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THE EARLY HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

WYCOMBE, IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

the

EARLY HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES

W Y C O M B E,

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

i:v

IOIIN PARKER.

BUTLER & SON. PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS.

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AUG ?y iH9:i

[The right of translation and reproduction is reserved ?[

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THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
CHARLES ROBERT, BARON CARINGTON,

WHOSE INTEREST IN THE WELFARE AND PROSPERITY
OF WYCOMBE IS WELL KNOWN,

Cftis Folume

IS
(WITH KIND PERMISSION)

DEDICATED
HY

THE AUTHOR,

WITH EVERY EXPRESSION OF RESPECT AND ATTACHMENT.

Vll

PREFACE.

Although Wycombe occupies the proud position of ranking amongst
the most ancient of the Incorporated Towns in England, yet it is remark-
able that no Chronicler has been raised up to record, at length, its early
history and antiquities. The Reverend Thomas Langley* in 1797 pub-
lished "The History and Antiquities of the Hundred of Desborough ; "
a work of considerable merit, and justly deserving great commendation.
In 1847 Dr. Lipscombe published "The History and Antiquities of the
County of Buckingham." And this was followed, in 1848, by Mr. H.
Kingston's History of Wycombe, with recollections of his native Town.
These works contain but brief and imperfect sketches of the early History
of Wycombe. And the Author feels it due to himself to state, that,
without detracting from the labours of Dr. Lipscombe and Mr. Kingston,
much of the reliable information found in the two latter works relating
to Wycombe was furnished by himself, when he held the Office of
Town Clerk to the Corporation.

These histories, while affording much valuable information, contain
inaccuracies, which the Author has corrected ; and important omissions
are supplied in the following work, which he trusts may prove not

• He was Rectpr of Whiston, Northamptonshire, and died July 28, 1801.

Vlll

altogether uninteresting to the Antiquary, the Topographer, and the
general reader. The sources from whence he has derived his informa-
tion are chiefly, the muniments deposited in the Archives of the Wycombe
Municipal Charity Trustees, the National Record Office, the British
Museum, and the Bodleian Library.

It may be added, that the muniments of the Corporation, which were
formerly deposited in the Church chest, were some years since examined,
and a schedule of them made by the Author ; and their investigation has
considerably facilitated his researches and simplified his labours.

The Author has not deemed it expedient to encumber his pages
with elaborate details, but simply to give a faithful, unvarnished, and
concise History of Wycombe in the olden times. He is very sensible
of the many imperfections of the Work, but trusts that it will meet with
the indulgence and approval of the candid reader.

The Charters and Grants relating to the Borough, long since out of
print, are introduced as an Appendix, including in it translations, not
before published, of an Agreement in the Court of Westminster, the loth
of Henry III., between the Burgesses of Wycombe and Alan Basset.
Also of a Charter of Confirmation, of Queen Mary ; and an Office
Copy of a Charter of Confirmation of King Charles II., granted "to the
Forrens of Chiping Wickham and other places,"

The Author very gratefully acknowledges his special obligations to
his friend Edward J. Payne, Esquire, M.A., of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister-at-
Law, and Fellow of University College, Oxford, for the valuable assist
ancc rendered by him in the compilation of the Work.

Ill

cc
(—
en

x
I

Z
<

J. O. Griffits, Esq., Q.C., Recorder of Read-
ing. 3 Copies.
Lieut.-CoL Creaton, 7, Sydney Place, Onslow

Square, Brompton.
The Rev. Charles Lowndes, M.A., Hart well

Rectory, Aylesbury.
The Rev. Robert Chilton, M.A., Vicar of

Wycombe. 2 Copies.
W. Lowndes, Esq., J. P., The Bury, Chesham.
A. Gilbey, Esq., J.P., Wooburn Park.
William Rose, Esq., J. P., Wycombe.
Arthur Vernon, Esq., J. P., Wycombe.
Thomas Wheeler, Esq. 3 Copies.
The Rev. James Poulter, M.A. 3 Copies.
Miss Wheeler, Wycombe. 3 Copies.
Edward Wheeler, Esq.
Mrs. Wheeler, Wycombe.
Henry S. Wheeler, Esq., Wycombe.
George Wheeler, Esq., Wycombe.
Mrs. Henry Wheeler, Beech Wood, Wycombe.

2 Copies.
Francis Wheelar, Esq., Wycombe. 2 Copies.
Miss Emma Wheeler.
T. B. Grove, Esq., Water Croft, Penn.
Matthew Harpley, Esq., Royal Horse Guards.
Owen Peel Wcthered, Esq., Mario w.
Joseph A. Piggot, Esq., The Elms, Bedford.
A. H. C. Brown, Esq., J.P., Kingston, Tets-

worth.
The Rev. H. T. Young, M.A., Mallard's

Court, Stokenchurch.
James Watson, Esq., J. P., Langley House,

near Slough.
H. M. Musgrave, Esq., 45, Holland Park,

Kensington.

The Society of Antiquaries, Burlington

House, Piccadilly. W. C. Knight Watson,

Esq.
The Rev. John Hayden, Fairwood, Wcy-

bridge.
John Turner, Esq., Wycombe.
T. J. Reynolds, Esq., Wycombe,
Mrs. Lias.

D. Clarke, Esq., Town Clerk, Wycombe.
W. V. Baines, Esq., Wycombe.
W. Parker, Esq., Solicitor, Thame, Oxon.
Thos. Lucas, Esq., Wycombe. 3 Copies.
B. Lucas, Esq., Wycombe. 2 Copies.
Thos. Marshall, Esq., Solicitor, Wycombe.
Thomas Griffits, Esq., Wycombe.
Mr. Taunt, Wycombe.
J. M. Davenport, Esq., Solicitor, Oxford.
Mr. C. Pierce, Wycombe.
Mrs. Meres, Brunswick Villa, Kew Road,

Kew Gardens.
Alfred Leadbetter, Esq., Wycombe.
Miss M. E. Carter, Allan Bank, Great

Malvern.
H. J. Jenour, Esq., 23, Belsize Square,

Holloway, London.
Mr. Tottle, Wycombe.
Mrs. Field, Fir Grove, Wcybridge.
Thos. Essex, Esq., Eastbourne.
Mr. Edmund Pierce, Wycombe.
John Letts, Esq., 8, Bartletfs Buildings,

Holborn, London.
John Letts, Jun., Esq., 8 Bartlett's Buildings,

Holborn, London.
The Rev. W. J. Burgess, M.A., Lacey Green,

near Risborough.

Mr. Walter Skull, Wycombe.

F. Benham, Esq., n, Gloucester Terrace,

Regent's Park.
Joseph Albright, Esq., Wychwood House,

Charlbury.
James Tatem, Esq., Reading.
A. Gaviller, Esq., Spring Hill, Upper Clapton.
William Terry, Esq., Peterborough House,

Fulham.
Henry Rose, Esq., 8, Porchester Square,

London.
William Wildes, Esq., The Moor, Wooburn.
Richard Rotton, Esq., 3, The Boltons, West

Brompton.
The Rev. J. W. Buckley, M.A., St Mary's

Rectory, Paddington.
Richard Smith, Esq., Solicitor, 7, New Square,

Lincoln's Inn.
W. H. Hayden, Esq., Wycombe.
The Rev. T. H. Browne, F.G.S., Wycombe.
Mr. Mawcr, Wycombe.
Mr. Gardner, Wycombe.
John Thomas, Esq., Wooburn, Bucks.
Edward Baxter, Esq., 16, Cockspur Street,

Pall Mall, London.
J. E. Prestage, Esq., Solicitor, Manchester.
R. J. Coltman, Esq., The Prebendal, Thame.
Mr. John Kibbles, Wycombe.
Charles Hall, Esq., Twickenham.
Miss Loader, Thame.
Mr. Abbott, Draper, Thame.
Joseph Eedes, Esq., 2, George Street, Euston

Road, London.
Mrs. Edwards, Castle Hill, Wycombe.
Mrs. Hooper, 6, Cecil Road, Clifton, Bristol.

Mr. John Smith, Oxford Road, Wycombe.

H. C. Rooke, Esq., 12, Bruce Grove, Totten-
ham.

Mrs. Fowler, Great Marlow.

B. North, Esq., Princes Risborough.

Mr. Alfred Wright, Wycombe.

Mr. T. Glenister, Wycombe.

Samuel Lacey, Esq., The Willows, Thame.

Philip D. Tuckett, Esq., 10, Old Broad
Street, London.

Walter L. Vernon, Esq., 4, Trinity Street,
Hastings.

Mrs. Prosser, The Elms, Thame.

Messrs. Franklin, Ascott, Wallingford.

H. B. Downing, Esq., Apna Villa, Boxmoor,
Hemel Hempstead.

Mr. R. Collins, Jun., Wycombe.

Mr. R. Vernon, Wycombe.

Mrs. Edelman, No. 8, Montpellier Crescent,
Brighton.

Mrs. D* Urban, 13, Beacon, Exmouth, Devon.

W. H. Charsley, Esq., Charsley's Hall,
Oxford.

U W. Pearson, Esq., Warwick House,
Cheltenham.

Mr. Dracott, Wycombe.

Mr. J. P. Gegg, Cressex Farm, Wycombe.

The Rev. Oliver J. Grace, M.A., Saunderton
Rectory.

John Hussey, Esq., Custom House, Liver-
pool.

Edward J. Payne, Esq., M. A., 23, Old Square,
Lincoln's Inn.

Mrs. Rooke, 12, Finsbury Park Villas, Green
Lanes.

XII

Edward Griffin, Esq., Manor House, Tower-

sey, Bucks.
A. Barron, Esq., St John's Lodge, St Ann's

Road, Stamford Hill, N.
William Wcller, Esq., Springfield, near High

Wycombe.
The Rev. George Venables, M.A., Vicar of

Great Yarmouth.
J. M. Dean, Esq., Southampton Lodge,

Lordship Road, Stoke Newington, N.
R. S. Besant, Esq., Kingston Crescent,

Portsmouth.
Mr. Thos. Field, Aylesbury.
Mr. John Bowler, Wycombe.
S. Jones, Esq., 67, Peckham Grove, Camber-
well, Surrey.
Mr. R. T. Jones, Easton Street, Wycombe.
Mr. W. A. Redington, London Road,

Wycombe.

Mr. Edwin Saunders, Slough.

Mr. Joseph Child, White Hart Street,

Wycombe.
The Rev. R. Barlow Simpson, M.A., The Ter-
race, Spalding, Lincolnshire.
George D. Heatley, Esq., Hazlemere Lodge,

Wycombe.
F. Charsley, Esq., The Lodge, Iver, Ux-

bridge.
Mr. Amos Abbott, Wycombe Marsh.
James Medwin, Esq., Elm Lodge, Denmark

Hill.
Henry Fryer, Esq., Solicitor, 1, Gray's Inn

Place, Gray's Inn.
Mr. John Smith, Builder, Great Marlow.
The Rev. J. F. Coslett-Williams, M.A.,

Senior Curate of High Wycombe.
J. G. Wrigley, Esq., Mus. Bac. Oxon,

F.C.O.

THE

(Barljr Jptstorg antr Antiquities of ffitjrromk,

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

WYCOMBE is a town of great antiquity; it formed part of the terri-
tory of the Cassii, and was occupied by a tribe called by Ptolemy
the " Catyeuchlani," and by others " Catuvillani."

Brewer, in his learned introduction to the " Beauties of England and
Wales," mentions Wycombe as having been a Roman Station or camp ;
but it is not enumerated in the list of stations given in the Itinerary of
Richard of Cirencester. It is situated about eight miles distant from the
Ikening or Icknield Street, or Road of the Iceni, which was first constructed
by the aborigines, and improved by the Romans. This road skirts the
Chiltern Hills and runs by Wendover, Ellesborough, Little and Great
Kimble, the Risboroughs, and Bledlow. Wycombe is situated on the very
ancient road forming a short cut between the Thames at Hedsor and the
Icknield Way, and this accounts for the presence of the Roman remains,
which will now be described.

In the year 1724, in a mead called Great Penns Mead, a Roman
tesselated pavement was discovered, of which the following record is
contained in the third volume of the " Journals of the Wycombe Municipal
Charity Trustees " : —

" Burgus de Chepping Wycombe in Com. Bucks.

" Primo die Jullii Anno Dni 1724 .
" Memorand : That then was found in a Mead called great Penns Mead, belonging to
the Right Honourable the Earle of Shelburne, about a quarter of a mile from the said Burrough,

an old Roman Pavement set in curious figures, as circles, squares, diamond squares, eight
squares, hearts, and many other curious figures, with a Beast in the center, in a circle, like a
dog standing sideways by a tree, all set with stones in red, black, yellow, and white, about a
quarter of an inch square ; the whole pavement was about ffourteen foot square ; the ffine
work in the middle was ten ffoot long, and eight ffoot broad, the rest was filled up with
Roman brick about an inch and a halfe square/'

The following is an extract from Delafield s MSS., Gough Collection,
Bib. Bodl., Oxon. Small vol. of miscellaneous memoranda, which refers to
the above pavement : —

" Mr. John Bates, Draper of this place [Wycombe,] (a Gentleman of a good understanding
and of a public spirit) ordered a copy of it after the original to be taken, which he had painted
on a canvas footcloth, and which for many years served as an occasional carpet for his Parlour
I have seen it many a time, and as far as I can remember, it was diversified into a great variety
of work in small squares, and the middle set off with the form of a perfect wild beast"

In the year 1862 Great Penns Mead was identified by means of a
lease granted in the reign of Henry VIII. of the Lady Mead, which is
described as being situate at the east end of the Rye, and abutting south
upon the meadow called Penn Mead. The late Lord Carington kindly
granted permission, and provided labourers, to explore the meadow with
a view of discovering the pavement thus recorded, when the remains of a
Roman villa were uncovered, consisting of the foundations of a portico, the
floors of several apartments, and an atrium or hall, consisting of a square
flanked by two oblongs, the whole being enclosed by bands of double and
single guilloche. The oblong compartments contain a series of sea monsters
with twisted tails. The square is again resolved into a smaller central
square (the design of which is lost), with four still smaller squares at the
angles, which are occupied by female busts, representing the Hone, or god-
desses of the seasons. The one that remains perfect appears to represent
Spring. All the mosaics are executed with very fine tesserulae of black,
blue, red, yellow, and white, on a solid basis of flints and rubble. Another
compartment also contained mosaic pavement with a margin of common
red tessera. This pavement is totally destroyed, but the tesserulae found,
many of which were no larger than peas, show it to have been of singularly
fine and minute workmanship. The pavement on the right of this was also
destroyed, showing the hypocaust. Three of the pilae remained perfect on

the floor. The site of the pavement discovered in 1724, was at the entrance
to the villa, and no doubt was the well known Cave Canem, recorded as
having been found ; the whole was destroyed, but most of the tesserulae
found on the spot were of the finest and most minute character. The entire
central building lay only from twelve to eighteen inches below the surface.
Leaving the central building, we proceed through the court of the villa to the
eastern fortification walls. At the north end, near the brook which runs
close by, are the foundations of inner and outer walls ; in the latter are the
remains of two turrets, eighteen feet apart ; between these was an entrance
to the villa, traces of which still remain in the wall. The turrets project
five feet from the wall, and are paved with common red tesserae, each
having a seat of the same pavement. Southward from these turrets are the
most remarkable remains brought to light, composing a distinct set of apart-
ments of much larger dimensions than those in the central building. The
largest apartment had a hypocaust, and the ruins of the pilae were found
mixed with pieces of guilloche pavement of superior workmanship, and
nibbed to a fine surface. Nearly adjoining the larger apartment, at a depth
of about four feet, was found, what without cfcubt was the bath, having
pavement composed of white tesserae, each about half an inch square, the
margin and other parts being laid in red. The sides were plastered, and
decorated in fresco ; a part of a fish resembling a roach was painted on
one of them, with the colours in a good state of preservation. The bath
projects from the wall to correspond with the turret. The following relics
were found, />., an arrow-head, two bone hair-pins, and a statera or miniature
steelyard in bronze, similarly engraved to one found at Cirencester, and
which is considered one of the most rare and valuable of Roman remains.
Many broken pieces of pottery were also found, but without any potters
mark. It is remarkable that none of the remains lately discovered appear
to have been known to the antiquaries of 1724.

Nearly adjoining to Great Penns Mead, and which was only
separated by the Windsor Way, or Loakes Lane, is the ancient British
camp, with its inner and outer entrenchments, called Keep Hill. In 1826
eleven ancient British gold coins, in fine preservation, were found
deposited in the hollow of a stone on this hill, five of which were purchased
by the late John Norris, Esquire, of Hughenden House; three of them
were presented by him to the British Museum, and one to the Antiquarian

loose chalk which obstructed the further exploration of what would seem
to have been the remains of the old castle. The ancient well on the lawn,
in front of the present House, was no doubt an appurtenance to the castle.
In the year 1863, an excavation was made in the Wycombe Cemetery,
which forms part of Maimers Well, and which, as we have observed, was in
the immediate neighbourhood of the above two ancient camps ; when a pit
was discovered, which may be described as a nearly circular chamber, seven
feet deep, eight feet in diameter at the top, and slightly tapering to a diameter
of six feet at the bottom. These limits were well defined, the chalk having
been sharply cut away all round and at the bottom. The chamber occupied
the whole of the grave spaces numbered 329 to 332, and portions of those
numbered 386 to 388 of the division of children's graves marked D on the
Cemetery Plan on the unconsecrated side. The chamber was filled up with
layers of different substances ; a little less than three feet of the bottom
consisted principally of charred wood, evidently the remains of a cremation.
Three feet above this was a mass of bones, unburnt pottery in fragments, and
chalk rubbish. The pottery was partly red, partly black, partly unbaked,
and of Celtic manufacture ; several pieces of the black pottery were put
together, and formed the principal portion of a small urn. Among the
bones were the jaw-bone of a boar, and the teeth of horses, etc. Besides
these, there was a fragment of iron, and some roughly-shaped flint imple-
ments. These relics were covered with a stratum, twelve inches thick,
of large squared flints, which come up to within a few inches of the surface ;
other remains have since been discovered, of which no record has been
preserved. Langley, in his history, mentions that many years since, part
of a Roman vessel was found, when a cellar was dug in a house in the
High Street, now belonging to Mr. Herbert Simmonds. Roman coins have
also been found in the neighbourhood, of the Emperors Nerva, Antoninus
Pius, and Marcus Aurelius ; and a few years since, in the garden in front
of the house in Allhallows Lane, adjoining the house formerly called
Wellysbourne House,* but lately The Priory, on the west, was discovered
a Roman well, which is the sure sign of the proximity of a Roman station.
On the same premises, tesselated pavements of an early type were at the

• This house was for several years the residence of the Wellysbourne family, from which
it took its name.

same time found ; and when digging the foundation for Wesley Chapel,
in the immediate vicinity, a portion of ancient walling was uncovered, which
most probably formed part of the station.

The name Wycombe is variously spelt in early records. The earliest
spelling is Wycumb, or Wicumbe, after which, in the fourteenth century,
we have Wycombe, as the name is now spelt, and not until the end of the
fifteenth century was the prefix of Chipping or Chepping introduced. In
the sixteenth century we have the spellings, Wyckham, and Wickham, which
were commonly used for above a hundred years. From the fifteenth
century downwards, the town is sometimes called East Wycombe, Much
Wycombe, and Great Wycombe (Wycombe Magna); of late years the prefix
High, which dates from the time of Charles I., has been chiefly in use.
Camden, in giving the derivation of the name Wicombe, says, " Wi, (Saxon)
Holy; Wic, Wich, comes from the Saxon pic, which, according to the
different nature and condition of places, hath a threefold signification,
implying either a village, or bay made by the winding banks of a river, or a
castle." Dr. Johnson says, Comb in the end and Comp in the beginning
of the names, seems to be derived from the British Kum, which signifies
a valley, and had the same meaning anciently in the French tongue. Chip,
Cheap, Chipping, in the names of places imply a market, from the Saxon
Gepan, to buy. The name of Wycombe is really compounded of two
Celtic elements Wy, one of many forms of the common element, meaning
water, and Cum, a valley. It is thus, like Penn in the immediate vicinity,
a genuine ancient British name, of an antiquity far exceeding most of the
names in the neighbourhood. There is an ancient tradition, that the
stream made the mills, the mills the market, and the market the town, and
the Celtic word is thus of some significance.

The first historical record connected with Wycombe occurs about the
year 800, when, says Lambarde in his Topographical Dictionary, page 438 :
'• Karl Fthelmund departed from Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, to fight
against Weolstan at Cumbcrford. Weolstan having knowledge, met him
forthwith with his men of Wiltshyre, and gave him a great Batteil, wherein
bothe the Capitaines weare slayne, but the Wilteshyrc men kept the field."

Fabius Fthelwerd, in his Chronicle of King Hgbert's Conquests, gives
a rather different version of this battle. I le says, "that on the very same day
as Fgbert was raised to the kingdom of the West Saxons, Ethclmund was

passing through a farm, Wiecum, intending to go to a ford called Kemps-
ford, Duke Woxstan met him there with the centuries of the inhabitants of
the province of Wiltshyre. Both of them fell in the battle, but the men of
Wilts remained the victors." It is not certain 'that Wycombe is the place
here referred to, but it is clear that Wycombe was, in Saxon times, an
important settlement, from the great extent of common fields, divided by the
ancient lynchits, already referred to.

William of Malmesbury, in his Life and Miracles of St. Wulstan, who
was the last of the Saxon Bishops, and presided over the Diocese of Wor-
cester from a.d. 1062 to 1067, records two miracles which the Bishop is
said to have performed at a town called Wicumbe, the identity of which
place is established by its then being situated in the Diocese of Lincoln, and
on the high road from Worcester and Oxford to London. The account of
these miracles is obviously taken from the work of Coleman, who was chap-
lain and biographer of the saint, as we find in the Harleian MS., No. 322 :
44 As St. Wulstan was journeying to the court at London, he lodged at a
town called Wicumbe, in an old house, whose ruinous appearance threatened
a speedy fall. And in the morning, when he was about to recommence the
journey, the building began to crack, and the rafters and beams to give way
downwards. All the servants jumped out of doors in a fright, so panic-
struck as to forget altogether that their master was alone within ; but once
safely out of doors, they remembered him, and shouted loudly to him to come
out before the whole building fell down together; but none was brave enough
to go in and rescue him. But he, fortified with the buckler of faith, stood
calm and immovable ; and by virtue of his sanctity, the impending destruc-
tion was suspended, until the horses and baggage were safely got out and
loaded ready for departure. Then the holy man went forth from the
building, and immediately the whole house was violently shaken, and fell
with a terrible crash, walls and roof, into a chaotic heap of ruins."

Here Coleman records the second miracle which the Bishop wrought
in the same town (Wycombe), though six years after that just described :
44 Spording, of abundant fortune, and a well known admirer of the saint,
had built a church there at his own costs, which he resolved should be
consecrated by no other than Wulstan, but that could not be done without
the permission of the Bishop of the Diocese ; so he obtained license to that
effect from Bishop Remigius of Lincoln. On the appointed day, the Bishop

came and consecrated the church, taking especial pains in preaching to the
people, and confirmation of children. After which he goes to Spording's
house to dine. Now the wife of Spording had a maidservant who was
afflicted with a grievous disease ; her head was horribly swollen, and her
tongue was enlarged to the size of an ox's, and protruded from her mouth.
She took no food, except a little meat already masticated for her, or drink
poured down her throat with a spoon. The matron feared to enter into
conversation with the Bishop, but told the circumstance to Coleman, who
acquainted the Bishop with the case. The Bishop had a piece of gold,
which had been pierced with the head of the Holy Lance ; this he took and
dipped in the water which he had previously blessed in the consecration
of the church, and gave it the girl to drink. This healing draught was
speedily followed by a complete cure, as the matron and other witnesses
declared on oath to Coleman some days afterwards." For an account
of the discovery of the head of the Holy Lance, see Gibbon's " Decline
and Fall," vol. vi., quarto edition, page 51. At this early period the people
of Wycombe were attached to Pagan superstitions, which Hugh, Bishop
of Lincoln,* a century after, had some difficulty in persuading them to
relinquish. " Northampton laid aside the worship of a robber (i.e., some
Teutonic hero-deity), and Berkhampstead and Wycombe gave up the
worship of springs, through Hugh's vigorous exertions." Probably the
powerful spring called the Round Basin, is the spring alluded to, which rises
at the east end of the Rye, close to the remains of the Roman villa in
Great Penns Mead, and the Roman fortification in Holywell Mead. These
remote historical records must, however, be accepted with some reserve,
as they are not unfrequently of a legendary character, and are not to be
relied upon for their veracity with implicit confidence. We shall have
occasion hereafter to refer to the church and its consecration, and to correct
some errors relating thereto in the statements made by Langley.

Wycombe is not only a town of great antiquity, but it is recognized
in the charters of successive sovereigns as a prescriptive borough ; but
when it was incorporated, does not appear from our municipal muniments.
It is, however, remarkable, that it is not so described in Domesday Book;
and at the period of its compilation, Brady, in his History of Boroughs,

• Sec Life of St. Hugh.

after remarking that it is curious that Wycombe is not ranked in Domesday
Book as a borough, says, " Wycombe formed part of the Terra Episcopi
Wintoniensis ; and, as appears in Domesday Book, the manor was allotted
to the Monks of Winchester for their diet" Brady here makes an error.
It was the manor of West Wycombe that was so allotted : but the two
Wycombes are not distinguished from each other by any prefix in Domes-
day Book. The omission to designate Wycombe a borough in Domesday
Book does not militate against the possibility that it may have been at that
time a prescriptive borough.

The following extracts are taken from the Missenden Cartulary,
deposited in the archives of the British Museum, and relate to properties
of Missenden Abbey in Wycombe ; the muniments referred to are rendered
remarkable for their great antiquity, the earlier of which belongs to the 1 2th
century, and dates of this period are everywhere rarely to be met with.

" In the temp, of Henry I st .

" Mabel, Sawards dau r . of Wycombe, grants to the Canons of Missenden, Tents once held
by Hervey Merchant, Rob', of Berkhampstead, Ernald Sprot, Adam Fitz Robert, Robert del
Brook, Martin Cultier [Cutler], Gilbert Fitz Brickman, and that now held by Gumdwin."
Witnesses, Tho 5 ., Chaplain of Godstow, Adam, Chaplain of Wycombe, Godfrey, Clerk, Allan
Tanner, Geoff. Fitz Baldwin, and or 8 ., (these names have been transcribed as a specimen ;
all the documents have numerous witnesses, sometimes with names of interest).

Wm. Fitz Hervey. — " Two shops towards the west from his great messuage towards the
Market Place of Wye." " Rent charge of &/. per year to the Church of Wycombe."

" Godfrey, Clerk of Wye, gives his house and land in Wye. after the death of his wife."
[Qy. to the Church of Wycombe.]

The above muniments are probably of a date not much later than the
foundation of the abbey at Missenden in 1 133.

" Elias Gwynant gives to the abbey, his mill in the fee of Wycombe, called Gwynant's Mill
with the app tt - viz., " as the water divideth Frienett, from the corner of the Upper Mill Croft,
down to the bridge below the said mill, and on the other side next my house, as meres [qy.
metes] and bounds show," etc. " Also, all between the mill-head and the water which divides
Frienett, except the new garden. " Also the whole meadow of Bulleswell, and 1 \ acre of his
meadow, />., that \\ acre in West Wycombe Mead, etc. (/>., Upper King's Mead)." "Also land
in East Field, West Field, and Middleneld," and " that heved's acre in Figel furlong, and 3 acres
in Rube furlong, and all East grove, " which lies under " Earners-grove." ..." The Canons
are also to have by view of his bailiff, all necessary timber out of his woods for the repair of
s* 1 * MilL Rent charge payable to Gwynant's mother."

This is clearly the mill at Wycombe Marsh, belonging to Henry
Wheeler, Esq.

IO
"S' L Elias Gwynant gives half of his mead in Wycombe, five marks coiison."

This deed is remarkable as being the first with a date. It is dated
11 the year in which King Richard came back from Germany, i.e., 1 194."

Robert of Rouen. — " All his land between Cerasarii and Hurt-plcic, and hall of the head-
lands around same."

(Elias Gwynant is a witness.) Cerasarii " the cherry orchards "(?)
Wycombe having at a very early period been famous for its cherries.

S' 1 Elias Gwynant — a long deed, mentions " the Seye n [qy. Reye or Rye] as a common
field, or pasture. Also a shop next to Fitzhervoy's '* Curia " or farm yard, in Wycombe.

Walter de Rouen, 4t land between Hull's Croft and ' Sinker's Dell ' in the fee of Wy-
combe."

Ralph Fitz Isabel, "all his Ten lv in Wycombe." (Geoffrey of Oakridge and Matthew of
West Wycombe, arc witnesses.)

Do. " Messuage late Gladwin the Smith " — " save a rent of four horse-shoes, which was
payable to Geoffrey Fitz Angod."

Agnes Cole of Wye, Spinster. — " All her heritage from her father William Cole, ' within
and without the borough.'" This is the earliest notice, so far as is known, of the borough
boundaries.

This document is of the thirteenth century, as it mentions Thomas
Walder, whose will is dated a.d. 1291.

A vice, daughter of William Rufus (Redhead or Russell) of Wye — " Messe and appts. in
Wycombe. Rent chge. of id, to the light of the Ch. of Wycombe."

" Indres. of Fine, 22nd of Henry III., 6 acres of arable, 1 of meadow, 1 mess and 2 mills in
Wycombe."

Do. " In the King's Court at Wycombe, 30th of Henry III., before Rog. de Tharkeby.
Gilbert Preston, Simon de Winton and John Cobham, Justices in eyre — Abbey of Missenden
v. Rich 1 - Fitz Geoffrey, Deforciant"

Do. "At Dunstable (3rd Henry III.) in wc h Matthew Brand seeks ag* Elias Gwynant,
Deforciant, the 5th part of a Knight's fee with the app 1 ^ in Wycombe."

Do. *' At Aylesbury (20th Henry III.) W. Fitz Hervey rents in Wycombe."

THE MANOR

was, at the Conquest, holden by Robert de Oily, or D'Oyley, who had his
fee in right of his wife, taxed at ten hides. There were thirty carucates
[about 1,000 acres] of land. In the demesne, four hides and three carucates.
There were forty villeins, with eight bordars [peasants or cottagers] having
twenty-seven carucates : eight servants and four bordars ; and six mills,

1 1

worth seventy-five shillings per annum ; pasture, three carucates, and for
the horses of the Lord's Court, and the carts for the villeins. Woods for
five hundred hogs. In the whole valued at ^26, as also when surveyed ;
when Robert first had it, ^10, and in King Edward's time, ^12. This
manor belonged, before the Conquest, to Brictric, who held under Queen
Edith (see Bawdwen's Domesday Book — Bucks, page 49).

The great and independent possessions which belonged to Robert
D'Oyley, in right of his wife, were derived by her from that powerful Saxon
Thane, her father, Wigod de Wallingford.

We have abundant evidence of the early confederation of our ancestors
and predecessors, to protect themselves against the insolence and aggressions
of the marauding barons of those ancient times. It has justly been re-
marked by Dr. Robertson, that "the institution of Municipal Boroughs
has conduced more than any other circumstance to the emancipation
of Europe from the thraldom of the feudal system ; and contributed more,
perhaps, than any other cause to introduce regular government, police, and
arts. Their establishment was the effect of that spirit of liberty which has
gone abroad. They became wealthy associations. Their traffic not only
brought them riches, but gave them power. Their increasing wealth and
commerce established among them burgher watch and ward, and voluntary
associations for the protection of property." The question whether Wycombe
was a borough town at the Conquest may be answered in the affirmative.
In the Charter of the 21st of Henry III, we find the burgesses pleading
the liberties they had of the ancestors of the Lord the King, which would
carry us back to Henry I., to whom the incorporation of the borough
is, on all hands, ascribed ; but his charter was most probably only confirm-
atory of liberties and privileges long previously enjoyed by the burgesses,
and which were also confirmed by Magna Charta, cap. ix. About the
time of the Conquest," says Camden (vol. i., page 327), " Wigod de Walling-
ford was Lord of the Borough of Wycombe, and of the out village (i.e.,
parish) belonging to it (as an old Inquisition expresses it), after whose death
Henry I. appropriated it to the Crown."

In the 9th of Edward I., this borough again reverted to the Crown,
and was a second time annexed to the Honour of Wallingford ; and accord-
ingly the steward, or bailiff of that liberty, received the profits of the
Manor of Wycombe ; and upon demand of burgesses for this town,

executed the return of them during the reigns of Edward the First and
Second, and in the beginning of that of Edward the Third.

The burgesses, ever distinguished for their loyalty, were amongst the
very few from the boroughs who at first, in obedience to the Royal Precept,
returned members to represent them in Parliament.

There is no doubt that the Borough of Wycombe was originally the
property of the Crown, and was, in all probability, granted to farm to the
burgesses at a certain fixed rent.

Maddox, in his " Firma Burgi," says, "there are numerous instances

of boroughs granted to farm to the burgesses in fee, or for term of years,

or at the king's pleasure. The burgesses must have been incorporated to

a certain degree, at least ; for the payment of the rents reserved on these

grants was made long before there are any traces of charters of municipal

incorporation." In further confirmation of the antiquity of the borough of

Wycombe, we find in the Pleas of the Crown, Hilary Term, 3rd Edward I.,

an ancient custom in this borough " to sell land and serve on juries at twelve

years of age," was recorded. In the year 1825 the records then deposited

in the Tower of London were searched, in the hope of finding Henry the

First's Charter granted to Wycombe, when it was ascertained that none

of his charters were extant; but from a very interesting article in the

Standard newspaper of January, 1873, on the Public Records, it is stated

that no charters of Henry the First were extant prior to the 18th year

of his reign ; yet we find, according to Brady, in his History of Boroughs,

that Henry the First granted large immunities to boroughs. In consequence

of Brady's assertion, a further search was made at the Public Record Office

for this charter, but without success. As, however, the ancient court

called the Aula Regia then existed, and which followed the king and his

household in all his progresses and expeditions through his dominions,

accompanied by the Chief Justiciar or Capitalis Justiciarius totius Anglicae,

who had the custody of the public records, and which were conveyed from

place to place by strong pack-horses, the religious houses being under

requisition to provide these horses for the purpose, free of expense ; it

cannot be considered surprising that, from such a precarious mode of

transport, a great deficiency of these early records exists, and which was

the subject of complaint, even in the reign of Henry II.

The rent reserved in the case of this borough, with certain manorial

rights, was, from time to time, granted by the Crown to the more powerful
barons, and ultimately to (one of their number) Alan Basset,* of Wycombe,
as appears by the charter of the fifth of John. Alan Basset was present
at the signing of Magna Charta. It is very evident, as will presently
appear, that Alan Basset was guilty of acts of aggression towards the
burgesses of Wycombe. The late Dr. Lipscombe, in the course of the
Authors correspondence with him on the Topographical History of Wycombe,
kindly sent him a manuscript copy of the agreement made in the Court at
Westminster, in the 10th year of the reign of King Henry III., between
the burgesses of Wycombe and Alan Basset ; and which is recited in the
charter of confirmation of the 21st of the same Kings reign; a translation
of which agreement, with some explanatory notes by the learned doctor, is
as follows : —

From the Fine Rolls.

Bucks, 10 Hen. 3. No. 125.

" Between the burgesses of Wycombe Querents and Alan Basset, ot certain damages and
injuries which the said Alan had done to the said burgesses, as they aver, contrary to the
liberties which the same burgesses say that they hold of the ancestors of the Lord the King.

"Alan granted to the said burgesses the whole borough and town of Wycombe, with the
rents, markets, and fairs, and with all other things to a free Burgh appertaining, etc. ; and with
the edifices oft Knavesthorn and the rents, etc., excepting the demesnes of the said Alan, and
his lands in the foreigns, and the mills there reserved in a fine passed between the aforesaid
Alan Basset, and the Abbess of Godestowe [Co. Oxon], so as that the rents and customs which
the men of the said Abbess were wont to render to the said Alan, may remain to the said Bur-
gesses and their heirs in aid of the aforesaid fee farm to be paid according to the former fine
passed between the said Alan and the aforesaid Abbess. Saving always to the said Alan and
his heirs all reasonable aids, when the Lord the King and his heirs shall make talliage of the

• Arms of Basset : Barry nebule of six argent and azure.

t This singular expression (says Dr. Lipscombe), " is probably intended to mean the
Knavestorn, that is the Prison House, or place for custody of thieves, and transgressors against
the laws. A Knaves' Hall, or hall for strangers, was not an unusual appendage to old mansions,
not even of the higher orders, but in old houses about Queen Elizabeth's time, and I remember
one in the house of my father which was not inappropriately converted into a pantry. "

With every respect for the judgment of the learned doctor as a distinguished etymologist,
we are compelled to repudiate his opinion as to the probable true rendering of the word
" Knavesthorn/' as it is beyond reasonable doubt " cnihtenthorn " [Saxon] which means " Court
of Burgesses," the buildings in question being simply the guild- or mote-hall. SherirTs-torn is
the common word in Domesday Book for the County Court, and '* Cniht " [Saxon], or
" Knight " the common english for a burgess in a city. See Stubb's " Constitutional History,"
vol. i.

domain lands throughout England. And be it known that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs acquit
and release to the aforesaid Burgesses, etc., as against the said Lord the King and his heirs, the
fee farm of twenty pounds which the said Alan was thereupon indebted to the Lord the King,
and in like manner of the service of one Knight's fee which the aforesaid Alan was accustomed
to pay as his service, which the aforesaid Alan held of the grant of King John. Be it known
likewise, that the favis de averiis, # annually on the lands of the said Alan shall be and remain
as they have been accustomed, saving to the said Burgesses and their heirs the customs thence
issuant And the said Alan and his heirs shall have all fairs holden in the streets of Wycombe,
etc. And let it be known that many Burgesses named and acknowledged in the Town there,
shall be in peace, agreeable to the same. 11

These fairs, with the lands on which they were held, were by fine
released and transferred by Alan Basset to the burgesses of Wycombe.

In 1212-13, Alan Basset gave King John ^133 6s. Sd. and an excel-
1 ent palfrey, that his daughter might marry William Lord de Lanvallei.

King John divided the out village of Wycombe between Alan Basset
and Robert de Vipont, who was also a powerful baron t and was present
at the signing of Magna Charta. And by the charter of the 5th John (as
already referred to), the whole of the manor of Wycombe was granted to
Alan Basset, except what Vipont held, on payment of ^20 per annum, and
doing the service of one knight's fee. Alan Basset died in the 1 7th year
of Henry III., 1232, leaving issue, Gilbert, who married Isabel, daughter
of William de Ferrers; he died 25th Henry III., 1240, and his only son
soon after, in consequence of which, Wycombe came to Foulke Basset,
Dean of York, afterward Bishop of London, and he paid the rent for it,
30th Henry III., 1245; but, being a clergyman, his estate devolved to
Philip Basset. He married Hawise, daughter of John Grey of Eaton, and
left issue a daughter and heiress, Alice, wife of Hugh le Despenser, Lord
Chief Justice, who was killed at the battle of Evesham, August 6th, 1264.
This Alice or Olivia married, secondly, Roger le Bigod, Earl Marshal, who
in right of his wife, together with the Knights Templars, claimed the right
of frank pledge, assize of bread, etc., in suburbio de Wycomb, 4th Edward I.
She died 9th Edward I., 1280, leaving issue Hugh le Despenser, her heir, on
whose attainder, 1326, this manor reverted to the Crown.

14 Escaet. 9 Edward I. 9. Elen Lady le Despenser died, seised of Wycombe. The manor
house and herbage was returned to l>e worth 2** per annum, 260 acres of arable land worth 2* per

Averii (cqui jugales) that is a yoke of oxen. f Arms of Vipont : Or, six amulets, gules.

acre, and five mills worth . . . and the Jurors likewise declared Hugh le Despenser her
heir."

In 1326 the manor reverted to the Crown by attainder.

In 1332-6 and 7, Edward III., the king, for the good service rendered
him, granted the manor to William de Bohun, who was afterwards, viz.,
1337, created Earl of Northampton, K.G., and on a partition of the estates
of that noble family in 142 1, the manor again became vested in the Crown.

In 1479, 18th Edward IV., the Queen, the Archbishop of York, and
others being seized to the use of the King, and his heirs and successors, of
the manor of Wycombe called Bassetsbury, the fee farm of the town of
Great Wycombe, etc., they, on the special command of the king, demised
and granted the premises, with the appurtenances, to the Custos or Dean and
Canons of Windsor and their successors, until the king, his heirs or succes-
sors, should grant them other land of the same value. (See Ashmole's Gar-
ter, p. 1 70.)

The manor has, since this date, been in the possession of the Dean and
Canons of Windsor, who have leased it to successive lords and ladies. The
family of Raunce were lessees of the manor for many years prior to 1574 ;
and John Raunce rebuilt the manor house in the reign of James the First.

The following is a list of the names of the earlier lessees of Bassetsbury
Manor.

1574. Edward Lord Windsor.

1657. Thomas Gower, Esq.

1666. Roger Rea, Esq.

1670. Edward Atkins, Esq.

1679. John Loggan, Esq.

1682. Althea, Mary, and Elizabeth Loggan.

1683. Mary Loggan.

1 69 1. Sir Orlando Gee, Knt.

1 7 1 7. Sir Francis Dash wood, Bart.

The manor is now vested in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and is
held on lease by the representatives of the late Sir George H. Dashwood,
Bart

The rent charge of ^30 13*. ^d. was, by an indenture dated the 24th
March in the 15th of Henry the Seventh's reign, reduced to ^26.

The other manors, included in the grant of king John to Robert de

Vipont, are called Temple Wycombe, Loakes. and Windsor or Chapel Fee.
Robert de Vifjont demised and granted these manors to the Knights Tem-
plars, to whom he was a jjreat friend and benefactor, and who enjoyed them
till the dissolution of their Order, by Edward II. in 1324. when it is supposed
Temple Wycombe was granted to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. In
the 22nd of Kdward IV. Robert Bardseydied. seized of the manor of Loakes,
which was held as of the Honour of Wallingford by fealty.

From a rent roll preserved, it appears that the manors of Temple
Wycombe, Loakes, and Windsor or Chapel Fee. were in the Crown in the
4th of Henry VIII. King Edward the Sixth, in the 7th year of his reign
(1552) granted the manor of Temple Wycombe, with ail its appurtenances
formerly belonging to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, to John Cock.

The court rolls of the manors of Temple Wycombe, Loakes, and
Windsor or Chapel Fee.

The court rolls begin 1st Richard II., 1377. from which the following
extracts arc taken :

2 Henry IV. " Item ; they present that John Dryvere doth not set up a cross upon his house."

4 Henry IV. " Ix>rd grants to R A Pymme and John Ravenynge his Fulling Mill, called Gosenham

Mulne in the fee of the Temple."
12 Henry IV. " Item ; they present that R* Sperlyng hath cut down the wood of the lord at Castel

Grene."

'•That John Frenschemon hath committed trespass on the Caste! Grene.*'
7 Henry V. " At this Court was granted to William Ker a certain ' hegge rowe ' near le Old Castell, by

Ralph Astley in conson of 20** to be paid to the Lord."
j Henry VII. ,4 Dec' 15, Russell, a baker, presented tor keeping a scolding Harlot in his house."

22 Henry VII. "They present that W 1 * Pavear hath committed an assault upon Andrew Loxborough with

one ' Alcboll ' of the value of a J 1 "

" Item ; that Geoffrey Welshman hath committed an assault on Andrew Loxborough with
one wea[K>n called a ' dager,' of the value of 2 tl and drew blood, contrary to the peace."

*' Item ; that the s ! Geoffrey Welshman committed an assault on W" Mapulton with his
fist, contrary to the peace. "

44 That Xich* Ilaker hath sold fish before they were seen and tasted by Tho 1 - Grene the taster
of meat and fish, and hath also sold fish to make to himself excessive profit"

" W" Russell and W™ Pavear presented for harbouring vagabonds and divers other sus-
picious foreigners, and for allowing misrule and unlawful games, namely, ' disyng and cardying/
< ontrarv to the form of the statute."

" That the ditch by Temple SIowc is obstructed to the hurt, etc. Also the watercourse at
the ■Mcrshc' near the Mill called 'Gowes Myll.'"
J<» Unify "April 14 th George Sawyer's Wife presented for keeping ill government in her Inn. Bailiff

ordered to remove her."

March 1 2. " A presentment against the Inhabitants of Wycomb, because they have not bowes 26 Elizabeth,
and arrows^ according to the Statute in that case provided " [viz. 22 Edw. IV., cap. 4].

In 1604, 3rd James the First, June the 22nd, John Raunce conveyed
Loakes to Richard Archdale, Esq. ; and afterwards, August 28th, 1628, he
conveyed Temple Wycombe, and Windsor or Chapel Fee manors (which
last he had purchased of Thomas Wells, Esq., in 1609) to the said Richard
Archdale.

In 1700, Thomas Archdale, Esq., conveyed the above manors to Henry
Petty, Lord Shelburne, who was second son of the famous Sir William
Petty (remarkable for his literary and scientific attainments) by Elizabeth,
daughter of Sir Hardress Waller, Knt., of Castletown, Co. Limerick. In
1699 he was created Baron Shelburne, and in 1709, Viscount Dunkerron
and Earl of Shelburne. His Lordship having survived all his children,
died in 1751, after devising his estates to John Fitzmaurice, second son of
his sister, Anne, Countess of Kerry ; which John was, on the 7th October,
1751, created Viscount Fitzmaurice and Baron Dunkerron; and on the
26th June, 1753, Earl of Shelburne ; he was made a Peer of England on
the 17th May, 1760, as Baron Wycombe ; and dying 14th May following,
was succeeded by his eldest son William, who was created Viscount Calne
and Calnston, Earl of Wycombe, and first Marquess of Lansdowne, on the
30th Nov., 1784, and K.G. He married first, 5th February, 1765, Sophia,
daughter of John Earl Granville, by whom he had John Henry (afterwards
Marquess of Lansdowne) ; another son, William, who died young ; and
secondly, Louisa, sister of the Earl of Upper Ossory, who died 7th August,
1789, and by whom he had Lord Henry Petty, born in 1780, upon whom,
after the issueless death of his elder brother, devolved the Marquisate, with
this estate.

Lord Shelburne, having served in important offices of State under the
Bute, Grcnville, and Chatham Ministries, and also under the Rockingham
Ministry of 1782, became Prime Minister of England, in 1783. He died
the 7U1 May, 1805, and was buried in the family vault in the north aisle
of the chancel ; but it is most surprising that there is no inscription in the
Church to perpetuate the memory of this eminent statesman.

We may here add some particulars from the life of his Lordship, by
his grandson, Lord Edmund Fitzmaurice, which may be interesting to the
reader.

i8
Extract from the Lady Shclburne s Diary.

"Wycombe, Saturday, 28th January, 1768. ... At four o'clock, Lord Shclburne
came [to lx>akes] and brought Lord Clare with him ; in the evening wc had a party ; and at
half an hour after six, our company began to assemble. Amongst our Ladies was a very pretty
bride, the wife of the Mayor (Mr. Rose # ). Lord Clare divided his compliments between her,
and Miss Kitty Shrimpton.f We sup'd at eleven, in the India Paper Room, that we might
not encroach upon Sunday morning. And the whole was over at twelve o'clock, and nobody
the worse for this sober recreation."

" November 6th. Lord Shelburne and Colonel Barre came and sat with me and renewed
a conversation they had with Lord Chatham, till Mr. Price [Vicar of Wycombe] whom wc had
sent for to christen our little boy, J arrived from Wycombe, who sup'd with us."

" Lord Camden rated Lord Shelburne's oratorical powers above those
of any peer of his time, Lord Chatham alone excepted. Lord Thurlow
complimented him on the correctness and minuteness of his information,
and even Walpole does not deny him a high place amongst the debaters of
his time."

Boswell, in his "Life of Johnson," mentions that "Johnson was at a
certain period of his life a good deal with the Earl of Shelburne, as he
doubtless could not but have a due value for that nobleman's activity of
mind, and uncommon acquisitions of important knowledge, however much
he might disapprove of other parts of his Lordship s character, which were
widely different from his own. Johnson was a frequent guest at Loakes
House."

From the Memoirs of the Abb£ Morellet, as quoted in the Life of
Shclburne, we make the following extracts relative to his visit to Wycombe.

[A translation from the French .]

44 Arriving in I^ondon, I found Ix>rd Shelburne absent, but he had left orders to receive me ;
indeed, he had done more, and having forewarned his brother Fitzmaurice, then member for
Wycombe, of my arrival, he (whilst waiting the return of my Lord) brought me to Wycombe,
a place situated about seven or eight leagues from London, and the first title in the peerdom
of Lord Shelburne, which is now his son's. He carried off also CoL Barr<5, Doctor Hawkcs-
worth, director of the first voyage of Banks round the world, and Garrick, and Franklin, two
men whom it is sufficient to name. We (Kissed, or spent five or six days at Wycombe, and as
) ou may see in sufficiently good company. Franklin, who already showed to England as the

• Grandfather of William Rose, Esq., J. P. -j* A maternal ancestor of the author.
X The Honourable William Petty, who died 27th January, 1778.

politician and statesman, that she had soon to fear, was then much more known in Europe by
his grand discovery of the identity of electric fire with that of thunder ; and by his beautiful
theory of electricity ; but public economy and government matters occupied me more than
philosophy, and the conversation naturally returned to these subjects. We discussed much the
general question of the liberty or freedom of trade, and the two great questions, which hang
on that, the freedom of commerce in India and the freedom of commerce in corn ; ideas upon
population in general, and upon that of America in particular ; upon the relation of Colonies
with the Capitals ; upon the progress of English America, and of those one ought to foresee,
had their turn in our conversation. We spoke also of music, for he loved it ; and philosophy,
and morals, but in few words, and at long intervals, for nobody practised better the maxim of
Fontaine,

• The wise man is sparing of time and words.'

I saw him make there the experiment of calming the waves with oil, that one has looked upon
as a fable in Aristotle and Pliny. It is true that they were not the waves of the sea, but those
of a little river which flowed in the park of Wycombe. It was ruffled by rather a fresh wind.
He ran back about two hundred steps from the place where we were, and making some magical
gestures, he shook three times over the stream a flask which he had in his hand ; a moment
after the little waves weakened themselves or calmed down by degrees, and the surface of the
water became smooth as glass. In the explanation which he gave us of this phenomenon, he
told us that the oil contained in his flask, spreading very much as soon as it was thrown in, and
making the surface of the water smoother, prevented the wind from having a hold on it, and
principally over the part of the river which received the first impulse of it, and that the agitation
of the inferior parts began to calm of itself, and not being renewed from the part above, nor
communicated to from below, calm spread itself everywhere."

We find in the journal of the venerable John Wesley, that in one of his
visits to Wycombe, viz., Oct I ith, 1775, he makes the following entry rela-
tive to Loakes.

" I took a walk to Lord Shelburne's house ; what variety in so small a compass ! a beautiful
grove divided by a serpentine walk, conceals the house from the town ; at the side of this, runs
a transparent river with a smooth walk on each bank. Beyond this a level lawn, then the house
with sloping gardens behind it ; above these is a lofty hill, near the top of which is a lovely
wood, having a grassy walk running along just within the skirts of it But can the owner rejoice
in this paradise ? No, for his wife is snatched away in the bloom of youth." [Lady Shelburne
died January 5th, 1771.]

"It may not be amiss" (remarks Lord Shelburne in a very striking
passage which brings to light the unenviable position of the owner of a
close borough), " to say a few words upon the subject of boroughs."

" Family boroughs, (by which I mean boroughs which lie naturally within the reach of cul-
tivation of any house or property), are supposed to cost nothing ; but I am sure from my own
experience and observation, that if examined into, they will be found to cost as much as the
purchase of any burgage tenure whatever, by means of what I call insensible perspiration. Like

public taxes, the amount is not perceived for a great while, and by some people not at all ; but
it consists in paying always a little, and most commonly a great deal too much, on every article ;
and in every transaction you are confined to a particular set of tradesmen, and often to their
connections in town, and can never control their charges. The rents of houses and lands must
be governed by the moderation of voters. You must be forthcoming on every occasion, not only
of distress, but of fancy ; to subscribe too largely to roads, as well as every other project which
may be started by the idlest of the people ; add to this, livings, favours of all sorts from Govern-
ment, and stewardships, if there is an intriguing attorney in the town, who, under the name of
your agent, will deprive you of all manner of free agency upon your own property, and some-
times of the property itself, if it is a small one ; without mentioning the charges and domestic
disorder attending a great deal of obscure hospitality, and a never ceasing management of men
and things. And after all, when the crisis comes, you are liable to be outbid by any nabob or
adventurer ; and you must expect all that you have done to go for nothing, and the most you
can look for is a preference. What can you say to a blacksmith who has seven children, or to
a common labouring man who is offered jQtoo for his vote ; or to two misers who are offered
^2,000, which are instances distinctly upon record at Wycombe, since Mr. Dash wood's election.*'

The manor house of Loakes was enlarged and much improved by
William, Earl of Shelburne. The Marquess of Lansdowne disposed of all
his estate at Wycombe (except the advowson of the vicarage) in August,
1798, to The Right Honourable Robert Lord Carrington, formerly Robert
Smith, the friend and confidential adviser of the younger Pitt, who often
retired to Loakes from the cares of State. The manor house, now called
Wycombe Abbey, was very considerably enlarged and greatly improved by
his lordship, from designs, and under the direction, of the celebrated architect,
James Wyatt His lordship died the 18th September, 1838, and was suc-
ceeded in his title and estates by his son, The Honourable Robert John
Smith ; he was born January 16th, 1796, was elected Member of Parliament
for Wendover, and subsequently for the county of Bucks, in 1820; and in
1831 he was returned, with Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., as member for the
borough of Wycombe. His lordship succeeded His Grace the Duke of
Buckingham as Lord Lieutenant and Custos Rotulorum of Buckingham-
shire, and Colonel of the Royal Bucks King's Own Militia. He was a
F.R.S. He took the surname of Carington by royal license, 26th August,
1839. In 1822 he married the Honourable Elizabeth Katherine Forester,
second daughter of Cecil Weld, 1st Baron Forester; she died in 1832,
leaving issue, Mary Isabella, b. 1824, d. 1840; Cecilia Katherine Mary, b.
1826, m. 1853, Charles John Colville of Culross, P. C, nth Baron in the
Peerage of Scotland. His second marriage was on August 2nd, 1840, with
the Honourable Charlotte Augusta Annabclla Drummond Willoughby,

Ireland, and gave half to the said Symon, as he acknowledged to many
persons." Records of Bucks, 1 1-2 7 1. ,

The " Pleas de quo warranto Bucks, Rot. 1, Edw. I., 1286," afford us an
amusing story of a proceeding by ejectment. Gilbert de Thornton, Kings
Attorney at the assizes at Wycombe * in this year, claimed against the
Abbot of Missenden, a messuage in Wycombe, as the Kings escheat, as
the property of a Norman born, Nicholas le Vinetur, who died seized
of it The abbot came in person and declared that Nicholas passed the
house to him, by a fine, and held it afterwards of him for life only, but that
now it ought to revert to him as the right of the Church of Missenden.
To this Gilbert replied, that this was not the case, but that all the abbot's
right consisted of actions of intrusion after the death of Nicholas. And
that he should prove that the said Nicholas continued his possession by
himself, his wife, and his servants, and never changed his estate. And so
issue was joined.

Then the sheriff was enjoined to form a jury of twelve men residing
near the Town of Wycombe, and twelve men of the town itself, none of
whom were connected with the Abbot, to try the cause ; but hereupon
came the Mayor and bailiffs of Wycombe, and declared that they had such
liberty in their town of Wycombe, that all enquiries of assize and law
concerning houses and property in Wycombe, ought to be made before
burgesses of the town and not by foreigners ; and they demanded that
this liberty should be in no respect infringed. They also declared that
the Abbot had calumniated and injured the commonalty of the town in
other respects. Now this was clearly the worst thing they could have done,
and prevented their obtaining their demand. Ultimately the jury was

• We gather from the Annals of Tewkesbury (1248), pa. 137, that Wycombe was an
Assize Town in the earlier part of the 13th century.

41 1. Richard, Earl of Gloucester, sued us (the monks of Tewkesbury) for advowsons of
Churches, to wit, of Hambledone, of Merlawe [Marlow], of the Church of All Hallows, London,
by the King's Writ before the Justices in Eyre at Wycomb, and obtained judgment with one
cheerful assent."

" 2. In the same year, on the 8th day after St. Hilary, the Justices in Eyre held the assizes
for the County of Bucks at Newport, and after finishing the business for (the north) part of the
county there, adjourned for the remainder of the Court to Wyckumbe, on the 8th day of the
following Easter." The assizes were also held here eleven times between the years 1684 and
1711. Cough's MSS.

formed of seven burgesses and five foreigners; "thus saving/' says the Record,
'• to the said burgesses, their liberty aforesaid." Then the jury gave their
verdict, which will be given in the words of the Record.

"And William dc Saunderton, Robert Fitzwaltcr of Davcntrc, Richard le Wydington,
Reginald de Beauchamp, Thomas le Talyer — Foreigners. Roger le Cordewaner, William le
( >rfeure, Roger le Hynton, Richard le Saundwell, Robert le Poor, Mathcu le Folur, and Geoffrey
le Clerk, Burgesses of Wycombe, declare that the said Nicholas was a Norman and born in
Normandy ; and purchased that house of one Alice la Peynture, to hold to the said Nicholas
and his heirs ; and afterwards the said Nicholas sojourned in the Abbey of Missenden, where he
had a certain pension of meat and drink (corrodium) and there by a certain sickness was
detained ; and then, in that sickness the said Nicholas made to the said abbot and convent
the aforesaid grant; and a certain letter directed to one Gilbert le Mercer his sen-ant, who
took care of his taverne (tabernam) at Wycumb, concerning putting them (#>., the Abbot and
convent) in possession ; thereupon, which grant and letter, one Reginald de Chovel, Canon of
Missenden, carrying with him to that house, entered that house; and thereupon Gilbert gave
him possession according to the aforesaid letter. But they declare that the said Reginald
found in that house the wife, the family, the household goods, and other chattels of the said
Nicholas. And the same Reginald considering these things, asked the wife of the said Nicholas,
that she should go out into the street to buy fish and other things, of which he had need. And
she at the request of the said Reginald, going out, on her return the same day, found herself
shut out : but immediately she, by a certain ladder, entered that house by the window of a
certain gallery of the said house. And they declare that the said wife with the servants and
chattels of the said Nicholas, there dwelt, without any removal by the said (Abbot and con-
vent) until the said Nicholas being recovered from the said sickness, to the said house returned
and -entered that house. And in the presence of his neighbours, there called together, the said
charter and letter . . . entirely contradicted, and Gilbert, his servant, who put the same
Abbot in j>ossession ..."

The mutilated state of the Record docs not allow us to know the fate
of Gilbert.

A second entry, Rot. 5, records the recovery of the messuage on the
part of the King, and that it was worth forty shillings per annum. The
first memb., Rot. 2. of the Municipal Records, is a bond dated 1295, from
Ralph Rcchel, who obtained, according to the recital, a grant of the house
from the King, to pay Matilda, late wife of Nicholas le Yinetur, one mark
j>er annum, the dower to which she was legally entitled. The deed is
witnessed by the Mayor and Burgesses, William Orfeur, Richard le Sand*
well, and Geoffrey the Clerk, who were jurymen on the trial.

At Fol. lxviii. of first Ledger, is the following remarkable entry.

44 On Tuesday, in the 40th year of the reign of King Kdward III., it was ordained that every
child of a burgess, who at the time appears to be the oldest, after the decease of his father, on

claiming the freedom [of the Borough] shall have the same on paying io.\ d ., without any
further payment; namely, to the Mayor i cl ., to the clerk -1 (! ., to the under bailiff £ d ., to the gilds-
men [gildains] 8 d ., and to the Master of St. John's i d ., he making oath, etc."

The following is a translation of a deed in Norman French, contained
in the Records of Wycombe, being an award made by Joan, Countess of
Hereford, 1407.

*• This indenture of three parts witnesseth that whereas divers debates and discordes have
arisen between the Mayor and the Commonalty of Wycomb, and Raulf Lude, Esquier, for
that the said Mayor and Commonalty have claim of twenty and one shillings of rent for certain
tenements the which the said Rauf holds of the said Mayor and Commonalty in the, town
aforesaid, and suit at their Court of Wycombe two ... at the Feasts of Saint Michel and
Hokday, # and two shillings and threepence for one meadow, the which the said Rauf holds
of them in the Town aforesaid. And also the said Mayor and Commonalty have claim of the
said Rauf and demand one ancient rental touching the Mayor and Commonalty of the said
Town, the which the said Rauf hath in his possession. And also the said Mayor and Com-
monalty have plaint, that the said Rauf hath built one house upon the waste land of the said
Town, of which debates and claims, as well the said Mayor and Commonalty as the said
Rauf, have submitted them to the ordinance and determination of the most noble and gracious
Dame, Joan de Bohunne, Countess of Hereford, and to hold and perform the award, ordinance,
and determination, of the said Countess, the said parties are bound to the said Countess and
other certain persons each party of them.

" Whereupon the said most noble Dame, by the advice of her Council, hath examined all
the matter and all the evidences of the one party and the other, unto her shown, and inspects
the said evidences, and hears the reasons on both sides. And the said Countess hath awarded
and ordained, that the said Rauf and his heirs shall pay the said rent of one and twenty shillings
for all the tenements which the said Rauf holds of them in the Town aforesaid, as . . . the
said Rauf and the said Mayor and Commonalty in like manner to have the said two shillings
and three pence . . . Thomas Lude, father to the said Rauf, whose heir he is . . .
his heirs hath . . . parcel of the said tenure in the said town, holds the right ... in
the said ... by which release the said tenements are . . . tenements to the said
Mayor and Commonalty as touching the said two tenements at the rent of . . . the said
Mayor and Commonalty and the said Rauf duly discharged from their Court And the said
Mayor and Commonalty have . . . have been seised of the said suit That the said
Countess shall . . . certain persons."

The Countess of Hereford was a great benefactress to the monasteries
of Essex, as appears from the State Rolls. She was grandmother to
Henry V., and a resident in her own right at Bassetsbury Manor.

Before remarking on the documentary history' of the Middle Ages, in

• Hockday, the second Tuesday after Easter, in commemoration of the slaughter of the
Danes on that day, and their expulsion from England, a.d. i 100.

connection with the subject in hand, a few topographical observations may
not be out of place. The borough is situated principally on the highway
(via regia) from London to Oxford ; and is divided into four wards, Easton
Ward, Pauls Row Ward, out of which High Street Ward was probably
taken, and Frogmore Ward ; now the most populous of the four Wards.
Separate rates were made for each ward, when the Poor Law Act, of the
43rd of Elizabeth, came into operation. The ancient British road through
Chiltern passed by Desborough Castle, the back of Newland, through the
now depopulated suburb of Horseyn or Horsenden, and the Windsor way
through Wycombe Abbey Park, close to Great Penns Mead, bounding the
borough on the south.

The easternmost piece of land in the borough adjoining the Rye and
Halliwell, or Holywell, Mead on the west (both already referred to), is a
meadow belonging to the Chapel of St Mary, which was (inter alia) assigned
by Queen Elizabeth to the Corporation, who leased it in the latter part
of the 13th century to Roger Outred, then Mayor, as tenant at will. In
1346, Rogers son, William, resigned it to the Mayor and burgesses. In
1369, we find the Wardens of St. Mary letting it to John Bynewell, and
describing it as adjoining William Outred's meadow, i.e., that belonging to
the mill, and the Pontfolde, which was in later years called Penn or Great
Penns Mead. In 1540, the wardens granted it to John Brasebrydge, Esq.,
the Mayor, particularising its situation minutely, for a term of thirty years.
The meadow was leased by the Corporation to Lord Shelburne, who, in a
subsequent arrangement with the Corporation, gave a portion of it up to
the Rye, the rest being added to and remaining part of Halliwell Mead,
now belonging to Lord Carington. The ditch separating it from the Rye
may yet be traced, and the borough boundary stones on the east mark its
limits in that direction, dividing it from Halliwell Mead.

The Rye is a commonable pasture of about thirty acres, being an appur-
tenance to the lands belonging to the Hospital of St. John, and conferring
no small benefit on the inhabitants of the town. Its antiquity is great
The origin of the rights in connection with it has been erroneously ascribed
to Queen Elizabeth, and the popular tradition is, that " that glorious Dame,"
on the occasion of a temporary sojourn at Wycombe, being inconvenienced
by the non-supply of milk at the royal breakfast table, caused this meadow
to be given to the town, in order that such an occurrence might be

obviated for the future; but as we find the Rye as early as the 13th
century was a common meadow belonging to the Corporation, we are com-
pelled to discredit the tradition. It was really the common pasture of the
tenants of the ancient demesne of Wycombe, prior to the incorporation
of the borough : and on the incorporation, the burgesses entered into the
rights of the tenants. A family, taking name from the Rye, was established
here during the 13th and 14th centuries. We find the meadow of Geoffery
atte Rye adjoining Our Lady Mead and Halliwell Mead in 1346. This
Geoffery probably was the occupier of the Rye Mill. In the Rye, the
inhabitants of the borough by ancient prescription have the right of com-
mon for two cows and a heifer in the day time only. An Old Topo-
grapher* says : —

" All the inhabitants of the borough have liberty at all times to walk, and use sports and
pastimes, such as running, leaping, wrestling, riding, back swords, and other plays, at their
pleasure, without being trespassers. The liberty of using these exercises is very much valued by
the common people."

From a memorandum in 1518 (vide "Ecclesiastical Antiquities "),
Rowland Messenger, Vicar of Wycomb, would seem to have discovered
some grounds for setting up a claim to the Rye, alleging it to be the
property of the Church, but he made no attempt to establish the claim.
From time immemorial the borough election days and law days (so called)
of the mayor and burgesses were there held. At the law days and views
of frank-pledge, all the leases were renewed, and fresh grants made in the
presence of the inhabitants ; resolutions and orders were openly made and
proclaimed, and other public business transacted. This custom may reason-
ably be supposed to have been a relic of the moots or gemotes of the
Anglo-Saxons. Pound Mead is included in, and situate at the east end of
the Rye, nearly adjoining the Dyke on the North, and Great Penns Mead
Qt\ the West, the mounds of which are still traceable. This mead was, in
1633, in the possession of the Standish family, who sold it to Thomas
Archdale of Loakes House; he again sold it to the Reverend John Biscoe,
of St Thomas Parish in Southwark, in whose family it remained till his
grandson, Samuel Jacques of Uxbridge, sold it to the Mayor, bailiffs, and

• Author of a curious MS., descriptive of the Borough of Wycombe in the beginning of
the last century ; penes the author.

burgesses, in 1 7 19, for £ 150, which sum was raised by the sale of oak
on Town Farm, and oak and ash on Kingshill Lands. The Corpora-
tion leased it to Bigoe Hensell, goldsmith, who converted it into a hop
ground, but the speculation did not pay, and he surrendered his lease.
Rot. Wye. Burg.

The Hayward's House, near the Rye, is an old tenement, concerning
which there are several singular entries in the Registers ; one is in a Rent
Roll, temp. Phil, and Mary, from which it appears that rent was taken for
it: —

" Item ; of Thomas a Lee, Cowherd, for his howse sumtymc an hermitage, V.V

No records of the hermitage or hermits remain ; but, as at a very early
period hermitages were frequently found at the entrance to our ancient
towns, without doubt hermits did take up their abode at this spot. We
find the house at a subsequent period described as the 4< Hermitage," or
'• Snail," and also as an Almshouse, belonging to the Hospital of St. John.

The two mills near the Rye are both of extreme antiquity, the one at the
north-west end of the Rye is called Bridge Mill, and the other at the north-
cast, Pann Mill ; these mills, though included within the boundary of the
borough, were always considered as belonging to the Parish of Wycombe,
and were assessed to the parochial rates. They are excepted in Alan
Basset's grant of the borough. The owners of these mills have each the
right of common in the Rye for a mare or gelding. In Ledger No. I., fo.
144, we find the following order : —

" Memorandum the ninth dayc of October, in the first yere of the rcignc of our sovercigne
I *nlye, Qucne Elizabeth, beinge thelawedaw in the gelde halle, John Sterlynge then being
maier, it was ordeyned and agreide by the whole howse, that the Myllmcn that be or shall be of
Panne Myll, and of Cristofer Paitefer's Myll, shall have no horse, geldynge, nor mare, goinge
in the Rie, onlesse he or they Do loode and serve the towne withe the same horse, geldynge, or
mare, upon the payn of fforfiture of his or their common in the seide Rie ; and that at no tymc
or tymes, he or they shall have any other kynde of horse or mare goinge there, but such only
as serve the towne as afore ys seide."

In the year 13S0, one of these mills belonged to Thomas atte Lude,
who terminated a dispute concerning his right of common in respect of the
mill, by granting the Mayor and burgesses a rent of one shilling, issuing out
of a shop in the market place in tenure of John Gcky, as a consideration for
a confirmation of his right, at the same time acknowledging that he had

previously no right of common there, unless by special favour of the
burgesses.

Separated from the Rye, which extended to Horsenden Lane, and
which was the entrance to it, is Easton Street, formerly called " Easton
Towne," in early deeds " Estynton," giving name to the ward. This ward
contains that part of the town eastward of Crendon and Horsenden Lanes.
Here was formerly held a fair on the Day of St. Thomas the Martyr : " For
all manner of pepuls for cum to the forsayde fayer free, w'oute any maner of
staullayge payde that day to the bayllys, ,, which was the " holde custome of
thys borough of Wycomb and by the Kyng s graunts," to the Mayor and
burgesses, " tyme aute of mynde," as appears by an order of the Court " held
on the Thursday before the feast of St. James the postyll," 1527, wherein
the Mayor, bailiffs, and burgesses lament that " now ther cummythe but
few, or ells none of thys towne and borough thethyr for to kepe and mayn-
teync the forsayd ffayer ther in that place, whareas of holde costume was
wont for to be kept, but kepythe ther schopys and ther stallys at home
ther as they doo dewll her w l in the sayd towne," and make a stringent
order " that from thys tyme fforwarde, that no maner of man nor woman
\v f in the sayd towne kepe ther schoppys and ther stallys at home ther
as they doo dewlle. Nor make nowe Schowe forthe into the strete on
that day, but resorte into the ffayer ther as yt is wonte to be kypte, apon
payne of cv y Borges so afending Xs, and of ev y fforynar, III*, and IIII d .,
the one halff to the Baylyffs .and the othyr half to the Chamberr of
Wycomb." Notwithstanding this severe enactment, the fair in Estyn-
townc has long been a thing of the past

Crendon Lane is so called from its leading up the ancient British
road to the depopulated hamlet near the Upper Temple Farm, called
Croyndon or Crendon. The charter of Henry III. mentions Crendons-
hatch with Hazelmere. The houses in Horsenden Lane were purchased
by John, Earl of Shelburne, and were afterwards demolished. His Lord-
ship obtained a lease of the lane as waste ground front the Mayor and
burgesses, and included the same in the grounds of Wycombe Abbey,
in the middle of the last century, the fee of which was purchased by the
late Lord Carington.

The High Street, also giving name to a ward, is a continuation of
Easton Town, westward, terminating at the Guildhall. Most of the shops

3°

(shopxs) of the burgesses in the r3th century appear to have been in
" AltA Strata ;" so little has the name or the locality changed. This, the
topographer of the beginning of the iSth century described as the " Beauty
of the Borough, for here the houses exceed in magnificence most of the
buildings of the borough, for goodness of brick, mortar, and other materials,
of which the modern houses are built," it may be (he proceeds) " Great
Britain can't show better/' It is rather curious that in the reign of Henry
VII. the Vicars of Hughenden and Wooburn had town houses in the
High Street; the house of the former was situate on the site of Wine Vaults
now belonging to Mr. Leadbetter, and the latter on the site of the house
at the corner of Crendon Street, lately erected by Mr. Robert Vernon.
This house originally belonged to the Corporation, to whom, in 1319,
it was granted by William Oughtred. It was let in 13S8 to "Will.
Depham, Sir Robt., Vicar of Wouborne, and Sir Geof. Laver, priest, with
certain privileges."

The High Street had a curious collection of old inns, some of which
have disappeared ; there was the George, adjoining the Red Lion Inn on
the west, in which was the scene of a memorable election in 1 723. An account
of this Inn may be found in three scarce tracts extant, wherein it is de-
scribed as "the neatest, the largest, and most convenient public house,
or place to receive so great a company." The Red Lion Hotel, t\e., the
ancient portion of it, comprehends the whole of the building, including the
gateway on the west side of the present hotel. In Churton's " Founders
of Brasenose College," we find that John Cox of Kyrtleton, Oxon, wool
merchant, gave a messuage called the Red Lyon in Cheping Wycombe,
and 1 20 1. in money, to purchase land to provide two priests, being fellows ;
one of them an Oxfordshire, or south countryman, to make annually, each
of them, a sermon at Kyrtleton, and to pray for the founder." The rent
of the inn, 20 Edw. IV., was j£8 6s. &/. (Yate, pa. 119, 129.) In 1535
it was let for £5 only. (Extract from Valuation of First Fruits Office.)
Churton considers inns generally at that time depreciated in value. There
is an entry in a rent roll of the 16th century as follows : "Of the Principal
of Brasenose for the Redde Lyon 2V That part of the hotel which formed
the ancient inn still belongs to Brasenose College. The Antelope, adjoin-
ing the Red Lion on the east, was a famous inn, erected c. 1480, on the
site of two others, called the New Inn and the Saracen's Head. The

Royal Oak, which was burnt down nearly a century ago, was situate on the
east side of what is now called Church Square, formerly the Hog Market
It was a famous house of call, at which the Mayor and Corporation were
accustomed, up to the end of the last century, to hold their convivial
meetings. The Maidenhead Inn stood at the corner of the lane called
Haileys, afterwards Maidenhead, and now Crown Lane ; this inn was made
somewhat locally notorious as the scene of the misconduct of Mr. William
Child, an attorney, practising at Chesham, who, while conducting a case
in the Borough Court of Record, in 1662, used insolent and indecorous
language to the Mayor and Aldermen, for which he was struck off the roll
of that court The Three Cups, on the other side of Maidenhead Lane,
stood on the site of the house occupied by Mr. Mason. The Falcon,
the Cross Keys, and the Wheatsheaf, bespeak their own antiquity. The
Katherine Wheel, opposite the Red Lion, was an ancient inn, chiefly built
of timber, and elaborately decorated with carved work ; it was burnt down
in the year 1 780, by an incendiary, who was a private in the Oxford Blues.
The porch, covered with ivy, which now adorns the Haywards House,
formed the entrance to the inn. Here Charles II. once stopped on his
way through Wycombe from Oxford, on the 30th September, 1663, accom-
panied by the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Rupert, the
Duke of Monmouth, and many others of the nobility. From an old record
we find —

" They did come into the town about 4 of the clock of the same day. They came from
Oxford. The king in his progress going back again to London. The king did go out of the
town between V. and VI. of the clock the next morning, and was at his palace at Whitehall
before 9 of the clock in the morning. The queen did go out about VII. of the clock, and
dined at Uxbridge, and then went to Whitehall."

There is a room at the back of the house occupied by William Rose,
Esquire, then adjoining the premises of the Katherine Wheel, which is
hung with tapestry, and which, according to tradition, was used by the
King during his sojourn at Wycombe. In a note on the Coat of Arms of
Cardinal Moreton, in a paper on the Cordwainers of Oxford, in the "Archaeo-
logical Journal," VI. 279, occurs the following extract from a letter of Aubrey
to Anthony Wood, dated London, Vigil of SS. Luke and Paul, 1681, as
follows : —

«<

His coat somewhat resembles the Shoemaker's Armes, who give three goate's heades, as

you may sec in the sign Without Itocarclo. This coate of Moreton is in a west chamber of
the Katherine Wheclc Inn, at Great Wiccomb in Bucks, XV th (as I remember) the Cardinal's
Cappe."

The original letter is in the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford.

Paul's Row Ward includes the Guildhall, the Church and Parsonage,
All Hallows Lane, Noyes Lane near the church gates at the south
entrance, the north side of White Hart Street, formerly called Hoog Lane •
and the streets called Paul's Row, Crown Lane, formerly called Hailcy
Lane, afterwards Maidenhead Lane, and St. Mary's Street.

The old Guildhall claims our attention as an important municipal
building; it was erected in 1604, and stood on "twenty-two large posts,
or pillars, of heavy oak." After serving the public purposes of the town
many years, it was ultimately burnt down. Amongst the old records we
find some scattered notices of a former Guildhall or Guildhalls are preserved ;
the earliest is in 1380, when a gallery (solarium) at the end of the Guildhall
was granted to John Deye, at an annual rent of 3^. 4^., a stipulation being
made il that the bailiffs should be at liberty to open and shut the door of
the prison of the town, if required." Among the "rents belonging to the
Chamber," temp. Philip and Mary, is an entry as follows : " Of Rowland
Lyttleboy for his house under the geld hall X\ III d ." There were also
shops under the Guildhall of 1604.

Whilst on the subject of the Guildhall we may add another curious
notice which is preserved.

" Nicolas (leranle ) The gcldc halle dore to stande open, if any burgesse be comytted to
Maior. ) Warde."

" M ,! . that the thursday next after the fest of Sent Thom\ the martir the XX th yere of
Kyng Harr. the VII th , in the full (iildaule before Nichus Jcrard Mayr of the burotvgh and all
the hole corny nte of the same, that 'it is ordenyd and stabely acted the geld hall dor shall be
stondying opyn ffrely wher as ony burgess be comitted to ward be the comaundemet of the
Mayr for the tyme beying and inspeciall that other burgess may have licens to exorte and
advise hym to the beste.'"

In addition to the old Guildhall, 44 were places or roomes called Clapper
Court anil I )unjjeon, of or belon^injj to the Counter or Geale thereunto
ai!joyneinjj. M An oaken corbel from the old Guildhall is preserved in the

• Hoog is Dutch, or Old Saxon, lor " High." Hoog I*nne is the same as High Street
The High Street in most Dutch town* is still called "Hoog I^aan."'

*>0

There can be little doubt that the site of the homestead of the ancient
demesne lands of Wycombe was called Church Square, and was most
probably occupied by Wigod de Wallingford, of whom mention has already
been made. We find from the records of Wallingford, that " William the
Conqueror, in 1067, instructed Robert D'Oiley to convert Wigod's Castle
into a strong fortress, and Wigod, under pressure, removed to the Out-berry
of Wycombe." We may here add, an old chronicler informs us, that
44 Wigod had the favour and confidence of Edward the Confessor, who paid
a visit to his castle, and through his influence created Wallingford a Royal
Burgh. After the battle of Hastings, Wigod invited the victorious monarch
to pay him a visit at the castle; the invitation was accepted, and at this
place the conqueror received the submission of Archbishop Stigand and
the principal barons, before he marched with his army into London.
Wigod died in the beginning of the reign of Henry I. When the
burgesses became sui juris, it was in the middle of Church Square that they
very naturally would erect their <4 Geld halle," and the space formed round
this site may account for the curved line taken by Paul's Row, which, in
the earliest times, must have been the lane surrounding the homestead, and
leading to the open space, <4 La Crenel The cabins of the ceorls or serfs
were undoubtedly grouped in various positions round the homestead. The
meadow ground, which, in the last century, lay 44 behind the Kathcrine
Wheel," would be part of the demesne meadows, and Bridge Mill, the
natural place for people to cross and recross the river, so that the 44 Brigge,"
[bridge] was eventually erected at that spot. The position of the milj and
the church clearly shows that the demesne homestead would be situated
between them. And the castle mound, etc., would have been originally
erected as a defence to the demesne below.

These conjectural observations the author must leave for the consider-
ation of the antiquary, in the hope that should he be disposed further to
pursue the subject, which is sufficiently interesting to engage his attention,
he may be rewarded for his labours by the discovery of some further
historical details confirmatory of the site of the ancient demesne of
Wycombe.

The present Guildhall was erected at the cost of John Earl of Shcl-
burne, in 1757, and was renovated by Sir G. H. Dashwood, Bart., M.P. for
Wycombe, in 1859.

CONSTITUTION OF THE BOROUGH.

The early muniments of the borough describe it as an "ancient and
populous borough " situated within the parish of Chipping Wycombe, but
not coextensive therewith, having separate parochial officers and rates,
yet with formerly but one church for the whole parish.

We may here mention that, prior to the year 1830, the borough was
considered as a county within the county. A treasurer was appointed by
the borough magistrates, who made orders from time to time on the
overseers for the maintenance of borough prisoners, and for the incidental
expenses of the gaol ; but the non-intromittant clause in the charter of
Philip and Mary containing no words expressly excluding the county
magistrates from exercising concurrent jurisdiction within the borough,
they, in the following year, claimed their original right of so doing, which
right they have since occasionally exercised.*

Quarter Sessions were formerly held in the borough ; they had, how-
ever, been in abeyance for some years, but were revived during the
mayoralty of Mr. Ward, in 1S01.

We have already remarked there is very little doubt that the borough
was made a free burgh by Henry the First. It was governed by a court
of burgesses up to the middle or latter part of the thirteenth century, when
we find the first mention of Mayors, officially appointed as such. About
that period the municipal body seems to have been composed of the Mayor,
two bailiffs, two gildans, and the burgesses called the Commonalty.
Aldermen do not appear until the fifteenth century ; by the charter of
Philip and Mary, they were called principal burgesses, and were twelve
in number, including the Mayor. There was also a high steward appointed
under this charter : the Corporation consisting of a Mayor, twelve
Aldermen, a High Steward, and two Bailiffs.

The Arms of the Corporation are : Gu. on a mount Proper, a swan
Arg. gorged ducally, and chained or.

The office of the bailiffs in early times seems to have comprised the
following duties, namely, the collection of the rents belonging to the cham-
ber ; the keeping of the peace generally, including the custody of offenders,

• In sup|x>rt of the right of the county justices, see "The King against T. Saiosbury, 4U1
Term Reports, 451."

IDir SStjimmlir Corpora him Anne .

i ran an Ancinit tx'ulpUiif; m possession it'll >■ Aulliur

the opposite side thereof, at the East end of the Tumbling Bay in the Rye, but which Stone has
been removed and another ordered to be placed there ; and from thence along the Bank of die
said River, towards the New Mill, as far as a Stone, and from thence across the Rye (leaving a
corner thereof to the left) as far as an Aspen Tree on the South side of the watercourse, taking
in the said Tree, and continuing in an Eastern direction a few yards, as far as a Stone on the
Eastern side of the Wall dividing the Rye from the Antelope Meadow ; and from the said Stone
turning in a Southerly direction across the said Antelope Meadow, as far as another Stone,
Twenty-four yards from the Hedge, which Stone had been improperly removed, and placed in
the Hedge, but which was replaced ; then turning back again from the said Stone towards the
Rye, to a Stone there on the West side of the hedge, dividing the said Meadow from the Rye,
and so straight up the Rye towards the West, to another Stone there ; then turning towards the
Dyke, and keeping in a straight line to a Stone in the Rye Bank of the Dyke, continuing the
said straight line into the centre of the Dyke, then turning down towards the West, and keeping
the said straight line down the centre of the Dyke, as far as, and opposite to, a Stone, near a
Lombardy Poplar Tree in Rye Mead, on which there is a X > on tne Northern side of the
Dyke across the Rye Mead, towards the Town of Wycombe, to a Stone between a large Elm in
the Shrubbery there, called the Dark Walk, on the Southern side of the Mill Stream, opposite to
Mr. Wilkinson's Garden, and so from the said Stone to another Stone, in the North Bank of the
Dyke, in the said Dark Walk opposite the Fruit Garden belonging to Lord Carington, and from
thence across the Dyke, to a large Spruce Fir Tree in Lord Carington's Park, and from thence
to a large Elm Tree on the North front of the Abbey, nearly opposite the Entrance Hall, where
the company were regaled with Bread, Cheese, and Beer, the gift of the said Lord Carington,
and from thence in a straight line to a mark on the inner side of the Wall, on the Western side
of the Road leading from Marlow to Wycombe, thence in a straight line across the Footpath
leading from the said Marlow Road into New Land, to the South side of the Ash Tree standing
in West Field, about Forty yards from the said Mark on the Wall, taking in the said Tree, and
from thence along the ancient boundary at the bottom of West Field, to a Stone about Fifteen
yards South of the South- West corner of the Garden Wall, by the North side of the Footway,
and so along the said Ancient Boundary to the Stone at the South-East corner of the Orchard,
late of Mr. Harman, now of Mr. Charles Busby, abutting upon the said West Field ; and thence
along the South side of the said Orchard, and along the South front of Four cottages, belonging
to the said Charles Busby, in a line therewith across New land, to an ancient mark at the South
end of a cottage, belonging to Edward King, and so through the said House, taking the same
into the Borough unto and along a watercourse running on the South side of a Meadow, called
Morecraft's Meadow, now Buildings and Garden ground, to a Stone there, about Twenty yards
from a garden belonging to Thomas Mealing, and from thence across another Meadow, in a
Westerly direction, to a Stone, on the North side of Watery Lane, about three yards from the
South corner of the said Garden, and continuing along the North side of the said Watery Lane,
as far as the South- West corner of Mr. Finch's Meadow, and into and along the Western bound-
ary thereof to the corner of the same, taking in the said Western boundary thereof as
far as a mark on a Willow tree, and from thence on the other side thereof, about Fifty yards to
the South-West corner of a Meadow belonging to Mr. Enoch, taking in the South
Boundary thereof; from thence along the Boundary of the said Meadow, and so down the South
side of the Back Water of Bowdery's Mill, leaving the said Mill on the North, and from thence
continuing in the same direction, until the same back water enters the Mill Tail, and along the
South bank of the said Mill Tail as far as a Stone there, thence crossing the said River in a

straight line, into the Ancient Watercourse, running into the said Mill Tail on the North side ot
the said River, and into and along the said Watercourse, as the same passes through the Fell-
monger's Yard, and through the house of the late Mr. Samuel Treacher on the North side of the
Street of Wycombe, leading towards Oxford, and so continuing in the said Watercourse across
the said Street, through the passage of the Public house on the North side of the said Street,
called the Angel ; and in the course thereof, as it bends there to the Eastern side of the Dove
House Mead, and also along the Eastern side of the Meadow, late belonging to Mr. Gibbs, and
now of Mr. Edmond Heninghem, as far as the South-West corner of the Saw Yard Wall, where
a Poplar is marked on the Eastern side of the said watercourse, and from thence along the
North side of the said Wall, as it bends there, and continuing the said Wall, and into and along
a watercourse, through Violet Court, and so along the said watercourse, until it enters another
watercourse on the Western side of the Road leading to Hitchendon ; and from thence across
the said Hitchendon Road, to a X in the wa N o( the Garden, belonging to the House formerly
occupied by Mrs. Jamicson, and now by Mrs. Wilkins, late the property of Mr. John Manning,
and now of Mrs. King, and across the said Garden Four feet nine inches from the said house,
to a mark on the Wall on the Western side of the Orchard, lately belonging to Mr. Carter, now
rented by Mr. John Turner, Surgeon, where is a Stone on the Eastern side of the said Wall, and
from thence across the said orchard in a straight line towards Temple Field, to a post about
fifteen yards distant from the Eastern Hedge of the said Orchard, and from thence in a Southerly
direction, in a straight line as far as a Stone there, near to an Alder Bush, where a Stone was
ordered to be placed, and thence over the Eastern hedge of the said Orchard, to the Stone at
the corner of Temple Field, where the boundaries of the said Borough commence."

" Perambulation of the Ancient Outward Boundaries of the Parish of
Chepping Wycombe, made on Wednesday and Thursday, the 25TH
and 26th October, 1820.

"Wednesday, 25th October, 1820. Entered from the West Wycombe Road, the close
opposite Cubbidge's Mill [a X]» went U P l ^e north side of the hedge, this close called Lower
Brook Field. Across the old chalk pit into the second close [Upper Brook Field] by the
north side of the hedge, a X on entering the third close [Further Black Croft] on the top
of the hill, by the north side of the hedge ; X enter the south corner of Tinker's Wood, and
down the south side of the wood, out at Chittle Hill, keep along the top bearing south-west,
Lord's Close being on the other side of the hedge, second close (still Chittle Hill) keep straight
on to 8 Acres Close, belonging to my Lord [Carington], on the other side of the hedge,
Further Beddow's belonging to the Temple Manor on the other side of the hedge. .

" Entered near the bottom of Chittle Hill, 1 2 Acre Close (arable), at the south corner, and
keep a little way down in that direction by the hedge a X at Chittle Spring, east corner of
1 2 acres ; entered a meadow at the east corner over Chittle Spring (meadow belongs to Mr.
Widmore) along the south hedge side, over the brook into the next little meadow, same
direction by south hedge, a X on tne ^ sn Tree ; on entering this close across the Hitchendon
Road, over the opposite bank and hedge, and X- Hold straight east across the clover field
called Kitchen Field. Through the hedge near the south corner of the Fallow Field a X J
across this close to a stone in the hedge al>out 50 yards on the left of the east corner of the
close. Through the hedge from the stone to the east corner of the next close (Turnips), into

Green Street, Green Street a X- Bear due east up the street X by the pond, and under the
oak tree on the right, belonging to the Terrier's estate. The right hand ditch is the boundary
a X at Close Gate, belonging to Benjamin Shrimpton, on the right hand side of the street
AXin White's garden [a seeming encroachment] on the right hand side of the street near the
cottages. Through the hedge out of Green Street into Benjamin Shrimpton's orchard, occupied
by West ; a X on a sapling in a dry pond — X a pigstie. Tree in the same orchard adjoining
the cottage along the south hedge side, X a ^" ee near a cottage at the south corner of the
orchard, out into the road near the turnpike— the cottage belongs to Charles Axton of Amer-
sham, and is occupied by Hugh Jackson [house about 30 yards east of the turnpike] X on
the opposite (south) side the road in front of Jackson's cottage, which cottage is intersected ;
Jackson is a wheelwright Another X on *h e south side of the road just within the encroach-
ment, and a little nearer the toll gate.

" A long dispute about which tree at the back of Jackson's cottage was to be marked.

" Through the pond at the south side of the Amersham Road, east, across the
close. Through the hand gate ; Through Barton's Farm yard, and marking the barn door.
Along the south hedge of Wycombe Heath, X an oa ^ tree » an( * a neighbouring gate.
Enter the wood on the heath, marking the trees on the south-west hedge, aX at the north
of Rushmere Pond, and through the pond another X- The north corner of Penn Wood,
due south from Rushmere Pond to Potter's Cross, along a dry ditch dividing Penn Wood
on the left, from Wright's Coppice on the right. Go through a cottage and garden side of
a pond, still hold on the course of the dry ditch, due South Potter's Cross, make a X south
of the pond ; south to Tyler's Green, north corner of Mr. Hearn's shrubbery, a X east side ot
Mr. Hearn's house, holding south to a little lane, round a pond, west to John Tilbury's, south-
east into Moses Wingrove's orchard, across it in same direction, across John Wingrove's
orchard, the road running straight parallel on the left of us. The Bell at Tyler's Green, a X
under the tree in front of it. The 5th row of trees from Penn House Wall, is in Wycombe
straight south under them they X 3in emi ^ec, south of Widmer Pond, in the 4th row from
Penn House, go through Widmer Pond, due south, and lunch at the Red Lion, Penn.

" From Widmer Pond down the horse road south, X tne ^h ^^ at tne first £» ate > anc ^ ^s
the soil on the south (right) of the tree.

" Mr. Prickett and Mr. Bearcroft took possession of an encroachment on Tyler's Green
occupied by Weller.

"The boundary is decided to be about 10 yards south-west of the ash tree, *>., on the
right hand side of the road. The road being considered to be in Penn Parish, and the X
accordingly made east of Robert Wright's Homestead, on the road side the hedge. Entered
Robert Wright's Close, keeping close to the east side the hedge, which hedge is an old
encroachment To Beaconhill or Pistells Pond. Through the pond south the hedge on the
west Through the Willows, the house occupied by Edmond Hancock, on the east, going
through his garden, a X south of Hancock's garden pales. Go southward through the wash
and pits, keeping close by the edge, west ; go through Henry Stratford's orchard, also through
the Widow Hawes's garden, still keeping the south, and marking an apple tree in the garden ;
intersecting near the middle of Widow Hawes's house, and marking between the door and
window on the south ; cross a lane, and enter the hedge of Henry Stratford's garden (an
encroachment), continue a southern course through Miss Lovett's encroachment, and through
the middle of John Hazell's garden, Beaconhill (wh*re the pole stood), A X-

"Through Grove's Encroachment, the road on the east, still south, about 10 yards within

the east hedge. A X on tne common still Beaconhill due south, downwards to a Pollard Oak,
going through the front, a trifling encroachment in this line. From Pollard's Oak, straight
down Snigg*s Lane southwardly, Town Farm [a complaint of no cheese cakes from either
house right or left] ; keep on down Snigg's Lane. Entered James Spicer's garden, keeping
the east hedge on the left hand, took about 5 or 6 yards of it, leaving Edmund's House on
the west or right hand. Snigg's Lane Road belongs to both parishes, each repairing one half;
made a X on tne east s ^ c °f Snigg's Lane, just before the entrance into Loud water Lane,
leading into Deerham's Farm.

44 From Snigg's Lane nearly south, down Wooburn Lane, to the mud hole about 200 yards
and made a X*

" Entered the hedge at the mud hole, and held south by the hedge side, going into Dupre's
Close on the east side of Sam 1 . Griffin's, Deerham Farm, continue the same course through the
second close. Third close, the hedge rather north-west near the end of this close, entered a
coppice, keeping close to the hedge, which runs westerly; cross westerly to a Balk. The
balk west, and go south to the end of the balk, and then cross a stone wall into John Smith's
orchard (Knaves Beech), then straight to Smith's house. Keep close to Smith's House wall,
the wall standing west, and coming out at the bottom of Smith's garden, south into the London
Road.

44 Cross the road to the north end of the pond, cross the hedge and go westwardly (the
hedge south) to Knaves Beech, mark the tree (an ash). From the beech, proceed south to the
Wire Mill Head, in the corner of the Close, marking a tree on the north side the pond. Pro-
ceed westwardly the side of the rivulet, to the corner of the Close [Little King's Mead], north-
ward by the rivulet side to the garden fence of Hedge Mill

44 Through the river into the mill yard, in at the back door of Spicer's house, mark the
middle beam of the back kitchen, and out at the front door. From Spicer's, or Hedge Mill,
south up the back lane to an ash tree, opposite Mr. Davis's Mill, the fir tree marked, no
ash tree now standing. From the ash tree south-west up the hill, the hedge on our right, enter
Pye Grove, going southward, up to an old ditch or balk, which lies west ; keep up an old dry
ditch almost due south, through the wood, the furze being a little to the south-east

44 Through a pond to a large oak tree, with ancient marks upon it, close to the south hedge
of the wood. Over the hedge of Mincham Wood into the lane leading to Flackwell Heath ;
cross the road, and bear due west from the oak tree, across a turnip field to a gap in the hedge,
formerly a gate. Got over the gap into Flackwell Heath, and made a X > d ue north across
the Heath to another X [many encroachments on the right hand, inspected by the freeholders] ;
X in James Partridge's garden (an encroachment) through to the orchard belonging to the
Green Man, and through the house (#>.,) through the parlour window, marking the beam, and
thence (marking a cherry tree in the orchard), out at the north end of the orchard a X [here
they bumped old Dell].

44 Go north from last mentioned orchard, across the Heath, and enter Mr. Haye's orchard,
crossing the orchard northwardly to some white cottages, which are marked ; then north across
another orchard, marking an apple tree, over the hedge into a sort of cross road, by a house
called the lawsuit House, and a X made on the little Green. The Lawsuit House standing
north west. Go in a line due north, by the side of the Lawsuit House (which we leave on the
left hand) across a little close by the side of a lane, to the road again, through the hedge X
and keep the road due north X at tnc l'' ts by the road side, enter garden occupied by John
Wecdon, leave Weedon's house on the right hand side, and through the next garden, leaving

garden fences close on the left hand, out at the cross path and X > through Thomas Baker's
garden and house, northwardly out at the pits, and X by the roadside, through the middle
of Smith's and Moody's gardens on the left hand side of the road. Through Moody's house
and orchard to the mud hole, and a X» ^ ee P Flack well Heath and Stony Rock Lane from
Flackwell Heath End to Wynch Bottom, a X made opposite Spicer's garden. From Spicer's
at Wynch Bottom in a north-west direction towards Handy Cross, keeping the highway [or
lane without gates] all the way to Handy Cross, a X at the outlet of the lane into the Marlow
Road on the south side the road, cross the road northerly (leaving the cottages on the left)
to Holmer's Lane a X*

" From Handy Cross to Olders, or Holmer's Farm north, by the hedge side, the hedge east.
Second Close, hold as before by the hedge side, the hedge east. Holmer's Farm being the
3rd Close, hold as before northerly, then north-east, then again northerly. To Holmer's
orchard, a X on the north-east, and of the orchard, cross orchard hedge, and continue north
over next Close (Holmer's Farm), cross the lane leading from Cressicks to Booker at the gate
X continue north or north-west down the hedge side of next Close. Hedge east, enter the
next close at the corner of this, and bear down the hedge side north-east, the hedge south-east.
At north-east corner, enter turnip close down the hedge side. Hedge north to the end of the
close, continue south-east down half next close, enter a gap to next close, bear north-east, then
more eastwardly through the close passing Pond Riding.

"Then into next close by the hedge-side, the hedge being south. Hold on the same course
(north-east), through the next close by the hedge, the hedge south-east [part of this is a horse
road], enter the gap at the end of this close into Oakridge Wood. Go north-east by the wood
ride, which is southward, a X at the gap by Mr. Allnutt's 1 2 acres and Lower Meashes ; at
this gap enter 1 2 acres and go to the hedge south-east [but qy ? if the outskirts of Oakridge
Wood hereabouts are not in West Wycombe parish] ; enter the gap near the wood about 50
yards before the end of 1 2 acres, and X» enter the west corner of Pitt Field, and go up the
woodside, the wood hedge nearly south, holding on eastwardly. Enter Lord Carrington s piece
(a long piece) at the north-cast of Oakridge Wood, keep under the hedge of this piece north-
east The hedge south-east excluding the piece. East corner of I^ord Carrington's piece,
Pitfield a X» g° east down Booker Lane, pass Green Street Lane, marking a X at the north east
end of the lane in passing. Go on down Booker Lane into West Wycombe jwrish, John
Turner's garden on the right or east of the land, through the yard of Cubbidge's Mill, through
the shop, over the coal house, and south of the bridge a X"

In 1398, we find the following order : —

"That no man of whatever condition shall be delaying (commorans) in the town of
Wycombe after ten o'clock at night. Any wanderer ought to go out of the town unless he
have reasonable cause for wandering therein. And if any one be so found wandering about
after the said hour, he shall be immediately seized and imprisoned by the servants of the town,
and detained in prison until he be set at liberty by the Mayor (or some one holding his place)
and the commonalty."

This order was no doubt made under the provisions of the Statute of
Wynton, 13th Edward I., Stat. 2. Cap. 4., which declares,

"That from henceforth, to wit, from the day of the Ascension unto the day of St. Michael,

in every city, six men shall keep at every gate ; and in every borough twelve men shall watch
the town continually all night from the sun setting unto the sun rising, and if any stranger do
pass by them, he shall be arrested until morning ; and if no suspicion be found he shall go
quit ; and if they find cause of suspicion, they shall forthwith deliver him to the Sheriff, and the
Sheriff may receive him without damage, and shall keep him safely, until he be acquitted in
due manner." [See also 5th Edward III., Cap. 14, which confirms the above enactment]

The whole of the records of the Borough Court during the Lancastrian
period have perished, and a long blank of seventy years brings us to the
time of William Redehode, before mentioned.

The following is an award made apparently about 1470, which is some-
what interesting in an architectural point of view.

"This ys the Awarde, lawde, dome, and Juggement of Thomas Pym, Mayrc of y towne of
Wycombe, Xpofre Wasse, Will m Redehode, Richard Gary, \Val r Collard, Arbitrors, indifferently
chosyn bytwene Thomas Baydon the elder, and Will™ Aley, of and upon all man r contversyes,
stryves, etc., . . . atis had and moved bytwene them, and in especyall for a Dormand
[joist or beam] of a howse bytwene them.

" Wherein we the said Arbitrors give dome and Juggement, that the same Thomas Baydon
shall suffre the same Will™ Aley to Dormond upon hym savyng the same Thomas Baydon harm-
less, both Wedyr Tyght and Wynde Tyght w 1 sufficient defence of smoke; Restyng no purloyne
uppon the same Thomas Baydon's Howse; but bere the said purloynes uppon his owncgrounde,
at his owne ppre costes and charge."

" (Furthermore we geve lawe de warde and Juggement, that the same Thomas Baydon shall
not make nou Wyndow, ne hole, nor convey no lyght, under hys owne walplate, wherby he
may have any man r sight into the grounde of the same Will™ Aley ; and which of them breke
this oure awarde shall lese 20 lb. wex, to the behofe of the Chirche of all halowys of Wycombe,
to be leveyed by the Churchemcn of the seid Chirche, for the tyme beyng."

Another award of similar nature, dated 18th January, 1503, by Nicolas
Gerard, and Thomas Nasche, between Gefery Pusey, and John Peytefer,
provided that Gefery shall —

" Relese all man r of Watyrfallis, evis droppis, palis, postis, the wiche the same John newe
hath bilde."

The first order for Weavers, 13 16, declared that all weavers who wish
to work within the liberty of this borough, shall not pay in future to the
Gildans for doing their office 1 2d. per annum for every loom working, but
from henceforth, shall be free in all things concerning the Guild of traders,
except stallages. This order seems to have been made to induce the
weavers to settle in the borough. The next order, temp. Henry VIII., is

-jj^

less liberal in its provisions. It commences with the not very appropriate
invocation : —

• " Jhus mcy.
" An acte for we vers and fullers."
" FForasmoche as it hath plesed the Kyng's grace to direct his gracious letter of Comyssyon
or letter myssyf unto the mayre of this Borough for the tyme beying, or ellys in tyrae to com,
shal be and to the Burgessys of the same, to order and execute all and singler the p r miss s of the
abovesayd Comyssion, or letter myssyf according to thee auncyent pvelage and gode customys of
the same borough lyke as in the sayd comyssyon or letter myssyf playnly dothe apere, remayn-
yng in the tresory of the same, berying Dat." . . .

"Wherefor we Roberd Aishebroke now mayr, w' th aldermen burgess aboveseyd, by one
assent and consent, the 6 th day of Marche in the secund yere of the regn of King Henr: the 8 th
in the Gildaule have pvided and ordened for a ferme and a continuall ordinauns and comynwell
of the said borough, that no pson or psons occupyyg the crafts or occupacous of wevyng, #
ffullyng, schali from this forthe ocupy intromet nor medyll more than in ... of one of the
same occupacons. Also that no pson ne psons ocupy nor intromete w* in the said Burgh ;
Except those psons that have be prentyce, or ellis brought up in their youth w' craftysmen of
the same occupacon. Provided ail way that this ordy nance schali not be dowtfull in hynderauns
or hurtyng of pson or pesons to inhabite them w* in this borough, beyng or ocupyeing ony of
the aboveseid ocupacons, notw*stondyng the ordinaunce and pvision abovenamed. Moreov r it
is pvided and ordeyned by the said May r , Aldermen, and burgesses, that what man r of pson or
psons will take upon them to use or ocupy in ony of the aboveseyd craflys, or ocupacons, con-
trary to the pvision and ordynaunce above specyfyed, schali renne in penalte, and fforfetur of
x li sterlyng, then and as ofte as it schali happyn ony pson of ocupacon or craftis aboveseid
to offend doyng contrary to the said pvision and ordynaunce ; and the said x li to be leveyed of
and upon the godys and the catails of the said offendo r s, by commandemet of the Ma/ for the
tyme beyng, and aldermen of the same borough, whe r of the one pte so levyed schali remayn
and stond to the use of the pische churche of the same town, the second pte to the use of the
Chamb f , and the third pte unto the baylys ffor the tyme then beyng by even porcons.

44 Also it is pvided and for a ferme ordynaunce stablysched, by the said May r , Aldermen,
and burgess s, at the aforename\lay and place, that none of the aforenamed ocupyers of ony of
the crafts of wevyng, ffullyng, or dyyng, or clothyng, put not forthe none of ther werk to dy,
weve, nor full, othirwyse then to craftsmen of the same borough ocupyyng that ocupacons. And
if that the ptyes so puttyng forthe ther work, well and truly may be pved w l a resonabill price
for the same, w*in the seid Borough upon the payn of fforfetur of 3U 6* 8% then, and as ofte
as ony of the aboveseid ptyes do offend and contrary the same pvision and ordinace And the
said 3I1 6s 8d to be levyed in manner and forme afore rehersed ; and to the same use as afore
is lymyted. Provided allwey by the sayd Mayr Aldermen and burgess s if ony clothear be
deceved, hyndred, or ells hurte, in the defaulte of Dyar, ffuller, or ells wefer, that then the pte
so hurte, schali be recompensed, and alowed of his hurts, at ony tyme beyng aidremen and

# It is very clear that from a very early period an extensive cloth manufactory was carried
on in Wycombe, as from the ancient record already referred to, we find there was a fulling mill
in Wycombe in the reign of Henry IV. ; and we gather from history that others were afterwards
■erected in the same locality.

4 6

burgess, to levey of the godys, and catalls, of the same wardens, to the use and behof of any
such clothear so hyndered to the valowe of his Damage."

" An order conc'ninge wevers of other mens worke within this Borough.

Ill ° h M StCT " " ^ d t * ie ** ^ °* ^ U ^" * n * c secon( * e vere °^ tne re 'P l °f ower sovereigne Ladye Quene

Elisabethes grace, it is fully established and agreide by the assent and consent of John Sterlinge

then Maior, with the Aldermen, Baylifis, and Burgess s, of this Borough, that all man r of men

beinge wevers within this Borough, that now dothe, or shall after the feast of ■ next

comynge after the date hereof, use to weve other mennes worke, shall not from thenceforthe

weave or cause to be woven any kersey, or kerseys, of his or their owne worke, upon the payue

and penaltie of the forfiture for ev y such kersey, or kerseis, so woven, of his or their owne, as

is aforeseide 40s of good and lawfull money of England, to be leviede of and upon the goods

and cattalles of everye suche offendor, by the commandemcnt of the Maior for the tyme beinge."

March the 14th in the same year the Mayor confirmed the foregoing
order of Ashbrook's.

April 20th, 4 Jac I., 1606. An order was made on all foreigners who
come to dwell within the town, to pay such fines as shall be assessed and
levied by the Mayor : —

"And it is further ordered that every foreyner and straunger and inhabitaunte in this
towne, shall paye for theire Loomes, y* have Loonies, and they that have noe Loonies, to paye for
their Shoppwindowes VI d a yeare for every Loorae."

The first order concerning Brewers is dated 1527, and is as follows : —

" The brewer not to tiple.
" Also be yt Inactyd and orderyd before the said Mayer and all borgessys, and the comi-
nalte of the sayd towne and borowe, from thys day forward that no man r of man, nor woman,
that shall brew to sale and typpyll hit w'in hym or hyr, but send it into the towne to the
typpellars, for to be solde acordyng to the Mayers prysse, upon payne so attending the flfyrste
tyme 10*. fowarnyd the seconde tyme, 13". 4*., and the thyrd tyme 20*., for to be levyd apon
suche gudds, and catallys, as thay have here, or ells can be founde w l in thys towne, or borowh,
aforsayd And yf ther be any Burges agyn thys ower ordinaunce and acte, that we have afore
made, that than the Mayer for the tyme beyng shall comyte hym or hyr to warde, and dyscharge
hym of hys Burgeswycke, or ells hyr of hyr fredome. And so to presyn them as forinars and
not as burgess, and to forfeyt to the chambur of this towne 40*. for hys roysedoyng agyn the
gud order of this towne, and our acte made aforsayd, and for to syt in prison 3 dayes, and
3 niwteys, after the costome of thys towne as a fforynar, and so for to put yor Sewerte to the
Mayer and hys brethern for to paye all soche merceements, or fynys as ys afore rehersyd, made
and grauntyd be us. Also no maner of typpellar from thys daye forwarde, shall brew to salle
and typpell y 1 w 1 in hym or hyr a pon payne, the fyrst tyme 10', the second tyme, 13* 4 4 , the
thyrd tyme so*, for to be levyd apon ther gudds and catalls as they have here or ells can be
founde w 1 in this borough aforsayd And the sayd typpellars wyll not abaye oure sayd acte,
deyde, and ordenaunce, thus made her, but wyll very byl the Mayer for the tyme beyng callyng

them afore hyra for to know why they do not abaye the order that ys aforemade, by the sent of the
comen howse of thys borowgh. And they wyll not so abay yt, then the Mayer shall comyt them
to warde, and so to prison hyra or hyr 3 dayes and 3 nytes as ys afore rehersyd. And also yf
ther be any man or woman that dothe make labur and sewte, owte of thys towne contrary agyn
the order, and Inactyd and made by us afore rehersyd, that than the Mayer shall calle them
afore hym and hys brethern, and to banesche them thys towne and for to dewell no more yn yt.
And also yflf the Mayer be at any chargys in executyng of thys acte whe all wyll by a holle assent
grauntyth for to paye hyra all hys costs and charges at the townes costes and charges payd to
hym by the Chamberlynes for the tyme beyng howte of the Chamber money, or ells any othyr
offyeer for the tyme as yt shall be thowthe best, by the dyscrescyon of the said Mayer and hys
b^ethe^ne. ,,

This extreme jealousy on the part of the Guild of any " sewte " made
against their order out of the town, is further illustrated by the following
regulation : —

COMPLAINTE MADE W^OUT 1YCENCE OF MAIOR.

44 M* that it is inacted and ordeyned in the geld hall before the mayr John Aley and his
bretheryn, and all the comynaltc of the same Borowgh, that if ony Burges in tyme coming from
this day forthe, make or cause to be made ony labor, by compleynt to ony pson or psons, w*out
licens of the Mayr, that ony burgess so offendyng to forfeyte for his defaute 40* and 3 dayes
psonment And ony forenar so offendyng to forfeyte io r and 6 dayes psonment, the payn to
be levyed by the bayles for the time beying, the one de to the Chambr, and the other to the
baleys."

" The same order is ratified and affirmed.

44 M A that on the election day ther holden, the 13 day of March in the ffyfte yfe of the
reign of our soveign lx>rd Kyng Edward the syxt, before Mr. Richard Cary then Mayer and his
brethern, it is enacted by the whole howse w l the consent of the seid Mayer and his brethern,
that the act above wretyn is ratified and affyrmed to stond in full strenght and effect forev'."

"Memorandum y x y* 19 th of May 1647, the act above written is further confirmed by us
whose names are subscribed,

"James Bigg Mayor Mathew Petefer Nicholas Bradshaw

Edward Bedder George Bradshaw Henry Elliott, baylcfe

John Gybbons John Collins

Ge a Moore "

The next order affecting Brewers is dated April 10th, 1559, and is as
follows : —

44 Memorandum it is mooreov r ordcrede and agreidc, the daye and yrc before specifiede by
the seide maior bailiffs and burgess's that all man r of comon brewers of ale and bere that shall
be admytted from henceforth w'in this borough, shall from tyme to tyme be bounde in a rccog-
nisaunce every of them in 5 li unto the maior, for the tyme, beinge that he or they shall not
tiple or sell ale or bere within his or their howscs upon the forfiture of the seide 5 li. And also

"Tohn Alleye.
Ms

aior.

•• Richarde
Cary, Maior/'
1551.

4 *Thotna*
Kclc, Maior. n

•• Robert
Gravet,
Mayor. w

that all man' of typlcrs shal be bounde in lykc man r not to brewc in their howses, to sale upon
the lyke payne. And for the comyttinge of any such offence by any suche brewer, or typlcr,
contrary to this order, it shall be lawfull at the commandement of the Maior for that tymc being
to levie of and upon the goods and cattalles of ev y suche offender to the value of the seidc some,
and all other orders to stand, made, and concerning the brewers and tiplers that are in this
boot"

An order on Butchers is as follows : —

" M a that at the lawe daye in the Rye being the 26 th day ot Aprell in the 4* and 5* yercs
of the reignes of Kinge Philippe and Queene Marye before Robert Gravet Mayor and his
brethem, and the burgesses there came in the bochers dwellinge within the Borough and did
fully covennt, and graunt, that from this present tyme they will paye, or cawse to be payde,
yerely unto the bayliffs, the some of 13' 4* and the seide bochers havinge therfore oB of ev F
cowe or stere hide, that straungers shall bringe in to be soldc, and for everye oxe hide brought by
the seide straungers, i d , and for every dosen of calve skynnes 1', and for ev* 7 standinge of the
seide straungers bochers i d ."

Another order is as follows : —

- « Cheping
Wicombe,"

••W^Mundy,
Esq., Mayor,
»579.

»♦

••John
Gibbons,
Gent.,Maycr."
»599-

"Ad vis. franc pleg. ibra tent in le Rye 27 th dii Aprilis, Anno 21* Eliz. Regine coram
Willo Mundye genos maiore Will Twayts Ruland Eles Thurstayne Wynche Ruland Brasbridgc
John Litleboy and Thomas Eles, balliis.

"It this daie yt ys ordered by the mayer bailyffs and burgeses, that the butchers dwell-
inge w*in this borrowe, shall pay yerely to the bailyffs there, for thier billynge 6' S d and the
owtc bochers 6* 8' more to be charged equally accordinge to their billynge this order to . . .
duringe and untill other order shal be taken. 1 '

" At the leetc holden in the Guyldhall of this boroughe the fower and twentith day of Aprill
in the one and ffortithe ycre of Queen Elizabeth.

" No Butcher shall kyll any neate or beast, or sell, or offer to sell the same, w*in this
borough, unles the same neate or beast, have stoode, lyen or ben, undriven and unchased by
the space of ffower and twenty howers next before the same neate or beast bee so kylled, uppon
payne of fforfeyture of twentye shillinges to the maier bay li fifes and burgesses of this borough
for every offence, contrary to this ordinaunce. Nor shall have, or keepe, above one stall in the
markett of this Boroughe uppon the like payne. And yt is likewise ordered that no Butcher
dwellinge out of this boroughe shall sell or offer to sell any beefe in the markett of the boroughe
unless he bringe the hide and talowe of the same beast to the same markett, and will sell the
same to any pson y 1 shall offer to give him a reasonable pryce for the same. Nor shall sell or
offer to sell any manner of ffleshe in the markett on any markett daye betwene Michaellmas,
and Shrovetyde, after fower of the clocke in the afternoone. Nor on any markett daye betwene
Shrovetyde and Michaellmas, after sixe of the clocke in the afternoone, uppon payne of fforfeyture
of five shillinges to the Maior bayliffs and burgesses of this boroughe, for every offence against
this ordinannce, wch penalties shal be levied uppon the goodes and chattels of such butcher so
breakinge any of the same ordinaunces.

" It is allso on the same day by the same authorytye ordered and established that no higler,
nor any other pson, or psons, using to buy any victualls to the end to sell the same againe, shall

buy any fflcsh, powltrye, butter, cheese, egges, or such like victualls in the markett of this
boroughe, before the markett bell have runge, uppon paine of fforfeyture of the same ffleshe,
powltrye, butter, cheese, egges, or other victualls, so bought contrary to this ordinauncc, to the
Maior, bayliffes, and burgesses of this boroughe."

The next order brings us to the time of the erection of the shambles in
the Hogmarket

"At the Courte leete holden the nynthe daye ot Aprill ano dni. 1627, John Littlepagc
esquire then maior. It is ordered that no fforraine butcher shall showe any meate on any stalle
on any market daye hereafter, that shal be erectede in any other place or places in the sayde
burrowe, until the comon shambles alreadye builte for that purpose shall be furnishede w 1
butchers, excepte it be the stall of William Haddinet employde to that use, for wh. he i>aycthc

12' by the yeare.

John Littellpage Mayor

William Guy Senior

William Ayer

Robert Bisco

Richard Gibbins

John Davenport

John Bigg
George M. Dier > ^^

Nathanaell Weedon /

" These shambles were built on an octagonal plan in 1622 by the advise and appointm* of
W* Aire, Alderman/'

We may take it for granted that William Aire was the architect of the
building. The building was pulled down in 1 761, to make way for the
present structure, which was built from the design of Adelphi Adams.

At the end of the Register is the following stray memorandum : —

44 It™ it is ordered the 17 th day of Jun 1590, that every butcher standinge in the market to
sell beffe, shall weye onlye by the comon scallcs and wayghts aj>oynted by 2 sworne men thcrto
cwsse, shall ycld and paye unto the sworne men for ther paynes and travills therin for every clay
2' ; and if it hapen any butcher a stranger, to kill or sell above one oxe, bullock, or cowe, then
the same butcher to pay for every day 3'."

An act made Aprill 24-1564 imposes a tax of 20' yearly on ony Shoemaker residing in the ^'^
Town. In consideration whereof, "yt is orderid and agreide, that there shall noo foren Sho- Mayer."'
maker come into the mkett to make any shewe their, with their shois to the hurt and hinderaunce
of the seide towne shomakers except onely y 1 it shal be lawfull to all the saide fforren shomakers
to come in and to make their shewe uppon the tvvoo ffaier dayes w*out interruption of any pson
or psons w*in this borough."

A precisely similar enactment was made regarding Mat makers, and

5°

hat sellers, Dec. 18, 1620, Thomas Gibbons, Mayor, imposing on them a tax
of six shillings only.

We next quote an order on Foreign Tailors in the year 1609.

'•John Little- "M d that at the lecte holden the r6 !h dayc of October in the year of the Reigne of o' Sove.

page,. a )* or « raigne lord James by the grace of God of England, France, and Ireland, and Scaventh, and

of Scotland, the three and ffortith. The taylors inhabiting w^ this boroughe came and com-
playned that they were much oppressed w* the nomber of fforeyne Taylors continuallyc com-
ming into the libertys, and much impoverished, and hindered in the exercise of theire trade
thereby. Whereuppon yt was ordered by the then maior, aldermen, and baliffes present and
consenting at the requeste and humble suite of the said taylors, that from thenceforthe noe
fTorrcyne Taylor excepte he were eyther borne, or hadd seaven yeares served as an apprentice
to a taylor w !h in the boroughe, should come to dwell or to keepe any shoppe w**in this
boroughe, uppon payne to have his shoppe windowes shutt uppe, by the Serjeante for tyme
beinge. And if, after his shoppe windowes so shutt uppe, and uppon commandem* of the
then Mayor to forbearc the exercise of the trade or misterei, he shall presume to contemptuouslye
either to open his windowes or to use his trade or misterei, w^in his owne dwelling howse, or
shoppe, then uppone payne to be imprisoned by the then Maier untill he have bothe satisfied
the Maior for his contempte, by submission, and shall be obedient to this order."

In consideration thereof the " Taylors agreed to pay for ever an annual
taxe of 1 ay."

" The Tailors inhabiting within the Borough, complaining that they were much oppressed
with the number of foreign Tailors coming within the liberty, and much impoverished and
hindred thereby, an order was made on the 16th October, 7 James I., that in future such
foreign Tailors should keep no shop in the town ; and in case of contravention of the order,
their shop windows should be shut up by the Serjeant of the town ; if further resistance were
made, they were to be committed to prison. "

" Memorandum, that this 6th day of March, 1664, Nicholas Wilson gave security to dwell
in the Burrough, and to follow his only vocation of distilling strong waters ; and did then assume
and undertake not to follow any other calling by keeping of a retaile shop or the like ; and then
at his admittance did pay a fine of 50J. to the towne.

"J no. Boulter, Clerk,"

Following the above order on Tailors in the pages of the Records, but
preceding it in date by many years, is one intituled,

•• R«*£*t " An order for wearingc of lyverye contrarye to the Statute.

JuTr* 01 *' M " M<i - that al thc k* ^ hclld at w y komD >' n the > ,elld haU thc Thorsday next afft f the

fest of sent Luke the Avangell yn the yerre of our Lord God XIII C 1 III and X, aforre Rog'
Bramston then mayrr of the town, y* ys ordered, it be the avys of the sayd raayrre and hess bretherne,
and granted be all the borgess and comonallte that be dwellyng w'yn thay sam town, That eff
ther be any Borges dwellyng w'yn the sam town from thes day forthe, werre any leffray sayne
or conysant contorare to the statuets of the lande, shall lees his fredom and xL s of lawfoll

monay of yngland, the on hallf to the Mayrre, the toder halff to the Baylyf for the tym beyng,
to be levid upon the Goods and cattells be the sam baylyf of them soo fownden fawte, and allsoo
eff ther be any dwellar w'yn the sam towne, nat beyng Borges, werre any leffray contrare to the
statueds chall harT 7 days presonment w*owt any surte and to les io 1 , the on hallf to the Maynrc,
the oder hallf, to the Baylyf for the tym beyng, to be leved be the sam Baylys apon the Goods
and cattells of theis soo fownden fawte. Thes ackt to be form and Staboll and leve a Ball alls
ofton tyms as any fawt ys fowndon yn manar and form as ys afor rehersed."

The statute referred to is the 1st Henry IV. cap. 7, 1399, confirmed
by 7 Henry IV. cap. 14, and repealed by 3 Car. I. cap. 4. The most
curious thing in the minute is its extraordinary orthography. From an
inspection of the two entries which follow it, there is no doubt that it is in
the handwriting of Roger Bramston, the Mayor already referred to. The
two acts refer respectively to the oft-forbidden turning of pigs out on the
" Kyngs hewway," and the selling of grain without payment of tribute ; the
latter providing that " ther shall noo psonds nooder of the Town nor of the
Contey be let to buye all manor of grayn accordyng to the law w'owyt due
trepett payeng To the baylys or to any of oder parsons."

" Thursday after hokday, 1489."

Woodfetchers, in 1563, were ordered to be punished in the open stocks,
according to the discretion of the Mayor.

In 157 1 all "intenaunts being strangers, and acountyd, and knowen heggbrekers, to avoide
the towne by pentecost next corayng, uppon payne of imprisonament and ev r y of the inhab'auncs
suffering them to remayne and dwell in ther seid houses, to pay 20', and y ( no intcnaunts be
receyved hereaft' into anie house, or houses, uppon payne of 20V

The following enactments relate to the Mayor.

"WYCOMBE.

"M d . that on the Thorsday next aft r the festc of Seynt Seythe # the 14th yere of Kyng
Henry the VII, at the Law day held yn the yeld hall Before Rogg r Bramston, then beyng
maire of the seyd Towne, hit is ordeyned and stablyshed and acte by the assent of the seyd
raaire and all the Burgess and comynnalte of the sayd Boroghe, that ther shall no maire be
electe or chosyn from this day forthwarde, excepte he come owte of the howse callyd y e counsell
howse of the sayd borghe, and if ther be ony burgeys of ye seyd borghe geve his voyce, or
clectyon, to any psone or psonys other wyse then is before rehersyd, to lese his fredom of ye

• It may be observed in passing, that the St. " Scythe " here mentioned, was the virgin
Saint Oseth of Aylesbury in this county. For the account of her, sec Dr. Lipccombc's "History
of Bucks," vol ii., p. 3.

seyd borghe and a fyne of io f , half to y e mayre for the tyme beyng, and that other halfe to the
Chamb r to be levyed by the Baylyflfs for the tyme beying, of the goods and catells of such
psone or psonys that so offendyth. And if ony foryner w*yn the seyd Burghe dwellyng, geve,
or graunt, his voice or ellectyon to ony other psone or psonys otherwyse then before is named,
shall have 7 days psonemet w|owet ony man r maynprise and lese a fyne of 5* to be levyed
by the baylyffs in man r and forme aforesayd."

The magisterial dignity of the Mayor having been grievously insulted,
was justly revenged by the following enactment.

"PUNYSCHMET FOR ILL DOERS
AGAYN THE MAYR." (" Mallefact r cont. maiorem ")

" At the Courte holdyn in yeldc hall the Thursday next before the fTest of Pentecosten, in
the io ,h yere of the reyngn of oure soveraign lorde Kyng Henr. the eyghtith, it is ordeyned by
the mayre at that tyme beyng Thomas ffrere, Rob* Astbroke, and Will m Chalfount, Aldermen
of this borough, wyth the moste pte of the burgens, belongyng to ther comyn, and counselhouse,
for as mochc as now of late, divs variaunces stryfys debats and grudgs hathe be moved and hadd
betwene the abovesaid mayr and othir burgens, on the one pty, Richard Pede and Thomas
Scherefeld burgens, on the other ptye, for divs e wordys unfittyng spokyn agayn the said may'
by the abovenamed Richard Pede and Thomas ScherefTeld uppon ther ill raynde and counsell
pursued a citacon agayn the said mayr, and other of the said burgens of the same Towne out
of the arches. And also the said Richard Pede and Thomas Scherefeld hathe comitted and
spokyn divs wordys unlefull agayn the said mayre, as seyrtg that they wolde have a'newe mayr,
and no thyng thereof done in dede. Wherfor now it is aggrced by the assent and consent of
the said Mayre and Aldermen and the more pte of the burgens of the comyn house, that the
forsaid Richard Pede and Thomas Scherefeld, shall sursease and no ferthur p r serve in the said
arches, or ells where agayn the said mayr and Burgens as is above wretyn upon the payn of
40s. of ev y yche of them to be levied to the use of the hole Chamb r . And furthermor upon the
payn of lesying, and utterly dischargyng of ther fredom and Burgeswyk. And affcur that to be
reported, and taken as fforeners, and to abide suche punyschemet as schal be then thought by
the discrcscon of the said Mayr, Aldermen, and other of the said Comyn house. And in lyke
wyse all and ev y Burgess' offendyng the Mayr for the tyme beyng, to have punyschemet by the
Mayr, Aldremen, and Burgess' of the comyn house accordyng to his, or there demerits, in tyme
to com."

From an order, dated 1 504, it is enacted " that ev y mayr chosyn from
that day fortheward, schall ocupye the rome but one yere togedyr for
certin consideracons for the gode order, and rules of the seid borowgh."
The next enactment, in 1 505, provides " that he shal be charged by othe
upon a book yerely."

Wc also find two orders, dated respectively 1505 and 1563, against the
practice of canvassing for elections, which seems to have been introduced
about this time ; any burgess offending " w' dewe pve [with due proof] to

lose 2o\ and that to be levied of his gods to the behove of the chamb r , the
one halfe, and the othir halfe to the repacon of the chirch," etc. The latter
one increases the penalty to ^"io.

By an order, dated 21st September, 1608, "the Bailiffs should from
thenceforth keep two Feasts yearly in the Guildhall for the Mayor and
Burgesses, on the days on which the • Leetes ' are held ; under a penalty of
20* f to be paid by each Bailiff on neglect thereof/'

There is also an order made in 1613, by William Shrimpton, Esq.,
Mayor, that all apprentices shall be enrolled before the Mayor and Re-
corder, and to serve not less than seven years, after which they are to be
free men and women of the borough ; the women, however, only so long as
they shall live unmarried. In the same year occurs the election of John
Scott to the office of a yealding or " gildan," who is to serve until some
other be elected in his room.

At Folio liii., Ledger I., there is " An order for wearing the badges," of
very considerable length. Among other things it is stated : —

" And whereas the poore people of the said Burrough are growne very numerous and are
likely to increase dayly, to the great impoverishment of the tradesmen of the said Burrough,
many of them through idleness, being able to work, yett will not, because they find an easier
way of living by collection. And unlesse some speedy care be taken to prevent the excessive
growth of such poore, all, or the greatest part of the tradesmen of the said Burrough in a short
time are like to come to poverty, and to be unable to maintain themselves and familye by reason
of such great taxes towards the relieffe of the poor."

The benefit of the " easie rates " when " the poor people wore badges,"
is then adverted to ; and it is therefore ordered by the Mayor, and the
major part of the " Common Councell," that before the Overseers or Church-
wardens give

" Any releiflfe, collection, or money, to any poore man or woman of the said Burrough,
they shall give a badge, being the sign of the swan, or the town armes, and shall cause him, her,
or them, to wear the same upon his or her uppermost garment, at all times, soo as the same may
been seen apparently and openly."

In case of refusal, no relief or " collection " is to be given ; as it is clear
that the person refusing can live without it.

The Mayor, Bailiffs, and Steward, were, by the Charter of Philip and
Mary, empowered to hold a Court of Record from three weeks to three
weeks, to hear and determine all actions for the recovery of debts, etc., not

exceeding the sum or value of ^20 ; and here we may appropriately add
the Oath to be taken by Attorneys practising in the Court.

"May 22, 1665. — The forme of the Oath that the Attorneyes are to
be sworne to before they are admitted to practice in the court
of this burrough.

" You shall sweare that from henceforth duringe the tyme y° shall continue to practice as
an Attorney or Solicitor in this Court of the Burrough of Chepinge Wicombe, not to act any
thing that may tend to the p'judice or damage of the same Burrough, or ingage yo'self in any
cause or lawsuit that shall at any time be comenced ag* the Corporacon itselfe as it is a body
politique or corporate by virtue of his mat le * late gracious Letters pattents, but shall endeavor
to the best of yo r skill and power at all tymes (as occasion serves) to uphold and p'serve the
privileges and imunities of the Burrough, and to be aydinge and assistinge to the Mayor for the
tyme beinge and the Comon Councell ag* all psons that shall comence any suite in law or other-
wise endeavor to oppose or disturbe them in p'curinge or maineteyninge of their just rights and
priviledges, and that yo. shall pleade noe forreine pson to any accon that y° shall appeare in the
said Burrough Court, soe helpe y B God." Reg. Burg., N a i., F* 46.

This oath was probably consequent on the misconduct of Mr. William
Child, of Chesham, who having been admitted to practice in the Court

"Several tymes very insolently and uncivilly behaved himselfe towards the Mayor and
Aldermen of this Burrough, as namely, at a Court Dinner at the White Hart, where in his dis-
course he gave to Mr. Edward Bedder one of the Aldermen of this Burrough much under-
valuing and slighting language, telling him in playne termes, ' It should not be as he would have
it, neither should he comand or have his will/ with many other short curbing words misbe-
coming his place and pTession."

And further : —

14 Att the generall sessions of the publique peace holdcn for this County at the Guildhall of
this Burrough the tenth day of Aprill last past, there beinge some businisse of consequence to
be discust that related to a matter in difference between the burrough and the p'ish, the said
Mr. Child being not reteyned in the cause, nor in the least concerned in it, yet nevertheless to
show how willing and ready he was to doe the Burrough an injury, did then and afterwards,
counsell the p'ishioners, and side and take pte with them agaynst the Burrough, and moreover
deridingly in the open Hall did then say to the Mayor and Aldermen then p'snte (' you make
your Charter a nose of Wax '), and further did then publish and speake (in a scoffing manner)
several scurrelous words tending to the reproach and discredit of the Mayor and company 00
purpose to make men have them in derision."

And also on the 28th July, " at the signe of the Maydenhead, to show
how far he had the Mayor and Court of Aldermen in contempt," said to Mr.

Lucas, a Justice of the Peace, and other Aldermen, several untranscribable
expressions of contempt and ridicule, "for all of which several misde-
meanours, slovenly languidge, malepart caridge, and fanatick-like deport-
ment," the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council, formally expelled him
from practising any more in the Court, but " out of favour to his clyants,"
allow him " tyme to bring those causes to a period that he is now concerned
in, and are depending in the Court. But shall not for the tyme to come
appeare to any new accon for any pson or p'sons whatsoever. " F 0, 27, 1662.

We cannot refrain from quoting in this place the disfranchisement of
Mr. Henry Shepard, Feb. 6th, 1678, for " insolently misbehaving himselfe,
by beinge drunke and offring affronts to sevall gentlemen, namely Sir John
Borlase, and others, the third day of this instant ffebruary at the signe of
the Katherine Wheele, in this Burrough," being reported generally to be " a
man of uncivill and rude behaviour at other times not becominge his place of
a Burgess of this Burrough." " In token whereof," proceeds the Record " it
is ordered that the great Bell shall be rung out accordinge to custome, in
testimony of his misdemeanors, and for his disfranchisement."

According to ancient custom, which was continued up to the passing
of the Municipal Corporation Act, the outgoing Mayor was "tolled out,"
by tolling of the great bell on the morning of the Mayor's election. After
which the Corporation proceeded in state to St Mary's Chapel, and in sub-
sequent years to the Parish Church, when a sermon was preached suitable
to the occasion, for which 6s. 8d. per annum was left by Mr. Wainwright
to the Vicar of the Parish. On the Corporation returning from the chapel
or church they proceeded to the Guildhall, the pathway being strewed with
flowers, preceded by a drummer, who drummed the old Mayor out The
burgesses elected the Mayor in open common hall,* and at the close of the
election, the Corporation went in procession round the Market Hall, when

# At foL 141 of first Ledger we find the following curious entry : — " The Thursday after Midlent
Sunday, 20 Henry VII., Nicholas Jcrard is mentioned as Mayor. ' In the Gilde Haule holdcne
the day above wretyne, etc., that it is stabylly actide from this lorthe that no burgesse, nor
forener make no labour, nor desir no man to speke before the day of election of the Meyre, for
no singular desir, but every manne to schewe ther voyces at ther owne mynde, without trobyll
or unresonabille doynge ther in the tyme of ther election, under the payne of every burgess that
so offendyth, with dewe prove, to lose XX\ and that to be levied of his godes to the behove of
the Chambre the one halfe, and the other halfe to the reparacion of the Chirchc. And every
forener so offendyng to lose Xs., and to be levied in lyk wyse," etc.

the new Mayor was drummed into office, accompanied by a merry peal of
bells from the Parish Church. After partaking of a luncheon, the Mayor
and Council attended at the Bar Iron Warehouse, in White Hart Street,
when each member of the Council was weighed, and his weight duly re-
corded. Such was the order of proceedings during the past generations,
but how far back the practice thus described originated, it would be difficult
to determine ; however we may assume that it was of remote antiquity.

We may here mention that from a very early periQd the Members of
Parliament for the borough were, on their election, carried on men's shoulders
round the Market Hall ; this practice was in later years superseded by the
more graceful form of chairing the representatives round the borough in
elegant chairs, tastefully decorated with their respective colours.

The burgesswick of Wycombe in the seventeenth century became quite
a position of fashion among the county gentry, of whom we find very many
enrolled therein, as having taken the oath of office, and in particular the
following well-known personages : —

1658.
1660.

1668.
1672.

»t

»*

1 »

»»

•f

»•

»»

Sir James Harrington, Knt.

Sir Edmund Pye.

Sir John Borlase, Marlow.

Robert Danvers, Esq.

John, Earl of Bridgewatcr,
Lord Lieut, and High
Steward of Wycombe.

Sir Wm. Egerton, his son.

John, Lord Lovelace.

Wm. Lovelace, Esq.

Richd. Lovelace, Esq.

Sir John Borlase, Knt & Bart

John Borlase, Esq.

John Tipinge, Esq., Chequers,
Stokenchurch.

Thomas Clayton, Esq.

1684. Sir Dennis Hampson, Bart
1688. Sir John Hoby, Bart, Bisham.
„ Thomas Lewes, Esq., of West
Wycombe, and Alderman
of the City of London.
„ Edm. Waller, Esq., Beacons-
field, son of the poet
Hon. Wm. Jephson, Boston
House
1 69 1. Hon. Chas. Godfrey.
Hon. Thos. Wharton.
Sir Thos. Lee, Bart., Hart-
well.
1698. Hon. Goodwin Wharton.
„ Sir Thomas Skipwith, Bart

?»

>»

To this we might add in the next century :--

The Hon. Wilbraham Tollcmache, of Colvclly Hall, Cheshire.

5»

which forms a portion of the properties of the Wycombe Municipal Charities.
His seal exhibits a classic bust in a helmet, sinister, faced in profile.

The reign of Elizabeth is marked by nothing extraordinary in our
annals. According to tradition, the Queen, in 1566, on the occasion of her
Majesty's visiting the University of Oxford, on her return, did Edward Lord
Windsor the honour of a visit at his seat at Bradenham, where she was
sumptuously entertained; and Wood, in his "Athenae Oxon.," vol. i., p. 416,
informs us " that his Lordships kinsman, Miles ' Windsor/ spoke an oration,
which giving the Queen great content, she, in a high manner, commended
it to the Spanish ambassador then present." Her Majesty and suite left
Bradenham House on horseback, passing through some of the loveliest
scenery in the county, by the way of the primeval forest of Walter's Ash,
over Downley Common, and through Tinkers Wood, down the ancient
way called Hobbes Lane, to Wycombe, where she was welcomed by the
hearty greetings of her loyal subjects. The route from Bradenham to
Wycombe is still traceable on the southern slope of the Downley Hill, and
Tinker's Wood. The queen is said to have paid a visit to John Raunce,
Esquire, at Bassetsbury Manor House, where she remained until the
following day.

Queen Elizabeth s Charter in 1 598, and James the First's in 1609, present
us with nothing remarkable. The latter, indeed, abolished the office of High
Steward and substituted that of Recorder. Yet we find, notwithstanding
this, that the aldermen continued to elect noblemen and others to the
honorary office of High Steward, viz., Scott the Regicide, in 165 1, and the
Earl of Bridgewater in 1672; the Lord Chancellor Jeffries in 1683, and
Thomas, Marquis of Wharton, in 1715. And at the same time Recorders
were also elected.

Among the miscellaneous orders of this period is one —

" That the towne seale shall always remayn in the tresurye, upon payne and penaltie ot
C lb. to be leviede upon the goods and catalls of the Maier for the tyme beinge for not fuDinge
of this order ; if he, the seide Maier for the tyme beinge, do not when the occasion shall serve
to occupye the seide seale for the townes busyness, then the seide seale immediately to be putte
into the treasurye agayne w*out any further delay."
1624. Memorandum, " That the daie and yeare abovesaid it is condiscended, concluded, and

hillie agreed by the Maier, Aldermen, and Bailiffs, of the said Burroughs etc, etc, " that bur-
gesses shall have only one stall on market day except by payment of a foreigners stallage.' 9
" Geo Welles, Maier."

The burgesses, ever loyal to their sovereign, and staunch supporters
of Protestantism, commemorated the Gunpowder Treason with great spirit,
on the anniversary of the plot. Large bonfires were made in the four
wards ; one in front of the Guildhall ; one as you enter Easton Street ; one
near the bridge in St Mary's Street ; and one opposite the Canal. The
men of the different wards kept up a spirited skirmish with fireworks. The
Mayor, aldermen, and bailiffs, assembled in the Guildhall to witness the
rejoicings ; after which they regaled themselves, as we are quaindy informed,
" with cold spareribs and apple sauce." The loving-cup of spiced ale was
passed round the festive board, loyal toasts were drunk with hearty enthu-
siasm, and the downfall of Popery predicted with groans.

Passing to the time of Charles the First, we find that during the civil
war Prince Rupert at one time made a sally upon Wycombe ; it was on
the occasion of his acting under the advice of the adventurous Hurry
(Urrie), when he determined to attack the Parliamentary forces, under Lord
Wentworth of Bradenham House. At four o'clock on Saturday, June 1 7,
1643, his trumpets sounded to horse in the streets of the City of Oxford.
The cavalry, joined by infantry from Islip, proceeded to Stokenchurch,
leaving Thame, where Essex was quartered, to the left. It being now too
late to reach Wycombe, they encamped in the woods. Early in the morn-
ing they attacked Postcomb, and sacked Chinnor, killing fifty men, and
making sixty prisoners. Hampden advised Essex, but in vain, to call in
the detachment from Wycombe ; if he had, it would have been too late ;
for Rupert, avoiding the western approach to the town, "fell in," says
Clarendon, " at the further end of the town towards London, whence no
enemy was expected, and so no guards were kept there. A regiment of
horse and of foot were lodged there, which were cut off or taken prisoners,
and all the horses and a good booty brought away. From thence they
marched backward to another quarter, within less than two miles of the
general's own quarters." (Clarendon, Ed. Oxford, 1707, vol. ii., p. 261.)

The encounter before alluded to took place in the Rye, where the
Parliamentary forces, under Lord Wentworth, opposed the skirmishing
party. The latter had proceeded down the Back Lane, which gave access
to the Rye, before its conversion into a watercourse ; the conflict was of
too unimportant a character to give it an historical significance, or to make
it the subject of further observation.

We find the King himself next appearing in Wycombe as a prisoner.
His sojourn at Holmby House was terminated by an order to bring him to
the Parliamentary head-quarters at St Albans, thence, after more vicissi-
tudes, to Caversham, where he lodged at Lord Craven's. Here, Sir Philip
Warwick says, "he could perceive the King was very apprehensive in what
hands he was, but was not to let it be discovered." Thence through Henley,
Marlow, and Wycombe, to Woburn.

The following entry of the journey of Charles is found in the Borough
Records, Anno, 1647.

" Kinge Charles marched through this Towne ffro Casifrh toward Woborne in Bedfordshire
(Mr. James Bigg then beingc Maior) and afterwards, was beheaded at Whitehall gate uppon
the 30th day of January Anno 1648, to the ppduall infamy of the English nation?

Oliver Cromwell granted a charter to this borough, which provided
that eight burgesses should be elected as additional Common Councilmen
yearly. The following is an entry of some of the annual elections : —

"Monday, 5th July, 1658.

" Att a Comon Counsell held for the Burrough of Cheping Wicombe the day and yeare
abovesaid. The Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Burrough (being then r/sent) by
virtue of the new charter, did then elect and sweare theis pticular psons hereunder named, to
be additional Comon Counsellmen w*in this Borough, for this ensuing yeare, viz*. —

Joseph Birrott \ Joshua Grange
Hugh Shrimpton / William Bovington
Jerome Gray f Samuel Welles

William Bigg ) William Freer."

The increase in the number of the council was no doubt wisely ordained
to correct abuses which crept in, when the old select body, who were self-
elected, had sole authority.

The fate of Oliver s charter is told thus : —

" This charter was, on the Restoration, burnt by consent in front of the Guildhall, when
Mr. Lucas was Mayor."

On the occasion of the royal proclamation of 1681, appealing to the
whole nation, the Corporation forwarded to the King the following address,
which is a curious and interesting specimen of the verbosity of the day : —

" To the King's most excellent Ma 1 .*

"The most humble adressc of yo r Mat** most Loyall subjects the Mayor, Aldermen,
Baylifls, Burgesses, and other Inhabitants of yo r . Ma"? Antient Corporacon of Chepping
Wycombe, in the County of Bucks.

" May it please yo r sacred Mat'."

11 Most of o r late defeated Politicians,* disappoynted of theire dark designem". by yo r .
Mat*T pfound wisdom and divine prision have endeavoured to disparage all loyall adresses
either as uselesse and insignificant, or as discountenanced and unregarded, and that the glutt
of them doth cloy and surfett rather then satisfie yo r . Mat ie .

" Notw th standing these -slye pjected discouragements, wee have alwayes detested and re-
jected them togeather with theire now exploded scanty and forsaken abettors. And have ever
incerted o r loyall selves amongst the resolute, grave and deliberate psons. And wee doe most
highly applaud the stout fidelios, the strenuous, brisk, and valiant youth, of this yo r now much
undeluded nation. We therefore yo r Mat 1 ? most dutyfull and most devoted subjects, entyrely
pfesse : That wee will to the utmost stresse of o r sinews, to the latest gaspe of o r lives, and the
last solitary mite in o r coffers, adhere to yo r matie. And wee beseech yo r Mat'? most gratious
acceptance of o r most humble and unfeigned thankfullnesse for all yo r Mat 1 ? most princely pur-
poses comprized * in 'yo r mat 1 ? most gratious delaracon, yo r royall resolves for frequent parlia-
ments. Yo r most pious intentions to perpetuate the ptestant religion amongst us, yo r equall
governm* in Church and State, by the Lawes establish And the legall (though we hope in God,
the many yeares remote and distant) discent of yo r royall diadem. Many have out stript us in
the wing, but none shall exceed us in theire wishes ; we cnvye much theire more earley applye,
but none shall ever appcare more faithfull, though many in this have been more fortunate."

" God p r serve yo r Mat 1 " from all rebellious Machinacons.

"Amen."

" This addresse was deliv d to his Ma^ by D tor * Lluellyn att Windsorc upon Bartholomew
day, August 24 th Anno 1681.

"Mr. Henry Bigg being then Mayor."

" Test. Jo. Bigg. T. Clerkc."

"Dr. Gumble, who wrote the life of General Monk, and is said to have
greatly assisted him in restoring the parliament, and breaking the power of
the army, by which the return of King Charles the Second was effected, was
vicar here, but not, 1 believe, by episcopal institution." (Gough's MSS.)
There were great rejoicings in Wycombe on account of the Restoration.

Dr. Lluelyn practised medicine in Wycombe for many years. See an
account of him in his epitaph amongst the monumental inscriptions hereafter
given, and also his life in Anthony a Wood. He resided in the fine old
Elizabethan house in Easton Street, now occupied by Mrs. Wheeler. He
was the author of " Wickham Wakened, or the Quakers Madrigal," in dog-
grel rhyme, and other Poems. See copy of the inscription on the tablet
in the church to his memory, with the translation, hereafter given. Mrs.
Crosse, his last surviving daughter, died in 1767 at the age of ninety-three.

• The " defeated politicians " alluded to in this marvellous coni]>osition were probably
Shaftesbury, Algernon Sidney, and Somers.

His grandson, Richard, became a Fellow of Magdalen College, and Rector
of Saunderton, and died in 1770, aged sixty-two. He is buried near his
grandfather and father, in the vicars aisle of Wycombe Church. We may
add that Dr. Lluelyn's great grand-daughter, Mrs. Bowles, possessed the
gloves which King Charles the First wore on the day of his execution.

In the seventeenth century, Wycombe was accounted one of the strong-
holds of Quakerism. Here the great founders of the Society occasionally
met their friends for conference and religious worship, at the house of Dr.
John Raunce in White Hart Street, which stood on the site of the present
National Schools ; and some of these early Friends, with Thomas Ellwood,
the companion of the immortal John Milton, were frequently entertained at
the ancient White House in the High Street The oak table around which
they sat, and enjoyed the hospitalities of the worthy host, is still preserved
in this old edifice.

In consequence of the well-known refusal to bear arms, or to take oaths,
and also for alleged extravagance of manner, a special Act was passed for
their repression ; when more than four thousand were soon in prison, though
as a fact, the Quakers were one of the smallest of the Nonconformist bodies,
and of these, five hundred were imprisoned in London alone. Large as it
was, the number rapidly increased ; and the Kings Declaration of Indul-
gence, twelve years later, set free twelve thousand Quakers who had been
incarcerated.

In early times Frogmore contained a House of Correction, near Temple
End, which, most probably, was within the jurisdiction of the county ; the
governor receiving a salary of £5 per annum, which was paid by the church-
wardens, it may be presumed out of moneys arising from some private bene-
faction. To this House of Correction, Thomas Ellwood and Morgan Wat-
kins, with four other Quakers, were committed by Ambrose Benett, Justice
of the Peace, who surprised them at a meeting at Hedgerley, about a mile
from his house. " Having got scent of the meeting," says Ellwood, " he
catched up a stack-wood stick, big enough to have knocked any man down,
and brought it with him, hidden under his cloak. After listening outside to
Morgan, who was speaking, on a sudden he rushed in among us, with the
stack-wood stick held up in his hand, ready to strike, crying out, 4 make way
there/" He selected six for punishment, whom he would have committed
to "Ailcsbury gaol" had not Mrs. Parker desired him to consider in time,

11 haw he would answer tJte cry of our blood, if by his sending us to be shut up
in that infected place, we should lose our lives there; " for the pestilence was
then at Aylesbury.

Ellwood was recommitted to the House of Correction, June 7th, 1666,
for twelve weeks ; during his imprisonment he betook himself, for an em-
ployment, to making of nets for kitchen service to boil herbs, etc., in.

Quakerism was in all probability strong in Wycombe about the time
of the Commonwealth. The principal patron of Quakerism in these parts
appears to have been Isaac Pennington, who lived at the Grange, Chalfont
St Peter, and as Ellwood's family were resident at Crowell, Oxon, he paid
frequent visits to the Grange. He describes a meeting held at the Grove,
Chalfont, where James Naylor, afterwards too well-known as "the blasphe-
mer," held forth. Here (this was before his conversion to Quakerism)
Ellwood was so much struck with the force of Naylor's reasoning, that he
determined to hear more, and accordingly he came to a meeting at " High
Wicomb " on the ensuing Thursday ; and that his father and family might
think him to have gone out coursing, he let his greyhound run by his
horse's side.

He remarks, —

"When I came there, and had set up my horse at an inn, I was at a loss how to find the
house where the meeting was to be, I knew it not, and was ashamed to ask after it Wherefore
having ordered the hostler to take care of my dog, I went into the street, and stood at the inn
gate, musing with myself what course to take. But I had not stood long, ere I saw an horseman
riding along the street, whom I remembered I had seen before at Isaac Pennington's, and he
put up his horse at the same inn. Him therefore I resolved to follow, supposing he was going
to the meeting, as indeed he was. Being come to the house (which proved to be John RauncSs),
I saw the people sitting together, in an outer room, wherefore I stept in, and sate down on the
first void seat, the end of a bench just within the door ; having my sword by my side and black
clothes on, which drew some eyes upon me. It was not long ere one stood up and spake, whom
I was afterwards well acquainted with, (his name was Samuel Thornton) and what he spake was
very suitable, and of good service to me ; for it reached home, as if it had been directed to me.
As soon as ever the meeting was ended, and the people began to rise, I, being next to the door,
stept out quickly; and hasting to my inn, took horse immediately homewards. "

This was in 1659. Ellwood says he was treated with more than
ordinary kindness by Raunce, who was a physician, and by his wife Frances,
whom he calls " both a grave and motherly woman, and having a hearty
love to truth." He lay during a sickness afterwards at Raunce's house.
Ellwood came constantly afterwards to meetings at Wycombe. " At the

6 4

next meeting, which was held in a 'fair room' in the house of Jeremiah
Stccvens, instead of Rauncc s, because the latter was too small, Edward
Burrough, of London, ministered."

At length the municipal Authorities of Wycombe determined on the
suppression of the Quakers, and in the early records of the Corporation we
find the following entries : —

" Mkmokand : that the eight day of January 1C64 bcinge Sabbath day, Samuel Trone,
Jeremiah Steevcns, Nickolas Noy, John Littleboy, John Cock, George Ball and Joseph Steevcns,
all of this Burrough, labourers, and beinge p'fessed and known e Quakers, having this day
assembled themselves together with divers women at the house of John Raunce in this Burrough,
under p'tence of religious worshipp, contrary to a late Act of Parliam 1 , and beinge brought be-
fore us, beinge two of His Mat 1 * Justices of the Peace for the Burrough aforesayd, have acknow-
ledged and confessed the same, and thercuppon the sayd sev'all p'sons were this psent day by
warrant under o r hands and seales committed to the house of correction, (which was a loathesome
dungeon in Frogmore Ward in this Burrough) there to remayne for the tcrme of three months
according to the seyd late Act of Parliam 1 it being the first tyme that they or cither of them

have been convicted of the same offence."

M Henry Elliott Mayer "

" Robert Whittone."

These suffering people do not appear to have been deterred from
holding their meetings by an enforcement of the law, as on June 1 ith, 1665,
four of them, viz., Trone, Cock, Littleboy, and Jeremiah Steevens, " it
beinge Sabbath day, and in the tyme of Divine service," were found " with
sevall other p'sons at an unlawful! assembly at the same house, and were
again committed to the house of correction for six months." The severity
thus exercised on the Quakers is alluded to in Dr. Lluelyn's doggrel
poem, " Wickham Wakened."

REPRESENTATIVES IN PARLIAMENT FOR THE
BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE.

Edward I.

28 Par. at Westminster, Stephen Ayott,* Thomas Taylur.
30 „ at London, Adam de Guldeford, Roger Allitarius.

33 „ at West, Roger Allitarius, John le Pistor.

34 ., „ Peter le Cotiler, John le Baker.

35 „ at Carlisle. Peter le Cotiler, Andrew Batyn.

* In his place, being infirm, John de la Ludc.

-J

65
Edward II.

i Par. Northampton, Peter le Cotiler, Roger de Sandwell.

2 „ at West, Peter le Cotiler, Edm. de Haveringdown.

2 at West

6 „ Thomas Gerveys, Matthew le Fuller.

6 „ Robert Paer, William le Cassiere.

8 „ Balliviis honoris Wallingford, nullum dedit responsum.
1 2 at York, Robert Smith, William le Fote.
1 6 at West, Richard le Haslere of Harlere, Bennet le Cassiere.

19 „ John le Taylor, John de Sandwell.

20 „ Roger Sandwell, Matthew le Fuller.

Edward III.

1 Par. at Line, Richard atte Walle, John atte Donne.
(1 at York, Cedula manca.)

2 at Northampton, John atte Don, Henry de Mussenden.
4 at Winchester, John le Harriere, Richard Perre.

6 at West, Matthew Fuller, Richard Fottering.

7 „ Jordan de Wycombe, Richard Bennet.

8 „ Jordan de Wycombe, Richard Beneye, qy. Bennet

9 „ John Ayot,* Richard Perky n.

10 „ John le Harrare, Thomas Gervays.

10 Council at Northampton, John Agod, qy. Ayot, Richard Abyndon.

1 1 Par. at West, John le Clerk, John Pool.

12 at York, Stephen Ayot, John le Taverner.

12 at Northamp., Thomas Gerveys, Jordan de Preston.

12 at West, Thomas Gerveys, Jordan de Preston.

13 „ Thomas Gerveys, Jordan de Preston.

14 „ Jordan de Preston, Thomas Gerveys.

15 ,, Robert Stenstoole, Robert Haughford. t
20 „ Robert Haughford, Ralf Barber.

• He was Lord of Shalleston in the hundred of Buckingham, which estate passed in mar-
riage with his daughter and heiress to William Purefoy, whose family still possess it

\ Query Harleyford : there was, it is believed, a family of that name then residing there

2i at West., John Martyn, Robert Cuttingham.

22 „ Walter atte Leech, William Cassiere.

29 „ Thomas Gerveys, Ralf Haughford.

31 „ Thomas Gerveys, Robt. qy. dc Haughford.

31 ,. John Mepertshale, Thomas Gerveys.

34 ,, Thomas Gerveys, Robert le Wheeler.

34 „ Thomas Gerveys, Robert Spigwinell.

36 „ Thomas Gerveys, William Frere.

39 „ Thomas Cornwaile, Richard Barbour.

42 ., William atte Dene, Thomas Cornewayle.

43 „ Thomas Gerveys, William atte Dene.

45 Council at Winchester , William atte Dene.

46 Par. at West, William atte Dene, John Bledlowe.

47 „ William atte Dene, Thomas Ballard.
53 „ William atte Dene, Thomas Ballard.

Richard II.

1 Par. at West, William atte Dene, Rich. Sand well.

2 at Gloucester, William atte Dene, Rich. Jurdaine.

3 at West, William atte Dene, Richard Sand well.

5 „ Thomas Ravell, Walter Frere.

6 „ William Kele, William atte Dene.

7 at New Sarum, Stephen Watford, John Petymin.

8 at West, William atte Dene, Richard Kele.

9 „ Stephen Watford, Richard Kele.

10 „ Walter Frere, Richard Holyman.

1 1 ., Walter Frere, Richard Holyman.

1 2 at Cambridge, Stephen Watford, William atte Dene.

15 at West, William Dene, William Depham.

16 at Winchester, William Depham, Walter Waltham.
18 at West, William atte Dene, Nicholas Depham.
20 „ Richard Sandwell, Walter Waltham.

Henry IV.

1 Par. at West, John Cottingham, William Clerke.
3 „ Nicholas Sperling, John Sandwell.

6 7

Henry V.

i Par. at West, Henry Spiling, Roger Moore.

2 „ William Hall, John Coventry.

3 ft William Clerk, Andrew Sperling.
5 „ Andrew Sperling, Robert Moore.

7 at Gloucester, Wm. Merchant, John Cottingham.

8 at West., Roger Moore, Thomas Merston.

9 „ John Harewood, Thomas Pusee.
9 „ Roger Moore, Richard Merston.

Henry VI.

i Par. at West, Nicolas Stepton, John Coventry.

2 „ John Coventry, Roger Moore.

3 „ William Whapelade, John Cottingham.

4 at Leicester, Thomas Muston, William Stocton.

6 at West, John Coventry, John Justice.

8 „ John Wellesbourn,* John Bishop.

9 „ Roger Moore, William Fowler.

1 1 „ John Martyn, John Blackpoll.

13 „ John Durein, John Cottingham.

14 „ John Durein, John Cottingham.

15 at Cambridge, John Hill, Esq., Bartholomew Hailing.
20 at West, John Radeshill, John Martyn.

25 at Cambridge, John Wellesbourn, John Martyn.

27 at West, John Wellesbourn, John Haynes.

28 „ William Stocton, Nicholas Fay re well.

29 „ William Stocton, Thomas Moore.

31 at Reading, Walter Collard, David Thomasyn.

Edward IV.

7 at West, Thomas Mansell, Thomas Catbery.

12 „ Thomas Fowler,t Thomas Fayrewell.

• He was probably descended from Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, and resided
at Hitchenden [Hughenden].

t Sheriff, 19 Ed. IV., a Rich. IIL, and 3 Hen. VIL

17 at West, Thomas Gate, Thomas Wcllysborne.
The writs, returns, and indentures, from 17 Ed. IV. to Henry VIII.
are all lost.

Henry VIII.
33 Par. at West, John Gatts, # William Dormer.

Edward VI.

1 Par. at West, Thomas Fisher, Armigyll Wade.
6 „ Henry Peckham, John Cheyney.

Mary.

1 Par. at West, Henry Peckham, Robert Drury.
1 „ at Oxford, Henry Peckham, Thomas Pymme.

Philip and Mary.

1 and 2 Par. at West, John , Robert Drury.

2 and 3 „ Henry Peckham, Robert Drury.

4 and 5 M Thomas Pymme, Robert Woodlcase.

Elizabeth.

1 Par. at West, Thomas Pymme, qy.

5 „ Thomas Fermore, Esq., Thos. Neale, qy.

13 „ John Russel, Robert Christmas.

14 „ Thomas Neale, Rowland Goales.

27 , t John Morley of London, George Cawfield of Grays

Inn.

28 f , Thomas Ridley, LL.D., George Fleetwood de la

Vache.
31 „ Owen Oglethorp of Newington, Oxoil, Francis

Goodwin.
35 t , Thomas Tasburgh of Beaconsfield, Thos. Fortescue

of the Inner Temple.
39 ,, William Fortescue, John Tasburgh.

43 „ Richard Blunt, Henry Fleetwood.

• Sheriff, 38 Hen. VIII.

6 9

James I.

i Par. at West, John Townsend, Kt.,* Henry Fleetwood.
12 „ William Borlase.

18 „ Richard Lovelace, Arthur Goodwin.

21 „ Henry Cook, Arthur Goodwin.

Charles I.

1 Par. at West., Henry Cook, Thomas Lane.
1 „ Henry Cook, Edmund Waller.

3 „ William Borlase, Kt, Thos. Lane.

15 „ Edmund Verney, Kt. Marshal, Thos. Lane.

16 „ Edmund Verney, Kt Marshal, Thos. Lane,

Richard Browne, vice Verney, deceased.
1654. Thomas Scott of Lambeth.
1656. Thomas Scot, Maj.-gen., Tobias Bridge.
1658-9. Thomas Scot, Maj.-gen., Tobias Bridge.

Charles II.

12 Par. at West, Edmund Petty, Richard Brown, Edmund Petty,

Recorder, Thomas Scott, double return.

13 „ Edmund Pye, Kt and Bart, John Borlase, Bart.,

Robert Sawyer, vice Pye, deceased.
31 „ John Borlase, Bart, Thomas Lewis.J

31 „ John Borlase, Bart., Thomas Lewis.

32 at Oxford, John Borlase, Bart, Thomas Lewis.

• Ancestor of the Marquis Townshend.

f Major-general Thomas Scott was a brewer's clerk, afterwards became an attorney at
Aylesbury, and was elected as one of the representatives of Aylesbury in the Long Parliament,
and subsequently, by countenance of the Grandees, was elected to represent this borough. He
was so violent against King Charles the First, that he desired no other epitaph over his grave
than " Here lies Thomas Scott, one of the King's Judges." He signed the warrant for the
King's execution, and suffered death as a Regicide. See " Heath's Chronicle of the Civil Wars."

X Alderman of London, and Lord of the Manor of West Wycombe.

James II.

i Par. at West, Dennis Hampson, Bart, Edward Baldwin, Recorder,

and Lord of the Manor of Temple Wycombe.

William and Mary.

i Par. at West, Thomas Lewis, William Jephson.
2 „ William Jephson, Thomas Lewis,

Charles Godfrey, vice Jephson, deceased.

William III.

7 Par. at West., Thomas Lewis, Charles Godfrey,

Fleetwood Dormer, vice Lewis, deceased.
10 „ Charles Godfrey, John Archdale,

Thomas Archdale, vice John Archdale, who
refused to take the oaths, being a Quaker.

12 ,, Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer, \ #

13 „ Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer. \ c^

Anne.

1 Par. at West, Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer.
4 „ Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer.

7 ,, Charles Godfrey, Fleetwood Dormer.

9 „ Sir Thomas Lee, Bart, Charles Godfrey.

12 „ Sir Thomas Lee, Bart, Sir John Wittewrong, Bart

George I.

1st Sir Thomas Lee, Bart., Sir John Wittewrong, Bart.
9th The Hon. Charles Egerton, The Rt Hon. the Earl of Shelburne.
Feb. 1. 1725. Charles Collycr, vice Egerton, deceased.*

This Election was declared void.

• a* %

• It has previously been mentioned, that the borough of Wycombe was not, in earlier times,
altogether exempt from corrupt and illegal practices at Parliamentary Elections, which will be
further indicated by the copies of publications issued from the press on the occasion of the
contested election between the Hon. Charles Collyer and Harry Waller, Esq., for which see
Appendix II.

See also a graphic account of the Marquis of Wharton's canvass of the borough, in the
Liberal interest, which is corroborative of the above remark. Appendix HI.

?+>

7«

March 8. The Hon. C. Collyer again elected.

March 1 7. By order of the House, his name was erased, and that of

Harry Waller inserted.*

George II.

1st Harry Waller, William Lee.
1730 The Hon. Sir Charles Vernon, vice Lee, made one of the

Judges of the Kings Bench.
8th Harry Waller, Edmund Waller,

Sir Charles Vernon, vice Edmund Waller, who made his Election
for Marlow.
15th Edmund Waller, Harry Waller.

Edmund Waller re-elected, having been appointed Cofferer of His
Majesty's Household.
21st Edmund Waller, Edmund Waller Jun.
28th John Waller, The Rt Hon. the Earl of Shelburne.
31st Edmund Waller, vice John, deceased.

George III.

1st Robert Waller, Lord Viscount Fitzmaurice.
1 76 1 Isaac Barr6, vice Lord Vise. Fitzmaurice, called to the House of

Peers, now Marquis of Lansdowne.
9th Robert Waller, The Rt Hon. Isaac Barr&
15th Robert Waller, The Hon. Thomas Fitzmaurice,
21st Robert Waller, Lord Viscount Mahon.
25th Robert Waller, Lord Viscount Mahon.
1786 The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Wycombe, vice Lord Vise. Mahon,

called to the House of Peers, on the decease of his father,

Earl Stanhope.
30th The Rt Hon. the Earl of Wycombe. Admiral Sir John Jervis,

K.B.t

• The Mayor made a false return. See " Journals of the House."

f Sir J. Jervis after various promotions, was, in 1795, appointed to the command of the
Mediterranean Fleet, with which he performed the great exploit of his life, by intercepting and
defeating the Spanish Fleet off Cape St Vincent, February 14th, 1797. For this victory, Sir J.

1 794 Sir Francis Baring, Bart., vice Jervis, made Steward of the Chil-

tcrn Hundreds.
36th Rt Hon. the Earl of Wycombe, Sir John Dash wood King,

Bart.

42nd S

47 th S

48th S

52nd S

58th S

r J. D. King, Bart., Sir Francis Baring, Bart
r J. D. King, Bart., Thomas Baring, Esq.
r J. D. King, Bart., Thomas Baring, Esq.
r J. D. King, Bart, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart
r J. D. King, Bart, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart

George IV.

1820 Sir J. D. King, Bart., Sir Thomas Baring, Bart
1826 Sir J. D. King, Bart., Sir Thomas Baring, Bart

William IV.

1 83 1 Hon. Robt John Smith, Sir Thomas Baring, Bart

1832 Hon. Chas. Grey, vice Sir T. Baring, Bart., resigned.
1835 Hon. Robt John Smith, Hon. Charles Grey.

Victoria.

1837 George Robt Smith, Esq., G. H. Dashwood, Esq.

1841 Geo. H. Dashwood, Esq., R. Bernal, Jun., Esq.

1847 Geo. H. Dashwood, Esq., M. T. Smith, Esq. On the death of

Sir G. H. Dashwood, Bart
1862 Martin T. Smith, Esq., J. R. Mills, Esq.
1865 The Hon. Chas. Robt Carington, J. R. Mills, Esq. After the

passing of the second Reform Bill, Captn. The Hon. W.

Carington.

Jervis was raised to the Peerage by the title of Karl St Vincent, and Baron Jervis of Meaford.
Two Brass pieces of Ordnance taken from the enemy were presented, as a token of regard, by
the noble and gallant Karl, to the late Isaac King, Esq., one of the Aldermen of the said
Borough, and also a Magistrate for the County, and were subsequently presented by his Grand-
son, the late Rev. Isaac King, of Bradcnham Rectory, to the Author.

u Copy STATE OF THE POLL, at the Election of two Burgesses to serve in the ensuing
Parliament, for the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, in the County of Bucks. Taken before
the Worshipful and Reverend John Manning, Mayor, on Saturday, June the Nineteenth 1790.

"Candidates — Right Hon. Earl Wycombe, Sir John Jervis, Knight of the Bath, and John
Dashwood, Esq.

Sworn
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

Sworn
Ditto

Sworn

Sworn !

Henry Howard, of Camberwell, Surrey, Farmer ,
Henry Alnut, Sen., Borough of Wycombe, Gent
Joseph Veary, Sen., of Ditto, Blacksmith .
Samuel Baldwin, of Charing Cross, Westminster
Joseph Steel, of Well- End, Bucks, Gent.
R* Hon. Isaac Barre, Stanhope-S\, Westminster
John Carter, Borough of Wycombe, Maltster
Josiah Powell, of Ditto, Gardener .
Samuel Welles, of Ditto, Esquire
Joseph Stevens, of Ditto, Miller
Richard Witchurch, of Ditto, Esq.
Joseph Shrimpton, of Ditto, Gent. .
Isaac King, Parish of Ditto, Esq.
Richard Welles, Borough of Ditto, Gent .
Ferdinand Line, City of Bristol, Gent
Christopher Widmer, Wycombe, Brandy Mcrch\
John Price, Talgarth, Brecon ....
Henry Grange, Borough of Wycombe, Esq.

Daniel Squire, of Ditto, Gent

Thomas Jones, Clerk, of Dinton, Bucks .
William Lowe, of Piccadilly, London, Painter .
Samuel Rotton, Borough of Wycombe, Esq. .
Thomas Birch, City of London, Linen Draper .
Samuel Veary, Borough of Wycombe, Blacksmith
Thomas Rose, of Ditto, Jun.
Thomas Weller, of Ditto, Carpenter
Thomas Shrimpton, of Ditto, Esq.
James Batting, of Ditto, Esq. .
Samuel Manning, of Ditto, Esq. .
James Price, Clerk, of Ditto .
John Charsley, of Ditto, Attorney at Law
Thomas Rose, of Ditto, Apothecary
John Bates, of Wycombe Marsh, Esq.
Richard Welles, City of London, Stationer
Samuel Welles, Borough of Wycombe, Brewer
Joseph Shrimpton, Bedford Square, London, Esq.
William Peck, Lambs Conduit S\, London, Esq.
Hon. Wilbraham Tollemache, City of Westminster
Hon. Thomas Fitzmaurice, Llweny, Sou. Wales .

Sworn

Sir John Jervis, K.B

Right Honourable Karl Wycombe

Thomas Clarke, Borough of Wycombe, Esq.

John Bates, of Ditto, Esq

Thomas Clarke, University of Oxford, Gent
John Manning, Clerk, Borough of Wycombe
Joseph Bell, of Ditto, Esq.
James Fastnage, of Ditto, Gent. .

"Copy STATE OF THE POLL at the Election of a Burgess, to serve in Parliament,
for the Borough of Chepping- Wycombe, in the County of Bucks. Taken before the Worshipful
Thomas Clarke, Esq., Mayor, on Saturday the 1st of February, 1794.

Sworn
Ditto.
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

Candidates — Sir John Dashwood, Bar 1 , of West Wycombe House, and

Sir Francis Baring, Bar 1 .

! D

Henry AUnutt, Sen., Borough of Wycombe, Gent

Right Hon. Col. Barre, Stanhope Street, Westminster

John Carter, Borough of Wycombe, Gent .

Samuel Welles, of ditto, Esq. •

James Fastnage, of ditto, Gent. .

Joseph Bell, of ditto, Esq.

Thomas Rose, of ditto, Apothecary

John Bates, Esq., Reading

William Lowe, of Piccadilly, London, Painter

Daniel Squires, Borough of Wycombe, Gent

Rev 4 John Manning, of ditto, LL.B. .

Ferdinand Line, City of Bristol, Gent

Thomas Birch, City of London, Linen Draper

Rev 4 Richard Welles, Portsmouth .

Samuel Romilly, Esq., Lincoln's Inn, London

John Bates, of Wycombe Marsh, Esq" 5 .

James Blackstone, Esq., V.P., Oxford .

John Tircl-Morin, Esq., Weeden Lodge, Bucks

Joseph Shrimpton, Borough of Wycombe, Gent

Andrew Biddle, of ditto, Brewer

Thomas Shrimpton, of ditto, Esq.

Rev. Thomas Clarke, Buckland, Bucks

Rev. James Price, A.M., Vicar of Wycombe

Richard Welles, City of London, Stationer

Robert Cosens, Tetsworth, Oxon, Grazier .

James Batting, Esq., Borough of Wycombe

John Price, Talgarth, Brecon, Gent. .

Rev 4 Thomas Jones, Clerk, of Dinton, Bucks ... — 1

Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto
Ditto

Thomas Aldridge, Esq., of Wycombe .

John Goodwin, of Wycombe Marsh, Paper Maker

Samuel Veary, Borough of Wycombe, Blacksmith

Samuel Wells, Borough of Wycombe, Gent.

Henry Grange, Borough of Wycombe, Esq.

Joseph Stevens, of ditto, Miller ....

Richard Whichchurch, Esq., Mumfords, Bucks .

Rev. James Prosser, of Cheddington, Bucks

Ben. Vaughan, Esq., M.P., Finsbury Square, London

John Rutt, Mould Maker, Wycombe

William Vaughan, Esq., London

Josiah Powel, of Wycombe, Gardener

John Sherwood, Mark Lane, London, Contractor

Sam. Sproston, Gent

George Harman, Borough of Wycombe, Cooper .
Samuel Rotton, Borough of Wycombe, Esq.

James Matthie, of ditto

Samuel Manning, of ditto, Esq. ....

Isaac King, parish of ditto, Esq.

John Charsley, of ditto, Attorney at Law

Right Hon. Earl Wycombe ....

Henry Smith, Drapers' Hall, London, Gent

Thomas Clarke, Esq., Mayor ....

2 9

The following are the results of the Polls taken since 1 794 : —

1832. Hon. Robert Smith 170.

Hon. Col. Grey 140.

Benjamin Disraeli, Esq, 119.

1 84 1. Sir G. H. Dash wood, Bart 180.

R. Bernal Osborne, Esq. 159.

J. Freshfield, Esq. 13a

W. Alexander, Esq. 8a

1852. Sir G. H. Dashwood 259.

Martin T. Smith, Esq. 204.

Wm. Simpson, Esq. in.

On the death of Sir G. H. Dashwood.

1862. J. R. Mills, Esq. 220.

D. Cameron, Esq. 158,

After the passing of the second Reform Bill, when the Borough

returned one Member only : —

1868. Capt The Hon. W. Carington 701.

J. R. Mills, Esq. 500.

1874. Lieut. Col. The Hon. W. Carington 953.

Mr. H. Broadhurst 415.

F. Charsley, Esq. 19.

MAYORS OF CHIPPING WYCOMBE.

14. Thomas Gale.

15. William Readhead.

Edward IV.

16, 17, 18. Richard Cary.
19, 20, 21. Christopher Wacs.
22, 23. Richard Cary,

Richard III.

1. The Same.

William Readhead.

Henry VII.

William Readhead.

*4> IS-

Roger Bramstoa

William Monday.

16.

John Alley.

Thomas Pyman q.

Pymm.

17-

Robert Astbrook.

Roger Bramston.

18.

William Alley.

Robert Astbrook.

19, 20,

21.

Nic. Gerrard.

Thomas Pymm.

"•

Robert Astbrook.

7>3.

Richard Cary.

23.

Nic Gerrard.

9. 10.

Thomas Pymm.

24.

William Alley.

11, 12, 13.

Humphrey Wellisbon.

Henry VIII.

Thomas Freere.

Robert Astbrook.

Roger Bramston.

William Chalfont

Robert Astbrook.

Richard Burch.

William Chalfont

9, io.

Thomas Freere.

28.

William Juncklyn.

ii.

Robert Astbrook.

29.

Christopher Pusey.

12.

William Chalfont.

30.

George Peytever.

'3. 14-

Robert Astbrook.

! 3*.

John Keele.

15, 16.

Richard Burch.

32.

John Brasbrich.

17.

Robert Astbrook.

33.

William Juncklyn.

18.

George Peytever.

34.

John Littleboy.

19.

William Juncklyn.

35-

Thomas Bottery.

20, 21,

22. Robert Astbrook.

36.

George Peytever.

*3-

William Juncklyn.

37.

William Alley.

24. 25,

26, 27. Geo. Peytever.

38.

Thomas Chalfont.

•

Edward VI.

1. John Welles.

William Gravetts.

2. Robert Pusey.

Edward Cary.

3. Simon Whitmell.

George Paytefer.

7. John R;

aunce.

RY.

1. Thomas Chalfont

George Littleboy.

2. John Raunce.

Robert Gravett.

3. Thomas Pymm.

Thomas Keele.

Eliza

BETH.

Thomas Keele.

14.

William Thwaites.

John Sterling. j

15.

Robert Collings.

Rowland Witnall.

16.

Rowland Witnall.

4* 5

> ^ •

17.

Thomas Keele.

William Thwaites.

18.

Rowland Brasbrigg.

George Littleboy.

19.

Robert Cullyn.

Francis Sparkes.

20.

Tristram Winch.

21.

William Munday.

10.

Thomas Francis.

22.

Tristram Winch.

11.

Thomas Keele. (

23.

Thomas Keele.

12.

1
Francis Sparkes.

24.

Robert Cullyn.

» 3.

Tristram Winch.

25.

William Munday.

26.

Tristram Winch.

35-

John Greenland.

27.

Francis Challcner.

36.

John Gibbons.

28.

John Greenland.

37-

John Fox.

29.

Thomas Kcmpc.

38.

John Welles.

30.

John Gibbons.

39-

Thomas Welles.

3'.

Thomas Hayly.

40.

John Greenland.

32.

Francis Challener.

*
i

41.

Thomas Gibbons.

33-

John Fox.

;

42.

Thomas Tayler.

34-

John Welles.

43-

Ambrose Conway

44-

William

•

i Shrimpt

;on.

■

James I.

•

Gabriel Redman.

12.

William Ayre.

George Welles.

13-

Robert Biscoe.

William Ay re.

14.

John Littlepage.

4. Gabriel Redman.

5. Thomas Welles.

6. Michael Burgh.

7. John Littlepage.

8. Thomas Brandon.

9. Thomas Gibbons.

10. William Shrimpton.

1 1. Robert Eeles.

6. George Welled.

7. Thomas Brandon.

8. Thomas Gibbons.

9. Richard Gibbons.

20. John Davenport

21. Robert Biscoe.

22. George Welles.

Charles I.

1. William Guy.

2. John Littlepage.

3. John Bigg.

4. John Davenport

5. Richard Gibbons.

6. Thomas Lock.

7. Richard Gibbons.

8. Thomas Ayre.

9. Matthew Pettypher.
10. Edward Winch.

1. John Gibbons.

2. Richard Nelson.

{Thomas Bedder.
Thomas Welles.

4. Thomas Hobbs.

5. George Bradshaw.

6. John Collins.

7. William Guy.
8. .

20.

21. Edward Bedder,

22. James Bigg.

23. George More.

24. John Gibbons.

The Commonwealth.

1649

Nicholas Bradshaw.

1654-

Nicholas Bradshaw.

165c

k Stephen Bates.

1655-

Henry Elliott.

1651

• William Fisher.

1656.

John Grove.

1652

. James Bigg.

1657.

Samuel Guy.

1653

f John King.
,# I John Gibbons.

1658.

Richard Nelson.

1659.

George Timberlake.

Chari

-ES II.

13.

Richard Lucas. |

26.

Alexander Parnham.

14.

Thomas Gibbons.

27.

Henry Bedder.

15-

Nicholas Bradshaw.

28.

Edward Bedder.

16.

Thomas Gibbons.

29.

Thomas Davies.

»7-

Henry Elliott.

30-

Charles Elliott

18.

Edward Bedder.

3'-

John Wheeler.

19.

James Bigg.

32.

Jonathan Randall.

20.

Richard Lucas.

33-

Henry Bigg.

21.

Samuel Welles.

34-

John Michell.

22.

Thomas Gibbons.

35-

John Pettypher.

23-

Robert Whitton.

36, 37-

John Lane.

24.
f

Martyn Luellyn.
-Nicholas Bradshaw.

38.

Robert Whitton.

Henry Bigg.
.Richard Lucas.

1. Robert Whitton.

2. John Bigg.

James II.

3. Richard Rutt.

4. George Bradshaw
5. Thomas Grove.

i. Thomas Grove.

2. Thomas Fellows.

3. Thomas Stevens.

William and Mary.

4. Thomas Barnes.

5. John Bigg.
I 6. Thomas Alford.

7. John Blacknall.

8. Edward Marshall.

9. George Grove.

10. Thomas Fellows.

11. Thomas Barnes.

William (alone).

[George Clcwer.
* I Ferdinando Shrimpton.

1 3. Thomas Stevens.

14. John Bigg.

15. Thomas Alford.

Anne.

1. Thomas Alford.

2. Thomas Alford.

3. Thomas Stevens.

4. Benjamin Hinckman.

5. George Alford.

6. Ferdinando Shrimpton.

7. Thomas Wood.

8. The same.

9. Thomas Russin.

10. Hugh Shrimpton.

1 1 . Ferdinando Shrimpton.

1 2. Thomas Stevens.

13. Benjamin Hickman.

George I.

1. Benjamin Hickman.

2. Henry Hunt

3. Thomas Wood.

4. John Stevens.

5 and 6. Hugh Shrimpton.
7. John Smales.

8. Richard Shrimpton.*

9. Ferdinando Shrimpton*

10. John Smales.

1 1 . Thomas Shrimpton.

12. Edward Bedder.

1 3. Ferdinando Shrimpton.

1 4. The same.

• In 1726, Richard Shrimpton, the Mayor, was served with an order of the House of
Commons, for j permitting Harry Waller, Esq., or his agent, to inspect the Records of that
Iiorough (in consequence of a late election), and refused to obey the same; when he was
ordered to be taken into custody by the Serjeant-at-Arms, and the books for entering the names
of the freemen to be delivered to the Clerk of the House ; and the House made the following

George II.

i. Ferdinando Shrimpton.

17.

2. Joseph Tomlinson.

18.

3. The same.

19.

4. Edward Bedder.

20.

5. Ferdinando Shrimpton.

21.

6. The same.

22.

7. John Welch.

23.

8. Ralph Dean.

24.

9. Edward Bedder.

25-

10. The same.

26.

1 1. John Bates.

27.

12. John Clarke

28.

13. Samuel Welles.

29.

14. Joseph Shrimpton.

30.

15. Richard Beacham.

31-

16. John Welch.

32.

33.

Thoma.

5 Aldridg

Georg

E III.

Edward Bedder.
Ralph Dean.
John Bates.
Ralph Dean.
John Clarke.
Richard Bates.
Thomas Aldridge.
Richard Bates.
Richard Welles.
John Welch.
Joseph Shrimpton.
Richard Beacham.
Samuel Welles.
Thomas Rose.
John Bates, Jun.
Ralph Dean.

1. Richard Welles.

2. Rev. James Price.

3. John Welch.

4. Joseph Shrimpton.

5. Samuel Welles.

6. Thomas Rose.

7. Thomas Rose, Jun.

8. John Bates.

9. Thomas Aldridge.

10. John Birch.

11. Samuel Shrimpton.

12. John Widmer.

13. Isaac King.

14. Samuel Shrimpton.

15. Rev. James Price.

16. Joseph Shrimpton.

resolutions thereupon : — " That in an entry of burgesses there had been made certain erasures ;
that persons had been admitted to vote who had no right so to do ; that the Honourable Charles
Collyer was not duly elected ; that Harry Waller, Esq., was duly elected to serve in that Parlia-
ment; that the Mayor was guilty of divers arbitrary, illegal, and partial proceedings at the
election ; and that Edmund Marshall, who had presumed to read the proclamation against riots,
whilst the burgesses were legally assembled for the electing a burgess to serve in Parliament,
without having sufficient authority, was guilty of a high infringement of the freedom of elections.
And it was ordered that the Mayor be committed to Newgate, by the Speaker's warrant ; and
that Edward Marshall be taken into custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms/'

•7-

Thomas Rose.

39.

Samuel Manning.

1 8.

Joseph Steel.

40.

Rev. James Price.

19.

Samuel Welles

41.

Charles Ward.

20.

John Hates.

42.

Thomas Clarke.

21.

Samuel Welles.

43.

Thomas Rose.

22.

Joseph Bell.

44.

Isaac King.

23-

Thomas Clarke.

45.

Charles Ward.

24.

Isaac King.

46.

Richard Barry Slater.

25-

John Shrimpton.

47.

Andrew Edward Biddlc

26.

Samuel Manning.

48.

William Baly.

27.

Rev. James Price, Sen.

49.

Samuel Manning.

28.

Thomas Rose.

50.

William Sproston.

29.

Rev. James Price, Jun. j

5i.

John Carter, Jun.

30.

Rev. John Manning. |

52.

William Parker.

3i-

Daniel Squire. i

53-

Robert Wheeler.

32-

Samuel Welles.

54.

William Rose.

33-

Joseph Bell.

55.

Thomas West wood.

34-

Thomas Clarke.

56.

Richard Barry Slater.

35-

Isaac King.

57.

Rev. James Price.

Samuel Rotton. '

58.

Richard Barry Slater.

37-

Andrew Biddlc.

59.

John Carter.

38.

Benjamin Blackden. 1

60.

Robert Wheeler.

George

IV.

1820. William Parker. 1824. John Matthie.

182 1. William Rose. 1825. Robert Wheeler.

1822. Richard Barry Slater. 1826. Isaac King.

1823. John Carter. | 1827. William Parker.

1828. William Rose.

William IV.

1829. William Denny.

1 8 jo. Thomas West wood.

1 83 1. John Carter.

1832. Robert Wheeler.

^33. Thomas Westwood.

1834.
and

1835.

I Robert Wheeler till Dec.
26th, when Town Coun-
cillors were elected.

83
Victoria.

1836.

James George Tatem

1856.

William Henry Haydcn.

(Jan. 1st. to Nov. 9th).

1857.

Alfred Lane, Jun.

1836.

George Harman.

1858.

Buckmaster Joseph Tuck.

1837-

Robert Wheeler.

1859.

Robert Wheeler.

1838.

John Carter.

i860.

Robert Wheeler.

1839-

Buckmaster J. Tuck.

1861.

Ralph Lansdale.

1840.

George Lloyd Parker.

1862.

Thomas Wheeler.

1841.

John Turner.

1863.

Joseph Hunt.

1842.

Alfred Lane.

1864.

Pur ton Weston.

1843.

William Jackson.

1865.

Charles Strange.

1844.

Joseph Hunt.

1866.

Robert Wheeler.

1845.

Charles Harman.

»>

John Turner.

1846.

Robert Wheeler.

1867.

Thomas Wheeler.

1847.

William Blandy.

1868.

John Turner.

1848.

William Rose.

1869.

William Henry Hayden.

1849.

John Nash.

1870.

John Parker, Jun.

1850.

Robert Wheeler, Jun.

1871.

Joseph Hunt.

1851.

John Turner.

1872.

Francis Wheeler.

1852.

Robert Wheeler.

1873.

Thomas Gilbert.

'853.

Alfred Lane.

1874.

Thomas Wheeler.

>»

Joseph Hunt.

1875.

William Vincent Baines.

1854.

Ralph Lansdale.

1876.

George Wheeler.

1855.

Thomas Wheeler. |

1877.

William Phillips.

In the year 1608, by an Order in Council, the Mayor was required to
make a feast on his going out of office.

In 1654, the Mayor was allowed ^40 per annum towards defraying the
expenses incident to his office.

In 1 66 1, the allowance was increased to ^50, the outgoing Mayor, on
the Thursday before Michaelmas day, to make a feast for the enter-
tainment of the new Mayor, the aldermen, and burgesses.

In 1 69 1, the Mayors salary was reduced to ^40.

In 1699, it was further reduced to ^20, and in the same year increased
to /30.

From 17S2, the salary was again increased to ^50.

' «4

In 1 79 1, it was reduced to ^20.
In 18 16, it was increased to ^30.
In 18 19, it was reduced to ^20.

In 1826 to 1835, the Mayors expenses only were allowed.
In 1836, under the provisions of the Municipal Corporation Act, no
allowance was made to the Mayor for any of his expenses.

High Stewards.

20 Oct, 165 1. Thomas Scott, Esq., Maj.-Gen.

17 Aug., 1672. John, Earl of Bridgewater, Lord-Lieut, of the County

of Bucks.
23 Dec, 1686. George Lord Jeffries, Baron of Wem, Lord High

Chancellor of England.*
John Lord Lovelace.
6 Feb., 1693. Rt- Hon. Thomas Wharton, Compr. of their Majesties 9 /

Household, afterwards Marquis of Wharton.

18 April, 1 715. Rt. Noble Philip, Marquis of Wharton.

Recorders.

Thomas Waller, Esq.
Thomas Lane, Esq.
Edmund Petty, Esq.t

• This was the notorious Lord Chief Justice Jeffries whose country seat (which he rebuilt)
was, Bulstrode Park, in this county. Mr. Justice Foster pronounced him to be "the very worst
judge that ever disgraced Westminster Hall." Granger adds, "Juries were overborne, judgment
was given with precipitation ; even the common legal forms were neglected, and the laws them-
selves openly trampled upon by a murderer, in the robes of a Ix>rd Chief Justice." On William,
Prince of Orange, ascending the throne, Jeffries was discarded by the Court, and by his
barbarities he had rendered himself obnoxious to all classes of the community. He disguised
himself in the garb of a sailor, intending to quit the country. He was discovered drinking in
the cellar of the Red Cow alehouse, in Anchor and Ho{>c Alley, near King Edward's Stairs in
Wapping; a mob collected round the house, seized Jeffries, and carried him to the Lord
Mayor ; who sent him with a strong guard to the Lords of the Council, and their Lordships
committed him to the Tower. He entered the gates of that gloomy old fortress a robust man,
but rapidly wasted to a skeleton, and died a miserable death on the i8th April, 1689. Truly
" the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness."

f Kdmund Petty was of a good family in Oxfordshire, quite distinct from the ennobled
family of Petty, and having different arms.

»5

John Clark, Esq., of Aston Rowant, 1674.

Edward Baldwin, Esq., removed by Order in Council, 10th February,

1687.
Sir James Etheredge, 1687, o. 1730.
Edmund Waller, Esq., 1689, resigned,
Fleetwood Dormer, Esq., 1695, resigned.
William Lee, Esq., 1718, resigned
Harry Waller, Esq., 1730.
Richard Whitchurch, Esq., 1768.
James Blackstone, D.C.L., Vinerian Professor in the University of

Oxford. (A fine Portrait of Dr. Blackstone is in the Council

Chamber of the Guildhall.)
Sir Giffin Wilson, Knt.

By the Act to amend the Representation of the People of England
and Wales, 2 Will. 4, c. 45, the Borough of Wycombe, being included in
Schedule B of the Statute, was deprived of one of its members.

By the Municipal Corporation Act, 5 and 6 Will. 4, c. 76, so much of
all Laws, Statutes, and usages, and so much of all royal and other charters,
grants, and Letters Patent then in force, relating to the several Boroughs
named in Schedules A and B to this Act, or to the inhabitants thereof, or to
the several bodies corporate named in the Schedules as were inconsistent
with, or contrary to, the provisions of this Act, were thereby repealed.

The Borough of Wycombe, being included in Schedule B of the Statute,
was deprived of the original right under its charters of holding Quarter
Sessions, and of appointing a Recorder, and Coroner. And under the pro-
visions of the Statute, the Corporation is to consist of four Aldermen and
twelve Councillors, and out of the Aldermen or Councillors of such Borough,
the Council shall elect a fit person to be the Mayor of such Borough, who
shall continue in his office for one whole year, and by the Statute 6 and 7
Will. 4, c. 105, s. 4, and until his successor shall have accepted the office
of Mayor, and shall have made and subscribed the requisite declaration.

By the 71st section of the 5 and 6 Will. 4, c. 76, it is enacted that
all bodies corporate, seised of Charity Estates and Funds, should continue to
hold the same until the first day of August, 1836, or until Parliament should
otherwise order, and should immediately thereupon utterly cease and deter-

mine. And the Statute provides that if Parliament should not otherwise
direct on or before the first of August, 1836, the Lord High Chancellor, or
Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal, should make such orders as he or
they should see fit for the administration, subject to such charitable uses or
trusts, of such trust estates. No such Parliamentary direction respecting the
charities having been made, a petition was, on the 22nd day of May, 1838,
preferred by Messrs. George Harman, James George Tatem, two of the
Aldermen of the Borough, and Alfred Lane, one of the Councillors of the
Borough, to the Lord Chancellor, praying for the appointment of Trustees
of the Charities, when fourteen persons were appointed Trustees.

Eighteen years afterwards, an appointment of twelve Trustees was
made by the Master of the Rolls, to supply vacancies among the Trustees
so appointed, and a scheme for the management and regulation of the
Grammar School and Almshouse Charity was approved on the 26th July,
1856.

TERRIER OF ESTATES BELONGING TO THE

CORPORATION.

COPY OF THE RENT ROLL

FOR THE

BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE.

X,im* •»/ Ttm.tMt.

Ix>rd Carington.

H. Edgerley.
Joj» h Hunt's Exors.
E. Hutchinson.
W. H. Mayne.
William Mealing.
Joseph Varney.
John KibbcU.
J a*. Putman.
William Raflety.
Cha\ Strange.
C H. Tilly.
W. Tomlyn.
Sam 1 . Turner.
Tho\ Wheeler.
George Ranee.
W. Judson.
County Court

>»

»»

Property l.iabU.

Redfords Pieces

Sundries .......

College Yard

Encroachm*, House in occupation of Woodland

4 Houses, Frogmoor Gardens .

St. Mar>- Street

Oxford Street ....
Rent of House, N T cwland ....
Encroachment, White Hart Street

„ House, Easton Street .

Rent of Warehouse, Town Hall .
Rent Charge, College Yard

Encroachment, Palings, Easton Street
„ Window, St Mary St .

Rent Newland

Encroachment, Easton Street
Rent Charge, Railway Terrace .
Shutter Box, Little Market House
for holding Courts in Hall .

7 7
5 5

Amwmmt ptr A mm,
13 19 II

7 11

o
o
o
a
8
o
o

a
1

o 10

o 17

o o

o 1

8 o

o 4

14 o

o a

4 6

6
6
6
o
o
o
8
o

4
6

o
o
6
o

" N°. i.
N°. 2.

Farthing.

N°. 3.
N°. 4.

Farthing.

N°. 5.

Farthing.

N°. 6.

Farthing.

N°. 7.
N°. 8.

Farthing.

N°. 9.

N°. 10.

N°. 11.
N°. 12.
N°. 13.

Farthing.

N°. 14.
N°. 15.
N°. 16.

N°. 17.

N°. 18.

THE WYCOMBE TOKENS.

Thomas Atkines = his half peny, of Wickham, 1668 = T. E. A.
Thomas Bates = (Prince of Wales's Feathers) in Wickham 1661 = T. B.

Thomas Butterfield = (A Wheatsheaf) in Wickham = his half peny.
Tho. Dimarsh of High Wickham, 1668 = T. A. D.

William Fisher = (The Cloth Workers' Arms) in Wikcombe, 1652 = W. A. F.

Jeremiah Gray, IN. = (A Swan chained, Or) Hey Wickiam = I. M. G.

John Harding, IN. = Great Wickome = I. M. H.
Fransis Ingeby, IN. = 1666, Wickum Parrish = F. I.

John Juson at the = (Chequers) in High Wickham, 1669 = his halfe peny

I. M. I.
Rich. Lucas of Wickham = R. D. L., 1670, rather dead than disloyal = (Lion

Rampant),
Richard Lucas =■ (Lion Rampant) in Wickham, 1653 = R. D. L.
John Morris, 1666 - (a stick of Candles) in Wickham his half peny - I. M.
Richard Preist = R. E. P., 1662, in High Wickham = (a Crown).

John Rowell in High Wickham, 1667 = his halfe peny. I. M. R.

Robert Whitton = (a stag) of Great Wickham = R. K. W.

Edward Winch of Wiccombe — (Arms, on a fess, 3 crosses, pat once on a

comton, 5 fleurs de lys), his halfe penny = E. P. W.
Robert Frier = (a Rose) in Hie Wickham.
James Gomme, 181 1 = (The Guildhall, and Corporation Arms) = token XII

pence."

In the year 18 17, the Charters and Letters Patent granted to the
Corporation were translated and published by subscription, when a question
was raised, in whom the right of election of burgesses was vested. The
burgesses, as already mentioned, elected the Mayor in Common Hall, by a
majority on a show of hands. The select body, viz., the Common Council,
elected the burgesses under a presumed bye-law, not extant in writing. In
Hilary Term, 18 19, an application was made to the Court of Queen's Bench,
in legal phraseology, for a rule to show cause why an information in the
nature of a Quo Warranto should not be filed against Thomas Westwood, to
show by what authority he claimed to be one of the burgesses of the borough.
No cause being shown, the rule was made absolute in the following Easter
Term ; and an information was filed against the defendant, to which he
pleaded, 1st, an ancient custom for the Mayor and Common Council of the

fi8

borough to elect the burgesses ; the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th being in substance the
same, founding the right of such election upon a presumed bye-law. Issue
was taken to these several pleas, and on the trial of the same before Mr.
Justice Richardson and a special jury at the Bucks Assizes in 1821, a
verdict was found for the defendant generally upon all the issues. In
Michaelmas Term, 182 1, an application was made to the Queens Bench to
set aside the verdict, on the ground of all the issues being found for the
defendant, which was manifestly wrong ; and the verdict should have been
on one plea only. The Court granted this application as to the issues,
upon the first and second pleas, with liberty to each party to amend their
pleadings, without costs.

Following out the precise nature of these legal proceedings, in Michael-
mas Term, 1824, the case came on for argument, when judgment was given
for the Crown on the two first pleas, and for the defendant upon the third
plea; Mr. Justice Bailey dissenting, and the Lord Chief Justice expressing
a doubt, and not pronouncing an opinion on the point.

The effect of this judgment was to set aside the custom alleged in the
first and second pleas, and to establish the bye-law in the third plea as
good and valid. Against this judgment a Writ of Error was carried to the
House of Lords on the part of the Crown. The case was heard on the
20th and 28th May, 1829, when the judgment of the Court below was
affirmed. The Corporate Body had therefore the right to repeal the bye-
law. Thus ended the most protracted and costly litigation, which was, in
fact, a combat between the Parliamentary representatives of the borough,
and the burgesses, whether or not the borough should be continued a close,
or restored to its original position of, a free borough, in conformity with the
provisions of its ancient charters. The unsatisfactory state of the law of
Corporations at this period, and which was rendered more glaringly ap-
parent, by the case of The King v. West wood, led to the introduction of
the bill for the regulation of Municipal Bodies.

In the year 1833, the Mayor, Robert Wheeler, Esq., convened a special
meeting of the burgesses, to consider the propriety of rescinding the bye-
law, when it was resolved by a large majority to rescind the same. For
this laudable and popular act on the part of the Mayor, as well as for the
high estimation in which he was justly held by the inhabitants and burgesses,
they presented him with a very handsome silver epergne, at a public dinner,

8 9

held in the Guildhall, on the 16th May in the same year, with the following
inscription engraved on it.

(t Presented to Robert Wheeler, Esq**., by the Inhabitants and Burgesses of
High Wycombe and its vicinity, in testimony of their respect and gratitude for his
upright, patriotic, and successful exertions during his fourth Mayoralty, in procuring
the repeal of the Bye-law which deprived the Burgesses of the rights granted them
by the Charters ; for his steady and consistent support to the great measure of
Parliamentary Reform ; and for his uniform zeal and liberality in promoting the
improvements of the Town, and advancing the interests of the Inhabitants.

" Virtus repulsse nescia sordidse
Intaminatis fulgit honoribus."

Upon petition of the Town Council, under the authority of the Munici-
pal Corporation Act, sec. 98, a Commission of the Peace, bearing date the
1 6th of August, in the 15th year of the reign of Queen Victoria, was granted
to the Mayor of the borough, and the Mayor for the time being, William
Rose, Randolph Crewe, and Thomas Treacher, Esquires. On the death
of Mr. Treacher, Charles Fowler, and Charles Thomas Grove, Esquires,
were appointed on the Commission, and some few years after, on the death
of Mr. Fowler, Alfred Gilbey, Arthur Vernon, and Henry Stephens
Wheeler, Esquires, were appointed as Magistrates for the borough.

By the Statute 41 Geo. 3, c. 15, entitled an Act "for taking an
account of the population of Great Britain, and of the increase or diminution
thereof/' which was the first census taken in this country.

The following return was made by William Payne and William Parker,
Overseers, and John Prestage and James Kingston, Churchwardens, in
March, 1801 : —

Number of Houses . . . 458 within the Borough.

. " # [ Total 2349 within the Borough.

.Females . . 1201 j

Males . . 850 }

1043

~ , " ' \ Total 1893 within the Parish.

Females . . 1041 J

4242 Population 1801.

A return made by Joseph Burrough and John Hill, in 181 1.
Number of Houses . . .474 within the Borough.

Males
Females
Males
Females

I Total 2490 within the Borough,
1342 )

1065)

1201

Total 2266 within the Parish.

4756 Population 181 1.

In 181 1 there were 440 houses in the Parish.
A return made in June, 182 1.

Number of Houses . . .551 within the Borough.

Males . . 1333 I Total 2g64 within the Boroug h.
Females . . 1531 j

Males • 131 1

Females

1424

Total 2735 within the Parish.

5599 Population 182 1.

In 1509, the population of the Parish was 1000.
The population of the Borough and Parish was

In 1831 .... 6299

1841
1851
1861
1871

A brief account of the murder of Mr. Pont

6469

7179

8375
10492

fix of Downley, March 22nd,

1736.

" This morning early, Marsh and Marshal condemned for the Murder and Robbery of Mr.
Pontinx, the Farmer, near High Wycomb, were brought in a Cart from Aylesbury, to Rye
Common, lying between the two Wycombs, and about eleven o'clock were executed an a
Gibbet of an extraordinary height, being 28 feet high, that the Spectators, who were very
numerous, might have the satisfaction of seeing justice done on two villains, who had deprived
of life a Person highly esteem'd by all that knew him.

" They had been out 8 days upon the pad, when coming late into High Wycombe, to lk^
they overheard some persons taking their leave in order to go home into the Country ; upon
which they conceal'd themselves till they were past, and then followed ; which young Pootifix
observing, and telling his Father that some persons were following them, he stood still at a stQe
above Bell Field, and leading to Downley, till they came up, and upon their asking the way to
West Wycombe, he kindly informed them, and a moment after, Marsh turning back, shot die
Farmer dead without further speaking.

"They both confessed the Robbery, but denied they had any intention to murder him;

EXTRACTS FROM THE CARTULARY OF GODSTOWE.

"Endowment of the Vicarage of Wycombe, according to the Register of Lincoln. [Translation.]

" The Vicar of Wycombe, shall have, in the name of his Vicarage, a moiety of all oblations
of the altar, with the whole tithe of cheese, and all eggs, on Easter Eve, coming to the said
church ; and all tithes of geese,, and tithes of gardens and orchards within the borough, Except
the oblations and obventions of four days by the year, to wit, the day of the Purification of the
blessed Mary, the day of the Preparation [i.e., Good Friday], Easter Day, and the day of the
Exaltation of the Holy Cross. And except all tithes of wool, flax, lambs, young pigs, and
calves, when a whole calf shall happen, and except all tithes of fruits of gardens and orchards
without the borough, and all tithe of Teasels which appertain to the business of Fullers, as well
within the borough as without, Except also, all eggs save on Easter Eve forthcoming to the said
church, and all offering of candles through the whole year, save the candle which comes on Sun-
days to the altar with the 'bread to be consecrated; All which things above excepted shall
wholly appertain to the Abbess and Nuns of Godstowe. And the Vicar shall have a manse
assigned to him on the West side of the house of the Abbess, and he shall pay Synodals, and
the Nuns shall procure a lodging for the Archdeacon. And it is to be remembered that this
endowment was abiding by scrutiny of the Register of Lincoln, under the Seal of Henry Bishop
of Lincoln, under date at Lydyngton, the twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of Our Lord
One thousand four hundred and three, and in the fifth year of the consecration of the said
Henry."

" CONFIRMATION by Lord Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln of all our
Churches.

" TO ALL the faithful in Christ to whom the present Writing shall come, Hugh, by the grace
of God, Bishop of Lincoln, Greeting in the Lord. Desiring to attend with devout favour to the
just petitions of suppliants, especially are we bounden to afford the protection of our patronage
to religious houses, lest those benefits, which by the bounty of the faithful have been conferred

[Translation.]

any degree, contributed malt to the Church as a free offering, in addition to their tithes in kind.
This malt was duly brewed by the Church Authorities, and on a stated festival, when the " Ale
was fairly old," the Parishioners used to repair to the Church Yard, or some other convenient
place, and celebrate the wake, or feast of the Dedication of the Church. "These festivals,
however piously intended, grew by degrees into great excesses of eating and drinking and other
irregularities ; and which, by the way, were at the first in some sort indulged to the English by
Gregory the Great, at the feast of the Dedication in lieu of their sacrifices while they were
heathens, viz., that they might set up booths round the Church, and there feast and entertain
themselves ; a custom which was evidently borrowed from the Jewish ritual. See Nehemiah 8 c.
1 6 and 17 vs. Each person paid, according to his means, some small sum for the privilege of
joining the festival." " The Buttyng [or tunning] of the Ale " was a duty of some importance,
and it was natural enough to lay it, in the case of Wycombe, upon the Vicar, though the profits
on the "ale " or carousal, went to the Rectory, />., to the Abbess and Nuns of Godstowe. The
amount paid by each guest, called his " scot," or " shot," became a regular phrase, and hence
the name of "scot " or " shot ale." The holding of these festivals was prohibited by Canon
88. But they were in some measure revived for a time by the " Book of Sports." Gibson's
"Codex," 191. Burn's " Ecclesiastical Law," Quarto edition, vol. il, p. 277.

on holy and religious places, bee by the malignant depravity of anyc either meddled with over-
much, or by long lapse of time buried in oblivion ; We, therefore, will it to come to the know-
ledge of you all, that we ratify, and by this present Charter do confirm unto the religious house
of Saint Mary and Saint John the Baptist of Godestowe and to the women of Christ serving God
there, towards their support for their uses in time to come for ever, the benefactions granted by
the bounty of the faithful in Christ, which in their proper names we have caused to be set forth,
that is to say : of the gift of Alexander, Bishop of Lincoln, of worthy memory, one hundred
shillings yearly to be received in toll of the Market of Bannesbcri ; of the gift of King Henry,
son of the Empress Maud, the churches of Wicumbe and of Blockesham, with all their appurte-
nances ; of the gift of Ailwin son of Godegose, the Church of Saint Giles, with all its appurte-
nances, which is situate without Oxineford ; of the Gift of Agnes, daughter of Payne fitz-John,
the church of Dunigtune, with all its appurtenances ; of the gift of Simon de Wahille, a moiety
of the Church of Pateshille, with all its appurtenances. The aforesaid benefactions, therefore,
as upon the same Nuns they have been reasonably conferred, to be fully converted to their own
proper uses and to be served by their own proper Chaplains, We ratify, and by our Episcopal
authority do confirm. We grant also to the aforesaid handmaids of Christ, that they shall be
free and quit from all exaction and custom and grievance, Saving our Episcopal right and the
dignity of the Church of Lincoln. Which thing, in order that it may be accounted firm and
valid, We by this present writing and by Our Seal have caused to be confirmed. These Wit-
nesses : Master Stephen, Chancellor ; Master Roger de Rolvestone, Master Symon de Siwelle,
Master Geoffrey de Lechelade, Canons of the Church of Lincoln ; Thomas Walerand, Eustace
Payan, Priests of Godestowe ; Geoffrey, Deacon ; John, Clerk ; Thomas, Steward ; Luke,
Janitor ; Henry de Eatune ; Henry of York ; William of Baggehcrste."

"ORDINANCE of Lord Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, concerning
our Churches of Saint Giles, of Bloxham and of Wycombe.

(Translation.) " TO ALL the faithful in Christ to whom the present writing shall come, Hugh, by the Grace

of God Bishop of Lincoln, Greeting in the Lord We will it to come to the knowledge of you
all, that we with the authority of our Council have ordained perpetual Vicarages in the Churches
of Wycumbe, of Bloxham, and of Saint Giles, Oxford, and at the presentation of our beloved
daughters in Christ, the Abbess and Nuns of Godestowe, have admitted perpetual Vicars to the
Vicarages so ordained, and have instituted them in the same. Moreover, the aforesaid Vicar-
ages arc ordained in this wise, to wit : — That the perpetual Vicar of the Church of Wycumbe
shall have, in the name of his Vicarage, a manse assigned to him on the West side of the house
of the Abbess in Wycumbe, and a moiety of all the oblations and obventions of the Altar, with
the whole tithe of cheese and all Eggs on Easter Eve coming to the said Church, and all tithes
of geese, and all tithes of gardens and Orchards within the Borough, Except the oblations and
obventions of four days by the year, to wit, the day of the Purification, the day of the Prepa-
ration [#>., Good Friday], Easter-day and the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross ; and
except all tithes of wool, flax, lambs, young pigs and calves, when a whole calf shall happen ;
and except all tithes of the fruits of gardens and orchards, without the Borough, and the
whole tithe of teasels which appertain to the business of Fullers, as well within the Borough as
without, Except also, all eggs (save on Easter Eve) coming to the said Church, and all offerings
of candle through the whole year, save candle which comes on Sunday to the Altar with the
bread to be consecrated All which things above excepted shall wholly appertain to the Abbess
and Nuns of Godestowe. And the Perpetual Vicar of the Church of Blokesham shall have, in

the name of his Vicarage, the whole Altarage of that church and of the Chapel of Middelcumbe,
Except tithes of wool, and lambs of the mother-church of Blokesham ; he shall have also the
corn which is wont to be given when threshed to the said Church of Blokesham and Chapel of
Middilcumbe, and which is called Chercheset ; and he shall have a manse which is situate
between the manse which was of Payan de Bereford, and the manse which was of William
Coleman. And the perpetual Vicar of the church of Saint Giles in Oxford shall have, in the
name of his Vicarage, a moiety of all Altarage of that Church with the whole tithe of gardens,
except wool, and flax, and lambs, and except candle on the day of the Purification of the
Blessed Virgin, which the said Nuns shall wholly receive. He shall have, moreover, a manse
where the Chaplain of the Church was wont to dwell, for which the Vicar shall pay to the said
Church sixpence yearly. And in these three Vicarages so ordained, the aforesaid Nuns shall
sustain all ordinary charges of the said three churches as are due * and accustomed, except
Synodals, which the Vicars shall pay. Further all the Vicars, so often as they shall be ad-
mitted to the Vicarages aforesaid, shall take an oath of fealty to the before mentioned Nuns.
The Chaplains also, if the said Vicars shall receive any to assist them in ministration together
with themselves in the said churches, shall likewise swear in presence of the Vicars and of the
Proctor of the Nuns sent thither by them for this purpose, that they will be faithful to them, so
long as they shall be there, in the things which affect the said Nuns in those churches, Saving
in all respects the Episcopal customs and the dignity of the Church of Lincoln. And in witness
hereof we have caused our seal to be set to the present Writing. These Witnesses : — Robert,
Archdeacon of Huntingdon ; Master William of Lincoln, Chancellor ; Master's William , of
Canterbury [or Cambridge], Hugh of Greneford, and Nicholas of Evesham, William of Winche-
cumbe, and Oliver de Chedney, Clerks. Given by the hand of Thomas de Filketone, Chaplain
and Chancellor of Lincoln, at Croppery, the day before the Ides + of December, in the twelfth
year of our Pontificate."

35* Hen. III.
11 For the Nuns of Godstowe. [Translation.]

"The King to Archbishops, etc. Greeting.
" We have inspected the Charter of the Lord Richard the King our Uncle in these words,
1 Richard, by the grace of God, King of England, Duke of Normandy, Aquitain, and Earl o!
Anjou, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, and all his Ministers,
and faithful subjects of his whole land, Greeting; know ye that we have granted, and in per-
petual alms confirmed by our present Charter, to God and the Church of the Holy Mary, and
Saint John the Baptist of Godstow, and the Monks there serving God, that Gift which the Lord
Henry the King our Father made to them, and by his Charter confirmed, and all gifts which
have been made to them, that is to say, of the gift of the Lord Henry our Father, the Vill of
Wulgaricot and the place which is called Godstow, in which its Church has been founded with
the assent and consent of Bernard of S l . Waleric and his heirs, who, that is to say, Bernard,
granted the aforesaid Vill, and that place, to the Lord Henry our Father, and gave and de-
livered seizin by a Silk Cloth, with which a hood is made, with the whole domain and the
right of the Advowson of the same Abbey, which he formerly had in the same, so that the
aforesaid Abbey be for ever free, and in Capite of our Crown, as the Abbey of Saint Edraond
and other Royal Abbeys, which are established through England, also of the gift of the Lord

* " De vita : " for debita, an error in the orig":

f Thirteenth.

9 6

Henry our Father the Church of Wycomb, with all its appurtenances, and other Churches, & c .,
therein named.

" Wherefore, we will and firmly command that the aforesaid Abbey of Godstow and the
Nuns there serving God, have and hold all the before named and whatsoever had been acquired
for godly distribution*, in free and perpetual alms, well and in peace, freely and quietly, full,
entirely, and honourably, in wood and plain ; in Meadows, and pastures, in waters, and Mills,
in ways, and paths, in pools, and streams, within Borough and without, and in all other places
with soc, and sac, and Tholl, and Thcam, and infanganethef [infangthefe •] entirely quit and
free, and that their tenants be quit of Shires and Hundred Pleas, and actions, aides, and assizes,
geld and Dam Geld, murder and robbery, scuttage and Hydagc, gifts, and scots, and works of
Castles, Houses, Walls, parks, Streams, ditches and bridges, and summage and Carriage, and of
ward penny, and aver penny, and hundred penny and Thening penny, and that they be quit
throughout all our land, and by water, of toll and passage, and frontage, and talliage and lastage,
and of all other customs which appertain to us, and with all their liberties and free customs.

" And we prohibit that any one do them injury or molestation in anything, because the
aforesaid Church of Godstow and the Nuns of the same place, and all their things and posses-
sions, and their men, with all other things in England, are more especially under our own hand,
protection, and custody. Witnesses, Hugh, Bishop of Durham, Richard of London, Godfrey of
Winchester, Hubert of Salisbury, Elect, William, Earl of Arundel, William of Saint John, Stephen
of I-ongchamp ; Roger of Pratell ; the Steward, Nicholas Bilet ; Robert of Wytefeld. Given
at Winchester, the seventh day of October, by the hand of William Longchamp, Elect of Ely,
our Chancellor, in the first year of our reign. We moreover, the aforesaid, grant and confirma-
tion holding firm and valid, do grant and confirm the same for us and our heirs as the aforesaid
Charter reasonably testified. These being Witnesses, The Venerable Father Silvester, Bishop
of Carlisle ; John of Piessy, Earl of Warwick, Ralph the son of Nicholas, Robert Passelewe,
Archdeacon of Lewes ; Master W. of Kilkenny, Archdeacon of Coventry, Bertram of Crioyl,
John of Lessynton; Roger, Robert Waller, and Roger of Lachington, William Geruum and
others.

" Given under our hand at W r oodstock, the eleventh day of July in the thirty-five fie ".

Ministers* Ac
count, 32 II. 8.

County of
Oxford.

Translation of Confirmation.

"AN ACCOUNT of all and singular Bailiffs, Farmers, and all other the Ministers of our
Ix>rd, the now King Henry the 8 th by the Grace of God, of England and France, Lord of Ireland,
and on Earth of the English Church, the Supreme Head, concerning all Lordships, Manors,
Towns, Townships, and also of all other possessions and Hereditaments whatsoever, to divers
lately dissolved Monasteries and Priories in the aforesaid County, late by virtue and authority
of Parliament suppressed and dissolved, belonging or appertaining in the hands of our Lord
the King, now being, that is to say, from the feast of S*. Michael the Archangel, in the year of
our said Ix>rd the King the ji - , to the same feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, from thence
next ensuing, in the year of the same our Lord the King the 32" 1 ., That is to say, for
/ entire year.

• A privilege allowed in the Saxon Governments to the Lords of certain Manors! to pass
judgment on any theft committed within the fee.

"THE ACCOMPT of Thomas Catliff, Collector of the Rents and Farms there, for the
said period.

• • • #

"And of £16 13*. 4 d . of William Grene, the Farmer of the Rectory of the parochial Church
of All Saints in Chcpynge Wicombe aforesaid, with all and singular Houses, Barns and Edifices,
to the aforesaid Rectory belonging or appertaining, and all and singular the tenths of Hay and
Corn within the aforesaid Parish of Chepynge Wicombe, with the tenths of wood and wool,
within the Parish aforesaid. And with all lands, tenements, meadows, leasowes, pastures, woods,
commons, rents, and all emoluments, commodities and advantages to the aforesaid Rectory
belonging or appertaining, in as ample manner and form, as Geoffrey Bishop, or Henry Turner,
or either of them the said Rectors, had or occupied (the patronage and donation of the Vicarage
of the same Church of All Saints of Chepynge Wicomb, and the Chantry called Bowers
Chantry, within the aforesaid Church excepted), and altogether reserved, in the tenure of
William Grene, so to him demised by Indenture dated the 12 th day of March, in the 22 nd
year of King Henry the 8 th , to have for the Term of 22 years, Rendering therefore yearly, as
above, at the Feast of S\ Michael the Archangel, and Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
by equal payments, beyond j£S paid every year by the aforesaid Farmer, to two Chantry Priests
called " the Charneli Priests," at the Feast of the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin Mary and
St Michael the Archangel, by even payments and 11 6*. and 8 d . by the aforesaid Farmer, in like
manner paid to one Priest called Bower Priest, within the aforesaid Church, to perform at four
times of the year, viz., at the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, St Michael the
Archangel, the Birth of our Lord, and the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by equal
portions ; all charges as well ordinary as extraordinary, from the premises issuing, and the costs
of the aforesaid Farmer, as is in the Indenture amongst other things contained :

The sum is

(Godstowc in
the County of
Oxford.

Office of
Collector of
Rents.

' Chepynge
Wycombe in
the County of
Bucks.

" Between the Abbot of Godestowe and Lord John Coleman.

"On the 27 th day of November, in the 5 th year of the reign of King Edward the 3"*,
after the Conquest It is agreed between the Abbot of Godestowe and the Convent of the
same place on the one part, and Lord John Coleman, Rector of the Church of Glacton, and
Lord Robert atte Walle de Newenden, perpetual Vicar of Makeseye, jointly and severally, on
the other part, as follows : — That there should not be better condition of one, than the other,
viz 1 ., That the said Abbot and Convent have given, granted, and to farm let, to the said John
and Robert, and their executors, from the day of the Translation of St Thomas the Martyr
next after the day of the date of these presents, for the term of 10 years thence next following
and fully to be completed, the Manor and Rectory of Wicumbe, together with all profits of
corn, wool, and lambs, rents, lands and customs,- and with all and singular commodities and
tithes, during the said term to the said Rectory, in any manner belonging, appertaining, or
falling, except all vestments and exchanges from the said Church arising, which to the Convent
of Godestowe are reserved ; to which certain agreement faithfully to keep, the said Abbot and
Convent bind themselves, and their goods spiritual and temporal whatsoever in their manors,
wheresoever they may be found in the said district."

[Translation.]

\(Fortion omitted.)]

9 8

COPY TERRIER.

Date after 1681 to 1691.

"THE VICARAGE of Cheping Wiccombc in the County of Bucks hath a fair dwelling-
house, standing on the West side of the parsonage house, and over against the North side of the
Church. The house is built with timber, and where the walls have been decay'd they arc
rehired with Brick, elsewhere the Walls, plaistcred walls. The house contains a large hand-
some Hall, with two large Windows against the South Sun. On the East side of the Hall there
is a parlour indifferent large. On the West side of the Hall there is a parlour or dining Room
neatly wainscoted, and a little Closet belonging to it. Behind the Parlour on the North side
there is a Kitchen and two Butteries, and a place to brew in, and a Seller. Over the Hall and
the Parlours there are foucr lodgeing Chambers, to two of which there are two Closets. And
over the Kitchen, there is a lodgeing Chamber, and next to that Chamber, there is a hay loft,
and next to the Hay I/)ft over the Seller there is a roome for wood, where also one may set an
horse or cow. The House, Hayloft and Woodroom, are covered with Tileing. The two
Parlours arc floor'd with deal bordes, the Chambers are floor'd with boards of Oake. The Hall
and the Kitchen and one of the Butteries, and the place for brewing, are floored with paveracnt-
ing Tiles. There belongs to the Vicarage house a piece of ground lying round about it,
containing in length 68 foot and J before the South side of the house, and on the west side of
the house 184 foot, and on the North side of the House 188 foot, and on the East side of the
House 1 50 foot This piece of ground is fenced on the West side with a Brick Wall, on the
South side with a tall stone Wall of Flints, to the Vicarage Gate, and from the Vicarage gate to
the parsonage house, with a tall wooden fence of pales. And on the East side, it is fenced with
a wooden fence or pales from the parsonage house throughout ; on the north side it is fenced
about half way with pales, and half way with a quick set hedge. The repairs of the walls, and
Tiling of the house has been by the Churchwardens, at the charge of the Town, and parish,
and usually put into the Church Rate. Besides this piece of ground and the church yard, and
a little Cartway between the Churchyard and the Vicarage pales ; there is noe Glebe Land as
we know off belonging to the Vicarage. The Churchyard wall, which is built of Flint Stones, is
repaired by the Parson, as farr as the parsonage ground goes, and from thence by the Church-
wardens as farre as the stone wall goes. All Tythes of gardens, Orchyards, and grounds, within
the Burrough, belong to the Vicarage. There is within the Town a Gift of Five pounds a year
for ever, payable, out of two tenements next adjoyning to the Antilope on the West side, left to
the Vicar by the Will of Mr. Richard Rut, for reading morning prayer on Munday's, Twes-
dayes, and Thursdayes, weekly, throughout the year. There is an ancient gift of a Noble a
year left by one Mr, Wainwright, for preaching an election sermon on the Thursday before
Michaelmas day, at the election of the Mayor, which the Mayor and Aldermen, considering it
was but small, were pleased to order it, to be noe less than Ten shillings, which accordingly is
|>ayed me, by the Town Chamberlain.

" In the Parish, the Vicar has noe Tyth of grain, nor hay, nor wood, nor wooll. But by
custome there is left him the Tyth of roots, and fruits, and of the fowles, or geese, and the Eggs
of poultry. There is left also to him the Tyth of cattel, Calves, Lambs, Pigs, milk and cheese,
also the Tyth of Bees, Wax and Honey, all which Tyths may be gathered in kinde, but beeing
very troublesome, it is usually paid by composition with the Vicar, as they can agree. The
custome for Faster ( )fferings is fower pence for Single persons, Six pence for a Man and his
Wife. The dues of Mills are a Noble. For marriages, the custome is to demand Five shil-
lings At christenings, a Shilling is paid, which I suppose is for the Churching Offering, and the

__»j

Registering of the Child. For Buryals they pay a shilling. But we want our ancient Bill of
Fees, which was lost I suppose in the time of Trouble. My predecessor and I have received
a mortuary of Ten shillings for rich people, but some contend against it The Vicarage payes
to the Crown for Tenths, Two pounds, seven shillings, and eight pence halfepenny. To the
Bishop for procurations at his Visitation, five shillings. To the Archdeacon for Synodals, three
shillings. The Church has a pulpit, a reading Desk, a large Bible and common prayer Booke,
a Booke of Homilyes, a Booke of Canons, the nine & thirty Articles, a Saints' Bell to ring to
prayers, a chest for Almes ; the steeple has a ring of six, of very good and tuneable Bells, a
Clock and Chymes, a moon Diall inwards to the Church, on the outside a Clock Diall, and a
Sun dial The Chancell has rails before the Communion Table, at which Three score people
may kneel at a time. The Communion Table, has a Table cloth lyeing upon it, & at the
giving of the Sacrament, a white linnen Table cloth over it There are three Pewter Flagons
for Wine, a Silver Chalice, & Silver Cover. The inscription on the side of the Chalice is,
'This cup belongs to the Church of Cheping Wiccombe in the County of Bucks.' It was
bought by Robert Noy, Richard Piggot, & Robert Bowdrys, Churchwardens in the year of
our Lord 1671. The inscription on the cover is, 'This Cover belongeth to the Church of
Cheping Wiccombe in the County of Bucks,' & was bought by Peter Sillers, Joseph Shingle-
ton, John Bedder, & William Turner, Churchwardens, 1686. There is a pewter plate to lay
the Communion Bread on. There are two pewter plates, each with a foot at the bottome to
hold by, & an high edge round about the upper side, made for the purpose to receive the
oblations before the Sacrament There are two surplices. There is no Stock for any Repairs.
The Clark, Sexton, and Grave-digger are appointed by the Vicar, & are maintained by what
the people give them at Easter, & by ringing of the Bells, & attending on Christening,
Buryals, & marriages. The Churchwardens pay the Grave digger Forty shillings a year, for
sweeping & keeping clean the Church. The Silver Chalice above mentioned weighs Ten
Ounces and an half. The Silver Cover above mentioned weighs Five Ounces and a fower
penny weight"

"RICH SHRIMPTON) THOMAS CORDELL, Vicar of the

TlJ ' ™ T T ~ w [ Churchwardens. Church of Cheping Wiccombe in the

County of Bucks."

"The foregoing is a true Copy of an original Terrar
remaining in the registry of the Lord Bishop of
Lincoln at Lincoln.

RICHD. SMITH

Registrar of the Diocese of Lincoln."

" N.B. — The above named Thomas
Cordell was Instituted to
the Vicarage of Cheping
Wiccombe on the 3rd
August i68i k R. S."

Palace Lincoln
Sept r - 12. 1845."

COPY TERRIER belonging to the Vicar of Chepping Wicombe.

Date supposed to be about 17 n.
"THE VICARAGE HOUSE contains 1 Hall, 1 Kitchen, 2 pantrys, 2 parlours. The
best Wainscoted, & both floor'd with deal, 6 Chambers floor'd with Oak. The front of the House
is ss feet long by 28 feet The Brew House, Stable and Hayloft, adjoining to the house, are

lOO

47 feet long & 16 feet wide. A wood house not far from the house is 17 by 13 feet. The
house is built with Timber and dirt, but til'd.

"The Ground about the Buildings is on the west side 195 feet, fenced with a brick wall,
and house on the East side is 160 feet, fenced about half way with a good brick Wall and a
parsonage house, the rest is with pales. On the South end is 131 feet fenced 3 parts with brick
and Stone Walls, the other part with pales. On the North side is 187 feet fenced with a quick
hedge, and about the 6th part with pales. All this Ground comes to 3 roods, 15 poles, and 268
feet. There is a Brick and Stone wall on y c East side of the passage going up from the North
end, to the house which parts it from y° Garden, 50 feet long & 5 feet high. On y c West side
of y e passage, there is a quick to be kept cut. There is no more Glebe belonging to the Vicar
except you look upon the Church Yard as such.

" All manner of Tithes within the Verge of the Corporation belong to y e Vicar, & all
small Tithes in the parish, except that of wool. These Tithes are taken some of them in
Kind, but generally compounded for & pay'd every half year in money. There is no modus
for anything except barely for paper Mills, & Corn Mills, that have been such time out of
mind. There is nothing paid out from the Vicar's Tithes. The fee for Marriage is 5"/-, for
Easter Offering 4 d , for Churching i s /-, for Mortuary io & /-, for burying in the Church, sometimes
a Guinea, sometimes half a Guinea, but never less than ten Groats ; for burying in the Church-
yard, if no going into the Church, 1 shilling, but if there is, sometimes more. And there is a
pension of 5 Ib per annum for reading prayers, left by one Mr. Rut. The Clerk and Sexton have
been chosen time out of mind by the Vicar ; the Clerk's fee is a Groat a House at Easter, a
Groat for Churching, a shilling for marriage, 5 s /- for the Great Bell, if the Corps is buried in
Church, but 4 s /- if in the Churchyard, 2 s /6 d for the 7 th Bell, 2 s /- for all the lessor, but the first,
and that is i $ /6 d . The Sexton has 2 Ib per annum for sweeping the Church, i*/- for digging an
Adult person's Grave, and 6 d for a Child's, if the Corps is buried in y e Churchyard, but if in the
Church 2 s /6 d for the former, & i s /6 d for the latter.

"There are 8 Good Bells belonging to the Church. The biggest weighing about 2700
weight. A good velvet cloth and cushion to the pulpit, a good brass candle stick, a silver cup
and cover weighing 15 ounces 3 /v> 3 pewter Flaggons & 2 Salvers, a good linnen cloth &
2 Napkins, & a plain woollen cloth belonging to the Communion Table; 2 surplices & a
hood, a Bible & 2 Common prayer Books, a good clock and chimes — ".

"J. GUISE— FERD SHRIMPTON— JOHN HEALEY— Churchwardens".

" A true Copy having been examined with the Original Terrier
remaining in the registry of the Lord Bishop of Lincoln.

ROBT. SWAN.
Lincoln 10 th Sept r 1845 "• Reg.

In a Deed without date, but apparently of the middle of the 13th
Century, the Burgesses of Wycombe granted Ade fitz Walder for their
lives, to him, and for the Service he had done them, that they and their
successors are his Attorneys to see and cause that the Grant which the Ab-
bess and Convent of Godstowe granted him, be fully carried out, viz., that
the said Abbess and Convent find for ever one fit Priest to celebrate the

IOI

Priestly Office in the Church of Wycombe, specially for the Soul of Walder
his Father, and of Alice, his Mother, and for his Soul, and that of Agnes, his
Wife, and of all faithful departed. And that all things contained in the Deed
of the said Abbess and Convent be fully carried out.

In the reign of Edward I. (1274) John le Bowyer gave the Church of
Wycombe 3 Torches of Wax, each 4 pounds weight, to be found, out of his
Tenement, which he granted Walder de . . . between William Ger-
veys' house, and Richard le Hurlers, and 3 s /- out of the said William
Gerveys', and /i2 d out of late Gregory le Barber's. The said Walter to find
out of the said houses and rents, 3 Torches, 2 on Lady day, and 1 on
Christmas day, for ever.

We may here add what is probably the probate Copy of the Testament of
William atte Coumbe, in Latin, written on parchment, and dated Tuesday,
— a.d. 1354, whereby he leaves (inter alia) "to the Church of Bradenham
one sheep ; to the Church of Hugendene one sheep ; and to the Church of
Wycombe one sheep ; to Sir Roger, Chaplain of the parish, 6 d ; to the Sacrist
3 d ; to the Clerk 2 d . He leaves to the Wardens of the Church of Wycomb
2 s / of yearly rent from the tenement of Richard le Carpenter, formerly, of
John le Mareys [Marsh] to find one torch, and the raising [levationem] of
the body of Christ, in the Chapel of the Blessed Mary of Wycombe. To
the same Wardens also 6 d yearly to be received from a certain Shop, which
formerly belonged to Matthew le Fullere near the tenement of W. le
Carpenter. Also to the same Wardens, one penny of rent from the tene-
ment which belonged to Serche, towards the fabric of the Church. Also
20 s to be spent on the day of his burial, and the same on his Annivisary
days. The residue of his goods he leaves to be distributed, at the discretion
of his executors for his Soul, and the Soul of Thomas atte Coumbe, to his
Uncle ; one earthen pot [brec] excepted, which he leaves to the house of St.
John tRe Baptist, of Wycombe. " And, for the execution of this testament,
I do make, ordain, and appoint, Sir John Parson of Bradenham, and Edith
my Wife to be executors."

With regard to the Architectural features of the present Church, there
are some fine specimens of the early English Work. Many of the Windows
with their tracery, as well as the beautiful arcading in the great South Porch,
have been preserved. The structure originally consisted of the Nave,
Aisles, and Chancel, with their high pitched, or gable roofs, and the Tower

102

rising between the Chancel and the Nave. At the West end of the North
Aisle, doorways have been discovered which evidently led to a building of
two Stories, long since demolished, traditionally called " the Confessional/'
but correctly, the Revestry with Sextry above. We learn from Dr. Browne
Willis's MSS. that the North Aisle was originally called the Vicars Aisle,
and had been widened for the erection of eight Altars which formerly existed.
In 1 518 there were, however, only six Altars in the Church, beside the High
Altar, namely, St. Clement's, St Nicholas', Name of Jesus, the Bower, and
the Resurrection Altar, but to which must be added the Altar to St Mary's
Chapel, to be presently mentioned. The construction of the Nave is of the
period of the 15th Century. The length of the whole building is 180 feet ;
the Nave is 48 feet high. The South Aisle was of a very little later date.

The South Aisle in the Chancel is the most modern part of the Church,
and was called " the Bower Chancel," and originally was very beautifully
decorated. There was a Chapel in the Church dedicated to St Mary,
which in all probability was situate in the Chancel, at the back of the High
Altar.

In the 23rd, Edward III., by his Testament, Matthew, son of Matthew
le Fuller, left a tenement in the High Street, to maintain a lamp to be
always burning before the Altar of St. Mary in the Church of Wycombe.
There were also eight Altars in the Aisles of the Chancel in 1526. In the
early part of the 15th century considerable alterations took place, as all the
piers and arches, the roofs in the Nave, the Aisles, and the clerestory win-
dows disclose the work of the perpendicular period. The old Tower, which
contained a peal of five bells of great weight, was removed. And the last
great alteration, or rather addition, which we have to record, as completing
the building as it now stands, was the erection of the present magnificent
Tower, in the year 1522, under the superintendence of Rowland Messenger,
who had been Vicar of Wycombe from 150S to 151 1, when he resigned the
living. The Tower was completed with much rejoicing "ryngying of bellys,
and pypying of Organs."

We may here mention that Rowland Messenger was also Prebend
of St Botolph's, Lincoln, and Rector of Winwick, Northamptonshire. It
appears that he was a man of considerable Architectural skill, energetic, and
somewhat notorious in his time ; he was appointed by Cardinal Wolsey a
Clerk, or Comptroller of the Works, on the erection of the Tower of Christ

io 3

Church College, Oxford, in 1525. Longland, Bishop of Lincoln, and Con-
fessor to Hen: VIII., in the year 1532, under the provisions of the in-
famous Statute against Heretics 2 Hen: IV. c. 15 (which Fox, the Martyr-
ologist asserts, never received the assent of the Commons), directed a
Warrant to the Sheriff of Bucks, for the burning of the venerable Thomas
Harding of Chesham, who had for some time been incarcerated in the
prison attached to the Bishop's Palace at Wooburn, significantly called,
11 The little ease," on a charge of heresy, and particularly, for denying the
real presence in the sacrament ; and the bishop appointed Rowland Messen-
ger to take the oversight of his martyrdom.

Thomas Rave of Great Marlow, having abjured, says Fox, " when he
came to Wycomb, there to do his penance, Rowland Messenger bound his
fagot with a silken lace." This penance was the bearing of a fagot on a
Market day, on the Shoulder, the penitent standing on the highest step of the
Market Cross ; and from thence, bearing his fagot in a procession within the
Church, and at High Mass kneeling on the highest step before the Altar.

By the Statute of Hen: II. already referred to, bishops were not only
permitted to arrest and imprison, so long as their heresy should last, all
preachers of heresy, all schoolmasters infected with heretical teaching, all
owners or writers of heretical books, but a reprisal to abjure, or a relapse
after abjuration, enabled them to hand over the heretic to the civil officers,
and by these, (so ran this first legal enactment of bloodshed, which defiled
our Statute book), he was to be burnt on a high place before the people.

In the Plowman s Talc (formerly ascribed to Chaucer) arc the follow-
ing lines relative to the prosecutions of supposed Heretics : —

" These # hav more right in England here,

" Than hath the King, and all his lawe ;

"They hav purchased such powere,

" To taken hem whom list or knawe ;

" And say that heresie is there sawe, 7

" And so to prison wol heme sendc.

"It was not so by elder lawe y

"God for His mercy it amende.

" The Kingcs lawe wol no man deme,

" Angerlichc without an answerc,

" But if any man these misqueme,

* Viz. [the bishops.] f [say or talk.]

104

"He shall be baited as a berc ;

" And yet well worse they wol him terc,

44 And in prison wollin him pende, •

44 In gines, and in other gere,

41 Whan that God woll, it may amende/'

In the early part of the present century, a stone Sarcophagus of a
very early period, about five feet long, was discovered in the North Wall of
the Church. And lately, a fragment of zigzag moulding, which it is pre-
sumed belonged to the old Norman Church, and also a quantity of mediaeval
pavements were uncovered. And more recently in the South Aisle, near
the little door, and about six inches beneath the surface, some more pave-
ment of the same period has been discovered, on the removal of which,
another stone Sarcophagus was found without a lid, lying west and east ;
it is sculptured to receive the head and shoulders, and is about five feet
eight inches in length, and in good preservation. The Aisles of the Church
and Chancel were both divided by ancient carved screens, or parcloses,
which were erected by Mr. William Redehode, to whom reference has al-
ready been made.

The screen of the South Chancel Aisle had a well preserved inscrip-
tion in Oak as follows : —

44 Prayc for the Seniles of Rychardc Redehode,

44 Agnes his Wyfe, the whyche Richard bilded this jarclose with tymbrc in the yere off ourc
Ixml God 1468, on — Soules — God."

These Screens were some few years since removed, which is much to
be regretted by the admirers of Church Architecture. The inner Arch at
the west end, now opening to the Tower, discloses the remains of the old
west window, with its jambs prolonged, till they reached the ground ; this
pointed Arch, which is an object at once striking and beautiful, partly carries
the Tower.

The iron gates in front of the South entrance to the Churchyard were
the gift of the Karl of Shelburne, and formerly stood at the St Mary Street
entrance to Loakes House.

In concluding our remarks on the Church, we may add, that this noble
and stately edifice ranks first in importance among the Churches of the County,

• [hang.]

io5

and was by Dr. Kay, the learned Bishop of Lincoln, denominated the
Cathedral of Buckinghamshire.

In 1509 a dispute arose between Thomas Hey wood, LL.B., Vicar of
the Parish, and the Parishioners, as to the Vicars neglect of parochial
duties, which was referred to Dr. Smith, Bishop of the Diocese. And his
Lordship decreed in his domestic chapel at London, May 18th, 1509, that
on account of the number of souls being 1000, and the extent of the parish,
the Vicar should be resident, and have an Assistant ; and in case of absence,
should provide two Curates, or Officiating Clergymen.

The following is a list of the earlier Vicars of Wycombe : —

Vicars. Patrons.

Philip resigned.

Robert Maynard, 9 cal. April... 1273. per conventum de Godstow ...resigned.

Odo de Watlington 1273 resigned.

John de Clera, 15 cal. April... 1276

John le Palmere de Bloxham ... 13 10

John de Broughton died 1368.

Elias de Merston, May 2nd ... 1368

Will Chestayne died 14 18.

Thos. Sprott, August 24th ... 1418

John Croxley Exchanged for Islington with.

Richard Dalby, Sept. 9th ... 1 433

Robert Waring died 1470.

/ by reason of his being in
possession of the tempo-
Hugh Clay, Oct. 30th 1470. ...per Rcgcm. J ralities of the Nunnery,

quitted for West Wy-

\ combe.

John Thayles, Dec 4th 1471 per Rcgem resigned.

John Fisher, Jan. 1 9th 1472 per conventum de Godstow

Tho. Gilbert, LL.D., Dec. 28th, 1482

Thomas Botiler, occurs 1487

T. Heywood LL.B. March 26th, 1 508 resigned.

Rowland Messenger, March 1 2th, 1511 resigned.

William Wright, March 6th ... 1539

Richard Philips, March 20th ... 1555. ... by Jane Raunce resigned.

Thomas Bernard, August 1st, 1557. ... by John Raunce*

John Dans, May 25th 1592. ... by Robert Raunce

Philip Chamberlain 1594. ... by the same

• Note. — Dr. Brown Willis supposes the Crown sold this Benefice to them, and that
Raunce, the Patron, was only a lessee of the Crown.

• • • • • •

io6

Vicars. Patrons.

Gerard Dobson,* Nov. 6th ... 1629. ... by ten Citizens of Ixmdon....

George Fownes, during the Commonwealth

Thomas Johnson, Nov. 15th ... 1660. ... by Matthew Archdalc, Esq

,,..... T xr .l ,, f by Matthew ") resigned for Woo-

Wilham Ley, May 20th 1664. -;/,.. « > . °

J J ( Archdale, hsq. J burn.

Vincent Owen, June 7th 1669. ... by the same

Isaac Mills, A.M., Feb. 20th ... 1673. ... by the same resigned.

Thomas Cordel, Aug. 3rd 1681 buried here April 22, 171 1.

Samuel Guise, A.H., May 30th ... 171 1. ... by Hen: Petty, I ,ord Shelburne

And again 1724 buried here Oct 19, 1753-

Edmund Trot, LL.R,f Dec. 6th 1753. ... by John, Earl of Shelburne

James Price, 15. A., Nov. 24th ... 1763. ... by William, Earl of Shelburne.

And again, M.A., Jan. 6th 1784. ••• the same ... buried here, Jan., 1788.

James Price, B.A. March 21st ... 1784. ... the same, Marquis of Lansdownc, K.G.

The 1st Ledger referred to, folio 3, contains —

" An Inventory of the Goods of the Parish Church of Ail Saints at Wycombe, made there
a.d. 1475, m tne ^ me 0I " Nicholas Grove, John Porter, William Harper, and Thomas Lytylpage
the Younger, Wardens of the Church aforesaid : the following is a copy.

" A sewtc of vestmentes of rede bawdekyne, beryng werke damaske branchis of Gold, with
lyons and byrdis of the same. A sewte of sturTe berynge werke branchis of grene, with levis ot
golde. A sewte of rede velewet, powdyrde, with crowns of gold. A sewte of blewe bawdekyn,
berynge werke grene branchis with byrdis of gold. A sewte of white bawdekyne, powdyrde with
birdis of golde. A sewte of rede sylke, powderid, with white branchis. A sewte of blacke for
Requiem Mas. A chesapylle of rede bawdekyne, powdered, with birdis of golde, with an awbe
(alb) longyng thcrto. A sewte of grene velewet, except the cope, beryng a grene bawdekyne.
A chesapyll and tenekylle of sylke, beryng branchis of blewe purpylle with apys of golde, with
apparell therto. A sewte of blewe sylke, with rayes of golde, except the awbys and copis of
plaync white sylke. A white chesapyll, with apparell therto ; ii. chesapyllis of sylke with ap-
I>arelle therto ; ii. olde chesapylles of sylke ; vii. pelowis of sylke and of bawdekyne ; hi. pallis
of clothe of sylke, |>owderide with gold ; vi. autcr clothis to lye uppone the hye auter. A palle
for the hersse of blacke sylke ; a blacke saye clothe [perditur, lost — Note] ; another of wollcn
[l>crditur, lost. — Note]. Item v. longe hoselynge towellis of diaper; ii. waisshinge towellis for
the hye auter ; a blacke frontell for the hye auter, with branchis of grene powderid, with squier-
elles of gold. Item, a blewe frontell with branchis of grene, powderid, with hyndis of golde.
Item, v. corperas cases of diverse clothis of sylke, vii. corporassis of casis lynnyne. Item, a purse
of clothe of golde ; a purse of clothe of sylke, with the reliquis. Item, iii. baneris of sylke, with
the stavis thereto, a crosse barter of sylke with a stafle of copur and gylte ; a crosse staffe peyntid ;
iiii. banir clothis of lynnyne. Item, a canape of purpull sylke, with iiii. botons gylt; a canape
of white clothe ; vi. pynounse [pennons] of sylke ; iii. pendauntes of sylke ; iii. lecturne clothis.
Item, iiii. steynide clothis for the hye auter, with iiii. curtayns, ii. steynid clothis, for the hye

• Dobson occurs in 1652, when the Living was worth ^20 |>cr Ann., and in 175a the
Parliament augmented it by a grant of ^50 per annum, out of Queen Anne's Bounty.

f Dr. Trot ruined himself in rebuilding the Vicarage House, and died at St Kitts, leaving a
destitute widow.

io7

auter, with iiii. curtayns, ii. steynid clothis, with a frontcll counterfeet clothe of gold for the
hye auter ; ii. curtayns of purpylle sylke ; ii. auter clothis for Lent, with the curtayns ; iii.
lecturne clothis for Lent A staynid clothe of gold, powdcrid with gold and sylver for the
Sepulcur, with a lynnyne clothe therto ; a Sepulcur of tymber with a stole therto. A vayle
of white, with a crosse of rede ; ii. canstykkys of latone to stonde uppone the hye auter ; ii.
grete canstykkys of latone, to stonde in the queir. A sensare of latone, a shippe of latone ; a
pyx box of latone, with a box of ivorie. A crismatorie of sylk, that weyth xxvii. unces. A
chalys with a patent of sylver and gylt, that weythe xvi. unces and i. quarter. A chalys with a
patent of sylver and gylt, that weyth xviii. unces and i. quart A chalys with a patent of sylver
and gylt, that weythe xxvii. unces and dwt. A chalys with a patent of sylver and gylt, that
weythe xxx. unces L quarter. A chalys with a patent of sylver, that weythe xii. unces and dwt
A sensare with cheyns of sylver, that weythe xxxvii. unces. A sensare with cheynes of sylver,
that weythe xxxiii. unces i. quarter. Item, ii. shippes of sylver, with ii. sponys of sylver, that
weyth xx. unces, iii. quarters, and dwt A crosse of sylver and gylt, that weythe lxxiiii. unces ;
a fote of a crosse, with a penacull of sylver and gylt, that weythe lxi. unces ; ii. crewettes of
sylver, that weyne ix. unces and quarter ; ii. basyns of sylver, that weyne xxx. unces ; ii.
canstykkys of sylver, that weyne xlix. unces and half unce. Item, a pax of sylver and gylt with
v. stonys, that weythe xv. unces ; a lytyll box of sylver and gylt, that weyth 3 unces ; a lytyll
box of sylver with dyverse reliquis therin ; a box of copur and gylt, and enamilde, with reliquis
therm. A crosse of copur and gylt ; another crosse of copur and gylt with iiii. stonys. A
crosse of latene ; another of tree [wood] : a surplice for the quere. Item, ii. Mass bokys to the
hye auter; ii. grete Luggeris [Leigers, or Antiphonars] in the qucire; iiii. Portowis [Portifories,
or Portehors] a Responsor, with a lytyll Graylle ; v. Grayles ; vi. Proscssioneris ; ii. Manuellis;
L Dirgeboke ; ii. Pystyl bokys [Epistle books] ; a Legent ; i. Ordinalle ; i. Martilage [Martyr-
ology] ; a Cathalicane [Catholicon] ; a lantorne ; an haly water stok of latone ; ii. lecternys of
tymber ; ii. hoselyng bellys [houseling bells] ; iii. bellis for the bedmanne [bedeman, or sum-
moner] ; ii. beris [biers] with ii. coffyns therto. Item, i. crowe of irene wei'ng ix. Ii. weight.
Item, a sute of clothe of golde tyssu of the gyftc of Sir John Stoktone of Ixmdone, with alle the
aparellc. Item, ii. Copys of whighte damaske, the orferasse [orfrays] of bleu damaske, ex dono
Wittelmi Rcdchodc [the gift of William Redehode]. Item, ii. blac copys of worstcde, the orfe-
rasse of blew worstede, poudered, with letters of gold, ex dono dicli Willelmi Redehode [the gift
of the said William Redehode]. Item, a palle of imperiall a — . Item a Processionary, covcryd
with black damaske. Item, ii. awter clothis of blew worstede, powderyd, with flowyrs of golde
and spongy Is of sylver. Item ii. curteynes of blew sarsenet, frengyd with sylke. Item, a pyx
of sylver gylt, with a lytyll pece of sylver, weyeing xvi. unces. Item, ii. candystykkes of latene,
stondyng in Seynt Nicholas chauncelle. Item, a Kercheffe of plesans, with a bordur of sylke and
golde, ex dono Johannis Collarde. Item, a gownc of purpylle sarsenet for lhesus awter, ^.r dono
fohannis Collarde. Item, a cloth of blac worstede for the herse, with a whyte crosse imbrow-
dcryd in v. placis with the name of Jhesus. Item a canape of Iaunde, with iiii. botons of
nedylle worke, freyngyd rounde abowte with rede sylke and golde, ex dono Margeria Bontynge
[the gift of Margery Bontynge]. Item, a lynnyne cloth, with a crosse of blac bokeram, for the
roode. Item a towelle to hossyl [administer the Sacrament to] peple, conteyning by estymacion
xix. yerdes with blewe porelles [q y . tufts] at the end. Item a baner clothe of blew-sylke,
chaungeable with a fegure of the Trinite, of the yefte of John Collarde. Chales with a patent
of sylver and gylte, weyeng x. unces, of the yefte of William Redehode ad dicta m Cape/Ian
Beat* Maria [to the said Chapel of S 1 . Mary]."

In folio 4.6 by a like Inventory taken in the year 1503, some of
the former items have disappeared and others arc added. Among the
latter : —

" A scwtc of rede sylk with sterns, and the floure de luce. A scwte of blak with flouris of
golde in the crosse. A cope of grene bawdckyn with lyones rampyone of gold. A Chesebylle
of grene borde alisaundre [a cloth, probably resembling sandalwood] with a crosse of sayc sylke.
Mytcrs of diverse sewtes, ii. stremers of sylke, one rede, another blewc, iii. qweryes noted, of
the Visitacion of oure I-ady, iii. qweyres of the Transfiguration of Jhesu, and the Masse also.
Two bokes, on off Seynt Austen's workes, another of Seynt Gregories worke, iiii. wol. stremers
to goc by the crosse uppone high days."

In folio 7.6 follows an Inventory of the Church goods made on the
20th of January, 10th Henry VIII. (a.d. 15 19), in the presence of
Thomas Kare, Mayor. The last in general resembles the preceding
ones : the " Hygh a where " is mentioned ; the " Bowre awltere/' the
41 Resurrection awltere." " Jesus awltere " ; " Saynt Clements awltere."
Many 4t vestments " arc mentioned ; among them " a vestment of grene
dornckke," [Cloth of Tournay] " a strcmer of bokcrham, image of our
Lady." A '• baner of bokerham of Sayent Poule."

The 2nd Ledger, folio 1, contains the following record of —

THE CHURCH BELLS.

" An accompt of the w" of the old, and new Bells ; the charge ot casting, and their inscrip-
tions. Cast in the year 1 7 1 1.

( \V U of y* OM Ikll>. InMrriptioii*.

c«t.

6. 29 •• o •• 00 Jos. Pettiphur May'; Cha. Elliott Aid. ; Jno. Bigg, T. Clerk; Tho 1 Grove,

Cris. Landell, Sam. Freeman, Rob 1 Rastliff, c.w. 1683.
5. 20 m i •• 04 Martin Lcwellin May', Rob 1 Roy, Cris r Weeden, Rich d Piggot, Rob 1
1 Wl w" Bowdrey, Church \V. 1672.

* 4. 15 •• 2 ..11 ** \X)\Q (iod" 1636.

3. \2 .. o ■• iS Multis Annis Kesonet Campana Johannis 1583.
2. 9 •• o •• 1 S Sit nomen domini Bencdictum.
1. K •• o •• 10 l'raise the Lord iCao.*'

in all 94 •• 1 " °5

■ '1.1

IO}

W' 1 of the New Bells,
cwt.

8. 25 11 1

7- 17 " 3

6. 13 ti 1

bcllw"

5. 11 .. 3

4- 9 " 3

3- 7 » 3

2. 6 it 2

1. 6 H 3

^ in all[99 no

00 Sam 1 Guise M.A. Vicar, Nath : Morgin, Wm. Packer.

Sam 1 Wells, Fra. Williams, C. W. Rich d Phelps, Wade Mee, 1711.
00 Hugh Shrimpton May r ; Tho s Russin, Justice,

Tho' Wood T. C. Rich d Allen, Jn° Carter, Bail : R.P. fecit 171 1.
06 Messeurs J no : Lane, Tho s Stevens, Geo. Grove, Fred : Shrimpton,

Tho s Wells, Aid" R. P. fecit 1711.
08 Messeurs Benj: Hickman, Jos. Pettipher, Rich d Shrimpton.

Hen: Hunt, Ald n . R.P. fecit 171 1.
00 God preserve the Church of England, and our gracious Queen,

Ann, R.P. fecit 171 1.
00 Rich d Phelps of White Chappell, London, cast these eight Bells in ye

year 171 1.

22 Edw d Stevens, Clark : Luke Gurncy, Sexton, R. P. fecit 171 1.
15 W m Shrimpton, T. Clark, Jn° Rose, Serjeant.

23 W m Hailey, Beadle, R.P. fecit 171 i. w

" The taking down of y e old Bells, altering y e Frame, Wheels, stocks, Clappers, Brasses,
Carriage from Spade Oke Wharfe to London, all other charge at London, casting the eight new
Bells, and adding five hundred weight of new mettle ; Carriage back to Spade Oke Wharfe.
Hanging y* new Bells, and all other charges (except carrying y e old Bells to Spade Oke Wharfe
and bringing y' new Bells back from thence, was undertaken and performed by Mr. Richard
Phelps of Whitechapell, Lond : Bell founder, for y c sum of one hundred and fourty pounds."

The second bell was added to the above by the Earl of Wycombe, and
the 3rd by Lord Henry Petty.

The following inscription is cast upon the tenor bell :

" May all whom I shall summon to the grave,
" The blessings of a well spent life receive.

The Rev d James Price Vicar,
Mess" Richard Barton, Sam 1 Bates, James Kingston,
Daniel Turner, Churchwardens, W. B." (No date).

The old Chimes were constructed by Mr. George Harman, Sen. (an
amateur of considerable mechanical skill), who also constructed the cele-
brated chimes in Cripplegatc Church, London ; the cost of the Wycombe
Chimes was paid by the Marquis of Lansdowne. Mr. Harman was by
nature of musical genius, for he also built an excellent chamber organ,
which he presented to his son, the late Alderman Harman, conditionally,
that he first played upon it the old hundredth psalm tune.

The Church has lately been restored ; the interior of the nave and

! IO

choir, completely, and the exterior, partially, under the direction of the
eminent architect, Mr. Street

A memorial window, of exquisite art, by Hardman, to the late Right
Honourable Robert John, second Lord Carington, has been placed at the
east end of the chancel, by the voluntary contributions of his Lord ship's
tenantry and friends.

A new Town Clock has recently been erected in the Tower of the
Church, by public subscription, having four dial plates, one of which is
illuminated ; and with a new set of chimes, playing seven tunes ; the list, to
which is added the names of the gentlemen presenting the same, is as
follows, viz. : —

Tunc
Sunday ... ... Easter Hymn

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Rousseau's Dream...
O Rest in the Lord
Sicilian Mariners' Hymn
Blue Bells of Scotland

Mr. F. Wheeler.
Mr. J. O. Griffits.
Mr. J. Parker, Jun.
Mr. F. Wheeler.
Mr. B. Lucas.

The Last Rose of Summer Mr. W. V. Baines.

Home, Sweet Home ... Mr. A. Vernon.

The chimes are played on the Church Bells every three hours.

In ! 545 William Avis was Parish Clerk and Organ Player.

An Organ by Green was placed in the Church in 1783. Mr. Maber-
lcy, an ancestor of an old Wycombe family, of the name of Pontyfix, was
for many years the Organist, and was succeeded by his nephew, Mr.
Pontyfix. This Organ was a few years since removed, and a magnificent
Organ, by Jones, was erected in the Vicar's Aisle, and contains the most
valuable of the pipes of the old Organ.

THE ALTAR PIECE.
A brief sketch relative to this picture, and as to its presentation to the
Church, may not be altogether uninteresting to the reader. The picture
which represents St. Paul preaching to the British Druids, was painted b

• As to the reasonable probability of St. Paul having preached in Britain, see Spec*
" Great Britain," and the authorities therein cited, p. 203 ; Bp. Newton " On the Prophecic
vol. ii.p. 237 ; and " The Early British Church founded by St Paul," by the Rev. Henry Sm
Chaplain of Parkhurst Prison.

1 1 r

John Hamilton Mortimer, an English historical painter of great merit ; and
for it, as being the best historical picture, he obtained the first prize of
one hundred guineas from the Society for the encouragement of Arts,
Manufactures, and Commerce. Doctor Bates, of Little Missenden, who was
the great friend and patron of Mortimer, on one occasion visiting him,
went into his studio, and to his great surprise found Mortimer playing with
a ball at the game of fives against this picture. The Doctor remonstrated
with him for his temerity ; Mortimer said he did not value the picture
particularly, and that the Doctor was quite welcome to it ; which offer he at
once accepted. Doctor Bates presented the picture in 1778 to this Church.
In 1779 Mortimer was, without solicitation or expectation, created a
Royal Academician by the especial grant of the King. His reputation was
now established, and his celebrity increased by the production of his pictures
of King John granting Magna Charta, The Battle of Agincourt, Vortigern
and Rowena, and other admired works. "In the freedom of his pencil "
(says Gould), "and the savage air of his banditti (his favourite subject) he
approached nearly to the boldest efforts of Salvator Rosa." After an illness
of a few days, Mortimer died on the 4th of February, 1779, aged 40, and
was buried in Little Missenden Church ; six months afterwards his remains
were exhumed, and in honour of his great master-painting, they were in-
terred in the chancel of this Church.

In anticipation of the restoration of the Church, the Churchwardens
obtained a faculty authorising the removal of the Altar Piece. And it was
resolved in Vestry that the same should be presented to the Corporation,
which was accepted. And this splendid production of art now graces the
Council Chamber of the Guildhall.

The Church Register dates from the year 1 598.

The Churchyard was closed by order of the Secretary of State ; and
the Cemetery was opened in July, 1855, which being pleasantly situated on
an eminence, commands a charming view of the town and its immediate
neighbourhood, embracing the beautiful grounds of Wycombe Abbey ;
Hughenden Manor, the seat of the Earl of Beaconsfield, with the pic-
turesque little Church, and Vicarage House attached ; also West Wycombe
Park, and the Church on the opposite hill ; restored by Francis Lord le

I 12

Dcspcnscr, after the Italian style. This Church has been ironically described
by Wilkes as " built on the top of a hill for the convenience and devotion of
the town at the bottom" Or as another wit irreverently adds, —

" A temple built aloft in air,
That serves for show, if not for prayer."

THE PRINCIPAL MONUMENTS, Etc., IN THE CHURCH.

In the North Aisle of the Chancel. — The principal object of interest
is an elegant mural monument by Schcemakers, to Henry Petty, Earl of
Shclburne. It consists of an architrave, supported by double Corinthian
columns of gray marble, the whole placed upon a basement of fine white
marble ; between the pillars stands a sarcophagus of gray stone, upon which
reclines the dying Earl, supported on his right elbow, and by his side
Religion, with an open book. Upon the front of the sarcophagus is a
medallion with the head of Sir William Petty (the Earls father) in alto.
To the left of this group, an erect male figure, habited as a Roman warrior,
and seated by his side, an elegant female caressing an infant To the right
another group, showing a youth tended by two female figures, emblematical
of Wisdom and Virtue. At the back of the centre group is a pyramidal
tablet of Sienna marble, surmounted with the family shield, and bearing two
cherubims, prepared to crown the expiring statesman. Above the entabla-
ture arc two female figures in a reclining attitude, and holding the attributes
of Justice and Truth. All these statues, twelve in number, are in white
marble, and the size of life. The inscription is as follows : —

To the Memory of Henry Petty, Karl of Shelbume

Son of Sir William Petty. His lordship married Arabella

Boyle daughter of Charles Ix>rd Clifford, son and

heir apparent of Charles Karl of Cork and Burlington,

by whom he had issue,

Julia, who died unmarried, aged 23 years ;

Charles who died at the age of 12 years. Ann, who married

Francis Bernard, Ks<j., of Castle Bernard, in the kingdom of

Ireland, and died at the age of 30 years, leaving no issue.

James Lord Viscount Dunkerron,

Who married Klizabeth Clavering, daughter and co-heiress of

Sir John Clavering, in the bishoprick of Durham ;

i>3

James Lord Viscount Dunkerron, died in the 40 th year of his age.

Elizabeth, his Wife, in the 32 nd , and with their only son,

Who died an infant, lie buried underneath

This monument.

Henry Earl of Shelburne,

Having survived his wife and children, bequeathed his fortune

to John Fitzmaurice, second son of his Sister Ann,
Countess of Kerry, on condition of his taking the surname of
Petty, and died in the 78 th year of his age.
He and Arabella his wife, lie buried under this monument.
This monument was erected by Slingsby Bethel, Esq., alderman
of London, and William Monck, Esq., of the Middle Temple, London,
his lordship's executors, 1784.

In contemplating this fine work of art, the eye is struck by the admir-
able foil afforded by the flowing draperies to the straight lines of architec-
ture. It is principally of light veined marble, and is some 26 feet high. A
finer composition is rarely met with, and the examination of it is equally
gratifying and satisfactory. It is surrounded with an iron railing — we trust
a needless protection.

In the south aisle, on a brass plate : —

Here under lyeth buried, the bodye of Margaret Trone, the
daughter of — Trone, and An his wife, who deceased the first
of November, 1588.

Also a beautiful monument, by Carlini, representing Lady Shelburne
reclining on an urn, with her two children, the effect of which is truly
imposing, —

Sophia

Daughter

of John and Sophia, Earl and Countess Granville,

Wife
of William Earl of Shelburne, Baron of Wycombe,

Mother
of John Henry Viscount Fitzmaurice
and William Granville Petty,
Died in the twenty sixth year of her age,
on the sixth of January, mdcclxxi.
Her price was far above rubies,
Her children arise up and call her blessed ;
Her husband also, and he praiseth her. — Solomon.

Above the monument is her ladyship's achievement.

i!4

The following curious and unique inscription is on a tablet in the
north aisle of the Chancel. William Bradshawc, whom it commemorated,
resided at the Bridge Mill. Four of his sons were graduates of Oxford
(one of them of Brasenose, and another of Balliol) ; and on the death of the
parents, each of them contributed these epitaphs in elegant Latin.

Epitaphium.
In obi turn Gulielmi Bradshawc qui obiit Jul. 19. 16 14

An: oetat: 103. Et Margerix Uxoris ejus quae obiit Jul. 15. 1620 An. sctat 96.
Kt Gulielmi filii ipsorum Qui obiit September 9. 1596 An. yEtat: 29
Junxit amor vivos, defunctos jungit et urna,
Jungit curium animas corpora jungit humus :
Ista manent stabili semper connubia nexu :
Kt mors ipsa nequit solvere vincla Dei

F. B. Sac. Theol: Duct.

Aliud
Quae genuere vorant rpavot ct jrponor, almaque: tellus
Sed (micrum est) iterum que vorat ipsa parit.

N. B. Sac. Theol: Bach.

Aliud
Mors tibi jam stimulum moriens Sal vat or ademit:
Mors vitam, at mortem vita secunda fugat.

R. B. Art M'.

Aliud
In damno lucrum est, injuria finore ditat,
Corpora quae recipit mortua, viva dabit

J. B. Art. M'.

Translation. In memory

nf Wm. Bradshawc, who died July 19, 1614, aged 103; and of Margery, his wife, who died
July 15. \(>2Q % aged 96 ; and of William, their son, who died September 9, 1596, aged 29.

Ix>ve joined their lives, the tomb unites their dust,
The realms above unite their souls, we trust.
Such |>erfect bonds not death itself can sever,
Whom God thus fitly joins, he joins for ever.

F. B., D.l).

Like time, like fabled Saturn, mother earth
Devours her sons, but gives them second birth.

N. B., B.I).

Where is thy sting, O death ? 'tis nought to me,
Thou endest life : another life ends thee.

R. B., M.A.

Where loss is gain, why dread we death's attack ?
Earth takes us lifeless, deathless yields us back.

J. B., M.A.
F. Bradshawe, D.D., was a fellow of Magdalene College, Oxford. See Anthony a Wood.

In the south aisle, on a white marble tablet, enriched with decorative
emblems of his profession, viz., a casque or modern helmet, sword and
spear, and within a wreath of laurel, the words, " Ladoeira," " Salamanca/'
is this inscription : —

Captain William White,

Of His Majesty's 13* regiment of Light Dragoons,

and D. A. Q. M. G. of Cavalry, under his Grace the Duke of Wellington,

was mortally wounded at the battle of Salamanca, the 2 2 n /. i of July, 181 2,

in the 30^ year of his age.

Of whom his brave companions in arms have

borne this honourable testimony that " he fell nobly,

acting with distinguished bravery in a glorious cause, with a character

unblemished as a man and as a soldier, adorned with unsullied integrity, and

undaunted courage ! " a testimony amply corroborated

by the official Gazettes of Sept 18 th , 18 10, and May 9 1 *, 181 2.

He survived until the night of the 23"', and ere he breathed his last had the satisfaction

of knowing that he died, as he had lived, the companion of Victory.

Lieut. Gillespie White of the same regiment twin brother
of the above, and holding similar rank on the staff of the army
in Egypt, commanded by Sir Ralph Abercrombie K.B.
died at Damietta Oct 15 1 .* 1801, at the age of 20 years.

Also, on a neat mural tablet, near the communion table, is the follow-
ing inscription, held —

Satreto

To the Memory of

William Sproston, of

High Wycombe, Gentleman,

Who departed this life

The 26 th day of January, 1S41,

in his 78 th year.

1 16

A faithful director of

The Royal Free Grammar School,

In this Borough

for 47 years.

44 Go and do thou likewise. "

This tablet is erected by his only

Surviving and beloved brother,

Samuel Sproston Esq., of Sproston Wood,

Wrenbury, in the County of Chester.

Also on a neat white marble sarcophagus, adorned with a sculptured
figure of a serpent coiled, emblematical of wisdom and eternity : —

Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John Manning LL.B.

Formerly of St Mary's Hall, Oxford, and

Alderman of this Borough. He died

the r 1 Oct., 1827, aged 67 years.

Within the Communion rails, on a brass plate : —

Here lyeth the body of Robert Kemp, who departed this life
the 28. November, a.d. 1621.

Wife, children, wealth, this world, and life forsaken,

In silent dust I sleep ; when once awaken,

My Saviour's might a glorious change will give —

So loosing all I gayne, and dying, live.

My fame I trust the world with, for 'tis true,

Posterity gives each man his due.

M. S.

Hie jacet Martinus Lluelyn,

Eruditus Medicinx Doctor,

Kx «'Ede Christi olim Alumnus

Sueviente Civilis Belli Incendio

(I)um Oxonium Prcesidio muniebatur)

Cohorti Acadcmicorum fideli Proefectus crat

Adversus ingnientem Rebellium ferociam

Postca quam screnissimo Carolo Secundo inter juratos medic us

Kt CoIIcgii Medicorum Ixmdinensis Socius

Aula: Sanctx* Marias dudum Principalis

I >cin hujusre comitatus Irenarcha

\cc nun Municipii hujus scmel Pructor

ii7

Regiae Authoritatis et Religionis Ecclesiae Anglicanae legibus stability
Strenuus Assertor
Inconcussus Amator
Celeberrimus et Insignis Poeta

Qui res egregias et sublimes pari ingenio et facundia depinxit
Bino matrimonio faelix septem liberos superstites reliquit,
Laetitiam et Martinura ex priore, Georgium, Ricardum et Mauritium ex posteriore

Nuper amantissimo Conjuge
Nunc Maestissima vidua Martha Georgii Long de Penn gen: filia.
Heu quara caduca corporis humani fabrica
Qui toties morbos fugavit, Ipse tandem

Morbo succumbit anhelus,
Doctorum et proborum maximum desiderium

Obiit 17 Martii 1681 annoque aetatis 66.

Translation.

Arms, a lion rampant crowned.

Impaling, a lion rampant inter 8 croslets with a bordure charged with ermine.

M. S.

Here lies Martin Lluelyn,

A learned Doctor of Medicine,

Formerly a student of Christ Church, Oxford.

During the Civil War,

at the siege of Oxford,

He was a lieutenant in the loyal company of Students,

Formed to oppose the ferocious rebels.

He was afterwards one of the sworn physicians of Charles II.

and Fellow of the College of Physicians in London.

He was Principal of St Mary Hall, Oxford, afterwards J.P. for this County,

And once Mayor of this Borough.

A strenuous supporter and unshaken admirer

of the Crown and Church as by law established.

A most famous and illustrious Poet,

who treated of lofty subjects with an* ability

and eloquence not unworthy of the same.

Twice married, he left seven surviving children,

Letitia and Martin by his first wife, George, Richard, and Maurice,

By his second, Martha daughter of George Long of Penn, Gent.,

late his loving wife, now his disconsolate widow.

Alas ! how frail a creature is man !

He, who so often banished disease

At last becomes its victim,

Regretted by all learned and good men.

He died 17 March 1681.

Aged 66.

At the foot of the tablet is an epitaph to his daughter, Martha Crosse,
who died Feb. I, 1767, aged 93.

On a flat stone in the nave, beneath the chandelier, is the following
inscription, much defaced : —

Barnes 1701.
Is Johny dead ? though young and small in age,
Translated quickly, from this wordly stage,
Life's like a flower, which of itself will die,
And nipt with frost, soon hangs its head awry.
Death spares not any mortal, but is bold,
To take both Kings and Peasants, young and old ;
He watchful then, when God doth give you car
Of death and judgment, none knows who is near.

On a very neat mural tablet in the north aisle : —

41 The memory of the just is blessed."

Sacred

To the memory of Isaac King, Esq.,

One of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of

Burks, and an Honorary Member of the Board of Agriculture.

He was a firm supporter of constitutional Liberty, sincerely

attached to the Established Religion of his Country ;

a most affectionate husband and father, a faithful

friend, an honest and benevolent man.

Died Dec. 24 th 1812. ,-Etat. 72.

Also : —

Sacred to the memory of

The Rev: Isaac King, LL.B.

Twenty five years Vicar of West Wycombe,

In the County of Bucks,

Who

•• After he had served his own generation by the will of Ciod

fell on sleep."

Born March 21 sl 1776, died January 26" 1832.

Tin* tablet was erected by his surviving widow and children

as a testimony of their affection.

119

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither
shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed
away." — Revelation xxi. 4.

Also near the Communion rails — Azure, a maunch ermine, over all a
bend gules. Bearing argent a chevron inter 3 crosslets gules in pretence.

Near

This place lies the body of Ferdinando Norton, Gent., formerly

one of His Majesty's band of Musicians,

and many years an inhabitant of this Borough.

He died January 5^, 1773, aged 76 years ;

Leaving many legacies to the poor, and to the Magdalen and

S!. Luke's Hospitals, ^300 each.

Also of Bridget his wife, daughter of M r Thomas Woodroff,

Linen Draper, of London, she died June 25, 1771, aged 64 years.

To commemorate such valuable characters, so much esteemed
through life for their honesty, religion, and charity, this monument
is erected by their nephews and nieces, as a small mark of
gratitude and affection.

On a neat tablet close to the Communion rails : —

In Memory of

Ann the beloved wife of

Thomas Westwood, Esq., of this town

and eldest daughter

of Samuel and Isabella Welles,

Died Jan: 28, 1839, aged 83 years.

Also,

Of the said Thomas Westwood, Esq:,

who died July 21*! 1839,

aged 64 years.

Many years an alderman of this Borough.

Also on a slab in the south aisle is the following inscription : —

" Here lies in hope of a blessed resurrection of the just to eternal life, the body of Richard
Shrimpton, Gent", Alderman, and thrice Mayor of this Corporation, and Justice, when he died.
He departed this life June y e 20 th 1727 aged 77

44 For being just unto his Friend,
his enemies hastened his end."

120

Also, a monument erected to perpetuate the —

Memory of

M" Sarah Shrimpton

The beloved wife of Thomas Shrimpton, Esq ;

a native of this borough.

She departed this life the 28^ day of May, 1783,

to the inexpressible grief of her family and friends.

" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord."

Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims

For all the pious dead ;
Sweet is the savor of their names,

And soft their sleeping bed.

They die in Jesus, and are bless'd ;

How kind their slumbers are !
From suffering, and from sins releas'd,

And freed from ev'ry snare.

Far from this world of toil and strife,
They 're present with the Lord ;

The labours of their mortal life
End in a large reward.

Peace all our angry passions then !

Let each rebellious sigh,
Be silent at the sovereign will,

And every murmur die.

The sculpture over the above tablet is, by the elder Westmacott, 1784.

In the north aisle, on a neat mural tablet : —

John Shrimpton, Esq.,
Major of the Tower of London, and Alderman
of this Borough, died March 28 th , 1787,
Aged 45 years.
He left the character of a brave officer in every part of
the world, and as an honest citizen, a
generous man, and a steady friend, was universally
regretted by this town, and corporation.

121

Sacred

To the memory of Joseph Shrimpton, Esq,

of this borough, who died i6 t » April, 1783, in the

72"- year of his age.

Also,

Of Esther Shrimpton, wife of the above Joseph Shrimpton,

Who died March 8 1 -, 1782, aged 71 years.

" The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance."

Near this place are deposited the remains of

George Clavering, Esq., of Greencroft, in

the parish of Lanchester, and County of Durham.

He was the second son of

Sir James Clavering, of Axwell Park,

in the said County, Bart.,

and died at High Wycombe, on his journey from Bath, the

22"' 1 day of May, 1794, aged 73 years.

On a slab in the pavement of the north aisle : —

Mary, wife of Major-Gcneral John Gaspard Le Marchant, 181 1.

Also, in the north aisle ; arms, azure, a chevron ermine inter 3 talbots
passant or. — Impaling. In chief a lion passant, in base a chevron ermine
inter 3 fer dc molines sable. (Turner) — Crest : a wolfs head on a ducal
coronet

Here lyeth the body of Thomas Archdale, Ksq.,
who departed this life Aug. 9^ 171 1, aged 36.

In Memory of
Richard Lluelyn, B.D., late fellow of Magdalen College, Oxon,

and Rector of Saunderton,
who died 25 th Dec, 1770, aged 62.

122

In the south aisle, on a mural monument of marble : —

Near this place is buried M» Mary Wyngrove, wife of Mr George
Wyngrove, of this town, and daughter of Christopher Newell, of Postcomb,
in the parish of Lewknor, Oxon, Gentleman. She died 23". 1 Sep., 1758,
aged 53 years.

Also,

In a vault in the chancel of this Church is deposited,

Fanny,

Relict of John Stone James, Esq., Barrister at Law, in which

profession his upright conduct and ability distinguished him.

After a pious, beneficent, and truly Christian life,

tranquilly resigned for immortality and endless bliss,

the 7 f » of July, 1831, in the 85^ year of her age.
She rests here in holy hope, with three beloved daughters

and two sons :

Fanny, who died in the 21?, Harriet, in the i8'\

John, in the 16* Rol>ert, in the 14 1 *, and Mary,

in the 1 2 lh , year of their age.

lively— as seraphs and as cherubs bright,

Pure as the dew — brilliant as morning light.

Thy native goodness and thy mental grace,

On fond remembrance leave a lasting trace.

Like rare exotics, whose attractive bloom

Unfolds to captivate — but withers soon.

So thou ! with nature's choicest gifts replete,

In higher climes thy full perfection meet

lamented is thy transient sojourn here,

Still o'er thy ashes falls affection's tear !

Ye watchful angels, guard their precious dust.

Till raised " by faith," from earth's surrendering trust

And heaven ! do thou the miscreant's arm arrest,

That, impious, would that sacred spot molest

Fierce let thine anger pour, in vengeance shed

Thy wrath upon invaders of the dead.

This consecrated pile, which sure should prove

The resting-place of piety and love,

I<ct none e'er enter that would dare

Disturb those ashes in this " House of Prayer."

123

On a mural monument, these arms in a lozenge : —

Oz. a lion ramp, or, debruised with an inescutcheon, Gules, three
Catherine wheels, Or : on a Chief of the Last a bull's head cabossed, S.

below : —

Qtfaotcta

By Mary Elizabeth Hazard,

of Terriers House, in this parish,

to the memory of the best of mothers,

Jane,

Relict of the Rev: George Lewis A.M.,

Rector of Echingham,

in the bishoprick of Chichester,

and Vicar of Westerham,

in the Diocese of Rochester.

She died May xxvi a.i>. mixxxuv,

Aged lxiii years.

On a simple marble tablet, in the south aisle : —

To the Memory of Elizabeth King,
who died Dec. 7 1 '', 1782, aged 24 years.

Go, happy spirit, freed from sin and care,
Go claim the palm which patient sufferers wear ;
Enjoy the meed victorious meekness gains,
Go take the crown triumphant faith obtains.

What artful vice and humble worth conceal
The day of dread disclosure shall reveal ;
Then shall thy life in sweet memorial rise
And God himself, the judge, award the prize.

H. Mork,

Here lyeth the body of John Sparkes, Esq.,

Near his father, Mr. E. Sparkes, and his brother, Mr. J. Sparkes,

Who both died before him, being about 70 years old.

He served High Sheriff for the County of Bucks.

He died the 17"' April, 1707, in the 79*'" year of hi* Jg' 1

124

Here lyeth the body of Edward Sparkes, Esq., who departed
this life January 20'-, 1727, aged 38 years.

Also,

Here lye interred the bodies of

Elizabeth Sparkes, wife of John Sparkes, Esq., who departed

this life Oct. 27, 171 1, aged 63, and of

Sarah Sparkes, daughter of the said John and Elizabeth Sparkes,

who departed this life Dec. 31 st , 171 1.

Arms— -A chief in base, 6 pears or.

Here lyeth interred the body of Thomas Alford, of this town,

who departed this life I7 ! « day of July, 1704,

in the 59 l » year of his age,

and during the second time of his mayoralty in this

Corporation.

On a mural monument : -

Devoted by Ann Bigg, to the lasting Memory

of her dear husband, John Bigg, Doctor of Physick.

He was a constant and true member of the Church of England,

a prudent and loyal subject, very temperate, perfectly chaste,

a maker of peace, both in his private capacity and in

his public offices, both in the Borough and County :

of a charitable and even temper, never

uttering a word like an oath or a curse : very ingenious :

eminent and successful in his profession, a most

affectionate husband, a tender father, whose

example through all the stages of life

is most worthy of imitation.

He died i5 1 ' 1 June, 1701, aged 58 years,
Survived by one son, ami two daughters, Ann and Catherine.

On a stone, under the communion table : -

Here lyeth the Ixidy of Samuel Welles, Attorney-at-I-aw,
Sole sur\i\ing son of Samuel Welles, Cient., and Martha his Wife,

who Injth lie interred near this place.

125

In the north aisle : —

Sacreti

To the memory of Archibald John Murray,

third son of Digby Murray, Esq.,

who died if* March, 1840,

aged 8 years and 1 1 months.

On a brass plate in the chancel : —

In memory of the
truly virtuous and faithful wives of John Lane of this Town,

Margery and Mary.
As earth to bodyes, soe heaven to sacred soule's the center,
Through this the one by death, yet that the other by heavenly

life doth enter,
As when all finite times by God's decree are spent,
Then shall such souls most gloriously resume what nature lent :
Undoubtedly such is, and such shall be the bliss of these two

saints ;
Such pious actors of faith and religion's work no sin attaints,
As there by grace in Christ you live in glory's lasting fame,
So here by love your honoured virtues gaine a never-dying name.

In the south aisle of the church are these tablets : —

The mortal remains of
Henry Allen, a native of this Town,
were deposited with military honors at Secunderabad,

in the East Indies,

where he had served six years as an Ensign in

the 24'* regiment of Infantry of the Madras Establishment.

In the bloom of his youth, after a short illness, he died

beloved and regretted, June 24 th a.d. 18 14,

aged 22 years.
In remembrance of whom
his surviving father dedicates this tablet.

In sure and certain hope

of the resurrection to eternal life.

Near this tablet repute the mortal remains of

Henry Allnutt, Esq.,

who died April 20"' 1813,

a^ed 67.

Also, of Thomas Allnutt, his youngest son, who departed

this life Sept. 15, .\.l>. i Si >, ai;ul 2 r > \ear-..

126

SncrrtJ

To the Memory of

William Rose, Esq.,

Who departed this life July i, 1846,

aged 70 years.

Having exercised, after his Father and Grandfather,

the profession of Medicine and Surgery,

forty years in this place ;

Valued throughout for his care and skill ;

Respected for his unblemished integrity, and

beloved for his kindness.

Resting solely on the merits of his Saviour, his walk and

conversation were humble ; and have left to his

affectionate and grateful family a precious

example of a christian spirit and

character, the most unostentatious and self denying.

"The memory of the just is blessed."

In the north aisle, on neat marble tablets, are these inscriptions : —

To the memory

John Hollis, Esq.,

Who during a long life, unremittingly

practised the benevolent virtues of his ancestors.

lie expired at his residence in this town,

on the 26^ day of Nov. 1824.

aged 8i.

•• He delivered the poor that cried, the fatherless, and him that had none to help him."

A Memorial for

Henry Grange* formerly of Aston Clinton, in this County,

who died in the 67"? year of his age, on the iV. April, 1755,

and Rachel, his Wife,

who departed this life the 31- Aug., 1746,

aged 63 years.

Rachel, their daughter, died June 29 th , 1774, aged 55 years,

Martha died January 5 th , 1780, aged 55 years.

Al>o, Henry Grange, their only son, who died April 19 th , 1796,

in the 76' h year of his age, and

Ann. his widow, who, to the inexpressible grief of her

-urviving daughter, cl<»ed this mortal life the 27 th April, 1807,

.i^ed »»i yeai>

127

On a mural tablet, in the north aisle of the Church : —

jSacreto to tfje fflcmorg of

The Rev. Thomas Jones, A.M.,

Rector of Radnage and Vicar of Ilmire, in this County,

who departed this life, Feb. 26, 1833,

in the 83^ year of his age.

Also to the memory of Mary, Wife of the above

Rev. T. Jones, Feb: 1, 1844,

aged 71 years.

Also, to the memory of

Mary Susan, the beloved and

only child of the

Rev. Thomas and Mary Jones,

who departed this life,

after a short illness,

on Jan : 20, 1822,

aged 11 years.

« Gone but not lost"

To the Memory

Robert Nash, Esq.,

who departed this life on the 2W* day of Sept., 183 1,

aged 75 years.
Having for upwards of fifty years practised as a Solicitor.

" Such was his calling.
He was honest, kind, forgiving, meek,
Easy to be entreated ; gracious, mild, and with all patience
And affection, taught, rebuked, persuaded, solaced, counselled,
Warned."

Also of

Mr?. Charlotte Nash, his Widow,

Who died 13$ day of Sept., 1835, aged 76 years.

" The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit."

In other parts of the Church and chancel are these inscriptions : —
Arms — Gules, a fess or inter 3 hands couped at the wrist or. Crest — a
naked hand holding a sword.

Near this place lies interred the body of
Joseph Peytever, alias Pettipher, Gent ;

one of the Aldermen of this Borough,
who departed this life the

11 1 * day of June, 1730, aged 50 years.

I2S

[ It is remarkable that one or more of this name or family have served
public offices, in every King's or Queen's reign since the reign of King
Henry VI. (except the short reign of King Richard III.), as appears by the
Ledgers of the Corporation. ]

Left surviving one Son, Joseph, who departed this life,
Aug. i4 ! \ 174S, aged 19 years.

On a stone : —

Devoted by M T Vincent Owen, some time Vicar

of this Church, to the memory of his dear Wife, Elizabeth,

the second daughter of Kdmund Petty, .Esq.,

who died May 24 th , 1672,

in the 28^ year of her age and lyeth here buried, of

whom the world was not worthy.

Deo gratias quod habui, imo habeo.

Near this — a stone to the memory of Edmund Petty, Recorder of the
Borough, who died Dec. i6th, 1661.

SacrrtJ

To the memory of Elizabeth, Wife of

Daniel Bennet, Esq., of Earringdon House, Berks,

and Daughter of the late M r . William Ball, of this Borough,

who died Nov. 24 th , 18 15, aged 59 years.

She was an affectionate wife, a sincere friend, and a

true Christian.

Ermine, a chevron gules.

In memory of

M' Samuel Guise, Vicar of this Parish,

born March 26, 16S1, died Oct. 16, 1753.

129

3 fHemottal

For

Jacob Wheeler,

late of y e

Parishe of St Andrewes, Holbornc,

Shoomaker, deceased,

who was borne in this Towne,

and gave by will yearly to y e Poorc

of this Towne, for ye space of 47

years yet to come, theis charitable

benevolences following : —

/5 gownes to 5 poore men.

ico*- to 100 poore people.

52** yearly for bread weekly to be
given in this place, to 13 other
poore folkes of this Towne, and

20*- for a sermon annually to be
made in this Churche.

All which are to be performed by
y c Company of Inholders of y c citie of
London during y* said terme of 47 years.
He died y e 10 day Jvne, 162 1, being
aged 54, and is buried in S?. Andrewes
Parishe above saide.

" Vivit post Funera Virtus."

In memory of

Susannah, Wife of the Rev. Thomas Jones,

of Dinton in this County, and only daughter of the

Rev. James Price, late Vicar of this Parish,

Ob. 27. Sep, 1802, JEi. 42.
Also, of Susan Philippa, only child of the
Rev. Thomas Jones and the above Susannah his wife,
Obit 6 Oct, 1806, ;Et 18—.

On a flat stone, close to the parish chest, behind the Organ-loit, is this
inscription : —

George Clewcr
is dead.

March 19 th , 1701.
Aged 55.

*30

George Clewer died under the following remarkable circumstances :
He was a native of Wycombe, and previous to his death, went to London,
and seeing a piece of stone in a mason's yard, purchased it ; observing, it
would do well for his gravestone ; and ordered these words to be engraven
on it, —

" George Clewer
is dead."

The next day he started home and arrived as far as Uxbridge, when
he was taken ill and died in a few hours. The identical stone with the
inscription marks the spot where his remains were deposited.

The following arms were formerly in the Church : —

i. Within a bordure a fess inter 3 martlets.

2. Arms of Wycombe.

3. A lion rampant guardant crowned, in his sinister paw, a roundle.

Argent 2 bends engrailed. Argent 2 bends gules impaling sable
within a bordure a fess inter 3 martlets or.

During the Rebellion, all the ancient brasses were taken from the grave-
stones. The register, the first part of which is very much mutilated, com-
mences 10th September, 1598.

At the Dissolution, the Rectory was granted to Robert Bennet, Bishop
of Hereford ; in his will, proved Dec. 8th, 1617, he leaves his lease of the
tithes of Chepping Wycombe to his cousin Robert Bennet

The Rectory afterwards became the property of Samuel Welles, Esq.,
who died August 15th, 1807, when the Trustees under a settlement sold the
property in various lots.

THE CHAPEL OF ST. MARY, CALLED THE

CORPORATION CHAPEL.

Of the Chapel of St. Mary, the Records furnish but few particulars. It
is supposed to have been situate in a street called Bynethe brigge [Beneath,
or Beyond Bridge]. This bridge is, without doubt, the bridge near the
ancient mill originally belonging to Alan Basset, and called Bridge Mill,

13*

and the name of the Street was probably, after the erection of St. Mary's
Chapel, altered from Byenethe brigge Street to St Mary's Street; this
Street led to St. Margaret's Hospital for Lepers, called the Loke.

In Dr. Browne Willis's MSS. is a Copy of an Indulgence from Richard
de Graves, Bishop of Lincoln, dated at Tinghurst [Fingest], Bucks, 1273,
for the reparation of St. Mary's Chapel in the Churchyard of Wycombe.
And that considerable works were prosecuting with this building, in the
fourteenth century. As there was (as we have already mentioned) a Chapel
dedicated to St Mary in the Parish Church of All Hallows, it would ap-
pear the Bishop refers to some other Church Yard than that of All Hallows ;
and this seems to be confirmed by the fact, that in the fourteenth century
there was a Churchyard situate between St Mary Street on the West, and
Horsenden Lane on the east, and then described as " Horsyn Churcheyerd,"
which in all probability was belonging to some destroyed Church of a depo-
pulated Village, or part of the town, known as Horsyn or Horsenden, and
it is most probable that the Bishop referred to this Churchyard connecting
St Mary's Chapel with it Not a vestige of the Chapel remains, and the
exact site of it is not known ; but it is presumed to have been where the
two Alms Houses (lately sold) were standing on the West side of the Street
Several tesselated pavements of the fourteenth century have lately been
uncovered in the locality of the " Horseyn Churcheyerd." The Chapel of
St Mary was rebuilt between the years 1338 and 1378, and was under the
control of two Wardens, who were always burgesses of standing, and were
indifferently styled " Wardens," " Churchmen " or Collectors of St. Mary's
Chapel. But in the year 1338 we find four Wardens coming into office ;
and further they are styled " Wardens of the Work," (custodes operis Beatae
Mariae). In their first year of Office, Andrew le Goys gave a messuage to
be disposed of towards defraying the expenses of the repairs ; and Gilbert
le Marshall gave a rent charge on a meadow, and other small benefactions
for the same object. The Municipal body added their contribution towards
the works. And Alan at Wythege, one of the surviving Wardens, by his
will in 1353, gave his house in Godstowe-fee in the borough, to be dis-
posed of towards defraying the expenses of the repairs. In the same year
Richard Coleman granted his messuage and land to the Wardens for the
benefit of the Chapel. And in 1371 William Frere gave the messuage
w r herein he dwelt, situate in Newland, for the like purpose. In 1384, the

Mayor and Corporation provided a new Manse in Frogmore, for Sir John
atte Stoke, Chaplain of St. Mary's, for which he was annually to render one
red rose to the Guild, at Midsummer, and they confirmed to him the office
and stipend of Priest of the Blessed Mary of Wycombe.

" Full sweetly heard he confession,
And pleasant was his absolution,
He was an easy man to give pennance,
There as he wist, to have a good pittance."

Chatuer.

The Corporation attended the Chapel of St. Mary on their solemn law
days, and other municipal meetings ; and on special occasions the Chaplain
was wont to preach a Sermon. The same Bell which summoned the Cor-
poration to Chapel summoned them to their Councils and other Corporate
assemblies.

At folio cxli. of the first Ledger we find the following entry, which is a
translation from the Latin : —

"Also at a view of frankpledge holden in the Rye, before Richard Cary Mayor, with the
consent of all the burgesses there, on the 8 th day of May in the 17* year of the reign of King
Edward, after the Conquest the Fourth, it was ordained and granted unto William Redehode,
and his assigns, that these two Chaplains, called ' Our Lady Preist/ and the ' Boure Preist '
who now are, or for the time being shall be, shall have and hold those two Chambers with the
Gardens adjoining, and their appurtenances, late of Henry Colleshille, near to the tenement
called, 4 The Charnelle House/ on the north side of the Church Yard ; To have and to hold
the said two chambers, with the Gardens adjoining and their appurtenances, to the aforesaid
Chaplains so long as they hold and fulfil their Offices ; rendering yearly therefore to the said
William Redehode and his assigns 13*- 4 A of lawful money of England, at the two usual terms
of the year, namely the Feasts of St. Michael the Archangel, and of the Annunciation of the
Messed Virgin Mary, to be paid yearly by the hands of the Collector of the rents of the Chapel
of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and of the renter of the Rectory there, &c M

The Priest of St Mary's Chapel was evidently Clerk to the Corpora-
tion ; that is, he entered and transcribed their Records. There are several
evidences of this in the old Journals: among others, the same hand that
entered an act concerning weavers, and fullers (temp. Hen. VIII.), has
prefaced it by the invocation I. H. V.S., M r C.Y.

The Municipal Records show that the Lady Priest was simply hired
to say Mass for the Guild, and that he held his Office during the pleasure of
the Corporate Body. His Manse in Frogmore was exchanged in 1475 f° r
one in Godstowe fee, in All Hallows Lane, now called Church Side, and

133

known by the name of the Town House. It was the duty of the Lady
Priest to pray daily in the Chapel for the members of the Guild, while
living, and for their souls, when dead. It is very questionable whether this
duty was regularly performed, as Skelton has quaintly, but truly said, —

" The Diriges are forgotten,
Theyr founders lye there rotten,
But where theyr soules dwell,
Therewith I will not tnell" [meddle']

Colyn Clou it •, 427.

William Redehode, in making his bargain with the Corporation for
prayers in St. Mary's Chapel, stipulated, that for every omission of prayer
for the Souls of himself and his family, the priest shall be fined 4I

At folio cxl., Ledger 1, is the following entry : —

"At the Gildhall there holden in the 14'- year of the reign of King Edward, after the
Conquest the fourth, before Thomas Gates then Mayor, there being, with the consent and will
of all the burgesses and tenants of the Chapel of the Blessed Mary the Virgin, it was there
ordained " (the preceding translated from the Latin) — " that the Preyst hired, that syngeth, or
seyth Mas at oure Lady Auter, and all other Preistis that shall be hired in 'tyme to come in the
Chapell foreseid for ever to say Mas, and bytwene the offatorie, or [before], that he wasshe at
the lavatorie, he shall turne hym at the auteris ende, and pray for the good state, welfare, and
prosperirie of all the tennantes, menne and womenne, bretheryne and susteris, unto the said
Chappell of Oure Lady, and for the good state, welfare, and prosperitie, of all the tenauntes,
menne and womenne, bretheryne and susteris, unto the saide Chappell of Oure Lady, and for
the good staat, welfare, and prosperitie, of Willyam Redehode and J one his Wyfe, and of
Margerie Fyssher, terme of theire lyves, and for all theire Kynred, being alyive. Wich done,
Miscreatur etc. Paternoster cum Suffragiss, and a Colet [Collect] Deus caritatis 6*f. — And after
the deeces of the said William Redehode and Jone his Wyfe, and of Margerie Fyssher, to be
prayed for with them that be departed out of this world, it is to be understonde that when the
Preist hath prayed for the quicke, then he, standying stylle at the auteris ende, shall pray for the
sowlis of all the tennantes, menne and womenne, and of all the sowlis of all the brethem and
susteris and benefactors of the same Chapell ; and in especyell for the sowlis of Richard Rede-
hode, and Agnes his Wyfe, and for the sowlis of all theire Kynrede ; for the sowlis of William
Lancastelle, Emma his Wyfe, and for the sowlis of all theire Kynrede ; for the sowlis of John
Covyntre and Jone his Wyfe, and of all theire Kynred ; for the sowlis of Henry Colleshill, and
Agnes his Wyfe, and for all theire Kynred ; for the soule of Thomas Fyssher and for alle his
Kynrede ; and for all Cristene sowlis he shalle sey De profundi's with the Versiclis and Colet
Indina or Fidelium^ as in a tabylle stondyth uppone the same auter opynly it apperyth. For
the whiche dayly prayeris kept, the foresaid Henry Colleshill geve to the towne of Wycombe
the reversion of his house, with the gardyne lying therto, bytwene the house of the Charaelle,
that the preistis of the Charnelle dwelle in, on the est part, and the house of Thomas Gate,

'34

sometyme Jonc Briggewateris, on the west part, the kynges hyeway on the south part; the
whichc house the foresaid William Redehode hath repairde and made. Whiche costis and
rhargis draweth to the somme of xiiii. lb. — Also the foresaid William Redehode willeth and
grannteth that after his deces be delivered to the keperis of Oure I^ady auter, and collcctoris of
oure I^ady Rent, a chalys, part gylt, with the scripturs on the fote — Orate pro animabus Rtiardi
Redehode % Agnetis uxoris r/us f Willelmi Redehode, et Johanna uxoris ejus, weying x. unces and
more of troye weyght ; one preist to synge ther with on the workedayes. The foresaide Meyre,
burgeys, and tenaunts, wollen and grauntyne that yf the preist that now is, that seyth Mas at
oure I-ady auter, and alle other prcistis that shallc be hircde in tymc to come to syng at the
foresaide auter, shal pray dayly for the foresaid lyvis and sowlis by name. And yf it so fortune
and happe the foresaid lyvis and sowlis to be unprayed for by iii dayes in a month, the foresaid
preist to lese [lose] iiii d. of his wagys to the reparacion of the same chaunselle, as ofte tymes as
he and any other, in tyme to come, so dothe forgete the foresaid lyves and soulis, unprayed for.
And yf it so be that the collectors of Oure Lady rent, the wiche shalle pay for all the wagys of
the foresaid preist, rebate not so moche of his wagys as ofte tymes as defawte is founde, and
acounte thcruppone in there rekenyingis not do, than the Chirchemen, to the behovith [behoof]
of the Chirche, to receyve the forsaide iiii d. of the preistis wages, to be payed by the hondii
[hands] of the Collectors of Oure I^-idy rents, and they to acounte uppone the same. — Also the
tabylle on the auter, with names to be rcpayrid at alle tymes when it nedith, on the cost of Oure
Lady Rent"

Dated circ :

U75-
[Translation.]

Extract.

"THIS is the Will of Edward Cary the elder. I will that immediately after my decease my
feoffees make and deliver estate to Richard Cary my son, of and in one tenement, with its
appurtenances, situate in the borough of Wycombe, in a certain Street called Frogmorc, on fee
of the Abbess of Godstowe, between the tenement of Robert Colyn on the north part, and the
tenement late William Bernard on the south part as metes & c To have and to hold the aforesaid
tenement with its appurtenances to the foresaid Richard Cary and Johan his wife and the heirs
of the body of the same Richard lawfully begotten. And if it happen that the aforesaid Richard
die without heirs of his body lawfully begotten, then the aforesaid tenement with its appurte-
nances to remain to Walter Cary, brother of the aforesaid Richard, and the heirs of his body
lawfully begotten. And if it happen that the aforesaid Walter die without heirs of his body
lawfully begotten, then the aforesaid tenement with its appurtenances, to remain to Margery
Wykes, sister of the aforesaid Richard and Walter, and the heirs of her body lawfully begotten.
And if it happen that the aforesaid Margery die without heirs of her body lawfully begotten,
then the aforesaid tenement with its appurtenances, to remain to the Mayor and burgesses of
the said town and their successors for ever, to the sustaining of the Chapel of the blessed Mary
the Virgin there, and for the sustaining of a Chaplin there, to sing Mass for the sowls of the
aforesaid Kdward and Matilda his wife, Richard, Joan, Agnes, Walter, and tylargcry, and all
their Ancestors, and all faithful departed, & all their friends &c."

To the latest days of the unrcformed religion, the Chapel of St Mary
and its Priests and Wardens existed. At the Dissolution, it was, as we
gather from the Inventory hereinafter referred to, rich in furniture, plate,
jewels, and vestments. It possessed a magnificent image of the Virgin,

135

crowned with a crown of massive gold. Most of these Ecclesiastical trea-
sures were votive offerings, given by Burgesses and their wives, and among
the donors, were William Redehode, Robert Astbroke and Mrs. Astbroke,
Miles Nichols, and "Mother" Filby. The great Window of the Chapel
was glazed at the cost of the Executors of John Wilcocks, in pursuance of
the directions contained in his Will, dated 1506.

In the Ledger No. 1, fol. ix., is an Inventory dated the 20th of January
10 Henry VIII (a.d. 15 19) "of the godes, jewellys, and ornaments, belong-
ynge to the Chapelle of oure Lady." Among the items, the following may
be noticed, — " A Crowne for our Lady, silver and gylte, with stonys on the
border of the same. Another crowne, lesse, with eyght stonys on the
bordere of the same. An ouche of silver lyke a bokylle of silver, and gylte.
A pair coralle bedys with xl. stonys, of silvere and gylte, and rynge of
silver," — a line run through it and added — "sold to Johan Putt." "A pair
of blak bedys, with xxi. stonys of silver and too ringes of silver." — " The
rynges wher sold." — " A pair of bedys, rede amber, with one peny of silver
upone them." — " Ther lakketh the peny."

" Another pair bedys of yellow amber, with gaudes of jasper stonys.
A pair of bedys, amber, and glasse, with ii. ringes of sylver." — " The rynges
were solde." — " A pair of blacke gettys [jet] bedys and anothyr of ambur.
A Chaplet for our Lady, of tyssewe. A garment to oure Lady of white,
with ermyns. A Masseboke, prented. A lytelle portewas, called our Lady
Portewas [portifory, an ensign or banner]. A curten clothe, for our Lady
lofte. A gyrdylle, the pendentes with awkament [qy. tin] : iiii. thyrchoys
[turquoises] with a laude [a large bead].

Fol. xxi. "Anno regni Regis Henrici Septime decirao octavo, xii. of November." —
" Inventory of the goods in the Chapel of the Blessed Mary the Virgin there, in the time of
William Aley and Hamlet Taylour, Wardens, delivered before Robert Aschebrok, Mayr."

The following are among the items mentioned : —

" II. chalys, one grete doybll gylde, a nothir parte thereof gylde, with a scripture [writing]
abowte the fote, praying for the sowlys of William Redhode and his friendis. A Crowne of
silver upon oure Ladyes hede, and gylde. A pece of coral, with ii. typpys of sylvere. A bede-
stone of silver, anamelled."

The Redehode family are intimately connected with the history of
Wycombe in the latter end of the fifteenth century. William was a rich
salter of London, having his Country seat in Paul's row, " Agenst the west

! 3 6

cnde of the Churchc of Wycombe/' as we have already mentioned, called
Coppydhall. He was also a great benefactor to the fraternity of St Mary,
and as we have seen, Masses were agreed to be sung in the Chapel of
St. Mary for him and his friends. He repaired, at a cost of ^14, a house
left by Henry Colcshill to the borough authorities, and fitted it up as two
Chambers {ciuas cameras cum gardinis) with gardens attached, for the resi-
dence of " Oure Lady Priest and le Bpure Priest," in 1475. The deed of
Covenants for Masses, dated 1475, contains a proviso for the delivery at
his decease, to the " keeperis of oure Lady auter," " a chalys, part gylt, with

this scripture on the fdte, (Pratt p. ambus JUri ttrorboDr, ajpi ujrujf rjutf

EEttllt ftrHrboDt # Jofor tin* rjutf, weying x. unces and more of troye
wyght" This Chalice is included in the Inventory of St. Mary's Chapel.
Besides vestments, banners, altarclothes, curtains, and candlesticks, there
were //. latyn candilstyks apon the auter for priketts besides two grete ones
in the choir ; a crowne of silver apon our ladyes hede and gylde ; a
brodegyrolle whyte corse the pendant, and the bokull dobyll gylde w 1 vL
stodes."

The Priest was to sing on the " worke dayes."

The following is a list of the earlier Priests of the Guild Chapel of
St Mary, Wycombe.

Stephen Egod, 1291.
Andrew Lyons, 1362.
John at Stoke, 1375.

Richard Butte, 1392.
Robert Brampton, 1506.

A curious and interesting fact in connection with this Chapel is recorded
by Foxe the Martyrologist, who says, " that Henry Phip was accused in the
bishop of Lincoln's Court, for that being chosen Roodman, or keeper of the
Rood Loft, of S l . Mary's Chapel, he should say, that he must go and tend a
Candle before his block Almighty. For which he abjured his error in 1521
before bishop Longland."

At the suppression of the lesser Monasteries, under the provisions of
the Stat 27 Hen. 8th, Cap. 8th, St Mary's Chapel with the "messuages,
lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures, rents, reversions, services,
and hereditaments, whatsoever belonging thereto, in Wycomb, called or

137

known by the name of the fraternity of the Blessed Mary, or by the name
of our Lady Rents," was (inter alia) granted to the Crown.

And Queen Elizabeth, by her Letters Patent, in the 4th year of her
reign, 21st July, 1562, granted the same to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur-
gesses, and their successors, towards the support and maintenance of a
Grammar School, and four poor persons, which will more particularly be
referred to when treating of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

The following is a record of the Chauntries at Chipping Wycombe,
derived from the Certificates remaining in the Augmentation Office, as the
same were taken 2 Edw: VI., 1549.

" A Chauntrie called the Bowere, in the Parish Church of Chipping Wycombe, is worth, by
yere clere, over and beside certain reprizes, ^4 n 16 u o."

"Two Chauntries, called Charnells, within the said Town, are worth by the yere clere
above certain reprizes, ^12 m 5 m 10. Sir Thomas Huchinson and Sir Roger Hawkins are
incumbents there. The said Incumbents of the age of 73 yeres, hath yerelie coming of the said
Chauntries for their annuities or stipends by yere clere to either of them jQ6, and what other
living the said Incumbents hath, is not presented."

" There was also a Chauntry dedicated to the Holy Trinity."

ACCOUNT OF LOUDWATER CHAPEL.
THE HAMLET OF LOUDWATER

is about three miles south east of Wycombe, on the London Road.

The Chapel was built by William Davis, Esq., in 1 788 ; was conse-
crated by Dr. Pretyman, Bishop of Lincoln, June 25th, 1791, and endowed
by Mr. Davis with lands, then of the value of £40 per annum.

In 1804 Mr. Davis added the south wing to the Chapel, and by his
will he bequeathed ^400 for its further endowment He died at Loud-
water, 17th Oct., 1 8 18, aged 91. The building is quite plain, without orna-
ment, about forty-five feet long, having on the roof, which is slated, a small
turret, containing a single bell, and surmounted with a vane. The entrance
is at the east end, and on each side are three semi-circular beaded windows,
the walls being strengthened with as many buttresses. It stands in a small
cemetery. Loudwater obtained ^400 of Queen Anne's Bounty, and a
Parliamentary Grant of ,£2,400, in addition to the private benefaction of
,£1,200. The Chapel was some years since further enlarged, and the

138

Parsonage House attached to it greatly improved by the late \V. R.
Davis, Ksq.

The Reverend George Campbell Broadbelt, formerly Rector of Aston
Sandford, was the first incumbent, and died in June, 1801. The Reverend
William Pryce was presented to the living in Nov., 1801, and he held it
up to his death in 1S33. The Reverend James Prosser was presented to
the living in the same year, and resigned it in 1841 ; he was succeeded by
the Rev. Edward Arnold, who died about the year 1865, and he was suc-
ceeded by the Rev. \V. P. Woollcombe, who continues the Incumbency.

CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS.

Tanner in his " Notitia Monastica" says, "that previous to the 13
Hen. III. a Hospital for Lepers, dedicated to St. Margaret, and called the
Loke," was founded in Wycombe. And on the 13th May, 1229, a Charter
confirming the same was granted by Hen. III. " to the leprous brethren of
the Hospital of S*. Margaret of Wicombe, that they and their successors
forever should have every year one fair at the aforesaid Hospital of S'. Mar-
garet, to continue for two days, that is to say, on the eve and on the day of
S 1 . Margaret, well and in peace, freely and quietly, with all liberties and free
customs to such fair pertaining."

There was also a Hospital in Wycombe dedicated to St Giles; King
Hen. V. granted this Hospital to Thomas Giles ; and in the next year
granted it with St Margarets Hospital to Henry Swain, on the resignation
of Thomas Giles ; but subsequently the gift of the Mastership of St Giles*
Hospital was in the Collegiate Church of Windsor. Jacob Mallet, of
Windsor, in 1516, resigned the Mastership to the College, reserving 405.
per annum during his life. He was executed for treasonable words spoken
against King Hen. VIII., viz., "that the king had brought his hogs to a fine
market." See Ashmole s " Berkshire."

In a Catalogue of the Religious Houses in England, contained in
Speeds " Great Britain," p. 787, the Hospital of St Margaret is described
as being dedicated to a Priory, and valued at ,£22 6s. yd.

J 39

OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST AND
THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

There is every reason to believe that this Hospital was founded in the
twelfth century ; the existing architectural remains of the Hall indicating its
Norman origin. The Hall is supposed to have been built about the year
1175. Dr. Lipscombe, in his History of- Buckinghamshire, relying on the
opinion of the late John Norris, Esq., of Hughenden House, erroneously
denominates it a Norman Church. It was about 62 feet long, and appears to
have consisted of a nave 16 feet wide between the pillars, and side-aisles
6 feet wide ; and stood, or rather stands nearly north and south. There
were three pillars on each side of the nave, alternately round and octagonal,
supporting four plain semi-circular arches 13 feet in diameter, the two outer
ones at each end resting upon brackets or capitals, built up in the north
and south walls. Of the six pillars four remain ; they are about 2 feet in
diameter, 8^ feet high, including the capitals, which are ornamented with
sculptured foliage and shells ; and on one of them is a dragon, which has
unfortunately lost its head. One pillar has disappeared entirely ; of another
the capital only remains, supported by a brick wall. Of the arches, two on
the east side of the nave remain entire, and three parts of a third ; on the
west are three, two of which had been bricked up to form an outside wall,
and had windows cut through the tops of them ; but enough of the original
stone work remains to show that they were semi-circular like the others.
The fourth arch has quite disappeared ; and also the one which was opposite.
The entrance to the Hall is at the south end fronting the street ; and some
years since, on the plaster at the entrance being removed, four small
transitional Norman capitals were discovered, supporting a pointed receding
arch ; the shafts were gone, but have now been restored. Mr. Norris very
handsomely defrayed the expense attending the restoration, and the original
entrance again ornaments the street. A new scheme is in contemplation for
the future government of the Grammar School and Almshouse Charity ; a
plan has been prepared by Mr. Arthur Vernon for the restoration of this
Norman Hall, to be appropriated for the purposes of a school and class
rooms for the Royal Grammar School, which has been highly com-
mended and approved by the Charity Commissioners ; the accompanying
print represents the Hall restored. The school room, which is on the

141

" The Composityon of the hospytall of Saunte

John's of Wicdbe.
" Thys content of this Chart ys y* Rob' by the grace of God byschope of lyncholn toke y*
popys letts' yn thes wordys, Greygory Pope Svant to the Svants of God, sends to his welbelovyd
brotf Byschope of Lyncholm, halsying (greeting), & hys blessyng, wyllyng hym to know, yi hys
welbelovyd chyldren y* Master & y? brethern of the ospetaule of Saint John Baptist of Wycdbe
mayde supplycatyon raekely ... as raouche as they had ... I made y* yor y r
howse I wolde . . ."

The copy ends thus abruptly.

The lease purports to have the hospital seal appended, but it has
been torn off. Many years after (to all appearance) the lease was written
on the back.

The handwriting of the Bull looks like that of the thirteenth, or of the
early part of the fourteenth century. Its date may be defined approximatefy
by comparison of the list of Popes and Bishops of Lincoln, and is between
1235 and 1 241. Bishop Robert Grostete held his see from 1235 to 1254.
Pope Gregory IX. (who established the Inquisition), held the Popedom
from 1227 to 1 24 1. "We may," says Mathew Paris (cited in Dugdales
Monast. Ang. p. 322), "be justly proud of a connexion, even in so remote a
way, with the excellent Grostete, one of the best bishops who ever sat on
the Episcopal Bench."

The Records furnish us with a scanty list of the Masters of the
Hospital, vizt. : —

Robert X I26 5-

Adam de Warwick, late Rector of Bradenham, 1 2 76.

Galfridus, 1304.

Richard de Caykay, 7 May, 1304.

John de Marham, 1343.

Hugo de Newton, March, 1343, late Prebendary of Banbury.

Michael de Northburgh, 1344, resigned 1354.

John de Hall, 1354.

John Atte Corner, 1355.

Hugo de Bridham, 1361.

John Talworth, 1382.

John Dede, 1440.

John Benet, 1456.

Hugo Clay, 147 1, resigned.

142

William Blackpoll, 147 1.

John Wykes, 1474.

Edward Hampden, 1478.

Galfrid Hemmingley, 1493.

Edward Wellesbourne, 1493.

William Trewe, 1522.

Christopher Chalfount, 1546, resigned 1553,
And who was the last Master of the Hospital.

It appears from deeds belonging to the Wycombe Municipal Charity
Trustees, that in the second year of the reign of Edw. VI. the Hospital of
Saint John Baptist was vested in Christopher Chalfount, Clerk, by virtue of
his office as Master of the said Hospital for life, and which he granted to
Sir Edmund Peckham and George Juncklyn on lease for 21 years, at the
rent of >£8 per annum. That by another indenture the said Christopher
Chalfount disposed of his estate and interest in the said hospital to
the said Sir Edmund Peckham, during the life of the said Christopher
Chalfount, rent free. And that the said Edmund Peckham and George
Philyps, Gentleman, executors under the will of the said George Juncklyn,
deceased, did on the 1st April 3rd Edw. VI., 1548, in consideration of ^30
paid to them by the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of Chipping Wycombe,
bargain and sell to the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, All the said
Hospital, with the lands and premises; to the intent that the said Mayor
and Burgesses should bestow all the yearly rents towards the foundation of
a Grammar School, to be erected within two years from the date thereof.
And in default thereof, then the said Sir Edmund Peckham and George
Philyps should re-enter and possess the estate again. Sir Edmund Peck-
ham died April 18th, 1560, or 4, and with Dame Anne his wife is buried
under a splendid canopy tomb in Denham Church.

It also appears by the Borough Records, No. 1, fo. 22, that the Mayor
and Burgesses established a Grammar School within the period prescribed,
as by —

44 An Agreement made the xxv ,u daye of Mche in the fifte year of the reign of our Sovereign
Lord Kynge Kdwarde the VI th ; It was agreed First, the whoole howse of the Towne of
Chiping Wi< obe to keepe the Hospital of Saint John's w l the appurtenances thereto belonginge,
in the hole hands of the Towne, that ys to saye, Kicharde Caryc then Mayor w 1 all his brethren
and the Burgesses, to let and sett as they shall see cause in yt. And morcov r wcte all agreyde to
pay the stepende of eyght powndes yerely to the saidc Scolc Mayster. And we all gyve to Mr.

*43

Peckham hartye thankes for his good wyll, and for the apointinge of the Scole Maister at his
pleas!, and we the hoole howse be agreide that the saide M r shall have the pleasure and pfite of
a Cowe, or twayne in ower Comey accord inge to the custome of the Towne, and also to have
V. Loode of Woode yerelye."

Whether the Grammar School, as thus established, was suffered to
continue during the short, but unsettled years of Queen Mary's reign, is
extremely doubtful ; for Langley observes that " after the Dissolution, Queen
Mary gave it (i.e., the Hospital) to Sir Thomas Throgmorton." What
rights the Crown had over the Hospital at this time, or as to the validity of
the above grant, cannot at present be ascertained. But Sir T. Throgmorton
could have held it only for a short period, as Queen Elizabeth had not been
four years on the throne before the Mayor and Burgesses are found assert-
ing their ancient right as Patrons of the Hospital, and evincing a laudable
desire to see their school restored, and to have it established on a more
sure and royal foundation. On the 18th of July, 1562, the Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Burgesses granted the said Hospital, and lands belonging thereto, and
also the rents which had belonged to the Fraternity of the Blessed Mary,
and called the Lady Rents, to Queen Elizabeth, in order that the same
might be created a Royal Grammar School. And the Queen, three days
afterwards, *>., on the 21st July, by her Letters Patent, regrantcd to the
Mayor and Burgesses, and their successors for ever, the said Hospital and
lands, and the rents and revenues thereof, and also the said Lady Rents, to
be applied towards the support and maintenance of the said school, and of
four poor persons. The income of the Lady Rents amply provided for the
alms people.

By Charter of King James I. already referred to, we find the Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Burgesses were evidently groaning under the heavy burdens
recently imposed on them by the Statute of the 43rd of Eliz. for the relief of
the poor, and complained that the number of poor and needy people in the
Borough was much increased, and did daily more and more increase, to the
great charge of the Borough, and alleging that the Hospital lands and
premises would well and competently suffice, as well as to maintain and
support the said Grammar School, and four poor people, as also relieve
more poor and needy persons in the same borough ; license, power, and
authority, therefore, were by the said Charter given to them and their
successors, by their discretion, or of the major part of them from time to

144

time, to take, expend, and dispose, of all and singular the Rents, etc. of the
said Hospital, given and granted to the maintenance of the said Grammar
School, and four poor people, according to the pious intention of the said
late Queen in the same Borough to be sustained and relieved ; as also to the
relief and support of other poor and needy men in the same Borough, from
time to time inhabiting and dwelling; and which was confirmed by the
governing Charter of the 15th of Charles II. 1663.

jC s. d.
The Hospital was valued at the Dissolution at . 7 15 3 J

Remes, or Town Farm, was then let at . . .400
The Master's stipend at the establishment of the
school was, being the entire income of the Hos-
pital . . . .800

»»

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE EARLIER MASTERS

OF THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

The Reverend — Wrothe, 1 548.

William Wilkinson, A.M.

Gerard Dobson, late Vicar of Wycombe, 1645, resigned

1646.

Henry Wyat, A.M., afterwards Rector of Bradenham,

1646, resigned 1661.
Philip Humphrey, 17th July, 1661.
William Lardner,* A.M., formerly Rector of Bradenham,

1671.
Joseph Howe, 1673, died 1701.
Joseph Loveday, A.B., resigned 1707.
Samuel Guise, 1707, died 1753.
Thomas Heather, Jun., 1754, resigned 1762.

•»

f»

t»

*»

««

• Mr. Philip Humphrey, the late Master, having died very poor, his successor (Mr. Lard-
ner) was bound, on his election by the Common Council, to pay to his Widow Katherine, ten
pounds, in the course of the next two years, " provided she does not turne Quaker in the mean
time, or otherwise become a Sectary, and not observe and obey the Liturgy of the Church of
England."

145

The Reverend William Edwards, 1762, suspended 1771

Alban Thomas, 1771, died 1789.
Daniel James, 1 789, died 1 793.

Mr. William Sproston, 1793, died 184 1.

The Reverend Joshua Finlinson, 1841, resigned 1842.

Mr. Edwin Fox, 1843, resigned 1852.

The Reverend James Poulter, A.M. 1852.

»»

Among distinguished men who were pupils at the Royal Grammar
School, we may mention Edmund Waller, the poet ; Sir Denis Le Marchant,
Bart, M.P., late Clerk of the House of Commons, and author of the Bio-
graphy of his father Major-Gen. John Gaspard Le Marchant ; Lieut. General
Sir John Gaspard Le Marchant, Bart., K.C.B., G.C.M.G., late Commander
in Chief at Madras ; Major Charles Douglas ; Major James Dundas Douglas,
Assistant Adjutant General in Afghanistan and Deputy Military Secretary
to Government, killed in action near Pesh Bolak in the Afghan Campaign
in 1840; General Sir Robert Percy Douglas, Bart., formerly Assistant
Adjutant-General to the Forces, and Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, and
late Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief at the Cape of Good
Hope, 1864-8; H. W. Bristow, Esq. (son of Major-General Bristow), Pro-
fessor of Geology, and one of the Examiners of the Council of Military
Examination; J. O. Griffits, Esq., Q.C., Recorder of Reading; and we
may add the names of Edward J. Payne, Esq., M. A., a fellow of University
College, Oxford, and of Lincoln's Inn, Barrister-at-Law ; and W. G.
Hayden, Esq., M.D., who were educated by the present able Head Master
of the School, The Reverend James Poulter.

The smaller Charities that come next in order were created under the
Wills of Ambrose Conway, of Chipping Wycombe, Gentleman, also of

Dame Dorothy Pelham, Widow of Sir William Pelham, Knight, also of

The Right Hon. Robert Lord Dormer, also of

Thomas Church, Citizen and Draper, of London, also of

. . . IVeinwright, sometime of London (will without date), and
also of

William Littlcboyes, Gent, (also will without date) ; whereby they
respectively gave and bequeathed the several sums therein severally men-

146

tioned, for the purposes as set forth in the following entries, contained in
the Ledger No. I. of the Corporation, folio 16, with the particulars of their
investments and the application of the incomes arising therefrom.

14 Burg: de Chipping Wicombe in Com. Bucks.
44 Whereas Thomas Church, Citizen and Merchant of Ixnidon, by his Will and Testament,
bearing date the 16* Aug* 16 16, did give and bequeath to the said Borough 100 Marks of lawful
money of England ; and also Ambrose Conway, by his last Will and Testament, did likewise
give to the said Borough the sum of j£io ; and Sir Robert Dormer, Knight, did give to the
said Borough the sum of 20 nobles, to be employed to the use of the poor of the said Borough ;
and also whereas the I^idy Dorothy Pelham, by her last Will and Testament, did likewise give
and bequeath to the same Borough the sum of ^20 to be put forth at i8</. the pound, and the
interest of the two parts thereof, viz. 20s., to be employed for the use of the poor, and the other
1 os. thereof to be paid yearly to the Surveyor of the highways for the amending thereof, all which
monies, with and amongst divers other moneys of the proper stock of the said Borough, were
laid out upon the new erecting and building of the butchers' shambles in the said Borough, by
the advice and appointment of William Aire, late Alderman of the same Borough ; and whereas
also there was had and used towards the building of the said Shambles, and the east corner of
the old markethouse for a convenient sitting for the Judges of Assize, certain timber out of the
hospital lands belonging to the said Borough : Now it is concluded and agreed by the Mayor
and Aldermen of the said Borough this present day, that in consideration of the said Legacies
and timber, there shall be yearly paid out of the said Shambles to the Overseers of the same
Borough, to the use of the i>oor of the same Borough, the yearly rent or sum of ^12 of lawful
money of Kngland, to be paid quarterly by equal portions ; and that the residue arising out of
the said Shambles shall be i>aid to the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough,
and their successors, in regard of their stock and charges disbursed upon the said Shambles
and the ground whereupon they are erected; and that the Town Chamberlain for the time
being shall yearly juiy to the Surveyors of the highways the sum of 10? in part of the gift of
the said I-ady Pelham."

The shambles have been pulled down, but the Corporation consented
to pay ^10 yearly in respect of these Charities.

In the above mentioned Ledger, folio 15, there is the following entry
dated 23rd September, 1633 : —

" M d — That Weinwright, sometime of London, deceased, in and by his last Will

and Testament, bequeathed unto this Borough the sum of £20, to the intent that the Mayor
of the said Borough for the time being should for ever pay to the use of the poor of the
said Borough the sum of 23*. 4J., to be disj>oseil of at the discretion of the said Mayor ; and
also Os. 8</. more to be employed otherwise as the said Mayor should think most fit, yearly for
ever, which said sum of jQ 2 ° was by Richard Gibbons, Alderman, in the time of his late
mayoralty, disbursed uj>on the new Mace of the said Borough : Now to the intent that there
may be perpetual payment made of the said 307- in manner aforesaid, it is hereby ordered,
that the Mayor and Mayors of the said Borough for the time being shall yearly from hence-
forth, on the day of their going out of their Mayoralty, and election of the new Mayor, pay

to the use of the poor of this Borough 23*. 4*/., to be disbursed and disposed of where he
shall think most fit, and that the other 6s. &</. shall be paid to the Vicar of the Church of
the Borough yearly on the day of the election of the said Mayor, unless the greatest part of
the Company shall think fit otherwise to dispose of the same."

This yearly sum of £1 3s. ^d. is known by the name of Mace Money.

The above stipends were called half-yearly payments and Mace Money,
amounting to £\\ 35. \d. per annum, and on the recommendation of the
Charity Commissioners, are received by the Wycombe Municipal Charity
Trustees, and applied for the purposes of the Charity.

Also in the above mentioned Ledger, folio 15, there is the following
entry, dated 2nd September, 1633, signed by the Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Aldermen : —

" Memorandum. That, whereas William Littleboyes, Gent, of a pious and charitable dis-
position, did by his last Will in Anno: Dni. give the sum of ;£ioo to the Town of Chepping

Wycombe, which he appointed to be employed at the discretion of Sir Randolph Mainwaring,
Knight, deceased, and George Littleboyes, Esq™, his brother, and their heirs for ever, towards
the comfort of the poorest and most needy in that towne ; and appointed that the profit of the
said ^100 should be laid out weekly upon bread, to be distributed every Sabbath day to those
persons whose necessities may be thought greatest, or their miseries the most extreme, by
reason of their age or other incident infirmities, as by the said last Will appeareth ; And whereas
the said sum of ;£ioo was delivered into the hands of the Mayor and Corporation of this town,
to the intent that they should purchase so much land as they could conveniently purchase for
that sum, to the intent that the said gift might be perpetuated for ever by weekly payments, the
said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses have, with the said ;£ioo, this day purchased from William
Ayre, &*, a quantity of land lying at Coleshill, in the parish of Agmondesham, in the County of
Herts, called by the name of Stock Grove, and containing about 13 acres, then in the occu-
pation of Robert Bell, his Assignee or assigns, which is likely for ever to yield jQ$ n 10 i» o
per annum at least, Do hereby order and decree, that the whole profits of the said land shall
for ever be employed by 2s. weekly, or more, as the profits will amount unto, to the relief of
the poor of the said Town, according to the intent of the said last Will ; and to the intent the
same may with more indifferency be disposed of, it is appointed that the ancientist church-
warden, and ancientist overseer of the poor of the said Town, for the time being, shall, with the
consent of the Mayor for the time being, distribute the said rents weekly, as near the intent of
the said Will as possibly they can ; and the Mayor shall at the end of the year, always at his
going out of his Office, give account to the Common Council of the said Town, what the profit
of the said Land hath been for his year, and how it is improved, and how bestowed, or employed,
to the intent the said Charitable use may in nothing be defrauded."

In another Ledger, dated 1770, also containing the minutes of the pro-
ceedings of the Mayor and Common Council of the Borough of Chipping
Wycombe, from that year unto the present time, there is an entry signed
by the Mayor, Bailiffs, and certain members of the Common Council, from

148

which it appears that the Corporation employed the said >£ioo, together
with ^180 more, raised by them from the sale of a rent charge of ,£10 a
year, in the purchase of lands and tenements at Coleshill, and vested the
same in trustees upon trust that they should pay to the Overseers of the
said Borough, for the use of the poor thereof, the rents and profits of the
premises, so as the Overseers should cause £$ 10s. of the rent to be weekly
distributed, in bread, according to the true intent of William Littleboyes*
Will, and if the Overseers should neglect or refuse so to do, then other
persons fitting and willing to undertake the same were to be appointed to
receive the rents and profits of the premises, and to apply the sum of
£s \os. according to the desire of William Littleboyes ; and that for several
years then last past, the Overseers had applied the whole of the £$ 10s. to
the use of themselves, in common with other inhabitants of the said Borough,
contrary to the true intent and meaning of the deed, and also the Will of
William Littleboyes; and therefore the Mayor and Common Council ordered,
on the 26th June, 1800, that in future the Overseers for the time being
should weekly, on Sunday in every week for ever thereafter, distribute in
bread to poor persons of the Borough, who should stand in most need there-
of, an equal and proportional part of the said sum of £$ 10s., agreeable to
the Will of William Littleboyes ; and the residue of the rents of the said
Estate at Coleshill should be paid yearly to the Hospital Chamberlain of
the said Borough for the time being, for the use and benefit of poor people
belonging to the said Borough, agreeable to the same rules and orders as
those by which the chamber rents were then paid and applied.

The Stock Grove Farm consists of 22 acres, and is let to Abel Slade,
on lease for 21 years, from Michaelmas, 1861, at the yearly rent of
/*2i 7$. 6d., which is received by the Wycombe Municipal Charity Trustees,
who pay and apply the same as follows, viz. : — £5 10s. for bread for the
poor, and the residue towards the support of the Grammar School and
Almshouse Charity.

The bread is given away the last Sunday in every month.

BOWDEN'S CHARITY.

Mary Bowden, of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, by her Will,
proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, the 30th October, 1790,

149

gave to the Rev. James Price and Isaac King, Esq., the sum of ^iooo, to be
by them laid out and invested in the public funds, or in the purchase of lands,
tenements, and hereditaments, in the County of Bucks, which should appear
to them most advantageous for carrying the pious and benevolent dis-
position of the said Mary Bowden into execution, upon trust, in the first
place, as concerning the sum of ^30, part of the interest and produce to
arise from the said sum of ^1000 as aforesaid, to pay the same to the Rev.
Alban Thomas, the then Master and teacher of the Free Grammar School, in
the Borough of Chipping Wycombe aforesaid, in augmentation and addition
to his then salary, and after his death, discharge, or resignation, to pay it
unto such other person or persons as should be appointed in his stead Master
of the said free grammar School, and to his successors for ever, and to
apply the remainder of the said interest or profits so to arise from the said
^1000 to the finding of clothes and fuel for such poor widow persons as
should live in, and be entitled to, the benefit of the Almshouse at the bottom
of the town of Wycombe, in equal shares ; and the said testatrix by her Will
appointed the said trustees her executors. A sum of ^1,547 14^. iod.
Three per Cent. Reduced Annuities, was originally standing in the names
of the Reverend James Price and Isaac King; on the death of Mr. King,
Mr. Price, without the power of executing any deed of appointment of fresh
trustees, in respect of this Charity, transferred the stock into the names of
himself, Mr. William Rose, and Mr. John Carter; Mr. Price survived Mr.
Rose and Mr. Carter; and on the death of Mr. Price, his surviving repre-
sentative received and applied the income of the Charity. The attention of
the Charity Commissioners was called to this Charity, suggesting the impor-
tance of a fresh appointment of trustees, when the Commissioners discovered
that the ^1,547 14s. iod. Three per Cent. Annuities had been disposed of;
and moreover that Mr. Price's representative had been guilty of a breach of
trust, by appropriating the produce of the stock to his own use. The case
was certified to the Attorney General, who on the 3rd of October, 1869,
preferred his petition to the Lord Chancellor against Mr. Price's represen-
tative ; the result of these proceedings was, that after payment of the costs
of the suit, about six hundred pounds stock in the Three per Cent. Annuities,
and five cottages situate at Buntingford, Herts, were recovered.

The Stock was transferred to the Official Trustee of Charitable Funds,
and invested in Bank ^3 per Cent. Annuities ; and the five cottages were

>50

vested in the Wycombe Municipal Charity Trustees ; and they were let into
the receipt of the rents and profits of the same. And out of the income of
the Charity, so far as the same would extend, it was ordered by the Court
that the yearly sum of ^30 be paid to the Master for the time being of the
Free Grammar School. And the remainder (if any) of such income, be paid
to the poor Widows in the Almshouse named in the Will, and in such manner
as directed by the Will of the said Mary Bowden, deceased.

TERRIER OF ESTATES,

THE PROPERTY OF THE WYCOMBE MUNICIPAL CHARITY TRUSTEES, AFTER
SEVERAL EXCHANGES OF LAND HAVING, WITH THE SANCTION OF THE
CHARITY COMMISSIONERS, BEEN EFFECTED OF A BENEFICIAL CHA-
RACTER TO THE CHARITY.

Town Farm, formerly called Rcmes

Ginion's Field Farm (Marsh)

Hulnctt's Meadow behind late Catherine Wheel; Pound Mead at the
cast end of the Rye ; the Little Meadow, forming part of the Home
Meadow (Ix>rd Carington's), adjoining I^oake's I-ane ; a piece of
Arable I .and in the Rye Held, adjoining Pound Mead ; and the
Hospital Meadow, or Rye Mead ; and a Quit Rent of i+r. per
annum

Priest Croft and Crabb Tree Mead (Marsh) .

Ginion's House and Garden (Marsh) .
Ditto Cottage and Garden ....
Ditto Cottage and Garden ....
Ditto Eleven Garden Allotments, each 13 r. 6 p.

Kind called Triggs, near Cryers Hill .

Kind, Cottage, and Buildings, at Kingshill .

Spital Croft, Cottage, Barn, and Lands

41 Stock Grove," Kind, and Buildings, Coleshill

Kind near the Harrow, Hughendcn

Sawpit House and Premises ....

House and Premises, Paul's Row, Wycombe (Wootton's)

Town House and Premises (Miss Drewctt) .

Rent Charge on I .and at Wycombe Marsh, known as Brook

for a description of these I,ands, see the Court Rolls of the Manor
of Temple Wycombe .........

Rent of Borough Shambles and Mace Money jC.u 3s. 4//.

ands, 1 1 s. ;

A. K.

I90 [ I

«3 1

5
4
o

o
o
1
8

24
22

4
o

o
o

7
1

o
o
o

Gross Annual Rental

^632 us. 4</.

355

4
*3

o
16
26
16
16

«9

«7

I=U

In addition to this rent roll, there is ,£2,456 lys. nrf. Stock, invested
in Consols, the result of sales of different Charity properties, which sum, with
the accumulating dividends, is intended to be applied towards the restora-
tion of the ancient Grammar School, and the erection of a Master s house,
under the direction of the Charity Commissioners.

The Charity Commissioners in 1833 made a very exhaustive Report on
these Charities, to which any reader is referred who may wish further to
pursue the subject.

LANE'S CHARITY.

John Lane, late of Hammersmith, in the County of Middlesex, Esquire,
by his Will dated 2nd January, 1674, devised two little Tenements in
Cornell Lane (now called Crendon Street), in Chipping Wycombe, with
their appurtenances, for almshouses for the habitation of two poor widows,
or two other poor old people, as the major part of his friends and persons
thereinafter named or appointed to be overseers thereof, should choose out
of the poor inhabitants of Chipping Wycombe aforesaid ; and he gave and
appointed for the maintenance of the same charitable use, his messuage and
lands thereunto belonging, and therewith then used, in Great Missenden,
which he bought of William Pratt, and also the little close of land, which he
bought of Robert Lane, in Great Missenden aforesaid ; and his two tene-
ments in Agmondesham (Amersham), which he bought of William Mead,
and purchased in his own name, and in the name of Andrew Hale ; and he
appointed to each of his said poor almspeople 405. in money, yearly, to be
paid at or about the feasts of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist,
Michaelmas, St. Thomas, and Lady-day, by equal portions ; and every
second year, or once in two years, the sum of 25s. to be bestowed in cloth
for a gown for each of them, or 10$. one year and 15s. the other year of
those two years, as in the discretion of the said trustees thereinafter named
for the ordering and governing of the same, or the major part of them,
should seem fit for the need or use of the said poor people ; and for the
better raising of the said maintenance and monies for the said poor, as also
for raising the sum of io.r. yearly to be kept in the bank for the repairing of
the said devised messuages, lands, and tenements, and other 105. yearly for
the charges of the yearly meetings of his trustees or three of them ; the said
Testator thereby nominated and appointed trustees and overseers therein
named, and thereby directed, that if one or more of his said trustees should

die, that then the major part of the surviving trustees should choose in the
place of them so dying such person or persons as they should think fit for
filling up the number of six ; and the Testator devised to his said trustees,
their executors, administrators, and assigns, his said messuages, lands and
tenements, which he bought of William Pratt, and all his estate and interest
therein, which was a lease therein to come for the term of about 380 years,
and the said close bought of Robert Lane, and also his tenement in
Agmondesham, to hold to them their heirs and assigns in trust, for the
charitable use aforesaid, and willed that his heir or heirs should confirm his
said gift and appointment The Testator died in the year 1675, and his
Will was proved in the Prerogative Court, on the 18th November in the
same year. The property belonging to the Charity recently consisted of —

Two cottages in Wheldon Street, Amersham.

Also an allotment under the Amersham Inclosure, containing about two
roods.

A house and carpenters workshop, outbuildings, and garden, and
4 a. 2 r. 29 p. of pasture and arable land at Great Missendcn, yielding an
annual rent of j£86 1 is. od. (less income tax). All the properties have been
sold, except the Almshouses, and the purchase money has been invested in
the Consols, in the name of the Official Trustee of Charities ; the dividends
are applied for the benefit of the Charity.

The Almspeople receive 6s. per week each, and 2£ each at Christmas.
The trusts of this Charity are declared by a Deed approved by the Court of
Chancer)-.

MURLIN'S CHARITY.

John Murlin, late of High Wycombe, Gentleman, by a Codicil to his
Will dated 15th January, 1799, gave unto his executors therein named
the sum of ^300 to be appropriated at interest on Government or mortgage
security, or in the purchase of lands, as they should think best, in their
names ; and he directed that the interest and proceeds should be paid over
and applied by his said trustees, for the support of the Methodist Chapel,
and the j>oor of the Society and Congregation thereof, in High Wycombe,
in such manner as his Wife, during her life, should direct, and after her
decease, that the same should be paid and applied to and for the same pur-
poses, equally, according to the discretion of his trustees.

r !4

placed in the hands of the Cler^v of the Church of England. The number
of fiibles granted to Wycombe is now 25.

THK ROYAL MILITARY COLLEGE

Was established in Wycombe in 1799. under the patronage of His Royal
Highness the Duke of York. The Antelope Inn, which occupied the space
between the Red Lion Hotel and the house belonging to Thomas Mar-
shall, Esq., was converted into College premises. The Institution, founded
on the plan of the Military Academy at Woolwich, embraced a complete
system of military education for officers desirous of qualifying themselves to
serve on the general staff. Lieut. -Colonel John Gaspard Le Marchant, of
the 2nd Dragoon Guards, was appointed Lieutenant Governor and Super-
intendent General of the College, who, from his extensive knowledge of
military tactics, was eminently qualified for the appointment ; he composed
a code of instructions for the sword exercise, which was approved by the
Duke of York, and forms a permanent part of the regulations of the army.
This led to his turning his attention to the swords worn by the cavalry ;
and the pattern he selected was adopted by the army. In 1796 he pub-
lished, by His Majesty's command, a work on the Cavalry Exercise, which
has since gone through five large impressions. Soon after he prepared a
work fin Military Kducation, which was submitted to, and highly approved
by, the Duke of York; and this led to many interviews with His Royal
Highness, resulting in the establishment of this College, and also one at
Great Marlow for the junior department In 181 1 Colonel Le Marchant
was promoted to the rank of Major General ; by a regulation in the Army
this promotion rendered the holding of the office of Lieutenant Governor
incompatible; he therefore vacated the appointment, to enter upon the more
arduous duties of commanding a brigade of cavalry, then about to embark
for service in the Peninsula, where he distinguished himself as a gallant
officer, and on several occasions received the public approbation of Lord
Wellington.

Lord Wellington, in his despatch on the triumphant victory gained
at the memorable battle of Salamanca, on the 22nd July, 1812, bore the
honourable testimony, "that the success was dearly purchased by the loss
of that most noble officer, General Le Marchant," who at the head of his

•> >

heavy brigade of cavalry, under General Sir Stapleton Cotton, in a brilliant
charge against a body of infantry (which they overthrew and cut to pieces ;
and in the moment of victory, while carrying the Standard of England
through the ranks of France), fell mortally wounded, deeply regretted by his
numerous friends and brother officers. Colonel James Butler succeeded
General Le Marchant as Lieutenant-Governor of the College. General
Francis Jarry (late Aide-de-Camp to Frederick the Great), Knight of the
Military Order of St. Louis, was appointed Inspector General of Instruc-
tion ; Major Douglas was appointed Commandant of the College, with the
rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army ; Lieutenant-Colonel Fred. Mac-
kenzie, Secretary thereof; and Charles Greenwood, Esquire, Treasurer.
General Jarry resigned his appointment of Inspector General of Instruction
in 1806, and died at his residence, Welleysbourne House, the 15th March,

1807, aged 75. His funeral was conducted with military honours, and his
remains were interred in the Chancel of the Parish Church. Major Douglas
succeeded General Jarry as Inspector General of Instruction. "The
Army," says his biographer, " dates an era from Major Douglas's appoint-
ment to the Military College; for he supplied it with a *nc\v class of officers,
who made it able to go anywhere, and do anything/" <4 The training hand
was unseen, but its work was apparent everywhere, and nowhere more
than in the staff of Wellington. Our commanders have borne the same
impress down to our own time, and it has been signalised by Hardinge,
Gomm, Simpson, and Brown, in our latest struggles on the fields of India
and the Crimea/ 1

44 Col. Douglas cultivated the minds of grown men who were versed in
the uses of the world and the camp. He brought knowledge down to the
humblest ability, and advanced it to a point that satisfied the highest, at the
same time raising the moral tone of the students, by keeping before them
the example of his own conduct" "And such was Howard Douglas, in the
flower of his life — the guardian of virtue, the kind fosterer of merit."

Col. Douglas remained at his post through the year, and in February,

1808, without sacrificing his appointments at the College, he was appointed
Assistant Quartermaster- General to the expedition to Spain, which set out
in the following autumn. The death of his half-brother, Sir William, raised
Col. Douglas to the baronetcy. After his engagement in the Walcheren
Expedition, and the bombardment of Flushing, Sir Howard returned to his

i;6

duties at the Military College. In 1S11 he was appointed to reside in the
provinces of Gallicia. for the purpose of communicating with the commanders
of the Spanish armies, and of distributing such arms and stores as might Ik:
sent from this country; lv accordingly repaired to the head -quarters of Lieu-
tenant-General Lord Wellington, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces
in the Peninsula, and placed himself under his orders. He was also present
at the Siege of Burgos, after the raising of which, he returned to England.
I le published a Work on Naval Gunnery. This treatise was followed by an
Kssay on Fortification. In 1S24 he attained the rank of Major-General, and
was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, and Major-General
in command of tin: troops in that province, together with those in Nova
Scotia. Cape Breton, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Bermuda.
He made great improvements in, and restored the prosperity of the colony.
Fredericton owes to Sir Howard Douglas its college, for which he obtained
a charter conferring the privileges of an university. The King gave his
name to the College, appointing Sir Howard its first Chancellor. He was
installed in the office on the 1st of January, 1829, which he held until 1S35.
He originated a school for naval gunnery; this school was established on
board the Excellent at Portsmouth. He brought out improved editions of
his Naval Gunnery, and published an Kssay on Military Bridges. The King
paid a tribute to his worth in a public Address at the Royal Military College
at Sandhurst, in June 1834, and eulogised his services and literary produc-
tions, describing him M as an officer of first-rate ability and scientific attain*
ments." In 1835 he was appointed Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian
Islands. He initiated several improvements in the Islands, by the construc-
tion of roads ; procured funds for a poor house and lunatic asylum, and for
the improvement of prisons ; as well as a large sum for purposes of public
instruction. The town of Corfu had long suffered from a scarcity of water;
he constructed a reservoir, employed soldiers to lay down pipes, and brought
a plentiful supply of water to the town. The appointment to the Ionian
Islands he held from 1S55 to 1840. Soon after Sir Howard's return to
Kngland, he was elected Member for Liverpool in the Conservative interest,
which seat he held from 1S42 to 1847. when he retired. He supported the
Cambridge Asylum (of which he became President), and other charities and
institutions. " His services had won him the honours of the Bath, of which
he was a Knight Commander in the Military Division, and a Grand Cross

during the bombardment of that city by the French Fleet in 1823. On the
22nd July, 1830, he attained the rank of Lieut.-Colonel. He became
Colonel on the 9th November, 1846, Major-General 20th June, 1854, and
retired from the army on 17th August, 1855.

General Bristow, who, since 1823, had been more or less identified with
the cause of Spanish Independence, died at Madrid on the 23rd November,
1874, aged 89. His funeral was celebrated in 'the British Cemetery, and
was attended by Mr. Layard, the English Minister ; Colonel George Fitch ;
General Millasodel Bosch; Duke of Castellejos, the only son of the late
General Prim ; and other English and Spanish residents. The coffin was
covered with the British flag, and at the moment of lowering it into the
grave, full military honours, including a salute, were paid by a battalion of
500 soldiers, sent for that purpose, as a mark of respect to the deceased, by
the Captain General of Madrid, General Primo de Rivera.

Whilst the College was flourishing at Wycombe, a military surve5%
and a model plan upon an elaborate scale, were prepared by the staff, under
the supervision of Sir Howard Douglas, representing a complete fortifi-
cation of the town and its immediate neighbourhood.

The establishment added very much to the attractions, as well as the
trade, of the town. It continued here until the early part of the year 1813,
when the Government transferred it to Farnham, in Surrey, and the Junior
Department to Sandhurst, in Berks, in the preceding October.

EMINENT CHARACTERS OF WYCOMBE.

Wycombe has to boast, amongst others, of the following notable per-
sonages :

The first we remark upon is William of Wycombe, who must not be
confounded with the celebrated William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester,
and founder of New College, Oxford ; as the latter was a native of Wyke-
ham, Hants; the former, of Wycombe, Bucks.

Nothing is known of his parentage, except that he was born at
Wycombe about the beginning of the reign of Henry I. In 1129 he
l>ecamc Chaplain to Robert Betun [or Bethunc]. thirty-third Bishop of
Hereford, who was a native of Flanders, and formerly Prior of Llanthony.
His learning was profound, as is evidenced in his life of Betun in Latin, in
two books, urinted in Wharton's "Anirlia Sacra." in 1601. "He became

'59

odious to the monks of Llanthony on account of his severity of discipline, and
his determination to procure the removal of their Monastery to its original
place, whence it had been removed under the following circumstances :
After the death of King Henry I. and Archbishop Anselm, there followed
a time of great confusion and rapine, by means of which the Monastery of
Llanthony was exposed to many robbers, and reduced to much distress ;
hereupon the Canons sent to the former Prior, Betun, then Bishop of Here-
ford, informing him thereof; who directed them all to come to him, which
they did, and he entertained them in his own Palace, giving them the use of
his Episcopal Chapel. Some of the most zealous, however, among them
did not consent to this abandonment of the old Abbey, but remained there ;
and were particularly induced to do so, as that establishment afforded the
only aid travellers could then procure in this district.

" When the Canons had lived two years with the Bishop, Milo, Earl of
Hereford, gave them a place near Gloucester, where they founded a new
Abbey, which was consecrated in 1136, and dedicated to St Mary the
Virgin. Earl Milo added to it many large possessions, and the Canons,
growing rich and faring sumptuously every day, forgot their old Abbey,
and declined to return to it ; although their new Charter, which they had
procured, distinctly provided that when peaceable times were restored, they
should leave Gloucester (except thirteen of their number), and return to old
Llanthony. This, Bishop Betun in vain endeavoured to induce them to do,
for they only sent thither a few infirm old monks, who lived there in sad
scarcity, almost on bread and water."

During the troubles of Stephens reign, Hereford suffered greatly.
The Cathedral was deserted and desecrated, and the Bishop himself was
obliged to take flight in disguise ; on his return, he cleansed and repaired
the building. He was one of the best and worthiest Bishops of his age, a
man of peace and religion, when by far the greater number of English
Bishops were little better than turbulent Barons.

Wycombe, when appointed to the Priory by the Bishop, set himself
earnesdy to reform the Monastery, much to the distaste of the monks, who
feared an interruption of their easy life.

Wycombe's earnestness found vent in an invective against the Earl of
Hereford, whom he severely censured for his encouragement of the monkish
delinquencies. Whatever the charges against the Earl were, Wycombe was

162

Clark removed to Upper Winchendon, the seat of Philip, Lord Wharton,
who was the great ornament of the British Peerage, and the distinguished
patron and sincere friend of the Nonconformists, where he found a " refuge
from the storm, and a covert from the face of the spoiler." Mr. Clark
afterwards retired to Wycombe, and took up his abode in Easton Street,
and, after the manner of the Apostles, formed a Church in his house, which
was the first Nonconformist Church established in Wycombe, and over
which he presided up to the period of his death. He was much superior to
his father in learning ; and applied himself early to the study of the Holy
Scriptures. He published Annotations on the Bible, which were the labour
of his life ; and also a Survey of the Bible, with other works. Dr. Calamy
says of his Annotations, " that it is a work of great judgment, that it bears
the lively signature of his exact learning, singular piety, and indefatigable
industry ; that it commonly fixes on the true sense of the place ; diligently
observes the connexion of things ; freely represents the principal matters
that occur ; and contains the fullest account of parallel passages of any
other then extant." It obtained the concurring testimony of Dr. Owen and
Mr. Baxter ; and a learned Primate recommended it to young divines, at
their ordination. " Mr. Clark," says his biographer, " was a man of very
considerable learning; a good critic, especially in. the Scriptures; a great
textuary ; an excellent preacher ; a great enemy to superstition and bigotry,
yet zealous for unaffected piety and extensive charity. His soul cleaved to
the purity of the Gospel and its institutions ; and he disclaimed everything
that looked like superstition. He, knowing God to be jealous for His wor-
ship, thought with Bishop Jeremy Taylor, ' that the teaching of Divine
truths by symbolical things, and actions of human invention, was too low,
too suspicious, and too dangerous, to be mingled with the Divine services,
but the introducing of significant rites and ceremonies destroyed the Church,
not only in her Christian liberty, but in the simplicity, purity, and spirituality
of her religion, by insensibly changing it into a ceremonial and external
service.' " — Ductor Dubitantium, L iii. p. 668, sec. 7.

44 He lived usefully and in much esteem, serving God with great
patience, self-denial, prudence, and peaceableness ; unweariedly seeking the
furtherance of His kingdom, when it was made perilous to do so." He died
suddenly, while conducting the public devotional exercises of the sanctuary,
on February 24th, 1701, aged 75, and his remains were interred in the

1 63

Chancel of the Parish Church ; but to use the words of one who composed
this Epitaph to his memory : —

" No costly tomb, nor monumental stone
Marks out the place where Clark, the Man of God,
Doth lie. He needs them not ; his name, his works
Still live on earth ; and in that spirit world,
Where goodness ever dwells in memory,
He finds reward, the favour of his God ;
Not that alone ; for there with purest love
All join to welcome him whose days were spent
For Christ and Man, whose thoughts and words and deeds
Were consecrate to truth and goodness."

Mr. Clark was succeeded by the Rev. John Pownall, under whose
ministry the Church and Congregation very considerably increased, so much
so as to render it necessary, in the year 17 14, to erect a Meeting House in
Crendon Lane, which in subsequent years was twice enlarged, and school-
rooms added to it, and it is now known as Crendon Street Chapel.

John Rowell, who resided in Wycombe about the year 1 756, was by
trade a plumber, and practised the art of Glass painting. He was employed
by the late Duke of Richmond at Goodwood, and executed many pieces
for Dr. Maddox, Bishop of Worcester ; particularly, " a history of Christ
praying in the Garden," after a design of Dr. John Wall, of Worcester. He
painted a set of windows for Dr. Scawen Kenrick, in the Church of Ham-
bledon, Bucks. " The Nativity of Christ," and the " Roman Charity," were
also executed by him in two large windows ; the former was purchased
of his widow by Mr. Chute, of The Vine, in Hampshire ; the latter, by
Viscount Fane. The colours in some of his paintings stand very well ;
in others they have been observed greatly to fail. He discovered the
beautiful red which is so conspicuous in our old windows ; but this secret
is supposed to have died with him.*

Miss Hannah Ball was a resident in Wycombe from her childhood ; in
her Diary she informs us that she was born March 13th, 1733 ; blessed with
parents who possessed Hagars wish, " nor with riches crowned, nor poverty

* See Granger's " Biographical History, " vol. iv. p. 335.

1 64

depressed." In one of Mr. Wesley's early visits to Wycombe she was
prevailed on by a friend to hear him preach ; in her Diary she remarks, " I
went at five o'clock in the morning, at which time the service commenced ;
I was struck with the venerable appearance of Mr. Wesley, but more deeply
affected with the words of his text, which were taken from Matt xv. 28th,
1 O woman, great is thy faith ; be it unto thee even as thou wilt/ " and she
thus became one of the first-fruits of his ministry in Wycombe. She adds,
" I began my Diary in the year 1766 ; after three months' close exercise, I
was brought by Divine assistance to resignation's shrine, with ' Father, Thy
will be done.' From that time I found power to give the Lord all my
heart." She very frequently corresponded with Mr. Wesley, and this she
continued nearly to the close of his life. In another part of her Diary she
observes, " I desire to spend the remaining part of my life in a closer
walking with God, and in labours of love to my fellow-creatures, — feeding
the hungry, clothing the naked, instructing the rising generation in the
principles of religion, and in every possible way I am capable, ministering to
them that shall be heirs of salvation." Miss Ball was the first person who
established a Sunday School in Wycombe, in the year 1769 ; this circum-
stance is rendered the more remarkable from the fact of her taking nearly
fourteen years' precedence of Mr. Raikes of Gloucester, the hitherto admitted
founder of Sunday Schools, his school having been established in the year
17S3. Miss Ball continued the school at Wycombe for many years; and
also met the children every Monday to instruct them, " earnestly desiring/ 9
as she adds in a letter to Mr. Wesley, " to promote the interest of the
Church of Christ." Miss Ball attended the Parish Church with the chil-
dren, and it was called Miss Ball's School.

She died August 16, 1792, in the fifty-ninth year of her age, and was
succeeded by her sister, Miss Ann Ball, who continued her excellent work.

Thomas Orger was the son of Mr. George Orger, who was a Member
of the Society of Friends, and resided at Hertford.

M r. Orger removed to Wycombe in the year 1 784, and placed his son
at the Royal Grammar School, under the care of The Reverend Alban
Thomas, by whose able tuition he made considerable proficiency.

In 1795 he entered a merchant's office at Sunderland, and accompanied
the merchant on one of his voyages to St Petersburg; he subsequently

1 6 5

returned to Wycombe, and established a printing office. In 1804 he mar-
ried Miss Mary Anne Ivers, who was a celebrated actress of the day ; and
the following year he resided chiefly in London. In 18 14 he entered him-
self as a student of civil law at Hertford College, Oxford. In 1824, on the
recommendation of Dr. Crombie, Author of the Gymnasium, and Dr. Jones,
the compiler of a Greek and English Lexicon, he obtained the degree of
D.C.L. from the Marischal College, Aberdeen. In 181 1 he published a
translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses, with the original Latin text ; and also
a literal prose translation of the Odes of Anacreon. He educated a number
of private pupils, and after Mrs. Orgers death, which transpired in 1849, ^ e
retired to Oxford, and resided with his son-in-law, Mr. Reinagle, the cele-
brated violoncellist, where he died of apoplexy, June 2nd, 1853.

John Hollis, Esq., the son of Isaac Hollis, was born in the old Eliza-
bethan House, in Easton Street, already referred to. He was trained up in
the principles of Protestant Nonconformity, and received a liberal education ;
he was on intimate terms with many literary men of his day, and particularly
with the celebrated Dr. Samuel Parr. In the Doctors Catalogue of his
valuable and extensive library, he mentions Mr. Hollis as having given to
him his work entitled "An Apology/' in the year 1809 ; and in the summer
of 18 1 2 he sent him his other works. The Doctor remarks, that "Mr.
Hollis leads a studious and blameless life at High Wycombe," where he
sometimes visited him. "He is confessedly an unbeliever, but he never
writes profanely ; he is charitable and respectful in his judgment upon the
character of Christians ; he devotes his time and his fortune to doing good ;
and, be his errors what they may," Dr. Parr observes, " I am bound by the
principles and spirit of Christianity to love and to honour such a moral
agent as Mr. Hollis." In another note Dr. Parr adds, "that he knew Mr.
Hollis personally, and considered him one of the most serious, upright, and
benevolent of human beings ; they often conversed upon the most important
subjects; and whatsoever were the errors of Hollis, he supported them
with much ability, and without any taint of acrimony or profaneness."

Mr. Hollis was also the intimate friend of that distinguished artist,
John Opie, who was Professor of Painting in the Royal Academy ; their
friendship continued up to Opie's death, in the year 1807. Opie painted a
fine portrait of his friend, which was engraved by Warren ; and it is said

i66

that the execution of the engraving so delighted Hollis, that on seeing it, he
exclaimed with considerable warmth of admiration, " Well, well, I declare
we are all immortalized ; yes, all of us are immortalized." His charity
towards every class was commensurate with the dictates of his liberal soul,
which ever devised liberal things, so that it may be justly said of him as of
the patriarch Job, " When the ear heard him, then it blessed him ; and when
the eye saw him, it gave witness to him, because he delivered the poor that
cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The bless-
ing of him that was ready to perish came down upon him, and he caused
the widow's heart to sing for joy."

In Dr. Parr's Catalogue, Mr. Hollis's works are enumerated, amongst
others : —

" Free Thoughts," consisting of remarks occasioned by Dr. Paley's
Reply, to Hume; "Hypercritical Strictures on certain passages in the
Critical Review " ; "A Letter to a Friend " ; " The Reflections of a Soli-
tary"; and a small volume of " Miscellaneous Poems," published anonymously
" By a young Man." Mr. Hollis, in later life, remarked that " these poems
were the production of a simple young man indeed." He published in an
octavo volume his opinions on revealed religion, in a letter addressed to a
friend. He was also the author of other works, copies of all of which he
presented to Dr. Parr. He died on the 26th November, 1824, in the 81st
year of his age His coffin was placed in a stone case, and interred in
the Nave of the Parish Church.

Mr. James Gomme was an auctioneer, and a Burgess of the Borough of
Wycombe. He might be said to combine, as Dr. Johnson expressed it,
" that which is rarely to be met with in persons of his class, the civility of
the tradesman, and the manners of the gentleman."

He possessed considerable mental powers, and a retentive memory ;
he sought and enjoyed the society of literary men, and lived in habits of
intimacy with Mark Noble, the antiquary, with whom he carried on a
lengthened and most interesting correspondence. He was also on most
friendly terms with Lord Dormer, Sir Isaac Heard, Sir George Naylor, and
many other distinguished persons ; and was particularly honoured with the
friendship of the celebrated Edmund Burke. In 1795 Mr. Gomme wrote to
the Biographer of Burke, and remarked that "corn became much increased in

167

price, and the poor felt the pressure severely." Mr. Burke, who was ever
feelingly alive to their wants, and never backward in exerting himself to
afford relief, had a windmill in the park at Butlers Court, in which he
directed good corn to be ground, had it made into bread at his own house,
and retailed it to the poor at a very reduced price. " This," he said, " was
a better plan than merely to make them a present of it. The bread was, of
course, unadulterated, and excellent. He had it served at his own table. I
partook of it there ; and he requested me to take a loaf to Wycombe, in order
to show to the more opulent people of that town and vicinity how much might
be done, and with comparatively little trouble, for the benefit of the lower
order of the community." Mr. Gomme adds, " Calling at Butlers Court one
day, after passing through a drenching shower of rain, Mr. Burke pressed
me to take a glass of strong sherry, which he said was of his own importa-
tion, and the very best he could procure." " I cannot," he added, " offer
you brandy, for I will never pay a guinea per gallon for that, or for any
other article, from that country (France)." " Shortly after this, it so hap-
pened," Mr. Gomme observes, " that I was invited to dine at Butlers Court
'You wilj meet/ said Mr. Burke to me, 'the Bishop of St. Pol de Leon, of
the Roman Catholic Church, and Dr. Walker King, a dignified clergyman
of our more fortunate and purer Church! This latter part of the sentence
was pronounced emphatically, probably in allusion to the then unhappy state
of the French Church and Clergy ; and to Burke's having been suspected of
being a Roman Catholic, when there was nothing whatever to countenance
such a supposition, except his having some relatives of that persuasion, and
his advocating their cause in Parliament and in the press. This stupid pre-
judice was not, however, confined to the lower class of people ; for I once
heard a person holding a considerable office under government term him,
'a kiln-dried Roman Catholic* But to proceed, at table I accordingly
met with the reverend persons Mr. Burke had mentioned, along with several
others of his friends ; but here let me say, I shall never forget the manner
in which he descended the ground flight of stone steps to receive me, the
cordial pressure of his hand, and the graceful and dignified demeanour of
introducing me to his other guests.

" Burke had a way of doing these little things which struck me as
being peculiarly his own, and calculated to make a strong impression on
the mind of a stranger. He was particularly attentive in his own house, or

1 68

at his own table, to any man who was of inferior rank ; he would frequently
address his conversation to such person, in order to overcome any diffidence
he might feel, and, as the phrase is, draw him out, to exhibit any peculiar
merit or talent he possessed. His own conversation, in his gayer moments,
was various and excursive ; he did not dwell long on common matters, but
giving you some bright and brilliant thoughts, or happy phrases, which it
seemed difficult to forget, would pass on to some kindred or relative topic,
and throw out the coruscations of his wit or imagination upon that also, thus
keeping up a kind of intellectual sharp-shooting on every subject that offered.
It will be supposed there was some effort in this, and it is not improbable;
but it was not obvious. H is mind, however, seemed to be mostly on the
stretch, and few things escaped it. I think it was impossible ever to mis-
take him for an every-day man ; for in his efforts to sustain his reputation
for superiority in private society, he sometimes failed in his hits, and
stumbled into, or below, mediocrity ; but he recovered in a moment his
dignity and proper station."

" Mr. Burke founded the French Emigrant School at Penn, in 1796, for
the destitute children of those who had perished by the guillotiae, or the
sword of the Revolution. The Abb6 Moraine was the Superior, or Head-
master of the School, and was assisted by the Abb6 Lefevre and the Abb6
Chevallier."

Mr. Gomme states that " In April of that year the Emigrant School was
opened, and Mr. Burke, for the remainder of his life, watched over the
institution with the solicitude, not merely of a friend, but of a father. He
visited it frequently, sometimes daily, being about three miles distant from
his house, and often supplied the table of masters and scholars from his
own. His smiles might be said to have gladdened the hearts of the exiles ;
I have witnessed many interesting scenes there of that nature ; they were
doomed, alas ! too soon to lose their kind benefactor. At the annual distri-
bution of prizes the senior scholar delivered a Latin oration in the presence
of a large assembly of nobility and gentry, in the great hall, in which Mr.
Burke was always alluded to as their patron and friend. He assigned to
these youths a blue uniform, wearing in their hats a white cockade, inscribed,
'Vive le Roi ; ' those who had lost their fathers had it placed on a bloody
label ; those who had lost uncles on a black one. The Marquis of Bucking-
ham made the School a present of a brass field-piece, and a pair of colours

169

which were displayed on public days, as a source of youthful pride, by these
descendants of suffering loyalty. After the death of Mr. Burke, I was
appointed Treasurer, and received from the Lords of the Treasury fifty
pounds per month for the support of the establishment. Upon the restora-
tion of the legitimate monarchy in France, in 1814, the money was remitted
thence, until the dissolution of the Institution on the 1st of August, 1820;
when, on the departure of the superior and the pupils, the colours were
presented to me as a token of remembrance, and I retain them with satis-
faction, from the interesting associations they recall."

From the above extracts, it is evident that Mr. Gomme shows great
power of discernment in his descriptions of Mr. Burke's conversations. We
must add that Mr. Burke introduced Mr. Gomme to Louis the Eighteenth,
when the King resided at Hartwell, in this County ; the King treated him
with the greatest kindness, and after His Majesty's restoration and return
to his dominions, transmitted to Mr. Gomme, as a testimony of his regard,
the Cross of the Order of St. Louis. Mr. Gomme was a Fellow of the
Society of Antiquaries, of London. We may add, that he was a portly man,
of dignified appearance, and wore the costume of the last century. On the
occasion of the funeral of His late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent, Mr.
Gomme attended the mournful obsequies merely as a spectator ; and as he
approached the Royal Chapel of St George, Windsor, in a pitiless shower
of rain, he was, from his appearance, evidently taken by an official for a
dignitary of the Church of England, and was accordingly ushered into the
sacred edifice. He mentioned to the Author, that as he passed his Grace
the Duke of Wellington and other great Officers of State, who were near
the entrance to the Royal Chapel, he observed the venerable Lord Eldon
standing on his hat, for the protection of his feet from the wet He died
30th July, 1825, aged 59, and his remains were interred in a brick grave
in the Nave of the Parish Church. He left a large collection of valuable
curiosities, paintings, books, and MSS., which were sold by public auction in
the Town Hall.

John Wilkinson, Esq., who resided in Wycombe for many years, was
the son of a pious clergyman of the Established Church. He received a
liberal education, and on the death of his father, his mother seceded from
the Established Church, and joined the Society of Friends, in whose

170

principles she trained up her son, and of which Society he became a
distinguished ornament, an Evangelical Minister, and was repeatedly the
President of their Yearly Meetings. During the visit of the Emperor
Alexander to this country in 18 14, Mr. Wilkinson preached before His
Imperial Majesty, his sister the Grand Duchess of Oldenburg, and suite,
at the Friends' Meeting House in St. Martin's Lane, London. His subject
was, the effects of vital religion, and the nature of true worship, beautifully
applying the text, " He is their help and their shield, ,, and afterwards con-
cluded the service with earnest and appropriate prayer. Mr. Wilkinson
formed one of the deputation of three to wait on the Emperor with a
congratulatory address from the Society of Friends ; when his Imperial
Majesty took occasion to allude in the kindest terms to Mr. Wilkinson's
sermon, and expressed how fully his spirit united with him in prayer at
their Meeting. The Emperor remarked that he should never forget the
opportunity, and as the deputation withdrew, he took each of them by the
hand and. said, " I part with you as a friend and a brother."

"Subsequently, during an interview with the late Thomas Clarkson,
Esq., in Paris, the Emperor very kindly inquired after Mr. Wilkinson, and
the two Friends who formed the deputation to wait on him in London, and
said, ' the two hours' conversation that he had held with them were among
the most agreeable hours he had spent in England; that the religious oppor-
tunity which he then had with them made a very serious impression on his
mind, such an one, indeed, as he believed he should never forget, and he
could not but have a high regard for the Society to which three such good
men belonged.' In the year 1829 it pleased Almighty God to visit Mr.
Wilkinson with an overwhelming affliction, in the removal by death of an
only beloved and most interesting Daughter, at the age of thirteen years
and eight months, which he bore with Christian fortitude, and the sweetest
resignation to the Divine will."

In the autumn of 1832 Mr. Wilkinson delivered four discourses in
London, which were taken down in short-hand, and published without his
cognizance, as the Editor very justly remarks, "for their intrinsic excellence."
There were also two sermons delivered by him at the Friends' Meeting
House in Manchester, and one at Liverpool, and published under similar
circumstances, which alike breathe a spirit of deep-toned piety and ardent
zeal for the conversion of his fellow-sinners.

'7i

In addition to Mr. Wilkinson's intimate acquaintance with the classics,

few men were more conversant with theology, ancient and modern history,

and general literature ; he also possessed no mean knowledge of the arts

and sciences. He was distinguished by a noble and generous spirit, and

an enlarged and benevolent heart ; he was blest with a placidity of temper,

most gentlemanly and urbane manners, and endowed with a mind of a

superior order, abounding in intellectual resources, delighting in the beauties

of nature, but, above all, adorned with humility and that Christian love

which hallowed all the other gifts and graces Providence had so liberally

bestowed on him.

*" In the month of February, 1836, Mr. Wilkinson seceded from the

Society of Friends, and published a book entitled " Quakerism Examined,"

in reply to a letter of Samuel Tuke, in which he displayed the powers of his

well-cultivated and vigorous mind. Subsequently he became a member of

the Established Church. He was no bigot, but revered good men of every

denomination. He was a liberal supporter of all the various societies

having for their object the spread of the Gospel and the improvement of

the moral and religious condition of his fellow-creatures. Love to all

mankind was deeply engraven on his heart, and his charity towards every

class was commensurate with the dictates of his liberal soul, which ever

devised liberal things. That imperfections mingled in his character we

cannot doubt, for he was human ; but surely of him it may with truth be

said, —

" E'en his failings lean'd to virtue's side."

All who had the happiness to share his intimacy will readily unite in
this testimony ; his friendships were those of the heart He has left behind
him an example that may instruct and encourage others. His praise is in
all the Churches, and his memory will long be embalmed in the recollection
of his many and sincerely attached friends. He died in the month of
December, 1846, and his remains were interred in a brick grave in Hazel-
mere Church Yard. His Will {subject to Mrs. Wilkinsons life interest)
contains the following munificent bequests : —

To the British and Foreign Bible Society . . . ;£3,ooo

„ London Missionary Society .... ... 2,000

Church Missionary Society ....... 1,500

Baptist Missionary Society 1,500

172

To the Wesleyan Missionary Society ...... jQi*ooo

Religious Tract Society 1,000

London Association in Aid of Missions of the United \

Brethren, called Moravians /

Fastoral-Aid Society *5°

Irish Society of London, for Promoting the Education and"\

Religious Instruction of the Native Irish, through the r 250

Medium of their own language '

We should not omit to mention the principal manufactures of the Town
and Parish, which are as follow : —

And first, of Paper, which was at an early period brought to such
perfection, that to Mr. John Bates, of Wycombe Marsh, was awarded the
Gold Medal of the Society of Arts, "for manufacturing paper equal to the
French, for receiving impression from mezzotinto, and other engraved
copper plates."

Wycombe is also celebrated for the manufacture of Chairs, which of late
years has very considerably increased, so much so, that it is said, upon the
average, in 1874, about seven chairs were made per minute in the town and
neighbourhood for ever)- hour of the day and night, being nearly one and a
half millions in that year ; and they are exported to almost every Country in
the world.

Another important manufacture is that of Pillow Lace. Although it
is not in so flourishing a condition as in former years, yet it continues to
be an extensive source of employment.

We may mention that in the year 181 2 the Auxiliary Bible Society
was established here, supported by many of the Nobility and Gentry of the
County, and the whole of the Clergy, Nonconformist Ministers, and others
of the town and neighbourhood.

In the list of subscriptions and donations, the name of Mr. Moses
Solomon, an unconverted Jew, residing in Paul's Row, is included.

The amount of subscriptions and donations for the year 1 8 1 2 amounted

to jC**2 I OS. 6//.

At a Public Meeting held in the Guildhall, on the 4th January, 1812,
for the purpose of establishing a Royal Lancasterian School, Viscount
Mahon occupied the chair, and in a very able speech stated the object of

-_.-.i

*7o

the meeting. After which, Mr. Fox, the Secretary to the Institution for
Promoting the Royal British System of Education, addressed the meeting.
The Hon. Robert Smith (the second Lord Carington), at the early age of
seventeen, moved the various resolutions constituting the basis of the Society
intended to be instituted. "In a neat but short speech " (says the Editor
of the Statesman Newspaper) " he very modestly addressed the meeting,,
stating his approbation of the opinions already advanced by his noble
relation and Mr. Fox, and expressed the pleasure he felt on the occasion,
in being engaged in promoting so desirable an object." The meeting was
supported by the Clergy, the* Dissenting Ministers, the leading members of
the Society of Friends, RobeVt Wheeler, Esq., and other influential persons
of the Town and neighbourhood.

•

Sir Thomas Baring, Bart., M.P., was appointed President ; the Right
Hon. Lord Carrington, the Right Hon. Lord Gardner, Viscount Mahon,
Sir John Dashwood King, Bart, M.P., and the Hon. Robert Smith, Vice-
Presidents.

The footpaths of the Streets in the Borough were, in 1810, paved
with Denner Hill Sand Stones, under the provisions of the Local Act of
Parliament for paving and lighting the Borough.

On the 5th March, 181 1, there was a grand torchlight funeral of the
remains of Louisa, niece of General Sir Howard Douglas, Bart., which
were interred in Wycombe Parish Church.

The Savings Bank was established in 18 18.

On Nov. 9, 1832, Her Majesty the Queen, then H.R.H. Princess
Victoria, accompanied by her mother the Duchess of Kent, passed through
Wycombe on her way to Oxford, changing horses at the Red Lion Hotel

The Town was first lighted with Gas in 1836.

The Wycombe Poor Law Union was established in 1835.

The Wycombe Amicable and Literary Institute, in 1844.

The Odd Fellows Lodge, designated the " Loyal Bud of Hope," was
opened at the Swan Inn, in 1845.

The Wycombe County Court, in 1847 ; John Herbert Koe, Esq., Q.C.,
Judge.

The Wycombe Branch Railway, connecting the town with the Great
Western Line at the Taplow Station, was opened in 1847, which Line has
since been extended to Oxford and Aylesbury.

174

On the 19th of February, 1863, Mrs. Alfred Lane, the widow of Mr.
Councillor Lane, in carrying out her late husband's intention, presented, in
the most handsome manner, to the Corporation a fine painting after Van-
dyck, of Philip, fourth Lord Wharton ; of Lady Jane, his second wife (by
whom he became possessed of the Goodwin Estates at Upper Winchenden
and Wooburn) ; and of Henry, their fourth and infant son ; the picture was
included in the finest collection of portraits by Vandyck and Sir Peter Lely,
in England, which adorned the gallery of his Lordship's palace at Wooburn,
then in all its grandeur and magnificence. This grand picture is placed
in the Council Chamber of our Guildhall. The old palace was taken down
in 1 750, and the present house was erected oh part of its site. The other
portraits were purchased by Sir Robert Walpole, and were afterwards trans-
ferred to the collection of pictures in the Winter Palace of the Emperor of
Russia, at St. Petersburg.

In June, 1877, a splendid full-length portrait (by Graves) of His Royal
Highness Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, K.G., G.C.I., etc., etc., robed
as a Knight of the Garter, was presented to the inhabitants of the Borough
and Parish of Chepping Wycombe, by the Right Honourable Charles
Robert Lord Carington (who served as Aide-de-Camp to His Royal High-
ness during his Indian tour), in acknowledgment of the welcome given to
his Lordship by his fellow-townsmen on his return, May 24th, 1876. This
fine production of art graces the Guildhall.

The Author deems it a very suitable and gratifying conclusion to his
history, to chronicle here the visit to this ancient town of Queen Victoria,
on her way to Hughenden Manor, on Saturday, the 15th December, 1877,
when Her Majesty was the guest of the Premier, the Right Honourable
the Earl of Beaconsfield. Wycombe did its utmost *on the occasion by
way of appropriate demonstrations of loyalty. Flags, banners, and mottoes
were everywhere displayed ; triumphal arches were erected ; and one of
them was a construction of chairs, the staple manufacture of the town, of
various artistic designs. Guards of honour from the Royal Bucks King's
Own Militia, under Captain Powell, Leiutenant Rose carrying the Queen's
colours ; and the 1st and 2nd Companies of the Buckinghamshire Battalion
of Rifle Volunteers, with their respective officers, Lieut. T. Lunnon, and
Sub-Lieutenant Gilbey ; being under the command of Lieut. -Colonel O.
P. Wethered, were in attendance. The Right Honourable the Earl of

*75

Beaconsfield ; the Right Honourable the Lord Carington ; Lieut. -Col. the
Honourable W. Carington, M.P. ; Sir Charles L. Young, Bart. ; J. O.
Griffits, Esq., Q.C. ; the Mayor and Corporation in State ; the Reverend
Robert Chilton, Vicar ; the Reverend James Poulter, Head Master of the
Royal Grammar School, with the scholars of the foundation ; Randolph
Crewe, Esq., Chairman of the Parish Local Board, with several of its
members as a deputation from that body, and many others, including an
assemblage of the fair sex, were present at the Railway Station, to await
Her Majesty's arrival. Punctually at a quarter past one o'clock the Royal
train entered the station, the band of the Bucks Militia playing the National
Anthem. Her Majesty, who was accompanied by Her Royal Highness
Princess Beatrice, and looked remarkably well, was handed from the train
by the Earl of Beaconsfield, who introduced the Mayor to the Queen ; the
Mayor presented to Her Majesty an Address from the Corporation, beauti-
fully illuminated on vellum, which was as follows : —

" May it please your Majesty, we the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the ancient
Borough of Chepping Wycombe, as representing a population which has always shown itself
loyal to the Throne, and deeply interested in every movement having for its object the
promotion and advancement of the welfare of the nation at large, desire most cordially and
loyally to convey to your Majesty our sincere and hearty congratulations upon your Majesty
passing through our Town, on the occasion of a visit to our distinguished neighbour the Prime
Minister of the Country ; and at the same time to express our earnest desire that, under the
smile of Divine Providence, your Majesty may long live to rule over a contented, happy, and
loyal people, and that the peace and prosperity which has so signally marked your Majesty's
gracious reign, may continue to distinguish the rule of this great nation and its dependencies,
under your Majesty's guidance, for many years yet to come,"

The noble Earl, speaking for the Queen, said that Her Majesty thanked
the Burgesses for their address, and desired him to express her great satis-
faction at finding herself, after a long lapse of years, once more in her loyal
Borough of Wycombe. The Mayor then introduced his youthful daughter
to the Queen, who, in a very graceful and simple manner, presented a
beautiful bouquet to Her Majesty.

Lord Beaconsfield, on the conclusion of the ceremony, led Her Majesty
to the open carriage, in which, amid the singing of " God Save the Queen,"
by the school children, and the ringing of the Church bells, she took her
seat with Princess Beatrice, and the Dowager Marchioness of Ely, lady in
waiting ; General Ponsonby and Colonel Du Plat were in attendance on

i 7 6

horseback, preceded by the carriage of the Premier. There was no escort,
the whole cavalcade consisting of the gentlemen in attendance, the outriders,
and the mounted police. Through the town the procession moved at a
mere walking pace, amid the plaudits of thousands, and the waving of
handkerchiefs from the windows of all the houses. After passing through
the arch of chairs, and through the last of the triumphal arches erected by
the entrance to Frogmore Gardens, which was surmounted with the now
significant inscription, " Hail, Empress of India," the postilions broke into a
trot, and the remainder of the journey of a mile and a half was quickly
accomplished. The stay of Her Majesty lasted very little over two hours
After luncheon, the Queen visited the Church and Church Yard, where the
remains of the late Viscountess Ueaconsfield arc entombed ; there is a mural
tablet on the exterior east wall of the Church to her memory. The Queen
also planted a tree on the lawn of Hughenden Manor. By a quarter to four
o'clock Her Majesty and the Princess had been conducted back nearly
along the same route ; and on the royal party approaching the arch of chairs.
Her Majesty stopped the carriage, and inspected and much admired this
unique and artistic structure ; on reaching the railway station, the farewell
cheers were as hearty as were the demonstrations of welcome. The return
to Windsor was accomplished at half-past four o'clock.

APPENDIX

A A

I :?!

CHARTERS AND GRANTS

RELATING TO

%\t |tor0M:0Jr oi Capping Wfttumht,

IN THE

COUNTY OF BUCKINGHAM.

CHARTER ROLLS.

* 5 John. m. 24. The Manor of Wycombe to Alan

Basset
12 Hen. III. m. 4. Fair granted to the Hospital of

Wycombe.
* 13 Hen. III. m. 7. For the Lepers of St Mary at

Wycombe.
* lb. m. 8. Alan Basset.

* 2 1 Hen. III. m. 4 & 5. The Burgesses of Wycombe.

35 Hat. III. m. 4. The Church at Wycombe.
* 13 Edw. I. No. 59. The Burgesses of Wycombe.

* 1 Hen. IV. p. 2. No. 6. Borough of Wycombe. — Confirma-

tion.
3 & 4 Hen. V. No. 2. Free Warren in Wycombe, &c.

granted to the Duke of Bedford.

INQ: AD QD DAMNUM.

8 Edw. II. No. 161. Messuage in Wycombe, in the Honor

of Wallingford.

PATENT ROLLS.

19 Ed. III. p. 3. m. 3. For the Prior of St John of Jerusa-
lem. Certain Lands and Woods
in Wycombe. About sixteen
acres of Land, and one acre of
Woodland.

# The Charters having this mark (•) prefixed, are those now printed.

4 Ed. III. p. 2. m. 5. Manor of Wycombe, and a rent of

;£i8 8 s. Sd. granted to Thomas,
Duke of Norfolk.
6 Ed. III. [). 2. m. 8. Town and Manor of Wycombe.

Grant to the Earl of Norfolk.
18 Ed. III. p. 1. m. 28. Piece of Land in Wycombe granted

to Egid. le Trampor.
16 Ric. II. p. 2. m. 19. Chantry of the Holy Trinity at

Wycombe.
28 Hen. VI. p. 1. m. 1 & 2. Grant of Free Warren in Wycombe

to Robt. Wittingham.

ESCHEATS.

9 Ed. I. No. 9. Alisea lc Despenser dies seized of

the Manor of Wycombe, &c.

CLOSE ROLLS.

15 Edtv. I. m. 6. dors. Wycombe Farm.

19 Edw. I. m. 9. Manor of Wycombe to Hugh lc

Despenser.

18 Edw. II. m. 38. Lands in Wycombe to the Knights

Templars.

19 Edw. II. m. 23. Messuage in Wycombe.
20 Edw. II. m. 4. Wycombe Manor.

6 Edw. III. m. 1 7. Manor and Town of Wycombe.

Surrender by the Earl of Nor-
folk to the King, of a Fee (arm
Rent.
16. m. 37. Lands and Tenements in Wycombe.

1 8 Edw. III. p. i. m. 25. Two Water-Mills, &c. in the town

of Wycombe.
43 Edw. III. m. 30. Lands, &c. in Wycombe.
10 Hen. IV. m. 32. Lands, &c. in the parish of Wy-
combe.
12 Hen. VI. ni. 2. Lands, &c. in the town of Wycombe.
18 Hen. VI. m. 35. Lands, &c. in the town of Wycombe.
15 Edw. IV. m. 3. Tenement and Land in the parish

of Wycombe.
18 Edw. IV. Dean and Canons of Windsor, the

Manor of Bassetsbury, and Fee
farm of the town of Great
Wycombe, &c. (Ashmoles
"Garter," p. 170.)

Tllii FIFTH OF JOHN.
10th Junk, 1205.

Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in
the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the
Fifth year of the Rei^n of Kin^ John, membrane 24, is thus con-
tained : —

"THE CHARTER OF ALAN BASSET.

"JOHN, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Nor-
mandy and Aquitain, Earl of Anjou, To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Earls,
Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful people,
Greeting. — KNOW YE, that we have given, granted, and by our present Charter have
Th« M.»inir confirmed, to our beloved and trusty Alan Basset. All the manor of Wyeumbc with

crantoVto * lXs a I > P urtenanccs » except what JZohcrt de Vipont there held, To have and to holii

A Lin lb.***. t ti lc aforesaid Alan and his heirs, of us and our heirs, Rendering therefore yearly,

Fur £20 a at our Exchequer, twenty pounds; that is to say, ten pounds at the Exchequer of

>car ' Saint Michael, and ten pounds at the Exchequer of Easter: And moreover, doing

Am it he Sc 1- therefore the service of one Knight for all service. Wherefore we will and firmly

Kiii 'lV " C command, that the aforesaid Alan, and his heirs after him, shall have and hold the

aforesaid Manor with the appurtenances, as is aforesaid, well and in peace, freely, and
quietly, entirely, and fully, and honourably, with all liberties and free customs to the
aforesaid Manor pertaining. Witness, William Earl Marshall, William Earl of
Arundel, William Earl of Ferrers, William de Breose, Peter de Stoh, v^v.

■■fBifccn by the hand of J. de H munch, Archdeacon of Worcester, at •

the tenth day of June, in the fifth year of our Reign."

(A true Translation.)

jbth April, 1M7. W. ILLINGWORTH.

Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower.

THE THIRTEENTH OF HENRY III,

26th March, 1229.

Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in
the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the
Thirteenth year of the reign of King Henry the Third, membrane
9, is thus contained : —

"For Alan Basset, concerning the Manor of Wycumhe.

€€ fctnrp> by the grace of God, King of England, &c. To the Archbishops,
&c. Greeting. — We have inspected the Charter of the I«ord John, our Father, in
these words: JOHN, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke
of Normandy and Aquitain, Earl of Anjou, To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots,
Earls, Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful
people, Greeting. — KNOW YE, that we have given, granted, and by our present
Charter have confirmed, to our beloved and trusty Alan Basset, All the manor of
Wycumbe with its appurtenances, except what Robert de Vipont there held, To
have and to hold to the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, of us and our heirs, Ren-
dering therefore yearly, at our Exchequer, twenty pounds ; that is to say, ten i>ounds
at the Exchequer of Saint Michael, and ten pounds at the Exchequer of Easter: And
moreover, doing therefore the service of one Knight for all service. Wherefore we
will and firmly cornmand, that the aforesaid Alan, and his heirs after him, shall
have and hold the aforesaid Manor, with the appurtenances, as is aforesaid, well and
in peace, freely, and quietly, entirely, and fully, and honourably, with all liberties and
free customs to the aforesaid Manor pertaining. Witness, William Earl Marshall,
William Earl of Arundel, William Earl of Ferrers, William de Breose, Peter de Stok,
Robert le Roppel, John de Stok. Given by the hand of J. de Braunch, Archdeacon
of Worcester, at the tenth day of June in the fifth year of

our reign. We, therefore, this gift and grant ratifying and confirming the same for us
and our heirs, do ratify and confirm to the aforesaid Alan and his heirs : These
being Witnesses, Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, Justiciar of England, Philip de
Albaniaco, Ralph Fitz Nicholas, Nicholas de Moles, Jo/m Eitz-Philip, Geoffry de
Spencer, and others.

u <0iutll by the hand of the venerable Father Ralph, Bishop of Chichester, our
Chancellor at Marlcbridge, the 26th day of March, in the 13th year of our Reign."

(A true Translation.)
26th April, 1817. W. ILLIXGWORTH.

Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower.

H n

Henry has
in>|K.'ctetl the
( 'barter of
John.

Recapitulated.

The Manor
of Wycumbe
granted to
Alan Has set
for £20 a
year.

and the
service of one
knight.

Confirmed.

From the Fine Rolls in Turr. Lond., Bucks, 10 Hen. III., 125.
(A translation by Dr. Lipscombe, corrected) : —

"fittfajffH the Burgesses of Wycumbe Querents, and Alan Basset, of certain
damages and injuries which the said Alan had done to the said Burgesses, as they
aver, contrary to the liberties which the same Burgesses say that they hold of the
ancestors of the Lord the King. Alan granted to the same Burgesses the whole
Borough and Town of Wycumbe with the rents, markets, and fairs ; and with all other
things to a free Borough appertaining, and with the edifices of Knaves-thorn, and the
rents, &c. ; excepting the demesnes ot the said Alan, and his lands in the foreigns ;
and the mills there reserved in a fine passed between the aforesaid Alan Basset, and
the Abbess of Godstowe, so as that the rents and customs which the men of the said
Abbess were wont to render to the said Alan, may remain to the said Burgesses, and
their heirs, in aid of the aforesaid Fee farm, to be paid according to the former fine
passed between the same Alan and the aforesaid Abbess, saving always to the said
Alan and his heirs all reasonable aids when the Lord the King and his heirs shall
make talliage of the Domain lands throughout England. And be it known that the
aforesaid Alan and his heirs acquit and release to the aforesaid Burgesses, &c.» as
against the said Lord the King and his heirs, the Fee farm of Twenty pounds, which
the said Alan was thereupon indebted to the Lord the King ; and in like manner the
service of one Knight's fee which the aforesaid Alan was accustomed to pay as his
service, which the aforesaid Alan held of the Grant of King John. Be it known like-
wise that the fairs of Oxen annually on the lands of the said Alan, shall be and remain
as they have been accustomed, saving to the said Burgesses and their heirs the customs
thence issuant And the said Alan and his heirs shall have all the Dung found in
the Streets of Wycumbe, &c. And be it known that many Burgesses named in the
fine aforesaid, and all other Burgesses named and acknowledged in the Town there,
shall be in peace agreeable to the same."

i r

THE THIRTEENTH OF HENRY III.

13th May, 1229.

Amongst the Records ot the Court of Chancery preserved in
the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the
Thirteenth year of the Reign of King Henry the Third, membrane
7, is thus contained : —

««

For the Lepers* of Saint Mary of Wycumbe.

" ftf nrp, King, &c. Greeting.— KNOW YE, that we for the love of God, and
for the health of our soul, and for others the souls of our ancestors and heirs, Have
granted, and by this our Charter Have confirmed, to the leprous brethren of the
Hospital of Saint Margaret,^ of Wicumbe, that they and their successors for ever,
shall have every year one fair at the aforesaid Hospital of Saint Margaret, to continue
for two days; that is to say, on the eve and on the day of Saint Margaret, unless,
&c Wherefore we will, &c. that the aforesaid lepers and their successors for ever,
shall have and hold the aforesaid fair at the aforesaid Hospital of Saint Margaret,
well and in peace, freely and quietly, with all liberties and free customs to such fair
pertaining as is aforesaid. Witness, &c.

€€ ©lut It by the hand of the venerable Father /?. Bishop of Chichester, our Chan-
cellor at Westminster, the thirteenth day of May, in the thirteenth year of our Reign."

(A true Translation.)

26th April, 181 7. W. I LUNG WORTH.

Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower.

I Icnry allow*
the Hospital

To have one
Fair every
year for two
days.

With all
Liberties and
free Customs.

* Prior to the reign of John we hear little in our Histories or Chronicles of the existence
of leprosy in England. We find from "Rymer's Federa," vol. i. part i. p. 19, there were
somewhere in the Diocese of Lincoln, houses to receive women who suffered from this terrible
disease. Gul. Nubrigiensis, who died in 1 208, makes mention of a noble hospital, for the
reception of lepers, near Durham, as docs Stowe, of hospitals for the same puri>ose, viz., the
lx)ke, in Southwark, another at Mile End, and a third in St. Giles's.

" Better than a lazere, or beggere."

— Chaucer, in the character of the F'riar.
t So in the original.

! 2

THE TWENTY-FIRST OF HENRY III.

24th JrxE, 1237.

Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in the
Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the
Twenty-first year of the Rei^n of King Henry the Third, No. 5, is
thus contained : —

14 For the IUr^kssks of Wvct'Mr.E.

€€ d)f litNQT* To his Archbishops, &r. Greeting.— WE have inspected the final
Agriymcnt in Agreement made in our Court before our Justices at Westminster, between the Bur-
WcttmiiioUT pesscs of Wyeumbe and Alan luisset % in these words : This is the final Agreement
in tlic totli made in the Court of the Lord the King at Westminster, from the day of the puri-

thc'lhiril, fication of the blessed Mary in one month, in the tenth year of the Reign of King

Hi'nky. Son of King John, before Martin de Pateshull % Thomas de Moleton, Thomas

de f/eyden, Robert de Le.xinton, Geoft'ry le Sauvage, IVarine Fitz-Jehcl, Justices and
I'u-tuTcn the other faithful subjects of the I^ord the King then there present, between the Burgesses
AVvvumU'ainl °^ ll'ycnmbe, Plaintiffs, and Alan Basset \ concerning the wrongs and injuries which the
.//.;« /•.».-<.'. same A /an did to the same IUirgesses, as they have said, against the liberties which

the same Burgesses say they have of the gift of the ancestors of the Lord the King.

And whereupon there was a plea between them in the same Court, that is to say,
.r/.iff ^r.mti<l that the said Alan as much as in him and his heirs is, hath granted to the same
i'r«roiiiW Uurgesses, A 1. 1. the Ho rough of Wyeumbe with the Rents, Markets, and Fairs, and
!:.iiiit:^h.«iih w it!i all other things to a free Borough pertaining, without any reservation, and with

the Kcnts

M.ukcts au>l -ill encrcasc and pun liases which the said Alan hath made in the same Borough,
* ",\i , and with the Buildings of Enarenethorn as the same Alan held such Buildings, and

ih.i^ he h.v. with the Kent of four shillings, which Geoffrey Fitz Angod used to pay, and with all

m.i-lr. .unl the . ' ' . .

t.uiMii^s ..I other their appurtenances, ami all things to that Borough pertaining, except the

A*i: cut- demesnes of the said Alan and his out Iving 1-ands and his Mills, which entirely

his demesne*. remain to the said Alan and his heirs, To have and TO hold to the said Burgesses

llmu'imil nn *' lnt * r nc ' rs at l' cc ^ irm °^ lnc s:i ^ Alan and his heirs for ever : Rendering

Mills tor therefore yearly thirty pounds and one mark of Silver at two terms of the year, that

-*J

is to say, at the feast of <&u>r/ Muhaci, fifteen pounds and half a mark ; and at the
feast of Saint Mary, in March, fifteen pounds and hah a mark ; for all service and
demand to the aforesaid Alan or to his heirs pertaining : And this Agreement was
made between them, saving the fine made between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess
of Godstowe, so as, to wit, that the rents and customs which the men of the same
Abbess are accustomed to render to the said Alan, shall remain to the same Burgesses
and their heirs, in aid towards making up the aforesaid Fee farm, according to the fine
l>cfore made between the same Alan and the aforesaid Abbess, saving to the said
Alan and his heirs, his reasonable aids, when the Ix>rd the King and his heirs shall
talliage his demesnes throughout England. And re it known, that the aforesaid
Alan and his heirs, shall acquit the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, towards the
Lord the King and his heirs, from the Fee farm of twenty pounds, which the same Alan
thereof oweth to the Lord the King ; and likewise from the foreign service of one
Knight's fee which the aforesaid Alan oweth out of this land of Wycumbe, which he
hath of the gift of the Lord King JOHN : Also be it known, that the fair of cattle
shall continue every year in the field of the same Alan, where and as it used before
to be, saving to the said Burgesses and their heirs, the customs arising therefrom :
And the said Alan and his heirs shall have the dung found in the Streets of Wicumbe,
as the same Alan used before to have the same ; and if perchance the aforesaid
Burgesses or their heirs shall not render to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid
thirty pounds and one mark, at the terms appointed according as is aforesaid, or the
talliages when they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs
to distrain the same Burgesses and their heirs, by their cattle found within the aforesaid
Borough, and without, upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs, until full payment
of the aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and of the aforesaid talliage. And for
this grant fine and concord, the aforesaid Burgesses have remised and quitted claim
for themselves and their heirs to the same Alan and his heirs, all damages which
they said they have [sustained] by the aforesaid wrongs and injuries. And be it
known, that Adam Walder, Thomas Fitz-Pagan, John de Brightewell, John le Due,
William Cole, Robert de Shebinton, John Fitz-Robert, Walter Slegh, U alter le Drak,
Ralph Faber, Baldwin le Seler, Nicholas Bruttemer, Hugh Faber, Geoffrey Fitz-Kathcrinc,
Richard de Dusteberg, Walter de Poterugg, William de Berkhamstcad, Roger Fitz-Philip,
Simon le Tanner, Adam Merl, Walter Fitz- War in, Alexander le Duk, Geoffrey Bouche,
Henry la Neir, Adam Bil, Peter Kippelust, Burgesses of Wycombe, came into the
same Court, and testified that all other Burgesses of the same town ratified that
Agreement, and granted the same : We therefore ratifying and confirming the afore-
said final Agreement for us and our heir>, do grant and confirm the same with our
seal, as the chirograph between them thereof made, one part whereof remains in the
hands of the same Burgesses, and the other in the hands of the heirs of the same
Alan, and the foot of the same chirograph in our treasury, reasonably testifieth. These
being Witnesses, William elect [Bishop] of Valenciennes, Simon de Montfort, William

£y> ami one
mark a year.

The rents, &c.
payable by
the men of
the Abbess of
6WjAwv, to
remain to the
Burgesses.
Saving reason-
able aids to
Alan when
the King
talliages his
demesnes.
Alan to acquit
the Burgesses
of the ^20 a
year, and the
service of one
knight's foe to
the King.
The cattle fair
to continue in
Alan's field.
The Burgesses
to have the
customs there-
from.

Alan to have
the dung in
the streets.
If the Bur-
gesses should
not pay their
rent or talli-
ages, Alan
may seize their
cattle.

The Burgesses
quit their
claim for
damages.

Twenty-six
burgesses
testified in
Court that all
the other bur-
gesses ratified
this agree*
ment.

The King con-
firmed the
same.

One part of
the Chiro-
graph remains
with the bur-
gesses, and the
other part

with ihc In-lit j f /W* !•//, Brother Grjfrey our Almcncr, G*'ffie\ Dti+cr.cer, Henry de CapclL and
thr t« it >t i.( K others.

in tin* Kin^'i

QplUttl by the hand of the venerable Father J?. liishop of Chichttter, our Chan-
cellor at Oxford, the twenty- fourth day of June, in the twenty- first year of our Reign."

(A true Translation.)

25th April* 1817. W. ILLINGWORTH.

Deputy Keeper of the Records in the Tower.

THE THIRTEENTH OF EDWARD I.

1 2th June, 1285.

Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in
the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the
Thirteenth year of the Reign of King Edward the First, after the
Conquest, No. 59, membrane 18, is thus contained : —

" For the Burgesses of Wycumbe.

li)t *UHfif* 'to his Archbishops, &c. Greeting. — We have inspected the
Charter of Confirmation, which the Lord Henry, of famous memory, late King ot
England, our Father, made to the Burgesses of Wycumbe, in these words : HENRY,
by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Normandy and
Aquitain, and Earl of Anjou, to his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Earls,
Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful subjects,
Greeting. — We have inspected the final Agreement made in our Court before our
Justices at Westminster, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe and Alan Basset, in these
words : This is the final Agreement made in the Court of the Lord the King at West-
minster, from the day of the purification of the blessed Mary in one Month, in the
tenth year of the reign of King Henry, Son of King John, before Martin de
Pateshull, Thomas de Moleton, Thomas de Heyden, Robert de Lexinton, Geoffry le
Sauvage, Warine Fitz Jo/ul, Justices, and other faithful subjects of the Lord the King
then there present, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe, Plaintiffs, and Alan Basset,
concerning the wrongs and injuries which the same Alan did to the same Burgesses,
as they have said, against the liberties, which the same Burgesses said they have of
the gift of the ancestors of the Lord the King. And whereupon there was a plea
between them in the same Court, that is to say, that the said Alan, as much as in
him and his heirs is, hath granted to the*same Burgesses, All the Borough of Wy-
cumbe, with the Rents, Markets, and Fairs, and with all other things to a free
Borough pertaining, without any reservation, and with all encrease and purchases
which the said Alan hath made in the same Borough, and with the buildings of
Enavenethorn, as the same Alan held such buildings, and with the rent of four

The King has
insj>ectcd the
Charter of
confirmation
granted by
Henry the
thinl.

Recapitulated,

Agreement in
the Court at
Westminster
in the 10th
year of Henry
the Third,

Between the
Burgesses of
Wycumbe and
Alan Basset.

Alan granted
to the Bur-
gesses all the
Borough, with
the Rents,
Markets, and
Fairs ; And
the purchases
he has made,

and the

tksm.
F.sccpt hi*
dc metrics • »u'.«
lyin^ Land-*,
and Mi IK, for
£y> ami mic
mark a year.

The rents **c.
jwiy.iblc liy the
men of ihc
Abbes-* of

(Zih/j/iTiI*, to

remain to the
Iiiir^^M>.

Saving reason-
able aids to
Alan when
the Kin^ tal li-
ages his de-
mesnes.
Aim to acquit
I he Hurue-ise*
of the /»a
year, ami the
service of one
knight's fee
to the King.
The cattle fair
to continue in
.f/<i«V field.
'J he Uurgessts
to have the
tU"tuin» there-
from.

•-f/.jjt to have
the dung in
the streets.
If the Hur-
j»om^ >hi»ul«l
nut \k\\ their
rent or t.illi-
age*, - //..•«
may mmjv
their cattle.
The I'ih^i^is
on it their
claim for
damages.

Twcntv-tix

1-urgCkMTs
testified in
Couit that all
the other
luirge^M.-* rati-
hoi thuagiLC-
inciit.

shillings which Geoffry Fits An god used to pay, and with all other their appurten-
ances, and all things to that Borough pertaining, except the demesnes of the said Alan
and his outlying I*ands and his Mills, which entirely remain to the said Alan and his
heirs, To havk and to hold to the said Burgesses and their heirs at Fee farm of the
said Alan and his heirs for ever: Rkni>kkin<; therefore yearly thirty pounds and one
mark of Silver at two terms of the year, that is to say, at the feast of Saint Michael,
fifteen pounds and half a mark ; and at the feast of Saint Mary, in March, fifteen
pounds and half a mark ; for all service and demand to the aforesaid Alan or to his
heirs pertaining : And this Agreement was made between them, saving the fine nude
between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess of Godstowe, so as, to wit, that the
rents and customs which the men of the same Abbess are accustomed to render to
the said A/an, shall remain to the same Burgesses and their heirs, in aid towards
making up the aforesaid Fee farm, according to the fine before made between the
same Alan and the aforesaid Abbess ; saving to the said Alan and his heirs, his
reasonable aids, when the Ix>rd the King and his heirs shall tal li age his demesnes
throughout England. Ant> ije it known, that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, shall
nnmit the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, towards the Ix>rd the King and his
heirs, from the farm of twenty pounds, which the same Alan thereof oweth to the
Lord the King; and likewise from the foreign service of one Knight's fee which
the aforesaid Alan oweth out of his land of Wycumbe, which he hath of the gift of
the Lord King JOHN : Also be it known, that the fair of cattle shall continue every
year in the field of the same Alan, where and as it used before to be, saving to the
said Burgesses and their heirs, the customs arising therefrom : And the said Alan and
his heirs shall have the dung found in the streets of Wicumbe, as the same Alan
used before to have the same ; and if perchance the aforesaid Burgesses or their
heirs shall not render to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid thirty pounds and
one mark, at the terms appointed according as is aforesaid, or the talliages when
they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs to distrain the
same Burgesses and their heirs, by their cattle found within the aforesaid Borough,
and without, upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs, until full payment of the
aforesaid thirty {Kumds and one mark, and of the aforesaid talliage. And for this
grant, fine and concord, the aforesaid Burgesses have remised' and quitted claim for
themselves ami their heirs to the same Alan and his heirs, all damages which they
said they have [sustained] by the aforesaid wrongs and injuries. And be it known,
that Adam \\ alder, Thomas Fitz-Pagan, lohn de Brightewell, John It Due, William
Cole, Robert de SJiebinton, John Fitz Robert, Halter Slegh, Walter U Drat, Ralph
Faler, Baldwin le Seler, Aicholas Bruttemer, Hugh Faber, Geoffrey FtttFCatherim,
Richard de Duitebcrg, Walter de Poterugg, William ' de Berkhamsted, Roger Fits-
Philip, Simon le Tanner, Adam Merl, Walter Fitz-Warin, Alexander le Duk, Geoffrey
J louche, Ilchry la Aeir, Adam Bil, Peter Kippelust, Burgesses of Wycombe, came into
the same Court, and testified that all other Burgesses of the same town ratified that

. 17

Agreement, and granted the same : We therefore ratifying and confirming the afore-
said final Agreement for us and our heirs, do grant and confirm the same with our
seal, as the chirograph between them thereof made, one part whereof remains in the
hands of the same Burgesses, and the other in the hands of the heirs of the same
Alan, and the foot of the same chirograph in our treasury, reasonably testifieth. These
being Witnesses, William elect [Bishop] of Valenciennes, Simon de Montfort, William
de Ralegh, Brother Geoffrey our Almoner, Geoffrey Despenser, Henry de Capell, and
others. Given by the hand of the venerable Father R. Bishop of Chichester, our
Chancellor at Oxford, the twenty-fourth day of June, in the twenty-first year of our
Reign.

Now we, the grant and confirmation aforesaid ratifying and confirming the same
for us and our heirs, to the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, do grant, and confirm,
as the final Agreement aforesaid, and the Charter of Confirmation aforesaid, justly
and reasonably testify, and as the aforesaid Burgesses and their Ancestors the liberties
aforesaid have hitherto reasonably used. These being Witnesses, the venerable
Fathers R. Bishop of Bath and Wells, and W. Bishop of Norwich, Edmund our
Brother, William de Valance our Uncle, Edmund Earl of Cornwall, Gilbert de Clare
Earl of Gloucester and Hertford, Roger le Bigod Earl of Norfolk and Marshal of
England, John De Warrtn Earl of Surry, William de Beauchamp Earl of Wanvick,
Robert Tibetot, William Leyburn, Robert Fitz-John, our Steward and others.

The King con-
firmed the
same.

One part of
the Chiro-
graph remains
with the Bur-
gesses, and
the other part
with the heirs
of Alan, and
the foot of it
in the King's
treasury.

Confirmai.

<&lutn by our hand at Westminster, the twelfth day o! /unc. %t

(A true Translation.)

25th April, 181 7.

W. I LUNG WORTH,
Deputy Keeper ot the Records in the Tower.

C C

THE FIRST OF HENRY IV.

iSth May, 1400.

Amongst the Records of the Court of Chancery preserved in
the Tower of London, that is to say, on the Roll of Charters of the
first year of the Reign of King Henry the Fourth, part the 2d,
membrane 15, is thus contained: —

CONFIRMATION, WYCUMBE.

The Kin^ ha> ** vOyt tUllJJ to his Archbishops, Bishops, &c We have inspected the Charter

rh!m- o! f lc °^ ^ e ^ or ^ ^^ K ' ar ^ heretofore King of England our Progenitor, made in these words:
Kdw. I. KDWARI) by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of

A'a.i/i/h/.ia./. A a attain, to his Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Earls, Barons, Justices, Sher-

rifls, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bailiffs, and faithful subjects, Greeting. — We have

inspected the Charter of Confirmation which the I-ord Henry of famous memory,

late King of England, our Father, made to the Burgesses of Wycombe, in these

words; Henry, by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke ol

JVormandy and Aauitain, and Karl of Anjou, to his Archbishops, Bishoj>s, Abbots,

Priors, Karls, Barons, Justices, ShcrrirTs, Reeves, Ministers, and all his Bail iris, and

Agrccnu-nt in faithful subjects, Greeting. — We have inspected the final Agreement made in our

NvVstiuinMir Court before our Justices at Westminster, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe and Alan

in the loth Has set t in these words: This is the final Agreement made in the Court of the Lord

yc.11 *4 /Afi'v

the Thml, the King at Westminster, from the day of the purification of the blessed Mary in one

Itrtueen the Month, in the tenth year of the reign of King Henry, Son of King John, before
\\\tumU an.l -"«"'"' & Pateshuil, Thomas de Moleton % Thomas de Heyden, Robert de Ltxinton,
AUn A.ij../. Geoffrey le Sauvage* Warine Eitz Johel, Justices, and other faithful subjects of the

Lord the King then there present, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe, Plaintiffs, and
Alan Basset, concerning the wrongs and injuries which the same Alan did to the same
Burgesses, as they have said, against the liberties, which the same Burgesses said they
have of the gift of the ancestors of the Lord the King. And whereupon there was
A.\i» i^antd a p] ca Dc tween them in the same Court, that is to say, that the said Alan, as much

t.. the Hur ' 1 /» 9

■ ti . c* all :he ab in him and hi* heirs is, hath granted to the same Burgesses, All the Borough of

Wycumbe, with the Rents, Markets, and Fairs, and with all other things to a free

Borough pertaining, without any reservation, and with all encrease and purchases

which the said Alan hath made in the same Borough, and with the buildings of

Enavenethorn, as the same Alan held such buildings, and with the rent of four

shillings which Geoffry Fitz Angod used to pay, and with all other their appurtenances,

and all things to that Borough pertaining, except the demesnes of the said Alan and

his outlying Lands and his Mills, which entirely remain to the said Alan and his heirs,

To have and to hold to the said Burgesses and their heirs at Fee farm of the said

Alan and his heirs for ever: Rendering therefore yearly thirty pounds and one

mark of Silver at two terms of the year, that is to say, at the feast of Saint Michael,

fifteen pounds and half a mark ; and at the feast of Saint Mary, in March, fifteen

pounds and half a mark ; for all service and demand to the aforesaid Alan or to his

heirs pertaining: And this Agreement was made between them, saving the fine made

between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess of Godstcnve, so as, to wit, that the rents

and customs which the men of the same Abbess are accustomed to render to the said

Alan, shall remain to the same Burgesses and their heirs, in aid towards making

up the aforesaid Fee farm, according to the fine before made between the same

Alan and the aforesaid Abbess ; saving to the said Alan and his heirs, his reasonable

aids, when the Lord the King and his heirs shall talliage his demesnes throughout

England. And be it known, that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs, shall acquit the

aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, towards the Lord the King and his heirs, from

the Fee farm of twenty pounds, which the same Alan thereof oweth to the Lord the

King; and likewise from the foreign service of one Knight's fee which the aforesaid

Alan oweth out of his land of Wycumbe, which he hath of the gift of the Lord

King JOHN: Also be it known, that the fair of cattle shall continue every year

in the field of the same Alan, where and as it used before to be, saving to the said

Burgesses and their heirs, the customs arising therefrom : And the said Alan and

his heirs shall have the dung found in the Streets of IVicumbc, as the same Alan

used before to have the same ; and if perchance the aforesaid Burgesses or their

heirs shall not render to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid thirty pounds and

one mark, at the terms appointed according as is aforesaid, or the talliages when

they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs to distrain the

same Burgesses and their heirs, by their cattle found within the aforesaid Borough,

and without, upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs, until full payment of the

aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and of the aforesaid talliage. And for this

grant fine and concord, the aforesaid Burgesses have remised and quitted claim for

themselves and their heirs to the same Alan and his heirs, all damages which they

said they have [sustained] by the aforesaid wrongs and injuries. And be it known,

that Adam Walder, Thomas Fitz-Pagan, John de Brightavell, John le Due, William

Cole, Robert de Shebinton, John Fitz-Robert, Walter Slegh, Walter le Drak, Ralph

Faber t Baldwin le Seler, Nicholas Bruttcmcr, Hugh Faber, Geoffrey Jhitz-Katherine,

Borough, with
the Rents,
Markets, and
Fairs ; And
the purchases
he has made,
and the
buildings of
Emti'tne-
thorn.
except his
demesnes, out-
lying l^ands
and Mills, for
^30 and one
mark a year.

The rents, &c.
payable by
the men of
the Abbess of
Godstowt, to
remain to the
Burgesses.

Saving reason-
able aids to
Alan when
the King talli-
ages his de-
mesnes. Alan
to acquit the
Burgesses of
the ,£20 a
year, and the
service of one
knight's fee
to the King.
The cattle fair
to continue in
Alan's field.
The Burgesses
to have the
customs there-
from. Alan
to have the
dung in the
streets. If
the Burgesses
should not
pay their
rent or tall-
ages, Alan
may scire
their cattle.

The Bur-
gesses quit
their claim
for damages.

Twenty-six
burgesses
testified in
Court that all

tilt* "ihiT 1 HI f •

^r^sc ratilicil
thio.i^ii'ciiH'iit.

The King o Hi-
fi raw 1 the
same.

< >nc part of
the ('him*
pmph remains
with the tmr-
pcs^i'S ami
the other part
with the heirs
(if A I tin* ami
the foot of it
in the King'*
treasury.

Confirmed by
Kdtv, I.

Ci*nfirtHtti by
Henry IV.

Although any
of the htiertics
have not tx-cn
uscil, the bur-
I^m.*"* may
en joy them
in future.

Richard de f)u\tcberg, Walter tie Poteru^, William de Ferkhamsted, Roger Fitz-
Philip, Simon le Tanner, Adam Aferl, Walter Fitz- 1 1 'a tin, Alexander le Duk, Geoff ry
Fouche, Henry la Neir, Adam Fit, Peter Kippelust, Burgesses of Wycombe, came into
the same Court, and testified that all other Burgesses of the same town ratified that
Agreement, and granted the same : We therefore ratifying and confirming the afore-
said final Agreement for us and our heirs, do grant and confirm the same with our
seal, as the chirograph between them thereof made, one part whereot remains in the
hands of the same Burgesses, and the other in the hands of the heirs of the same
A fan, and the foot of the same chirograph in our treasury, reasonably tcstifieth.
ThesK being Witnesses, William elect [Bishop J of Valenciennes, Simon de Afontfort 9
William de Ralegh, Frother Geoffrey our Almoner, Geoffrey Despenser, Henry de Cafefl,
and others. Gives by the hand of the venerable Father R. Bishop of Chichester our
Chancellor, at Oxford, the twenty-fourth day of June, in the twenty-first year of our
Reign. Now we, the grant and confirmation aforesaid ratifying and confirming the
same for us and our heirs, to the aforesaid Burgesses and their heirs, do grant, and
confirm, as the final Agreement aforesaid, and the Charter of Confirmation aforesaid,
justly and reasonably testify, and as the aforesaid Burgesses and their Ancestors
the liberties aforesaid have hitherto reasonably used. These being Witnesses, the
venerable Fathers R. Bishop of Fath and Wells, and W. Bishop of Norwich, Edmund
our Brother, William de Valance our Uncle, Edmund Karl of Cornwall, Gilbert de
Clare Karl of Gloucester and Hertford, Roger tc Figod Karl of Norfolk and Marshal ol
England, John De Warren Karl of Surry, William de Feauchamp Karl of Warwick,
Robert Tibetot, William Leyburn, Rol*crt Fitzjohn our Steward, and others. Given
by our hand at Westminster, the twelfth day of Tune, in the thirteenth year ol our
reign.

44 Now we, the grants and confirmations aforesaid, ratifying and confirming the
same, for us and our heirs, as much as in us is, do accept, approve, and to the afore-
said Burgesses, their heirs and successors, do grant and confirm, as the final Agree-
ment and Charters aforesaid justly and reasonably testify : Moreover being willing
to do more ample grace to the same Burgesses, of our special grace, we have granted
for us and our heirs, as much as in us is, to the same Burgesses, that Although
they or their predecessors, any one or more of the liberties in the final Agreement
and Charters aforesaid contained in any case arising hitherto have not used ; Never-
theless the same Burgesses their heirs and successors, may for the future, fully enjoy
and use those liberties, and every of them, without the hindrance or impediment ot
us or of our heirs, the Justices, Kscheators, Sheriffs, or other Bailiffs, or Ministers,
of us or of our heirs whomsoever: These being Witnesses, the venerable Fathers
Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of all England, R. Bishop of London, IV,
Bishop of Winchester, H Bishop of Lincoln, Edmund Duke of York our most dear
I'nile, Thomas Karl of War-wick, Henry Karl of Northumberland, Ralph Earl of Wen-
more.'and, John Starle our Chancellor, John Nor bury our Treasurer, William Roos de

Hamlak Knight, John Grey de Coacnorc Knight, Reginald de Grey de Ruthyn Knight,
Thomas Rempston Knight Steward of our Household, Master Richard Clifford Keeper
of our Privy Seal, and others.

€€ <@tbtll by the King's hand at Westminster, the eighteenth day of May.

By the King himself for forty shillings paid into the Hanaper."

(A true Translation.)

5th May, 1817. \V. ILLINGWORTH,

Record Office, Tower.

1 ->

THE FIRST OF MARY.

I5TU NoVKMBI'.k, 1553.

The Quctti
ha* inspected
the (.'harlcr of
Edw. 1.

Recapitulate,

Agreement in
the Court at
Westminster
in the loth
ve-ir of Henry
the Third,

Iletwecn the
1iurge**e*of
WycumlK* an* I
Alan JuUsrt.

Alan granted
t<> the Hur-
(jfH%t*N nil the
1'h trough, with
the Kent*,
Markets, and

jncU'P, by the grace of God Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defender
of the Faith, and Supreme Head of the Church in England and Ireland. To all
whom these present writings shall come greeting. We have inspected Letters patent
of confirmation of our Lord and Father Edward the I., heretofore King of England,
made in these words: Henry, by the grace of God, King of England and France,
and I/ord of Ireland, to the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, Dukes, Earls,
Barons, Justices, Sheriffs, Reeves Ministers, and to all Bailiffs and faithful people
greeting. — We have inspected a Charter granted in these words by our Lord and
predecessor, Edward, King of England, Ix>rd of Ireland, and Duke of Acquitain.
To the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priors, &c, greeting. We have inspected a
Charter of Confirmation which our Lord and predecessor Henry of gracious memory,
and late King of England, granted to the Burgesses of Wycumbe in these words :
Henry, by the grace of God King of England, I-ord of Ireland, Normandy, and
Acquitain and Earl of Anjou, To the Archbishops, Bishops Abbots, Priors, &c„
greeting. We have inspected a final Agreement made before our Justices at our
Court of Westminster, between the Burgesses of Wycumbe and Alan Basset in these
words. This is the final Agreement made in the Court of our Lord the King at
Westminster in one month from the day of the Purification of the Blessed Mary in
the tenth year of the reign of king Henry, son of King John, before Martin dc
Pateshall, Thomas de Woleton, Thomas de Heyden, Robert de Lexington, Balfro
I a*c Mannas, Warren Fitz Joel, Justices and other faithful subjects of the King
then present. The Burgesses of Wycombe Complainants and Alan Basset concerning
the wrongs and injuries which the said Alan Basset had done to the said Burgesses
contrary to the liberties of the said Burgesses which they say they enjoy by grant
of the ancestors of our I^)rd the King, and whereupon it was pleaded between
them in the same Court, to wit The said Alan Basset granted as much as in him
and his heirs is to the said Burgesses all the Borough of Wycombe with the
revenues markets and fairs, and all other things belonging to a free Borough or in
any way appertaining, together with all increase and purchases which the said Alan

hath made in the Borough, together with the Building of Enavenethorn as the said
Alan held such Buildings and with the rent of Four shillings, which Balfro Fitz
Angod was accustomed to pay and with all other their appurtenances and with all
things pertaining to that Borough. The demesnes of the said Alan excepted, and
his outlying lands and his mills which shall remain wholly to the said Alan and his
heirs To have and to hold to the said Burgesses and their heirs at fee farm of
the aforesaid Alan and his heirs for ever, Paying yearly thirty pounds and one
mark of silver at two periods of the year, namely, at the feast of Saint Michael
fifteen pounds and half a mark, and at the feast of the Blessed Mary in March
fifteen pounds and half a mark for all service and demand of the aforesaid Alan
or to his heirs pertaining, And this Agreement is made between them, saving the
fine made between the aforesaid Alan and the Abbess oi Godstowe so as to wit
Those rents and customs which her men are accustomed to render the said Alan
shall remain to the Burgesses and their heirs in aid of the aforesaid fee first made
according to the fine first made between the said Alan and the aforesaid Abbess,
saving to the said Alan and his heirs his reasonable aids when the Lord the King
and his heirs shall talliage his dominions throughout England, And be it known
that the aforesaid Alan and his heirs shall acquit .the aforesaid Burgesses and their
heirs towards the Lord the King and his heirs of the farm of twenty pounds which
the said Alan then owed to the Lord the King, And likewise of the fee of the
foreign service of one knight which the aforesaid renders for the land of Wycombe
which he held by the gift of our Lord King John, And be it also known that
the cattle fairs shall continue to be held in each year on the Land of the said
Alan, where it was always accustomed to be, reserving to the said Burgesses and
their heirs the dues arising therefrom, and the said Alan and his heirs shall have
the dung found in the streets of Wycombe as the said Alan before that was accus-
tomed to have, And if perchance the aforesaid Burgesses or their heirs shall fail
in paying to the said Alan and his heirs the aforesaid thirty pounds and afore-
said mark at the appointed periods according as aforesaid or the talliages when
they shall happen, it shall be lawful for the said Alan and his heirs to distrain
on the said Burgesses or their heirs the cattle within or without the aforesaid
Borough upon the fee of the said Alan and his heirs to the use and discharge
of the aforesaid thirty pounds and one mark, and the aforesaid talliages, And for
this concession grant and agreement the aforesaid Burgesses remit and quit claim
for themselves and their heirs of the said Alan and his heirs all damages which
they say they have sustained through the aforesaid wrongs and injuries, And be it
known that Adam Walder, Thomas Fitz Pagan, John de Brightwell, John le Due,
William Cole, Robert de Shobinton, John Fitz Robert, Walter Sleigh, Walter lc
Drake, Ralph Faber, Baldwin le Weler, Nicholas Bruttemar, Hugh Faber, Balfro
Fitz Catherine, Richard de Dusteburg, Walter de Pederug, William de Berkhamp-
stead, Roger Fitz Philip, Simon le Tanner, Adam Serle, Walter Fitz Warrene,

Fairs ; And
the purchases
he has made,
and the
buildings ot
E novate -
tham % except
his demesnes,
outlying
I^ands, and
Mills, for £y>
and one mark
a year.

The rents, &c
payable by
the men of
the Abbess ot
GoJst<m« y to
remain to the
burgesses.

Saving reason-
able aids to
Alan when
the King talli-
ages his de-
mesnes. Alan
to acquit the
llurgesses of
the ;£20 a
year, and the
service of one
knight's fee
to the King.
The cattle fair
to continue in
Alans field.
The llurgesses
to have the
customs there-
from. Alan
to have the
dung in the
bt reels. If
the Burgesses
should not pay
their rent or
talliages, Alan
may seuc their
cattle.

The Burgesses
quit their
claim for
damages.

Twenty-six
burgesses
testified in
Court that all
the other but-
ges*cs ratified
this agree-
ment.

The King con-
firmed the
same.

One part of
the Chiro-
graph remain**
with the Iiur-
jesses, and
the other part
with the heir*
of Alan, ami
the foot of it
in the King's
treasury.

Confirmed by
Edur. 1.

Confirmeit \ y
Hmry IV.

Although any
of the hliertiiH
hate not Itcvii
UM.il, the Hur-
l»ow> may
rnjn\ them in
futuic.

Alexander lc Due, Balfro Buche, Henry le Neir, Adam Byll, Peter Kippcsone,
Burgesses of Wycombe came into the same Court and that they and all the other
Burgesses of the same Town have ratified and consented to the Agreement, We
therefore ratifying and granting the aforesaid final Agreement for us and our heirs
do approve and confirm with our seal as the chirograph made between them, one
part remaining in the possession of the Burgesses, another in the possession of the
heirs of the said Alan, and the foot of the said chirograph in our treasury reason-
ably testifieth. These being Witnesses, William elect (Bishop) of Valenciennes,
Simon de Montfort, William de Raleigh, our Brother Balfro, our Almoner, Balfro
Dcspenser, Henry de Capel, and others. Given under the hands of the Venerable
Father, R. the Bishop of Chichester our Chancellor at Oxford on the twenty fourth
day of June in the twenty first day of our reign. But we for the concession and
confirmation of the aforesaid, ratifying and granting of the aforesaid for ourselves
and our heirs to the before mentioned Burgesses and their heirs grant and confirm
as a final Agreement aforesaid and charter of confirmation aforesaid justly and
reasonably testifieth and as the aforesaid Burgesses and their ancestors, the liberties
aforesaid have reasonably used These being Witnesses, the Venerable Fathers,
Richard, Bishop of Bath and Wells, and William, Bishop of Norwich, Edmund our
Brother, William de Valence, our Uncle, Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, Gilbert dc
Clare, Earl of Glocester and Hertford, Roger le Bigod, Earl of Norfolk, Marshall
of England, John de Warrcne, Earl of Surrey, William de Beauchamp, Earl of War-
wick, Robert Tibotot, William de Leyburn, Robert Fitz John, our Seneschalt
[steward] and others. Given under our hand at Westminster on the twelfth day
of June in the twelfth year of our reign. But We for the concession and con-
firmation of the aforesaid, ratifying and granting to them for us and our heirs as
much as in us is Do accept and approve, and to the before mentioned Burgesses
and their heirs we grant and confirm as the final Agreement and Charter aforesaid
justly and reasonably testifieth besides being willing to confer a greater favour on
the said Burgesses we grant it in our special grace for us and our heirs as much as
in us and our heirs is to the said Burgesses the liberties enjoyed by them or their
ancestors one and all as a final Agreement and Charter aforesaid, and if any cause
of dispute should arise of what they have not hitherto been in full possession never-
theless the Burgesses their heirs and assigns with their liberties or any of them shall
fully use and enjoy them without any hindrance or impediment of either our heirs,
Justices, Kscheators, Sheriffs, or others Bailiffs or Ministers of our Husband our
heirs to every one of whom these witnesseth, Thomas, Archbishop of Canterbury
and primate of all England, Richard of London, William of Winchester, Henry of
Lincoln, Bishops, Edmund, Duke of York, our dear Uncle, Thomas of Warwick,
Henry of Northumberland, Ralph of Westmoreland, Earls, John Serle Chancellor,
John Norburry our Treasurer, William roos de Hamlec, John Grey de Codmore,
Reginald Grey de Ruthen, Thunus Kcnij^onc, Master of our Household, Knights,

Master Richard Clyforde, keeper ot our privy seal, and others. Given under our

hand at Westminster on the eighteenth day of May in the first year of our reign.

But We for the concession and confirmation of the aforesaid, ratifying and granting

them for ourselves and our heirs as much as in us is we accept and approve but

Now we grant and confirm to the Burgesses aforesaid of Wycombe as a final Agree- The Queen

ment and Charter aforesaid justly and reasonably testifieth, In testimony whereof £m^

we have ordered these our letters patent to be drawn in Witness myself, Given

at Westminster on the fifteenth day of November in the first year of our Reign.

L. S.

D D

2<>

THE FIFTH AND SIXTH OF PHILIP AND MARY.

2 /Til AUGUST, I55S.

First Part of Patents in the Fifth and Sixth Years of the Reign
of King Philip and Queen Mary: —

Concerning the
Mayor. Bat'-
tiffs, and Bur-
gesses of Chip-
ping Wycombe,
0/ a grant to
them ami their
Successors.

T1IK KING and QUEEN, To all to whom, &c. Greeting.—
WHEREAS as We understand the town of. Chepinge Wycombe,
otherwise called Wycombe, in our County of Buckingham, as well
by a Charter of the Ix>rd Henry the Third, formerly King ot
England, ancestor of us the aforesaid Queen, and by Charters
of other Progenitors of us the said Queen, formerly Kings of
England, as by virtue and force of the custom there (from
time whereof memory doth not exist) had and used, hath al-

liy,Yw'r Has ways been a market town and perpetual free Borough, and incorporated of the
market tt.wn* Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the same town, for all the time aforesaid ; and
ami free have had and obtained various liberties, franchises, acquittances, and immunities

mayor, tot- there continually, from the time al>ovesaid, and the same have used and enjoyed

Iiflfs, and tur- without interruption, and especially by the intent and meaning of the premises,

have been always from the same time pleadable and impleaded by the name of
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, of the town of Wycombe, and have had and held
many lands, tenements, and hereditaments, within the same Borough; and at present
have and hold to them and their successors, as in right of the same Borough for
ever. And all and all manner of lands, and tenements, and possessions whatsoever,
l>eing within the same Borough, for all the time aforesaid, from time to time
deviseablc, have been, and at present are, devised at the will of the possessors
thereof, and the same Burgesses for the time aforesaid have had and used amongst
Might hull other things, that in right of the same Borough, two fairs may be there held in

"•I* * every year, that is to sav, one to be holden on the Feast of the Translation of

Sitt tit Thoma\ the Martyr, and < -ontiniie until noon ot the morrow of the day of
the same I'e.i^t ; and the other to be holden on the Feast of the Exaltation of

Market ami the Holy Cross, and to continue until noon of the morrow of the same • *«*_,

£ X „\\\ ** and one market there to be holden in every week, that is to say, on Friday, and a

Mercantile Guild with a Hall and other customs and liberties to such Guild apper-
taining. So that no one who should not be of the same Mercantile Guild might be
able to sell or buy within the same Borough, Flax, Wool, or Thread, or Skins, or
Hydes, or any other thing to such Mercantile Guild appertaining, unless by those
who should be of the same Guild. And also for the same time have had all Pleas
and Plaints within the same Borough happening there, for whatsoever causes, except
those which appertain to the Crown ; with these liberties, that they should in no
wise plead or be impleaded concerning their tenements being in the same Borough,
by writ of Mori d 9 Ancester y but should be brought within the same Borough, by the
law of the same Borough. And that it should be lawful for them for the debts of
all persons arising within the same Borough, to distrain, and for their loans made
within the same Borough. And that they should have of foreign men due Toll and
due customs. And they have been free and quit for all the time aforesaid of Toll
in all places throughout England. And that the assize of victuals made and consti-
tuted by good men of the said Borough, should be kept and preserved by their
Bailiffs. And the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, by the name of Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses of the Town of Wycombe, hold, and have long held, the same Town
or Borough of us, and the Progenitors of us, the aforesaid Queen, formerly Kings
of England, to fee farm ; Rendering therefore yearly, a certain yearly rent, which
now by Charter of the Progenitors of us, the said Queen, is payable to the Dean
and Canons of the Free Chapel of the Queen within our Castle of Windsor within
the County of Berks ; As in the said Charters, which certain of the Progenitors of
us, the said Queen, have confirmed, is more fully contained. And whereas now
our beloved and faithful subjects of our Town or Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, as
well for the greater security and assurance of the premises, as for the rule and their
better government and improvement of the same Town or Borough, have humbly
besought us, that we would condescend not only to confirm, approve, and ratify, the
Town or Borough aforesaid, and all and singular other the premises above expressed
and specified, and also all the singular franchises, liberties, privileges, commodities,
profits, and emoluments, whatsoever, to the same Town or Borough appertaining
and belonging, or in the same Town and Borough from the time aforesaid used,
approved, or allowed ; but also, that by this our present Charter, we would conde-
scend to incorporate anew the Town aforesaid and the inhabitants thereof, and to
make and create them a Corporation of Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, in manner
and form following : KNOW YE, that We consenting to the petition aforesaid, and
considering that our aforesaid subjects, of whose fidelity and circumspection towards
us, not only by the relation of our nobles, peers, and subjects ; but also, of our
certain and Royal knowledge, especially in the times of the rebellions of John late
Duke of Northumberland \ and Sir Thomas Wyatt Knight, lately attainted and con-
victed of High Treason and their Accomplices, against us lately attempted, have
most faithfully adhered to us and have manfully resisted the same rebellions. And

Might plead
and be im-
pleaded con-
cerning their
tenements by
the law of the
Borough.
Might distrain
for all debts
and loans.
And have toll
of foreigners ;
and have t>cen
free from toll
throughout
England.
The assize of
victuals kept
by the bailiffs:
the through
held of the
Crown, pay-
ing rent to
the Dean and
Canons of
Windsor.

The town and

inhabitants

incorporated

anew.

Faithful du-
ring the re-
bellions of
the Duke of
Northumber-
land and Sir
Thomas
Wyatt.

AH former li-
ticrtics Ate.
ratified, al-
though not
hitherto u*ol.

The town enn-
*>titutci! :i free
buruugh.

that our same subjects may be the better and more fully certified of our Royal
and Queenly affection and favor, which we have towards them on that account ;
Therefore of our especial grace, and of our certain knowledge and meer motion,
willing to make to our beloved subjects of the said Town or Borough of Wycombe a
more ample Charter in that behalf, Do, as much as in us lies, accept, approve, and
ratify, and by this our present Charter grant and confirm to the said now Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses, their heirs and successors ; All and singular the liberties,
franchises, privileges, acquittances, immunities, grants, free customs, rights and
laws aforesaid, and other things aforesaid as well by the said Burgesses and
their predecessors heretofore there used, as to the same Burgesses by the Charters
of the Progenitors of us the said Queen in any wise granted : And moreover of
our further and more abundant grace, Wk have granted for us, the heirs and
successors of us the said Queen, as much as in us lies, to the same now Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors, that although the same now Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses, or their predecessors, may not hitherto continually have
used any or either of the liberties, franchises, privileges, acquittances, immunities,
grants, and customs, aforesaid, or any other things in any Charters or Letters of the
said predecessors of us the aforesaid Queen contained and specified for any cause or
impediment : Nevertheless the same now Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their
heirs and successors, Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe^ from henceforth fully,
freely, and with impunity shall have and use all and singular the liberties, franchises,
privileges, acquittances, immunities, grants, customs, rights, and pre-eminences, as
well in the same Letters or Charters contained, as by the said now Mayor Bailifis
and Burgesses, or their predecessors, heretofore used, without the hindrance, impeach-
ment, disturbance, molestation, vexation, disquieting, or impediment of us, or ol the
heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen, the Justices, Escheators, and Sheriffs,
Coroners, Bailiffs, or other Officers or Ministers of us, or of the heirs or successors
of us the said Queen whomsoever ; any statutes, ordinances, provisions, establishments,
acts or appointments enacted or made, or to be enacted or made, or judgments
rendered, and Charters or Letters Patent of us, or of the ancestors or predecessors of
us the said Queen, in times past, to the contrary made or granted, or other things,
causes, or matters whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding. And further of our
more ample grace, and of our certain knowledge and mere motion; We will, ordain,
constitute and grant, for us and the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, by
these presents, That the said Town of Wycombe in our County of Buckingham, from
henceforth may and shall be a free Borough Coqx>rate, in deed, fact, and name, for
ever of one Mayor, two Bail iris, and Burgesses, by the name of Mayor Bailifis and
Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe. And that the Mayor Bailifis and Burgesses
of the same Borough, shall be from henceforth one Commonalty, and one body
corporate and politic in deed, fact, and name, for ever by the name of Mayor Bailifis
and Burgesses of the same Borough of Wycombe. And that, from henceforth for

ever they may and shall be a body corporate, and one perpetual commonalty, in
deed, fact, and name, and shall have perpetual succession. And the same Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses, one Commonalty, and one body corporate and politic, of
themselves really and fully We do create, erect, ordain, make, constitute, declare,
and incorporate, for us and the heirs and successors of us, the said Queen for ever,
by these presents. And the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses by the name of
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe, from henceforth for ever,
We will and command by these presents, to be called and named : and that by the
same name, and under the same name, they shall and may be able to plead and be
impleaded, sue and defend and be defended, answer and be answered, in all Courts
and Places of us, and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, and in
other Courts and Places whatsoever, as well Spiritual as Temporal, as well in all
and singular actions, suits, plaints, causes, and demands, real and personal, or mixt,
as in all and singular other causes and business, and matters whatsoever. And that
the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors, may and shall have a
Common Seal for doing and treating of all and singular their affairs : And that it
shall and may be lawful to them and their successors, at their pleasure, the same Seal
to break, change, and make anew. And also we will, and by these presents, for
us and the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, constitute and ordain, that
twelve Burgesses may and shall be and be named, principal Burgesses of the afore-
said Borough of Wycombe aforesaid ; all of which same Burgesses, We will shall
be DWELLING and INHABITING within the Borough of Wycombe afore-
said. And also We will, and by these presents, for us and the heirs and successors
of us the aforesaid Queen, grant and ordain, that in the said Borough of Wycombe,
there may and shall be one officer who shall be called and shall be, Steward of
the same Borough, to do and execute all and everything which to his office doth
appertain and ought to appertain, by himself or by his sufficient deputy or deputies;
That all and everything to his office appertaining may in due manner take effect :
Further know ye, that We of our especial grace, and of our certain knowledge
and meer motion, Do assign, nominate, make, and ordain, by these presents for us,
and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, our beloved Rolvrt Grave/,
an honest man and inhabitant of the said Borough of Wycombe, faithfully by
his oath to execute the office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, until Thursday
next before the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next ensuing, and from the
same Thursday, until another Person elected shall be in due manner sworn faith-
fully to execute the same office. And also, We assign, nominate, ordain, and
make, T/iomas Farmer, Gentleman, to be the first and present Steward of the said
Borough of Wycombe, to exercise, do, and execute justice, and other things which to the
office of Steward doth appertain or ought to appertain, by himself or by his sufficient
deputy or deputies. And also, we have assigned, nominated, made and ordained,
our beloved Thomas Raveninge and Rowland Ruffe, honest men, and inhabitants

May plead
and be im-
pleaded.

And have a
common seal.

Principal bur-
gesses to dwell
within the
borough.

Steward.

Kobtrt Gtavtt
first mayor.

Thomas Far*
mtr tir^t
steward.

First bailiffs.

Court before
the mayor
bailiffs and
steward or
their deputies

To determine
all debts &c.

not exceeding

P»y attach
nient and
distress.

of the said Borough of Wycombe, to be the first and present Bailiffs of the Borough
of Wycombe aforesaid, and faithfully by their oath to execute the office of Bailiffs
of the same Borough of Wycombe, until the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary next ensuing ; and from the same feast until other persons elected
shall be in due manner sworn, faithfully to execute the same office. And further,
we wili^ and of our certain knowledge and meer motion, for us and the heirs and
successors of us the said Queen, by these presents, grant to the aforesaid Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough ot Wycombe aforesaid, that they and their
successors shall have and hold, and shall and may be able to have and hold a
certain Court before the Mayor Bailiffs and Steward of the Borough aforesaid, or
their or either of their sufficient deputy or deputies, being Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid, in a certain Common Hall, called The Guildhall, or other place in the
same Borough more convenient, to be holden from three weeks to three weeks, or
oftener at their pleasure for ever. And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Steward,
or their or any of their sufficient deputy or deputies, shall have full power and au-
thority to hear and determine, in the same Court by plaints, in the same Court to
be levied, all and singular pleas, plaints, and actions, concerning all and all manner
of debts, accounts, covenants, contracts, trespasses by force ot arms or otherwise,
in contempt of us or the heirs or successors of us, the said Queen, made covenants,
detinues, contempts, deceits, wythcrnam, and other things and actions, real, personal,
and mixt whatsoever, within the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, and the limits,
bounds, and liberties thereof, in any wise arising, or to arise, happening, or to
happen ; provided the same debts, accounts, covenants, contracts, and other actions,
personal or mixt, shall not exceed the sum or value of twenty pounds. And the
same Mayor Bailiffs and Steward, or their or any of their sufficient deputy or
deputies for the time being, upon such questions, pleas, and plaints, and actions,
shall have power, authority, and faculty, against the persons defending, against whom
such plaints, pleas, or actions shall happen to be levied and moved in the afore-
said Court, to draw them in plea by summons of attachment and distress, according
to the law and custom of our •kingdom of England, and for default of chattels and
lands of the defendant within the Borough aforesaid, and the limits, bounds, and
liberties thereof, where or by which they might be summoned, attached, or dis-
trained by attachment of their bodies, and severally to hear all and singular the
aforesaid matters, and to deduce and determine the like process, considerations, and
executions of judgment, by which the like matters may be deduced and determined
in our Court of our County of Buckingham, before our Sheriffs, Justices, or Minis-
ters, of the same Court. And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Steward aforesaid,
or their or any of their sufficient deputy or deputies, Burgesses of the Borough of
Wycombe aforesaid, for the time being, shall hear and determine all and singular the
same matters, according to the laws, statutes, and constitutions of this kingdom of
England, from time to time, within the said Borough of Wycombe. And that the

said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, and their suc-
cessors, shall have and receive, and may have and receive, All fines, services,
issues, and other profits whatsoever, of and in the Court aforesaid, arising, com-
ing, accruing, or happening ; to the behoof, and use, and profit, which to the
said Mayor, and Bailiffs, and Burgesses, shall seem best to be expended. And
moreover we will, and for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid
Queen, by these presents, grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses
of the said Borough of Wycombe and their successors, that they and their suc-
cessors may and shall have full power, authority, and faculty, whensoever it shall
please them to assign, nominate, constitute, and appoint, one fit person to the office
of Under-Bailiff of the aforesaid Borough, to serve in the Court aforesaid, and for
making, executing, and performing, proclamation, arrest, process, execution, and other
things to the same office incumbent, belonging, or appertaining, within the aforesaid
Borough and parish of Wycombe, and the limits, bounds, and precincts thereof.
And further of our more ample grace, for the better maintenance and support
of the said Borough of Wycombe, we will and for us, and the heirs and suc-
cessors of us, the aforesaid Queen, by these presents grant, to the aforesaid Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe ; That the same Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses, by the name of Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough
of Wycombe, may and shall be persons able and capable in the law, without a writ
of Ad quod Damnum to be obtained, prosecuted, and returned, in the Court of
Chancery of us or the heirs or successors of us, the said Queen, to purchase,
receive, and take to them and their successors or otherwise, lordships, manors, lands,
tenements, rents, revenues, services, hereditaments, liberties, jurisdictions, and privi-
leges whatsoever, situate, lying, and being within the Borough aforesaid, which are
not holden immediately of us in capite nor by Knight's service, nor of any other
person or persons by Knight's service ; so that the same lordships, manors, lands,
tenements, rents, hereditaments, liberties, franchises, rights, jurisdictions and privi-
leges, shall not in the whole exceed the yearly value of twenty pounds. And
further we will, and by these presents, for us and the heirs and successors
of us, the aforesaid Queen, grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses
of the said Borough of Wycombe and their successors, that the same Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, shall have and hold, and shall and
may be able to have and hold for ever, one Market on every Friday in every
Week, to be holden and kept in the said Borough of Wycombe; and two Marts or
Fairs to be holden and kept there yearly, one of which marts and fairs shall begin
at noon of the day of the Feast of the Translation of Saint Thomas the Martyr,
and continue until noon of the morrow of the day of the same Feast ; and the other
of the same marts or fairs shall begin at noon of the day of the Feast of the Exal-
tation of the Holy Cross, and continue until noon of the morrow of the day of the
same Feast, together with a Court of Piepowder, there to be holding during the

Fines to go to
the corpora-
tion.

Under bailiff.

Corporation
may purchase
lands &c.
within the
borough,

If not held in
capite, nor by
knight's ser-
vice, nor
worth more
than j£20 a
year.

Market.
Two fairs.

Court of Pie-
powder.

1 1

j . fc time of the same marts or fairs, together with stallage, piccage, toll, fines, and

amerciaments, and all other profits, commodities, and emoluments whatsoever, to
such market, marts, or fairs and Court of Piepowder, or by reason thereof coming,
accruing, arising or happening, and with all commodities and free customs, to such
market, marts, or fairs appertaining or belonging, to be taken and converted to the
proper use and behoof of the said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and the commo-
nalty of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, for the time being. Wherefore we will,
and firmly command, for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen,
that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors for ever, freely,
peaceably, and quietly, shall use and have the aforesaid market and fairs, with all
the commodities and free customs to such market and fairs appertaining or belonging.
And moreover of our further Grace, We will, and by these presents, for us and
the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses, and their successors, that they for ever shall have, use and enjoy, a
Gaol. prison or gaol in any convenient place within the same Borough, to be limited and

Mayor. l>.ii- assigned according to their discretions for ever, and that they the aforesaid Mayor,

liff, an'l Mc»- Bailiffs and Steward, and every one of them, shall and may be able to commit to the

an I may com-
mit, prison or gaol aforesaid, safely and securely there to be kept, until they shall be

delivered therefrom according to the form of law, all and singular persons who by the
aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses or their Deputies, or the Stewards whomso-
ever within the same Borough at any time hereafter shall happen to be apprehended,
or taken for any crime or offence deserving imprisonment And further KNOW
YE, that We of our especial Grace, and of our certain knowledge and racer motion,
for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, Do grant to the
aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe and their
Virw of frank- successors, view of frankpledge of all and singular the inhabitants and resiants, as
pl^lRCi wc |j i n tirely as not intirely residing within the said Borough of Wycombe, and within

the limits and bounds thereof, and all things which to view of frankpledge appertain

or belong, or ought to appertain or belong, to be holden in the aforesaid Common

Hall, or House called Guildhall, within the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, twice

in a year, that is to say, once within a month of Saint Michael, and again within a

lu-forcthr month of Raster, to be holden before the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Steward of

llirJan.Uirw- ^e Borough aforesaid, or their or any of their sufficient deputy or deputies, for the

an!, «.r their t ] mc being, j n every year. And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, may

ilcputict. . .

Y mes \c. to and shall have all and all manner of fines, redemptions, issues and amerciaments,
Klfaiiliii! "" an d a ^ other profits ot, or in the aforesaid view of frankpledge, in any wise coming,

arising, or happening, to be taken and converted to the proper use and behoof
of the said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and the commonalty of the aforesaid
Borough of Wycombe, for the time being, so that no other person besides the Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town aforesaid, shall have or hold in any wise here-
after any view of frink pledge, or any other Court in the said Town or Borough, or

|4jratmh.

any place thereof, unless only by the licence and consent of the said Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses, or their heirs and successors thereto specially obtained or to be
obtained And also we will, and by these presents for us and the heirs and
successors of us the said Queen grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses
of the Borough aforesaid, and declare by these presents, that the bounds and limits,
metes, circuits and precincts, of the Borough aforesaid, shall extend and stretch
as hereunder limited and specified ; that is to say, from a certain bridge called
Wynkles Bridge in Frogmore, situate at the west end of the same Borough or Town,
unto a certain meadow called Hallywell Mead, situate at the east end of a certain
common pasture, called the Rye Mead, belonging to the said Mayor Bailiffs and
Burgesses, and being parcel of the possessions, and from thence to a certain ditch,
situate on the north part of a certain curtilage called Bourhayes, and from the same
ditch unto a certain bridge in the street, called Saint Mary Street, near to a certain
house or farm, called Lokes, which same bridge leads to the town of Marlowe, on
the south part And that all and singular houses, edifices, lands, tenements, void
grounds, and soil whatsoever within the bounds, metes and limits thereof, may and
shall be, and shall be reputed to be, part and parcel of the said Borough of
Wycombe, now by these presents into a body Politic as aforesaid erected and in-
corporated. And further of our more ample grace, We will, and for us and
the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, by these presents grant to the
aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe and
their successors, that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors,
may and shall have within the Borough aforesaid, and within the metes, bounds,
limits, and liberties of the same Borough, assize and assay of bread, wine, and ale,
and of other victuals, and also of measures and weights whatsoever, and the amend-
ment, punishment, and correction thereof, so often as and when it shall be expedient
and necessary ; and also may and shall have all and all manner of fines, redemp-
tions, and amerciaments, and all other profits therefrom coming or happening.
And that the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their successors, by their
common council, or by the major part thereof, may and shall have authority, power,
and faculty to frame, constitute, ordain, and make from time to time, laws, statutes,
and ordinances whatsoever, for the government and rule of the artificers and other
inhabitants, and for the victualling of the said Borough, and for the better rule
and government of the same Borough and the inhabitants of the same : so that the
said laws, statutes and ordinances shall not be repugnant nor contrary to the laws
and statutes of our kingdom, nor to the prerogative of us and the heirs and successors
of us the said Queen. And also of our ample grace, We will and of our certain
knowledge and meer motion, for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid
Queen, by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the
aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, and their successors : that the same Burgesses of the
said Borough for the time being, or the major part of them, from time to time every

K E

Limits of the
borough.

Corporation to
have the assize
of bread,
wine, ale,
measures and
weights, &c

And all fines
therefrom.

Common
Council may
make laws.

nominate the
mayor.

Mayor to take
an oath.

If the mayor
die or \tc re-
moved, the
burgesses to
elect another
within eight
days.

If a harm*
die, or dwell
out of the
borough, or
be removed,
the mayor
bailiff* and
burgesses to
choose

another within
fourteen day*.

year from henceforth for ever, on Thursday next before the Feast of Saint Michael
the Archangel, shall assemble and shall and may be able to assemble, in the afore-
said Hall, called The Guildhall, or in any other convenient place within the afore-
said Borough of Wycombe, and there shall and may be able to nominate and assign
one honest and discreet man from the Burgesses and inhabitants of the said Borough,
to be Mayor of the same Borough for one whole year then next ensuing ; which same
man, so elected to the office of Mayor, after his corporal oath in due manner made
and taken, shall bear the office of Mayor of the same Borough of Wycombe for one
year then next ensuing. And further we will, and by these presents for us and
the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen grant to the aforesaid Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses, that every person hereafter elected to the office of Mayor of
the aforesaid Borough, shall take a corporal oath before his last predecessor in the
same office, if the same predecessor shall be living and shall be then present ; and
if his same predecessor shall be dead, or shall be absent, before the steward or his
sufficient deputy and other the Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, there
present for the faithful execution of the said office of Mayor. And if and so often
as it shall happen, any person being Mayor of the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe, to
die or be removed from his office during the time which he shall be Mayor of the
same Borough, that then and so often the Burgesses of the same Borough surviving,
or for the time being, or the major part of them, shall assemble, and shall and may
\ye able to assemble in the said house and place, at a certain day prefixed, within
eight days next following the death or removal of the said Mayor of the said Borough,
and there to nominate and elect one other honest man of the Burgesses and in*
habitants of the said Borough to be Mayor of the said Borough, until Thursday then
next ensuing before the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel; which same man so
elected and nominated, after his oath taken in manner and form aforesaid, shall bear
and exercise the office of Mayor in the said Borough, until the said Thursday next
before the Feast of Saint Michael then next ensuing. And further we will,
and of our certain knowledge and mcer motion, for us and the heirs and successors
of us the aforesaid Queen by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses, and their successors, that so often as and whensoever it shall happen
any Burgess of the Borough aforesaid for the time being to die, or to dwell out
of the said Borough, or be removed from his office of Burgess of the same Borough
for any cause, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough, or the major part of them, from
time to time, when and as it shall please them and seem expedient within fourteen
days then next following the death or removal of the said Burgesses, or of any of
them, to assemble in their said Guildhall at their pleasure, and there to nominate
and elect one or more of the inhabitants of the said Borough of Wycombe, and
then not l>cing of the Burgesses of the same Borough, to be Burgess or Burgesses
cf the Duruu-h aforesaid, during the life of them and each of them. And that

every person so nominated and elected, from the time of such election, shall be
a Burgess of the same Borough during his life, or otherwise if it shall so seem
good and expedient to the said Mayor Bailiffs and other Burgesses of the said
Borough of Wycombe, or the major part of them. And that every person so nomi-
nated and elected, and to be nominated and elected, to the office of Burgess of the
Borough aforesaid, shall take a corporal oath before the Mayor and 4 Bailiffs of the
same Borough, well and faithfully to execute the office of Burgess of the Borough
aforesaid. And further we will, and for us and the heirs and successors
of us the aforesaid Queen, by these presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses of the same Borough and their successors, that so often as and when-
soever it shall happen the steward of the same Borough for the time being, to die
or be removed from his office of Steward of the same Borough, for any reason-
able cause, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor Bailiffs
and Burgesses of the said Borough, or the major part of the same Burgesses for the
time being, from time to time, when and so soon as it shall please and it shall seem
expedient to assemble in the said Common Hall, called the Guildhall, within the
same Borough at their pleasure, within eight days next following the death or
removal of the said steward, or at any other time at their pleasure, and there to
nominate and elect one other fit person to be steward of the said Borough of
Wycombe during his life, or otherwise, as to the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the
said Borough of Wycombe, or the major part of them for the time being, shall seem
good and expedient And that every person so nominated and elected, and to be
nominated and elected to the office of steward of the Borough aforesaid, by himself
or by his sufficient deputy or deputies, shall well and faithfully exercise and do, and
cause to be done and exercised, all things which to justice and other things which
to the office of steward of the same Borough doth appertain. And also we will,
and for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen by these presents
grant and ordain that there may and shall be in the said Borough, two Burgesses of
the Parliament of us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen ; and
that the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, upon a writ of
us and the heirs and successors of us the said Queen, for the election of Burgesses
of the Parliament to them directed, may and shall have power, authority, and
faculty, to elect and nominate two discreet and honest men to be Burgesses of the
Parliament of us and of the successors of us the aforesaid Queen, for the same
Borough. And the same Burgesses so elected, at the charges and costs of the said
Borough and of the commonalty thereof, shall send to the Parliament of us and of
the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, wherever it shall be then holden
in the same manner and form as in other Boroughs of our kingdom of England, or
in our Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, hath been used and accustomed ; which same
Burgesses so elected and nominated, We will to be present and to remain at the
Parliament of us and of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, at the

Burgesses to
take an oath.

Steward to be
elected by
mayor bailiffs
and burgesses.

Two burgesses
of parliament
to be elected
by mayor
bailiffs and
burgesses.

And sent at
the expense of
the borough
and common-
alty.

In the same
manner as
hath been
used.

Mayor to be
justice of the
peace.

Kine* to go to
the Crown.

No sheriff to
execute hi*
office in the
borough.

charges and costs of the said Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Wycombe, during the
time which such Parliament shall happen to be holden, and in the like manner and
form as other Burgesses of the Parliament for whatsoever other Boroughs or Borough
within our kingdom of England can do, or have been accustomed to do. And
which same Burgesses in such Parliament of us and of the heirs and successors of
us the aforesaid Queen, shall have their voices as well affirmative as negative, and
shall do and execute all and singular other things there as other Burgesses, or any
other Burgess of our Parliament for whatsoever other Boroughs or Borough can have,
do, or execute, or can or may be able to have, do, or execute. And further we
will, and by these presents ordain and grant that the said Mayor of the Borough
aforesaid, for the time being, may and shall be Justice of us and of the heirs and
successors of us the aforesaid Queen, to preserve the peace within the aforesaid
Borough, and shall have full power and authority to preserve the peace of us and
of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, within the Borough aforesaid,
and to do and execute all other things which to the office of Justice of the peace
of us, and of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, in any our coun-
ties of England doth appertain, to do and execute for the good keeping of the
]>cace of us and of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, and the
quiet rule and safe government of the people of us and of the heirs and successors
of us the aforesaid Queen, for all and singular articles and ordinances to keep and
cause to be kept within the Borough aforesaid, according to the force, form, and
effect of the statutes and ordinances thereupon enacted; and to cause to be
punished all those whom they shall find acting and offending against the force and
effect of the statutes and ordinances aforesaid, according to the law of our land ;
and to hear and determine all and singular those things according to the law and
custom of our kingdom of England, as fully and intirely, and in as ample manner
and form as the Justices of the peace in the county of Buckingham, or elsewhere
within this our kingdom of England have heretofore had or exercised, or shall have
and exercise hereafter, without the Borough and liberty aforesaid ; so that the said
justice of the peace within the aforesaid Borough of Wycombe aforesaid, for the time
being, shall not proceed to the determination of any felony without the special com-
mand of us or of the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen ; saving to us
and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, All and singular fines,
amerciaments, redemptions, and other profits of the said office of justice of the
]K-ace coming or accruing. And further, of our more ample grace, We have
granted, and by these presents for us and the heirs and successors of us the afore-
said Queen, Do grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Wycombe
and their successors, that they and their successors for ever shall have the return
of all our writs and attachments and the execution thereof, so that no Sheriff or
other lUilitT or Minister of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen,
shall enter the same liberty for the execution of writs and summonses, or attach-

merits, or to exercise any other office there, unless in default of the same Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, or other Ministers of us the aforesaid
Queen there; And moreover of our especial grace, We have granted, and by
these presents for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen do
grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, that the aforesaid Mayor to
be elected for a time and for one year, as soon as he shall be so elected to be
Mayor, may and shall be Escheator and Coroner of us and of the heirs and suc-
cessors of us the aforesaid Queen, and Clerk of the Market of us and of the
heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, within the Borough aforesaid; and
that he shall do and execute all and singular those things which to the office
of Escheator, Coroner, and Clerk of the Market appertain and belong, to do and
perform within the Borough aforesaid. And that he shall take an oath well and
faithfully to perform and exercise the same offices of Escheator, Coroner, and
Clerk of the Market, by the same Mayor, before the old Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses
of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall take upon himself the office of Escheator,
Coroner, and Clerk of the Market And that no other Escheator, Coroner, or Clerk,
of us or of the heirs or successors of us the said Queen, shall in any wise enter into
the said Borough or the precincts thereof, or there intermeddle, to do and perform
any thing there which to the office of Escheator, Coroner, or Clerk of the Market
doth appertain to do and perform. And further of our more ample grace, and of
our certain knowledge and meer motion, We have granted for us and the heirs and
successors of us the aforesaid Queen, as much as in us lies, that the aforesaid Mayor
Bailiffs Burgesses and honest men of the said Borough of Wycombe and their heirs
and successors residing, dwelling, or inhabiting within the same Borough, shall be quit
and discharged of Pavage, Passage, Lastage, Tallage, Carriage, Pesage, Piccage, and
Terrage, throughout our whole kingdom of England and our dominions. We have
also granted to the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses aforesaid, and their heirs and
successors, that they shall have and receive all manner of fines for trespasses and
other misdeeds whatsoever, and also fines for licence to agree, and all manner of
other fines, redemptions, and amerciaments, from or by whatsoever cause accruing;
and also issues forfeited of all such men, tenants, resiants, or dwellers in the said
Borough of Wycombe, although the same men, tenants, resiants or dwellers, may be
ministers of us or of the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen. And that the
same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, shall have all and all manner
of forfeitures, year day waste and estrepement, within the same Borough happening
or arising, adjudged as well in the presence of us or the heirs or successors of us
the aforesaid Queen, as elsewhere, in the absence of us or the heirs or successors
of us the aforesaid Queen, before whatsoever Justices of us, or of the heirs or suc-
cessors of us the aforesaid Queen. And that they shall be able to levy^ perceive,
and have, all that which to us our heirs and successors concerning such forfeitures, year
day and waste, and estrepement might appertain, if this our present grant to the same

Unless in de-
fault of the
mayor, Ac.

Mayor to be
escheator and
coroner.
And clerk of
the market.

To take an
oath.

Inhabitants
quitofrtavage,
&c &c. &c.
throughout
England.

Corporation
to have fines
for trespasses,
&c

Inhabitants
not to be
drawn into
plea before
the steward
of the crown
for the assize
broken in the
borough, nor
for trespasses.

Corporation
to have fines
by burgesses
adjudged
before the
steward of
the crown.

Steward of
the crown not
to exercise his
office in the
borough.

Corporation
to have the
chattels of
felons Arc.

Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses had not been made, to the use of the same Mayor
Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, by their Bailiffs or Ministers. And that
they shall and may be able likewise from henceforth for ever to levy, perceive, and
have, such fines, redemptions, and amerciaments, of all such tenants, resiants, or
dwellers in the said Town or Borough of Wycombe; and also the issues by them
or any of them forfeited, which shall happen to be made or adjudged, or forfeited
before us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, or in the
chancery of us or the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen, or before
whatsoever Justices and Ministers of us or the heirs or successors of us the afore-
said Queen, by Estreats of such Courts of us or the heirs or successors of us the
aforesaid Queen, without the hindrance or impediment of us or the heirs and sue*
cessors of us the aforesaid Queen, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coroners, Bailiffs,
or other Ministers of us or the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen whom*
soever. We have moreover granted for us and the said heirs and successors of
us the aforesaid Queen, to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid, that neither they nor their heirs and successors, nor any person dwelling
in the same Borough, shall be drawn into plea before the Steward or Marshal of the
Household of us or of the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, for the
assize of bread, wine, and ale, in the same Borough broken, or for any trespasses by
them or any of them without the Verge or within the Verge before or after the
coming of the same Steward and Marshal, or either of them, to those parts, or at
the time of the said Steward and Marshal being in those parts, to whatsoever person
made or perpetrated, nor shall he or they be hindered or molested or in any wise
aggrieved before the same Steward and Marshal, on those accounts or any of them.
We have also granted for us and the heirs and successors of us the aforesaid Queen,
to the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, and their suc-
cessors, that they shall be able to levy, perceive, and have to the use and profit of
the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and of the whole Commonalty of the said
Borough of Wycombe, all and all manner of issues, fines, redemptions and amercia-
ments, by any Burgess of the said Borough of Wycombe for the time being forfeited
or adjudged before the Steward and Marshal of the Household of us and the heirs
and successors of us the aforesaid Queen, for the time being. We have also granted,
and by these presents firmly forbid, any Sheriff, Constable, or Bailiff, or the afore-
said Steward and Marshal of the Household of us or of the heirs or successors of
us the aforesaid Queen, or any Minister or Officer of us or of the heirs or successors
of us the aforesaid Queen, besides the Mayor and Bailiffs of the said Borough for the
time being, in any wise to enter the same Borough, in any manner to exercise his
office there, unless in default of the same Mayor or Bailiffs or any of them ; but
all that shall appertain and be done by the Mayor and Bailiffs and their successors
from henceforth for ever. We have also granted for us and the heirs and successors
of us the aforesaid Queen, that the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their

successors from henceforth, shall have all manner of chattels of felons and fugitives,
as well felons of themselves as others whomsoever, outlaws, attainted and convicted
persons, and from whatsoever cause of all the men and tenants aforesaid, as well
intire tenants as not intire tenants and resiants, and of all the dwellers and inhabi-
tants within the said Borough of Wycombe, and goods and chattels waived, estrays what-
soever within the said Borough, deodands and treasure trove within the Borough
aforesaid. And if any man of the tenants and residents of or in the same Borough,
or any other person in the same Borough, for any his offence or misdeed what-
soever, ought to lose life or member, or shall fly and not stand to judgement,
or shall commit any other trespass for which he ought to lose his chattels, in what
place justice ought to be done, whether in the court of us or of the heirs or
successors of us the said Queen, or in other courts, the chattels shall be of the same
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, and it shall be lawful for them to put themselves in
seizin of the same chattels, and the same chattels to retain to their use without the
hindrance or impediment of us or the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen,
the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coroners, or other Bailiffs or Ministers of us or of
the heirs or successors of us the aforesaid Queen whomsoever. And that they the
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall have whatsoever goods
and chattels, called Manuopera, taken or to be taken with any person being within
the Borough aforesaid. We will also, and by these presents grant to the aforesaid
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wycombe, that they may and
shall have these our letters patent under our great seal of England in due manner
made and sealed, without fine or fee, great or small, to us in our Hanaper or else-
where, to our use for the same in any wise to be rendered paid or done : Although
express mention, &c. In witness whereof, &c. Witness, The King and Queen at
Westminster, the twenty-seventh day of August

And waifs,
estrays,
deodands,
treasure trove,
and chattels
forfeited by
offenders.

And manu-
opera.
This charter
granted with*
out fee.

THE FOURTH OF ELIZABETH.

i 8th July, 1562.

Twenty- fourth Part of Close Rolls in the fourth year of the Reign
of Queen Elizabeth.

The corpora-
tion patrons
of St. John's
hospital.

Have granted
the same to
the Queen.

As also our
lady rents.

Of a ivriting
behveen our
Lady the
Queen, and
the Mayor
Bailiffs and
Burgesses of
Chcppyng
Wycombe.

TO ALL Christ's faithful People, to whom this present writing
shall come. The Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of Great Wycombe,
otherwise called Cheppyng Wycombe, in the County of Bucking-
ham, true and undoubted Patrons of the Hospital of Saint John
\ the Baptist in Wycombe aforesaid, Greeting in the Lord Everlast-
ing. KNOW YE, that We the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and
Burgesses, of our unanimous assent and consent Have given,
granted, and by this our present writing confirmed, to our Lady
J Elizabeth by the grace of God, of England, France, and Ireland
Queen, Defender of the Faith and so forth, All the scite, bounds, and circuit of the
said Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, And all the Hospital aforesaid. And
also all and singular messuages, houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, feed-
ings, pastures, commons, rents, reversions, services, and hereditaments whatsoever,
situate, lying and being in Wycombe aforesaid, and in the parishes of Pentie, Hiehen-
den and Great Marlowe, in the said County of Buckingham, and any of them and
elsewhere wheresoever in the same County which to the said late Hospital did
formerly belong or appertain, or which as part, parcel or member of the same late
hospital were heretofore had, known, accepted, used, or reputed. And also all
those our messuages, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures and heredita-
ments whatsoever, in Wycombe aforesaid, called or known by the name of the fraternity
of the Blessed Mary, or by the name of our Lady Rents : And also all and
all manner of woods, underwoods, and trees whatsoever, of, in, and upon the
premises growing and being, and the land, soil, and ground of the same woods,
underwoods, and trees ; and the reversion and reversions whatsoever of all and
singular the premises above expressed and specified, and of every parcel thereof.
And also the rents, reversions, and yearly profits whatsoever, reserved upon whatso-
ever demises and grants in any manner made of the premises or of any parcel
thereof, To have, hold, and enjoy the aforesaid scite, bounds, and circuit of the

■p

nil-: fourth or i:lizap»i:tii

2 isr Jri.v. 1562.

Third Part of Patents in the fourth vcar of the Rci«rn of Queen
Mli/alicili.

The C«"»r]» ■ ■!■.»-
I i* »it iiiiir-U'L
to f« ill in I .1
k'ramin ir

M'himl.

Anil in «.uji-
put futii |HK»r

1 lie i,»:ici, 11
^rani* tin*

t'l'.lll I .1

'%,!»• 1 I.

J or the Mtty- /
Jul tilth tin J
J turn's <rs of
the Ilrou^h of
l\'ieowf>e of ti
grant to them
and their sue-

«YV.»i7j.

I UK (Jl/KKN, To all to whom, ,Vc. Greeting — WHERKASt
Wi; now understand that our beloved subjects, the Mayor Bailiffs
ami Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe, in our County of
J>!tckiti£luim % are minded and intend not only to make, found,
erect and establish a certain Grammar School, of one Master or
1 'dialogue, for the good education and instruction of boys ami
youth, according to the ordinances and statutes by the same
Mayor IViilifVs and Burgesses and their successors or any of
them, therefore to be made, augmented or found, to be perpetually hereafter sus-
tained and exhibited in the same Borough of //Yivw/v, in our said County of Buck-
ingham : but also, at their proper charge and expenses to support and maintain
fimr poor persons within the sair.e town for ever. And wiifkkas also, the same
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses have humbly besought us, that We would condescend
to grant our royal licence to make, found, erect ami establish the School afore-
said : Wc considering not only the premises, but also the pious, good, laudable, and
devout intention oi' the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses in the premises, and
inwardly desiring as imti h as in us lies to augment all and singular those things
wliii h may in any \\i>e concern the good education and instruction of boys and
you:ii, and the relief of the poor, of our especial grace and of our certain know-
ledge anil nicer motion, n. wi: granted and given license! and by these presents
do grant ami give lit cii.ic. for u«» our heirs and successors as much as in us lies,
to the aforoaid Mayor Baii:ii"s and Burgesses of the said Borough of Wicomhe
and ti;e:r *:u < L^-or< ; that they and their successors or any of them, shall and
in., v be aM«; to cn.it, foaml, and e^tablidi, a certain (1 ram mar School, of one
M .-tci •! IV :.i,."g , ;e as is ar.i- -.•!•!, a« landing to the ordinances and statutes by
l'::e -.iii.c M '.\«r B.. ;'.:"!"» and B n ,e^es or their sweeviors in that behalf, to be
i:i.ii.i j. tiaiuid. • •idiiid. and t ^la;>li>in.d m the »aid Borough u\ U'ieombe t in our

said County of Buckingham, to continue for ever hereafter. And that the same
Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, may or shall be able to prefer,
create, and ordain a proper person whomsoever to be Master or Pedagogue, and
for Master and Pedagogue of the same School, according to the ordinances and
statutes by the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses or their successors, for the good
and wholesome government and rule of the same School to be made, framed, and
established. And further of our grace we will, and by these presents for us our
heirs and successors grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, that they
and their successors shall make, and shall and may be able to make, proper and
wholesome statutes and ordinances in writing concerning and touching the ordering,
and government, and direction of the Master of the School aforesaid, for the time
being ; and the stipend and salary of the same Master and other things touching
and concerning the same School, and the order, government, preservation, and
disposition of the rents and revenues appointed, and to be appointed to the support
of the same School, which same statutes and ordinances so to be made, we will,
and grant, and by these presents command inviolably to be preserved from time to
time for ever, so that the same statutes and ordinances shall not be to the prejudice
of us our heirs or successors, nor contrary to the laws, statutes or ordinances, of this
our kingdom of England. And whereas the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses
of the said Borough of Wicombe, have humbly besought us that for their better
sustenance, support, and maintenance of the School aforesaid, and of the Poor aforesaid,
we would be pleased to extend to them our royal munificence, grace, and liberality :
Know ye that we at the humble petition of the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses
of the said Borough of Wicombe and also in consideration of the late Hospital of
Saint John the Baptist in Wycombe aforesaid, and of all and singular messuages,
lands, tenements, rents, revenues, services, and other hereditaments whatsoever to
the same late Hospital in any wise belonging or appertaining, and of all the
messuages, tenements, and hereditaments whatsoever in Wycombe aforesaid, called
or known by the name of the fraternity of the Blessed Mary, or by the name
of Our Lady Rents, by the Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses, patrons of the said
Hospital, to us our heirs and successors lately given, granted, and surrendered,
to do our pleasure therewith ; as by their deed remaining of record in our
Chancery more fully doth and may appear : Of our more ample grace certain
knowledge and meer motion, Have given and granted, and confirmed, and by
these presents do give, grant, and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and
Burgesses of Wycombe, All the scite, bounds, and circuit, of the late Hospital of
Saint John the Baptist in Wycombe aforesaid in our said County of Buckingham ;
And all the Hospital aforesaid, And all and singular the messuages, houses, edifices,
lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures, commons, rents, reversions, services
and hereditaments whatsoever, situate, lying and being in Wycombe aforesaid, and
in the parishes of Penne, Hychendon, and Great Marlowe, in our said County of

And appoii
a master.

And make
statutes co
cerning th<
master his
stipend an*
other t

And the re
&c. for the
support of
same schcx

The Queei
grants the
hospital of
St. John,

Anl our la-Iy
rent*,

To lw held of
Wimisor
castle, in free
bocca^c.

The coq*>ra-
tiun to have
all rents since
laily ilay in
the 2t\. year of
£J*. VI.

May purchase
1 aikI &, &c,

Buckingham, and every of them and elsewhere wheresoever, in the same County,
which to the said late Hospital did formerly belong or appertain, or which as j>arts,
parcel, or meml>er of the same late Hospital have heretofore been had, known,
accepted, used, or reputed. And also all those messuages, lands, tenements,
meadows, feedings, pastures, rents, reversions, services and hereditaments whatso-
ever in Wycombe aforesaid, called or known by the name of the fraternity of the
Blessed Mary, or by the name of Our Lady Rents. And also all and all manner
our woods, underwoods, and trees whatsoever, of, in, and upon the premises growing
and being, and the land, soil, and ground of the same woods, underwoods, and
trees, and the reversion and reversions whatsoever of all and singular the premises
above expressed and specified, and of every parcel thereof; and also the rents
revenues, and yearly profits whatsoever, reserved upon whatsoever demises and
grants in any manner made of the premises or of any parcel thereof. To have,
hold, and enjoy the aforesaid scitc, bounds, and circuit of the aforesaid late
Hospital, and the aforesaid late Hospital and also the fraternity of the Bicsscxi
Mary, called our Lady Rents in Wycombe aforesaid ; and all and singular the
aforesaid messuages, houses, edifices, lands, tenements, meadows, feedings, pastures,
rents, reversions, services, woods, underwoods, and all and singular other the
premises above expressed and specified, with every of their appurtenances to the
aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors, to the proper use and
behoof of the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses and their successors for ever ; To
r.K holdkn of us our heirs and successors, as of our Castle of Windsor in our
County of Berks, by fealty only in free soccage and not in chief, for all rents
services, and demands whatsoever, for the same, to us our heirs or successors, in
any wise to l>e rendered, paid, or done. And further of our more ample grace,
We have given and granted, and by these presents for us and our heirs IX) give
and grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the Borough of Wycombe,
all the issues rents, revenues, and profits, of all and singular the premises above
expressed and specified, with every of their appurtenances from the Feast of the
annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was in the second year of the reign
of the late King Edward the Sixth, our dearly beloved brother, until this time
coining or accruing : To hold to the same Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of our gift,
without account or any other thing for the same to us our heirs or successors in
any wise to be rendered, paid, or done : And moreover of our further especial
grace, we have given and granted, and by these presents for us our heirs and
successors, Do give and grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the
Borough of Wycombe aforesaid and their successors, social license and free and
lawful faculty, power and authority, to have, receive, and purchase, to them and
their successors for ever, towards the support and maintenance of the School afore-
said, and of the poor persons aforesaid, as well of us our heirs and successors as
of any other persons and person whomsoever, manors messuages lands tenements,

rectories, tythes, rents, and other hereditaments whatsoever, within our kingdom of
England or elsewhere within our dominions, which are not holden of us our heirs or
successors immediately in chief, or by knight's service, provided they shall not ex-
ceed the clear yearly value of thirty pounds, beyond the aforesaid messuages, lands,
tenements, and other the premises above by these presents given and granted; the
statute concerning lands and tenements not to be put in mortmain, or any other
statute, act, ordinance, or provision, or any other thing, cause, or matter whatsoever
to the contrary thereof, had, made, enacted, ordained, or provided, in any wise not-
withstanding : Provided always, and further we will, and by these presents ordain,
that all the issues, rents and revenues of all the aforesaid lands, tenements, and
possessions above by these presents granted, shall be converted or expended towards
the support of the School aforesaid, and of the poor persons aforesaid, and to the
reparation and support of the houses, lands, tenements, and possessions aforesaid, and
not otherwise, nor to any other uses or "intents. We will also, and by these
presents grant to the aforesaid Mayor Bailiffs and Burgesses of the town of Great
Wycombe aforesaid, that they may and shall have these our letters patent under
our great seal of England, in due manner made and sealed, without fine or fee, great
or small, to us in our Hanaper or elsewhere to our use for the same in any wise
to be rendered, paid, or done: Although express mention, &c. In witness whereof,
&c. Witness, THE QUEEN at Westminster, the twenty first day of July.

If not held of
the crown in
chief, nor by
knight's ser-
vice, nor
worth more
than ,£30 a
year.

Rents &c. not
to he applied
to any other
uses.

Granted with-
out fee.
list July.

By the Q UEEN herself, £-r.

4 6

CII ARTER

GRANTED TO THE

MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES

THE BOROUGH OF CHIPPING WYCOMBE,

BY OUEEN ELIZABETH,

ist March, 1598,
In tiik Fortieth Year of Her Rek;n.

Ol a Grant
to them and
their Succes-
sors fur the
Mayor,
Ha i litis and
llurgc^o t»f
the 1m trough

of CkffflHf

otherwise
II1«i»«.V, in
in the Count y

Of JiH<klH£-

ham.

TIIK QUKKN, To all to whom, &c. Greeting.— W II KRE AS our Borough of
Chcpping Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombc, in our County of Buckingham^ is an
antient and populous Borough, and the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough
of Wycombe aforesaid, have had, and used, and enjoyed divers Liberties, Franchises,
Immunities, and Pre-eminences, as well by our Charter, and by the Charter of the
Lord Philip, and our dearly beloved Sister Mary, late King and Queen of England^
as by Charters of other our Progenitors and Predecessors, Kings of Engfamf, to
them and their Predecessors heretofore made, granted, or confirmed, as also by
reason of divers Prescriptions and Customs in the same Borough, from Time whereof
the Memory of Man is not to the contrary used : And whereas We are informed '
that certain Defects, Ambiguities, and Uncertainties, are in the Charters and Letters
Patent aforesaid, by Reason that some Things in the same contained were not
granted plainly, expressly, nor by Words sufficiently proper for the good Rule,
Government, and Advantage of the Borough aforesaid, according to the true Intent
of the same Charters or Letters Patent : And whereas our beloved Subjects, the
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of ll'icombe aforesaid, have humbly
besought us that we would be pleased to shew and extend to the same Mayor,
Bailiff's, anil Burgoscs, our Royal Grace and Munificence in that Behalf, and that
We, for the belter Government, Rule, and Improvement of the same Borough,
would condescend to ratify, confirm, approve, make, renew, constitute, or create
anew, the said Mayor, Bailiff's, and Burgesses of the same Borough into one Body

Corporate and Politic, by our Letters Patent, as to us should seem most expedient ;
We therefore, willing that from henceforth for ever in the same Borough there
shall continually be had one certain and undoubted Method of and for the Keeping
of the Peace, and the good Rule and Government of the People there; and that
the Borough aforesaid from henceforth for ever shall be and remain a Borough of
Peace and Quiet to the Dread and Terror of the Wicked, and in Reward of the
Good; and that our Peace and other Deeds of Justice may be kept there without
further Delay ; and hoping that if the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same
Borough, and their Successors, are able to enjoy by our Grant more ample Honor,
Liberties, and Privileges, then they will consider themselves bound more especially
and strongly to perform and exhibit to us, and to our Heirs and Successors, the
Services which they are able of our special Grace and of our certain Knowledge and
mere Motion, have willed, ordained, constituted, and granted ; and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs and Successors, do will, ordain, constitute, declare, and grant, That
the said Borough of Wicombe, in our said County of Buckingham, from henceforth
may and shall be a free Borough of itself, and that the Burgesses of the same
Borough and their Successors from henceforth for ever may and shall be, by Force
of these Presents, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, and Name, of
one Mayor, two Bailiffs, and the Burgesses, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough of C tupping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County
of Buckingham, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, and Name, really
and fully for us, our Heirs, and Successors, we do erect, make, ordain, constitute,
confirm, and declare by these Presents ; and that by the same Name they shall have
perpetual Succession ; and that they, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses
of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Bucking-
ham, may and shall be for ever hereafter Persons able and capable in the I^aw to
have, purchase^ receive, and possess Lands, Tenements, Liberties, Privileges, Juris-
dictions, Franchises, and Hereditaments, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they
may be, to them and their Successors, in Fee and Perpetuity, and also Goods and
Chattels, and whatsoever other Things, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they
may be, and also to give, grant, demise, and assign I^ands, Tenements, and Here-
ditaments, Goods and Chattels, and to do and execute all and singular other Deeds
and Things by the Name aforesaid : and that by the same Name of Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Burgesses of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County
of Buckingham, shall and may be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be
answered, defend and be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before
whatsoever Judges and Justices, and other Persons and Officers of us and of our
Heirs and Successors, in all Suits, Plaints, Pleas, Causes, Matters, and Demands,
real, personal, or mixt, as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever Kind, Nature,
cr Sort they may be, in the same Manner and Form as other our liege People of
this our Kingdom of England, Persons able and capable in the Liw, may and can

A Body Cor-
porate, in
Name of
Mayor,
Bailiffs, and
Burgesses,

May possess
Lands, &c

May plead,

Common Seal.

Mavui.

Bailiff*.

Hurgesscs.

O minion

i if ' . ■ »■ • '

I i * ■ ! ■: : v

I** ■.;..

be able to jTicail an- 1 be impleaded, answer and \< answered, defend and be de-
fended, ami to have, purchase, receive, posses*, give, grant, and demise: and that
the aforesaid Mayor. Bailiffs ar. i Burgesses ot :he aforesaid Borough of Chi f fin *
//Yivw/r, otherwise /('/.' '".\v, in the Cour.:y of £u+?:n^iiam m and their Successors,
shall have for ever a common Seal, to serve for d.nng their Affairs and Business
whatsoever, and of their Successors ; and that i: snail and mav be lawful to the
same Mayor, Baihrrs, and B»ir;:e*5es and their Successors, the same Seal at their
Pleasure, from Time to Time, to break, change, and make anew, as to them shall
seem meet: Am> urtki-r \\y \\i:u .ir.d I v these I 'resents, for us. our Heirs and
Successors grant ami ordain. Tha: from ruT.cei'- rth forever there may and shall be,
within the Borough aforesaid, one of the most honest anil discreet Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, in Form hereafter in these Presents mentioned, to be elected,
who shall l>e and be named Mavor of the Borough atbresaid : and that in like
M. inner there mav and shall be, within the sime Borough, two honest and discreet
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, in Form hereafter in these Presents mentioned,
to be elected, who shall be .ind be named BaihrTs ot the Borough aforesaid : And
aiso wk wn.u and by these Presents, for us. our Heirs and Successors, grant and
ordain. That from henceforth there may and shall be, within the Borough aforesaid,
from Time to Time, twelve honest and discreet Men, continually residing and dwel-
ling within the wine Borough, who shall be ant I be called Capital Burgesses of the
said Borough : And that the Mayor, BaihrTs. and Burgesses of the same Borough,
and their Successors, or the major Part o( them, from Time to Time, for ever, shall
and may be able to elect so many and such other Men inhabiting or not inhabiting
within the Borough aforesaid, as to them shall seem to be most expedient, to be
Burgesses of the said Borough: Ani> wk vhi.i, and bv these Presents for us, our
Heirs, and Succours, grant. That the aforesaid BaihrTs and Capital Burgesses shall
be ami be tailed the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, and shall be
from Time to Time a>sUting and aiding to the Mayor of the said Borough of
Ch**pin£ //V.-.'w.v. otherwise JJ'.v<"w.v, aforesaid, for the Time being, in all
and Matters to in hing or concerning the Borough aforesaid : And further
win, and by these Presents for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the afore*
said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors;
Tl.it the Mayor. Bailiffs an^l twelve Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid,
ami tl.eir Sun os^rs tor the Time bein^. or the maior Part o( them, of whom the
M.ivur fir the Time bein^ We will to be one, mav and shall have full Powtr and
Authority to frame, constitute, ordain, and make, from Time to Time, such reasoo-
a: le 1 .aw*. Statutes and Ordinances whatsoever which to them shall seem to be good,
Hh'.Ii>'jinc. ii*ei":il. honest, ami necessiry, according to their sound Discretions,
i">r the ±>A R :!e and C»- iver:ime:it of the B irges*es Artificers, and Inhabitants ot
!:.•: V.jTf.S'.: .i:"<-u-^i:d. f.-r trie "I :me being, -md f ,,r declaring in what Manner and
<»ri.r ri.e .i! r^..l Ma\. r. B..;iitx and B.:r^e»es and the Artificers. Inhabitants.

.^^4

and Residents of the Borough aforesaid, shall behave, and carry, and use them-
selves in their Offices, Mysteries, and Business within the same Borough, and the
Limits thereof, for the time being, and otherwise for the further good and public
Utility and Rule of the same Borough, and the Victualling of the same Borough,
and also for the better Preservation, Government, Disposition, letting and demising
of the I^ands, Tenements, Possessions, Revenues, and Hereditaments to the afore-
said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, by these Presents, or other-
wise given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or hereafter to be given, granted, or
assigned, and other Things and Causes whatsoever touching or in any wise con-
cerning the Borough aforesaid, or the State, Right, and Interest of the same Borough :
and that they and their Successors, by the Mayor for the Time, and the Bailiffs,
and Capital Burgesses aforesaid, being the Common Council of the same Borough,
or by the major Part of them as aforesaid, so often as they shall frame, make,
ordain, or establish such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances in Form aforesaid, shall
be able to impose and assess such and so many reasonable Pains, Penalties, and
Punishments, by Imprisonment of the Body, or by Fines and Amerciaments, or by
either of them, towards and upon all Delinquents against such Laws, Statutes,
an J Ordinances, or any or either of them, as and which to the same Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Capital Burgesses, the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time
being, or the major Part of them as aforesaid, shall seem to be reasonable and
requisite ; and shall and may be able to levy and have the same Fines and Amercia-
ments, without the Impediments of us, our Heirs, and Successors : all and singular
which Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances so as aforesaid to be made, We will to be
observed under the Pains in the same to be contained ; so nevertheless that such
I-aws, Statutes, Ordinances, Imprisonments, Fines, and Amerciaments, shall not be
repugnant nor contrary to the Laws, Statutes, Customs, or Rights of our Kingdom
of England : And for the better Execution of our same Grant in that Behalf, We
have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made, and by these Presents, for us, our
Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved John
Grerulandy now Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, to be the first and present Mayor
of the Borough aforesaid, willing that the same John Grencland shall be and continue
in the Office of Mayor of the same Borough, from the making of these Presents
until the Thursday next before the Feast of St Michael the Archangel next ensuing,
and from the same Feast until another of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid
shall be elected and sworn to the same Office, according to the Ordinances and
Constitutions in these Presents hereunder expressed and declared, if the same John
Gretieland shall so long live : We have also assigned, nominated, and constituted,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, consti-
tute, and make our beloved Anthony Anthony and Thomas fiilson, now Bailiffs of
the Borough aforesaid, to be the two first and present Bailiffs of the Borough
aforesaid, to continue in the same Office until the Thursday next before the Feast

i; G

Disposition of
Lands, &c.

Penalties and
Punishments.

First Mayor,
Bailiffs, and
Burgesses.

of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary next ensuing, and from the same
Feast until two other Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be preferred and
sworn to the Office of Bailiffs of the said Borough, according to the Ordinances
and Constitutions in these Presents hereafter expressed and declared, if the same
Anthony Anthony and Thomas Bilson shall so long live : We have also assigned,
nominated, and constituted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors,
r><> assign, nominate, constitute, and appoint our beloved Tristram Wynehe, Robert
Cullen, William Mundy, John Gibbons, John Fox, John I! Wis, Thomas Wells 9 G forge
Wells, Thomas Taylor, Ralph Ererslty, William Littleboy, and John Littlepa&e,
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be the twelve first and present Capital
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office during their
Lives, unless, in the mean time, for bad Government or ill behaving themselves in
that Behalf, they shall be removed from the same Office : And further we will,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That
the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the time being, or
the major Part of them, from time to time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have
Power and Authority, yearly and every year, on the Thursday next before the
Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, to assemble themselves, or the major Part ol
them, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place
within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Dis-
cretions, anil there to continue until they, or the major Part of them there then
assembled, shall elect or nominate one Burgess of the Borough aforesaid to be
Election of Mayor for the Year ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form following ; and

that they shall and may l>e able there to elect and nominate, before they shall from
thence depart, one Burgess of the Borough aforesaid, who shall be Mayor of the
Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ; and that he, after he
shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Mayor of the Borough afore-
said, before he shall he admitted to execute the same Office, shall take a corporal
Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly on the Day of Election, if he shall then
be present ; and if he shall be absent, then within one Month then next ensuing
the said Day of Election, before the Mayor, his last Predecessor, and in his Absence
before such of the aforesaid Capital Burgesses for the Time being, and other the
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present in the Guildhall
of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Tlace within the Borough
aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and
faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the same Office; and
that after such Oath so taken he shall undertake, and ought, and shall, and may
be able to execute the Office of Miyor of the Bjrough aforesaid, until the Thursday
next before the Fea^t of St. Michael the Archangel then next ensuing, and further
until another of the aforesaid Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be in due

Mayor.

Manner and Form elected, preferred, and sworn to be Mayor of the Borough afore-
said : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Suc-
cessors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid,
and their Successors, That the Mayor, Bailiffs, and the aforesaid Capital Burgesses, or
the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have
Power and Authority, yearly and every Year, on the Thursday next before the Feast
of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to assemble themselves, or the major
Part of them, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient
Place within the aforesaid Borough, to be limited and assigned according to their Dis-
cretions, and there to continue until they, or the major Part of them there then assem-
bled, shall elect or nominate two Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs for
the Year ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form following ; and that they shall
and may be able there to elect and nominate, before they shall from thence depart, two
of the aforesaid Burgesses, who from thenceforth shall be Bailiffs of the Borough
aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ; and that they, after they shall be so
as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, before they
shall be admitted to execute the said Office, shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy
Gospel of God yearly on the Day of Election, if they shall then be present, and if they
shall be absent, then within one Month next ensuing the Day of Election aforesaid,
before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, or in the Absence of the said Mayor,
before the Bailiffs their last Predecessors, or either of them, in the Presence of such of
the aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and
other the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall be then present in the Guild-
hall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough
aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and
faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the same Office ; and that
after such Oath so taken they shall undertake, and ought, and shall, and may be able
to execute the Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, until the Thursday next
before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary then next ensuing,
and further until other of the aforesaid Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be in
due Manner and Form elected, preferred, and sworn to be Bailiffs of the Borough
aforesaid : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and
Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said, and their Successors, That if it shall happen the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid,
at any Time hereafter within one Year after he shall be preferred and sworn to the
Office of Mayoralty of the Borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, to die or be removed from
his Office, which same Mayor not well behaving himself in the same Office, We will
to be removeable at the Pleasure of the aforesaid Capital Burgesses, and of the other
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, who
shall be then present, so that the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said may or shall be then present, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to

Election of
Bailiffs.

Mayor re-
moveable for
Misbehaviour.

ltailifls re-
movcable for
Misbehaviour.

Burgesses re-
mo veal >le fur
Misbehaviour.

the aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, to
assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days next ensuing the
Death or Removal of the same Mayor in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in
any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to elect, prefer, and
nominate one other honest and fit Man of the aforesaid Burgesses, of the Borough afore-
said into the Mayoralty, and for Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, in the Place of him
so dead, or removed from his Office ; and that he into the Office of Mayoralty so
elected and preferred, having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form aforesaid, shall
have and exercise the same Office during the Residue of the same Year, and until
another Burgess of the Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the same
Office ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if it shall happen the Bailiffs
of the Borough aforesaid, or cither of them, to die, or be removed from their Office of
Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, which same Bailiffs, and each of them, not well
behaving themselves or himself in their Office aforesaid, We will to be removeable
at the Pleasure of the Mayor and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the
Time being, or the major Part of them, that then and so often it shall and may be
lawful to the Mayor and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time
being, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days next after the aforesaid Bailiff,
or Bailiffs shall so die, or be removed from his Office aforesaid, to assemble in the
Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Bo-
rough aforesaid, and to elect and prefer one or two of the Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid, into the Place or Places of the same Bailiff, or Bailiffs, so dead or removed
from his Office ; and that he or they, so elected and sworn, shall have and exercise
the same Office or Offices during the Residue of the same Year, and until another or
others of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the
same Office of Bailiff or Bailiffs of the same Borough, having first taken a Corporal
Oath in Form aforesaid ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if any or
cither of the Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall die, or be removed from
his Office, who not well behaving themselves in their Office, We will to be remove-
able at the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and the major Part of the
aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the same Borough, for the Time being, then that the
Mayor and such of the rest of the aforesaid Capital Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said, who shall be assembled in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other
convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according
to their Discretions, or the major Part of them so assembled, at the Pleasure of the
Mayor and the Residue of the Capital Burgesses, shall and may be able to elect and
prefer one, or as many as shall be deficient of the aforesaid Number of twelve of the
ixrst and most honest Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, into the Place of the same
Capital Burgess, or Capital Burgesses, so dead, or removed from his or their Office or
Offices ; and that he or they, so elected and preferred, shall have and exercise the same
Office to which he or they shall be so elected and preferred, so long as they shall well

behave themselves in the same Office; and that the aforesaid Mayor so newly elected,
before he shall execute the same Office of Mayoralty, shall take a Corporal Oath be-
fore such Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, as shall then be present ; and that the
Bailiffs so newly elected, in like Manner, before they shall execute the same Office, shall
take a Corporal Oath before the Mayor and Capital Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said, or the major Part of them ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And
further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant
to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their
Successors, That they and their Successors shall have in the Borough aforesaid for ever
one honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of this Kingdom, to be elected and
nominated in Form hereunder expressed, who shall be and be called Steward of
the Borough aforesaid : And we have assigned, constituted, and made, and by these
Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, ordain, constitute, and
make our beloved Sebastian Kelt, Gentleman, to be the first and present Steward of the
Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office so long as he shall well behave him-
self in the same Office ; and that the same Sebastian Kele shall and may be able to
have, exercise, and enjoy the same Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid, by him-
self, or by his sufficient Deputy or Deputies ; and that the same Sebastian Kele, and
his Deputy or Deputies, before they shall proceed to the Execution of his Office afore-
said, shall take a Corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God before the Mayor of
the Borough aforesaid, faithfully to execute the same Office in all Things touching the
same Office ; and that after the Death or Removal of the aforesaid Sebastian, the Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the
major Part of them, in a convenient Time shall and may be able to elect, nominate, and
prefer one honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of England, from Time to
Time, so often as to them it shall seem to be necessary, to be Steward of the Borough
aforesaid ; and that he who shall be so as aforesaid elected, preferred, and nominated
into the Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid, after the Death or Removal of the
said Sebastian, shall and may be able to have, exercise, and enjoy the same Office of
Steward of the Borough aforesaid, by himself, or by his sufficient Deputy, having first
as aforesaid taken a Corporal Oath faithfully to execute the Office aforesaid, during
the Pleasure of the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid :
And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors,
grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and
their Successors, that from henceforth for ever there may and shall be in the Borough
aforesaid one Officer, who shall be and be called Serjeant at Mace, to serve in the
Court of the aforesaid Borough, and to execute and perform Proclamation, Arrest,
and Execution of the Process, Mandates, and other Business to the Office of Serjeant
at Mace, in the Borough aforesaid and the Parish of Wieombe, and the Limits, Bounds,
and Precincts thereof appertaining, from Time to Time, at the Will and Pleasure of
the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, which same Ser-

Stewanl.

Election ot
Steward

Serjeant at
Mace.

jcant at Mace shall be appointed, nominated, and elected by the aforesaid Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or by the major Part of
them, so often as to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Capital Burgesses shall seem
convenient and necessary ; and shall be attending, from Time to Time, upon the
Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being ; and that the aforesaid Serjeant
at Mace, so as aforesaid to be elected and nominated, may and shall be in due Manner
sworn, well and faithfully to execute his Office aforesaid, before the Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or the major Part of them, for the
Time being, of whom the Mayor for the Time being We will to be one ; and that
after such Oath so taken, he ought, shall, and may be able to execute and perform the
same Office during the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and of the
twelve capital Burgesses, or the major Part of them, of whom the Mayor We will to be
one : And further wk will and ordain, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and
Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said, and their Successors, That the aforesaid Serjeant at Mace, in the Borough afore-
said to be deputed, shall carry and bear a gilt or silver Mace, and engraven and orna-
mented with the Sign of the Arms of this Kingdom of England, every where within
the said Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, the Suburbs, Liberties,
and Precincts thereof, before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being :
And we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the
aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Succes-
sors, That they and their Successors from henceforth for ever shall have, and hold, and
shall and may be able to have and hold in the Guildhall of the same Borough, or in
Court of Re- any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, one Court of Record, on
held. ° Monday in ever)' third Week, or oftencr, at their Pleasure, to be holdcn before the

Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and so many and such of the twelve Capital Bur-
gesses for the Time being, as shall have been Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, if they
are willing to be present, the Steward and Bailiffs of the same Borough, or one of the
Bailiffs, or the sufficient Deputy, or sufficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the
Borough aforesaid, for the Time being ; and that in the same Court they shall be able
to hold by Plaints, in the same Court to be levied, all and all Manner of Pleas,
Plaints, and Actions, concerning whatsoever Trespasses by Force and Anns, or other-
wise, in Contempt of us, our Heirs and Successors, done or to be done, and of all and
Its Juristic- all Manner of Pleas upon the Case, Debt, Account, Covenant, Deceit, Detinue of

Charters, Writings, and Muniments, and Chattels, taking and detaining of Cattle and
Chattels, and other Contracts, for whatsoever Causes or Things, within the Borough
aforesaid, and the Limits and Precincts thereof, arising or happening, provided the
same Debts, Accounts, Covenants, Contracts, and other Actions, personal or mixed,
shall not exceed the Sum or Value of forty Pounds ; and that so often as any Person or
Persons whomsoever shall be willing to implead any other Person or Persons whomso-
ever, possessing or holding Lands, Tenements, Rents, or Hereditaments within the

tiua.

Borough aforesaid, the Limits and Precincts thereof, concerning the same Lands, Tene-
ments, Rents, and Hereditaments, he or they so willing to implead shall prosecute
our Writ of Right Patent, issuing out of our Court of Chancery of England, to be
directed to the aforesaid Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, upon which same Writ in
the Court aforesaid, before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being,
and so many and such of the twelve Capital Burgesses for the Time being, as shall
have been Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, if they are willing to be present, the
Steward and Bailiffs of the same Borough, or one of the Bailiffs, or the sufficient De-
puty, or sufficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the Borough aforesaid for the
Time being, he or they, so as aforesaid willing to implead, shall make his Protest to
sue his Plaint upon the aforesaid Writ, made in the Nature of a Writ of Assize, Novel
Disseisin, Mort d* Ancestor, Attaint, or in the Nature of any other Action or Writ what-
soever at the Common Law, as the Matter and Case shall require ; and that such Pleas,
Plaints, and Actions, as well real as personal and mixed, shall be there heard and
determined before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and so many and such of the
Capital Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being, who have been
Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, if they are willing to be present, the Steward and
Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or one of the Bailiffs, or the sufficient Deputy, or
sufficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the Borough aforesaid, in the Guildhall
of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough afore-
said, by such and the like Process and Means, according to the Law and Custom of our
Kingdom of England, by which, and as shall be agreeable to our Law, and in as ample
Manner and Form, and as in any other Court of Record, in any other Borough or
Town Corporate within this our Kingdom of England, is used and accustomed, or may
or ought to be done : And we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, by these
Presents, grant and ordain, that the Serjeant at Mace of the Borough aforesaid, for
the Time being, shall make and execute all Pannels, Juries, Inquisitions, Attachments,
Precepts, Mandates, Warrants, J udgments, Process, and other Things whatsoever neces-
sary to be done, touching the Causes aforesaid, or other Causes whatsoever touching
or concerning the Borough aforesaid, within the Borough aforesaid and the Liberties
thereof, as to them shall seem proper, according to the Exigence of the Law, and as in
like Cases is used, or ought to be done in any other Court of Record, in any other
Borough or Town Corporate within this our Kingdom of England ; and that the
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, shall
and may have and receive all Fines, Services, Issues, and other Profits whatsoever,
of and in the Court aforesaid, arising, coming, accruing, or happening to be ex-
pended to the like and such Use and Profit, as to the said Mayor, Bailiffs, anil
Burgesses shall seem best : And further we, of our special Grace and of our cer-
tain Knowledge and mere Motion, for us, our heirs and Successors, grant to the afore-
said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough of Chopping Wycombt, other-
wise Wicombt, in the County of Buckingham aforesaid, and their Successors, View o(

Frankpledge.

Inhabitants
free of Pan-
nage.

Fines, &c.

Frankpledge of all and singular the Inhabitants and Residents, as well entirely as not
entirely, residing within the said Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe,
and within the Limits and Bounds thereof, and all Things which to View of Frank-
pledge appertain or belong, or ought to appertain or belong, to be holden in the
Common Hall, called the Guildhall, or in any other convenient Place within the afore*
said Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, twice in the Year, that b to
say once within a Month, of Saint Michael, and again within a Month of Easter, to be
holden before the aforesaid Mayor, Steward, and such of the Capital Burgesses as shall
have been Mayors of the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present, and the Bailiffs,
or either of the Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or the sufficient Deputy, or suf-
ficient Deputies of the Mayor or Steward of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time
being, in every Year ; and that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses may and shall
have all and all Manner of Fines. Redemptions, Issues, and Amerciaments, and all
other Profits of and in the aforesaid View of Frankpledge, in any wise coming, arising,
or happening, to the proper Use and Behoof of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur*
gesses, and of the Commonalty of the said Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise
Wicombe aforesaid, for the Time being, to be taken and converted ; so that no other
Person besides the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall
in any wise hereafter have or hold any View of Frankpledge, or any other Court
in the said Borough, or any Place thereof, unless only by the Licence and Consent of
the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, or their Successors, thereto specially obtained,
or to be obtained : And further, of our more ample Grace, and of our certain Know*
ledge and mere Motion, We have granted for us, our Heirs and Successors, That the
aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, Burgesses, and other Inhabitants of the said Borough of Chip-
ping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, and their Successors, residing, dwelling, or inhabiting
within the same Borough, shall be quit and discharged of Pannage, Passage, Last-
age, Tallage, Carriage, Pesage, Piccage, and Terrage, throughout our whole Kingdom
of England : We have also granted to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses
aforesaid, and their Successors, That they shall have and perceive all Manner of Fines
for Trespasses and other Misdeeds whatsoever, and also Fines for Licence to agree,
and all Manner of other Fines, Redemptions, and Amerciaments, from whatsoever
Cause, and by whatsoever Cause arising, and also Issues and Forfeitures of all such
Men, Tenants, Residents, or Dwellers in the same Borough of Ckepping Wycombe,
otherwise Wicombe, although the same Men, Tenants, Residents, or Dwellers, shall be
Ministers of us, or of our Heirs or Successors ; and that the same Mayor, Bailifls, and
Burgesses, and their Successors, shall have all and all Manner of Forfeitures, Year,
Day, Waste, and Estrepement within the Borough aforesaid, arising or happening,
adjudged as well in the Presence of us, our Heirs and Successors, as elsewhere in the
Absence of us, our Heirs, or Successors, before whatsoever Justices of us, our Heirs, or
Successors ; and that they shall be able to levy, perceive, and have all that which to
us or our Heirs concerning such Forfeitures, Year, Day, and Waste, and Estrepement,

might appertain, if our present Grant to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, had
not been made, to the Behoof of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their
Successors, by their Bailiffs or Ministers ; and that they, in like Manner, from hence-
forth for ever shall and may be able to levy, receive, and have such Fines, Redemp-
tions, and Amerciaments of all such Men, Tenants, Residents, or Dwellers in the said
Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, and also the Issues by them or
any of them forfeited, which before us, and our Heirs or Successors, or in the Chancery
of us, our Heirs or Successors, or before whatsoever Justices and Ministers of us, our
Heirs or Successors, shall happen to be done, adjudged, or forfeited by Estreat of
such Court of us, our Heirs and Successors, without the Hindrance or Impediment
of us, our Heirs or Successors, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coroners, Bailiffs, or
other Ministers of us, our Heirs or Successors whomsoever : And further we will,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Bo-
rough aforesaid, and the Circuit, Bounds, and Precincts thereof, may and ought to ex-
tend and stretch themselves, as well in Length as in Breadth, to such and the like
Metes and Bounds to which and as of old they have been accustomed, of Right and
lawfully to extend and stretch ; and that all and singular Houses, Edifices, Lands, Tene-
ments, void Grounds and Soil whatsoever, within the Bounds, Metes, and Limits thereof,
from henceforth may and shall be, and shall be reputed to be Parts and Parcel of the said
Borough of Wicombe, now by these Presents erected and incorporated into a Body Politic
as aforesaid : We have moreover granted, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, do
grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and
their Successors, That the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, during
the Time which he shall happen to be in his Office, shall be Justice of us, our Heirs
and Successors, to preserve and cause to be kept the Peace in the same Borough, the
Liberties and Precincts thereof, and also to keep and correct, and cause to be kept and
corrected, the Statutes concerning Vagabonds, Artificers, and Labourers, Weights and
Measures, within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof; so that
the Mayor of the same Borough, for the Time being, shall have from henceforth for
ever Power and Authority to inquire, hear, and determine all Matters, Plaints, Causes,
and Articles, which to the Office of a Justice of the Peace, Labourers and Artificers
appertain ; so nevertheless that the said Mayor, for the Time being, shall not in any
wise hereafter proceed to the Determination of any Treason, Murder, or Felony, or of
any other Matter touching the Loss of life or Member, within the Borough aforesaid,
the Liberties or Precincts thereof without the special Mandate of us, our Heirs or Suc-
cessors, and nevertheless he shall and may be able to do, inquire, hear, and determine
all and singular other Offences, inferior Defaults, and Articles, which to the Office of a
Justice of the Peace within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof,
appertain as fully and entirely, and in as ample Manner and Form as any other Justice
of the Peace of us, our Heirs or Successors, in any County of our Kingdom of

H H

Bounds of the
Borough.

Mayor a
Justice of the
Peace within
the Borough.

England) a* Justice of the Peace, can or may be able to inquire, hear, or determine : And
that the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time
being, and their Successors, shall have from henceforth for erer, within the Borough

f; *'l- aforesaid, the Liberties or Precincts thereof, a Prison and Gaol, proper to keep all

those who shall hereafter happen to be taken, attached, or apprehended within the
Borough aforesaid, or the Liberties thereof, for Felonies, Trespasses, or whatsoever
other Crimes, Contempts, and Offences there perpetrated, as in that Behalf, in the same
Borough, hath been heretofore used and accustomed : so that they so being in the Gaol
aforesaid, who cannot reasonably be delivered by the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid,
for the Time being, according to the Liberties and Customs of the said Borough, shall
ta delivered by the Justices of us, our Heirs and Successors, assigned to deliver Gaols,
or to take Assizes there, according to the I -aw and Custom of our Kingdom of England^
and as hitherto hath been accustomed to be done : And further we have granted,
and for us, our Heirs, and Successors, by these Presents, do grant to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That
the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, from henceforth for ever may

Mayor ricrk and shall be Clerk of the Market within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and

of ttlC SIfirIf ft

Precincts thereof, and shall do and execute, and shall and may be able to do and exe-
cute for ever, all and every thing which to the Office of Clerk of the Market there doth
appertain to do, and to perform all and singular other Deeds and Things which to the
same Office appertain to be done and performed, within the Borough aforesaid, the
Liberties and Precincts thereof; and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
same Borough, for the Time being, for ever may and shall have the Assize and Assay
of Bread, Wine, and Ale, and of other Victuals, Fuel, and Wood in the said Borough,
the Liberties and Precincts thereof, and the Amendment of the same Assize broken,
and also the Punishment, Correction, and Amerciaments, and Fines of all Persons
there offending in the Abuse of Measures and Weights of Fuel or Wood, as well in
the Presence as in the Absence of us, our Heirs and Successors ; so that the Clerk of
the Market of the Household of us, our Heirs, or Successors, for the Assize of Bread,
Wine, and Ale, broken and other Victuals, or such Weights or Measures, or for the
doing of any other Thing touching or concerning the Office of Clerk of the Market,
shall not in any wise enter or presume to enter within the Borough aforesaid, the
Litanies or Precincts thereof: We will also, and for us, our Heirs and Succes sor s,
ordain and grant by these Presents to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor of the same Borough, for the
Time being, and his Successors for the Time being, during the Time which he shall be
l-'.utii-atnr ami in the < Mtice of Mayoralty, may and shall be Escheator and Coroner of us, our Heirs

and Successors within the Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof and
shall ilo ami execute, and shall and may be able to do and execute, within the Borough
Unit said, tin- Liberties and Precincts thereof, all and every thing which to the Office of
I i hi .it«»i ainl CuiMiic-r iIku dull) j|>peitain tu do. and that he shall take an Oath

(iiruncr.

well and faithfully to do and exercise the same Offices of Clerk of the Market, Escheator,
and Coroner, before the old Mayor and the Capital Burgesses, or the major Part of them,
before he shall take upon himself the Offices of Clerk of the Market, Escheator and
Coroner ; so that any or either of the Escheators or Coroners of us, our Heirs and Suc-
cessors in our County of Buckingham, shall in no wise intermeddle or presume to
enter, nor shall any of them in any wise hereafter intermeddle or presume to enter,
to do any thing which to the Office of Escheator or Coroner within the Borough afore-
said doth appertain, unless in Default of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the
Time being : We have moreover granted for us, our Heirs and Successors, and by
these Presents do grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid, and their Successors, That neither they nor their Successors, nor any Person
dwelling in the same Borough, shall be drawn into Plea before the Steward or Marshall Prevention
of the Household of us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Assize of Bread, Wine, ^ m eas *
and Ale in the same Borough, broken, or for any Trespasses by them or any of them,
without the Verge or within the Verge, before or after the coming of the same Steward
and Marshall, or either of them, to those Parts, or at the Time of the being of the
same Steward and Marshall in those Parts, to whatsoever Person done or perpetrated,
nor shall they be hindered or molested in any wise, or aggrieved for those Occasions
or any of them : We have also granted, for us, our Heirs and Successors, to the
aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Succes-
sors, That they shall be able to levy, receive, and have to the Use and Profit of
the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and of all the Commonalty of the said
Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombc aforesaid, all and all Manner of
Issues, Fines, Redemptions, and Amerciaments, by any Burgesses of the said Borough
of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombc, for the Time being, before the Steward and
Marshall of the Household of us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Time being, for-
feited or adjudged : We have moreover granted, and by these Presents firmly for-
bid, that any Sheriff, Constable, or Bailiff, or the aforesaid Steward and Marshall of
the Household of us, our Heirs or Successors, or any Minister or Officer of us, our
Heirs or Successors, besides the Mayor and Bailiffs of the said Borough for the
Time being, shall in any wise enter the same Borough in any wise to exercise their
Office there, unless in Default of the same Mayor and Bailiffs, or any of them, but
all that from henceforth shall appertain and belong to the Mayor and Bailiffs, and
their Successors for ever : And we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs
and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid, and their Successors, That they may and shall have the Return, as well of
Assize as of all and all Manner of other Writs, Precepts, Bills, and Warrants of us,
our Heirs, and Successors, within the said Borough, the Liberties and Precincts there-
of, hereafter arising or happening, and the Execution thereof by the Bailiffs of the
Borough aforesaid for the Time being: so that no Sheriff, Bailiff, Constable, or other
foreign Minister of us, our Heirs or Successors, shall enter the Borough aforesaid, or

Market.

Fairs.

Return of two
Burgesses to
Parliament.

the Liberties or Precincts thereof, for the Return or Execution of the aforesaid Writs,
Precepts, Bills, Warrants, Summons, or Attachments, or either of them, or to exer-
cise in any other Thing his Office there, or with the same or any of them
shall intermeddle, unless in Default of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses,
or their Successors : And further, of our more ample especial Grace, and of our
certain Knowledge and mere Motion, We have granted, and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs and Successors, do grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That they and their
Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and from henceforth shall and may be
able to have, hold, and keep for ever within the same Borough one Market in
every week throughout the Year, in and upon every Friday, as hitherto they have
had and used ; and also that they and their Successors shall have, hold, and keep,
and from henceforth for ever shall and may be able to have, hold, and keep for
ever two Fairs or Marts by the Year within the same Borough, to be holden in
every Year for ever; the first of which same two Fairs or Marts yearly, shall begin
at Noon of the Day of the Feast of the Translation of Saint Thomas the Martyr, and
shall continue until Noon of the Morrow of the Day of the same Feast ; and the second
Fair or Mart of the aforesaid two Fairs or Marts yearly, shall begin at Noon of the
Day of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, and shall continue until Noon
of the Morrow of the Day of the same Feast ; together with a Court of Piepowder,
there to be holden at the Times of the same Fairs or Marts ; and together with all and
all Manner of Tolls, Customs, Profits, Commodities, and Emoluments whatsoever, to such
Fairs or Marts, and Court of Piepowder appertaining, belonging, accruing, arising, or
happening ; and that the Fairs or Marts aforesaid shall be holden in the Places of old
used and accustomed ; so nevertheless that the aforesaid Fairs or Marts shall not be to
the Prejudice of other neighbouring Fairs or Marts near adjacent: And also we will,
and for us, our Heirs and Successors grant and ordain, That there may and shall be in
the said Borough two Burgesses of the Parliament of us, our Heirs and Successors ; and
that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, upon the Writ of
us, our Heirs and Successors, for the Election of Burgesses of the Parliament to them
directed, may and shall have Power, Faculty, and Authority to elect and nominate two
discreet and honest Men Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be Burgesses of the
Parliament of us and of our Successors for the same Borough ; and the same Burgesses so
elected at the Charges and Costs of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their
Successors, for the Time being, to send to the Parliament of us, our Heirs and Succes-
sors, wheresoever it shall be then holden, in the same Manner and Form as in other
Boroughs of our Kingdom of England, or in our ancient Borough of Wicombe aforesaid
hath been used and accustomed, which same Burgesses so elected and nominated, We
will to be present and to remain at the Parliament of us, our Heirs and Successors, at
the Charges and Costs of the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, during the Time which
such Parliament shall happen to be holden, in the like Manner and Form as other Bur-

gesses of the Parliament, for whatsoever other Boroughs or Borough within our Kingdom
of England, can do or have been accustomed to do ; and which same Burgesses in such
Parliament of us, our Heirs and Successors, shall have their Voices, as well affirmative
as negative, and shall do and execute all and singular other Things there as other Bur-
gesses, or any other Burgess of our Parliament, for whatsoever other Boroughs or
Borough may have, do, and execute, or may or can be able to have, do, or execute, by
whatsoever Reason or Means : We have also granted, and by these Presents, for us,
our Heirs and Successors, do grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur-
gesses, and their Successors, from henceforth shall have all manner of Felons and
Fugitives, as well Felons of themselves as other Persons whomsoever, outlawed, attainted,
and convicted, and for whatsoever Cause of all the Men and Tenants aforesaid, as well
entire Tenants as not entire Tenants and Residents, and of all Persons dwelling or
inhabiting within the said Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, and Goods
and Chattels waived and Estrays whatsoever, within the said Borough, Deodands and
Treasure Trove within the Borough aforesaid ; and if any of the Men, Tenants, and
Residents of or in the same Borough, or any other Person in the same Borough, for
any Offence or Misdeed whatsoever, ought to lose Life or Member, or shall fly and not
stand to Judgment, or shall commit any other Trespass for which he ought to lose his
Chattels, in whatsoever Place Justice ought to be done, whether in the Court of us, our
Heirs or Successors, or in any other Court, the Chattels shall be of the same Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and it shall be lawful for them to put themselves in seizin of
the same Chattels, and to retain the same Chattels to their Use, without the Hindrance
or Impediment of us, our Heirs, or Successors, the Justices, Escheators, Sheriffs, Coro-
ners, and other Bailiffs, or Ministers of us, or of our Heirs or Successors whomsoever ;
and that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, shall have
whatsoever Goods and Chattels called Manuopera, taken or to be taken with whatso-
ever Person being within the Borough aforesaid: And further know ye that we,
in Consideration that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid,
and their Successors, shall and may be able, the better to sustain and support the
Charges in the Borough aforesaid, from Time to Time, and for the better Mainte-
nance and Support of the Free Grammar School within the Borough aforesaid, of our
especial Grace and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, have granted, and by
these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, as much as in us lies, do grant and
give special Licence, and free and lawful Faculty, Power, and Authority to the afore-
said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, to
have, receive, and Purchase to them and their Successors for ever, as well of us, our Purchase of
Heirs, and Successors, as of whatsoever our Subjects and liege People, or of any Lands > &c#
other Persons or Person whomsoever, Manors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rec-
tories, Tythes, Rents, Services, and other Possessions, Revenues and Hereditaments
whatsoever, which are not immediately holden of us, our Heirs or Successors in chief,

r,',r of us *>' j r Heirs, or Successors immediately, by Knight's Service, without the special
LiMn'.e of us, our Heirs, or Successors, provided the same Manors, Messuages, Lands,
Tenements, Rectories, Tythes, Rents, Reversions, and Sen-ices, or other Possessions,
Revenues, and Hereditaments, so to be had. received, and purchased, shall not exceed
in the whole the yearly Value of twenty Po-n«Is, the Statute concerning Lands and
Tenements not to be put in Mortmain or any other Statute, Act, Ordinance, Provision,
or Restriction, or any other Thing, Cause, or Matter whatsoever, in any wise notwith-
standing : We have also granted, and given special Licence and lawful Faculty,
Power, and Authority ; and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do
give and grant to whatsoever Subject and Subjects of us, our Heirs, and Successors,
and to whatsoever Bodies Politic and Body Politic, and other Persons whomsoever
and every of them, That they and even* of them shall and may be able to give, grant,
sell, leave, assign, or in any other Manner and Manners whatsoever, alien, devise, or
assure any Manors, Messuages, Lands, Tenements, Rectories, Tythes, Rents, Rever-
sions, Services, and other Possessions, Revenues, and Hereditaments whatsoever, which
are not immediately holden of us, our Heirs or Successors in chie£ nor of us, our Heirs
or Successors immediately, by Knight's Service, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, provided the same Manors,
Messuages, I,ands, Tenements, Rectories, Tythes, and other Hereditaments whatso-
ever, so as aforesaid to be given, granted, sold, left, assigned, aliened, or devised, shall
not exceed in the whole the clear yearly Value of twenty Pounds by the Year; the
Statute concerning I^ands and Tenements not to be put in Mortmain, or any other
Statute, Act, Ordinance, Provision, or Restriction, or any other Thing, Cause, or Matter
whatsoever, in any wise notwithstanding : And moreover, of our further especial Grace,
and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, We have given, granted, and con-
firmed ; and by these Presents for us, our Heirs and Successors, do give, grant, and con-
firm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their
Former PHvi- Successors, all and singular the Manors, Messuages, I^inds, Tenements, Hereditaments,
fi7nRii'. ,m " Lilwrties, Free Customs, Privileges, Franchises, Immunities, Exemptions, Acquittances,

and Jurisdictions whatsoever, which the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
aforesaid Borough of Chepping llycom^ otherwise Wicombt aforesaid, by whatsoever
Names or Name of Incorporation, or by whatsoever Incorporation, or by Pretext of what-
soever Incor(>oration heretofore rightly and lawfully, have had, held, used or enjoyed,
or ought to have, hold, use, or enjoy, by Reason or Pretext of any Charters or Letters
Patent, by us or by any of our Progenitors, in any wise heretofore made, confirmed, or
granted, or by whatsoever other lawful Means, Right, Custom, Usage, Prescription, or
Title heretofore lawfully used, had, and accustomed, to have and enjoy to the same
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors for ever; Rendering therefore to
us, our Heirs, and Successors, the like such and similar Rents, Services, and Sums of
Money, and Demands, which for the same to us, our Heirs and Successors have been
heretofore duo, paid, and of Right accustomed : We will also, and grant to the aforesaid

Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That they
shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able to have, hold, use, and enjoy
for ever, all the Liberties, Free Customs, Privileges, Authorities, and Acquittances afore-
said, according to the Tenor and Effect of these our Letters Patent, without the Hin-
drance or Impediment of us, our Heirs, or Successors whomsoever ; being unwilling that
the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or any or either of
them, or any Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, by Reason of the Premises, or of any
of them, by us or by our Heirs, the Justices, Sheriffs, Escheators, or other Bailiffs or
Ministers of us, our Heirs, or Successors whomsoever, shall be therefore hindered,
molested, vexed, or aggrieved, or in any wise disturbed : We will also, and by these
Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, That they
may and shall have these our Letters Patent under our Great Seal of England, in due
Manner made and sealed without Fine or Fee, great or small, to us in our Hanaper
or elsewhere, to our Use for the same, in any Manner to be rendered, paid, or done,
although express Mention, &c. In Witness whereof, &c Witness, The QUEEN,
at Westminster, the first Day of March.

By Writ of Privy Seal, &c

CHARTER

GRANTED TO THE

MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES

THE BOROUGH OF CHEPPIXG WYCOMBE,

BY KING JAMES THE FIRST,

ijth Jine, 1609,
in the Sixth Year of His Reign.

Ofa grant to THE KINO, to all to whom, &c. Greeting.— WHEREAS our Borough of Chipping
Ifailiff^an'l Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, in our County of Buckingham, is an ancient and

^"T^^'h j>opulous Borough, and the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of WUombc
of Chtppinx aforesaid, have had, and used, and enjoyed divers Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, and
ihciT°S^^ iX Pre-eminences, as well by Charters of the Lady Elizabeth, late Queen of England, and
son. by a Charter of the Ix>rd Philip and Lady Mary, late King and Queen of England, as

by Charters of divers others of our Progenitors and Predecessors, late Kings of England,
to them and their Predecessors heretofore made, granted, or confirmed, as also by
Reason of divers Prescriptions and Customs in the same Borough, from Time whereof
the Memory of Man is not to the contrary used : And whereas We are informed that
there are certain Defects, Ambiguities, and Inconveniences in the Charters and Letters
Patent aforesaid, by Reason that some Things in the same contained, were not granted
plainly, expressly, or in proper Words, for the good Rule, Government, and Advantage
of the Borough aforesaid, according to the true Intent of the same Charters or Letters
Patent: And whereas our beloved Subjects, the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of
the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid, have humbly besought us that we would be pleased
to shew and extend to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, our Royal Grace and
Munificence in the Behalf, and that We, for the better Government, Rule, and Improve-
ment of the same Borough, would condescend to ratify, confirm, approve, make, renew,
c onstitute, or create anew the said Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough
into 011c iUnly Corporate and Politic, by our Letters Patent, with the Addition of certain

Liberties, Privileges, Immunities, and Franchises, as to us shall seem most expedient :
We therefore willing, that from henceforth for ever there shall be continually had in
the same Borough one certain and undoubted Method of and for the keeping of the
Peace, and the good Rule and Government of the People there ; and that the Borough
aforesaid from henceforth for ever shall be and remain a Borough of Peace and Quiet,
to the Dread and Terror of the Wicked, and in Reward of the Good, and that our
Peace and other Deeds of Justice may be preserved there without further Delay ; and
hoping that if the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, and their Succes-
sors, are enabled of our Grant to enjoy more ample Honour, Liberties, and Privileges,
then they will esteem themselves bound more especially and strongly to perform and
exhibit to us, and our Heirs and Successors, the Services which they are able, of our
especial Grace, and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, have willed, ordained,
constituted and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do will,
ordain, constitute, declare, and grant, That the said Borough of Wicombe, in our said
County of Buckingham, from henceforth may and shall be a Free Borough of itself; and
that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, by whatsoever Name they
have been heretofore incorporated, and their Successors, from henceforth for ever may
and shall be, by Force of these Presents, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact,
and Name, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chopping
Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham ; and them by the Name
of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise
Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed,
Fact, and Name, really and fully for us, our Heirs and Successors, We do erect,
make, ordain, constitute, confirm, and declare by these Presents, and that by the
same Name, they shall have perpetual Succession; and that they, by the Name of
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chopping Wycombe, otherwise
Wicombe, in the County oi Buckingham, may and shall be for ever hereafter Persons
able and capable in the Law to have, purchase, receive, and possess Lands, Tene-
ments, Liberties, Privileges, Jurisdictions, Franchises, and Hereditaments, of whatso-
ever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, to them and their Successors, in Fee and
Perpetuity, and also Goods and Chattels, and whatsoever other Things of whatso-
ever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, and also to give, grant, demise, and
assign, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, Goods and Chattels, and to do and
execute all and singular other Deeds and Things, by the Name aforesaid; and
that by the same Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of
Chopping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, shall and
may be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend, and
be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before whatsoever Judges and
Justices, and other Persons and Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors,
in all Suits, Plaints, Pleas, Causes, Matters, and Demands, real, personal, or mixt,
whatsoever, as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort

I I

Declared a
Body Corpo-
rate.

May possess
Lands, &c.

May plead,
&c

Common
Seal

Mayor.

Bailiffs

Aldermen.

Burgesses.

Common
Council.

May on lain
I.aw», &c.

they may be, in the same Manner and Form as other our liege People of this
our Kingdom of England, Persons able and capable in the Law, to plead and
be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, and to have,
purchase, receive, possess, give, grant, and demise, may and can be able ; and
that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the aforesaid Borough of
Chtpping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombc, in the County of Bucks, and their Succes-
sors, shall have for ever a Common Seal, to serve for doing their Causes and
Business, and of their Successors whomsoever; and that it shall and may be law-
ful to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, the same
Seal at their Pleasure from Time to Time to break, change, and make anew,
as to them shall seem meet: And further we will, and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and ordain, that from henceforth for ever
there may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, one of the most honest
and discreet Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be elected in Form hereunder
in these Presents mentioned, who shall be and be named Mayor of the Borough
aforesaid ; and that in like Manner there may and shall be within the same
Borough two honest and discreet Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be
elected in Form hereunder in these Presents mentioned, who shall be and be
named Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid : And also we will, and by these
Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant and ordain, that from hence-
forth for ever there may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, from Time
to Time, twelve honest and discreet Men, continually inhabiting and dwelling with-
in the Borough aforesaid, who shall be and be called Aldermen of the said
Borough; and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, and
their Successors, or the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever, shall
and may be able to elect so many and such other Men, inhabiting or not
inhabiting within the Borough aforesaid, as and which to them shall seem most
expedient to be Burgesses of the said Borough: And we will, and by these
Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the aforesaid
Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, shall be and
be called the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, and shall be, from Time
to Time, assisting and aiding to the Mayor of the said Borough of Chipping
Wycombe, otherwise WUombe aforesaid, for the Time being, in all Causes and
Matters touching or concerning the Borough aforesaid : And further we will,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that
the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors,
for the Time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the Mayor for the
Time being We will to be one) may and shall have full Power and Authority
to frame, constitute, ordain and make, from Time to Time, such reasonable Laws,

6 7

Statutes, and Ordinances whatsoever, as to them, according to their sound Discre-
tions, shall seem to be good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary for the
good Rule and Government of the Burgesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants of the
Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and for declaring in what Manner and
Order the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and the Artificers,
Inhabitants, and Residents of the Borough aforesaid, shall behave, conduct, and
carry themselves in their Offices, Mysteries, and Business within the same Borough,
and the Liberties thereof, for the Time being, and otherwise for the further
Good and public Advantage and Rule of the same Borough, and the Victualling
of the same Borough, and also for the better Preservation, Government, Dispo- May let
sition, letting and demising of the Lands, Tenements, Possessions, Revenues, and
Hereditaments, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Succes-
sors, by these Presents, or otherwise, given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or
hereafter to be given, granted, or assigned, and other Things and Causes what-
soever, touching or in any wise concerning the Borough aforesaid, or the State,
Right, and Interest of the same Borough ; and that they and their Successors,
by the Mayor for the Time being, and the Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough
aforesaid, being the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, or by the major
Part of them as aforesaid, whensoever they shall frame, make, ordain, or establish
such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, in Form aforesaid, shall be able to impose
and assess such reasonable Pains, Penalties, and Punishments, by Imprisonment of Penalties and
the Body, or by Fines and Amerciaments, or by any of them, against and upon all **

Delinquents against such Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, or any or either of them,
as and which to the same Mayor, Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid,
for the Time being, or the major Part of them as aforesaid, shall seem to be
reasonable and requisite, and shall and may be able to levy and have the same
Fines and Amerciaments, without the Impediment of us, our Heirs and Successors ;
all and singular which Laws, Statutes, and Ordinances, so (as aforesaid) to be. made,
We will to be observed, under the Pains in the same to be contained; so never-
theless that such Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Imprisonments, Fines, and Amercia-
ments, are not repugnant nor contrary to the Laws, Statutes, Customs, or Rights of
our Kingdom of England: And for the better Execution of our same Grants in this
Behalf, We have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made our beloved Thomas First Mayor.
Welles, now Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, to be the first and present Mayor of
the Borough aforesaid, willing that the same Thomas Welles shall be and continue
in the Office of Mayor of the same Borough, from the making of these Presents,
until the Thursday next before the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel next
ensuing, and from the same Feast until one of the Aldermen of the Borough afore-
said shall be elected and sworn to the same Office, according to the Ordinance and
Constitution in these Presents expressed and declared, (if the same Thomas Welles
shall so long live): We have also assigned, nominated, and constituted, and by

Kir,t Bailiff,

First Alder-
men.

Nomination
of Mayor.

these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, no assign, nominate, constitute,
and make our beloved John Damporte and Robert Biscoe, now Bailiffs of the same
Borough, to be the two first and modern Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, to
continue in the same Offices of Bailiffs of the same Borough, until the Thursday
next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary next ensuing,
and from the same Feast until two other of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid
shall be preferred and sworn to the Office of Bailiffs of the same Borough, accord-
ing to the Ordinances and Constitutions in these Presents hereunder expressed and
declared, if the same John Damporte and Robert Biseoe shall so long live ; We have
also assigned, nominated, and constituted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs
and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved John Welles*
Thomas Taylor, Ambrose Coniuay, William Slirimpton, Michael Burr, Gabriel Red'
man, George Welles, William Ayer, William Littleboy, John Littlepage, Richard
Hynde, and Tlwmas Brandon, Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be the twelve
first and present Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Offices
during their Lives, unless, in the mean time, for bad Government or ill behaving
themselves in that Behalf, or for not inhabiting and residing within the Borough
aforesaid, they shall be removed from the same Offices : And further we will,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and their Successors, That
the Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid for the Time
being, or the major Part of them, from time to time, for ever hereafter, may and
shall have Power and Authority, yearly and every Year, on the Thursday next
before the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, to assemble themselves, or the major
Part of them, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient
Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their
Discretions, and there to continue until they, or the major Part of them there then
assembled, shall there elect or nominate one of the Aldermen of the Borough afore-
said to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing ;
and that then and there they shall and may be able to elect and nominate, before
they shall from thence depart, one of the Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for
the Time being, who shall be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for one whole Year
then next ensuing ; and that he, after he shall be so as aforesaid elected and nomi-
nated to be Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall be admitted to execute
the same Office, shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly
on the Day of Klection, if he shall be then present; and if he shall be absent, then
within one Month then next ensuing after the said Day of Klection, before the Mayor,
liis last Predecessor, or in his Absence before such Aldermen of the Borough afore-
said for the Time being, and the rest of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid,
who shall he then present in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any
otlicr convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned

'6 9

according to their Discretions, rightly well and faithfully to execute the same Office
in all Things touching the same Office; and that after such Oath so taken he shall
and may be able to execute the Office of Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, until the
Thursday next before the Feast of Sf. Michael the Archangel then next ensuing,
and further until one other of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid in
due Manner and Form shall be elected, preferred, and sworn to be Mayor of the
Borough aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitutions above, in these
Presents mentioned: And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our
Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of
the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, from Time
to Time, for ever hereafter, may and shall have Power and Authority, yearly and
every Year, on the Thursday next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, to assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, in the
Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the
Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, and
there to continue until they, or the major Part of them then assembled, shall elect
or nominate two Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs of the Borough Nomination
aforesaid, for the Year then next ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form
following; and that they shall and may be able there to elect and nominate, before
they shall from thence depart, two of the aforesaid Burgesses, who from thenceforth
shall be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing;
and that they, after they shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be
Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, before they shall be admitted to execute the same
Office, and each of them, shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God
yearly on the same Day of Election, if they shall be present, and if they shall be
absent, then within one Month then next ensuing the Day of Election aforesaid,
before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, or in the Absence of the said Mayor
before the Bailiffs their last Predecessors, or either of them, in the Presence of
such of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and
the rest of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, who shall be then present in the
Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the
Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly
well and faithfully to execute the same Office of Bailiffs of the same Borough, in all
Things touching the same Office; and that after such Oath so taken they shall and
may be able to execute the Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, until the
Thursday next before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
then next ensuing, and further until others of the aforesaid Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid shall be in due Manner and Form elected, preferred, and sworn
to be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitu-
tions in these Presents above mentioned : And further we will, and by these

7°

If Mayor die,
or l»c re-
moved,

another to
be elect oil.

If Riilifls
die, or l>e
removed,

others to Ik:
elected.

If Aldermen
die, «»r 1'C
fcino\ii).

Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiff*,
and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That if it shall
happen the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, at any Time hereafter, within one
Year after he shall be preferred and sworn to the Office of Mayoralty of the
Borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, to die or be removed from his Office, which same
Mayor not well behaving himself in the same Office, We will to be removcable
at the Pleasure of the aforesaid Aldermen and the rest of the Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them, who shall be
then present, so that the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid arc
or shall be then present, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to the
aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, to assemble them-
selves, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days then next ensuing the Death
or Removal of the same Mayor, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in
any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to elect, nominate, and
prefer, one honest and fit Man of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid to
be Mayor, and for Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, in the Place of the same Mayor so
dead, or removed from his Office ; and that he, so elected and preferred into the Office
of Mayoralty, having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form aforesaid, shall have and exer-
cise the same Office during the Residue of the same Year, and until one other of the
Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid shall be in due Manner elected and sworn to the
same Office ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if it shall happen the
Bailiffs of the Ik>rough aforesaid, or either of them, to die, or be removed from their
Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, which same Bailiffs, and each of them, not
well behaving himself in his Office aforesaid, We will to be removcable at the Pleasure
of the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major
Part of them, that then and so often it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor and
Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of them,
within fourteen Days next after the aforesaid Bailiff or Bailiffs shall so die, or be
removed from his Office aforesaid, to assemble themselves in the Guildhall of the
Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to
elect and prefer one or two of the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, into the Place or
Places of the same Bailiff, or Bailiffs, so dead or removed from his Office ; and that he
or they, so elected and preferred, having first taken a Corporal Oath for the same Office
of Bailiff of the Borough aforesaid, in Form aforesaid, shall have, and exercise the same
Office or Offices during the Residue of the same Year, and until another or others of
the Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the same Office of
Bailiff and Bailiffs of the same Borough, having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form
aforesaid ; and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if any or either of the
A Menu en of the Borough aforesaid shall die, or be removed from his Office, which same
Aldermen, or any or cither of them not well behaving himself in his Office, We will to
be removcable at the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and the major

Part of the aforesaid Aldermen of the same Borough, for the Time being, that then the
Mayor and such of the rest of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, who
shall be assembled in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or any other convenient
Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned according to their Dis-
cretions, or the major Part of them so assembled, at the Pleasure of the Mayor and
Residue of the Aldermen of the same Borough, shall and may be able to elect and pre-
fer one or more of the best and most honest Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, in the
Place or Places of the same Alderman or Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, so dead,
or removed from his Office, to supply the aforesaid Number of twelve Aldermen of the
same Borough ; and that he or they, so elected and preferred, having first taken a Cor-
poral Oath, rightly, well, and faithfully to execute the same Office before the Mayor of
the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or before the Bailiffs of the same Borough,
or either of them, shall have and exercise the same Office or Offices to which he or they
shall be so elected, preferred, and sworn, so long as he shall well behave himself in
the same Office ; And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and
Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid,
and their Successors, That they and their Successors from henceforth for ever may and
shall have within the Borough aforesaid one honest and discreet Man, learned in the
Laws of England, who shall be and be named Recorder of the Borough aforesaid : And
we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, by these Presents, grant, That the
Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, shall do and execute all and
every thing which any Steward of the same Borough, by Virtue of his Office of Steward
of the same Borough, could or ought heretofore to do and execute, and not otherwise,
being unwilling that after the Date of these our Letters Patent, any one shall be elected,
preferred, and nominated into the Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid ; but that
the Recorder shall be elected and preferred in the Stead and Place of the same Steward,
from Time to Time, for ever, to execute all and every thing which to the Office of
Steward did heretofore appertain, and not otherwise ; and for the better Execution of
our Will and Grant in that Behalf, We have assigned, nominated, constituted, and made,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute,
create, and make our beloved Thomas Waller, Esquire, to be the first and present Re-
corder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue so long as he shall well behave himself in
the same Office, and during the Pleasure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the
same Borough ; and that every Person to be elected and nominated into the same Office
of Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall be admitted to execute the same
Office, shall take a Corporal Oath before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the
Time being, and so many of the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, who shall
be willing then to be present, rightly, well, and faithfully to do and execute all and every
thing which to the Office of Recorder, so as aforesaid elected in the Place of the
Steward, appertain in and by all things : And further we will, and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of

others to be
elected.

Recorder.

Office of
Steward
abolished.

Thomas Wal-
ler •, Esq. ap-
pointed Re-
corder.

Recorder how
to be ap-
pointed.

Predecessor of
every Mayor
to be Justice
of the Peace.

His Duties
and Powers.

the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that from Time to Time, and at all Times,
after the Death or Removal of the aforesaid T/wmas Waller, it shall and may be lawful
to the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or
the major Part of them, (of whom the Mayor for the Time being We will to be one) to
elect and prefer one other honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of England, to
be Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office during the Plea-
sure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the same Borough for the Time being,
having first taken a Corporal Oath in Form aforesaid; and so as often as the Case
shall so happen : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and
Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said, and their Successors, That the Mayor and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for
the Time being, and the last Predecessor of every Mayor of the same Borough for the
Time being, for ever hereafter, may and shall be Justices of us and of our Heirs and
Successors, and each of them may and shall be a Justice of us, our Heirs, and Succes-
sors, to preserve the Peace of us and of our Heirs and Successors, in the same Borough,
the Liberties and Precincts thereof, and also to preserve, correct, and keep, and cause to
be corrected or kept, the Statutes concerning Artificers and Labourers, Weights and
Measures within the Borough aforesaid, the Suburbs, Precincts, and Liberties thereof;
and that the said Mayor and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being,
and his last Predecessor, or any two of them, (of whom the Mayor of the Borough afore-
said, for the Time being, We will to be one) shall have full Power and Authority
to inquire concerning whatsoever inferior Offences, Defects, and Articles, within the
Borough aforesaid, the Liberties and Precincts thereof, done, moved, or perpetrated,
or hereafter to be done, moved, or perpetrated, which the Justices and Keepers of
the Peace in any County of our Kingdom of England, by the Laws and Statutes
of our same Kingdom of England, as Justices of the Peace, only ought or may
be able to inquire; so nevertheless that they, or any, or either of them shall not
in any wise proceed to the Inquisition, Trial, or Determination of any Treason, Murder
or Felony, or any other Thing or Matter touching the Loss of Life, or Member,
within the Borough aforesaid, the Suburbs, Liberties, and Precincts thereof: And
further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to
the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Succes-
sors, That the Mayor, Recorder, and last Predecessor of every Mayor of the same
Borough, for the Time being, so as aforesaid, being in the Office of Justice of the Peace,
or any two of them, (of whom the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being,
We will to be one) by their Warrant in Writing, subscribed and signed, and to be
signed with their own proper Hands, shall and may be able to send all such and so
many Persons who hereafter shall be taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid
Borough of Chepping Wycombt, otherwise called Wicombe, the Liberties and Precincts
thereof, for Treason, Murder, Felony, Homicide, or Robbery, done or to be done, or for
Suspicion of Felony, to the common Gaol of our County of Buckingham, there to re-

main to be tried, and to answer for their Offences before the Justices of us, our Heirs

and Successors, of Oyer and Terminer, or our Justices assigned, or to be assigned, to

deliver the Gaol in the said County of Buckingham, willing, and by these Presents

commanding, as well the Sheriff of the County of Buckingham aforesaid, as the Keeper

of the common Gaol of the same County of Buckingham aforesaid, for the Time being,

That they and every of them upon such Warrant by the aforesaid Justices of the Peace,

within the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombc, for the Time being,

or any two of them, (of whom the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid for the Time being,

We will to be one) to be made, and to them or either of them to be directed, shall

receive and safely keep all and such Persons so as aforesaid by the aforesaid Justices of

the Peace within the Borough aforesaid, hereafter to be taken, arrested, attached, or

found in the aforesaid Borough of Wicombe, the Liberties or Precincts thereof, for the

aforesaid Murder, Homicide, Robbery, or other Felony, done or to be done, or for

Suspicion of Felony, and so as aforesaid to be sent to the aforesaid common Gaol of the

aforesaid County of Buckingham, there to remain to be tried, and to answer before the

Justices of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, of Oyer and Terminer, or the Justices

assigned, and to be assigned, to deliver the Gaol of the County aforesaid, for the Time

being ; and these our Letters Patents, or the Inrollment thereof, shall be to the aforesaid

Sheriff and Keeper of the common Gaol of the County of Buckingham aforesaid, for the

Time being, for the same sufficient Warrant and Exoneration in that Behalf: And

further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the

aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors,

That they and their Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and shall and may be able to

have, hold, and keep, within the Borough aforesaid, every Year for ever, four Fairs or Fairs.

Marts ; the first of the said Fairs or Marts to begin on the Feast of Saint John the

Baptist, and to continue through the whole of that Feast ; and the second Fair to begin

on the fourteenth Day of September, and to be holden and continue through the whole

of that Day ; and the third Fair of the same four Fairs or Marts, on the Day of the

Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude, the Apostles, and to be kept and continue through

the whole of that Day of the Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude ; and the fourth Fair

of the same four Fairs or Marts to begin on the Saturday next before the Feast of Lent,

and to be kept and continue through the whole of that Saturday ; together with a Court

of Piepowder there to be holden in the Time of the same Fairs or Marts, and with all Court of

Piepowder.

Liberties and free Customs, Tolls, Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other
Profits, Commodities, Advantages, and Emoluments whatsoever, to such Fairs or Marts,
and Court of Piepowder appertaining, arising, accruing, or happening, or in any wise
appertaining or belonging ; so nevertheless that the aforesaid Fairs or Marts shall not be
to the Prejudice or Damage of other Fairs or Marts adjacent: And further we will,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant to the aforesaid Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That they and
their Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and shall and may be able to have, hold,

K K

Market.

Court of Pie-
powder.

No Foreigner,
except a Vic-
tualler or Tan-
ner, to hold a
Stall without
a Licence.

Borough con-
firmed in
Rights,
Liberties,
Lands, &c.

and keep, within the Borough aforesaid, one Market in every Week in every Year for
ever, on Friday, to be kept and holden within the Borough aforesaid ; and that in the
Time of the same Market all and singular Persons coming and resorting to the same
Market shall and may be able to buy, sell, and expose to Sale from henceforth for ever all
and singular Wares, Merchandize, Grain, and Things whatsoever, as all and all Manner
of Oxen, Sheep, Hogs, Horses, Mares, Geldings, and Colts, and all and all Manner
other Animals and Cattle alive and dead whatsoever, at their Pleasure, according to the
Laws, Customs, and Statutes of our Kingdom of England, paying the Tolls and Customs
therefore due to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for
the Time being, To the proper Use and Behoof of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur-
gesses, and their Successors, towards the Support and Maintenance of the Charges and
Expences of the same Borough ; together with a Court of Piepowder, there to be nolden
at the Time of the same Market, and with all and all Manner of Liberties and free Cus-
toms, Tolls, Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other Profits and Com-
modities, Advantages and Emoluments whatsoever to such Market and Court of
Piepowder appertaining, arising, accruing, or happening ; so nevertheless that the same
Market shall not be to the Damage or Prejudice of other neighbouring Markets there
near adjacent; and that no Foreigner who shall dwell out of the Borough aforesaid,
unless he shall be a Victualler or a Tanner, from henceforth shall make, take, or use any
Stalls within the Borough aforesaid, at the Time of the Market there, without the Licence
of the Mayor and Aldermen of the same Borough, or the major Part of them, of whom
the Mayor for the Time being We will to be one : And further we will, and by
these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, give, grant, and confirm to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, all and all
Manner of Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, Exemptions, Privileges, Acquittances,
Jurisdictions, Lands, Tenements, Wastes, void Grounds, Commons, and Hereditaments
whatsoever, which the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid now have,
hold, use, and enjoy ; or which their Predecessors, or any of them, by whatsoever Names
or Name, or by whatsoever Incorporation, or by Pretext of whatsoever Incorporation
heretofore have had, held, used, or enjoyed, or ought to have, hold, use, or enjoy, of any
hereditary Estate, by Reason or Pretext of any Charters or Letters Patent, by any of our
Progenitors and Ancestors, late Kings or Queens of England, in any wise heretofore
made, granted, or confirmed, or by whatsoever other lawful Manner, Right, Title, Custom,
Usage, or Prescription heretofore lawfully used, had, or accustomed ; although the same,
or any or either of them, heretofore have not been used, or have been abused or dis-
continued, and although the same or any or either of them are or have been forfeited or
lost, to have, hold, and enjoy, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, and their Successors for ever ; except nevertheless always and out of
these our Letters Patent, and this our Grant wholly reserved, all and all Manner of
Rents, Services, Sums of Money, and Demands whatsoever, which to us or to any of our
Progenitors or Predecessors, or to any other Person or Persons for or in respect of the

Premises, or any or either of them have been heretofore accustomed to be rendered or
paid, or ought to be rendered or paid : Wherefore we will, and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs and Successors, firmly enjoining, ordering, and commanding, that the
aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors,
shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able fully and entirely to
have, hold, use, and enjoy, for ever, all the Liberties, free Customs, Privileges,
Authorities, Jurisdictions, and Acquittances aforesaid, according to the Tenor and Effect
of these our Letters Patent, without the Hindrance or Impediment of us, our Heirs
and Successors whomsoever; being unwilling that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur-
gesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, or any or either of them, by
Reason of the Premises, or of any of them, by us, or our Heirs or Successors, the Justices,
Sheriffs, Escheators, or other Bailiffs or Ministers of us, our Heirs and Successors,
whomsoever, shall be therefore hindered, molested, vexed, or aggrieved, or in any wise
disturbed; willing, and by these Presents commanding and ordering, as well the
Treasurer, Chancellor, and Barons of our Exchequer at Westminster and other the
Justices and Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, as our Attorney and
Solicitor General, for the Time being, and every of them, and all other our Officers and
Ministers whomsoever, that neither they nor any or either of them shall prosecute, or
continue, or make, or cause to be prosecuted or continued any Writ or Summons of Quo
Warranto, or any other our Writ, Writs, or Process whatsoever, against the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or any or either of them, for
any Causes, Things, Matters, Offences, Claim, or Usurpation, or any of them, by
them or any of them, due, claimed, used, attempted, or usurped, before the Day of the
making of these Presents ; willing also, that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid, or any of them, shall in no wise be molested, or hindered by any or
either of the Justices, Officers, or Ministers aforesaid, in or for the due Use, Claim, or
Abuse of any other Liberties, Franchises, or Jurisdictions, within the Borough aforesaid,
the Limits or Precincts thereof, before the Day of the making of these our Letters
Patent, or be compelled to answer to them, or either of them : And whereas out
dearly beloved Sister the Lady Elizabeth, late Queen of England, by her Letters Patent, Grammar
sealed under her great seal of England, bearing Date the twenty-first Day of July, in the
fourth Year of her Reign, did give and grant to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of
the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid, all the Scite, Bounds, and Circuit of the late Hospital
of Saint John the Baptist, in Wicombe, and all the Hospital aforesaid ; and all Messu-
ages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments in Wicombe aforesaid, and in the Parish of
Penne, Hichenden, and Great Marlowe, in the County of Buckingham, and elsewhere
wheresoever in the same County, which to the said late Hospital did then lately belong ;
and all her Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments in Wicombe aforesaid,
called by the Name of the Fraternity of the Blessed Mary, or by the name of our Lady
Bents, which same Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, so by the afore-
said late -Queen Elizabeth to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses given and

School

printed, were solely for the perpetual Maintenance of one Grammar School in Wieombc
Mi_:iii.ii.iij ■. aforesaid; ami also fur the perpetual Maintenance and Relief of four poor People,
\\j i!:. 1 ' to be relieved in the same borough; as by the same Letters Patent amongst other

Things more fully doth appear : Amj whereas we are credibly informed by the
Information of the now Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough, that the
Number of poor and needy People in the same Borough is much increased, and daily
doth more and more increase, to the great Charge of the same Borough : And also we
are likewise informed, that the said late Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, and the
aforesaid Messuages, l^ands, Tenements, and Hereditaments, by the said late Queen
Elizabeth, as aforesaid given and granted, to the perpetual Maintenance and Support of
the Grammar School, and four poor people in Wicombe aforesaid, will well and compe-
tently suffice, as well to maintain and support the aforesaid Grammar School and
four poor People, according to the Ordinance and Intention of the said late Queen
in the said Borough ; as also to relieve more poor and needy Persons in the same
Borough ; Wk desiring to relieve the great Charges and Expences of the same
Borough, and also willing that the poor and needy People of the same Borough should
be succoured by all good and convenient Ways and Means ; and nevertheless willing
that the aforesaid Grammar School and the aforesaid four poor People, by the aforesaid
Letters Patent of the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth to be relieved in the same Borough,
shall be chiefly and before all others perpetually sustained and maintained, according to
the Ordinances and Intentions of the same late Queen Elizabeth, in the same Letters
Patent mentioned, of our especial Grace and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion,
ham: given and granted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do
give and grant Licence, Power, and Authority, to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and
Bailing of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That they and their Successors,
by their Discretion, or of the major Part of them, from Time to Time, shall take, ex-
pend, and depose of all and singular the Issues, Rents, Revenues, and yearly Profits
whatsoever of all and singular the aforesaid Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Here-
ditaments ; so by the aforesaid late Queen as aforesaid given and granted to the
Maintenance of the aforesaid Grammar School and four poor People, as well to the
perpetual Support and Relief of the aforesaid Grammar School and four poor People,
a< cording to the pious Intention of the said late Queen, in the same Borough to be
sustained and relieved, as aUo to the Relief and Support of other poor and needy Men
in the same Burnish, from Time to Time, inhabiting and dwelling; and also to the
N;i 'port of the Charges and Kxpcnces of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, in
and about the Defence of their Title in and to the aforesaid Hospital, Messuages,
Lands, Tenements, Rents, and other the Premises to the same Mayor, KaiKflW, and
Bin jesses, by the a fore >a id late Qin\n Elizabeth, so as aforesaid given and granted, and
to no <»ihcr I'ses. J litem*, or Purposes : Wk will also, &c. without Fine in the Hana-
per, Mc. ALiii'iL'iJii express Mention, &c. Is Witness, whereof &c Witness. The

RING, at Westminster, the seventeenth Day of June.

Bv Writ of Privy Seal.

CHARTER

GRANTED TO THE

MAYOR, BAILIFFS, AND BURGESSES

THE BOROUGH OF CHEPPING WYCOMBE,

BY KING CHARLES THE SECOND,

i 6th November, 1663.
in the Fifteenth Year of His Reign.

THE KING, to all to whom, &c, Greeting.— WHEREAS our Borough of Chef ping
Wycombe, otherwise called Wicombe, in our County of Buckingham, is an ancient and
populous Borough, and the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wiccmbc
aforesaid, have had, used, and enjoyed divers Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, and
Pre-eminences, as well by Charters of divers of our Progenitors and Predecessors, late
Kings or Queens of England, to them and their Predecessors heretofore made, granted,
or confirmed, as also by Reason of divers Prescriptions and Customs used in the same
Borough, from Time whereof the Memory of Man is not to the contrary : And whereas
our beloved Subjects, the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe
aforesaid, have humbly besought us that we would be pleased to show and extend our
Royal Grace and Munificence to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, in that Behalf,
and that We, for the better Government, Rule, and Improvement of the same Borough,
would condescend to ratify, confirm, approve, make, restore and constitute the said
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough into one Body Corporate and
Politic, by Letters Patent : We therefore willing, that from henceforth for ever in
the same Borough there shall be had continually one certain and undoubted Method of
and for the keeping of the Peace, and the good . Rule and Government of the People
there ; and that the Borough aforesaid from henceforth for ever shall be and remain a
Borough of Peace and Quiet, to the Dread and Terror of the Wicked, and in Reward
of the Good, and that our Peace and other Deeds of Justice there may be preserved
without further Delay ; and hoping that if the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same

Of a Grant oi
a Charter to
the Mayor,
Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of
the Borough
of Chopping
Wycombe, to
them and
their Succes-
sors.

A Body Cor-
porate.

May possess
Lands, &c.

May plead,
fee.

Common
Seal.

Borough, and their Successors, arc made able by our (irant to enjoy more ample
Honours, Liberties, and Privileges, then they will consider themselves bound more
especially and strongly to perform and shew such service as they arc able to us, and
to our Heirs and Successors, of our especial Grace, and of our certain Knowledge and
mere Motion, We have willed, ordained, constituted and granted, and by these
Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, no will, ordain, constitute, declare, and
grant, That the said Borough of Wicombe, in our said County of Buckingham, from
henceforth may and shall be a Free Borough of itself; and that the Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Burgesses of the same Borough, by whatsoever Name they have been heretofore
incorporated, and their Successors, from henceforth for ever may and shall be, by Force
of these Presents, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Fact, and Name, by the
Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, other-
wise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham ; and them by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Burgesses of the Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County
of Buckingham, one Body Corporate and Politic, in Deed, Name, and Fact, really
and fully for us, our Heirs and Successors, We do make, ordain, constitute, confirm,
and declare by these Presents, and that by the same Name, they shall have perpetual
Succession ; and that they, by the Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham,
may and shall be for ever hereafter Persons able and capable in the Law to have,
purchase, receive, and possess Lands, Tenements, Liberties, Privileges, Jurisdictions,
Franchises, and Hereditaments, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, to
them and their Successors, in Fee and Perpetuity, and also Goods and Chattels, and
whatsoever other Things of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, and also to
give, grant, demise, and assign, T^inds, Tenements, and Hereditaments, Goods and
Chattels, and to do and execute all and singular other Deeds and Things, by the Name
aforesaid ; and that by the same Name of Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the
Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the County of Buckingham, they
shall and may be able to plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, defend, and
be defended, in whatsoever Courts and Places, and before whatsoever Judges and Jus-
tices, and other Persons and Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, in all
Suits, Plaints, Pleas, Causes, Matters, and Demands, real, personal, or mixt, whatsoever,
as well spiritual as temporal, of whatsoever Kind, Nature, or Sort they may be, in
the same Manner and Form as other our liege Subjects of this our Kingdom of
England, Persons able and capable in the law, can and may be able to plead and be im-
pleaded, answer and be answered, defend and be defended, and to have, purchase, and
receive, possess, give, grant, and demise ; and that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Bur-
gesses of the aforesaid Borough of Chepping Wycombe, otherwise Wicombe, in the
County of Buckingham, and their Successor?, shall have for ever a Common Seal, to
serve for doing their Causes and Business, and of their Successors whatsoever; and that
it >1uill and nu\ be lawful to the same Mayer. Bailiffs and Burgesses, and their Sue-

ccssors, the same Seal at their Pleasure to break, change, and make anew, as
to them shall seem to be best; And further we will, and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and ordain, that from henceforth for ever there
may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid, one of the most honest and discreet
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be elected in Form hereunder in these Presents
mentioned, who shall be and be named Mayor of the Borough aforesaid ; and that in
like Manner there may and shall be within the same Borough two honest and discreet
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, to be elected in Form hereunder in these Presents
mentioned, who shall be and be named Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid : And also we
will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant, ordain, and con-
firm, that from henceforth for ever there may and shall be within the Borough aforesaid,
from Time to Time, twelve honest and discreet Men, continually inhabiting and residing
within the same Borough who shall be and be called Aldermen of the said Borough ;
and that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the same Borough, and their Successors,
or the major Part of them, from Time to Time, for ever, shall and may be able to elect
so many and such other Men, inhabiting or not inhabiting within the Borough aforesaid,
as and which to them shall seem most expedient to the Burgesses of the said Borough :
And we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm
to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Suc-
cessors, that the aforesaid Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their
Successors, shall be and be called the Common Council of the Borough aforesaid, and
shall be, from Time to Time, assisting and aiding to the Mayor of the said Borough of
Chopping Wycopnbc, otherwise Wicombe aforesaid, for the Time being, in all Causes and
Matters touching or concerning the Borough aforesaid : And further we will, and by
these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that the
Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, for the
Time being, or the major part of them (of whom the Mayor for the Time being We
will to be one) may and shall have full Power and Authority to frame, constitute, ordain
and make, from Time to Time, such reasonable taws, Statutes, and Ordinances what-
soever, as to them shall seem to be good, wholesome, useful, honest, and necessary,
according to their sound Discretions, for the good Rule and Government of the Bur-
gesses, Artificers, and Inhabitants of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and for
declaring in what Manner and Order the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses, and the Artificers, Inhabitants, and Residents of the Borough aforesaid, shall
behave, conduct, and carry themselves in their Offices, Mysteries, and Business, within
the same Borough, and the Limits thereof, for the Time being, and otherwise for the
further Good and public Advantage and Rule of the same Borough, and the Victualling
of the same Borough, and also for the better Preservation, Government, Disposition,
letting, demising of Lands, Tenements, Possessions, Revenues, and Hereditaments, to
the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and their Successors, by these Presents, or

Mayor.

Bailiffs.

Burgesses.

Common
Council.

May ordain
Laws,

iltics ami
ishments.

First Mayor.

First Bailiff

Fir^t Airier*
men.

otherwise, given, granted, assigned, or confirmed, or hereafter to l>c given, granted, or
assigned, and other Matters and Causes whatsoever, touching or in any wise concerning
the aforesaid Borough, or the State, Right, and Interest of the same Borough ; and that
they and their Successors, by the Mayor for the Time being, and the Aldermen and
Bailiffs of the Ik)rough aforesaid, being the Common Council of the same Borough or by
the major Part of them as aforesaid, so often as they shall frame, make, ordain, or
establish such I,aws, Statutes, and Ordinances, in Form aforesaid, shall be able to
imi>ose and assess such reasonable Pains, Penalties, and Punishments, by Imprisonment
of the Body, or by Fines or Amerciaments, or by either of them, towards and upon all
Delinquents, against such I^aws, Statutes, and Ordinances, or any or either of them, as
and which to the same Mayor, Aldermen and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for the
Time being, or the major Part of them, shall seem to be reasonable and requisite ; and
the same Fines and Amerciaments they shall and may be able to levy and have without
the Hindrance of us, our Heirs and Successors ; all and singular which Laws, Statutes,
and Ordinances, so (as aforesaid) to be made, Wk will to be observed, under the Pains
in the same to be contained ; so nevertheless that such Laws, Statutes, Ordinances, Im-
prisonments, Fines, and Amerciaments, shall not be repugnant nor contrary to the Laws,
Statutes, Customs, or Rights of our Kingdom of England : And for the better Execution
of our same Grants in this Behalf, We have assigned, nominated, constituted, and
made, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, oo assign, nominate,
constitute, and make our beloved Robert Whitton, now Mayor of the Borough aforesaid,
to be the first and present Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, willing that the same
Robert Whitton shall be and continue in the Office of Mayor of the same Borough, from
the making of these Presents, until the Thursday next before the Feast of Saint Michael
the Archangel next ensuing, and from the same Feast until one of the Aldermen of the
Borough aforesaid shall be preferred and sworn to the same Office, according to the
Ordinances and Constitutions in these Presents expressed and declared, (if the same
Robert Whitton shall so long live) : We have also assigned, nominated, and constituted,
and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do assign, nominate, constitute,
and make our beloved Thomas Preslee and Edward Balder the younger, now Bailiffs of
the same Borough, to be the two first and present Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, to
continue in the same Offices of Bailiffs of the same Borough, until the Thursday next
before the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary next ensuing, and from
the same Feast until two other Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid shall be p r e f erre d and
sworn to the Offices of Bailiffs of the said Borough, according to the Ordinances and
Constitutions in these Presents hereunder expressed and declared, if the same Thomas
Preslee and Edward Bidder the younger shall so long live : We have also assigned,
nominated, and constituted, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, do
assign, nominate, constitute, and make our beloved Nicholas Bradshaw, nomas
Gibbiws, Edward Bedder the elder, James Bigg, Henry Elliott, Richard Lucas, Edward
Winch, Edward Humfrey, Robert Fryer, Jonathan Randall, Samuel Wells, and John

luil of the Uoro.i^h aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough
aforesaid, to he limited and assigned according to their Discretions, and there to con-
tinue until they, or the major Part of them there then assembled, shall elect and
K"c 'i -m ..f nominate two Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid to be Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid,

for one Year then next ensuing, to be elected and nominated in Form following ; and
that they shall and may be able there to elect and nominate, before they shall from
thence depart, two of the aforesaid Burgesses, who from thenceforth shall be Bailiffs of
the Borough aforesaid, for one whole Year then next ensuing; and that they, after
they shall be so as aforesaid elected and nominated to be Bailiffs of the Borough afore-
said, before they shall be admitted to execute the same Office, shall take, and each
<>f them shall take a corporal Oath upon the Holy Gospel of God yearly on the Day of
I .lection, if they shall then be present, and if they shall be absent, then within one
Month then next ensuing the Day of Election aforesaid, before the Mayor of the
Borough aforesaid, or in the Absence of the said Mayor, before the Bailiffs their last
Predecessors, or either of them, in the Presence of such of the aforesaid Aldermen
of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and the rest of the Burgesses of
the Borough aforesaid, who shall then be present in the Guildhall of the
Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to
be limited and assigned according to their Discretions, rightly, well, and faithfully to
execute the same Office of Bailiffs of the same Borough, in all Things touching the
same ( )fficc ; and that after such Oath so taken they shall and may be able to execute
the Office of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, until the Thursday next before the
Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary then next ensuing, and
further until others of the aforesaid Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid in due Man-
ner and Form shall be elected, preferred, and sworn to be Bailiffs of the Borough
aforesaid, according to the Ordinances and Constitutions in these Presents above men-
tioned : And klrihkr we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors,
grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough afore-
said and their Successors, That if it shall happen the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid,
at any Time hereafter within one Year after he shall be preferred and sworn to the
If M.-iyirdii', <>tri<e of Mayoralty of the Borough aforesaid, as aforesaid, to die, or be removed
mim»r fr° m ms * )m ^ e » which same Mayor not well behaving himself in the same Office, Wt

will to be removable at the Pleasure of the aforesaid Aldermen and of the other
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being or the major Part of them
who then shall be present, so that the major Part of the Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid may or shall be then present, That then and so often, it shall and may be
lawful to the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, to
assemble themselves, or the major Part of them, within fourteen Days then next ensuing
the JVath or Removal of the same Mayor, in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid,
..u .:h<r t.» u or in any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, and to elect, nominate,
' '"' ' and [>iefu <>ne honest and lit Man of the aforesaid Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid,

to be Mayor and for Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, in the Place of the same Mayor
so dead or removed from his Office, and that he so elected and preferred to the Office
of Mayoralty, having first taken a corporal Oath in form aforesaid, shall have and
exercise the same Office during the Residue of the same Year, and until one other of
the Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid shall be in due Manner elected and sworn to
that Office, And so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if it shall happen
the Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, or either of them, to die or be removed from
their Offices of Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, which same Bailiffs and either of
them not well behaving themselves in their Office aforesaid, We will to be remov-
able at the Pleasure of the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the
Time being, or the major Part of them, That then and so often it shall and may be
lawful to the Mayor and Aldermen of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or
the major Part of them, within fourteen Days next after the aforesaid Bailiff or
Bailiffs shall so die or be removed from his Office aforesaid, to assemble themselves
in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in any other convenient Place within
the Borough aforesaid, and to elect and prefer one or two of the Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid into the Place or Places of the same Bailiff or Bailiffs, so dead or
removed from his Office, and that he or they so elected and preferred, having first
taken a corporal Oath to execute the same Office of Bailiff of the Borough aforesaid,
in form aforesaid, shall have and exercise the same Office or Offices during the
Residue of the same Year, and until another or others of the Burgesses of the
Borough aforesaid shall be elected and sworn to the same Office of Bailiff and
Bailiffs of the same Borough, having first taken a corporal Oath in form aforesaid,
and so as often as the Case shall so happen : And if any or either of the Aldermen
of the Borough aforesaid shall die or be removed from his Office, which same Alder-
men and every or any of them not well behaving themselves in the same Office, We
will to be removable at the Pleasure of the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, and
the major Part of the aforesaid Aldermen of the same Borough for the Time being,
That then the Mayor and such of the Residue of the Aldermen of the Borough
aforesaid, who shall be assembled in the Guildhall of the Borough aforesaid, or in
any other convenient Place within the Borough aforesaid, to be limited and assigned
according to their Discretions, or the major Part of them, so assembled at the Pleasure
of the Mayor and the Residue of the Aldermen of the same Borough, shall and may
be able to elect and prefer one or more of the best and most honest Burgesses of
the Borough aforesaid, in the Place or Places of the same Alderman or Aldermen of
the Borough aforesaid, so dead or removed from his or their Office or Offices, to
supply the aforesaid Number of twelve Aldermen of the same Borough ; And that he
or they so elected and preferred, having first taken a corporal Oath, rightly, well, and
faithfully to execute the same Office before the Mayor of the Borough aforesaid, for
the Time being, or before the Bailiffs of the same Borough, or either of them, shall
have and exercise the same Office or Offices to which he or they shall be so elected,

If Bailiffs die,
or be re-
moved,

others to be
elected.

If Aldermen
die, or be re-
moved, •

others to be
elected. *

8 4

Recorder.

John Clerkc,
Esq. nomina-
ted Recorder.

Election of
Recorder.

Mayor, Rc-
o»rdiT, and
late M.iy>r f

preferred and sworn, so long as he shall well behave himself in the same Office: And
furthkr we will, and by these Presents for us, our Heirs, and Successors grant and
confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid and
their Successors, That they and their Successors from henceforth for ever may and
shall have within the Borough aforesaid, one honest and discreet Man learned in the
I-aws of England, who shall be and be named Recorder of the Borough aforesaid :
And we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm, That the
Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, shall do and execute all and
every Thing which any Steward of the same Borough by Virtue of his Office of Steward
of the same Borough, could or ought heretofore to do and execute, and not otherwise ;
Being unwilling that, after the Date of these our Letters Patent, any Person shall be
elected, nominated, or preferred to the Office of Steward of the Borough aforesaid ;
But that a Recorder shall for ever be elected and preferred, in the Stead and Place of the
same Steward, from Time to Time, to execute all and every Thing which to the Office
of Steward heretofore did appertain, and not otherwise; And, for the better exe-
cution of our Will and Grant in this Behalf, we have assigned, nominated, constituted
and made, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, do assign, nominate,
constitute, create, and make our beloved John Clerke, Esquire, to be the first and
present Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue, provided he shall well
behave himself in the same Office, during the Pleasure of the Mayor, Aldermen, and
Bailiffs of the same Borough; And that every Person so to be elected and nomi-
nated to the same Office of Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, before he shall be
admitted to execute the same Office, shall take a Corporal Oath before the Mayor
of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, and so many of the Common Council
of the Borough aforesaid who shall then be present, rightly, well, and faithfully, in
and by all Things to do and execute all and every Thing which to the Office of
Recorder, so as aforesaid elected in Place of the Steward, appertain : And further
we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, grant and coo-
firm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and
their Successors, That from Time to Time, and at all Times, after the Death or Re-
moval of the aforesaid John Gierke, it shall and may be lawful to the Mayor, Alder-
men, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being, or the major Part of
them (of whom the Mayor for the Time being we will to be one), to elect and
prefer one other honest and discreet Man, learned in the Laws of England, to be
Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, to continue in the same Office during the Pleasure
of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the same Borough aforesaid, for the Time
Inrin^, first taking a corporal Oath in Form aforesaid; And so as often as the Case
shall so happen. And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs,
and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses oi
the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That the Mayor and Recorder of the
Borough aforesaid for the Time being, and the last Predecessor of every Mayor of

Bailift.

Li .nits of the
Borough.

Shall hold a
Court.

to l>e taken, arrested, attached, or found in the aforesaid Borough ot WUombe^ the
Liberties or Precincts thereof, for the aforesaid Murders, Homicides, Robberies, or other
Felonies, done or to be done, or for Suspicion of Felony, and so as aforesaid to be sent to
the aforesaid common Gaol of the aforesaid County of Buckingham, and shall safely
keep them, there to remain to be tried, and to answer before the Justices of us, and
of our Heirs and Successors, of Oyer and Terminer, or the Justices assigned, and to be
assigned, to deliver the Gaol of the County aforesaid, for the Time being; and these
our Letters Patent, or the Inrolment thereof, shall be to the aforesaid Sheriff and
Keeper of the common Gaol of the County of Buckingham aforesaid, for the Time
being, sufficient Warrant and Exoneration for the same in that Behalf: And more-
over we will, and for us, our Heirs and Successors, by these Presents grant and
confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the said Borough of
Wicombe, and their Successors, That they and their Successors may and shall hare full
Power, Authority, and Faculty, whensoever it shall please them to assign, nominate,
constitute, and appoint one fit Person to the Office of Bailiff of the aforesaid Borough,
to serve in the Court aforesaid, for the executing and performing Proclamation, Ar-
rest, Process, Execution, and other Things to the same Office incumbent, belonging or
appertaining, to be had within the aforesaid Borough and Parish of Wicombe, and
the Limits, Bounds, and Precincts thereof : And also we will, and by these Pre-
sents for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and declare by these Presents, that
the Bounds and Limits, Metes, Circuit, and Precincts of the Borough aforesaid, shall
extend and stretch themselves, as is hereunder limited and specified (that is to say)
from a certain Bridge, called Wynklcs Bridge, in Frogmore, situate at the West End of
the same Borough or Town, unto a certain Meadow, called Halyiucll Mead, situate at
the East End of a certain common Pasture, called Rye Mead, belonging to the said
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, and being Parcel of their Possessions; and from
thence to a certain Ditch, situate on the North Part of a certain Curtilage, called
Boivrhaycs, and from the same Ditch unto a certain Bridge in the Street, called Sabd
Marye Street, contiguous to a certain House or Farm, called Lokes, which same Bridge
leads to the Town of Afar/070, on the South Part ; and that all and singular Houses,
Edifices, Lands, Tenements, void Grounds, and Soil whatsoever, within the Bounds,
Metes, and Limits, of the same now are and from henceforth may be, shall be, and shall
be reputed to be Parts and Parcel of the said Borough of IVicombe, now by these Pre*
scnts incorporated and confirmed into a Body Politic as aforesaid : And furthul wb
will, and of our certain Knowledge and mere Motion, for us, our Heirs, and S ncc e siofi,
by these Presents grant and confirm to the aioresaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses
of the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid and their Successors, That they shall have and
hold, and shall and may be able to have and hold a certain Court before the Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Recorder of the Borough aforesaid, or their or any of their sufficient Deputy
or Deputies, being Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, in a certain Common Hall,

called the Guildhall, or other Place in the same Borough most convenient, from three
Weeks to three Weeks or oftener, to be holden at their Will for ever ; and that the same
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Recorder, or their or any of their sufficient Deputy or Deputies
shall have full Power and Authority to hear and determine in the same Court by
Plaints to be levied in the same Court all and singular Pleas, Plaints, and Actions
concerning all and all Manner of Debts, Accounts, Covenants, Contracts, Trespasses
by Force and Arms, or otherwise, in Contempt of Us, Our Heirs, or Successors, done,
Covenant, Detinue, Contempt, Deceit, Withernam, and other Things and Actions,
real, personal, and mixt, whatsoever, within the aforesaid Borough of Wicombe, and
the Limits, Bounds and Limits, and Liberties thereof, in any wise arising or to
arise, happening or to happen ; Provided the same Debts, Accounts, Covenants, Con-
tracts, and other Actions, personal or mixt, shall not exceed the Sum or Value of
Forty Pounds : And further we will, and by these Presents, for us, our Heirs
and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of
the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, that they and their Successors shall have,
hold, and keep, and shall and may be able to have, hold, and keep, within the Borough
aforesaid, in every Year for ever, four Fairs or Marts ; the first of the same Fairs or
Marts to begin on the Feast of Saint John the Baptist, and to continue for the whole
of the same Feast ; and the second Fair to begin on the Fourteenth Day of September
and to be kept and continue for the whole of that Day ; and the third Fair of the same
four Fairs or Marts to begin on the Day of the Feast of Saint Simon and Saint Jude,
the Apostles, and to be kept and continue for the whole of that Day of the Feast of
Saint Simon and Saint Jude ; and the fourth Fair of the same four Fairs or Marts to
begin oh Saturday next before the Feast of Lent, and to be kept and continue for the
whole of that Saturday, together with a Court of Piepowder, to be holden there in
the Time of the same Fairs or Marts, and with all Liberties and Free Customs, Tolls,
Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other Profits, Commodities, Advan-
tages, and Emoluments whatsoever, to such Fairs, Marts, and Courts of Piepowder,
appertaining, arising, accruing, or happening, or in any wise appertaining or belonging ;
so nevertheless that the aforesaid Fairs or Marts shall not be to the Prejudice or
Damage of other neighbouring Fairs, near adjacent: And further we will, and
by these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant and confirm to the aforesaid
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, That
they their Heirs and Successors shall have, hold, and keep, and shall and may be
able to have, hold, and keep, within the Borough aforesaid, one Market in every
Week in every Year for ever, on Friday, to be holden and kept within the same
Borough; and that at the Time of the same Market all and every Person coming
and resorting to the same Market, shall and may be able to sell, buy, and expose to
Sale from henceforth for ever as well all and singular Wares, Merchandize, Grain,
and Things whatsoever, as all and all Manner of Oxen, Sheep, Pigs, Horses, Mares,
Geldings, and Colts, and all and all Manner other Animals and Cattle alive and dead

Its Powers.

Fairs.

Court of Pic-
powder.

Market.

Court of Pie-
powder.

No Foreigner,
to hold a Stall
without a Li-
cence, except
&c.

Former

Charters

confirmed.

whatsoever, at their Pleasure, according to the Laws, Customs, and Statutes of our
Kingdom of England, paying the Tolls and Customs therefore due to the same
Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, for the Time being,
to the proper Use and Behoof of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses and their
Successors, towards the Support and Maintenance of the Charges and Expenses of the
same Borough ; together with a Court of Piepowder, there to be holden at the Time
of the same Market, and with all and all Manner of Liberties and free Customs, Tolls,
Stallage, Piccage, Fines, Amerciaments, and all other Profits, Commodities, Advantages,
and Emoluments whatsoever, to such Market and Court of Piepowder appertaining,
arising, accruing, or happening; so nevertheless that the same Market shall not be
to the Damage or Prejudice of other neighbouring Markets there near adjacent;
and that no Foreigner who shall dwell out of the Borough aforesaid, unless he shall
be a Victualler or a Tanner, from henceforth shall make, take, and use any Stalls within
the Borough aforesaid, at the Time of the Market there, without the Licence of the
Mayor and Aldermen of the same Borough, or the major Part of them, of whom the
Mayor for the Time being We will to be one : And further we will, and by
these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, give, grant, and confirm to the
aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors,
all and all Manner of Liberties, Franchises, Immunities, Exemptions, Privileges,
Acquittances, Jurisdictions, Lands, Tenements, Wastes, void Grounds, Commons, and
Hereditaments whatsoever, which the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough
aforesaid now have, hold, use, and enjoy ; and which any of them or their Predecessors,
by whatsoever Names or Name, or by whatsoever Incorporation, or by Pretext ot
whatsoever Incorporation heretofore have had, held, used, or enjoyed, or ought- to have,
hold, use, or enjoy, of any hereditary Estate, by Reason or Pretext of any Charters or
Letters Patent, by any of our Progenitors or Ancestors, late Kings or Queens ot England,
in any wise heretofore made, granted, or confirmed, or by whatsoever other lawful
Manner, Right, or Title, Custom, Usage, or Prescription heretofore lawfully used, had,
or accustomed; To have, hold, and enjoy, to the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors for ever ; except always out of
these our Letters Patent, and this our Grant and Confirmation wholly reserved, all and
all Manner of Rents, Services, Sums of Money, and Demands whatsoever, which to us or
to any of our Progenitors or Predecessors, or to any other Person or Persons for or in
respect of the Premises, or of any or either of them have heretofore been accustomed to
be rendered or paid, or ought to be rendered or paid : Wherefore we will, and by
these Presents, for us, our Heirs and Successors, firmly enjoining, command and order,
that the aforesaid Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their
Successors, shall have, hold, use, and enjoy, and shall and may be able fully and
wholly to have, hold, use, and enjoy, for ever, all the Liberties, free Customs,
Privileges, Authorities, Jurisdictions, and Acquittances aforesaid, according to the Tenor
and Effect of these our Letters Patent, without the Hindrance or Impediment of us, our

Heirs or Successors whomsoever; being unwilling that the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, and their Successors, or any or either of them, by
Reason of the Premises, or of any of them, shall therefore be hindered, molested, vexed,
or aggrieved, or in any wise disturbed, by us, or our Heirs or Successors, the Justices,
Sheriffs, Escheators, or other Bailiffs or Ministers of us, our Heirs or Successors whom-
soever : willing, and by these Presents ordering and commanding, as well the Treasurer,
Chancellor, and Barons of our Exchequer at Westminster and other the Justices and
Officers of us, and of our Heirs and Successors, as our Attorney and Solicitor General,
for the Time being, and every of them, and all other our Officers and Ministers
whomsoever, that neither they nor any or either of them shall prosecute, or continue, or
make or cause to be prosecuted or continued any Writ or Summons of Quo Warranto
or any other . our Writ, Writs or Process whatsoever, against the aforesaid Mayor,
Bailiffs, and Burgesses of the Borough aforesaid, or any or either of them, for any
Titles, Things, Matters, Offences, Claim, or Usurpation, or any of them, by them
or any of them duly claimed, used, attempted, had, or usurped, before the Day of
the making of these. Presents ; willing also, that the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses
of the Borough aforesaid, or any of them, shall be in no wise molested or disturbed
by any or either of the Justices, Officers, or Ministers aforesaid, in or for the due Use,
Claim, or Abuse of any other Liberties, Franchises, or Jurisdictions, within the Borough
aforesaid, the Limits and Precincts thereof, before the Day of the making of these our
Letters Patent, or shall be compelled to answer for the- same or any of them :
And whereas the Lady Elizabeth, late Queen of England, by her Letters Patent,
sealed with her great Seal of England, bearing Date the twenty-first Day of July,
in the fourth Year of her Reign, did give and grant to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the Borough of Wicombe aforesaid, all the Scite, Bound, and Circuit
of the late Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, in Wicombe aforesaid, and all the
Hospital aforesaid ; and all Messuages, Lands, Tenements, in Wicombe aforesaid,
and in the Parishes of Penne, Hichcnden, and Great Marlow, in the County of
Buckingham, and elsewhere wheresoever in the same County, which to the said late
Hospital did formerly belong; and all her Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Here-
ditaments in Wicombe aforesaid, called by the Name of the Fraternity of the Blessed
Mary, or by the Name of our Lady Rents, which same Lands, Tenements, and
Hereditaments, so by the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth, were given and granted to
the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses solely towards the perpetual Maintenance of
one Grammar School in Wicombe aforesaid; and also towards the perpetual Main-
tenance and Relief of four poor Persons, to be relieved in the same Borough ; as by
the same Letters Patent among other Things doth more fully appear : And whereas
we are credibly informed by the Information of the now Mayor, Bailiffs, and
Burgesses of the said Borough, that the Number of poor and needy Persons in the
same Borough is much increased, and daily doth more and more increase, to the
great Charge of the same Borough : And also we are likewise informed, that the

M M

Grant of
Queen Eliza-
beth for Main-
tenance of a
Grammar
School, &c

9°

Confirm*!.

Oatht to be

taken l>v

Officer* uf i he
Borough.

said late Hospital of Saint John the Baptist, and the aforesaid Messuages, Lands,
Tenements, and Hereditaments, by the said late Queen Elizabeth, as aforesaid given
and granted, towards the perpetual Maintenance and Support of the Grammar School
and four poor Persons, in Wicombc aforesaid, will well and competently suffice, as
well for the Maintenance and Support of the aforesaid Grammar School, and four
poor Persons, according to the Ordinances and Intent of the said late Queen in the
said Borough ; as also for the Relief of many other poor and needy Persons in the
same Borough : We desiring to relieve the great Charges and Expenses of the same
Borough, and also willing that the poor and needy People of the same Borough may
be succoured by all good and convenient Ways and Means ; and nevertheless willing
that the aforesaid Grammar School and the aforesaid four poor Persons by the
aforesaid Letters Patent of the said late Quart Elizabeth, to be relieved in the same
Borough, shall be perpetually supported and maintained, more especially and before
all others, according to the Ordinances and Intent of the same late Queen, in the
same Letters Patent mentioned, of our especial Grace and of our certain Knowledge
and mere Motion, have given, granted, and confirmed; and by these Presents, for
us, our Heirs and Successors, do give, grant, and confirm Licence, Power, and
Authority to the aforesaid Mayor, Aldermen, and Bailiffs of the Borough aforesaid,
and their Successors, That they and their Successors, by the Discretion of them, or
the major Part of them, from Time to Time, shall take, expend, and dispose of all
and singular the Issues, Rents, Revenues, and yearly Profits whatsoever of all and
singular the aforesaid Messuages, Lands, Tenements, and Hereditaments so by the
aforesaid late Queen given and granted to the Maintenance of the aforesaid Grammar
School and four poor Persons as aforesaid, as well to the perpetual Support and
Relief of the aforesaid Grammar School and four poor Persons, according to the
pious Intention of the said late Queen, in the same Borough to be supported and
relieved, as also to the Relief and Support of other poor and needy Men in the
same Borough, from Time to Time inhabiting and dwelling; and also to the Support
of the Charges and Expenses of the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses, in and
about the Defence of their Title in and to the aforesaid Hospital, Messuages, Lands,
Tenements, Rents, and other the Premises to the same Mayor, Bailiffs, and Burgesses,
by the aforesaid late Queen Elizabeth, so as aforesaid given and granted, and to no
other Uses, Intents, or Purposes: And further we will, and by these Presents,
for us, our Heirs, and Successors, ordain, and firmly enjoining Command, That the
Mayor, Aldermen, Bailiffs, Recorder, and all other the Officers and Ministers of the
Borough aforesaid, and their Deputies, and also all Justices of the Peace of us, our
Heirs and Successors within the Borough aforesaid, in or by these our Letters Patent,
now nominated, or by Virtue, or according to the Tenor of the same Letters Patent,
or of any other Letters Patent heretofore made, hereafter to be nominated, elected,
or continued, before thev shall be admitted to the Execution or Exercise of the
OflVe or Ortkes, Place or Places to which they are now respectively nominated.

appointed, or constituted, so as aforesaid, or hereafter in Form aforesaid, shall be
nominated, elected, or constituted, or shall in any wise intermeddle in that Behalf,
and every of them shall take, as well the corporal Oath, commonly called the Oath
of Obedience, as the corporal Oath, commonly called the Oath of Supremacy, upon
the Holy Gospel of God, before such Person or Persons, as and who are at present
appointed and designated, or hereafter shall be appointed and designated by the
Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom to give and take such Oath : And further we
will, and declare our Royal Intent, That no Recorder, or Common Clerk of the
Borough aforesaid, from henceforth to be elected or constituted, shall intermeddle in
such Office or Offices, or any of them respectively before they and each of them
respectively shall be approved by us, our Heirs, or Successors; any Thing in these
Presents contained, or any other Thing, Cause, or Matter whatsoever to the con-
trary thereof in any wise notwithstanding, although express Mention, &c. In Wit-
ness whereof, &c. Witness, The KING, at Westminster, the sixteenth Day of
November.

By Command of the King.

Recorder and
Common
Clerk to be
approved of
by the King
before enter-
ing upon
Office.

CHARLES THE SECOND,

By the Grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King
Defender of the Faith, &c.

TO all to whom these our present Letters shall come Greeting. We have beheld a
certain Record remaining in our white Tower of London in these words an Antient
Charter remaining in the white Tower of I^ondon. Henry by the grace of God King of
England and of France and Ixnxl of Ireland to all and Singular our Loving Subjects
of England to whom our present Charter shall come Greeting. Know yea that we have
given and by this our present Charter Confirmed to our beloved Subjects and Common-
ers which bclong's to Holmere Heath in the County of Bucks; to wit, the Village of
Penn and the Fonrcns of Amcrsham, Little Missenden and the Forrcns of great
Misscnden, Hitchinden and the Forrcns of Chiping Wick ham and the Forrens of
Wendover Eborat : with all Libertycs and Priviledges underwritten to wit the Metes
and bounds are set forth as followcth, In the first place Hasselmere Widdemere and
Niming Chase Watts hatch Holmcrs hatch Lerepynnes hatch Wildens hatch Samsons
hatch with Witchmere hill, Gawdestakes and so as the way lcadeth to Woodsheeves lyeing
and being towards the Gate stakes of Pennbury the Mannor of S* Roger arte Penn
Knight Rogmansham hatch Garret Green Colmorham, Devonseeles hatch Totteridgc
hatch Crcndens hatch with Hasselmere with all the parsells and appurtenances whatso-
ever belonging to the Common with all Libertyes Freedom's and immunities of
Commoning belonging to the said Towns and Villages as aforesaid that is to say the
Town of Penn the Forrens of Amersham little Missenden and the Forrens of great
Missenden Hitchinden and the Forrcns of Chiping Wickham and the Forrens of
Wendover Eborat : with all Liberties underwritten that is say Tollage in fornat-solve,
I.itood, vite deed vite strefe Gelde, Hideage Stallage, Misdeming, Wardquint, Borr the
boot to have and to hold all the aforesaid Common with all the Liberties and Priviledges
above specified for ever : Now know yea that this our present Charter for us and our
Heirs as much as in us lycth we have warranted and Defended to the aforesaid men and
their Heirs in the aforesaid Town's and Villages for ever. In Witness whereof &c The
King being Witness at Westminster in the day of S*. Peter in Chaines. Now know yea
that the Tenor of the aforesaid Record at the desire and request of Walter Cary and
Stephen Young, Gentlemen, Edward Sparkes, Jeremy Sexton, Okenden Maid, Samuel
Skid more, John Sexton, Richard Freeze, Silvester Bark ley, John Barkley, Frances
Alnott, W "* Morton, Thomas Fellow, W m Mead, Tho. I-anc, Tho. Morton, Richard

-jij

Morton, W? Russell, Rott. Biscow, Francis Putnam, \V? Russell, Rich* Terry, W" Winter,
Michael Cox, Joseph Bovingdon, Zacharia Alnott, Joseph Child, James Child, Anthony
Ball, John Child, Tho* Harwood, Edward Brown, Stephen Heme, Ralph Dennis, W?
Kemp and Jonas Humphry, We have Caused to be exemplified by these Presents In
Witness whereof we have made these our Letters Patterns Witness myself at Westminster
the 20* Day of June in the 17* year of our Raign.

GRIMSTON.
Conveint cum Recordo Gulielmust Ryley,

June y* 20* 1665.

( JOHN COELT )

Examined by \ and > Clerks.

(THOMAS ESTCOURT.)

We whose names are Subscribed saw Mr. Wf Ryley attest by his Hand Written that
this Coppy agreeth with the Record

JOHN PHILLIPS Clerk.

ROBERT PARKER.

1. Tolage, Signifieth a Tole or Tax and to be Tole free in Markets and Fairs.

2. Stallage, Signifies Money Paid for Pitching of Stalls in a Fair or Market.

3. Geld, Signifies Money or Tribute.

4. Hideage, is an extraordinary Tax to be paid for every Hide of Land.

5. Miss Deming, Chainging of Speech in Court

6. Litwood, or litood Cutting of wood for the Tenants or Commoners.

7. Borr, the Boot Timber for Building and Fences.

8. Wardquint, Free from Wardshipp.

[OUR WYCOMBE ACTORS OF THE TIMES OF THE

TUDORS.

In a book of expenses of the reign of Henry VII., there is an entry of one hundred
shillings, given as a reward to the King s players. In the household books of this
Sovereign, from 149210 1509, several companies are mentioned, that of the King, of
the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Oxford, and Northumberland ; and according
to the same authority, a company was attached to each of the following cities and towns :
London, Coventry, Wycombe, Mile End, Wymbome Minster, and Kingston*

The first legislative enactment in which the profession of Actor is mentioned, is one
of the reign of Edward IV., and in it, all players are exempt from the sumptuary laws.
(See Statutum De Cibariis Utcndis, 10 th Edward III., a.d. 1336.) It may not be
altogether uninteresting to add. that the object of this Statute was to restrain
the expense of entertainments; it recites the great inconvenience to the more
opulent, by expense in eating, and the ruin to those of less affluent fortunes, from an
endeavour to imitate this extravagance. It therefore ordained, that no one should be
allowed, either for his dinner or supper, above two courses, as also not above three dishes
in each course ; and it likewise expressly declared, that soused meat was to count as one
of these dishes ; certain feasts were however excepted, in which three courses were
permitted. We need not look further than into a bill of fare for a great feast, or
entertainment in those days, to see that the expense and gluttony were immoderate.
(See Barrington on the more ancient Statutes, pa. 240.)]

APPENDIX II.

"A TRUE ACCOUNT

OF THE

WYCOMB ELECTION

IN A LETTER TO A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT.*'

" Sir,—

Quis tulerit Graccos de seditione Querentes, is a reflection I made with myself, upon
reading an account of the Wycomb Election, wrote, as I suppose, in favour of Mr.
Waller ; if anything that is full of falsehoods and inconsistencies can be said to be done
in favour of a Gentleman ; the notoriety of the fact is this, — that on the day of Election,
a rabble procur'd from all adjacent parts, had, by the Chamberlain's permission, taken
possession of the Town-Hall, and secured to themselves the advantageous posts, with
a full purpose to obstruct the Honourable Mr. Collyer's voters ; that as the Mayor was
coming to open the Election, himself was insulted, beat and menac'd. That when he
attempted to go up into the Town-Hall his Officers were overpower'd, and he, with the
apparent risque of his life, forc'd to retreat ; that seeing the violence so outragious, he
had no other way to consult his own safety, and the freedom of Election, but by
betaking himself to a place where the Rioters might be excluded. That, on this neces-
sity, he thought the George-Inn not an improper place, being near at hand, and having
rooms spacious enough to receive the Voters ; That, being seated there, he sent for the
two Candidates, to apprize them of the danger he conceiv'd himself in, by attempting
to come to the Town-Hall, and desir'd them to bring their Electors thither ; That,

accordingly, he proceeded to take the Poll regularly, and if Mr. W thought not

proper to let his Voters appear, it must be occasion'd from a consciousness of his
minority, ^hich he hoped to supply (when Bribery proved ineffectual) with force and
violence ; and now that he is defeated every way, makes calumny his refuge at last ; for
when he charges Mr. Smales with endeavouring to engross the Corporation, he forgets
the attempt not long ago made of obtruding fourscore and more Honorary Members
upon it, and 'tis to Mr. Smale's lasting honour and reputation, that he opposed so gross
an invasion, and so justly defended the Corporation's rights.

This, Sir, in short, is the truth of the case ; and I have only this short reflection to

make from the whole, that the freedom of Elections is quite extinct and gone, when the

dint of money, and the force of a prevailing riot shall pretend to postpone a manifest

majority.

I am, Sir, &c."

9 6

A TRUE STATE

\V Y C O M B ELECTION.

" This Corporation in the year 1720 consisted of about 120 legal Voters ; but some
short time before the election of Members for the present Parliament, a Relation of the
present Petitioner did, with the assistance of the then Mr. Bedder, a Butcher and Ale-
house keeper, procure 80 new Burgesses to be made at one time, contrary to law and
the ancient usage of the said Borough.

For redressing that irregular practice, application was immediatefy made to the Court
of King's Bench, and Informations in the nature of Quo Warrantos were exhibited
against the said 80 new made Burgesses : And upon a fair and full trial had at the
Assizes for the County of Buckingham, it was determined that they were illegally
chosen ; and Judgment was given that they should be ousted and removed.

About 60 Burgesses have been since made at several times, according to the Charter
and the constant usage of the Borough ; not by the contrivance of Mr. Smales, as has
been suggested, but by the general consent and nomination of the then Mayor, Alder-
men, and Bailiffs; and not one of their Elections has been controverted. And to
convince even Mr. Waller, the Petitioner, that those 60 new Burgesses were impartially
made, there needs no more than to observe, that 25 of them have appeared in his interest,
and signed their names to a Petition in his favour. As to Mr. Richard Shrimpton and
Smales, they were so far from having any view of being alternately chosen Mayors of
the said Borough by means of those last made Burgesses, that in the year 1723, which
was the very next year after the making of those Burgesses, Ferdinando Shrimpton
(the Town Chamberlain, and Mr. Waller's principal Agent at the late Election)
was chosen Mayor of the said Borough, and held the said Office for that year, the
said Smales the ensuing year, and Mr. Richard Shrimpton this year.

Thus the Corporation stood, when the Mayor received the Precept for the last
Election ; at which the Candidates were the Honourable Charles Collyer Esq. and
Harry Waller Esq.

It is admitted that the Town-Hall was the place appointed for the Election, and
it will appear by unquestionable evidence, that the present Mayor intended, and on the
day of Election used his utmost endeavours, even with the hazard of his life to go
into the Town Hall, in order to proceed on the Election with all fairness and im-
partiality, but was industriously and tumultously opjwsed and prevented from so
doing by the Petitioner's Agents and followers : And there is good reason to believe

that this opposition was made by the direction or privity 01 Mr. Waller, the Petitioner ;
for that the said Mayor having intimation given him some few days before the Election,
that several Bargemen, and other persons from the adjacent Towns, who had no pretence
of voting at the said Election, did intend to assemble there upon the day of Election
in favour of Mr. Waller, in order to disturb the orderly proceeding at the said Elec-
tion ; and that Ferdinando Shrimpton, the present Chamberlain of the said Town, and
a professed Agent for the said Mr. Waller, had clandestinely gotten the keys of the
Town Hall into his possession ; the said Mayor thought he had just reason from these
unusual proceedings to suspect that some unfair designs were carrying on by the
said Mr. Waller, or his Agent the Town Chamberlain. And therefore, to preserve the
peace of the said Election, and prevent any disorders that might be intended, the
said Mayor sent to the said Town Chamberlain the evening before the day of
Election to deliver him the said keys, which he peremptorily refused.

Upon the morning of the Election the Mayor, observing that his former suspicions
were just, and that the Town Chamberlain made use of his keys partially in letting in
the Friends, Agents, and Voters of Mr. Waller, to the said Hall and excluding all other
persons, sent again to him to demand the said keys, in order to prevent such irregular
proceedings, but was again refused.

About one or two a clock on the day of Election, the Mayor proceeded towards
the Town Hall in his usual formality, with his Constables and other Officers attending
him, and as he came near the said Hall, found the whole area and the Stairs leading
to the Town Hall crowded with Bargemen and other tumultuous persons riotously
assembled, armed with Clubs, and obstructing his going into the said Hall, and crying
out A Waller, A Waller.

The Mayor being surpriz'd at this tumultuous and unusual proceeding ordered
his officers to make way for him, which they endeavoured by all ]>ossible means
to do ; but the said crowd the more opposed, shouting and crying A Waller,
A Waller, holding up their clubs ; and one of the Servants of a near Relation
of Mr. Waller drawing his sword, and holding it up drawn in his hand, rendered
it totally impossible for the said Mayor to enter the said Town Hall to proceed
to an Election there, as he really intended and endeavoured to do.

The Mayor then called for the Proclamation to be read, in order to disperse
the said Mob so riotously assembled, but could not procure any to be brought to
him.

At length the said Mayor perceiving that he could not possibly make his way
into the said Hall, notwithstanding his hearty endeavours so to do, but observing
some of his officers knockt down and much bruis'd, and himself insulted and
thrown against a post ; and being a man of 70 years of age, unable to contend
longer against so great a multitude, was forced to give over his attempt to get
admittance to the said Hall and to consider in what other place he could best
perform his duty in obedience to the precept delivered to him.

N N

9»

The George Inn was the nearest, the largest, and most convenient Publick
House, or Place to receive so great a company; and Mr. Waller, one of the
Candidates, continuing up Stairs in the Town Hall, and not endeavouring to
appease or disperse the riotous Assembly, so that the Mayor could not possibly
converse with or consult him : He found himself under a necessity either to be
guilty of a total breach of his duty in not proceeding to an Election, or else
to adjourn to some other place to do it in. And accordingly he caused Pub-
lick Proclamation to be made in the place where he stood below the Hall,
surrounded by the said Crowd, to adjourn the said Election or Poll to the said
George Inn ; and immediately caus'd notice to be given of this Adjournment to
the said Mr. Waller and his Friends and Voters.

At the same time the said Mayor gave strict orders to his constables and other
officers, to preserve the Entrance into the said Inn, and into a large Ground Room
next the Street there, free and clear from all disturbances, that the Candidates,
their Agents and Voters might have an entry and free access to come and Poll
as they pleas'd : Which Orders were observ'd accordingly, and every Person had
free liberty to come in and Vote or Poll as they had right and thought fit

Before the Poll began, Mr. Waller, with several of his Friends and Agents,
came into the said Room where the Poll was appointed to be taken, and had
notice given them, that the said Mayor was fore'd to adjourn the Poll to that
Place, and was ready to receive the Poll of such as plcas'd to offer it And
thereupon several Burgesses appeared and poll'd for Mr. Collyer the sitting Mem-
ber, and Mr. Fcrdinando Shrimpton, the Town Chamberlain, and one of the
principal agents for Mr. Waller, and one Beddcr, another Burgess, appeared and
Poll'd for the said Mr. Waller, and some other Burgesses appear'd for him. But
the said Mr. Waller, well knowing that a great majority of legal Burgesses were
ready to vote for the sitting Member, and whom, by the scheme before con-
certed between him and the Town Chamberlain, in securing the Town Hall to
themselves, they thought they should be able to exclude, withdrew himself and
gave up the Election, and refus'd to Poll any more of his Voters.

And now the said Mr. Waller, who by his Agents and Friends so violently
and obstinately oppos'd the said Mayor, and prevented his coming into the said
Town Hall to perform his duty in proceeding to the said Election in the usual
Place of Election, and who put the said Mayor under an absolute necessity of
adjourning to some other Place, or rendering himself liable to the censure of the
Honourable House of Commons, by not proceeding to an Election at all, disen-
gcnuously makes use of this so necessary and legal an adjournment, as a pretence
to conceal his own minority, and call in question your sitting Member's lair Election
by an undoubted majority of legal votes.

It is hojxxl that the necessity the Mayor was under to adjourn the Poll, being
occasional by the impossibility put ui>on him by the Petitioner and his Agents to

proceed in the usual place, will prevent any imputation of irregularity in the said
Mayor in that respect

" On the whole matter, the adjournment was absolutely necessary and strictly
" legal ; for it will hardly be pretended, that the consent of the Candidates was
" any ways requisite to such an adjournment ; there being no law forbidding the
" Chief Magistrate of a Borough, in such an exigence, or even on any occasion,
" to adjourn an Election or Poll to a convenient Place within the same Borough ;
" And the Mayor having made the said Adjournment as near the Town Hall, as
" he could possibly do with safety, and that in the hearing and sight of the Peti-
" tioner and his Adherents, who obstructed the Mayor's going to the place first
" appointed for the Election, it follows evidently that the adjournment was as law-
" ful as if it had been made in the Town Hall.

" It hence follows, by necessary consequence, that the Election at the George
" Inn was in every respect as legal as if it had been begun and carried on in
*• the Town Hall ; and the rather for that the Voters had freer and safer access
" to the George Inn, than they could possibly have had to the Town Hall ; in
" regard the Mayor and Constables (the proper Peace Officers of the Borough)
" were ready at the George Inn, to admit all the Voters and to afford them the
" protection of the Law ; whereas the Town Hall was beset by a multitude of
" disorderly and riotous Fellows raked up from all corners, by the Petitioner to
" obstruct the Mayor in the execution of his Office : And so from first to last,
" it seems plain that the Sitting Member was as duly elected and returned, as
" if he had been chosen in the Town Hall by the unanimous voice of all the
" legal Voters of the Borough."

IOO

WYCOMB ELECTION.

The unparalleled attempt at the George Alehouse at Wycomb having mis-
carried, and the Election being declared void, a new Writ was issued out for
electing a new Burgess in the room of the Honourable Mr. Collyer, and the
Precept having been delivered to the Mayor, he, according to his usual manner,
pocketed the same several days, before he proclaimed the Election.

The day of Election being come, the Mayor proceeded to the Poll, when a
noble Lord, a Stranger of the Borough, to whom Smails had resigned his Minis-
try, took upon him to direct the Mayor, and, in effect, presided at the Election.
All the Votes, that stood upon the Town Books, being call'd over, and as many
as were present on both sides being i>olled, it was expected that the Mayor
wou'd have declared the majority upon the Poll, as is usual, and as was desired
by the Candidate, Mr. Waller. But the Mayor refused to do so, and proceeded
to call for three persons (and admitted them to jk>11 for Mr. Collyer) who never
pretended to any right to vote at any Election before, two whereot were made
free, as they said, by the illegal Charter of King James II., and the other under
strong suspicion of being qualified that morning by a Kazure, and a little Forgery
in the Town Books.

The Poll being thus concluded, the Mayor still declined to cast up the Books,
and declare the majority ; but Mr. Collyer, being conscious how it stood, demanded
a scrutiny, which the Mayor, with the advice of his new Governor, readily complied with.

The Gentlemen met accordingly, and the Mayor having made a previous de-
claration, that he wou'd return Mr. Collyer at all events, they proceeded to this pretended
scrutiny. Some objection was made by the Mayor to one vote of Mr. Waller's ;
upon which the Mayor being desired to produce the I^edger Books that contained
the entry of the names of the several Burgesses in order to examine the right of
that vote, he absolutely refused to do it, the/ 'tis well known, that the Books are
the very foundation of all scrutinies in the like cases, and more particularly
necessary in this, for the information of those Gentlemen on Mr. Collyer's side, that
were Strangers to the Borough: But they having been so civil, as to compliment
the Mayor that he knew better than them, and that he had no occasion for Books,
but was the sole Judge, and miyht admit or disallow as he thought fit without inquiry ;

IOI

the Gentlemen on the other side quietly withdrew, being unwilling to interrupt them
in so fair and so impartial a proceeding. The way being thus made clear for him, the
Mayor took care to strike as many votes from Mr. Waller's Poll as would leave
Mr. Collyer a Majority of one single vote ; so nicely scrupulous was he of taking
more from Mr. Waller than wou'd just do his Business.

Thus ended the famous scrutiny of the Poll at Wycomb ; a scrutiny carried on
by persons, on one side, intirely ignorant of the rights and qualifications, as well
as the vtry persons of the Electors; without evidence of any kind, or the very
Ledger Books of the Corporation, which contain the names and qualifications of
the Electors, and which are the proper evidence upon all Scrutinies of this nature,
in all Corporations whatsoever; and before a determined Judge, who refused all
information even from the Books in his own custody, and had bravely declared
beforehand his firm resolution to return Mr. Collyer.

Thus prepared the Mayor proceeded to the Town Hall and there declared the
numbers to be 80 and 81, and being ask'd who had the 80 he said Mr. Collyer.
Notwithstanding which, Mr. Collyer produced an Indenture ready drawn, returning
himself, and made the Mayor sign it, having his hand upon the Indenture all the
time; which being taken notice of as an irregular proceeding by the other Candi-
date and his Friends, Mr. Collyer immediately called for Marshall the Post Master,
that keeps the George Ale-house, and bid him read the Proclamation against Riots,
which he accordingly did, whereupon most of the Gentlemen and Electors, whereof
several were Justices of the Peace, dispersed and left the Hall.

Thus ended this Election, which though extraordinary in every part of it, yet
was concluded with the most amazing circumstance that ever was heard of. The
Freemen and Electors of England, assembled by virtue of his Majesty's Writ, in
the exercise of their just Rights and Privileges, according to the . constitution of the
Kingdom, dispersed by a Proclamation like so many Felons and Vagabonds; and
this done by the order of a Gentleman that had no authority (though in the presence
of the Mayor) and by a Person that was not an Officer of the Peace, is a specimen
of a dangerous nature, to shew what may be done in future Elections, if not prevented
by the Justice of Parliament ; But it is to be hoped, that a Law, which was pass'd
so lately, for preserving the Peace of the Kingdom, and for the security of his
Majesty's Person and Government, shall not be made an Engine to terrify the
Electors and the Freeborn subjects of the Kingdom, and to disperse them when
legally assembled to choose their Representatives in Parliament.

102

WYCOMB ELECTION.

The Corporation of Chipping Wycomb, at the time of the Election of Members
for this present Parliament, consisted of about one hundred voters ; since which
time, Richard Shrimpton, the present Mayor, who was likewise chosen to that
office in the year 1722, by the contrivance of one Smales, an Alderman of that
Town, has made above Seventy Honorary Freemen, scatter'd abroad in all parts
of the Kingdom, by which means the said Shrimpton and Smales have been
alternately chosen into the Office of Mayor of the said Borough, exclusive of the
rest of the Corporation.

Thus it stood, when the present Mayor received the Precept for making the late
Election, which was proclaimed by him to be made on the first of this instant
February, at the Town Hall at Wycomb, the usual place of Election; at which time
Henry Waller, Esq., a neighbouring Gentleman, and Capt. Collyer, stood Candidates.

The day of the Flection being come, the Mayor sent to the Town -Chamber-
lain, to demand the keys of the Town Hall ; but this Officer being appointed by the
Common Council and Corporation, and entrusted by them with the custody of the
said keys, suspecting some ill design in making that demand, which had never been
made by any Mayor whatsoever at any Election before, returned a very civil answer ;
and acquainted him, That whenever he sent Notice that he was ready to proceed
to the Flection, he would wait upon him with the keys ; and accordingly the
Chamberlain did attend at the Town Hall for two or three hours for that purpose,
and did, before the Mayor pretended to come to the Hall, open the Doors, and
gave the keys to the Mayor's Officers who were left there to guard the same.

In the mean time, many of the Burgesses being admitted into the Hall by the
said Officer as usual, and having waited there several hours, sent to the Mayor,
to desire to know, when he would come to the Flection ; to which he sent for
answer, That he would come when he thought fit. About half an hour after
two, the Mayor proceeded to the Town Hall with mighty pomp, and a great number ot
Drums, Kettledrums, Trumpets, Hautboys, and other Warlike Musick, attended with the
Candidate, ('apt. Collyer. and a vast Retinue of Servants and others, which drew
together a jzreat crowd of people, as well out of curiosity as admiration of so unusual
a M^ht. Tims they marched to the Foot of the Stairs leading up to the Hall,

*°3

which were guarded by the Mayor's own Officers, with their Staffs in their Hands.
Several of Capt Collyer's Voters went up into the Hall before him with great ease,
notwithstanding the press that was chiefly owing to his Cavalcade, and the resort
of so many Strangers as is usual on such occasions. But as the Mayor seem'd to
proceed to go up the stairs, Smales puird him by the Sleeve, and led him off to
the George Ale-house, as had been before concerted, where they intended to
proceed to the pretended Election.

What notice they gave to their friends upon this occasion to repair to the George,
was not known to the other Candidate, Mr. Waller, and his Friends, who attended in
the Hall, expecting the Mayor, till they heard he was at the George Inn. Then Mr.
Waller, with about four or five Burgesses and Gentlemen, went to the said Inn,
to desire him to come to the Hall, and proceed to the Election, assuring him there
was no disorder nor disturbance ; and this was before he had begun to proceed upon
his pretended Election, which was in a little Room, that would not hold above 20 or 30
people. But the Mayor, in answer, bid them be gone for a pack of Rogues and
Rascals, and ask'd them, What business they had there? and some persons in the
Room desired the Mayor to read the Proclamation against Riots, and disperse those idle
Fellows.

Soon after that, the two Bailiffs, with several of the Aldermen, and others, went like-
wise to the Mayor, to desire him to come to the Hall, to proceed to an Election,
assuring him all was peaceable and quiet ; and told him, if he apprehended any Mob,
he might easily disperse them, and they would give him their utmost assistance ; but he
was determined to the contrary, and continued in the Alehouse, and made a sham Poll
among their own Friends, whilst the major part of legal Voters were attending in the
Town Hall, till after they had made this pretended Election.

Mr. Waller and his Friends, having attended till after five o'clock at the Town-Hall,
and hearing what was done, drew up a Petition to the Honourable House of Commons,
which was signed by 75 legal Voters ; whereas the pretended Poll, consisted of but 49
against 2, whereof one indeed, a Creature of theirs, was ordered to vote for Mr. Waller,
to give some pretence to call it a Poll.

This is what they call an Election, not begun at the Place appointed by Proclama-
tion, nor adjourned by consent of parties ; nor made in any Publick Place where the
Voters cou'd have free access, or where they cou'd have the protection of the Magistrate ;
but huddled up in an Alehouse, where the Mayor had no authority, where the Inn-Keeper
was sole Master, and might, without breach ot any Law, admit, or exclude, whom he
pleas'd ; as was intended, if Mr. Waller's Friends had come to Poll ; of which Design,
Affidavits have been made by those that heard the orders given for that purpose. Thus
was this Election made in an Alehouse, under the very Tap ; in an Alehouse, kept by a
principal Agent of Capt Collyer, and, what is more extraordinary, a Post Master, who,
by an express Law, is forbid, under the severest penalties, to meddle in Elections, in
any manner whatsoever.

io4

In short, if the facts above mentioned are comparM with the I-aws now in force for
preserving the freedom of Elections, it will appear that there is not one clause in any
one of them that has not been violated on this occasion, and that this single stratagem of
making Elections in obscure, uncertain places, if allow \1 of, is sufficient to evade all the
taws that ever were, or ever can be, made, to secure the very t>asis of our constitution
which is a free and open choice of members to serve in Parliament.

'°5

APPENDIX III

AN ACCOUNT

OF THE

MARQUIS OF WHARTON'S CANVASS

OF THE

BOROUGH OF WYCOMBE,

IN THE LIBERAL INTEREST, IN THE REIGN OF

GEORGE I.

The Marquis of Wharton, who was an adept in electioneering tactics, " recom-
mended," says his Biographer, " two Candidates to the Borough of Wycombe ; the Tories
invited two of their own party, to oppose him, and money was spent on both sides. A
gentleman, a friend of the Tory Candidates, was requested to go down to the Borough
with them, to assist them in their canvass. When they came to Wycombe, they found
my Lord Wharton was got there before them, and was going up and down the Town
with his friends to secure votes. The gentleman with his two candidates, and a few
followers, marched on one side of the Street, my Ix>rd Wharton, his candidates, and a
great company, on the other. The gentleman not being known to my Ix>rd, or the
townsmen, joined in with his Lordship's men to make discoveries, and was by, when my
Lord, entering a shoemaker's shop, asked, " where Dick was?" The good woman said,
her husband was gone two or three miles off with some shoes, but his Ixwdship need not
fear him, she would keep him tight ! " I know that," says my I-ord, 4< but I want to see
Dick, and have a glass with him ! " The wife was very sorry I )ick was out of the way.
" Well" says his Lordship, "how do all thy children ? Molly is a brave girl by this time,
I warrant !" " Yes I thank ye, my Lord," says the woman. And his Ixmlship continued
"Is not Jimmy breeched yet?" This sort of interference by a Peer of the realm
rendered opposition hopeless. The " gentleman " slipi>ed away to tell his friends, that
no one had a chance against a Marquis with such a memory as this, and who had the
happy address to make himself beloved by every rank. They therefore " immediately
relinquished the contest."

o o

io7

Since tlu Author has sent the manuscript of his Early History
and Antiquities of Wycombe to the Press \ the Charity Com-
missioners have made a Scheme relating to Wycombe, Pelhanis,
and other Charities, already described in tlu preceding pages, and
which Scheme has been approved by tlu Queen in Council. The
Author has much pleasure in adding a copy of the Scheme zoith
Her Majesty's approval of the same, to tlu Appendix, with a list
of the Governors under the Scheme.

_.J

109

APPENDIX IV.

AT THE COURT AT WINDSOR,

The 29TH day of June, 1878.

PRESENT:

THE QUEENS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY

IN COUNCIL.

WHEREAS the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales
have, in virtue of the powers conferred upon them by " The
Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, 1874," and of every other
power enabling them in that behalf, made a Scheme, relating to
Wycombe, Pelhams, and other Charities :

And whereas all the conditions in regard to the said Scheme,
which are required to be fulfilled by the said Acts, have been
fulfilled :

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, having taken the said Scheme
(copy whereof numbered 501 is herewith annexed), into considera-
tion, is pleased, by and with the advice of Her Privy Council, to
declare, and doth hereby declare, Her approval of the same.

C. L. PEEL.

Preliminary
meeting.

I 16

11. A preliminary meeting for the arrangement of the conduct of
the business shall be held upon the summons of the Clerk to the
Municipal Trustees of Wycombe upon some day to be fixed by him
being within one calendar month after the time at which, under the
provisions herein contained, the administration of the Foundation shall
be assumed by the Governors in place of the present Governing Body.

Chairman.

12. The Governors shall, at the said preliminary meeting, and
afterwards at their first meeting in each year, elect one of their
number to be Chairman of their meetings for the current year, and
they shall also make regulations for supplying his place in case of
his death, resignation, or absence during his term of office. The
Chairman shall always be re-eligible.

Quorum and
voting.

1 3. A quorum shall be constituted when five Governors are present
at a meeting. All matters and questions shall be determined by the
majority of the Governors present at a duly constituted meeting ;
and in case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a second
or casting vote. Whenever any decision is carried by the votes of
less than a majority of the whole existing number of Governors, any
two Governors may, within fifteen days from the day of the decision,
require by a notice addressed to the Chairman of the meeting that
the decision shall be once reconsidered at a special meeting, to be
held not later than one calendar month next after such decision.

Special mi cl-
ink'*-

14. The Chairman or any two Governors may at any time summon
a special meeting for any cause that seems to him or them sufficient
All special meetings shall be convened by or under the direction of
the person or persons summoning the meeting by notice in writing
delivered or sent by post to each Governor, specifying the object
of the meeting. And it shall be the duty of the clerk, if any, to give

Ill

Foundation.

CHARITY COMMISSION

IN THE MATTER OF THE ENDOWED SCHOOLS ACTS,

1869, 1873, AND 1874.

SCHEME for the Administration of the Foundation known as
the Grammar School and Almshouse Charity in the Borough
of Chipping Wycombe, otherwise High Wycombe, otherwise
Wycombe, in the County of Buckingham, originally established
in pursuance of a charter or Letters Patent of Queen Elizabeth,
dated on or about the 21st day of July 1562, and since regu-
lated by a Scheme of the Court of Chancery, dated on or about
the 26th day of July 1856, and of certain other Foundations
and Endowments.

General Administration of Foundation.
Fuuut ndmi- i. The Foundations and endowments above-mentioned or referred

to shall henceforth be administered as one Foundation by the
Governing Body herein-after constituted, in accordance with the pro-
visions of this Scheme, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar
School and Almshouse Foundation, herein-after called the Founda-
tion.

2. The Foundations and endowments above-mentioned or referred
to are the above-mentioned Grammar School and Almshouse

112

Charity, and also such or so much of certain other Foundations
and endowments at Wycombe above-named as shall become part of
the Foundation hereby established, and subject to the provisions of
this Scheme under the provisions of any other Scheme or Schemes
to be made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, anc * '874.

Almspcople.

3. Part of the Foundation, being the part now applicable for
charitable purposes, not educational, namely, the land and buildings
now occupied exclusively for the benefit of the fourteen existing
Almspcople of the said Grammar School and Almshouse Founda-
tion, and the yearly sum of ^187 4*. out of the income of the
Foundation shall be applied for the benefit of the Almspeople as
herein-after provided. Subject as aforesaid the Foundation shall
be applicable wholly to the educational purposes of this Scheme.

Governing
Body.

4. The Governing Body, herein-after called the Governors, shall,
when completely formed and full, consist of 15 persons, of whom
nine shall be called Representative Governors, and six shall be
called Cooptative Governors.

Representa-
tive Gover-

nors.

5. The Representative Governors shall be competent persons duly
qualified to discharge the duties of the office, and shall be appointed
by the following electing bodies respectively in the following pro-
portions, that is to say, —

Two by the Town Council of the Borough of Chipping
Wycombe.

Two by the Local Board of the Parish of Chipping Wycombe.

One by the School Board for the Borough of Chipping Wy-
combe ;

One by the School Board for the Parish of Chipping Wycombe;

Two by the Justices of the Peace for the County of Buckingham,
acting in and for the Petty Sessional division in which the
parish of Chipping Wycombe is situate ;

One by the Justices of the Peace for the Borough of Chipping
Wycombe.

Such appointments shall be made as often as there may be occasion
by the body entitled to appoint, at a meeting thereof which shall
be convened, held, and conducted as nearly as may be in conformity
with the ordinary rules or practice of such body, or failing such
rules or practice, then in conformity with regulations to be made
or approved by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales.
Every Representative Governor shall be appointed to office for the
term of five years, reckoned from the date of the appointment. The
first Representative Governors shall be appointed as soon as con-
veniently may be after the date of this Scheme. The Chairman
or other presiding officer of each meeting at which the appointment
of any Representative Governors or Governor shall be made, shall
forthwith cause the names or name of the persons or person so
appointed to be notified, in the case of the first such appointment
to the clerk to the Municipal Trustees of the Borough of Wycombe,
and in the case of every subsequent appointment to the Chairman
of the Governors or their clerk, if any, or other acting officer. Any
appointment of a Representative Governor not made as aforesaid,
within six calendar months from the date of this Scheme, or of the
notice herein-after prescribed of the occurrence of a vacancy, as
the case may be, shall for that turn be made by the then existing
Governors.

6. The Cooptative Governors shall at first be eight instead of six, Owputive

CrOVCfDOfl.

namely :- -

r r

• Joseph Hunt,
The Rev. Robert Chilton,
James Thurlow,
Randolph Henry Crewe,
Charles Strange,
Thomas John Reynolds,
Herbert Simmonds, and
William Rose,

being eight of the Municipal Trustees of Wycombe ; and their
appointment shall take effect from the date of this Scheme, and
shall be for the term of their respective lives.

The future Cooptative Governors shall be competent persons duly
qualified to discharge the duties of the office, and shall be appointed
in every case by the general body of Governors at a special
meeting, by a resolution to be forthwith notified by them, with all
proper information to the Charity Commissioners, at their office in
London ; but no such appointment shall be valid until it has been
approved by the said Commissioners, and their approval certified
under their official seal. The future Cooptative Governors shall be
appointed to office for the term of eight years, reckoned from the
date of the approval.

\acandc*. 7. Any Representative or Cooptative Governor who, during his

term of office, shall become bankrupt or incapacitated to act, or ex-
press in writing his wish to resign, or omit for the space of two con-
secutive years to attend any meeting, shall thereupon forthwith vacate
the office of Governor ; and the Governors shall cause an entry to
be made in their minute book of every vacancy occasioned by any of

Deceased.

Preliminary
meeting.

116

ir. A preliminary meeting for the arrangement of the conduct of
the business shall be held upon the summons of the Clerk to the
Municipal Trustees of Wycombe upon some day to be fixed by him
being within one calendar month after the time at which, under the
provisions herein contained, the administration of the Foundation shall
be assumed by the Governors in place of the present Governing Body.

Chairman.

Quorum and
voting.

Special mi et-
ings.

14. The Chairman or any two Governors may at any time summon
a special meeting for any cause that seems to him or them sufficient.
All special meetings shall be convened by or under the direction of
the person or persons summoning the meeting by notice in writing
delivered or sent by post to each Governor, specifying the object
of the meeting. And it shall be the duty of the clerk, if any, to give

such notice when required by the Chairman or by any Governors
having a right to summon such meeting.

15. If a sufficient number of Governors to form a quorum are not
present at any meeting, or if the business at any meeting is not
fully completed, those present may adjourn the meeting to a sub-
sequent day and time, of which notice shall be given in manner
aforesaid to each Governor.

16. A minute book and proper books of account shall be provided
by the Governors, and kept in some convenient and secure place of
deposit to be provided or appointed by them for that purpose, and
minutes of the entry into office of every new Governor, and of all
proceedings of the Governors, shall be entered in such minute book.

1 7. The Governors shall cause full accounts to be kept of the
receipts and expenditure in respect of the Foundation ; and such
accounts shall be stated for each year, and examined and passed
annually by the Governors at the first or second meeting in the
ensuing year, unless some other meeting shall be appointed for the
purpose with the approval of the Charity Commissioners, and every
such account shall be signed by the Governors present at the meeting
at which it shall be passed.

The Governors shall cause sufficient abstracts of the accounts to
be published annually for general information. Such abstracts may
be in the form given in the schedule hereto, unless some other form
is prescribed by the Charity Commissioners, in which case the form
so prescribed shall be followed.

18. The Governors may from time to time make such arrange- b
ments as they may find most fitting for the custody of all deeds and

Adjoaramei
of meetings

Minutes.

Accounts.

other documents belonging to the Foundation, for deposit of money,
for the drawing of cheques, and also for the appointment of a clerk
or of any necessary agents or other proper officers for their assist-
ance in the conduct of the business of the Foundation, at such
reasonable salaries or scale of remuneration as shall be approved
by the Charity Commissioners, but no Governor acting as such
clerk or officer shall be entitled to any salary or remuneration.

Vesting pro-
perty.

19. From and after the date of this Scheme all lands and here-
ditaments, not being copyhold, belonging to the Foundation, and all
terms, estates, and interests therein, shall be vested in the Official
Trustee of Charity Lands, and his successors, in trust for the Foun-
dation ; and all copyhold hereditaments belonging to the Founda-
tion, and all terms, estates, and interests therein, shall be vested in like
manner, upon such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon be-
tween the Governors and the lord of the manor. And all stock in the
public funds and other securities belonging to the Foundation, and
not hereby required or directed to be otherwise applied or disposed
of, shall be transferred to the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds,
in trust for the Foundation.

Management
and letting of
estates.

20. All the estates and property of the Foundation not required
to be retained or occupied for the purposes thereof, shall, subject as
herein-after provided with regard to the part thereof known as the
Rye Mead otherwise the Rye, be let or otherwise managed by the
Governors, or by their officers acting under their orders, according
to the general law applicable to the management of property by
trustees of charitable foundations.

Timber and
minerals.

21. Any money arising from the sale of timber or from any
mines or minerals on the estates of the Foundation shall be treated

as capital, and shall be invested in the name of the Official Trus-
tees of Charitable Funds, under the direction of the Charity Com-
missioners, except in any special cases in which the Governors may
be authorised by such Commissioners to deal otherwise with such
money or any part thereof.

22. So soon as the full number of Governors shall have been
completed according to the provisions of this Scheme, or upon the
expiration of the first three calendar months after the date of this
Scheme, if the full number of Governors shall not then have been
completed, the administration of the Foundation shall pass to the
said Governors in place of the present Governing Body, and
such Governing Body shall thereupon become ipso facto removed
and discharged from their office, and shall cause all deeds, minute
and account books, and other papers and documents belonging or
relating to the Foundation, and all cash balances and personal effects
belonging thereto, and not herein required to be transferred to or
vested *in the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds, to be delivered
or transferred unto the said Governors or as they shall direct In
the meantime the Foundation shall continue to be administered and
managed so far as may be necessary by the present Governing Body
as nearly as may be in conformity with the provisions of this Scheme.
The aforesaid time of three calendar months may be extended, if
necessary, by an order of the Charity Commissioners, made upon
the application of any one or more of the present Governing Body,
or of the Governors, if any.

Transfer ot
administration
of Foundation
to Governors.

23-

After the administration of the Foundation has passed to the
Governors as aforesaid, the Governors for the time being, if a
quorum is constituted, may act for all the purposes of this Scheme
although the Governing Body as herein-before constituted is not full.

Governors
may act al-
though body
not fulL

120

■ ■ f .

Muter.

Scheme to be
brought into
o juration as
v«*in a*
practicable.

Saving of
interest s of
Mrholari.

24. So far as may be practicable and convenient, the School may be
carried on as heretofore until the end of the school term which may
\s: current at the date of this Schenle. or which according to the pre-
viously established practice would begin next after that date, or until
such other time as may with the approval of the Charity Commis-
sioners be fixed by the body for the time being having the
administration of the Foundation under this Scheme.

25. The Rev. James Poulter, the present Master, shall have the
option on declaring the same to the Governors in writing of being
retained as the first Head Master under this Scheme, and if he
exercises such option, so as to become the first Head Master under
this Scheme, shall not be liable to be removed, except for a cause
for which he might have been dismissed from his present office, if
this Scheme had not taken effect ; but if he fail to exercise such option
as aforesaid within six calendar months from the date of this Scheme
the Governors may forthwith remove him from his present office ;
and the question of compensation to be assigned to him on such
removal shall be determined by the Charity Commissioners. If the
said James Poulter exercises such option as aforesaid the Governors
may, on his ceasing to be Head Master, grant to him such pension,
if any, as may be approved by the Charity Comissioners.

26. The Governors shall take all requisite measures for bringing
the provisions of this Scheme into active operation for the regula-
tion of the School as soon as practicable, and they shall have power
t<> make all suitable and proper arrangements for that purpose.

27. Any payment, or exemption from payment, Scholarship, Ex-
hibition, or other benefit to which any free scholar or other boy who
was on the Foundation on the 1st day of June 1875 * s legally
entitled thereunder shall be continued to him.

121

The School and its Management.

28. As soon as conveniently may be the Governors, either by
altering or adding to the present school buildings, shall provide
proper school buildings and a residence for the Head Master suit-
able for not less than 100 day scholars and 20 boarders, and
planned with a view to convenient extension, and may apply for
the purpose a sum not exceeding ^5,000 to be provided or raised,
if needful, out of the capital endowment or property of the
Foundation by sale or otherwise, but for all the purposes of this
clause they shall act subject to the consent and approval of the
Charity Commissioners.

29. No person shall be disqualified for being a Master in the
School by reason only of his not being, or not intending to be, in
Holy Orders.

30. There shall be a Head Master of the School. He shall be
a graduate of some University in the United Kingdom. Every
future Head Master shall be appointed by the Governors at some
meeting to be called for that purpose, as soon as conveniently may
be after the occurrence of a vacancy, or after notice of an intended
vacancy. In order to obtain the best candidates, the Governors
shall, for a sufficient time before making any appointment, give
public notice of the vacancy and invite applicants for the office by
advertisements in newspapers, or by such other methods as they
may judge best calculated to secure the object

School site
and buildings.

Masters not
to be required
to be in Holy
Orders.

Head Master.

Appointment.

31. The Governors may dismiss the Head Master without assign- Dismissal,
ing cause, after six calendar months, written notice, given to him

Q Q

j 22

in pursuance of a resolution passed at two consecutive meetings held
at an interval of at least fourteen days, and convened for that pur-
pose, such resolution being affirmed at each meeting by not less than
two thirds of the Governors present

32. The Governors for what in their opinion is urgent cause
may, by resolution passed at a special meeting convened for that
purpose, and affirmed by not less than two thirds of the whole
number of Governors for the time being, declare that the Head
Master ought to be dismissed from his office without the aforesaid
notice, and in that case they may appoint another special meeting to
be held not less than a week after the former one, and may then by
a similar resolution, affirmed by as large a proportion of Governors,
absolutely and finally dismiss him. And if the Governors assembled
at the first of such meetings think fit at once to suspend the Head
Master from his office until the next meeting, they may do so by
resolution affirmed by as large a proportion of Governors. Full
notice and opportunity of defence at both meetings shall be given
to the Head Master.

Declaration to 33. Every futu re Head Master, previously to entering into office.
Master. s h a u j^ required to sign a declaration, to be entered in the minute
book of the Governors, to the following effect : —

44 I declare that I will always, to the best of

44 my ability discharge the duties of Head Master of the Wycombe
44 Grammar School during my tenure of the office, and that if I am
44 removed by the Governors I will acquiesce in such removal, and
44 will thereupon relinquish all claim to the mastership and its future
41 emoluments, and will deliver up to the Governors, or as they direct,
44 possession of all the property of the School then in my possession
44 or occupation."

be ttgnctl by
Head 3

'23

34- The Head Master shall dwell in the residence assigned for
him. He shall have the occupation and use of such residence and
of any other property of the School of which he becomes the occupant
as such Head Master, in respect of his official character and duties,
and not as tenant, and shall, if removed from his office, deliver up
possession of such residence and other property to the Governors,
or as they direct. He shall not, except with the permission of the
Governors, permit any person not being a member of his family to
occupy such residence or any part thereof.

35. The Head Master shall give his personal attention to the
duties of the School, and during his tenure of office he shall not
accept or hold any benefice having the cure of souls, or any office or
appointment which, in the opinion of the Governors, may interfere
with the proper performance of his duties as Head Master.

HcadMaster'k
official resi-
dence.

Head Master
not to have
other employ-
ment.

36. No Head or Assistant Master of the School shall be a Masters not to

be Governors.

Governor.

37. Neither the Head Master nor any Assistant Master shall
receive or demand from any boy in the School, or from any person
whomsoever on behalf of any such boy, any gratuity, fee, or pay-
ment except such as are prescribed or authorised by this Scheme.

38. Within the limits fixed by this Scheme the Governors shall
prescribe the general subjects of instruction, the relative prominence
and value to be assigned to each group of subjects, the arrange-
ments respecting the school terms, vacations, and holidays, the
payments of day scholars, and the number and payments of boarders.
They shall take general supervision of the sanitary condition of
the school buildings and arrangements. They shall determine what
number of Assistant Masters shall be employed. They shall every

Masters not to
receive other
than au-
thorised fees.

Jurisdiction of
Governors
over school
arrangements.

fcsW

1^4

year assign the amount which they think proper to be contributed .
out of the income of the School Foundation for the purpose of
mnintaining Assistant Masters and providing and maintaining a
proper school plant or apparatus and otherwise furthering the
current objects and the efficiency of the School.

Governors to
consider views
and proiKr>aU
of the Head
Master.

Jurisdiction of
Head Master
over school
arrangement*.

39. Before making any regulations under the last foregoing
clause, the Governors shall consult the Head Master, in such a
manner as to give him full opportunity for the expression of his
views. The Head Master may also from time to time submit
proposals to the Governors for making or altering regulations
concerning any matter within the province of the Governors. The
Governors shall fully consider any such expression of views or
proposals, and shall decide upon them.

40. Subject to the rules prescribed by or under the authority of
this Scheme the Head Master shall have under his control the choice
of books, the method of teaching, the arrangement of classes and
school hours, and generally the whole internal organisation, manage-
ment, and discipline of the School, including the power of expelling
boys from the School or suspending them from attendance thereat
for any adequate cause to be judged of by him : Provided that, upon
expelling or suspending any boy he shall forthwith report the
to the Governors.

Appointment,
dismissal,
and payment
of A*ki<>tani
Master*.

41. The Head Master shall have the sole power of appointing and
of dismissing all Assistant Masters, and shall determine, subject to
the approval of the Governors, in what proportions the sum assigned
by the Governors for the maintenance of Assistant Masters, or the
other current objects of the School, shall be divided among the various
persons and objects for which it is assigned in the aggregate. And

the Governors shall pay the same accordingly, either through the
hands of the Head Master or directly, as they think best

42. The Head Master shall receive a fixed yearly stipend of ^150.
He shall also be entitled to receive a further or capitation payment
calculated on such a scale, uniform or graduated, as may be fixed from
time to time by the Governors, at the rate of not less than £1 \os. a
year for each boy attending the School. The amount of this further
or capitation payment shall be ascertained and paid to the Head
Master by the Governors, together with the proper proportion of his
fixed stipend, at such convenient intervals or times as the Governors
may think fit. So long as the said Rev. James Poulter holds the
office of Head Master he shall receive out of the income of the Foun-
dation such a further yearly payment, if any, as may be needed to
make up his income under this clause to ^220 yearly.

43. The Governors may make such regulations and arrangements
as they may think right for the reception of boarders either in the
house of any Master, or in a hostel or hostels conducted under the
management of the Governors, or, if they think fit, in both of those
ways.

44. All boys, including boarders, except as herein-after provided,
shall pay tuition fees, to be fixed from time to time by the Gover-
nors, at the rate of not less than £4 nor more than £8 a year for
any boy. No difference in respect of these fees shall be made
between any scholars on account of place of birth or residence or
of their being or nor being boarders. The payments to be required
from a boarder exclusive of the tuition fees shall not exceed the
annual rate of ^40 for each boy. No extra or additional payment
of any kind shall be allowed without the sanction of the Governors

Income of
Head Master.

Board en.

Payment! for
tuition and
boarding.

126

Apes for the
School.

To whom
School is
open.

Applications
for adnii*Moti.

Roster •»(
application-.

and the written consent of the parent, or person occupying the
place of parent, of the scholar concerned.

45. All payments for tuition fees shall be made in advance to the
Head Master, or to such other person as the Governors shall from
time to time determine, and shall be accounted for by the person
receiving them to the Governors, and treated by them as part of
the general income of the Foundation.

46. No boy shall be admitted into the School under the age of
seven years. No boy shall remain in the School after the age of
17 years, or if he attains that age during a school term then after
the end of such term, except with the permission of the Governors,
which in special cases may be given upon the recommendation of
the Head Master.

47. Subject to the provisions established by or under the authority
of this Scheme, the School and all its advantages shall be open to
all boys of good character and sufficient health who are residing
with their parents, guardians or near relations within degrees to
be determined by the Governors, or in some boarding house estab-
lished under the sanction of the Governors. No boy not so re-
siding shall be admitted to the School without the special permission
of the Governors.

48. Applications for admission to the School shall be made to the
Head Master, or to some other person appointed by the Governors,
according to a form to be approved of by them, and delivered to all
applicants.

49. The Head Master or some other person appointed by the
Governors shall keep a register of applications for admission show-

127

ing the date of every application and of the admission, withdrawal,
or rejection of the applicant, and the cause of any rejection and the
age of each applicant. Provided that every person requiring an
application to be registered shall pay such fee as the Governors
may fix, not exceeding 5^. for each applicant.

50. Every applicant for admission shall be examined by or under
the direction of the Head Master, who shall appoint convenient
times for that purpose and give reasonable notice to the parents or
next friends of the boy to be so examined. No boy shall be ad-
mitted to the School except after undergoing such examination and
being found fit for admission. Those who are so found fit shall, if
there is room for them, be admitted in order according to the dates
of their application.

51. The examination for admission shall be graduated according
to the age of the boy, and shall be regulated in other particulars
from time to time by or under the direction of the Governors, but
it shall never for any boy fall below the following standard, that is
to say : —

Reading.

Writing from dictation.

Sums in the first four simple rules of arithmetic, and the multi-
plication table.

52. The parent or guardian of or person liable to maintain or
having the actual custody of any day scholar may claim, by notice
in writing addressed to the Head Master, the exemption of such
scholar from attending prayer or religious worship, or from any les-
son or series of lessons on a religious subject, and such scholar shall
be exempted accordingly, and a scholar shall not by reason of any

Entrance
examination.

Special
exemptions
from religious
instruction
and worship.

I2S

exemption from attending prayer or religious worship or from any
lesson or series of lessons on a religious subject, be deprived of any
advantage or emolument in the School to which he would otherwise
have been entitled. If the parent or guardian of, or person liable
to maintain or having the actual custody of any scholar who is
about to attend the School, and who but for this clause could only
be admittted as a boarder, desires the exemption of such scholar
from attending prayer or religious worship, or from any lesson or
series of lessons on a religious subject, but the persons in charge
of the boarding houses of the School are not willing to allow such
exemption, then it shall be the duty of the Governors to make
provisions for enabling the scholar to attend the School, and have
such exemption, as a day scholar, without being deprived of any
advantage or emolument to which he would otherwise have been
entitled. If any teacher in the course of other lessons at which any
scholar exempted under this clause is in accordance with the ordin-
ary rules of the School present, shall teach systematically and per-
sistently any particular religious doctrine, from the teaching of which
any exemption has been claimed, as in this clause before provided,
the Governors shall, on complaint made in writing to them by the
parent, guardian, or person liable to maintain or having the actual
custody of such scholar, hear the complainant, and inquire into the
circumstances, and if the complaint is judged to be reasonable, make
all proper provisions for remedying the matter complained of.

instruction. 53. Subject to the foregoing provision, religious instruction shall

be given in the School under such regulations as shall be made from
time to time by the Governors. Such instruction shall be in accord-
ance with the principles of the Christian Faith. No alteration in any
such regulations shall take effect until the expiration of not less than
one year after notice of the making of the alteration shall have

129

been given by the Governors in such manner as they shall think
best calculated to bring the matter within the knowledge of persons
interested in the School.

54. Instruction shall also be given in the School in the follow-
ing subjects : —

Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic.

Geography and History.

English Grammar, Composition, and Literature.

Mathematics.

Latin.

At least one Foreign European Language.

Natural Science.

Drawing and Vocal Music.

Subject to the above provisions, the course of instruction shall
proceed according to the classification and arrangements made by
the Head Master.

55. There shall be once in every year an examination of the
scholars by an Examiner or Ex#niners appointed for that purpose
by the Governors, and paid by them, but otherwise unconnected
with the School. The day of examination shall be fixed by the
Governors after consulting with the Head Master. The Examiners
shall report to the Governors on the proficiency of the scholars
and on the position of the School, as regards instruction and disci-
pline, as shown by the result of the examination. The Governors
shall communicate the report to the Head Master.

Annual ex-
amination.

56. The Head Master shall make a report in writing to the Sj^JjJjJj
Governors annually at such time as thev shall direct on the general ^i"***

R R

I. TO

Scholarships.

Pupil Teach-

CTk.

condition and progress of the School, and on any special occurrences
during the year. He may also mention the names of any boys who,
in his judgment, are worthy of reward or distinction, having regard
both to proficiency and conduct.

57. Scholarships shall be maintained in the School, in the form of
exemptions, total or partial, from the payment of tuition fees repre-
senting an aggregate yearly value of not less than ^40 for such pe-
riods, and granted, subject to the provisions of this Scheme, on such
conditions as the Governors think fit. Boys to whom such exemp-
tions shall be granted shall be called Foundation Scholars. The
exemptions may be awarded in favour of candidates for admission
to the School, on the result of the examination for admission, and
in favour of boys already attending the School, upon the reports of
the Examiners made on the result of the annual examination, but no
exemption shall be granted to any such last-mentioned boy unless the
Head Master shall report that he is deserving of it by reason of his
character and good conduct. No more than 10 per cent shall be
wholly free, and no partial exemption shall be granted so as to extend
the number of Foundation Scholars to more than 20 per cent of
the boys actually attending the School. In awarding such Scholar-
ships preference shall be given to the extent of one half of the total
number of Foundation Scholars to boys who shall during at least two
years have attended some Public Elementary School within the
Parliamentary borough of Wycombe.

58. In the case of any scholar of special promise and aptitude
for teaching, the Governors may prolong the period during which
he may remain at the School beyond the time otherwise prescribed ;
and otherwise make arrangements whereby he shall receive instruc-
tion in the art of teaching, and shall give such assistance in the

*3»

ordinary work of instruction in the School as may be deemed

desirable. They may award any reasonable sum by way of

remuneration for services so rendered to the School by any scholar
so retained as a teacher.

59. Subject to such reasonable regulations, not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Scheme, as the Governors may from time to time
prescribe, the Governors shall establish Exhibitions tenable at any
place of higher education approved by them, and to be awarded
to boys who are being and have for not less than three years been
educated at the School. Two such Exhibitions, each of a yearly
value of not less than ^30 tenable for four years, shall be established.
The yearly amount applicable under this clause may be reduced
or suspended, if necessary, owing to insufficiency of income.

Exhibitions.

60. Every Scholarship and Exhibition established under this
Scheme shall be given as the reward of merit, and shall, except so
far as any restriction as aforesaid extends, be freely and openly com-
peted for, and shall be tenable only for the purposes of education.
If the holder shall, in the judgment of the Governors, be guilty of
serious misconduct or idleness, or fail to maintain a reasonable
standard of proficiency, or wilfully cease to pursue his education,
the Governors may at once determine the Scholarship or Exhibition,
and for this purpose, in the case of an Exhibition held away from
the School, may act on the report of the proper authorities of
the School or place of education at which the Exhibition is held,
or on such other evidence as the Governors think sufficient. For
the purposes of this [clause the decision of the Governors shall
be final in every case.

Conditions as
to Scholar-
ship and
Exhibitions.

'J2

lory I arvl

aiwl numtjrr
of Ainu-
people.

Qualification
of Alms-
people.

The Almsi'Hoplk.

6 i. The said land and buildings applicable as aforesaid for the
benefit of the Almspeople shall continue to be applied for this purpose:
The number of Almspeople shall henceforth be fourteen, and they shall,
as vacancies in this number occur, be appointed by the Governors as
herein-after provided.

62. The Almspeople shall be appointed from amongst those duly
qualified, as follows, that is to say : — the candidates for admission shall
be of the age of fifty years and upwards, and shall have resided in the
borough of Chipping Wycombe for the space of five years next pre-
ceding the time of their election, and shall be such as by some unfore-
seen misfortune not happening by their own default shall have become
reduced in circumstances and be in greatest want, and shall not have
been in the receipt of parochial relief within a period of one year next
preceding the time of their election.

StipctyN of
Alui&people.

Appoint 1
of Aim**
people.

intment

63. The stipends for the Almspeople shall be as follows ; that is to
say, for four of them Ss. each, weekly, and for the others 45. each,
weekly. The four almspeople now in receipt of 8s. each, weekly, shall
be the first four entitled, subject as herein-after provided, to the receipt
of the sum of Ss. weekly.

64. The Almspeople shall be appointed by the Governors from
amongst proper objects on the occasion of every vacancy, but no elec-
tion shall take place until the expiration of one month after the notice
of the vacancy signed by the clerk or other proper officer shall have
been fixed on the door of the vacant Almshouse and on the Town
Hall. The Governors shall not in rotation elect a person to fill the
vacancy, but shall elect only such persons as shall, after a careful con-

'33

sidcration of the claims of the several candidates, appear best to answer
the qualifications aforesaid and to be most deserving.

65. The Governors shall provide a minute book for the Almshouses
in which the clerk or other proper officer shall enter the name and age
of every person elected thereto, together with the date of the admission
and the state of health, station, and condition in life of every such
person previous to the election, and the date and cause of death or
removal. The particulars required by the next following clause to be
given shall also be entered in such minute book.

66. All applications for admission to the Almshouses shall be made
in writing through the clerk or other proper officer, and shall be taken
into consideration by the Governors at their next meeting. Such
applications shall contain the name, age, and places of residence during
the preceding five years of the applicant, together with his or her state
or condition in life.

Minute book
for Alms-
people

Application
for admission,

67. None of the Almspeople shall at any time absent themselves
from the Almshouses for a period exceeding twenty-four hours, without
the special consent in writing of one of the Governors or of the clerk
or other proper officer, and then only for such time as shall be then
authorised.

68. If at any time it shall appear that any of the Almspeople shall
be given to insobriety or immoral or unbecoming conduct, the Gover-
nors, on proof thereof to their satisfaction, may, if they shall think fit,
displace such person so misbehaving, and proceed to place another or
others in his or her place. The provisions of this clause shall be made
known to every person at the time of his or her entering the Alms-
houses.

Almspeople
not to absent
themselves.

Power to re-
move inmate*.

>34

Almshouses
not t<» lie
urn lor let.

69. None of the Almspeople shall be permitted to underlet the
Almshouse premises allotted to him or her, or to suffer any stranger to
occupy the same or any part thereof.

Repair* and

improvement

fund.

Other ex-
penses.

I*cnsii>ns.

Application of Income.

70. As soon as the state of the School funds will admit, the Gover-
nors shall transfer the sum of ,£1,333 6s. Sd. Government stock into
the name of the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds, and shall place
the same in their books to a separate account, entitled " Repairs and
Improvements Fund." The income of such Fund shall be paid to the
Governors, and applied by them in ordinary repairs or improvements
of property used for the purposes of the School and of the Almspeople,
and if not wanted for that purpose shall be accumulated by them for
the like purpose in any future year or years. Until the Repairs and
Improvements Fund is provided, the Governors shall treat the sum of
^40 yearly as applicable to the same purposes as the income of the
Repairs and Improvements Fund, as to ^30 thereof for the purposes
of the School, and as to the remaining ^10 for the purposes of the
buildings occupied for the benefit of the Almspeople.

71. After defraying the expenses of management, and of any ordi-
nary repairs or improvements which the income of the Repairs and
Improvements Fund or the yearly sum payable in lieu thereof may be
insufficient to answer, and providing for the Alms branch as aforesaid,
the Governors shall employ the income of the Foundation in paying
the Head Master, and in making the several payments herein-before
directed or authorised for the purposes of the School.

72. The Governors may, if they think fit and the income at their
disposal suffice for the purpose, agree with the Head Master for the
formation of a fund in the nature of a Pension or Superannuation

*35

Fund, the main principles of such agreement being that the Head
Master and the Governors respectively shall contribute annually for
a period of 20 years such sums as may be fixed on ; that these con-
tributions shall accumulate at compound interest ; that in case the
Head Master serves his office for 20 years he shall on his retirement
be entitled to the whole accumulated fund ; that in case he retires
earlier on account of permanent disability from illness he shall also be
entitled to the whole of the same fund ; that in all other cases he shall,
on his ceasing to be Master, be entitled to the amount produced by
his own contributions. If any question shall arise upon the construc-
tion or working of this provision, the same shall be referred by the
Governors to the Charity Commissioners, whose decision thereon shall
be final and conclusive.

73. The residue of income of the Foundation, if any, may be em-
ployed in improving the accommodation or convenience of the school
buildings, or premises, or generally in extending or otherwise promoting
the objects and efficiency of the School. Whatever shall not be so
employed shall, on passing the yearly accounts be treated as Unapplied
Surplus, and shall be deposited in a bank for the account of the
Governors, to the intent that the same, so soon as it shall amount to
a suitable sum, shall be invested in the name of the Official Trustees
of Charitable Funds in trust for the Foundation in augmentation of its
general endowment.

Residue.

Unapplied
surplus.

General.

74. The said Rye Mead, subject to any existing rights of the inha-
bitants of the borough of Chipping Wycombe in or over the same, may
be retained by the Governors for the purpose of a recreation ground
for the scholars and Almspeople of the Foundation and of such inha-

Maintenance
of Rye Mead*

•3 6

Payment in
n*>j»tfct of
Littletwy's
Charity.

Kurt her en-
dowments.

hitants. I ; or the expenses of management and of any improvements
of the said Rye Mead, the Governors may apply all fees or payments
received from such inhabitants in respect of the exercise of their rights
in or over the same, and may also apply any further yearly sum not
being in any year more than ^12 14^.

75. If and so soon as the Foundation, known as Littleboy's Charity,
at Wycombe aforesaid, becomes subject to the provisions of this
Scheme, the Governors shall in respect thereof apply the sum of
;£8 iar. yearly in the distribution of bread according to the directions
of the will of William Littleboy the Founder of that Charity.

76. The Governors may receive any additional donations or endow-
ments for the general purposes of the Foundation. They may also
receive donations or endowments for any special objects connected
with the School, which shall not be inconsistent with or calculated to
impede the due working of the provisions of this Scheme. Any
question arising upon this last point shall be referred to the Charity
Commissioners for decision.

(■cncral power
of (lovvrnor*
to make regu-
lations.

OucNtinn of

proceeding*
under Scheme.

Construction
of Scheme.

77. Within the limits prescribed by this Scheme the Governors
shall have full power from time to time to make regulations for the
conduct of their business and for the management of the Foundation,
and such regulations shall be binding on all persons affected thereby.

7«s. Any question affecting the regularity or the validity of any pro-
ceeding under this Scheme, shall be determined conclusively by the
Charity Commissioners upon such application made to them for the
purpose as they think sufficient.

79. If any doubt or question arises among the Governors as to the
proper construction or application of any of the provisions of this

137

Scheme, the Governors shall apply to the Charity Commissioners for
their opinion and advice thereon, which opinion and advice when given
shall be binding on the Governors and all persons claiming under the
Trust who shall be affected by the question so decided.

80. From the date of this Scheme all jurisdiction of the Ordinary Jurisdiction

J 'of Ordinary

relating to or arising from the licensing of any Master in the School *t*>ibhed.
shall be abolished.

81. From the date of this Scheme all rights and powers reserved
to, belonging to, claimed by, or capable of being exercised by, Her
Majesty, as Visitor of this Foundation, and vested in Her on the 2nd
day of August, 1869, shall be exercised only through and by the
Charity Commissioners for England and Wales.

Jurisdiction
of Cn»wn as
Visitor.

82. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time, in the
exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction, frame Schemes for the alteration
of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes be not
inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools Acts,
1869, 1873, and 1874.

Charity Com-
missioners to
make new
Schemes.

83. From and after the date of this Scheme the Foundation shall
for every purpose, except as herein provided, be administered and
governed wholly and exclusively in accordance with the provisions
of this Scheme, notwithstanding any former or other Scheme, Act of
Parliament, Charter, or Letters Patent, statute, or instrument relating
to the subject matter of this Scheme.

Foundation to
t»e governed
exclusively by
this Scheme.

84. The Governors shall cause this Scheme to be printed and a Scheme tote

* printed and

copy to be given to every Governor, Master, and Assistant Master • oW *

s s

■38

upon their respective appointments, and copies may be sold at a
reasonable price to all persons applying for the same.

I>atcof 8s. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which Her

Scheme. ^ '

Majesty by Order in Council declares Her approbation of it.

••

*39

SCHEME for the Administration of the Foundation known as
Bowden's Gift, in the Borough of Wycombe, originally established by
the will of Mary Bowdcn, dated on or about the 30th day of
October, 1790.

1. From and after the date of this Scheme the above-mentioned Union with

Wycombe

Foundation and its endowment shall be part of the Foundation sJjJJSl"
established by a Scheme made under the Endowed Schools Acts,
1869, 1873, an d ^74, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar
School and Almshouse Foundation, and shall be administered
according to the provisions of the said other Scheme.

2. From and after the date of this Scheme all lands and hercdita- vesting pro-

pcrty.

ments, not being copyhold, belonging to this Foundation, and all
terms, estates, and interests therein, shall vest in the Official Trustee,
of Charity Lands and his successors in trust for the said Wycombe
Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation ; and all copyhold
hereditaments belonging to this Foundation, and all terms, estates,
and interests therein, shall be vested in like manner upon such terms
and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the Governors and
the lord of the manor ; and all stock in the public funds and other

J4°

securities belonging to this Foundation shall be transferred to the
Official Trustees of Charitable Funds, in trust for the said Wycombe
Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation.

chanty Com- - ^j le Q iar jty Commissioners may from time to time in the

ncwsdicnic-. exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction frame Schemes for the altera-
tion of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes
be not inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools
Acts, 1869, 1873, and 1874.

gJ2^[ 4. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which, under the

provisions of the said other Scheme, the administration of the said
Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation passes to
the Governors constituted under that Scheme.

Charity Commission,

31 July 1877.

At a Meeting of the Board held this day, at which there were
present five Commissioners, of whom one was the Chief Commissioner,
this Scheme was approved and directed to be submitted to the
Committee of Council on Education.

(Signed) D. C. RICHMOND,

Secretary.

■A

SCHEME for applying for the advancement of Education the
Endowment of the Foundation known as Littleboy's Charity, in
the Borough of Wycombe, in the County of Buckingham, origi-
nally established by or under the will of William Littleboy in or
before the year 1633, subject nevertheless as in this Scheme is
referred to, and for the administration of the same Foundation
and its endowment.

1. It is hereby declared, with the consent of the Governing Body,
that it is desirable to apply for the advancement of education the
endowment of the above-mentioned Foundation, subject as herein-
after referred to.

Declaration.

2. From and after the date of this Scheme this Foundation and
its endowment shall be part of the Foundation established by a
Scheme made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, and
1874, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar School and Alms-
house Foundation, and shall be administered according to the pro-
visions of the said other Scheme.

Union with
Wycombe
Grammar
School.

3. P rom and after the date of this Scheme all lands and heredi- Vesting pro-

perty.

taments, not being copyhold, belonging to this Foundation, and all

142

terms, estates, and interests therein, shall vest in the Official Trustee
of Charity Lands and his successors in trust for the said Wycombe
Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation, and all copyhold
hereditaments belonging to this Foundation, and all terms, estate,
and interests therein, shall be vested in like manner upon such terms
and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the lord of the
manor ; and all stock in the public funds and other securities be-
longing to this Foundation shall be transferred to the Official Trus-
tees of Charitable Funds, in trust to the said Wycombe Grammar
School and Almshouse Foundation.

Payment in
res|xrct of
Littleboy's
Charity.

4. It is intended that in respect of this Foundation the sum of
j£$ 1 or. yearly shall, subject to any alteration of this Scheme or of
the said other Scheme, be applied according to the provisions ex-
pressed in the said other Scheme in respect of this Foundation.

Charity Com-
mitiioiicr* to
make nvw
Scheme^.

5. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time in the
exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction frame Schemes for the altera*
tion of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes be
not inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools
Acts, 1869, 1873, 1S74.

Date ot
Scheme.

6. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which, under the
provisions of the said other Scheme, the administration of the said
Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation passes to
the Governors constituted under that Scheme.

CHARITY COMMISSION.

In the Matter of the Foundations respectively known as PEL-
HAM'S CHARITY, CONWAY'S CHARITY, DORMERS
CHARITY, CHURCH'S CHARITY, WAINWRIGHT'S
CHARITY, THE SAW PIT HOUSE CHARITY,
FREER'S GRANT, and THE KING'S HILL FARM
CHARITY, in the Borough of WYCOMBE, in the County
of BUCKINGHAM ; and

In the Matter of the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, and
1874.

Scheme for applying for the Advancement of Education the
Endowments of the above-mentioned Foundations.

1. It is hereby declared, with the consent of the Governing Body,
that it is desirable to apply for the advancement of education the
Endowments of these Foundations so far as not already so appli-
cable.

Advanceme
of cducatioc

2. From and after the date of this Scheme, these Foundations
and their E ndowments shall be part of the Foundation regulated by
a Scheme made under the Endowed Schools Acts, 1869, 1873, and

Union with

another

Foundation

1X74, under the name of the Wycombe Grammar School and Alms-
house Foundation, and shall be administered according to the pro-
visions of the said other Scheme.

Voting pr«j-

Charily Com-
mivtioncrt lu
make new
Scheme.

3. From and after the date' of this Scheme, all lands and here-
ditaments, not being copyhold, belonging to these Foundations, and
all terms, estates, and interests therein, shall vest in the Official
Trustee of Charity Lands and his successors in trust for the said
Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation ; and all
copyhold hereditaments belonging to these Foundations, and all terms,
estates, and interests therein, shall be vested in like manner upon
such terms and conditions as shall be agreed upon between the
lord of the manor ; and all stock in the public funds and other
securities belonging to these Foundations shall be transferred to and
vest in the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds in trust for the
said Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation.

4. The Charity Commissioners may from time to time in the
exercise of their ordinary jurisdiction frame Schemes for the altera-
tion of any portions of this Scheme, provided that such Schemes be
not inconsistent with anything contained in the Endowed Schools
Acts, 1869, 1873, and 1874.

Date of
Scheme.

5. The date of this Scheme shall be the day on which, under the
provisions of the said other Scheme, the administration of the said
Wycombe Grammar School and Almshouse Foundation passes to
the Governors constituted under that Scheme.

'45

WYCOMBE GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND ALMSHOUSE

FOUNDATION.

LIST OF GOVERNORS, 1878.

Cooptative Governors mentioned in the Scheme.

The Rev. Robert Chilton.
James Tiiurlow.
Randolph Henry Crewe.
Charles Strange.
Thomas John Reynolds.
Herbert Simmonds, and
William Rose.

Representative Governors.

^ . i Appointed by the Town Council of

William Phillips and \ f „ , r ~, . ,,,

•-! the Borough of Chopping \\ v-

George Wheeler l * rr *

V combe.

George Long and f Appointed by the Local Board for

Alfred Stone \ the Parish of Chopping Wycombe.

Appointed by the School Board for
Thomas Marshall <( the Borough of Chepping Wy-

combe.

Appointed by the School Board for
the Parish of Chepping Wycombe.

Appointed by the Justices of the
Peace of the County of Bucking-
ham, acting for the Petty Ses-
sional Division in which the Parish
of Chepping Wycombe is situate.

Appointed by the Justices of the
Alfred Gilbey \ Peace for the Borough of Chep-

ping W r ycombe.

t t

Daniel Clarke

The Rev. George Piiillimore
Sir Philip Rose, Bart.

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