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FENLAND
NOTES & QUERIES.
FOR THE FENLAND,
IN THE COUNTIES OF HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGE,
LINCOLN, NORTHAMPTON, NORFOLK,
AND SUFFOLK.
EDITED BY
^ //. Bernard Saunders,
RR. Hist Soc,
Author of "Legends and Traditions of Huntmgdonshire/*
VOL. I.
[From April rst, 1889, to Oct ist, 1891,]
PETERBOROUGH : ^
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEO. C. CASTER, MARKET PLACE. \
X89I. I
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PETEEBOROUGH *.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GEO. C. CASTER,
MARKET PLACE.
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REFACE.
On the completion of the first Volume of " Fenland Notes
AND Queries," the Editor desires to express his gratitude to tJie
numerous Contrilutors who^ dwring the past three yearSy have
assisted him in rmking the Magazine a success. The support it
has met with has mme than ^stifled its existence. It has on all
sides deen kindly and cordially received, not only anwngst
Antiquaries, Imt hy others interested in the History and FolJchre
of the District The utility and strength of such a Magazine
depmds chiefly vpm its Contributors, and aWwvgh a list of these
is published in this Volume, there are of course many others whx>
have concealed their identity under a nom deplume or hy mitials.
Still to all the Editor'* s sincere thanks are due.
With the completion of this Volume the Magazine changes
Editors. Pressure of other literary work has compelled Mr.
Saunders to retire frcm that position, hut the Magazine will gain
immensely by the change, as the Rev. W. D. Sweeting, M.A.,
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I PBEFACB.
I
^ Vwar of Maxey^ and formerly for rmny years EdMcyr of
\ " Northamptonshire Notes and Queries," has consented to
, carry on the worTc. Mr. Sweeting's reputation as an Antigmry^
and as the autJwr of numerous Archmological Worhs^ are so well
! hnown^ that every reader of " Fenland Notes and Queries "
^ will be pleased to learn of his acceptance of the 'position. No one^
however^ %s more pleased than the retiring Editor^ who will never
^, cease to be interested in the welfare of the Magazine over whose
W. H. B. S.
Peterborough, January, 1892.
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€IONTRIBUTORS.
Mr. W. Andrews, F. R Hist. S., HuU.
Mr. J. li. Blake, Peterborough.
Mr. J. W. Bodger, Peterborough.
Rev. Neville Borton, The Vicarage,
Bnrwell, Cambs.
Mr. Carter, Kimbolton,
Mr. C. J, Caswell, Homcastle.
Rev. F. Carlyon, Leverington.
Mr. A. S. Canham, Crowland.
Mr. Chas. Dawes, London Hospital.
Mr. O. Dack, Peterborough.
Rev. R. H. Bdlestone, MA., Gain-
ford Vicarage, Darlington.
Mr. N. Edis, Stamford.
Mr. S. Egar, Wryde, Thomey.
Mr. J. Fevre, Whittlesey.
Major W. E. Foster, Aldershot.
Mr. Fickling, B.A, St. Peter's Col-
lege, Peterborough.
Lord Bsrn^ Gordon, Paxton Hall.
Mr. C. Golding, Colchester.
Mr. W. W. Green, Manea.
Mr. W. B. Ground, Castle House,
Whittlesey.
Mr. C. Hercy, 41, Great Russell
Street, London.
Mr. Geo. Hughes, Horwich, Bolton.
Mr. S. Jarman, St. Ives.
Mr. J. Johnson, B.A.
Rev. R. D. Jones, St. Mary's Vicarage,
Wisbech.
Mr. T. Lawrence, The Grove, Ham-
mersmith, London.
Rev. T. H. Le Boeuf, Rector of
Crowland.
Mr. W. C. Little, Stagholt, March.
Mr. Henry Littlehales.
Mr. H. S. Miller, F.R'Astronomical
and Meteorological Societies,
Lowestoft.
Rev. G. W. Macdonald, M.A., St.
Mark's Vicarage, Holbeach.
Rev. C. ;R. Manning, F.S.A., Diss
Rectory, Norfolk.
Mr. N. H. Mason, 35, Maclise Road.
W. Kensington.
Rev. W. M. Noble, Ramsey.
Mr. Herbert E. Norris, F.E.S., St.
Ives.
Rev. J. R. Olorenshaw, Soham.
Miss Mabel Peacock, Bottesford
Manor, Brigg.
Dr. Marten Perry, Spalding.
Mr. Justin Simpson, Stamford.
Rev. W. D. Sweeting, M.A., Vicarage,
Maxey.
Rev. C. E. Walker, M.A., Rectory,
March.
Mr. W. H. Wheeler, C.E., Boston,
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IsiST OF Illustrations.
PAGE.
A Chart of Whittlesea Mere Frontispiece
Arms of the Aveling Family of Whittlesea ... ... 69
Aveling Monmnent at Whittlesea •.. ... ••• 1^
Gainsborough's Picture of Master Heathcote, 1773 ... 117
Ancient Tomb Slab discovered at Orowland ... ... 133
St. John the Baptist's Chnrch, Soham... ... ... 1^9
Humphrey Tyndall's Monument ... ... ... ••• 236
^ <inimy1a WonOPttl'" .. .„ ... ... ... 237
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Index i .-(general).
Abbot of Thomey's
Court at Stamford,
148
Abbots of Ramsey, 113
Abbotsley Church
House (1519), 193
Abraham Gill of
Manea, 108
Accidents at Lynn
Ferry, 31
Acre Silver, 126
Adventurers, 41, 145,
347
Altering Surnames, 110
Ancient Custom at
Bourn, 43
Annals of Peakirk, 350
Apostles' Coats at Hol-
beach, 9
Apreece of Washingley,
82
Aukham Eels, 46
Bailiff of Whittlesey
Mere, 40
Beach Gravels, 1
Bedford Level in 1661,
123
Bells, 366
Bells of Tydd St.
GUes, 293
Benedictine Convent
at Chatteris, 41
Benedictine Order, 41
Bloody Oaks, 353
Breaking of Fen Banks,
75,347
Breaking of Murrow
Bank, 347
Briefs, 9, 92, 373
Bronze Celt found at
Crowland, 4
Brownes of Walcot, 361
Buried at Cross Roads,'
83
Buried Forest, 2
Buried upright at
Soham, 116
Burghley House taken
by Storm, 82
BurweU Church, 273
Burwell, Fire at, 24
Canals, 40
Candlesticks, 7
Carthusian Order, 41
Cathedral at Soham,
165
Centenarian, 7
CharacteristicFeatures
of Fen History, 67
Charms, 71
Chastity, Vow of, 21
Chatteris Market, 276
Church Service inter-
rupted at Thomey,
230
Churches at Whittle-
sey, 7
Cinerary TJms found
at Crowland, 4
Olaypoles of Market
Deeping, 140
Clocks, 371
Coal found at Crow-
land, 4
Conflicting Theories in
Fen History, 1
Crowland Abbey Re-
storation, 206
Crowland Abbey, Sup-
pression of, 65
Crowland Notes, 84,
111, 173, 211
Crowland and Whittle-
sey in 1792, 253
Curates of Soham, 305
Curious Funeral at
Lynn, 360
Curious Public House
Signs in the Fens,
260
Curious Occurrence sfi
Wisbech, 277
Curious Superstitions,
126, 206
Customs in Collecting
Fen Tithes, 57
Danger in Crossing
the Wash, 18
Dangers of Lynn Har-
bour, 18
Decoys, 19
Defoe's Visit to Lynn
and Isle of Ely, 16
Deodand at Helpstone,
352
Discovery at Crowland
Abbey, 133
Discovery of Silver
Coins at Holbeach,
254
Doddington, Vow of
Chastity at, 21
Downham, Local
Rhyme at, 27, 47
Drainage Mills, 24, 74,
195, 215, 248, 289
Droves, 122, 123
Drowned Condition of
the Fens in 1740, 143
Earthquakes in the
Fenland, 28, 152
Elvin's Dictionary of
Heraldry, 95
Ely at the End of the
17th Century, 291
Ely, Briefs at, 9
Estates of the Fellowes
Family, 15
Excavations at Crow-
land, 2
Felix, Saint, 165
Fen Droves, 123
Fen History, 1
Index, Vol. I.
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X.
FINLAND NOTES AND QUERIES
Fen Provincialisms, 48,
88
Fen Pumps, 195, 215,
Fen Tigers, 63, 84
248, 289
Fenland Holmes, 25
Fenland Parishes in
1340, 136, 179
Fenland Proverbs and
Quaint Sayings, 91 ,
Fenland Superstitions,
71, 114, 126, 206
Fenland Towns in 1772,
218
Fenny Ferries, 40
Fens in 1613, 10
Fens in 1745, 220
Fens in 1774, 10
Fire at Burwell, 24
Fishes of the Fen, 12,
38
Floods, 9, 18, 22, 36,
329
Fogs, 14, 19
Folksworth in 1538,
195
Force Book, 126
Forest Buried, 2
Four Hundred Persons
Destroyed by a Coat
at Ramsey, 53
French Colony at Thor-
ney, 32, 41, 311
French Prisoner's Es-
cape from Norman
Cross, 190
French Refugees in the
Fens, 81
French Register at
Thomey, 42
George Fox in the
Fenland, 312
Ghastly Legend of
Holbeach, 82
G.N. Railway, 21
Governor of Whittle-
sey and Crowland,
339
Great Fire at Ramsey
(1731), 129, 146
Guide to the Fenland,
128
Gull, 347
Hawkins of Marsh-
land, 53
Heathcotes of Con-
nington Castle, 117
Health of the Fens, 18
Hemp Growing at Wis-
beach, 18
Herod's Coat at Hol-
beach, 64
High Dole at Gedney,
344
History of Holbeach,
223
History of Soham, 163,
231, 297, 366
Hockey, Horkey, or
Hawkey, 114, 146,
188
Hocktide, 188
Holbeach, Apostles'
Coats at, 9
Holbeach Vicars, 56
Holmes, 25
Homage, Jurors of the,
' 8
Hopper Supper, 189
Horns and Skull found
at Crowland, 251
Horseshoe Supersti-
tion, 71
Houghton Church, 93
Hung in Chains in
Guyhim Wash, 216,
261
Huntingdonshire
Grievances in 1642,
242
Huntingdonshire Liv-
ings in 1291, 201
Huntingdonshire
Manors, 375
Huntingdonshire Won-
ders, 46
Hunts. andCambs. and
the Spanish Armada,
278
Ice Boat, 38
Inn Signs, 127
Inundations of the
Sea, 2, 347
Joisse Book, 126
Jubilee of Geo. III. at
Deeping, 206
Jurors of the Homage,
8
Keeper of Whittlesey
Mere, 40
Kesteven, Brief for, 9
Knights of the Royal
Oal? in Hunts., 314
Killing no Murder, 15
Labeleye's View of the
Fens (1745), 197
Lawrence of St. Ives,
140
Layman's Mediaeval
Prayer Book, 136
Leeds Family, 290
Legend of Holbeach, 82
Legend of March, 16
Legend of Peter-
borough, 325
Legend of Whittlesey
Mere, 156
Leland and the Fen
Country, 126
Leverington Rectory
Act, 349
Leverington, Whirl-
wind Cakes at, 27
Library, Destruction
of, at Ramsey, 15
Lincolnshire Rampers,
51
Lincolnshire Tales, 72
Littleport, Brief for, 9
Local Rhymes, 44
Lynn Ferry, 31
Lynn Hospital, 244
Lynn Hustings, 244
Manea in 1748, 73
March, Legend of, 16
Market and Fair at
Whittlesey, 290
Marriage Banns in
Boston Market Place,
51
Martyrdom at Nor-
wich, 47
Masses for the Dead, 66
Mediaeval Features in
Fenland Churches,
94
Metrical Description
of the Fens, 319
MiUer's Toll Dish, 297,
319
Miracle Plays, 64
Moated Houses in the
Fenland, 206
Monumental Inscrip-
tions in St. John's,
Peterborough, 354
Monumental Inscrip-
tions in St. Mar-
garet's, Lynn, 77,
152, 207, 282
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IITDBX I. — (general).
XI.
Monumental Inscrip-
tions at Soham, 306
Monumental Inscrip-
tions in St. Mary's,
Lynn, 115
Monumental Inscrip-
tions in Thomey
Abbey, 32
Monumental Inscrip-
tions at Whittlesey
St. Mary, 99
Monumental Inscrip-
tions at Willingham,
138
Moulton Vicarage, 51
Mumping Day at
Chatteris, 27
Names of Towns and
Villages in the Fens,
254
Nene between Peter-
borough and Wis-
bech, 324
Norfolk Mail Robbed,
24
Notes on Crowland, 84,
111, 173, 211
Nunnery at Chatteris,
41
Odes on the Fens, by
Thos. Wells, 294
Orford's(Lord) Voyage
round the Fens, 10
Origin of Gedney, 84
Pancake Bell, 20
Parclose Screen, 230
Parish Church of
Whaplode, 114
Parish Registers of
March, 158
Parish Registers of
Whittlesey, 5
Parochial Certificates,
373
Participants, 42
Paston Letters, 288, 366
Peat, 4, 12
Peterborough in 1774,
175
Pins Stuck in the
Heart of a Pigeon,
71
Pleasures of the Fens,
13
Poulter and Throg-
morton Families, 197
Presentation of Ed.
Lee to Crowland,
132
Price of Wheat at
Ramsey in 1317, 36
Prodigy at Somersham,
138
Proverbs and Quaint
Sayings, 91
Provincialisms, 88, 151
Quaint Sayings and
Proverbs, 91
Quakers, 6
Queen Ann's Bounty, 7
Queen Katten's Day at
Peterborough, 55
Quicksands, 11
Railway Making Across
the Fen, 21
Raining Wheat at
Bourn, 206
Ramsey Aits, or
Heights, 294, 311
Ramsey, Great Fire at,
129, 146, 176
Ramsey, History of,
39
Ramsey Pancake Bell,
20
Rare Clock, 261
Rare Occurrence, 243
Records of Fenland
Marriages, 60
Records of Finds, 27
Rectors of Crowland,
106
Remarkable Journey
from Wisbech, 30
Restoration of St. Mar-
garet's ChurchjLynn,
210
Rhymes, Local, 44
Richard BroomhaU of
St. Ives, 188
Robert I^ymente of
Diddington, 193
Robert Vigerous of
Spalding, 330
Roman Coins found at
Gedney, 344
' Roman Coins found at
Peterborough, 251
Roman Coins f oxmd at
Tholomas Drove, 345
Roman Roads, 345
Rood Loft Piscina at
Maxey, 113
Sailing Distances on
Whittlesey Mere, 38
Salmon in the Nene,
244
Seven Townships of
Marshland, 314
Shelrode, 39
Shrove Tuesday, 20
Siege of Crowland, 173
Sluices Blown Up
(1712), 146
Soham and the Long
Parliament, 163
Soham, Brief at, 9, 10
Soham Free School, 127
Soham Mere, 156
Soham Mere, John
Holder of, 22
Soham Residents in the
16th Century, 360
Somersham, Brief at, 9
Somersham in 1728,
194
Spalding Gentlemen's
Society, 251
Spalding Races, 10
Sports, 13
St. Ipolett, 199
St. Ives Mercury, 71
State Prisoners at Wis-
bech, 47, 203
Stilton and Warboys
in 1502, 189
Stiltwalkers, 13
Stocks and Whipping
Posts, 287, 364
Storm at Bourne, 28
Storms on Whittlesey
Mere, 39
Story of Bricstan of
Chatteris, 262, 283
Superstitions, 71, 114,
126, 206
Suppression of Crow-
land Abbey, 65
Surgeons, Royal Col-
lege of, 34
Tempests, 23
Theories in Fen His-
tory, 1
Thomey Abbey, 83, 147
Thomey French Re-
gisters, 312
Thomey, Survey of, 41
Thomey Volunteer In-
fantry (1803-5), 128
Total Eclipse of the
Sun (1715), 56
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zu.
FENLAND NOTES AND QUERIES
Trade Tokens at Chat-
teris, 179
Train Bands in the
Fens, 96
Tmnnli at Orowland, 3
Tmntdus at Parson
Drove, 345
Turf Houses, 244, 278
Underwood Family of
Whittlesey^|3T, 195,
339
Vicars of Soham, 240
Vicars of St. John's,
Peterborough, 224
Vow of Chastity at
Doddington, 21
Voyage from Cam-
bridge to Lynn, 176
Voyage Round the-
Fens, 10
Warborongh Beacon,
315
Water Parties on
Whittlesey Mere, 230
Water Spout at Deep-
ing, Cowbit, Moul-
ton, 54
Water Traffic, 17
Whaplode Drove
Ohnrch in Chancery,
255
Where the Battle of
Stamford was fought,
352
Whipping Posts and
Stocks, 287, 354
Whirling Sunday at
Leverington, 47
Whirlwind Cakes at
Leverington, 27
Whittlesey and Crow-
land in 1792, 253
Whittlesey Charities
Inquisition (1667),
266, 331
Whittlesey Deed of
Feoffment, 226
Whittlesey Mere Cen-
sers, 199
Whittlesey Mere, His-
tory of, 38
Whittlesey Mere in
1786, 37, 230
Whittlesey Mere,
Legend of, 156
Widows, 21
Wild Fowl of the Fen,
12, 19, 38
WiU 0* the Wisps, 287
Willof Margaret Ashby
of Walcot, 245
Will of a Peterborough
Citizen, 121
Will of Wm. Bevill of
Chesterton, 178
Wills of C. and A.
Swinscoe of Peter-
borough, 341
Windsor Park owned
by a Wisbechian, 365
WinnoldFair, 47
Wisbech Castle and its
Prisoners, 19
Wisbech ChurchTower,
72
Wisbech in 1740, 130
Wisbech School of
Industry, 273
Wisbech St. Mary's
Church, 59
Wiseman Family of
Eastrea Hall, 97
Wise Woman of Mar-
ket Deeping, 244
Woodward Family, 130
Yaxley Barracks in
1807, 176
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Index il-cpersons).
Abbot, 338
Aelfwine, 39
Affen, 224
Agnes, 280
Ainsworth, 360
Alberd, 180
Albin, 63
Aldred, 279
Alexander, 309
Aleyn, 182
Algar, 122
Algerinns, 166
AUen, 186, 209, 244
Allington, 341
Aired, 181
Amable, 180
Andrews,51, 330
Anger, 6
Angood, 277
Ansell, 34
Antwessell, 363
Apreece, 40, 41, 82,
268, 314
Arketm, 180, 224
Armistead, 237, 305
Ashley, 245, 305
Ashton, 359
Askham, 194
Aspelon, 181
Aspland, 127, 181
Asplow, 147
Assewell, 151
Atherstan, 166
Atkin, 77, 289, 346
Atkinson, 362
Attenborough, 61
Aubri, 181
Aubnme, 213
Auder, 282
Anla, 137
Anrey, 147
Aveling, 8, 57, 61, 100,
101, 102, 103, 369
Aylemar, 180
Ayre, 244
Bacchus, 279
Bacon, 194
Baghnse, 149
BaUey, 8, 32, 33, 36,
122, 129, 176, 273
Bald, 181
Baldeswell, 147, 149
Balding, 282
Baldwer, 213
Baldwick, 147
Baldwin, 147
Balguy, 355
Ball, 181, 364
Banks, 61, 306
Barber, 35, 62, 129
Barker, 82, 180
Barnard, 194, 245, 361
Barnes, 279, 360
Bamet, 234
Baroun, 181
Barrett, 158
Barrow, 298
Barton, 280
Basset, 285
Batisf ord, 279
Bande, 245
Baye, 181
Bayliff, 181
Bayston, 224
Bazeley, 194
BeaJe, 99, 226, 282,
332
Beaty, 359
Beaxunys, 180
Bedells, 180, 281, 282
Bedford, Earl, 32
BeharreU, 161
Belknap, 316
Bell, 190, 302, 363
Bellenden, 66
Beloe, 314
Belwood, 316
Bemmington, 372
Bencraft, 161
Bend, 348
Bennett, 154
Benson, 107
Bentley, 146, 194
Benyon, 14
Beresford, 137
Bernard, 280, 362
Bemes, 231
Bemys, 306
Berrow, 359
Berry, 235
Bertchmen, 149
Besteney, 239, 306
Betham, 359
Betonn, 180
Betts, 61
Beverley, 341
BeviU, 57, 178, 197,
272, 332
Bigge, 181, 194
Biggs, 282
BiUups, 277
Bird, 140
Birton, 147
Bishop, 6
BlackweU, 373
Blagge, 318
Blake, 16, 259
Blatt, 194
Blaze, 266
Blencowe, 64
Blenkinsop, 241
Block, 343
Bluck, 305
Bludwick, 98
Bliindell,107,255
Blyth, 61
Boardman, 160
Bodenham, 82
Bodger, 37, 139
Bodham, 81, 183
Bogy, 240
Bohun, 224
Bolde, 297
Bolham, 224
Bolland, 317
Bolnest, 280
Bond, 281, 367
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XIV.
FENLAND NOTES AND QUERIES
Bonfield, 277
Bonfoy, 93, 194
Bonner, 181
Bontemps, 42
Boon, 6, 8
Borks, 306
Bossett, 327
Boston, Lord, 52
Bothway, 359
Bothwell, 340
BoteUer, 181, 182
Bothamley, 262
Boton, 224
Bonder, 365
Bourning, 183
Bonltbee, 103
Bower, 26, 213
Bowker, 100, 106, 327
Boyce, 273
Bracenbnry, 26
Bracker, 106
Bradford, 273
Bradley, 156
Brann, 181
Braunche, 77
Bray, 211
Brewster, 224
Briant, 369
Bricstan, 262, 283
Bridge, 305
Briggs, 6, 84
Brithmer, 168
Broke, 318
Bromley, 194
Broomhall, 188
Brounyg, 180
Brown, 60, 64, 86, 115,
122, 129, 159, 245,
305, 316, 343, 361
Brownel, 194
Brownlo, 95
Brownlow, Lord, 40
Bryant, 208
Bryhte, 180
Buckle, 230
Bngge, 239
BuU, 7, 305
Bulmere, 240
Bunting, 147
Burch, 110
Burdock, 327
Burgess, 100, 181
Burgh, 148
Burghard, 240
Burghley, Lord, 87
Burie, 279
Burleigh, 364, 365
Bumham, 273
Burroughs, 372
Butcher, 107
Butler, 107, 280
Butt, 305
Bycroft, 60
Byll, 122
Cabeck, 80
Calle, 288
Gallon, 181
Calton, 281
Calpy, 199
Camden, 82
CamweU, 341
Carrowe, 279
Carte, 180
Carter, 41, 61, 224
Carysfort, Lord, 40
Caster, 131
Castleton, 207
Catesby, 20
Catlyn, 180, 275
Cavendish, 194
Cawthom, 171, 277,
300
Cecil, 39, 87, 246, 364
Chabert, 208
Chacumb, 148
Chad, 27, 47
Chamberlain, 61
Chambers, 379
Chaplin, 279
Chapman, 60, 224, 343
Charles, 82
Chatenden, 180
Chaunterel, 181
Cheeke, 342
Chennery, 80
Cherwight, 363
Chester, 81, 150
Chevis, 370
Chicheley, 236
Chiselden, 358
Christian, 373
Churchill, Lady, 15
Clack, 367
Claggett, 274
Clapham, 35, 87
Clarke, 5, 61, 63, 182,
261, 277, 358
Claxon, 8
Clay, 43
Claypole, 6, 140, 303,
342, 362
Clench, 240
Clere, 180
Clerenans, 180
Clerk, 181
Cley, 343
OUci, 137
Clipson, 8
Coape, 179
Cobley, 348
Cockayne, 232, 308, 310
Cockshott, 305
Codling, 82
Cok, 137, 180
Cole, 195
Colebie, 143
Colman, 188
Colewal, 181
Collins, 305
Colls, 273
ColviUe, 266, 336
Colyn, 180
Coney, 182, 282
Conmers, 106
Cook, 207, 294, 362
Cooper, 301, 303
Cope, 195, 361
Copeman, 305
Coppinger, 255
Cordel, 6, 281
Coren, 239, 241, 303
Comaschall, 361
Cornwall, Earl of , 39
Cornwallis, 62
Cotton, 39, 40, 194
Coulson, 271
Coupe, 181
Covell, 364
Coveney, 267, 269, 331
Coward, 360
Cowling, 60
Oowper, 281
Cox, 358
Coyne, 159
Craddock, 20
Crane, 129, 180, 181
CranweU, 131,195,282
Craunfeld, 180
Craven, 313
Oreede, 344
Creene, 805
Cremer, 80, 115
Cressener, 172, 300
CressweU, 282
Crisp, 137
Cristmasse, 154
CromweU, 15, 63, 173,
338
Cropley, 279, 360
Cropwell, 279
Crosse, 362
Crow, 371
Orystys, 180, 280
Cumbers, 310
Cunnington, 62
Cursol, 32, 41
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on>EX iL— -(persons).
XV.
Cnrtis, 7, 180, 194,
277, 343, 356
Gnsance, 149
Dalton, 281
Dande, 181
Dane, 280
Daniel, 281
Danois, 32, 312
Darby, 306
Darville, 9
Datimo, 224
Davie, 266, 269, 272,
279
Davis, 266, 343
Dawbam, 330
Dawbeny, 288
Dawson, 266, 269
Day, 269
Defoe, 16
Deighton, 65, 305
De la Launde, 353
De la Poll, 232
De la Rue, 357
Dennes, 307
Dennison, 131
Denny, 33
Denshaw, 248
Denshire, 26
Denton, 181
Derisley, 309, 310
Desbrow, 365
Despaigne, 43
D'BstimauviUe, 61
Deverenx, 247
De Wake, 147
Dicey, 72
Dickerson, 64
Dickinson, 343, 350
Digby, 26, 63, 177
Digbyn, 122
Dighton, 65
Dike, 182
Dingley, 194
Dinham, 259
Dionis, 137
Dixie, 300
Dobede, 307, 309, 369
Debet, 305
Docwra, 232, 308
Dodson, 124
Dorset, 357
Dow, 269, 271
Dowe, 306
Dowman, 232, 308
Downes, 8, 290
Downhall,343
Downing, 343
Doyley, 194
Drake, 266
Draper, 282
Drawer, 158
Drayton, 10
Drewel, 197
Dring, 179
Drury, 194, 230
Dugdale, 36, 39
Dygnll, 85
Bade, 81
Eardley, 340
Earlwin, 299
Edgar, King, 39
Edis, 115
Bdmnnd, 137
Bdmundson, 273
Edward, 137
Edwards, 60, 64, 185,
266, 350
Egar, 216
Eldred, 356
Elsden, 237, 371
Elton, 374
Elwes, 5
Ely, Bishop of, 21
Elys, 137
Emerson, 60
Eresby, 338
Erhethe, 137
Etheric, 166
Eton, 137
Eugo, 137
Eustace, 137
Everard, 64, 180, 185,
210
Ewin, 235
Exeter, Countess of,
82, 344
Exeter, Earl of, 364
Exton, 184
Facon, 64
Fairbum, 26
Fairchild, 61, 106
FaHwoUe, 137
Far, 140
Farmerie, 42
Farthing, 183, 185
Faulkus, 241
Fawcett, 360
February, 161
Feckenham, 204
Fellowes, 14
Fenkell, 316
Fermer, 180
Fermor, 317
Fforde, 132
Ffygen, 188
Field, 63
Fiennes, 291
FiUey, 356
Finch, 370
Fisher, 63, 224, 225,
301, 303, 356, 369,
370
Fitzwilliam, 40, 364
Flahau, 36
Fleetwood, 340
Flemyng, 180
Fletcher, 305, 364
Flexman, 180
Flower, 62
Flowers, 60
Folkes, 137, 279
Foreman, 224
Forester, 137
Forkington, 194
Forster, 6, 8, 9
Fortrey, 319
Foster, 279
Fox, 301, 312
Francis, 301, 305
Fraunceys, 224
Frear, 227
Freeman, 368
Freer, 326, 364
Frekenberg, 150
French, 179
Frere, 181
Freschs, 149
Freyshwater, 180
Frisby, 6
Frohock, 139
Fryer, 277
Frysell, 317
Furgusson, 25
Fykeys, 180
Fysh, 115
Gainsford, 138
Gales, 266
Gambal, 6
Gamelyn, 180
Ganelok, 180
Gardner, 93
Garlyk, 181
Gamer, 61, 195
Garsham, 306
Grascoigne, 225
Gates, 6, 269
Gauston, 239, 303
Gent, 161
Gerband, 180
German, 266
Gemorm, 181
Gerold, 180
Gerveys, 137
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xyi.
FENLiND NOTES AND QUERIES
Gery, 280
Gewene, 137
Gibbons, 24
Gibbs, 62
GHbert, 225, 306
Gile, 181
Giles, 303
GiU, 108
Girdeon, 281
Girdlestone, 32, 33, 35
Glapthome, 40, 332
Gleive, 181
Goakes, 161
Goat, 266
Godfrey, 131, 281
Goe, 60
Goldesberougb, 367
Golding, 8, 53, 273
Goldsbrow, 370
Gooche, 107
Goodman, 26, 359
Goodrich, 73, 137
Goodrick, 280
Goodson, 63
Goodwin, 60
Goodyer, 258
Gore, 306
Gorges, 374
Gossling, 327
Gotdd, 163
Granger, 266
Grant, 61
Gravye, 279
Gray, 63
Graype, 280
Green, 77, 163, 194, 196
Gregory, 225
Grenehall, 121
Greneham, 87
Grey, 345
Griffiths, 102
Ground, 8, 67, 98, 226,
332, 340
Grummer, 298
Gryndell, 224
Guerin, 32
Gunn, 348
Gunning, 298
Gnnton, 225
Gylate, 282
Gyles, 107
HaeU, 282
Haggitt, 301, 306
Hake, 101
Hale, 137
Hales, 344
HaU, 277, 303, 362, 364
HaUe, 137
Hame, 180
Hammond, 146, 194
Hamond, 236, 308
Hancoc]^ 279
Handasyde, 194
HanMn, 36, 181
Hanlounde, 181
Hare, 19, 139, 224
Harly, 7
Harmston, 63
Hameys, 180
Harrington, 173, 248,
330, 364
Harrison, 25
Hart, 61, 115, 226
Harwood,171,300,306
HasiU, 279
Hatton, 316
Haughton, 305
Hawkins, 53, 172, 300
Hawley, 114
Haydook, 316
Haylett, 208
Haynes, 99, 103
Hayward, 181
Hease, 6
Hechsetter, 297
Heins, 131
Helder, 22
Helpiston, 147
Hemment, 6, 61
Hemont, 226
Henderson, 62
Henryson, 306
Heron, 138, 342
Herrof, 137
Hervi, 181
Heselarton, 147, 149
Hewerdine, 161
Hewet, 124
Hewit, 61
Hexham, 375
Heyr, 137
Hicke, 181
Higham, 98, 273
Highfield, 281
HiU, 6, 226, 305
Hindes, 289
Hisme, 161
Hitch, 280
Hix, 277
Hobson, 101, 359
Hode, 345
Hodges, 293
Hodgson, 305
Hodilowe, 279
Hodson, 128
Hody, 240
Hogg, 186, 187, 207
Hoggard, 6
Holdich, 33, 103, 104
Holland, 188, 338, 372
HoUes, 111
HoUiwell, 280
HoUy, 182, 184, 185
Holmes, 305
Homerston, 280
Hoogan, 81
Hopay, 181
HopMnson, 28, 64, 351
Hopton, 339
Home, 26, 173
Hosebande, 180
Hosier, 316
Hoste, 209
Hotchkin, 104
Houghton, 195
Household, 8, 161
Hovedon, 28
How, 306
Howett, 306
Howlet, 181
Howson, 6
Hubbert, 211
Huddylston, 306
Hudson, 137
Hughes, 71
Hulington, 141
Hummings, 61
Hunt, 34, 63
Hurst, 366, 372
Husee, 181
Hussey, 132
Hutchinson, 99, 132
Hutton, 128
Hyan, 5
Hyde, 63
Hynde, 317
Ilett, 277
Iley, 280
lUmgworth, 245
Image, 225
Imrie, 305
Ingle, 210
Ingram, 62, 206
Irby, 52, 342
Ives, 332
Jackson, 26, 211, 348
Jacob, 180
James, 9, 108, 109, 226
JenMzison, 131
Jennyngs, 188
Jessop, 240
Jobson, 162
Johnson, 51, 61, 83,
106,257,280,327,348
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INDEX n.— (persons).
xvu.
Johnston* 225
Jones, 59,138,281,305
Jnel, 181
Jtirdon, 180
Jnrin, 358
Jnstise, 181
Eeble, 116
KebyU, 318
Kelful, 8, 271
Kemble, 177
Kendal, 210
Kennet, 7, 244
Kent, 127, 195, 282
Kentish, 101
Kerbook, 147
Kettlethorp, 149
Key, 224
Kidd, 80
Kimberley, 348
Kinderley, 40
King, 7, 64, 138, 160,
266, 269
Kingerley, 348
Kirkes, 280
Knight, 194
Knolteshall, 147
Knowles, 348
Knowlton, 352
Kormihil, 6
Kynesman, 224
Kyrkeham, 122
Kys, 81
Labeleye, 144, 220
Lacy, 361
Lambert, 35
Lane, 281
Langdale, 6
Langham, 306
Langthon, 304
Lattimer, 246
Launcelyn, 180
Laurence, 137, 140
Lavercock, 281
Laweman, 180
Lawrence, 63, 72, 113,
181, 194
Lawson, 305
Laxon, 97, 227, 267,
273, 332
Laxton, 355
Layf ord, 344
Layton, 61
Leaford, 143
Le Bceuf, 107
Le Comte, 357
Le Conte, 42
Leche, 149
Ledvertby, 132
Lee, 64, 107, 132, 147,
313
Leeds, 290
Lefort, 137
Leigh, 279
Leighton, 61
Leman, 194
Le Man, 180
LePla,32
Leroo, 26
Lesse, 154
Letts, 216
Levi, 54
Le Vemonn, 180
Le Warde, 180
Lewis, 26
Lier, 310
Likkesnot, 149
LiUey, 280
Lincoln, Bishop of, 20
Lincoln, Earl of, 40
LirteU, 116
Lister, 364
Lloyd, 207
Lodge, 52
Loftus, 355
Lone, 115
Loomes, 6, 8
Love, 240
Lovell, 318
LnmpkiQ, 91
Lutlingus, 167
Luttes, 137
Lyne, 281
Lyster, 146, 195
Macdonald, 56
Mackworth, 339
Madan, 62
Maldrie, 280
Malherbe, 147
MaUdn, 177
Mallett, 26
Man, 357
Manger, 137
Manipeny, 181
Manning, 131
Mapletoft, 299
March, 181, 280
Mareschal, 180
Margar, 180
Marlborough, 15
Marlin, 60, 280
Marmium, 149
Marriott, 195, 216
Marsh, 281
Marshall, 60, 159, 225,
280, 348
Martin, 64, 279, 294,
373
Maskew, 160
Mason, 7, 9, 94, 131
Massam, 63
Massy, 6
Mateshale, 137
Maulkinson, 61
Maxey, 272
May, 207, 307
Maydwell, 105
Mayer, 186
Mayhew, 137
McNeeve, 107
Mead, 358
Mears, 293, 373
Mechelone, 149
Meddowes, 365
Meggitt, 64
Meirs, 139
Mepereshale, 180
Merest, 309
Merser, 154
Messenger, 6
Meurant, 305
Meweyn, 180
Middleton, 63
Milcent, 181
Mildmay, 39, 40, 362
Miles, 303
Milhaem, 240
Milles, 15
Millsent, 57
Milnere, 137, 180
Mitchel, 6
Mobb, 161
MoUe, 137
Montague, 243, 354
Montfort, 149
Moore, 28, 52, 62, 98,
99, 102, 104, 106,
176, 236, 319
Morgan, 305
Morley, 127
Morris, 48, 74, 293
Morton, 74
Mostact, 249
Mousey, 305
Mowbray, 64
Munday, 317
Munsey, 139
Murgatroyd, 305
Nalson, 159
Naunton, 247
Naylor, 314
Neale, 74, 162, 255
Needier, 132
Negus, 277
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XVHl.
FENLANB NOTES ANI> QUSBIBS
NeiUe, 67» 353
Nelson, 80
NevUe, 149
NeviUe, 246, 317
Newborn, 76
Newby, 305
Newdick, 266, 269
Newman, 282, 366
Newsam, 305
Newzam, 60
Nicholans, 240
Nicholas, 180
Nichols, 348
Nickelson, 63
Nigellus, 346
Noble, 53, 180
Noon, 161
Norfolk, 127
Norton, 138
Norwood, 213
Oakley, 14
Gates, 62
Ogle, 86
Oldgate, 62
Oliver, 181
Orange, 64
Orford, 10, 210
Orgar, 181
Orman, 305
Orme, 266, 386, 356
Osboum, 367, 370
Outy, 181, 182
Overall, 129
Overton, 60, 134
Owayn, 137
Page, 305
Pagnam (Pakenham),
344
Paine, 26
Paley, 305
Palmer, 180, 282, 306,
361
Palmere, 180, 181
Pank, 61, 225
Paris, 306
Parker, 62, 181, 313
Parlett, 78, 79
ParneU, 313
Parre, 306
Parrott, 194
Parsoun, 181
Pate, 129
Patrick, 7
Payn, 181
Payne, 7
Peach, 280
Peacock, 72, 131
Pead, 60
Peak, 359
Pears, 60, 128
Pecche, 306
Peche, 239
Pechey, 307, 309
Pechy, 368
Peck, 261, 280
Pedley, 281
^egg, 174
Peirson, 34
Pelag, 181
Pelle, 248
Penn, 293
Percy, 247, 364
Perkins, 35
Perne, 107
Perrills, 341
Perrott, 247
Pessok, 137
Petchey, 239
Peyor, 85
Phage, 281
PhiUips, 26, 124, 371
Phillipson, 64
Pickering, 138, 248
Pierson, 218
Piggott, 204
Pilgryme, 279
Pinder, 350
Piribrok, 149
Playters, 124
Plommer, 282
Plmnmer, 367
Plumstead, 361
Pollard, 350
Porter, 180
Poulter, 197
Pounfreyt, 151
Power, 282
Powis, Earl of, 14
Powler, 122
Prate, 240
Pratt, 122, 225, 279,
280
Prescot, 93
Prestesman, 180
Preston, 64
Price, 290, 306, 351
Proby, 161
Procter, 60
P'triche, 154
Pujolas, 350
Pull, 305
Pulvertoft, 81, 357
Purdhomme, 181
ParMs, 131
Purson, 193
Pykeler, 180
Pymlow, 66
Pynder, 85
Qnarles, 122, 142, 319,
361
Quinton, 130
Raikes, 72
Ram, 173, 303, 330
Ramsey, Lord de, 15
Randall, 273
Randolf, 181
Rands, 266, 269
Ranulph, 169, 240
Raven, 137, 180
Raymente, 193
Read, 139, 140, 195,
266, 332
Reade, 280
Reay,'.6
Rede, 317
Reding, 147
Reede, 343
Reppes, 149
Richardes, 280
Richardson, 6, 8, 230,
277
Richars, 183
Riche, 317
Richmond, 62, 107
Rickett, 62
Rickman, 302
Ridley, 195, 239, 241,
303
Rignal, 369
Riley, 61
Ris, 34
Robbes, 181
Robertson, 184, 190,
208
Robins, 232
Robmson, 60, 131, 266,
269
Robyn, 181
Rokeby, 182
Rollett, 62
Rootham, 139
Rop, 343
Roper, 348
Rosamond, 161
Rosas, 116
Ross, 277
Rossiter, 137
Rothewell, 99
Rothwell, 262
Rous, 314
Bowe, 62
RoweU, 327, 357, 358
Rowen, 180
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niDEZ n.— (psbsc^b).
zix.
Rxissel, 181, 339
Russell, 181
Rust, 302
Rnston, 277
Ryngedale, 181
Sabberton, 277
Sabyn, 181
Saleby, 151
Salisbury, 233, 306
Salkyld, 106
SalUbanck, 281
Salmon, 81
Salt, 15
Sambrook, 356
Sandiver, 107
Sandwich, Lord, 10, 40
Sandys, 124
Sarvington, 281
Sanlter, 281
Saunders, 61
SayweU, 138
Scatter, 365
Schaulere, 147
Schefeld, 149
Schylingthon, 151
Scot, 180
Scribo, 107, 294
Scrubby, 240
Seaber, 371
Seaman, 279, 360
Searle, 57
Sears, 277
Selby, 6
Selede, 180
Selfe, 115
Senex, 152
Serecold, 63
Seward, 63, 277
Shaa, 317
ShairshaU, 122
Shanks, 309
Sharley, 299
Sharpe, 31, 318
Sheep, 266
Shelstone, 61
Shepherde, 160, 162
Sheppard, 194
Sherard, 230
Sheriff, 338
Shipman, 305
Shippe, 364
Shorten, 317
Sier, 180
Sigar, 275
Silton, 150
Silver, 370
Sisson, 62
Sizer, 368
Skeeles, 195, 277
Skeler, 363
Skootred, 280
Slack, 308
Slater, 173
Slater, 83
Sley, 241
Slow, 62
Smith, 6, 8, 14, 32, 33,
60, 61, 101, 104, 129,
132, 179, 235, 277,
305
Smithe, 279
Smyth, 180, 224
Snell, 160, 280
Snowden, 6
Sondes, Lord, 15
Sopere, 180
Sotheby, 278
South, 32
Southwell, 107, 355
Speechley, 7, 8, 57, 67,
266, 269, 271
Speed, 39
Spenser, 239
Spring, 371
Squire, 356
Staff, 8, 9
Stainbank, 293
Stalkere, 181
Stanes, 305
Stanroyd, 130
Statewile, 159
Staples, 371
Stenkyn, 280
Stephenson, 60
Sterne, 308
Steven, 280
Stevens, 139
StUes, 137, 173
Stockbum, 241
Stoddart, 313
Stona, 62, 98
Stone, 314
Storr, 61
St. Aubyn, 234
St. John, 246
StottnUe, 137
Stubbard, 137
Stubbolde, 343
Sturmyn, 280
Styles, 106, 213
Styvede, 21
Styward, 279
Swan, 279
Swann, 305
Swanson, 100
Swift, 61
Swinscoe, 341
Swinstead, 318
Syers, 226
Symons, 195
Sympson, 65
Tailboys, 336
Talbot, 370
Tasker, 60, 170, 301
Tayler, 184, 186
Taylor, 20, 60, 80, 240,
279, 806
Tebbit, 369, 370, 371
Tebbitt, 234
Tempest, 224
Teringham, 124
Tewth, 241
Thakker, 154
Tharbie, 279
Thewar, 181
Thirlby, 225
Thistleton, 64
Thompson, 62, 63, 64,
107, 194, 305
ThomhiU, 64, 119
Thornton, 153, 232, 239
Thorpe, 63
Throgmorton, 197
Thurgood, 280
Thursby, 266, 336
Tideman, 306
Tindale, 64
Tindall, 241
Todd, 344
Tomlinson, 60
Tompsonne, 159
Tomson, 122, 135
Tonworthe, 85
Tooley, 234
Toon, 61
Topping, 7, 9
Torell, 317
Torkington, 194
Townsend, 23, 156, 180
Trafford, 293
Trappe, 180
Treane, 281
Tresham, 20
Trice, 57
Triplow, 277
TroutbeU, 62
Trygg, 224
Tunstal, 47
Turner, 62, 332
Turtle, 62
Twells, 8
Tyers, 351
Tyffeyn, 180
Tyrrell, 318
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XX.
FENLAND NOTES AND QUERIES
UUett, 60
Undeme, 246
Underwood, 36, 99, 101,
103, 137, 272, 332,
339
Urlin, 299
Vance, 64
Veney, 10
Verdun, 61
Vermuyden, 145
Vemam, 341
Vigerous, 303, 330
Visme, 305
Vyse, 62
Waddington, 195
Wade, 280, 306
Wager, 224
Wagstaff, 305
Waide, 189
Wake, 60, 306
Walden, 314
Waldeschef, 149
Waldron, 225
Walker, 20, 60, 248,
305, 341
WaUer, 305
WaUis, 57, 101
Walsham, 159
Walter, 363
Waltham, 348
Walton, 132, 340
Wandley, 162
Wapp, 182
Warde, 181, 280, 282
Wardell, 208
Waring, 225
Warner, 348
Warren, 128, 147, 310
Warriner, 355
Warrock, 224
Waryn, 181
Waters, 363
Watson, 6, 8, 20, 33,
62, 83, 90, 204, 207
Waylott, 367
Wayne, 344
Wean, 180
Weatherby, 63
Webb, 290, 361
Webbe, 306
Webster, 8
Weddred, 226
Wedon, or Weedon,
298
Welby, 211
Welldon, 277
Welles, 337, 352
Wells, 33, 40, 84, 162,
224, 294
Weringg, 137
Werke, 316
West, 73, 137, 181,
306, 317, 371
Weston, 20, 101, 137,
204
Whale, 279
Whateley, 15
Wheatley, 329
Wheldale, 63
Whetston,137,215, 361
Which, 34
Whin, 305
Whiston, 138, 146
White, 62, 97, 204
Whitstons, 102
Whitting, 35
WignaU, 26
Wilbe, 294
Wildblood, 161
Wilkin, 308, 310
Wilkinson, 224, 248
Wihnot, 358
William, 181'
Williams, 160, 314, 341
Williamson, 52, 305
WiUoughby, 338
Wilson, 122, 301, 303,
305
Windle, 162
Windy, 161
Wing, 34, 128
Wingfield, 140, 247,
342
Winham, 305
Winter, 266
Wise, 279
Wiseman, 6, 97, 267,
270, 331
Wode, 189
Wodekoc, 180
Wodeward, 180
Wold, 181
Wollyngham, 306
Wolsey, 204
Wood, 279
Woodfall, 197
Woods, 22
Woodstock, 6
Worrall, 61
Wraight, 103
Wren, 32
Wressell, 31
Wrey, 312
Wright, 8, 62, 348
Wro, 137
Wryte, 181
Wyche, 131
Wyldbore, 116, 364,
355
Wyldebore, 325
Wylson, 101
Wymundle, 137, 182
Wyngfeld, 86, 361
Yarrow, 368
Yates, 6
Yaxlee, 306
Young, 184, 266, 327
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Index hi -(places).
Abbots Ripton, 92, 93,
181, 203
Abbotsley, 193
Abington, 280
Addlethorpe, 243
Alconbury Weston, 374
Alford, 353
Alwalton, 202, 357
Andover, 14
Aylington, 202
Ayscough Fee Hall, 62
Axholm, Isle of, 11, 26
Balsham, 279
Barford Bridge, 17
Bamack, 361
Barraway, 164, 303
Barton, 17, 279
Bassenhally Moor, 270
Baston, 62, 84
Beach Fen, 22
Bedford, 17
Bedford Level, 144
Benefield, 84
Bevil's River, 38, 40
Blackbush, 269
Bluntisham, 137, 203
Bodsey, 314
Borough Fen, 10, 64
Boston, 40, 44, 51, 62,
95,153,177,220,261,
313, 337
Bottisham, 279, 374
Bottlebridge, 201
Bonme (Cambs.), 279
Bourne (Lines.), 28, 43,
63,206,218,252,365
Brackley, 40
Brampton, 182, 201
Brandon, 10, 17, 145
Broughton, 181, 197
Buckden, 181
Bumham, 80
Burwell, 24, 273
Bury, 18, 181, 366
Butterwick, 46
Caldecote, 156, 202
Calf Fen, 164
Cam, 18
Cambridge, 17, 176,
235, 279
Carbrook, 288
Castor, 9, 87, 244, 251
Chatteris, 27, 41, 179,
194, 262, 266, 280,
283, 374
Cheryy Hinton, 93
Chesterton, 178, 197,
202, 279
Cheveley, 163
Chippenham, 339, 372
Church Brampton, 7
Clarborough, 31
Clenchwarton, 315
Clows Cross, 344, 346
Coates, 5
Coldham, 249
Colne, 342
Connington, 94, 117,
157, 202
Cottenham, 320, 374
Cottesbrook, 281
Coveney, 74, 108, 109,
280
Cowbit, 54
Cross Keys Wash, 38
Crowland, 1, 4, 5, 11,
28, 45, 65, 84, 90, 92,
132, 133, 138, 173,
206, 219, 251, 253,
313, 339
Deeping, 2, 11, 17, 54,
101, 151, 174, 206
Deeping Gate, 362
Deeping, Market, 17,
244,374
Deeping St. James, 95,
147
Deeping, West, 140
Delph Dyke, 271
Denton, 202
Denver, 38, 75, 145
Diddington, 193
Ditton, 163
Doddmgton, 21, 159,
161, 163, 266
Dogdike, 338
Downham, 18, 27, 47,
62, 368, 370
Dunsby, 30
Earith, 25, 144
Eastrea, 5, 97
Edmunds, Bury St., 17
Eldemell, 345
Ehn, 26, 131, 266
Blsworth, 374 '
Eltisley, 280
Elton, 9
Ely, 7, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18,
19, 22, 62, 73, 75,
151, 163, 166, 168,
218, 241, 280, 286,
291, 299, 306, 346,
374
Empingham, 353
Etton, 362
Eye, 2, 215
Eynesbury, 374
Farcet, 39
Fenstanton, 93, 137
Fendrayton, 280
Feversham, 279
Flag Holme, 26
Fleet, 213
Fleet Hargate, 45
Fletton, 201
Folksworth, 196, 202,
282
Fordham, 279, 360, 372
Fortrey, 75
Fosdike, 261
Foulmire, 279
Friday Bridge, 249
Frieston, 46
Fulboum, 93, 279, 366
Gainsborougb, 45
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XXll;
FENIiAND NOTES AND QUERIES
Gavely, 241
Graywood, 314
Gtedney, 47, 51, 84,
259, 344
Gilden Morden, 280
Glassmoor, 340
Glatton, 39, 40, 202
Glinton, 122, 351, 362
Godmanohester, 26, 92,
131, 181, 341
Godwick, 209
Grosberton, 44
Grafham, 181
Gransden, 282
Grantchester, 374
Grantham, 64, 92, 353,
373
Grant, River, 17, 145
Graveley, 33
Grayingham, 46
Gunthorpe, 30, 222-
Guyhim.216, 261, 327,
344, 347
Hacconby, 30
Haddenham, 280, 366
Haddon, 202
Hamerton, 281
Hardwick, 280
Hargate, 45
Harrimeer, 145
Hawnby, 241
Hawsted, 231
Heckington, 95
Helpstone, 86, 352,
361
Hemingford Abbots,
94, 140, 180
Hemingford Grey, 25,
180, 375
Hethersett, 307
High Fen, 347
Hinton, 40, 279
Hinxton, 93, 373
Hobhouse, 347
Holbeach, 9, 51, 56, 64,
82, 154, 219, 276,
254
HoUand, 11, 28, 45
Holland Fen, 63
Hobne, 21, 26, 39, 40,
74, 156, 158, 294,
297, 343
Holme (Spalding), 25
Holmes, 25
Holywell, 26, 81, 180,
203
Homcastle, 363
Horselieath, ^79
Houghton, 25, 93, 180,
203, 376
Hubbert's Bridge, 262
Humber, 17, 40
Huntingdon, 10, 25,
62, 201, 265, 296,
312
Ipswich, 23
Isleham, 24, 95, 304
Isle of Ely, 16, 18, 19,
74
Kesteven, 9, 14
Kimbolton, 41, 242
Kinderley Cut, 328
King's Ripton, 181, 203
Kirkley, 63
Kirton, 46
Kyme, 1, 336
Landbeach, 280
Langtoft, 84
Leverington, 27, 49,
91, 95, 97, 266, 345
Lincohi, 20, 28, 41, 46,
84, 177, 299, 337
Lindsey, 11
Linton, 304
Litlington, 280
Littlepprt, 9, 280, 374
Little Casterton, 353
Little Witham, 92
Lolham, 62, 287, 362
London, 17
Longstanton, 280
Long Sutton, 95
Longthorpe, 247
Lowestoft, 28
Lowick, 316
Luddington, 45
Lutton, 46
Lynham, 101
Lynn, 16, 17, 31, 38,
40, 46, 62, 63, 64, 77,
114, 145, 176, 213,
219. 244, 282, 288,
291, 313, 314, 360
Malreath, 280
Manea, 73, 74, 108, 320
March, 1, 10, 16, 158,
244, 266, 281, 320,
345, 347
Marhohn, 92
Marshland, 40, 53, 92,
249
Maxey, 95, 113, 361
Medeshaastistead, 39
Melbourne, 280
Mercia, 39
Middle Fen, 22
Middle Level, 74
MildenhaU, 17, 18, 145
Milton, 364, 373
Milton (Cambs.), 280
Morborne, 7, 202
Morden, 93
Morton, 28, 64
Morton's Leam, 7
Moulton, 51, 53, 54,
141
Murrow, 215, 347
Needingworth, 81, 281
Nene, River, 17, 18, 38,
40, 315
Newgate, 51
Newmarket, 63, 367,
371
Newton, 215, 266, 281,
347
Nordelph, 10
Norfolk, 11, 18, 19, 152
Norman Cross, 190
Normanton, 339
Northboro', 342, 361
Northey, 327
North Level, 221
Northrop, 46
North Thoresby, 299
Norwich, 17, 47
Nunton, 361
Old Bedford Bank, 74
Old River, 25
OrtonLongueville, 201,
373
Orton Waterville, 202
Orwell, 280
Oundle, 190
Ouse, 17, 18, 40, 74,
144, 145, 271, 315
OutweU, 10, 84, 289
Over, 280
Oxney, 249
Papworth S. Agnes, 280
Parson Drove, 281, 344
Paston, 122, 303
PeaMrk, 122, 350, 363
Peterborough, 7, 10,
19,21,26,38,39,40,
45, 62, 63, 64, 87,
121, 153, 175, 219,
221, 251, 296, 325,
327, 341, 348, 354,
361
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INDEX III.— (places).
XXIU.
Pinchbeck, 44, 86
Ponders Bridge, 6
Portholm, 25
Qua Fen, 164
Radwell, 282
Ramsey, 10, 14, 20, 36,
39, 45, 46, 53, 74, 92,
129, 146, 164, 166,
176, 180, 202, 220,
294, 297, 311, 343
Raveley, 140, 203
Baveningham, 33
Retford. 31
Rettendon, 163
Rippingale, 30
Ripton, Abbots, 92, 93,
181, 203
Ripton, King's, 181, 203
Rising, 46
Royston, 280
Salter's Lode, 74
Santoft, 42
Sawston, 279
Sawtry, 45, 94, 140,
158, 180, 202
Sheldon, 299
SMrbeck, 44
Sleaford, 64
Soham, 9, 10, 22, 94,
116, 127, 156, 163,
231, 297, 364, 360,
366, 374
Somersham, 9, 137,
138, 146, 194, 203
Southacre, 183
South Level, 145
Soutbsea, 348
Spalding, 10, 11, 17,
44, 63, 63, 173, 213,
219, 257, 330, 344
Spilsby, 26
St. Ives, 14, 17, 19, 25,
26, 71, 130, 131, 137,
140, 188, 220
St. Neots, 17
Stamford, 17, 26, 92,
122, 147, 352, 355,
356
Stangronnd, 201, 267,
269, 343
Staplehoe, 306
Staunton, 241
Stibbington, 202
Stilton, 37, 38, 93, 168,
189, 202. 278
Stirtloe, 359
Stoke Charity, 239
Stoke Damarel, 26
Strainfield, 30
Streatham Ferry, 145
Stretham, 374
Stoak, 145
Stowe, 279
Stukeley, Great, 181,
203
Stukeley, Little, 181,
203
Sudbury, 14
Surfleet, 44, 62
Sutton, 93
Sutton, Long, 46
Sutton St. Edmunds,
344
Swaffham,Bulbeck,279
SwafiEham, Prior, 93
Swavesey, 234
Sywell, 240
Tallington, 141
Tattershall, 209, 337
Terrington, 183
Thetford, 17
Tholomas Drove, 345
Thoresby, 92
Thorney, 2, 32, 39, 41,
45, 64, 75, 83, 128,
201, 215, 230, 311,
327, 346, 347
Three Mills, 24
Trent, River, 19
Triplow, 279
Trokenholt, 344, 346
Trumpington, 279
Turves, 270
Tydd, 45, 215, 347
Tydd St. GUes, 215,
266, 293
Ufford, 87, 319, 361
Upton, 87
Upwell, 108, 266, 281
Upwood, 140, 203
Washes, 1, 11, 17
Wainfleet, 11
Walcot, 245, 316, 361
Waldersea, 328
Walpole. 315
Walsingham, 17
Walsoken, 77, 315
Walton, 202, 315
Walworth, 35
Warboys, 140, 180,
189, 197, 203
Washingley, 41, 82,
314
Weavlingham, 280
Weldon, Little, 56
Welland, 18, 40
Wellingboro', 93
Welney, 108, 109
Werrington, 2
Whaplode, 51, 63, 114
Whittlesey, 5, 6, 7, 9,
36, 57, 92, 96, 98, 99,
126, 137, 156, 164,
226, 230, 266, 290,
294, 296, 339
Whittlesey Mere, 10,
22, 36, 37, 46, 74,
190, 199
Wiggenhall, 288
Willingham, 138, 289
Wilmington, 302
Wimblington, 320
Windie, 279
Winscomb, 309
Wisbech, 17,18,19,20,
31, 38, 40, 47, 56, 72,
96, 98, 103, 130, 131,
178, 203, 215, 216,
220, 266, 277, 280,
281, 326, 344, 345,
347, 356, 359, 365
Wistow, 180, 203
Witcham, 280
Witham, 14, 40
Wittlesford, 279
Witton, 375
Woodcroft, 137, 339
Wood Ditton, 279
Woodstone, 9, 102, 201
Wryde, 215
Wyton, 180, 203
Yarmouth, 17
Yaxley, 39, 46, 176,
180, 201, 230, 278
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1 .—Conflicting Theories in Fen History— It is an unpleasant
task to oppose commonly received scientific authority, but in the
interest of truth at times it is a necessary duty. By a comparison
of notes, observers, although lacking scientific training, may
either confirm or correct theories. The object of these remarks
is to enquire into the age and circumstances connected with the
Fen gravel as represented by the beds at Crowland. I believe
Mr. Skertchley in his "Fenland" is only following a generally
received opinion when he states in chap, ix, page 321,—" The
oldest of the true Fen beds consists of gravels, and there are at
least two sets of these. The older series consists of isolated
patches at March, Crowland, Kyme^' and elsewhere, and in reality
are more ancient than the Fenland itself— they are, in point of
fact, the remains of deposits formed in estuaries before the Fen
basin was excavated — remains which alone have withstood the
ravages of time. The newer gravels comprise the old beach
which surrounded the Fenland when it was a great island-studded
bay, and the gravel which was deposited upon its base at the same
time just as similar beds are being formed in the Wash. Above
these gravels come alternations of silt and peat, which bring the
geological history down to the present time." Speaking of the
Beach and Floor gravels on page 555, the same authority says—
" These gravels belong entirely to the history of the Fenland, and
their connection with the peat and silt which overlay them is
shewn by the occurrence here and there of patches of those
materials in the gravel itself." These two quotations embody the
result of great experience and careful observation, but, so far as
the Crowland gravel is concerned, the former statement is
Vol. I. B
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2 Fenland Notes and Queries.
incorrect, and I will state my reasons for disagreement. I have
found, from careful and frequent examination of the Crowland
bed, that it cannot be of such an ancient origin as is ascribed to
it, for it is underlaid in almost every pit I have examined by a
bed of peat containing trees and plants, contemporaneous with
those found near, beneath the blue buttery clay. This state-
ment is based upon the examination of excavations made in all
parts of the bed, and extending through a long series of years,
and proves that whatever may be the age of some portions of the
drift, the Crowland beds are, comparatively speaking, of modern
origin. The above discrepancy in the classification and date of
one portion of gravel gives rise to well grounded scepticism as to
very much that has of late been written regarding what is termed
prehistoric man, and that without questioning the truth of the
existence of human remains and workmanship in the gravel, and
even beneath it. The Crowland bed covers, at least, a thousand
acres, and has an almost uniform depth of about ten feet. Its
fossils, as a rule, are similar to those found at Thorney, Eye,
Werrington, and Deeping, and possibly a few of more recent date.
It seems impossible to believe that its isolation is the result of a
denuding process that removed all the parts surrounding from the
district that intervenes between it and the highlands. On the
north side of the bed, in 1880 or 1881, about two acres of land
were dug up for repairing the Wash banks, the material re-
moved consisted of blue clay, which rested on a buried forest
on the same level, and connected with the wood and peat that
underlies the gravel ; and that there need be no doubt upon the
subject, this forest rests right throughout on the boulder clay.
The gravel at Crowland has much in its nature resembling
the undoubted glacial beds, but will its nature allow us to bring
it within the great ice age ? All those who saw the wild luxuriance
of the subterranean forest aboYC alluded to, will admit that during
its growth the climate must have been temperate, if not tropical.
At the close of this period the district was again inundated by the
sea, and then was deposited by some means the bed of gravel and
the blue clay that joins and blends into it all round. If it can be
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Fbnland STotes and Queries. 3
shewn that an Arctic rigour again set in, then may we conceive
that the land ice gripped the beach gravel, which was finally drifted
from the neighbourhood of Eye into the place where it is now
found. A fact which seems to favour this view exists in a small
knoll of gravel at Palmer's Hill, midway between Eye and
Crowland, in the very heart of the Pen — in the direct course the
material would have to travel if this theory is correct.
In the presence of such conclusive evidence that some portion
of the drift is of more recent date than the Alluvium, it will be
hard to credit all the recent hypotheses regarding the antiquity
of man. Without entering, at the present, into this subject, I
will state a circumstance that came under my notice a few years
since. At Crowland, in the immediate neighbourhood of a
tumulus that had been exhumed, several excavations were made
to obtain gravel, in one of the pits chipped flints were found
almost to the bottom of the bed. The gravel itself is rather poor
here in specimens of flint boulders, and very much would have to
be searched if any quantity was required ; and, undoubtedly, this
portion had been disturbed, for the side of the pit shewed a semi-
circular layer of chips, at least, two inches thick, containing
fragments of worked stone. This depression was the workshop of
the semi-savage who knew nothing even of polishing his rude
stone implements, but was contented to use, either for war or the
chase, spear heads and arrows of the most primitive description.
This man, whose remains are as rude as anything known, lived on,
and worked in drift that rested upon a forest growth ; and,
stranger still, mixed indiscriminately with his urns of baked
gault, were found many specimens of Roman jars and vases made
on a wheel.
This may appear a ravelled skein of statements, but they are
facts, and cannot be argued away. Prehistoric man is thus
brought into the range of recorded fact, and circumstances
explain, to a great extent, the cause. The ancient Britons, driven
back by the Eoman invaders, found on the south-west border of
the Fens a refuge and place of comparative safety. The island of
Crowland, cut off from the highlands by a treacherous bog, or dense
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4 Pbnland Notes and Queries.
forest, gave them a site for a home. Here they Uved, undoubtedly,
for a considerable time, extending to the greater part of the
occupation of the Romans. The line of tumuli right across the
gravel bed suggests that they were formed as well for purposes of
defence as for sepulchre. The cinerary urns that were found
intact, in their original position, were of the very rudest description
of pottery, as were also the other fragments that were found in
such abundance. Yet amongst these were several beautiful
specimens of Roman ware, all more or less broken, and to add to
the confusion, one bronze celt and several iron strikers were
picked up. The reason I have recited these facts is to show that
the discovery of human remains in the drift is not necessarily to
prove that man existed before the historic period.
Pirst, we have a buried forest underlying what the highest
authorities have designated primary, or original, drift. The next
is, that the remains of man of the most primitive description are
found mixed with relics of a high state of civilization, some of
them far down in the gravel itself. It must not be inferred from
the above that I entirely dispute the statements of geologists
as to the great antiquity of some human remains that have been
found. But my experience and observations lead me to the con-
clusion that scientific men may easily be deceived by cursory
observations, especially if they have a bias in favour of any
particular theory. Living in the Fens, and daily observing their
nature and history, I cannot but feel that much that has been
written on them is altogether misleading. The establishment of
the fact that a subterranean forest underhes the Fen gTavel, and
that much of the blue clay is contemporary, or nearly so, with
this drift, gives certain data in computing its period in geologic
time.
In a future paper I will endeavour to tabulate a few facts
relating to the composition and history of the peat.
In conclusion. For many years I have been trying to form a
complete collection of the different materials existing in the
Crowland gravel, and on the 20th March, I found a specimen of
hard coal which was well water worn, but still, upon being split,
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Fehland Notes and Queries. 5
showing its true coaly nature. This is the first and only specimen
of this mineral I have ever discovered in the bed.
A. S. Canham, Crowland. '
2.— The Parish Registers of Whittlesey S. Mary.— It is
almost impossible to say with exactness at what date the register
for this parish commences. In an iron chest in the church, con-
taining the various volumes which form the register, there is a
bundle of old pieces of parchment tied up with a string in a
piece of brown paper. This is the earliest register. It is so
decayed, cut, mouse-eaten, and so hopelessly in bits that it would
be impossible to decipher one-fiftieth part of it. Some of the
sheets look as if they had been used for cleaning metal utensils,
or fpr cleaning varnish brushes. Picking out the best looking
sheet, I found it was dated 1607, but I was informed that the
earliest date to be traced is 1560. Next to this is a loose sheet of
parchment, evidently torn out of a book, containing entries dating
from 1662 to 1672. I was informed by Mr. John Fevre that this
was supplied to the church by a gentleman living at a distance,
who wrote saying that he had such a document and would forward
it to the vicar if it would be of any value. Then comes the first
preserved book, which starts in 1695 and ends in 1721. It is in
excellent condition, the parchment a little discoloured by age and
damp, but every entry from one end to the other is clear and
distinct. The next volume is from 1721 to 1737. It is a much
narrower book, of parchment, and also in an excellent state of
preservation. The third volume is of paper, and covers the period
from 1735 to 1805. After this the registers are divided, and are
on the usual printed forms. One or two of these books are not in
a good state of preservation. One especially ought to be rebound.
The following are a few extracts from the first register book —
1695 to 1721 :—
BAPTISMS.
June 28.. 1702 Elizabeth dan' of a frenchcMld,
Aug 18. 1706 Rd Hyan, mius populi, cui mater, Eliz. Elwes.
Sep. 15, 1706 Sarah Clarke of Estree or Coates.
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Q Fenland Notes and Queribs.
Dec 12 1707 Mary Massy of Georg (y* was in ye warrs) and
Paliome.
Aug 8. 1708 Martha Cordel baptized when she was about 30
years of age.
April 20 1709 Joseph Gates baptiz'd when 24 years old.
Aug 21. 1712 John Hill of Jo & Mary strangers.
Oct 12 1712 Kezia Woodstock of Laurance & Gemima.
July 8. 1715 Gemima Woodstock of Laurance and Gemima.
July 16. 1718 Sarah Watson of Tho & Joane baptized when she
w^ about 18 years old.
July 25 1718 An Watson baptized when she was about 28 years
old, daughter of Tho & Joane.
Aug 3 1718 Sara Frisby baptized at 55 years old.
„ „ „ Hanna Howson of Eob* & Mary baptized when
about 16 years old.
Aug 5 1718 Jo'i Loomes babtized when about 31 years old.
„ „ „ James Messenger baptized when about 20 years old
BUEIALS.
Nov 14 1698 Jane Langsdale widow in ye f enn at Ponds bridg.
June 27 1699 Richardson's child not baptized.
Aug. 16 1701 Dorothy Mitchel a stranger.
„ 16 1701 Ann Selby a stranger.
„ 16 1701 Annie Reay a stranger.
Sep 6 1701 Samuel Warren a Yorkshireman.
N9V 13 1701 W^ Hease a Scotchman.
Dec 8 1701 Hen Forster a Yorkshireman.
Dec 21 1701 Robert Smith of Coates an old Quaker.
Dec 19 1701 W"» Wiseman
}•
_. _, __. [ Gents, brothers.
24 „ Thos. Wiseman
Jan 7 1703 Ezah Yates a stranger.
July 3 1703 Ahce Briggs daur. of John & Mary drowned.
„ 12 1703 Robt Hemment son of Henry, drowned.
Aug 7 1703 Thomas Anger a town child.
Oct 4 1703 W^ Hoggard hurried by the town.
Ap. 8 1707 Stephen Bishop in y« Quakers yard.
July 13 1707 Mary Snowden a stranger.
Aug 21 1707 Christian Kormihil a hylander in Scotland.
Jan 11 1708 A stranger out of Yorkshire.
Feb. 10 1708 Francis Gambal ye parish clerk & a sweet singer.
March 24 1708 John Olaypole an Oliverian soldier.
May 30 1708 Alice Boon d' of Tho. drowned.
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■- tr'**WP-'^ '■'^^WfrV^-'i^i'S-?^^*^^^!?^
Fenland Notes and Queries. 7
Jan 6 1710 An Curtise of Henry drowned.
July 16 1710 Susanna Harly drowned.
Dec 30 1711 Amy Payne 104 years old when she died and had
her memory perfect to y« last.
Ann Bull widow gave a brass branch with six candlesticks in it to
St. Mary's Chjirch August 6. A 1712 it cost 2. 7.
1713 Buried of ye small pox this year about 68.
This year 1713 y® small pox was so rife in Whittlesea as had nev'
been in y*^ memory of man.
March 27. 1714 An King a stranger.
About the year 1706 Patrick Bp of Ely, wrote to me to give him a
true account of the yearly value of St Mary's & St Andrew's
Churches in Whittlesea & wc*^ I did. Hereupon the Bishop
recommended them to the stewards of Queen Ann's Bounty as
proper objects for an augmentation. About the year 1713 the
first lotts were drawn & a lott of two hundred pounds fell to St
Mary's Church. B^ I was never able to obtain either principal
or interest while Wliite Kennet Bishop of Peterborow under-
took the matter & in the month of October 1722 he secured y«
200^ & all the arrears of interest, 7GI to the everlasting honor
of that great good bishop. And here follows a true terrar of
the land bought of William Speechly with the 2001 in the year
1728.
Afc the end of this register book is the following entry : —
October 16. 1739. A Corporation Cutt being made through y« 4
gross comons (be they more or less) near Stonehill & west end
of those comons being endanger'd to be swallow'd up by Eliz :
Forster, whose land joins to the s^ comons on y<^ west to prevent
her wicked designs I desired John Loomes jun' to survey the
said comons whi^^ he did Octb : 16* 1739 & writ wi*^ his own
hands first as under written by me Tho : Topping, vicar of S*
Andrews in Whittlesea.
Gross comons belonging to ye churches of Whittlesea, liing on ye
Norte side of Stonehil close one akre three roods & twenty five
poles (liing East of y^ Corporation Cutt) and the other piece at
ye West or lying West of y® Corporation Cutt, & siding y® river
One akre & thirty six poles liing next to Stonehil Dole East
end both pieces siding y® river caU'd Moorton's Leam.
I came fr5 Church Brampton 3 miles fr5 Northampton to Whittlesea
in the Isle of Ely on the 14*^ day of May 1701 to be school-
master of y® Church's school & to be Mr. Masons' (y*^ minister
of Whittlesea) his curat at Morbom in Huntingdonshire,
belonging to him also when I came hither one Tozer Forster
a cunning man & not too honest was in possession of the 4 gross
comons, be they more or less & held them while Rev. Mason
died wc»» was on y« 22nd day of September 1703. By a further
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8 Fenland Notes and Queries.
humble application to Georg. William, & Edward Downes y^
lords of y*^ mannor I obtained y^ Donative of St. Mary's Chm'ch.
& likewise by y^ assistance of Mr. Twells y^ secretary of y*
presentations'.! obtained from S^ Nathan Wright y^ Lord
Keeper of y® Great Seal of England, y^ vicaridge of S* Andrew's
Church in Whittlesea. After this Tozer Forster held ye same
gross comons of me, & y^ year 1707 he took a lease of me for 21
years paiing down five pounds & y^ yearly rent of one pound
July ye 3* 1714 Toz. Forster died & his daughters aforesd held
y® land while y® lease w^^ was for 21 years expired vf^^ was at
Lady Day 1728 Then the 3 daughters of Toz. Forster applied
to me for y^ same gross comons during my life & it was agreed
on by both parties they paying unto me a guinea & a half a
guinea upon entrance & y® old rent of 20 shillings yearly. When
Tozer Forster died there was a great rumor spread abroad about
ye parish y* he had robb'd the churches of some part of the
gross comons aforsd, & to still ye noise of ye people I was forced
to apply to ye jurors of the Homage & to entreat them to go
down to Stonehill and to set out y^ bounds & limits of these
gross comons w^h they did at Michaelmas Court 1714 The
jurors names y^ were vide Homage book of St Mary's 1714 as
follows: viz* Adam Kelful, Abram Houshold, Tho. Speechley,
Tho. Golding, Will Baly, Geo. Watson, Rob. Smith, Jo^ Ground,
Tho. Aveling, Ric. Loomes, Will Clipson, Tho. CHpson, Tho. Ground,
Rob. Ground, Geo Claxon, Tho Boon. All these jurymen true
men and good viewed ye land & ordered me to put down oaken
stoopes into ye ground to divide y® church land fro y^ land of
ye three sisters Mary Forster, Frances Staff a wid^ sister & UJiz.
Forster [Here there is an erasure.] For y® view of y^ IG
jurors I paid them 16^ & for ye 3 oaken stoops beaten down
deep into ye ground to set bounds I paid James Richardson
carpenter 8 Things continued in this condition while y^ year
1730 in or a^* wci» year the corporation having occasion for gravel
by ye perswation or threats of [name erased.] Eliz: Forster
the corporation officers Jo^ Webster & Jo^ Baly dug up or made
a deep ditch or dyke thru these 4 gross comons y® same Eliz.
Forster directing them where to cut throu these 4 gross comons
much in y® middle of them & then declared & affirmed to John
Baly y* all ye land lying west of ye corporation dike was her
land. When her wicked designing intentions came to my ear,
well was not of a long time after, I writ to ye jurymen of St
Mary's parish to go dovm to Stonehill & set out ye true bounds
of Church lands to which they all v^Uingiy consented whose
names were thus, for St Mary's Homage for Michaelmas Coui-t
1739 [Here follow the 13 names] All ,these jurymen I
accompanied to Stone hill myseK w*^ Edw* Speechly ab* 75
years & Jo^ James ab<^ 70 years old who perfectly knew the
bounds of ye Church land, who unanimously all affinn y* all ye
land on y® west of ye Corporation Cutt belonged to ye Churches
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FINLAND Notes and Queries. 9
in Whittlesea at least to one of y' & y* ye s<* last named old men
Edwd Speechly and Jo» James remembered y* matter perfectly
well ever since y« gross comons were taken in W" the parishioners
assigned & gave these 4 gross comons to Mr. Ric Mason y« vicar
then. Now considering the base usage y* y^ s* grose comons
have had fro ye family Those Forsters, Toz. Forster digging up
ye way at y^Bast end leading into y® land y* no man might hold
yc land but himself and fiUing up y« Dike at y« West end & so
claiming it to his own land : Bliz. Forster being ye cause of having
y« Corporation Dyke made in ye midst of ye 4 comons & so
depriving me of any way to ye west part of ye land C^ throu ye
river for these reasons I advise my success' whoev' y* may be
to take ye land from y*' Forsters [a line erased.] I afiirm all
this to be true f r5 my own experience over and over. Nov. 19.
1739 Tho. Topping Vic'
On the next leaf of the register is an extract from the will of
Mary Foster, who left iu 1766 " the sum of one hundred pounds
in plate to be used in the parish church," and underneath this is
written a receipt for £110 Is. 8d., and signed Edward Darville.
3.— The Apostles' Coats at" Holbeach.— An inventory " of
the stufife " sold from Holbeach church in 1 543 includes the items
of " Harod^s coate xviii d " and " all the AjposiyVs coats and other
raggs^ viiis. iiiidy I am at a loss to understand these items,
unless it is meant that some portions of the Apostles' garments
were preserved here as relics. But how about Herod's coat ?
E.G.A., Holbeach.
4.— Fenland Briefs.— The following are a few collections
under briefs referring to places in the Fenland : —
SamersTuim. — At S. Andrew's Church, Whittlesea: 1669, 23rd Jan.
Toward the releife of the distressed people of Somersham..,13«. 9^,
Kesteven. — ^At Marholm Church (Norths.): 1670 for great Food
[flood] in ye parts of Kesteven in Lincolnshire 1. 8.
Littleport. — At Woodstone Church (Hunts.) : 1707 24 Aug. Littleport's
brief 22Jd.
SoJuim.— At Elton Church (Hunts.) : 1698. 12. March For Soham
in Cambridgeshire 0. 4. 0.
My.— At Elton Church (Hunts.) : 1702. Oct. For a Fire at ye Citty
of Ely 0. 5. 2
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10 Fenland Notes and Queries.
The following are from the register at Castor Church (Northants.)
EUrvorth. — March y® 5th 169^3 for Elsworth in Cambridge-
shire 00. 09. 00
Soha/in, — March ye 14:th 1696-7 for Soham in Cambridg-
shire 00. 04. 00
My.—Se^ 14. 1701 for Ely Cathedral 00. 05. 04 ob
jE^^y.— Dec 20 1702 for Ely Aire [fire] 0. 6. 4
Borough Fm. — May 28. 1704 for Jacob Veney of Boroug fenn upon
a letter of request 12. 9
5. —Lord Orford's Voyage Eound the Pens.— A newspaper
extract from the Live Stock Journal, but undated, professes to
give a review of a curious little book which has been reprinted
for private circulation with this title, "Lord Orford's Voyage
Bound the Fens." The newspaper extract says : —
It is a record of incidents that occurred during the month of July,
1774. Lord Orford, an experienced agriculturist, chaUenged
Lord Sandwich to meet him on Whittlesey Mere, and to cruise
about for four weeks, living on board their boats. Lord Orford
started from Brandon, and made his way by water to Peter-
borough, Huntingdon, and Ramsey. His Lordship says very
little in his diary about the breeding of animals, but is particularly
severe upon the inhabitants of the fens, especially the females.
For instance, at Outwell he wrote, " Women very ngly ; of Dutch
extraction ; " whilst he credits the population of Ramsey with
a French origin. All he says about the cattle is, "The oxen very
big ; the cows and cattle come to stare at us ; large and fine."
He found the crops to consist of "barley, mustard, and hemp."
Lord Orford and Lord Sandwich deserted their boats and went
to Spalding races in a post-chaise, one pau' of horses doing the
journey there and back, which he estimated at forty miles.
When the boats had a chance they sailed, but the usual mode of
progress from Nordelf to March was by the help of a fen horse
caUed "Hippopotamus," whose pluck and lasting powers received
frequent commendation. Some of the " stories " are rather " big."
Lord Orford declares that more than one man who went down
to the boats was "warted round the eyes like a carrier pigeon."
J. T. M., Spalding.
6.— Description of the Fens in 1613.— Michael Drayton was
an antiquarian who lived at the close of the 16th and in the early
part of the 17th centuries. His work, " Poly-Olbion," professes to
give in the form of a poem "A Chorographicall description of
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Fenlakd Notes and Quebies, H
Tracts, Riuers, Mountaines, Forests, and other parts of this
renowned Isle of Great Britaine, with intermixture of the most
remarkable stories, antiquities, wonders, rarityes, pleasures, and
commodities of the same." The following extracts refer to the
Fenland, and will be interesting as describing the condition of the
district immediately before Vermuyden came : —
THE AEaUMBNT.
Towards Lincolnshire our jprogrese layd.
Wee through deepe HoUcmds Ditches made,
Fowling <md Fishing in the Fen;
Then ccume wee riext to Kestivsn
And bringing Wytham to lier fall.
On lAnds&g light wee last of all.
Her scite and Pleasures to att&nd,
And with tlie Isle of Axholme end,
diSiWinto ^^^ ^^ yP^^ *^y earth, rich Lincolnshire I straine
two parts, At Deeping from whose street, the plentious Ditches draine,
Snd th?'®'" Hemp-bearing Hollands Fen, at Spalding that doe fall
Thf L'ei th To^®*^®^ ^^ t^eir Course, themselves as emptying all
of Holland Into one Generall Sewer, which seemeth to diuide,
Bhore^f?^ ^'^"^ Holland from the High, which on their Easteme side
the coast of Th' in-bending Ocean holds, from the Norfolcean lands.
wafnfl^t!° I'o their Northern poynt, where Wainfleet drifted stands
Doe shoulder out those Seas, and Lindsey bids her stay,
Because to that faire part, a challenge she doth lay.
From Fast and firmer Earth, whereas the Muse of late
Trod with a steady foot, now with a slower gate,
Son o?th?^T^<^^o^ Quicksands, Beach, & Ouse, the Washes she must wade,
Washes, Where Neptune every day doth powerfully inuade.
The vast and queachy soyle, with Hosts of wallowing waues
From whose impetuous force, that who himselfe not saves
By swift and sudden flight, is swallowed by the deepe,
When from the wrathfull Tydes the foming Surges sweepe.
The sands which lay all nak'd, to the wide heaven before,
And turneth all to Sea, which was but lately Shore,
From this our Southerene part of Holland, cal'd the Low
Where Crowlands mines yet, (though almost buried) show
Her mighty Founders power, yet his more Christian zeale,
Shee by the Muses ayd, shall happily reueale
Her sundry sorts of Fowle, from whose abundance she
Above all other Tracts, may boast herself to be
The Mistriss, (and indeed) to sit without compare
And for no worthless soyle, should in her glory share
From her moyst seal of Flags, of Bulrushes, & Reed,
With her just proper praise thus Holland doth proceed.
Hollands Yee Acherusian Fens, to mine resigne your glory
Oration. ^^^^ ^^^ which lies within the goodly Territory
Of Naples, as that Fen Thesposia's earth vpon.
Whence that infemaU Flood, the smutted acheron
Shoues forth her suUen head, as thou most fatall fen
Of which Hetruria tells, the watry Thiaaimen,
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12
Fbnlahb Notes asj) Qubeies.
A Njnnph
supposed to
have the
charge of
the shore.
Fuell cut out
of the
Marshes.
Brookes' and
Pooles worne
by the water
into which
the rising
floods have
recourse.
The word in
Falconry for
a company
of Teale.
In History although thou highly seemest to boast
That HanibaU by thee o'rthrew the Eoman Host.
I scome th' Egyptian Fen, which Alexandria showes
Proud Mariotis' should my mightinesse oppose,
Or Scythia, on whose face the Sunne doth hardly shine
Should her Meotis thinke to match with this of mine
That coured all with snow continually doth stand.
I stinking Lema hate, and the poor Libian Sand
Marica that wise Nymph, to whom great Neptune gave,
The charge of all his shores, from drowning them to saue
Abideth with me still vpon my seruice prest
And leaves the looser Nymphs to wayt vpon the rest,
In Sununer giuing Earth from which I sqare my Peat,
And faster feedings by, for Deere, for Horse, & Neat,
My various Fleets for Fowle, who is he can tell,
The speecies that in me for multitudes excell I
The Duck and Mallard first, the Falconers only sport
(Of Kiuer-flights the chiefe, so that all other sort,
They only Greene-Fowle tearme) in euery Mere abound.
That you would thinke they sate vpon the very ground.
Their numbers be so great, the waters couering quite
That rais'd, the spacious ayre is darkened with their flight ;
Yet stiU the Dangerous Dykes, from shot doe them secure,
Where thy from Flesh to Feast, like the full epicure
Waft as they cou'd to change their Diet euery meale ;
And neere to them ye see the lesser dibling Teale
In Bunches, with the first that flie from Mere to Mere
As they aboue the' rest were Lords of Earth and Ayre.
The Gossander with them, my goodly Fennes doe show
His head as Ebon blacke, the rest as white as Snow,
With whom the Widgeon goes, the golden eye, the Smeath,
And in odde scattred pits, the Flags & Reeds beneath ;
The cool, bald, else cleane black, that white nesse it doth beare
Vpon the forehead star'd, the Water-Hen doth weare
Vpon her little Tayle, in one small feather set.
The water- woosell next, all ouer black as Jeat,
With various colours, black, greene, blewe, red, russett, white,
Doe yeeld the gazing eye as variable delight,
As doe those sundry Fowles, whose seueral pliunes they be.
The diving Dob-chick, here among the rest you see
Now vp now downe againe, that hard it is to prooue.
Whether vnder water most it liueth or aboue :
With which last little Fowle (that water may not lacke;
More than the Dob-chick doth, and more doth loue the *brack)
The lufiin we compare, which coming to the dish,
Nice pallats hardly iudge, if it be flesh or fish.
But wherefore should I stand vpon such toyes as these,
That haue so goodly Fowles, the wandring eye to please
Here in my vaster Pooles, as white as snow or milke
(In water blacke as Stix) swimmes the wild Swanne, the like,
Of Hollanders so tearm'd, no niggard of his breath,
(As poets say of Swannes, which onely sing in Death)
But oft as other birds, is heard his tunnes to roat.
Which like a trumpet comes, from his long arched throat.
And toVrds this watry kind, about the Flashes brinune
Some clouen-footed are, by nature not to swimme.
There stalks the stately Crane, as though he marched in wane
By him that hath the home, which (by the Fishy carre)
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Pbnland Notes and Queeibs. 13
Can fetch with their long necks, out of the Rush & Beed,
Lings, Fry, & yellow Frogs, whereon they often feed :
And vnder them againe (that water neuer take
But by some Ditches side, or little shallow Lake
Lye dabbling night & day) the pallat-pleasing Snite
The Bidcocke and like him, the Redshanke, that delight
Together still to be, in some small Reedy bed,
In which these little Fowles in Summers time were bred.
The Buzzing Bitter sits, which through his hollow Bill
A sudden bellowing sends, which many times doth fill
The neighbourirg Marsh with noyse, as though a Bull did roare ;
But scarcely haue I yet recited haLfe my store :
And with my wondrous flocks of wild-geese came I then
Which look as though alone they peopled all the Fen
Which here in winter time when all is ouerflow'd
And want of solid sward inf orceth them abroad
Th* abundance then is scene, that my full Fennes doe yeeld,
That almost through the Isle, do pester euery field.
The Barnacles with them, which wheresoere they breed.
On Trees or rotten Ships, yet to my Fennes for feed.
Continually they come, and chief abode doe make
And very hardly forc'd my plenty to forsake :
Who almost all this kind doe challange as mine owne
Whose like I dare auerre, is elsewhere hardly knowne
For sure vnlesse in me, no one yet euer saw
The multitudes of f owle, in Morting time they draw :
From which to many a one, much profit doth accrue.
Now such as flying feed, next these I must pursue ;
The Sea-meaw, Sea-pye, Gull, & Curlew heere doe keepe
As searching euery Shole, & watching euery deepe
To find the floating Fry, with their sharpe-pearcing sight
Which suddenly they take, by stouping from their height.
The Cormorant then comes, (by his deuouring kind)
Which flying o'er the Fen, imediately doth find.
The Fleet best stor'd of Fish, when from his wings at full,
As though he shot himselfe into the thickned skull,
He vnder water goes, and so the shoale pursues
Which into Creeks doe fly, when quickly he doth chuse
The Fin that likes him best, and rising flying feeds.
The Ospray oft here scene, though seldom here it breeds
Which ouer them the fish no sooner doe espie
But (betwixt him and them, by an antipathy)
Turning their bellies vp, as though their death they saw,
They at his pleasure lye to stuffe his glutt'nous maw.
S*tSpe?SI2 ^*^® toyling Fisher here is tewing of his Net :
The Fowler is employd his lymed twigs to set.
One vndemeath his Horse, to get a shoote doth stalke ;
Another ouer Dykes vpon his stilts doth walke :
These Men with their spades, the Peats are squaring out.
And others from their carres are busily about,
To draw out sedge & reed, for Thatch & Stour git
That whosouer would a LandsMp rightly bit
Beholding but my Fennes, shall with more shapes be stofd
Then Germany or France, or Thuscan can afford
And for that part of me, which men High Holland call.
Where Boston seated is by plenteous Wytham's fall
I peremptory am, large Neptunes liquid field
Doth to no other tract the like aboundance yeeld.
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14 Fenland Notes and Queries.
Kestiuen's When Kestiven this while that certainly had thought
^ *^^ Her tongue would ne'er haue stopt, quoth shee O how I hate
Thus of her Foggy Fennes, to heare rude Holland prate
That with her Fish and Fowle, here keepeth such a coyle
As her vnwholesome ayre, and more vnwholesome soyle
For these of which shee boasts, the more might suffred be ;
When those her feathered flocks she sends not out to me,
Wherein cleare Witham they, & many a littie Brooke
(In which the sunne itself may well be proud to looke)
Haue made their flesh more sweet by my refined food
From that so ramish tast of her most fulsome mud
When the toyld Cater home them to the Kitchen brings
The Cooke doth cast them out, as most unsauoury things.
Besides, what is she else, but a foule woosie marsh
And that she calls her grasse, so blady is &c harsh
As cuts the cattels mouths, constrained thereon to feed
So that my poorest trash, which mine call Kush & Reed
For litter scarcely fit, that to the dung I throw
Doth like the penny grasse, or the pure Clouer show
Compared with her best : and for her sundry fish
Of which shee freely boasts, to furnish euery dish,
Did not full Neptunes fields so furnish her with store
Those in the ditches bred, within her muddy Moore
Are of so earthy taste, as that the Ravenous Crow
Will rather starue thereon her stomach then bestow.
7. —The Fellowes Family.—The founder of the Fellowes
family in the Fens was Coulson Fellowes, son of William Fellowes,
of London, and nephew of Thomas Coulson, one of the East
India Directors. He was born on October 12fch, 169G, and
married Urania, daughter of Francis OaMey, of Oakley Park,
Salop, and sister to Henry Arthur, Earl of Powis. He purchased
Park Place, near St. Ives, and soon afterwards Eamsey Abbey.
The heir of Coulson Fellowes was William Fellowes, who was
probably born soon after the removal of the family to Eamsey.
In 1768 he married Lavinia, daughter and co-heir of James
Smith, of St. Andrew's, Somersetshire. He represented Sudbury
and Andover in Parliament for several years, and was High
Sheriff for Huntingdonshire in 1779.
His son, William Henry Fellowes, was born at Ramsey, on
15th July, 1769, and married on July 23rd, 1804, Emma,
daughter of Eichard Benyon, Esq., of Englefield House, Berk-
shire. He represented Huntingdonshire in Parliament for many
years.
The eldest son of the above having died, he was succeeded by
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FENLAim Notes and Quebibs. 15
his second son Edward Fellowes, who was bom in 1809, and
sncceeded his father in 1837. He married July 2nd, 1845, the
Hon. Mary Julia Milles, eldest daughter of the late Lord Sondes,
and sister of the present Earl. In 1887, the Jubilee year of
Queen Victoria, he was elevated to a peerage, but was on his
deathbed at the time. He died at the town residence of the family
3, Belgrave Square, in August of that year. He left two sons and
one daughter. William Henry, who succeeded to the peerage, and
is the present Baron de Ramsey, Ailwyn Edward, and the Hon.
Mrs. Whatley.
The present Lord de Ramsey married on 12th July, 1877,
Lady Rosamond Jane Francis Spencer Churchill, second daugh*: er
of the late Duke of Marlborough, and he represented the County
of Huntingdonshire in Parliament for several years prior to
taking his seat in the House of Peers. His younger brother the
Hon. Ailwyn Fellowes, is now one of the county representatives
in Parliament.
Ramsey Abbey, the home of the Fellowes, is one of the
most interestmg historical spots in the Fens. For 600 years it
was the home of a body of learned Benedictines. Its foundation was
miraculous. The pious monks collected here a magnificent collection
of books and valuable manuscripts. It was said to be the most
valuable library in England. The building too was one of the
grandest piles in the Fen country. Such was the magnificence of
Ramsey at that time that in an old doggrell it was described as
'* Ramsey y^ Riche." At the Reformation the magnificent library
was scattered to the four winds of heaven ; vaulted nave and
choir ceased to resound with the Divine praises, and the stately
building fell into ruins. Its demesnes were granted to Sir Richard
Cromwell, whose son rebuilt a manor house out of the ruins. In
1674 it was sold by the representatives of this family to Titus
Salt, the authur of " Killing no Murder." In 1703 he bequeathed
the manor to his wife and two daughters. Catherine, the eldest
of these, bequeathed it with an estate of £2,000 to her servants,
from whom Coulson Fellowes purchased it in 1736 or 1737.
The estates of the Fellowes include 15,629 acres in Hunting-
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Jg Fenland Notes and Queries.
denshire, 4,083 in Norfolk, and 309 in Cambridgeshire, making a
total of 20,021,
8 —A Folklore Legend of March.— Some of the old Fenland
Legends are very quaint, and if they could be gathered together they
would make a curious and unique collection. Some old residents
have got these Legends stored up in their mmds as valuable pieces
of history concerning the locality in which they reside. Many
similar ones have no doubt been lost to posterity in consequence
of the continuity of the tradition having been lost, and of the
contempt with which local historians of a previous age used to
regard such things, but that is all the stronger reason why efforts
should be made to preserve those which yet remain. Some of
them are ahnost beautiful in their conception, while others are
equally quaint. What their origin may have been I will leave
others to discuss. But about 40 years ago I was living at
Wisbech and my business frequently took me to March. I then,
heard from the old people of March a curious story which
deserves to be preserved from oblivion. The old Legend told how
the people of March in the 13th century endeavoured to build
a church on the site where the present cross stands, but the devils
were utterly opposed to the proposal. They considered the
fenland was especially theirs, and they opposed with might and
main the building of churches and the founding of monasteries.
As fast as the people of March dug their foundations and built
their church the devils came and pulled the work down. The
masonry which the builders put up in the day time was destroyed
in the night by the devils. This conflict lasted for some years,
when the March people, not to be beaten, set up the stone crucifix
as an object of terror to the devils. It succeeded in its object.
The devils left the town, and that is how the cross came to occupy
its present position, which no doubt would have been the better
site for the church. J. L. Blake.
9.— Defoe's Visi|j to Lynn and the Isle of Ely.— Daniel
Defoe published in 1724 " A Tour through the whole Island of
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1
Pbnland Notes and Queries. 17
Great Britain," and the following extracts from the first volume
describe his visit to Lynn and the Isle of Ely in 1722 : —
From hence [Walsingham] we went to Lynn, another rich and
poptQons thriving port town. It stands on more ground than
the town of Yarmouth, and has, I think, parishes, yet I cannot
aUow that it has more people than Yarmouth, if so many.
It is a beautiful, well built, and well situated town, at the
mouth of the river Ouse, and has this particular attending it,
which gives a vast advantage in trade, namely, that there is the
' greatest extent of inland navigation here of any port in
England, London excepted. The reason whereof is this, that
there are more navigable rivers empty themselves here into the
sea, including the washes, which are branches of the same port,
than at any one mouth of waters in England, except the
Thames and the Humber. By these navigable rivers, the mer-
chants of Lynn supply about six counties wholly and three
counties in part, with their goods, especially wine and coals,
viz,, by the little Ouse they send their goods to Brandon and
Thetford, by the lake to Mildenhall, Barton Mills, and St.
Edmundsbury ; by the river Grant to Cambridge, by the great
Ouse itself to Ely, to St. Ives, to St. Neots, to Barford Bridge,
and to Bedford; by the river Nyne to Peterborough; by the
drains and washes to Wisbeach, to Spalding, Market Deeping,
and Stamford; besides the several counties into which these
goods are carried by land-carriage from the places where the
navigation of those rivers end; which has given rise to this
observation on the town of Lynn, that they bring in more coals
than any seaport between London and Newcastle ; and import
more wines than any port in England, except London and
Bristol; their trade to Norway and to the Baltic Sea is also
great in proportion, and of late years they have extended their
trade further to the southward.
Here are many gentry, and consequently is more gaiety in this town
than in Yarmouth, or even in Norwich itself — the place abound-
ing in very good company.
The situation of this town renders it capable of being made very
strong, and in the late wars it was so ; a line of fortification
being drawn round it at a distance from the walls ; the ruins, or
rather remains of which works appear very fair to this day ;
nor would it be a hard matter to restore the bastions, with the
ravelins, and counterscarps, upon any sudden emergency, to a
good state of defence: and that in a little time a sufficient
number of workmen being employed, especially because they
are able to fill all their ditches with water from the sea, in such
a manner as that it cannot be drawn off.
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18 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
There is in the Market place of this town a very fine statue of King
William on horseback, erected at the charge of the town. The
Ouse is mightly large and deep, close to the very town itself,
and ships of good burthen may come up to the quay ; but there
is no bridge, the stream being too strong, and the bottom
moorish and unsound ; nor for the same reason is the anchorage
computed the best in the world ; but there are good roads
farther down.
They pass over here into the fen country, and over the famous
marshes into Lincolnshire, but the passage is very dangerous
and uneasy, and where passengers often miscarry and are lost ;
but then it is usually on their venturing at improper times, and
without the guides^ which if they would be persuaded not to do,
they would very rarely fail of going and coming safe.
From Lynn I bent my course to Downham, where is an ugly wooden
bridge over the Ouse ; from whence we passed the fen country
to Wisbeach, but saw nothing that way to tempt our curiosity
but deep roads, innumerable drains and dykes of water, all
navigable, and a red soil, the land bearing a vast quantity of
good hemp, but a base unwholesome air ; so we came back to
Ely, whose cathedral standing in a level peat country, is seen
far and wide, and of which town when the minster, so they call
it, is described, everything remarkable is said that there is room
to say, and of the minster this is the most remarkable thing
that I could hear, namely, that some of it is so ancient,
totters so much with every gust of wind, looks so like a decay,
and seems so near it, that whenever it does fall, all that it is
likely will be thought strange in it will be that it did not fall a
hundred years sooner.
As my business is not to lay out the geographical situation of places,
I say nothing of the buttings and boundings of this county
[Cambridgeshire.] It lies on the edge of the great level, called
by the people here, the fen country; and great part, if not aU, the
Isle of Ely lies in this county and Norfolk As we
descended westwood we saw the fen country on our right, almost
all covered with water like a sea, the Michaelmas rains having been
very great that year, they had sent down great floods of water
from the upland countries, and those fens being, as may be very
properly said, the work of no less than thirteen counties — that is
to say, that all the water, or most part of the water, of thirteen
counties fall into them ; they are often thus overflowed. The
rivers which thus empty themselves into these fens, and which
thus carry off the water, are the Cam or Grant, the great Ouse,
the little Ouse, the Nene, the Welland, and the river which runs
from Bury to Mildenhall. The counties which these rivers
drain, as above, are as follows : —
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Fenlajto Notes and Qitebies. 19
Lincoln Warwick Norfolk
♦Cambridge Oxford Suffolk
♦Huntingdon Leicester Essex
♦Bedford ♦Northampton
Buckingham ♦Rutland
Those marked with (♦) empty all their waters this way, the rest but
in part. In a word, all the water of the middle part of England
which does not run into the Thames or the Trent comes down
into these fens.
In these fens are abundance of those admirable pieces of art called
decoys, that is to say, places so adapted for the harbour and
shelter of wild fowl, and then furnished with a breed of those
they call decoy ducks, who are taught to allure and entice their
kind to the places they belong to, that it is incredible what
quantities of wild fowl of all sorts, duck, mallard, teal, widgeon,
&c., they take in those decoys every week during the season ; it
may indeed be guessed at a little of this, that there is a decoy
not far from Ely which pays to the landlord, Sir Thomas Hare,
£500 a year rent, besides the charge of maintaining a great
number of servants for the management ; and from which decoy
alone, they assured me at St. Ives (a town on the Ouse, where
the fowl they took was always brought to be sent to London)
they generally sent up three thousand couple a week.
There are more of these about Peterboro', who send the fowl up
twice a week in wagon loads at a time, whose waggons before
the late Act of Parliament to regulate carriers, I have seen
drawn by ten or twelve horses a-piece, they were laden so
heavy.
As these fens appear covered with water, so I observed too, that they
generally at this latter part of the year appear also covered
with fogs, so that when the downs and higher grounds of the
adjacent country were gUden with the beams of the sun, the
Isle of Ely looked as if wrapped up in blankets, and nothing
to be seen but now and then the lantern or cupola of Ely
Minster.
One could hardly see this from the hiUs and* not pity the many
thousands of families that were bound to be confined in those
fogs, and had no other breath to draw thail what must be mixed
with those vapours, and that steam which so universally over-
spreads the country. But notwithstanding this, the people,
especially those that are used to it, live unconcerned, and as
healthy as other folks, except now and then an ague, which they
make light of, and there are great numbers of very ancient
people among them.
10.— Wisbech Castle and its Prisoners.— This is a page in
local history which has not received the attention from local
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20 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
historians which it deserves. The accounts of the castle are very
meagre, and, although it is well known that, in the 16th and early
part of the 17bh century, it was used as a prison for State offenders
there is little or no record of who those prisoners were, or what
were their offences. It is probable that many of them were
detained for life, and dying there were buried in Wisbech. Messrs*
Walker and Craddock, in their excellent " History of Wisbech and
the Fens," give a list of the constables and a few particulars about
them, but a list of the State prisoners would be equally interesting.
A few names are included in Messrs, Walker and Craddock's
work, but they are very few indeed. The only names mentioned
by them are Watson, Bishop of Lincoln, who died at Wisbech in
1587, Father Weston, Robert Gatesby, and Francis Tresham.
A. P., Wisbech.
11.— The Pancake Bell at Ramsey.— On Shrove Tuesday
the custom of ringing the Pancake Bell was revived at Ramsey
this year, and I see by a notice of the circumstance in a local
newspaper that a peal was afterwards rung in honour of the day.
This latter part is difficult to understand. The ringing a bell on
Shrove Tuesday had its origin in summoning the people to church
for the purpose of being shriven. It was the ancient custom for
all Christians to get shriven on Shrove Tuesday, in order that they
might be " in a state of Grace and their penances and fasting
during Lent the more acceptable to God." When the meaning for
ringing the bell on Shrove Tuesday had ceased to exist, the bell
in many places was continued to be rung, and it was then used as
an indication when the pancake reveky should commence. Taylor
says that the orthodox time for commencing was 11 o'clock, but
<' with the aid of a knavish sexton " the bell was commonly rung
before 9 in the morning. " At the sound of the bell," he con-
tinues, " thousands of people became distracted and forgetful either
of manners or of humanitie." The first pancake was given to
the latest riser, hence the couplet :—
Maids, fritters and pancakes inough see ye make,
Let slut have one pancake for companie's sake.
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Fenland Notes and Qtjeribs. 21
At Peterborough (St. John's) the pancake bell has continuously
been rung.
12.~A Vow of Chastity at Doddingtonin l393."-Fo8broke
says, in his British Monachism, 3rd Edit., 363-4 : —
Bpiphanius and other Fathers mention husbands who lived apart
from their wives, and wives from their husbands,
Among us men and their wives took them when growing old ;
and certain hospitals required these vows before admission. The
most common vow was, however, that of widowers and widows
to observe chastity in honor of their deceased wives or hus-
bands. These widows were called Viduce pullatae (from the
habit), or. as they may be termed, Toov/rning widows^ ....
These vows amongst us are very ancient. Gildas mentions
Cuneglass's wife's sister, a widow who had made a vow of
chastity. The anglo Saxon women also made them, and the
women wore a ring and russet gown. The Bishop of the diocese
issued a commission; and besides of observing the vow, the
widow was for life to wear a veil and a mourning habit. Both
were duly consecrated. The veil was put on by the priest, but
the ring only was sufficient, whether they took the veil or habit
or not.
The following is the ceremonial of making a vow of this kind
by a widow-
is March, 1393. — Lady Blanch, relict of Sir Nicholas Styvede, Knt.,
alledging that she was a parishioner of John, Lord Bishop of Ely,
humbly supplicated the said Bishop that he would think worthy
to accept her vow of chastity, and from consideration of regard,
confer upon her the mantle and ring, &c., and afterwards the
said Lady Blanch, in the chapel of the Manor of Dodyngton, in the
diocese of Ely, before the high altar, in the presence of the said
reverend father then and there solemnly celebrating Mass, made
solemnly her vow of chastity as follows in these words : —
I, Blanch, heretofore wife of Sir Nicholas de Styvede, Knt., vow
to God, and to our holy Lady St. Mary, and aU Saints, in presence
of our reverend father in God, John, by the grace of God,
Bishop of Ely, that I vtIU be chaste from henceforth during my
life. And the said reverend Father received her vow, and
solemnly consecrated and put upon the said vowess the mantle
and ring in the presence of, &c. One of the witnesses is a
notary public.
13.— Making the G.N. Bailway across the Fen. I was
travelling on the G.N. Railway one day, and when near Holme,
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22 Fenland Notes and Queries.
I spoke to an old man who sat in one corner of the carriage, and who
had got in at Holme station. After speaking about the extent of
Whittlesey Mere, the old man said : " I mind the time well, sir,
when they made this line across the fen. The mere did not come
within a quarter-of-a-mile of it, but the fen here was like a sponge.
They raised this railway bank under great difficulty, long planks
of wood were laid on the fen, and if one of the workmen stepped
off the plank he used to slip up to his middle in the bog and had
to be helped out. The draining of the lake made a great differ-
ence to the Fenland here."
J. F.
1 4. -John Holder, of Soham Mere.— Some curious particulars
about John Helder, who was born on the 17th of December,
1797, in the immediate vicinity of Soham mere, were given by
Mr. J. 0. Woods in the Antiquary for November, 1888. The
circumstances were taken from an old MS. which had been kept,
after the first 50 pages, in journal form by Mr. Helder himself, and
which was found in the library of a dissenting minister of the
Fenland. The greater part of the journal was taken up with
circumstances concerning Holder's spiritual life. He appears to
have been a farmer and a general man of business, but of con-
siderable education, as his correct orthography, fine caligraphy,
and style of composition sufficiently testify. He was of cultiva-
ted and even erudite tastes, judging from the books he speaks of
as reading. In May, 1724, he was married to " a young woman,
who, before unknown, had appeared to him in a vision during a
dangerous illness in the previous year." During that illness he
renounced "carding and dicing, dancing and reading ungodly
ballads, unchaste songs, and lascivious discourses in play books,"
in which he had much delighted. At the same time, also, he
appears to have left the Church of England and became associated
with the Independents. On this account he offended his relatives,
particularly an uncle, who however relented on his death bed and
left him his estate. In 1758 he was made a " Commissioner for
Ely and Soham Levell in Middle Fen, etc., being encouraged to
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 23
undertake and go through this business by the hopes and prospects
of being serviceable to the poor inhabitants of these drownded
parishes by helping them to much worke, which, with an increase
of wages, will better maintain their Families, lately distressed by
dearness and scarcity of Provisions, and by hopes of seeing the
readiness of the Landowners to raise and lay out their money
repaid with double interest." He himself had bitter experience
of Soham "Meer " in relation to " these poor drownded parishes,"
for once he was overtaken by a storm when crossing it in a little
open boat, with a small sail set, and was himself nearly drowned.
On another occasion, in Dec, 1747, there being a great flood, he
sent his son with other neighbours to fetch home the horses out
of Beach Fen and in crossing the " oharn " in a boat with three
horses, a rapid stream drove the sheets of ice against the boat, so
that his son and two of the horses fell overboard, and the former
was barely rescued. In February, 1745-6, "the wind lying
north ekst, and blowing very hard brought the water against the
Meer bank, and raised it higher than I have ever seen it before,
and kept it rising so much as made me believe y® Meer was in
danger of being drowned : y® bank then was very dry and con-
sequently light, and upon a break of a frost not so solid as usual.
The wind increased in the night and was very stormy. I got up
soon after two of y® clock in y® morning and took my Bible to
read in as usual before going out .... I knew if f Meer
was drounded it w^ be a great loss to L*^ Townsend to my neigh-
bours and to myself." But the " Meer " was all right. He lost a
little son in 1728, and his wife in 1735, but had at least two
other children, a son and a daughter — the former predeceased him
and the latter is referred to as being at a boarding school at
Ipswich. He never re-married, although in 1754 the world
raised many reports against him concerning " a young woman
who dearly and truly loved him and whom also he loved right
well ; but God knew, he did not know, whether she were a
true woman or not." He appears to have suffered many losses,
and especially refers to a distemper raging amongst the cattle,
which, in 1748, carried off all his save one. When the Norfolk
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: 24 Fenland Notes and Queries.
Mail was robbed in January, 1748-9, he was very uneasy about
two drafts therein for £150 ; payment however was stopped, and
fresh drafts- were subsequently sent him and paid in due course.
For many years he was an invalid, and when only 38 years of age,
he thus summarizes the accidents which had befallen him.
i Twice was I left in the water helpless and one minute's time longer
would very likely have put an end to my life : my head has been
broken at six severaU times and places, yet not by the hand of
man, but by faUs and by cattle and other strange accidents. I
have had three violent blows on the mouth, one of them by a
Earn, and two by horses, by which some of my teeth were
broken and others loosened, and my speech much hindered : I
have very often had great deliverances from danger by waggons
and carts, also by horses and other cattle, and by theives and
other enemies and by violent tempests.
He enumerates many meditations, &c., which he wrote, but
it is probable they were never printed. The following entries are
also worth quoting : —
June ye 8th, 1727. — I being this day at Isleham, saw & heard the
biggest tempest that ever hapned in my memory, and which
much damaged a house there, and terrifyed and confounded the
ungodly for the present.
i Sep. 8th, 1727.— On this day hapned a very dismial fire at Burwell,
) whereby was 80 persons burnt to death. I was not present, but
\ saw it at four or five miles distance, at about 10 of y® clock in
the evening, and though my body was absent, yet my soul did
sympathise and was present with them that were then aflSicted.*
1st Dec, 1747. — There was a violent storm of wind & snow from the
North w^^ did a great deal of damage about three in the after-
noon About two hours after I was informed by one
of our men of the great distress they had been under at ye Three
Mills by ye Wind turning into ye North suddenly, the sail cloths
being frozen and could not be roUed up, and the Mills aU like to
be torn in pieces ; but by God's good Providence they were at
last secur'd with little damage done to them.
The last entry is dated December, 1764, when Mr, Holder
would be 67 years of age.
* An account of this fire, which happened in a barn duriug a puppet she w, was
published by Flo. Gibbons in 1769.
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^^'-m
F£NLAKD Notes and Qxtbribs. 25
15.— renland Holmes.— All along the banks of the Ouse,
especially from HuntiLgdon to Barith, are various small tracts
of land called " holms."
This is rather an interesting word to a fenman. It is
variously traced to the Anglo-Saxon, Danish, Latin, and German,
and means " a low, flat, tract of rich land on the banks of a river."
The poet speaks of —
The soft wind blowing over meadowy " holms."
The word "holme" in Scandinavia was used to express a
place surrounded by water ; and in a secondary sense, according
to Mr. Furgusson, alluvial land by a river ; in which latter sense
it mainly occurs in Cumberland and Westmoreland. In the
former sense we may instance the Steep and[Flat Holmes in the
river Severn, at Weston-super-Mare.
The majority of Holmes were islands in the time of flood.
Holme-on-Spalding Moor is an eminence in an ancient swamp.
But in Huntingdonshire the name is generally applied to flat
ground near the river. Harrison in his Description of England,
p. 48, says, " Some call them the holmes because they lie low, and
are good for nothing but grasse."
The derivation of the word is now mostly accepted by
etymologists as being of Anglo-Saxon source, signifying a river
island — flat land lying along the river and occasionally flooded by
its waters — hence the " Holmes " of Huntingdonshire.
The Port-holme of Huntingdon is well known by reason of
the annual racings held there.
Whether the parish of Holme, some ten miles from Hunting-
don, was named by the Saxon who may have settled there is, of
course, uncertain. It is better to leave fanciful and apochryphal
derivations to oblivion. It is true that the Anglo-Saxon meaning
of the word is correctly applied to the " Holmes " on both banks
lower down the river, in the parishes of Hemingford Grey and
Houghton.
At St. Ives the " Holmes " consist of a few fields near the
Staunch and what is called the " Old Eiver," and in flow time are
inundated.
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26 FeNLAND NOTEg AND QUERIES.
At Holywell one field adjoining the river sfcill retains the
name of " Flagg-holme." This is rather an interesting compound
word. It may mean that there was formerly some kind of signal
by flags and harbour for boats at " Holywell," or that the district
abounded with flag plants of the same species which are still
plentiful.
Flat-holme and Steep-holme are two small islands in the Severn.
Axholme, Doonholme, Glenholme, Holmewood, and the proper
names Holmes and Hume are further illustrations. Curious
local names often upon investigation yield valuable historical
information.
Lewis, in his 2^o]pographical Dictionary, mentions the word
Holm or Holme twenty-eight times, either as a simple name or in
combination with other subordinates. It is very fairly distributed
and the above comparatively large number shew it to be a popular
name.
Herbert E. Norris, St. Ives, Hunts.
16.— Fenland Runaway Marriages.— The following extracts
are from the Eunaway Marriage Registers of Haddington, pub-
lished in Northern Notes and Qvsries, Vol. iii,, No. 12 : —
1767 Aug 16 Nevil Goodman, Farmer, and Susannah Goodman,
Spinster, both of Elm in the Isle of Ely, Co.
Cambridge. W[itnesses] Jonathan Phillips,
Bw. Bower.
1769 March 22 Richard WignaU, Farmer, and Rachel Leroo,
Spinster, both of Peterboro, co. Northampton.
W[itnesses] Susannah Leroo, James Fairbaiifn,
Barthew. Bower.
1769 June 1 George Denshire, Esq., of All Saints, in Stamford, Co.
Lincoln, Capt. in the 9th Regiment of Foot
and Ann Brackenbury of Spilsby, same County,
Spinster. 'W[itnesses] George Digby, Barthw.
Bower.
1774 Nov 25 John Jackson, of Godmanchester, Co. Huntingdon,
Lieutenant of His Majesty's Marine Forces,
and Sarah Paine of Stoke Damarel, Co. Devon,
Spinster. Wptnesses] E. MaUett, Barthw.
Bower, James Fairbairn, M. B. (?) Home.
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Fbnland Notes and Quebibs. 27
17.— Records of Finds, &c.— Mr. S. H. Miller, the author of
Fmlandy writes as follows : — MskHj fiMs are made in the Fenland
from time to time which are not fully known to the public. At
all events the notes made of them are not permanently recorded,
and Fenland Notes and Qu&iHes would afford the means of
preserving the knowledge of such interesting records from being
entirely lost to the future. Occasionally some notices are given in
the newspapers, but these are not preserved except by a few
perhaps, who take care of the cuttings. There is also much to be
cleared up about certain phenomena in past ages, of finds of
flints, pottery, coins, canoes, and a host of such things. The
folklore, also, of the Fens, requires attention, especially with
regard to local names, of rivers, fields, and roads, which are being
changed in their character by railways, for instance, besides the
loss of old landmarks by the process of cultivation, &o.
18.— Whirlwind Cakes at Leverington— It is many years
now since I was at Leverington, but I well remember that it used
to be the custom at the feast then to make Whirlwind cakes.
There was a curious old folklore legend attached to this custom.
It was to the effect that while a certain old lady of Leverington
was one day making cakes for the purpose of entertaining her
guests at the feast, the devil came to her, and creating a whirlwind
can'ied her off over the church steeple. In commemoration of this
improbable event the custom had grown of making Whirlwind
cakes.
T. Laweence, The Grove, Hammersmith.
1 9.— A Local Rhyme at Bownham.— In connection with St.
Winnold's fair held here, the following rhyme is frequently
heard : —
First came David, then came Chad,
Then came Winuold, blowing like mad.
J. B., Peterborough.
20.— Mumping Day at Chatteris.—The 21st day of Decem-
ber has from time immemorial been known in Chatteris as
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28 Fenland Notes and Queries.
" mumping day," On that day old men and old women, and even
young women, pass from house to house begging alms. A great
many residents make a rule of giving a penny each to all
" mumpers," others confine the gift to widows, and some, strangely,
only acknowledge widowers.
21 .—Earthquakes in the Fenland.--The following is a list of
Earthquakes recorded as having taken place in the Fenland : —
1048. In Lincolnshire, recorded in Historia IngulpM^ p. 64, Oxf. ed.,
1684.
1117. Particularly felt in Holland (Line.) endangering and injuring
Crowland Abbey. Ibid. p. 129.
1185. Lincoln damaged. Bager Hoveden^ p. 359.
1448. Shock felt in S. part of Lincolnshire. Ingul]^\ p. 526.
1750. Shock attended by rumbling noise. Felt in Lincolnshire &
Northamptonsbire. Chimneys fell — homesteads tottered.
In Collection for a Topographical History of the Hundred
of Aveland^ by John Moore.
1792. Shock felt at Bourne and neighbourhood.
S. H. Miller, Lowestoft.
22.— Storm at Bourn in I800.-On Sunday, the 4th of May,
1800, a memorable storm passed over the Fens, but was more
severely felt at Bourn than elsewhere. In that parish alone no less
than £700 worth of damage was done. Mr, Samuel Hopkinson, of
Morton, near Bourn, wrote two letters describing the storm and
its effects in that parish, and these letters were published in the
Stamford Mmxury^ on May 9th and 15th, 1800. The early
morning, considering the season of the year, was exceedingly hot,
and nearer midday it became more oppressive. The air was calm,
the sky serene, all was still. Cattle were observed to assemble in
groups, to retire to barns and hedges, or to return home. As
another indication of the coming tempest, Mr. Hopkinson
mentions that the oxen " bellowed extremely." He then gives
the following very graphic description of what occurred : —
Though sensibly impressed with these concurring signs, I was more
particularly struck at the perturbed and increasing state of the
clouds, from 12 to -2 p.m., rugged fragments were incessantly
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FENLAin) Notes and Queries. 29
rising higher and larger than the preceding, assembling and
uniting towards the Zenith, until, like the little one in the days of
Elijah, they almost covered the face of the sky. About this time
the southern horizon inclining rather towards the west, began to
assume an uniform blackness. The thunder rolled and the storm
howled. The air was chilled, the wind rose, and what I esteem
a more certain prognostic than any other, small clouds, formed
like fleeces, denser in the middle, and white towards the edges,
mounted with great celerity in front, and preceded the vast
black tempest, which was fast increasing behind. My well-
disposed neighbours were already assembled in the church, for
the purpose of paying their weekly adorations to the Supreme
Being. Alarmed at the approaching darkness, and at the sound
of the mighty wind, some ran into the porch, others into the
churchyard to see the approaching storm. While thus assembled,
our attention was suddenly arrested by a vast column of smoke,
which seemed to arise from the ground about a southern mile
from the place where we stood, just like the fancied representa-
tion of Etna and Vesuvius. With several others I immediately
ascended the steeple ; but, here description must for ever fall
short ; no mind can comprehend, no tongue can tell, no pen can
represent the scene now exhibited to the astonished sight. I
was just in time to have a better view of the phaenomenon
which alarmed us below, nor do I hesitate in believing it pro-
ceeded from the sudden explosion of a large fire-ball, as the
smoke was far more transparent, and ascended in a manner very
different from what terrestrial matter is accustomed to emit.
A sharp cold misty rain now began to beat on me ; the clouds
vaulted one over another in confused impetuosity, just as
delineated by the masterly hand in the tempestuous skies of
Salvator Rosa. The edifice rocked, the wind roared, the thunder
pealed, the lighting went abroad, and nature seemed struggling
for her very existence.
The fury of the storm now became excessive ; the sun withdrew his
shining, and a partial darkness overspread the land. We could
neither stand without support, see without difficulty, or hear
any thing except the elements in disorder. We quickly descended
for safety into the church. Here was a scene the most awful
and extraordinary I ever witnessed through the course of my
life ; such, as I supposed, it was not the power of the elements,
in the ordinary course of natural operations, in so high a latitude
at least, to have effected ; such, perhaps, as had not been displayed
from the beginning of time, even unto this day. Such windows
as were not well secured fell down into the nave of the church.
The effects of the hail, aided by a dreadful wind, accompanied
by heavy peals of thunder and flashes of lightning, upon the
south and western windows, if I may be allowed to compare
small things with great, I can liken to nothing so aptly as to an
infinite number of muskets pouring balls incessantly upon the
church, for the space of half an hour ; for the glass shivered and
incorporated, as it were, with a shower of monstrous hail-
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30 Fenland Notes and Queries.
stones, beat quite across and struck the sides of the northern
aisle with considerable force. The confused noise occasioned
by the rushing wind, by the glass and hail, by the shrieks
of the women, the cries of the children, together with the
dismay, visible in the faces of aU, was much increased by a sudden
hollow explosion, not unlike a gun discharged either in a cavern
or with its muzzle close to a wall. This was soon discovered
to be the effect of lightning, which struck and scorched the leg
of a young man, who had retreated with many more under a
pillar of the western entrapce for safety. As soon as the tem-
pest abated, the inhabitants, whose continuance in the church
was both uncomfortable and dangerous, eagerly returned to
their respective houses, the windows whereof towards the south
and south-west, were almost entirely demohshed. The cottage
of the poor man, as well as the mansions of the rich, suffered in
the general wreck. None hath escaped God's avenging arm. Of
121 panes in eight sash windows in the western front of the
vicarage house, only 21 were saved, which was owing to the
sashes being left up.
Toward the south, of five windows with 281 x)iines, there were only
23 left.
Add to this, I have a small green house and stables in a very shattered
condition.
The villages in this neighbourhood, especially Gunthorpe, Strain-
field, Hacconby, Dunsby, and Eippingale, shared a similar fate,
and exhibit, in appearance, houses in the metropolis, after they
have been recently rescued from the ravages af fire, by dashing
out the windows, and by seasonable exertions of the engines.
Mr. Hopkinson then writes at considerable length of
the damage done to the growing crops. Some of the fields of
wheat had been " entirely swept away ; " the hedges had been
"stript of their foliage," having the appearance of "arriving
winter." He also tells of the injuries inflicted upon birds and
poultry. He picked up "a pidgeon almost stript of its feathers,
and learn that many have been taken up dead." Walking in his
garden an hour after the storm, he found it in a state of " com-
plete desolation," and " nothing was left^by the destructive blast."
He found several hailstones of an inch diameter. One he
measured very exactly, and found it to be l^in. in length, lin.
broad, and half inch thick. He also says he was informed that
many were found as large as pigeon's eggs, some measuring five
inches in circumference.
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Penland Notes and Queries. 31
23.— A Eemarkable Journey from Wisbech.— On the 19th
of November, 1841, a man named Thomas Wressel, aged 63,
died at "Wisbech, and previous to his death he expressed a wish to
his only sister, who resided with him, that his remains should be
interred in the churchyard at Clarborough, near Eetford, at wjiich
place he had previously lived, and where his mother and some of
bis family had been interred. With remarkable resolution the
sister decided upon fulfilling her brother's last injunction, and set
forth from Wisbech with the remains of her brother in a donkey
cart. The distance of road between Wisbech and Clarborough
was 97 miles. During the journey the coffin, which projected
from behind the cart, was covered with a ragged coverlid, upon
which the dejected sister sat. After being 11 days on the road,
she reached Clarborough on the 2nd of December, and the body
laid as it had travelled in the cart in an outhouse of one of the
village inns until December 4th, when it was buried by the Curate
(Rev. W. E. Sharpe). The sister wore no mourning, but readily
paid the funeral expenses. She was 60 years of age. Fifteen
days elapsed between the death of the man and his burial.
After the funeral the woman returned to Wisbech with the donkey
and cart.
24. —Accidents at Lynn Perry. — In 1630 an accident
happened to the Perry boat crossing the river from Common-
Staithe Quay to Old Lynn, when 18 persons were drowned.
Exactly 166 years later a very similar catastrophe occurred, when
no less than 22 persons were drowned. The latter circumstance
happened in March, 1796, as the ferry boat was crossing the river,
at seven in the evening, with about 30 persons on board. It ran
foul of the cable of a barge and was overset, all the occupants
being immersed. John Price, a sailor, witnessed the accident, and
at the imminent hazard of his own life, dived into the water
again and again, until he had rescued four of the passengers
He had entered the water a fifth time, and had seized a woman
when the rapidity of the tide tore her from him. He then
narrowly escaped drowning. Only about a dozen of the bodies
were ever recovered.
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25.— Tombstone Inscriptions in Thomey Abbey.— Thorney
Abbey has recently undergone restoration, but genealogists will
be pleased to learn that every care was taken to preserve the
monumental inscriptions on the walls and on the floor. Many of
these latter have become very indistinct in consequence of the
traffic which has passed over them. Amongst the monuments in
the south wall is a small square stone, bearing a Latin inscription
to the memory of the Kev. Ezekiel Danois, who died on the 24th
Feb. 1674, but the age is left blank. The inscription speaks of
him as the first minister of the French Colony, which began to
assemble at Thorney, in 1652. But the accuracy of this claim is
disputed, as a license is still extant granted by Bishop Wren to
Stephen de Cursol, a Frenchman, to preach at Thorney, either
in French or Latin. The date of that licence is 1600, which is
half a century earlier than the date claimed for Ezekiel Danois.
The following is a complete list of all the inscriptions now existing
in the interior of the Abbey : —
ON THE FLOOR.
Here lyeth the body of Mr. George Smith : who was Steward vnto
y^^ Righe Hon^ WiUiam Earle of Bedford : Hee dyed the 29 of
October Anno 1651.
In memory of Mr. John South who dep. this life November the xxx
1727 aged . . . years. [The age had never been engraved.]
Sarah the wife of John South died September ye 17'^ 1720 aged
XXXVIII yrs. Also in memory of Charles the son of Jacob and
Sarah Bayley who departed this life the 2Q^^ April anno domini,
1741.
Mark le Pla died ApriU 13 • 1697 age d75. Mary le Hover his wife
dep. March 24 • 1693 aged 63. Also Mr. John Le Pla Esquire
departed this life October y® v 1727 aged 72.
John Girdlestone, M.A. died 20 March 1821, aged 76. Rebecca
Girdlestone his widow died 10*^^ Jany. 1824 aged 75.
He lyeth the body of John Le Pla junr. who departed this life Feb'
the ix*^ 1723. in ye 36 year of his age. Also in memory of
Charles Lepla who dep. this life August y® xxvi 1726 aged 37.
Also in memory of Jane Lepla wife of John Lepla sen"* who
departed this life the 24^^ February 1717 aged 84.
Here lyeth the body of John Guerin who departed this life 13'^ of
November 1724 aged 11 years
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F. S. 1710.
John Girdlestone M.A. died 2, March 1821 aged 76.
In memory of Frances wife of John Bailey who died 24 March 1831
in the 34 year of her age. [Other half of the stone blank.3
In memory of Mary widow of the late James Denny of Baveningham,
Norfolk, who died 16tii June 1831 aged 63 years. Also Mary
daughter of James & Mary Denny died Febry 10 . 1860 aged 42
years.
In memory of Thomas Bailey who died 22"^** November 1830 in the
44th year of his age.
Ann BaUey died Oct. 27, 1841 aged 92 years. In memory of John
Bailey, who died January 13^^ 1822 aged 72 years.
Here lyeth the body of William, fourth son of Benj. and Bliz.
Holdich, who was bom on the 18th Dec. 1807, and buried on
18th Dec. 1808.
Susannah the wife of Benjn- Holdich who died April 3 . 1810 in the
23rd year of her age. [A poetical epitaph is indecipherable.]
Holdich 1810.
Martha wife of John Bel .... died Oct John .... died . . . •
Martha John
In memory of James Watson, gent., who departed this life April 18 ,
1802 aged . 2 years. Also Mary wife of James Watson, gent.,
who departed this life January 1803 aged 65 years.
Here lyeth ye body of Amelia y® daughter of James and Mary
[remainder indistinct ; the name is probably Watson].
Here lies interred the body of Maria the wife of Wilson Wells Cler*
and daughter of William Smith Esq. of Graveley in the county
of Hertford. She departed this life y® 7th day of March in
y® year of our Lord 1732 in y® . 32nd year of her age.
Here lyeth the remains of Daniel Bayley Esq late of Willow Hall
who died the 21st Jan 1774 aged 41 years. Also Mingay Bayley
sister of the above Daniel Bayley Esq. who died the 5 of March
1761 aged 24 years.
Daniel Bayley of WiUow HaU 1763 aged 62 years. [This stone is
greatly obliterated].
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Here lye interred Dorothy wife of Mr. AbrSIIi Ris Mar 25 A.D. 1714
ag. 37. Also Samuel son of y« said Ab. and Dor. Ris Mar : 17.
A.D. 1714 Aet. 6 [considerably obliterated]. Also Dorothy
the daughter of Mr. Abraham and Dorothy Ris deceased August
the xxn, 1722 age^ xvu. years. Also Jer. Ris Esq^ son of Mr.
Abra"* and Dorothy Ris who dep^ this life Nov. 19 • 1753 aged
50 years. Mr. Abraham Eis January y® 4*^^ A.D. 1717 aged 65
years. Also Abraham y® son of Mr. Abraham & Dorothy Eis
deceased Dec 24 • 1721 aged xxii years. Also the Eev^ Mr.
James Ris A.M. late Minister of this Church son of Mr. Abraham
& Dorothy Eis who departed this life Feb. 10 • 1758 aged 45
years.
The Rev. John Hunt (7) Master of Arts, Curate of the Donative of
Thomey rector of Benefield in the County of
Northampton. He died M . . . 1807 aged [looks like 60] years.
Here lieth the body of Mr. John AnseU who departed this life the
S^^ of February 1778 aged 66 years.
Here lieth the body of Abigail the wife of Mr. John Ansell who
depai-ted this life ... . 1760 aged 47 years.
Mary the daughter of John and Jane Wing died 13 Feb 1808 aged
17 years. Sarah Maria their second daughter died 1st April 1826
aged 36 years.
John Wing Esq'® died 20 April 1812 in the 61st year of his age.
Jane Wing, widow of the above died 16th Oct. 1824 aged
70 years.
Here lieth interred the body of lames Le Pla who departed this life
January .... 1677 Aetat 50 (?) Here lyeth also the body of
Sarah the wife of lames le Pla who departed 17 77.
Near this place lieth the body of John Lepla one of the sons of
the above named James le Pla who died 4th Jan 1746 aged 60,
Also Samuel Lepla one of the sons of the above John Lepla
. . . 1794 (?) aged 16. i
The Rev. Thos. Which A.B. sometime curate of this parish he died
[some woodwork connected with the west door coyers the
remainder of the inscription].
Here lieth ye body of John Peirson y« 3rd and youngest son of Ralph
Peirson Esqr aged 5f years who departed this life .... 1666.
Also the body of Eichard Peirson who dyed June .... aged 82.
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ON THE SOUTH WALL.
Sacred to the memory of Mr. James Lambert late of Walwojrth,
Surrey, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons London who
departed this life the 25^^ of Oct 1830 in the 29^^ year of his
age.
John Wing Esq. of Thorney Abbey died April 3rd A.D. 1812 in the
61st year of his age.
John Bailey Esq died January IZ^^ 1822 aged 72 years. Also Ann
Bailey his widow died Oct. 27 1841 aged 92 years.
[Brass]. In memoriam : Frances Bailey 1831 ; John Bailey 1836 ;
John Bailey 1836; George Bailey 1836; Mary Denny 1839
Edward Bailey 1865.
In this Church near the south entrance are deposited the mortal
remains of John Girdlestone M.A. incumbent curate of this
parish, faithfully discharged the duties of his ministry within
these walls for upwards of 50 years, resigned his soul unto his
God at the age of 76 years, on the 2nd day of March in the
year of Our Lord Christ 1821. Also the remains of Rebecca
Girdlestone his widow who died at the age of 75 years on the
10*h day of January 1824.
[Brass]. In loving memory of John Clapham M.R.C.S. who practised
42 years in this parish bom January 2nd 1808 died Feb. 7^^ 1882.
Sacred to the memory of Samuel Perkins gent, of this parish who
died February 14'^ 1841 aged 67 years. Also Alice Perkins his
widow died July 19*^ 1846 aged 75 years.
ON THE NOBTH WALL.
Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth the affectionate wife of William
Whitting Esqr who trusting in her Redeemer's merits for a blessed
immortality departed this life vii, September MDCCOXXxn aged
XXX years, deeply mourned as a wife a mother & a friend. Also
to the parental memory of Spelman Swaine infant son of
William Whitting Esq'® & his beloved wife Sophia Day bom
June XXVIII mdcccxlvh died May xii MDCXXJXLVin the above
WiUiam Whitting Esq & likewise his wife Sophia Day died and
were buried at St Leonards on Sea A.D., MDCCC5LXXIX.
Near this spot repose the remains of Sampson Barber late of Willow
Hall in this parish who departed this life on 1st January 1828
in the 52nd year of his age. As a simple tribute of respect and
gratitude this stone is erected to the memory of a kiii<l and
affectionate parent by his family.
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Near this place lieth the body of Abraham Flahau who departed
this life the 12ti» day of July 1755 in the 72nd year of his age.
His wife & twelve children lie in the Church of St James
Clerkenwell, London, with her father & mother, Henry & Dorothy
HanMn.
26-— Price of Wheat, &c., at Ramsey, in 1317.— From
Dugdale's Monasticon and other sources, it appears that " During
the great dearth which commenced in 1314, after great floods, and
lasted till 1318 ; the price of corn at Ramsey in 1317 was 24s.
per quarter ; three years before it was 7s. per quarter at Oxford,
and in 1324 it was 6s. 8d. But in 1318, immediately on the
cessation of the dearth, through an abundant harvest, the fall in
price was far greater ; wheat fell from 40 pence the bushel to
sixpence ; lambs were a penny each ; hens were six a penny and
eggs 2s. per thousand.
27.— The Will of John Underwood, of Whittlesea— Mr.
John Underwood, of Whittlesea, Cambridgeshire, left £6,000 to
his sister on condition of her carrying out his wishes respecting
his funeral, and the lady wisely sacrificed her feelings rather than
her fortune, and fulfilled his last injunction to the letter. The
dead man was placed in a green coffin, clad in his usual everyday
dress, his head resting on Saradon's '* Horace," Bentley's edition
being placed under him, and the same editor's " Milton " lying at
his feet. The right hand of the corpse clasped a small Greek
Testament, while the left clasped a miniature edition of " Horace."
No bell was tolled, but after the burial service had been read, an
arch was turned over the coffin, and a piece of marble placed in
the centre, inscribed "Non omnis moriar, 1733." The six mourners^
or the gentlemen who did duty as such, then sang the last stanza
of the ode in which Horace deprecates any display of grief for
the dead. Adjourning to. their dead friend's house, the six sat
down to an excellent supper. As soon as the cloth was removed
they performed a requiem in the shape of another Horatical ode,
and after making themselves merry with a cheerful glass, departed
to their several homes, and, we suppose, fulfilled the testator's final
injunction to " Think no more of John Underwood."
J. Feveb, Whittlesea,
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28.— Whittlesey Mere in 1786.— Mr. Bodger, of Stilton,
published in June and July of 1786, a Map of Whittlesey Mere,
of which a few copies were printed on satin and others on paper.
The size of the plate was 2 feet 2 inches by 1 foot 7 inches.
It was engraved by " that much admired artist, Mr. CoUyer, and
others," who had " engaged to render it incomparably superior to
any other publication." The title is as follows : —
A
CHART
Of the Beautiful Fisheby of
WHITTLESEA MERE
In the County of
HUNTINGDON
AND
Of such Navigable Rivebs with which
It has communication
Fbom theib Speing Heads to theib Influx into the Sea
Most Respectfully Inscbibed to
The Nobility and Gentby
By theib much Obliged and most
Obedient humble Sebvant
JOHN BODGER.
Above this title appears in the clouds the figure of Fama
supporting a medallion, on which the arms of the County of
Huntingdon are displayed, while underneath the title is an
allegorical representation of a Triton, whose shield exhibits the
united forces of France, Spain, Holland, and America at war
wifch Great Britain, who appears in a warlike posture in the
centre protecting British Commerce. This centre figure bears on
his shield the British Arms, and the first-named Triton, represent-
ing the enemies of Britain, is supposed to have succumbed to his
superior strength. The harbour in the distance is a French Port.
On the right is the figure of Mercy, holding a purse as emblematic
of the wealth of the fieet of merchant ships seen at a distance.
In the prospectus issued by Mr. Bodger he described the
Mere as " one of the greatest curiosities in this Kingdom, being a
most spacious and beautiful fresh water lake, on which have been
exhibited several regattas, at which were present many thousands
of nobility, gentry, and others, from various parts, who were
accommodated with upwards of 700 sailing vessels and boats."
Voii. I. B
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Fenlaisd Notes ahd Queries.
Then, having explained what would appear in the Chart and
afilxed his own name, he added the following piece of judicious
advertising : " Estates surveyed and mapped in the most exact
and elegant manner."
"With the Chart the subscribers, whether for satin or paper
copies, had every reason to be satisfied, and from a list of these
which I have in my possession, I find they numbered about 320,
At the bottom of the map was a Mst of sailing distances, &c., as
follows : —
BeviUs
to
Arnold's to
Foleotes to
SAILING DISTANCES.
M.
Foleotes Point
Arnolds Shoals 1
Swere Point
Chalderbeach 1
BeviUs 2
Chalderbeach
Arnolds 1
Chalderbeach 1
Swere Point
p. Y.
1
1
1
4
4
1
6 27
3 32
6 32
6 32
2 8
7 16
4 4
4 38
4 35
DISTANCES AND FALLS.
Whittlesea Mere 6
Wisbeach 19
Cross Keys Wash 26
Eye at Sea 32
Lynn 45
Bar Beacon 50
Eye at Sea 30
Bar Beacon at Sea 46
Eye at Sea to Bar Beacon
Denver Sluice to Bar Beacon 21 5
From I
Peterborough ^
to
Whittlesea-
mere to
M. F.
5
3
5
FT. I.
1 6
5 7
12 4
18 2
19
27 1
8 11
21 4
The subjoined interesting historical memoranda also appear
in the chart : —
Whittlesea Meeb, the most spacious fresh w^ater Lake in the South-
em part of Great Britain, on which have been exhibited several
Eegattas, and Ice Boat Sailing, is situated on the Northern side of
the County of Huntingdon, about thirty-eight miles West of the
German Ocean ; six miles down the Nene from the City of Peter-
borough, and two miles and three-quarters East of Stilton. — Its
surface is 1,570 square acres, and in general the Depth varies
considerably, and its circumference eight miles and three-quarters,
abounding with a great variety of Water Fowl, and the f oUowing
species of Fish, viz^ : Pike, Perch, Carp, Tench, Eels, Bream, Chub,
Boach, Dace, Gudgeons, Shallows, &c., and in the summer months
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 39
is visited by many of the Nobility and Gentry from various parts,
but at times is violently agitated without any visible cause, and is
fed by the waters of a large tract of country, whose overplus
makes its way down to the Sea. The difficulties are too great to
deduce the Origin of this beautiful and extensive piece of water,
and at best it would be enveloped in conjecture and obscurity so
as not to give satisfaction to the generality of readers ; but its
Antiquity and Importance is visible by the authorities of Dooms-
day Book, History of Ramsey, in the Treasury, Speed, Dugdale,
Cotton, and Original Grant, &c., by its having been so early as
664 granted by Wulpher, King of Mercia, to his new founded
monastery of Medeshamstede (now Peterborough,) which was
destroyed by the Danes in 870, when it reverted to the Crown. —
In 956 King Edgar granted Geakeslea (now Yaxley) and
Fearresheafod (now Farcet) to a faithful soldier called -^Ifwine,
from whose descendant they again became the possessions of
Ramsey and Peterborough monasteries, lately rebuilt thro* the
beneficence of St. Ethelwould, Bishop of Winchester.— Doomsday
Book mentions that the Abbot of Ramsey had one Boatsgate, the
Abbot of Peterborough one Boatsgate in his own right, and a
second Boatsgate (which he held of the Abbot of Thomey) with
two fisheries and one virgate of land ; the Abbot of Thomey held
two Boatsgates. — In 1244 Henry III. granted the manor of
Glatton and Holme to his brother, Richard Earl of Cornwall,
King of the Romans, who regranted them in 1261 to the Abbot
of Ramsey, together with three cotes on Whittlesea Mere, with
the lands and ditches round the said cotes. — In 1306 an inquest
was made, when it appeared that the Abbot of Thomey had (in
his own proper soil, abutting on the said Mere) five cotes ; that
the said Abbot (to whom the greater part of the said fishery truly
belonged) had, by ancient custom, five Boatsgates, with all their
appendages to fish in Whittlesey Mere, at all times, except during
the time called Shelrode ; (which beginneth a fortnight before St.
George's day, and continueth a fortnight after). — To each of
the said Boatsgates did belong forty Pollenets, forty Swerenets,
twenty-four Widenets, twenty-four Bownets, one Draye, one
Tramaile, also Settingtawe, and Syrelepes at the will of the owner.
In 1360 Edward III. granted the manor of Glatton and Holme to
his son, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, when they became
part of the Duchy lands. — In 1507 Henry VII. granted the office
of Keeper of the Swannery on the Mere to David Cecil for the
term of seven years. — By an Inquisition made in 1559, first of
Elizabeth, it appeared that Edward VI. in 1554 (sie) had granted to
Sir Walter Mildway, Knt the manor of, and the King's lands in
Farcet, with its appurtenances, &c., and that Court decreed that
the north part of Whittlesea Mere from Arlmyndes Hill to
Falstubb; was his property, and to avoid all future disputes
Commissioners appointed for that purpose planted a Willow Tree
on Arlmyndes Hill, and a post at Falstubb, and thejr also put dow»
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40 Fenland Notes and Queries.
three large Witch Piles in the water of the Mere between those
places ; which north part is now the private property of Lord
Brownlow. — In 1612 James I. granted the manor of Glatton with
Holme to Sir Eobert Cotton, Knt — In 1614 at an Inquisition held
at Holme it appeared that there were fifteen Boatsgates belonging
to the said Mere, the Earl of Lincoln had one, to which belonged
one Night's Setting, the Church of Peterborough two, to which
belonged one Night's Setting, Thomas Glapthome two. Sir Anthony
Mildmay one. Sir William Fitzwilliam one, Eobert Apreece, Esq., one,
and the Lord of the Manor seven. — In 1662 Charles II. granted to
Edward Earl of Sandwich the office of Master of the Swans
within the whole Kingdom of England, and also the office of
Bailiff or Keeper of Whittlesey Mere. — The Lord of the Manor
has a right to summon the fishermen (or Fenny-ferries) to his two
courts holden at Holme, when presentments are made, and by his
BaiKff prove the nets with a Brazen Gougle or Mesh Pin, (kept for
that purpose) and on being found under size, he is at liberty to
take a fine or destroy them. Likewise has a right to seize all nets
and poles used in Shelrode, and is entitled to fines and forfeitures
for all blood shed on the said Mere with other manorial (sic) rights,
&c., &c. — The present rights of Fishing are as follows, Viz^ William
Wells, Esq^ Lord of Glatton with Holme, eleven Boatsgates, Lord
Brownlow, Lord of Farcet, one, and a private fishery, the Church
of Peterborough, two, and Lord Carysfort, one.
Navigation " Canals," proposed by Kinderly, and others, as appears
on the Map of Elvers, which, if carried into execution would unite
Welland River to Witham ; Bevill's to None, and the Nene to the
Ouse : the streams would then be forcible and open deep channels
to the Sea, to the great advantage of navigation and drainage. —
The Ouse is a river of great navigation and drainage, in many
respects rivals the Himaber and the Severn. It has its head on a
rising ground full of springs under Hinton and Brackley, in
Northamptonshire, and carries off the great collected body of
water it hath brought with it out of ten counties into the German
Ocean, below the Port of Lynn, having made a course of one
hundred and sixty miles. — The Map comprises part of fifteen
counties, and. all the navigable rivers from their spring-heads, that
have their Influx into the Sea, below the Ports of Boston, Wisbeach
and Lynn. Also Marshland, and the Great Level of the Fens, the
latter extending in length upwards of sixty miles, in breadth
forty, and contains upwards of six hundred thousand square acres.
The names which appear in the Chart are interesting, for
although the Mere was not drained until 1851, most of them have
passed into oblivion. Possibly, old residents in the neighbourhood
could point out some of these spots, which where then so well-
known, as Falstubb Point, the Reed Bush, Point Grounds, Breeks,
but the greater number — except for this Chart — have been entirely
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 41
lost sight of. The illustratioa which appears in this number is
reproduced from a satin copy of the Chart in the possession of
Mr. 0. Dack, of Peterborough.
29.^The Apreece Family of Washingley.— Mr. Carter, of
Kimbolton, asks for the Christian name of the Apreece of
Washingley Hall, Huntingdonshire, who was shot by the Parlia-
mentary soldiers at Lincoln, in 1644.
30.— Chatteris, co. Cambs.— What is the probable origin and
signification of the name Chatteris ? In the 1st vol. of Gentle-
men's Magazine^ p. 30, in article of the town, the name is supposed
to be derived from Chartreuse, as there was a Nunnery at Chatteris,
founded in 980, A.D., but this was a Benedictine convent, and
the Carthusian order was of a later date. In Domesday it is spelt
Chatriz. Dugdale always wrote it Chateriz.
S. H. MiLLEE.
31 .—The French Colony at Thorney.--(No. 25).— The date
of the license to Stephen de Cursol to preach at Thorney
is said to be 1600. There was not a French Congregation
at Thorney at that date. The Survey of Thorney, quoted by
"Warner, would probably be made in 1594. The Manor was
in possesssion of the Crown in 1596. In 1605 the first
Drainage Bill was rejected by Parliament on the third read-
ing — quoting a treatise written in 1629 — "At Thorney Abbey
my Lord of Bedford lets between 300 and 400 acres of rising
ground upon which the Abbey stands, for £300 per annum,
whereas the rest of the Lordship of Thorney, containing 16,000
or 17,000 acres of drowned ground is estimated as it now lieth of
ittle or no value." Even in 1638 the fact that Thorney being
inaccessible in winter time was made an excuse for not collecting
£20 Ship money. In 1630 the Drainage Works commenced
under the Earl of Bedford and 13 gentlemen adventurers.
Vermuyden was afterwards introduced into the Bedford Level. He
had previously in November, 1628, made a contract for the
Drainage of certain lands in the Isle of Axholme. He and his
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co-adventurers the Parfcicipanfcs, as they were there called, brought
over Dutch, Walloons, and French from Normandy, and other
parbs of France, who stipulated for certain rights, which were
readily granted. Among these was the right to worship
according to the dictates of their conscience. They founded
congregations and had pastors to preach to them in their own
tongue.* Of this congregation there is a precious reHo preserved
at Thorney, a French Register of Baptisms during 1654 — 1727, a
small folio containing 1710 entries.
We may note on the appointment of " de Gursoll " by Bishop
Wren, that Warner gives in the first edition of his History of
Thorney, 1640 as the date, which I should say is nearer the mark.
We find persons of the same name prominent members of the
two congregations at Santoft and Thorney. David Le Conte
represented Santoft at the Coloque in London. The same name
afterwards occurs as the Thorney representative. It is fair to
assume the congregation at Santoft was formed prior to that of
Thorney.
It appears that Peter Bontemps was the first Pastor at
Santoft. He was brought over by the Participants (most probably
with the approbation of the Bishop of the Diocese). In June,
1636, he writes : "I have dwelt here nearly two years, during
which time the number of strangers in this place has increased
by more than one-half, and is still daily increasing." He asks, If
a Church for the French congregation is not to be built and
maintained ? that he may be dismissed ? He left in August,
1636. He practised the Geneva discipline in all things by
Deacons and Elders. According to Dr. Farmerie^ the Chancellor,
in his letter to the Bishop, who, after the congregation had been
without a Minister for the space of two years, 1638, sent down
among them Dr. Our sol, "who had taken the Oathes of Allegiance
* They were not poor iUiterate men, to be compared with our navvies
of the present day. They were, from all we gather, steady, upright people,
men of education and abilities. In 1656 they appealed to Cromwell for
protection. Of the 54 persons who signed the petition, only three signed
by marh. In this they compare very favourably with a Grand Jury at
Wisbech within the memory of the writer, one of whom signed with a cross.
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Supremaice and Canonical obeidiency to your Grace." Lavds
reign of persecution was shewing signs of coming to an end early
in 1640. Before the year was out we hear of a petition, " To the
House of Lords, on behalf of the French, and Dutch congrega-
tion assembled in the Isle of Axholme, for redress against the
above-quoted Dr. Farmery, complaining that they did not enjoy
the free exercise of their religion, as it ivas in those parts
reformed from whence they came;'*'* and that he farther thrust upon
them one " Cursoll," a Franciscan friar. Such being their
opinions of the man, it need not be a matter of surprise that he
was not recognised and never officiated at Thorney. In
evidence he was spoken of very disrespectfully. M. Dispaigne
was heard to say, that M. de Cm'soU was a thief, that he had
stolen from the people of his Church £30 sterUng, that he was a
very bad and dishonest man.
In 1643 we hear of John d' Espaigne, a minister of the
French Church at Santoft, and Stephen Cursoll who likewise
pretends himself to be a minister for private ends, and by respects
endeavouring to distm'b the peace and quiet of the French con-
gregation in London. Such was Cursoll from what we gather,
and his appointment to Thorney by Wren could not be earlier
than 1640, from the best evidence we can command.
S.E.
32.— An Ancient Custom at Boum.— The following is a
cutting from the Grantham Journal of April 13th, 1889 :— In ac-
cordance with the provisions of the will of William Clay, gentle-
man, of Bourn, in the year 1742, who gave land, the rent of
which is to be expended yearly in white bread, to be distributed
among the householders and commoners in the Eastgate Ward,
the Constable's half -acre and the Dike-reeves half -acre were let by
auction on the Queen's bridge on Saturday evening. Mr. F. J.
Shilcock, the auctioneer, read the conditions of sale, which pro-
vided that two good loads of manure should be put upon the land,
that the fence be kept in proper repair, and that the bush in the
centre of the field be not cut or injured in any way. The most
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curious part of the auction is the manner in which the bidding is
regulated. Two lads are started by the auctioneer to run a certain
distance for a prize. Whilst they are running the bidding is
carried on, and the person who has made the highest bid by the
time the lads return becomes the tenant for the ensuing year,
33.-Local Rhymes.-(No. 19). I have heard many local
rhymes from old inhabitants of tliis district which have been
handed down from generation to generation by oral tradition,
and, unless they are preserved in pages of Local Notes and Queries
they may be lost altogether. Amongst others are the following,
more nearly connected with "Fenland": —
When the Grand Sluice was opened on 15th October, 1766, it
disappointed many who came to the opening ceremony, and one
of the disappointed ones gave vent to his feelings by composing
the following —
Boston! Boston! Boston!
Thou hast nanght to boast on
But a Grand Sluice, and a high Steeple,
A proud, conceited ignorant people,
And a coast where souls are lost on.
Another version of this rhyme is as follows —
O! Boston! Boston!
What hast thou to boast on ?
But a proud people,
And a lofty steeple,
And a coast where ships are lost on, lost on.
This has since been altered to —
Boston, Boston ! What hast thou to boast on ?
High Steeple, proud People, and Sands Ships are lost on.
Boston is again coupled with Skirbeck, and Boston pride
appears always to call for notice —
Though Boston be a proud town,
Skirbeck compass it all around.
And another —
SMrbeck straddle wide,
Boston fuU o' pride.
Then a rhyme on some neighbouring Churches —
Gosberton Church is very high,
Surfleet Church is all awry,
Pinchbeck Church is in a hole.
And Spalding Church is big with foal.
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The following refers to Crowland —
In Holland stands Crowland,
Built on dirty low land,
Where youll find, if you go,
The wine*s but so-so ;
The blades of the hay
Are like swords, one may say ;
The beds are like stones.
And break a man's bones ;
The men rough and sturdy.
And nought they afford ye.
But bid you good bye,
When both hungry and dry.
Another rhyme on Crowland is —
In HoUand, hark I stands Crowland, d' ye mark I
There's wine such as 'tis ; there's hay like a swys ;
There's beds hard as stone ; and when you wiUyou may be gone.
And there is one of very great antiquity —
Crowland as courteous as courteous may be,
Thomey the bane of many a good tree ;
Ramsey the rich, and Peterborough the proud,
Sawtry by the way, that poor abbaye, gives more alms than all they.
Or, as the lines appear in another form —
Ramsey the rich, of gold and fee ;
Thomey the grower of many a fair tree ;
Croyland the courteous of their meat and drink ;
Spalding the gluttons as men do think.
Peterborough the proud,
Sawtry by the way,
That old abbaye
Gave more alms than all they.
Here is one referring to Gainsborough and Luddington—
Gainsborough proud people
Built new Church to old Steeple ;
Whilst Luddington poor people
Built brick Church to stone Steeple.
There is a turnpike road between Spalding and Tydd called
Hargate, which was very dangerous, and the warning is given as
follows —
Be ye early, or be ye late,
I pray ye beware of Fleet Hargate.
In Peterborough I have heard an old inhabitant say when the
Cathedral and St. John's Church clocks have struck the hour to-
gether —
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When the Church and the Abbey, they both strike together,
There'll be either a death or a change in the weather.
The following is a 'curious old piece of folk lore connected with
Peterborough —
If in the minster close a hare
Should for itself have made a lair ;
Be sure before the week is down,
A fire will rage within the town.
A similar superstition refers to Eamsey —
Should a hare in hasty flight,
Scamper through the Ramsey Whyie ;
Be sure before three days are gone,
A fire will blaze in Ramsey town.
The following refers to the antiquity of Eising—
Rising was a seaport town
And Lynn it was a wash,
But Lynn is now the seaport town
And Rising fares the worst.
A somewhat similar rhyme refers to Lincoln, and is of very
great antiquity —
Lincoln was, York is, and London yet will be.
The greatest Girvain City of the three.
Another similar saying —
Northorp rise and Grayingham fall,
Kirton shall yet be greater than all.
Then another —
Butterwick o*er Frieston once held sway,
But now it is quite the other way.
A not very flattering rhyme refers to Sutton —
Sutton long ! Sutton long I
At every door a heap of dung.
Some two, some three,
The dirtiest town you ever did see.
Another rhyme says —
An Aukham eel, and a Witham pike,
AU England cannot show the like.
There are not many wonders in Huntingdonshire if the following
is true, for two out of the three have ceased to exist —
Lutton hiU, Yaxley stiU mill, and Whittlesey mere.
Are the three wonders of Huntingdonshire.
Eeferring to the rhyme in Part I. of Fenland Notes and
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FbniiAnd Notes and Queries. 47
Queries about Downham "Winnold Fair, I heard rather a different
version from my Grandfather more than twenty years ago, when
he was over 90 years old —
First come David, then come Chad,
Then comes Winnold as if he was mad.
Charles Dack, Peterborough.
34.— Whirling Sunday at Leverington.— The Rev. Fredk.
Carlyon, M.A., rector of Leverington, writes concerning the
Whirlwind Cakes spoken of in N'o. 18, Part I., and speaks of it
as " Whirling '* Sunday. It is the Sunday in Mid-Lent, and he
adds : None of the old people know anything of the origin of
the Legend. But there are still many who recollect when there
was a regular pleasure fair held in Leverington on Whirling
Sunday, when a particular kind of whirling cake was made in
most houses, and sports of all kinds, especially boxing matches,
where carried on, and a regular holiday observed. There was no
religious ceremony that I can hear of observed on the day beyond
the ordinary Church Services. Whirling cakes still continue to
be made in one or two houses, but that and the memory of the
day only remain. The Legend of the old woman being whirled
over the church steeple is still repeated.
Fredk, Carlyon, the Rectory, Leverington.
35.— Credney, co, Lincoln.— What is the origin and meaning
of the prefix of this name ? The termination is Saxon, corrupted
from ed water. S. H. Miller.
36.— State Prisoners at Wisbech.— (No. 10). Your corres-
pondent A.P. will find some additional particulars concerning
the State Prisoners at Wisbech, which I believe have hitherto
escaped the attention of local historians, in ''Memoirs of
Missionary Priests," printed in 1742, and which contains an in-
teresting account of the imprisonment in Wisbech Castle of
Fr. Tunstal and his subsequent martyrdom at Norwich. The
note on p. 70 of "Jesuits in Conflict," also furnishes some new
matter, and several names and other particulars of prisoners
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are given in "Troubles of our Catholic Forefathers," by F.
Morris, S.J. H. 0. Colpman, Wisbech.
Et. Gatesby, should be Eobt. Catesby, who was frequently
imprisoned for his Recusancy in the reign of Elizabeth, and
was probably the same individual who played a prominent
part in the Gunpowder Plot of November, 1605. At some future
time I will forward the will of Dr. Watson, the imprisoned
Bp. of Lincoln. Justin Simpson.
37.-Feii Provincialisms.--As local Dialects and Provin-
cialisms, like many other relics of past times, are dying out from
amongst us, it may not be uninteresting or unprofitable to direct
attention to those we have heard in East Anglia — their derivation
and peculiarities — in the pages of Fenland Notes and Queries. A
perfect or complete Kst would be very difficult or impossible. If
I can only succeed in making my collection interesting, perchance
some readers with leisure and inclination will also contribute.
We live in a progressive age— railroads, telegraphs, penny
postage, and cheap education — all are supposed to understand
the " three E's," and travel more or less. As we go through the
country, coming in contact with a great variety of character, our
own should become more polished. Like pebbles on the beach,
whose angles and rough edges are gradually worn off by constant
attrition, so men, by a species of mental attrition, which is as con-
stantly going on, if they will keep abreast the times, lose much of
that angularity, once their characteristic. The bump of locality —
if there be one ? and phrenologists can perhaps enlighten us on
that point — is not so strongly developed. Men become more cos-
mopoHtan in their ideas.
" Local Legends lose their charm,
Old wives' warnings do no harm."
The language of the lower orders has by these means been much
improved, and that of the different parts of the country assimi-
lated. The conservative tendency of the poor has in the past been
somewhat remarkable in this respect. To the unconquered poor
of a country we owe a debt for unwritten history ; it is they who
have preserved the local legends and the numberless place names
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that have been handed down to us from the remote past, to each
of which may be attached a hidden meaning well worthy a
portion of our attention and study. Names are not mere empty
sounds — meaningless — chance combination of letters. There is
much in our place names, dialects, and provincialisms that have
an antiquity and depth of meaning — that few among educated,
even highly cultivated persons, who have given little attention to the
subject, can easily comprehend. Other words in common use are
mere slang terms, devoid of meaning in the proper sense of the
term, and unworthy a place in the vocabulary of an educated man
or a gentleman. As many provincialisms will ere long be num-
bered with the past, forgotten, lost in oblivion, some of a future
generation may be gi'ateful for the preservation of a few of those
words and phrases we have noted in the Fens of East Anglia.
Addle. — To earn. A gradual increase. To grow. To thrive. It
occurs in Townley Mysteries, p. 195.
" With goodmen's hogs, or corn or hay,
I ad(Lle my ninepence every day."
He was addling good wages. A.S. adlean. It is said also of a
swelling with matter in it ; that it is addled, viz., morbid, corrupt,
putrid, addle-pate is frequently heard : ! he is a poor addle-
pated fellow ; viz., a stupid, thoughtless person ; empty headed.
(Saxon, aidlian, to be empty.) Addled, — Addled egg, a rotten
one, or one that has lost the principle of vitality; sometimes
called a shire egg on that account. The Gossards in the Fens
(goose herds) when the eggs have been sat on for a certain time,
take them from under the goose and shire them, viz., examine
them with a light. An experienced person is thus able to say
whether they have vitality or not. They are then disposed of
before they are become addled. (V^elsh, liadl, rotten).
Tusser says —
When Ivye Embraseth the tree very sore,
KiU Ivye, or tree else will addle no more.
Agae, ^geb. — Sometimes speUed higre. In fact the speUings are
various. A peculiar and dangerous violence of the tide in some
rivers. Supposed to be caused by the confluence of two streams, or
the channel becoming narrower or shallower, as in the case of the
Wash. The first wave of the tide rising high above the preceding
one — so high as to be dangerous to boatmen. Sometimes, hence
the cry, 'ware Ego, the ager is out," when danger was apprehended
from it. This sudden rush of water was of much more frequent
occurrence in the Ouse, Nene, and Witham formerly than of late
years. One effect of modem drainage works and enclosures is to
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make this phenomena of very rare occurrence ; in fact, ahnost un-
known. It is the name of the Northern God of the Sea, applied
like Neptune to the Sea itself. In one or other mode of spelling
it is used by Drayton, Dryden, Camden, and others ; vide, C.
Anderson, Scand. Mythology — Near Bridgewater this peculiar
first flowing of the water (tidal wave) which at Spring Tides is
one, two, or more feet in height, is called the " Bore," (Boreas ?)
An all. — Also. " He is goin' an' all."
At all. — I'm not going "at all" that I'm 'ware of. Nothing "at all,"
nothing whatever. A feeble expletive, which adds nothing to
the meaning of the sentence to which it is attached ; vide, The
Deans English, p. 110.
As YET. — At present. " I can't help you as yet." " As yet I have
not been able to do it."
Ash keys.— The seed vessels of the ash tree. It is said by some
that the failure of a crop of ash keys portends a death in the
Royal Family ; vide, Forby, p. 406.
Ax'd out.— Asked out. Having had the banns of marriage pub-
lished three times, they were said to be ax'd out. " Ax," although
pure Saxon, is now generally considered, a vulgarism.
About. — He'll soon be about again; said of a person recovering
from illness.
Aesy vaesy.— Vice versa. The terms of the case being reversed.
Heels over head ; wrong end forward.
Back's up (His). — " He's offended ; his back is up."
Badly.— I'm queer, badly ; i\ot very well. 1.— Sick, ill ; " How is
your wife, IHng ? " Oh, she's sadly hadly, su*, she can't be spore
(i.e. spared) me long I fear." 2.— Very much ; " That horse has
been neglected, he wants attention ladly''
Back an' edge. — He swore back an' edge— completely, entirely.
Batch. — A quantity of anything. A batch of bread; ?.e., the
quantity baked at one time.
Babe Bubbling.— Unfledged ; as a young bird.
Bait (to).— To rest and feed a horse on a journey. To teaze ; as
baiting the bull.
Banging. — A great banging fellow ; large, heavy.
Bbslings, Beastings. — The first milk from a cow after calving,
A.S. By stings, used by Ben Jonson.
Bents.— Dry stalks of grass after summer grazing. Teutonic, Bentz,
Bottle. — A bundle of straw or hay, tied up with a band, is called a
bottle of hay. Bottle is the diminutive of hoUe, French. A
bundle, " as lotte de foin, a bundle of hay." Midnight Dream,
Act iv., Scene 1. : Bottom—" Methinks I have a great desire to a
bottle of hay."
Blamed. It is a common imprecation, " Blame me," a mild oath,
" I'll be blamed if it is not so " : i,e., condemned,
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Bleb. — ^A bubble. A blister.
Bleb. — Open. Bleak. " It stands all out in the hlee.^^
BOBN DAYS. — "I never heard such a thing afore in all my hwn
daysr Lifetime. g^ ^^^^^
38.— Holbech, co. Lincoln.— When was this name corrapted
into Holbeach ? Some Court Rolls may show. Dugdale and
others have it Holbeche. Was the place once called Oldbeche, as
it stood on a small stream, which was thus distinguished from
Newgate, running by Weston ? See Dugdale, p. 232.
S. H. MlLLEB.
39-— Marriage Banns in Boston Market Place.— In 1654,
an Act was passed directing that no marriage be celebrated
without a certificate from the Register proving that the bauns had
been published three successive Lord's days at the close of the
morning exercise, in the public meeting place, commonly called
the church or chapel, or, if the parties preferred, in the Market-
place, on three successive market-days. At Boston, Lincolnshire,
the announcements in the Market-place were more popular than
those of the church. It appears from the Registers in the years
1656, 1657, and 1658, there were proclaimed in the market-place
102, 104, and 108, and in the church during those years 48, 31,
and 52, banns. William Andrews, Hull
40.— Lincolnshire Hampers —Can any of your readers tell
me why raised roads in Lincolnshire are called " Rampers? " Is
it a corruption of " Jlampart ? " Charles Daok.
41 .— Moulton Vicarage, Lincolnshire.— In the early years
of this century, there was scarcely a resident Ticar or Rector in
the various parishes of the Elloe division, although the churches
are the most beautiful in the County of Lincoln, the parishes
large, and the livings "/«/." The Yicars lived far away and kept
a curate to do the two services of a Sunday, or in some cases only
one service was held. Sometimes the curate did the work of
two parishes at almost starvation stipends. Holbeach, Moulton,
Whaplode, Whaplode Drove, Weston, and Gedney, had non-
resident vicars. Dr. Johnson, of Spalding, an active m^strate,
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was one of the non-resident class. The late Dr. Moore held
Monlton and Spalding up to the time of his death. The last of
the pluralists was the late Vicar of Spalding, Canon Moore,
who held Weston and Whaplode Drove, and was also the
Head Master of Spalding Grammar School, and lived at Spalding.
These he gave up when he was appointed Vicar of Spalding.
The following letter casts a strong light upon the Eccle-
siastical history of the district at the time : —
Ayscough Fee HaU, Spalding,
Dear Sir, March 7th, 1827.
I should have troubled you some weeks ago upon the subject of my
License for non-residence, had not the loss of poor Mrs. Johnson
disqualified me from writing, and I am yet almost unequal to the
task. I have drawn up the petition, I trust, under existing
circumstances, properly, and you are well acquainted with the
Business, and can explain to our recently elected, and most worthy
Diocesan, whatever he may think proper to ask.
I take this opportunity to inform you that several friends of mine
have communicated a piece of Intelligence, and which, as you have
not transmitted, appears to me unfounded, viz. : that Lord Boston
has thought proper upon the next avoidance of the Vicarage of
Moulton to enter a caveat against my Executors presenting
beg leave to state the two Suits in C
commenced in that Court in rest .-^ P^®^5
. torn ofr.
Presentation, and to the perpetual
Vicarage on or about the year 1766, and two Decrees obtained in
Favour of my late Father, Col. Maurice Johnson, who thereupon
nominated his Brother, the late Eev<^ John Johnson, who was
instituted by the Bp. of Lincoln (Dr. Reynolds, I believe) and
continued Vicar tiU his death, which happened in 1760, when he
again presented his Brother in Law, the "Rev^ Jno. Lodge, who
enjoyed till his death, and after that event HE [*Geo, Williamson,
1767] presented the Rev^ Christopher Williamson, who, also,
enjoyed it till his death in 1780, when I was instituted at Buckden
upon my own petition, and have quietly and uninterruptedly held
the same to this day, a period of Forty six years and an Half.
My great grandfather, Maurice Johnson, instituted the Suits
against Sir Edward Irby, Bart., ancester of Lord Boston. If my
Information be correct, which I cannot * * * *
' ask the favour of you to inform me
Torn off. the Business can offain be brought
nature forthwith that my
Executors may have no occasion
to litigate the Matter after my decease.
In the year 1794 an Act of Parliament was passed for the Inclosure
* Apparently in another hand.
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of the Parish Motilton, and a Commutation of Land in Lieu of
Titles was directed, by sanction of the present Bp. of Winchester,
and I am expressly named and recognised in the Act as Invpro-
priator and Vicar, as well as Patron of the Vicarage,
"And Whereas, (by my then Title The Kev^ Maurice Johnson is
Impropriator, and also Patron of the Vicarage of MouUon, and
also Vicar,'^ as by Reference to the said Act will appear.
I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience. You
may tell the Bishop of Lincoln that, independently of residing in
my own Mansion House at Spalding, I continue regularly to assist
my Son in Law, the Rev^ D' Moore, by preaching for him every
Sunday.
I must apologize for troubling you with so long a letter, and remain,
Dear Sir, Your faithful and obliged Servant,
MAURICE JOHNSON.
To Richard Smith, Esq.,
Secretary to the Lord Bishop of Lincoln,
Buckden, Hunts.
42.— Four Hundred Persons destroyed by a Coat at Ramsey.—
Noble, in his Memoirs of the GromioeWs, vol. i., p. 56, says, "That
Major Cromwell died of the plague at Ramsey, Huntingdonshire,
on the morning of February the 23rd, 1666, and was buried next
evening in the church there. He caught the infection by wearing
a coat, the cloth of which came from London ; and the tailor that
made the coat, with all his family, died of the same terrible disorder,
as did no less than four hundred people in Ramsey, as appears by
the register, and all owing to this fatal coat."
C. GoLDiNG, Colchester.
43.— Fen Tigers.— During Elections or other times of excite-
ment we hear the inhabitants of the Fen districts called " Fen
Tigers." Can any of your correspondents enlighten me on its
origin ? Is it from " Fen Dykers," a name which might have
been given to the men who drained the Fens ?
Chaeles Dack.
44.— Hawkins of Marshland.— In September, 1883, the
following letter was received by Mr. S. H. Miller, F.R.A.S., of
Lowestoft, from Mr. C. G. Field, of 168, Castle Hill, Reading :—
" Some few months ago a handsome Silver Cup came into
my possession having the inscription, copy of which is enclosed.
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I should very much like to know something of the history of the
cup, and should be much obliged if you will give me some
information of the man Hawkins and his acts, to which the
inscription refers, in case in the course of your researches you
have ascertained anything about him. I must plead, as my
excuse for troubling you, the interest you evidently take in
matters relating to the district."
I have never been able to satisfy the enquiry made in this
letter for want of some such medium as Fmland Notes and
Queries^ but if any one will be good enough to throw light on the
subject, I have no doubt others besides Mr. Field would be
gratified. I expect there is a record of the event which took this
Mr. Hawkins to Marshland — probably in the annals of some
corporate body connected with the drainage.
INSCEIPTION ON SILVEE CUP.
On Lid.
Expatiata ruunt per apertos flumina Campos Cumq : Satis Arbusta
Simul pecudesq : virosq : Tectaq : cumq : suis rapiunt penetralia
Sacris.
On Owp.
When by stem Neptune's rage and Boreas spleen
Marshland in great extremity was seen
The Banks the Bulwarks of that fatal land
Being broken down by Nereus dread command
All look^ for death all did their state deplore
And sought assistance from the helpless shore
But sought, till friendly HAWKiNS^came, in vain
The swelling torrents madness to restrain
He taught us Neptune's fury to withstand
Preserved our cattle houses and our land
Therefore that when He shal submitt to fate
His children may His generous acts relate
We that are owners of these doubtfuU plains
A token that our Gratitude remains
This Cheering Cup to Him do recommend
Our kind preserver and our greatest friend.
MDCCXXXV. FEBY. XVI.
Benjamin Levi, Sculp., 1743.
S. H. Miller.
45.— A Water Spout at Deeping, Cowbit, Moulton, &c.— " On
the 5th of May, 1752, about seven in the evening, a water-spout
fell from the clouds on Deeping Fen, in the county of Lincoln,
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 55
and took its progress in a very indirect manner, to the county
bank or dike, whence it carried every thing that lay loose thereon,
such as straw, hay, and stubble, violently before it. When it came
into the middle of Cowbit Wash, where it was first seen, it was a
dreadful sight to behold this moving meteor there fixed for several
minutes, spouting out water to a considerable height, perhaps two
yards ; so that it seemed as if the law of nature was inverted, to
see water ascending, and all the time attended with a terrible noise.
Upon the second rout, it made to the river ; on its arrival there,
it discovered its length with some certainty, for it reached from
side to side, the river being about three yards over ; in its march-
ing along it drove the water before it in a rapid torrent, tearing in
its passage a fishing-net : when it arrived at the church, it there
stopped again, but not above a minute, whence it arose, and made
its passage through the space that is between the church and the
parsonage-house, without doing hurt to either ; so that however
natural the cause may be, yet surely its progression could not be
without the direction of him who rides in a whirlwind, and directs
the storm. On its departing hence, the straw, hay, and stubble
fell down upon the land in showers. This strange phenomenon
ascended not far before it fell down again upon the land ; in
passing through a small track of seed turnips, it broke in its way
the stems from the roots. A gate it forced from off its hinges,
and a stone it broke to pieces, and when at a distance it looked
like a pillar of smoke ; when it passed a little beyond Moulton
Chapel, it evaporated into a cloud, and was succeeded by a
violent storm of hail, and after that of rain."
C, GOLDING, Colchester.
46.— Queen Katten's Day at Peterborough.--I remember a
quaint old custom which used to be observed at Peterborough, but
I know nothing of its origin or meaning. One day in November
(I cannot remember which day) used to be locally called Queen
Katten's day. On that occasion a party of people were accustomed
to parade the streets of the city, the chief of whom was dressed
as a queen, and they had a quaint ditty, \vhich they sang in front
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of the houses of the principal residents. The song had several
verses, all of which concluded with this chorus : —
Some says she's alive, some say she's dead,
But now she does appear with a crown upon her head ;
And a spinning we wiU go,
And a spinning we wiU go.
J. L. Blake.
47.— Total Eclipse of the Sun in the Pens in 1715.— The
Total Eclipse of the Sun, 22nd April, 1715, passed over the
whole of Lincolnshire and over the greater part of England and
Wales— extending from Cheshire to Sussex. The central line of
the Moon's shadow ran through the Fen district, about midway
between Wisbeach and Holbeach ; totality would occur in those
places about 9.15 a.m. Are any local records of the phenomena
known ? q j^ q
48.— A Holbeach Vicar and the Northamptonshire Family
of Pymlow.— Can any reader of Fenland Notes and Queries say
from what Parish in Northamptonshire came the Rev. Johm Pim-
low, Vicar of Holbeach from 1660—1672. He was instituted to
Holbeach 1660 (17th June), and I find he was a Sizer of
Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where it is recorded that he came
from the County of Northampton, but th^ place is not mentioned.
He was admitted 23rd February, 1638— 9,, and the name is
written " Pimlow " in the books of the College, and *^ Pymloe "
in the University books. He took his B.A. degree in 1642. He
was buried in the Chancel of Holbeach Church," beneath the Com-
munion Table." His WiU I have a copy of. He leaves in it,
" to my daughter Clare Pymlowe my farm at Little Weldon,
Northamptonshire," but there is no entry in the Parish Register
there of that name. His predecessor at Holbeach was John
Bellenden, of whom I should also be glad of any informa-
tion.
Grant W. Macdonald,
St, Mark's Vicarage, Holbeach.
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49.— Curious Customs in Collecting Tithes in the Pena.—
The following particulars concerning an interesting bill of com-
plaint, instituted by Ralph Aveling, of Whittlesea, in 1591>
are curious as illustrating the manner of collecting tithes in the
Fenland at that time : —
** Feb. 12, 1591, 33rd Eliz. The manner of Tything settled
in execution of a Commission from the Barons of the Exchequer,
date Feb. 12, 1591.
" Recites Strifes, &c. between parishioners and inhabitants of
"Whittlesey S. Mary and Greorge Wallis Grentleman tenant and
farmer of the Rectory and Parsonage of Whittlesey S. Mary.
"And whereas Ralph Avehng and other inhabitants of
W.S.M. and W.S.A. in the name of themselves as also of all other
the Parishioners and Inhabitants of (Qy.) M. being all customary
tenants unto the Queen's most excellent Majesty of Her Highness'
manor of W.S.M. have for the Proof of the custom and manner
of tything exhibited their English bill of complaint .... against
the said Geo: Wallis. A commission bearing date 12 Feb. 1591
(33 Eliz:) directed unto
Robert Bevill Esq.
Thomas Neville D.D.
Robert Trice Esq.
Robert Millsent Gentleman,
to assemble at Peterborough by examination of witnesses &o. to
find out customs .... and by their discretion finally to end and
determine strifes and controversies. By virtue of this Commission
in the 33'*^ year 1591-2 did assemble upon the deliberate hearing by
virtue of their com"- as also by consent and agreement .... tried
and found out by the oaths and depositions of Ralph Aveling,
Robert Searle, Robert KelfuU, Will: Speechly and others, and
decreed as followeth: —
Calves. — Any person having 9 calves falling after Feast of S. Martin
the Bp. in Winter (Martinmas) before the same Feast next f oUowing
to pay on the latter Feast day — One tythe calf receiving back 2|d.
Any having 10 calves between Martinmas and M. next at noon the
tythe owner to choose the 3^^^ calf. Under 9 calves owner to pay
at Easter following for every cow and calf 2^. If above 10 and
nnder 19 then for aU above 10 2M. at Easter.
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Cows.— Any person having new milch cows betwixt Martinmas and
M. whose calves shall die or be lost shaU pay 2d. for every old
milch cow which shall have no calf Id.
Foals. — For every foal under the No. of 9 between M. and M. Id.
9 foals 1 for tythe less Id. returned Tythe foal to be paid as
tythe calf (Qy. the 3rd). Sons and daughters &c. having cattle
given to them (by parents or master excepted) or who shall buy
with their own money to pay tythes as others.
Lambs. — For 9 lambs at clipping day 1 lamb the owner to chuse 2
of the 9 tythe owner the 3rd to pay back 0^. Ten lambs the 3rd
for tythe under nine for each^OJd. 10 and under 19 as for calves.
Wool.— For every 5 lbs. of wool Jd. a pound. If less than 5 lbs.
0|d. for every fleece.
Pigs.— For 9 between Easter and Easter 1 pig when it is a fortnight
old if tJie owner do hill or make away with tlie rest. If weaned the
tythe to be paid at 6 weeks old paying back OJd. — the owner to
chuse and the tythe to be 3rd. Ten pigs 1 for tythe. Under
9 0|d. for each.
Eggs.— Every person having cocks and hens to (qy. 5) at Easter in
full satisfaction.
Ducks.— For laying ducks OJd. each— for 9 one young duck and
OJd. back.
Geese.— For 9 geese one tythe and OJd. back under 9 OJd. each.
Hemp.— The grower to pull and use the hemp tythe as their own
(except tlie watering thereof) and to carry the tenth sheaf unto
the Parsonage gate— No tythe for hemp seed.
Flax.— Grower to put water thereon and use the tythe as they do
their own and to carry the KP^ sheaf to the Parsonage gate. Not
to pay tythe for seed— the pulling, drying, carrying, dressing in
lieu of tythe of seed.
Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats, Peas, &c.— The owner lays 18 sheaves
at every heap or shock and layeth out 2 sheaves by the furrow
with the top towards the ridge. For loose corn tythe the 10*^
shock.
Hay.— No tithe of Hay in the fields because the Parson has tythe
grass 80a on the west of the Town at Northey Gravel. 12* in
King's Delph in lieu of tythe of Hay.
Feuit.— Owner to gather and carry the 10*^ to Parsonage, onions,
leeks, garHc, gourds, cucumbers, pompions, and aU kmds of roots
and fruits and for honey and wax to carry -3^ to Parsonage. No
tythe for herbs and flowers. No tythe for timber or stubble.
Easter Offerings.— Every man and his wife 2id. widows Id.
Servants that take no wages nothing. Any arable lands unsown
and hereafter mowed to pay tithe in kind.
Whereas certain spelU of ground used as common pasture if any of
them (except the Pingle) shaU be laid for hay tythe in kind or if
hay sold^to be paid. Willows, osiers, wittings, or alders whereof
no co'/mno9i is taken to pay tythe where the same shall be cut. No
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 59
Tythe for willows, osiers, alders, or any kind of Fewell or Fodder
as Thack Reed, Sedge Hassock growing in any of the waste grounds,
waters fens marshes or moors.
Bread and wine for Communion to be provided by the Inhabitants.
All other tythes to be subject to the Ecc^ Laws.
Signed R. Bevill. R. Millesent. Th. Nevill."
After follows an Agreement between the Lords and Tenants of
the Manor (after a long contest) for the Fen Tythes so far as
relates to grain —
Wheat 3.9 an acre Barley 3.3 Oats 2/3 Coleseed 5/- Grass and green
seed 4/-.
This latter is undated, and would seem to be a copy of a late
composition. The mention of Coleseed is almost conclusive on
this point, unless it was grown in England earKer than has been
hitherto supposed.
50.— Wisbech Saint Mary's Church.— The parish church of
Wisbech St. Mary is about to undergo a general restoration.
The chancel was restored recently by the owners of the great
tithes. The church consists of a chancel, nave, aisles, tower, and
south porch. The prevailing style of its architecture is Perpen-
dicular Gothic of the end of the fifteenth century. The tower
arch is early pointed Gothic of the end of the fourteenth century,
of which style there are also traces in the moulding of the north
door, and it is not improbable that the bases of the columns that
divide the aisles from the nave represent a church of a still earlier
date, possibly one of Norman times. The clerestory is probably a
later addition. The font is as old as any part of the church.
The tower, which is embattled, is an interesting piece of ancient
masonry, and contains a set of five bells. The turret of the
sanctus bell, surmounted by a cross, still remains on the eastern
apex of the nave. There are many gravestones in the church-
yard, the oldest of which bears the date of a.d. 1620. The
Register dates from the year 1553, the first year of the reign of
Queen Mary. The living is a Vicarage in the patronage of the
Lord Bishop of the Diocese, a portion of the ancient foundation
of the Abbey of Ely.
Richard Devereitx Jones,
St. Mary's Vicarage, Wisbech.
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60 Fenland Notes and Queries.
51.— Records of Fenland Marriages.— The following records
of Fenland marriages are collected from old newspapers. The
dates refer to the issue of the newspapers.
1796.
Jan. 22 At St. Bees, Cumberland — John Walker, of Deeping
St. James, to Miss Wake, of Whitehaven.
Jan. 22 At Ely— Lieut. Brown of the Notts. Militia to 0. Mar-
shall, youngest daughter of Mr. W. Marshall.
Feb. 5 At Crowland — John Ullett, an eminent farmer and
grazier in Deeping Fen, to Sarah Cowhng, third daughter
of William Cowling, of Crowland.
Feb. 12 At Boston— W"'- Kobinson, Esq.,* to Miss Goodwin, both
of Boston.
Feb. 12 At Lynn — William Chapman, merchant, to Miss Emer-
son, both of Boston.
Feb. 12 The Eev. Bartholomew Goe, of Coningsby, to Miss
Flowers, of Boston,
Feb. 12 At Mareham-le-Fen, co. Lincoln— John Tomlinson, to
Mrs. Tasker, landlady at the " Chequer " Inn, at Mare-
ham-le-Fen.
Feb. 12 At Sculcoates— The Eev. Mr. Edwards, of Lynn, to
Miss Pead, daughter of the late Benj"- Pead, Esq., of
Hull.
Feb. 19 At St. Martin's, Stamford— Mr. Chapman, scrivener, of
Wisbech, to Mrs. Newzam, late of Peterborough,
Feb. 19 At Heckington, co. Lincoln— W. Smith, of Garwick, in
that parish, to Miss Stephenson, only daughter of Mr.
John Stephenson, of Swineshead Lodge.
Mar. 4 At Bennington, near Boston — W. Overton, draper and
grocer, to Miss E. Procter, both of Bennington.
Mar. 4 Mr. Robert Martin, of Great Distaff Lane, London, to
Miss Bycrof t, of Boston.
Mar. 11 At Stanground, Hunts. — Mr. Pears, grazier, of Toneham,
near Thorney, to Miss Taylor, of Peterborough.
* Alderman William Robinson, of Boston, died Aug. 6, 1801.
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 61
Mar. 11 Mr. Hart, attorney at law, of Bourn, co. Lincoln, to
Miss Worrall, of Bourn.
Mar. 24 At Ely — Rev. James Saunders, B.D., Fellow of Queen's
College, Cambridge, and Eector of Sawtry Moigne,
Huntingdonshire, to Miss Attenborough, of Ely.
April 8 At Boston — Charles Carter, of Deeping Fen, Linos., to
Miss Lay ton, of Boston.
April 15 Thomas Clarke, of Wiggan, to Miss Hewit, of Colne,
Hunts.
April 15 At Bourn — John Swift, to Elizabeth Swift, of Market
Deeping, Lines.
April 22 Mr. Verdun, attorney at law, at Long Sutton, to Miss
Maulkinson, daughter of Mr. Maulkinson, an eminent
farmer and grazier, of Sutton Marsh.
AprQ 22 Mr. S. Garner, farrier, of Wisbech, to Elizabeth Storr.
third daughter of Mr. Samuel Storr, painter, of Wisbech.
April 29 French Johnson, to Miss Toon, both of Boston.
April 29 At Peakirk, Norths. — Mr. Hemment, graxier, of Thorney
Fen, to Mrs. Fairchild, relict of Mr. Fairchild, of Deep-
ing Fen.
May 13 At Pas ton, near Peterborough — William Pank, a capital
grazier, of Borough Fen, to Esther Shelstone, of the
same place.
May 13 Thomas Riley, draper, of Lynn, to Miss Grant, of Great
Glenn, Leicestershire.
May 27 Mr. Aveling, surgeon, to Mrs. Leighton, both of Whittle-
sey, Cambs.
May 27 The Rev. Mr. Banks,* of Boston, to Miss Hunnings, and
daughter of Butter Hunnings, Esq.,t Mayor of Lincoln.
Jane 10 At Boston — Chevalier d'Estimauville, a Canadian gentle-
man, to Miss Blyth, niece to J. Betts, Esq.
June 17 At Yaxley, Hunts. — Mr. Smith, of London, to Miss
Chamberliu, of Yaxley.
* In 1809 the Kev. John Banks, B.D., F.S.A., head master of Boston
Grammar School, was presented to Braitoft Rectory.
t Butter Hunnings, an alderman of Lincoln, and mayor for 1796, died
on March 8, 1804, at Boston.
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June 17 Mn Thompson, of Carlby, Lines., to Miss Ounnington,
of Stibbingfcon, Hunts.
June 17 Mr. Turner, watchmaker, to Miss Parker, daughter of
Mr. Parker, tea dealer, both of Lynn.
June 24 At Baston, Lines. — William Gates, aged 79, widower, to
Ann Oldgate, of Baston, aged 77, widow.
June 24 At Navenby, near Lincoln — Mr. Valentine Ingram, of
Surfleet Marsh, near Spalding, to Mary Eollett, youngest
daughter of Mr. Eollett, of the former place.
July 1 Mr. George Moore, of the Post Ofllce, Boston, to Mrs.
White, of Boston.
July 8 Mr. Charles Slow, of Huntingdon, to Miss Stona, only
daughter of William Stona, Esq., of the same place.
July 8 Mr. Watson, baker, of Downham, to Miss Mary Eich-
mond, of Ely.
July 15 Mr. Sisson, jun., of Barholm, to Miss Gibbs, of West
Deeping.
July 22 At Gretna Green — Sampson Barber,* of Willow Hall,
near Peterborough, to Miss Henderson, of Shap, West-
morland.
July 22 At Croft, near Wainfleet— John Troutbell, of Leake,
oflScer of excise, to Susanna Wright, of the above-
mentioned place.
July 22 By special licence, at Lambeth Palace, by the Archbishop
of Canterbury, the Lord Bishop of Peterborough, f to
Miss Vyse, sister to General Vyse.
July 22 At Huntingdon— Mr. James Flower, of Huntingdon,
merchant, to Miss Eowe, daughter of Mr. John Eowe,
of Huntingdon.
July 29 Mr. Turtle, of St. Martin's, Stamford, to Miss Eickett,
of Lolham.
* See Fenlcmd Notes and Qtieries, p. 35, Part 1, Vol. I.
f Spencer Madan was Bishop of Peterborough from 1794 to 1813.
On Feb. 16th, 1830, there died at his house in the Close, Lichfield, aged 67,
Wmiam Charles Madan, a Colonel in the Army, 7th and 37th Eegiments.
He was the youngest son of Dr. Spencer Madan, Lord Bishop of Peter-
borough, and Lady Charlotte, second daughter of Charles, Earl of Com-
wallis.
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Aug. 5 James Digby, Esq.,* of Bonrn, Lines., to Miss Hyde,
daughter of the Rev. Mr. Hyde,t of Bourn.f
Aug. 5 Mr. Thos. Nickelson, tailor and woollen draper, Lynn,
to Miss Middleton, daughter of Mr. J. Middleton, pilot
master, of Lynn.
Aug. 26 At Polebrook, Norths. — Mr. Donard Albin, printer, of
Spalding, (one of the Spalding troop of Loyal Lincoln-
shire Yeoman Cavaky), to Miss R. Seward, of Polebrook.
Aug. 26 At Kirkby — Mr. William Goodson, plumber and glazier,
of Sleaford, to Mary Harmston, of Kirkby.
Aug, 26 At Polebrook, Norths. — Mr. Richard Massam, of Holland
Fen, to Miss Hunt, of Polebrook.
Aug. 26 The Rev. Henry Clarke, to Miss Serecold, both of
Peterborough.
Sep. 9 At Whaplode — Mr. Thompson, innholder, to Elizabeth
Fisher, of Whaplode.
Oct. 7 Mr. Lawrence, attorney at law, of Lynn, to Miss Gray,
of Gaywood.
Oct. 7 Mr. James Weatherby, of London, to Miss Sophia
Thorpe, of Newmarket.
Oct. 14 Mr. N. T. Darwin, of Bucklersbury, London, to Miss
Wheldale, of Boston.
* In " Obituary and Eecords for the counties of Lin6oln, Rutland,
and Northampton," by Justin Simpson, it is stated, p. 115, that Mr. James
Digby, of Red Hall, Bourn, died unmarried at the age of 77, on August 14,
1811. He left property said to be worth £200,000, which was inherited
by his two sisters, Mary, the wife of John IToweU, Esq., of Blackball,
Devon, and Henrietta, married to George Pauncefort, Esq. The son of the
elder co-heir, the Rev. John Digby Fowell, of Blackball * became, on the
death of his uncle, the representative of this branch of the family of
Digby, and died in 1828, leaving three sons and two daughters. James
Digby was the last male heir of the ancient family of Digby, of South
Lrfienham, Rutland, descended from Sir John Digby, of Eye Kettleby,
Leicestershire. The arms of Digby are : az., a fleur de lis, arg. Crest : an
ostrich, holding in the beak a horseshoe, or. Motto : Deus non f ortuna.
t The Rev. Humphrey Hyde, rector of Dowsby, and vicar of Bourne
Lmcs., died Jan. 18, 1807. The family of Hyde had been estabhshed at
Dowsby for upwards of two centuries.
X The announcement of this marriage was published in the Stamford
Mercury of Aug. 5, 1796, and does not appear to have been subsequently
contradicted. The date is given as "yesterday se'nnight" but the "place"
where the marriage took place is not mentioned.
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Oct. 14 At Kings Lynn—Blencowe, Esq., to Miss Everard,
eldest daughter of Edward Everard, sen., Esq., alderman
of that borough.
Oct. 28 At St. John's, Peterborough — Captain Orange, of the
86th regiment, to Miss E. B. Phillipson.
Nov. 4 Mr. Brown, surgeon, of Thorney, to Miss M. Facon, 6f
Borough Pen.
Nov. 11 At Sleaford— Mr. R. Thornill, printer and bookseller, to
Miss Tindale, both of Sleaford.
Nov. 25 At Boston — Mr. Meggitt, to Miss Tance.
Nov. 25 At Baldock — Mr. John Edwards, jun., a member of the
corporation of Lynn, to Miss Mary Eliza Martin, a
relative of the late Eichard Edwards, Esq., of Arlsey,
in Bedfordshire.
Nov. 25 Captain Eobert Thompson, of the Fountain, Lynn, to
Miss Diokerson, of South Lynn.
Dec. 16 Mr. Preston, of Sleaford, to Miss Mowbray, of Grantham.
Dec. 23 Mr. Lee, late master of the " Windmill " Inn, Stamford,
to Mrs. Thistleton, of Peterborough.
Dec. 30 At Harmston, William King, Esq., of Merton, Lines.,
to Miss Hopkinson, of Peterborough. A young lady
with a handsome fortune, and possessed of eveiy amiable
qualification to render the married state completely
happy. A very great concourse of people attended at
the church to witness the ceremony.
(To he continued.)
52.— Herod's Coat at Holbeach.— (No. 3). — Your corres-
pondent may not be aware that the Miracle Play of the
Slaughter of the Innocents, performed usually on Candlemas
Day, embraced as one of the principal actors therein " Herod,"
and probably the remnant sold was the vestment " Herod "
appeared in by his then representative. The play entitled
" Candlemas Day, or the Killing of the Children of Israel," was
written by one John Parfre, and is preserved in the Digby MSS.
in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. It bears the date 1512. King
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 65
Herod is the chief character, and the others are Syemon (as the
Bysshop), Joseph, Maria, and Anna (Prophetess), with Virgins,
Knights, and Angels. I find also in the Miracle Plays of Coventry,
and in the Guild Expenses, this ifcem under the date 1490) : —
Md. payd to the players for Corpus Xisti daye.
Itm : to Heroude . . . iij^- iiii^'
" The Killing of the Innocents " was one of the plays acted by
the^" Goldsmiths," or Guild of Goldsmiths, yearly, in the City of
Chester, between Whit Monday and Whit Wednesday, in each
year annually until A.D. 1577.
" Magnus Herodes," or " Great Herod," was one of the Plays
or Mysteries mentioned in the celebrated collection known as the
Townsley Mysteries.
Charles Golding, Colchester.
The " stuflPe " sold from Holbeach church in 1543 formed the
accessories used in Mystery or Miracle Plays, founded upon events
recorded in sacred writ, and which were in Mediaeval times acted
in Churches. The " Creation of the World," *• Slaying of the
Innocents" (which accounts for the presence of Herod's coat),
and numerous other scenes were principally enacted by the various
guilds, in which as dramatis jpersonos> the Apostles, Holy Angels,
etc., would take part. J. S.
Mr. FiCKLiNG, B.A., of St. Peter's College, Peterborough, has
also furnished a similar reply.
53.— The Suppression of Croyland Abbey.— In Vol. 261 of
"Miscellaneous Books, Augmentation Office," is the following entry
of local interest : —
"Payments by warraunts of the Counsaill — Firet payed the
xxix*^ daye of Marche anno xxxij h viij (1541) to Willm. Symp-
son xlo for his travayle attendaunce and charge taken given and
susteyned in for and abowte the profe and tryall of a certyn
informacon made and geven by the said willm. for ymbeselUng
and conveying of certeyne goods by the late abbot of Crowland
according to a warraunt of the Counsill in that behalf made as by
the same more playnly apperyth." In a M.S. list of Crown
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pensioners of dissolved Conventual houses and Chantries payable
at Michmas. 2 & 3 P & M (1555) I find one "Willm. Sympesunne
a late inmate of Croyland, was in receipt of an annual pension of
53/4, perhaps the same W. S. who " rounded " upon his superior.
Some 16 years after the suppression of the conventual establish-
ments, two kindred society's. Chantries and Guilds, shared a similar
fate, judging from inventories taken a year or two before their
suppression. It appears that the custodians of the church property
at that time did all they could to preserve it from falling into the
hands of the spoiler. Within a year or two the moveable property,
plate, rapidly vanished, and when the Royal Commissioners took
inventory, only little remained to reach the royal jewel house.
The Commissioners appointed by royal authority for the county
of Lincoln make no mention of Croyland, so probably they were
considered as part and parcel of the revenues of the Abbey, and
of course confiscated with its temporalities. One John Dighton,
of Crowland, by will dated 18 Jan. 1507-8, and proved in London,
9 Nov. 1508, bequeathed to the high altar of the parish church of
Crowland, "for tithes forgotten, 12d. ; the Fraternity of St. John
Baptist founded in the said church, 12d. ; fraternities of the Holy
Trinity and Corpus Christi, ea. 12d.;; and to the Plough light
founded in the said church of Crowland, 4d. To the head (or
mother) church of Lincoln, 4d. To a priest to sing for my soul,
Margaret my wifes & all Christian souls in Crowland church for
a whole year, £5. I will that my executor cause to be said &
sung for my soul & souls above said a trentall of St. Gregories
masses as soon as it may be goodly done after my dec, the priest
to have 10s. For an anniversary to be kept for my soul, Margaret
my wifes, & all Christian souls in the parish church of Crowland
on the day of my dec. by the space of 20 years, to distribute
yearly 3s. 4d. Residue of goods to Henry D. priest, my son sole
exor" & who proved the will."
In my next paper I will give you the will of the last Abbot of
^ * Justin Simpson, Stamford.
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 67
54.-TIie Speechley and Ground Families.— The following
Table of descenfc of the family of Mr. Edward Ground, of
the North Bank, Whittlesey, in 1815, was taken from an in-
scription on a silver cup in Mr. Ground's possession at that date: —
Alice Speechley, widow of John Speechley, ob. 1658.
Edward Speechley, son of the said Alice and John, ob. 1701.
Edward Speechley, son of the said Edward, ob. 1743.
Alice, daughter of the last mentioned Edwd. Speechley. married
Henry Clarke, ob. 1776.
Amey Ground, daughter of the said Alice Clarke, ob. 1786.
Edwd. Ground, son of the above named Amey Ground, livinff in
1819. ^
55.— Characteristic Features of Fen History.— Originally
the Fens, stretching for some 70 miles from north to south, and
at the widest 40 miles in breadth, or 680,000 acres, flourished as
primaBval forests (Skertchley of the Geological Survey, asserts 0)
of oak, elm, birch, firs, yews, and willows ; in fact, was as Dug-
dale says :— A great level of firm dry land, and not annoyed with
any extraordinary inundation from the sea or stagnation of the
fresh waters. He endeavours to manifest this, although the
strangeness is apparent, by giving instances of great oak trees
being found when the great Cuts were made, some not severed
from the roots remaining fixed in firm earth below the Moor.
In Marshland, near Magdalen Bridge there was discovered, at
17 feet deep, furze, nut bushes, and perfect nuts, imbedded be-
tween the firm earth and the silt, which had been brought up by
the inundation of the sea. If it was inundated by the sea, the
question arises, "How did it become overfiowed by the sea?" Dug-
dale tries to solve this problem. He takes it for granted that the
Fens were once solid land, and I may mention that the Fens are
surrounded by comparative highland, pretty nearly in the shape
of a horsehoe. How did it then become a prodigious Fen? How
did the ocean break in with such force as to uproot the great oaks
and firs, and cover the whole level to such an extraordinary depth?
If the ocean had not been in, how could Sir Robert Cotton, Bart.,
find the skeleton of a large sea fish, near 20 feet long, lying in
perfect silt, more than 6 feet below the superficies of the ground,
and as much above the present level of the Fens, when he was
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making some drainage improvements in Huntingdonshire. But
when and by what means that violent breach and inundation of
the sea was first made into the country, Dugdale is not able
to positively afl&rm, therefore he must take leave to deliver his
conjecture therein from the most rational probability, which is,
that it was by some great earthquake, for that such dreadful ac-
cidents have occasioned the like we have unquestionable testimony.
However, he does not support his conjecture very much by
mentioning the encroachments and the receding of the sea, which
is taking place at the present moment in many places, as at
Skegness, Cromer, Lyme, Eomney, Southport, etc. Perhaps a
more rational explanation would be this. Those who have been
to Hunstanton, in Norfolk, will remember Hunstanton Ness, or
the high white cliffs. Geologists tell us that this chalk ridge ex-
tended to the Lincolnshire coast, and within this ridge was a plain
of soft blue clay, and the sea beating upon the chalk barrier, and
aided by the rivers, broke through the chalk and scoured out the
clay, not all, nor smoothly, but leaving banks here and there, and
then a long struggle ensued between sea, land, air, frost und rain;
in fact, every disintegrating agent assembled, and the elemenis had
it for their battle ground for many long ages. Helping all this, there
may have been subsidences and slight oscillations of the land it-
self. Again, when we remember that the country is a low plain,
varying from five to twenty feet above the Ordnance datum or
mean tidal level, and much of it below high water level, and
would be overflowed daily but for the erection of great banks,
also that the water from the surrounding country, 4| times the area
of the Fens, all had to pass through it, I opine that the silt, the
alluvium, and the ooze would deposit in the Fen basin, the rivers
would become choked up, settle into Lakes and Meres, and wander
by numerous and shifting channels to the sea. Then commenced
the growth of a luxuriant vegetation in fresh water, which we dig
to-day as peat, and the more elevated land or islands, which varied
from 20 to 80 feet above mean tide level, became overgrown with
reeds, alders and osiers, which were haunted by wild fowl in-
(To he continued).
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ARMS OF THE AVELING FAMlLY AT WHITTLESEY.
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Penland Notes and Qubeies. 69
numerable. Vegefcation flourished and decayed, suspended matter
still kept pouring down from the high country, and was deposited,
until, in the 16 th century, the Fens were spoken of as an inland
sea in winter, and a noxious swamp in sununer ; and terribly hard
must life have been in the winter, when the frost stopped the
boats and was not sufficient for the weight of man. The first
attempt at reclamation is attributed to the Eomans, and there can
be little doubt that the Eomans threw up the old Sea Bank, which
originally was 150 miles in length. They also made the Carr
Dyke or Catchwater Drain from the Nene to the Witham, and old
Podyke in Marshland Pen. Next, in 1115, Eichard de Eollua
reclaimed part of Deeping Pen, by shutting out the Welland by
a strong embankment. Eichard de Eollus married the daughter
and heiress of Hugh Evermure, Lord of Bourne and Deeping, who
had married Torfrida, the daughter of Hereward Leofricsson, who
was the son of the famous Leofric, Earl of Mercia, and the equally
famous Lady Godiva. The monks of the monasteries founded on
the islands are credited as giving special attention to the drainage
of their own domains, but nothing very substantial was done until
after the great and most destructive floods of 1607. James I.,
hearing of the great and frequent devastation made this royal
declaration, that " for the honour of his kingdom, he would not
any longer suffer these countries to be abandoned to the will of the
waters, nor to let them lie waste and unprofitable ; and that if no
one else would undertake their drainage, he himself would become
their undertaker." So in 1609 the first district Act for Pen
Drainage was passed, and Lord Chief Justice Popham and a
company of Londoners commenced, but were not successful.
Their works remain in Londoners' Lode and Popham's Eau. Por
their trouble they were to receive two-thirds of the reclaimed
land. After this there were loud calls for a skilled undertaker, or
engineer, but England had none ; and in their dilemma they
called to their aid Cornelius Vermuyden, the celebrated Dutch
Drainage Engineer. This was in 1629, or 20 years after the first
Act was passed. A contract was made between him and the
Commissioners of Sewers, at Kings Lynn, he undertaking to find
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70 FENiiAND Notes and Queriis.
all requisite funds, to drain the Level according to a plan submitted
by him, on condition that 95,000 acres of the reclaimed land
should be granted to him as a recompense. But great was the
outcry against this contract with a foreigner, one jealous John
Bull exclaiming — " What, is the old activitie and abilities of the
Enghsh nation grown now soe dull and insufficient, that we must
pray in ayde of our neighbours to improve our own demaynes ? "
So the contract was abrogated before many months. After this,
Francis, Earl of Bedford was induced to take the head of affairs,
and he engaged the services of Vermuyden, and then began
earnestly the drainage of the Bedford Level, divided into the
North, Middle, and South Levels. Very great difficulties were
encountered from the very first, principally from the want of
funds, the hostility of the Fen-men, (who, with the disappearance
of the water, saw that they could neither fish, snare, nor shoot),
and even the popular press of the day hurled its darts against
the great undertaking. Six or eight years afterwards, the works
being in fall progress, the great discontent among the Fen natives
became fanned into a fierce flame by the member for Huntingdon,
Oliver Cromwell, a man who from obscurity desired to gain influence
in the Pariiamentary party of the Fen country. He went about
from village to village, and from meeting to meeting, even ques-
tioning the character of the improvement itself, and soon became
the most popular man in the district, and was saluted as " Lord of
the Fens." Many great riots occurred at this period, the works
suffering very extensively ; the embankments were cut through,
and the Drains dammed up, by which the work of many years
was rendered void. Then raged the civil war, and the Fen
country became in a worse state than before. The works began
again about 1650, everything being at its very lowest ebb. Cheaper
labour was required, and a thousand Scotch prisoners taken at
Dunbar were made to work at the Drainage ; also five hundred
prisoners taken by Blake over Van Tromp rendered valuable
services. At length the works were declared finished, and the
Lords Commissioners of Adjudication made their Official inspection
for Parliament. They sailed upon the new rivers, surveyed the
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new eaus and sluices, and returned to Ely, where Sir Cornelius
Vermnjden read to them a discourse descriptive of the work they
had inspected, in which he said there were then sown with wheat
and other grain 40,000 acres. Mills, first worked by horse power
were introduced in 1678, and it was not until after 1726 that
the wind was utilised to draw the water from the dyke to the
drain, and from the drain to the river ; but for some years past
steam has been taking the place of wind, and now the luxuriant
vegetation of the water is changed for that of the best arable
land in the kingdom.
Geoege Hughes, Horwich, Bolton.
56.— Fenland Superstitions.— When taking up the founda-
tions of an old house in the Fen, we found beneath the hearth-stone
a low flat-bottomed glass bottle. The side was broken by the
tool of the workman. Inside was a number of pins stuck into a
dark substance. I have heard of other bottles, glass and stone,
(probably of Dutch manufacture) being found in similar positions.
It has been said they were intended as a charm to keep evil spirits
away, and that the pins were stuck into the heart of a pigeon for
that purpose. Some reader of Fenland Notes and Queries may
perhaps be able to throw some light on the matter. I have seen
horse-shoes nailed to the threshold of the door, which are said to
have been for the same purpose. The horse- shoe in our day is
said to be a token of good luck : some persons will not pass one
on the road without picking it up, and I have heard of collections
being made in this way. There is still a great deal of supersti-
tion in the Fenland even amoug educated persons, more than
many would imagine ; some believe in liiclcy and unlucky days ;
others that if by chance 13 sit down to dinner at the same table,
one will die before the year is out. S.E.
57.— The St. Ives Mercury.— The first number of the North-
ampton Mercury was published on the 2nd May, 1720, but what
is most remarkable is that the then public is informed that what
the paper will be may be judged by the St. Ives Mercury of the
two preceding weeks. That it was printed here is conclusive from
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72 Fenland Notes and Queries.
its reference to the printing-office in Huntingdonshire. So that
it is clear St. Ives had its own newspaper 169 years ago, at a time
when there was scarcely, perhaps, a dozen journals in all England.
St. Ives must have been a place of importance in the early years
of the reign of the first Greorge. It evidently ranked with
Northampton and Reading, as when a paper was started later at
the last named place — this was also a Mercury — St. Ives was
quoted as a most worthy pattern to follow, and a conclusive
argument in favour of a Reading paper, seeing that St. Ives in
Hunts, had got one. It is probable that the Messrs. Raikes and
Dicey were proprietors of the St. Ives Mercury. After they
dissolved business, through the heavy fine of Sir E. Lawrence,
Mr. Dicey went to reside at Northampton, and it may be that he
continued the paper there under the new title of the Northartipton
Mercury. The dates given above agree in time, and seem to
confirm this suggestion. Herbert E. Norris.
58.— "Lincolnsliire Tales."— A second volume of Lincolnshire
Dialect Tales and Stories, by Miss Malel Peacock, second daughter
of Edward Peacock, F.S.A., of Bottesford Manor, Brigg, is now
being printed by her publishers — Geo. Jackson and Son, Brigg.
Miss Peacock's previous book, published two or three years ago,
met with extraordinary success, and we understand the new work
will be even more entertaining and interesting than its predecessor.
59.— Wisbech Church Tower.— A correspondent writes thus
concerning the perpendicular tower of the parish chm*ch of
Wisbech St. Peter, which is practically detached from the main
structure in mixed styles and of much earlier date : —
"The tower is a massive structure, it is much adorned on every
side, especially towards the top, with coats of arms exceedingly
well carved. At the north side of the steeple, towards the
summit, are these devices : — In the middle, the royal arms of
England and France on a large shield, supported by an angel
under a canopy. Above this may be seen a text SI and a text p[,
crowned, and at the bottom corner of the upper storey, under
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 73
the a;, the ajms of the See of Canterbury. *S may possibly be
the initial of Thomas Goodrich, one of the revisers of the
authorised version of the New Testament, and probably the
Bishop of Ely at the time the tower was completed ; whilst p
undoubtedly is the initial of the surname of Archbishop Morton,
created Cardinal in 1493, who was some time Bishop of Ely, and
builder of the second castle at Wisbech. The device in a
corresponding position beneath the P is also mitred, and has a
coat of arms quarterly, considered to be Cardinal Morton's. On
the ridge below the window are seven curious shields. Of these,
the first bears the arms of France and England ; the nature of
the second is uncertain ; the third device is the Cross Keys, the
emblem of St. Peter ; the fourth shield bears the arms of the See
of Ely, supported by an angel ; the character of the sixth device
is uncertain ; whilst the seventh shield bears the arms of the See
of Ely impaling those of Cardinal Morton, mitred ; beneath these,
in the corners of the arch of the belfry door, are two other shields,
the first, keys in saltier (the aims of St. Peter), and the second,
swords in saltier (the arms of St. Paul). The other sides of the
tower bear devices of an equally interesting character ; the
buttresses of the tower are very substantial ; whilst the pinnacles
at the four corners of the summit, the balustrading, together with
the intermediate pinnacles therein, and the central dwarf spire,
are all both interesting and curious. It is probable that the tower
was commenced circa 1520, at which time Nicholas "West was
Bishop of Ely, and completed circa 1538, during the episcopate
of Thomas Goodrich, who subsequently became Lord Chancellor
of England." " Hbrewaed."
60.— Manea in 1748.— A pamphlet of 23 pages, written and
* It has been objected that the theory concerning the signification
of these initial letters is unsound, on the ground that it is unusual to find
one referring to a Christian name of an individual and the other to the
surname of someone else ; but I would remark that there are many quaint
instances of such " sermons in stones." At any rate the first letter is more
like T than J, or I might be inclined to hold to the opinion that the initials
were both those of Cardinal John Morton, whose name wiU be perpetuated
in the Fens by the weU-known "Morton's Leam."
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published iii 1748 by Thomas Neale, M.A., rector of the parish,
is thus headed : — " The ruinous state of the parish of Manea, in
the Isle of Ely, with the causes and remedy of it humbly repre-
sented in a letter, To Matt, Eobinson Morris, Esq., Lord of the
Manor of Ooveney with Manea."
The writer of the pamphlet begins by quoting a passage from
Dugdale, page 415, where, speaking of King Charles I., he says,
" And moreover to enrich these countries, by several new planta-
tions and diverse ample privileges ; amongst which his royal
intentions, that of the building of an eminent town in the midst
of the level, at a little village called Manea, and to have called
it Oharlemont, was one ; the design whereof he drew himself,
intending to have made a navigable stream from thence to the
river Ouse." Mr. Neale says, "There is an artificial square
mount, at this day, not far from the chapel, which, so far as I
can learn from tradition, was thrown up by his Majesty's order."
I think probably tradition was right, as this pamphlet was written
not much more than 100 years after King Charles' death ; I have
always known it as Charley Mount. It is not so large as it used
to be, having been partially thrown down, but is now a consider-
able mound. The writer of the pamphlet then goes on to give
three reasons, or causes, for this ruinous state of the parish.
Firstly, the great number of mills erected of lafce years in the
Middle Level. He says, " there are now no less than two hundred
and fifty in the Middle Level. In Whittlesey parish only, I was
told by some of the principal inhabitants there are more than
fifty mills, and there are, I believe, as many in Donningfcon (query
Doddington) with its members. I myself, riding very lately from
Eamsey to Holme, about six miles across the Fens, counted forty
in my view ; there are between Eamsey and Old Bedford Bank,
and upon the forty-feet, sixteen-feet, and twenty-feet, and to Salter's
Load in Well parish (surrounding Manea), fifty-seven. A great
number of these mills throw their water directly upon Manea.
This is the first cause of the ruinous state of Manea. Secondly,
a large tunnel, above five feet wide and more than three deep, was
laid down in 1712 under the forty-feet, both bank and drain.
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Penland Notes and Queries. 75
The visible design of this bank was to defend the lower parts of
the level from the waters of the upper parts ; but by this tunnel
the waters of a large tract of land above us (near ten thousand
acres) have been continually poured into the twenty-feet, the only
drain that Manea has to carry off its waters. And a third cause is
the decay of the general outfall of the Ouse since Denver Sluice
fell. Of this, I have many witnesses to produce, as well as my
own experience. I have heard ancient people say, that if Manea
heretofore were drowned two feet deep in February by a breach of
banks, for it was never drowned otherwise, they could plow and
sow those lands with oats that same year ; but now it is too well
known, if it be drowned but one foot deep at that time, it can
scarce be got dry all that summer. There is a person now living
in Manea who remembers the Old Bedford Bank breaking opposite
to that parish about forty-five years ago, but a fortnight before
Lady-day, and laying the Fen lands of it a considerable depth
under water ; and yet he assisted in plowing and sowing oats in
the lower parts of it that same year : this could be owing to
nothing else but the goodness of the outfall at that time. These
are the evident and effectual causes which have by degrees reduced
the lands, and in consequence of that, the inhabitants of Manea,
to a low estate indeed, from keeping, as I have known them,
between two and three thousand sheep, to not being able to winter
three hundred without much trouble and difficulty ; from some of
the worst lands in the parish producing, without much hazard,
fifteen or sixteen comb (and I have been assured sometimes a
last) of oats an acre, to not being capable of being plowed at all ;
from every acre in the parish being occupied, to having a third
part unlet ; from being the best place except one (Thomey) that
Mr. Fortrey knew of in the Fens for a farmer to thrive in, as he
told me above thirty years ago, to the greatest part being almost
reduced to beggary ; from being called rich Manea, as I have heard
ancient tradesmen of Ely say (when I first went to that school in
1708), to being reckoned the poorest in the level ; from the tythes
amounting to a hundred pounds per annum (exclusive of Coveney)
as my predecessor Mr. Austin informed me, to their being worth
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76 Fenland Notes and Queries.
(when the curate, taxes, and repairs are paid) scarce the trouble of
collecting ; from my paternal estate, which I am still possessed of,
being worth about one hundred and thirty pounds per annum (not
estimating a corn mill, and the best commonable house in the
parish lately burnt) to its letting this present year under fifty
pounds, and likely to fall." In one place, describing the former
prosperity of Manea, he says, " Two hundred acres called Bond's
Farm, in my memory had a good house upon it, and one Edward
Newborn, as I am well informed who lived in it, got a thousand
pounds upon it ; and when he died, above sixty years ago, twenty
of his milched cows were sold for one hundred pounds. As to
the thousand acres adjoining, called Fifties, I have many living
witnesses to produce who not only remember many crops of oats
and coleseed, but good wheat also growing in them ; beast fed with
the hay that grew upon them ; and store wethers kept upon and
bought out of them at eighteen pounds per score, and ewes at
fifteen pounds ; but now, so miserably are these adventurers' lands
reduced in value and goodness, that I have lately heard some of
the most sensible farmers in that parish and neighbourhood say with
asseverations, ' that if they might have the whole without price,
and only be bound to pay the draining tax for twenty-one years,
(supposing them to be exposed as they now are) they would
absolutely refuse the offer.' " The remedy suggested by Mr. Neale
was to get a Drainage Act and erect mills as the rest of the Level
had done. Doubtless by his efforts this was effected, as I see in
the Order Book of the Drainage Conmiissioners this entry :
"May 21, 1751, Ordered that Mr. Neale be aUowed 20 guineas
for his expenses relative to this Act, and that the thanks of the
Board be likewise given him for his extraordinary care and trouble
in that affair." Inferring to the Order Book, I find the first
order at the first meeting of the Commissioners was this :
" May 17, 1748, Ordered that each Commissioner at this and all
subsequent meetings shall bear his own expence," But alas for
the economic intentions of these self-denying men. On August
3rd, 1749, it was ordered " that such Commissioners as shall attend
this or any subsequent meeting shall have one shilling allowed him
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Fenland Notes and Qubbies. 77
for his afcfcendance at every such meeting." I believe now in these
degenerate days the Commissioners of most districts have a good
feed at their annual meetings.
William Wiles Green, Manea.
61.— Monumental Inscriptions in St. Margaret's Church,
LjmLi—
1.— Under the South-West Tower.
hie iacet adam de walsokne [ quondam burgens lenn qui
obiit quinto die mensis iunii anno dni millesimo tricentesimo |
quadragesimo nono et margareta uxor | eius in cley nata quorum
anime per dei misericordiam in pace requie | cants amen.x
cum fex cum limus cum res vilisima sumus
unde superbimus ad terram terra redimus.
[In Lombardic letters, the first inscription marginal. The
second under the feet of the effigies on this well known Flemish
brass, now placed on a low platform under the South- West Tower.]
2. — Next Last.
X orate pro animabus roberti braunche leticie et margare | te
uxorum eius et pro omnibus quibus tenentur qui quidem robertus
obii XV die octobris anno domini m°cc°c | lxiiii anime eorum per
misericordiam dei in pace requi | escant amen.
[Marginal, in Lombardic letters, on the Flemish brass of
Brannche, on which is represented the " Peacock Feast."]
3. — Chancel Floor.
Hie iacet corpvs lohanis Atkin | Aldermani viri gravissimi
praehonesti reiq huius burgi publican admodum studiosi cuius
Maioratum A**, rrs lacobi 5°. & 13^. Honorifice ac pie gessit E
lohanna uxore eius unica | duodecim amoris sui pigrora suscitavit
quorum in vivis tantumodo sunt novem [ gulielmus natu primus
thomas lohanes sethevs anna dementia. lohana frideswitha
& Margeria vixit A^\ 68 faeliciter. 15. die Septembris A^ Domini
1617. in Chor obdormivit | [Marginal.]
Insignis pietate viri, si funera flere.
Convenit, AtMnnus tunc lachrymandus obit
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78 Fbnlanb Notes and Queries.
Heu lachrymandus obit nostri non iUius ergo
Nos orbos terrse, illnmastra suprema tennet
Praetoris burgi Lennse bis numere ftmctus
Oppetiit faelix appetiitque Deum
Addere plura vetat plangens respublica Lennas
Nam renovata piget damna videre sua.
[Brass, IN CAPITALS, with merchant's mark.]
4. — Chancel Floor.
Sta Viator :
Die mihi, quod prosunt vires juvenilis & ardor.
Ars. decor ingenium Cespite tecta iacent.
Nil, nisi quod de te caveas, tibi restat, & ores.
Sic, cum Ventura est mors tibi, salvus eris. [Capitals.]
Hie deponitur Corpus Franci parlett genosi optime
spei adolescentis, qui, extremis agens, Voluit in
exequias suas jSeri Concionem populo, textu ex hoes.
Eeioyce, 0, yong man, in thy youth, & lett thy | hart cheere thee
in thy dayes of thy youth, and | walke in y^ wayes of thine heart, &
in y® sight of | thine eyes : But know that for all theise things |
God will bring thee to judgement : Eccles : 11 : 9.
Obijt 29^ May : 1628. -^tat Suae 21.
Fra : Parlett Ar, P. M p. [Capitals.]
[Brass, with arms (on a shield) — a parrot, a label for difference ;
and motto (on a scroll) — " Penses puis paries."]
5. — Brass, Loose in Vestry.
Thomas Parlet gener : filius Francisci Parlet | Armigeri huius
Burgi Kecordatoris natu mini- [ mus tandem unicus, a re
mercatoria ad ludum j literarium reversus admirandae pietatis &
cha- I ritatis adolescens, quicquid terras habuit hie | deposuit A^
-Abatis suae xvij^ & salutis humanae | ciODixxxii,
Debitor iste minor iustus, sua debita solvit
Creditor omnipotens solverat ilia prius
Debita vis solvas (Hospes) cum solveris ipse
Vivas ipse Deo, Solvet & ilia Deus.
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 79
6. — East Wall op North Chapel.
D E I opt® Max : Sacru | In xpo spem ( Eesnrgendi beatam
expectat | MARGARETA | Q : F : | Pilia pijs8% uxor fideliss%
parens | indulgenfciss^sororamantiss* | materfamiliasprovidentiss*,
pauperibus | opitulantiss*, et omnibus benevolentis8% | diem suum
in clauso paschse clausit extremu | A**; Sal : ciddcxxxix | Cuius
redivivse Era : Parlefc Ar : huius | burgi Recordator consorfcis
suae I per xxxiv annos, cui peperit filios, | Francum, Edrum,
Ricum, Thomam, | Filias Aliciam, Thomasinam, | Honoram,
Annam, Joannam, | Margaretam et Margaretam. |
hie I posuit memorise | Margarita f uit terris cum coniuge iuncta |
et nunc in caelis splendida gemma micat
Csetera, si nescis Quaeras ; valeasq viator
Atq pie vivas, ut moriare pie.
[Arms : a parrot impaling ; quarterly — over all a saltire wavy.
Motto : " Pensez puis parlez." In capitals.]
7. — Over Last.
Sleepe in y® dust of death (w^^ could not sting)
Till thou a glorious rising have to sing
Alleluia to God who'l rayse this dust
To right hand place & ioyes Amongst y^ iust
Pure was thy name, thy practise also pure
Thy iust remembrance promiss'd to endure
Honor is ergo this is graven for view
Such Honour to y® Saints is but their due.
Psal : I 112. 6.
"Who : being dead to us
Yet speake by pafcterne thus
Walke Vertues path Seeke gifts of grace
By frequent meeting in this place
Checke sinne with thoughts of death & doome
in life thinke of the life to come
feare God let life be vertues story
That deathe may bring a Crowne of Glory.
Hoc fac et ex fide Jesu vives. | Illustre virtutis et piefeate
exemplar, | transientibus spectabile.
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The corps of Katherin Cremer theres int-errd
whose Soule unto a Kingdome is preferrd ;
in gifts of nature grace she did excell,
as steps to Glory wherein now she dwell
a saint made perfect with her Lord & head
wayting his second comming for the dead,
come Lord Jesus come quickly
This blessed Gentl~ was the eldest daughter | of M^. WiUiam
Taylor of Burnham Merchant | y® prudent wife of M^. Henry
Cremer of lynn | customer who livd together xx yeares in
mu I tual ioye & comfort ; having borne unto him | 7 sonnes & 3
daughters. She finished a happy | course in 39 yeares & fell a
sleepe in the | Lord the 8 of octo 1647
[Arms : 3 wolves' heads erased— on a chief — 3 cinquefoils.
In capitals.]
8.— Floor op South Chapel.
Here I'esteth till his Eedeemer cometh | The body of Thomas
Nelson Alderman | And once Maior of this Burrough who |
Departed this life the 26*i^ of July 1654 | Aged 74 Yeares.
And of Elizabeth his wife I Who departed this life | The 2*^
of February 1649 | Aged 69 yeares.
Here Lyeth the Body of Jane the wife | of Mf John Kidd,
Mercer She was the | Eldest daughter of Henry Chennery Esq |
Alderman & once Mayor of this Corporation | She Departed this
life y^ 4*^ of June 1718 Aged 27
The Body of the same John Kidd | who was also Mayor of
this Corporation | was here likewise interr'd vi Oct in the | xli
year of his age & of our Lord | cio.iocc.xx.viii.
9. — South Side op Chancel Floor.
Here Lieth the Body of Doro*^^' | The Wife of William Cremer |
WooUendrap. Daughter of Thomas Cabeck Of Heringswel | ...ster
& Of Elizabeth His Wife | . . e Died lune y^ 4^^ ano -^tatis |
23 Selutis 1657.
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 81
She was the Gift of God so said her name | And so say I her
vertues said the Same | The Lord her Gave & tooke thinking it
best I To order me to Trouble Her to rest | William Cremer.
[Arms : Cremer, as on N"o. 7, impaling 3 fleurs-de-lis.]
10. — Floor of North Chapel.
That wch"" thow sowest | is not Quickened Except | it die. 1 cor.
15. 36 & John | 12 : 24.
The Body of Eebecca y® | wife of lohn Pulvertof t | Apothecary
who Dyed | in y® faith of Christ & in | hope of y® resurrection |
the 10*.^ of August 1673.
11. — Floor of North Chapel.
Johannes Filius Edv : Bodham
Natus 30 7bris f . ^„q
Obijt 2 8bris t
12. — Floor of South Chapel.
H. S. E. I Anna fili . . . . ard Chester | Eq. Aur Uxor
Henri . . I Hoogan MD .... y^ 29 Decemb. | 1678 [Arms nearly
worn out.] | Here lies wh*at was mortal | of Mary Chennery |
(Relict of Mr. Hen Chennery | and daughter of Eob. Eade
M.D.) I to whose Character | The last day will do Justice. | She
died Jan. y^ 17*^ 1721 aged 67. R. H. E.
(^To ye continued).
62.— French Protestant Refugees in the Pens.— In the 17th
century many French Protestant families fled to England, and
some of them settled at Needingworth and the neighbourhood.
One of the Holywell registers contains a few notes about the
briefs collected for their relief.
" Collected upon y® breif for Michael Kys and Peter Kys, Hun-
garians, y^sum of 5/-." July 16, 1667.
" Collected upon the brief for the French Protestants : paid to
Mr. Salmon 12/-." 1689.
"Collected upon the Brief for the poor exiled Vaudois and
French Protestants, £1 18 11." Herbert E. Norris.
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• 82 Fenland Notes and Queries,
63.— Apreece of WasMngley.— (No. 29, Part II.) On the 23r(i
of July, 1643, Oliver Cromwell by storm took " Burghley House
by Stamford town," an event (summarized) from the jp&rfect
Diurnal of 27th July of that year. " The service, it is informed,
was somewhat difficult, but it was taken with the loss of very
few men, and many prisoners of note taken, amongst the rest,
2 colonels, 6 or 7 captains, 400 foot, about 200 horse, great
store of arms, and abundance of rich pillage." In a return
(dated 29th July) of the officers taken prisoners upon that occasion
and sent to Cambridge was Sir Wingfield Bodenham (of Eyhall),
Sheriff of the county, and (under Captains, &o.), confined in the
Tolbooth, or common prison, I find the name of Robert Price,
Esq., of Washingly, recusant. This should be Robert Apreece,
Esq., of Washingley. Spelling in the 17th century was not a point
of strict accuracy. A pedigree of the family is given in the
Visitation of Hunts., by Nicholas Charles, Lancaster Herald,
Deputy for Wm. Camden, Clar. 1613-14. I have no doubt
Robert Apreece taken prisoner at Burghley, by some means obtained
his release from Cambridge, rejoined the Royalist forces, and
Robert Apreece shot at Lincoln was both one and the same person.
None of our historians of the great Civil war, in which Oliver
Cromwell played so conspicuous a part, have recorded many acts
of his gallantry towards Royalist ladies. But one, in reference to
the siege and capture of Burghley House I can place on permanent
record, viz., his presentation of a painting of himself, by Walker,
to the widowed Countess of Exeter, which is still preserved
amongst the treasures of that princely mansion.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
64.— A Ghastly Legend of Holbeach.— In " Fen and Mere "
the story of the Revellers is told with a hope that it was not true.
It was in Holbeach church the incident occurred which has been
embalmed in verse by Eliza Cook and Mr. Rawnsley.
I am unable to give the exact date or names of the actors who
took part in the sad scene ; perhaps some reader of Fenland
NoUs and Qu&ries can assist me. The best authenticated version
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 33
seems to be that about the year 1800, A party who used frequently
to meet at the "Chequers' Hotel" for game and wine agreed that
whoever died first of the Jolly Quartett, should have a last rubber
with him — a corpse. Be this as it may, a light was seen in
the church late at night, brightest near the communion table.
Prompted by curiosity, a man got a ladder and looked through
the window. They were just in the act of finishing the game
when he heard one ask, " Dummy, can you one ? " The names
given are L. Slator, J. Barker, T. Codling, and Jonathan Watson,
a doctor who committed suicide by opening both his arms and
bleeding to death. He was buried at cross roads, a christian
burial being denied in cases of felo de se ; temporary insanity
being less common in the past than now. The friends had taken
the corpse, placed it in a chair beside the communion table, placed
cards in its hand, and thus, with it as dummy, played their last
rubber. This sad affair, which seemed to have originated in a
drunken frolic, caused so much horror and disgust, that the
profligates who enacted it were obliged to leave the town. (?)
There is some doubt as to the names of the living actors in the
scene. No one, we can imagine, would care to have it known
that he was connected with such reprobates, and might even be
excused if some trouble were taken to prevent its being known.
S.E.
65.— Thorney Abbey.— "Mr. Manrice Johnson, of Spalding,
has a drawing of Thorney Abbey, in a neatly written vellum map,
of the Lordship made before the dissolution of the House, from
which the structure appeared to be five, times as large as the
portion which at present remains. It had side aisles and spires,
probably on both the western towers, whereof only that on the
north side remained, and was represented in the map,"
The above quotation is given by Warner, fi'om Dugdale. Can
any one say what has become of this map and drawing ? Many
persons, I feel sure, would like to know of its whereabouts, and
what the Abbey was like in the olden time. Has the Duke of
Bedford anything of the kind among his papers ? S.E.
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66.— The Origin of the term Fen Tigers.— (No. 43, Part II.)
Probably a corruption of Tike^ a country man, a clown ; (Celtic,
Tiak or TiuCj a plowman). The term occurs very early as one of
contempt. — ''Zone heythem tyheSj' vide M.S. Morte Arthure,
p. 91. S. Egae.
67.— The Origin of Gedney.— (No. 35, Part II.) Gedney— the
prefix Gaed, a goad, (A.S.) ; also a man's name. Hence, Gaedan
eUy Gaeda's water. S. Egar.
68.— Croyland Notes.— The last Abbot of this wealthy and
powerful Benedictine house, John Wells alias Briggs, had the
temporalities restored to him 3rd October, 1512, and with 27
inmates surrendered the Abbey to the Royal Commissioners, 4th
December, 31st Henry VIII., (1539), and had assigned him an
annual pension of £130 6s. 8d., a no inconsiderable sum in those
days ; but was not spared long to enjoy it, as he was dead in
September, 1544. His will, never before published, is appended :
" In dei nomine Amen. I John Briggs, clerke, late Abbot of
Crowlande in the county of Lincoln being of good memory doo
make this my laste will & testament ffurste I bequeathe my soulle
to Allmyghtty god the father in heauen our Lady & all the
company of heauen they to pray to our Lorde god to take my
soule to his great mercy so it maye withowte ende haue the frucyon
of his godhed & be Assocyate withe them yn heaven my boddy
to be buryed in suche place as my Executours shall thynke con-
venyent. Item I wiU and bequeathe to the churche of Lincoln
three shillings (&) foure pence. Item to the Eeparacons of the
churche where my body shalbe buryed Twenty shillings. Item to
the churche of Crowlande fforty shillings. Item to the churche of
Langtofte six shillings (&) eight pence. Item to the churche of
Baston six shillings (&) eightpence. Item to the churche of
Outy well in the parrishe of saint Clements towardes the reparacons
Twenty shillings. Item I will that one preeste shall sing & praye
for my soule my fathers mothers Brothers & Sisteme w* oother my
kynnesmen & kynneswomen soules for the space of flSve yeres he
to haue yerely for his stypende one iundrethe (&) six shillings (&)
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 85
eight pence. Item I will that Tymothe Dygull haue when he come
to xxiiij*.^ yeres of age Ten pounds sterlinge. Item Alice Dygull
daughter to John Dygull, & euery childe of the said John Dygull
now borne to haue when they come of like age one hundred
shillings & Alice to haue ouer and besides the ffiue poundes at her
mariage thirty three shillings (&) f cure pence with one honnest
fetherbedde & all that belongeth therunto. Item I bequeath to
Beatrice Briggs daughter to the late William Briggs of Northf olke
in lyke manner as Alice Dygull. Ifcem to Elizabethe Whytwell as
to Alice & Beatrice as is aforesaid. Item to John Browne &
henry Bjowne eche of them ffive poundes at like age. Item I
wiU that euery childe of John Dygull Tymothe Dygull Beatrice
Briggs Elizabethe Whytwell henry Browne & John Browne as
many of them as dieth wifchowte Issue of their boddies lawfully
begotten eche of theim to be oothers heyre as thus eury ones p'te
to be denyed emonges theym that doo remayne & lyve. Item I
will that eche of the women haue one Dyapr'e clothe w* p'te of my
Lynnen such as my Executours shall thincke meet. Item I gyve
to pson Tonworthe my gowne Lyned w*^ Dammaske. Item to
my Chapleyn my nexte best gowne my satten Dublett a Jackett
of Chamblett withe six spoones the litle standyng mazer his yeres
wages & xiij^ (&) iiij^ for his liuery. Item I will that euery of my
yemon serunts that shalbe yn suice w* me at my departure to
haue one quarter wages one qrter(s) meate & dryncke or eUs
Ten shillings in money ten shillings for hys lyuery & xiij^ (&)
iiij^ to pray for my soule & my frendes soules & euery sunte
(servant) as Brewer Baker the hyndes of husbandry their
quarters wagis ffive shillings for their lyuery one monethes
bedding (lodgng) & vj^ (&) viij^ to pray for my soule & my
frendes soules and the children as Walter and Andrew if they
will tarry as the hyndes hathe. Item to Sir John Pynder one
fifurred gowne with one Jaquett of woorsted. Item to Sir John
Peyor one oother gowne w* a Jaquett faced w* coony. Item to
Sir Nicholas my shorte gowne. Item to Thomas Whytewell the
the lytic graven salt w* the couer six spoones the Htle cup with
the Egull & one goblet or one playne pece w* one fether bedde &
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86 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
necessaries to the same. Item to his wiefiF my Eiding gowne of
Russell woorsted with one Sarcenett Typpett. Item to John
Dygull the oother two litle Salltes w* owt couers six spoones last
bought & a playne mazer & if Whytwell take the playne pece he
to haue the goblett w* one fether bedde next after Whytwell
w* all things necessary to the same. Item to his wieff my
Colendo'^ fifrocke w* the gowne subjned that I did vse when
I was in the monastery. Item to Thomas Dygull six silver
spoones w* a Doublet of Eussell woorsted & a Jaquet of the
same. Item to his wyeff oae oulde Riall or ells seven yards of
Saye for a Kyrtle clothe. Item to William Browne all such
Cattail as was gyven hym when I was sycke at Crowlande w* one
shodd Carte gevis one ploughe ploughes w* fco carte horsses & two
Oxen. Item I will that all my pewter & brass as potts pannes
Tubles (? Tubbes) barrells Bedding napery not bequethed be
deuyded equally amonge the children aforenamed. Item I will
my Executours fynde William Dygull honestly as long as he lyueth
& at his dep'ture to se hyme buryed honestly. Item I will that
ouer & besides the preests theirbe gyuen to poore ffolkes ' at my
buryall six poundes thirteene shillings (&) foure pence and euery
oother daye as vij*^ daye xxx*^ daye & twelve monethe daye eche of
them one hundred shillings. Item I gyve & bequeath to Robert
Wyngfelde the younger my godsonne my syluer Bason w* the
cover. Item to Margarett Oecill fforty shillings. Item to Gutlake
Edwardes three poundes six shillings (&) eight pence. The Rest
of my goodes not bequeathed nor gyven as Corne Cattail plate and
all oother I will they be soulde to the pfoo^ maiince of this my
last will & that perfoormed the rest to be employed & bestowed
in deeds of charity for my soule by my executo"^® which I by this
my last will I make master Robert Wyngfelde thelder of Helpe-
stone Esquier Thomas Wytwell John Dygull & Sir Thomas
Greneham Clarke & Mr. Richard Ogle of Pynchbecke Esquier to
be Superwysors euery one of the executours to haue for his labo^'syx
poundes thirteene shillings (&) foure pence & the supervisors ffive
poundes. In witness of the premysses to this my last will I have
the xvij*^ daye of Auguste in the yere of our Lord god a thowsand
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Fenland Notes and Queeibs. §7
fpyve hoondrethe & f ourfcy And the xxxii*^ yere of the Eeigne of
our moste gracious Lord King Henry viij*^ supreme hedde of the
Churche of Englande whome Jhu presue Long to his pleasure
caused this booke to be written Theis being wytnes Thomas
whitwell Thomas Greneham Clerk ser John Prio' Clerk John
Dygull & oother(s) Proved at London 11 Sept 1544 by Thomas
Greneham & Robt. Wyngfeld before David Clapham, procurator
(Iteg. 14 Pyng)."
The Margaret Cecil named in the will I am unable to " tack
on " in the pedigree of Cecils as now represented by the Marquis
of Exeter, and the Marquis of Salisbury, K.G, David Cecil, the
first of the family who settled here, c. 1494, a yeoman, resided in the
parish of St. George, Stamford, and by will desired his body to be
buried in the church of that parish. All things considered, I have
but little doubt that she was a member of the family, perhaps
daughter of David's eldest son, Richard Cecil, or second son,
David.
" Master Robert Wyngfelde the elder of Helpestone, esq," was
auditor of the possessions of the Abbey by letters patent of seal
of the house, for life, at £4 13. 4. p. an at its surrender, had that
amount granted him p. an. by the King & is returned as receiving
, such at Michs 2 & 3 P. & M. (1555). Had a grant of the manor
of Upton in the parish of Caster, Northamps, 35 H.8., represented
Peterboro' 1st & 5th Elizab. d. 5 Feb. 1575(6), Robert, s. & h.
was aged 44 at his death. Robert W. J'^ (d. 1580). mar. Elizab. d.
of Rich. Cecil, & sisfcer to Sir Wm C first Baron Burghley. Robt.
W the elder by wiU dated 4 June 17 Elizab. & pr 6*^ July, 1576,
in which he designates himself as Robert Wingfelde of Upton, a
Northampton, esq. My wretched body which is naught but dust
& ashes I commit to the earth to be buried in the church of
Ufford, where my late wife, whose soul God pardon lieth buried,
or elsewhere as it shall please them that shall take pains thereabout.
He names, i,a,^ his sister M" Jane Cecill, Sir Robert Cecill, &
appoints Sir WiUiam Cecil, Knt., Lord Burghley, & High Trea-
surer of England, supervisor of his wilL v. Blores' Rutland, p. 69,
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88 Fekland Notes aiid Queries.
table 9, for a pedigree of this branch of the (Suffolk) family of
Wingfield.
To Eobt. W son of Et & Elizabeth (Cecill) W knted 1603,
d. 1609 we are indebted for the trial & execution of Mary of
Scotland, one of the most graphic & interesting narratives of a
state trial yet written in our language."
(To de continued,)
69.— Pen ProvinciaUsms.— (No. 37, Part II).
Boozer. — A beer drinker. — Dutch, luyzen. To tipple (W., bozi),
fuddled ; stupid with drink. — Skelton.
Bone or Boon.— Grift ; assistance ; help. " We ax'd them to give
us a boon, but they would not. Then we should ha' got done
in good time."
Buskins. — G-aiters ; leggings. To busk : active ; busy.
Busking or BusiCKiNa. — Said of fowls, or partridges, dusting
themselves. " Here are the places where they have been
busicking.
Break the Ice. — To open a secret to a person ; to communicate
unwelcome news.
Blaring. — Roaring ; bellowing ; Meeting ; crying. The voice
of sheep or cattle making a noise for food, &c. " What are
those calves blaring about ; aint you fed them yet ? A great
blaring fellow, ^\e., noisy. — " The cow blores,"
Behave. — " Behave yourself, do," viz., conduct yourself properly.
To manage ; to govern. Hence behaviour used in a collateral
sense. — King John i. 1.
BoKE. — 1. To belch ; vomit ; nauseate. A.S., lelean. " It smelt
awful ; I was fit to boke my heart up." 2. To rise quickly.
" Its such light hoovy stuff, it will boke up in no time ; we
shall want the stage in a hour," said of a stack of wheat.
Bugaboo. — ^A bugbear ; a ghost. An ugly wide mouthed picture
used in the May games (according to Coles) was so called. A
monster; ore, or goblin. Introduced into the tales of old
Italian romancers. Spencer says, " A ghastly bug doth greatly
then affear," (Book ii. c. 3). Hamlet has "bugs and goblins,"
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Fbnlaot) Notes and Queries. 89
(v- 2.) "Warwick was a bug that feared us all," (Henry
VI., V. 2.)
" To the world no bugbear is so great
As want of figure and a small estate." — Pope.*
Welsh, bwg ; a hobgoblin. A term synonimous with bogy, an
imaginary monster (Bailey), used to frighten children. '* If you
don't behave, bogie will have you," " Go to sleep, do, or I'll
fetch the bugaboos to you," we have often heard in the Fens.
" Bogie is probably from bogu, the Slavonic name for the
Deity," {vide Words and Places, page 330).
Baijker, — A navvy, (contraction of navigator) ; a man who
worked in the rivers, on drainage works, or embankments in the
Fenland was so called. They are now generally termed navvies ;
excavators. — Navy, a canal {vide Halliwell.)
Butty. — ^A mate, or companion. A term much used among
navvies.
BuER. — The burr, or halo round the moon, is said to be a sign of
rain.
" The burred moon fortells great storms at hand." — J. Clare.
Burr is the prickly seed pod of the burdock.
Butter Bump. — The bittern. Now a great rarity in the Fens,
Once very common in the Mere and neighbourhood. — Vide
Skelton, vol. ii., page 130.
Bell-ringer. — The long-tailed titmouse was so called.
Brunt. — Uunceremonious ; aprupt ; hasty. Swedish, " brant " —
rough ; rude ; assault ; onset. " I'll bear the brunt of the
quarrel, you need not fear."
Buzzard (Fen). — Buzzard ; lutzart, Teut. ; Buzard, French. A
great sluggish fowl. A kind of hawk, or kite, once common in
the Fens. A senseless ignorant fellow ; a coward : a derisive
name for a Fen man.
" Of small renown, 'tis true, for not to lie,
We caUed (your buzzard) hawk by courtesy."
Hind and Panther iii., Dryden.
Breedlings. — " Fen mm " were formerly so called. — Pepys, in his
Diary, at Parson Drove, Sep. 17th, 166B, writes : "Which if
* Pope was a little deformed man.
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90 Fenland Notes and Queries.
they be born there they do call the Breedlings of the place."
In 1689 they were so called, according to Macaulay. Afterwards
a century later, perhaps, they were known as " Slodgers." Fen
Slodgers. BradUng — a river fisherman of East Anglia, may
probably be the root of the old Fen name " Bradley ^
Big Wia.— a person in authority ; one of the "Nobs." It arose
from Judges and others wearing wigs. In the United States
persons of wealth and position are spoken of in some parts
as ^' Big Wigs ;" more frequently ^^ Big Bugs^''
Bust.— Burst. The " Bank's bust "—"The Bank's busted "—
was the cry of the Bellman at Crowland, early in the morning
of Oct. 10th, 1880, when the Welland Bank gave way from
the pressure of floods in the Wash. He was too excited to
give more information. There was a general scare, not only at
Crowland, but throughout the surrounding district, owing to
the sudden awakening by messengers sent around the country
side to warn the inhabitants. We heard one lusty hallo, " The
Welland Bank's broke. Take care of your stock, I come by
Mr. Watson's orders." And then away, without essaying
further information. Owing to the scare thus caused and semi-
wakefulness, many persons, at other times calm and deliberate,
lost all presence of mind, and were guilty of actions which
appeared most ludicrous when a correct knowledge of the extent
of the mischief and the events of the morning became known.
Bust — hot bread eaten with butter ; a loaf.
Boggle (To).— To hesitate ; demur. " I boggled at it." To
stumble ; to start, as a horse at some unaccustomed object ;
to be uncertain ; to waver. Probably from log, o, quagmire.
Nares gives boggier, a vicious woman.
Baeren. — The vagina of the cow. Sw., larane ; Dan., larrend,
Barrener, is a cow not again in calf.
Brangle. — Dispute ; quarrel. Norse, lmnga^2. tumult ; dis-
turbance. "I don't want no branglement about it." Also
confused ; entangled ; complicated, as a brangled hank of
worsted or cotton ; a rafiled skein.
Bother. — To teaze ; to annoy. " Botheration to you, don't
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 91
worry me." Pother (Hibernian). Idle chatter, superfluous
verbage. Halliwell gives us dlother, which he says means to
chatter idly. A stupid person is said to be blotherei
" I blunder, I bluster, I blowe, and I blother ;
I make on the one day and I man on the other."
BoYKiN. — ^A small boy ; as a term of endearment, vide Sir
John Oldcastle and Palgrave, a.d. 1540.
Bole. — The trunk of a tree. Dan., hul. See Morte d' Arthur.
Bumpkin. — An awkward heavy rustic ; a clown ; a loutish person.
Dutch, ioomJcen — a sprout ; a fool. Hence we have Lumpkin
(Tony), vide '' She Stoops to Conquer, " " with the vices of a
man and the follies of a boy," fond of low company, but giving
himself the airs of the young Squire. Nicholas Lumpkin
owned Park House, Leverington, Wisbech. It is said Gold-
smith wrote " She Stoops to Conquer " at this places in which
Tony Lumpkin is a well known character. There is a very
fine oak in the old fashioned garden associated with the above.
Bumptious. — High ; arrogant ; puffed up. From the same low
Saxon or Dutch root.
Bunny. — ^A rabbit. Sir Thomas Brown says, probably Danish.
A pet name for rabbit ; a term of endearment. " Oh ! Bunny,
Bunny, Bunny, how could you do so ? "
BouGE out (To). — To bulge out irregularly.
Brao. — To boast unduly, U.S., not much heard in the Fens),
From Braggaert; Belg,, to walk in state.
By-By. — Sleep, from Greek, vide Bailey. " 60 by-by, there's a
darling, nurse will sing to '00." The hum, or song, of the
nurse to cause her nursling to sleep. S.E.
(To te continued).
70.— Penland Proverbs and Quaint Sayings.— The people
inhabiting the Fens are called " Fen tigers " ; " Fen buzzards " ;
" Fen yellow bellies," comparing them to frogs ; " Cambridgeshire
camels," from the Fenmen formerly using stilts ; "Cambridgeshire
men," because they fought the Danes and Normans when the
East Anglians ran away. Frogs are known as " Fen nightingales,"
and " Lincolnshire bagpipes." " Web-footed, like a Fenman,"
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92 Fenland Notes and Queries.
from their almost amphibious habits. "A Penman's dowry:"
three geese and a pelt (sheepskin). "All hair and teeth, like a
Ramsey man." "Bare as Boston scalp." "As high as Boston
stump." " All the carts that come to Croyland are shod with
silver," being in the Fens, no carts could travel there. " Arrested
by the Bailey of Marshland," means an attack of Fen ague.
"Like G-rantham gruel, two groats to a gallon of water," or
" Grantham gruel, nine grits and a gallon of water," is said when
anyone multiplies what is superfluous and omits what is necessary
in his conversation. "They held together, like the men of
Marholm, when they lost their common," is said when people lose
their cause by disagreeing. " Lincolnshire, where the hogs drop
soap and the cows drop fire," (cow dung was dried and used as
fuel, pigs' manure was also prepared and used for the purposes of
soap. "Lincolnshire hogs" is an uncomplimentary allusion to
the Lincolnshire people. "He is on his way to Beggars bush,"
in Huntingdonshire, applied to a spendthrift. The tree called
" Beggar's bush " is near Godmanchester. " As mad as the bait-
ing bull at Stamford." " He was born at Little Witham," means
a fool. " As wild as a wildmore tit " is applied to a hot tempered
person. A wildmore tit was a small spirited horse which was
formerly bred in the Lincolnshire Fens. " Wetting one's whistle,"
quenching one's thirst, may have originated from the use of
whistle tankards. " As loud as Tom of Lincoln," the big bell in the
Cathedral. " Gone to Humber," when anything is lost. " As
queer as Dick's hatband," which went nine times round and
would not tie, means an impossibility, as the hatband is said to
have been formed of sand. " As stunt as a burnt wong," also
"As tough as a burnt wong," A wong is a leathern thong.
" Drunken Thoresby " is appHed to North Thoresby, and a some-
what similar name is given to the inhabitants of Whittlesea, who
are called " Whittlesea Boozers." C. Dack, Peterborough.
71 .-Penland Briefis.-(No. 2.)— A book was kept at Abbots
Eipton, in which the Briefs were entered, commencing from 1709.
" In 1713, the amount collected, was £1. 6. 5^ ; being after-
wards distributed in Essex, Chester, Nottingham & Stafford.
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Pbnland Notes akd Queries, 93
"Collected for y® loss by fire at Cherry Hinton, in y®
County of Cambridge 2s. 9d."
"Collected for loss by Fire at Folborne, com. Cam-
bridge. 38." 1729,
" Guilden Morden. com. Cambridge, loss by fire 1 s. 5d." 1 734.
" Swaffham Prior, com. Cambridge, loss by fire 7s. 8^." 1736.
Mem. "Collected in this parish (Abbots Kipton, Hunts.)
towards a loss by fire that happened at Fenstanton in this county
of Hunts in April last past — the sum of (in all) Thirteen pounds,
six shillings & tenpence) whereof Nicholas Bonfoy, Esq., gave
four pounds, one shilling for himself ; the rest of his family, six
pounds, twelve shillings and sixpence : the rest of the Parish gave
two pounds and ten pence." June, 1737.
Mem. "Towards the loss by fire that hap'ned at Welling-
borough in Northamptonshire in July last past, was collected in
this parish on Aug. 20. following, the sum of seven pounds, seven
shillings & seven pence halfp'ny— £7. 7 : 7j " 1738.
" Hinxton. com. Cambridge loss by fire 6s. 2d." 1740.
" Collected on a letter of request towards the loss by fire at
Sutton in the Isle of Ely (damage about £2,080) £4. 8. 1." 1740.
Mem. " There was collected in this parish towards y® loss by
fire at Stilton in this com. (in March 1727) y" sum of £9. 16 : 1
five guineas of which money were given by Nicholas Bonfoy.
J. Jones, Curate." Herbeet E. Norris, St. Ives.
72.— HoTigliton Churcli (Hunts.) — This church is rather
singular in possessing no interior monumental tablets. They were
probably removed at the restoration in 1850. This is a good
example of the way in which interesting and valuable information
is lost. If a transcript had been made of all the monumental
inscriptions in the church before the so-called restoration, interest-
ing genealogical records might have been preserved. It is a
curious fact that there is only one monument attached to the
church, and that is on the exterior south wall. It is an oval tablet,
inscribed: "Near this place lieth the body of John Prescot,
gent., who died 19*^ September, 1795, aged 69 years."
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94 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
Among the many epitaphs to be found in Houghton church-
yard, the following ajBfords an example of an exceptionally quaint
nature : —
" Sacred to the memory of Thomas G-aedner, who died Sep-
tember 30th, 1826, aged 77 years.
" My sledge and hammer lie reclined,
My bellows, too, have lost their wind.
My fire's extinct, my forge decayed.
My vice is in the dust all laid :
My coal is spent, my iron gone.
My nails are drove, my work is done ;
My fire-dried corpse here lies at rest.
My soul, smoke-like, soars to the blest."
Herbert E. Norris, St. Ives.
73.— The Mason Family.— Mr. N. H. Mason is about to
publish a genealogical work on the Mason family, who were
connected with this part of England, especially in the counties of
Huntingdonshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, &c.
Mr. Mason asks for any information concerning the family, which
may be sent direct to him, at 35, Maclise Road, West Kensington.
74.— Mediaeval Features of Fenland Churches.— Mr. Henry
Littlehales has compiled an interesting pamphlet giving a list
of special Mediaeval features in the parish churches of England.
The little work is published by Eivingfcon. Its scope is almost
too wide for such a small volume, and the list might be easily
increased. The following is the list of Eenland churches with
their Mediaeval features. Some of our readers would perhaps like
to add to the list.
HUNTINaDONSHIRE.
Hemic gford Abbots : Tomb of Abbot of Ramsey.
Sawtry : Brass.
Conington : EflSgy of a Knight in the dress of a Friar.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE.
Soham : According to a wiU of 1607, a parishioner was in this
church buried upright, at his " Steele's end,"
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Pbnlahd Notes and Queries. 95
Leverington : Metal Lectern.
Isleham : Metal Lectern.
LINCOLNSHIRE.
Heokington : Easter Sepulchral, Vestry floor. 1
Deeping St. James : The Roman Catholic Church has a rood from
a church in Belgium.
Boston : Woodwork.
Long Sutton r^Metal Lectern.
NORFOLK.
Lynn : Brasses, Metal Lectern.
Northamptonshire.
Maxey : Rood Loft, Piscina.
75.— Elvin's Dictionary of Heraldry.— Mr. Charles Morton
Elvin, M.A., of Eckling Grange, East Dereham, Norfolk, has just
published a " Dictionary of Heraldry," which will be welcomed
by every herald, antiquary, and genealogist. It supplies what has
been a long felt want. It is probably the experience of even the
most practised antiquary that at times he is at a loss to use the
correct term in heraldry, and there has hitherto been no handy
volume to which he could safely turn. Mr. Elvin's work provides
this want. It gives a complete list of the terms used in Heraldry,
and it is an admitted fact that none of the previous attempts in
this direction — excellent as some of them have been — have suc-
ceeded in giving anything like a perfect glossary. But Mr. Elvin's
work is a great deal more than a glossary, it is quite an encyclo-
paedia to the science. The illustrations, number about two
thousand five hundred. Mr. Elvin has done all the drawings
himself, but the engraving is the joint work of Messrs. J. C.
Baker, L. Cully, and R. Rowlandson. The draughtsman, the
engravers, and the printer are to be heartily congratulated on the
excellence of their work. The letter-press description of the
engravings occupies 65 pages, and the dictionary itself extends to
134 pages. A herald painter can hardly afford to be without
the work, but an amateur by its help will be readily able to blazon
any coat that may come under his notice. Considering the exten-
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sive strides which the study of heraldry and the tracing of
ancestry has made within the last two years, Mr. Elvin's Dictionary
will be particularly valuable to all who are engaged in such studies.
It is impossible in the space of a short notice, like the present, to
point out all the useful features which the work contains. It is
admirably printed and published by Mr. W. H. Brown, Market
Place, East Dereham.
76.— The Manner of Raising the Train Band in the Fens.—
The following is an extract from a M.S. in the possession of Mr.
W. B. Ground, of Castle House, Whittlesea : —
" A List of the several Persons, in Whittlesea charged to find
Foot Arbs in the Train Band Militia for the said Isle &c : who
are to provide for every Soldier a Musket the Barrel thereof to be
four feet long and the Grange of the Boar thereof for a Bullet of
12 in the Pound with Bayonet to fix on the Muzzle thereof a
Cartridge Box and a Sword and they are to send in a List of such
Able Bodied Men as shall be fitt for Service for an Approbation
before the first Day of June next at Wisbeach given by the
Deputy Lieutenant at Wisbeach aforesaid this Eighth day of
May 1716.
" N : B : by the Statute every 50£ a Year Estate or 1000£
Stock and Money at Interest is liable to find a Foot Soldier pur-
suant to which the Deputy Lieutenant had by a Warrant dated
as above charged the Township of Whittlesea with 24 Foot Arms
and 7 Horses which appearing to the Inhabitants a charge too big
for their Pound Kate by which the whole Township had been
long Assessed to all Subsidy Taxes and by which the whole Yalue
of their Estates was Eated at 3750£ so the 24 Men of the Foot
Amounting to 1200£ and the Severn Horse at 500£ to a Horse
Amounting to 3500£ the whole be 4700£ which is too much by
950£ therefore upon Application being made to the Deputy
Lieutenants the Town was abated 4 Men and One Horse which
has brought the Charge much nearer (viz the 20 Foot to 1000£
and the 6 Horse 3000£ so that the Charge in all exceeds the
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Fenland Notes aistd Queries. 97
Rate no more thaa 250£ with which the Towa was forced to
content itself.
" As to the Horse the Great Estates only was Subjected to such
as that of George Downs Gent. Lord of our Manor The Earl of
Lincoln Sir John Brownlo D"^ Wrights Heirs Hugh Coventry
Esquire M"^ Wiseman and M"^ Laxon,
"And as the Foot is N*' 20 as above said they were to be
raised by the rest of the Town after the Great Estates above said
were taken out and every Estate though of the lowest Value
chargeable to jSnd its part in Proportion with the Rest by an
Agreement of the Inhabitants then met to consult about this Affair
it was resolved to exempt all Estates under Forty Shillings a
Year and to make an Equal charge upon the rest accordingly to
the Yalue Assessed to the Land Tax for that Year which They did
and as foUoweth in which charge I have set down every Man
charged and the Value of his Estate as Assessed in the Land
Tax in Column at the left hand of his Name and at the Right
Hand what Shares or parts he and his partners bears of the
Soldier and lastly the number of Soldiers whereby it will be plain
that the charge is very near equal only thus much I much advise
the Reader. That some small Estates belonging to Poor Men that
have many children have been put at a less Value than Assessed
to the Land Tax as for instance one of 4£ has been put in at 2£
and another at 3£ put in at 1£ at which they stand Rated here
as if that were their true Assessment which being premis'd I shall
say no more."
77.— The Family of Wiseman of Eastrea HalL— "a.d.
1649. October VK — An Indenture of this date made between
Roger Wiseman of Eastrey within the Isle of Elye in the County
of Cambridge Gentleman of the one part and Thomas Wiseman
of Whittlesey and Thomas White of Leverington within the said
Isle and County G-ent of the other part Witnesseth that the said
Roger Wiseman for divers good Causes and Considerations him
thereunto moving Doth covenant and grant to and with the said
Thomas Wiseman and Thomas White by these presents that he
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98 Penland Notes and Queries.
the said Eoger Wiseman shall and will before the end of Miohaell-
mas Tearme now next following in due forme of Law acknowledge
and leavy one Fine S' Cognuzance de droit come ceo que il ad de
son done w*^ proclamation thereupon had according to the Statute
in such case provided of "
[Here follows a statement of the property.]
" All which premises do amount in the whole to Three hundred
Acres and are situate lying and being within the Town and
Territories of Whittlesey aforesaid The which said Pine and the
execution thereupon had shall be taken and deemed to be and
enure To the Uses Intents and purposes hereafter in theise p^sents
expressed and declared and to no other use intent or purpose
whatsoever that is to say To the use of him the said Eoger
Wiseman and his Assignes for and dureing the terme of his
natural Kfe w^out impeachment of or for any manner of Wast
and from and after the decease of him the said Roger Wiseman
To the Use and Uses of such person and persons and for such
estate and estats as he the said Eoger Wiseman by his last Will
and Testament in writing sealed and subscribed before two or
more credible Witnesses shall declare limit and appoint And in
default of such Declaration and Lymmittation then To the Use
of the said Thomas Wiseman and the Heirs of his body lawfully
begotten and to be begotten and for default of such Issue To the
Use of the right Heires of the said Eoger Wiseman for ever in
witnes whereof the said parties to theise p^'sents have interchang-
ably set theire hands and Seals the day and Yeare first above
written Eoger © Wiseman. Sealed and delivered the day and
Teare within mentioned these beinge Witnesses — Willyam
Higham— Will Ground."
" Ann, the oldest daughter of William Wiseman of Wittlesey
by Ann his Wife, married Will"" Bludwick of Wisbech, Gentleman.
" Eleanor, another daughter married Thomas Moore of Wittlesey,
Gentleman.
" Margaret, another daughter married Eobert Stona (Clerk) of
Kings Lynn in Norfolk in 1732.— (Seen in a Deed in 1817).
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Pbnlahd Notes and Queries. 99
"The Will of the said William Wiseman is dated the 15*^ April
1714 & was proved at Doctors Commons 21^*August 1719.
" Ann the Wife of the said William Wiseman survived him and
afterwards married — Hutchinson."
78.— Tombstone Inscriptions from Whittlesey St. Mary.
South Wall of Chancel.
1.
Near this place I lieth enterred the body of | William Under-
wood Esq. I who was many years one of y® six bailiffs | of the
great level of the Fenns one of the | Deputy Lieutenants of this
Isle & County | one of y^ justices of y® Peace (quoram | unus) |
in y® county of Cambridge, Huntingdon | Isle of Ely, &
Middlesex. He married for | his first wife Martha sole daughter
of I James Rothewell of y^ Tower of London Esq. | and left
issue by her at his death Martha | who married Michael Beale
Gent. & I Abigail who married Webb Moore, Gent | He departed
this life y® 23d day of July 1751 | aged 73.
2.
Sacred to the memory of | Henry Haynes | who died on the
night of October 29'^ 1800 | in the 55*^ year of his age | To the
Almighty who alone knoweth the heart | must be left the awful
task I of recording his virtues | In the bosom of his family where
they were most exercised | they will be best remembered | His
children in silent anguish | perform the last mournful duty |
towards a beloved parent | by erecting this monument to his
memory | This marble further perpetuates the memory of | Mary
the beloved wife of Henry Haynes | who after a life spent in
innocence and virtue | resigned her gentle spirit | into the hands
of God I on Saturday the 3rd day of March 1810 in the | 69*^
year of her age.
3.
Near to this place | lieth inteiTed the body | of Will°^ Underwood
junr Esqr | late of the Inner Temple | London, barrister at law,
he I Departed this life the 30*^ day | of September 1776 in the
28*^ I year of his age | He was a gentleman sincere in friendship |
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100 Penland Notes and Queries.
generous & obliging in his Temper | affable & facjetious in con-
versation I and highly esteemed by all who knew him | Near here
to lieth I also y® body of Eothwell Underwood gent | his younger
brother who departed this life | the 25 day of June 1723 | aged
12 years.
4.
Sacred | to the memory of | Eliza Swanson | the lamented
daughter of | George & Eliza Burges | She died Sep 10*^ 1800 |
In the 11*^ year of her age | Thy Kingdom come.
5.
Sacred | to the memory of | Eliza | the beloved wife of | The
Eev'^ George Burges | She died Jan^ 30*^ 1815 | In the 47*^ year
of her age | Thy will be done | The Eev^ George Burges | vicar
of Halvergate & Moulton | Norfolk | died Jan^ 24*^ 1853 | aged
89 years | " I know that my Redeemer liveth." | Job xix. 25.
6.
This monument is erected | to the memory of | Thomas Aveling
Es'^ I (who served the office of | High Sheriff for the Counties | of
Cambridge & Huntingdon | in the year 1802) | He departed this
life I on the 10*^ day of June 1806 | in the 67*^ year of his age. |
Also to the memory of | Elizabeth wife of the said | Thomas
Aveling Es'^ | who departed this life | on the 11*^ day of January |
1807, in the 57*^ year | of her age.
7.
In loving memory of | Thomas Bowker | for 67 years a resident
in this parish wherein | he held many offices of Trust, & who was
appointed | a justice of the Peace for the Isle of Ely in 1825 |
and a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Cambridge in 1852 [
Born 8*^ of August 1791 Died 10*^ of May 1882 | Thou shalt
go I to the fathers in peace | thou shalt be buried | in a good old
age I Gren. xv. 15) This memorial was erected by his surviving
children.
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This Monument
: is erected to the
Memory op'
i Thomas Aveling Esq
I (ivho served the Office
\ of High Sheriff /or the
Counties <?/"Cambkidge
fl«^/ Huntingdon in
the Year 1802. )
He departed this Life
ON the
j loth DAY OF June 1806
IN THR';;^.^
67th Year of his Age.
Also to the Memory
of
Elizabeth wife of
the said
Thomas Aveling Esq
who departed this
life on the
nth day of January
1807 IN the 57th Year
OF her Age.
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\ ^'^.-- '--V^J^T^-
Fbnland Notes and Queries. 101
North End of Chancel.
8.
Spe resurgendi | luxta hie depositum quod mortale fuit, |
Gulielmi Underwood Ar:e familia ejusdem ] nominis de Westou
in agro Hart"? Oriundi | Elizabethgs etiam ux: ejus Gulielmi |
Hobson Lincolniensis Ar : filiae unicae | qui vitarum suarum
decurrere tramitem; | hie die 7° lanuarii Anno Dni 1683 Itta 1^4
I Sept^f 1703 caelestem patriam ad migrantes | Gulielmus
Underwood Arm : filius msereus. | Parentib! charissimis officiosae
pietatis, | et memorise erg6 hoc monumentum posuit.
9.
Brass.— Here lyeth bvried the bodye of Thomas Hake, esqvier
I Sonne and heire of Symon Hake of Depinge in | the covntie of
Lyncolne esqvier and of Alice | His wife dovghter of Thomas
Lynham esqvier svmtyme president of Walles^* which Thomas
I Hake died the first of March An« Dni 1590
who married Anne dovghter of Roger Wylson | of Govsner in the
covntie of Lancaster gent | And of Jane his wife dovght;er of
lohn Wallis which | Thomas and Anne had yssve 5 sonnei^ and 3
dovgh I ters which died all yonge bvt William Hake the | yongest
ther only sonne and heire now livinge.
10.
To the memory of Elizabeth Kentish wife of Richard Kentish
Esq'' I who died of a pulmonary consumption at Kentish-town,
near London | June the seventh 1792 aged 27 years | This
monument is erected by her husband who designed it at Rome
whither | he went for the recovery of his health impaired by
sorrow | Natures best gift Eliza virtue hail | While life remains
I'll hold thy memory dear | In sorrowing accents oft thy loss
bewail | And from my inmost soul let fall a tear: | tribute of love,
affection grief sincere | This marble is further sacred to y® memory
of Eliz*^ Aveling, wife of Edw^ Aveling gent | and mother of y®
above lady | who died Nov 2. 1788 at y^age of 53 years and of
Rob Smith LLB | and formerly of St. John Coll. Camb. He
departed this life January f 11 1801 aged 82 years.
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102 Penland Notes and Queries.
11.
This monument | is erected to the memory | of Mrs, Mary
Griflaths I (and daught' of Web Moore gent | and Abigail
his wife | one of the daughters of | Will"' Underwood Esq.) | she
died March 18^*^ 1792 | in the 58*^ year | of her age.
12.
This monument is erected | to the memory of | Thomas &
Stephen | sons of | Thomas Aveling Esqr & Elizabeth his wife |
Thomas died March 24 • 1805 | aged 34 years | leaving a widow
& five children | Stephen died at Newry in Ireland March 27'^
1804 I aged 32 years, leaving a widow and two children | Mary
Eelict of Stephen Aveling died at Newry May 19 • 1805 aged
29 years.
13.
In this church is interred ye body of ye Rev''^ Mr Francis
Whitstons | B.D. late rector of Woodstone in Huntingdonshire
and fellow of St. | John's College in Cambridge Born March 25
Anno Dni 16f|- died Jan 25 Anno Dni 17|^ | He was second son
of Thomas Whitstons of this town Esq^ who in memory | of his
dutiful behaviour has erected this monument on which y® virtues
I and merits of deceased are briefly and elegantly expressed by a
very worthy | and learned friend of his in ye subsequent lines: |
Siste paulium viator | Scire te non pigebit | Quam venerandum
Depositum Marmor hoc tenet | Doctrinum in omni scientiarum
genere | Sine fastu cumulatissimam | Veram sine dolo Sapientiam
I Mores candidissimos | Et sinceram sine fuco Pietatem: | Zelum
Deing | Non ignes caeKtus expelentem | Ut fidei adversaries
consumerer | Sed amore intus ardentem divino | Animarum saluti
invigilanti | Pastorem Evangelicum caelestia spirantem | Non
ppimis inhiantem Beneficiis | Non potentiorum limina frequ^ntan.
tem I Non popularem auram ambientem | Sed gregem proprium
exemplo pareter ac doctrine | Fideliter emdientem | Sed antiquse
Eidei Investigatorem sedulum | Et acerrimum investigatse vindi-
cem I Quem et amici et Hostes veritatis | Paralum. stare in pro-
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Fbnland Notes anb Queries. 103
cintu semper viderent | Seu rationis prosternere telis, [ Aut sacris
Dei refellere oraculis, | Vel ex primaevse Sapientiae monumentis
I Profligare funditiis | Eepullutantem Haereseos Hydram, | Quae
torvae colla nunc ferocius erigit | Virusq. evomit in os illibatum |
Venerandse Matris Ecclesiae. | Haetam feliciter sociatae virtutes |
Confestim Ilium, quern requiris, indicant, | Oujus marmor exhibet
incisum nomen. | Ilium Angeli laeto ore in caelis excipiunt, |
Ilium Homines in terris imitando I Eidem olim misceantur choro.
14.
In memory of Thomas and | Stephen sons of Thomas | Aveling
and Mary Ann his | wife and grandsons of | Thomas and
Elizabeth Aveling | Thomas died iVhY the 17*^ | in the year 1835
aged 33 | years | Stephen died August the | 2nd 1876 aged 72
years.
North Aisle.
15.
The family vault | of | Henry Haynes.
16.
In memory of | Mary Anne | widow of Charles Boultbee |
surgeon of Whittlesey | eldest daughter of | the Rev^- Thomas
Holdich I and Ann his wife | who entered into rest | on the 8th
day of May 1870 | In the 76th year of her age, | The memory
of the just is blessed.
17.
In affectionate remembrance | of | Alice Haynes daughter
of Henry and Mary Haynes | who died Dec 31, 1848 | in the
70^*^ year of her age | also of | Susannah Wraight | her long
tried and valued friend | only child of | Walker and Susannah
Wraight | of Wisbeach ; | she departed this life | October 29th
1854 I in the 78th year of her age. | Ye are my friends if ye
do whatsoever | I have commanded you.
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104 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
18.
Near this spot | rest the remains of | Ann wife of the Eev^-
Thomas Holdich | rector of MaidweU, in the county of
Northampton | who on the 20*^ day of Feb^* 1806, in the 36th
year of her age | was called to meet her God. | Her three surviving
children | as a testimony of their aflFection ( have erected this
monument to her memory.
19,
In memory of | Henry Haynes | sixty years deputy Lieutenant
of' the I Isle of Ely | born April 21st 1782 died April 11th 1864 |
also Mary Ann his wife | daughter of Eobert and Sarah Hotchkin |
died Dec 2nd 1849 aged 73 years | also | nine of their children |
five sons and four daughters | also | Sarah, relict of Eobert
HotohMn, I of Tixover, Eutland | died June 11*^ 1828 aged 73
years | Four surviving children | have erected this tablet | in
aflFectionate remembrance.
South Aisle.
20.
Sacred to the memory of | John Smith gentleman | and Eleanor
his wife | the beloved and lamented parents | of Major Gen^ Sir
H. S. W. Smith Bart. G.O.B. | By whom in dutiful and grateful
remembrance | of all he owes to their early care and affection |
this tablet is erected | John Smith died Sept. 2nd 1843 | at
the advanced age of 86 | Eleanor Smith who was the eldest
Daughter | of the Rev^ George Moore | died Dec 12th 1814 aged
54 years.
21.
This monument was erected | and this chapel restored in 1862,
by public subscription | to the memory of Lieutenant General |
Sir Harry G. W. Smith, baronet, of AKwal | Knight grand cross
of the most honourable order of the Bath | Colonel of the 1st
battalion Rifle brigade | He entered the 95th regiment in 1805 |
served in South America, Spain, Portugal, France j North
T
i
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Fenland Notes and Qubeies. 105
America, the Netherlands, India | and at the Cape of Good Hope
I of which he was governor and commander in chief from 1847
to 1852 I and on the Home Staff to 1859 when he completed a
most gallant | and eventful career of 54 years constant
employment | He was born at Whittlesey 28th June 1788 | and
died in London 12th October 1860 | Within these walls he
received his earliest education | and in the cemetery of his native
place his tomb bears ample record | of the high estimation in
which his military talents were held | by his friend and chief the
great Duke of Wellington j Coruna, Busaco, Fuentes de onoro,
Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca | Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle,
Nive, Orthez, Toulouse, Waterloo, | Maharajpore, Ferozeshuhur,
Aliwal, Sobraon, South Africa | Lord in thee have I trusted, let
me never be confounded.
22.
In loving remembrance of George Moore Smith | youngest son
of I Charles Smith & Mary his wife | born Sept XXI
MDCCCXXIV I Died June VII MDCCCLXX | Looking for the
Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ | unto eternal life.
23.
Sacred | to the memory of | Fredk. Bowker | Capt 109*^
Regiment | who departed this life | August 6th 1869 | aged 29
years | Deeply regretted by his brother oflScers | by whom this
tablet was erected.
24.
In I memory of | Capt H. C. Bowker | Royal Marines | Died
Oct 22nd 1870 | aged 32 | This tablet was erected | by his brother
oflOicers as a mark I of their affection and esteem.
Floor of Nave.
25.
The ) family vault of | Henry Lawrence | Maydwell.
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106 Fenland Notes and Qubeibs.
26.
The family vault | of the | Rev. Gteo. Moore | Vicar of the
parishes | of Whittlesey.
Floor of South Aisle.
27.
John son of John and Margaret T. Johnson | died Feb. 25th
1807 aged 16 years | Margaret wife of John Johnson | died April
9th 1807 aged 47 years | John husband of Margaret Johnson |
died Dec 26th 1820 aged 60 years.
28.
The I family vault of | Thomas Moore.
29.
The I family vault of | John Smith,
79.— The Hectors of Oroyland since the Dissolution of
Monasteries.
A.D.
1539 Thomas Crowland, alias Parker. | " Appointed to serve the
Cure of Crowland & to have for his labor therein £10
& a chamber there called the master of the works
office." The revenues of this Abbey at the Dissolution
of Monasteries, £1217 5s. lid.
1561 Syr Thomas Salkyld.
1576 Thomas Fairechild. Buried 27th December, 1589.
1589 Robert Chapman.
1591 John WilUamson.
1592 Robert Chapman. | In 1605 the Parsonage was appro-
priated without a Vicarage. Mr. Auditor Conniers was
the patron. The number of Communicants, 304.
1624 Augustine Bracker.
1640 William Styles. | Also Warden of Browne's Hospital,
Stamford. In 1648 the Rector joined the Royalists
and acted as a Captain. He escaped when Dr. Hudson
was murdered at Woodford House.
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Fenlaio) Notes and Queries. 107
1654 15th September, Richard Lee.— "Presented to the Rectory
of Crowland by Robert Richmond and Robert Southwell,
patrons thereof."
1654 6th December, John Gyles.— " Presented by Valentine
Walton, the patron thereof."
1655 4th April, Richard Lee.— " Presented by His Highness,
OKver Cromwell, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth
of England, & the patron thereof."
1671 Nov. 6th, Hmry Perw^.— Instituted on the presentation of
Robert Southwell. 1681, Prebendary of Lincohi.
1722 July 7th, Culpepper Butcher. — Thoxm.^ Hackworth and
Thomas Orby, patrons.
1724 Barnaby Gooche. Inducted by Rev. McNeeve, Vicar of
"Weston. Buried 24th October, 1730, near the Altar.
1780 5th December, Jeames Benson. Patron, Steverly Butler,
of St. Georges the Martyr, County of Middlesex. Value
of the benefice, £80. Buried 26th March, 1761, near
the Altar.
1761 26th May, William Sandiver.—PB^tron, Thomas Orby
Hunter. Buried 1st June, 1762, near the Altar.
1762 9th August, James Thompson,— Imtitntei on the presen-
tation of Martha Butler. Buried 10th Nov., 1766, near
the Altar.
1767. 13th Feb., Moor Scribo. Patron, Thomas Orby Hunter.
Value of the benefice, £34 16s. 4d. Buried 18th July,
1808, near the Altar.
1808 28th Sept., James Blundell — Patron, James Whitsed.
1810, Present Rectory built by subscription. The Rev. J.
Blundell was also Vicar of Whaplode Drove. Buried
28th March, 1884, within the Altar rails.
1834 17th Sep., John Bates. Patron, the Marquis of Exeter.
Buried 17th Dec, 1888, near the north-east pier of the
old Nave.
1884 4th January, Thmas Henry Le Bamf. 1887, present
Rectory enfranchised.
Rev. T. H. Le Bceuf, Croyland.
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Wl'
108 Fenland Notes and Queries.
80.- Abraham GUI, Intruding Minister of Manea.— Many
readers of Fenland Notes and Qiceries have no doubt seen or heard
of Defoe's celebrated pamphlet—" The Shortest way with Dis-
senters." But perhaps few have seen another written by him, en-
titled, " The Experiment or the Shortest way with Dissenters ex-
emplified in the Case of, Abraham Gill, a Dissenting Minister in the
Isle of Ely," published in 1705. That and " An Answer," in 1707,
supposed to be written by the Rev. Hugh James, rector of Upwell
and Welney, contain information very interesting to lovers of Fen
history. The object of Defoe's pamphlet was to show the various
persecutions Gill was subjected to by the Church party, because
he being a Clergyman of the Charch of England went over to
the Dissenters. It appears that Gill was Curate of Coveney and
Manea about 1696, and officiated at both places about two years,
he then went to Welney. Defoe says, " In this Chapel Mr. Gill
continued about seven years, conforming in all things to the
usage of the Church of England, but in course of time he began
to omit several parts of the service, until at last, his scruples in-
creasing, he wholly omitted the Common Prayer, applying himself
only to the pulpit, and conceiving he was not under equal obliga-
tions as if preaching in a Parish Church, the Chapel he preached
in being wholly independent, a privileged place, and in the power
of the people." It seems Gill was first committed to Cambridge
Gaol, or as it says. The Tolbooth Gaol, whence he was removed
to Norwich Gaol, charged with Felony, Forgery, Trespass, Con-
tempt, and other high crimes and misdemeanors, but he was dis-
charged at the Assizes. In 1704 he was brought up by warrant
to Wisbech, charged with breeding disturbances in the parish by
a Conventicle, and was committed to Gaol at Wisbech for forging
a License and preaching in a Conventicle ; he was there im-
prisoned or enlisted for a soldier, and taken to Cambridge with
others, where he was arrested for debt. There are several affidavits
and testimonials in his favour, amongst others, this from Manea,
signed by ten parishioners :—" That they have known Mr.
Abraham Gill now a Minister of a Dissenting Congregation at
Upwell, this ten or twelve years or thereabouts. He was our
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 109
Minister for about two years, and well settled in our Parish with
his wife, who lived together very comfortably and peaceably. He
was able and diligent in his teaching, he was no drunkard nor
swearer, and lived a pious life and conversation amongst us ; and
these deponents do further say, that, to their knowledge the said
Gill never had two wives living at^one time, but that he married
his now wife after his former wife's decease." " The Answer "
takes a very different view of the affair. From that it seems that
Gill was the son of Kobt. Gill, of Eivingbon, Lancashire, and
gives details of several scandalous things done by him in Lanca-
shire before he came to the Fens. It then goes on to say he
brought a woman with him, not his wife, when he came to
Coveney, '*an obscure village in the Isle of Ely." After he had
removed to Welney it goes on to say, " Thus this bold impostor
lived in bare-faced wickedness at Welney an obscure corner of
the world fitted for his villanies, making havock of poor souls,
and revelling without control in all enormities that were for his
pleasure or profit ; made nothing to forge Licenses 40 or 50 in a
year ; married all persons who came to him from all places of
the nation night and day ; for which this lawless wretch was well
known, and noted in all the adjacent Counties." " Mr. James
finding all admonitions and reproof ineffectual, prosecuted him at
Norwich, and as was suspected found his Orders forged, for which
they gave him several Citations for appearance, but he never
showing his face in Court, was, at last excommunicated for
forgery and other enormous crimes, from which excommunication
he was never absolved, and the Chapel doors were shut against
him." There is a copy of the Orders supposed to be signed by
the Bishop of Chester, also a letter from the Bishop of Chester
to the Bishop of Norwich : " My Lord, Abraham Gill was not
ordained by me either Priest or Deacon. I have carefully ex-
amined my Ordination Register, and find no such name as Gill
there, nor any name like it ; besides there are many things in the
forged instrument that plainly discovers the imposture." It then
enumerated them, and finishes with, " I hope your Lordship has
secured the rascal, and will make him a public example. Chester,
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110 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
Aug. 19: 1702. N. Cestriens." Besides other things charged to
Gill he was accused of being a swearer ; to confirm this, an
affidavit was sworn at March, Feb. 5th, 1707, by John Walsham,
to this effect, "That some time ago being at Stow Fair in
Norfolk, a Place near adjoining the said Isle, he the Deponent
went into a Booth in the said Fair, with an Horse-courser with
whom he had business, and that soon after, the said Abraham Gill
also came into this Deponents Company in the said Booth, not
then knowing the Deponent, as he verily believes ; and saith also
that during the time of his the said Gill's being in this Deponents
company, the said Gill swore divers Oaths in a Customary-way of
Swearing, without any Provocation ; at which this Deponent was
very much scandalized, the said Gill appearing in a Clergyman's
Habit, and afterwards took an opportunity to rebuke him for it,
at which the said Gill did not seem to be in any way concerned."
After reading the two pamphlets, I think any impartial person
must come to the conclusion that Defoe was not a very truthful
writer, and that Gill was a gross impostor. I have lately come
into possession of an old Church Bible, most probably the one
used in Manea Chapel in Gill's time, as I find on the first leaf,
written in a good bold hand, "Abra. Gill Curate 1696" ; under-
neath this, in a different hand, " a piget et pudet " ; then in
Gill's writing, "Edward Burch Chapelwarden in the year 1691,
and built the Pulpit and desk though much ag!* the consent of
many of the Rich-Inhabitants yet he carried on the good act:
sic. test. Abra Gill " ; under this, in another hand, " Monstru
Horrenda." This paragraph of Gill's, written in the Bible, gives
an insight into his character, and the remarks made by some of
his successors show that they will not believe in his goodness.
There is a review of the two Pamphlets in " Wilson's Life and
times of Defoe," and any one not being able to see the Pamphlets
had better read the review, as it goes farther into details.
W. W. GREEisr, Manea.
81 .—Altering Surnames.— As an instance of the manner in
which names get quite altered by use in the course of years, it may
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^
Fenland Notes aiib Qubmbs. Ill
be mentioned that in the town of Eamsey, Sarah Fitzjohn is
unknown, she is now " Sallie Figgins," and Elizabeth Allpress is
ako changed into " Betsy Press." Cases have been heard of in
this district where a country fellow at his marriage has signed the
church register in the name he has always been called by but
which is in reality only an abbreviation.
D.F.D., Ramsey.
82.— Notes on Croyland, No. 2.— (No. ^%, Part III.)— Very
many of our Lincolnshire Church windows were formerly richly
adorned with shields of arms of those families who either owned
the manor, members of whom were benefactors or had sepulture
therein. Col. Gervase Holies, whose family resided at Grimsby,
just before the civil war, took notes of such as he saw, and which
are comprised in the Harl. M.S., 6829, Brit. Mus., and of which un-
fortunately for us little remains now to be seen, and in too
numerous instances the folios of Holies are the sole remaining
record. Our venerable Abbey Church (would some man of wealth,
as in days of old, ere it be too late to save it from entire ruin,
come down "handsome," and thus leave a noble example that
others might " please copy":) windows just before Cromwell
stormed the place, 9th May, 1643, contained some forty armorial
shields, thirty-eight of which are beautifully reproduced in their
proper colors in the " margint " of the M.S., fol. 239, which I
now append retaining the original mode of spelling.
Fenesfcre.
G. 3 Keyes or
B. 3 Crosses Portate arg
Lozengy or and G ^ ... -.. Groun
Lozengy Sa and Ermyne ... Pattm
Empaled : Qteiiy France and England
G 2 Barres betw. 6 Martlets or.
6. 3 Crosses botany
G. A Crosse Patonce or. Laiymer.
G. Crosse Crusilly Fitchy a Uon ramp arg. .,. La Wane.
G. a bende and 2 Bendlets above Grelk
i
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^^^^^^^^-.
I
X12 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
Lozengy Or and G Croun
Or. a Saltier ergrayled sa ... Boteiorte
Qfcerlj : — Arg a cheife G over all a Bend G ... Grumwell
Chequy Or and G a cheife Ermyne. . . Tateshale
Barry of 6 pieces Arg and B in cheife 3 1 wimiina
Lozenges G. a mullet difference J ^
B a Bend Or Scrope
Arg a fesse G in cheife 3 Torteauxes Dev&i'eux
Arg. a chevron betw. 3 Martlets Sa
Sa. a Frett Arg. Earingion
Qterly : — Sa. a Crosse engrayled Or Willoughhy
G. a Crosse Molin Arg.
Arg. a Crosse Molin Sa
Arg. a Saltier G.
B a Saltier Arg
Qterly :-Arg^ a crosse engrayled G betw. ) ^,^^,^,-^
4 Waterbougets Sa J
G. Billetty Or. a Fesse Arg. ... Louaine
Qterly : G and Or a Mullet in -f 1'* q^'ter Arg. Yere
B, an Estoyle Arg
Empaled: B an Estoyle Arg ,..
Or a Chevron G on a Border
B 8 Myters Or Stafford^Epus
B, a Chevror betw, 3 Garbes Or
G. a Saltier Arg. Nevile
Qterly : Bourchier Louaine j oTesbL.
Qterly : France Semy and England and )
Border Arg j
Qterly : France Semy and England
label of 3 Ermyne
Qterly : France Semy and England
label of 3 Arg
Qterly : France Semy and England on a )
Border B 8 Floure de Lize Or J
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 113
Aig. a chevron betw. 3 Gryphons heads) jy^^^^
erased Gr J ^^
Gr 3 Water bougets Ermyne Roos
Arg. 2 Barres and a Canton ... ... ...
Gr. a Crosse Patonse Or. a Border Arg ...
Gr. a Fesse betw. 6 Fleur de lize Arg
Gr. Bezanty a Canton ermyne ... ... ... Zoicch
Holies did not confine himself merely to note the armorial
windows as then extant but left us also a record of the inscriptions
on the bells : —
In Multos annis resonet campana Johannis
Sum rosa Pulsata mundi Maria Vocata
Hec Campana beata Trinitate Sacra.
Campang.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
83.— Rood Loft Piscina at; Maxey.— Mr, Littlehales should
not have inserted a comma after " Rood Loft," when noting a
curiosity in Maxey Church. The Rood Loft has long disappeared,
but a piscina remains above the nave arches on the south side,
shewing that there was an altar in the Loft. Rood Loft piscinas
are very rare. There are probably not a dozen in England.
W. D. SwEBTiNa. Maxey Vicarage.
84.— Abbots of Ramsey.— The will of John Lawrence " de
Wurdebois," or de Werdebois, f' Abbot of Ramsey, was dated 1541,
and he died the year after, leaving his Nephew, William Lawrence,
(son of John Lawrence, of Ramsey, who died in 1538) his
Exec'utor. William was Sheriff for Cambridge and Hunts., and
died 1572, leaving to his son Henry Lawrence, of St. Ives, his
armour, all his silver plate which had been left to him by his uncle,
the abbot, and the iron chest in the library containing papers and
evidences." This Henry Lawrence was the grandfather of Henry,
the President of Cromwell's Council, and ancestor of the Lawrences ,
Barts., now extinct, and the Lawrences of Jamaica. What further
is known of this abbot, or of the Lawrences, of Warboys ?
N. Edis, Stamford.
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114 Pekland Notes and Queeies.
85.— Penland Superstitions.— S,E's account of the flat bottle
containing " pins stuck into a dark substance," furnishes folklore-
students with an example of the degenerate form of blood-sacrifice
still prevailing in England. We learn from old legends that long
after paganism perished, the hideous custom of interring living
beings beneath the threshold or hearth-stone, or within the wall of
of a new building, was kept up among our ancestors, and modern
travellers inform us that the habit of securing a homestead against
evil influences, by burying a human being, or animal, in the most
sacred part of a house, is practised by many savage races down
to the present day. Christianity at length succeeded in banishing
the barbarous custom from civilized Europe, but it cannot be
doubted that the heart of a bird or small mammal stuck full of
pins, which is so often found under the fire-place, or foundation
of old houses, is a substitute for the living sacrifice once offered
to the powers of darkness with the intention of averting mis-
fortune from the building.
Mabel Peacock, Bottesford Manor, Brigg.
86.— Horkey.— I have often heard this term applied to a
social gathering in the Ely and Littleport district. After the
potato crop is got in a " potato horkey " is held to celebrate the
event, very much in the same way as a harvest home supper is
held. Can anyone explain the origin of the term ?
T.V.W., Wisbech.
87.— The Parish Church of St. Mary, Whaplode.— Consider-
ing the mass of local history which centres around the old parish
churches of the country, it is surprising that the history of so
many of them still remains unwritten. This, however, can no
longer be said of the Parish Church of St. Mary, Whaplode, for
the indefatigable antiquary, Mr. W. E. Foster, F.S.A., has taken
the matter in hand, and has produced a fascinating volume. With-
out being bulky, it says all that need be said, and the only regret
is that the history of every other Fenland Church is not equally
well written. To Fenmen especially Mr. Foster's little work will
be most acceptable. Elliot Stock is thepubhsher*
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Fenland Notes and Qubries. 115
88.— Monnmental Inscriptions in St. Margaret's Churcli.
Lynn, No. 2.-(No. 61, Part III.)
13.— Chancel Floor,
H. S. E. I judetha fiKa sola | Sethei Hawley aldermani | uxor
charissima Johannge Selfe gen^ | quae nobis decessit | xxvii^die
Nov Anno Dni | mdolxxv Ano aetatis | xxviii® | Here lyeth the
Body of I John Edis Gent | Who died the 18^^ of Aug^ 1731 |
Aged 48 years | Also 3 of his Children. (
14.— Chancel Floor.
Here Lieth | Elizabeth Late Wife | of M"^ Will"' Cremer of
Kings Linn | Buried the 6*^ October | 1680 | Also Alice y^ 3*^ wife
of y^ aforesaid [ Will"' Daughter of Will"' Hart Gent | She died
y® 30*^ of Apr : 1700 Aged 44 yeares. |
[Arms : 3 wolves' heads erased, on a chief, 3 cinquefoils,
(Cremer) impaling ; .]
15. — Chancel Floor.
Percienal Fil. The : & | Sus : Fysh |
NatusAug: 19 f i^qi i
Ob : Sept : - - t ^^^^ '
Osstendunt Ferris Hunc. I tantum Fata nee ultra I Esse Siunt
16. — Floor of South Chapel.
Mary Keble Widdow | y® 3 Daughter of | Ho. Lone of Becoles |
in Suff : Esq. died y« | 16 of Jan : 1693 | Aged 41 |
17.— Chancel Floor.
Hie Sepulti iacent | E Liberis Samuelis Brown Gten^'— Et Maria
Uxoris ejus | Samuel xviii | Aprilis 1698 | Benjamin xxvn
Augusti 1699 I Catherina xi Augusti 1701 | Alicia xiii Maii
1705 I Infantuli ] Etiam Gulielmus xxvii Decembris 1709 |
pene Brannis |
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116 Fenland Notes and Queries.
18.— Floor of South Chapel.
Godfridus Wyldbore | Pharmacopseus | Latrinae Societatis |
qui mortalibus dni | Saluti feram | ... orti tandem Herbam
dedi I Quam in re Medica | Musica et PoeU | Palmam meruit |
Secum tulit | Anno |^^^^^ . ^ '
[Arms : A fess between 2 wild boars passant. Crest : a boar's
head erased. Motto : " Vince terpsum."]
19.— Partly under Seats in South Chapel
T . , n r Nat. 24 Jan. 1710 |
^^^^^^^lMT)enat.l8Jan.l713|
i-""^" {SafKe^l
, T- . 11 (Nat. Jan. 11. 1717 |
. . arahLirtell jpenat. Mar. 23. 1722 |
20.— Partly under Seats in South Chapel.
I The prison opened Thou set
free | Then Satisfaction f uU shal . . | Psal .... | My
hope in Christ . . ein is sure | as graven in marble to endure |
. . 25 Phil. 3. 21 I Alleluia | For Christ who lives victorious |
Such change shall give most glorious | By pious hope first changed
be I That we y^ blessed hope may see. |
[Capitals.]
On the Chancel Screen.
[Now divided and part on North and South side of Choir
are these inscriptions.]
Henricus Rosas | Anno Dni 1622 | . . . Anno Dni 1622
Thoma : Carrow | et Thoma : Eobinson sedilibus | Beati pacifici
Eegna lacobus | Tho. Gurlin Maior. | . . | e.r. r.c. l.r.
1584.
89.-— Buried Upright at Soham.— Can anyone furnish particu-
lars of the parishioner of Soham, " buried upright at his stooles
end," referred to by Mr. Littlehales. J. Johnson, B.A,
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GAINSBOROUGH'S PICTURE OF MASTER
HEATHCOTE, 1773.
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 117
90.— The Heathcotes of Conington Castle.— The following
article — and illustration on the opposite page — ^appeared m the
Boy's Own Paper of November. The article is from the pen of
the late Cuthbert Bede : —
" Grentle reader of the Boy*s Otvn Paper ^ how do you like the
dress of the little boy of whose portrait an engraving is here
given ? "
To which question I can imagine the quick response, "You
don't mean a boy, but a girl ? "
To which T should reply, "I mean precisely what I said — ^
little boy — of whom this is the portrait by that celebrated artist,
Thomas Gainsborough, B.A., who is unrivalled (at least, I think
so) as a portrait and also a landscape painter ; and in this lovely
picture you have him at his very best in both styles."
" But, surely ! " persist my boy friends — " surely you are under
some mistake, and this painting is the portrait of a girl ? Look
at the low-cut white frock deccending to the ground, and barely
revealing one scarlet shoe ; look at the long, curling, chesnut hair,
cut and trimmed like that of a girl ; look at "
" Quite so ! " I say, abruptly interposing, " Nevertheless, the
painting is of a faithful representation of a boy ; and it shows
how a little lad of five years old was dressed rather more than a
century ago — for Gainsborough painted this picture in the year
1773.
"The portrait is that of Master Heathcote, of Conington
Castle, Huntingdonshire. He was the grandson of Sir John
Heathcote, who purchased Conington estate 1753, from the heirs
of Sir Eobt. Bruce Cotton, who was the founder of the Cottonian
Collection in the British Museum, and was of kin to James I.,
who always addressed him as ' cousin ' when he went to court.
Sir Eobt. Bruce Cotton, Bart., was also, of course, cousin to the
hapless Mary, Queen of Scots ; and when Fotheringhay Castle was
demolished after the death of her son James I — who, so far from
destroying the castle, according to vulgar tradition, had got as
much profit as he could out of it by letting it successively, to
three noblemen — Sir Robert transfen-ed to Conington the pillars
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118 Feklaio) Notes and Queries.
and arches of the banqueting hall, in which the tragedy of Mary's
execution was performed. These pillars and arches, instead of
being inside the castle, as at Fotheringhay, are now on the outside
of Conington Castle, the windows of the various rooms on the
ground-floor being within the arches ; some of them enclosing the
dining-room where now hangs Gainsborough's portrait of Master
Feathcote. In the bedroom over the dining-room is a curious
portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots ; and, in the Church — which is
only a few yards distant — is a richly carved abbot's chair, from
which she is believed to have risen at that lasfe supreme moment
when she began to disrobe, in order to submit herself to the axe
of the executioner. Both the chair and the portrait were exhib-
ited in the very interesting collection of Mary Stuart relics
gathered together at Peterborough in the year 1887 — the tercen-
tenary of her execution. So you see that Conington Castle had
some connection with Fotheringhay Castle.
" The Sir John Heathcote, the grandfather of this girl-like boy,
was the son of Sir G-ilbert Heathcote, who was a man of consider-
able distinction. He was one of the founders of the Bank of England,
and was the last Lord Mayor of London who rode on horseback in
the procession on Lord Mayor's Day. He was the original of
Steel's ' Sir Andrew Freeport,' of * The Spectator ' ; and he was
mentioned by three poets, Bramble, in his * Letter,' Dyer, in his
* Fleece,' and Pope, in his ' Imitation of Horace,' who has the
line —
" * Heathcote himself, and such large-acred men.'
" The head of the family is now Lord Willoughby de Eresby,
whose favourite seat, Normanton Castle, Rutland — visited by the
Prince and Princess of Wales, and many other members of the
Eoyal Family — ^is described by Dyer in these lines —
" * And such the grassy slopes and verdant lawns
Of beauteous Normanton, health's pleasing haunts,
And the beloved retreat of Heathcote's leisure.'
" A fine three-quarter length portrait of Sir Gilbert Heathcote,
who was created a baronet in 1733, and is buried in Normanton,
hangs over the side board, in the dining-room of Conington
Castle, being separated from Grainsborough's Master Heathcote, by
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Fenland Notes and Queries, 119
a large full-length presentation portrait, by Sir Francis Grant,
p. R. A,, of John Moyer Heathcote, Esquire, the eldest son of the
Master Heathcote, of the picture. As Mr. Heathcote was born in
1800, his age ^ goes with the century,' though you would not be-
lieve it, to see his active habits, and to watch him still enjoying
his favourite relaxation of out-door water-colour painting from
nature, in which he has been a skilled artist all through his
long, industrious, and most useful hfe, rivalling his old master
and friend, De Wint."
" Yes," interposes the gentle reader ; " I have a copy of his book
* Fen and Mere,' written and profusely illustrated by himself,
dealing with the drainage of old Whittlesea Mere, once so beloved
by wild-fowlers, fishermen, butterfly collectors, yachts-men, and
skaters — sports and pastimes of which the author-artist could say
* quorum pars magna f ui.' It is a most interesting work, and has
saved for posterity a true record, by pen and pencil of the scenery
of the largest lake to be found between London and Windermere,
up to the year 1850, when it was drained off the face of the earth.
It must have been one of the happy hunting-grounds of Gains-
borough's Master Heathcote."
" I will acknowledge to you, that the picture is always taken,
by a stranger, as the portrait of a girl ; and that when the stran-
ger asks, ^ Whose is the portrait ? ' and its owner replies, ' My
father,' the stranger at once observes " You mean your mother ! "
and, like you, can scarcely be persuaded that the girl-like figure
represents a boy who lived to place the initials m,f. after his name.
This Master Heathcote was bom in 1768 ; he married Mary Ann
Thomhill, in 1799 ; he restored Conington Castle between the
years 1800 and 1813, from designs by Cockerell, the grounds
being laid out by Lappidge ; and he died on Thursday, May 3rd,
1838, aged 70. He left two sons and a daughter. The eldest
son married a daughter of Lord Colborne, and, in 1833, made
considerable additions to Conington Castle, under the direction of
Blore, who was employed for the restoration of the Church.
" And what is the history of this portrait of Master Heathcote ? "
** Its History is this. It dates to the period when Gainsborough
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120 Penland Notes and Queries.
considered it advisable to enlarge the provincial reputation that
he had gained at Ipswich ; and, acting upon the advice of his
friend Thicknesse, had taken lodgings in the newly-erected circus
in the City of Bath, when at the height of its fashion, and with
the famous Beau Nash, still master of the ceremonies, although
then old and feeble, and at the close of his career. Gainsborough
soon found many sitters, and it became the fashion to employ him
as a portrait painter. He received as much as a hundred guineas
for a whole length portrait — a sum that, in those pre-Millais days,
was considered most liberal payment. I need not tell you how
greatly his pictures have been raised in value since then, and the
high prices that they make whenever they are brought to the
hammer. Not to mention the famous ' Duchess of Devonshire '
— which was first exhibited at the Academy, in 1783 — there was
the half-length portrait of Mrs. Hibbert, of Chalfont, which was
sold in March, 1885, for the sum of ten thousand pounds. We
may judge, therefore, what would now be the value of this large
picture of Master Heathcote if its owner should ever be disposed
^0 part with it — a very unlikely occurrence.
" Well ! Gainsborough had settled in Bath in the year 1760,
and had prospered there, and had regularly sent his pictures up to
London for exhibition at the Royal Academy and the British
Institution ; and, after thirteen years' residence in the fashionable
City of King Bladud, the artist began to consider the advisability
of removing to London, the metropolis where he had lived and
laboured in humble lodgings in Hatton Garden, working chiefly
at low rates for the dealers until he married and removed to
Ipswich, being then in his nineteenth year. He now possessed a
fortune, and had made his name ; so that, when he left Bath for
London in the year 1774, he went to fashionable quarters, and
rented the half of Schomburg House in Pall Mall. Among the
visitors who arrived at Bath, in 1773, were Mr. and Mrs. Heathcote,
of Conington Castle, bringing with them their only child, a boy,
named John, five years of age. Their other children had all
died from the effects of a destructive sickness that had been raging
in various parts of the kingdom ; and the parents had brought
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Fenland Notes and Qubbies. 121
their surviving child to Bath, as being a health resort. On
hearing of Gainsborough's fame as a portrait painter, they were
naturally anxious to secure a portrait of their son, and fchey applied
to the artist for that purpose. But either from having enough com-
missions on his hands, or for some other reason, he declined their
request. The traditionary story is, that he told them that he
' was visiting Bath for the purpose of recreation,' which must be
an error, as he had already been living in the city for thirteen
years, getting his living by his brush. Then the parents told him
the circumstances of their case, and how their other children had
fallen victims to the epidemic, and that one little boy was the only
child spared to them, and that they greatly desired to possess his
portrait for fear lest he should be taken from them. Then
Gainsborough told them that they might bring the boy for him to
see. They took him to the studio in the Circus on the following
morning ; the boy being dressed in a plain white muslin frock, with
a blue sash, scarlet shoes, and a black plumed hat— precisely as he
is represented in the picture. 'Tou have brought him simply
dressed,' said Gainsborough ; ' had you paraded him in a fancy
costume, I would not have painted him ; now I will gladly comply
with your request.' And so the parents obtained their wish, and
the portrait of their only child was, in due course, taken from
Bath to Conington Castle, where it has ever since remained, with
the exception of one visit it paid to London to an exhibition of
the old masters. It has never been engraved ; and I have made
the accompanying sketch by permission of its present owner the
eldest son of the Master Heathcote here depicted."
91 —Will of a Peterborougli Citizen.— The following will of
a citizen of Peterborough, made but a short time before the sup-
pression of the Abbey, dated 15th July, and presented in London,
21st October, 1538, may prove of interest to your readers : —
"July 1538. I Edward Grenehall of Peterborough, co.
Northampton, gent. My body to be buried in the church of
St. Peter in the Monastery of Peterboro' To the Lord Abbot,
bl ; to the Prior 10^, the three presidents of the said house,
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6s 8d ea, chaunter 6s 8^, & to every monk of the house being at
my burial, 3s 4^. To the reparations of the parish church of
Peterboro' & upholding of the Gilds in the said church, 50s.
To the parish church of Paston 3s 4rf. To the four houses of
the four orders of friars in Staumford 40s, that is lOs. to each
house, desu'ing them to pray for my soul & all christian souls.
For a priest to pray in the parish church of Peterboro' for my
soul, & for the souls of my wife, father, mother & all christian
souls 51. My executors to put one honest priesfc into the GUd of
St. George & St. James to maintg,in God's service, to pray for my
soul & all the bretheren & sisters of the said gild for one year, &
for his salary I give 51 To my kinsfolk (s) neices Johan & Bllynor
Powler, 4? to the one & 10s the other. Nephew Wm Wilson,
40s, neice Jane, the painter's wife, 40s ; Edw. Browne, son of the
said Jane 53s Ad ; cousins Eichd. Baylye 40s ; & Eobt. Pratt of
Fiskerfcon, & to his 2 sons named in Sir Wm Pratt's will 40s. To
Eliz. Stroggs, dau. of Thos. S. dl Qs 8d. To Jane Tomson, 31 6s Sd. ;
Geo. Digbyn of Eye, 40s ; Wm. Shairshall, of Peterboro', 205 ;
Christopher, son of my cousin Reginald Grenhall, 31 6s 8d. To
my godsons Edw. Algar, Geo. Quarles, 31 Qs 8d ea, & to each of
my other godsons, 12d ea. To Tho. Grenhall of Peterboro'
es 8d. To my wife, Margaret, 601, plate & household stuff that
was hers before marriage, also the cattle and implements of
husbandry in my farm of the Thwartes, a salt seller of silver, all
gilte with the cover, and a standing peice of silver which was
Master Kyrkehams. To Reginald G my cousin & nephew 66?
13s 4^ I will that my exors bestow 26s 8d in repairing of the
highway between the grange place called the Sexten barns and the
towns end in Peterboro' " towards the wynd mill," Also 26s 8d
on the highway at the west end of the town of Glinton in the
little lane there with the best advice & counsel of the inhabitants.
In ahns to the poor people of PeyMrk & Glinton, 4?. To the
town of Peterboro' for repairing of the great bridge in the said
town 40s." One of the signatory witnesses to the will was Master
Thos. ByU, Dr. of Medicine.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
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FjEiNLAND Notes and Queries. 123
92 —Pen Droves.— The Fen Droves are black earthy cart-
tracts leading from the distant farms to the main road ; they have
a beauty of their own in the summer covered as they are with
short mossy grass and redundant with forget-me-nots and the pink
or lesser cranesbill, and scores of other trailing plants. In
December these droves are almost impassible, and the carts that
have made the pilgrimage up to the town show clearly they have
sunk up to the axle in mud on their journey. An old folk-lore
story runs that one man met another on one of these droves and
inquired if he had seen a hat. " naw " said the other. " I would
not care so much about the hat " explained the first, " but there is
a man under that, and a horse under that," all three having sunk
and disappeared in the black oily mud,
D.F.D., Eamsey.
93.— Bedford Level in 1661.— Lord Esm6 Gordon of Paxton
Hall, Hunts., has kindly placed at our disposal a pamphlet
which was pubhshed in London in 1661. The following is
the title : —
" A|relation|of the business now in hand concerning | Bedford
" levell I written in a letter | to | a worthy member of this
" parliament | by a person uninterested more than in his
" pub I lick desires to preserve a work so beneficial for | the
" Kingdom, and satisfaction of all just inte | rest relating to
" it 1 London, printed in the year MDCLXI."
The writer commences by stating that on May 6th, 1661, two
bills were read in the House of Commons concerning settling the
government of the great level, called the Bedford Level. He
goes on to speak of Francis, Earl of Bedford, as the first to
attempt to drain the Level, and traces the history of the work.
in order to prove the Earl of Bedfords's title.
He then proceeds : — " The said Francis and his participants have
" the right title, but being hindered for some time by his late
" majesty, and after by the commotions of the people, then by
" the succeeding wars, by sequestrations, and their inevitable
" absence or death, they were disabled in purse, or person, or
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'•durst not attend its presentation, so that the King being
" martyrd, and Francis, Earl of Bedford, formerly dead, and so
" many of his participants (as conceive they have a right to
" neer a moiety of the 83,000 acres) made uncapable or having
" not a conscience to act with them, I say William, Earl of
" Bedford, (needing no other title but his own as heir to his
" father) did (by ensnarement, judging charitably of those that
"had but three months before shred the Kingdom into a
"commonwealth) suffer his name to be used, in a pretended
"act of parliament, dated 29 May, 1649. Wherein were
" constituted such subtile laws, and such commissioners and
"judfijes of the Level, as had endeavoured to level all but
" themselves ; for in the first place they sold the King's 12,000
" acres and then above 30,000 acres of the participants of the
" said Earl's father, (being all loyal subjects) and upon their two
"titles (as I said) two bills were presented to the house
" to be enacted."
The title of the participants claiming under the title of Francis,
Earl of Bedford, was voted in with a petition and was read in the
House before the other bill. The petition was from Sir William
Playters, Knight, (Master for the Earl of Arundel), Sir John Hewet,
Bart., Sir William Teringham, Knight, Col. Sam. Sandys, Col.
Eobert Philips, Col. William Dodson, and others claiming under the
original adventurers of the Bedford Level. The petition commences
by saying " That whereas there hath been, and is a difference
between the adventurers under the Et. Hon. Francis, the Earl of
Bedford, and the intruders under the Et. Hon. William, Earl of
Bedford, the said adventurers under Francis claiming their rights
by virtue of a fourteenth part deed and several after laws of
sewers, letters patent, and orders of council made in their behalf ;
and the said intruders claiming under William by colour only of
a Im made by the pretended parliament in 1649, and of such
unjust disseissin and intrusions." In calling their opponents
"intruders" the petitioners said that they did not wish to
prejudice the name of Earl William, '*or lessen his interest
in the fennes," but they meant only those that purchased
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the petitioners lands upon the title only of that pretended act for
non-payment of taxes, so illegally, unwarrantably (and they say
also) unnecessarily imposed." The writer of this pamphlet asked
why should not the intruders make restitution, and adds, "I
confesse the intruders reply plausibly ' give us our tax money we
are out of, and take your lands.' But the petitioners adde to that
old maxime that the business of tax is not only an unjust imposition
but a subject for cheating ; for just when the 80,000 acres were
divided into 20 lots, each lot did consist of three sorts of ground,
bad, indifferent, and good. Now whilst each lot stood entire in
possession of those who first undertook them, it was equal, but
being subdivided to several persons, it was unequal that that land
should pay a noble per acre which was not worth 9d., and that not
above a noble which was worth above a pound. Then as to the
opportunity of cheating, it was obvious to every one that if some
few of them who ruled the waters did confederate, it were easie to
let in water on good grounds, to m^ke them worse, and keep them
upon bad, from being better, till the taxes made them weary of
them, and (the petitioners say) this will be evidenced in case of
one of the intruders who bought as many fennes at 2/6 per acre
(the sum not amounting to above two or three hundred pounds)
as within a short time were sold for £3, £4, and £5, per acre, so
as about £30,000 was made of them. By this act of taxes, Col.
Sam. Sandys is deceived of about 7,000 acres (which was conveyed
to Trustees for the indemnifying him againsD great debts, wherein
he stood engaged with Sir Miles Sandys) and the Earl of Arundel
lost his shares (by employing one to pay the taxes, which suffered
them to be forfeited, that there might be an opportunity to
purchase them). Something might be added in Crane and
Hoblyn's case to the same effect, but I am loath to trouble you
with more of these sad truths and any wish that the intruders may
not hold Machiavil's maxim that things which are unjustly gotten
must be unjustly maintained, hoping that the intruders will prove
better principled."
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126 FsNiiAND Notes and Queries.
94.— A Curiousf Superstition.— On Friday, May 7th, 1762,
died an inhabitant of Whittlesey, and when he was going to be
buried, some of his friends noticing that the bottom of the coffin
was very wet, raised the lid to see what was the matter, and to
their astonishment found in the coffin more than two gallons of
strong beer which the man's wife had put in. She explained
"That when her husband was alive he loved ale, and she was
willing that he should not want it when he was dead."
C. Dack, Peterborough.
95.—Leland and the Fen Country.— In "The Itinerary of
John Leiland that famous Antiquary. Begunne about 1538," the
Author gives a poetical description of every County in England,
beginning thus : —
Here sueth the Propertees of the Shryes of Engeland.
The Property of every Shyre
I shall you telle, and ye will here.
This is the account he gives of the Fenland : —
Huntyngdonshire corn f ul goode.
Lyncolnshire men ful of myghtys.
Northamptonshire ffiil of love
Benethe the gyrdyll and noth above.
Northfolk ful of wyles.
Cambrygeshire ful of pykes.
Holond ful of grete dykes.
He j&nishes up his description with the following quaint phrase
That Lord that for us all dyde dye.
Save all these Shires. Amen say we.
Charles Dawes.
96.— Acre Silver —Joisse Book, Force Book, &c.— Can any
of your readers give explanations as to the meaning of the
above terms, which are to be found in some of the old documents
relating to the Fens ? In a verdict of the Court of Sewers of 1571^
these expressions occur : — The said dyke is to be repaired by
menworks." " The common Sewer which ought to be repaired by
Acre Silver." "The gate ought to be seured by the landowners
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according fco the joisse book." " The Radyke called Witham
bank." The termination "booth" is also frequently met with,
thus " from Antom gowt to danebooth," what is ifcs derivation ?
W. H. Wheeler, O.E., Boston.
97.— Inn Signs :— Dog in a DouMet— Cross Guns.— Can any
reader of Fenland Notes and Queries give the origin, meanirjg, and
date of the above signs, which are met with on the North Bank,
between Peterborough and Wisbech. The Dog in a Doublet sign
board is apparently an old painting, better executed than public-
house signs in general. In the early part of the last century T
find it written Dog and Doublet, E.
98.— Soham Free School.— The following interesting par-
ticulars of this School are furnished to the Soham Parochial
Magazine by J. R. 0. : —
This school was established in 1699, the cost of building being
£224 7s. 6^d. There appear to have been two school-masters
in 1699, Mr. Morley, who received £10 for half a year's salary
due at midsummer 1699, and Mr. Luke Norfolk who received
£7 10s. for a year's salary due at the same date. In 1716 the two
masters were allowed £45 per annum to be divided equally be-
between them, and 10 shillings per annum to a woman for
sweeping the school. And there were apparently two masters till
1749, when Mr. Robert Kent became sole master at a salary of
£40 per annum.
Mr. John Aspland was appointed master in 1790 (?). He was
a self taught man of rather rough manners and eccentric habitSy
and had the reputation of being a superior mathematician. He
prepared his only son (afterwards the Rev. Isaac Aspland of
Pembroke Hall) for the University and with such success that his
son received a Fellowship and was afterwards appointed to the
living of Earl Stonham. John Asplaud was of a musical turn,
but as a teacher of languages and general knowledge he had
no great skill. He failed to win the affections of his pupils, one
of whom reported of him that he was somewhat merciless in the
use of a whip, the handle of which served him for a poker. He
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was a man of some humour and by his own account rather nig-
gardly. His housekeeper having applied to him for some necess-
ary articles, he replied, " Well, madam, they shall not blame you,
I will write your apology and you may hang it up in self defence."
He thereupon produced the following lines, which were hung up
for the inspection of visitors :
•' Be it known to all those
Who perhaps may suppose
That this house is not kept very clean,
Neither mop, brush, nor plow,*
Will its master allow,
Such a niggard scarce ever was seen."
In 1823, Mr. WilHam Warren was appointed to succeed Mr.
Aspland at a salary of £60 per annum, such appointment to be
terminable by six months notice from a majority of the Feoffees.
The scholars were to be taught according to the rules, &c., of the
Church of England, and the master was to attend the Parish
Church with as many of the scholars as chose to go. No girls
were to be taught in the school room, or any boy whose parents
were not inhabitants.
99.— A Guide to the Fenland.— Mr. S. H. Miller, whose
intimate acquaintance with the history of the Fenland is generally
recognized, has just issued an excellent little work, giving a short
description of every Parish in the Fenland.
100.— Thomey Volunteer Infantry, 1803— 1805— In the
early years of the century war clouds were gathering thick and
fast, and an invasion was threatened. There were two companies
of Volunteer Infantry formed at Thorney. The Eight Company,
under John Wing, Esq., Captain-Commandant, afterwards
Lieut.-Col. ; the Left, under Mr. Isaac Pears, Captain. When
first enrolled, October, 1803, there were 145 (oJBcers included)
in the two Companies. In February, 1805, they had been re-
duced by ten, ovring to resignations and death, while 7 recruits
had been added. April 18th, 1804, there were received into
Store 6804 Balls, 3780 blank Cartridges, and 630 Flints. The
* A kind of rough scrubbing brush.
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Fenlaot) Notes and Queries. - 129
lasfe is an item that looks rather strange after an interval of 85
years. There was a fair amount of firing done considering the
numbers. Between June 4th and October 8th, 3324 cartridges
were used, and the following may be quoted as a specimen of the
practice : —
Aug. 6. 40 shots, and only 5 put in the target.
„ 7. 30 „ 7
„ 8. 45 „ 10
„ 9, 51 „ 11 99
They met to drill between October 1st and January 1st, 30
times ; between January 1st and August, 54 times ; and between
August and February 21st, 1805, there were 21 meetings. At
regular drill the attendance was good, 117, includiDg the non-
commissioned officers, attended 15 and upwards out of a possible
18 meetings between October and Christmas. The following
gentlemen supplied waggons and carts for the use of the
Volunteers : —
WAGGONS. CARTS.
Mr. Jno. Brown. Mr. Jno. Hutton.
„ Jno. Bailey. „ Eobt. Pate.
„ Sampson Barber.
„ Richard Hodson.
„ Geo. Maxwell.
„ Pears.
„ W. Jas. Smith.
In a local Journal of 30 years ago, some verses on the Volunteer
Movement occur, from which the following is an extract : —
Did not our Fathers in the days of yore,
When first Napoleon threatened Albion's shore,
Eally round their leader, Thomas (? John) Wing,
Unto the nation's Standard nobly cling
To defend their homes and Britain's rights maintain ?
Were they not mustered under Captain Crane ?
A Noble Stalwart Band, deny it who dares,
Were then the Thomey Local Volunteers. ^ ^
101.— Great Fire at Ramsey, 1731.~Mr. Thos. Darlow, of
Eamsey, has forwarded to us two copies of the Post Boy news-
paper, of the dates June 23rd and July 2nd, 1731. In the first
of these appears a letter signed Edmund Overall, appealing for
assistance in behalf of persons injured in consequence of a great
fire. He says : — " The place I mean is Ramsey, in the County
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130 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
of Huntingdon, where on Friday, the 21st of May last, about 120
poor families were burnt out, and thereby reduced to the same
necessity with those of Blandford and Tiverton, and are equally
objects of pity and compassion. As this poor town is the place
of my nativity, I persuade myself I shaU be excused in retaining
some affection for it ... . Whatever is sent to me at my house
in Bartholomew Close, near Westsmithfield, shall be acknowledged
and the distribution pubHshed in your paper for their satisfaction."
In the paper of July 2nd, Mr. Overall publishes a second list of
donations, which he has received, amounting to £7 12s. Od., and
which he states he had handed over to the Mayor and Aldermen
of London, to go towards a common fund for relieving all who had
suffered from the severe fires at Ramsey, Tiverton, and Blandford.
102.— Wisbech in 1740.— The following was published in the
Wisbech Advertiser of June, 1855: — "Wisbech seems to take con-
siderable starts in improving its appearance once in about every 100
years. We find in 1740 a windmill occupied the centre of the present
Market-place; a large pond the centre of the Old Market; and an
open sewer ornamented the north side of High Street, which was
crossed by three little bridges. Planks were laid from these
bridges to the other side of the street for those who had the
courage to pass over the loose silt. But in 1750 the streets were
first paved, the mill removed, and the pond filled up. A few years
after that, the fine old stone bridge was built. The inhabitants
at that time began to improve their shops, for in that year (1750)
a Mr. Quinton, of St. Ives, put in what was then considered a
handsome shop front with glass (the shop windows being generally
at that time without glass), and let it to an enterprising young
man, a Mr. Stanroyd, at the yearly rent of six guineas. The
rates of 1855 were considerably more than the rent of 1750 ; but
the handsome shop front of 1750 was not considered quite up to
the taste required for shop fronts of 1855, and this week the chisel
and hammer have been busy removing it, to make way for one
more in accordance with the present taste, when the bulls' eyes
of 1750 will be succeeded by the plate glass of 1855."
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131
103.— Woodward Family, co. Hunts.— The following pedigree
nofces are derived from family papers. Any additions will be
acceptable. Arms : Or, three bars. Sable : a canton Ermine.
Woodward, Quartering: Or, two bars befcw. three wolves' heads
erased. Gules: Jenkinson. Crest: a squirrel sejant holding
a nut in its paws.
WOODWAED, —
1^
-Woodward, =
Woodward, =
Thomas :
Woodward (of
Godmanchest-
er?), Toill dated
3 Dec, 1697,
mentions
cousin Alice
Caster.
Ann
of Hunting-
don, will
dated 20
March,
1706-7.
Susan :
Woodward.
: John John.
Robinson.
odf]
Godfrey.
Thomas Jenkinson, = Jane -
of Ehn, CO. Camb.,
will dated 1 May,
1714.
living 1715.
Thomas =Catha- Mary, Susanna, William Susanna Thomas = Sarah
Wood-
ward, (of
Godman-
chester ?)
marr. marr.
Mason. Edward
Denni-
son.
JenMn- Jenkin-
son. son, I.
1698.
Jenkin-
son, of
Elm, h.
1691, d.
1755.
Thomas
Wood-
ward,
eld. son,
d. before
14 Aug.,
1721.
I
Catha- Anna,
Tyrrell
Cran-
r
nne.
Benjamin = Sarah
Woodward, |. Jenk-
2nd son of
said Mary ;
well, of Huntingdon
St. Ives, Notary, d.
CO. 1757.
Hunts.
Elizabeth =lst husb*
Jenkinson,
inson, co-h. ; 2nd
husb^.,w<ajrr.
co-h.
,John Pea-
cock, of
Wisbeach
Oct., 1765, St. Peter,
John Heins,
son of Mr.
Heins, a well
knovni por-
trait painter I
of Norwich* I
d. 1759.
Frances, = Thomas Jenkinson
only child of Woodward. LL.B.,
Rev. W°^. = Sarah
Conworth, co.
Lincoln.
Thomas Man- J.P. for Norf. and PurMs, rector
ning, Esq., of Suff., of Walcot ofCarlbyand
Bungay, h. 7 House, Diss, co. Anderly cum
March, 1749, Norf., l. at Hunt- ~
d. 17 Nov., ingdon, 1744, edu-
1833, Jni/r. at cated at Eaton,
Diss, s.p. and Clare Hall,
Camb,, d. 31 Jan^.,
1820, aged 75, Imr.
at Diss, (see Qent.
Mag., 1820, pp.
189, 280), s.p.
* Norfolk Tour, ii., 1131.
Peacock,
&. 1749.
marr. 19
May,
1774.
Jane
Peacock.
b. Nov.,
1754.
W"^. Jenkinson PurMs, of the Temple,
London; will 1812, mentions cousin
Sarah Wyche, and relation Sarah, wife
of Thos. Stanroyd. of Wisbeach,
0. E. Manning, F.S.A., Diss Rectory, Norfolk.
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132 Fenland Notes and Queries.
104— Presentation of Eicliard Lee to Crowland.— The fol-
lowing is a copy of M.S. 996, "Augmentation of Church Lands,"
Lambeth Library, being Oliver Cromwell's Presentation of Richard
Lee to Crowland : —
" Crowland
*'BichardLee.
" Know all men by those present, That the 4*^ day of Aprill,
1655, There was exhibited to the Commissioners for approba-
tion of publique preachers a presentation of Richard Lee,
Gierke, to the Vicarage or Cure of Crowland in the County of
Lincoln made to him by his Highness Oliver Lord Protector
of the Common-Wealth of England & the Patron thereof
under the great scale of England, Together with a testimony
in the behalfe of the said Richard Lee of his holy &
good Conversation. Upon perusall & due consideration of
the premisses & finding him to be a person qualified as in
& by the Ordinance for such approbation is required. The
Conmiissioners above mentioned adjudged & approved the
said Richard Lee to be a fit person to preach the Gospell,
& have graunted him admission, & doo admitt the said
Richard Lee to the Vicarage or Cure of Crowland aforesaid
to be full & perfect possessor & Incumbent thereof & doe
hereby signify to all persons concerned therein that he is
hereby instituted to y® profitts & all Rights & dues incident
& belonging to the said Vicarage or Cure, as fully &
effectually as if he had been instituted & inducted according
to any such Laws & Customes as have in this case formerly
been made, had or used in this Realme. In Witnesse
whereof they have caused the Common Seals to be here unto
aflSxed & the same to be attested by y*' hand of the Register
by his Highness in that behalfe appointed. Dated at
Whitehall the 4*^ day of Aprill 1655.
" Present 22nd March 1655
« Eichd, Ledvertby
Ben : Needier of Lo.
Robert Hussey
Bobert Smith
Eichard Pf orde
Geo: Lee
R. Hutchinson of Walton
Jo. Walton of AllhaUows. h."
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Fenland Notes and Quhbies. 133
105.— I>iscovery at Oroyland Abbey.— Much uncertainty has
hitherto surrounded the History of Croyland Abbey, regarding
the dates of the erection of its various parts ; but the extensive
excavations made recently, for the purpose of underpinning the
foundations, has brought to light many interesting particulars
that will aid in forming a reasonable theory for a more consecu-
tively complete record than has hitherfco been available. For
instance, whenever an opening has been made, at the bottom there
was the original foundation — piles driven through the peat into
the gravel ; and on these were rough, small stones in layers, with
" heavy earth." This "heavy earth" is the rubbish from the
quarries from which the stones were obtained. The peat that re-
mains amongst the piles is compressed into a hard, compact earth
as solid as the surrounding materials. To all appearance a
portion of the peat was thrown out of the trenches for the founda-
tions, then the piles were driven in, and the other material
thrown on until it was brought nearly to a level with the surface
of the site, and on this the building was begun.
So far as the present excavations go, no matter whether the
superstructure be Norman or Perpendicular, no interference has
been made with this early work. So far as relates to the nave, it
is fair to suppose that the original plan of Ethelbald's Abbey has
not been altered. Everywhere there seems to have been the most
reverent care exercised in preserving, in any alteration that has
been made, all that it was possible of former buildings. Several
portions of Norman or Saxon work have been found encased by
the latter buildings ; and the pillars of the Gothic nave have
beneath them as foundations, most probably, the entire materials
of the former columns, including both base and capital. Several
of these foundations in the south arcade of the ruined nave have
been examined, and they are all of similar construction, and one of
them has been left open, and admirably protected by the Rector.
It is seldom such a conjBrmation of history is to be found as
that which is revealed in a massive stone tablet taken recently
from the foundation of the south-west buttress of the tower. In
order to show its historic importance it is necessary to refer to the
K
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134 Penland Notes Aim Queries.
work done at the Monastery between the years 1405 and 1423.
Some time about the former date Abbot Thomas Overfcon appointed
William of Croyland his master-mason ; and on p. 360 of Bohn's
edition of Ingulfs Chronicle there is an account of extensive
works carried out by him, amongst which are included the two
transverse aisles of the church with their vaulted roofs, as well as
a chapel in honour of the Virgin on the north confines of the
choir. He also erected the whole of the lower part of the nave
of the church, from the foundations to the laying of the roof, as
well as both aisles, together with their chapels.
On p. 393 of the same work the above statements are confirmed,
and several particulars added which give interest to the tablet
before referred to. The writer of the history states that he
"thought it both becoming and opportune to hand down to
memory the names of some of those who had given temporal
benefits, so that posterity might devoutly repay them by praying
for the repose of their souls." Thirteen names are recorded, the
last but one being a John Tomson. The west front of the nave
had been rebuilt by Abbots Henry Longchamp and Ralph Merske
between the years 1190 and 1254 ; and when, in the early part of
the fifteenth century, William of Croyland, under the direction of
Abbot Thomas Overton, began the rebuilding of the nave, he
undoubtedly, first of all, built the two massive buttresses to the
west of the front to give it support, the wide-spread footings of
which show that they were intended to withstand an extraordinary
thrust ; and it was in this wide foundation, at a point considerably
below the present surface of the soil (but when it was placed there
most hkely level with it), that the tablet was found. Apparently
it formed part of the foundations of the south wing of the porch
that was erected a considerable time afterwards ; but it was the
extraordinary spread of the foot of the buttress that gave it that
appearance, and it was the unequal pressure caused by the weight
of the more recent structure that produced its fracture.
The stone is 7ft. 6in. long, 3ft. 7in. wide, and Sin. thick, and
is a fine specimen of Barnack rag. The surface is clean and clear,
not in the least worn either by time or weather. The inscription
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is as sharp in detail as it was when it left the hands of the mason.
What gives it extra interest is the fact that the name inscribed
npon it is the same as the donor before mentioned, viz., John
Tomson,* and the sentiment embodied in the top Hne, "Orate
p'aia" lends support to the theory that it is directly connected
with the event before referred to, and is a memorial of the works
carried out by William.
To add to the evidence on this point, a sbone of a similar
description is now visible beneath the only remaining portion of
the north transverse aisle, which was built by the same person.
It is of the same width and thickness, with a marked off margin
containing letters exactly like the former. This is marked No. 2,
in red ink, on the ground-plan of the Abbey, which is enclosed,
No. 1 being the position of the stone described above.
It is impossible to ascertain whether any similar tablet was
found in a corresponding position in the south buttress, as the
lower part of it was taken down and^ entirely rebuilt by G-. G-.
Scott, Esq., in 1860, when the west front was restored, and the
portion remaining of the south transverse aisle has been altered
too much for anything but a mere fragment to remain beneath
it. Possibly the examination of the foundations of the north-
west buttress of the tower may throw more light on the matter.
The extent of the works carried out by William would have
rendered it quite possible for him to have done similar honours to
many of his patrons. The west front of the cloisters was rebuilt
by him as well as the nave with its north and south aisles. It is
also stated that he ordered " two tablets to be prepared by the
diligent skill of the sculptors, for the purpose of being erected at
the altar of St. Guthlac ; and that he might render them more
beauteous in appearance he ordered the lower one to be painted,
while he had the whole of the upper one gilded." lb may
reasonably be inferred from this quotation that tablet-forming
was popular at this time. The history also states that he com-
* The Editor of the British AreluBological Jom-Tialhos given his opinion
that the slab is of the thirteenth century, and the inscription round the
edge is in letters of that period, " Petre preces pro me Petro Pastor pie pro
me." It has been adopted at a later period by Jo. Tomson.
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136 Fenland Notes and Quebies.
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pletely rebuilt the refectory house with artistic elegance and the (
greatest magnificence.
The importance of the discovery of the tablet lies in the fact
of its connecting the history with the building by an actual name,
and the sentiment of the request, " Orate p' aia," might have been
taken nearly direct from the language of the historian. Its size
and the style of its execution forbid the thought of its having
been put into the position in which it was found in any casual or
accidental manner, and probability points to the conclusion that it
is one of a series of memorial stones breathing the spirit of the
devotion of the Church of the age, and commemorating the names
and beneficence of its patrons, A. S. Canham, Crowland.
106.— A Layman's Prayer Book, 1400— Mr. Henry Little-
hales, whose list of Mediaeval Features in Fenland Churches has
already appeared in Fenland Notes and Queries, has just issued
some pages in facsimile from a Layman's Prayer Book in English,
about 1400. The facsimiles are preceded by an interesting
historical sketch of Mediaeval Service Books in England
Rivingtons, London, are the publishers.
107.— Fenland Parishes in 1340— The old records preserved
in the Tower of London, the British Museum, and elsewhere,
contain a large amount of valuable information with regard to
this district in bygone days, and it seems surprising that they
have beeii made so little use of in the compilation of county
histories. The series of rolls which contains the names of the
principal inhabitants of every ecclesiastical parish in the year
1340, is called " Nonarum Inquisitiones in Curia Scaccarii,"
{Ump: Edward III). It is a record of the amount of the " ninth
of corn, wool, and lambs " in each parish, and the names given
are those of the inhabitants who certified that the proper sum
was returned to the "venditors and accessors in each county."
The cause of this levy is too long to be dealt with here, as also is
the method of taxation. The names of the following persons
were returned for various places in the county of Huntingdon : —
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Fbnland Notes and Qubbibs. 137
Som^sham.—Graifved le Forester, John de Eton, Nicholas
Edmund, Eiohard le Heyr, Nicholas Pessok, Hugh de
FaliwoUe, John de Fliwolle, Heury Eugo, John Stubbard,
John Mateshale, Ralph de Hereford, Richard de Wymundle,
William the son of Stephen, and John Mayheu.
Bluntisham, — John Cok, Robert de Hale, John le Milnere,
Robert Stoteville, Robert Laurence, John de Wemyngton,
Laurence Stotville, Roger Weringg, Gregory de Aula,
Thomas Ohci, Reginald Gerveys, and Simon the son of Hugh.
St. Ives. — Thomas de Erhethe, John Herrof, William Atte
Halle, John Raven, Robert Folkes, John Godrych, Richard
Gewene, Nicholas Herrof, John in the Wro, Henry le Heyr,
Thomas Lefort, and Geoffi-ey Edward.
Fmsianton, — John Luttes, Richard atte Fen, Robert son of
Dionis, Thomas son of Roger, John Molle, William West,
Walter Crisp, John Elys, Gilbert Owayn, John Eustace,
Simon da Weston, and Thoe Manger.
In a future communication I will send the names of the
principal inhabitants of other places.
London Hospital, E. Charles Dawes.
108.— Underwood Family.— (No. 27^ Part I.) — Catharine
Cromwell, (bapt. at St." John's, Huntingdon, 7 Feb. 1596-7),
sister to the Protector, mar. Roger Whetston, son (supposed) of
Jonas, of Barnack, Northants., connected with the Underwoods
of CO. Cambs. ' Francis Underwood of Whittlesea, commanded the
detachment of Parliamentarians that captured by storm, 6 June,
1648, Woodcroft-house in the parish of Etton, Northants., into
which a party of Royalists had thrown themselves and put in a state
of defence, under Dr. Michael Hudson, (Chaplain to the King and
Rector of Uffington, Lines.) who was barbarously murdered, and
Mr. Styles, Rector of Croyland, who escaped (and afterwards became
Warden of Wm. Browne's Hospital, Stamford*). For this service he
* 1677. William Stiles, warden, bur. ApriU 24.— /S^. MichaeVsy Stamford,
bur, reg,
1648. Edward Eossiter, by a shott from Woodcroft house received
two womids whereof he presently died June 5 and on the 8th day of this
present month was bur. at Etton. — Etton, Northamptonshire, pjr.
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received the thaaks of the House of Commoas, and two days after,
being a Lieut. Ool., was appointed Gov. of Whittlesey and Oroy-
land. On his death, his widow re-mar. Col. John Jones, an Officer
in the service of the Parliament and one of the Judges at the
King's trial, for which he suffered death at the Eestoration.
Eobt. Whetstone, of Barnack, who died in 1626, (supposed),
father to Jonas W., mar.- Catharine, sister of Mr. Michael
Pickering, (probably identical with, as the par. reg. of St. John's,
Peterborough, informs us " Mychaell Pickering, gentleman, slayne
by Ihoii Norton, gentleman, in a challenge, near Burroughe Berry,"
and was bur. 23 Sept., 1606) and had issue lonas Anne, wife of
Mr. Eichard Heron, of Maxey, and Frances, wife of Mr. Allen
King, of London. Justin Simpson, Stamford.
1 09.— A Prodigy at Somersham.— Under date March 16, 1 712,
the Rev. Daniel Whiston, Curate, writes in the Parish Church
Register of Somersham, that Thomas, his son, repeated his
Catechism well and distinctly as far as the Sacraments, in the
Parish Church with the older children; and on the Sunday
following repeated the same and the Sacraments as well, being only
of the age of 2 years, 7 months, 21 days. " This," adds the rev.
gentlemen, " is a great example of the quickness of his memory
and of Grod's blessing upon the early endeavours of his parents in
his religious education." S. Jarman, St. Ives.
1 1 0.— Monumentallnscriptions at Willingham, co. Cambs.
Parish Chitroh St. Mary's.
All or most of the pre-ref ormation inscriptions were destroyed in
1643, according to a reference in Carter's History of Gamlridge.
A slab within the Altar-rails bears this inscription : —
'*Here lyeth the body of [ Frances wife of James Saywell |
gent, and daughter of Erasmus | Gainsford of Crowhurst | place
in Surrey, Esq., and ye | bodies of their five children | Anno
Domini 1693.
[Arms : Party per pale nebuM or and gu, six martlets counter-
changed for Saywell, impaling Gainsford.]
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 139
An adjacent stone is inscribed : —
" Here lyeth the body of | Mary Hare. In Hopes of a | blessed
Resun-ection | She was fy® relict of St. John [Hare 1 Esq., and
daughter of Erasmas Gainsford | of Crowhurst in Surrey, Esq.,
I shee dyed, Aug. 22, Ano. Dni., 1688 | and left behind her three
children | very young, viz. : — St. John, Eliza, and | Mary."
Another slab bears this inscription : —
" Annie the daughter of | Andrew Meirs, bl. Vicar | of Pemsey,
in Sussex, and | Sarah his wife dyed Oct. the | 28, 1690 | Anno
j^tat siUB, . . .
[Arms: Hare. A Chevron between three greyhounds pass,
collared for Gainsford.
There is an important monument with sculptured coat of arms
to the Frohock family. The inscription is :—
" In Memory of | Mary wife of Thomas Frohock | who died
April 6, 1864, [ aged 71 years. Looking unto Jesus | also Sarah
Frohock, who died Nov. 4., 1798 | aged 83 years | S. F. 1 1768.
On the floor of the Nave is the inscription : —
"Beneath this stone lyeth the | earthly remains of William |
Read who departed this life | March 5, 1814 | aged 77 years.
There are a few interesting monuments in the Baptist Chapel.
^ In the floor is a slab : —
" In memory of | the Rev. William Boodger, | 30 years pastor |
of this congregation, | who died Ma. 8*^ 1781 | aged 67 years f
also Lethica, | his wife who died, | Oct. 20, 1783 | aged 60 years."
Another stone is : —
" In memory of | John Stevens | who [died April 2 1831 | in
the 30*^ year of his age."
On the wall is a tablet inscribed : —
" Near this place | lie interred the mortal remains | of John
Rootham | born at | Riseley, in the county of Bedford | Deer, the
30*^ 1766 I and preacher of the Cross of Christ | in this place 38
years | His earthly tabernacle was dissolved | Dec. 5, 1827."
A marble tablet bears the inscription : —
" Near this place | are interred the remains | of Ellis Munsey,
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140 FbihiAnd Notes and Qubbies.
I 16 years a faithful mimsfcer | of Christ | He died Aug. 29, 1845
Aged 42."
Tvro other tablets are inscribed : —
" In memory of | Mary, wife of | John Far | who changed time
for Eternity | September 18, 1822 | aged 25 years."
" To the memory of | Elizabeth Read | the wife of | William
Bead | who died June the xxviii*^ | mdccoxvii | aged 58 years.
Herbert E. Norris, St, Ives.
111. -Lawrence of St. Ives.-(N"o. 84, Part IV.)— A John
Lawrence is mentioned in the " Valor Ecclesiasticus " or King's
Books, compiled in 1534, as being Steward of the Manors of
lloiuixigford Abbots and Warboys in Huntingdonshire, as well as
of others in the Counties of Cambridge and Northampton.
From the same source it also appears that Thomas Lawrence was
Steward for St. Ives Priory (which would appear to have been
subordinate to the Abbey of Ramsey) at Sawtry Moynes, Upwood,
and Great Raveley, in the County of Huntingdon,
Charles Dawes.
I12.--Adam Cleypole, or Claypole, of V^Test Deeping._The
parish register of West Deeping records the burial of Adam
Claypole, esq. 23 Jan. 1672(3). This bare fact does not give us
any further information than showing from the addition of "esq."
to his name that he was a man of position and substance, because
at this period the prefix of "Mr." and affix of "esq." were only
given to those who had a just claim thereto by reason of wealth
or of gentle birth. Adam Claypole was a man of considerable
note in his day. His father, of Northboro', also named Adam,
was twice married, and had a numerous family. He married first
at St. George's, Stamford, Elizabeth Wingfield (whose mother was
sister to William Cecil, first Baron Burghley) 30 Sept., 1585,
(bur. at Northboro' 7 Nov., 1619), and secondly, at Northboro',
Jane Byrd, 25 Sept., 1620. This second lady was, I believe, the
only daughter of John Bird of Beynton, co. Northampton, gent.,
who is named in her father's will dated 21 Aug., 1590, pr. in
P.O.C. 15 Aug., 1 593 as then being under the age of 18 years. Adam
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PiayiiAND Notes and Queries. 141
senr., who d. in 1634, entered the family pedigree in the herald's
visitation (Northants.) 1618-19, and from his second match
sprung Adam, whose burial is recorded at the commencement of
this paper. He was born in 1622, probably at Maxey, for that is
where he was baptized in that year, but history has not handed
down to us where he received his education. One thing is
palpable, he did not imbibe the republican principles of his
relative John, (the eldest son of his step-brother John), who
espoused Elizabeth (bapt. at St. John's, Huntingdon, 2 July,
1629), the 2nd and favourite daughter of Oliver Cromwell, in
1645-6, (d. 6 Aug., 1658), but on the other hand, followed those
of Lady Elizabeth Claypole, who as it is well known had a strong
leaning towards the cause and friends of the exiled King, who
interceded with her father to save the life of the first Charles.
At the Restoration, while the remains of her Mth and
kin were subjected to brutality hers were permitted reqiciescire
in jpace in Henry 7th's chapel, Westminster Abbey. Adam,
as before stated, followed a cause that was far from being
remunerative, as the following particulars taken from the
Royalist composition papers, 2nd series, vol. 1, p. 581, in the
Public Record OflSce will amply illustrate. As "Adam Claypole,
Gent., he surrendered himself to Sir John Cell, as by his pass
dated that day appears. Took the solemn league and covenant
22 Dec, 1645 before Samuel G-ibson, Minister of (St.) Margaret,
Westminster, and the negative oath 27th Dec." His fine (as a
delinquent) was fixed three days after at 600?. From the particulars
of his estate furnished to the Commissioners (sitting at Goldsmiths'
Hall, London) under his own hand, it appears that he was " seized
in fee in possession to him and his heirs of divers messuages,
lands, and rents, lying and being in the towns of Gosberton,
Surfleet, Moulton, West Deeping, and Talliugton, co. Line, of
the yearly value before the troubles 2701. Also a rent charge
sol. p. an. out of certain marsh grounds of one Mr. Hulington in
Holland in the s^- county for all which his fine for 2 years value is
640Z. His personal estate he saith he hath none, is indebted to
his two sisters, Jane and Anne for their portions, 1000/., but, by
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an act done by himself, and produceth not anything to make it
appear, he saith he is otherwise indebted in the sum of 800Z." In
his letter to the Commissioners for sequestrators, says, by way of
palliation, that for 3 years last past he had been in arms against
the parliament for his Majesty under the command of the Lord
Loughboro', being then under 21 years of age, and in Nov. last
taking notice of the Ordinance of parliament for compounding to
come in before the 1st day of Deo. did before that time apply to
Col. Grell, Gov. of Derby for a pass to get to London. His estates
at Grosberton and Surfleet are charged with the raising of 500?. to
each of his sisters (Jane, born 1623, the name of the other I
have not met with), and his personal estate is not more than 20L
at the most. One would reasonably think that this would act
as a caution, and lead master Adam to eschew anything and
everything in any way approaching to Royalist principles, but not
so, his political proclivities subsequently led him into trouble.
In the proceedings of the Council of State (State Papers, Domestic
Series, Interreg), 6 May, 1650, is an order that Mr. Cleypole be
taken into custody of Mr. Serjeant (at arms) in order to his examina-
tion before a committee of Council ; and on the 15 June following
Adam Cleypole was by the same authority committed prisoner to
Peterhouse upon suspicion of holding correspondence with the
enemies of the Commonwealth on 8 July, 1650. I jfind Adam
Cleypoole, of West Deeping, co. Line, Gent., entered recognizances
to the Council of State, himself lOOOZ., two sureties, viz., George
Quarles, of Gray's Inn, esq., and Richard Cleypole of (St.) James,
Clerkenwell, Gent., 500?. each, conditionally that the said Adam
Cleypole shall appear at (? before) the Council of State four dayes
after warning (or notice) shall be left at his house at West Deeping
to answer to what shall be objected against him for the matter
for which his liberty is now restrained, and that he shall not
act anything which shall be prejudicial to the Commonwealth.
Apparently Adam was of good behaviour for a season, as I find
nothing recorded against him — doubtless the ruling authorities in
the meantime kept a watchful eye upon him. Despite his recog-
nizances, there is an entry in the proceedings of the Council of
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Fbnland Notes and Qubbibs. 143
State under date of 6 March 1651-2, when it was ordered that
"Mr. Colebie be returned to the prison from whence he came, and
Mr. Claypoole committed to the Gatehouse for holding correspon-
dence with the enemy." How long a time he remained there I am
unable to say, but we may venture to hazard the conjecture that
his enlargement may have been owing to the good oflGices of his
relative John Claypole and his wife the Lady Elizabeth (ne6
Cromwell). Who Adam's wife was is not known, but he certainly
had a family. His name does not occur in the list of donors
resident in the county of Lincoln who were contributors to the
free and voluntary gift to H.M. Charles 2nd in 1661, either he
had barely got over the expenses of indulging in the luxury of
being an ardent royalist, or perhaps he was not residing in
the provinces. In the Hearth Tax returns for this county
(Lincoln) for 22 Car. 2, (1671), Adam Claypole, esq., of West
Deeping, was assessed for eleven.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
113.— The Drowned Condition of the Fens in 1740.— In 1740
Mr. John Leaford published a pamphlet, of which the title was
as follows : — " Some | observations | made of the | frequent
drowned condition | of the | South Level of the Fenns, | and of
the works made in | draining the same: | with | a scheme for re-
lieving that level, | of carrying those works into exe | cution with
some additions. | London | Printed in the year of our Lord
1740." Mr. Leaford states at the outset his intention of making
some observations which had occurred to him during the time he
had been concerned upon several of the works made by the first
adventurers and participants, for draining the Middle and South
Levels and of the flux and reflux of the tides. It is clear from
what follows that at that time both the Middle and South Levels
were in a frequently drowned condition, for he says : " And I am
humbly of opinion that if those works were carried into execution
with some small additions, they would effectually relieve the
drowned condition of those levels, and make the lands in the
South Level (which are the sink of all the rest) certain summer
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lands." The condition of the Ouse also was evidently in a very
unsatisfactory condition, for Mr. Leaford says: "At the same time
navigation would be render'd more certain and the outfall of the
river Owze to sea would be kept open and preserved." If Mr.
Leaford's hints were adopted he did not doubt that Bedford Level
would become "a flourishing country, and consequently great
nambers of indigent people relieved thereby." He then proceeds
to trace the history of the drainage of the district, and concludes
by stating his scheme. Shortly, it was as follows :— To open the
two arches at Denver called Colonel Eussell's two eyes and fix
Sluice doors in them to keep the tides out of the South Level ;
to dam up that part of the course of the old Ouse across from the
two eyes to the West shore ; to scour out St. John's Eau, laying
the earth on the Norfolk side, and open the upper end of the Eau
to the Ouse ; to take off the head of the arches of the bridge
over the Eau, and make it a wooden bridge, high enough to navi-
gate under, and to place a pair of ebb-doors at the mouth of
Eoxham Drain to prevent the waters reverting up that drain.
The total cost of the scheme was £4,000.
A copy of this pamphlet is now in the possession of Lord
Esm6 S. Gordon, of Paxton Hall, Hunts., who has kindly allowed
us the privilege of making these extracts from it.
It should be remarked, however, that Mr. Leaford's scheme was
never carried out, for Mr. Wells, in his History of the Bedford
Level, vol. I., p. 746, says : " Schemes were delivered for effecting
an improved drainage, by two engineers of the name of Leaford
and Smith, both of whom recommended the re-erection of the
Sluice (at Denver), but the most important report, and that
which fixed the Corporation, was received from Labelye, a native
of Switzerland, and then employed as the engineer in the erection
of Westminster Bridge. In 1748, the Corporation determined
upon the^ re-erection of the Sluice."
The pamphlet, in tracing the history of the drainage, gives an
interesting review of the vagaries of the Ouse in the Fens between
the years 1650 and 1740. The writer says that for many years
previous to 1650 the Ouse took its course from Earith, by
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Streatham Ferry, to Harrimeer, where the river Grant fell iato it.
From that point the united streams descended together, by a
winding course by Ely and Litfcleport, to Denver, a distance of about
40 miles, and took into it by the way the several rivers of Milden-
hall, Brandon, and Stoak, besides several smaller streams. In wet
seasons the waters used to descend out of the highland countries
by the rivers above alluded to into the South Level, where for
want of proper banks, the water expanded over the whole level,
furnishing a sheet of water in many places 15 and 16 miles
broad. To remedy this the Adventurers, in pursuance of Cornelius
Vermuyden's scheme, made in 1650 a new cut in a straight line
from Earith to Denver, 21 miles in length and 100 feet wide,
parallel with the old Bedford, which was 140 feet wide, leaving a
piece of land between to receive the overflow waters in times of
flood. They also put a Sluice at Earith to turn the river Ouse in-
to this new cut. The reason for this was that it would carry the
Ouse waters a nearer way to their outfall by about 20 miles. As
soon as these works had been carried out at great expense, the
Ouse waters ran through the new cut with such rapidity that in
time of floods they overrode the waters of the Grant that came
down the old course of the Ouse, and meeting at Denver, they re-
verted up the old course into the South Level, which they covered
for want of proper banks. It being found impossible to embank
the old winding course of the Ouse, and the rivers that fell into
it, there being neither proper earth to make banks with, nor any
bottom to support them, it was decided to erect a Sluice at Denver
across the old Ouse, above the mouth af the Hundred-foot cut,
which was carried out in 1652. But it was found that the flood
waters shut the Sluice doors, and the Adventurers therefore made
a drain to act as a slacker. By these means the tides and the
Hundred-foot waters, when they overrode those of the Ouse, were
kept out of the South Level for upwards of 60 years. Thus the
lowlands then became secure summer lands. But as the gates of
the new Sluice were so often shut, Navie;ators complained that it
was an obstruction to navigation, and would very soon occasion
the outfall to be silted up, and so destroy the haven of Lynn. In
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1696 they stirred up the Corporation of Lynn to petition Parlia-
ment for a Bill to remove the Sluice and the Hermitage Sluice at
Earith, and let the water go down the old bed of the Ouse as be-
fore, and as most of the people who knew the drowned condition
of the Fens before these Sluices were put up were dead, several of
the neighbouring towns and villages joined in the petition. The
Bill was brought in, and it was opposed by the Bedford Level and
some towns and villages " bordering upon the Fenns," and was
finally thrown out. The writer adds: "Yet tho' the Adventurers
gained their end in Parliament, they neglected to repair the said
sluices, by which means they blew up in the year 1712, and have
continued to lie open ever since, to the great damage of the owners
of lands in the South Level."
114.— Hockey or Hawkey.— In reply to T.V.W. (No. 86,
Part IV.), the word Horkey should be spelled Hawkey, or Hockey.
Hockday, or hokeday, or hocktide, was a holiday formerly ob-
served in many parts of England in celebration of the destruction
of the Danes. Hence the word hockey, or as it was sometimes
spelled hawkey, came to be used as applicable to any holiday.
The word hawkey is often found applied to a harvest home. This
will no doubt explain the "Potato horkey" of the Fens.
Fenman.
115.— The Great Fire at Ramsey in 1731.-(No. 101, Part
IV.) — With regard to the great fire at Eamsey on May 21st,
1731, there is an entry in the Parish Registers of Somersham,
under date October 7th in that year, to the effect that a sum of
£32 2s. 6d. was "collected at Somersham in the county of
Hunt° for a loss by fire at Ramsey in the said cy.," of which the
" Rev. Rich^ Bentley, D.D., Regius Professor of Divinity, and
Rector of Som"^ " gave £5 Ss., " Thos Hammond, Esq., J.P.,
Lord of the Mannour " £10 10s., and " Jasper Lyster, Esq., High
Sheriff" £2 2s., Daniel Whiston, (brother of William Whiston,
the celebrated Mathematician) the Ourate-in-charge of the parish
gave 10s. 6d., the remainder being subscribed by " the inhab""^^,
servants, and labourers " of the town. Charles Dawes.
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Fehlahb Notes and Qubbies. 147
1 1 6.— Thomey Abbey.— In the taxation of Pope Nicholas, 4
c. 1291, I find this Abbey had property in the Borough of
Stamford, of the annual value of 18s. 0^^. Not having at hand
the Valor Ecclesiasticiis, of 26 H.8., the Ministers Returns of 32
H.8., nor the Monasticon Anglican^ I am unable to say for
certain whether the convent returued it with their other
temporalities at the Dissolution. In 1139, Baldwin, son of
Gilbert de Wake, (d. 1 8.H, 2 — 1171-2) founded a Bene-
dictine Priory at Deeping Sfc. James, Lines., dedicated to
St. James Wydo de Wake, a descendant of the founder, in 1231,
gave to the Abbot of Thorney (Richard de Stanford) and their cell
of St. James Deeping, certain tenements in the parish of All
Saints', Stamford, a gift that received cenfirmation from the
papal legate, Ottobon William Lee, the last prior of Deeping, at
the Dissolution 31 H.8., had a pension of 8Z. p.a. granted him.
In the Chartularium Prioralus de Depyinge in coni, Lincs,^ Earl.
MS. 8658, fol. 53c.— 55 Brit. Mus., written c. 1350. I am able
to lay before jour readers a (translated) copy of what kind of
property the Abbey of Thorney possessed in Stamford. Fol. 58 b.
Inquisition taken at Stanford, on the Q^^ day of April, in the
8*^ year of the reign of King Edward (1315), the son of King
Edward, before the lord John de Heselarton, knight, Elias de
Birton then steward (senescalU) of Stanford, and Robert de
Newerke, assigned by the commission of the noble man the lord
John de Warenne, earl of Surrey, to enquire touching the fee and
tenements of the religious men the abbot and convent of Thorneye
in the vill of Stanford, by the oath of Eustace Malherbe, William
de Apethorpe, Roger de Schauelere, John Asplow, Hugh Aurey,
Gilbert de Reding, John de Knotteshale, Richard de Baldeswelle,
William de Baldeweke, William Bunting, Henry de Kerbrok, and
Henry de Helpiston. They say (dicii in the MS.) that the Abbot
of Thorneye and the convent of the same place, ought to receive
from aU tenants residing in their tenements Offare, Onfare, relief,
Altol, Bucheyeld, Wmdowegeld, and all other customs as the lord
the earl receives from his tenants ; and they say that the Abbot
aforesaid of Thorneye is the immediate lord of the tenants and
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their tenements in Stanford, and the same abbot and his pre-
decessors were seized of the services issuing from the tenements of
the same from the time of the conquest and before, and held and
ought to hold them in free, pure and perpetual alms, quit of all
secular service.
Nevertheless the aforesaid jurors say that the lord the earl and
his predecessors demanded of the abbot and his predecessors two
advents by the year at the court of the same earl, but they never
knew that the aforesaid abbot or his predecessors made these
advents.*
Confirmation of the lord John de Warenne, earl of Surrey, for
Stanford. To all the sons of the holy mother church who shall see
or hear this charter, John de Warrenna earl of Surrey, greeting in
the Lord. We have inspected the charters of the noble Kings of
England, and also the confirmation of the illusfcrious King our
lord, the lord Edward, the son of the most noble King Edward,
formerly King of England, which manifestly testify that the
abbot and convent of the church of the Blessed Mary of Thorney
should have and of right ought to have certain rents in our vill of
Stanford, to be received annually of certain their tenants ; which
said rents they hold, and of right ought to hold Fol. 54 in free,
pure and perpetual alms, according to the tenor of the said charters
and confirmation. And we unwilling to infringe the rights and
liberties of the said church in anything, but desiring more power-
fully to increase and maintain them as we are held on account of
the devotion which we bear and have towards the most glorious
mother of God and the glorious Saint Botulph, for the safety of
our soul and for the souls of our ancestors and heirs do
grant for us and our heirs that the aforesaid church of the Blessed
Mary of Thorney, and also the monks serving God there, may
have all their liberties and immunities within our vill of Stanford
* In the Botuli Hmidredorum of 3 E 1 (1274), the Justices (the Lords
Willm. de Sco. Omero, and Willm. de Chacumbe) appointed to take
cognizance of encroachments upon the Royal prerogative, public priviledges
and rights, the jurors made to them the following presentment among other
offenders. They say that John de Burgh, Abbot of Thorney and other
spiritual loxds all claimed to have court of their tenants in the town
of Stamford, that they have and still hold the same, but by what authority
and how long a time they (the Jurors) know not.
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entire and onimpairedy and that the abbot of Thomey and his
snccessors may have and hold for ever their tenants in our said
vill, and also 8^ 1^^ of annual rent to be received annually from
their tenants, and from the tenements of the said tenants within
written. That is is to say from Robert de Newerk for one
messuage in Eastgate, Sd.; from John de Eeppes for one tenement
in Colgate, 5J^.; from Emma de Ketelthorp for one messuage
in Cleymund, Sd.; from the prior of St. Leonards for two cottages
outside the east gate, b^d,; from the brethren of Mount Carmel
from one messuage, which is called Chekerstede, 2d,; from John,
the said earl, for one messuage, one cellar, and one shop in the
parish of St, Mary, at the Bridge (adpontem), ISd.; from Emma
Bertelmen for one house within her mansion in the same parish,
Id.; from Henry de Piribrok for a certain messuage in Westgate,
9d.; from Henry Leche for a certain messuage in Westgate, 6|^.;
from William de Baldeswelle and John Waldeschef for three
messuages at the bridge of Malroie, 2s, M.; for a certain place
opposite the church of the Blessed Peter, which said place
Richard Marmium formerly held, 3^i.; from Roger Mechelone
for one Messuage at the east bridge, 4^. ; from John Preschs for
one messuage formerly Hemming Likkesnot, bd.; in our said vill
of Stanford, with all their rights liberties and appurtenances as
well in lordship as in demesne, in free, pure and perpetual alms,
according to the tenor of the charters and confirmation,
quit of all secular services, suits of court, customs and de-
mands.
"We forbid all and singular our ministers lest any of them by
chance presume to injure or weaken the liberties, rights, and also
the inmiunities of the said church in anything contrary to the
tenor of this our grant and of the charters and confirmation of
the said king. Commanding them that they with their power
maintain, protect altogether and defend them.
In testimony whereof we have placed our seal to this charter,
these being witnesses :
The Lord Thomas de Schefeld, John de Haselarton, Peter de
M ontfort, William de Baghuse, Knights. Sir William de Cusance
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Master John de Nevile, clerks, Robert de Newark, Richard de
Frekenberg, and others.
Dated at Reggate, on the 24th day of April, in the 8th year
(1815) of the reign of King Edward, the son of King Edward.
Letter (in French, other docmnents are in Latin) directed to
the Steward for the charter aforesaid.
John earl of "Warenne to his steward of Stanford greeting.
Because we have granted and confirmed, for the safety of our soul
and for the souls of our ancestors, to the abbot of Thomeye in
pure and perpetual alms, the tenements and services of their
tenants in our vill of Stanford, quit of all manner of services, we
command you that from henceforth you suflFer them in peace and
quiet without doing grievance, and that you cause their wages
and distresses which are taken from them and their tenants to be
delivered to them without delay, and that you maintain them
according to the tenor of our confirmation.
Given at Kington, on the 28th day of April, in the 8th year of
the reign of King Edward, son of King Edward.
This letter (in rubricated letters in the original) was read in the
Court held on the Tuesday next after the Feast of Holy Trinity,
in the 8th year of King Edward, son of King Edward, in the
castle of Stanford, together with the charter of confirmation of
the earl, as appears in the Roll of the aforesaid Court, these being
present, Elyas de Birton, the steward then, Eustace Malherbe,
Henry de Silton, and others of the Court.
On fdl. 546 is a lease of houses in Staynford, as follows : — To
all the faithful of Christ who shall see or hear the present writing,
William by divine permission abbot of Thomeye and the convent
of the same place, greeting in the Lord everlasting. Let all of
you know that we have granted, surrendered, and demised to
Walter de Apethorpe, in Stanford, Cecilia his wife, and Robert their
son, our certain houses in Stanford, situate in the parish of All
Saints, in the street which is called Byhyndebak. That is to say,
that the aforesaid Walter, Cecilia, and Robert their son may have
and hold the said houses, with the appurtenances, of us and our
successors for the term of the life of each of them, freely, quietly,
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 151
well, and in peace. Eendering for them annually to our prior of
Deping, who for the time shall be, 30s. at the four usual terms of
the year. That is to say, at Easter Is. 6^., at the Feast of the
Nativity of Sfc. John the Baptist Is. 6^., at the Feast of St.
Michael 7s. 6d,, and at the Nativity of the Lord, 7s. Qd. without
further delay. But Walter, or Cecilia, and Robert, whichever of
them shall live the longest, and shall be tenant of the said
tenement, shall repair the houses aforenamed, and shall build
them when they are ruinous at their own proper costs, and shall
sustain them in the life of each of them, etc. In witness whereof
the seals of the aforesaid Walter, Cecilia, and Robert are appended
to the part of this writing chirographed remaining in our pos-
session. These being witnesses:
John de Chestre ; William ^ de Schylingthon ; Thomas de
Pounfreyt ; Reginald Saleby ; Eustace Assewell ; Robert Talyng-
thon ; William Gentyl ; Burgesses of Stanford, and others.
Given at Thorneye, on the Saturday next after the Feast of
Botulf the abbot, in the 25th year of the reign King Edward the
third, son of King Edward (18th June, 1351).
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
I17.-Fen Provincialisms. -(No. 69, Part III.)
Caselty. — Uncertain. " He is a caselty fellow."
Cesses. — Peat cut in square blocks.
Cop.— To throw. " Cop it here."
Chares.— Odd jobs.
Clat. — A. tell tale ; a tale bearer is called a tell-clat.
Clung. — Heavy, tough. " This land ploughs up very clung.'*
COPLING.— Unsteady.
Copple-crowned.— Tufted. " The bird was copple-crowned."
Gaq Mag. — Course, inferior, or bad meat. Grove gives Cagg
Maggs as ''old and tough geese sent out of the Fens to
London."
Chelpy & Cheppy.— Saucy. " Don't be chelpy."
Chunter. — To mutter.
Corned. — The worse for drink.
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152 Fenlanb Notes and Queries.
Ohimblby. — ^Chimney.
Chambled.— Eaten by rats or mice. The parts of corn l^f t by
rats or mice are called chamblings or chimblings.
Cauve, or Calve. A bulge in a bank.
Cauk. — Limestone or chalk.
Clink.— Smart. " Clink and clean."
S. Egar, Wryde, Thomey.
118.— Earthquakes in the Penland.— (No. 21, Part I.)— In
Shaw's Chronicle, p. 76. it is stated that a great Earthquake took
place at Ely, Norfolk, and Suffolk, in 1165. No mention is made
of it in the list of Earthquakes in the Fenland which was pub-
lished by Mr. Miller in Part I. of Fenland Notes and Queries.
Can any particulars be supplied ? T.V.W.
119.— Total Eclipse 1715.— Eeferring to unanswered query
(No. 47, Part II.), the following account of a Map of England and
Wales, engraved by John Senex, showing the path of the Eclipse
from Land's End to the Wash, may interest your readers, and
stimulate enquiry as to any local records of the Phenomenon : —
The Map is entitled "A Description of the Passage of the Shadow
" of the Moon, over England. In the Total Eclipse of the Sun,
"on the 22nd Day of April, 1715, in the Morning." At the
bottom the following particulars of the Eclipse are engraved : —
" The like Eclipse having not for many Ages been seen in the
" Southern parts of Great Britain, I thought it not improper to
" give the Publick an account thereof, that the suddain darkness,
" wherin the Starrs will be visible about the Sun, may give no
" surprize to the People, who would if unadvertized, be apt to
" look upon it as Ominous, and to Interpret it as portending Evil
" to our Sovereign Lord King George and his Government, which
" God preserve. Hereby they will see that there is nothing in it
" more than Natural, and no more than the necessary result of the
" Motions of the Sun and Moon ; And how well those are under-
" stood will appear by this Eclipse.
" According to what has been formerly Observed, compared w*^
" our best Tables, we conclude y® Center of y® Moon's Shade will
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 163
" be very near y® Lizard point, when it is about 5 min: past nine
"at London; and that from thence in Eleven minutes of Time,
" it will traverse y® whole Kingdom, passing by Plymouth, Bristol,
** Glocester, Daventry, Peterborough, & Boston, near w** it will
"leave y® Island: On each side of y® Tract for about 75 Miles,
" the Sun will be Totally darkened; but for less and less Time, as
" you are nearer those limits, w°^ are represented in y® Scheme,
" passing on y® one side near Chester, Leeds, and York ; and on
** y® other by Chichester, Gravesend, and Harwich.
"At London we compute the Middle to fall at 13 min: past 9
" in y® Morning, when 'tis dubious whether it will be a Total
" Eclipse or no, London being so near y® Southern limit. The
" first beginning will be there at 7 min: past Eight, and y® end at
"24 min: past Ten. The Ovall figure [on the Map] shows y®
" space of y® Shadow will take up at y® time of the Middle at
" London ; and its Center will pass on to y® Eastwards, with a
"Velocity of nearly 30 Geographical Miles in a min: of Time.
" N.B. The curious are desired to Observe it, and Especially
" the duration of Total Darkness, with all the care they can ; for
"thereby the Situation and dimensions of the Shadow will be
" nicely determined ; and by means thereof we may be enabled
" to Predict the like Appearances for y® future, to a greater degree
" of Certainty than can be pretended to at present, for want of
" Such Observations.
" By their humble Servant Edmund Halley."
Halley was born 1656, became Astronomer Royal 1720, died
1742. Possibly records of the observations of the Eclipse may
be found in some Parish Registers of the Pen-land Churches.
O.J.O.
1 20.--Soliam and the Long Parliament.--The following are
extracts from the Calmdar of the Committee for advancing mrniey.
1642—1656. Part ii. page 792, (British Musuem, 2076. D).
6 March, 1647. Samuel Thornton, Soham, Cambs. Assessed
at £300.
29 August, 1651. Order for his discharge from assessment, he
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154 Fenland Notes and Queries.
pleading Oxford Articles, and having compounded within 6
months and paid his fine.
The Committee for the advance of money had for its object the
furnishing of the sinews of war to the Parliamentary Party. It
was appointed 26th November, 1642. The " public faith " of the
kingdom was given for repayment, with interest at 8 p^ cent, of
all loans advanced for public service. The ratio of the assessment
was one-twentieth of the real and one-fifth of the personal estate,
but the assessments were often so much too high that instances of
payment in full are extremely rare. The actual receipts were not
more than one-sixth of the sum demanded. J. R. 0.
121.— Hollbeach, Lincolnsliire.— The following answer of John
Lesse and others to the complaint of John P'triche, Gentleman
in the Star Chamber in the reign of Henry VIII. (Bundle 25,
No. 192, Record OflSce) is interesting.
So far as I can learn, it is the only document that can be found
relating to the "complaint." One wonders how the respective
parties fared in that court of ill-repute.
W. E. Foster, Aldei*shot.
"The Answer of John Lesse John Merser John Bennett,
Robert Thakker and Robert Cristmasse to the Bill of Complaint
of John P'triche Gentleman.
"The said Defendants sayne that at the time of the first
assemble supposed in the said Bill that they were and be p'chiners
(parishioners) and inhabitant wt'in the parish of Holbysche
named in the said bill of complaint and that out of time of
remembrance of many their within the said parish hathe bene
accustomed that when-soever any thinge or act was to be entreated
or concluded for the benefitt or the well of the churche of Hol-
bysche aforesaid or for the amendment of the Sea dykes and
banks within the same town or for any oder cause or matt'er
concerning the wealth of the said town it hath bene used by all
the said tyme bycause the parish there is gret and the p'chiners
also dwelling wyde a sondre that a beU wt'in the said churche
bathe been used to be knolled or rungen to th' entent that the said
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Fenland Notes ahd Qtjbbibs. 165
parishioners herynge the said bell should resort thither to comon
(?) and to entreat of and uppon such cause or matter as be above
rehersed And the said Defendants sayen that the friday next
after the feaste of the Nativite of our blessed lady last past
between a xi of the cloke in the night of the same day and nj of
the clokk in the mornynge of the Saturday next after the churche
of Holbysohe aforesaid was robbed of asmocke Jewells plate and
ornaments appteyning to the said churche as together did amount
to the sume of coc marks sterlynge or theirabout After which
robbery done and comytted that is to say the day and yere con-
teyned in the said bill of complaint one of the bells in the said
churche according to the customme aforesaid was rungen to the
extent that the parishioner's their should assemble and resorte
unto the same churche to comen treate and devyse howe and by
whome the said robbery was commytted and done and by what
meanys and circumstances they might come to the sewre knowledge
of the same by reason whereoff the said Defendants with divers
orders of the said parishioners herying the said bell in peaceable
manner repaired to the said churche to th' intent and purpose
aforesaid and for none order cause for their whiche assemble the
said complayment hathe not only untruly surmitted the matter
expressed in the said Bill of complaynt but also by his senestre
means did cause the said defendants and oder of the said
parishioners to be untruly indicted for the said lawfull assemble —
"Whereof some named in the said indictment at the time of the
said assemble we lx myles and above from the place of the said
assemble And also that one of the said indictors was father-in-
lawe to the said partryche and the other were special friends unto
the said John p'fcryche and by his speciall and senestre labo^ putt
uppon the pannell to the extent to f ynd untruly the said indict-
ment And that at the tyme of the said assemble supposed to be
done the said cpmplaynant was at London or nygh ther aboute and
not at his howse in suche forme as he hath surmysed in his said
byll without that the said defendants assembled ryoutously their-
selves at Holbyche aforesaid after suche manner or to any such
purpose cause or entent as in the said bill is untruly sunnytted
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but only for suche cause and entent and under such manner and
forme as before in this answer is expressed or that the said
defendants or any oder caused the said belk ther to be rungen
backwarde or that the said defendants or any oder assembled in
forme as in the said answer is declared did fall in any contencion
or variance amongst their selffe or that they or any of them ever
en tended to pluck the said complaynent owt of his howse in
manner and forme as by the same bill is untruly surmytted All
which matter the said defendants and every of them shall be redy
to averr and prove as this honourable court shall awarde and
praying to be dismissed out of the same with their reasonable
costs and charges by them susteyned in that behalff by reason of
unlawfull suyte of the said parties."
122.— Soham Mere.— ObZe (in 1746) speaks of the Mere as
follows : " To the west of the town lies the famous and large
Mere, which plentifully supplies the country with fish ; it belongs
to Lord Viscount Townsend, who caused it to be drained four or
five years ago at a very great expense, but which yet would very
well have answered had not the last year's rains overflowed the
banks and drained* it all again." J.R.O.
123.— A Legend of Whittlesey Mere.— A writerf in the
Leisure Hour for 1887 tells a thrilling story which he heard from
the lips of the principal actor. He was a cottager's son in Holme,
and on a certain Sunday in the month of February, 1851, he was
employed in bird scaring in the Holme Fen. Around the drained
bed of the mere there was then standing what was known as
" the reed shore." This was a belt of reed surrounding the mere
to the depth of about a quarter of a mile to half a mile. This
reed shore, which was a great source of revenue to its proprietors,
was like a miniature forest, the reeds growing to a height of 14
feet and upwards. As a matter of course when any one got be-
hind such a screen as this he would be lost to sight. Unfortunately
* This word should of course be " drowned." Ml,. F, JV. ^' Q,
t No doubt the late Eev. J. Bradley, (Outhbert Bede), who was Curate
of Oaldecote, Hunts.
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Fbnland Notes aki> Queriss. 157
the little boy wandered from'^his proper post in the fen and got
round by the reed shore, and advanced a few steps on to the dried
bed of the mere. He had no sooner done so than he began to
sink with no power to extricate himself, and no one near to render
him assistance. Happily for him he had not ventured above a
yard from what was comparatively speaking dry land, and al-
though he kept on sinking inch by inch, and expected that the
mud would soon be over his head, he stopped sinking when the
mud had reached his armpits. It was then half-past 8 o'clock on
the Sunday afternoon. He was enabled to mark the time and
count the hours, as he could plainly hear the Connington Church
clock, and he could also hear the trains on the Great Northern
Railway, with the times of which he was pretty familiar. He
shouted for help, but there was no one near to aid him, nor could
there be until the next morning. The evening soon closed in>
followed by a night that was not only very dark but very tem-
pestuous. The boy afterwards told me that he was not overpowered
either by fatigue or cold, but that he remained awake and sensible
the whole of the night counting every hour by the Connington
clock. He had ceased to call for help when the darkness set in.
The next morning he could see one or two labourers in the dis-
tance, but was powerless from the cold, and was unable to make
any sign to them, even if it was possible for them to have seen it.
At 10 o'clock he heard a man on the other side of the reed bed,
but he had no voice to call him. Then the sound died away, and
the boy thought that his last hope was gone. After half an
hour's suspense he again heard the man pushing amongst the reed,
and in a marvellously providential way the man's footsteps were
guided to the very spot were the boy's head and shoulders and
arms were seen above the bed of the mud. The astonishment of
the man at the sight may be more easily imagined than described.
It was with the greatest difficulty, being unassisted, that he could
release the boy from his painful position, but at length he did so,
and carried him through the reed shore on to the firm land. The
lad was by that time completely paralysed with cold, and unable
to speak ; he had been 19 hours in the mud. His deliverer was a
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158 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
Holme man, and recognizing the boy at once took him home,
much to the surprise of his parents, who had accepted his disap-
pearance very philosophically, and had accounted for his absence
by the gratuitous supposition that he had gone to the neighbouring
village of Sawtry to see his grandmother who had kept him for
the night. A surgeon from Stilton was quickly in attendance,
and the boy was promptly cared for. Fot two days he seemed to
feel acutely the effect of his 19 hours in the mud bed, but the
next week he was at school apparently none the worse for his
misfortune.
1 24.— The Parish Registers of March, co. Cambs.— A yellow
parchment volume is the oldest Register-book of St. Wendreda's
Church, March, and though sadly stained by damp during its long
repose in the vestry chest is still perfectly legible. The first page
is inscribed thus : — " The register booke of Marche, all the
christenings, buringes, and mariages, begynninge at the 25 day of
March, Anno Dni, 1558, one year after another as followeth." But
some loose sheets of coarse paper, brown with age, take us back
another eleven years. They are evidently fragments of a yet
earlier book, probably begun in 1538, when the king's highness
gave commandment that such a book should be kept in every
parish throughout the realm. The writing, careful and minute, is
a little resembling modern German. The double column utiUzing
every scrap of space, seems to tell us that paper was a luxury
imported from abroad in the year of grace 1549, and therefore to
be used carefully. The old leaves of the register would make us
infer that the population of the " hamlett of Marche" must have
been somewhat under a thousand when Edward VI. sat on the
throne. One year, 1553, seems to have been very fatal, as 43 deaths
are recorded. Perhaps this was occasioned by the ** sweatynge
sycknesse " which wrought such havoc in the badly ventilated and
worse drained houses of the xvith century. The entries are very
brief and the age is never given.
"Buryals, 1548. Esabel Drawer, servant to MeBarret, was
bur. the 12 day of June.
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Fbnland Notes and Qubbies. 159
John the sonne of Humfrye Broune, was bur. the 18 of March."
Lnstye seems to have been a not uncommon female name^ but
Alis and Agnis are the favourites. George only occurs once in 10
years. Julyan and Syslye and Lettes will scarcely be recognized
as girls' names. It is instructive to notice the gradual change in
the spelling of names. The old english Joan is not once found,
and Jane is comparatively rare. Jone appears to be the correct
orthography in, the days of King Edward. The following is a
curious transposition :
" 1557, John, the sonne of John Tompsonne, was buried and
baptized the 17th of February."
One Nichols Statewile was curate from 1558 to 1599, his name,
together with that of William Walsham and Robert Ooyne, church-
wardens, appears on every page of the register for 42 years.
Strange that three men should have held office so long together.
The oldest Register Book contains the baptisms, marriages, and
burials of 96 years, ending somewhat abruptly and confusedly in
the Commonwealth period. The last entry, a baptism, is dated
1654, and is signed " John Marshall, Curat." It is out of its
proper place, and seems to tell of difficulty in administering the
sacraments of the church in those troublous times, and Marshairs
signature occurs no more. "Was he " a malignant ? " In which
case he may have been compelled to join his superior, John Nalson,
the historian, the then rector of Doddington-cum-members, who,
tradition says, was obliged to exchange his benefice for a some-
what furtive existence in the remoter parts of the fens. In any
case his successor did little to mend matters from a puritanical
point of view, for he begins another Register Book — once a very
handsome volume with embossed brass corners and clasps — with
a long record of baptisms.
*'Anno Domini, 1655, the names of those wch were baptised in
the town of March the year of our Lord 1655, beginning, according
to our English account, the 25 day of March, and also the days of
as many of their births as I could learne, know, or find out by
their frendes." Then follow fifty-eight baptisms, of which the
following is noteworthy :
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*^ Robert, the Sonne of William Maskew, (as his parents affirm) was
born in Barbadoes in Christ Church parish there, the 11th day of
August, and baptised in this town of March the 20th day of
November, next after." This display of zeal seems to have offended
the powers that were, for the handwriting suddenly changes in the
middle of the following year. In 1664 the burial register, records
the death of two sons of Mr. William Walsham, grandchildren of
the venerable Elizabethan churchwarden. Thomas "acquitted
himself not ingloriously fighting for his king and country in the
unhappy cival wars of 1641," so the Latin entry runs, while a
similar inscription three months later, signed J. Nalson, records the
virtues of another brother, John Walsham. Later on the register
seems to have been rather carelessly kept, many marriages and
burials are omitted altogether and others are entered in a
very casual manner, of which the following is a specimen :
"Mary, ye daughter of John Shepherd, was baptized about
Lammas tide, either in this year or ye foregoing yeare 1664."
Twenty years later Mr. Isaac Boardman was curate, but
apparently not very careful, as another hand testifies beneath his
scanty entries : "What marriages were celebrated in the beginning
of ye next year are set down in Mr. Boardman's almanack for ye
yeare : it is wished that such as are concerned would procure them
and get them set down below."
We may trace the resulting evils of pluraKty in the history of
our little town in the steady decadence of the Church under the
Hanoverian dynasty. Mr. V. Snell succeeds Philip Williams in
1720, and with him begins the long reign extending over nearly
eighty years of non-resident rectors. For more than half a centuty
the curate of March seems to have been unable to maintain
himself on the pittance offered him by the incumbent, and was
forced to undertake any other work he could obtain. Four
generations of parish priests, from Mr. King's successor onwards,
had not only to shepherd the 2000 inhabitants of the vast hamlet,
but also to undertake the duties of schoolmaster. We must
picture him, therefore, spending weary hours — which should have
been directed to private study and parochial work — in teaching
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Fenlaitd Notes and Qxjsbi^. 161
the rudiments of knowledge to a few shock-headed lads, and
receiving the few pounds per annum yielded by " all that piece of
land called the School Close." Thus heavily burdened, what time
could the unfortunate curate possibly have found for parochial
visitations and that close personal dealing by which alone the
affection and esteem of the flock may be secured and retained ?
No wonder the lower and more ignorant classes were slowly but
surely alienated by rich neglect, and that a small body of Baptists
obtained a footing in the town about the middle of the century.
Meanwhile the rectors of Doddington kept studiously aloof from
this wealthy but ill-favoured fen living. When they write to
March their letters are addressed from London or Stamford, any-
where but from their rightful home. Dr. Baptist Proby succeeded
Mr. Snell, and was, I believe. Dean of Lichfield also for some
years. Under the rule of the former — ^if, indeed, we can apply
the expression, for he was hardly ever in the town, and was
probably unknown even by the face to all save a mere handful of
the principal people — things seem to have reached their lowest ebb*
Fourpence seems to have been the annual charge for " Communion
bread" for several years about the middle of the century, and points
to a very small attendance at the Church's highest act of worship.
Very strange and very saddening are many of the tales yet told of
the apathy and neglect of this period. Early in the 18th century
the parish register seems to have been written out by a person of
very limited education. A shaky, uncertain hand records the fact
that some burials are not entered but may be found " in Mr.
Hewerdine's porkitt booke." No doubt we have the caligraphy
here of the parish clerk ; some of the entries are very curious :—
Burials, 1704.— April 16, the old Glasure Woman.
June, 18, Richard the Brewer.
June, 19, the wife of Parson.
The following collection of names will hardly be paralleled:
GeoflBie Mobb, John Rosamond, Priscilla ye daughter of Roger
Februarie, Maximillian Gent, Thomas Goakes, Lawrence Wild-
blood, Cornelius Windy, Kesia Noon, Robert Hisme, John
Household, Abraham Beharrel, Abimlech Bencraf t, peruke maker.
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162 Fenlakd Notes and Queries.
Several of these names are still extant. Not a few entries seem
indicative of carelessness or ignorance — " A woman buried from
the Widow Eoods," " A stranger from the Black Swan," " A poor
woman," whilst frequent records of drowning and inundation tell
the tale of the olden time when the fenman's life was one pro-
longed struggle against flood waters and spring tide. Not a few
names are indicative of the winged inhabitants of the country
before the great drainage systems were perfected — "Swan,"
"Goes," " Sparrowhawk." The following curious entry is found
in the first page of the marriage register introduced after the
passing of what is known as Lord Hardwick's Act —
April 11, 1760. — ^Whenever the banns of matrimony have been published,
and the man or woman shaU refuse to be married, out of the fee due to the
curate for the refusal the parish clerk is to have one shilling. W. Windle.
And then in another hand-writing —
If the curate thinks fit to give it him.
Oct. 6, 1763. Chaeles Chadwick.
Towards the close of the century somewhat better times seemed
to have dawned upon the church in our hamlet town. Either good
fortune in the shape of a legacy or a resolve to deny himself for
the good of his parish prompted the Rev. Abraham Jobson, curate
in charge, to give up the office of schoolmaster and devote himself
entirely to the execution of the sacred duties of parish priest.
The following entry records the change : —
Whereas the Rev. Mr. Jobson, Schoolmaster, for the charitable gifts of
Mr. William Neale and Mr. James Shepheard, late of March (deceased),
hath given notice of his intention to decline teaching the poor children
under the said charity at old Michaelmas now next ensuing. We therefore,
the Churchwardens, of March aforesaid, whose names are hereunder written,
do elect and choose Mr. John Wells, of March aforesaid, writing master, to
succeed the said Mr. Jobson in the said Mr. Neale's charity for teaching
eight boys of March aforesaid, and also choose him to succeed the said Mr.
Jobson in a piece of land called the school close given by the said Mr.
Shepheard for the teaching three or more poor boys in March aforesaid.
Witness our hands this seventh day of October, 1782.
David Cowheed, "l ni.,,^«i,«r„^^«,.o
John Oonthoene, j Churchwardens.
The year before the following entry occurs in the register of
Baptisms:— "April 17, 1781, Mr. William Wandby was this
day nominated churchwarden for the Dean of Lichfield in the
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Fbnland Notes Aim Qusbies. 163
presence of the parishioners (who had illegally adjourned the
vestry and were returning from church) by order of the said Dean
and rector and by one his curate Abraham Jobson, Easter Tuesday,
1781." Further light is thrown on this matter by reference to the
churchwardens' book, where it appears that the case was laid before
Sir Henry Gould at the Cambridge assizes, with the result that the
right of the parishioners to elect both churchwardens was con-
firmed. The costs paid by Mr. Jobson amounted to £47 and
upwards. This case was again contested by the late rector of
March (the Rev. J. W. Green, the first rector of the newly-
constituted parish under the Doddington Rectory Division Act)
in the year 1874, this time successfully after much litigation.
The right of electing one churchwarden is now vested in the
rector. Rev. C. E. Walker, Rector, March.
125.-~History of Soham, (ly the Rev, J, R. Olormshaw).-^
In the Domesday Survey the name of the parish is spelt
" Soeham," or " Seaham," and in more modern works " Seham."
Other forms met with are "Soame," "Shoame," '*Swoham,"
"Some," "Saham." SoJiam is spelt "Soegham" in Charter
No. 685. It occurs in a will of ^Ifloed about A.D. 972 ; this
will recites the will of Queen -^thelfloed, wife of King Edmund I.
It concerns grants of land at Rettendon, Soham, and Ditton.
The Anglo-Saxon name is " Soegham." " Sceg " is obviously the
same as Swedish dialect " sogg," wet, swampy, related to •* sagt,"
drenched ; all from the root verb seen in Anglo-Saxon "sigan,"
to sink, drain ; whence also the Icelandic " saggi," moisture,
dampness. The root verb "sik" has produced the Greek "i-chor"
and provincial English " sile " to drain.
The following is an extract from the will above-mentioned : —
"And I give to S. Peter's, and to 8. Aetheldryth and to S. Wiht-
" burh and to S. Sexburh and to S. Eormenhild at Ely where my
"lord's body rests, the three lands which we both promised to
" God and His saint : that is at Rettendon, which was my morning
" gift, and at Soham, and at Ditton, as my lord and my sister
" before gave them ; and the one hide at Cheveley which my
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164 Fenland Notes and Queries.
" sister acquired ; and the fellow of the torque which was given
" to my lord as soul-shot/'
The termination "ham" is a very frequent one in English
names and appears in two forms in Anglo-Saxon documents.
One of these, "ham," signifies an enclosure, that which hems
in, a meaning not very different from "ton" and "worth,"
(as in Northampton, Walworth). These words express the feeling
of reverence for private right, but "ham" involves a notion more
mystical, more holy. It expresses the sanctity of the family
bond ; it is the home^ the one secret and sacred place. In the
Anglo-Saxon Charters we frequently find this suffix united with
the names of families ; never with those of individuals. (See
Taylor's "Words and Places," page 82).
The names Eye ffillj Eau Fen^ Soham Mere, all point to the
time when what is now cultivated land, was nothing more than a
watery waste.
Qua Feriy it has been suggested, may be a corruption of
<* Quay," i.e.j the place where ships used to load and unload. The
statement is found in two or three histories, etc., of Cambridge-
shire that Soham was, before the drainage of the Pens, a seaport
town, its chief ti'ade being with King's Lynn, but the statement
appears to need confirmation. Quay Fm is somtimes found
"Calf Fen."
Soham Mere is spoken of (e,g,, in an old geography, dated
1794), as the largest lake in England, the next in order of size
being Ramsey and Whittlesey Meres. Mere is the Anglo-Saxon
for lake or marsh.
Soil of this Parish : — The following is an extract from the
chapter "On Soils," in a book published in 1813, entitled "A
general view of the Agriculture of the County of Cambridge,"
by the Rev. W. Gooch : —
^^ Soham with Barraway. — On the east of the town, a black
sandy moor, lying upon a gravel ; the remainder a deep, rich
black mould, lying upon a blue clay or gault or clunch.
Pasture extensive of first quality ; a large tract also of second
quality. The Mere, formerly a lake, now drained and cultivated
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Fenland Notes and QuEmsa 165
^•^and the soil a mixtoie of vegetable matter and brown clay,—
contains about fourteen hundred acres."
S. FeliXj who was brought from the Burgundian territory by
Sigebert, the learned, one of the East Anglian kmgs, and who
TWis the first Bishop of the East Angles, is said to have founded a
monastery here about A.D. 680, and to have made Soham the seat
of his diocese prior to the removal of the see to Dunwich, {du%
a hill-fortress, wkh or ivkhy a bay ; sometimes called Dommoc,)
a seaport on the coast of Suffolk, now almost annihilated by the
ocean. Under the Conqueror, Dunwich, though no longer an
episcopal city, had 236 burgesses and 100 poor; and it was
prosperous under Henry II. It is reported to have had fifty
religious foundations, including Churches, Chapels, Priories, and
Hospitals. Camden, writing in 1607, says it then lay **in solitude
and desolation," the greater part being submerged. S. Felix was
Bishop seventeen years, having been consecrated about 631 by
Archbishop Honorius. His episcopate was so full of *' happiness"
for the cause of Christianity that the historian Bede describes his
work with an allusion to the good omen of his name, (Felix —
happy). Bede says of him that " he delivered all the province of
East Anglia from long-standing unrighteousness and unhappiness;"
as " a pious cultivator of the spiritual field, he found abundant
faith in a believing people." It has been said that in no part of
England was Christianity more favourably introduced. An im-
portant feature of his mission was the combination of education
with religion by means of a school such as existed at Canterbury
in connection with the house of SS. Peter and Paul. This
school, for which Feli?: provided teachers "after the model of
Kent" was probably attached to the primitive East Anglian
Cathedral either at Dunwich or Soham. The labours of S. Felix
as an evangelizer, and educator, and a church ruler, were closed
on the 8th of March, 647. He was buried in his own city of
Dunwich ; and it is interesting to find the memory of the apostle
of East Anglia preserved in the name not only of Felixstowe, (the
dwelling of Felix) to the south-east of Ipswich, but in that of a
Yorkshire village, far away in the north — Feliskirk, (the church
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^i®6 FeniiAnd Notes and Queries.
of Felix) near Thirsk. His remains were shortly afterward*
removed to Soham^and interred in the chancel of the cathedral
church which he had founded. This step was doubtless taken lest
the Danes should get possession of them. In King Canute's time,,
about 1031, they were again removed by a monk named Btheric
to Ramsey (Ramsey is derived from the Gaelic word "ruimne " a
marsh) and were solemnly enshrined by Abbot Efchelstan.
" In those days (oirc. 1020) S. Felix, formerly Bishop of Bast
Anglia, lay buried in the royal manor of Soham. For at this
place the saint while still alive had built and dedicated a beautiful
church and gathered together a goodly company of monks. These^
monks subsequently, after their good father was dead, seizing an
opportunity for which they had long waited, carried away his
precious remains from Dunwich, the seat of his bishopric where
he had been buried, and laid them with great honour in their own
church at Soham. Afterwards however when this same church (or
monastery) had been utterly destroyed and the monks killed by
the Danes, who ravaged the country in that quarter, this saintly
man had met with less reverence and less honour. This continued
up to the time of King Canute, when Etheric hearing of it and
persuading the king by his entreaties to consent to his plan,,
pointed out to Abbot Athelstan and the monks of Ramsey how by
the expenditure of a little labour they might win for themselves
inexhaustible riches and so urged them by the spur of self-interest^
to carry out his purpose.
Athelstan therefore taking with him Algerinus, his prior at that
time, and a party of pious monks, set out by water for the place
which contained a relic (or coffin ?) of such value, and overawing
by the combined authority of King and Bishop the resistance of
those who were for opposing him, he placed the sacred remains
and bones of the saint on board and began his voyage homeward
to Ramsey amid the strains of joyous psalmody. The men of Ely
however on hearing of this, grudging us so valuable a relic,,
manned their boats with a strong band, hoping by their large
numbers to carry oflf from the smaller party the remains which
they had removed from Soham. In order however that it might
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Fbnlaitd Notes and Qubries. Jgy
Ibe clearly seen that the removal was taking place rather by the-
Divine than by any human wishes, it came to pass that just as
the ships of either party were approaching one another under a
bright and cloudless sky, suddenly, to the discomfiture of the
larger force and the benefit of the smaller, a dense fog arose
which separated the two parties ; and so, while their adversaries
were vainly wandering in different directions, our boat was carried
onward in a straight course and safely deposited by the aiding
waters on the bosom of our native shore.
You may find it hard to believe this miracle which the wavering
tradition of our forefathers has handed down to us, yet, reader,
you are compelled to suspect it by no necessity so long as you are
at all events convinced of the undoubted fact that the remains of
S. Felix were, on King Canute's yieldiDg to the prayers of Bishop
Etheric transferred from the aforesaid town of Soham to the
church at Ramsey and re-buried with great reverence ; and there,
even to this day does that holy man bestow on his worshippers
many benefits. If you desire further to learn anything of his
origin, his life or his good deeds, you must consult Bede who has
composed a history of the English in admirable style, and among
other men of the highest sanctity whom he there commends, has-
deemed the praise of our saint worthy of a place."
The Cathedral at Soham is said to have been erected by
Lutlingus, a Saxon nobleman. The site of the Cathedral and
Palace, which were adjacent buildings, appears to have been on
the east side of the main street, opposite to the present church.
Many vestiges of buildings and human bones are said to have
been dug up about 150 years ago.
A stone coffin, in an imperfect condition, was found in the same
site a few years back, but unfortunately it was used by the finder
to make cement with. A few bones (skulls, &c.) were met with
in 1887, when the foundations for the Conservative Club were
being excavated.
The following story of King Canute (a.d. 1017—1035), based
on the narrative of the Liber Elimsis, is told in Mr.. Miller*a
Interesting tale entitled The Gamp of Refuge :
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168 Fenlakd Notes asd Queries.
" One winter King Canute went to visit the monks of Ely.
Then the nobles of his court said, * We cannot pass : the king
must not pass on the slippery, unsafe ice, which may break and
cause us all to be drowned in the fen waters.' But Canute, like
the pious and stout king that he was, said, 'Hold ice or break ice,
I will keep the feast of the Purification with the good monks of Ely !
An there be but one bold fenner that will go before over the ice by
Soham mere and shew the way, I will be the next to follow !"
Now there chanced to be standing amidst the crowd one
Brifchmer, a fenner of the Isle of Ely, that was called from his
exceeding fatness Budde, or Pudding ; and this heavy man
stood forward and said that he would go before the King and
shew him a way on the ice across Soham mere. Quoth Canute,
who, albeit so great a king, was but a small, light man ; * If the
ice can bear thy weight, it can well bear mine ! So go on, and I
follow.' So Brithmer went his way across the bending and
cracking ice, and the king followed him at a convenient distance;
and one by one the courtiers followed the king, and after a few
falls on the ice they all got safe to Ely. And for the good deed
which he had done. King Canute made fat Brithmer, who was but
a serf before, a free man, and gave unto him some free lands
which his posterity held and enjoyed a long time afterwards."
(Page 464.)
The Church. — It is impossible to say whether the " cathedral,'
founded by Lutlingus was the same building that was destroyed
by the Danes about 870, or how far it is true that these invaders
first drove "the priests and all the people" into the cathedral,
and then, setting fire to the building, destroyed both it and them
in the flames. Nothing is known about the church or '' cathedral"
of Soham before the xi century, except that the bones of S. Felix
were interred in the chancel and remained there until 1031, when,
as we have seen, they were removed to Eamsey, This may point
to the rebuilding of the original church (destroyed in 870) on the
same site, and to its having remained until the middle or end of
the XI century at least. But there is no evidence to determine
whether the building in which S. Felix was interred stood on liBe
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Fbnland Notes and Qubeies. 169
site of the present church, or on the opposite side of the road
where the human and other relics have been found. If the former
was the site, then the old building was probably incorporated into
the present chancel.
The existing church, which, like all churches of the same age,
has undergone many changes since first erected, is said to have
been built about the end of the 12th century. If this were so,
however, we are confronted by a little diflBcalty. We know there
was a Vicar of Soham named Ranulph in 1102, because on the
29th of August in that year, Hubert de Burgh, Chief Justice of
England, granted to the church of S. Andrew, in Soham, the
lands which he had given to " Ranulph the Vicar " in trust for
the church.
The building in which S. Felix was buried must therefore have
remained longer than the end of the 11th century, or the present
church was built earlier than the end of the 12th century, or there
was no church at all for nearly 100 years. The grant to Vicar Ra-
nulph may have led to the erection of a new church. The same
grant, it will have been noticed, speaks of the church as dedicated to
S. Andrew, and it is referred to under the same name in various old
documents and modern books of the following dates : — 1250,
1302, 1570, 1746, 1780, 1808, 1840, 1875, and in the wills of
the 16th century. But it is now popularly known as the church
of S. John the Baptist, although no trace can be met with of any
re-dedication. The only apparent reason for its being called by
the latter name is that the " feast " is kept on or near S. John
the Baptist's day. The evidence in favour of S. Andrew is
however, overwhelmingly strong.
The ground plan of the church is that of a cross, with provision
for a central tower. In 1496* one — left a legacy for
" taking down ye maste (or shafte) of ye steeple and towards ye
making of another of stone ;" and in 1502 mention is made of
" novum campanile." As the present tower at the west end was
built about the 15th or 16th century, it may be supposed that the
* An examination of the wUls of the 15th century, at Bury, would
probably throw more light on this and other points.
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170 Penland Notes and Queeies.
central tower was newer finished in stone, bufc that there was only
a wooden bell turret until the above legacy led to the erection of
the west tower. The nave, which is lofty, measures 52 feet by
22 feet, with side aisles of the same length and 9 feet wide,
divided from the nave by arcades of four arches, springing al-
ternately from octagonal and circular shafts, with moulded caps
and bases, and plain pointed arches of two orders. The central
tower, 22 feet square, Springs from four pointed and enriched
arches of three orders, rising from semi-circular responds with
enriched capitals and plain bases, the western arch being much
enriched on its west side. Access to this tower was gained from
the chapel (choir vestry) the steps still remaining.
The chancel, which is 34 feet long and 18 feet wide, though
probably of the same date as the nave, has been much altered by
the insertion of decorated windows of about the middle of the
14th century. That at the east end, of five lights, is large and
was considered by Freeman one of the best specimens of its
period. Its stone-work will amply repay careful examination. It
was filled with stained glass by Clayton and Bell to the memory
of the Eev. Henry Tasker, who died January 17th, 1874, after
having been vicar of the parish for 41 years. The subjects re-
presented are twenty in number, viz. : "The entry into Jerusalem;
Christ weeping over Jerusalem; Institution of the Holy Com-
munion; Washing the Disciples' feet; Gethsemane; The Betrayal;
Christ before the High Priest ; Before Pilate ; Peter's Denial ;
Before Herod; Behold the Man; Bearing the Cross; Crucifixion;
Descent from the Cross; The Entombment; Sealing the Stone;
Setting the "Watch ; The Eesurrection ; Appearance to Mary ; At
Emmaus."
At each side of this window is a small niche, in the smaller of
which are still to be seen the letters IHS; and in and around both
there are distinct traces of painting. On the north wall of the
chancel there is a fairly clear representation of a bishop on his
throne, clad in his episcopal vestments, the right hand uplifted in
the act of blessing, and the left holding the pastoral staff. The
figure measures 5 feet and the whole fresco 4 feet 6 inches by 9
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 17 1
feet 6 inches, and was discovered in 1849, when the chancel was
restored. There are traces of painting on several parts of the
chancel wall, leading to the supposition that the whole of the
chancel was at one time ornamented in this way.
The arch into the choir vestry is of local or " clunch " stone.
In 1849 the chancel was thoroughly restored at the joint ex-
pense of the patrons and the vicar, the Eev. H. Tasker. A new
roof was put on, and the whole of the lead re-cast; the mullions
and tracery of the east window restored, and two new windows*
inserted on the south side. The roof is of polished English oak,
pannelled, with centre and corner rosettes of the same material,
resting on a base of richly carved foliage. The wood work at the
east end is of English oak, having five panels on the north side,
and eleven at the east. On nine of the latter there has been cut
out in bold relief in the Gothic character the Lord's Prayer, the
Ten Commandments, and the Apostles' Creed, whilst each of the
sixteen panels is beautifully ornamented at the top. The altar
rail, also of oak, has seven panels, each pierced in a different de- \
sign, and all of a most handsome pattern. The stalls are twenty
in number, and with the exception of six on the north side, which
were added in 1880, were erected in 1849, together with the screen,
which is a fine specimen of modern work. The carving at the
east end was all executed by Messrs. Eattee, of Cambridge,
from plans furnished by Messrs. Benomi and Cory, of Durham,
and may be said to be one of the chief features in the church.
The old stalls of the chancel, ten in number, and which have
misereres, are now at the west end of the church. 1
Immediately under the altar is the tomb of the Rev. D. Har-
wood, formerly vicar of this parish, who died in 1746; also of
Mrs. Eliz. Cawthorne, his sister, who died in 1782.
At the south side of the chancel, within the rails, are ancient
stone sedilia with a piscina, all of which were restored in 1849. j
♦ It is not quite clear whether this is to be taken to mean two windows 1
restored, or an alteration in the number, or position of the windows. Miss
Bullman (High Street) has two or three old engravings of the Church ^
which might solve this point, and which are in themselves very interesting. |
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172 Fenlaistd Notes and Queeies.
"The church* consists of a nave, two side aisles, two cross
aisles, a sort of division between the nave and the chancel, which is
handsomely roofed with wainscote, and two coats of arms remain
carved on it, viz. : — a cross coup6 and two keys ^en saltire;' per-
haps what I took for a saltire may be these keys on the tower.
"The church is dedicated to S, Andrew, which may occasion the
aforesaid saltires or S. Andrew's crosses on the tower."
" The altar stands on an eminence of two steps and is railed in ;
on the south side of the wall are the sediliaf and a place for holy
water. About six feet from the steps, exactly in the middle of the
chancel, which is stalled all round with good old oak stalls, lies an
old grey marble disrobed of the figure of a priest, and inscription
at his feet, and four ornaments at the corners which were of brass.
This, probably, was for one of the former parsons. Under this
stone, about 10 feet deep, by his own direction, lies the late Yioar,
the Eev. Mr. Hawkins ; there is no inscription added to it, but
this I was informed of by the clerk.
" Close to this on the south lies a black marble slab with this
inscription, ' Here lieth the body of Ursula, the wife of Will.
Bowman, Gent., and daughter of Thorogood Upwood, Esq., who
died 17fch July, 1700. Aet. 25.--Sic Phoenix.' "
" Lately there was dug up in the entrance to the chancel, the
head under the threshold, an old stone coffin,^ now removed into
the north chapel or vestry. There are two or three coffin stones
lying in the chancel, but no inscriptions on them."
Two chapels have been added on the north side of the chancel ;
the easternmost one of the 14th century, is now used as a clergy
vestry, and contains an interesting old stone altar fixed into the
east wall, and measuring 5ft. 4in, by 2ft. Sin, and 6in. thick, the
front edge being bevelled off. Br. Cressener, vicar from 1678 to
1717, was buried here, and there is a curious tombstone by the
fireplace, in shape an irregular oblong, with letters cut in, and
is most likely the same that Cole speaks of in the following terms: —
* Cole's MSS., vol. ix, &c., July 28, 1746. f Clerestories in M.S.
t This stone coffin, together with the fragments, have long since
disappeared.
(To de continued J,
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Fenland Notes Ain> Queries. 173
126.-Croyland Notes, No. 3— (No. 82, Part IV.)— The
armorial windows that once adorned our venerable abbey formed
the subject of my last paper. I will now relate an event attended
with disastrous results when the windows were destroyed, and the
abbey itself was not spared. Holdich, the historian, says the
town was garrisoned for the king, and that in 1643 the parlia-
mentary forces under Cromwell besieged and took it 9th May.
The following account, entitled "A Certayne relation of the taking
of Croyland," taken from the original copy which has the appear-
ance of being written about the time it took place, assigns that
event to the 28th of April. It is pretty certain that the author
must have been one of the original prisoners, and the fact of a
copy of Mr. Kam's letter being given, the narrator was not im-
probably the minister himself : —
" Upon Satterday the 25th of March, being Lady day, erly in
the morneing, Captn. Stiles and Capt. Cromwell, mast, will Stiles,
the minister of Croyland, with about 80 or 90 men, came to our
towne of Spalding, wet at that time was vtterly unfurnished of
men and armes, whereof they had intelligence the evening before
by some of our maligna(n)t and Trecherous neybours ; nere breake
of day they beset the house of Mr. Kam, the minister of the towne,
where they tooke John Harrington, esqr., and the sayd Mr. Kam,
and in a violent and uncivil manner carried them away to Croy-
land, att the entering whereof all the people of the towne Grenerally
were gathered together to se and triumph oner ther prisoners, wch
put vs in mind of Sampson's entertaynements when he was taken
by the Philistines : some others of our towne they tooke at the
same time, but released all sane Edward Home, one of Captayne
Escorts servants, so we 3 were kept together under strong guards,
and about 10 dayes after, one Mr. william Slater, of Spalding, a
man of about 66 yeares of age was taken by some of there scouts
and made prisoner with vs, our vsage for dyet and Lodging was
indiflFerent good at the time of our imprisonment, wch was 5 weeks,
but some insolencyes we weare inforced now and then to indure.
Capt. Styles one day quarreled with vs for praying, and forbade
vs to doe so saying we shoold pray every man for himselfe,
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Threfctening he wood take away the bible from vs, saying it was
not fit for traytors to haue the Bible, and by noe meanes woold
p'mit us to haue pen^ inok, or paper, though Mr. Ram did
earnestly sue to him for them, and protested that he woold write
nothing but what they shoold see or heare if they pleased. After
we had continued there nere 3 weeks, on Thursday, the 12 of
Aprill, some companeys of our frends aduanced towards our
releese, where vpon, about 8 o'Clook that night, we weare all
carried downe to the Bulworke on the north side of the towne,
where we continued amunst the rude souldiers and townesmen till
after midnight, but by reason our forces fel not on that night we
weare carried into an alehouse, where we continued till daylyght,
and then we weare had to our lodgings. But when our companyes
approohed nerer our towne, then weare we all brought fourth
agayne, and another prisoner, one Daniel Pegg, of Deepinge aded
to vs and carried to that part of the towne where the first onset (?)
was giuen : being all of vs fast pinioned and made to stand in an
open place where the Cannon began to play. A while after we
weare all 5 of vs set upon the top of the brest worke (according
as had benn often thretened before) weare we stoode by the space
of 3 Hours, our frends shooting fercely at vs for a greate pt (part)
of the time before they knew (us ?) Harrington tooke
one of his souldiers Musketts Charging it with pistall powder, and
himself made 8 shots at his owne father, both he and all the rest
of the Souldiers on that side supposeing we had binn Croylanders
that stood there to brave them : when our frends p'ceuied who we
weare they left (off) fireing upon vs and began to play more to the
right hand of vs, whether Mr. Ram and Servant Home weare
presently remoued, wch caused our p'ty to hould there hands : so
little was done on that side of the towne that day, indede there
works weare very strong and well Lined with Musqueters, who
weare Backt with store of Hassock knives, long syths, and such
like fenish weapons, and besides without there works was a greate
water both brode and deepe, wch incompased all that side of the
towne by reason whereof our smal forces coold doe no good at
that time, neyther could they approch nerer mthout greate Haserd
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 175
and losse : the Minister of the towne, Mr. Stiles, was very actiu®
all the time of the fighte on the west side, where he commanded
in cheefe runing from place to place, and if fearefull oaths be the
character of a good souldier he may well pass Muster, wch made
vs not so much to maruell at the abominable swereing wch we
heard almost from euery mouth, yea, even when the Bullets flew
thickest. But as the fury of the assalt did beginne to abate in
those p'ts (parts), so did it begin to increase in the north side,
whither presently Mr. Ram and Seriant Home were posted and
there set vp upon the Bulworke for our frends on that side to play
upon : who plyed vs with greafce and smal shot for a greate while
to gether, supposeing Mr. Ram had been the vapoureing p'son
(parson) of the towne, many of our dere and worthy frends haue
since tould vs how many times they shot at vs with there owne
hands, and how Heartyly they desired to dispatch vs : But the
Lord of Hoasts, who numbers the Hayres of our heads, so guided
the Bullets that of Multitudes wch fleu about our ears (and many
of them within half Mosquet shot) not one of them had the power
to touch vs, (blesed be the name of our good god). After we had
contunued about 3 hours more upon the north worke our fources
began to retreate, and then weare we taken downe and garded to
our lodgings Mr. Harrington also and the 2 other prisoners which
had continued al the while upon the west workes weare bringing
up to vs, but the forces on the north side begin to fire agayne,
where vpon they weare carried back towards these workes by a
base fellow of the towne, and then our fources on both sides
retreated." Justin Simpson, Stamford.
1 27.— Peterborough in 1774.— •* Peterborough is the smallest
city in England, and but very indifferently built. At one end of
the town runs the Nen, here a considerable river, and which is
lately made navigable to Northampton, near 50 miles higher.
Over this stream is a good bridge, but the only building worth
visiting at Peterborough is the minster : it is a noble gothic
structure, the west front particularly rich in embelUshments, and
is much admired ; however, the whole stands in need of consider-
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able repairs, which for reasons that are obvious, will not perhap^
be hastily undertaken. Within it there is a painting of one
Scarlet, once sexton here, who lived to bury two queens and all
the housekeepers of the place twice over. Besides the cathedral,
there is in Peterborough only one parish church."
Gentlemen'' s Magazine, 1774.
1 28.— Yaxley Barracks in 1807— The following is an extract
from a newspaper of the above date : — " Barracks have been
erected here on a very hberal and excellent plan for the security of
French prisoners, who employ themselves in making bone toys and
straw boxes and many other small articles, to which people of all
descriptions are admitted on Sundays, when more than 200L a day
has been frequently laid out in purchasing their labours of the
preceding week. As a prison it is not only elegant, but convenient
and spacious, and the enjoyment of health has been particularly
consulted. We recommend it to every traveller of leisure to
satisfy himself whether it merits the character of a ^filthy,
swampy, infectious dungeon,' as a prostituted French journalist
has wantonly and falsely asserted. It is capable of containing
seven or eight thousand men, and has barracks for two regiments
of infantry." N. Edis, Stamford.
129.— Ramsey Fire. — (No. 115, Part V.)— In the Stamford
Mercury is recorded the decease at Ramsey, 22 McL, 1825, of
Mrs. Moore, relict of Eev. Peter Moore, formerly Prebendary of
Lincoln, aged 95. She was a native of Ramsey, and when it was
destroyed by fire in 1731 she was removed in her cradle.
J. S., Stamford.
P.S. — A reference to the parish register would supply us with
the lady's christian name. Of whom was she a daughter ?
1 30.— A Voyage from Cambridge to Lynn and Boston, 1827.
— The Rev. Charles Frederick Rogesrs Baylay, Trinity College^
Cambridge, M.A., 1831, Rector of Kirkby-on-Bain 1846, died at
his Rectory House, Third April, 1890, aged 84 years, and was
burled in his Church-yard. The reverend gentleman, when a
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Fenlaot) Notes and Queries. 177
student at Cambridge in 1827, formed one of a crew who made a
voyage in an eight-oar boat from Cambridge to Lynn, where they
took a pilot on board and crossed the Wash to Boston — 20 miles
of sea water, which can be rough sometimes, but on this occasion
the day was fine and the water smooth ; they then proceeded by
the Witham to Tattersball, and arrived at Lincoln on the 21st
April, 1827— the day Bishop Kaye was installed. Nine stalwart
worthies, in full boating costume, attendmg Divine Service in the
Cathedral, astonished the sober-minded citizens of Lincoln as
much as if a canoe full of Sandwich Islanders had landed in their
city. Mr. Baylay was stroke, John Mitchell Kemble and Kenelra
Digby were in the crew, and also Mr. A. T. MalMn, of Wimpole
Street, London; this gentleman wrote to the ^* Times'' (4th Aug.,
1885), inviting other members of the party to communicate with
him. As Mr. Baylay was the only one who responded, it was con-
cluded that these were the only survivors of this adventurous
voyage. Mr. Malkin in his letter says, " we took a pilot on board
from Lynn to Boston, but were not nursed by a steamer, nor
padded with cork ; more fools we, from an octogenarian point of
view. All came fresh into Boston." A writer of the time says,
" The vessel in which this very spirited expedition was conducted
was an open row boat, very long and narrow, being about 42 feet
by 3 or 4, evidently well adapted for speed, but more to be trusted
to the smooth waters of the Bedford level than upon the in-
constant main. In this wherry, however, having descended the
Cam and the Ouse to Lynn, the gallant crew crossed the estuary
of the Wash on Friday last over to the mouth of the Witham,
with the assistance of a Lynn pilot, engaged for the purpose."
On the 22nd, after a paddle round Brayfoot water, greatly to the
gratification of the citizens who admired the boat and greatly
applauded the crew, they commenced their return voyage ; again
putting up at Tattersball for the night, they arrived at Boston on
Monday morning the 23rd. On Tuesday they put to sea, but
encountered rough water and were in some danger, as their boat
endeavoured to go through the waves instead of riding over them ;
they had to back into smooth water before they could swing the
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178 Pbnland Notes and Queries.
boat, and returning to Boston, sent their vessel on a timber
waggon with three post horses to Wisbeach, the crew going on
foot ; neither of the survivors could remember their route from
Boston, but it would no doubt be by way of Fossdyke Bridge
Holbeach, and Long Sufcton, at any rate, they agreed that they
re-embarked at Wisbeach, and in due time reached Cambridge —
all well.
An account of this rowing feat appeared in the " Lincoln and
Lincolnshire Cabinet, 1828,^' whieh is. substantially correct, but
not wholly so. The above is written from this account, corrected
by Mr. Malkin's letter to the " TimeSy' and from communications
I received from him and from Mr. Baylay in 1886. " There was
no Fortescue in the crewe [as stated in the * Cabinet '] our
stopping at Tattershall had nothing to do with the ownership
thereof, neither were we attracted to Lincoln by Bishop Kaye."
C. J. Caswell, Horncastle.
131.-WiU of WiUiam Bevill, of Chesterton, 1487.-*an the
name of Almighty God, Amen. I, William Bevill, of Chesterton
in the county of Huntingdon, gentillman, of an holy mynde and
good remembrance, being the xxx day of y® moneth of July, in
the yeare of our Lord G-od, m.cccclxxxvij, make my Testament
and my last will in this wise : First, I give and bequeath my
soule unto Almighty God, his blessed modyr and mayd. Our Lady
Saint Mary, and all the blessed company of heven, and my body
to be buried in the chirch of St. Michael of Chesterton aforesaid,
afore the autre of y^ blessed Lady St. Mary the Virgin, w*^ my
best hoes in y® name of my mortuary, after the custume of the
cuntre &c. Also, I bequeath to my sonne, Will'm Bevill, a great
chest, a prewce cofer &c. Also, I bequeath to my sonne Rob't
Bevill a fedre bed, w"' a bolster, twoo pillowes, twoo blanketts &c.
The residue of all my goods not bequeathed, my detts payd, I give
and bequeath to the aforesaid Eob't Bevill, my sonne, whome I
ordeyne and make of this my testament myne executor &o. This
was done the day, yeare, and place above written. Then p'sent.
y*" parson of Chesterton aforesaid and other.' Charles Dawes
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 179
132.— Trade Tokens at Chatteris.— Tokens were firsfc issued
about the year 1643, and were proclaimed as illegal for current
coin in 1672. Private enterprise was responsible for their intro-
duction, and they were issued unofficially from time to time to
meet the demand for " small change." They were generally made
of copper, but sometimes of brass, and, as may be expected, they
very often consisted of very crude specimens of the numismatic
art. Four sets of these coins were issued at Chatteris between
the years 1663 and 1670 ; and it is a remarkable fact that the
name of the town is spelt differently on each. Probably the name
of no place has been spelt in so many ways as that of Chatteris.
In the Domesday Book it is called Chatriz, and in later records it
has been indifferently alluded to as Ceatrice, Chartres, Chateriz,
Chatis, Chaterys, Chattris, and so on almost ad infinihim. The
following tokens were used in place of the ordinary coinage at
Chatteris in the latter part of the seventeenth century : —
1, — Obverse^ thomas * coape * at * the = a gate.
Reverse, at * chattris * ferry = his half peny. 1670.
2. — Obverse, thomas * bring * of h: chateris = his half peny.
Reverse, in * the * isle * of * bly * 1667 = T.LD.
3. — Obverse, william * smith hj of = a cooper making a cask.
Reverse, chatris* 1670 = his halfe peny.
4. — Obverse, iohn ^ French *of*1663 = The Drapers' Arms.
Reverse, ramsey * and * chatteris-= his half peny.
An illustration of the first coin is given in Boyne's British
Tokens, The parish of Chatteris was formerly divided by a river
called the Old West-water, running from Somersham to the Ferry
turnpike. This river has become dry land since canals have been
made in other directions for draining the Fens. A house near to
the place where the Ferry formerly was, still retains the appellation
of the Ferry House, and the steep bank of the river is now known
as the Ferry Hill. Charles Dawes.
133.-Fenland Parishes in 1340, No. 2.-(No. 107, Part V.)—
The following is a further list of the principal inhabitants of
various tdwns and villages in Huntingdonshire as returned to the
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180 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
Exchequer Court in the 13th year of the reign of Edward III,:—
Itameset/e (Ramsey).— Eoger Clere, William Ohatenden, Benedic
Wean, Nicholas Carte, William de Staunford, and Henry le
Smyth.
Wardeboys (Warboys).— Galfred Noble, Thoe. Rowen, Richard
son of Nicholas, John Pahnere, Roger Raven, Galfred Wodekoo,
Galfred Gerold, Richard Gerold, Richard Margar, Henry Brown,
Nicholas Brounyg, Benedic son of Laurence, and Nicholas
Milnere.
Jalceh (Yaxley).— Richard Alberd, Robert le Man, Hugh Colyn,
Simon de Bernewell, Hugh Curteys, Richard Sopere, Robert le
Smyth, William son of Roger, John Launcelyn, John Freysh-
water, Henry de Emyngham, and Simon ArketilL
i&tutr' (Sawtry).— William de Derby, John TyfFeyn, Robert
Meweyn, John Wodeward, Thomas Flexman, Hamon Fykeys,
John Beaumeys, John son of Eve, Galfred Beaumeys, John
Prestesman, John Bryhte, and John Mepereshale.
Haliwell (Holywell).— John de Haliwell, Roger de Craunfeld,
Nicholas Scot, John Laweman, John Ganelok, Thomas de
Hoghton, Henry Clerenans, John de Kerynton, and William de
Bykeleswade.
Hemyngford Prior' (Hemingford Grey).— William de Juye, Ralph
le Vernonn, John le Warde, William Gerband, Ade Sier,
Thomas Gamelyn, Robert Jacob, John Hame, John Nicholas,
John son of Thomas, William Sier, and John le Smyth.
Hemyngford Ablaf (Hemingford Abbots).— Simon atte Stile, Ade
Amable, Reginald Fermer, Thomas Mareschal, Nicholas Trappe,
Thomas Jurdon, John Selede, Simon atte Tounesende, Henry
Barker, Sunon Everard, William Craunfeld, and John Aylemar.
Hoghkne Wittone (Hough ton-cum-Wy ton). —Gilbert de Hoghton,
Robert Porter, John Crane, William Betonn, Peter Cok, John
Crystys, John Harneys, John Bryht, John Bedil, John Porter,
Walter de Bytherne, and Robert be the hee.
Wysiov (Wistow).— Thomas Palmere, Thoe. Hosebonde, Ralph
Clerenans, Nicholas Catelyn, John son of Margarete, William
del WoldC) Richard le Reve, Andrew Flemyng, John Pykeler,
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 181
Thomas Aspelon, Robert Crane, and John de Pappeworth.
Cfunmcesir* (Godmanchester). — Thomas Hopay, John Baronn,
Galf red Manipeny, Henry Colewat, John Gleive, William Aired,
William le Rede, G^lfred atte Russhes, John Milcent, Richard
le Rede, WUliam Gile, and Henry Manipeny.
Simcle Magna (Great Stukeley). — Andrew Balle, William le
Smethesson, Alexander Robyn, John Lanrence, Simon Gallon,
Roger Balle, Roger atte Stile, John Russel, John Warde,
William Purdhomme, William Palmere, and Hugh Payn.
Siimle P'va (Little Stukeley). — William Coupe, Thomas le Reve,
Simon Howelet, Robert Ryngedale, John Baylyf, and William
Hicke.
Broghion (Broughton). — William Clerk, John Wold, John Parsoun,
Robert Boteller, Thomas Bald, William Wryhte, Ralph sup' le
Hull, Thoe Pelag, John Randolf, John atte Dam, Thomas de
Broghton, John Bigge, and John Justise.
Ripion Abb' (Abbots Ripton). — William Hanlound, HughThewar,
Alexander March, Robert West, Andrew son of Philip, Andrew
Oliver, Oliver Buk, John Robbes, William Hayward, John le
' Renesson, Martin Outy, and Thomas le Neve.
Ripton Reg' (King's Ripton). — John de Deen, Nicholas son of
Thomas, John William, John Stalkere, Thomas son of Roger,
John son of Thomas, John Palmere, Nicholas Wryhte, John
son of Ralph, John Waryn, John Chaunterel, and Philip de
Kenlowe.
Biry (Bury). — Simon Hervi, John Juel, John de Biry, John
Baronn, John Boner, William de Ellesworth, Thomas Prere,
John Gernorm, John Sabyn, Galfred Haukyn, Richard son of
Simon, and Thomas Aspeland.
Grafh'm (Grafham). — Vital' le Noble, John Bal, Richard Denton,
John Russell, Robert Husee, Roger Baye, Robert in the Hime,
and Hugh atte Nook.
BoTcedm (Buckden). — William in the Lane, William Orgar, Walter
Parker, William Frere, Galfred atte Stile, John Burgeys, Jdhn
Dande, John Brann, John atte Stile, John le Hunt, Henry
G^rlyk, and Walter Aubri.
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Penland Notes and Queries.
Brampton. — John Dike, Peter Boteller, John Wymundle, Robert
Kokeby, John de Wolaston, John Oufcy, Richard Wapp, David
de Glendale, John Rokeby, William Aleyn, and John son of
Robert.
Charles Dawes.
134.— Monumental Inscriptions in St. Margaret's Churcli,
Lynn, No. 3.-(No. 88, Part IV.)
21.
Here vnder | lyeth interred the [ Body of Edward Clarke |
M who finished his | lyfe the 3 of ,| .... n
our Lord | 1669 And 7 sones & on davgh | .... his Age 74
years | slopes the de [Floor of
South Chapel.]
22.
[Large blue slab with indent of fine brass, to Walter Coney,
1479 which consisted of an eflfigy under a triple canopy of peculiar
form (with some representation in the upper part) with a scroll
over the head and surrounded by 19 smaller scrolls and 4 shields ;
the whole within a margin having the evangelistic symbols at the
corners. The inscriptions are thus given in *' Taylor's Guide to
King's Lynn," p. 19 :— " Hie jacet Walterius Coney, Mercator,
hujus ville Lenne quator Maior et Aldermannus Gilde Mercatorie
Sancte Trinitatis intra Villam predictan continue per quator
decim Annos et am plius. Qui obiit penultimo die mensis,
Septembris, Anno D'ni mcccclxxix^ Cujus Anime Propicietur
Deus. Amen." (margin) " Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, mise-
rere mei Peccatoris." (Scroll over head) "Laus trinitatis,"
(Smaller scrolls)]. [Next last S.]
[Indent of
brass inscription.]
[Next last E,]
24.
Here lyeth interred | the Body of | Mr. Benjamin Holly
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FfiNLAin) Notes and Queries. 183
Alderman & twice Mayor | who died the 17*^ Aug. | 1703 | aged
98 yeares. Mary | the wife of | Mr. Benjamin Holly | Alder-
man was I Buried 24 Janu | 1672.
[Arms : (below) on a chevron, 3 unicorns' heads erased,
impaling on a bend 3 roundles. Crest : a sea lion (?).] [Blue
stone. Floor of Chancel, north side.]
25.
In Memory of Mary ye Wife of Samuel \ Farthing^ who dep^
this life May ye 18th 2696 \ Aged 82 years, \ And also of three of
her children, Samuel Farthing | Merchant, died | July 28,
MDCCXXXY I Aged lxxiii.— Elizabeth his Wife | Daughter of |
Thomas Bourning | of Soittliacre Gent. Died | July 27. mdcc
XLiv I Aged Lxv. Here lyeth the Body of Samuel ye son of \
Samuel Farthing^ & Elizaleth his Wife ivho \ dep^ this life October
ye 8t^ 1718 Aged 14 years. [Blue stone, Floor op Chancel,
NORTH SIDE.]
26.
Under this Stone lyeth the Body | of | ®lrfaari gofb^am Mer-
chant I who dying beyond the Seas in Norway [ by the care | of
his loving wife daarlrnit | was brought over & here Interred | in
this his native place |
A„„^ f Aetat : 44:
^™^tr>om: 1704: Nov: 3«
[Arms : above on a cross 5 mullets, impaling 3 long stalked
trefoils slipped, on a chief between 2 estoiles, a half moon.]
[Blue stone. Floor op North Chapel.]
27.
[Skull] [under seats] nat. Jan, 17. 1709. [Blue stone
Floor of South Chapel.]
28.
Benjamin Holly | Ob. 15 December | 1755 Aged 72. | Here
lyeth I Alice wife of | Benjamin Holly Gent. | and Daughter of
Mr. John Richars | of Terrington with | four of their children |
who dyed Nov. [1711 Aged 27 years.
[Arms : (above) on a chevron 3 unicorns' heads erased, impaling
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f'\
184
Fenland Notes and Queries.
2 bars^ on each as many flenrs-de-lys ; crest : a bear passant.]
[Blue stone, Floor of Chancel, north side.]
29,
Here lyeth the Body of | John Exton Senior Gent. | who dep.
this Life the llth of | 1729 Aged 65 years. \ Here lyeth
the Body of Iambs Exton | Attorney who departed this Life
the 5tii I day of February Anno Domini 1723 | Aged 24 years |
John Exton Esquire | Twice Mayor | Died 17 March 1769 |
Aged Lx years. [Blue stone. Floor of Chancel, north side.]
80.
In Memory of | Nicholas Young of this Burough, | who died
in March 1731 Aged 65. | and Susanna his Wife | Who died in
February 1734 Aged 66. | Also of | Margaret Young their
Daughter | who died the 21 : day of August 1764 | Aged 50,
[Blue stone, Floor of Chancel, north side.]
81.
[Indents
of brasses,]
William Holly Gent : | died the 2d of April 1735 | Aged 48
Years. [Blue Stone, next last north.]
32.
Simon Tayler Arm : | Omni laiide major \ Obiit Apr. 11.
1738. Aet 35. | Walter Robertson Esqr. | twice Mayor of this
Borough I died Noyr. the 9tb 1772 | Aged 69. | Alice | the eldest
Daughter of | Benjamin Holly Esqr. | married first to | Simon
Tayler Esqr. | and afterwards to | Walter Kobertson Esqi*. |
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 185
died March the 3rd 1772 | Aged 64. | In Memory of Holly
Taylee, Son of SmoN and | Alice Taylbr who Dyed August
the twenty-first 1735. | Aged eight Yeares, \ Also of Pn-fflBB and
Elizabeth Tayler, Daughters | of the above named, who dyed
in their infancy. | Also of Catherine Tayler the Daughter of
the above | named who dyed March the thirtieth 1788. | Aged
thirteen years, \ Also of Ph-sjbe Tayler the Daughter of the
above-named | who dyed October the fifth 1738. Aged five years \
Also of Ann Tayler the Daughter of the above-named | who
dyed in her Infancy.
[Arms : (at the top) 3 boars' heads couped, between 9 cross
crosslets 3, 3, & 3 : impaling on a chevron 3 unicorns* heads
erased. Crest : A boar's head couped.] [Blue stone, Floor of
Chancel, south side.]
33.
Here lyeth ye Body of Mr. | Joshua Edwards (Upholster) |
who died the 26th of November | 1747. aged 47 years. | Also
Here lyeth the Body | of Susanna the Wife of | John Edward
(Carpenter) | who died the 31st of December | 1748. aged 63
YEARS. [Blue stone, Floor of North Chapel.]
34.
In Memory of Mary the Wife | of Aldn. Edward Everard |
and Daughter of Benjamin | Holly Esqr. She departed | this
life the 4th day of January | In the thirty-eighth Tear of her
Age I In the Year of our Lord 1749.
[Arms : a fess between 3 estoiles, impaling, on a chevron
3 unicorns' heads erased. Crest : a man's head in profile, in a
cap couped at the shoulders.] [Blue stone, Floor of North
Chapel.]
35.
To the Memory | of John PARTHiNa Merchant \ Son of
Samuel & Eliz. Earthing | He died Sept. 14tb 1749. Aged
50 Tears. [Blue stone, Floor of Chancel, north side.]
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186 Fenmnd Notes and Queries.
36.
In Memory | of Chaelbs Allen Merchant \ who Departed
this life I August the 80th 1754 | Aged 42 Years. [Floor of
North Chapel.]
87.
Here Lieth Interred | Mb. John Tayler Surgeon | who de-
parted this life I the 14th of January 1757. | Aged 34 Years.
[Blue stone, Floor of South Chapel.]
38.
H. S. E. I Johannes Mayer Arm : | ; condun . . .
I . . . . ved pre | Ee . . . . tium [ exper
aratae fidei | P • . . • or; | No . . paucis benevolus |
. . . lieni studiosus ; | Su tor ; | Qui tutelis
randis, | (Erant autem ectae fidei viro | Pluri
ssae I . usarum . . enuum .. ind .. ss .... | .... d .,. p
I c I I tanc I Aut
rei isp | Aut foeli de | Orb scae
I Ob : Sept. (?) 16. A:D: 1760 (?) Aefc :
[Arms : (below) sable, on a fess argent between 3 cross crosslets
or (?) ; a hurt between 2 foxes (?) gules. Crest : (above) •....]
[White marble tablet, on north wall of North Chapel.]
39.
Vita adamum usque Lxxv provecta (?) | prope .... lessimi
I sec I Judith Mayer | |
XVIII MDCO . XI I hospitio . . . . v . . rim die ... . xerat |
pauperum sex captorum | supp .mis .... . ascim . . .
.'Is predito | fundatrici igitur elmine
lectissimae | in om . . vcta | Gratae que erga extinctum volun-
tates I perituro marmore fixit d. o. m. Dinturniora | vice elogii
sunto. [Capitals, white marble tablet, on east -wall of North
Chapel.]
40.
In Memory of | M'^- George Hogg | Merchant of this Place |
who died April 26^^ 1767 ] Aged 70 Years. | [Blue stone,
Floor of Nort5 Chapel.]
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 187
41.
Sacred | to the Memory of | Ann, | Wife of GEORaB Mooa Esq^-
Merchant | Happy | in a most amiable disposition | She was |
Courteous to all | Beneficent without Ostentation | Her Conjugal
Virtues | Secur'd affection at home | Every ones Love | and
Esteem attended her abroad | And tho she was | bless'd with the
greatest aflBuenoes, | (a circumstance too apt | to swell the heart
with pride) | she was adorn'd with a true xtian humility | it
pleased God | to shorten a good Life here | for a better at the Age
of 46 I on the 3^ day of April | 1768. | Reader ! | Animated by
her Virtues, | Go, and do likewise. | [Blue stone, Flooe of
North Chapel.]
42.
To the Memory | of Edward Everard Merchant | Alderman
and twice Mayor | Of this Corporation | Who departed this Life |
The 27*^ day of February | In the Year of our Lord 1769 | Aged
70.
[Arms : (at the top) a fess between 8 estoiles, impaling on a
chevron 3 unicorns' heads erased. Crest : a man's head, in profile,
in a cap, couped at the shoulders. [Blue stone. Floor op North
Chapel.]
43.
Here lyeth | Five of the Children of | Edward Everard |
Alderman ; \ and Mary his Wife ; | Who Died in their |
Infancy. | [Blue stone, Floor of North Chapel.]
44.
JoSEPHirs Tayler I Doctor in Medicina Apprime Sciens |
Obiit 3 Martii A.D. 1771 Aetatis 52. | Quem Vivum | Ob Mores
Suavissimos | Nulli non dilexerunt. | Mortuum | Plorant deplort
antque Conjux, | ^t undecim Liberi, | Defiant Cognati, | Moeren-
Pauperes, | Lugent Omnes. | Et Anna Uxor ejus | Obiit 29
Novemb. Anno Domi 1790 | -^Jtatis 63.
[Arms : (at the top) 3 boars' heads couped, between 9 cross
crosslets 3, 3, & 3 ; impaling a wolf (?) rampant ; in chief, a
fleurs-de-lys between 2 roundles ; Crest : A boar's head couped,
[Blue stone, Floor op Chancel, south side.]
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188 Fekland Notes and Queeies.
45.
Thomas | Son of | Edmund and Elizabeth Holland | Died,
4^^ June 1776. | Aged 26. | Years. | In Memory of | Hbnby
Holland who Departed | this Life November 24*^ 1786. | Aged
34 Years. | Also of | Maby his Wife who Departed | this Life
December 6*^ 1786. | Aged 32 Years.
[Arms : (at the top) a h'on rampant gardant, between 9 fleurs
de lys in orb, a crescent on a mullet for difference. Crest: a lion
rampant gardant. [Blue stone. Floor of North Chapel.]
Eev. E. H. Edleston, Cambridge.
135.— Richard Broomhall, Vicar of St. Ives, 1646.— In the
year 1545 died Eichard Broomhall, vicar of St. Ives, who desired
to be buried *in the chancel wherever Sir Edward Cohnan shall
thinke most convenient.' He bequeathed to " the Hyghe Aulter
xiid., to the torches xx^., to the bells xx^., to the repair of the
Heighe way under the waytes iijs., iiijd., to Jone Jennyngs alias
Ffygen my trundell bede &c to William Ffygen if he will
fall to grace and sadnesse xxs. quarterlie to be paid or ells not.
To Sir Ed. Colman, the bede that I use to lye in my selffe, with
all that belonge to the same, my chamdette jackefcte. my worstede
doublette, and the vouson of the vicarage of the parish church of
St. Ives aforesaid, with all the tithe right and interest that I have
in the said advowson.'* W. M. Noble, Eamsey.
136.—Horkey, Hockey, Hawkey.— (No. 114, Part V).—
Hock Tide was an annual festival which commenced 15 days after
Easter. That it was long observed and that collections were made
to a late date is certain, from the churchwardens* accounts in some
parishes. Its origin has been much disputed. Being a moveable
feast dependent on Easter, it would scarcely commemorate some
fixed event as some have pretended. Brande, in the Fop. Antiq.
discusses it at some length, as also does a writer in Ghamh&ra'
Booh of Days, p. 498. Hock Tuesday festival is said by some to
commemorate the massacre of the Danes, and this second Tuesday
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Fenland Notes anb Quibbies. 189
after Easter was long held as a festival in England ; but it is by
many believed that the commemoration of this feast is connected
with the pagan superstition of our Saxon forefathers, and, like
others, preserved after they became Christians, and its origin was
gradually forgotten. Hock money was collected in the parish of
St. Giles, 1585, and in the parish of St. Mary. The Bishop of
Worcester in 1450 inhibited those " Hork Tyde " practices on the
ground that they led to all sorts of dissipation and licentiousness.
Horkey is an East Anglian term for Harvest Cart or Harvest
Home Festival. It is said to be derived from "hock," high
(Oerman). The last load is the high load or "horkey load."
Bloomfield wrote " The Horkey," a provincial ballad :
" Home came the jovial Horkey load,
Last of the whole year's crop ;
And Oraoe among the Green Boughs rode
Right plump upon the top."
Herrick has a poem the " Hock Cart," or Harvest Home, where
he says :
" The harvest swains and wenches bound
For joy— to see the Hock Cart crowned."
Hence the " Potato Horkey " referred to would be the application
of a provincial term to the completion of the Potato Gathering.
Let the derivation be what it may, I think it has little connection
with the Hock Tide or Hoke Tide Festival of which we read in
the 15th and 16th centuries, and which may be traced back to the
13 th century, if not earlier, and became obsolete early in the last.
The Hopper supper was a feast given in Lincolnshire when the
sowing was finished. This, with the sheep-shearing or clipping
supper and other social gatherings on the farm seem to be lost
sight of— events of a past age — and with them is lost much of
that fraternal feeling and good fellowship that used to exist
between master and man in agricultural districts.
S. Egab.
1 37.— Stilton and Warboys in 1502.— In 1502, the chapleyn
of Warboys was one Wm. Wode, and the rector of the church of
St. Mary in Stylton was named Richard Waide.
W. M. Noble, Eamsey.
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190 Fenlanb Notes and Queries.
138.— A French Prisoner's Escape from Norman Cross.—
Miss Baker (through the Peterborough Natural History Society)
has forwarded us a copy of a pamphlet published iu 1828, which
professes to give an " Interesting | Narrative | of a | Prisoner's
Escape | from | Norman Cross | and | of his subsequent Perilous
Adventures | (translated from the French) | Peterborough |
Printed and sold by G. Robertson | Bookseller and Stationer |
Market Place | 1828 | ." The pamphlet, however, is not what it
represents itself to be. It is beyond doubt a mere imaginary
sketch. The writer was no French prisoner, but a Mr. Bell, of
Oundle, who was a schoolmaster there. The sketch, which does
credit to Mr. Bell's power of fiction, was first published in
Drakard's Stamford Newspaper, but since then, it has been frequently
re-published, and has deceived numerous local and general his-
torians. In the May number for this year (1890) of Cassell's
" World of Adventure " the pamphlet in question is reproduced
as a genuine historical narrative. A close examination of the
pamphlet will furnish innumerable proofs of its fictitious origin.
Nevertheless, it is not without its historical value, for its
topographical description would probably be faithfully portrayed,
as Mr, Bell was well acquainted with the district. The following
is Mr. Bell's description of the Yaxley Barracks : —
" The English had here upwards of seven thousand prisoners
of war, of one nation or other, but chiefly Frenchmen. I will
endeavour to describe a few particulars of the place, as well as I
can recollect, which may at the same time also serve to illustrate
my escape from it.
"The whole of the buildings, including the prison, and the
barracks for the soldiers who guarded us, were situated on an
eminence, arid were certainly airy enough, commanding a full and
extensive view over the surrounding country, which appeared well
cultivated in some parts : but in front of the prison, to the south
east, the prospect terminated in fens and marshes, in the centre
of which was a large lake, of some miles in circumference,
(Whittlesea Mere). The high road from London to Scotland ran
close by the prison, and we could, at all hours of the day, see the
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Penland Notes and ubbibs. 191
Diligences and other carriages bounding along the beautiful roads
of the country with a rapidity unknown elsewhere : and the con-
trast afforded by contemplating these scenes of liberty continuaDy
before our eyes, only served to render the comparison more
harrowing to our feelings.
"There was no apparent show about the place of military
strength, fonned by turreted castles, or by embrasured battlements;
in fact, it was little better than an enclosed camp. The security
of the prisoners was effected by the unceasing watch of ever-
wakeful sentinels, constantly passing and repassing, who were
continually changing ; and I have no doubt this mode of security
was more effectual than if surrounded by moated walls or by
fortified towers. Very few, in comparison of the numbers who
attempted it, succeeded in escaping the boundaries, though many
ingenious devices were put in practice to accomplish it. How-
ever, if once clear of the place, final success was not so diffi-
cult.
" The space appointed for the reception of the prisoners con-
sisted of four equal divisions or quadrangles ; and these again
were divided into four parts, each of which was surrounded by a
high palisade of wood, and paved for walking on ; but the small
ground it occupied scarcely left us room to exercise sufficient for
our health, and this was a very great privation. In each of these
subdivisions was a large wooden building, covered with red tiles,
in which we ate our meals and dwelt ; these also served for our
dormitories or sleeping places, where we were nightly piled in
hammocks, tier upon tier, in most horrible regularity. One of
these quadrangles was entirely occupied by the hospital and
medical department. A division of another quadrangle was
allotted to the officers, who were allowed a few trifling indulgences
not granted to the common men, amongst whom I unfortunately
was included. In another division was a school, the master of
which was duly paid for his attendance ; it was conducted with
great regularity and decorum, and there you might sometimes see
several respectable Englishmen, particularly those attached to the
duties of the prison, taking their seats with the boys to learn the
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192 Penland Notes and Queries.
French language. Another small part was appropriated as a place
of closer confinement or punishment, to those who broke the rules
appointed for our government, or wantonly defaced any part of the
buildings, or pawned or lost their clothes; these last were put, I think,
upon two-thirds allowance of provisions, till the loss occasioned
thereby was made good ; and I must confess this part was seldom
without its due proportion of inhabitants. The centre of the prison
was surrounded by a high brick wall, beyond which were the barracks
for the English soldiers, several guard-houses, and some handsome
buildings for both the civil and military oflScers ; whilst a circular
block-house, mounted with swivels or small cannon, pointing to
the different divisions, frowned terrifically over us, and completed
the outside of the picture."
With regard to the internal arrangements of the prison and the
daily life of the prisoners, Mr, Bell says : —
" On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, we
had one pound and a half of bread, half a pound of beef, with a
proportionate quantity of salt and vegetables, or, if no vegetables
could be procured, we had in lieu, pearl barley or oatmeal. On
Wednesdays and Fridays we had the usual quantity of bread, one
pound of codfish, or herrings, and one pound of potatoes. No ale
or beer was served out to us, but we were allowed to purchase it
at the canteen in the prison. To ensure to us no fraud or
embezzlement, each department or division, sent two deputies to
inspect the weight and quality of the provisions, which, if not
approved by them, and the agent to the prison, were invariably
rejected and returned ; and if any difference of opinion existed
between the agent and the deputies, a reference was made to the
officers on guard at the time, and their decision was final. A
regular daily market was held in the prison, where the country
people brought a variety of articles for sale, and where every
luxury could be purchased by those who had money. Our cooks
were appointed from amongst ourselves, and paid by the English
government, so that, in regard to diet, we had not much to com-
plain of. The hospital, or medical department, I have heard, (for
thank God I was never an inmate of it, except to visit a sick
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Fenlakd Notbs and Queries. 193
comrade,) was amply supplied wibh every necessary and afcfeendance;
the nurses being generally selected from the friends of the sick.
For our amusement, amongst other things, we had several excellent
billiard-tables, very neatly made by the prisoners themselves,
which were attended by many English officers and others oflF duty;
but, unfortunately, these were the sources of frequent quarrels
and duels, two of which terminated fatally whilst I was there,
both between Frenchmen. Having no arms, they affixed the
blades of knives, properly sharpened and shaped, to sticks, formed
with handles and hilfcs, with which they fought as with small
swords. I was a witness to one of these conflicts, and it sank
deep in my memory for many months. It appeared, in some
instances, as if confinement had deprived us of the usual humanity
of our nature, and hardened our hearts ; for some shocking scenes
of depravity and cruelty would occasionally take place, which even
the counsel and presence of the good and venerable Bishop of
Moulines, who voluntarily attended to the religious duties of the
prison, could not restrain."
ISQ.—Robert Baymente of Diddington.--There was grief
and anxiety in the home of Robert Eaymente of Didington on
Oct. 7th, 1546, for on that day he and his wife were about parting,
he, to the war (with France or Scotland), she, to wait anxiously
for the husband that would not return. By his will " he left his
bodie to be as it shall please God," and ends his will with the
significant words "In warre tyme made."
W. M. Noble, Eamsey.
140.— Abbotsley Church House, 1619 — Robert Purson, vicar-
perpetuel of Abbotsley, died in 1519, leaving "towards the
making of the church house in Abbotsley xx qrs. of barley ; and a
brasyn morter and a pewter hangyng laver, &c."
W. M. Noble, Eamsey.
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194 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
141.--SomersIiam in 1728 — In 1728 an Act of Parliament
was passed for repairing the road between Somersham and
Chatteris Ferry. The preamble says : " Whereas the highway or
road leading from Chatteris Ferry (which divides the Isle of Ely
from the County of Huntingdon) to a place called Somersham
Bridge at Somersham Town's End, in the said County of Hunting-
don by means of the many heavy carriages and droves of oxen
and other cattle frequently passing through, and the floods and
inundations of waters often overflowing the said road, is become
very ruinous and bad, and many parts, in the winter season, so
deep that passengers cannot pass and repass without danger. And
whereas the said road cannot by the ordinary course appointed by
the laws now in being (for repairing the highways of the kingdom)
be suflSciently repaired and amended without some other provision
b3 made by Parliament for raising money to be laid out and be
applied for that purpose. To the end therefore that the said road
may with all convenient speed be effectually repaired and amended
and hereafter kept in good and sufficient repair, so that all persons
may pass and repass through the same with safety be it enacted
that for the better surveying, ordering, repairing, and
keeping in repair, the road aforesaid, it shall be in the power of
the Eight Honourable William Cavendish Esquire (commonly
called Lord Marquis of Hartington) son and heir apparent of His
Grace the Duke of Devonshire, Sir John Hinde Cotton, Sir
John Barnard, baronets. Sir Edward Lawrence, knight, Samuel
Sheppard, Henry Bromley, Thomas Bacon, esquires, the Reverend
Doctor Richard Bentley, Master of the College of the Holy and
undivided Trinity in the University of Cambridge, the Reverend
Samuel Knight, Doctor in Divinity, John Bigg, Roger Handa-
syde, Anthony Hammond, James Forkington, Nicholas Boufoy,
Thomas Hammond, John Brownell, Richard Drury, William
Thompson, Stevens Bazeley, Charles Green, Roger Thompson,
esquires, the Reverend William Leman, clerk, the Reverend
William Torkington, clerk, the Reverend Thomas Parrott, clerk ;
Dingley Askham, senior, Thomas Curtis, Dingley Askham, junior,
William Thompson, Lawrence Blatt, Peregrine Doyley, Thomas
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Fbnlaio) Notes and Queries. 195
Underwood, gentlemen ; Jasper Lyster, senior, Jasper Lyster,
junior, Thomas Ridley, Thomas Houghton, Thomas Cope, John
Kent, John Marriott, John Garner, George Read, John Cole,
John Cranwell, John Symons, G«orge Waddington, William
Archdeacon, and Bennet Skeeles, who are hereby nominated and
appointed trustees for putting this Act in execution," Then
follow provisions "for erecting toll-bars, a list of tolls to be
charged, &c. It is provided that coaches and passengers may
pass toll free on election days, and that the surveyor may dig
gravel or other material for repairing the road from any waste
land, and failing that upon the lands adjacent to the road.
Exemptions of toll are granted to all husbandry teams from Somer-
sham, and it is stipulated that the powers of the Act are all to
remain in force for 21 years. The Act also stipulates that the
Trustees shall hold their meetings at " the * Rose and Crown,'
in Somersham, or any other house within the parish of
Somersham." J. W. Bodgee,
Peterborough Natural History Society.
142.— Folksworth, 1538.— Francis Grene, dark and parson
of Ffolksworth was to be buried in the chancell of the parish
church, before the ymage of our blessed lady in the south sede>
1538. W. M. Noble, Ramsey.
143.— Pen Pumps.~01d men are yet living who can well
remember the days before the " Eau brink cut " and the great
" low level " drains eJffected such a vast improvement. " You see
master," said a cheerful rubicund patriarch who had had charge
in days gone by of a drainage windmill, " Tt was just like this.
She — alluding to the mill — was going all the winter when she
could, but the water all ran back again. It could not get away,
and often enough there was no wind for weeks together in the
winter time, that's how the land came to be drowned ; but, bless
you, sir, it is altered now, these steamers can drain every drop
out of the land and the rivers are always running." Few of these
quaint old-fashioned windmill pumps remain on the land. They
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196 Fenlanp Notes ajstd Queries.
arc repaired, indeed, when necessary, but never rebuilt. Steam
power is cheaper and more effective, and so an ugly brick engine
house with a low chimney which in the winter sends long clouds
of smoke across the fen and adds not a little to the dreariness of
the landscape, takes the place of the picturesque old-world
machine. But you may see them yet on the banks of Vermuden's
drain, one behind another, gradually receding into the distance,
with their sails swiftly revolving in the face of a November gale.
They stand 40 feet high from the brickwork base to the moveable
head. Every part is of wood save the foundation. Indeed, in
the old days a heavier structure would probably have sunk in a
soil, which, to this day, trembles for a furlong or more as the
heavy goods trains rumble across the fens. Not until you are
close to them can you form an adequate idea of the size of the
vast sails— 36 feet long and 6 or 7 feet broad. Within is the
machinery, simple enough, consisting of a few great beams and
massive cog wheels. All is of hard well-seasoned oak, Down the
centre of the mill comes a beam which, with the aid of a few
wheels, turns the great water wheel, the case of which is a promi-
nent object outside. Thirty feet in diameter are some of these
wheels. Their outer circumference studded with boards ("floats"
the fenmen call them) which splash the water up out of the dikes
to the higher level of the river. The lower part of the mill is
usually filled up as a dwelling, a narrow inconvenient one it must
be confessed, for the keeper. They are empty all the summer so
far as man is concerned, but that kestrel you see hovering in
the distance has probably three or four little ones to provide for
who are safely housed amongst the great timbers of the roof.
Soon after Michaelmas the tenant will take up his abode here, nor
will he leave it again till March or April. The work is oftentime
no sinecure, especially after heavy rains in " February-fill-dike,"
when the water is nearly over the young wheat and the winds are
light and shifty. Early and late the keeper must be about ready
to work round with chain and windlass the great head of his mill,
or to get in his canvass should the strong wind increase to a gale.
Any reckless handling may cause those great sails to '^ snap off
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Pbnland Notes and Qubbibs. 197
short like a carrot," for which he will be called sharply to acooont
before irate commissioners, not gentlemen from London, bat fen
farmers and landlords who know " the nature of things " and can
distinguish accident from carelessness right well. The sails come
sweeping down within two feet of the ground, which looks terribly
dangerous when the wind brings them straight in front of the
door, yet the little children run in and out unconcernedly all the
day long. Not a few of those old windmills date back a century
and a half and some perhaps even further. What visions do they
recall of the olden time, when wheat was never grown on fen land,
but only rye and oats were sown cautiously in the spring round
the edges of " the grounds."
Eev. C. E. Walker, Rector, March.
144.— Poulter and Throgmorton Family.— Richard Pulter,
of Broughton, who died in 1490, still has representatives of the
same name living within a few miles of Broughton ; and we find
a Throgmorton at the same place in 1541, probably an ancestor
of the Mr. Throgmorton, of Warboys, who accused a family there
of witchcraft in 1593.
The family of Poulter above-mentioned intermarried in the
16th century with the Bevyill's of Chesterton, a monument to one
of whom is still in Chesterton church. The BevyiU's were also
connected with the Drewells or Druels, one of whom was an M.P.
for the county of Huntingdon.
W. M. Noble, Ramsey.
145.— Labeleye's View of the Pens, 1745.— In July, 1745,
Charles Labelye, the engineer, was desired by the Duke of Bedford
and the gentlemen of the corporation of the Fens to make a report
of the then existing state of the Fens. A copy of this pamphlet,
printed by Greorge Woodfall, at the King's Arms, near Cragg's
Court, Charing Cross, is now in the possession of Lord Esm6
Gordon, who has kindly placed it at our disposal
On the title page Labelye quotes the following remark from the
Commissioners of Sewers in 1596 : — " These fenny surrounded
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198 Fbntand Notes and Qxtebies.
grounds in former fcimes have been dry and profitable, and so may
be hereafter, if due provision is made." The writer opens his
remarks by a few sentences addressed " to the reader," in which
he relates how it was he came to be connected with the Fens. He
says : — "In the sunmier of the year 1743 I had occasion to travel
on horseback, and in company with some friends, from Cambridge
to Lynn ; to make my travelling instructive, I prevailed with my
friends that we should go through the great level of the Fens. . . .
The Fens were then in a most beautiful condition, and so dry,
that from Cambridge to Denvers Ferry our horses had but once
occasion to wet their hoofs in wading through waters." That is
all Mr. Labelye tells us of that journey except that he made
observations and asked "abundance of questions" about the Fens.
But not being wholly satisfied, he commenced to collect and read
all 'books and pamphlets he could collect relating to the district.
After some general remarks upon the various drainage schemes
that had been carried out, he proceeds to state : — " In June last
[he is writing under date Aug. 8, 1745] His Grace the Duke of
Bedford, governour of the corporation of the great level of the
Fens, was pleased (without any solicitation of mine, or of any of
my friends) to do me the honour of proposing to the corporation
at their last annual court, that I should be desired to take a view
of the Fens and to give my opinion relative to Mr, Leaford's
scheme.* The corporation agreed to it, and His Grace obtained
for me from the Eight Honourable the Commissioners for building
Westminster Bridge a leave of absence for a short time." He
then proceeds to speak of his second visit to the district. He
says : — " I set out the latter end of June last for the Fens, which
I found—especially the south level — in a most deplorable con-
dition." Having reported the result of his visit to this part of
the district he was desired to take a view of the remaining part
of the Fens. The result of these views is contained in the
pamphlet of which the " To the reader " forms an introduction.
Among his observations are the following :—
♦ See F. N. ^ Q„ part V., Nq, 113.
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Penland Notes and Queries. X99
" From what I saw of Mere Drain at Gunthorpe Sluice, and
information I had about Thorney, I believe the north level may
be kept drained much easier than the other levels When I
saw the Nean at Peterboro, which is there a very good river, and
remembered its pitiful remains at Wisbeach and Salter's Load, I
could not help making several melancholy reflexions on the fatal
consequences of diverting or rather annihilating, as it were, good
rivers by traveling them into several pitiful streams or slackers."
After giving some opinions in detail, he proceeds to give
"a report touchino: Lynn navigation." He says that only a
part of the report was inserted in Mr. Badeslade's History of the
Navigation of Lynn," and the two last paragraphs "for very
obvious reasons" were omited altogether. Futher on there is a
piece entitled "a desperate and dangerous design discovered
concerning the fen countries."
Mr. Labeleye then proceeds to give a detailed report of the con-
dition of the Fens as he found them at that time. He says that
the greatest part of them which two years ago had been in a "most
fruitful and beautiful condition were "deeply overflowed." The
banks with few exceptions were in a very bad condition, most of
them full of breaches or considerably wounded, and in many places,
especially on the south side of the river Ouse, there was hardly the
appearance of any bank left for miles together. In many places
the beds of the rivers were higher than the general level of the
fens. Where the banks were tolerably good, the owners threw the
waters out of the fen into the rivers by means of windmills, but
this system was not always successful. All the locks, shields,
draw-doors, and other artifical works, with the single exception of
Stanground, were in a decaying condition.
146.— St. Ipolett. — Can any reader identify the place-name
of St. Ipolett in Huntingdonshire ? I find in 1528 Robert Calpy,
vicar of St. Ipolett, co. Hunts. W. M. Noble, Eamsey.
147.— The Whittlesey Mere Censers.— The two ancient silver
censers found in the bed of Whittlesey Mere about 50 years ago,
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200 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
when it was being drained at the expense of the late Mr. William
Wells, of Holme Wood, Peterborough, were, according to announce-
ment, sold by Messrs. Christie, Manson, and Woods, of London,
on Tuesday, June 2nd, 1890, in presence of a very full attendance,
among whom were Mr. A. W. Franks, of the British Museum,
the Duke of St. Albans, Lord Eosebery, Lord Powerscourt, and
Sir George Wombwell. After nearly a hundred lots of the fine
old silver plate belonging to the late Mr. Wells, of Holme, had
been disposed of, came the thurible or censer of Gothic design
and silver gilt, with chain all perfect. It is considered to be of
English workmanship of the time about the end of the reign of
Edward III., who died 1377, being found with the incense boat,
which has the Tudor rose upon it and the rams' heads indicating
that it belonged to Eamsey Abbey, it is no doubt correctly sup-
posed to have come from the same abbey, which has long been
ruined. It will be found figured in Shaw*s " Decorated Arts of the
Middle Ages," and it is also described in the ArcJicBological
Journal of 1851. It is 11 inches high, on a circular foot 3|
inches in diameter. When it was placed before the audience
there was some cheering, and the first bid was made of £500,
which in the next three bids rose to £1,000, the only competitors
being Mr. C. Davis and Mr. Bpore, the well-known expert, who
however, did not advance beyond Mr Davis's bid of £1,155, at
which sum he was the purchaser. The ship or incense boat, more
properly a " naviculare," with its double Tudor rose in gilt on
the cover, and the rams' heads and ondee ornament denoting the
sea, which was much admired as a most interesting example of
English work of the early Tudor period not later than 1486. It
is 11 inches in length, and 8 inches high, standing on a hexagonal
foot of elegant form. There were several competitors for the
possession of this, but after £400 had been bid there were only
Mr. Boore and Mr. Davis, who was again the purchaser at the
price of £900. Much interest was felt as to whether the pur-
chase had been made for the British Museum, as Mr. Franks was
present, but from all that could be gathered it was for a private
collector. The Times.
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FENiiAND Notes and Queries. 201
148.--Himtiiigdon8liire Livings in 1291.— In the year 1288
Pope Nicholas IV. granted the tenths of all ecclesiastical benefices
to King Edward I. for six years towards defraying the cost of an
expedition to the Holy Land, and in order that they might be
collected to their fnll value, a taxation by the King's precept was
begun in 1288, and finished, as far as the province of Canterbury
was concerned, in 1291 ; the whole being under the direction of
John, Bishop of Winchester, and Oliver, Bishop of Lincoln.
The particulars of this levy are still preserved, and printed tran-
scripts of the original manuscripts may be seen in the British
Museum. These records are of great interest at the present time
as they give us the exact annual value of almost all the church
livings in the different counties six hundred years ago. Hunting-
donshire at this time belonged to the extensive diocese of Lincoln,
and the following particulars are copied, as they stand, from the
returns furnished by the authorities of that diocese. The livings
are given under their respective deaneries, all being included in
the archdeaconry of Huntingdon.
Decanatus Euntyngdon. £. s. d.
Bcclia Bte. Marie Huntyngdon, deduct, pore. Vicar ... 4 13 4
Pens, Abbis de Thorneya in Ecclia I 10
oim Scor deeadem indecimali J
Item pens, prioris de Huntyngdon in eadem 10
Ecclia prebendal. de Brampton 85 6 8
Vicar ejusdem 4 13 4
Summa 45 — 13 — 4
Decanatus de JacTcelle (Yaxley). £. s. d.
Ecclia de Jackele, deduct, pens. ..• 35 6 8
Pens. Abbis de Thornye in eadem •. 16 8
Ecclia de Staneground deduct, pens 20
Pens. Abbis de Thorneye in eadem • 4 13 4
Ecclia de Flecton • • 6 13 4
Ecclia de Woodstun, deduct, pens 8
Pens. Abbis de Thorneya in eadem • 6 8
Ecclia de Botelbrigg, deduct, pens, indecimali 5 6 8
Ecclia de Overton Longvile, deduct, pore 6 13 4
Poro. prioris Huntingdon in eadem 1 10
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Ecclia de Polksworth, deduct, pens 6 13 4
Pens. Abbis Croyland in eadm 6 8
Item, pens, prioris de North wood in eadem 13 4
EccKa de Overton Wat'vile, deduct, pore 10 4
Porcis prioris de Huntyngdon in eadem 10
EcoKa de Alwalton 9 6 8
Ecclia de Cestreton, deduct, pens, et pore 12
Pens, prioris de Cruce Eoys in eadem 2
Pore, prioris de Huntingdon in eadem 10
Item, pore. Abbis de Thorneye in eadem 1 10
Ecclia de Stibyngton, deduct, pens, et pore 12
Pensio Abbis de Thiorneye in eadem 13 4
Pore. Elemosinar. ejusdem dom. in eadem 1
Ecclia de Newenton, deduct, pens 6 13 4
Pens. Abbis de Thorneya in eadem 19 8
Ecclia de Aylington, deduct, pens 23 6 8
Pens. Abbis Rameseye in eadem 3 6 8
Ecclia de Haddon, deduct, pens » 10 13 4
Pens. Abbis de Thorneya in eadem 5
Ecclia de Morborn, deduct, pens 6 13 4
Pensio Abbatis Croyland in eadem 16 8
Ecclia de Nassingele, deduct, pore, 6 13 4
Porcio prioris de Huntingdon in eadem. Item porcioi
ajusdem prioris in ecclia de Caldecote indecimali j
Ecclia de Denton 4 13 4
Ecclia de Stilbon, deduct, pore 6 13 4
Porcio prioris de Huntyngdon in eadem 10
Ecclia de Glatton, deduct, pens, et pore 21 3 4
Pens. Abbis de Missenden in eadem 4
Porcio Abbatis de Brunna in eadem 1 10
Ecclia de Conyngton 20
Eccli omnium Scor de Saltreya 8
Ecclia S§i. Andree de Saltreya, deduct, pore 6 13 4
Porcis prioris de Huntyngdon in eadem 10
EocUade Walton 6 13 4
Sm^ 290—4—8
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Fbnland Notes and Qubrhs. 203
Decanatus Set Joonis (St, Ives). £ s. d.
Ecclia de Wardeboys, deduct, pens 20
Pens. Abbatis Eameseye in eadem 2
Ecclia de Bouhfcon, deduct, pens 13 8
Pens. Abbis Eameseye in eadem '. 13 4
Ecclia de Somersham 33 6 8
Ecclia de Bluntesham • • 13 6 8
Ecclia de Houghton Wy tton, deduct, pens 33 G 8
Pens. Abbis de Eameseye in eadem 10
Ecclia de Hertford 8 13 4
Ecclia de Stivecle Maiore, deduct, pens 15 6 8
Pens, prioris Scs. Andree Norhmpston in eadem 1 16 8
Vicar ejusdem 4 6 4
Ecclia de Stivecle Minor 10 13 8
Ecclia de Halliwelle 13 6 8
Ecclia de Wistowe, deduct, pens 5 6 8
Pens. Abbis Eameseye in eadem 6 8
Ecclia de Eypton, Eeg 8 13 4
Ecclia de Eypton Abbis 23 6 8
Ecclia 89!. Jvonis cum centu solam ) 25
abbis Eaaneseye in vicar ejusdem J
Vicar ejusdem 5
Ecclia Eameseye Parochial 6
Ecclia de Byri cum capsell. 1 00 1 o a
de Wystowe, Upwode et Eavele/ ^"^ ^"^ ^
Sm* 267—10—0
This appears to be the &st taxation of ecclesiastical benefices in
Huntingdonshire, and subsequent levies up to the time of the
compilation of the Valor Ecclesiasticus in the reign of Henry
VIII. are based on the returns here given.
Chas. Dawes.
149.— State Prisoners in Wisbech Castle.— (No. 36, Part
II.) — The following appeared in the Wislech Advertiser^ on
August 20th, 1870 : — ^That many prisoners were consigned to
long terms of imprisonment in the unhealthy dungeons of the
ancient Castle of Wisbech is amply established by historical
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204 Fenland Notes and Queries.
record. One of our readers has handed to us an extract respecting
one of these famous captives, John de Feckenham, who not only
suffered imprisonment in VTisbech Castle, but died there. The
extract is as follows : —
John Feckenham was imprisoned in the Tower of London, in
the time of Henry VIII. and Edward VI. He was Queen's
Chaplain during Mary's reign. Dean of St. Paul's, and was
appointed Abbot of Westminster Abbey in 1556. He preached
Mary's funeral sermon. Because he would not become a
Protestant he was imprisoned by Elizabeth for 23 years, first at
the Tower, then under Horn (Bishop of Winchester), and again
at the Tower. He was released for a time and resided at Holborn
and Bath. He was, however, again imprisoned, and died in the
unhealthy dungeons of Wisbech Castle in 1685.
This John de Feckenham, who succumbed to the horrors of
the Castle dungeons, was probably of Norfolk origin, as his name,
John of Fakenham, implies. Many other ecclesiastics suffered a
like miserable fate, as will be gathered in the researches made by
Mr. R. B. Dawbarn, embodied in a paper (read before the Royal
Archaeological Society when its members assembled at Wisbech),
in which it was shown that political and religious prisoners were
frequently incarcerated there, and that it was the scene of fierce
faction disputes and plots. The following is an extract from the
paper : —
In the time of Queen Mary, William Wolsey and Robert Piggott
were confined in it prior to their execution at the stake for heresy.
In the reign of Elizabeth, James I., and Charles I., many Roman
Catholic prisoners were shut up here, and several noteworthy
ecclesiastics died at Wisbech in captivity, and are buried in the
churchyard. Among them are the two Bishops of Lincoln,
Thomas White and Thomas Watson, the latter said to be the
last of the ancient Romish hierarchy in England. John de
Feckenham, or Fakenham, Abbot of Westminster and Queen
Mary's private confessor, also died here in 1585. One prisoner a
Jesuit father, William Weston, alias Edmunds, the friend of
Garnet and Southwell, was confined eleven years in this building ,
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 205
and has left behind him a very interesting autobiography, under
the title, Troubles of our Catholic Forefathers^ and edited by
Father Morris. Weston, suspected of participation in the Bab-
bington plot, was shut up in London, in the Clink, and afterwards
in the Tower. His confinement at Wisbech Castle came between
his imprisonment in the two above-named gaols. About a dozen
co-religionists were sent into captivity with him, and during his
stay from thirty to forty prisoners, on an average, were shut up in
Wisbech Castle. He says the building itself stood upon a high
terrace, surrounded by a moat full of water, and he refers to the
great hall and other buildings as large, but everything was then
in a ruinous state, which he attributed to the rapacity of the
heretical prelates, who stripped the lead, iron, and glass from the
building for their own gain. The dilapidation was so serious
that a portion of the roof of the prisoners* lodgings fell in, but
fortunately when they were absent. Compared with other prisons
then in use, Wisbech was not a place of cruel durance to the
Catholics, and the discipline became laxer as time wore on. The
burden of their maintenance was defrayed by themselves, and
twelve shillings per month was the sum paid by each. But from
the first they were allowed to take their meals together in the
common haU. Opportunity was given for exercise, and friends
were allowed to visit them. The governor and the population of
the district were exceedingly puritanical in their opinions, and
sternly repressed all attempts at proselytism. Two servant lads
in the Castle, whom the prisoners converted, on refusing to abjure
their faith in Romanist doctrines, were flogged publicly upon the
Market-place by the Governor. It is not impossible that the
notorious Gunpowder Plot owed its origin to the association main-
tained in Wisbech Castle between two of its promoters. Eobert
Catesby and Francis Tresham, the arch-conspirators, were confined
here together in the reign of Elizabeth. An address congratulating
the Crown, in the time of Charles I., on the compulsion of the
Catholics, and referring to some of them then confined at Wisbech,
is probably the last known mention of Wisbech Castle as a political
or religious prison.
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206 FeniiAnd Notes and Queries.
1 50.— Jubilee of George III. at Deeping.— We are told that a
donation of a quai't of ale, a pound of meat, and a shilling loaf
was delivered to every man in the parish who chose to accept it,
and the like quantity of meat and bread, and a pint of ale to every
woman and child, and such a quantity of ale was allotted for
gratuitous distribution in the evening that two barrels remained
over and above what could be consumed. A Ball took place at
the New Inn in the evening, and the Lodge of Odd Fellows in the
town, and the post office were illuminated.
151.— Raining Wheat at Bourn.— The following is taken
from "Admirable Curiosities," dated 1728. "April 26th, 1661, at
Bourn, in Lincolnshire, it rained wheat ; some grains were thin
and hollow, others firm, and would grind into flour. Pecks of it
were taken from off church leads and other houses leaded, and
several who were eye witnesses brought up quantities to London,"
152.— A Curious Superstition at Boston.— On Sunday, Sept.
29th, 1860, a strange portent occurred. A cormorant took up its
position on the steeple of Boston Church, much to the alarm of
the superstitious among the townspeople. There it remained with
the exception of two hours absence till early the following morn-
ing, when it was shot by the caretaker of the church. The fears
of the credulous were singularly confirmed when the news arrived
of the loss of the " Lady Elgin " at sea, with three hundred
passengers, among whom were Mr. Ingram, member for Boston>
with his son, on the very morning when the bird was first seen.
Newell Edis, Stamford.
153.— A Previous Eestoration of Orowland Abbey.—I be-
believe there was a partial restoration of Crowland Abbey about
1816. Are there any records of what was done at that time ?
F.S.A., Birmingham.
154.— Moated Houses in the Penland.— I am told that the
Fenland supplies extremely few instances of moated mansions.
Can any one explain why ? Fenman,
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 207
155.— Monumental Inscriptions in St. Margaxet's Chardi,
Lynn, No. 4.~(No. 134, Part VI.)
46.
M I . • . . aughter of | . . . ophia Hoaa I . . . FeM- 1778 |
. • . on ths . [Floor of North Chapel, partly covered by organ.]
47.
In Memory of | Ann May who died | October 17tb 1780. |
Aged 78 Years. | Also Elizabeth May | who died Aug** 28*^
1788 I Aged 89 Years. [White marble.] [On the same (blue)
slab lower down] this towne | And [Floor of
North Chapel, worn.]
48.
Stephen Hogg Gentleman | died the 29*^ day of April 1785 |
in the 36 Year of his Age. | Also Sophia his Widow | .... at
crediton, DEVON, | 1- November 1838, | Aged 85 Years. | Also
in Memory of | Frederick Allen Hogge, | their Grandson, |
who died in China | 12*^ February 1839, | Aged 19 Years. [Blue
stone, Floor of North Chapel.]
49.
John Castleton Esq' | Merchant | died June 5^^ 1788. | Aged
40 Years. [Blue Stone, Floor of North Chapel.]
60.
In Memory of | Cooke Watson E . . | who died the 25*^ Day
of Ja. ... I In the 76*^ Year of his . . .. | S. M. | Phebe Cooke et
Alice W | Filise quae obiit 14** | Septembris A. D. 1790
A.. I Johannes Jeffbry Wat.... | Obijt 3 Martij A.D. 1 . . . |
iBt. 30, I Also Phebe Watson | Aunt to the above | Died 23
May 1801 | Aged 70. [Blue Stone, Floor of Chancel, North
SIDE, partly covered.]
51.
Sacred to the Memory of | The Rev^' David Lloyd L.L.D. |
of Jesus College Oxford ] Master of the Grammar-School in this
Town I for 34 Years. | Who departed this Life, Nov' 19*^1794. |
Aged 60 Years. | In Him were united, with all the Virtues of
private | Life, those inestimable Qualities, which ought ever | to
characterize the Instructor of Youth. | To the Authority of a
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208 Fenland Notes and Queries.
Tutor, He added the | Tenderness of a Father. | Multis Ille bonis
flebilis occidit 1 [Arms : (at the top) 3 lions in pale sejant, im-
paling ; a lion rampant between 8 arrows, on a chief 3 roundles.
Crest : a lion passant]. [Blue stone, Floor of Chancel, South
SIDE.]
52.
In Memory of | William Wardell | Who Died January 2*1798. |
Aged 43 Years. [Capitals, blue stone. Floor of South Chapel.]
53.
I ...... c I i I [Blue Stone, nearly
covered by seats, Floor of South Chapel.]
54.
May 6*^ 1774 | Died Ann the Wife of | Walter Eobertson, |
March 22. 1799 . . F«Ann Haylett Widow | . . Mother of the
above* | October 20'^ 1808 died. | valter Eobertson Esq" |
Aged 69 Years. | April 19*^ 1804 died | James Bryant Gent : |
Aged 40 Years. [Blue Stone, (partly covered,) Floor op
Chancel, South side.]
55.
In Memory of | Dorothy Daughter of | George and Dorothy
Hogg | who died 28'"' March 1798 | Aged 23 years. [Blue stone.
Floor op North Chapel.]
56.
I of Mary ] Ma | w |
the I To the Gr | of H [Blue stone. Floor op
North Chapel, partly covered by organ.]
57.
Here lyeth t . . | Timothy Healey | [Floor op
North Chapel, partly under cupboard.]
58.
Sarah Chabert | Wife of Philip Chabert Esq. |
[Blue stone, Floor op North Chapel, partly under cupboard.
59.
M'-. Stephen .... | if [ who Dep | August |
Aged | Ma | born W | died 25*^ |
[Blue stone, Floor op North Chapel, partly covered.]
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Fenland Notes and Qttebus. 209
60.
Geob I Mayor. • « . | Wh. ... | In the [Blue
stone, Floor op North Chapel, partly covered.]
61.
Susanna Allen | the tender Mother of twelve Children | bom
23 October, 1755; | died 7 November, 1816. | Susanna. | Daughter
of Stephen & Susanna Allen | born 23 July, 1785 ; | died 80
March, 1820. | Stephen Allen, olk. | Died 15. March 1847, |
Aged 92. I Minister of this Parish | for 56 Years. | -"as in Adam
all die, so in Christ shall | all be made alive." [Blue stone. Floor
OF Chancel, North side.]
62.
S. A. I 1820. [Next last North.]
63.
Sacred | to the memory of | Sir William Hoste, Bar* E.N.
K.C.B. K.M.T. I second son of the Eev^ Dixon Hoste, rector
of I Grodwick and Tittershall, and Margaret, his Wife | bom on
the 26*^ of August 1780 at Ingoldisthorpe | in the County of
Norfolk, died on the 6*? December | 1828, in London. He began
his naval career, | under Lord Nelson he was present at the
battle I of the Nile and for his gallant conduct in that | glorious
victory was appointed to the command of | the Mutine brig, his
most brilliant action was the | famous victory oflf the isle of Lissa
March 13**" 1811, | when in command of the British Squadron
consisting of | three frigates and a brig he defeated the entire |
Franco-Venetian Squadron consisting of six frigates and | five
smaller sail. In 1814 with only the 38-gun frigate | Bacchante
and the 18-gun brig-sloop Saracen he | besieged the fortresses of
Cattaro and Bagusa on | the coast of Dalmatia the former mount-*
ing 90 I guns and the latter 134 both of which surrendered |
after a 10 days cannonade. His health fell a victim | to his
constant labours and anxieties which ended | only at the peace of
Europe. His private character | was of such beauty and excellence
as to I raise feelings of the warmest love | and admiration in the
hearts of all who knew him. [Capitals.]
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210 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
In memory of | the late | Rear Admiral Sir Will^ | Geo^-
Leggb Hostb Bart j ei^egt gon of the above | born March 19*^
1818, 1 died Sept' 10*^ 1868. | also of | Theodore Orford |
Kaphabl Hoste, his brother | born July 1«* 1819, died April
15*^ 1885, on board H.M. Frigate | Volage in the Mediterranean. |
cut off like a flower. [Capitals, under the former inscription.]
[Large white marble tablet, on West Wall of North Transept ;
it was intended to be placed in Sandringham Church, but was
found too heavy for the walls of that church.]
64.
Sacred | to the memory of | Harriet | youngest daughter of
the late | George Hogg Esq"*® ] and the beloved and affectionate
wife of I Thomas Ingle M.D ; | who died suddenly at la Hague
House I 8^ Peters, in the Isle of Jersey, | on the 28*^ of May
1842, 1 ae* 48. [Capitals, white marble tablet, on North Wall
OP North Chapel.]
65.
To the Glory of God | and | In memory of | Mary Elizabeth
Kendall | who died March l^? 1870 | these columns with the
capitals and arch | were restored in the same year | by her
husband and children. [Brass plate, on South Bast Pier of
Central Tower.]
66.
To the Glory of God and in loving memory of their Parents
William Everard | fifteen years Churchwarden of this Parish,
born May 19 1747 died April 3 1861 ] buried in the Cemetery
Kings Lynn, and Harriet his wife born October 29 | 1800, died
May 12 1872, buried in the churchyard Ilfracombe. | This font
is dedicated by three sisters their surviving children a.d. 1874,
[Black letter, brass plate on side of step to Font, South Side.]
67.
To the glory of God | and as a Thank offering from Lynn |
and West Norfolk to HIM, who spared | the life of his royal
highness | Albert Edward Prince of Wales | in perilous sickness,
this Church was | restored to its ancient Proportions | by Volun-
tary Contributions, at a cost | including special gifts, of £8000, |
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Fenland Notbs Aim Qukbtbs. 211
the sum of £1680, being provided by two | Art Loan Exhibitions,
the Church was | re-opened by the Bishop of Norwich | March
31»* 1875. [Black letter.]
Architects: George Gilbert Scott & Ewan Christian. | Builders:
J. Bell & Sons. | Secretary of Art Loan exhibitions : George
William Page. | John Durst, Vicar.
[Capitals.] [Brass plate on north side of N.E. Pier of South
West Tower.]
68.
ifi To the Glory of God | and in loving memory of John Bray
died Jan 31«^ 1883. [Capitals, at the bottom of stained glass
window in North Aisle.]
R. H. Edlbston, Gainford, Darlington.
156.-Oroylaiid Notes, No. 4.-(No. 126, Part VI.)— Vpon
this greate victory (as the Croylanders vaunted) one Mr. Jackson,
a minister, then in the towne, drew the people into the Church,
where he made them certayne collects by way of thankf ullnesse
for theire good successe : the most part of the night following
was spent in drinking, reuiling, and rayleing vpon the p'lament
and Roundheads as if they had oflFered some extraordinary sacriJSce
to Barkchus, insomuch that there was scarcse a sober man in the
whole towne amongst them. And since we are fallen into the
mention of Mr. Jackson, we cannot omit some passages of his :
he was formerly a greate incendiary in another place some 10 miles
from Croyland, where he stired vp the people in a dangerous and
rebellious manner to take vp armes agaynst the plament, and
drew many of good estates into action vnder the command of
Captayne Welby, but God was pleased timely to rout that Company
without much losse of bind : upon the defeat there Mr. Jackson
with some others sheltered themselves at Croyland, where, what
by preaching and what by priuate p'swading, he was a cheefe
instrument of stiring vp the people of Croyland to take vp arms
and to commit such outrages as they did : the last sabboth that
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212 Pekland Notes and Queeies.
we weare prisoners there he preached, and in his sermon did
mightily incnrrage the people to play the men, commending them
highly for there currage and vallour in the former encounter, and
p'swaded them by many arguments to goe on in there resolution,
saying that the cause was God's, and that He had fought for them
and woold doe so still, and that all the good people of the land
prayed for fchem, he sayd also those holy stones pray for you, these
holy books pray for you, wch your enymyes teare in peeces to Light
Tobacco withall, the holy vestments pray for you, that holy table
prayes for you, wch they in many places make an horse Eacke,
yea, the saynts in heauen pray for you, but of this enough and too
much. To proceed in our relation, we heard no more of our f rends
comeing to releue vs till tuseday, the 25th of Aprill, and then the
towne was assalted on 3 sides by parte of the regiments of those
noble gentlemen, Coronel Sr Miles Hubberfc, Coronel Sir Anthony,
and Coronel Cromwell : when the forces adu(a)nced something
nere the towne, Mr. Eam was agayne called for and brought out
of his lodging and carried with al speede to the north [Bulworke,
and being very straytly pinnioned, he was layd within the worke
vpon the wet ground, where he layd by the space of 5 hours,' often
entreateing that he might be set vpon the Bulworks by reason of
the numnesse of his Limbs and his extrcame wearinesse with
lying so long in that posture, but they would not snfFor him, the
reason we conceaue was for that our frends thretened to giue noe
quarter if any of vs weare agayne set vpon the bulworks : that
tuseday proued a very windy wet day, and so continued till thirs-
day Momeing, that most of our companeyes weare forced to quit
there morish roten quarters and retreate, onely some smal partyes
on the west and south held them in exercise day and night ; most
p't of that time, through the weather was very extreame and they
had no shelter to defend them from it : on Thirsday, in the after-
noon, al the companyes were drawne downe upon the Q
onely the towne is accessable, who so plyed the Croy-
Janders vpon euery quarter that there harts began to fayle, diuerse
of them stealeing away into the couerts and Morish grounds on
the East side of the towne (w^h they call ., so famous
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Pbnland Notes and Qubries. 213
for fish and fowle) and many more that night followed there
fellowes : on the frydaj Morneing, those few that remayned set
the best face they coold vpon so bad a busynesse and seemed as if
they woold fight it out to a man, but before daylight they moued
for a treaty, w^h being granted they sent there vnreasonable
propositions, wch being tourne a sunder and scorned, our men
advaunced and entered the towne without any opposition, some
of the cheefe actors got away, yet some weare taken in the towne,
and many more since in seuerall places in the Country a bout :
Capt^. Styles, Lieutenant Auburne, of Linn, Thos. Bowre, a
scriuener of London, Mr. Jackson, the minister of ffleete, Mr.
William Baldwer, and some 3 or 4 more, are now prisoners at
Cambridge, some are committed to the prouest marshal of Spalding.
Of Croyland onely one was slayne and one Hurt, of our men weare
kOled 5, and some 18 or 20 wounded, whereof some since deade,
there wounds being incurable by reason of there poysoned bullets.
10 Ohampt Bullets weare found in one man's pocket, some of there
Musquets being drawne by our men had such Bullets in them,
and abundance of the same sort found by our Souldiers. The
principalest man we lost was Mr. Nicholas Norwood, a gentleman
exceeding zealous and actiue in this and other seruices, he dyed
of a shot in the shoulder some 5 or 6 days after, and was much
Lamented by al that knew him, and his forwardnesse for the
publick cause. Thus it pleased the Lord to delivsr vs out of our
imprisonment and miraculusly to preserue those that weare ap-
pointed to dye, for wch we desire to blesse his name for euer, and
blessed be the Lord for rayseing vp so many noble gentlemen and
worthy frends not onely of our Neybours in the Country round
about vs, but of other p'ts far distant from vs, who, with wonder-
full currage and resolution, ingaged themselues to releue us or to
dye in the place.
The Coppy of the Letter wch Mr. Eam had sent to Croyland,
wch they pretended to be the cause of that madnesse agaynst
him : " As one that truly ^lesires your peace and welfare, I aduen-
ture once more to write vnto you. My busynesse at this time is
to intreate you to accept of the adnise of a frend, who, though
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bufc a stander by, p'haps sees more than you that play the game,
I beseech you consider how dangerously you runn the Hazerd
both of your lines and fortunes in this Course you take : doe you
thinke to take vp armes, to make bulworkes and fortifications
without commission, to disobey all warrants and commands are
not very high contempts, can you Imagine that the p'lament or
the oommifcty at Lincoln can indure such aflPronts, or can you
thinke to defend your seines agaynst such forces as may easily and
spedyly be raysed agaynst you, surely your nombers and prepara-
tions are not so greate but that a smal poure may preuayle agaynst
you, neyther is your towne so inaccessable but that it may be
approched many wayes, a peece of ordenance will soone batter
downe your houses at 2 or 8 miles distance. Besides it is possible
in a very "short time to famish your towne by cufcing of all supplyes
of come and other prouison. P'haps you expect some forces from
other p'ts that wil come in to your aydes, p'haps they wch haue
so promised you wil not or cannot be so good as there words, or if
they be, surely Croyland is not able to receiue at least to mayne-
tayne any considerable nomber of men. Good neybours, thinke
seriously on these things, and doe not desperately ruin your seines
and your posterity, but herken timely to the councels of peace. I
know your plea is that you doe stand vpon your owne good in
defence of your seines and estates : so pleaded 0. H, so pleaded
: and so pleaded al that stand out with the p'lament, but the
p*lament allowes of no such plea, neyther will it indure to be so
contemned, assure your seines that if the forces of Linn, Canbridg,
Northampton, Notingham, Lincolne, Boston, and Spalding, be
able to reduce you to the p'laments obedience or Justice, you will
not escape them : my councel therefore is that you woold play the
p'ts of wise men, lay downe your armes and submit your seines,
listen not to them that aduise you to stand out, they will be the
first that will forsake you. Let those that weare named in the
last warrant present them seines to the committy without delay,
it will be the best dayes worke that euer you did, and if they will
be pleased to make vse of me, I will doe therein the best seruice
1 can, not doubting but I shal obtayne there peace vpon f ayre
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Fbnlahd Notes and Qubbibs. 215
termes. Thus beseeching the God of peace to indine your harts
to these motions of peace, I Rest your flfaythftdl frend,
Spalding, January 31, 1642(3). Eobert Ram."
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
1 57.-Pen Pumps, No. 2.-(No. 143, Part VI.)— Water Mills,
as these Wind Drainage Engines were usually called, were first
erected in the Levels in the early part of the 18th century, or the
latter part of the 17th. In the year 1678, the attention of the
Bedford Level Corporation was directed to the artificial system
of draining by mills. One of the first, of which I have seen
any account, if not the first wind mill erected for drainage
purposes in the Horth Level after the pattern of our Dutch
neighbours, was one at Tydd St. Giles in 1693, at a cost of £450.
It drained 2,400 acres in Tydd and Newton districts. The same
account speaks of the " Leverington old mill." Later were erected
the " Red Engine " mill near the Horse Shoe at Wisbech, " White
Engine " mill on the Leverington Common, and the " Gorefield "
mill. These a little more than half a century back (1835), were
sold and converted into flour mills. The "Red Engine" mill was
quite recently pulled down, and the materials offered for sale ;
vestiges of the water wheel may still be seen indicating its former
use. "From 1726 we may date the plan of draining by water
mills, a plan which was later brought into universal operation
throughout the Bedford Level, and continued until the early part
of the present century." The mill standing near Murrow station
on what was formerly the old Wryde stream was built for drainage
purposes. In the Wisbech, Tydd, and Newton districts there
were formerly 18 water mills, and fourteen in the parish of Thomey,
For the year ending Lady-day 1811, the rental for the parish of
Thorney was £19,463 7s. Od., and the mill rate was £738 68. lOd.
The last wind mill used for drainage purposes in the North Level
stands on the Northam farm (Eye), in a dismantled condition,
having been superseded some 30 years ago by steam power, which
is still deemed necessary for this low-lying district.
S» jBaAR,
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158.— Hung in Chains in GuyMm Wash. — ^The following is
a copy of a broadsheet published in 1795 : —
" The Dying Words and Confession of James Culley, Michael
Quin, Thomas Qnin, and Thomas MarMn, Who were executed at
Wisbech on Saturday October the 2Uh^ for the Eobbery and cruel
Murder of William Marriott^ of Wisbech High Fen^ (1795).
"At the Assizes for the Isle of Ely, held at Wisbech on
Thursday the 22d of October, James Culley, Michael Quin,
Thomas Quin, and Thomas Mabkin, were indicted for the
Eobbery and Murder of WilHam Marriott, of Wisbech High Fen»
on Friday the 3d of July last, to which Indictment the Prisoners
pleaded NOT GUILTY ; — whereupon they were put upon their
Trial before Henry Gwillam, Esq. Chief Justice of the Isle
of Ely.
" In the course of the trial it appeared, that on Friday the 3d
of July, between the hours of nine and ten at night, the deceased
had been out of the house to fetch some water, and on his return,
after shutting the door, was immediately knocked down by one or
other of the Prisoners, the candle put out, and was beat and
mangled in a most shocking manner — after which they proceeded
to the wife of the decased and a young man a lodger, who they
treated in the same cruel and inhuman way — after having dis-
patched them all three, as they they supposed, they went and broke
open a box, out of which they took a watch, several silver spoons,
some cash, and a coat ; most of which were found upon them
when apprehended at Uttoxeter in Staflfbrdshire.
" The whole of the evidence being gone through the Prisoners
were called upon to know if they had anything to offer in their
defence, who had nothing more to say than that it arose from a
Quarrel.
" The evidence being so very clear, that after deliberating for a
few minutes, the Jury pronounced the Prisoners GUILTY.
" Upon which the Chief Justice immediately passed Sentence
of Death upon them in the following very pathetic and affecting
manner : —
^^. James Culley y Michael Quin, T/wmas Quin, and Thomas
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 217
MarMuy — ^Tou have been tried by a Jury of your Country, and
found Guilty of the horrid crime of MURDER— a crime at which
human nature revolts, and which is punished with Death in most
countries in the world — All that now remains of my melancholy
duty, is to pass the dreadful sentence of the law upon you, which
is, — *That you James CuUey, Michael Quin, Thos. Quin, and
* Thos. Markin, be taken from hence to the place from whence
*you came, and from thence on Saturday next to the place of
* execution ; and that you be there hanged by the neck till you
* are dead, and that your bodies be delivered to the surgeons to
< be dissected and anatomized, pursuant to the statute in that case
*made and provided. — And may the Lord God Almighty have
* Mercy on your Souls.*
" The four unfortunate men who were executed this day were
born in Ireland, and had been several times employed as harvest
men by persons in the Parish where this horrid crime was
perpetrated.
" William Marriot, the deceased, at whose house the murderers
lodged, was very much respected, being considered an honest
industrious character, and who acted in the capacity of Shepherd
to a respectable Farmer in that neighbourhood.
"This morning, about eight o'clock, they were conducted to
the place of execution amidst an immense coucourse of people,
where they appeared to be very penitent, and after a short time
spent in prayer they were launched into eternity.
"After hanging the usual time their Bodies were cut down —
two of them were given to the Surgeons for dissection, and the
other two to be hung in chains."
After the murder had been committed, " Mr. S. Egar of Thorney
Fen, and Mr. Letts of Guyhirne, followed, and found the four
Irishmen in a house at Uttoxeter buying bread ; with the aid of
the constable they were immediately taken and conveyed to
Wisbeach in a cart, Messrs. Egar and Letts producing their
firearms as a caution to their being refractory proved a good
expedient. They were deadly weapons, Mr. Egar's a horse-pistol
not in a fit state to be discharged, and Mr. Lett's two small
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218 Fenland Notes and Queries,
pistols, one minus a lock, the other would not have discharged had
it been required. Fortunately they were not then required, nor
ever afterwards, altho' it was deemed proper for Messrs. E. andL.
never to go from home for some time afterwards unprovided with
a brace of pistols and in proper order. Even so recently as 1831
or 1832 some men in the parish of Thomey saluted Paddy with
* Go to Q-uyhirne ! Go to Guyhirne ! Pat.' * Corder for ye ! Corder
for ye ! returned the Irishman.' (Corder murdered Maria Martin,
and was discovered some months afterwards by her mother
dreaming she was buried in the red barn at Polestead.) There
has not been a vestige of the Gibbet Post remaining this last year
or two (1837)." M. A. Egar.
On a map of the Bedford Level, published by S. Wells about
1883, and in the old Ordnance Map (1834) the position of the
Gibbet is shewn in the Wash about a mile west of the Railway
Bridge, Guyhirn, on the North bank of Morton's Learn, (usually
known as the Old River) and at equal distance between Guyhirn
and the scene of the murder — on a farm then owned by Ralph
Pierson, and now by J. W. Childers, Esq. S. E.
1 59.— Penland Towns in 1772.— 4 Dktimary of the WorWy
published in 1772, gives the following particulars of Fenland
towns : —
Ely is seated in the fenny part of the county of Cambridge
on the river Ouse, which renders the air unhealthy. The buildings
are but mean, and the inhabitants not numerous. It has a market
on Saturdays, and is governed by a mayor. The fairs are on
Holy Thursday, for horses ; on the Thursday of the week St.
Luke's day falls in, which is October 18th, for horses, cheese, and
hops. It is, with the territory about it, which includes Wisbech,
and most parts round it, a territory of itself ; and has a judge
who decides all causes, criminal and civil, within its limits, and
is the see of a bishop. It has a free school for twenty-four boys,
and two charity schools, the one for 40 boys and the other for 20
girls, which are maintained by subscription.
Bourn has a market on Saturday, and three fairs, on March
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Fbnland Notes and Qxteeibs. 219
7th, May 6th, and Oct. 29th, for horses and horned cattle. It is
seated near a spring called Burwell head, from which proceeds a
river that runs through the town. It is a pretty large place, and
has a good market for corn and provisions.
Crowland has a market on Saturdays. The town is seated
very low, in deep fens, almost in the manner of Venice. It con-
sists of three streets, separated from each other by water courses,
and planted with willows, and the banks are secured by piles.
They communicate with each other by a triangular bridge. The
lowness of its situation admits of no carriages, and yet it is well
inhabited on account of the great quantity of fish and wild
ducks, taken in the adjacent pools and marshes.
HoLBEACH has a market on Thursdays, and two fairs, on May
17th and the 2nd Monday in Sept., for horses. It is seated in a
flat among the dykes, and is but an indifferent town.
Peterboro' has a market on Saturdays, and two fairs, on July
10th and Oct. 2nd, for horses, all kinds of stock and wrought
timber. It is seated on the river Nene, which is navigable for
barges, over which there is a bridge to pass into Huntingdonshire.
St. Mary's chapel is a handsome large building, full of curious
work, with a large choir. This place is of no great extent. It
sends two members to parliament, and the mayor, recorder, and
other officers are elected by the Dean and Chapter.
SpALDiiJG has a market on Tuesdays, and five fairs, on April
27th for hemp and flax, on June 29th for horses and cattle, on
Aug. 30th for horses, and on Sept. 25th and Dec. 17th for hemp
and flax. It is an ancient and well built town, and is a mile in
length upon the road; but is in a low situation, and enclosed with
rivulets, drains, and a navigable river ; which causes it to be a
place of good trade, having several vessels and barges belonging
to it.
Lynn has a market on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and a fair of six
days, proclaimed on Feb. 14th. It is a handsome, large, well
built corporation town, and sends two members to parhament. It
is encompassed with a wall and a deep trench ; and there are two
small rivers that run through its streets, over which there are about
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15 bridges. It is a trading place on account of its commodious
harbour. It is scoverned by a mayor, a recorder, a high steward,
twelve aldermen, and eighteen common councilmen. Formerly it
was well fortified, but has now only a battery of 10 guns. It has
two churches, a very large chapel, and two dissenting meeting
houses. There are about two thousand houses, mostly pretty
good ones, built with brick, the streets are narrow but well paved,
and it has a very good market place, with au elegant cross ; and
there are here some remains of monasteries.
Ramsey has a market on Wednesdays and a fair on July 22nd
for small wares. It is seated in the fens, in a soil fit both for
tillage and pasture, and is near the meers of Ramsey and Whittle-
sea ; which with the rivers that plentifully water it, afford ex-
cellent fish ; wild fowl are likewise in great plenty and are sold
very cheap.
St. Ives has a market on Mondays, and two fairs on Whit-
monday and Oct. lOth, for cattle of all sorts and cheese. This
town was large and flourishing before it was unfortunately de-
stroyed by fire, since which it has never quite recovered its former
beauty.
Boston has two markets, one on Wednesdays and the other on
Saturdays, and also three fairs, that on May 6th is chiefly for
sheep, that on Aug. 11th is called town fair, and that on Dec.
11th is for horses. It sends two members to parliament, and is a
large, neat, and well inhabited town. It is governed by a mayor,
who is clerk of the market, and admiral of the coast, a recorder
and his deputy, twelve aldermen, eighteen common councilmen, a
judge, and marshall of the admiralty, a town clerk, a coroner, and
two Serjeants at mace.
WiSBBAOH is merely said to be seated "in a fenny part of the
county."
160.-The Pens in 1745; No. 2.-In August, 1745, Mr.
Charles Labelye made another "particular view of the Fens,"
and he related what he found in a pamphlet addressed to the
Duke of Bedford, at whose desire the view was taken. He says,
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 221
" I found the North level of the Fens in general Id a much better
state and condition than much the greatest part of either the
Middle or South level of the Fens. I observed the nature of the
soil in the North level to be generally much of the same nature
and quality as in a great part of the middle level, but rather
better than in a great part of the South level. I found the
natural declivity of the lands in the North level to be very incon-
siderable though somewhat greater from Peterboro' than in most
parts of the other two levels. I observed that declivity to be in
general from the South-west to the North-east, that is to say for
the most part from Peterboro' towards Clows cross. I found
all the cuts and drains in the North level to be in a much better
state and condition than most of those in the two other levels ;
but far from being kept so deep and so clean from mud, reeds,
and other weeds, as they ought to be ; in order to afford so quick
and sufficient a discharge to the downfall waters as they might.
I observed the banks of those cuts and drains to be in a much
better state than most of those in the other two levels. The
North Bank of Morton's leam, the banks of Sluice drain, and the
bank next to Welland washes appeared to me the best ; and yet
those banks in many places are in want of repairs ; but the rest
of the banks along the inland cuts and drains are far from being
so high and so broad as they ought to be. I found several of
those cuts much narrower, more crooked, and with more sharp
angles and short turnings, than they might, and ought to be; and
I found them parted from one another by several (not only useless,
but very prejudicial) dams, of which I shall take futher notice
hereafter. I observed the natural fall of the waters, or the differ-
ence of levels, in all the cuts which convey the waters to Clows
cross and from thence to the sea through Sluice drain and Gun-
thorpe's sluices, to be hardly serviceable ; and at the time of
my taking this view there was hardly any current towards the
outfall. I found the outfall to the sea between Gunthorpe's
sluice and the wash way, greatly obstructed with many loose sands,
frequently shifting by the various actions of the winds and tides;
which often occasions the channels of the outfalls, both of Wis*
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beach and Gunthorpe's to shift their situations, they being some-
times very far asunder, as in the time of my view, and at other
times they came near together and even uniting in one; all which
alterations greatly increase the difficulty of keeping good outfalls.
I observed by a method much less liable to errors than any spirit
level or any other instrument that the fall or difference of levels
between low water mark over against Gunthorpe's sluices, and the
low water mark about 4 miles lower to it, over against the wash
way, was very considerable, and near as much as it is in the
mouths of much better rivers, it being certainly not less than 4
feet 8 inches, which is a fall of 14 inches per mile. But I found
the threshold of Gunthorpe's sluice so low, that it is certainly not
above 5 inches higher than the low water mark at the wash way.
Moreover I observed at the time of my view, another obstacle to
the procuring and preserving a good outfall to Gunthorpe's
sluices, which is, that the sea has raised the lands or has thrown
a kind of bar about a mile below Gunthorpe's sluices, so that
from that place to the end of the last new cut, made for the
letting of the scours from Gunthorpe, there is a fall, or difference
of level the wrong ivay of about 12 or 15 inches. I found the
lower reservoir far from being so large and capacious as it might
be made without endangering its banks, and a great quantity of
sand and silt left in the way of the waters, which might and
ought to be removed next to the banks, either on the inside or
outside of them. I observed that at the time of my view, there
were but two feet of water on the threshold of Clows cross gates,
at which time the surface of the waters in Peakirk Drain and the
new South Eau were not more than about two feet lower than the
surface of the lowest lands in the Forth level ; and I was in-
formed, that when these rivers are two feet and a half higher, the
lowest lands begin to wet by the soke and downfall waters.
Lastly I examined the two mills erected at the upper end of the
second reservoir, which I found properly situated and of good
workmanship, and certainly they must prove of great service in
case of necessity ; but the use of mills being attended with a
constant expense they ought not to be used but when all other
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Fbnlanb Notes and Qubmbs. 223
means fail. From all these and many other observations, I am
clearly of opinion, that the chief cause of the bad condition of
the North level of the Fens after wet seasons is owing principally
to the want of suflScient outfall for the downfall waters, there be-
ing no rivers that pass through this level, but what carry the
downfall waters coming down from the uplands, which makes the
case of the North level a very particular one ; and, in that at
least, very different from the rest of the fens. It also plainly
appears to me that the several cuts and drains, passing through
the North level, are not suflBlcient (in the condition they are at
present) to carry oflF the waters which they might, and should
carry oflF, after wet seasons."
The writer then proceeds at some length to detail the various
works which he considers absolutely necessary to be done " with
all convenient speed " to put the drains and cuts in the North
Level in a proper condition. A copy of the pamphlet is preserved
in Lord Esm6 Gordon's local collection at Paxton Hall, and he
has kindly allowed the above extract to be made.
161.— The History of Holbeach.— The Eev. Grant W. Mac-
donald, M.A., has just published a History of Holbeach, which is
well deserving the attention, not only of persons interested in the
localhistory of that town, but also of Fenland antiquarians generally.
Mr. Macdonald has apparently scraped together every record and
every vestige of information relating to Holbeach that could be
found, and judging from the result of his labours he has left no
source of information untouched. He has arranged his matter
carefully in chapters, and has provided a copious index. In
addition to the information concerning Holbeach, the book con-
tains matters relating to various Fenland places, as Crowland,
Thomey, Boston, Doddington, Gedney, Ely, Fleet, Whaplode,
Spilsby, Spalding, Skerbeck, Peterboro', Moulton, Long Sutton,
Weston, Little Weldon, Sutton Bridge, as well as places in the
surrounding counties not included in the Fenland district. In
consequence of the number of family names mentioned, the book
is invaluable to genealogists. Although the local matter has been
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so well done, there will no doubt be a difference of opinion as to
some of the author's remarks on general history, but these form a
very inconsiderable portion of the work The book is nicely
printed and bound by Mr. Poster, of King's Lynn, and is em-
bellished with two or three suitable engravings. We are pleased
to notice that Mr. Macdonald has been able to use, in two or three
cases, matters that have been communicafced to the pages of
Fenland Notes and Queries,
162t-The Vicars of St. John the Baptist, Peterborough,
firom the Year 1209.-The jfirst Vicar who was instituted in per-
petuam Vicariam Ecclesiae Sti Johannis Baptistse de Burgo ad
praesentationem Abbatis et Conventus de burgo beafci Petri was
William de Waterford. He was instituted by Hugo Wells, alias
Wallis, then Bishop of Lincoln, A.D. 1209, as appears from the
Eegistry of Lincoln. He was succeeded by :—
Henry de Wermingham ... 1264 J John Wylde 1468
Richard de Braibroc 1269 f Richard Chapman ......1469
Richard de Wahnesford ...1290 {John Carter 1469
Walter de Horsham 1330 S^. John Foreman 1476
Johannis Trygg (Rev. W. D. Sweeting gives date
Thomas Daumo 1353 ^^^^^'^
Roger Praunceys 1359 J^l^^^^"^« 1^79
Stephen Kynesman 1372 f^ ^T^'^ ^^^^
AdamWarrock 1373 ^^^^ ^^^^ 1^99
Thomas Cupper ^^^^ ^^^P^«*^ 1^^^
*John AnketiU 1398 ^^^"^^^ Wilkinson 1510
JohnBoton David Smyth 1517
D-o JohannisBotylbrygg 1432 t^d^Phus^(>At./^,8.P.T.1522
JWilliam Brewster 1433 ^"^^ ""• Ts IXS""'" ""'
Magisto Johannis Hare ...1457 t*Richard Key, M.A 1542
(Rev. W. D. Sweeting in Parish #rrv,^_ ttt-t/ • , c c c
' Churches gives date as 1439 ) ■*- homas Wilkinson 1555
Robert Bayston, L.L.B ...1467 ^"^^ ""as wEsolf" '""'
JEdward Wager, M.A., 1559 to April, 1604.
(The Rev. W. D. Sweeting gives date of induction as 1592, but the
Rev. Edward Wager was Vicar of St. John's Church in 1587, as he
makes an entry in the Registry of the burial of Mary Queen of Scots.)
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 225
From 1604 to 1618 no trace of a Vicar is found, but
♦Robert Thirlby, M.A., was inducted Feb. 19th, 1618, and died
Dec. 29th, 1628 ; he was also Master of the King's SchooL
♦Paul Pank was inducted Jan. 1st, 1628, and died Nov. 4th,
1658, but his successor could not obtain possession until
1660. Mr. Willson took charge of the Church during part
of the Commonwealth period, but was ejected at the Restora-
tion. Calamy speaks of him as " a man of excellent minis-
terial skill and ability ; of signal Piety and Diligence in his
work, and extraordinary success, doing good to multitudes."
t*Simon Gunton, M.A., the historian of Peterborough Cathedral,
was inducted Oct. Ist, 1660 ; he was also Prebendary of
the Cathedral. He resigned about Feb., 1666 ; after which
the Church was supplied for about a year and a half by
Humphrey Austin, who in the Register book calls himself
Deputy Vicar. He officiated till Aug. Ist, 1667, probably
upon account of the Plague which the year before had raged
in Peterborough, and was not entirely free till 1667.
*(xeorge Gasooigne was inducted Aug. 1st, 1667, and died Sept.
14th, 1680.
JJos. Johnston, B.D., was inducted Oct., 1680, and resigned in
1685.
David Waldron, M.A., was indacted Sept. 20th, 1685, and died
1687.
JJohn Gilbert, M.A., was inducted March, 1687, and resigned
in 1698.
Isaac Gregory, M.A., was inducted Oct. 9th, 1698, and died
Aug. 31st., 1707.
♦William Waring, M.A., was inducted Feb. 20th, 1707-8 ; he
was also Master of the King's School, and Precentor of the
Cathedral. He died Aug. 13th, 1726.
*Thomas Marshall, M.A., inducted Aug. 17th, 1726, and died
Sept. 29th, 1748.
John Fisher, M.A., inducted Jan. 14th, 1748.
*John Image, M.A., was inducted Dec. 15th, 1766 ; was also
Precentor of the Cathedral, and died Oct. 5tb, 1786.
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*John Weddred, inducted 1786, and died 1806.
JJoseph Stephen Pratt, L.LB., inducted 1806; was also
Prebendary of Peterborough. He resigned the living in
1833.
JJoha James, M.A., was inducted 1833 ; was also a Prebendary
of Peterborough. He resigned the living in 1850.
JBdmund Davys, M.A., was inducted 1850, and resigned 1865.
JWilliam Hill was inducted 1865 ; was also Honorary Canon of
Peterborough. He resigned 1875.
Henry Samuel Syers, M.A., B.C.L., the present Vicar, was
inducted 1875, and is an Honorary Canon of Peterborough.
* Was buried at Peterborough. J Resigned the Living.
Charles Dack.
163.— A Whittlesey Deed of Feoffment.— The following is a
copy— placed at our disposal by the Peterboro' Natural History
and Archaeological Society— of a deed of feojffment executed at
Whittlesey on Feb. 20th, in 1682 :—
ffij^ia ifttHentUre Tripartite made the Twentieth day of
February in the Five and Thirtieth year of the reign of our
Sovereign Lord Charles the Second by the grace of God of
England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith
Anno Dni 1682 §ttbtm Robt Hart of Witlesey within the Isle
of Ely in the County of Cambridge Husbandman And Henry
Hemont of Witlesey aforesayd in the Isle and County aforesayd
husbandman and Alice his wife (the Feoffoure) of the first part
And John Ground of Witlesey aforesayd in the Isle and County
aforesayd husbandman (the Feofifee) of the second part And Eobt
Beale of Witlesey aforesayd in the Isle and County aforesayd gent
(the Attourney) of the third part ©Iitnes$£t|[ That the sayd Eobt
Hart and the sayd Henry Hemont and Alice his wife for and in
consideration of Six and Forty pounds and Ten shillings of lawf ull
English money to them before the sealing hereof by the said John
Ground well and truly contented and payd Whereof and where-
with they acknowledge themselves fully satisfied And thereof doe
acquitt and discharge the said John Ground his heyres Executrs
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Fenland TScyiES and Queries. 227
Administratrs and Assignes by theise presents f nte granted
bargained sold enfeoffed and confirmed And by theise presents
doe grant bargain sell enfeoffe and confirme unto the sayd John
Ground ^U t^oBt Ten acres by estimation of pasture or marish
ground lying in St Andrews Sixth Cottage Lott in Bassenhall-
more in Witlesey aforesayd next the ground sometimes of John
Frear afterwards of Willm Frear on the west and the ground
heretofore of John Laxon now Kalph Laxon on the east and
abutting upon Mortons Leame south and upon a Droveway north
with their appurtences ^ all the estate right title interest
reversion remainder claym and demand whatsoever which they the
sayd Robt Hart and the sayd Henry Hemont and Alice his wife
or either of them or any of them have or hath or ought to have of
into or out of the sayd Ten acres of ground and every or any
part thereof Sogetl^er with all Deeds writings evidences and
myniments touching or concerning the same K0 l^t mA ia ^oU>
all and every the above mentioned to be granted to Ten acres of
ground and premises unto the sayd John Ground his heyres and
Assignes to the onely use and behoof of the sayd John Ground his
heyres and Assignes for ever ^nb tfee saiJr Robt Hart and the
sayd Henry Hemont for them their heyres Executrs and
Administratrs doe covenant and grant to and with the sayd John
Ground his heyres Executrs Administratrs and Assignes by theise
presents in manner and forme following That is to say ®^ai he
the sayd John Ground his heyres and Assignes (under the chiefe
rente and services heraf ter to grow due to the cheife Lord or
Lords of the Fee or Fees for or out of the abovementioned to be
granted Ten acres of ground and premises) shall or lawfully may
from time to time and at all times for ever herafter peaceably and
quietly have hold possess and enjoy to his and their owne use and
behoof the same abovementioned to be granted Ten acres of ground
and premises witliout any the lawfull lett suit trouble eviction
interruption or disturbance whatsoever of or by the said Robt
Hart and Alice his now wife and the sayd Henry Hemont and
Alice his wife or either or any of them or their or either or any of
their heyres or Assignes or of or by any other person or persons
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228 Penland Notes and Queries.
whatsoever lawfully clayming or to claym by the sayd Robt Hart
and Alice his wife and the said Henry Hemont and Alice his wife
or either or any of them or by their or either or any of their act
assent meanes title or procurement And that freely acquitted and
discharged aswell of and from the Dower or other interest of the
sayd Alice now wife of the sayd Kobt Hart and of the sayd Alice
now wife of the sayd Henry Hemont and of either of them as also
of and from all other estates titles troubles charges and incum-
brances whatsoever Except onely the cheife rents and services
aforesayd ^«b that he the sayd Eobt Hart and the sayd Alice
his wife and the heyres of the said Eobt And the sayd Henry
Hemont and Alice his wife and the heyres of the same Alice shall
and will at all every or any time or times herafter upon the request
and at the costs and charges in the law (and of travell also in case
such travell shall Three miles) of the sayd John Ground his heyres
or Assignes make doe and execute or cause to be made done and
executed all and every such further acts things and devises in the
law whatsoever for the further better and more perfect assurance
sure making and conveying of all and singular the abovementioned
to be granted Ten acres of ground and premises unto the sayd John
Ground his heyres and Assignes To his and their own use and
behoof for ever in such sort as by him the sayd John Ground his
heyres or Assignes or by his or their or any of their Counsell
learned in the law shall be reasonably devised or advised and
required |,nlr also That (for further assurance of the above-
mentioned to be granted Ten acres of ground and premises to be
made as aforesayd) They the sayd Eobt Hart and Alice his wife
and the sayd Henry Hemont and Alice his wife shall and will
before the end of Easter Terme now next coming upon the request
and at the costs and charges in the law (and of travell also in case
such travell shall exceed Three miles) of the sayd John Ground
his heyres and Assignes knowledge and levy unto the sayd John
Ground and his heyres One Fine sur cognisance de droit come ceo
&c With proclamations thereupon to be had and made accord-
ing to the usual course of Fines for assurance of lands used Of and
concerning the abovementioned to be granted Ten acres of ground
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 229
and premises By the name of Ten acres of fresh marsh with the
appm^nces in Witlesej in the County of Cambridge Or by any
other name or names quantitie quality or description And with
usual changes of Release and Warrantie of or by the sayd Robt
Hart and Alice his wife and the heyres of the said Robt and of or
by the sayd Henry Hemont and Alice his wife and the heyres of
the same Alice against them and every of them in the sayd Fine
to be conteyned Wi\iit^ Fine so to be had and levyed as aforesd
or otherwise And all and every other Fines Feoffments and
assurances had or to be had levyed or executed by or between the
sayd parties to theise presents either by themselves alone or joyntly
with any othar person or persons of the sd Ten acres of ground
and premises or any part therof either alone or together with other
lands shall be and in use And shall be adjudged deemed and taken
to be and in use to and for the onely use and behoof of the sayd
John Ground his heyres and Assignes for ever And to or for
none other use intent or purpose whatsoever '^xA hxtH^tt To the
end and intent the estate in and by theise presents intended to
be granted may so farre as it can forthwith (before the sd Fine
can be had & levyed as aforsd) be settled and vested according to
the true intent & meaning of theise presents They the sayd Robt
Hart and Henry Hemont and Alice his wife Have made constituted
and ordayned And by theise presents doe make constitute and
ordayn the sayd Robt Beale their either & every of their true and
lawfull Attourney for them either and every of them and in their
either and every of their name and stead into all and singular the
beforementioned to be granted Ten acres of ground and premises
and into every or any part therof in the name of the whole to enter
And peaceable possession and seisin therof or of any part therof in
the name of the whole to take And after peaceable possession
and seisin had and take as af oresayd To give and deliver peaceable
possession and seisin therof or of any part therof in the name of
the whole unto the sayd John Ground according to the true intent
and meaning of theise presents Hereby ratifieing allowing and
confirming all and whatsoever the said Attourney shall doe or cause
to be done in or concerning the premises as fully to all intents and
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230 , FsNiiAND Notes and Queries.
purposes as if they themselves either or any of them had done the
same |n faitnes wherof the parties abovesayd to theise present
Indentures have interchangeably sett their hands and seales the
day and year first above written.
Robt -f- Hart Henry If]- Hemont Alice -j- Hemont
his marke his marke her marke
1 64.— A Church Service interrupted at Thorney Dr. Smiles,
in his work on " Engineers," says : " When the new outfall was
opened, in a few hours the lowering of the water was felt through-
out the whole of the Fen Level. . . . The sensation created was
such that at Thorney, near Peterborough, some 15 miles from the
sea, the intelligence penetrated even to the congregation at church
— for it was Sunday morning — that the waters were running,
when immediately the whole flocked out, parson included, to see
the great sight."
1 65.— Water Parties on WMttlesea Mere.— The following is
a newspaper cutting dated the 9th of June, 1840. — "Whittlesea
Mere has of late years, on the day following the anniversary of
Yaxley club feast, exhibited a scene of festivity, cheerfulness and
joy. It may probably be the recollection of some of our readers
that we last year gave an account of the gala day, which as is
usual took place on the second Tuesday in June. The vessels then
mentioned belonging to Mr. Buckle, Mr. Sherrard, Mr. Eichardson,
&c., were this year fitted up in admirable style, and some splendid
sailing was anticipated. The morning was remarkably fine, and
the placid mere was glided over by upwards of 80 pleasure boats
of various sizes and descriptions, containing by calculation 1000
persons, many of whom were fashionable and well dressed ladies ;
they assembled at the rallying point, on the south side of the mere,
about the time Sol passed the meridian, when the scene was changed
to one of disappointment and perplexity, about one o'clock, by a
thunder storm, attended by a heavy downfall of rain, which lasted
four hours in succession. The ladies' dresses were literally drenched,
the boats were nearly half filled with water, and the only alternative
was tore-oross the mere from the point at which they had assembled."
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 231
1 66.— History of Soham^ (hy the Rev. J. R. Ohrenshaw).-^
Near the step of the chancel to the south, covered by a pew, lies an
exceedingly old grey marble with a French inscription round the
verge of it in old characters, but so covered by the pew that I
could only read a word or two of it. By some oversight this was
placed immediately in front of the fire-place in the clergy vestry
in 1880, and is in danger of being altogether spoilt. In the same
chapel as that in which Cole saw the stone coffin, he says there
were on the floor several neat tiles with figures, and among them
some with the arms of Lisle on them, viz., two chevrons and a
f esse between them. A handsome brass eagle stands in this chapel
also, but the tiles and eagle have disappeared. The east window
has a few panes of stained glass with birds and flowers, together
with some fragments, which, with a few in the two small windows
of the chancel, are all that remains of the old glass.
The westernmost chapel, filling in the space between the east
chapel and the north transept, with an arch into it as well as into
the chancel, is of late Perpendicular date of the 15th century.
This is used as a choir vestry and for the organ, the entrance into
the clergy vestry having been made in 1880. On the east wall of
this chapel is the oldest monument in the church. It bears the
following inscription : " The monumente of Edward Bernes
Bsquier and Dorothie his wife, one of the daughters of Robert
Drurye of Hawsted in the Oountie of Suflfolke, Bsquier, who dyd
beare unto hir said husbande, nyne sonnes and six daughters, and
dyed in the 42nd yeare of her age, upon the 18 day of february,
1598. Ano regni Eegine Elizabethe 41."
At the west end of this chapel there is a very perfect and
elaborately worked Parclose screen, which was carefully restored
in 1880. Five coats of arms were to be seen on it in Cole's time,
but only faint traces of one or two now remain. There was a
small screen under the arch to the chancel, but whether of wood
or stone. Cole does not say.
The transepts are about 18ft. 6in. long, and 15ft. 6in. wide, of
the same date as the nave, buttressed and finished with octagon
pinnacles at the four angles. Arches from the transepts commu-
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232 Fenlaio) Notes Aim Queries.
nicate with the aisles. In the south transept there is a good Early
English double piscina, with an inscription (now almost entirely
obliterated), in gold letters on a black ground. Cole gives the
inscription as follows : " In memorie of Mrs. Mary Dowman,
daughter and heire of Sir Roger Thornton Knt., wife to Mildraay
Dowman esq., by whom she had issue two sons, Isaac and William,
and three daughters, Anne, Mary, and Lydia. She died February
ye ... in ye 29 (?) year of her age and lyeth interred in this isle
1679 (?) " This transept has a large three-light Decorated
window in its east wall. Here is a small brass plate bearing the
following inscription : " Here under lieth the bodie of John
Thornton gent who married Ann the eldest daughter of Robt
drurie esquier, and by her had issue Roger, which sayd John died
the xiii day of September An. 1598." This was in Cole's time in
the south transept, with the head close to the gi*eat pillar on the
north-west : it is now with the head against the east wall.
Cole makes the following remarks upon the altar tomb under
the north transept window : " By the number of leopards' faces
about it I should suspect it might belong to one of the De la
Poles', if ever they had any possessions in this parish, as they had
about Babraham and Sarston ; in the window of the north chapel
by it is also a leopard's face Or. But this is mere conjecture.
On one part of the arch is neatly carved in stone a sort of dragon
with a boar's head and opposite to it a rose." It is probably of
the 15th century. Cole says that he was informed by Mr.
Cockayne that the large marble slab to the memory of Thomas
Docwra and his wife was laid down by Mrs. Docwra long before
her death, so that the dates were neglected, but that he would get
them added the first opportunity. This however, has never been
done.
The transepts, it has been ascertained, had north and south
early English triplets, but these have given way to windows of
much later and Decorated date.
There is a small brass at the foot of the easternmost pillar on
the south side of the nave, bearing the inscription, " Here lyeth
ye body of OUiver Robins who dyed ye 12 daye of Avgvst 1608
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 233
and had to wife Katherin Daugh : of Peter SaKsbvry.'* This
with the one ah^ady mentioned, are the only old brasses of any
kind to be found in the church.
The nave aisles have five windows of three lights on each side,
mostly of the Perpendicular period, but some are Decorated.
All vestiges of the early and original windows have disap-
peai-ed.
Cole says that when he visited the church there was over the
great north door on the wall a large figure of S. Christopher
carrying our Saviour over a river. This has been white-washed
over, but nevertheless continues very fresh and perfect. There is
no trace of it to be met with now (1887).
The new pulpit, the bottom part of which is of stone, stands
against the first south pillar ; and the neat font railed all round
and adorned with a light canopy, stands near the belfry door on
the same side. In the north aisle runs all along, from one end to
the other, a gallery.
About the end of the 15th century it would appear that the
church was lengthened by one arch to the west, making the total
length from east to west 130 ft. including the chancel, central
tower, and nave. The great west tower, 25 ft. square and 100 ft.
high, or 110ft. inclusive of the pinnacles, with its upper part
highly enriched and ornamented with tesselated work composed of
flints, was also of this period, as well as the clerestory, the walls
of which are crenulated and 11 feet higher than the original walls.
This clerestory has five three-light Perpendicular windows on each
side, and a flat pitched roof extending over the central tower in a
continuous line, thereby obliterating all external traces of this
tower. There is a lofty arch and fine four-light window in the
west tower, and a good peal of ten bells. There are 122 steps to
the tower, which Cole describes as follows : " The tower of the
church at the top is adorned with eight large pinnacles, and on
the south side by a little turret of lead for the bell of the clock.
All round the upper part of the tower, just under the pinnacles,
there are in black flint, set into the stones, the figures of Crowns
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.234 FEajLAND Notes and Queries.
for Ely and Salfcires, which are the arms of Bishop Barnet, Bishop
of Ely, 1866— 74."
The porches are large. The south one is of the 14th century,
and was at one time groined with stone. What is said to have
been the keystone of the roof is now inserted in the wall near the
pulpit. Over the entrance of this porch is a large sun-dial, with
the motto : " Ab hoc memento pendant seterna." The north
porch is of the 15th century, and probably coeval with the tower
and other Perpendicular work. It has a stoup at the west side of
the door. There is an Ambry in the south aisle and also in the
Clergy Vestry ; and a string course in the Chancel, transepts, and
nave. The Royal Arms, now at the west end of the north aisle,
are of the reign of Queen Anne.
The remains of ancient woodwork are the roofs of the nave and
aisles. The roof of the south aisle has the date 1725. A few
more or less mutilated bsnches remain in the north side of the
nave and in the south aisle.
The repairs, alterations, and restorations effected in 1880, com-
prised the complete repair of all the doors, windows, and other
stonework both internal and external. New roofs were put to the
north and south transepts, as well as to the two chapels, and a new
floor to the tower. The re-plasteriog of the walls, the removal of
all the galleries which surrounded and encumbered the Church,
the removal of the font, the repairing and re-tiling of the
floor, the re-glazing of all the windows, and the warming
of the Church, were also done. The whole was under the
direction of Mr. J. Piers St. Aubyn. Some portions of
the work were carried out by Mr. Tooley of Bury S. Edmunds*
and it was completed by Messrs. Tebbitt of Soham, at a
total cost of about £3,000, which was raised mainly by sub-
scriptions. Mr. Tebbitt, senior, died during the progress of the
work, and it was then finished by his son. The Church is seated
for about 575 persons. According to a return made in 1883-4,
the Church formerly accommodated from 1,200 to 1,500, but this
seems doubtful ; at least 200 seats were, however, lost by the re-
storation in 1880, chiefly through the removal of the galleries.
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 235
The following, from The EcdeaiologkU is interesting as giving
an antiqnarian^s opinion of the restoration effected about forty
years ago : Saint *Soham. — This fine church was partly re-
stored in its chancel some three years since (1849), Some fine
old stalls were ejected, which now lie in the north aisle, and some
cumbrous and expensive new stalls put in. These new stalls are
actually returned against a new open rood screen of very mean
design and without doors. They have subsellae, and the desks in
front are so absurdly high, that they can only be used standing.
This is an unaccountable but probably well meant vagary ; but
the new stalls have, we imagine, never been put to any use. In
the north chancel aisle (sic) there remains the figure of a bishop
of poor design in distemper. When we saw this church the nave
was undergoing so-called restoration. It was well meant but
nothing could possibly be worse. The tower had been lathed and
plastered, some fine wide apart old oak benches brought closer to-
gether to increase the accommodation ; some new uniform deal
pews erected for the dissentient parishioners, and scraping and
cleaning going on to the stone work. But we shall scarcely be
believed when we say that we found the capitals of the lantern
arches, of noble transitional foliage, actually being re-evt by an
ignorant mason with the most ruthless of chisels, merely because
any other process of removing paint and whitewash was found
tedious. Defend us from such cruel " restoration !"
Memoranda from Cole's M.SS. " Mr. Cockayne, who was an
odd-looking man, short, squat, a nose like a hawk's beak, and
small eye, and withal very penurious, died on Saturday, August
1st, 1778, at Soham, where he had built a small house. He was
very rich Sir John Cotton told me. Ten years ago he was worth
about £40,000. An attorney, I think, left him near half of it, and
he had £6,000 or £7,000 with his wife, a sister of Dr. Ewin, of
Cambridge. He had got into a law-suit since he purchased an estate
at Swavesey, some 4 or 5 years ago, with a litigious and shrewd
fellow Berry ( ?) Dodson, who has been long used to tyrannize over
* The omission of the name seems to point to some uncertainty as to
the patron saint, and is the only cine met with as to the change of name.
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236 Fenland Notes and Queries.
the parish, but whose age and declining health would probably
soon have put an end to the contest between them, had nob Mr.
Cockayne's sudden death intervened, for he was taken ill but the
Monday before. Dr. Ewin told me this summer that his brother
Cockayne made himself so uneasy about his son, a youth of 19,
the only child, that he was afraid it would endanger his health.
Probably that and the law-suit, (for he was of a vehement law spirit
also), might have hastened his end. He was afraid to put his son
either to College or to the Inns of Court for fear of his morals,
and was equally uneasy in regard to his situation at home, where
was in the town an attorney's clerk, of whom Mr. Cockayne
was much alarmed, as his son had gob acquainted with him, and I
suppose whose morals he was afraid of. The son had the
appearance of an idiot, and if he turns out well I shall wonder."
" There is a small black marble on the step of the old altar, in
the westernmost chapel, to the memory of Dorothy Hamond."
" In this place lives Theodore Smith, Esq., Gentleman ; Usher
to H.E.H. Frederick Prince of Wales and Justice of the Peace
for the County.
" In 1658, seven or eight urns were found by Sir Jonas Moore,
in digging in a piece of ground belonging to Mr. Chicheley, in
this parish.*
<^Soham.— 1780: Church dedicated to S. Andrew— 6 bells.'*
This information was obtained by Cole from the Testamentary
Registers.
Another link connecting Soham with events of the past may be
found in the fact that certain remains have been discovered at
various times in the present Cemetery. It is rather curious that
human bones interred about eight or nine hundred years ago
should have been met with in this particular part of the
parish. It may perhaps be accounted for by the Cemetery being
situated on rising ground and near the main road, and the bones
may be those of soldiers who fell in one of the numerous fights
* An urn was found in recent years in a fairly good state of preserva-
tion, containing part of a human skuU, &c. It was in the possession of Mr.
WUton, boot-maker, Church-gate Street, in 1889.
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M^HRIDVS TYISTDALLNOBIU.
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n
'Earnaurat rBBvntom.TBytRKVBaeaae'Bmujam
VHJFmtfAsaeBLLfiocrati or mviwrr r , qcB iw wri^lWAW
or Tsu Qan'iicaAHPiMCTaRorQvKsanscCcEUZNBJii
G^e.wi&rcomKWiurKbUtf.wa* thia earth.
Tli» poor.je cfanrdb . f eollrdge aajc Jirra i^T*'
Afixnle. AHrii«'»A— later. tnwrgoPcL wiac .
SLLA'ivs oKvaQLDOsisNap^am'
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 237
which took place in earlier days. In the years 1865-7 Mr. R.
Elsden discovered some Anglo-Saxon beads, &c., when digging in
the npper part of the Cemetery. The articles met with included
6 bronze brooches, 1 bronze "girgle-hanger" (as engraving below,)
1 rock crystal bead, and 10 glass beads as well as a few fragments
too small to be recognised. These were exhibited at the Society
of Antiquaries, London, by the Rev. C. J. Armistead, P.S.A.,
then Curate of Soham. and were considdred of sufficient import-
ance to be noted in the Society's Journal. The chief object
of interest, the " girgle-hanger '* was engraved, and we are
indebted to the Council of this Society for the loan of the block
from which our engraving is produced. The whole of the
articles were forwarded to the British Museum, and are now
exhibited there along with other remains of a similar character.
The brooches, &c. found in Lincolnshire and elsewhere, and
which are to be seen in the Museum in the same case, are of a
more valuable kind, several of them being larger and better made,
whilst some of them are studded with precious stones. The
'* girgle-hanger " found here is a fairly perfect specimen of the
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238 Penland Notes and Qubbies*
kind, but antiquaries are at a loss to know the precise purpose for
which these articles were used, probably as ornaments or perhaps
as keys. The piece of wire at the top has no connection with the
" hanger," It will be noticed that that part of it to the left of
the engraving has been broken in the centre. The engraving is
about two-thirds of the actual size.
It has not been ascertained when the Vicarage was created and
endowed, certainly however before the year 1291, when the
taxation of Pope Nicholas the fourth was made, for in that record
the Rectory and Vicarage are thus respectively estimated —
Diocese of Norwich, Deanery of Fordham, Saham £40, Vicarage
thereof £16 13s. 4d. The former being the estimated value of
the Rectory, then appropriated to the Priory of Pyne, in
Normandy, the latter of the Vicarage.
It is probably the great antiquity of this Vicarage that is the
cause of the original dotation or endowment of it being no longer
discoverable, be that as it may it cannot be found in the
Augmentation Office nor in the Episcopal Registry, which is the
genuine and legitimate repository for such documents.
There is a record founded upon this taxation and bearing date
14 Edward III, (a.d. 1341) which, if it did not mix the Rectorial
and the Vicarial Tithes together, would probably be an
instrument of great value and importance. It is a return of the
value of the Nona or ninth part of the Corn, Fleeces, and Lambs
in each parish of the county, and the return for Soham is more
ample than might be expected. It states that the taxation of the
Church with the Vicarage is £56 13s. 4d., but that the same
ninth does not amount to the taxation by £29 19s. 8d., because
the said taxation issues from the glebe and other things, together
with various tithes which it enumerates, and which amount
to £29 19s. 8d.
In 26 Henry VIII., the annual value of the Vicarage of Soham
was £32 16s. 4i^A.
There was a suit in the Exchequer in 1692 about certain
tithes of the Vicarage of Soham, in which the Vicarial Endow-
ment was not produced, it was declared that Soham Marsh paid
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 239
13/4 to the impropriator in lieu of all tithes great and small
The living of Soham was occupied by Ridley, from 1547 to
1552. The advowson was presented to Pembroke College by
Henry VI. 1451, but some difficulties arose as to the legality of
the conveyance, and the Bishop of Norwich claimed the
advowson.
The following is a copy of a document in the possession of
Pembroke College, Cambridge, referring to this dispute :— " Be it
knowen to all men, Andrew Bugge, of Sohm, in the counte of
Cambrygge, Thomas Bestney, Edward Petchey, Thos. Calyngham,
WiUiam Petche the elder, Thos. Peche of the Thornfyeld,
Edmond Wake, Thos. Thornton of the Brok-street, (and others
whose names are illegible) : We the names above wreten cestifi
and will depose upon a bok that all the Vicarres of the paryshe of
Sohm, have taken the gyfte of all the ryghte and due tytell con-
taining (?) the gyfte of the advowson of the said Vicarage, of
Pembrok Hall, in Cambrygge, from the gyfte of the Parsonage
there by grant of King Henry VI. when the said Parsonage and
Vicarage was fyrst given unto them. Nor never we know nor
herd that any other man pretended any tytell conveying (?) to
the said gyfte of the sayd Vicarage unto this tyme, unto the
witness of the whyche thynge we the persons above named have
sette our sealles, and for the * * * * witnesseth the same
wryten at Sohm, the 4th day of June, the 18th year of King
Henry VII. (1502)."
In 1502 the Master and Fellows presented Oliver Coren Coryne
or Curwen, a Fellow of Pembroke College.
In January, 1528, Richard Gauston, not a Fellow, was
presented, and it does not appear by whom : exchanging with
Coren, the living of Stoke Charity. On Nov. 4, 1541, the college
appointed trustees to make the next presentation in their behalf.
But in 1542, the Bishop of Norwich (in whose Diocese Soham
was) interfered, and granted the next presentation to Myles
Spencer, LL.D. In 1547 the living fell vacant, and the
presentation was claimed by Pembroke College, for Ridley, then
Master, and by the Bishop of Norwich, for Dr. Spenser. Eidley
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240 Feklajtd Notes and Quebibs.
appeared forthwith as plaintiff v. the Bishop of Norwich and
Spenser, in the Court of King's Bench, in a case of "Quare
impedit," and in Easter Term, I. Edward VI., judgment was given
n Ridley's favour. He was himself at once presented by the
trustees before alluded to, and instituted on the 17th May, 1547*
LIST OP THE VICARS Or SOHAM,
Prom 1102, to the present time. For the names previous to the
Reformation, we are indebted to the Rev. Dr. Jessop, the others
have been obtained from the Parish Registers and other sources.
Soham-Mere-in Can : Cantebr. ded. S. Andreae.
1102— Ranulph.
1250 — (circ) Nicholaus.
1308—13 Kal. Oct. Adam de Milhaem (Yicar) on the nomina-
tion of the Bishop and presentation of the Abbots of Pyne
and the Prior of Rewlej,
1321— Kal. Jan. John de Ely, (Vicar), on the nomination of the
Bishop and presentation of Abbot of Rewley, who has the
right of patronage by virtue of the grant of the Abbot of Pyne.
1325—10 Kal. Mar. Job: de Burghard, ditto ditto.
1330— Kal. Novemb. Joh: de Waunford, exchanging with Weting
All Saints.
1339—16 Febry. Joh : de Scrubby, on the nomination and pre-
sentation of the above.
1349 — 26 July. Will, de Leverington, ditto,
1351 — 21 Febry. Thos : Bulmere, (exchanging with Terlyng,
London.)
1361—6 Jan. Will: de Wymondham, on the nomination and
presentation of the above.
1384—28 Nov. Thos: fitz Alam Taylor, on the nomination of
the King^ owing to the vacancy in the Bishopric ; and pre-
sentation of the Abbot and Convent of Rewley.
1415 — 14 Sep. Mr. Joh: Hody, on the nomination of the Bishop
of Norwich, and presentation of the above-mentioned.
Joh:— Prate (exchanging with the church of S. Pancras,
London.)
1417—29 March. Joh : Love (exchanging with Sywell, Line.)
1420—6 Deer. Joh : Clench, on the nomination and presenta-
tion of the above.
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Fenlaot) Notes and Queries. 241
1427—8 April. Will : Bogy, ditto.
1442 — ^August. Henr Faulkus ,,
1445 — 16 Sept. Thos : Hawnby, (exchanging with Staunton.)
1450 — 27 March. Job : Sley (exchanging with Clopton.)
1470 — 23 October. Gawen Blinkinsop, on the nomination of the
Bishop of Norwich and presentation of the Master and
Fellows of Pembroke Hall. He was ordained Deacon by the
Bishop of Ely, 1458, made Fellow of Pembroke 1467, and
presented to the Vicarage of Soham in 1470, exchanging
this for Gavely, to which he was presented by the Abbot and
Convent of Ramsey, on December 1st, 1473, being then B.D.
He was afterwards made D.D., and gave books to the Library
and somewhat to the College Chapel.
1478 — November. Thos : Tewth, on the nomination and pre-
sentation of the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall.
1478 — 14 Feb. Richard Sockbum, or Stockbnrn, of York dio-
cese, Bachelor of civil law, 1466. LL.B. 1470; M.A. 1472.
He was presented by the Chapter of Ely to the Chnrch of
St. Mary's de Berngham, in Norwich diocese in 1487, being
Doctor of Laws or decretalls. Afterwards presented to
Sudburn with the Chapel of Orford in Suffolk. He was a
benefactor to his college and died in 1502. In his will he
appointed the Fellows of Pembroke to pray for him one year.
1503 (or 2) — 14 Nov. Oliver Coren, or Curwen. He was chosen
Fellow with eight others on the 4th of September, 1490.
D.D, 1505. He died in 1542.
1547—17 May. Nicholas Ridley S. T. P. on the presentation of
Rich : Wylks, &c.
1577 ?— 18 Oct. Humphrey Tindall B.A. Chosen Fellow 24
November 1567 ; Master of Queen's College 1579 ; D.D. and
Vice Chancellor 1685 ; Dean of Ely 1591 to 1614. He was
descended of a very ancient and noble family which had its
seat at Redenhall in Norfolk, and was son of Sir Thomas
Tyndall, Knight, of Hockwold, Norfolk. He was bom in
Norfolk in 1549, died October 12, 1614, and was buried in
Ely Cathedral. He was oflfered the kingdom of Bohemia.
There is a brass to his memory in Ely Cathedral in a good
state of preservation.
ITo he Continued.']
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242 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
1 67.— Huntingdonshire Grievances in 1642. — The following
petition is contained in a collection of papers left to the anthorities
of the British Museum by George III, It is dated A.D. 1642.
"To the Right Honourable, the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses
of the House of Commons now assembled in Parliament.
" The Petition of the Countie of Huntingdon Sheweth^ That
your unwearied labours, and indefessive endevours for the publike
good and safety of the whole Kingdome, have exstimulated us not
onely to acknowledge obsequiously the same, but also have
respectively induced us to present our lives and estates at your
command, and Order.
"The grievances, which for a long time hitherto have sorely
oppressed us, have partly beene cleared by our endevours, and
partly remaine still to the molestation of us all ; which we really
suppose to be retarded by a malignant party, which are acknow-
ledged to be the sole obstacles of your proceedings.
" Our humble addresse is therefore to your Honours, that you
would bee gratiously pleased to devote the Popish Lords, Bishops,
and others from the House of Peeres, and exeuterate those evill
Councellours from that Illustrous Assembly. For wee finde that
by their mischievous designes your endevours are not onely frus-
trated, but the very priviledges of the Parliament broken, and the
liberty of the subjects debilitated, and the Members of both
Houses unassured of their lives to the great preiudice of the whole
Kingdom, especially a Religious member of the House of Peeres,
the Lord of Kimbolton in our Shire, who was impeached by his
Maiestie of High Treason ; but wee are confident of his Loyaltie,
and have so absolute an opinion of him that he is not guiltie of
the least of these Articles wherein he was arraigned.
"Wherefore we humbly implore your Honours, that bee, and
other may enioy the ireedome and liberty of the Parliament
according to the legall progresses of Law, and the ancient
customes and Rights of Parliamentarie tryalls.
"To the granting of which Petition, desire we recommend our
Service and Zeale unto your Honours, humbly beseeching you to
reflect upon our Petition.
"iSl? your Petitioners will be bound to pray ^ ifec."
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 243
"The Lord of Kimbolfeon in our Shire" here mentioned, was
Edward Montagu, the famous Parliamentary Greneral. It is
probable that he was bom at Eimbolton Castle, as Collins alludes
to him as a countryman of Cromwell's. He was educated at
Sidney College, Cambridge, where he took the degree of Master
of Arts. At the coronation of Charles I., he was made a Knight
of the Bath ; and he afterwards represented Huntingdonshire in
four Parliaments, till he was called by a writ to the House of
Peers, as Baron of Kimbolton, his father being then living. In
1640 he was one of the Commissioners appointed to treat with the
Scots at Ripon, and he now became extremely popular from his
endeavours to support the sinking liberties of his country. In
the following year, through the fatal counsel of the Queen, and
Lord Digby, the King had him accused of High Treason, together
with five leading members of the House of Commons. This ace
tended greatly to exasperate the nation, and caused the foregoing
petition to be sent up from his native county. When the plots
and counter-plots of both parties had driven them to appeal to
arms. Lord Kimbolton, engaging in the service of the Parliament,
had the command of a regiment in the battle of Edgehill, October
23rd, 1642. On the 7th of the following November, he succeeded
his father as Earl of Manchester. He was five times married.
He died suddenly at Whitehall, in May, 1671, in his sixty-ninth
year, and was buried in the Parish Church of Kimbolton.
Chables Dawes.
1 68.— Kare Occurrence.— Prom the following well authenti-
cated facts it appears that the rare event of having triplets at a
birth is not confined to the genus homo, but extends on very rare
occasions indeed to the bovine species. In the Spring of 1887,
on a small farm in the occupation of Mr. Simpson, of Addle-
thorpe, a young cow dropped three male calves ; the family all
did well and prospered, and were bought at three months old by
Mr. Walter Welsh, who fed them, partly at Dalderby and partly
near the place of their birth in the Marsh, until arriving at the
mature age of 3^ years, and being in prime condition, he sold
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244 Fenland Notes and Queries.
them in September last to Mr. Alfred Goodyear, of Haltham, who
kiUed them at the average weight of 64 stones 4 lbs. This
profitable cow has since produced twin calres on two occasions.
C.J.C., Homcastle.
169.-St. James' Hospital, Lynn.— In the Minute Book of
^he Peterborough Gentlemen's Society is the following entry :—
" 1 735, Sep. 23. Mr. Kennet presented an ancient seal, lately found
at Caster, with the image of St. James the Apostle, neatly carved
upon wood, and the arms of Lynn upon it, with this legend round
it COM : SIQILL : HOSPIT : S. lAOOBI. IN. LENNARE."
170.— Turf Houses.— I have heard the expression "Turf
Houses" applied to licensed premises at fairs in the Fen district.
What is the meaning of the term ? T.A.6., March.
171 -Salmon in the Nene.-On Wednesday, the 11th Sept.,
1822, a fish of the salmon species, and called a hooJc-Ull salmon^
was caught in the river Nene, about two miles from the town of
March. It weighed upwards of 16 lbs., and measured 42 inches.
172.~The Wise Woman of Market Deeping.— A newspaper
cutting, dated Nov. 29th, 1822, says : "Lucy Barber, the *wise
woman ' of Market Deeping, was taken before the Magistrates at
Bourn, on a charge of extorting money, under pretence of fore-
telling future events, from Mrs. Odell, wife of Mr. Odell, hatter,
of Deeping. After a suitable admonition from the Magistrates,
she was discharged, on paying expenses, and promising not to
offend again."
1 73.— Ljmn Hustings.— At the Norfolk Lent Assizes, in 1823,
a case Allen v. Ayre and another was tried. The plaintiff who,
during a Parliamentary Election at Lynn, the year before had
been Mayor, had obtained a verdict against two inhabitants of
that Borough, for damage done to the hustings, and subse-
quently the defendants obtained a rule to show cause why such
verdict should not be set aside, and a nonsuit entered. The
case came on for argument in the Court of King's Bench
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Fenlahb Notes Aino Qukries. 245
before Justices Bayley, Holroyd, and Best, when the latter in
giving his opinion that the hustings was not a building within
the meaning of the Act, observed, if it were, every booth in
a fair might come under the same denomination. The Judges
were also unanimously of opinion that the Mayor could have
no pretence to bring an action against the town, as he had
no interest in the hustings, and that the rule must therefore be
made absolute.
174 —The Will of Margaret Ashbye, of Wacotte (Walcott),
CO. Northampton, widow.— The husband of testatrix, Fras Ashby
was probably of Walcote in the parish of Bamack in this county
(who contributed 501 towards the expences of repelling the Spanish
Armada in 1588) 2nd son of Everard son of Willm A of Loseby,
CO. Leic (ob. 1499) & Agnes his wife (ob. 1492) dan. of Sir
Richd Illingworth, Chief Baron of the Exchequer. Everard A
mar. Mary dau. of Willm Baude of Somerby, co. Line. William
elder brother of Francis was Queen Elizabeth's ambassador to
James 6th of Scotland, who died s p. in that country in 1589.
Frances A mar. Margaret dau. & heir of Philip Barnard of Alden-
ham, Herts, who mar 1st Sir Barnard Whetstone of co. Essex, &
secondly Eobert Brown of Walcott, (in the parish of Bamack,)
CO. Northampton, esq. The latter made his will 17 Oct 14 Eliz
(1572) & pr in P.C.C 14 Feb. following by his widow & extx
Margaret, who by her will given below mar. her 3rd husband
Frances A., by whom she had no issue. (Sir) William Brown,
KB., her son by second husband, was bur. at Barnack, 20 Feb.
1603-4, and whose younger brother, Eobert was cr. a Bart. 21 Sept.
1621, bur. 25 Sept. 1623, a title that expired on the death (num.)
of Robert, 3rd Bart., bur. at St. Michael's, Stamford, 3 Mch
1670-1. Margaret Ashbye of Wacotte (Walcott) co. Northampton,
widow, made her will 28 June 1594, pr. in P.C.C. last day of Apl
1596. My body to be buried in the chapel of (S. Mary in) the
parish church of Barnack as near unto my late husband Eobt.
Browne as conveniently may be. To the poor of Bamack £10 to
be bestowed upon the said poor people of the said parish. Item
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whereas my son Willm Browne oweth me £20 whereof £10 was
bequeathed unto me by my dau. Judith Underne, & the other
£10 was bequeathed by my said dau. Judith U to my late husband
Pras A., esq., & my will is that the said sums my son shall pay it
to the Right Honble the Lady Lucy St. John *(* 1609. The
Ladie Elizabeth Saint John, widdowe, was buryed the flBirst dale of
December = Wakerley p.r.) my goddau. wife of the Right Honble
Lord St. John son and heir apparant to the Right Honble the
Marquis of Winchester (Willm. 4th Marquis mar. Lucy 2nd dau.
of Sir The Cicil 2nd Baron Burghley & first Earl of Exeter, K.G.,
& by her (who ob. in 1614) had 6 sons & dying 4 Feb 1627-8
was succeeded by his 3rd son John) afterwards a distinguished
royalist oflScer & the brave defender of Basing house): he had 3
wives but not one named Liwy). £10 to be bestowed in some pretty
Jewell according to her ladyships liking. The other £10 to the
Right Honble the Lady Dorothy Cecill (d & coh. of John
Neville Baron Lattimer, died in London 22 May 1608, & first)
wife of Sir Thos Cecil (Knted at Kenilworth 17 Eliz., cr. Earl of
Exeter 4 May 1605, died 7 Feb. 1621-2) to bestow upon a pretty
Jewell according to her ladyships liking. To my son Bernard
Whitstons (bur. at Barnack 21 Feb. 1600-1) my pair of livery
pots of silver & parcel gilt, a pair of silver candlesticks, my silver
chasing dish, & my gilt salt with the bear on the cover of it which
was my fathers upon condition that he shall leave the said parcels
of plate to his children. To my son William Browne (afterwards
Knted, as a K.B., will pr. 16 Mch 1603-4, & bur. at Barnack 20
Feb, previous) a bason & an ewer of silver parcel gilt, the ewer
being of the fashion of the silver bason and ewer that I gave him
before, & my 2 great cups with covers called pomegranets, half a
doz. of silver plate trenchers, gilt pepper box & all the household
stuff which was his fathers which is yet remaining in his hands
& not already delivered unto him. Item I give unto my son
Robt. Browne my great bason & ewer of silver parcel gilt, a neast
of boules, either the 3 gilt boules without a cover or the parcel
gilt boules with the cover at his choice to be made within one
month after my death, my silver spice box and my silver jug.
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FXNUHD NOTBS AHD QUBRIIS. 247
Item I give unto my son Francis Whitstons (who was living in
1621 at Longthorpe) the other neast of boules, either the gilt or
the parcel gilt boules with the cover which my said son Eobt B
shall refuse to make choice of. And also I give unto my said son
Robt B my greatest gilt cup with a cover To my said son
Francis W my new gilt cup with a cover & a silver drinking pipe.
To Kitherine W wife of my said son Fras W my gilt casting
bottle. To my said son Fras W my greatest silver bell salt with a
cover. I will that my son Eobt W shall have my 10 silver spoons
with gilt "knoppes," with the letters R & B upon the
"knoppes," my silver carving spoon, and my silver snuffers.
To my son Robt. W. my white silver bowl, a drinking
pipe of silver, a silver salt without a cover, & my book of gold.
My son Fras W shall have my mazar with the cover & foot gilt.
Unto Margaret Underne, my grandchild, a silver tun, a covar, her
little silver drinking cup, a little silver salt, a perfumery pan of
silver, a lye pot of silver, a poriger of silver, a silver showing horn
a comfit box of silver, an eye cup of silver, a toasting fork of silver
a (t) both ends & her owne little goblet of silver parcel gilt, a
silver hook, tooth pick, bodkin & lacing taggs, & a chain pearl &
pomander being 3 rows of pearls & bugle to every pomander.
To my grandchild Mary W daughter unto my son Barnard W my
chain of gold being now worth above £40 the same to be made up
100 mks by my executors either in money, goods, or chattels, &
my ring with (a) table diamond. I will that my nephew Eobt.
Nanton (Elizabeth only sister of testatrixs husband Fras Ashby
mar. Henry Naunton of Alderton co. Suffolk, esq., son of Willm
N., & Elizabeth his wife daughter of Sir Anthony Wingfield,
K.G. Their eldest son, named in the will, Robt N of Lethering-
ham priory, esq., Knited at Windsor, 17 Sept. 1615 ; principal
Sect, of State 1618-20 ; afterwards Master of the Court of Wards
& Liveries, died 1630, mar. Penelope d. & h. of Sir Thos.
Perrot, Knt., & of the lady Dorothy his wife (dan. of Walter
Devereux Earl of Essex, & afterwards remar. to Henry Percy
Earl of Northumberland) shall have immediately after my death
all the lands at Twyford in Leicestershire which was his uncles
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Pras Ashbys my late husbands, the same to be discharged and
freed from the estate which his said uncle did enter into with M^
Eobt. Wingfield and M'^ Fras Harrington for the perfiting and
assuring of my jointure so as my said nephew do ratify and con-
firm such leases as I shall hereafter make thereof of any part or
parcel thereof. Also I give him my tablet of gold whereon M'
Ashbys picture is being enamelled black. To my nephews brother
(William Naunton, esq, heir to his brother, mar. in 1612 to
Anne dan. & coh. of Laur. Pelle, gent. ; she d. 30 Oct. 1628, he
11 July 1635. Their only son Eobt., a sufferer in the cause of
royalty, bur. 25 Jan, 1664-5 aet 52) my seal ring of gold with
the ram's head (couped ar. armed or) graven thereon. To my
said nephews sister (Elizabeth, who died unm) my pair of gold
bracelets with the hares bones within the locks. To my son
Michael Pickering to whom I have already given and paid £50
to the use of his children my gold ring with my seal of arms in it.
Witnessed by Kath. Whitston & Annestus Densham. Mem. The
day & year abovesaid the said Margaret Ashby appointed Fras
Whitston, esq., & Eobt. Brown her sons exors in the presence of
Kath. W. & Annestus D. Mem. Tnat on the 21st of April 1595
by word of mouth she (testatrix) uttered as follows, that is to say,
all her goods & chattells not before bequeathed were to be equally
divided between her three sons Fras. Whitston, Eobt. Browne &
Eobt. Whitstons in the presence of us, Eobt. Wilkinson, Martin
Denham. & Thos Walker. Pr. last day of Apl 1596, by Thos
Lovell not. pub. for exors.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
175.-Pen Pumps, No. 3.-(No. 157, Part VII.)— Mr. S.
Egar's communication on this subject raises a question which I
have often desired to see discussed, namely; When were mechanical
means for assisting drainage first applied in the Fen Country ?
Mr. Egar's statement is dogmatic, though vague : " Water Mills,
•* as these Wind Drainage Engines were usually called, were first
"erected in the Levels in the early part of the 18th century or
** the latter part of the 17th." I think I shall be able to shew
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FsNLAND Notes and Quebies. 249
that he is wrong, whatever construction may be put upon the
above quoted sentence.
In the Calendar of State Papers, now in course of publication
by the Record Commission, there is an abstract of a letter dated
April 2nd, 1592, addressed by one Guillaume Mostact to Lord
Burghley, stating that the writer had undertaken to drain the
Fens of Ooldham and praying — " that no grants of the sole
" privilege of draining may be allowed to interfere with his, he
" having perfected such an engine as was never seen in the king-
"dom, and which he requests that no one may be allowed to
** imitate for 21 years." [Cal. S.P. 1591—1594 ocxli. 14.]
I have seen this letter in the Record Office, and it contains no
information as to the mechanical means employed.
In the same office are preserved some documents connected
with a Chancery Suit, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, relating
to the Coldham estate. They are much defaced, and in places
illegible, but an engine and other improvements for the purpose
of draining the estate are mentioned. Whether the engine in
question was a wind mill may be doubted, but it is a curious
fact that in one of the maps illustrating Dugdale's History of
Imbanking and Draining [2nd Edn., page 244] two wind mills
are shown as standing on the Coldham estate, near Friday Bridge,
and on the bank of the river Ay (or Ea). The same map shews
several wind mills in Marshland. Of course these may have been
com mills, but in the case of the Coldham estate I do not believe
they were. Now Dugdale's collection of materials for his history
was made in 1643, and the first edition was published in 1652.
I have in my possession a map of the Coldham estate, dated
1684, which shows two wind mills with drains distinctly indicated
as leading to them. These mills discharged their water into the
Ehn Leam, and it may be assumed that they are the same mills
as those shown on Dugdale's map.
That there was at least one other engine for drainage in the Fens
early in the 17th century is conclusively proved by Hayward's
Survey [Well's Bedford Level, II., 210], which is dated 1685—6.
In this an " Ingine bank at Oxney " is spoken of. In the St.
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Ives Law of Sewers [1638], which Scheduled the Lands decreed
to the Adventurers, 26 acres, part of the Oxney Farm, abutting
northward upon the old Engine^ are set out. Sir Jonas Moore's
map shows this old Engine at Oxney as well as a mill at Friday
Bridge. This map is not dated, but it is based on a Survey which
must have been made before 1661.
It is clear then that Engines of some sort were employed
at an earlier date than has hitherto been generally supposed, and
there is a strong presumption that wind was used as the motive
power before 1650.
In conclusion, I may note that Sergeant Callis in his Lectures
on the Law of Sewers, delivered in 1622, alluded to "mills " in a
rather contemptuous manner. He says : " This Goat is no such
" imaginary Engine as the Mills be which some rare wise men of
" late have invented but this invention is warranted by experience,
"the other is rejected as altogether chargeable and illusory"
[Callis Law of Sewers. Goats.'] It is evident that mills had
then been projected, and it seems probable that some were in use
at that time.
The Calendar of State Papers, to which I have previously re-
ferred, furnishes additional evidence of the invention of engines
for drainage in the first quarter of the 17th century.
Thus in 1617, Michael Van Elderhuys, a stranger, obtained a
patent for " a new engine invented by him for raising water and
"draining surrounded grounds." [Cal. S.P., 1611,— 1618,xa 108].
And in 1622, Robert Ramsay and John Jack had "a grant of
" the Exclusive privilege of making an Engine invented by the
" said J. J. and David Ramsay page of the Bedchamber to raise
"water to drain land and mines." [Cal. S.P., 1619,-1623,
CXXXII.]
I may add that this Calendar contains abstracts of many im-
portant and interesting documents relating to the drainage of the
Fenland. The series is too voluminous to be generally accessible,
and I venture to think that some pages of Fenland Notes and
Queries might be usefully occupied in bringing some of these
papers under the notice of Fen men, William C. Little.
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FsNLAKD Notes and Qubbies. 251
1 76.— Spalding Gentlemen's Society. — A very successful
meeting of this Society was held at the Johnson Hospital on
Tuesday, November 4th, 1890, and it is not too much to affinn
that if its members will only give their hearty co-operation there
is no doubt that the effort made last year to revive this, which is
believed to be the oldest Antiquarian Society in the kingdom, will
meet with its due reward. It may not be amiss to state that
some twenty names have recently been added to its roll of members,
and the meetings are held quarterly. Hitherto every meeting has
produced some interesting matters to the Society.
After preliminary affairs, which included the election of several
new members, had been disposed of, the President called upon
Major Moore for a report of his interview with Dr. Woolward, at
the British Museum respecting the horns and scull which were
exhibited at the last meeting of the Society. They were found
eleven feet below the surface, on the farm of Mr. Caulton, at
Crowland, in February last, and undoubtedly belonged to the red
deer. It is supposed that they had been buried some 400 or 500
years. The incrustations give them a very handsome appearance,
and are due to the presence of the velvet when they were interred.
Major Moore saw all the specimens of similar deer in the Museum,
but there was nothing at all equal to these. He left there, at
Dr. Woolward's request, some of the soil, consisting of silt and
sea shells, in which they were found.
Dr. T. J. Walker, of Peterborough, then exhibited a selection
from his collection of Eoman coins, ornaments, urns, &c. All
those brought before the Society had been obtained from Peter-
borough or the immediate neighbourhood, and Dr. Walker gave
an address on their significance. By the aid of plans and maps
he shewed the position and importance of the large station which
was situate at Castor on the Nene, four^ miles above Peterborough;
he gave reasons for agreeing with those who believe that this
was Durobriv8B, the seventh station mentioned in the fifth Itinerary
of Antoninus. Among the exhibits from Durobriv« were portions
of a tessellated pavement, some twenty feet square, which Dr.
Walker had himself seen turned up by the plough in Sutton field.
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252 Fbnland Notes and QuEBiiis.
close to where the old Roman road, Ermine street, crosses the river
at Castor. Dr. Walker then detailed the circumstances under
which he had obtained a large number of Roman relics within
the limits of the Borough of Peterborough. There were still
discernable extensive embankments and other indications of what
appears to have been a summer camp, one of the castra cestwa
of the Romans. The coins found here are all of the end of the
first or beginning of the second century of the Christian era.
The various ornaments, the fibulm, rings, bangles, &c., were all
in excellent preservation ; and the bones of the skeletons which
must have lain there nearly 2000 years were many of them perfect.
The most beautiful object exhibited was a little equestrian statuette,
three inches high, which was discovered in 1886. It represents
a fully armed warrior with crested helmet, fringed scarf thrown
over the left shoulder, the end floating in the wind, the legs
protected by greaves, the right arm extended to hold a spear
which has disappeared, and on the left, which is dropped by the
side, a lozenge shaped shield with large central boss and scroll
pattern. The proportions of the horse are rude and clumsy,
contrasting strangely with the elegance and spirit of the figure
of the rider. This, believed to be the only Roman equestrian
figure ever found in Great Britain, was figured in the transactions
of the British Archasalogical Association for 1888.
The Rev. Conway Walter, of Langton, near Horncastle, also
read a paper on "the Influence of the dialect of Lincolnshire
and East Anglia in the formation of Standard English," shewing
the value of the writings of the Gilbertine Monk, Robert Manning
of Bourne, whose poem **the Handlyng Synne" (A.D. 1303),
though long preserved in the British Museum, has only been
published recently in a limited edition for the Roxburgh Club,
and whom Mr. Kington Oliphant has justly pronounced to be
" the Patriarch of Modern English.**
Four gentlemen were subsequently proposed for election as
regular members, and one as an honorary member, of the Society.
The ballot for these will take place in January.
Mabten Perry, M.D., Pres. S. G. S.
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 253
177.— Crowland and Whittlesea, 1792. -On June 17fch, 1792,
a lengthy law suit between Crowland and Whittlesey came to an
end. An MS., in the possession of Mr. B. W. Ground, of Whittle-
sea, heads the case as follows: — "Lincolnshire, Holland : The
King against the Inhabitants of Whittlesea in the Isle of Ely."
The MS. goes on to say : " This Suit was conunenced on Account
of the said William Searle and Family becoming chargeable to the
Parish of Crowland from which place they removed him by Order
of Justice as Quarter Sessions on Supposition of his belonging to
the Parish of Whittlesea he having served as an Apprentice for
the Term of Seven years To one Fawn a Blacksmith and from
which place he afterwards went to Thorney and served one Dobson
for the Space of One Year but Dobson was a Certificate Man
from Farcett; therefore could not gain no Settlement and he
afterwards went to live at Crowland at which place he Married a
a Widow Woman who had always paid Rates as he did afterwards,
but those Bates was deducted from his Rent, therefore no Settle-
ment was gained on that ground.
" But he had been Sworn a Pig Ringer by the Court Leet and
paid fourpence for his Oath and served the Office several years.
" He also was Appointed Ale Taster and Bread Weigher ; But
for which he was never sworn into Office and only served in that
Capacity half a Year; therefore it seems to rest entirely upon the
Office of a Pig Ringer which is an Annual and Parochial Office
and not a Lucrative place; on those grounds Whittlesea supported
their Defence got their cause ; each party paying their own ex-
pences, except what Whittlesea Expended in maintaining the
Family while the Cause was depending and some other Trifling
Expences It Cost each Parish £108 13s. 3d. N.B. It is to be
observed that Cause was laid before the Quarter Sessions at Spald-
ing three times. The last time there were four Justices two of
them would have Quash'd the first Order upon Whittlesea, but
not having a Majority was the Cause of its being removed to the
Court of Kings Bench and Tryed before Lord Kenyon ; who
likewise Rejected it the first time of hearing for Xonsufficient
Statement of the Cause ; but after coming again and being re-
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stated Lord Kenyon as well as the whole Court were of one mind
that the Man and his Family belonged to Crowland as above."
178.— Names of Towns, Villages, &c., in the Pens—It is
noticeable that the names of places that are more or less above the
level of the surrounding Fen land end in ey, (JEyj Saxon for
island), and there can be no doubt that when what is now Fen
land was a waste of waters, these places stood out as islands, and
got named for some peculiarity as : Ely is said to be called so
Irom the quantities of eels that were caught there, others were
named from different causes, of which there is no record. The
principal places are : Ely, Thorney, Kamsey, Whittlesea, Eastrea,
Stonea, Manea, Coveney, and Wardy HilL On the south of Ely
are several small places : Stuntney, Northney, Quaney, Haney>
Barwey, Fordey, Padney, Eye Hill, and Shippey Hill. Some
places as now spelt end in ea, as Whittlesea, Manea, and others ;
but in old documents we find they all end in ey.
W.W.G.
179 —Strange Discovery of Silver Coins at Holbeacli— The
Spalding Free Press of December 16th, 1890, says :— On Friday
the 5th inst., while two men were ploughing in Mr. F. Howard's
"Twenty-six Acre," which adjoins the Washway-road, beyond
Saracen's Head, one of them (Mr. Hubbard) felt the ploughshare
strike some hard substance. He returned about five yards to see
what it was, and was greatly surprised to see a quantity of silver
coins spread over the land. They had been scattered out of a
small earthenware jar which had been smashed into pieces by the
blow fi-om the plough. The man was so astonished and shouted
so loudly to stop his mate, who was ploughing in front of him,
that his voice was heard a quarter of a mile away in all directions.
Consequently, the news spread like wild-fire, and from the small
hamlet it went throughout the neighbouring villages. In travel-
ling, the report grew into a " pot of gold," and was the chief
theme of discussion for several days. One enterprising publican
from Holbeach offered the men ten pounds for their find, while
report hath it that a certain gentleman offered a sovereign for a
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Fenlakd Notes and Queries. 255
single coin. The men were, however, proof against all offers, and
handed the money to Mr. Howard, of Long Sutton, their master,
who had expressed a wish to receive it. There were 29 pieces iu
all — sixpences, shillings and florins, belonging to the reigns of
Edward VI. (3), Marie (1), and Elizabeth (25). The last were
dated from 1561 to 1562. The coins were in a splendid state of
preservation, their only fault being that some were worn round
the edges, and the lettering was not readable. The pot was of
brown earthenware, unglazed inside, with no lid, and a small
handle. From the remains it would be about six inches deep. In
the coin collectors' lists the value of Elizabethan shillings ranges
from 2s. to 5s., and Edward VI. sixpences from 3s. to 7s. Of
course, to local antiquaries they would be more valuable, being
found in the district. How is it there is no museum in the district
where such treasures might be inspected by the public if not
claimed by the Crown ?
ISO.—Whaplode Drove Church in Chancery,— The following
report appeared in the Morning Herald^ May 29, 1828: — ^Vice-
Chancellor's Court, May 28. — In re Chapel of Whaplode Drove.
This was a petition of certain individuals in the parish of
Whaplode Drove, praying that it might be referred to the Master
to inquire into the money arising from certain charity lands,
attached to this Chapel ; and also that the Minister, the Rev. Mr.
Blundell, officiating in the said Chapel, might be removed, on the
ground that the money arising from the lands was misapplied, and
that the Minister was not a resident of the parish ; that he
neglected his sacred functions, and, in short, was not such a
person as the parishioners required ; also that some allowance
should be made the Churchwardens. It appeared that the lands
in question were granted by Queen Elizabeth to John Coppinger
and Thomas Butler, for the maintenance of a Minister, who
should be a resident in the parish. Another complaint was, that,
by a deed executed in 1795, new Trustees had been appointed,
(and the property in question conveyed to their trust), who did
not reside iu the parish. It was alleged, by affidavit, that bodies
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256 Fenland Notes and Queries.
were frequently buried without the performance of divine service.
Mr. Heald appeared for the parishioners. He said the only
question was, whether the Trustees were duly appointed — they were
not duly appointed, for by the original grant it was necessary that
they should be residents of the parish of Whaplode Drove.
Mr. Bell, on behalf of the Minister and Trustees, accounted in
an instant for a body having been buried without the funeral
service. He stated that the rev. gentleman had waited some
hours beyond the time appointed for the interment of the body,
but nobody appearing, and the night rapidly advancing, the rev-
gentleman proceeded homewards, when he met the body, and
again returned. The chapel, unfortunately, being thatched, and
small particlest of straw floating in the atmospher of the
building, it was agreed not to introduce a candle into the premises
(for it was night), lest a conflagration might ensue. So that of
two evils they chose the lease, that is, that the body should be
buried without funeral rites, till the following Sunday.
His Honour the Vice-Chancellor said it was impossible to remove
the Minister, but he "would order it to be referred to the Master to
approve a scheme for the appointment of new Trustees, having
regard to the instructions in the deed of 1795 ; also to approve of
a proper scheme for the appointment of the Minister in future,
and for the future application of the charity.
This case gave rise to a wordy newspaper warfare, which was
carried on in the columns of the Stamford Mercury ^ and it is
presumable that feeling ran high in the parish as the controver-
sialists epistles were inserted as advertisements, at so much per line,
and as some of the writers were very verbose considerable sums
of money, must have been expended in the literary war. " A
constant Eeader,'* writing in June 11th, 1823, questions the
accuracy of the report, as it appeared in the Morning Herald^
and at some length defends the action of the Trustees. He
concludes by referring to the petitioners as follows : —
"In order to help out and render more plausible this their
appeal, they raked together whatever might serve the purpose ;
and among other matters, that the incumbent has another living,
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Fenlaio) Notes and Queries. 257
that he onoe omitted due funeral rites to a corpse, and that he
has a curate whose voice is inaudible. Of these, as not coming under
its jurisdiction, the court took no notice. The counsel for the
defendants, however, briefly stated — that, though the incumbent
did not reside, he took the duty every alternate Sunday, agreeably
to a plan that was laid down by the then Bishop — that he engaged
the curate at the Bishop's request, to help out his own small living
— and he might have further added, the objections here preferred
were once brought before the said Bishop, at the house, and I
believe in the presence, of Dr. Johnson, at Spalding, the result of
which was a message first and a personal request after, that things
should continue as before. As to the corpse, the counsel also, and
very correctly, stated, that though the funeral had been fixed
positively for six o'clock, it did not come till considerably after nine,
when it was become dark, and the minister had to walk five miles
— that the chapel was in the act of taking down — that the
materials were stowed in the aisles — the reed littered on the floor
— no candles at hand, nor to be had at a less distance than nearly
a quarter of a mile — that, in consequence of these, the reverend
gentleman took the corpse to the grave, and read over it what is
usually read there — which is not only, he said, reasonable, but
what the rubric commands, and consequently also what the
law requires."
A reply was published to this, but the writer did not append
his name. He calls in question a statement that, " The lody of
the chapel was not taken dotvn till two months after," and says: —
" I asked him was not the chancel then taken or in the act of
being taken down ? and were not the aisles filled with slate and
other building materials, and the chapel littered from one end to
the other ? — 2dly, •* The funeral was in August ;" as if by that he
could justify the time or respite the allegation of darkness. It
occurred, I believe on the 28th, when the sun sets at 7 o'clock ;
and therefore I leave the public to settle the rest, if, as he cannot
deny, the funeral was brought only at 9. — 3dly, " Candles might
have been had at the parsonage," I admit they probably might ;
but as, on enquiry, there were none in the chapel, nor, the Clerk
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258 Fbnland Notes and QiTiaEUEss.
said, nearer than the shop of Mr. Goodyer, which is the distance
I mentioned, — and as, from that time, (because it was then
thought the chapel would be taken down forthwith,) all funerals
must be interred without going in, the corpse was taken to the
grave, as before specified — a thing which certainly would not
have been done, however, had the funeral been in proper time."
With reference to the funeral incident, he says: — "The facts are:
Some time before the event in question, a person died in the
hamlet ; and, as usual, for some cause or other, no notice was
given to the curate, who resides two miles oflf, till noon of the
day of the intended funeral. The curate unfortunately was gone
to Stamford on business: in consequence, a messenger, more
stupid than the ass he rode, was sent to Crowland. There was a
funeral fixed there at about the same time. In consequence, a note
was sent back, desiring them to delay half an hour, and the
incumbent himself would ride over. Just, however, as he was
mounting, Mr. Clark drove up on his return, and having learnt
the particulars, set off immediately to take the funeral in his way
home. Now though the people, to a proverb, are never punctual
to the time they fix, this, for some cause or other, was made an
exception. In consequence, as the clergyman was approaching
the chapel, the sun shining and likely for some time to shine
gloriously, he met the procession coming back ; and, on enquiry,
was told that he was " not ready, nor they disposed to wait, they
had e'en put the old man in his bed." Shocked and disgusted, he
knew not what to do ; but as the incumbent would have the duty
there the next day, he wrote to him on the subject. What could
be done ? At first a prosecution against the parties was thought
of ; but it appeared a general opinion of those he consulted, that
" the fellow was not worth shot and powder." The service, in
consequence, was read over the grave."
Continuing his comments on the previous letter the writer goes
on : — " The incumbent," he says, " so far from alternate duty,
sometimes does not come once in two months." — If he had said
— sometimes has not done so^ he might have been right. But, in
justice he would have said how long ago, and for what cause,
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Penlahd Notes and Queries. 259
which was no other than the then impassable state of the road."
He also published a private note, as bearing on the matter, and
which deserves to be reproduced not only as a literary curiosity^
but as containing a well drawn picture of a Fen man, half a century
ago:—
" Dear Sir,
" As you were not at the Visitation, I think it proper to inform
you, that as I and several more were standing at the Peacock, a
dapper little fellow came bustling across the market place, of that
anomalous description which is neither man nor boy, but which,
in its own opinion, is more than both. His fen-boots — (for for-
tunately I took particular notice) — glistened in the sun with
reflection from the oil ; — his beaver was quaintly tucked up before,
and at the same time artfully placed to make the most of his
person. His eyes were in two directions at once, blinking like
the emblem of wisdom in day-light ; but whether this may be
natural, or it might proceed from the prodigious expansion of his
views, as he came squirting the large laps of his funny little coat,
I am not quite able to say. However, certain it is he no sooner
attained the steps, than with a hop, skip, and jump, he also
attained the summit ; and forthwith began to thread his way,
with important speed, under the elbows of those who, otherwise,
might have impeded his career, to the room of office. When there
I understand, he began to produce some very serious, though, it
was thought, groundless, accusations against yourself. And not
knowing the extent of the allegation, if not timely and properly
met, I have been induced to give you these outlines of his phiz
and character, that you may not only recognise his person, but
counteract his accusation, &c. " I remain," &c.
Then comes Mr. William Blake, Chapel Warden of Whaplode
Drove, who is probably the person who is described above. He
says : — ^Were there a good Clergyman resident in Whaplode
Drove, who would perform divine service in a proper manner, the
Chapel would then be attended by the parishioners, as it had used
to be in the time of the late deceased minister, who did reside at
the Drove, and had the curacy of Gedney Hill, both which duties
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he performed for a great number of years in a proper manner, as
a monument in the Chapel of Whaplode Drove has this inscription
on it to testify : —
Erected
By Voluntary Contribution,
To the Memory of the
Eev. John Dinham, A.B.
Minister of this Chapel,
Who departed this life October the 14th, 1811,
Aged 50 Years.
Nearly half an age, with ev'ry good man's praise,
Among his flock the shepherd passed his days.
The friend, the comfort of the sick and poor,
Want never knocked imheeded at his door :
AU moan is death, his virtues long they try'd
They knew not how they lov'd him tiU he dy'd.
Peculiar blessing did his life attend ;
He had no foe, to all he was a friend.
I now ask this fussy meddling fellow without a name, if he
never heard or does not know that the Rev. Gentleman did admit
and confess, to the astonishment of the Solicitor, then in vestry
at Whaplode Drove, after the petition was drawn up and signed
which is now before the Master in Chancery, that he (the rev.
gentleman) did agree to pay all the expenses which had occurred,
if the parishioners would not send the said petition to Chancery.
Moreover, he said that he would find the hamlet a curate ; such a
one as the parishioners would approve of ; and that he himself
would come oftener amongst us. These promises met with the
approbation of the vestry, and the rev. gentleman was allowed
four days to consult with the old Feoffees upon the subject : but
instead of coming to make good his promises, he wrote two long
letters, one to me and the other to the Solicitor, saying that he
would not be responsible for any expense that had or might occur,
neither did he care who were or were not the Feoffees ; — and then,
and not until then, was the petition sent to Chancery.
181.— Curious Public House Signs in the Fens.-" The Jack
o' Both Sides" close to Chatteris (Cambs.); near here too ig
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Fenland Notes arb Quisies. 261
" The Pour Alls." This refers to the kmg, parson, soldier, and
fanner, the following explanation being given : —
" The king governs aU ;
The parson prays for all;
The soldier fights for aU;
The farmer pays aU."
King's Lynn has " The Rnmp and Bustle," and St. Ives *• Little
Hell." On the North Bank (Peterborough) there are " The Dog-
in-a-Doublet," and "The Cross Gruns." I believe the sign of
" The Galloping Donkey " is also still to be seen near Whittlesea.
" The "Mad Cat," at Pidley, is explained by the fact that the artist
in painting the sign of ** The White Lion " made so poor an at-
tempt that the house was afterwards known as " The 3Iad Cat."
N. Edis, Stamford.
182.—Himg in Chains in Guyhim Wash.— (No. 158, Part
VII.) — The following appeared in the Wisbech Advertiser of Nov.
19 th, 1890 : — "Antiquarians will be interested to learn that the
apparatus known by the somewhat grim name of * Paddy's Night-
cap,' which belonged to the old Guyhirn gibbet-post, is still in
existence. Fenland Notes and Queries^ in its last quarterly issue,
made a reference to the circumstances connected with the gibbet-
ing of four Irishmen, in 1795, and this having been quoted in
these columns, has elicited the fact that the iron framework, in
which the culprit's head was fixed on the gibbet, is now in the
possession of Mr. Edward Clark, of Guyhirn. It was popularly
denominated * Paddy's Nightcap,' and is of iron, round in shape,
with cross-bars and having a heavy iron collar which fitted round
the neck. The framework came into the possession of the late
Mr. Joseph Peck many years ago, he having given a man ten
shillings to fetch it down from the gibbet. It was preserved in
one of his farm-buildings until he handed it over to Mr. Clark."
183— A Bare Clock— Mr. John Kingston of Fosdike, con-
tributed the following particulars in the Spalding Free PresSy of
November 18th, 1890 : —
" I noticed in your last issue a paragraph in the Boston news
giving a description of a notable clock, which was sold by auction
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at Bosfeon on the 4th inst. I have a notable clock, which, nntil
I saw the before-mentioned paragraph, I held to be nniqne. It
now appears that two clocks were made by a Mr. Bothamley, of
Kirton, something considerably over a hundred years ago, for
the purpose of denoting the day of the month, the moon's age and
changes, and the time of tidal high water in Posdyke Wash to the
cattle drovers and travellers crossing the Wash. The clock
recently sold at Boston was designed for use at the bridge or ford
over the South Forty-foot Drain at Hubbert's Bridge, and it was
there located for many years. The clock which I possess was
designed for use at Posdyke, and shows the phases of the moon by
a globe painted half white and half black, revolving on a vertical
spindle ; the moon's age and the day of the month are denoted
by separate hands and dials ; but the really special novelty about
the clock is that it shows the rising and falling of the tide in
Posdyke Wash, and points out by a hand on a separate dial when
it was the safe and proper time for the guides and drovers with
their cattle to start to cross the Wash — at that day a distance of two
miles through the bare sands and shifting channels of the estuary,
Por many years, before tide tables and almanacs were so plentiful
as now, this clock was located at the Old Inn at Posdyke, and was
the daily oracle consulted by guides and travellers crossing the
Wash. Mr. Rothwell, the father of Mr. Eothwell still living at
Posdyke, took the clock as part of the inventory when he entered
upon the tenancy of the Old Inn at Posdyke in 1805, and it came
into my possession in 1866. The clock is well made, and shows
little or no signs of wear anywhere about its works ; it has a dead
beat escapement and a pendulum bob weighing 26lbs., and is a
splendid timekeeper."
184.~The Story of Bricstan of Chatteris.— Mr. S. H. Miller,
of Lowestoft, forwards us the following extract from Odericus
Vitalis' "Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy"
(Book vi. ch. 10) being a letter bearing the name of the Bishop
of Ely, but written by Warin des Essarts at the Bishop's
request:— "In the time of Henry, King of England and Duke
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Fehlanb Notbs ahb Queries. 263
of Normandy, in the sixteenth year of his reign over England,
and the tenth of his government of the Dnehy* there was on
the possessions of onr chnrch a certain free tenant called Bricstan,
who lived at Chatteris. This man, according to the testimony of
his neighbours, never injured any one, and, content with what
he had, meddled not with what belonged to others. Neither
very rich nor very poor, he conducted his afiFairs and brought
up his family in moderate independence, according to the habits
of laymen. He lent money to his neighbours who wanted it,
but not at usury, while, on account of the dishonesty of some
of his debtors, he required security. Thus holding a middle
course, he was considered not better than other good men, nor
worse than the ill-disposed. Being thus at peace with all mankind,
and believing that he had not a single enemy, he was inspired
by divine influence (as it appeared in the sequel) to entertain
the desire of submitting himself to the rule of St. Benedict, and
assuming the habit. In short he came to our convent dedicated
to St. Peter the Apostle and St. Etheldrida, implored the favour
. of the monks, and engaged to put himself and all he had under
their rule. But, alas I the evil spirit through whose malice Adam
fell in paradise, will never cease from persecuting his posterity
to the last man who shall exist. God, however, whose providence
ordereth all things in mercy and goodness in his omnipotence
bringeth good out of evil, and out of good what is still better.
When, therefore, the news was spread abroad (for Bricstan,
though his acquaintance was not extensive, was sufficiently well
known), a certain man who was in King Henry's employment,
but more especially a servant of the devil, interfered with ma-
licious spite.
" We must make a short digression that you may understand
what sort of man this was. His name was Robert Malart (which
signifies in Latin malum artificem\ and not without reason. He
♦ The editor of Bohn's edition of Odericns remarks that as Henry I. was
crowned King of England on August 5th, 1100, and obtained possession of
the Duahy of Normandy September 28th, 1100 the circumstance here
related occurred between September, 1115, and August, 1116.
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had little else to do but to make mischief against all sorts of
persons, monks, clerks, soldiers, and country folk ; in short, men
of all ranks whether they lived piously or the contrary. That
I may not be accused of calumny, this was his constant practice,
wherever he was able to vent his malice. He slandered every*
one alike to the best of his ability, and exerted himself to the
utmost for the injury of others. Thus, mischievous to one and
another, he may be accounted among those of whom it is said
that Hhey rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of
the wicked.' When he failed of truth for his accusations he
became a liar, inventing falsehoods, by help of the devil, the father
of lies. It would be impossible for any one, even if he had been
his constant companion from childhood, to recount much more
to commit to writing all the evil doings of this man, who was
truly called * thousand-craft';* let us therefore proceed with our
story.
" When Robert heard the news that Bricstan wished to assume
the habit of a monk, he lost no time in accordance with the
teaching of his master the devil, who is always lying and deceiving,
in presenting himself at the convent. Having a false account
to give, he began with a falsehood, saying : * This Bricstan is a
thief; he has fraudulently appropriated the King's money in
secret, and wishes to become a monk, not to save his soul, but to
save himself from the sentence and punishment which his crimes
merit. In short, he has found a hidden treasure, and lias turned
usurer with sums clandestinely subtracted from what is the King's
by right. Being therefore guilty of the grave offences of theft
and usary, he is afraid to appear before the King or the judges.
In consequence,_I have the royal authority to forbid your receiving
him into your convent. Whereupon, having heard the King's
prohibition, and dreading his anger, we refused to admit the man
into our society. What shall I say more ? He gave bail, and was
brought to trial. Ralph Basset was judge,t and all the principal
* Mille artifex; a name commonly given to the devil in the Middle Ages.
f Ralph Basset was one of the minions of Henry I. whom he jaised from
a low origin to the highest offices in the state, in preference to his nobles.
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 265
men of the county were assembled at Huntingdon, according to
the custom in England. I, Hervey, was also there with Reginald,
Abbot of Ramsey, and Robert, Abbot of Thomey, and many
clerks and monks. Not to make the story long, the accused
appeared with his wife, the charges falsely made against him were
recapitulated. He pleaded not guilty, he could not confess what
he had not done ; the other party charged him with falsehoods
and made sport of him ; he was indeed rather corpulent, and was
short in stature, but he had, so to speak, an honest countenance.
After having unjustly loaded him with reproaches, they pre-judged
him, as in the case of Susannah, and sentenced bim and all his
substance to be at the King's mercy. After this judgment, being
compelled to surrender all he possessed, he gave np what he had
in hand, and owned where his effects were, and who were his
debtors. Being, however, pressed to give up and discover more,
he replied in the English tongue : Wat min Laert Godel Mihtin
that ie sege soth, which means * My Lord God Almighty knows
that I speak the truth.' He often repeated this, but said nothing
else. Having delivered up all that he had, the holy relics were
brought into court, but when he was called upon to swear, he said
to his wife : * My sister, I adjure you by the love there is between
us, not to suffer me to commit perjury ; for I have more fear of
perilling my soul than of suffering bodily torments. If, therefore,
there is any reservation which affects your conscience, do not
hesitate to make it known. Our spiritual enemy covets more
keenly the damnation of our souls, than the torture of our bodies.*
To this she replied : * Sir, besides what you have declared, I have
only sixteen pence and two rings weighing four drachms.' These
being exhibited, the woman added : * Dearest husband, you may
now take the oath in safety, and I will afterwards confirm, in the
testimony of my conscience, the truth you have sworn by the
ordeal of carrying hot iron in my naked hand, in the presence
of all who desire to witness it, if you so command. In short,
Bricstan was sworn, he was then bound and carried in custody to
London, where he was thrown into a gloomy dungeon.
[To he continued.']
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185«— Whittlesea Charities Inquisition, 1667.— The following
is an MS. record of this Inquisition, in the possesssion of Mr.
B, W. Ground, of Castle House, Whittlesea : —
" An Inquisition Indented taken at Whittlesea within the Isle
of Ely aforesaid on Tuesday the 28th day of January in the 19th
Year of the Eeign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the second and
in the Year of our Lord Christ One thousand six hundred and
sixty seven Before William Colvill Humphrey Orme, Christopher
Thursby and Thomas Edwards Esquires Commissioners Author-
ised by Virtue of Commission under the great Seal of England
bearing date the 19th day of July last past to them amongst
others directed for the due Execution of a certain Statute made
in the High Court of Parliament holden at Westminster the 27th
day of October in the 43rd Year of the Reign of the late Queen
Elizabeth Instituted an Act to redress the Misemployment of
Lands Goods and Stocks of Money heretofore given to Charitable
Uses By the Oaths of Thomas Winter of Chatteris Thomas
Reed of the same Francis Drake of Doddington James Granger
of the same Thomas German of March George Young of the
same Richard Sheep of Newton William Blaze of Tidd Saint
Giles William Goat of tlie same Thomas Gales of Leverington
Thomas Newdiok of the same William Dawson of Elm Richard
King of the same Richard Rands of Wisbech Saint Maries
and Thomas Robinson of Upwell Good and lawful Men of the
said Isle who being duly returned impannelled and sworn
according to the said Statute and Commission do say upon their
Oaths that John Speechly of Whittlesea deceased did by his
Testament and last Will Give to the use of the Poor people of
Whittlesey the sum of Twenty Pounds the Interest of the same to
be Yearly Distributed upon Saint Thomas's Day by the Ministers
and Churchwardens there for the time being amongst the Poor of
that Township which we found to have been relieved accordingly
performed and also says upon their Oaths Nicholas Davie late of
Whittlesea deceased Did give to the Use of the poor People of the
said Township Ten Acres of Land lying in Whittlesea the Profits
of the same Land to be Yearly distributed amongst the said poor
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People on Good Friday and Saint Thomas's Day every Year and
that Thomas Davie Brother to the said Nicholas Darie and Ralph
Laxon of Whittlesea aforesaid are Joint Trustees for the Disposal
of the Profits of the said Lands and that the profits of the same
hath been employed according to the Intent of the Donor and
furthur say upon their Oaths that one Folliett did long since give
and Settle One Messuage and Sixteen Acres of Land with the
Appurtenances in Whittlesea for and Towards the Ease of the
said Town of Whittlesea in the Maintenance of a certain Causeway
called Aldrey Causeway in the Isle of Ely and Robert Coveney
(Jenf* and Thomas Dow Deceased were Antiently Trustees in
Trust for the said Lands and that the said Messuage and Lands
are in the possession of Essex Coveney Gent" one of the Sons of
Robert Coveney late of Stanground deceased In the County of
Huntingdon Gent : or the assign or assigns of Robert Coveney
the Father of him the said Essex Coveney and that there hath
been since settled by the Court of the Exchequer Twenty six Acres
of Fenny or Marsh Ground as an Improvement to the said
Messuage and Sixteen Acres Viz. to the said Messuage Ten Acres
and to the said Land Sixteen Acres which is likewise in the
Possession of the Assigns of Robert Coveney Father to the said
Essex And Also say upon their Oaths that Thomas Wiseman Gent,
hath in his Hands as appears to them as well by his own Confes-
sion as upon other Evidence Ten Acres of Land lying in
Whittlesea aforesaid in a certain place called the Turfs belonging
to the said Township of Whittlesea the Profits whereof ought to
have been Yearly employed for the Publick Use and Benefit of
the said Township and that the said Lands were formerly set out
as an Improvement to an half full Land belonging to the said
Township in pursuance of a Decree between the Lord of the Manor
and Tenants of Whittlesea aforesaid and for which said Half full
Land he the said Thomas Wiseman is one of the Feoflfees in the
Interest of the said Township. And further say upon their oaths
that the said Thomas Wiseman hath been in the Possession of the
said Land which is Ten Acres for about Fourteen Years last past
and that the same hath been Yearly worth three Pound per Annum
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as the said Thomas Wiseman hath himself declared, And further
say upon their Oaths the said Thomas Wiseman demanded to be
due to him from the Town of Whittlesea and which hath been due
to him £f and hd the sum of Thirty Pounds In Witness
whereof as well as the Commissioners as the Jurors above named
to this Inquisition have set their Hand and Seals the Bay and
Year first above written. William Colville, Humphrey Orme,
Christopher Thursby, Thomas Edwards, Thomas Winter, Thomas
Read, Francis Drake, James Granger, Thomas German, George
Young, Richard Sheep, William Blaze, William Goates, Thomas
Gates, Thomas Newdick, William Dawson, Richard King, Richard
Rands, Thomas Robinson ; The Judgment Order and Decree of
William Colville, Humphrey Orme, Robert Apriece, Christopher
Thursby and Thomas Edwards Esquires Commissioners by Virtue
of his Majesties Commission to them amongst others directed to
Inquire of Lands Tenements Rents Annuities Profits Heredita-
ments Goods Chattels Money or Stocks of Money given to Charit-
able Uses in the Isle of Ely made at Whittlesea within the Isle
aforesaid on Tuesday the 2d Day of June in the 20th Year of the
Reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles the second by the Grace of
God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of
the faith &c and in the Year of our Lord 1668 as followeth : —
|fiB[^ma« as well by an Inquisition Indented taken at Whittlesea
within the Isle of Ely aforesaid the twenty-eighth day of January
last before William Colville, Humphrey Orme, Christopher Thursby,
and Thomas Edwards Esquires Commissioners By Virtue of a
Commission under the Great Seal of England bearing date the
Ninth day of July in the 19 th Year of our Sovereign Lord Charles
the Second by the Grace of God of England Scotland France
and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c. to them and others
directed for the due Execution of a certain Statute made in the
43rd Year of the late Queen Elizabeth Intituled an Act to direct
the Misimployment of Lands Goods and Stocks of Money hereto-
fore given to Charitable Uses by the Virtue by the Oaths of
Thomas Winter, John Read, Francis Drake, James Granger,
Thomas German, George Young, Richard Sharpe, William Blaze,
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 269
Wflliam Gkites, Thomas Newdick, William Dawson, Richard King,
Richard Rands, and Thomas Robinson, good and lawful Men of
the said Isle as the Testimony of several Witnesses upon Oath the
Perusal and Inspection of several Deeds Copies Writings Terriers
Maps Inquisitions and Decrees as well in his Majesties Court of
Exchequer or Court of Chancery Accounts and other things it
was found and hath appeared unto the Commissioners by virtue
of Commission above Recited whose Hands and Seals are hereunto
set That One Nicholas Davie of Whittlesea deceased Did give
and devise unto the Use of the poor people of the said Township of
Whittlesea aforesaid Ten Acres of Fen or Marsh Ground lying in
Whittlesea aforesaid in a place called Blackbush lying next the
Lands of the Heirs of John Day South, Robert Speechly North
the East end upon Common long Drove the Profits of the same
to be Yearly disbursed amongst the said poor People on Good
Friday and Saint Thomas's Day in every Tear by Equal Portions
as in and by the Testament and last Will of the said Nicholas Davie
in the proved Prerogative Court of [left blank] and bear date
20 th day of October in the Year of our Lord 1654 more and fully
appeareth. ^ni J^urtl^er that one FoUiett did many years since
give settle limit and appoint a Messuage and Sixteen Acres of Land
with the Appurtenances in Whittlesea aforesaid for and towards
the perpetual Ease of the Inhabitants of the said Town of
Whittlesea in the Maintenance of their charge in a Causeway
called Aldrey Causeway in the aforesaid Isle of Ely and that
Robert Coveney Gent. Robert Beale Grent. and Thomas Dow late
of Whittlesea aforesaid deceased were Antiently Feoffees In trust
for the Employments of the Rents and Profits of the Messuage
and Lands aforesaid for the use aforesaid And that now the said
Messuage and Lands are in the Possession of Essex Coveney G^nt.
one of the Sons of Robert Coveney Gent, late of Sfcandground in
the County of Huntingdon deceased or his Assigns ^nb nha that
there hath been since settled by and in Pursuance of a Decree out
of the Court of Exchequer bearing date at Westminster the 12th
day of February in the 14th Year of the Reign of the late King
Charles the First of England &c Twenty six Acres of Fenny or
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Marsh Ground out of the Wastes and Commons of the said
Township of Whittlesea as an Improvement to the said Messuage
And Sixteen Acres Viz : to the said Messuage and Ten Acres of
Land and to the said Sixteen Acres of Land Sixteen Acres which
said Twenty six Acres of Land are in the Possession of the Assign
or Assigns of Eobert Coveney Father of the said Essex Coveney
And also that Thomas Wiseman of Whittlesea Gent, hath in his
Hands as hath appeared as well by his own confession as upon the
Evidence to us shown Ten Acres of Land lying in Whittlesea
aforesaid in a certain place there called the Turves belonging to
the said Township of Whittlesea the Profits whereof ought to have
been Yearly employed for the Publick Uses and Benefit of the
said Township And that the said Lands were formerly set out
as an Improvement to an Half Full Land belonging the said
Township in pursuance of a Decree of the Court of Exchequer
above recited and for which said Half Full Land he the said
Thomas Wiseman is one of the Feoffees in trust in the Interest
of the said Township and that he the said Thomas Wiseman hath
been in Possession of the said Ten Acres of Land for 14 Years
last past The mean Profits arising Yearly to three Pounds
imaccounted for and Undisposed of by him the said Thomas
Wiseman hath in his own person acknowledged before us otherwise
then that He the said Thomas Wiseman pretends to retain the
the same in his Hand for and in Consideration of Thirty Pounds
which he Claimeth to be due to him from the said Town of
Whittlesea and which should have been paid to him by one Robert
Coveney deceased out of certain Monies due to the said Town of
Whittlesea which was remaining in the Hands of the said Robert
Coveney g,nb SB^ereas also it hath appeared unto us that there
hath been One Hundred Acres of Fenny or Marsh Ground set out
by the Consent of the Lord and Tenants of the said Manors of
Whittlesea aforesaid in Pursuance of a Decree of the Court of
Exchequer above recited (that is to say) Fifty Acres in a Place
there called the Turves abutting South upon Whittlesea Dike and
West upon the Tenants Doles in Wype And the other Fifty Acres
residue thereof in a certain place called Bassenhall Moor abutting
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West upon Delph Dyke leading to Thorney South upon the Eiver
called Morton's Learn to be used in Severalty for the Publick Use
and Benefit of the said Town of Whittlesea And that there are
Two other parcels of Ground called or known by the Name of the
Angle and the Pingle heretofore limited and appointed by the
Lords and Tenants of the Manor of Whittlesea aforesaid to be
used in Half severalty and the benefit of the same Yearly sold by
the Lords Bailiff of the said Township for the Use and Benefit of
the said Township And also one parcel of Land lying in
Whittlesea aforesaid commonly called or known by the Name of the
Common half Acre ^nh WSi^tms it hath further appeared unto
us that One Eobert Coulson Brother and Heir of one John
Coulson late of Whittlesea deceased did on or about the third
Year of the late Queen Elizabeth Did Surrender One Cottage
with a Garden adjoining and two half Full Lands with the
Appurtenances to the Use of Thomas Dow, Oswald Speechley,
and Eobert KelfuU In Trust for the Publick Use of the said
Township of Whittlesea which said Thomas Orn^e, Oswald
Speechley, and Eobert Kelfall are all deceased And also that,
there are two Alms Houses belonging to the said Township of
Whittlesea situated in Old Whittlesea Street there and the
Government of the same is no ways settled, ^x^ JK^mas it hath
further appeared unto us that there are several small Sums of
Money amounting in the whole to Fifty-five Pounds six shilhngs
and eight pence for which several Persons have given several
Securities be Specialties some to the Minister and Churchwardens
of the several Parishes of Whittlesea Saint Andrew and Whittlesea
Saint Marys and some other to Private Persons as by a Schedule
of the same Debts to these Presents annexed appeareth with
Securities by the frequent delaying the receiving the same and by
Omission of Calling the Monies in Convenient Times aad for
want of certain Persons instructed for the good Government of
the same have proved much Damage to the said Township And
also finding that the Annual Eents and Profits of the Lands and
Tenements aforesaid have been lessened and fallen many times
into the Hands of Persons unable to respond for the same and
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the Inheritance too frequently of being lost by the long continuance
of the same in the Hands of such particular Persons. And also
for that the Donors heretofore giving and limiting the said Lands
and Tenements nor any Decrees heretofore made for the Govern-
ment of the same have provided for the best and most advantagious
mode for the Interest of the said Township and for that most of
the Trustees at first Assigned for Management of the same are
dead For remedy and prevention of all the Inconveniences
Misemployments and Misgovernments before recited. Wit do
Order and Decree that Thomas Davie the only Surviving Trustee
for the Ten Acres of Land heretofore mentioned to be given by
Nicholas Davie deceased to the use of the Poor of Whittlesea
aforesaid And also that the aforesaid Essex Coveney Son of the
aforesaid Robert Coveney late of Sfcandground deceased and Grand-
child of Robert Coveney of Whittlesea deceased which said Robert
Coveney the Grandfather at the time of his death was the only
Surviving Feoffee for the aforesaid Sixteen Acres given by the
said Follieth for the perpetual Ease and benefit of the said Town-
ship of Whittlesey in the repair of Aldrey Causeway aforesaid
And that William Maxey who was Assign of Robert Coveney
Father of the said Essex in Possession of Sixteen Acres parcel of
the Twenty-six Acres improved in the right of the said Messuage
and sixteen Acres in a Place called the Turves in Saint Andrews
D. Land Lott Abutting South upon Whittlesea Dike North upon
Long Drove way and West upon the Lands of Francis Underwood
Esquire And that one of the Assigns of the said Robert Coveney
Father of the said Essex Coveney being in Possession of Ten
Acres residue of the said Twenty-six Acres which last mentioned
Ten Acres lie in a Place there called Bassenhall Moor In Saint
Andrews Eight Cottage Lott abutting North upon a Drove was
West upon the Lands of Thomas Wiseman Gent. South upon the
Twenty-five foot Drain And also that the said Thomas Wiseman
being in Possession of the aforesaid Ten Acres of Land lying in
Whittlesea aforesaid in a place there called the Turves in Saint
Andrews C. Lott abutting East upon the Lands of Francis Bevill
South upon a Droveway and North upon Saint Marys first Land Lott,
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And Further that "William Laxon and John Laxon who are the
only surviving Trustees for the aforesaid Hundred Acres of Land
whereof Fifty Acres lie in the Turves and Fifty Acres residue
thereof in Bassenhall Moor as aforesaid heretofore limited and
appointed for the Publick Use and Benefit of the Township of
Whittlesea aforesaid do within three Months next coming after
the date of these Presents Convey and Assure by good reasonable
Conveyance and Assurance in Law to be devised unto Robert
Bevill the Younger William Wiseman the Younger George Randall
the Younger John Dow Robert Bailey Thomas Bradford William
Higham Robert Boyce Son of Thomas Boyce Robert Colls William
Rolt George Golding the Younger and George Bumham the
Younger the several and respective Messuages Land and Tene-
ments aforesaid and their several and respective Interests in the
same as before mentioned so as the Estate in Law may be vested
in the said Trustees to be persued and Executed by of Trust to
and for the Interest and Benefit of the said Town of Whittlesea
as hereafter shall be expressed and declared.
To de continvsd,
186.— Wisbech School of Industry.— In 1833, a "School of
Industry" was established at Wisbech "for the purpose of instruct-
ing female children in reading, writing, arithmetic, and plain
needlework," and was held at the Exchange Hall. In 1834, the
school numbered 51 children. It was perfectly unsectarian in its
character. What became of this institution ?
C. W., Lynn.
187.— Burwell Church. — Extracts from Notes made by
Alexander Edmundson, Vicar of Burwell, 1725— 173f, and
bequeathed by him to his successors in the vicarage.
"This being the first year of my being here, and everything
almost being in great disorder, I began to rectifie what I found
amiss, but particularly in relation to Church affairs. For, first, I
found very few desirous of coming to Church : and, therefore, I
read the King's proclamation about keeping Sunday holy ; which
prevailed with some to come of tener to Church. Then I observed
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that when Church was over, nay, even in church-time, they made
no scruple of keeping their shops open and selling their goods on
Sundays : and even some had so little sense of religion, that when
I reproved 'em for not appearing at Church, they would answer,
by way of excuse, that their customers came to buy things of 'em
and so prevented 'em. This, therefore, I put down immediately,
and also all barbers, etc., who were used, heretofore, to shave
their customers on Sunday, pretending that they neither had
leisure themselves to shave, nor had their customers leisure to be
shaved on any other day. These two bad customs being pretty
well broken, I began to enquire into the Church Endowments,
and the charity money that had been left to the use of the poor.
But these I found miserably misapplied, and many of 'em either
embezell'd to private purses, or lost. However, I got some light
into these matters from the Inhabitants, and some from the
writings which then remain'd in the Vestry : and then I lost no
opportunity to recover what had been misapplied, and to settle it
according to the Will of the Donor. In this my Predecessor
(Mr. Badcock) had open'd the way, which made my work more
easy ; for he, finding that the Inhabitants had put the Church-
Estate to improper uses, got an Order from the Arch-Deacon of
Sudbury, Dr. Clagett, to have the church new pewed, which Order
is as follows : —
" * Whereas the right Eev. Father in God, Charles, Lord Bishop
* of Norwich (upon complaint made to his Lordship by divers of
* the inhabitants of the parish of Burwell, in the county of Cam-
' bridge, against the intended repairing of the seats of the said
* Church by making new pews in the same), hath specially
* authorised and appointed the reverend Nicholas Clagett, D.D.,
* Arch-Deacon of Sudbury, his Visitor, to view and inspect any
* Defect, Decays, and Eiyins in the said Church ; And whereas
*the said Mr. Arch-Deacon, pursuant to his Lordship's special
* appointment, did on tuesday the six and twentieth day of June,
' 1716, personally appear in the said parish Church of Burwell in
* the presence of diverse of the said Inhabitants, and did then
*and there strictly view and inspect the seats of the said church,
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 275
* and did find them much out of repair and ruinous ; He the said
' Mr. Arch-Deacon required and ordered all the said Church to be
* new pewed af cer the manner and form of five new pews lately
' erected and set up at the East end of the said Church, and the
* same to be painted in a decent manner as those 5 pews are at
* present, and shall soon be further painted. And he, the said
' Mr. Arch-Deacon, as the Bishop's Visitor, has likewise ordered
' that there be a new pulpit made and set up of a larger size than
* the old one, and the sounding board to be directed to the middle
*of the church, and the desk to be repaired answerably to the
* pulpit, and conveniently situated, and the old seats in the Middle
* Isle to be quite removed. He has also enjoined the Font to be
* removed near to the Steeple and be placed on the west-side of
*the cross-Isle, there and directly over against the middle Isle of
'the church, and to be painted with the same paint wherewith
Hhe new pews of the church shall be adorned. And further,
*Mr. Arch-deacon has ordered that George Hassel, who has been
* Clarke and Sexton of the said parish for several years, should be
* continued in his said places and offices, and enjoy the same and
* the said profits thereof as formerly.
' Nicholas Clagett, Visitor J
" In presentia Hen. Goodwin, Not.
" In accordance with these orders, the pews, etc., were finished :
and in the same year there was a table hung up in the Church at
the Entrance of the Chancel as follows : —
"'William Sigar and Thomas Catlyn gave, by their last Wills
' and Testaments* five score acres of land with some Tenements
* called town houses, amounting to the yearly value of £40 and
* upwards, to be expended in upon about and towards the reparation
*and adorning of this church called St. Marie's. 1716. Alex.
*Edmundson, Vicar y^
Neville Borton, Vicar of Burwell.
♦ Where those houses and tenements are I cannot hear.
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188.— Strange Discovery of Silver Coins at Holbeach.—
(No. 179, Part VIII).— A slight mistake has been made (a pardon-
able one from one who is evidently not a numismatist) in
describing the silver coins discovered here in December last.
They consisted of groats, sixpences, and shillings, and not any
florins^ which were not coined till the reign of her present
Majesty. The issue (silver) of Edward VI., Mary I., and
Elizabeth consisted of crowns, half-crowns, shillings, testoons,
sixpences, groats, threepences, twopences, and pence. Elizabeth
issued a three-halfpenny piece, somewhat rare, and milled shillings,
sixpences, threepences, and half-crowns (the latter very rare).
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
189.— A Mediaeval Prayer Book.— Mr. Henry Littlehales
has just issued a reprint of " The Prymer," a prayer book of the
laity in the Middle Ages, circa 1400. It is taken from a manu-
script (G. 24) in St. John's College, Cambridge, Mr. Littlehales
has done his work very thoroughly.
190.— Chatteris Market.— The following advertisement ap-
peared in the Stamford Mercury of April 11, 1834:—
"At a numerous Meeting of the Inhabitants of Chatteris, in
the Isle of Ely, held at the George Inn, on Tuesday the 25th day
of March, 1834 ;
" The Report of the Committee appointed at the last Meeting
was read, by which it appears that a Market was formerly held at
Chatteris, but in consequence of the frequently inundated state
of the adjacent Pen Lands, and the bad state of the Eoads, was
discontinued.
" It was Resolved, that in consequence of the improved state
of the Fen Country generally, the extent of corn grown in the
parish of Chatteris, and its central situation in the midst of a
large productive corn district, as also the great quantities of stock
of every description brought into and sold from the parish of
Chatteris and its vicinity annually, it is desirable, and would
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Fbnland Notes anb Qubribs. 277
contribute very generally to the advantage of the Neighbourhood.
if the ancient Market were renewed and established.
" In pursuance of the foregoing Eesolution, we whose names
are hereunto subscribed do agree to renew and establish a Market
to be held at Chatteris on Friday in every week, for the sale of
Corn and Stock of every description, and that we will use our
utmost exertions to forward and support the same,
" Resolved, that these Resolutions be advertised in the provincial
papers of our own and the adjoining counties.
" And we do hereby give Notice, That we intend to meet for
the purpose of holding a Market on Friday the Fourth day of
April, to be continued weekly.
eobert ruston f. richardson, juu.
Daniel Fryer John Ruston
J. S. Saberton John Ross
Thomas Bonfield James Smith
Richard Ruston John Negus
John Richardson Henry Hall
Fryer Richardson Thomas Hix
William Seward Edward Ilett
Joseph Smith John Sears
Henry Skeels Robert Clarke
William Curtis William Triplow
Fryer Richardson John Seward
Richard Ruston, jun. John Angood
Robert Ruston, jun. Philip Cawthorne
Christ. Billups John Cawthorne
John Welldon William Skbels
"Signed by upwards of fifty other of the Inhabitants of
Chatteris."
1 91 ,— Curious Occurrence at Wisbech in 1834.— The Lincoln-
shire Chronicle of October 10, 1834, contains the following : —
"A melancholy accident occurred on our river last Saturday.
As one of the numerous fishing smacks which are constantly
passing between this port and the sea, was hurrying up the river
with the tide, its mast came in contact with the bridge, and as
the water was very high and running at a rapid rate, the vessel
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was immediately swamped, and its cargo and three persons which
were in it were left floating on the water. One of them, an old
man nearly seventy, was rescued, after being carried some way
down the stream, and another by strong swimming soon made to
the shore ; but the third, a boy about thirteen years of age, went
down, and has not yet been found. The smack is a complete
wreck by the accident, and thus the poor men, in addition to the
loss of the boy, have completely lost the means of livelihood.
The great height to which these tides run, (nearly twenty feet),
renders it extremely dangerous, as the above fact proves, to
approach the bridge with the mast or rigging up."
1 92.— Turf Houses.— (No. 170, Part VIII.)— In reply to your
correspondent, " T. A, G.," who asks for the meaning of the term
"turf" houses, I think I can throw a little light on the subject.
I have resided at Stilton for more than half a century, and I
remember many fairs at Yaxley. At those fairs it was customary
for some householders to hang out a square of dried turf, and this
sign was sufficient to constitute the house during the time of the
fair a licensed house. As far as my recollection serves me, no
other license was required, and the exhibition of the turf prevented
any legal consequences occurring to the householder for selling
without the ordinary certificate. In many parts of Northampton-
shire it was customary at fair times for householders wishing to
convert their houses into temporary inns to exhibit a bush or
bough of a tree. These were called bough houses. This was the
common practice at Oundle, King's Cliffe, Fotheringhay, and no
doubt in many other places. Possibly this custom gave rise to
the adage " Good wine needs no bush,i" that is, needs no
advertisement. A. W.
1 93,— Hunts, and Cambs. and the Spanish Armada.— A very
interesting and valuable " List of the names of those persons who
subscribed towards the Defence of this Country at the time of the
Spanish Armada, 1588, and the amounts each contributed," forms
a scarce quarto tract of 1798, issued by Leigh and Sotheby, York
Street, Covent Garden. The original manuscript cannot be
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Fenland Notes akd Queries. 279
found ; the author or editor of it is unknown. A second edition,
with an admirable historical introduction taken from the State
papers, Dom. Ser. of the period in H.M. Public Record OflSce,
was published by my learned friend, the late Mr. J. C. Noble, of
Dalston, London, in 1886. From the work of the latter I have
appended the Cambs. and Hunts, contributors to the National
Defence. The figures represent pounds.
Cantabrigia.
Feb. Edward Barnes, Gen. 24 Fehruarii 25
John Cropley, eodem 25
Henrie Seaman, eodem 25
John Gravye, Sen., of Fordham, eodem 25
John Pratt, of Woodditton, eodem 25
John Folkes, of Swafham Bulbeck, eodem ... 25
Edmund Bacchus, of Swafham Prior, eodem ... 25
Thomas Smithe, of Stowe, eodem 25
Edward Styward, Armiger, of Feversham, eodem 50
George Foster, Gen., of Bottesham, 24 Febrvmii 25
Edward Wood, Gen., of Fulborne, eodem ... 25
Thomas Hancock, Sen., of Fulborne, eodem ... 25
Eichard Hasill, of Balshaw (Balsham). eodem ... 25
Gilbert Wise, of Hinton, eodem 25
Thomas Burie, of Horsheath, eodem 25
Eichard Davie, of Sawston, eodem 25
Eobert Swan, of Icleton 25
William Tharbie, Sen., of Witlesford, eodem ... 25
Thomas Hodilowe, of Cambridg, eodem 25
John Batisford, Gen., of Chesterton, eodem ... 50
William Carrowe, of Chesterton, eodem 25
John Martin, Gen., of Barton, eodem die ... 100
John Chaplin, of Trumpington, eodem 25
Kafcheryn Whale, Vidua, of Thriplowe, eodem ... 25
John Taylor, of Thriplowe, eodem 25
Edward Aldred, of Fulmeare, eodem 25
Walter Pilgiyme, of Windie, ^^wi 25
Thomas Cropwell, of Bourne, eodem 25
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280 Pbnland Notes and Queries.
Feb, Seth Warde, of Abingfcon juxta Shingey, eodem 25
Thomas Lilley, of Gilden Morden, eodem ... 25
Nicholas Johnson, alias Butler, of Orwell, eodem 25
Aprill Robert Pratt, of Malreath, 15 Aprilis 25
Walter Hitch, of Melbourne, eodem 25
Barbara Snell, Vidua, of Royston, eodem ... 25
Thomas Peck, of Eversden, eodem 25
John Marshall, of Eltisley, eodem 25
Adam Thurgood, of Eltisley ... 25
John Bolnest, of Litlington, eo^em 25
Thomas HoUiwell, of Weavlingham, eodmi ... 25
Henrie Graype, of Weavlingham, eodem ... 25
William Gery, Gen., of Over, eodem die 25
William Iley, of Over, eodem 25
William Steven, of Over, eodem ... 25
Johan Maldrie, Vidua, of Papworth Agnis, eodem 25
William Peck, of Hardwick, eodem die 25
John Steukyn, of Longstanton, eodem die ... 25
Maye Richard Richardes, of Mylton, 29 die Maii ... 25
William Agnes, of Landbeach, eodem 25
Robert Peach, of Fendrayton, eodem 25
John Barton, of Fendrayton, eodem 25
William March, Gen,, of Ely, e(?^6??^ 25
Daniell Goodrick, Gen., of Ely, eodem 25
John Martyn, of Elye, eodem 25
John Dane, Jun., of Elie, e(?^ew^ 25
William Grauford, of Elie, eodem 25
Edward Marohe, of Elye, eodem ... 25
Thomas Wade, of Litleport, eodem 25
John Kirkes, of Hadenham, eodem 25
John Bernard, of Hadenham, e(?^em 25
John Thurgood, Sen., of Wicham, eodein ... 25
Edward Homerston, of Coveney, eodem 25
John Reade, Sen., of Chatteris, ^iem ... ... 25
William Sturmyn, of Wisbitch, 29 Maii ... 25
William Skootred, of Wisbitch, eodem 25
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Pbnland Notes and Qubribs. 281
Maye Thomas Phage, of Marche, 29 Maii 25
Roberfe Girdeon, of Wisbitch, eodem 25
Junii Edmunde Laverocke, of Upwell, 20 die Junii ... 25
James Sallibancke, of Wisbitche, eodem 25
Robert Lyne, of Wisbitch, 6(?rf^ 25
Robert Cowper, of Wisbitch, eodem 25
Arthur Dalton, of Wisbitch, e(?tfem 25
Thomas Jones, of Leverington 25
Symon Treane, of Newton, eodem 25
John Bonde, of Persondrove, ^<?^em 25
Huntingdon.
In the list for this county the scribe was not so particular as he
was in many others by recording the donors' places of residence.
In order, in some measure to supply this deficiency, I have referred
to the Herald's Visitation of 1613 of this county, taken by
Nicholas Charles, Lancaster Herald, deputy for William Camden,
Clarenceux King of Arms.
Aprill Thomas Cordall, quinto die Aprilis 25
ThomB,^ T>ein\e\\, sexto die Aprilis 25
* John Bedells, 6en„ septima die Aprilis 50
William Sarvington, Gen. eodem 25
Thomas Saulter, 8 die Aprilis
Thomas Marsh, Gen., eodem
John Pedley, eodem
Richard Godfrey, 9 die Aprilis
t Johan Calton, Vidua, eodem
♦ J. B., a Knt. in 1613, eldest son and heir of Silvester B., of Hamerton,
and his first wife Margaret, eldest dau. of WiUm. Highfield, of co. Chester.
John, their son, also of Hamerton, mar. Matilda, one of the dans, and
co-hs. of Wmiam Lane, of Cottesbrook, co. Northamps. Anns : Quarterly
1 & 4 Gu., a chev. engr. ar. between 3 (2.1) escaUaps of the second BedeU.
2 ar. 3 wolves heads erased (Wolleston) 3 parted per pale gu & az 3 crosses
connterch. (Lave).
t Johan C, vid (vu 1613) was the wid. of Nicholas C. of Nedingworth,
and daiu of Silvester Bedell, of Hamerton, and had 4 sons, of whom
Francis the eldest was a Knt., temp visit, and one dau. Anns : Quarterly
1 & 4 az. a lion ramp, reguardant sable, in each quarter an ermine spot. ar.
crowned or, Calton, 2 & 3 a cross en gr.
25
25
25
25
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282 Pbnland Notes and Queries.
ApriU*Wi\liam Bedells, Gen., eodem 25
iThomBA Audev^ Qen., 12 die Aprilis 25
JHenrie Newman, eodem 25
"Rohert GjlatQ, eodem 25
Kemlm Keniy 18 die Aprilis 25
Richard Draper, eodem die 25
John Palmer, 29 die Aprilis 25
Maye ThomB,s EslqU^ primo die Maii 25
William Cony, Armiger ^(?rfem ... 25
Miohaell BeaJe, secundo die Maii 25
Anfchonie Warde, septimo die Maii 25
Owen Biggs, 16 die Maii
John Oranwell, ^^e 25 JIfoM 25
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
1 94.--Monumental Inscripfcions in St. Margaret's Church,
Lynn, No. 5.— (No. 155, Part VII).— The following are two
inscriptions I copied from recently erected memorials in St,
Margaret's Church, Lynn, as supplementary to the inscriptions
already published : —
To . the . glory . of God . and . in . memory . of . Rachel Elizabeth
Cresswell Born March. 25. 1803 Died Dec. 4.1888. [Black
letter in stained glass window in 8. Aisle].
To the Glory of God. and. in loving Memory of Mary
Balding Spinster, this window is dedicated by her sister Emma
Jane Balding . A.D. 1888. [Black letter, brass plate under stained
glass window in S. Aisle, east of last],
R. H. Edleston, Gainford Vicarage, Darlington.
* Probably brother to John B., of Hamerton, Knt., seated at Moldes-
worth (2nd son of SUvester and Margaret), Hunts., who espoused Brigida,
da. of , . , Power of co. Northampton.
t Perhaps a mistake of the scribe for Audley, a family to whom, in
the person of Henry A., esq., (of co. Beds.) Hen. 8 in the 29th year of 'his
reign granted the manor of Great Gransden. Eobert A., gr. grandson of
the grantor was seated here in 1613, m. Catherine, da. of WUlm. plommer,
of RadweU, Herts., and had 4 sons 3 daus. temp yigit.
% Of Folkesworth,
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Penland Notes and Queries. 283
195.— The Story of Bricstan of Chatteris. — (No. 184, Part
VIII). — There, heavily ironed with chains of unusual weight, in a
most cruel and outrageous manner, he suflfered for some time the
horrors of cold and hunger. In this extremity of distress he
implored divine assistance according to the best of his ability,
inspired by his urgent necessity. But as he felt that bis own
merits were but very small, or, to speak the truth, of no account
whatever, having no confidence in them, he incessantly invoked,
with sorrowful heart and such words as he could command,
St. Benedict, to whose rule, as we have seen before, he had
unfeignedly proposed to devote himself, and the holy virgin,
St. Etheldrida, in whose monastery he intended to make his
profession. In this dark dungeon, loaded with chains, tortured
with cold, and wasted with hunger, he wore out &ye wretched
months, and would rather, in my opinion, have chosen to die at
once, than live thus miserably. But, still seeing no hopes of
human help, he continued to call on SS. Benedict and Etheldrida,
with sighs and groans and tears, and with heart and mouth. To
proceed ; one night when the bells in the city were ringing for
lauds, and Bricstan, in his dungeon, besides his other sufferings,
had received no food for three days, so that he was quite exhausted,
and entirely despaired of his recovery, he repeated the names of
the saints with a sorrowful voice. Then at last the clement and
merciful Grod, the never-failing fountain of all goodness, who
never despises those who are in adversity, and chooses none for
their wealth or power, at last vouchsafed to show His loving-
kindness to the supplicant. It had been long indeed implored,
but it was deferred, that the earnestness of his supplications might
be more intense, and the mercy shown be more ardently loved.
For now St. Benedict and St. Etheldrida, with her sister Sexburga*
stood before the sorrowful prisoner. The light which preceded
their appearance was so extraordinary that he screened his eyes
with his hands ; and when the saints were seen surrounded by it,
* Sexburga, eldest sister of Etheldrida, was married to Ercombert,
King of Kent. She founded a monastery in the Isle of Sheppy, and
afterwards succeeded her sister as Abbess of Ely.
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284 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
Etheldrida spoke first : *Bricstan,' she said, * why do you so often
pour out your griefs before us ? What do you implore us, with
such earnest prayers to grant ? ' But he, spent with fasting, and
being now thrown into a sort of trance by excessive joy and the
supernatural visitation, could say nothing in reply. Then the
holy virgin said: *I am Etheldrida whom you have so often
invoked, and this is St. Benedict under whose rule you devoted
yourself to the service of God, and whose aid you have continually
implored. Do you wish to be set free ? ' On hearing this his
spirit revived, and, waking as it were from a dream, he said, 'My
lady, if life can by any means be granted me, I should wish to
escape from this horrible dungeon, but I find myself so worn out
by sufferings of every description, that my bodily powers are
exhausted, and I have no longer any hope of obtaining my liberty.'
Then the holy virgin turning to St. Benedict, said: 'Holy
Benedict, why do you hesitate to do what the Lord has commanded
you?' At this, the venerable Benedict laid his hand on the
fetters, and they fell in pieces, so that the prisoner's feet were
released without his being sensible of any act, the saint appearing
to have shattered his chains by his word alone. Having detached
them, he threw them indignantly against the beam which supported
the floor of the prison, making a great opening, and waking the
guards, who lay in the gallery in great alarm at the crash which
took place. They supposed that the prisoners had made their
escape, and lighting torches, hastened to the dungeon, and finding
the doors fast closed, they opened them with the keys and went in.
Upon seeing the prisoner they had left in fetters freed from his
chains, their astonishment increased, and upon their demanding
an account of the noise they had heard, and who had caused it, and
how his fetters were struck off, Bricstan said nothing, but a fellow
prisoner replied : ' Some persons, I know not who, entered the
prison with a great light, and talked with this man my companion,
but what they said or did I know not ; ask him who knows best.'
Then the guards turning to Bricsfcan, said : ' Tell us what you
saw and heard.' He replied : ' St.;,Benedict, with St. Etheldrida
and her sister Sexburga, appeared to me and struck the fetters off
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Fbnland Notes and Qubbibs. 285
my feet ; if yoa will not believe me, at least believe the evidence
of your own eyes.' As they did not doubt the miracle they saw,
the gaolers sent in the morning to Queen Matilda, who happened
to be in the city at the time, to tell her of it. The Queen sent
Ealph Basset to the prison, the same who had before doomed
Bricstan, who said that magical art was now employed. Ralph
entering the dungeon, addressed the prisoner derisively, as he
had done on the former occasion : 'What has happened Bricstan?
Has God spoken to you by his angels ? Has he visited you in
your prison ? Tell me what witchcraft you have been practising ? '
But Bricstan made no more reply than if he had been dead.
" Then Ealph Basset, perceiving that his fetters were broken,
and hearing from his fellow prisoners of the three persons who
had entered the dungeon surrounded by light, the words they had
spoken, and the crash they had made, and perceiving the hand of
God in these events, began to weep bitterly, and turning to
Bricstan, he said : ' My brother, I am a servant of St. Benedict
and the holy virgin Etheldrida ; for the love of them speak to
me.' He replied : ' If you are a servant of those saints, you are
welcome. Be assured that what you see and hear about me is the
truth and not the effect of magic' Ralph, then taking charge of
the prisoner, conducted him with tears of joy into the presence
of the Queen, where many nobles were present. Meanwhile, the
report flew swifter than a bird throughout London, and coming
to the ears of almost all the citizens, they raised shouts to heaven,
and people of both sexes and every age praised together the name
of the Lord, and flocked to the court where it was reported
Bricstan was taken, some shedding tears of joy, and others
wondering at what they saw and heard. The Queen rejoicing
in so great a miracle (for she was a good christian), ordered the
bells to be rung in all the monasteries throughout the city, and
thanksgivings to be offered by the convents belonging to every
ecclesiastical order. Bricstan went to many of the churches to
return thanks to God in the fulness of his joy for his liberation,
great crowds preceding and following him through the suburbs,
and everyone being anxious to see him, as if he were some new
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286 FBNLAJSfD Notes and Queries.
man. When he reached the church of St. Peter, called in English
Westminster, Gilbert, the abbot of that place, a man of great
eminence in sacred and profane literature, came forth to meet
him outside the abbey in a procession formed of the whole body
of monks, with all the pomp of the church ; for he said : *if the
relics of a dead man are to be received with ceremony in a church,
we have much more reason for giving an honourable reception to
living relics, namely, such a man as this ; for as to the dead, we
who are still in this mortal life are uncertain where their spirits
are, but for this man, we cannot be ignorant that he has been
visited and delivered by God before our eyes, because he has not
acted unjustly.'
"When thanksgiving had been offered to God, to the best of
their ability, according to what in their estimation was due for
Bricstan's deliverance, the Queen sent him with great honour to
the abbey of St. Etheldrida in the Isle of Ely. I went myself,
attended by the whole convent of monks, to meet him, with candles
and (arosses chanting Te deum Laudamus, Having conducted him
into the church with befitting ceremony, and offered thanksgivings
to God, we delivered to him, in honour of blessed Benedict his
liberator, the monastic habit he had so loug desired. We also
hung up in the church in view of the people, the fetters with
which he was bound, that they might be a memorial of this gi-eat
miracle, to the honour of St. Benedict who broke them, and of
St. Etheldrida, who was his colleague and assistant ; and they
long continued to be suspended there, to keep alive the remembrance
of these events.
" I have been desirous of making known to the sons of holy
church these acts of the venerable Father Benedict, not because
he had not performed greater wonders, but because they are more
recent, and such miracles appear in our days to be infrequent in
England. Nor, as regards our blessed Father Benedict, let any
one be surprised that he wrought great and inconceivable wonders ;
for, according to Pope Gregory, he may be equalled to Moses for
having brought water out of the rock ; to Elijah, for receiving
the ministry of a raven ; to Elisha, for raising iron from the
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 287
bottom of a pit ; and to Peter, for having caused a disciple to
walk on the water at his command. St. Benedict likewise, as is
well known, shewed himself to be a prophet by predicting events
to come, and an apostle by the miracles he wrought ; and to sum
up all in a few words, he was full of the spirit of all the just.
Since, therefore, we know with certainty that he obtained from
the Lord all that he desired, let us continue joyfully in his service,
knowing that through his intercession we shall not lose our
reward ; and if St. Benedict did not refuse his aid to one who
had engaged to become a monk, what must be the protection he
will afford to those who are actually bound by their voluntary
engagements to the rules of his discipline ? It is clearly manifested
by many evident tokens that our kind patron, who is now glorified
by God in heaven, unceasingly intercedes for his suppliant disciples^
and daily renders them effective aid in their necessities. We then,
who have submitted to the light yoke of Christ, and labouring in
his vineyard, bear the burden of the day with constancy and
perseverance, may, through the divine goodness, be assured that
Almighty God will save and protecfc us for the merits and prayers
of our wonder-working mascer. Let us, therefore, earnestly
supplicate the Creator of the universe that he will bring us out of
Babylon, and the land of the Chaldeans, and conduct us to
Jerusalem by the observance of his laws, and that He who is the
Almighty and merciful God will give us a place in the company o{
the citizens above, to praise Him who liveth and reigneth for all
ages. Amen."
196.— Will o' the Wisps.— These phenomena were witnessed,
I understand, at Lolham Mills, near Deeping, soon after the
disappearance of the severe frost of the past winter. I understand
that old residents in various parts of the Fens state that Will o'
the Wisps were very commonly seen in their younger days, but
have gradually ceased to be observed. Is this due to the improved
drainage of the fenland ? F. G. A., Spalding.
1 gy.—WMpping Posts and Stocks.— Are there any remains
pf whipping posts or stocks still preserved in Fenland parishes ?
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288 Feklaito Notes and Queries.
198.-The Paston Letters — In the Paston Letters I do not
find many references, to places in the Penland ; but this one,
written at Lynn, and of historic interest, may be worthy of a
place in the Notes and Queries. (From Fenn's Paston Letters,
XXVIII, vol iv., p. 101.)
" To my right worshipful father, John Paston.
" Please you to weet that I am at Lynn, and understand by
divers persons, as I am informed, that the master of Carbrooke*
would take a rule in the Mary Talbot as for captain, and to give
jackets of livery to divers persons which he waged by other men,
and not by him, being in the said ship ; wherefore insomuch as I
have but few soldiers in mine livery here, to strengthen me in that
which is the king's commandment, I keep with me your two
men Dawbeny and Calle, which I suppose shall sail with me to
Yarmouth, for I have purveyed harness for them, and ye shall
well understand by the grace of God that the said master of
Carbrooke* shall have none rule in the ships, as I had proposed he
should have had, because of his businessf ; and for this is one of
the special causes I keep your said men with me, beseeching you
ye take it to none displeasure with me, notwithstanding their
herdenj at Wygenhall shall be don3 this day, by the grace of God,
who have you in his keeping.
" Written at Lynn, the morrow after my departure from you.
" Item, as for such tidings as be here Th. shall inform you.
(Written between 1461 and 1466, John Paston."
1 and 6, E. IV.)
* Carbrooke is in Norfolk, about midway between Castle Acre
and Lynn. There was a society of Knight Templars at that
place, and it would be interesting to know if there is any local
trace of them now. The master of Carbrooke would mean the
head of this society, who (f) was a busy-body and not fitted to act
as subordinate under John Paston.
% The word herden appears to have been derived from Anglo-
Saxon Hyrdan, to guard, keep, or to muster, &c. The cognate
noun was heord, a flock ; but also custody. Herd, (according to
Home Tooke in '' Diversions of Purley ") is the past participle of
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 289
hyrdan^ and is applied both to that which is guarded or kept, and
to him by whom it is guarded or kept. " We use it both for
grex and pastor."
John Paston, the writer of the letter, was brought up in the
family of the Duke of Norfolk ; was a soldier, and engaged in
French wars ; became heir to his brother in 1479 ; High Sheriff
of Norfolk in 1485 ; was made a Knight bannaret at the battle of
Stoke in 1487 by Henry VII. ; and died in 1503.
S. H, Miller, Lowestoft.
199.-Pen Pumps, No. 4.-(No. 175, Part VIII.)— I am now
able to give some further information as to the use of millR in the
Fens at an earlier period than has hitherto been believed. Mr.
Richard Atkins, of Outwell, whose observations on the state of
the Fens were commended by Dugdale, made a complete survey of
the country in 1604, and he wrote a tract on the subject which
he called Relateo de Mariscis, I do not know whether this was
ever published, or whether any complete copy is now in existence.
Badeslade in his History of the Navigation of the Port of Lynn
[pub. 1766] quoted largely from a manuscript copy. The Wis-
bech Court of Sewers has in its possession a manuscript volume
written early in the 17th century, and one of the latest documents
contained in it is an imperfect copy of Atkins' celebrated report.
In it he says : —
" Over hath very good fens 2 miles broad and above a mile long
" very meddowes wthin y® compasse whereof lye certen grounds of
" Sir "William Hindes where there is an Ingin or mill placed to
** cast water and not far from thence another mill for y® towne —
" both serve to good purpose and empty y^ water into a ditch
" which falleth into Willingham mere."
In answer to some criticisms in local newspapers, aUow me to
point out that I never asserted that the Engines of which I spoke
were wind mills. I called in question the statement that " water
mills " were first erected in the Levels in the early part of
the 18th century, or the latter part of the 17th."
William 0. LittiiB.
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290
Fbnland Notes and Queries.
200.~Market and Fair at Whittlesey. — Lysons in his His-
torical account of Cambridgeshire [Magna Britannia 1808] makes
the following statement : —
"Whittlesea had formerly a market which had not been wholly
" disused until within the last twenty years ; the market day was
" Friday, We have not ieen able to find any grant of it on record ;
" there is a fair for horses on the 13th of June."
The Eoyal Commission on Market Eights has recently published
a Calendar of Grants of Markets and Fairs enrolled on the Patent
Eolls since 1700 A.D. The following extract from this Calendar
(Vol XI., p. 143) sets the point of the date of the grant at rest : —
Applications for Grants. i
Grants Made.
1
a
j
Grant Solicited.
1
Particulars of Grant.
i
S
CO
1-»
1
6
CD
O
P
1
M. each week on Friday,
for com, flesh, fish, and
other provisions and
merchandises. Three
F. ammaUy, (1) on 11th
June for three days,
(2) on 25th October for
three days, (3) on 25th
January for three days,
(if any day a Sunday,
then on Monday follow-
ing), for goods and
merchandises. With
court of pie-powder,
with toUs and profits.
1
r-i
rH
d
O
1-H
Grant to George Downes
and his heirs of M.
each week on Friday, in
Whittlesey, Cambridge,
and of three F. annuaUy
there, (1) on 11th June, to
continue for three days,
(2) on 25th October for
three days, and (3) on
25th January for three
days.
It might naturally be supposed that George Downes, to whom
the grant was made, was Lord of the Manors of Whittlesey at the
time of the grant [1716 A.D.], but he was really the Steward.
The Manors at that time belonged to Richard Price, Esq., and
Nathaniel Webb, Gentleman. It would seem probable that
Downes was a Lessee or Farmer of the Manor. W. 0. L.
201 .—Leeds Family.— Can any one oblige by giving births of
Thomas Leeds, 1620, Daniel Leeds, 1652; supposed members of
a Leeds family bearing arms ' " Argt. a Fesse 3 eagles displayed
sable " Yorks., Lincoln, Suffolk, Sussex, Cambs., Hants.
C. Heroy, 41, Great Russell Street, London
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 291
202.— Ely at the end of the 17th Century. — In a work re-
cently published, " Through England on a side-saddle in the time
of William and Mary," being the diary of Celia Fiennes, the
following references to Ely occur : —
" From thence [Newmarket] I went eight miles to Ely, which
were as long as the 12 I came from St. Edmondsbery, ye
wayes being very deep ; its mostly Lanes and Low moorish
ground on Each Side deffended by ye ffendiks which are deep
ditches with draines. Ye ffenns are full of water and mudd these
also Encompass their grounds. Each mans part 10 or a dozen
acres a piece or more, so these dieks are the fences. On each
side they plant willows so there is two rows of trees runs
round ye ground which Looks very finely to see a flatt of
many miles so planted but it must be ill to live there. All
this while Ely minister is in our view at a mile distant you
would think but go, its a long four mile. A mile distant from ye
town is a Little Hamlet from which I descended from a steep hill
and so Cross a bridge over water which Enters into ye island of
Ely, and so you pass^ a flatt on a Gravel causey which way ye
Bishop is at ye Charge to repaire. Else there would be no passing
in ye summer. This is secured by some dikes which surround
more grounds as ye former fulls of Rows of trees and willows
round them, which makes Ely looke finely through those trees, and
yet stands very high. In the winter this Caussey is overflowed,
and they have no way but boats to pass in. They Cut peate out
of some of these grounds. The raines now had fallen so as in
some places near ye Citty ye Caussey was Covered and a Remark-
able deliverance I had for my horse Earnest to drinke, ran to get
more depth of water than ye Caussey had, was on the brinke of
one of these dikes, but by a speciall providence which I desire
never to forget, and allways to be thankful for. Escaped. Yet
bridge was over the River Linn, which comes from Norfolke, and
does almost Encompass the island of Ely, which is 20 mile in
bigness, in which are severall little towns as Wisbech, and many
others. There is another River that joyns with ye Linn which
Compasses this land into an island. At this bridge is a gate, but
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292 Fenland Notes and Queries.
by reason of je great raines ye roades were full of water, even
quite to ye town which you ascend a very steep hill into, but ye
dirtyest place I ever saw, nott a bitt of pitching in ye streetes, so
its a perfect quagmire the whole Citty, only just about ye Palace
and Churches the streetes are well enough for breadth, but for
want of pitching it seemes only a harbour to breed and nest
vermine in of which there is plenty Enough, so that tho' my
Chamber was near 20 Stepps up I had frogs and slow worms and
snailes in my Eoome, but suppose it was brought up with ye
faggots. But it Cannot but be infested with all such things,
being altogether moorish ffenny ground which Lyes Low ; it is
true were the Least Care taken to pitch their streets they would
make it Looke more properly an habitation for human beings, and
not a cage or nest of unclean Creatures. It must needs be very
unhealthy tho' ye natives say much to the Contrary, which
proceeds from custom and use, otherwise to persons born in up
and dry Countryes it must destroy them Like Eotten sheep in
Consumptions and Ehums.
" The Bishop does not care to stay long in this place, not being
good for his health ; he is the Lord of all the island, has the
command and ye jurisdiction. They have lost their Charter, and
so are no Corporation, but all things are directed by the Bishop,
and it is a shame he does not see it better ordered, and ye buildings
and streets put in a better condition. They are a slothfiil people,
and for little, but ye takeing care of their Grounds and Cattle,
wMch is a vast advantage. "Where the yeares prove drye they
gain so much that in case 6 or 7 wet yeares drown them all over,
the one good yeare sufficiently repaires their loss. There is a good
palace for the Bishop built, but it was unfurnished. There are
two Churches. Ely Minster is a curious pile of building all of
stone, the outside full of Carvings and great arches, and fine
pillars in the front, and the inside has the greatest variety and
neatness in the works. There are two Chappels, most exactly
carv'd in stone, all sorts of figures, Cherubims Gilt, and painted
in some parts. Ye Eoofe of one Chappell was One Entire stone
most delicately Carv'd and hung down in great poynts all about
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ye Church. The pillars are Carv'd and painted with ye history of
the bible, especially the new testament and description of Christ's
miracles. The Lanthorn in ye quire are vastly high and delicately
painted, and fine Carv'd work all of wood. In it ye bells used
to be hung (five) ; the demention of ye biggest was so much that
when they rung them it shooke ye quire so, and ye Carv'd worke,
that it was thought unsafe, therefore they were taken down.
There is one Chappel for Confession, with a Roome and Chaire of
State for ye priest to set to hear ye people on their knees Confess
into his Bare through a hole in the wall. This Church has ye
most popish remaines of any I have seen. There still remains a
Cross over the alter ; the Candlesticks are 3 quarters of a yard
high, massy silver gilt, very heavy. The ffont is One Entire piece
of White Marble, stemm and f oote ; the Cover was Carv'd Wood,
with ye image of Christ's being baptized by John, and the holy
Dove descending on him, all finely Carv'd white wood, without
any paint or varnish,
<* When I was upon the tower I could see Cambridg and a great
prospect of ye Country, which by reason of ye great raines just
before under water, all the ffenny ground being all on a flBiatt,
unless it be one side of the town, which is all the high dry grounds,
into which they drive up their Cattle to secure them in the wet
seasons."
203,— The Bells of Tydd St. Giles,— The old bells of this
church were taken down from the tower and sent away to Messrs.
Mears and Stainbanks' Bell Foundry, in London, on December
20th, 1889, to be recast. The weight of the old peal was 33
owt., the tenor weighing just under 10 cwt. The inscriptions on
the five old bells were as follows :— 1st.— Treble, Sigismund
Trafford, of Dunton Hall, Tidd St. Maries, 1710. 2nd, Henry
Penn, Fusore. Omnia fiant ad ghriam Dei (Let all things be
done to the glory of God) 1627 Abill Hodges, Rector. Tobie
Morris cast me. 3rd. — Non clamor sed amm cantat in aure Dei
(not noise but love sings in the ear of God). Tobie Morris cast
me. 1627. B.C. A. W.F. ^ih.—Ccelorum Ghristi placeat tyle
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Rex sonus iste (0 Christ King of heaven may that sound please
Thee.) Jesus spede us. 1603. Joannes Wilbe generosus et
Clement Martyn, Eector 1603. 5th.— James Scribo, Adam Cook,
Churchwardens 1725.
204.~Ilamsey Heights or Aits.— This place-name is indis-
criminately spelt and written in the two forms above. "Which is
right? "Heights" certainly seems a misnomer for one of the
flattest parts of the Fenland. B.A.
205.-0des on the Fens by Thomas Wells, Esq.— The follow-
ing odes were written by Mr. Thomas Wells, of Hohne. They
are printed on a folio page, but without any date or printer*8
name. Perhaps some of the readers of Fenland Notes and Queries
can state if they ever appeared in any periodical and the date
they were written. Charles Dack.
ODE to the NAIADS of ths River EOLME.
By THOMAS WELLS, Esg[.
I.
"YT^E ebon Naiads of the inky Flood,
That sluggishly supplies the lazy Lake,
Arise in all the Majesty of Mud,
Eise from your oozy Beds, ye Nymphs awake !
Dull as the Murmurs of your liquid Slime,
Hoarse as the spotted Tenants of your Shore^^^
(When rous'd to Music by the Punt or Oar)
To you I tune the slow, somnif'rous Rhyme,
Senseless as is my Prose, but more sublime,
The Eiver now that gaily glides,
And pours its golden Tides.
By Holme's proud Tow'rs to Whittlesey,
The Peasant erst, in Accents rude,
Call'd a Fen Ditch, and damn'd the Mud ;
For which I damn'd his Blood. ^'^
And now the River Holme flows to the little Sea.^^^
Q) The Frogs. O An usual Phrase of the Author's, appHed to the
Person who calls his River a. Ditch or Dike. (») The Little Mere may
fairly be caUed the Little Sea, when Holme Ditch is termed Holme Biver
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To me that Eiver owes its Name ;
To me you owe immortal Fame ;
Like Alligators form'd of Mire/^>
To heav'nly Honours you aspire :
Then aid me now — in Gratitude you owe it,
I made you Goddesses, make me a Poet.
II.
Where were ye, Nymphs ? when Rustics bold
My fav'rite Trees invaded ?
Their prostrate Pride the Flames infold,
Their crackling Heads are faded/^^
Your sister Dryads rais'd a feeble Cry,
At Holme's proud Pile their piteous Pangs we learn ;
The House-maid, Cook-maid, Kitchen-maid, and /,
From Holme's proud Pile a feeble Cry return.
Me they suspended on ih& fatal Tree^
With serious, sad Solemnity f^
(Would I could tie them to the Stocks and lash 'em)
Bleach'd by the Winds, I hung on high,
The Earth below, above the Sky ;
Like his my Air, my Habit too.
My Jachet trim, and Trousers Blue,^^>
The Traveller looked up, and thought me Mr. Matchm.^^^
III.
Yet still the Empire of the Sea is mine,^^
My Streamers wave as frolic, gay, and pretty,
(0 The -aigyptians supposed that the Alligators, whom they considered as
Divmities, sprung from the Mud of the Nile. O The Trees of an
Avenue planted by the Author, were lately cut down by the Country-
People, and burnt. Q) The Author threatened to treat a Country-FeUow
in this Manner for not puUing off his Hat to him, and actuaUy ordered the
Constable to proceed and inflict the Punishment.-The Constable w^ how-
ever wiser than the Captain. C) The Author was lately hung m Efiigy ^^
this Dress, it being reported that he had ome been at Sea, C) A SaUor
who hangs in Chains, in the same Uniform, a few Miles from the Place of
the Author's Execution, for the Murder of a Drummer. C) The Author has
lately raised two private Conveniences, the one before the Windows of his
House at Holme ; the other in the same position as to a Pleasure-House,
which he claims, by the Side of Whittlbsea Mere.
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As those that deck the Hats of Misses fine,
In Huntingdon fair Town, or Peterlorough City.
Whilst thro' the foggy Fen,
Your sable Eiver flowing,
Theme of the Poet's Pen,
And wide enough for Rowing,
Delights Nose, Eye, and Taste— vfhiah most I study,
With Eels both fat and large, altho' a little muddy ;
To you ye Nymphs the haUowed Shrine I've rais'd,
Close to my festive Hall,
And lo ! with equal Honours prais'd,
Another fragrant Nymph attends my Call ;
Famed Cloacina, with the yellow Hair,
By you assumes her Seat,
And each returning Morn with Inceuse sweet,
And Oflf'rings due, your Votary shall appear.
A Pindaric ODE to CLOACINA.
By THOMAS WELLS, Esq.
T3 RIGHT CLOACINA, I this Lay
Inscribe to Thee,
My fav'rite Deity ;
What other Tribute can thy Votary pay ?
Already sacred to thy Name I've rais'd
Two splendid Temples ; one conspicuous stands
Upon the Margin of fair Whittlesea ;
The Tempest-beaten Sailor oft has gaz'd
On the high Pile, and to remotest Lands
His Course directed with security.
From the rich Fane the passing Gales convey
A gratefull Smell across the wat'ry Way ;
Not half so ravishing the Wind
That scatters Fragrance o'er the Seas of Ind.
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Before my Mansion's Windows fall in Sight
The other Structure's built ; for with Delight
Mine Eye can ever dwell on ought that's Thine ;
Here perfect Taste unites with great Design :
Aspiring to the Clouds its ample Dome
Compleats with aweful Pomp, the tow'ry Pride of Holme.
In this I ev'ry Day
With fervant Zeal and humble Rev'rence pray,
And costly OfTrings leave behind.
Nor do I superstitiously confine
My Prayers, Goddess, to thy hallow'd Shrine,
When sudden Terrors agitate my Mind ;
Wherever I may chance to be.
Or trave'ling cross the Land, or tumbling on the Sea,
I constantly prefer my Vows to Thee.
Pull well thou know'st I was not near thine Altar,
When the sad melancholy Tidings came
That I had been suspended in a Halter ;
Yet I to thee alone, illustrious Dame !
Of all the Gods, due Eites perform'd: Well pleas'd
Thou smild'st benign, and my Distress was eas'd.
206.— Miller's Toll Dish.— In a miller's advertisement, in the
neighbourhood of Ramsey, the expression occurs, "one shilling
per coomb and no toll dish." What is a toll dish ? B.A.
207,— History of Soham, (hy the Rev. J. R. Olorenskaw).—
1614—20 Jan. Thomas Muriell, B.D. Proctor of Cambridge
1611 ; Archdeacon of Norwich 1621, and Rector of Hilders-
ham, where he died. He was buried there Oct. 7, 1629.
1629—21 Oct. Thomas Bolde, A.B. Chosen Fellow 29 Sep.,
1610 ; A.M. 1615 ; had a testimonial 1619 ; Junior Proctor
1624 ; President 1629.
1631—14 May. Roger Hechstetter, A,B. Chosen Fellow 13 Jan.,
1612 ; M.A. Rhetorical Lecturer 1617 ; had the Fellowship
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of Grindall's Foundation 1618, and in chat year was Greek
Lecturer ; Junior Treasurer and Hebrew Lecturer 1619, and
had a testimonial in the same year ; Senior Treasurer and
Catechist 1620 ; Philosophy Lecturer 1621 ; Bursar 1628 ;
Junior Proctor 1680. ^* A very loyal and brave man."* He
appears to be identical with the vicar referred to in " Walker's
Sufferings of Clergy,"t under the name of "Exeter," of
Soham Vicarage (then of the value of £100 a year) as
follows : "April 10, 1644. Sequestered by the Earl of Man-
chester for insuflSciency, malignancy, and particularly for not
taking the covenant himself ; and what's worse, as it f olloweth
in his charge because not above three or four of his parish
had taken it, though it consisted of 800 families." He was
buried at Soham, Sept, 1, 1660.
1661 — 28 Nov. Thomas Wedon, or Weedon, Hertfordshire, A.B.
Chosen Fellow 1 Feb., 1681 ; ejected 1644 ; restored 1660.
J In 1660 a petition was presented to King Charles II. by
the Master and Fellows of Pembroke Hall, for the present-
ation of Thomas Wedon B.D. Senior Fellow of the College,
to the Vicarage of Soham, which is the gift of the college,
but some demur arose from a lapse to the crown, because of
a misnomer in the presentation, 30 years before, of Roger
Heohstetter the last incumbent, § And on the 21st October,
1661, a warrant was granted for his presentation to the
vicarage and he appears to have been presented on October
31, 1661. He was buried at Soham, May 23, 1672.
(It would appear that one Eobert Grimmer M.A. presented
a petition to the king in July 1661 asking for the vicarage
of Soham. He was thrown out of his ministry at the
beginning of the wars for his constant adherence to the late
king Charles I. Drs. Isaac Barrow and Peter Gunning
gave a certificate in his favour, speaking of him as " an M. A.
* Baker's MSS. (Additional 7033, p. 302).
tp. 236., Part II.
:J: Calendars ot State Papers, Domestic, (B,M, ?076, Vol xii.)
§ Ditto Vol. xUii,
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of 80 years' standing of Jesus College Cambridge/* and it is
said that he was presented to the living on July 22, 1661.*
If this was the case he could have held it for a few months
only.)
1672—6 Aug. Robert Mapletoft, born at North Thoresby in
Lincolnshire 25 Jan. 1609. Educated in Louth School, from
thence sent to Queen's College, and removed to Pembroke
when A.B. and chosen Fellow 6 Jan. 1631. Chaplain to
Bishop Wren 1638. B.D. and ejected 1644. In the rebellion
he lived quietly among his friends, particularly at Sir Robert
Sharley's in Leicestershire where he became acquainted with
Archbishop Sheldon, and had afterwards a private congrega-
tion in Lincoln, where he used to officiate according to the
liturgy of the Church of England, which had liked to have
procured him much trouble, but it being found upon enquiry
that his congregation had oflFered him a considerable sum of
money and that lie had refused it, he came oflF safe. Upon
the king's restoration he was again possessed of his Fellow-
ship in 1660, and made Sub-dean of Lincoln, and about that
time Hector of Claworth, in Nottinghamshire, (which he
afterwards exchanged for the vicarage of Soham) and resigned
his Fellowship 1661. He was chosen master of Pembroke
College 1664 and was also D.D. About that time Archbishop
Sheldon invited him to be Chaplain to the Duchess of York,
then, as was supposed, inclined to Popery, and in want of a
man of Dr. Mapletoft's primitive stamp, to keep her steady
to her religion ; but he could not be prevailed with to
entertain the notion. He lived very hospitably at Ely and
wherever he resided, and was esteemed for the many pious
and charitable acts he did in his lifetime. Dean of Ely
1667. Vice-Chancellor 1671, and died at Pembroke Hall
August 20, 1677, and was buried in a vault in the chapel.
1677 — 3 Jan. Marmaduke Urlin or Earl win, of Buckingham-
shire, admitted 1654, B.A. ; Fellow, October 15th, 1660 ;
♦ Calendars of State Papers, Vol. szxiz.
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A.M. 1661 ; Taxor and PhUosophy Lecturer, 1664 ; Rhetoric
Lecturer, 1666 ; Bursar and Humanity Lecturer, 1667-9 ;
Senior Treasurer, 1670 ; Dean and Catechist, 1671 ; Eector
of Hardwick. Died 1678.
1679—7 May. Drugonis, or Drue, Cressener, of St. Edmund's
Bury, Suffolk. Admitted from Christ's College, 1661 ; Greek
Scholar, A.B., and chosen Fellow 29th August, 1662 ; Rhe-
toric Lecturer, 1664-5; Hebrew ditto, 1666; Greek ditto,
1668; Junior Treasurer, 1669 ; Bursar, 1676; Framlingham
Treasurer, 1667. Had leave to study law or physic, July 5,
1671. Presented to Wearisley, 26 April, 1677, which he
resigned 14 Jan., 1678, and was then presented to Soham.
Junior Proctor, 1678 ; D.D., 1680 ; Prebend of Ely. He
wrote a Commentary upon the Apocalypse. He died Feb.
20, 1717, aged 79, and was buried Feb. 23, in the eastern-
most chapel of Soham Church. The inscription on the flat
stone is as follows: — Depositum | Drugonis Cressener |
S.T.P. I Aulas Pembrochianae | PerxvAnnos | Socij | Hujus
Bcclesiae | Per xxxix Annos | Vicarij | Ecclesiae Eliensis |
Per XVII Annos | Canonici | Obijtxx Die Mensis| February |
A D. MDCOXVii. I -3Btatis Suae | lxxix.
1718— March 25. Reginald Hawkins, of Cornwall, admitted
1684, A.B., 1687; A.M., and chosen Fellow Oct. 28, 1691.
Greek Lecturer, 1698 ; Junior Treasurer, 1699 ; Hebrew
Lecturer, 1701 ; Rhetoric Lecturer, 1702 ; Dean and Cate-
chist, 1704-5; Chapel Reader 1705; Framlingham Treasurer,
1706-8; President, 1707; Senior Proctor, 1708. He married
April 2, 1722, Mrs. Margaret Dixie of Market Bosworth in
the County of Leicester, Baronet, Cole says he built " the
elegant and handsome Parsonage house, about the S. W.
corner of the churchyard, opposite the tower." This would
be what is now the old part of the vicarage. He died April
1731 and was buried at Soham, and as Cole says, in the
middle of the chancel.
1732 (?) — John Harwood son of Mr. Harwood a draper, of Cam-
bridge, admitted 1705 ; A.B. 1708 ; chosen fellow 24 Oct.,
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1711 ; A.M. 1712 ; D.D. Died Augast 9, 1746, and buried
in the chancel of Soham Church. The inscription on the
stone (und^r the altar) is as follows : (the Mrs. Cawthome
mentioned is the foundress of " Cawthorne's " charity.)
" In memory of the Rev. Dr. Harwood, late fellow of Pem-
broke Hall, vicar of Soham, who died Agut. ye 9th, 1746 ;
Also of Mrs. Elizabeth Cawthorne, widow, sister of the above
Dr. Howard, who died 20 Feb., 1782."
1747 — John Francis, of Canterbury, chosen Fellow Oct. 29, 1738,
died 1782, aged 72, and buried at Soham. There is however
nothing to mark the place of burial.
1782 — The living was sequestrated, John Francis (probably son
of the Vicar) being Sequestrator.
1782 — Thomas Wilson, of Yorkshire, chosen Fellow Nov. 3, 1767 ;
died 1796. He appears to have been instituted to the living
on Nov. 4, 1782 ; and again on May 13, 1789.
1797 — Henry Cooper, President of Pembroke College in 1788.
1798— Henry Fisher, died 1824, aged 77. Buried at Soham.
There is a tablet to his memory on the wall to the east of the
north arch in the chancel, bearing the following inscription :
** In a vault beneath are deposited the remains of the Eev.
Henry Fisher, M.A., late Fellow of Pembroke Hall, for
twenty-seven years Vicar of this parish. And an active
magistrate for the county of Cambridge. Obiit Dec. 18th,
A.D. 1824. ^tatis suae 77.
Also of Ann, relict of the above named Henry Fisher, and
daughter of Robert Fox. Esq., of Dunton Hall, Warwick-
shire. Obiit May 11, 1825 : -ZEJtatis suae 69.
Also of Elizabeth King, widow, another daughter of the
above named Robert Fox, Obiit February 9, A,D. 1822.
^tatis suse 70."
The tablet is surmounted with a Coat of Arms, with the
motto " Virtus sepulchris expers."
1825 — George Haggitt, of Northamptonshire, chosen Fellow Oct.
81, 1793. Buried at Soham. A tablet on the north wall of
the chancel, within the rails, has the following :
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" Sacred to the memory of the Rev. George Haggitt, Vicar
of this parish, who died June 1st, 1832, in the 65th year of
his age. In testimony of his zeal to promote scriptural
education amongst the poor, he left ten pounds a year for
ever to the Vicar of Soham, to be applied to the support of
the Sunday School. This tablet was erected to their lamented
brother by his affectionate sisters, Anne and Elizabeth
Haggifct."
1832— June. Henry Tasker, M.A., Fellow of Pembroke, Honor-
ary Canon of Ely. The Vicarage was enlarged in 1834»
the money being borrowed from Queen Anne's Bounty Fund,
and the last instalment re-paid shortly before Mr. Tasker's
death. Mr. Thomas Rickman was the architect, and the
total cost appears to have been about £3,000 exclusive of
interest, the contractors being Messrs. Bell and Sons. A
protest of a somewhat formal character was made by the
College authorities against the proposed enlargement of the
house, on the ground of its being likely to prove a burden to
future incumbents, and it seems that some alteration was
made in the original plan.
The chancel was restored in 1849, at the joint expense of the
patrons of the living and the Vicar.
The Girls' National School, in Bull Lane, was built in the
year 1857, at a cost of £1650, the money being raised by
voluntary subscriptions and grants from societies, Mr. Tasker
apparently making himself responsible for £465.
The stained glass window at the east end was erected by his
relations in 1875, it bears the following inscription at the
base : " In memory of Henry Tasker, Honorary Canon of
Ely, and 41 years Vicar of this parish, died January 17th,
1874, aged 79 years."
He was buried in Wilmington Churchyard, the inscription
on the stone being ; " Henry Tasker, second son of the above
John Tasker, Esq., and Sarah Effield Tasker, Honorary
Canon of Ely, and for 41 years Vicar of Soham, Cambridge-
shire. Died 17th January, 1874, aged 79 years."
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1874 — John Cyprian Rust, M.A.
Henry Cooper and Henry Fisher, (page 301) are one and the
game. It seems that this Yicar had some property left him and
changed his name from Cooper to Fisher. The signature "Henry
Cooper," occurs once in the parish registers, and is in the same
handwriting as that of ** Henry Fisher."
From the "Survey of Church Lands, 1649,"* we extract the
following : —
'* Item, We find that the parish of Soame hath a Vicarage of
one hundred pounds per annum, butt noe settled minister. There
is a chappell within two (sicj myles being nsed very seldom, butt
necessarye to be employed. Wee desire that Mr. Daniell Miles of
Katharine Hull, may continue with us still in the place as he hath
done. The tythes that belong to the hamlett of Barrowaye doth
amount unto sixteen pounds per annum, which is parte (?) of the
one hundred pounds above specified."
On page 2:39 it was stated that Richard Gauston was presented
to the living in January 1628. A copy of his will has been met
with and there appears to be no doubt but that he succeeded
Coren in the living. His name however should be spelt " Richard
Gunston." As his will is dated 1545 it is probable he held the
living until 1547 when the presentation was claimed by Pembroke
College for Nicholas Ridley.
Oliver Cromwell appointed one '* John Giles " to the vicarage
of Soham in 1655, as is seen by the following, but it is not known
how long Giles held possession : —
*' Soham, John Giles, rent (?) as aforesaid, by John Claypoole,
Eobt. Yig (?) Robt. Ram of Spalding, Sam. Wilson, Ewd.
Dusbenson, of Paston.
Know all men by these presents that the 7th day of March, in yr.
1654, there was exhibited to the Commissioners for approbation
of pubhque preacher a presentation of John Giles, clerke, to ye
Vicarage of Soham, in ye county of Cambridge, made to him by
♦ Vol. iii., page 275, Lambeth Palace Library.
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His Highness Oliver Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of
England, and the patron thereof under his seale mannale, together
with a testimony in the behalfe of the said John Giles of his holy
and good conversation. Upon pernsall and due consideration of
the premisses and finding him to be a person qualified as in and
by the ordinance for such approbation is required, commissioners
above mentioned have adjudged and approved the said John Giles
to be a fit person to preach the gospell, and have guaranteed him
admission and doe admit the said J. Jiles to the vicarage of Soham
aforesaid to be full and perfect possessor and incumbent thereof.
And doe hereby signify to all persons concerned herein that he is
hereby intituled to ye profitts and perquisites and all rights and
dues incident and belonging to the said vicarage as fully and
eflFectually as if he had been instituted and inducted according
to any such laws and customes as have in this case formerly been
made had or used in this Eealme. In witnesse whereof they have
caused the common seal to be hereunto aflSxed and the same to be
attached by the hande of the Kegr. by His Highness in yt behalfe
appointed. Dated at WhitehaU the 22nd of May, 1655."*
Two masters of Pembroke Hall Cambridge are worthy of notice
here because of their efforts with reference to the living of Soham.
The first is John Langthon, sixth master of Pembroke. He
was fellow in 1412 ; master 1428 ; and in that time did many
things worthy of a fellow and master. By his favour with king
Henry VI., he so far recommended the college to that most pious
prince, that he obtained for the college the Rectory and Manor of
Soham, the Priory and Eectory of Great Linton with the chapel
of S. Margaret of Isleham.
The other is Laurence Booth, eighth master 1450. A great
benefactor to the college, particularly in the confirmation of
Soham, Linton, and Isleham, which were very near being lost in
the 1st of king Edward IT.f
* Record Books of Commonwealth, MS. 996, fol. 80, Lambeth Palace
Library.
f This and much of the information about the Vicars is derived from
" Hawes' and Loder*s Framlingham."
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FbniiAbd Notes ahb Quebik.
305
LIST OF OUBATES.
The list is nofc complete, and the dates (previous to 1850) do
not necessarily denote the year of appointment.
1527— Thos. Dobet (?)
1552 — ^Matthew Lawson
1582 — John Williamson
1599 \ Thomas Walker, M.A.,
to [- S. John's College,
1620 / Cambridge
1622— Robert Pull
1629 — Gyles Banokes
1684— Ed. Whin
1672 — ^Thomas Bridge
1673— W. Wagstaffe
1679 — Samuel Stanes
„ — Robert Mousey
„ — ^Zach. Paley
1684 — Josh. Thompson
1702 Newby
1725 — J. Murgatroyd
1729— Chrs. Hodgson
1731 — Brian Berks
1746— Wm. Wade
1781 — James Bentham
1783 — John Francis, junior
1788 J
to VCharlesHill
1806*
1806— John Ashley
1846— Daniel Winham
„ — Alfred Nicholas Bull
1847— G, D. Haughton
„ — Jas. Newsam
1850 ^
to > Jas. Wm, Cockshott, M. A.
1857 i
1851^
to [-William Waller, M.A.
1856)
1854— William Wilson
1856 — ^Arthur Charles Copeman
1857 ^
to > William Shipman, M.A.
1870)
1856 J
to [■ AUeyne Jas. Holmes, M.A.
1871)
1870-4 John Imrie, M.A.
1871 — ^Arth. Richardson Meurant
1872— Chas. J. Armistead, M.A.
1873-4 William Bluck
1874-5 Wm. Fred. Creeny,M.A.
1874-7 G. Rainey Fletcher, B.A.
1876-9 J. PopMn Morgan, M.A.
1878^
to >- H. Aldersey Swann, M.A.
1814— John William Butt
1817 — James Edward de Tisme 1881 )
1818— Chas. Jos. Orman, B.A. 1879 ^
1825— Caleb CoUins to I Wm. Geo. Deighton, M.A.
„ —William Wilson 1882)
1831— W. K. Fletcher 1882-5 Clement Henry Brown
1836— R. L. Page 1882-5 Jos. R. Olorenshaw, BA.
1837— Charles Smith 1885-9 E. Osborne Jones, M.A.
1845 — ^James Tidemore 1889 — Tom Ainsworth Beode
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306 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
* In fche certificate of Nicholas West, Bishop of Ely and John
Huddylston and Philip Paris, Commissioners for the collection of
the loan in Cambridgeshire (raised in 1522) containing the names
of the persons, their values taxable, and the amount with which
they were charged, we find the following list referring to Soham : —
" Edward Besteney 400 marks ; Thos. Besteney £40 ; John
Pecche £70 ; John Henryson £30 ; Edwd. Bemys 100 marks ;
Eic. Yaxlee £40 ; Jno Webbe £24 ; Thos. Yaxlee £30 ; Thos.
Peche £40 ; Jno. Salusbury £40 ; Rich. Bye £30 ; Wm. Gore
£26/13/4 ; Robt. Salusbury £20 ; Thos. Do we £40 ; Wm. Parre
£26 ; £40 ; Hy Howett £20 ; Thos. Peche £23 ;
Wm. Peche £20 ; Edmond Wake £20 ; John Garsham £25 ;
Margett WoUyngham, widow £30."
t Orders of the Gambrulge Militia,— On April 6, 1639, 250
footmen were impressed for service and were allowed 8d. a day for
— days march between Cambridge and Selby upon Cross ; the
following being taken from Soham : — Henry Langham, John
Balathfield (?), William Palmer, and Robert Price,
In the same year a levy was made for sending out 30 cart horses
and carters for service in Northern parts, and Staplehoe hundred
contributed £30 out of £500 from Cambridgeshire,
In 1640, 800 soldiers and 50 cart horses were levied from
Oambs., Staplehoe hundred providing £55/10/0, 3 horses and
25 men.
And on June 21, 1640, 250 footmen were impressed from
Cambs., those from Soham being Roger Langham, John Darby,
Adam How, Thomas Gilbert, and Thomas Taylor.
COPIES OP INSCRIPTIONS UPON TOMBSTONES, OR MEMORIAL
TABLETS IN THE CHURCH.
Chancel.
Under the Altar : Rev. Dr. Harwood's (see list of Vicars).
North Wall
East of the fresco and within the rails : Rev. George Haggitt's.
* State Papers, Domestic, 14 Henry 8. 2640. B.M.
t Harleian MSS. 4014. B.M. .
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Pbnland Notes akd Qubriis. 307
Between the west arch of the chancel and arch opening into
choir vestry, a tablet with the following inscription : " Sacred to
the memory of John Dobede, Esq., of Soham Place, who died
March 4, 1827, aged 62 years. Also of Margaretta his wife, who
died Jannary 7, 1845, aged 87 years."
Over the arch into vestry and on its west side : " Sacred to the
memory of Joseph Fairman Dobede, son of John Dobede, Esq.,
of Soham Place, who died Jnne 11, 1845, aged 29 years. Also of
Amelia Charlotte Dobede who died April 10, 1847, aged 22 years.
Also of Emmeline Agnes Dobede, who died May 27, 1847, aged
18 years." The above has coat of arms with motto " A son droit."
Exactly over the centre of the same arch: "Sacred to the
memory of Margaretta Frances Dobede, eldest daughter of John
Dobede, Esq., of Soham Place, who died June 9, 1837, aged 18
years. Also of Elizabeth Dobede, his second daughter, who died
April 4, 1833, aged 12 years. Also of Catherine Jane, and
William Pechey Dobede, who died in their infancy." The above
has coat of arms with motto illegible.
To the east of the above : " Sacred to the memory of Ellen,
the wife of John Dobede, Esq., of Exning Lodge, who died April
22, 1847, aged 25 years." Coat of arms with motto " Chacun a
son droit."
South Wall
Close up to the east end, and within the rails, over the piscina :
« In memory of Mrs. Frances May, widow of Mr. Thomas May,
of Newmarket, and daughter of Mr. John Dobede, senr, of this
parish. She died at Norwich on 8rd June, 1828, aged 69, and
was interred at Hethersett in Norfolk. This tablet is erected in
filial remembrance of a kind and aflfectionate parent by her only
daughter Anne the wife of George Dennes, gentleman, of London."
Choir Vestry, East Wall.
" In memory of William Pechey, gentleman, who departed this
life July 16th, 1697, aged 65 years. At the great day of judg-
ment when the secrets of all Hearts shall be discovered then shall
it be known what sort of man he was. Also, of Margaret, his
wife, who departed this life 17 March, 1807, aged 82,"
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308 Fenland Notes and Queries.
In north-easfc comer, on the floor : " In memory of Dorothy,
wife of Robert Hamond, Her most sorrowfvll hvsband hath in
token of his trve love dedicated this. She bare vnto the said
Eobt Hamond, 8 children, 6 sonnes and 2 daughters, now living,
and haveing rvnne ye race of her life here like a dvtifvU child, a
sweet consort, a discreet mother, in ye midest of trovbles, possessing
her sovle with patience, she willingly commended it into ye hands
of God, and layd down ye tabernacle of her flesh in confidence of
its resvrrection to a more happy life, ye 2nd day of Feb. An
Dnil616." .r . ^
North Transept
West wall over west arch and on south side of it : " Sacred to
the memory of Mr. John Slack, late of this place, who died
February 17th, 1840, aged 53 years. And of Margaretta Slack,
his wife, died 25th June, 1871, aged 83 years." And on the floor
near the south end of the screen is a small square block : " Mr.
John Slack, 1840."
Exactly over centre of same arch : " M. S. Martini Wilkin qui
filius Thomae et Elizae Wilkin Ingenuorum, natus Anno Domini
1674, obiit 1753. Etiam Sarae Mayer, filiae Nathanielis et Elizae
Sterne ; Martini Wilkin et postquam ille obiisset Gulielmi Mayer
Chirurgi, Uxoris. Nata est Anno Domini 1707 obiit 1776—
Novissima dicimus. Valete Valete. Vos ordine, quo Natura
permiserit nos cuncti sequemur. S: V: T: L." Surmounted by
a coat of arms, and with cherub at base.
North-east corner on the floor: "Here resteth the body of
Thomas Wilkin, the elder, gent, who departed this life, the 22nd
day of July, Anno Dom 1699 aged 65 years and 5 months. Here
also lyeth ye body of Eiizth. Wilkin, wife to ye said Tho Wilkin
who dyed December ye 11th, 1721, aged 81 years and 1 month."
North Transept.
North-west corner on the floor : " Here lye interred ye bodyes
of Thomas Docwra, gent., and Mary his wife." No date.
South Transept
South wall : Inscription to the Dowman family at back of
double piscina. (See p. 232, Part VII.)
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 309
East wall, to the north of window : " Sacred to the memory of
Thomas Cockayne, late of this parish Esqr. who died the 31st of
July, 1778 aged 69. And also of Elizabeth, relict of the said
Thomas Cockayne, who died the 29th of April, 1798, aged 75.
And of Elizabeth, daughter of the aforesaid Thomas and Elizabeth
who died an infant. This monument is gratefully and affection-
ately inscribed by Thomas Cockayne of lekleford, in the county
of Hertford, Esquire, their only son and representative." Coat
of arms at base.
West wall, and south of arch: "Sacred to the memory of
James Merest, Esq., late of the Moat, in this parish, grandson of
James Merest, Esq., many years clerk assistant to the House of
Lords. He died May 6, 1812, aged 53 years. And of Elizabeth
his wife, who died at Winscombe Court, Co. Somerset, Oct. 22,
1834, aged 79 years, and was there interred." Coat of arms with
motto " Invidia Major."
South Aisle,
Close to arch leading into transept and on south wall over the
ambry : " Sacred to the memory of John Pechey, Esq., of the
Holmes, Soham, who died March 29, 1818, in the Q^ year of his
age. Also of Richard, son of the above John Pechey and Mary
his wife, who died Feb. 6, 1795, aged 15 years."
To the west of the south door and on the south wall : " Sacred
to the memory of John Drage, Esq., who died 29th of April 1791,
aged 72 years. Also of Sarah his wife, sister and heiress of Wm.
Derisley, gent, who died 24 June, 1777, aged 76 years." Has
coat of arms at base.
South Aisle.
Immediately under the arch into transept a stone with inscrip-
tions to the memory of two or three members of the Dobede
family, but the words are illegible.
Just within the south door a black marble slab on the floor,
with death's head and crossbones (the words now partly illegible) ;
** In memory of Alice Shanks widow, of this parish who died ye
9 day of January, 1730, aged 66 years. And also of Alice the
wife of James Alexander, gent., the only child of the above-named
AUce Shanks, who died ye 28th day of April, 1750, aged 63 years."
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310 Fekland Notes and Qubeibs.
On the west wall : "In memory of William Deridey, gent. An
eminent attorney late of Staple Inn, London, whose extensive
knowledge in ye law which he practised with great integrity,
reputation and success was happily united with the several virtues
and accomplishments which adorn the christian, the friend and
the gentleman. He died June ye 5th, A.D. 1754, ^tat 44. In
memory of Philippa Derisley, spinster who died Feby. the 5, 1755,
-^tat 51. In memory of Phihppa Derisley, widow, who died
Feby. the 4th, 1759, Mtsit 77."
JN'orth Aisle.
On floor at entrance, a black marble slab : " Here lieth the
' bodie of John Lier, gent., son and heire of John Lier, and late
of this parish, who departed this life 19th of October, A.D. 1655."
The whole of this inscription is now nearly illegible.
Nave — North Side.
Between the middle arch and the one on its east side and over the
octagon pillar : " In memory of William Wilkin, gent., who died
Deer. 5, 1802, aged 70 years. Also, Mary Wilkin, his wife, who
died Nov. 13, 1820, aged 83 years. Also, of William Wilkin,
gent., their son, who died Jan. 7, 1831, aged 34 years."
Nave, — Small brass to " Oliver Robyus."
Brass on the base of Pulpit
"This pulpit is erected to the Glory of God and in loving
memory of Charles George Warren, who was drowned in the
wreck of the steam ship Carnatic, in the Red Sea, September xiv,
MDCCCLXix." Outside the Church.
On east wall of south transept : " In a vault near this place is
deposited the body of Thomas Cockayne, gent, who departed this
life Jan. 30, 1737, in the 74th year of his age. Also the body of
Judith his wife, who died Dec. 28, 1741, aged 72."
At base of Tozver on south side.
" Near this place is buried the body of Edmund Cumbers, who
died in this parish ye 23rd day of April, 1794, aged 62. To whose
memory and as a tribute of respect for forty-two years faithful
services in one family this stone was ordered to be erected."
Te be continued.
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FEiHiAND Notes and Queries. 311
208.-Ramsey Heights or Aits.— (No. 204, Part IX).—
"Heights" does not necessarily mean great elevations. It
might refer to those parts elevated above the Mere, or not subject
to floods. Sax., heatho, means top, or reckoning from the
bottom. We call the high seas, the deep. Hihth> was heights.
Hig, high ; Eeah, lofty or noble. Our present spelling is some-
what misleading, Milton wrote "highth"; the word was also
written heygth formerly. The levels on the Ordnance map will
show whether the part should be " heights."
But "Ait" or eyght is a small island in a river. Both these
are probably compounds. (Sax. ea^ also ig, an island). The
locality will enable one to determine which name is appropriate.
Now we write eyot for a little island.
The Standard of June 15th, 1891, contains a letter deprecating
the threatened " Destruction of Kew Ait." The writer says :—
"Kew Ait is one of the prettiest of the Thames islands, and to
destroy it would be a piece of vandalism."
S. H. Miller, Lowestoft.
" Ait " : A. S. dim. of ieg or ig^ an islet or little isle in a river
or lake, an eyot or egot^ Blackstone II, 261 ; written also ey^ ayty
eyet, eyght. R. Hodges uses it, 1649, " The ait where osiers grew."
The writer in the TItms might have the above in mind when he
wrote August, 1844, "Ait, a little Island in a River where osiers
grew," Another author has a similar definition, " Among green aits
and meadows " (Dickens). These definitions would apply to Ramsey
Aits, I presume, and their surroundings. Hence the inference is
pretty clear that ayt, eyet, or &ygU, is the proper mode of spelling,
and not h&ightSy which would seem to indicate High Lands, an
elevated district. "• -^'
209 —The French Colony at Thomey.— (No. 31, Part II.)—
Warner in his history says : " Nothing appears to be known for
certain of the continental origin of this community." Can any
reader of Fmland NoUs throw any light on a subject which would
be of great interest to many of their descendants still living in
the Fenland. Looking over a transcript of the Registers of the
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312 Pbnland Notes and Queries.
Protestants' Church at Guisnes, 1668-1685, I was mterested on
finding in it a great number of the names which I have before met
with in extracts from the Sandtoft and Thormy French Registers.
That of Sandtoft is said to have been carefully kept from 1641
to 1681, and that of Thorney from 1654 to 1727. The inference
is, that these three congregations were allied, and that we may
look to the district east of Calais and Dunkirk (of which the
churches of Marck and Guisnes, 6 miles east of Calais), were the
centres) as being the source from which the Sandtoft and Thorney
congregations emanated. Ezekiel Danois, the first minister of
the Thorney congregation, 1652-1674, has been identified with
Eziekiel Daunois, who is recorded as having been minister of the
Huguenot congregation at Boulogne 1633-1650 by M. V. J.
Vaillant. g, E.
210.-George Pox in the Penland.— Towards the close of
1656, George Fox, the Quaker, writes in his journal :
"After having had several meetings in Lincolnshire, I had at
last a meeting where two knights, one called Sir Richard Wrey,
and the other Sir John Wrey, with their wives, were at the
meeting. One of their wives was convinced, received the truth,
and died in it. When the meeting was over we passed away ; and
it being evening, and dark, a company of wild serving men
encompassed me about, with intent (as I apprehended) to do me
mischief. But I spoke aloud to them, and asked, ' What are ye,
highwaymen?' Whereupon some Friends and friendly people
that were behind, came up to us, and knew some of them. So I
reproved some of them for their uncivil and rude carriage, and
exhorted them to fear God ; and the Lord's power came over them,
and stopped their mischievous design : blessed be his name for
ever !
"Then I turned into Huntingdonshire: and the Mayor of
Huntingdon came to visit me, and was very loving, and his wife
received the truth.
" Thence I passed into Cambridgeshire, and the Fen country,
where I had many meetings, and the Lord's truth spread. Eobert
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Fknulnd Notes and Qubribs. 313
Craven (who had been Sheriff of Lincoln), and Amos Stoddart,
and Alexander Parker, were with me. We went to Crowland, a
very mde place ; for the town's-people were collected at the inn
we went to, and were half drunk, both priest and people. I
reproved them for their drunkenness, and warned them of the day
of the Lord, that was coming upon all the wicked ; exhorting
them to leave their drunkenness, and turn to the Lord in time.
Whilst I was thus speaking to them, and showing the priest the
fruits of his ministry, he and the clerk broke out in a rage, and
got up the tongs and fire-shovel to us ; so that had not the Lord's
power preserved us, we might have been murdered amongst them.
Yet, for all their rudeness and violence, some received the truth,
and have stood in it ever since.
" Thence we passed to Boston, where most of the chief of the
town came to our inn, and the people seemed much satisfied. But
there was a raging man in the yard, and Eobert Graven was moved
to speak to hun, and told him he shamed Christianity, which with
some few other words so stopped the man, that he went away
quiet. Some were convinced there also."
The name of the "loving" Mayor of Huntingdon here
mentioned I have not been able to obtain. The drunken priest
of Crowland would appear to have been Kichard Lee, presented
to the Eectory in 1654, and again in the following year, who
remained till 1671.
Fox again visited this district in 1662. Writing in that year,
he says :
" Travelling into Lincohishire and Huntingdonshire, I came to
Thomas Pamell's, where the Mayor of Huntingdon came to see
me and was very loving. Thence I came into the Fen country,
wheite we had large and quiet meetings. While I was in that
country, there came so great a flood that it was dangerous to go
out, yet we did get out, and went to Lynn, where we had a blessed
meeting. Next morning I went to visit some prisoners there, and
then back to the inn, and took horse. As I was riding out of the
yard, the officers came to search the inn for me. I knew nothing
of it then, only I felt a great burthen come upon me as I rode
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314 Fenlanp Notes and Queries.
out of the town, till without the gates. When some Friends that
came after overtook me, they told me that the officers had been
searching for me in the inn as soon as I was gone out of the yard."
Chas. B. Dawes,
211.— Knights of the Royal Oak in Hunts.— This order was
founded by Charles II. soon after the Restoration, as a reward to
several of his followers. The Knights were to wear a siver medal
with the device of the king in the oak of Boscobel pendant to a
ribbon around their necks. It was subsequently thought proper
to lay it aside, as it was found only to re-open old wounds and
create animosity. The following list of names of persons in
Huntingdonshire ^with the amount of their annual incomes) who
were recommended for this dignity is obtained from a record kept
at the time : —
Major Lyonel Walden, Esq 0600£
Henry Williams, Esq., of Bodsey 2000
Apreece, of Washingley, Esq 1000
Robert Apreece, Esq 1500
John Stone, Esq 1000
Richard Naylor, Esq ...0600
Thomas Rous, Esq 0800
Chas. E. Dawes.
21 2.— The Seven Townships of Marshland.— Mr. E, M. Beloe,
of Lynn, made the following reference to the seven townships of
Marshland in a recent lecture delivered at Lynn : —
There is in the great basin which forms the Fen country a
pavement as it were of peat. We have to limit our inquiry to a
district which extends not more than 20 miles around Lynn. The
whole of that district is paved as it were with peat. It is under-
neath the whole town of Lynn. It runs up to the hills at
Gaywood ; it goes through the whole of Marshland ; it edges the
sea wherever it goes to Hunstanton and Brancaster. If you want
to get a fine section of it you cannot do better than take a boat
at low tide up the Estuary Cut. You wiU find about six feet from
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 315
the surface one level line quite the whole four miles on both sides,
which the cut divides. The district to which we must narrow our
inquiry is bounded by the Nene on the one side, and by the Ouse
on the other. These are the eastern and western boundaries, the
northern being the Wash, and the southern the Fens. Leaving,
then, the peat district uncovered which is the fen proper, go
further south than the great fen, which at one time formed the
common. It has since been divided up ; it is now called the
Marshland Fen and the Marshland Smeeth. Radiating from this
common are the seven townships of Marshland, which were once
open to the sea, and they must have joined, when the sea ebbed
and flowed over them, to form a great barrier and to shut it out.
There must have been a great combination, for they formed a
bank, which is the eastern boundary to the Nene, the northern
boundary on the sea, and the western boundary passing what was
then the Lin. Now, we will take this bank as the boundary of
Marshland, and we will call it by its name, the Roman Bank.
The Soman Bank formed the eastern boundary of the river Ouse,
running down and forming a defence from the sea, which then
flowed up past the Wiggenhalls. The people that formed the
seven parishes called them by names which, as to four, had re-
ference to this bank. We have the Wal-soken, the Wal-ton, and
the Wal-pole, all of them having reference to the bank ; for
"wall" formerly did not mean only that which was built of
bricks and mortar, but anything of earth as well. Thus we have
Clenchwarton— one of these seven towns, and the name of this
village has a very singular derivation, to which I must call your
attention! The " war " in Clenchwarton is well known to be
equivalent to guard. The Warborough is a beacon, and is so
marked on the Ordnance map ; there are two on the north coast
of Norfolk, and War-ham, near Wells, with its grand Danish
Camp is the Guard-town. The Wartown or Guardtown is a town
which is created entirely by banks. You may take that name as
clear as you may the Walpoles and Walton. The first syllable is
also singular and can well be made out. It is written in Domes-
day "Clench," precisely as on the other side or the German Ocean
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316 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
we have " Helvoefc sluys." Now, mind, a sluice then was not as
we have it now — to let water in, but " sluice" comes from exclusia
—to exclude the water. That is well-known ; and therefore we
have in Clenchwarton the town guarded by banks excluding the
water.
21 3.— The Brownes of Walcot, in the parish of Barnack, co.
Northampton.— This family, long seated here, is said to have been
descended from Sir John Browne (woodmonger) merchant taylor,
a native it is said of Rutland, Lord Mayor 1480, son of John
Brown, alias Moses, of Oakham and London, who was son of
Richard Brown, alias Moses, of Oakham. Their pedigree has been
imperfectly given in Burke's Extinct and Dormant Baronetage^ and
wrongly in WrigMs Rutland, In the following and succeeding
papers I shall endeavour from par. regs., wills, and notes, in my
own collection, to render it somewhat more complete, as to
data, &c., &c.
Sir John Browne, the Lord Mayor, named above, in his will
dated 3 Nov. 1496 pr. 25 Jan. following describes himself as a
Knight, Citizen and Alderman of London; desires to be buried in
the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene, in Milk-street ; names
his late son Richard as being buried in the church of St. Thomas
of Acres and desires prayers to be said for the repose of his soul ;
specially mentions the town of Lowyk, in Northumbland
(? Luflfwyk, Northamps.), and bequeaths a sum towards the parish
church there, and to "my poor kynnefolk dwelling within the said
county;" and moneys to various persons to pray for his soul,
among them being Maister George Werke, clerk, and Alice his
sister ; Thomas and Raufe a Werke ; James a Werke, his wife
and children ; Margaret Haydock, widow ; Sir John Fenkell,
Knt., and my lady his wife ; Edward Fenkell, &c. Names his
wife's sister, Elizabeth Belknap, late the wife of Richd. Hatton
(? Haddon), mercer, and "my cosen her sonDoctour Hatton, and
Margarefce Hosier, wife of John Hosier, mercer," and " my wife's
brother, Thomas Belwoode." Leaves bequests to the four children
of his son William (naming his late wife as " Kateryn, daughter
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Fenland Notes iim Qitxbiis. 317
of Lady Shaa ")> also to John "West, mercer, and his children ;
George Neville, mercer, &c. '* Cosen " William Browne, mercer,
of Stebonhethe (Stepney) is left overseer of the will, and wife
Anne, and sons William and Thomas.
Sir William Browne, Lord Mayor, 1513, son of Sir John in his
will dated 29 May and pr. 1 July 1513, describes himself as
" Citizen and Alderman of the City of London, nowe Maior of
the same Citie;" desires to be buried in the church of St. Thomas
the Martyr, called Aeon. After naming his late father, Sir John
Browne, Knight, and Dame Anne, late wife, the following names
occur : Maister Doctour Shorten ; Doctour BoUond ; "Katheryn
late my wife," present wife, Dame Alice ; his children William,
John Matthewe, Anne, and Elizabeth ; Sir Edmonde Shaa, and
Dame Juliane, his wife (being named conjointly with the names
of his own father and mother, undoubtedly these are the parents
of his late wife Kateryn) ; Cousin Kateryn (Alee ?) ; John West,
mercer, and my " cosen" his wife; godson Willm West, their son,
and his brother John ; Isibell pyke ; Willm. Browne the younger,
son of William Browne the elder,* late Alderman ; Richard
Fermor, grocer ; Margaret Riche, wid. ; Erasmus Forde, mercer;
cousins Thos. Riche and his sister Kateryn Riche, and (Frysell ?),
Priour of Rochester. Also bequests to the children of his uncle,
Thos. Belwoode, and to my poor kinsfolk's on my fathers side in
(*Sir William B. the elder, Lord Mayor 1507, in his wm dated 20
Mch. 1507, pr, in P.C.O. 6 June 1508, describes himself as "WiUiam
Browne the elder, Citizen and Alderman of the Citie of London ;" desires
to be buried in the parish church of our Lady in Aldermanbury. Leaves
bequests to Thos Hynde, citizen and mercer, and my daughter his wife ;
sons Anthony and Leonard Browne on their coming to lawful age or being
married; cousin Mr. Geo. Works, elk ; my child Thos ToreU (?); my cousin
Wm. Browne, Alderman, son of Sir John Browne, Knt., Sec. ; names his six
chHdren, William, Anthony, Leonard, Kateme, Margaret, and Anne; lands
and tenements at Stebonhith and in the town of Calais, left to his son
WiUiam ; lands, &c., in the parish of S. Laurence Pountney to his son
Anthony with reversion to son Leonard, who is likewise to inherit lands
and tenements in the parish of our Lady, in Aldermanbury, in the lane
caUed Love Lane. Bxecutors: Elizabeth my wife; my cousin Willm.
Browne, Alderman, son of Sir John Browne ; Thos. Hynde, citizen and
mercer ; and Sir Robert Rede, Knt., 0. J. of the Common Pleas).
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318 ' PBNLAin) Notes and Qitbribs.
Northumberland ; specifies the children of his wife Alice as John,
Matthewe, Anne, and Elizabeth, appointing the said Alice their
guardian ; soft William mentioned as under age. Leave bequests
to Sir Tho. Tyrrel, Knt., and my lady his wife; and to my
daughter Juliane, now wife of John Munday, citizen and Alderman
of London ; and to my father in law Henry Kebyll, Alderman.
Lands &c. in Essex, Executors : Henry Kebyll, John Munday,
Robt. Blagge, one of the Barons of the King's Exchequer, and
his sou Willm Browne. Overseers : Sir Thos. Lovell, Knt. ;
Richd. Broke, sergt-at-law ; John West, mercer ; John Hosyar
(Hosier ?), mercer. Assistant to the executors : Master Doctor
Shorten. Alice widow of testator, mar. Willm. Blount, 4th Lord
Montjoy, soon after her husband's death, died in 1521 and was
bur. in the church of the Grey Friars.
Sir John, L.M., 1480, is said to have had two wives, his first
was Alice Swinstead, and by her a son, Robert, and his second
Anne Belwood. In his will before quoted, he desires prayers to
be said for the repose of the soul of his son Richard, surely he
would have done so for a late wife. The Harl. M.S., 1541, fol.
135b, has a Browne pedigree, in which Sir John's ancestor is
stated to be Sir Anthony Browne, K.B. to Hen. 4. He is given
2 wives, Alice Swinstead and Anne Belwood, from the former of
whom the Brownes of Walcot (arms, az., a chevron betw. 3
escallops or, within a bordure engr. gu) are made to spring from
the latter, the Sir William, L.M. 1507 (instead of 1513). If
any reliance can be placed thereon, we have at once the Montague
Brownes, of Beechworth castle, Surrey, established as being of
the same stock as we are now treating. It is somewhat strange
that in not one of the wills quoted before is there the remotest
allusion to the county of Rutland, from which hailed Sir John,
L.M., 1490. One would think that the church of Oakham, its
guilds, or poor would receive some recognition of his regard,
Robert, his son, progenitor of the Walcot branch of the family.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, settled here in the reign of Henry
7, mar. Isabel, dau. and heiress of Sir John Sharpe, Knt., and
had Robert, his successor, Edward, a Knight of Rhodes, and a
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Fenlakd Notes and Qubbies. 319
dau. Isabel (called Margaret in the Quarles' ped.), m. to George
Quarles, of Uflford, co. Northamps, esq.
Justin Simpson. Stamford,
To he continued.
214.-Miller's Toll Disli.-(No. 206, Part IX).— In reply to
the correspondent who asks for information concerning the Miller's
Toll Dish I may say it was the measure of the quantity of corn
taken in payment for the grinding, and seems to be a relic of the
old system of barter. " Toll is a part lifted off or taken away."
Tooke connected it with the p. participle of A. Sax. Tilian, to
lift up ; also, to till (to lift up the soil). A bell is tolled by being
lifted up.
Tol, tole, tohl, A. Sax., a tax, tool, &c., from tilian. (Sfa'nner).
We find the phrase in Ivanhoe. After the first day's tourna-
ment at Ashby, Gurth was entrusted with a bag of money for
Isaac the Jew, but returning from the town with money still in
his possession he encountered robbers, with one of whom he had
a little fencing, whereat the other robbers, laughing, cried out,
" Miller ! beware thy toll-dish."
S. H. Miller, Lowestoft.
21 5.— Metrical Description of the Pens, 1685.— The accom-
panying verses appeared in a small volume published in 1685, said
to be written by Samuel Fortrey, Esq., entitled " The History or
Narrative of the Great Level of the Fenns called Bedford Level."
The main facts in the " Narrative, &c.," are principally the same
as those in Wells' " Bedford Level," but a paragraph relating to
the Commons may be interesting to readers of Fmland Notes,
The writer says : — " Most of the Commons in the map (Jonas
Moore's) described, out of which the 95,000 acres were taken, are
(by the Countrey) in Pursuance of the Act 15, Car. 2,, lately
divided and enjoyed as Severals to the particular Owners and
Commoners of such respective Towns to which those Commons
belonged. And others finding that such Division and Cutting of
the Conmions proved a great wast of Ground, and the Fences
hard to be kept, and the great diminution of Stock, and decay of
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320 PBNiiAND Notes and Qitbeibs,
Houses ; many selling their Lands from the same, to the increasing
of the Poor. Therefore they would not divide, but have by
Agreement decreed in Chancery the same by way of a Stint to
feed the same, every house alike ; so that in some Towns there is
above 2,000 Milch Cows, besides a great running Stock fed
thereon, viz., Cofctenham, Chartresse, March, Wimblington, Maney>
and other Towns to their great improvement and Enriching."
The verses are introduced at the end of the " Narrative " as a
Postscript of the Bookseller to the Reader. He says :— " I have
had come to my hands the verses following, which I find were
formerly writ on this Subject by some Ingenious hand ; and
therefore I thought it might not be amiss to annex them here-
unto."
A True and Natural Description of the Great Level of the Fenns.
I sing no Battels fought, nor Armies foiled,
Nor Cities raz'd nor Commonwealths embroil'd,
Nor any History, which may move your tears.
Or raise your spleens, or multiply your Fears ;
But I bespeak your wonder, your delight,
And would your Emulation fain invite.
I sing Floods muzled, and the Ocean tam'd.
Luxurious Eivers govern'd, and reclam'd,
Waters with Banks confin'd, as in a Graol,
Till kinder Sluces let them go on Bail ;
Streams curb'd with Dammes like bridles, taught t'obey,
And run as strait, as if they saw their way.
I sing of heaps of Water turn'd to Land,
Like an Elixir by the Chymist's hand.
Of Dropsies cur'd, where not one Limb was sound.
The Liver rotted, all the Vitals drown'd.
No late discover'd Isle, nor old Plantation
New Christned, but a kind of New Creation.
I
I sing of heaps of Gold, and Indian Ore,
Of private Profit, and of Public Store ;
No fine Romance, nor Fables I invent.
Nor Coyn Utopia's, but a Scene present.
Which with such rare, yet real bliss doth Swell,
As would perswade a Monk to leave his Cell.
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 321
I sing of an Afcchievmeat, from above,
Both Blest aad Crown'd, which God aad good Men Love,
Which Kings and States encourage and protect
With Prudent Power, which none can disaflEect,
But the poor Fish, who now wants room to play
Hassocks, and Men with Heads more rough than they.
Go on, Brave Vndertakers, and Succeed,
In spight of Brutish Clamours, take no heed
To those that curse your Generous labours ; he
That good refrains 'cause Men unthankful be,
Mistakes true Vertues aim, each worthy Act
Doth a Reward, beyond Applause, expect.
Make universal Plenty, and restore
What Ten years Wars have ruin'd ; let the Poor
Share your wise Alms, some will perhaps confess
Their Obligation, and your Vertues bless ;
But if the present Age forget their Friends,
Be sure Posterity wiU make amends.
They'll be indifferent Judges, at what Bates,
And with what Arts you purchas'd your Estates,
They will not grudge that you took so much Land,
But wonder why you did not more demand ;
They'l candidly believe, that Publick Zeal
Had more of Influence here, than Private Weal.
When by your Noble Pattern and Success,
Taught and encourag'd all Men shall profess
A hate of Sloth, and so the Sea shall more
Feel your Example, than your Skill before.
Whilst all to work that Publick Tyrant's bane,
At once Conspire, as if he were a Dane.
When such as have no Wit but to defame
All generous Works, and blast them with the Name
Of giddy Projects, are described to be
But slaves to Custom, Friiends to Popery,
And ranckt with those, who, lest they should accuse
Their Sires, no harness, but the Tail, will use.
When to your Glory, all your Banks shall stand
Like the immortal Pyramide, and your Land
Forget it e're was Sea, when those dull Wits,
That Judge by Sence, become time's Proselytes,
And such as know no other Argument,
Shall be at last confuted by th' Event.
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322 Fenlahd Notes and Queries.
When Bedford's stately Bank, and noble Drain,
Shall Paralell the Streights of Magellane,
Or Hercules his Pillars, in due Fame,
Because they wear your Livery in their Name,
And your ]^noun shall share the Bays with theirs,
Who, in times past, built Amphitheaters.
When Cities shall be built, and Houses tall
As the proud Oak, which you their Pounders call.
Fair Orchards planted, and the Myrtle Grove,
Adorn'd, as if it were the Scene of Love.
Gardens with Flowers of such auspicious hew,
You'ld swear, that Eden in the Desert grew.
When it appears, the All-sufficient Soyl,
With Primitive Strength, yields as much Corn as Oyl,
To make our Hearts strong, as our Faces gay.
Meadows so blest with Grass, so charg'd with Hay,
With goodly Kine, and Beeves replenisht so,
As if they stood upon the Banks of Po.
When all dire Vapours (if there any were.
Besides the Peoples breath) are tum'd to Air,
Pure as the Upper Region ; and the Sua ;
Shall shine like one well pleas'd with what is done.
When Agues, Scurveys, Coughs, Consumptions, Wind,
All Crude Distempers here their Cure shall find.
When with the change of Elements, suddenly
There shall a change of Men and Manners be ;
Hearts, thick and tough as Hydes, shall feel Eemorse,
And Souls of Sedge shall understand Discourse,
New hands shall learn to Work, forget to Steal,
New leggs shall go to Church, new knees shall kneel.
When Ouse proves Helicon, when the Nean forsake
Their lofty Mountain, and themselves betake
To this delicious Vale, when Caps and Gowns
Are seen at Wisbich ; when for sordid Clowns,
And savage Scythians, There Succeeds a Eace,
Worthy the Bnss and Genius of the place.
What Trophees will you purchase then ? what Bays
Will ye acquire ? what Acclamations raise ?
What greater Satisfaction ? what Reward
Of higher price, can all the World afford.
Than in a work of such Eenoun and Merit,
T'engross the glory, and the bliss t'inherit ?
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Fenland Notes ako Qitebies. 32S
Meanwhile proceed, and Opposition slight,
Envy perhaps may bark, it cannot bite.
Your Cause is good, your Friends are great, your Foes
Have neither Power nor Colour, to oppose,
Rubbs you may meet with ; why should that displease ?
Would you accomplish Vast designs with Ease ?
But vainly I, with weak insinuations,
Your "Wisdoms importune, such fond perswasions
Fit none but drooping Minds, whom fears oppress ;
No terrour ; no alarm can you posess.
Who, free from sinful Canaanites annoy.
The Land of Promise, now in part enjoy.
Your Proudest foes begin to sue for Peace,
And with their hopes, their malice doth decrease ;
They all confess, that Heaven with you Combines,
Sit down therefore in safety. Your designs
Begun with Vertue, shall with Fortune end,
For Profit publick thoughts do still attend.
And now a Muse as fruitful as the Land,
Assist me, whilst my too unskilful hand
Describes the Glories of this Place, a Skill
Which might perhaps deserve some Laureates Quill.
But I presume, the Reader's Charity
And wise Conjecture will my faults supply.
All Seeds, all Plants and Herbs, this noble field
Doth, with a kind of Emulation, yield ;
Would you see Plenty, it is stor'd with Grain,
Like Egypt when Rome's Pride it did maintain.
With roots of Monstrous bulk, flesh, fowl, and fish.
All that the Belly or the Tast can wish.
Here thrives the lusty Hemp, of Strength untam'd,
Whereof vast Sails, and mighty Cables fram'd.
Serve for our Royal Fleets, Flax soft and fine
To the East Countrey envy could we joyn
To England's Blessings, Holland's industry,
We all the World in wealth should far outvie.
Here grows proud Rape, whose price and plenty f oyls
The Greenland Trade, and checks the Spanish Oyls,
Whose branch thick, large, and tall, the Earth so shrowds.
As heaps of Snow, the -Mps, or pregnant Clouds,
The azure sky, or like that Heavenly Bread,
Which in the Wilderness God's bounty shed.
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After long Tillage, it doth then abound
With Grass so plentiful, so sweet, so sound,
Scarce any tract but this can Pastures shew
So large, so rich, And, if you wisely S6w
The fine Dutch Clover, with such Beauty spreads,
As if it meant t'aflfront our English Meads.
The Gentle Ozier, plac't in goodly ranks,
At small expence, u^n the comely Banks,
Shoots forth to admiration here, and yields
Revenues certain, as the Eents of Fields,
And for a Crown unto this blest Plantation,
Almost in every Ditch there's Navigation.
To scan all its Perfections, would desire
A Volume, and as great a Skill require,
As that which Drayned the Couatrey ; in one word,
It yields whate're our Climate will afford ;
And did the Sun with kinder beams reflect.
You might Wine, Sugar, Silk, and Spice expect.
Fond witless Usurer, to rest content
In that thy Money yields thee 6 per Cent,,
Which thou with hazard of the Principal,
Dost rigorously extort from Men in thrall.
Come here, and look for gain both vast and just.
And yet so Constant, that thou need'st not trust.
Unhappy Farmer, that employ'st thy Skill,
Ai^d wasts thy strength upon some barren Hill,
Which too ungrateful, scarce the borrowed Seed
At length restores, much less relieves thy need.
These Fields shall yield thee Gold, And yet require
No labour, but the Alchymie of Fire.
Poor Curate, whom thine envious Stars prefer
To be some hide-bound Parsons Pensioner,
On such hard Terms, that if thy Flock were fed
As ill as thou, their Souls might starve for Bread ;
When these fair Fields are Plow'd, then cast with me
How large, how fat, the livings here must be.
Ye busie Gentlemen that plant the Hop,
And dream vast gains from that deceitful Crop,
Or by manuring what you ought to Let
Thrive backwards, and too dearly purchase Wit,
Leave off these Lotteries, and here take your Lot,
The Profit's certain, and with ease, 'tis got.
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Fbnland Notes and Quebiis. 325
Courageous Merchants, who, confronting fates,
Trust Seas and Pyrates with your whole Estates,
-^ Part in this Bank, methinks were far more sure ;
And ye whom hopes of sudden Wealth allure,
Or wants into Virginia, force to fly,
Bv'n spare your pains ; here's Florida hard by.
Pair Damsels, that your portions would advance.
Employ them on this blest Inheritance ;
And faithful Guardians, that would quit the trust
In you reposed, like Men as wise as just,
Here, here, bestow your Orphans Talents, ye
Shall now no longer Friends but Fathers be.
All ye that Treasures either want, or love
(And who is he, whom Profit will not move ?)
Would you repair your fortunes, would you make,
To this most fruitful Land your selves betake,
Where first your Money doubles, in a trice,
And then by new Progression multiplies.
If therefore Gain or Honour, or Delight,
Or care of Publick Good, will Men invite
Into this fortunate Isle, now let them enter
With confidence ; since here they all concenter ;
But if all these be choakt, and drown'd with flegm,
Let them enjoy their Sloth, sit still, and dream.
W. W. G.
216.— A Legend of Peterborough.— On Sunday, the 15th of
March, the bells of St. John's Church were rung in accordance
with the terms of the will of Matthew Wyldbore, who for some
years represented the city in Parliament. There is an old story
which finds credence in the neighbourhood as explaining the
reason why the money was left for this purpose. It is to the effect
that Wyldbore was one day walking in the Fens near the city
when a dense fog rapidly began to gather. In a short time it
became so dense that it was difficult to see more than a yard or so
in advance. Mr. Wyldbore experienced the greatest difficulty in
finding his way, although he was quite familiar with every spot.
After making various attempts to reach the city, he was obliged
to confess to himself that he was lost. Darkness was coming on,
which added considerably to the dangers of his condition. He
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began to tremble at every step he took, fearing it might lead him
into a qnagmire, or one of the many fen drains. He had finally
decided not to attempt to traverse the fen any further, but would
await as best he could the return of daylight, and with it, he
hoped, the lifting of the fog. It was bitterly cold, and the
prospect of spending the night under such conditions was anything
but consoling. While wearily waiting in the mist and cold, with
the hoarse croak of the frog as the only sound to break the
stillness, he was suddenly startled by the sound of distant bells.
They were far off, but attentively listening, he recognised them as
the bells of St. John's Church at Peterborough. In the fog he
had wandered away from the city instead of nearer to it. The
bells were ringing a merry peal. The sound came down the
wind over the fen clearly and distinctly. Mr. Wyldbore resolved
to follow the direction in which the sound came. As he advanced
step by step the sound grew nearer. His only fear was that the
peal might cease before he should reach the city, But they
continued to ring on, and at every step the bells sounded louder
and nearer, and finally, they were still ringing when he reached
the streets of his native city. In gratitude for his deliverance,
Mr. Wyldbore left a plot of land, the proceeds of which were to
be given to the ringers of St, John's, on condition of their ringing
a peal on the bells on the 15th of every March.
If any stranger was to visit Peterborough on the 15th of March,
and hearing the bells pealing was to ask of the first citizen he met
the reason, the probability is he would receive the above story as
as a piece of local history.
It has, however, been explained that the reason for the bene-
faction was that Mr, Wyldbore was an ardent campanologist, and
he desired to promote the study of bell-ringing.
217,— The Nene between Peterborough and Wisbech, -In
1862, J. G. Cockburn Curtis, C.E., held an Admiralty enquiry at
Peterborough concerning the state of the river Nene between
Peterborough and Wisbech. Some of the « recollections " of the
witnesses were interesting.
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Fenland Notes anb Queries. 327
Charles Freer, of Stanground, said :— " The boata generally in
use on fche river at Peterborough were 20 tons burden. He
remembered Northey Gravel being dredged. It had the effect of
lowering the depth of water at Peterborough. Woodstone Stanch
was afterwards constructed. Before that was done, boatmen had
to make a temporary stanch themselves at that point to get over
the gravel."
John Burdock, in charge of the North Level sluice at the Dog-
in-a-Doublet, said :— " That in August, 1858, and also in 1859,
the salt water got into Thomey river."
John Bossett said :— " Salt water penetrated to Thomey several
times in 1859, and got into the reservoir."
Robert Gossling, who occupied a farm about half a mile from
Northey Gravel, said :— " In 1858 the water in the Nene at that
point was so salt that his stock would not drink it. It was
brackish at the same time at Northey Gravel. The summer of
1858 was the driest we had ever known. The water remained
salt for three or four days, but we had never before known it to
remain salt for a whole day."
John Rowell, a publican, on Morton's Leam Bank, about 2
miles from Stanground, said :— " The water in the river opposite
his house was salt in 1858."
George Bowker, keeper of the Stanground sluice, remembered
salt water getting into the sluice in 1826.
Mr. Thos. Marr Johnson, said :— " The highest flood line above
datum at Peterborough Bridge, of which we had any record, was
44ft. 4in. in 1852, and the same flood at the Dog-in-a-Doublet
was 43ft. 2in. above datum. The lowest water of which he had
any record at Peterborough, was 35ffc. 2in. on Mardi 5th, 1862."
Mr. Richard Young, Mayor of Wisbech, said: — **1 am a ship
owner and trader at Wisbech to a very considerable extent. I am
well acquainted with the navigation of the river Nene. I have
been a sluice keeper at the Foul Anchor twenty years, and was also
a superintendent of the works of the Nene Outfall (North Level),
under the Outfall Commissioners, from the upper end of Kinderley's
Cut to the Sea. I remember the dams being placed in the river
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in 1855 or 1856, one at; Waldersea, three miles above Wisbech, and
one afc Guyhirn six or seven miles above Wisbech. The Waldersea
dam was taken up in January, 1859, and the other about March.
The object of those dams, as I understood, was to enable the
contractor to carry out bis works. The effect of them was almost
entirely to annihilate the navigation. Previous to the erection of
the dams I was carrying on a very extensive trade with large
vessels, importing myself into Wisbech from 90,000 to 100,000
tons annually. I had adopted screw steamers, one in particular,
carrying nearly 700 tons, which made 52 voyages in the 12 months
previous to erection of the dams, and never stopped for want of
water more than three times at the Cross Keys Bridge. All other
times she came up to Wisbech, sometimes on dead of neaps with a
full cargo, drawing 13ft. Gin. After the dams were erected the
the pile berth which had been constructed for that ship gradually
silted up, so much so that there was a sand-bank 5ft. above low
water at the place where she used to ground in 9ft. of water. I
have even driven my horses across to the other side of the river.
There were a great number of other sand-banks formed all the way
down from Wisbech town to Walton dam and the North Level
Sluice at Foul Anchor Ferry, five miles below Wisbech. The
silting up was not so bad from the upper end of Kinderley's Cut to
the North Level Sluice. It continued to get worse and worse,
until the dams were removed, both above and below the town, so
much so that it entirely destroyed that branch of my business —
the screw colliers.
By the Inspector : I have seen Humber keels drawing 7ft stick
on the sand-banks during neap ; before that ships of 700 tons,
drawing 13ft., might have passed on the neaps.
By Mr. Jackson : the bonding yards were about half a mile
below Wisbech Bridge. Vessels of the size I have stated (700
tons) have frequently come up to these before the dams were
erected. After the dams were erected, they were obliged to stop
and "lighter up." During the time those dams were up, I was
supplying an immense quantity of coke and coal to Petreborough,
by barges of from 17 to 25 tons burden 48ft. long, and 10 or lift.
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wide, drawing about two or three feet loaded, and about a foot
light. I was under heavy penalties unless I fulfilled my contract.
I had to pay those penalties, and a very heavy law suit besides.
The silting up of the river and the consequent expenses of
detention, &c., prevented me from fulfilling the contracts. I have
a fleet of steam ships and colliers trading all over the world. I
could not get these up to Wisbech. Between Wisbech and the
Waldersea dam there was no difficulty in getting small lighters up
on the tide, but only on the tide. The tide would last about two
or three hours. At low water it was dry. This portion of the
river had been improved, and was very deep before the dams were
erected. When I got to Waldersea dam on the tide, I could pro-
ceed through the dam, and navigate up to Guyhirn. The fresh water
was kept up between Guyhirn upwards. Between the Guyhirn Sluice
and Peterborough the navigation at that time was very bad indeed.
In the summer of 1858, I could not navigate at all until the tide
was let in. The merchants petitioned for the sluice to be opened
and Mr. Leather consented. Notwithstanding the dams being
there, there was not a navigable depth until the tidal water
was let in. The fresh water had been drawn off through
Stanground Sluice and the Dog-in-a-Doublet, I believe the last
dam was removed in March 1859. Afterwards the shoals were
gradually removed, and when the land floods came in the following
winter, the obstructions were nearly or entirely removed.
I have taken perhaps a greater interest in the tides and the
navigation of the river than any other man in the district.
It was my intention when the Act of 1852 was obtained, that
long shallow sea going steamers should have been built to navigate
right the way to Peterborough. I intended to come from the north
of Europe in one bottom to Peterborough. This would have been
greatly to the advantage of Wisbech, You can't improve Wisbech
in the navigation without improving Peterborough.
The works carried out under the Act of 1852 have not improved
the facilities for vessels coming up to town. I do not apply this
answer to the whole of the works which have been done from
Wisbech Bridge to the county boundary. There were shoals in
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the town, which have been dredged out and the berths made
better, I don't know whether the navigable area has been mnch
increased. Quays have been constructed for a length of about a
quarter of a mile. I think nothing important in the Nene, from
Wisbech Bridge to the County Boundary, was carried out between
1848 and 1852. I am aware that in the Autumn of 1852 there were
very heavy continuous floods. Before anything was done to the
channel under the Nene Valley Act there was a great scour through
the town of land floods. Each land flood always scours the river
all the way down. I have seen the owners of granaries, who had
frontages to the river, throw stone in and build it up to protect
the foundations of their buildings, leaving it there as long as the
floods allowed it to remain. They had occasion very frequently
to renew the operation.
Thomas Andrews, Stanground, said : I have lived there 40
years. I remember the fish being killed by the salt water at
Stanground about 30 years ago — fish were killed by cart loads.
Mr. George Dawbarn, merchant of Wisbech, member of the
Corporation, and of the Nene Valley Commissioners, said : There
was a change in the commerce of the port of Wisbech. The
railways have almost annihilated the coal trade, but there are now
indications that if proper facilities are given, the foreign trade
will rapidly increase.
218.— Robert Vigerous of Spalding.— In the Eev. J. R.
Olorenshaw's Notes on Soham^ (p. 303, Part IX, six lines from the
bottom), the name occurs of " Kobt. Vig (?) " I think
there can be no doubt this was " Robt. Vigerous," as his name
occurs in the Spalding Register of Marriages as the Justice of the
Peace who witnessed most of the marriages here during the
Commonwealth. He and John Harrington sign the appointment
of Robert Ram, the then Minister of Spalding, to act as Registo
(sic) in 1653.
Robert Vigerous seems to have been an active Justice, and Ram
a strong Parliamentarian. Ram signs the Register from March
23rd, 1639, and on February 8th, 1656, is written, "Hue usque
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scripsit Rob Ds Ds Eobt. Earn," &c. So that it is very evident
that Vigerous and Earn acted together. Mabtbh Perry.
219,— Whittlesea Charities Inquisition, 1667— (contintied).—
And that the said Persons Trustees so named shall from and after
the Executing of this Decree stand and be Seized of the aforesaid
two Parcels of Land commonly known by the name of the Angle
and Pingle and of and in the aforesaid Cottage with a Garden
containing half an Acre and two Half Full Lands together with
Twenty Acres of Improved Land allotted to the said Cottage and
ten to the said Half Full Lands And the Ten Acres in the
Occupation of the said Thomas Wiseman and Decreed to be
Conveyed as before mentioned together as also with a certain piece
of Land lying in Whittlesea aforesaid called by the Name of the
Common half Acre And the Alms Houses before mentioned to
such Publick and Pious Uses for the Good of the said Township
of Whittlesea in manner also as shall be hereafter expressed and
declared ^nb b^tnvLB the said Thomas Wiseman pretends to
claim to Thirty Pounds as a Debt due to him from the said
Township of Whittlesea which if due we conceive to be due to
him from Robert Coveney deceased and finding that the mean
Profits remaining in his Hands at Three Pounds ^ Annum as
these ten Acres of Land for Fourteen Years Amounting to Forty
four Pounds We do adjudge and Decree the said Thomas Wiseman
tb be and in Consideration of his Satisfaction for the said Pounds
is hereby declared to be discharged of the mean Profits of the said
Ten Acres of Land unto the Feast of Annunciation of our Blessed
Virgin Mary last past ^nb als0 we further order adjudge Decree
that the several Obligors who stand indebted to the Use of the
Poor of the said Township of Whittlesea in several Sums of
Money according to several obligations and Bill in a Schedule as
before mentioned hereto annexed do renew the several Securities
for the said Monies within three Months to the Governors here-
after named or any Seven or more of them for the Pious Uses by
Bills and Writings Obligatory mentioned and declared And it
was further Ordered adjudged and Decreed by the Commissioners
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aforesaid that Francis Underwood Esquire Eobert Glapthome
Esquire Richard Read Gent. Robert Beale the Elder Gent. The
Vicar of Whittlesea Saint Marys for the Time being Thomas
Wiseman the Elder Gent. John Laxon the Elder Thomas Ground
Joseph Ives John Laxon the Younger Francis Bevill and
Christopher Turner shall be and are hereby ordered adjudged and
Decreed and Appointed to be Governors of the Yearly Revenues and
Profits of the Lands and Monies in this Decree before mentioned
And that they or any Seven or more of them four times in the
Year meet in the School House in Saint Marys Church in
Whittlesea (that is to say) on Monday next after the Feast of
Saint John Baptist on Monday next after the Feast of Saint
Michael the Archangel on Monday next after the Feast of the
Nativity of our Lord and on Monday next after the Feast of
Annunciation of our Blessed Virgin Mary And then and there
the same Governors or any Seven or more of them shall at their
said Days of Meeting or such of them as the said Governor or
any Seven of them shall think fit Distribute the Rents and Profits
of the same Lands Tenements and Monies in such Proportions as
by any Seven or more of them shall be adjudged fit (that is to
say) for the Relief of Tradesmen Poor and Impotent Persons
fallen into Decay within the said Township putting out poor
Apprentices born there Repair the Parish Churches Repair of
their Streets Causeways Bridges Alms Houses and Publick
Buildings and such other Publick Uses for the good of the said
Township and Inhabitants of the same as the said Governors of
any seven or more of them shall think fit and direct And it is
further Ordered and Decreed and Adjudged by the Commissioners
aforesaid that Hugh Underwood Gent, and John Laxon be and
are hereby nominated directed constituted and appointed Bailiffs
and Receivers of the Rents and Profits of the said Messuage
Lands Tenements and Stocks of Money until the Feast of Saint
Michael the Archangel next coming and that then Yearly on
Monday next after the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel the
said Governors or any seven or more of them shall nominate and
Appoint two Bailiffs or Receivers of Known Ability and Integrity
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Pbnland Notes and Qubbiks. 333
and residing in the said Town of Whittlesea as well to let get
and dispose of the said Messuages Lands Tenements and Stocks
of Money for the Uses aforesaid for one Year next following and
to collect gather and receive the Eents Issues and Profits of the
same as the same shall occur for the Subsequent Year And that
the said Bailiffs shall from time to time so Yearly to be nominated
and Appointed to pay over said Monies so by them to be Collected
in such manner as the said Governors or any seven or more of
them shall by Writing under their Hands at any of their Quarterly
Meetings direct and Appoint for the Uses afore-mentioned And
the said Commissioners do further order Adjudge and Decree that
so many of the said Trustees shall happen to depart this life or
remove from the said Town of Whittlesea that there shall happen
to be only five living and Remaining to Act in the Trust aforesaid
That then the said Five Persons who shall be then Living shall
Convey transfer and Assure all their Eight Interest and Trust of
and in all Lands Tenements and Stocks of Money aforesaid unto
Twelve other persons of known Integrity who shall be then
Inhabitants of the said Town of Whittlesea and who shall be
Elected and Assigned to the Homages at their next General
Court to be holddn at the next General Court to be holden for the
said Manors of Whittlesea Saint Marys and Whittlesea Saint
Andrews aforesaid after the said Trustees shall be reduced to the
Number of Five Persons as aforesaid And from and after the said
Conveyances so had and Executed as aforesaid The said first
Trustees shall be discharged to all intents and purposes And the
said New Trustees so to be Elected and Assigned shall be and are
hereby Decreed and Declared to stand to be seized and possessed
of the said Messuages Lands Tenements and Stocks of Money
aforesaid In Trust for the uses and intents before-mentioned as if
they had been Actually and personally nominated and Assigned
by this present Decree And the Commissioners do further Order
and Judge and Decree that when any of the Governors aforesaid
named shall happen to die or remove or dwell out of the said
Town of Whittlesea or refuse to Act in the said Government
That then the Surviving Governors at their next three Monthly
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384 PBNI4AND Notes and Queries,
Meetings from and after such removal or refusal shall from time
to time Elect such other Person or Persons residing within the
said Township of Whittlesea To Supply his or their or any of
their place or places who shall so die or refuse to Act as aforesaid
which said Person to be new Elected shall have the same power
to all intents and purposes as if they had been Originally Named
or Assigned in this present Decree And it is further Ordered
Adjudged and Decreed by the Commissioners aforesaid to the
Intent the Proceedings of the Governors may appear to Posterity
that the Governors or any seven or more of them for the time
being shall of the Profits of the said Estate Provide a large Paper
Book so often as need shall require strongly Bound up in folio
which shall be called the Town Book wherein all Orders and
Contracts made by them and the succeeding Governors all Elections
of new Governors BailiflFs and Trustees and all other matters and
things which the Governors and Feoffees for the Time being shall
in pursuance of these Orders and Decrees Act and do shall be
fairly Written and entered and that no such Order Contract or
Election shall be of Force until the same be entered and Recorded
in the said Town Book and Subscribed by the Governors or any
seven or more of them and that the said Governors shall provide
a Substantial Chest with three several Locks and Keys wherein
already Money Town Books Peoflftnents Deeds Counterparts of
Leaves and Writings shall be kept And that the then several
Keys by three such several Persons as the Governors or any seven
or more of them appoint And that the Town Bailiff for the
time being do Yearly and every Year by the consent of the said
Governors or any seven or more of them first had shew to the
Stewards Bailiffs and Homages of the Manors of Whittlesea
aforesaid the Book and Accounts and other the Proceedings of the
said Governors at the two General Courts to be holden for the
said Manors of Whittlesey Saint Marys and Whittlesea Saint
Andrews to the end the said Steward and Homages may peruse
the same if they please And the said Commissioners do further
Order and Adjudge and Decree that the Charges of Prosecution
and Execution of this Commission of Pious Uses and all things
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Fenlahd Notes and Quebhs. 335
necessary for compleating the same shall be satisfied and Dis-
diarged by the present Town Bailiffs of the said Township of
Whittlesea and of the Rents Issues and Profits of the said
Messuages Lands Tenements and Stocks of Money belonging to
the said Town of Whittlesea to be allowed by the Governors
before Appointed or any seven or more of them and the said
Governors do further Order and adjudge and Decree that the said
Town Bailiffs for the said Town of Whittlesea yearly to be Elected
do make as well a New Rental of all the Lands Tenements and
Messuages belonging to the said Town of Whittlesea within the
Decree comprized and all the Rents Issues and Profits of the same
for such Year as they shall be Elected and serve in the said Office
And also make a Particular Account of such Stocks of Money as
shall also during the said Tear to the said Township in manner
as aforesaid and deliver the same Yearly at the next meeting after
Saint Michael unto the said Governors or any seven or more of
them to be safely kept in the Town Chest so to be provided as
aforesaid for which Rentals and particulars the said Town Bailiffs
shall be allowed such a Satisfaction as the said Governors or any
seven or more of them shall direct and Appoint ^vii iDjfereas it
hath evidently appeared unto us the said Commissioners that
divers Parcels of Gores of Grass Lands within the limits and
Bounds of the Manor and Township of Whittlesea aforesaid
called by the names of the Constables Grass the Bulls Grass the
Bellman's Grass Goves Grass Herds Grass Gore Grass in Eastrea
Field have been anciently and appointed by the Consent and
Agreement between the Lords and Tenants of the Manors of
Whittlesea aforesaid (that is to say) The Constables Grass to the
Constables The Bulls Grass and Boars Grass to the Constables for
keeping each of them a Common BuU and Boar for the Use of
the Inhabitants of the said Township The Churchwardens to the
Churchwardens for the time being The Bailiffs Grass to the
Bailiff of the said Town of Whibtlesea for the time being And
the Bell Gore to the Belhnan of the said Town of Whittlesea for
the time being and the Herds Grass to the several Neatherds of
the several Precincts within the Manors and Townships aforesaid
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836 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
for the time being Yearly and in Consideration of a Compensation
and Reoompence for their respective pains and Charges in the
due Execution of their respective Offices And we the said Com-
missioners do hereby order Adjudge and Decree that the said
several Parcels and Gores of Grass above-mentioned be for ever
hereafter employed to the Particular Uses afore-mentioned as the
same were before limited and Appointed between the Lords and
Tenants of the said Manors of Whittlesea |« Wiitmz^ whereof
tlie Commissioners first above Named to this present Decree have
hereunto put their Hands and Seals the aforesaid second Day of
June in the 20th Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord Kings
Charg (skj by the Grace of God of England France and Ireland
King Defender' of the Faith &c. and in the Year of our Lord
1668 William Colville Humphrey Orme Christoper Thursby
Thomas Edwards.
220.— The Paston Letters, No. 2.—The letter here transcribed
is found in Fenn's Paston Letters, Lxx., vol. iii., p. 283. It refers
entirely to events and places in the Fenland and is remarkable as
being written by a Tallboys, who we must presume was a lineal
descendant of Ivo Tailbois, nephew of the Conqueror, about whom
some notes will be found in " The Camp of Refuge," showing,
too, that the Tailboys had held their own in the Fens for some
400 years. In South Kyme church is a tomb with inscription to
Gylbert Taylboys, a lord of Kyme : —
*« To my right honouraile and right tvorshipful lord^
my Lord Viscount Beaumont
" Right honourable and my right worshipful lord, I recommend
me unto your good lordship with all my service, evermore desiring
to hear of your prosperity and welfare, the which I pray God
encrease and continue to his pleasure, and after your own heart's
desire ; thanking you of the good lordship that ye have showed
me at all times, beseeching you alway of good continuance.
" Please it your good lordship to be remembered how afore this
time Hugh Wytham* hath said he would be in rest and peace with
♦ It is notable that a person h§re hears th$ name of the river.
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FbniiAnd Notes ahd Queries. 337
me, and not malign against me otherwise than law and right
would; that notwithstanding, upon Monday last past, he and
three men with him came into a servant's house of mine in Boston,
called William Sheriff, and there, as he sat at his work, struck him
upon the head and in the body with a dagger, and wounded him
sore, and pulled him out of his house, and set him in prison
without any cause reasonable, or without writ, or any other process
showed unto him ; and that me seems longs* not for him to do,
but as he says he is indicted, and as your good lordship knows
well, I and all my servants are in like wise, but anf any man
should have done it, it longs either to the sheriff or to your bailiff,
as I conceive, and other cause he had none to him as far as I can
know, but only for the maliciousness of that he hath unto me, nor
I can think none other but it is so. And now yesternight my
Lord WellesJ came to Boston with four score horses, and in the
morning following, took him out of prison, saying afore all people,
* false thief thou shalt be hanged, and as many of thy master's
men as may be gotten,' as your servant John Abbott can report
unto your good lordship, and hath taken him away with him to
Tattershall, what to do with him I cannot say, but, as I suppose,
to have him to Lincoln Castle ; wherefore I beseech your good
lordship in this matter to be my good lord, and that it please your
good lordship to write a letter to the keeper of the castle of
Lincoln, that it liked him to deliver him out of prison under a
suflBcient surety had for him, for and (if) they may keep him still,
by this mean, they may take all my servants that I have, and so
I may do again in like wise.
" And also, as I am informed, without he be had out of prison
in haste, it will be right grievous to him to heal of his hurt, he is
so sore stricken ; and if there be any service that your good
lordship will command me to do in this country, please it you to
send me word, and it shall be done to my power with the grace
of God, which have you, my right honourable and worshipful lord,
♦ (belongs) f (JO
trhis was Leo, the 6th Baron WeUes, kUled at Towton soon after,
i,e., in 1461.
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388 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
alway in his blessed keeping. Written at Kyme, upon Wednesday
next after our Lady's day, the Assumption (15th Augt.)
"Also, please it your good lordship to weet, after this letter
was made there came a man from Tattershall* into my fenn, which
ought* me good will, and because he would not be holden suspect,
he spoke with women which were milking kyne, and bade them
go to a priest of mine to Dokdyke,t and bid him fast go give me
warning, how that my Lord Willoughby,J my Lord Cromwell and
my Lord Welles proposed then to set a sessions, and hang the
said William Sheriff, an they might bring the intent about ; and
so, as I and your servant John Abbott stood together, the priest
came and gave me warning hereof, which I trust for my worship
your good lordship would not should happen, for it were to me
the greatest shame that might fall, but and it please your good
lordship to write to all your servants in this country that they will
be ready upon a day's warning to come when I send them word ;
I trust God they shall not hang him against the law, but I, with
help of your good lordship, shall be able to let it.
Kyme in Lincolnshire By your Servant,
Wednesday, August William Tailboys."
(Between 1455 and 1460
33 and 39 Hy. VL) S. H. Miller, Lowestoft.
* (owed) t (Dog-dyke)
X The WilloTighby's, CromweU's, and WeUes' intermarried ; at the time
when the above letter was written there was a feud between that combina-
tion and the Lord of Kyme. These facts seem to explain the family
relationships : —
The Lordship of Eresby was settled by William I. on Walter de Bee,
who married Agnes, the heiress of Hugh, lord of Tattershall. Robert, 6th
baron. Lord Willoughby de Eresby, left a daughter Joan by a first wife.
He married Maud (the 2nd wife) who was co-heiress of Ralph, Lord
Cromwell of Tattershall : there was no issue. Sir Richard WeUes married
Joan and was summoned to Parliament in the right of his wife, as Lord
WiUoughby de Eresby, This is the person named in the letter ; the Lord
Welles was his father. Richard WeUes was treacherously murdered by
Edward IV. The son, Robert Welles (8th Baron Welles) took up arms
against King Edward, as we shall see in another letter. The Barony of
Welles became extinct in 1503.
The last of the Fastens, William, Earl of Yarmouth, died in 1732, and
leaving no male issue, the titles became extinct. His younger daughter,
Rebecca, married Sir John Holland.
The Oromwells herein named were of an ancient family of Nottingham-
shre.
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 339
221— The Underwood Family of Whittlesey.— Mr. S. T.
Aveling, of Rochester, supplies the following memoranda con-
cerning the family of the Underwoods of Whittlesey.
Hugh Underwood— of Whittlesey in the isle of Ely Esquire,
and one of the deputy lieutenants of that isle married 1st Wife,
Jane 2^' daughter of Sir Henry Mackworth of Normanton co.
Rutland Bar^ she died 17 January 1667.* 2^- Ann the thirteenth
child of Sir Francis Russell of Chippenham [near Newmarket in
the County of Cambridge,] by his Wife Catherine daughter and
sole heir of John Wheatley, Esquire, by Elizabeth Smallpage his
Wife, to whom he (Wheatley) was married at Chippenham
Dec^'-lO*^^ 1631 — Ann was baptized at Chippenham 14^^ July 1650.
By an old Minute book of the Manor of Whittlesey St. Andrew,
indorsed "Anno 1726," it appears that Hugo Underwood was
Steward of that Manor at a Court holden the 10th of April, 1630.
Francis Underwood,t of Whittlesea Esq whom I suppose to be
the father of Hugh Underwood of Whittlesey Esq was a great
favorite of Oliver the protector, to whom he was probably known
before the civil war broke out ; Oliver was so pleased with his
adroitness, in the surprise of, and massacre of Woodoroft Castle
(between Market Deeping and Peterborough) that he gave him a
commission of a captain of foot of a company consisting of 150
men. This commission is dated Dec"- 12*^- 1643, [it is signed
" Oliver Cromwell,"] and appears to have been granted to him by
Cromwell in right of his power as Governor of the isle of Ely.
Francis rose to the rank of major, colonel, and lastly lieutenant
colonel; so early as June 8*^* 1648, he was appointed governor of
Whittlesea and Crowland, for he is so stiled in the thanks of parlia-
ment, signed by the speaker Lenthall, for suppressing the forces under
Hudson and Stiles, which were raised to favor the royal cause.
* This Jane, was daughter of Sir Henry Mackworth, by Mary his Wiie.
who was daughter of Eobert Hopton, of Witham, co. of Somerset, Esq.
Jane was bnried in the Eastern aisle of St. Mary's Church, in Whittlesey,
where the inscription on the stone was perfectly legible in 1813.
t Francis Underwood was of Jesus College, Cambridge. See the^ Testi-
monial in the possession of Thomas Moore Maydwell, of Clement's Inn,
Middlesex, 1814. It is dated July 6th, 1632. Oliver, theprotector, was of
Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge (Noble's Memoirs, Vol. I., p. 95.
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340 Fbnland Notes and Queries.
It appears by the original papers in the possesion of the said
Thomas Moore Maydwell, that this Francis was greatly entrusted
by the commonwealth, the protectors, and the restored republic,
these papers or documents consist of letters and commissions &c
signed by the protector Oliver, Thurloe secretary of state, and
" Valentine Walton."* Francis Underwood was certainly a useful
person to his party, but his government was odious from his
severity, and by having the custody of many loyalists, and others
that were suspected of being so ; his name is yet remembered and
reprobated in that part of the Kingdom ; he was undoubtedly
vindictive, and having taken some umbrage, quarrelled with
secretary Thurloe ; but the matter was settled by the latter's de-
claring he had no intention to offend him.
Francis resided in the Berristead house at Whittlesey, which
house was in 1814 the property of Lord Eardley, and was rented
of his Lordship by William Davie Ground who resided in it in
that year.
1728 April 30^^ Date of the Will of s^- Charles Fleetwood—
proved in the prerog. Court of Canterbury 23 Aug** 1737 — by Ann
his Wife and Sole Executrix.
William Underwood (who at the time of his death resided at
Enfield in the County of Middlesex) was the Nephew of Hugh
Underwood. By the settlement made on the Marriage of the
said William with Martha Bothwell^ daughter of James and
Elizabeth Bothwell, and dated 29*^ xiugust 1699, certain lands in
Glassmore in Whittlesey &c were settled on the said William and
Martha and their Issue. This marriage took effect and the said
William Underwood and Martha had Issue Male of their Bodies,
but all such Issue Male died without having been marr^- They
had also issue two Daughters (viz) Martha and Abigail. William
Underwood made a Will which bears date 9'^ April 1745 and was
proved in the prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
* There are also other documents of value with them (viz.): — ^An
Historical Accomit (indorsed, "a Pedigree)" of ye ancient famUy of
Underwood, Jany. 1728—9. Testimonial of Francis Underwood's education
at the University of Cambridge dated July 6th, 1632.
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 34"!
222.— Wills of Christopher and Alice Swinscoe, Benefactors
to the poor of Peterborough.— The old parish registers of St.
John's, Peterborough, supply us with the two following entries :
" 1605-6 Chrystopher Swynscoe gentleman was buryed y® 7 daye.
In the margin :— •" The sayd Mr. Swynscoe gave ten pounds to
be bestowed upon y^ poore of y^ p'rish of Peterburgh w^ sume of
XI: was distrybuted unto y^ sayd poore upon y^ daye of his
funerall as by will he had appoynted. Laus deo." 1610-11
24 Jan. M^'stres Alice Swynscoe, was buryed the 24 : daye. In
margin— The sayd Ms'res Alice Swynscoe (was) a good benefactour
to y^ towne of Peterbroughe, both in y^ tyme of her lyf as also at
her deathe." I am not aware that a pedigree of the family is in
existence ; judging from the " gentle " families named in the two
wills he was well connected.
Christopher Swinscoe, of Peterborough, co. Northampton, (Jent.,
by will dated 30 Jan 1605-6 pr in P.C.C. 11th Mch following
(Reg. 20 Stafford), bequeathed to Chas. Beverley, son of James B.,
which Charles (or by what other christian names he is called; is
now an apprentice in the city of York, 40 mks., whereof one half
to be paid the next half year after my decease and the other half
the next half year, to be paid out of (my) lease at Godmanchester.
To good friend Richd. Camwell some time of Everton, co. Beds.,
gent., 20 nobles to be paid within one half year after my dec. :
should he die within that time, the bequest to revert to his
nephew, Eichd. Camwell, of Coin, Hunts. To Eobt. Walker of
Geddington, 101 ; to his brofcher Richd. W. 61 To Alice Vernam
wife of William V. 101 To Christ. & Elizabeth Walker, children
of Henry W. 61 each. To Margery Perrills childi'en, 40s To
John Swinscoe of London, which was John Swinscoe's son the
parson 40s To Alexander WilUams of London, 5 mks. To
Elizabeth AUington wife to Hugh A. of Tinwell, co. Rutland,
esq. 40s.
* 1599-1600 M'- Henry AUington bur, XXY Jan. 1611
M"^ Eliz. AUington, wife to M^ Hugh AUington, esquier,
* The par. regs. of TinweU, Rutland, supply these entries.
AA
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342 Pbnland Notes and Queries.
bur. Dec vj. 1612 M'^ Charles Allington & W' Bliz. Clipole
(Oleapole) mar. May XXV. In the will of James Cleypoole
of Northboro' als Narborrowe, co. Northampton, esq. (bur.
there in the chappel adjoining to the parish church in the
" toome " which I have placed there for that purpose, 14 Nov.
1599) dated 1 Dec. 1598 & pr. in P.O.C. 7 Nov. 1599 (Reg. 86
Kidd.) appoints as supervisors good brother(s) in law Henry
Alliugton, Robt. Wingfield, & Ant. Treble, esqs ; & Edw. Heron,
esq., Serjt.-at-law, all my very especial good friends and gives to
each 5Z. Adam, 2nd son of James 0. (bapt. at Northboro', 20 June,
1565, d. 1684) mar. at St. Georges church, Stamford, 30 Sept.
1586. Dorothy (bur. at Northboro', 7 Nov., 1619) Wingfield, da.
of John W. (who lived at the Nunnery, in the parish of St.
Martin's,) 2nd son of Robt W. & his wife Elizabeth (Cecil, da. of
Richd C. and sister to Wm. first Baron Burghley), & entered his
ped. in the Heralds Visit (Northamps) 1618—9. M^ Henry
Allington, a merchant in London, was, says the Lincolnshire Visit,
of 1592, descended from Sir Gyles A. of Horseheath, Cambs.
Knt., and settled at Grainthorpe, Lines., in the person of his
younger brother, George. Their father, George, of Rushford,
Norfolk, m sister to Sir John Cheeke, Knt, a tutor to
Prince Edward (subsequently King), while Mary, another sister,
m. 8 Aug. 1541 (d. 22 Feb. 1542-3), Sir William Cecil, Secretary
of State, & subsequently Lord Treasurer, a fact that probably
accounts for their advent in Rutlands. They bore [Quarterly,
1 Sa., a bend engr. betw. 6 billets arg. 2 Gules, 3 covered cups
arg. (Argentyne) 3 az., 6 martlets, 3, 2 & 1, or ; a canton erm. 4
Per fesse arg. & sa., a pale counterchanged, 3 griffins' heads
erased of the 2nd (Gardener) ; a mullet on a crescent for diff.
Crest.— A talbot stafcant erm., with a difference as on the shield.
Harl 3LS. 1550.'] M.'' Eliz AUmgton, wife to Hugh (elder
brother of Henry and George named above) was the first wife of
Robt. Wingfield, of Upton, Northamptonshire, esq. (bur. at
Castor, 2 Apl. 1580).
Hugh's will dated 2 Oct. 1616 pr 1 Oct. 1618 in P.C.C.
(Reg. 94 Meade) in which he designates himself as Hugh
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Pbnland Notes and Queries. 343
Alington of Tynewell, co. Rutland, esq. & desires to be
bur. in that church, or where his exor. shall think good.
The parish registers of Tinwell do not record his burial there.
Testator names sons (? brothers) in-law, John Wingfield,
Adam Cleypoole, Richd. Wingfield, & Calibute Douninge, & my
cousins Peter Chapman, & John Browne, of Stamford, esqs. ;
Sir Giles A. (Knted at the Charterhouse 11 May, 1603), &c., &c.
Peter Chapman of the City of London, Knted at Hatton-house,
London, 8 Nov. 1617, in his will dated 22 Apl. pr. 17 May 1622
(Reg, SavylU 48) refers to a lease of his farm or manor house &
lands in Tynwell, names cousin Geo. Allington, &c. In the
probate act book testator is designated as late of the parish of St.
Clement Danes, co. Middlesex. M"" Charles Allington, whose marri-
age is recorded at Tinwell was the eldest son of Geo. A. (d. 1633)
of Swinhope, co. Line, esq. To M'"^'^ Jane Allington, wife to
George A., of Louth, co. Lincoln, esq., 405, To M"« Mary Reede,
of Ringstead, co. Norfolk, widow, 405. To Katherine, wife of
"John Allington, of London, 205. To Katherine, wife of Medcalf
Allington, of London, 205. Richard Rop my servant shall have
my stock of hemp & my close at Ravely for the years yet to come
101, better cheap than any other man. To cousin M'' Gregory
Downhall, of London, 5 mks. To cousin M"* William Downhall,
of London, 405. To John Cley servant to John Dickinson of
Peterboro', Baker, U, To Thos. Stubbolde my pasture keeper,
205. To Mrs. Dorothy Downhall, wife of William D., gent., 205.
To Cath. Curtis, Elizabeth Edward, M"" Frances Dove, to each
an angel.. To cousin Willm. Block & his mother of Ramsey, 105.
each. To John Plumbe & John Daves my servants, 405. each.
To my well-beloved friend and cousin M'* William Downhall my
woods lying in Hoorae (Holme) co. Hunts, containing by estima-
tion about 40a., the one called great Hoome wood & the other
little Hoome wood (held by lease of the King's Majesty) for the
remainder of the term, also in consideration of his being a good
friend to my wife after my decease as I know he will be. I give
him the title that he and I held by virtue of a lease in Stangronnd,
CO. Hunts, for the years yet to come. To the poor of Ramsey
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601. to be paid into the hands of Walter Creede, William Wayne
& to M"^ Hales & to such chiefest & substantialist men of the
parish as they shall choose, to be paid them at Lammas next,
charging them as they will answer it (to) Almighty God at the
dreadful day of judgment that they do imploy the same to some
benefit for the use of the poor ; & the increase & benefit thereon
to be bestowed amongst the poor people of Eamsey allways in
Lent for their best relief so long as the world endureth. To Alice
my wife all my annuities, the lease in North Wyfcham, co. Lincoln,
held of Sir Henry Pagnam (Pakenham, d. 27 Mch 1620, ancestor
of the noble family of that name — Earls of Longford in the
peerage of Ireland and of the present Marchioness of Exeter),
Knt & of my demeasnes in Hoome, ordains her full executrix &
residuary legatee. To M"" Wm. Downhall my book of Martyrs.
Appoints M'* Hugh & M'^ Greo. AUington supervisors giving to
each 5 mks. To M^ Todd of Huntingdon, my best nag, & to
M' Creed 5 mks. To the poor folk of Peterboro' lOZ. to be paid
at my funeral, & to the poor alms folk in the Churchyard 20^.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
To be continued.
223,— Parson Drove.— Of this scattered village little has been
written or appears to be known. It is said " Happy the country
that has no history." If so, this is most surely a fortunate place.
Nothing appears to have been placed on record to make or mar
the happiness of anyone. There stands the old Church, verging
on decay, and in its precincts the rude forefathers of the hamlet
sleep. Stones, carefully kept, mark the resting place of families
that have passed away.
Stukeley speaks of "A Roman road passing over the river above
Wisbech town towards Guyhirn Chappel then went to Trokenholt
and Clows Cross there entering Lincolnshire, from thence that it
went in a straight line to Spalding." At Gedney Hill Eoman
coins have been found. The High Dole in the same parish is a
square doubly moated, where ancient foundations have been dug
up and Eoman coins found ; another like square is in the parish
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of Sutton St. Edmunds, about two miles from the Southea Bank.
In Parson Drove is a Mound or Tumulus, which has probably a
like origin, while about two miles distant, at Tholomas Drove, a
great number of Eoman coins have been found within the last
few years, which seem to indicate a line of road to March, where
it would connect with another Roman road which crossed the
fens from the high lands at Eldernell to those of West Norfolk.
The derivation of the name Parson Drove needs little more
than a passing remark. Among the droves, dykes, or ways in the
parish of Leverington, which in the distant past bore a marked
resemblance to each other, this was Parsons Drove where the
Chapel stood. The priest dwelt here, or it might be from a
person of position or influence in the district named Parsons that
it was so called. Dugdale in 16, Hen. vi. 1438 and 13, Eliz. 1571
speaks of " Parsons Drove end between Belly miQ Brigge and Meys
Brigge." A chantry founded at Fitton Hall in the reign of
Edward III. (1330) by John Hode, then Lord of the Manor, and
Martin de Holbeche, was transferred in (38, Hen. vi.) 1459 by
permission of Bishop Grey to a Chapel then built at Parson
Drove, now dedicated to St. John the Baptist. As a reason for the
transfer, it is stated in an old document, that "the way and passage
to and from Leverington was troublesome and dangerous in the
time of winter."
Pepys in his diary under date Sept. 17, 1663, refers to Parson
Drove in the following terms : — " With much ado through the
fenns along dykes where sometimes we were ready to have our
horses sink to the belly we got by night with a great deal of stir
and hard riding to Parsons Drove — a heathenish place. I was bit
cruelly by the gnats."
In Nov. 1698, 11 of Will. III., an Inquisition was held at
Wisbech, when agreeable to the Act 43 of Elizabeth, it was found
that a messuage and several parcels of land and pasture in
Leverington Parson Drove, Leverington St. Leonard's, and
Wisbech, containing 141 acres, and another 11a. 3r. Op, of land,
lately alloted by virtue of a Drainage Act, with the appurtenances
were held in trust for maintaining a curate or chaplain for per-
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forming divine rites and services and foi; repairing and upholding
the Chapel.
There was anciently a hermitage in the parish at a place that
still bears the name of Trockenholt. Trockenholt is mentioned
in very early times. Wulphere, King of Mercia, in his Charter
for the endowments and privileges of the monastery of Mede-
hampstead (Peterboro') A.D. 664, names Trockenholt as one of
the boundaries of the estate. After being over run by the Danes
it lay desolate 111 years. It was given by Nigellus, Bishop of
Ely, to the Abbey of Thorney in 1169. It is then mentioned as
a hermitage which had formerly belonged to Ely. In a very
ancient letter that Church is said to have enjoyed it 191 years ;
on its site a very respectable modern farm house now stands.
There are no remains of antiquity in the neighbourhood. When
excavating foundations some years ago, human remains were
found.
Near this place is Clows Cross, at the junction of the North
Level Drains, where the Fen waters are discharged into the North
Level Main Drain from the New South Eau and New Wryde.
It has always been a point of importance from the earliest times,
and here was formerly 3 stone cross, but whether to mark the
division of the Counties of Lincoln and Cambridge, or to indicate
its other importance, is unknown. ^
Quoting from Atkyn's report on the Level made in 1618,
" There stood upon the Bank of Southeae a cross designing the
limits of Cambridgeshire and Lincoln in that part of the inland,
and from that cross eastward there passed a watercourse through
the inlands to the sea banke to a Goto or Clow called the Shire-
Gote dividing still the Shires. At the head of this watercourse
there was also a Clow from which Clow and the cross standing
hard by it. The place took the name, viz. : The Clows Cross.
This Clow (as most men deemed) served specially to take water
out of the Southeae into the inland grounds in dry years, as well
for the preservation of the partition and fence on both sides, as
for the relief and succour of both man and beast. Many have
talked that they have heard that much of the waters of the
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Feaas drayned that way and of great large watergates and wide
passages there. I myself was by when the old pipes were taken
up about 22 years since (1596) and observed that there were
only two small pipes of plank layed together through the bank
to take in water, not exceeding 18 inches square as I could
At that time (1618) a stone sluice was being made at a cost of
£200 or more, to be finished in the following May, besides which
the banks and channels below the Clow were to be enlarged and
improved. It should be borne in mind that Parson Drove Fen
was not drained then. The country about Thorney is described
as " A more Lerna^ surrounded with water, and serving only for
fish and fowl, without any other benefit to the pubKc ; the rest of
the Level is near of the same condition, and go all under the name
of the ' High Fmne\'' In 19, Hen. III. (1234-5), it is spoken of
as Heye Fen, belonging to the manor of Wysebeche, and to the
towns of Leverington, &c. By a decree of Sewers, dated March
25, 1653, this Fen with others were adjudged to be fully drained ;
whereupon the Earl of Bedford and his participants took posses-
sion of the 95,000 acres awarded them, which from that time
have been subject to a perpetual tax for drainage purposes. This
Tax is known as the Adventurers' Tax, and these Lands as
Adventurers' Lands, to the present day.
In 1437, the country around suffered from a disastrous event.
The High Fen DyTce (Murrow Bank) gave way, owing to the
pressure of the fresh water fi-om the west or High Fen side, which
made so great a breach that nearly 12,000 acres of land in
Wisbech, Leverington, Newton, and Tydd, are said to have been
overflown and drowned. The breach in the bank here referred to
is said to be the great GuU between Guyhime and Murrow, which
is still a considerable piece of water.
In 1571, the sea banks were unable to withstand a violent
storm. Of the devastating effects of this flood, Holinshed gives a
doleful account, in which he states *'the villages of Guihome,
Parson Drove, and Hobhouse were overflown ; that large
quantities of cattle and sheep were lost." In 1613, a very violent
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storm is recorded to have taken place on the 1st of November,
which caused considerable damage in the district. The chancel
of Parson Drove Church is said to have been washed down by
one of these floods which devastated the district, and has not
since been re-built. Its foundations and pavement have been
found in digging graves. The Communion table itself is said to
have been lost at the same time, and found by the present vicar
many years ago in the kitchen of the village inn.
John Bend, of Wisbech-Murrow, yeoman, by his will, dated
1593, gave certain lands to the use of the poor in Wisbech-
Murrow, Tholomas Drove, and Leverington Parson Drove. He
therein declared that he had made a feoffment and willed a cottage
and 16 acres in Leverington Parson Drove, to similar uses, viz. :
for the poor of Parson Drove. This land lies in south Inham
field ; with it is comprised the pubHc-house, now known as the
Butchers' Arms. By the enclosure of Parson Drove Fen an
allotment of 7 acres was added to the above, which with 2 acres
of land in Leverington Marsh make 25 acres in all. The rents of
the above, according to an order made early in the century, were
paid yearly, on every New Year's day, to such poor belonging to
the parish as had resided therein without receiving any parochial
rehef for the space of six years last past, according to the donor's
will.
The inhabitants enclosed a piece of land from the waste early
in the century, the rent of which was formerly apphed towards
the support of a master to teach poor children to read and write.
Of this school the late C. D. Weight was master for many years.
By a scheme approved by the Charity Commissioners in 1873
for the administration of the above, now vested in trustees, of
whom the Rector of Parson Drove (Rev. Fred. Jackson, M.A.),
and the Vicar of Southsea-cum-Murrow (Rev. A. W. Roper), for
the time being shall be ex-officio. The first non-oflScial trustees
were as follows : Thomas Johnson, Joseph Waltham, Cole
Kimberley, Richard Gunn, Samuel Nichols, George Knowles, and
John Warner, all of Parson Drove, farmers ; Joseph Kingerley, of
Peterboro'; William Marshall and George Green Cobley, both of
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Parson Drove. For the year ending Jan., 1890, after paying to 8
poor persons an aggregate sum of £12, and all expenses incidental
to the management of the Charities, there then remained
£83 12s. 8d. to be dealt with. This was divided into three equal
parts. The first was applied, in accordance with the scheme,
towards promoting Elementary Education in Parson Drove, by
grants to the School Board, and scholarships of not more than
£5 each to deserving boys and girls of not less than 12
years of age, being children of poor inhabitants of Parson Drove.
One other third part was applied to the benefit of the most
deserving necessitous poor of Parson Drove, of whom 94 received
small donations. The remaining one-third was granted to Cloth-
ing Clubs, Peterborough Infirmary, and 31 recipienis for
emergencies, who received an aggregate sum of £15 15s. Great
changes were made by the Leverington Rectory Act, " a Bill for
making better provision for the cure of souls within the limits of
the parish of Leverington and certain adjacent parishes, all in
the County of Cambridge, in the Diocese of Ely, 33 and 34 Vic,
1870." By this Act four new parishes were formed principally out
of the Parish of Leverington. Leverington Parson Drove was
divided into two, Southsea-cum-Murrow and Parson Drove, both
under the sole patronage of the Bishop of Ely. The Rev.
F. Jackson, the curate or chaplain of the Church or Chapel
of Parson Drove, after the passing of this Act, became the first
Incumbent of the new parish, on which the trusts of the Parson
Drove Chapel land ceased, and it became glebe vested in the
Incumbent and his successors.
A writer in the Wisbech Deanery Magazine, February, 1887,
" A fenman himself and proud of the distinction," notices the
difficulties which many of the Incumbents have met with in
finding and retaining gentlemen in the various fenland curacies.
One complains of the damp relaxing atmosphere, another twinges
from rheumatism and ague, unknown among the hills and vales
(although ague has been of rare occurrence in the fens since the
present perfect system of drainage in the Level was completed).
The dreary outlook and unsheltered waste around him was another
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grievance, while again we hear the lack of cultured society
deplored by persons very hard up for an excuse in these days of
cheap travelling. But what do the registers of this typical fen
parish reveal ? From the following list of its Incumbents, that
four gentlemen should hold the vicarage 200 years is marvellous,
we could imagine it would beat the record of any parish in the
most salubrious county in Britain.
The following names occur in the Eegister : —
1657. Eichard Edwards was approved Register (most probably
the curate in charge) and took the oaths according to the act ; in
that case lately made and provided. A Richard Edwards was
buried January 26, 1658.
1678. September. Anthony flPawcett Cler : was buried the
9th day.
Below an entry 25 of June 1678 is a note ("old curate's last
entry ") " Peter Pindar of Jesus College Cambridge curate of
Parson Drove. Aprilis Anno Domini 1679." He signed the
register with his churchwardens in 1689.
Henry Pujolas (an evicted Houguenot) was appointed 1692.
He died 1749, aged 98. He therefore held the vicarage 57 years.
John Dickinson was appointed 1749. Died 1790. He held it
41 years,
Richard Pollard appointed 1793. He died in 1842 and was
buried at Bath. He held it 49 years.
The last three were not fenmen, therefore not inured to the
climate.
Frederic Jackson, M. A., was appointed the first week in January,
1844. He became partially paralysed January 3rd, 1891, but
now somewhat recovered he is able to re-visit his church, in the
ministrations of which he claims never to have missed a Sunday
in 43 years. S. Egar.
To be continued.
224,— Annals of Peakirk.— The following circumstances,
which deserve to be recorded in the annals of Peakirk, are reported
in the Stomford Mercury of May 26th, 1822.
" On Sunday night last, at Peakirk, near Market Deeping, John
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FENiiAND Notes and Queries. 351
Tyers and his sister, upwards of 70 years of age, were robbed of
120Z. ia cash, all they possessed, being the money they had received
a few days before for a common-right, which they had just sold.
Four men entered their house in the night by breaking the window
frame. The old man defended himself as long as he was able, but
was at last over-powered and held down. The robbers pulled his
sister out of bed by the hair of her head, and stole the sheets upon
which she had been lying, also some bacon and several other
articles. The climax of this frightful outrage is, that the sister,
through despondency from the loss she had suffered, drowned
herself on Monday evening last, in the North Meadow Drain in
the parish of Peakirk, and was found dead on the following
morning, in a situation where the water was not more than 12
inches in depth. An inquest on the body was held on Wednesday,
at the Wheat Sheaf at Gliiiton, by Wm. Hopkinson, Gent.,
coroner for the hundred of Nassaburgh, and after a full investiga-
tion of the circumstances a verdict of lunacy was returned. The
unfortunate woman was upwards of 80 years of age, and resided
with her brother. It is believed that the aged pair, bereaved of
their intellects through a too acute feeling of their loss and the
treatment they had suffered, agreed to go together and drown
themselves, and that it was only by the accidental company of
neighbours on Monday night that the poor old man was prevented
from joining his sister to execute their mutual fatal purpose !
The cottage in which they lived is situated in the North Fen of
Peakirk : the robbers forced the door from the hinges, but were
afterwards manfully resisted by John Tyers for nearly half an
hour, during which time they threw two large stones and a piece
of wood at him, and struck him repeatedly on the breast with a
long pole. Having at length driven him into a corner, they
overpowered him, tied his hands, and plundered the cottage of a
variety of articles. There is the strongest reason to believe
that the robbers reside in the neighbourhood, for when the
old man, finding all resistance useless, asked them as a favor to
put an end to his existence, one of them said, *No, John, you are
a harmless old man, we will not hurt you.' "
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225.— A Deodand at Helpstone.— Can anyone point to the
time when the custom ceased of laying deodands upon cattle,
implements, &c., which had been the means of causing a human
death. I find in an old newspaper an instance of these deodands
as late as July, 1822, at Helpstone. The circumstances were
reported as under : —
" On Tuesday last an inquest was held, at the Bell Inn, Help-
stone, by Mr. HopMnson, coroner for the soke of Peterboro', upon
view of the body of John Price, aged 12 years, in the service of
Mr. Knowlton of that place, who on the preceding afternoon was
killed upon the spot by the overturning of a cart, which he was
driving without any reins to guide the horses. A man in the
cart, named Robet Oliver, was also severely wounded and had
several ribs broken ; and two other lads in the cart had a narrow
escape. The law cannot be too severely enforced against those
persons who daily, at the peril of their own and others' lives, are
seen driving carlessly upon the public roads. In the present case,
a deodand of 205. was laid upon the cart." S. W. H.
226.— Where the Battle of Stamford was Fought.— I pur-
posed, at first, merely to quote another of the Paston Letters
which refer to events connected with the Fenland, but further
consideration and research led me to the conclusion that a few
notes and remarks are necessary to explain some points in the
letter and to show where the Battle of Stamford was fought.
The Chronicle of the RehelUon in Lincolnshire, 1470, is found
in the Camden Society's Miscellany, Yol. I., and is set forth as
" A Eemembrance of suche aotez and dedez as our souveraigne
lorde the King hadde doon in his journey begonne at London the
vi. day of March in the X yere of his moost .... reigne, for
the repression and seting down of the rebellyon and insurrection
of his subgettes in the Shire of Lincolne, commeaved by the
subtile and fals conspiracie of his grete rebellez George due of
Clarence, Richarde erle of Warrewike, and othere, ect."
Now, the Lincolnshire forces were led by Sir Eobert Welles
(who was much enraged by the death of his father. Lord Welles).
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 353
The pedigree shows that Sir Robert was a second cousin of the
Earl of Warwick. The principal estates of the "Welles family
were the manors of Hellowe, Aby, "Welle, and Alford.
Sir Robert "Welles mustered his forces at Ranby, about 15 miles
west of Alford, and 7 miles north of Horncastle, " The battle was
fought ^ at Empyngham, in a felde called Homefelde.' The place
where it was fought, about 5 miles north-west of Stamford, near
the road to York, retains the name of Bloody Oaks to this day.
"We are told that some of the Lancastrians who fled from the
battle threw off their coats, that they might not be encumbered
by them in their flight ; and that the field called Losecoiefieldy
between Stamford and Little Casterton, which by tradition, has
been fixed upon as the field of battle, received its name from that
circumstance. Perhaps that was the place where some of them
were severely pressed by their pursuers."
Blore's His. of Rutland, 1811, p. 142.
The night after the battle the King slept at Stamford, and the
next day marched northwards as the following letter shows.
(Letter XXXIL, vol. ii., p. 37., Fenn's Paston Letters.)
" To my cousin, John Paston.
" The King came to Grantham, and there tarried Thursday all
day. There was headed Sir Thomas Delalaunde and one John
Neille, a great captain ; and upon the Monday next after that at
Doncaster, and there was headed Sir Robert Welles and
another great captain ; and then the King had word that the
Duke of Clarence and the Earl of "Warwick was at Easfcerfield
(? Chesterfield), twenty miles from Doncaster ; and upon the
Tuesday, at nine of the bell, the King took the field, and
mustered his people ; and it is said, that were never seen in
England so many goodly men and so well arrayed in a field ; and
my lord was worshipfully accompanied, no lord there so well,
(? by Duke of Norf.) ; wherefore the King gave my lord a great
thank.
" And than the Duke of Clarence and the Earl of "Warwick
heard that the King was coming to themward, incontinent
(? immediately) they departed and went to Manchester in Lanca-
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shire, hoping to have had help and succour of the Lord Stanley ;
but in conclusion there they had little favour, as it was informed
the King ; and so men say they went westward, and some men
deem to London.
" And when the King heard they were departed and gone, he
went to York, and came thither the Thursday next after, and
there came into him all the gentlemen of the shire ; and upon
our Lady-day, made Percy, Earl of Northumberland, and he that
was earl afore Marquis Montague ; and so the King is purposed
to come southward ; God send him good speed.
^^ Written the 27*^ day of March.
Tuesday, 27*^ of For trowyth."
March, 1470 (Name of writer not given.)
10 E. IV.
" The Confession " of Sir Eobt. Welles is given in p. 21, Vol. I.
Camden Socy. Mis., as from Exc&r'pta ffistoria, 1831.
S. H. Miller, Lowestoft.
227.— Stocks and Whipping Posts.— In reply to the query
in Part IX., No. 197, 1 may mention that there is a pair of stocks
on wheels, and in tolerably good preservation, at Soham, but I
do not know their date. J. R. Olorenshaw.
228.— Monumental Inscriptions in St. John's Church, Peter-
borough.— The following transcript of Monumental Inscriptions in
St. John's Church, Peterborough, was taken in August, 1891.
Chancel. J. R. T.
1.
Near this place | are interred the remains of | Matthew Wyldbore
Esqr I son of John "Wyldbore Esqr and | Elizabeth his wife, he
was born | in this city and received his | education at Trinity
college I in Cambridge | He was a person | of an excellent under-
standing I had good talents for | every kind of publick business, |
and was many years a very useful member | of the Hon^^® Cor-
poration I of the Great Level of the Fens. | He had the honour of
representing | in two succeeding parliaments this his native city |
and discharged the important trust ) with integrity, ability, and
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 355
uniformity | He bore a long illness | with great fortitude and
resignation | and died much lamented | by his relatives and
friends | on the fifteenth day of March 1781 | aged 65 years.
2.
Near this place | lie interr'd the remains | of Charles Balguy
M.D. I a man of strict integrity | various & great learning | and
of distinguished eminence | in his profession which | He exercised
through a course | of many years in this city | He died March
y^ 2** 1767 I aged 59 years.
In Memory of | Thomas Warriner, Gent. | late a native of this
city I and one of its ancient inhabitants. | Reader | think not his
example uninstructive | whose happy old age and affluence |
Opened those affections — upon others | which bhey often contract
upon ourselves | — in Hospitality to his friends | and liberality to
the Indigent | He died the 15*^ of March | A.D. 1767 Mt. 80. |
In Memory of | Tho^ Warriner, Gent. | (nephew to the above |
Tho" Warriner Gent) | who dep: this life July the 29. 1777 j
Also M" Ann Warriner | his wife dep: this life | December the
10. 1780 I in the 43*^ year | of her age. | Mary Ann'| daughter
of William Loftus, clerk | and Mary Ann his wife | (daughter of
Thomas and Ann Warriner) | died May 16. 1815 | aged 12 years.
4.
To I the memory | of | Edward Laxton gent. | whose remains
I are interred in the cathedral | burial ground | Beneath | this
tablet lies I Mary Laxton | wife of the above | obt. 23^ January
1799 I ^t. 63.
5.
Near this place lie the bodies of | John Wyldbore Esq' | and
Elizabeth his wife | He was many years an able and | useful
magistrate of this liberty | and died on the 27^^ day | of Oct'. 1755
aged 88 years | He married Elizabeth daughter of | Noah Neale
of Stamford in the | County of Lincoln Esq' [ A woman of great
piety, charity | and humility who died on the | thirtieth day of
May 1748 | aged sixty seven years | They had several children |
three of whom survived them | Frances wife of Henry Southwell
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I of Wisbeach in the county of | Cambridge Eq'^ Elizabeth wife
of I Eobert Curtis of Stamford Esq' | and Matthew to whose
memory the I opposite monument is erected.
6.
Underneath | are deposited the remains | of Thomas Sambrook
gent. I who dep. this life Dec the 3rd 1759 | Also Elizabeth his
wife I who dep. this life Feb the 1st 1774 | And also of Mary
Sambrook | their daughter | who dep. this life Jan the 26*^ 1795
I and at whose desire | and sole expence | this monument is
erected.
Chancel Floor.
7.
M"^ T. Fisher j Aet. 54 | Obt 12 Sep* | 1807.
8.
Walden Orme Esq' | Died the 26*^ of November 1774.
9.
Here lyeth the body of | M'^ Anne Squire | who died the 8*^' of
Novem' 1751 I aged 35 years | Also Elizabeth their daughter |
who died the 21st of August 1750 | aged 5 years | And also Ann
their daughter | who died the 8th of June 1756 | in the 13*^ year
of her age.
10.
In memory of | Hester the wife of | Humphrey Orme Esq' |
who died the 14*^ of Decem'^ 1744 | in the 48*^ year of her age
I Charles Orme | diedthe 24*^ Sep' 1792 | aged 26 years.
11.
Here lyeth the body of | John Eldred Esq' who | died the 7*^'
of December 1763 | in the 73rd year of his age | Also of Mary
his wife | who died Feb 21st 1756 | aged 84.
12.
To the memory of | John Filley who died Dec. the 18. 1794 |
in the 64*^ year of his age. | Also | Mary the relict | of John
Filley | who died Aug. 3rd 1817 | aged 75 years.
13.
Mat.^ Wyldbore | 1781.
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14.
In memory of I Rebecca Man | Eelicfc of | William Man | and
dau. of Abraham & | Catherine Delarne | who died February 1st
1774 I in the 33 [qry. 35] year of her age | Also Thomas son | of
W" & Eebecca Man | who died Dec 13'^^ 1818 | In the 71 year
of his age.
15.
Here lyeth the body of | James Delarue Esqr | who departed
this life Decemb^ | the 20*^ 1737 aged Q2 years. | Near this place
lies Lot I the son of James Delarue jun'^ | gent, and Sarah his
wife who I died March the 30^'' 1739 | aged 4 months. | Also near
this place ] lies Ann Male their dau^ | died Dec the 28*^ 1767 |
aged 1 year and 3 months.
16.
Near this place are interred | the remains of M""^ Mary Dorset,
I Daughter of the Rev. D'' Neve | sometime rector of Alwalton |
& Archdeacon of Huntingdon | who died March 3^ 1762 | aged
3i5 I Here the weary are at rest ] And also near the body of her
beloved | Niece are deposited the remains of | M''^ Jane Le Comte
who died | May 31st 1766 aged 78. | I am come to my grave in a
full age I like as a shock of corn cometh in, | in his season. | And
in the same grave | lyeth the remains of | M'« Ann Eowell | who
departed this life | Feb. 17*^^ 1776 | aged 72 years.
Nave, West Wall.
17.
In a vault | behind this monument are deposited | the remains
of Ann Pulvertoft widow | and sister of the late | James Delarue
Esq^| She died April 12, 1788 | aged 81 years | Also | Beneath
lie interred John Pulvertoft | her son | who died April 27 1786 |
aged 56 years | And Mary his widow | who died April 14, 1790
I aged 60 years.
18.
In a vault | behind this are deposited | the remains of Sarah
wife of the late | James Delarue Esqr | She died May 22, 1757. |
In the same place lie interred | Sarah his sister who died 13 March
I 1765 I and James Delarue Es(]r his son | who died 8 March
1780 I He himself having sometime survived | the much lamented
BB
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part of his family above named | At length followed and lies
interred with them | To whose memory in his life time he
expressed j an intention of raising this monument | which his
executors | have caused to be erected | He died 12 March 1782 |
full of years and | truly respectable.
19.
Beneath this marble | lyeth the body of Mary Cox | wife of
M' Thomas Cox surgeon [ daughter of James Delarue Sen'* Esq'' |
and relict of M"* Robert Freeman, merchant | who departed this
life September 19, 1763 | Also M'* Thomas Cox, surgeon | He
having discharged the duties of his | profession upwards of 50
years | with great fidelity and success | Departed this life July
20, 1788 I He received his instructions from William Chiselden
Esq'" and was | strongly recommended to the city | by D*^ Mead,
Sir Edward Wilmot, | and D'' Jurin.
20.
Near this place are | deposited the remains of Elizabetha |
Maria Editha wife of Eoberfc Freeman Esq'' | as a kind friend and
affectionate wife, her | memory must ever be dear to those she has
left I to lament her loss, her christian piety | enabled her to
support her last moments with | a resignation & firmness of mind,
felt only | by the truly good, with a trust in God | and a comfort-
able expectation of a | happy futurity, she departed | this life
April 17, 1795 I aged 65 years | Also | in the same vault | lie
interred the remains of | Robert Freeman Esq'' whose | great
liberality endeared him when living | to a large circle of friends &
now departed | will cause his name to be long and | deservedly
lamented | He died April 9*^ 1805 | aged 79 years.
Nave Aisle.
21.
Underneath this marble | lies interred the remains of | Lieu.
Henry Clarke | who departed this life | July the 29*^ 1773. |
Also M'*'* Mary Clarke | relict of Henry Clarke | and daughter of
John Rowell Bsq'^ | who departed this life July the 23'^^ 1795 |
aged 39 years. | Near them lie two of their sons | John Clarke
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died May the 3^ 1767 | John Kowell Clarke | died Aug*^ the 31**
1771 I and in the same grave with her dear | and tender parents
lies Ann Clarke | who died Decern^ the 8*^ 1772. | All aged 7
months.
22.
In memory of | Susannah Ashton relict of | Philip Asbton who
died I the 28'^ of October 1768 | aged 74 years. | Also Capel
Berrow their grandson | and son of Richard & Mary Berrow | died
the 23'^ of April 1761 | aged 18 years. I Also of Susanna | their
granddaughter and daughter of Richard & Mary Berrow | and
wife of Thos. Baxter Aveling | of Wisbech | who died April y®
4*^ 1775 I aged 29 years.
23.
Under this marble | are deposited the remains | of M'^ Richard
Beaty | who departed this life | the 12"' day of December | 1785
aged 75 years.
24.
Here lieth the body of | Christopher Peak | a member of the
society | of Cliffords Inn London | who died the 27*^ day of
March 1775 | in the 22nd year of his age | a gentleman of very
promising | Abilities and greatly lamented | by all who had the
pleasure | of his acquaintance | And also the body of j Christopher
Hobson Esqr | of Stirtloe in Huntingdonshire | one of the Rulers
of the Society | of Cliffords Inn, London | who died Jan 10*^
1791 I in the 77*^ year of his age | A gentleman possessing those
I christian qualities | as to make his death | greatly lamented by
all I His friends & Acquaintance.
25.
In memory of | Feast Goodman | who departed this life the 8
of May I 1784 aged 73 years | Also Mary his wife | who departed
this life the 31st of Aug. | 1780 aged 63 years.
2Q.
[Brasses.] — In memory of | Susanna the wife of | Brian Betham
surgeon | and daughter of | Richard & Elizabeth Bothway | who
departed this life | November 27, 1778 | aged 32 years | Also of
[ the said Brian Betham | who departed this life | September 21,
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1808 I aged 76 years | Also of | Will^ Tarrant Betham, surgeon |
their eldest son who died at La Yaletta, Malta | Jan 13, 1802
aged 28 years | and was there buried. || In memory of | M"" Rich^
Bothway | who departed this life | 25*^^^ September 1779 | aged 74
years. | Also | M"*^ Eliz*^ Bothway | his widow | who departed this
life I 29*^ March 1788 | aged 80 years. || In memory of | Susanna
the wife of | Brian Betham surgeon | and daughter of | Joseph &
Susanna Ainsworfch | who departed this life | April 17, 1763 \
aged 29 years | Also of | EKzabeth Bothway, spinster | daughter
of I Richard and Elizabeth Bothway | who departed this life | Dec
2, 1829 I aged 85 years.
To be contiimed.
229.— Soham Residents in the 16th Century.— I venture to
suggest that the first three names in No. 193, viz., Edward
Barnes, John Cropley, and Henrie Seaman, are those of residents
in Soham. I made one or two unsuccessful attempts to find this
list of contributors, and am glad Mr. Simpson has published it.
I am led to think the three above-mentioned persons were resident
in Soham, partly because the names were common there in the
16th century, and partly because of their being followed by the
name of a "Fordham" person. The names of E.Barnes and
J. Cropley are mentioned in my notes on Soham.
J. R. Olorenshaw, Bury St. Edmunds.
230.— Curious Funeral at Lynn.— In a newspaper published
July, 1822, the following account of a curious funeral at Lynn is
given : —
" Saturday se'nnight, William Coward, aged 85 ; he was for 54
years clerk of the parish of St. Margaret, Lynn, and his faijihfal
and attentive discharge of the duties of the office rendered him
universally respected. He was borne to the grave by six grave-
diggers, his pall supported by six parish clerks, and was attended
by the two parish clerks of the town, together with the four
sextons in their gowns."
S. W. H.
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 361
231.— The Brownes of Walcot, in the parish of Baxnack, co.
Northampton. (Part X., No. 213).— George Quarles, of Uffbrd,
husband of Isabel (or Margaret) Browne, was grandson & heir of
William Q. & Amy his wife, da. of Plumstead, co.
Norfolk. George, auditor to Hen. 7 & 8, had 2 sons & 2 dans.,
viz. : Francis, his heir, (bur. at Ufford 28 Nov. 1570) ; 2 John,
draper of London (d. 12 Nov., 1577, bur. in the church of St.
Peter the poor, London) ; 1 Alice wife of Wm, Cope, of Aston,
Oxfords, & 2 Dorothy, m. Matt. Cornaschall. (George Q. of
Ufford, esq., by will dated 10 June 1535 (Lans. M.S. 991 Br.
Mus.) desires body to be buryed in the church of UfPbrd before
the ymage of the holye Trinyte & that myne executours shall by
an honest grave stone to be laid upon my grave, & shall cause a
sculpture of me & Margarett my wife to be'graven in a place upon
the said grave stone w*^ an epitaphye for the remembrance of our
soules. To the hie aulter of Bernacke for tithes forgotten
vjs viij^ ; to the reparations of the churche of Uffbrd, iijs iiij^.
My executors to distribute on the day of sepulture 7*^ & 30**^
days Yjl xiijs iiijrf amongst poor people. Son, Francis, exor.,
Robt. Wyngfeld (Helpstone), John Plumsted, & Henry Lacy
(Stamford) supervisors, & gives to each a good gelding.) Robt.
Brown, the elder son of Walcot, one of the privy council to Hen.
8, m. Elizabeth, da. of Sir Edw. Palmer of Angmering, Sussex, &
is said to have left, with a younger son, John, of Welley, Wilts., a
successor, Robt., of Walcot, who espoused Margaret dau. & heiress
of Phillip Barnard, of Aldenham, & rehct of Sir Barnard Whet-
stone, of Woodford-row, Essex, by whom he left a son & heir,
Sir William, who d. in 1603. John Brown, of Northboro', esq., d. 12
Mch 1559-60, & according to I.P.M. (State papers. Domestic series,
Mis., Vol 14, No. 24) taken at Peterboro' 19 Oct. 1560, before
Robt. Webb, esq., escheator, the jury found that Charles B. was
his son & heir aged 15 years on the feast of St. Andrew next
coming (Nov. 30). Died, seized in fee of the Manor of
Norborowe als Norbrugh, 12 messuages, 12 cottages, 20 gardens,
240a. land, 40a. meadow, 50a. pasture, 10a. wood, & 12s rent with
appurts in Norborowe als Norbrugh, estates at Maxey, Nunton,
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Lolham, & Deepingate holden of the Queen by Knighfes service.
Bridges, Northarrvptonshirey Vol, 2, p. 629, says these estates were
held of the Bp. of Peterboro' by Knts service which he left to his
son Charles a minor, 15 years old. On his dec. s. p. 6 Elizabeth
the premises came to his brother John, draper, of London, who
sold them in 1572 to James Claypole esq [who had a grant of
arms & crest from Eobt. Oooke, Clar. 17 June 1583 (25 Eliz.)
d. 1599, bur. at Northboro'. John C, a descendant mar. Elizab.
Cromwell the favourite da. of the Protector]. John Brown,
father to Charles made his will 8 Mch 1559-60 pr. in P.C.C. 13 May
1560 (Reg. 29 Melhershe). I John Browne, esq,, of Narburgh,
CO. Northampton, esq. Body to be buryed in such place & in
such manner as shall be thought most convenient to my executor.
To my eldest son Charles Browne my manor of Narborow als
Narboroughe co. Northampton, with the hamlet of Deepingate,
Maxey, Glinton, Eaton (Etton), Nunton, & one close called Ote
close with all the rest of my lands lying within the manor of
Norburgh & common fields of the same. Also goods and chattels,
except such as I give by this my last will, with a brooch of gold
having an image of a Xpofer in it being my lease of Swins
meadow in the county of Lincoln during the term thereof for his
preferment in learning. To my youngest son, John Browne, a
tablet of gold, on the one side a bleu garfire set in a collet of gold
compassed about with 15 small pearls & one greater, & on the
other side enameled black with a A & a T graven in the middle,
also all such cattle known by the name of Johnes cow or Johnes
ewe. Finally I bequeath to the poor of Narborow als Nar-
boroughe 208 to be distributed to *he very poor people at such
convenient time as to my executor shall be thought best. Nephew
Robt. Browne, of Walcote, co. Northampton, esq., executor, & for
overseer I earnestly desire the right worshipful Sir Walter Mild-
may, Knt., to undertake the same. Witnesses R. Bernard, Robt.
Hall, Henry Atkinson, Clk., Richd. Crosse. Elizabeth Browne of
Walcot, CO. Northampton (wid.) by will dated 12 Apl 1565 pr. 5
Aug 1573 in P.C.C. (Reg. 26 Peter), Desires body to be bur. in
the parish church of Barnack. To my son Robt. B. 40?. To my
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Fenland Notes and Queries. 363
daus. Isabel & Frances, each 40Z. To the poor people of Baraack
to be bestowed at my burial lOZ which sum is in the hands of Sir
{sic) Eobt. B. To my son Humph. B. my bed which I lie in
with the furniture belonging. To my sons Humphrey & Thomas
my sheep that is in Leicestershire which be in number 110. To
my da, Margaret 1 gown of black cloth garded with velvet. To
my two daughter's Isabel & Frances 2 pairs of flaxen sheets
each. To my son Thomas B. rest of goods & sole executor.
Witnesses to signature of testatrix, Humphrey Browne, John
Antwessell, Ant. Waters, Wa(l)ter, Skeler, Nichs. Cherwight, &
others. Robert Brown, erroniously designated 8ir in his mother's
will quoted above, made his will 14 (or 17) Oct. 12 Elizabeth
(1572) pr. rehct Margaret, in P.C.C. 14 Feb. 1572-3 (Reg. 7.
Peter) from which it appears he died before his mother. *
The 14 Oct., 12 Elizabeth. I Robert Brown of Walcott, co.
Northampton, esq., sick in body &c. To my wife (Margaret) for life
all my lands & tenements towards payment of my debts, & after her
decease the same to my son William & his heirs, for lack of such,
to son Robert & his heirs, and in default to the right heirs of
testator. My wife, for life, to receive yearly out of my lands &
tenements being at or near Charing Cross in the suburbs of
London, the which I have on lease, 40Z till the sum of 300? shall
be received. I give the same to my dau. Judith for & towards
her preferment, & after that sum is received, I give the same
lease to my wife for the remainder of the term for the payment of
my debts, & at her death to revert to my son WiUiam. All my
interest in the parsonage of Peakirk to my son Robert, but wife
to receive the profits till Robert attains the age of 24 years for his
& my other childrens maintenance. Item to my wife for the next
12 years after my dec. all my houses, lands &c. in London for the
payment of debts, & at the end of that term to revert to my son
William. To my son Robert, 2 geldings, 3 bedsteads, 3 feather
beds with all their furniture. To my son William all my other
* The early par. regs. of Bamack are lost, but extracts from an old book
dated 1599 are in the Lansdown M.S. 991 (Bp. Kennett's collections) Brit.
Mus,, and will prove of much service later on.
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364 Fenland Notes and Queries,
beds, hangings, brass, pewfcer, tables, forms, & all furnifcure &
implements of my 2 houses here providing that my wife shall use
& occupy the same for life. To my son Eobt. 101 yearly payable
out of my lands &c. To my servant, John Waters 6 ewes, & 6
more to my company keeper. To my maid Alice 40^, Henry
Shippe, 4:0s ; & to Alice Bell 13s M. If my dau. Judith dies
during her minority, the said 300? to revert to my son Eobert.
To my wife all my plate, jewels &c. unbequeathed for payment of
debts. Ordains wife, good friend Lady Harrington, & my very
(good) friends M^ Thos. Cecil [Knted at Kenilworth, 1575,
Governor of Brill 1585, K.G. 1601, cr. (first) Earl of Exeter 4
May 1605, d. 7 Feb. 1621-2, bur. in Westminster Abbey] & Eras.
Harrington (of Witham) esq., executors. To my sister Hall (? of
Gretford) 61 13s 4^, Agnes Fletcher, 20s ; unto old Agnes, 30s ;
my servant, Eoger, 20s. Witnesses, John Freere, Barnard
Whitestons, Humph. Browne, Thos. Browne, Anthony Lister.
Testator, mar. Margaret, da. & heir of Philip Barnard of Alden-
ham, & relict of Sir Barnard Whetstone, of Woodford-row,
1603-4 Sir William Brown, K^ of the honourable order
of the Bath, bur, XX Feb. BarmcJc regs. Testator, eldest
son of Eobt. whose will is given above was Knighted at the
wholesale creation of that order at the coronation of James 1st in
1603. His will, undated, pr. in P.O.C. 16 Mch. 1603-4 (Eeg. 44
Hart) in which he designated himself as William Browne, of
Wallcot (Walcot) co. Northampton, Knight of the Honourable
order of the Bath. Constitutes wife Lady Elizabeth Browne sole
executrix. (Her burial is not recorded in the Barnack reg.) To
my brother Eobert Ball the debt & money due to me by the Lord
Burleigh (Tho. Cecil, 2nd Baron & 1st Earl of Exeter) by bond
or bill. Whereas Sir William Fitzwilliams, of MUton, co.
Northampton, Knt., is indebted to me in the sum of 120Z. I give
out of it 100? to my brother Eobt. B. and the odd 20? to my wife.
I remit unto Eras. Covell of Hinthorpe (Inthorpe, Eutland) aU
* I have several entries respecting the Whitstons of Barnack from the
par. regs., also wills which will form a supplement to my paper.
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 365
the debt he is indebted to me, viz. 12?. To M'^ John Browne, of
Bourn (descended from the Stamford family, Merchants of the
Callis), 00. Lincoln, 20?, or my best horse at his choice. To the
right hoDOurable the Lord of Burleigh and the right honourable
Lady Burleigh his wife as a pledge of the love born unto their
house one peice of plate betwixt them. E.equests Lord Burleigh
to protect in all good causes my dear & loving wife the Lady
Elizabeth B. To all my wifes children a piece of plate of 10?
price. To my two brothers, Sir Barnard Whetstones, & Robert
Whetstones, & to the wife of the said Rob. W. 5? each. To
Francis Bonder, now an apprentice unto M'^ (Robt.) Meddowes, of
Stanton (Stamford, Mercer) at the expiration of his apprentice-
ship 50?. In the declaration of the value of his will (Reg. 36
Stafford, in P.C.C.) it states that he gave 100? to the poor people
of the town of Barnack.
Justin Simpson, Stamford.
To be continued,
232.— Windsor Great Park owned by a WisbecMan.— The
Wisbech Advertiser is responsible for the following : —
It may not be generally known that Windsor Great Park, the
site of Her Majesty's residence, was once the property of a
Wisbechian, who purchased it in the reign of Charles I. From a
Windsor paper which has been put into our hands, it appears
that in a lecture delivered a few days since in the Royal borough
on " the History of Windsor Great Park and Forest," Mr. Menzies,
of Egham, alluded to this fact in the following terms : —
During Charles L's reign the Great Park at Windsor underwent
many changes, and the common people and soldiers were guilty
of riotous and disorderly conduct in destroying the deer, cutting
the wood, and similar misdemeanours. In 1648 a survey was
made of the Park, with a view to letting or selling it. In 1650
a fee simple of the whole was agreed to be sold on behalf of the
regiment under the command of Col. Desbrow, to Edward
Scatter, of Wisbech, in the Isle of Ely, at fourteen years' pur-
chase of the annual value, together with the deer and all the
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timber which had not been marked for the navy. The total
purchase money was £22,755, but their appears to be no record of
this amount having been paid. By order, passed in 1660, however,
it would appear that considerable tracts had been absolutely parted
with at small yearly rents, and that regular farms existed in the
Park, the plough furrows being still visible in many places.
Who was Edward Scatter, of Wisbech ? Ancient records do
not appear to mention such a name, although there was a
" Scotred " which has some resemblance to the name.
233.-History of Soham, (ly the Rev. J, R. Olorenshaw).—
THE BELLS.
Entries occur from time to time in the Churchwardens' accounts
pointing to various repairs made to bells, bell wheels, frames, &o.,
and to the repair of old bell ropes and the purchase of new ones. In
1663 four bell ropes are charged for, costing 13/9; and at intervals
between 1674 and 1694, five new ropes were procured, the price
being about 3/- each ; but whether these later entries can be taken
to determine the number of the bells is uncertain, probably there
were 6 bells at this time. New wheels and brasses were put to
the bells in 1676 at a cost of about £14.
In 1694, 120lbs. of metal were added to the "greate bell " by
Charles Newman of Haddenham, at an expense of £27/12/0,; the
terms of the contract being settled at "ye Bull " with the help of
half-a-crown's worth of ale and wine. A new clapper weighing 3«
lbs. at lOd. per lb. was put to the fourth bell in 1699, and the
clappers of the fourth and fifth bells were repaired in 1701 at a cost
of £2/15/0. In 1706 the third bell was taken to Bury and was
proved and "runned" at an expenditure of £8/13/0, besides 4/-
for " drink for the helpers at taking down," and an allowance of
2/- to Isaac Hurst for " damage done to the clock," and sundry
other expenses. This work does not appear to have been carried
out with sufficient promptitude, for we find the following entry,
"paid court fees, the bell not being run'd in due time, ^j^:'
In 1709 some, or all, of the bells were taken down and repaired,
as is shewn by these entries :— " For carrying of the bells to
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Pulbourne and expenses, for ourselves, horses, and men, being out
two nights, and bringing ym back agen, £1/15/0." Paid Mr,
Waylott *'part of ye charge of Running the bells, '£20;" (the
balance £7, was paid in 1710). Drink to the value of £1/8/0 was
consumed at " John Goldsberough's for ye ringers, and with ye
bell founder ;" and £1/6/0 was paid Edmd. Rumbelow for drink
and for " the use of his steyliards to weigh the bells by." The
journey was not completed without some little difficulty, for Mr.
Plummer was allowed half-a-crown towards the repair of his wagon
shafts which were broken on the way to Fulbourne. Mr. Clack,
Churchwarden in 1726, made a journey to Newmarket to get the
clapper of the great bell repaired, two of the bells having had new
clappers put to them in the preceding year. In 1755 a new frame
for the bells was fitted up at a cost of £29 odd. The accounts for
1757 contain this entry, " Money to be collected for the bells,
£36/13/4," but no particulars are given as to the character of the
work done.
At the Easter Vestry meeting in 1783 the " principal inhabi-
tants of the parish of Soham " agreed and ordered that the bells be
re-cast and a sufficient quantity of new metal be added to make a
peal of 8 bells, provided the feoffees of Mr. Bond's feoffement
paid the sum of £85 in their hands and due to the Chureh, towards
the expense of re-casting, &c. A subscription was also to be
entered into for the same purpose and any deficiency was to be
raised by rate, A counter proposal that the bells be re-cast into a
peal of 6 bells only, met with no support. The project, however,
seems to have fallen through for a time, for on Easter Monday,
March 24th, 1788, the matter was again brought forward and the
following resolution passed :— " Whereas, at the general vestry
meeting of the principal inhabitants of the parish of Soham, the
present bad state of the bells has been taken into consideration,
the Tenor being split, and the other bells of so bad a tone that it
is the opinion of Mr. Osbourn, bell founder, the work cannot be
well completed without re-casting them, and whereas there is in
the hands of the feoffees of Bond's Charity a balance of £120 to
be appropriated to the repairs of the said parish Church," it was
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368 Penland Notes and Queries.
agreed that if the feoffees would undertake the work, the deficiency
should be made up by rate. At a further meeting on May 26th,
1788, the Churchwardens, William Pechy and WiUiam Sizer, were
directed to agree with Thomas Osbourn of Downham to re-cast
the bells. Another meeting was held on October 12th in the same
year, " to take the opinion of the parishioners whether they were
satisfied as to the goodness of the 6 new bells," and it was
unanimously agreed by the inhabitants then present "that the
bells are very good ones and give general satisfaction ;" and the
Churchwardens were directed to pay Mr. Osbourn according to
the contract. In 1790 it was ordered, at the usual Easter Meeting,
that the Churchwardens, WiUiam Pechey and John Yarrow,
" do as soon as conveniently may be, agree with Mr. Osbourn of
Downham for putting up 2 new bells in the parish church steeple
at as little expence to the parish as the nature of the work will
admit," the feoffees of Bond's Charity agreeing to pay the
balance due to the Church into the hands of the Churchwardens.
The accounts for the years 1788 and 1790 furnish the following
details respecting the bells and expenses :—
1788.— 6 new bells weight as under :— (These are the present
bells, but Nos. 5 to 10 ; four smaller ones having been added).
1st— 8cwts. Oqrs. 5lbs.; 2nd— 8cwts. Iqr. 2lbs.; 3rd— 9cwt.
3qrs. Olbs.; 4th— lOcwts. 2qrs. 201bs.; 5th— IScwts. 2qrs. 171b.;
6th— 19cwts. 3qrs. 31bs.; 70cwts. Oqrs. 191bs. at £5 12s. Od. per
cwt., £392 19s. Od.; 6 Clappers— 1541bs. at 9d. per lb., £5 15s.
6d. Hanging, as by agreement, £30 Os. Od.; Total £428 14s. 6d.;
Received by 6 old bells weight as under:— 1st— 5cwts. 2qrs. 41b.;
2nd— 7cwts. 3qrs. Olbs.; 3rd— 8cwt. Iqr. 14lbs.; 4th— 9cwts. 2qrs.
141bs.; 5th— llcwts. 2qrs. 81bs.; 6th— 17cwts. Iqr. 61bs.; *60cwts.
Oqrs. 181bs at £4 4s. Od. per cwt., £254 5s. Od.; Received of
Bond's feoffees, £120 Os. Od.; Total £374 5s. Od.; Balance £54
9s. 6d.
Preparing the frame for the new bells cost £22 12s. lid.,
besides sundry expenses for bell-ropes, iron work, &c., and Mr.
* A slight error was made in the accounts, the weight being reckoned
at eOcwts. 2qrs. 41bs.
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Fbnland Notes and Queries. 369
Eignal at the "White Lioa" was paid five shillings "for the
Cambridge ringers."
1790.— Two New Bells weighing together 15cwts., at £5 12s.
Od.; £84 Os. Od.; Two clappers weighing 43lbs. at 9d.; £1 128.
3d.; Hanging, &o., £11 3s. Od.; Total £96 15s. 3d.
Received: Collected by Subscription £20 Os. Od.; From Bond's
Feoffees £50 Os. Od.; Total £70 Os. Od.; Balance £26 15s. 3d.
In 1807 subscriptions were raised towards the expense of two
new bells to make a peal of 10. The amount collected was £66
9s. 4d., of which sum the company of ringers, fiffceen in all, (five
of them being members of the Tebbit family,) subscribed or
collected £20, Bond's feoffees paid £10 17s. 8d., and the old lead
and old bell frames realized £8 5s. 6d.
The Tenor bell was re-hung in 1861 and a new stock, &c.,
provided at a cost of £5 or £6, and repairs effected in conneetion
with some of the other bells at an expenditure of £10.
Besides the occasions on which merry peals were rung on the
bells already referred to, we find the following references to the
bells in the Churchwardens' account books: In 1677, Thos.
Chambers, junr., was paid £1 8s. Od. for ringing the "eight-a-
clock " bell ; at a Vestry Meeting held on Easter Monday, March
28, 1796, it was agreed that, as £2 was not a reasonable salary for
the Sexton, (Mrs. Tebbit) for ringing the bell at four iri morning
and eight in the evening, £3 be allowed her yearly in the future ;
and in 1812 it was ordered that £5 be paid to Thomas Tebbit for
ringing the night and morning bell as usual. In 1814 the
following order was made : that £13 a year be paid to Thomas
Tebbit for chiming the bells on Sundays and other times, winding
up the town clock, tolling the bell in time of harvest, and for
ringing the bell night and morning throughout the year (Sundays
excepted) at such times as should be required by the parish
officers.
The bells bear the following inscriptions : —
Nos, 1 and 2.— Revnd. H. Fisher, Vicar ; J. Dobede, and E.
Tebbet, C. W. J. Briant, Hertford, Fecit iji New by sub-
scriptions 1808,
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370 Pekland Notes and Queries.
Nos. 3 and 4.— H. Fisher, Vicar ; J. Dobede, and R. Tebbet,
C. W. John Briant, Hertford, Fecit iSff Re-cast by subscription,
1808.
No. 5.— Cum Voce Venite : T. Osborn, Fecit 1788.
No. 6.— T. Osborn, Fecit J788. (1788). Laudato Nomen.
No. 7.— T. Osborn, Downham, Norfolk, Fecit J788. Wm.
Pechy, Wm. Sizer, Churchwardens.
No. 8. — Wm. Pechy and Wm. Sizer, Churchwardens. T.
Osborn, Fecit J788.
No. 9. — In Wedlock's bands all ye who join.
With hands your hearts unite.
So shall our tune full tongues combine.
To laud the nuptial rite.*
Thos. Osborn, Fecit J788.
No. 10.— The Feoffees of Bond's Charity paid 120 Pounds
towards the casting of these Bells. T. Osborn, Fecit J788.
The following records of change ringing are copied from the
lists hung in the belfry : —
Peals rung in this tower by the Society of Soham Youths.
October 25th, 1790. 5120 changes of Oxford Treble Bob, in 3
hours and 33 minutes. 1st Bell, Thos. Tebbit ; 2nd, Lk. Golds-
brow ; 8rd, Rt. Tebbit ; 4th, Jh. Finch ; 5th, Ed. Tebbit ; 6th,
Rt. Silver ; 7th, Thos Talbot ; 8th, Thos. Brown.
1st January, 1795, 5040 changes of Norwich Court in 8 hours
and 30 minutes. 1st Bell, Ed. Tebbit ; 2nd, Thos. Tebbit ; 3rd,
Rt. Chevis ; 4th, Thos. Tebbit, junior ; 5th, Robert Tebbit ; 6th,
Lk. Goldsbrow ; 7th, Rt. Silver ; 8th, Thos. Brown.
17th February, 1800. 5152. changes of Imperial the Third, in
3 hours and 34 minutes. 1st Bell, Thos. Tebbit ; 2nd, Lk.
Goldsbrow ; 3rd, Jh. Finch ; 4th, Thos. Tebbit, junior ; 5th, Rt.
Tebbit ; 6th, Rt. Chevis ; 7th, Thos, Talbot ; 8th, Rt. SUver.
A complete peal was rung in this tower by three brothers and
their sons, of the Society of Soham Youths, on November 20,
1809. 5280 changes of Oxford Treble Bob, in 3 hours and 35
* A similar inscription is found on one of the bells in the Church at
Kendal, Westmoreland,
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Pbnland Notes and Qubribb. 371
minutes. 1st Bell, Thos. Tebbit ; 2iid, Robert Tebbit, (son of
Robert) ; 3rd, Benjamin Tebbit, (15 years old) ; 4th, John
Tebbit, (son of Thomas) ; 5th, Robt. Tebbit ; 6th, Edward
Tebbit ; 7th, Thos. Tebbit (son of Thos.) ; 8th, William Tebbit
(son of Thos.)
In honour of the Queen's acquittal a complete peal was rung by
members of the Society of Soham Youths on November 16, 1820,
5040 changes Oxford Treble Bob Royal in 3 hours and 43 minutes.
1st Bell, Thos. Tebbit ; 2nd, William Tebbit ; 3rd, Robt. Tebbit ;
4th, Robt. Staples ; 5th, Thos, Tebbit, junior ; 6th, Robert
Talbot ; 7th, Jas. Seaber ; 8th, Benjamin Tebbit ; 9th, Thos.
Tebbit ; 10th, John West.
New Treble Bob Royal, 5010 changes, was rung in this tower,
23rd November, 1821, in 3 hours and 41 minutes. 1st Bell,
William Tebbit ; 2nd, Robert Tebbit ; 3rd, Robert Talbot ; 4th,
Robert Staples ; 5th, Thomas Tebbit, junior ; 6th, John Tebbit ;
7th, Jas. Seaber ; 8th, Robert Chevis ; 9th, Benjamin Tebbit ;
10th, John West.
Ten of the Society of Soham Youths rung in this tower, Feb.
22nd, 1830, in 3 hours and 35 minutes, a complete peal containing
5003 changes of Grandsire Tittum Caters ; performed the first
attempt, conducted by W. Tebbit. Ringers :— W. Tebbit, J.
Tebbit, R. Tebbit, R. Staples, T. Tebbit, junior, C. Elsden, J.
Seaber, R. Chives, C. Spring, J. West.
THE CLOCK.
An entry in the oldest of the Parish Registers speaks of a
clock in the Church (apparently in the tower) in the year 1601.
In 1664 " Gadge the knacker " was paid QjQ for " lines" for the
clock, this being the first reference met with in the Church-
wardens* account book. From 1667 to 1689 various charges are
entered for " keeping," " scouring," and mending the clock, and
for "wyer" and "lines." In 1700 a new clock and dial were
purchased of "Joseph Filleps" (Phillips) at a cost of £19/10/0 ;
and there were other expenses attending the erection of scaffolding,
&c. Some dispute appears to have arisen respecting the way in
which the work was carried out, for 5/- was spent at Newmarket
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372 Fenlam) Notes and Queries.
"about ye too Arbetraters concerning ye clock," 2/- for an
"arbetration bond," and 3/- to "a man judging the clock and
condemning ; " the precaution having been taken beforehand of
*^ drawing artickels when ye clock was bargined for."
On May 9th, 1701, it was agreed by the inhabitants that
Robert Crow "shall have twenty shillings a yeare for keepeing the
clock, if he doe it well : " but this arrangement did not continue
in force very long, for in 1704 an agreement was made with
Isaac Hurst to look after the clock for Jive shillings a year.
Some diJBferent plan appears to have been adopted in 1711, two
shillings and sixpence being then expended with the Ely clock
maker " and severall of ye townspeople about putting out Church
Clock." In 1717 Robert Crow was again placed in charge, and
seems to have continued to look after the clock until 1723, when
Augustin Holland received £1/2/6 for half-a-year's salary for
attending to it. Various necessary repairs were carried out in
the following years, Robert Bemmington receiving 15/- per annum
*for the clock,"
In 1752 the clock was taken to Cambridge for repairs, the cost
being £6/8/0, and two shillings' worth of beer was consumed at
the same time.
In 1758 a formal agreement was made with William Burroughs,
whitesmith, of Chippenham, that " he should maintain and keep
in going the parish clock of Soham in good and sufficient repair
for the term of ten years at the yearly sum of ten shillings and
sixpence." A similar agreement was entered into with Edward
Burroughs, of Fordham, in 1771, for ten years at the same rate.
In 1773 a new dial plate was procured from London, the plate,
with painting and gilding, cost £36 ; various other expenses
were incurred in the removal of the clock for the purpose of
refixing it to the new plate, &c. In 1814 the plate was regilded
at an expense of £8 or £9.
The present clock is said to have been procured from one of
the colleges of Cambridge, and before the restoration of thei
Church it required to be wound once in 8 days only, but owing
to the removal of the west gallery less space was found for the
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Fenland Notes and Queeibs. 373
weights, and it now has to be wound every 3 days. It strikes
the hours only. The Clock Bell, on the top of the Church Tower,,
bears the inscription, " T. Hears, of London, Fecit 1826."
To he earUinued^
234.— Parochial Certificates.— When looMns: through old
vestry books I have frequently come across entxies relating to
certain certificates received by the parish officers from various
persons, and afterwards preserved amongst the parochial docu-
ments. For instance, at the commencement of the oldest
Churchwardens' book at Ware, amongst several others, is an entry
in the following terms : —
August y® 2 1708— Eeceived then & laide up in y® Chest in
y^ Vestry Richard Marten & his wife Certifycate from y^ parish
Stansted Mount Fitshet.
Later on in the same book I found the following item : —
Criss'^ Blackwells Certificate from Overton Longvile Hunting-
tonshire June y^ 6 1726.
What were these certificates ? Chas. E. Dawes.
235.— Fenland Briefs.— A short time ago there appeared in
the columns of The RertfordsMre Mercury an article from the pen
of a local writer, giving a list of the briefs read in the Parish
Church of Bishop's Hatfield. The information was gathered from
records of these collections kept amongst the parochial registers
between the years 1663 and 1717. A few of the briefs were
issued on behalf of sufferers in the Fenland, and these, when
compared with others referred to in the registers of parishes in
this district, may perhaps prove of historical value, so it may not
be out of place to reproduce the items in this journal. The
entries from the Hatfield records are unfortunately for the most
part given in a contracted form.
**ffor John Ellis of Milton in the County of Cambridge
July 5^"^ 1663 00-19-09."
ITov. 6th, 1664. •* ffor Edward Christian of Grantham."
June 2nd, 1668. "for Hinxton in Cabridgeshire ....
00-12-00."
cc
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374 Fenland Notes and Queries.
Sept. 23rd, 1670. "for Copenham [Cottenham ?] iii Cam-
bridge £0 13 1^"
April 6th» 1684. " for y« Isle of Ely 0-17-6^."
Jan., 1685. " for Market Deeping in Lincolnshire
00-15-5^^"
Aug. 29th, 1686. " for y^ Parish of Aynsbury in Hunting-
don 00-15-03."
April 2nd, 1698. "for Elseworth Fire in Cambridge Shire
00-10-09f."
Dec. 1st, 1695. "for Grandcester in Cambshire 00-03-04."
Nov. 29th,''1696. "for a Loss by fire at Stretham in Isle of
Ely 00-05-08."
Nov. 6th, 1697. " for a Loss by fire at Soham in Cambridge
Shire 00-08-09."
Aug. 24th, 1701. " for y^ Brief for Ely Cathedral 1-5-2^."
Dec. 10th, 1702. " for y« Brief for Ely 00-15-00
St. Mary's Parish in Ely."
Sept. 16th, 1706. "for Chatteris in the Isle of Ely . . .
. . . 00-09-10."
June 29th. 1707. "Little Port in the Isle of Ely . . .
. . . 00-09-06."
June 6th, 1708. " for Alconbury cum "Weston ....
Huntingdon . . . 00-11-02."
June 13th, 1714. " Bottisham (Oambs) 00-10-01."
Chas. E. Dawes.
236.— Edward Elton, B.D.— I am seeking information regard-
ing the ancestry of the Rev. Edward Elton, B.D., who in 1623
was Minister of St. Mary Magdalene Church, Bermondsey, and
the author of various theological treatises, and shall be obliged if
any correspondent can supply even the smallest details. I am
acquainted with his works, and seek only information regarding
himself or his family. A religious treatise by John Brinsley,
published in the early part of the 17th century, was furnished
with " a commendatorie epistle " by the Rev. E. Elton ; and from
this it appears that the latter came from the Fen country, of
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Fbnland Notes and Qtjbeies. 375
which also Brinsley was a native. Elton, referring to Brinsley,
says : ** For the Author himself, though I have knowne him from
my childhood, being borne neere unto him, brought up in the
same Grammar Schoole, and after in the same College in Cam-
bridge" &c.
It appears that Brinsley was a noted Grammarian, sometime a
Schoolmaster and Minister in Great Yarmouth, circa 1636.
Can the Grammar School or the College mentioned by Elton be
identified by anyone who is acquainted with the facts of
Brinsley's life ? B.
237.— Huntingdonshire Manors, 1685.— Amongst the papers
preserved in Lord Salisbury's library at Hatfield House is a
letter from Lord Burghley to Francis Cromwell and others, dated
September 6th, 1585. This letter desires those in receipt of it to
aid, further, and assist one John Hexham, who, by the authority
of Thomas Gorges, Esq., is about to make a survey of the manors
of St. Ives, Hemingford Grange (sic\ Hemingford Abbott, and
Houghton with Witton, which the said Thomas Gorges holds
jointly with the Marchioness of Northampton, the reversion
thereto belonging to her Majesty in right of her crown.
Chas. E. Dawes.
End of Vol. L
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