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TO HEHIOr EIXIS ESQ» T.R.S. -F.S.A-ftincipta iftrariim of the British Museum. A«. i'^'c-
in testimojy of miuiy years ft-ii-ndsbip .this Prial is uisrxlhca by j giuTroN .
J.emd^n:Fu2ili>rhMApril2.1S2S;WZim^frnan * Cfjiu^mx-^ter Tiait- .
CATBEDKAI. AMTIQinTIE::
EAST RNB OF THE LABY CBAPEL.
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CATHEDRAI. ATTlQUlTraS.
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0
I
THE
HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES
OF
THE ABBEY, AND CATHEDRAL CHURCH
OF
(^lontt&ttx :
ILLL'STllATI.l) BY
A SERIES OF ENGRAVINGS
OF
VIEWS, ELEVATIONS, PLANS, AND DETAILS OF THAT EDIFICE;
WITH
19iograpl)ttal antrtotcs of Cfmtncnt ^cvsons connccUD toitjb ti)c CFstnblfsJjmcnt.
BY JOHN BRITTON, F.S.A. M.R.S.L.
AND MEMBER OF OTniiR ENGLISH, FOREIGN, AND SCOTCH SOCIETIES.
ir. Btrtlrtt, D<-r.
BRACKET MONtrMENT.
SonOon :
I'UBLISHED BY LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN, PATERNOSTER ROW J
THE AUTHOR, BURTON STREET; AND J. TAYLOR, 59, HIGH HOLBORN.
1829.
C. Whitliiigham, Cbiswick.
/At- 'La/O, I
URL
A/A
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE EARL OF ABERDEEN, K. T.
PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY OF ANTIQUAUIES OF LONDON,
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS,
ETC. ETC. ETC.
MY LORD,
Although at the present time your Lordship must be anxiously
and laudably occupied in the arduous duties of an office wiiich has
been confided to you by our revered Sovereign, I cannot doubt
but your Lordship will occasionally advert to those archa'oloo-ical
studies which, at an earlier period of life, furnished both amuse-
ment and interest. In travelling over part of the continent, with
your esteemed and enlightened friend, the late Mr. Whittington,
your Lordship must have imbibed a love for that intricate and
picturesque architecture miscalled Gothic ; and the " Inquiry into
the Principles of Beauty in Grecian Architecture," from your
Lordship's pen, manifests not only much partiality for the subject,
but shews a miud qualified to appreciate this useful and important
branch of the fine arts.
The English Catltcdrals are the most interestino- objects of
our country ; for, whilst they exhibit to the Artist and Antiquary so
many scientific parts for study, and so many beautifid features to
admire, they furnish to every thinkino: observer a fertile theme for
inquiry, for reflection, and for comment. In architectural design
and construction they are replete with fancy and skill ; in their
IV DEDICATION.
component members they display endless varieties and beanties,
whilst, in their historical and biographical relations, they involve
events of parainonnt interest, and personages of the highest dignity
and estimation.
A recent lamentable event has directed public attention to the
subject of Cathedral Architecture, and its adornments. The
conflaoration of the choir and stall-work of York Minster is a
surprising event for these times ; although we find that many of the
Cathedrals of antiquity were often materially injured or destroyed
by fire. In order to preserve the finest buildings of the country
inviolate against tasteless alterations, and the ruin arisino- from
neglect, I respectfully recommend to your Lordship's most serious
attention the expediency of appointing a national establishment for
the purpose ; and remain,
Your Lordship's obedient Servant,
JOHN BRITTON.
March 5, 1829.
PREFACE.
The present volume, being the eleventh* of a series illustrative of the
architecture and history of the English Cathedrals, is at length ofiered
to the patronage and criticism of the public, after a delay more than
commonly tedious and embarrassing to its author. Although he is the
principal mover and instrument in such a work, he is dependent on,
and at the mercy of other co-operating powers. He may be zealous
and indefatigable in adopting measures, and making exertions ; but he
can only advance to certain points by himself, and must then wait the
convenience and inclinations of other persons before he can bring his
work to a close. He is liable to disappointment, delay, and mortification
from colleagues and agents, whilst he is alike subject to the common
vicissitudes and dangers of other men ; any of these things may not only
retard his progress, but wholly suspend or terminate his proceedings.
Unlike the merchant, the tradesman, and many professional persons,
whose business may be performed by clerk or deputy, the antitpiarian
author cannot resort to such assistance, in case of personal Incapacity ;
he cannot command a substitute with the same sentiments, the same
knowledge of resources and technicalities, the same inclination, zeal,
and habits as himself; and he must therefore either delay or entirely
relinquish his work. The author of the Cathedral Antiquities has had
all these reflections forced on him often, and experienced many tanta-
lizing disappointments during the progress of the publication : but in
the execution of no one Cathedral has his losses and personal privations
* These are Salisbury, Norwich, Winchester, York, Lichfield, Oxford,
Canterbury, Wells, Exeter, Peterborough, and Gloucester, the whole containing
two hundred and forty engravings, with historical and descri|itive acconnls of eacii cditice.
Whilst these illustrations display almost every variety of style, ornament, and design belonging lo
the Christian Architecture of England, the accompanying letter-press embraces an extensive mass
of historical, archtcological, and biographical information.
VI ■ PREFACE.
been so great as in that of Gloucester. He commenced it in 1826, with
pleasinj; hopes and under cheering auspices : two of his pupils were
diligently employed in measuring and making sketches of the edifice
during the summers of 1826 and 1827 ', one of whom has since fallen a
victim to that insidious disease, consumption. In the autumn of the
latter year he visited the city, to make his final survey and examination
of the Cathedral, when he experienced a compound fracture of the
right leg, and was confined to bed for some weeks, at a place remote
from home, but where he fortunately met with many kind and
generous Samaritans. These, w ith a tolerably happy disposition, m hich
always teaches him " to bear the ills we have" with firmness and
patience, and rather look forward hopingly and confidently, than rail at
fortune, and brood over an inevitable sorrow, supported and cheered
him through many a weary day and sleepless night, till the time arrived
when he was enabled to leave his prison-house, but again destined to
encounter new difficulties and new dangers. None but those who have
experienced long and painful confinement can know the exultation and
joyous sentiment of the first emancipation from it — the first glance of the
green fields and blooming flowers — the melody of the careless songsters
of the grove — the ever varying aspect and effects of the sky — and the
self assurance of returnino; health : all of which are sources of real
delight, Mhilst many other reflections pass through the mind to adorn
and enlighten the future, by contrasting it with the past.
The impositions and extortionate charges of inn-keepers have been
often complained of and reprobated ; but few humane persons would
scarcely credit the tale, that there are some of them in the present
enlightened age who are heartless and cruel enough to put a helpless
man, w ith fractured bones, into broken, damp, and insecure post chaises ;
and thus subject him not only to the risk of bodily illness, but place
him in imminent danger. From Northleach to London, the author was
doomed to travel in four of those battered vehicles, all bad, amidst
torrents of rain, part of which ran through the carriage, and, to enhance
his misery, he was continually apprehensive of being overturned, and
thereby having other bones broken, or deprived of life. Nearly
PREFACE. VII
exhausted with fatigue and dread, he entreated the portly and proud
landlord of a gay inn at Wycombe to provide him with a sound and
roomy carriage to convey him to London, his last stage. Strange to
say, and brutal as it nuist appear, he was lifted into one more crazy,
broken, and dangerous than either of the former, from which he had
escaped without bodily injury, though not without much painful anxiety
and horror. The fanatic might say on this occasion, as on the author's
release from a perilous situation, when he and his horse were mutually
struggling to extricate themselves from a deep ditch, and when the
heels of the latter frequently passed within a few inches of his head —
that it was miraculous ! ! but nature never deals in miracles. In
surmounting both these dangers, in passing through such a scene of
helplessness and pain, with only a few trifling impositions, and in being
restored to health and his wonted activity, with two legs to stand on,
though not exactly a pair, he cannot but feel grateful and sincerely
happy. To the many persons who humanely came forward to comfort
and cheer a maimed stranger, he tenders and records his heartfelt
thanks : and to the unfeeling and mercenary, whom he had the mis-
fortune to meet with, he pronounces his forgiveness. These personal
troubles having been produced in the prosecution of the History of
Gloucester Cathedral, are here narrated, as a statement of an unfortu-
nate disaster, which has been surmounted, and to inspire other persons
under similar circumstances with confidence and hope.
It is the duty, as well as pleasure of the author to record, in this
place, the names of those gentlemen to whom he has been considerably
indebted for literary aid, correct information, and personal ci\ ilities in
the execution of this volume. These are the Right Reverend the Bishop
OF THE DiocEss, the Honourable and very Reverend the Dean, and the
Reverend the Chapter, who liberally gave access to the records in
their possession ; to Dr. Baron, B. Bonnor, Esq., R. Shrapnell, Esq.,
E. W. Brayley, Esq., the Rev. John Webb, M. A., and the Rev. John
Bishop, M. A. To the two latter gentlemen, in particular, he is under
great obligations. They are both attached to the Cathedral, not only
professionally, but by the sympathy of zealous, kindly, liberal minds.
Viil PREFACE.
Solicitous to see justice done to an edifice which they admire and
revere, they have been indefatigable in searching for and communicating
every fact thej could obtain. The Essay, at the end of the volume, is
from the pen of one of these gentlemen, who in this, as in all his other
w ritings, has manifested the most fastidious attention to the letter, and
the most refined taste in appreciating the spirit of history. Thus aided,
thus supported, the Author submits his work to his friends and the public
with more than usual consolation and confidence. If it be not so copious
in biographical information and antiquarian disquisition as some readers
may wish and expect, it should be observed, that the writer could have
swelled the volume to double its size more easily than to have selected and
compressed the materials to their present compass. In the descriptive
part he might have greatly enlarged the accounts, and have entered into
more technical minutiae respecting the composition, design, ornaments,
construction, and efiects of the whole building, and of its various
component parts. For example, were he actuated by the feelings and
practices of some of his brother antiquaries, he would find no difficulty
in occupying a tolerably-sized volume with a biographical, architectural,
and critical essay on the monument of Edward the Second. But his
aim and practice on the present, as on former occasions, has been to
condense rather than to expand his materials — to select and exemplify
prominent facts in biography and history, and to explain briefly, but
clearly, all the architectural varieties and characteristics of the Cathe-
dral. It is his wish to make the descriptions and engravings mutually
illustrate each other, and jointly convey clear and correct ideas to the
mind of the reader. This, however, can never be done without the aid
of plans, elevations, and sections. These, and these only, furnish accurate
information of the true forms, proportions, and ornaments of buildings.
For want of this species of illustration the older writers on Christian,
or ecclesiastical architecture, were confused and imperfect both in
language and ideas : they embarrassed themselves and their readers,
and hence the cause of much of the controversy and diflference of
opinion which pervade their works.
THE
l^ifitorp anD Antiquities
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
4!Cfjap* jr*
ORIGIN AND FOUNDATION OF THE MONASTERY OF ST. PETER, AT (5L0UCESTEK, WITH
BRIEF HISTORICAL NOTICES OF THE SAME TO ITS DISSOLUTION.
ENRY the Eighth, though detestable as a remorseless
yrant and murderer, produced an important revolu-
tion in this kingdom by the bold and daring measure
of dissolving the monasteries. The richly endowed
Abbey of St. Peter, at Gloucester, was broken up
among the number, ils idle and useless monks dis-
persed, and its revenues and buildings, instead of
being sold or granted to lay purposes, were appro-
priated to a new body of Protestant clergy, under
the respective titles of Bishop, Dean, Prebendaries, 8vC. Hence the origin
of the See of Gloucester, and the conversion of the monastic church to a
cathedral. The new city, at that time, must have presented a singularly
contrasted scene : by shewing its long established nest of monkish drones
*/ The above initial is copied from a large illumiaated letter to " the charter of foundation of
the city of Gloucester, bishopric, and chapter," in the possession of the Corporation of Gloucester.
Tt is the letter H, with a representation of Henry VIII. presenting the charter to M'akeinaii,
Bishop of Gloucester, and his Clergy.
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL
dispersed, and sent into the world to seek a livelihood, and a new order and
class of religious persons introduced to occupy their places, who exercised
different modes of worship and discipline, and manifested dissimilar habits,
customs, and manners. Such a change must have been striking to the
inhabitants of the city. In narrating a few historical particulars of the
Abbey and See, we shall be enabled to shew some of these contrasts and
varied changes.
The city of Gloucester offers to the antiquary and historian a theme
replete with interest. Without adverting to its origin and fabled history
under the Britons, it cannot be doubted that it was a Roman station of some
extent and importance, and that it was occupied by the Anglo Saxons, and
still improved and augmented under the dynasty of the Normans. The annals
of the antient town and modern city have been laboriously and copiously
narrated by Sir Robert Atkins, Rudder, Rudge, Fosbrooke, and other
minor topographers ; but the history of the Abbey, See, and Church have
never been critically investigated and recorded. It will be the duty as well
as the pleasure of the author to attempt this task on the present occasion:
and he hopes to render it at once faithful and interesting. The Annals of the
Abbey have been fully detailed by some of the Chroniclers of the house, from
whose manuscripts we shall derive our principal facts.
In writing the early history of our religious edifices, it is often difficult,
and sometimes utterly impossible, to reconcile the numerous inaccuracies
and discrepancies of the monkish annalists, men to whom alone, in those
remote ages, knowledge was confined, and who being at once the recorders
of national affairs and the historians of their own deeds, found it their interest
rather to mislead and deceive the unlearned, than to impart to them the facts
of which they were the depositories. The early writers on Gloucester are
not exempted from this reproach, and it requires much consideration to
adduce those circumstances on which alone a reasonable reliance can be
placed. Before, however, entering into details, it may be expedient, briefly
to refer to the two principal motives which led to the foundation and
endowment of the numerous religious houses erected in this kingdom.
The Saxon kings, on their conversion to Christianity, in order to propa-
FOUNDATION OF A NUNNERY, «tl. 6
gate the doctrines to which they were tlicmselves converts, found it necessary
to impress their subjects with an idea of the superior importance of the new-
creed to the ceremonies of Paganism, and that too in a semi-barbarous age,
when the establishment of a religious house was considered an expiation for
the greatest of crimes, and also a peace ofi'ering to their Maker; this was one,
but not the chief cause of these foundations, for when the doctrine of tithes
came to be generally recognised, as it was in the eighth century, the lords of
manors and seignories thought it preferable to found and endow some
religious order on their own lands, to which the tithes of their demesnes
might be paid, and from which they received an equivocal compensation in
the shape of prayers and masses, than to be compelled to pay them to some
distant monastery, of whose inmates they knew nothing, and over whose
possessions they had no control.
Several writers, and particularly Leland, make mention of Aldad, or
Elded, as a bishop of Gloucester, in the year 490; and ofTheonus, another
bishop, who forsook it in the year 553, and became bishop of London '. He
also states that Vespasian, the lieutenant of Claudius Caesar in this kingdom,
was buried at Gloucester, in a temple there built to the honour of Claudius".
This, evidently, was not the Convent of St. Peter, for there is little doubt
but that Wulphere, the sixth of the Mercian kings, who, after murdering his
two sons, Wulfad and Rufine, for adopting the Christian faith, had himself
become a convert^, was the founder of this house (probably in expiation of
his crime) about the middle of the seventh century. By the Gloucester
Chronicle it appears that, in the year of our Lord 681, Ethelred, King of
the Mercians, and third son of Penda, and brother of Wulphere, whom he
succeeded, gave to two of his ministers of noble race, Osric, and his brother
Oswald, large possessions in the province of the Wiccii, viz. to Osric the
town of Gloucester, with certain lands in that county; and to Oswald
large possessions in Pershore\ Osric having obtained the permission of
King Ethelred, to whom he was viceroy, or " sub-i'egulus," appears to have
' Willis's Account of Cathedrals, v. i. p. C02. - Leiand's Collectanea. III. 23.
' Strutt's Chronicle of England, I. 16.5.
' Cott. 3IS. British Museum, Domitian, A. 8. Also a corresponding MS. in the archives of
the Cathedral at Gloucester.
4 OLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
completed the foundation for nuns, which Wulphere had begun, and which
was dedicated by Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bosel, Bishop
of Worcester, to Saint Peter the Apostle''.
The first Abbess was Kyneburga, or Kenburg, sister of Osric, the
founder, and wife of Aldred, King of Northumberland ", who was consecrated
by Bosel, Bishop of Worcester, and having governed the nunnery for
twenty-nine years, she died, and was buried before the altar of St. Petronilla,
near her brother Osric \
Eadburga, who had been the wife of Wulphere, King of Mercia, after the
death of her husband assumed the veil in this nunnery, and was consecrated
as Abbess by Egwin, or Edwin, Bishop of Worcester, in 710: she presided
twenty-five years, and was buried near her predecessor *.
Eva, her successor, the widow of Wulphere, son of King Penda, was
consecrated in 735, by Wilfred, Bishop of Worcester; her administration
lasted for thirty-three years, during which time she acquired large posses-
sions, and procured confirmations of them in different synods. She died in
the year 767 ^
With Eva, according to the Abbey Chronicle, expired the office of
Abbess ; for, after her decease, and during the perpetual state of war and
discord in which the kingdom was involved by the Kings of the Heptarchy,
the nuns were deflowered and dispersed, and the convent remained without
a government of any kind until the year 821 '°. About that period, Beornulph,
' Cott. MS. Dora. A. 8. Tn Froucester's Manuscript, is King yEthelted's gift to Osric, in
(J7l; and in otiier MSS. it is said that King Wulphere laid the foundation of the nunnery here in
(J7"2, and dying, left the finishing thereof to Etiielred, his successor in the kingdom of Mercia, who
appointed him to see it completed. Leland, in his Itinerary, iv. 7-5, says that Osric built it with licence
from King Ethelred ; and Osric is ever reputed to be the founder of this nunnery. Furney's ]MSS.
" ;\Ion. Aug. new edit. vol. i. p. 531.
■ Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8. fol. 126. Osric died in the year 7"2n, and was first interred in Saint
Petronilla's Chapel, afterwards removed into the Chapel of our Lady, and in Abbot Parker's
time laid under a monument of freestone on the north side of the high altar, at the foot whereof,
against the wall, is the following inscription: — " Osricus rex primus fundator hujus monasterii,
C81." Furney's MSS.
» Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8. fol. 126. ' Ibid.
"• Lei. Itin. V. iv. 76; also Cott. MS. ut supra.
NUNNERY CHANGED TO AN ABBEY. 5
or Beruulnh, King of Mercia, repaired it, and placed llierein secular priests,
on whom he bestowed part of tlie antient possessions of the nuns " ; and, in
the year 862, he confirmed to them the hxnds which had been formerly
granted by the Kings, Ethelred, Ethelbald, Ofia, Kenwolf, and other persons.
He also, by the consent of his great council, exempted the monastery, with
its appurtenances and dependencies, from all secular service, on condition
that prayers should be held in that church for himself and his heirs for
ever '^
The secular priests continued in possession until the year 1022, when
King Canute, at the instigation of Wolstan, Bishop of Worcester, and
afterwards Archbishop of York, expelled them, and introduced Benedictine
Monks '^ ; to whom the governor and inhabitants of Gloucester were at first
so averse, that, in the year 1033, Wolphinus, or Ulphin le Rue, who was
then governor of the town, slew seven of them between Churcham and
Gloucester. In the following year, in consequence of this, he was constrained
to give lands for the maintenance of as many monks as he had slain ; and on
returning home from the Papal See (to which he had probably been for
absolution), appropriated Churcham and Higlmam to that purpose '*.
Edric. — In the year 1022, Edric, who it appears had been one of the
secular priests recently expelled, was consecrated as Abbot by Bishop
Wolstan. He is accused of having wasted the possessions of the Abbey,
and of having wrongfully alienated the manors of Beggleworth (q. Badgworth)
and Hatherly '', but most probably on insufficient grounds. This Abbot
" Moil. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p. oil. '- CoU. MSS. Dom. A. 8.
'' Tanner's Notitia, p. 137.
" Lei. Itin. V. iv. 70; also Cott. MS. ut siipr. fol, 144.
'' Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8. fol. 126. b. This accusation was unjust, if \vu may Utlieve the ileed
of alienation, which, being of importance, is given at length : —
" I, Edric, Abbot in Eahlunhumc, do notify and declare in this writing, that I, in my great
necessity, have given up to one Slaidarcot the lands of Hcgbcrle and Brvyauirdc, for the terra of
his life, and this I have done in consideration of money by him paid, to wit, for fifteen pounds,
with which 1 have redeemed all the other farms of the monastery from that great tax o( lieirgcld*
laid upon all England. AVitnesscs of these things are, \Vulstan, Archbishop of Vork, and
* A tax paid for Ibe sopport of the army, ^'ide .Spelrnaii's Glossary.
6 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
presided over the inonasteiy thirty-seven years ; and on his decease, in
1058, was succeeded by
WuLSTAN, a monk of Worcester '", \\lio, by permission of King Edward
the Confessor, was consecrated by Aldred, Bishop of Worcester. This
Aldred removed the establishment of the monks, by pulling down the old
Church '" (which, according to Fosbrooke, he converted into an infirmary "*)
and founding a new one, dedicated to Saint Peter, at some distance from it,
and nearer to the city walls ''. He afterwards, under pi'etence of expenses
incurred by the building, but in fact for the purpose of extending his profuse
hospitality, alienated from the monastery the manors of Lech (North-
leach), Odyngton, Standish, and Barton, which, on his promotion to the
Archbishopric of York, he annexed to that See'". Wulstan died on a
pilgrimage to Jerusalem, in the year 1072 '■', he being the first prelate who
had attempted that journey by land ; and, because he had wasted the
possessions of the Abbey, was buried under the yew tree in the plot in the
midst of the cloisters at Gloucester". His kinsman and patron, Aldred ^^,
Lessius, Bishop of Worcester ; Aglaf, an Earl, and the whole congregation of the old monastery ;
and Anna, Abbot, and all the brethren of the monastery of Saint Oswald ; and Witriside,
governor, and the whole city of Gloucester, and many others, both English (i. e. Anglo Saxons)
and Danes. Wherefore, if he who holdeth the lands shall have committed forfeiture, let him
make amends of himself and of his own, but let the land be free, and let it be restored again to
the monastery after his decease." Cotton. MS. Dora. A. 8.
It is worthy of remark that, in this deed, Ediic is styled Abbot in Ealdenhame, which
signifies old place, in contradistinction to St. Oswald's, founded in the year 90!), by Elfrida,
daughter of King Alfred, who had conveyed thither from Bardney the remains of King Oswald.
Anglia Sacra, i. 207. Thorn, de Rudborne.
»" Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8. fol. 127. " Mon. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p. 531.
" Fosbrooke's " History of the City of Gloucester," p. 159.
" Mon. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p. 531. ■" Cott. MS. ut supra. ^' Ibid.
~ Furney's MSS.
^ Aldred is conjectured by Willis to have been buried at Gloucester, and he assigns to him
that shelf, monument, or bracket, now on the south side of the choir, opposite to Parker's tomb.
It is certainly a monument of one of the founders, as appears by the figure holding a building or
church in one of its hands. See Vignette in the title page.
FOUNDATION OF A NEW CHURCH, 1089. 7
died on the same journey ^\ An antient effigy, said to be of this Abbot, is
placed on the south side of the choir, " as though he lay in a cratch "l"
Serlo, who had previously worn the monastic habit in two or three
religious establishments in Normandy, was probably introduced to England
and advanced to this abbacy by William, Duke of Normandy, to whom
he was chaplain"". He was appointed to that dignity in the year 1072,
by the new monarch ; but such was the state of ruin and decay of the
Abbej^, that on his accession he found only two, or as some say three, adult
monks and eight boys ". By his own good management, however, and the
assistance and cooperation of Odo, the cellarer, he very much augmented
the possessions of the house ; and by the influence of the king, with whom
he was in great favour, recovered from Thomas, Archbishop of York,
the manors of Froucester, Colne-St.-Alwyn, and others, which had been
alienated in the time of his predecessor ^^ He likewise obtained a thousand
days release for the Church. In the year 1088, the monastery was burnt ^°,
and in the following year, on the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, Serlo
commenced the foundation of a new Church, Robert, Bishop of Hereford,
laying the first stone'". This was not completed until the year 1100, when
it was dedicated with great ceremony by Sampson, Bishop of Worcester,
Gundulph, Bishop of Rochester, and Henry, Bishop of Bangor ^' ; and two
years afterwards it was partly destroyed by fire, together with the city ^^.
On Palm Sunday, in the year 1095, Thomas, Archbishop of York,
appeared in the Chapter House of Gloucester, and made restitution of the
manors of Northleach, Odynton, Standish, and Barton, which had been seized
by his predecessor, Aldred, thirty years before. This, according to the
« Cott. MS. Dora. A. 8. fol. 1'27. ^ Lansdownc MS. No. 5, G84, p. 24.
■^ Lei. Itin. v. iv. 7(J. " Lei. Coll. II. -IG-l.
2« Cott. MS. ut supr. » Furney's MSS.
^ CoU. MS. ut supra. '' Ibid.
'- Anglia Sacra, I. "297. Anna!. Wintoii. Free stone (of which the Church is mostly built)
has been recently discovered in the Norman wail of (he south aile of the nave bearing' marks of
(ire; and this may account for the leaning outwards of that wall.
8 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Gloucester Chronicle, he did with many expressions of penitence, smiting
his breast, and falling down on his knees".
William tlie Conqueror, who, in the twentieth year of his reign, spent
his Christmas at Gloucester, repaired and increased the monastery, which
was in a state of great decay. Serlo, who had obtained from that monarch,
and his two sons, William the Second and Henry the First, numerous grants
and confirmations of lands and privileges, died in the year 1104, in the
sixty-eighth year of his age, leaving in the convent one hundred monks".
He was buried under a marble tomb on the south side of the presbytery''.
Peter, who had for eleven years faithfully discharged the duties of
Prior, was, in 1104, created Abbot''. He sun-ounded the Abbey with a
stone wall, and enriched the cloisters with numerous books". In his time a
dispute arose between the monks of Gloucester, and Remelin, Bishop of
Hereford, concerning the removal of the body of Ralph Fitz Auketill, or
Auketil, which Bishop Remelin had forcibly taken away. The matter was
argued in the presence of King Henry, Archbishop Anselm, Robert, Earl of
^^ CoU. MS. Doni. A. 8. fol. 128.
^' Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8. fol. 128. William of Malmesbury thus eulogises him : " And that
England may not be supposed destitute of virtue, who can pass by Serlo, Abbot of Gloucester,
who advanced that place from almost meanness and insignificance to a glorious pitch. All England
is acquainted with tiie considerate rule, professed at Gloucester, which the weak may embrace,
and the strong cannot despise. Their leader Serlo's axiom was, ' Moderation- in all things.'
Although mild to the good, he was fierce and terrific to the haughty; to corroborate which I
shall insert the verses of Godfrey, the Prior, concerning him : —
' The Church's bulwark fell when Serlo died,
Virtue's sharp sword, and Justice's fond pride;
Speaker of truth, no vain discourse he loved,
And pleased the very princes he reproved.
An hasty judgment, or disordered state
Of life or morals were his utter hate.
The third of March was the propitious day
When Serlo winged, through death, to life his way.'"
Will. Malraesb. by Sharpe, 181.5, p. 535.
»^ Willis's Mit. Abb. vol. i. p. 113. ^ Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8.
" Cott. MS. ut supra.
ABBOT WILLIAM — A. D. 1113—1130. 9
Mellent, and many other bishops, abbots, and nobles ; when it was decided
that the body should be restored. Earl Robert, at the same time, gave
sentence that for the future all persons should have right of burial where-
soever they died. To this the whole of the bishops present giving their
assent, Remeliii surrendered all claims and complaints which he had against
the Abbot for the Church of Saint Peter, in Hereford, excepting the ringing
of bells before the canons; so that the body was not dug up^^ Like his
predecessor, he made great additions to the monastic revenues, and having
governed for seven years, died in 1113.
William, surnamed Godeman, or Godemor^', a monk of this house ^"j the
next Abbot, was consecrated in the Cathedral Church of Worcester ; and
after the performance of the ceremony gave to the sacrist, as a fee, his
silken cope and vestment, and made a handsome present to the convent *\
In his time the Abbey was again burnt : the account of the fire, as given in
the Saxon Chronicle, is thus : — " On the 8th day of the ides of March,
A". 1122, the town of Gloucester was on fire; and as the monks were
singing mass, the fire also burst from the upper part of the steeple, and
burnt all the Minster and all the treasures that were therein, except a few
books and three mass hackles ''^" The Abbey Chronicle, however, states
that the injury was partial and was easily repaired by the offerings of the
bountiful. About this time was assembled by King Henry the First, in a
spacious building of this Church, sometimes called the Long Workhouse, the
first Parliament after the Conquest". William, having obtained considerable
donations to the Abbey, and becoming infirm, resigned his office in the year
1 130, and retired to St. Paternum, or Llanbadarn, in Wales, where he died,
on the 3d of the ides of July ** ; having, prior to his resignation, by consent
of the convent, appointed as his successor —
^ Cott. MSS. Dom. A. 8. ^' Ibid. *^ Annales Winton. Angl. Sac. i. 297.
*' Angl. Sac. i. 475. It seems to have been customary notonly for the Abbots of Gloucester,
but for all other Abbots within the diocess of AVorcester, to give the sacrist of that church, on
tlieir consecration, their vestment, or any garment of value they might happen to wear, and lo the
convent a sum of money.
*^ Translat. Sax. Chron. by Ingram, p. 342. " Lansd. MSS. No. G84, p. 25.
« Willis's Mit. Abb. i. p. 113.
C
10 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Walter de Lacy, his chaplain, who had been a monk in this house from
the age of seven years, having been dedicated to religion by his parents,
persons of considerable rank *''. He was consecrated at Worcester, by
Simon, bishop of that diocess, on the third of the nones of August,
A°. 113P". During his abbacy an agreement was made, in 1134, between
him and his monks, and the bishop and chapter of Hereford, respecting
the entrance money'" of St. Peter's, in Hereford, which the canons of that
church had held in times past^'. In the same year, also, Robert Curthose,
Duke of Normandy, dying at Caerdiff, where he had been prisoner twenty-
six years, was brought to this church, to which he had been a great
benefactor, and was interred in the middle choir *°, and subsequently a
wooden tomb was raised over his grave. Robert of Gloucester, speaking of
him, says : —
Ae Robert Courtehose his bropher, as God would, les pat lyf
About pre jer byvore, in prison at Kerdyf,
And byvore pe heye auter in ye abbeye of Gloucester yhure ys.
Hearne's Chron. p. 442.
Walter had great interest with King Stephen, who, at his request, in
1138, confirmed to the Convent all the different donations which had been
made to if*". He died on the 6th of the ides of February, 1139.
Immediately after his decease, two brethren of the monastery were
dispatched to Clugny, to Gilbert Foliot, a monk of that convent, and
prebendary of Newington in the Cathedral of St. Paul, London^' (and not,
as stated by Fosbrooke, Abbot of Leicester and Archdeacon of Oxford "),
who, by means of the interest which his kinsman, Milo, Earl of Hereford,
had with King Stephen, was appointed to preside over this Abbey. He was
« Cott. MSS. Dom. A. 8. i» Willis's Mit. Abb. i. 113.
■" A fee paid by tlie incumbent upon taking possession " inlroitus ;" hence fees are called in
some instances " entrance" to this day.
" Cott. MS. Dom. A. S. '" Lansd. MSS. N. 684, p. 25.
" Cott. MS. ut supr. -' Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 532.
" History of Gloucester, p. 1(5 1.
ABBOTS FOLIOT AND HAMELINE — A. T). 1139— 117». 11
consecrated on the third of the ides of June, 1139, by Robert de Betun,
Bishop of Hereford, on whose decease, his patron and tutor, Becket, was
instrumental in raising him to that see, to which be succeeded in 1149''"', and
was thence translated to London''^; being, as it is said, the first bishop
who had ever been canonically translated from one diocess to another".
He was a man of considerable talents, as appears by his official letters, but
was in the constant habit of traducing his superiors". In the contentions
between the King and Becket, he sided with the former ; and, as some
affirm, was instrumental to the assassination of the latter. In 1143 a dispute
arose between this Abbey and the newly established priory of Lanthony,
respecting the right of bui'ial.
After Foliot's promotion to the See of Hereford, Hameline, the sub-prior,
was, on the 6th of the calends of October, 1 148, elected, and was consecrated
by Simon, Bishop of Worcester, in December following. During his time
an old dispute was revived between the church of York and the monks of
Gloucester, respecting the manors of Northleach, Staudish, and Barton, to
which the archbishop still preferred a claim, notwithstanding they had been
restored by his predecessor, Thomas, after the expiration of the term for
which they were mortgaged. Hameline was necessitated to visit the court of
Rome, to defend the rights of his monastery, which he did with such ability
and success, that the Bishops of Chichester and Lincoln, to whom the dispute
was referred by Pope Eugenius, gave sentence in his favour". In 11G8,
the body of a Christian boy named Harald, supposed to have been murdered
by the Jews, was found in the Severn by some fishermen, and was buried with
great pomp before the altars of St. Edmund and St. Edward the Confessor,
on the north side of the Church of St. Peter. Between the years 1163 and
1179, Roger, Bishop of Worcester, was celebrating mass before the high
altar of the Abbey, when the north-western tower, owing to a defect in
'^ Annal. Wigorn, Aiigl. Sac. i. 47o.
■'' Mon. Aug. ut supr. from Newcourt's Repeit. Eccl. i. \2.
^ Lei. de Scriptor, vol. ii. p. 215. ^^ Godwin's De Piesiilibus Angl. p. 17li.
" Furney's BISS.
12 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
the foundation, fell down suddenly, just as he was concluding the service'*'.
After the death of Hameline, which occurred on the 6th of the ides of
March, 1179,
Thomas Carbonel, Prior of Hereford (or, according to Furney, of
St. Guthlac's, near that town), was elected Abbot in the month of October
following. On the fifth of the ides of May, 1190, a considerable portion of
the town of Gloucester was burnt, including the greater part of the otfices in
the court yard of the Abbey, as well as the two churches of St. Mary, before
the Abbey gate, and St. Oswald's, as far as the walls ■'l Richard the First,
about this time, having been taken prisoner by the Duke of Austria, the
monks of Gloucester were compelled to sell their chalices and silver vessels,
to enable them to pay their quota toward his ransom. In 1195, Hubert,
Archbishop of Canterbury, deposed Robert, Abbot of Tournay, and kept
him here imprisoned, and in fetters, for eighteen months"". In 1204 the
Abbey was injured by lightning" ; and in the month of July, in the following
year% Carbonel died, and was succeeded by
Henry Blond, or Bliint, Prior of the Abbey, who was consecrated by
Mauger, Bishop of Worcester, on Michaelmas day ", and was, in the same
month, installed by John, Archbishop of Dublin. In 1207, began the
general interdict throughout England, owing to the quarrel which had
arisen between King John and Pope Innocent, respecting Stephen Langton,
5« GiralJus Cambrensis. Angl. Sac. ii. 428. Under the patronage of Hameline, flourished
OsBORN, a monk of Gloucester, who wrote several treatises on divinity, which, by command of
King Henry the Eighth, were removed from the conventual library of Gloucester to the royal
library at London. Vide Nicolas's " Privy Purse Expenses of King Henry VIII." 8vo. 1828.
^' That is to say, the fire consumed the wood work of those two churches; with respect to
that of >SV. Mary's, ante portam, the Norman pillars and walls remained till lately, and were
removed only in 18"2i>, when a great part of that church was rebuilt. It is possible, however, that
this church might have been reconstructed in the Norman style after 1190; but that the
foundations were of very ancient date is certain, from the fact of their having been laid upon a
Roman pavement, which was developed when the body of the church was taken down. This
expression of the Chronicle, " as far as the walls," seems to signify as far as the wall next
St. Oswald's, mentioned hereafter.
«» Scriptor. Post. Bed. 430, b. " Furney's MSS.
*^ Annal. Wigorn. Angl. Sac. i. 479. " Ibid.
ABBOT BLOND — A. D. 1205—1224. 13
Archbishop of Canterbury. During the interdict the monks of Gloucester
did not allow their vicars to perform the Sunday duties in the churches
dependant upon the Abbey ; and three years afterwards King John made a
cursed tallage (as the Chronicler emphatically calls it) upon all the churches
of England. The same authority says he took from the Abbey of Gloucester
five hundred marks, and one hundred waggons, with eight horses each, for
carrying his baggage. On St. Alban's day, in 1214, the town of Gloucester
was in a great measure destroyed by fire ; at which time, according to
the Monasticon, the Abbey suffered considerably. King Henry the Third,
who was then a youth of only nine years of age, was crowned with great
splendour in the Abbey Church on the 28th of October, 1216: and about
that time a ivall was built between the Abbey and the Priory of St. Oswald's.
In the second year, following, was terminated the suit which had been
instituted against the monks of St. Peter's by the prior and canons of
St. Oswald's, respecting the church of St. John, at the north gate, the chapel
of St. Bridget, and the lands within the wall of the Abbej^, adjoining the
refectory, the larder, and the bakehouse, to the new wall next St. Oswald's'^ ;
and also respecting certain tithes which were confirmed to the Abbey, on
payment of a rent of twenty shillings to St. Oswald's Priory. In 1222, this
abbot was appointed a president of the chapter of Benedictines at Ber-
mondsey *^ ; and in the same year was commenced the rebuiUlinir of the
tower which had fallen down in the time of Hameline, his predecessor. The
management of the work was committed to Hellas, the sacrist. It appears
from the Monasticon, that about this time the Abbey was again injured by
fire°^ The Abbey Chronicle details the following particulars respecting
** The cliapel of St. Bridget, described in Abbey deeds as the cell of infirm monks, probably
stood between the prebendal house, near the gate of the infirmary, and the entrance to tlie small
cloisters, as appears from vestiges of early English arches, on the outside of the building occupied
as tenements, opposite the house of the organist. This was within ihe wall of the Abbey. The
garden alluded to is that behind the said prebendal house. The remains of the refectory,
next St. Oswald's, are most probably those which are seen in the garden, and about the prebendal
house, on the western side of the little cloister; and his kitchen and premises probably contain
the remains of the larder and the bake-house.
*' Men. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p. 533.
* It seems ditficult to account for these frequent fires: yet it should be remembered, that
14 OLOCCESTER CATHEDRAL.
two destructive fires in the town. On the seventeenth of the calends of
August, 12252, the wliole parish of St. Mary, before the gate of the Abbey,
together with part of the bake-house and brew-house, and the house
between the gate and 'the stable", and both sides of the great street, from
St. Nicholas to the bridge, and all the small streets, as far as the Barton,
were burnt down. Again, on the twelfth of the calends of June, in the
following year, a fire raged from Castle Street to the Lich Gate ; and on the
Thursday following another broke out near the Great Cross, and consumed
the whole street of the shoemakers and drapers, with the church of St. Mary
de Grace Love, and part of the church of the Holy Trinity, to the place
where the former fire ended. This Abbot dying on the tenth of the calends
of September, 1224, was succeeded by
Thomas de Bredon, the Prior, who received the benediction at Worcester
^or, according to the Chronicle, at Kidderminster), on St. Maurice's day''^
During his administration, which lasted only four years, the only event
connected with the history of the Abbey appears to be the foundation of
St. Mary's Chapel, by Ralph de Wylington, who gave a rent for the support
of two priests, to celebrate divine service there for ever*^'^; of this building
more will hereafter be given.
The next Abbot was Henry Foliot, or Foleth, Prior of Bromfeld (a cell
dependant on the monastery), who received the benediction from the Bishop
of Worcester, and was installed in the customary manner by the Archdeacon
of Gloucester, in 1228. One of the first acts of his abbacy was to enter into
Gloucester suffered much in the earlier part of its history, during the wars between the Saxons
and the Britons, and again in the bloody skirmishes of Canute and Edmund Ironside, and at a
later period, in the contest between King Henry I. and Robert, Duke of Normandy; it is also
to be observed, that there was abundance of wood in the neighbourhood, botli in the forest of
Dean and at Corse Lawn ; this latter place is said to have furnished the chestnut timber so
frequently found in the old buildings of Gloucester, whicli no doubt formerly consisted almost
entirely of wooden houses.
^ The brew-house and stable, as well as the bake-house, and other offices of the Abbey were
on the north west side of the church, beyond the refectory, and here was also the Abbey mill;
the place where it stood is still commonly known by the appellation of Miller's Green, though it
has since obtained the title of Palace Yard.
«« Annal. Wigorn. Angl. Sac. i. 486. '^ Ibid.
ABBOT HENRY FOLIOT — A. D. 122«— 1-243. 15
a compromise with Ralph de Wyliiigtoii, and Olyinpias his wife, respecting
the Chapel of St. Mary, which they had founded in the Abbey of St. Peter".
He is stated to have made various additions and improvements to the
Abbey. In 1237 died Elias de Lideford, the sacrist, who rebuilt the Touer
which had fallen down in the time of Hameline; he also constructed the
stalls of the monks ; and, according to Furney, made an aqueduct to serve
the convent with water, though by the Abbey Chronicle he appears to have
repaired it only. Certain it is that, in 1242, the new roof in the nave of the
church was completed, not, as at first, by the help of common workmen, but
by " the spirited exertions of the monks ;" and in the same year a 7iew tower
was begun, on the south side, at the west end of the church, by Walter de
St, John, the then prior.
On the fourteenth of the calends of October, 1239, the Abbey Church was
re-dedicated to St. Peter, by Walter de Cantelupe, Bishop of Worcester, in
the presence of a numerous assemblage. The Bishop, on this occasion,
granted to the church eleven days of relaxation, and commanded that the
anniversary of the dedication should be kept as solemnly as the Lord's day by
all the people of Gloucester. In the time of this Abbot the convent seems to
have been very lax in its discipline ; and it appears that, in 1230, he appro-
priated an annual rent of twenty marks out of the church of Newburgh, in
Monmouthshire, " ad caritates convenlus, de vino Gallico,'''' that is, for the
members of the convent to drink, in commemoration of their founders and
benefactors. The Bishop of Worcester visited the convent in 1239, when a
question arose as to his right of visitation, but it was at length acknowledged
™ Fosbrooke's Hist, of Glouces. p. 166, from Reg. Abb. Glouc. No. 1113. MSS. Prynn.
By this agreement the Abbot and Convent obliged themselves to find two chaplains to pray
for the souls of the founders, for ever. These chaplains were to have a clerk attendant upon
them, and were to receive a salary of two marks and a half yearly, and to have for cheese
and candles 18d. a year ; a corrody of from the cellarer, two monks' loaves, a
knight's loaf, three gallons of beer, of the Convent, and a fourth gallon of the second beer,
if their clerk should come for it at the time appointed ; from the kitcluii they were to have
three dishes of the better broth of the convent ; and on flesh days, two messes of flesh, one
of one sort and one of another: they were to dwell in the Abbey, in the lodging built by the
said Kalph, which the convent were to repair, as well as the chapel ; they were also to have
vessels from the bakehouse ; and if any of their corrody should be withholden, they were to
complain to the warden of the chapel, who would cause amends to be made by the [irior.
16 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
by the convent in chapter, that he might make this singular inquisition ex
officio''^ : three years afterwards he again visited the convent, when it seems
that the disorders there had arisen to a very high pitch ; for, having made a
partictilar examination, and corrected such things as were necessary, he
caused the Prior, and several others, to be removed". Foliot was never-
theless a great benefactor to the Abbey, and very much increased its
possessions. He died in the year 1243, and was succeeded by his Prior,
Walter de St. John, who died on the intended day of his installation.
John de Felda (Field), the Precentor of the house, was therefore
appointed his successor, and was installed December 12, 1243. On his
consecration the sacrist of Worcester received an alb and cope, as well for
Walter, not installed, as for John ". He completed the south western toiver,
which Foliot, his predecessor, had commenced. He also pulled down the
old refectory, and began to build a new one in 1246. In 1251 the Abbey is
stated to have been in debt to the amount of three thousand marks, insomuch
that the Bishop of Woi'cester, to whom the monks applied for relief, was
obliged to forbid the reception of strangers at the monastery, and to retrench
its hospitality altogether". This Abbot, before his decease, which occurred
on the sixth of the calends of April, 1263, appropriated the profits of the mill
at Over, which had been built by him, for the provision of good cheer for the
Abbey, and for the relief of the poor on the anniversary of his death.
Reginald de Hamme, or Homme, who had been chaplain to the preceding-
Abbot, was installed immediately after his death. He is said to have found
the monastery fifteen hundred marks in debt, which he was unable to pay, and
therefore applied for assistance to King Henry the Third, who, in 1272,
appointed a commissioner to provide for the observance of this grant, and to
secure the Abbey from injmy. In 1264, this Abbot, in conjunction with
the Bishop of Worcester, procured a truce to be made between the barons,
then in the town of Gloucester, and Prince Edward, who had seized the
castle : and in the following year he was summoned to parliament, being,
according to Dugdale, the first abbot who received a summons. In 1274,
" Annal. Wigorn. Angl. Sac. i. 491. " Ibid.
" Angl. Sac. i. 492. '^ Furney's MSS.
ABBOTS HOMME AND DAMAGES. — A. D. 1-277— 1300. 17
Abbot Homme, being- proctor tor the wliolo diocese of Worcester, by special
order from the Pope, in the absence of the bishop, who was detained at home
by infirmity, attended the council of Lyons. Towards the close of his
administration, in 1283, John Gifford, Lord of Brimsfield, founded Gloucester
Hall, in Oxford (now called Worcester College), for thirteen monks, to be
improved in learning", whom he chose out of this monastery, and appro-
priated to their support the church of Chipping Norton. Other monasteries
afterwards partook of the benefit of this foundation ; but the Abbey of
St. Peter of Gloucester, was obliged to maintain three or four of its monks
there, with an allowance to each of fifteen marks per annum ". Reginald is
stated to have made various ordinances for the regulation of the convent,
one of the most important of which was concerning- the obits of his monks ".
He died in 1284, and was succeeded by
John de Gamages, from Gamages, in Normandy, who was Prior of
Hereford". The royal assent was given to his election October 4, 1284'°.
He received the benediction from Godfrey, Bishop of Worcester"'. Furuey
states that he was so infirm, that year, as to be unable to attend to business,
and therefore procured from the King a licence to appoint attorneys in all
pleas relating to himself, or his Abbey. By the Chronicle already referred to,
it appears that, in the first year of his abbacy, the Convent, in consideration
of numerous losses which it had sustained, surrendered to him, for the space
of one year, various aids and remissions out of those things which were
'« Cott. MSS. Dom. A. 8. Also Lei. Col. i. 247.
~ Men. Ang. new edit. i. 534.
'* Cott. MSS. ut supr. By this ordinance it was provided that, when any professed brother
died, the brevia (or notices of his death) should be immediately written, and delivered to the
Almoner, who should transmit them to all the neighbouring priories and religious houses; and,
because this could not be done without expense, it was resolved that the followini; oflicrrs should
each contribute a small sum, viz. the cellarers and almoner I2d. each ; the sacrist, chamberlain,
and sub-almoner 6d. each ; and the precentor and infirmarer 3d. This payment was to be made
to the sub-almoner on the day of such monk's burial, under penalty of forfeiting twice the sum.
'^ Annal. Wigorn. Angl. Sac. i. 507. «" Kot. Pat. 1-2 Edw. I.
*' Anglia Sacra, ut supra.
D
18 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
specially proved to appertain to their comfort and support ^l On his
promotion to the abbacy, he found the house burthened with a debt of one
thousand marks, which he repaid, and increased the stock of sheep to ten
thousand, whence forty-six sacks of wool were sold in one year. In 1298,
William de Brok, one of the monks, and afterwards Prior of the Abbey,
became an Inceptor in divinity at Oxford, under the Chancellor of that
University ; being the first monk of the Benedictine order in England who
took the degree of doctor in that faculty*".
Another fire broke out in 1300, in a house in the great court of the
Abbey, by which the cloister, the great chamber, the belfry, and the
buildings adjoining, were burnt down*\ In the following year the Abbot,
*- Among these are 10/. from the tithes of Froucester ; from half the proceeds of the church
of Newport, 6/. 13s. Ad. ; from honey, 50s.; from the " Magistro" of the town, for cheese-cakes
(fladonibns) for the convent, 66s. 8d. ; for the second dish on seven festivals during the year, 69s. ;
for the second dish on thirty feasts of copes, by the year, 4/. ; from the Sacrist, for St. Denis'
festival, 40s. ; from the anniversary of Gilbert, Bishop of London, 2Gs. 8rf. ; from that of Thomas
de Northlech, 24s. 4d.; that of Lucy de Purtoleye, 10s. ; that of Matthew de Besyle, 5s. ; that
of Master Walter de Bernwood, 15s. The annual amount of these being 38/. IBs., besides the
Refectorar's fee of loaves, valued yearly at 40s., and the daily allowance (cxigentia) of dishes in
the refectory, valued at 100s. yearly. It also appears that, although it had been usual for the
convent to have on the seven days of festival two dishes of meat (ferculis), and a good allowance
of fresh water and sea fish, and plenty of meat on flesh days, and on every feast of copes and
albs, a good dish of fresh and salt fish ; yet, in consideration of poverty, they adopted baked
eggs for meat, and herrings for more expensive fish, which made a difterence of 10/. yearly ; the
Sacrist and Precentor also surrendered a cask of wine, which it had been usual for each of them
to receive on their festivals, which lasted three days. The total amount of these things was
Gol. 18s., whereof the deduction in the kitchen department was 32/. 19s.
^ At his inception there were present the Abbot of Gloucester, with his whole Convent, and
other noble persons, to the amount of a hundred horse ; among these were the Abbots of
Westminster, Reading, Abingdon, Evesham, and Malmesbury, with many Priors and Monks,
the whole of whom offered him a variety of presents; and all other prelates of the Benedictine
order throughout the whole province of Canterbury, who were absent, transmitted presents by
their servants.
'* As many of the inferior buildings of the Abbey seem to have been on the north side, it is
probable that the present small cloisters occupy the site of those burnt down in 1300, and that
they are referable to a much later date. The groined roof of the short passage connecting the
two cloisters is of early English architecture, and consequently we may consider it of a much earlier
period than either of the two cloisters.
ABBOT GAMAGES. A. D. 1284—1306. 19
Prior, Sub-prior, with otlier officers and monks, were oxconimnnicated l)y the
Prior of Worcester {sede vacantc), for opposing liis visitation of tlie Abbey,
on the ground that it had been visited twice before in the same year*°; but
from this sentence the Abbey appealed to the Apostolic See, and to the
Archbishop of Canterbury, who, in 1303, condemned the Abbot for con-
tumacy. A like dispute arising in the time of his successor makes it
evident that the Abbey was by no means satisfied of the Prior of Worcester's
authority in this particular*". In 1303, the old dormitory having been
blown down, this Abbot commenced the building of a new one, which was
finished by his successor, ten years afterwards. Of Abbot Gamages' great
hospitality, an instance is preserved in the account of the feast which he
made in 1305, when the justices sat in the great hall of the Abbey upon the
inquisition of Traylebaston ".
He procured many privileges for his house, one of which was a charter,
whereby, during every vacancy of the Abbot, the Prior and Convent were
appointed keepers of the Abbey until another had received the temporalities :
for every vacancy, whether it continued four months or not, they were to
pay to the king two hundred marks; and if it continued longer than that
time, to pay according to the rate of two hundred marks for every four
months *^ He was also a great donor of books and ornaments. His death
took place on the 15th of the calends of May, 1300, or, according to the
Annals of Worcester, in 1307, at which time he had lived sixty-two years in
this monastery, whereof he was Abbot twenty-three. He was buried near
his brother. Sir Nicholas Gamages, at the gate of the cloister**', and his
funeral was attended by a numerous assemblage of the clergy"".
8' Anglia Sacra, i. 507. ^ Furney's MSS.
" Much disquisition has arisen respecting the origin and application of this term, as applied to
justices itinerant. It appears, however, from Du Cange, that they carried about with them a
staff, as an ensign of their office and authority, in the same manner as a constable, in the present
day, is furnished with a certain painted stick.
»« Rot. Pat. 34 Edw. I.
"' When the workmen were erecting Bishop Benson's Screen, in 1741, they found a stone
coffin, containing " a sword, a little pewter chalice, a staff." This coffin is supposed to have
belonged to Abbot Gamages, as the chalice and staff denote an ecclesiastic, and the sword, a
knight, probably his brother. Vide Cough's Sepulchral Monuments, Intro, i. lii.
*• Anna!. Wigorn. Anglia Sacra, i. 529.
20 GLOliCESTER CATHEDRAL.
To him succeeded John Thokev, or Tory, the Sub-prior of the house,
to whose election the royal assent was given May 3, 130G, and on the 16th
he had the temporalities restored'". It appears by the Annals of Wor-
cester that he received the benediction at the Bishop of Worcester's palace
at Hardebury, on the 8th of the calends of July, 1307 ''^ In 1313 he was
excommunicated for resisting the Prior of Worcester's visitation in the
vacancy of that See; but an award being made concerning it, the Bishop of
Worcester, in the following year, absolved the Abbey, and required the
Archdeacon of Worcester to publish it ^^.
Tliokey is said to have Ijuilt the south aile of the Nave, in 1318 : but the
most noted event of his abbacy was the reception of the body oi King Eihcard
the Second, for interment". This laudable measure was of incalculable
advantage to the Monastery, as Edward the Third, in the second year of his
reign, in consideration of the expenses which the Abbey had been at in
" Rot. Pat. 34 Edw. I. ^- Anglia Sacra, i. 529.
'■'•' Dugdale's Mon. Aug. new edit. i. 534, from Keunet. Diptycha Eccl. Angl.
** It is recorded of this monarch, that, coming to Gloucester about the year 1319, he was
honorably received by the Abbot and Convent, and being present at an entertainment given in
the Abbot's hall, observed the pictures of his predecessors, and jocosely inquired if his own was
among them ; ihe Abbot, in something of a prophetic spirit, answered, that he hoped he should
have him in a more honourable place. This actually occurred, for when the King was deposed
and murdered at Berkeley Castle, by the instigation of Queen Isabel, the monasteries of Bristol,
Kingswood, and Malmesbnry absolutely refused to receive the royal corpse, through fear of
Mortimer and the Queen; but Abbot Thokey brought the dead body from Berkeley Castle, in
his own carriage, to the monastery of Gloucester, where it was received by the members of the
convent in procession, and buried on the north side of the choir, near the great altar. In Smith's
History of the Berkeley Family, it is stated that the account of ^^'illiam Aside, the receiver of that
nobleman, " in the second of Edward the Third, shewethe what he paid for dyinge of the white
canvas into black, for coveringe the chariot wherein the body of the kinge was carryed from
Berkeley Castle to Gloucester ; what the cords, the horse collers, the traces, and other necessaries
particularly cost, used about the chariot, and couveyinge of his body thence to Gloucester. (In
Hiio vasco aryenteo pro corde dicti dowiiii reyis patris reponcndo xxxvlis. viiid.) For a silver
vessel to put the King's hart in, 37s. 8d. In oblations at severall times in the Chappie of tiie
Castle of Berkeley for the king's soule, Sit/. In expences of the Lord Berkeley's family goinge
with the king's body from Berkeley to Gloucester, 18s. (id., and many the like perticularityes ;
whereto add these records here margined, more then evincinge the truth of this matter, whereby
this Lord is allowed five pounds by the day for the king's expences whilst he was at his keepinge
at Berkeley, and for soe longe time as his body remayued at Berkeley after his death."
ABBOTS THOKEY AND WYGEMORE. — A. D. 1306—1337, 21
celebrating his father's funeral, granted that upon every vacancy of the
Abbot's chair the monks should compound with tlie King, at the rate of a
hundred marks for the space of a year ; but that all knights' fees holden of
the Abbey, escheats, and presentations to churches, uliich should fall in the
time of the vacancy, should belong to the King. The Prior, as President,
and the Convent, were to keep the house in safe custody, till another superior
was admitted thereto. The escheator, or the sheriff, upon a vacancy, to make
only simple seisin within the Abbey, and so to depart"^.
Abbot Thokey acquired various possessions for the Abbey, but growing-
old and infirm, he resigned in 1 329 ; soon after w hich he died "^
John Wygemore ", who succeeded, had before been Prior of the house.
He was well skilled in mechanics, and the art of weaving"*, and made
various additions and improvements to the Abbey, both while he was Prior
and after he was raised to the abbacy. It is stated that, whilst Prior, he
built the Abbot's chamber, near the garden of the infirmary, and adorned at
his own expense the screen, or picture {tabulam), at the Prior's altar, with
burnished and gilt images, and constructed another screen of the same work
in the Abbot's chapel.
The assassination of King Edward the Second produced a superstitious
idea, that the only method of averting the Divine vengeance from the nation
was by devotion at his shrine : this opinion was doubtless strengthened and
confirmed by the monks of Gloucester, who found their advantage in it ; for
it appears that, in the time of this Abbot, the offerings to King Edward's
tomb were so great, that from their produce, within six years of his coming
to the government of the monastery, he was enabled to build the uilc of
St. Andreiv (supposed to be the north trmisejyt), a grange at Highnam, the
^ Rudder's History, &c. of Gloucestershire, p. 136, from MS. Froucester.
»« Willis' Mit. Abb. i. 115. ^ Rot. Pat. 3 Edvv. III. p. 2.
™ The Abbey Chronicle states thai he gave to the convent a vestment of green samyt, or samet,
with birds (voiucribus) of gold, \< hich he had worked with his own hands, to be worn on the feast
of Pentecost: and he provided another suit of baudekyn for the feast of the Apostles, with
various other copes of black velvet, embroidered with gold birds (probably doves).
22 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Abbot's chamber, near the great hall, the smaller hall annexed, called
" Vampeyhalle," and the chapel there. The Chronicle speaks of Wygemore
as being- exceedingly afiable ; and so humble, that he oftentimes invited one
or other of the brethren to his chamber, and refreshed them with a variety of
meats and drinks '°. Dying on the 2d of the calends of March, 1337, he was
buried on the south side of the church, near the entrance to the choir, which
he built.
Adam de Staunton, also Prior of the Monastery, was the next Abbot; the
royal assent being given to his election March 18, and the temporalities of the
Monastery restored to him April 11, 1337 '. He built the vaulting, or inner
roof of the choir, and the stalls on the Prior's side, out of the oblations
presented at King Edward's tomb". He also built the Abbot's chamber in
the vineyard-house at Over, and began to erect a wall round it, which was
completed by his successor ^ He withdrew from the cellarer and cook the
courtesies which it had been usual for them to receive from the town collectors ;
these he divided among the fraternity, to the amount of twenty shillings each *.
In 1338, he was one of the two presidents at the chapter of the Benedictines,
held at Northampton. He died in 1351, and was buried before St. Thomas'
™ Probably the chamber near the garden of the infirmary, which might be a sort of summer-
house for recreation. This remark of the writer shews in what a secluded state the abbots
generally lived, with respect to the inferior brethren.
' Rot. Pat. W Edw. III. p. 1.
^ These seem to have been very considerable, for it is stated that if all the oblations presented
at the shrine had been expended upon the church, it niigiit have been built anew; and that so
great were the offerings of the nobles and rich men, about this time, of jewels and cloth of gold,
that a hundred pieces of silk, interwoven with gold, were sold at a cheap rate. King Edward the
Third, being in danger of shipwreck, vowed to ofl'er a golden ship, which he faithfully presented,
but afterwards redeemed it, at the request of the Abbot and Convent, for lOOZ. ; the Black Prince
oflfered a cross of the same metal, containing a portion of the Holy Cross; the Queen of Scots, a
valuable necklace, with a ruby ; and Queen Philippa a heart and ear of gold.
» Furney's MS. Also Willis' Mit. Abb. i. 115.
'' It seems that the cellerer and cook had before taken fhe whole of these gifts (perhaps new
year's gifts) to themselves : it is most likely that these officers had great interest with the
tradesmen of the town who supplied the cellar and kitchen of the Monastery, and that they
received from them many presents, annually.
ABBOTS STAUNTON AND HORTON. — A. D. 1337—1377. 23
altar, built by his brother, John de Staunton, leaving a thousand marks in the
Abbey treasury, which, according to the Chronicle, he had saved that he might
be advanced to the abbacy of Evesham ^ The moveables and innuoveables
of the convent were, three years before his death, valued at 287/. \Hs. Id.,
and the members of the convent were at that time thirty-six ".
Thomas de Horton, Sacrist of the Monastery, was elected, " per viam
compromissi," to succeed him ; the royal assent being given to the election
November the 19th, the benediction bestowed at Cheltenham, by the Bishop
of Worcester, December the 4th, and the temporalities of the Monastery
restored December the 12th, 1351 '. He acquired numerous possessions,
and adorned the church with a variety of costly books, vestments, and
vessels of silver **. He also made great increase to the monastic buildings,
such as the Abbot's chapel near the garden of the infirmary, the roofing of
the®chamber of the monk's hostelry, and the great hall in the court, where
the parliaments were afterwards held. In his time also the high altar, with
the presbytery and the stalls on the Abbot's side, were begun and finished ;
and St. Paul's aile, which was commenced in 1S67, was completed in 1372,
the expense of the whole work amounting to 781/. 0*. 2(1., of which the
Abbot paid 444/. Os. 2(1. He also constructed the images, with their
tabernacles, on the north side of the entrance to the choir. After governing
twenty-six years, he resigned, November 8, 1377, seventeen weeks and
three days after which, he died, and was buried under a flat stone in the north
transept ".
° From this translation, or removal, it might be inferred that Evesham was of superior value
to Gloucester; but this was not the case at the dissolution.
* Rudder's History, &c. of Gloucestershire, p. 136.
' Compare Pat. 25 Edvr. III. p. 3.— Reg. Wigorn. Thoresby.— Willis's Mit. Abb. i. 110.
' Among these were silver plate for the use of the refectory of the Convent, four silver basins
for the high altar, viz. two large ones for the Abbot, and two smaller ones for the priest
officiating there; also two silver candlesticks for the altar, a chalice of gold, and a silver vase to
hold the holy water, with a sprinkler of silver; a cross of silver gilt, to set upon the altar whilst
the priest was officiating, a crosier of silver, two vestments of scarlet cloth, and of cloth of white
and gold.
' Lei. Itin. edit. 1711, vol. iv. p. 172. Before his resignation he made an ordinance, by
24 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
John Boyfield was elected Abbot, " per viam compromissi," towards
the close of the year 1377, having previously been Precentor of the Monas-
tery; he received the benediction from Gilbert, Bishop of Hereford, at
Whitbourn, on the Sunday before Christmas Day, and vs^as installed on
Christmas Eve '°. On the 2d of the calends of November^ in the following
year. King Richard the Second held a parliament in the great hall of the
Abbey, during the session of which, he, with his whole court, were lodged in
the house, which was so full that for some days the monks took their meals
entirely in the dormitory, but afterwards in the school house, their dinner
being cooked in the " pomerio" (query, storeroom or orchard"). In this
parliament there was much contention between the spiritual and temporal
lords, each complaining of the other's encroachments. It lasted twenty-eight
days, and concluded with the grant of a liberal supply to the King", who
before the close of the session, gave a feast in the refectory, on which
occasion the Abbot chanted high mass in the choir in the presence of an
immense assemblage of the nobility.
Boyfield had great difficulties to contend with during his abbacy; the
which he provided that, on the anniversary of his death, mass should be celebrated for him, in
vestments of blue velvet, interwoven with little moons and stars, which he himself had provided ;
that the screen (tabulam) over the altar, with its images, which had been constructed by his
assistance, should be uncovered; and that on that day the Convent should be served with wassail,
wine, and pittance out of the proceeds of the church of Camnie, and that the Prior of Stanley, for
the time being, should have charge of that church, and pay annually to the Abbot and Convent on
the anniversary of the said Abbot, and on the feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, the like
oblations which an obedientiary there paid them against the festival of Christmas.
'» Willis's Mit. Abb. i.ll6.
" On this occasion the business relative to the laws of arms was transacted in the refectory,
the guest hall was set apart for the common parliament, or house of lords; in the guest chamber,
called of old the king's chamber, on account of its beauty, was held the privy council ; and the
council of the commons in the chapter house. During the session of parliament the martyrology
was read in the choir without any respect to order ; for, says the Chronicle, the Monastery was
so crowded, that it was more like a fair than a house of religion, and the grass plat in the
cloister was so trampled by wrestling and ball playing, that not a vestige of green grass was to
be seen.
'2 Rudge's Hist, of Glouc. p. 25.
ABBOT FROUCESTER. — A. D. 1381—1412. 25
Bishop of Worcester, unjustly accused him and his Monks of incontinence,
and procured a bull from the Pope to secure to himself and to his successors
the right of visiting the Monastery ". In his time also, the revenues of the
Abbey were reduced by inundations, pestilence, and excessive hospitality,
to seventeen hundred marks, yearly '*. Boyfield died on the third of the
calends of January, 1381, and was buried on the south side of the north
•transept, near his predecessor"''.
Walter Froucester, who had previously been Chamberlain of the
Monastery, next received the royal assent, as Abbot, January 21, 1381'°.
He was an eminent scholar, and collected and transcribed the Abbey records
down to the twentieth of Edward III."' Shortly after his election, the Abbey
was sued for payment of the two hundred marks, according to the charter of
Edward I. ; but, after much argument, it was decided that this tine for the
vacancy was no longer due to the crown '^ In the following year he obtained
from the King a license of absence from all parliaments, councils, and
convocations, unless there was some particular reason for his presence. On
his first promotion, he found the house burthened with debts to the amount
of eight thousand florins, which by his prudent conduct he was enabled to
pay. By the interest of the Duke of Gloucester he procured from Pope
Urban, for himself and his successors, a grant of the mitre, ring, sandals,
and dalmatic ; likewise the right of giving the solemn benediction at vespers,
" Atkyns's Hist. GIouc. p. CO.
" The number of officers in this Monastery shews the pomp and luxury of the establishment ;
besides the abbot, there were three priors, two cellarers, two almoners, three sacrists, two
precentors, chamberlains, keepers of the refectory, infirmary, and hostillary, masters of the
churches, chapels, and works, a monk of the vill, or town, kitcheners, monks called scholares Oxon.
residing in Gloucester College, all of whom had their particular lands, rents, and emoluments ;
these officers had likewise their chaplains, attorneys, registrars, clerks, stewards, baiiitts, porters,
brewers, shepherds, &c. amounting to above one hundred and ten different persons.
'^ Willis's Mit. Abb. i. IIG.
'" Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 535, from Pat. 4 Kic. II. p. 1.
" A part of these ftlSS. is in the possession of the Dean and Chapter of Gloucester ;
a corresponding copy is preserved in the library of Queen's College, Oxford, and another is in the
British Museum, Cott. MS. Dom. A. 8, to which frequent reference has been made in this volume.
'« Furney's MSS.
E
2G GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
matins, and table, if neither Bishop nor Legate were present ". He made
great additions to the ornaments, books, vestments, silver plate, and build-
ings of the Monastery; and completed the Monks' cloister, which his
predecessor, Horton, had commenced and built as far as the door of the
chapter-house, towards the north ^^
Froucester seems to have been active in the dispatch of business, and for
many years kept at the court of Rome, as proctor, one of the brethren of the
house, by whose assistance various churches were annexed and appropriated
to his Monastery''. Dying in 1412, he was buried at the south-west part
of the choir, under the arch of the tower, where his mutilated gravestone
is said to remain".
The royal assent was given to the election of Hugh Morton, as Abbot,
on the 10th, and the temporalities of the Monastery were restored to him on
the 27th of May, 1412^'. He died, without having done any thing worthy
of particular notice, in 1420, when
John Marewent, or Morvvent, the Chamberlain, succeeded him; the
temporalities of the Monastery being restored July 14, in that year'\
According to Willis, he erected the ivest front, the south porch, and tivo
western pillars of the nave, intending-, if he had lived, to make the whole
body of the Church correspond in style ^^ Henry VI., before going abroad.
" The Chronicle states that, about this time, great crowds of people assembled at Gloucester,
to witness the translation of St. Kyneburgh from Lantonv to the castle, and tlience to the chapel
of that saint, where mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Worcester: after which the Duke of
Gloucester, together with the Bishop and the Abbot, proceeded to the banquet, where, with
music playing all the time, the pontifical ornaments were presented to the Abbot.
-" Furney states that, in some MSS. in his possession, it is said that Abbot Froucester
began the building of a " neat cloister," whose ceiling and ornamental workmanship were no where
to be surpassed. The Monasticon relates that he built the (/leat cloisters on the north side of the
church, in one of the windows of which, till the civil wars, there were verses written by himself,
detailing the history of the Convent: these are printed in the Mon. Ang. new ed. i. 542.
-' Frouces. Chron. B. M. Dora. A. 8. - Mon. Ang. new ed. i. 535.
=' Mon. Ang. ut supr. from Pat. 13 Hen. IV. p. 2. -* Ibid, from Pat. 8 Hen. V.
" Mit. Abb. i. 11(J. Rudder says, that on the second of August, 7 Hen. VI. (1427), a com-
position was made between the Abbey and the town, whereby the Lane, adjoining the south wall of
ABBOTS BOULERS AND SEABROOKE. — A. D. 1437—1457. 27
visited the Abbey, aud offered an ol)lation at King Edward's tomb'°.
Morewent died in 1437, when he had for his successor
Reginald Boulers, or Butler, D. D., to whom the temporalities were
restored November 12, 1437 ". In 1444, being appointed ambassador to
Rome and to other places, where his presence might be required for a con-
siderable time, the Prior and Convent granted him 400/. per annum out of
the funds of the Abbey, dm-ing his absence"'. Previous to his advancement
to the See of Hereford, in 1450, he was sent prisoner to the Castle of
Ludlow, by Richard, Duke of York, who was then at variance with King
Henry the Sixth.
Thomas Seabrooke, after the promotion of Boulers to the See of Hereford,
was elected Abbot, and had the temporalities restored, February the 16th,
1450^'. He pulled down the old Toicer, and began the building of the
present beautiful structure, a monument of his taste and knowledge in the
science of architecture, which distant ages will view with admiration ; but
dying before it was finished, left the completion of it to Robert TuUy, a
monk of the house, and afterwards Bishop of St. David's ^°. It appears
the Abbey, was granted to the baihffs and burgesses. Their Serjeants were empowered to carry
their maces before the bailiffs into the Abbey : and the bailiffs or their Serjeants might execute any
of the King's writs, summonses, &c. within the Abbey, excepting upon the Abbot, Monks, their
domestic servants, or counsellors.
-^ Furney's MSS. =' Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 53G, from Pat. 16 Hen. VI. p. 1.
=« Mon. Ang. ut supr. from Rudder's Hist. Glouc. p. 137. By a composition made between
the Abbey and the town, on the 20th of July, 1447, it was, amongst other things, agreed,
that no Abbot, Monk, tenant, or person retained in the service of the Abbey should be arrested
for debt, but that their chattels only should be seized : that the bailiffs should only exercise their
authority within the Abbey (although acknowledged to be within the jurisdiction of the town) in
cases of felony, treason, and other matters relative to the crown ; that the Abbey should not afford
sanctuary to persons flying from justice, nor provide lodgings for them ; but should have liberty to
maintain therein such persons as were requisite to provide them with clothes and other necessaries ;
and that if other persons taking sanctuary there should not be removed within fifteen days after
notice given to the Abbot (or in his absence to the Prior or Cellarer), the bailifl's might arrest them.
Furney's MSS. from an old book in the custody of the town clerk.
* Mon. Ang. ut supr. from Pat. 29 Hen. VI. p. 1, m. 5.
^" Furney's MSS. The Lansdowne MS. No. 004, p. 28, says that " the former tower stood in
28 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
from the name, arras, and motto of this Abbot still remaining on many of
the glazed tiles near to the altar, that he repaved the choir. He died
in 1457, and was buried in a chapel at the south-west end of the choir,
where his effigy, in alabaster, is placed upon an altar tomb ^'.
Richard Hanley was appointed the next Abbot, to whom the tem-
poralities were restored March 11, 1457^1 In the following year he
obtained from the crown, for the Abbey, a general pardon for all forfeitures,
offences, &c. ; and in 1470, William Nottingham, Esq. the Attorney-general,
and afterwards Chief Baron of the Exchequer, gave lands to the Convent,
for the erection of a chantry, to be supplied by two of the Monks'*.
This Abbot began the Lady Chapel, at the east end of the Church ; and,
dying in 1472, was succeeded by
William Farley, or Ferley, a Monk of the house, by whom the said
Chapel was completed. The temporalities were restored to him May 1,
1472 ^\ He appears to have presided over the Abbey, with great credit,
for about sixteen years : but after his death, in 1498, the Monks were so
disorderly and contentious in making interest for the Abbacy, that the King
directed a mandate to the Prior, as President, to punish all the offenders,
and to preserve order during the vacancy *^ These dissensions were,
however, put an end to by the election of
John Malvern, or Mulverne, who had restitution of the temporalities,
December 7, 1498*", and died the 13th of August in the following year;
when great contention and opposition again prevailed among the Monks for
the vacant seat. At leneth
*o'
that place which is usuallie called the comon orchard, more neare to an auntient building nowe
called the infirmary, which onelie was to be scene afar oft", with an high pine tree :" and that "the
forme of the churche, together with that most auncient fabrick in the tyme of the nunnes, is very
graphically pourtrayed in the glass window of the east side of the great cloister."
'' Furney's MSS. The Monasticon, new edit. i. 530, states, that wlien Bishop Benson
repaved the choir in 1741, Abbot Seabrooke's coffin, with several others, were opened.
32 Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 530, from Pat. 30 Hen. VI. p. 2. " Furney's MSS.
3* Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 530, from Pat. 12 Edw. IV.
== Rudge's Hist. Glouc. p. 178.
* Mon. Ang. ut supr. from Pat. 14 Hen. VII. p. 3, m. 17.
ABBOTS BRAUNCHEj NEWTON, AND MALVERNE. — A. D. 1500—1534.
2<)
Thomas Braunche, one of these Monks, was elected Abbot, August 31,
1500, and dying on the 1st of July, 1510, was succeeded by
John Newton, alias Brown, D. D. the King's Chaplain, and, at the
time of his election. Prior of St. Guthlac's, near Hereford, who had the
temporalities restored to him on the 28th of November, and was installed
the 6th of December following". Great opposition was made to his election,
and though the majority of the Monks, at that time amounting to forty-six in
the Abbey and sixteen in the Cells, were in his favour, yet John Huntley,
the Cellarer, with seventeen Monks, made an unsuccessful appeal to the
Bishop of Worcester; tlie cause of this opposition originated in his not
having been initiated in this Abbey, of which he became a Monk in 1478.
Fosbrooke says, " Clergymen were in the habit of entering the house, but
were not considered on a par with the nutrili, or regular Monks, bred in the
Abbey from infancy '^" Dying on the 15th of January, 1514,
William Malverne, alias Parker, B. D. was elected Abbot, but he did
not have restitution of the temporalities till the Gth of August, 1515^";
shortly after which he took the degree of D. D. at Oxford", and in the
following year attended a general Chapter, held at Coventry, wherein
various statutes were enacted, to reform many monastic abuses; these,
together with other constitutions respecting the proper distribution of the alms
of the.house, he transcribed into a Register, which is now in the possession
of the Dean and Chapter of Gloucester''. In 1524, he wrote a poem, which
may be seen in Hearne's edition of " Robert of Gloucester's Chronicle,"
entitled " The Foundation of the Abbey of Gloucester, and the Changes of
the same, prior to the Suppression." In March 1525, Cardinal Wolsey, by
his commissary. Dr. Allen, exercised a legatine visitation in the Abbey,
when its yearly revenues were said to amount to 1022/. 155. Id. and the
Monks acknowledged themselves indebted to the Cardinal 40/. 17*. Gt/."'
About five years afterwards, the clergy of the kingdom having incurred
^ Furney's MSS.
'^ Mon. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p- 536.
" Fosbrooke's Hist. GIouc. p. 170.
»8 Hist. Glouc. p. 179.
■"> Furney's IMSS.
<^ Rudge's Hist. Glouc. p. 178.
30 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
a prasmunire, for acknowledging and i-eceiving Wolsey's authority from
Rome, compounded Avith the King for a fine of 200,000/. ; of this sum the
Abbey of Gloucester paid 500/. " Malverne, amongst other additions to
the monastic buildings, constructed the 3Ionumenfal Chapel, or chantry, on
the north side of the choir. With Richard Skidmor, and thirty-four other
Monks, he subscribed to the King's supremacy in 1534, and continued
Abbot until the dissolution of monasteries, soon after which he died.
The Abbey was surrendered A". 31 Heni-y VIII. (1539), when its annual
revenues were valued, according to Dugdale, at 1946/. 55. 9(/., and according
to Speed, at 1550/. 4^. 5|f/. ", out of which the King's Commissioners
assigned pensions to the Prior and to the other Monks". Although a
Mitred Abbey, and endowed with great privileges, it was subject to the
visitation of the Bishops of Worcester until its dissolution''". From the
Registers of that See it appears that the last visitation was made by Bishop
Latimer in 1537".
■"^ Rudder's Hist. Glouc. p. 139.
** This variation of value arises from the omission of the cells by the latter author.
« Furney's MSS. "^ Atkyn's Hist. Glouc. p. 129.
■" Mon. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p. 536.
31
HISTORICAL NOTICES OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE SEE: ITS EXTENT, JURISDICTION,
ETC. : WITH BIOGRAPHICAL ANECDOTES OF THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PRELATES
AND DEANS, WHO HAVE SUCCESSIVELY GOVERNED THE SEE AND THE CATHEDRAL.
Having in the preceding cha}3ter detailed the most distinguishing- circum-
stances in the history of the Abbey of St. Peter, and also noticed a few
biographical traits of character of its Abbots, it will be the province of the
present section to point out such incidents and events relating to the See,
and the conversion of the Abbey into a Cathedral, as may serve to connect
and give interest to a regular narrative. Brief biographical anecdotes of the
most eminent Prelates and Deans will necessarily come into this essay.
After the dissolution an act of parliament was passed, under which the
city and county of Gloucester were constituted an independent Bishoprick,
with a Dean and Chapter, by the name of the Diocess of Gloucester: it was
also ordained, that such part of the " vill and county of Bristol" as formerly
was part of the diocess of Worcester, should thenceforth be part and parcel
of this See.
The letters of endowment, dated September 3, 1541, state that the King
" desiring above all things that true religion and the worship of God might
be entirely restored and reformed to the primitive and genuine rule of
simplicity, and that all those enormities into which the lives and profession
of the Monks had for a long time deplorably lapsed, might be corrected,
had, as far as human frailty would permit, endeavoured to the utmost, that,
for the future, the pure word of God might be taught, good discipline
observed, youth freely instructed in learning, the infirmities of old age
relieved with necessaries, alms given to poor Christians, highways and
bridges repaired ; and that all offices of piety might there abound, and
thence spread to the neighbourhood far and near, to the glory of God and
32 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
the common good and bent-fit of his subjects : and also considering that the
site of the Monastery of St. Peter, in which were many memorials of his
ancestors, was a very fit place for erecting an episcopal See, ordained, that
the Monastery should be erected into a Calhetlral Church, dedicated to the
Holy and Inrlivided Trinity.'"
The Abbey lands were also granted for the maintenance of a Bishop, a
Dean, an Archdeacon, and six Prebendaries, six minor Canons, six lay
Clerks, eight Ciioristers, two Masters, and other inferior officers. It was at
the same time ordered, that the Abbot's lodgings, with the buildings,
chapels, grounds, and other premises, his stable, and the garden at the
end of the churchyard, all within the precincts of the Abbey, the house
called the Wood-Barton, two stables, two slaughter houses, and a dog-
kennel, in the ivarisli of St. Mary de Lode, should be called the Bishops
Palace '. Three years afterwards, various statutes and orders for the better
rule and government of the Cathedral Church were compiled by Dr. Heath,
Bishop of Worcester, afterwards Archbishop of York, and Lord High
Chancellor of England ; Dr. Day, Bishop of Chichester ; and Archdeacon
Cox, afterwards Preceptor and Almoner to King Edward the Sixth".
These instruments are printed in Sir Robert Atkyns's History of Gloucester-
shire. In 1647 and the two following years, several alienations were made
of the lands with which the See was endowed, but they reverted to the
Bishoprick on the Restoration ^. By the charter of creation,
John Wakeman, the last Abbot of Tewkesbury, and Chaplain to King-
Henry the Eighth, was appointed the first Bishop of this new Diocess, on the
3d of September, 1541 ; and was consecrated, according to Le Neve, on
the 20th of the same month ^. A commission of learned persons having
been appointed to inspect and prepare the translation of the New Testament,
that portion called the Revelation was assigned to Wakeman'. By
Godwin it appears that he died in the beginning of December, 1549, and was
' Atkyns's Hist. Glouc. p. 24. - Ibid. p. 85.
' Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 538. ■* Fasti Ecclesia;, p. 101.
^ Atkyns's Hist. Glouc. p. 31.
BISHOP HOOPER. A. D. 1050—1.555. 33
buried, as Wood states, at Forthampton, county of Gloucester, where he
had a house, with a private chapeP. Willis says that he provided a place
of burial in the Abbey Church of Tewkesbury, but we have no evidence of
the real place of his interment.
John Hooper, D. D. was consecrated on the 8th of March, 1550, by
Archbishop Cranmer, assisted by the Bishops of London and Rochester ;
and was installed on the 22d of the same month'. In the earlier part of his
life he had been a Monk in the Monastery of Cleeves, county of Somerset,
but disliking the regularity of the monastic state, returned to Merton College,
Oxford, which he had entered in 1514. Here he soon became a Lutheran;
in consequence of which, together with his opposition to the statute of the
six articles, he was compelled to leave the University about the year 1539 ;
and was afterwards made chaplain and steward to Sir Thomas Arundel, of
Devonshire, a Catholic gentleman, who, soon discovering his principles,
discharged him. He then proceeded into France, but very shortly returned
to England, where being in danger of discovery by the Papists, he escaped
in disguise to Ireland, and thence to Switzerland ; there, by the advice
of Bullinger, he married a Burgundiau lady. After the accession of
King Edward VI. he visited London, where he frequently preached the
reformed doctrines; and, in 1549, became an accuser of Bishop Bonner,
■who was by his means deprived of his bishoprick. This act undoubtedly
made him an object of persecution in the succeeding reign ^ On the 2Gth
of April, 1552, Hooper surrendered his See to the crown, and upon
Dr. Heath's being deprived of that of Worcester in the same year, the
former was converted into an Archdeaconry, dependant on Worcester ; but
the privileges of the Dean and Chapter were continued. The Bishoprick
was afterwards given to Hooper, with authority to appoint the Prebendaries
in both Cathedrals ; but in the month of September, the same year, a letter
was sent him for the surrender of his See, in order that there might be a
new presentation thereto; and on the 8th of December following, (he two
« Athen. Oxon. edit. 1815, ii. 755. ' Mon. Ang. new edit. i. .538.
« Ibid. i. 2-22.
34 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Bisliopricks were united, the Diocesan to be called the Bishop of Gloucester
and Worcester, and to live one year alternately^ in each city. This union,
however, continued no longer than the reign of Edward the Sixth, by whom
it was granted".
As Bishop Hooper had strenuously opposed both Gardiner and Bonner,
it is but natural that they should manifest a particular enmity to him ; and
when the King died, it was resolved to make Hooper one of the first sacrifices
to the new monarch's bigotry. Soon after the accession of Queen Mary,
about the end of August, 1553, he was therefore summoned to London, and
on the 1st of September, following, committed to the Fleet prison, where he
remained some months'". On the 18th of March, 1553-4, his Bishoprick
was declared void ; and on the 28th of January, in the following year,
he was placed before Bishop Gardiner and others, in the church of St. Mary
Overy's, in Southwark, for examination ; w hen, refusing to retract the
doctrines he had propagated, he was condemned to be burnt as an obstinate
heretic. The Queen's pardon was offered to him, on condition that he
changed his faith, but this he refused, and his sentence was put in
execution. Having been deprived of his priesthood in Newgate, he was
after a few days interval removed to Gloucester, the place especially
appointed by the order for his execution, because the scene of his former
heresies". On the 9tli of February, 155.5, he was chained to a stake,
near an elm tree, on the north-west side of the lower churchyard, and burnt
to death by three successive fires made of green wood ". [The order for his
execution is ])rinted in the new edition of the Monasticon ; and a monument
is raised to his memory at the place of his murder.]
James Brookes, D. D. was elected Bishop, March 26, consecrated in the
church of St. Saviour, Southwark, the 1st of April, and had restitution of
the temporalities on the 8th of May, 1554. Before his promotion to this
See, he had been a Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and afterwards
Master of Baliol College, and Chaplain, or Almoner to Bishop Gardiner.
5 Mon. Aug. new edit. i. 538. >" Wood's Athen. Oxon. edit. 1015, i. 222.
" Mon. Aug. ut supr. '* rosbrooke's Hist. Glouc. p. 186.
BISHOPS BROOKES, CHEINEY, AND BULLINGHAM. — A. D. 1555— laOS.
35
Unlike his predecessor, he was a zealous papist ; and, in 155(5, was delegated
by the Pope for the examination and trial of Craiuner, Ridley, and Latimer,
when they publicly advocated the Protestant religion". After his death,
which occurred, according to the Monasticon, on the 7th of September,
1558, or, as Wood says, the beginning of February, 1558-9, the custody of
the temporalities was given to John JBoivisher, D. D. who was nominated to
the Bishoprick; but the Queen's death prevented his having it. After a
vacancy of more than three years,
Richard Cheiney, B. D. Fellow of Pembroke Hall, and afterwards of
Christ's College, Cambridge, Archdeacon of Hereford, Rector of Mades-
Norton, and of Bishop's Hampton, Vicar of Painswick, Prebendary of
Westminster, and of this Church, was elected Bishop on the 9th of March,
1561-2. He was consecrated at Lambeth on the 19th of April, following, and
in ten days after, had the Bishoprick of Bristol given to him in commendam ".
Richardson states that he was addicted to Lutheranism, and that in the first
convocation of Queen Mary he so zealously opposed Popery, that it was
wonderful he escaped with life. On the 20th of April, 1571, he was
excommunicated for contumacy ; but was absolved on the 12th of May
following '\ He died April the 25th, 1579, and was buried, as his
predecessor had been, near Abbot Parker's monument, without any inscrij)-
tion'". After a vacancy of two years, during which time the See was held
by the Queen, that she might secure the sum of 500/. owing for the tenths
of the clergy,
John Bullingham, D. D. of Magdalen College, Oxford, Prebendary of
Worcester and Lincoln, Archdeacon of Huntingdon, and Rector of Boxwell
and Withington, county of Gloucester, was consecrated September 3, 1581 ";
about which time the See of Bristol was given to him in commendam: the
latter Bishoprick he surrendered on the appointment of Dr. Fletcher, in
1589, but received in lieu thereof the Rectory of Kilmington, or Culmington,
I' Wood's Athen. Oxen. edit. 1813, i. 315.
■' De Praesulibiis, p. 552.
" Le Neve's Fasti, p. 101.
" Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 588.
'° Rudge's Hist. Glouc. p. 204.
36 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
county of Somerset '". Anthony Wood represents him as a very illiterate
man. He died at Kensington on the 20th of May, 1598, and was conveyed
to his own Cathedral for interment. His successor was
Godfrey Goldsborough, D. D. of Trinity College, Cambridge, Arch-
deacon of Worcester, Rector of Stockton, Archdeacon of Salop, Prebendary
of London, Hereford, and Worcester, the last of which he held in commendam
with this See. He was consecrated at Lambeth, November the 12th, 1598;
and, after governing six years, died on the 26th of May, 1604, and was
buried in a small chapel on the north side of the Lady Chapel, where his
monument, with an inscription to his memory, still remains. On his death,
WUlunn l^ooker, or Tucker, D. D. was nominated to this See by King
James the First, but the conge d'elire for his election was afterwards revoked
in favour of
Thomas Ravis, D. D. a native of Maiden, in Surrey, and Dean of
Christ's Church, Oxford, who was preferred to this Bishoprick in 1604 ; in
the earlier part of which year he had been appointed one of the Oxford men
to translate part of the New Testament '". Although promoted to this See
at a time when the popular sentiment was unfavourable to episcopacy, yet
his conduct, during his stay at Gloucester, secured him the respect of his
clergy and of the people committed to his charge. It is said that he made
great improvements in the episcopal palace, which his two immediate
predecessors had very much neglected. On being translated to London,
he was succeeded on the 12th of July, 1607, by
Henry Parry, D. D. Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and
Rector of Bredon, county of Worcester, which he held in cummendam with
the Deanery of Chester. In the earlier part of his life he had been Chaplain
to Queen Elizabeth, and was afterwards promoted to the See of Rochester,
whence he was translated to Gloucester, and about the latter end of Sep-
tember, 1610, was again removed to the Bishoprick of Worcester, where he
died the 12th of September, 1616. King James the First said that he never
heard a better or more eloquent preacher"". He was very charitable to the
'8 Willis's Surv. Cath. i. 722. '» Wood's x\tlieii. Oxoii. ed. 181.5, ii. 849. '" Ibid. 192.
BISHOPS PARRY, THOMSON, SMITH, AND GOODMAN. — A. D. 1007— 1G55. 37
poor : among other inijirovements, he built the pulpit that stood in Willis's
time in the nave of the Church, but has since been removed. On his
translation to Worcester, he was succeeded by
Giles Thomson, D. D. of University College, Oxford, Fellow of All Souls,
Reader of Divinity in Magdalen College, Oxford, Rector of Pembridge,
Canon of Hereford, and Dean of Windsor. He was consecrated on the
9th of June, 1611, and had restitution of the temporalities on the 27th of the
same month, with permission to keep his Deanery in commeudam for one
year, and no longer"'. This new dignity he never enjoyed, for he died in
the year following his consecration, without ever having visited his Diocess*^.
He was buried in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, where, by the inscription
on his monument, it appears tliat he was a native of London, and died at the
age of tifty-nine "'.
Miles Smith, D. D. first a Member of Corpus Christi College, then of
Brazen-nose, Oxford, was successively Rector of Hartlebury, and Upton-
upon-Severn, county of Worcester, Prebendary of Exeter, Fellow of Chelsea
College, and Canon Residentiary of Hereford ^^, was consecrated at Croydon,
September the 20th, 1612. He is described as having been a man of
extraordinary knowledge, both in the classical and oriental languages,
which gained him the name of " the walking library." King James appointed
him one of the translators of the Bible ; for which he wrote the preface, and
translated the four major and twelve minor prophets, and was rewarded by
his promotion to this See ^^ Sir Robert Atkyns calls him a stiff Calvinist,
and a great favourer of the Puritans. Dying at Gloucester, on the 19th of
October, 1624, he was buried in the Lady Chapel, under a plain stone,
without any inscription ^^.
Godfrey Goodman, D. D. of Trinity College, Cambridge, Dean of
Rochester, Prebendary of Westminster, Rector of Kemerton, in the Glouces-
ter Diocess, and of West Ilesley, county of Berks, and Canon of Windsor ;
2' Wood's Athen. Oxon. edit. 1815, ii. 850. *= Atkyns's Hist. Glouc. p. 31.
^ Pole's Windsor, p. 372. ^' Fosbrooke's Hist. Glouc. p. 188.
-' Wood, ut supra, p. 359. " Rudge's Hist. Glouc. p. 207.
38 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
of which benefices, tlie two last were held in commenclam. He was consecrated
the Gth of March, 1G24; in 1640 he was suspended, and his See sequestered
by Archbishop Laud, for not subscribing to the canons ; having been
committed to the Gate-house, " he there got (says Fuller) by his restraint
what he could never have gained by his liberty, namely, of one reputed
Popish to become for a short time popular, as the only confessor suffering
for not subscribing the canons "." Shortly afterwards he changed his opinions,
and was restored to his Bishoprick. In the time of the Commonwealth he
participated in the persecutions of the Episcopal Church ; and, according to
the coutinuator of Godwin, published a book in which, by servile compli-
ments, he in vain attempted to engage the compassion of CromwelPl
Dying on the 19th of January, 1655, he was buried in St. Margaret's Church,
Westminster, where a short memorial states that he was insane.
William Nicholson, D. D. Archdeacon of Brecknock, Canon residentiary
of St. David's, and Rector of Bishop's Cleave, was elected by the interest of
Edward, Earl of Clarendon, on the 26th of November, 1660, with license to
keep his Archdeaconry and Rectory in commenclam. His consecration did
not take place until the 6th of January"". Wood says he was a native of
Suffolk, and received his education at Magdalen College, Oxford. In 1615,
he was Chaplain to Henry, Earl of Northumberland, then a prisoner in the
Tower ; and in the following year was made Master of the Free School at
Croydon, in Surrey, where he remained until 1629, and did not receive his
diploma of D. D. until his appointment to this See. Among his writings are
" A plain but full Exposition of the Catechism, 1655." An " Apology for
the Discipline of the Antient Church, intended especially for the Church of
England, 1659." The " Exposition of the Apostles' Creed, delivered in
several Sermons, 1661, fol." and " An easy Analysis of the whole Book of
Psalms, 1662, fol." He died at Gloucester, on the 5th of February, 1671,
and was buried in a small chapel on the south side of the Lady Chapel, where
a monument and inscription to his memory still remain.
" Church Uist. b. xi. p. 170. ■^ De PrKsulibus, p. 654.
"^ Le Neve's Fasti, p. 102.
BISHOPS PRICKETT AND FRAIMPTON. — A. D. 1072—1708. 39
John Prickett, Pricket, or Prichard, D. D. of Queen's College, Oxford,
was elected to this See the 10th of October, 1G72; being permitted to hold
in commeiuluni his previous preferments, viz. the Vicarage of St. Giles,
Cripplegate, London, the Rectory of Harlington, in Middlesex, and the
Prebend of Mora, in St. Paul's Cathedral, London^". He died on the 1st of
January, 1G80, and was buried at Harefield, county of Middlesex ''. On the
28th of the same month he was succeeded by
Robert Frampton, D. D. of Corpus Christi College, and afterwards of
Christ's Church, Oxford, whei'e he took a degree in arts in 1641. Soon
after the breaking out of the rebellion, he retired to his native place,
Pimpern, in the county of Dorset, where he became a schoolmaster; he
shortly afterwards was chaplain to a man of a war, and after that to a
company of merchants, trading to Aleppo. In the latter capacity he con-
tinued about twelve years, when, returning home, he was made chaplain to
Robert, Earl of Aylesbury (or, as some say, to the Earl of Elgin), in whose
family he married, and then sailed to Aleppo, where he continued four
years, more. Again visiting his own country, he had conferred on him the
Prebend of Torliton, in the Church of Salisbury ; and in 1673 was made
Dean of Gloucester, and so continued until his preferment to the Bishoprick,
to which he was consecrated on the 27th of March, 1681, with license to hold
in commendam the livings of Fontmell and Oakford-fitz Pain, in the county
of Dorset. These he afterwards resigned for those of Aveningand Standish
in this Diocess^-. On the abdication of James II. and the consequent
elevation of the Prince of Orange to the throne of England, Bishop
Frampton, among many others, refused to take the oath of allegiance and
supremacy, and was in consecjuence deprived of this Bishoprick, the revenues
of which were sequestered into the Treasury; and the jurisdiction, by
commission of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury, conferred on Gilbert
Burnet, Bishop of Sarum. After his deprivation, he retired to his living of
Standish, where he died in 1708, and was buried in the chancel of the
Church. A dilapidated monument to his memory still remains.
"> Moil. Ang. new edit. i. 538. ^' Lysons' Account of the Middlesex Parishes, p. 118.
=- Wood's Atheii. Oxen. edit. 1815, iv. 890.
40 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Edward Fowler, D. D. was the son of a Presbyterian Vicar of Wester-
leigli, near Bristol, and received his education in the College school of
Gloucester. About the beginning of the year 1650, he entered Corpus
Christi College, Oxford, of which he was admitted a Chaplain on the 14th
of December, 1653; and on the 23d of the same month took the degree of
Batchelor of Arts, in that University. Shortly afterwards he retired to
Trinity College, Cambridge, where he took the degree of Master of Arts,
and returning to Oxford was incorporated in the same degree in July, 1656.
About this time he became Chaplain to Arabella, Countess Dowager of
Kent, who gave him the Rectory of Northhill, Bedfordshire ; whence he
removed to the Rectory of All-hallows, Bread Street, London. In December,
1675, he became one of the Prebendaries of Gloucester, and, in the latter
end of 1680, was made Vicar of St. Giles's, Cripplegate, upon which he
resigned the living of All-hallows. In 1685, he had a dispute with his
parishioners, who accused him of whiggism, and of admitting to the
communion excommunicated persons before they were absolved ; to disprove
this charge, he preached a sermon before them, on the 15th of November,
1685; this did not, however, give the desired satisfaction, for it appears
that in the December following, after a trial at Doctors' Commons between
him and his parishioners, he was suspended for having done several things
contrary to the canons of the church. After the Revolution he was amply
rewarded, being, in 1691, raised to this See, where he remained until his
death, which occurred at Chelsea, on the 26th of August, 1714". He was
buried on the north side of the yard of Hendon Church, Middlesex, in
the chancel of which a monument is erected to his -memory. His writings
are numerous, and though they might be popular and useful at the time, are
not calculated to obtain many readers now ".
^ Wood's Athen. Oxon. edit. 1815, iv. 61-2.
'' Among his numerous sermons and pam|)hlets may be named the following, " The Principles
and Practices of certain moderate Divines of the Church of England, abusively called Latitudi-
narians, truly represented and defended, 1671." " The Design of Christianity; or a plain
Demonstration and Improvement of this Proposition, viz. That the enduing Men with real
Righteousness, or true Holiness, was the ultimate End of our Saviour's coming into the World,
and is the great Intendment of his blessed Gospel, 1071." " Dirt wiped off; or, a manifest
BISHOPS WILLIS, WrLCOCKS, AND SVDALL. — A. D. 1714—1733. 41
Richard Willis, D. D. a native of Bewdley, county of Worcester,
Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, King's Chaplain, Chaplain General to
the Army, and Sub-preceptor to the Duke of Gloucester % was elected
Bishop, December the 10th, 1714, holding a Prebendal Stall in West-
minster, and the Deanery of Lincoln, in commendum. Hence he was
translated to the See of Salisbury in 1721, and thence to Winchester in
1725. He died August the 10th, 1734, and was buried in Winchester
CathedraP^
Joseph Wilcocks, D. D. born at Bristol, Fellow of Magdalen College,
Oxford, and a Prebendary of Westminster, was elected the 25th of Novem-
ber, 1721. Ten years afterwards he was translated to Rochester, which
he held with the Deanery of Westminster, annexed, refusing all higher
preferment, even that of the Archbishoprick of York. Dying on the 9th of
March, 1756, he was buried in Westminster Abbey Church, the western
towers of which had been built during his government, as Dean ^\
Elyas Sydall, D. D. born at Norwich, Fellow of Corpus Christi
College, Cambridge, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, a Prebendary
and afterwards Dean of that Church, was translated to this See from that of
St. David's on the 4th of November, 1731, and held the Bishoprick, with
the Deanery above mentioned, till his death, on the 24th of December,
1738^*. After his death a dispute of considerable warmth, though of
short duration, ensued respecting his successor. The Lord Chancellor (son
of Bishop Talbot) solicited it for his friend. Dr. Bundle, but was refused on
account of doubts entertained of that gentleman's principles by Dr. Edmund
Gibson, Bishop of London. During this contention some pamphlets were
Discovery of the gross Ignorance, Erroiieousness, and most unchristian and wicked Spirit of one
John Bunyan, Lay-preacher in Bedford, which he iiath shewed in a vile Pamphlet published by
him against the Design of Christianity, 1G72." And " Libertas Evangelica: or, A Discourse of
Christian Liberty."
^ De Praesuhbus, p. 245, and Furney's MSS.
^ Mon. Ang. new edit. i. 539. See the author's History, &c. of Winchester Cathedral.
" Brayley's History of Westminster Abbey, vol. ii. p. 235; and Harding's Account of the
Deans of Westminster.
^' De Praesulibus, p. 55G.
U
42 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
published by each party, but Dr. Rundle was ultimately promoted to the
Bishoprick of Derry, in Ireland, and his friend
Martin Benson, D. D. of Cambridge, but some time student of Christ's
Church, Oxford, was consecrated to the vacant See of Gloucester on the
lOth of January, 1734-5. He was born at Cradley, in Herefordshire,
April 23, 1689, and became successively a Prebendary of Sarum and of
Durham, Archdeacon of Berks, and Rector of Bletchley, county of Bucks.
He new paved the choir of the Cathedral, in 1741, erected stone pinnacles
to the Lady Chapel, and repaired the episcopal palace, at a very considerable
expense. On his election he declared his resolution of refusing any
promotion; and died at the palace here, August 30, 1752, and was buried in
this Cathedral.
William Johnson, D. D. second Master of Westminster School, King's
Chaplain, and Canon residentiary of St. Paul's, succeeded ; the conge (Velire
for his election being dated October 24, 1752. He was translated to
Worcester in 1759^°, and being killed by a fall from his horse, at Bath,
in 1774, was buried in Laycock Church, Wiltshire'"'.
William Warbuuton, D. D. the friend of Pope, and the editor of his
works, was next advanced to this See, in compliment to his learning and
powerful talents. The conge d'elire for his election passed December 22,
1759". His father was Mr. George Warburton, attorney and town clerk of
Newark upon Trent, at vvhich place the subject of this memoir was born the
24th of December, 1698. Originally intended for the profession of the law,
he was articled to a solicitor at East Markham, county of Notts, with whom
he served his clerkship. Want of business is the cause assigned for his
relinquishing this profession, and entering the church, in which he probably
had reason to hope for preferment, for it appears that Archbishop Dawes
ordained him Deacon on the 22d of December, 1723, and five years after-
wards. Sir Robert Sutton presented him to the Rectory of Brant-Broughton,
in the diocess of Lincoln. Here he spent the prime of his life in studious
retirement, devoted entirely to letters ; and in this seclusion, planned, and in
™ Mon. Aug. new edit. i. 539.
*" Rudge's Hist. Glouc. p. 224. See also the author's Beauties of Wiltshire, vol. iii.
"' Mon. Aug. ut supra.
BISHOP WARBURTON. — A. D. 1759—1779. 43
•
part executed, some of his most important literary works. In 1746 he became
Preacher of Lincoln's Inn, and in 1754 was appointed one of his Majesty's
Chaplains in ordinary; the following year he was made a Prebendary of
Durham, in 1757 Dean of Bristol, and two years afterwards advanced to
this See.
He died June the 7th, 1779, in his eighty-first year, and was buried in
the Cathedral of Gloucester, where a marble monument is erected to his
memory by Dr. Hurd, Bishop of Worcester, who has thus characterized
him : " He possessed those virtues which are so important in society, truth,
probity, and honour, in the highest degree. He had an ardent love of virtue,
and the most sincere zeal for religion. He venerated the civil constitution of
his country, and was warmly attached to the Church of England. His love
of letters was extreme, and his disposition to countenance all those in whom
he perceived any kind of literary merit the most prompt and generous.
As a writer and a divine it is not easy to find terms that will do justice to his
merits. His reading was various and extensive, and his discernment
exquisite. In a word, he possessed in a high degree those two qualities of a
great writer, sapere etfari; that is, superior sense, and the power of doing
justice to it by a sound and manly eloquence. The character of his style is
freedom and force united : it was properly his own, and what we call
original. In controversial compositions, he was so much superior to himself,
that barely to say he excelled in it is a poor and scanty praise. As a divine,
properly so called, he filled and adorned that character with the highest
ability. Strength of reason, exquisite learning, a critical knowledge of
antiquity, an enlarged view of the scheme of revelation, were possessed by
him, in a high degree, to which must be added that first and noblest quality,
a perfect honesty of mind, and sincere love of truth, which governed his pen
in all his religious inquiries."
Warburton's first printed work appeared in 1723, under the title of
" Miscellaneous Translations, in Prose and Verse, from Roman Poets,
Orators, and Historians." About 1726, he communicated to Theobald some
notes on Shakspeare, which afterwards appeared in that critic's edition of our
great dramatic poet. In 1727, he published " A Critical and Philosophical
Inquiry into the Causes of Prodigies and Miracles, as related by Historians ;"
44 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
also " The Legal Judicature in Chancery stated." The publication which
attracted most publicity was " The Alliance between Church and State, or
the Necessity and Equity of an Established Religion and a Test Law,
demonstrated from the Essence and End of Civil Society upon the funda-
mental Principles of the Law of Nature and Nations." The first volume of
the "Divine Legation of Moses" was published in January, 1737-8, and
produced several answers, when he printed " A Vindication of the Author
of the Divine Legation of Moses from the Aspersions of the Country
Clergyman's Letter in ' The Monthly Miscellany' of February 14, 1737-8."
In 1739-40, he published " A Vindication of Mr. Pope's Essay on Man ;" and
afterwards " A Critical and Philosophical Commentary" on the same v.ork.
In 1730, appeared "Julian ; or, A Discourse concerning the Earthquake and
Fiery Eruption which defeated that Emperor's attempt to rebuild the Temple
at Jerusalem." He edited an edition of Pope's Works in 1751 ; and produced
numerous sermons and tracts on controversial subjects : " His master-faculty
was reason, and his master-science was theology." Quar. Rev.
Mr. D'Israelli, in " Quarrels of Authors," says, "the name of Warburton
is more familiar to us than his works :" and Edwards, in " Canons of
Criticism," remarks that this prelate's works " are more known than read."
DTsraelli continues, in imitation of Warburton's style, "The literary fame of
Warburton was a portentous meteor; it seemed unconnected with the whole
planetary system through which it rolled, and it was imagined to be darting
amidst new creations, as the tail of each hypothesis blazed with idle fancies.
Such extraordinary notions cannot be looked on with calm admiration, nor
common hostility ; all is the tumult of wonder about such a man ; and his
adversaries as well as his friends, though differently affected, are often
overcome by the same astonishment ^^"
The Honourable James Yorke, LL. D. of Bennet College Cambridge,
where he proceeded M, A. in 175'i, and D. D. in 1770, succeeded Bishop
Warburton. The youngest son of Lord Chancellor Hardwick, he was
" See an able review of the character and writings of Warburton in the work here referred to,
also in " Tiie Quarterly Review," vol. vii. ; and for biographical materials see Nichols's
" Literary Anecdotes," and a volume of " Letters from a late eminent Prelate to one of his
Friends," 8vo. 1809.
BISHOPS YORK AND HALLIFAX. — A. D. 1770— 17«9. 45
successively appointed to the Deanery of Lincoln, and to the Bislioprick ot"
St. David's, whence he was translated to this See, on the 6th of July, 1779;
and on the decease of Bishop Keene, two years afterwards, removed to that
of Ely, in which he sat for more than twenty-seven years. His death was
caused by apoplexy, on the 26th of August, 1808, at Forthampton, county
of Gloucester, where his remains are deposited in a vault which he had
prepared for himself and family ". His successor,
Samuel Hallifax, LL. D. was the eldest son of Mr. Samuel Hallifax, an
apothecary at Chesterfield, county of Derby, at which place he was born,
January 18, 1733. He obtained the Chancellor's gold medal for some prize
dissertations at Jesus College, Cambridge, where, in 1754, he took the
degree of A. B. and that of A. M. three years afterwards ; he then removed
to Trinity Hall, where he proceeded LL. D. in 1764. In the following
November he was presented to the Rectory of Chaddington, county of
Bucks ; in 1768 elected Professor of Arabic in the University of Cambridge,
which he resigned in 1770, on being made Regius Professor of Civil Law.
Li this situation he acquired considerable eminence by a work entitled " An
Analysis of the Civil Law." He was appointed Chaplain in ordinary to his
Majesty in February, 1774; in the year following created D. D. by royal
mandate, and on the death of Dr. Topham succeeded him as Master of the
Faculties in Doctors' Commons. From the Marquis of Rockingham he
received, in 1778, the Rectory of Worksop, county of Notts, and on (he 8th
of October, 1781, was advanced to this See, from whence he was translated
to that of St. Asaph in 1789, being the first English Bishop thus removed to
a Welsh bishoprick. He died on the 4th of March, 1790, at the age of
fifty-seven, and was buried at Worksop. Bishop Hallifax published at
various times fourteen sermons, lectures on civil law, and some theological
works. His sermons at Bishop Warburton's lectures are much esteemed,
and his Analysis of Bishop Butler's Apology (a book abstruse and meta-
physical) annexed to the charge he published of that Bishop to his Clergy,
displays eloquence of style and profundity of thinking".
" Gent's. Mag. for 1808, Pt. II. p. 856. " Gents. Mag. for 1700, Pt. I. p. 281.
46 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Richard Beadon, D. D. of St. John's College, Cambridg-e, succeeded.
This Prelate was a native of Somersetshire, and educated at Tiverton
school. In 1758 he stood high among the wranglers of his college for his
degree, and was also a successful candidate for one of the prizes for the best
dissertation in Latin prose. Having proceeded B. A. the same year, and
A. M. in 1764, he became Fellow of St. John's College, and was appointed
Orator of his University. The present Duke of Gloucester, when sent to
Cambridge, was entrusted to the peculiar care of Dr. Beadon, who by his
conduct secured the royal favour, and paved the way to his subsequent high
promotion in the church. His preferments were the Rectories of Orset, and
Stanford Rivers, in Essex, the Chancellorship of St. David's, the Arch-
deaconry of London, to which he was appointed in 1775, and the Mastership
of Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1781. The latter of these he surrendered
on his advancement to this Bishoprick, on the 30th of May, 1789 ; and the
former on his translation to Bath and Wells, in 1802. He died at Bath, on
the 21st of April, 1824, and was removed to, and interred in the Cathedral
Church of Wells on the 30th of the same month *l
George Isaac Huntingford, D. D. Warden of Winchester College, was
consecrated Bishop of Gloucester on the 27th of June, 1802, and being-
translated to Hereford on the 23d of June, 1815, was succeeded by
The Hon. Henry Ryder, D. D. brother of the Earl of Harrowby, and
Dean of Wells. His Lordship's first preferments were the livings of
Lutterwoiih and Claybrook, in Leicestershire. In 1803 he was preferred to
a Canonry of Windsor, exchanged in 1812 for the Deanery of Wells. In
August, 1815, he was consecrated to this See, upon which he resigned his
two livings, but retained his Deanery, in conimendam. On his translation to
the Bishoprick of Lichfield and Coventry, in 1824,
Christopher Bethell, D. D. formerly Fellow of King's College, Cain-
bridge, made Rector of Kirkby-Wiske in 1808, Dean of Chichester in 1814,
was consecrated Bishop of this See April 11, 1824.
*' Gents. Mag. 1824, Pt. I. p. 459.
47
HISTORICAL NOTICES OF THE ERECTION AND ALTERATION OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF
THE CHURCH, WITH DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNTS OF THE WHOLE EDIFICE, AND OF ITS
COMPONENT MEMBERS, ELUCIDATED BY THE SEVERAL ENGRAVINGS ACCOM-
PANYING THIS ESSAY.
Of an aiitient edifice which has braved the inclemencies of many seasons,
and the vicissitudes of many centuries, which exhibits several varieties of
design and style in its architecture, and which also contains some features of
singular and unique character, it is an object of laudable research to ascertain
the times when, and persons by whom the different portions have been
executed. In spite of all the zeal, diligence, and learning that have hitherto
been exerted to elucidate this history, we are still in doubt, or ignorance on
many points. The pre^^ous pages contain some facts respecting certain
parts of the building, derived fi-om an authority which seems quite satis-
factory ; but we seek in vain for evidence of the new erection, or alteration
of several other parts of the Church, and its appendent members. Although
it appears to have been the duty of certain registrars and clironiclers of the
old monasteries to keep accounts of the various events, expenses, and
domestic affairs belonging to each house, many of which have fortunately
descended to our times ; yet their records relating to buildings, and
monuments, were either very scanty, or have been mostly destroyed. Few
have hitherto been abstracted from their archives, and we therefore hail with
more than common pleasure every incidental notice and detailed account
which we meet with in travelling over a wide waste of barren country.
From Abbot Froucester, whose collections have afforded us so much light in
this mazy way, we have gleaned some material evidence, which may serve as
so many land marks to guide us in our inquiries and deductions; these.
48 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
however, are only " few and far between," and leave many chasms to be
filled up in completing- a regular, consecutive narrative.
To the accounts of this Cathedral published by the Society of Antiquaries,
and to those of other writers, it will be necessary to make reference, in order
to profit by the researches and opinions of all, and thence endeavour to
produce a rational and satisfactory history of the fabric. Aided by the
accompanying graphic illustrations, it is hoped that this essay will be at
once intelligible and interesting to all classes of readers ; and whilst those
who have not previously studied the subject may derive some degree of
amusement from the various historical and biographical memoranda with
which it is connected, the antiquary and the architect will alike feel much
gratification in the elucidation of every fact, and in the display of every
characteristic feature of such a noble edifice as that now under review.
By reference to the annexed Ground Plait, the reader will readily
perceive the general form, arrangement, and distribution of the Church, and
of its appendant buildings. The former consists of a south porch, nave, and
ailes ; a north and south transept ; a choir, with ailes, the latter of which are
continued round the eastern, or altar end ; a Lady Chapel, to the east ; and
some chapels branching off from the north-east and south-east ends of the
ailes of the choir, and other chapels at the eastern side of the transept. To
the north of the Church is a regular, perfect cloister, with some recesses at
the north-west end, of rather unusual character. Branching off from the
eastern walk of the cloister, is an oblong chapter house, between which and
the north transept is a slyp, or long passage. At the south west angle of the
cloister is another apartment, forming at present part of the Deanery, but
which was formerly a portion of the Prior's dwelling. Such are the component
parts of the edifice, which may be said to constitute the ground tloor, and
which are all indicated, both as to situation, proportion, and horizontal
dimension, in the Plan. The substructure, or crypt, beneath the choir, its
ailes and chapels, also the superstructure of walls, openings, roofs, and tower,
with the respective characteristic features, styles, and varied decorations,
will be displayed in the different engravings. By these, and such descriptive
particulars as may seem requisite, it is hoped that we shall render the
COINCIDENCE OF ARCHITECTURE IN ANTIENT CHURCHES. 49
elucidation of this Cathedral clear and intelligible to every reader. Instead
of adopting the common-place routine of the ciceroni, or guide, we propose to
commence with the oldest part of the edifice, and proceed to notice all its
divisions, either according to the dates when they were respectively erected,
or as they are indicated by the styles of the architecture. And here it may
not be irrelevant to remark, that the Christian architects of the middle ages
were prone to jierpetual change and reform in the designs for their buildings.
On this subject they seem to have indulged in a latitude of fancy, and either
at certain epochs, or after a style, or species of building had continued in
fashion a few years, they invented and adopted another, which was generally
more ornamental than the former. It is however a very interesting and
remarkable fact, that nearly all the ecclesiastical edifices of this country,
which are of contemporaneous ages, are of a corresponding, or very similar
style. From Durham, in the north, to Cornwall, in the west, and in the
intermediate counties, a coincidence of system will be found to be very
generally, if not always manifested. It is not easy to account for this
uniformity in the architecture of churches, at places remote from each other,
by any other clue than by considering that each new style originated at, or
emanated from some convocation, or assembly of the monastic builders, or
free-masons of each respective era. It would not be difficult to exemplify
these remarks by reference to numerous buildings; but the discussion
might be considered irrelevant in this place ; and it is only thus incidentally
introduced for the sake of justifying any opinion which may hereafter be
given respecting the dates of such particular portions of the Cathedral Church
of Gloucester as are not verified by record.
It may be fairly assumed of this, as of other old churches, that the most
antient parts are its crypt and the essential walls : for one substantial founda-
tion may have been employed to support many superstructures. In the
crypt, or undercroft, we find a solidity of construction, and that quantity of
masonic material, which seems destined to endure for ages ; and we cannot
doubt it to be the very oldest part of the building. As shewn by the
annexed pla7i of the crypt, compared with the ground plan of the whole
Church (both to the same scale), it is seen that the foundation wall, the
divisions, within, the four lateral chapels, and the foundations of the tower
H
50
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
and transept, all correspond in position, arrangement, and forms ; but there
are difierences in the relative thicknesses of the walls, and in their apertures
for windows and doors. In the crypt there are two rows of small columns,
extending from east to west, and intended to carry the vaulted roof, on
which is laid the flooring of the choir. At the extreme east end is a semi-
octagoiial chantry chapel, nearly corresponding with two others at the
north-east and south-east extremity of the apsis ; but in the superstructure,
or ground floor, this central chapel is of a different form, and extended to a
much greater length : and by the previous narrative we learn that a new
Lady Chapel was commenced by Abbot Henley, and completed by Abbot
Farley, between the years 1457 and 1498. There can be little doubt
that this end of the Church was originally finished with a semi-octagonal
chapel, as in the crypt. Whilst the annexed engraving (Plate xiii.) shews
the forms of the central columns, arched roof, and effect of the middle
division of the crypt, the plan displays both its open and solid parts. In
pointing out the various divisions and peculiarities, by reference to the
letters and figures on the latter, it is hoped that the reader will clearly
understand the arrangement of this subterraneous portion of the edifice.
plan of the crypt.
LNCRAVKU ISV BKANSTON AND WRIGHT, FROM A URAWING BY THE LATE J. CARTliR.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CRYPT. 51
AAA, ground beneath the transept and central tower, the foundalion
walls of which are marked black, at b b b. Tt may be concluded that tlie
foundations, with their footings, are much wider tlian is intimated by this
dark line, which shews the walls at the base of the windows, c, an arched
passage, or avenue, commonly called the s/i/jj, between the north transept
and the chapter-house, and forming a covered Avay of communication from
the cloister to some of the Monastic offices. e, entrance to a subterraneous
chantry-chapel f, in which there was an altar at g. From the eastern side
of the north transept was an entrance to the crypt at h, now closed up.
I, a hole, or recess in the wall, calculated to puzzle the antiquary, as its
original destination is not to be easily defined. If intended as a prison, it
is appositely named Purgatory, for immurement in such a small, dismal cell,
must have been a horrid and cruel punishment '. j, north aile, branching
from which, at k, is a chantry chapel, with an altar at l, a piscina at m,
and a bracket for a light at n. There are four loop-hole windows to this
chapel. At o is an entrance to the eastern chantry-chapel, 9, the altar of
which was at 10. p, lines shewing the form of the feretoiy, above, q, chantry,
with altar at r, piscina at s, and ornamented arcade at t. The south aile, u,
with recesses, or closets v, w, and x ; z, chantry, with piscina at 2, and altar
at 3; entrance to the crypt from the south transept, y, a view of which is
given in Plate ix. At 4, 6, 8, is modern brickwork, intended to support
and strengthen the vaulting. 5, central division, having six columns on each
side, and seven arches. The foundations of the modern Lady Chapel, and
its two lateral monumental chantries are pointed out by figures 12, 15, and
16, the ground beneath, 13, whilst an open arch-way is shewn at 14.
This fine, spacious, and interesting crypt indicates its Norman origin.
' This recess, or dark hole, as well as one at w, and another at F, have all been named
prisons, or cells for confinement ; but it is not likely that there ever were so many places of this
description in one Monastery. The apartment at f was doubtless a chantry chapel, as there
are remains of its altar, piscina, lVc. ; besides, the Abbey prison was generally part of the lodge,
or dwelling of the Master of the Infirmary, who had charge of prisoners. [See Fosbrooke's
Brit. Monachism. 4to. 355]. The same author thinks that the Abbey prison at Gloucester was
beneath the Infirmary, and that it may be seen in a cellar of one of the prebendal houses.
52 OLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
I)v the iTsemblance it bears to some antient crypts beneath churches in
Normandy ; and we may safely refer its design and erection to Serlo, who was
advanced to this Abbey by the Anglo-Norman Monarch, William I. and who
it may be supposed had witnessed the construction of some noble churches
in his own country*. In the same style of architecture, and most likely of
coeval design, is the original part of the choir, with its ailes, triforia, and
lateral chantry-chapels.
The Abbey Chronicle states, that " Aldred built the Church anew, from
the foundation, in 1058;" and the same document also records, that in 1089
the first stone of a new edifice was laid by Robert, Bishop of Hereford,
by the procuration of Serlo'. The author of the account published by the
Society of Antiquaries, considers that the crypt, and the immediate superstruc-
ture, are remains of Aldred's Church, " finished and consecrated in 1058."
Mr. King, in " Munimenta Antiqua" (iv. 144), contends that the crypt, and
even the nave, are of Osric's original foundation, and that neither Aldred
nor Serlo had any share in the work. Such opinion however is scarcely
entitled to comment, for it is so completely at variance with the Monastic
Chroniclers, and with the evidence of styles, that we cannot dwell on it for
a moment, or place any confidence in a writer so hypothetical. Mr. Fos-
brooke seems inclined to refer the commencement of the Church to Aldred,
and the continuance to Serlo : but it is not easy to ascertain his sentiments
clearly, for he mixes up his own remarks so much with extracts from the
MSS. of Froucester and Furney, and the published accounts of the Society
of Antiquaries, Carter, Dallaway, &c. that the reader cannot but be per-
plexed in the labyrinth thus made. It is certainly of consequence in the
" See " Architectural Antiquities of Normandy," for Plans of the Churches of Bayeaux, and
St. Oueu at Rouen, where there are three chapels at the east end, similarly arranged to those
iu the crypt at Gloucester.
' " Anno Dili 10.50 .... ipse Aldredus Ecclesiam illam a fundametitis construxit de Novo."
Again, " hoc anno (1089) Glouc. ecclesiee locata sunt fundamenta . . . Roberto Herefordensis
Episcopo. primvm lapidem in eo ponente, agente Serlone Abbate." We further learn from the
Chronicle, that in 1100 Samson, Bishop of Worcester, dedicated the Church at Gloucester,
which Abbot Serlo had " built from the foundation:" and this statement is confirmed by
Florence of Worcester.
ARRANGEMENT OF THE GROUND PLAN,
53
histoiy of architecture, to decide whether the oklest part of the Church be
really of Anglo-Saxon, or Anglo-Norman origin : but authentic evidence is
wanting to demonstrate the fact. By referring to page 7, we find that in the
year preceding Serb's foundation, a fire had burnt, or considerably injured
the Abbey : and although it is therefore possible (as conjectured by some
writers), that the nave and superstructure of the crypt were reconstructed
by Serlo, upon the original foundation of Aldred ; yet from analogy, and
from the terms in which the Chroniclers speak of the fact, it is more probable
that Serlo commenced the work from the foundation.
Before we proceed to notice the dates of other parts of the building, it
will be advisable to point out the different divisions and members of the
Church by reference to the ground plan.
The Ground Plan, Plate i. By this delineation the whole arrange-
ment, subdivisions, forms, extent, and peculiarities of the Church, as seen
on a ground plane, are indicated : and it may tend to facilitate the clearer
understanding of the whole, to point out, in the next place, the names
and positions of the several parts. The interior area consists of a nave,
v., and two ailes, vi. ; a choir, x; south transept, xi. ; north transept, xii. ;
chantry-chapels, xv. xvi. xix. and xx, ; an aile, surrounding the choir,
xviii. ; the Lady Chapel, xxiii., having two chantry-chapels, xxiv. and xxiv.
The exterior appendages, but forming covered apartments, are the south
porch, HI. ; the cloister, xxxiii. ; chapter-room, xxix ; slyp ", or vaulted
passage, xxviii. Other references in the Ground Plan point out, the prin-
cipal western door-way, i. ; the lateral door-way, n. ; staircase to triforia
and roofs, iv. ; entrances from the nave to the cloister, vii. and viii. ; organ-
screen, IX. ; staircases to galleries and triforia, xiii. A place, sometimes
called the treasury, and by some writers a reliquary, and a confessional,
XIV. ; the chantry-chapel of St. Andrew, xv. ; another chantry-chapel, now
used as the Minor Canons' vestry, xvi. Beneath the great window of the
^ In Mr. Carter's Plan this passage is represented at thirteen feet distance from the wall of
the north transept, vhereas it abuts against that wall. He seems to have been led into this
error by shewing the ground plan and first story, both on the ground plane. It is a very
singular mistake.
54 , GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
south transept is a door-way, now closed up, commonly called the Pilgrims'
Entrance, xvii. On the right hand of the altar are stone seats, with
canopies, &c. for the officiating priests, xxi : the altar-screen, executed
ironi a design by Mr. Smirke, xxii. ; staircases to apartments over the
chantry chapels, xxv. On the south side of the altar, in the Lady Chapel,
are stone seats for the priests officiating at that altar, xxv. At the south-
east corner of the chapter-room is a staircase to the college school-room,
formerly the monastic library, xxvn. ; and at the south-west angle is another
staircase, now blocked up, xxxi. At xxx. is a door-way with semicircular
arch; and at xxxii. a window of corresponding style, to the chapter-room:
vaulted passage to little cloister, xxxiv. : lavatory, xxxv. Recess, strangely
called the Sudatory, xxxvi. ; at xxxvii. is an entrance door-way from the
Deanery. Of these different portions and members of the Church it may
be remarked, that the columns, ailes, and chantry chapels of the choir, are
the oldest in date ; then the chapter-room and slyp, the nave next, after-
wards the south and north transept, the west end and porch next, the choir
afterwards, and lastly the cloister and the Lady Chapel.
In considering the peculiarities of the plan of the Church, we observe that
the transepts are short, without any aile or buttresses at the angles, but with
two chantiy-chapels, diverging from, and communicating with their eastern
sides. The choir occupies the whole area under the tower, and with its
organ-screen extends to the first column in the nave; its eastern end, as
well as its continued aile, take a semicircular, or rather an elliptical sweep,
branching out from which are two chantry-chapels, and also a Lady Chapel, of
singular design in its plan: it is considerably narrower at the entrance than
at the eastern extremity, and that entrance forms a sort of vestibule, or
porch. Near the east end are projections on each side in the manner of a
transept, formed by two chantry-chapels, which are separated from the
principal chapel by open screens. On the north side of the Church is a
long i^assage, or slyp, which formerly communicated at one end with the
cloister, and at the other end to part of the monastic offices : there were
also door-ways to a crypt, or subterraneous chantry chapel below, and to
the library, &c. above. From the cloister there were other openings to the
CHAPTER-HOUSE, CLOISTER, NAVE.
55
little cloister, at the north-east angle; to the refectory at the north-west,
and to the Abbot's dwelling on the west side.
The Chai'ter-house, or Room, as marked by the Plan, assumes the
parallelograniatical form, and is of large dimensions. Its oldest part, is said
by some writers, to be Aldred's work, and anterior to the Ijuildings of
Serlo : but there is nothing in style or peculiarity of architecture to justify
this opinion. The column, archivolt moulding, shape of the arch, and
masonry, so nearly resemble the corresponding members in the crypt and
Church, that we should not be safe in assigning them to diflerent architects
and distinct eras. The claustral buildings, as laid down in the Plan, are on
the northern side of the Church ; whereas the cloister, chapter-house, and
other abbatical buildings were generally placed to the south of the Church.
At Lincoln, Lichfield, York, Canterbury, and Southwell, they were on the
north side. It is strangely stated by some of the writers on Gloucester
Abbey, that those appendages were originally to the south of the Church ;
but that Aldred laid the foundation of his Church on a new site, to the
south of the former, and thus left the cloister, and its appendages to the
north.
It is related in Dugdale's Baronage, that Walter de Lacy, who died in
1085, was buried in the chapter-house; and hence it is inferred that the
present room was completed before Serlo commenced his Church. But this
is fallacious reasoning : for there might have been an old chapter-room at
that time, either on the site of the present, or even in some other situation.
In the older parts of the Nave we perceive considerable variations from
the preceding, and may therefore reasonably consider them to have been
of a different age. In the account by the Society of Antiquaries, this part
is said to have been the last of Abbot Serlo's works. It is further recorded,
that the vaulted ceiling was completed in 124'2, during the Abbacy of Foliot.
According to the Abbey Chronicle this work was not effected in the usual
manner by common labourers, but by the personal exertions of the Monks ^
' Manual labour was not unfrequent among the Monks of this period. More tlian ciglity
Monks were employed at one time in building the Church of St. Galgano, near Sienna, which was
finished in Vim. Delia Valle, Lettere Senesi, v. ii. p. 18. The Church of St. Mary at Dunes
56 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
The southern transept, called in (he Chronicle the aile of St. Andrew,
though .said to have been built in 1163, has been so much altered that very
few of its original architectural members are now remaining. Mr. Fos-
brooke says, that on examining- the Church in 1796 he saw an inscription
on the exterior wall of the transept, with the name of William Pipard, who
was Sherifi' of the county in the year above named. The lower part of
the walls, with the buttresses, pedimental arcades, and other members, are
indicative of that date : but the windows and principal ornaments are of
much later workmanship.
The south aile of the nave, of a totally different character to any other
part of the Church, was built, according to Froucester, by Abbot Thokey,
between 1307 and 1329, " at a great and sumptuous expense." Its
windows, buttresses, parapet, &c. are peculiar in form, ornaments, and style.
(See Plates iv. and viil) Windows of similar design are to be seen in
the Churches of Leominster, and Ledbury in Herefordshire, and in the
Mayor's Chapel at Bristol, but I do not know of any similar buttresses.
The erection of the elegant and truly splendid 3Ionument /or Edivard II.
about 1334, brought a new class of artists to the Church; and the tame it
acquired, and the riches it produced, occasioned the Abbot and Monks to
direct their attention and funds to adorn and beautify their sacred edifice.
A complete revolution of style and character was made in the whole of the
choir : which, in the true Norman manner, had been previously plain,
simple, and unadorned ; but which was now rendered elaborate in its
architectural and sculptural embellishments. (Vide p. 20).
Abbot Horton, who governed from 1351 to 1377, erected the high altar,
finished the presbytery , and the stalls on the Abbot's side of the choir, and
in 1372, completed St. Paul's aile, which had been commenced in the
year 1367. (Vide page 23.) He appears to have expended on the latter
781Z. Os. 2d., of which 444/. 0*. 2d. were paid by himself". The cloister
(according to Felibien), was entirely rebuilt at the beginning of the thirteenth century by the
members of the Monastery, some of whom made the designs, whilst others executed the
masonry, sculpture, &c.
" For this fact the chronicler refers lo ihe rolh of the work, which are unfortunately lost.
©
CLOISTER, WEST END, TOVVEK, LADV CHAPEL. 57
was begun by this Abbot, who is supposed to have constructed the whole
of the south walk, and parts of the west and east sides.
Between 1381 and 1412, Walter Froucester completed the cloister, from
the door of the chapter-house to the northern extremity.
Abbot Morwent, between 1420 and 1437, built the west front, v/ith two
arches and pillars at the end of the nave, and the fine southern porch.
Abbot Seabrooke pulled down the old tower, and commenced the present
splendid tower, about 1454, which was completed by Tully, a monk of the
house.
Between 1457 and 1472 Abbot Henley began the iar/y Chapel, which
was finished by Farley, his successor, before 1498.
Abbot Malverne, about 1500, built a vestry at the end of the north
transept, and also a monumental chapel, for his own interment.
Having pointed out such dates of such parts of the Church as have
been preserved by the chroniclers and historians, I proceed to notice the
features delineated in the accompanying prints: first, adverting to the
exterior, and secondly, to the interior. The Ground Plan shews the
arrangement of the walls, and the buttresses at the west end, on the south
side of the choir aile, and to the Lady Chapel. It will be observed that there
are no such props or stays to the transept, or to the choir. Plates ii. iv. v.
VI. and xviii. display the general features and architectural members of the
exterior of the Church, as seen in perspective. Geometrical representations
of a division of the nave and of the south aile, are given in Plate viii. ; and
the western side of the north transept is shewn in Plate xvi. The western
front, Plate il, exhibits a singular design, and some beautiful members.
Formerly there were two towers at this end of the Church, as at Southwell,
Rippon, York, &c. ; but Abbot Morwent took them down, and made an
entirely new composition for the present facade. This is certainly unlike the
corresponding front of any Cathedral in England; and though it cannot
compete with the splendid elevations of York, Peterborough, or Wells, it
far surpasses many of the other Cathedrals. The pierced parapets over the
door-way, and at the summit, with the ooen buttresses to the great window,
are evidences of fanciful design, whilst the two clustered pinnacles, at the
I
58 ULOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
angles, constitute elegant and tasteful ornaments. The horizontal line of the
parapet, coming before, and concealing the gable end of the roof, is very
unconunon ; and by carrying the outer moulding of the window through
this work, aud terminating it with enriched crockets and a finial, the artist
has evinced his taste. We cannot however compliment him on the style,
or modes of finishing the two door-ways. At the northern angle of this
front is a small part of the old Priory, wherein we perceive specimens of
the later circular, and first pointed styles, combined ; and which, according
to the opinion of the writer of " the Account," published by the Society of
Antiquaries, " abundantly disprove the system of those who would derive
the pointed style of the thirteenth century from a Saracenic source."
In the soulJiern porch we see another and finer specimen of the architec-
tural style of Abbot Morwent's time. Its whole exterior design, form,
character, and ornamental dressings are expressed in the accompanying-
engraving, Plate iv. The pinnacles at the angles resemble those of the
great tower, whilst the parapet and ogee arched rib, the pannelled dressing
over the door-way, and the form and the ornaments of the latter, all partake
of the same style as the west front. On each side of this door-way are
empty niches, and six others, with pedestals and canopies, adorn the second
story of the porch. In the spandrels of the door-way are shields with
armorial bearings, which formerly corresponded with those at the west end,
viz. the arms of France and England, and those of the Abbey. It will be
seen by reference to the Plate now under notice, that the western division
in the clerestory is wider than that next to the east, that there are three
instead of two embrasures in the parapet, — that the pinnacles and attached
buttresses differ in form and character, and that the window is of another
design. The third buttress, from the west end, indicates its original Norman
character, being a sort of pilaster, with indented zigzag at the angles. A
perspective view of one of the fine and highly ornamented buttresses, and
one of the windows of Thokey's building, about 1320, are shewn in this
Print. An elevation of two of these buttresses and a window, with the
clerestory window, and flat buttresses, are given to a larger scale, and in
geometrical proportions, in Plate viii. Others of these buttresses and
SOUTH PORCH, SIDE, AND TRANSEPT, AND NORTH SIDE. 59
windows, with two in tbe clerestory, are represented in Plate v., which
also displays the mao-nificent tower, the flyinji^ and incorporated abntinenfs
by which it is strengthened, the exterior design and styles of the sonth
transept, and part of the east end, in the distance. This transept, like part
of the Priory already referred to, exhibits a mixture of the later circular, and
first pointed styles : the buttresses, interlaced, and semi-circular arches, with
zigzag mouldings being so many examples of the former, whilst the pinna-
cles, windows, and parapets display difierent and later ages of workmanship.
By referring to Plate xvui. the reader will readily understand the whole
design, and combined members of the west end, south porch, lower range of
aile, and upper tier of clerestory buttresses, the projection and extent of the
south transept, and the highly adorned bell-tower.
A splendid and highly interesting view of the exterior of the Church is
obtained from a garden belonging to one of the prebendal houses, on the
north side of the edifice. The various parts there grouped together, and
displayed to the admiring eye, are shewn in Plate vi. Here the tower rises
pyramidically from an irregular, but highly adorned series of steps, forming
a graduated base. The lowest member, or portion, is the east end of the
chapter-house with its large window; next, the end of the monastic library,
now the college school-room ; then one of the semi-octagonal chapels, at the
north-east angle of the choir; to the right of, and beyond which, is the
northern transept : to the left, and coming before the tower, is the choir, the
eastern end and spacious window of which are profusely ornamented. The
Lady Chapel, with one of its lateral chantries, forms the other termination.
The north-western part of the Church is only to be viewed from the central
area of the cloister, which is used as a kitchen garden, to the Deanery'.
Internally the Cathedral presents a great variety of features and details
of antiquarian interest, of architectural beauty and merit, and of sculptural
excellence. These will be noticed in alluding to the accompanying Prints,
' When the peculiar beauty and unique character of the Gloucester cloister are taken into
consideration, I cannot help regretting that its court should be thus appropriated. By the soil
and vegetable substances being placed against the walls, their stability is much injured, the floor
is rendered damp, and other injurious eflfects are produced. A gardener pays less regard to
old stones, however exquisitely sculptured, than to roots, fruits, and (lowers.
GO GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
and in referring to the parts of the edifice they profess to represent. The
Nave, as already noticed, exhibits some singularities in design. Its
columns, sixteen in number, are large cylinders, very tall, and of equal
diameter from base to the capital, whilst its arches are small, semicircular,
and ornamented with the billet and projecting zigzag ornaments. Plates
VII. and VIII. shew the architecture, both geometrically and perspectively.
Separating the nave from the choir is a stone organ-screen, delineated in
Plate vii., and already noticed as having been executed from the designs,
and under the direction, of the Rev. Dr. Griffith. The opposite end of the
nave, with the large window of the western front, is displayed in Plate hi.
The ends of the ailes, sections of the vaulted roofs, designs of the windows,
one compartment of the cloister, and a section of the southern porch, are
also delineated on this Plate. In Plates ix. and xvi. d, the architectural
character of the southern transept is displayed, by which it is seen that the
side walls are covered with several ribs, or mullions, extending from the
base to the springing of the vaulted roof. Some of these constitute the
divisions in the windows of the clerestory, also a sort of screen before the
triforium gallery. Tlie approach to this gallery is by a staircase in the
south-east angle of the transept, through a gallery in the wall under the
great window (shewn in the section). The two door-ways, represented in
Plate ix., are of very uncommon design, if not peculiar to this Church. I
have never seen one of the same form and ornament in any other building.
Through one of these is the approach to the aile of the choir, to the presby-
tery, &c. and through the other is the descent to the crypt.
The north traiisept is represented in Plates xii. and xix., the former
being a view looking north-east, shewing a closet, or inclosing screen of
singular design, and of doubtful application : one of the chantry chapels,
branching out of the transept, with its rich altar-screen, and an open gallery,
beneath the great north window, which forms a passage of communication
from the stairs to the triforium of the choir. Much conjecture has been
exercised respecting the original purpose of the small apartment at the
northern extremity of this transept ; the architectural style and decoration
of which are delineated in the print now referred to. Judging by the
column, arch, and ornaments, we may safely refer it to the very commence-
NORTH TRANSEPT, CLOSET, PLYING RIBS, STAR HOLE, BELL, AND CHOIR. 61
ment of the thirteenth century, about the time when Henry III. was crowned
with great jjoinp in the Abbey Church ; and Helias the sacrist commenced
building a tower in 1222: upon one of those occasions, and for some
peculiar purpose this closet was probably erected. It has been called a
reliquary, a treasury, and a confessional. Though it is difficult to give it
an unobjectionable name, we may safely say it was neither a chantry nor a
sacristy. Plate xix. represents a portion of this northern transept, also a
flank of the organ-screen, a screen inclosing the choristers' vestry, the back
of a gallery in the choir, and the enriched tracery vaulting under the great
tower. The detached or flying buttress ribs, here represented, are singular
specimens of construction and of ornament. Perhaps they are unique.
Up to the point of their springing the piers seem to be of Norman construc-
tion, as indicated by the double cylindrical mouldings ; but the archivolt,
and tracery above, are all portions of the new tower. In the centre of the
vaulting is a circular aperture, called the Star-hole*.
The Choir is represented in Plates x. xi. and xvii. the first delineating the
general arrangement and style of the whole, with its east window, stalls,
pulpit, throne, seats, &c. ; whilst the second shews three compartments on
the north side, near the east end, with three monuments under the arches,
the style of windows, tracery before the walls, of the vaulted roof, &c. The
forms of the original Norman arches, both to the ailes and to the triforium,
' This has much difference of opinion respecting the diameter of this aperture, and that of the
great bell : it being generally asserted that the latter is greater than the former, and consequently
could never have passed through this hole. Mr. Fosbrooke asserts that the great bell must
have been raised before the vaulting was finished, as " the hole is smaller than the great bell."
(History, p. 258-9). The Rev. Mr. Bishop and Mr. Brayley examined and measured the
two in the autumn of 1827, with so much care and accuracy that we may now speak with
certainty on the subject. The hole above the door-ledge is five feet nine inches from north
to south, and five feet ten inches from east to west, whilst the extreme diameter of the great
bell is five feet eight inches and a half. The height of the bell is four feet nine inches, and its
weight about three tons and a quarter. It is suspended in a room measuring thirty- two feet
eleven inches by thirty-three feet two inches, whilst the belfry above, containing a peal of eight
bells, measures thirty-six feet two inches by thirty-five feet seven inches. The space between
the walls, on the leads, measures forty feet, by forty feet three inches. Mr. Dallaway says, " (he
inscription on the great bell has been strangely mistaken : it is — ' Me fecit fieri monchati's
NOMINE PETRI — the Monastery caused me to be made.' " Others read it MUNCUTUS.
G2 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
are still [)reserved, hut faced with new mouldings; and the whole snrt'ace
of the walls and colunnis has been cased with corresponding works. The
monuments shewn in Plate xl are for William Malvern, or Parker, a;
Edward II., n ; and Osric, c. The choir is fitted up with thirty-one stalls
of tabernacle work, carved in oak, with a pulpit, bishop's throne, and seats
for the minor canons, chantry boys, and for other persons who attend the
Cathedral service. Beneath the seats are various specimens of grotesque
carving: one represents two knights playing at dice, another a knight
running at a tilt, a third a forester killing a stag, and a fourth a knight
cutting off the head of a giant. On the south side of the altar are four
subsellia, or stalls for the officiating priests. The presbytery is raised
above the choir by four steps at the eastern end of the stalls, and the floor
of the altar is raised three steps, higher. A new altar-screen has been erected
from the designs of Mr. Suiirke, in the place of an older work, which
Mr. Fosbrooke states was painted in fresco. That altar-piece was taken to
the old church at Cheltenham. Mr. Carter says that an antient and very
fine altar-screen was inclosed and obscured by the other, and that it most
probably was adorned by the very curious old painting, which is now deposited
in the triforium of the choir. As a specimen of the execution and design
of monastic artists this picture is interesting, and should be guarded against
further injury. The Account by the Society of Antiquaries recognises it as
" a large and sumptuous picture, in a high state of preservation, and painted
in the style of the fifteenth century." Mr. Counsel of Gloucester, in a letter
to Mr. Fosbrooke, states that it was executed " by an Italian in England,
from a label being in the Italian language. It is painted on a golden or
yellow ground; is in two separate parts, or folding doors, joined in the
middle (about ten feet by seven). That part of the picture which represents
the new Jerusalem has Grecian columns, supporting circular arches, and
surmounted with perforated battlements. Some of the angels are repre-
sented singing from a score, and others are playing from different instru-
ments, particularly viols and lutes." This picture, like many of the designs
in the Dutch, Flemish, and French missals of the beginning of the sixteenth
century, represents the day of judgment, where the spirits of the blessed
OLD PICTURE, WHISPERING GALLERY, EAST WINDOW, LADY CHAPEL. f)3
and of the cursed are doomed to enter their final abodes of eternal bliss or
misery. The Deity presides, St. Peter is placed with his keys, and frpoups
of angels are painted to indicate the heavens, whilst monstrous forms, with
a beastly mouth, flames, &c. are intended to typify hell.
A narrow passage, behind and below the glazing of the fine eastern
window, and forming a corridor between the northern and southern
triforium, is called the tvhispering gallery. It is about seventy-five feet
long, three wide, and eight feet high, and has the property of transmitting
sound along its walls in a powerful and apparently mysterious manner.
" The lowest whisper of the mouth, if placed close to the wall, the slightest
scratch with a pin on the stone, is distinctly heard from one end of the
gallery to the other." This place, like the whispering gallery of St. Paul's,
the echo on Westminster Bridge, and many similar phenomena in antient
works of art and situations of nature, does not require supernatural powers
to explain: nor were there any magical arts used in their original formation
or contrivance. All may be accounted for on the principles of acoustics.
Of the large_, and once splendid East Wi7idow, the full design is made
out and illustrated in Plate xvii., which also shews Mr. Smirke's screen,
the transverse section of the crypt with its ailes, the triforium and its
vaulted roof, the arched vaulting over the choir, the open parapet to the
eastern gable, with the turrets at the angles.
The Lady Chapel, at the eastern extremity of the building, must have
been originally an elegant apartment, but its glories and beauties are faded,
though its form, extent, and style of decoration may be understood. " In
style it very nearly resembles the choir, both in its beauties and defects.
Extreme ingenuity is displayed in the union of the chapel with the church.
The light of the great east window is scarcely at all obscured by the
building, though so close to it; and the line of junction, which is one of its
transverse mullions, is almost imperceptible from within the choir." A
view of the east end, with one compartment on the south side, having a large
and lofty window, and stone seats beneath, is given in Plate xx.
Some idea of the style and decoration of the Cloister may be formed by
examining Plate xiv., which exhibits the northern walk, as seen at the
G4 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
western end. Its embowed and fan-tracery roof cannot fail of exciting the
admiration of every spectator. On the right-hand side of this view is a
recess for the lavatory, where the stone trough still remains ; and on the
opposite side is another recess in the wall, with groined and ornamented
ceiling, for the towels. (Vide the plan, Plate i., and a plan of part of the
cloister, more at large, Plate xxi.) According to the statement by the
Society of Antiquaries, this cloister " is acknowledged to be the most
elegant and perfect in England. The proportions are extremely beautiful,
and the ornaments superb. In the south walk are the remains of antient
carols; which were small recesses, to which the religious retired to study,
each having a small opening to admit light."
Branching from the eastern walk of the cloister is the Chapter-room, or
house, of which I regret that we have no correct representation. Though
I was desirous, and directed the artists I employed at Gloucester, to make
a view of the interior, and of the entrance door-way, I could not prevail on
them to provide me a satisfactory representation of either. This is named
merely to vindicate the author from reproach on this head. The entrance
door-way has a semicircular arch, adorned with bold zigzags, and three
small columns on each side. As shewn in the Ground Plan, the room is of
a parallelogramatical shape, is very lofty, and its inner ceiling is arched. On
each side is a stone seat, above which is a series of small columns attached
to the wall, supporting archivolt mouldings. The eastern end is ornamented
with tracery mouldings both on the wall and in the roof; there are also some
niches with canopies, and a large window. As far back as 1648 this fine
room was converted into a library by some of the parliamentary officers,
when part of the cloister was fitted up as a stable. In 1656 the library was
settled on the Mayor and Burgesses. In 1826 and 1827 the Dean and
Chapter very properly had it again fitted up with care and skill, for the
preservation of their present library; and it is gratifying to know that it is
placed in the custody of one so well qualified to guard its stability and
pristine beauty, as the present very amiable and estimable librarian.
05
AN ACCOUNT OF SEPULCHRAL MONUMENTS AND JNTERMENTS OF EMINENT PERSONS,
WITHIN THE WALLS OF THE CHURCH.
The preceding pages contain notices of the interment of several royal and
distinguished personages within the consecrated precincts of Gloucester
Cathedral. It will be expedient in this place to point out more precisely their
places of sepulture, and to give some account of the tombs, and effigies,
raised to the respective memories of them, and to such other persons as
may be entitled to historical record, or who, from station or from worthy
deeds, deserve the praise or gratitude of posterity. An attempt to appro-
priate antient monuments to their legitimate owners is a task of no small
difficulty ; for there are few tombs, of a remote date, which remain in their
pristine stations, or that are unmutilated or unaltered. The present Cathe-
dral, like nearly all others in this country, has undergone various changes at
different times : and on those occasions we may fairly conclude that every
innovator on, or improver of, the old works (and we find that every new
generation has been a reformer of the preceding), would either transfer or
destroy such monuments as interfered with the intended symmetrica!
arrangement of the new architecture. This fact is exemplified in reference
to the Choir of the present Church, as the monument of Curtoise, or
Curthose, was removed from that place : and the effigies ascribed to Osric,
the founder, and to Aldred, have also undergone changes of situation.
Other removals we may conclude have been made, for it is recorded, that
several Abbots were interred within the more sacred enclosure of this part
of the edifice.
In adverting to, or describing these sepulchral memorials, it will be in
accordance with the system adopted in this volume, to notice them rather
in chronological order, than from position or classes of subjects ; and the
k
G() GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
relative situations of the more antient tombs will be pointed out by figures
on the engraved Ground Plan.
Oldest, in reference to person, though not in execution, is the monument
commemorative of Osric, the Viceroy of Ethelred, seventh King of Mercia,
who, according to the inscription given in a preceding page (4), founded this
Abbey '. Placed on the north side of the high altar (5, in Ground Plan), is
an altar tomb, supporting an effigy, and covered by an ornamental canopy,
or tester. The figure (shewn in Plate xxii. fig. 1), is sculptured in stone,
and intended to represent a king, by the crown on its head, a sceptre in the
riffht hand, and a model of a church in the left : the latter of which was
meant to indicate his claim to the honour of being the founder. Although
Osric's monument has been inadvertently referred to the eighth century, we
may more safely ascribe its execution to the time when the choir was newly
made. Mr. Rudge sayS;, that " the effigy is certainly of older date than the
tomb on which it is laid, and the obtuse arch, together with the arms of
Parker and the Abbey, joined to those of the Northumbrians, plainly refer
the cenotaph to the reign of Henry VIII. This was agreeable to the prac-
tice of other Abbeys, where monuments of this kind were raised to the
honour of their Saxon founders, in the later ages of the monasteries, as an
expression of gratitude^"
' It is no easy task to reconcile and explain the contradictory and discordant statements of
chroniclers and modern writers, respecting the events and personages of so remote a time as
that of Osric's reign. In the Abbey Chronicle he is styled the Viceroy of Mercia, under King
Ethelred (see antea, p. 3); and in the Preface to " Simon of Durham," in the " Decern
Scriptores," he is called the son of Aldfrid, King of Northumberland. It appears from William
of Malmesbury, " De Gestis Regum Anglorum," printed in the " Scriptores post Bedem," ed.
1601, p. 27, that Kyneburga, who is said to have been the first Abbess, was the sister of the
two Mercian kings, Wulphere and Ethelred, and that she married Aldfrid. This connection
probably occasioned the influence which Osric appears to have had in the Mercian kingdom, and
shows that, although he was nearly related to Kyneburga, he could not have been her brother :
had this been the case, the antient historians would certainly have noticed it, but they have
no allusion to such connection : and we find by the Saxon Chronicle (Ingram, p. 65), that Osric,
King of Northumbria (to which throne he succeeded in 718), died in the year 729, the very date
assigned by the Abbey Chronicle.
^ History of Gloucester, &c. p. 166. Following the Abbey Chronicle, it has been inad-
vertently stated (p. 4), that Kyneburga, the first Abbess, was buried near her brother Osric,
INTERMENTS OF OSRIC, ETHELFLEDA, WULSTAN, ETC. 07
The Saxon Chronicle (Ingram, p. 135), states, tliat the body of Elfrida,
or Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred, and Queen of tlie Mercians, was interred
in the east porch of St. Peter's Church, at Gloucester ; and William of
Malmesbury, repeats the statement, but seems to confound this Monastery^
with that of St. Oswald, in the same town. He says, that Ethelfleda was
" a woman with an enlarged soul, — the delight of her brother's subjects, and
the dread of his enemies." In conjunction with her husband, Ethelred, "she
had erected the Monastery of St. Peter with great solicitude \" It is more
likely that this alludes to St. Oswald's Priory ; to which the canonized
relics of Oswald were conveyed by Ethelred, and his queen. (See note
antea, p. 6.) It is not easy to know what is meant by the east porch:
for such an appendage to that end of a Church is very uncommon, if not
wholly unknown.
Abbot Wulstan, as stated by Furney, was buried under a yew tree in
the area of the cloister : but as he died on a pilgi-image, in a distant land,
and in disgrace, it is not probable that they should have brought his
remains to this place for sepulture.
According to Leland * the following persons were interred in the chapter-
house, where inscriptions were remaining for them in his time. Roger,
Earl of Hereford ; Richard Strongbow, son of Gilbert, Earl of Pem-
broke; Walter de Lacy (who was accidentally killed in 1085, by a fall
from the battlements of St. Peter's Church, at Hereford, which he had just
finished, and stated by Dugdale to have been "buried in the Chapter-house
at Gloucester, in the time of Abbot Serlo;") Philip de Foye, Knight;
Bernard de Newmarch (De Novo-mercatu) ; Pain de Cha worth (Paganus
de Cadurcis); and Adam de Chaworth. Most of these noblemen were
distinguished characters in their respective times: Roger, Earl of Here-
ford, Bernard de Newmarch, and Walter de Lacy, were contemporary with
the Conqueror ; Richard Strongbow died in the twelfth century ; Pain and
Adam de Chaworth, (whose ancestors had been liberal benefactors to the
who died nineteen years after his sister. On a further investigation we find that she was first
interred at Castor, near Peterborough, and afterwards removed to the Monastery of the latter
town. See Saxon Chron. (Ingram, p. 157). The place of Osric's sepulture is doubtful.
= Hist, of the Rings of Eng. (Sharpe), p. 142. ' Itinerary, iv. 77.
G8 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Abbey,) in the tliirteenth century. Of Philip de Foye nothing appears in
history, but he probably received his name from Foy, a place on the banks
of the Wye, near Ross, in which neighbourhood the Abbey had possessions.
Mr. Rudge conjectures that the grave-stones are concealed under the wooden
floor of the chapter-house ; and this opinion is confirmed by the discovery
of a piece of stone, bearing the letters . . . . e Cadurcis, on removing a
part of the floor in the year 1827 \
A singular shelf, or bracket monument, sustaining an efiigy, generally
ascribed to Aldred, Archbishop of York, who died in 1069 (see antea, p. 6),
is attached to the stone screen on the south side of the choir j (8, in
Ground Plan). According to Leland, Serlo, who died in 1104, was
" buried under a fair marble tomb, on the south side of the presbyteiy ^ ;"
as Aldred was not interred at Gloucester, and the situation of the monument
corresponds with Leland's description, it may therefore be fairly attributed
to Abbot Serlo. The monument is shewn in the title-page to this volume,
and is strangely described by Mr. Gough, as " a beautiful and singular altar
tomb, arching forward, on pillars'." Tlie figure resembles that of Osric,
and is habited in a long robe, or tunic, holding in one hand part of a
pastoral staff, and in the other, the model of a church, probably in allusion
to Serlo's having refounded the Church.
^ Mr. Dallaway, in " The Heraldic Inquiries," has given an etching of the following arms,
on glazed tiles, in the Ciiapter-house; and says they are, "1st. Lozenge: — -In the centre,
1. Ermine, a ciuquefoil sable, Seabrooke : 2. Henry VII. : S.England: 4. Abbey of Gloucester :
5. Beaucharap, Earl of Warwick. 3rd. Lozenge : — Talbot quartering Furnivall, impaling Beau-
champ, quartering De Newburg : for John Talbot the second Earl of Shrewsbury, and Margaret,
daughter of Richard Beaucharap, Earl of Warwick. The square tiles contain the arms of Abbots.
1. A leopard's head, jessant de lys: Abbot Braunch : 2. Beauchamp impaling Hastings,
tourth Earl of Shrewsbury: 3. Three covered cups. Abbot Boulars, or Boteler : 4. Tracy:
o. Brydges : G. A chevron between three cross-crosslets fitche. Abbot Farleigh. The Abbey
had a manufactory of these liles, which were prepared for the kiln by the more ingenious Monks :
and specimens of them are to be seen in several Churches, dependent on this house.
^ Itin. iv. 77. The same author mentions the finding of a bull's hide, containing a body,
supposed to have been that of the Countess of Pembroke, wife of Richard Strongbow. It lay
at the liead of Edward the Second's ton>b, under an arch, where Malvern, alias Parker, made a
chantry chapel to be buried in. Ibid. viii. 33.
' Sepulch. Mon. vol. i. part i. p. xc.
MONUMENT FOR CURTHOSE. f)9
An altar tomb (4, in the Ground Plan), sustains an effigy of Robrrt
CuRTHOSE, eldest son of William the Conqueror, and Duke of Normandy,
who died the 10th of February, 1134, and was orii>inally interred before the
high altar. (See antea, p. 10). Although the effigy is supposed, by Leland,
to have been executed long after the death of that prince*, yet Mr. Gough
is of opinion that it is one of the most genuine of the twelfth century': and
the supposition is strengthened by the singularity of its execution and the
material of which it is made. It is " carved to the life in heart of oak," as
Sandford states, and the tomb which supports it is also of wood, "in the form
of a chest." The figure is now covered by a wire grating (which was added
by Sir Humphry Tracy, of Stanway), who, when the Parliamentary soldiers,
under Cromwell, agreeably to the overheated and extravagant zeal of the
times, tore it to pieces, bought the fragments, and, after the Restoration,
caused them to be repieced, and placed in their present situation". The
head of the figure is represented with a coronet of pearls, fleurs de lis, and
strawberry leaves, ranged alternately ; the body, covered by a hauberk and
gorget of chain mail, over which is thrown an embroidered surcoat, having
depicted on the breast three lions passant gardant (probably painted at the
Restoration). The right hand crosses the body, and rests upon the hilt of
a sword. The legs are crossed, (Robert having been a leader in the first
Crusade, in 1096), and the chausses in which they are encased scarcely
reach the knees : it is not improbable that the prince obtained the appella-
tion of Curt-hose (short hose), from this part of his habit.
In 11G8 the body of a Ckristicm boy, said to have been martyred by
the Jews, was buried with great ceremony before the altar of St. Edmund,
on the north side of the Church. (See antea, p. 11").
' Itin. iv. 172. ' Sepul. Mon. vol. i. parti, p. xcviit. '" Geneal. Hist, by Stebbing, p. 13.
" The reception of this body for interment appears to have been one of those frequent schemes
among religious bodies, in former days, to enrich themselves by the influence of pretended
miracles at the tomb of the deceased. The boy is said to have been concealed from March until
the 16lh of the kalends of April, when the Jews destroyed him by the most cruel tortures. The
body was afterwards thrown into the Severn, and there discovered by some lishermen. — The
obloquy of the murder thus thrown on the Jews^ who were alike odious to the ecclesiastics and
70 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Abbot Gamages was buried in 1307, at the door of the cloister, near
his brother. Sir Nicholas Gamages. (See antea, p. 19, note).
On tlie north side of the choir, between two of the ponderous Norman
columns, is the enshrined tomb of Edward the Second. (6, in Ground
Plan). Considering the weakness of his reign, and the lamentable fate
of the monarch, we view this elegant monument with mingled surprise
and admiration : the former arising from the consideration of seeing any
sepulchral trophy raised to a deposed and murdered king, and the latter in
finding a work of so much beauty and merit. " When it is considered,"
says Carter, " how many irreligious and anti-royal hours, fraught with
barbarity and savage despotism, have passed since the erection of this
noble tomb, astonishment is excited, that in our day it still exists so little
havocked, and so venerated''." A dupe to favourites — a slave to his
own caprices — subservient to a wanton wife, and her infamous paramour,
Mortimer, Edward II. fell a sacrifice to cruelty and intrigue, in the forty-
third year of his age. After being deposed, and kept prisoner at Kenil-
worth, Corfe, Bristol, and Berkeley Castles, and sufTeriug under many
privations and indignities, he was destined to encounter the climax of human
misery in the latter fortress. Whilst in the custody of Lord Maltravers and
Thomas Gournay, they caused him to sit on a mole hill, and to have his head
shaved with water from a ditch; they lodged him in a room over carrion,
and administered poison to him. Surviving all these outrages, Adam de
Orleton, Bishop of Hereford, wrote a letter to his keepers, concluding with
this line — " Ed ward um occidere nolite timere bonum est." This Jesuitical
sentence had two meanings : if a point was placed between nolite and timere,
it forbids ; but if after timere, it enjoins, or directs. His keepers knew the
intended construction, and, proceeding to the king's bed-room, smothered
him with bolsters, and then forced a red-hot iron up his fundament. Instead
of obtaining rewards, as expected, his murderers fled the country ,• Gournay
the laity, was probably undeserved; for the Chronicler adds, that " no Christian was present to
witness his tortures, nor was any thing ever disclosed by any Jew."
'2 " Some Account of the Cathedral," p. 12.
MONUMENTS OF EDWARD II. AND OF HUMPHREY DE BOHUN. 71
was taken and beheaded at sea, and his accomplice lived a miserable life in
Germany '^ The Abbot of Gloucester prudently and sagaciously obtained
the body, and had it interred in his Church, as already stated, p. 20.
The annexed engraving, Plate xx,, exhibits the general design of the
whole monument, whilst the effigy of the deceased is shown in Plate xxii.
fig. 2 : and we are satisfactorily assured, that Edward the Third caused this
memorial to be raised over his imbecile and unfortunate parent. Resting
on the floor is an altar tomb, sustaining the recumbent alabaster effigy of
the King, which is finely executed ; and from the character of the face,
beard, hair, and robes, we may regard it as a faithful portraiture. Around
the tomb are canopied niches, with pedestals, but deprived of statues : and
surmounting the whole is a splendid canopy, or tester, consisting of a series
of trefoil-headed arches, with crockets, finials, and cusps; also pinnacles,
buttresses, and housings for other statues. As originally finished, this
monument must have presented a splendid display of art : in which the
united beauties of sculpture, architectural members, and armorial insignia
were employed to captivate the eye and fill the imagination. It has been
taken charge of by the heads and fellows of Oriel College, Oxford, which
the Monarch had founded, and has been restored or repaired by them in
1737, 1789, and 1798. What it had sufiered in previous ages, either by
neglect or wanton injury; and in what manner it had been repaired, or
renovated, we are not told, and it would be vain to conjecture. On the
capitals of the adjoining columns, which some writers erroneously call
" Tuscan," are painted a white hart, collared and chained — the cognizance
of Richard II. From this device a vulgar and silly notion prevails, that
the corpse of the Monarch was drawn by stags from Berkeley Castle to
Gloucester.
Abbot Staunton, who died in 1351, was buried before the altar of
St. Thomas, which had been raised by his brother, John de Staunton.
In the south aile of the nave is a monument, (10, in Ground Plan),
sustaining two effigies, ascribed to Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford,
" See Sandford's Genealog. Hist, of the Kings of Engl, by Stabbing, p. 152. For many
interesting particulars respecting the captivity and murder of this monarch, see " Smyth's Lives
of the Berkeieys," p. 17. 21. Hume ascribes the murder to Mortimer.
72 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
and his Lady, but we have no account of any earl of that name having been
buried at this place ; and although Mr. Gough, who fixes the date of his
death in 1367, conjectures that the monument was conveyed to this Church,
at the dissolution, from the neighbouring Monastery of Lanthony, where
many of the Bohuns were interred '^ : yet it does not appear that any earl
of this family was buried there after the year 1275. The two last Humphries
died in 1360 and in 1371-2, and were both buried in the Monastery of
Saflron Walden '\ The male effigy is represented in plate armour, mail
gorget, collar of S S, an under helmet, or chapelle de fer, very pointed,
and shoes of mail ; his head rests upon a helmet, partially covered by a
mantle, his hands raised on his breast, and at his feet a lion. The female
figure has flowing hair, bound in front by a fillet ; down her breast falls a
band like a striped riband, and her body is covered by a long mantle, lifted
up at the feet by a collared dog.
Abbot Horton was buried in the north transept.
Abbot Boyfield was interred near his predecessor.
Abbot Froucester was buried in a chapel at the south west end of the
choir, where a gravestone is said to cover his place of sepulture.
Attached to the east wall of the south transept is a very singular piece
of sculpture, which may be regarded as unique in design, and if intended
for the sepulchral memorial of a master mason and his son, as traditionall)'
related, it is peculiarly apposite and emblematical. Projecting at right
angles from the wall is a highly ornamented bracket, with an embattled
coping round the rim, tracery ribs, and trefoil pannels : two small figures of
an aged and of a young man, disposed as brackets, or corbels, support the
whole work. The former figure is said to designate the master mason,
named Gower, who completed the choir of the Church, and the younger
one, his son, or apprentice : the first has tools in his apron, and the second
is shown with extended arms, whilst both are clothed, we may presume, in
the costume of the time. The bracket forms a sort of mason's square '°.
'* Sep. Moil. vol. i. part ii. p. 195. "^ Dugdale's Baronage, vol. i. p. 186.
'* See Plate ix. for a view of this bracket, and also Carter's " Antient Sculpture and
Painting," for a spirited representation of it; annexed to which are some tiivial remarks by
Mr. Gough, who strangely ascribes the south transept to Abbot Seabrooke, who died in 1457.
MONUMENTS TO ABBOTS SEABROOKE AND PARKER, R. PATES, ETC. 73
On the south side of the organ-screen, between the nave and choir is a
Chantry Chapel, erected by Abbot Seabrooke, in which is a monument
to his memory. It is adorned with singular tracery and pannels, and
supports an alabaster effigy, with angels at the head, and a lion at the feet.
(See II. in Ground Plan).
On the north side of the choir, (7 in Ground Plan), is an enriched
altar tomb, within a screen, erected by Abbot Parker during his life-time,
but in which his body was never interred. His effigy is executed in
alabaster, with the abbatial mitre and a pastoral stafl'.
In a small chapel, on the south side of the Lady Chapel, is a stone
monument, and a board, on which is depicted the figure of a man kneeling,
in the habit of a lawyer, with an inscription to Thomas Fitz-William, Esq.
who died November 26, 1.579.
Against the wall of the south transept is a monument, with the kneeling
figures of a man, in a law habit, a female and four children, commemorating
Richard Pates, Esq. Recorder of Gloucester, who died in 1588".
In a chantry on the north side of the Lady Chapel is a monument of
freestone (I in Ground Plan) to commemorate Bishop Goldsborough, who
died in 1604.
On the wall of the north aile is a monument, with the effigies of a
man in a scarlet gown, kneeling at a desk, and his wife opposite, also
their seven sons and six daughters, underneath. It was raised to the
memory of Thomas Machen, thrice Mayor of Gloucester, who died in 1614;
and of Christian his wife, who died in the following year.
In the north transept is a monument to John and Ann Bower, with their
nine sons and seven daughters, the males on one side, and the females on
the opposite side of a desk ; upon which is a covering, painted scarlet, with
gold lace. She died in 1613, and he in 1615.
Attached to the wall, at the western end of the nave, is a mural monu-
" Pates was one of the Commissioners appointed by Henry VIIT. and Edward VI. to
survey the religious houses in Gloucester, Bristol, &c. He was a considerable benefactor to
St. Bartholomew's Hospital, in the former city; and founded the Grammar School at Chelten-
ham, subject to the control of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
L
74 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
nient, containing tlie bust of a man, with a book in his hand, and an inscrip-
tion, to the memory of John Jones, Alderman, thrice Mayor of this city.
Member of Parliament at the time of the Gunpowder Plot, and Registrar to
eight several Bishops of this diocess, who died in 1630. This appears to
have been erected during his life-time ; and it is said, that after having given
some directions for altering the colour of the face, he inquired if they had
dime, and being answered in the aifirmative, replied, " So have I, too." He
died on the second day ensuing.
Against the wall of the south transept is a marble altar monument (9 in
Ground Plan), supporting the effigies of Alderman Blackleach, who died
in 1639, and his wife, sculptured in alabaster, in a kind of Vandyck dress.
The figures, according to Walpole (Anecdotes of Painting), " even in that
tasteless attitude, are easy and graceful, and the draperies have a peculiar
freedom."
In a chantry, on the south side of the Lady Chapel, is a monument for
Bishop Nicholson, (2 in Ground Plan), who died February 5, 1671.
A full length marble statue, in judicial robes, standing on a pedestal
under an alcove, (3 in Ground Plan), erected by John Snell, Esq. to the
memory of his uncle, Judge Powell, who in 1685 represented this city, his
native place, in Parliament. He was successively a Justice of the Courts
of Common Pleas and of the King's Bench, and was one of the Judges
who tried the seven Bishops, and joined in the declaration against the
King's dispensing power. For this, James II. deprived him of his office,
July 2, 1688 ; but William III. created him, first, a Baron of the Exchequer,
then a Judge in the Common Pleas, and on June 18, 1702, advanced him
to the King's Bench, where he sat until his death, June 14, 1713'".
In the north aile of the nave is a mural monument, to the Rev. Benjamin
King, D. D., Prebendary of this Cathedral, who for forty years filled the
'* Of this judge the following anecdote is related, showing in a striking manner his exemption
from the superstitions of the age in which he lived. An old woman was tried before him for
witchcraft: her adversaries swore she could fly. Prisoner, said the judge, can you fly? Yes,
my lord. Well then you may, there is no law against flying. He thus saved her life, for he
would not convict her, even upon confession. Noble's Contin. of Granger's Biog. Hist, of
Eng. vol. i. p. 168.
MONUMENTS FROM 1713— 17it4. 75
office of Registrar and Vice-Treasurer. He died November 2G, 1756, and
was buried in the chancel of the church of St. Mary de Lode, Gloucester.
Against the east wall of the south transept is a marble monument
bearing a well executed medallion of Bishop Benson, who died August 30,
1752. Another monument to the same prelate is placed at the west end of
the nave. This worthy divine was not only zealous in the discharge of his
episcopal duties, but generously expended much of his income in the repairs
and adornment of his palace and the Cathedral. He raised an altar-piece
in the Lady Chapel, which was removed in the year 1819; and also an
organ-screen, from the design of Kent, in 1741, which was taken down in
1820, to give place to the present more appropriate design.
On the west side of the south door of the nave is an inscription, on a
marble tablet, to the Rev. Anthony Ellis, D. D., who for thirty-seven years
occupied a prebendal stall in this Church, to which he was admitted in 1724.
He was consecrated Bishop of St. David's, 28th of February, 1753. He-
died January 17, 1761, and was buried in this Church.
Against a pillar, on the north side of the nave, is a monument of marble,
on which is sculptured a winged cherub, leaning on a medallion profile of
Mary, wife of Sir William Strachan, of Tewkesbury Park, who died
October 23, 1770.
A marble tablet, on the most western pillar in the north side of the
nave, bears an inscription to Bishop Warburton, who died June 7, 1779.
Warburton was certainly a man of great talents, but of intolerant, arbitrary,
and dogmatic principles. He was perpetually embroiled in quarrels and
controversy, ill becoming the principles and profession of a protestant
prelate. His character is ably developed in D'Israelli's " Quarrels of
Authors," in which Warburton is not only the first of the series, but is
shewn to be the most noted of the irascible race of the literati.
A monument, also in the north aile, commemorates Ralph Bigland,
Esq., who was appointed Blue Mantle Pursuivant, February 23, 1757 ;
Somerset Herald, January 15, 1759; created Norroy King of Arms, May
27, 1773; Clarenceux King of Arms, September 12, 1774; and Garter
Principal King of Arms, March 2, 1780. Died, March 27, 1784.
76 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Against the east wall of the south transept is a marble slab to the
memory of Dean Tucker, of whom some notice will be found in the list of
Deans in a future page.
Against the wall of the north aile is a monument, by Flaxman, to
commemorate Mrs. S. Morley, daughter of James Richardson of Newent,
who died at sea, 25th of May, 1784, in her twenty-ninth year, a few days
after child-birth. The artist has represented the figure of the mother with
an infant in her arms, in the attitude of ascending from the waves of the
ocean towards heaven, assisted by an angel.
A memorial for the Rev. James Benson, LL. D., who was many years
Chancellor of the Diocess, a Prebendary of the Cathedral, and a liberal
benefactor to the fabric, is placed against a pillar near the west end of the
south aile. He died December 12, 1785.
Attached to a pillar on the north side of the nave is a tablet, bearing
an inscription for the Rev. Charles Bishop, M. A. Rector of Elkestone and
Rudford, and one of the Justices of the Peace for the county of Gloucester,
who died March 29, 1788.
In the south aile of the nave is a tablet to commemorate Sir John
Guise, Bart, of Highnam Court, LL. D., Alderman of Gloucester, and
Lieutenant-Colonel of the Militia of that county, who died May 3, 1794.
Another monument commemorates John Webb, Esq. LL. D. one of the
members of Parliament for Gloucester in three successive Parliaments. He
died February 4, 1795.
A tablet in the purest taste, in a Gothic niche, surmounted by a canopy
with crockets and a finial, records the skill and munificence of James Grif-
fith, S. T. P. (see Essay, p. 9), in the erection of the organ-screen and other
improvements in the Cathedral. It was put up in May, 1823, and is
attached to a buttress on the north side of the organ-screen, and contains
an inscription written by Dean Plumtre.
In the south aile of the nave is a fine bust of Sir George Onesiphorus
Paul, Bart., who died June 16, 1820, aged seventy-four years. This is
executed by R. W. Sievier. Sir George distinguished himself by his active
exertions in reforming and improving the construction of prisons, and the
MONUMENTS FROM 1820—1823. 77
discipline of prisoners. According to the inscription on his tomb, he
" reduced to practice the principles which have immortalized the memory
of Howard, and banished the use of fetters." He published three works on
the subject of prisons, in 1784, in 1808, and in 1813; and also wrote
some communications to the Board of Agriculture.
Among the modern monuments of the Church, the first in distinction
and merit is a colossal Statue, placed at the west end of the nave, and
commemorative of the fame and person of Edward Jenner, M. D. LL. D.
F. R. S. &c. &c., who was buried at Berkeley in Gloucestershire. This
statue was executed by R. W. Sievier of London, a sculptor, who, like
Mr. Chantrey, served his apprenticeship to another profession ; but from a
predilection for this exalted branch of the fine arts, devoted his ardent mind
to it, and has fortunately attained an honourable eminence. The statue,
now under notice, is distinguished by that union of simplicity and grandeur
which belongs only to works of merit. Graceful in attitude and expression,
with truth of portraiture, and clothed in the ample drapery of a Doctor's
gown, tastefully disposed, it is calculated to please the common observer,
and the refined critic.
The name and celebrity of Dr. Jenner have extended over the globe.
Before his time, the human race was subject to a contagious disease — the
small-pox, which often proved mortal, but more frequently destructive to the
beauty of the fair sex. To eradicate this malady, or guard the human
frame against its ravages, was a desideratum ; and the world is indebted
to Dr. Jenner for the promulgation of an antidote to that disease, by in-
troducing another of a much milder, and consequently safer nature — the
cow-pox ". He was the active and persevering agent to recommend and
" About fifty years ago, when the writer was a boy and living in the north of Wiltshire, he
remembers that his mother often said, the milkmaids, who had been affected with the cow-pox,
were thereby exempt from the small-pox ; but it does not appear that the medical practitioners
then thought of inoculating for the one to guard against the other. This important practice was
reserved for Dr. Jenner. Previously to his time, and the adoption of the cow-pox, it was satis-
factorily proved before a Committee of the House of Commons, " that no less than forty-five
thousand die annually of the small-pox, in the united kingdoms alone;" and therefore what must
78 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
promote its almost universal adoption. That such an innovation on a long
established system, shoukl meet with obstinate opposition is not surprising ;
but it is surprising and gratifying to know, that in a very few years it
triumphed over ignorance, pertinacity, and prejudice. Had Dr. Jenner
been actuated by the spirit of selfishness or quackery he would have kept
his secret to himself, and thereby made a large fortune ; but he divulged his
knowledge to the world, challenged inquiry and investigation, and, during
his life-time, obtained the more gratifying rewards, due to honesty and
liberal science. The British Parliament took up the subject, and after
mature deliberation adjudged, in the years 1802 and 1807, to the learned
Doctor remunerations, amounting in the whole to 30,000/. The University
of Oxford conferred on him the degree of M. D. ; and many foreign poten-
tates, and learned societies, complimented him by various presents and
honorary distinctions. The comparatively small sums thus voted him by
Parliament, not only disappointed his friends, but the impartial part of the
public : for even the Chancellor of the Exchequer admitted, " that the value
of the discovery was without example, and beyond all calculation. It was
made out by convincing evidence, that Dr. Jenner had precluded himself
from great emoluments by the generosity of his own conduct." It was
further stated to the house, that the Doctor had absolutely expended 6000/.
in prosecuting his inquiries; and Mr. Wilberforce stated, that Dr. Jenner
had devoted upwards of twenty years to the subject. Thus it often happens
in the great assembly of the nation, as in small committees and corpora-
tions, that a niggardly, and even mean prudence, prevails over a liberal and
enlightened policy. To such a man, and in reward for such an invaluable
discovery, even the 30,000/. was indeed a poor and inadequate compensa-
tion. After the death of this great benefactor to mankind, the Parliament
might have come forward to make some atonement for its former error :
but Dr. Jenner was neither a court sycophant, nor a wholesale murderer of
be the amount of its deleterious influence in the vast population of Europe, of the world ? It
was finely and forcibly put by Admiral Berkeley, in the House of Commons, that " not a
second is struck by the hand of time, but a victim is sacrificed at the altar of that most horrible
of all disorders— the small-pox."
MONUMENT TO DR. JENNER, ETC. 79
men, and no national trophy has been raised to his uieuiory. To com-
pensate, in some degree, for this neglect, a few of his personal friends and
admirers raised a subscription, to pay for a handsome work of art, which
might serve to commemorate the eminent philanthropist, gratify their own
feelings, and reflect credit on their taste. As this was not placed in the
metropolis — the focus of national science, wealth, and talent — it was thought
advisable to fix it in the Cathedral of the county, as the most appropriate
station, next to London^". An interesting volume is published on the life,
opinions, and experiments of Dr. Jenner, by his surviving friend. Dr. Baron.
It contains such a review of the history and efficacy of the cow-pox, as must
tend to place it on the firm basis of philosophy and truth.
Another and far more elaborate monument in that style, which alone can
harmonize with buildings like these, executed by the well known taste and
talent of Mr. Rickman of Birmingham, is to the memory of the Reverekd
Richard Raikes, a character of great piety and benevolence, who died
September 5, 1823, in the eightieth year of his age.
A marble tablet, on the eastern wall of the southern aile, has been
recently erected to the memory of the late amiable Dean Plumtre, who
died Nov. 26, 1825, and to that of his Lady.
^ The following simple inscription was intended for this cenotaph — " Edward Jenner, born at
Berkeley in this County, May 17, 1749; died at the same place, January 25, 1823."
80
A CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF THE
35t$iDopjS! of ©^Iottce$tcr,
WITH THE CONTEMPORARY KINGS OF ENGLAND.
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
John Wakeraan
John Hooper
James Brookes, D.D. ..
Richard Cheiney, B.D..
John BuUingham, D.D.
Go. Goldsborough, D.D.
Thomas Ravis, D.D. . .
Henry Parry, D.D.. . .
Giles Thompson, D. D..
Miles Smith, D.D
Godfrey Goodman, D.D.
Wm. Nicholson, D. D. .
John Prichett, D. D....
Robert Frampton, D.D.
Edward Fowler, D.D. .
Richard Willis, D.D...
Joseph Wilcocks, D. D.
EliasSydall, D D
Martin Benson, D. D. .
William Johnson, D.D.
Wm. Warburton, D. D.
James York, LL.D
Samuel Hallifex, D. D. .
Richard Beadon, D.D. .
G.I.Huntingford,D.D.
Henry Ryder, D. D. . . .
Christoph.Bethell,D.D.
Translated or Consecrated.
Inst. . . Sept. 20,
Inst... March 8,
Inst. March 26,
Inst.. .April 19,
Inst. . ..Sept. 3,
Inst Nov. 12,
Inst... .Dec. 17,
Inst July 12,
Inst. March 15,
Inst. . ..July 15,
Inst. . . .Nov. 26,
Inst.. ..Jan. 13,
Inst... . Oct. 10,
1541
1550
1554
1561
1581
1598
1604
1607
1611
1612
1624
1660
1672
Inst... .Jan. 28, 1680
Inst June 8,1691
Inst.. ..January, 1714
Inst.... Nov. 25, 1721
Trans... Nov. 4, 1731
Inst.. .Jan. 19, 1733-4
Inst Oct. 24, 1752
Inst.... Dec. 22, 1759
Trans... July 6, 1779
Inst. ...Oct. 8, 1781
Inst May 30, 1781
Inst June 1802
Inst.... July 8,1815
Inst 1824
Died or Translated.
Died Dec. 1549
Burnt... Feb. 9, 1554
Died... Sept. 7, 1558
Died.. April 25, 1579
Died.. May 20, 1598
Died.. May 26, 1604
London, May 18, 1607
Worcester, Sept. 1610
Died.. June 14, 1612
Died.. Oct. 19,1624
i Depr 1640)
\ Died,Ja.l9,1655 ]
Died... .Feb. 5, 1671
Died.... Jan. 1, 1680
5 Depr .Feb.l. 1690 )
( D. May 25, 1708 ]
Died August 26, 1714
J Salisbury... 1721 J
Winchester, 1725 J-
D.Aug. 10, 1734 3
V Rochester. .1731 }
\ Died Mar.9,1 756 )
Died.. Dec. 24, 1733
Died.. Aug. 30, 1752
5 Worcester Nov. 9, )
( 1759. Died 1774 >
Died.... June 7, 1779
< Ely.. .July 1781
I D. Aug. 26, 1 808
J St. Asaph.. 1789 )
I DiedMar.4,1790 »
Bath and Wells, 1802
Hereford ,Jun.23,1815
Lichf. and Gov. 1824
Forthampton
Gloucester
Gloucester
Gloucester
Gloucester
Gloucester
London
Worcester
Windsor
Gloucester
^St. Margaret's,^
^ Westminster 3
Gloucester
Harefield
Standish
Ilendon
Winchester
Westminster
Gloucester
Laycock
Gloucester
Forthampton ... .
Worksop
Wells
Living
Living
Living
Kings.
$ Henry VIII.
iEdw. VI. Mary
Mary.
Mary.
Elizabeth.
Elizabetli.
Elizabeth, Jas. I.
James I.
James I.
James I.
James I.
( James I.
> Charles I. II.
Charles II.
Charles II.
rCh.II.Jas.II.
J Wm. and Mary
t Anne.
i Wm.and Mary
t Anne, Geo. I.
George I. II.
Geo. I. II. III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George III.
George IV.
81
A CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF THE
JBcan^ of ^louct^tcr*
WITH BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORANDA.
Died or removed.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
William Jennings^, B. D. .
John Man-, A. M ,
Thomas Covvper, D. D. . . . .
Lawrence Humphrey^, D.D.
Anthony Rudd*, D. D
Griffith Lewis, D. D
Thomas Morton ^ D. D
Richard Field«, D.D
William Laud?, D.D
Richard Senhouse^, D. D.. .
Thomas Winniffe^, D. D. . .
Appointed. .Sept 3, 1541
Installed . . . Feb. 2, 1565
Installed . . . July 5, 1569
Installed March 13, 1570
Installed. . .Jan. 10, 1584
Installed 1594
Presented June 22, 1607
Installed 1609
Installed . . Dec. 20, 1616
Installed. .Dec. 13, 1621
Installed. . Nov. 10, 1624
Died Nov. 4, 1565
Died March 18, 1568
f Bishop of Lincoln 1670
( Bishop of Winchester 1584
Dean of Winchester 1580
Bishop of St. David's 1594
Died June, 1607
Dean of Winchester 1609
Died Nov. 21, 1616
Bishop of St. David's 1621
Bishop of Carlisle 1624
Dean of St. Paul's 1631
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMORANDA RESPECTING THE DEANS.
' The King's Chaplain, and last Prior of St. Oswald's. Buried in the Cathedral.
^ Keeper of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, in Gloucester, Warden of Merton College, Oxford, and Prebendary of
Lincoln ; buried at St. Anne's, Aldersgate, London.
^ Bom at Newport Pagnel!, county of Bucks, about 1527 ; received his education at Cambridge, and afterwards
became Fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, where he took the degree of A. BI. in 1552, about which time he was
made Greek reader of his College, and entered into orders. In June, 1555, he went to Zurich, where he joined the
English Reformers, but returning to England, after the death of Queen Mary, was restored to his fellowship. In 1560
he was made the Queen's Professor of Divinity, and elected President of his College ; in 1562 took both the divinity
degrees. He died in 1590, leaving a wife and ten children. Wood's Athen. Oxon. edit. 1815, i. 558.
* A native of Yorkshire, Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Rector of Strathem, county of Leicester; died
March, 1614. Richardson — De Piffisulibus, p. 586.
' Bom at York in 1564, where he was educated; in 1582 entered St. John's College, Cambridge, and was elected
Fellow ten years afterwards. His subsequent preferments were the Rectory of Long Marston, county of York, a
Prebendary of York Cathedral, the Rectory of Aylesford, county of Kent, the See of Chester in 1615, that of Lichfield
and Coventry in 1618, from whence he was translated to Durham in 1632. Being expelled by the OUverians, after
several removals, he took up his abode with Sir Henry Yelverton, at Easton Mauduit, county of Northton, where he
died, September 22, 1669. Surtees' History of Durham, vol. i. p. xcii.
♦ Had been Chaplain to Queen Elizabeth and King James, Canon of Windsor, and soon after his promotion to this
Deanery was made one of the new Fellows of Chelsea College. He was buried at Windsor. Pole's History of
Windsor, p. 385.
' Vide the author's History of Wells Cathedral, p. 71.
8 Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge, and Chaplain to Prince Charles; killed by a fall from his horse. May 6,
1626, and buried in his own Cathedral (Carlisle). Richardson — De PraesuUbus, p. 772.
' A student of Exeter College, Oxford, Prince's and King's Chaplain ; promoted from the Deanery of St. Paul's to
the Bishoprick of Lincoln in 1641, deprived in the rebellion, and died in 1654. Ibid, p. 303.
M
82
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
George Warburtoii '", A. M.
Accepted Frewen ", D. D. . .
William Brough'S D. D....
Thomas Vyneri\D.D
Robert Framptoni\ A. M. . .
Thomas Marshall'^, D. D.. .
William Jane"', D. D
Knightly Chetvvood", D. D.
John Waugh '8, D. D
John Frankland, D. D
Peter Alis, D. D
Daniel Newcombe, D. D. . .
Josiah Tucker^s, D. D
Installed.
Installed.
Installed.
Installed.
Installed..
Installed..
Installed .
Installed..
Installed .
Installed.
Installed.
Installed .
Installed .
.June 11,
.Sept 13,
. Nov. 20,
, .July 23,
..May 6,
April 30,
. . June 6,
. April 6,
..Aug. 5,
..Oct. 3,
. July 15,
1631
1631
1644
1671
1673
1681
1685
1707
1720
1723
1729
1730
1758
Died or removed.
Dean of Wells August, 1631
Bishop of Lichfield, . . Aug. 1644
Died July 5, 1671
Died April 11, 1673
Bishop of Gloucester 1680
Died April 18, 1685
Died February, 1706
Died Marcii, 1719
Bishop of Carlisle Aug. 1723
Dean of Ely 1729
Dean of Ely 1730
Died ." March 2, 1750
Died Nov. 4, 1799
"> Vide the Author's History of Wells Cathedral, p. 123.
" Vide tlie Author's History of Lichfield Cathedral, p. 59.
'^ Buried at Windsor, of which place he was a Canon. Rudge's History of Gloucester, p. 255.
" Likewise a Canon of Windsor ; buried in this Cathedral, where an inscription for him still remains. Ibid.
" Vide ante, p. 39.
'^ Born at Barkby, county of Leicester ; became Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, in 1668, and Rector of that
society in 1672 ; also Chaplain in ordinary to his Majesty, and Rector of Bladon, near Woodstock, which he resigned
three years before his death, which took place at Lincoln College, Oxford. He was buried in All Saints Church in that
city, where his epitaph still remains. Wood's Atheu. Oion. edit. 1815, iv. 170.
" Bom at Liskeard, in Cornwall ; elected student of Christ's Church from Westminster school, in 1660, where,
having taken the degrees in arts, be afterwards became Chaplain to Dr. Compton, Bishop of Oxford, and was made
Canon of Christ's Church in 1678. In the year following he proceeded in his faculty as a compounder, and on the 19th
of May, 1680, was admitted Regius Professor of Divinity. About the latter end of April, 1685, nominated by King
James II. Dean of Gloucester, and on the 21st of Kovember, 1689, elected Prolocutor for the lower house of the
Convocation of the Clergy, in order to make some alterations in the Uttirgj- to please the dissenters. Buried at Christ's
Church, Oxford. Wood's Athen. Oxon. edit. 1815, vi. 6-13.
" Bom at Coventry, in 1652, educated at Eton, became Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, in 1683. He was
Chaplain to Lord Dartmouth, the Princess of Denmark, and King James II., Prebendary of Wells, Rector of Great and
Little Risington, county of Gloucester, and Archdeacon of Vork. He was nominated to the See of Bristol by James II.
but was prevented from enjoying it by the abdication of that monarch. In 1689 he was Chaplain to the English forces
in Holland, under the Earl of Marlborough ; commenced D. D. in 1691 , and afterwards preferred to tliis Deanerj', which
be enjoyed until his decease, at Templeford, cotmty of Bedford, where he was buried, .\mong his writings was the
" Life of Lycurgus," in the translation of Plutarch's Lives, and ** The Life of W'entworth, Earl of Roscommon," preserved
among Baker's MSS. Collections in the public library at Cambridge. He was particularly intimate with Dryden, for
whom he wrote the Life of Virgil, and the Preface to the Pastorals, generally ascribed to Dryden himself. Chalmers'
Biog. Die. ix. 246, from Nichols's Poems, i. and iii. Atterbury's Correspondence, i. p. 18. 430. Malone's Dryden,
iv. 547.
" Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford, Rector of St. Peter's, Cornhill, London, and Prebendary of Lincoln. Rich-
ardson— De Preesulibus, p. 774.
" A learned divine, but more celebrated as a polemical writer, was bom at Laugham, Carmarthenshire, in 1712;
educated at Ruthin school in Denbighshire, wherein he obtained an exhibition for St. John's College, Oxford. At the
age of twenty-three he entered holy orders, and in 1737 became curate of St. Stephen's in Bristol, and Minor Canon of
the Cathedral. Here he attracted the notice of Dr. Joseph Butler, then Bishop of Bristol, and afterwards of Durham,
who appointed him his chaplain, and shortly afterwards obtained for him a prebendal stall in Bristol Cathedral. When
the bill was brouglit into the House of Commons for the naturalization of the Jews, Mr. Tucker strongly advocated the
measure, by which he gave such gi-eat offence, that he was attacked by pamphlets from all quarters, and was burnt in
effigy by the people of Bristol, together with his writings. In 1755 he published an able pamphlet on the "Turkey
Trade." About this time, chiefly through the exertions of jMr. Tucker, Lord Clare, afterwards Earl Nugent, was
returned to parliament for Bristol, in reward for which service he procured for him the Deanery of Gloucester, when he
took his degree of D. D. So great was his reputation for commercial knowledge, that Dr. Thomas Hayter, then
DEANS OF GLOUCESTER.
83
No.
DEANS.
Ulectecl, &c.
Died ar removed.
23
26
27
John Luxmore'", D. D
John Plumtre^i, D.D
Edward Rice, D.D
Installed. ..Jan. 16, 1800
Installed . . ; 1808
Installed... Jan. 20, 1826
r Bishop of Bristol 1807
' Bishop of Hereford 180H
( Bishop of St. Asaph 181.i
Died Nov. 26, 182.5
Living.
tutor to his IMajesty, applied to him to draw up a dissertation on the subject for the perusal of liis royal pupil ; this was
accordingly done, under the title of the " Elements of Commerce," which was printed, in quarto, but never published.
Bishop Warburton, speaking of Dean Tucker, says " his trade was religion, and religion his trade.'' This certainly was
unjust ; for although commerce and its connections had been favourite objects of his attention, yet he faithfully discharged
the duties of his office, and his various publications on moral and religious subjects show him to have been deeply versed
in theology. Gents. Mag. Nov. 1799, vol. Uix. part 1.
'" Rector of St. Andrew's, Holbom, and Prebendary of Canterbury, which latter he resigned upon his promotion to
this Deanery.
" Educated at Eton, became Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, in 1775; in 1778 vicar of Stone, and in 1791)
Vicar of Wichenford, both in Worcestershire; in 1787, Prebendary of Worcester; and in 1808 was made Dean of
this Cathedral.
84
A
Eiist Of 2Soofes!, ©$s!ag)5, anti printsf,
WHICH HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED RELATING TO
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
ALSO A LIST OF
ENGRAVED PORTRAITS OF ITS BISHOPS.
THIS LIST IS SUBJOINED TO GRATIFY THE BIBLIOGRAPHER, THE CRITICAL ANTIQUARY, AND THE ILLUSTRATOR;
AS WELL AS TO SHEW, AT ONE VIEW, THE SOURCES WHENCE THE CONTENTS OF THE PRECEDING PAGES HAVE
BEEN DERIVED, AND THE FULL TITLES OF THE WORKS REFERRED TO IN THE NOTES.
MANUSCRIPTS, BOOKS, AND ESSAYS.
From the numerous notes of reference in the preceding pages it may be inferred that the published
accounts of this Cathedral are already numerous, and that a new volume on the subject is a work
of supererogation. Those who will give themselves the trouble of examining and comparing
these different publications will soon detect omissions and doubtful statements, occasional chasms
and irrelevant matter. Respecting the architectural history of the fabric, some are silent, and
others very imperfect. On this subject the author of the present volume has endeavoured to
furnish the reader with full and explicit information. Although he has not been fortunate enough
to define the date and history of every part of the building, he must ascribe this defect to the want
of success, rather than to the want of diligence in his inquiries.
Of the manuscript materials from which much of the history of St. Peter's Monastery has
been obtained it will be proper to give some account. In page 25, and in the Essay page 5, are
notices of Abbot Froucester, with some account of his works. His collections, relating to the
Abbey, must have been both extensive and valuable. From these he compiled a " Chronicle,"
detailing the most material events relating to the house and its dependencies. They extend from
the time of the foundation to that of his decease, in 1412. That part of the chronicle which
records his death and gives his eulogium is of course continued by another hand.
A copy of this Chronicle is in the library of Queen's College, Oxford, and another in the British
Museum. Two books of charters and other muniments, transcribed by Froucester, are in the
possession of the Dean and Chapter. Archdeacon Furney made use of these materials, in what
Mr. Fosbrooke calls " a Catalogue RaisonnP ;" but if this learned gentleman had seen the
whole of the Archdeacon's collections, he would have awarded to him rather more merit than that
of a catalogue writer. On these authorities the preceding narrative places its chief claims to
authenticity respecting the monastic part of its history. Furney, a native of Gloucester,
bequeathed in 1755 to the Bodleian library, his collections relating to the Abbey, &c. ; and
Browne Willis acknowledges his obligations to him in preparing his " Survey of Cathedrals."
Dr. Richard Parsons, chancellor of this diocess from 1677 to 1711, collected materials for
" Memoirs of the antient Abbey and present Cathedral of Gloucester." Wharton intended to
print this as a third volume of his " Anglia Sacra." Bishop Nicholson, in " Historical Library,"
says, that Parsons's work " was digested iuto so good a method, that it well deserved the title of
a complete history." Dr. Parsons died in 1711. The destiny of his collections is unknown to
the writer of this notice, though Atkyns and Rudder both appear to have made use of them.
Kennett's " Parochial Antiquities," 4to. 1695, p. 75, states that the New Conventual Church,
rebuilt by Serlo, the abbot, was dedicated, July 7, 1100. Anno 13 Will. Rufus. 1 Hen. I. —
p. 194, a Controversy between Henry, Abbot of St. Peter's, and the Prior of St. Oswald's,
was by Pope Honorius referred to the Abbot and Prior of Thame, by whom peace was made
' " OrigiDal HIstorj of the City of Gloucester," preface, T.
LIST OF BOOKSj ESSAYS, AND PRINTS. 85
between them, " Ex Chartul. S. Petri Gloces. MS." — p. 223, Agreement between the Abbot
and Convent, and the Abbot and Convent of Oseney, as to the tithes of Chesterton.
" The Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire,'' by Sir Robert Atkyns, Knight, folio,
London 1712, reprinted 1768, contains a short notice of the JJishoprick — the Charter of Toun-
dation — the Endowment — Account of the Bishops — List of the Ciianceilors and Arclideacons —
Statutes and Orders for the better Rule and Government of the Cathedral Church, appointed ami
prescribed, anno 36 Hen. VII L — a List of the Deans and Prebendaries, with a Description of
the Monuments and Dimensions of the Cathedral, p. 08 to 96 — it also contains a North View
of the Cathedral, by J. Kip. Most of the copies of the first edition of this book were consumed
by fire at Mr. Bowyer's, the printer, in 1712-13. The second edition printed by Mr. Herbert,
was most carelessly executed, the errata not being even corrected. Great part of this edition
was also burnt.
In Le Neve's " Monumenta Anglicana," 5 vols. 8vo. 1719, are copies of the Inscriptions on
the Monuments from 1600 to 1718.
The History of the Foundation of the Abbey, and the Changes in the same before (he Suppres-
sion by Hen. VIII., by William Malverne, Abbot, from MS. in Cai. Coll. Camb., also Harl.
MS. 539, f. 111., is contained in " Robert of Gloucester's Chronicle,'' 2 vols. 8vo., 1724.
Wilkin's " Concilia Magna Brittanite," folio, 1737, contains the following documents — v. I.
p. 368, Synod of Gloucester — p. 404, Synod for the Election of a Bishop, anno 1122. V. iv.
p. 17, Mandate for the Visitation of this Diocess, anno 1547, ex. Reg. Well. — p. 145, Injunctions
by James, Bishop of Gloucester, throughout his Diocess, anno 1556, Ex. Append, ad. Histor. Rob.
de Avesbury, edit. Thomas Hearnii, p. 376- — p. 344, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Letter to the
Bishop of Gloucester for an Account of his Clergy, anno 1592, Ex. Reg. ^^'hitgift, fol.199. b. —
p. 518, Orders by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Dean and Chapter and others of the Cathedral
Churcli, anno mdcxxxv. lleg. Laud. fol. 236 — p. 541, Goodman, Bishop of Gloucester,
suspended from his office, anno 1640, Ex. Origin, et Nalson's Collect, v. I. p. 351, et seq.
Browne Willis's " Survey of the Cathedrals," 4to. 1742, contains an Account of the Foundation,
Monuments and Inscriptions, Sale of the Lands of the Bishoprick, 1648-9, Endowment of the
Chapter, with Notices of the Bishops, Deans, Precentors, Chancellors, Treasurers, and other
ecclesiastical officers, also an account of all the Churches and Chapels in the Diocess, &c. v. i.
p. 691 to 755. Plates, a Ground Plan, drawn by Walt. Merricke, cler. and a South Prospect,
both engraved by J. Harris. Willis acknowledges his obligations to Archdeacons Furney and
Eyre, and to Precentor Gregory, who looked over the matter both before and after printing.
The new Edition of Dugdale's " Monasticon Auglicauum," v. i. p. 531 to 505 contains, the
Origin of the Abbey, with a List of the Abbots from its foundation to the dissolution ; A List of
the subordinate Cells and country Residences of the Abbots; Listof Books given to the Monastery
by Richard de Stowe, in the 14th cent. Harl. MSS. no. 627, fol. 8; the Foundation of the
Bishoprick with names of places given for its Endowment; short Accounts of the Bishops, as
also a Description of the Cathedral. — It likewise contains the following documents — No. I.
" Annales de Winchcumbe in Bibl. Cottoniana," as to the Foundation of this Monastery, anno
680. " R. Hoved, fol. 255. a. n. 10." The Dedication of the Church by Aldred, Bishop of
Worcester, anno 1058. — Nos. ll. to viil. inclusive, " Ex Cronicis Gloucestrensis Cwnobii," in
Bibl. Cottoniana sub effigie Domitiani, A. viii. being an account of the foundation of the
Monastery, gifts of lands thereto, &c. from the year 681 to 1089. — No. fx. " Ex libra Cvn-
suali vocato Domesday Book," being an account of the possessions of the Church of St. Peter
in the time of William the Conqueror, in Hampsiiire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, and Here-
fordshire. ^No. X. 3IS. Cotton. Domit. A. viii. fol. 128. Surrender of divers Manors to the
Church of St. Peter, by Thomas, Archbishop of York, anno 1095. — No. xi. Ibid, the Dedi-
cation of the Church of St. Peter in the time of Abbot Serlo, anno 1100. — No. xill. Ibid, fo, 1-14,
List of the Possessions of the Monastery of St. Peter, as well spiritual as temporal. — No. xiv.
Ex Ipso Autogr. in Bibl. Cottoniana, xvii. 3. The Charter of King Stephen, confirming and
reciting the gifts made to the Church of St. Peter. — No. xv. Cart. Antiq. Harl. Brit. Mhs.
58, H. 40. Grant of a Fair at Northleeche to the Abbot and Monks of St. Peter. — No. xvi.
Pat. 17 Edw. in. m. 35. MSS. Lansd. 291, fol. 273.— Nt). xvii. MS. Cotton. Domit. A. viii.
^ In one of Forney's MS. vols, is a set of Instructions from Cardinal Pole (a circular) sent to Gloucester, among other
places. lu a Note, Furney says that he communicated it to llearue, who published it.
86 GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
fol. 141. Order of Tliomas Ilorton, Abbot of Gloucester, concerning tlie performance of Mass.
—No. XVIII. Pai.^-iHcn. VIII. p. 2. m. 10. Rym. Feed. torn. xiv. p. 724. Creation of
the Bishoprick, A. D. 1641. — No. xix. Pat. 33 Hen. VIII. Iterum MS. Cotton. Append, ix.
fol. 28, const'ituting John Wakeman, Bishop.— No. xx. Claus. 6. Ediu. VI. p. 3, n. 27.
A. D. 'loo2. Kym. Feed. torn. xv. p. 297. Surrender of the Bishoprick to the King. — No. XXI.
Claus. 6 Ediv. VI. p. G, «. 15. Rym. Foed. torn. xv. p. 298. Confirmation of the preceding
surrender by the Dean and Chapter.— No XXll. Pat. 6 Edw. VI p. 1, m. 34, A. D. 1552. Rym.
Foed. torn. 1, p. 298. Concerning the translation of the Bishop of Gloucester to the Bishoprick of
Worcester. — No. xxill. Ex Codicibvs MSS. penes dec. Eccl. Cath. Glouc. excerptum. A
compendious memorial of the Cathedral Church of Gloucester. — No. xxiv. MS. Cotton. Cleop.
E. V. fol. 380. Order for the burning of John Hooper, Bishop of Gloucester, A. D. 1555 —
Ministers' Accounts of the Monastery of St. Peter, 34 Hen. VIII. Augmentation Office.
" A Neto History of Gloucestershire," by Mr. Samuel Rudder, a printer of Cirencester, folio
1779, Cirencester, contains the Foundation Charters, and Endowment of Abbies and other
religious houses, the Foundation of the Bishoprick, &c., with a short account of the Bishops and
Deans; the Names of the Patrons and Incumbents, and the ancient and present Value of all
the Ecclesiastical Benefices, Monuraeufal Inscriptions, &c.
" The History and Antiquities of Gloucester," 8vo. Cirencester, 1781.
" Collections Monumental, Historical, and Genealogical, relative to the County of Gloucester,
printed from the papers of Ralph Bigland, esq." London, 1791, fol.
" Views of the Interior and Exterior of Gloucester Cathedral, Drawn and Engraved by T. Bon-
nor, in 1796, and reprinted, 1815." — London, 8vo. with thirty-seven pages of letter-press.
Gough's " Sepulchral Monuments," fo. 1796, contains— v. i. pt. 2, p. 19, Figure of Robert
Curthose, — v. i. pt. 1, p. 52, Bodies of three Abbots found in the Choir — p. 84, Description of
the Figure of Robert, Duke of Normandy — p. 125, Figure of an Alderman and his wife — pt. 2, p.
92, Edw. II. Monument— p. 195, Account and View of Monument of Humphrey de Bohun. —
V. ii. pt. 1, p. 67, An Account of an Abbot's body found in new paving the Cath. — p. 104,
Ethelred and his wife, Elfreda, Founders of St. Oswald's Priory— p. 105, Osric's Monument. —
V. ii. pt. 2, p. 182, View and Account of the Monument of Abbot Seabrook.
" Collection of Gloucestershire Antiquities," by Samuel Lysons, 1803, fol. containing, 1. En-
gravings of Figures on Glass in the Cathedral : — 2. East End of the Library : — 3. Stone Stalls :
— 4. View of the Crypt:— and 5. West End of the Lady Chapel, &c.
" Some Account of the Cathedral Church of Gloucester, illustrative of the Plans, Elevations,
and Sections of that Building." Lond. 1809. folio, published by the Society of Antiquaries of
London. This account was drawn up by Sir Henry C. Englefield, Bart. The Engravings,
by J. Basire, from Drawings by J. Carter, consist of, 1. Ground Plan of the Church, Cloister, and
Monastic Buildings: — 2. Plan of the Crypt: — 3. Plan of the Triforium Story of the Choir,
Transept, and Lady Chapel: — 4. Elevation of the West Front, Tower, and Deanery :— 5. Eleva-
tion of the North Side of the Church: — 6. Section, through the whole from East to West, with
the Crypt, Lady Chapel, Tower, &c. : — 7. Section of the East End, with the Crypt : — 8. Elevation
of part of the building North of the West End of the Church: — 9. Elevation of the South
Porch ; — 10. Elevation of one division of the South Aile of the Nave and Buttress at large,
exterior; — 11. Elevation of a compartment of the Nave, interior: — 12. Elevation of part of the
North Side of the Choir, showing portions of four Monuments : — 13. Elevation of a compartment
on the North Side of the Lady Chapel: — 14. Elevation of the " Monk's Treasury," in the North
Transept: — 15. Elevation of the North Side of the Monument of Edward II.: — 16. Plans and
Sections of the same : — 17. Elevation of a Doorway, &c. in the South Transept.
" The History and Antiquities of the Cathedral Church and See of Gloucester, with Engravings,
by J. and H. Storer, 8vo. contains a short account of the Monastery and Bishoprick, and the
following eight prints— Ground Plan — N. E. View — N. Transept, from the Cloisters — W. Front
— Door in Nave — Osric's Tomb — Bishop's Palace — South Porch — Interior of Nave.
" The History of Gloucester from the earliest Period to the present Time," hy the Rev. Thos.
Rudge, B. D. Gloucester, 8vo. 1811, contains Extracts from ancient Chroniclers and Historians
relative to the History of the Abbey — a List and Biographical Memoranda of the Abbots,
Bishops, Deans, and other Ecclesiastical Officers, with Historical Notices of the Endowment,
Revenues, and Extent of the Diocess — a Description of the Cathedral and its Monuments.
" An Original History of the City of Gloucester," including the Original Papers of the late
LIST OF BOOKS, ESSAYS, AND PRINTS. 87
Ralph Bigland, esq., bj the Rev. J. D. Fosbrooke, M.A. F.A.S., 4to. London, 1819, contains
Accounts of the Abbey, Extracts from the Lives of the Abbots, List of Monuments and i-lpitaplis,
Priors, Bishops, Abbathial Residences, Episcopal Officers, &c. pages 15G to "iiiO — also the
following twenty-five Plates by Bonnor, &.c., most of which were published in his" Itinerary."
- — Osric's Monument — Seabrooke's ditto — Parker's ditto — S. W. View of the Cathedral by
Buckler — Parts of the Cathedral by Audinet — Interior of Lady Chapel — Specimens of Armorial
Pavement — Monuments of Edward 11. — Robert Curthose — Bishop Goldeshorough — Lord and
Lady Bohun — Alderman Blackleach and his Lady — Aldred — Mr. Williams — Mrs. Clent —
Alderman Jones — Sir John Powell, Knight — Ralph Bigland — Bishop Benson — Alderman
Machen and his Lady — Dame Mary Strachan.
In Dallaway's " Inqniries into the Origin, ^-c. of Heraldry in England," 4to. 1793, is an
Etching of an Armorial Pavement in the Cathedral.
In Dallaway's " Observations on English Architecture," 8vo. 1806, is an Essay on Gloucester
Cathedral, which is called " a complete school of Antient Architecture."
King, in " Munimenta Antiqiia," folio, 1799, v. iv. has some Remarks on the Architecture
and Dates of this Church, with five prints : but they are of little value, the latter being singularly
inaccurate, and the former very theoretical.
In " Views of the Cathedral Churches," 4to. 1822, by J. C. Buckler, is a S. W. View of
Gloucester Cathedral, and a short Account of the Edifice.
" In Birch's " History of the Royal Society," v. i. p. 120, is a Description of the Whispering
Gallery, with " a Scheme of it," by Mr. Powle.
PRINTS.
Besides the Prints already specified in different books the following have been published.
In Carter's " Antient Architecture," i'o]. 1796, are Etchings of the following subjects — Flying
Gallery, PL xv. p. 16 — Arches, Columns in Undercroft, PI. xvi. p. 17. — Avenue to the
Cemetery, PI. xxi. p. 20 — Doorways, xxxvill. 33 — Holy Water Basin, xxxil. 27.
Carter's " Antient Sculpture," fo. 1795 — View of a piece of Sculpture at the entrance into the
S. Aile of the Choir, v. i. p. 53 — Paving Tiles before the High Altar, v. ii. p. 6.
South West View of the Cathedral, drawn and engraved by T. Bonnor.
View of the Cathedral from the S. W. — a large aquatint Print, from a Drawing by J. Buckler.
View of the Screen erected by Bishop Benson, 1741— J. Vardy, sc.
Etching of the Head of Robert Curthose, Vertue, del. Bretherton, sc.
ACCOUNTS OF BISHOPS.
Godwin in his " Catalogue of Bishops," small 4to. 1615, gives short Memoirs of the Bishops
from 1641 to 1612. In " De Prcesiilibus," by Richardson, fo. 1742, these Accounts are
continued to 1734.
Le Neve's " Fasti Ecclesia Anglicana>," folio, 1716, contains List of the Bishops, Deans,
Prebendaries, &c. up to 1714.
PORTRAITS OF BISHOPS.
John Hooper:— mez. Faber, sc. — mez. Houston, sc. — in sheet of the Seven Bishops, R. White,
sc. Granger and Bromley.
Edward Fowler: — mez. Kneller, del. Smith, sc. Granger and Bromley.
Martin Benson : — la. fol. J. Richardson, del. Vertue, sc. 1739. Bromley.
Joseph W^ilcox, sitting holding a book — mez. E. Seeman, J. Simon, sc. Bromley.
William Warburton : — mez. C. Phillips, del. T. Barford, sc— in the act of writing, and
Bust of Pope, id. — Medallion, H. Gravelot. sc. — in a lay habit prefixed to his " W orks,"
W. Hoare, del. J. Hoare, sc. 1784, — etching of profile {Hoare), 1765, 8vo. J. Uuubraken, sc.
— in Malone's " Shakspeare,' 1787, 8vo. A. Smith, sc. Bromley.
Richard Willis, sitting in a carved chair — M. Dahl, pinx. Simon, sc. Granger.
88
GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
ILLUSTRATIVE OF GLOUCESTER CATHEDRAL.
Plates.
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
vir.
VIII.
IX.
SI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII,
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
Subjects.
Groand Plan, and Plans of Parts
View of the Western Front
Section of the West End
Soutli Porcb ; View of
Tower and South Transept ; View of...
View from the North East
Nave; View of, looking East
Nave, Compartment of, interior and
exterior
South Aile of Choir, &c. View of, look-)
ing East $
Choir, View of, looking East
Choir, Compartments of, North Side
North Transept, looking North East
Crypt, View of the
Cloister, View of the North Walk of
Monument of Edward II
Tower and Transept, half Elevation
half Section
Choir, Ailes, Crjpt, transverse Section)
of, looking East ^
View from the South West
North Transept, View in, looking South)
West J
Lady Chapel, East End, View of.
Plan of West Front, and Part of Clois-
ter at large
Sepulchral Effigies of Osric, King Ed-
ward II. and Robert Curtoise
Bracket Monument of Aldred (Wood )
Cut) \
Crypt, Plan of the (Wood Cut)
Drawn by
H. Ansted
W.H.Bartlett
H. Ansted
W. H. Bartlett
W. H. Bartlett
W.H.Bartlett
W.H.Bartlett
H. Ansted
W.H.Bartlett
H. Ansted ..
H. Ansted..
W.H. BarUett
W. H. Bartlett
W. H. Bartlett
H. Ansted
H. Ansted
H. Ansted
W. H. Bartlett
H. Ansted
H. Ansted
H. Ansted
J. Carter
W.H.Bartlett
J.Carter
Engraved by
J, Le Keux...
W.Woolnoth
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
H. Le Keux..
W.Woolnoth
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Kenx...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
J. Le Keux...
R. Sands
J. Le Keux...
W.Woolnoth
G. F. Storm..
G. F. Storm..
T. Williams..
Branston and
Wright....
John Baron, M. D. &c.
Hon. and Rev. D. Finch
C. Hanbnry Tracy
Rev. J. Michell, LL.D.
Rev. J. H. Seymour...
i Hon. and Rev. Ed.)
I Rice.D. D. Deani
( The Bishop of )
( Gloucester J
Rev.G.W.Hall, D. D.
J. P. Hicks, Esq
(Rev.H.Wetherell,)
I B. D 5
Rev. J. Bishop, M. A...
SRev. Townsend )
Selwyn, M. A...S
Rev.E.Bankes,D.C.L.
HenryEllis,Esq.F.S.A.
Rev.J.Wehh.F.S. A.
Described.
53. 57.
26. 57.
57. GO.
26. 57, 58.
27. 57. 59.
59.
55. 60.
56. 60.
60.
22.61.
61, 62.
21. 56. 60.
49. 52.
26.57.59.63.
56. 66. 70.
20. 60.
61.63.
58.
60. 61.
28. 57. 63.
64.
62.
(Title-page.
168.
50,51.
AN
ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER,
ILLUSTRATIVE OF CERTAIN
CUSTOMS, PRIVILEGES, AND MANNERS OF THE MONKS OF THAT HOUSE.
Though the early history of this Abbey, like that of many others stretching out beyond the
era of the Norman conquest, is involved in some obscurity, enough has been preserved, by
the industry of the monks, to assure us of its remote origin, and to ascertain with sufficient
precision the period of its foundation, and the succession of its founders, rulers, and
benefactors. What degree of credit may be due to the precise form and terms of the
charter of foundation, published by Dugdale, from the muniments of the Abbey', may rather
be conjectured than determined, the original, of which it professes to be a copy, being lost.
But it is well known that too many of those that claimed to have been granted by the
Saxons were manufactured at a much later date ; and there are some grounds for doubting
that this may be of the number of such spurious documents. Yet there is no reason to
question that the event to which it refers took place at or about the date assigned to it ; nor
that the institution was patronised by nobles and princes of the land ; and underwent, as
might be expected, those changes recorded by the compiler of the chronicle, during the
confusion that arose in the struggles of the Saxons in their wars with the Danes.
More light breaks in, however, about the time of the settlement of the Normans in
England. Gloucester was a place of considerable civil consequence, frequently honoured
by the presence of the Conqueror, as it had been of old by princes of the Saxon line.
Under these circumstances the ecclesiastical foundation, once famous, but fallen to decay,
could not fail to command some share of attention. Accordingly we find it re-established by
the best interest and highest power in the country, repaired, reformed, and assuming
increased importance.
Thence-forward the Abbey began to flourish, as it passed down the course of time. The
abundant evidences of its aggrandisement still extant in its annals and cartulary shew that,
while a taste for such endowments prevailed, it continued long to receive fresh accessions of
wealth and power. During the reigns of several kings, from William I. to Richard II., it
appears that the Convent obtained many important privileges, receiving from those inonarchs
severally either confirmations or additions to those which had been bestowed by their
predecessors. Some of these must have been of great value in seasons of lawless aggression,
impost, and outrage. They had sac, soc, and theam, and iufangcuetlieof ; they were quit of
carriage, summage and conduct, king's tallage, and all royal works and unjust exactions :
whatever they bought, sold, or consumed was exempt from toll, custom, passage, or
' Mon. Ang. new edit. vol. i. p. 540.
2 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
pontage : wherever they went they might pass unmolested, under pain of forfeiture to the
king from any otfender, in zoick and vUl, in wood and in plain, on land and water, on sea and
in port*^. These, which are the very expressions of many grants, shew how largely and
generously thtir peculiar rights were conveyed to them. King Stephen, during his stormy
reign, took them under his protection ; and gave safe conduct to Abbat Hameline, and all
persons under his jurisdiction, " to go, and come, and remain, and enjoy all that they had
without unjust disturbance ^ ;" and John, when Earl of Mortagne, though at a later period he
scrupled not to oppress them, had granted privileges, similar to those which have been just
enumerated, in all his lands at Bristol, and at Cardiff and Newport in Wales, enjoining all
his bailiffs and officers, French, English, and Welsh, " to forward their business, as though
it were his own *.'" Thus, not only were their persons protected, and interests promoted, but
the necessaries and luxuries of life were secured to them. Their chases and fisheries were
scrupulously guarded. They had free warren in all their estates in Gloucestershire and
beyond tiie Severn ; and where their authority obtained, no one, without permission, could
pursue any game, or take a fish from their waters ; while all the king's foresters, huntsmen,
and archers on the Welsh side of the river, and in the forest of Dean, were to surrender the
tithe of any venison taken in the forest of that province. By ancient law the sturgeon is a
royal fish ; wherever caught it appertained to the king. Then occasionally, as in these
days, such a fish would stray from the expansive estuary of the Severn into the narrower
windings of the stream in their vale ; and this, if taken in any Abbey fishery, was exclusively
their own. The privilege, indeed, was not peculiar to the Abbey of Gloucester; the
Bishop of Durham, having wreck of sea within the lordship of his manor of Hoveden^, laid
claim to the whale and the sturgeon, cast upon those northern and tempestuous shores : it
may also be imagined that such concession on the part of the king would cost but little ; as,
in the existing state of the roads and locomotive habits of the princes, the sturgeon could,
probably, in few instances be conveyed fresh and sound to the royal table ; and there can be
no great stretch of liberality, or self-denial, in assigning that to others which we cannot enjoy
ourselves. But it was an especial mark of high favour : on the one part it carried with it an
air of munificence, and on the other, it conferred dignity in the eyes of the people ; and that
which, next to the admitted sanctity of their official character, constituted the bulwark of
these ecclesiastical bodies was this, that they were " men whom the king delighted to
honour."
The twelfth century is celebrated in history for the vast increase of monastic establish-
ments in England, and for the immense wealth accumulated by the church. During the
earlier part of it, and under the government of Serlo, De Lacy, Foliot, and Hameline,
several priories were attached to the Abbey of Gloucester, which must have greatly
advanced its reputation and influence. Ewyas-Harold and Saint Guthlac in 1 100, and
Kilpec in 1134, all in the county of Hereford, and Saint Guthlac, close to the city;
Ewenny, in Glamorganshire, in 1141 ; Stanley-Saint-Leouard's, in Gloucestershire, in
^ Cartae Reg. Angl. in MS. Registro Walter! Froucester asseiTatte, vol. 1.
3 Carta Regis Stephani. Ibid, f. 15 b. + Carta Johannis Com. Morton. Ibid. f. 18 a.
5 Rymer. Fctdera, vol. ii. part ii. p. 1225, new edit.
palace: — STATE OF THE ABBEY, 1146—1323. 3
1146; and Biomfiekl, in Sliropshirc, in 1155. Various donations gradually swelled tlic
monastery's rental ; houses and shops, gardens and meadows in and about the city, and
advowsons, woods, and manors in many parts of the county. Their name and authority
had, from early times, extended into Hampshire, Devonshire, &c. ; they had a ciiureli in
Norwich, and some of their estates were in the Marches and in South Wales.
The consequence which tiiis house acquired, especially after its re-establishmcnt by tiie
Conqueror, seems to have been not a little promoted by the existence of a palace to the
nortii of the city. Allusion has already been made to it in mentioning the residence of
princes at Gloucester. Of this edifice, in ancient writings styled Aula Regis, nothing now
remains, save a traditionary site, and the name of King's-Holm. Yet it is most certain that
kings of England have not merely sojourned here upon travel, but have occasionally selected
it for a temporary abode. At such seasons the Abbey Church, being the nearest and the
most eminent place of public worsliip, w'ould be frequented by tiic court ; and hence
sovereigns, with their trains of counsellors and knights in arms, have bowed and offered at
its shrines. It is expressly recorded that young Henry HI. lodged here, when lie was
brought, with a great retinue, to receive the crown at the higli altar of Saint Peter's''; for
Gloucester was then considered the safest place in the kingdom. Before and after the
probable ruin of this palace, from the reign of Henry I. to that of Henry V., the spacious
convent was honoured or burdened by the holding of many parliaments. Legates of the
popes, archbishops, and high ecclesiastical dignitaries have held synods and provincial
councils within these walls ;— they have witnessed tlie coronation and the funeral of a king.
Every tide must have its ebb. The attachment to these institutions, from the beginning
of the thirteenth century, but more particularly after the death of Henry III., was gradually
on the decline. It was then found that the celebrity of a convent, so far from contributing
to its advantage, would, by increasing its expenses, prove a cause of its decay, unless some
expedient could be devised to improve the revenue of the house. Both these circumstances
are strikingly illustrated in the case before us. Richly as Gloucester Abbey may be
supposed to have been endowed, it is a remarkable fact, with regard to the fabric, which
had more than once experienced serious injury by fire, that while some new parts were
occasionally added, others of no small importance seem to have been suffered to run into a
state of dilapidation. During the government of De Gamages the wind blew the dormitory
down. Though the notoriety acquired by the reception of the Christian cliiki who w as said to
have been crucified by the Jews, and the miracles reported to be wrought at his tomb, migiit,
by attracting wealthy visitants, have proved in some degree beneficial to the monks, it shoidd
seem that, unless extraordinary means had occurred of improving their finances, the church,
like the dormitory, might have been leveled with the ground. Nearly fifty years had been
suffered to elapse before they could summon resolution or ability to rebuild tlie south-
western tower, that had fallen down in the life-time of Abbat Hameline ; and in the year
1323, when they requested Thomas Cobham, Bishop of Worcester, to permit tiie appropri-
ation of the parish church of South Cerney, they made a statement nearly in the following
terms : —
* Robert of Glouc. Chron. by Hearne, vol. ii. p. 513.
4 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
" That the Church of the Monastery, built by pious founders of olden time for divine worship in a
sumptuous style, had long ago for the most part fallen down through mere antiquity and decay, and the
remainder threatened soon to fall ; that tliey had laid out large sums in the repair thereof, and that more must
be expended in work newly begini; that the Monaster)', situated iu a public place and famous town, was
subject to a very great burden of hospitality, from the reception of persons resorting thither in very great
numbers from divers parts of the world ; that the persecution of certain povi'erful individuals had formerly taken
possession of a great share of their substance, originally assigned to the support of the fraternity and for the
burdens incumbent upon the Monastery, which had suffered great injury in its means of subsistence." And
they conclude by affirming that " in the pursuit of their right in this respect, and in other causes, they had
incurred so heavy a debt that, unless their necessities were timely relieved, they had reason to apprehend they
should be reduced to distress'."
This representation was made during the government of Abbat Thokey, and though
couched in the usual style of pleading when appropriations were sought, involved, no doubt,
much of the real state of the case. But a remedy surpassing all anticipation was at hand :
never was a stroke of judicious policy or generous loyalty more effective than the determi-
nation of that Abbat to receive the corpse of Edward the Second. Though that part of the
expenses of his interment which fell upon the Convent was very considerable, and it
should seem that they coidd ill afford it, no money could have been laid out to more
advantage. Their conduct secured at once the favour of Edward III., who shewed much
good feeling and filial duty in endeavouring to uphold the reputation of his unfortunate
parent. Upon the ground of their heavy charges and loyal exertions, besides other
important concessions, he permitted them to appropriate three churches, of Wyrardesbury,
Chipping-Norton, and Camme, " for the support of an anniversary, and that they should
pray for the soul of his father °." The same tone of consideration and attachment was kept
up by Richard II. v\ho exempted Walter Froiicester, the Abbat,
" — for life from appearing in person at any of his parliaments, congregations, and councils, on account of his
special love to the Abbey of Gloucester, where the body of King Edward, his great grandfather, was buried,
and tliat his beloved in Christ, Walter, Abbat of that house, might be retained to celebrate exequies, and an
anniversary for his soul."
From this very memorable eveut the building may date not only its restoration, but
much of its subsequent magnificence. In the rage for visiting the tomb of Edward II. the
ways to Gloucester were crowded by pilgrims, innumerable ; and the offerings there
presented by the devotees made more than amends for the slackening of other donations.
The wealth that was poured in at this chaimel Howed over, and descended to later times ;
and it is worthy of observation that, while there is no record of any estates left for that
purpose to the use of the master of the works, beyond the end of the fourteenth century,
the most costly improvements in this building were afterwards made during the fury of the
civil wars between the rival Roses, when England becaine a theatre of havoc and blood;
and monasteries, the sanctuaries of those who fled from assassination or battle, were
' Concessio Thorn. Episc.Wygorn. MS. Registr. Froucester, vol. i. f. liii. Tauner's Notitia Monast. preface,
p. 20, note, Nasmitli's edit.
« Rymer. Foedera, vol. ii. pars ii. p. 729, new edition. See also die King's letter to the Pope on the same
subject, p. 742.
ABBAT FROLICESTER, AND HIS COLLECTIONS. 5
comparatively little thought of, and too frequently suffered in the general devastation. Of
what occurred to tliis Abbey, at that precise period, there is no regular contemporary
account. But to this hour may be seen the effects produced by the tomb of the murdered
monarch. It was erected by his son and successor, and as a specimen of art challenges the
admiration of the spectator; yet the eye that wanders from the tiled tioor, at the high altar,
to the intricacies of the roof above, will discern a still more striking memorial of his death
and burial. The choir itself, decorated no doubt by the superfluous wealth that the Abbey
iiad thus acquired, while it has dedicated the wonderful and beautiful of architecture to the
service of the Most High, presents as noble a mausoleum as, perhaps, has ever been erected
to the memory of any British king.
Of all the Abbats whose acts and characters are detailed in the Chronicle of the house,
no one is more entitled to the grateful respect of the antiquary than Walter Fkoucester.
By him, or at his instigation and procurement, that Chronicle was composed, which begins
with the foundation and closes with his death, in 1412. To him we are indebted for most
of the direct historical information concerning the Abbey, its governors, its progress, and
possessions. And this, so far as it now goes, is as satisfactory as the nature of the subject
would lead us to expect ; though we may be assured that in their original state the series of
documents which he brought together was much more complete than it is at present. Time
has envied him his attempt to inform posterity how rich and well ordered was this society
when he departed. He appears to have been a man of an active and munilicent disposition,
anxious for the dignity and welfare of the conuuunity to which he was attached, to enlarge
its privileges, and protect what it had already acquired. Many of these monastic superiors
were distinguished by their labours to improve the property, and repair, or enlarge, or
decorate the building ; and these commanded the gratitude of the fraternity ; but Abbat
Froucester gave most substantial proof that he was variously and eminently qualified to lill
the post assigned to him. Besides the somewhat ambitious honours that he obtained for his
successors, the payment of the debts of the convent, his attention to their lands and edifices,
his valuable completion of the unfinished cloisters, and his compilation of that curious
Abbey history before mentioned, he collected all the existing muniments relating to their
affairs, and caused them to be arranged and carefully copied into registers, a part of which
remain to this day. This was a work of great importance, forming a chain of evidences of
which the Clsronicle, by its references, appears to have been one of the links. Their earliest
documents seem chiefly to have perished by neglect, or time, or waste of v, ar or fire ; but
the record then made out in these cartularies, the several portions of which contain upwards
of one thousand four hundred articles, attests his judgment and well directed zeal for the
temporal interests of the Abbey.
These collections, illustrative of public and local events, an<l furnishing an estimate of
the sources from which their ample means were supplied, have evidently been consulted by.
most of the writers who have professed to treat of this subject, either in the original or in
the transcripts of Archdeacon Furnej/, who, early in the last century, with great diligence
b ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
extracted or abridged tlieni all. The public charters that they contain have been printed ;
and most of those relating to the Abbey can have only a limited interest, as designating
persons and places, with whicii the general reader has no desire to be acquainted : yet
particulars such as the following may not be altogether unworthy of attention.
1. Tiie proofs respecting their original title to those lands which Aldred had alienated
from the Monastery, and attached to the see of York, are laid down with much precision in
sundry affirmations made by persons of unquestionable character, called in to bear testimony
upon this point. There is considerable solemnity in the style of the ensuing attestation.
" Testimony of David of the Convent of Worcester, &c. To all sons of holy mother church, David,
sometime Prior of the Convent of Worcester, health. Placed at the extremity of my days, I declare to you the
truth of the matter respecting the claim which the Archbishop of York holdeth against the Church of Saint
Peter of Gloucester, that ye may be informed of the same in common, and if it be necessary, as sons of truth,
may not deny your testimony to this truth, I myself, should I be permitted to be present when this cause is to
be tried, nothing hesitating to grasp the red hot plate of iron, or whatever the equity of justice might demand.
This then before God and his saints I testify, that the Church of Saint Peter of Gloucester possessed these vills,
to wit, Berton, Leech, Otintone, from the very time of the nuns who aforetime had their dwelling there, and it
still holdeth them in possession. But it acquired Standish by donation of Earl Beomulpb. And albeit Aldred,
the Bishop of our Church, who afterwards was some time Archbishop of York, retained Leech, Standish, and
Otynton, by permission of Abbat Wistan his relation, on account of building the aforesaid Monastery, he never
retained Berton, neither hath the said Church lost right of plenary donation or investiture in the aforesaid
manors ; this I have read in charters and in chronicles ; this I have known and learned by relation of truth-
telling witnesses. This testimony I have confirmed by impression of my seal to those who desire to know the
truth. Witnesses of this matter are Robert, the venerable Abbat of Alcester, of good memory and great
authority, Warren, Prior of Worcester, and the whole Convent of the said Church. Fare ye well '."
2. Their attention to ecclesiastical privilege is shewn in the detail of their controversy
with the Priory of Lanthony, soon after its removal and refoundation at Gloucester, by
Milo, Earl of Hereford. This latter event occurred in 1136; and the earl dying in 1143,
in the castle of Gloucester, of which he was governor, had directed his body to be buried in
his neighbouring and favourite foundation of Lanthony. To this the Abbey strongly
objected, by contending that they had parochial authority on the spot where that nobleman
died ; and in asserting the justice of their claim to funerals from the castle, they produced an
account of the castellans up to that time, which would probably no where else be found.
They represent to Sampson, Bishop of Worcester, and prove it by many witnesses,
" That the land upon wliich the castle of Gloucester now stands was in their possession before that castle
was built : that they had a garden there; and that a chaplain of their own exercised parochial duties through
their means to their own men who had dwellings there ; and that the bodies of these persons were buried by
them : that, though the land had been exchanged, they had surrendered to no one the parochial jurisdiction that
they had therein, but were in possession of it both before and after the foundation of the castle up to the time
being : — that Roger de Pislres, to whose custody the castle of Gloucester was first committed after tlie Conquest,
and the whole of his family ; likewise after him Durand de Pistres, his brother, who held the same office, and
all his family, had been buried by them as parishioners; that the son and family of Walter of Gloucester, who
succeeded them (and assumed the habit of a Canon in the diocess of Saint David's, and was there buried), and
after these very many of the family of Earl Milo, his successor, reposed among them, and that they had thus, by
custom and antiquity, kept up the right of burying those who died within the precincts of the castle, which they
assert they ought firmly to maintain."
9 MS. Froucester, 2. Registr. Eleemosynarii de Standish. f. 1. a. b.
MANORIAL RIGHTS OF THE MONASTERY, TEMP. HEN. II. 7
Having debated tlie matter warmly for two days, and tlieir claim being satisfactorily
established, the Priory of Lanthony gave up the point'". However, at the entreaty of
Robert, Bishop of Hereford, Bernard, Bishop of Saint David's, Roger, the son of Earl
Milo, and many barons and knights, the monks of Gloucester agreed that Milo might be
interred at Lanthony upon condition that his successors should be brought to the Abbey ;
and thus the affair was amicably adjusted'^.
3. The protection of their manorial rights is seen in a proceeding that took place in
19 Henry H. respecting the violation of the Abbey fishery of Rudele. Tiie king addressed
a writ to the sheriff of Gloucestershire to this effect, — That whereas the Abbat and Convent
had a free fishery in Severn, to the extent of their manor of Rudele, in liu; time of Kings
Henry I., Richard, and John, down to the times of Ralph Musard and William De Putot
(Dabitot ?) sometimes sheriffs of the county,
" So that ice tmd our predecessors had no right of fishing in thisfislieri/ without their will or permission, the
said Ralph and WiUiam during their shrievalties, and our bailiffs, and other bailiffs and sheriffs by tlie will and
power of the sheriffs, to which the said Abbat was incapable of making any resistance, did enter the fishery with
their boats, to fish therein in our name, contrary to the liberty of the Abbat, &c. we therefore strictly command
you to repair to the place where this fishery is, and by the oath of discreet and lawful persons, kniglils and
freemen, by whom the truth may be known, inquire when their boats entered the fishery to fish," Sec.
The writ is dated at Westminster, 23 kal. April, 19 Hen. H. and the inquest was held
accordingly about the nativity of Saint John the Baptist, A. D. 1235, by William Talbot,
then sheriff, at Newnham, upon the oath of twelve jurors ; when it was determined, that
though they had so done, no one had a right to fish there without leave of the Abbat ; and
the King, by a farther writ, certified this, whereupon the sacrist is enjoined to take diligent
heed lest this privilege, after long disseisin recovered with much cost and trouble, may not
again be lost ; and " the inquest was enrolled and deposited in the treasury of London, in
the 19th year of the noble and most pious King Henry, where it may be had recourse to, if
need be '"."
4. The singularity of some grants may amuse, if they do not instruct the historian in
the manners of past ages. One of these relates to the above-mentioned Earl Milo. This
celebrated character had conferred an estate near the Southgate, in Gloucester, upon a
favourite retainer, who afterwards bestowed it upon the Abbey in almoign ; and thus the
curious charter has been preserved. It is remarkable not merely for the simplicity of the
manner in which the property is conveyed, but for the humorously affectionate feeling of
expression, which seems to have been infused into the lordly donor by his amusing servant
in a cheerful hour.
" A Charter of the Earl of Hereford.— Milo, Earl of Hereford, to all his friends, French and English, of
England and Wales, health. Know ye that this Folebarba is my jongleur and my man "^ I therefore beseech
'° We find that similar disputes of^en occurred between the officers of the Cathedral and those of Saint
Aug-ustine's Priory at Canterbury. Vide History, &c. of Canterbury Cathedral, by J. Bntton, p. 13.
" MS. Frouc. I. Registr. pertinens ad Ecclesias, &c. f. 12 b. et seq.
" MS. Frouc. II. Registr. Sacristaria;, f. 13 b. et seq.
'3 Homo mens, hath done homage to me.
8 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
all my friends to protect liim, that no injury be done unto him ; and I will shew favour to any one wlio will do
him a kindness for the love of me. And I have granted him the land whereon he dwelleth in fee and lieritage
to him and to his heir, and by diat service whereby he liveth '•'■. And if he have an heir or relation to whom he
will give it, to that person I grant that land as freely as he himself holdeth it ; and if he will sell the land to any
one, let him be quit for three pence per annum "."
Such was the liberal feeling of Milo towards the son of minstrelsy, whose talents had
beguiled the dulness of the castle hall.
5. Richard le Brut held a tenement of the Abbey at Pitchcomb, by the title of Squire
Serjeantry , and the nature of his service is thus particularly explained :
" When any Monk of the Church went on a journey upon business of the Convent, Richard le Brut was to
find him a squire, with a proper roadster, to follow the Monk within the realm of England, and to serve him
from the time he quitted the Abbey till his return. And he was to carry the Monk's bedding upon his own
horse, viz. a mattrass, two blankets, and a coverlid. Item, a book of the said Monk, a cresset, candles, two
loaves, and half a fercarium of wine, or ale. This he was to be ready and bound to do during the whole
year, as often as he should be reasonably required, at the cost of our house. When by reason of the said
service the squire dined in the Abbey, he was to receive daily two loaves of squire's bread, with ale
thereunto appertaining, and a dish from the kitchen. Should his horse happen to die, the Abbey allowed him
no more than ten shillings."
This service was afterwards changed into another serjeantry, viz. that of setting the first
dish upon the table in the great hall of the Abbey on the festivals of Saint Peter and Paul,
before the Abbat and his successors, or any person of high dignity at that time presiding in
the hall. ~ On that day he was to be admitted to the Abbat's table, to eat and drink as
honourably as the steward of the house for the time being, and was to have hay and oats for
two horses on the ensuing night '^.
But the records handed down to us by the care of Abbat Froucester claim attention in
another point of view. Their scattered notices help to furnish some faint but picturesque
idea of the then condition and appearance of the Church itself. His Chronicle informs us
how, from its first plain but noble form, that part of the building by aile and roof, transept
and decoration, successively arose, expanded, and was adorned, up to the days in which he
officiated there. Each angle of the western end was flanked by a tower. Looking from
this part eastward, through the interior, the general aspect would present that bold, majestic,
Norman character, which is now chiefly observable in the nave ; but then extended, not
concealed as it is at present, behind a veil of more modern work, through the choir to the
high altar. The cloisters were just finished as they now appear. But the beautiful central
tower had not been raised ; and the chapel of our Lady, as built by Ralph and Olympias
de Willinton, was probably different in structure and dimensions from that which was
subsequently erected on its site. Neither did the spectator enter through that finely pro-
portioned porch which since has graced the western end of the southern aile of the nave.
One of the first objects that caught the eye as it ranged eastward through the body of
the Church, must have been the great crucifix, between the nave and the choir. Before it
stood the altar of the hoh/ cross, at which, in aftertimes, the hood and beads of every newly
elected beadsman were solemnly consecrated. At the foot of this altar, in 1273, Adam de
'+ Minstrelsy? "5 MS. Frouc. II. Registr. Sub-eleemosynarii, f. 48 a. "^ Id. f. 40 a.
ALTAR OF HOLY CROSS: OTHER ALTARS: STONE I'LLPIT : CHAl'ELS. 'J
Clunely, a monk of tlic liouse in high reputation for sanctity, liad been internd, ant] many
miracles were reported to have been wrought at liis grave". Here also was the entrance
into the choir, with the square stone pulpit over it, commanding the nave. The whole,
with the rood-loft and crucifix, must have attracted immediate observation '". It was the
work of Abbat Wigmore, who was buried on the southern side of it. The northern face of
this screen was adorned with tabernacle work and statues by Abbat Horton. In tlie chou-
were the stalls constructed by Staunton and Ilorton ; and the high altar, as it then appeared,
surmounted by its screen and statues, was the work of the latter Abbat : it was dedicated to
Saint Peter. Of many other altars, where services where then performed, their names only
are preserved, and though vestiges of them are visible, they cannot exactly be ascertained.
Such were those of Saint Edmund, Archbishop of Canterbury, of Edward the Confessor,
where the child Harald was buried, of Saint Andrew the Apostle, and of Saint Thomas the
Martyr, which had been built by Thomas de Staunton, brotlier to the Abbat of that name,
and near to which both of them were interred"'. The name of Saint Andrew is still
attached to that chapel wherein the font now stands. There is an altar between this very
chapel and the vestry of the lay clerks and choristers (represented in Plate xii.), another
close to the door of the great cloisters, another on the outside of Abbat Seabrooke's Chapel,
and in the south transept are remains of two more. Those of Saints Andrew, Edmund,
Edward the Confessor, and Thomas the Martyr, were probably all on the north side of the
Church. In the Chapel of our Lady was that of the Virgin, and one dedicated to Saint
Petronilla. How many of the twelve chapels and altars dedicated, as is said, to the twelve
apostles, were then extant, it were useless to inquire. There is no specific evidence
respecting them ; neither do those in the crypt or galleries appear to be alluded to in the
cartulary, so us to enable us to affix a name to any one of them.
At the period of which we speak, the Church was rich in plate, and consecrated
utensils, vestments, and costly furniture. The high altar, in particular, had a silver gilt
cross, and a set of splendid chalices of gold and silver, silver dishes and candelabra, chiefly
the gifts of Abbat Horton™. Great store of votive offerings of precious metals and
jewellery was suspended at Edward the Second's shrine. His tomb, Uiat ot Osric, and the
monument of Aldred (or more probably it is that of Serlo) remain, perhaps, nmch in the
same situations in which they were then placed, on either side of the high altar. Before it
stood the monument of Robert, Duke of Normandy, for his valour and generosity worthy
of a better fate, and a more illustrious memorial than he has yet obtained.
This Church, as usual in the Romish establishment, was illuminated by a profusion of
lights at the altars. Many of them, too feeble emblems of that purer fire of true devotion,
-7 MS. Chron. Fr. f. 31.
•s The pulpit was demolished in 1718, to make room for the organ ; and the whole of the beautiful screen,
with its entrances, arch, chapel, pillars, and oratory, was removed about the year 1741. Furney's MS. folio,
pp. 192. 320. The present screen was erected from the design, and in a great measure at the cost of tlie late
Reverend Doctor Griffith, Head of University College in Oxford and Prebendary of this Cathedral. He wa'*
moreover in every respect the architect of it. He died in the year 1823, soon after its completion, lamented as
an amiable man and a zealous admirer and skilful promoter of this species of English architecture.
'9 MS. Chron. Fr. f. 49. 51, et seq. " Ibid, f. .
b
10 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OP GLOUCESTER.
which will be kept alive in the Christian Church universal till time shall be no more, were
perpetually burning; and in the short-sighted, but piously conceived instructions of the
founders, were to burn day and night for ever. Most of these, and the lands by which they
were endowed, were placed under the sacrists' care. For the purpose of finding lights for
the altars in general, Matilda de Taiuton gave the Church of Tainton, and a hermitage and
one yard of land : to which, in confirmation of the gift, Ralph Avenel added a husband-
man, his wife, and all his family"'. The Chapel of our Lady was also well supplied.
Before the altar, where the mass of the Virgin Mary was celebrated, William de Sandford,
besides a taper at the said mass, gave a lamp, burning day and night ; and John Bromer,
two tapers before the image. John de Maurdyn, Jeffrey Memfred, Philip de Deveneys,
and John, Chaplain of Saint Pateruus, contributed to the illumination of this Chapel aud
altar; and Robert de Berkeley gave his Mill of Covel, with lands, for daily and nightly
tapers, and at all the festivals of Saint Mary, throughout the year. This gift was for the
souls of King Henry, and his heirs, Robert de Berkeley, son of Maurice de Berkeley,
Juliana his wife, their ancestors and successors for ever. At the altar of Saint Petronilla,
the piety of Milo de Sandhurst, and Ralph and Olympias de Willinton, had provided a
lamp daily at the mass, and two chaplains to pray for the souls of themselves, their ancestors
and successors, and the faithful departed. John Payne gave a lamp, day and night, for
ever before the altar of St. Andrew ; and before that of Saint Thomas, were the lamps
of Robert de Putfeleye and Henry Kaye. Nicholas Fuke and William Fitz Anketill
of Lilleton, left endowments of this kind for the altar in front of the greater crucifix
in the nave ; and Thomas Tholy, setting out on pilgrimage to Jerusalem, made a deed of
gift of certain lands, for a lamp to burn daily and nightly before the rood, provided, he
should die on his journey to the holy city ".
Most distinguished of all in this respect, we may imagine, was the high altar. John
Barefot and John Faukener gave seventy-eight acres, in Monk's Hyde and Cowarn, for a
lamp to burn here continually, in honour of Edward the Second ; and John Monk had
licence from Richard the Second to apply three messuages, and four yard-lands, with their
appurtenances at Aylauston, in the county of Warwick, to the saine purpose. The
Churches of Saint Mary, before the Gate, Saint Giles of Maisemore, Saint Laurence of
Barnwood, and Saint Leonard of Upton, had been appropriated to find lights before this altar
by Abbat Gilbert Foliot, with advice and consent of the whole Convent. But very remarkable
for the liberality of the endowment, and the manner in which it is expressed, is that of Henry
the First, when he bestowed the manor of Rudele, with the wood and fishery of Sudrug, to
find lights before the altar of Saint Peter, for the soul of Robert Duke of Normandy,
" surnamed Curthehoce, my brother." The charters relating to this are couched in such
terms as founders are wont to employ, when devoting their possessions to holy uses they
give vent to their feelings in expressions of affection towards the object of their donations.
He confers ample boons, and asks for no return but prayers. They are in the style of one
whose heart was subdued by solemn recollections, and convey an idea of regret, and of
attempt to compensate for unmerited sufferings inflicted upon an injured brother.
^' MS. Frouc. II. Registr. Sacrist, f. x. b. ^» MS. Frouc. II. Regislr. Sacrist, f. iv. b.
INTERMENTS OF EMINENT PERSONS: — NUMBER OF MONKS. 1 1
Tliat the Cliurch was ever adorned with many architectural nionunients may lie ques-
tioned; but we have sufficient proof that numbers of persons of eminence, both in church
and state, have been interred here. Tlic researches of Furney have brought out a long
catalogue of the dead, of whom it may in this sense with truth be affirmed, that " their
memorials are perished with them." Many who in the earliest times sought a last home
within this consecrated ground, unless identified and removed by Aldred or Serlo, await
their account without the walls. Many were buried in the Chapter-house. But if all
monumental records of these have passed away, it were reasonable that we should look for
more in the present Church than are now to be found. Those of a King, a Viceroy, a Duke,
and two Abbats are all that can with certainty be ascertained. And if to these be added
one of an unknown ecclesiastic, who was a founder, and another to a knight and his lady,
we have made out the list of monuments whose dates are anterior to the Reformation. It
were, perhaps, going too far to attribute the whole of tiiis to damage done at that period ;
neither is it chargeable upon the last civil war : for it is well known that while the Cathe-
dral was in the hands of the Parliamentarians it received comparatively but little injury,
through the good feeling of Massey the governor, and of Thomas Pury the younger, a man
of taste and literature, cast upon most unfavourable times-^. It is probable then, that though
there might have been other mural or isolated monuments, the number was not large-
Hardly a vestige of the brasses ; and not a single entire inscription, that savours of high
antiquity, has descended to posterity.
The Chronicle mentions bodies buried before and nigh to the high altar. Looking at
the spot, and considering how it is circumstanced, it is not immediately apparent in what
sense and with what limitation these expressions must be understood. Prom the steps
which lead out of the lower part of the choir to the presbytery, an inclined plane extends
to the steps of that altar. Immediately under this portion of the Church is the crypt: but
between the pavement of the presbytery and the vaulting of that subterraneous apartment, in
the opinion of competent judges, there is not sufficient thickness of room for sepulture. If
this be really so, it may be concluded, that bodies said to be thus deposited lie below the
steps leading out of the choir : where the bones of Curthose would be found.
From the building let us revert once more to its inmates. It is observable that the
number of Monks upon this foundation has been various at different times. Where the
means of support had long been regularly established, and there could be little difficulty in
filling up vacancies, the reasons for this variation are not very obvious. Serlo, at his
coming in 1072, found only two or three adults and eight boys ; but at his decease, m
1 104, he left the number increased to a hundred. If so many could then be maintained,
when the convent was refounded and settled anew in statute and constitution, and when
so many donations were subsequently made towards its maintenance, it is singular that
*' He had a lease of the Deanery, dated July 3, 1648, for seven years, at 40s. per annum, having laid out
80/. in the repair thereof. Pury, with Sir Matthew Hale and the officers of the garrison, about the same time,
restored, and were great benefactors to the library. Furney's MS. folio, p. 322. But the library has been
renovated in a better taste by the present Dean and Chapter, in 1828.
12 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
they should not have kept up the number. When Edward III., in 1328, appropriated
three Churches to the Abbey, he appointed three Monks, in addition to the antient quota,
to pray for the soul of his parent. Under the government of Boysfield there were fifty-four ;
and under that of Froucester forty-five, besides the Abbat. In 1510 they are reckoned at
forty-eight in the Abbey, and sixteen in the cells: and in the reign of Henry VIII. those
who subscribed to the king's supremacy, though these might not be all, are stated at
thirty-five. These inequalities may sometimes have arisen from interference of ecclesiastical
visitors upon different occasions, and for causes now unknown.
Tliroughout the whole period, extending from the accession of the house of Lancaster
to the union of the Roses, a period most interesting, but very defective in our civil and
ecclesiastical histories, a wide gap occurs in the annals of the Monks of Gloucester.
The ledgers of only the three last Abbats, Braunche, Newton, and Parker are in existence ;
and supply some scanty information relative to their condition and economy during part of
the reigns of Henry VII. and Henry VIII. immediately preceding the dissolution. To
these the remaining portion of our Essay will be chiefly confined.
Great Abbies maintained a crowd of officers and dependents in various departments. In
the times of Boysfield and Froucester, it is said they amounted to two hundred; in which
all, in town and country, must be included. Furney, from the occurrence of them in the
original documents, has particularly specified between eighty and a hundred. Their bailiffs
and collectors were verj' numerous. As every thing in these establishments was professedly
carried on with great formality and order, most of these persons, especially such as were
employed immediately about the house, from the steward and physician down to the
groom and the servant in the brewery, held their places by grant, or patent. These instru-
ments were made out by the clerk of the treasury, or, as he is also styled, the clerk of the
cellarer, in which not only their salary, clothing, and maintenance are, for the most part,
minutely defined ; but in some instances their duties, both positive and negative, are dis-
tinctly laid down. The reader shall be presented with some abstracts from them.
1. Foremost among their civil officers, in estimation and honour, seems to have been the
chief steioard. His office was executed by deputy ; but that appointment the Abbey
reserved to themselves. Indeed the stewards of the lands and manors of their cells seem
to have been gentlemen, and some of them might have the privilege of nominating their
substitute : but to two of these appointments they evidently attached much importance, and
at least in latter times contrived, by the disposal of them, to connect themselves with
persons of rank or interest, whose names might not only grace their roll, but whose exer-
tions, if needful, might promote their welfare. One was the stewardship of the lands, &c,
of their Priory of Ewenny within the Lordship of Ogmore and Duchy of Lancaster, in
the county of Glamorgan, to which, in the reigns of Henry VII. and VIII., we have the
successive nominations of Charles Somerset, Earl of Worcester, Sir Thomas More, and
Henry, Earl of Worcester; and in the appointment of the latter, where it is expressed, that
" he shall receive twenty shillings per annum from the Prior of Ewenny, and other profits
due to his office ;" it is added, " and for good advice and assistance afforded, and to be
afforded, to us and our Priory." But the other, that of chief steward of the courts, &c. of the
Monastery of Gloucester, whose annual stipend was ten marks, paid by the cellarer, was in
STEWARD : UNDER-STEWARD : CLERK OF THE TKEASIRY. 13
more immediate intercourse with tiie whole of their interests. Sir Giles Hrvtli;es held this in
reversion, 20 Henry VII., and Sir William Kingston in CO Henry VIII., afterwards in
conjunction with Anthony, his son and heir apparent-^. This is the celebrated Sir William
Kyngston whom Wolsey dreaded, who was Cai)tain of the King's guard and I/ieutenant of
the Tower, when the unfortunate Anne Boleyn was beheaded*-'. Kyngston and his son
outlived the prosperity of the Abbey, and shared in its spoils.
2. The Under-Steward of the Abbey, however, as the principal manager of their receipts
and concerns abroad, was on this account more immediately useful to them. John
Arnold, Esq. held this post for many years, from 4 Henry VIII., and afterwards procured
his son Nicholas to be nominated with him as his successor. He was treated with creat
consideration, had numerous perquisites, and was provided for in case of sickness or
inability. His stipend was five pounds per annum : and he had livery of cloth as often as
any squire of the household, or domestic of the Abbat, and four yards besides at Christmas ;
seven white loaves, called mi/c/ies, weekly ; three shillings and fonrpence for ale every
quarter ; on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, out of Lent, a mess of the first course,
such as is put before two Monks ; and the same every Sunday and Wednesday in Lent.
Hay, litter, and standing for two horses in the cellarer's stable. If sick, his pay was to be
forty shillings per annum ; every day one Monk's allowance of flesh, and eight shillings and
sixpence every quarter to provide his ale. His servant had every day a loaf of grooms-
bread. The under-steward received also, yearly, two loads of wood, or two hundred staft'-
kids (strung faggots), and eight pounds of candles. His dwelling was in a chamber, with a
garden annexed to it, called " the sextiy." Some little alteration and addition was made
in this when his son was associated with him, who was not to act in his father's time, but
with permission of the Abbat. Both of them were appointed for life. Arnold was to
audit all the accounts of the bailiffs, farmers, and other dependents of the Abbey ; those of
the bailiffs were engrossed on parchment. The audit was annually held between the feasts
of Saint Martin and Saint Andrew -"*.
3. Next to the under-steward, in utility and real consequence, was, perhaps, the Clerl;
of the treasury, or clerk of the cellarer. He held all the cellarer's courts. He made out
all grants, presentations, advowsons, leases, copies of court rolls, and all writings under the
conmion seal of the Abbey. His chamber was near the west gate of the Abbey, where
he kept all the books, rolls, and muniments. Thomas Parker had this appointment
29 Henry VIII. He was the attorney to manage their business in the Exchequer, for
which his annual fee was twenty shillings: his salary as clerk was four pounds per annum.
Every Christmas he received cloth for a gown of the suit and livery of the office of under-
steward and other counsellors of the Monastery, or thirty shillings in lieu thereof. The
cellarer, whose carriages brought in the supply of fire-wood to the Convent, delivered three
loads to him every year. He had maintenance for one horse in the stable of the Abbey;
^+ Registr. Braunche. ff. 37. 66. Malverna. 144. 283. Ledger, 13, et alibi.
^5 Ellis. Original Letters, Series L vol. i.p. 53. He was sheriff forlhe county of Gloucester, 7 Hen. VI IL;
and is a conspicuous personage in Fox's account of the imprisonment and martyrdom of Uisliop Hooper.
^6 Registr. Newton, f. 52. :\1S. Ledger, ff. 80. 110.
14 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
and the usual corrody of meat, drink, allowance of parchment, paper, candles, and other
profits to his post appertaining, and that for life "^.
4. The chief porter kept the keys of all the Abbey gates : his salary was thirteen shillings
and fourpence per annum, paid quarterly : he had a chamber in the Abbey, next to the
Abbey-gate -'^. His weekly corrody was three white loaves, called myches, and two called
holyers, with seven loaves of squire-bread : for ale, every quarter, three shillings and
fourpence. On every flesh or fish day he had a mess of flesh or fish of the first course, as
much as is set before two Monks. He had a gown every year of the suit of the gentlemen
of the household of the Lord Abbat. This was granted in reversion to Robert Ingram,
<2S Henry V HI. -9
This review of lay dependents might be greatly enlarged; but it shall close with the
introduction of a personage of no little importance among the fraternity. His grant of
corrody, which will be given in a more detailed form, brings him out, like some figure
touched by the hand of Holbein, habited in his robe of broad cloth, trimmed with fur, a
constant attendant upon the bodily welfare of the Abbat and Monks of Saint Peter. He
is a foreigner, and probably not in holy orders ; but his profession has stamped its just
value on those who exercise it in every age. It opens in this style : —
" To all the faithful of Christ to whom the present writing shall come, Thomas, by divine permission, Abbat
of the Monastery of Saint Peter of Gloucester, and the Convent of the said house, health in the Lord ever-
lasting. Know ye, &c.
" The Abbat and Convent grant to their beloved in Christ, Master William de Saint Severino, Bachelor of
Medicine, for his good service in the art of medicine and laudable counsel, &c. the following corrody for the
term of his life. Every day a Monk's loaf. Every flesh day such a dish of flesh, and every fish day such a
dish of fish at dinner and supper as is served to a Monk of the Convent. An annual pension of two marks
to find himself in beer; and another annual pension of two marks for his stipend at the festivals of Saint
Andrew, tlie Annunciation, Saint Mary, the Nativity, and Saint John the Baptist, by equal portions : annually
from the cellarer tliree waggon loads of fire wood, or two hundred faggots, called ' kayshides ;' and from the
sub-cellarer twelve pounds of tallow candles. The said Master William shall receive yearly, towards Christ-
mas, four yards of broad cloth, with fur, of the suit of the upper clergy of the said Monastery ; and shall have
a chamber in the Abbey, called ' Cheltenham's Chamber ^°.' Every day one servant's loaf, called squire-
bread, for his boy, and ten shillings yearly to provide beer for said boy, payable at four terms of the year, witli
a dish of potage on every conventual day. To have and to hold to the said Master William de Saint Severino,
the aforesaid corrody of bread, flesh, fish, wages, fire, candle, clothing, and bread, with ten shillings for his
servant's beer, for tlie term of his life. — For which corrody tlie said Master William shall be faitliful to the
^' MS. Ledger, firom 20 to 30 Hen. VIIL f. 150.
'^ This gate, the site of which is over against tlie present porch, was originally called the Lych-gate, from
the circumstance of those bodies being rested under it, that came for burial, till they were met by the usual
procession : the lane was called Lt/ch-lane. Here it is to be presmned the corpse of Edward IL was halted;
and it may be conjectured tliat upon this account it was rebuilt by Edward III., and has ever since been called
King Edward's Gate.
»' Id. f. 115.
3° " De Cheltenham " was a great benefactor to Gloucester Hall, in Oxford. Many chambers in the Abbey
seem to have received their names from inmates or visitants. In the Infirmary was one called " The Duke
of Bedford's Chamber," Ledger, f. 79. And there is a room in the Deanery which is traditionally said to
have been the bed-chamber of Henry VIII.
THE ABBEY PHYSICIAN: — LEASES. 15
Abbat and Convent and tlieir successors, shall keep their sccretS; and shall lay aside all other care when he-
shall be called upon and required to the care of die said Abbat and Convent and their successors, or any .Monk
of the said Convent ; and shall apply his diligence in the said faculty, and in the execution thereof, to the
utmost of his knowledge. Neither shall it be lawful for the said Master William to retire from the ser%ice of
the said Abbat and Convent, or their successors, witliout permission of the Lord Abbat, or Prior, first asked
and obtained ; and during his recess, so often as leave shall be granted to him to go out of town, then the said
William shall shew the said Abbat and Convent and their successors in what place they shall find him ; and,
if need be, the said W^illiam shall return with all speed, at his own expense to the said Abbat and Convent, and
their successors : and if he be absent without leave, his corrody of bread, fish, and all things above named,
shall cease till his return to the said service. Moreover tlie said Abbat and Convent have granted to the
aforesaid Master W'illiara, for the sake of his recreation, seven days in every quarter of a year to visit his
friends, during which he may receive all things aforesaid ; but if he shall be absent beyond seven days the
corrody shall cease, according to tlie time of his absence, till he return to the aforesaid ser^■ice. Sealed with
the common seal and tlie seal of the said Master William, and dated in the Chapter-house on the last day of
July, A.D. 1507 3'."
After all, these grants for life, without reference to future conduct or character '- these
associations of father and son, survivorships, reversions, and permissions to execute their
trusts by deputy, suggest the strong tendency to abuses, with which these institutions were
then infected, and which promoted their decay.
Their leases are no less instructive in peculiarities, relating to their habits and domestic
arrangements. Many of them contain clauses connected with purveyance and good cheer.
In these their festivals are not forgotten. The Manor of Froucester was to furnish
a boar to the cellarer, at the feast of All Saints. The farmers of Buckland Manor were
bound to fatten thirty capons, to be deliveied to them by the chamberlain, against the
capon-feast. From that of Preston they derived twenty-seven quarters of wheat, twenty
geese, as many ducks, capons, and pullets, and four bushels of green peas, at the several
seasons of Midsummer, All Saints, and the Festival of Lent. And from Abbciode thev
received, annually, twenty capons, twenty pullets, thirty ducks, fifteen young pigs, two
hundred and forty hen-eggs, pigeons, butter, cheese, and milk. Standish stipplied them
with abundance of beech-wood for firing. Among the copies of their leases are several
relating to their Bocks of sheep ; in these their numbers are specified, the livery of the
Abbey shepherd is mentioned ; and in one instance their shelter in winter, and their
protection from heat and fiies in the summer, is particularly laid down. Wherever any
court is held, the lessee of that manor is bound to entertain the representatives of the
house. The farmer at Monk-Leighton found wine, beer, and bread, for those who were
engaged in the procession there on Holy Thursday^''.
2' Registr. Braunche, f. 71. b.
3^ In one instance, that of John Bodelych, the Convent panter, there is a proviso, thai he shall be removed
for misconduct. Registr. Braunche, f. GO, a. All their retainers were usually put to their oatlis, however, to
the observance of their duty, and to keep the secrets of the house. Monks, obtaining a hciic thcissit to go to
another house, were put to a similar oath of secrecy. This was the case, in 1516, with William Emiey, who
removed to the Priory of Abergavenny. Registr. Malvern, f. 69.
" Registr. Braunche, ff. 7, 8. 14. 31. Malveme. ff. 145. 177. Ledger, ff. 30. 125, et alibi.
1" ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
According to the Chronicle, Staunton was the first who made a residence for the Abbats
at the pleasant / "uieyard, that from its gentle knoll overlooking the Severn to the eastward,
commanded the city and Abbey, backed by the distant hills. Unquestionably this was a
favourite residence, and, on more accounts than one, a spot of advantageous retirement.
Wlien Gloucester, closely built and thickly inhabited, was occasionally visited by pestilen-
tial disease, and the infection reached westward across the river to Over, the Abbat, who
should not think himself beyond its influence at the Vineyard, was provided with a farther
retreat. By lease of the Manor and Mansion-house of Highnam to John Arnold, Isabel
his wife and Nicholas their son, for seventy years'*, it is stipulated, that "at reasonable
summons and warning of the Abbat and his successors, when plague of pestilence shall
happen in Gloucester or Over, it shall be lawful to the said Abbat and his successors,
during the plague, to have a convenient portion of the aforesaid mansion for the residence
of themselves and their men, at the proper cost of the Abbat, during the plague."
It were unjust to omit all mention of their regular alms-givings to the poor. For these
they were well provided by liberal donations. The registers of the almoner and sub-
almoner abundantly testify the extent of their ability to exercise beneficence ; and charity
itself should lead us to conclude that they gave as freely as they had received. Yet it must
not be supposed, that at the gate of the Abbey they doled out merely the scraps that came
from the table of the refectory, for these were the perquisite of the serjeant of the refectory ;
it is recorded to have been a part of his oflSce, as an attendant in the cellarj to draw the
films of the poor people''^.
Akin to their almsgivings were the hospitalities they had exercised for ages, and which
had occasionally well nigh reduced them to distress. These kindnesses, consolatory to the
traveller and so graceful in the occupiers of a religious house, were extended to minute
attentions of which a conception would hardly be formed, even in days of boasted delicacy
and refinement : provision was made not only for the rider, but for the horse to help him
on his way. Katherine de Gloucester, relict of Walter Fitz-Peter, and Wymart, relict of
John Franchevaler, in the genuine spirit of female compassion, left lands to find shoes for
the horses of religious visitors who might need them ^^.
An apparent privilege, but real disadvantage, was the right that they enjoyed of electing
their Abbat. This often gave rise to contested elections and bitter dissensions. We
meet with instances of Abbats chosen " by way of compromise," when the struggle was
terminated by mutual compact of the contending parties. But their differences were not
always settled so satisfactorily ; and the interposition of royal authority had been necessary
to bring them to peace ^'. Towards the close of their career this contentious disposition
raged among them, perhaps, more than ever. The election of John Newton was conducted
with wreat heat; and the various documents relating to it occupy nearly forty closely written
'+ Dated 12 March, 7 Hen. VIII. Regislr. Malv. f. 53. Highnam is about a mile to the westward of the
\'ineyard ; and is now the property of Sir William Guise, Bart. The Abbat had another house at Prinknash
on the hills, about four miles eastward of Gloucester.
" Registr. Braunche, f. 72, a. -^' Registr. Hostillaria;. f. 1, b.
" Registr. Newton, f. 36.
ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER. 17
leaves, double columns, of his register. These disputes brought scandal upon the fraternity,
and furnished their adversaries with arguments against tiiem. But at this time it was not
enough that they siiould have quarreled among themselves : a serious controversy arose, during
the government of Newton, between the Abbat and Convent, and tlie mayor, aldermen,
and burgesses of Gloucester, respecting right of common in some meadows near the city.
It was attended with rioting and assault on the part of the townsmen; and was at
length settled by the arbitration of the Abbat of Winchcomb and the Prior of Llanthony ■■"'.
All these things tended to increase the growing unpopularity of the house; and another
cause, which operated universally to the disparagement of these societies, was equally
conspicuous here. Though they might be indulgent masters to those who were absolutely
under their control, yet in their zealous adherence to ancient privilege and usage tin y had
been too tardy in manumitting their villeins. This class of persons probably had elsewhere,
for the most part, obtained their liberty, before such of them had received it who were subject
to ecclesiastical lords. The registers of the later Abbats present many of their forms of
manumission ; the last of which may furnish a specimen and memorial of a servitude,
happily now unknown in England.
" Know all men by these presents, that we, William, by divine permission, Abbat of the Monastery of
Saint Peter of Gloucester, and the Convent of that house, have manumitted and given to freedom Richard
Daunser, sen'', of Sendbrugge (Saiiitbridgc), in the county of the vill of Gloucester, Richard Daunser, son of
the said Richard, sen''., and Agnes, daughter of the said Richard Daunser, our neifs of our Manor of Barton-
Abbats, nigh Gloucester, in the county of the vill aforesaid, and the whole of their offspring, begotten, or to be
begotten, to be free from all yoke of servitude and like condition, with all their goods and chattels whatsoever.
So that neither we, nor our successors, shall dispose of the said Richard, Richard and Agnes, nor their
offspring, begotten nor to be begotten, nor their chattells, towards any parts of the world whatsoever; neitlier
shall we be able for tlie future to make any exaction or claim (upon tliem) by reason of any neivcic (iialivitatis),
or like condition ; but shall be excluded from all action of law and claim for ever. In witness whereof we
have affixed our common seal. Given in our Chapter-house, 18tb September, 1522."
The causes and circumstances that led to the abolition of these institutions need no
observations here ; and it is time to conclude this sketch of the privileges and customs of
the Monastery of Gloucester; an outline, faint and imperfect, that the writer would gladly
have strengthened and filled up, had he not already exceeded the proposed limits of this
work. While many may be of opinion that sufficient has already been said of them ; to
others it may seem that all that has been produced is little enough to bring forward of
those who occupied this spot for many hundred years, and the very thought of whose
existence here appears now but as a dream. But their remains proclaim to us that they
ought not, and will not be forgotten. They who, in black Benedictine vestments, trod
^5 Registr. Newton, f. 61, b. et seq. — The unfortunate Abbat's barber came in for his share of the mis-
chief; it is said, in the articles against the burgesses, that certain of tliem, to the number of about sixty, " T/ie
house of John Burbo', houshold scrvaunt unto the said Abbot, brake 4' entred as well by the uyndouse as the
dores, pulling duune his basons there hangyng, 4" brake them almost to peces, And also brake 4' <"(/s< away his waj
4' tapiirs in the same shopp being not yet so eontcnted, but also «■' swerds Sf Bucklers bi/les and stares into the said
John Barbur 4' Rob' Colicr houshold servaants unto the said Abbot being in the house of the said John Barbv'.
made assaute 4' the?n bete 4 the said Rob'. Colier sore wounded."
C
18 ESSAY ON THE ABBEY OF GLOUCESTER.
these hallowed courts have departed ; their processions, and images, and lights, and altars
have disappeared ; their long peal at Prime is heard no more ^3. Their religious ceremonies
have been succeeded by a purer mode of worship and less encumbered rites. Yet their
records, and Church, and cloisters show us in part what men they were ; how wealthy
and intluencial in their generation ; how diligent in the promotion of certain of the liberal
arts ; how studious, according to their notions, of employing their best efforts in rearing
and decorating a temple to the service of God. And should the errors, which induced
their downfall, never be obliterated, neither will some portion of their deservings ever
cease to be had in remembrance, while that tower shall lift its head above the vale which
for so many centuries it has adorned. There long may it contiiuie in undiminished
beauty, the admiration of the traveller and of the Antiquary, an indication of the pious
feeling and talent of ages past, and a model of architectural proportion and elegance for
many to come.
It may be useful to subjoin some general idea of the damages and restorations that this
venerable building has sustained by neglect, interference, or a just spirit of improvement
since the Reformation. At that time all those parts which had belonged to the officers of
the Church had run so far to ruin, that the King ordered sixty pounds for their repair. In
]57() the whole fabric was in a very ruinous condition; and in I616 it became more out of
order than almost any church of the same class in England ; so that Laud, who was then
Dean, obtained a chapter-act for speedy attention to it, and sixty pounds per annum were
allowed for that purpose. But then came the inattention and consequent dilapidation of the
civil war ; in which, though as it has already been mentioned (page 11), the Cathedral suffered
comparatively but little, it must not be concealed that there was a time during this season
of confusion, when its total demolition was contemplated by some persons, who had agreed
among themselves for their several portions. But, after the removal of the battlements, which
adorned the Lady Chapel, this work of destruction was arrested. Part of the little cloisters
was, however, pulled down about that period. Dorney, the town clerk, in one of his annual
orations, about 1653, exhorts the officers of the city, in whose hands the charge was then
vested, " to take care of this its greatest ornament, which some do say is now in danger of
falling." Furney MS. folio, pp. 313, 314. But, interiorly, it has sustained some of its most
serious injury from the ill-directed attempts of those who designed no more than to beautify
and improve it. Miserable, according to Furney, must have been the mutilations of the
entrance into the choir, in 1741, under Bishop Benson. Though of the well intended, but
badly executed, alterations then introduced as little is now to be seen as of the beautiful work
which they supplanted. It has all given way in turn, and the particulars of this havock may
therefore be passed over in silence. A more correct feeling in the architecture of these
ancient structures is the offspring of our own days ; and it is more consolatory to be assured,
as to what is left, that the laudable exertions of the late and the present Dean and Chapter
have not only effected some admirable restorations, but have progressively placed all parts
of the building at present in good repair.
J. W.
'' Before the Reformation the Abbey tower had chimes upon eight bells. Regist. Malveme, fo. 142.
i
INDEX.
Abbesses of Gloucester, — Kyneburga, Ead-
burga, and Eva, 4.
Abbey of Gloucester, early history of, obscure,
2. Essay, 1 ; established, 5 ; pulled down
and rebuilt by Aldred, 0 ; burnt, and rebuilt
by Serlo, 7; dedicated in 1100, 7; repaired
and increased by William the Confpieror, 8 ;
state of, after the conquest. Essay,!; privileges
obtained by, ib. 2; priories attached to, and
increase of possessions, ib. 3 ; enclosed with
a wall, 8; partially destroyed by tire, I);
church frequented by eminent (jcrsons. Essay,
3; parliaments, <S;c. held in, 9, 24. Essay, 3;
tower fell down, 11; rebuilt, 13, 15. Essay,
3; burnt,andinjured by lightning, 12; gradual
decay and poverty of. Essay, 3, 4 ; oppressed
by King John, suftered by tire, wall built
between the abbey and St. Oswald's priory,
13; buildings again burnt, 14; new roof of
the nave completed, and south-western tower
begun, 15; finished, 10; monks' stalls and
aqueduct, 15; advantages arising from the
reception of the body of Edward II., 21.
Essay, 4; abbots' chamber, screens, St. An-
drew's aile (north transept), 21 ; vault of the
choir, 22; high altar, jtresbytery, abbots'
stalls, and St. Paul's aile, 23; condition and
appearance of the house in Abbot Frouces-
ter's time. Essay, 8 ; west front, south porch,
and pillars of the nave, 26; central tower
rebuilt, 27; choir repaved, 28; rendered
unpopular by contentions with the towns-
people, &c. Essay, 17.
Abbey, visitation of, by the bishop of Worces-
ter, and disputes as to his right, 15, 19, 20,
25, 30; regulations concerning the vacancy,
IJ), 21, 25 ; vestments, utensils, cVc. given to,
21, 23. Essay, 9; compositions made with
the town, 26, 27 ; valuation of, at the dissolu-
tion, 30; (see Cathedral.)
Abbey gate, Essay, 14.
Abbots of Gloucester, notices of, — Edric, 5;
'\Vulstan,6; Serlo, 7 ; Peter, 8 ; Godeman,
9; de Lacy and Foliot, 10; Hameline, 11 ;
Carbonel, 12; Blond, 13; de Bredon, 14;
Hen. Eoliot, 15 ; de St. John, de Felda, and
de Hamme, 16; de Gamages, 17; Thokey,
20; Wiggemore, 21; de Stanton, 22; de
Horton,23; Boyfield, 24; Froucester, 25;
Morton and Morwent, 26 ; Boulers and Sea-
brooke, 27; Hanley, Farley, and Malvern,
28; Braunche, Newton, and Malverne alias
Parker, 29.
Abbots, right of election of, Essay, 16.
Aile, south, built, 20; described, 56.
Aldred, archbishop of York, monument of, de-
scribed, 68; view of monument, title-page.
Alms, where distributed. Essay, 16.
Altars, names of various, Essay, 9; profusion
of lights at, ib. 10; under care of the sacri.st,
donations to provide lamps, ib.
.\ltar-screens. Essay, 9; description of, 02,
Architect, monastic, 15.
Architecture, coincidence of style of, 49.
Bell, great, size of, 01.
Benson, Bishop, monument of, 75.
Bishop, Itev. Charles, inscription for, 76.
Bishoprick of Gloucester, remarks on the origin
of, 1 ; letters of endowment, 31 ; annexed to
the see of Worcester, 33.
Bishops of Gloucester, — \Vakeman,32; Hooper,
33; Brookes, 34; Clieiney and Bullinghani,
35; Goldsborough, Uavis, and Parry, 36;
Thomson, Smith, and Goodman, 37 ; Nichol-
son, 38; Prickctt and Franipton, 39; Fow-
ler, 40; Willis, Wilcotks, and Sydall, 41;
Benson, Johnson, and ^^ arburton,42; Yorke,
44; Hallifax and Beadon, 45 ; lliintingford,
Kyder, and Bethell, 46.
Bishops, chronological list of, 80.
Blackleach, alderujan, monument of, 74.
Bohun, Humphry de, inonunient of, 71.
Books and Essays, list of, 84 — 87.
Buttresses described, 58; view of, plates iv. viii.
Cathedral, foundation and establishment of,
31 ; its officers and successive bishops, from
1541 to 1829, 32 et scq. ; historical notices of
the erection and alterations of the, 47 et seq. ;
reference to ground plan, 48, 53, plate i.;
interior area, 54 et seq. ; exterior features, 57
et seq.
Carols, defined, G4.
Chambers, named from their inmates. Essay, 14.
Chapel of our Lady, — see Lady Chapel.
Chapels, names of. Essay, 9 ; noticed, 50, 53.
Chapel of St. Bridget, 13, note.
Chapter-house described, 55, 64.
Choir repaved, 42; described, 61; interior
view of, plate x. ; compartments on north side
of, plate xi. ; section of, plate xvii.
Chroniclers, inaccuracy of, 2; neglect of, as to
records relative to buildings, 47.
Church of St. Mary ante Portuni, on the foun-
dation of, 12, note.
Cloisters burnt, 18; rebuilt, 26; described,
63; interior view of, plate xiv. ; groining,
&c., plate xxi.. No. 2.
Cluneley, a monk, miracles at his grave, F'ss. 9.
Crypt, plan and description of, 49 — 52 ; view
of, plate xiii. ; section of, plate xvii.
Curthose, Robert, interred in the choir, 10 ;
monument of. Essay, 9; described, 69;
effigy of, plate xxii. fig. 3.
Deans,chronologicallistof, with notices, 81— 83.
Dormitory, blown down, and rebuilt, 19.
INDEX.
>^^V
<5.
Edward II. (King), anecdote of, 20; expenses
attending: liis burial, "20 ; offerings at his
tomb, "21, '2-2, note ; interment at Gloucester,
Essay, 4; tomb, ib. o; described, 70 ; view
of, plate XV. ; ditto of effigy, plate xxii. fig. 2.
Ellis, Rev. Anthony, monument of, 75.
Fires, remarks on frequency of, 13, note.
Fishery, rights of, and proceedings respecting,
Essay, 7.
Fitz-William, Thomas, monument of, 73.
Froucester, Abbot, account of, 25; his charac-
ter and collections, Essay, 5.
Gloucester, a Roman station, 2 ; a bishoprick,
3; fire in, 14; visited by Sason and Nor-
man kings. Essay, 1 ; royal palace at, ib. 3 ;
castle at, subordinate to the abbey, ib. 6.
Gloucester hall (now Worcester college), Ox-
ford, founded, 17.
Goldsborough, Bishop, monument of, 73.
Guise, Sir John, monument of, 76.
Harald, a boy murdered by the Jews, 11 ;
burial of, 69.
Henry III. (King), coronation of, 13.
Hospitalities described. Essay, 16.
Jenner, Edward, M. D., memoir of, and monu-
ment, 77 et seq.
Jones, alderman, monument and anecdote of,
74.
Jongleur, grant to Folebarba the. Essay, 8.
King, Rev. Benjamin, monument of, 74.
Kings, — see Edward, Henry, &c.
Lady Chapel, founded, 14; agreement concern-
ing, 15, note; rebuilt, 28; new pinnacles
erected, 42; described, 63; view of exterior,
plate vi. ; interior view of, plate xx.
Leases, instructive in peculiarities. Essay, 15.
Ledgers, of the three last abbots. Essay, 12.
Lideford, Elias de, an architect, 15.
Llanthony abbey, its disputes with that of
St. Peter's, Essay, 6.
Lych gate, why so called. Essay, 14, note.
Machen, Thomas, monument of, 73.
Malverne, Abbot, monumental chapel erected
by, 30, 57.
Manumission, forms of. Essay, 17.
Monastic officers, list of, 25 ; held their places
by patent. Essay, 12; chief steward, under-
steward, clerk of the treasury, and chief
porter, duties and perquisites of, ib. 12 — 14 ;
batchelor of medicine, ib. 14.
Monks, number at various times. Essay, 11, 12.
Monuments, account of, and remarks on, 65; few
anterior to the Reformation, Essay, 11 ; little
injured in the civil wars, ib.
Morley, Mrs. monument of, 76.
Myc|ies defined, Essay, 13.
Nave of the church, 55, plates vii. and viii.;
south aile of, 56.
Nicholson, Bishop, monument of, 74.
Nutriti defined, 20.
Nunnery, founded by Wulphere, 3 ; completed
by Osric, 4; nuns dispersed, 4; repaired by
Beornulph, 5; see Abbey.
Obits, ordinances respecting, 17, note ; 23, note.
Organ-screen, 60.
Osborn, a monk, wrote treatises on divinity,
12, note.
Osric, the founder, inscription to, 4 ; tomb de-
scribed, 66; place ofburial doubtful, ib. note;
effigy of, plate xxii. fig. 1.
Painting, old altar-piece, 62.
Palace, royal, at Gloucester, Essay, 3.
Parker, Abbot, monument of, 73.
Paul, Sir George Onesiphorus, bust of, 76.
Powell, Judge, statue of, 74.
Pulpit of stone. Essay, 9.
Refectory, pulled down and rebuilt, 16.
Roman pavement discovered, 12, note.
Seabrooke, Abbot, 27 ; monument of, 73.
Serjeantry, curious species of. Essay, 8; com-
mutation of, ib.
Sextry defined. Essay, 13.
Sheep of the monastery, 18.
South porch, described, 58 ; exterior view of,
plate iv. ; section, plate iii.
Star-hole, 61.
Sturgeon, laws relative to. Essay, 2.
Tower, noticed, 57 ; elevation and section of,
plate xvi. ; general view of, plates ii. vi.xviii.
Tournay, Robert Abbot of, imprisoned, 12.
Transepts, described, 56 ; elevation and section
of, plate xvi. ; exterior view of south ditto,
plate xviii. ; interior view of north ditto,
plate xii.
Traylebaston, observations on the term, 19.
Tulley, Robert, an architect, 27.
Vine-yard, Essay, 16.
Warburton, Bishop, memoir of, 42, 75,
Webb, John, esq., monument, 76.
West front, described, 57 ; exterior view of,
plate ii.; section of, plate iii.
Whispering gallery, 63.
Window, west, 67, 60; east, 63.
FINIS.
C. Whittingham, Cbiswtck.
3
University of California
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