stones taken up in the chancel by Mr. Knell, which he hath bestowed
about the chancel; and the church-yard is not well fenced next to the Vicarage.
Their Vicar is
not continuously resident.
The Injunctions
are not read as they ought to be.
William Fordred
of this parish, the younger, his Will which is not performed according to the
meaning of the Testator, but for what cause or through whose default they
cannot tell, except by the executors John Fordred and William Fagg.
They have had no
service in the weekdays for the space of a year and more.
That the
Minister saith the service in the body of the church.
The Supper of
the Lord is ministered in the fairest white bread they can get.
They have had
but two sermons these two years.
That disturbance
was made on the Sabbath day, being the last day of July by Alice Peyree the
wife of Thomas Peyree, and that in the time of divine service, but she hath
promised amendment.
That the service
is said in the body of the church. Mr. Whiting their Vicar dwelleth not with
them. Their Vicar is Parson of Mersham and letteth the vicarage to farm.
The sidesmen of
the parish that were, about Michaelmas time did present John Jybbs of the
parish for not coming to church. And since that time the said John hath shewed
himself more stubborn and as disobedient as he was before. And divers times
hath he been requested to come to his parish church, and he doth answer very
stubbornly that he will not come to church but once a month in Summer and once
in six weeks in Winter; and saith that he hath dispensed with the Official so
to do, which thing doth cause others to take a boldness to do the like.
That their
church is served with a Reder [Reader] and that the Dean and Chapter of Christ
Church is patron. They have had but one sermon made this long time, and that
their benefice is vacant; but Thomas Bell taketh up the fruits, by what
authority they know not.
That their
Parson hath felled down and carried away all the trees that grew in the
church-yard; and also all the stones that were laid in the church, which were
sometime the altar-stones. And also he took and carried away the timber and
stone that were of the church-porch.
They have had
but one sermon these two years last past.
They have
service but seldom, and that at no convenient times, and sometimes the service
is said by the Parson's servant.
Sir Hugh Wright
their Parson did confess to William Southland, that he oweth unto the church 26s.
8d., for certain goods of Richard Waler deceased bought, who died
churchwarden and had in his hand certain of the church-goods, which the said
Sir Hugh Wright ought to pay, and doth not pay it.
That the chancel
and the parsonage are at reparation in divers places.
The Parson doth
give no alms nor "duvtyon " [division or duty ?] unto the poor to our
knowledge.
The Parson is a
trespasser of the 10th Article saving he useth no superstition.
Our Parson is a
haunter of " cunuyes " [conys] by night and a haunter of ale-houses
by day.
They have had
but one sermon this twelvemonth, and that they have no service in the
week-days.
Thomas Steede
being reasonably taxed by the parishioners towards the reparation of the church
being in decay, refuseth to pay the same to the evil example (sic). And
also our said Parson is a persuader of his parishioners not to pay the tax to
the hindrance and disquietness of the said parish.
That one Michael
Harte and Elisabeth Tayler, widow, come not orderly to church as they ought.
Elisabeth
Tayler, widow, who hath been a widow these three years, and hath had a child
now in July Anno 1569. One Mr. Robert Golding is vehemently suspected of
adultery with one Susan Bellingham his maid, who was put away that present
evening that he was taken in a suspected place.
One William
Robinson of Wilsborow and Robert Fagg of Ruckinge, and John Davy late of
Aldington are vehemently suspected of incontinency with the said Elisabeth
Tayler aforenamed.
Elisabeth
Godfrey liveth from her husband.
That the parish
is served with a Reder (sic),
The
parsonage-house and the chancel are unrepaired.
That our
benefice is vacant and hath been three quarters of a year. But William Asherst
hath the sequestration and taketh up the fruits and findeth therewith a Reder (sic).
They have not
their quarter sermons.
That John Master's
widow hath not received the Holy Sacrament.
William Andrews
took Rabydge Russell his servant and carried her about the country, and used
her at his wish, and sometimes he called her wife, and sometimes she called him
"unckell," and this continued six or seven weeks.
William Robinson
likewise carried the foresaid Rabydge Russell from place to place most ungodly.
William Robinson
that worked at Saltwood came riding to Wylsborowe, and leaving the way to his
own house rid to Thomas his son's house, knowing his son Thomas Robinson was
from home, and left his horse without and went into the house, being suspected
with her, and his horse break his leg, and the vicar laid it to his charge what
he did there, and he could make no answer; but said that I must be bold at my
son's house. The Vicar said he heard Robert Hunt said that his son did mistrust
his father with his wife, and so said Thomas to Richard Brave.
Thomas Robinson
carried Rabydge Russell to the place where Andrew appointed to meet.
That the chancel
lieth uncomely for lack of tyling and whitclimeing.
William Squoram
cometh not to church and will not be reformed.
Clement Squorim is a
blasphemer of the name of God.
Thomas Collins
hath committed fornication with Funell’s wife, as it is well known.
The Parson of
Stone do not pay twenty shillings yearly due unto the poor, which hath been and
is due to the poor of the same parish.
That Thomas Cobb
hath not paid to the poor according to Mister Commissary's commandment, and
hath stood excommunicate this half year.
Margaret Dale is
suspected of witchcraft, and liveth from her husband, and so they say that they
believe she hath used witchcraft.
That the Vicar
is not resident.
Robert Collins,
fletcher, is suspected that in time past he hath got one Mildred Watts a single
wench with child, who confessed that he was father of her children at the birth
of them, and she hath done penance for the same, but he utterly denieth the
same.
Parnell Sefogle
widow, doth keep evil rule in her house, and is very evil suspected of evil
living or incontinency.
That the
parsonage is in decay.
The Parson is
not resident upon his benefice, and we know no Parson that we have, but Mr.
Whiting and he doth not relieve the poor.
Lettice Robinson
doth not live with her husband, and she ought to do, but she liveth suspectlye (sic).
William Piper
and Edward Broughton the executors of Ellen Starkye do keep from the poor of
Wittersham £6.
John Hudson of
Tenterden doth with hold from the poor the sum of 3s.
John Strudes
doth with hold twenty shillings from the parish, in giving his account of his
wardenship.
Anthony Idynge
keepeth company with one Ingram Hamon's wife, being divers times warned thereof
by Mr. Goldewell, Justice of the Peace, and they think that they live
incontinently together.
The same Ingram
Hamon's wife is a scold.
The same Anthony
Idynge doth not come to the church, as he ought to do.
Lettice Robinson
liveth incontinently, and that she is openly known to be a naughty woman.
Robert Shephearde,
innkeeper, doth not keep good rule in his house, in the time of divine service.
That they have had no Injunctions red (sic) for default of a Curate. The churchyard is not well fenced, nor conveniently kept, and the vicarage-house is not well nor sufficiently repaired.
That the Vicar, neither the Parson be resident, neither that there is no part of the revenues distributed to the poor.
The Register Book is not well kept, because they have had no Vicar continually dwelling among them.
The Parson and Vicar have either of them another benefice, the Parson at Stourmouth, the Vicar at Champes in Cambridgeshire; there is no hospitality kept; they have had no quarter sermons, but two this four years.
Alexander Harrison of Hythe withholdeth twenty shillings given to the poor, by the will of one William Gilbert.
They have had no Curate to christen or bury, when need did require.
That the church gate is broke.
John Soames, of
the town of
John Gibbes and Julian his wife come not to church as they ought to do.
The churchwarden did not gather nor enquire (sic) no "forfayte" of them that come not to church.
John King, otherwise called John Antony, and his wife, doth not come to the church as they ought to do.
Bennett Broke, the wife of Robert Broke, is a slanderer and defamer of her neighbours.
Mr. Edmonde Gaye of Goodnestone hath a house and land in our parish, and yet will not pay neither clerkes wages nor nothing else to the church.
Thomas Cowle doth absent himself from his wife and hath not received the communion since Easter was twelvemonth.
That the Injunctions have not been read of late. The Chancel lacketh paving, and the church-yard lacketh fencing. Robert Mynge and Alice his wife be suspected not to be married lawfully.
That the Bible is not of the largest volume.
That our Parson hath felled an old ash tree in churchyard.
That our Parson hath a benefice in the Marsh, called Brensett.
One Edward's widow had a child, begotten in advowtrye as she sail! by one Richard Smythe of Sevington.
Henry Adams absenteth himself, from his wife.
That our church is decayed.
Our Vicar is Vicar
of Appledore and resident at
William Parkes was married at Appledore to another woman, who by open talk hath another husband alive.
That our Chancel is in decay.
Parnell Benton of
New Romney was presented at the last Visitation for whoredom committed openly
in the churchyard in the night season, and being excommunicated she fled into
Chichester Diocese as far
Thomas Plumer refuseth to pay three shillings and four pence to the poor as he is cessed.
John Smythe, tailor, is a common Drunkard, a common Ribald, common Railer, and also a contempner of the minister of God's holy word, and also a Slanderer and Contempner of the holy matrimony of Priests, in so much that on S. James' day last he, the said John Smythe did both at the ale-house or tavern and also openly in the street call John Forsett, our Vicar, knave; and the said John Forsett's wife errant whore, and said moreover that all the married Priests in England are knaves, and their wives are very whores, and that he would abide by it.
Roger Hewit absenteth himself from his wife.
That William Tugwell, our Parson, is not resident. That he hath two benefices Brabourne and Orlestone.
John Bishop of the parish of Westham which John was content to take unto his wife Agnes Wickes widow, of Orlestone, and now he denieth to marry the said Annis (sic), the banns of the said John and Annis were put forth three several Sundays.
That the church, chancel, and parsonage lack reparations, and the church-yard lacketh closures.
Our Parson is not resident; that he hath another benefice, but where they know not, also he faileth in making of his sermons.
That Mr William King our Vicar is not resident upon his benefice.
Margaret Hammond and Christopher Sporges live together in advowtry.
The wife of Robert Byxe is suspected to be a light person of her body.
Johanna Kichin widow, with holdeth forty shillings given to the poor of Appledore by Thomas Bell late of Faversham, deceased.
Thomasine Arnolde now the wife of Thomas Knight, dwelling now at Lydd, for that she was asked to the said Thomas twice in one day at our Parish, and married at Lydd in the night following, and asked the Sunday after she was married.
Our Curate doth not wear a ‘cappe’ and a tippet.
Johanna Kellom is a common harlot and a drunkard.
Robert Hyx will not pay to the poor men's box.
Mr. William Russell and Johane Kitchin keep house together, and have been asked these nine weeks, and yet not married.
Our church-yard is not decently kept, in default of our Vicar and farmer.
We lack a table of the commandments.
That our church and also our churchyard is not well fenced.
That we lack the Paraphrase.
The Vicarage is at reparation.
Our Vicar is not resident.
Thomas Wrak did not receive at Easter last past, nor as yet hath.
We have not our sermons.
That our Parson is
not continually resident. Our Parson is also Parson of S. Peter's in
That our Parson doth minister the communion in fine small bread.
Lawrence Baker detaineth and denyeth a legacy given to the poor people of our church by the last will of one Edmonde Barton deceased.
Arthur Blechenden of St. Mary's with holdeth and detaineth a legacy given unto the poor people of our parish by William Wattes, late of Ivychurch, deceased.
That the church is not fully repaved, and also the chancel lacketh glazing.
Edward Wood's wife with certain prayers and a cloke wrapped about a bramble had one to help her to draw her child under the said bramble three times, whereof we examined her, wherefore she did it, and she said it was the use of her country, but she thought no hurt in it as she sayeth. Also Robert Warwelles wife is suspected of witchcraft.
That Mr. Wood our Parson taketh the fruits, tithes, and ecclesiastical profits of the Benefice, and hath never said nor sung any divine service in the church nor ministered any sacraments there for the same.
They lack all the books, and a communion table, the chest for the poor, for that we have had no service there many years, but were accustomed to go to Aldington to have service and receive sacrament there, and we are prohibited that we shall not come to receive sacrament or otherwise to hear Service at Aldington. Touching the rest it is done accordingly.
They have no Service.
That our Parson is not resident, neither doth he any good there, neither keepeth he any hospitality.
That our Parson doth not call upon Fathers, etc., etc.
There is no Register kept, nor no other things done.
Mr. Woode our Parson hath other benefices, two or three.
They cannot tell where to go to hear divine service.
We are absent from service because we have none.
That there dwelled a wench at Mr. Humfrye Clarke’s house which went away from Kingsnothe with child, but we cannot tell where nor what is become of her.
That one Edward Chawlesroste (as we heard say) in his Testament making, did give a Cow to the relief of the poor of Kingsnothe, which is not yet delivered unto them.
That the Queen's
Majesty's Injunctions and Homilies are not read by the Curate.
Our chancel
lacketh tyling, glaseing and convenient seats.
Our Parsonage is
in a temporal man's hands and is resident upon the same, and our Vicar is not
resident.
That we have
Service but once in the day, sometimes in the forenoon sometimes in the
afternoon.
We lack the
Paraphrase of Erasmus, because the Parson will not pay his part.
They have no
Minister resident with them.
They want their
Quarter sermons.
That they lack a decent Communion table.
Our Chancel lacketh glazing. The church-yard is not cleanly kept.
The Parsonage is
not sufficiently repaired.
The farmer of the
Parsonage hath felled two ashes growing in the churchyard.
That they lack a Bible of the largest volume.
Detectum est
nihil.
That our Chancel is not repaired as it ought to be, and also the glass windows be broken.
That certain
timber is cut down in the church-yard by the Vicar, and an old Palm tree [i.e.
yew] digged up by the roots for the reparation of the Vicarage, through
the which timber and other necessaries, our churchyard is not so decently kept
as it ought to be.
The Vicarage is in
great ruin in default of Mr. Nevinson, vicar there.
That Mr. Nevinson
hath topt two palm trees.
They have had no
quarter sermons as they ought to have.
There is no relief
give (sic) to the poor by the farmer that hath the Parsonage in farm.
That Margaret Baldock is a witch, which they have had knowledge of since the last Visitation.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
That there is certain duties with holden from the poor by Helen Rucke or Welles, now the wife of Simon Rucke of Romney Marsh, at S. Mary's there, executrix of the last Will and Testament of Simon Welles of Ickham her late husband, and hath been behind unpaid these nine years last past.
That they lack the Paraphrasis of Erasmus.
Our church and chancel is not sufficiently repaired.
They have no quarter sermons.
That Mr. Robert Formell of our parish, hath pulled down by his own private authority, an old chapel called Hooke Chapel, late standing in the same parish, and kept the chapel churchyard forcibly from the Parson there, contrary to his ancient right and interest.
That the Minister ministereth the communion in common bread, and for default of a decent communion cup they minister in a glass.
Mr. Cranmer enjoyeth the tithes of the Chapel of Overland to the value of forty marcs, and no service is said there.
One Jode's widow is suspected of witchcraft and she hath not received the communion at Easter.
Nihil detectum est.
That the Communion is ministered sometimes in wafer bread, and sometimes in common bread.
The Parson is not resident.
There is one Walter Long, deceased, whose widow hath no authority to administer her husband's goods.
That one John Filmer the Vicar's farmer hath cut down much of the wood growing in our churchyard.
Our Vicar is not resident, nor giveth to the poor according to the Queen Majesty's Injunctions.
That Mr. Doirell vicar there keepeth no hospitality for the poor,
James Syseman of our parish, carpenter, hath been in time past negligent in coming to church on Sundays and Holydays.
One . . . Terrye the miller of Eastwarde [? Eaststour] doth absent himself from the church on Sundays and Holydays.
Humphrey Cowlye doth absent himself from the church.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
They lack the Bible of the last edition.
The churchyard wanteth a sufficient and convenient fence of pale.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus. They have had no Homilies nor Injunctions read these two years.
The Vicar is not resident.
That the Vicar Sir Harrye Heavyside doth not edify and serve the people according to the Injunctions.
Nihil detectum est.
That the churchyard is neither well fenced nor cleanly kept, and our church is not well repaired for lack of tile.
The Vicar is not resident upon his vicarage.
They want their quarter sermons.
Thomasine Fuller was married at Godmersham to one Richard Fabourne, and the said Richard is run away from the said Thomasine, and by report he hath another wife.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
That our Parsonage is out of reparations.
There is no hospitality nor relief for the poor, according to the Queen Majesty's Injunctions.
They have not their quarter sermons and that they have but one these four years.
John Shepton of Nackington who doth with hold a certain house, by estimation with the lands, one acre and a half, given by one Richard Houldebacke to the relief of the poor yearly and one Mass; and the other half to the maintenance of the church.
Thomas Allen taketh profit of our Parsonage, and did get by Benevolence to the relief of the poor six shillings [and] eight pence yearly, and hath had the profits these four years, and we have had of him but five shillings in all.
That they lack a chest or box for the poor.
The churchyard lieth unfenced in the default of Mr. Thomas Palmer.
Elisabeth Ratcliffe is an obstinate and dissipate person.
Simon Sollye with holdeth the certain money given to the church by the will and testament of Richard Sollye, to the value of a noble.
Robert Barker of Ickham, with holdeth certain money from the church which was the debt of John Gason.
That one Beake hath not given in his accounts which of late he hath as churchwarden, and with holdeth certain money from the church.
Richard Warham hath committed fornication with Elisabeth Boughton.
That they lack a linen cloth for the communion table.
The Minister ministered the Communion this year in common bread.
The church-yard is unfenced, the one part by the parish, and the other part by the heirs of Thomas Adenne.
The chancel is unrepaired.
The buttresses be fallen down and the head of our chancel is at reparation.
The Parson keepeth no hospitality.
One Joan Fox the wife of John Fox is suspected of fornication.
John Broke, gent., with holdeth two kine from the parish of Barham and the farm of them. Also the said John Broke with holdeth four shillings and four pence by the year, which was wont to find the holy bread, and now by the Queen's Majestys Injunctions should be to the finding of the Holy Communion; also he oweth certain money and with holdeth the sum of fifty-three shillings and four pence, the which his father had goods of the church for; also the same Mr. Broke oweth for the burial of his father within the church.
The same Mr. Broke oweth for the farm of cows for twenty-four years, twenty pence by the year, forty shillings. And for another cow eighteen years, thirty shillings, and he meaneth to defraud us of all.
The heirs of Bartholomew Barham, gentleman, with holdeth the due contained in the testament of Thomas Weldish.
That our Parson
hath three Benefices, one called S. Alphege at
That Sampson Marshall hath not received the holy communion this year.
Mylchar Sharpe doth divers and sundry times absent himself from his parish church, being of our parish.
That their Curate doth sometimes wear a syrple [surplice] in divine service and sometimes not.
The communion is ministered in common bread.
Their Parson, Mr. Bungey, hath felled certain trees that grew in the churchyard.
Their Parson is
also a Prebendary in
Detectum est nihil.
That they lack a communion cup and doth borrow one.
That there were made two bondefyers [bonfires] in their town, the one made by John Morrys, and the other by Henry Wood, the one made by John Morrys on S. John’s Eve, and the other was made on S. Peter's Even, by Henry Wood.
Their church and chancel is not decently kept for that the steps are not taken away in the quier, and also that our rood loft is not thoroughly pulled down according to the order prescribed, and that the churchyard is not well fenced nor cleanly kept.
Margery Howe is with child by Edward Weest, servant to Sir Thomas Kempe, Knight. And Margaret Wheler is suspected of crime to be unhonest of her body as we hear.
William Nightingale, innkeeper, did on Whit Sunday last past, had resort of people to his house in time of common prayer.
Anthony Sands, Esquire, hath not performed the legacy of Mistress Martyn late of Throwleigh, given to the poor of the parish of Wye.
William Nightingale and Henry Wood hath sold a cross of silver and gilt, and a challes [chalice] of the parish, and have not accounted for the same. Also Richard Hawke hath a challes of the parish and the book where the wardens were wont to engross their accounts, and hath not accounted for the same, nor will not deliver the same book to the churchwardens aforesaid.
Mr. William Clyfton school-master as we think is not of sincere religion. But we cannot tell what grammar he teacheth; and hath not received the communion himself nor none of his household these five years past.
William Tritton hath married without banns thrice solemnly asked, and that the wife of the said Tritton said that she was married to one . . . Respysee, and as she said was divorced from Respysee. And further we say that John Fox and his wife live not together but live apart; and further the said Tritton was not married in our parish church,
Mr. William Clyfton doth stubbornly refuse to conform himself to unity and good religion, and Cometh not to sermons accordingly.
These have not received:—
Mr. Anthony Kempe.
Mr. Richard Dryeland.
Richard Hawke and his wife.
William Clifton and his wife.
Mary Clifton.
Thomas Clifton.
George Younge.
Thomas Barrow.
William Hendelay and his wife.
Francis Wheeler and his wife.
Thomas Assan.
Sampson Wells.
John Morres servant to Mr. Serlys.
John Alleyn.
William Jekyn.
Thomas Odyame.
Nicholas Arden.
William Tryton and his wife.
Thomas Honye.
William Rowland.
John Russell.
John Mylls.
Mr. Blayston servant to Sir Thos. Kempe.
William Glasyer servant to Sir Thomas Kempe.
John Rooke, cowper.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The Parsonage is somewhat decayed and out of reparations.
That the communion is ministered in common bread.
Our chancel is out of reparation and layeth very uncomely, and my Lord of Canterbury is patron there, and Robert White farmer of the parsonage there.
That our parish is served by our clerk for the most part, for that our Vicar cometh seldom there.
Our Vicar is not resident upon his benefice.
He is Vicar of Petham, and Parson of Herst, and Vicar of Waltham, and keepeth no hospitality with us.
DEANERY OF
That their Bible is not of the largest volume.
The Sacrament is ministered in fine manchet bread.
There are goods
appertaining to their church in the hands of one William Lothbery Esquire of
That these persons have not received the Holy Communion:— Edmond Darnell and his wife, Peter Pattinson's wife, Edward Young.
Their Vicar is Parson of Ham.
Peter Pattinson is a blasphemer and a railer.
Edmond Darneld a drunkard and blasphemer.
Their schoolmaster teacheth grammar by another work than is forth by public authority.
That they have not the bible in the largest volume.
There was certain
land belonging to the church sold by Robert
Poyshe of Northbourne to Mr. Tysar of
The administration of Robert Poyshe for certain goods of the church remaining in their hands upon an account made by the said Robert Poyshe which account was not thereby perused, neither yet received nor yet allowed either of the churchwardens or other parishioners. And since they have refused to make payment of the same that was remaining of the same account.
Thomas Kingsford hath £4 of money remaining in his hands which he desireth to pay.
Nicholas Cooper detaineth a cow in his hands, and the farm of the same cow for sixteen years belonging unto, (sic).
That the communion is ministered in fine manchet [bread]
Richard Arrow hath carried away a hose [? horse] from the parsonage ground.
William Arrow hath not received the communion this twelvemonths and more.
That one part of
the churchyard lieth unfenced, in default of Mr. Henry Butler of
Their Vicar is Parson of Gravesend.
That the Parsonage is in decay and two houses fallen down.
George Durbiand hath not received the communion since Allhallows last.
That their Parsonage-house is fallen down, the chancel is in decay for lack of tyling, glasing and paving. Their Vicar is not resident.
That their Vicar hath two benefices joining together.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The chancel is in great decay.
Their Vicar is Parson of Deal.
Christopher Parkin liveth from his wife.
That the communion is ministered in fine white common bread.
The chancel is somewhat uncovered and the windows unglazed.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The churchyard walls are not well and sufficiently kept in default of Thomas Herring of Deal.
That the church is unrepaired, and the churchyard unclosed.
That Richard Gost hath received the communion out of his own parish.
William Gost hath absented himself from divine service, from S. Mark's day, viz. by the space of nine weeks.
Richard Gost hath in his house, five quarters of barley and one quarter of wheat, saying that it is the Queen's, and none of the parish.
Alice Fostall, widow, deceased, had in her hands one Canaby and a cross-cloth of silk, with certain banner-cloths, now in the hands of David Tanner, and Nicholas Tylman, who were her executors.
Dyrryck Carnellys is stubborn and refuseth to pay the forfet (sic) for not coming to divine service, and for reviling the queen's officer for reproving of him because he was at an unlawful game called the keyles [ninepins, skittles,] in the time of divine service.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The chancel is at reparations.
Their Vicar is Parson of Betteshanger.
Richard White of Westwell for farm of six ewes for four years, eight shillings.
James Matthew of Barston owes for the farm of three ewes for three years, three shillings.
That they have not the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
Mr P. George Byngham farmer of West Court, about three years ago received of Master Edward Merewether, and of the widow of Stonnard, parishioners, the sum of twelve shillings or thereabouts, and promised to lay out the rest, and at his next going to London, to buy us one, but they have neither book nor money.
Johanna Stoddar widow, hath in occupying two acres of land called wassell land, out of which there hath been paid two bushels of wheat yearly to be made in wassell bread and given to the poor, as there are divers now alive hath distributed the same, and it is with holden, and these are witnesses examined before Master Denne [an official of the Archdeacon's Court] of the payment thereof.
That our Vicar is Vicar of Coldred.
That the service
is said and sung in the body of the church. Their Vicar hath another benefice
which is
Johanna Gason is vehemently suspected of incest with her own son.
Mary Russell and
the wife of
John Taylor, married man, an one Joanna Bayente have committed adultery together, which the said Joan did confess.
That the church is unrepaired.
The churchyard is unfenced.
Roge Wode dwelling
in
Thomas Harnett of Womange Wilde [Wymyngeweld or Wymynwold] doth also detain one cow which was given by his mother to the church.
The chancel lacketh paving and tiling.
The Vicar is not resident.
One Thomas Knappe hath not received the Holy Communion the four or five years in our church.
That our Vicar is a Layman and not entered into orders.
They have not had their quarter sermons.
Cicelye Broke, executrix of the last will and testament of Jereomef Wymarke her late husband, hath not bestowed the sum of forty shillings which her husband willed toward the repairing of the highway.
Nihil detectum est.
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The partition between the church and the chancel is pulled down.
Mr. William Burden hath felled down the wood and timber in the churchyard.
Thomas Borwell and James Pyborne [? Wyborne] churchwardens, have departed out of our parish without account making. Thomas Borwell dwelleth now in Norborne, and James Pyborne dwelleth now in Eythorne.
John Robins now
dwelling in the parish of
They lack their quarter sermons.
That one Annis Bowrman servant to one Henry Pettyman is suspected of evil living.
Robert Medcalfe and William Remenyham do refuse to come to their parish church but they go to another.
William Locar hath absented himself from the church. Also the said Locar is a disquiet man of his tongue towards his neighbours.
That they lack the Bible of the largest volume. Our minister doth minister the communion in fine manchet bread.
William Lothbury,
citizen of
That William Willarde and Henry Baker, hath not received the Holy Communion by the space of one whole year last past. Dionise Holsworthe and Alice Ouglvye hath not received the communion during the same time.
The Parson is not resident; neither relieveth the poor, nor keepeth hospitality within the said parish.
Augustine Draper, gentleman, is a notorious Swearer and Blasphemer of the name of the Almighty.
Mr. Isaac and Mistress Hales was (sic) married out of the church, and that William Fleet and Mistress Katherine Honiwood were married in Mr. Robert Honiwood's house by the Vicar of the said parish of Charing.
Augustine Draper, gentleman, George Hubbard and William Hulke and Thomas Barrett have not paid to the poor men's box according to their cessment.
That their church lacketh reparation and the churchyard is unfenced, and the place in the church where the altar stood is unpaved.
Richard Dennys hath not received the Holy Communion since Easter was twelve-month's, for the which he was presented to Mr. Denne and standeth excommunicate. And also Thomas Marshall hath not received the Holy communion this two years.
That there is a legacy given by the will of Richard Hooker of which will John Warren is executor.
Thomas Marshall doth not live with his wife, according to the laws of God.
John Sharpe denieth to pay certain money, viz. twelve pence according to a cess orderly made by the parishioners, and that he will give nothing to the poor.
That the executors
of John Bobyus hath in their hands 6s. 8d.
given to the poor of the parish of
That the chancel is not well covered nor glazed.
The wife of Deny Rayfield hath not received the communion.
Thomas Frenchborne and his wife live not together; and that one Godfrey Haynes is gone from his wife, but it is not known where he is.
That George Green is a common drunkard, and a bad comer to the church.
Ellys Turner keepeth an ale house and is suspected to admit the said Green and such others, both in the time of divine service and otherwise.
That the Minister doth minister the holy communion in fine common bread.
The parsonage house is in great decay.
William .... liveth apart from his wife.
That the Vicar doth not read the Injunctions quarterly. That he never read the Homily for Adultery, saving one parcel only and that the begining thereof.
The windows of the chancel are torne (sic), whereby the sparrows and other birds come into the church in default of Robert Dewarde, farmer of the Vicarage.
That in certain windows of the church are many monuments idolatry and superstition not defaced.
That in the Revestrie are certain copes and vestments for Priest, Deacon, and Subdeacon with other Trumpery.
The Vicar is a haunter of Taverns, a player at Tables.
Also that on the Sunday next before Michaelmas day, he said in the Pulpit as followeth viz: " Upon Thursday next shall be the Feast of St. Michael, in the which Feast all the Orders of Angels are honourable as God himself."
The said Vicar said that children dying without Baptism are firebrands of hell.
Richard Bedell doth abuse the church-yard with his swine, and that he hath in his house resort commonly in the time of service.
Walter Pounde is a common swearer and blasphemer of God.
Johanne Whithode widow, is a slanderer and scolderer, and also suspected that she cannot say the Lord's Prayer in English, because she doth use to say it in Latin.
Robert Dewarde and his wife live not together, but apart.
The wife of Richard Helbysolde liveth slanderously from her husband.
Robert Dewarde hath been presented vehemently suspected of whoredom, but nothing was done as far as we know, in whom the default is we cannot tell.
Mary Trappam hath been presented, vehemently suspected of whoredom, and nothing done as aforesaid. Her father Henry Posyer reporteth openly that he hath spent £20 in this matter.
Robert Deward hath been vehemently suspected of whoredom with one Barbara Stere widow, whom he kept covertly in his house, and never shewed himself penitent for the same at any time, to our knowledge, and also without any reconciliation unto the congregation as far as we know.
The same Robert Dewarde is vehemently suspected of whoredom with his servant Margaret Virgen. To this Thomas Newstreet doth not agree.
That Francis Rawson vicar there, is suspected to live incontinently with one Elisabeth Newman, and that the said Rawson sent her away by Christopher Otwaye.
That the wife of Mr. Robert Hearne who dwelleth at Wolmerton in Hampshire, and she living here in the parish of Headcorn suspiciously.
That the Sacrament is ministered in a tin cup.
That the chancel is decayed very much.
The wife of one John Tyrrenden hath committed incest with her husband's father.
The wife of one Henry Mylles liveth from her husband; viz., he dwelleth at Tenterden she at Beatrisden.
That one Henry Whytmore hath a maid in his house which had a child.
John Rayes hath committed adultery.
George Knocheford brought a woman to town saying that she was his wife, and she hath another husband alive, and hath had two children by the said George.
James White and William Goddard hath not received the Communion for three or four years.
That Robert Stede and William Croswell have absented themselves from divine service of (sic) All Saints Day, and Sunday next before, and other days.
Richard Younge late churchwarden of Great Chart, did sell to Cuthbert Vaughan a cottage that was provided for the poor to dwell in, the money thereof is not answered to the parish, and that there remaineth amongst the evidences one obligation, whereof William Goldwell gentleman his heirs executors and administrators be bound to William Sharpe in ten pounds for the payment of six pounds, which as is said the said William Sharpe being churchwarden lent to the said William Goldwell, and as yet not answered nor paid them to the parish.
Robert Brasyer and Thomas Mare live not together with their wives, being married, but slanderously live apart.
That the Minister doth minister the Communion in common bread.
John Hopton readeth divine service, having received no orders, neither tolerated to that effect.
Robert Ashenden and Henry Innever for not receiving the Communion.
Robert Ashenden, executor of the last will and testament of Robert Trayton late of Tenterden deceased for with holding a certain legacy given by the said testator.
Henry Mylles liveth from his wife.
That the Minister doth minister the Communion in common bread sometimes.
John Swadeford and
Gilbert Westlye, churchwardens, did sell a cope, two vestments, to Edward Dore
of
John Swadeford and William Lord sold to Thomas Hovenden as ran brass as come to two shillings and four-pence.
That it is suspected that William Everden hath committed adultery with the wife of Thomas Bullock, and that she hath confessed the same, and that her husband did say that the said Everden was in bed with his wife as he hath confessed.
Henry Peke the farmer of the parsonage is in the default of the closyer [enclosure] of the church, lying open and not amended.
Robert Tollarst did thatch upon the Sabbath day, and carried wood upon Michaelmas Day.
Thomas Reade did
plough upon
Richard Atkyn the elder, did carry and re-carry corn upon Sabbathday.
Thomas Alkyn hath
said, as his servant hath reported, that when the
Thomas Pattenden hath committed incest wilh Elenor Skynner his wife's sister.
That Beatrice Dawbye hath had a child unlawfully begotten, and she saith that John Goldie is the father of the same. And also that one Mother Dawbye her mother is a bawde.
Margarett Wood hath committed whoredom with one John Shippenden, as the fame goeth, and as she sailh.
Edward Gorram hath married his father's sister's daughter.
That Philip Simpson being a Deacon doth not go orderly in his apparel.
Gregory Taylor with holdeth in his hands £3 and odd money due to the church.
Clement Asherst late parishioner of Byddenden, now dwelling within the Diocese of Rochester, hath refused to pay two shillings at which he was orderly cessed. And also William French and Christopher Amys for the like fault.
Thomas Therar
liveth from his wife, and is now in
William Kamberlaine and his wife, John Crottenden and Thomas Delmar hath not received the holy communion at Easter last nor since.
The said William Kamberlaine and John Crottenden hath absented themselves from the church upon Sundays and other festival days.
1569. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.) They lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The communion is ministered in the finest common bread.
Rectory:—Impropriator, Sir Henry Cheney, Knight.
Curate:—Dom. Lawrence Hollenden, he is not married, has no benefice, does not preach, and is not a graduate.
Householders, 5
Communicants, 27.—(Page 37.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere,
1583. We present our Curate for that he hath not worn the surplice.
We lack such a Bible as is required, and our church is not sufficiently repaired.—(Vol. 1577-84, fol. 105-6.)
1590. Our church and churchyard are in some decay by the last great wind, and we have as we are able partly amended it, and shortly we shall finish it altogether. Our parish is very poor and scarce three householders able to give any thing, and some refuse to give as Valentine Finch and Edward Norton. The forfeitures for absence from church are not gathered, for some are poor and cannot, others are able and will not, neither is there any means to come by it.
Valentine Finch refuseth to give anything to the reparation of the church (as above said), and both he and his wife have absented themselves from church by the space of one month.
Edward Norton refuseth to give anything to the reparation of Church, and he and his wife cometh not abroad to church these three months and more; also they have not received the communion.—(Fol. 167.)
That the minister weareth the surplice very seldom or not at all, in the administration of the Sacraments and saying of divine service, but that other times or sometimes he hath administered the holy communion most undecently in his cloak and his boots; also in saying the divine service he doth not observe the form and order presented in the Book of Common Prayer.
That the church [For Davington Priory and Church, see "Arch. Cantiana," vol. 22, pages 190-6, 275-92] is much defiled and annoyed by pigeons and so lieth unhandsomely.—(Vol. 1584-91, fol. 176.)
1603. John Edwards [He bought Davington Priory in 1583, where he lived until his death, 9th June, 1631, being buried in the church.] presented by ... Cookson minister of Davington, for that [Cookson] being licensed to serve the cure there, he hath demanded the key of the church-door of Mr. Edwards whose key the same is, that he might discharge the cure and say service in the church, and being so required refuseth to deliver the same, whereby he is hindered to serve the same cure, and saying service there.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 87.)
1613. That Mr. Lawrence Parkinson their curate, hath not preached, but sometimes hath expounded as he believeth.
2. We have prayers on Sundays only in the afternoon, and none on holy days in our church.
3. There are no prayers read on Wednesdays and Fridays.
4. He doth not preach in our church, but expoundeth sometimes.
5. He doth not wear the surplice at all in our church, to my remembrance and knowledge.
6. He doth not catechise as is required, to my knowledge.
1. I do not know whether there be any such book of christenings, marriages and burials in our church, and we have a chest with three locks and keys as I think, but I have no key as yet.
2. We have no such book of Canons in our church to my knowledge.
3. There are neither Book of Common Prayer nor such a table, nor Book of Homilies in our church.
4. We have not the Ten Commandments set up in the east end of the church.
5. There is a poor man's box, but I have no key as yet.
6. The church wanteth repairing, the windows glazing, and the floors paving.
7. We have no such table of the degrees of marriages forbidden.
8. There is neither pulpit cloth, nor cushion of silk, nor surplice in our church, that I know of.
9. The perambulation of our parish hath not been gone this last year to my knowledge.—(Fol. 110-111.)
1613. Mr. William Tilman will not pay the clerk his dues these seven years, at 2s. 8d. by the year. Also widow Adye 9d., and William Giles 2s.—(Fol. 116.)
1615. We have all well, saving our surplice which was stolen away.
The church is not decently kept, but is put to unseemly uses, and our churchyard abused by the breaking in of cattle, which deface and spoil the graves wherein the bodies of Christians be buried.
We have not Divine service nor the administration of the sacrament performed in due time in the whole year. Our minister (Lawrence Parkinson) doth not examine the youth of our parish — (Fol. 222.)
1616. Our surplice was stolen out of our chest.
We have a parchment book, and whether all be there written he knoweth not.
We have no Book of Canons, or Ten Commandments set up, nor table of degrees, nor pulpit cushion or cloth.
We have such a box with locks but no keys.
We have not got the perambulations.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 233.)
1623. That our living being an Impropriation, as I take it, we have neither parson nor vicar, and Mr. Edwards, of our parish, who is proprietary, or farmer of the parsonage of Davington, and receiveth the tithes coming, growing, and increasing in our parish, provideth no curate as in former times he and others before him hath done, but utterly refuseth to provide one.
To the first I answer and present that for the space of one year and three-quarters, or thereabouts, during which time I have been an inhabitant of the parish, there hath not been Divine service, neither upon Sundays and holy-days, read in our parish church according as in this article is required, but we have been fain to go to other parishes to hear Divine service and God's word preached, to the great trouble and grief of the inhabitants of the same parish. Which abuse hath been by the default of the said Mr. Edwards in not providing us a curate, as in the answer I have made to the first article I have expressed, for which I present the same Mr. Edwards and I desire, and not only I, but the whole parish heartily pray and desire your Court that Mr. Edwards may be compelled to provide a curate for the time to come, who may perform the contents of this article (of presentment), so as the parishioners may not be to seek out their church, and be at their own charge whether they will ever or never go to church. Whether as the case now standeth in our parish about 21 or 22 several families in the parish, I cannot tell in what manner they or their servants go to any church according to the laws of the land, for their own parish church they cannot come, and for to go to any other church they are not assigned.
To the seventh article I answer:—That the same is not at all performed by the reason we have no curate, as before I have answered, for which I likewise present Mr. Edwards.
To the eighth article I answer:—That during the time aforesaid that I have been inhabiting in the parish, Mr. Philips the minister of Faversham hath used to have the communion in our parish-church, at Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide, and otherwise we have not had any to my knowledge.
To the ninth:—We have no Minister as before I have answered, for which I present the said Mr. Edwards.
To the tenth:—I cannot make a certain answer whether all the parishioners have received, as in this article is required, because we have no minister to take note who receiveth and who doth not, and to inform me, for which again for which I present the same Mr. Edwards.
To the nineteenth:—We have no curate, but pray as before may we may have one.
To the twenty-first:—No minister hath preached in our parish church, since the time I have been church-warden of the parish.
To the twenty-ninth:—We have no minister to visit the sick as this article requireth, for which as before I again present Mr. Edwards.
To the thirtieth:—We have no minister to christen children, or bury the dead according to this article, but we are fain at sometimes for want of a minister to bury and christen at other parishes for which as before I present Mr. Edwards.
To the thirty-second:—We have no minister to be informed according to the contents of this article, for which again I present Mr. Edwards in manner aforesaid.
To the thirty-third:—I do not know whether we have such a Register Book, or such a cover for keeping the same, as is required by reason that since I have been churchwarden of the parish, I could never get the key of the church door to go into the church to see what things were wanting in the church, although I have demanded the same of Mr. Edwards, who keepeth and detaineth the same from me, and denieth me, for which I present Mr. Edwards.
To the forty-first:—I do not know whether we have the particulars mentioned in this article, in our parish church, for the reason in the thirty-third article, viz: Mr. Edwards denieth and detaineth from me the key of the church.
To the forty-second:—I do know not whether we have in our chur such a book of Common Prayer and Bible, as in this article is mentioned, by reason the church key is kept from me, as before I have presented.
To the forty-third and forty-fourth:—I cannot answer further than before I have, by reason I cannot get into the church.
To the fifty-third:—There was no churchwarden chosen in the parish last year, and no account was given up, as in this article required, so far as I know.
To the sixty-first:—I answer as to the thirty-third:—I do not know concerning the particulars mentioned, because I cannot go into the church, by reason Mr. Edwards denyeth me the key.
To the sixty-fifth:—The parishioners resort not to the church and further I present Mr. Edwards aforesaid, for not coming to our parish church, but going to church elsewhere, because he will no suffer us to have divine service in our parish, according to the laws of the realm, and as in former times we have used to have.
And also I present Mr. Boade and his wife who is Mr. Edward’s daughter, for repairing to Faversham church to divine service, where as I understand Mr. Boade hath a seat or seats assigned unto him for he and his wife to sit in to hear divine service, because we should.have no service at our parish church, contrary as I and the rest of the parish think, to all equity. — (Vol. 1610-17, Part ii, fols. 192-3.)
1692. Mary Bode, spinster, for several matters herein presented - for prophaning the steeple (of the church) by laying wood therein; for making the churchyard a common way to drive her wagon through, and defaming the graves: for hiring out the church to French Protestants for £3 a year; and for stating the parishioners are transgrssors to her, by coming into the church.
On the 13 October,
when the case was heard in court, the judge ordered: That the £3 paid by the
French Protestants yearly for the using of the
1560. Arnold Whitlocke doth withhold the Paraphrase of Erasmus which he had when he was churchwarden.
The chancel is in decay, Mr. Archdeacon is parson there.
Richard Sotherand of Charing hath a cow in his hands, and hath paid no farm for it this twelve years, and we cannot get the farm nor the cow.
Simon Raynor doth withhold thirty shillings from our church.
Arnold Whitlocke of Lynsted, hath a great saunce-bell (sic) from our church.—(Vol. 1560-84, fol. 38.)
1562. The chancel lacketh reparation, the fault thereof is in the Archdeacon of Canterbury.
John Daniell refuseth to pay the cess towards the poor, which is but a half-penny a week, and hath with holden it this three months and more.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1563. It is presented that the communion is sometimes ministered in white bread, because they can get none other. (The Vicar stated that at Easter last, he ministered the communion in wafer bread, andd so eventually to continue.)
The Vicar lacketh a square cap.
Those whose names follow seldom come to the church, both on Sabbath days and other festival days:—William Sandwich, William Rose, Matthew Bocher, Walter Backhurse, Edward Sowyall, Thomas Pye, Thomas Dane.
The chancel is in great decay for lack of shingling, the fault is in Mr.Archdeacon of Canterbury.—(Vol. 1563-4.)
1566. The chancel is at reparations. That half a seam of barley which hath been yearly paid and given to the poor of the parish of the parsonage, is now denied and not paid this twelvemonth. (Vol. 1566-7.)
1569. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.—See Vol. VI, p. 30.)
1572. That
The chancel is very much in decay.
The Archdeadon being the parson there, hath and doth withhold 6s. 8d. by year, given out of the parsonage towards the reparation of the church eleven years. Also half a quarter of wheat by year given out of the parsonage to the poor of the parish by the space of six years; which money and wheat hath been used to be paid time out of mind, and the same hath been presented very often; and they can have no remedy therein.—(Vol. 1571-2, Fol. 131.)
1574. We present our chancel to be unglazed, so that the minister cannot administer the communion for rain and cold.—(Vol.1574-6, Fol. 83.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. VII, p. 212.)
1585. All is well, except a cloth and cushion to lay on the pulpit. A coffer we have, but it hath not two locks. Our chancel is faulty but we will see it amended.—(Vol. 1584-91, Fol. 42.)
1610. Mr. John Edward, patron, for keeping part of the church from the parish; and we have not divine service said in the church in due order according to law.—(Fol. 7.)
1613. There is no contention about seats, a new seat hath been built by Mr. John Adye, what leave he hath obtained for the doing thereof we cannot tell.—(Fol. 112.)
1615. The vicarage-house is come to great ruin, but all other things in good order.—(Fol. 188.)
We have had no Register of Christenings and Burials since the 17th April, 1613 set down in the Book, and now our late minister is dead, yet have we sent in our bills to the Court for the same, and do therefore refer ourselves to the same presentations formerly made. (Fol. 219.)
16l6. Mr. Milles, curate under Mr. Clutting, for that he did not go the bounds of the parish, and he did not say service upon one Sunday, nor upon Ascension day, nor upon St. John the Baptist, Nor upon St. Peter.—(Fol. 240.)
1617. Common Prayer is not said at convenient hours, for one Sunday and divers holy days we had none at all, and sometimes he beginneth at ten of the clock in the forenoon, and sometimes after ten.
We have a sermon once in every month, but whether the curate that preacheth be lawfully licensed or no, we know not, but on every Sunday he preacheth not, he doth not read one of the Homilies prescribed.
We know not whether the curate of our parish be licensed from the Ordinary or not, but we are sure he serveth more than one church in one day. He doth not usually wear a gown with a standing collar.— (Fol. 261.)
Robert Tilden, churchwarden, presented for want of things necessary to the chest belonging to the church appointed for the keeping of the Register Book, as namely:—for the want of two keys, a Canon Book, an Article Book, and a cloth for the pulpit.— (Vol 1610-17.)
1664. On the 4 November, Edward Gurney and Robert Peckenham, the churchwardens appeared in the Court and stated:—That it is true that their steeple of Doddington is ruined by tempest of lightning, [About 1650 the steeple of this church was set on fire by lightning and much damaged. Hasted's "History of Kent," vol. ii, p. 696.] and thereupon their bells are fallen down, but the parishioners are not of ability to repair the same, it being almost twenty-two years since it happened, wherby the work will be very chargeable, insomuch that half the rent of the land in the parish will not be sufficient to do it. Thereupon the judge did advise them for a brief for a collection for the repair of the steeple and bells, and for a flagon for the communion which they say is yet wanting, and provide the same against Christmas next, and send a certificate thereof the next court day following.—(Vol. 1639-81, fol. 112.)
1678. That the steeple being burnt down and the bells all broken and cracked, the parish is not able to repair the steeple and mend the bells and hang them as is required.—(Vol. 1670-93, fol. 69)
1695. A Petition of the minister and parishioners of Doddington made unto his Grace for the selling and alienating of the bells belonging to the church, being cracked and useless.
On the 24 May, 1695, the Vicar appeared in the Court and presented a petition to his Grace to the effect abovesaid, and his Grace was thereupon pleased to order that the Bells therein mentioned being four in number and the weight of them said to be about forty hundred (sic)—be forthwith sold for the best price that can be got after an estimate of the weight, and that the weight of them with the price they are sold at, be forthwith intimated to the Vicar-General and to Mr. Archdeacon of Canterbury, and the money deposited in the Archdeacon's hands immediately after the sale, who is to appoint in what manner the money is to be laid
On the 17 October
when at Sittingbourne, Archdeacon John Battely enquired what had been done. The
churchwardens answered that they were ignorant of the Order, and so knew not
the weight of the Bells, nor were the Bells yet disposed of. Whereupon they
were ordered and monished that they do forthwith cause an estimate to be taken
of the weight of the bells and the value of the metal of them, and certify that
they have so done by the
After several appearances
in the Archdeacon's Court; on
Whereupon the Judge did order that the said money continue in the hands of William Skeene till Michaelmas next, and that he pay interest thereof as he offers until that time; and that he then pay in the money or give security for the same; and desired Mr. Somer Scales vicar of the parish to use his endeavours to find out a mortgage or other good security for the placing of the £60.
The
On the
On the
1569. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.) Rectory:—In the patronage of Nicholas Sentledger Esquire, in right of his wife. Rector: Dom. Richard Rogers, M.A., he is not married lives there, has one benefice, and is hospitable as far as he is able. Not a preacher nor licensed to preach.
Householders, 24
Communicants, 87.—(Page 34.)
1572. That the church is out of reparation for lack of tiling.
James Parker, farmer of the Court Lodge, suffereth his swine to turn up the churchyard, contrary to all good order. And that he ought to keep the enclosure, for that his occupancy is round about the churchyard; and as by good record it may well appear it hath been enclosed by the farmers of the said Court-Lodge these hundred years.—(Vol. 1571-2, fol. 134.)
1576. We present that by reason of the great wind that was lately, our church is at reparation for lack of tileing.—(Vol. 1574-6. fol. 88.)
1580. (See under Baddlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.)
1603. We, the churchwardens and sidesmen there, present. IsaacGreenstreet and Sicily, the wife of Richard Hayward, and Mary Mynge, the servant of Isaac Greenstreet, for their uncomely rail and scolding; to the great disturbance and offence of their neighbours.—(Fol. 84.)
Thomas Greenstreet for not performing a legacy of his father Henry Greenstreet, late deceased, bequeathed to the poor of our parish, as the same Thomas hath reported and acknowledged, and as by the Will of the same plainly appeareth.—(Fol. 85.)
JamesGreenstreet who, notwithstanding many warnings, hath not as yet paid such money as he was cessed to pay towards church.—(Fol. 86.)
1605. The east end north side, and the south side of the churchyard is fenced only with hedge, through the which hogs brake, by which the churchyard is denied and the graves offensively racked; of this no redress will be had because Robert Yate and Richard his son, the occupiers of the land adjoining to the churchyard, refuse to make a sufficient fence, affirming that the parish ought to do it, the parish pleaded to the contrary a very ancient custom. We prayed that some speedy and lawful order may be taken.—(Vol. ft.6, fol. 150.)
1612. Some part of the inward wall of our belfry is lately fallen down, and our church porch wanteth some shingling (else all is well), and we crave a reasonable day for the repairing of the same. (Fol.64.)
1615. If by the Bible of the largest volume, a Bible of the latest translation be understood, we have none such; and that we have it well bound. We have the Book of Common Prayer well bound, all other things we have accordingly and they are done as becometh, save that the seats are unseemly.—(Fol. 213.)
16l7. All is well, saving that the north side of the church wanteth some rafters, and the steeple of the church doth lack shingling.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 267.)
1665. There is presented the want of a large Bible of the last translation, a font, and the churchyard fence not in good repair,and the steeple cracked, also the want of a chest to keep the utensils of the church in.—(Vol. 1636-81, fol. 124.)
1672. Robert Somerscall, for that the church is much out of repair together with the steeple thereof, which he confesseth to be true, and alledgeth that he hath repaired some part thereof, and hath material and workmen now at work to repair the rest, which work will be finished within a month's time.—(Vol. 1670-93, fol..22.)
XIX.-GOODNESTON, next Faversham.
1560. That the Parson doth not his duty according to the article [of enquiry]. They lack the Paraphrase. Our parsonage is at decay. Our parson hath appointed his tressher (sic) to be our Reader. Our parson is not resident, and hath another benefice called Boughton under the Blean. Our Reader doth not say his service in due time, and doth not read the catechism to the youth of our parish.—(Vol.1560-84. fol.49.)
1561. That their Parson is not resident, and he is Vicar also of Boughton under the Blean. The parsonage house of Goodneston is in decay, in default of Sir Robert Thompson,[He was Vicar of Boughton under Blean 1554-74, where he was buried 21st November, 1575] parson. He hath pulled down part of the house to boche [Botch, to patch, mend clumsily.—"Dialect Dictionary"] up the rest, and for fault of reparation they are like to fall down, and the barn also. They lack the Paraphrase. That he hath sold the timber that was about the ground, and further that the pigeon-house is in decay for fault of reparation.—(Vol. 1561-2, fol. 124.)
1563. Their parson is not resident, neither keepeth he any hospitality there, but resides at Boughton under Blean.
The parsonage house is somewhat in decay.
Their parson hath cut down certain trees that did grow parsonage ground and carried them to Boughton under Blean, where he is also vicar, to build there, and our parsonage house being somewhat in decay.
[The Rector explained that he carried them to Boughton, to be| sawn into boards to repair the parsonage barn.] —(Vol. 1563-4).
1569. (Abp. Parker's visitation.—See vol. vi, p. 31.)
1569. Rectory:—In patronage of Robert Fagg, Esquire. Rector:Dom. Robert Thompson, he is not married, does not live there, has also the vicarage of Boughton Blean in the same deanery, does not preach, has no license to preach, not a graduate.
Curate:—Thomas Gardiner, who preaches.
Householders, 8.
Communicants, 33.—(Page 36.)
1571. William Frende now of Faversham, who was sometime churchwarden of Goodneston four years past, hath not, neither will redeliver two keys, which were delivered to him to the use of the church, neither will pay 3s. 4d. for the occupying of them for this last year, according unto an order thereof made.—(Vol. 1571-2, fol. 134.)
1574. We present the parson, for the ruin of a cove [A cove means a shed, a lean-to or low building with a shelving roof, joined to the wall of another, the shelter which is formed by the projection of the eaves of a house acting as a roof to an outbuilding.—English "Dialect Dictionary."] of a house, adjoining to the barn.—(Vol. 1574-6, fol. 84.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.)
1581. William Havering for absenting himself from divine service upon the Sunday and at several times sythence [sic]. Also he diid openly defame the minister for examining the sureties at the christening of his own child, with opprobrious talk, which shall be declared more at large when the parties shall come together.— (Vol. 1577-84, fol. 51.)
1585. Our
Bible and Communion Book are not altogether as they ought to be, for the Bible
is not of the largest volume, and Communion Book is somewhat torn, but we have
already taken order for new, and look for them shortly from
1590. Our chancel is unrepaired and unpaved, and hath been unpaved for the space of this twelvemonths.—Fol. 156.
Margaret Cole, wife of John Cole, for that there hath been and so yet is, a very common fame and vehement suspicion within the parish and other places adjoining, that she hath and doth use the most ungodly and wicked practise of sorcery or witchcraft to the
offence of good people.
Also Elizabeth Gardiner, wife to Benjamin Gardiner, and sister to the party aforesaid, for the same offence and in the same words as Margaret Cole.—(Vol. 1584-91, fol. 161.)
1592. Their vicar, John Foord, taketh upon himself to preach not only in his own cure, but in other parish churches publicly, being not authorized nor licensed thereunto, by order of law and the Church of England.
That he doth not say the divine service according to the Book of Common Prayer that he doth not administer the holy sacraments according to the same book. That he refuseth to read the lessons gathered out of certain of the books appointed to be read in the church, which he saith are Apocrypha, yet authorized to be read.
That being asked why he refuseth so to do; answered —for that they contained untruths.
That being asked why he refused to subscribe according to the order of the Church, whereby he might be licensed to preach, seeing that before he had subscribed: — he said that it grieved him, and he was sorry he had done it. — (Fol. 45.)
1594. That our Register Book for about these two years last past (since Mr. Plott came to be our parson) hath been orderly kept. But the Book that was before that time (and before we came into our office), is so defaced and rotten, that it cannot be read. The cause was this, — our old chest about that time was so great that it took up a great room in our church, wherefore by consent of our parish it was sold, and a new lesser [sic'] made, which by reason it was of green wood, the sap and dampness thereof went through the book and spoiled it.
Our church is somewhat untiled, and we are towards making a cess for the mending thereof. — (Vol. 1584-91, part ii., fol. 116.)
1603. That John Sheppard, our parson, contrary to the fourth article (of enquiry) doth cause one Henry Laesy to serve in our parish as Curate, and will not show openly unto us the sworn men of the same parish, sufficient license thereto by the Ordinary. — (Vol. 1 60 1 -6, fol. 70.)
1566. That the chancel is in decay, and the place where the altar was unpaved.—(Vol. 1566-7.)
1569. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.—See vol. vi, p. 32.)
1569. Rectory:—Appropriator, the Abp. of
Vicarage:—In the patronage of the Queen.
Vicar:—Dom. David Edwards, M.A., he is not married, does not live there, has one benefice, does not preach and has no license to preach.
Curate:—Thomas Cardyn, who is married, has no benefice, does not preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 26
Communicants, 82.—(Page 36.)
1572. The chancel is out of reparation, both in timber work and also it is untiled, so that it raineth upon the communion table whensoever it raineth. And the pigeons do spoil shamefully our church.
They lack a Curate, for they be served many times by their clerk, and many days we have no service in three or four days together. Our Curate serveth Goodneston and Seasalter, besides our parish.—(Vol. 1571-2, fol. 130.)
1574. That our chancel is at reparation which is a great annoyance to our church.
We present Robert Shrubsole for with holding one of our church books, the name of the book is Erasmus' Paraphrases.— (Vol. 1574-6, fol. 84.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii., p. 212.)
1581. We lack a Paraphrase kept back by Robert Shrubsole.— (Vol. 1577-84.)
1592. Richard Swift that he being one of the churchwardens doth himself come very slackly unto the church to the evil example of others, and doth also let others go unpresented for the same thing.
2. That he openly said that for one half-penny he would excuse his fellow churchwarden for being absent from the visitation.
3. He himself suffered his servant to thresh upon a holy-day at the time of divine service, and also that he did suffer one to thatch his house in time of divine service.
4. That he being demanded why he came not to the church, made answer—that he would do as he thought good, and as he had done, and that he would not come to hear Mr. Capron being their minister, and that he had no charge over him.—(Vol. 1584-91, part ii., fol. 48.)
On 28 Nov. 1603, the Churchwardens of the parish appeared in the Archdeacon's Court:—For that they or the churchwardens before them took down a bell in their steeple of 5 cwt. and 50 Ib. weight; and prepared a new bell of 3 cwt. and 18 lb; and that there are divers other deceits and enormities in their parish presentable in this Court, not by them presented.—(Fol. 80.)
1605. The chancel door is not sufficiently kept, for which we present the same, but by whom it ought to be done we know not.
A note at the side—"Gabriel Giles of Throwley is to repair the chancel."— (Vol. 1601-6, fol. 131.)
1607. The parsonage or vicarage-house, and the houses thereunto belonging are not sufficiently kept and repaired.—(Fol. 94.)
1608. I, Thomas Paine, minister of Graveney, do present Andrew Pettit of the same parish churchwarden, for that in the church there on the third day of July, 1608 (being the Sabbath day), he took away and detained from me, and at his pleasure disposed of the residue of the wine which was left at a communion then and there administered by me to the parishioners of the same and amongst them the said Pettit. At which time and place (besides his the said Pettit's opposition against my right herein); he used vehement speeches, for when I referred him to the Book of Common Prayer, telling him that there he should find that I only had right unto the wine so left, he replied that he cared not for the said Book, or the like in effect.—(Fol. 127.)
1609. We say that Mr. Doctor Covell (the vicarage of Mersham his other living) doth neither himself nor any other for him preach in our Church above six times at the most in the whole year, the want of which preaching we do all much feel, and therefore I present him humbly desiring your Worship to see it redressed so soon as may be. Also he doth not catechise.
On the
Whereas John Tithernden and Edward Barrett, churchwardens, have in their last presentment presented me for not catechising, I according to the 59 Canon (as I take it) and the 26 Article, do present them for that they neglect to send their children and servants upon Sundays and Holydays before evening prayer to be catechised.
The old collector of our parish, Jacob Napleton by name, came into the body of our church after evening prayer and spake these words which follow:— "That he had four or five times offered to give up his account of Collectorship to the churchwardens and new collector, and they were not there to take it." Unto which words I replied, one of the churchwardens being there present.— "That they could present me for not catechising (although I performed the same), but they could not present themselves and others for not keeping their church." In the mean space, while we were thus speaking came in John Tithernden the other churchwarden, to whom I uttered the words aforegoing, and he answered me before the chief of the parish:—"That he presented not me but their minister, and that further he did not take me for his minister, nor never would." I urged him further that he should say unto Andrew Pettit the old churchwarden, that he would come to the church but once a month, neither for him nor the Commissary neither. At which words he told me flatly that I lied, twice or thrice, although my author were then present to affirm what I therein spake unto him. And he further said that "I had my conscience seared with an hot iron." And he further said that were it not for Authority he not at any time come to hear me in the church; and I replied and told him that I thought his conscience was seared, if he came more for fear than for conscience' sake.—(Vol. 1606-10, fol. 196.)
1613. The wall of our churchyard is somewhat decayed by reason of extraordinary wet weather this last winter, but we have taken order with a mason to set it up again, and he is now in his work about it.—(Fol. 90.)
1615. We have all such things required, save only such a flaggon to put the wine in, and a table of the Degrees of Marriage, both which we do purpose shortly to provide.—(Fol. 211.)
Our minister doth say divine service upon Sundays and Holydays, but as for Wednesdays and Fridays, and the Eves of the Holydays and Sundays, our parish is but small and the houses stand scattering (sic). and on such days the people do not resort to church.—(Fol. 212.)
1616. Andrew
Pettit, for denying to pay his cess towards the reparations of the parish
1561. That their parson is not resident, that he hath Throwley and Badlesmere. They lack the Paraphrase both at Leveland and Badlesmere.—(Vol. 1561-2.)
1569. Rectory:—In patronage of Anthony Sande, esquire.
Rectory vacant through poverty.
Curate:—Dom. Peter Player, rector of Badlesmere.
Householders, 6.
Communicants, 21.—(Page 36.)
1574. That one acre of land that should belong to the church is with holden by one Lewse Atleefe. Also one acre is withheld by John Upton.— (Vol. 1574-6, fol. 86.)
1579. We present Bartholomew Fryer to be malicious, contentious, and uncharitable, seeking the unjust reputation of his neighbours, and also suspected to be a fornicator and incestuos person, who has sought his filthy desire of the wife of Raynold Parkes divers times as she has complained to us. — (Fol. 32.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii. p. 212.)
1581. That our church is in reparations, also the chancel and the mansion-house. — (Vol. 1577-85, fol. 46.)
1589. Edmund Roper, gentleman, and Katherine his wife, have not received the communion with us in our parish by the space of three years or more. — (Vol. 1584-91, fol. 135.)
1592. Richard Upland being churchwarden, knowing of divers defects within the parish, hath made no presentment thereof, as namely the want of a pulpit, the church and chancel unpaved in divers places, the church-porch unroofed, and the churchyard not well enclosed, and especially in the side next the street. — (Fol. 25)
Thomas Boyket and his wife, for not coming to church on Sundays and Holy-days, and especially on Easterday last past; neither have they received the communion. — (Vol. 1584-91, part 2, fol. 27.)
1604. We have one Jane Roper, gentlewoman, the daughter of Edmund Roper, gentleman, that refuseth to come to the communion being of convenient age. — (Vol. 1601-6, fol. 92.)
1606. We have no pulpit, but one seat both for reading and preaching God's word.
We have no chest for alms, or pulpit cloth. — (Fol. 7.)
1609. That there is a young gentlewoman, Mr. Henry Roper’s wife, that is lately come to our parish, that hath not been as yet to church. — (Vol. 1 606-10, fol. 191.)
1611. Our parish is so small that we need none, namely, a chest for the alms of the poor. — (Fol. 30.)
1612. Mr. Henry Roper's wife doth not receive the communion. (Fol 63.)
1613. We answer that all persons within our parish that are of sufficient age have received the communion in the last year, except one Mr. Henry Roper and his wife.
2. That there are no Popish Recusants in our parish that deny to come to church to common prayer, except the wife of Mr. Henry Roper.
3. That there are no women in our parish that after childbirth deny to come to church to give God thanks for their delivery, except one Mrs. Roper, wife to Mr. Henry Roper.—(Fol. 95.)
1615. We have no Bible of the largest volume of the last edition, neither convenient carpet for the communion table, but purpose shortly after harvest to provide them.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 216.)
1560. That parson is not resident. The chancel is in decay. That my Lord of Canterbury is patron.—(Vol. 1560-84, fol. 45.)
1562. The chancel is in decay, the fault thereof is in the parson,Mr. Thompson, who is not resident.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1569. Rectory in patronage of the Queen.
Rector:—Dom. George Barrett, he is married, does not reside, has also the Rectory of Swalecliff in the Deanery of Westbere where he lives, not a preacher, not a graduate. Curate:—Dom. Albert Barret, he is not married, has no benefice, not a preacher, and is not a graduate.
Householders, 17.
Communicants, 54.—(Page 35.)
1571. The chancel is in some decay, and that the lofts of the steeple are in decay.
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.)
1581. That our chancel lacketh mending, but Mr. Barret hath ofttimes promised that it shall be amended, but it is not yet done.— (Fol.45.)
Our chancel lacketh glazing about some of the windows, and also lacketh paving; and there be seven windows in the chancel, we think them necessary to be kept.—(Fol. 52.)
1583. Elisabeth Castelden for laffing (sic) and talking the most part of evening prayer on Christmas Day last past, also the wife of Henry Parker for the like.—(Fol. 104.)
That our church is not yet repaired, the timber is prepared and the boards sawn, only they have not received the money which was cessed upon every man, neither can have it, unless it may please youtWorship that we may have help for the obtaining thereof.
1584. We say that Gilbert Parkinson hath absented himself divers times, specially upon Sunday the 7th November, Sunday the 1st December, and upon the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and doth refuse to pay the forfeiture.—(Vol. 1577-84.)
1586. That whereas Catlett, deceased, by his last will gave unto the poor of the parish £3, which hath been demanded of his executrix, now the wife of Mr. Clerke of Faversham, and remaineth unpaid to the use of the poor; and 40/- for the mending of a lane, called Cockeraste lane; and 40/- for the mending of a lane called Master's lane, leading to the same parish, which remaineth unpaid to the great annoyance of the same parish.—(Fol. 83.)
1590. We present Mr. Humphrey Clerke, executor off Mr. Cox's will, whilst he lived executor of the will of Nicholas Catlett, for a legacy of £5, given by the said Nicholas towards the repair of the highway—(Vol. 1584-91, fol. 172.)
1592. Robert Back for obstinately refusing to pay 6s.8d. which he was cessed at to pay towards the repairing of our church, granted by virtue of law.
Edward Payne, churchwarden, for not paying the cess which was demanded of him, being 4/-.—(Fol. 28.)
1593. Our minister hath often omitted service on Wednesdays and Fridays, and hath read the Commination but once this year and that on Ashwednesday.
Our chancel wanteth some shingling for our parson hath not finished the reparation thereof.
We have had little catechising since Easter last.
We have not the Homilies, nor cloth to the pulpit.
None refuse to send their children and
servants to be catech.ised, nor constraineth them. Yet our Minister [Peter
Jackson, Rector 1590, resigned in 1604. Also Vicar of Preston-next-Faversham
1595, until his death,
1594. Our church, by reason of the late tempest and old decayings, is both within and without sore decayed, for the repairing whereof we have made a general cess over the parish, and have begun and finished a good part of the repairing and provsion thereof.
It hath never been usual to require 12d for every divers absence (from church), for we do not think that any do absent themselves without special cause.
Our minister doth often omit service on Wednesdays and Fridays, and we remember not the Commination to have been read but once this year, and that at Shrovetide only. He is resident but keepeth no hospitality. We think that he doth not particularly every month give warning of coming to church.—(Fol. 112.)
Whereas for the repairing of the ruins within and without our parish church and for other necessary things thereunto required, the churchwardens and inhabitants did equally in conscience and discretion make a general cess over all the lands and possessions holden within our parish, yet always considering that the out-dwellers pertaining to our parish were cessed after a smaller and lower proportion than the inhabitants, yet there be some that do utterly deny any contribution demanded in that respect:—
John Castlocke of Faversham 17s.
Edward Muirfield of Faversham 3s. 4d.
Robert Pordage of Ospringe 6/- (Vol. 1584-91, part ii, fol. 114.)
1603. The last great wind hath hurt both our church and chancel.—(Fol. 53.)
1605. Our minister doth wear the surplice, but is not yet provided of a hood. He doth not usually wear a gown with a standing collar, and in journeying a cloke with sleeves; he will as he sayeth provide him a hood and a square cap, as soon as he can conveniently.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 135.)
1612. There is no fault or want, but that our minister could and not yet conveniently provide his hood, tippet, and cap—(Fol. 67.)
1615. We say that our minister doth not duly read the divine service, for when he preacheth on the Sabbath day we have no service, and sometimes we wait at the church door till eleven of the clock upon the sabbath day, and have no service at all. He doth also at sometimes refuse to bury the dead and church women, and suffereth the clerk to do that.
We do not know whether our minister be allowed a preacher or no.
Our minister doth neglect his due preaching, and doth never read any homily.
Our minister doth not pray for the Queen and the Prince. He serveth a cure at Owre a mile from us, whereby our service is neglected.
He doth catechise the youth in the time of Lent, and not at any other time.
Our minister is somewhat given to strong drink, but for his apparel and bodily labour he is not presentable.—(Vol. 1610-17 fol. 188.)
1560. Our vicar is not resident, but hath left his benefice to a reader.
Our chancel is at reparation, in default of Mr. Archdeacon. Our vicar is Prebendary of Ely, and vicar of our parish.
We have no pulpit, which is in default of the whole parision.
Mr. Archdeacon is patron of our benefice.—(Vol. 1560-84 fol. 41.)
1562. That these whose names do follow come not to the church:
Mistress Rooper, neither her sons nor daughters.
Sir Thomas, the priest.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1566. The place where the altar did stand and part of the chancel is not paved; and that the glass windows in the chancel not repaired in default of Mr. Archdeacon.
The churchyard walls are not repaired in default of the parish. —(Vol. 1566-7.)
1567. John Wilson for that he will not pay the penalty is not coming to the church, according to the new advertisement lately set forth, who hath been asked.
. . . Saxle the Minstrell, for that he will not pay the penalty not coming to the church according to the new advertisement lately set forth.
Also, for the like Katherine Okenfield wife of John Okenfield and the wife of William Sporyer.—(Vol. 1566-7.)
1568. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.—See vol. vi. p. 29.)
1569. Rectory:—Appropriator
of the Archdeacon of
Vicarage:—In patronage of same.
Vicar:—Dom-John Ellys, M.A., he is married, does not reside there, has one benefice, he preaches and has license to preach
Curate:—William Ellys, who is married, has no benefice, not a preacher, not a graduate.
Houseeholders, 53.
Communicants, 185.—(Page 33.)
1572. The chancel is unglazed and unpaved, and that it lieth very uncomely and unreverently.
There lacketh the Book of Erasmus.—(Vol. 1571-2, fol. 135.)
1574. That the church walls be very much in decay, in the default of William Kennett, and Nicholas Kenworthy, churchwardens, and Arnold Whittock, sidesman, who would not present it being in office.-—(Fol. 17.)
1575. We present Henry Borne, for that he denieth to pay to the churchwardens, according as he was cessed, to buy the communion cup with, which is 6d. [Also for the like:
William Kennett, 1s. Stephen Amys, 2d. John Okenfield, 8d. Anthony Forward, 8d. Thomas Bushbridge, 8d. —(Vol. 1574-6, fol. 143.)
1578. Our chancel lieth most unreverently for any Christian people to come in, in the default of the Archdeacon of Canterbury. (Fol 17)
1579. That there was given to the church 10s., and to the poor people of Linsted 10s., by the will of William Grangeman, withholden from us by Salamon Newland of Bapchild, and John Norden|n of Murston.—(Fol. 28.)
Our chancel is unpaved and lieth open.—(Fol. 29,.)
1580. Henry Norman a minstrel hath played a Sabbath day or twain and his two partners in Lynsted. Also one being a minstrel upon a Sabbath day did play in Linsted, whose name is Timothy Canon.—(Fol. 44.)
Also see under Badlesmere.—(Vol. vii, p. 212.)
1581. We lack a Book of Common Prayer of the largest volume, also a cover of silver for the communion cup, and also the Register Book was not well kept by the last churchwardens.
Our chancel is unrepaired.—(Fol. 53.)
James Newland, for 10s. given to the use of the church and 10s. for the use of the poor, by the last will of Wm. Grangeman (Vol. 1577-84, fol. 67.)
1601. We present these persons whose names are underwritten for that they neglect to pay their several cesses made for the necessary reparations of the church and ornaments thereunto accustomed and of right belonging:
David Downe, 53s.
Richard Cornish, 8s.—(Fol. 20.)
1605. We have not any recusants that refuseth to come to our church, but only Mary Clarke, wife of Mr, Ralph Clark who never comes to church with us.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 138.)
1610. Simon Allen, late of Rodmersham, and now of Linsted presented by the churchwardens for his cess, 2s. 6d.
1611. We answer, that whether we have such a book of christenings, weddings and burials as in this article is required, we can not certainly answer; neither is our chest which is for the keeping of the same book and other things as sufficient in all respect, as by this article is required.
On 17 January, 1611-12, Peter Barber appeared in the court and said: That he doth not well know whether they have such a book as is detected, but there is a sufficient chest for the keeping of the same.—(Fol. 29.)
1613. That
Joel Clarke of Linsted on the 27th day of November, 1612, or thereabouts,
coming unto Giles King, one of the Apparitors of this Court, being in the house
of one Peter Barber said to King: thou hast played the knave in citing my wife
to your Court, but she shall not appear there. And further said that your Court
(meaning the King's Majesty's
1614. Richard Cornish for that he keepeth victualling, maintaineth and suffereth drunkenness and other disorders in service and sermon time on the Sabbath days and other times, which is very odious in the sight of his honest neighbours.—(Fol. 156.)
1615. We want a flaggon of tin or pewter, which we will provide against the next communion.
That Sir John Roper, Kt., hath not received the communion in our parish these two years; he is a great part of the year attending upon his office at London, we know not whether he do receive there or not.—(Fol. 202.)
1616. Robert Pett for refusing the communion this last Easter, saying our congregation was unholy, and he durst not partake with us whereupon he hath left our parish and is gone from us, we know not whither.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 235.)
1639. We have recusants at this time residing within our parish:—Thomas Turner, gentleman, and his wife, John Banks, Thomas White, John Oldknowle and his wife, John Bolton, the wife of James Foster, William Appleton, John Foster, Thomas Bolton, John Thornicroft.—(Fol. 10.)
Francis Fotherby, vicar, for not setting up the kitchen of the vicarage there, which by casualty of fire was burnt down.—(Vol. (639-81, fol. 19)
1674. Richard Lord, John Collins and Mary his wife, John Todd and Katherine his wife, William Austen and Mary his wife, and George Meriam and his wife are Papists.—(Vol. 1670-93, Fol. 30.)
1689. William Wickens, vicar of Linsted, for non-residency on his cure, and for neglecting to bury the dead, and for omitting the prayer for the King and Queen. On the 3ist May, 1689, when ||e appeared in the Court, he said;—That he never did omit the prayer for the King and Queen; and for not residing on the cure and neglecting the burying of the dead, he hath promised that he will take care for the future that there shall be a Curate to reside thereupon.—(Vol. 1675-89, fol. 162.)
1560. They have no Vicar.
Those whose names follow have boys that be shameful swearers and cursers, and they being of lawful age cannot say their Belief:— John Hothe, John Saare.
John Saare and his wife liveth asunder.
Mr. Henry Cheyney is Patron.—(Vol. 1560-84.)
1562. The chancel is in decay, the Vicar of Doddington receiveth the profits.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1563. That Mr. Henry Cheney being parson and patron, doth withhold a yearly pension of £3 6s. 8d., due to the church, by reaon whereof we are not able to maintain a minister.
They have been negligent in coming to church and in receiving of the holy sacrament, and hath levied nothing.
The chancel is not repaired in default of Mr. Cheney.
The churchyard is not well fenced, nor decently kept.-(Vol.1563-4-)
1569. Abp. Parker's Visitation.—(See vol. vi, p. 31.)
1569. Rectory:—Jmpropriator, William Lovelace, serjeant-at-law.
Vicarage, vacant because of ruin.
Curate:—Charles Carlick, Vicar of Doddington.
Householders, 24.
Communicants, 60.—(Page 35.)
1571. The chancel is unheled so that it raineth in divers places of the same.
The vicarage house is very ruinous and unrepaired, in thatching, daubing, seling (sic), enclosure, and otherwise, and hath been of long time. Mr. Harlick being our late vicar, now vicar of Rainham.—(Vol. 1571-2, fol. 131.)
1574. That our high chancel is in pitiful ruin and decay. Mr. Serjeant Lovelace is our parson.
We lack our paraphrase of Erasmus, the default is for lack of the money that Mr. Parson should bear towards it, for our part of the money is ready and hath been these two or three years.
Richard Elyott doth not come to our parish church, by the space of this half year and more; being requested to come, he saith that he standeth excommunicate, and hath been so this three quarters of a year and more.—(Fol. 24.)
We present our high chancel to be both untiled and unglazed, so that the minister cannot administer the communion for rain and cold. Mr. Serjeant Lovelace is patron.—(Vol. 1574-76, fol. 83.)
1578. The chancel is in great ruin and hath twenty times been presented; the heirs of Serjeant Lovelace are parson.—(Fol. 59.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.)
1581. Our chancel is unrepaired, so that the fowls and pigeons defile the same.—(Fol. 46.)
We have not our quarter sermons, and we have not the Litany read on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Our church is at reparations.—(Fol. 55.)
1584. We have no such Book of Common Prayer; neither is our pulpit comely, but we crave favour to reform them, between this and Easter next.—(Vol. 1577-84.)
1607. Our church is sufficiently repaired, the gutter that lieth between the head chancel and the south aisle, belonging as we think to the Manor of Champanye Court, and the floors thereof are not well repaired, neither know we who shall do it. The high chancel is in part paved, and for the rest plain and even, in better manner than it hath been this thirty years.—(Fol. 86.)
The chancel is unreasonably abused with pigeons, for want of stopping under the eaves of the leads; the floor of the chancel is likewise unpaved.—(Fol. 97.)
1608. Our chancel at the upper end is floored with loome (loam) but not paved. Our vicarage-house wanteth reparation as hath been already presented, and direction given for the reparation thereof, but the reparation thereof hath not taken place.—(Fol. 123.)
1609. The upper end of the chancel is unpaved but smooth floored, the south aisle joining to the chancel is unpaved, and our vicarage-house is being repaired.—(Vol. 1601-6, part ii, fol, 169.)
1611. Our chancel is part of it paved, part unpaved, but handsomely leveled and kept. Part of the south floor is unpaved, the glass windows of our church shaken in winter are now in mending, and so is our vicarage-house.—(Fol. 19.)
Thomas Plomer, late churchwarden of our parish, for that he hath and detaineth in his hand, part of a cess made for the reparation of the church, and by him collected when he was churchwarden there, the sum of 32s. 4d., and refuseth to pay and deliver the same to the churchwarden.—(Fol. 44.)
1612. That our church doth want sufficient and needful reparatlons in the tiles thereof, for which we crave a time to be assigned by this Court for the repair thereof.—(Fol. 50.)
1614. The
upper part of the south aisle of the church, belonging to
1615.
As touching our chancel, that part thereof is paved, and part thereof
plain earth floor, and the earth broken up with two graves, one widow Ayers the
other Mr. Baker, our late minister which are not yet covered again. Also part
of the south aisle of the church, belonging to
That concerning our Minister we cannot present any just default, for he is but newly come unto us. He is and was ordered as he saith both Deacon and Presbiter by dispensation from his grace the Lord Archbishop, but hath no further licence.
We have a convenient seat for our minister, but no pulpit, and as touching the rest all is in good order,
On the
1616. Thomas Winder, butcher, for a blaspheming and swearing fellow, who hath not frequented the church these five Sundays. - (Fol. 245.)
Our Vicarage-house is much ruinated, but our Minister will repair it, so soon as the season of the year will permit.- (Fol 256.)
1617. I, Thomas Mills, vicar of the parish, do present John Hulke churchwarden of the same parish, for that he suffereth great disorders in the ale-houses in the parish in time of divine service on Sundays and holy-days, by divers of the parishioners frequenting thither when they should be at church, and he the churchwarden seeking no names to redress the same.
Also for that there is no key for the minister to the church chest, wherein the surplice and other ornaments are kept, neither is there any Book of Canons in our church, to be read as is required.
Alice Baker the wife of James Baker, butcher, for reviling me and abusing me with many unreverent speeches, as that her neighbours were fools to go a mile to hear Mr. Milles preach, they might as good have staid at home to hear a dog howl.—(Vol 1610-17, fol. 265.)
1621. William Rodgers upon the fifth day of February last past, being the Sabbath day, or upon some other Sabbath day within the half year last past, did suffer and permit William Brinsted and Henry Sunherste to be drinking in his house during the time of divine service. — (Vol. 1610-17, part ii, fol. 109.)
1639. I, John Colegate, churchwarden, do present these persons following for refusing to pay their church cesses.
Thomas Maylim the elder, 11s.6d.
Thomas Maylim the younger, 19/-.
Ralph Bacheler, 36s.6d. —(Fol. 18.)
1664. The churchwardens do present Anthony Lilly, for defrauding the minister of his tithes, by keeping in his possession our vicarage-house, and a little piece of ground belonging to it, being worth 40/- a year, and he will neither pay any rent for it, neither will he leave it.
[On 22 July, when Lilly appeared in the Court, he alleged: — That he hath given Mr. Dunbarr, minister of Newnham, for the premises mentioned such satisfaction as he hath accepted, and therefore desireth to be dismissed. — (Vol. 1639-81, fol. iii.)
1560. That our parson is not resident.
These men that follow have certain stock in their hands, but they make a yearly account for them: —
Robert Russell of Doddington hath a cow of 2/- a year farm.
John Draper of Norton hath in stock five ewes called mother sheep, 20d. by the year. — (Vol. 1 560-84, fol. 39.)
1561. Their parson is not resident, and is biding at Woottam. - (Vol. 1561-2, fol. 123.)
1563. The parson is not resident nor keepeth hospitality.
They have no communion cup. — (Vol. 1562-3.)
1569. Abp. Parker's Visitation. — (See vol. vi, p. 32.)
1569. Rectory: — In patronage of the Bishop of Rochester.
Rector: — Dom John
Apleby, he is married, lives in the City of
Householders, 7.
Communicants, 34. — (Page 35.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.)
1581. That our book of Common Prayer or Psalter, the first tome of Homilies, our church and churchyard, are in some decay.
Our parsonage house and other houses thereto belonging, is gone to ruin and decay. Mr. Terry, the curate, is farmer of the parsonage.—(Fol. 45.)
WE have not the chest or box for the poor.—(Fol. 54.)
1583. Our minister as yet hath not worn a surplice. For the order of Common Prayer and administering of the sacraments, our vicar hath not done it according to the Book of Common Prayer.
The vicarage-house is not sufficiently repaired.—(Vol. 1577-84.)
1586. We have not our Bible in such sort as it ought to be, nor our Register Book so kept as it ought to be.—(Fol. 70.)
Our church and church-yard is not well repaired, the fault of Mr. Norden and Mr. Stansley.
Our parson hath procured some to read service in our church, not shewing any license from the Ordinary as yet.
The parson is not resident but liveth upon another benefice called the Vicarage of Lynsted; and as for his parsonage we think it well worth £60 by the year, and yet he hath not distributed the fortieth part of it to the poor of our parish.
Our minister hath not given any such warning for coming to church, notwithstanding there are some which come very slackly.-(Fol-72.)
Our Register Book is not kept, and since the last Visitation, our parson hath had it offered him by us the churchwardens, but hath not done it, but putteth it off by delaying the matter, by one excuse or another.—(Fol. 75.)
The forfeiture of 12d. hath been demanded of Mr. John Norden and his wife, and his men; but they answer they will pay none.
Mr. John Norden and his wife, for that they have not received the holy communion with us, never since they came to dwell in our parish. The time is two years since and as much as from St. Michael tide last, and we have in neighbourly manner talked with him, to have him and his wife to be with us at the Lord's Table, but he denieth it, and saith he is licensed by your Authority to be absent from the same.—(Fol. 77.)
1590. We present our parson, Mr. Gowlsborowe, for that we have had no service by him by the space of six weeks and one Sunday we had neither service, nor evensong.—(Vol. I584-91, fol. 154.)
1591. John Halfnothe of Whitstable, late churchwarden of Norton, for that he plucked down when he was warden our font made of stone and lead, very comely and handsome, and instead thereof hath placed a far worse, made of a piece of wood or timber of joiner's work, and also a bason in it, which also our minister misliketh.
On 7 July, 1591, when Halfnothe appeared before the Official in the Archdeacon's Court, he stated: That he being warden of Norton did take down a font made of stone and lead standing in the church there, which he did for that the said font was broke in the bottom, both in the lead and stone work, and stood very unfitly and unseemly in the church there, not being used for the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism by the space of twenty years together, and instead thereof he set up a new one in the church with the consent of the parishioners, much better and more convenient than the other, being of wainscot and covered decently, but he saith that the water therein is held in a bason.—(Vol. 1584-95, fol. 91.)
1610. Alice Clarke, the wife of Radulph Clarke, gentleman for neglecting of the church.—(Fol. 7.)
1611. Alice Clarke, wife of Ralph Clarke, gentleman, for that she hath been absent from divine service in our church a long time, and she hath been presented for a recusant, and she hath not received the Holy Communion at all in our parish church. - (Fol. 32.)
1613. He [Rev. John Williams] doth not read the Litany and other prayers appointed in the Book of Common Prayer to be read on Wednesdays and Fridays, not being holy-days, except in Lent only. ..
Our curate doth so instruct the youth and ignorant of our parish, some three or four Sundays before Easter, and no other times publicly in our church.—(Fol. 129.)
Our minister is not resident, nor doth he bestow the 40th part of his living yearly on the poor.—(Fol. 130.)
1615. We have not a chest for alms for the poor; nor a table of degrees of marriages forbidden, but we will in short time provide them.—(Fol. 199.)
That our minister doth not say prayers with us on Wednesdays and Fridays continually, neither on the Eves of Sundays and Holydays, but in the time of Lent he doth, and many times else.
That our curate doth preach with us on the other Sundays, standing with his hat off, but on such Sundays as he preacheth not, he doth not read an Homily or part of one, for we have not, neither have had of long time, a Book of Homilies, and further to this Article, we have nothing to present.—(Fol. 200.)
1616. Alice Clarke the wife of Mr. Ralph Clarke, gentleman, of our parish, for wilfully absenting herself from our parish church on Sundays and Holydays, at morning and evening prayers. Also we present them for not receiving the holy communion in our parish church. And further to this Article we have nothing to present to our knowledge, Saving we say that we cannot say and affirm that all within the parish of age have received three times in the year, but we verily believe for the most part they have, except Mr. Clarke and his wife, who have not received at all, and some young folk and servants who peradventure have received but once, but hereafter they shall be observed, and if they be found faulty, presented.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 20O.)
.
1562. They lack the Homilies for the going days, and the little book of prayers.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1566. The pavement is not made up where the altar stood, in default of George Hutchinson, farmer of the parsonage, being Mr. Eyre's man.—(Vol. 1566-7.)
1569. Abp. Parker's Visitation.—(See vol. vi, p. 32.)
1569. Rectory:—Impropriator,
the Archbishop of
Curate:—Dom. Laurance Hollynden, B.A., he is not married, has no benefice, not a preacher, not a graduate [sic],
Householders 17
Communicants 47
1572. The church is out of reparation, in the default of the whole parish.—(Vol. 1571-2, fol. 132.)
1574. We present Mills the minstrel for playing with his tabor and pipe at our parish the 23 May, being the Sabbath day and drawing thither the youth of Luddenham, and Faversham by great flock, as also of Ospringe and other places, there deysining them from the church at the time of divine service.—(Vol. 1574-6, fol. 23.)
1577. Clementia Holness, the wife of John Holness, for a scold and railer against her neighbours, for she before Christmas last past came into the dwelling house of Thomas Hodge, his wife being sick, began to pick a quarrel, and being there rebuked of her evil demeanour and naughty tongue, did first rail upon the sick woman and then she made speakings on her dames part, and calle her maid whore, arrant whore, and stinking whore, and did fain to strike her in the house.
And before that time the said Clementia railed upon the servant of Thomas Clinton, at the house of the said Thomas, in like manner calling her whore.
Also in other houses daily she doth disorder herself in scolding and railing, and the parish is much disquieted therewith.—(Fol. 1)
1580. John Stephens for his obstinacy being a singleman wfhom our Curate hath wished many times to come unto him to be examined and to render occassion of his faith, but he will not come at him; but because our Curate doth not administer the communion himself, in his absence doth intrude himself to communion contrary to the law unexamined.—(Fol, 35.)
Also see under Badlesmere in vol. vii, p. 212.
1581. Henry Allen for his contempt, in that he refuseth to pay when he is absent from his parish church having no lawful cause, and not only absent but gives scoffing words, when he is demanded lawfully of the churchwardens for it.
Allen confessed that he was absent from his parish church on St. Simon and St. Jude's day last, and was then at Chilham fair. - (Fol. 42.)
Robert Gilpin for the like default, for that he is negligent in coming to the church, and refuseth to pay his money according to the Statute made and provided for the poor.—(Vol. 1577-84 fol. 43.)
1590. That our chancel is unrepaired, and hath so remained for a great time, having been heretofore presented.--(Fol. 154.)
1591. Our chancel is unrepaired by the default of Master Meade our parson.
John Francis and Widow Baldock refuse to pay their money according as they were cessed by the parish in a cess for the reparation of the church.—(Vol. 1584-91, fol. 155.)
1604. First we present the churchwardens and sidesmen for that they nor any of them hath provided for the church the Book of Common Prayer, nor a Bible of the largest volume, nor the first tome of Homilies, as by the Constitutions and Canons they are commanded.
They have neither presented nor repaired the body of the church lacking tileing, the windows glazing, and the stone work of the front and the kyver [sic'] of the same broken and decayed. They have not presented the chancel of the church lacking tiling, though it rained down through the same upon the minister’s head, neither the windows of the same chancel, though they are greatly decayed and lack glazing, the stone work of the windows decayed and decaying, and the doves, sparrows, and other fowls defiling the Communion Table and the seats in the chancel daily, to the great offence of the godly, being in default by Richard Finch of Kingsdowne, and George Colwell of Faversham, farmers of that parsonage.
Neither do they present the negligent comers to the church upon Sundays and holy days, although they be thereunto by their minister earnestly desired.
Neither do they present the profaners of the Sabbath days, such as do servile work, and such as upon that day take their delight in excessive drinking, and making of some drunk and quarrelsome and fighting with others, for that they will not be compelled by them to excessive drinking.
They have not presented two graves in the chancel, which have lied offensively these twelve months and more, in the default of Mr. Thomas Beamond of the same parish. Also there lacketh paving in the chancel under the Communion Table.—(Vol. 1604-5. Fol 72.)
That the body of our church is very well and sufficiently repaired according unto your lordship's commandment, but the chancel is very much in decay, for the walls thereof lacking repairing, being greatly shaken and clifte [sic], the great stones over the north window near falling to the endangerment of the communicants, the glass windows mightily broken and in great decay, and the tileing of the chancel so greatly decayed, both on the north and also on the south side, that the rain beateth down upon our minister's head in the time of divine service ind administration of the Sacrament, and the fowls of the air come in there daily, to the great annoyance of the people. The same was presented at the Visitation at Easter last, but nothing reformed, although the midst of the chancel is unpaved; the reparation of which chancel doth appertain to George Colwell of Faversham, farmer of the said parsonage.—(|Fol.149.)
We have not as yet the Commandments, but will provide them with as much speed as we may.
The churchyard is not enclosed, nor any gate to keep the swine out of the same, and also rubbish is thrown into church-yard.—(Fol. 153.)
Henry Whitlock refuseth to pay his cess towards the reparations of the church, the sum of 14s. 4d.—Fol. 154.)
1606. We the parishioners of Ower do testify unto Mr. Doctor Newman of this Court, that the church-yard of parish hath been always kept and maintained time out of mind in manner and form following : That is to say, the Farmer of the Parsonage of Ower hath and is to keep the east part; a farm called Johessants doth, and always hath kept the south part; the church gate and part of the west by the parishioners and churchwardens; the rest of the west part and the north at the charge of the widow of Thomas Bunoald, late minister there. (Vol. 1601-6, fol. 160.)
1606. Our church is decayed by reason of the last tempest.
Henry Howson standeth excommunicate, but he doth not come to the church.—(Fol. 4.)
Thomas Walker detaineth 2s.from the parish ever since he was churchwarden.
Thomas Walker, alehouse keeper, and his wife do come very negligently to their parish church, to Morning and Evening Prayer on Sundays and Holydays; and when they do come being overcome with much drink, they sleep most part of time; neither is the forfeiture of the Statute levied of them.
Walker and his wife, and one Harper absented themselves from Morning Prayer, and two men in their house whose names to the writer are unknown, on the 14th of September.
Thomas Walker, victualler, doth greatly offend the godly, by means of bad rule commonly kept in his house, by drunkenness, swearing, quarrelling, fighting, night and day. As also keeping a lewd woman in his house (besides his own wife) who as the fame goeth her husband turned away, for that he found her in bed with another man; her name as she saith Susanne Haynes, and she hath dwelt at Walker's thevictualler this twelve month, so that by common fame it is reported to be a common whorehouse. He receiveth into his house upon Sunday the 12th September, at the time of divine service in the forenoon five or six to eat and drink all the time of service: Walter Upton, Thomas Finch, Young Osborne of Harty, and others.—(Fol. 12.)
Walter Throwley and Henry Whitelock, formerly churchwardens, dulring the time they were in their several offices of churchwarden and sidesmen, did conceal divers fames of incontinency and other public offences, committed in the parish, to them known, which they never reported. Likewise they have caused all the whole steeple to be pulled down and have sold to John Pett of our parish, blacksmith, all the oak and timber and oaken boards belonging to the shaft or spine of the steeple, as well as the rotten and decayed; whereas the carpenters and workmen of skill laid the sound timber by itself on a heap, for the re-edifying of the steeple; neither have they sold the same to the worth. The which oaken timber with two tonne of new timber, the carpenters would have set up another steeple to the church, so as now many of the parishioners do fear they shall never have a steeple there again, unless this course of theirs be frustrated and the timber again restored to the church. Also Henry Whitelock maketh his boast, that he will sell away two of the bells from the parish church, and so get him out of the parish.
Furthermore that Walter Throwley during the time of his churchwardenship, neglected to make a cess, which is a great hindrance to the erecting again of the steeple, for by this means Mr. Thomas Beaumond, of the Court Lodge, is gone out of the parish without yielding anything towards it, and so is one Mr. John Bachelor, and Throwley himself.
On 10th December 1606 the churchwarden appeared in the court and stated : That part of the steeple being fallen down, and the other part very likely to fall, they did take down that part which was likely to fall, only to preserve and save the timber and shingles thereof, which timber being not fit to serve again in their judgment, they did sell away to one John Pett and William Dodd for so much as they thought it worth, viz., 45s. And the rather they were enforced to sell it because part of it whilst it laid in the churchyard was stolen away; which money for the timber so sold is forthcoming by the use of parish, and if any indifferent man will estimate the timber by them sold at greater value than they have sold it for, they are content to satisfy it of their own charge.
They were
admonished that they rebuild and restore the tower of the church as formerly,
before the next feast of
On the
1606. That John Pett and his journeyman and two apprentices, upon St. Simon and St. Jude last past, travelled with horse and cart from his house to the churchyard, carrying from there the aforesaid timber belonging to the steeple, saying that with the same he would build him an alehouse or forge of his own. (Fol. 30.)
1608. Our churchyard is not yet all fenced, nor cannot be till our steeple be erected, because of bringing in of the timber to be employed about our steeple.—(Vol. 1606-10, fol. 122.)
1615. One half-yard [i.e. half a rood] of ground now in the occupation of William Todd, or Dode, of Oare, which in time past belonged to the church for washing of the linen, but is now with holden away.
On the 30 October, when he appeared in Court, he stated: - that he holdeth it by a lease from one Richard Yate of Faversham.—(Fol. 189.)
1617. Henry Smith, a weaver of our parish, upon Easter Monday last past, did keep in his house tapping of the beer, dancing, and other disorderly pastimes by way of a help-ale [A "help-ale" was a rustic festival, or merry-making, in celebration of the completion of some work, done with the help of neighbours. – Hist. English Dictionary. In Kent an "aleing" was an old-fashioned entertainment given with a view to collecting subscriptions from guests invited to partake of a brewing of ale.—Diet. Kent Dialect.] and being demanded by the churchwardens and sidesmen to clear his house in the time of evensong, did use very strong words, and said he would answer it wheresoever they would bring him, and that he did know the way over Boughton Hill as well as they; and one, John Harronden, a blacksmith did take his part with the like words.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 266.)
That Edward Mockett, churchwarden of the parish, upon Whitsun Monday last past, or on some other Holy day about that time, did wash sheep; and also upon St. Matthias day last past, did teene [To make a hedge with raddles, the green sticks or rods that hurdles or wattles are made of.—Diet. Kent Dialect.] certain hedges or hedge, to the offence and evil example of others.
That the same Edward Mockett within a year past, coming unto the house of one John Merritt who keepeth victualling upon a Sabbath day in the time of divine service, found there divers guests, drinking, and departed thence again leaving them all there, giving them this admonition, that they must be quiet and make no noise, promising to come hither to them again. Whereupon all the same persons continued in that victualing house both evening and morning prayer time the same day, and yet the same Mockett never presented the persons or any of them, but contrary to his oath of churchwardenship, hath been contented to wink at the law.—(Fol. 1.)
That Thomas Brayton, Christopher Read, Thomas Parner, of the parish of Oare, William Reynolds of the parish of Linstead, and William Thomas and John Brayton, of Harty, upon a Sunday within this twelvemonth last past, did profane the Sabbath day by being in the house of one John Merritt in the parish of Oare, who keepeth a victualling house, the greater part of the same day, and being absent from divine service both forenoon and afternoon the same day, and present in the said ale-house in the time of divine service, drinking to the great offence of Almighty God, of the King's laws, and evil example of others.—(Fol. 4.)
William Barnes, for keeping company in his house in the time of divine service, on the tenth day of August last past. Also we present him for having company drinking in his house in time of divine service upon the 14th of September last past, he being at home and drawing beer for them.
Ralph Pearson, being found in the house of William Barnes upon the 10th August, who having there drank so much that, being brought from thence to the church, he vomited there in time of divine service.—(Fol. 10.)
1624. Mr. Loweby, curate of the parish, for irreverently catechising in our parish church, in the time of evening prayer, said in our church upon a Sunday in the afternoon, happening betwixt Christmas and Our Lady's day last past, to the scandal of his function and evil example of others.
And further for
administering the Holy Communion in the
1639. That Thomas Danson, late churchwarden, hath disbursed, and laid out about the necessary reparation of the church, and railing in a great part of the churchyard, about 40s. more than he did or could receive in the time of his churchwardenship. And he also laid out for building and setting up a new pulpit, the sum of 55s.6d; and hath received towards the same but 31s, and that he is content to give 10s. to it, which is more than his ability (proportionately considered) will extend unto, and there will remain due unto him 14s 6d. —(Vol. 1639-81, fol. 15.)
1683. John Sherwin, clerk, rector of Luddenham, and curate of Oare and Davington, for not residing within either of his parishes, and for reading divine service but once on every Sunday at Luddenham, and on the other Sunday at Ower and Davington; and also for detaining the Register book of christenings from the churchwarden.
The Court ordered—That he do constantly reside upon his Rectory of Luddenham, where by his own confession he hath a house; that he read divine service in that church every Sunday both before and after noon, and in the same day either in the morning or afternoon at Ower and Davington, as shall be most convenient, and is to read the service alternately at Davington or Ower the same day he readeth it at Luddenham, That he deliver the Register Book to the churchwarden, to the end it may be safely locked up and kept in the church chest, and that he order two locks and keys to be procured for for Mr. Sherwin and the churchwarden, for the safekeeping of the book.—(Vol. 1670-93, fol. 107.)
1560. We have no vicar, Sir Robert Holman hath the gift of the vicarage.Our chancel is in decay, also the church.
John Merett hath in his hands £3, which was given by Stephen Fowle to the repairing of the way betwixt Church and the street.
John Greenstreet hath in his hands 20s.given to the reparation of the church by Amy Eston, widow.—(Vol. I560 – 1584, fol. 45.)
1561. That Sir Robert Holman hath lost our Register Book, as he saith.—(Vol. 1561-2, fol. 123.)
1562. That
the chancel is in decay. The fault thereof is in the Master, Fellows, and
Scholars of St. John's College in
The church is in sore decay.
William Swyllyfaunte cometh very seldom to our church.— (Vol. 1562-3)
1563. All is well saving that the church is ready to fall down for lack of reparation, namely, healing [i.e., roofing].
1568. George Stransham for keeping away two kilderkins of beer, which was accustomed to be given to the poor people out of the parsonage, and now hath been kept back three years. — (Vol. 1567-9)
1569. Rectory.
— Impropriator the College of
Vicar: - Dom. Thomas Moore, he is married, resides there, has one benefice, and is hospitable as far as he is able, not a preacher nor licensed to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 53 ; Communicants 145. — (Fol. 32.)
1571. That John Dodd will not pay 6s. 8d. to the cess made for the reparation of the church. Also for the like John Efeld, 12d, and Jeffrey Comber, 12d. — (Vol. 1571-2, fol. 132.)
1575. Our chancel is at reparation, being unglazed and unshingled. — (Vol. 1574-6, fol. 90.)
1577. The church is at great decay for lack of repairing. Joan Giddin, widow, to be an evil liver of her body, and also a scold of her tongue by common report. — (Fol. 4.)
1578. Arnold Whitlock, of Faversham, for withholding 12d. by the year, belonging to our church, for the space of eight years behind and unpayed, being of the stock of the church.
William Finch, of Linstead, gentleman, for that he buried his wife in Ospringe church, and hath not paved the pavement again with paving tiles, but lieth unorderly to the great annoyance of the parishioners. — (Fol. 16.)
1580. John Stransham, farmer of the parsonage, for fault of repairing the church, in shingling and other defaults as plainly doth appear.
Also for keeping back a barrel of beer, which is of an old custom to be given to the poor out of the parsonage yearly, to be given at Michaelmas.—(Fol. 36.)
That our chancel is not repaired, but lieth more like a pigeon house than a place to minister the communion and all in default of John Stransham, farmer of the parsonage.
Our Vicar did church Agnes Nicholas, having a child unlawfully begotten, before she had acknowledged her fault openly.
Robert Porrdage for withholding the stock of the church, half a seam of barley yearly, from their church and parishioners, going out of a parcel of land called Blakes, containing about seven acres lying within the parish, being behind one year (Fol. 41.)
That Hugh Meyrett oweth unto their church and parish 12d a year, going out of a tenement of his, wherein one Greenfield, a tailor, now inhabiteth, situated near unto the church, being in arrearage about seven or ten years.—(Fol. 42.)
Also see under Badlesmere in vol. vii, p. 212.
1583. We present that our chancel is not sufficiently repaired.
That the churchwardens of the last year have not given up their account as yet.
William Platt to be a contentious and malicious person, never quiet with his neighbours.
The wife of Robert Sowgate for absenting herself from the church.
Robert Pordage for withholding four bushels of barley, yearly to be paid to the church, which is withholden the space of four years.—(Vol. 1577-84.)
1586. We say that we have not a Bible of the largest volume.
Our churchyard is not well fenced.
We present the widow of Peter Greenstreet for a portion of money due unto us, viz., 10s.for two graves, the ground being broken up in our church according to our custom.—(Fol. 79)
1590. We inform the Court that Mr. Parkinson, our Vicar, hath given warning in the church, and we find our neighbours willing to come; if we find any give evil example by wilful negligence we will hereafter present them.Upon Wednesdays and Fridays the parishioners being some distance one from another come not, and therefore the minister readeth not prayers. – (Vol. 1584-91, fol. 148.)
1602. We lack a cover for our communion cup, which was taken away by a lewd fellow.
We lack a cushion for our pulpit.
That our church and chancel is at reparation, and is now repairing. - (Fol. 19.)
1603. At one Jeekins house, who keepeth an ale-house, there was great disorder in drinking about the 12th of March last. – (Fol 59.)
John Blullock, for a common drunkard and swearer, so that his neighbours cannot live in quiet for him; and being warned by officers doth vehemently rail at them.Also being put from communion at Easter, hath rudely since thrust himself near the company of the communicants.—(Fol. 63.)
William Peirce for grinding corn on the Sabbath day, and causing some millers of Faversham to grind, by keeping up the mill water on the Saturday night.—(Vol. 1601-6, fol. 71.)
1606. The usual covering of our communion table is not very seemly.
Simon Greenstreet, lately a recusant, hath, as we understand, gone to other churches at times, but to our church he hath not come and yet he lieth in our parish when he is in our country.
On the 19 November, 1606, when he appeared in Court he alleged that at such times as he sojourneth at Ospringe, which was but by the space of three weeks, he did frequent the parish churches of Easling, Throwley, and Sheldwich.- (Fol. 2.)
1610. The ridge tiles of our church are of late in part blown off, and the fence of the churchyard in divers places is decayed, for which we crave convenient time to mend.—(Vol. 1606-10, fol 210.)
1612. Henry Bette for his cess to the church, 12d. - (Fol. 78.)
1613. That their minister doth not read common prayer according to the contents of the said Article on Holydays.
Their minister readeth not the Litany on Holydays.
That their minister doth wear his surplice, but hath no hood that they can tell of.—(Fol. 131.)
1615. We have a fair book of Common Prayer, and a large bible, but not of the last edition.
Our communion table is not very comely.
We have not a standing pewter pot to put the wine in at the ammunion.
The church fence is not sufficient in some places, and there is a poor man do dwell in the church porch with his wife and children for a small time.—(Fol. 203.)
There is one Mr. Francis Pope teacheth, what licence he fhath we know not.
Francis Pordage for detaining four bushels of barley, given we suppose by one Tayler to the church to good uses, yearly to be paid at Michaelmas out of a parcel of land well known in Ospringe called Blakes, possessed and received many years together of one William Tayler, and since of Robert Pordage, father of the said Francis, who did purchase the parcel of land so charged, and as it appeareth by the church-book of the churchwardens accounts plainly.—(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 204.)
Within this two months last past we have had lawful aervice in our church but four times.
Our minister is not yet resident upon his benefice, and hath been now absent some two months from his vicarage, and hath not preached there within that time.
That John Ledger our parish clerk doth in the absence of our minister read service sometimes, and doth also go into the homes of certain women who have been delivered of child in our parish, and there doth also church them at their homes for which we do present him.—(Fol. 12).
1623. John Ledger, for carrying away out of the curch a stool or pearch unto his own house, being an ornament of the same, and for not keeping the church clean.—(Fol. 174.)
We present one Simon Greenstreet for a recusant.—(Fol. 175)
1624. That Simon Greenstreet and Margaret his reputed wife are favourers of foreign power and defenders of popish and erroneous doctrine, and we present them for recusants. Also he is noted to have mass books, or books of popery in his house.—(Fol. 211).
1625. We have no curate, but in the absence of the minister, John Ledger, clerk of the parish, reads prayers. - (Fol. 240)
John Coolbe for teaching of school being not licernsed. -(Vol. 1610-17. Part 2.Fol. 241.)
1560.That our parson doth serve both Otterden and Stalisfield,
One Kingsnothe is had in suspicion of witchcraft.
That my Lady Awcher is patron of our church.—(Vol. 1560-84, fol. 40.)
1563. The parsonage-house and barn are in great ruin and decay, and also the glass windows of the chancel much broken.
The churchyard is not sufficiently fenced, for that there is controversy between Mr. Ayer and us, where the fence should go.—(Fol. 1563-4.)
1569. Rectory, in patronage of the heirs of Edward Aucher, esquire.
Rector:—Dom. John Abbye, who is married, does not live there, has also the vicarage of Stallesfield in the same Deanery. Does not preach, has no license to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 16. Communicants, 46. (p. 37).
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.
1583. The churchyard lacketh reparation.
Anthony Sampson, gentleman, for the striking of John Ricker, of the parish of Charring, in the churchyard of Otterden, the 28th day of December, which was the Feast day of the Innocents.
That the arches of our church are not repaired; also our churchyard is not fenced; and some part of our church is unceiled.
1585. That the Bible and Book of Common Prayer are rent and torn, is so much as they are altogether unmeet for the minister to read in.
The church wanteth shingling, by means whereof the rain oft times falleth into the church in time of divine service, to the people's annoyance.
That whereas always there have been three bells appertaining to their church, one of them, that is the second bell, is now wanting, and hath been this two years, and the fore bell (i.e., the first of a peal) wanteth a wheel, so that there is but one bell in use, whereby the parishioners oftentimes are absent from some part of divine service, not having the ordinary means to call them thereunto. [There is now only one bell at Otterden, which was cast by Joseph Hatch, who died in September 1639— Church Bells of Kent.] Any other thing to present they have not.—(Fol. 16).
James Bunce, churchwarden two years past, let go our bell from our parish, and refuseth to make any satisfaction to us thereof.
On 28 September, when Bunce appeared in Court, he alleged :—That he being churchwarden about two years ago, by the express consent of the parishioners who were present at the time, did put forth two of their bells to shot (or cast) one of larger [size], which bells were shot the one twice, and the other thrice, by means of the often casting of the one of them, the metal so wasted that it was not able to yield the metal again.—(Vol. 1584-91, fol. 32.)
XXIX.—
1560. Our vicar, Sir Edward Perott, hath not against the usurped power of the Bishop of Rome, this twelvemonth. [By the injunctions of 1549, all rectors, vicars, and other ecclesiastical persons were to preach four times a year—"against the usurped pretended authority, and jurisdiction of the Bishop of Rome."]
He hath not declared nothing (sic) against the abuse of the images, relics, and fained miracles.
He declareth not the works of faith, and works of man’s deceit.
Our sermons monthly he doth none; and wehave no sermons or homilies read. .
They have not taught the Pater Noster, Creed, and ten Commandments.
They lack a Bible of the greatest volume, but they have another. Also they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus upon the Gospels, because their vicar is not ready to bear and pay his part of the same.
Osmond Gaye cometh not to his parish church, almost throughout the whole year. Also William Ashehurst, gentleman, and his whole household for the like cause.
The Catechism is not taught.—(Vol. 1560-84, fol. 42.)
1562. The quier (sic) lacketh glazing.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1567 .
. . . Maycott (appeared in the Court and stated), that the churchwardens of
Preston left in his hands to be kept to the use of the church, certain goods of
the church, which he saith at his departing out of the parish, he delivered to
the churchwardens again; and that he hath delivered to them a cope, a vestment,
an albe, and other things; and as tothe chalice mentioned in the Bill of
Presentment, he delivered it to the churchwardens, who since then have
converted the same into a communion cup.
John Cauxe also confessed that Maycott
hath delivered all the things before mentioned to him and the rest of the
parish, and knoweth nothing in his hands.— (Vol, 1567-69.) [This volume is in
the Probate Office at
1569. Rectory—Impropriator,
Vicarage, in patronage of the Queen or Abp. of Canterbury.
Vicar:—William Russell, who is married and resides there, has one benefice, and is hospitable as far as he is able, preaches and has license to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 12. Communicants 62. (p. 32.)
1572. The church is out of reparation, in the default of the whole parish.
That William Russell, vicar and preacher, keepeth in his house a woman servant, a suspect person.
The said William Russell broke the Queen's peace upon William Asheherst, gentleman, and pointed (sic.) the place at ale-house where he would fight.
Also it is presented that the said Russell, saith not their service in due time, for sometimes he begineth the service at eight of the clock and hath done by nine; and sometimes beginneth at nine and hath not done before twelve of the clock, so that he keepeth no certain hour in his service. He serveth also at Davington and Ower, so that the parish can not be duly served as they ought to be. Further he receiveth chilldren to be godfathers and godmothers, such as have never received the communion, contrary to the Queen's Injunctions, viz., one Saven's son and one Gyles' daughter, to baptise one Carter's child.
He is a common fighter and a quarreller, for he hath made four frays besides the one aforesaid, since he was vicar there.
They have no service on Wednesdays and Fridays, nor Saturday, nor half the Holydays.
He is a common cow-keep and one that useth commonly to drive beasts through the town of Faversham, being a town of worship, and in other open places, in a jerkyn with a bill on his neck, not like a prelate but rather like a common rogue, who hath oftimes been warned thereof, and he will not be reformed.
He keepeth in his house one Mary Cryndall, a naughty pack [A lewd or low person. In the History of Faversham, by Edward Jacob (1774) are some extracts from the chamberlain's account “1555 - Thos Dryn, and Elizabeth Hutton, widow, his daughter, had the execution of riding in the cart, and were banished the town for lying together.”
William Russell was Vicar from 1562 until he resigned in 1572.] such a one as hath ridden in a cart in Shoreditch by London who robbed the said Russell of gold, silver, napery, and other household stuff; and was brought and examined before a justice, who confessed the same. And since that time he hath received her into his house again.
The churchyard is unrepaired and open; also he serveth his cattle in the churchyard with fodder and straw, and in the church-porch, so that the church-porch is so defiled with besasts’ dung that the parishioners are greatly annoyed therewith. - (Vol. 1571-2, fol. 733.)
1577. That they lack their communion cup and our church lacketh some shingling.
William Asherst doth come very slowly to the church with his household, and whensoever we call upon him for his fine we can get nothing.—(Vol. 1577-84, fol 2.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol vii, p. 212.
1584. Our minister hath not said service on Wednesdays and Fridays. He doth not usually wear the surplice upon Sundays and Holydays in saying of morning prayer. - (Vol. 1584-91, fol. 10.)
1606. Our chancel is in some default, and to be repaired by the farmer of the parsonage, viz., Mr. Beale of Faversham or Mr. Thomas Cuntrey as we suppose.—(Fol. 3.)
We have not any popish or sectary recusants inhabiting in: our parish that refuse to come to church and common prayer except one aged gentlewoman, the widow of Mr. Clement Finche, late of Milton, who now sojourneth with Mr. Hales, her son-in-law, we cannot tell how long, but we think about five or six weeks, nor have we yet examined whether hereafter she be willing to come if she be able.—(Vol. 1606-10, fol. 32.)
1611. Our churchyard and vicarage-house be well fenced and repaired, but there is fallen great decay in the church by a roof which is covered with lead, for the which we will repair to your Court for order and time for repairing the same presently.—(Fol. 21.)
1614. There is at this time some decay in and about our church, chancel, and churchyard, which hitherto, and as yet, for lack of necessary stuff we could not speedily repair, wherefore we do crave a time for the well and sufficiently accomplishing and repairing all manner of these defaults, before the day of St. Peter in June next.—(Fol. 154.)
1615. We want a flagon [The silver .flagon now used was given in 1759 by the Rev. George Sykes, vicar 1715-66—Arch. Cantiana, vol. xxv, 157.] for the wine, because being near town we have it commonly sent up to the church from the tavern in a pottell or quart pot, as is sufficient.
All things about the church and in the church be well and in good order, saving our chancel, which at this time is much decayed, both in the roof and walls and windows, as hath been before presented. The farmer that hath it in lease is Mr. Beale of Faversham.—(Fol. 217.)
1616. Our churchyard is well and sufficiently fenced, but our church doth stand in need of reparation, viz., the roof, from which there hath been much lead stolen of late; also some graves in the church be not as yet covered, for these we will repair to the Court to take order for the repairing thereof.— (Vol. 1610-17, fol. 232.)
1639. We present Mrs. Susan Finch, with Charles Finch her son, Elizabeth Finch her daughter, Susan and Barbara her servants for popish recusants, not coming to the church.
Also John Williams and his wife for the like.—(Vol. 1639-81,
1560. Our Vicar hath the grant of Sheldwich.—(Vol. 1560-84, fol. 46).
1561. Their Vicar hath two benefices. That he teacheth not the Catechism, nor readeth the Injunctions.
Roger Bowcher doth not come to the church but seldom. (Vol. 1561-2, fol. 131).
1563. That the service is not done in due time. They lack the Homilies for the gang [i.e., Rogation] days and the Book of Prayers.—(Vol. 1562-3).
1569. Selling Rectory: — Appropriator Sir. Warham Sentleger, Knight.
Vicarage, in patronage of the same.
Vicar:—Dom. John Farbran, who is married, resides there, has one benefice, and is hospitable as far as he is able, a preacher nor licensed to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 39. Communicants, 133. (page 33).
1578. I, Stephen Trymwell, clerk, Vicar of Selling, do presentt Christopher Tyllman, for not mending this fault of the churchyard since All Saints' Day; for that the swine hath broken up the graves, wherein the people be buried, so lamentably. I demanded of Thomas Smythe there, one of the sidesmen, why it was not done, and he said that Christopher Tyllman would defend them from any presentment for it, when he would have had it presented; and this he confesseth upon St. Andrew day last past.
Also he hath called me common liar, and saith that I am used so to lie that I can do nothing else; this was since the agreement was made before the Commissioners. These words were spoken upon Sunday, being the ninth day of November, in the presence of them all. Witnesses—Thomas Rye the elder, Thomas Pantry, servant to Stephen Oldbird, and John Giles the younger.
And also on the Sunday following he said it was a shame for me to tell a lie in the pulpit. In the presence of Christopher Sowthouse, Thomas Waller, and Ricard Pemble with others more.—(Fol. 20).
We (the churchwardens) present Christopher Sowthouse the elder, for with holding certain goods in his hands from the church, as one chalice which he saith he sold for 52/-, which he said upon his oath he had none such before your worship.
Christopher Sowthouse the younger for that he with holdeth 6s. 8d of a long time, which hath been due ever since Thomas Giles was buried.
We present Stephen Trymwell, Vicar of Selling, to be a common liar and a slanderer of divers,—first in reporting that Mr.Official hath taken order and made agreement that the vicar should give unto Richard Godwat 20d. in consideration of a promise which he had of the churchyard; which was proved a lie by Mr. Farbarne and his own confession.
2. Upon a false matter which was about two years past, which was that Stephen Oldbird and William Olyver being churchwardens, as he said had put forth the churchyard to be repaired, and the said Christopher Tyllman stayed it and caused it not to be done, which was a lie.
3. Also that he hath belied and slandered Thomas Pye, in reporting that he was presented to be caught with Godwatt's wife.
4. And also about the beginning oi November last, Anne Syblye, being newly married, came into church in the forenoon and willed the churchwardens to place the woman, and likewise in the afternoon, which woman went into the seat of where she dwelt, and after being asked did deny that he spake of her in the forenoon many and sundry times, whid wards was proved to be a manifest lie. For this and other his misdemeanours he hath been oft times warned thereof, and as yet doth continue in the same.—(Fol. 21).
John Gyles, the younger, and George Baker, for with holding from the church six mother sheep.
Thomas Rye the elder for that he with holdeth £10 from the church, which he hath promised oftimes, and has been divers times asked, as yet is unpaid.—(Vol. 1577-84, fol. 22)
1580. (See under Badlesmere ; H.C.M., vol. vii, p. 212.
1590. We present our church for that it is very ruinous by reason of the last tempest. Also our chancel.
Christopher Sowthouse for that he doth unlawfully reyain certain of the church goods, and having been demands doth deny to pay the said goods.—(Vol. 1584-91, fol. 157).
1608. The wife of Christopher Key and the wife of Edward Fyne, for contending in their seat in the church in divine service.—(Vol. 1606-10, fol. 108).
1610. We say our Minister doth preach in our parish church, but we think he is not licensed thereto, but intendth very shortly so to be.—(Fol. 2).
1611. We have a schoolmaster (named .... Parry) that is newly come to our parish and doth seriously intend very shortly to be licensed, but as yet is not.—(Fol..20).
1612. We
whose names are under written and are commissioners for the ordering and
disposing of seats in the church of Selling, do signify unto you that we have
appointed a place near to the chancel on the north side of the church for
Master Thomas Carkaredge to build him a seat, containing in breadth three foot,
and in length five foot, and adjoining to a seat wherein Mr.William Thomas now
sitteth. We have confirmed unto Mr. Thomas Carkaredge a seat for his wife, wherein
she now sitteth, which is, or was, in controversy twcen Mr. Carkaredge and Mr.
Daniel Elliot, which seat is situated under the pulpit on the north side of the
church and containing in breadth three foot and a half, and in length between eight
and nine
foot. Also we appoint the said Mr. Daniel Elliot to sit with Mr. Edward
Tilman in the seat wherein the said Mr. Tilman sitteth, against Mr. Thomas aforesaid.
Also we appoint Mr. John Southouse and Mr. John Gate to sit together in a seat
where Mr. Thos. Carkaredge late did sit, and wherein Mr. John Gate was placed
not long since. All the other seats we find convenient. In witness whereof we
have subscribed our names,
William Dane, Vicar of Selling.
John Gate, churchwarden.
Mark Giles, churchwarden.
Thomas Carkaredge.
Thomas Southouse.
John Southouse, his mark.
Simon Rayner.
Roger Firminger, his mark.
Hamond Rucke, his mark.
Robert Taylor, his mark. —(Vol. 1610-17, fol. 74).
1612. We present John Goddard for cocking [In the field, hay is put into smaller heaps called cocks, and large ones called pouts.—Dict. Kent Dialect.] in havest last past, on the Sundays, or some one Sunday as the fame is.— (Fol. 81)
1613. We have a chest with three locks, but by reason the locks are broken the book is kept at our minister’s house. — (Vol. 1610-17, fol. 96).
1624. Mr. Richard Hawkins, gentleman, for absenting himself from our parish and not coming to church at all, and for a popish recusant as the fame is in our parish.— (Vol. 1610-17, part 2, fol. 208).
1580. [See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p.212.]
1605. We have a [Prayer] Hook and a bible, but we want a book of Homilies. We say our carpet was lately stolen away and we will speedily provide another. We have not the
Ten Commandments as yet [set up in the church],
Our church is somewhat at reparations wanting tileing and glazing, which hereafter shall shortly be repaired.
We have not yet a table of degrees [of marriages forbidden] but will provide one.
We have not a pulpit cloth, for it was lately stolen away (Fol.3)
That for the space of these five weeks we have had no service in the forenoon in our parish church.
We have had no service on Wednesday and Fridays and seldom on holydays this twelvemonth.
He is benceficed and allowed preacher and preacheth every Sunday, but not at Buckland.
We have no youth catechised in our parish this twelvemonth.
An answer to the presentments made against the Vicar of Buckland by the churchwardens.
The Vicar saith that he only omitted to read prayers two Sundays in the morning nor more as he thinketh, the reason whereof was partly for that he was not in health. That there is not a large Bible, with a surplice in the church, that divers times he requested the churchwardens to provide one, but they would not.
He saith that on Holy-days for the most part they have had prayers, but for none come to the church.
He is ready and willing to catechise the youth of the parish, but have none come to the church before evening prayer (Vol. 1604-5, fo. 214.)
1637. We present Robert Clegat and his wife for that they have often neglected to come to our parish church on Sundays and Holydays to hear divine service; and especially
for their absence from church on the feast day of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and on the feast day of St Mathias 1636; and on Sunday, 2 April 1637; and Sundary, 23 April; and on St. Mark’s day.
Also we present Robert Clegat for that he suffereth his mill to go out Sundays and Holydays albeit he hath been often warned to the contrary, to the great disturbance of the minister and people, especially an St. Matthew's day and on St. Mark's day.
Also we present Robert Clegat and Sarah, his wife, and Elizabeth Thomas, his maidservant, for not receiving the Holy Communion at Easter last.
On 23 November, Robert Clegat appeared in Court and said:-—That by the necessary affairs of his calling he is often occasioned to be absent from home both Sundays and weekdays, sometimes a whole quarter of a year together, but at such times as he is at home he duly keeps his church upon Sundays, but for Holy-days it is the generality of the parish that is to blame as well as he for not keeping their church those days.
That his mill never goeth in prayer time on the Sundays, nor that he permits on Holydays; nor, indeed on the Sundays from morning till toward evening.
That he and his wife were from home the.
last Easter and abode here at Canterbury at his father's in St. Andrew's
parish; but shortly after she being at Newcastle, received the Communion there,
as appears by a certificate under the minister's hand. But he received it in his
own parish
in the parish to receive but only they, not a convenient number to communicate alone, their Pastor refused to call or hold a Communion for them.—(Vol. 1636-39, fol. 113.)
1640. We do present Whittingham Fogge [The Archaeologica Cantiana vol. v. for the Fogge pedigree, etc.] of the parish of Buckland, gent, for not paying his cess for the reparation of our church, which sum is ten shillings upon him cessed the 7 May 1639, for 120 acres of land lying in our parish at one penny an acre. – (Vol. 1639-66. fol. 51.)
1569. (Abp. Parker's Visitation.)
Capleferne is a chapel to Alkham.
Curate:—Dom. John Cadman, Vicar of Alkham
Householders, 18
Communicants, 61,—(Fol. 55.)
That our Vicar is Vicar at Alkham and Capleferne and Curate of Folkestone.— (Vol. 1569.)
1570. That
our parish being a Chapel annexed to Alkham, ought to be served after this
manner: that is to say, the Vicar of Alkham is bounden to do ministrations at
all times, and for that he hath all the small tithes of our parish, and for the
duly saying of divine service my Lord, his Grace, hath always allowed us and yet
doth, a pension of £4, whereof always our Vicar had a marc (13s. 4d.)
for receiving of the same, and our clerk the rest for saying our daily Divine
Service, until now of late that Mr. Cadman being our Vicar, doth withhold most
part of the same from our clerk, whereby we are like to want our divine
service, and also the poor man our clerk, driven to live upon the alms of the
parish.—(Vol. ii, 1570-71.) [This volume is in the Probate Office at
1578. That the church windows be unglazed in divers places and the church porch untiled.
2. They have no poor-man's box, neither was there at any time any collections made and distributed to the poor of the parish.
3. Also they have no chest with locks for keeping of their Register Book; they have no Paraphrases.
4. Our churchyard is un-hedged.
5. They have sold certain stones, both cross-stones and tombstones, and kept the money to their own use.
6. That they have taken down a spire steeple of forty or fifty feet height which was covered with lead and sold away certain of the lead, more than ten pounds worth, and five soon of it have in their custody, and some of it now the Churchwardens saith was stolen away, and that they have repaired the church with the money thereof.
7. They have cut down certain trees, sixteen or twenty, wereof some they take for timber, some they burned, and some they sold away.
8. They sold away the timber of the steeple. – (Fol. 9)
Our Minister doth not instruct the youth in the Catechism also our Vicar doth not wear a surplice. – (Fol. 11)
1579. That Ingerham Joll keepeth one mansion-house with a hundred acres of land, which he now doth occupy as a barn, from which the clerk was wont to have sixteenpence every year, and now hath had no wages for the space of six years last past at Michaelmas.—(Vol. 1577-83, fol. 33.)
1580. [See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.]
1587. The seats in our church be a little broken and decayed We have not had our quarter sermons.—(Fol. 42.)
1591. We present our Vicar for not schooling and teaching our children and servants the Catechism and other things, but he promiseth amendment.—(Fol. 129.)
There is no sufficient Book of Common Prayer within the parish, and there is lacking the second Book of Homilies, and no presentment by the churchwardens and sidesmen before this time made there.—(Fol. 130.)
1592. These are to signify to Your Worship that we have and have had, remaining in our parish of Alkham, at the now dwelling-house of Robert Woollett, two gentlewomen, that is to say, Mr. Daniel Woolett his wife, and one Mistress Norden, sister to Woollett, who have been there in the parish these six weeks, refusing to come to the church, although there was on Palm Sunday warning given to come to a sermon, which Mr. Hull preached the same day, neither did they come to the church on Easter Day neither did they receive the Holy Communion.—(Fol. 141.)
We present and answer that sometimes we have not Divine Service upon Sundays and Holydays in such order as we should, for our Minister dwelleth not in our parish, by reason whereof he, either being letted by the weather or other business we know not of, cometh not to our church to read and say service accordingly.
2. Our Minister is not resident at this time, neither hath been heretofore.
3. Our Minister doth not catechise so oft as is required of. – (Fol. 141.)
1593. We present we have had no sermons this last year, but our Vicar hath promised we shall have two sermons this next year; but if your Worship will allow us no more, we must be contented.
As touching the catechising of the children of our parish, our Minister doth it, but we have found some fault with him for it, but he hath promised it shall be amended. – (Vol. 1585 – 92, fol. 175.)
1594. We have all things well, saving Divine Service; we have been very ill served from Christmas last hitherward, for some time we have service, for some time none, and these three last Sundays we have had none at all.
On 25th November it was stated in Court that Mr. Hemming, [ ] the Vicar, was not provided at that time of a curate, but since he came he hath served the cure there accordingly, saving when he was necessarily from his benefice. – (Vol. 1585-92, part ii, fol. 37.)
1602. We have nothing to present, saving our chancel of our church, which Mr. Hamon hath promised to repair shortly. – (Fol. 20.)
1609. Our Minister neither readeth service on Wednesdays and Fridays, not being holy days.
Our
parishioners have not received so often as is required, but I present Mr.
Francis Rogers, [He was second son of Richard Rogers, Bishop of Dover
(15689-97) and Dean of Canterbury (1584-97). Francis Rogers was Rector of Holy
Trinity (Minorities),
Whose neglect (in not appointing the times of receiving so often as that the parishioners might according receive as is required), this hath been.
Our Minister doth not wear the surplice and hood at such times in our parish. On the 15th July he appeared in Court and stated: That if there hath been any neglect of service on Wednesdays and Fridays the fault was in his curate, who is lately gone from him. He hath had Communions three times a yea in the Chapel at Capel-le-Ferne, and the fourth time they were to come to the Communion at Alkham, being the mother church which they neglected to do. He doth not wear his hood when he cometh to Capel-le-Ferne for that it is so far from Alkham, yet he doth wear his surplice and tippet when he preacheth, or administering the Sacrament. – (Vol 1602-9, fol. 172.)
1610. We have not Divine Service upon Wednesdays and Fridays, and our curate is not licensed by the Bishop. – (Fol. 21.)
1611. That we have not Divine Service upon Holydays and Fridays, according to the form prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer. – (Vol. 1609-18, fol. 36.)
1621. I, Ingram Spearpoint, sole churchwarden of the parish, present William Nethersole the elder and William Nethersole the younger, both of Alkham, farmers of the parsonage of our parish of Capel, for that our chancel is very badly paved, and the walls thereof want white limeing. – (Fol. 47.)
1626. That in our parish he [the curate, Mr. Harbert] hath not so read the Litany, but in Alkham he hath and doth.
2. That our Minister doth only preach once every Sunday, but very shortly he meaneth to catechise the youth.
3. Our Minister would willingly wear such a gown if he were able to buy one, and when he is, he will. – (Vol 1621-32 fol. 106.)
1635. David Marsh of Capel for his cess for the church which is 1s. 10d.
We, the Minister, church-wardens and sidesmen of the parish of Capel or Capel le Ferne, do present David Marsh of the same parish, for speaking scandalous speeches of our church or chapel, neamely, that John Lushington should have it for a barn, or else it should be an ale-house, and Mr. Pownall’s wife should keep the ale-house and we will come all thither. This is a common reputed fame in our parish and in many men’s mouths as spoken by marsh to marry.
Ingram Hogben for not paying of his cess being 4s. –(Fol. 39.)
John Andrews for 8s. 10d. which he refuseth to pay, for that the church cannot be re-paved for want of money.
William Mockett for 2s. 6d. – (Fol. 40)
1636. We present David Marsh, who raileth at his Minister, church-wardens, and neighbours, for making of a cess for the church, saying, as the fame and common report goeth – “a company of rogues have set their hands to a cess, and trouble honest men to ride about it.”
The church wanteth some paveing and the church-yard some railing, which could not be done by reason there hath been controversy about the cess. – (Vol. 1583-1636, fol. 53.)
1563. It
is presented that; they have neither parson, vicar nor curate, whereby they are
altogether unserved. Henry Leonard of
That
Mr. Alexander Mynge of
They have no Register Book and none to keep it.
That Sir John Burvell, Vicar of Alkham, had away the chalice and book and other ornaments belonging to the church, which said Sir John Burvell was the last Minister there.
They have no manner of books and none doth mind to provide [them] – (Vol. 1562-3)
1569. (Abp. Parker’s Visitation)
Est ecclesia desolata.
Householders 6
Communicants 14 – (Vol. 1574 -76, fol. 35.)
1574. That the church is ruinously fallen into decay, and our font in reparation, nor books serviceable, nor bell to give the people warning, nor seats to sit in. (Vol. 1574-6, fol. 70.)
1579. Our church is decayed, by reason whereof we have no service there said, nor Sacraments ministered, whereby weare constrained to repair unto St. James' in Dover, unto Mr Watts, Minister, and there the Sacraments are ministered unto us, and we there have the service of God. — (Vol. 1577-85, fol. 31.)
1580. (See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.)
1585. We lack a Bible of the largest volume. — (Fol. 6.)
1588. We present Mr. Watts, Minister of the parish of Charlton, for lacking of Divine Service certain days.
William Mackner, victualler of the parish, for keeping of men in Evening Prayer [time] in his house.
We present William Mackner for speaking against the church, he said it was better to hurl the money down the stream [the old church stood close to the east bank of the Dour. See Some More Memories of Old Dover, by Miss M Horsley for a description of this stream.] than to be bestowed upon the seats as it was; that it makes them which we have cessed be unwilling to pay, for they say there be some in our parish that said the money that had been given aforetime it were better it had been hurled down the stream; and there be some that have heard William Mackner speak them words and nobody but him, and therefore we cannot judge nobody but him. — (Fol. 50.)
1590. Henry Newman, for shaking abroad four powtes [a powte is a small round stack of hay or straw, the small bags are called socks and the large ones called pouts. Dict. Kent Dialect.] of hay upon the Sabbath-day; but he being at service in the forenoon and afternoon.
Also for the like,
Nicholas Boykett and goodwife
James Kingscote, for mowing on the Sabbath-day stubble for his own use.
Goodman Milton's servant, his name is Harry for playing at cards in the parish in the service time. — (Fol. 104.)
1591. We present Henry Milton, miller, for grinding on the Sabbath-day, being the nineteenth day of September. – (Fol. 134.)
1593. We present our Minister, Mr. Watts, for that upon Whitsunday last we had no Evening Prayer nor upn the morrow following, and upon divers Sundays and Holydays we have but service once a day, and sometimes none at all.
We have no covering for our Communion Table, nor any cup, nor cushion for our pulpit, nor any box for the poor. – (Vol. 1585 – 92, fol. 171.)
1594. There is no Communion cup, for the which I do crave some reasonable time to provide the same. – (Fol. 33.)
1601. We do present Henry Milton, who lately was churchwarden and clerk of the parish, having in his keeping the Communion Cup, and the cloth for the Communion Table, and now doth withhold them from the church. — (Vol. 1593-1602, part ii, fol. 161.)
1602. On the twenty-sixth day of June, William Watts, the Rector of the parish, appeared in Court and said : — That he is not resident at Charlton according to law; that indeed he dwelleth not upon his parsonage, but is continually abiding every day teaching school in the parish church there.
He was ordered by the Court: — That he do not let to farm his tithes of the parsonage unto Mr. Thomas Monings, his former farmer; and that he be resident upon his parsonage of Charlton according to law. — (Vol. 1600-1602, fol. 206.)
1606. This we do present with the rest:— first, Stephen Constable of the parish of Buckland, with the rest of his company; William Burvill of the same parish; William Blurstone of the parish of Charlton; Thomas Judge of the same, for reaping of pease upon the Sabbath day. — (Fol. 88.)
Abraham Goden, for breaking of the floor of the church, and not making it again.
On 3rd November he appeared in Court, and confessed :-That he buried his wife in the parish church of Charlton, where was no pavement but only a floor, and purposeth to lay a stone over her grave, and saith that the floor of or over the same grave was and is made again as before the same burial
It was, and saith that he intendeth to pave the same grave or lay a decent stone upon the same. – (Fol. 89.)
We also present Thomas Bing, for working on the Sabbath day. – (Vol. 1602-9, fol. 89.)
1607. We present Abraham Godwine [sic}, for that he doth not cover his wife’s grave in the church. – (Fol. 105.)
Thomas Alison for not coming orderly to Divine Service in our parish. – (Fol. 106.)
Thomas Webb, miller, doth use to load and grind corn upon holy-days.
On 1st June, when Webb appeared in the Court and confessed:- That he hath sometimes, when there hath been a holyday fallen upon a Saturday, being the common market-day at Dover, ground corn in his mill situate in the parish of Charlton near Dover, but hath not ground any corn in the time of Divine Service upon any holy-day, as he believeth. – (Fol. 108.)
Abraham Godden and his wife of our parish, for that they do not diligently resort to our church to hear Divine Service. – (Fol. 109.)
Mr Watts, parson there, for that he sufferth the chancel of our church to go to decay, in not repairing of it where and when it needeth, so as it raineth in upon the Communion Table.
Likewise for that he doth but very seldom read service publicly in our church, either upon Sundays or Holydays, but divers times will forsake us and goes elsewhere, and there says service on such days.
1608. That the wife of Thomas Pepper hath been delivered of a child some two months past, and doth refuse to go to the church to give God thanks for her safe delivery in childbirth according to laws in that behalf provided. – (Vol. 1602-9. Fol. 143.).
[Anciently in the
1557. (Cardinal Pole's Visitation) GEORGE BlNGHAM for one pention [pension] which accustomably hath yearly been paid to the vicar of Coldred.
Henry Birche that he with holdeth two acres and a half of land from the Vicar of Coldred, which was given to the Vicar of Coldred for the time being by a deade [deed].
The Parson of Waldershare, for with holding a pension of 6s. by the year accustomed yearly to be paid to the Vicars of Coldred for certain lands lying within the bounds of Coldred and the said Parson hath tithe thereof.
Margaret, dwelling with Mr. Eton, for that Mary Maudelyn's day [22 July] last past she went out of the church, as soon as the sacring bell was rung.
Mr. Geoffrey Eton, for at the sacring time he looketh upon his book and not upon the sacrament, and that he is a very envying [injuring?] to the church.—(Undated Vol., fols. 11, 44.) Note.—This is an undated Volume of the reign of Queen Mary.
1560. That the Injunctions is [sic] not kept.
That there hath been delivered to Mr. Collins [Robert Collins (or Colens) was Commissary to Abp. Pole and Official to the Archdeacon, and deprived in 1559. A Canon of Wingham College at the suppression in 1547, when he received a pension VOL. XI] to be burnt, the Communion Book, the Book of Omeles [sic], and the Sawter Book.—(Vol. 1560-84, fol. 20.)
1562. The parsonage-house is in great decay, and the church is not served with any curate.—(Vol. 1562-3.)
1565. The chancel is in great decay and ruin, that is to say, in tiling, glazing and
paveing.
That the parsonage-house was taken down by Mr Geoffrey Eates, and he promised to build up the ruin within eight weeks the which he hath not done, but the timber of the said house lieth waste and suffers much harm.
1569. (Abp. Parker’s Visitation.)
Rectory; appropriator, the Abp, of
Vicarage, in same patronage.
Vicar; - Dom Robert Bannister, who is married does not reside there, but serves the cure himself; has also the vicarage of Shepherdswell in the same [Sandwich] Deanery, where he lives; not a preacher nor licensed to preach, and is not a graduate.
Householders 13.
Communicants, 61 – (Fol. 21.)
That their parsonage-house is fallen down; the chancel in decay for lack of tiling, glazing and paveing.
The Vicar is not resident, and hath two benefices joining together. – (Vol. 1569.)
1586. The church roof is in decay.
1590. Whereas the church was somewhat in ruin and decayed by the weather, we have repaired some of it as soon as may be.
Our vicarage-house is ruinous, and hath been heretofore presented and not yet reformed.
1592. Our church wants reparations, and we desire time for the amendment of the same.
We present our Vicar, for we have not our quarterly sermons according to the Articles, and the use in other parishes. – (Fol. 147.)
1594. The register-book is well kept, but their chest wanteth the locks appointed.
Their church wanteth reparation by reason of the last wind, also the chancel. – (Fol. 16)
1597. Our chancel windows are out of repair which we present, but know not who ought to repair them. – (Fol. 82.)
1598. Thomas Jekyn being cessed for the necessary repairs our church, at the sum of 2s.8d., he refuseth to pay the same,—(Fol. 90.)
1600. George Brett refuseth to pay his cess towards the repair of the church.
The chancel is not sufficiently repaired, nor the church.
1601. Stephen Pilcher refuses to pay his part of the cess made for the use of our church, being the sum of 4s. 8d.— (Fol. 134.)
1604. Concerning the bill aforesaid it is answered by the Churchwarden of the parish of Coldred under his hand, that the church is not repaired as it ought to be, by reason the parishioners cannot agree about a rate, so that he the Churchwarden knoweth not how to have that amended which is amiss, not able himself to disburse such sums of money as thereunto are necessarily required, as also he saith there yet wanteth a new service-book for the cause aforesaid.
1605. Our Communion cloth is not decent. We have not the Ten Commandments. There is no chest for alms given to the poor. Our church wants reparations. The churchyard is not fenced with any other fence than a hedge. The Churchwardens have not given any account for the last year. We have no Table of Degrees of marriages forbidden. We have neither comely pulpit-cloth or cushion. The going of the perambulation of our parish hath been neglected for this year last past.—(Fol. 44.)
Our Minister doth not read the Litany nor the Commination against sinners, neither indeed reads any service on these days in our parish-church.
Our Minister doth not wear the surplice at public-prayers, and but seldom at the ministering of the Communion, neither doth he wear any hood. We have the Canons, but these have not been read as yet publicly in our parish church.—(Fol. 50.)
1606. Whereas it is ordered in the 59 Canon that servants shall obediently hear and be ordered by the Minister during the time of Catechism. So it is, very notable abuse hath been offered in the church to my person (I mean in regard to place and office) by John Broadbridge, servant to Richard Mimbrie and John Ashley, servant to Steven Pilcher of that parish, who have not only been very negligent in coming, but also most irreverent when they are present froward in their answers, in behaviour very scoffing, distempering the whole company of youth, refusing to be instructed, either departing out of the church afore we have done, drawing others with them into the churchyard, there to glory in their doings, with neglect of Evening Prayer; or else, when they do stay, they use the place as though it were ordered for scurrility.And especially it is reported and much spoken of by persons very credible, who were much grieved thereat, that Ashley, as soon as I began Evening Prayer and so had my back towards him, made the Communion Table his stool, and then made merry at me, to the offence of many.—(Fol 56.)
We want a lock and key to the coffer in which our book of christenings, marriages and burials remains.
We have not the Ten Commandments set upon the church, neither is the seat where our Minister sitteth convenient, for there wanteth a desk whereon to lay the books.
We want a door to the pulpit, neither have we a chest for to receive that which is given to the poor.
The floor of the church is not paved, nor have we the table of degrees of marriages forbidden, in our parish church.
We want a pulpit cloth and a large and comely surplice.— (Fol 62.)
1607. Thomas Jenkin refuseth to pay his cess towards tie reparation of our church, the sum of 37s 6d.
1608. Thomas Jenkin refuses to pay his cess made for reparation of our church, and certain ornaments in the to be provided, the sum he is cessed at is 37s.
1609. Our church is not well repaired in default of Churchwardens, and also the churchyard is unfenced.
We have not a sufficient carpet for our Communion Table. We have no pot of pewter to put the wine in for the Communion; nor a box for the money for the poor,—(Vol. 1602-9.)
1618. Joan Rose, wife of Arnold Rose (or Miller) of the parish of Coldred, for railing and scolding at her neighbours and especially for railing at our Minister, Mr. Mark Graceborrow, as the fame is in our parish. — (Fol. 196.)
Edward Jenkin, for not paying his cess towards the reparation of our parish church, he being divers times demanded the said cess, namely the sum of 11s.
Edward Jenkin, when Churchwarden, about four years ago, did disburse about the parish business £3 or thereabouts more than he received by his cesses; and that William Ponet and John Coppin, the succeeding Churchwardens there, or one of them, did pay unto Edward Jenkin in part payment of the £3, the sum of 8s. or thereabouts, and in the name of the parishioners of Coldred did promise payment of the residue, out of such cesses as afterwards should be made in the parish towards the parish business, which now they refuse or deny to pay.— (Fol. 197; vol. 1610-37.)
1623. Richard Smyth of our parish, sidesman, for that he did work at the harrow and rowle [roll] on one of the Holy Days happening in Easter week last past, as the common fame is in our parish, of which offence we came to have notice pointed out, since the presentment ordered at Easter last. — (Fol. 95.)
1631. Our vicarage-house is much gone to decay in the timber work and walls thereof, in Mr. Graceborrow our Vicar's default— (Fol. 163.)
1633. A part of the fence of our churchyard is at reparations and in decay, in the default as I conceive of Thomas Philpot, esquire, farmer of our parsonage ; for that the same part hath heretofore usually been repaired, as occasion required, by the farmer of the parsonage for the time being; and another part of the fence about our churchyard is likewise in decay, in the default of John Pile of our parish, who hath promised speedily to repair the same.— (Fol. 190; vol. 1610-37, part ii.)
XXXV.—
[Formerly in the Elham Deanery.]
1560. They have no Curate. The Parson is not resident. The chancel is in decay. That their parson hath another benefice called Bredgar.—(Fol. 22; vol. 1560-84.)
1561. That the Catechism is not taught, for be cause [sic] the youth come not to the church.
That John Broke, gentleman, hath in his keeping a cow belonging to the church.—(Fol. 86; vol. 1561-2.)
1563. It is presented that they have no chest for the poor.
That their Rector is not resident.
They lack the Homily for the gange-days [i.e. Rogation].— (Vol. 1562-3.)
1569. (Archbishop Parker's Visitation.)
Rectory; in patronage of Mr. Coole.
Rector:—Dom. John Lytherer; he is married, does not reside there, has more benefices, but not in the Diocese of Canterbury, not a preacher nor licensed to preach, not a graduate.
Curate: - Dom John Sempyer, Rector of Wootton.
Householders, 6.
Communicants, 25. – (Vol. 1569.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii. p. 212.
1586. We present that the churchyard is unenclosed and the porch at reparation.—(Fol. 2.)
1590. Our church is not sufficiently repaired, also the chancel.
Our Minister, Mr. Twisden, for that he weareth not the surplice according to the law.—(Fol. 51.)
1591. The churchwardens, for that they have been a long while, and yet are without a surplice for their Minister to wear.—(Fol. 67.)
1592. We say that our Minister doth but seldom say the Litany on Fridays and Holydays.
2. Our Minister doth not every second Sunday teach the catechism, but doth once a quarter.
On the 5 June, when the Rector appeared in Court he said:—There are but nine houses which are inhabited within the parish, and that on Holydays he readeth the Litany, and that on Fridays he readeth the Litany when any of the parishioners do come to the church.—(Fol. 79.)
1597. That
Mr. James Broker, late of Barham, in his last will gave certain legacies to charitable uses to our parish,
which is not discharged, whether the fault be in Mr. Thomas Fineux, his
executor, or in his heirs, we refer you to the consideration of the will in
record in your Court. [For the will of
this James Brooker, buried in
1598. We present Mr. Robert Twisden, our Minister, for that he doth not use the surplice as is required to be done, nor hath he of long time worn the same.
He hath not used to say any service on the holy-days or festival-days.
We present our Minister for that he doth not use to read the Articles, as is required to be done.—(Fol. 155.)
William Meere, for that he the principal person, the lord, as he called himself, after a masking manner, with his brother and one Richard, whose name we further know not, apparelled liked a fool sundry times, especially one Sunday the last Harvest, did disturb our Minister with their pageant and revelry in the church, to the offence of God and the congregation there.
That the said William Meere there one Sunday in the month of September last, in Evening Prayer time went out of the church to a dancing, notwithstanding he was diswarned by our Minister. — (Fol. 164.)
1599. William Verrier, the last churchwarden, hath two church kine in his hands, which he hath not delivered nor put the parish in assurance by sureties for them, according to the custom of the parish. — (Fol. 174; vol. 1585-1636.)
1605. We have no service on Wednesdays and Fridays.
We think our Minister doth not cross children in baptism, for he useth not the words and confesseth he hath not hitherto done it.
He doth sometimes wear the surplice and sometimes doth not.
Our chancel wants some reparation of tiling.
On June 28, 1605, when Robert Twisden, the Rector, appeared in Court, he confessed: — That by reason of the smallness of his parish he hath sometimes omitted to read service on Wednesdays and Fridays, and for that many times none of his parish do on these days resort to church; but he saith that hereafter he will more carefully perform this duty in reading service on Wednesdays and Fridays. That heretofore he did not sign the children that were baptised by him with the sign of the cross, but saith that of late he hath conferred with Mr. Archdeacon of Canterbury about the using of the sign of the cross in baptism, and that he is now resolved to use the same, and hereafter will use it. He confessed that he hath sometimes omitted to wear the surplice, but he will hereafter wear the same more orderly. He confessed that the chancel of the church wanteth some reparation of tiling. — (Fol. 56.)
We have no convenient cover-cloth for our Communion Table. Our church wants some reparation of tiling, and we have no cushion cloth to our pulpit— (Fol. 59.)
1607. We think our Minister doth not sign children with the sign of the cross in baptism. 2. He doth sometimes wear the surplice and sometimes omitteth it.
3. Our Minister doth sometimes omit some part of Divine Service.
On
We have no such clerk as can read, but a poor man, Jam Browne, that cleaneth the church, ringeth the bells, maketh the graves, and hath the accustomed duties. We do present him.—(Fol. 112.)
1608. We have a Bible, but not of the largest volume. We have a pulpit, but no covering.—(Fol. 135.)
Widow Mershe of the parish of Acrise, for that she refuseth to pay her cess towards the reparation of our steeple, which sum is 13s. 4d. being lawfully demanded by me, Thomas Harnett, churchwarden of the parish of Denton.—(Fol. 145; vol. 1602-9.)
1611. Our chancel and vicarage-house wanteth some reparations, and Mr. Rogers craveth a day for the doing thereof.—(Fol. 36.)
That Mr. John Cassell doth teach Sir Francis Swan his children in his own house, which to do whether he be licensed or not I cannot answer. .
Our churchyard wanteth such a fencing as heretofore it hath had, for which I crave a day.—(Fol. 37.)
We have not the Table of Degrees of marriages-forbidden as by this article is required.
Thomas Giles is a neglecter of Divine Service, an ale-house haunter, a common swearer, and a blasphemer and railer on his neighbours.—(Fol. 38.)
1613. That our parsonage-house, barn and out-houses are very greatly decayed, in default of Mr. Francis Rogers, our Parson. – (Fol. 71.)
1615. We have no sentences of Scripture on the walls.
We have no Communion cup, for Sir Francis Swan, knight, plate was stolen by thieves, his house being broken up, and the said Sir Francis doth provide one until we can be fitted better.
We have no procession kept
We have no prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays, our prayers are two chapters and two psalms, and the surplice is never worn.
We have no signing with the cross in baptism.
We have no catechising.— (Fol. 125; vol. 1609-18.)
1620. On January 8, Robert Preble, churchwarden of Denton, presented one Mr. Bachelor, a supposed minister, for that somewhat before Michaelmas last past he did administer the Holy Communion in our parish church to many of the parishioners then and there assembled, he not wearing the surplice, not yet being a licensed minister, as the fame or report is in our said parish, and where he now resideth I do not know. — (Fol. 33.)
On April 12, it was stated in Court: — That Samuel Bachelor serveth the cure of Denton, and so hath done many months last past, without any lawful authority from the Ordinary, having never subscribed the Articles of Religion according to the Canons and constitution of the Church of England; and yet nevertheless is not contented to be quiet and peaceable in the church, but both by his sermons and practise in administering of the Sacraments violateth the order of the Book of Common Prayer established by the laws of this realm; and namely, in the administration of the Lord's Supper, he administereth to such only as sit, and refuseth to administer to such as kneel; and in his sermons inveigheth against the cross in baptism; and in the solemnization of matrimony he useth not the ring, according to the order prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer.
1621. That Mr. Harbert, our Curate, in the administration of baptism doth sometimes omit to sign the children with the sign of the cross upon their foreheads, and sometimes doth it according to the Book of Common Prayer, viz: Hezekias the son of Thomas Marshall of our parish he did omit to sign with the sign of the cross, as the fame is in our parish. But Silvester the son of Edward Dickson he did sign with the sign of the cross.
2. Sometimes in the administration of the Sacrament our Minister doth wear the surplice, and sometimes doth not wear it, but in reading prayers never that I know of doth wear it
3. Our Minister doth not, nor hath not instructed and examined the ignorant persons and youth of the parish, in the catechism set forth in the Book of Common Prayer, upon any Sunday and Holy-day as he is required.—(Fol. 37.)
1622. Mr.
Harbert, our Curate, for that he hath administered the Holy Communion without
wearing of his surplice being on the
Thomas Cowell and his wife, Richard Richardson and his wife, Richard Rye, and Mr. Harbert's man-servant, whose name I cannot learn, for that when they received the Holy Communion they did not reverently kneel, being on the 25 November, 1621.—(Fol. 54.)
Mr. Abiezar Harbert, our Curate, for christening of Robert Jull’s son, and not signing him with the sign of the cross. Also that he hath been our Curate about two years, and during which time he hath never read the Book of Canons in our parish.—(Fol. 66; vol. 1619-22.)
1635. To the 36:—he hath not any of these, nor weareth any of them, but weareth a civil black cloake when he preacheth and prayeth, and no other.—(Fol. 20; vol. 1585-1636, part ii)
On
On May 14 both Baker and Godfrey appeared and said that they had been ready to consent to a survey as was ordered, and that Cramp hath not as yet named any person to them to survey on his part, and that they are ready to consent whenever Cramp will name his day and man, upon giving them four days' notice of the day happening.
On October 22 Cramp came into the Court, and alleged that Francis Baker aforementioned, and Captain Whorwood, who was churchwarden when the work aforementioned was done, had agreed that a survey should be taken on a Thursday happening in or about July last, and that the persons whom Captain Whorwood and he (Cramp) nominated did attend, and was ready to consent to such a survey on the said Thursday; and Baker his man appeared not, though the said Baker was sent to and desired to come and be present, but he refused to come, and Cramp offered himself ready to make oath thereof, and prayed allowance of the money due to him in the presence of William Godfrey; whom the Judge did monish to make a church cess at twelve pence in the pound, which Godfrey said would amount to about £12, and to collect the same and pay to Cramp the one half of the money due to him as aforesaid, and the other half thereof at Lady-day next, and to certify thereof at Easter next—(Fol. 131; vol. 1670-93.)
XXXVI.—
1557 (?). Cardinal Pole's Visitation(?) Thomas
Corkerell [A Thomas Cockerell in 1563 was occupier of property that had belonged
to the Domus Dei at
John Plane for
that he doth withhold one chalice from the
Edmund Michell had
the best chalice belonging to Our Lady Church in
Mr Foxeley, [Thomas Foxley, Mayor of Dover in 1542; see Dover Charters, p. 345.] for that he lost one chalice weighing ten ounces wherefore he hath paid 40s.—(Fol. 44.)
Richard Bowker, for withholding from the
The Presentments
of Thomas Bassingborn and his fellows of
Thomas Rutter for withholding of 28 cwt. of lead, more or less, and one rope belonging to the church of Our Lady there.
Andrew Mynge and Richard Cooke, [A Richard
Cooke was one of the Chamberlains (custodes)
of
Mr. Warren, for
withholding of one piece of ground, called the parsonage of
The widow of
Edmond Mitchell, for withholding one chalice, double gilt, from the
Mr. Foxeley, for
withholding of a chalice parcel gilt of 13 oz. from the
Mr. Warren, for withholding eight acres of land from the church, which was given by one Grove. And also that he doth withhold fourteen acres of land and a barn, given for an Obit to be kept in the church, by one Alder's widow.—(Fol. 49.)
Hewe [sic.]
John Owen, for keeping bawdry.—(Fol. 66.)
XXXVIII.—ST. MARY THE VIRGIN PARISH.
1569. (Archbishop Parker’s Visitation.) That they lack the paraphrase of Erasmus.
The minister doth minister the Communion in fine manchet bread.
The church lacketh reparations, for it raineth in, in every place; and our chancel is unpaved where the Communion Table standeth.
That one John Almonson doth not use to come to the church but twice or thrice in a quarter. And we present one Griffin Edward's wife for the like fault.
That one Thomas
Paynter saith that he is a papist [sic.]
and that he hath a book by the which he will approve that Saint James said mass
at
Mr. Warren hath five or six pounds of the almshouse money in his hands, since he was Warden of the house, and the almshouse is in great decay, yet cannot we get the money of him.
John Knappe being of St. Peter's and the church being decayed, [See History of Dover, by Rev. S.P.H. Statham, p. 205-6.] the whole parish was appointed to come to St. Mary by Mr. Denne, being Commissary, but he will not come there.
That Mr. Warren doth owe for three years and a half rent of our church, at sixteen pence by the year, and he will not pay it.
Mr. Almonson keepeth away the rent of a piece of ground which belongeth to our church, and twelve pence by the year, which is behind unpaid for seventeen years, as by the books doth appear.
Mr. Edwardes oweth six shillings and eight pence, for breaking the ground in the church to bury his mother.
Awdrian White, widow, oweth eight shillings, for burying her son in the church.—(Vol. 1569.)
1595. Edward
Butler, for striking John Goodwin in the church in the time of the election of
our Mayor, [The election of the Mayor of Dover took place in the
1602. We
present the inhabitants of the Masondew [sic.]
according to the charge given unto us by Doctor Newman, to have them reputed
within the parish of St. Mary in
1609. We present Mr. James Hugeson, the elder, for that he denieth to pay the minister’s wages, which he is cessed at by those who are appointed by the whole parish, for to make the cess for the minister’s wages; and they have cessed him at 20s. a year, and he doth owe for half a year, which is 10s.
Henry Hodes, for the like, cessed at 14s. a year and owes 7s.
Francis Clarke, cessed at 8s., doth owe one quarter, 2s.
William Hannington, cessed at 12s., and doth owe half a year 6s.
John Kempe, cessed at 6s., owes half.
Thomas Harrison, cessed at 6s., owes 3s.
John Cates, cessed at 12s. a year, and doth owe half a year 6s.; but is now gone out of the parish and doth dwell at a place called Sellinge, within two miles of Faversham.
John Baker, miller, of the Maison Dieu, for the like, and is cessed at 6s. a year and doth owe for half, 3s.
We
also present the same John Baker for suffering his man to load sacks or bags
with meal, on his horse, on Sunday, being
1625. John Jacob, for not paying toward the new churchyard.
Thomas Gull, for not paying the church due. – (Fol. 48.)
William Savery, for violating the Sabbath by selling of Butchery ware on the Sundays and other Festival days, and that in time of Divine Service, setting open the shop widows as on the week days.
When on December 15 he appeared in Court, he confessed; - That he hath sometimes sold flesh on the Sabbath Days within this half year last past, before Morning Prayer, and in the evening, after Evening Prayer ended. – (Fol. 49.)
Also for the like – Thomas Savery, Thomas Briant, John Spencer, Edward Marlton, Abraham Chandler, Jacob Love, who killed a bullock on Sunday, September 18 last, which he said was upon extraordinary occasion. – (Fols. 49-51.)
…Kennett, for usual selling of flesh-meat in the time of Divine Service, Sundays and Holy Days. – (Fol. 53.)
1626. Sir Jasper Fowler, knight, being a parishioner of the parish, for refusing and not paying the Minister his duties, neither his offerings, neither to the church reparations, according to a cess made by the parishioners, for this year now past.— (Fol 80.)
We, the Churchwardens and Sidesmen, present Edward West, Frank Evernden, Daniel Gray, and William More, for that they have not paid the Minister his due or stipend for this year now past—(Fol. 118.)
Christopher Hewes, victualler, for suffering Daniel Powell, servant to Mr. Samuel Moore of Dover, to tipple and drink in the house of the said Christopher, on Sunday the nine and twenty day of October last past in the time of service.— (Fol. 170.)
We also present the said Daniel Powell for being tippling and drinking in the house of the presented Hewes, on the 29th day of October last past, being Sunday, in time, of Service.
On December 18, when Daniel Powell appeared in Court, he confessed:—That he was taken drinking with a Frenchman, a countryman of his, who brought him a letter from his father out of Normandy.—(Fol. 170.)
1636. Robert Ladd and William Row, carpenters, for working and using their trade on Ascension Day last, in the time of Divine Service.—(Fol. 4.)
John Roberts,
On
Walter Smith,
shoemaker, for suffering his servants to work on their trade on
John Siseley, for misdemeaning himself on one or more Sundays in our Church in the time of Divine Service, to the disturbance of our Minister and some part of our congregation, for climbing over seats, and intruding himself into a seat not appointed for him. – (Fol. 15.)
James Bollard and James Codde, for a similar offence, intruding themselves into a seat not appointed for them, and Codde more particularly for breaking off or putting back the lock our middle gallery door, into which he was never assigned to sit for performance of any divine office.
It is by the Minister and Churchwardens since the presentment, complained and informed that James Codde, upon Sunday the nineteenth day of last month, again twice (as in former times) violently did handle the man who is appointed to keep the door, and disturb others in intruding himself into a pew where he was never placed. – (Fol. 19.)
1637. We present these persons following: Humphrey Mantle, Richard Golden, Michael Brownley, James Huggeson the elder, and John Bing, for entertaining within their houses merchants which are sojourners, strangers who come from Spain, France, Holland, Flanders, or some other place beyond the seas, and do use merchantdizing or are factors for foreign merchants at Dover, which do not come to Divine Service or receive the Holy Communion; whose names are Martin Dolman, Mr. Cosse, Mr. Varges, Mr. Gale, Mr. Peters de Vautin, and John de Marle, merchants.—(Fol. 58.)
On June 22, when Martin Dolman appeared in the Court, he stated:—That he doth not go to church nor receive the Communion, and saith that he is a factor, and a subject of the King of Spain, and freed by the Articles of Peace, between the Kings of England and Spain.
Gale said that he doth not understand the English tongue. —(Fol. 60.)
We present David Lemson, John de Lavillette, Mr. Budier, Mr. Le Tosse, Mr. Vandewell, Mr. Van Ellen, Jan Newporter, Walther Wybuaines, William Rickham, Rowland Baker, Cornelius Cose, Harman Stopgate, Mr. Basserode, Mr. Van Owen, Henricke Adiranson, James Colfe and Elisabeth Danster, for recusant Papists, inhabiting and now dwelling in the parish, being all strangers come beyond the seas out of His Majesty’s Dominions, and the greater part of them merchants or factors, and masters of ships or vessels belonging to the said port.—(Fol. 61.)
We present Mr. Tosse's two sons, John Rappart, Jaques Tosse, James Pettit and his wife, Niciolas Blowet and his wife, Lawrence de Fesse and his wife, Charles Russell, his wife and daughter, Waller Wilbourner’s wife, Balliard and his wife, all inhabitants of the parish, but strangers come all out of His Majesty’s Dominions, for being at the house of Thomas Garrett, dwelling at the sign of the George in the said parish.
On June 22, it was explained in Court on behalf of Tosse (and the others), that the Queen of England’s Bishop coming from London to Dover to pass beyond the seas did in the house of Mr. Garrett say Mass, and that they heard it, being strangers born, and subjects of the King of Spain, and Tosse was a factor of Dover for the merchants beyond the seas. – (Fol. 65.)
1638. We present Daniel Page and John Painter of the same parish for a disturbance in the churchyard of the parish, at the burial of a corpse, on a Wednesday in the afternoon.— (Fol. 145.)
Margaret Watkins of the same parish, for disturbance in the Church, on . . . of . . ., being on a Sabbath Day in the time of christening in the afternoon.—(Fol. 141.)
Aaron Wellard, brewer, for working with his beasts and carriages, in carrying of lime on St. Andrew's Day last, in time of Divine Service.
Paul Wymond, brewer, for working with his beasts and carriages, in carrying of beer on the same day, in time of Divine Service.—(Fol. 142.)
William Savery, butcher, for his frequent profaning of the Lord's Day by selling of meat on the same.
Also for the like offence, Edward Hartford, John Spenser, Edmund Marlton, Abraham Chandler, Ralph Franke, Simon Ladd, Robert Zimmerden, John Palmer.—(Fols. 168-170).
That of ancient time there was in the southward aisle of the Parish Church of St. Mary, near the upper end of the same, a certain door which for many years hath been stopped up, but in such manner as to this day there is manifest appearance of a door sometime there; of which door the Minister and Churchwardens and parishioners for many occasions are in great want, and for lack of it suffer many very considerable inconveniences, as by a letter of Mr. Reading directed to the Register [sic.] of this Court may more fully and particularly appear.- (Fol 182.)
William Rogers the elder, sailmaker, for being drinking and tippling in the house of John Loome of the parish of St. James the Apostle, in Dover, innkeeper, on Easter Monday last in time of Divine Service; and the aforesaid John Loome, for suffering him to drink and tipple there. – (Fol. 209.)
William Marshall, William Rogers junior, sailmaker, Roger Winter and John Frost for drinking and tippling in the house of William Blisse of the parish of St. James, Dover, victualler on Easter Monday, in time of Divine Service. – (Fol. 209.)
Cornelius Bent, for default of payment of his cess for the reparation of the Church, and the Minister’s stipend there, for these two years and a half past, at 2s. the quarter, amounting to 20s.
Also Edward Vautin and Edward Peters, for two years and a half, being assessed at 6d. per quarter each of them, which in all amounteth unto 6s.
Jaques Tasse, for a year and a half at 5s. the quarter, which amounteth unto 30s.— (Fol 224.)
We, the Churchwardens of St. Mary in Dover, do present and certify to the Court, that there is in our church yard, under the church wall, a certain monument or tomb, erected for and in memory of the wife and daughter of Julius Deeds, or one of them, which leaneth and shelveth towards the church wall, insomuch that standing under the eaves of the church, the rain dropping down upon it, hath much impaired and daily more and more annoyeth the church wall, endangering the spoil and ruin thereof; whereof we have admonished Alexander Deeds, the said Julius Deeds' eldest son, with desire that he should amend the same tomb or monument, and set it up right; but not with standing, he hath hitherto neglected and deferred so to do; wherefore we desire the Court to take notice of this mischief.— (Fol. 223.)
Jacques Tasse, for default of payment of his cess for a year and a half, being assessed at 5s. the quarter, which amounteth unto 30s.
And likewise the wife of Robert Callant, for striking the daughter of Robert Fiennes, in the Church, in time of Divine Service.
On November 27, the wife of Callant alleged in Court: That she being big with child, and her being at Church in the afternoon at St. Mary’s in Dover, as a child was christened she was taken ill, whereupon she left her pew and crowding through the pace (being exceptionally thronged) she had way given her by all save one woman kind, who hindering her in her passage out of the church; she did gently lay her hand on her head and strike her softly once on the head, and two or three times bid her give way; which she did not out of any malice or intent to hurt her, but only to cause her to make way for her to go out of the Church, being very big with child, not knowing what might speedily happen. – (Fol. 224.)
1639. Isaac
Goodwin, for using, employing and travelling with his horse and wagon from
On October 17 he stated in Court: That he did it being commanded by the Mayor of Dover, being for the conveyance of certain goods of the Queen's mother.
John Kenton, beer-brewer, upon the information of the wife of John Gill, mason, for brewing beer in his brew-house on the Sabbath Day.— (Fol. 269.)
Thomas Garret, tapster of the parish of St. James, Dover, for sitting tipling and drinking in a tavern in the parish of St. Mary, on the Sabbath Day, in the time of Divine Service there.
Roger Smith and Thomas Roe, for their not usually resorting to church to hear Divine Service upon Sundays and Holy-days, but usually absenting themselves from the same. — (Fol. 270.)
Elisabeth Barrow, for cutting with a knife or scissors, in the Parish Church in the time of Divine Service, the petticoat and waiscoat of the daughter of Roger Smith. — (Fol. 270.)
William Tatnall, shipwright of
Anne, wife of John Broome of Dover, maltster, confessed (the third day of August, 1639) that on or about the twenty-first day of July last past in the afternoon, being Sunday, she heard that one John Trendal, a stone-hewer, was at the house of one William Tiddeman of St. Mary's in Dover, where that afternoon he was to discourse upon some point of religion; and hearing that he had very good parts, out of a curiosity she went to the said Tiddeman's house, and heard him discourse for an hour; he first prayed almost a quarter of an hour, then named a place of Scripture, being out of the twelfth chapter of the Romans, beginning: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, etc.;” upon which he made an hour's discourse or thereabouts, but what the effect of the discourse was she saith she re-membereth not, it being far beyond her capacity to understand; and saith that she never heard him but that one time, that she will not hear him any more, that she dislikes his opinions, that she holds the doctrine, discipline, and government of the Church of England, and considers all other opinions as dangerous and desperate, that she was at her Parish Church in the forenoon, and is a diligent frequenter of the same. She confesses that there were then present Elisabeth the wife of John Hogben, Susan Lee, widow, Edward Godwin, William Tiddeman's wife, and the wife of Nicholas Crookes, and others which she knows not. — (Fol. 289; vol. 1636-9.)
1640. We
present William Tatnall, Edward Goodwin, Susan Lee, widow, Anne the wife of
John Browne, Elisabeth the wife of John Hogben, John Haslewood, Joan the wife
of William Tiddeman, and Jane the wife of Nicholas Cromp, for being at a
private meeting, assembly or conventicle with John Trendall[For the fragment of a Petition from John
Reading, Minister of St. Mary’s, Dover, to the House of Commons, see
Proceedings in Kent, 1640, Camden Soc., 1861 pp.57-60.
For John Trendall and a Conventicle at
1661. The second day of October, the thirteenth year of reign of Charles II, before Edmund Peirce Commissary, and in the presence of John Raven, notary-public
At which day and
place personally appeared John Carlisle of Dover, gent, and did take the oath
well and truly to execute the place of Church-warden of the parish of St. Mary
in
Also the same day
John Foster of
And whereas the said Church of the parish is in decay in divers places, viz.; in the leads of the south and north aisles and the windows thereof, and the font to be there is altogether wanting:
The said
Commissary then admonished them to set up a font in the usual place, and to
repair the church, before Thursday the last day of this instant October, and
then make Certificate thereof to the
1663. John Edwards and Robert Fleming, for publicly disturbing our Minister in discharging and several times offering to discharge his duty and office in burying the corpse of the said Edward's mother, and for not permitting him to do any part thereto belonging, but rudely putteth the corpse into the grave, and by their adherents with their hands and feet in a most indecent manner, scraping and spurning the earth into the grave.—(Fol. 244.)
Edward Godin, for his public affronting and disturbing our Minister, in burying the corpse of his mother, for interrupting him at his entrance into the church-yard, ready and desirous to do his office according to the Canons, for commanding the bearers to carry the body to the grave, not permitting him to do any part of his office at the grave, and by his wife and other company rudely covering the corpse, some with their hands alone, some with their feet, another snatching the spade or shovel from the sexton and covering the coffin, abusing both the Minister and form of burial enjoined by the church.-(Fol. 245.)
Alice, the wife of Edward Goodwin for disturbing our Minister in burial of the dead, for not permitting him to do his office, but by her rude deportment among others hindering him from the same.—(Fol. 246.)
Henry Turner, for
non-payment of his cess of 10s., for
and towards the necessary reparations of our
Also the following for the like default:
John Thomas, 9s..; James Adkins, 14s.; Andrew Browne, 14s.; Geoffrey Blinston, 8s.; Henry Archer, £1; David Adamson, 5s. 3d.; John Crawle, 10s. 6d.; Thomas Whate, £1 5s.; Edward Marrey, 14s.; Thomas Williams, 5s. 6d.; Thomas Stare, £1; Henry Teddeman junior, 10s. 6d.; William Turner, 12s.—{Fol. 246.)
1665. Mr. Arnold Brames for not paying a cess made towards the reparation of the parish church, being rated at the sum of 8s.
Also for the like:
George Finish, 8s.; John Fearnes,4s.; Richard Golder, 3s.; James Gradner,1s.; Nicholas Gillett, 1s.; Timothy Greenleaf, 1s.; William Hales, 4s.; Alexander Hardy, 1s.—(Fols. 445-6; vol. 1639-66.)
1670. We present James Baylie for having school without licence.
John Milford of our parish, for the like, and for preaching weekly in the house of Samuel Taverner.—(Fol. 10.)
John Godden for not having his child baptised.
Nathaniel Barry for preaching in a malt-house.
Richard Hobbs for preaching weekly in the house of Samuel Taverner.[See note at the end about Samuel Taverner] —(Fol. 11.)
The following long dispute is about the manner of electing the churchwardens:
On
John Lodowick, clerk, [Vicar], however, dissented and denied the custom alleged. The other side owned that Lodowick was the lawful minister of the parish, and hath been for divers years last past, ad that Lodowick and his predecessors, ministers for the time being of the parish have from time to time and time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, usually and constantly when the minister and parishioners of the parish could not agree upon a joint choice of churchwardens for the parish, chose and elected one churchwarden for the parish, and the parishioners the other churchwarden there, according as the law in that behalf made and provided doth appoint.
And further it was alledged that at the time aforesaid on Easter Monday last past, John Lodowick did meet together with the parishioners to elect churchwardens as is alledged, when John Lodowick and the major part of the parishioners not agreeing upon a joint choice of churchwardens for this present year, the said John Lodowick did then and there, according to the Canon in that behalf made and provided, and according to the custom of the parish, choose Clement Burke, a parishioner of the parish, to be one of the churchwardens of the parish to serve for this present year. And that the major part of the parishioners met as aforesaid did then choose Benjamin Goodwin to be the other churchwarden of the parish to serve for this present year. Wherefore they desire that Burke and Goodwin may be admitted and sworn as churchwardens accordingly.
Then the Judge at the petition of George Upton, notary, on behalf of the other parishioners, offering themselves ready as witnesses to prove what is respectively alledged by them, did assign them to prove their respective allegations.
Then
William Stokes stated that he had been a parishioner of St. Mary for about thirty years last past, and hath several times within that time been present at the election of church officers for the parish, and that he never knew the minister of the parish for the time being in all that time save twice, solely to elect and choose a churchwarden for the parish.
Thomas Scott said that he had been present at most of the elections of churchwardens for the parish for twenty years and upwards, and that in that time he never knew the minister of the parish solely to choose a churchwarden, but hath several times known the minister to nominate a person to the parishioners to be elected one of the churchwardens, and that the major part of the parishioners have accordingly chose such person to be one of the churchwardens for the parish.
Further Upton [on behalf of the parishioners], as a subsidiary proof of his allegation, did shew an ancient book belonging to the parish, wherein the names of several persons are written down in several places of the said book, to have been chosen churchwardens of the parish by the major part of the parishioners; which were all the proofs offered in that cause.
Then, on behalf of
John Lodowick and the matter by him alledged, were produced as witnesses George
West and Aaron Wellard, gentlemen, respectively of the parish of St. Mary in
George West said he was present about forty-four years since at the election of churchwardens for the parish of St. Mary, being in Easter week, at which time one Mr. Reading, now dead, was minister there, and that Mr. Reading did at the election claim a right or custom to choose one churchwarden for the parish, and Mr. Reading did choose Edward West, the witness's father, who was an inhabitant of that parish, to be his churchwarden for the parish for that year; and that none of the parishioners then present did object to anything against Mr Reading's right so to do, and Edward West did take the office upon the choice.
Aaron Wellard deposed that he was present at the election of churchwardens for the parish at Easter, 1665, and that Doctor Hinde, being the minister of the parish, was present at the choice and did then complain that the parish was in arrears to him for his stipend or salary, and did then declare that he would his right in choosing one churchwarden for the parish, as the law allowed him, in order to his being better paid the same. And that then Doctor Hinde did immediately choose this witness as his churchwarden for that year, and that the parishioners then present and met upon that choice did oppose Doctor Hinde in his choice, and did declare that they had the sole right to choose both the churchwardens and did choose two persons to serve for the parish. At the visitation holden after Easter before Sir Edmund Peirce, Commissary of this Diocese, the said matter was heard before Sir Edmund, and after a full debate of the differences, did amit this witness as one of the churchwardens for the parish chosen by Doctor Hinde, and did reject one of the persons chosen by the parishioners, and that thereupon the parishioners caused the name of the person rejected, to be struck out of the aforesaid ancient book, shewed on the behalf of the parishioners, wherein the names of the persons so chosen by the parishioners were wrote down.
Richard Cooke state that about twelve years since, he, being then a parishioner was elected as one of the churchwardens of the parish by Doctor Hinde, then minister there, and that he did serve as churchwarden upon that election, and that he was present at the election of churchwardens before that time, and that one time Doctor Hinde did choose Mr. Carlisle, a parishioner, to serve as his churchwarden, and another time Doctor Hinde chose William Wellard as his churchwarden; and Doctor Hinde claimed a right so to do, and the said Mr. Carlisle and Mr. Wellard served as churchwardens upon that choice.
Whereupon the Judge, having heard both parties in the case, said it did not appear from any proofs offered, but that the Minister for the time being was one of the major part of the parishioners electing when there was not a separate choice. – (Fols. 72-3; vol. 1675-98.)
In the parish-church of
Furthermore, these seats at the east end of the chancel do not properly belong to any particular persons, and that there are seats more convenient in the church or chancel for the persons now usually sitting in these seats at the end of the chancel to be seated and placed in, and that at such times as his Majesty hath happened to resort thither to Divine service, he hath expressed his dislike of any person sitting in those seats standing at the east end of the chancel, and hath ordered the doors of these seats to be nailed up, and thereupon these seats for some time were not used. Wherefore they humbly prayed the Judge that he would grant them licence to move and take away these several seats standing at the east end of the chancel, and that they may place the Communion Table more conveniently and commodiously for the minister and parishioners to communicate.
Whereupon the Judge did decree letters proclamatory to be sent out to be published in the church of St. Mary upon some Lord's day, preceding the tenth day of May next, in the time of divine service, and all persons that can present any right or interest in the seats, situated at the east end of the chancel, to be thereby admonished to appear, on the 10 May in the Consistory Court of Canterbury, between the hours of nine and eleven in the forenoon of the same day, to shew sufficient cause (if they have any and shall think it their interest so to do) why the said seats ought not to be moved and taken away, and they placed in some other convenient seat or seats in the church or chancel.
On May 10, the churchwardens, with Nicholas Cullen, then Mayor of Dover, William Stokes, William Richards, John Bullock, Thomas Scott, William Bax, Edward Franklin, and Edward Wyvill, Jurates of Dover, appeared, and stated that these seats at the east end of the chancel of the church of St Mary at Dover, and now moved for to be taken down and moved, are very ancient seats, and have been there erected and placed time out of mind, and are seats wherein the Mayor and Jurats at that time did forbear sitting in the seats standing above the Communion Table; and he further deposed that for all the time aforesaid, he hath known the right of placing and displacing the parishioners both in the church and chancel of the church to have been in the churchwardens for the time being. And that about seventeen years since his wife was seated in that church by the churchwardens for the time being, and further that in the time of the late rebellion, Nicholas Cullen, the now reputed Mayor of Dover, was one of the churchwardens of that parish, and did upon his (Cooke’s) knowledge place one Denn, a parishioner of that parish, in a seat in that church, as he was one of the churchwardens.
Aaron Wellard did depose, that he hath been house-keeper in St. Mary's parish in Dover for about thirty-four or thirty-five years, and hath for all that time known that the churchwardens of that parish for the time being, have usually placed and displaced the parishioners there in seats in that church, as there hath been occasion and have claimed a right and privilege so to do, and that he himself was churchwarden for years in that time, of that parish, and did in that time, seat several of the parishioners as occasion did require.
Warham Jemmett did depose that he hath for the space of twenty years last past known that the churchwardens for the time being of the parish of St. Mary have claimed a right to place and displace the parishioners of that parish in their seats in the church, and that he having been churchwarden of the parish in that time, upon the request of the Governor of Dover Castle, who did usually sit at the right-hand of the Mayor of Dover, in the seats placed above the Communion Table, and disliking his sitting there as he thought it unseemly, was by him placed in another seat in that church.
Samuel Lucas did depose that he hath known for the space of thirty-five or thirty-six years last past, that the churchwardens for the time being have seated and displaced divers of the parishioners of that parish in the parish church, and have always claimed a right so to do.—(Fol. 91, vol. 1675-98.)
Note on Samuel Taverner, Captain of
Captain Samuel Taverner was born at Romford
in July 1621, and from the coat of arms on his grave at
He was made Captain of a troop of horse in 1643, receiving his commission from Oliver Cromwell; and during the Commonwealth was rewarded for his services, in January, 1653, by being appointed Governor or Captain of Deal Castle.
Through the
preaching of one Edward Prescot, a Baptist from Guston near
The old General
Baptist Chapel in
In a description of Deal parish when Edward Ibbot was Rector (1662-77) it was said the parishioners generally come to church, “not above 20 sectaries of whom Captain Taverner the chief.” — (Arch. Cantiana, vol. xxi, 178.) And in 1663, at the Visitation of the Archdeacon of Canterbury, a presentment was made at Deal,that he refused to pay his church cess, also for not frequenting the parish church, but going to Conventicles, keeping his children unbaptised, and that his wife refused to be churched.
About 1665 Samuel Taverner moved to Dover where he started a grocery business, and once had his goods seized, and also went to prison for his religious principles. Four years before he died he had a portion of his house (probably in Last Lane), “near the Market-place in Dover,” licensed “for exercise of religious worship,” as stated in the original certificate now in the Adrian Street Chapel at Dover, a copy of which, by the kindness of the Rev. S. Burrows, a former minister, is here given :
“These are to certify whom it may concern, That at an Adjournment of the Guildhall Sessions of the Peace held for the town and port of Dover in the County of Kent on Tuesday the nineteenth day of April 1692 in the fourth year of their Majesties reign; It is registered according to the Directions of an Act of Paliament, made in the first year of their said Majesties Reign, Intitled an Act for Exempting their Majesties Protestant subjects dissenting from the Church of England, from the Penalties of certain Laws; That the Dissenting
Protestants who scruple the baptising of
Infants have appointed their
(Signed) “Thomas Bedingfield, Town Clerk
of
Upon this document
is written; “The Town-clerk’s certificate of the place of our dwelling-house in
At his death, August 4, 1696, he is said to have been buried in the old Baptist Burying Ground (which was probably a portion of his garden) off Last Lane, Dover, which Samuel Taverner let to the congregation on a thirty years' lease, which was not renewed, so the ground continued the property of his heirs, and the site is now occupied by a portion of the premises Messrs. Dickenson and Company. The bodies appear to have been removed to the old St. Mary's Burying Ground in Princes Street, Dover, where is the tomb stone of Samuel Taverner, and attached to a wall “built in 1879” are two tablets with the following inscriptions :
Copy of the
Inscription of the Gravestone of Captain Samuel Tavernor. Here lieth interred
the Body of Captain Samuel Tavernor who was formerly Governor of Deal Castle
and elder of the Congregation of Baptised Believers at
The other tablet has:
Under the tomb
near this Wall, lieth the Bodies of Captain Samuel Tavernor, his wife Susanna,
and his son Samuel And in a vault on the north side of the said tomb, lieth the
bodies of Mr James Redding and his wife Priscilla, who was one of the daughters
of the above named Captain Samuel Tavernor. Also the bodies of Mr Samuel Pierce and his
wife , who was one of the daughters of the said Mr John Redding, with several
of their respective sons and daughters, who at several periods departed this
life, from the years 1683 and 1786. Also Mr James Peirce, gent. died the
Set into the same wall is also a small stone, possibly the head or foot stone of an altar monument with the letters “D. T.” and 1699, with a coat of arms in the centre— “a bend lozengy, in the sinister chief point a torteau,” which are those of Taverner of Essex.
On the tombstone of Captain Samuel Tavernor was the following epitaph:
Inclosed within a valiant Captain lies,
Holy, humble, pious, grave, and wise—
A Gospel Pastor, faithful to his trust,
Courageous for his God; here lies his dust,
Expecting to be raised with the just.
There is a Taverner Pedigree in Visitations of Essex, Harleian Society, vol. xiii, 1878, pp. 498-9, 606.
XXXIX.—ST. JAMES'S,
I557? [Cardinal
Pole's Visitation] The Presentments of the Jurates of
John Allowe, mariner, for that he saith "auryculer" confession is not good, and that he will never be confessed of a priest; and that he will not [go] to church.
The following do not come to church:—Alexander Mynge and his wife, William Greeneway and his wife, Thomas Hide mariner, ... Smythe, shipwright, and his wife, … Burkt supposed to be a priest, John Peers of Buckland, miller; J Dawes, … Collins' wife, for that she doth not look upon the sacrament, nor do reverence unto it.
John Sayers, now dwelling at Hythe for that he did eat flesh last Lent.-(Fol. 10.)
The Presentments of Thomas Bassingborn and
his fellows of
Thomas Burnell and Thomas Watson, for that when they were churchwardens of the church they sold all the ornaments, but what [is] due they know not.
Thomas Cockerell,
for that he withholdeth two garden plots with one little tenement, belonging to
the
John Broker of
John Hughson, for withholding of one vestment [and] three cushions belonging to St James's church. — (Fol 50.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.
1587. On June 29, Mistress Tenche came into the church of St James in Dover, and did set a lock upon one of the pews in the church, wherein was one Mistress Watson placed and sat in the pew long time with others, for that when the same Mistress Watson, when she came to church could not go into the pew, and she broke off the lock, and so Mistress Tenche hearing thereof did nail up the pew again. The next Sunday following she sat in the same pew, and took in with her such as she would herself, and we willed and placed those in the pew again who were before in it; and she willed us not to place any in that pew, saying, “You have not used me well; meddle with that you have to do.” The Sunday following she being in the seat, she said unto us — “Now that I am in my pew, set me out if you will.” We answered — "We mean it not, so you will be content with them that doth sit with you.” When service was done, we being talking in the church, she, being gone out of the church, came in again, tapping one of us on the shoulder said — “I charge you, as you have placed in, displace her again, or else take that will follow.”—(Fol 38; vol. 1587-89.)
1604. Alice Shanks, widow, for her being in our parish three years and will not come unto our parish church, nor will not pay any duty unto the priest and clerk. – (Fol. 20.)
Leonard Trynett, for taking a table out of the church, and for not paying his duty unto the priest and clerk these three years and a half.
Also Katherine Mase, widow, and Alice Bailey, for the like. —(Fol. 21; vol. 1604-5.)
1608. Susan the wife of John Spring, mariner, for that she did in the church chide with Margaret Beeching, the maidservant of John Woodgreen of the same parish, in the time of divine service in the month of December last past, as we are informed by sufficient persons.
Likewise we are informed that she hath, since the time aforementioned, in like manner chid with Katherine the wife of John Woodgreen.—(Fol. 2; vol. 1608-9.)
On December 14, 1637, the churchwardens were monished: —That they take order to have the pews or seats, built and erected at the east end of the chancel or quire of their parish-church of St. James, taken down and had away, and, that done, to advance and remove up their communion-table to the same east or upper end, and before it to build and place a decent rail across the quire or chancel, for the communicants, accommodated with some convenient thing to kneel upon, to come unto and receive the Blessed Sacrament there, at the hands of the minister in the time of celebration, keeping himself within the same rail, according as it was given in charge to the minister and churchwardens throughout the Diocese, at the last ordinary visitation.—(Fol. 127.)
1638. John Jeffery, Richard Neales, and Henry Turner, for being a-drinking in the house of Thomas Sweeting of this parish, ‘victuler’, on the second day of this present month of September, in the time of divine service, and himself being there in company with them.
On February 7, 1639, when Jeffery appeared in Court, he confessed—That he was in the house of Sweeting, as is detected, but says it was in the sickness time, and he went thither only to drink a cup of beer, being in the morning because he could not go to church fasting, but went straightway to church, and came thither before service was half done—
(Fol 231.)
Also we present John Kenton of this town, for being found drinking m the house of Thomas Groves, innholder, on the same second day of September, in the time of divine service. – (Fol. 232; vol. 1636-9.)
1670. Robert Fleming of our parish for not paying to the repairs of our church. – (Vol. 1670-75.)
XXXX.—EWELL OR
1560. That they lack a vicar. Edward Holte hath in his hands ten ewes. Our service is not done at due hours. They delivered two books to be burnt. They have not had the Homilies read.— (Fol. 26; vol. 1560-84.)
1561. It is presented that they have had no “symonds” [sermons] by the Vicar.
They lack the Homilies, Psalter, and Paraphrase; and the church, chancel and vicarage-house are in decay.
Their vicar is also vicar of River.
Edward Holte hath in his hands ten ewes belonging to our church, and the church has no profit of them.
That these whose names do follow are negligent in coming to the church, and give the churchwardens “stowt” words when they are monished of it: — Thomas Harte, Edward Holte, Austen Pye, and one Marshall.
Edward Holte is a slanderous man against the proceedings of the Queen's Majesty, and a sower of contentions between neighbours, with great threatenings. .
John Hadley is Reader in our church, not authorised. — (Fol. 80-1; vol. 1561-62.)
1563. The chancel lacketh reparation.
That . . . Brenchley's widow is suspected of incontinent living with one Silvester, a tailor.
Edward Holte hath ten ewes belonging to the church, and they cannot have no farm of him, nor the stock
That the curate is
gone over the sea to
1567. The glass windows in the steeple lacketh glazeing, and the leads in the Steeple are broken and lacketh mending.
Also the great bell lacketh a rope, and the stools in the church be all at reparation.
The chancel walls be broken, and the stools there be rotten down, nor the chancel is not paved. – (Vol. 1566-67.)
1569. [Abp. Parker's Visitation]
Rectory:—impropriator, Dom. de Burkherst.
Vicar: Dom. Richard Phountayne, who is married, does not reside there, has also the vicarage of Lydden and the vicarage of River, not a preacher nor licensed to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 30.
Communicants, 60.—(Fol. 56.)
That our Bible is decayed and torn. They lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus. That our church in divers places is not water-tight, by means whereof the timber and building thereof rotteth and decayeth.
Clement Fawcomer doth withhold a chest from the church. —(Vol. 1569.)
1572. That our Steeple and Bells are so far gone to reparations, that unless speedy remedy be had they will serve to small use; the cause why they are not repaired by the said parish is poverty, wh: so aboundeth there that many cesses made heretofore in the said parish for the maintenance of the same, the premises fall to ruin and are little the better for the said cesses, wherefore we crave your further order in this behalf.—(Fol. 45; vol. 1572-74, Acta Curiae.}
1578. We present Mother Davye for a scold and a troublesome woman.
Our church be at reparations in the aisle besides the chancel.
Richard Davye, for that he will not pay the clerk's wages these three years.—(Fol.11; vol. 1577-83.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.
1589. Our churchyard hedges are now at reparations by the reason of the soldiers.
Also we present unto you the wife of one Edward Martyn for a common disturber of her neighbours and a giver of evil speeches.—(Fol. 75.)
We present Sylbrowe the wife of Richard Clement for that she is known to be a railer and quareller with her neighbours, and for that she called the Vicar of Ewell, “arrant knave,” only for demanding his dues for tithes.
William Hugborne, smith, for that he is known to be a backbiter and slanderer of his neighbours. – (Fol. 78.)
1590. First we certify your Worship that divers of our parish have not received, some being letted with sickness and some being at a woman's labour upon Easter day, since which time our Vicar hath for the most part been absent, and hath not appointed no Communion; since which time of our Vicar's absence, there is a common name and fame that heretofore he hath lived incontinently with the widow of one William Wyer, whom he took into his house, and she is suspected to be with child, and is gone out of the parish, and hath left three small children there.
Our Minister [Francis Saunders, 1583-94] hath called none to be catechised.
Also we present
Mr. Saunders' wife for a common disturber of her neighbours, fending and
proving [To fend and prove, means to argue, wrangle. – Hist.
1591. On July 13, Francis Saunders, Vicar of Ewell, had to appear in Court: For that he hath, and doth not only suffer his wife to live apart from him, but also doth suffer her to go in such attire as is not seemly for a minister's wife; whereby offence groweth unto the minister not only in her unseemly attire and habit, but also thereby scandalous of life.—(Fol. 20; vol. 1591-3.)
1592. That heretofore there hath been two bushels of barley to the reparation of the church, out of the lands now John Stokes', yearly to be paid, which hath been long withholden.
Mistress Saunders, our Vicar's wife, was resident in the parish at Easter last, and is now departed, and hath not received the Communion.—(Fol. 92.)
Alexander Avery and his wife hath stood excommunicate the space of one whole year and a half or thereabouts, their wealth is little or nothing at all to our knowledge; the cause which they were excommunicated was, for that they were absent from the church, and not paying his cess to the reparation of the church.—(Fol. 145.)
1593. We present our Vicar for that we have not had Divine Service one Sunday or two at the least.
2. Also for that his mansion house is not decently repaired.
3. He doth not gather his tithes himself, but hath appointed another to gather them, or let them to him.
4. We certify unto your worship that our Vicar appointed the whole parish that they should go the perambulations upon Ascension Thursday, and they all gave their attendance, and then our Vicar could not go, and so it is not gone as yet — (Fol. 176; vol. 1585-92.)
1594. Francis Saunders comes to neither service nor sermons in our parish church since the Feast of Michaelmas last past.
The said Saunders, as we think in our consciences, and by the common bruit, also liveth very disorderly and incontinently, to the great grief of us and many more good Christians, having his chamber hard by his harlot, as it is reported. — (Fol. 34.)
John Starkie, for that his beast-cart travelled on certain holy days, as it is reported. — (Fol. 42.)
We present that there hath been no Register Book before our time, to our knowledge, neither for christenings nor burials within our said parish, but since Michaelmas, 1593, which we have since kept; neither have we any Books of Homilies belonging to our said parish. — (Fol. 45.)
That our chancel wants reparation, and we have often required Clement Fawkner and Richard Clement, farmers of our parsonage, to repair the same, and yet notwithstanding they do neglect the same. — (Fol. 45.)
1595. We present Mr. Johns [William Jones, Vicar, 1594-1600], Vicar of the parish, for that he sayeth not service in the accustomed place that hath been used heretofore.
Richard Hanninge, for that he hath maliciously disturbed our Minister, not only both by words, writings and laughter in time of divine service and sermon, to the great vexation of our Vicar and parishioners, chiefly the third day of August.
Also he refuseth to pay the cess, made by the churchwardens the second day of October, 1593. — (Fol. 48.)
Nicholas Brewer for that he commonly laugheth in the church in the time of Divine Service, to the great vexation of our Minister and the rest of our parish.
Thomasine the wife of Richard Hanninge, for disquieting of our Minister in time of Divine Service divers times, and chiefly the seventh of September, in putting the Minister from his seat, where his desk stood and the books of service, with violent hands, to that end we think that the parishioner, should have no Evening Prayer. And our Minister, being so disturbed, put off his surplice, that we had no Evening Prayer at all, the whole parish being assembled.—(Fol. 50.)
We complain and crave your Worship's favour and assistance against Richard Hanninge, Clement Fawlkner and Richard Clement, for that they refuse to pay the cess made by us churchwardens and others of the parish, for the reparation of the church and other necessaries.—(Fol. 51.)
1596. Thomas Wills, for reading of some prayers in the church, but the parish are not discontented therewith, being upon extremity, when Mr. Jones cannot intend [sic.] it— (Fol. 61.)
There is a schoolmaster . . . Clarke who teacheth privately divers men's children in our parish, but whether he be licensed or no, we know not
John Dilnott, churchwarden of the parish: 1. That we want a comely Communion Table cloth, and that as often as occasion is offered to use the said cloth, we make a sheet serve instead thereof.
2. That the body of our church is so out of reparations, as that it raineth therein, and annoyeth the people sitting in their pews.
3. That the church and chancel wanteth paving,—(Fol. 62; vol. 1583-92, Part ii, 1593-1602.)
1607. We present our church that it is not sufficiently repaired. Also John Dilnott and George Marsh, that the chancel is fallen in decay, and the pews and seats therein are not sufficient and decent. — (Fol. 100.)
1610. Patience Turkle, widow, of Ewell, is a very contentious woman and notorious scold, and a curser of her neighbour — (Fol. 22; vol. 1609-18.)
1619. Richard Prince, John Holt, and Edward Somes, of our parish for that on Sunday the eleventh day of this April, as the fame goeth in our parish, they were all of them in the house of William Mills of our parish, being an ale-house; the said Mills being then at church and not knowing thereof, and of very good and civil conversation, and were drawn into this inconvenience unawares and unwittingly. – (Fol. 7.)
1620. Andrew Read, being required by Clement Faulkner parish-clerk there, to pay his wage, being 4d. the year, for two whole years due by him and not paid, in toto 8d.; the said Andrew did expressly refuse to pay the same, and told him he should get it by law if he had anything from him; his house and backside being worth 20s. the year.—(Fol. 20.)
1629. Henry Hobday and Henry Carter, his servant, for playing at “footeball” the second day of February last past, in the time of Divine Service.—(Fol 147; vol. 1619-32.)
1635. Jeremy Dilnott, for abusing the Sabbath Day for bringing of goffs home from the Menes upon two several times. When he appeared in Court, he confessed that he did one time fetch home goffs, as is presented.—(Fol. 31.)
(Now in Elham Deanery.)
(Now in Elham Deanery.)
1561. That our Vicar hath two benefices and hath a plurality. They lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus for lack of the Parson’s money; Mr. Hannington having the Parsonage to farm, and will not pay it.
That the uppermost part of the rood-loft is not taken down, but the middle part thereof. – (Fol. 89; vol. 1561-62.)
1567. The church doth come into decay for lack of reparation; and further that the people do not come to the church as they ought to do upon the Sabbath days. – (Vol. 1566-67.)
1569. (Abp. Parks’s Visitation.)
Rectory:
- Impropriator, the Abp. of
Vicar: - Dom. Henry Wood, who is married and resides there, he has also the Rectory of Eastbridge in Lympne Deanery; he is hospitable according to his means; not a preacher nor licensed to preach, not a graduate.
Householders, 26.
Communicants, 95. – (Fol. 54.)
That they have not the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
The Divine-service is said in the church, because the quier is in such decay that it cannot be said there for the rain. – (Vol. 1569.)
1571. We do present that our chancel is in so great decay that our Vicar can sa no service in it, nor hath not done this twelve-month.
Our church-yard is in great decay for lack of repairing, and want of hedging. – (Fol. 47.)
Mr. Hannington and his wife and some part of his household have not received the Holy Communion at Easter last, nor doth come to the church all the year long.
The Vicar’s wife for that she hath not received at Easter last. – 9Fol. 48; vol. 1671-72.)
1578. That Mr. Captain Bailey doth not come to his parish church according to his duty. – (Fol. 6; vol. 1577-83.)
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol. vii, p. 212.
1586 The chancel is in decay in tyling and in the beam falling, in the default of William Hannington the elder, gentleman, farmer of the parsonage. – (Fol. 25.)
1589. Our vicarage-house and the hedges be gone greatly to decay by the means of Mr. Hutton, and the parish unserved this month, whereby we desire to be better served, and to have order for the repairing of the vicarage, and mending of the hedges. – (Fol. 73.)
1590. We say that by the space of this half year past, we have had no minister that hath said service every Sunday and Holy-day.
That our vicarage-house is very much at reparations. — (Fol. 87.)
1591. John Alderstone, being Vicar of Hougham [1590-2], hath so ill provided for the service of the cure and administration of the sacraments, that one Dowker, being a mere layman and altogether unlicensed, was by him appointed to serve there, and amongst other services did presume to baptise the child of one Mommery of the parish of Hougham.— (Fol. 124.)
1592. We, the churchwardens and sidesmen of Hougham, do present Edmund Halton, weaver, who taketh upon him to expound the scripture and to christen children, having no authority for the same, and being forbidden by the churchwardens and sidesmen divers and sundry times.—(Fol. 142.)
Mr. Finnes of Hougham, for that he denieth to pay his cess money towards the providing of necessaries unto the same parish, viz.—a Bible, a service-book, a Communion cup, table cloth, etc., cessed at 4d. the acre, twenty shillings.—(Fol. 147.)
Mr. Henry Amy, for that at Easter late past, nor since, we have had no Communion in our parish.
2. We present him further for that these two Sundays last past, nor yesterday, being May Day (as they call it), we had no service in our parish church.
3. Our Minister is not resident, neither doth he catechise every second Sunday, as is required, nor yet wear the surplice, and also sometimes in saying Divine-service he omitteth and readeth not part thereof, as upon Palm Sunday he neither read the Gospel nor Epistle, as he should have done.—(Fol. 168; vol. 1585-92, part 1.)
All these hereunder named dwell in our parish of Hougham, but have not resorted to church, notwithstanding open admonition in our church hath been given by the Minister, viz:-Mr. Humfrey Mede, George Ring, John Kenton, Henry Tiddiman, Alexander Tiddiman, John Cook, Arnold Dawes, Thomas Ovill, Nicholas Flinteson, Alexander White, Richard Carter, Derrick Garrett, James Routher, John Goldeston, Richard Wenlock, John Matthews, William Country, John Kirton, John Hallocks, Arthur Panther, John Bragg, Simon Carter, Casby, a mariner. – (Fol. 1-15.)
1596. The churchyard is not sufficiently fenced. The church and chancel are in many places untiled and unglazed. The buttresses of the church are greatly decayed and the stones thereof in many places fallen down.
That Master Amy, Minister of Hougham, doth not reside on his benefice, nor keepeth hospitality. That he preacheth without license. That he liveth by usury or putting out much of his money to usury.
On the last day of January, 1597, when he appeared in Court, he said that he dwelleth in the vicarage-house, and hath done these four years, and keepeth hospitality according to the value of the living. That he never put out any of his money to usury. — (Fol. 64; vol. 1585-92, part 2, 1593-1602.)
1607. George Hambrook the younger, for that he mowed oats on two several Sabbath Days in the harvest time last past, viz., 30 August and 6 September. — (Fol. 112.)
That our Minister doth not wear the surplice, as is required, in public prayers, but only when he baptised children and administered the Communion.
Our Minister doth not instruct the youth of our parish so often as is required by reason that they will not so often repair unto him.
That our parish-clerk (King) is of age sufficient, but he can neither write nor read, — (Fol. 113.)
1609. Richard Burden of our parish, for carrying or causing to be carried wood out of a wood to his own [place] two or three times on May-day last.
On June 12, when Burden appeared in Court, he stated: — That there being a piece of land in Hougham in controversy between him and one Mr. Engham, from which the said Mr. Engham had felled wood, and he upon the day detected caused his son, John Burden, and one Richard Standford and Robert Turrall, his servants, with his horses and wagon and with another wagon, to fetch wood from that piece of land to his own house, which he did only for the preservation of his title in that piece of land.— (Fol. 177.)
George Hambrook, for suffering his waggon or cart to help carry the wood upon the same day. — (Fol. 178; vol. 1602-9.)
1618. Richard Burden, for that he on a Sabbath Day between Midsummer day and August last past, immediately after sermon, did rail at an honest gentleman, Mr. Thomas Fineux, and did say that he was a Cosen [i.e. cheat]. He began this unmannerly speech in the chancel and continued it until he came out of the church, to the great dishonour and disparagement fo that honest gentleman, and the offence of the parishioners. – (Fol. 175.)
George Hambrook, for that he usually keepth his cattle upon the Sabbath Day in the time of divine service and sermon, and cometh not to church at all; and officially I present him and Richard Burden, for that they on Sunday the 22nd November last past, came unto the church stile in the time of Divine Service and sermon, and so went their way and came not into the church at all, to the dishonour of God and contempt of his word, and evil example of their neighbours,— (Fol. 176; vol. 1609-18.)
1619. That the church of Hougham, the church-porch, steeple, leads, windows, and paving of the same church, and also the churchyard and fence thereunto belonging, is very much decayed, and is very much in want of reparation, and like in short time for want of due repairing to be utterly ruinated.—(Fol. 20.)
1622. Richard Burden and his wife, for their maliciousness, contentions, uncharitableness, their railing, scolding, and scorning of divers amongst their neighbours.—(Fol. 62.)
1624. Thomas Norman and his wife, widow Christian and her son, Robert Liddon and his wife, for not receiving the Holy Communion in our parish church at Easter last, they dwelling in our parish of Hougham, as the common fame is in our parish, and we usually fetch in their several houses in going the perambulation of the circuit and bounds of our parish, and so have the parishioners of the same parish used to fetch in the same houses, or the ground whereon they stand, for these many years, as is now commonly reported in the parish of Hougham.—(Fol. 83; vol. 1619-32.)
1635. We; present Edward Hills, Thomas Giles, Robert Bennett, Richard Goddin, and Thomas Brockman, for not coming to their parish church of Hougham, there to hear Divine Service and sermons and to receive the Holy Communion, as by the law they ought to do. – (Fol. 22; vol. 1585-1636, part 2.)
1569. (Archbishop
Parker's Visitation.) Rectory: - I mpropriator, the Abp. of Canterbury. Vicarage in his
patronage. .
Vicar:— Dom. Richard Phontayne, who is married and resides there, has also the vicarage of Ewell, and vicarage of River, in the same Deanery; he is hospitable as far as he is able, not a preacher, nor a graduate.
Householders, 8.
Communicants, 20. — (Fol. 53.)
That
one William Beyton and his
household do work upon the Holy-days.
The
chancel is not furnished as it ought to be.
That
the Parson of Lydden will not allow 6s. 8d. towards the Paraphrase of
Erasmus. — (Vol. 1569.)
1571. We do present Roger Dugdale, farmer of the
parsonage of Lydden, [that the chancel] is out of reparations, both above head as not being water-tight, as underfoot not being even, but full of holes, unseemly to beholders; and although the same
hath been heretofore already presented, yet we find no redress or
reform therein. — (Fol. 50.)
That
the vicarage-house and other houses thereto belonging, be in such
ruin and decay for lack of repairing. — (Fol. 122.)
1572. That
the chancel of Lydden is unpaved and like to fall, if speedy
redress be not had, because the same hath often been presented and
yet unreformed. — (Vol. 1571-72.)
1576. We present
the wife of Thomas Marshall, presented for a witch.
The
glass windows of our chancel
lacketh reparation, also thepews.
- (Fol. 173; vol.
1574-76.)
1578. We lack a cover to our Communion-cup and a
decent cloth to lay on our Communion Table. – (Fol. 25.)
1579.
John Stooke, for that he will not pay 6s 8d., which he was cessed at to the
reparations of
1580. See under Badlesmere, vol.
vii, p. 212.
1582. Our vicarage-house is ruinous.
The
chancel almost utterly decayed for lack of reparations. - (Fol92;
vol. IS77-830
1588. We present our chancel for lack of reparation
in the walls, the roof lacks tileing, the glass windows broken, the seats in
the chancel greatly decayed and broken. - (Fol 51.)
1590. Our chancel being not repaired by Mr. Thomas
Monings, Parson of Lydden. - (Fol. 95.)
1593. We present Mr. Saunders, our Vicar [1583-94],
for that upon Sunday next before May-day, upon the Sunday next after May-day,
neither upon May-day last, nor yet on the third Sunday after, we had no service
in our parish, neither Morning nor Evening Prayer.
2. Our vicarage-house is greatly out of
reparations.
3. Our Minister doth not catechise so
often as is required. - (Fol. 172; vol. 1585-92.)
That
the windows of the chancel wanteth glazeing and are greatly out of reparations
and the said chancel wanteth tileing, and likewise the church. The churchyard
also is not sufficiently fenced and enclosed, so that the swine and hoggs come
therein, and root and dig up the graves and make great spoil; and further there
is a cove or part of a certain house built some eight or nine foot into the
churchyard there without the consent of the parishioners or any part thereof.
- (Fol. 21.)
1594. Our chancel wanteth reparation, some of the
glass windows are broken down and decayed.
Our
vicarage-house, by reason of the late wind, is in some part
thereof uncovered and unthatched. - (Fol. 24; vol. 1592-1602.)
1604. Edward Parker, Vicar of Lydden, for causing
to be set up or building a
stable in the churchyard. - (Fol. 179; vol. 1604-5.)
1605. Our chancel is not paved, but floored as it
hath been accustomed, nor whited, nor yet
sufficiently repaired. Mr Stephen Monings is our Parson. – (Fol. 59.)
We have not the Ten Commandments in our church yet, but we will out of hand.
We have no Table of Degrees [of marriages forbidden] but we will have.—(Fol. 60; vol. 1602-9.)
1623. I, Stephen Carelton, church-warden of Lydden, do present Francis Pilcher, late of Lydden, now of Hougham, for that he detaineth from me and the other churchwarden, two kine of the v.ilne of £3 6s. 8d, to wit, 33s. 4d. each, and the profit of the same kine, ever since Easter last, being after the rate of 5s. 4d. yearly, which kine and the profit thereof was at the first given for the maintenance and reparation of our church, and is to remain in the hands of the church-wardens of our parish for the time being. - (Fol. 68; vol. 1619-32.)
1635. We have a Bible of a large volume, but not of the new translation.—(Fol. 31; vol. 1585-1636, part 2.)
1706. Arthur Tucker, Vicar, for neglect of his cure, and other matters.
Also for neglecting to read the proclamation and prayers on the last fast, and for other matters.—(Fol. 91; vol. 1678-1735.)
XXXXV.—ST. MARGARET'S AT CLIFFE.
1569. (Archbishop Parker’s Visitation.)
That they lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus. That divers times our Minister doth his service without a surplice.
He doth minister the Communion in the finest white bread. The church lacketh reparations, the chancel is undecently kept, our Vicar hath pulled down two seats in our church, and hath felled a palm [yew] tree.
Thomas Holte hath not communicated come Easter shall be three years; also William Salmon hath not communicated since Easter was twelvemonths.
That we lack our ordinary sermons.—{Vol. 1569.)
1580. See under Badlesmere in vol. vii, p. 212.
1590. The church lacketh repairing.—(Fol. 69.)
We want service upon certain Sundays, our Mr. Tanner serveth two places, by reason whereof he sayeth service with us once a fortnight.—(Fol. 121; vol. 1589-91.)
1592. Our church is gone to decay in such sort that our poor parish, without aid and assistance of others, is not able to repair it. Also the church-yard is to be repaired.—(Fol.
168.)
Stephen Woollett, for retaining a maid-servant of thirteen or fifteen years old, and not sending her at any time to be catechised, notwithstanding he hath been sundry times required so to do by our Minister and Wardens.
William Harris, for breaking open our churchyard gate, by reason whereof the hogs break in and turn up the graves. - (Fol. 177.)
1593. That in the year in which------Marable and Luke Philpot were Churchwardens, they or the one of them did pull down or cause to be pulled down a chapel called " Our Lady Chapel," standing on the south side of the chancel, and the windows of the same, which was covered with lead, and also a part of the covering of the church which was leaded, they pull down and recover with tiles.
When they appeared in the Court they said that, as Churchwardens, they took off the lead from a chapel on the south side of the chancel there, and did new raft the same, and covered again the chapel with the lead so far as it would go, and then about twelve feet of the same with tiles.—(Fol. 23. vol. 1591-3.)
1595. Luke Philpot, for the denying to pay a part of a cess made by the parish, and his own consent to the cess making - (Fol. 24.)
Gcorge Finnis, our Clerk, for saying service, for the which we, the Churchwardens, have forbid him.—(Fol. 56.)
There is a bill of Presentment made by the Churchwardens of the parish, upon a certain woman, called Margaret Fordred, to be accused for a witch, by the report of divers. – (Fol. 87.)
1596. Luke Philpot refuseth to pay the cess for the reparation of our church, being cessed at 42s. 3d. - (Fol. 111; vol. 1594-6.)
1597. We present our Vicar, Mr. Tanner, and Edward Trussle, for brawling, chiding and disorderlying themselves in the church.
Our church and chancel is not repaired, and the churchyard unfenced.
Our vicarage house is not sufficiently repaired.
Our Vicar, for being away a month, and we having no service.
Our Vicar, for not wearing the surplice. — (FoL 113; vol.1596-8.)
1600. John Thurbarne of our parish refuseth to pay all his cess, being made for the reparation of our parish church, being cessed at 6s. 8d. - (Fol. 273.)
James Maye of the city of Canterbury, who, upon Monday, the second day of June, did put his horse in our parish church, being offensive to divers of the parishioners there, -(Fol. 274; vol. 1598-1600.)
1601. Our belfry or steeple wanteth repairs. — (Fol. 96; vol. 1600-2.)
1602. William Leonard, Jurate of Dover, farmer of the parsonage of St. Margaret's, for that the windows of the chancel of the church are not sufficiently repaired. - (Fol. 21; vol. 1602-4.)
1606. Our church is not sufficiently repaired, by reason of the greatness of the damage which did come about by the late storm, and the poverty of the parish. - (Fol. 21; vol. 1606-7.)
1608. We want the Ten Commandments, and our church wantcth reparation. - (Fol. 5; vol. 1608-9.)
1609. - The vicarage is not suficiently repaired, the fault of Edmund Tanner, Vicar. - (Fol. 89; vol. 1609-11.)
1614. Richard Allen, farmer of our parsonage, for that the chancel is much out of repair. – (Fol. 161; vol. 1613-6.)
1616. We have no decent carpet for the Communion Table nor flagon for the wine at the administration of the Holy Communion.
Our church is not sufficiently repaired, viz., the walls and buttresses of the church and belfry, the floors in the church not well paved, or otherwise not decently kept, and the seats or pews in the church not well maintained.—(Fol. 18; vol.1616-8.)
1618. Philip
Gibbon [(an ancestor of the historian) was the elder son of Thomas Gibbon, who
in 1573 had purchased the manor of West Cliff, near Dover and was buried in
West Cliff Church, January 15, 1596. Philip rebuilt the manor-house in 1627,
which date is on the house. He married in 1586, at West Cliff, Elisabeth one of
the daughters of Thomas Philpot, by whom
he had two sons, Thomas and Matthew; also a daughter, Mary, who married in 1611
Thomas Shea of
Further he informeth that the vicarage-house is much decayed and in great want of repairs, and is holden up by props and shaws, and the walls much broken.
Further he liveth offensively, by haunting of taverns and ale-houses.
When the Vicar appeared in the Court he said:—That he hath the books, viz., a volume of the Book of Martyrs, which Sir Peter Manwood gave to him, as he understood it, but since he understandeth otherwise, he will restore them, with the book of Jewel's works, within this month. And promiseth to restore the vicarage.—(Fol. 24; vol. 1617-9.)
1619. Our steeple wanteth some reparations, and we humbly crave a convenient time for the repairing of the same.— (Fol. 35.)
1620. We present that the steeple of St. Margaret at Cliffe is not sufficiently repaired, and because the breach and ruin thereof is so great that it cannot be made up in a short space, and winter now approaching there can be no convenient working about it. — (Fol. 163.)
1621. That the church is not sufficiently repaired, by reason of certain drops of rain coming through the lead covering the roof of the church in divers places thereof, which we will with all convenient speed amend; only we humbly crave some reasonable time for the better effecting thereof. — (Fol 257; vol. 1619-21.)
Edward Croydon of the parish of Thanington near Canterbury, yeoman; that whereas one Richard Croydon of the parish of St. Margaret at Cliffe did by his last will and testament devise and bequeath a legacy of two bushels of barley yearly forever out of his lands, now in the occupation of Edward Croydon, towards the reparation of the church of St. Margaret at Cliffe aforesaid; and that the barley hath been for many years paid by the said Edward; nevertheless of late times for the term of these sixteen years at the least, he hath withheld and detained the yearly rent of barley, and absolutely denieth any further payment of the same. - (Fol. 65.)
1622. A gutter or leaden pipe on the north side of the church is not well and sufficiently repaired.[In July 1622, the Minister and inhabitants of St. Margaret’s, Dover, sent a petition to Lord Zouch, Warden of the Cinque Ports, for his influence to obtain letters-patent towards the repair of their parish church, and the sea-mark there, which are much decayed, the inhabitants being unable of themselves to rebuild them – Cal. Of State Papers, 1619-23, p. 435.]
The churchyard is not well fenced. — (Fol. 132; vol. 1621-2.)
1637. The south aisle of our church, for that it is not sufficiently repaired ; and we do hereby crave a sufficient time for the repairing. — (Fol. 99.)
1639. We have no decent and convenient Communion Table, nor a decent linen cloth for the same table.
One of our Bells, [At present there is only one bell, dated 1696. In Church Bells of Kent, p. 388, it is said that “local tradition asserts there were more bells here, but no documentary or other evidence exists.” This “one of our bells” proves the accuracy of the local tradition. And see below, under 1679.] which is broken, and is not serviceable for any use. — (Fol. 270; vol. 1636-9.)
1679. There are three bells belonging to the parish church of St .Margaret's, and two of them are cracked; and the steeple of the church is so weak and shattered, having a crack in it from the top to the bottom, and so hath been for some years past, that it must be wholly taken down before any frame and bells can be set up, otherwise it would soon shake the steeple down; and that the steeple, frame, and casting of the two bells, with hanging of the same, would cost at least £400 to £500, which sum the parishioners are not able to raise, being very poor, the major part of them tenants. That the parish church is very large, and doth yearly cost a considerable sum of money to repair. Whereupon the Judge monished William Homesby to appear the next court-day after Michaelmas. – (Fol. 45; vol. 1675 -98.)
1569. (Archbishop Parker's Visitation.)
Rectory: - Impropriator, the Dean and
Chapter of
That we lack the Bible in the largest volume, and the Paraphrase of Erasmus.
Our Minister doth his service sometimes in a surplice and sometimes without one.
They lack the Queen Majesty's Injunctions.
Our Minister doth minister the Communion in the finest white bread.
They lack their quarter sermons. — (Vol. 1569.)
1583. George Tucke, [The Toke or Tooke family possessed Bere Court in this parish from before the time of Henry V. George Toke was the only son of Richard and Margaret (Pipe) Toke. George married Peyton, the daughter of Thomas Monins, by whom he had eight sons and five daughters. He died in 1611.] gentleman, for that he hath not received the Holy Communion in our parish or elsewhere to my knowledge, since Easter was twelve-months. - (Vol. 1 577-83.)
1606. We have a Book of Common Prayer and a Bible, but to my knowledge we have no Book of Homilies, because our Minister is a preacher.
2. Our Communion Table hath no carpet of silk or other decent stuff, but only a white linen cloth to lay on it when our Communion is administered, and that our Table is not so seemly as it ought to be.
3. We have no Degrees of Marriages [forbidden] in our parish to my knowledge.
4. We have a pulpit-cloth of black buckram, and a Communion cup of silver, but our surplice is insufficient, and our Minister doth mislike to wear it— (Fol. 740
1607. We present Philip Gibbon of the parish of Westcliff for that he refuseth or delayeth to pay the sum of 40s., which he is cessed at towards the reparations of the parish church, the same having been demanded of him.
When he appeared in Court he stated: - that in the time that he was churchwarden of the parish he did lay out and disburse the several sums of money in a schedule or note to these presents annexed, for necessary ornaments for the church of Westcliff, which do extend unto the sum of 19s., but for that he is taxed and cessed at a greater rate than other parishioners, and which have more and better land than he hath.
Schedule: -
The several sums
of money that Philip Gibbon hath laid out for necessary ornaments in the
A new Book of Common Prayer, 4s.
A yard of black bay to cover the pulpit, 2s. 8d.
The Ten Commandments in the east end of the church, according to the Article in that behalf provided, 3s.
A Table of Degrees in the church likewise, 1s.
A Book of Canons, 1s.
The Book of Articles, 1s.
A Book of Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Great Deliverance, 1s. — (Fol. 97.)
Our Minister doth wear the surplice, but he weareth no hood that we know of.
He doth not catechise the children in his parish, as is required.
When Edmund Tanner, the Minister, appeared in Court he stated : — The churchwardens do not, nor hath not, provided a sufficient surplice for him to wear, otherwise he doth not refuse to wear the surplice.— (Fol. 119.)
Our chancel lacketh tiling, which Mr. Tucke should mend, but hath not, though he have been spoken to of it— (Fol. 120.)
1608. That the church is not sufficiently repaired and seemly paved. We present that the chamber or loft under the bells is not birthed or boarded, but lieth all open very dangerously. – (Fol. 132.)
We have a parchment book as is required [for Registers], but the chest wherein we keep it, hath but one lock and key. – (Fol. 149.)
We present our Minister for that on Wednesdays and Fridays he doth not read prayers in our church, as he is required.
He weareth the surplice but seldom, and I have not seen him wear any hood at all.
That he doth not catechise the youth of our parish.
That to my knowledge our Minister hath not, nor doth not, wear a hood or tippet, nor a square cap.
When Edmund Tanner appeared in the Court on December 10, he confessed:—That of late time he hath not read service on Wednesdays and Fridays, for that none of the parishioners will come to prayers on the same days, and that the parish is small and not above six households. That he weareth the surplice usually, but not every Sunday, for that sometimes coming in the rain to the church, his cloak is wet, so that he doth not wear the surplice. That he hath heretofore observed and used to catechise the youth, but for that of late they neglect to come, he hath omitted to perform the same.
That at St. Margaret at Cliffe, where he is Vicar, he doth wear the square cap, but that Westcliff is some mile or thereabout from St. Margaret's, he doth not bring his square cap thither with him; and further that he hath not as yet provided him a tippet or hood, but will shortly.—(Fol. 153.)
1609. Our Minister, Mr. Edmund Tanner, for not serving our church on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as is required.
He doth not catechise, except in Lent, and he hath not read the Book of Canons in one whole year.—(FoL 1/5.)
Our Curate, Mr. Tanner, for brawling in our church on Palm Sunday, being a day of celebrating the Holy Communion.- Fol. 175.)
The chancel is not sufficiently paved.
Mr. George Tucke, for being absent from Church thirty-one Sundays in one whole year, and for refusing to pay 12d. the day to the poor for those days.
Mr. George Tucke, for not paying his cess towards the reparations of the church, being 8s. 4d. – (Vol. 1602-9)
1615. The carpet for the Communion Table is somewhat old, and we purpose to buy a new carpet.
We want a decent cloth or cushion for the pulpit, and that we want such a manner of flagon certified in the Article, but our wine is brought for the Communion in a fair glass bottle, but we purpose to provide both these.
The seats in our church are not well maintained, but we do such reparations purpose to amend. – (Fol. 123.)
1616. That our Minister doth now and then, more than beseemeth a man of his calling, resort to ale-houses and taverns. – (Fol. 142; vol. 1609-18.)
1639. Thomas
Tooke, esquire, now of this parish, for not paying of his church cess in the
year 1634, where he then dwelt, being 18s.
XXXXVII.—
(Now in Elham Deanery)
[1557? - Cardinal Pole's Visitation.] William Knight of River, for that he did jest and rail of [on?] the Gospel, when the priest did read it in the pulpit, and did say that he played "jack apye."
1563. It is presented that the chancel is very ruinous and in decay.
They lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus, the default of the parson. –(Vol. 1563-64.)
1569. (Archbishop Parker's Visitation.)
Rectory:—Impropriator,
the Archbishop of
Vicarage in patronage of the same.
Vicar: - Dom Richard Phontayne, who is married, and does not reside, having also the Vicarage of Lydden and of Ewell in the same Deanery; not a preacher or licensed to preach not a graduate.
Householders, 18.
Communicants, 27.
That we lack the Paraphrase of Erasmus. That our Bible is torn and out of order. William Denne of Telmanstone doth withhold three shillings by the year from our parish. — (Vol. 1569.)
1572. That our church is become very ruinous, in the seats and pews thereof, in so much that unless your worship assist us with your authority therein, the same seats and places now ruinous will in short time mould and consume away, because we know not whether they should not be builded by the charge of every several man for his own seat, or otherwise by a general cess. - (Fol. 47; vol. 1572-4 Acta Curiae.)
1574. We, the churchwardens and sidesmen of Newington-next-Hythe, do present, that upon the eleventh day of July last past, being Sunday, Browne of River and two of his servants did play, as it may be termed "fydeled" there, in evening prayer [time], but who they were that danced we know not — (Fol. 72.)
.
1575. We present that River church and the porch of the same have great need of tileing, and the churchyard of fencing. – (Fol. 145; vol. 1574-76.)
1579. Thomas Rendall of the parish of River, who hath certain lands in the parish of Northbourne, and thereabouts a tenement, which he hath let unto one John Kyett, between whom there hath been harboured a woman unmarried. — (Fol 30; vol. I577-83.)
1580. See under Badlesmere in vol. vii, p. 212.
1588. That the Register Book of christenings, marriages and burials, is not orderly kept. — (Fol. 60.)
1590. We present our chancel for that it doth lack repairing ever since Christmas, and is not as yet repaired and amended. – (Fol. 92.)
Laura Dobell, for standing excommunicate, and doth not seek to be absolved or released. – (fol. 93; vol. 1585-92.)
1596. That the churchyard is unfenced, the church and chancel unglazed; and that their bible is rent and torn. – (Fol. 58; vol. 1585-92, part ii.)
1605. That we have service said usually on Sundays and Holy-days but it is divers times said between eleven and twelve of the clock, which is somewhat too late, and likewise our service is not fully said as is prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer
2. That our Minister doth seldom-times read service on Wednesdays and Fridays, not being Holy-days, neither doth he read the Litany and the Commination against sinners, when he doth say service on such days.
3. We know not whether our Minister be an allowed preacher or not, but we have demanded it of him, and he denieth to tell us, neither have we a sermon every Sunday.
4. We know not whether our Minister be an allowed preacher or not, but this we say, that he neither preacheth himself, nor procureth a sermon to be preached once every month at the least, neither readeth Homilies on that day wherein there is no preaching.
5. We say that our Minister hath two benefices, but doth not maintain a preacher in his other benefice, where he doth not reside, neither yet doth preach himself usually at ours; but whether he preacheth or no at the other parish we know not.
6. Our Minister catechises every Sunday and Holy-day. — (Fol. 63.)
That the Ten Commandments and Table of Degrees of Marriages forbidden are not set up and placed in the church, as they ought to be.
Also there is no Book of Homilies in the chnrch, and that the church-porch is not well repaired. - (Fol. 65.)
1606. The steeple of our church, which is ruinous and fallen into decay; for the repairing of it we desire a day of your worship. – (Fol. 86.)
1607. One of our bells is cracked, and it raineth in at some places of our church, for which we desire a day to be repaired, and our bell to be recast. – (Fol. 99.)
We, the churchwardens, do present Richard Heniker of Charlton that he refuseth to pay his cess towards the reparation of our church, being lawfully cessed, the sum is 22s 2d. – (Fol. 129.)
1608. That Nicholas Lingham and his son did on the 23rd and 30th days of October fast past, being Sundays, on both or one of them, go a hunting with his dog, to the offence of well disposed people.— (Fol. 1 50.)
Nicholas Hobday did travel with his waggon or carnage on All Saints' Day last past, in the time of Divine Service, to the offence of well and godly-disposed people. — (Fol. 154; vol 1602-9.)
1634. Simon Stone, for not paying his cess to the reparation of our parish-church, he being cessed at 6s. 8d. — (Fol. 24.)
John Allen, for not paying his cess, likewise made for the reparation of our parish-church, he being cessed at 33s 4d. whereof he hath paid 17s. and there remaineth unpaid 16s 4d. which he refuseth to pay.
On November 18, when Allen appeared in Court, he confessed: — That he was cessed at so much, and that he hath paid 18s. towards it, and hath laid out some money concerning the church, being churchwarden, at the time of making the cess and now also, and did forbear to pay the rest till the other churchwarden make his account, though the churchwarden hath refused to present his account, he being his fellow-churchwarden; and also divers of the parishioners have complained to him about the other churchwarden, concerning his bad account, and not buying materials at the best rate; and that the other churchwarden's name is Baker. — (Fol. 25; vol. 1585-1636, part ii.)
On September 25, 1679, Paul Lukin, notary, appeared in Court and alleged: - That he is deputed, by his Grace the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, collector of the tenths due within the Diocese of Canterbury to their Majesties at Christmas, 1678; and also of the arrears of the tenths then due and in arrears to the said Archbishopric. And the Vicar of River is in arrears for tenths for these years, 1661-70, 1674-8, and the church of River is now partly fallen down, and is unfit for the reading of Divine Service there till it be repaired; and therefore be prayed that the tithes belonging to the vicarage may be sequestrated to discharge these tenths due and in arrears that so the same may be cleared off against the church is repaired. – (Vol. 1675-98; Fol. 50.)
(Anciently in
1560. That the Vicar is parson of Barston [Barfreston], and there liveth.
These whose names do follow do withhold certain kine and ewes, being stock of the church, and for relieving of the poor: - Mrs. Moninge, Mrs. Portway, Thomes Giles, Stephen Wickham,…. Andrew of Barham, John Bailye, late of Lydden.
John Deacon is an evil-man, and that he doth misuse himself very unseemly towards the Priest, telling him that he lied, openly before all the people when he was in the pulpit. (Fol. 8; vol. 1560-84.)
1565. That the body of our church is very amiss, and also the steeple is in great decay.
The chancel where the Communion-table should stand is unpaved.
That we have no Paraphrase, the farmer of the rectory is the goodwife Stoddard, who ought to give half the money to the providing thereof.
1567. William Curie of Eastrey doth owe unto our church three ewes, and he hath had them to farm this sixteen years, and denieth both the stock and the farm.—(Vol. 1566-7.)
1569. (Archbishop Parker's Visitation.)
Rectory:—appropriator the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Vicarage:—in the patronage of the same.
Vicar:—Dom. Robert Bannister, who is married, resides there, and is hospitable as far as he is able. He has also the vicarage of Coldred in the same Deanery; not a preacher, nor licensed to preach; not a graduate.
Householders, 21.
Communicants, 83.—(Fol. 23.)
That they have not
the Paraphrase of Erasmus, and that Mr. George Bingham of
That John Stodard's widow hath in occupying two acres of land called Wassell-land, out of the which there hath been paid two bushels of wheat yearly, to be made in wassail-bread and given to the poor, as there is divers now hath distributed the same, and it is with-holden, and they are examined before Master Denne of the payment thereof.
That our Vicar is Vicar of Coldred.—(Vol. 1569*)
1570. That we lack in our Church the Paraphrase; and the parish did give their money to Mr. George Bingham to buy us one withal, then being one of our parish, and we can neither get of him the Paraphrase nor our money; for if we might have one we were answered. Our Vicar, with other of our parish, have often required the same, but he delays us from day to day. Wherefore we crave your speedy aid and help therein. - (Vol. 1570-71.)
1574. The floor of the body of the church is to be repaired and amended, for it is in sore decay. The porch of the church is in great decay and unrepaired.- (Fol. 58; vol. 1574-76.)
1577. That we lack a cover for our Communion-cup, and the gate of the churchyard is broken.
1605. That part of the wall of the church is decayed and fallen down, and also the gate of the churchyard wanteth repairing and amending.
1606. We have a parchment book, but for the keeping of the book we have no such coffer, neither is it otherwise kept than by our Minister.
The last churchwarden would not buy the Book of Canons, and that our Minister did not read the same this year, because we have them not in the church.
The Communion-table is not kept in such manner, it is not covered in the time of Divine Service with any carpet of silk or other decent stuff or cloth at the time of administration; neither have we the Ten Commandments set up in the church; nor seat very convenient for our Minister.
We have a decent pulpit, well placed in our church, yet not seemly kept for the preaching of God's word.
We have no strong chest in the church for the alms of the poor.
Our church and chancel are well maintained with glazing but not sufficiently repaired; the floors are not paved at all, nor possibly can be kept clean and seemly as becometh the house of God.
The churchyard lieth open to the highway, and so hath been left with the church a long time by the last churchwarden, the gates and walls not being sufficiently maintained, kept and shut up.
We have no table of degrees of marriages forbidden.
No pulpit cloth or cushion of silk, neither would the last churchwarden all his time buy any. – (Vol. 1602-9.)
1613. Abias Pownall, William Neame, and Edward Gibbon, With others of the parish, did take away or cause to be taken away out of the churchyard, four trees growing in the churchyard, four trees growing in the churchyard, and felled by the Vicar towards the reparation of his vicarage house, which was so by them done since Christmas
1612. - (Fol. 53.)
That the steeple of the parish-church is very much out of repair and wanteth shingling.—(Fol. 77.)
1615. John Marsh, for not paying five several cesses towards the necessary repairs of our parish church and steeple, being lawfully cessed at such times 23s. 4d. towards the repairing of our church and steeple.—(Fol. 113.)
1617. All is well, saving that we want a sufficient chest with three locks and keys, and that our churchyard is not sufficiently repaired.—(Fol. 191.)
1618. John Marsh, for refusing to pay his cess towards the reparations of the parish church there, for 280 acres of land which he occupieth in the parish, being cessed at three farthings the acre.—(Fol. 207; vol. 1610-37.)
1629. Our churchyard lieth unfenced, but it shall be done so soon as possibly it may be.—(Fol. 156.)
1632. Thomas Philpot, gentleman, farmer of the parsonage of our parish, for not repairing the chancel of our parish-church, which is open on the top thereof for want of tiles, so that the pigeons do come in there and defile our seats, neither can our parishioners sit dry thereunder when it raineth.— (Fol. 181.)
1637. A Book of Homilies we have, but no Bible of the largest volume.—(Fol. 234; vol. 1610-37, Part ii.)
1679. The bells belonging to the parish church wanteth new hanging, and there is no font within the church. The churchwardens were to provide a font, and place it in the church between this and the next court day after Michaelmas, and then to appear and certify thereof, and also what had been done about the hanging of the bells. – (Fol. 22; vol. 1675 – 89)
1560. That they have neither vicar nor curate, but they have a minister that serveth alternate vicarages.
They have no Paraphrase. (Fol. 23; vol. 1560-84.)
1578. Our chancel walls lack washing over and plastering in one place.
That we had no preaching by any since the last Visitation (our curate excepted), whose order hath been the last year, every Sunday to expound to our edifying some part of the articles of our faith, the Ten Commandments and the Lord's Prayer.— (Fol. 15; vol. 1577-83.)
1580. See under Badlesmere in Vol. vii, p. 212.
1585. - Robert Ralie and Ambrose Collard, the churchwardens, that they have sold certain lead away, which was upon the church. That the steeple wanteth reparations and that they have not presented the same, — (Fol. 6.)
1586. We, the churchwardens, present our steeple to be now at this time at reparations, viz., the stone work is somewhat decayed and wanteth reparations. - (Fol. 8.)
1588. We have a fair Bible, but not of the new translation, and that our Books of Homilies are out of order, that is to say, rent, but we will presently repair them.
Both the church and chancel are somewhat out of reparation, but we will amend it. - (Fol. 54.)
1590. Our minister hath not this Lent said any service on Wednesdays and Fridays.
That we have had but two sermons this year, but our minister doth read the Homilies orderly.
There is in our church one place in a piece of new work where in time of rain there doth issue in water, the which we would have mended before this time, if we had got a workman. – (Fol. 88.)
1591. That John Hammond, deceased, churchwarden, sol away our church-house, worth £5, and never accounted for the same, nor yet his executrix, who was Elinor his wife, and bow the widow of Edward Piper, deceased. – (Fol. 118.)
1592. These shall be to signify unto your Worship, that, as the report is, Thomas Hamon by his last will gave unto the poor of Swingfield £5. Since his death Eleanor Piper widow, his mother, hath taken administration of his goods, and so his will is unproved, and the poor without their money [given] to them by the said Thomas's bequest. — (Fol. 141; vol. 1585-92.)
On September 20 the churchwardens of the parish appeared before the Official to explain why: —
They had not gone the perambulation of the parish this year, and that they have not a convenient and decent pulpit in the church, being evil to [get] up into, and too deep, and no desk unto it.
There is no convenient seat for the minister to sit, to read the divine service, but only a board or desk nailed up.
There is a grave in the church that is sunk down which is an annoyance to the parishioners.
That there are certain of the parish, one or more, that have and do misuse the minister as well in the church as the church-yard, and specially did chide with him in the church or churchyard, and called or termed him "bad-fellow."
That all the defects abovesaid be notorious, and yet you have not presented any of them.
The churchwardens confessed; saving as touching the mischief offered and done towards their minister, Daniel Dutton knoweth not anything. But Thomas Tresser said that about Lammas last, a little before harvest, Robert Symons of their parish did quarrel and chide with their minister in the church and churchyard, among which his chiding and quarrelling, he called or termed him “bad fellow.” – (Fol. 66.)
The certificate
for the reparartion of our church, whereunto we were enjoined, made
Further we signify unto your Worship that we have made a decent seat or pew for our minister to sit in, and also have amended our pulpit, and also have reared the grave as we were enjoined.
Thomas Tresser}
Daniel Dutton } churchwardens. (Vol. 1585-1636, fol. 66.)
1605. We have no convenient cover cloth for our Communion Table.
We have not the Ten Commandments yet.
We have no convenient pulpit, neither conveniently placed, as our minister hath informed us.
We have such a chest, but not orderly kept, for the alms of the poor.
We have no cushion and cloth for our pulpit. — (Fol. 53.)
Our minister confesseth he doth not. [The question is not recorded; its purport may be inferred from what follows] He sometimes wears the surplice; and we think he doth not cross them [children at baptism].
When on June 28, Robert Twisden, curate of Swingfield, appeared, he confessed : — That he hath not used heretofore to sign children, being by him baptised with the sign of the cross, but saith that having conferred with Mr. Archdeacon thereabouts, is resolved to use the same sign, and will use it hereafter.— (Fol. 58.)
1606. That the persons hereunder named do refuse to pay their several cesses hereunder mentioned, made and cesscd for the reparation of the parish church: —
Richard
Rolfe the elder 2s. 4d.
Richard
Coller 1s 6d.
1607. We have no such [parish] clerk that can read, but the accustomed wages are paid him. – (Fol. 125; vol. 1602-9.)
On December 17, 1661, John Simons of Swingfield appeared in the Archdeacon’s Court and stated:- That he is now Lieutenant of the Trained-band for the Hundred of Folkestone, and is owner or proprietary of the mansion-house called Smershall, with a great quantity of land and other the appurtenances thereunto belonging, together with a very fair estate in fee-simple, situate and being in the parish of Swingfield. And that there are five seats or pews situate in the belly of the parish church, which anciently have time out of mind belnged unto the owners and inhabitants of the mansion-house with the appurtenances called Smershall, to sit and kneel in to hear Divine Service, in the church of Swingfield, at all times when Divine Service, prayers and sermons are celebrated within the same church; and that about seven years since, these pews formely being much gone to decay, low and worn out, the said John Simons at his own proper cost and expense caused the same two pews to be new birthed [floored], heightened, and amended, with new doors and every thing belonging, with wainscot and other material, very convenient and handsome for him and his wife and family for the purpose aforesaid, at the time aforesaid to sit and kneel; which several pews are in length each about seven foot of a size, and about four foot of assize [sic] either of them in breadth, they both of them standing together in the parver alley [sie aisle] uppermost next to the pulpit; the said Elisabeth [Simons] and her daughter sitting in the foremost of them, and the said John and his sons in the other of the two pews. – (Fol. 47; vol. 1639-86.) [In Parson’s Monuments in Kent (1794), p. 420. are given two gravestone inscriptions in Swingfield church: -
i.
Here lieth the body of Richard
Simons, late of Smershall in Swingfield, being of the age of 63, and left issue
two sons and two daughters, who died the
ii.
To the pious memory of John
Simons, gent. He died the
Arms: - Parted per fess and pale, three trefoils slipped: - Hasted, iii. 352.]
1662. Our church and steeple thereunto belonging of late times hath been out of repair and so hath our font also; but at this time our church is repairing and near finished. Our steeple and font is likewise in repairing, but cannot speedily be finished. But we desire from the Court a convenient time to repair them, and we intend to have them repaired with all speed that conveniently may be. – (Fol. 57.)
1663. We have no pulpit-cloth, nor herse-cloth for the decent burial of the dead as is required. – (Fol. 94; vol. 1639-86).
(Now in
(Anciently in Elham Deanery.)
1557? Cardinal Pole’s Visitation?
Mr Leonard Diggs presented for taking away ten sheets of lead from the church, and for spoiling the Roodloft and taking away stones from the butteresses of the church, and for taking a cross of lead and a hand-bell.
Mr Mantell for withholding a rent of eight acres of land, that should find a lamp before the Sacrament.
William Forde for withholding 5s. from the church.
John Millett for withholding 3s. from the church. – (Fol. 41.)
1561. It
is presented that our parson doth serve
That one Roger Howre doth withhold certain lands given to the maintenance of a lamp, and our church can have no profit thereof.
That Andrew Harsfield doth keep a seam of barley of church-stock, and we have had none account.
They lack the Paraphrase.
They have had no quarter-sermons. – (Fol. 90; vol. 1561-2.)
1563. Andrew Harsfield of Barham owes unto the church a seam of barley, and hath paid it this twenty years, and now we cannot get it.
Roger Nower of Barham doth withhold 8d. by the year given to the finding of a lamp. – (Vol. 1562-3.)
It is presented that Silvester Dennys hath three ewes in his hands, which hath been due of long time and as yet not paid.
Ambrose Harpesfield [sic] of Barham hath likewise in his hands half a seam of barley, due to the church.
That there was certain money given out of the land, which now one Roger Nower occupieth, towards the finding of a lamp, being turned to no other use, but resteth in his hands.
That the Quarter-sermons are not made accordingly. – (Vol. 1563-4.)
1569. Archbishop Parker’s Visitation.
Rectory:- in the patronage of the heirs of Leonard Diggs, or the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Rector:- Dom. John Sempyer, who is married, resides there; has one benefice, and hospitable as far as he is able; not a preacher, nor licensed to preach, nor a graduate.
[These returns for the whole Deanery of Dover give a summary:
Number of churches and chapels – 13; Priests married – 7; Preachers – none; Householders – 386; Communicants – 1246. – (Fol. 56.)]
Householders, 16
Communicants, 50
1574. We present a cove [Cove means a shed, a lean-to, or low building with a shelving roof, joined to the wall of another; the shelter which is formed by the projection of the eaves of a house acting as a roof to an outbuilding. – English Dialect Dictionary.] of the parsonage barn by weather of late decayed, and we have moved the parson of it, who hath promised to repair it again.
Our church lacketh reparation of the glass windows, the which hath of late been broken down. – (Fol. 73; vol. 1574-6.)
1578. That our churchyard is somewhat in decay. – (Fol. 12; vol. 1574-6.)
1580. See under Badlesmere in vol. vii, p. 212.
1588. They say that their chancel and parsonage-house is very much fallen in decay, for reformation whereof they desire to have a day set down for the amending thereof. – (Fol. 24; vol. 1585-1636.)
1590. That the churchyard lieth wide open and unfenced, so that cattle come and spoil it. – (Fol. 108.)
1597. We
find that the last will and testament of James Broker, gentleman, to want his
due execution, for he hath given certain legacies, amongst other places, to the
church or poor of the parish of Wootton, by his last will, as in the same do
more plainly appear. And the non-payment we think to rest in Mr. Thomas Fineux,
executor of the same James Broker in his last will. [For the will of this James
Broker, buried at
1599. Our lofts in the belfry lack “bearthing” [flooring], for the which we crave a day. – (Fol. 172.)
Michael Barber, that will not pay his part of the cess made by the consent of the parishioners for the repairing of their church, 16s. – (Fol. 173; vol. 1583-1636.)
1605. We have not the Ten Commandments set up as yet, nor have we the table of the degrees of marriages [forbidden] set up. – (Fol. 57.)
1606. That the church-yard is unfenced, and by reason thereof much annoyed by cattle. – (Fol. 93.)
1607. Our
minister is not a licensed preacher [Thomas Pritchard, rector from 1590 until
his death,
1609. That Thomas Pilcher, late churchwarden, was in the time of his churchwardenship there absent from his parish church five several Sundays together. – (Fol. 181.)
Wereas we have made by general consent three several cesses and one half, towards the reparation of our church, there is one Ingram Lushington of the parish of Wootton, occupying about 32 acres of land, being in our parish, whom we have cessed every time 16d., which amounteth in the whole unto 42. 8d. and we present him for detaining the same sum, being often demanded. (Fol. 184; vol. 1602-9.)
1610. We say we hear Mr. John Coppin found certain Popish Books, hid in an old wall he pulled down.
1621. Part of the fence of the churchyard is decayed in this last winter, and is not yet repaired, for that we are willing to have the wall made up, when the frost shall be past for this year, lest it fall down quickly again. – (Fol. 38; vol. 1619-32.)
1636. I, Henry Wullett, churchwarden of Wootton do present William Rolfe of the same parish, for refusing to pay three several cesses made for the reparation of our parish church; in the first of which he is cessed at 6s. 8d. for land, after the rate of 2d. the acre; and in each of the other two at 8s. 4d. after the rate of 1d. the acre. – (Fol. 41; vol. 1585-1636).
(End
of