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1 T}
I
'^
^.^ I
Che CrATtWATof ROUCEMONT CaSTT.E,
E JKKTJER .
Bigitize^y VwJ OOQ l€
THr
HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION
OP THE
CITY OF EXETER,'
AND ITS
EJVjriROJVS,
ANCIENT AND MODERN,
CIVIL AND ECCLESIASTICAL: x '"^
Conpriiiag
The RctioioN, and Idolatrous Superstition of the Britons,
Saxons and Danes;
The Rise andProgreat ofChritiiamty in ihete Western Counliet ^
with
A CATALOGUE OF THE BISHOPS,
From the fiist erecting this County into a Diocese^ to the present Era.
COLLECTED PROM THE MOST APPROVED HISTORIANS.
AhOy a Generai and Parochial
SURVEY AND DESCRIPTION
OF
All the Churches, Places of Divine Worship ^ public
Buildings, Institutions, Antiquities, present
Government, Prospects, SfC.
AND
A List of Mayors 4^ Bailiffs, to the Close of the Eighteenth Century.
By ALEXANDER JENKINS.
ILLUSTftATBD
With a correct Map of the City and Neighbourhood, a Vievr of Rougemont
Castle Gateway, and several ancient Plans and Miscellaneous Plates.
mi<*t<i«»»i ii » i
EXSTER,
rnVTID AMD PUBLISHED BT P. HKDOBLAND, HIOH-STRBBT ;
AltOf Ijf Mtmt, Seaickerd 4; LeUenmm; Longmam, HtaniyR^l^ ^mf^i
CraOif Sf Co. and J, Mawtmm, L^ulon. .% „. 1'
1806.^ .
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.»^'« I.. 1
f . ... ./ ■ ij
• • • •
7\
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DEDICATION.
TO
THB RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THOMAS VLOUD^ SSQ«
^Jtfi^or w 1802 J
RECORDER, ALDRRHBN AND COHM OK-COUKCIL
or THB
CITY ^ EXSTER,
GRKTLEMEN,
Permit me to inscribe to you the
fottowing sheets^ containing the History and Topo^
graphical Description of the City of Exeter, inter^ied
to perpetuate to posterity its ancient and present state.
Your predecessors in office, in coty unction with their
fellow citizens, having, from the remotest ages, dis^
anguished themselves in supporting the liberties and
freedom of this happy and envied nation, by bravely
\ defending the City committed to their charge, against
; foreign invaders and domestic enemies, which our
^ ancient monarchs, in. return for their distinguished
^ loyalty, heme rewarded, by confering on them great
immunities and exclusive priviledges, cot^rmed by
succeeding charters.
^ I trust and hope, that you GenUemen, and your sue*
' cessors, as guardians for your fellow citizens^ will be
^ stimulated by their example^ and carefully convey
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DEDICATIOK.
them down unsullied to the latest generations. — And
that the many great and charitable donations entrusted
to your care^ recorded in the following sheets, may be
fulfilled according to the will and intentions of their
pious donors. — That party dissenUons may for ever
cease, and brotherly love and christian charity unite
all denominations in one fold — the true fold of our
blessed redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Likewise, permit me to return my most grateful
thanks to those Gentlemen of your body, who have so
kindly assisted me in the course of my labours, in
bringing forward this work to public view ; particularly
Thomas Floud, Esq. whose unremitting kindness and
assistance I most gratefully cLcknowledge; and may
his disinterested conduct, whilst chief magistrate of
this City, be followed by his successors in that im-
portant trust, that the Augean stable may be tho^
roughly cleansed, and the remaining nuisances re-
moved, so that this City, happily situated both for
health and pleasure, and capable of the greatest
improvements, may increase in population and
opulence.
I have the honor to be.
With the greatest respect,
GENTLEMEN,
Your most dutiful and humble servant,
ALEXANDER JENKINS.
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PREFACE.
The following sheets, compiled
at different times, and the labour of many vacant
hours, when want of employment in my profession,
and the cares of a numerous family len; me any
leisure time, is, with the greatest timidity, sub-
mitted to the perusal of the public; and I must ac-
knowledge, that my small abilities and confined educa-
tion areveiy unequal to such an undertaking, more par-
ticularly at an advanced period of life, to appear in
print before the awful tribunal of a discerning public.
Having, from my earliest age, a strong propensity
to the study of the antiquities and remains of former
ages; by the help of the few authors on those sub*
jects, which my confined circumstances enabled me
to peruse, I daily grew more fond of employing my
leisure hours iii the pleasing task of searching into
the history .and antiquities ofthis happy and favored
island, and particularly of this my native City; not
with any design of publishing them, but merely for
my own amusement, expecting some abler pen would
present to the world, the history and ancient state of
this City. The taste for local history being so pre-
valent in this present age, that folio volumes have
been published, describing places of much less his-
toric note.
In the course of the work, I have endeavoured to
elucidate the ancient state of Exeter, with the pro-
gressive rise of its trades and manufactures, m>m
the most improved histories and manuscript accounts
that I have had an opportunity of procuring; and
that the civil might not be blended or interfere with
the ecclesiastical history, I have divided them into
seperate portions: the same plan has been observed
in the descriptive part, in relation to the many bene-
fyctiooB to the poor, general as well as parochial.
b •
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Preface.
If any errors oromissiona appear to able aatU
quartans and discerning critics, I sincerely crave their
pardon, and declai:eit V>.bQ nptifo]; want of exertions
to gain the best infoiTO^ipo, bmt owing to the dis-
appointments I have met therein, which were much
greater than I expected.
Strict impartiality has been observed in the fol*
lowing sheets; although my iii(:ention was never to
offend, yet my resolution nap. been, npt to gratify;
the prejudice of any person, partv or sect I must
' acknowledge, that m6st of the cnaritabl^ donationa
are the bounty of former times; yet, fpjr, want pf
timely mformation, tlfje PHU^ANTHR^OPY of the
PRESENT AGE, has not l^^en mentioned, in thfiir,
proper places^
t am here bound i^ duty to notice some institutipijf^
of singular benefit to. mankind, lately establishqa iix.
this City; of which the Humqne, Society, for re-
covering persons apparently drowned, is. one veiy»
deserving of notice, by which many in(Uviduais Ijave
been preserved from an untimely death, and;ri^toreci
to their afflicted relatives and friends, TJh^ Vqccifie
Society, for inoculation with, the cow-pox, has.beeii^
lately established, whichis a discoyery of the grpat^at
importance to the human race, in preventing the
dreadful effects and spreading of that f$ttal,malfuly
the small-poxl Another charitable institution, w^
from the well-timed bounty of a Society. o f Laaie^. of
the first distinction, in this city and neighbourhood^
for the relief pf indigent married women in the tim^
of child-bifth, who are relieved with mediqal a^
sistance, and other conveniencies according to tbeirr
wants. Likewise, I ought not to omit a.society^ as
yet but little known, the members of. which, arejfii/^.
iowers of the late Rev. John Wesley^ who vi^t and
grant immediate relief to all friendless str^qger^ who
are sick and in distress ^within this City. To thesq
might be added, (were I at liberty to,mentiop their
names,) the private charities of many indivuiu^s, of
both sexes, whose hearts are always ,qp^n to tl^e dis-
tresses of their fellow citizens, in clothmg thenaJkpdj
relieviDg the sick, and comforting the unt^^ppyp^i^
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Preface.
Boner, while in the dreaiy and gloomy cell: may
future generations be stimulated, oy their pious ex-
ample, to acts of universal charity and benevolence.
Before I conclude, permit me to return my most
Rirateftil thanks to those Gentlemen who have so
kindly assisted me with their advice and correction
in the course of my labours, and hope, that if my
poor endeavours do not answer their expectation, it
will, at least, aiford them some information and
amusement
'f he miyor part of the plates, if not executed in the
masterly stile of modem publications, will comme-
morate to posterity the places they are intended to
represent; therefore I humbly trust, that a generous
publid will overlook their faults. I hope my readers
will also pardon the many typographical errors
which have unfortunate^ happens in the com-
pilation, which I have endeavoured to rectify by an
errata.
<
THE AUTHOR.
b9
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INTRODUCTION.
Exeter, tbe Capital o{ Devonshire,
is a Cil^ of great Antiquitv and Fame, and, to use
the wordsof an author of the last century ,t " rem ark-
^' ABLE FOR ITS LOYALTY AND ZEAL FOR MON-
*• ARCHY, AMIDST ALt REVOLUTIONS:" it is situated
about eight miles North of the British Channel, in
Latitude 6(r.44' North, and Longitude S%30' West
from London.
The City and Suburbs, including the adjoining
parishes of St Thomas and St. Leonard, which are
part of the county of Devon, are nearly two miles in
length, and a mile and a quarter in breadth, where
the buildings are contiraous; and contain about 3,276
houses, and 21,924 inhabitants:* the City is divided
into four Wards or Hundreds, in which are nineteen
Parishes and three Precincts, which are extra-paro-
chial. A Cathedral; eighteen Parish Churches; three
Presbyterian, one Anabaptist, one Quaker, and two
Methodist Meeting-Houses; a Roman Catholic
Chapel; and aJew*sSynag:ogue; all which, together
with the other public buildings, will be fully des«
cribed in their proper places.
The pleasant site of the City, on the declivity of a
hill open to the south and west, enriched with beauti-
+ Ogilby.
* As it would be impracticable to number the inhabitants preci^f ,
(it having been several times attempted without success,) I have endea-
Youred to calculate them according to the rules laid down by Sir Wm,
Petty, in his discourse on political arithmetic, and allowing seven peisons
for eveiy inhabited house, whoever is acquainted with the City, and
coDsidexs the numbers of femilies which are crowded together in single
houses, in the back streets and lanes, will, I hope, think with me, that
I have rather under, than over-rated them. In the year 1800, the legis-
lature ordered a general account to be taken of the number of inhabitants
and houses throughout the kingdom, when the parochial returns for this
City (exclusive of the parishes of St. Thomas and St. Leonard,) were
2836 houses; inhabited by 3947 ftmilies; containing 7304 males, and
10,084 females ; in all 1 7,388 inhabitants. But as this return was made
at the height of a long and bloody war, when the staple trade of this
City (the woollen manufactory,) was at its lowest ebb, and great num-
'bers of its male inhabitants, serving their country in his Majesty's fleets
and armies, and others obliged to seek for labour at distant places, oc*
casiooed the great disproportion between the number of males and fe-
males, which, according to their births, are nearly equal ; and according
to the former calculation, would make this City aad County to coauia
20,0»8 louis.
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ful views of the surrounding countrjr, where undula*
ting hills, vales» woods and water, intermixed with
churches^ vHlages ^nd gentlemens* seats, terminated
by the brown and lof)y heights of Haldohv ice* Is truly
picturesque^ a:nd attracts me notibe of ^brasigers*
The river Exe is navigable for vessels of 160 tofiB
burtbeU)^ up to the Citv^ by a esftid eut through
the marshes, and bytfiebelpofsluK^orlodcs, they
are towed up to tbe qu^iy. The tide wcietitiy flowed
bey<Mid the Citv; but the navigation was ruined by
one of the Earfc of Devan^ frortl a fnalic?o\is pique
forapretendedinsttltdoilehimv {which circumstaasce
will be discussed. hereafter',) tmd there is great reason
to believe^ that die tide once <?ovel^ all the marshes
and k)w grounds from the Gity to Cowtck^ as its
name seems to express:! for the whole strata of the
ground between, appears to bfe formed of soft clay
and river gravel in alternate lay]6rs; ahd further, me
situation of the water port, (still plainly to be seen
in the City wall, at the bottom of Rock-lane^) t<>-
gether with ancient traditions^ which inform uft^
that ships and boats were admitt^, by the tide, into
the City through the said port, seem to strengthen
greatly the conjecture, if we can doubt the veracity
of an ancient historian, William of Mnimsbiiryi who
says, that '* the fleet of King Ethelred being defeated
" in the year 1001, by the Danes, a residue took re-
•* fuge within the walls of Excester.^* t
The City has been greatly imprbved of late years
by new buildiilgs, and is pletttifulLy supplied with
water; some from wells, and some, brought through
leaden pipes, from springs collected together, about
half a mile ^rom the City. The river water, by
t Tck i5> British word, and signifies a riter creek, i. e. oow creek of
watering place. fBorlaae's Vocahukary.J
X Other reasons might be given to strengthen the former hypothesis,
but I shall only mention one more by way of note; a few yean since, in
digging for the foundation of an Ice>house, at the bottom of tbe.Fryais^
idler having cut through the common meat earth, a bed of hard ^y was
found, then river gravel, at tweive feet deep, rubbish mixed with oyster
and cockle shells, then river gimv^l again, and at sixteen feet deep, was
found the half of an horse shoe, much rusted and injured by lepgth of
lime, and which is riow in the possession of Mr. Drewe, flate of Exeter,
but now of Topsham.} I do not easily acquiesce with unprobabiiities,
bnt 1 have Heard it asfeOrttk), that an ahchor bat been dug up in the Biarsh
near Cowley Bridge.
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mtKifui^9t^€Xk^ne, i% forced tt^^i^hH^oodoniHg^
iBitOi ^^i partiS o^ t\^§ City,. (^witl^M:axiding ijl»
eleirated sajbuation,}: and each inhab^liaut qaay, be 9|ipv
pl^'edr with, it at a certain rate peranum*
l^hewjbcdeaon^aiesft of tl^e \|ratert, 8al]ubrity of th^-
air» pleaBaojbies^.of tbe sitgatipn, and plenty of the^
maa^^t% ha^^ opcasioaed. the Cily to be muph.
iu>ticed by CHi^apci^jb. ^frit^r^Si: — William of Malmth
burgle whip lijFed inutile reign, of l^ipg Stephen, aqA
-VfXfii^t b>S3 history^ A,.^ {>«. 11^^, speaks thus, of i^
*'-by rqa^PO; o^ ite atateline^ the wealtih of il^citi*
'Vzi^, i»Klthe great i^Q^OTit of ^trme^r^y.il^ so aboiinds
**>\iFitft] alJ: kki^ of iiieiv^^hapdize, th^tc rjothipg i.».
*'- w&i^^n^-tl^^t^QaB be reckoned: useAi^oiineces^aiy**'
Leiand also, who wrote his itinerary in tlie iveign of
H^ry t^p Eightb> oal}a it> ^'a pleasanttand beautiful
•* City, 8tronglyfertifiedbo>h,by nature and art, fjall
*' of ir^habitanjt^, and aboundiiig in aU tjie necessaries
*' of lift-
Ijt- is; imppssibH at thjs distai^ce of time, to fix.
the !^lara of its fir^tr foundation; but its J^ritish names.
\«;i)l,8uffipientiy- testify). tl|^t it was a. City of note
ey;en- with tt^.^inqi^ntf Bntpn& .
The inhabitants qf Devon and Com>^ll were the
I><^/i^Qii^i, a pqppl^ differing in their manners and
customs: from^ the other tribBs of the Britons ^ and
are siipposed' by. many authors,* both ancient and
modcim,' to y^AftQrigineSf andtto haye migrated^
fronir Arnumat in the greater Asia, not long after
the confusion of; tongues at Babel.
It i8,si3[fiiqientiy clear, that the Daniuowiwere not
ignorant^: agriculture and^commerce^ from the trade
thw carried on, with theirtin, and other commodities,^
with the Phceniciany Carthaginian and Greek merr
chantSj and.afterthem, with the Got^&^and-Aoma/ij;
this is fully- njentioned by Herodotus, Polybius,
Strabo, and other authors.
Thai Tin wasmore abundant in Deoan than Cor/i-
«ra//, is clearly demonstrated, by Uie farming of the
coinage in the reign of King John, when that of
* Bbhop Gibson's Saxon Chronicle, printed at Oxford, 1692, (the
Saxon Chronicle was written by a Monk of Lincoln, sometime after the
conquest,) $ay9, that the ^rigiiiaMDhabitants of Devon and Cornwall
c«9e from AnneiuA.
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INTRODtrCTION.
Devon, was fanned for ^.100 while that of C<
produced only 100 marks; and as the grc»t
of the tin was found in Dartmoor and its
bourhoody at no very great distance from Ea
may naturally be concluded, that the neighl
country must have been very populous; and \
Danmomi, having a mercantile mtercourse w
Phwnicians and Greeks, learned from the
principles of mechanics and building, as well a
arts : to say nothing of the colonies, which, ace
to their custom, the^ settled in most place
traded to^ and therefore it cannot be doubted,
the many Phoenician and Greek words mixed
British language,) that they settled a colony i
part of the island.t
The inhabitants of DeooTi, therefore, certain)
their cities and towns ;|| and the name of Pen-4
(a British name for Exetery) which signifies the
or chief city, plainly points out the capital o
Danmonii; and Caer-esk, the city on the wi
Caer-ruth,* the city on the red soil; and Penhulgc
the prosperous chief town in the wood; stro
prove, that Exeter must have been a City of (
note, even in the most early ages.
t Richard of Cirencester, who wrote a Chronicle in the foait
century, places the first colony in the S. W. part of Devon, about i
8000, and that a colony of the Belgse from Gallia, about A. M. «
arrived in Britain, and possessed themselves of Kent, Sussex, H
shire, and Devonshire. Mr. Whitaker, in his history of Mancbi
informs us, that after the Belgae had been thus settled 250 3
Diviaticus came over from Gaul, and brought a large reinforcements
former, and subdued the remainder of the west part of Britain.
II To strengthen this conjecture, it must be remarked, that aa
the British Coins found at Cambre, in Cornwall, as described by,
Borlase, that of No. 12 has evidently a plan of a town or city on it ^
whoever carefully examines it, will find it a near resemblance of moc
Exeter.
JCaer, in the Welsh language, signifies a City ^ and at this day, i
Jerusalem, Caer-salem; Faris, GserJViris; Rome, Caer-Raffii|t
Carthage was called in the Phxnidan language, Caer-theia, that ii
new City. (^ComMen, page 30. J
* According to the Idiom of the British languge^ it should be Cl
tydh, gad Caer-pen-huil-gmt
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s «
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^ t.
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Ti
M7V
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/
^''/-o.
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THE
HISTORY OF THE
CITY OF EXETERi
AKCIEKT AND MODERN.
i iiii n»wm iPi Mi q »»» i > i iJn <ii m i n 1
CHAPTER I.
Fnom the Imasion of the Romans to the 2Var-
man Conquest.
YULIUS CJESAR inhisfitsttxpeditkminto Brhain CHAP. I .
^ A. C, 94, describes the British towns, as mere recesses ^^^ — '
in the woods, fortified with trunks of trees, ftnd great Christ 54.
bt&nks of e&rth, to which they fled in times of danger, as a Caesar's
fiecuritj£>rthenxsehrQ8, families, and cattle; but Caeserwas ^o^"^^~
ignonnt of the Danmcnii^ or their towns, his actions in Bri- ^^'
tain bem^ confmed to Kedt, and the adjoining coutities ; and
he himself confesses, that aU he knew of the inland and de*
tacbed inhiA>itftztts c^ the Island was from the GaulkA mer*
chaflts, and even tAey acknowledged that they knew nothing
of the interior parts of the conntry, but from hearnsay only.
Hence, any pretension to determine at what time to date the
foundO^on of Exeter, would be mere presumption ; and as
we have no authority but coxijeotnre, aaid dtfk traditions^
probability only OLh be offered.
It is true, the inhabitants of HolcomMurnell have an idle Ancient
tradition, ihsit the Britons "first began to build a City, on a tradition.
common near their village, for their Capital, but finding greitt
inconvenienceis from the want of water, they removed to the
present sche of Exeter, nay diey shew an old military woric
there as the ancient City.
A cireumstanee, however, highly in devour ofits antiqui-
ty, is the great number of Roman coins which have been, and
still are, discovered by digging in the City and its neighbour-
hood ; and that all the ancient roads meet in it, as a central
situation.*
A And
* Some PhamiciM cote (as coi^eetnted) irere, some years since, dis-
covered at Telgnimnith ; and, I fas^ baen informed, th«t one of the
same «>rt has txren fetmd in fijEeler; Imt after ail ^mMt tnqtifay, I
could never find into whose possession it had got.
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4 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. I . And now to leave the dark a^es of conjecture only, we shall
— — *- come to an Era, where sttch historians who h«vc escaped the
ravages of time, will enlighten our paths, and lead ns to those
historic fiicts v^ch may be depended upon,
y^ 1^ Anno Mundi 394b, according to^ JUchard of Ctretteester
<^/ (although Speed plwccs ^e date 3873) and 54 years before the
birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Julhu Cmsar having subdu-
ed all Oamif invaded Britmn, incited thereto, aco^ding to
some authors, by a desire to revenge on the Britons their h»-
Juliui Cto- '^^^E ^°^ succours to the Veneti^ a people of 2fimartc» (now
ar*g inTiii- BreiagneJ in France^ hmded, afto an obstinate resistance from
on. the Brit<m$9 on the coast of Kent; supposed to be the beach
between Deai utd Diner.
The BritmM being divided into many petty sovereignties,
united their forces under CaaiMautmi^ King of the Trituh'
ImtteBf TAeomarJius, his Son, being at that time Prince of
the DammnttijBnd Cmmr, after gaining a few disputed bat-
tles, sailed back to Gallia.
The next year, Cte$ar having collected a more numerous
army and navy, again invaded Bri^dnf and landed near the
sameplace, when he was a second time bravely opposed :
but Coiiidtittunus being deserted by his allies, subnutted to
Cmsaty who once more returned back to GaUia, and being
satisfied with receiving hostages from the neighbouring states,
and a promise of tribute (i^di, in all probability was ne-
ver paidl left the authority of the Romans, more nominal
than real, in this Island.^
I have so fiur digressed frofti what materially concerns the
City of Exeter f in order to confute the many idle traditions
and common stories, that every ancient castle, or ruinous
tower was built by Julha Cmsar^ (as it is often ignorantly
said of theGu/Zp ox Exeter J when, from the most authentic
historians, his short stay in this Island would not allow him
time sufficient to build castles, or any other works, saving
those that were necessary for hLi own security, the fortifying
of his camps : he being continually harrassed by armed bo-
dies of the Britom^ and £xe/er attoo great a distance from
the field of action.
The
t The Inhabitant! of Eawx.
} Some authonare of opinion, he only frightened die Britons by a
flUGceesf 111 battle, or at Lucan says
** Territa qucsitts ostendit terga Britannis.^
Fled from the Britons whom his arms had sought
And Tadttis iayf| he did not conquer firitsini but only shewed it to the
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THS CITY OF EXETER. 5
The Rommu made no attempt on the BritoM until A. D. CHAP. I .
43, near a centuiy after Qtsar; when the Emperor Ciaudim "XTST
sent JmIus PlauHuM, his Genml into Britain, and through 43.
the disBensbns among the BtiUms themselves, some pnmn*
oes were subdued, and Clauduu himself soon after coming o«
ver to BriUin, was for a long time bravd j opposed by Cun^
Mine, King of the TrmoSanUi, and after his death, hv his
Sons, (^ivactaau King of the SUnres § and Togodummts King
of thtDanmotdi: but, the death of TogodummUf in this war,
together with the defeat and captivity of Cmnci^cuSf comple-
ted the thumph of the R/mumtf and rivetted the fetters of the
Bntam, Soon after, by the repeated victories of Ke^jPoiMn, and
Juliui AgriooUi, in die Reign of the Emperor Dcmtian, the
whde of South Britain was reduced mto a Roman Province.
That the City of Extier was of great note in the time of the £xeter of
Roman Government, must be allowed ; whether we oonsi* note in the
der it ss the cajntal City of the DanmonH, its strong and ad* tune of the
vantageous situation for defence against the revolts of a recent* I^ob^w .
]y conquered people, naturally stubborn, and detesting a
roreignyoke: or its convenient situation for commerce (on
the ranks of a navigable river) and its vicinity to the Tin
district, which was then a great branch of trade in these
Western provinces ; therefore, ftrom all these concurrent cir*
cumstances, it may naturally be concluded that the Ramans
(civiliiEed as they were at this period) would not neglect the
manj advantages that might occur to themselves by garrison-
ing It, not only to defend their conquests, but to protect
their trade.
Yet, notwithstanding all probable conjectures, history is a. D.
c^uite silent, nor is Isca once mentioned by the Roman histo* 140.
runs,* except in the Itineranr of Antonine^ who travelled
through Britain, in thtrdmot Antoninus Ptus^ A. D. 140;
and whose journey from CaUeva to Isca Dum nunniorumy I
shall here transcribe from Camidcn,
Iter 15.
'^ACalleva now Wallingford in Berkshire
** Isca Dum nunniorum . . Exeter
««M. P. CXXXVI. Sic
Vindomi M. P. XV now Silchester, U^nU
VentaDelganim .... M. P. XXI . . Winchester
BrigSB M. P. XI. . . Broufhton, Hants
Soihtodoni M. P. VIII . . Old Sanim
Vindocladia M. P. XII . . Shalbbury
Dumovaris M. P. IX . . Dorchester
Mofi duno M. P. XXXVI Seaton in Devonshire
Ispa Dum nunniorum. . M. P. XV . . Exeter.
A 2 Plolomjf
§ People of South Wales.
« The Chnmide of the Cathsdnl indeed says, that Exeter was be-
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6 TJHl HWTOHY 0|^
-" ia thercifaofdi«£mpMor^4frMn» about A, D, 1^ hn
E* «a tho JLatilubde and IxMigitud«Qf th^moutjiQ^tha rivtf
9 and Citj oS Ejf0h9» acoorduii^ Ip ik« Googmpliv of ihf
i|^« he 1Wq4»» vrhjic)i p)%(ief^ the whole of tbctSW^ol Bri^
t£^^oot^ N0f*^ by Iwo^ three d^gioea
Mouth of ^ Rmr laca. . 5i*.20' • • 17^00^
l8Ga..58 .45 .A7 .Sa
Roman The gieat nunber of Boman Coma, and ether antlquitiesf
Coins &c. ihat have been diseoveRd m thia City , and its neighbourhood,
and it» sitnatiion on die gfeat Roman, or military reed ; }
vAioh first began at Totnessy paishig orer IfM&n (where
some Testigea are stiH remaining) through Egeter^ over the
Ford beldw the old Brid^ (whioh still bears Ae name of the
eld Ford,) and was continued on through Somersetshire to
Lmcoh^j are convincing proofs that itwas a settlement, if not
colony ji
Matthew of sieged hj the Emperor Vespasian A. T>. 49, and that Arvha^ius, then
Wesimiittier Kin^ of the Britons, compeHed him to raise the siege.
t Sq aunueoiu have beoi the Romani coins dimvered in tlUs CItf ,
paitiaularly ii^ the late ijtenttioiia In tlM Caf tie, th»t yma of seesa will
not allow a fiiU detoription. Thear ve mostly of the letter Eoiperor^ ; i^
gold one of Nero, two bra5» ones of Julius Cssar, and two base silver
enes of Carausius, are the best preserved. Some years since, in dig-
ging 9u the foundation of a bouse, the u^er end of Musgmve^ Alley,
(now occupied by Mr. (ales, At^meor ) a cglofs^ hesd of the EmpveaB
Julia Donna, and an ancient brass lamp were found, supposed (from ^
crescent being cmbos^ upon it) to. have belonged to a temple otDiana,
from whence some conjectures are formed that a temple dedicated to that
Godd«is once stood near the spot. Roman coins also, andr bones of ani-
mals have been discoTered in digging tlie greund on St Da:Tid^ hill ; and
at Mr. Upham's near Bvoad-gate, in enlaigiag ac«Uar, was lately found ^
Niche walled up, in which were several brass Pagan deities in good pre-
servation : and part of a tessalated pavement.
X Besides this road which was termed the Jbne-tooy, another military
way namely Heneld-gtreefy entered thiftCity, through DercheHer and
Swt<m from the East; tiieea roads probably 9g«an divijsd; one taking its
course over the old Ford, through Ken^Um^ (where asi well as on Haidtm^
visible remains of it are still to be perceived) toTotness as before rclatrd ;
and as the iZowunf had sever»l stations, to the West of Jhn^esfy there
cannot be the least doubt of its being continued to ToeNwa, (now 7a-
werUMfiHioi:) and fiom thence ti^ Vis^Ha (either GmmpoM^^ or Lost-
withielj and Voluia^ at, or near Fabnouik 'v\Cwmt}aU. The other road,
crossed the Exe near Gou/dJt-k^, passing up Gre^nwa^-^aHfi^ ves conti-
nued to Oakhampim, and from thence tp the promontory of Ji^culet^
(now Hartland Poii^) Besides those roads, there were several vicinal
way«, that branched either from, or into ihem^ paiticularly. cue that
proceeded f(r>m Longbrooke-atreet over Stoke-hiffy (by the ancient Camp)
which crossed the river nearpMe»-/iOiiM-, from this there was another
branch, by the present Mary-poie, and Blaok-hotf lanes communicating
witlk the two gr^so%ds near HtavHrM.
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THB CITY OF BXBTER. 7
celow^ q£ Ae JbnNiiir; Md if qomc fttttlior» aie le be crtdi- CHAF. t
l«d» mt Ike Ammm oJltd U Augwia (a iwine tbej nevei ""^ — '
g«v^baltoth«irQeikuue») tt^^ra cwibeao doubt thai f^setfer
WW 9 eotoaf of tfa»t p^plc.
About a HiSe from ^ City,, oa Si^k^iiU^ are somf re^
]n^Q» of ao aj«ckitteai«p ^i^enllj Romm; the Graff and
Fosse UiSOcneplioefTeTj Yjsibl^; and on Wood^uiy^U, sh
bo«i u ades South Eait^ ia^ Imrge in^fcQ^chvient, which
oavkitaacieBtiyhavebeeaaTefyslqQii^poit; but, whether it
'ome niloflKM Q> Briiisk vfotk^ camiQi be cKetermiaed*
Iq the newky oSBx^tr are raaey Tenwr/^ or, aa they are Ancient
eoteamoaly called, Berrowa, compooed of earth ajnd stones. Tumuli
wbi<:b weieendieutty aneieni buiiaj places : between Columfi^ near Exeter
ton 9mdHomt4»QAKa9h9tfiQrx ave ^o lavge Barrows, many
on £aii-hUl near 0^^ St. ACury, and on Hnidgm a great
aumbcTt pavticiUarlTOH tiie^ide towards iiC«nf^ ooinposed»
for the most part, of flinty stones.
lutheyear 17^9> soioe labourers, di^ng in one of those
Bafro¥rs lot fiintato lepair theroadkadmgSomKiemi^Mto
KoQtm BrnaM^ discoYe^ an Um at die depth of four feet
from the top of the barrow, and funk near six inches in the
solid earth ; it consisted of earthen-^ware evidently baked, waa
coytnA with a Hat ateoe about fiite inchea thicks axid eon*
tained a quanti^ of gvcasjy ashes (which siueUed like Booty
and firagments of humt bones; the workmen, thinking they
had found a tieasuve, eagerly broke it io pieces : the Ura
was about fourtten inches in heigfat, aad ten inches in dia-
meter, atits aaest bulging part.
A farther search bemg made in the same TumuItHf ano-
ther Urn was discovered at fourteen Ctejt distance from the
apot where the firatwas found; and, twelve feet from the
second, a third ; each containing a quantity of greasy ashes,
and buxnt bones plainly human : tb^ Urns were so much
decayed through length of time, that they quickly fell to
pieces on being handled : they were made of a dark greyish
clay, found in many parts oiHaidm^ and ornamented with
several kinds of figures, before they were bamt.§
The
§ Sir Zamrence Ptdk, Bart. diacoTered Urpft with Ionian coins, in one
of the BanpQfws on the northern pan of Maiti9% specimMt of which are
now in my possttsion; they aiesmaU, bia«Sy of Emperor Gallienus, Vic«
torinus, one of the 19, (or as they are called 30 tyrants, during GaUie-
nns^ reign,) the usurper in Britain, and of Probus. Whether these coins
wereoriginaUy placed there when the Thtmulus was formed, or since that
period deposited by way of security, can only be conjectured : the cir-
, cumstance however s^ero? to be subiersiyeof a partial hypothesis, which,
in my essay on the Urn, 1 had formed of these Tumuli being Danish j but
does not a£Fect that which attributes them to the Britons. J. S.
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8 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP, f. The general structure of the Barrows throughout the GOun«
tj, has been found to be uniform, and the disooveriet which
hav^ been made have been nearly simihu'. From those on
HtudoHy indeed, Urns of a rude form and composition hare
been taken ; and from one in particular, that forms a bonn-
darj between the Parishes of Kenn and Kenton^ beneath a
hirge fiat stone, which was supported by others ah>und, an
Urn, plain in figure, and unbaked; though, tinged as it
was with smoke, it appeared to have been ezpowMl to a fire,
it was removed without receiying any injury: it had a sin-
gularity in its position, the mouth being inverted, fix>m
which, on its being raised, a quantity of ashes and white
bones were discharged : This is now in the possession of the
"Rev. JohnSweteofOTionHouse^ behind which, on the verge
of Haldont it was discovered ; and of the Urn, an account
and plate were given in a volume of Essays, by a Society of
Gentlemen of this City.
The custom of burning the bodies of their deceased friends
and relations was common to most ancient Nations, and e-
ven practised by the Jews themselves,* and therefore it is
most probable aiey were the remains of either Britons^ or
Romans^ before their conversion to Christianity.
It may be proved from innumerable instances, that this
custom was veiy early practised, though not generally, as we
find from Sacred Writ ; ASrahamf purchased a burying place
of the sons of Hetk^ wherein he interred his Wife Sarah ; and
that the Egyptians buried their dead is evident from the great
care they took in embalming their bodies; some are of opi-
nion, that this custom was mtroduced to prevent any inde-
cencies being committed on the dead bodies, by their ene-
mies, which seems probable from that passage in the first
Book ofSantud^ where the inhabitants of Ja^A CrUead^ burnt
the bodies ofSauiand his Sons to prevent their recerving^ any
more indecencies from the PhilUtinet notwithstanding it was
the common custom of the Israelites to bury their dead. And
so Syiia among the R(man»j was the first of his family who
ordered his ix>dy to be burnt ; for fear the barbarities he had
executed on that of Marius, might be retaliated upon his
own. At the siege of Tro^, the Greeks, used both vrays of
interring, and burning; Patrodus was burned, and Ajax
laid in the ground. The Ramans, derived from the Greeks,
both these customs of burning and burying; ** In ttrbe neve
••Sepclito nete Unto," says the law of me twelve (itbles.
The
* See the 2 Chron. xri. chap. 14 T.-*xxi. chap. 19 T^— and Amo«,
Ti. chap. 10 T.
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THB CITY OF EXBT£R. 9
The pbce where the7 burned the dead was set apart for this CHAP, i .
religious use, and called Giebe; from which practice the
name is yet tpphed to all the lands bdongmg to uie Church.
The Saxotu (as &r as comes to our Knowledge) did not
make use of that method of interment,t but generally en-
closed the bodies of their deceased friends in stone coffins, or
graves lined with chaUc, by the sides of the public highways^ '
or in common fields* The custom of bumng the bodies of
the dead within the widls of Cities and Towns, not being
instituted (according to BedeJ until the reign of Cuthrtd^ a-
bout A. D. 740.
The only reason that can be assigned for the small share
that Exeter had in the transactions, and its being so little no-
ticed by Historians during the Roman government in Briiam
(a period of near four centuries) was probably from its situati- ^^^
on, almost in the South West comer of the Island, at a great
distance from the scene of action.
During this time, the Picttf ScoU^ and other barbaious
nations, who continually harrassed the Roman province, were
confined to the Northern extremities of the Island; and al-
though they made inroads into the more Southern parts, and
committed the most horrid devastations, yet most of the Ro-^
man garrisons being placed on the northern frontiers, thej*
were as often driven back to their woods and fastnesses : nei^
ther could theenemy have penetrated so &r to the South, with-
out making an entire conquest of the whole province, which
doth not appear ever to have been the case.
The Saxon pirates who ravaged the coast of Britain during
the time of the latter Emperors, were seldom seen to the
South of the straits of Dover; hence, it may be concluded, Cambden.
that although the Northern and Eastern parts were often in
a state of war and confusion, the Southern parts of Devon
must have enjoyed an almost uninterrupted peace, and con-
sequently have given the Historian no occasion to mention a
place situated so fiur from the scene of action.
Afler the Romant had lorded it over all South Britain^ for
near four hundred years, their empire began to decline, the
legions stationed in the British Garrisons were called home
to defend Itafy and the Capital itself, from the barbarous na-
tions which then broke through the frontiers on every side :
£ri/tfm thus deprived of its protectors, and the greatest part ^^^
of the British youth being incorporated in the Roman legioQS»
the PidSf Scot»9 and ouer tribes of the Britons (who had
bravely opposed the Roman yoke, and had been pent up in
the
t The Danes certainly burnt their dead bodies in Britain. J. S«
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
10
THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. I . the northern parts t)f Ac Watid) broke throttgh the ^alls of
" "-" ■ Seo&ruSi like a del^ac, J and destroyed -with nw and sword^
cveiy thing before £em, even to Ae very Sea.
Tht Britons^ reduced to the greatest distress* fledto the
Woods and maishes for refuge ; in this extremi^ thc^ «^06e
Vortigcm^ Prince of &e Danmami, for tiieir King, who»
though disgraced with eyery vice, possessed the chief autho-
rity among them ; and by his counsel, a deputation was sent
to theSotont, a Geryium nation, desirin? their asttstance.
It seems fix>m the dioice made by the Britom^ of VorUgemi
that the Danmomi by their situation were in som^ raeasure
'exempted from die desohition that had spread through the o-
ther parts of the laitrnd^ and thtt he, at the h<ad of his Dan^
tnonians^ collected the other afiiri^ted Bnimu together, in
order to make head against the barbarians.
The Siuonsj a barbarous and intrepid nation, embraced
the offer made to them, and sent I6OO men to ^ assistance
of the Britms; these auxiliaries were embarked in three ships,
under the command of two brothers, Hengist and Hona, and
landing in the Isle of Thanei on the coast of Keni, joined the
-Britons and marohed against the Invaders.
The enemy were quickly repelled by the £>anm«: but these
new allies perceiving the weak, igindisciplined state of the
Bnt»n$i conceived it an easy matter to conquer the country
for themselves ; therefore, sending intelligenoe to Stuem^ of
the pusillanimity of Fiorf^gmi, and ^weakness of the B/r-
tans, they were soon reinforced by 5000 more of their coun-
trymen, who (after several bloody battles fought between
them, and Vortinusi^^ the SonoiVmiigem) founded the first
Saxcn Kingdom in Briian^ that of Kent^ and of which Hengist
was the first King, who ^xed his residence at Qmietimry.
Saxon In- '^^ success of Hmgigty together with the beauty and &r-
TKion. tility of £ivY«m, allured over swarms of new adventurers: a
party of which (and wherein our history is mostly interested)
A. D. landed in Hampshirey and laid the foundation of the West Sftr-
495. 0n kingdom, in the year 495, under the command of Cher^
dkky at a place (from that event) called ChetdiBJcthore
Chm^iekj on his landing, met with a different reception
from what his countrymen had experienced in the other parts
of the Island; the ^nVMf disputing every inch of ground,
gave him battle the very day of his landing, and though they
were vanquished, lliey defended their liberties for some time
against
t A Wall built by the Emperor Seoenu quite across the Island from
Carlisle to Newcastle, to defend the Roman Ftovince tarn, the continu-
al inroads of the vaiubdued Antonsk
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETfiR. 11
against their invaders, until Cherdick^ having called to his CHAP. L
assistance his countrymen, from KerUf and Sussex, and be-
ing joined by a fresh body of adventurers from Germany, who
arrived at Portsmouth, under the conduct of Port, an eminent
Saxon, gave Battle to the Britons, then commanded by a
King, named Nazanieod. In this battle, the Britons were
defeated, and Naxanleod, with 5000 of his men, were slain ;
and frotn this period we may date the foundation of the W^est
Saxon kingdom, of which, Exeter was for some time the
Capital, and residence of its Kings. . ^
The Britons still continuing bravely to defend their coun- 553^ '
try, the progress of the Saxons towards Devonshire was but
slow ; and we do not find that they made any conc|uests in Hume,
that county, until the year 568, when Ceaulin the third King
of Wessex, is said to have conquered part of Devon and 5<h
merset.
In the year 615, a battle was fought at Beandune (now g-^
Bampton) in Devonshire, when the Britons were defeated by Speed.
Ki/negils, King of Wesstx, with the slaughter of 1046 of
their men.
That the Britons were still in the possession of Exeter, we
fcarn from Matthew of Westmmsier, who informs us, that ^
Penda, King ofMercia bcsie^d it in the year 632, when it
was bravely defended by the Britons, until relieved by Cad"
tPo/Za their King, who engaged, and defeated Penda, with a
great slaughter of his troops.
The West Saxons embraced Christianity in the reign of g^^
Kynegiis, in the year 603 ; and in the reign of Ina (who built
Glastonbury Abbey) about the year 712, was first instituted by x
that Prince, in the Kingdom of Wessex, the tax called (in 712.
those days) Romescot, or Peterpence, which compelled every
inhabitant that possessed in his house, goods of one kind, to Speed,
the value of twenty-pence, to pay yearly to the Pope upon
Lammas day, one penny : this was looked upon as the King's
alms ; but afterwards demanded by succeeding Popes, as a
tribute.
No notice is taken, by any author during this long period,
ofthc City'of JEr«f«r, nor do we find it once mentioned in
history, but what hath already been related ; it is sufficiently Saxon
clear tnat the Britons held possession of it, and that Christi- name,
anity flourished in £xeter, while as yet the West Saxons
continued obstinate pagans, until the year 603, nearly 100
years afler the foundation of tlieir Kingdom ; and that the
Saxon name, Monkton (by which it was known to them, un-
til the reign of King AlhelstanJ was given it in derision, by
the Pagatis^ from the great number of Monks who had taken
B refuge
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
12 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. I . refuge there» from the cruelties of the S^uons: it b^£[ their
- common practice, before their conversion to Christiamty, to
massacre the Clergj, (especially the Monks) whenever they
were so unfortunate, as to &11 into their hands.
There can be no doubt that the Christian Religion flourish-
ed in Exeter, during the Roman Government ; but we have
neither history nor tradition to point out to us, either the
number or situation of the British Churches in £xf/4^, nor is
the smallest vestige of any one remaining. * That die Bri^
tons were converted to Christianity soon after their being con-
quered by the Remans^ we may learn from Theodoret^ Cic
mens Romanus, and our own countiyman Gildas, who assures
StoVsHkt us that the Gospel was preached in Britain, as earlvas the year
London. 64. Stow likewise informs us, " that King Lucius built
** St. Peter^s Church, in Cornhill, London, in the year of
" Christ 167.'*
In the persecution of the Emperor Dioelesian, the proto-
^^' martyr of Britain^ St. Aldan together with some thousands
of Christians, were martyred at the City of Ferulam (now
St, AlbansyJ in the year 293 ; and we likewise read of Resti"
tutus f Bishop of landon who, witji other Britilsh Bishops, was
present at the Council of Aries in France^ in the year 514.
It is probable that the Christian churches of Exeter^ fell in
the general destruction of the City, by Sweyn, King of
Denmark, in the year lOOZi who levelled it even with the
ground, and destroyed the historic memorials, which were
chiefly kept by the monks, who also perished with them.
A. 1>. About the year 800, the Saxon Heptarchy, by their in-
800. testine wars with each other, paved the way for Egbert the
19th. King of the West Saxons ^ to aspire to the universal mo-
^^^g narchy of England : he first turned his arms against the Cor^
Saxons. "^^ nritonSf who still maintained the possession of Comwaliy
and likewise of ail that part of Devon, situated West of the
816. river Exe, together with the City o^ Exeter itself; and thoug^h
the Britons were often defeated, they continued the war for
14 years: but, at length submitted to Egbert, on condition
.of enjoying their own laws, and paying an annual tribute.
In this treaty the City of Exeter was included, and from
this period we may date its subjection to the Saxon govern-
ment; and though the Britons were suffered to enjoy their
lands, the Saxons were permitted to dwell with them; which
. before this time (from the natural hatred they bore the Sax^
ons, for dispossessing them of their most fruitful provinces,)
they
* The Church of St. Pancras (although as small aud mean as can be
ivdl uoagined,) yet bears evident nnrk^ of Teiy remote antiquity.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THS CITY OP EXSTER. 13
they would not permit; thus, all the coantry on the East CHAP. I .
sideoftheriTer Tamat^ became rabject to ihtlVesiSaxan go- '
▼ernment*
Egbtri havmg thus rabdncd the CormsA Briioftt^ comple- '^'07^*
ted the reduction of the Saxon Heptarchj, and was acknow- Hud^/
ledged as King of all England in the year 8£7*
Egbert did not enjoy peace long» tne Dtmet landing in the 892.
IsleofSAmi^in Kent, plundered the country, and men es-
caped to tneir ships.
The next year the Danes again landed at Charmouih in Dor*
seUhtre^ bom. 35 ships, and were encountered by Egbert; the 893.
battle was bloody, and although the Dmm lost a great num*
ber of men, they maintained the post they had taken, and
made good their retreat to their ships*
Two years after, they entered into a treaty vnth the Cornish
EriianSf and landing in Cammalif made an inroad into Devon* P**^*" ^
shire, but were met by Egbert on Hengist down, and toUily ■^b*^^*
defeated.
EtheliDolf Yamn^ succeeded his Father Egbert^ the Danes
still continued their ravages, burning, and spoiling, wher* 351 .
ever they came : and. In the year 851, once more landed in ^^
Devonshire, but were defeated bv Ceorle, Earl of Devon, at a^^™
Wiganburgh, near the mouth of tne Tamar, with great slaagh-
ta, and forced to retreat to their Ships again, in the utmost
con fusion «
The County of Devon appears to have been more free from
the ravages of the Danes thain the major part oi England: the
History of these times, is full of the desolations committed
by diem, yet it doth not appear, they made any more inroads
into this county, until the year 875.
The year 8b8 is remarkable for the first religious foundati«
en in the City of £jre/^ mentioned in History. Kins Ethels 868.
bert. Son oiEthekooif 9 founded a monastery, near where the
Cathedral now stands, which Vf^a afterwards destroyed by
the Danes*
Anno 875, the Danes having almost overrun the whole 875.
Kingdom, the bravery and prudence of King ^^a/, prcser- Exeter u-
ved It from utter ruin, and compelled them to enter into a j^eQ by the
treaty with him, which was no sooner made, than broken : Dunes,
for the treacherous Danes, without any pretence whatever,
suddenly fell on the English army, defeated them, and then
inarching westward, surprised the City of Exeter,
Alfred collected fresh forces, and exerted such vigour, that
he fought no less than ei^ht battles with them in one year ; in Hume.
<»n8equence of which the Danes were reduced to the greatest
distress; the remainder of the D^niiA army, however, wln-
B 2 tcrcd
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14
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. r.
Speed.
Banes de-
feated.
A. D.
876.
Danei^[aiii
defeated.
Danes de-
feated by
the people
of Devon.
878.
tered in Exeter ^ committing the greatest cruelties on the poor
inhabitants, and expecting a reinforcement of their country-
men : but the Danish fleet met with such severe storms, that
1 20 of their ships were cast away on the EngUth coasts ; and
their army marching towards Exeter^ was met by Alfred^
who after a severe battle, entirely defeated them : new trea-
ties were then entered into ; and the Danes gave him both
pledges and oaths, to relinquish the land*
The Danes who wintered in Exeter ^ hearing of the misfor-
tunes of their countrymen, and the citizens (incited by the
successes of their King) falling upon them, some immediate-
ly fled to DartnunUh^ and uiere shipped themselves ; but
most of these perished in a violent tempest : the other party
hastily retreated to Chtppenkam in WUtshire^ where bein^
joined by great numbers under the command of three of their
jCings, Gurthuny Esketel^ and Hamnumd^ they broke (not-
withstanding the late treaty) into Alfred^ s dominions, rava-
ging the country, and bummg and destroying all before them :
the English, being disheartened, left their country, in the
greatest terror ; and though Alfred defeated the plunderers in
several engagements, yet such numbers continually arrived
to join them, that, Alfred was reduced to the greatest dis-
tress, and the Danes became possessed of all his kingdom , ex-
cept the counties o{ Somerset, Hants, and Wiltshire, and some
few fortified towns, among which was Exeter,
Alfred, unable to make head, for the present, against the
invaders, secreted himself; and, in the habit of a peasant, li-
ved for some time, in the house of a cowherd, who had been
entrusted with some of his cattle : here Alfred collected some
few of his trusty followers, and retired into an island, in
Somersetshire, formed by the rivers Thone and Parret, and
rendered almost inaccessible, by the bogs and morasses, which
surrounded it ; here he built a fortress, and often sallied
out upon the Danes : in this situation he remained near a
twelvemontti.
While Alfred lay here concealed, Hubba, the Dane, ha-
ving spread desolation over Wales, hmded in Devon, fronri
23 ships, and besieged the Castle of Kenwith, situated near
the mouth of the nver Taw: Oddune, Earl of Devon, had
taken refuge there, with a few of his followers and being
but ill supplied with water and provisions, he determined by
some vigorous blow, to prevent the necessity of submitting
to the enemy : therefore, making a sudden sally on the Danes
before sun-rise, he put diem to Uierout, pursued them with
great slaughter, killed HubSa, himself; and took their fa-
mous
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 15
mouB Standard Reafan^ f in which the Dotm put their CHAP. 1 .
greatest confidence.
Tradition still points out the place of Hubha*8 interment, Cambden.
and though the stones, which, (after the manner of the north-
em nations) were heaped on hb grave, are swept away by Hubba's
the incroachments of the sea : yet, the place still retains the V^''^
name of Whibble stone, and is situated on the strand, near
Appledore, on the northern coast o( Devon,
Alfred being informed of these successes, left his retreat,
(before he assembled his subjects) in order to reconnoitre the "^^
Danish camp, and be himself convinced, whether there was A- D.
any probability of succes, or not : therefore disguising him- ^^^*
self in the character of a Harper^ and passing unsuspected
through every quarter, was introduced, even to the tent of
their King, Gurihrum; and remaining diere several days, he
remarked the security of the Danes^ their contempt of the
EnglUh^ (whom they considered as entirely subdued) and
their dissolute waste of what they had gained by rapine, and
violence : he then secretly sent messengers to his subjects,
and summoned them to assemble at Brixton^ on the borders
of Stkfood Forestf in Somersetshire. On the appointed day, Hume,
the English joyfully resorted to their King, whom, on his
appearance among them, they welcomed with shouts of ap-
plause and the more so, as they had considered him certain-
ly dead.
Alfred instantly conducted them to the Danish camp ; and
knowing its situation, attacked the enemy in the most un- Danes de-
guarded quarter : the Danes y surprised to see an army of the feated by
EngUshy (whom they had long held as totally subdued) but Alfred.
much more at seeing Alfred at their head, niade but a &int
resistance ; and though greatly superior in numbers, were
defeated with a prodigious slaughter*
Alfred pursued the remainder of the routed army, to a for-
tified camp, where they had fied for safetV} and where, (be-
ing reduced to the greatest extremity by hunger) they, once
more desired terms of peace, to which ^/j^</ consented, on
cooditions of their embracing Christianity, and evacuating
his territories.
Notwithstanding the former treaty, the other parties of g^g
the DaneSf roving about for prey, and not considering them-
selves bound by the last compact, continued to infest the William of
Mnglish coasts; and in the year 879, another body of them, Malmsbuiy
who
t This Standard was a Black Raven, embroidered ou a red'field by the
Sisters o(Hu6ba-y and consecrated to the God of War, by the Pagan
Priestt. The Danes were so strongly persuaded of its sanctity, that they
fully believed it would insure them victory whenever it was' unfurled.
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16
THE HISTORY OP
Exeter be-
sieged by
the Danes.
RelieYed
by Alfred.
CHAP. I . who had plundered N&rmandy in Fnwice, landed at Warrham
in Dorsetshire f Alfred being then in the north of England J and
marched to Exeter, which^thcy instantly bericgfed ; the Citi-
zens defended themaelTes with the greatest resolution, (well
knowing the consequences of a surrender to such a barbarous
foe;) and their intrepid Monarch being informed of the Ci-
tizens' distress, dispatched a trusty messenger to assure thera^
he would hasten to their relief.
Alfred, considering the importance of the City, immedi-
ately followed his messengers, at the head of a chosen body
of West Saxons : the Citizens, at this period, were in the ut«
most extremity ; yet continued brayeiy to defend themselves,
not doubting that their King would give them his full aid and
co-operation : the Danes despairing, from the brave oj^ositi-
on made to all their assaults ; ana, hearing of Alfred's ap-
proach, broke up the siege, and fled to their ships. Alfred
closely followed them, but they were embarked before he
could come up with them : in tneir retreat, they committed
the most horrid devastations, spoiling and destroying the
country, neither sparing age, nor sex.
The EngiiiA Fleet, which Alfred had stationed on the
Southern coasts, fell in with many of their Ships ; these were
captured, and the crews, by order of the Elnglish Monarch,
were executed as Pirates.
Alfred, being convinced of the great utili^ of a naval force,
to protect the coasts against the continual inroads of these
barbarians, fitted out two fleets, and by some timely severi-
ties on the intruders, ktpt his kingdom in profound peace
(except a few intervals) until the year 893.
During this time of peace, Alfred repaired and beautified
such cities and towns, as had been damaged in the former
wars ; among^ which, the City of Exeter is mentioned by
Matthew of JFestminster, who says, ** he fortified it 'with ne&
Buhcarh, and greatly beautified it. ^*
The Danes, who had been settled in Northumberland, broke
out into open rebellion, and being joined by great numbers
of new adventurers, embarked on board of 240 ships, and
appearing before Exeter, laid close siege to it : the citizens,
again stoutly defended themselves until Alfred came to their
relief, who falling upon the rebels before they were aware,
defeated them, and pursued them to their ships, with great
slaughter.
Exeter does not appear in any of the transactions, during
the remainder of this excellent Prince's rei^, who died A. D.
901; after having fought, in person, fifty-six pitched bat-
tles
Exeter re-
paired by
Alfred,
A. D.
893.
Hame.
Again be-
sieged.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 17
ties by knd and sea; and, in most of which, be proved tio- CHAP. U
torious. {
Edvford, surnamed the Elder, the son oi Alfred^ succeed* a. D.
ed his Father; and in the vear 9I8, held a Wittena^Gtmote 918. '
or general assembly of his chief subjects in this City. § ^s^^-
Athdstan succeeded his Father Edward^ in the year 926 :
in his reign, the BriionSf who had hitherto inhabited the Exeterta-
westem psai of Devonshire, and also (in conjunction with the ^^^ ^'^"*.
Saxotu. according to the treaty made with King EghertJ the Saxons,
city of JSjtf^er, rebelled: when ^/^eZr/on marched westward,
compelled them to abandon the City, and the whole ofDe*
vansiire; and fixed the river Tanutr, as the boundary of the
Cornish Britons : after this, he returned to Exeter, destroy*
ed the old fortifications (which before his time, consisted of^J">**^
huge bulwarks of earth, strengthened by stakes, and sur- ^*"^*«**n«
rounded by ditches) building a stone wall of one mile and
half in circuit, flanked by lofty towers, and encompassed by
a deep and regular fosse*
The greatest part of the wall built by AtheUtan, is still
remaining : it consists of small unhewn stones, as they were city Walls,
dug from the quarry ; the interstices filled up with hot lime
and rough sand^ and faced with ashler work of hewn stone ;
the wh^ strengthened by strong buttresses : the mortar u*
sed in this work is become, from length of time, so hard
and durable, that, on attempting to pull down any part of
it, the stones are sooner broken, than separated one from the
other.
The walls are 12 feet in thickness; and at present, where
the battlements are remaining, 50 feet in height : most of
the embrasures had oriUons, or loopholes, for the defen-
dants to discharge their arrows and other missiles under cover. ^
The number of Towers originally on this wall, cannot now ih^^wlSil
be determined, nor whether there were any more that what
now remain in situ : those of which we have, at present,
any vestiges, are only six in number : five standing between
the
/
% lathe year 1784, the society of Antiquarians receiving good infer-
mattoa that the remains of this Prince, were deposited in the Cliurch of
Oreat-Drigield in YorksAiref they deputed two of their members to ex-
amine into the fact, after digging some time they found a stone Cotiin,
and on opening the same, discovered the entire skeleton of ttiis great
Prince, together with a great part of his steel armour. The Coflin was
again closed up as well as the giave and left in the same state as when
found. It appears that Alfred being wounded at the battle of Stamford'
BHggs, returned to Driffiefd, where he langulslied of his wounds 20 days,
and then dying, was buried in this Church.
§ Aooc places this parliament A. D. 888, which is thirteen years be-
fore Edward came to the Crown.
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18 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. I . the Castle and Southgatc, and one (vulgarly called the Snail
tower) on the western side of the wall, fronting the river :
only one of these towers remain still (excepting U3e roof) in
its original state. It consisted of three stages, or floors, for
the defendants to stand on : it is 42 feet in height from the
present scalp of the ditch, having orillons in front, and on
each side, to flank the ditch; a door-way was made here
(now walled up) and called Bedford poattm, it being^ a pas-
sage for the conveniency of Bedford House, and plainly ap-
pears to have been constructed long since the building was
raised
This venerable specimen of the skill of our ancestors in
architecture, which has been standing upwards of 860 years,
is now in a state of decay ; and in all probability may soon
share the fate of the other towers, which have been taken
down even with the city walls, and deprived of their upper
stories : therefore, to preserve its memory to future genera-
tions, I have here given a correct view oi it,
E etc C Castle is not mentioned in the history of these times :
jj* ' but from the Saxon arches, and similarity of work and
materials) it seems to have been built at the same time with
the walls : it is situated in the northern point of the City, and
on the most elevated part of the hill ; the ascent being very
steep, particularly from the North, on which side it was de-
fended by a deep moat and counterscarp, and which, from
its great declivity, prevented any probability of success in
attacking it on that side ; as no military engines then used in
besieging towns, could be brought near enough for any ex-
ecution ; neither could mining be effected, as the rock, on
which it was built, is composed of very hard stone of the
granite kind. The mound on which the masonry is erected,
IS partly artificial, composed of loose stones (probably the
remse of the quarry) laid edgeways, and filled in with earth :
this plainly appeared in the late alterations.
The walls are of an oval figure, the longest diameter being
109 yards, and the transverse 101 yards ; they are very thick,
and, like the city walls, strongly cemented with hot lime and
sand : there were five towers on the walls ; two square, and
three of a semicircular figure. A more particular descripti-
on, with the history of this ancient fortress, accompanied
with a plan, and two views, will be given in the course of
this work.
AtkeUtan ^lan^ed the name of Monkton (by which the
^^' City had been called by the Saxons ever since the year 450)
^ to Exanceaster; and also founded a house of Benedictine
Moiucs^ dedicated to the Virgin Mary ; (now the Eastern
part
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THS Cirr OF JPXS^ER* 19
Petrock^ atjftkMn; asMi /^ite, wurBormtfipk: a)Kl«:au«ed drnmidt.
the >tMe |p be lig wpt Mgd i»to Itic 4wt»"&M»w l>ntBiyi ^^
fla^ tiMf 43k «u>tbcr tongue of thi^ coimtry.
Thj» Miaiareb ^ gnwibd libcrly of CaUic^ tpMSoiP Af the
pii«fiipfd Mtf s«4<9irAf 9 ia hii4iHiiinu)Biii, ju»d jefta];>Ii«hed Minti ia
tm» WM, &r tt»»t »itfPOiP» ia £fv^. The £awi coiai ^awier.
of dH»pcjd€Ml» weitt^duofiyiMlvcr, isciy dw, And^ the difiij
ia i¥kich4M9r «Kcr«iKruc]p» hMUyccecuted.
Cii»MffH h«i giy!€» 9MB7 «pecM|ieB« of this Monarch'^
wmi (pitis 5« p. 13^) Mnong whidbi if one ivhlcb he«H CambdoB.
mhc0 ^ ihiiCitf > «n4 HBads the kgend, on 4te reverae }V-
9f£HMeH\ ^ Ihefc k i»imb of hif, gm pr^rnxvc^, with tbt ^^"^^
Mffverepcrse*
Edmund, the brother of Athehtm^ succeeded hUa; ao4
]cept<heZ^«€9Si0 lAM^hijD satj^ectioay dttiuig his short reign
pf iivip M»rs« dbat the Iripgdam onjpyod, for that time, «a
iaterrsi of p«»oe. Edmmd, heis^ tseachenoosly nxurdeced,
at PmM:€ihmiivaGi0^oe$U^ite,hjl^^f)gAtAA^^ \f'
he had^MiMriy liKBAJshed was sooceedAd by his JSxQtbcr £^ ^ ^^^-
9^9 "^Afi, w the year j9^» £9iuded the fii;st Biah<^c im q^
this Cffnaty, «t f^s^s Tmiim; »i$d ako lh»t of £/. 6snnm ^*
XatbeTiesurja^, JS^f«r swconded his hi;other£%; and
finding the country overrun with wolves, chadogcd the tci-
biiSeftnnujBiUy paid by tbe British pjrinocfi^ oicaUhviAij^et 959.
i»to A delivery 4>f^0 wolves heads: aod, by AhisjjKaos^ in
thec^wseofA&wfiiurap Ayvolfnouldscaroeihe&uBdinth^
whole iaiaod*
TliefthiiidvafeitfJEkleMrms^ Ejfiiifi. imt^ciCkpit^
Eadaf jPep03i« tbeifi)under o£Taui0kgk Jiteg : k is fepoJtsd \^iUiam of
of JkiAiy tiisit<he was of sioehjpgantic steture and stren|^th| tbai Malmsbuiy
OAoe 4»piiAg with ihe J&^t tp Eac^tti and finding thr
£tfi<9si{ejhut8JDdhai3ed» and theFpcteateM^t, Jhe^ by the orgar, Karl
ibKe,aflMSiu«9SMil|r» ttnhinged4iheg«las&oapa.dieJ}fffis» and, ofDevon.
with his ftot, Ancedithem 9p«n : his<tbighlK>ne»saspiiesa>>
ved sa the Ai>bBf of T^ivMftn&, aintilfiie diswdutkui ^^at .
Sdmnd^ IssvaaiQod At aaityr,} sneeeeded his iathec,
Ed§fr: 4uidj after a reign of four years^ was treacherously 975*
C murdered
•the name idMhif^m }$^m ^^mUjr ^Knuanttfrad JbJEaetirj
a few yean tinee, a verjr aneieiit 56me builaing was retDalDmg 'jfiSi*^
Paafi Strao^ Tnlgarly calM Kinf A4dkit<m>£alm.
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20
TH£ HISTORY OF
^^J- murdered (at C«rftf Cattle, in DonetshireJ by the instigation
■ of hi» Step-mother, Elfiida^ to make way for liis half bro-
ther, EtAeired, who, accordingly aacceeded him.
Eihelred (named the unready J die ion oi Edgar by Elfirida^
seemed greatly to have de^erated from the virtaes and
bravery of his ancestors: it is rekted of him, that he was
extremely avaricious, indolent and cowardly, being entirely
remed by the monks, whose pernicious counsels were
ruin of his family and king;dom ; and occasioned an in-
surrection of his subjects, wuch, being fomented by the
DaneM (who had been incorporated wiui the English, and
lived quietly for the space of 22 years) broke out into open
rebellion. Tht foreign Danet, being acquainted with these
^^?y^ transactions, immediately invaded England, with a lai^ fleet,
*b?PfBfft. *°^* *^ spoiling great part of the country, in the year
,1001, sat down before Exeter, besieging it with the great*
iestfuiy.
j^ jy The siege continued for near two months ; the citizens,
iboi. ^ many sallies, driving the enemy from their widls, and
repelling them in many attacks : at length, alter being redu-
ced to the greatest distress, they were succoured by AtSdmere,
Braei de- £arl of Devon, and the inhabitants of the neighbouring conn-
^^™*^ trv I the Citizens then sallying out on the plunderers, attack-
ed them in their camp (between the village of Pinhoe and Ex^
fterj and, after a bloody engagement, forced them from it,
and totally defeated them: the 2)«iie» retreated in great confu-
sion to their ships, f
• These successes were but a temporary relief to the unhap-
py EngUih : the barbarians, contmually reinforced by great
numbers of their countrymen item abroad, and joined by
those who had been settled in NtfrtAumherland and Eait Anglia;
spread desolation, throughout the whole kingdom ; destroy-
ing every where with sword an<!f Are: ElheSed, endeavour-
cdto remedy these evils, by fitting out a fleet, which he put
under the command of Edric, Duke of Merda, who had
married his daughter J&fil/^; but he, together with part of
the fleet, treacherously deserted to theibnemy ; and the re-
mainder were obliged to take refuge in the river Exe.X
1002. Ethtlred, in this distress, issued, hj the advice of his
Nobles, an order, (both cowardly and inhuman) that all
the Dana, dispersed among the EnglM, should be massa-
cred
t Theieaie some vetiigM of the Danhk nodes itill remtining: on a
hill opMita the CasUe isa mount, vulgioly called IXmte CaiUei and
many (filches in theadjoiniDg fiddi| supposed to be part of their in-
frenchjueoti,
} See FksfiNoiy Rensdot
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THE CITT OF EXETBR. 21
end on a certain evening; this horrid mandate wai most CHAP, t
cruelly pat into exectttion, throughout the whole kingdom , — — -
in cold blood, on St. Briee*$ day, the ISth November, 100!^«
The news of this massacre, inflamed the minds of diQ
Dane$ to a desperate revenge ; and, in the year 1005, Sweyne^
King of Denmark^ mv^ded England, with a most powtfful
army : EtMred, in endeavouring tp stop his progress, was to-
tally defeated, with a great slaughter pf his troops ; and, the
EngUsh nobility basely deserting their King, the Danies over-
spread the whole kingdom, and committed the greatest cru-
elties wherever they came The cltirens of £jv/€r, hearing of .
these barbarities, repaired dieir walls, and strengdiened their
fortifications, in order to resist his attacks : Sweyne, being in- .
formed oi these preparations, marched immediately towards ^"d of De-
Exeter; and, on nis march, received the submission oiAtM^ ^ "^llb-
mere^ Earl of Devon, and the inhabitants of the county.:. ^J^J^
Sweyne closely invested the city, and the citizens were determi-
ned to defend themselves to the bst extremitjr» and not submit ^^SlTwir
but with the loss of their lives • jret, how Tarn is human pro- ^S2m.
dence^ when Providence has ordained it otherwise ! the citizens
were betrayed by their commander, Hugh a Norman by birth "^^P* :•
(who had been appointed governor of the ci^by.the interest of * "
Queen £]ni»<iy Ik treacherously let in the 2i>aiief, and 5&vjr^ '
exasperated at the resistance he met witb» put all the inhabi-'
tants, thatfcll into his hands to the awoird; burnt the city ; and j^^j^
levelled it even with the ground IromthcEast to the West gate.' destroyed
In this disastrous cal^ity, whatever had been spared by by ;-tiie]n.
time, of firi^MA or jRoffium remains of ma^ificence, must have .
been destroyed: and, during the remainder of the reign of •
Ethelred^ and the short one of his son Edmund, Exeter hijf'
amidst its own ruins, a heap of desolation : Edmmd (surnamed
IronndeJ after a reign of one year, was basely murdered by.
the traitor, £</nc; and this made room for C<ifftf/tf the Z)<fiirt
the son ofSweyne. '
Canute, by the joint consent of the EngUsKsJxd Danes, was.
elected King ; and he put an end to a war, which had con- ioi7.
tinned above two hundred years, and had cost the two na-
tions more than SOd^OOO men, - who \^tie killed, in fifty^faur
land, and thirty-eight sea fights, besides innumerable skir-
mishes, and sieges.
Peace being now re-established « the scattered inhabitants^
began to repair to, and re-edify their former habitations'; ancl Canute the
Exeter TOSt, like a phoenix, out of her own ashes, Canute jyuie^s do-
granted great immunities to the returning citizens; atiidiii natioiu to
some measure to expiate the pruelties of his father Sweyne', re- £zeter.
paired the mined churches and monasteries, and gave to that
CS of
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' dtoiefttadjiinanamcrfAWfeCWfr, Th^^kl*ffl«cttiaciniu
inc Hi the pariA Chafdft c^ JVciit^^, M «iicMt ptthktfa^ on
#I&Sy m6iieoffh^t«itr<Wtf, hinrem^fm^tfKhigixyipray?
mgp6BZ}trt9 with i^ hbd oveif UrbfeRf *' wi- CwiaAu. •*
A J) CanuUAtA 6fi A^ 12t!t<jf f^orcittfwff 105», «rt*r4 iifeir
X036/ ^' I?7&rt, dii^flg tv^hfch, by Mr tit^trts, Md hhp«&f
fltditihiisfr^^A of iuslice. hetfcqaireil the bft ttttA eMtrk tit
iii subjects bof^ BftglMzM Danes, "the ^tfti t^pti Hffai
%w6 Sons, ftdrold iM tTdr^cdmfe (t^feo itttcceidedetidk dftr^rf
Were marted with dru Ay iirrf gltitWny : fimr huidc the Ifcr*
jktlrit tine b<!i(fUtf to tft^ J^^I^j ^^ mrdbitf, o^ tfke dMi
gm, tfltdrdicanute % fwto (fttid ^ lamteih^ froitt etcM 6f drb<-i
idg] in (be Vj^f la^l • they trotointott^y eonfefrM the Ticant
thfone on jlUwdrd, the SdQ dlEtkdtea^ ti^lktch a^^ reMOfed
the 5tfixm tine*
tdtaard^ suffiaimed fhe CMfeitaty ifm crawneA ti Wlk*
Cmhit dieifer, 6n t^t& <fay, t64t : ht fentxttcd the yearly tri«
|i«K«Bf 6u<^ of 4i6,666 Pounctt (dadled D&M^getdt whkh htd been
rSEl?* ^*^*^ ^^^ upwafdfi 6f forty yeitft 6n flie ^h^/ri* sttbj^cte;
Crrftfwor. ^^^ cdlccf^d liita 6ne t)d<fy, ftc kw« made bjr his pre<k«
llll^ d&iBors, viz. thdie df the Saxmi.Mitrdang HAd Dafrei^ Vfhidk
a#e the fbundatioA df tvhat b ^ed to ^bk dty^ the CDttintoa
U^: he likewise gftdted new dxMttn and imitf mlttietf to
sucli dities as h^d snfterdd muefa b the hte wM : reptfifed
fh^ religioui houses, particularly the mmlastery of 5^ Peier
^j^. , ih ExeUr: uni£ed the tWd B2&6ps' Sees of Cfediton and St.
§j|U|^ Germmis^ rtm^ved them to JRfefw, and, with his Qaeen^
y^i to t», £ditha, installed Lsofikus, i& tbe Mowing rettxarfcatUe fbrm
ter. ^wdr^.
*' f , K/rigc EdUfOrdf ftfldng Le&fi^ug by tny rirfit haonde,
1049. ^' ^'^ j&u^^, nay Qtieen, hy the !efte, do enstule hym dte
^fyrste and m6sl &tndos Byshoppe, of Es^cesier, with a
** mat abundance of blessynges to all such SS Khali fhrder
^^IhA encf^ase th^ sattfe ; but ttfith i ftarfnll stnd exect^ble
^^curse td all such i& ii^ diittfaxu/h, or take iny tiling from
TBe Mdnks wto W^e fe^dent in the Benedictine Abbey,
foilnd^d by King AiheUt&n^ 1ft JEtrf^t, Wfefe remorcd by
Pdtpord to Westmnster; where he built that totely edifice,
ii6i^ kriow'n iy A« n^e 6f We^fhihsttr Abbey. He t^as
tt^ Uist Kinj; of Engldnddt the face otEgiert: he died at
fteiiakiniter pu th^ ith df Janustry 1061.
il6n, for a long time tfter his ddtti) and this celebration \ras odled. in
deiinoDy Hoarlidf^ that is,- the test of the Hog.
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THB CITT Cnr EXSTER. fS
»f g i *l< ii f» Bari<fJfaiif» tns ActidtoAe met iiirtwie» '— -
^^ 1065.
tii# MdlMfc lfiw*3Q»Sfcip#«adtA<tttiw city of Karife^
where dieir King, HarMHarfiagm, and TmIm IbrallKr to
Amw, WiMiam^ id»iaie4lllebMMd» D«li«of JITorMiiil^t
tfMlAnMwDttko, nmiHaMigt: dielMitlk^M fttalto^^j^
the EngUih monarch, who was slauiy with the lower of hb Nonnvid^.
ftoWitjr, anAapRPidigknii nooibct of ooniiKm mea. lliia ^^^^
bMk, wlikk deeMed the fitte of Engigmf, and brosght it '^^
voder a fi»r«^ yoke^ wa» Ibudik on SBtofdar the 14th of
C«iotarl06£
The flBothrcs tiMeh iodaoed Wmm to ntsde Bfmkttif
aad did fiieiUiy of his OOMioest, ave dMtf accounted i>r bf
moet hlBCwluM^ V^iMMMi pfeteaded that HarM had awom^
MdlehijrinMiilr, Hm, on the deatfi of Ung fdbmf, he
wioold piMNMa Mi iuiiraat is the aococMon; and that jBd-
MH^ OB hit dtaHi body had afifMiated him his sococMort
bot^ ailh*hlstoftaagofdiof«diMWere<^i«fl7JI#Mib, who
-Mse mmtgff ia«iiMd to the liotnkm interest, we can pot
hot fimtoooAdeneo in tMf report: nor does it seem piolN^
Mo AaitfAMNf shoald dispose of his cmwn to a fottigaert
wliile his nephew, Edgar Athdmg was Uviog, and who wai
ifaetttidoobl0dhelr«
Thoftdl^ofdiisoooqoort^ andthesnlneetionofapeo*
phewhoi^ Ibrnaaajrirea^iyidso gaUantly dBfended their U*
bercies agaitist tlM 1>mm, »» by thtte bieotted historiansi
ascribed to tbe aliAcA eoatioual peace whic£ the £afliril had
^stji^edlMrfleaflf dOyeaffs; and which had made them neg«
kct Aeif miUtaiy disciplifle, and abandon themselres to
haniyaiid Idkoeai^; to whidiiMry be added the lioentioai^
ness of the clergy, theeffiminacy, gluttony, and oppression
of the nobility » togath^r with^the dmaktnness and disorders
of the eosBfiKm peepkw
Other avthoffs vekte (aad it appears with more trndi,) that
h was prific^)al}y owing to the trtacherr of the Bishops ^
Sees bating been mostly iUed by the ill jadged policy of J?^
tutfd^ wkh Nmntm monks,) and the superior skiu of the
MemMi hi military taotieS) who, in this battle, made great
hai'MamoiigtlMJ^ilg^i&sWMitha^ aw€apoo»
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24 . THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. I . The Norman historians tell us that the maio body of the
English were armed with Bills (their ancient weapons ;) and
that they kept themselTCs so compact in one body, that no
force could broJc or disorder them» until the NarnmnM pre-
tending to retreat, brougfatthe former into disorder, and by
that meaiiBgained the victory.
Duke Wuliam baring gained this dedsiTe Tictory, march-
ed towards London ; not in a direct, but circuitious route ; and
crossing the Thames at Waiting ford^ proceeded to Berkkamp^
stead; where he was met by Alred^ uchbishop of Ycrk^ -who
was attended by many other prektes, Edgar Aiheting (the
legal heir) and several of the principal nobility, and who,
there swore fealty to him.
Notwithstanding this, Edwin f and Morcart the two stout
A. O. Earls of Nortkumba^and and Mercian endeavouured to rouse the
106G. English firom their lethargy; and once more to oppose the
conqueror: but, finding the Bishops (who at .that Ume had
all the power in their £uids) uding with the Normans^ they
desisted from their attempt. WUliam marched to London,
and was crowned at Westminster^ on Christmas day 1066.
The City of Exeter 9 as hath been already mentioned, had
suffered greatly during the Danish wars ; and, although there
was only a period of 63 years firom its total destruction by
Sweyne^ to the Norman conquest, the historians of that time
represent it to be strong, wealthy and full of inhabitants : and
this is fully corroborated by the obstinate defence it made a«
gainst the conqueror, in the year 1 076 ; which will be treated
of in its proper place.
Anc'ent Z ^ *^ ^^'"^ ^^ ^'7 ^"^^ governed, during the times of
goTem- ^^ Britons 9nd Romans f is not mentioned by historians ; but,
ment of by the Romans in their colonies and fortresses, it was execu«
Exeter. ted by a Pn^'Prmfor^ whose power was arbitrary, and govern-
ment military. Durbg the Saxon period, its government was
by a Portgrave, or Portreeve : who had power over all judicial
controversies ; and in the reign of Atheistan the city was di- j
vided into four hundreds, or wards, over each of which was
placed an AJderman. ,
. These wards continue to this time ; and are denominated I
the East, West, North and South wards. In times of war,
or danger, the whole |9vemment, civil and military, was j
lodged in the hands of the Earls of Devon : under whom
were the Vicecomts^ or Sheriff; and the Thanes^ or chief
military officers, who held lands of the King by a kind of
military tenure, somewhat similar to that of the feudal barons
afler the . Norman conquest : the bishops likewise acted as
judges in conjunction with the Eqrk^ and sometimes com«
manded in the armies in a military capacity. We
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 25
l^c have very few of the names of the Saxon Earls of Devon CHAP. I .
handed down to us ; nor is it certain whether the office was
elective or hereditaiy •
V o rt ig trn^ (afterwards King of England) it is recorded,
-was Prince of the DanmanH, before he was elected to the
throne.
jifyiku was made Earl of Devon, b^ King Atkdstan. He
resided in thecaftle oiExcetter; it being customary in those chrooicle.
days, for the Earls to dwell in the counties from whence
they took their titles.
Grgar was Earl of DeooUf in the reign of King Edgar (as History of
before related) the Kine having married his daughter. Goda '^^▼istock
IB mentioned as Earl ofDevon, in the reign of King Ethelred; ^'^^-
and to have been slain in battle, by the Danes. Athelmere SazoilEarb
-was £ari of Devon after the death of Goda : he treacherously of PeYoa.
deserted his sovereign. King Ethelred; and, joining his for-
ces with^weyne, accompanied him to the siege and destruc-
tion of Exeter.
Aiphegui succeeded him as Earl of Devon in the reign of
Canute; and after him, according to Lambert ^ Godwin Earl
Kentf was Earl of Devon, Donetp Suites, Hampshire^ and
Camwali, The unfortunate HaroU succeeded his Either, as
£arl of Devon 9ndComwaii»
End of thejirst Chapter.
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cHAPTEan.
Trom the Norman Conquest to the miof^m
reign of Henry fJtt
CHAR IL 'T^rriLLIAM, on being inverted wiA
' ' " ■ ^^ Crown. H fimt alKcted U^^ovunim
vridi great leoi^; butMfoon«0luif)0'wer WM
he treated 4hem widi the ^e^teiUcvtiter; jrUli _
tbdff lands, A«>d dividbg thou Mnfltngluf ftptoiM* ftH opr*
«». The &f4»i, «xa4K]»ted«t^c»«i««t ctf. file jr#^
l^ifter i^ iMiM, broke out taCo opm rebcHioft ia $vf9gd pirii «f dMB
SS'^ISSIt kingdom: tbecitaeos ofEsifttt. in 9«cfiieuiv»i '
ror. Baidwin de Brionis * of the casde, to whose CMitedy
beeaaMmaitted bribe wn^tor; miwmh niihat i
kemedapJbceofuegreiteftioipMlaooe: ^jnpmdikt^
walls, and aHanglteed tkcir foitififittiMs^ aaoted, ft k
tiippoaed« bfOieif* (oaollw of the ii«a lUag JKiivVy adb^
had taken refuee in the city, after ktmag haea dcpayed <9f
her lands and aowfjf to inake room for the new comen.
WUUam^ heated at these commotions, marched at the head
A. D. of a numerous army, and laid close siege to the citjr* The
1076. inhabitants relying on the strength of their fortifications, in-
sulted him witn opprobious language from their walls, and
repelled his assaults with the utmost vigour : but part of the
Sea'ered ^'^^ falling dowa (wfaii:h Ac Moakiw hiflonians attributed
a^'SdMii. ^^ <liviwc providence, though with greater reason it might have
been occasioned by machines used by the besiegers) the cid-
KincWtt- Mns were compelled to surrender. The conqueror, contra*
Itun*i de- ry to his usual ]^ractice, granted them ^vorable terms ; re-
siency. newed their ancient privileges, and only altered the gates of
the castle, as a token of his victory.
Having subdued the rebels, and quieted the internal com-
motions, yet despairing of the good will of the stubborn £»-
gUsh by lenity, he had recourse to the most rigorous laws.
He punished the insurgents without mercy, depriving them
of their possessions, and bestowing them on me Normans:
He abolished the ancient Saxon laws^ and established those of
Normandy^
* Thk BoUwOT had been created by the conqueror Baron of Oakhamp-
loll, and hereditary Visoount of Dewm ; and, in consequeace of that
«^:e^ had the custody of| and readence in, the castle.
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tHK CITY OF EXSTER. ^J
■dzed dKftrestUTctof themonasterieSy dtpmtd CHAl^. H ^
the Eikgiuk of i^ piaoesof trust, impoied « feudal tenure on '
all laa& belonginsto the croWn, and madea new law, by
^^-baAewrfimemhkEiigiM tubjects wto compelled, on Arbttnry
the peadty of deadi, to wit otit dieb fire« and candlea at the biwf .
aoQod of shell at ei^ o dock al night, f This was named
the corfew, or comfire. He also cauaed a general survey
to be made of all the lands in the kingdom, and to be entered
iitio a book called Doomsday bo<^ (which ii still existing,)
and kid a tax of dsUUiiigir on every hide of land. $
In Doomsday boofk it is recorded that *^ Bsetcr did not .
**gddt%^wkeHljmd0t, York, mdWkicheder didf Ma / ©iw ^^'***«-
** a mttk ^9ih»fifr a KnigM^sJief m ^^e of an expedition by
** hmi€t Ma, itHfwd afttt the rate ofjtvt hides i at the time
^* afthtimtv^t tht King had in tkiiOkyi three hmndred and
**Jlft€en houses : iipaidjffieen pcmnds a year, and that AA hdw
** jrrawre destroyed afttrthe King came to England.**
'D'hiUxtf the lenaamder of diis King's reign, Exeter enjoyed _^. .
the biessm^ of fa»cr, and grtttly increased in splendour and m^i^a^
nniaber ofmhabitants ; w&ich arose partly from the addition-
al psivil^evand immunities granted to it, and from the num-
ber of JVaraMiMwho settled in it.* It appeilrsalso frdm our
andent Intorians, tllit the citia^as, even in those days^ car-
ried on a large trade wkh foreign countries; and that the
change of government, insteiad of being detrimental, was ra-
ther bodtificiai, and eacieased the opohnce of the inhabitants.
Ki^ WiUiam^ in tfa^ year 1090 founded the Abbev of a. D.
Battle, in 5ii«ittr,onrtlie spot where the &motks battle of tftfj- loso.
tinga was fetfght ; and mte to it, ara cell, the church of St,
Olave, bt this dtf* WiUkm died in 1087 ; and was stfc^i 1087.
ceededbyhisseoMid son, fFitiiani, sumamed (iVom his red
hair) Jti9li#.
Mohert, faiv eldest brother, who, by his father's wiD, en- ^yjj^ ^
joyed die Dukedona of Normandy, demanded the crown in
D right
bari.
f There k ftffi tome port of fhii eutom iiettsining in SrHsr'y the
OtthedMbeU^toilikiferefy nii(lit at eight o'clock ^ end which is stiU
teraiedtii^BeU varae.
1 A hide of land contidaed- loo Aerei.
4 To geidt, wai to pej the quota of taxes : hence the term of GuUd-
n, anciently written Geldthdl.
* Soon after the coiM^uest, WiBkm hitiodaced a great number of Jews
into the kingdom, from KormrnHj and it is protMble, thas sohie of
these iodUstrious tiedaft settled in kaeNrt fbrwefind m record, thar,.
in the reign of K«iry the third, the manor otSottik Bole, in this county
was mortgaged by WilHam^ Son tdlUehard de Bote, to a Jew of Exeter ;
and wU^ was sdaed hy that Monaitii*
RiidotCs surooff qf Devon,
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28
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. U.
Priory of
St. Nicho*
lasfoundied
A. D.
1089.
St. Nicho-
las fair
granted.
Lajomas
fair.
1100.
Henry 1.
right of succession; and was supported . in his daim b^ a
great number of the Norman Barons: but WUiiam^ having
gained the good will of the Engluh nation^ by his promises
of restoring their ancient laws, soon compiled the rebeU
to submit ; and the steady alleeiance of his Engluh subjects,
biassing the Monarch in their mvor, he ereatly added to the
privileges of several cities, among which, Exeter had a share
of his bounty*
Wiiliam^ however, . soon foi^ot his promises. He made
several arbitrary laws; and particulariy such as regarded
the preservation of the ganie, not only in his own forests
and domains, but .throughout his whole dominions. The
penalty inflicted by these laws was death, or the loss of
limb, for the killing of deer, or any other game ; and these
laws, it is said, were the principal foundation of the present
existing game laws.
It has been already mentioned that the late Kin? gave the
church of St. Olave m this city to the monks of &e Abbey
of Battle \ the said Abbot and Monks, assisted therein by
RuJMSj founded the pricr^ ef St, Nichoiu on a vacant spot
near the said church; whichy by subsequent bene&etien?
rose to great power and wealthy as vnll be noticed in the
course of this history. To this priory the King gave a close
of land, situated widiin the city walk, and eafied from dii»
donation, Fryer$^ay$ (now St* BartMomew* $ burying
ground:) he also gave to the Prior a charter to hold att
annual 4ir, on the festival of St. Nicholas^ being the 6th
day of December; and Ukewise a moiety of a fair, held
in this city long before the conquests, calted Cr&llditcA;
now Lammas fiiir, to him and his successors for ever.
The death of WiiUam Rufw, which happened on the 2d
of August, 1100, (he being accidentally shot b^ an arrow,
which had glanced against a tree, wmle huntmg in New
forest^ in Hampshire^ made room for his younger brother,
Henry surnamed Beauderck^ virho succeeded him.
liefuy taking advantage of his eldest brother, Robertas ab-
sence, (who was then in the Hofy land J seized on the va-
cant throne ; and, in order to secure himself thereon, placed
his greatest confidence on the English nation, who were,
by far, the bulk of the pcopl'e. He began his reign (in
1 100) by granting to his subjects a very advanfageous char-
ter; confirming several privileges they enjoyed under the
Saxon Monarchs; restoring the laws of Oward the Con^
fessor; and reforming the abuses which had crept into the
government during Uie two former reigns, through the in-
solence of the Normans. He. Ukewise abolished the curfew
law;
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 29
law; thetftz <s(^tdD0n»^geldt^ so odious to his subjects; and CHAP. I T.
gianted gaeat immunities to the prineipal cities and boroughs
of his donEumoDS. The city of Exeter received marks of his New chwr-
bouii^» by hi* gnmting them a new charter^ and confirm- ^^ v^^^-
ing to dbem all the pri^eges they had been granted by the
Saxon government.
Hemy married Maitd (or Matilda J daughter to Malcolm
King of Scotland^ and grand daughter to the Saxon King«
Etkelred: by which in some measure, the ancient line of
sucoesaon .was restored. This greatly endeared him to Rent of E»-
his Eln^Uih subjects. On his nuurriage, he granted to his J^Q^Bcn
said mfe. Maid (as appears by the charters still extant) Maud,
the Fee-fiurm rents of tluscity, estimated then at 25 pounds
a year: a oeat sum in those da^.
In Ifae charter granted to Exeter by this King, their an-
cient rights were fully confirmed; and, it says '* tney should
<* be me £tx>m scot, and lot, and Dane-fteCit ; and that they
** should not geldt, but when London^ York and Winchester
** geldted : that they should enjoy their full pleadings and
^' amerciaments within their own walls, as was customary
** 9t that time in the city of London.^*
King Henry first instituted the present form of the high
court of parliament. Before his time, the nobility and
bishops only were called to consult about the most impor- f^i*?"*^^
tant affiurs of state: but he caused knights, from the dif- ^^ "^
ferent counties ; and citizens and burgesses, from the prin"*
cipal places in the kingdom, to be assembled ; and divided
the parliament into three Estates, the nobility, the clergy, and
the commons:. these represented the whole body of the
people; and he i4ppointed them to ait in several chambers ,
the Xing, B'lshops and Lords in one; and the commons in
another.
It seems probable that this dty sent its representatives to
this meeting; though we have no account mentioned of it,
the parliamentary rolb not commencing till the 33d year of
Edtoard the first.
Record tells us that the King reserved to himself the ap-
pointment of Portreeves, or chief Magistrates; and that
guilds, or fraternities were first establiwed, under certain
regulations, for the better government of Trades and mys- q^^^ w^^q^
teries ; and that the inhabitants enjoyed the greatest blessings ty.
of plenty in this King's reign. As much wheat was sold
£)r 12d. as would suffice 100 people for a day; and a fat
sheep, for a groat.
lathe year 1118, Queen Maud gave to the church and ^ jy
canons of tjie Hidif Trinity y within Aldgate^ in the city of \\\^[
D 2 London,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
do . TBS HWTomr ow
: — valued ^i €5 pouDdi ^ jaar. King JCnwy died oa -the l»t
A- p. of December 1136; and ws •uocteded ty ^I^SpAai, Eari of
^^' £^if, madfOAof FittM the eoMucfOC* Vy hU daogkter
Stephen^ having through the intrigues of hk bvotkert M^nry
bkhop^f Wmhder (Ike P<>pe'« tc^wte,) and the pcrrilegcff
he proauied to gnnt 4|ub EngUsk^ got poateanon of tlie
ihroDe. notwithstanding the lawliil pretensions of the Em^
pruf M^iwU only sunrving child of the 1^ Ki^ Henry;
iv^s qcowMd at Westminattr on the S6th dtj ef l^cenaber
^ . 1135, He gave his anfajepts a very adrantageous charter ;
^^' and9cknowkdgtti, that it posfsssed the crown by no other
tenure, than the election of the people, and Uie derey;
notwithstanding however, these great concessions, the ba-
rons «iade an ahlipst general inaurraction 4^?>u^ him : a-
mong these, 9aUimm de Rtptani (or Rimn^J iLan of Devon,
fortified the castle of JExeter; and Uie citizens, taking part
^«r^u^ with the Empreu Maud, infused the Kinjg admittance into
tJJ^by their city: be immediately invested it with a great army,
K. Stephen and laid close siege to it* This sicjge continued for up*
wards of two mondis: at length the tnbabttants were com*
pelled by famine to sorrend^: Earl Bakhm fled to the
i^le of frigki, to which the Kin^ followed hiiyif drove
him thence, and banished him widi his wb<^ fiimiiyp
BMvm retumoi in the reien of Henry fid* and enjoyed all
bis lands and honors; and we find tl^t ha j>osseiised, ij;
the coun^ of Deoem, no less than 159 lofdahips; and liad
in the city of ExeUr 19 houses. *
1153. 1"^ ^^^ betwean Stephen and the ^mpre$$ JHhei^ con*
tinued until the year il6S, widi various ancoess of the
Distress of contending parties. Every petty Baron, or Lord of a
the country manor, fotiftying hj# house, or castle, from whence, by
freaiient sallies, m^ plundered die surrounding countrjr:
robWd the travelkis; and committed the moit horrid
depredations on those poor defenceless inhsbitanti^ who
retused to join them, or become their retainers.
Tlup neighbouring barons often engag^ in pitched
battles; so tfa^ die whole kingdom was a scene of blood
and horror until the death of Prince En^teee^ only son of
Stephen ; when a reconciliation took {dace among the con-
teniding parties, and Siephm adopted Henry, son of the
Emprfu Ataudf for his successor; securing to hinuelf the
English crown till his death.
^ During the continuance of these civil commotions, the
• city of Eieter stood firm to the interest of die Eftfms;
and
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THS CITY O* CXKTER. 31
ttidy Ibr wmnj jtan uhek h«r d e cea i f , ImM ui anrnvemfj CHAP. 11 .
to her menonr, oafled Queen Jfmi^ obiit cbiy.
Stf^Un did not long enjoy the kapfkioeit of petce: he a. D.
died m Ae foilo^ng year, and was auooeeded br IKnr/^ 1154.
the Empren Mdud$* son : Ik was the fisst King or the line „ .
of the fimtageiteU; and fcos aeoession to the thfone was. ^^ ^^
with the vnimcrsal iatiafcttion of hia aal:jeolB, u he had
the advantage of being desoanded both finoin the Smxon and
Normmn iUnga of BiigUmd.
He htgui hb leign 1^ clearing tfie kingdom of the
great iiumber of foreigners, who had been invited o\«er
to the assiatance of ^e late king; and bv reducing the
power of ^e o ver g rown barons: he took &eir castles
into his own hands: most of them ha ordered to be demo-
lished, reserving only those which he thought proper for
die defence of the kingdom : die number of those demo- Speed*i
lished, amounted to 1 1 15, (aceor<&ig to Speed,) Among ^'^'^.^
those he possessed in his own hands, was that of Eseier; ^B^>i^
which he stmngly fortified by additional works; and to
reward the citiiens for their steady adherence to the cause
of his modier, he oon&med thenr former privileges, and
mntedtfaeoi a new charter, by which they were exempted Jg^T^^JJi
nrom all customs and town duties, throughout the whole byUm.2d.
kingdom of Engknd^ both by land and water: he also
granted them to enjoy die same rights and immunities
whidi had been poss ei M ed by their ancestors before the
Nwmmn conquest; and which they had been derived of,
by preceding monarchs : he gave them the cnstodr of die
casfte, with liberty to strengthen the walls, and &rti£ca»
tions : thus during his long reign of S5 years, this city
flourished, encreased its commerce, and had the blessings
of peace, notwithstanding die troubles which his dis-
obedient sonsy and turbiuent barons occasioned to dieir
Monarch.
Hauj ordered that every citheen possessed of a knight's nenxf% or-
(ee, should provide a pair of cuirasses, helmet, shield and dertothe
spe^: and every layman that had goods and revenues, to citizens to
^valueof 16 marks, a pair ofcuins9es,hdmet and shield; ^,^^^^^
and every inhabitant worth 10 marks, aa habergeon, a ^l^^„j„
sted cap, and a spear, that they might at all times be ready ^q,
to defend the city committed to their care.
In die year 1 164, WiUiam Fkr Ralph founded an Alms- ^64.
house in this city, for certain poor people; and dedicated
it to St. Alexis: f this foundation continued about 70
years,
t It X probable that this houie was ntuated in Qmdyt Lbne,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
32 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. II . years, when it was dissolTed* and added* hy the Mayor
and citizens, to the then newly erected hospital of SU.
John 9 within the East-gate.
About the same period Baldwin de Riven^ Earl of Uevon
founded the priory of St. Jamety near Exeter ^ £ot monks
St James's of the Cluniac order, which he endowed with &^ i©-
^'^Li venues; the said foundation was confirmed by the Empress
Mattdj RicAardf son of the founder, and Robert Cldckeeter^
bishop of Exeter^ A. D. 1 156, it was a cell to the Abbey
of St, Martin at Pom, until made denizen in the reign of
i/<mrj^ the fifth.
The church of this priory was destroyed by RicAard
Duke^ of Mount Radford^ Esq. for sake of the materials.
^ jy Great part of the old buildings remained until the year
1189. 1^60; when they were taken down, and a fium-hoose
erected on the scite: it is still termed the old Abbey; and
'""**'° ^' a dam across the river jB«, is still called St. James* e wear.
King Henry died in Normandy f A. D. 1189; and was
succeeded by his Son, Richard, surnamed Csiir de Hen : he
confirmed the privileges granted by his fiUher to this ci^ :
but soon after his coronation, he engaged in a crusade for
the recovery of the Holy land^ then recently conquered
from the Chrietiant by the Saractnt, In this he was fol-
lowed by great numbers of his barons with their retainers ;
and though it drained the nation of such a multitude of
its useful inhabitants ; yet it was attended with consequences
highly beneficial to the remainder. The survivors, who
returned, brought home with them many useful arts and
manu&ctories, before unknown: and which contributed
greatly to soften the ferocious manners of the people, ^
well as, increase their commerce.
The city of Exeter had a great share of the blessing ; and
its opulence was most considerably enlarged, together with
the number of its inhabitants. The authors of that time
mention it as a city, respectable for its trade, strength and
number of inhabitants; and a place of the first conse«
quence in the western parts of England.
This King, as well as his Father, increased the freedom
of the people, and diminished the power of the barons, by
Charters granting corporation charters, from which, the different
todiffS^eiu ''*^^' ^^^ formed into guilds, or fraternities, (as they were
Trades. ^^^ called) and had great and exclusive privileges. The
people now began to nave some share of power and weight
in
anciently called St, Lucie's Lane', a commoa abridgement for St,
Alexis,
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TH£ CITY OF £X£T1SR. 33
in the goveniment; and this greatly lessened the feudal CHAP. II .
system^ and nised die opulence of the Cities, and Borough
towns*
In the latter part of this King's reign , there was almost Gccftt icai^
a ocmtinnal ram, for three or four years successively ; city.
which oocuioned snch a scarcity of corn, that wheat was
said at 18s. 8d. the qr, (a snm, almost equivalent to 41.
at this present time;) tiiis brought on a great mortality
aaiong the common people, insomuch that the livmg were
scait:e able to bury the dead.
Riehardy after great successes in the Holy land^ (where
the English gained' immortal honor) was treacherously
deserted by iiic French King; and obliged to enter into a
truce with Sakdme^ Emperor of the Saracens^ for three
years. On his return home, he was shipwrecked on the
coast of Aquiieia^ in Itafy; and attempting to travel in
disguise through Germany^ he was discovered, and basely
imprisoned, by Leopold^ Duke of Austria, who kept him
dose confined for upwards of 15 months, until the sum'
of 150,000 marks was agreed on, to be paid for his ran-
som ; this sum was chearfullr raised by his subjects ; the
churches and monasteries melting down their plate; and
the rest by Toluntary contributions; the quota raised by
the citizens of Exeter, (as mentioned by Rymer in his
Fisdera) amounted to near 1000 marks: a convincing
proof of its opulence at this period.
Richard returned from his captivity, in the year 1194;
and was received b^ his subjects with great joy. In return A. D.
for Acir loyalty in his distress, he confirmed their privileges ; ' *9*-
in particuhr of those cities which had most distinguished ji^^^^i^.
themiselves towards his release: among those, the city ofiergnuit^
Exeter is mentioned, ** the King granted them a new charter,
** which confirmed to them aU their ancient rights and pri^ ^^^
'* viieges.^^ Richard was killed by an arrow shot from a
cross bow, at the siege of a castle in France; and was suc-
ceeded by his brother John.
John on his accession , endeavoured to curtail the influence ^
of the Barons, and to curb the power of the clergy : the lat-
ter, in those days of ignorance and superstition having usurp-
ed almost the whole government into their own hands. John,
by this step created many enemies ; and the whole kingdom
was thrown into the miseries of an intestine war. John bei ng
freatly necessitated for money to pay the foreign auxiliaries,
rought over to his assistance, exacted enormous contributi-
ons from his subjects ; and this, added to the intrigues of the
church of Romt (and the rebellious instruments of the then
Pope,
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34
TIU HISTORY oy
CHAP. II,
A. D.
1300.
N2W char-
ter, with
power to
choose a
Mayor &c.
Distress of
the nation.
Pope, Ifmoeent, tfacKabe^^f £#Mi«ii, BM^mAWiHieiefm
/ernavin^ piit tke whole langd6m uaiu am iatefdict of ex-
communicatioii) occasioned nearly a general revolt from hit
wathdrity*
Thiuskuatedi JtfAiteiideawouved toMeuretohii inleresl the
principal cities and bofongh towns, by enlargtag dieif pri*
vilegesy granting freak chartets, and giving them power to
choose their own magistrates: in oonaoquenct a charter was
granted to the citixena of ^M^er, inthcyear 1300» by whiek
they were empowered to elect yearly, a duel magistrate by
the name of Mayunr; sllid two &n^, or Siemmdi. Bdbre
thiS) the Pro^MTfy otRuk^ (from the time of the Nmrm^
conquest) were nominated by the Etfls oiDei^^ whicbgave
them great influence over the citizedi: but, froni &is year^
the list of Mayors^ and Baili£fft commences; and which haB
continued to toe present time without any intemiptioa« The
charter was, nearly, in the following words.
<' J^kn by the grace of God, greeting. Know- ye Hkmt
** we hare granted, and lathis onrpresent writing do etM*
** firm to our citizens of our city of Excetter* That they may
*' choose to themselves every J^^ & Mayor, who to us m^
** be faithiy , discreet ittdne ^mp the goveraoieiit of our said
*'city; and likewi^, that they may, and da choose two
** discreet and sober eitixeiis, to assist the said Mayor, in the
<< office of Bailiffs : and that the said Mayor and BailiffsahaU
** swear to be £iithful to u»: and that it shall be hcwfteil for
** the said ckbend, at the end of the year, to remove the
** said A&yor or Bailifl^ and snbstitale others in their roos»
*Mf they will, orthesametoretain^ We likewise and ktre-
** by do grant unto our said citizens, and by this present
^ chcffter do confirm, that they weU, and in peace, freely
*^ and quietlVf and wholly have aH> the liberties, gabels and
** customs, (reserving to ourselves, the fee^ftrm rents, and
** the appeintmetti ota eorcmer of our said cit^) which have
** been ssanled to them by our predeoessors. % ''
The ul government of the King, gave great discmitent ta
the Barons: they assembled a powerful army; and John
strengthened himself vntib a number of foreifpersy who flock-
ed to his stanikuKl, lor die sake of the plunder which, they
promdsed tkemselves, they shouki- obtain from the unha{^
X There is no date affixed ti» this diarter; bat as it is evident that
Hatnf I^ford was Mayor in the year 1200, and that this chartfer war
granted by Kii^ Jokn^ there can be no doubt of its bdng the original
grant to Eleet their chief MagiStntfe by that n«me ; which was 13 years
belbre the like privitege- was pthtedto the dty of Itsndbit.* as it appears'
by Ikecharter granted to the Barom of Lmdm, in the year 1213.
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£ngM* The wlMJeikipgdom WM » <caic of tajunc «i4 < JHAP. if .
blood^lied : cvoy petty Biuroa fortifyii)|^ bisca^t and bid?* — —
ding de&moe totnc laff^; urUle the K^g> i^ the head of |i
ferodotts army of unprindpled foreigners, ravas^cd the coun*
try. ^^hlBiMe «f 0(mM(«» number flooked ibr te&ge
to the fortified cities and boroughs; where, after residing a
year and a day undatmed by the Lords to whom they were
vassala^ tbqr ^rac enrolled id the .guilds ; and enjoyed a|l
the .pmilcges and 'franduses of the former dti^^ens and bur-
By this means die Cities and towns increased fnr#^- E«tw iii>
fy in the nnmber of inhabitants, as wdl as in their opulence ; p |^^ ?!^
every lalaable moveable hafving been conveyed into mem for
the aekeof secniity. The dty of Exeter continued stedfiist
in its Iqpdty tothe King, and flourished 40 population and
wealth*
StfAm^hmag by the help of his foreign troops dispossessed
the Baiona of most of their castles and fortified places ; they ^
in despair solidtod hdp fimn Pkilipt King of .FWmce, whq^
hopuag to add England to his o(her dominions, sent over
his 9on,Lnnt9 lat the, bead of 40,000 troops: these were Hollio|»*
jmned by the barons, with all their forces ; and the dtizens bead,
of Lwiifaii deserting the King, recdved Lewis within their
walb« The Pope again interdi^^d the whole -fiatiop: bgr '^^ J ^
this terrible sentence a s^p was immediatdy pjiit to diviQe ^]^^f^
service, and Ae administering of aU the sacraments, except ^hoie
baptism ; the diurcfa doors were shut, and the images of kingdom.
the Sainta Jaid on the ground. The dead were refused
burial ; and were thrown into ditches, and on the hi^lv,ways
witfaiojat any funeral ^rengiooy. IVfairiages iyas,ceKbratoi
in the church^yards : fyt people ^ere Torbid fhe juse of
fl^ meats: they weife debarfed from all pleasure; flrom
shaving their beards; saluting each other, and were ab-
sdved from all allegiance to mdr soverdgn.
Notwithstanding this deplorable state, wheii plunder, . ^
destruction and slavery oversoread the whole kingdom 1216^'
like a ddnge, the citixens of Exeter continued firm m the
Kipg*8 iater^ .and le^s^ Omittance to the revolted
barpQS* or dieir .a4iierent8. In the year 1216, the King Cottinls'
sent a commisuon to Robert de Caurtena^f who was at that s^n s«iit to
time Vitcnmt of Devm and governor of Exeter castle, to ^^^^^jj*
take into the said dty, William Brewere, with all his forces, ^^^
if he thought his Dwn» with that of the citi^ns were^ot Exeter,
snffidi^nt for the defence thereof; and that,, if hq could not
defend the pity, then |o reUreinto the castle. - In the same ^^'^ ^^
year the King, commanded Peter de Maiolan to deliver to ^oiS^ i^
the chaplain ot Rohrt de Cowrtenayy thirty pounds to pay thecasde.
E the
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36
THE HISTORT OP
CHAP. 1! . the MiTiaon wldiew in the casde of Exeter. In the midst
' of these confutiont , John left life, and his troublesome
crown ; and was succeeded by his ddest son, Henry. §
- MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of King John.
1212.
Johi Fitz Raherf.
Richard Forrester.
Andrew Thririg.
1213.
WUliam Blondy.
Henry Milton.
John Trcbj.
1214.
Wiaiam Blondy.
William Might.
John Molton.
1215.
WUliam Blontttf.
Roger Needham.
Walter Bender.
1216.
Walter Turbett.
Laurence Elkin.
Richard Falson.
1200.
MeHty iijtffordm
Walter ^ooch.
Peter Way.
1201.
jieftry liifford*
Thomas Erming.
JefFcry Wayhmd.
1202.
Hennf Rifford.
Abraham AylofF.
Richard Perldns.
1203.
Hemy Rjfard.
Thomas Ncvil.
Aldred Skinner.
1204.
ITenr^ Riffbrd.
William Robins.
William Legrayet
1205.
Henry RJford.
John Mellifluer.
Walter Delve.
1206.
Henry Riffbrd*
Henry Jennings.
George S|)elman.
1207.
Henry Riffbrd.
Stephen Weildy.
John Fitzhenry.
1208.
John Fitz RoheH.
Adam Lyford.
Thomas Gyllam.
1209.
John Fitz Robert.
Walter Delve.
Peter Dyer.
1210.
John Fitz Robert.
Richard Kerswell.
Henry Atwood.
1211.
John Fitz Robert.
John Thurland.
William Rugg.
A. D. John^ at his decease, left two legitimate sons, Henry ^ who
^1^' succeeded his &ther ; and Richard, afterwards Earl of Cor;;-
vaU.
Henry
§ It is not mentioned by any . of our historians iirhether King John
ever had an^ personal residence in Exeter: but there is a very ancient
tiaditiony tmt in his troubles^ he resided for some time in an old
house, in Souih'ifate^reet^ then called Cook-row: it b now occupied
by Mr. Heniy Flashmany Cabinet-maker : it is further said that fiom
JoAa*tf reading there, it obtained its name of King John's pdace, or
entry.
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THE CITY OF £XET£R. ST
Henry was accordbffly prockimed King^- by the Ear 1 of CHAg. II .
PemAroke^ marshal of Uie late' Kiiia;'8 army, and tuch other — —
barons, who had continued in ueir allegiance; and was Hcniy dd.
crowned at Gloucester » His party was greatly increased by
40 of the principal barons, who had been in arms against his
&ther, wno taking compassion on the King's youth, and the
miserable state of their counti]^ : being also disgusted with
the arrogance of Lewis, and his Frendi followers; deserted
their cause, and joined the Royal standard : this decrease
of Lewises army obliged him to sue for a truce, and hasten
to France for supplies.
During his absence, his army, and the discontented barons,,
were totimy defeated by the Km^^'s troops, at Uncoin* Lean
» returned; but his supplies being cut off at sea, by a fleet
which had been fitted out from the Cinque ports, and western
coasts, he was forced to sue for peace, and abandon the king-
dom, leaving the rebellious barons, and their associates to
the mercy of the royal party.
Peace being thus happily established, the young King be- A- '^
gan to shew great marks of his favor to the city of Exeter^ as ^^^'
a reward for itsstedfast loyalty to his Father, by granting Newchar-
the citizens afresh charter; in which he not only renewed, ^r fnnted.
but increased, their prhrileges*
This year there was a great contest between Hemy^ son of '^^^•
Reginaldy Earl of ConmaU^ and Robert de Courtenay, Vis- Cimtest
count of Devon, concerning the government of the castle of concerning
Exeter, which Ri^ert de Courienay claimed as his hereditanr J^'*^^
right, descending to him from his ancestors : this, Henry took ^ J^ ^^*^
from him, and kept it for some time. At length, how-
ever, by command of the King, it was delivered up to the
said Robert de Courtenay, as being part qf his barony of Oak^
hampton. Notwithstanding this order of the King the con-
test continued; but, on the 28th of March 1219f the King l^^^-
committed the custody of the said castle and county ot Devon,
to Robert de Albermarle: however, in the montn of May
follovidn^, Robert de Courtenatt was put in full possession
of it agam ; and this was confirmed by the King's grant,
A. D. 1223.
This year the parishes ofthe city of £!r«/^ were regulated; . 1^22*
and the parish churches reduced to 1 9«
Sl^hen Lan^ton, Archbishop of Canterbury, a native of 1223.
this City, divided the whole Biole into chapters.
This year, the King gave the city of Exeter, to his Brother, ^^27.
Richard, Earl oi CornwaU and King o{ Hi^it Romans, and to Exeter gir-
his heirs for ever; of which Earldom and Dutchy, it hath en to Rich-
ever sinoe continued a part; and it is now held of the said ^v^. ®^
E2 Dtttchy, <^™^*"-
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
36 tat mttot^ 6w
CHAP, 1.1 . li^tcliy', 6ydi6 Mayor, SaifMSl, aAddtitedi'IJ^^aif ata»
nual fed faf iili rtnt at tifefe said Dutfclliy Cbtftf.
A. D. The harf dsASS ha^ng fidled fbr two dacceedtH]gr.y«lrs, dwf n^
1230. t6 continual natii, wftich datXKd^eat c^eiTOi^llgf of the
riv^rs^ the^e ^Ot^ ib p^at at ddLi^ifr <$f prOtViir^XlS/ dUtt Atf
Great scar- ptopfe\i^dr^rcddcedC0t!h6 g!te»^ belli j obliged to
^*^' c^t Aorse-Jf^shy and to ^ubstit«lt« AiJ'^t* d|< i>^^ Wir Sfr^ad: a
^eat moWity conse^tK^ntly ^^^, ^d (iris mun^liftdy up*
Speed. Wards of 20,Ooti j^eWo^ Were Aarved to dttuh, irf ttte'dty 6f
London 6hlj.
1236. About the year 1 SSS, ^nZJiMni BreoeK BisftdjS df" JRftf/^,
P«ij ' &}indtda,o6off6tBenedkti^i(tmSfitFd^^el6o{tliO\rPo&loeJ
^uQ^d n6af tbetfaid cify; which tie<f<!dic^t«dto5/. CaihtHne. Ht
' scfso gav6 td the s^dpYiory, the 1riluat>1e iHaCfiot df l^iift&e;
< ited it was endched by many dthdf bdftfefkcto'rs : it CMttantd
until thd general suppression of mdifa^^M. Gfeat {tott df
the ^cient building i^ st^B Standing ; atfd i« cooterted into a
fiu*m house : it is now the propAty 6t Montague Pai^ker £sq,
i{ was valued at thcf dissolution, accdfditfgf fd Sp^fedf^ it 170/.
is. id.pti annuni , but, Riidon, lA lui siiPtey oiDctm^ saydf
only 72/. 3*. 2^,
King It&iHf as 1&^ ^dtatlced }n T^^Lfft asstf A^ die gd-
vemment into his own handtf; ^na proved 'Vtff tindt fof
the ftfdtlous task, tie WdA lii kit teifipe', ihild aftd ho-
marie^ but Weak, fickle and iltesotutic!; and hig£ly di^
justed his subjet^ t>y &e pfefetenc^ hd gaVd to mklgnen^
numbers of whohi he Ihtitdd ot'er froitt Nofitiandy, and
prefdrfed to the nidSt luctative dffic^ id church and Mate.
The disgust ros<f to 6uch a hdght, that the balrdnt l^fhsed
to assemble at a general cdundl of thd DaHoh, though sum-
inoned by the King ; and sent a melMnger td desire him to
dismiss 1^9 fo^gnel^, of othefwiSe they Wdtild drive both
diem, and )iitxi, otft of the kingdom, 'tht difk&rences
between tj^e King and his barons, cdntinvted for many
The Castle ZP^* ^^^9 Robert de Cowtenay^ who held the castle df
of Exeter jExeier, jpinmg (he other barons against the Kfaig, was
taken from ordered to 4eliifer up the said casfle td Peter de jUvdux^ a
^•^ofd Pokioom^ vr^o wa$ at that time the chief fevdrite St oomt;
Courtenkjr. ^^ ^j^^ ^ engrossed most of the great offices of state
to himself. The Lofd Courtenay^ being now unable to
resist &e thing's power, was conil{>elled to submit; and
was deprired of the government of the castle, which had
been enjoyed by him and his ^ficestdrs fdr upwards of
SOO yeafs.
In the year 1S5S, the Pdpe having treaehetdfisly re-
1255. auced the kingddm of Sicily td k State df nssalage, ofr
fered
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^
THE €1TV C» KXEVSR. 39
lb«dl &e emtni » King USsMrjr* *w his seecmd son Bd^ CHAP, n .
j«s«f« The Kiiotg, dizxM by tiii» proposal^ accepted the
dtkt^ tritlnnit ommikijif Kit puliament, and gave the
Pope mifiimtBd' eMdiC to esmend whafeter same he thought
UflUMBiiy fer oompfetibg the cenqucst of Skify: in con-
•eqaence of this gnuit, his holiness csRrted his aposto*
fed winktotitf tor me ntmosl, and extorted vast sums of
moiWf fitnu die En^Mf by tscjo^oM both on the cJergy
and bdtf : addedFtO ^S, the Bishop of HerefM^ then re*
sSdoit at the coint of Rome^ drew biHs o& the Bishops and
AbfldClB to die ainonnt of I50v54a marks (an amazing sum
in those days) which &e P<^ pretended he had advanced'
fbr the support of the SicHian war. This occasioned an
assembly of the Pnelatetf and Abbots^ when diey renised
emnpliance, and joined die huons^amst the King; but,
t fao cq gh theartfirf jpersuasiop^ of the K>pc'8 legate the Cleigy
submitted, and the Barons where compelled to have re- Btronf ap-
tenant to their trms, aftto expostulating m vain against the pearinvms
m iagovcfun ient of the Kid^ and his foreign ministers. ag^ainst tbe
l5men to great engencies fer die want of money to pay ^^f *
his foreign mefcenaries, ami fo satisfy the avarice of the
oourt ctKome^ Henry was redveed to the most humiliating
cscpe^etit of going himself to the houses of such, as he
I i>arliament« The King
oomirfied vrith their request; promised to rcdsess all their
grievances, and renew me grot ehartcr of the people; and
uiis was accordingly fulfilled with more than usual solem-
nity. All the Bishops and Abbotts were assembled with
burning tapers in their hands, the Cht^i Charier was read
in their pesence : and they denounced sentence of excom-
munication upon all who should make the least infringe-
ment of its contents : they then put their tapers out, on vine
rmnd, and exclaimed, *' may every soui that proves faise to Dreadful
this ergreetnent, io stinkf and cormpt in heUP* the King ^^^*
subjoined, " no help rue God, 1 wiU mouMly keep all these
** things, as 1 am d man, as I am a christian, as 1 am a
hdgki, Mi as lama King crowned and anointed.**
Henry had no sooner received the supplies granted to him,
than he &rgot his late engagements to his people : he evaded
and broke through all the charters which he had solemnly
sworn to maintain : he gave himself up entirely to the direc-
tions of his foreign ministers; and garrisoned the principal
ea^es vndi mtrcenary foreign soldiers. The EngOsh no- Bvons
bil^ were so exasperated^ that they formed a powerful *8*^ ^'^
confederacy *""•
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40 . THE HISTORY OF
CHAP, n confederacy againgt him, headed by Simon Mounifari^ Earl
of Lticester; and to which the King s own brother, Richard, ^
Richard, £arl of CormoaU^ and Kine of the Romans acceded, and
^*^ ^ for his better security, retired into the castle of £re^«r, which
^^|||^ (after having turned out the foreign goremor and soldiers)
Exeter C«s- ^^ strongly fortified.
tie. The King, alarmed by the great preparations making
against him, once more promised to gorem in conformi^
to the laws, and to redress the grievances of his subjects.
He, accordingly issued his orders for assembling a new par-
liament; by which it was enacted that four knights should
be returned for each county, and that there should be three
sessions held ereiy year ; that a new High Sheriff should
be annually elected mr each shire ; that no garrison or castle
within the kingdom should be intrusted to foreigners; no
new forest made, nor the rerenues of any counties be let to
farm.
The principal barons, having, by these concessions, olv
tained the government into their own hands, took care not
to part with it as^ain; but they greatly abused the trust,
not only abridging the authorityof the King, but the
efHciency of Parliament also. They elected twelve of
their members, who usurped all the power of government;
and who instead of redressing the peoples* ^evances, stu*
died only their own interest and aggrandizement. The
clergy and commons were justly incensed aeainst thcm;^
and they petitioned Prince Edward the Kind's eldest
son, to interpose his authority, and save the smking na-
tion.
The people loudly complained of the tyranny of the
barons; and, the Pope having absolved the King and his
subjects from the oath imposed upon him and them, ano-
ther parliament was convened ; and the King reinstated in
his authority. The differences between him and the barons
continued tor more than 4 years: several bloody battles
were fought: in one of which, the King and his brother
Richard (who had been reconciled to him) were taken pri-
^ ^ soners by Leicester, In this miserable condition the king-
IS65. ^O"^ continued until the year 1265; when Leicesterj in or-
der to secure himself, called a parliament: in which, be-
sides the barons of his own party, he ordered returns to be
made of two knights from every shire ; and ako deputies
t;ommon« ^^^^ ^*^^ °^ ^^ ^^^^ *°^ boroughs. This parliament was
first insZ c^n^'^'cned on the 20th of January, 1265 ; and is the first out-
tuted. line of the English house of commons, that great palladium
oiBriiish liberty!
The
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 41
The Kmg and Prince Edxpard still continued prisoners ; and CHAP. II .
were treat^ by Leiceilerwidi great severity: but the Prince,
escaping from his confinement, was soon at the head of a nu-
merous anny : he gave Leicester battle ntan Evesham in Woi^
cestersktre, where he obtained a complete victory. Leicester
and his eldest son were both slain : and the surviving barons
submitting themadves to the King, on the promise of his ful-
filling the articles of the great charter, civil discord ceased ;
and to the great joy of the nation, peace was once more resto-
red, whidi continued fbr the remainder of this King's reign.
During the time of these unhappy difierences, Exeter con-
tinued firm in the King's interest ; to which the almost con-
stant rendcnoe oiRwhard^ £arl oiCormcall in Exeter castle,
greatly contributed ; and the barons made no attempt on it,
thougn they committed great devastations in its neighbour-
hood. The King, in return for its loyalty, reneweci their Charter re-
charters ; granted fresh privileges, which were confirmed by newed.
the King's brother, Richard^ to whom he had given tins ^ . ,
city, as an appendage to his Earldom of Cormoatl; and the y^y ^^^ £j,|
Earl greatly mterested himself at all times in favor of the citi- ofCornwalL
zens.
•
In 1254, The Plague was brought into this kingdom by A great
the crusaders returning from the Hofy land; and made great pbigue.
ravages in this city, as more than two thirds of the inhabitants
died by it. In 1238, the Hospital of St. John was founded St John^
by Gilhert 9nd John Long^ sons of Walter Longy of this city : J'^^'Sl
they endowed the same with all their lands. Spetrd says it was "'**'"|*^
dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and that it was a house of
Franciscan Friars. It continued till the dissolution of mo-
nasteries in the 27 King Hemy 8 ; when there appeared to be
on the foundation 4 poor alms-men, who had yearly f^ls. Sd,
each, during their lives: this pay was continued by the
crown : and Quern EUzabeth^ by her letters patent dated 8th
November 1562, confirmed the same, and granted to the
Mayor and Aldermen the nomination of the said alms-men,'
(the cell of &• Alexis ^ for two monks, was united to the
said hospital) and itwas valued at 102/. 12.;. 9^. per aiinusu,
according to Speed; and the hospital at 147/* 12^*. DugiM*^
in
♦ The Reader, I hope, will pardon my inserting some matters here,
which, in point of chroaology, ought to have been iaserted before, but
1 was unwilling to break the course of this account of the Barons* war?: ;
in which, though the city ofEapeter seems to have so little concern, I
must beg leave to say, that these frequent recourses to arnii, calltxl in
the interference of the commons ; and that to this we owe tlie great and
peculiar pririleges, granted by charters to our cities and borouglis, which
we new enjoy.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
42 THE H<iSirQRY OF
CHAP. If . in his Mamutkonf IaUs.iu, it svas «iiJho^t«l£ir£ve jiffiastBy
^— -^ Sboys, and 12.poQraloi»-iii£iu
1,,^^ In 12489 A long contcft.which had been dependiiurttiJa»c
.between the Ma^or mdmUzem^ £laintii& ; and the JSomjuwi
Cht^ter of Su Feter^ Defendants^ ^oonceming the fee .a<i4
Contro- liberties of Si» SidspcUf was now ended .^7 oompoaition
^'«*y ■*?«^ made at LmmeeMUm^ Jicfore Rkhmd^ Earl of CmmM; JRidk--
STfeHf «^» B^«*«>P of £«rf«:; *Ry^ TiMcfy; Gilbert J'testati, mi
SLSviw^J^^CU^^om, die King 'a Ju8tice3 of Assize, as.followneth.
1. The tenants of the Z)«aii and C^/r^, dwelling .within
the city and suburbs of the same, and who do pcc^I]qr,an]r
.Art» Trade, or Mystery, shall at all Taxes and TalUagts,
be taxed and assessed.with the citizens, so that the aaidttaxa-
tion be just and indif&rent.
2. Also that the Baihff of the aaid Dean and CJ^ter, shall
l^TT' S^tb^t ^^^ receive the tax, . and psLj it over to the Majf^
or of »e said city, or his officers : but if the said .Bailiff *be
.remiss or negligent, then the officers of HktMoj^cr shall, aqji
may levy and collect the same.
5. Also, that an indifierent man shall be chosen by each
party, to be the common bailift' for them both, who on his
oath shall yearly gather, and fromtime to - time collect of all
the said Dean and Chapters' tenants, the customs of Bagavcf^
BetAi^gavil^aid Cheaprni^s^eL
4. Also, that all Plaints entered against any of the Dean
and Clu^tn* tenants within the said city, shall be tried aqpi
determined before die Mayor and Bailiffs,
5* Also, that all Plaints entered against any of the Dean
and C^^«r(' tenants, dwelling within the fee o£ St* Sidwel/,
shall be determined before the fiailiffii. thereof.
6. Also, if any of the tenants of the said Dean and CiapUr^
being Bakert^ or Brewers, are to be punished for breach of
< the Assize, in the Pillory, or Tumbrel : the same, on the
request of the Mayor, to be done within the city*
7. Also, all pleas of the Croon to be determined by the
Mayor.
Lastly, All traitors, murderers and: felons, that shall
be foimd within the said fee, to be apprehended by the Bai*
li£F, and by him to be brought, and delivered over to the
Mayor.
A. D. 1257, Waiter Gervis Esq. who had been twice
Mayor of this city, commiserating the loss of many persons
?'*de?^ who were drowned in crossing the river Exe^ at the ford,
^^ the lower end of the city (there being only a ferry at this time,
and many poor people, in order to save the feri^man's fee,
attempting to ford the river) he procured a collection throv^h-
Ottt
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OF £XtT£H. 4S
oat the DketUi whereby ht raised 5000 marks { which he CHAP. H .
managed with such care, that he caused to be erected a iair
Bridge; aod purchased lands towards its maintenance : he
further by his last wil]» gave other lands of his own for the
support of the said bridge for ever, appointing the BltAop of
Exeier^ Sir WiUiam Btekley, Knight, and others, Execu-*
tors of his md will. He also caused a Chapel to be built at
the Blast end of the said bridge, in which he was interred, f
A. D. 1£58* The numtwr of officers, joined with the Number of
Mayor, for the government of the city augmented to three. Stewards
A. D. 1263. The said officers were augmented tb four; «ugineiited.
of which, one to be Receiver-general, for that year, of all the Fuither
city's rents and revenues: at ibt same time, four Sergeants augmeated.
at mace (who were termed Sub-baiMs) were appointed, to seijeants at
be always in readiness to attend the Ma^or and nis courts, mace ap-
A. D. 1S67. iV«r^<iAif J/rr^9/^ died m his mayoi^ty, and pointed.
Walter Ckaw was chosen in his place, to serve me office for
the remainder of the year.
A long dispute, was this jrear settled by compositioa, be-
tween the abbot and convent of Sherhomf and the Mayor f and
commonalty of this city, concerning the passage or ferry at
ExmotUh : when it was agreed that the said abbot, should
disclaim all title and interest to the said ferry, only reserving
a free passage to th6 said abbot and convent, and their ftmi-
lies, without payment of any tiling : provided that if the city's
passenger be not ready, nor their passage boat in place, to
set them over; Ihat then, at their own lilKrty, they may take
any other boat ibr that season.
King Henry died, and was succeeded by his eldest Son, ^* ^'
Edward*
JkfjrOAS and BAILIFFS in theragn of Hsn&t III.
\%\7. 1219* H21«
RM:er FktAenryi Wdter Tmriert. Roger Fitthenry.
WSUam Green. John Mintin, William Giang.
Thomas Courtys. Stephen Lake. WiUiam Facy.
1218. 1290. 1222.
Walter €hrvu. Walter TktrSert. Roger tks/henry.
Philip Dyriiag* Widter Bellamy* * Henry Fitthenry.
Martin Lekean. Robert Field, William Hastment.
F 1223.
t lliis chapel was not built on the Kite of the present church ; but
Im the other side of the way, and is now converted into a dwelling house,
occupied by Robert Andrews, a Whitesmith, very visible remains of its
ancient sacred state are stul to be seen. The present parish church was
not erected till near 100 y^ after.
1272.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
44
THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. 11.
Walter Gervis.
Walter Tulcstott.
Roger Monk.
1SS4.
WaUer Turbert.
Hillaiy Blondjr*
Martin RofF.
12^5.
Walter Turhert.
William Hastment,
John Turbert.
Roger Fitzkemjt
Martin Roff.
William Hastment.
1227.
Walter Turhert.
Martin RofF.
John Turbert.
1228.
Walter Turbert.
Hillary Blondy.
William Haatment.
Bx^er Fitzkemyf
John Turbert.
Walter Genris.
1230.
Roger FUzhemy.
HiUaiy Blondy. '
Walter Gervis.
1231.
Waker Gervu.
Martin RofF.
EuataceFitzherbert
1232.
WdterTurbeH.
Walteir Le cawfl.
Jermin RofF.
1235.
Hillary Bhfufy*
Martin RofF.
Walter Lc caws.
1234.
Mat4tn Rxff.
Walter Grang.
Philip Dyer.
1235.
Roger FUzhenry.
AStm Rifibrd.
Walter Grang.
1236.
Walter Turhert.
John Capom.
John Leyden.
1237.
Martin Raff.
Jefiery Strange.
Thomas Pitcher.
1238.
MarUnRoff.
Walter Chanon.
Philip Palmer.
1239.
Walter Gervis.
John Bushett.
John Okeston.
1240.
Mofiw Raff.
Thomas Pitcher.
Walter Molton.
1241.
Martin Rof.
Thomas Pitcherr
Walter Molton.
1242.
Martin Rqff.
Philip Dw.
Thomas le Pointon*
1243.
Martin Roff.
Philip Dyer-
Walter Molton.
1244.
Adam Rifford.
Philip D^er.
Walter Okestoa.
1245.
Martin Rqf.
Robert Molton.
Robert Spew.
1246. ^
Adam Ri ford.
John Okeston.
PhiHpDyer.
1547.
Martin Rof.
Baldwin ChUd.
Walter Okeston.
1248.
Walter Hastment.
Walter Good.
Hillary Whitc.>
1249.
Martin Roff.
PhUip Dyer.
Walter Okeston.
1250.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OF EXETBR.
45
\
1250.
Jlacnu R^vntf
John Okeston.
Robert Taylor.
1251.
John Okc8ton.
Philip Djren
1252.
Martin Rqf.
Philip Dyer.
Thomas Pintin.
1253. '
John Okeston.
John Windsor.
1254.
John Okaionm
Baldwin Child.
Rowland OTcrwiU.
1255.
Hillary Blondy.
^Valtcr Chaw.
Martin RofF jnn.
1256.
Philip Dyer.
Thomas Houghton
Richard Arnold.
1257-
fJiOary Blondy.
Eustace Fitzhcrbcrt
Richard Poyters.
1258.
Hillary Blomfy,
Roger Fitzhenry.
Walter Chaw.
John Caporn.
1259.
PMiip Dyer.
Walter Chaw.
GefFery Stimung.
Martin Dirling,
1260.
Waiter Okettm.
Martin Dirling.
Nicholas Dchcster.
Thomas Langdon*
1261.
'Hillary White.
Richard Valtian.
John Pudding.
Philip Palmer.
Widter Okeiton.
William Jcffcry.
Roger Fitzhugh.
WiiSterMinson.
1265.
Nicholas Ilchesterm
John Okeston.
lUchardTantifer.
John Feniton,
Martin Dirling.
1264.
PhUip Dyer,
John Okeston*
Walter Okeston,
John Windsor.
Jervis Pintham.
1265.
Walter Oiestvn.
John Okeston.
Martin Dirling.
Thomas Gatepath,
Richard Tantifer.
1266.
William Dirling.
John Feniton.
F2
Philip Blehuch. •
Richard Tantiler.
John Pudding.
1267.
Nich.IkhaeterOh.
Walter Chaw.
PhiHp Pahner.
Thomas Langdon.
Richard Newton.
Httgh Langdon.
1268.
Walter Okeston.
Richard Tantifer.
Hugh Falcon.
Wifiiam Pening.
John Cook.
1269.
Alphred Duport.
J. Barkhampstead.
Richard Tantifer.
Philip Palmer.
John Clark.
1270.
Martin Dirling.
Richard Tantifer.
Philip Clark.
Hugh Falcon.
WiQiam Pening,
Martin DirUn^.
Richard Tantifer.
William Powell.
John Cook.
Hugh Falcon.
CHAP. II.
Martin Darling.
John Feniton.
Thomas Gatepath,
Richard Allen.
Hugh Falcon^
Prince
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
46
THS HISTORY OP
CHAP. H .
Edward 1.
A. D.
1272.
1273.
li?74.
Jews ba-
nished the
Kingdom.
1275.
Town dues
granted.
1376.
Lammas
fair.
Pritaee E4x$atd'W2A in Smk^» oo his return from the Holy
latpd, when he itoeiTed the n«wt of his Father's death ; and
knowing the tftoquility that prevailed in his dominions,
made no haste in returnmg home; but staid upwards of a
year in France^
This3rear, (MnMtr, Lord Dkdkmn (a very potent Baron in
the late wan) died in this cit^; and was buned in the church
of the Black; or preadiiiig finars (iate Bedford house J on the
nortb side of the high altur; and soon after, his Lady, ww
doW of the Lord John de Cowienay, was buried opposite
heriunband, in the same church,
Edxrofd returned to EkgUmd; was receired by his sub-
jects with the greatest joy, and crowned at WeitmmUer on
the 19th Attgusty 1274. He began his rei^n by endeavour*
ing to correct those disorders, which the civil commotions,
and weak administration of hb Father had occasioned. He
kept up a syvtem of the strictest justice; yet ha is charged
with being too serere to the Jcos^ by oppressing them with
arbitrary teinr. He caused 380 of them to be hanged at one
time, for adulterating the coin; confiscated the goods of all
the rest, and banish^ them the Kingdom. Many fiunilies
of whom, at that time resided in Exeter.
This jear the King confirmed the charters formerly mnt*
ed to this city; and Sy his letters patent dated 10th March,
renewed to the Mayor and citizens, liberty to collect a toll
from all manner of wares and merchandize brought into it
to be sold, towards Xhit paving the streeti, repmrmg the vails,
and manUaiving the said cit^ : this, in old Eoglisn is termed
Bagavelf Bethugaotl^ and CkeapengaveL
The King, by his letters patent, ordered an inquisition to
be here held, to enquire out certain lands and liberties con»
ccaled : when it was found by verdict, that CroQdiich^ alias
Lammatfoir, % was divided into two moities, or hal&n deals
betweei^
X Fahs owe their erigui to an institution of Pope Gr^gorjff (siniained
the great,) who soon after the ooatwiion of the Ai^ Sawotu to Ghiis-
tianitjr, and being well acquainted with their preddection for their an-
cient customs of revelling and carousing on particular days, dedicated to
their fiUse deities ; lecommended to Augustmey that there should be
an annual celebrity in all parishes, on the vigils of the Saints days to
whom their churches were dedicaled. And for the accommodatioa of
the Tisitois, mall porilions were constructed of bongfas in the Cfamsh-
yaitfaj m which they spent their nights, after prayers, in all kinds of
pastime and carousals j from whence tliey were termed waket. Hence
we 6nd that most of our Marts and Fairs, are held on some Festival, or
Saint's day : to these revels the people resorted in great crowds, and great
quantities of provision would consequentiy be wanted for their entertain-
The prospect of gain invited the littie tiadeis of the neighbouiv
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY or £XET£B. 47
hftmtm King Jain aad dib oommonaHtf; And that King CHAP. H .
Join resamed the whole into hi« own hands » and gave it to "
the pnor and convent of £/• NiekUoi. Tfaia fair was annu-
aDjT kepton&»//i€r7t^a^; beginning the last daj in July, at
noon, and continoed two wm>le days and a hadf, following :
k b -wtTf ajicient, and was much noted before the conquest :
tad wu, atdiat time^ die sole property of die consmonalitj .
of this city; as appears by Doomsday-book, still remaining
in JFimtmuuier AMegf. This £ur beinff thus divided into moie-
ties, at length came into the hands ot the Earis of Dewm^ and
the prior &c. of St. Nicholas* Thus it continued till die
reign of Hemy 8th when, at the suppression of the said pri-
orj, the moiety belonging to it was purchased by the Mayot
and CommmuUfy of this city: the other, on the attainder of
Hemy Courtenatff Marquis of Exeter ^ in the year ISSS, re^
verted into the King's hands, as a parcel of the manor of
TepfAam; and waa given to Northmare Esq. and
vras lately purchaaed, together wi^ die said manor, by the
Chamber of £n^«r, who anenow the aole proprietors; and
they, aboat 7 years since, removed the said fiur from CroU*
dkch^ 9ivu, Sonihemkgyy into the High^treet. Onthescite
where die fidr was formerly held, an elegant pile of buildings
is erected. The ancient privileges belonging to this fiur are^
as follow*
t. It ahall continue iar two whole dajB and two half
days, beginning at 18 o'clock on Lammas eve, at noon.
2. The whele soil or pbt of SoutAerMAayy is the Lords of
the ftir daring that dme, and unto 12 o'clock after the end
thereof.
S. The Lords may set and demise the said soil one day
before the eve of the said £alu
4. That the Lords have the whole profit of the said fair.
5. Also that they diall there have the cognizance of Pleas,
and a court of Piepoudre, | as an incident to all &irB.
6. Also,
ing xxnmtrj to come with their wsres; and the nodj sale tfaef inetivitb,
induced txuxe considexable dealers and merchants to resort to them wkh
their merchandizes. This resort being held on a l^erui, or holiday, ob*
tained^he name of Feria, or Fair. The same amoog the iSeom, the
Frenekf the Germam^ and the BritOM, Fager, Foix, Feyer, and Faire,
the word heiog derived from the same source in ail these nations, the
Latin being at this period the ooly eccieaastical language in West JEtfp
rope, FairsasR now, (owing to several causes) much on the decline,
and some discontinued, particularly in this City, Magdalen^ and Si.
Thoma$*t Fairs. The only ones now here held, are oa Atk^wtAtntday,
WkH-^monda^y Tammat^ and St. Nkkolvi't days.
4 A Piepoudre court is to judge matters in a suaomary way, even
tokiie the dusi remaifu <m thtfeei.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
48 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. IT . 6. Al«o, they have power to pniiish all ofi«nden widiin
the said fair.
7. Also, they are to have an hoase» or ToUiaoih there,
and a pair of stocks.
8. No man is to sell an^ wares^ within the said city, or
suburbs during the said fiur, on pain of forfeiting thereof
to the Lords, and they may be seized on, if they he within
the reach of a man's arm.
9. The Stewards of the said fiur, are to examine all
weights and measures, and finding them defectiye, to re-
A. D. form the same according to law. *
1284. The Franciscan^ or Grey FriarSy ever since their first set-
-. • tling in this city, had their house, or residence in South-gate-
GreTFriars *^rcct, f but finding it too small and inconvenient for their
without lordly stomachs, as they increased greatly in numbers; and,
Southgate from begging mendicants had become greatly enriched with
*«^<^- lands, by the ill judged charity of pious devotees to a large an-
nual amount ; they obtained a grant from the Elarl of Conmaii
of all that large spot of land, situated on the south side of a
street then called Larokbearemay (now HoUmayJ and from
the City ditch to Larrokbeare ditch ; on which they began
to build a sumptuous convent : but the then Bishop, Peter
Quiviltj not willing to encourage a fraternity that greatly en-
croached on the prerogative of the regular clergy, endeavpur-
cd to hinder them from proceeding. They petitioned the
King, who granted them a licence to continue their build-
ing, and confirmed the said foundation by his charter. Not-
withstanding this, the Bishop stoudy continued his opjMMi-
tion until his death, being accidentally choaked while drink-
ing a syrup : and the bigotted hypocrites pretended this was
a judgment of the Almighty for his opposmg them in theix
undertaking.
Upon the King's death, they finished their convent,
which continued till the general suppression. The said
land
* There is a tradition, that this fair vns once kept in Exe Idand\
but there happening a very great flood on the fiurday, vhich did much
damage, the &ir, on that account was removed to CroUdiidiy and that
therefore the barons of OoAAon^/wi, as Lords of the manor of Exe Is*
landf had the moiety of the profits of the said &ir; but little confkleiice
can be put in this tradition, ai^ according to Doomsday-book, which
was compiled in the year 1086, it is expressly called CroUditck fiur : and
this is almost as soon as any barons of Oakhampton were created.
Cleoelacnd.
t Tradition informs us their first residence in Exeter was where the
Black Lions Inn is now situated; and it seems very probable, as it Has
the appearance of a very ancient building, and of a monastical founda-
tion.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 49
bud (being a sq>arate manor) is still called Frian^hdys; CHAP. IT ,
and is at this time the property of Capt. RicAard Graves^ —
who married the daughter of Sir Jithn CoUtUm^ Bart. ^^ .
late proprietor* ^20^ '
The Mayor and Bailiffi» were thisyear (as we find on the
Records} chosen upon Thursday in Passion week.
The first records of this city now remaining in the Coun-
cil chamber begin this year.
ItabeUa^ Countess <H Devon, endeavouring to encroach
on the liberties and priyileges of the citizens, they referred
their cause to die King, and pleaded that their city was an Citiaem
andent demesne, and they held it, in fee fiirmof die crown, complain ••
paying 29/, \5i. $d. per annum; and to support the same ^ "^'
they referred to King Henry 3d*s chaner, granted to his
brother, Richard, Earl of CortmaS, the King's uncle; and
by which they further challenged return of writs, a gallims,
fillery, twnbr^, Sfc* and a fiur of 4 days, beginning Slst j^n^jj^,^
July, at 12 at noon : besides 3 markets weekly, on Monday^ markei
Weim^d^, and Friday; and they certified they had enjoyed days,
these liberties before, and since the conquest: in conse*
quenoe of this reference, the Kin^ confirmed these privileges Libeitiet
to them by his royal sign manual. confirmei.
Waiter LeelUade, the first precentor, was this year murder-
ed as he came from morning prayers (which was usually in
those days at 2 o'clock) and this struck the clergy with such
tenor, that they petitioned the King, who, with his Queen,
came to Exeter; and after a strict investigation of the said
murder, Atphred Dupart, who had been" eight times Mayor, ^^ ^^^
together with the Porter of the Soutkgate was arraij^nrd, Mayor, «d4
found guilty, and executed : it being proved that the South- the Forter
gatevns that night left open, by which means the murderer of tlie
escaped, and was never after heard of. It docs not appear ??^^?*^ '
from any accounts handed down to us, that the Mayor and '
Porter were any ways privy to, or concerned in this murder;
but only that through their misconduct in leaving the gate
open, die murderer"s escape was facilitated. The King, *
Queen, and their suite kept their Christmas here ; and du-
ring their residence, they lodged in the house of the Biaek"
friarg (lately Bedford^houseJ where they continued till the
beginning' of the next year; when, at the King's instiga-
tion, a composition and agreement was made between the
Mayor and commonalty, on the one part ; and the Bishop, ^*' "®*^'
Dean and Chapter, on the other part : in which, the said ^|^^^ ^\^
Mayor and citizens, for the better security of the resident waJlj ami
^^^^9 g*ve them (by a deed) liberty to encompass the gates.
whole close and cemetery of St. Peter, with a high wall ;
and
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
50 THE HMTORY.OF
CHAP. IT . Md to erect the Mlamng gatei: vix. St. Miduiel^ *
St. Martin's, Berkkj, f Mace, Deaa'a, 4. St. Georgt'i, J
"^iflfi * **** ^* P*^"***'^ • § ^"^ ^« Mayor and citiceiif rcser-
1286. ^^ ^^ themselves their full judicial power and privilegei
which they had been poaseased of before tfaia agreement.
This deed The deed is dated the «dth of Maw* 18S6, «id U witiMsed
Hfc^^" ^J ^ ^rd Hun^k de CoufMki9y ^ Lord, OlhetSeDMsim,
RaMgA, Henr^dePaHe Bean, Sheriff of DeoM, and Tk^as
de Phmy Knights. X
PartofExe- I***" 7^^» ^^ Summer proved very wrt; which oaa»ed
bridge great inundations; a considerable part oiBM-Mdge waf
wathed a- carried away by the high waters ; but was again rejMifed at
'^y- the sole charge of the citizens.
Wales Kihg Edioard having totally reduced the Welck^ and by
united to the death of their htft prince, Leoline (who was killed in bat^
England, fie) subjected them to his government, sent for his Qoeen^
then big with her first child, to Cesrtuiroen castle, vi^ch he
had hitely built; and she was there' delivered of a prince
(afterwards the unfortunate King Edwmd Itd^J whom th^
Welch, soon after acknowledged as their prince ; and evtr
since that period, they have remained dependent on thtf
English nation : the eldest sons of our Monarchs always be«
ing created, soon after their births. Princes of Wake, taosgh
1209. born Dukes of Conmaii.
hahellu de Fortibus Countess of Deoen, beanng ill will
towards the citizens of Exeier, endeavoured by all means in
Countess her power to distfbss them : accordingly, to injure their
Weare commerce and fishery, she made a dam, or Weare, across
"^«- the river Exe; at a place still called Countess Weate, whicb
. hindered the ships and boats from oomine up to the Quay^^
TOm^nto " ^^^ ^^^ hitherto done. The citizens therefore laid theif
the King. co»np™nt before the King, who sent down Sir Maic&Mt
Harieigh, his general escheator on the south of TVett/, to make
enquiry concerning the said encroachments : this wa» h^d
accordm^ly at the Castle ; when the jurors, who oonosled
ycrdict of the principal landholders of the hundred &f Wemfmd^ re*
given in turned a verdict in favor of the citizens, as follows, «*tbat
w ^w. „ ^g ^^j^ l9abeUay Countess of Devm having erected a certain
** Weare across the river Exe, (which river is, and ought to
be
♦ Now Broadgate. f St Catherine's. 4. Beaigate. J LitUe-
stile. § now shut up : the passage is partly relnsdning, bv the side of
the Globe TaTem, a house being built where it enteM hito Sbviilk-
gate-«treet, and which is now inhabited by Mrs. Teddas, a Broker.
t Before this time, the cfaurch-yaid of Si. Peter, was open to the
High-street, with only a low wall, like those surrounding countr)-
church-yards : nor were any buildings erected on that side the street.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF E:SBT£R. 51
«'bc, the property of the King in right of the city of JEiwf«?r, CHAP. IL
•• firom CAechiMe to the bridge of the said city, calkd JEir- '
** Mdge/ to the gfeat annoyuice of the dtizeiit thereof, and
« the neighbounne inhabitants of the county o^Deom^ they
** aretherebygiesdy injured in their trades and fisheries/'
Another inquisition was likewise held before the said Sir
Malcolm EwMgh^ who, for that purpose, \utpt his court at
the Dean 's house withm the dose, when the dtizens proved
upon their oadis, that the said ci^ appertains to the crown,
both before and ever since the conquest, that the same is im-
mediately held of the King, and that Yon^Hetuyid &ther
of the present Kbg, did give this city to his brother, the Earl
oiCmimaii^ and his heirs; and that the dtizens do hold the
same in feefium rent of the said Earl, as before, thev hdd
it of the King, paying to him jearly 35/. \0$. and Hkewise
that the water and river Exe^ K>r ever of old time did apper«
tain unto the said city, from the bridge thereof unto the port
oiEjmautA; and that the fishing in the said river is, and
ought to be free and common to all men who choose to fish
therdn: yetneverthdess, JmAcASs, Countess of Deoon, about
six years last past, made and rdsed a Weareacroas the sdd ri->
▼cr, which is of such height, that the fishing for, and taking
of Salmon and other fish is destroyed above the said JFeare,
to the great damage of the citizens, and inhabitants of the
county o£ Devon : ukewise, that boats and vessds were used
to pass up and 6ovm the river, even up to the bridge of the
said city, loaden with wines and other merchandizes to the
great boiefit of both the city and country around; but that
since the erection of the said Wtare^ the navigation of the ri-
ver is totally destroyed, to the great damage of the inhabitants :
and further they say, that all lands and tenements within the
said atff may be oevised, and given by a la^ will and testa-
ment, as well as any other go<^ and chattels whatsoever,
even in like manner as is used and accustomed in the dty of
London^
Upon the return of these writs to the King at WcHmtttster^ ^"*« <»»•
his Majesty folly confirmed them, and sent down his royal ^^ ^^
mandate for their immediate execution, that all the nuisances ^^'
complained of, should be removed, and the citizens reinsta-
ted in all thdr former rights and privil^es.
Notwithstanding this interference otthe King, his orders
were but partially obeyed ; the VTeare, instead of being en-
tirdy destroyed, was only cut through the middle, while Haren ti-
the abutments at ieach end were suffered to remain; which most ruin*
kept back a great part of the fiowing tide, and lessened the ^'
channd^ by which means^ the sands and filth accumulated
G in
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52 THE HI9T0BY OV ^
tHAf. IT . insQcfc «iiiamier» Att Aiey olMtntcicddie pawige^ tnd left
' roomontjrfortmaU barges to pWB up torn dtj: ivlitfeatt
befbwtfaii, ships of a loiarmhlelMirden, •wonHd go, even to
^ J. the water port, and thefe onkde tiieif mcfrbsffditir,
129S Oytj^ir«r ^e stmet0 AAbnr, a rich cidxeaof Bacutet gsvc to
the Dean aiidChapier» the whole manor of <SMfHBWNf, which
vmwdUiStoliitmuiotof St^ke-etmm: dria dead wss wit-
nessed by Wifliarai Gailenitfa, (the Major dMiyvar,) lUekmrd
Priory of Acootding toSir Wimgm Dugdalef aboattidsthne, Htig^
Cowick Lord Comioiay, Baron of OMm^^Mt^ ftnuidndtfae pviory
founded, of Gnncifr^ near this dty, as a cdl to die Abbqr of TsMtfsdt.'
bat Mr. Taimerin his IfMm says (widi moPS season) it was
bttikbjroneofthefim%of<^ A^Mfiif, andeivtnasaodl to
the abbey of Beck in Nonnandy; and that £s Lord CWe^
ft49^ only made it denizen. Thatit bebneed todieabbey of
Tomroej^ is plain, and the Chnrch of OalKgrn p ftn was appro*
plated to it; as also the chnrches of Kemh HtdUm. and
Sikkkpatk^ with the manor of Olfnf^.
This Hugk^ Lord Ctmrtem^ Sicd on the fSdi Fcbraaiy
1SS®» and was bnriedin die church of this Priofy; an was
alM> his Lady, whodiedOctoberlst 1SS8.
1293b ^^e^f I^rd C&miem^ was created Earl of Dsvan, bdng
the fint of diat &mi]y who enjoved this title,
^^295 The King sent his orders to me magirtntes of tbeprindpal
ddes and boron^ in die Idngdom, to pimish corpondly all
y^ bakers, brewers, and millers conricted of bad piactioes, and
^^^^ alldiatwerelbttndtogoarmedindienieht, anddistnitthe
tobecorao-P^*^^^ ^^f to obGee millers to retom&e flonr by wd^t»
laUjrpna. according to the we^tof thegraib sent to be ground.
i>l)^. The lung made atouT through the county of Z)etM»; and
^2^ TisiCed this citjir, where he staid several daySt lodging at the
house of die Black Inars ; and took this opportunity of settling
P^J^V^ » Ions disputed claim, between the Cidaens, and the I>ean
^^J^ ^^ Chapter, concerning die right of a ftee passage through a
coaoa^ koe diatled to dbecity walls, betwixt 8t. CatAermeU Nun*
a pamise to ueiy, and the bhck firiars (now Egypt lane> which the Clcr«
the Cit]r gy endeaToured to Stop up; but it wasadiudged in fitvor of
'^'^^' the cidxens to ha^e a frae passage to the waUs, which by theiy
charter diey were bound to repair, and ddend.
1299^ It was found by verdict, that as the knds, within this Cftv,
ofaFreemandescendtoanypenon,so» by the custom, the
freedom of die city desoendetfa therewith.
The Mayor and Citizens were appointed sole guardians of
the Port ci Exeter; to assist the King in his naval wars ; with
a power to search for, and seiae on ulg«A/ and #i7v^, intend*
cd tobesent out of the kingdom. ^ This
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TBOS CfTT «P E»T£R. 5$
Thkywr^^helfay^r wMcimqi hy tfae^wtoii af»4 frae- CHAP, n .
men citizeiis apon their oallii, ' ^ p^
A ffmt^U^ote arose betwwM the Dean and Chanter, and laoi/
the Rior and Fmr pKachen (oommonlj called Uie Blade ^ l ^t.
idMieecoiqpa^ttelXauD&c* inaistedon beine fcepeiited at cemi^K*^
thecathednl^ pnor to ita interment in the aaidFnafs church; itiiiking
which dtfgr refilled to do: the Dean Ihc thete&re cauacdit ^'P^*
byfeicetobebiovdbtthereandprctentod; after which, dief
aent it badk to the Friara' convent, when they refused to re»
cciveit^aad made fiuKt their eate; Irjr which meana the coipae
of tfaft.poor icnifl;htjrenuDnedfo Ions nnburied, that it stank,
andlMcameMttm anuitanoe, that tSey weee obliged to bury
itinAeCalhednl* This afiair occasioned a kw suit between
thepartica: but on enquiry, the Frian were oblig^ to aubi-
nut, and consent that no penon ^who died within the city
nod sttbnrba) shoukl be iotened within their church and ca»
metery, without beinc; first presented at St. Peter* $ church.
The tenants of the Lord of Kenton and Wyke^ Earl Mof^ 1^*
skai^Engkmtp lefusing to pay murage (the town duties for
s«paini^& walls of the city) lor the wares and merchan-
dizea whidh ther bvought here to sell, a law suit commenced,
which W9a, at length, decided in £ivor of the citiatens.
An ordinance was this year made, that no person should id04.
buy amrwurcs, merchandize, or victuals bringin| into this p^^^^^
dtytobeaold, until the said ^oods be brought and lodged m are to ImT^
the miffket, on pain of forfeiting the goods ; which law was sold in the
co nfir med by act of parjianacitf intb^thvearofKbgEd* market
^wardVL ^^'Jl
In this King's reign, a native of this city, csJled, from ^JJJ^
tbe place of his birth, fTaUer ofExoeeter^ was much esteem-
ed for his learning, especially in the greek and latin languages. ^^^^^
He wrote at the request of one Baldwin (a citizen hereof) the lea^^' *
history of G«y, Earl of Wanokk. He was invited by the Man.
King, to accept of some ecclesiastical preferment, which he
modestly refused; choosing a solitary ufc; and accordingly
retired to a small hermitage m CornwaU^ called the cell of oV.
Coroke^ where he spent the remainder of his days in great
pietjr and devotion; and was buried in hiscell, where, ac*
cording to the woxkder working enthusiasts of those gloomjr
times, the sick were cured, and miracles wrought at his
tomb.
King Edward died on the 7th July this year ; and was sue* i^o^,
ceeded by his son, Edward of Caernarvon ; so called from
the phice of his birth*
^ «« MAYORS
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54
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. II . MAYORS Mnd BAILIFFS in the reign of Edwaed I.
1275.
lliekard Gtytken.
Robert Newton.
Walter Alport.
Thomas Farthing.
Michael Thorn.
1274.
Marim Dirimgm
John Okeston
Richard Tantiftr.
Richard Allen.
Nicholas Atlane*
Alphred Dtipori*
Richard Tantifer.
Richard Allen.
Richard Newton.
Thomni Gatepath.
1276.
Alphrtd Duporim
John Fcnniton.
Richard Allen^
Richard Newton.
Thomas Gatepath.
1277.
John Fenniion,
Richard Allen.
Henry Falcon.
John Kook.
John Zouch.
1278.
Alphrcd Duport.
Richard Tantifer.
Nicholas Atlane.
Hugh Falcon.
Thomas Gatepath.
1279*
John Fenniion.
Richard Allen*
Richard Newton.
Thomas Gatepatht
John Rook*
1280.
Afyhrtd Duport.
Richard Allen,
John Zouch,
John Rook.
Alex. TroycQttf
1281.
Aiphred Dupcrtm
Richard Allen.
John Zouch.
^ohn Rook.
Alex. Troycott.
Martin Diiiing.
Nicholas Gervis.
Roger Fitzhenry.
Nicholas Atlane.
Richard Tantifer.
1283.
Aiphred Dup&rt,
David Taylor.
Nicholas Atlane.
Richard Gatepath.
Hugh Falcon.
1284.
Aiphred Duport*
David Taylor.
Henry Ashe.
Stephen London.
Nicholas Atlane.
1285.
David Tatftor,
Walter l)angdon.
Stephen London.
Henry Ashe.
John Horne.
12d6»
David Taylor*
Stephen £angdon.
Henry Golderott«
Peter Green.
Roger Russell.
1287.
John Zottck*
Richard Allen.
Richard Montin.
William Kerswell^
JohnWells.
1288.
John Zouck.
Walter Langdon.
William Bofiett.
William Gatepath.
Jordan Atl;me*
1289.
Richard AU^fn^
John Rook.
Richard Mondn.
Walter Langdon.
Robert Wyton.
1290.
John Zouch,
JHenry Golderott.
John Webb.
William Gatepath,
Richard Montm.
1291.
John Zouch*
Willian Gatepath.
John Rook.
William Kerswell.
William Buflett.
1292.
'Wiffiam Gatepath*
William Kerswell.
Heniy
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THE CITY OP EXETER.
55
MenTyGolderott.
WiHiam WcH«.
Richard Montiii*
1293.
Rkkm^T4mtifh'.
Jokn FeanitoB*
John Cook.
Ales. Corjton.
Robert Newton.
1294.
JoAn ZoarcA.
Walter Langdon^
John Rook*
Wm. Bufiett.
John Horn,
1295.
Jakn ZtiUckf,
Walter Langdoo.
Wm. KcrgwcU.
Wm. Buflfett.
Roger Wheatpn.
1296.
Waliet Tantifer.
Walter Langdon.
Wm. Kerswcll.
Robert Newton.
Roger Wheaton.
1297.
WaHer Taniiftr.
Walter Langdon.
Rob. Newton.
Wm. Kerswell.
Henry Trecott.
1298.
Waiter Tantifer.
Wm. Buffett.
Wm. KcrswcJl.
Roger Wheaton.
Nioiolas Paige.
1299.
Nicholas Paige.
Roger Beynim.
Robert Newton.
Stephen Bennam.
1300.
Wm, Oatepath,
John Paige.
Jordan Atlane.
Robert Newton.
Joh^ Perour.
1301.-
Wm. Tantifer.
Stephen Langdon.
Wm. Kerswcll,
John Gervis.
Roger Beynim.
1302.
Rager Beynim.
Roger Newton.
Walter Dnport.
Thomas Farthing
Michael Champer-
noun.
1303.
Roger WAeaton.
Walter Langdon,
Wm. KcrsweU.
Wm. BufFett.
Henry Trecott.
1304.
Roger Wheaton.
Walter Langdon.
Wm. Kerswell.
Robert ^ewton.
Walter Daport.
1305.
Jl^tger Bejrnim^
Walter Langdon.
Robert A^hberion
Wm. Kerswejl,
Henry Trecottf
1306.
Roger Beynim.
Walter liangdon.
Robert Newton.
Wm. Kerswell.
Henry Trecott.
CHAP. 11.
Edward^ on taking possession of the throne^ evinced his id06.'
incapacity for governing a nation so turbulent as the EngiisA
then were. In opposition to his father's dying commands, *^^'*"* *•
he recalled his &vonte Pierce Gaveitoti; and placed the whole
government in his hands. This Gaveeton had been banish-
ed by the late King for debauching the morals of the young
prince ; and his recall ^ve great oiFence to the EngUih no-
bility, who could not patiently see a foreigner possess the ear
of their Monarch, and govern at his will : they remonstrated
Igainst ity but in vain : at lengthj they had recourse to their
arms.
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56 THE HIBTOBY OF
CHAF. n . armsy which obliged the Kmgto nbwish GmpestoM ; when
■ the oobUity taking advantage of the King's weakaesfi^ acted
in the moit arbitfaiy manner, in their respective districts:
opposing the King's officers, and openljr defying the laws.
An unhappy dispute arose at this time, between Hug&
Courtenay^ Earl of Devm, and the Mayor and Cittsev of
Exeter^ which, firom a trifling beginning, ended ia the litia
of the little navigation of the river Exe^ whjch had bees left
them.
Biiputebe- The occasion of this dilute, was briefly tiiisc Ob a fitft
SriofDe- ^y » ^* ^^^ ^^^ ^** servant to Exeter market to buy fish :
von, and ^^ Bishop's servant came also on the like enand; but there
citiiens, a- happened to be but three pots of fish in the maricet at that
Imut a pot time. The Eari's servant insisted on having the whole,
offish; and ^\ax^ ^p^^as opposed by the servant of the Bishop: on this, a
quoim' J^* contention arose between them, and some-of dM dttaens
joining the contending parties, a great riot ensued. Toqndi
this, the Mayor (Roger BeynimJ was sent for; and he very
prudently, as well as justly, ordered that one pot of the fiah
should be delivered to the Earl's servant, anodier to the
Bishop's, and die other to be reserved for the use of the citi^
zens. The Karl being acquainted with this decision of tli»
Mayor, and thinking nimself aggrieved in not having tiie
whole, came to his house mthe aty ; when he sent for the
Mayor to attend'him immediately* The Mayor WcH know-
ing the Earl's pride and choleric disposition, assembled ^
citizens at the GtMhaU^ and informed them of flie E^l's
displeasure, the cause thereof, and the personal danger he
was in ; desiring them to accom^ny him to the Earl*s house^
and protect him, if required. To this they readily agreed,
and proceeded there accordingly. The Mayor oeing in«
troduced into the Earl's room, the door was closed upon
him : the Earl began to storm, and used threatening language ;
The Mayor endeavoured to pacify him, but finding it in vain,
took offhis Tabardy § or upper garment (whidi was the
Earl 'i^ livery) and gave it to him; on which the Earl grew
more passionate^ and high words ensuing, the citizens vi4io
attended
^ In the feudal tiines^ it was customaiy for persons who held lands of
the great Baioiu, to h^ld them by a tenure which was to accompany
them in their military excurekms, and to attend his summons whenever
called upon, (this was termed, doing suit and seryice;) and at times of
such attendance, they wore 9ver &eir vest, a Tabaid , or short coat
without sleeves (similar to the heralds* coats at present,) on which was
painted or embroidered the arms, crests, and mottos of the Juords from
whom they held their lands : such was the case at this time. The May-
or, though a gentleman and of great opulence, held lands qf the Earl
by this ^ure 3 and accordingly attended him in his livery, as by custoo>.
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THE CITT O? EXETER. 57
attended at the door, doubting of their Mayor's safety, de- CHAP, a
naanded htm; which being denied, after sereral requests, — -— *—
they attempted to force an entrance, in order to rescue him
from the EarrsTiolence: The Earl seeing tiiis, and doubting
of the consequences that might ensue to himself, released the
Mayor, and desired him to pacify the people^ The citizens
departed qnietlj to their houses; but notwithstanding this
seeming caunmess of the Earl, he ever afUr bore a great ha-
tred to die dtixens; and endcxroured to the full extent of
his power, to encroach on their liberties : the Mayor and ^^ ^J^^
Caoomon council, from this circumstance, passed a bye law, ^^" ^
that no franchised man of this citr, should wear anv non- rei^ner'k
freeman's livery, cognizance or badge, without the Mayor's tiTery, A&
licence; anditisinwrtedinthefreeman'soath tothisday*
TheEarlnowbegantodbewhisantipathy and hatred to- A. D.
Wards the citizens: he caused the chaimel which had been Idli.
^>ened for the passage of ships and boats, to be a^in tilled
up; and this wasdone ata greatezpence, by cutting down ^^^?
a great number of trees, which,' being diained together, stayed,
were laid in the channel, with great quantities of stones and
gravel : these» in time, so united together, as to make the
removal impractieable« He also caused two more weares to
be made; one of which, opposite S/. Jamts^s Priory ^ is still
known by the name of Jame$** weare : the other, at a pkce ^^ J^^m
called Lttmprejfifrd (near vi^bere Treves weare now is;) and wesieenoik
by these means the haven was entirely destroved. Adding to ed.
his revenge, he also erected a Quay andaCrane at his man« y^p,|„^
or of Teptham, hoping thereby to remove the whole com- q J^ ma^
merce of the citizens, and to benefit himself and tenants.
Nor did he stop here: for he not only thus injured the citi*
zens, but arbitrarily seized on their goods, and imprisoned
their perKms.
The citizens complained to the King, who ordered an en* Gtiiens
qniry to be made; and consequendr, several writs were i»> complatiit»
sued for that purpose, which were all returned in fitvor of the ^^ J^^
citizens ; but so ^reat was the Earl's power at this time, and obtain uy
the weakness and imbecility of the King's ^vemment such, redrem
diat they could not obtain any redress, the^larl opposing by
€>rce the King's officers who were sent down to remove the
nuisances oomphiined of; and soon after, the unhappy diffe*
fences aridng between the King and the Barons, prevented
die citizens from receiving any relief whatever*
In the year 1312, the King by his Writs, appointed the ^^12.
Mayor and Bailifts of this city, to be justices of the peace,
within the same; which greatly lessened the Earl's power, g^^^
and inaeased the liberties of the citizens; for, before this pointe/^
time. Justices.
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58 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP.. II . time, the whole power of judging in controversial matten
concerning the King's peace was in the Earls oiDeoon^ and
their delegated Justices. ,
131? ®y ^^ ^*"^ ^^^^ ^^ y^'* *^^ ancient custom, and
fees of admission to the privileges of the freedom of this city,
^■"c. • appear to be as follow,
Wbat per- 1 • The Ma vor, by his own free gift may admit any one
fom may person to the nreedom.
<i**i» » 2. The court of Common council may admit any other
fi£dom P^'^" ^ ^^ ^^ privileges.
3. The heir of any freeman may, by his patrimony claim
his freedom, whether the inheritance descend from his grand*
father, &ther, uncle, brother, or any other person, being a
freeman thereof by, and under, whom he derives any estate
or inheritance.
4. All such as have &ithful]y served an apprenticeship of
seven years, under a freeman hereof, shall upon the testimo-
ny of the said master, that he hath truly served nut his said
time, be admitted to the freedom, on paying the usual fees
of the court, viz.
<• d.
TotheMayor 1 8
Recorder • 1 8
Town Clerk 8
Chamberlain ••• 8
Fawttfbe The four BailiiFs at 8i/. each 2 8
^ Sword Bearer 4'
The four Sergeants at 4^. each • • . • 1 4
To the poor of Magdalen Hospital 1
For inrolling the indenture «••••• 1
10 1
5. And lastly, all other persons may be admitted to the
freedom, by way of redemption, and paying such reasonable
fines, as the Mayor and common council may set on them* *
1316, The Earl still continued his encroachments on the liberties
The Earl ^^ ^^^ citizens : and they again prayed the King to interfere
stUl conti- ^^ t^^i* behalf. The King sent down his writ to the Sberi£F
nnes to vex of Devon ^ dated 20th March, 1516: this, the Sheriff ezecu->
the citizens, ted; and a verdict was found in favor of the comphunants : yet
They again *' ,^^
complain to •«**-*
the King.
* This list of fees (copied from Mr. Isaac) must certainly be erroneous
in point of time ; espKially as to the Recorder, Chamberlain and Sword-
bearer^ the first Recorder not being appoint€^d until 28 Edward 3: the
first Sword-bearer 13 of Henry 7, 1497 j and thei« was no Chamberlaxa
tUl the 2 of Mary, 1554.
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THE CITY OF £X£T£B. 59
such was the EarPs power, that he prevented the writ from CHAP. H >
bcmg returned. The King sent down a second writ, dated — —
12th Jiinc following, with rtiict orders to execute the same,
and make a return immediately : thii was accordingly done,
and a decision was agaiii given in finrof of the citizens : but Verdict
so weak was the Kine*i goircmment at this time, and the JSj?fi^
Earl having joined uie rarons in arms, the complaincrs but no re-
could meet with no redress; and were overawed in such a dren ob*
manner, that they were forced to relinquish their claims, tameid.
and be tame spectators of the loss of their most valuable pri«
vileg;es.
11118 year, (1316) the kingdom vns visited by two dread- dreadful fa-
ful scourges of the Almighty, famine and pestilence. It be- mine, an4
gait in London, where the people complained that it was oc- pestilence,
casioned by great quantities of wheat being malted ; wher&>
upon an act was passed, that no wheat should be made into
malt; and, for regulating the price of stron? drink. Not-
withstanding this act, wheat continued to amrance, even to
4/. the Quarter; this brought on such a^unine throughout
the whole kingdom, that parents were accused of eating their
own children; and male&ctors eat one another in prison.
This was followed by so great a mortality among the com-
mon people, that those ahvc were scarce sufficient ito bury
the dead* This severe scarcity being attributed to an order
made hjr the King, for reguhttin^ and settling certain prices
on provisions, which prevented me country people from sup-
plying the markets, the said order was accordingly revoked, j^ yy
The Bakers of this city taddng advantage of the necessities 13^7/
of the people, by making their bread of an inferior quality,
and smaller than the assize fixed by the Mayor, were fined, ?^^hed
and committed to prison till the said fines were paid : seven- for adulter-
teen of these Bakers, who dwelt within the Bishop's liberty, atingbroul,
claimed an exemption from the Mayor's jurisdiction, but &c.
they were forced to submit with the rest, and paid their fines 1313.
accordingly.
The Scots having invaded England^ Ae King sent orders The King
to such cities and towns as were held by tenure, to assist him demands
in rcpclKngthecneriiy : the Cify of Exeter therefore sent SO ^^^^
soldiers well armed and equipped, to join his forces, then as- citizens.
scmbling at York; and they were paid and maintained by the qq soldiere
citizens^ during the whole campaign, f sent and
H An maintained.
i From the proportion of Soldiers sent by Exeter on this expedition,
it appears that it was considered as one of the first rate cities : London^
the Capital, being rated only at 200 men 5 and the city of Canterbury,
(together with the Clergy) at 40.
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(Sd THE HI6X0BT OF
CHAP, n . Anitnpertornowi^^ieared, whoga^tometn>abkiothc
^ ckkenfl; one Jokm, Pimdrat^ ot Pfmderham^ aTanaer's son,
A iiatiTe of of tkb city. He {uefeended to be the lawful son of King
tendsb^r ^^^^ l*t; •n^ ^^ ^ was stolen from his cnuiUe bj
self to be ' ^ nunc, and the present King put in his place. Notwith*
Edward 2d. standtng the in^NrobabiUty of this stoiy, many idle people
Is execttied believed it, and resoited to him: but he bang apprehended^
^r It cotiftssed the impoctnrt, and was executed for the same. %
A. D. The King, beiiig ia gieat want of money, demanded a
1321. subsidy of the city of JSar^/er; which the citizens cheerfully
J^^ ^^1? granted to the amount of every sixth penny of all their goods
Hif granted. I'^o ^^^ ^^ ^^ P^^ ^^^ ^^ 7^^ ^^ ^ the ca^
1399 ^ Exeter; before John SUmer^ and Bichard StapUdan^
Knights^ the King^s Justices of Assise, for diis western
circuit. In one of tfaem, Hugh Cmaiena^ Earl of Devmit
was plaintiff, and the Mayor and commons of the city, de-
fendants : this was concerning the manor of Exe I$land^ and
Tryak con- the suburbs without the Wes^rale, which the £ad claimed
coningExe to be his andent demesne, as part of his Barony of Oakhamp^
}^f; J°^ ton; and as such, exempted from the jurisdiction of the said
ftir. Mayior. The other writ was between die said Hugh Courif
nay 9 and the Prior of St* Nichoitu, plaintifi, and Sbe Mayor
and commonalty, defendants, toucmng the customs, liber-
ties and privileges of Lamnuu fair* : in both of whidi trials,
1387. verdict was given for the citizens. §
' Unhappy diftrences had long existed between the King
hSw^^ and his Queen IsaUUar occasioned by his predHectwn &r his
the King & &vourites, the two Speneers^ wfab had engrossed the whole
Queen. Pp^'^^ ^^ government ti> themselves and their dqiendants.
Their insoknoe, the Queen could no longer bear : She fled
privately to France^ with the Prmce her son ; and soon after
returned with a considerable force, and was joined by most
of the principal barons. The King finding himself abandoned
by
X Mr. Tuae very graydfteOt ub ttrntP^ m hrn w a s enticed to this crime
hy a fiiintliar tpirit, wfakh he kept by him in the shape of a cat; J>ut
this spirit ftifing him, he was at thie gaUows executed for the same :
("surely they ou^t to have hanged the cat with hiaa,) a wonderful story
ior such » woiuterous a^ !
§ If TerdictB were given in these causes in &vor of the citiieos, the
contendeif property must have been detained from them by force
(an injury very prevalent in the feudal ages;) for we find by history^
that the manor of £j« Itkmd continued in the Comr te nay Ikmily until
the 17 of Heiwy 8 r when it was foffated by the attainder of Henrjf
CamMtay^ Marquis of Exeter. One moiety of Laamasfair remained in
the possession of that family until the same period : the other moiety
continued in the poKeanon of the Prior^ antil the dissolution.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT 09 BXBTIH.
61
by Us sabjeels, endeavoured to escape to Trekntf^ and left CHAP, n .
mdkr SUfUdm^ Bishop of JEs«fer, Gustos of Lofidm: but ■ "
tiie Lmdtmen taking arms in ficvor of tke Queen, seized on
die Bishop, and bvbaroushr murdered hire by cutting off The Bishop
his head; after ivfaich thev buried his body in a sand hiU in of£xeter
the river Thmta, The King in his flight being intercepted »»»*««*
and taken prisoner; was forced to idinquish the throne neKior
m fiivor or his son : and a short time after, through takm pr^
the intrigues of die Queen's paramour (MorHmet^ Earl of Mnsrand
iiarehj be was most inhumamj murdered, in a very cruel j>^<"^^^J^
manner: a red hot iron being thrust up his fundament^ 2l"** ^
through a pipe of horn, that jno wurks or scars might be db*
cemed; and thus, in the most ezcrudaring torments, the
unhappy King expired in October, ISSy,
MArORSmd BAILIFFS in the reign of Eowaup IL
1S07.
Wk. GatepatL
Jordan Athne.
Jordan Ferour.
Thos. Farthing.
2£ch.Turand.
1508.
Mich. Tuiand.
WakerDuport.
Bobt. Newton^
Tbos. Farthing*
1309.
Thos* Farthing.
Walter Daport.
Wm. Newton.
Wnu Kerswell.
1310.
JTailer Tm^ifer.
Walter Langdon.
Peter Zouch.
Peter Lovecock.
Walter Lekenn.
1311.
Writer Ittmgdmu
Wm. Di^rt.
John PefOur.
Adam Dyer.
Thos. Farthing*
ISllS.
Wm^ Omtepathm
Philip Lovecock.
Wm. KerswelL
Wm. Farthing.
John Smalcomb.
1513.
Thos. Farthing.
Philip Lovecock.
Wm. Kerswell.
John Perour.
1514,
R^ferBeytdm.
Bich. Soller.
Mich. Skinner.
Bich. Lekenn.
John Davy.
1515.
PkUJp Lofoecockm
Thomas Farthing.
Bich. Soller.
Ralph Dyer.
Matt. Capper.
1516.
Phil^ Lvoeeodt.
Nich. Turand.
John Tredejmers^
John Builett.
John Davy,
1317.
Roger Beynmu
Wm. KeiBwelL
Thos. Farthing*
Mich. Lekenn.
Martin Capper*
1318.
PhUip Lavecock*
Martin Lekenn.
John Tceydenea.
Thos. Spyccr.
Bobert Wofin.
1319.
Phil^ latecockm
Martin Lekenn.
Thos. Furbor.
Walter SuegothuU.
Thos. Farthing.
15«0.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
62
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. 11.
13130.
Philip Lovecockn
Mart. Lekenn.
Thos. Furbor.
Walter Suegothull
Thos. Fanning.
1S2U
Wm. Wotton.
John Pcrour.
John Taylor.
Thomas Spyccr.
John Davy.
1322.
Roheri Wotton.
Rich. Setter.
Wm. Swieuthill.
Wm. Brewer.
Thos. Furbor.
1323.
RaBert Wotton^
John Lekenn.
Walter Hughton.
John Davy.
Roger Taylor.
1324.
Philip Lovecock,
Martin Lekenn.
Henry Lovecock.
Thomas Taylor.
Jfohn Erchdeacooy
1325.
Phil^ hffoecock,
Nicholas Wallys
Rich. Seller.
J^(artin Lekenn*
Thomas Oxtoi^.
1326.
Philip Loroecock.
John Birch.
Thos. Furbor.
Martin Lekenn.
Thomas Spycer.
A. D.
1327.
1329.
Edward Sd. Edward was only 14 years of age when he ascended the
throne ; and was entirely governed by his mother, and her
favorite Mortimer \ yet, even at this early age he shewed
proofs of great magnanimity, which was the glory of hi^
rei^. He endeavoured to suppress the different Actions
which had so long divided the kingdom ; and happily suc-
ceeded : in order to lesson the power of the barons, lie in-
A new char- creased the privileges of the cities and borough towns; an4
ter granted, in the year 1329 he granted a new charter to the citizens of
No freeman Exeter^ by which he gave them cognizance of pleas, that nq
to implead freeman should implead any other Seeman, out of the liber*
another ties and cqurts thereof, on pain of disfranchisement: he
^'fSi**"'SJ'* ^^ extended tl^eiy privileges and jurisdiction, by which
* ^^^' grants, the power of tnc EarJs of Devon over the citizens, was
1330. greatly diminished.
The Guild- The Guildhall being ruinous, was rebuilt. The porter of
hall rehuilt, the Westgate was punished, and removed from his office ;
and the he having Icfl the said gfite open, during the night, widiout
the Mayor's licence.
Martin Lekenn died in his mayoralty ; and Thomas Lich^'
field was elected to supply his place, for the remainder of the
yean This year, the King created his eldest son, Edward^
Duke of Cornwall; and sent his orders to the Mayor of this
city, for the proclaiming thereof, (these orders were di-
rected to the Mayor of his honorable city of Ejccester,) He
madeDiike *^*^ ordered that this city should remain a parcel of the said
ofComwall. Patchy, as heretofore it was of the Earldom; and fixed the
' ieefarm rent at 20/. per annum.
1344. The King being abroad^ in France, some evil minded per-
son.
Porter of
Westgate
removed.
1334.
1336.
Prince of
Wales
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE ClXy OF £XET£R. 63
Epn, in order to blacken the character of the citixenSy who CHAP. IT .
stood high in their Monarch's favor, falsely informed him ^^ ^.
that a great riot had been committed by them» and that great fyj^y j^f
tumults still continued among them : upon which he sent a fonned of a
commission of Oyer and terminer dated 20th Au^^ust 1344, "ot in £xo-
directed to the Mayor and Justices, strictly requiring them **'•
to appease the said tumults, and to cause all breakers of the Sends Hb
peace of the city to be severely punished. S ciwui^?
Party differences and contentions arose among the citizens,
concerning the election of a Mayor, and other officers for ^^'
the ensuing year, which had nearly occasioned great trou-
bles ; but were happily prevented by the interference of some Great con-
discreet citizens who prevailed on the contending parties to J?* ^®"*
agree to the following regulation : it was therefore ordered ofVuSyo?
by the Mayor and Common council, that for the future, no slc. *
person should be elected into the ofHce of Mayor, but a wise,
sober, grave and honest man ; who had served the office of
Bailiff one whole year ; and that he should be able to expend
yearly of his own freehold 5L at the least, and that he be
<:ho6en by £4 of the most discreet citizens selected for that
purpose, who, upon their several, and respective oaths,
shall determine the election*
NichclM Halberton died in his mayoralty ; and Robert Noble ^^*^'
-was chosen for the remainder of the year.
In Easter term^ this year, a long pending suit of law was Quay, &c.
determined in the court of King's bench, Westmmster; in atExmouth
whiclr a verdict was found, that the Quay^ Passage^ and the'^tianif
Ldutage^ at Praitished near ExmouiA, and all the profits a- of £xeter.
rising from thence, were, and are a parcel of the feefarm of
this city, as part of the manor of Ijfdford, a member of the
Dutchy ofComwail, holden by the said citizens, at the year-
ly rent of 20/.
The pasture of CroUditch^ or Souihemha^ was first set at ^^^•
an annual rent of 5 shillings.
A dreadful pestilence, at first brought from Jsidf spread A dreadful
over all the southern parts of £ar«pe, and at length reached P«s^enco.
^ngiandf where it made most dreadful ravages : in the year
}54B, there died in London^ from the Ist January, to the
1st July following, 57,374 persons ; and reaching this city, -j.^^
it nearly depopulated it, insomuch, that the cemeteries could ^^^^^
not contain the dead bodies, and therefore they were greatly populated
enlarged : this dreadful, calamity continued until the year by it.
13 37 9 when it happily ceased. ^^w
A Recorder being thought necessary to assist the Ma^or, ^^^j^^^
in his judicial office^ John Weekes Esq. was the first appoint- f^^ ^p.
ed, pointed.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
64 THE BISTOKT OP
CHAP. It ed, with a salaiy of 5/. per annum: ibifl officer was after*
wards chosen yearly, like the Majror and other officers.
Low price The great mortally aboTementioned had so lessened the
of provi- consumption of provisions, that the prices were reduced to
«><«*• the followmg low rates : a fine Ox was sold at 4f • the best
A. D. Cow at Is, and the best Hog at 5d.
1357. King Edward^s successful war against the Frewci, m
which he took the iuEiportant town of Calais, and gained the
memorable victory of Cresty^ so exasperated them diat they
fitted out a powerful fleet, with which they insuhed the I^g"
iiah coast, and burned several small towns in Sussex* Tne
King (then in France) being informed of these depredations^
sent his orders to the diffiarent sea ports of the kingdom to fit
out such a number of ship^ as, according to their tenure, th^
Exeter m- ^^^^ bound to assist him with* Accordingly by his Let*
sists the ters patent, under his great seal, dated 25th li/mch^ 1 557» Ac
Kin^ with citizens of Exeter were required to furnish hi^ with diree
^^^P^^ ships immediately ; each to be manned wiA 60 manners, and
30 ■rchen ^^ archers ; this, the cidxens chearfuUy complied with ; they
in each. delivered die ships to Gervais de Aldkmy, Vice Admiral of
Dev&h, iidio conducted them to join €ie£nglish Fleet, then \j^
mgsXSandwich, under the command of J&kn Lord Montgomery,
high Admiral of England, by whom the French fleet were de«
feated ; and the English (in retaliation for the injury diey had
received,) plundered and burnt on the coast of rrsnc^near
100 leagues in extent.
BttUeef Edward, Prince of Wales, (sumamed the Black Prince J
Poictieif . having gained the ever memorable victory of Paictiers, in
which 13,000 English defeated an army of more than 60,000
The Black of the choicest troops of the French; taking John, Jffng rf
f^jo^^th Prance, his youngest son, and a gteat number of jioblemen^
Kinc '^^ prisoners, on his return, landed at Plymouth, and from thence
hhipruoaen ^^^^.^^^ ^ this city, was received with die greatest testi*
come to monies of joy : the Prince and his royal prisoners were nobly
Exeter. entertained at the expence of the Mayor and citizens during
their continuance; which was three (kys.
1362. T^^ Bakers of diis city, thinking themselves aggrieved be-
cause they could not make and seS their bread according to
Baken le- ^^^' ^^^ quality and assize, entered into an agreement^ not
fasetdbaka, ^ ^^^ ^^7 * ^ which the cittxens were for two days to«
are fined, gether destitute of bread : for this offence, the Bakers were
all indicted, found guilty, and sentenced to be fined each,
1/. Ss. Sd.
1367. '^^'^ 3^^' ^ cause was appointed to be tried at the Castle of
Exeter, before John Mowhi/ay, and Edmund Cheafy, his Ma-
jesty *s Justices of Assize^ between the Dean and Chapter of
this
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OF EXSTER. 65
this Cathedn], PhintiffB; and John QyH (late Mayor,) di« CHAP. It
Commonalty and Bailiffii of thiB city. Defendants : but the —
Dean and Qumter, doubting the issue of their cause, artfiil-
]y endeavoured to hinder the proceeding ; and in order there^
to, exhibited a bill of complaint to the King, informing him Dftn ud
that the Mayor had, by proclamation, commanded the citi* Oiapter
zenstDattmdhimm arms at the nextassizes, atthe castle; [^^I^JJ^m
whoebv the jostioes might be pretentedfrom proceeding in totbeKiDc.
die trial, and by that means, the jury hindered from being
The King, angered at this, sent his comtnission to John
Mottntagutf and four others, to examine into the truth of this
information ; but before they sat, the said justices, and Sir
€n^ de Brum being retumea to court, were examined oon*
cemin^ the said xiot, when they testified that the said charge
-was&fie and groundQess, and that no such riot had happened :
upon-which the King sent his inhibition to the commissioners,
forbidding diem to proceed dierein* This deed bears date the
lethofi^bmaxy, IS67.
Edward f the maekPrincef being in a consumptiTe state, ^37?'
letumed from France^ and landed at Plymouth . in his jour*
ncy to L^ndonf he came to thb city with the Princess his wife, ^^^^^^ ^i^
and was Joyfully received ; but bein^ in a very weak condition, bbckPrince
he staid several days to recover his strength. During the aicain vints
time of his stay, the Prince and his suite were elegantly en* ^^ c^<7*
tertained at the expence of die Mayor, at whose house he was
lod|«d, till his departure from Exeter.
Roger Plenty dying in his Mayoralty, Roger Wilsford was 1375,
elected to serve the remainder ot the year.
The summer of this year being excessively hot, it oc- A great
casioned a mortality which carried off a great number of the mortalitf .
inhabitants of this citv.
Edioard the black Prince died in the flower of his age, deep- 1376.
ly regretted by the whole of the English nation ; but g^,,,^ ^^
especially by the inhabitants of this city, to which he had blackPrinca
been a constant friend, and great bene&ctor. He possessed dies,
all the social virtues in an eminent degree ; he was valiant,
brave and afiable ; generous and libeml ; his greatest plea-
sure was to reward merit, wherever he found it ; and he pos-
sessed all the qualities that constitute the true hero and
friend.
King Edward died at Richmond^ in Surry ^ in the 65th year 1377.
of his age, and 51st of his reign ; and was succeeded by his
grandson. Rkhardf son of Edward the hlack Prince.
MAYORS
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
66
THE HISTORY OF
^"^P " ' MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the rcign of Edward lit.
1327.
Richard SoUer.
Thomas Gervais,
Wm. Kirton.
Richard Plcigh.
Wm. Austin.
1528.
Philip Lovecock*
Tiiomas Furbor.
Martin Lekenn.
Henry Haughton.
Peter Bajnim.
1329.
Philip Lovecock*
Thomas Gervais.
Henry Lovecock.
John Lekenn.
Richard Pleigh.
1330.
Martin Lekenn,
John Trediners.
Henry Haughton.
Henry Gatepath.
Wahcr Gervais.
1331.
Philip Lovecock,
Henry Haughton.
John Lekenn.
Richard Pleigh.
Robert Kirton.
1332.
Martin Lekenn,
Thomas Furbor.
Lawrence Colwell.
Reynold Noldekin.
John Sutton.
1333.
Tkomax Gervais,
Reynold Noldekin.
Wm. Brewer.
John Lekenn.
John Sutton.
1334.
Martin Lehemit
Thomas Litchfield.
John Sutton.
Henry Lovecock.
Alex. WaUis.
Robert Turner.
1^35.
Uenrjf Haughton*
Thomas Pleigh.
Thomas Furbor.
Wm. Lydeland.
Alex. WaUis.
1336.
Henry Haughton,
Thomas Furbor.
John Coles.
Wm. Shillingfofd.
John Colebrook.
1337.
Thomas Gervais,
Robert Noble.
Richard Pleigh.
John Newton.
John Davy,
1338.
Henry Haughton,
Nich. Goldscott.
Richard Pleigh.
Thomas Furbor.
John Davy.
1339.
Thomas Litchfield,
Robert Bridport.
John Cook.
John Newton.
Roger Wythorn*
1340.
Henry Haughton^
Robert Bridport.
Thomas Furbor.
Richard Pleigh.
Richard Halberton^
1341.
Hemy Haughton,
Reynold Wy them.
Thomas Furbor.
Richard Plcigb.
John Sutton.
1342.
Robert Furbor,
Rob. Bradworthy.
Robert Halberton.
Nich. Goldscott.
Walter White,
ott. y.
1345.
Thomas furbor,
Wm. HastnfenC.
Roger Treseler.
Richard Pleigh.
Robert Noble.
1344.
Henry Haughton.
John Newton.
John Sutton.
Richard Pleigh^
Robert Noble*
1345.
Henry Haughton*
Nich. Halberton.
Roger Treseler.
Wm. Hascom.
John Sutton.
1346.
Thomas Furbor,
John
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THS CITT OF BXETBR.
67
A
Jokn Gist.
v/ Robert Noble.
/NJohn Heigh:
Walter White.,
1347.
Henry Hdughiani
Thomas Spicer.
John Bonleigh*
John Sutton;
John Newton.
1348.
Nich.HaiUrtaniOb.
RoieHNohk.
John White.
Nich. Golde8c6t.
Robert Noble, jun,
John Bjrch.
1349.
Robert Bridparti
John Spicer.
HeniyFttrbor.
John Ottrey.
John Sleigh.
1350.
Robert Brufyort.
Robert Brown.
Thomas Spicer^
John Gist.
Richard Olirer.
1351.
Robert Brufyort^
John Swanton.
RoeerAtwill.
Ridiard Somaster.
John Spicer.
1352.
Robert Brufyort.
Richard Oliver.
Thomas Spicer.
Robert Brown.
John Gist.
1353.
John Spicer*
Roger Atwill.
Simon Atptitt.
John Ottrey .
John Somaster.
1354.
John Spicetm
John Gist.
Roger Atwill.
Henry Fnrbor;
Wm. Bennett.
1355.
Ri^ert Bridpmi:
John Hail.
Ro^er Atwill.
J6hn Ottfey.
Robert Brown.
1356. •
Jdhh Gist.
Wm. Bennett.
Wm. Gervais.
Henry Furbor.
Ad^m Brasintef •
1357.
John Spicer,
Nich. Briddestow.
John Hull.
Roger Atwin.
Jomi Dirkin.
1358.
Robert Noble,
Robert Brown.
John AJleigh.
Wm. Gervais,
Wm. Stockleigh.
1359.
John ijptcer»
John Dirkin.
Roger AtwiU.
Ridiard Oliver.
I
Walter Atwood. CHAP, if .
1360.
uohn topKCTm
Warren Baififf.
Walter Crisp.
Ridi. Goldsnuth.
Robert Bcown.
1561.
John Gist.
William Rokes.
Ro|er Atwill.
W3ter Atwood.
William Stokely.
John Giotm
Nich. Brid
William Hardy.
Robert Stoke.
1363.
John Gist*
RojB;er Atwill.
Wuliam Gervais.
William Seamor.
Walter Atwood.
1364.
John Gist*
Walter Atwood.
John Tirling,
Roger Fitz Hugh.
Henry Wclland.
1365.
Nicholas Tavemer.
Wm. Hardy.
Robert WHsford.
Adam Scutt.
John Nymett.
1366.
Nich^ Briddestoiff^
Martin Battishill.
William Gervais.
Roger
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
6'8
TKB HEBTOBV OT
""* TIloium Wilp7«
1367.
John Nymell.
MfldlMi Sfllli«hiU»
WiUkm QerMMi^
Henry Fufbor.
136a.
Robert Wihfbfd,
WaHter WhithMo.
Walker Atwood*
Thomas Webb.
13€9»
Roger Pimfy.
RMnond<$o6ie.
Aciani Scatt.
Roger Atwood.
Walter Crkp.
1370.
Martim BMddff.
Walter Whitkoni.
John'GreJ^.
John NirMtt
John Webb.
1571*
Roger
John G?rt:Y.
Thottias Webb.
John B41.
John GonuncrelL
1S7«.
John Gut,
Waller Al^ooS.
RogA Atwffl.
Robert Stoke.
Walter Fowk.
Rogef Plenty, O*.
Rodert WUffbrd*
AdathScutt.
Richard BolK>ni.
Thomas Webber.
John&UBseL
1374.
RohertWthfOd.
Adam Gould.
Williun G^sif^ik.
ThoBMWelAer*^
JohnWiiitB.
157*.
Robert if ikford.
Jo\m TaU>dtt^
WlUonaCcrffik
RobenSiste.
Waltexfiiwk.
1576.
John Gt^.
Jiikn NfDaelt.
Adam^ttld.
Walter Wlikrow.
XUlSnfCl «NBy Ga>
wr.
RoheH WUtford.
Adam^Olt.
WiUiam Gcrvatt*
John Runel.
Raymond Gone*
Rtchard2d. Richard 2d* was only 1 1 ]^earB of age when he "began hit
. ^ reign; and during his minori^, thegoyernflsentlinttin the
1377.
hands of his undesy the Dukes of 2i<»Mtr«/er» YorkmiGiow
eeder; btrt, when he came of age, and took^dirt>owifr to/to
his own bands, he (by his weak attachments to his favorites,
on whom he layished most of the wealth and power of the
kingdom) so exa8t>erated the Barons, that «teti bb nndes
could not hear the pride and tyraaify of these np^tSHs : this
made his reign a scene o;f uahappiness ; and, at length brought
Wm to & miserable end#
1378. life Frendh and Spaniard^ taking advantage of Ae KmgS
TheFrendi mbority, fitted oiit a krge fleet, and tavaged the Southern
bum Dart- coasts of the Kingdom, particulariy that of Dewm: they
S^^^^burrit the to^^ns o£ DartmoufA and Plymouth; aftesr whiA
andattenwt ^ attempted to proceed up the m^ Exe: the citizens of
Exeter. Ejceier made aU preparation in their power, *td rtCieiye them,
Are«ppo6- by arming thexnselyes, r^Mufilig ttelr walls, and scbUring
ed. their dilches; but. Sir PkS^ Cmtefkiy, and his 'brother.
Sir
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
jG4i<^» «i4 tk^ s^^Iaum of 4m «j4 fowijii^ ittod out
«iMh$hipt«i4i^09t)tlde«BMttogelk«r» «i4iinGo«i«id0ffale-SirPiiUip
ly) attacked the enemies fleet : but, overpowered bjr auflabass Couitoiaf ^
Ulcj with most of their gentlemea £(»UQwers were taken yri- Z^i^Jj^
The pks;ue again visited thSacitf^ ^d carried off a great A frest
Bumba' of the inhabitants. pkiue.
TU» yifMM^ an Act of Pailian^cnt was passed (ohiti^ a. D.
through thft iniiftat of the citizens of London^/ that no victu- id79.
allei should exetcisc any judkial office in any Ci$y^ Tomm^ ^^^^
Barmt^ Qg SayrT, in tb^ Ipngdom, unless in such towus
where no other suffid^t pcnoo, shoulid be feund qualifled NoFkb-
for such au office; in which caa^ ^«ry «uch peraon was to JJUJ^her ar
abstain fiom the ei;erciae <rf sodx t{aide» during the tis^e of hi^ Grocer to '
offioe, tt^B pom of forfeiture of a]} vof^ victuals as he shoylj serve the
sell dUiHiig ihattioie; by this, all Fishmongers^ Butchers, an4 ^^^ ^f
Crroeers^ weic deemed victuallers, and were reud^ed iucapa- ^*yor> ^^
bio of serving the off ce ofMxffMt^ Bcc.
During tho commotion which broke out in several parts of «;. *,. ,
the kingdoi^, particukrly ini Keni and Essex, where they J^^^
were headed by Wat 1>At and Jt^k Straw^ the citizens of citiacns of
Exeter cojatinucd ftrm in the cause of their King ; and in ro- Exeter^firm
turq for ^eir loyalty* he confirmed their charters, and great* intheKixig*!
ly ciilvge4 ^eir liWties aud pvivilegca : and when the King uiterest
fitted out ?ipowerfol fleet in order to prevent ihcFrencA from ^harten*
insttlttttg the Bng^h coasts^ the city sent to his assistance a ^•^«^'
large shi^ which they arme^ m^ned and victualled wholly i
at Ujcir ow« cxpeace. 1384.
A great flood happened, which carried away part of £fio- Exe-bndge
iMf^f ^q4 Hfy^f^X people were drowned. damaged.
The Cordwmcn and C^xmn were first incorporated^ 1387.
The plague »gain ma4e ^^ ravages in this City, au^ 1398.
swept off a gteat number of its inhabitants.
JohnHMmd, Earl of iftgi/si^^ was, by patent, created First Duke
Duke of Bx^er. «^ ^«^-
The King^s blind attachment to his fi^voritas, ?iid their 1399.
opprcsfoona of his subjects, became so odious, thtl ^ iw>-
bihty, gentry, and people at hrgc, iavikd Ibfuy, £M» of f ?«; . .
Her^ard^ ♦ (thei^ an exile in FrwfJ to CORM WW wd ^^„d
deliver t^em froiyi the slavery they were sunl^ intp : this, ^p^ered.
Hemy gladly accepted; and, nading at Ravenspur in Yarlc
9hir9f sooo found himself at th^ head of 6a,000 man.
I 2 Wckmtd,
* SaDof/0^GaKaf,bite2>ifibof£ascafl^,aadgnad8Oiito£diearif
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
70 THE HISTOftT OP
CHAP, n . RieUti^ finding hinudfdcierted by hit sabjecte, atten^iled
■ ■ ' to escape to IreUmd; but wu taken and oommitled piitoacr
toPanifrti Cattk, and soon after depoacd bjr Act of Buiia^
ment: Henry wu recognized at King; and in a little time,
the unfortunate Bkka^ was inhnniahly ngturdered, in his
oonfinemenjt.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the leign of Richarp II.
1378.
Robert WUsfMt.
Baymond Gosse*
WUIian^Down.
Henry Soam.
Peter Hadleigh.
1379.
Robert WUrfMl.
John Read.
William Genraif.
JohnRussel.
Richard Bipwne.
1380.
John Grey.
John Rifssel.
William Gervais.
Henry Westcott.
Henry Soam«
138K
JobnNymett*
Richard Bb86m.>^
WiUiamGcrntfiT
Henry Wiestcott.
William Coscom.
Henry Allen.
Peter Hcighly.
John Webb.
1384.
Robert WUijford.
William Cbsoom*
John Pearse.
William Ihulsferd.
Robot Stoke.
1385.
JddmSaUi.
Tho. 5niitfaayes.
P^terHadl<^h.
Thomas Wondry.
WilliamOke.
1386.
Robert jrUiford.
Simon Grendon.
Henry Hull. '
^ohnWcbb.
John Shapleigh.
1387.
Richard Bosom.
William Oke.
John Grills.
Richard Pewtcrcr.
Baldwin Whitleifirb Richard Bosom*
1388.
1389«
Robert Wiltford.
William G^rvais.
Simon Grendon.
Baldwin Whitleigh Robert Wilrford.
ri^^ o„..,. Henry Allen. *
JohiiRussel.
William Gervais.
1389.
Richard Botom*
Adam Gould.
Simon Grendon.
jTho. Smithayes*
William May.
1390.
Robert Wa^rd.
John Shapleigh*"^
John Rttssd.
Raymond Gosse.
Rqbert Eaaoom.
1391.
Richard Bosom.
William Custom.
1yi]|iam Gervais.
Simon Grendon*
Will^Oke.
1393.
Robert WtUford^
John Panton.
John Russd.
Raymond Gosse.
HcmyHuU.
1393.
Tho. Smitliayes
1383.
JohnTaiboi.
John Panton*
John Ponton.
WilUamOke.
William Gervais.
Simon Grendon.
William Cosconl.
1394.
Robert Wiirford.
Philip Shapleigh.
Henry
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT OF EXETER.
71
McnnrHnU.
Johnroaton.
Thomas Easton.
1395.
Simon Grendon.
Thomas Wandry.
lucoafd PcwtcFcr*
Roger D0I7.
Wniiam Coscom.
rS96.
JoknTMot.
Heniy Hull.
WiOiam Wikford.
William Oke.
EobertWyndett.
1397.
Adam SctUt.
William Wilsford.
John Batten,
John Russel.
Rich. Larkstoke.
1398.
Simon Crrendon,
Richard Pewterer.
Robert Easton.
Thomas Wandry,
Ralph Swan.
1399.
John Grey.
John Batten.
John Russel.
John Wilsford.
John Shapleigh. ''
CHAP. n.
JSemv^ the first King of the house oi Lancaster ^ began his
teign tne 30th September, 1399, and as he ascended the
throne by the most indirect means, his crown prored a trou-
blesome acquisition. The murder of Richard will be an e-
tenial blot on his memory : he was naturally of a jealous
temper; and in order to maintain his power, he put many
of the principal nobility to death, who were adjudged to be
the friends of the late monarch, among which was the late
created Duke of Exeter: John Holland^ f whom he caused
to be beheaded.
The band of Music (now termed the city waits) were first
V>stitated, to attend the Mayor on all solemn occasions.
Thomas 9 Earl of Dorset and brother tp the King was crea-
tedDnkeoffxtffirr.
The Mayor, Wiiliam Wiisford^ dpQg in his mayoralty,
HauTjf HuU was elected ifor the residue of the y^r.
By ^ TCfclic^f qbtained this year, in the court of King's
bench, it was confirmed, that the citizens of Exeter had a
right to the passage and ferry at Exmouth ; and that the lastage^
otaUage znd petty customs (commonly called town duties) of
all wares and merchandizes landed and discharged within the
limits of the port of Exeter were the property of the said citi«
zens, as being a parcel of t}i^ said city, held of the Dutchy
of Cornwall by ^e fee&rm rent of 20/. a year, payable at the
said Dutchy court.
Kbg Henry died on the 20tl) March, 1413, and was suc^
ceeded by his eldest son, Henry, Prince of Wales.
A. D.
1599.
Hearf 4^
Duke of
Exeter be.
1408.
City wails
first instha-
ted.
1409.
1412.
confirmed
in their
right to
towndutaefc
i4ia
f This Doke |;TeBtly le-edified fhe castle of Exeter, and lodgings
therdn, which in bis time were esteemed as sumptuous edifices : he also
Erected a stately mansion St Dartagtan near ToUiew^ now (he seat of
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
72
TBE HinOBT OF
CHAP, n. MiTOJISaaABAIUFFSiBliMMignofHvmTlil*
1400.
WiButm WU^fifrd.
Robert EastoA.
Rich. Kennctidgt.
Tboni» Waadry.
Peter Sturt.
1401.
John Lakt*
John Wllsford.
Roger Doly*
Jomi Shapleigh.
140«.
WmmWU^pd.
Tii^mM Eai^n.
Kich. Bouflhwood*
JohaShq^erd*
BichMd lUrkitoke.
1405.
Henry HuU*
John Shaplcigh*
Robert Cobley.
Peter Sturt,
Roger Doly.
1404.
WiUiam WUtford.
JohnWilsferd*
Robert Okesty.
Thomas Wandry.
Jol^Shaphigh.
1405.
Simom Gp$ndim^
PoUrStort.
ThooiaaEMtoiL.
1449.
IU^k$rdBHm^
Richard P««teM. JqIw S toy l^ W g h^
Robert Cobtay. Robert C^iakjf^
John Coicom^
A. D.
i4ia.
jHewy Sfth.
140«.
Simon G'varfr^*
Peter Sturt.
Richard Pcwtcrcr.
Robert Cobley,
John Coacom*
1406.
WiiUam WiUfbrd*
John Batten.
Walter CoWey.
John Exbridge.
Thomaa Wandry.
1407.
AivmSeuH.
Stepban Ftank^
Walter CoWj.
14tQ«
Roser Gould.
Ba^Swan.
John Cooper^
RpbertCobley
141U
mButm WUtfor^m
John Shepherd.
John Batten.
John LaJcc.
Feter Sturt,
1415.
Nich. Boughiv«od. WIB. WikfiMri^ (M^
John Lake. JlSmry Mtdt,
Reynold GouJd. John Falloyr.
John Shaplei^* John Wilsfbrd.
1 J ^Q Stephen Franlt.
^^^' RiduuPd Crow.
WUlmm WSkf$rd.
Richard Larkstoke.
Henry Mayh^w.
Heftry the fifth gave but gloomy hopes, to his suWects, of
his Aiture government^ having, during his father's life, been
fiiilty of many JbiUes, and assemMea with the mostaban-
oncd and dissolute profligates : however, no sooner had he
taken possession of tae throne than he banished (contraiy to
all expectations) his former companions, and, like the San,
emerging from a cloudy broke out in full splendor, and pro-
ved himself to be an experienced soldier, a good politician, a
sincere friend to justicct and a true lover of hiaanbjects.
Intheyear.l415y Htnry, in order to find employment fer
his
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB cirr t» BxsveR.
hi3 restlMSarons, and to gA^ the warlike indiattions of
his subjects^ denumded of w French monarch a resdtvtioB of
thoee promcte k JWrnc^^Mlikh had been wrested &om liift
predeoessoiii; and on Yecehriiu^ -a rdfasal, with an acrogaat
answer to Ium just demandSi^ £e declared war^ and landed ui
Frtfsce with « powerful annj : aftertakuigvevenl towns^ ho
gained (ht ever memorable vittorjr of Apnamrif notwith-
standing An French army aMttsded the English ta number,
bj upxmdi oficfm to one. In this battle, the French lost «
great number of NDblene&y ondmorethan 10/)00 common
men, and 1,500 taken prisoners; when the loss, on the side
of the A^giisij ntiounted only to two Noblcsnen^ ibiir
Knu^ita^ pat Esqaire, and twenty-cif^t privates.
While the King was pursuing his conquests in France^ he,
in order to protect the English cotuts ^om any dcypedationg of
thecaeo^ aenthis writs to the diflerent seaports of his king*>
doBH 4o At outapower^ -fleet : which was cheerfully com«
pUed with ; and Uie Devanshise aquadron, under the com-
ttuuftd df JSdbMpd!, Lord Cmriem^f and the Lord Comzs join-
ed thelUqg'a fleet, which was commanded b^ John, £atl
of Bedford. The F^ch fleet attemptinfi" to relieve Ba^;/iimr^
then besieged by the £i^lish^ weretotuly defeated, with a
peat lossof ^aeoy and most of their sh^ie taken aad destroy-
ed: in this battle, the tDmwwi&^v squadron led the van, and
coBtiibtfted|pKat]yto theviotoi;*
This year, an atx^ient custom was confirmed, that if then
be-iuit a sufficient number of citiaeas, or inhabitants that are
freeholders to be returned for a jury on a trial ; that then a re-
aofn 4lAy beoaade ofother citit cn s» who havemoveable goods
aufficieot*
Henry f after having humbled the Frca^i&iiatLoa, vmsseia-
cd l)y a bloody flux midk teuninated in his death at Vincent
mas mJPrwnce, AAigust-31st 1422, concluding a glorious and
tnuc^haat re^ of 9naiaaad 5 months; and was suo-
Ibyhisonlysoa, iUnry^ a^childofjiiae months old.
^
CHAP.It.
War declar-
ed againit
France.
Battle of
Agincouit.
A. D.
Ul&
Fieachfleel
deHsated.
1421.
Non free-
holders t»
be retamed
oajitrisi.
1422.
1415.
PMraHoi»
'William Jew,
Jonli 'Cook*
BalphSwtm.
John B att e n ,
1414.
T%&n$n$-miit9n9
BAILIFFS in the
.John Lake.
JohaWilsfonL
Thomas Sharp.
JohaCkrk.
HIS.
PeUr'Scutt.
Roger Gould*
BdbcrtCobky.
reign of HfiMav V.
Robert Voisey. '
Wm. Shapleigh* '
1416.
John BMtUn.
Thomas Shapp.
William Hull.
TiiDmas Hickley.
WakerBogbiook.
14ir.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
74
THB HISTOBT OF"
CHAP. II.
•\*"
uir.
John Cook,
John Clark.
Will. Shaplcigh.
Nich. Trelawney.
Step. Butterford.
1418.
John Batten*
Robert Hickley.
John Hull.
Robert Voisey.
Waiter Crabb. ^
1419.
Thanuu Eastmi.
John ShilUngford.
John Stipping.
Ralph Dolbear.
WiUiam Overton.
1480.
John Batten*
John Shlllingford.
John Cutler.
John Coscom.
William Shapieigh.
142!^
John Cook*
Robert Voisejr*
John Salter.
John Atyate.
Nich. Tielawney .^
1422.
Thomas Eastonm
John Cutler.
William May.
WiUiam Cook*
John Stokeleigh.
A. D.
1422.
Henry 6th.
1424.
Subsidy
granted to
the King.
1428.
Bakers re-
fuse to
bake any
bread.
Are fined
and com-
mitted to
Prison.
1436.
Hemy during his mmority was placed under the care of
Thomas, Duke of Exetery and the Bishop ofWincheUcr^ for his
education ; while the administration of eovemment was put
into die hands of the Protector, John, Duke of Bedford^ hj
whose interest die infimt monarch was crowned King of
France in Paris ; and, for some years, the kingdom enjoyed
the blessings of peace.
The King demanded a subsidy of Umna^ znd poundage of
the inhabitants of this city, towards defray mg the expences of
his wars in France which was cheerfully granted.
This year a custom commenced of giving to the Jlli^or and
Aldermen, at the feasts of Christmas um Easter , a certain
quantity of bread and wine : commonly called canon bread
and wme.
The Master,Wardens, and Company of Baibrt, within this
city (not liking the assize of bread, as set by the Mayor) made
an order among themselves, that they would <H8continue the
custom of giving what was termed advantage bread, or one
penny on a dozen ; which the citizens murmuring at, the
Bakers, in order to force a compliance, agreed not to bake
any bread at all, unless the Minor would set the assize accord*^
ing to their wills; but he, being a discreet, and sensible ma-
gistrate, and understanding the laws, he (after duly investi-
gating the matter,) not only refused a compliance, but ad-
judg^ them to pay a heavy fine each, and committed the
Master, Wardens and principal offenders to prison ; where
they were confined untU they publickly acknowledged their
crimes, and paid the several nnes imposed on them.
The dispute which had long existed between the Mayor
and commonalty, and the Dean and Chapter of St. Peter^
concerning the extent of the fee and manor of St* SidweU^
was terminated by an act of parliament^ wfaeieby the boonda
and
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 75
and rimitt of the said parish were ascertained : this act bears CHAP. 11 ,
date the.4th May, 1 4S6. ' ^
This year, the Butchers confederated among themselves, 1437.'
that they would not keep any public standings in the sham* Butchen
bles, but only sell their wares at their own dwelling-houses : jefu9e.to
two of them, Jokn SmtiA and John Taylor ^ put the said agree- l^^ep the
ment into execution ; but on complaint t>eing made to the "''•uiWei.
Mayor, he ordered them to be fined, and committed to pri- ^^ An*! &
•on ; where thej remained till they revoked their agreement, ^| ^P"-
and paid the sasd fine*
A sharp fiimine made dreadful havoc in England and **^*
Franecf which was followed b^ a great plague that carried ij^lj"**"*
of!" a great number of the inhabitants of both Kingdoms, i!ui
An act of common council was made, that every inhabi- «j^^f '
tant of this city (not being free thereof) who shall sell bread m^ 1^^
or ak^ within the city, or liberties thereof, shall pay for such quvterlj
licence 7|d. every quarter of a year, for the use of the city. 7Jd.
John bhilUngford^ being elected Mayor, refused to be 1444.
sworn, and to execute the ofiice ; complaint of which was
made to the King, on which he sent a writ under his privy
seal, commanding the said John ShUlingford to accept of the
office on the penalty of 1 ,000/. in consequence of this he
came to the guildhall on the Monday afker the feast of St*
Valentine^ and there took the customary oaths; and notwith-
standing he entered into the office so reluctantly, he dis-
charged it with great honor to himself and benefit to his fel-
low citizens.
A place for liberal education being much wanted in this 1445.
city, thfc Dean and Chapter converted an ancient chapel ii;.]^
dedicated to the Holy Trinity f (situated in what is now School
termed Musgravc's Alley; then. Trinity Lane J into a school, fbundwL
which they founded bv the name of the Hi|(h School, fojr
the better educating of youth in useful leari||n?; and ap-
pointed a Master, for whose accommodation, tney erected
a convenient house, adjoinine the school for his residence^
and settled a salary on him of 20/. per annum.
A long and troublesome suit at law, in which Bishop Lacy^ 1447.
and the £)eir;i and C^a;p/(!r of St. Peter were plaintiffs; and
the Mayor 9j\d Commonalty of this City, defendants, concerning
the liberties and bounds of the Mayor and his officers' juris-
diction, was referred to the decision of Thomat Ccw'tenay^
K Earl
\ This Chapel, tfter having been desecrated, and used for several
purposes, haa of late years been restored again to the porpote of divine
woiship; and h now used as such by a large congregation, the foUow«sis
of the late Rev. Mr. Joha Wesley.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
76 TttE llIS(TOllY OF
^ ^^^- " - Earl of Devm, and Sir ^»rf« B*iwWt, Knigiit, ttlia after
Mayor'sof- ^ ^^ enquiry into the claims of both parties awarded, diat
fictfn hatea ^^e Mayor and his officers, accordmg to their andent char-
rif hi to GM> tersy confirmed to them by his Majesty's picdeoesson, had a
T tbeir. nght to carry their maeeSf within the said Church, ccAetn^
"^'[J^'.and fee, without any molestation or disturbance, fh)m the
thedral,8nd'^^^^$» Dean or Chapter, and their sutcessois, or ady of
its liberty, their officers, for erer*
Exe^bridge Exe^Mdge. novr becomios rumdos (the low^paJrt, with
decided, the piers only, being built of stone, whilst the apper part be-
ing of fhimed timber gravelled over) it was dangermis to the
passengers; therefore the Mayor, Jokn SAiUmgfordf pro*
posed uie rebuilding of it, and made^pUcation fo^ Cndinal
Aempy Archbishop of York {with Whom he had an intimate
acquaintance) for his assistance therdn; but the sudden
death of the Ma^or, prevented, for that time, a*y further
* proceedings in this salutaiy work*
^ J^' The Bishop of Winchtster^ Thomas Earl of DevM, tmd
^ ^. ' John Lord Siourion; i^ere 6)mmissioned by the King to de*
^^^^^ mand a ban of three shiM, properly furnished and victualled,
loan of 3 to convey soldiers into Brctagne in Fmkite; this supply was
ships which Speedily and cheerfully granted by th^ City of Eieter : ' a con-
is complied vincins proof of the opulence of the inhabitants, abd the
^^^' share &ey had in the commerce of these times; when the city
of London was subsidSxed, on this decasion; at six ships only.
1450. Xhe names of the assistant Officers to the Mayor (vrfaich
hitherto had been termed Seneschalli, or StewanbtJ were al^
tered to BaUlm^ ot Bailiffs.
Jack Gate This year there were great cOthmotiohs in' seveJhd parts of
rebelHoo. ^^ kmgdom, principally occasioned by the oppressions of
&e Barons and Clergy on die Commons ; the latter of which
assembled in^reat numbers in the counties of iiC4!ii^ and Esses^
nrider the command oi John Cade^ an Irishman \ Who \ms»
sumin^ the name oCMorfimerf and pretending to be of royal
extraction) mad^ lumself maister of the city of Lmdrni; where
he behaved with the greatest insolence,' and- cruelty. Oa
The King's this occasion, the King sent his royal mandate to^the'^byor
lettertotheand citizens of Exeter^ commanding them to be Strictly
citizens to watchful, and to prevent any rebels from gaining admittance
gj^jj^ into their city: the citizens accoirdinrfy put themselves in
for({efe^^>nns, repaired the walls, scoared me ditehes, and hc^
"^ themselves in readiness to repel any sudden attack; but die
defeat of the rebels, and death of Cade^ happily freed the
country, for a short time, from civil commotions, and do-
mestic broils.
1431. The King, in his tour through the Wcstf on his entry into
the
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OFr EXJ^TER. 7?^
Jh^ o ^mxtfotBtwm, M^edone night at th^ abbfty of JJirtf; 1 9!^^£J?-
from. I;h^i<^ ^ "went to Oittry S^ Ma^, 'virhere he was re- "
cehred ^itb grea)^ soleiiuuty by the CanQiia, and after resting
these two nightSy proceeded on hia journey towards this city. The King
aod was met by thji^ Knights and Gentlemen, of the county of ^^^ this
Dev4m9 at JB£miim*s Clut; and aoon aft^^ by the M^yor ^^*
and CowmpDahy oC this city, in number upwards of 300 His leoep*
pcxBonsy richly apjKttelled in their liveiy gowns of a n^unv ^^'
colour, with black velYet capes and fiicings, having on each
shoulder a coi^ on which wa^ embroidered the city arms, (oq HolKngg.
ai( shield, party perpaji^, gules and sable, a qastle triple tower- b^^*
ed, ox ;) and at Lhetyiiafe, was recdve^ by the clergy in
thdr copes and vestments, and conducted into the city : at
the C^oas, v(ithoiU Southgate, th^ Mayor delivered to the
King, the keys of the gate, and rode m before him, bare-
he%£d, cafrying the mac<, through StnU^gatp^treetf 8 to
Carfifu:^ * and from thence to Si, MkhaeVt ^te, f wnere
he was seceived by the Bishop, Canons, and ^oir. In their
rich^ copes. The KiQg then alighted from his horse, and
proceeded on foot to the cathedral up to the high altar, where
be semained during divine service; and was thence con*
ducted to the bishop's palace, and there continued eight
days* During his residence at the palace; he (with his
suite) was elegandy entertained at the joint expepce of the
i^huccb and city.
The King while fit^yiqg in the city, issued out a com* Two men
mission to h^ Judges to bold a court of general gaol delivery, foirndg olliy
and fcr that purpose they kept their court in the Biabop'? ofhigbtrear
Wl; ivo ipei^ were found gai% of high treason, and or- *^'
dereil to be executed; but me Bishop and Clergy asserting
that the Judges sat in commission within their sanctuary,
contrary to the privileges of Holy Church, the King, to ap-
j)ease thdr clamours, pardoned both the offenders.
From the wea)cncss of die ^ng*s government* and the A. D.
disagreement among the chief commanders, the En^itsh were HJ^.
dispossessed of all their conquests in f ranee, except the town
oiCaUu^f widi a small territory belonging to it: this occa-
sioned great discontents at home ; and the partiality of the
King for his fovorites, so dise^usted the noblemen, that manj
opcvXy espoused the cause of the Duke of York; and hence, Isaac.
Kg a scene
X Ford Abbey is a 4et8chcd part of Devo^ near Ibvr Miles from Ax-
xninster.
§ It appears from this account that the principal road leading into the
city, from the £^ was the Magdalca-street road.
* Carfbix— the four wjiys.
t Kow Broadgate.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
78 THE HISTORY OF
C MAP. n . a scene of anardiy and confusion prevailed throughout the
Qoarrel be - ^^^S^^^* ^ dispute ajrosc at this time between TAomas
tween the Courtenayf Earl ot Deoon^ and the Lord Wiiliam Bmoiile,
Earl of Baron ofShute; which, according to some authors, origi*
DeTon and nated about a dog ; but it seems more probable, that it arose
Lord Bon- £rom the complexion of the times, and the difFc^nt interests
^ of the principals: the £ar/ being a strenuous defender of the
Holings- house of jLanca</«r; and the Lord BofiotXir, of that of Y^rkp
head. llie ouarrel concerning the dog, might heighten the animoei-
ty. The two Barons agreed to decide theii difierences by the
strength of their arms ; and accordingly both paxties met on
Battle of CUit^heathy near this dty, where (aft^ a sharp conflict, and
Cliftheaih. ^^^^ y^^^ kilfcd, and wounded on both sides) Lord Bon^
LofdBoo- oti?tf was defeated, and, with his followers, retreated to £x-
vUle defeats e/«r ; they were received within the walls, and the ptes were
focein '^ closed aft« them, to prevent the pursuers following : this
pl^^ reception gave grut ofience to the Eart^ who endeavoured to
force an entrance, but was repelled by die citizens. At
length, by the mediation qf the resident clergy* the parties
A. D. were seemingly satisfied^ and departed b^ dirorent routes. %
1457. Xhe Eaatgate of the dty becoming nunous (being coeval
EaBtgate with the walls) fell down in the midKUe of the day ; but pro-
UOm down, videntially, without hurt to any person, though several were
passing by at the time.
1458. It was customary in those days, on midsummer eve, to
form a grand procession, in which, the mayor accompanied
^*^'"™|~. by the aldermen and common-council in their robes, prece«
mcr wa . ^^ j ^ ^^ ^.^^ waites, sergeants at mace, and odier onicersy
all mounted on horselnick, and followed by the principal ci-
tizens, and incorporated trades in armour : each company
being distinguished by sumptuous pageants and devices pro-
per to their several trades ; § and thus they paraded the ci^
walls, to examine whether any repairs were necessaiy,
and then passed in the same procession through the princijm
streets : each individual, and company endeavoured to out-
vie each other, in the brightness of armour, and sumptuous-
^^-^2^«, ness of equipages this was termed the midsummer watch,
arms to be the principal intent of which was, to inspect the arms of the
kept in le- citizens, to see if they were kept in proper repair, and fit for
!**'■ immediate
X It does t^>t appear from history, that the city of Exeter openly es-
poused the cause of either of the contending parties ; but it should seem
that this Icind reception of Bonoilk was owing to the animositj that ha^
so long existed be^reen the Coicrleaay £unily and the citixois.
§ ^h company was commonly preceded by a Statue, as large as life,
(finely painted and gilt,) of the tutelar saint, to whom the firatemity was
dedicated : as, Si.PHer,9iihtfUhMHgert: 8t. iMke^OfthidPabU^n, &c.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXBTER. 79
immediate use; idso to panUth, by fines, auch as were found CHAP. IL
defietent in such care ox their arms. ''~~^
At the procession of this year, a dispute arose between the Dispute
Cm-iwamers and Tmektrs conoeming the right of precedence ; *^»Jt pr»-
this, theMajor appeased, by ordering the companies to march ^^^^
together, one of each company hand in hand. John Kelfy^ Cordwain.
the late Mayor, refusing to attend in his place, on this days en and
watdi, acoordiag to andent custom, was fined ten marks, Tucken. . .
whid he accordmgl^ paid.
Some young gentlemen happening to quarrel, in the body A. D.
of die Cathednd of Si. Peter, they proceeded to Mows, and 1^^*
in this afiBrajr, several persons were much hurt and wounded ;
this (according to the supostitionof the times) so prophaned st. Peter^
the chuich, by having human blood spilt in it, that the Dean church pro-
andChafter ordered the doors to be shut, and divine service ^^ «mI
to cease, until the church could be newly consecrated : this "*"* "P"
{as the Bishop was absent) was performed by one TJkomaSf a
sufiiragan to tne Bishop of Bo/^.* .
The Duke of York having taken the King prisoner at the 14^.
battle of Si, Albany and causing himself to be declared Pro-
tector, assumed the whole government into his own hands, King taken
leaving the King nothing but the empty name ; the Queen pn>oocr.
endeavoured to release the royal captive, assembled a body of
troops, and tent Letters to nis friends, desiring^ their assis-
tance: the citizens of Eseier commiserating the unhappy
state of their monarch, cheerfully nised a considerable sum Exeter
by voluntary contributions, and also levied S I soldiers ; these sends mo-
they armed and maintained at their ow^i ezpence, and sent ^57 andsol-
them, with the money, to the Queen's army, accompanied ^j^^^J^J*
by a messenger to assure her of their sted&st loyalty to the
King, and their readiness to assist him to the utmost of their
power. The Queen |avc batde to the Duke at Wakefield, jx^^^
which proved &tal to him, he, and his second son (the young York de-
Ear) of Rutland, 12 years of age) being slain in the conflict, featedand
his army totally routed, and the King rescued horn his capti- slain.
yity.
This sunshine of relief to the Lancasirian party, lasted but 1461.
a short time. The Duke of York*f eldest son, Edward, Earl
of March, and Richard Nevii, Earl of Warsnck, having colJec-
tedlogether the scattered remains of the routed army, and be-
ing
* From the oonftnioa through the kingdom, by the pretensions of
the houses of York and Lmcaster, it is probable that this quai]|:el arose
among some of the partisons on each side, who happening to meet in
tbe cathedral, where (notwithstanding the sacredness of the place) the^
could not prevent thor animosities tSoisk breaking oat into acts of vio-
lace.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
scr
rBHOK HKITOirr oit
^RAP. XL m8poiind<b7d]&whal»powerof the-F»i^^
field. On Palm Sunday.,. 1.461, thejr ittfit tbeQoieei^'&acmj^
at Tomtfrni, wiierara bloodjirbat^ wm frughW whioh. laMcd
from momingtili ni^^ andoiidftdifttbl toteldefc^t^f tbo
Ll this battle (acoonding to hiitociafli) fid lhe'flaw;q^o^the
Engfitk Bobilily,. aad 36,776 meift wcflc slain.;, b^ diii)<leci-i
sifve iwtorj,. tkuewliok oftius l^tmmbnan power wa» broken ;
the King again fell into the hands of hbcaomics; andi, being
deposed br aat act of (a time sewiag) pari^naftnt, JBdwm^^
EaslofAfivYai;, was pfodaimed King, and csowned at t^9<^
don on tfat £9lb J«B€ fbttowuig^
This jeaa^ tke greit eoodnit a* Cttifid^ (beiag cuinoua)
iTM new built,, dudfty thioogb Ifae inturostcf WiUam A«fo»
kte Msmr, wfaanotenljtookonhiina^
tiK woffky but Qo^red it with lead, at hb •wn expeooe. A
particular aecooMl of tins conduit, with a vtitommw of it
will be given in its place.
MATOBS and BAILIFFS in the rcigu of HsKi^y VL
Battle of
TsMton*
The Queen
defeated &.
theKinc
depws£
CmUoL
conduit B»
1425.
JohnBuUen.
John Hull.
Wm. Bishop.
* Wm. French.
Wm. Upton.
14£4.
J^hn Cook.
' John Salter.
Thomas Nymctt.
John Cosconu
Nich. Trelawny.
1425.
Robert Voysey^
William May.
Peter Kenty.
John Cross.
John Smert.
1426.
Tkmtmi E^tm.
William Oke.
William Upton.
Walter Mccryfield.
William Bishop.
1427«
JoknHuM.
John Cross.
Stephen Bnttefford.
John Trelawny.
John Bacon.
1428.
JohnShiSmgfitFd.
Wdliam Upton.
John Smeit.
John Cook.
Wm. Servington.
1429.
John ShUUngfifrd*
William Upton*
John Beanfitz.
Bennet Drew.
1410.
JohnH^.
Thomas Cook.
Nicholas Atfaole.
Andrew Thring.
WaherPope.
^rHtUUH \jOOtC9
John Cross.
John Smert.
John Troly.
Walter Merryfldd.
1432.
TkommsCook.
John Bacon*
John Kirton.
Walter Pope.
Ralph Crudge.
1433.
JohnS^ier.
Nicholas A^ole.
Richard Orenge,
John Bagg.
Robert f oc4.
1454.
Wimtm C9ok.
John
Digitized by CjOOO IC
THE 'ClWr OP isxsat&R.
John KirtBii.
Andrew Thiiiig.
JohnBira?.
ThomasTanon.
1455.
Thomas CM.
John^irton*
AndrewThring.
John Btfgg.
Thomas- Paison.
U56.
JohnCutkr.
Bennet' Drew.
John Coscom.
John BroMrn.
John Merrifield.
• 1457.
John Hull.
Richard OreHge.
William Atwm.
John Kelly.
William Hodge.
1456.
Bemtet Drev,
Hugh Germin.
VincfentMart.
John Coscom.
\VjllJani Duke.
1439.
'wTt^dftt \td0Km
Jolin '^ttgg.
John Smert.
'Robert Ford.
WiffitfmHoody.
1440.
WUliam Upton.
John Kelulei&;h.
BenDetWincheIsea<
WiliiimfiGrymell.
John Latch.
1441.
Tkmnai Cooi.
Hugh Germin.
Thomas* Bafsons.
John Coscom.
.JohnJa
144e.
JohnCutia:
Peter Brav.
John- Oueigh.
John Stanbufy.
Andrew Thidng.
1443.
Hugh Germin.
William Crymcll.
John Clerk.
John Peacock.
Thomas Rouse.
1444.
John ShiUingford.
• John Beaufitz.
John Taylor.
John Gage.
^ Nicholasiiamlyn.
1445.
JohnHuU.
John Clerk.
John Germin.
John Betty.
Walter Swan.
1446.
John ShiUingford.
John Germin.
Richard Drewell.
JohnBabridge.
Thomas Sampson.
1447.
* John Shiilin^fimd.
John Germin.
John Hammond.
Nicholas Hamlyn.
JohnJIpjse.
1448.
John Cutler.
William Duke.
Walter Sams.
Thomas Evekoa.
John Avell.
1449.
Hugh Germin.
BcnnetWinchclsea.
William Bishop.
William AtwcU.
Thomas -^Sampson.
1450..
William Crymell.
William Bishop.
William' EiFord.
John Friend.
Robert May.
1451.
'liugn ^renntn.
Thomas «Rouse.
' Thomas Sampson.
John Sahnon.
John Hammond.
1452.
WakerBope.
John Avell.
ThotnaffEvalfltDn.
Andrew Thring.
Walter Pafibrd.
1453.'
■Hugh Cfermin.
John Tiilard.
Walter York.
Robert Smith.
Henry Dolling.
U64.
Riehmd Or^fige.
Jbha Betty.
. Vincent
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
82
THE HISTOAT OP
CHAP, n . Vincent Hart,
Thomas KcUy.
John Spyne.
1465.
Hugh Germin.
Bidiard DrewelU
Thomas Evelton.
Thomas Bowyer.
John Turner.
1456.
WiUiam Duke.
Tho. Calwoodly.
Richard JefFery.
Robert Smyth.
William Fry.
1457.
John Kelly,
John Friend.
William Hogge.
John Turner.
John Hammond.
1458.
Richard DreweU.
Robert Smyth.
William Hogge.
John Hamlyn.
John Barsley.
1459.
John Betty*
John Spyne.
John Turner.
Richard Rumwell.
John Thomas;
1460.
WiUiam Duke.
Tho. Calwoodly.
William Hogec.
Thomas Hayle.
Richard Duke.
1461.
John Keily.
John Hamlyn.
John Hammond.
John Turner.
Thomas Bowyer.
A. D.
* 1461.
Edward 4th.
1463.
Hajry
again im-
prisoned.
1464.
GuUdhaU
rebuilt.
Printing
fintbrought
intoEng-
Edward the fourth, did not long enjoy his crown in peace ;
the Queen having escaped with her son, the Prince of FTaies
into Scotland^ prevailed on the Scottish King to assist her with
a body of troops ; these were anjnnented by a great number
of auxiliaries sent to her by the French Monarch, and, thus
strengthened, she again entered England^ in 1463 : but was
defeated by John Neville Baron ofMoniaeutef at the head of a
numerous army ; the unfortunate Henry, not knowing whi-
ther to retire, and doubting the fidelity of the 5co^c^, endea-
voured to conceal himself m England ; but, being discover-
ed, and seized^ was carried to London, in the most io^nomi-
nious manner, and committed close prisoner to the Tower.
The Guildhall of this city being m a ruinous state, waa built
in a more convenient and elegant manner : the court of Hus-
tings was floored with plank, and elevated above the pave-
ment, wainscotted round, and proper seats were erected for
the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common council, and galleries
for the Juries, f
This year is most remarkable for the art of printing being
brought into England, by John Caxton, a citizen of London,
who, being sent to Haetiem, persuaded one of the composi-
tors
■f There is an old building now standing in Waterbeur-street, which
according to tradition, was the ancient Guildhall ; and, from the stile of
the building, and its ip-eat extent, this seems very probable. The archi-
tecture is evidently Saxon, and it appeals to have been erected long be-
fore the Norman conquest. Whether or not, the hall was removed at
this time to its present scite cannot be ascertained, as no historian men-
tions it. The present Guildhall was erected on the ground originallv
occupied by a Chapd dedicated to St Geoige.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OF EXETBR. 83
Jton to cirry off a ict or font of letters, and to embark with CHA? TI .
lum» in the night, for England: the first Printing Press in — —
this kingdom, was erected in WutmmMter Abbey; and soon
after, asecondwassetupinTaru^ocit J3^, in this county.
The streets and passages in this City b^g unpaved, and A. D.
full of noisome and dangerous pits, an act was procured, ^^^'
(chiefly throu^ the interest of Thonuu Calwoodiey and RicAard Act for pa^
Clark, the representatives in parliament) for the paving there- to; the
of, and removing all nuisances; and thus the dty became Streen.
^ore pleasant and healthy.
A dispute arose between the Bishop of Exeter and the citi« t467.
zena, concerning a tower, on the city walls, at the lower end _
of the Bishop's orchard, and where the Bishop's prison was ^?h^
kept; for which reason he claimed it as an inheritance of Bishop con*
jignt. A trial commenced before the King's Justices of As- ceming a
size, at the Castle; and a verdict was given in £ivor of the tower oa
citizens, who, soon after, caused the tower to be taken down, ^^ ^'^*
and the materials thereof to be used towards the reparation of
the ci^ walk*
A difference between King Edward and his principal sup- ^^^'
porter, the Earl of Waroiek, now burst into a flame : the Edward de-
£arl join.ed by his brother, the Archbishop of York^ the Mar- ^^^ ^d
quia of MmUaaiie and George Duke of Clarence f Edward' $ ^^ ^
own brother) raised a powerful army, defeated Edward, took
him prisoner, and sent him to Middkham castle, in Yerhhire : Escapes de-
but he found means, (hj bribing his Guards,) to make his feats War-
escape; and, having levied a greater army than the former, wide
attacked the Earl, so furiously, that he made his escape to
France; and the Duke of Clarence, escaping westward, took Clarence es*
refuge in Exeter, where (in regard to his amnit^ to the King J capes to
he was treated with great respect, and entertained at the Ci- Enter,
ty 's expence, till a smp could be procured for his conveyance
to France.
The Earl soon returned, and defeated Edward: forced him 1470.
to abdicate the throne, and fly to Holland: he then restored Dethroned,
Henry, and, summoning a parliament, Edward was declared flies to Hol-
a traitor and usurper, and all his estates were confiscated. land.
The nextyear, Edward returned to Efiglandvnth SOOO men, -^^^t
and levying, in a few days, a powerful army, marched to- Warwick
wards Lom^, and was met by Warwick^ at Bamet; where^ defeated
after a severe conflict, the Earl was defeated and slain • Ed" and slain,
ttr^irif immediately proceeded to London; the unfortunate Henry
was again imprisoned, and Edward re-ascended the throne, (i^^g^^^.
The Causeway leading to Cowley bridge, waa paved by a to Cowl^
Priest, i bridge pav*
L Queened by a
{FMofthispaveineiitisitiUreiDidoing(1800.) TheieisatndiU-
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
84 Tfi» iirsToir M '
A. D. LmMiMaki^ tvlk> iiKiiiMe4tlift«Mf<iili diffwnf Mrf»of
H72- «kek)iiplM>: the IKikeof AfUMCiTftiid 1beE«f JiDeeon
g^^l^^ i^MM^^ Mdtkepi^^iMoftiMirpMjriftlfcMrtirf
Ueateze- MiMrm^ wMdi tiftte, iLnMe, fitoivMl«|Nmer<^Aetwi6
ter. comities. The Qm^m adtanoed to M*, MdWttlh*Mii*
odlbfthelleMtitfidCirMMiibfett. MMnTwittiMpeidk:
aueen^s ai^ b« MM IsietoMid t pcyw^fM tnaf» ittdl «et flw QMMflt
2^1^ TMbMwy .- tMM t bfoodf tMMIe eiit««tf, wtiebendeil l» tlK
liken Ml fsAtttdereKCor twQtieeii t&fm^^ti^bc^) wnBKf ioft^vte/rvfi^
8oiief^«r gT^irifef tBdHiel^ite afSmend, wetttmdepriBflnOT; fte
foiimurdtf- MikAttDHMtf mnthfttUiypcUidM of fioCe^ sml uj^i^ftiiif of
e<i-E^f (If 50g»of flidr teB o\»e» w er e Mtt: die QueftiWi i trot ted, by
after the battlej the Pfince of Wakt was most toBisroi»i)r
iMtoeMd hf Ae'Dtike of Glotiocsttfi (ifi tfao prtMnee of
Mitmi;} tnd tlieDttfte ifSammei^ wiOr olhers of tbe No^
wHiQr were Dcheaotdy winioiit tttiy niFiu oi if mf«
MthMttd not tlniimifig RifnicJiseccire MulellMiii^ WM u/iA^,
Henr? iMed hit ftatsto hhr flefoeiotM Brother, tte Dttke ^Olou-
murdeied. cfifef; IvhotcpdtcdtolheToijref, l(lrh«t heslabb^
H79. to Ae beftft. ESm»d^ thus fitcd ftom his rind, made a
^^^^ tOMit ihrotigB hn dioitiiiiiofis $ and, appioaaun^ tbts city, ifi
comet to wtuptKf Witt tte Queeit, aad the priiico, ns mmi, no ivas
net, at httefy Afr, by the Mryor, and prifleiml eHlteo^,
oil hoiMbAck, ^AAAf tppafrifeo In titeKveiy oftheettf t at
biA eutmitfe hito Euigatet the Mtyor printed faiiki tndi
Kfee Keys tin6 Maees, wMeh the Kbg rettimed ? he then pro-
ceeded to the Guildhall, (the Mayor riding baidieaded, and
Hhttyin^ A inaee befbre him) where he was presented^ m the
llttfbe of ne cinzetts, wnh a purse eonCanmig f Oo ^cna nobles,
And the Qneen and Pflnee with tdir« iogold,euh: thisw»
moat gratiottsiy f eedf e d; tnd tfaeKing^ in tcttini fbf their
tojndty
W MMllnS rrtHl tMl gllln^af VWalMllB SMd MSI^er} MWll^nlSldS-
hwlched a ytMing w%aiiin, ^# p«et«^ aASfwudi, with «hiU| Md dm
he, in Older to hide ha shttne, entised her into DwpardwofAf aa4
there ihardeied hen this crime Wisg AacoiFer^ ^1??*> ^^ '^^ ^
peAamsi, condmncn to ejtMuis thtt ifOfKi faUbiMf, WMhoui sny aiitet-
StaM; MAttalhOw«»liVtikjNMiMdMb|Mlltlt. thW t leMte i <6me
marks of probability- in this, when we consider those days of IgdMinca
and fOperftitioD ; that the deify Wire exempt fiom the secular power,
and that, ia gieir cdmes hate been erer so heinous, penance wa8 the
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
tBM cnr tm vxstbr. .89
iml^^<tMi4iMii«>w>»afcto<wwJfe»fci»<Mki< qHAf. n ,
MMi. M in ■■lllJD OOMlilW I
ft iwiit ia tfcxowwi of to j — rn qr^ cMttiMddMgBtiUi;^^^
ke#WfMPedtoow9lmliw^ AiDolMPf C^^
AeatliMvilb Aeoiirc andtiiit appita io lm» fi^
ftrAi«ra<wwitia(i h^wtdLmthtemUm^kium^Mm^
The GOfponrtion of T^^i^Nv pfocured a new duwicr ftoil A. JD.
tiie ICii^ whicl i fyc nmrmrt ^ the Moyor Midooiiwp<
ion
I47A.
couMilt vhoooMWMfttdil Id heenJdirkcfMOt M^hiir lir 3]^«1^'
lllff«tef» eo«»«ocde iSmit. i^
carried OB, with gnat aciijMiijrM4«MMe,ftrlwo7iei«i terfromthe
«t4ai^lheKi0f untrfaed, MdecAildf Midaw,
Widf his King.
imlS^. P^^CWtewrr^theeDwiofltoC^the- Lawsuit
**l» fin w i »e n iiMgk)thpMlk»l#ooeMCtoe g e>l >»t »i t > 1^^;?^
IWara»«tfi«fyaetMwlo4iiiemofdKKii^ cedth«re«e
pataili^lefMher imeoMiiiigiiiikws ho^wstMr^ A ejw ir
MonlfMPtiMed lpr aeveni fcacB eAflr«
'" " ■ i pv^tfoeof hriiigiwg i47r.
>m house to houtc,
^ - «^ wpognant to ^^
thdr jfiraootoea, tkey prelened a eoAplaint to ihe Major, Bakena-
who, wiA liis bro&Ten, (in common council) enacted a bje gainst the
iaw, which reetmined then #em hawking, bat garelfaom countiy
lft>crty «o brinff didr biead to the j^o^dip BoarkiBt, M^
standiage fiic me sale tfaeiieof (oa otwrket days only) near die
great ^ulttit*
A fut pcrtikiKefaged Ihroi^^hmit the kiwlotn, Ann ' ^^^*
ihcbqpumwg ^September 1479* ^ ^« «n<i <» NpTcmbcr ^^^^
1480» wJiick «vi^ away ao incredible number of people in
the latice of ijmioB^ and ExeUr*
^rrmnhintnbrin^nnflrsgainrtr f^fa ffir^TiijIirrf, oneofliie ^^^«
AttoraMiof the Proiroot coMft, im ito city, as bciog gttfllNr
Lt *
^ y>f WMtwiiiaa <fck <UaylHia of a6<rwA, It 4ocs not appear in hii-
^<>aiiaygy>i<iwwywii|i|»>int>da»AatofiSocu<)iaMofHeaiy
^th, A. J>. 1W. ^ ^ ^
*1lUft ciwtoio to not been^iaooatinuad many yean: tba ^writer af
this wdl rememben whcgii «b« country ]iiaken uafd ^ hriag lAitir jhwad
in panniaa^ 00^ stand wUk it at ^e up^taA^ Cook row, hftaroen 4ll9
QMeAiehcaite, and the comer oC Rr ^rt n w fc
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
86
THE HMTOfiY OV
CHAP. II .
JohnBon-
nefantan
Attomey
found guil-
ty of forgery
Remarioh
ble sen-
tence upon
him.
1481.
148S.
1483.
of forgeries and other misdemeaRon ; a thorough inTetdgatioil
took place, and, the crimes being proved against him, he
was disfranchised, and forbiad to practice anj more In that
court ; but not regarding this, and continuing his in£unous
conduct, a complaint vna renewed against him to the King,
who sent a commission to TAcmas, Marquis ot-Dorset^ the
T ord Lieutenant of the county of Devon, to hear and deter«
mine the same : the Marquis came to Exeter; and, after a
£iir trial, finding him guilty of the crimes laid to his charge,
passed this remarkable sentence upon him, that he should be
carried through the city on horseback, on a market day, with
a paper fixed to his breast, on which should be legtbiy writ*
ten. Far forging false deeds and etidence$, and counterfeiting
seaisj evidently proved; and the sentence was executed ac-
cordingly.
Thecharter of incorporation of the CordwainerstMdCurnen
of this city, was renewed under the common seal thereof.
The Bakers were incorporated by ^e Mayor and common
council, under their common seal.
The charter of the Glovers and Skinners was also renewed.
An order was made by the Mayor and Common council,
that every Receiver general of this city, should, on particular
days, wear a scarlet gown, the same a^ the Mayor, and Al«
dermen, but, for distinction, without a tippet of fii^r.
. The King died of a fever, on the 9th of April 1485, and
was succee£d by his eldest 'son^ £dward. "-
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of Edward IV,
1462^
Hugh Oermin»
John Thomas.
William Aysh.
Walter Gervais.
Thomas Hfiyle.
1468.
Richard Drewell*
Richard Jeffery.
John Hammond^
John Coming.
Henry Win^iclsea.'
1464,
' Hugh Germin.
Richard Rumwcll,
John Hart.
Robert Chubb.
Richard Baker.
146a.
Richard Drevfell.
John Hammond.
Robert Sympns.
John Coming.
John Ruet.
1466.
Hugh Gemun^
Thomas Hayle.
Richard Chirke.
William Obley.
Stephen Rudgway.
1467.
Thomas Calwoodley,
Riphard Baker.
Robert Russel.
Thomas Pyke.
Nicholas Nawns.
1468.
John Hamfyn,
Robert Chubb.
Thomas Bowyer.
Richard >fawns.
John Luffingcot.
1469.
Robert Smkh.
John Coming.
William Fownding
Robert Newton.
Robert Giles.
1470.
Hugi
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THS CITT OF EXETER.
87
Richard Clarke.
John Orenge.
Thomas Bond.
John Gibbs.
J471.
JUeisrd Jeffay Ob.
HugkGenmtu
Walter Gervaia.
Dayid Johns.
John Tybott.
John Bernard*
1472.
Rifkttrd Cl(trke.
John Orenge.
John Atwul.
William Dark.
Thomas Ivelton.
1473.
lUchitrd RutrnDeU.
William Obleigl).
John Tybott.
Robert oonne&it.
Richard Byrch.
1474.
Hugh Germmm
John Atwill.
David Johns.
Thomas Ivelton.
John Starr.
1475.
John \}j^cnff€»
Stephen Rudgway.
Roger Worth.
Henry Uanneford.
JohnTaybr.
1476.
Jo^n Atxnil.
David Johns.
Matthew Jubb.
Richard W^ggott.
John Germin.
1477.
John KeOum
Roger Worth.
Robert Newton.
John Starr.
John Gibbs.
1478.
JfTOupn OMagh.
Robert Newton.
Richard Germin.
John Hampton.
John Coleshill.
1479.
John AiwUl.
Robert Russell.
John Atwill.
, John Harlewin.
John Weston.
1480.
Thomas Cahooodle^m
Robert Symons.
William Duke.
John Matthews.
Henry Redway.
1481.
Richard Drevell,
John Rewer.
John Down.
John Calwoodley.
William Lang.
1482.
Roger Worth.
Matthew Jubb.
Thomas Pyke.
William King.
John Slugg.
CHAF. If.
GkmcesUr^ who had (as before ob6erved| already steeped A. D.
his hands in royal blood, cot (under pretensions of tneir saf(&- -.-^*^'
ty) the young King^ with his brother, the Duke of York^"^ *•
into his possession, and shut them up in the To^er of Lon- Khur^uuT*
don ; where, by his assassins, he caused the young King his Brother
(then but 12 years of age) and his brother, to m smothered murdered
in their beds, after a short reign (if it may be so termed) of i^^be tower
two months and \% days.
Gbuccster, having thus removed the principal objects to '^"^^•J? ^
his ambitious views, procured a parliament for his purpose, ^
who bastardised the posterity ot his brothers f Edward and
darmcej and voted him the vacant throne, as the only lineal
descendant of the Didee of YoHc : but a confederacy was form«-
ed, asainst the usurper, by many of the principal nobility
of bom parties, in favor of Hen;^, "Esul of Richmond : many
of thepnncipal mcn^ iaJkvifn and Connvai/ joined in this con-
iederaey>
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88 tHB BI5T0«r OF
CHAP, n . Mencf, wmong tbeM wot Sif Bdward Co^rtm^, fVAr
— CaurUn^ Bishop of JBwf^r, Sip Wil^^m (k&Hm^f tfidov
then of greai note, f
Richard soon got inteUlgeoibe of d» plot, ud tniirdwJ Mm
gainst the reroltera; who were headed by the Duke «fB«ckv
ingham : and the Duke being deserted by his anuj, waa be*
- trayedy taken prisoner, and bciicaHgid immedlm^; this
Richttd struck tenor into tke others, whoeodea^MMiredkidmdaafijr^
eomesto to escape: HMcrv^ marched westwaial, (in order to aarMiAff
Exeter. the very embers of the tevoit,) and cane to <his oitf ^ wkeie
[Special he had before sent £iortf&?r»ip, with-a. opecial com m is s io n to
commiasioo try the ooospirators ; accordiiid|y a court was held iat that
heldatTor- purpose, at T&rrmgtmi; where, Thoma$, Marqois oiDofmis
"''S^' Peter Gmrtenay^ Bishop of Exeter; Sir Edward Qmrienay:
Sir ThomM Waiter Coitrieru^f his brother, said others (to the number of
St. Leger, 500) who had fonod means to escape, were ovdawed; vni
^vmc&i *»''*''*«»«»JS/. Leger ( who had married i£«eAimr« own ^islef)
beheaiM^ and Thomas Rayme Esq. were found guilty of hs«|htreaaoft|
Exeter. taken to J&rvAer and beheaded at the cSfnx. X
RichanTs ^" ^^ King's entrance into this city, he was received at
leoeptionat ^^ Eastjgate, by the Mayor^ AJdermen and Commoo conn*
Exeter. cii, in Oeir robes, accompanied by diccorporated bodies, io
their lirery gowns; and Thoma$ Hext, the B^carder^ copm
gratulated him in an elegant oration : J (for which the city
bestowed oo him a scarlet gown ;) the Mayor then delivered
to the King, the oulces and keys of the dty ptes, and pre*
sented him with a purse cootainiog 900 gold nobles; the
King then returned the maces and £eys, and was conducted
to the Biahop*s palace, where he lodged during his stay^ Mtd
was elegantly entertained for the time, at the city's expence:
as veie aJso the oofakmen, aodcKbens, of his oajte ot the
faousesof the pooeipal citizens: the King visited the dMcf
places of the ci|y, vid was highly pleased with ils pleasaok
and healthy situation, m well as Oie strength, %ad clcvaM
f Mr. CareWf m bk twrey of CormpdBf SBjrsthvt, so great was the
inaaaace<>ftfaeCouitep^lanrilyattfahp<iiod, that the inh^^
of DetMMi and Comtootf, flocked to their standani.
I ComipUj from the Fieiich, Qmadre omc^ te four «a|Ff : ttassras
not to contivcted bj buildings, at at {veteat; but formed aSqmie^
(irliere the streets crossed each other;) and at each comer was ajstatu^
•inilar^othsit Bowf«i]MBBiiig«t thectfrnerof Northgatle^lreet: one of
these (aoms Teais fliooe) stood in JMenMA CkyitofflwW oaort, (oov J^^
ffmft Fainter) and was soppeaad to tiave foKaed oae «^ of we tf vase.
4 The EecDider couldnotMf much in praise of Bichanl's siiitttes i bvt,
as manj of Ae dtizens were involved in the late conspiracies f Irani their
connexions with the C owU m ^ famflj,) tbejf no doubt dreaded his vin*
dictivedispasiiioa, wicndeaaousad to salteaa hit ffsstntmsat ; <i|»ft4li«y
snooseded to their wishes.
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THS CITY 09 IXBT&R. 89
tOmctlktamSki *<ftJlietgtttm^toI»iirfwtfiillygni6fiecl CttAP. fl .
lritliW»feceptioii at Surfer. "—
TlMfidntaftlieOaildluIl, tfidtheCotmcilckamberwtt A. D.
icbnat. "W-
itiBfcMr,€fp«eteg ill illtsaidll from the Earl 9f Richmond The Km^
tent letten to the l^yorof Eitter^ bf Sir RtUph Hoitin^, denoMl 20
dMMiidkig a wgtfij of Miolcfiert, in4m> were lemd on the !?u^'^.,^
inataiit^ oomplefedy amed, and ient, under the Knig^t'i^Q^l^
OMbMlaBd, to the plaoe appmnted; where they remained staat
kg tfb daft, being mainfiiiied at the city's ex^ncc ; but as
M IJttMioD took phoe this year» they were dismissed, and
■sat hMM again.
The tuitmsl diseontent in the kingdom seemed to fttr* 14^5.
diet At Earl of Richmond's pretensions; and, mat nam*
feeft at Engiith exiles (who fled from Richards tyranny)
louring him daHy, enoouraged him to proceed in his intended •j^^ jf^^ ^
Ajqieditioa : he therefore^ set out from Karfieur the SOth of Richmond
Jtilyi 1465, and landed safely at Miiford'Jutcen^ in Wala : he larufi in
was accompanied by the eirues, and nearly^ 2000 men, who Watoi.
hkik been sent to his assistance by the French King, and on ^^ ^
Ihs hndulg, he was joined by Sir Ralph op Thomas, at the Bom^^
kead of a oonndeiable body mWekhmen, and by Sir William i^T"^^
Simd^ at the head of 2000 more : his army thus encreasing ^|^?^
tfailyi lie marched forward and was met by Richard, at Bot^ Richmond
tporth in Leicestershire: Richard's army was defeated, and he prochimsd
kimsdf skift, tdkik the field of battle resonnded on all sides, fcmg-
** Long live Ring Heniy the seventh** *
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reiga of Edward V^
and BiCBAao III.
148S. 1484. 1485.
John Atxpill. Matthew Jubb. Robert Russell.
Joko ColcsfaiU* John Weston* Henry Haaneford«
William Dark. John Hooker. Philip Atwill.
Thomas Pyke. John Whitelock. Matt. AUington.
John Symons* John Starr. Nicholas Hamlyn.
Hem^, krtuw ascended the thfoiie, espoased the Princcsi 1485.
Elisabeth, (the &ttghter oCEdward 4th.) thereby uniting the ^ j^
dsims of both the booses^ whose pretensions had distracted
the
a fifatoikns tsbftelhst, on Htcfasn!^ tMnf the name ef the cs8tl6, he
WM ftotwwcri Rmgsmsm, Ihsl thii graadjr tefriaed him, m he had been
toldbyaSaothsijer, that hbdayt would not be long afUr he had sum
tUchmmut; mistalong the timilarity of niind in the names : but 'tis lika-
fy thil HM inTcnted after bis death.
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90 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. 11 . the nation and deluged it with blood, for, almoft» a oeotniy*
•"""~~" This year an unheard of disorder visited the nation, teraicd
the SxoeaUtig sickness : it rapidly spread itself, and canicd of
multitudes, particularly in this city.
A. n. The Barber Surgeons were first incozposated, under die
1487i common seal of the city.
Ale conners (or tasters) were appointed, to examine wlie«
ther the beer brewed for ule, was good and wholesome.
1488. The King intending to send an army of 8000 men to the
The King assistance of the Duke of Bretagne (then at war with the
demandft French J ordered his royal mandate to this city, for a supply
^chMJr* ®^ ^^ Soldiers; who were accordingly levied, completely
sent^acoDr- ^™^^» '^^ ^ent to Portsmouth^ to jom the forces there aa*
dingly. sembled*
The privileges annexed to cities and corporate towns, were
^^^ now thought worthy the acceptance of the greatest Barons ;
made free of ^^^^i°g& we find that, this^ear, Edward Cottrtauoff Earl
this city, of Devon, was made free of this city. This is the nnt ho*
norary freeman that appears upon record*
1489. -^ special commission came from the King, commanding
the Mayor and Common council to make a general inspecti*
^^'fo"^*' on of the arms and armour of the citizens; and thereupon,
am^ne die ^^^^7 inhabitant was ordered to furnish himself and fiunily
citizens. with sufiicient arms ; and a due report thereof was made ta
his majesty.
Weaken, & The Weavers and Fuilers were incorporated under the
ooro^nt^ commonseal of the city.
\lgQ ' This year the best wneat was sold in Exeter market for 6d.
Wheat sold P^^ busnel ; which, according to the value of money at that
lor 6d. per period, answers to near £«• $d. of the present coinage.
Bushel. The Cappers, Haberdashers, and Feltmakers (Haters) re-
Hatters in- ceived a charter of incorporation under the common seal of
CM^cnxxA, the city.
1495. The town duties having been invaded, the Ma^or and
Tolls of the Common council caused the ancient usage of the city to be
Market restored (according to their charters) and issued an order that
every person not being free of the city, that should e^>ose
for sale anv merchandize, wares, or other commodities,
within thehmitsof the same, should pay a toll of one half*
penny per day : this custom is still continued (but increased
to a penny) called market dues; and collected by a person
who farms the said tolls of the chamber.
1496. This year, great dissensions arose among the citizens con«
Dissensions peming the election of a Mayor; when*, (for preventing
about elect- the same in future) it was ordered by the Mayor and Com-«
ingaMajr- j^qq council, that no election of a Mayor, ,or other ofiioer
'^' should
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THB CITT OP BXETEll. 91
should be held good^ unless the same was made according C^AP. 11 .
to the ancient usage and customs of the city ; and that the .
Mayor^ with the £4 members of the common council, ^uld
be the onlj electors. It was also Ordered, that the Mayors, -^ ^
in future* should have dieir seariet gtmntliatd with sarcenet: J^^'toba
the Receivers to have gowns of Crimson in grain ; and that e* worn by tb«
very member of the Common council should wear a gown Mayor, &e«
of Kt'oiet (or Murrajr colour) in ^rain.
The King's avarice^ and arbitrary measures (fi>r procu-
ring money) discontented his subjects, and made his reign a
continued series of troubles and divisions, which encoun^;ed
the partisans of die house of York to set up several impostors ;
one of which, Lamdert Simneif the son of a Baker at Osford^ Lambert
being a comely personage, and greatly resembling the young Simnel^
£ari oiWarmck^ son and heir to the Ute Dvke of Clarence, rebeUuNU
(v^iom the King had shut up in the Tower J decUred himself,
by the innnuation of a crafty priest, named Richard Simon^
to be the identical Earl of Warwick ^ escaped from his confine*
ment, and the lawful heir of the house of York: this drew
many to his standard : but Sirnnd^ after various adventures,
was defeated by the King's forces zt Stoke near Lincoln, and
made prisoner, together with the priest, his tutor : when
(confessing their imposture) the King spared their lives;
made Swms/ one of his fidconeis; but imprisoned the Priest
for life, t
No sooner was this ended, than another of more conse- a. D.
Suence broke out in Cornwall; where the people, thinking 1497.
lemsdves aggrieved by a new subsidy levied on them, as- Another re-
sembled toge^ier in great numbers^ under the lead ofTkomas beUion in
FUsmmock, a Lawyer, and Michad Joseph^ a Blacksmith of ComnralL
Bodmin; and proceeding to open acts ot violence, seized on
the Pmvost otPenryn (one of the comminioners for collect-
ing the said subsidy) and most barbarously murdered him : Rcbdt
they then marched towards Exeter : but the ddxens apprized come to
of their intentions, put themselves in arms, barricadoed the Exeter.
bridge and opposed their entrance. The rebels, thusoppo- .
sed, altered their rout, and proceeded to Tiverton, and thence pui^ed.
to Tauntonf where they were joined by Tkomas Toucket, Lord Procaed to
Audley, who took, upon him the chief command, and march- Ti^eiton.
cd than (without opposition) through Wells , Sdisbury, and
Jf^inekesteTf and encamped on BkehJteatk^ near London*
The King assembled what forces he could, and a bloody
M conflict
t Mr. bate in his Memorials, is mistaken when he places SimneTs r^
retbelUon after Perkin fVarbeck% it happened the year before $ alsc^ in
his aicconnt of Shmets besieging Exeter y as no such event ever took
plactfj hbrebeUion being confined to the North of England.
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' y» . THB HMTOBT t>F
CHAP, a conflldtiMBed, bwluditlM'CWmAintiiwefedefeiftBd, af«
****'''^ ter fighting whh the greatest coamge and obetiaftcj: their
I>«^ettad. rmgtaderB were taken prisonen: Lord AuMey (after bein|
d e g ra ded (rem his dignity) w«s beheaded : and Fltummock and
Jm9»^, /^ BkdktmitA were drawn^ hangedandqvartend, and
their heads and qoaiters fiaced on stakest and set up in difie*
rent phoes.
Ferldii Baore this commotion was wdl ofer, andlfacr Preiemler
Wtrbeck jmpoared (this ga,¥erHensr more trouble dian die former :)
gj^^ hisnamd wasi^rMi JFmieek; :(thc«n of • concerted jew)
of York, he wasbomin £iig>iNK/, spoke hss native langn^ wdl, and
beine of a comely personage, pretended to br Riektini Duke
€f Ywky brother of King Edward 5di. nnd that he lad e^
c^MBd fiom the hands of his cruel uncle, Rkhsrd: Patro-
nised and acknowledged as such by Margaret Ihddkeu of
. Burgundy i who still retained her family hatred to the house
of MMst^, he easily persuaded a number of lidk and dis-
contented people to espouse his cause: this watgreisl^if con-
tridtUedio %the Kings of . Avncr and SetUmidf from^niry to
Kin^ Henry: the foraier, by hispersuasionB, andithe h^ter
by giving htm in mairiage the Lmfy (Mtrme Owdon^ his
own kinswoman.
Warbe(de lumng by these means collecfeed a great number
of followers, attempted a descent In Kenti but bdng re-
pulsed, with the loss of many of his men, he took refuge in
Jrdmd* Here, being inftirmed of thoae commotions in
Onuvwail^ and understandmg that the Cemuh men, eacasper*
ated at thek hte ddeat were ready to renew their idselhon,
he mustered about jGDur^coore men,'whidi9 widi his udfie, he
and Isodi ^(nbarked on board four small ships, and landing^in CommaU^
inComwBll. proceeded to Bodmm; where he so prevailed on the people
j>y his fijr speeches, and Jarge promises, -fliat upwards of
5000 soon ioined htt stan^d : thus reinfisoed, ne, by the
advice of nis tiirce pdncipal counsellors, John Heron, a
Bankrupt Mercer, Michnrd SkeUen, a Taylor, and John
B^. AMtUy^ a Scrivener, mardnd towards Exeter. His army
EzeuuT havbg increased on its march to upwards a^ 6000, be sat
down befixe the city, and summoned At citizens to sur-
render^ commanding Aem to open their gates and admit
turn and his feUowers: this bcaag refused, the rebels began
.a furious assault : but the citizens (fiilty prepasedj gave them
a worm reception, and repulsed them as often as they re-
turned to the assault, opening &eir gates and discharging
ihcix portpiecet, { charged wim pieces of glass, old iron and
mnsquct
J One of those port pieon was renaining (in die Anthor^t memory,)
laid on tbe left tt4e«f the paMceandertheEastgate: it vas coni^po-
Digitized by V^OOQ IC
THB' CVat OR BXWDER. ^
mii«}ttclbi]KwlM»i«to4e)igVBitt]a«^lj^ CHAP. iV
The rebelsp Sndin|^ na hofMtof sncoflss, jtMned tbem^e iktof "
ablockadc, . thinking to oompdthtcitixciifl'tofilRcnier byi
&auae» The Kii^ beiog iafbrnwd of theic diHrMs, .sent
LotiDmim^t at 9ifthea4of .abodf ofibroe^ to attempt
their relief^ whik he himself collects aa amif to foUonO"
them; but before D mA e t ^ *4 airhrai^ EdwandCamiem^f Earf
of 2>wib accomy wed byXofrf JTigHwn Cgwifewg, (Us Soti>
Sy ^dmm d Cmgm^ Sir Tkanm Trenchm^ Sir-miiumCow^
tem^ niPwtkrtm^ Sir TbemoM FuffM, Sir J^Am Hai^mii,'
Sir Join Crocktr^W^dhr OmrUnaw^ Pdtr EJgeomie^ JFiOiMi
Siymmr £»quir€9» wkh maay other jgeftflftmniH hamgcoU
k^ their tenants^ and what other torcea thef could/ came
ta the citizens relief: onthia^ therebels broke aipitheiraiege, ^lj{^^^
look iai|c(iiaiy in the abbey . of JBmiiiZkii ixiHampihire* The
Kin^ healing of his escape, sent a body of tuaopa in punait Waibeck
of lum.: to tme he surrendered himself, oa promise of ha- taken,
vioghis life spared; and Henry then proceeded to £r#l^/ King comes
nMrt hundreds of the rebels, made prisoners, had been sent, to £a«ter. *
On his entiance into the cityy he was received wkh great ac-
damatioasy and conducted to the Guildhall, where he thank-
ed the citizens, in the most grateful manner, for their stsd&st
loyalty and bravery in defenditig the city committed tO' their
charge; and he assumed them of his constant readiness to'
piomote their interest, and protect their privileges* He then'
(preceded by. the clergy) went to the Treasurer's house, §'
(within* the dose] whicn had been prepared for his reception,'
aod immediately gave orders for the speedy trial of the rebels,'
most of whom were found guilty, and sentenced to death;'
but the King ordered the ringleaders only to be executed, who' Ringleader»-
were hanged and quartered upon Southernbay : the rest were' «*«^"*^-
brought before him, with halters round their necks; and,'
filing on their knees, they begged for mercy : the King be-'
M2 held'
led oCflat iron htm; strongly booped tof^ethcr with iron (similar to a
Ca^) and was near 13 feet in. length, and 12 inches diameter at the
mouth ; (as &r as memory can answer :) it did not seem to have been *
ever fixed 6a a carriage as it had no trunnions, but strong iron rings on •
the sides for ^e purpose of moving it from place to place -, and probably
vhenit w«i discharged^ it was placed on a mount, or logs of ^ood laid
for the purpose of elevating it : this ourious relique of antiquity was sold
for old Iron, by a city Receiver, though of little value, being eat out*
with rust. There is a cannon of the sagie sort, still remaining in the
armoury of the Tower of London.
§ This house was (very judieiously ) taken down ^ 1798, to open ^
view of the eastern p^it of the Cathedral.
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94 THB HI8T0RT OV
CHAP, n . hiMia!uemh<m%9imim;fumattarikiitpnfpoK/m
- of the treMQiy houae : he paufed for a while ; and then ad-
moniihing them, and czhortiog them to future obedience,
pftrdoned them all, to the great joy of the spectators, who
joined the pnsonera, in loud ahouts of ** Long lire KHm^
Theolhtt ^'Amry the seventh. ''
^^^ f- Dissentions still continued amoiM; the citizens, oonceming
^'f^' the right of electing ^ Mayor and other officers; and two
rolls of the city records, containing the ancient customs and
usages by which the said ekctions were governed, being ei-
dier lost or embezzled, an information was hud before the
^ew chir- King, who ordered the Mayor and common councU into his
^^hl^^ presence, and, in order to prevent future contentions, caused
d^tiou of ^^ following re£ukdon# to be made, and confirmed them»
Mayon and under his royal sign manual, by the following charter.
other ofli- .^^ Henry, by the Grace of God, King ofEngia/id^ and
cew. M of Frmee, and Lord of Irdmtd. To aU, and every of
*f 'our subjects, to whom shall appertain thtte oar Lettersp
<* hearing or seeing, greeting."
** Whereas, in divers times past, great inconvenicncies,
** strifes, and debates, have been had, and made within this
King Hen* *' our city of Exeter^ for the election of a MiQfot^ fmar Ba^
i7*fl charter. *' liffk^ four^nd^twenij^ rf t^ eammo» emmcii, and ftmr &r-
'* getmts at Mace of the same, as by the grievous complaints
'* of the citizens and inhabitants, of our said Cify^ unto us
'< thereupon made, more plainly it hath been decUred. And
*' for a peaceable election of and upon the premises, hereafter
<« to be used, and had within our said city. We, of our
'* special grace, tender love, and zeal, which we have, and
*^ bear to our said ci^; and for the redress, restfolness, and
** common weal of the same, by the assent and consent, of
** the common council of our said city, and other staid and
y^f^^^ •* discreet citizens of the same. Have ordered, provided,
four <^- '* <^^ established, that from henceforth, there shall be Famr^
men cotin- *' and*Twenfy of the most sufficient and discreet citizens and
cU men to « inhabitants of the same, of the common council, for the
be chosen. «< ^gj^j ^f ^gjy lives, and none to be removed, except it be
** for poverty, disuse, great age or other cause reasonable,
•* which causes shall be adjudged and determined by the said
** FowHmd'immty^ or by the greater part of them, and after
'* the decease of any of the ^wr^and-twtnty^ or the removal
** of tl^em (as is latere rel^ea^rsed) that then the residue of the
*f said Fout'^md'tvfeniyp shall elect and choose unto them, a-
** >iotber citizen most sufficient and an inhabitant of our said
*• city
t This wiofltyw iraseiideMly of a moremoderodite thin the body of
the buUding.
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THE CITY OP SXT££R. 95
«' citf to folffl the the whole nombcr of the said Pour^and- CHAP. U .
•* immfyf according as the custom is of the fbur-and-twenty •
** aldermen, within our city oflandon^ the names of the said Mode of e-
•• fmr^HPtd'twenfy of the common council, now named be- JSf***'"^^
fore us in a schedule hereunto annexed. Also, we Will, JheaV^
•* that the Monday next before the feast of »%. Michael^ the moncoun-*
•' Arekangeif yearly hereafter, the Mayor of our said city of cil men.
•• Etder^ for tie time being, with his brethren and commons
*^ of our said city, that then shall be franchised men, shall
*^ assemble themselves in the Guildhaii of our said city, and
*^ then and there, the Potar^and^iwefity^ or the more part of
** them, upon tfa«ir oaths, by privy scrutiny, and by the re-
•• port of the Recorder^ and Tow?i derk for the time being, up- To return
*' on their oaths, siiall elect and choose Iho of the most able two to the
** citizens of the said Pour-and-iweniyf for a Mt^or of our said Fi«c«n«tt«
** cky^ for the year then next ensuing, who hath been appro-
•• Ted before in the office of a Mayor ^ or else of a Receiver.
** (The Mayer then for the time being, always to be excepted
** from being elected one of the two persons so before named,
** as is before rehearsed.) Also We will that the said Four*
^* and'itpentyj at the same time shall elect and choose Four ReceiTer
** Bail^9 whereof one shall be Receiver^ and that as well of and BaiUA.
<< the Pmir'and-4wenty9 as of other the most able citizens, and
*' inhabitants of our said city, so that they be franchised men ,
** and of good name and fame. Also We will, that the same
*' day the said FouT'^md-iventy shall elect and choose TAree And three
*f Sergeants^ frandiised men of our said city, who best can, Sergeuts.
** and best may attend and execute their office, after their dis-
** cretion. And after the election so made, and had, then
'* the said Recorder ^ and Tacmdcrk^ or one of them, shall
** publish and shew to the said FouT'and^iwentyy which Two
** ofthemforthe election of a Jftf^or hath most voices, and
"to shew their names to the Commons 9 that be franchised men ,
** and they to choose one of them to be Mayor of our said city Freemen to
*^ for the year then next ensuing, and he that shall so fortune return one
** to have most voices of franchised men, to be accepted and ®^ the two
«* admitted for to be Mayor; and after this done, the said Pr««ttted.
'* Recorder and Taom clerk^ or one of them, to present and
** shew the names of all the other Oficert^ so elected and cho-^
'* sen, unto the said Cornmom, in the presence of the said
«* FouT'Ond'^fmenty. Also We will, that the Monday next
** ensuing the said election, the said citizens, so elected to be
*^ Mayor 9 and all other Officers ^ in the open court at the
'* GvMhaU^ shall be sworn, and take their oaths, according
•• to the old usages and laudable customs of our said city ; and ^* Mayor
«f after chat, the same Maym' 90 sworn shall choose an able l^eTomh
^* citizen, Sergeant.
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96 TflS HI6T0BT OF
<^^n. <« cttlxcni and frandused laan* tobe the HourthSergmnU of
— —— " our said cityt which Sergeant, before this time, hath been
*' used to be chosen, and oaaaed only by the Afofwr, and
*' none other, according to the old custonoui of our said city*-
'* Also, that none of the said fbttT-mMwen/y, nor other Qfi^-
*' cer of oursaidcity, useor wearany Lord's clothing, nor
Noneofthe " ^^«n^«DMn'»l*wy, nor bear oognixance from henc^rth,
city officen ** ^P^^ P^ of being deprived of t&ir offioe, and losing tfaeir*
towear any ** mnchiscs. Also, We will thatwhat personor persons^
liveiyor ** of whatestate, degree, or condition whatever he or they^
badge. « be, presume or contend the breach of this our direction^
« and provision forthe election, andother premises, as are
'* before rehearsed : that he, or thq^, so offimding^ shall for*
** feit unto the use of our said city. Ten Marks f. ami over that
** stand in our high displeasure. Given under our priory*
*^ seal at our Manor of Greenwich, the 10th day x>fJuly^ ia
" the Thirteenth jext of our reign.*' ♦
To confirm this charter, the Kmg i^>pointed: VSKwm-
Trast (sometime one of his Servants and one of the four bai*
liffs of the city the preceding year) to beMB)r«r,andtate8tify
the great regard and esteem Ac had for the dtixens, in return
Hie King ^' ^5^^ loyalty in bravely defending the city during the late-
pretentsthe rebellion, he took his ww^rd from his ride, which, vritk a
Mayor with rich Cap ofmamieMmce^ be presented to the new Mayar^ oom«
Swoi^&c "^^^''S ^^^ ^o ^ worn, and carried before him and his
Swonlbeaiw ^^^^^^f^^ors, on all public occasions: a sword hearer was ac*
er appoints cordingly appointed, the first of whom was Francis Gilbert,
j^ jy The Princess Catharine of Spatn^ espoused to the King's
{y^x' ^1<^ Bon, Arthur^ Prince of Wales, arriving at PfymoutAf
Prinoen 'vras conducted by the principal gentry of the county to this
Catharine city, wha« she was received with the greatest honor and
of Spain, respect. Her residence was at the house of the Dean : du-
SSTdt"* "°? ^^ *^y» ^^ weather proving stormy, and the weather
^' cock of St. Mary Major's steepm (contiguous to her lodg«
ings) making so great a noise, from the violence of the wind,
as to prevent her from taking her rest, she complained of it ;
and, m consequence, the cock was took down ; but was re-
placed after her departure. She rested here several days :
then, by short iourmes, she proceeded to Lrondon, and thence
into Jralest where she was married to the Prince.
1503. A dreadful pestilence ravaged the kingdom; and made
A great pes. great havoc in this city, carrymg ofF numbers of the inhabl-
tilence. tanfs; aniong which were iM«r/iVtfv<ori and J(»^ii)aiief/er,
successively
* This mode of elsetion of the city o6feeM, hit been ^rer since duly
employed, and contiiiues to the present time.
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THE XiPPf OP £XBVfiR.
57
sucoesHvety Mayan: John Outeoti and J^kn Ncrdon, two C^M^,
oftheBaiMs. ' ■ ' "
Tiiis gmt calamitjr earned ofF also whole fiunilies of the A. D.
dfy ; many of whom being freefaolden, or who held their 1^4.
lands of tiie MayoTy BaiMffi and commonalty, as chief Lords
by socca^ tenure, .great diapotes arose among the claimants
of the said lands (as heirs of the deceased) and therefore an
inqniiition was held; and the disputes were settled before
the ifagiscmtes : when, an ancient custom of this city was
again {rat in tooe: m, that every Freeholder is bound to
pay fi>r hia idief, St. 6d,
King Mmiy died of the gout, at his Palace of Richnumd^ in ijos.
Swety: and wasaoeoeeded by hisonly surriving son, Hemy* Hmtj dies.
MATOSS and BAILIFFS in the r^ign of Hana y VII.
1486.
ThomaaBond.
George- Ohapman.
Wal. Champnya.
JohnBonndant.
1487.-
iMcwiNmtmL
JohnHooker.
Heniy Faux.
Richaid Turner.
Wm. Baker.
1488.
SicUrd Clmrlt.
George Chapman.
Johnwidgway.
John Ector.
Wm. Eastcott.
1489.
Stephen Rudgway.
Matt. AlUngton.
Bobert Bonne&ot.
WidterYork.
Simon Davy*
1490.
Jokn Booker^
John Calwoodley*
TlichardVndy,
Wymond Austin^
John Welch.
1491.
RihertChtM.
Nicholas Hamlyn.
Robert Bonnefant.
William Nordon.
John Gusoott.
1496.
John Atmll*
Wal. Champnys.
John Winter.
Ralph Pudesly.
Richard Cli£
149S.
JoknColetAiii.
Richard Undy.
John Danester.
Richard Nordon.
John Merrifield.
1494.
WU^mn Obleigh.
John Slugg.
Thomas Andfew.
John Hull. \
Thomas Oliver.
149*.
JahnC<Uw9odiey. >
John Bonnefant.
Philip Bullock.
John Wilkin.
Nicholas Abum.
1496.
John AtwUi*
Walter York.
William Frost.
Tbo. Langwortby*
William Sinks.
1497.
WUUam FratU
John Danester.
Richard Hewett.
John Buckenam.
Wm. Wilkinson.
1498.
Rhhard Undy.
John Hull.
John Vigures.
John Brtndott.
Wm. Cleyhanger.
1499^
NichcUu Hamhffu
John Symons.
John Scrivener.
John Wills.
Aobat
^
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98
THfi HISTORY OF
CHAP. U , Robert Bonnefiuit.
1500.
JFalter York.
^- Thomas Andrew,
Jetfery Lewes.
John TOwyer.
Robert Sheernum*
1501.
John CaiwoodUy.
William Crudge#
William Peck.
Thomas Oliver.
John Whitwever.
1502.
Walter CkampTiyt.
Richard Hewett.
John NoBworthy.
Jervais Lushant.
Thomas Hill.
1503.
Robert Newton^ Oh.
John Danesier, 03.
fFOiiam Froii.
John Gascott, Ob.
John Limpenny.
John Thomas.
John Nordon, Ob.
John Wilkins.
1504.
Thvmoi Aidrew.
John Gumby.
Peter Coleshili.
John Thomas.
John Beadmore.
1505.
WiUiam Crmigem
John Bonnemnt.
Waiiam Shaxton.
John Scott.
John Hoig.
\SOS4
JUehardHemeif.
John Limpenny.
John Orenge.
Richard Duke.
Reynold Rossel.
1507.
JoknCaNooodiey*
John Buckenham.
Bifatthew Moore. "^
VinoeiitSoott.
Reynold Russell.
1508.
John Umpemim.
William Wilsferd.
William Bonnet.
John Kerer.
William Huotiiig-
ton» Ob.
William Maltfaew.
A. D.
1509.
Heniy 8tfa.
1511.
edlbrnoii-
ptymeat of
towndutim
1513.
The King
demands dO
SoUien.
1513.
Henrtfy the eighth, as soon as he ascended the throne,
(according to his late Other's will) married to the Princess
Catharine, the widow of his brother Arthur; and, with his
Queen, was crowned at Westminster, on Midsummer day
1509.
Several merchants having imported goods into the port of
Exeter f and refusing payment of the petty customs (or, town
dues) the said goods were seized as forfeited, until composU
tion was made for the same.
This year war was declared against the French King, and
proclaimed in this city ; and an invasion being intended by
France, the King sent his orders to the Mayor to provide thir-
ty soldiers to attend him in the said expedition : these were
accordingly levied and completely armed, by the voluntary
contributions of the citizens.
Sir Thomas Deiinis, Knight, f a gentleman of an ancient
and respectable family, much esteemed for his knowledge
in the laws, wus chosta Recorder of Exeter* The
t This GenHemaii, it is said, lived in the reigns of seven Kings and
Queens of this kingdom : he was domestic servant to Henry 7tfa, one of
the Privy council to Henry 8th, Chancellor to Queen Aane of Glevei :
Custos rotulorum of the coun^ of Devon, and seven times Sheriff of
the said county : once, two yean together (contiaxy to law,) for which
IM was filled X200.
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THE CITY OF EXBT£R. 99
The right of demimdiflgl^MMiedSr (in lieu of TytiesJ by CHAP. 11 .
the parish prkst of this city, being dispoted, and several of the — —
inhabitaiits refusing to pay the same, the cause was tried in ^* ^
the King's court in the Unildhall, and judgment given in ^^^^'
£ivottr of the Priests : it doth not appear what sum was d^ Dominicftlt
manded; but the following compo«ution (in lien of tythes) i«f»«L
was appointed by an act of parliament, in die year 1 45/.
*' TheannpQiUwnofaUqgpenngymihm
** Fa^t that every person, dweller, and inhabitant in any f<Brio|t.
lloose and occopieth the same at lOs* per ann. shall ofier
to God, and to the church in whose parish such house
standeth» one fiurthing, on each of the feast days here-
after mentioned: viz. on evenr Sunday in the yeai^
Christmas day» Circumcision, Epiphany, Purification of
our Lady, Ascension of our Lord, Corpus Christi, St*
Matthew, St. Simon and St. Jude, All Saints, St. An-
drew, Conception of the Blessed Virgin, St. Thomas
Aportle, St. Peter, and Paul, St. James and St. Bartholo-
mew, Assumption and Nativity of our Lady, Dedica-
tion day to be kept for all the churches : and also on the
Patron's day of each church. And if such . inhabited
houses be lett for 20s. to pay two fiirthings, or half-penny ;
if for 30f • to pay three farthings : if for 40«. to pay one
penny; if for 505. to pay one penny farthing; and so for
every sum, ascending and descending by 10«. into what
sum soever, shall always offer one fknhing after the rate
of 10s. at the aforesaid feasts. And he who rents houses
in divers parishes shall pay or ofier, the same, ifor each
house, to the church in which parish it stands : provided
that it should happen that two of the said feasts, fall on
one day, the onering shall be only for one day. That
a house rented at &• 8i. shall ofier only four times in the
year, on the four principal feasts of the church of which
he is a parishioner ; and all above 6s, Sd, and under 1 0^ . to
pay one penny farthing once a year. Provided always
that if the said dweller go before the Curate, and there
declare upon his fiiith and truth, that he may not pay his
said money according to the ordinance aforesaid, be with*
in 10s» that the said Curate shall holden him, aught or
nought, and the dweller, thereupon shall be quyte : and
if the rent of the house exceed lOf. and does ^ot amount
to 30s. and so to any sum beingr between 10^. and SOs*
the inhabitant shall pay to the Curate five farthings for
every shilling of the said sum that shall be between ten,
and ten* 'Wnere a house is taken together, and afterwards
N « let
Digitized\-I^b'©qle
100 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP, n . <* let out into apartments for diVen people, then At^mom
^ ** that took the whole house, and mhabiteth die pnncipal
. ** part thereof, shall pay an offerins to his pariah church for
*' the whole rent, if the said house be inhabited and occtipi-
* " cd as dwelling places. But if tiie person wh6 rents the
*' whole housev does not dwdl in part thereof, and lets tt^Mit
*' again, then he that dwelleth in the principal part shall o&
** m alif and the rest foiir-^pence by die year. Abo eyeiy
*' warehouse, shop, cellar, wharf, stable, cnuie, ground,
** garden or phu>e; shall pay for every Pound they are let for
** six'pence offering, to &e Curate of the church In wliich
"** they shall stand, without any other offering; and tfire&-
"** pence for lOt. per ann. rent, and more or less, •» they
^ shall be lett for more or less tluui lOt. per ann. It was also
*' provided that all apprentices, and serrants and hired men,
-** not charged with such rent and houses, which shall be
*' householder at Easter^ or about Btutert shall four times
'** in the year, at the four principal feasts, oflfer to God and
*^* tiie church. Also as for personal tythes the parishioners
'** are neither charged or discharged, saving that hereafter
** no Curate shall vex, trouble, sue, or deny sacraments or
'* service, for nonpayment of the same, but leave them to
** the pidhr and conscience of the parishioners. Also all
** proceedmgs and suits hitherto earned on, for tythes or of-
*' ferings, before this day, shall stop, and never be brought
*^ into controversy any more; but aU sudi things done be-
*' fore this day, snatt be remitted and forgiven by both par-
«• ties.**
A. D. This year was remarkable for an intense frost which con-
1515. tinned its severity for more than seven weeks ; many were
A grwt frozen to death; odiers lost their fingers or thdr toes, and
"*^- the poor were reduced to the greatest distress.
1517. An ancient custom had prevailed in this city, for the Re-
Receiver, ceiver and Bailiffs, on the day of election of a new Mayor,
^^^"^ to make public breakiksts and dinners, which was attended
pubtic^ with great expences; and many by endeavouring to outvie
bratkfiMis, o^J^^n '^ the splendour of their entertainments had greatly
Ac. injured their fortunes : diercfore the Receiver for Ais year,
Kichard Duke^ and the bailifls, taking it into oonsiderarion,
resolved to discontinue the custom, and refused to make aiiy
entertainments; for which they were fined in the sum of
are fined 40^. each : the year following, the Bailiffs (wisely judging
40t. each, it better to pay 40^. than spend SO/, for a brealdbst) also
refused to make the customary entertainments: but after-
wards many complied.
l^SO. And order of common council was made, that aB free-
men
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITr ^F fiXBT£R. 101
i^htttU f«side vithla tbo limits of the city* qo. pain of CHAP. U
cliafianchiaemcnU — -
The Mayor thb ycu {J^h^NmooriAyJ was a great bene- A. D.
£tctor totlie cttjr) by idbrmiag maay abttie^ and establisl^ . 15S1.
ing good order mtiie courts ofjustice : he ordered the attor- The mayor
nies of the provost court to be sworn to act justly and im^ tSe "^
mitia%ia thecauseof their clients: the recordsof the city ofjt^ce^ '
laying scattered, (by which many of them were lost, or other-i ^^^^ ^.
mase embeuled) he collected them together; and, for their ^^ ^^*
better security erected convenient presses in the Council cwds,
diaaiber: he regulated the duties of me city officers, and saw
thein duly observed^ during ascarci^ of com, he caused to imports
be imported a huTfiequantity from dimerent parts, and sold it com in time
to the poor, at reduced prices: he also regulated the markets, of sf^raty,
particalarly that of com, ordering that it should be open cer- 1^^'
tain hours only; and £or this purpose, he erected a beU, ^^^^
ivhich. was to be fung at the beginning and close of the mark
ket, and to be toHed abont the middle, thereby to gi^e notice
that, the citixens being supplied, strangers were at liberty to
purchase. He was a£o careful to see me assize of bread and
ale well kept, and behaTed.with the greatest hospitality,
leaving an eKcelleot pattern to succeeding magistrates.
One Joan Luier^ a common strumpet, having been fre* 1^^^*
quently admonished concerning her debauched hfe and con-
versation, and not reforming t& same, the Mayor went, in
person, to her house, brought her thence and committed her
to prison, that she might receive due punishment according
to her oiTences : this coming to the knowledge of her cullies
and companions, tber used all possible means to prevent it;
but finding th^ could not prevail, they attempted to rescue
the prisoner, when, to counteract them, and to defend the
Mayor, WiUiam Sd^master^ then Sword iearer^ attending his ^« Sword
Master, in the High-street, was obliged to draw his sword ; Sgwwd'"
by which he put the assailants to night ; the woman was jj, defence
sent to the house of correction, and afterwards publicly whip- of tlie May.
ped at the cart's tail. ^^ •
Several writs of Ne Molcsiando were sent to Bristol^ to
discharge the duty of Town custom pretended to be due
from the freemen of this city, from the payment of which
they are exempted by their charters*
henry^ tired of his Queen, Catharine, who had been hi^ I^^^-
-wife eighteen years, and borne him three children, pretended
scruples of conscience as to the l^ality of his marriage, she ^^^nj
being his brother's widow when nc mairied her; he sent the papal
ambassadors to JRame, desiring a divorce : thisbein? refused, see,
he, in revenge^ separated himself and his subjects from anj[
N 2 dependence
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102 THE HISTORT OF
CHAP. IL dependence on Ae Pupe; and, the ntxt ytMr, aO applieitions
A jy toy and correspondence with die Pf^nU court, were ferbid by
1530. ^'^ ^^ ^^ parliament^ under 'severe penalties; and the King
fa declared was dedared supreme head of the jEj^mA cAarcA. Notwitfa*
heidof the standing this separation from the Ptf^f Henry ^tronglj ad^
English hered to the principles of the fiomttA nuth, and persecuted the
Church. Protestants ^th anremitting seyerity* many of whom he
1581. caused to be escecuted with the most excruciating tortures :
TbM. Ben- among these was 'tkomtu BennH^ a native of Camhndge^ and
"^'*!>9^^ Master of Arts, in that university: he beinc an intimate ac«
^ ^ quaintanceof that famous martyr, Thomatli^iyt was sua*
^* pected of heresy (as the protestant religion was then called ;)
and findin|r his stay in his own country unsafe, he came
into Deoonskirtf and taught a school, for some time, at Tor^
rington : but not meeting with an encouragement tiiere, he
eomesto removed to Exister^ and there taught a sniall school in die
Exeter, Buichen^^^rvw^ and fived quietly till at length no longer able to
bear with the superstition of tn^ Romish priests, he fixed up
written bills on the doors of the cathedral, in which he de^
clared the Pope to be antichrist, and that no adoration was
u appre- due to Saints ; being suspected of this, he was apprehended
henaed, ^^^ brought before the bishop, when he publicly confessed
the writing to behis, and the doctrines therein to be the truth,
according to the Holy scriptures. After several cxaminaf^
refuses t« tions, refusing to recant, he was delivered over to the civil
'ec*^*- power for execution.
The Ch«m- ^^ Thomas Dennis Knight then Sheriffof Z)0OM, ordered a
ber will not stake to be fixed for that purpose at Semthemkey^ which!
juflfer his being in the limits of the city, the chamber would not per-
Jj^g^** mit, but ordered the stake to be taken up again. The Sheritf
Southern* ^^^^^01^ ^^ ^^ removed to Uvetydolcp in the parish of
hay, HeavJiretf where Bennei was accordingly burnt, who bore
is burnt at his sufferings with patience and resignation that greatly a^
Livery-dole fected the spectators.
W. Strode^ WUlmm Strode Esq. of Nevfenham in the county of Devon
Esq. im- was, at the same time, imprison^4 ^Q the Bishop's house,
ham*^ ^®' upon suspicion of heresy, where tc suffered great hardships ;
Heresy. j^^ survived Mr. Betmeti; but how he was afterwards dealt
with, we have no account : it is supposed he died in prison.
153$. This year, an act of parliament threw off all dependence
on this Papal See, and fully ended the power of the Pope in
England.
1536. ^^c Plague agun visited this city, and made great ravages
among the inhabitants.
The King renewed the ancient charter of this city ; and
by his Letters patent: imdtr the great seal pf England, con«
* ' ' • stitutcd
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THE CITT t>9 EXBTER. 105
stitoted it m eotintr of itidf; indq>aident of the eonotf nf CHAP, tf .
DeodH; (of which it had hitherto been a part) ftting its —
limits, X ^^^ g^B^i^g <^ liberty to the Mayor and Common ^^[^
coondl to elect a Sheriff annually, wiA all the privileges q^I ^
oomnion to oAer counties: this charter is dated Aug, 3d, ||m|£
1556. §
The King not thinking himself secare from tiie attacks of The Kinf
die See of /tflm^, as the country swarmed with Monks, tuppreates
Friars and other mendicants, determined on a general sup- ^LJj?^^
pressionof the Monasteries within his dominions: this he '*'^*'**
soon pot into execndoo ; and in this, and the following nign
were sappressed 655 : also 90 Colleges, 2,574 Chantries and
free chapels; and 110 hospitals : the worth of these, before
their suppression, was valued at 1 52,517/. 18#. lOd. but it is
<x>mmittd that the lands and revenues belonging to them,
would iMw amount to 30,505,400/.
The houses suppressed in this city and neighbourhood, Mery of St
were the following: The Priorjr of St. NieMoi (of which Nicholis.
there are still some remains) this was iralued at 147/* 12^*
per annum, according to Dugdale: but Mr Speed says l54/«
12#.
The PHonr of St. John Baptut, which Speed nj9 was for priory of
PrancUean Frian: Dugdale^ that it was an hospital for 5 St. John
Priests, 9 boys, and IS poor people, this (according to Speed J Bsptiat
was valued at 102/. 12«; and the hospital at 147/. 12#. *
The Prk>ry of Pokloe^ half-a->mi]e from tfie city, founded Priorr of
by Bishop B^vuwr (who gave it the manor of Potdoe) for Be- Nsioe.
judietine Nuns: it was dedicated to S/. Catherine: andvalu*
cd at 72/. 5#. Sd* according to Rkdon: and by Speeds
170/. 2t. Sd.
The Priory of St. Jamee (now called the old Abbey) on the Priory ofSi.
banks of the river, near Exeter^ founded by Baldwin^ Earl Jaxnet.
of Dmsfi, for CUmiae Mmh^ valued at 532/. 12f. 9^« per
Annum.
The Priory ofCimick near Exeter^ not ^lued. f^iety of
• The Priory of Frmwuean^ or Grej^ Jrian^ without the Cowick.
SoiUhgate: the Prioiy of preaching friars, called the Black
fnar9\ (a cell to the Abbey of Tanigtwsk^ and now Bedford
Circus
\ As this charter is mostly recapitulated in that gianted by Charln
Hwjtnty it is unneceoary to insert it here : therefore refer to tint period.
^ It is Teniaikabte that most of th% stones ereeted to determine tfais
limits of the city are either grave stones, or ^le remainsof rel^poas
houses.
* Of this hospital more will be said is itk proper place; also aparti-
calar ac^mttof tb^ remains of the religious housei}, is the descriptive
part.
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104 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. II . GiKm; tnd a Priory of (^4rdmff» {ft^ cdl to die Abbty of
— -— BuckkndJ sitvaledin SautAgaie-4tHet {oow the Bear Inn,)
with m ftoy chapels and small chantrias, ware samaderad up»
and Ml m this general dissolution.
^•^* The monks, thus ezpellipd from t^nr comfiartabk habitat
*^^' tioQs»' excited the people to insttrrections, parttculariv in
YarhJkire; on whicn the King sent hb oomnussion to ifavy
Cmuimwf^ Man}uia oEBjfHer, to aasemble the forces of the
™^« countv of De96m, with an order to the Mayor of EmUt^ to
200 men to **^ ^^ ^'^ ^^ "^^* ^^ armed: these were spaadily
be flent »- raised, and mustered at Brmdnmch, (with tha rast of the Ma»i
faint the Qttia's men) whence X^cf marched, under his command, to
Yoriahiie tkmoastery where the febels laid down thtir arms ; and thcnr
dispersing themselyes, the Marqius ratmned with his fbcoesk
Agreatpre- J<iAj« &9tf, who biwl attended the Marqius in this expedi*
^11*11^ tion met with a remarkable circmastanct on the night of his
^l^"^^*^ return home : part of his house, which was situated near the
^' fiver, (at that time swelled by exceisive tains) fell dowa(
and the serrants who slept in the upper, pa|^ wcredn>wn€dt
bat he, and his wiie wera carried away, bed and all, by the
cnrrent ; when, desiring his wife not to stir, he, by exerting
his armsand legs, kcpt^nthe western bank, out of the stream's
current, and providendallr got upon a hiUock, where the
water was shallow; and thence, he and his wife recovered
the shore in safety.
1598. The woollen manufiictory greatly increasing in dus cx^Ti
the Mayor considered it neceamy to eiect a market for the
sale of Wool, Yam, and Kersies; this be pn^xMcd bat was
atrongly opposed by some of the citizens, and the inhabitants
of Crtditcn, where the only market for these conunodities was
Market for ||^^^ Jq the county of Devom; notwithstanding this, the
^^^ Mavor prevailed, and a market was accordingly establidhcdy
to the great advantage of the citizens, t
John Bod- John Bomufani, one of the Attomies of the Provost court
nefiuit exa- in Exeter was found euilty of hijgh treason, and condemned
oited on ^ be drawn on a hurdle to the place of execntion, and there
s^thera- to be hanged and quajtered, which sentence was accordingly
executedoo him 10th of August, this year, on Souikemkay*
15d9. , The high waters having greatly iiamaged the foundation of
FtetofExs- ^^^''^9 ^^^ of the middle arches- feff down ; which was
bridge ftUt immedttiely repaired bv order of the Bridge warden: the
4own. stones made use of on tnis occasion, were those of the church
of the late dissolved priory of &• Nicioias (which had been
previoosly
t .This market was arnelad over tha oU shMifalet hi Southfria-itreet ;
«Ddwasofisteta|eeniowatowiden the psinsgi j aada conduit hoik
onpertofthescite.
y^'
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OF EXETER.
105
prmoxalj' purchased by tfie Chmnher;J and wtre not onljr
ap^kd to tbia piiipc>se> bat also to ^e rqiaira of the ckjr walls.
The tiade ci&eier ha^ii^ most considerably increased by
the iittrodaction of the wooiim maan&ctory, the citizens and
menchants feuad a great inamvenience in brindng their hea^
yj goods bf kndy from Tepiiam: tL^ thetetore applied to
Government lor a relief; and an act was passed, empower*
ing the Chamber to remove the wears and other obstructions
in the ancient ooniac of the river; but, from a survey made^
it wssJeond wholly impracticable, as the materials were so
sdOH^^nmled together by length of time as to render all pro*
ceedings i neff e rt i ia l. Another act was therefore procured to
enable tlK dty to cut a amal through the marshes, and, to
erect sloices, and diaw-bridges thereon ; and, to defray the
czpenoesofthework, to collect certain duties on all goods,
and'Inerchandizcs that should be brought up to the city,
diron|h the said canal: the wprk was carried on VQth|;reat
assiduity, by voluntary contributions; the parishes grasting
part of their superfluous church plate, amounting to upwards
of 900 ounces, (part of which being gilt increased its value ;)
the nei^booring dergv and gentry aSso contributed largely,
so that m ^e course' of a few years, barges and boats of great
size, came ea^ly up and discharged their cargoes at a spacioua
quay erected by the chamber.
Part of CcwJey Bridge fell down, and was repaired by the
dty : the dty vralls being deotyed, and the ditches almost
fiUednp, the walls were repaired and the ditches cleansed at
the free cai^nce of the citizens.
iTem^rdiedon the 28th Jannary, 1547, and was succeed*
edbyliuionlyson, Edward, then only nine years of age.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of HfiMar VIIL
CHAP. It
An act
granted for
making the
riTernaTiga-
ble to the
city.
Church
plate giant-
ed towanb
the work.
1544.
1545.
1547.
1509.
Jokn Bmchenkam*
JohnBmdmore*
WiUiam Sooiaster*
JohnColcshiU.
WiUkmHoig.
1510.
Thmiuu Atidreu*
John Orenge.
John Moore.
John Amory.
WillfatmPenaoi.
1511.
WUL WUrford, Ob*
WiUtmn Crudge.
Robert Browne.
Robert Kensey.
John Boug^y.
Henry Hualyn.
1512.
Riehard Symma^
John Moore.
John BritnalL
William Hwst*
Richard Rnssd.
151S.
Richard Hewett.
John Winter,
John Bodley.
William Ratdtff.
John Robins.
1514.
John Maore^
Thomas Hunt.
William Forrest.
Robert Bailer.
John
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
.106
CttAP. IL Joha WUliams.
1515.
WUliam Cntdge.
JefFery Lewis.
John Bridgmail*
Gilbert Kirk.
Thomas Fowler.
1516<
John Buckenh^im*
John Nosworthy.
John Woolcot.
Richard Chubb.
Robert Trotr.
1517.
Richard Duke.
KTicStapflehiU^Ob.
John Richards, Ob.
Matthew Long.
Hagrh Page.
Wifliam Cotton.
1518.
WiUimn Crudge^
Reynold Russel.
John Maris.
Nigel CoUin.
John Mitchell.
1519.
JeffhyLems.
Wniiam Shapton.
Richard Martin.
John Awells.
, Richard Andrew.
1520.
John Broadmere^
Richard Russel.
Richard Vcmey.
John Harris.
John Blackaller.
1521.
Join NostDorthy*
THB BISTORT 0»
William Bennet.
Cfari«. Lambert.
Thomas Hunt.
John BuUer*
1522.
RkhardDuhe.
William Hurst.
Robert Hooker.
John Way.
Robert Smith.
1523.
JokH Symons^Ob.
TAomoiHwii.
John Britnall.
Richard Faux.
Roger Luxtou.
John Holmer.
1524.
ff^iSiam Hunim
Henry Hamljrn.
Will. Buckenham<
JohnWooloott.
William Da?y.
1525.
Wiiliam Bennet.
Robert BttUer.
John Winter.
William Holmer.
JohnTuckfield.
1526.
Henry Hamfyn*
Robert Hooker.
Nicholas Ljrmett.
JohnTrubody.
William Hussey.
1527.
John BHtnaU.
Wm. Blackaller.
John Cross.
John Seller.
John Duck.
1528.
Robert BuUer.
Gilbert Kirk.
John Maynard.
Wm. TothiU.
Robert Wkitreid*
Robert Hooker.
William Periaoo*
X nomas Spur way«
Robert Turner.
Robert Tookev.
JphnBlackalkr.
Richard Msurtin.
Tfaos. Prestwood.
Richard Mawditt.
Stephen Lariaore.
I5S1. «
GiibertKirk.
Hugh Page. -^
Thos. Bonne&ftt.
William Chanon.
Edward Sheer.
1552.
tPtHiamPenam.
lliomas Hoig.
John Tockfidd.
Roger Bkckall.
WiUiam.Takle.
1533.
Richard MarHn.
John Thomas. /^
Hum. Andrew.^
Richard RatcliflF.
William Burges.
1534.
John Britnall.
Thomas Hunt.
Richard ColweU.
John RizW.
John Shelder.
1555.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
TUC €ITT or E^tfiH.
107
1535.
jnUiam Hunt.
Thomas Spurway.
Bennet Chubb.
John Lane.
Nicholas Walrotid.
1556.
JoAn BiackaUer*
John: BulTer.
Wm. BnrgDynv.
Peter Stretch.
John Alleyne.
1537.
Thmm Hunt.
Wm. Budcenham.
WiUiam Smith.
John Peter.
Wm. B«rryniaa.
1538*
Henry Hamfyn.
Robert Tooker.
Nicholas Reeve.
John Paramose.
J. Mounutephen.
1539.
Gilicri Kirk.
Thf}9. Prestwood.
Griffith Ameredith.
Morris Levetaaore.
William Lott.
1540.
Thomas Sfturway.
Joh» MidwmCer.
Richard Sweet.
Robert Qoftton.
John Thomas.
1541.
Wm. Buokenham^
John Way.
John Peiyam.
John Macy.
Robert Sweet.
1548.
John Butter.
John Woolcott.
John Drake.
Christopher Potter.
Richard Limbear.
1543f.
Rsbert Tooker.
John HolmeTf
John Hurst.
WiUiam Parsons.
Wpy.-Dowitmafi. CHAP. It .
1544. — —
Thoma$ Prestwood.
John Maynard.
John Webb.
William Halse.
Hugh Pope.
1445.
Wiiiidm HMTsi.
Nicholas Lvmett.
Robert Midwiatcr.
Henry Booth.
John Berry.
1546.
John BritnalL
John Tuckfield.
John StowcU.
Kdward Bridffman*
Thomas Grigg.
1547.
John Midwinter*
John Drake.
Thomas Skidmore.
Jbhn Bodley.
John Blackall.
O
Eark
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
108 . THE HI8TOBY OP
CHAP. H
Earb of Devon from the Nofmm Conquest ^
to the ReformcUian.
Baldwin de BaUhfin de Briomis (or de Molts J great grandson to Richard
Brioniis. ^jj^ fj^g^^ Dakc oiNormandjfi having married Albredaj niece to
WiUkm the Conqueror^ was, by that King made hereditary
Viscount oi Devon:. he.likewise granted to him the castle of
Exeter^ for his residence. .
Richard de Baldwin was succeeded by his son,' Richard^ (to whom the
Brioniis. Conqueror granted the basony of OkekamptonJ but he dying
without issue, Heriry the first, made
lUchard da RiehMrd de RlvOnis (or Rivers/ Baron of Tiverton and Pfytn-J
»»▼«». ton, and then, £arlof Devon; granting him the third penny
of all the revenues of the county, wh?ai'did not then exceed
30 marks. He was also ratde Lord 6f the isle of Wight by
the same King; his heir and ^ccesso^ was
Baldwin de Baldwin de Rivers^ who founded tbe monasteries of Brurn^
Rive»i more; Jn J^iUskire; Quarrera^ in the isle of Wight;, and Lira^
in Normandtf; hie sided with the Empress Mi^i^ against Kin^
Stephen^ who took from him the castte of Exeter , and the isle
, of Wight y seized oh all hi^ possession d, and forced him to de-
part out of the kingdom : but being festered by Henry the
second, was succeeded by his eldest soh^
Racbard de Richhrd de Rivers ^ who g^ve lands to the Abbey of Qnarrera^
Rirere. to pray for the souls of his father and mother ; and also con-
fifmed his father *% gifts to the Abbtey of Twineham : his 9uc«
cessorwas,
"Baldwlnid. Baldwhi^ his eldest son, who behaving himself valiantly in
de Riven, the wars against the Welch, King Henry the second granted
him, as a reward, the honor of Charteaureaux : he married
the heiress of Ralph de Dolis^ but having no issue was suc-
ceeded by his brother,
JUchard 2d. Richard de Rivers 9 who gave lands to the Ah6ey oiRrcrweTf to
de Riven, pray for the souls of his fiither and mother ; he manied Mar-
gar^y one of the co-heires^ ofJohn^ Lord Bisset; but having
no issue was ^cceeded in the honors and estate by. his uncle^
WlUlamde William de Rivers (sumamedVe Vernon J who had issue by
Riven. his wife Mahil, daughter of the Earl of Maltent^ Baldwin^ his
Baldwin Sd. son and heir, who, dying before his father, left issue by his
de Riven, wife (Margaret^ daughter of Warren FitzgenddJ
Baldwin Baldwin de Rivers who succeeed his grand&ther, and married
4Ui. de AmisiOf daughter of Gilbert de Clare ^ Earl of Gloucester: this
Riveifc Baldwin dying young was succeeded by his son Baldwin^ a
child : who l^ng placed under the care of Peter de Satoy (at
the reqncst of Queen Eleanor J married Avicehis daughter, and
had
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 109^
had iflsae, a son, who dying in his Infuxcy, the honors and gHAP. 1 1.
estate descended to his sister Isabella; she was married to Isabella de
WUliamdeForiihu9jl£j8j{ oiAlbermarle^ by whom she had, oii- Fortibut.
ly, a daughter named Aveline, who dying in her infimcy, the •
honor came to
Hugkde Courtenay^ gnndaon of Ro6ert dc Caurtenay^ Baron Hu^hde
o( Okehamptmty who (having married Mary Ac daughter o{^^!^^9
WUHam de Vernon, Ute Eari of DevtmJ was, bv letters pfr- JSt toiUy
tent of King Edvardiht third, created Earl of Devantbire,
as next heir, by descent, to the said Isaiella: this Hugh de
Cmtrtenay^ was succeeded by his son,
Htigh de C&wienay, who married Margaret daughter of ffirw- Hugh de
^hrty de Bohtm, Earl of Hereford znd Essex; by whom he had Courtenaf
several children : Hughy the eldest son died unmarried : Ed" ^^*
vardy the second son married Emmelmey daughter of Sir
John Dauney, Knight ; by her he had two sons, Edward and
Hngk: EdtDordy son of Hugh de Courtenay, dying before h|»
&tbcr, the honor descended to his son^
Edwardf who succeeded his grand&ther, in the Earldom of Edward
Devon. . This Earl Edward w?s a person of great valour, and C««rt«nay-
abilities, and was mads, by King Richard the second. Earl
Marshall of England ^ and Adminu of his ileet. <
Hught hiii eld^ son, succeeded in his ^ther*s honors, anfl Hughde
the eomnnnd of the fkct: on the I6th June, tenth year of ^"'*««»y
the rrign of Henry the ijfth h^ died, kaving
1%on£de Ctmrlenayy his sop and heir; he favoured the pre* Thomtti de
tensions of Jf^c^tfTt/, Duke of Vorl-y to the crown, and entered Ccwirtenay.
into his conspiracy against Henry the sixth ; but dying be-
fore any oped attempts were made, left his son,
Thomas de Courtenay, his heir. He (contrary to hts father's Thomas de
principles) adhered to the house of Lancaster; and was rer Courtenay
warded with the m^or and borough of Milhurton and Mer^- ^t
^eade; lands forfdtcd by Richard Duke of York : but these '
he soon lost again, by the success of Edward, Uuke of York,
who obtained the crown from Henry the sixth : he lived only
one month after, and left his honors to.
Thomas^ his son, who, havin? been with his fethcr in the bat- Thomas da
tic of TcnDton-Jield, against King Edward the fourth, was at- ^ui:teiwijt
tainted by Parliament, bnt again taldng arms in the same
cause, was slain at the battle of Tewksbury (not beheaded at
York^ as Camden relates.) His brothef /lewrj^ obtained all .
the lands, of which, Thomas, the late £ar/ died seized of froqn
Edward fAit fourth; but not the Earldom: for, Hufnphrey, Humphiy
Lord Su^ord of Southwick was created, by that King, Earl Lord Staf-
of Det^on. He, revolting from his benefactor, was talf en fow* made
prisoner, and beheaded, at Bridgewatcr, without any lecral J"* ^
02^ ^tri2l;^^^°°-
Digitized by CjOOQIC
no THB HISTORY OF
CHAP. II , tiriiJ; hmngtaiojed hif honaif about three raouiiuLvolym
^ - Thetideof£arIofZ>^imrenu^iieddonna]>ttiUthcaccessioo
ofHewy the seveothy who» lensabie of the loyBlt/ of the Cnci^
^«wy femiJy to the XriPiavuMpi line, restored
CourtoiA ^^^^ Courtenqy^ of Haccomh (grandson of Hugh CouHau^^
2d. ^ vouoger brother to Earl fidmtrdj to the honor and estates of
nis aaccstory, Thiff EarU and hif Bon WiUiamj violently op^
posed P^iipi Warbeck^ and forced him to raise the aiege of
lExeter: his 9ucccf$or was^ ^i//Mfli before qientiosed, who
was ii^prlBoned in the Tower, through the jealousj of King
Henry the seventh : but released hjaennf the eighth; and
^|g"y dying soon aftpr^ U)e Earldom was restored to Hairtft his son
Manfan^r* ^nd suQcessoT* whom Htfnrv the eighth greatly esCremedfor
hiM n^T alliance to bU motlier, being her Sister's son. He
also created hifn Marquis of Exeter ; but being afterwards
accused of a Treasonable correspondence with Cardinal Pole^
• he wa9 attainted and beheaded, and his son Edxpard im-
prisoned in the Tower of Lopud^n^ where he continued till the
accession of Queen JMoiy*
Dukes (f Exeter y to the lUfarmatian.
Exeter t having highly deserved of Majesty for its loyalty,
has been greatly distinguished by giving the title pf Vuke^
before any other, to
Jofai Hoi- Jff^n HoUandt Earl oi Huntingdon^ who being brother (by the
JjjJ^fJ!'* mother's side) to YiXn^JRAchard the second, was by him made
£^^ Duke of Exeter; but lUchard being deposed by Henry the
' fourth, the DvJce of £rW<T,Joining m a conspiracy to restore
md behead- ijim^ was deprieved of his honor and life together; the
^* honor then lay dormant till the reign of King Henry the fifth,
who in the fourth year of his reign created
Thomas Thwnoi Beaufort (then Earl of Dorset^ Duke of Exeter. He
Beaufort. ^^^ descended from the house of Lancaster^ being the
youngest son of John of Gaunt ^ b^ the LMy Katharine Swrn^
ford; 'and was a Prince as emment for his wisdom and
courage, as foe high birth and station. He died without
issue, and
John Hoi* John Holland^ (son of the before mentioned J^hn HeilandJ
land 2d. ^5jg restored to his Father's honor and estate by King Henry
(He six. Hewas^cceededby
Henry Hdl- Henry Holland ^ his son, who, during the prevalenee of the
land. house of Lancaster ^ flourished in great honor; but, when
the family of York gained possession of the crown, be was
attainted, and depnved of all his estates and honora; and
taking refuge in the Netheriendit waa reduced to m^
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXTEER. Ill
povot^ {iiotwkb«teiidii!|r he married the Mster of King CHAP. II .
Edward the fourth) Uiat Pkiiip de Ccmmines (the French
historian) teitifies, that he saw him begdng his bread, run-
ning with bare legs. and feet alter the Duke of Burgundy* $
coach. He returned again into England; and was a princi-
pal comiBaiidei: at the battle of Bamety whence, (the Lancag"
Iriant being totally defeated) he made his escape ; and, not-
withatandi^ the most diligent search, he was not discover-
ed, or seen, till his body was found cast on shore, on the coast
of Kent; leaving no issue, the title lay dormant until the reign
Ksi Henry the eigh^, who created Henry Ccnertenarf (s6n of fi^nrf
Lady Katharim^ daughter to Edward the Iburth) Mait^uis of Couruniy
ExeUr: who, being accused of hi^ treason, was beheaded ; created
and the titk again ky - dormant tiU the Kign of James the Marquis of
End of the second Chapter.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
CHAPTER III.
Jrom the death of King Henry VIIL to tlif
Accession of King Charles IL
CHAP.m . jrpDWJRDy being only nine yeaw oW at his accession to
Edward 6 '^^ thcArone, the power of government was lodged, ao-
. jj ' cording to King Henrys last will, in die hands of twelve
1^47. Councellors of State, and siatten Regents: and these ap-
Duke of poin^^^ Edward Duke of Somerset (the iCing s matenial un-
Someraet ^'^1 *o ^ protector, and Governor of the King's person,
made Pro- He, thus intrusted with the education of the infant King, in-
- teetor. stilled in his hreast a dislike to the errors and superstitions of
Refonnft- ^^ Church of Rome; and ereatly forwarded the Reformation.
tion for- By an act of parliament, 9.U private masses were abolished, all
'warded,con- images were removed from churches, the cup was restored to
finned by the laity : and Ae Commtm Prayer^ and Liturgy were cor-
parltament. j^^^^^ , ^^ms the ReformatioH and the King^s suftremacy were
fully established,
The Monks and Massing Priests being thus driven from
Tlie Monks ^heir cells, incited the people to a resistance against this inno-
incite a re- vation (as they termed it) of their holy religion ; accordingly
bellion. insurrections were fomented in many parts of ihe kingdom,
and particularly in t)ievomhire^
1549. At Sampford durtenay^ Devon, a most dangerous rebellion
I habitants ^'®^* ^^^' ^° Whitsunday the 9th of June, 1549* the day
ofSampfonl ^ppoin^ed by act of parliament for abolishing the Popish mass
Courtenay and Ritualy and for reading the new established Liturgy in the
refuse to ad- English tongue, a great murmuring arose, during the time of
mit thenew olivine service, among the Parishioners ofSamp/brd Courtenay,
hturgy, who, assembling the next day, compelled their parish priest
to reassume his Popish vestments, and to read the mass as for-
merly: this was soon spread through the neighbouring
their exam- P^^"^* the inhabitants of which assembling together in
pfe follow- great numbers, compelled their pastors to follow the example
edbyothere. of the priest of Sampford Courtenay, The Justices in the
The Jus- neighbourhood, viz. Sir Hugh Poliard, Knight, Antho7^ Har^
^dl*Se° ry, Alexander Wood, and Park Siader, Esquires, informed of
rio*: but these commotions, immediately repaired to S««;2/''^» ^'^^^^
vittiout ef- deavoured to quiet the minds of the populace ; but finding,
feet. after repeated conferences, that they still penisted in their
^ obstinacy ;
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF KXETCR. 113
obetinacj; and dreading the use ofiotct, they left the kl- CHAP.^II .
s argents to their own wills. — — .
While this ferment was increasing, a gentlenum named A gende-
JFilliam HMofu (a Fiemng by bktii) who had, for some SS^
years, resided near Sampford^ and was respected for his ami« murdered
able character, endeairoured by hix speeches to persuade the by the no-
people of Sampjhrdf and those who had joined them to return ten.
to their habitations ; aitd told them the consequences of per**
sisting in rebellion against the laws of their King and Conn-
Uj : this so exasperated them, that one Githbridge struck
him, with his bill, on the neck, and the blow being foUaw*
ed by several others, he was soon dispatched, and his body
cut into several pieces.
The Protector and Council despatched Sir Ptter Carew^ Sir Beter St
with his brother Sir Gaaen Carew, into Detomhire^ to exa* Sir Gawea
mine into the causes of these commotions, and to endeavour ^^^'^J!^
to appease the people : they were met at Exeter by the prin- ijJi^T*^'*"*'
cipal gentlemen of the county, and proceeded to Crediton^
wheK the main body of the fiebels had assembled, and for- Rebels for-
tiiied the town with ramparts ; particularly the road which ^ Cn^
led to Exeter* At the town's end were two bams which *^'
commanded the road : these were strengthened with a bar*
rier across which effectually blocked up any entrance into
the town.
. The gentlemen, thus prevented from entering, endeavour- Skirmish at
ed to persuade the insurgents to submit to the laws, and retire 9"?[J*|^ *
to their respective homes : but finding all persuasions use- J^^J^J"*
less, they attempted io force an entrance, when a volley of
shot and arrows compelled them to retreat : in this dilemma,
a servant of Sir Hugh PoUard^ set the barns on fire, which
the rebels perceiving, fled immediately out of the town, leav«
ingrtheir opponents an easy entrance.
The burning of the barns being spread over the country,
with great exaggeration b v^ designing people, who reported
that the intention was no 1^ than to burn aU their houses,
the exasperation was so great that the common people flock- The people
ed from all quarters to the assistance of the rebels, while others much ex-
were busily employed in fortifying their towns and villages^ "^'"*®***
and biddii^ denance to all government and laws.
At &. Mary CUsi^ about two miles from Exeter^ a great Rebels as-
number assembled themselves, chiefly through the instigar- ^^^ ^
tion of an old woman, who bein» overtaken on the road nr^*^
going to the Parish church, with her beads in her hand, by
a gentleman, named Walter Raleigh^ % was admonished by
him to forsake the errors^ and blind supeistitioa of the Churoi
of
X The father of the great Sir Waiter Rakigh.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
114 YHS HI8TOBT 09
CHAP^III - of Rome, and to sabmlt to the new hniiiB.: this io ttggra^
" vated the old bi^ot, that she hastened to the town, tnd 00
mBrepreKaited dm matter, as to canse tlie people assembled
there to vow revense on ^ gendeman ; and therefere pur«
Mr, Walter suinff him, owertocNt him before he reached Eieter^ and ear-
l^sh riedhim backtothe tourn; wherc,aadi& thetovverof ^.
^L^^ Sidmde$ church, the^ kept him closdy coofined (ofteo
itbdfl. threatening his life) dniing the whole time of these ooBBHno-
lions.
Infermations beix^g received at Etettr of these proceedings
atCAs/, Sir Fettr and Sir G^men Cmrew^ Sir Hufth FMard^
Sir Tk&mas Dernii^ and others, accompanied by their sep*
vants and followers, rode thither ; but the bridge leading to
the t^vfn hdn^ barricadocd l^ larffe trees laid across^ and de*
fended by a piece ol camion, which the rebels had pioeuved
fmm EjimmtiAf Sir Ptier COfw alighted fom his hone, and
endeavoured to bring the opponents to a oonference : this
they refdsed; and tte gunner fJoAn Hamon^ a 5nnith by
trade, and a foreigner) charged the camion and levelled it at
Sir Paftfr, who would hare been shot, but for the prevention
of a servant to sergeant Prideamr^ The gentlemen sent a
messen^r desiring a conference, which was kt length agreed
to; and Sir Tkamm X>niiii#, Sir Hmgk Poii&rd, and TAanuts
Yardey Esq* were admitted into the town ; but, after a con*
siderabletime, and not being able to prevail on the rebels to
la^ down their arms, the^ were suffered to depart ; and thus,
wtthottt effecting any thin^, they returned to Ejieier, where
they held a consultation with the Mayvr^ who informed diem
StrThomtti ^^ ^^ ^*^ was unprovided with victuals to satisfy sonmny
Dennis, &c. People, and therefote advised them to shift for tbcinsdves:
eKape consequently they left the city (escaping through byeways)
through to withstand a long siege, accompanied with the horrors of
byeways. intestine commotions and famine. |
Sir Peter Cartvr escaped to Oeorge if mien in Samenetskiret
where he was met by Ldrd Russei (Lord Lieutenant of the
cownty of Dev^nJ who had been sent from London- to en-
deavour to quell the disturbances; but without men or arras,
as government was busily employed in the war with ScoHand^
and therefore the principal forces were in the Norih; Sir
Peier Cartas and his folbwers being thus obliged to remain
Rebeh ui- inactive, the rebels were strongly encoumged to proceed :
vest Exeter, they immediately invested Exeter ^ blocking up the hi^ways,
and
^ The ftomplexioa of tiie times wss now grortl^ altered, wbea those
p^verful barons who, not a century ago^ dened their monarchs at the
head of powerful armies, could not now oppose a handful of half armed
and uadiscipUned peasants!
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THK Cmr OF EXETER, - 116
•nd thereby prcyenting any intcroooffBC between the ckixent CTAF-lg .
and the neighbouring country* The rebels now began to '
aasume some eort of diadplinet regulating themaelvef int»
companies, and choosing Comnmndcrs, the principal of ^'^^^P^
which were UnderkiU, a Taylor, Maunder^ a Shoemaker: J^™^^
Stager^ a Labourer, and AtAeridgef a hawker of fish : but, the nbebu
news oi the dispersion of Sir Pdtr Carmp^ and the blockade
of Exeier being quicklj spread abroad, others of better ac»
count were induced to join them, particularly, * Sir Th9ma» joined by
Pomery, Kni^t, John Berr^^ Ek). Mr* Cogkn^ a geodeman n»"y V^
of fortune; Hua^Arey ArumUi^ Esq. Governor of St.^^"^
iiirkmei** mounts in CmwwaU^ fFmneslade^ Esq. with several ^'^'
othctt of note, by whose example, the rebels were increased
in numbers and spirits; they summoned the citizens to an
immediate surrender, which being refiised, they commenced Rebels ae>
a close siege, and assaulted the city in different parts at once, tempt to
attempting to scale the walls : but were repulsed by the citi* aade the
sens, with a great loss of their men. ^"^^
The magistrates, and loyal citizens were determined not
to submit : they prepared every necessary means of defence,
and the rebels finding themselves strongly repulsed in their
attempts on the walls, proceeded to burn the gales, in which they bum
they succeeded ; but the citizens, by making intreochments ^ S*^
within (in the form of crescents) and firing their Port pieces,
made great slaughter among the assailants, and prevented
thdr entrance. The rebels then endeavoured to overthrow endeavour
the walk by mining, but the citizens, apprized of their inten* to blow u^
tions, made countermines, into which th^ let a great quan* ^^^''^^
tity of water, which (assisted by a violent and sucUen shower fyg/^^
of rain at that time) so wetted their powder, that it had no
efiPcct.
The rebels finding themselves thus foiled in all dieir at*
tempts, and knowing the city had but a snuU quantity of
provisions, made no doubt of starving it into compliance ; attempt to
and accordingly diey so closely blocked up all the avenues ^turve tba
that nothing could be conveyed into, or out of the city : this ^^>^'**>>**
in a short time, caused such a scarcity, that many of the in*
habitants began to murmur against the Ma^strates, in which
they woe backed by those lUsaffected citizens who wished
success to the rebels; but the prudence of the Magistrates . Mgoda*
kept the major psut of the citizens in spirits, and hope of re«> i^on fonned
lief: many associated themselves together, and made several and fre-
successful sallies, in which they often made prize of live cat- quent nl«
P^ tle,li ^^
* Sir TkoHUu Pameroy, loiniDg in this desperate rebeltion, was the
ruin of btmself and taroMy, which, before this, was esteemed one of the
fint in the county of Dwonf both for antiquity and opulence.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
116 THE HISTOBY OF
CHAP« III . tlCf and other prorisiontf which was a great relief, as the be»
p. . sieged were reduced to the utmost distress, even to the eat-
doce^the ^°S ^^ ^^ of their horses, and to substitute bran for bread •
ffreattttdis- Tnis course &re^ and that but scanty, increased the disscn*
tre». sions, which were abetted by some ill designing men, and
Dusensions occasioned several insurrections against the Ma^stiates : par-
among the ticularly, at one time, in Swthgate^reetf (but two days be-
<^t^<«>u- £9re their deliveiance) where the Pajnsts assembled together
in arms, and attempted to get possession of the Gate; but
were timely prevented by the vigilance of the guard, and the
ringleaders were sent to prison. They had likewise en-
deavoured to seduce the soldiers in garrison at the castle :
thiawas fortunately discovered, and a guard of citizens was
placed there to prevent any future designs.
During this accumulated dbtress, the citizens continued
stedfiist in their allegiance, and daily expected to be relieved
LMdRuad by Lard Russeif who had removed from George HiiUon to
me*^**^ MoAkw* Otiery^ and trom thence to Honitan : he had got there
monev ^ small supply of men ; but being in want of money, be pro-
supplied cured assistance through the interest of three merchants of
by three Exeter^ who were at that time with him : these were A//-.
merchaatB TAomat Prestwood^ Mr. John Bodiief and Mr. John Perianth
of £zeter. Thus furnished he set out towards Exeter^ desirous of reliev-
ing the citizens, of whose distress, and inability to hold out
much longer he had been informed.
The rebels gaining intelligence of his march towards them,
. and the small force he had with him, set out to meet him ;
Fei^too*^ (leavinea sufficient number to continue the siege) the parties
biMge, re- ^^ ^^ rennitan hridge, where a sharp conflict ensued, when
belswont- the rebels were worsted, and having lost about 300 men,
«1- were obliged to retreat.
Lord luissel having had a specimen of the desperate valour
of the rebels, and not thinking his forces suflicient to stand a
general engagement, he sent a messeng^er to assure the citizens
LoidRusiel of a speedy relief^ and returned back to Honiion^ where he
retarm to yg^A soon joined by Lord Grey of Wilton with a body of
Hr^^^ Horsemen ; and Colonel %iio/a (an Italian) at the head of
(^, SOO harauebusiers : thus reinforced he once more set for-
ward to tne relief of the citizens,. on the 3d of August. His
forces (consisting of more than 1000 men) were marched out
of the common road, across the downs, to a windmill on
WoodhtoyhUlf where they encamped for the night.
The reiMb The rebels, at Ciut having intelligence of his Lordship's
**f*^ ^^ approach, set out early the next morning and attacked his
i^*v5'ood™^ camp with great resolution ; and, though often repulsed, rc-
bury-hill,' turned to the attack with the most desperate valour, till th^
greatest
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 117
vreateat part of them being slain, the renudnder retreated to CHAP.IIf .
Bi$A€p*s CH$U and fortified all the avenues to it, sending an "r — -j-
account of their defeat to their confederates: Lord Jtesie/^iJ^
then proceeded for GiiUtawn^ dividing his smaU army into j>^^ Kiai'9
three divisions in order to attack, at one time, the three dif* army atiKk
ferent avenaes, vrfaich were strongly barricadoed and in- Buhop'k
trenched. ^^^
Sir WUHam Francis (a gentleman of Somersetshire) who
commanded one of the divisions, after some contest drove the
rebels from their intrenchments; and the whole of the
King's army were marching into die town, when an alarm A iUsa
Iteing spread that a large body of rebels were advancing in J^^ '***'
their rear in order to cut off their retreat ; a sudden panic ^^ ^^
prevailed, and they withdrew with great confusion, leaving troops: they
behind their artilleiy, and waggons which contained their lose their
ammunition and other stores : uiese fell into the hands of the •^aJcy and
rebels, who, erultingly conveyed them into the town. «orei.
This disaster to the King^s troops was occasioned by a
stratagem of Sir Thomas Pomery^ wno, having secreted him-« Sir Thomis
self (while the army was passing) in a fuxze brake, with, J^I?*'^^'*
only, a trumpeter and drummer, ordered them (as he per- J{J*^*"» .
ceived the King^s troops entering the town) to sound, and i^ ^tS^,
beat a mardi; which being heard by the waggon drivers,
they immediately fled, and reported that a large body of the
rebels were attacking dieir rear : and this, spreading through
the army, caused the hasty retreat : nor did the panic ceaj<e
till they had rained the top of the hill : from which, as it
commanded the surrounding country, they saw no enemy
near. Ashamed of their conduct, they were prevailed on by
their commanders to return to the attack. The rebels, elated '^^ King's
by their late success, defended themselves with great resolu- to"Z'!V|™
tion, and being in possession of the banks which overhung tack.°
the deep roads, had greatly the advantage of atuation over the
King's troops: many of whom were slain, particularly Sir Sir William
WiUiam Francis , who commanded the van : the King's army Francis
at length prevailing, forced an entrance into the town ; but, '^^-
mamr of their men being slain by shots from the bouses, they
set iire to them as they proceeded and such of the rebels, The rebeb
who could not escape, were burnt in them, while others who defeated &
found themselves closely pressed, endeavoured to escape ^^t^ywu
across the river ; but the tide being very high at that time, *''*™^
many were drowned in the attempt : the loss in killed, burnt,
and drowned was calculated at near 1000, exclusive of a
great number taken prisoners.
The King's party having thus got possession of the town
attempted to pass the river^ over the bridge ; but were put to
P 2 a stand.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
118
TBE HISTORY t>F
Dels march
foQist
Jtoftth.
CHAP.Ig , ft 8tiiid» hj the bridge being barriciidoed tety ttroB^^ bf
" great trees laid sdiwart, and a large cannon placed on it, by
which stood a gunner with a lighted match : at fhi» bntanft
Mr. Jokn Ta^ (who lited in the neighbourhood) pmaBing a
ferd above the bridge, with a few soldiers, one oC bob com-
pany came unwares behind the gunner, and killed him an
The Khig^s the spot : the trees were then removed, and the whole army
l^y^^ passed ovier, and encamped on ClUi ktmlh^ when a fresh
^iTh^ieh. ^niour being spread that another large body of rebels yircxn
AUthe pri- marching towards them from Wcpdimyf an order was giv«n
sonenpot to to put the whole of the prisoners to the sword, whkh was iiii«
the sword, mediatdy put into execotion. f
The whole The rebdvadvised of the defeat of thehr comrades at C/ni
j^^f J^ collected themsehes together, and matched the same night to
. Tf^»^ ^^ ^^^ (deternuned to try the issue of a general engage*
ment) andpitebed their camp, apposite to the King's army,
in a place difficult of access, havnig lofty hedges in their
front, and which they further strengthened by deep ditches
and hifi^ banks: $ on these they j^nted their cannon,
which uiey discharged on the Kin|['s troops with very great
effect. Lord Rusid seeing the disadvantage of attacking
them in this situadon, ordered a passage to be opened through
the hedges, and over the inelosiires which led to their rear;
when a bloody battle commenced, and was maintained with
great obstinacy by the rebels, who di^mted every inch of
rroond, but, after a terrible slaughter, they were totally de->
feated, and fled in every direction, living aH their cannon
and stores to the victors. After the battle, the army marched
to Toptkamf carrying with them, on a horse litter, the body
of Sir JFiHiam FrafUM^ which was interred the next day in
the body of St. Peter* s Catkedrd, with all military honours.
The rebels who were left to continue the siege of Exeter^
shifted for themselves by a speedy flight; and ^ geade*
men, who had &llen into their minds, and been kept pri-
soners in the churches, being thus liberated, repaired to the
city walls and informed the ceatinels of the hapM saccess of
the King's army, which promised a speedy relict
IwpdRuifd £arly on the next morning (the 6th of August,) Lord
comes to Rtmel marched for Exeter; where he arrived ahout 8
o'dock, and encamped his army m St. JohfieJkUe. § Well
knowing
t The grest disproportion in the numher of the King's troop* voA
that of the rebds, pleads some justtficatton for this act of inhumanity;
and it' appears that Lord Ibutel acted only ftom one of the fint princi-
ples of hiunaa nature, self prascrvatioo.
1 Great part of these intrenchments still remain on CUti hetUK.
\ Now termed the BarnfaU, with thes4ioiniog fields hetteea SaHth-
•rsAmr and the ditch.
A bloody
battle ui
which the
lebebare
totally de-
The siege
of Exeter
raised.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OF EXETER. 11^
knowiog Ac distress that retgned within the waUit, he tent CHAP. ITL
parties to scour the country^ and collect provisions : these or*
ders were so well executed, that great supplies were soon pro- ThesK>ldierB
cared for , the comfort of the half lumished citizens ; though bring in
many, by eating iaunodecBtely after so long a fastings died P^^Vff^
•addenly. provwoas.
Thua after a long and painful siege, which continued from
£d of July, to the Gth of August, a happy termbation was The 6th of
put to dieir sufferings; an ^ tne Masistrates, in gratitude to August tB^
the Almighty, appointed the 6th of August to be annually n'wUykcpt.
kept as a day of thanksgiTing ; and this is canttnued to tMr
present time. *
The next day. Lord RuneU being reinforced by lOW lOdO
Weickmen^ under the command of iHr Wtiliam Her5ert, de- Weldimea
tached sereral bodies of troops in pursuit of the rebds, who ^ *•
still kept together in parties ; and at Sampford Cewienajj^, m ^£'
parttcukr, groat numbers of DevonMre and CofTuth men j>^^ ^|^
were again assembled, who, not regarding their late defeats, aggin m.
were determined to try the issue of another battle : iaforma** semble at
tion of this being brought to Lord Rwueif he ordered his Sampford
whole army to march to Samffard: and finding the rebel* Coartenay.
deaf to all persuasions, he ordered a general attack, which jij^freatest
was bc^n b y Sy WiUiam Herkerf (at his own request) at the partol^m
head of the Wtkhmen : the rebels made a stout defence, and slain.
killed many of the assailants particuUiri v Mr, Ap Owm^ a Mr. Ap
young gentleman much regretted: his body was conveyed Owentldn.
to EjeUir^ and buried in the cathedral, with military honors.
The town was at length forced, and the rebels obstinately re* .
ftuiog quarter, most of them were pnt to the iword .
In this, and their former defeats, it is estimated that near Near 4000
4000 of the rebels were slain, and a great number taken pri« rebels dain.
aoners, among whom were their principal commanders*
Ix^d Rnssd, on his return to Exeter ^ finding the insur*
gents were still persisting in their evil intentions, gave orders
tor spoiling the country ; and parties of sokliers being sent The Coun-
6ut for that purpose, they executed their orders wiSi the try spoiled,
greatest cruelty, burning the houses, seixing and destroying
Uie property of the poor defenceless inhabitants, sparing nei-
ther ffi>el nor Royalist, neither friend nor foe, ao that the
country for many miles exhibited a scene of dc8<^tion, and
did not itcover its former state for many years.
Lord
* The Blayor, Chamber, and corpor ats d tradss, wA ansttsiRyte
processinn on thbdiy to the cathadnd, where a sersaoa Is pfsached on
theonsMtoalpyjagaC tha Moor's Chaplains} and the cathetel beUJi
arerung.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
120 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. HI . Lori Russei proceeded into ConrwaUf and after taking 8S-
verc vengeance on the principal ringleaders (who icU into his
LordRussel hands) by executing martial law on them, he returned back
Comw!^ *° Exeter^ when a commission was appointed for trying the
prisoners whom they had left in custody ; the principal com*
^™^* manders, Humphrey Arundel^ Wumeglade^ Berryy Cqfin^ and
exMutodUi ^^^^* were sent ioLowfoif, where they were tried, convict*
London. ^ ^"^ executed as traitors : those of an inferior rank were
Others «xe- ^^ ^^^ executed in the like manner, at Exeter; the com-
euted in mon people, who had been unwarily drawn into the rebellion
Exeter. were pardoned, and sent to their respective habitations, f
The King, The brave defence made by the citizens in this rebellion,
th nSa^ was justly applauded throuehout the whole kingdom, and
eitizent and ^'P^^ially by the King and Privy council : the Lord Protec-
confirms ^^^ himself sending them a Letter in the King's name, thank-
their char- ing them in the most grateful terms for their courage ajid fide-
^^' Itty and assuring them of his Majesty 's favou r an d protection.
The manor Soon after, theiCing, by his Royal mandate, renewed their
ofExe charters, and confirmed their privileges, granting to them,
SJ**** S*"' *"^ ^*'' successors, for ever, the rich Manor oiEse island^
citi«ais7* of which they had been unjustly deprived from the time of
the Norman conquest. %
'^* p* '. A commission was this year sent from Xoiȣ9ii, directed to
^^^^' MUety Biihop of Exeter; Wiiliam Hurtt^ Mayor; Thomat
Prestwoodf and others, commanding them to return an exact
Injentoiy inventory of all the plate, jewels, goods and ornaments be-
church ^ ^^P^S ^^ ^^^ several churches wiubin this city and county,
plate, &c. which was accordingly done ; the commissioners only re-
questing that the amount of near 1000 ounoea of plate which
had been given by the several parishes, towards the making
the new haven, might be exempted. On the receipt of the
iiiventory,aiiotlier order vras sent down, commanding the
comoiifisionerB
t One execution dcserres notice, which is tfaaftof the JZeo. Mr. Wetsh^
Vicar of $t. Thomas the Apostle, near Exeter, who, though possessed
of many amiable qualities, was a conspicuous ringleader and 8i>ettor of
this unnatural rebellion : which being proved on his trial, as well as the
murder of — — Jftf^gioe//, a Protestent, whom he caused to be hnng on a
tree in £xe island, he was condemned to be hanged on a gibbet erected
for that purpose, on the tower of his own parish Church, this was fuUjr
executed, and his body remained on the gibbet till the restoiatioa of
Popery in tht reign of Queen Mary.
X Soon after the conquest. King WUHam granted to diehard de Brvrnhf
the Barony of Oakkan^ton^ to which he added as a member, the manor
cfExe iakmd: fh>m him it descended to the Omritna^t^ who kept pos-
lesaion of it (notwithstanding the detertn'mation of several suits at lavrin
favor of the citizens) till the attainder of Jfeary Ctmrtemu/^ Marquis of
JEMtfsr, anho 1538 ; when it reverted to the CrowBt in whose possessica
it lemuned till this period.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER.
121
A. D.
1552.
commissioiiera to send up all the superfluous plate, crucifizes, CHAP. li t
images of Saints, &c. to be disposed offer the use of govern- — —
xnent.
A pension of 40«. per annum was granted under the com-
mon seal of this city, to Sir Peter CareVf Knight.
Kine Edward (to the great grief of the protestant part of
the nation) died on the 6th of July, 1 553, aged only lOyears ;
and was succeeded by his eldest sister, Mary.
MAYOBS and BAILIFFS in the rcign of Edward VI.
1547.
John Midmnter.
John Drake.
Thomas Skldmore.
John Bodley.
John Blackall.
1548.
John BlackaUer^
William TothiU.
Jeffcry Arundel.
Henry Maunder.
John Tooker*
1549«
JohnTuckfieid.
WUliam Smith.
Richard Prestwood,
William Reynolds,
Thomas Lambert.
1550.
Thanuu Prestoood.
John Hurst.
Walter Staplehill.
Peter Lake.
Thomas Beaufitz*
1551.
WUliam Hurst.
Morris Levermore.
John Trowbridge.
Henry Harris.
Robert Horwood.
1552.
HTdliam TothiU.
John Periam.
Thomas Spicer.
John Smitn.
Richard GiflFord.
1553.
WUliam Smith*
Walter StaplehiU.
John Peter.
John Dyer.
Tho. luchardson*
Inhere was a short interregnum from the death of King
Edward to the accession of his Sister Mary : he, well knowing
his Sister's attachment to the papal religion, appointed by
his last will, the Lady Jane Grey^ his mst cousin, to suc-
ceed him on the throne, and she was accordingly proclaimed
Queen ; but many of the principal nobility espousing the in*
terest of Mary ^ the unfortunate Lady Jane was deserted by
her friends, and she willingly resigned her pretensions.
Mary 9 on her accession, set the Roman catholics 2Li liberty,
restored the deprived Bishops, and allowed a general liberty
of conscience, until the sitting of the parliament ; when by
an act they restored the Romish reUgion^ and forbad the ex-
ercise of any other on pain of death.
The little conduit, in Southgate^Street^ was rebuilt at the
expence of the Mayor (for this year) William Smith, Esq. §
John
Alary.
A. D.
1553.
LidyJane-.
Grey pro-
claimed
Queen.
Q.Mary
restores the
romish re-
ligion.
Little con-
duit in
Southgattt-
street.
§ This conduit stood where the Pump now stands, but becoming
niinoos, and the pipes being choaked or lostj a weU was dug, and the
Pump erected in its place.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
122 THE HI8T0RT OV
CHAP.IIL Join FomeS^ (aim H^kerJ attthorof theandoitliiitoffjr «f
^ jj Exdet^ was ai^istcd tke fint ChamberiaiQ thereof.
15A4' Queen Mary^ having married Philips King ofSpetn^ called
The natioa ^ ^^^ pariiameot, who paased an act for entirely aupipKsauig
KBumesthe ^ Protestant leligion^ and restoring the Reman catholic;
F4>ish after whidi. Cardinal P^ie reconciled the nation to the aat of
Tl^^ Rome^ and absolved it linom all ecclesiastical censure.
1555. Sir John Pollard Knight, was admitted to the freedom oC
this city, and afterwards chosen one of its representatives ia
parliament^ wherein he proved of greatt senrice in promotifig
the liberties of the citizens.
1556. llie Merchant adventurers of tbb city trading to Frtmce
Merchanti and beyond the Seas, were incorporated by the Qoeen^s char«
iDcorpom- ter.
The Qaeen, through the instigation of Oardmer^ Bishop
Queen of Winch^tter^ and Bonner ^ Bishop ofLmdon, perMCttted the
ut ^ protestants with unrelenting severity : great numbiSTB refusing
protestan^. ^ ^c»^U were executed with the most e^ccruciating tortures :
among which was one Agnff Priefif a poor woman ofLatp^
eeOon in Cornwai/f she being very xealous for the protestant
religion, contrary to the opinion of her husband and children^
they endeavoured to prevail on her to go to Mass} bat she
refusing, they used her very cruellv » and, rn order to avoid
such hardships, she left her fiimily, and wandered up and
down the country : some time after, returning home, her
husband and children informed arainst her to Dr. Tarifrv^fo^
Bishop of Exeter^ who caused ner to be apprehended and
brought to his prison ; where she, in the most public man-*
ner, declared her sentiments of religion, denying the real pre^
sence in the sacrameiit of the Lord^ sapper, asserting it was
the type and figure only, and that no person doth real^ eat
Xp^ the body of Christ 9 but spiritually : after several examinatioos«
Priest burnt refusing to recant these opinions, she was condemned to bo
00 South- burnt, and this sentence was accordingly executed upon her
^niimf. 'mSauiAemhayf 1 5th August, 1557.
1607. After her condemnation, she was visited by some friends
who oftered her money, but she refused it, saying, ahewaa
going to a place where money had no mastery*
The unrelenting severity of the Queen, and her Ministers^
with the loss of Calais which had been taken from the JBi^AM»
by the French^ entirely alienated the auctions of her subjects :
Quern ^8 >o pf^cd upon her spirits, that she died of a broken heart
Mary dies, on 17th November, 1558, to the greatjoy of the Protestants:
and was succeeded by her Sister Elizabeih.
MAYORS
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE Cirr OF BXSTER. 123
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the teign of Queen Ma at. caATUV
1554* John Spark. John Blackhall.
r.A- ifiuu^^^r ^^^ '^«>»* Eustace Oliver.
c^iM^T^Zkth iMfi Thomas MarshaU.
GnffithAmeredSth. 1556. Robert Chave,
Jfichad Brown. Walter SiapUhUl. , „,
William May. jj^^^^ Midwinter. '^^^•
JohnCoggan. Richard Hcllyard. John Bulier
1555. St'*phcn Vilvam. Richard Prestwood.
nr . r John Howell. Simon Knight.
£p£r^- 1557. S'^-'p^pt?-
Waii«aSddan. ^,^p,,^. Edward Lymctt.
Qaeen EIW
Elizabeth ascended the throne to the general joy of the zabeth.
Protestants ; and began her reign by restoriu|; the reformed A. D.
fdigion. Soon after her coronation, she deprived the Popish 1558.
Bishops, and filled the vacant sees with sndi learned men air '^^ prot(»-
she knew were zealous in the protestant interest : Dr Turier^ ^n !^Sd.
vUlt^ the Bishop o£ Exeter vns removed, and William AUei^h Removal of
a learned noan, was ^pointed in his room ; who, when he the Popish
came to take possessiori of his diocess (accompanied by the Bishop of
Earlof Boj^orc/, Lord Lientenant of the connty oiDevoffJ ^^\
was received with great pomp and solemnity by the Mayor comes to ^^
and GtizenSy and conducted to the Cathedral. Exeter.
Soon after this, a dispute arose between the Mayor and -^ ^^
Bishop : the latter had obtained a commission from the Queen twrn the
to act as a justice of the peace, within the limits of the city, Bishop and
but this bong contrary to the charters granted to the citizens, the Mayor:
the Mswor strongly opposed his acting in that capacity with- settled by
in his limits, and the dispnte being referred to the Queen, the Queen
she approved of the Mayor's conduct, and ordered the Bi- ^^^^
shop to desbt from his pretensions and confirmed the citizens city^s char-
in ail their former rightt and privileges, ters.
The Queen granted the City a charter, under her great 1561.
seal, for orphans, which was confirmed the next year by an
act of parliament.
The Grammar schoc^ (commonly called the High school) Charter for
near the little conduit • in the High-street, being in a ruinous orphans
state, was, by a contribution of the citizens (at the request of e^'^ted.
the schoolmaster, MrWUliams,) new built, ceiled and scat- J;jf^jj^°^
cd.
Q The .
* This conduit was situated in the middle of the street, near St Lau**
reocc's Church, and hath long since been demolished : the porch of the
aid church was built out of the materials. The statue of Queen Eliza-
beth now standing on this porch, was removed from this conduit.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
124 THE HISTOfiT OF
Cl f AP^ ni > The laadfl appropruttcd for the maintenaiice of the alms
^ U people in the Omhrao (Lord BfmvUie*$ alms houses in Rock
1562. ^W t hy the attunder of the said Lord, revetting to the
The Queens Queen, and there being at the dissolution of monaslerial four
patent for alms men still remaining in the kte dissolved bospitsi lofiS/.
wntinui^ JoA/i, { ^e Queen, by her Letters patent, d«ted 7th Nov«m-
the^r ^^^ IdSSy ordered the pay ofthe said poor alms peopfey and
people of pensioners of St. John*9 hospital to be continued from the
BonTiUe's Crown, and invested in the Mayor and Chamber the aj^potnt*
almshouses mgn^ of the said poor people, and pensioners, to them and
1563. ^^ ^'^^^ '^'^^ m»de by the Mayor and Chamber, that all
Alms peo- '*** P^' people belonging to the alms houses wkhin the citr
pie to s«^ ^°^ ^ suburbs (excepting such as were incapable thiougn
tenddmne a^e or sickness) should attend divine service daily at the Ca-
tenrtcedaUy thedral.
The Plague raging in L&mhnj all communication therewith
was forbid, and St; Nicholas's &tr was, for this year discon-
tinued.
^2^ An annuity of 10/* per annum, was granted by the Mayor
^' and Chamber, to Sir WiUiam CecU^ Knight, and anomer
annuity of 20 marks per annum was granted to Mr* J^Bpay
ToiMUf in token of their past services to the citizens*
1565. Some thieves found means to rob the Exchequer, bebog*
Ing to the Cathedral, but findine ^e booty more than they
wanted, they retumedthe overplus*
-mOQ The latter end of this year there was a severe frost, which
was attended by a sudden thaw ; in consequence of it, great
A greet inundations were caused, which did much damage, particular*
slSd'eT t*^ ^^ Bridges and Weamt QUoBear Weat (now Bead
thsv. IVwr) was entirely destroyed, but afterwards rebuilt in a
much stronger manner.
1569. '^^ i^s^ue broke out inthis city, and raged widi such great
violence, mat it occasioned most of the principal inhabitants
^^ «nd their fiunilies to leave their habitations, and seek a refuge
piague. j^ ^1^ country, from this deplorable calamity*
1S71. Agnes^ the wife ofjokn James (late of this city) was burnt
on Southemhay^ for poisoning her husband.
A pension
t These alms houses, through neglect of the trustees many jeais i^o,
vrere suffered to run to decajr, so that there is not the least Testige re>
Aaintng: thescite was granted to Colonel Newton of Exeter, whose
heirs sold it to Mr Stribling, and it now belongs to Mr. Robert Ruisel :
but the alms peoplei* boant/ is still received from the Grown by the
{The pay of these pensioneisor alms men has lately been dtscmtiou*
ed; though two of them aie still Uring.-*— Grigg, aShoenalwr, and
"^ taFtaukei '
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 125
A peubn of 40r« per aiiniiin wm gnated to Sir g<rogn* #HAP. Itl .
Carewy Knig^ and ubr hit decease, to remain to jBt/man^ ^ ^
Ttetm^ne'SMx. lor 4if life, in gratitude for the great services {^f^\
dieylttd rendered to the Citf. AFeniloa
Thomas Wiliiams Esq. one of the representatives for this gnoited to
Citj, being chosen i^icaker of the Mm$e rf Comrnma^ was qJ?^^^
picsenCedt by the citizens, with a purse containing 20/. in t57d.
g«M, as a tolun of dieir gratitnde for the great services he had Citizens
done them ; but dying soon after. Sir Pettr Carem was elect- preseRt
cd bjrthe citizens, mms room, as one of their representatives. ^'P"
A cottft of Hustings was erected in the Guildhall, and seats ^!"i|^
jitop er iy built for the oetter accommodation of the Mayor and ^1^ ^ -^
Aldermen; andintbefoUowbgyear, the Hall was new gk- gold.
zed, ceiled and bcwtified, and a Pump erected in the £ront 1576.
ofit.
Jakn JoHd of this ckf^ goldsmith, presented to the May* 1578.
or, asiker bason and ewer, (value 50/.) for the use of him
and hiasQOoessors* at allj;Hibllc entertainments, for ever.
Before the late dissolution of Monasteries, numbers of poor
people were daily fed and relieved at the gates of the abbies
and nunneries^ who being thus indulged in a,habit of idleness. The Queen
and having no incliiiation to labour, rambled up and down ordenhoiw-
the country, which was filled with lusty mendicants to the aofcorrec-
rieat hurt of the industrious. This being represented to her v^^ ^
Majesty, die ordered houses ofcorrection to be erected in the ^^
cities and towns, and proper officers placed therein, to com-
pel those who were able, to maintain themselves by hard la- ^^
boar, and to punish the refractory. Pursuant to this order, ^^g ^^
one was erected in this city, by the voluntary contributions city.
of the citizens, who, seeing the necessity of the measure, sub-
scribed very hrg/iy towards the erection pf it, and its future
maintenance.
The Queeq CMnni^ndcd the Deiin and Chapter, to furnish isso.
eleven horsemen, with proper ^xms aad furniture, to be sent Eleven
into Iidand, on her Majesty 's service, to join the army there, bonemeii
opposing the rebellion of d'Ncal. |^« jj>to
Great part of the lands of this eity and county being held ^ j^^j
by the custom ofgMveiimdy § an aftt of parliament was pro- Custom of
cured (at the expence of the Mayor and Chamber) by which gavelkind,
all lands within the same, should descend and be inheritable,
as lands at common law.
Q2 The
§ Gavelkind i. e. Give all kind (a cnstom derived from our Ssxoa
Anceston) by which all lands were equally divided among the Sqa^
the youngest raceiving an equalsbaoB with the eldeit.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
126 TffB HISTOBT OF
CHAP.ni > The new candy leading to the qua j*, was enlarged, deep*
siuic^ — ^"^» *°^ Bluioci erected theieon, for the better conveying of
erected on m^^cbandize up to the city.
the new The Ri^t Honourable TFiiiiMm Earl of Bath, was, on the
caiAI. 7thof August, this year, married at St. Stephen's Church
^58?' ^" ^*' ^*^* ^ **^ ^^^y EUgaheth Rusiely daughter of the
'Thc^flQf^^^o^BedJfhrd: on which occasion, the citizens presented
Bath marri- ^^ ^^^ married couple, with a bason and ewer of ailTer,
ed to the richly gilt : they also made a grand caTslcade, and exhibited
Lady Eliza- all manner of diversions, on Soutkemhuy, in honour of the
bethRussel. gjj^ marriage, the Lady being a native of this city, and born
in Bedford hauiem
1583. An ancient custom, was now confirmed by an act of the
Fines for Mayor and common council, to compd every inhabitant
chin^i«i (whose house shall have happened to be on fire) to pay a fine
on fire. ^ ^^'* ^^^ ^oi* ^ chimnby (if on fire) 6s. 8J. *
1584. Don Anthonio, who bad been crowned King of Portugal,
The King but was driven tfa^nce, by the Spaniards, came to this city,
TO^uT* in his way to Lrndtm, to solicit aid from Queen EUxabeth,
this city. ^"^ ^^'^ hospitably received and entertained, with his retinue^
at the Mayor's house, during the whole of his stay.
Teiible* ^^ the "Lent assizes, held this year at the castle o^ Exeter^
sici^eM hcforc Sir Edmund Anderson, Lord Chief Justice of the Gom-
breaksout ™ofl pleas; and Sergeant Flmoerhy, one of the Barons of
at the As- the Exchequer ; a noisome, pestilential smell came from the
'i^^* prisoners, who were arraigned at the Cfown Bar, which so
afiected the people present, that many were seized with a
the Jadre '^^^^^'^^ sicknes«, which proved mortal to the greatest part of
8 Justices,' ^^^ : of those who sat on the Bench, there died, the Judge^
11 Jury. Sergeant Fhwerbt/; Sir John Chichester, Sir Arthur Basset ^
men, and snd Sir Bernard Drake, Knights; Thomas Carrw, R. Car//,
ti^^cUeof "^^^^ Fortescue, John Waldron, and Thomas Risdon, Esquires,
ii. Justices of the Peace; eleven of the jurymen, and a great
number of Constables and others, who attended the Court*
This disorder spread itself through the city and surround*
ing country, proving fittal to numbers : this assize, from the
The <*uppo- consequences attendmg it, was odled the hlack assize* The
aedoocasion sickness was supposed to have originated from some Portu«
of this 5ick- guese seaman, whose ship being taken by Sir Bernard Drake^
^^'*' on her voyage from Newfoundland, (laden with fish) the crew,
in number S8 men, and boys, were sent to the goal near
Exeter castle; and being greatly emaciated (from a long voy-
age
* This fine of 6i. 8<f. is still demanded, in case of Chijnnies being on
fire, and distresses made on refusal of payment : this, though distressing^
to individuals, is beneficial to the community, as it makes the citizens
careful in keeping their chimnies always clear from soot.
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THE CITY OP EXBT£R. 127
sge and want of fTaviatnu) and confined in a stinking CHAP. III ,
dungeon 9 f having no change of apparel, and lying on the — — —
damp ground, they infected one another; and no proper
care being taken of them, the most part sickened, and many
died.
The infection was soon communicated to the other pri«
soncia, and few of theni escaped the &tality of the disorder.
These unhappy foreigners were ordered to be brought for
examination before the Justices ; but being reduced by fa-
mine and sickness, they were unable to stand, and therefore
were earned by men, on hand barrows, to the court, where
they excited the commiseration of the spectators: proper
care was then taken, and the survivors were sent to Pariugal. ^ j^
The Queen having granted the forfeited estates of the 1597.'
IrUh rebels f to such of her subjects as would undertake the
plantation, and defence of them against the incursions of the Many Gen-
wild Irish, Sir Walter Raleigh^ Sir William Covrtenay^ and tl«n«n of
several other Devonshire gentlemen, accepted the offer; and ^^l^j^^^
went over to Ireland, (accompanied by a number of their ©f Exeter
tenants and followers, amon^ which were several artificers go over to
and tradesmen of Eieier with their families) where they Ireland to
planted the county of Desmond^ and several other places, and settle.
laid the foundation of great estates, particularly. Sir William
Cowienay^Sy which consists of almost the whole county of
Limerick, and which is now in the possession of the Right
Honourable Lord Viscount Courtenay.
The lon^ projected invasion of this kingdom by the 1588.
Spaniards (for which they had, many years, been making The Spa-
immense preparations) was now about to take place; and nish invasH
the Queen having notice of their intention of soon sailin?, ^'^f
she sent orders to all the maritime counties, to embody their theQueen^s
militia, and to make every necessary preparation, to defeat order for
the designs of their enemies. These orders being received *^® citizens
by the Mayor of this city, he acquainted the citizens, and ^^^ 1
represented to them the danger they were in, if they did not ^"'
unanimously oppose the invasion of so cruel and implacable
a foe: ^e citizens immediately put themselves in arms, and Thectei-
joined in an address to the Queen, declaring themselves ever zens ad-
ready to oppose her enemies, and to suppoit the protests nt ^'c*'!**
religion at tne hazard of their lives and fortunes; assuring '^"•^*
her
t The dungeon here alluded to, cannot, at this time be ascertained.
In the old g«i], there was not the least vestige or apiiearance of any
subterranean place of con^ncment ; neither in the castle, if vre except
the passage (under the walls) to the sally port, commonly termed the
dungeon, which was often used as a black hole for punishing 5oIdlc;sj
and a dreadful damp place of confinement it was.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
« 128 THE BISTORT OF
ChAP.tlT . her they were in retdincfli to iiNuch» «ul join ker anny
—"^ whenever wEQted*
nd^ out By ^ volonttfy contribntioo, Aey also fitted cot three
9 smps. ships, ^MUch were manned, armed and maintainfd at their
owaexpence, and sent to reinforce the Qneen's fleet*
Th^QtMfltt ' The Qaeen, in a Letter, returned them her most gmte-
Modf al«s. fill thanks, and granted them the honour of beanng the
^^J^ motto, Senmer FideUt, iot ever under their city arms; and
appointed John C^rpenier^ Ejq. to be their muster master.
roreeof the The Spanish fleet, consisting of 1 32 sail of large ships, SO
Spaniah Caravals for conveying their artillery and stores^ and 1 small
flejHtwhieh vessels of six oafB each ; havingonboard6,7^^k>rs, S,088
j n^fj l. galley slaves, 21,855 soldiers and 5,165 pieces of cannon,
(these were to be joined by the PHnce of Pwmiaj on their ar«
rival off the Etiglah coas^ with 30,000 Foot and 1 ,800 Hmrae)
set sail from Carmma ; but meeting with a violent storm were
obliged to put back ; notice of which beine obtained by the
Engiisk fleet, then cruising at the mouth of the BM»h ekmut*
nely to intercept their passage, diev returned into PfywmM :
and thinking the danger over for tnat year, began to diwnan*
tie their ships : the ^ami&rdiy however, soon repaired their
The Spa- damages, and again set sail for the EngiM coasts; but be«
nkrdf up- ing happily descried by Captain Wmttr^ who commanded a
F^*^<^ small Scottish privateer, he hastened to PlymmUhf and gave
^^r^ notice to the I^iglish Commanders, of the approach oT the
^^ Spanish fleet.
The contrary winds prevented the EngUik fleet from com*
ing out of harbour, and die SpMmarA proceeded up the
snd Mil up dunnel, (thetr fleet bemg drawn up in the form of a cicaoent,)
the dua- and passing Pfytmmik^ continued their voyage under a slow
'^^ and easy sail, in sieht of the inhabitants, who were poated in
the most accessible parts of the coast, to prevent their
descent-
The£fi^4 havingr^ with diflicuky^, warped their, ships
out of Pfymmatky followed them, with a much inicnor
TheDefon- ^^rce : while the gentlemen of Devamhire greatly exerted
Mn^por themselves by fitting out aU«tiie ships tibey could procure,
^^ fg^ and hastening to join the Engiisk fleet ; where they behaved
^^^ themselves with the greatest intrepidity, and oontribuled
highly to the success which foUoweid.
The Spa- The Prince of Parma was prevented, by the vigilance of
niardf •!• the Engiisk and Duick squadrons, frum joining the Spanisk
teodd- ^^''^^^* ^° consequence of which, and meeting with several
1^,11^ defeats, the Spaniards endeavoored to escape homewarda
round the north ofScoilandznd Ireland^ where so many bttheir
ships were lost, as oat of the whole which k^Spain^ only
97
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF KXETER. 129
97 retimiedy and most of dieir crews were lost. The lo6S C HAP. 11^
of the Engfuh was only one ship and about 100 men ; thus
the despotic deugns of the Sjnmiih monaroh, to subjugate i^^^ ^^^l^ .
this aatioaand extirpate the Protestant religion was frustrated, great losg.
through the providence of the Almighty^ and the bravery of
ooranceitDrs.
Among the Dewmthire worthies, who distinguished them* TheDeyoa*
sdvcs on this glorious occasion, were Sir Francis Drake, Sir '^"^ 6^-
Marim FatbUkr, SirJokn HsMm, Sir Humi^re^ Gdberty ^f^^'T^
Sir WaUer Raieigk, Sir Robert Cartf, Knights; ziid Edward ^^J^'
Fidftrd, £squire, then Sheriff for the county of Devon. advct.
The plaffue again appeared in this citv; itbrokeout inthe a. D.
month of September, but was not of long continuance, as 1589.
cold weather commencing, put a stop to its ravages.
The Serge market^ heretofore kept in NoriAgate^street, was 1^91.
removed, by order of the Chamber, into Southgate-'itreet, to
be held between Bear4atu and the Uttle conduit, as being a
more convenient place.
Several of the city Butchers having riotously abused the 1599.
coDQtiy Botchers who kept the markets, and forcibly taken
die meat firom their stalls, were committed to prison for the
said onenccs.
The front of the Guildhall was rebuilt. 1593.
This year there was a great scarcity of corn, and the poor A weudtj
of thb City being thereby sreatly distressed, a sum of mo- of com.
ney was advanced by the Mayor and Chamber, in order to
erect a public granary, and to purchase a quantity of com
to haw recoune to, in case of any future exigency.
A pennon of 4^. per annum was granted toJoAn Hooker, 1596.
as a reward for the services done by nis iather to this city.
A gieat fife happening at Tiverton, a collection of 1 0/. vras A great fire
here made, and sent to the relief of the poor of that town. *^ TWerton.
The deep road between the Wynard*s Almshouses and the 1599.
Hospital of 5/. Mary Magdalen was filled up and paved.
Another great fire happening at Tiverton, which con- 1601.
snmed almost the whole town, 100^. was collected by the Another
volontsry contributions of the Citizens, and sent as relief. ^reatTt-
It was a custom in those days, (after the dissolution of the ^'^i^
Monasteries) for men of fortune to take a certain number of
young Gentlemen into their families in order to be educated
by their Chaplains ; some of these young gentlemen, who re-
sided at 1^ JFiiiiam OmrttMiy^s, at FowderAam castle were
accused of wantonly assaulting a&d robbing several persons
on the road, as they were going to Exeter market, for which
they were arraiened and tried at the Assizes. Sir William
CoHrt€tu^9ffmsixi% on the Bench, to speakin their behalf, and
insisting
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
130
THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. IIL insisting that tbey did it only by way of a frolick» atid that they
— were able and willing to make any reasonable satisfaction to
Sir William their accusers, the Judge would not adhere to it, but declared
Couitemy that the law should take its due course : on this. Sir WUiiam
insults the ^wt up in a Yiolent passion, put his hand on his sword, and
^^g^^^ loudly exclaimed, that he would make the Judge* $ $hirtrtd a* hu
scariet f^own^
Sir IViUiam^ howerer, reflecting coolly on the outrage he
had committed against the person of her Majesty's lepresen*
tative, and fearing the consequences, took horse immediatel3r
and rode post to London; and falling at her Majesty's feet, he
confessed his fault and implored her pardon, which the Queen
for some time refused, and ordered him into custody ; but
having more than ordinary regard for his fiimily, she soon
released and pardoned him. X
Queen Elizabeth departed this life on the 24th March, 1605 ;
to the great orrief of her subjects. She was succeeded by
JamcSf (the 6th of that name) YMgoiSc^Hand^ andthe^^/
of England.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
1559.
Robert Midxointer.
John ParamoreOb,
John Woolcot.
James Walker.
Hubert Colwell.
William Chapell.
1560.
John Blackail*
John Dyer.
Richard Gibbs.
Rich. Hazlewood.
JeH'ery Thomas.
1561.
William Hurst*
Hugh Pope.
Thomas rrestwood
Ralph Duckenfield.
Gilbeit Say well.
1562.
John Peter.
Edward Bridgman.
Philip Yard.
William Grigg.
William Lant.
1563.
John Peryam.
Thos. Richardson.
George Peryam.
Henry Ellicott.
Richard Prowse.
1564.
Morris Lcvermore.
John Smith.
Thomas May,
Andrew Geer.
John Webb.
1565.
John WoolceH.
Robert Chave.
Thomas Bruerton.
Robert Lamhell.
Alexander Trigg.
1566.
Thomas Richardson.
Simon Kni?ht.
Nicholas Martin*
John Pope.
Thomas Bird.
1567-
X Tradition says, he struck the Judge, and for that reason the &niily
were obliged to bear a bloody hand in their coat of arms : this is a great
mistake (the bloody hand, gules, being the arms of tlltier in Ireland^
and is the badge of distinction of all Baronets) neither do I find that any
of the £unily ever made use of that distiaction, it being beneath their
pretensions, as descendants of the an^eut Earls of Devon.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT OF £XBT£R.
131
1567.
John Smiih,
William ChaFHeU.
Thomas Martin.
John HutcUns*
John Jones,
1568,
Roiert CAave.
Edward Lymctt.
John Lcvermorc.
Richard Newman.
Ko^or Robiason.'
1565.
WWiamChapeU.
Thomas Bruerton.
John Pyle.
WiUiamHunt.
John Collins.
1570.
S/'man Kmgki*
William Tiyvett.
William Paramore.
Hugh Willsdon.
Walter Jones.
1571.
Thomas Bruerton*
Nicholas Martin.
John Dom.
WHliam Martin.
William MongwcU
1572.
Johtt Peryam^ Ob*
John BlackelU
ThoPrcstwood.
Thomas Raymond,
Henry James.
Richard Sweet.
1573-
Wfllkm Tryveit.
George Peryman.
John Davy.
Alexander Mayne.
Thomas Chapdl.
1574.
Nichoku Martin*
John Pope.
John Peryam.
John Sandfbrd.
Richard Harding.
1575.
John Peter.
Richard Pk'owse.
George Smith.
Nicholas Spicer.
Richard Bcaufitz.
1576.
Thos. PrestwoodOb.
Robert Chave.
Thomas Martin.
Thomas Spicer.
LauTence]Barcomb.
John Chapdl.
1577.
George Peryman.
Michael Germyn.
John Hakewill.
John Dodd.
John Field.
1578.
Richard Proose.
JcfFery Thomas.
WiHiam Perry.
Thos. Turbcrville.
WilKam Shepherd^
1579-
IVili. Chapell, Ob.
Simon Knight.
Thomas Raymond.
John Applin.
John Brush ford.
Peter Vilvain.
R
1580.
Thomas Bruerton.
John Davy.
Robert Webber.
John Biggins.
Nich. (^penter.
1581.
Thomas Martin.
John Peryam.
Henry Hull.
Rich. Dorchester.
Henry Spvrway.
1582.
Michael German.
George Smith.
JohnHowell.
JohnFoUett. ^^
John Moor. >^
1583.
Jeffery Thomas.
William Martin.
Thomas Walker.
Richard Jourden.
Nichoks Errom.
1584.
John Davy*
John Levermore.
John Prowse.
Thomas Bridgman.
Nicholas Spicer.
1585.
Nicholas Martin.
Thomas Chapell.
William Spicer.
Gilbert Smith.
Richard Perry.
1586.
George Smith.
Nicholas Spicer.
Laurence Seldon.
William
CHAP. in.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
132
THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. III . WilDam Brayly.
^—^ Thomas Edwards.
1587.
John Per^amm
Philip Yard.
John EUicott.
Jasper Horsey.
Roger Selby.
1688.
Thomas ChapeU.
Hiomas Spicer.
Thomas Radford.
Richard Reynolds.
Thos. Greenwood*
1589.
Richard Pnmse.
John ChapeU.
Edward Langdon.
Walter Horsey.
John Payne.
1590.
William Martin.
Richard Sweet, Ob.
John Howell.
Will. Newcombe.
Walter Borough.
Thos. Baskerville^
1591.
Michael Germyrif
Thomas Walker.
Jeremy Hilliard.
Hillaru Galley.
John Deptford.
1592.
Nicholas Spicer.
Richard Beavis.
Walter Body.
Alnett Budley.
Richard Wheaton.
1593.
Thomas Spicer •
Henry Hull.
Alexander Germyn
PaulTriggs.
Henry Payne.
1594.
John Dav^.
Christopher Spicer.
Hugh Crossing.
' John Lant.
Clem. Oldborough
1595.
John ChapeU.
Rich. Dorchester.
John ChapeU, Jun.
Jeflfery Waltham.
John Eades.
1596.
John Levermore.
Rich. Jourden, Ob.
Alexander Mayne.
Thomas BlackaUer.
David BagweU.
Robert Parr.
1597.
George Smith.
WiUiam Spicer.
John Sandy.
Samuel Alford.
WUliam Pope.
1598.
John Peryam.
JohnProwse.
John Taylor.
Nicholas Langdon*
Richard Body.
i599.
John HvtDcU.
Thomas fid wards.
Giles Savcry.
William Martin.
Ignatius Jourden.
1600.
WiSiam Martin.
John EUicott.
John Lambell.
Thomas Snow.
Richard Brindley.
1601.
Th<mm Walker.
Walter Borough.
John Sheer.
John Marshall.
Hugh MoreU.
1602.
Richard BeaviSf O^*
WiiUank Martin.
Alexander Germin .
Robert ElUcott.
Richard Sweet.
John Modyford.
1603.
Nicholas Spicer m
Hu^h Crossing.
Nicholas BeaTis.
Oliver Tapper.
Robert Hind.
A. D.
1603.
James 1.
James f the first Monarch of England o( tiit house o(Sle9»
artt was proclaimed with great solemnity, in this City, on
the 29th March, 1603, by the stile and title of King of En*
gland f Scotland, France, znd Ireland.
The
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP £XETER. 133
Tb« plagae again vintio^ this city, the Mayor and Cham- CHAP. III ,
ber, to prevent the spreading of the infectioii, provided a The plague
Pesthouse for the better relief of the poor people, who mi^ht visits the
be infected by this dreadful scourge ; yet, notwithstanding City,
all their precautions, it spread through the city, and raged ^oJSbuilt
with great violence for some time ; which prevented Lammas
and Magdalen fiurs from being held this year.
The Tower of Si. SidweW$ churh, having been greatly ^^^•
damaged in the bte insurrection of the Devon and Cornish re- Tower <^
bels, a contribution was voluntarily raised by the citizens, stSidwell'k
to definay the expence of rebnilding the same. rebuilt.
£l^^t, new silver maces, wSh the King's arms embo^ 1^-
sed thereon, was made for the city sergeants. macesmade
The dangerous road without S&uihgate, (termed from its HoHoway
deepness, RoiUmmf^J was filled up, levelled and paved. new payed.
The prices of com advancine greatly in the markets, a large -_ '^^•
quantity was procured from abroad, by the contributions of '^^^5
the rich citizens; and this was stored, and retailed to the dea^of*^*^
poor at reduced prices. com.
Thomas Tooker^ who had been lately elected sword bearer 1611.
of this city, being cony^cted of the murder of his wife, ^'^^^T^T'^^
condemned at the assize, held at the Castle, and executed ^^^^
at Heavitree gallows. murder.
The ancient counterscarp of the Castle, (now called AV* 1612.
fhemha^) was levelled, trees planted thereon, benches erect- Northcrn-
ed, and a fine gravel walk made, at the expence of the Cham* ^^d'*^
ber, for the ^accommodation of the citizens. ^
This year, the great Sir Walter Raleigh^ whose merits as , 1618,
a statesman, soldier, seaman, or historian, can hardly be S|^^u **'
equalled, fell a sacrifice to the cunning artifices of Uttnda^ ^*^ *
mortf the £j^Mmtf A ambassador.
Sir Walter had been accused of being an accomplice in a
pretended plot, in the beginning of this reign i for which he
was condemned to die, but strong circumstances appeariner ^^^gj^^ 13
in his &vonr, his execution was deferred, and he was confn jears in the
ned a prisoner, under sentence of death, in the tower of Lo»- tower of
tffoif, for near 13 years: during this time, he wrote his in- ^^**<^t
comparable History of the world.
At length, petitioning the King for his discharge, he was igpennitted
permitted to undertake a voyage to Guiana in SoutA America ^ to go to
in order to discover, and take possession of some gold mines. America,
Accordingly, with the broken remains of his fortune, he
fitted out three ships, and proceeded on his voyage ; but this
proving unsuccessful, after a series of misfortunes, and the returns ua-
loss of nis only son, he returned home, after an absence of successful.
three years.
Re On
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134 THE HISTORY Of
C HAP. nr« On hk KtuM» his conduct wat miorepreseatoA to Ae
—^ weak King, wko hftd bee* deceiTed in hi* hopes of tho gold-*
en treasarc» he expected from the YCftt^; and Gmtdaamre
exasperated at the great damages Sir Walter had done the
Spamardsy in the hte Queen's reign (and willing to remove
him out uf the wajr) left no measures untried .to gratify his
revenge : he accordingly represcated to the King* that Sdr
Waller had exceeded his eomnussiony and doae gfeat dama*
ges to his Master's subjects.
^ ^>f '^^^ pusiHaniaiotts King coaanaaded hiaa again a i>ri-
pr^oaer ^^^^ ^ ^^^ Tower; from thance he was remoTcd to the
* Gate-hmi9e^ WcsfyMtMler^ and ordered to be returned to his
and behead- former sentence : thus detirered to the Sheri£F, he was he-
ed, headed in the palace yard, Westminster, and hia body
Vuried in &. Mor^ortf^'^ chujxh.
Before his execution, he, in a letter to his wife, desired her
to beg his body of his eaemies, to be taterred, either in Sker^
Some church, or with his fjyhcr, in Exeter eMedrai; hut
this small request was not granted : the place of Sir Waiier
JR0^A'#hiztb has been disputed; some|^acingilai£iM^&^9
others at Exekr in the house adjoining the gate of the
Bishop's palace ; for the latter there seems some reason, hia
father residing there many years: but whether a native of
Exeter^ or not, this tribute is justly due to his memory ! §
King Jamet was the most pacim: monarch that had hereto*
fi)re reigned in this kingdom ; and sooner than eBg!a|^e him-
self in the horrors of war, he submitted to many iadignities^
which his subjects received from foreign powers ; particu-
larly from the Spaniards and Dmtch ; the cruelties of the lat-
ter to the Engiisk merchanta at Amiayna^ will be for ever re-
membered, with a just indignation against a monarch, who
tamely suffered his subjects to be cruelly tortured and mur-
dered in cold blood, and by those who, but a few years be-
fore, had been delivered from the galling yoke of the Spa^
niardSf through the assistance of the late Queen EUsaUth^
and the valour of the English nation .
Th« wool- However, to give King James the prake where it is due,
len trade his pacific reign proved very advantageous to his subjects^
K"^^ •"' ^y increasing their commerce, and encouraging their manu-
S^dty "^ factories, particularly the WooUen which was gready advan<»
^* ced
§ ThDS fell ^e great, and much lamented Sir Walter Raleigh^
whose unmerited death will ever be a stun, in the annals of the weak
James the first, for cacrificing the faithful servant of his benefactor and
predecessor, to the artful wiles of an intriguing foreigner; and justly
may the Satirist say,
CRex,fuU Elizabeth f mate est Regina JaeelmJ
Elizabeth was a King; but JameSj a Queen.
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THB^ CITT OF BXETER. 135
ced in tbkeitf, and proved a souree of wealthy hitberto «n- CHAP. IlL
known to the citizens: their tnule before this period, being xhedti^
confinedmostly to the opponte coasts of France and Chmumy ; sens extend
bat now it was extendc^l to Italy ^ Tutkev^ and other parts of their com-
the I^Bvant; and they sent ^dr woollen cloths^ in large mercc,
ships of their own, and brought back the commodities of ^ ^^.
those countries : thus, man j families rose to opulence, and j^^ enrich-
laid the foundation of great estates, which are now enjoyed ed Uiereby.
by their descendants, in the neighbourhood ci Exeter: tncy
were also concerned in the plantation of the American colo- The town
nics, .many families emigratug to Jmerica, where they built ^^^^^^'
a town which they named Exeter f in remembrance of their ^jjl^^*^
native citv.
The Mayor and Chamber hating purchased the late dis- "fgo?"
solved priory of St. Johtiy within ^utgate, procured a char- ^^^ cham-
ter from the King for converting it into an hospital for poor ber pur-
men : they also expended upwards of 400/. of their own stock chase the
in the necessary repairs of the said hospital. Priory of
The King sent down his Letters patent, for renewing Ac ^^'^^^3'
comnuasions of the Deputy Lieutenants of this city and
county. 1624.
The plague again visited this city : its beginning here was A great
in the month of Jul^; and it continued its ravages for the plague al-
space of a year, cuttm^ ofl' whole &milies« and leaving the ™^^ ^^
cityahnost destitute of inhabitants. ^ ^^^
The plague continuing to rage, Thomai Walker^ Esq. who 1625.
had been elected Mayor, refused to take the office, tlu-ough The new
fear of the disorder, and retired into the country : upon Mayor on
which a petition was sent to the King, who by his Letter, ^^^^^ JJ^
commanded the said Mayor to undertake the office, on his refu^f he*
allegiance, which- he accordingly did, and executed it to the office,
aatisiaction of his fellow citizens.
A Pest house was purchased by the Chamber (in the par Pest-house
rish of St. SidweUJ for the better accommodation of the P"j^l***«^«*-
poor, who might be infected with the plague: and an order njJJ^*!^^ -
was made by the Justices, for apprehending, and committing ^^^^^ scm to
to the house of correction, all common beggars that should be tiiehouseof
found in the streets. correction.
King Jamet died on the S7th March^ 1625, and was sue- King James
|:eeded by his only flon, Charles the first* ^i<»*
MAYOBS
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136
THE HISTORY OF
C HAP. III . MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of James I.
1604.
John Davy.
Wm. Ncwcombc.
W. Horsham, Ob.
John Penny.
Tfaos. Crossing.
Thos. Richardson.
1605.
Hertry HuiL
John Lant.
Thos. Martin.
Edward Clement.
Peter Colleton.
1606.
Richard Darchetter*
Gilbert Smith.
John Gup will.
John Adand.
George Pylc.
1607.
Sir Geo* Smith, KU
Jcftcry Waltham.
Robert Parr, Ob.
Peter Bolt.
George Leech;
Tho. Wakeman.
1608.
John PrcrtDse*
John Marshall.
Thomas Amy.
Chris. Spicer.
John Blight.
1609.
Hufrh Crossing.
John Sheer.
William Grigg.
John Hayne.
William Birdall.
1610.
Walter Borough*
Isnatius Jourden.
Thomas Flay.
John Jourden.
John Lynn.
1611.
John Larrt.
Thomas Martin.
Nicholas Spicer.
John Crocker.
John Tiriy.
1612.
WiUiam Ntvfcomhe,
John Modyford.
William Mace.
Abraham Paul.
Anthony Salter.
1615.
Jtffery Waltham.
John Gupwill.
John Chave.
Gilbert Sweet.
James Taylor.
1614.
Thomas Walker.
Thomas Crossing.
John Levermore.
George Passraore.
Henry WiUet.
, 1615.
John Marshall.
John Taylor.
Richard Prowse.
Hugh Germynt
William Bartlett.
1616.
John Sheer.
Thomas Amy.
Nicholas Martin.
•Christopher Clark.
William Read.
1617..
Ignat. Jourden.
P^ter Colleton.
Adam Bennet.
John Hakewill.
John Savage.
1618^
Thffmas Martin.
John Acland.
Nicholas Ricroft.
Roger Yeo.
Alex. Osborne.
1619.
John Promse.
George Pylc.
Walter Wight.
John Pearse.
Geo. Langworthy.
16S0,
Hugh Crossing.
John Lynn.
William Skinner.
Richard Sanders.
Thomas Tooker.
1621.
Walter Borough,
Thos. Wakeman.
Francis Crossing.
Henry Battishil.
John Garland t
1622.
John Modyford .
Roger M^lock.
Richard Herbert.
John Jourden.
John MongweiI»
1623.
John Cruptffill*
Nicholas Spicer.
James
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THE CITY OP EXETEB. 137
James Tiickcr. 1624. Hugh Crocker. CHAP. HI .
.fohaCoojje. Thomas Crossing. NicTiolas Mercer.
IristamMitchelJ. Thomas Flay. Augustine Drake.
^* A. EL
Kins CharUs was proclaimed in this city, March Slst, ^^?**-
1625. 'Chadesl.
The plague raging in the city- of Saiishtry^ a collection 1627.
was made by the inhabitants of this city, for the relief of the
poor of Salisbury, which collection, (amounting to a consi'<
derable sum) was accordingly sent.
This year, the King renewed the privileges of this city. The King
and granted a new charter, which was not a confirmation' ^JJ"***^^
only, of their former rij^hts, but an addition thereto : it fol- the City of
lows at large, in afaithtul translation from the Latin original. Exeter.
CHARTER.
CAarles, by the grace of God, Kin^ of Ettftlandf Scotland^
France^ and Ireiandf Defender of the i aithy-^nd so forth, to all
whom these presents shall come, greeting.
** Whereas divers of our most illustrious ancestors, or pre-
** decessors, late Kings and Queens of England^ have (of
** their special grace and royal favour, shewn towards their
** beloved sn^ects, the Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of p ..
•* the city o(Exetery and towards the public good of the same ^^ ^ot^
** city : and also in consideration of the approved alle<;iance dention.
** andiaithful6ervices,whichthey, the8aidMayor,baili%and
** commonalty have, from time to time, done to the said Kin^s
'' and Queens, and to the crown of Englamif particularly m
** the reign of our ancestor, the Lord aeniy the seventh, late
** King of England; and also in the reign of Edward the sixth,
'^ late King of England ^ by most faithfiilly adhering to the
*' said King in the time of commotion, and the insurrection and
*^ rebellion of his most ungrateful and unfaithful subjects,
'* in divers parts of this kingdom of England^ in the connties
" of Devon and Corwwall; and by boldly resisting the said rc-
*' bels, and by defending the said city of Exeter^ and the court
'' of the said King against their most violent attacks, and
'' /z^tf/iuri/^Me who were continually besieging and blockading
*' [them,] for a long time, and in a warlike manner, and with
'* a great number of people, not only to the great cost, ex-
^' pence and burthen of the said mayor, bailiffs and commo-
^* nalty of the said city, but also the great hazard and loss of
** their lives, and distress for want of provisions, before the
** said late King with his arms and warlike forces arrayed a-
« gainst them, could raise the said siege) Crran/«i/ and confirm-
cd
N. B. The words between crotchets [thus] are added by the trsoslator
to complete the sense.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
138
THE HISTOBT OF
CHAP. 11 1.
Further
Preamble.
Grant ex-
tent of fhe
City and
County as
formerly.
Principal
reasons for
granting a
new charter
Of the
Common
Council.
are remova-
ble.
^ ed diven Hbertiei, usages, privileges, franchiseSy jariidtcti*
' ons, and other things, by several charters, or letters patent ; ' *
** AMdwiereoi we are informed, that theve are some defects
and uncertainties in the said charters and letters patent, in
te^Kd that some things therein contained, ibr the good go-
vernment, rule, andadvantageof oursaidcity of £j«/er,and
the county of the said city, were not plainly expressed, nor
granted in words sufficiently ^yt add proper ; and more«
over the said Mayor, bailifis, and commonalty oi thesaid
city have most humbly besought us, that we would (as far
as we shell think proper) manifest and extend our royal
grace and fitvour in tnis behalf, for explaining, and reducing
to certainty the defects, onceztainties, and doubts of the
said charters and letters patent; mnd alto for an addition
of certain liberties, franchises and privileees, in such man-
neras shall seem best by ustobedone:'
" We^ tktrefatt^ weighing the pramises, and also the al-
legiance, obedience and, feithAil services of the Minror,
bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city, continued nt>m
time to time to die crown of Ef^iand, of our especial
grace, certain knowledge, and vf <mr awn mere mother^
have willed, ordained, granted, and constituted, and hj
these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do will,
ordain, grant and constitute, that our said city of Exeter^
and the county of the said city, and the circuit, jurisdic-
tion, and preancts, of the same, may from henoefordi be,
and may extend and stretch themseiTes, and may extend
and reach, as well in length as breadth, as in circoit and
precinct, to such and the hke, and die same bounds,
metes and limits, amdin ike same maimer as the said city of
Exeter^ and the county of the same, and the drcuit and
precincts, and jurisdiction thereof, might extend, or reach
at any time before the date of these presents.' *
** And moreaoer^ that all and singular disputes, incon-
veniences, and litigadons, in or about the decdon of the
Mayor, the four iMili^, the twenty-four of the common
council, and the fouriiergeantsatmace of the said dty, may
be endrely taken away, and that all popuhor tumult may tie
avoided,, and for tnaking a peaceable and quiet deotion in
that behalf, of our more abundant special grace and cer-
tain knowledge, and of our own mere modon, we have
willed, ordained, granted, consituted and established, and,
by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, we will,
ordain, grant, oonsdtue and establish, that for ever here*
afler, there may and shall be twenty-four of the most dis-
creet, and suManM citizens of the common council of the
** said
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OP EXBTER. 139
'saidatyfortlietermofthetrlivtf; and that none of them CHAP.III ,
* rii^i be amoTedy unless it be for poverty » sickness^ old age» -
< or some other reasonable cause ; whicn cause shall be ad*
* judged and determined by the residue of the said twenty-
* four of the common council of the said ci^r» or the major
"partofthem; in which cases, we will and declare by these
presents, that any of either of the said twenty-four of die
said common council are from time to time amoveaUe,
by the residue ofthem, or the major part ofthem, for those -
' causea, so aUatoed:
" Ami that after the decease or amotion of any or either
' of such twenty-four, of the common council of the said ci«
S9 in form aforesaid, the rest of the said twenty-four, or
e major part of them, having notice, and being present,
' shall, withm a convenient time, after such death or amo-
* tion, elect and choose one, or more, other person or per-
' sons, of the most substantial and discreet citizens, and trtc*
' men of the said city, to fill up the said number of twenty*
' four of the common council of the said city aecordinff to
* tke euMiom uted in 9ur eUy qfLotidonf for the election of 24
Mermen ^kere;*^
** And tnoreonerj for the better execution of our will and Appoints a
grant in this behalf. We have assigned, nominated, con- common,
stituted, and made, and, by these presents, for us, <^o<^n^«
our heirs and successors, do assign, nominate consti-
tute, and make our beloved and trusty John Ackland^ Esq.
the present mayor of our said city of Exeter; and our be-
loved ThanmWalker^ Walter Burrotoe^ IgmUiu9 Jourden^
John Modtifordy Thomoi Croimg^ and Jokn Taylor, al-
dermen of the same cit^; and George P^le^ John Ltfrnif
Jokn Jomrden^ NicholtuSpieery Thomas Fla^f Nicholas Mar^
tin^ Jokn Hakewillj Gilbert Sweety John Crocker^ George
Passmore, Francis Crossing f Adam Benn^f Roger MaUack^
James Tucker^ Jokn Htufnc^ Jokn Penwfff and Kickard &»-
dersf merchants and fkeemen of the said city, to be the first
9adpre$eni twenty-four of the common council of the said
city ; to continue in that office or place, during their natu-
nd Uvea, unless in the mean time they, or either of them,
shall for any cause be amoved as aforesaid. And further^ Election of
we will, and, by these presents, for us, our heirs and sue- ^^e Mayor,
cessors, do grant unto the said mayor, bailiffs and com-
monalty, and to their successors, that it shall and may be
lawful for the Mayor of our city of Exeter for the time
bebg, together witn his brethren and the rest of the com-
mooal^ of the same city (being freemen of the said city)
yearly^ on every Monday next before the feast of St.
S " Michael
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
140 THB HISTORY Off
CHAP. III . <« Micbad the Arcbm^l, to meet together and utemhle
- '* theiBsehes at the Guildhall of the said city ; and then and
^ there the said twenty-four of the common-cooncfl, or tAe
'* nufforpart qfikemf ban? present, may and shall, upcm their
^ oaths^appointandnominate (by tiieirMci«l«a#«i, to betaken
** privately and separately by the recorder and common-derk
** of the said city ibr the time bong, or by their depatiesy
** and upon ^ir oaths to becoUeded and computed) two
^ of the best and Tit&tt su ht wiHai cttiacns of Ae tiid twenty-
** four of the said common'<ouncil ; (that is to say) of those
** who have been before approved in the oiBoe ot Mayoror
** receiver of the said city (except die Mayor for the time be-
^ ing;) of which two, one snail be chosen Mayor of the
Of the four << said city for the year then next following. And^ that the
Bailifi. « ,|||^ twenty-four, or the major part of them, being present,
*f shall and may at the same time elect (as well out of the
*^ said twenty-four, as of the rest of thebicst and most sub-
*^ stantial citizens and inbabitanta within our city, being Iree-
** men of the said city, and of good name and reputation)
** four bidliffi of the said city, fer the year then next Ibllow-
Of the re- " ing; of whom one may and shall be receiver of the said
ceNer. «« ^y, jfy^ ^^^ ^ ^ twenty-fbuf , or the rmjot pkti
Ofthetliree '* of them, bein^r present, may on the same day elect, ac-
■ergetnts at ** cording to their discretion, three sergeants at mace, out
mace. « ^f^ freemen of die said d^, who may best perform nnd
Declaration ^ attend upon their oflke. ifW after such scmtiny, nomi-
af the two f< nation, and election AM have been so made and had by
P^?^ ^ *' the said twenty-lb»r, or the major part of them^ being
u^M^'fwr ** Pi'(*«^» ^« recorder and common clerk of the said city
and the e- ** for the time being, or one of them, shall declase and pub-
lection of ** Hsh to the commonalty of the said city (being liaemen of
one of them ^« the said city) the names of those two who shaU have been
&^e?ree^ '' nonunated by the major part of the votes of the said twen-
men. *'* ty*four in the scrutiny aforesaid, for the office of mayor
** of the sud d^, for the year then following. And that the
^ said oommonaltv shall choose one of tiie said two to be
** Mayor of the said city, for one year then neirt following.
** And that he-who shall have the ma^ part of the votes of
'* the flymen of the said city shaU be pl&ced in and admitted
Declaration " *<> the office of Mi^or of the saijd city. And after thik is
of the other *'* done, the said recorder and common clerk, or one of them,
officers. ^ shall shew and present to the commonalty of the said city,
^ in the presenoe of the said twenly-four of the common-
*'* council of the said city, kemgpreient^ the names of all the
*^ odier officers elected for the fofiowin^ year. And that
** yearly, and in every year for e^rer, di»sa|d citizen soelected
" Mayor,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY eW BXjETBR. 141
Mi^n and all tkeiikl other oficers, ctected in aiaaner CHAP.llL
and form afiM*eBaicl9 and evcrj of them» shall, upon Mod- sw^^T'f
day ae]|t after such asBembling, election» and publication th^ mam
in the Guildhall of the said city> at the court there to be held end other
belbre the judges of the same court for the time being, ac- officen.
cording to the anoitat usage and laudable custom of our
said ct^ of Exeter, take their corporal oaths, upon the holy
EvaogclistsOf God, W€ll and &ithfully to execute their offi-
CQB req^ectiTcly* And thait they be so respectively elected^
plaoed, and svrom into those offices for one whole year thea
next following, accprdingto the usage and custom aforesaid*
And that the said Mayor, after he shall have been sworn The nuqror
in form aforesaid, smill- nominate and choose ^e able ctti« toappoint
zen» and a freeman of the said city, to be the fourth ser* |^1^][^
geaaft at mace of the said city, according to the ancieat ^^^
cusSom of the said city» And that, in case of the death
or amotion of the Mayor, bailiii's, or sergeants at mace) J^^^^
at oiwxf or either of them, one or more other person or motion ' o-
persona, shall, within a convenient time after such death then to' be
or amotion, be elected in manner and form as aforesaid, choiea.
into the plaoe, or places, of him, or them, so happening
Co die or be amoved, to eontiotte in those offices respective-
ly during the residue of they ear then unexpired ; and they
shall also be sworn as is before appointed. And further we Reconler
will, and do» by these presents, for ourselves, our heirs ^]^^^'
and suoocssors, grant to the said Mayor, bailifts, and com- i^^ be cho-
monaky of the said city, and to their successors; and sen, &c. as
we also do i^point and ordain, that the nomination, cle<v usual for^
tioo, and swearing of the recorder and common-clerk, ■n^riy.
shall and may from thenceforth for ever be done, made, and
had, on the same days, in the same places, and at the
same time, and in such manner and form as hath been
herdtofore, by ancient custom in the said city, in lawfol
naanner used and approved.
•* Andwwre9^tr^ we will, and do, by these presents, for Such as re-
ourselves, our heirs and successors, grant to the said May- ^^^ ^^^^
or, bailifts, and commonalty of the city of Exeter, and ^ which^
to their suopessors, that if any person or persons of the they am 6*
conmon-council, or of the rest of the citizens and free* lecied, may
men of the swd oity (whether he or they shall be residing !>« ^n®^*
ox abiding within or without the said city, or the county of '^a dUfnu^
the same city, the liberties, or precincts thereof) who chUed, by
shall hereafter have been nooiinated or elected into the oS- th^ corn-
lice of Mayor, or bailiff, oi into the number of twenty- irioncoua-
four of the common-council, or into the office of sberifF, ^'
coroner, or constable, or into any other inferior office or
S2 ••place
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
14!2
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. !n. <« place of th« said city, or way or either of them (the office of
* recorder and common-clerk of the said city being except*
* ed) and having notice and knowledge of that election and
' nomination shall refute^ *
^ that office, or diose offices to which he or they, so refusing,
'* shall have been elected and nominated ; that then, and so
* often, it shall and may be kwful for die saidtwen^-four
^ of the common-council of the said city for the time being,
' or the major part of them, to commit to the gaol of the
* said city such person, or persons so refusing to execute
' that office, or tnose offices, to which he, or th^, shall
* have been so elected or nominated ; thei« to rettftui until
he or they, shall be willing to ezecutesuch officie, or offices :
* And t9 taxf and to impose fines, and amercements iipoa
* such recusant, or recusants, as shall in reason seemexpe-
* dient to the said twenty-four of the common-council for
' the time bein?, or the major part of them; and thatdiey
may and shul detain fin gad J sudi person, or persons,
* so refusing and oommitt^, or to be committed, to the
'* gaol of the said citF for the time being, until he, or they,
* shall have fully paid, or caused to be paid-, those fines or
'■* amefcementstothe public use of the said city ; and, if it
^ shall seem expedient to the said twenty-fi>ur of the com-
' mon-council of the said city for the time being, or to th^
* major part of them, to disfranckuef ezpd, and amove him,
* or them, from the liberties and firanchises of the said city.
' And also we do, for oursehres, our heirs and successors,
* constitute and ordain, by these presents, that, as well every
' person so as aforesaid refusing to undertake his office in
' form aforesaid, as every other person who diall disturb,
' hinder, or opfme, contrary to the tenor of these presents,
these our ordinances concerning the election of the aaid
officers, any or either of them, or shall, at the time of
making such elections, be guilty, either by words or deeds,
of any insolence, disturbance, or breach of peace, shall
' incur the penal^ of the high diq>lea8Ui€ of us, our heirs
* and successors.'^
^Tf ' *® •* We have moreover granted^ and, by these presents, for
make bye- 4* ourselves, our heirs and successors, do grant to the said
<< Mayor, bailiA, and commonalty of the said city, and to
*' their successors for ever, that if any customs, wfaidi have
** hitherto obtained and been used in the said city, are in any
'* respect dificuU or defective, or in any respect happening
* de novo, for ^riiich no remedy hath been before aj^int-
cd,
* It seems ss if the word [exereerej toezecute, was here omitted.
not clour
andpUua.
«<
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OF EXBTSR. 143
** ed, fhall stand in need of amendment, then die said twen- CHAP.IIL
*• tj-6mr of the common-conncil of the aaid city for the time — — ^
** beiDg, or major part of them (of whom we would the
*' mayor of die said city, for the time being, should be oney
** may, when and as often as it shall seem most expedient to
^* theniy appoint and ordain by their common assent, a pro-
** per remedy, agreeable to good &idi and reason, for the
** common advantage and government of the citizens and
** inhabitants of the same city, andi>tfaer8 our subjects resort-*
** ing to the same; so as such ordinances be piontable to us
'* and to our people, and agreeable to good fiuth and reason
'* as is aforesaid, and so as they are not repugnant to the roy-
'* alprerogatiTeof us, our heirs and successors, nor contrary
'* to the laws and statutes of our kingdom of England then
*' being in force.
** And ^nhereoi the Lord Henry the Ei|fath, late King of Recinl of
*' England, by bis letters patent, sealed with the mat seal of the letters
*' Engknd, bearing date, at Westminster, on the twenty ^^'^
•* third day of August, in the twenty-ninth year of his reign, J^^^jJ*
*' granted, amonpt other thin^, for himsdf, his heirs and the jwckcs
^* successors, to the Mayor, bailiiFs, and commonalty of the of thepeik«
** said city, and their successors, ihtU the Mayor and recorder and gaol-
*• of die county of that city, and each of the other eight al- <>^^«y-
** dermen who had borne, supported, or sustained, or then Futtrtjn-
•* after might bear and support the burden of the Mayor- ™*"^
*' alty of the said city, and their successors, as long as tbey
'' should be aldermen of the said city, should be justices and
** keepers of the peace of the said kite King, his heirs aod
*^ successors, eveiy where within die county of the said city,
«« and the precincts and liberties thereof, as well widiin the v
** liberdes as without, in every place vnthin the boundaries
•' and limits of the county of the said city. And that they, 5 ^
** the Mayor, recorder, and eight other aldermen of the said gignment.
*' coun^ of die city of Exeter, or three of them (of whom
** the Mayor and recorder for the dme being were, i^ ail
** meaiii, to be two) should from henceforth, for ever, be
** jusdces of the said late King, his heirs and successors, there
^* to enquire of, hear, and determine all and singular such
'* and the hke felonies, trespasses, and other misdeeds, from
** thenceforth to be committed and perpetrated, within the
*' same county of the city of Exeter, and the liberties %re<
** off happening, as wdl within the liberties as withou^ittid
** in the same manner as the jusdces of the said late King
*' assigned to keep the peace of the county of Devon, could
<' or might enquire of, hear, and determine, by virtue of the
" commission of the said King directed to them, and by
" force
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
144
THB BI8TOBT OP
CKAP.ni.
GtoldeU-
Justices of
the county
of Devon
notto inter-
meddle.
Recital of
•omein-
convenien-
cies in the
charter of
Henry 8.
Remedy.
force «Bd antiiority of the law* of this kingdom of Sog^
land* ^11^ that the same Mavor, recorder, and aldermen,
or three of them (of whom tne said Mayor and recorder,
for the time bein^ were by all means to be two) should be
jasticet of the said late Kang» his heirs and suGCcssors, to
deliver the gaul of the said county of the city of Exeter,
from time to time, as often as there should be occasion, o€
the phsoneTB then being therein, according to the Uw and
ttsi^e of the kingdom of England. And Sot the doing
and performing divers other tnings, for the keeping the
peace of the said late Kin^, his heirs, and suocessors,
within the county of the said city, and the liberties thero^
of, as well within the liberties as without, in the said let^^
ters patent more fully and especially set forth; $o that
neither the justices and keepers of the peace of the said kte
King, his heirs and successors, nor the justices of him his
heirs and successors ass^rned or to be assigned to enquire
of, hear, and determine, divers felonies, trespasses, and
other misdemeanors, nor the sheriff, coroner, escheator,
nor any other justice of the said late King, his heirs and
successors, of the said county of Devon, nor either of
them, should enter within the ooun^ of the said city and
the liberties diercof, on account of any thinp;, oaveee,
complaints, matters, defoults, or arikks belongug or ap*
pertaining to th^ justices of the ptace of the said late King,
his heirs and successors* or to me justices of the said late
King, his heirs and successors assigned, or to be assigned,
to enquire of, hear, and deterknine diven felonies^ tres^
' passes, and other misdemeanors; nor should they^ or
' either of them, in any manner, on any account, inirude
themselves there, in respect thereof, as by the §aid letters
' patent particularly and more folly appearctlu Andwiere^
' «f also it may happen, that the Ma^or and recorder of the
' said city (who alone are appointed justices of the quorum
by the said letters patent) or one of them, being prevented
' by sickness or infirmity, or some other unavoiikble cause,
may not be able to attoid the necessary business of the said
city, so that the rest of the justices cannot proceed in hold-
ing the sessions for the said city and county therec^, to the
furtherance of the service of the public there in the absence
^ the said Mayor and recorder, or one of them, to the de-
4k of justice, or the impunity of ofienders: we (being
^ling to apply a remedy m this behsli^ and that our peace
may be the better kept, and that aU other 9ci§ rfju$tite
may be there in all future times perforated duly and at
ihea proper MOfofff, and may remain firm and cstablisiyd)
** of
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THS CITY 0» EXETER. 145
" of oaf tpeeial grace, and of our certain knowledge, and CHAP, lit .
** our ofm mere motion , kaoe granttd, and by these presents, =^^=
'* for us, our faetfs and snccessors, do grant to the said TheMayor,
•• Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of die said city, and to '?2I^ *
" their sucoessorB, f^at the Mayor, recorder, and aldermen beju«iSe»^
*' of the said city for the time being, in all times to come,
" may and shall be jostices, and every of them shall be a r»™t«siga-
" jusdoe, of ns, our heirs and successors, for the preserving ™*"''
** and keeping, and causing to be preserved and kept, the
** P^ce of us, our heirs and successors, within the city of
** Kzeter, and the county of die city of £jceter, and within
** the limits, liberties and precincts of the said city and county
** thereof, as well within the liberties as without. And also Labovrart,
** kf^e correcting [q fences against] preserving and keeping, weights and
•* and causing to be corrected [qfences against] the statutes '"•■*^'"«
** concerning artificers and labourers, weights and measures
** within the said city, and the county of the same city, and
" within die limits, liberties, and precincts aforesaid. And ^^encml
" for the doha^ of all other things which do belong, or which ''**""■
^* hereafter shall belone* to be done byjusdces assigned to keep
** the peace, ^n^thatthe said Mayor, recorder, andaldermen. Second as-
" so «» aforesaid made and constituted, or to be made and SJ^^a*
" constituted,yi(«ffcef of the peace, by ^rtue of these prc-
** seats, or any three or more of them (of whom we would
" that any [two] of the md Mayor, recorder, and two Jirst Quonim,
** and senior aldermen of the said city for the time being, H^^
** should be two) may and shall appoint, hold, and keep the ®'*^"°^
" sessions of the peace, in the same manner and form as any
** other lustioes assigned, or to be assigned, to keep the peace
** or to near and <ktermine misdeeds or trespasses, in any
** counties of England, can or may now or hereafter. And
** thatdiey shall have ftill power and audiority to enquire of
^* all oftences, critnes^ defaults, and articles whatsoever, done,
*• promoted^ or committed, or hereafter to be done, promoted,
** or committed, within the said city and county of the said
" city, and within the liberties, limits, and precincts of them
** or either of them. And to do and execute all other th ngs
" there, which keepers and justices of the peace, in any
" county of our kitigdom of Engknd, can and may, or in
** foture shall and may, enquire of, do, or execute, by the
** laws and statutes of the said kingdom of England, as
^ justices of the peace, or as justices assigned, or to be assign-
" ed, to hear and determine felonies, trespasses, and other
** misdemeanors committed within any county, or any city,
*' town, or borough incorporate within this kingdom of
** England: so that no other justice or justices assigned, or
•'to
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
146 THE HIST0R7 OF
CHAP, m . << to be asngaedy to keq> the peace of us, our hetn and wao*
— ^— " cessorsy sball, bjr virtue or pretence of any oommituoDy or
Foreign << of any association or otherwise, by any means, in any
juMlMi not « manner, intrude himself, or themselves, to make, do, or
"^^ ^' " order any matter or things within the said city, or the
** county of the same city, or within the liberties, limits, or
** precincts thereof, which do or shall respect or belong to
** justices of the peace, so asugned to keep the peace, there.
Goal deli- " '^ ^^ *^* *°^ ^^ thcst presents, for us, our heirs
veiy. "and successors, do grant to the said Mayor, bailiffs, and
** commonalty of the said city, and to their successors, that
** the mayor, recorder, and aldermen of the said city for
Quorum. ** the time being, or three or more of them (of whom we
** would that the mayor and recorder of the said city for the
** time beinpr, should be two) may, from time to time for
'* ever, be justices of us, our heirs and successors, to deliver
*' our gaol of our said city ofExeter, and county of the city,
** of the prisoners being therein from time to time, according
** to the laws, customs, and statutes of our kingdom of En-
Sheriff and " gland. And that the sherifFand coroner of the said coun-
coroner to <« ty fo^ ^^ ^j^^ being sh ill make return of all juries, inqui-
^J^^'(^ ** sitions, pannels, attachments, and indentures taken, or
gaol deli- ** hereafter to be taken, by them, before the said mayor,
very. ** recorder, and aldermen of the said city for the time being,
** or any three or more of them (of whom we will that the
'* mayor and recorder of the said city for the time being, in
*' form aforesaid, should be two) from time to time, when
'* and as often as they shall have determined to deliver die gaol
*' of the prisoners being in the same gaol : ait</ shall be attend-
^* ant upon them in every thing concerning the delivery of
** the said gaol : and shall from time to time execute the
Shall exe- «« precepts of them, the mayor, recorder, and aldermen
ecptef*" ** ®^ ^^ ^^ ^^^y ^^' ^^ '^"^^ being, or of any such three or
'^* '< more of them, as aforesaid, in the same manner and form
^* as any sherifts or coroners, within our kingdom of £n«
** gland, have been accustomed and ought to do, return,
'* attend upon, or execute before justices assigned, or to be
*' assigned, to deliver the gaol in any other counties in the
** kingdom of us, our heirs and successors, in any manner
** whatsoever, by the laws and statutes of this our king-
Pbwer to ** dom of England. And that the said Ma^or, recorder, and
commit «< aldermen of the said city for the time being, or any or ei-
fcl«M&c* "therofthcm, may, by themselves, or by their officers or
* ' ** deputies, take and arrest all murderers, //tfr<off«0ccttftf</«/*
** homicide y felons, thieves, and other malefactors found, or
" to be founds widiin the said city, suburbs, liberties, and
•* precincts
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OP EXETER* 147
'' predmctstiiercofy and within the county of. the said city ^ CHAP. HI .
^' and shall cause them to be safe kept there until they shall '
'* be delivered by due course of law ; any other ordinance,
*• decree, order, or custom in any wise notwithstanding: so N<*t tod©•
*' that neither they, nor either of them, shall in ^7 n»nner J^^^^.^^
** hereafter proceed to the determination of any treason, or without the
*' misprision of treason, withinthe said city, liberties or pre* royid maa-
" cincts thereof, or within the county of the said city, with« ^^^'
** out the special mandate of us, our heirs and successors*
** And mort!Overf of our more abundant grace, and for the Gnmt of
** support and improvement of our said city of Exeter, we have fines &q-
** granted, and, by these presents, for us, our heirs and
** successors, do grant to the said Mayor, bailiffs, and com-
** monalty of the said city, that they and their successors, from
*' hencrforth for ever, shall have all alid all manner of finet
'* forfeited, and to be forfeited, redemptiontj issues, and for*
*^ feitures, as well real as not real, recognizances forfeited
*' and to be forfeited, and all forfeitures and amercements
^* whatsoever (although we, our heirs or successors, shall
*' be parties) for trespasses, oppressions, extortions, deceits,
*' conspiracies, concealments, regradng, forestalling, main-
'* tenance, ambidexters, ./i»r^rerf«f, escapes, neglects, felo*
*' nies, misprisions, and all crimes and misdemeanors what-
*' soever, and all fines pro licentia concordandi; and all
*' and all manner of amercements, redemptions, fines, issues
** forfeited, real and not real, chattels of felons of themselves,
'* of fugitives, and of those put in the exigent, deodands
** treasure-trove, foiftiied^ and all and all manner of forfei-
** tures, as well by all writs, precepts, hilU^ and mandates
** of us, our heirs and successors, and every thing which
" mayor ought to belong to us or our heirs, by the.laws or
'* statutes of this kingdom of England,, arising, or hereafter
" to arise, by reason of any murders, escapes offeloftM happen^
*^ ing through ne^ligttice^ rapes of women, from all kinds of
** felonies, and from any other cause whatsoever, within the
*' county of the said city, which are [prosecuted] either at
*' the suit of us, our heirs and successors, or at the suit of
'* another, or himself, or at the suit of another who [sues]
'' as well for us, our heirs and successors, as for himself,
'* and happening or arising of and from all and singular
*^ the subjects of us, our heirs and successors, abiding or
** residing within the county of the said city for the time
" being, in any courts or court of us, our heirs or succes-
** sprs; or before us, our heirs and successors, wheresoever
" we or they shall be in England ; or before us, our heirs
" and successors^ in the chancery of us, our heii's and sue-
T •* ccssors
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
148
CHAP. III.
Bench.
n«s.
They who
thai] suc-
ceed them.
TothA
suit.
THE HI8T0BT OF
tenon; or before the treaimrer and banmt of the ex-
chequer of tts, our heirs and sacoeffon; xnt before the
bftrons of the exchequer of uf, oof heirs and caccessors;
or before the josticet of us, our heirs or succesfors, [a»-
Migned] to hM pietu before us, our heirs or successon ; or
before the justices of us, our heirs or successors, of the
common hetik: or before the steward and marshall of the
household of us, our heirs or successors ; or before the
coroner of the household of us, out heirs or successors;
or before the clerk of the market of us, our heirs or suc-
oessorsy for the time being ; or before the justices in eyre
of us, our heirs or successors, assigned to hear and deter-
mine dke common pleas of our crown ; or before the jus-
tices of us our heirs or successors, assigned, or .to be as-
signee^ to hear aiid determine felonies, treasons, murders,
trespasses, oppressions, enwifer, or any other grievances
and misdemeanors, as well at the suit of us and our heirs,
as of any other person or persona; [or before] our justices,
assigned, or to be assigned, to take assizes, jurieo^ certi-
ficates, and any other inquisitions, or to deliver a gaol ;
or [before] justices, or keepers of the peace of os, our
heirs or successors, assigned, or to be assigned, to cause
to be kept the statutes and ordinances concerning artificers,
labourers, servants, workmen, victuallers, foreMallers, and
concerning weights and measures ; us hefbre any other jus-
tices, officers, and ministers of us, our heirs or successors,
as well in the presence as in the absence of us, our heirs or
successors, wneresoever it shall happen that such sub-
ject of us, our heirs or successors, or either of them,
within the said county of the said city of Exeter, or tkeir
imcoeoioroj or either of them, shall be adjudged to make
fines, to be amerced, to forfeit issues, to forfeit leoog-
nizances, [to incur] forfeitures on [account] of escapes of
felons happening through negligence, murders^ or other
felonies, although we ourselves, our heirs or succes-
sors, or any of us, should be a party or parties thereto;
and ahhough any other person or persons shall have pro-
secuted for himself, or themselves ; which said fines, issues,
amercements, recognixances, forfeitures in respect of es-
capes of felons, murders, felonies, being forfeited, ought
to belong to our heirs and successors, if they had not
been granted by these presents to the said Mayor, bailiffs,
and commonalty of the said city, and their successors :
And that it shall be lawful for the said Mayor, bailiffs,
and commonalty of the said city, and their successors, for
ever, by the saul bailiffs and sheriffs, or their officers, to
«• levy,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OP BXBTER. 149
levy, eoUect, tike, and liaTe all the Mid iiiiet» amerce* CHAP.IIL
menu, redeniptiofle, issues^ reco^izances, forfeitures "
made* or to be made, and every thtng which can or may
belong to ns, onr hein or saeceflsors, from the said rour*
ders, feloniesy escapes, and other premises; and to put
themsdvesin penetsion thereof, to the use and benefit of the
said Mayor, bailifls, and commonalty of our said city of
Exeter, and their successors, without the challenge, im-
peachment, or hindrance of us, our heirs or successors;
or of any justices; offioere, or ministers of us, our heirs or
successors; or of anj^ other justices, escheators^ sheriffs,
coroners, mayors, baiKffa, constables, ministers of us, our
heirs or successors; although the ssid subjects of us, our ^^"'
heirs or successors, or either of them, their, or either of "*°» **^-
their, pledges, manucaptors or bail, or either of them shall
iMlUmdiJof us, our heirs or successors, or of anjr other
person or persons, within the said county of our said city
of Exeter, or elsewhere ; and although the said subjects of
us, our heirs and successors, or any of them, shall be bai«
lift, officers, or ministers of us, our heiis and successors,
or of the said Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty, and their
sucoesson, or of any other person ; and also, although the
said pled^, manucaptors or bail, or either of them, shall
dwell or inhabit withm the said county of the city of Exe-
ter, or out of the said county/*
** And mpTMver, we have granted, and, by these presents,
foru8,onrheirsand9uccessor8,dograntto thesaid Mayor, No proeea
bailiffs, and commonalty of the ssid city, for ever, that nci- 2^^^*^,
ther die treasurer, chancellor, nor barons of the exchequer to return
of us, our heirs or successors, nor any nor either of them, estreats,
shall, for the future, make any process against any justice
of the peace of us, our heirs or successors, of the said county ^^"**-
of our city of Exeter, nor against any justices of us. our
heirs or successors, assigned or to be assigned, to hear and
determine dirers felonies, trespasses, and other misde-
meanors, committed, and to be committed, within the
said county of the said city of Exeter, and the liberties
thereof; nor against any or either of Uiem, for the sending
or delivering into the exchequer of us, our heirs or succes-
sors, any estreats of their sessions there made, or hereafter
to be made : buiioewU and grant, by these presents, for
ourselves, our heirs and successors, 'that all and singular
suchjttsticesof us, our heirs and successors, and every of^ So f^j-^g^e
them, shall for ever, by these presents, be exonerated a9 are con-
against us, our heirs and successors, from the delivery of ceraed.
T 2 «• sMch
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
*' our subjects in those parts, toiiit and, by i
** for us, our heirs and successors, of our n
150 THE HISTOHY OF
^:^L5?' *^ ""<* c«treats of thdr sesnons, to be made for the future as
*« aforesaid. *
^***"hLi ** And whereas in our said city of Exeter and the county or
mercbaat <« ^^ ^y^^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ j^^ ^ p^^^^ adjacent, many merchants
'* and clothiers do reside, in rrjper/ of whose daily commerce
" and traffic there, it would much conduce to the public
'^ good of the said city, and the better expediting [the busi-
The reco- ** ness] of our subjects liringin those parts, and resorting
Y^ ^^ " thither, in their mercantile contracts and agreements, that
e tt. «( ^^^ mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city, and
** their successors, should have the power to recognizance
'* between merchant and merchant, and^o mtf^ executions
** thereupon, according to the statutes de mercatoribus, and
** the statutes iately enacted at Acton^Burnel, in like manner
" as in other cities, boroughs, and towns corporate of less
** eminence, hath been long since granted and established :
** we^ graciously consenting to the common advantage of our
'' said city of Exeter, and of the public good and benefit of
/ these presents,
more abundant
^ special grace, certain knowledge, and our own mere mo-
** tion, do grant to the Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of
The Mayor ** our said city of Exeter, and to their successors, that the
and dork. ** Mayor of tbe said city for the time being, and the clerk
** (to be appointed in manner and form hereafter in these
** presents expressed or mentioned, for the taking a^d sealing
** the recognizances of debt, according to the form of the
*' statutes de mercatoribus, and of the statute lately made at
^* Acton*Bnmel) shall have, forever, full power and autho-
'* rity to take and receive all recognizances, and to make
*' executions thereupon, according to the form of the statute
** de mercatoribus, and of the statute lately nuide at Acton-
** Bumel ; and also, to do and execute all other things with-
** in the said city, and the county of the said city, which dotfa,
** or can, or may belong, by force of the said statutes, or of
** either of them, to any Mayor, sheriff, bailiff, or other
** officer, and to any clerk, or either of them, appointed to
** [take] recognizances of debts, according to the form of the
*^ said statutes, or of either of them, in any city or borough
** incorporate, within these our kingdom of England. Jnd
The Mai «• (kat the Mayor and clerk for the time being may and shall
for the re- m j,^^^^ ^nd, by force of these presents, shall make, take,
gnuaoces t€ ^^^ ^g^ ^^^ g^^j ^f ^^^ pieces (of which one part shall be
" the greater part, and the other part the lesser part) for the
" sealing the said recognizances, to be hereafter aclcnowledged
*' befolre tbemj according to the form of the said statute de
♦* mercatoribus,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 151
mercatoribus, aod of the statute lately made at Acton-Bur- CHAP. Ill
nel ; -which said seal shall be, and shall be called, from *— ■^— '
henceforth for ever. The King's Seal, for the sealing re-
cognizanoef, to be taken within our said city of Exeter;
of which said seal the greater part shall always remain in
the custody of the Mayor of the said city for the time being,
and the other part of the said seal shall be and remain always
in the hands and custody of the clerk for the time being,
deputed and appointed to write and enroll the said recogni-
zances, according to the intent of these our letters patent.
And thai the common-derk of the said city for the time be^ Common*
ing, mav and shall be, as long as he shall continue in that ^^^^ to be
omce, tde clerk of us, our heirs and successors, to take, <^l«^koftha
write, and enroll the recognizances of debts, accord ng to cS!'*'"*"'''
the form of the said statutes, or eithe r of them, within the
city and the county of the said city, and the hberdes, li-
mits, and precincts thereof; and to preserve and keep the
rolls, memorandums, and records thereof, and to keep
the leaser piece of the said seal ; and to do and execute all
other things which belong to any clerk appointed [to take]
recognizances of debts, to do and execute according to the
form of the said statutes, or either of them.
'* And we do, for gs, our heirs and successors, make, or- The tp-
dain, and constitute, and, by these presents, without any pointment
writ tp be obtained in this behalf, and without any other
election to be made, the said common-clerk of the said
city, the clerk of us, our heirs and successors, to take,
write, and enroll the recognizances of debts within tht
said city, according to the form of the said statutes, and
either of them, and to keep the lesser part of the said seal ;
and, moreover, to do and execute all other things which
belong to any clerk appointed to take recognizances of
debts, to do and execute, according to the form of the said
statutes, and either of them • ' *
** And whereas^ also, divers lands, tenements, and heredita- Feoffees to
ments have been heretofore given and granted to certain chan*»W«
feoflTees and trustees, for the fulfilling several good and ^^^^
pious uses within the said city, and county of the said city \ ^^s to the
which said feoflees desire to place such lands, tenements, twenty-four
and hereditaments m the hands of the said Mayor, bailiffs,
and commonalty of our said city of Exeter, for the l>etter
secur.ty of the said lands, tenements, and hereditaments,
and for the better dis])08ing and governing the same, ac-
cording to the laudable intention of the first and original
donors thereof, ir«, graciously approving such good de-
sires^ of our especial grace, and of our certain knowledge;
"and
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
152 TH£ HtSTOBT OP
CHAP.ni ' << and of our o#n mere motion » hare ghren^ gnnted, and, hj
■ ** these presents, for ns, our heirs and successors, da giTe
>'* and grant to the said Mayor, bailiffii, and commonalty of
** the said citv, and to their successors, that it shall and maj
'* be lawful for all and singular such feoflfeesof any manors,
'* lands, tenements, tythes, rents, or hereditaments, to fulfil
'* any good or pious use within the said city, or county of
*' the said city, being seized of an estate of inheritance
** therein, to give, grant, and alien the same manors, lands^
." tenements, and other the premisses of the said Mayor, bai-
" ItfTs, and commonaky to the said city, and their succes-
whomay '^sors: otti/ also, that it shall and may be kwfiil ibr the aaid
take them, ** Mayor, bailifis, and commonalty of the said city to have,
** require, and take to them, and their successors, for ever,
** the nid manors, lands, tenements, tythes, rents, or here-
" ditaments from the said feofiees, and the survivors of tfacm,
* ^* the statutes concerning the not putting lands and tcne*
** ments, in mortmain, or any other statute or provision,
** law, restraint, or custom to the contrary thereof notiv^th-
lo ijie nune ^' standing. Provided ahoaifM that the said Mayor, boiliiBy
yoMi. '* and commonalty of the said city, and their successors,
*' shall be bound to convert and dispose of all and singular
** the said manors, lands, tenements, and hereditaments so
" granted to them, as aforesaid, by virtue of these presents,
'' and also the issues and rents proceeding from time to time
** therefrom, to such and the same pious and public uses to
** which die said manors, lands, tenements, and heredita-
'* ments, respectively, were first and originally given and
** granted, according to the will and true intention of the
** donors ofthe said manors, lands, tenements, and heredita-
Theirdeedf ** nients, declared respectively m their writings , and accord*
of gift, * * ing to the form of the statutes of this our kingdom of £ng«
wills, Stc. ** land in this behalf made and provided, or hereafter to be
** made &nd provided, any thing m these presents to the con-
** trary thereof notwithstanding. * '
IVmer to ** And Jkrthermore^ know ye, that we, to the intent that
pQrchase ** the Mayor, bailifis, and commonalty of the said city, fix>m
^'^ItJr*' •* time to time, be the better enabled to sustain and support
iwfper*^ " ^^ public charges and expences ofthe said city, of our
•nn. besides '* special grace, and of our certain knowledge, and own mere
those they *' motion, have given and granted, and, by these presents,
already had. « for us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant to the
*' said Mayor, bailiffs, and commons.ltj of the said city, and
f * their successors, special licence, and tree and lawful power,
'* capacity, or authority of having, acquiring, and taking to
** them, aEid their successors, for ever, as wdl from us, our
"heirs
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THS CITY OF EXBTER. 153
heirs aod suceenon, as from any odier the subjects and CHAP.m ,
liege people of us, our heirs and successoTs, or of any "
other persons whomsoever, any manors, messuages, tene-
ments, rectories, tythes, rents, mervtUiaaSj services, and
other possessions and hereditammts (which are not held of
us, our heirs and snccessora in capite, nor by Knight's
service, nor of any other person or persons not consenting
by Knigbt's service) not exceeding in the whole the yearly
value of one hundred pounds over and above all charges
and reprisals; and besides all manors, lands, tenements,
and hereditaments heretofore granted to the said Mayor,
bailiii&, and commonalty, or to their predecessors, by any
or either of our ancestors or predecessors, late Kings or
Queens of England; and besides all other lands, tene*
ments, and hereditaments, which they or their predeoe»-
sors have heretofore purchased, or which they or their
successors can or may hereafter purchase, by virtue, force,
or pretence of any other chartersor letters patent, [granted]
by any of our ancestors or predecessors; the said statutes
concerning the not putting lands and tenements in mort*
main, or any odier statute, act, provision^ law, restriction,
or custom to the contrary thereof in any wise notwith-
standing : vAerefofye we will, and, by these presents, for
us, our heirs and successors, do give and grant to every,
and any, the subject and subjects of us, our heirs and suc-
cessors, that they, any or either of them, may and AaXL
have power to give, grant, sell, dwise or alien to the said
Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city, and to
their successors, any manors, messuages, lands, tene-
ments, rectories, tjrthes, rents, reservations, services, and
other possessions and hereditaments, which are not holdea
of us, Qur heirs and successors, in capite, or by Knight's
service, or of any other person or persons not consenting
by Knight's service; so that the^d manors, messuages,
LuKk, tenements, and other hereditaments, so to be given,
graited, devised, or alienated, do not exceed in the whole
toe clear yearly value of one hundred pounds, over and
above all charges and reprisals ; and besides the said ma-
nors, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, so, as afore-
said, granted, purchased, or to be purchased, the said
statutes concemmg the not putting lands and tenements in
mortmain, or any other statute, act, ordinance, law, pro-
vision or custom, to the contrary thereof in any wise not-i
withstanding."
** And moreorver^ we will, and, by these presents, for us,
our heirs and successors, do grant to the ssud Mayor,
" bailiffs.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
154
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP.m .
Coafirma-
tioa of all
former
chaiten, li-
beitMs, and
fianchises.
^ batlifib, and oommoaalty of our said city of Eswter, and
' their successors^ that the Mayor, bailifis, and commonal-
ty of the said city, and their successors, may, for ever
hereafter, have and hold all and all manner of liberties,
authorities, exemptions, manors, lands, tenements, fines,
forfeitures, redemptions, issues, and other hereditaments,
privileges, qtuttancei^ jurisdictions, and franchises, which
are mentioned to have been granted by any letters patent
ofany of our ancestors or predecessors to the Mayor, bai<-
lii&, and commonalty of the county oi iht. city of Exeter,
or which were granted ever heretofore to the said Mayor,
bailiffs, and commonalty of the said city, by any name,
or by any incorporation, or by pretext of any incorporati-
on, or which tne said Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty
of the said city of Exeter now have or hold, or which they
have used and enjoyed, or ought to have, hold, use, or
enjoy, ofany estate of inheritance, by reason or pretext of
any charters or letters patent, in any manner heretofore
made, granted, or confirmed, by any of our ancestors or
predecessors, kings or queens of England, or by any other
lawful method, right, title, custom, usage, or prescrip-
tion heretofore lawfully used, had, or accustomed; «/-
though the same, any or either of them, have or hath been
heretofore not used, or abused or ill used, or discontinued :
And although the same, any or either of them, are or have
been forfeited or lost ; to have., hoid^ and enjoy [the same,]
to the Mayor, bailies, and commonalty of the said city,
and their successors for ever ; and yielding and paying there-
fore to us, our heirs and successors, every year, so many,
so much, such, the same, and the like rents, services,
sums of money, and demands whatsoever, \ai\ have been
accustomed to be rendered and paid for the same to us here-
tofore, or as they ought to yield or pay : whiTcfans we will,
and, by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors,
firmly enjoin and command, that the said Mayor, bailiffs,
and commonalty of our said city of Exeter, and their suc-
cessors, may have, hold, use, and enjoy, and may and
shall be able fully and absolutely to have, hold, use, and
enjoy forever, all liberties, free customs, authorities, ju-
risdictions, quittances f aforesaid, and other the premises,
according to the tenor and effect of these our letters patent,
without the let or impediment of us, or any of our heirs
and successors ; wHling that the said Mayor, bailiffs, and
commonalty of the said city, and their successors, or any
or either of them, should not be hindered j molested, har-
rassed, or aggrieved, or in any respect disturbed by us, or
"by
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 155
by OUT heirs or successors^ by reason of the premises, or CHAP. lit .
ofeithefofthem; wiiiingt and, by these presents, forusp "
our heirs «nd successors, commanding and charging, as
well the treasurer, chancellor, and baroos of the exchequer
of us, our heirs and successors, as our attorney-general
for the time being, and every of them, and all other offi-
cers and ministers of us, our heirs and successors, that
neither they, nor any, nor either of them, shall sue out or
conlinuej or cause to be sued out or continued, any writ
or sum mons of quo warranto, or any other writ or process
whatsoever, against the Mayor, bailiffs, and commonal-
tv of the said city, or any or either of them, for any causes,
tilings or matters, offences, claims, or usurpations, or-
any of them, i/ue^^wn, claimed, attempted, used, had, or
usurped, by them or any of them, before the day of ma-
king these presents ; xoUling also, that the mayor, bailifft,
and commonalty of the said city, or either of them, should
by no means be molested or charged by any person or per-
sons, justices, officers,' or ministers aforesaid, in or about
^ any dues, usages, claims, usurpations, or abuse of any o-
* tbcr liberties, franchises, or jurisdictions, before the day
' of making these our letters patent, nor be compelled to
' answerybr the&e ikmgs or either of them. Notoithstanding
* that express mention is not made in these presents of the
^ true annual value of the certainty of the premises, or of
* either of them, or any gifls or grants heretofore made by
^ us, or by any of our ancestors or predecessors, to the said
* Mayor, bailiffs, and commonalty ; or any statute, act, or-
' dinance, provision, proclamation, or restriction hcretofbre
' had, made, published, ordained or provided, or any
'' other thing, cause, or matter whatsoever, to the contrary
' thereof in any wise notwithstanding. In testimony where-
* of, we have caused these our letters to be made patent.
* Witness my self ^ at Westminster, the seventeenth day of
* December, in thethird year of our reign/'
WOLSELEY.
By writ of privy seal.
Fine assessed at XX. marki.
Tho. COVENTRY.
U The
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
1^ tAe HlSlfbRY dp
.... ^
CtlAi^.nl . The town oF CathbYidge bcMg ittfcclcd hy \ht plague, a
' • - crtWaMcraftfe sum of money was collected by voluntary con-
1629 tHbuHoti, of the ittbabitants of this cfty, and sent to the rtlicF
oTthe poor of that tbWn .
1630. A sciircity of cotn being likely to cnstrt, frdtn the «x^reihc
InaacarciCjr Wetness of tnc Surtm^r, thfc Maybr, this ycat, Thtnrita f^ye
the Mayor Esq^. imported it large quantity from abroad, which, wfth
impc^ a fei^ qtantfty of fdel, he lard up in storehouses, and t-e-
abroad!*"* tilled to thepooT, in thi cttSuirtg witaVer, at prime trost, to
their great relief, aud without Any profit to him*clf ; A hiuda-
ble example to afuccetfdihgtniiffistrates.
16^1. 'Nicholas VaUfiMh^ Gent, was elecVfed itinMfcr master of
th?8 city and county-, «nd a pension of6/. per ^nam confer-
M upcbfn him, •
1632. Pkrt of Sf . Juhfi^s hosAftal was conVttted ^th a frrtsschool
Free-school (for'inrfllrncting 'the VOuth of this dty in classical learning) at
hMpitoJ "* ^^ expencc ot the Miiybr and diamber. Who als6 btilJt a
founded by Convenient dweTKhg-h6use, adjoinrn* the ^aid ischdd!, for
the Mayor the maker, and endo'i^d '^e Baitie with an annnd vdary of
and Cham- JO/, it y6ar fCTT th6 misttfr and 10/. fot an ^Jsher. f
***'• A irtW ckp of •iYiaintenan<5e, knd Scabbard for the stp^Cfrd,
1634. 5f velvet richly embroidered tiritJh ^old, were ordered to t>c
jhade, and worn by the s^orord bfeareh
1636. The new burying ground, dedicated to Sf, Barthofbfffrsf
St. Bartho- ^^,g landbf whicb had been given by l!he chamber) was en-
burMng <^08ed With Wklls, «.fhe j6tnt expeftcfc of the church and city,
ground ind consecrated by Biiflidp Kfa//, oh the '24th df August 1>c-
consecra- ^SL^'» BnrthotomeCD^s^j.
««*» ^c- The dlaguc i^^irg in Tauntoyt, the isum of t &5/. 1 Ts. 4^.
^^^' ^tnd c6lJect*ed by voluntkfjr cdritrfbutioffs of the inhabitants
iiffliis city, uhfi^cWt't6 fcllevfethfe oodrofthUt town.
The Mayor 'thfe yWr, Robert WMery Esq. ahd Sinton
JSnowy Esq. ^ctt elfected'cftirciisto tervc in ihk cilsoing jAr-
lianrieht. if
1642. The misunderstiindihg ivhich hkd ftfrUlon^ Hm^-dtibsisted
between the King and his parliament, now, unhappily broke
out
* This gentleman, ia the dissension tvhich soon after 'broke out be-
tween the King and parliament, endeavouring to seize some arms be-
longing to the rebels, was slain by % 'HhoX fr&ta^ winddw, it '•Ihm^fard,
in the county of Deocn\ and interred, with militaty honours, in St.
Bartholemew's burying ground. ^
t The donations of several bche&ctors toward this foundation, and
other pious uses, will be given in respective places in the descriptive,
part of this work.
X There seems to be some mistake in the date of this return (King
Claries called this parliament in *1640) unless the two representatives
^or-lhis city were removed by death j and others chosen in their roouk
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY €»I ^ykl^'BER. \^f
out intp an cpcn iirar ; tl^ occaiiioi^ of tU^ dii^^aiQps hjTKi ^^^J*l-
tccn so feithfuHy rdatcd by Lord Clartndt^ and Qthcr l^'fitp-. TITewir*'
nans^ that it would be nce4k^ m'^RCH^ them herf . |^ tl^f breaks out
accQuat of thi^ war, I ^sdl only pactipulamp auch ^ventsi as bc;|i|«;n
most materially ^Ute to the share which th^city pf ^xe^^r^ tHe^inA
9nd its ncighboqrhood had in i^, ?l?i4 Ipavc the fpadcr to thp JjJ^° P*"***
^bove-mentioned authors fqr furt^?r information. ™*°'^*
On the secoj^d oCMarch both (louses of parliampnf (by an l^e mi]it||
actqfthf:if own) wrested the power of ordering the ipJi^J^S ^jJJ^^"-
out of the King 8 hands; and appointed 'mph Lord Ljeute- Kuig^s
nants of the several counties as were considered their friei^ds, i^ods.
in opposition to those who were lesally gppoii^ted by the New Lord
Kin^: accordingly, prqjuii^ Eari^Betlfq^y way^i^t dpwq Lieute^ts
by tncm» as Lord Lieutenant of the county qf fi^pVi and Jy'thc^
city of Exeter^ with full power to assembly and regulate thf: liamentT
Tnilitia; he, therefore on his fLrriy?!, ordered (hem to assem-
ble at Exeter^ where l^e casjaiiered those Q$pers W()p weff
suspected of being friends to t))e rpyal cause, and Qlled their
places with suc]i as he pould depend upon. ' -^ -^
The £a^l having thus got possession of £xi?^er, disarmed ga,rison«
the loyal part of the citizens, made additions to the fortifica- Exeter for
lioi^Sy monnted 25 pieces of canpun on the walls, and g^rri- the p8r{i{|.
soned it for the parlian^en^, t(9 4u: great discontept of, by farj ment; ^p^
the major part of the inhabitants, wJjQ, being tbu? furprise^, ^°"°^f^^
were obliged to submit patiently to the exactions and Q^ltf^r cannon on
ges of the republican soldiers. the city
The parliament next proceeded to abolish episcopacv, ^^ walls.
^oo much resembling the hierarchy of the chi^rch of llowf^ '^eJ?
and such of the clergy, whose consciences would ^^^ f^^^^ Spl^^
il^cm tp comply with such new regulations, were ejected abf^igjiej -
from their livings, and their places niled with prcsbyterian^ py the {>«-«
or independent preachers. * fiawenj.
They nejtt n^ade an ordinance for sequestrating ^he estates T*|f ^st««es
of the royalists; anoth^cr, for levying a tax throughput Engr ^^^J*^^'
land and WaU^^ for the s.upport of their arinicsand appointy qie*Jaterf.
ed commissioners in the several counties, cities, ^c.
The comm;ssionerj» appointed for the county of pevon^ Comhiissi-
were Sir PeUr PrideauXj Sir Gtorgc Chudkiglt^ Sir John Pole^ ^en.
Sir Join Nori/icotf Sir Edwuad PoeweU^ Sir Samuel RoUc^ Sir
Shihton CalmaJy^ Sir Nicholas iflartia^ Sir Francis Drah^
Sir John Davie f Baronets ; Robert Savcry^ Henry Walrond^
John WqHh^^ Hugh Fortcscuct Arthur Uptpn, apd George p . .
Tnw^rii/^e/ Esquires; and, for the city Qi fiieter^ Christ o^^^^^^^''
U 2 pher the city of
§ In those days, termed Trained-bands. Exeter,
• • Tlie whole of the clergy belonging to Exeter Cathedral, and thir-
teen of the parochial ministfirs, were thus dispossessed of their livinss.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
158 / THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. Ill , p^ darkey Esquire, l^or; Richard Saunders^ Thomas
Crotsing, Adam Bennet, Walter Whiie^ John HakeviU, Es-
quires, Aldcrmeuy and JamMG^tt/t/ Esquire, Sheriff.
Empower- ' These commissioners were invested with full power of
ed to teise demanding and seizing^ horses, arms, prorisions, money,
J||JJ^> plate, and whatsoever they might judge necessary for the
forthe use ^'^^ o^ ^^ Parliament army : on these seizures they were
of the Par- to set such rates and value as they thought proper, to be paid
liamant on the public faith, (which never was fulfilled) at the con*
•™>y' elusion of the war.
S*** f^^ ^^^ ^^^ ®^ Bedford, having settled his business at Exefer,
iStEoy^ left the Earl of ^/iim^rdf governor of it, with a sufficient gar-
norofExe- ^^^ to overawe the citizens and the neighbouring country,
ter. and set out to join the parliament army, under the command
ofthe£arlof£<«fx.
The war had now sjpread itself throughout the whole
kingdom ; parties were m arms in most of the counties, and
many skirmishes and battles had been fought, with various
success ; in the West, the parliament's committee were in
possession of the whole county of Devon and part of Corn"
An army of At this time, the Marquis of Hertford having transported
Sf ^lif^ himself from JFaies into the latter county with a small body
2^^Jl^ of Royalists, was joined by Sir Raiph Hopton with about 1 50
horse, and soon aner by Sir Bevil Greenville and other gentle-
men ; when, setting up the royal standard, the gentry, and
inhabitants of that loyal county resorting to them in great
numbers, a considerable army was soon formed ; thej then
The repuV attacked the parliament's forces on Braddock'-doum near Les^
Ikan army heard, and defeated them, taking all their cannon, most of
defeated by their colours, and 1250 prisoners, with very little loss on the
^ royal- King's side. Soon after this victory, the royalists advanced
The Earl f *^ ^^w/oc*, where the Earl of Stanford was endeavouring to
Stamford coWcct the scattered remains of the defeated army ; but on
retreats to the approach of the royalists he retreated, with what forces he
Exeter. could coUect, to Exeter.
Cessationof '^^ parliament having passed the ordinance for levying a
arms be- new tax, by which, no Jess a sum than 33,936/. was to be
Iweenthe collected weekly throughout the kingdom, and delivered to
counties of their commissioners, proposed (in order to secure the pay-
Cwnm^ ment of that part allotttd to the county of Devoriy and which
county was verv rich, populous, and entirely under their sub*
jection) a cessation of arms between the two countiesof i)frojg
and Cornwall; and this proposal being agreed to, the royalists
retired into the latter.
Tbis
Digitizecf by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OP EXETER, 159
This treaty, although ratified by the most lolemn oaths CHAP. II I,
and oblivions, Teas no longer adhered to by the repubh'cans, xhe re b-
than while it served their purpose : for after collecting a large Ucai JbroJc
sum of money (both from their friends and enemies) and re- the treaty^
cnitting their forces, their Major General James Chudleigh^ and attempt
aucmptedy at the head of a large party of both horse and foot, ^ surpriie
to surprize Launceston^ the head quarters of the royulists ; but, ^''*<^***^'*
after a sharp conflict, being repulsed, he retreated to Oak^
hampton*
About the middle of May, the Earl of Stamford having re- The Earl of
crulted his forces, marched from Exeter against the royalists : Stamford
his array consisted of 1 ,400 horse, and 5,400 foot, with ?"**^
thirteen pieces of brass cannon, one mortar, and a large uS^gi^^st
magazine of ammunition and provisions : the Royalists, the Royal-
though not consisting of half that number, and in great want ista.
of ammunition and stores, were determined to give them bat-
tle, and accordingly made every preparation. During this,
the Earl had detached Sir George Chudleigh on an attempt to Sir George
surprise the Sheriff of Cornvaii^ and some other gentlemen Chudleigh
who were assembled at Bodmin ; the royalists, having obtain- f^^^g^*****
ed intelligence of his march, thought it a fair opportunity of the Sheriff
attacking the enemies camp, while their horse were separated of Cornwall
from them.
Reduced as the royalists were, even to the bare subsistence Battle of
of a biscuit per man, for a whole day, they marched with Strattoii.
great resolution, and attacked the enemies camp at Stratton,
which, after a bloody and well-disputed battle, they forced,
and gained a complete victory.
In this battle, a great number of the republicans were slain ; The Re-
Major General Chudleigh, with 30 other officers, and 1 700 S^eaSed'
men taken prisoners ; and all their artillery, stores, tents and ^ith the'
baggage, with 70 barrels of gunpowder and a great quantity loss of all
of provisions fell into the hands of the conquerors. their artille-
The Earl of Stamford fled XoExticr (being the first to car- ^* ^^'
ry the news of his defeat, to his republican party in that ^^ ^^ .
city, which threw them into the greatest consternation,) imj'giJ'
and was soon after followed by Sir George Chudleigh. The George
conquerors having solemnly returned thanks to God, (in the Chu<Ueigh
field of battle) for their signal victory, refreshed themselves ^^^ refuge
a day and night in the camp, on the spoil of the enemy, and *" E*«*«'»
then marched into Devomhirey intendingto attack either Exe- JJ^Sr'to
ter or Pfymouthf the two most considerable garrisons in Devon,
that county : but receiving an express from the King, in-
forming them that he had sent his nephew. Prince Maurieei
and the Marquis of //if rZ/m/, with a large body of horse to
reinforce their army ; and that the parliament designed to
send
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
160 . THE HI$TO»y OF
C MAP.ia aesd Sit Wmiam WaUfir, wkh & fre«h army into the W<»t, the
Skimiishat '^^^J*^**** (leaving a small pvty of hprac and foot at Stfli^,
TntartoB. ^® defend the borders of Camwill) naarched, by Etxehr^ to
Joined by ''««r/«i, wber« they surprised a republicaa rcgimeat, cqm*
Prince manded by CpUmel Ware: they then proceeded to Ch^rd^
Maurice, tt where they were joined by Priace M^wicf avd the Marquis
Chard, Qi Hertford.
^v\^^ The greatest p»rt of the coqnty of Z>*w» WM ^Ul ip thp
«!rril»iis ^*"^* oi the parliament forces; and the royalists h^ opt ^
lis house Wi^ garrison throughout the wholf county, itxcept Sir
at Columb- Joiin AvkkmdU house at Qatumb^ohif which he had foftified
John, for snd garrisoned with a sipall, but, rfsolute band : this band
the Kinf^ jgi^dc frequent incursions, even to the gftte^ q£ thxter^ and
kept that garrison in continual alarm.
Prince Maurice then sent Sir John Btr^eijf bapk ip^o that .
cowntj^ with Colmei Howard' 9 regiment of horse; and h«
being joined by ^reat numbers of Gentleipen, ^d other well
atfeoted persons in the Kine's cause, soon formed a hpdy of
BflyriMs troops sufficient (not only tor keepingthe disaffected in awe*
^^^^^ l>wt) for blockadine several of the rarliameiit'y garrisons,
'**^* particularly thai of J5jc/rr, extending their q^arter^ within »
mile, and fixing guards evep in the sight of, t)ie g^tes of tbe
^^«J^" llie EftH o( Stamford, expecting to be besieged, ordered
all the hou- ftU the houses in the suburbs near the city whUs to be defno-i
ses near the Jished ; and the trees in the Northern and Southern hftjfM {sgnya
^^^nS*** ^^^^'^^ '^^^ upwards of 100 yeans growth) to be felW,
do^ and ^"^ ^^^* ^^^ ^P^" ^^^ ^^ approaches to the city walls, «n4
the trees to W»de every preparation for a vigorous defence,
be £^9d. Prince Maurice y after taking Dorche$ter, marched for Ejpc^
Prloee t0r^ and summoned the governor to an immediate surrender s
U*"1m *'* htAiig refuted, he btocked up all the avenues to the cit>',
iSeSrf * ^ ^^^ commenced a close siege. The Parlian^ent being infornaL->
«d of the siege ofExeter^ ordered the Earl of Waroick^ who
W* ^^^ commanded their fleet, to hArrs^s the coast of Devon ; thipk-r
atteni|»ts fo "°S thereby to force the royalists to abandon tiheir attempt ;
raise tM but Sir John Berkley being sent with all the horse to watch
siqce bf his their motions, the Earl seeing no likelihood of making goo4
A**^« his landing, sailed for the rooMth of the Ere, hoping, by
means of lus smaller vessels getting up the river, thereby to
raise the siege, or throw in succours of relief^
Accordingly, with a flood tide ai\d a (lir wind* tl|ey pro*
cceded up the river ; but Sir John Berkl^^ by forced iiutrcbcs
^om Tot nets 9 coming time enough to tak^ possession of som^^
points of land whicn commanded the channel, and being
supplied with soxne ig»pnou frpn^ c^e .Priffpp> ^rmy, so ef- I
fcctually I
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THfi fclttf 6f tlXfetftR. ' 161
fcctualljr opp*»*d thtir passage, tlftit aftfcr a warm aodoft of, C HAP, lit
neafjy, four hoiii%, they gare tip Ibcir attetopt, and en* ^ ' '"
dearouredto mrcfet, leaving three of their ships (which had juwertT^
grounded by reason of the tide's filing,) one of which was irithth«
bumt^ and thfe odier two were taken possession of, by the I<i« of 3 of
royfliliats. WhUe the siege of Exeitr was thus continwng, ^ *^F^
the ^frison t^ Pfyntduih in conjunction with the inhabitants
of the Notth of Devon fwho were notoriously disaflected)
assembled wiiat fbrbes they could, in order to force the
royalists to wfthdraw the siege. On notice of this, Sir J^kn
Berkley sfcnl 12ohnel t}igby^ with a party of horse and foot, ^.
to Tdrfing'ion; and the republicans having assembled at jicJ^]2iy
Bi/fef&r^f to the number of about, 1300 foot and 300 horse, assemble ■!
tinder the command of Colonel Betrnet^ proceeded to attack Bi^efovi.
tlie royalists at Torrington ; but they having notice of their Ropuyj.
coming, marched fT6m the town to meet them ; and though cans defeat-
greatly inferior in Hombers, after a short action, entirely de- edatTor-
feated them ; killing !^00 on the spot, and in the pursuit »"»«^ion»
taking 200 prisoners. Colonel Digbif immediately proceeded Bidefoitl
to Bidefordj which, with Barnstaple ahd Appledore, surfen- Baniflta}:A«;
Aered'cti tbe first summons, and were taken possession of, and Apple-
by. the toydists. **^ ^a^en.
Thegatrisonof Ereftr^ thus deprived of all hopes of relief, ^^^^^
Surrendered, on articles, on the 4'th of September; and on theKinff^
the King*S titoops taking i^sscssion. Sir John Berkley was troops, and
topbittted governor, to the great joy of the major part of the Sir John
Citiieits, who tirere firmly attached to the royal oause. Berkly ap-
The King, Queen and femily, who had for some time re* Xem^ ^^
sided 4t "O^/^i/, being apprehensive that, that city would be a. D.
besieged by the parJmment afmy under the command of the 1644."
^Eafl elf EsseSr; and the Qaeeft, oeing then pregnant, she Wtt Th« Queen
removed (at iet own request) to Exeter ^ as a place of ^featet l?**** *"
lectfHty : she wus received with gteat acclamations of joy by pi^of** *
the garrison and loyal titizens, who conducted her to BniforS raoresafety
i^ouse^ wbich had been fitted up for her reception. Soon andlod^
aft^ the Queen's arrival in Exeter {l6th June) she was de-*^®®«*^«^
Hvercd of a Princess, who was baptized, in the Cathedral, ^°*1
"by the flUme of^Ienrietta Maria : the sponsors were. Sir Joihn ddl^i»d <#
Berkley 9 Laify Poukitt and Lady DalheiHi ; on this oocasien ^^riAosw).
a handsome font was erected in the body of the church, Theyoaa^
tfndcra rich canopy of stale, and Doctor Bumeil^ Chancel- f^'^f^
lor ofdie Church, performed the ceremotty. • baptiatti.
The
*This Princess, for her beauty and personal accompIUhments, was
esteemed the^fatedaomeM iuChrisUtadofu. She wat> aftcrwanU manried
to the Duke o'f Orleans (brother to the Trench King ;) but did not long
turriTe her marriage.
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162 THE HISTORY OP
C HAP. HI . The Earl of Essex proceeded rapidly towards Detanshir^^
JT Q at the head of a powerful army. This put the Queen in fear
worn xo^' ^^ ^^' personal safety, and ahe removed to Falmouth^ where
mouth, and >he embarked for France , and safely arrived, escaping the
thence es- vigilance of the republican cruisers, that were purposely sent
oBpes to to intercept her. Before her departure from Exeter ^ she was
France. presented, in the name of the. citizens, with a purse contain-
in^t200/. in gold, which she most gratefully received.
Earl of Es- The Earl of Essex made no attempt on Exeter ^ but pro-
■ex at Ti- ceeded to Tiverton^ which surrendered to him after a slight
▼erton. defence. Among the prisoners taken there, was a Captain
Homd . ^^^^^y * "^^ relation to the Duke oi Norfolk^ who, being
cutedbvor-^^^f^^ with desertion from the parliament's army, was
derof the tried by a court martial, condemned and executed, ^ir John
£art of Berkley^ ^^"£ informed of this circumstance, immediately
^^^' . ordered that Turpin, a sea Captain, who had been taken pri-
Socuted*"* tontt in one of the ships that attempted the relief of £2<?/^,
by order of ^^^ ^^^ ^^^ deserted firom the royalists, to be executed in a
Sir John similar manner, f
Berklej. The Earl of Essex continued at Tiverton, until he received
advice of the King's following him with a large army, and
finding no possibility of retreating Eastward, he marched
into Cornwall. His Majesty, after defeating several rebeb in
his route, came to Exeter, accompanied oy the Prince of
Wales, and a ^reat number of Noblemen and Gentlemen,
who had continued stedfiist in their loyalty; at his entrance
into the city, he was received by the Mayor and citizens with
The King every token of respect, and congratulation. His Majesty
^eterin *^^ ^** residence at Bedford House; the Prince, at the
pursuit of Deanry, and the Noblemen and others were lodged in the
the Earl of houses of the principal citizens, who entertained uem with
£sKx. the greatest hospitality : during the King's stay at Exeter, a
negociation between him and the Earl of Essex was at-
tempted; but the Earl's demands running very high, it
Theciti- proved unsuccessful. Before his Majesty departed, the
sens makea citizens presented him with 500/. in gold, and the Prince with
SoWto^he *^^^' ^*^ ^^"o proved successful in his expedition into
King and Cornwall; and having defeated the Elarl of Essex, and dis-
100/. to the persed his army, returned in triumph to Exeter, where he
Prince. staid but one night, and then proceeded to Orford*
A. D. The King being defeated, at the fatal battle of Nase&y, by
1G45. Cromwell, his affairs began to decline : General Fairfax was
sent, by the Parliament, with an army, into the West; and,
after
t A retaliation unjustifiable by the dictates of humanitj.
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THB CITY OP EXETER* 163
dfter taking Briigewdter^ htf nipdly induced moit of the CHAP.IIL
King's garmoofl io his march : took Titeriw by assauh, and o^^^qj^
made the garrison, Which cdnsisCed of about 300 men» pfi^ ^^^^ \,y
soners ; among whom, was a Mts/dr Sadler ^ formerly an Fairfiuc
officer in tlie parHamenC afmy, who, deserting it, had enler«
ed into die King's service ; and, being tried for this by a
court martial^ he was condemned to die : but making some
OTertnrcs to Faiifax^ was released, and came to Exeter^
'where he pretended he had broke from his prison : he was. Major Sad*
however, suspected by the Royalists, and, being detected in j^^^ST ,
m tiailDroas correspondence, he was tried and convicted, and ^,!^]^^*
wasshotoniSMf/^cm^^. ^'
It was now die depth of winter ; and Fairfax^ not thinking Fairfk^ pla«
it proper to besiese Exeter ^ contented himself with blocking f^^^T
II L "a ^L '^ -L 1 • _^' c\^- .. ° tons m the
up all the avenues to the aty, by plaung parties of his troops viUages,<lc.
in die different villages, and gentlemen's seats in its vicinity, round £jm^
in order to prevent any intercourse between the garrison, and ter.
the neighbouring country: particularly at Bi$hop*s Clkt^
Stoke-^arum^ and PoUimore houte* He then proceeded to
Oiiery St* Mary^ where he fixed his head quarters ; and a
sickness breaking out among his troops, he rested for some
dme in that town.
During his stay at Otter!f^ he detached Sir Hardreu Waller SirHardress
'to seize Vrediion; and other parties to take possession of, and ^^!, ^re-
garrison, Paoderham castle; Sir George Chudleigh*$ house at ^^^^
Aehton; Lord Ckieh€iter*9 and Mr. Davy^i at Canonsleigh^ A. D.
which so straitened the garrison of Exeter^ that they were 1646.
reduced to the greatest distress for want of provisions.
Fairfax having ordered his army to rendezvous between ^ .
Credkon and Oakham^on^ sent Liealenant General Crowxpell to tha^a?9te
Bavey traey^ where he surprised a party of Royalists, under surprised at
the command of Lord JFaiiwortk ; took most of the men pri- Bovey (racy
soners, 400 horses, and seven stand of colours.
Fairfiix now proceeded to Dartmouth^ and taking it by Dartmouth
storm, he raised the siege of Plymouth^ and then marched to tak^ by
Torringion^ where the royalists had assembled the greatest storm.
part of their forces, in order to endeavour to raise the blockade g^itie at
of Exeter* On the 14th Fehuary^ the armies came to a ge» Torrington.
neral action, which was fought with great inveteracy and
slaughter on both sides, and ended in the total defeat of the
royuists*
Soon after the conclusion of the battle, a melancholy scene Torrington.
ensued : the royalists, who had been taken prisoners were Church
crouded together in Torrington churchy in which were nearly ^^^"^^ "P-
80 barrels of gunpowder: these, by some unknown means,
X took
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
164 tHB BISTORT OF
CHAP.ni . took fire, and blew up» widi n dreadful explotioD, wbich not
' ^ only destroyed the luifortuiiate prisoners, but many of the
captors : demolished the Churdi) and laid in ruins great pstft
of the town.
Theroyal- ' -Foii^ pursued hb victoiy, and immediately marched in*
htB again ^ Cartmalif where he again defeated Lord Hcptonf (who had
defeated in Collected together the dbpersed royalists) and in a short time
ComwaU. reduced the whole counties of iJevon and ComoaU (except
Sir Haiw *^* *^**7 oi Exeter) to the obedience of die parliament. AAcr
dress Wal- ^^^*» ^^ directed his march towards Egeter, and closely in*
ler takes vested it; and sent Sir Hurdreu Waller to besB^ the fi»rt at
Exmouth. Exmouthf which very soon surrendered* .
The goTemor, and garrison, of ExeUr being in great
want of provisions, and seeing no hopes of relief, agreed to
Exeter tar- a truce of six days ; at the expiration of whichythey surren-
^ndered towered on ardcles: the principal of these ardcleswere, that
on aSdttT *^^ garrison (except the officers who were to retain their
' swords) should lay down their aims, and have liberty to de-
Articles of part to their own homes, or to die nearest garrison bdonging
surrender. ^ ^^ Yiing^ without any hurt, or molestation firom the par*
liaraent's troops: that thedtixens^ould not be plundered,
and that they should enjoy the liberty of choosinff their own
magistrates, and all such other privileges, of whidi they were
ponessed before the war; and that the Princess Henrktia^ her
TOvemess and household, should have liberty to pass with
dieirpkte, money, goods, &c. toaaypbu^in Engbmdci
Wialetf at her desire, in 20 days.
The parliar The parliament's Ibroes took possession of die ci^ and
'°^°^"' castle, on the 9di of April ; and, in violation of the articles
po8s^^ which had been agreed to, they made the citixem saSkt
break the' Mveiely, for the part diey had tiJcen in behalf of their King
aiticles, and constitution : they demanded a large sum of money, by
displace the way ofcontribution, to preserve them mMn being phindiied;
r"*^*****if fifce quarters for a large body of troops; and displaced the
turnoutthe .. ^^. i.i.^t*' i.*«,._*v % i.*
church mi- ^^ receiver, who had become obnoxione to them, by nis
nisteni, loyahy. | They again ejected finom their cures, ail the epis-
and greatly copal ministers, and took possession of the kovses of die
damage the Bishop, Dean and other residentiarics,
cathedral. -j-jj^ Cathedral they divided into two pitfU; tot for a
presbyterian, and the other for an independent meeting,
separating the choir from the nave by erecting a wall, where
the screen which supporte die o^an now stands. The
beautifully painted glass of the winitows they beat to pieces
The Bish- ts Objects oif ronnsh superstition ; they did the same by the
op's throne flepiMifaf monumeiits, and other sculptures, which dme^
SWi«r° •«d-dic reformation had spaiid; die Bishop's dironc they
ordered
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THI -CITY OT EXBTER* 165
Oidcitdl0betadcand*WB«aiiiiekM;^aiidthciQldicnwaii« CHAP. H I,
toolj fired their maskdaal the altar piece, (the marks of the -
ballels aM still Tisible ;) in short thejr committed the moat
horrid outrages, in this veneFable and ancient house of God ; ,^^ ^|^
not ^Muing even the deEul, whose sepulchres thejr ra«uacloed, |^ house
and scattered their bones, &r the sake of the leaden coffins, made a sta.
The Chapter house they turned intoa stableforthetrooners* ble, the
horses; and the Bishop's palace. Deanery,^ and Canons* hou« Bishop's
sea, into barracks Ibrsoldiers. Sjj^ks
. The parish Churches being deprived of their pastors, and isof thepsr
the incomes reduced, by the snudlness of the congregations, rishdnuch-
none of the dissenting ministers would accept of the cures; ^ ^V^
and 1 3 of them were exposed for sale, by the common crjer. ^^^^
Eaafyx, having thus reduce the counties of Dtvm and ^
Carmmoiif maich^ with his army lo Ojfm^; leaving JJoh
Ufmiti GenergiHammcndt gof^&Bot ciEMcUr^ with a garrison
of three regiments of fcot.
JisAsliMerMi^bemg appointed Receiver of this city, re^ ^
sed tobe sworn; forwhich hewas fined lOOi, and NuA§k$ i648.
BrMmg was, three months after, {^>pointcdin his room.
On Ga^Toi Fmrfkx'$ approaching Orford^ the King left ^^^?'
that city; but not knowing where to go for safety, he ro- bj^^u*-,
paired to the Scotch army, (then in EnskmdJ on a supposition ^jth the
that th^ would protect him. The Scot9 paid him, at first, Scotch ar-
all the honours due to Majesty, but afterwards, ba^ly deli- my, which
veredhimtotheParliament'scommissioners, who imprisoned ^^^^ ^*?
him for a considerable time, in difierent places. ^ ainent, '
After this, the house of commons (composed entirely of
independents) established a pretended high court of justice, TheKinff
by ^hich the King was condemned to be beheaded; md beheaded,
this sentence was executed on January 50th, \%Vh § rn. ^
Soon after the death of the King, proclamations v^crc sent, ^^JJ**'
by th« assumed ^▼ernmcnt, to J^mes Gould Esquire, the j^ecive the
then Mayor of this city, which he refused to receive or pub- parliaments
lish ; and (the messenger having left them in his house) threw procIamati<
them, out ftom his door; when the judges of assize came on ®° ^^ P>7^
their ducuit, be likewise Slighted them ; nor would he ac- {*^^J^l!^^
knowkd^ their power; for this they fined him 200/, and ^^^
X2 sued
X Some worthy gentlemen took care of the materials of the throne,
and had' them privately conveyed to a place of security, 'where they
remained until the restoiation, when they were replaced, with (happily)
▼efy little damage: The Dean of Bxeter, Dr. William Peterson was
maintamcd by Sir William Courtenay at Powderham oasUe, during the
whole time of the asnrpatian.
§ Impartiality obliges us to obsenre that it was neither the Scotch nor
the Presbyterians, nor the parliament who put the king to death 3 but
the independents, who hated them all.
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166
THE HISTORY OF
TheAssi-
»sshddat
TiT«rtoa.
Two men
fuffbcated
tnawell.
C HAP. Ill , suedliim int die court of Ezcbequer for the vnm ; but he de«
fended himself so well, that the Attoraey-^enend entered at
length a twli prosequi against him. The next summer
assizes the judges executed weir commission at Titerton (whtch
had never been done before, nor has since) to revenget in
some manner on the citizens, the behaviour of their Mayor.
This gentleman, though low in stature, was of undaunted
courage and resolution.
A melancholy accident happened about this time, at the
White hart inn, Souihg^e^treet : two carpenters, PmdPcn^
rose and William JohnUn^ being employed to cleanse a well^
which had long been neglected, and covered up ; the former
was let down mto the well, and instantly suffocated, by an
uncommon stench ; the latter went down after him, and sha*
red the same fkte; a third man went down to endeavour to
save his friends, and would have also fidlen a victim, had he
not been immecUately drawn up ; he was almost expiring, but
proper medicines bemg used, was restored : he declared that
such a putrid effluvia arose {h>m the bottom of thu well, that
it oveipowered his senses : this must have been occasioned bj
the stagnated air, which had boeu long confined, and piodu*
ced a mortal damp*
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the r^ of Cha&lbs I.
1625.
Thomas Walker^
Nicholas Martin.
William Golding.
James White.
George Jourdea*
1626.
John Tqylor.
John Hakewill.
Robert Walker.
John Berry.
Jos. Trowbridge.
1627.
John Aekkmd.
Gilbert Sweet.
George Harris.
John Anthony.
Richard Maddock.
1628,
JoknL^nn*
Francis Crossmg.
John Taylor, jun.
John Cujoper.
Ifuinp. Bidgood.
1629,
Nicholas Spicer.
Adam Bennct.
Jnhn Martin.
Thomas Blackall,
John Maddockf
l6S0f
TkmmsFUttf^
Roger Mailockf
James Gould*
John Gill.
WUl. BlackalL
1631.
Nicholas Martin*
John Crocker.
Simon Snow.
JohnPkrr.
B&arm. BeverooniD.
1632.
John HakewiU.
James Tucker.
Richard Crossing*
Ralph Herman*
Ricnard^byne*
1633.
Gilbert Sweet.
Robert Walker.
Phillip Crossing,
Richard Yeo.
Edward Anthony.
1634.
Francis Crossing*
John Hayne.
Chris. Broderidge.
Thomas Knott.
John
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THB CITY OP EXBTEB.
167
1635.
John Fenny.
• James Manlutll.
JohnClark» Ob*
Robert Trescott.
Stephen Olrrcan*
1636.
Rofter MaOock.
Rldiard Saunders.
Alan Penney.
Thomas Ford.
Henry Every.
1637.
Thomas Crossing*
Thomas Tooker.
John Colleton,
^ck. Carwithen.
Humphry TooIkt.
1638.
<. James TWier.
^ Christopher Oafk.
Christoj^er Parr.
Oliver Tapper.
Bichard E^ans.
1639*
RsUrt Walker.
Heaiy BattiafaiO,
RichudSweeU
Nicholas Somers* CHAP.m ,
J^faaryGandy. — — .
1645.
John Capper*
John Colleton, re-
moved*
James Gould.
James Tucker, jnn.
George Edmonds.
Edward Painter. A
WaUer White* '^
Richard Cromng.
Bernard Bartlett.
Henry Prigge.
Edward Diurence.
1647.
Adam Benneit.
John Lovering, re*
/used the^ke*
Nichohs Broking.
Thomas Ford.
SitHu. CroekeTfKi. Rich. Ledginbam.
Richard Yeo. r Francis Dyett.
Chris. Lcthbridge. . g^
Thomas KendidL
William Spillcr.
1640.
Joim Penmf.
Walter White;
Samuel docker.
John Lovering.
John Butler.
1641.
Bichard Saunders*
Hugh Crocker.
Nichohis Broking.
Thomas Pitt.
John Lavers.
1648.
CAriiiopher Clark*
John Capper.
Chris. Clark, mn«
Philip Foxwell.
Nicholas Brinly*
1643.
William Holmes.
Isaac Mauditt,
1644.
Nkkaias Spieer.
John Btsttin.
MHlliam Sanford.
James Gouid.
Ralph Herman.
Fran. Lippincot.
George Macy.
Thomas Tadke.
INTERREGNUM.
The Independent party in the House of Commons, having _^^
thus removed the Kmg. published a declaration against the ,
prodaiming CAoHlet Somt/ (the kte King's eldest son,) or
any other parson whatsoever, on pain of beine punished, as
in cases of high tresson. They next passed an Act, for
abolishing the kingly power, as entirely useless, burthen-
some and dangerous ; and soon after, set a price on Prince
Charleses head : they also annulled the House of Lords, set
pp a common wcaltht and obliged all persons possessed of
any
IWMlOk
A. D.
1649.
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108 YHB HISTOBT OF
fHMMai. aii3r pttbCc pait, or office, to take out new ^r^te and firedi
- oauif, in order to qualify thcmsdTea for holding the aame*
The Major This year* Biekard Croimg^ Esq. being elected Major,
^2^2^^ refused to taJce the oaths appointed by the now fuMvifpedJ
^^f^ggj^ eoTemment; and, no fine being set on him, nor any other
Sfayor chosen, the office, for the year was supplied by de-
puties.*
A. D. JtwiarirfCd K w y was appointed one of the bailift ; but lie»
^^M* ffcfusing theoffioe, was fined, and WUUoKtCmeii jribced ia
kis stead.
1651. Edmmd PMweU was appointed to the said office, and re-
fusing the same, was fined, and accordingly paid; but, be-
ingappointed again, the year following, he executed it.
165S. There not being a sufficient number of members in the
common council below the chair, that had qualified them«
sehres (by having been either receivers or bailiffs) to seire
the office of Mayor ; two receivers were, this year appointed
fer that purpose; and the same method was pursued the £oU
kwing year.
1653. A remarkable accident happened to Mr, Jokn BeUUtm,
The Fknon-^^^'^^^^ parish ofSt. Mary Ciist; he, on the Uth fan.
of Maiy about six o'clock in the evening, was returning home from
dist on JSre/«r, on horMback, with his wife behind him, when in go*
honelMck lag down Paris-street, the horse, with iu riders, fell into a
w^ Ml ^^^ °^" ^ ^^^ ^^P* ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ slightly covered
into s iveU ^^^* '^^ neighbours being alarmed, came to their assist*
in F^ri»* ance, and by the help of ropes, extricated the Parson and his
■tx«et wife, provklentially, unhurt: but the horse, bebg muck
bruised, died.
Q]|l^ Qiher CromafeU having established his authority on the
^J^^!^ ruins of the parliament, caused himself to be proclaimed,
^^^ Protector of toe kingdoms oiEngknd, ScMmd^ andlMhnd:
and accordingly he was proclaimed as such in this city, with
great military pomp, on I9th December, 1 653*
1655. Some gentlemen of WiUihire^ uneasy at the persecutions
An insur- which the royalists experienced, bad recourse to arms; and
rectionof on Sunday 11th March entered Saiisiwy, with about 200
r^^^j^men^whm thcj aeixedall the homes tibcy could find, and
.^^m^ took the Qommiasions feom liie Judgea; it being then the
time of the aasizes : but finding their numben increase but
slowly (as die people woe detened frton joining them,
through fear of the conaequences,) Mid having no pto^mct of
tiiej TO. auccess, in WiUiMre, they retreated into De9<m: where some
^l^lJ^^o troops of home were sent in punutt of them, which oveitook
"^'"^ them at S^AmaUan : a slight skismish ensued, when over-
powaRfidby «ttB&bera» they surrcndesBdi. on pomise of par*
dbn^
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT or BXBTBR. 109
don, and wcte bnmght prisonen to Kt^ter^ wiitre^ m AejttU c aHAP.Ilt
were fbll of them, and they m gteat dikroHi, the oitbcna '' '
charitably adminJutrrcd every relief and CMoobftion ki thoif ^oirared»
power. andiifMllht
A special commission of Oyer and Terminer was held at prisoneM tv
the castle, for the trial of these unfortunate men ; a great ^^^^ter,
number were found guilty, and (in violence of the promise
made to them on their surrender,) Jokn PenrtMtiek and Hugh
Grove Esquires, were beheaded in the castle; several hanged are tried dr
at Heavitree; and a great number transported to Atnerkm* «»cut«d.
The body oiMrJrettruddock was buried in St* Laurence's
church, and that of Mr* Grave in St. Sidweirs.
The Church yard of St* Peter (which had hitherto been the ^- ^•
common cemetery for the city at large) was levelled and railed « p V
in, at the sole expence of the Chamber ; and for this purpose chara^ '
100 trees were felled, and brought from Dwyard%pood: the yaid nlled
Chamber also caused the horseway from the Broadgate to be in.
paved at their expence.
The Com market was removed from the Fore-street, to *^^*
the new shambles
Oliver Crmrnoell died on the 3d September, 1658 ; and was
succeeded by his eldest son, Richard, in the protectorate.
O/faer had greatly augmented the naval ^vrtt oi England^
and encouraged its commerce and manu&ctures, which
greatly increased the riches of the kingdom; and Exeter
shared in the general benefit, by an extension of its woollen
manu&ctories.
Richard was proclaimed Protector, in this city, September |^J»«1
7th, 1658; but, not having the abilities of his Father, the p,^^
General Officers of the army soon usurped the whole powers Protector,
of government, and considered him as a mere cypher; and Longf^
after a short anarchy, restored the long Par&menif which lianMiu re-
had been dissolved by ORver in 1 Qb^ • stox«d.
The nation at this time was divided into three parties ; the 1659»
Parliament 9 or Cemmonmealth; the Army; and the RoyaSttif
who hoped &x the restoration of the exiled king.
The latter were joined by a great number of presbyterians, the^Mst^s.
among whom were many of the principal ministers, who teriansjein"'
equalfy dreaded the assumed power of the army, and the ?^«royalMti
lutred of the independents : hence commotions arose in dif- ^^^^^
fi^ntpatrts of the kingdom, and particularly in Exeter, where King^ i«.
the inhabitants assembling in arms, declared for a free parli^ storation»
ament; this created such a confusion, that it put a stop to
all kinds of business ; insomuch that the shops were not
opened foe the space of three days.
These disturbancea happemng in the Sessions week, ike
Justiceii
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170 THE HISTORY OF
< ^^>AP.in . Justkesand prindpdGcndeiiienof the ooontj oiDettm wei«
Hcmon, Mcmblcd in the castle s when a remooatraQoe was by them
•tvucefcoifS^'^^^t uid aent to the Parliament, oottofaed in the fiiUow-
to Btflia- ing terms,
TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
WILUAM LENTHALL, Esq. SPEAKER OF
THE PARLIAMENT.
*^We^ the gentry of the county otDewm^ finding otfrtfelvei
without a regular government (after your last interruption ,)
designed a public meetine to consult remedies, and wfaidi
** we could not so conveniently effect till this week of our
*' eeneral quarter sessions at Exm^ where we found divers of
** ue inhabitants groaning under high oppressions, and a
^ ** general defect of trade to the utter ruin of many, and fear
*' of the like to others, which is as visible to the whole Gwa-
*^ fy, that occasioned such disorders as were no small trouble
'* and disturbance to us, which, by God's blessing upon our
" endeavours, were soon suppressed, and qmeted without
'* blood ; and though we find, since our first purposes, an al-
** teration in the state of afikirs, by your re-establishmeDt at
** the helm of government, yet conceive that we are but in
" part redressed of our erievances, and that the chief erpe-
'* dient will be the recalling all those members who were
'* secluded in 1648, and sat before the first force upon the
'* Parliament, and also by filling up vacant places, and all to
*' be adnxitted without any oath, or engagement previous to
** their entrance, for which things if you please to take a
" speedy course, we shall defend you against all opposers,
** and future interruption, with our lives and fortunes, for the
*' accomplishment whereof, we shall use all lawful means,
*^ which we humbly conceive may best conduce to the peace
*< and safety of the nation/'
and pre- This remonstrance was accordingly sent to London^ and
seated bf presented by TAotmu Bampfylde^ ESj. and became a prece*
yjg^^\f^ dent for many other cities and towns to follow their example ;
£sq. * the whole power of government was usurped, at this period,
by a committee of twenty-three persons (most of them,
officers in the army ;) and the pariument, not being able to
wrest the authority from their hands, endeavoured to draw
over, Creneral Monk (then in Scotland J to side with them :
Monkf who had long designed the King*s restoration, took
advantac;e of this opportunity, and declared for the Parlia-
Gen. Monk ment: his example being followed by others, he assembled
^-i for jjjg army, and marched for London, where, gaining the good
will of the citizens, he, according to the general desire of the
nation^
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THE CITT OF BXSTBR.
m
A. D.
1660.
natioDy restored the Parliament diat had been secluded in CBAP.Il^
1648. *
The Parliament thus rcstored» dissolved themselves in a
few days after their meeting, and summoned a new parlia*
menC to meet on the 23th April following.
The new Parliament soon came to a resolution of restoring
the King« and the ancient form of government : accordingly
tfaey^ sent some of their members to invite his Majesty over.
He was proclaimed in hmdon 8th May, 1660; and on the TheKio^
Friday Allowing, at the usual places, in this city» viz. at P'?^'^^
the GuildhaU^ the lUtU Conduit^ in St. Peter's Cktirck-^ard^thxi!!^^^
Serge market, at the great Conduit , and at St. John's Bow: citj.
the procession was conducted with great solemnity and mag-
nificence; consisting of the Mayor, Aldermen, Members of
the Common .councd, and City officers, in their scarlet and
other robes ; the different incorporated companies, or trades,
in their lively gowns, preceded b^ their beadles and banners :
then the HeraU at arms, dressed m his Tabard, and mounted
on a stately horse ; surrounded by the constables of the dif!e«
rent wards, and attended by a Troop of horse (with silver
trumpets) commanded by Major Hagedott: then folio we<l
the difperenc companies of the city Trained-bands, armed,
and in their buff coats; the whole attended by many thou«
sands of the citizens, who testified their joy by repeated and
loud acclamations ; the conduits poured wine ; the bells rang ;
and the thundering of cannons from the Casde, with repeated
volleys of musq^uetry, rent the air; while every thing con-
tributed to testify the happiness of the citizens, in being
delivered from anarchy and confusion, to a settled Ibrm of
government both in Cnurch and State !
Mi ro AS and BAILIFFS during the Intsahegkum,
and UsuiLPATioii.
1649.
Richard Crossing,
rtfused.
Richard Sanders,
Adam Bennett,
deputies.
Richard Evans.
Samuel Slade.
Richard Candish.
William Rolston.
1650.
Richard Evans,
Richard Sweet.
Fran. Lippingeott.
Richard Cullen,
refused.
J. Mongwell, jun.
William Cowell.
1651.
Richard Sweet •
Thomas Ford.
Walter Dceble.
William Bruen.
Edward Foxwell.
Y
1652.
Riuph Ifennan.
James Pearsey, re»
signed.
Simon Snow.
Richard Spicer,
Richard White. ^
Edward Foxwell.
1653.
ounon Snow*
Chris. Clark, jun.
pcsigned.
James
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172
THB HISTORY OV
CHAP. III.
James MardiaS.
JohnPjrnp,
Walter Holditcb.
TbomasDiz.
1654.
Jticiai^ Crasihg*
Chrii. Lethbridge«
Bffaladii P3nie.
John Crook*
JohnAtwiU.
1655.
NicUm Btakiag.
Bernard Bwtlett.
Bernard Sparke*
John Alayne.
Thomas Ciiqnn.
1656.
Thomas ford.
Henry Wgg.
Willkm FVne.
William Snower.
Tobias Allen.
1657.
UOMti MrOOt90»
Henry Gandtr.
John Gupwiu.
Edmund Starr.
William Penny.
1658.
Jama MarMkatt^
Waller Doebk.
Edward Wkeder.
Samocl Beard.
Wilfiam Hooper.
1659*
Ckrif. Ciarke^jmm.
William Bmeiu
ftml Draper.
JohnElwili.
John Gnswill.
1660.
Cirk. LeMndge.
John Pynn.
John Anthony.
Edward Evdeigb.
Abafaam Gibba.
JSnrf efthe third Chapter.
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CHAPTER IV.
Trom the Acumm (f KmgCharla Ih to the
AAth of King George III,
INGCharU$9 immcdialdy ate hit nstorationt re-cHAP.lV,
warded Othertd Monk for the great share he had in
K
promotiiig that dcairable eveot, by cheating him Dtik^ ^ ^ij?'
Alhermariej Earl iff Taningtim^ Baron Monk of Pathaidge^ ^ ^^'
B^muekamp and Hatfs^ and Knight of the GarUr; and the MMccr«a-
citjzenaof JSsrrfor, in testimonf of the great regard they had tedOakeof
lor him, and hie meritt , presented him with Uie Freedom, Albermarie,
and elected him by a patent under their common seal, to be ^^
Lord High Steward of their Cit^.
The citizens, to welcome his Majesty's retnm home, pr&- ^^^f
seated him with plate to the ^alue ot 700/; and his suter ^IXtoo/.
Prh9ce99 Bcmietiu Marian with phte to the amount of 200/* st hb lisisr
Talue* with 90OA
Y« TU
* Gmend Mmik^ ton of 5£r TkomoM Monk^ was bom at PcAaridpa^
near Grmi TamngUmj in the copatr ofJDcnM. Sir TTumiM hating s
large fiunUyy and hiring in an expensive stlley much superior to his in*
comey greatly reduced his paternal fortune, and involved himaelf fai
such difficultiei, that he was obliged to secrete himself fVom his creditors.
It happened at a particular time, that there wis to be a gcneial meeting
of the gentlemen of the county of Dewm^ at Exeitr corth\ Sir TftOHms
lightly judging that some writs had been issued against him, and yet,
bang desirous to attend the meeting, applied to the Sheriff by letter,
desiring that such writs might not be executed at that time; bHt that
if he could not make a compromise with his creditoi*, he would sur-
render himself when called for. The Sheriff returned in answer;
** that upon his honour, Sir Thomas shpulfl be free from his officers,
during the time of the said meeting ; ^ but contrary to this promise,
he caused Sir Thomat tg be publicly arrested in the presence of th#
whole meeting. This news, being brought to the young Otorgt
Mcnk^ (aftermds the Qeneral,) so exasperated him^ thiat he immedi-
ately took hoise and came to Sxtter, where, in the presence of all the
gentlemen, he not only upbraided the Sheriff, but caned him very ser
verely : for this a prosecution was commenced against him, and he was
obliged to seek for safety by flight; and to shelter himself from
his pursuers, be entered as a common sailor on board a King>
ship, where, after some time, he, for bis good behaviour and biavery,
was nia4e a ^ieut^oant $ so4 this W^Vi the ^ be|;'mfiiQ|[ of hyi |iM|n«r]r
faiecr.
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174 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP.nr . The Biflhopt were now restored to their Sees; tnd Aoae
»- «j.^ which had been vacated by death , since the abolition of cpis-
OM restored copacy, were filled up : among these. Dr. John Garden was
to their seei promoted to that of Exeter •
Bishop On his first visit to his Diocess, he was met by the pnnci-
Gtuden*s pal gentlemen of th,e county pi Devon, who attended him to
•"2***'?*'*" £jretiTf forming a grand cavalcade of coaches, and some
to this city, l^^n^redg of horse : when he entered the city, he was received
at the Eastgate by the Mayor, Chamber, and incorporated
Trades, in their usual formalities, and some thousands of
citizens, who conducted him to the Cathedral, with great
testimonies oHoy and respect.
GreenviUe tfeehf Gent, was elected Muster master of
this City and Coun^, and a ycariy pension of 6/. was allow-
ed him.
Any peifloB An ancient usage in this city was ordered to be continued,
«n«^K •" by the Maypr arid bailifis ; that if any person should be here
^y ^[a^t,* i^P^soned upon a plaint (issued from the Provost's court)
b to file a And the PlaintifFbring not the declaration in writing, into the
declaiatum court within three weeks after the unrest, and file the sapoe,
within 3 that the defendant should be discharged from his imprison-
^^'^*- ment.
Sir Jamei Smith, Knight, and RoSert Waiker, Esquire,
were elected representatives in Parliament, for this City.
Tl» **^^ The Musical waits (after many years sequestration) were
^lU resto- f^Qipgd^ by the Mayor and Cluimber, to their places and
salaries.
^. D. The Queen-mother, returning to England^ was presented
The dtr '^ ^^^ ^^^^ of the ci^, with jplate to the value 300/. as a
presentsthe testimony of their joy tor her safe arrival.
Queen-mo- An act of pariiament was this year passed, which enabled
ther with the King to grant commissions to divers gentlemen in the se-
22^ "* veral counties, for the regulation of all coiporations within
**^* their respective districts : those appointed lor the county of
Devon, were Sir Ccpletione Bampfyldc; Sir James SmitA, and
TAomat JFaiier, Esquire ; (the two latter were representatives
for the city, in parliament, and had greatly distinguished
themselves by able speeches in the house;) Sir EihmrdSe^"
mour; Sir Thomas Berry; SirCourienay Pok; Sir Peter Pri"
deauTf and Sir Henry Ford.
1662. John Martin, Esquire, being elected Mayor, refused ser-
The Mayor ving the office ; of this, notice being given to the King, he
electrefuies commanded him on his allegiance to accept the same, to
^offi^ which he assented, and executed it with reputation and ho-
nour.
Two new receivers were chosen aud ^worn successively to
qualify
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 175
qualify therasehes for scnring the office of Mayor : the like C HAP. IV ,
precedent was pursued in the following year, for the same -'^— -—
purpose.
The road in Paris«street f heing much out of repair, and A. D
full of noisome and dangerous pits, was repaired and paved, 16^-
under theinspection of ue Mayor, John Butier^ Esquire*
On the 2Sd of March, war was declared in this city, against 1 664.
the slates of HoUand^ with the usual solenuitics, by the He- War de-
rald alarms, preceded by the Lord Lieutenant, (the Mayor clsred a-
bcing deceased and no other elected in his stead) Aldermen ^"*1^*
&c. and attended by a troop of Horse with four silver trum« ^
pets, and other martial music.
The public walk on Norihemkay^ having been ruined in Northcni-
the late civil wars, the fine elms cut down, and the scite ^ '^!^
(again) converted into an outwork, or counterscarp of the "^^^ "•*»•
castle, it was now levelled, new gravelled, upwards of £00
young eims planted, X and seats erected.
A new burial place being much wanted, the lower end of foutfaem-
Soutkemk^^green was enclosed with a brick wall, at the ex- hay burial
pence of the Chamber, and solemnly consecrated on 28th ^"^^^'
October, (for thi|t purpose) and dedicated to the Hoiy Trmfy^ M^aud.
by Buiop Ward.
King CAarUsif forgetting the obligations he lay under DSaenting
to the jPresbyterians, for the mat share they had in pro- dergy per-
moting his restoration, prevaiCd on the parliament, in the ^^u^ed.
year 1662, by the persuasion of his ministers, to pass an
act of uniformity in religion; and which was this year,
lacked to the corporation act, and again passed both Houses :
by this, all persons holdine offices either in Church or State,
were obliged to qualify Uiemselves by receiving the com-
munion according to the Church of England; and this act
being put into force with great rigour, many learned and
worthy men, who refused compliance, were deprived of their
livings, and cruelly persecuted, by fines and impriionment.
Among those ejected in this city were, Ferdinoftdo NichoUi Ministeis
B. D. Tkama* fW, A. M.Alexandtr Hodges f A. M. TAomas gected.
Downe^ A. M. TAomas Poiselt A. M. Robert Atkins^ A. M.
and Mark Downey A. M. By this act they were forbid to Penalties on
preach or pray in any private conventicle, under the follow- DisKotiog
ing penalties : for the first offence, a fine of 5/. or three minlsteifc
months imprisonment : for the second^ lO/.orsbc months
imprisonment;
t This road is now kept in repair, at the ezpence of the Pwish of
St. SidweU.
X Some of the elms planted at this time are still Atandtng in .trhc, and
ate a great ornament to the walk, irom their majestic height, bulk, and
agreeable shada.
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176
THE HISTORY OF
CH AP« IV * impmonraent ; and for the third affencCf transpDrtsdon to
-■ ' " some of the American plantations.
AcoUectton A large contribution of several hundred pounds collected
made and from the voluntary contributions of the citizens of Exeter ,
SSn 4^^ was sent to London^ and different towns, which were infected
relief <tf the '^^^^ ^^^ P^^gQC, towards the relief of die poor: and for the
poor. better preventing the spreading of this dreadful calamity,
should it visit this citr, a pesthouse was purchased, in an airy
and detached situation, near the city, with proper con*
veniences for the reception of patients who might be visited
with this malady.
King'karmf , The K ing's arms which had been placed at the entrance of
at the en- the new canal or haven (on the point of land, from thence
tianceofthe termed, King*s annspohtj having been demolished during
^1^^ ^he late asurpation, another was erected at die czpence of the
Chamber.
A. D. ^" ^^^ ^2ist day of Febniary, war was declared in this dty,
1666. against the French*
A create '^^^ greatest part 'bf the town of Bradninck having been
at BiwW consumed by an accidental fire, a voluntaiv contribution
Binch. was ma^le by the citizens of Exeter, towards the relief of the
distressed i nhabitants of that town .
1666. '^ dreadful fire, on the Sd September this year, having
destroyed the' greatest part of the city of London^ the sum of
f^ don ^^^'' ^^'' ^"* collected in this city, and sent, towards the
■" ^^^ ' relief of the poor, who were reduced, by this circumstance,
to t!^ e greatest distress.
1667. *! he old lines and outworks to the city walls, upon Souths
tmhai^f were levelled, and laid out into pleasant walks, on
which, upwards of 300 young elms were planted in different
rows.
1669. On Midsummer eve diis year, and about midnight, afire
A fire in the was discovered in the stable of the Blue Anchor inn, near
High-stieet. 5/. Laicies^-danef § in the High-street, which raging violently,
consumed several stables and outhouses, with many horses
that were therein, and greatly endangered the whole neigh-
bourhood, but providentially by the exertions of the inhabi-
tants, it was happily prevented from spreading ita ravages.
A large ^^ ^^ month of June a Sturgeon was taken, by an inha*
Sturgeon bitant of this city, in the river hxc (opposite the red rock, or
taken in the Go^d-man^s-teeil, on this side TopihamJ which measuBcd nine
river E». f^^ j^^j j^^^jf jjj length, and six feet in girth.
1670 ^ "^^ Citadel halving been built at Pltfmouihy his Majesty
The King Came by water, to view it: and, on his return to London f
visits this taking this city in his route, he was received by the Mayor^
oty. Chamber,
^ Now G<mdj/'§-hmo,
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TH&. CITY OF SXJBTXR* 177
Chamber, and incorporated trades, at the Weft-gate ; and CHAP. IV t
after the usual solemnities of presenting the city regalia,
kejs of the gates, &c* he was conducted to the D(*anry,
where he lodged tiiat night. During his stay, the Major,
aldermea and members of the Common-council -were ad-
mitted into his presence,^ and had the honour of klsains: his Knifhtetibt
hand : he also knig;hted the Mayor, Benjamin OHver^ Esq. ^'«y«.
The next ra'orninfinie pursued his journey.
On the 7th of February this year a sudden fire, happened j67?*
about midnight, without the vVcstgate, which d*^sUoyed y^ ^^^ ^^j^^
£>ur houses, and most of the inhabitant's goods: three per- om West-
sons, vi^. Tk4m<u Haynet his Wifi and Niece, a girl of seven- gate: 3
teen years of age, perished. pcwons
On the 16m of April, war was proclaimed against the ^J[^*
^ft^» daimeda-
The Kmg, when on his visit to this city, having promised gainst th*
(as a testimony of his regard) to present it with a portriut of his Dutch.
Sister, the late Dutckess of Orleans^ * sent it down a^^recable '^|j* ^*P«
to his word, in a rich gilt frame, and which, with tint uf the J^^», !!q^
late General Monk, was fixed up in the Guildhall • trait to thia
A number of beggars and idle people infesting the streets chy.
of the city pointed out the utility of a public xsorL^hoHte;
and as several sums of money had been beaueathed by dif-
ferent benefactors, Hot employing and setting the poor to
work, the same was now taken mto consideration ; and In
addition to the said benefactions, a general contribution a-
mong the citizens, enabled the Trustees to erect a convenient
wrk^kmue at the end of Paris-street ; f by which the streets
were cleared from the nuisances complained of, the incorrigi-
ble punished, and the aged, with the infant and industrious
poor relieved.
The
* This amiable Princess wis poisoned, as plainly appeai? from a letter
•f the Duke of Honiagme, then ambassador at the Court oi Frame,
therein he says that Madame the Dutchess being at-5#. Chad on Sun-
^y 99th June^ 1670, with a great company, called, about 5 o'clock in
the afternoon for a class of CUoory, or Succory water, which was pre-
scribed, for lier as a drink, she having found herself for two or throe days
after batlung much indisposed : that she had no sooner diank it, than
>he cried out*'/ am <ftfad;^ iell into Madame Masebourg' s arms, and
dedred to be put to bed ; then sent for her Confessor : she continued in
^ greatest agony imaginable till 3 o'clock in the morning, when »be
died.
t This work'kMue (after the buiMing of the present one) was used as
^ ^ndtwwH for the city : after which it was converted into an Infirmary,
by the name of the Exeter Hoapiiai', but being united to the present
^^iao»and Sweier HctpUtU, the house, Scq, was converted into a manu^
^ctory for weaving Tapestry, under the protection of his Royal High*
^ the Prince of Walet^ but not meeting with due encouragement, it
&iled J and the premises are bow occupied by poor teoanis.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
178 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . The street of Si. Sidweil'i from EastffiUe to Si. Am^s ch<^
- — pel J was paved at the expence of the £)eaii and Chapter of the
1673. Cathedral, they being Lords of the manor : part of the city
St. Sidwdb ^^^ (i^^f ^^ >icw burying ground on SouthemhapJ 90 feet
new paved, in length and 30 feet in heighth fell down suddenly, in the
PMtoftfae night, but without hurt to any one; and was rebuilt at the
2^ J^*« expence of the Chamber.
aiisdown. ^^^ Elizabeth Fla^^ widow of Th4md$ Elay^ Esq. be-
queathed by Will, a silver bason and ewer, partly gilt, to the
Chamber, for the use of the Mayor of this city, and his sue*
cesson^ for ever.
HuKWal. Thamaa Walker^ Esq. % an alderman of this city, was
ko^®"l« •■ elected one of its representatives in parliament, in room of
2|2J2iJr of ^** fether deceased.
P^j^mnn f A i^eat scarcity of corn happening at this time, and the
A toarcitj price increasing, the Mayor, haac MaudiU Esq . procured the
«^oonu sum of 300/. with whicnhe provided a public granary, from
whence Wheat, ready ground was sold to the poor at a much
less price than they could purchase it in the markets.
1674. About 7 o'clock on the morning of December 29th» the
St^Sid^elU ^^^^ o( Richard Jewell, in the parish of Si. Sidwell's^ sud-
lilbdown S ^^"'y ^^^^ down ; by which the said Jewell, was dangerously
people kil- hart, and his wife and grand child were killed on the spot,
led. Sir WtlHam Courienay, of Pawderham CoiUe, was made a
freeman of this city.
1675. An Act of parliament having been passed for the better re-
TlieDiike galating of the militia, his Grace Christopher Duke of Alher^
of Alber- mtarU (son of the late General Monk) Lord Lieutenant'Of the
tiSndti^*** County oi Devon, and city of Exeter, came here for that pur-
^^' pose and duringhis stay (which was upwards of three weeks)
lodged at the Deanry, where he kept a plentiful table, and
save free entertainment to all visitors. lie twice honoured
tne Mayor's table with his presence, and was elegandy en*
ae^iti the tertained ; he accepted the freedom of the city : and for this
2J^^^ * purpose went to Ae Guildhall, and there took the accus*
aocustomed ^med oath : his Grace was attended by Sir Edward Sey^
oath. mour; Sir Copplestone Bampfi/lde; Sir Arthur Northeote; and
Sir Hugh Ackland, Baronets ; Sir John Rolk; and Sir Wil-
liam Leach, Knights of the Bath ; Sir Thomas Daniel; Sir
WHliam Wallrond, and Sir Henry Ford, Knights Batchelors,
with
X There are two descendants from this gentleman, who, at this pre-
sent time (1^ ) fill the important offices of Justices of the peace, and
aldermen of this city ; vis. Edwnrd Walker, Esq. (brother-in-law to the
Right Honourable Earls St, VmceHi and Visctntnt Hood -J ^^ Benjamin
Hcneifcombe fVaiker, £sq. a Captain in CoUmel fVr^hi^s Regiment of
Exeter Voluoteen.
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thA cfrV OF BiSftER. \f§
irHli iftWMl 6tfc» |<?fit!cin*n df qnaia/; who Weft Tike- CkA^jy .
wise cortrpKttwfntW ivith th*ir fre^om, And irwofm ac^ — — •
tordio;^.
Tire Wlufrfe|e of tW cftf dfotf {t^liicli bad IfcTctofbrc bccii
fcrmed by l^ase) reverted itdti tfce hinds of the chamber ; and ThenavS^.
by tfac ittdfefeti^lc diligence of Mr. Heniy Smithy receiver^ ^^ ^][2f*
^eireraly fii€ na[vrgati(]fh to' the city was mtrcb improved,- by riTergretdf
et^aD^ty^tfae'riVe^ fcattiiig a new feat through the toarshcs, improvrd.
abotithfffiiitiTle in lengthy and enlarging the pool; making
ft so capadotfi that lOC siil of ships may safely ride therein :
by tb^ nstiMi te«8dd, ^ich befote were often detained dp^
wards of a fbrtiright, waitftig for the spring tides, conld now
Auty piTHsr up asvd down, to the great advantage of the mer-
eftlams aCnd others; and tbtks abated die price of con^eyanci
df gobds, nekr^7 one third. The quay, and a^oining island,) The4nay
iv^elrc aiM> le^iled, and encompassed with a Strong ij^all, lerdWjJkt*
alongside which sldps may lie with great cAnvenieircy, eithc?
to dlfchatge, 6i take in their cargoes. A new custom*
hous€ was hdVtt on the quay, iVith convenient offices and
cellars for storing ?66ds. In these works, the chamber ex«
pended upwards of 5,000/. exclusive of the great' benefiictions
received from different wdlwishers to the undertaking,
among whom ought not to be forgotten, the Rto» Dr» George
Curey^ Dean of the Cathedral, who was a most liberal be«
ne£u:tor.
The town of Tangier^ on the coast of Africa^ near the A. D.
fltraitsof GiiMtdr (part of the pbrtion* l*eceived by the King, ^^^l.
with his Queen CMtifi^ of Pufftughl) b«ifig besieged by the
lAwrtoi Eirbniy^ a new regiment of F6ot was ordered to bfe Jrj^^^j
raised, a^ a reinforcement to that gai'nson , accordinsly a cJ^t mi^
comifeJlttion was issued for that purpose to the Duke ofAiber^ ed in £w
morAf, and he appointed thb city of ErtM to be the ren* t«r.
dezvous, for assembling and training the said regiment;
which, through the Duke's great influence in the said city
and county of Deoori^ was soon completed^ and honoured
with the title of the King's own Tanfierene Regiment. *
At the Summer Assizes, this year, three poor, ignorant^ t682.
and aged woihen, nanied 'ttiUpefonce Uoyd^ Mary Tremb!vt^ Three wo- '
i*id Suawiah Edtbards. were trlfcd and convictcdat the Castle, ^ *"«* ,
'7 <u- * executed
^ . »<'' for witch.
§ Now termed the Coal Qui^. ^'*^'
* This regiment, now known bj the name of the King*f own, or 4th
regiment of Foot, (consisting at liitt, mostly of natiTes of Exeitr, and
the neighbouring country) wero tenned the Bxtter guards, which epl*
thet they never disgraced. They hare ever been remarked ^or their
steady <Uscipline and valour, in the various actions in which they have
been; fnd hav^ more than once, been, booooiipd with the thtfiksef
their Xing and Countqr.
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180 THE HISTORY OP
CH AP. IV . for witchcrafts Tfae evidence agunst them was direct and
• positive^ which was confirmee! by the confessions of the pri-
soners themselves, who acknowledged that many parts of
the accusation against them, were true. This confession »
which nothing but their own v^eakness of mind could have
induced, or the most consummate ignoiance could have belie*
ved, was the only ground of their conviction, and even at
the gallows, the poor deluded wMches, assented to its tiruth.
The J were natives, of jBii/€/o/^, and were executed at i/cari-
tree^ on August 25th, 1682, and were the last suderers under
the detestable statutes, enacted, against the supposed crimes
of sorcery, and vifitchciaft, in this Counter. %
A. D. The unbridled licentiousness of the Km^, and the ill go*
1683. vernment of his ministers, created great discontents among
l^^^^S his subjects, and it seems they reached this city : for this
Che citT 7^^9 ^^ Majestv by a quo warranto f demanded a surr^der of
charter. • the charter, which was accordingly delivered up; and in the
following year ( 1 684) a new charter was granted, by which
the fallowing gentlemen were nominated and appointed^ vir.
, Jam£i Walker Esquiref Miir^sr*
Tkamat CHUon Esqwteg Recorder^
ALDE&MBN.
Henry Smith. Robert Dabynott. John Choi wich.
Endymion Walker. George Saffin. Christopher Bale.
. John Snell.
Edward Crosi Esquire^ High Sheriff*
COMMON COUNCIL MEN.
John Carwithen. John Gandy. Edward Dally.
Malachi Pine. Richard Pidgsley. William Jope.
Hump. Leigh. John Matthew. Trist. Bowdidge.
Christopher Coke. Charles Alden. Thomas Potter.
Thomas Hill. King
X The particulait of this extraordinary trial, which made a great noi<e
throughout the country, was printed and pttUished, and the nature of
the evidence, may be seen from the foUowing extract of EHaahetk Eath
ehanif one of the princi(>al witnessea. ** The said informant upon her
" oath, saith, that upon the 2d day of July, the said Grace TkomiUj (one
** of the persons supposed to havej>een under the power dwUckcrt^fiJ
** then lodging in this informant's husband^s house, and hearing her
** complain of great pricking pains in one of her knees, she, this tnfbr-
« mant, did see her said knee, and obierred she had nine places in her
*' knee, which had beeen pricked ; and that every one of the said pricb,
** was as though It had beien the prick of a thorn ; whereupon this in-
** formant upon the Sd of July, did demand of the said Ttmpenmct
** Uojfdj whether she had any wax or clay in the form of a picture, where-
** by she pricked and tormented the said Grace J%oma$ ; unto which the |
** said Temper a nce made answer, that she had no wax or day, butoonfcffed
^ tfaatihe had only apiece of leather, which shehad pricked nine time. "
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THE CITY OF EXETER.
181
King Charles died on the 5th February, 1685, f and was CHAP. IV .
eucceeded by hia only minriving Brother; James^ Duke ^ ^ jj
Fbrit; who was accordingly proclaimed King, in this city,' ^^gf/
on the 9th ofFebruary.
MAYORS and^BAILIFFS m the reign of Chaillzs II.
1661. ' 1665.
Henry Chmdyp Nicholas Isaac.
John Adaad. Peter Hagedot.
Benjamin OKver. John (Collins.
George KnowUng^ Fran. Maypowder.
George Shapcotc. Edward Cheeke.
166S. 1666.
John Marim.
Isaac Maudkt, de^
John Butler, ditto..
Alan Fenny.
George Tuthil!,'
John Gibbons.
Aodicw Qu9sly.
1663.
John Butler,
Stephen OliTean,
declined.
Anthony Salter, do*
Nicholas Isaac.
John Gandy.
Benjamlo Beard.
Henry Smith.
1664.
Alan Penny y OK
Anthony Salter.
Gcor«Tuthill.
Johnrs^rr.;
Robert Buckland.
Richard Hooper.
John Adand.,
James Slade.
Endymion Walker.
Robert Diibynot.
John Somen.
1667.
Thomas Walker,
Benjamin Oliver.
John Sparke.
John Carwtthen.
Samuel Calk.
1668.
George Tuthill.
William Sanford.
Robert Davy.
Joseph Mauduit.
Edward Cross.
1669.
Peter Hagedot.
Isaac Maudait.
Hum. Lcvcrmorc.
GeorigeSafBn.
John Baker.
1670.
Sir Ben. Oliver. Ki.
Chris. Broderidge.
Peter Risdonl
John Cholwich.
Edward Heckman.
1671.
William Sanford.
' John Parr.
Francis Kingwdl.
John Warren.
Thomas ELdmonds^
1672.
Henry Gandy,
John Collins.
William Bodley.
William Cove.
Abisha Brocas.
1673.
Isaac Mauduitm
Wm. Glyde, jun,
Henry Cudmorc.
Humphrey Leigh^
Edward Hill:
1674.
Chris, Broderidge.
Andre>^ Quash.
Nicholas
t Greit fiispicion was held that the King W9s pobon^; as the pre-
vailing parw at Court would not allow the Surgeons who opened the
body, a sufficient time to examine his stomach and intestines ; and, but
a few hoars after his death, such an oifensive smell came from the
corpse, chat the attendanto were oUiged to leave the room: a circum?
stance veij extraoidinary in one of so healthy and vigorous a constitu-
tion.
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18«
VHB VfSTQBf Of
CHAP.lV .NicliriMTfypf,
. • . Sifnon Trobri4j;e*
Jqb Beard.
1675.
Jiii^ Parr.
Henry Smith.
Fran. Worth, Q^.
Thomas Snkitii.
John Pearce.
JohnLe^.
1676.
Wmam iHyde.
Thomas Bale.
Daniel Qun^ry.
George Sanford.
Josepn Bosoi|»
1677.
Georg€ Tkthm.
En'dy mion Walker.
y Robert Hutcbins.
.y^ John Boyland.
Thomas Barons.
WiUum Sanjbrd.
Robert Ekbjrnptt.
Simon Gandy.
EdwaTfl Dally.
Thomas Horti.
1679.
John €»Umi,
George SaAn*
Philip Cheeke.
Peter Batttshill.
ThoBias Goukl.
1680.
H^nty iSfnttnm
John Snell.
Roger Cheeke.
GUbertVard.
\Vm. Southniea4.
Ni|t|ianafl Qis|«
I68t.
John Cholwich.
Richard Ftdgsley.
Wm* PfiUtiuK;.
Arthur Cl^iTiU.
l6Sf.
CArir. flrodn^^
Christopher Bale.
Edward Seaward.
John Case.
Wi)liain J40»M-
1684.
Jama Walhem^
Andrew Bowman, j^^j^^ j» ^^^
168 1 • Benjai^in (vie.
Charles Aldep.
Thomas Boyland.
\
A. D.
1685.
James 2(L
KingJamei ascended the throne amidst the greatest accla?
mations of his satsjects, and was crowned on the l^Sd of April,
1685.
In hisfirstspeech from the tl^ope, he declared, ^^iAaf h
** wat determined to defend and mamtain the Church rfEngland^
** and to preserve the govemnfent in Church and ftaUy ai etttt^
'' iiishedfy law 9 ** and had he fulfilled ikin promise, he would
have prevented the miseries whicl^ afterwards befell himself
and his family ; bnt his well known predilection for the Po-
pish religion gave just grounds to his subjects to doubt hiv
sincerity ; a^d therefore^ before he w^s settled on bis thtone,
a rebeUion broke o.ut in Scottandm
The Duke of Argyie (who bad been banished in the late
Argjrle ral- reign) landed in Scotland w;th a small force, lyhich was joined
J«^« J«bcl- hj many xealous protestants, amounting to near 3000 ; witK
^'^ "* this reinforcement he erected his standard, and declared his
intentions of sup^rting the Prot^sui^t religion : bnt govern-
ment receiving early intelligence of his deigns, he was dc-
feared, taken* and beheaded.
This ooounotion was no sooocc oviils» than attotker-bvokif
out in England^ when the Duke nfMrnm^o^h (a natoial'ioa
of
Duke of
lion in
Scotluid,
is taken
prifoner ft
behoided.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
ef the lalf Kiog) landed U i^m on th« 1 Ift^ Jnoe^ «PqoiQi* QIAy.^y .
panied bj nnu; 100 offi^ra apd geptkmen^ and bripgiag p. ^
with him, anat for 500Q paea : ^ soon as bia littk troop Monmoqdi
were got on ahore, be published a deelaratioo which cbarg^ lands at
the king ^ith burniai^ tbc city of lamdm^ of poisooing oia Ljoai^
brother fKine Charles^ J and of his intentions to introduce
Popery into thia kifigdw»r This declaration brought nucn-
fans of the middling and ^vf^tacx^ people tojoin his standard ;
and he soon found hioMolf m th^ head of m)00 me0» wbom
he regimented, though he could not completely arm. Four and pro-
days after his landing, he marched to Axfmnster; to which ceeib to
5 lace , the Duke of JiSermarie (who had hastily assembled the Axminstors
iilitia of the county <Af)evmJ was marchtiig frem S^ttr^
with 4O00 men : Mmmtntth having taken popeesfiou of, and^
fortified the a^nuas, the Kinj^'a troope retreated in ^rcat oaslm .
foiroa hack to Eseier,
On the 18th June, the Duke rfM ommt Ukf, (instead of pur* muchmU
suing tht fegitives §) roaiched for Taumtomf where he was Tstunton ft
received with great aeclanutions, and tcstiroontea of joy : in >* prodaiin-
this town he was proclaimed King, and thence proceeded.^ ^^*
to J9h^e««Mi/«r, where he was also prpcUimed bj the Mayor
(Mr. Akaandcr Popham;) but ^la epitoaae ef royalty was * ' *
of short duration.
The KingS troops hawng ooUected together under the ii de^siM,
oemnuind of the Sa>i rfFft^mhrnn^ a general engagemest t*kenpii-
teok olaoe on Sedgmoop^ near. Bndgema^^ in which the 1>«1»'{^|^J||^
was defeated and token prisoner ; and being carried to Ifindm^
was beheaded.
Thk ill timed febelhen (though grsaitly instrunMBtal in
]^BM>tiBe the glorious revohitioo) proved fiital ta numfaera
•f the Duke's unhappy ibllowers« That monster ef cruelty^.
Lord ChUfJuxtUe Jejfefiet was sent inta the West with a sp^ ^^ ^^
eial oommisftion of Oyer and Tcmunet, to try dw deiinquenta, j^^ejld:-
attended by a body of troops under the command of Cokmci feries cniel^
Kirk, a barbarian like hknsdf ; they preoeeded t<» the greatest ty.
acta €»f cruelty, spaving neither age nor fcx^ la the coturae
of their circuit they condemned above 50O penone ; dS 9^ wei»
executed, 80 of whom, suifeacd ia ExeUr: and their mnn«
gled quartera w^re esipoeed on tieea iu the pubttc roads, lo^^
tbegreat annoyance and terioe of passengecs^ A. D«
'Die Riffht Honourable the EatiofBttt^ oiTbeieg anpei&t^ Th^\
edLofd Lfeutenant ofthe county oWevm, and city of £m^, bI^^^
was presented with the freedom of the ciey : and the ftttowing £ari of
year Dartnoiitfc
•dxnitted to
§ The Qoke has been nioch blamed for not pursuing the fugitives to the freedom
Xxeiery as he might easily have taken it, and provided his. men with 8U& ^ ^^ ^^-.
fidont amis and stores, ot vrhich they were n;uch in need. ^'
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184 THE HISTORY OP '
CHAP. IV . y«ar HbtEarlofDartmoHthvnMzdrmtitdto tfaciamc priTile^e.
"XrvT "^^^ King listening entirely to the advice of hw popish
1687. couDsellorSy stretched the royal prerogative to the utmost,
and» by the unjust decisions of his courts of Justice, alienated
The King the affections of his subjects, which occasioned a general
S*;;^^ discontent. ^
ibr remo- Among other stretches of his power» be sent a mandamu
ynng the to this city, for removing the Mayor and other officers, and
Biayor, Stc. appointing others in dieir room : the letter was couched in the
following terms,
James Rex, .
Trusty and well beloved. We greet you well. Whereat
We have, by our order in council, thought fit to remove
John SneUf £squire, from being Mayor, and one of the
Aldermen of that our city of Exeter: George Safin^ John
Choiwichf Jamet Walker^ and Henry Smithy from being Al«
dermen; Christopher Coke^ from being one of the Sheriffs,
and of the common council ; Humphrey Leigh ^ Charles Ai*
den^ Thomas Potter^ Nathaniel Gist^ Malachs Pine^ Edward
Dalfyf John Carmthen^ and William Joyce, from being of
NewMayor, the common council ; and Richard Rous, from being Sword
&c. ap. bearer of our said city : We have thought fit hereby to will
P^'^'ted. m](] jrequireyou forthwith to elect and i^mit Our trusty and
Well beloved Thomas Jeford Esquire, to be Mayor and one
of the Aldermen; George Tothill, Merchant, William Glyde,
Gent.; Edmond Starr fMtrchsjtt,BndThomasAther ion. Mer-
chant; to be Aldermen ; Richard Cunningham,, Gent, to be
one of the Sheriffs, and of the common council ; John Curson,
Receiver, and of the common council ; John Starr, Merchant;
John Pym, Merchant; John Boyland, Merchant; Rob^t
Buckland, Vintner ; Jeremiah King, Grocer ; Roheri Tristram,
Merchant; Tohias Allen, Merchant ; and HughBidwiU, FuNer;
to be of the common council; Bud Joseph Bradshav, to be
Sword bearer of our said city, in the room of the persons
above-mentioned; and Humphrey/ Bowden, Fuller; to4)eotte
of the Aldermen, in room of Endymion Walker, deceased,
widiout administering to them any other oaths, but the usual
oath for their executing of their respective places, with which
we are pleased to dispense in this behalf; and for so doing,
this shall be your Warrant ; and so we bid you &rewelL
Given at our Court at Whitehall, this 2dth day of Novem*
ber, 16879 in the third year of our reign.
By his Majesty 's Command,
SUNDERLAND.
To our Trusty and well heloved, the Deputy, Re^
corder. Aldermen, Common council men and
Freemenofthe Corporation of the City of Exeter . On
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THB CITY OF BXETBB. 185
On the 24th January, 1687, Mr. Jeffhrd, * the Mftyor, CH VP. IV ^.
Was desired by the then Chamber, to surrender into his Ma- jj^ ^^
icsty *s hand, the former Charter, which was done according- chmrter sur-
ly ; and oh the 27th March, 1 688, the new charter was first rendered,
executed ; and the new Mayor Knighted by the King.
On the 27 th September following, the King's mandate
was sent down, to elect and continue Sir Thomas Jeffords to
beM^orof this city, and Richard Cunningham^ Elsq. to be
Sheriii^ for the year ensuing ; in the following words :
Jame$ Rex^ 27 die Septembris, 1688*
Trusty and Well beloved. We greet you well. Whereas The King's
We are well satisfied of the lojralty and ability of our trusty mandate for
and well-beloved Sir Thomas Jeffords Knight, the present oontinuinr
Mayor, and Richard Cunmngham^ Esq. the present Sheriff |^*^JJ^^
of that our city of Exeter; We have thought fit hereby to shenfF fo^
require you to elect and continue him the said Sir Thomas another
J^ord to be Mayor, and the said Richard Cunningham^ Esq. yev.
to be Sheriff of our said city, for the year ensuing, with all
the rights, profits and advantages thereunto belonging, with-
out administering to them any oath or oaths, but the usual
oath for the execution of their respective places, with which
we are graciously pleased to dispense in this behalf; and for
so doing this shall be your warrant; and so We bid you
Farewell. Given at our Cpurt at Windsor , this 27th day of
August, in the 4th year of our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
SUNDERLAND.
The Kingnow threw off the mask by his public profes* A. D.
lion of theniNWtfn Catholic religion, and in order to recon- ^^88.
cile his three kingdoms to the Holy see, he sent the Earl of The King
CoMltmam ambaMador to the Pope; he likewise (the better endesToun
to answer his purpose) dispensed with several of his officers *^ '^^'^
and oonncellors from Complying with the Test act; and by |^Ji^?/
the advice of his popish ministers laid aside the penal laws
and sent a circular letter to the Bishops, with ordeis to pro*
hibit the inferior clergy from preaching upon controverted
points
* Sir Thomas Jeford was ver^ gkilflil in hi« profession of a Dyer, hy
which be accumulated a large fortune : hut betog ambitious and aspir-
ing to honours, procured himself the civic chair of this city, which he
enjoyed but a diort time. There is a tradition that, having dyed a piece
of fine broad doth, blue on one side, and crimson on the other, he pre-
sented it to the King, who was so much pleased with it, that he ever
after held him in gijeat esteem. Sir Thomas^ with the other members of
this new created chamber, were presbyterians : which seems to be tho
feasoQ for the King^s dtspeniing with the usual oathi of qualification.
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18^ tiife Ristotfr OP
C HAP.rr . pofifto of Di^bify ; lie dft> ]iabii«he4 a <kdalKfioii ghWi
■' abcrtj of oofiftfcfice to ditocnters crfall denominatiotis, whii
declaration he ordered to be mrMieiy read }ft aH t&e chorcbei
and diapels ; several of (be Bi^bdps refusm^ to ccntfdty xvkii
this order, the Archbishop of Cdnieriw^f afid snC otfaef
Sizpidiopt Bishops, f were comnd^ed prisoners to the Tower of Lon*
tent to the gg^. bat being tried in the Court of King^s Bench Wert ao*
^^^»' quitted^ (to Che gieaft satisfiiction of the peopte.J Utoae actf
of oppresAtoQ, artd the apprehenaion of agam beirig^ stihjectetf
t§ the sttperstitioffraAdt^nny of the Coart of iR9M^ eitirely
The people alienated the afFectioas of his subjects ^ and the episcopalians
?■*■"/• uniting with the dissentersi resolved to set the Prmce of
The Prkioa Orange on the Throne. Several noblemen, and other per*
of Onmce sons of distinction, went over (on various preiensioni) to the
iaviied over ttof^ue, to consult with the Prince of Oranj^ep and to desire
araistance in rescuing the nation from the impending dangers
which now hung over it ; to this his Royal Highness ooiw
sets Mil sentedf, and accordinglv set sail from the BriU in titUahd^
horn Hoi- and on Monday the 5tn of Novfember^ I68&, the Aect con-
^^'^^ sistinor of fifty capital men of war, twenty-^sijt frigates,
tweoty-five fireships, and about three dundred transports
and lends at and storeships, came into Torba^^ the Prince was on board
Toibe/. a new ship of thirty guns, whose tfag wUa the Engtish co«
lours, with this mouo : " The protestant reiigimt mnd Idbertki
of Engiiandf^^ and underneath **'Jtt^inaM/«mfr;'^' he then
hoisted a red flag at the mizen-yard^rm, and proceeded to
make good his landing, which, waaaeconfplished without any
oppositioA', the peDpR^e)cdming and hailing him as their de-
liverer, bringiogr in all necessary provisions both for man and
horse, for which they were honestly paid their d^nilnids ; the
Prince Sesame day sent a Captain tosearch Tot A^be^f (and
cither houses inhabited by papists) for horses afldarmr. %
The Pf»inee'i army, consistin^r of neaa^ J0,6(W well armed,
and' disciplined troops, were safely laiidbd by Tuesdkj after-
noon, and their baggageV ainmunitSbn', and stbfes were sent
to TopsAam by water, from whence thej^wfere brought strong-
He lays at ly guardfcd to this city. On Wednesday the 7th, the Prinei
Ford house, caiftc to .FW House (ttear Ne»t(m AirM/ where' he vha
most
f One of these Bishopt was Sir Jonaiimt T^htHntetfy, then Bishop of
BHttoly but afterwards of Exeter: a native of Cenuo<Ui\ and his ooofiae'
ment greatly exasperated the Cemiskmen.
X A popish priest residing.at 7br Ahhejf disoorerinc the flest, and the
white flags on some of the men of war, concluded it wee a Frendt fleet
come to the assistance of King JameSf against Uie Prtace of Ontnge ; and
(transported with joy) ordered all the family to npekr to the chapel, te
ting Te 2>ow, for the arrival of the Freneh ; liiit ht wM sobiittndceeived|
and laughed at^ for his mistake*
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXBTER, 187
most bospitably received md entertained, by order of the CHAP. rv «
noble owner Sir WiUiam Courtenay^ where he lay that night; — —
at Newim Buthel he was met by a Clergyman , who pre*
ceded him to the market place, where he read the Prince* 9
decbunationy which was received with every demonstratioa
of joy.
The same day Captain Hicla with a part^ of horse came to Oipl. Hicb
Ereier, where great numbers flocked to him to enlist them- .^w^s to
selves in the Prince $ service, which the Mayor hearing o^^^^^
sent for him, and questioned him if he had a commission for -^^ ^^
what he did ; to which he would return no direct answer, Prinoeli
nor give any account of the Princess designs ; for this con- lervice,
tempt, he was ordered to prison ; but the populace who were j, oidered to
assembled in great numbers about the Guildhall, would not prison, but
permit his being carried away ; therefore he was suffered to >s rsscued
remain in the HaU under the custodv of two constables ; and ^ ^^ P*^
was amply provided for (during his short confinement) by ^ ^*
the Mayor's orders. Thursday the Lord Mardaunt^ and Dr. Loid Mov-
Bumet^ (afterwards Bishop oiSalisduryJ with four troops of daant
horse, came to Exeter; when they arrived at the Westgate, J^*?*®
they found it shut against them ; upon which Lord Mordaunt, ^^*
ordered die Porter to open the gate on pain of death, § which
being presently don^ he required him, on the same penalty
not to shut it again ; as soon as they were entered the city.
Lord Mordaunt, went to the Guildhall and set Captain Hicki
at liberty ; that afternoon Lord Mordaunt^ and Dr. Burnet^
waited on the Mayor requesting him to meet the Prince at 'phe Mayor
the gate, and govern the city under him, which he absolutelv refuies to
ref(ued, and told them he was under the obligation of an oath ^^ the
to his Majesty, and desired that the Prince would lay no com- ^^^1^ ^
niands on him that should be prejudicial to his conscience ; fftTimder
and after some further debate on the matter his Lordship de- him.
parted much dissatisfied. All Thursday the soldiers con-
tinued to enter the city ; and on Friday the Prince came with The Prince
his guards, who continued marching through the city, to of Orange
the adjacent villages, and towns, without ceasing for the vnves.
space of three hours ; the Princess public entry into Exeter ^ ^j^ ^^^^
was verv magnificent and conducted in the following man- intoExetec;
ner. The Right Honourable the Earl of Macclesfield^ with
two hundred horse; most of whom were £n^/»A nobles and
A a gentlemen,
% There is a tndltion, that, the Porter refusing to open the gate,
G^rge TmhiU^ Esq. one of the aldermen, opened it, and admitted the
troops ; and that he afterwards, meeting- with great iosset at sea, was
much reduced in his circumstances, which coming to the knowledge of
the Pnnee after his advancement to the throne, he gratefully rewarded
him with a pension of ;200/. per snn.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
t99 THB HISTOBT OF
CHAy.lY . gcodteMD, ndtij tDounled on Flanden SieeA, cemfidbdf
"— "— clothed m brigktarmoof*
Two bviuked n^iocs (attendiog the mid ggBtlemcn) had
oo ciBbfaidcrcd capt, Kacd with whkc fort, and pfaunes of
wUle feitfacn ; twa hiindnd FiaUmdtn^ clothed in beaten*
skins, in black armour and with broad swords ; fifty gentle*
ittnandas nanv IMges, to attend and avppoct the rrmee'g
standard; fifty led horses all nuuaaged and broke for war«
with two grooma to each horse; two state coaches; the
Prmetcn a milk white horse, in a complete suit of bfi|^ ar«
moor* a plame of white Ostrich ieatners on his head, and
forty two footmen ranniag by his side ; two hnodrod gentle*
nco and pages on horscMck; dn«e bsmdred Smiu guards
ansed with fusees; fiye huidrcd Volunteers with two led
horses each : the Frmee*i guards, in number sbc handred,
armed CaMrpie; the restof the army brought i^ the rear;
tk^ had mj waggons kwded with cash, and one hundred
and twenty pieces of cannon«
On theroad his Highness was met by great multitudesof
people who weleomcd him by loud kuzaas and acclamations,
the same was done at JSjtto^y where the streets were thronged ,
a»d the windows fillql witk joylal spectators ; he was con-
The Prince ducted to the Deanry which had been ps^Mired in a hasty
keeps his manner for his reception, and where he kot his court during
^;^|[^^^ his residence in this ci^ ; and bj his afiabilfty, and the strict
'^"°^' discii^iBe and good b^viour of histroops, gained tiie esteem
of all ranks of people* *
goes to the Afinr taking some refreshment, the Prince went to the
Gitbednil. Cathedral to render thanks to Almighty God for his sale ar*
rival, when being seated in the Bishop's Throne, the Choir
Dt. Burnet aui^ Te DeuMf and after dirine sernce. Dr. Butnetf read the
PreschcL Prmee*$ declaration. On Sunday he again attended divine
senrice at the Cathedral, when Dr. Bmmet preached ; the text
was taken from the last Terse of the 107th Psalm, *< «4m9 it
'< wise wiUpMier these things and they skaUunderstand (he iacing
^^ kMness^the hsfdJ^ Notwithstending this kind reception
the Prince met with from die middling and lower class of
IBhs ns»> P^o^le, tiie naagistrates, and clergy, were very backward,
rtratcsof psrticuhuly in this city, where on^ alderman TuthUl, and
^1^^*^^^^* 6ac other member of the chamber, ^fedared in bis favour ; it
indedttine ^VwJ'tkewise the same with the gentlemen of the county of
for the Devon; not one of whom joined his standard except Afr«
Prince of BurrsngtMf
Orange.
• Birftop r.M/fcgjI, oa Hm news ef Ike Miicv*«mppfQacli, left the
dtfln a.gfB«t hamy^ and lepairadtotlieKliig (hy wlioiii'hewasad-
WBccd to thaAwhhidiiipricof Yark/mA wm aoon after followed bf
the Dean, and moft of the resident dtegy^.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB Cmr 0» EKfiTER. 1Q9
Autm^An, t>f Smi^M (a Mi^ of the kCKda) wlw came CHAF.IV .
to lumoa the Maflda7»uidwif kindly reoeiTed* .
It doeg not appeatfthftt this hack wardneflB piooeeded fiooi
any ill mothre or design to retard the Pitincenoni prooeeding^
oDhisezpedition»hatnHdier£bomadKadofilBfittkire; tht^
haviag had sufficient eiperienoe of the stnguiaary dbposi*-
don of the KiagandhisMinisters^ffom the feeentemnples
ninde of the nnSai^ feJk>wen of delate i>s^ of Mmn^^
^r mangled bo<Les being still exposed to their neiro.
The biu;kirBfdnesB of die Detmtkire gentleoien, dnteped 7^^^^^
die spirilB of the Prmce, and he had some thoaghts of aban- ^||^^^^
doning his design; but he was soon rdiered from his aazietjr* ofKtrett-
bydM arrival at JKcvIrr of the L^rd CMMer^ (ii^o bfoaglit teg.
some of the King'stioops widi him) he wassoon after nl* LotdCol-"
lowed by many other penons of distinction ; and many gen» «*»««•«'*€•
ticmen of the first quality in the county oi Devon now roi- ^^^
paired to his standard, who aasemblinr together in die Ca- The gentle-
thedfd at the instigation of Snr£AMrWSi9rf»Nir (Reoorderof menof De-
thiscity) eolcrod into, and subscribed the IblloWiAg ^Mocia^ ]|^^^|i^ ^
tbn: »t«iidard,
*' We whose names arc herenntD snbsoribed, who have and enter
'< now joined with the Prinee of Ormnge for the defence of '^toimasso-
** thePferotestant rdigion, and lor the maiatunin^ of the a»- ^^"^
* cient Go^vemment, and the Laws and Liberties of Efig^
' land^ ScMmdt and IrddnJ, do engage to Almighty God,
' to his Highness the Prinee of Orange^ and to one another,
^ to stick firm in this cause in the de&noe of it, and nercr to
* depart from it, until oar Religion, Laws, and Liberties,
^ are so £ur secured to us in a Free Pariiament, that we shall
' be no more in danger of idling under Popery, and SIsh
* Tery. And whereas we ire engaged in this common cause
^ under the protection of the Prmoe of Orange^ by which
' case his person mi^t be exposed to danger, and the cussed
^ attempts of Papisis and other bloody men ; we do therefore
* solemnly' engage to God, and to one another, that if any
* such lUlempt be made upon him, we will pursue not only
' those that make it, but all their adherents, and all that we
^ find in arms against us, with the utmost severity of a just
' revenge to their ruin, and destruction. And that the
* execution of any such attempt, which God of his infinite
* mercy forbid ! shall not divert us from prosecuting this
* cause which we now do undertake, but that it shall en-
^ gage us to carry it on with all the vigour that so barbarous
' an action shall deserve."
** Given under our hands and seals, in the Cathedral
•* Church of Si. Peter, Exeter, this 17th day of Nor. 1688/*
Aa 2 This
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
190 THB HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . This association was speedily poblished througliout the
•"■"■"""^ country, am) many Noblemen and others came to the PruKe;
The King whilst King Jame$ (who had assembled hnarmy at SaiuburyJ
dewitadby finding himself daily deserted by many of his principal No-
lus Noblety blemen, and Commanders who brought entire Regiments
^* with them and joined the Prmce at Extter^ now too kte per-
publishes a ceived his error, and published a Declaration promising to
r^^*" call a free Parliament, and to govern according to the Laws ;
^tiQ^'^ but this Dechration was little attended to, and he found hiuH
self deserted by those he put most confidence in.
The Prince The Prince of Orange (dius encoufa|;ed) after a stay of
•'^^'J^^ twelve days, marched for Londen^ f leaving die government
gjj25^/^ oiExtter to Sir Edward Seymour, (the Recorder) and Colonel
Gidson with a small garrison, in charge of his heavy artillery
and stores, which on account of the badness of the roads, he
was obliged to leave behind him.
Before the Prince left Exeter several thousands of men en*
listed themselves in his service, and many thousands more
would have followed their example, had they been permitted :
but no occasion existed for their services. On the news of
the Princess approach, the King driven to despair, arid not
knowing whom to trust or confide in, left his army and re-
turned to London; from whence on December 2Sd, he abdi-
The Kin; cated the government, and secretly made his escape to France,
^P« ^ to which country he had before sent his Queen, and Son, the
Fnuice. pHnce of JFaies.
Impartial historians all agree, that this unfortunate Mo-
narch, was a kind &ther, a tender husband, a good master;
and would have been a good King, had he not been misled
by his wicked ministers : and that the religion he professed
was the source of all his troubles ; it being' highly probable,
that his reign would have been propitious, had he himself
been a Protestant, or his subjects Jloman Catholics.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of Jambs II.
1 685. Edward Ball. Daniel Ivie.
-Moieri Dahynott. 1686. Edward Collins. >
Sailij£f g^%^., B»^Fo«„./^
IssacGibbs. ChnstophcrCoke.
1687.
i* Previous to the Prinedi departure, he caused the tufTOuodinS
lieighti to be surveyed, intending to foitiiy the city, to secure his retreat
in case he should be compeDed so to do ; but his engineen representing
to him the almost impncticability of it, by the nature of the city's sito-
ation, he abandoned his design.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
rTHE CITT OF BXETER.
191
16B7. 1687.
John Gandy* I Rtfnwedhy John Curson. / Appomifd
John Bareli. >Me King's Anthony Vicaiy. >m /^i>
Rich. Peryara. \ Mandate. William Atkins. I ^octft,
Thomas Salter. ) Wm. Rejnell. J
CHAP IV*
1688.
JohnI&. ( ^^^thePrioy
JohnKccsc. 3 ^^"^•
Chris. Brodridge, revutated,
Christopher BsJe, elected Dec* 8.
£dward Seaward.
John Case
William Jope.
1688.
The Charter reitored
Christopher Bale.
John Gandjr.
John Dally,
Henry Newcomb.
Oliver Mostyn.
On the Prince of Orangt^s arrival in London the Peers then i^'
in Town, desired him to take the administration upon him-
self» till they should have assembled the Estates of the King- ^w^^|!*
dom» by the stile and title of Conventien^ which was sum- "^ *
noned lor the 22d of January, 1689. At this meeting the
House of Commons declared the Throne vacant by the ab-
dication of the late King, which being agreed to by the House
of Peers, it was resolved to offer the Crown to the Prince^ and
Princess of Orange^ and they accepting the offer were pro- KingWaU-
daimed in London^ King, and Queen of Great Britain^ on •" &Q«e«ft
the 17th of February ; and in this city (with the usual solem- Jf'^edto
nity, and great acclamations of the inhabitants) on the Friday ^^ ^^
fiollowing. X
Before King Jaiiie#'< abdication, he, in order to regain the
lost affections of his subjects, issued a proclamation for re-
storing the charters of such cities, and towns, which he bad
deprived of them, excepting those only who had conie into
his measures by a voluntary surrender of their franchises, of
which the city oi Exeter was one; but, on the 5th day of
November, 1688, the following order fro,m the King was
received, in this city.
AT
t On thit oecatipn thans were greet r^olcings in this cit^ ; die con-
duits ran with wme, and at night there were greet illuminetioiis; the po-
pulace almost mad with joy, insulted the houses of the Paptsis^ and
were proceeding to acts of violence, when a timely stop was put to them,
%y the intet£Rence of the Magistxatea
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192 THS HISTORY OF
CHAPm AT THE COURT AT WHITEHAIX,
November lit, 1688.
The City*t The Kinff^s most Excellent Mafesty in CmuwU. <' WbeKU,
clui^rre> <« Ju jjig Majesty's late Proclamation, issued, for restoring
*"•*• ** Corporations to their ancient Charters, Liberties, Rights^
" and Franchises, the ancient Corporation, and Body Cor«
** porate of the City ofExeter^ is one of those therein except*
^ *^ ed, upon a supposition, that the deed of surrender by
*' them made to his late Majesty was recorded ; but upon
** farther examinatioD, and producing the said deed of sur*
*' render, it appearing that the same never was veoorded, his
'^ Majesty in council, (designing the same benefit to the said
'* City and the ancient Corporation thereof, as to other cities
** in the said Proclamation not excepted) in pursuance to the
** power reserved to his Majesty in tne Charter of Incorpon^*
'* tion lately granted to the said City, is pleased to older;
<* and it is hereby ordered; that the Sfayor, Sheriff, Recor-
** der. Town Clerk, Aldermen, Common Council Men,
^* and all and everjr odier Magistrate, Officer, and Minister
*' of, or in the said city, be, and they are hereby^ removed^
** displaced, and discharged of and from the said Offices,
** Magistracies, and Places; savins, and reserving to them
" and every of them, such Right, fiivilegc. Place, or Office,
** as they Kave, or lawfully may daim by the ancient Charter,
''or Franchises of the said City : and, it is further ordered,
** that the Mayor, Sheriff, Aldermen, Recorder, Town
** Clerk, Common Council Men, and all and every other
'* Minister and Officer of die said City, that were such at the
*' time of the sealing of the said Deed of Surrender, do take
" upon them the execution of their respective Offices and
** Magistracies, and proceed to make due Elections, and to
'' act and do as they lawfully might if no such deed had ever
*' been had or made."
PHILIP MUSGRAVE.
The oM This order, on account of the dissentions occasioned by
Mayor r6- the revolution, was not immediately put in execution; but
initated, goon after Christopher Brodridge^ Esq, vros reinstated in the
*£»«!'** office of Mayor, and on the 8th of December, Chmtophtr^
Bide. Esq. was elected for the residue of the year.
The Kingdom of Ireland, espousing the cause of the abdi-
cated King, a rebellion broke out, and most part of that Island
(a few garrisons in the North part only excepted) declared in
A regiment &vour ofKmfc James: the French King sent a large army to
of foot rai- theirassistanoe, and therefore orders were sent to dimrent parts
•edinEaco- of£n^/«K/for levying troops; and a commission for raising a
^* regiment
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE C ITT OF SXETER. 193
icgiment of foot being sent to Exeter 9 many gentlemen of the CHAP.iy .
city, and the neigkbouring coantry, accepting connnis6iont "
therein , the regiment was soon completed and sent to Ireland^
where they b&ved with great bravery. §
The Right Hononiable the Earl of Danby^ was presented A. D.
with the fiteedom of thb city* ^692-
On the 29th of May great rejoicings were made for the TheFroieh
florious victory guned by the British fleet, over that of the fleet de-
rrench King, on Cape le Hogme in Normandy^ on the 19th of 'Jj'*?*' •*
duB Month ; in which the French lost nineteen of their largest j^^l^
ibips besides their Admiial, and a great number of transports ^^
which weiebnmt; thisfiHal blow almost mined the French
aarr^ and pnt a stop to theix invasion of this kingdom.
xhe iitimy of having the water from, the river Exe conveyed ^ ^^•
to the houses of this cibr being taken into consideration by The water
the cfaombery an act of Parliament was procured 9 and ata Engine
engine for that purpose erected (at the head of the new leat) erected.
on a very ingenioas model; which, notwithstanding the
elevated situation of the dty, plentifully supplies (by the help
of wooden pipes) snch inhabitants, who, on the payment
of an annual rent, are desirous of being furnished therewith.
The bad state of the silver coin, requiring the interference 1G96.
of the Legislature, six new mints were established by act of a Mint es-
Pailiament, one of which was placed in this city ; the cfaam- ublished a
ber granting for that purpose part of Ihle^s (or the Blue this city.
Maid*iJ Hospital, where furnaces were erected, and an assay
master, and proper offioen appointed ; in this mint a lar«[e
quanti^ of suver was coined, all which may be distinguish-
id by having die letter Ej^aced under the bust.
QiMoi Mary died of the small pox, on the ^th of I>ecem- Queen Ma-
bcr, neatly regretted by the King, and the whole nation, 'y'' death.
A Patent nnder the coAnion Seal of this city, was fl;ranted 1697.
to Jemes Duhe of Ormonde to be Lord High Steward thereof;
be
§ In this Iri^ war, theiZev. Mr, Walker a native of this citjr, gave
signal proofs of his biarery and seal for the Protestant religion. The
City of Lmdanderry being besieged by King James at the head of a nu-
merous Army, and the garrison being deserted, most cowardly, by its
governor; at the desire of the garrison and inhabitants, this sentleman
took upon himself the government, and made a mo»t remartcable and
gallant defence, during the siege: in which the inhabitants were redu-
ced by &mine and sickness, to the greatest distress ; he acted in a three-
fold capacity,/«7eacAfi^ in the morning, then presiding injudicial matters^
*Qd in the afternoon visitlAg the fortifications, exhorting the Soldien^
>ad oftemiQes heading the nllies which were made ofi the besiegers; in
short, by this exeanfiaxy conduct, and prudence, he prevented that
importsnt fortress trom tiling into the hands of the enemy ; and preser-
ved the North of Ireland. . This gentleman was slain by a musquet ball
«t the batUe of the Bayne, on the 1st of July, 1090, greatly regretted bf
rnig IFifl&wi, and all the Army.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
194 THE HISTOKT OF
CHAP.rv . he likewise was admitted to die freedom of the city* This
— year, oa September lOth, the famous Peace of RtfWwicJr^
Beace of (which secarcd to King WiUiom the quiet possession of the
Rytwick. ilxree kingdoms of England^ Scotland^ and Ireland; as also
the restitution of his principality of Orange) was signed ; and
on the 29th of the same montn» Peace was proclaimed at the
usual places in this city* Notwithstanding this treaty^ so
lately si^ed» the perfidy of Lewis the 14th (Kii^ of France)
concernmg the Spanish succession , again set Europe in a
flame; and King William preparing to revenge himself on
j^ jy this perfidious monarch, was prevented by a fall firom his
1702. horse, near Hampton Courts which occasioned hb death oa
I>eath of the 8th of March, 1 702. The death of this Prince was great-
King Wil- Ij lamented by his Protestant subjects, as he was a zoJous
liam. defender of both their civil, and ecclesiastical liberties, as
well as the Protector oi Europe from the encroachments of the
perfidious frriicA monarch
On the death of the King, the Crown (by the act of suc-
cession) devolved to his sister-in-law, the Princess Anne^
second daughter to the abdicated King James, and wile of
George, Prince of Denmark*
The Trade ^^^ ^^^y of Exeter enjoyed a share, with the rest of the
of this city British Empire, in the good effects of the revolution; its
greatly ia- foreign trade greatly increased ; and liberty of conscience
ST^^h h ^^°ff tolerated to christians of all denominations, encoura-
revolution.^ ged many foreign merchants to setde here, which enlarged
Its correspondence, and opened new markets for its woollen
manufactures, ships sailing every year with cargoes of wool-
len, and other goods, to most partB of the world, even to
Turkejf and the West Indies ; and a Sugar-house, and a Glass-
house were built between this city and Topsham, which
employed a great many labourers, to the general benefit of
the country*
MA YORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of King WUlkm UI.
1689. Richard Peryam. 1692.
John Snell. ^,?}|?'^ Pounsford. Christopher Coke.
Edward Cross, r^ Y^^"^^ ^''*^^^- William Bollithoc.
signed. John Newcombe. Richard Smith.
Gilbert Yard. 169K Roger Pro wse*
Slr?,,?"^"^^- £^WS.a«,a«/. J«^P^""«^7-
J^Sffinkley. JP^^^ ?T".\ '^''•
,«on Francis Lydstone. j.j^^Gandj^.
1090, Joshua Hickman* ria„;^i i^;::
Edward Cross. William Hibbert.
Daniel Ivie.
Jo'
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THB CitT OF EXETER.
m
John Gandy, Jun.
James KingwiU.
George Gary.
I694.
Robert Da6ynoit.
Isaac Gibbt.
Richard Atwill. .
Jc^n. Vicarr.
Clement Weekes.
1695,
GiOertYard.
John Monkley.
Edward Spicer.
Daniel Slade.
Emanuel Hole*
I696.
Christi^her Bale.
Joshua Hickman*
Edward Cheeke.
William Carthcw.
Richard Veale.
1®7.
John Cttrscnm
George Yard.
JohnHombrooke*
Thomas Bury.
John Gilbert.
1698.
John BureU.
Edward Dally.
William Gandy.
Christopher Gird.
John Bolt.
1699.
Joshua Hickman*
John Gandy.
Jacob Rowe.
Philip Pear.
WiUiam Pitficld.
1700.
John Sneii*
John Newcombe*
Nath. Dewdney*
Edward Allen.
JohnDeU.
17-OK
John CholweU.
Oliver Moystein.
Robert Lydston.
Alex. Sampson.
Thomas Robinson.
CHAP. IV.
Queen AnnevnA proclaimed in this city, on March 15th« A. D.
1702; and immediately on her accession to the throne, de- ^^^^•
clared her resolution of pursuing the plan formed by her ^* ^'^•*
predecessor, of curbing tne exorbitant pride, and power of
the French Monarch, and securing the liberties of Europe
from his encroachments; accoi^ngly a war (which was de- Wardecta-
clared in this city. May 8th, 1702,) proved glorious to the red against
British nation^ as it was attended with an almost uninterrupted ^"^^*
series of prosperities, victories, and triumphs; which bum-
bled the pride of Prance^ and almost annihilated her navy.
The Earl 0/ Rochester coming to Ejtter^ was compHmented
with the freedom thereof; during his stay (which was for
several days) he was elegantly entertained by the Mayor.
On the 26th of November, this year, about eleven at night, '7^«
a terrible storm of wind arose, which did incredible damage A ;reat
throughout most parts of £i7^/!(»u/, mostly on the coasts, where >tonn of
great number of ships were wrecked, and many thousands ^"***'
of men drowned; this hurricane continued with great vio-
lence until four o' Clock the next morning ; in this city, many
houses were unroofed, stacks of chimneys blown down, and
trees tQrn up by the roots, particularly in St. Pettr^s Church^
B b yartf^
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
I^ ffOS »I#?0PT PV
'(Ban
^' growth, weue moftly d^ea^fed. *
A. D. Thebeginniag of Septpmber, ihi^ rau*, newi^viagof
1704. f^^ glorious \dct017 obtained over the Prettck^ by the Duke of
idariborough^ at BlenJUim, occauoned great fejoicingB ia thia
. city.
9ir EdwMrd SeymmtTf Bafoact, i^ko bad filled the ^oe of
Reeprderof £jref^fbr many jrcan^ naigaied it on accoiuilof
his ^reat age ; and Sir NieAoiat Hotfurt lCiiight» waa eieotfid
ia hi8 room. ^
In the yeaf 16999 an act ofPafSament was moci^ied for the
better ernplojment| and maintenance of the roor inhabitants
1707. of this city, and county, and the atxt rtsti, a new Work-^
WewWork- house was begun, op an elevated and healthy spof of gionndi
liouse buUt. in the parish of Si. SidipeU's, which was carried on wSh socb
▼igonr, that in the s^nae year, the centnd part of the baiidiRg
was finished ; but the whole was not eompfetcd till ^ year
1 707, at a very great expence to t^e citizens. This (luilding
IKscriptic^ fonns a large quadrangle, oppn tow^d^ the So«|h ; the cen-
of^work- 1^ contains a handsome Chapel, tcrminfited by a cupola, in
which is a clock, and dial, couTenient apartmento for the
governor, diflbrent oificea for the nse of the hoosev and Rnci*
oils ropoas for ^e meeting of Qommitt^^. T^ie wings*
which extend to i neat leng&, af^e divided info Wards (of
j^oges) wliich are kept clean^ and wholesome, and ^re spa-
elotts enough to contain several bpQdreds of paupers ; be-
Mnd, are buildings designed fof tbje better 9^ccoqiq[io()^ion
cef those who, haying Uved in credit, arc leditced through
imafortiiiDies to apply tp fhdx PaipAl^ fpf relief. There axe
fikewise worlcshop^ and either conyenience^^ with ^ spacious
Oreen in frcinC,. pUnted with row^ of trees, wherp o^e popr
inhabitants n&ay both tajjce the itir and i^ocreate tbems^Tf» : a
^haplain is al^ pfovidied, w^^ pri^sbch^ every Sui^ky, and
ipads prayei9 twi^e vi> every week, wbpu es^cb jpguper, if not
bedridden^ ^objigeil to aftqid* llie^^p}^ bi^ld^, green,
and gard^, are aarroa^ded by a lofty brick w^iy and at the
time of its erection, was. esCcemc^ ih^ $r9t bi^Idijig of iai^^od
11^ England.
OoverD- The Govenupaent of this hoyaf, ia 'mypal^ in fpity citizens,
w"lS^**** who are termed, Guardiana ot ^e ?qor, aao are ^hosen at
imdiw^** different Wardmotes fc^r life, {unleij? incapacitated
Exeter. ^rougb infirmity^ or ii^Kitvefif^) by thoflip in];K<^tiitants of
thei^
* The Teiaaimn| efins were MM bf order of the Dean and Chapter,
for the ake of miifonDity ; and Lim» Trees planted in their room i but
these not thriving, most of then vrere grubbed up, and standing elias
epUated.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
oMSi^ mpccuvc Wnoi 'wbo {My twt^^pooKc per wbcx mf tlicif ^h^» • *y *
«rwit ri^ towvdi ^bt Fotontev; thes^, wilb die MtcfoTd ^
Iteoofderf md AUtiucoy for ttte tme b^YMj; are iiivcited
'With MAjfdwtx in iCTTing'4iicli inM oulw difRnSot psfiskc^
and pflBciiusIf v^ltfaiu ow Sty and cowily » aBvtlie neccanties o^
6ie rodr nifj venire, #fa]th am collected bythc dificireitt
fv<cntcfii^ and paid io toe xcciflttfCfy irao i^ atoimaw cKded
1»74 and £Dom tbe fiiit]f GmMiauu Thit Body CorpoMtf
haft Ike aole goVcfamcati and miiyTricat^ of (he Poor with*
in the city and county of Eseter^
Thia ykar » maaoMk Ibr an institntiDn whidi lefl^ts ^* ^- •
miniortal honor on kr piow autfaoir^ Dr. Qffiqtfv^ B^MS^ '^^*
Siahop of this Diocai: dUa worthy Prdate ohiervinp with Charity
great cooeenr, that nnmbien of poor chifbren in thiacitr^ f^^,^ *
and ne^hooiiRiood^ ^ttncr thiouup oio uudnliiyy or ochi^ v.^tttpir
gence of their parents, were bred up in a very illiterate man^ through th*
ner, aisdilritfaDttt aAy ftMtmotioa of thieif doty as christians instiption
either ter €rod» or thS^ neighbofiir, pieaclicd a SiSnnon on the ^ ^^^
ocoanoay in whieh he strongly recommended the duty of ^^^" ' V
Chttity, and tte benefits vocnrring to thecomnnanity atlaree»
by Madoff from isndnrnoe, and providing for the edocatioil
of the' chudien of thdr poor noghbonrs, and by erecttog
Pofalie Sthoola for that ptnpos<> his Lordship also sent a
circuhtf letter to the €lergy of his Diocess, exnorting them
to pmnote diis worit of piety, and cfa&irity* Tliis Bcrm&^
was blened with ita desired effects ; for the very next dfif, *^ ^7 th«
a great mnnfoer of the inhabitants of the cit^^ entered into l^\^l^
a sttfbscnption for the institution of die chkhlable purpo^ ^^^ of^^
ses therein rtfoommended, and they were greatiiy assisted dtbens.
by the reiidcSnt and od^r clergy, tlie D«an and Chapter jhe Chap,
granting iDwas'ds ita sapport, the money aHsing from a dot- ter great be-
nadon of Chamxlior Syik^s^^ which was given for the pur- nefacton to
pdae of maintaining liditain the CathednJ, duiing the after- ^^ ^°*^»
ttooti aorvioe, from AlhaHowv-tide, to Candkmas* The
Clnmber also, gfcatljr pibimyted this f>iou9 W6rk, not only tt likewise th#
individuals, but by a large benefitraon from their pnblic Chamber.
atock ; and gnnted part of die Bine Maid's Ho^ital iii Si.
Msf^ Arei^ Lane^ for the use of one of the giHs schools ;
thus, thibugh the well timed benevolence of people of all
^■lks^>anddenominariQ|lS,^/&a^ sdio6ls wereestabhshed in the
city, two of whidi were appointed' for bovs, and two fol*
girls; each consisting of fifty chiidrert. Tne Masters were
allowed a salary of 30/. per annum, f ^bh, with a convenient
hooseof rttidence; andtheMittnfs^es, %/. with ahouseeaeht
the boys are instructed in Reading, Writing, i^nd Arithmetic,
B b St ^ql
t TheS(aaSM,Ismifkfbrt)M,hav«b«eD,iliice;Agmeiite<;
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198 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP.rV . 80 as to qualify them for the middling ranks of life ; and the
• eirls are taught to Read, Sew, and Knit ; they are sill decent*
Ty and comfortably new clothed annually at Etatef, from
head to foot, with the addition of new shoes, and stoddn^,
every fifth day of November. They are famished with
Bibles, Common- Prayer, and Spelling books ; and attend
divine service at the Cathedral every Wednesday, and Friday,
" and on Festival days, at six o'clock in the mornin^» from
Lady-day to Michaelmas, and are examined in their Cate*
chism every Sunday evening.
The benefits of this well intended institution, have been
happily experienced by the succeeding generations; many
worthy characters have received their education through this
charity, and by that means have risen to opulence and magis-
tracy, who otherwise might hwve ended their days in poverty,
and ignorance.
At the first institution of these schools, the subscriptions
and benefactions, amounted to about 250/. per annum ; but
since that, have been greatly increased bythe care of the tnis-
Benefac- tees, and by 8uccee£ng donations* The follovring bene-
Clh«i**tT*^* factions having came to- ray knowledge; I cannot forbear
Scho<^. mentioning them, in order to record me pious intentions of
the donors. In 1712, Mr. WiUwin Eakhu of this city,
goldsmith, by his last WiU and Testament gave 50i, per
annum, forever, to the charity schools, forme instructing
boys, dierein educated, in the mathematics, especially na-
vigation. In 1713, Mr, Naihanael Rfywland^ Merchant, save
200/. for the benefit of the poor children educated in these
schools. In 1721, Richard Sandfard^ Gent, a native of
Exeter, by his last Will, gave SOO/. to be laid out in the
purchase of an estate, the produce thereof to be appropriated
to the benefit of the said schools. *
A. D. The Right Honourable Lord Pouktt, Baron of Hintan St.
1709. George, being appointed Lord Lieutenant of the County of
Devon, and city of Exeter, was admitted to the freedom of
the city.
1710. In this year. Sir Coplettone Wartoick Bampfylde, and John
Snell, Esquire, were elected Members of Parliament for
this city.
1711. The war with France now raged to such a height, and
caused so great a loss of men, that recruits could not be pro**
cured to fill up the vacancies in the -army, any otherwise
A very hpt than by the unconstitutional mode of pressing ; and warrants
P^e*' . for that purpose were sent to this city, which were executed
• * Many consideFable beiiafiMtions to this chanty, have from time t«
tiflie^ been given, too nnmeroui to be mmtianed in this woric
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THE CITT OP £XETER.
199
by Ihe constables with such rigour, that they did not spare CHAP. IV .
even the poor peasants, whose business brought them into -^— -
the cit^y but forced them from their horses, and sent them
away immediately ; this was attended with very bad conse-
auences to the citizens, as a general scarcity ensued, from
le countrymen being thus deterred from bringing in the
necessary supplies.
J^hn Harris^ and NkhoUu Wood^ Esquires, were elected A. D.
representatives in Parliament, for diis city. '713.
The major part of the nation tired of a long, bloody, and
expensive war, were clamorous for peace ; and the Queen
accordingly entering into negociations for that purpose, a
peace was concluded, and signed at Utrecht ^ on the 1 Ith of Pence pix>-
April, 1713; which was proclaimed in this city wi^i the claimed.
usual solemnity, on the 30th of April following.
The Queen did not long enjoy uie blessings of peace ; she 17 14.
was seized with a kind of lethargy, and expired (to the great Death of
gfief of her subjects) on the Ist of August, 1714; and on Q»>«»
the same day, % George^ Elector of Hanover was prochumed ^™*^
King of Great Britain, &c.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of Queen Amm£«
170«.
John Gandy*
Thomas Barons.
William Battishill.
Tho. Coplestone.
Charles KnoUes.
1703.
John Neacomhe^
Edward Spicer.
Trist. Whitehair.
James Taylor.
Will. StaplchilJ.
1704.
Gilbert Wood.
Nicholas Yard.
John Elston.
John Stephens.
Charles Yeo.
1705.
Thomas Barons.
Eld ward Colli ngs.
Thomas JefFery.
Benjamin Brown.
John Southcombe.
1706.
Nicholas Wood.
Thomas Salter.
Hugh Palmer.
Benjamin Pearse.
Samuel Symons.
1707.
Edipard Dalfy,
Jacob Rowe.
James Fortescuc.
Robert Mudge.
Geo. Langworthy,
1708.
Edward Spicer*
John Pyle.
Thomas Townsend
Edward Edmonds.
Philip Bishop.
1709.
Edward CoUings^
William Sandford.
John Peryam.
William Drake.
Robert Dawe.
1710.
Thomas Salter,
Nath. Dewdncy.
John Phiflijw.
Anthony Triiie.
. Jasper York.
17H.
\ The 1st of August being the day of accession of the prc9ent Royal
Family to the fhione, was for many yeaw commemorated in this city,
by the ringiog of the Catfaedial belis.
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100 THE RnVOMT 09
CHAP.iy . • i7f(. ifi2. I7l^.
Joshua Hickman* Jacob Rtwe* Joh^ Kewcoikhe*
Philip Pear. William Gandy. Nathanael Busseff.
Edmund Cock. Hugh Shortrudge, Arthur Culme.
Hcdry Gird. Charles Ford. Williafn Stabback,
Clem. Cheesman. Bernard Sampton. John Brutton.
"i?!?' ^ ^ <«oetoV of f!ie oewsf of the deHfli of Qtteem Ame^
^ Gtmrge Lewisj Elector of Hofwter^ was p»dclaiMed in thi«
™J^ *^' ^^* o« <*»c ^^ o*" Angurt, King of Great Britain, Fr^mce^
Pfocbimed. ^^ irif/«i£f, in eix sevcl^ places, Ytt. <t th« GtdidMl, ift
iS/. P(ff^r% Church If ard, the Sergei-market, at tiie C^rntf CeM»-
^/, $/. Jotrt V Bow, and before the New hm, in tbe Ifije^
Hreet, inth g#eat 8o]annit7, b^ a depatf HfSrM at tfoMl^
mounted on a stately horse, and dressed in his CaiNtfd^ prectf^
ded by lihe Mayor, Al<!ermen, Comrmon conncilHsieny and
the other city officers, in their scarlet and other robes^ ao-
dbmpanied by the d^Knrent incoiPporafed trades in diei#fe^pee^
tive livery gowns, with their banners displayed ; whilK an
innumerable concourse of spectators* testified dieif joy b^
repeated acclamations. The day was spent in great rejoi-
cings ; and at night there were bonfTres, and graAd! illiinlS-
nations : the gentlemen of the chamber, and die principal
citizens, at the invitation of the Mayor, met at the Goildhall,
whefe they drank (in repeated bumper^ of winef to the health
of his Majesty, and the rest of the Itoyal Family ; and passed
the evening in joyous festivity.
Gfcat riots "^* ^** Majesty's coronation, which wab performed Octo-
tiiroughout ^i* SOdi, rejoicmgs wei'e naade throughout the Kingdom,
the king- which were much disturbed by some factious persbfts, who
dom. committed sreat outrages ; particularly in Lofidm, and Brktoi,
the rioters breaking windows, and pullins down severail
dissenting Meeting-houses : symptoms of &c like kind ap>-
peared in this city, but the timely interference of the magis-
trates preserved peace and tranquility.
1715. A new Parliament having been called, the election through-
out the Kingdom were much contested, the nation being
divided into two parties, which wctt termed High, and
Low Church, or Country and Court. The contest ww
carried on amidst great tumult and acrimony ; much blood
was spilt from the broken heads and noses ot the contending
mobs: the dispute hovt^ever was terminated in favour of the
Blue, (or Country party) and John Harris, and Nicholas
SirWiniam fj^ooj^ Esquires, were returned duly elected.
™J^Y About this time, the Honourable Sir WiHiam Courtenay,
LmdLleo- w«k8 appointed Lofd Litotenant^ and CustorRotulorum, df
tfiDsnt. the
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF SXXTBR. 301
(kt Codofar of Devon, and City and County of £jrrf/m Tke CHAP-WT
Duke rf Urmofuif Lord High Steward of Exeter, being 9iU jiis Royal
taintri by Padianieat, and withdrawing himself frpm this HigfaiuM
Kingdona, was deprived of his office ; andnis Royal Highness the Prinoe
Get^, PrtMct ^ Wales being pleased to honour the city of ^*^^
with his aoceptaaoe of it, a patent under the City's Common ^^^^J|l|
Seal, was granted Sot that purpose, which was presented to stswaidW
his Royal Hurhness by Sir Feier Kinfir, § (a natiT« o£Ese$er,J Exeier.
Lord Chief Astice of the Common Plm«
The friends of the exiled family, now caused great comnao*
ttonsthiDiigliout the Kingdom, on which occasion the famous riqi Act*
MktJct was parsed, which made it death (or any tumultu- p^sed.
oiu persons, to the number of twehe, to continue together
far the space of one hour aAer Proclamation being noade for
their disperung.
TheJaeo&Hes, not being contented with sowing disseiisi- ARebeltto«
ens throogh the realm, broke out intd open rebellion ia ^ ^^
Settiud, and due North of JBiig^n^; where they piocbumcd "'"^*
the
I This gMSt,sad eorineDt Lswyer, was die 6ai of Mr.Kmg, a reu
pi(99% Qrocer in ths HigMtreet of th|^ city, ^ho, designing his Soa
fpr the ttme profession, fare him but a slender education; and, at an
earW age, when he had attained but Teiy Tittle knowledseof the Classiosj
look him from sdiooL in order that he might assist in the business ; but
young King paying little attention to traaa, and constantly employing
luoadf in nading suchhtviics as fell into his hands, oif4a the old gentle-
man uneasy ; and he often complained to his acquaintance that his Son Pe^
^ vo^nevier be fit for any thing ; however, the young man by a strong
application to his studies attained such a degree of knowledge, that be-
w he came to manhood he published semal learned Treatises, which
gained him the esteem of his lirienda, and they preraUed on his Father
IpsQadbiaatotheTJnivenity, ^hece he studied DiYinity; but wise^
jodgingthat study was an unlikely mad to preferment, (he having been
Bred a Dissenter from the Established Church) he turned his thoughts tp
the study of ^e Common Law, in which he made such proficiency
tint he was soon called to the Bar, where he gained so much rapatafion
that he waaa appointed Queen's Seqeant at Law ; and from thence, oaa
9f the Judgea of the Court of Oanunoa Pleas ; next. Lord Chief Justice,
aod af^ftrwards. Lord Chancellor : his Lordship was also created by I^teqt,
a Baroii of this kingdom by the title of Zrord Kine., and this honour i«
Millei^yed by his descendant the present Lord King, It has been re-
ported by many aged people, who well knew the parties, that Mr, King,
inVfpding tp Tisit his Son ^fter he was created Lord Chancellor, behig of
a mercenaiy disposition, went on foot to Londtm for that puipose ; and,
on his urinlf bein^ directed to his Son's house enquired for Peter
Kmg : this so irritated the Porter (little judgina by the meanness of hia
diCB, the near affinity he bore to his Master) that he shut the gate
againsl him, and a senile ensued betwixt them. His Lordship hearing
tha noiae, ttid coming to the window, perceived his father whom he in-
stantly recollected, and hastening to the door, he fell on his knees to ask
his blessing, the sight of which so frightened the Porter that he fdl on
his knaas, wad humbly begged for pardqa : this his Loiddup, aftey
t^nmtij reprimanding bun for hia inaolence, granted.
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202
THS HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . the Pretender, King oi Great Britain %xiA Ireland; onwbicfa
occasion the friends to the Protestant succession, entered into
AnAfliocia- associations for supporting his Majestjr King George; one for
tionforsup- \}^i purpose was agreed to, and signed by severaLhundred of
°' ' the principal inhabitants, and merchants of this city, by the
name of the Constitutional Society : this greatly strengthened
the Protestant interest, and oueiled the intended insurrection
in the West ; and on the 9th November, the rebels being de^
feated at Preston^ in Lancashire^ tranquillity was agaia re-
stored.
The Right Honourable Lord Carteret^ was appointed Lord
Lieutenant, &c. of the County of Dectm^ and City and
Bampfylde bounty of Exeter. Francis Drewe^ and John Bampfylde^ £»-
aodDrewes' quires, were this year,' elected Members of Parliament for
Election. ' '^'
Agreat
Fnwt
poitinf
King
George,
formodin
this city.
A. D.
1716.
1719.
AGnnpon
this City.
The close of the last year, and the beginning of this, were
remarkable for a very severe frost ; the Exeyrzs frozen over
for near six weeks, a stop put to all business, and many
post boys and others, were frozen to death.
The nation was greatly alarmed at the vast preparations
made' by the French^ for the invasion of England; and the
government, in order to counteract their designs, fitted out a
strong fleet, and sent many regiments of Horse, Foot, and
Dragoons, into the West of England,, three regiments of
which oame to Exeter^ and encamped during the summer on
ClistHeath. Clitt Heath.
1721.
1727.
A custom which had been long established, that of the
Mayor and chamber's providing a public dinner for the Judg-
es, and grand jury at the assizes, proving very expensive,
was this year discontinued, and in lieu thereof, a present of
wine is sent, and handsome lodgings provided for them at
the Mayoralty house during; their stay in this city.
His Majesty paying a visit this year to his electoral domini- ,
ons, was seized with a lethargic disorder, which terminated
in his death at Osnaburgy on the 1 1th of June, in the 68th
fear of his a?e ; and he was succeeded by his only son. Charge ,
rioce of Wales.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of George I. \
1714. 1715. 1716.
John Gaudy.
Tho. Coplestone.
Hump. Bawden.
William Davy.
John Parsons*
William Sanford.
John Philips.
Richard San ford,
John Wallis.
Philip Elston.
Nalhanael Detodney.
Philip Bussell.
Thomas Collings.
Richard Jackson.
Edward Marty n.
1717.
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THE CITY OF EXBTBR.
203
1717.
Phil^ Pear.
John Elston.
Sampson Hele.
Christopher Aunt*
James Rous.
1718.
John Burell,
1720.
William Gandy*
Hump. Bowden.
William Bellew.
Robert Bussell.
Nicholas Lee.
1721.
John PhUlips.
Arthur Culme. Emanuel Hole.
J. Ncwcombe^jun /Thomas Bale.
John Kelly-. Matthew Spry.
Thomas Somerton. John Southard.
1723.
PhU^ Busscil. i
1724,
Humphry Bcftoden*
1725.
Anthony Tripe.
CHAP. IV.
1719.
1722.
1726.
Emanuel Hole.
A. D.
1727.
Thonuu Copleston. Thomas Sailer.
Anthony Tripe. Robert Lydston.
Nathanael Taylor. Robert Lawe.
Nicholas Wood. Robert Taylor.
Lewis Potbury. Robert Saunders.
His Majesty, King George the Second, was proclaimed in
this City, on Friday the 23d June, 1727. On the 7th Au-
gust the Parliament was dissolved, and a new one sum-
moned : at the election in this City, parties ran to ycry great
lengths, but after a smart contest. Sir Coplestone Warwick
Bampfyide^ Bart, and John Snell, Esq. were dul^ elected.
On the 14th March, the &mous, but impolitic scheme of
Sir Robert Walpolef for a general Excise, was brought into
the House of Commons, which created a g^eat tumult and
and discontent among the people. It was petitioned against
by this and many other cities^ and the bill was dropped^
which caused great rejoicings.
In August, this year, war was declared against Spain.
This year commenced with a very severe frost, which has
since been termed the hard winier: the cold was so very in-
tense, that the fowls and fishes were frozen .to death ; the
poor suffered much, many of them perished through the se-
verity of the season.
Many worthy and benevolent Gentlemen, duly reflecting
on the numerous accidents and disorders, to which the me- ^^
chatties, and labouring poor are subject to; and the conse* £^^^^
quent distresses they suffer, from not having the means of Hospital,
obtaining medical advice, and assistance in cases of the
C c greatest
X The list of Beiliffi from the year 1722, to anno 1753, being either
lost, or were discontinued at the Town-Clerk's office during that period,
the author is obliged to teaYe this chtsm la the list, for wluch he humbly
solicits the publics' indulgence. *
1753.
1739.
1740.
1741.
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204 THE HISTORT OF
CHAP. IV . greatest need, were strongly infiaenoed to provide a proper
[ place of reception for such unhappy objects : accordingly.
Hospital, through the iode&tigableindiistiyorthe pious, and benevo-
lent, Dr. Ahared Clarke^ Dean of this Cathedral, a meeting
was appointed at tiie Castle, to which were invited, all such
who were willing to encourage so useful, and charitable an
institution. The first meeting of Subscribers was held in
the Cbapter«hoase belonging to the Cathedral, 23d July,
174t, when a chairman and treasurers were elected, and
many subscriptions and benedictions reported.
John Tutkjidd^ Esq. (one of the worth v Representatives
for this City,) generously accommodated the Governors
with a convenient piece of ground, (situate at the lower
end of southemhay ,) and all tne materials on it, for erecting
the Hospital , for though it was thought necessary, that
those lands should be formally purcha^d of Mr, Tuck/Uld
by the Governors, it was Ttally a Donation ; he very ge-
nerously giving back the whole price fixed on, as the con-
sideratiDn in the deed of conveyance, and was dierefbre re-
. corded by a general court of Governors as the moat generous
Foimder of this institution. On Thursday the 27th August,
1741, the foundation stone was laid in*a very solemn man«
ner; on which occasion, a great number of Gentlemen,
Benefactors to this Charity, assembled in the Chapteiwhoiise,
(where several meetings respecting this institution had been
held,) from whence they went ia procession to soathemhay,
where a party of soldiers were drawn up, who salmedthem
with three vollies of small arms. The stone was then laid
by Z><*<ri OaHxy assisted bv Humpirey S^fdenhwm^ Esq.
member for this City, and odMr Gentlemen, who acted as
proxies for JoAn TucJ^M^ Esq. in prese&oc of several thou-
sand of spectators. The oet cmony being ended, the Dean
made an excellent and solemn oration on the occatioo, ofier«
ing up his prayers to the Ahnighty for socecss in the under-
taking, recommending to thcMC who were in affluent cir-
cumstances, the doty ^assisting tiie poor in time of sickness,
and exhorting the poor to be obedient to their superiors, and
grateful to their benc&ctors* The Cathedral , and other bells
were rung on the occasion, and general gladness prevailed
amongst every class of people. Tbc Btfilding was earned
on with great alacrity, and the Hospital was opened, with
thirty beds, for reception of patients, 1st Joautfy, 174!^.
Thus, by the aeahms endeavours of this exccttent Divine,*
the Devon and Exeter Ho^alyAstlf owes its fotuidatkHi ; an
institution which will always reflect honor on its promoters.
Its benefits having been so great, that before jLady«day,
1805,
* He hsA before been instrumental in the Ibundation of an Hospital
at Winchester, in 1736.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 205
18059 npwardf offari^two thmaand Patients have been re- CHAP. TV .
stored to the blessings of health ; and nearly ten thousand
nnore, received considerable benefit* HospitaL
This Hospital^ through the Donations of many charitable
personSy and the care of the Governors, has received great
additions, and the beds for patients have, at several times,
been augmented. In 1748, they amounted to 100. It
docs not come within the compass of this work to point out
all the particular times when additions and improvements
were niadein the institution to the jear 1790, when 164
beds were open for the reception of Patients ; In 1 796, owing
to the reduced state of the finances, no less than 43 beds
were obliged to be shut up; but in 1797» a ward containing
9 beds; in 1799» another of 10 beds; and in 1802, a ward
in which there were 6 beds, were again re-opened, which
made the number for accommodation of Patients to be then
166* This establishment continued until the present year^
1805, when it was found necessary to examine into the state
of the finances of this institution, and a select Committee of
Governors was appointed for that purpose; in consequence
whereof, a report was made by them to a general Court,
held ^n the 13th June, that on examining into the alarming
state of the funds, they found the expenditure, on an average,
for the U»t seven years, had exceeded the income annnsllly
391/« ]8«» Id. though the average number of In-Patients,
during dkat period, had been only 1 40* In consequence of
this report, it was reludandy but unanimously resolved to
reduce the Patients' beds to ISO. The Report of the select
Comniltce and the Resolution of the jgencral Court being
published, a considerable number of ^^bi]ity and Gentry,
and particularly those within the County oiDeom and this
City, came forward with la^ Donations, many volunteer
oofltpanics devoted one day's pay, £riendly societies of
labouring mechanics for support of sick members,
&c. mMe their contributions. The Right Reverend
the Lord Bishop of Exeter (who gave a handsome Bene*
fiiction himself,) sent a circular letter to all his clergy within
DrsM and Exttety in which his Lordship requested them,
to preach in each of their churches a sermon, as soon aa .
possible ; exhorting their hearers, by every motive they could
urge, to support, by their liberal and voluntary contributions,
so excellent and truly Christian institution* An eminent
dissenting Minister of the City of Exeter^^ likewise sent a
circular fetter, on the same occasion, to the Ministers of the
diffierantOKcting^houses in the counly o£ Devon. The con-
tributions in consequence whereof were liberal beyond ex-
C c 2 pectation,
t Rer. James Manning. *.
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206
THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . pcctation, and the Governors were, on the 10th September, §
Hospital, enabled to devote 140 beds to the reception of Patients. Be-
sides the In-Patients, there are a great number of Out-
PatientSy (sometimes there have been upwards olf 200,)
ivho are relieved with advice and inedicines gratis. Prayers
are read in some ward by one of the resident Clergymen in
Exeter J who, in weekly rotation, give their attendance.
The Physicians, and Surgeons (who give their advice gratis,)
regularly visit the Patients under their care; andtheApothe-
cury (who resides in the house,) attends every sick persoa
daily, and administers such mecticines as are ordered by the
Physicians : in short, nothing is wanting for the comfort
and relief of the objects under their care.
^' ^' On the 4th of April, 1744, a war was declared in this
1744. Q'^^^ against F/WM».
An alarmine rebellion broke out this year, in ScoUamf,
1745. which threw Uie whole kingdom into great consternation :
the young Pretender having landed in that kingdom. Many
associations were formed, for the support of his Majesty
and the present Government, at the hazard of their lives and
fortunes : but the retreat of the rebels into Scotland^ and
their total defeat on the l6th April, 1746, by the Dac/b of
Cuntberland^ at the battle of Cultoden^ put a stop to the appre*
hensions of the people, and restored domestic tranquillity.
His Majesty, in return for the loyalty of the citizens of
Exeter, was graciously pleased to send them a letter of
thanks, couched in the warmest terms*
His Majesty on the 18th June, dissolved the parliament^
and a new one being summoned, Humphrey Sydenham and
John Tuckfieldf Esqrs. were duly elected for this City*
On April 19th, 1748, preliminary articles of peace were
signed by the contending Powers, and in July following, the
definitive treaty was concluded, to the great joy of the whole
Nation ; great celebrations were made here on the occasion »
splendid Fire-works were exhibited on the Friars, attheex^^
pence of Mr. Cthude Passavant, an eminent merchant, to
the amount of 500/.
An act was this year passed, for the more speedy execu-
1752. tion of murderers, and delivering their bodies to the Surgeons
to be anatomized; the first person executed on this act ia
Exeter, was Mr. Huishy a gentleman of some fortune, who
had served an apprenticeship in the city, with Mr» Arundel,
a capital serge-maker ; but turning out very wild^ and un-
dutiful to his parents (who lived at CheritonrFUzpt^Tie,^
be was accused of poisoning his father, and beating his mo«
thcr
§ A motion was this day made for establishing a Fever Ward, which
being seconded, after some discusnon was withdrawn.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OP EXETER. 207
iher to death; the first of these crimes he was acquitted of, CHAP. IV .
on his trial ; but found guilty of the second, for which he
was executed at Heaoitree-^Galhwty and his body sent to the
Devon and Rretcr Hospital, where it was anatomized ; his
bones remained there in the cupola, for many years (a strik-
ingexample to all parricides) 'till they mouldered into dust.
The King this year dissolved the parliament, and writs ji^?*
were issued for eiectn)g a new one ; the contest in this city
ran venr high ; great opposition being made against Hum-*
phrejf Si/denhamt E^tj. one of the representatives in the
last parliament, on account of the decisive part he took, iq
carrying in the Bill, and voting for the naturalization of the
Jews; consequently he lost his election, and Jo^» Tuckfield
and Jokn RaUes Walter^ Esquires, were duly returned.
A great riot happened in 5/. SidwelU, where some evil dis«
posed persons on the 10th of June (being the Pretender's
birth day) decorated the sign of the Poitimare Inn^ with lohite
roses, which being judged a mark of disaffection to the go-
vernment, some soldiers beloogine to the 4th regiment of
foot, (then quartered in£jif/^y pvJlerl down the sign post,
with the obnoxious badges thereon ; immediately a great tu-
mult ensued, and many persons were severely hurt ; but the
Magistrates interfering, many of the rioters were apprehend-
ed, and committed to Southgate, and after being convicted of
the said ofience, were punished by fines, and imprisonments.
About this time, also, several of the inhabitants making
themselves foolishly conspicuous by wearing white roses on
the 10th of June, were taken into custody ; and one Mark
FaHey for printing a seditious song, was imprisoned in
Southgate where he was confined for many years.
On the 1st of November, 1755, a most dreadful Earth- -,^'^^^-
quake happened at LisSon, which laid that city in ruins, and Sith 'See
destroyed upwards of 10,000 of its inhabitants; the news in Lisbon,
of which very much alarmed the merchants of Exeter, who
had great connexions and property there; but their loss (which
was very considerable) did not prevent them from expressing
their Philanthropy, and entering into subscriptions tor send-
ing relief to the distressed inhabitants; accordingly two
ships were sent from this port, laden with provisions, house-
hold furniture, and other necessaries, which arrived safe» to
thegreat comfort of the afflicted Portuguese.
Cfn Friday, the 22d of May, 1 7 56, war was declared again 1756.
in this city, against France.
The war having greatly encreased the price of provisions, '?^^*
and the poor being unable to purchase the necessaries of life Tj^^tikl^JI^
at the advanced prices ; subscriptions were opened in Exeter, ^nced in
and price,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
208 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. IV . and a considerable sum of money collected for their relief ;
• large qnantitics of Wheat, Rice, and Flour, were purchased ;
li^S^y'^ and sold at the different Churches, to the poor^of the re-
collections, fipective Parishes, at reduced prices, which greatly alleviated
meir distresses.
A. D An Act of Parliamcnthaying lately been passed for forming
^^}7.^' a National Militia, it was this year put in force, and 1,600
bodiS^' men (the quota to be raised by the county of Devon and city
Exeter. of Exeter) were formed into four battalions ; the head quar-
ters of the Eastern Regiment was fixed at Exeter where they
accordingly rendezvoused, and ai^er being disciplined,
marched under the command of their Lieutenant-Colonel
Sir Richard Warwick Bampfyide, to Tavistock. The great
benefit accruing to the Nation, from the establishment of
a Militia, iseyidcnt; as it gives an opportunity of sending
considerable bodies of our Regular Troops, on foreign
expeditions.
An Act of March 23d, 1 758 , A new act of Parliament was passed,
Pariiament for explaining, and amending the act of the 9th and 10th of
for the bet- KinglTiliiam the 3d, for the better employment, and main-
^ Tf Ae t«nanceof the Poor of this city.
men or in ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^.^^ ^^^^ .^^^^^ ^^^ summoning a new Pkrlia^
} 760. mcnt ; and a great contest ensued at the election for this city ;
the members in the late Parliament, John Tuckfield^ and John
RoUe Walter, Esquires, were opposed by WUtiam Mackxcorth
Praedy Esq. and Sir Thomas Seweil, Knight, the two first
were supported by the interest of both the Chamber and
Church, and the High Church or Country party ; the other
by the Merchants (in general,) the Dissenters, and by those
who were termed the Low Church ; the contest ran very high
and the Opposite parties expressed the greatest acrimony a-
gainsteach other; at the beginning of the Poll, the mob in
fevour of Messrs. Praed and Seweii, got possession of all
the avenues to the Hustings, and prevented the votes of the
p . otherparty from PoUing ; the managers for Messrs. Tuckfield,
ve^'high? *"d WaUer, in order to counteract these unfair proceedings,
very injudiciously sent into the country for their labourers,
and dependents, who, to the number of 400 men, coming
the next morning into the city, were armed this mopstaves,
and took possession of the Guildhall; this so irritated
some of the Merchants, that they sent a messenger to order
up the crew of the Exeter Greenland ship, (then laying at
Lympsimie) and such other sailors as they could collect;
these, to the number of between 50, and 60» parading into
the city, with flags flying, and a drum beating before them,
were soon joined by a large mob of the citizens, and procecd-
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 209
ing to the GuildhalU a desperate conflict ensued, the sailon CH AP. IV .
idling on the poor ill-advised countrymen, beat them so j^^ ^
desperately, that they ^ere soon driven from their station, conflict be-
and forced to fly for shelter in every direction ; many of them tween the
v^ere dangerously wounded ; and one of them (reported to contending
be M'. TuckfiM'M Gardener) died of his wounds. These ^^^
disordera putting a stop to the election, an agreement was
made by the contending parties, for proceedmg in a more
peaceable manner ; when the Poll again commenced, and at
its final close, John Tuckfitid^ and John Itolie Walter ^ Esquires^
having a very decided majority, were returned duly elected.
His Majesty King Georpe the second suddenly departed
this life, at his pahu^e of Kensington^ on Saturda3r morning,
the 25th of October, 1760, greatly regretted by his subjects,
by whom he was greatly beloved ; and the next day his
grandson, George Prince of Wales, (our present most graci-
ous Sovereign) was proclaimed in London, King of Great
Britain, France, and Ireland*
MAYORS and BAILIFFS in the reign of George II.
1727. 1731. 1735.
John EUtone. Eiheked Davy. Matthew Spry.
1728. 1732.* 1736.
^Xohert Ddstone. Richard Vivian. Samuel Symonds.
1729. 1783. 1737.
WilUam Stahback. Samuel Symonds. Arthur Culme.
1730. 1734. 1738.
NathanaelDaodney.John NctDcomhe^ Thomas Heath.
1739.
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210
THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. IV. 1739.
1746.
Matthew Spry*
1747*
175^.
NkhokB Blah,
1740.
John Luckett.
Joseph Elliott*
Edward Walker.
Nicholas Jackson.
George Midgyett.
1754.
Nicholas Lee*
Johfi Manky»
Nicholas Arthur,
Richard Densham.
John Flood.
John Cave.
Henrjr Flood.
1741.
1748.
1755.
WUliafn Newcombe.
Levfis Porthwy*
Leans Porthvry.
Richard Jackson.
Benjamin Godfrey.
William Ley.
Thomas Brown.
1742.
1749.
1756.
Nicholas Medland.
T>ioff«» Heath.
Wmam Trosse.
, Samuel Peane.
Charles Pearse*
Thomas Flood.
John Wniiams.
174$.
1750.
1757.
Philip EMane.
]9^Al//am 7n»f#<r.
Joseph Elliott.
Samuel Dix.
Thomas Dodge.
Joseph Johnson.
John Churchill.
1744,
1751.
1758.
John Hawker*
Nicholas Lee.
Richard Demham.
Edward Walker.
Chris. Bumfctt.
James Grant, Jun. '
John White.
1745.
Francis Bravne*
1752.
1759.
X Richard Jackson.
Nicholas Lee.
Grcgoiy
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THB CITY OF EXETER. 211
Gregory Jackxm. 1760. Edward Manly. CHAP. IV .
JohnGattey. Samuel Pierce. JJ-thewSkinner.
WSercombe. j«„bRowe. Moaei Hern.
Jobn liaKywara*
King Otvrge the third, fvkom GOD Ung preserve to be a Georfe Od*
blessing to hu 8ab|ects,) was prodaimcd in this citjTt on A* ^*
S9th October^ irilb great lokmnity and rejoicings. ^^^*
The War, which had been donons and snecessfdl on the 1763.
part of the British Nation, whose aims were Tictorious in ^^^JS[^
cveiy quarter of the globe, was now terminated, and Peace ^"*"'®*
was prockimed ; though not upon such terms as were satis*
ftctorj to the generality of the people.
Twelve new almshouses, for poor decared freemen, were Tw«l^
built and endowed by the Chamber, on the city walk, near "«^"*««*
Northgate; these are comfortabk habitations, consisting of i^uq^ )^ ^
an under and upper room each, with conrenient pkces be- Chamber,
hind; supplied with water from the river; and the endow-
ment consists of Two ShiUings and SiX'pence loeekliff te e€ek
poor reeideni*
Soon after the settlement of the Peace, an act of parlkment Tax on Ci»
was passed, for kyiog a heavy tax upon Cider; which sub-'^er.
jected both the grower, and dealer, in that necessary article,
to the unconstitutional, and disagreeable visitation, of the
Excise Officers ; this tax caused a great murmuring in the
Cider counties, and was likely to be attended with disagreeable
consequences, most people expressing Aeir dissatisfaction in Occaajons
very plain terms, particularly in this dty ; on the thanksgiv- f^ni*[a
ing da^ fcyr the Peace, when tne Mayor went to the Cathedral this dtf .
according to custom, not a single member of the chamber at^
tended him ; and during the time of divine service, an Ap-
ple Tree, and empty Hogshead, decorated with black stream-
ers, and lables inscribed, with, Es€i$e tkejlnt PnUU ofPeacfy
were paraded through the streets in a cart ; and in the evening,
those who illuminated their bouses, had the same legend m
transparent paintings. This tax, which at first, was estima-
ted would produce 70,000/. per annum, the first year scarcely
realized huf that sum; but, in the next, which was more
productive of fruit, about 50,000/. was raised by it. Many
Farmers grubbed up their orchards, and it was feared the
landed interest would be greatly hurt: strenuous endeavours
were made to get the act repealed ; and several well written
tracts were published, strongly representing the consequences
that would ensue, if it were not repeakd, and forcibly repro-
bating it ; one of which, written by Benjamin Hvath^ Lsquire,
Town Clerk of this dty, described ito &tal effects in the most
D d poignant
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
H2 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . poienant language. Many petitions were sent to the House
■"^~""" of Commons, and instructions to the Members for those
places more immediately concerned, praying relief; and on
A pencil the SUtJanuary^ 1765, at a meeting held at the Guild-
t«°Dnw'taK ^*^ ^^^ *^** purpose, a petition was agreed to, and signed by
. for a repeal ^^ Mayor, the gentlemen of the Chamber, and most of the
of the Cider principal inhabitants. The Right Rev, and B^n. Dr. Prede-
^^^' rick Keppelf who had for some time been appointed Bishop of
^76? Exeter, coming down about this period, and it having been
The Bishop r^P^rtcd '^a* ^^ ^""^ voted for the Cider Tax, was not received
insulted, with the usual eclat ; the mob hissed and insulted him, and
one fellow had the assurance to throw an apple at his head.
A fteat fire ^ terrible fire broke out on Friday the 6th of February, bc-
neirNor- twecn the hours of 1 1 and 12, at night, at the Workshop of
themhay Messrs. Harold and Cank, Coachmakers, near Northernhajf
style. style^ which in a short time, entirely consumed the shop and
dwelling-house, with all their stock in trade, books of ac-
counts, several new carriages, and most of die workmens'
tools.
1766. The latter end of this year, died John Tuckfield, Esquire,
W. SiHcer, one of the representatives of this city, in parliament. He vvas
^.chosen truly regretted by his constituents, from nis upright conduct
roomofMr ^ * senator, his unbounded charity, and acalous attach-
Tuckfield.' ment to the interest of his country. William Spicer, Esq.
was elected, without any opposition, in his place.
Oder tax '^^ Ministrjr finding the Cider Tax not so productive as
lepegled. wasat first imagined, listened to the great number of petitions
which had been presented for its repeal; the request was ac-
ceded to, in this Session of Parliament, and there were great
rejoicings in Exeter on the occasion.
Coins &c, ^^ <ligg^g ^<^f the foundation of the present house, and
Ibund in St. workshops, of Mr. Harold, Coach-maker, opposite Par£r-
Sidwell*!. Street, in a deep pit, surrrounded with bricks, and covered
oxer with stones, and loose earth, the workmen found some
old plate, many gold, and several hundred silver coins, sup-
posed to have been concealed there in the grand rebellion, as
they consisted mosdy of James, and Charles \st coins: none
being of a later date. The houses which formerly stood on
this ground, were burnt in those troubles, and not agaiii
rebuilt. The Gentlemen of the chamber demanded them as
treasuretrove, and recovered a great number of them.
1768. '^^^ 'P^^^ ^^ improvement be^ now to manifest itself in
Improve- this city, and it may justly date its beginning from the pub-
ments be- lie spint of William Mackvorth Praed, Esq. who coming
gan ia£x- into possession of an estate in the High-^treet, (formerly the
^^* Green Dragon lan^ &c.) opposite St* Lawrence^i Church, and
finding
Digitized by CjQ.OQIC
THE CITY OF EXETfiR. 213
finding it in a rainoiu condition, rebuilt the houses in a more CHAP. IV .
modern stile ; and, the want of a commodious room for
holding public balls, assemblies, concerts, &:c. being much
complained of, the same ^tleman built the HoCei, in St*
Peter*s Churchyard^ in which he erected a large, and elegant
room for those purposes. Before this period, the assemblies
&c« were held at the Vine Tavern, in a very inconvenient, and
irregular room, fncw Mr. Dyer*s Ubrarvy) and the concerts^
in tne hall belonging to the College of Vicars choral
The tower of St. Maiy Major, § being in a ruinous state. Tower of
and the upper part decuning from the perpendicular, near ^ -^"^JL*.
two feet over its base, ij was thought necessaiy to (prevent ^^jj^J"^
the accidents that might accrue from its &11) to take down down.
the upper part of it, which was done to near 40 feet ; and the
present cupola erected in its place, and towards defraying the
expences thereof, the parishioners sold fiye of their bells.
The great increase of wheel carriages making it necessary ^- ^-
to improve the avenues into this city, and particularly that jjord»te
from the North, that ancient bulwark the Nort Agate, • (which takcndown
had often prevented the entrance of besieging enemies, with-
stood many a storm, and was, no doubt, erected in the Sojcon
Era, J was taken down, together with several houses without-
side it ; and in order to ease the declivity of the hill, the deep
ravine without, was iiUed up, a lofty wall erected, the present
road made, and a row of brick houses built on the left hand
of the entrance into the city.
The Duke rf Bedford, who had made himself obnoxious to P^*^^
the people, by consenting (as reported) to a secret article in yj^j/jSre*
the late treaty of Pq^, by which the French were allowed to ^r
import their silk and other manufactures, into this kingdoni,
on I9M July, 1769, paid a visit to this city, (the first after
his appointment to the Lord Lieutenancy of the county of
Devon, and city of Exeter J and was very ill treated by the j^^jt^^j j,-
populace; on coming out of the Guildhall, (where he went thepppu-
to receive the freedom of the city) the mob insulted him wit^i lace.
Dd2 hisses,
§ The reader will see s particular account of this andent building, in
the Deacriptive part.
* This gate, f;om its singular construction, boT« etident marks of
great antiquity ; it had no flanking bulwarks, but projected from the
iirail, with two small curtains, in which were stairs that led to two guard-
rooms, they had orillons for the defenders to discharge their missile
weapons on any attacking enemy: on the top of the gate, was a square
platform, with a lofty battlcmented curtain. There were no remains of
Armorial bearings, or sculptures, which is another proof of antiqnity ;
on the top was, also, a Vane, which now surmounts the VTharfinger^s
office at the Quay. The interior was occupied as a publio-house, which
(from the darknen of its rooms) was, ironically, termed Hell.
f ''^
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
214 . THE HISTORY OF
PHAP.IV . hkses, so much, tbat the Mayor, fwftli Mt offiujt) w o e
- obliged to protect and condujot him to Bampfyide-Hoost :
from thence he v/cnt to the Castle, where he received fresh
insult ; from thence he proceeded io his coach, to the Ca-
diedraj ; the Bishop, Clergy, and Choir, waited to receive,
and pay him the customary honours, but, as soon as he
iJighted, there was great confusion, the mob rushed upon
him, dispersed his attendants, and it was with extreme diiii^
culty he got into the choir unhurt. They likewise insulted
the Bishop; and the Rev. Mr. Chanter Snmo^ being infinii,
was thrown down, and miraculously escaped with his life.
His Grace, to escape the fury of the populace, went by a back
way into the Bishop's Palace, where he remained until ikt
A. D. evening, when the mob had dispersed.
1770. HislVfajesty, this year, was graciously pleased to renew
*^^^^^^^ and confirm, the pnvile|e8 of this city. By his Charter,
n«w^^''»id gi^Ai^^^^l to the Mayor, Bailiffs, and commonalty of this city
more Justi- oi Exeter ^ in the 10th year of his reign, dated ^3th April,
ces added to 1770, the Mayor, Recorder, and seven sensor Aldermen,
the quo- were made Justices of the Quorum.
rum. rpjj^ passage from the HigA-^treet^ to the Castle, beingvery
Kew road to narrow and dangerous for wheel carriages, the ancient avenue
ttte (»stle. was again opened ; several houses were taken down to en-
Sk)n of ' ^^6^ *^ * *^°^ *^"'* * ^*^^ ^^ venerable Sojw entrance to
the ancient ^^^ Castle (which, before, was obscured) opened to the H^A'
drawbridge, street : the old gate was taken down, and a new one built,
and flereral over which was placed a sham portcullis. In levelling the
dkc^'^imd"^ road, the foundation of the ancient Drawbridge which
°^ ' crossed the fosse was discovered ; and the present gateway
was built with the stones of it : several brass Reman coins
were found, particularly, one of Nero two of ConstantinuSf
and one oiAUciusiti good preservation.
Great con- The great Conduit at Carjbix^ (venerable for its antiquity)
>8uit taken which had been standinjg near 300 years, and had often
**^^* poured wine to the rejoicing citizens, now fell a victim to
modern improvers. Its situation in the centre of the High'
street y not only intercepted the view, but frequently caused a
stoppage of carriages, to the great inconvenience of the
neighbouring inhabitants, and danger of passengers; for
this reason sentence being passed upon it, it was.taken down,
and a new building erected^ to which- the cistern was re«
moved, f
The
f This vas originally a beautiful edifice, as may he seen by the annex-
ed plate, (the drawing of whiohvas taken, prior to iti bein^demolished.)
It was decor^ited with pinnacles at the four comers, on which were, (an-
ciently) vanes 3 but they had long since fallen victims to time, and wea-
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
West new of JUe URK.VT VVyDVlTut Vnri\>\K.
Digitized byCjOOQlC
\
Digitized by VjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 215
The intricate, and inoonveaieDt entrance into the city over CHAP. IV .
the Did Sridge (by which all Carnages, and travellers, were . j. "
obliged to enter at West Gate^ and, to avoid the steep ascent j^^q '
of Fn^^-strtet hitiy proceed commonly by the way of Rock^
UmeJ made an alteration absolutely necessary : accordingly
a plan was drawn for building a new hridgt^ in a line from the
bottom oiFort^streety across part of Exe^Itiand, a little above
the old one; the expences to be))aid by an additional toll at
the Turnpikes. An Act of Parliament having been passed First stone
for this purpose, the first stone was laid 4th October, 1770, ^,^^ *^
in the presence of many thousand spectators, by the Right ^ ^* ^*^
Worshipful John Fioudy E$q. then Ma^or of the city oiEsetery
under the direction of a Mr, Dison^ an Architect from Lon-
dotiy and the building proceeded with great rapidity, when
an unlucky accident put a stop to it : the arch on St. Thomas* $
side^ was completely finished, and the greater part of the
centre arch turned, when suddenly, a flood happening,
the whole fell down, (owing to the negligence of the Archi-
tect in not haying a proper foundation for the Piers, and not The new
striking the centres, which pending back the water caused a '"^"*8« ^■Ik-
great pressure on the Piers) and the old bridge must have
shared the same fate, if timely precautions had not been
taken, in clearing the arches from the wreck of the centres,
which beat aeainst them with great violence, and made the
whole &bric snake. This disaster not only greatly encreascd
■the expence, but put a stop to the building, as it required
much time to recover the stones which had fallen into deep
water ; Mr. Diawi, beiog discharged from the work. Air.
John Goodwhiy who had been an assistant to the former, un- The buiM-
dertook to complete the work: well acquainted with the ing again
errors of his predecessor, he proceeded in a very different ^^™*'*'
manner: he turned the course of the river by erecting a *
strong dam, and cutting a canal at the foot of the old bridge;
and, to prevent the water from pending back, he caused ano-
ther bay to be built below the first, and then, by the assistance
of chain and other pumps, he effectually cleared the bed of the
river, and laid a firm foundation on the solid rock. X In the
course
ther ; also, niches in the East and West fronts, in which were mutilated
Btatnes. On the top of the architrave, at the comers, were two lions,
and two unicorns (these must have been placed long after the erection of
the edifice, as it is well known that the unicorn wss substituted in the
room of a dragon as a supporter to the British arms, by King James 1st )
It was likewise adorned with cherubims, and armorial bearings, n hich
were so much injured by time, that only those of the Cowrteuay family
could be distinguished.
% The arches gave way, I6th January, 1 775 ; and the first stone of the
new foundation was laid, by the Rev, Mr, ChanceUor Nutwmbe^ Idth
July, 1776.
Digitized by CjOOQIC
216 THE HISTORY OlP
CHAP. IV ' course of a few years the bailding was completed, to the
d finish e d ^^^^ CTcdit of the* Ai 'c lii lw t , wIm bad. many difficulties to
^'^ ' encounter. In some places it was necessary to elevate the
ground, near 40 feet, in order to form a level ; and arches
were turned over the MiU Leatsy and avenues into the Island,
and Bonhav. At the bottom of Fore-street y directly in the
way of the intended opening, stood the tower, and remains of
the Parish Church of St. AUhaUmos on the WtdU^ § which
was taken down : in short, though this undertaking; vras at-
tended with the expence of near 50,000/. the great improve-
ments made by it, counterbalances the expenditure, as the
entrance from the West, (which was, before, infamous, and
dangerous) now gives a view of the city, and neighbouring
country, which can scarcely be paralleled at the entrance of
any city, or town in this kingdom. As soon as the new iridge
l*heold ^jjg completed, the greater part of the M one* was taken
kea^wn ^^^"' ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ houses at the Eastern end, and a road
made from the nav dridge to that part of the old, left standing,
a great conveniency to such people as have occasion to go to
die Southern parts of the city.
A. D. Some estates, which had long been withheld from the
1772. Chamber, falling into their hands, they, according to the
TwclTc ^£1] Qf tj,^ Donor, erected twelve Alms-houses, neat and
bout on"*** convenient, which at first they endowed with two shillings.
Northern- ^^^ since, with four shillings, per week. They stand in a
hi^. pleasant, and healthy situation, at the lower end of Northen^
hajfy and enjoy every conveniency, water being conveyed to
them by leaden pipes from the river. On a A&ble stone in
fi'ont, is this inscription, *< For poor and impotent Woollen
** Manufacturers, by the charity of Lawrence Attwellf erect-
«* ed, 1772."
1773. The ancient residence in this city, of the Earls and DtJxs
Bedfbrd cir- of Bedford, commonly called Bedford-Chouse (formerly a Priory
cus buUt. oi Benedictine Monks, and granted at the RefomuUion to John
Lord
§ This church tras demolished in the siege of this city, by the parlia-
meDt army, during the grand rebellion; and upon removing the foun-
dation at tlii£ timi^ the remains of many human bodies, and fragments
of inscribod tomb-stones, were dug up.
* The old bridge, which consisted of thirteen pointed and irreeular
•rches, (not two of which were alike) was similar to most ancient bridges,
very narrow \ and, had recesses on the piers : houses were at each rad,
(of which, those at the East are remaining,) and an open space was in
the centre, where was a. doorway, and a flight of steps, that led to a long
vaulted room, commonly called the Pixhay , or Fairy house. There was
a wattled wear below the bridge, to prevent the fall of water from inju-
ring the foundation, which was of square stone laid on an innumerable
quantity of oak piles, driven thick into the ground. Some of these, or
being drawn up, were very hard, and black as jet.
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Digitized byCjOOQlC
I
•<
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 217
' Lord RunelyJ which had been for many years let to different CHAP. IV .
tenants, was now taken down, and the acite and gardens let
on a building lease to Mr. Robert Striblingj of Exeter ^ Buil-
<]er ; who erected thereon the present regular; and elegant
pile of building, called Bedford Circus ^ the first stone of which
was laid 27th May, 1773.
In digging for the foundation, great numbers of human
bones were dug up, with the foundation of a church, broken
mouldings, fragments of sepulchral monuments, and other Several aa-
Tuins of a sacred edifice, and its adornments ; and, in the tiquities,'
garden were discovered, some feet deep, several lead coffins, L®*** coffin*
containing human skeletons; also a thick leaden box, or bones fouad
chest, within which were the remains of three or four human
sculls, and bones* This discovery occasioned various con-
jectures, as there was not length enough for receiving a body.
All these were emptied of their contents, for the sniall value
of the lead, and the bones thrown among the rubbish, to the
disgrace of humanity : a lasting odium must ever shade the
name of a mercenary, unfeeling man !
On the 7th November, 1773, died the learned, and face- Death of
tious Mr. Andrew Brice, Printer, and native of this city ; au- Mr. An-
ther of the laborious, and now highly esteemed work, drew Brice,
" Brice's Topogn^hical Dictionary,'^ and several others; p^.^*^^*
w^hose satirical vein of humour. in his " Mobiad, or Battle of "**
*• the Voice^*' (which strongly exposed, and reformed, many
ridiculous customs of his fellow citizens) will for ever entitle
his memory to esteem and gratitude. His remains were inter-
red in St. uarthdomew* t burying ground, 14th November, at-
tended to the grave by many Lodges of his Brother Masons,
and a great concourse of spectators.
The old Courts in the castle being very inconvenient, and "^7?*
greatly beneath the dignity of the large and opulent county of i^^^ ' q.
Devon 9 were taken down, and the present structure begun ; ty courts
the first stone of which was laid by the Right Hon. Lar</ built in the
Fwcwin/ Cbttr/«iay, 25th March, 1774- a»^e.
For holding the Assizes, County Courts, &:c. during the
time of building new ones, tWo temporary Courts were erec-
ted. They were afterwards taken down, as also the Chapel,
and Castellain's house, when a new house and guard house
"were built; the area of the castle was levelled and gravelled,
and the banks planted with young elms. In the course of Ron^n
these alterations, many Roman, and other coins, were found ; coins &c.
human bones dug from under the foundation of the Chapel,
and several other parts of the castle. I'hose venerable re-
mains of ancient fortification, the Donjwj SaU^ort, with ^^^^ &*^d'
its covered way, and Square Tower, (in which was a lofty [Sored. *^
gateway
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218 THE HISTORT OF '
CHAP. IV . gateway walled ap) were taken down, greatly regretted by
the antiquarians. The annexed print (the drawing of whkliy
was taken before their demolition) will convey to tlie observer
_. some idea of their ancient beauty and strenetn.
1774. ^^ **^* ^^^ October, 1774, about ten cTclock in the cve-
Slif ht * ningy a slight shock of an earthquake was felt in this city.
ghockof aa Its direction seemed from South to North; die tremulation
earthquake of the earth lasted about two seconds, and greatly alarmed
«t m Exe- several families, particularly that of Colonel Newton^m James's
Street t where, several doors were thrown open, and the
house bells rang by the shock ; it was also felt at the hoases
of John Shorty Esq. and 3fr. GiUs^ Surgeon, ntss Palace
gate.
1775. In this year^ the unhappy disputes between Great Britain^
Americaa ^n^ }^^^ American colonies broke out into open hostilities ; an
^' event which involved this kingdom in a long, ruinous, and
expensive wa)r, that was most severely felt by the inhabitants
of Exeter.
Mr Baring's -^ long contested, and disputed election, for a represents-
fint election tive for this city in parliament, between John Baring, and
JoAn Burridge Chottoichi Esquires, was detennined, on 5d
November, 1776, by a large majority in favour of Mr.
Barings who was accordingly returned duly elected.
Dreadful About this time, a dreadful fire happened at a house on
fire on the the Old Bridge^ used as a lodging-house for poor travellers,
old bridge. The fire breaking out in the lower part of the dwelling, and
the doors being locked, the unfortunate lodgers had no wajr
of escape ; how many fell victims to the flames, was not
known for a certainty, but nine bodies, shockingly scorched
and burnt, were found in the ruins, and carried into St, Ed^
mund^s Church.
1779. The French nation assisting the American colonies in their
revolt, occasioned an open rupture between the two Nations;
and the Spaniards and Dutch also joining in the confederacy,
they made great preparations for an invasion of diis kingdom.
Accordingly the combined fleets o£ France and Spain, entered
nedfl^of ^^*. ^'"''"^ Channel, and appeared off Plymouth, whilst the
Fiance and ^'"'^''^ Fleet, by a strong easterly wind, were driven many
Spain ap. leagues to the westward of Scilly Isles, and unable to work
pear off up the channel. The unusual appearance of an hostile fleet
Kymouth. upon the British Coast, caused a great consternation ; but the
people soon recovering from their fright, and theif ancient da*
ring spirit reviving, every preparation was formed, to give
the enemy a warm reception, should they have the temerity
to attempt a descent ; particularly at Pfymouth, supposed to
be their principal object^ in order to destroy the Dock Yards,
and
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THE City op fixeteit. 219
and Niaval Arsenals. All the troops that could be collected, C HAP, rv .
were marched to that important fortress, and the French, — —
Spanish^ ?Lnd American prisoners, upwards of 1300 in nunUftr, ISOOFrench
were ordered to be removed to Errfer^ to which city they *^^^
were conducted under a guard of Volunteers, collected to- JJUJ^jnto
gether by WUliam Bastardy of Kitley^ Esq. who commanded Ezeter.
them in their march. On this account, the greatest exertions
of the citizens were requisite, no military force, except one
company of the Hertford militia, (left behind sick, and unfit
for duty, when the other members of the regiment marched
for Plynioutk^J being in Exeter at the time, therefore at a
meeting called'at the Guildhall^ it was resolved that such as
would voluntarily come forth to do military duty, should ap-
pear in the afternoon, on Southemhay^ and there enroll them*
selves, ballot for their respective companies, and choose their
officers ; and so great was the spirit and loyalty of the citizens,
at this alarming crisis, that upwards of 800 enrolled, were
provided with arms, and formed into a regiment, under the
command of John Barings Esq. one of the representatives in
Parliament, for Exeter. There being no fit place for the re-
ception of such a number of prisoners^ the county Justices
generously gave up their Bridewell in St. Thomas's parish,
which was fitted up fof the purpose.
On the arrival of the prisoners at Alphinpton Cross^ they Citizens of
were met by two companies of the Exeter Voiunteers^ who Exeter
were on that day appointed to do duty over them, and con- fo*™ them-
ducted to their respective places of confinement, the county *t|!^*"^°j
bridewell, and some houses on Alphington causeway. These J^Jdod^uty
Volunteers having thus taken the charge of the prisoners, over the
continued on duty during their stay, (which was for some prisonert.
time) with such care that not one escaped ; and for this, on
the removal of the captives, his Majesty was pleased to signi->
fy his approbation, by sencUng them his letter of thanks, which
Was read at the head of each company.
When the regiment was disbanded, some gentlemen of the
city willing to continue their service, obtained his Majesty's
Licence for forming themselves into a company of Foot ; and
hein^ armed and cloathed,' at their own expence, they
xnct for exercising themselves in military discipline, at stated
times during the War.
The Pariiament being dissolved. Sir Charles Warwick A. D.
^^^fylde^ Bart, and John Barings Esq. were re-elected re« 1780.
presentatives for this City.
The American War was now terminated, and a general i78s.
Peace ensued, to the great joy of all ranks of people. -.g
In order lo improve the entrance into the City, it was deem- Sastgatc
E ^ . cd taken down.
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2S0 THl HISTOHY OF
CHAP. IV . ed cacpedicnt to Ukcddwn EtutpOe. W wbichabctwlifij vii.
•^^-^ ta was open^ ftom St. Sidvrdu imo the High-itmt ; a Tcry
great, and Qccomjr improvement, f
1704, '^^ ^"^S *g*^ difiiolving the Farliament, there waf a
' . . , smart contest «t the election lor this City : the Candidates
^^ ^mSkrClmU9WinwkkBcn^yld€,j0knBsrhig,md James
IMer^ Esquires; the poU lasted near fi>u^ days; Uk; two first
gentlemen were ittumed duly elected,
^^_ His Maies^ making a tour through the Western Counties,
i«timatedmsdengnonriiitio|r£rr^. Every accessary pr«>»
HsMyetty puation was m^e, becoming the dignity of the City, i^r
vwtj Exe- J^ reception ; upwards of 300 of the principal inhabitanu
were sworn, as additional Cons^kSt and the 9tixf^ fronji
the end of Paru^reeif tp Bnfodg^^f were railed in, afid gra-
Tclled over* The Chamber at a great ci^p^ce decorated the
Guildhall with variegsted lamps, and fieffloops of artificialflo w«
ers; and a grand Cnair of Sdite, (with a footstoolj covered
widi Crimson VeWet edged wiA ^poUk 1V9» exe^t^ iii cxr
pectation of their Majesties, honounpg it vfith t^ieir pfcsei^ce.
Wo eapenoe was spared by the Chapibery to receive and
welcome their bdoved Monarph aod his Fvnilr*
On the 13th August, 1789, about 4 o*Clock m the After^
noon, their Majesties, vrith three of the Princesses^ and suite,
arrived at the bottom of Pgru^rc^f^ where tl;ey were received
by a party of Constables, who conducted thsr^ intp ^he City,
amidstanamazingnumberof Spectators* AiSt^Jaim^sHo^
tal, they were received by the Mayor, JmuUhan BurnHt^ Esq.
attended by the Gentlemen of the Chamber, and the diluent
Corporations, in their scarlet and other gQwns. Ofi his Ma-
jesty's Coach stopping, ^he Recorder, CkttrU^Fflwifmci^ Esq.
addressed him in the name of theM^yor and Chamb^^ in a
loyal
f Thit ipite, whidi wm much nibied \/f Pvim WarUdt 4qniig the
ticfe of ExeUr and toon after rebuilt in a very itfoiig.iBf«|Qpr, coof icM
of a curtain Saoked tnr tvo biilvrark». The exterior arch irw ^ttj strong
and lofty, over which, rested a Statpe of King Ifeniy 7tk^ in a Roman
Toga, holding a Globe and Sceptre: the arms of the sane King (viz,
I5wic« and Engkmdy quarterly) appeared above it, die oompartneiu
decorated with rotes and portcullises, to signify his descent ftom the
house of Bvntfvft^ vrhoae ocgni;(sn^ it wss ; and the laUer stiU ii borne
as a crest by the Dukes of BMofiri, This Statue, and the Arms, are
preserved; they are placed ii| frqnt of a house' erected on the scite, and
built with part of the materials of the old gate. Near the bottom of the
flanking towers, were port-holes for the great port cannons ; and look-
outs on each story. In the centre of-the gateway wa^ a ftfong semicir-
cular arch, apparently very ancient: (according to the opinion of the
learned Jh, Stmckle^^ this arch was of Roman construction ; ) the iotciior
front was adorned with a Clock and Dial, which were afterwards placed
in the front of ^/. JdbV HotpHal, The Gate was occupied as a FuUic
House; known by the sign fk The SahtMhn.
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tachAfcnttoml Majesty VroysttFeMbn, and Government, and — —
ttieir gtatefcTtllirtiks fot Uft condttceilding to Tiiit tbcir City.
Th« lS^6i then presented the ftword of Stat6, which his
l&jcstjr Was pteased to rehim, saying, it could not be entrust-
ed into better hands. Their Majesties tiien proceeded (through
fnultitudes of joyfiU specCators, assembled irom all parts of
^ Stirrt>anding country^) to the Deanry, prmired for their
reiiclence dtiring their naif. Itt St. Peter's Chflrchyard, i
Re^ment of Dkugoons (quartered at the time in the city|
were drUv^h Up, and they sUtlted their Majesties as the^ pa»*
sed by, ahd then Atotinl^ guatd a% the Deanty.
Inthetftening there were bonfires, fireworks, Klid illumi^
nations, with many emblemittic ttansparejkcics. The neit
day ththr Mtje^ti« attended filtiiie service at th^ Cathedtal^
bat the ootf toft rt e of ptcHplh being v<ery gteat, they were pre-
vented at thit time insp^hg tl^ curiosities of that ancient
edifiee. Aftet the service, thcjr repaired to the Bishop'i
palace^ where the Khik held a Levee, at which, the Mayor^
Recorder, Aldermen, &c. were presented. The customary
honour of Kniehtbood Was cUf^rtd to the Mayor, but he de-
clined it. In Sue iifterhoon their Majesties, Princesses, ftc.
went ih privi^te tti the Cadtedhd, Where th^y minutely observ-
ed ever^ tb?n^ \irOrtFly tiotice, and seemed highly gmtified \h
dbservi/i^ tlie b^afuty of the building, the organ. Bishop 'a
Throne, painted windows and other ornaments of thi&t sacred
pile. A ^e^eral illufnihatbh was displayed a^ain in the
evening, thYoughbiitt tHe whole city and its environs. Ifis
Majesty did not honour the Chamber with a visit at the Guild-
hall, it being contraij to usual etiquette, and to prevent giv^
ing umbrage to the other cities and towns, he had passed
through.' After a stay of two nights the Royal Familv and
suite pi'ooeedcd on ^eir journey to Latd Barrvtgdcn^s nouSb
at SdHtuM wfsit Pi^mHhi Where they resided near a fortnight ;
and oft rietu^n, slept, one night, at the Deanfy, and the next
morning con6nuea their travel to Weymouth.
A supposition arising that a dissolution of Parliament \jR'
Would sjiEedily take phtec, Jarttes BttUer, E«^. of DcmnSy wis Conttwted
invited by a great number of electors for thh city, to come fof- Election be-
ward as a Candidate to opjpose die sitting Members, which he tween John
accepted, and his declaration appeared as early as Navem^^ Baring,
itt tbi preceding year ; the pernicious practice of QuiUing^ J £^2m &
Ee2 thensi/c^.
t <M1ltng, (in some places jcuftly temied RmOhffJ a term dmost pe- Bwap^W««
cumr td JBn^kry eignnifies treating the Electors with rictnato and drink ;
ory> Hibi^ pniptAjf nrtivertiag tiie mortis «r the lower ctaiB, to the ruin
of many of them.
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222 THB HISTOBY OF
CHAP IV . then oommeocedy and was condnued, with very fipw intjer-r
—""""• vaU until the month of June following, attended with an c-
normous expence to the Candidates, and more iniuiv thaa
benefit tp the Electors. At the close of the poll (whica con-
tinued four days) j4tAm Baring, ai^d JamaBuikrf Eoqutres,
wcfe r.eturaed dwly elected*
17^ '^^^ (ritrnJi^ of Sir C. W. Bampfylde^ not satisfied with the
return, petitioned Parliament, complaining of an undue re«
turn ; and a Committee of the House of Commons being ap-
£>inte4 to try the merits of the said petition, it was decided in
vour of JoAn Baring, Esq, who was declared duly elected.
The bad state and inconveniency, of the Criminal Piisonl
for the County of Devon, being justly complained of, an Act
of Parliament was passed for building a new one. A healthy
spot of ground on an elevated situauon, near Dane's Castje,
being purchased, it was begun this year, and completed in
about four years. The principal part consists of brick» made
and burnt on the same spot; with moor-stone copings: the
Lodge in front, which is of pioor-stone, is furnished with
baths.
The Chapel is vefy n^at, and the Gaoler's house commo-
dious, and every pecessary accommodation for the health,
as well as security for the prtsonerf, is provided. On the
roof of the Lodge, which is flat, aqd covered with lead, a
temporary platform and gallows is qectcd for the execution
of Male&ctors. *
•)79S. A plan having been adopted by the Le^slaturc, for erect-
ing fiarracks in V^t dilferent parts of this Kingdoin, two large
fields
^ The custody of the Cfaol, wsf granted by WiBiam ^ Ccnqutrw^ to
Wutiam Porto f one of hu servants, together witli the manor o[Bieto».
Hmry 1«# oonfened the said manor on one Jokn^ (sumamed, finm his
Office, Jamior,) who, by the tenure of these lands, ttas fo keep th^
Common Prison, within the County of JHcw. iM(fnd de Baititr hel^
this Manor by the same service, in the reign of Edward Zd^ frum which
family, through SackviUe^ it descended to Hewry Copluttme, Esquire,
irhote grandnon sold it to Sir Tkomia Damis ; and by Jwie, one of hts
daughters and coheireMes, who wat married to Sir Henry Rdk^ the said
manor and oflke cMne into the family of the RoUtt ; and, the same is now
enjoyed by the Hon, John Lord Roiie ; who, upon paying a certain sum,
according to the act, was released from having any further connexion
with tbe said gaol j and the goTemment thereof was conferred on the
Justices of the County of J!>evoii
* Before the erection of the New Gaol, fha place of execution wv
about two miles from the City, called Heamitet OdUowt^ (though being
m Sowton ptrisb) acUoining to which, is a small inclosed spot of land for
the tntermant of those unfortunates who suffered It was enwoned by
a stone wall, at the expence of Afr#. Joan Tud^dd, of this city, widow,
wholeAaa estate to the corporatiai| of Taylon of Exelerj in inist, for
keeping the said wall in repair.
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 223
Cddls were purchased for that parpose, near the New Gaol, CHAP. IV .
in the parish of St. David; and the building was soon after ' — ^7"
begun, and in a few years, completed. It is an elegant qaa« ^^^ ^^
drangle, situated on an eminence, commanding an extensive. Hone, be-
and beautiful view of the surrounding country : at the upper funto be
end are apartments for the Officers, and ia the two wings arc ^^^
stabling for 202 Horses, over which are Lodeing-rooms for
the Privates. There is ^so a Ridin e School, Hospital, Farri-
er's Shop, Suttling House, Guard House, Powder Magazine,
Granaries, and every other convenicncy that could be adopted
for thf ease and comfort of the stationed Troops. At the
commencement of this building, a melancholy accident hap- Melancfaolj
pened to one of the labourers employed in sinking the Well ; •"*lent.
after getting to the depth of near 30 feet, the sides, not bein? ,
properly secured, gave way, and he was crushed to death !
some time elapsed, before he could be dugout, when a
shocking spectacle presented itself to the Spectators.
About this period, the Emissaries of trance^ (having en« A. D.
tircly altered tneir vjtttxtk of Government,) endeavoured to ^7^«
excite commotions in this kingdom : the weU-aflFected and
loyal citizens of fjceter, entered into associations for support-
ing the Constitution and Government. In order to counter* *
act their pernicious designs, large bounties were given by the
Chamber, and subscriptions opened at different places (the
Country-house in particular,) for the purpose of enlisting
men for his Majesty's Service, in both Army and Navy.
Not satiMed with assisting merely by their purses, many ^^^*
ofteied their services in person, and being accepted, a com* The6nit
pany of Volunteers was immediately raised, t consisting of^ompanyof
sixty Gentlemen, under the command of Capt, Mackenzit^ (an ^^^^ Vo-
old established Officer.) They were supplied with Arms {^J^L**
from the King's Arsenals, but their complete military cloath*
ingjMras at their own expence.
The victories gained by the French on the Continent, toge-
ther with the apprehension of troubles from the discontented
at home, callea for 3trong exertionf , to provide for the interi*
or security of the Nation ; Commissions were therefore grant- -^^ ^
ed, for raising a number of FeneibU Regiments, both Horse Cornish
^nd Foot. Two gentlemen of this City, viz. Colonel Rodert FeDcible
Hall, and Colonel Thomas Stnbling^ received Commissions for RegUnent
levying two Regiments. The first of these by vigorous and "^ ^
prudeni e;iLertion8» soon ^napleted his quota of men, and ^^^^^'^
they
t The Gentleman who suggeided hi the Guildhall, the idea of ratnng
a Company of Volunteers, was, Mr. Roberi Hemery Attorney at I^w,
Of Exeter, for whic)i servio^the Chamber conferred upon him the Frec^
4om of the City.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
£14 THE HISTORY OF
^'^ niih FfiidMei, Jtwt after thfey were embodMy thty w«rc or^
dered to iNfkmtf^ i^ere rifcy cnnHnated during the retnaiwier
of the War; and by mrict drtciprfiitCi ud godd behairioiiry
th^ nm cAily prHierved the tranquility of tm Wotem pans
Of that Kingdom, but gained tb« Mcem of tbe ifa habi ta nU in
tv^ry Nation they wef« qnairtcred at.
By the tenure <Sf thelt engagementB, tbe several FentSble
PegtmcntB were to serre during the Wat, but kt Uie SritiMt
Islands only.
C&i&nelStfi^Mg^ t^robgh tli« ill conduct (^ ufe no faatA^
er terin^) of thdseeniphiyed by him^ in recruith^, (after e&<^
pending^ lafiB;e cunri of monejr) failed in fait endeavours t<f
complete aKegiinentby the time agreed upon, atfd diose
^nliMed by trim, were draughted fn(o» and ihoorporated with
A. D. ^^^ corpl.
1796. About thia period y a «6c6nd Coinpanv of Exeter VoHmm
2d Ooin^ tei*M, umier the command of Alitfrntn Bcnfmrtin Hm^^c^mA
V f^S!S' ir*/*^* was completed^ and added totht firrt.
^J^° * A Tfdop of Volunteer Hone, conttisttngof Oenttemen and
A Troop of Yeomen, of thia City »nd nelghbonrfaomt, under commatid
Volunteer tliSir SttffoYd Ihnfy Nifffkc^e^ Bai^* was «lS6 corilpfeted )
I^ree, mi- the Troopets" fwnishing their 6wn Hbrsea, ifehnets^ iftid
"^' Unifbrms^ fefoi were pfo^rided b^ GoFvemm^nt witli arms.
Soon afkif^ second Ttt^6p t^ato raised^ commanded by J^m^
Lardine/^^ Esq.
The priee ^f Ftv^titioftty espeeiaily V¥fa^(( advancing
greatly, cresifed much murmuring, anddissatisfcetioa among
tne eolnmion peo j^, who judging the «til to bate af latn from
to *i»*^*^ nefariou»pfa6ti6er<^theopttlent Mdlen (whom tbeyrakpectv
devtV ar ^ ^^ engMs^g great qtianiitie^ of gftfin) cbUecnnf m a tnob^
Com. «^ procet^d m BhK* Mank-Mil^f neat Chudi^i' wbhA
they partly demolished, plundered what gram ^y CovM
#nd, and fu¥iO\A1y iA9«f1ted, and ilf treated the ptomietor,
Mr.^ifHe, For this offence, one Af^.Oti^»(A9 a blaottmath^
^f DntB.itei^ton^ Wars aY^prehended ay a rhigles^^ eomniifted
to gao^- and on trial, being convicted, v^ras senteneedto be
«(^uted mear tike «pot where the 6rime was committed*
Mr. Cam- Ji, ordet to strike tterfof , and pteveht fiittffe comfmetidn*,
ted M^a*^**^ the execution was conducted ina iftanner, hitherto noknov^h
RinaloKien ^ ^^>^ ^»' ^^^ entirely MiKtary, and entrusted CO tb^
* cafe of Ma^ SkiHtp&Uf of the i»5tk Riegimeoc of Light Dm*
goohs.
The unfortunate man (much pitied) was conducted, front
^e new gaol to tbe place of cxccutidii, in a mourning coadi,
f uarded by the Light Dragooosr the troops of Volunfeer
Cavalry
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THE' OITT Q9 8XC9CR. 2f$
C^JiilrfofSirSij^MNm^koote, aad SirJokndw U Poh; the CHAf^iy.
tw» Campaaies i>f Ejettfr^ and several othfira of the oeia;b-
bouriag VolmitQera ; aad, in order to prevent a reicue, a baft*
talioQ of Miliiui* with two Held pieces were ordered to march
to the iieighiboiirbood. The eKecudon, which was solemn
aod peacedriOf striick greal awe, ia the mlndt of the speota*
tors, while the unhappy victim to the laws, was much lamcQci
te4» 9M bf 4irer bore a good character. He declared, he was
Qompelled to lewre his work and join the rioters. ^ 1^
The Parliament being dissolved, writs ^ere issued for eloc« 1 790.
ting a Q4W one, and Jamet BuUtr^ Esq. declining to offer JohnBvin^
himself a« a eaadidato» Jahu Barings £sq. and Sir Ch4Utle^f'^ T^w'
Wnnpkk Bamp^de, Bent, were netiirned dulj elcoied. Bam ,Tvide.*
A gftaft disturbance happened, occaaioned by a new saised returned
Fcgiment of foot, which were levied at LondQttderr.^ in Irtlandf duly el^ct-
by the nanve of the LondondoTif Fencibie»y and from thpoco e4H' 1^*
lemovcd to this city. It beia^ the intention of gorer^iment Disturb:
tP draught them into othec regiments, the men refused com-, ance, gccv
pliancc, and qianili^^stcd symptoms of mutiny ; they declareAl sIqikhI i^r
that accoiding to their engagements, they were to asnre only [^i^^!"« ''-j^
ip their owB.ttginient, and undes their own oiiicera. U|)on j^^^dond^
4iis, the military forces then lying here, were called in to en'* ry Fenci-
&rce the orders of government ; and the Londondtntf mtn^ bles.
being drawn up in §/. Peter's ChurcAt^ardf and refusing to
9h<^ new officers, were attaokcd, and diapecsed by the 26 :h
ttgim|:nt of Light Dragoons, assisted by a large party of the
Wt Fencibk Cavaliy. They fled in every direction, and
verc puraiied by the horse under command of Major S/iad^
^, who executed bia orders with the most SrMtai getrritj^^
dreadfiiUr wounfling many of the poor fellows, and driving
them to the Caade, where they were disarmed, and forced in-*
to compliance* During the time this scene lasted, the whola>
city waa in aa(tat«:of confusion, and exhibited a melancholy
idtn Qi% mUkwy government J the Light Dragoons behaved
witbthe greatest insolence, not only insulting the |)eace«tble
citizens, out riding over m^y whq were incapable of getting
out of their way.
A third company of Volunteers, consisting of gentlemen ^^^
of the first distinction in this city, (who provided themselves q^ Cot\i\i§n
with arms* military accoutrements, and cloathing,) formed nyofl'.x^tur
themselvesi into a corps, for the interior de&nce, and secu*. Volmuetiri,
nngtheproperty of the citizens, incaseof any intestine trou- ^^^^^
bics. They were commanded by Major HamWony an old,
sad experienced o0icer, who had long resided in £xeter, and
n^ectmg with the approbation of hi^ Majesty, commissions
*^cit granted to the officers, aud the gentlemen regularly
attended
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
2S6 tHB HI^tOAT OF
CHAP.IV > attended their discipline daring the contionance of the waf.
■ The French Nation, exulting in their great successes, set
^798 ^^ bounds to their ambitious views, and (exasperated against
Great Britain^ who almost sinoly withstood her power, and
The French prevented her favourite scheme of absolute dominion) breath-
^reatenaa ^ revenge, and menaced the EngiitA, with the threats of m,
^''**^'*' powerfulinvasion.
The British Ministr^r made every preparation of defence :
Signal Houses were erected to give early intelligence of the
enemy's approach ; and the most vulnerable places on the
coast were fortified, and guarded. They also had recourse
to the constitutional mode of qiir ancestors, the Saxons^ viz*
arming the effectual force of the country, and calling forth
the whole mass of citizens for defence* Circuhtr letters were
sent to all parts of the country. On receipt of those to f^iw
Cenendtpi- Ci<y, a genersl meeting was held at the Guildhall, where the
fit of the true spirit of the British Nation appeared in the most con-
Ottiens, in spicuous manner. The opulent not only subscribed large
vmMiGDrthe ^^"^ ^^ money, but offtndpersonai oisiitanee^ and the he-
defence of ^Oic flame caught hold of all ranks of men. Nearly every
their coun- one, capable of rendering any service in this city, enrolled
tiy* their names, in the different classes proposed and adopted,
in which they judged they should be of most effectual use
to their Country.
Troop of A Troop, who furnished their own uniforms and horses,
H^****^!!!!- ^*' formed under the command of John Shorty Esq. J like-
^J^ wise a Regiment of Foot, by the name of the Exeter Lwfai
Col. Gfan* Association^ who served without pay, or emolument irom
ger's R«gt government ; they found their uniforms, (at a great expence^
but were supplied with arms from his Majesty's Arsenals.
Edmund Gran^ert Esq. a respectable mercnant of the City-
commanded them, (as Lieut. Colonel.) Beside these, there
were two companies who cloathed themselves, under con»-
m^ndoi Aiderman Reuben Philips^ and Captain Laurence Willi^
and tix o* ams ;and th ree companies under Captains Biackaltf ColUns^ and
therCom- Tremiett; also a company of Light I nfimtry, wha termed
panics rai»- themselves the Exeter PusUeers^ under command of Captain
Trevman : § they had an allowance from government towards
their cloatfaing.
Exeter Re- Xhc last six Companies were afterwards united to the first
vSunteers. and second of JE«rfcr Volunteers, the whole forming a Regi-
ment
X This gentleman, soon afterwards dying, (untTcrsally lamented, for
his benevolence, and the many amiable qualifications he possessed) wa»
succeeded in command by Philip Cornish^ Esq.
§ Being promoted to a command in the Regulars, the command of
the Company devolved to SamMl iMswmie^ Esq.
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THE CITY OP EJLETEJi. SSf
ment complete, of eight companies, under the 'comoband of CHAP.IV i
Ueta. CokmdJohn T. Wright^ (Collector of his Majesty *«Cu«- '
tomsy for the Port of Exeter^ and brother in law to Sir S.
H. Norihcate^ Bart.) an old and experienced Officer. AU
these corps continued their services during the remainder of
the war, and were of great utility in preserving the peace of
the country, and intimidating our enemies from their projectk
ed invasion*
The advance in the price of Provisions still increasing, A. 0.
(occasioned by a partial failure in the harvest, and the great ^^^*
demands for supplying our fleets, and armies) created much High price
discontent among the middling and lower class of people, par« of prottst-
ticularly at the Com Market, which was but scantily sup- ^^^
plied. The Mayor, (Jonathan Wortkt/f £sq.) constantly at^
teaded the Markets, exerted himself for their relief, and pre-
served the public peace, for which he justly merited their
thanks.
The situation chosen, on the removal of the Great Conduit f The conduit
in the High^^treet^ proving very incommodious to passengers^ removed
by reason of the great resort of people to draw water, a ^ite^streel.
complaint was laid by the neighbouring inhabitants^ and
the Chamber once more caused it to be removed. It was
placed at the bottom of Cook^rms^ SouthgaiC'^treetj where
formerly stood the aid Shambk*^ over which was the Wool
and Yam Market, just before taken down, in order to widen
the street, which was then very narrow, * and (from the
great, and almost continual passing of waggons. Carts, &c^)
extremely dangerous to passengers.
On the 28th of July, a dreadful fire« which consumed thir^ a great Fire
teen houses, inhabited chiefly by poor Weavers^ happened near iii St. Sid-
the B/acM 607/ Turnpike^ in the parish of St* Sidweils; occasi* wells,
oned by a Bnck^kUn being erected too near a large stack of
furze, which taking fire, communicated itself to the adjoining
houses, fiy this accident, a number of poor families were
reduced to great distress.
The great consumption of provisions, occasioned by the • 1800.
vast supplies for yictualling our Navy, and Army, now cau- ^ -. ,
sedthc war to be felt by all ranks of people; and though, by tr^oflhe
our insular situation, and the vigilance of our naval com* Poor, from
manders, we were preserved from the ravages of a foreign the high
enemy, every necessary article of life advanced to such an e- P"^® ?^
aormous price, that tne resemblance nearly appeared of an ^"*^^^^''*-
F f actual
• The narrowness of the Street at this pla*-?*, occa'^ioned frequent acci-
dents ; a few years since, a coimtrj'womaii was crushed to death ! being
unable to extricate herself fr;>m a waggon which pressed her against onw
of the houses..
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SSS TH8 ■IITOBT OF
C HAP.IT .gfcUiaHmiiae! WbentvMapffwrdsofaGviiitmandlliilqr
' 14i. per bnahd: Beef, Matton, and Poffk, lOd. and Butter
It. 6d. per poiuid : Potatoes (tbovgh of the very wont kind)
The^MT ft. perpecky whiltl tnufewat almost ttagnated. ^ Thisocca*
^iatobo Stoned great nMirmurings, and damourst espedanir anxMig
^^^^ the middling* and k>wer classes of aoGiel7,^rto kid hitherto
borne their sufleriags with an unexBRipled V^tience. The^
londlf exclaimed, without ezaggerationy on the distvsases of
themselTes and &milies, and flocked to the markets in such
numbers, that the fiiayor Riekard JaMfif Esq. was obliged
toorderouttheoonttablet toprotect the oountrj people, as the
populace, driven almost to despair, crooded on mem. With
the greatest anxiety, the people endeavoured to purchase their
commodities, even at the most enormous prices, the necessa^
ty supplies being very scanty. How thoe erih originated,
it m not in the author s power to say ; but, mostoertunly,
many cruel, avaricious persons reaped great advantage from
the melancholy distress; their hoarding and monopolizing,
increased the grievance, as they kept fiom the markets, t£o
usual supplies.
The poor, no longer able to provide proper sustenance for
mjmm,^ their fitmilies, assembled togctner in nuuty diflcrent places,
We on particulariy on So^htrnht^^ from whence they proceeded in
Sootbsm* divisions, to the principal Landholders and Farraert, of the
^T* aurmun^g country, dctirine tome, and compelling othen,
to tign a eontrsct (which they produced) lor tel£ig their
wheat, and other neosssaries, at reduced prices.
Thoui^ the mob (much to their credit,) proceeded not to
acts of violence, yet danger was feared, if such tumultuous
meetings were su&red to continue, Ihe greatest exertions
Iht Bliici»' therefore of the Magistrates was required to put a stop to
^T^T^' <b«n^* Most of the bonseholders in the city were sworn as
numbeiv of *^^'^*°*'' con^ables, and the mob being prevented from
^ditionsl folding any more meetings, by the vigilance of the Mayor^
ConttsUet quietoess in some degree, was restored.
are twom. The suflcrings of the poor needing immediate relief, a meet-
Th« Vwt ing of the principal citiient was hdd at the GuUdAalif where
relieved by a subscription was opened, and large sums were subscribed,
tubflcri^ It was grastly assisted by government bounties, who ordered
^?^^^ quantities of &Att/ Hmwi^and other Fi$h^ to be sent to the
^|^*f^ dffierent posts, which were retailed at moderate prices ; boun-
pl^j^ lias, wem also given for the importarion of WhUt^ Riet^ and
Braid sold ^^^ kinds of provirions, from Fore^ Ports. Large a uan-
at the Fuiih (ities of an inferior kind of bread, (a mixture of wheat and bar-
Churchei. jey, with other grain) was ordered to be baked in this city,
and sold nffite we directiM Qf the ovieisecirs, at the different
parish
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
raS CRT OV BXKVSB. SS9
ptMkdkmkl^ irt m nrach tofreriwice Am the kteinoM CHAP. nr «
at; and, inordtrtDkasenllttOoiinmptkioasinvA wpoMi- '
blc, an Act of PorliaiMnt waa part, «o pievent Bcfer« and ^ <*^^-
odien, irom aelik^ (uodar a aevm penaltir) aay kiad of ^^^^
bread, wkhin 84 huun after Aeaaid ^vas baked : it was iika» ^e ^f ^ev
wise recommended lo all ftaiiUca, to rctfench at nuich at hnaA.
bossible, the qaaotitiei of bread made uee of in their honaea;
hi short, every prudent measure was adopted to alleriaie
the diatiesa of the connny* and prevent, if possible, the hor*
rors of an erpected fiunine, untii it shoold please the Almigh-
ty di^KMer of all events to remove this dreadful aconrge by aa
abundant harvest! Government also exeited itself to reme- Boanti«
dy this calamity ; one expedient vras, by giving a bounty grnntad Cat
to such penon or penons, who should supply me markets ^^°^^
with a certain quantity of fish; this measure was happily ^^J^
attended wiik auccess, greater quantities of that naeful aliment '^^
wis brought to the markets ofthiacity, than vras ever before
remembered, to the great relief of the citizens; and one Mr»
TAanm Bale, Fishmonger^ rtiseived upwards of 160/. as his
share of the bounty^
The rumour of a French Imanm was now more preva^ Frah lu-
lent than erer^ and the British Government, made eroy ne- moun of au
cessary preparation fi)r their reception. Large bodies of i^^^«««,
Troops were stationed oq theaea coasts, and many corps of £xeter V(»>
Volunteers were embodied liar actual aeroce* A large train lunteen
of Artillery* amongv^hich waa foair long £4*poundera, with embodied,
the necesaary amnumition and stores, was brought from Lai^tiai^
PfymauiA to thia city : the Cannon were for some time lodged of ArtUleiy
in the Caatle, and the ammunition, in apkoe procured for ^^^^^
that purpose at PoUke: a camp of home and foot was formed '^^^^^^
on tbe commons near Woodbmy^ to which the Park of Artil* campfon^
kry was moved, and stationed in the old camp, commcmly ed near
termed WooJhny Casik^ wherethey remained until thebreak* Woodbiuy,
iDg up c^ theoimp^ when they were brought bade to JSttttr
Casde.
A great nuisance which Ivad k>ng been complained o^ vis, ^^ ^^
the fikhiness of the atreets of this city« waa, this year, remc^ J^^ y^y
«d by the Chamber, who by an ai^ of Common Council, the CIibiq*
made a law which forbid^ under severe penalties, any person ber, for
Iromthrowmg, or h^ing, ashes, human ordure, or any kind j^J^S*''*
of filth or dune, into the streets, or kennels ; and compelling **^*"^
«very houaeho&er to sweep tfaepavement before their houses A. O^
three timea in every week. Froper scavengers were pu^ >^l«
vided^ who with carta, attended <kily to convey awi^y aofy
dirt. This regulation waa strongly enforced by the present .
M^or, r^i«Mr Fhmtif Escj. who acted with the greatest im* JJ^*^,*
paraality, making no distmction between persoosy against fonS hj
F (2 whom th« Majin.
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230 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . whom complaints were lodged, fining them inditcriminatelj'}
""*"""" and by this means, the streets (which before, for their filthi-
ness, were become proverbial) are kept clean and sweet, to
the great comfort, and health of the citizens ; and a great
reproach is removed from the City.
The waste 1"^^ waste water from the conduit was, bj means of pipes,
water from conveyed into the JBit/c/ier-raw, where its current is of great
the Conduit utility in clearing the kennels of the blood, and filth, which
Se BttSi^ before lodged in them, and was very noisome to passengers,
ej^nnr. ' ^^ return for this very necessary improvement, the inbabi-*
tantsofthefiii/c^<7^rov gratefully returned the Mayor thanks
in an advertisement in the public papers.
Alteiitioo This gentleman, likewise, on his first coming into office^
wUicstwi- altered the method of setting the assize of bread, after the
hm^ custom of the city of London. Before this, the weight of
the loaves altered according to the price of wheat in the mar-
ket, but they are now, always to be of one standard weight,
and the variation is in their price, the standard of which is set
in the Mayor's court every Saturday from the returns nuide,
by the clerks of the market, of the prices of wheat the preced-
ing market day. He also strictly enforced the laws against
Carters and others, for leaving their Carriages in the streets*
riding on the shafts, &c. fining all ofi^enders impartially, by
which, frequent accidents were prevented. The fines, for
these, and other misdemeanors, for the first quarter of his
Mayoralty, amounted to a sufiiciency to purchase 700 half^
quartern loaves^ which he ordered to be given to the poor at
C)bristmas. f
This Mayor likewise paid great attention to the jastness
of weights and measures, and rectified all abuses in them,
particularly in one ne£uiou8 practice, that had for a long time
prevailed unnoticed, viz. the shameful custom *bf paring
round the edges of their Wooden Measures, (such as Fecks,
lialf-pecks, &c.) by which, the quantity of proper measure
was much lessened. To prevent such iniquitous practices
for the future, he issued. orders, that no measures of that kind
Dhould be used, unless they were encircled round the brim
Regulation with Iron. He also regulated the measuring of that nece^
in the me»- gary article of life. Coals, and two sworn Coal Meters were
0^1^ appointed tp examine and measure all Coals sent firom the
On the conclusion of this Gentleman's Mayoralty, he was
presented with an elegant piece of plate, of the value of 50
guineas^ on which was engraven the following inscription :
t* Exeter,
t The said fines for the remaining part of hisMayoialty, were given
tpwards the support of the Peron^ and Kxeter (iotpital.
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 231'
*• ExetiT, 9t^ October, 1802. CHAP. IV .
** At a meeting of the principal inhabitants of the city of
•* Exeter, together with the Nobility and Gentry »-of its vici-
** nity . — ^This piece of Plate, was presented to TAomat Floud,
** Esq. the late Mayor, as a testimony of the sense they en-
•* tertained of his Public services in the execution of his
•• office."
On the 1 4th October, Preliminary Articles of Peace, were Prelimimwy
signed by the Ministers of the contending Nations ; and on Articles of
the news reaching this city, it spread a universal joy, evinced ^®**2,
by all ranks of people ; the Cathedral and other bells, were "*" '
immediately rung; and, the next day, there were general
illuminations, and other demonstrations of gladness : the
Preparations for carrying on the war were stopt, and the
'ark of Artillery, &c. sent back to Pti/moutk,
The Definitive Treaty was signed at Amiens, on the 27th A. D
of March, 1802. On this occasion, another general illu* ^^^^•
mination took place, bat far superior to the first, in which DefinitiTa
many fine emblematical transparent paintings were exhibi- Treaty of
ted, and fire-works, and bonfires were to be seen in every ^^® *'K"*"
street. In the evening the principal citizens, by invitation of Tdoicii^
the Mayor, met at the Guildhall, where they enjoyed them- in Exeter
selves in the greatest festivity ; every one expressed the most on the oo
lively joy at the happy return of peace, and being relieved casion-
from so long, bloody, and expensive a war; during which
they had struggled with the greatest calamities, not only by
an almost total stagnation of their trade, heavy and oppressive
taxes, but by a deprivation of the comforts, and common
Becessaries of life, from the exorbitant prices demanded for
them. '
On the 19th and 20th of April, the East Devon Regiment Mi]itia,and
of Militia (after being in Service for ten years, and upwards) Exeter Vo- .
ivas disbanded in this city, and sent to their respective homes : !""^5p^**"
and, on Sunday April 25th his Majesty's Letter of Thanks, °^^^'
and orders for their dismissal, was read to Colonel Wright* s
Regiment of Exeter Volunteers.
On Saturday, May 1st, Colonel Granger^ sVitgwatnt of To- Col. Grai*.
lunteers, was disembodied, and the arms delivered up; the ger'sregi-
Colonel, in return for their good behaviour, entertained the "^^ii*!lS
whole body with a splendid dinner at the Swan Tavern ; the *°^ *
corps unanimously voted a Gold Snuffbox, of 15 Guineas
value, to present to him, as a token of their esteem, and gra^
titude, for his kind, and polite behaviour, t
On
% Similar presents, were likwise presented to Sir Stqford Northcote,
and Colonel Wtigki, by their ospective corps.
Digitized by CjOOQIC
S32 THE HISTOBT OF
CHAP. IV . On Wednesday Ma^ Mh, His Majesty's Prodamatioti for
pj~ a General Peace was deliyered in ExeUr, and joy appeared in
ttoimnS"^ the countenance of every spectator. The procession con*
sisted of the different Incorporated Trades in their Liveiy
Gowns, preceded by their Beadles and Banners: the Band
of Music belonging to the 6th regiment of Dragoons^ and a
party of the men, unarmed, flanung the procession : a de«
puty Herald af Arms mounted on a stately Horse, and cloath-
cd in a Herald's Tabard, richly embroidered with his Ma«
jesty's Armorial Bearings; the Children of 5/. Jokn^sHa^
Ud: the corps of Constables belonging to this City and
County, with their Stafls : the City Officers, Mayor, Alder*
aien. Common Council Men, and Bailiffs, in their scarlet and
other robes. After the Herald had read his Majesty 's Procla^
mation in the front of the Guildhall^ the whole proceeded to
St. John* 9 HonpiiaU where, before the Chapel, ir was again
read ; from thence they moved on to 5/. JoAn-s Bow^ the cor«
ner of B^mr^ne in SoutAftatt^treet, and to the Wetifiwt of
the Cathedralt at each of which places it was again r^; the
procession then returned, by way of St* Martin* 9'iwHf back
toxht Chuidhidl.
Durin? the whole time, the Cathedral and parochial bells
rang, and the immense concourse of people gatnered together
on the occasion, testified their sincere joy ; loud huzxas re*
sounded through the streets, and the most perfect proprictj
of behaviour was observed.
The weather having been remarkably diy for near two
months, the Mayor, to prevent accidents by files, verr
prudently, (by hand bills) requested the citisens not to iUunu*
nate their bouses on this occasion.
t p^Vy faw Jttoe 1st, was observed with the greatest decorum, it being
iqg di^. ^^ dftv appointed by his Majest}r 's Proclamation, for a gene-
ral Thanksgiving. The morning was ushered in by the
ringing of the Cathedral and Parochial bells; at 10 o'clock
the Mayor, Aldermen, &c* preceded by the different Incor«
, porated Trades, with their usual Insignia, went in procession
to the Cathedral ; the 6th regiment of Dragoons, with their
Military Band, marched to the same, from the barracks:
TOTt of Sir Stafford NortAcote*s Carpi^ and the Exeter Troop of
Volunteer Horu (who were not disbanded) also attended Di-
vine Service. After prayers, the inner choir not being capa«
clous enough to contain the numerous congregation, an ex»
tellent Sermon was preached in the outer choir, by the Rev.
Canon Massey. The Parish Churches, and Dissenting Meet-
ing-houses were crouded; every shc^ was close^ shut
(excepting a few Quakers) and the whole forenoon had the
appearance of the strictest Sabbath.
Jtfr.
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THB CITY OP EXBTER. 233
Af>. EarM of St. Sidwells, Coach Maker, with his Jiumer- C HAP-IV^
0U8 body of Journey men, and dependants, after attending Di- '
viae Service in the parish church , walked in procession through
the Fare^ireei^ preceded b^ a small Phxton, decorated with
blue ribands and flowers, m which sat a little boy. It was
carried on Me.i's shoulders, and after their parade they pro*
ceedcd to their large working Loft» which was eles^antly
decorated with green boughs. Lamps, and Emblematical in*
flcriptioos; where the whole, consisting of upwards of
Seventy persons, sat down to an elegant dinner, of the true
good old Engliih roast Beef, and plumb puddings, &c. and
spent the remainder of the day in the greatest conymality,
testifying their Loyalty by many Constitutional Songs and
Toasts.
Many other Companies dined together on this occasion ,
and mirth and good humour pervaded amongst all ranks of
Society.
On the Friday following, being the birthday of our Sove- Dispby of
reign, a grand collection of Fireworks was displayed on Firewoiks.
Souihemtnf Green^ by Mr. Paddan of this City, the expences
of which were defrayed, by a voluntary contribution of the
Citizens.
The Parliament being di^olved, writs were issued, for e- Sir C. W.
lectins a new one : John Barings Esq. of Mount Radford^ Bampfylde,
who had worthilj represented this City, in five succeeding J?1/*"J?*
Parliaments, having previously declared (by reason of his ad- de^^^*
vanced a^e) his resolution of declining that important trust : Membenof
the Candidates were Sir CAarU* JFattnck Bampfyide^ Bart. Fuliament.
James Buller^ Esq. of DtmnSf and Edmund Granger^ Esq.
of this City : the Poll which commenced July 2d, continued
near four days^ and at its final close, the numbers were for
James Bulier^ Esq. 786, Sir C. JF. Ban^fiflde^ 637, and
Edmund Granger^ Esq. 444, upon which, the two former
were returned duly elected.
The restless and insatiable ambition of the Corsican usurper /^, x>.
Bmu^HorU^ who under the title of first Consu], assumed the 1803.
government of theFrmc^ nation, unavoidably plunged this ^v*8«l^
country, into a new war. This haughty tyrant, this modern ^^^^
Attilla^ after grasping into his hands, the sole government of '^*°^*
the major part of Italy ^ the Austrian Netherlands ^ and great part
oi Germany: depriving the King of Sardinia o( all his hereditary
continental possessions; subjugating the timid governments
of Spain y Naples f and the States of Hollandt to his imperious
will ; and in time of profound peace, contrary to the most
solemn treaties, ravaging and overturning the ancient go*
vcrament of Switzerland. The Usurper, jealous of the
growing
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Sa4 THE BISTORT OP
C HAP. IV . growing prosperity of the Britkk Empire^ the OTdjEwopeM
" power that opposed his attempts to universal dominion , en-
deavoured by the most arbitrary measures, to annihilate her
commerce, and by peremptory mandates, ordered bis servile
dependant states to shut their ports against the importation
of all British commodities.
This, and other flagrant breaches of the late treaties,
occasioned mild remonstrances on the part of the Briiisk go-
vernment: these remonstrances being answered, Bomtparte
in the most haughty terms, accompanied with threats and
demands, too extravagant, both for the honour and interest
of the British nation, to be complied with, and conciliatory
measures being of no effect, orders were issued for making
reprisals on the subjects of the French Republic^ and their allies,
which was executed with such vigour, that a great number
of sHips were captured, and brought into the British ports.
An InTasi- Bonaparte^ exasperated to the greatest degree, breathed the
on threat- niost sanguinary revenge, threatening the entire subjugation
ened. of the British Empire^ and totally to annihiUte her government;
for which purposes, immense preparations for an invasion
were made, great numbers of vessels were constructed in all
the ports oiFrance^ Holland^ and Fianders^ and large armies,
composed of deserters and banditti, the refuse of most Euro-
pean nations were marched to the sea coasts.
Great pre- To counteract the tyrant's intentions, the British ministry
parations of exerted themselves in the most vigilant manner. The lately
^^"*^° dismantled ships, were a^n commissioned, manned and
^* sent to sea ; a new Militia raised and embodied ; and squadrons
of ships dispatched to cruise off the French coasts^ and watch
their motions. The preparations of the enemy still increasing,
the utmost efforts appeared necessary to give them a warm
reception, should they escape the vigilance of the British na-
vy, and have the temerity to put their proposed threats into
execution : an additional Militia, equal in number to the for-
mer ; and an army of Reserve of 40,000 effective men, were
raised by ballot.
Cbmp on The £ast Devon Regiment of Militia, marched to Pfym&uih;
Woodbury a camp was formed on the heights near JFoodhwy, consisting
hill- of the two regiments of Somerset Militia, and a large paric of
Artillery, which had been previously sent from Pfymouih;
batteries of large cannons were constructed on the coast ; and
beacons erected on the principal heights, to give a speedy in-
telligence of an approaching enemy.
The vaunting menaces of the Corsican usurper, instead of
damping, roused the ancient ardour and martial spirit of
the British nation : large bodies of Volunteers were formed
throuorhottt
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 235
tbronghont the whole Empire : mnd in this city, and ita CHAP. IV i.
neighbourhood, the three troops of horse, lately comnuuided — ■
by Sir Stafford N&rtkcote^ were considerably augmented : and
a Regiment of foot Volunteers, consisting of 600 men,
was soon completed and armed, under the command of
John Thomas frrig/Uf Esq. Colonel; James N. Duntze, Esq.
Lientenant-Colonel ; Hubert Cornish^ Esq. Major,- B. H.
Walker^ Samuel Luscamd, Mattheto Woody John GuHett, John
Wiicocksy Francis' Turner^ Laurence WiUiamSy John Vicary^
and Francis Southy Esqrs. Captains.— To these were soon
after added, two companies of Artillery, commanded by
Thomas FUmdy Esq. Major; Samuel Ktngdon^ and James
WiUiamsy Esqrs. Captains : and a cpmpony of ArtificerSy
under the command of Thomas Russelt, Esq.
All these troops volunteered to serve in any part of the
western district, which consbts of the counties of Devon,
Somerset^ and Cornwall* Lieut.«General Simcoe, an officer
of distinguished merit, (a native of this City) was appointed
to the chief command, in which he was assisted by JMajor-
General Chosvenor* In addition to those great preparations,
a formidable train of battering cannon consisting of six long
24 poonders, and upwards of fifty carronades, carrying the
same weight of metal, with a large quantity of ammuniddn,
militairy stores, intrenching toob, biscuits, &c. were
brought and dq>08ited in this City, to be ready in case of
emergency. Tne six lone 94t pounders, with part of the
carronades, were mounted m the casdeyard; the remainder
of the cannon, with the ammunition &c. were lodged in a
field near St, Ann*s chapel, proper magazines, guard-house,
&c« having been purposely erected for their reception ; and
the remainder of the stores were deposited in several places
hired for the purpose ; and for the better accommodation of
the troops, hurge additional barracks were erected, in a field
contiguous to uie former barracks. In short, through the
vigilance and great exertions of the commander in chief,
the county of Devon was put in a state of perfect security,
and its inhabitants bad defiance to the Quixotic menaces of
a haughty and implacable tyrant.
On the 14th of November, the Exeter regiment of vo-
lunteers were embodied for actual service, and took their
part of duty with the troops here quartered, in mounting
guards at the castle, magazines, &c. And six brass field pieces
(o pounders) were brought to this City, for the use of the
volunteer artillery. And, that no human effort should
be neglected, several hundred of t}ie principle citizens,
were sworn as additional constables, to assist the civil power,
G g and
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
236 THB HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV . and prevent die unprincipled from taking an^ advantage of
""""^^ the neceasitf of the timet, and plundering th^ nei|^boan.
In the nudst of thoK jpcat escrtioas, our fd%ions and
gracious sovereign, well judging, that all human endeavonn
were vain, without die hUmins and aasistuioe of the a]»
mightj disposer of an events, by whose power the greatest
empires rise and fiill ; issued a proclamation lor a general
fi»t, humbly to implore die divine protection, to «fert his
just indignadon, and to preserve the BrUUh empire fiom
beoommga prey to a lawless usurper, ^ndio had plundered
great part of Europe^ and drenched her pkins widi the
blood of its unfortunate inhabitants. This fast was kept
with all due solenmity» by persons of all ranks and per*
suasions in this City.
A. D. The chief magistrate, on hb entering into his office,
1804. proposed to die atisens the feAowing neoeMoy improve*
ments in their police, vix. that an additional number
of public lamps to those already maintained by the lamp*
rates, should be erected and maintadned at the expence of
the several parishes; that the munes of each street and lane
should be painted at their several comers, and the houses
numbered, after the manner of London and other improved
cities; and that a regular nighdy watch be citahlishrd;
every householder in dieir several wards to watch each in
their turn. These regulations, are as yet but partially at-
tended to ; most of the parishes have made^reat addidons to
their lamps, to the great benefit and oommrt of occasional
passeneers in long and dark nisfats ; and some have num-
Dered dieir houses and inscribed their streets, and it is to be
hoped, that this necessary accommodation to enquiring
strangers will become general, and the cittzens txpentnoc
its great utility.— -The nighdy watch was attempted, but
not meeting with genenl approbadon, was soon dis-
condnued.
^ Thelatterendofthisyearwasdistineuishedbydiefounda-
tion of spacious Barracks, with stables^ storehouses, and
every odier neccssanr accommodadon, for a large military
depot of artillery ana stores. These Barracks, situate about
one mile south of the city, are erecdng in a fidd heretofore
called Spieer^t^Park, purchased by government for this pur-
pose: great part of the building is nearly compleated*
MAYORS
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THB CITY OF BXBTBR.
237
CHAP. IV.
MAYORS and BAILIFFS to the 45th year of the reign
of Gbo&ox III*
SanmdDkt Oh.
Francis Bn^ne.
JohnBuMdl.
Nath.£. CoMeiatt.
Richard Coffin.
Joseph Couch*
176t.
Jama CiwMour*
Humphry HuL
Nichohs Medland*
John Yard.
Henry KUboa.
176s.
Edw4ard Walker.
WilHam Colling.
Wm. Spicer Diz.
Thomas Elliott.
Richard GlauYill.
1764.
Jacob Raw€.
FhilipDade.
John Battexvby.
Richard Hayaic«
John Heard.
1765.
Jokn BusseU.
Thomas Dodge*
John Lake.
John Bennett.
I^Tid Gattey.
1766.
Wmphr^ Hie.
John Floud.
Thomas Scott.
John GlanTill.
Robert Sparke.
1767.
Wm. CcSingi^ Ob.
James Crornng.
Thomas Coffin.
Samnel Moore.
Samuel Walkey.
Dayid Gattey.
1768.
PhU^ Dade,
GregKHy Jackson.
John Rotre.
Thomas Le^ge.
David Sweet&nd.
1769*
Thomas Dodge.
Henry Kitson*
Robert Stiibling.
Joseph Lev.
Laarenoe Williams.
1770.
Jahm'Raui.
Thomas Wilcocks.
Reuben Phillips.
William Hicks.
Joseph Baas.
1771.
Thomas Coffin.
John Dennis.
George Strong.
Gg£
William Lane.
John Bickley.
1772.
Crregofy Jackton.
John £. Fierce.
Jonas Dennis.
Daniel Floud.
Henry Edwards.
177S.
Henry Kitson.
Charles Edwards.
Jphn Holman.
Jonathan Burnett.
Joseph Steer.
1774.
John Demm.
John Coddrington«
William Rigg. .
James Bath.
Daniel Campion.
1775.
John Ejfks Pieroem
James Grant.
Georgie Westhke*
Charles Upham.
John Foot.
1776.
CM^ Edwards.
Charles Furlong.
John BusseU.
John Pearce.
William Gattey.
1777
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238
THB HISTORY OF
CHAP. IV.
1777.
Thomos Dodge,
Samuel Moore.
Benj. H. Walker.
Richard Jenkias.
Richard Daw.
1778.
James Grcni*
Nicholas Brooke.
John Dacie.
Thomas Jones.
Joseph Gibbons.
1779.
CharUi Furlongm
John Bossell.
John Robbins.
(Teorge Sloman.
Wm. Hatchings.
1780.
Samuel Moore.
WiUiam Ubert.
Edward Bardett.
John Spry.
Joshua Sparke.
1781.
Nicholas Brooke.
Beni. H. Walker.
Ricnard CofEn.
Nathaniel Sanders.
David £• Phillips.
1782.
JohnBusseil.
George Westlake.
John Bardett.
Thomas Browne.
Joseph Gattey«
1783.
William Ilbcrt
Nath. E.Cosseratt,
J. Crossingf Jun.
Richard Thorn.
Chas. Saunderson.
1784.
Benj. H. Walker.
Richard Jenkins.
John Pinhey.
Nicholas How.
Robert Pike.
1785.
George Westlake.
Jonathan Burnett.
John Stephens.
Edmund Stooke.
William Hicks.
1786.
Nath. E. Cosseralt.
WiUiam Bate.
Ed. Bardett, Jun.
George Hay man •
James Portbury.
1787.
Misekard Jenkins.
Ed. Ragueneau.
Charles Collyns.
William Chave.
Moses Hem.
lir88.
Jonathan Burnett.
Reuben Phillips.
Geom Bodley •
Josepn Rowe.
Robert Saunders.
1789.
William Bate.
John Pinhey.
Samuel White.
Henry Floud» Jun.
Samuel Speafe.
1790.
Edvard Ragueneau.
Rd. Cham^rlain.
J. Burnett, Jun.
WiUiam G. ChavA
Richard Gould.
1791.
Reuben Phillipa.
Rd. Hart, Jun.
Joseph NorringtoB.
Edward ^m.
Richard Finch.
1792-
John Pinhey.
John Balk.
Richard Dewdocy.
Moses A. Mitchell.
Thomas Saunders.
1793.
Rd. ChoMoerusin.
Charles Upham.
Robert TothiU.
Jonathan Worthy.
John Gibbons.
1794.
Richard Hart*
John Brake
John D. Worthy.
John Salter.
Richard HoiBcwell.
1795.
JohnBalle.
Joseph Gattey.
Thomas Hele.
James Penny.
D. PhiUips. Jttn.
1796.
Charles IJpham.
Jonathan Worthy.
Thomas
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THB CITT OF BXETBB.
239
Thomas Turner.
G«orM Copp.
John Kickoord.
1797.
Benjamia Walkej.
Robert Maunder.
Saaiuel Gilbert.
George Walker.
1798.
Joseph Gaiiey*
Thomas Floud.
James Worthy.
John Gattey.
Charles Matthews.
1799.
JoTuUkan WtriUy.
Charles Collyns.
George Maunder.
John Ford.
Samuel Kemp.
1800.
Richard Jenkmsm
Samuel \Miite.
Richard Strong.
Richard Edwards.
Thomas Wills.
1801.
Thomiu Fltmd.
Joseph Greenway.
John Shiles.
Joseph Bass.
John Reed.
180e.
Ckarks CoUynt*
J. T. Wright.
Richard Worthy.
Thomas Hooper.
WiUiam Mat&ews. CHAP. IV.
1805.
John Pmhey*
S. Trist, Jun.
John W. Bennett.
William Beal.
Thomas Halse.
1804.
Joseph Qreewway.
W. B. Jackson.
S. Langston, Jun.
Robert GoUop.
Richard Ferns.
' 1805.
John T. Wrighi.
Charles Colfyns.
H. H. Pinhey.
John Periam.
WaUam Darcy
Hairing thus, according to the best of my poor abilities^
compleated the historic account of this ancient and truly
loyal City, I hope my fellow citizens will continue stedfiwt
in mabtaining its glorious motto of SEMPER FIDELIS,
until time shall be no more; and may the Almighty be
graciously pleased to restore the blessings of a lasting peace :
when commerce and trade shall again return to comfort the
industrious citizen, and the drum and fife be succeeded by
the more pleasing sounds of the shuttle and artificers' ham*
mer, which God of his infinite mercy grant.
End of the fourth Chapter,
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THB CITT OF BXETER. 241
The Jblhming were received too late for re^
gular insertion^ have therefore thought proper
to add them at the end of this Chapter.
Translation of an Extract from a MS. in the Bod-
leian Library, entitled, " Chronicon Exoniensis
Ecclesice desineas in obitu Johannis de Grandisono,
Episc:*
" A. D. 1080, in the middle of the night of the birth of
''our Lord, a terrible and unaccustomed noise, with
" lightening and thunder, suddenly came with a motion of
'' the earth, and caused ereat ruins of houses^—It struck
" fear unto the hearts of sQl, so that all trembled at the judg-
'* ment of God himself happening to them.*'
What is very renurkable is, that this circumstance is not
recorded by any other historian, therefore it is very probable
that this dreadful storm, and concussion of the earth, was
confined to Exeter and its neighbourhood ; registers of this
sort being kept in all collegiate churches, monasteries, &c«
The siege of Exeter castle by King Stephen, in
the year 1140,* is thus described by an eye witness;
(see Gesta regis Stephani apud Duchesn, page 934.)
" The castle of Exeter is built on a lofty mount, sur-
" rounded with impenetrable walls, strenethened with
" Csesarian towers. In this castle Baidwin de M^Mtris placed
** a garrison, composed of valiant youths, the flower of all
" England, to defend it against the King, to whom he bound
*' them by a solemn oath ; and putting under their protection
** his wife and children. When the King invested the castle,
** they mounted the walls in shining armour, and treated
'* him and his army with scorn and defiance. Sometimes
** thty sallied out mm their secret passages when least ex-
'* pected, and put many of the besiegers to the sword ;
** sometimes
* SeepifeSO.
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242 THE HISTORY OP
** flometimes they poured down showers of arrows, darts,
*' and other weapK>n8 on the assailants* On the other hand,
** the King and his Barons laboured with the greatest ardour
*' to distress the garrison. Having formed a ver^ strong
*^ and well-armed body of foot, he assaulted the barbican,
*' and, after a fierce and bloody struggle, carried it. He
** next beat down, with his engines, £e bridge of com-
** munication between the castle and the city ; after vrhich
** he erected lofty towers of wood, with wonderful art, to
*' protect his men, and enable them to return the discharges
*' from the walls. In a word he gave the bended no rest,
** either by daj or night* Sometimes he drew up all the
'* slingers of his army, and threw into the castle an in-
** tolerable shower of stones* Sometimes he emfdoyed the
*' most skilful miners, to undernune the foondadioiis of the
** walls. He made use of machines of many diffisrent kinds,
*" some of which were very lofty, for inspecting what they
** were doing within the castle; and others very* low, mr
** battering and beating down the walls. The besieged
** making a bold and nusterly defence, baffled all hin machi-
'* nations with most astonishing dexterity.— After tfais siege
** had lasted three months, and King Stephen had expended
'* upon it, in machines, arms, and other things, no less
*< than 15,000 marks, equal to 150,000/. of tne present
** money, the besieged were compelled to surrender for want
"of water.*'
The articles of capitulation for the surrender of the City
and Castle of Exeter^ to the parliament army, under the
command of Lord Fairfax^ were executed and signed^ at
Poltimore-House, 10th April, I646\
CHAPTER V
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ji't i rnii'iitfTimiii,l. i ,>itiii^
CHAPTER V.
ECXJIJESIASnCAL HISTOEY.
Religion of the Ancient Britons.
THE religioo of the Pnmkhe Britons^ ww for many ages, ^^AP. V .
pare and uocontaminated, nearly Fcsembling that of Religion of
^« Ancient Patriarchs; (a convincing proof of an early set- tlie Ancient
tlement ia tkis Islaad ; soon after their dispersion at Babel.) * Britons, Pa-
Thcy bdievcd in one supreoie Deity, to whom they offered ^*"«1»*-
sacrSSceSy and paid divine honours. Their Altars were erect-
ed in the midst oi Graves ofOttk^ f «<i ^^ Trees they held
in great veneration, J as they did likewise the Misletoe that
grew ftoxn them, and which they esteemed as a great favour
from Hearven. This holy plant, when discovered, was cut
with a knife of gold, on a particular day, (the Moon having
attained its second quarter) by the Arch Drutd^ doatbedina
while robe ; and was preserved as a precious relic.
This purity of rcEgion, continued until their Intercotirse Intioducti-
with the PAenidam and Greeks^ who introduced their idola- onof Poly-
trous wonhip, polytheism, and the abominable offiBring of ^{j^^* V
human sacnnces: one of these customs was to erect a sto* cUu» •
pen dons image of a giant, composed of wattled rods, the in-
side of which, the^ filled with the captives of both sexes, old ^^^ ""^
and young, taken in war, and with such beasts, as they were ^"*^
wont to ofFsr in their sacrifices : this image they set fire to, 5[ dreiful
and thus offered up the whole as victims pleasing to their kintS of
infernal deities. Sacrifice.
Their Priests (the Drti/V^y possessed great authority, but
H h were
* W«4nd Hut «ven m latie as Ahftihonfs tnnr, iStak some of the C«-
Moiifef were not infected with Idolatry, see Oencsu, chap. xx. v. 3, where
^Hmehch^ King i}£Gerar, and his Servants, were worshippers of the true
God.
t dhmiam bifit m Ater, and planted a Oiwe in Bee nhe ba^ sea
G^msytUp.MaLv.33. Uaooe «e eee, that Giwfes have alwafsbeen
<»mideiied as the roost proper places for retirement; and doubtless, the
lilence, and natinal gloom, «faich veign inliiose solitudes, must dispose
the mind to serious contemplaicion.
t The custom of wearing inmiohef of Oak on particular occasions, still
nautns among i^ desiyedriiom the superstition of our AaaartorS; much
mon maeat, than ihiBprettTvation of JCing Chariot dtf.
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244 THE HISTOBT 0»
CHAP. V , were under the government of the Arck Dndd^ % who instnicl-
" cd them in their religious duties : these were never committed
to writing, consequently the graduates, who were initiated
into the mvsteries, were oblig^ to retain them by the mere
strength ot memory.
O^m po,!^ The Priests not only administered at the Altar, but presided
er of the over the education of youth ; enjoyed an immunity from war
I^nuds. and taxes ; possessed both ciyil and criminal jurisdiction ; and
decided aU controvernea between private persons, and even
difiering states.
At length their power, and ascendenqr over the miodt
of the people became so great, that the /uwiuju, after their
conquest, totally abolished their institutes, extirpated the
Priests, and issued penal statutes against the exercise of their
religion. >
The Idol*- After the extirpation of the DrmtU and their Religion, die
try of the conquering Bamam introduced their own Idolatrous 83ratem :
Druids sue- innumerable Temples and Altars were erected in the RomM
^ttof ^ P'^^"^^* to their diflerent Deities (of which, many rcmuns
Romtiis. ^^^ heen discovered in this kingdom) and the Roman Thef^o-
ny prevailed till its final dissolution under the Emperor Out-
stantme.
ThepreMfa' ^ At what time the Christian doctrine viras first introduced
im^^ into this island does not appear, but it is very probable, that it
S^ raun- ^" "^^^ ^^ England's being made a province of the /2«-
txj, 9nan Empire* The story oiJoteph of Arimttheai preaching
A. D. the Gospel here, and the foundation of Glattondgry A66ey^ is
Giicw' '^^ suflictently authenticated. GUdas^ a native of this coun-
^^^^'^ try, and a faithful Historian, assures us that thegospel was
preached in England before the insurrection of Hoadicea, a-
St. Ghiy- gainst the Romans^ in the time of the Emperor Neio, A. D.
soMom. 64, St. Chrysostom speaks of the event, likewise; as also does
St Jerame. '^'* Jerome. From different passages in the writings of these
' eminent authors, we have sumdent proof of the eany planta-
tion of the Gospel, in this Island; it is evident, the doctrine
ofC^m/was spread, and Churches erected throughout the
169. ^^^^^ Province oi South Britain; and, if the accounts men-
tioned by Bede may be depended upon, of Imdnu * a British
King
^ Some eminent authors have supposed that, from the Druidical re*
9iains at Dmofls^giiAHi, it was the residence ^of tbe Arch Draid of the
Da nmonn ^ and that thence it received itsname, which implied the Jkioft
town on the river Teign.
* Bede says, that this King, was converted to Christianity, hj Priests
sent from Eteuiheriut, Bishop of Rome, A. D. 169, and that after he had
puraed the Heathen Temples, and destroyed the Images of their iaise
Gods, he erected three Archbishopfio, one at JLsaitoi, one at York^ vd
one at Cacrlcm upon Usie,
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 245
Kirtft erecting three ArchbishopB* Sees in bis Dombians, CHAP. V .
Christianity must have been the prevailing religion. — —
The Christian Religion was nearly annihilated in this Island, ^* ^'
in the reign of the Emperor Diodesion^ who raised the severest d-^SSTi
persecution on the followers of our Lord, that they had yet penecution
felt! of the
The British Churches were every where demolished, their ChiiitiaDi.
bibles burnt, and the penalty of death laid on such as conceal*
ed any : their Pastors suffered under the most cruel torments,
and every means was practised, to root out the very name of
their Religion !
History records the names of S/» Alian (the Protomartjrr of
this Island,) and St. AmpAibaluSf his Tutor at Feruiam, (now
8tm Aidans, in HtrtfardsAireJ Juiiui and Aaron^ two citizens
of Caer-Usk, t i^ MotmouiAsAire, as the principal Martyrs,
who suffered in Britdn; and so many were put to deatn at
Utchfidd^ X that it resembled another Golgotha; some au«
thors make them amount to upwards of Ten Thousand !
This was the last, and most violent persecution, the primi« 306.
tzve Christians suffered, under the Roman Emperors, for Con* chriatka
gtanHmts Chhnu^ who succeeded Diodesian^ greatly favoured Religion
them, and permitted them to rebuild their Chu! ches, and ta^ firmly est*.
joy the public exercise of their religion , His son and succes- p'^jf^i'*
sor, Comtantme^ (whose Mother, the Empress Hei^na, was a °^
Brkonhy birth, and a Christian,) publicly embraced the doc-
trine of Christ; and from this time, it nourished in Britain ^
and became the national Religion, until the conquest of Eng^
kmd^ by the Heathen Saxons*
Though there remains not the slightest record of British
Churches in this City, yet, that it enjoyed the blessings of
the Gospel of Christ with the rest of Britain, cannot be doubt-
ed.
By the establishment of the Saxons in England^ the profes- 477.
sors of the Christian Religion, (the remains of the Britons,) British
were driven to the remote corners of the Island ; the Churches Churches
were destroyed, and the Pastors cruelly butchered ; in short ^^J^J^
the most horrid devastations extended to every place, where sLco^.
the Invaders possessed power.
Gross Idolatry was introduced by them ; they offered hu-
man sacrifices to their Gods ; even their Princes and most
eminent men were chosen by lot, for the purpose.
H h 1^ Son^etimes
t Mr. CanAdat^ p. 75, mys they were citisens of Caer-^^ (Exeier) Cambdtn,
but this most be a mistake.
X From this event some authon conceive itsnttnetohave been Leach-
JMd, that is, a field of desd Carcases $ and for this cause, the City bests
for its Anns, an Escutcheon cfasised with many Martyn.
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245 THB MIWOBY OF
C flAP. V . Sotncttmft Ae faandsometfC of Aeir esptivtt w«re iekcted,
— — and put tp excruciating tortures; fMt bodies wc« opened
\rfiife alive, under pretence tbat \rf viewing them, Chey oould
portend future events, as success ia baffttei ore.
Sndki Bw- Their principal Deities were, flie Sim, Mo^n^ TUii*, W^
•**•• den, Thor, Friga, and Seater, to whom they dedicated the
"^'qP' days of the week.
597. *p|^^ Saxons were sunk in the exfrcme of Idolatry, until
EnSand re- *"'' conversion by Augusiinttht Monk, in the rcieii oiEUet-
ceivethe ^U ¥Atigo( Kent, A. D. 597, who embftdcd Chriftiaoity
Christian from the persuasion of his Queen. _
^ih. The West Saxons did fiot recehnr the Christian faith, ^In^l
611- tfie reign ofKynegiUs, A. D. 6l I , who, by the preaddn^ of
West Sax- ^^^i^M, an Italian, sent from Rome, was conirinced ofihe
ons conver- errors of Idolatry, and was bapfiiedf with many of k]SBobi«
ted toChris- fity. By frequent irruptions and cruelties, of the jPdg'.sfi D^nes,
tianity. desofation was again brought upon the country, and the
Christian religion once more nearly exterminated.
Even Christianity softened not the manners of the Sngfish
Saxons ; nothing couM exceed their ignofance at this period, for
as they received the Doctrine through the corrupted dNiiiiiels
of Rome, credulity and superst^fon were impfonted with k.
Bounty to the Church, atoned for every vice, and the blacks
est crimes were pardoned by penance, while servility to the
' Monks was observed to a gross degree, and large beneiacrkms
were continually made, by the nobility to the Co«rt of Rome.
Great Su- Wiifrid, Bishop of Lmdkfame, sole prdate of N&rtknmhn^
^^^^ ^nd, preached to his ignorant auditors, " That St. Peter, to
f * whose custody the keys of heaven were entrusted, would
r!f °'*- ^* refuse admittance to every one, who should be wanting in
Chromcle. c< respect to his successor. *' This suited their vutgar con-
ceptions, and increased the influence of the Papal See.
9t». The great extent of the Diocesses in that early age, made a
regular visitation of the Bishops almost impracticable : King
Edward the Elder, about 905, visiting the Western parts of
his dominions, found the Churches deserted and in ruins, no
Pastors, the People wrapt in the deepest ignotance, and no-
thing but the name of Christian left among them : to remedy
this evil, he, by the advice of Plegmundus Archbishop of Can^
terbury, erected two more Sees, § one at St* Petroes at Bod»
min for CorwDotl; the other at Tavt&i$ for Deton, app<Miiting
Werstanus the first Bishop.
Bishopi
^ ?rior to this, the S«e of the West StUfiom, bad been reoHnved to
Wtnclkesfery from Dorehetter in <k[far^9hin\ m4 the Dloccss divided intt
tivo, Yiz. Wmckstfier, and Sherborne in DssteMn*
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THB Cmr OF EXBTER. 247
Bi^ of Devon. otakv.
1st. WerstattuiiLkcT bis CoDflecration* fixed bis See at TdV- Wentanok
Urn near BamsfaUef but did not enjoy bis cew dignity lone ;
be died in tbe following year, was buried in bis own Chur(£^
and saceeedcd by^ j^ D.
2d. Puita^ wbo bad also fixed bis See at Tatoton; but, 906.
about tbe year 912, taking a journey to Credit§n^ to visit tbe Putts.
King, or, (according to others,) Vffa Earl of Dtvov, was
siain, supposed by tbe said Eari*s followers.
3d. EuMpkui * on tbe death of Putia^ was consecrated ^^^'
Bisbopof Dtfora at Crediton^ to which place be removed his xheS^"*'
See, and built a magnificent Church. He continued Bishop m^e^la^
22 yeava, and dymg, was buried in bis own Church. Crediton.
4th. EtMgarus succeeded. In his time King Atheist an 9S4.
founded a Rai^kthtc Monastery in the City of E Jeter ^ which EthelgBius.
be dedicated to the Virgin Mary. He held bis See 10 yciirs,
alid then dying, was buried in bis own C hurcb .
. 5tfa, Algarut* He was installed at Crediton and held tbe 944.
Sec about 10 yeaff • He was buried in bis own Church, and Algams.
succc^cd by,
6th. JilfmolduSt wbo was consecrated by Durtstan Arch- 954.
bishop of Cimterbitty. In bis time» Orgar Earl of Dcton built Akwoldos/
the stately Abbey of Tatistocic; and King £V^0r restored the
Ben€dk$i9w Abbey, founded by AtheUtan in Eieier^ recalled
the Monks who bad been dispersed, and made Sidtmannui
Abbot thereof: Aifwoidus governed his Diocesse about 16
years« He, also, was interred in his own Church.
rtb. Alwolfust according to Dicetas was consecrated 970.
Bishop of CrM/f^, who held hia See about 9 years, and then Alwolfus.
dyins was buried in his own Cbuicb.
8tb. SsderMmnus^ Abbot of Exiter^ was elected in tbe room Sidemao*
of the kst Bishop. During bis government the Dams made uus.
dreadful havoc in tbe counties ot Devon^ and Cornvatl; they
burnt, and destroyed by di§crent means, the Country, and
red neither Sex nor Age 1 amopg other outrages they burnt
Cathedral Church at Bodmin , on which account the See Catfaedialat
was removed to&V. Germans. Sidemannus after enjoyicg his j^mio,
Episcopal dignity 12 years, died and was interred m his own ^i^!?L
Cathedral.
9tb. Alpbrtins (oasied by Dieetas^ Alfricus) Abbot of AI|.l|i«tak
Ualmsiwy, was installed at Crediton. He was esteemed a
learned
* Mr, Hooker makes this Bishop, brother to Jfy
udQm m aUj tout this nust be aa error, for Ifga i
» Jlptiui^ Buke of Devon
'_ I at tliis time was Eari
of DeiNM) the tiUc of Dtdta was not known thcA^ besides, tbe nsoM
^Ipsius is moi Saxon, n
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
248 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. V . learned man, and wrote two books, one intitaled, De reH$
' cttnobii tui, the other De rerum nafurU. In this Bishop's time
King Etheirtd endowed the Bishopric of St. Germans with
landsy gieat liberties, and immunities. The Danei again
ravaged Devon and Conrwail^ spoiled and burnt the Abbey of
Dmes de- Tavistock^ and besieged Exeter^ but were defeated at Pinkos
^h^ with great slaughter. Alphredw died Anno 999> and was
interred in Creditcn Church.
A. D. 10th. Ahcoffiu (according to DicetasJ was the next Bishop.
^^- In his time, Sweyn^ King of Denmark^ took and destroyed
Alwolfut. the city of Exeter; in this general destruction, the remains
^^Ir of Hrit/sh antiquity. Churches, and Monasteries, fell a prey
tne iJaoo^ ^ ^^^ flames, and the whole City was left one heap of ruin !
A/vo(fut was Bishop of Crtditon^ but he enjoyed but little
comfort, being continually in terror of the JDanes^ to whom
he was obliged to pay submission. He died Anno 1014«
and was interred in his own Church,
1014. 1 Ith. A/nMuSf according to Matthew of Weitmmsier, snc«
Alttoldos. ceeded ; and was installed at Credifon^ In the time of this
Bishop's government King Canute to expiate the crimes of hi«
Father Streyn, repaired the Benedictine Abbey of Ereier,
granted the Monks great privileges; and gave to the Abbot
Athtlwold many holy relics, grants of lands, (particularly die
manor of StokfCanonJ besides large immunities. AhtoUus,
after sitting in the Episcopal Chair 15 years^died, and was
interred in his own Church.
iat9. 12th. Levigus (or LevingusJ Abbot of Tavisiotk, and Ne-
Levigui. phew to BritAwa/d Bishop of Cornwall^ was the next successor.
He was high in the favour of Canute^ whom he attended ia
his pilgrimage to Rome. On the death of his Uncle the
Bishop of St. Germans^ he obtained that See, and united it
TheS»eesof to that of Crediton^ which has ever since continued one
Cornwall St Bishopric. After 15 years, he was removed to the See of
Bevon uni- Worcester^ where he died and was buried. Some affirm,
^"^ thkt falling under the displeasure of the King Hardieanute he
was deposed, and returned back to Tavistock, and there died.
1044. 15th. LetfriciU. He was a native of Lorrain, and, on ac«
Iieofricuf. count of his noble descent, wisdom, and learning, greatly in
favour with King Edward iht Confessor, f who made him one
Th ffi^M °^ ^^ Privy Council, Lord Chancellor of England, and
S^Tomo!^ afterwards promoted him to the vacant Sec of Crediton, where
ved from ^^ ^^ installed; he then removed his residence to Exeter,
Crediton to a place of more note and security in such troublesome times;
Exeter. and
t King Sdvoard, by hit ptrtiality to Forei^ers, (for be promoted
them to places of the greatest trust) was greatly iostrumeatal to the AV
-0M» Conquest.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 249
and at bis request the King with his Queen Edltha^ came to CHAP, V .
this City, and removed the Monks from the Benedictine ^—
Abbey, to that of Westmimter^ which he had lately built. He
also translated the See from CrediUm to Exeter^ and put the
Bishop in possession thereof; the King taking him by the
rioht hand, and the Queen by the left, conducted him to the
High Altar^ and there placedf him in a seat appomted for the
purpose. Leafriau thus installed, suppressed several Religi-
ous Houses within the vicinity of his Church, and appro-
priated their revenues to its service ; and by his great interest
with the King, obtained of him large possessions, privileges,
and revenues. In his time WilUam the Conqueror possessed
himself of this kingdom, besieged and took this City.
This Bishop, filMd the Episcopal Chair with dignity and
honour for 23 years, clied in peace, and was interred m the
Cemetery of his Church, which place, by the enlargement of
the sacred pile since, is under the South Tower. A new
monument was erected to his memory, about the year I ^68,
at the expenoe of the Dean and Chapter, throug^h the in-
fluenoe of Mr* Jokn Hooker, (author of the ancient History of
Exeter J who composed an elegant Latin Epitaph whicn is
now entirely obliterated ; the only one remaining (which
has lately been repaired) is, *^ Leofricusfyrst BitAoppeof E^
*' cester fyetk kere.**
Uth. Otbertus^ by birth a Norman, was, in 1074, in^alled 1074.
into this Bishopric, which he held for near 30 years, the lat- Osbeitut.
ter part of which he was almost blind, from age. He died
Anoo 1 104, and was buried in the Cemetery of his Church,
near his predecessor. X
15th. Wiiliam Warhoeit, a Norman, Chaplain to the Con- 1104.
queror, and his sons and successors, WiUiam and Henry, was Wm Wai^
by the latter preferred to this Bishopric, and consecrated by vett.
iiwe/iii. Archbishop of Canterbury, in 11 07« He first began iio7.
toenlarge his Cathedral, which at that time, occupied the scite
of that psut only, now termed The hady^i Chapil. He also
founded a Monastery for Canons Regular at Pfympton. In
his latter days, he lost his sight, yet so ^reat was his reputation
for wisdom, that it did not prevent his being sent Ambassa-
dor, to Pope Pa$chaU, where he executed his commissioi) with
so much prudence, that be effected a reconciliation between
the said rope and his Master, who, before, were at high ^^a-
riance* On his return, he was received with marks of the
greatest esteem, notwithstanding which, judging himself un-
fit
X Adjoining the wall under the South Tower is a very ancient Altar
Tomb without any Inscription, (remaining) which is supposed to cover
tbe renutins of this Bishop.
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250
THE HI8T011Y OF
CHAP. ▼ ' ik (from his blindnen) to perform the dutni of Ui
■ function, he resigned bit Btshapric, and retired to PUfmtpim^j
where, becoming a Canon ki the house he had casaed to be
built, he died, and was buried there. He fiUed the fipnoopal
Chair about 20 years.
A. D. l^h. AaAfr/C^icAM/^,DeanofStf/it3iir)rwasooiisecrated
1128. by Anseim, Archbishop of Canierhtry, in IIM. He was a
Robert descendant of a Tery respectable Family in the County of
Chichester. Devon, and esteemed for his ffreat seal in Religion » often (ao«
cording to the ignorance of those times) performing Pilgrim-
ages to Ramr^ and other pUces, and brin^^ng home teKqaes;
he continued theaddidoiMd buildings to his Catfaednd, begun
by his Predecessor, on which he expended great sums ; mtx
haying enjoyed his dignity about S9 3rearB, he died, aad was
interred in his own Cathedral, on the South side ai the High
Altar.
1150. 17th. RoifTi Warlweii^ Nephew to the late Bbhop
Robert WiWtam, (Dean of SWirfer^,) was consecrated by TkmMd,
Warlwest Archbishop of Canierinrif^in 1 1 50. He continued the build-
ing of his Cathedral, and after filling the See about 9 yean,
died and was buried at Plifmpi§H near his Uncle.
1149. .1 9th. Barfholmnew Lcanmi (so named from the pboe of bis
IWrtholo- birth, he being bom in EsteterJ succeeded : he was the son of
mem Isca- a poor citizen, but being noticed in his early age for his apt
«»• and ready wit, and great inclination to learning, hisoarents,
with the assistance of friends, put him to seh<x>l, where he
made such proficicnc -, that he attracted the notice of lus
superiors, and was by them adnmoed in the Church ; after
his elevation to the Episcopal Throne he wrote several Books,
on Priest ination^ Fret wiU^ Penanee, and other svperatitious
errors of the times ; he was a mat opposer of that arch rebel
and pretended Saint, TAamas Secket, particulariy in tiK Parlia-
ment held at Northampton, where in his speech heconTtnced
his auditors, of the justice of the King's cause and the ^llacics
of Beckft*9 pretensions, which occasioned the Archbishop's
banishment. After Bfcket** murder, this Bisbc^ was scot
Ambassador to Pope Alexander the Third, to endeavour to
effect a reconciliation between him, and King Henry^ which
he performed, and returned home with great honour, la
Bddwtn, this Bishop's time, Baldwin surnamed, of Exeier^ (bein^ a
Archbishop native of that City) presided in the Archiqpisoopal chair of
bur^'na- ^^'•'^''^"15' »' he was br>rn of poor parents, but from his chiW-
tiveof £xe- ^'^^ evinced a great desire of leamiog, by which he attracted
ter. the notice of the Prior, and Monks, of St. Nicholas § in this
City,
§ The oolr instnietoaat liat time, were Mooki and Fiivs, anil the
little learmng then known, was entirely cunfined ta liie dwrtn
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 251
City, who instructed him in gchool divinity* and other branch- CHAP. V ,
csofLeaming, taught in those tiroes; under these instructorsy '
he obtained great literary knowledge, and through merit
alone, was advanced to the highest dignities in the EngUtk
Church.
Between those fellow Citizens, Barthoiomev> and Baldwin^
an caxW intimacy commenced, which lasted during their lives.
This Bishop presided over his Diocess about fourteen years,
but where he died, or was buried, is not ascertained. *
19th. John (sumamed the Chanter, from his office,^ ha- A. D.
ving httn Precentor o^ this Cathedral, was consecrated and ^^®*-
installed Bishop of this Diocess, in 1 184. He continued the J^**
building of his Cathedral, wherein he was nothincr inferior to
his predecessors ^ he died in 1 I9I , (after being Bishop of this
See, about six years,) and was interred on the South side of
his own Church, opposite the door leading to the Bishop's
palace.
20th. Henry Marshail, Archdeacon o{ Stafford, brother to "^l^^-
Walter, Earl Marshal of England, was consecrated by Hu6ert, ^^^ ^'^'
Archbishop of Canterbury, in II9I. He proceeded in the
work begun by his predecessors^ with much vigour, and
completed the Choir of the Cathedral ; after which he purcha-
sed the Manor of Woodbury, (of one Albermarle,) which he
s^ave and impropriated to the Vicars Choral of his Church.
He died, after governing his Diocess with great reputation
twelve years; and was interred on the North side of the Choir
of his Cathedral, under an altar tomb, erected in 1206, on
which his effic;y lays at full length, with a mitre on his head,
and a crosier m his hand : the whole well executed in gre/
marble : but no inscription remains.
2 1st. Simon de Apulia, by birth, an Italian, was installed in ^^06.
1206 : he revived the ordinances of his primitive predecessor Simon de
Leofricus, that all his Canons should take their diet in common -^P^^*
at one table;, and for this purpose, a steward was appointed
to provide them necessary victuals. During this Bishop's
time, two learned men flourished, viz. Joseph Iscanus (so Joseph
named from receiving his birth in this City) and Alexander iKanus.
Ne^uam, Prior of St. Nicholas. Alexander
The former was deep learned in the Greek and Latin Ian- ®*1^°*'
guages, an excellent Mathematician, and well acquainted
with the liberal sciences: the latter was a profound philoso-
pher, an eloquent orator, a pleasant poet, and well versed in
divinity.
About 1212, John (sumamed) Detonius a native of this Johannes
I i connty, Devoiiiui.
* Mr. Isaac, in hif list of Bishops of Exeter, sa^rs &e was buried in his
own Church.
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S52 THB HISTORY OF
€HAP. V . ootmty, was much noticed for hk learning and odier qinlifi*
- cations : be was gnsatly in favour with King Jokn^ who made
faim his Chaplain and Confessor; he was an intiniate ac-
quaintance of hb oottntryman, Baldwin^ Archbishop of C«»-
ierbuiy^ and was made Abbot of Fordxn this Coitnty, by the
Pope ; he wrote seyeral learned treatises : was baiied in
bis Abbey of Ford^ much lamented by dl that knew faim*
Simon de Apulia held his See eighteen years, and was baried
in his own Church, on the Nortn side of the choir, behind tiie
pulpit, under a plain altar tomb ; but no inscription or fA^
IS remaining to his memory.
A. I>. gg-d. William Brewer was elected soon affcer the death of
^^^^' Simon J and was consecrated by Stephen Langton^ Archbiahop
WUliam of Canterbury, He was descoided from a noUc family, b4>
Binewer. ing brother to William Bretper, Earl of Devon. He was much
esteemed for his wisdom, and in great ^vowr with King
Hemy the Third, who selected him as a guardian to conduct
his Sister, the Lady JMA^/ftr, into Gfermar^^ to her intended
maniage with the £mperor Frederic: through the whole of
which journey he was receired with the greatest honours;
and after having executed his commission to the satisfaction
of all parties, he returned home loaded with presents.
Constitutes Soon after his return, he constituted a Deam and twenb^*
c Dean and four Prebendaries within his Cathedral : to the Deanry he
24 Preben- impropriated the Rectories oiBrampHm and CoBkom Rtnokigh ;
Ch^ih! ^ ^°^ ^ ^^ support of the Prebendaries he purchased la^,
the rent of wluch amounted (at that time) to 4/. each annual-
ly : of these Prebendaries he constituted his Chapter, f He
governed his Diocess with mat rnmtation about nineteen
years, and was interred in the middle of the dioir of his Ca«
thedral, under a plain marble stone.
1245. 23(1. BichardBUndyvnaconweicnXtAhfBimifkce^ Arch-
Hichard bishop of CanterBwy, in 1 245.- He is reported to have been a
Blondjr. man of meek temper and mild disposition : being mudi ad-
vanced in years, he was entirely governed by the principal
ofHcers of his household, who taking advantage of his weak-
ness, endeavoured to enrich themselves by granting convey-
Fbur of eh ^^^^ ^^ Estates, and advowsons of Church livings, wilhottt
Bishop's ^ ^^ knowledge or consent ; but these nefiurious practices being
principal timely discovered, ZxM/^fVf// his Chancellor, SaMmhis Re?is-
oflicers do trar, Fkzherbert fais Official, and Ermutcm the keeper of ms
penance in s^^ ^^ principal offenders, were excommttnicated, and
theCath©- > r r~ f ^Ki;-^! i
drai. obliged |
t From this aocount, it appeais that the ivhole of the Prebendanei
originally coostituted theChaptsr, though now confined to the Canoos |
onljr.
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THB CITY OF EXETER. 253^
obliged 1^7 the incceeding Bishop, to do open penance X for CHAP. V -.
their ctimes» and this they accordingly performed on Pahn
Sunday, 19dL March, 1257, in the Cathedral of St. Peter.,
Bithap Blomdu, held hia See near twelve years, and was buried
on the North side of his own Church.
24th. TF^crBnuucomAtfwasconsecratedatCoftltfr^^^by A. D<
Archbishop Boniface on Palm Sunday, 1258. He was a ^**®-
oadve of this City and of poor parentage; but beins; of good ^^^
disposition and fond of readings his parents, with ikt a»- ^^^
sistance of friends, placed him at School, where he made sq
great a proficiency, that he was removed to Ojford; and
uiere, by his diligent application to study, he made himself
complete master of most branches of literature then taught
ID the public Schools. From Oj^fM he was elected to the
Episcopal chair of this Diocess ; but not having taken on hin^
Priest's orders, his consecration was deferred (according io
the ruks of the Church) till he had so qualified himadfl
During his Episcopal dignity he acquired ^eat riches, and ^!^ ^^-
highly distinguished himself by his generosity and bounty: Church d^
among nnany other acts of benevolence, he purchased the Bar« *
tons of Soisesdon and Ctist^ and gave them to the Hospital of
S(. Jokn^ in this Cit^ : founded a College iot Canons-regular,
at Glateeney near Penryn in ComwUi^ and instituted, in his ow«
Churchy a Feast, named St. •GtibneU.
Notwithstanding these marks of his benevolent disposition, itemark&ble
he is taxed with fraudulently obtaining the patronage oiCiist instance of
Fomeim^ (now calkd Sawton.J The story is f elated by lii^rttinir
Historians, in the following manner. ff^livlnr
The Bishop having built a kr^e house for tiiie residence of ^f sowto^
himself and his snccessof s, ac Uii^aekoiUe (now Bishop's
ClistJ and being desirous of enlarging the estate, prevailed
on the Dean and Chapter to give up to him a contiguous
estate named Conmhwaodj not contented with this, he want-
ed the patfonage of the Church of ClUt Fomeson also, and
made application for that purpose to theowner, Mr. Fomefon^
who positively refused surrendering his paternal estate,
which had long been the fesidence of his Ancestors. The
Bishop was much displeasedAt this^ and a circumstance hap-
pened soon after, which enabled him to obtain by compul-
sion what he could not get by persuasion^
A Friar, the Bishop's Chaplain and Confessor;, died in the
Bishop's house at Clist^ and according to custom, ought to
have been buried at Farringdon^ in wh^h Parish the Bishop's
I i 2 house
\ A very smtU pomshment for so hdnous an offence, and pbinlf
pmves how easUf, in Khote days, Eciieuastks ,got tbfti nacks clear of th^
h»lter.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
254 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. V . house was situated ; but that being at some distance, the wea«
thcr rainy, and the roads deep and dirty, his Lordship ordered
the corpse to be carried to the Church of Ciisi Fomeson^ -which
was near and adjoining to his Manor, and separated only by
the small river Ciist. Mr, Fomcson receiving notice of this
intended funeral, and that a Leack'way was to be made
through his lands without his consent, and being moreover,
well aware of the crafts of the Clergy, called out his tenants
together, and went to the bridge, the only avenue from one
estate to the other ; there he met the Bishop's men bringing
the Corpse, and strictly forbad them from trespassing on his
lands ; but they persisting, and attempting to force a passage,
a scuffle ensued, and in the conflict the body of the poor
Friar fell into the water, and was thoroughly soused ; a very
heinous crime in those days. The Bishop was highly exas-
perated at such irreverent usage of a holy Friar, lus ow^n
Chaplain and Confessor, and sued Mr, F&megon at law;
nor did he cease harrassin^ him, till he had brought him to
a compliance of surrendenng his patronage of the Church,
and a piece of land, in order to save the remainder.
This Bishop held his Diocess about twenty-three years,
and was buried on the South side of the Lad3r's Chapel, in
bis own Cathedral. On a suniptuous tomb is hisenigy at
full length in pontifical robes, and other insignia of his sacer-
dotal omce: the canopy is decorated with angels holding
labels, on which were legends, which, with the Epitaph, is
BOW mostly obliterated ; the copy of the latter as preserved by
Afr. Isaac m his memorials, follows :
Olim smcefus pater omni dignut amarey
Primus Walterus magnojacet hie in honore,
Edidit hie piura dignissima iaude statuta^
Qm<c tanquamjura servant nunc hie omnia iuta :
Atque hoc Collegium quod GhATitj plebs vocat amnss,
Ccndidit egregium, pro voce data sihi somnisf
Quot loca construxitf pietatis quot bona fecit?
. Quam sanctam duxit vitam^ vox dicere qum scit ?
Laudibus immensis jubilet gens Exoniensis,
Et chorus Sc turb(B, quod notus in hcecfuit urbe,
jrcier ui- "'''*'' " ^^^ veiis^ Fesfum statuit Gabrielis.
vilir **"*' Gaudeat in ca^lis igitur pater iste fidelis.
The body ^^^' ^^^^ Quivill visis installed Bishop of this Diocess,
oftheCa. lO^h December, 1281. He was a great benefactor to his
thcdral be- Church, and first began the building of the Nave, or body of
fun. the Church from the choir. Westward; of this he laid the
foundation ; he first instituted the office of sub-dean, and im-
propriated the Rectory of Egloshali in Comvaii (or its support;
he
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A. D.
1)281.
Peter Qui-
THE CITY OF EXETER. 255
lie also added neatly to the rcYenues of the Precentor, § by CHAP. V .
eranting them the impropriations oiPaington and Chudleigh.
He was a ^eat benefactor to the Hospital of 5/. John^ in this
City, which he endowed with goods and lands.
In the year 1285, the murder of the Chanter, Walter Lech^
hde happened, which occasioned the King's visiting this
City, as has been already mentioned in the Civic part of this
history ; and the dispute broke out between Bishop Quiviii
and the Franciscan Friars, which occasioned him much trou- accTdentoc-
ble : his death was sudden, from drinking a sirup too hasti- casions the
]y. This happened in the year 1292, in the 1 1th of his £pis- Bishop*s
copal dignity, and he was buried in the Chapel of the; Virgin <Jcath-
Mary, <rf his own Church. A. D.
26th. Thomas Biiton was elected Bishop in the year follow- 1293.
ing : the See of Canierbwy being vacant at this time, he was Thomas
consecrated by John Romany Archbishop of York. Bishop Bittwi.
hiHun continued the building of his Cathedral ; and was a
great patron of learning and learned men, particularly those j>aroed
in his own Diocess ; amon^ those of most note were Robert men at this
de Plimpton 9 a Canon-regular of the Abbey oi Plympton^ and time,
professor of Divinity ; he wrote two books, the titles of
which are not mentioned : Walter of Excesier^ a Franciscan
Friar of St. Carocus in Cornwall, who at the request of one
Baldwin of Excester, wrote the noted history of Uuy^ Earl of
Wanoick; William of Exeeiter, D. D. Warden of the Fran-
ciscan Friars in this City ; and Godfrey (surnamed) de Com-'
^ally Lecturer in Divinity sometime at Paris. Bishop Bitton
died in 1306, and was interred in the choir of his own
Church, near the foot of the High Alur. * 1307.
27th. Waller Stapleton was consecrated 28th December,
1 307, by RoSert Winchelsea Archbishop of Canterhury. He ^JJJJ^ ^^
"Was descended from a noble Family, and was so eminent for
his learning, wisdom, and political knowledge, that he obtain-
ed the King's favour, who made him one of his Privy Council,
and XA>rd High Treasurer of England. His installation was
attended
S Mr. Hooker tajs he founded the office of Chanter i but this must be a
mistake, as Bishop JoAft (surnamed) the Chanter y filled that dignity in this
Cathedml before the year 1184, that is near a century before this period.
* On removing the old pavement of the choir, in the year 17&3, the
body of Bishop Biiton was discovered, enclosed in a lead coffin ; the body
vas almost entire, and clothed in pontifical vestments, the face was co-
''wed with a sudarium, which had the appearance of tinder, (through
>ge,) in the coffin was a small chalice and paten, of silver gilt, and among
the dust was found a gold ring, in which was a large emerald. The bo-
^y, after having been inspected by the then Dean, (Mill* J was again
deposited in the same grave, aud arched over; but the chalice, paten and
"ng were preserved by order of the Chapter, and enclosed in a box, with
* glazed lid, for the inspection of the curious.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
256 THE HISTORY OF
C HAP. V . attended with great solemnity. On entering At Gty, he
" was met by the Mayor, and Citizens in their liveiy gowas^
and a great number of Gentlemen of the first distinction in the
County of Devon* On alighting from his horse, be was con-
ducted on foot to the Cathedral : the streets were covered all
the way with black cloth, which was given afterwards to the
poor,
HughCour- Previous to this ceremony a great dispute aroK: Hugh
tenay, Esq. Courfenay^ Esq. Son and heir to Sr Hugh Cowfien^^ Knight,
Offiwof ^ claimed the honour of being Chief Steward at the Feast, as
Chief Stew- holding the Manor of Slapton by that service, bat a compro^
miti at the mise took place oh the followmg conditions : that the said
installation claimant and his heirs, should at the installation of every
'^*^- Bishop meet him at the Eastgate of the City of Exeter^ and
from thence proceeding on his right hand to the choir of the
Cathedra], should prevent the people from, crowding or pres-
sing on him, and so incommoding him ; and that he should at
the said installation feast, serve in the first coarse, at the
Bishop's own table ; and that in consideration of the said ser-
Fees for vice, they should have for their fee, four Siker dishes^ (of those
executing vvhich shall have been placed at the first course) two Saits^
^he^said of- ^^^ Q^^^ jy^j ^ ^y^^^Yi the Bishop shaH have drank at the
said feast) one Winepot, one Spoon^ and two BasorUy all which
vessels shall be of Silver; and that in case the said claimant
or his heirs, should be sick, or in nonage, and not capable of
performing the duties of the Office, proper substitutes should
be provided ; and, in case of non compliance, the Fees should
not be demanded.
This agreement was made at Netpf&n Pfympttm^ and given
under the Seals of.the said Bishop, Dean, and Chapter, the
morrow af^er the feast of St. Thomas the Aposik^ Anno 1 308,
witnessed by William Martin^ Philip Courtenay, Thomas Chi^
Chester, Stephen Haccomb^ Roger Novant, Thomas Archdeacon^
John Bickton 9 And John Tror/agnf Knights; Robert Stoehhay^
John Buitlesgate, Robert Vp^Ex, and Henry Buekerell^ Es-
TheBi- quires. This Prelate greatly increasing in wealth, employed
shop's great part of it to the most beneficent purposes. He found^l, and
*^**y- endowed, two houses in Oxfind^ one named Stt^ton^s Inn,
(since Exeter College J the other, Hart^Hall; and among odier
charities he was a great benefactor to St. John^sHospital^ in this
City, to which he granted the impropriated Rectory ofEmes-
combe^ foi the relief of the poor children in the said Hospital.
About the year 1 322, he was sent Ambassador to France,
to endeavour to reconcile the differences between the two
Courts, which he effected; but, in the nnhappy disputes
which soon af^er broke out between King Edtcardy and his
Queen
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETEA. 257
Qaeen laaieUa^ he strenuously asserted the cause of his SoYe- C HAP. V .
reign, and was by him, made Cutios of the City of London. — — -
Refusing to deliver up the keys of the Tower^ to the Mob,
(the Queen's party) they broke open his Palace, and plun«
dered it of all his plate, jewels, and household goods. The
Bishop to escape their fury, endeavoured to fly to the Cathe-
dral of S/. Pauls J bijt being overtaken, they dbmounted him,
beat and insulted him in a cruel manner, dragged him into
Cheaptide^ and there prodaimed him a Traitor; he was then The Bishop
beheaded, with two of his domestics ; after which, their bo- "*«^ bU bix>-
dies weie drawn from the place of execution, and buried in ^p^'IJ"^^^
^ rubbisk of a Tower which the unfortunate Bishop was x^ndoaen.
erecting near the Thames.
Soon after, his brother Sir Rickard Stapleion^ W3a seized^
and murdered in a similar manner : these cruel assassinations
werecommittedonthe 15th of October, 1327. The Bishop's
body, and that of his brother, were soon after, taken up, and
removed to this City, and leceived interment with great so-
lemnity, on the North side of the High Altar, in the Cathe-
dral, and an elegant monument was erected. In this, which
is beautifully decorated with Gothic sculptures, the Bishop's
effigy kys at full length, in his Pontific»d robes, and other
insignia, painted and jrilt i on the canopv over, it painted the
figure of our blessed Siaviour, with his nands extended, and
tbe wounds he received by the nails, at his crucifixion, are de-
picted on them and his feet. On a large circular entablature,
is a long I^tin inscription, relating the particular passages of
his life, and «n account of his death. It was repaired some
years i^o, and repainted and gilt at the expence oi Exeter Coi-
lege^ Oxford.
Sir Richard Stt^flet&n^s MonunMnt, is in the wall of the
North aisle, opposite to that of his brother. His efHgy lays
at fall length in complete Armour, but it is now much muti*
lated, and the inscription defaced.
28th. James Btrkle^^ descended from the noble family of A. D.
tbe L^ Berkley in Gloucestershire^ was consecrated Bishop ^^^'
of this Diocess soon after the murder of his predecessor ; but 52?
enjoyed not the dignity long, for he died within four months ^"
after his consecration, and there is no certain account of the
place of his interment.
S9th. John Grandisong of noble birth, being descended John Gnn-
from the Dukes of Burgundy^ and who was in Italy when dJ*>n.
Bishop Berkley died, was appointed by the King his suc-
cessor; and this nomination being approved by the Pope
John £2d, he consecrated him Bishop of this Diocess, 18th
October, l^2d. He was much addicted from his chikihood
to
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
258
THE HISTORY OF
Bishop
Grandison's
expensive
buildings.
St. Peter's
Cathedral
finished.
CHAP. V . to Literature, in which he made so great a proficiency, that
——•^ at an early age he was appointed professor of Divinity, on
which he wrote two Books, viz« Poniificales Mqjores and
PontificaUs Minora : these gained him the esteem of tbe Pope
so much that he made him one of his rrivy councily and
Apostolical Nuncio.
In this quality he sent him as his Ambassador to the prin-
cipal potentates of £ttro/9£; his last embassy was toEngUnd^
(his native country) where the great talents he displayed
caused him to be noticed by King Edward^ who procured his
dismissal from the Pope's service, and gave him tne Archdea-
conry of NoUingham^ with several other benefices, made him
one of his Privy council, and fixed him in this Bishopric
where he acquired great riches and employed them in acts of
charity and benevolence.
He built and endowed the College of St^ Mary OUery^ was
a great benefactor to the Choral Vicars of his own Cathedral,
and to the College of Glasceny near Penryn : he built the two
last arches and the West front of the Cathedral, vaulted the
roof, and thus completed a building begun 4S7 years before;
the first foundation having been kid in the reign of King
Athelstan : f he also gifted large quantities of Plate, Orna-
ments, &c. on the Cathedral.
At Bithop^s Teiornton he erected a large house, which he well
furnished, and left to his successors : he impropriated to it
the Parsonage of Rad'aay^ for this purpose, (as he expresses
in his last will) '^that they should have a place to retire to,
** should the King seize their temporalities." % He greatly
retrenched the expences of living, practised by his predeces-
sors, and notwithstanding the great charge of building, and
the sums he expended in charity, he was at his death, possess-
ed of great riches, which he lef): entirely to charitable uses,
and legacies to friends and relations.
At tnis time, William ofExcester^ a learned man and Canon
of the Cathedral, with several others, preached against the
temporal possessions of the clergy, asserting that Christ and
his Apostles were poor men ; neither was any Prince, or lay-
man subject to the Pope, except in matters of religion.
This doctrine greatly alarmed the court oiRome^ and Wil-
Ham with his Abettors, were excommunicated. The Canon
affrighted
t The reader will remember, that the original building, founded bf
King Athehtan^ was destroyed by SvoejfuevoA his Vanes.
X This prediction of the Bishop, seemed almost prophetical, for
not only this house and impropriation, but the, greatest part of this
Bishopric^s temporalities are alienated and become the inheritaace of
Laymen.
William of
Excester
preaches a-
^insttlie
Clergy,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT OF EXETER. 259
aiFrighted at the dirests of being proceeded againBt» with CHAP. V .
his aasociates^ as heretics, and to save his life and liTings, se-
cret] J left his companions, and openly recanted his £>riner but recants,
doctrine.
Bishop Grandkon^ occupied the £piscopal Chair near 4€
jrears: hediedon St. Swithin*s day» 1369,and was interred
in a small Chapel, in the front wall of his own Cathednd. §
SOth. TAamoi Brentmghamf a natire of Devon ^ was elected ^' ^*
nearly at one time. Bishop of this Diocess and that of Hereford; ^^^^'
bat preferring the see oi Exeter^ he was consecrated according- Thomas
ly, on 10th Mareh^ 15/0, by William^ Archbishap of Canter^ Breptuif-
hwy. He was highly respected for his great experience in the '^*°^*
laws, both ciril and ecclesiastical ; and was one of the 1 3 Peers
appointed by Parliament, in the 10th year of Richard 2d. to
take charge of the aiiairs of the nation . In the year 1 3 7 7, he
was made Lord Treasurer oi^ngland^ and one of the King's
Privy coancil ; he finished the buildings in the Calendar ^ff^,t
which were begun by the preceding fiishop for the habitati-
ons of the Vicars Choral ; and after well governing his Dio-
cess 24ycars, died on 3d Deceniber, 1394. He was buried
on the North side of the body of his own Church, under a
large marble stone, whereon was his efiigy inlaid with brass,
which is now so defaced, that nothing but the brass studs
which fastened it are remaining.
3 1 St. Edmund Stafford, brother to Ralphs Lord Stafford, 1395.
was con.secrated at Lamhetk by William Courtenay, Arch-- Edmund
tfishop of Canterbury : He was a learned man, and from his staiibitl.
abilities was advanced to be one of the King's Privy council,
sad Lord Privy seal ; he founded two Fellowships in Staple^
don Inn, Oxford; he also reformed the statutes of the said
house and refounded it by the name of Exeter College: he
governed his Diocess about twenty-three years with much
honour, and died 4th September, 1419 : he lies on the North
side of the Virgin Mary'f Chapel in a beautiful tomb, on which
is his effigy elegandy carved in Alabaster. This monument
"Was greatly injured in the troubles of King Charles 1st and
die inscription is totally obliterated.
32d. John Catherike, a native of Cheshire, was translated 1419.
ftom the See of Litchfield to this Diocess, and installed on 8th j^],^ q^
K k November, therike.
§ According to Mr. Isaac (who was living at the time,) his tomb was
nnsacked by the Parliament soldiers in the grand rebellion, and his lead
coffin taken up, in hopes of prey ; fits ashes scattered about, and 1: is bones
thrown, no one knew where. This Chapel which had been made a
receptacle for filth, was of late years cleansed by order of the Dean and
Chapter ; the walls white washed, and windows glazed \ but there is am
inscription or Memento to the memory of this beneficent Prelate !
t Now the College.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
260 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. V . November, 1419. He did not long enjo^ his new dignity,
as he died within two months after his installation, <ni his
journey to Rome^ sX Avignon in Prance^ where he was buried.
JamesCaiy. 33d. James Cary^ Bishop of Chester^ a native of this coun-
try, being at Rome when the account of Bishop Stoffbrd*s
death came to Pope Martin 5th, was, by him, made and
consecrated Bishop of this Church : but he did not long hold
the promotion ; he died within six weeks after, and was there
interred.
A. D. 34th. Edmund Laciey Bishop otHerefordy vnAikt:acittmn%'
1420. lated to this See ; he was esteemed as a learned, and religious
2d^^j^ man, but is accused of paying too much attention to flatter*
Lade. ers, which often led him into errors. He was very strenuous
in supporting the liberties of his Church, and this occasioned
a long and troublesome lawsuit, between him and the citizens
o( Exeter^ which was at last ended by arbitration. He claim-
ed cognizance of all pleas within his Court and liberties.
In the second vear of his Bishopric, great complaints were
made, in the parliament held at IVestminster^ against the dis-
solute lives of the Monks, and other religious fraternities ; and
the matter beine brought before a general convocation of the
Clergy, this Biraop (being chosen Prolocutor) made a learned
oration on the subject, wherein he lamented that religious
men should use such practices, contrary to the rules of their
profession, and at the conclusion, he presented several arti-
cles in writing, praying for a reformation. •
in this convocation it was finally amed, that every third
benefice in the gift of any of the Prelates, or Monasteries,
should thenceforth be bestowed (for seven years) on some
scholar of either of the Universities ofOrfordot Cambridge,
Bishop Lacie was a great benefactor to the College of
Vicars Choral: he died on the S5th March, 1455, and was
interred on the North side of the Choir of his own Cathe-
dral. *
After his death many miracles (according to the ignorance
and superstition of the times) were said to have been wrought
at his tomb ; and this occasioned a great resort of the com-
mon people to it, in pilgrimages, and to be healed of their dif-
ferent diseases.
1455. 35th. George Nevii (the second son of Richard NevHy Earl
George of Salisbury J a young man not twenty years of age, was
•^e^il' promoted
* A plain altar tomb of variegated maibte covers the remains of this
Bishop ', on the upper stone wa«( inlaid his efRgy in brass or some other
metal, as plainly appears by indented marks : there is no sculpture or
inscription to be seen ; but on the top of the choir-screen directly over
the tomb, is a large shield on which are thelactei arms : three Shovellers
(or WUd Duck's) heads> emsed*
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 26l
promoted to this Sec, and consecrated 25th November, 1455. CHAP. V .
At the age of twentj^-five he -was made one of the King's — — -
Privy council, and Hord Chancellor of England; and soon
after elected Chancellor of the University of Oxford. He The Chip-
finished the building of the Chapter house, which was begun ^. !?^*®
by Bishop Laeie. After holding this Bishopric about ten
years, he was translated to the Archiepiscopal Chair of York,
A,D.146d.
36th. John Booths a native of Cheshire^ was elected, and con- ^ D.
secratedby Thomas Bauchier, ArchbUkop of Caniofiwyt 22d '*^'
February, 1466. He erected the sUtely throne ior the John
Bishops, in the choir, and during bis residence governed his Booth.
Diocess with honour : but, on the unhappy disputes arising Bishop's
between the Earl of Warmck^ and King Edward 4th, he re- throne erec-
moved,for more security, to his own liouse at Horsleigh in ^•
Hoffquhtrc^ where he died j in the twelfth year of his Prdacy,
5th April, 1 478 ; and his remains were interred in the Church
of St. Ckment'-'DaneSf without TempU-bar^ London^
37th. Peter Courtenayt (descended from the ancient Earls 1479.
of Devon J iNcss the third spn of Sir Philip Courtenay of Pow^ p^^ ^ ^
derham Castle; he was educated at Exeter College^ Oxford^ tenay.
where he took the Degree of Bachelor of Laws : he then
went to Itafyi and had the degree of Doctor of Laws con-
ferred on him by the University of Padua^ and in the year
1477, he was admitted to the same degree in Oxford^ with
great solemnity, and gave a splendid entertainment on the
occasion to the University.
Soon after his return he was made Archdeacon of Exeter,
and in a short time after. Dean of the same. While in this
dignity, a dispute arose between the Mayor and Corporation
of Exeter, and the incorporated Company of Taylors,
>vhich, after the expenditure of large sums of money in Law,
was left to be determined by King Edward 4tb, whp sent
his final decision to Doctor Peter Courtenay, to be by him de^
livered to the contending parties.
In 1479 he was promoted to the vacant Bishopric of this
Diocess, and consecrated by Thomas, Archbishop of Canter^
Inity; and no sooner had be taken possession of the Episcopal
Chair than he began to reform the abuses which had ciept
into his Diocess, to fill up the vacant benefices, and to re-
trench the pluralities of the Clersy : but in the year 1483,
when Richard, Duke of GUmcesternsiCi murdered his Nephews
and usurped the throne, the Bishop with his brother Sir Bishop
Edvord and several others of the Courtenay Family entered Courtenajr
into a conspiracy with the Duhe of Buckingham, &c. to de- ^*|^P^^
throne the usurper and place the Earl of Richmond on the against * '
K k 2 throne, Richard 3d»
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
262 THE HISTORY OT
CmAW. V , throne. Thcac btsstions beb^ dbcoveved bdbre tfasy were
~'~*~* brought to a state of niatanty, Bmekmgkam vm taken and
beheaded ; but the Bahop and his ffficndi by a timeir flight
Esoipes to into BrUmw escaped the vengance of Biokm^. Here ne oofr-
France. ttnued with the Emi of BZhnondf and afterwank accom-
panied kom in his successful expedition into this kingdom.
Is rertared On 'RiehmoMd^4 gaining possession of the Crown, the
to his Dio- Bishop was restored to his Diocess; and in the jtar I486,
^^* in reward lor his good serrioes. King Memy 7th translated
him to the nduable Bishopric of WmSietier,
Bishop Dnring his residence in the Diocess oiExHer^ he expended
Court^ g>^Bat sums in extending and beautifying his Cathedial,fiBish-
NmdT ^ ^« building of the North Tower and phieing in it the
Tower, Sec. f^at bell weiring twehre dioutaad five hundred lbs. (cadled
Srom his name, Peier^s bell;) he erected a very curious
clock (ibr the indention of those days) which shews the
changes of the Moon, the day of the Alondi, and the hour
of the day. f He repaired and beautified his Episcopal pakce
in this City, (as appears by an elegant dumney piece still re-
maining) he was a great benciuctor to the Poor: and died at
WmcAeittr on the 30th December, 1 491* and (according to
Biiiop GcdwinJ was interred in that Cathedial; but Afr.
Cieoelmnd thinks he was buried in Pt^Bfierkam Church ; for he
says that in the middle of the diancel of that Church there is
a broad stone, on which is the effigy of a Bishop with his
mitre, inlaid in brass, which could not be designed ft>r Arek-'
bishop Ccuriaiay^ he not being ofthePMrd!rritfm family; nor
for Richard Courtetu^ Biskip of Nwvfich^ as he was burled in
Westminster Abbey,
K. D. 58th. Richard For, born in iMcokMre, was on the trsns-
1486. lation of Bishop Courteimyj elected to this See, and consecra-
Rich. Fox. ted by Thomas, Arehbiihop of CatUerbwy, in 14S6. He
was much esteemed for his learning, and other quaJtfications ;
and being a student at Paris, during the exile of the Eafi of
Richmond, (afterwards Henry 7th) he became acquainted with
him, assisted him with his advice, and accompanied him in
his perilous expedition to England.
This enterprixe succeeding, he was much noticed by the
King, who made him one of his Privy council, and Lord Pri*
vy seal ; sent him also several times. Ambassador to the Kinn
of France and Scotland, in which capacity, he executed the
trusts with such wisdom and fidelity, that the King held him
in high favour, and made him Godfiither to his second son
who was afterwards King Henry 8th. u '
t This Clock was thoroughly repaired, and a minute part addeii
about the year 1760, by Mr, WiUiam Boward, an ingenious mechanic of
this City, at the expence of the Dean and Chapter.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OF EXETER. 263
He was a gttMt encouxag^r of teaming, and in part founded CHAP. V .
Corpm CAruti College^ in Qjfurd. After presiding six years — —
over this Dbcesty he was translated to Bathy and thence to the
Bahopric of Wmchuter, where (having lost his sight through
age,) he died^ and was buried in the Cathedral. . j^
S9th. OArDcr Kingt a native of Comwali, being appointed ^492.'
to this See, was consecrated by John Morton^ Archbishop of OliverKlng.
CatUerhuy, on the 20th February, 1492. He was Chaplain
to Man^ 7th; jDeon of Winthor, aod Registrar of the Order of
the Garter. He held this See about five years, and died in
1497, and (aooording ta Mr* haaej was buried at Windsor •
40th. Richard IMmany descended from a moat respectable ^^^
fiuntiy in Hertfordshire^ was translated, on the death of Bishop Richanl
Kingy fitom a Bishopric in Weksy to this Diocess, and instal- Rednua.
led 14th December, 1499* He left no particular memorials
behind him, saving an estimation fi>r his wisdom and erudi-
tion : aftor five years residence in this See, he was translated
(othatofi£(^*
4l8t. John Arundeiy a descendant from the ancient and re- }^^'
spectebie Family o£ the Armdels of Uhan-hemey in ComwaU, ^^^^^"^
was translated nrom the See of Litchfield and Coventry y at his
own request, and was installed Birtiop of this Diocess, on the
15th Mteirch, 1 504 ; but he did not long enjoy it, as, having
occasion to ride to London j two years afur his installation, he
died ihetCy and was buried in SU Clement Danes Church,
"widiout Temple BoTy near his pfedeoessor. Bishop Booth.
4gdr. Hugh Oldhomy a native oSLancashirey Chaplain to the 1506.
Countess d Richmond and Derby y (Mother to King Hemy 7th) Hugh Old-
was through her interest, promoted to this See. It is related 1>a°>*
of him, diat he was a man of more zeal than knowledge, and
that though rough in his speech, he was friendly in his acti-
ons. He strongly defended the liberties and prerogatives of
his Church, which caused continual lawsuits between him
and the overbearing Abbot of Tavistock*
He was very liberal to the Vicars Choral of his Cathedral ; A great b».
be repaired their College, and brought them back to their an- ^^^?^ ^
cicnt usage of keeping Commons, for the maintenance of chondT"
^htch, he increased their revenues, and impropriated to their
'ttc, the rectory oiComoood*
Though he was not a learned naan himself, he was a great
promoter of public schools and seminaries, forgiving learning
to others : he and Bishop Fojy of Winchtstery were the joint
foundeis of Corpus Christi College, in Oxfordy and which they
endowed with great revenues. He founded and endowed a
school at Manchester y for the instruction of youth, in good
^d useful literature.
At
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
264 THE HISTORY OF
CWAP. V . At the time of his death, on 25th June, 1 52S, the suit be-
tweeti him and the Abbot of TaviHoek not being terminated,
he was under the sentence of excommunication, and his body
was not suftcred to be interred, till an absolution was procu-
red from Rinne : this being obtained, he was buried in.a Cha-
pel purposely erected, at Uie upper end of the South aisle in
his own Cathedral.
This Chapel has a vaulted stone roof, decorated in com-
partments, with his cypher H O, and owls, being a part of
his armorial bearings. At the £ast end, is a mutilated Altar,
over which was a beautiful representation, cut in stone ia
alto relievo, of our Saviour 's Birth , Passion and Resurrection;
but the whole was gready injured by the fanatic hands of the
parliamentary soldiers, in the grand rebellion : on the South
side is the Bishop's tomb, under the Arch of which, is his
cfKgy lying at full length, clothed in the pontifical habit, a
mitre on his bead, and crosier in his hand, the whole painted
and gilt, and on the architrave over the tomb, is this inscrip-
tion in gold letters, f
Hie Jacet Hugo Oldham eps. q* obijt xxv
die Junij An. Dni. millo eccccxxiii.
43d. John Voisey^ (alias HamtanJ bom at Sutton Colejield,
in Warwickshire 9 was on the death oi Bishop Oldham^ preferred
by King Htn/y 8th, to this Bishopric. He was greatly fa-
voured in the early part of his life, by the King, who em-
ployed him in several embassies, m^dc him Lord President
of JVaks^ and entrusted to his care, the government and edu-
cation of his daughter Mary^ who so strongly imbibed while
under his tuition, the superstitions of the Romish Church, that
they never after could bo eradicated.
H-^ This Bishop affected great pomp, he attended the Court,
VoiKey's An<l ^cpt a large retinue of servants, all which, was attended
jmidigality with such great expences, that he almost alienated the reve-
almost ruins nues of his Bishopric : out of twenty -five Lordships and ma-
^^ee of jjQjj^ enjoyed and left by his predecessors, of great yearly
income, he lefl but three, and those leased out: of fourteen
Houses well furnished, and the demesnes well stocked with
cattle, deer &c« he left to his successor, only one, and that
plundered of most of its furniture, and charged with several
annuities*
In
t This Monument was repaired and fresh painted, in the year 1763,
by the Provost and Fellows of Corpus Chri$ti College, Oxford, from gfra-
titude to their Founder and Benefactor, as app<«rs on atablet placed over
the monument' Capeliam hone Grati/udiuis Ergo Sumptiims twis Or-
nanuum Curaverwii Pr. § Soc, C. C. C. Ogtwi, 176^.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE GITY OP EKBTER. 265
la a word, by this Bishop's profuscncss, the Sec of Ecefer C HAP. V .
from being one of the most valuable, is bscoms one of tlie ■■
poorest, and the saying o^ BMop Grandison verified, tfiat the
BMop hath mm scarce aphce to lay his head in.
In the year 1535, the Pope having e^ccommanicated Kifig King Henry
Henry 9t\k9 he in return, threwofFall subjection to, anddepeii- throvrs off
denceonthe Roman Pontiff, in which he was supported by ^^* j^^j®****
the English Parliament, which by an Act, declared the King, p^.^^
Sapreme head of the Church of England, granted him the first
fruits and tenths of the revenues of all benefices, together
with the power of nominating to all Bishoprics : another Act
was also passed, to deprive tdl persons charged with treason,
from the privilege of sanctuary ; and thas the power of the
Pope ended in this kingdom.
The Protestant religion being established by King Edward
6th, Bishop Voisetf resigned his Bishopric into the King's
hands, reserving only to himself the rents of the Temporali-
ties, and retired to the place of his nativity, Sutton CoUfield^
'which he greatly improved by buildings, procured for it a
charter of incorporation, grant of a weekly market, and es-
tablished a manufacture of Kersies. . ^
44th. Miles Coverdalcy on the resignation of Bishop Voiset/, liai*.
was promoted by King EdvardGth to this Sec, and conse- Mil'^O.
crated by Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canttrburt/^ at verdaJe,
Lambeth, in 1 550. He was educated in a Convent in Yorfc^
shire, where he took upon himself the habit of a Monk ; but
observing the dissolute lives of his companions, he left the
monastery, and closely applycd to reading and studying the j^ ^ealom
Holy Scnptures, from wnicti being convinced of the errors of Protestaat,
the Romish Church, he became a realous Protestant, and as-
sisted Mr* Tindal, in his translation of the Bible into English :
be also wrote several treatises against the doctrines of the then
prevailing Church which made him obnoxious to the Prelates j^ ^^^^^
and Clergy, who persecuted him with the greatest acrimony, ^ethe inta
He escaped their malice by privately retiring into Germam/, GrtrmanT,
where he set up a Printing Press, and printed a great number a"d th->\-
ofBibles (of his own translation) in the English language, and £"'f ^*'**V
sent them into England, where they were eagerly sought El^'Lfjo" *
after, upon the profits of which he then chiefiy subsisted. language.
This comin» to the knowledge of Stokesfy, Bishop of Lon^
don, and other Prelates, they, in order to prevent the disper-
sion of the Books among the people, as it would open thetr
eyes, and too much expose the ^llacy of the Romish doctrine,
bought them all up, thinking no more would be sent over:
in this, however, they were egrcgiously mistaken ; for the
money paid ibr the Books bein^ remitted to Mr. Covetdale^
k
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
X
266 THB HISTORY OF
C HAP. V . It enabled him to print a greater nnmber, wkiGit btmg secret'
' Iv »cnt, and dispersed oyer the ktBgdom^ gnatlj- promoted
tbe increase of the ProtettMt religion.
From this, the Prelates did all in their poiM^toeatfap
him ; bat he, well acquainted with his danger^ Pt$fed fiuther
Keeps s into Germany^ for better security, and put himself aoder tbe
v'^^h^t- Pr<'t««^»o'» o^ ^ Eieetvr Pahiiine^ who was a Proie^mH,
^^ There he earned at first a scanty subsistence W ke^ng a
school for young children : but by diligent appficadoB har*
Is promoted ing acquired the German Language, the Eiector gave him a
bytheEIec- Benefice named Burgk-^ier^ on the profitsof which, with
lorFalatine, the friendly remittances of the Lord CrotHweU, he lived com*
fortably during his exile.
Ktnras to On the accession of King Edward 6th, he returned to Eng-'
Eogland, land where he was much caressed, particularly by his kind
Patron Lord Rttssei^ who took him into his family, and made
him his Chaplain : he attended his Lordship, during his ex«
pedition into the West, for the suppression of the Devw and
Ifiinde Bi- Cornish rebels ; and Was, soon after, for his exemplary piety,
^pofEx- ^^ ijjj. the Protestant religion, and ^reat knowledge of the
scriptures, deservedly promoted to this vacant Diocess.
During his Chnrch government, he gained the esteem of
all by his benevolent disposition, extensive charity, and un«
afiected piety : he continually exercised his duties as a Pastor,
preaching every Sabbath and Holy-day, and reading Prsyen
twice a week, in one or other of the Churches in this City,
insomuch that he was compared to one of the Primitive
Bishops.
Bhhop Co- ^^^^ Sun-shine of the Gospel did not last long ; for King
verdale is Edward dying, and hisbigotted Sister, Manf^ getting posses-
ikprived. sion of the reins of government, this good Bisiiop was deprived
of his See, having held it about three years ; andnotwitlutand-
ing the malice of the Papists, who violently hated him, and
had sworn his death, yet rrovidence delivered him out of their
hands, by the intercession of the King of Denmark, to whom
he was sufiered to retire.
and again Af^er residing there some time, he went again into Gtr^
retires into many^ to his former friend and protector, the Ekctar Palatine^
Germany, ^)^q reinstated him in the Benefice of Burgk-M^f in which
station he continued till the death of Queen Mary.
returns to On the restoration of the Protestant religion by Queen Eli'
England, zabeth^ he returned to his native country, biit such was his bu-
♦^kJ^'sr* mility, that he could not be prevailed on to return to his Dio-
fo oe rem- ^ t-v • t i /• i • i»/. i i- » • i •
Stated in his ^^s- During the latter part of his life, be lived privately m
PioceM. London^ exercising the duties of a Minister of the Gospel, till
death put an end to his labonrsi in a good old age, 25th June,
1565;
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 267
1 565 ; Us feiiimias.weK interred in 5^ BaHhoUmu%D*$ Church, CHAP. V .
b^ind the Refftd Exchange^ Lomhn* § — _
On the deprivatian of fiiis exemplary Bishop, Jokn Foisey Bishop Voi-
was festered to this Diocess, and for the better settling the ■®y'«tored.
Ramiih religtoa, he (contraiy to his usual practice) remained
Jiere for some time ; bat having a strong attachment to his na*
tire* t>lace^ he retamed ther e tor the remainder of his life : he
died in the 103d year of his age, and was buried in the Parish
Church there.
45th. James TrobUfidd^ (or TuriurviliJ a native of the coun* -^^ ^-
ty of Dwset^ succeeded Bithop Vwey^ and was consecrated jamesTro-
in 1556. He was descended from a good fiimily, and was blefield.
gentle and courteous in his disposition; and though very
zealous in the defence of the Papal doctrine, he is not taxed
with being either cruel or bloody.
Nevertheless, to please his superiors, and that it might not
be said, he did nothing, he prosecuted and condemned a poor
woman, fAgnetPriatJ for heresy, and she was accordingly
burnt on Southemkay.
He endeavoured to recover part of the lands, alienated from
the Bishopric by his Predecessor, and accordingly succeeded,
in obtaining from Queen Mary^ the Fee-farm rents of the
manor of Crediton • On the accession of Queen EUzabeth^ he,
refusing to take the required oaths, was deprived of his Bish-
opric, and committed to prison ; but being soon after released,
he lived iov the remainder of his days, a private and obscure
life : he was interred in the choir of this Cathedral.
46th. William AUdgh^ Professor of Divinity , a learned and 1 56 1 .
zealous advocate for the Protestant religion, and Lecturer of l^.^!^^''^
Sl Paul's^ Lfrndan, was preferred by Queen EUzabtlh to this -'^"^'K**-
Bishopric, and installed 6th August, 1 561 .
During the reign of Queen ^Iary^ he being^ a married priest,
was ejected from his living, and for a subsistence, practised
physic, travelling with his wife, from place to place in the
North parts of Mgiandf where they were not known.
His advancement in the Church, did not alter his dispositi-
on; he still continued humble, and constantly fulfilled the
duties of his function : he was affable to the rich, and boun-
tiful to the poor : loth to offend, ready to forgive : ' in short,
his life was a continued scene of |^ood actions. He wrote
several religious books, particularly one, which he called
The Poor Man's Ubrary.
L 1 Queen
% Mr, Isaac says he was buried in a Chapel on the South side of his
own Church ; but this must be a mistake, as an inscription to his me-
mory was remainids not many years since, in the aboye-mentioned
Chulch.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
268 THE HISTOBT OF
C HAP. V . Queen Efizaheik highly rctpeded hini, and tent him jeuT'
-"— ~ ]y a Silver Cup, as a New Yean gift. He died giealfyU*
mented, 15th April, 1570; and was interpod ta the CbcMr of
his own Cathedral near the High Altar, under a nuvble ittaae,
on which was the folkywing inscriptioa :
Reverendta Pater Otdielmus AlMgh Exmdamt Ephcttfmr^
ncerrimus Evangdicm veriUttts prapugnmttr^ mormm prMiate
prmceleiris, Sonarum Dkcipiinarmm ndmbUi wcieitiM eiarmgf in
Christo Domini nub hoe marmore quiescit. OSiii Dtem^ QittmU
ApriiiSf AnnoDtmmi 1570»
^1^' 47th. ^itfiffiRfir«iM^,Profe»)rofDiTt«ty»aiidI>ean
WiUkun ^^ Salisbury, was consecrated Bishop of this Diooeas, «t Z^mm*
Bfadbridge. M^9 on 24th April, 1570. He left no great iBcmuriiiia behind
him, except that he seldom resided at his Episcopal palaoe*
but preferred a country residence, which was very tioofale*
some to his Clergy, and others who liad business with him.
After holding the dignity about eight yeaia, he died sttddenly^,
at NeeUon Ferrer.f, onfi^th July, 1 57 8 » and was intemd on
the North side of the Choir of his own Church, near die Al-
tar, under a plain Altar tomb, over which is a tablet in the
wall of the Choir, and on which was an inacriptioii, but it is
now entirely obliterated, and whitewashed over : there is atill
a shield remainbg, on which is his Coat of Arms, a Pheon
argent, carved in relievo.
John Wol- ^^^* "^^^^ WoUw^ a native of lantcbulufe^ Caaosi resi-
toQ. dendary of this Church, succeeded, and was eunmomled at
Lambeth^ 24th August, 1578. He very cariy professed the
Protestant religion^ and which doctrine he most zealeaslj
preached : this making him obnoxioos to the Roman Catlio*
Jics, he was forced to take refi^ in Chnmm^f duxing the leign
of Queen Mary.
On his return, his eminent learning, and pions pdaeiples
being noticed by Queen Elizaheth, she pieferred him in the
Church, and at length to this Diooess, which he worthily
governed fourteen years, and dying on the 1 Sth March, 1 59S
was interred on the South side of the ChcMr of Ihia Cathedral ;
near which a monument (in an antique, and moat wretched
taste) is erected to his memory ; on it is inscnbed ^m IoBow*
ing Epitaph.
Eintaphium in obkum Reoeft^^Uttimi Paim Jokmmk Woko*
m EpUecpi Exomenm*
Hiejacetf kaudjacet hie tumuJb qutm aredii at e$99s
Terra nequit iantum caniumulare virum,
Ingemum, gemum^ mores^ pieiatit htmares,
Eioqmumque pmm buttmpentHa iegent
FadariSf VUamts tonus est^ sie spiriius umie
H9C nostrif timui at Mdutis orbe tonans* 4Q\h.
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THE CITY OF EXBTER. 2^
49th» Germ BM^mi^ hautm thi« coii«^» was transia* CHAF. V .
ted to this Sec firom Landaff^ and consecrated on ^d May, '^', £>
1593. He atienatad tlia Tah»abfe manor ^f Crediton^ the 1593.
largest psrt of the Tempoialkioa left to this Bishopric, in ik- Gervis B«<.
vour of Sir WiUiam K^gfrw; and after holding the See a- Wngton.
bout thxeeyears, he was translated to Worcester.
SOth. friUum Cotton, D. D. after the translation of Bishop ^j},^'
Babktgiom^ was coniecHitedto thisDioccis 16 March, 1597* Cottt^
He was a native of Londw, and before this promotion, was
Ar chd eacon of Lew^s, and Canon Reaidentiary of St. Pam/s*
He paid great attention to the duties of his Episcopal office
near twent7'*three years) be died 36th August, 16S1, and
was interred in the South aisle of his own Cathedral, where a
stately monument is erected to his memory : his statue lays
at full length, in Episcopal robes, well executed in Alabaster^
painted in prof>er colours : on a large tablet over the Statue,
is the fisllowing Epitaph, now partly obliterated.
Memorim Rcoertndi Patris Dignimmi PrasuiU Domini Guii^
dm Cottom ifim Exogmnm Episcopus Sacrum,
Veneniw titulos aii$ attfue encomia oi^tent,
Tu propria virtsUe niteo (Dignissime PrasuU)
Cor4a virum tnmuAu tidi sunt Epitaphia Ungum
VirtmHsque turn tiiuU gum dissita multis ;
' JumtatibizolusprudenSiprudcnHamista
SerpenUm imwwi caute Moder^ta Columla
tmta operumqmfid^^ opera odUa^ Sf a&dita mundop
Aiditu /sic hutmHspiotasjubetJ cdifa ca^Io !
Mite mq^ercilium, fades augusta, sereni
VuUus^ nufftstasjrontis veneranda serena^
t^^fi^f^9 *olem raro visura cadcntem
Mensa benign^, domusgue patens, aditusgueparaius
CmuiroU tsuf dicta lepos gratitasgue hparum,
Padjicis piaddus, tantutn kostis sediiiosis.
Non tm sukUmi mores insede superlti
Vita nee in prima (ut multiajfuit iwa Cathedra
Ppm/atusguegregifSedvQ» tiaius honores es.
And underneath is the following couplet,
A Pa%Jo adPetnmpia te Regiua vocavit
Cum Petro Sc Paulo CmU Hex arce locavit* *
51st. Valentine Caty, Dean of St. Paul's, apd Master of 1621.
Christ's CoUeee, Cambridge, was on the death of Bw^^p Cotton, Valemine
coBsecrated Bishop of Eireter, 20ih November, 1621, He ^*'^*
held the See almost six years, and died ip London on the 10th
June, l&iQ, and was buried in St, Paul's Cathedral; but a
handsome Monument was soon after erected to his memory,
ifl the North ai^k of his own Church, where his effigy lays at
tu full.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
270 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. V . full lengthy beautifully repre9ented in Ahbarter: over the
" " effigy is the following inscription :
IN MEMORIAM VALENTINI
GARY OLIM HUJUS ECCLESIiE EPI.
QUI OBIJT X^ JONIJ MDCXXVI.
And on tbe Plinth of the Cornice, is the foDowing Legend^
SANCTUS JESU CHRISTI PURGAT
^ jj ME AB OMNI PECCATO.
1626. 52d« Joseph Hall^ a native of Leicefterskirej sococcded
Jo«epJiHall jB,>/«,p Cary^ and was consecrated on the 23d December,
1626. This Bishop's Fiety, and Godliness were most ex-
emplary ; his charity univeisal, and learning most eminent ;
of tnese the voluminous works he left behind him will be a
sufficient testimony as long as the EnglM Language shall
exist. ■ After holding this dee about fourteen years, he was
translated to Norwich^ where, notwithstanding his advanced
age, he continued his studies to the last, and expired (as it
were with the pen in his hand) on the 8th September, 1656.*
He was interred in Htfem Church, near Nurwieh. By his last
will be desired that he might not be buried with any funeral
pomp, and therein declared, that ** he did not hold Gwp9 House
• * a meet repository for the bodies of the greatest Saints. * *
1642. 53d. Ralph BrawnHg, Doctor of Divinity, a gentleman of
^'P^ . Suffolk^ was on the translation of Bishop Hali, nominated to
Brownng. ^j^j^ g^^^ ^^^ consecrated Sd May, 1642. He possessed the
title of Bishop near eighteen years, but enjoyed little of the
profits ; for the civil wars commencing soon after his pro-
motion, and the Puritans prevailing. Episcopacy was abo-
lished, and all the temporalities of the Church seized into the
hands of the Parliament's Commissioners, the residentiary
houses of the dignified Clergy, either sold, or granted to their
own creatures, and the Church made a scene of desolation.
From these cirpumstances, this Bishop never took possession
of this See, nor once visited it ; but lived a private life in
London 9 where. he died (before the Restoration) on 7th De-
cember, 1659 ; and was buried in the Temple Church.
1C60. 54th. John Gaudtn, Doctor of Divinity, (born in Essex)
JohnGau- was, on the happy Restoration of Monarchy, and con-
^°' sea uently , Episcopacy, appointed by King Charles the second
to nis See, and consecrated on 2d December, I66O. On
his first visitation, he was met by a ^eat number of Gentle-
men of the highest distinction in the City and County of
Devon^ who formed a grand cavalcade, and triumphantly
conducted him to the Cathedral, amidst the acclamations of
thousands. He filled the Episcopal chair about a year and
half,
\
Digitized by CjOOQI^
THB CITY OP EXETER. 271
talf, knd wai then translated to Worcester, where he died, on CHAP. V .
2 1 St September, 1 665 : and was buried there. •
55th. SetA Ward, D. D. oi Hertfordshire, suscecdcd Bishop ^j^^-
Gauden, being promoted from the Deanrj of this Church : he g^ WM.
was consecrated on 20th July, 1662. In 1664 he consecra-
ted a New Burial ground, at the lower end of SmUhemhoy,
and dedicated it to the Haiy Trinity, on which occasion, the
following Tcrses were written and published,
** What 6oUfoc*d Sadducee dare naa mistruit
•* That longed-for resurrection qf the Just f
'* Whose martyr* dtempies, which btforeour eyes
** Were once disiom* 6, more ieautffut arise;
** And that the Saints hate etdooMvom to rest,
** This day a plat profane, is truly blest f
** Thou Angel of our Church/ may*st thou ne^erhe
<< Translated, UiUto Immortality.'
** That all ourfoos who do us disregard,
<' May be kept out by this our xoeUfonc'd WARD.'*
Bishop Ward, was translated from this Diocess, to that of
Salishury, 5th September, 1667*
d6th. Anthony Sparrow, D. D. Author of the Rationale on 1G67.
the Common Prayer, was elected, on Bishop Ward's re- Anthony
tnoval, to this Sec, consecrated in London, 3d November, Sptirow.
1667, and installed (by Proxy) on the 23d of the same Month:
after holding the dignity about 9 years, he was transkted to
the Bishopric of Iforwich, ^^j^^
57th. Thomas Lamplugh was consecrated, Bkhop of Exeter, Tbom«
at Lambeth, b^ Gilbert, Archbishop of Canterbury f 12th No- Lamplufh.
vember, I676. On his receiving the news of the Prince of
Orange's landing at Torbay, he immediately set oflP'post for
London, and was the first that carried the unwelcome news
to the Court; and was rewarded with the (then) vacant
Archbishopric of York, which, on his compliance with the
change in the government, was confirmed to him, by King
William and Queen Mary.
58th. Sir Jonathan Trelawney, Bart, (of an ancient and , ^689-
worthy Family, in thcCounty of Corwtpffi/,^ Bishop of Bristol, f^^^
was removed to this See, and consecrated 1st Apnl, I689. j^wny.
He was an eminent Divine, much esteemed for his learning,
a sound preacher, and a zealous defender of the Civil and Ec-
clesiastical liberties of his Country, for which he had been com-
mitted a prisoner to the Tower of London, as before related.
He worthily governed his Diocess near nineteen years ; and
in 1 708 was translated to Winchester. He died on the 20th
July, 1721 , and was interred at Plesint in CorntsalL 1708.
59th. Offspring Blackall, D. D. (born in Middlesex,; was gW|«
consecrated ^'•***"-
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m
THE HISTORY OF
A. D.
1717.
Lancelot
Blackburn,
1724.
Stephen
CHAP. V . consecrated Bish^ of Ex^er^ on the 8th Fl fti tity » ITW.
To this Bishop's great zeal and diaritabk di9peailioo» togp*
dier with his most stienuoos eadeavours, poittrity it iodebtcd
for the foundation of the Chanty Sdiools in this City. Ht
was a learned and pious Prelate, an ornament to ^ age hi
lived in, and made his Diocess happy under his government
fer about nine years ; when (on llie 29th November, 1716)
he w£ui translated to partake the joys of Heaven. By his last
Will, he desired to be buried without any funefial pomp, and
left particular orders that no monument or tomb ^ooldbe
erected to his memory : but his good works will more per-
petuate his name, than the perishable, though elegant touch-
es of the Sculptor . His remains were deposited in the Chapel
at the upper end of the South aisle of his own Cathedral.
60th. Lanctiot Biackiurrty D. D. (Dean of this Church)
was then elected and consecrated on l^thMaich, 1717. It
is said that he was a perfect courtier^ verr haughty in his
behaviour, and not much beloved by his Clergy. He fiMed
the Episcopal chair here about seven years, and was then
translated to the Archbishopric of yiarAr.
61st. Sttphtn Westany D. D. succeeded in tiiia See, and
was consecrated in 1 7^4. This Bishop vras Fatlwr of a nu-
merous family, which he placed very advantageously abroad
in the world . He was meek and kind in his disposition, cha-
ritable to the poor, and discharged the duties of his AiBctiott
with great credit to himself and nappiness to his Ckfgy. He
died in the year 1741, and was buried in the Sputb aisle
of his Cathedral, where an elegant monument is creeled to
his memory : the base of the Monument is of white marble,
representing a KuUvaeny or Stone chest, on which is erected,
a large Sarcophagus of black marble, supported by carved
brhckets; on whiph an Angel stands, witn wings expanded,
about five feet in height, and finely executed in whit^Statua-
ry marble ; the fisure holds a Bishop's crosier in its left hand,
and points with the forefinger of the right, to an insoriptioo
which is cut on the back part of the monument, of while niar-
ble in form of a pyramid : on the upper part, in two shields,
are his Lordship's arms, impaled with those of hi8 Dieccss,
and of his Wi&y emblazoned in their proper colours.
On tiie Pyramid, is a long Latin inscription, recording hi^
amiable disposition, extensive charity, z^ for the established
Religion, and well governing his Diocess; alsb't short mep
moniil of his amiable widow and relict, lawia WesUm, who
was interred in the same vault with her husband.
N- H^ ^^^' ^^^^^^ ^^oggfif on the death of Bishtp Weston, was
OMseT ^^^^^ ^nd installed in this Diocess, which he pofictssed
^* ' about £H)r years. 63d.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF £XET£R. 273
63d. Oemg9 Lavmgton^ Doctor of Divinity, sacccedcd C HAP. V ,
BisJkop Oafgget. Tbi« worthy and venerable Divine was uni- "^"17"
vefsaily beloved, aad respected, for his humility, charitable 1747.
benevoleoce» and strict attention to the duties of his func- Georg*
tion. He left behind him, one dauorhter, an inheritor of bis Laviagtoa.
virtues, wife to the Rev. Nutcombe Mutcombe, Chaiicrllor
of this Chufch* He worthily governed the Diocess upwards
o£ fifteen years; and died on the 13tb September, l/iS2,
greatly lamented, and was interred in the South aisle of his
own Church, behind the Bishop's throne. On a plain
inari>k tablet, iixed on the back of the throne, is the follow-
ing beaatilul (and just) enlogium to his memory :
To the Memory if George Lavingion^ L. L. Z).
Who having dkiikguished himeelf
B^ m coiueientioue and disinteretted attachment
To the cause qfUherfy ami the Rtformation^
Woe sutcessheiy qdvanced to dignkiei
In the Cathedrali of Worcester and St. Pauts^
And ia$tfy to the Epuloopal Chair of this Church.
Endowed btf nature with great abilities^
Rich in a great variety of acquired knowledge^
In the study of the Holy scriptures consummate ^
He never ceased to improve his talentsp
Nor to employ them to the noblest purposes.
An mstruetive^ animated and convincing Preacher,
A determined enemy to Idolatry and persecution^
A successful Eaposer qf Pretence and Enthusiastn,
Happy in his services to the Church of Christ :
Happier 9 toho could unite such extensive cares
With a strict attention to his immediate charge;
His absencesfrom his Diocess toere short and rare.
And his presence was endeared to his Clergy
By an easy access and graceful Hospitality,
A winning conversation, and condescending department;
An unqfFected Sanctity dignified his instructions.
And indulgent candour sweetened his government.
At length, having eminently discharged the
Duties of a Man, a Christian, and a Prelate;
Prepared by habitual meditation. To resign
life without Regret, To meet Death without Terror;
He expired, with the Praises of God upon his Lips,
in his 79th year, September 13th, 1762.
67th. The Honourable Frederic Keppel, third son of the p^^^'
Bar/ of Albermarle, was elected, and consecrated, Bishop of j^gpp"l^
this Diocess, in the year 1763. A false report having been
propagated, that he had voted* in the House of Lc^ds, for
the
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
274 THE HISTORY OF
C HAP. V . the Tar on Cider, he was much insulted by the populace^ on
^"— — his first coming to Exeter : but his great affability, and dignity
of behaviour soon removed this odium, and he was greatly
caressed. He expended great sums on the Bishop's palace,
which was very much out of repair, having been sadly
neglected by his Predecessors, and also made great additions
to It. A complaint being made of the hardship which the
inferior Clergy laboured under from the smalmess of their
salaries, he caused a strict enquiry to be made, and after a
thorough investigation, he ordered their incomes to be in-
creased, according to the value of the Benefices under which
they served their Cures. When he had held this See for some
time. His Majesty gave him the Dtanrif of Windsor^ which
he held in commendam with his other Benefices; but these
he did not enjoy long, as he died within a few years, in the
flower of his age, at his Deanry House there, and was in-
A. D. terred in the Collegiate Church.
1778. 68th. John Ross^ D. D. was promoted to this Dtocess,
John Hoot, and installed (by Proxy) on 3d February, 1/78. He was
unmarried, of a mild disposition, affable to all, kept but few
servants, and lived retired without any pomp or ostentation.
He held the See about fourteen years, and d^ing at his Epis-
copal house here, was interred in the South aisle of the Cathe-
dral, where a small (but neat) marble Tablet is erected to his
Memory, on which is the following, modest inscription.
John RosSf Bishop of Exeter y
Bom at Ross in Herefordshire,
June 25th, 1719,
and Died 19th August, 1792.
WUuS ^^^- ^'^'«« ^«*^^» ^- ^' Brother to Judge SuOer, and
Uttllcr. Uncle to James Btdler Esq. of Downs, near Crediton, was a
descendant from the ancient and truly respectable Family of
the Boilers of Devon and Cornwall. . He was Dean of this
Church, when His Majesty, King George Sd. with his Royal
Consort and Daughters, condescended to visit this City, and
to accept the ofier of his Residentiary House for their accom-
modation ; and His Majesty being well pleased with the great
attention and respect paid him, by the Dean, soon afler remo-
ved him to the more valuable Deanry of Canterbwy ; and on
the death o( Bishop Ross, recommended him to the Dean and
Chapter, to be by them elected Bishop of this Diocess, and he
was accordingly installed (by Proxy) in the year 1792. He
filled the high station with great dignity, during the short time
he enjoyed it : he was greatly respected^ and died much la-
mented :
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THE CITY OP EXBTER* 275
snentcd: his remains were interred in the South aisle of his CHAP, V .
Cadiedral, opposite the door leading to the Bishop's palace ;
and a small elegant monument of black and white marble, is
erected to his memory, in the transverse aisle, behind the
High Altar, with the following inscription.
miSam BuOer, D. D.
Bishop of Exeter,
Bam at Marvai^ in the County
^Cornwall,
August the 20th, 1735,
Died December 12th, 1796.
70th. Henty Reginald Courtenatfy Doctor of Divinity, A. D.
Rector of S^ George* Sy Hantner^quare^ London^ Son offJenry ^^97.
Reginald Cwrtenatf^ Esq. sometime Member of Parliament S^'^ald
for Htmitony and Grand«>n to Sir WiUiam Courtenay^ Bart. CoStcnay
of Powdef ham CoitUy succeeded Bisht^ Buller in 1797*
71st. Ontht death of Bishop Cmirten<Wy (which hapoened igos,
in Lnuhny where he was interred,) John Fisher ^ D. P. John Fisher
Canon of Windsor, and Chaplain to the Queen» was elected
in his room, and consecrated at Lambeth^ by the Archhiskop
of Canierhuryy on Sunday S4th July, 1805; and soon after,
making his public entry into this City, he was received with
the usual respect and dignity. He is now the seventy-first
Bishop of this Diocesk
End (ftht fifth Chapter,
Mm
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CHAPTER .yi.
GENJiJtAL
PAROCHIAL BESCRIPnON.
CHAP VI A -GENERAL detcriptton of this ancient Citjr, 'hets al-
■ ' ■ ' /\ leadybeen given, in -the former past. of. this i»ork;
therefore I ihall not tire the rider's patience, wi& needless
repetitions.
The wisdom of our Ancestors, in their ohotce of this site
for the Capital of the Danmonu^ inast beendent to evesy
curipus observer, whether thq^ consider it fqr the stsen^
of situation, or for health and convenience : for the former,
no site could better answer their purpose ; situated on the
sloping part of a hill, washed at the foot by a river, which,
no doubt in those ages, formed an impassable morass, from
the flux of the tide, and stagnated floods, and which, as the
river was not banked within bounds, extended over all the
valley between the City and the rising grounds at BawiUl.
From the river, all the North side, entirely up to the Castle,
is elevated ground w^th a steep ascent, and t|brough the bot-
tom, a brook spread itself, which ^ (from reasons above-
mentioned,) must have rendered the ground deep and marshv,
and consequently, the approadi very difficult: from the
Castle to the river. Nature was assisted by sinking a deep
fosse ; and it is probable, that more care was taken for de«
fence on this side, in after ages, as the only remains of
Towers are (excepting one) on this part of the walls.
As to the health and convenience of their chosen spot, no
pkce in the neighbourhood could exceed it : to the north and
north east, it is covered by the heights ofSioke, which screen
it from the bleak winds from those points; and being open
to the south and west^ it enjoys the prolific benefits of the sun.
The
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THE CITY OF EXBTER. 277
The prospect firom tbe City walls, is truly deligbtfiil : tbe CHAP. VI .
eye extendi over a large tract of well cukivated country,
diversified with Parish Churches, Villages, Gentlemens*
Seats, Farm houses. Woods and Hedge^rows; bounded bj
the bleak and uncultivated Hilb o£Hai£m, PenhiUvkd others,
which terminate the pro^ct : it is also highly enriched by
the Estuary (or arm of the Sea) from TopsJkam to Exnwuth^ the
navigabk caoal, the meanders of the river £jre, and the build-
ings erected on the difFefent heights, particularly Lard Courte*
nay*s BelMertp the OSciiik on Haihn^ Laurence Cattle^ on
PeniiU (built by the late Sir Robert Polk J with WhHsttm
Church and Tower: nor is that necessary article of water
wBOtbg, as besides the vicinity of the river, the whole of the
Hill abounds in springs; it is also easily procured by means
of wells, which are ofno great depth.
The form of the City government, during the BrUish and Ancient ro-
IZonMii period, is now unknown; but in the Saxim Era, the veroment
chief Magistrates were four in number, and were termed of the City.
Porigrtves^ from P^fria a maritime town, and Greve a Ru-
ler; after the Norman conquest they were reduced to
two, who were stiled Prmfects (or Provosts;) but these
Magistrates had very little authority, as most of the judi-
cial power was engrossed by the Earls of the County, and
Bishops of the Diocess : this continued till the time of King
John^ who in die £d year of hb reign. A- I^* 1200, granted
to the citizens a charter, empowering them to elect a Mayor,
and two other officers by the name of Baliivi (or Stewards;)
diese Stewards were, some time afterwards, increased in
numbor to £imr.
By several charters which have been g^ranted by succeeding p,«sent g<h
Monarchs, the present government is invested in a Mayor, vemment.
eight Aldermen, and fifteen Common council men, who form
the Body-corporate of the Chamber, and have by their char-
ters, great power and authority lodged in their hands.
The Mayor, Recorder, and the eight Aldermen, are Justi-
ces of the Peace, within the City, and County of the City ;
and are also (except the junior Alderman) Justices of the
Quorum : they have power to hold Courts of Gaol delivery.
Quarter Sessions, &Ct for Trials of Murders, Felonies, and
all other crimes committed against the peace of our Soverd^n
Lord, the King, (except in cases of high treason) within tne
City, and County of the same.
The Mayor b chosen annually, on the Monday after the
Feast of iS/. Matthew the Evangelist, by the Freemen assem-
bled in Common-Hall, for that purpose, out of two members
of the Chamber, who have been previously nominated to
M m S them.
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278 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. V I. them, by the Justices and Common Connci], according to
" the Charter of King Henry 7th. At the same time, the
Chamber appoints four respectable Citizens to the office of
Bailiffs (or Stewards ;) one of which, chosen out of their ^wn
body, is likewise appointed Receiver-general of all the Rents
and Revenues belonging to the City.
The Mayor holds his Court every Monday , and Saturday ,
at the GuildhaH ; and the Stewards hold a Court every Satur*
day, at the same place, which is called the Steward's Court,
where they preside a^ Judges, and try actions of debt : to
this Court bdong six Attomies, who must be Freemen of
the City ; and these alone may act as Solicitors in it.
There is also ^ Recorder, Sheriff, Under Sheriff, Town
Clerk, Chamberlain, Deputy Town Clerk, Sword-bearer,
Four Serleants at Mace (who are termed Suh'BaUivijJ and
Four Staff-bearers (or Scavengers,) so called from their pre-
ceding the Mayor, &:c. in all public processions, with bras»-
headed staves. One of the Serjeants, and a Staff-bearer con*
stantJy attend, in turn, at the Mayor's house, to wait on him,
and carry messages: there is likewise a Headborough (or
Captain Constable) who issues all precepts to the other Con-
stables, for billeting Soldiers, impressing Waggons, &c. and
thirteen other Constables for the City, who are sworn to at*
tend the Mayor every Sunday that he goes in State to the
Cathedral ; and every Monday, to and from the Guildhall.
There are twelve Constables also for the County ofExeifr,
who attend only at Quarter Sessions, and some particular
occasions. Other officers are. Wardens of the Shambles,
Keeper of the Sheriff's prison, &c. The Commissioners of
the Court of Requests for the recovery of debts under forty
shillings, are chosen from the principal citizens, at Ward*
mote Courts. The government of the Poor is invested in
the hands of a different Corporation ; but their rates are sub*
ject to the inspection of the Justices, and must be signed by
them. In short, the Police of the City is well regulated:
enormous crimes are seldom committed : small offences aie
punished, with clemency; and though no nightly watch is
kept, the Streets are as quiet at night (notwithstanding the
numerous inhabitants) as those of a country town.
Rougemont Castk.
The Castle. This ancient Castle is situated on the highest part of the
hilf, and at the Northern extremity of the City ; it owes its
origin to iht Saxons^ as appears evidently from the strong and
stately gateway still remaining, (the original entrance from
the City) and which is, perhaps, as venerable a vestige of
'' paxoi}
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APiAX OF Eol GEMONT CaSTXI
GiT de/cnbd hy Lj^land.j/^ the- 16 : Ccfttu^y,
Xir^fftons hoiif? , SrJJortfofi
ltd to th£ top ^ Hie jyQtLJQn .
4 ^Sidl-^ Z^o t^t. With a cvt*tr'd ^u^ av
to the Df^tt *b rid^€ S .
6 , iSuhtt fxinecfjK^ p afra^e to dittb
8, A.n ancient Gale-ujuy -wal-
led up-
^ , Thu/€ tip Of* Ba/fc^) H s .
10 p "Entra nctfro in. tli e Cityifjan kk
hjra ccifcr'd -urmy t/iat led to the
i3..( macAiikated GateufUyKtha^
•^nal enlrance, atf^red %sf tki
izMoufi of r/i£ Cafttllan. .
i^^Chapel, olim CklltgiaUl
dedicated ta tlie Tli^n Z^ary,
;7, Tourer a>i the Ciiy^mali.
*o 3a 40 ^o
K^-J.
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 279
Saxon fortification as aay now exibtent in this kingdom. It CHAP. Vg .
consisted of an inner and outer gate flanked by strong, cur- — -
tains supported by buttresses ; on the top of the gate are
Lunettes, and Machicolations for throwing down oiFensive
things on the besiegers in case of an attack; and in the inner
gate there are grooves for letting down a Portcullis. The
whole o£ the gateway projected from the wall, and flanked
the ditch : it is now used as a black-hole for offending sol-
diers, and within side is built aOuard'house and Store-rooms
for the East Devon Regiment ofMiiitia.
The area of the Castle, within the walls, is but small, and
is of an oval form : at the upper end is a large, plain and con-
venient building, containing spacious Courts, for holding
the Assizes, County Courts, and other pubhc business of
the County ; a Chapel, rooms for the Judges, Grand-Jury,
widi suitable offices for the Sheriff, County Clerk of the
Peace, &c. Opposite the Guard-house is a neat house for the
Castellain, and on the banks within the walls are planted a
number of Ehns, and the area is neatly gravelled.
On the top of the ramparts is a pleasant walk, from which
18 a delightful prospect of the City, surrounding countxy , and
part of the British ChanneL Within the area of the Castle,
was a small ancient Chapel, formerly collegiate and well en-
dowed, which was taken down a few years since.
History is silent as to the time of the first erection of this
fortress ; but that it was standing before the Norman conquest
is evident, from the Conqueror's altering its gates, in token
(as related) of his victory, and granted it to Baldwin de Brio^
viiSf one of his Norman followers ; and about this period we
may date the alteration of its name, to Rougemont Castle,
which is clearlyof JVorman derivation, andsignmes Red Hill,*
From the Family of de Brioniisy it came by marriage to the
de BrewereSf one of whom founded and endowed a collegiate
Church within the same, dedicated to the Virgin Mary^ to
which be annexed four Prebendaries, viz. Loeghen (near
Exeter J with Clisthays; Cutton^ with the tithing of Heming"
ton, in the County of Somerset; Carswell, in the manor of
Kenn; and Ash^Cliii: the last of which was given to the
Abbey of Torr, by Robert de Courtenay, Viscount of Devon.
It is on record, that in the reign of Kin^ Stephen, Anno
1140, Baldxptn de Riveriis taking part witn Queen Maud,
fortified this Castle, and expended great sums of money on
It, l)ut that after a long and tedious siege, he was obliged to
capitulate,
* The iniigk name of Exeter, Cner-ruth, signifies the same ; which
has caused some to conjecture, that the Castle retained its British name,
itU the time of the Conquest.
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980 THE HISTORY OP
C HAP. VI . capitulate, and seek refuge in the Isk of WigkL Fcoa &e
— — de Brtfwerei it caoic, by oiarriaee to the (^uHme^, Eah
ofDevMy many of whom Ksidedia k with gprcat state; aod
in the year 1SI6» and the eighteenth of his seign. King Joyb
aent his commiaaion to RUeri de Qmrien^ (who had tbeo die
custody of the Castle) to admit WiUum de Brewere with his
soldiers, into the said Castie, to assist him in the deiieiioe of
it : and about the same time, ordered SO/* to be issued £rom
his Treasury, to pay the soldiers in garrison there*
In the reign of King Henry 5d, 121 7, the costody of diis
Castle, with the honours appertaining to it, were claimed by
Prince Hemy^ eldest son of Reginaid^ Earioi CormoaU; bot
the King, by his Writ, confirmed the possession to RUeri dt
Courtemty. Notwithstanding this, the King sdaed the Cas-
tle into his own hands, and appointed RoSart de AtUnnmie^
the governor of it: but in the month of May fidlowiag, be
granted it again to the aatd Rebert de Cemrtew^^ in whoee
possession it condnoed till the year 1232, whoi the King
seized this aod many other Castles, in order, as it is said, to
deprive the Barons of their strong places of refoge : and thus
the Courtenays were deprived of the custody of the Casde,
after its having been in dieir and their anoeston possesnoa
nearly SOO years.
In 1247, RiekMrd, EwiiACarmmtt, (die Kine's bfodier,)
held the custody of Rougemmt Castle, which he fortified, 9xd
retired to for security, during die wars between the King and
his Barons, and resided there for some titne : it ceotinQedin
the possession of the Eark of CprmsEwtf, till the year 13$6, di^
I Otn year of King Edw0fd Sd, who creating his Son Edoerd^
Prince of Wales, and Duke of CwnrmmU^ tiiis Castk; with a
small district adjoining, (formerly the Castle garden) now
termed Bradnineky was annexed to the said Dntohy, and i^
hath ever since continued a parcel of it.
In the twenty-first year of Richard «d, 1597, (the tide o(
Prince of Wales lying dormant) the King CPeaaed J^kn Hd-
land fEarl of Huntingdon J Duke of Exeier^ and gmnted him
the government of the Castle, which the Duke highly beaad-
fied, and built a stately palace in it for his own residence;
but on the accession of King Henry 4th, who created his sod
Henry y Duke of Comvmlly it ag^n reverted to that Dutchj,
and continued to be a Royal Garrison down to the reign of
Edward 6kh ; the Governors being appointed by the Duirs of
Cornwall: for we find that during the rebeHioo of Hie com-
mons of Devon and Cornwall, there were a party of soldiers io
the Castle, who were not under the subjection of the Magis-
trates of the City.
Duiinf
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THE CITY OF BXBTER. 281
tbe aduppjr diMensians between King CharleM OTAT^I.
1 «t, and tkePuliamenty it wit then constdcred as a place of "
fltrengdiy and sereral pieoet of cannon were moontcd on its
walls : bat on iti snrrender to the Parliament forces, it was
dismantled, by order of Oliver CromweU^ and all its Toweis
and battlenientt dcstmyed. f
There 19 not tbe least vestige of the ancient buildings re-
maining, except what has been already mentioned; bht in
the great akeradons which have been made of late years, mai-
ny iriics of antiquity have been discovered, such as Roman
and other Coins, pieces of Amour, Arrow«»heads, brokca
Cannon, and human bones. In the old Armoury, at the end
of the Chapd, was a large collection of ancient armour, con*
sisdng of Hebnets, Morions for foot Soldiers, Back and
Breast pieces, fiec. which were either dispersed among the
cnriovs, ortlurown by as old iron : the remainder is now lod*
ged under thegaHeiy, in the NikPrms Court.
Before I enter into the Parochial description, I shall give a
brief account of die Cathedral, its principal ornaments and
cariosities, and the monumental inscriptions not mentioned
in the ficdesiastical History ; together with a summary view
Mother particulars worth describing.
The Cathedral Church of St. Peter.
This Church was, according to Ldand^ dedicated originally
to Si* P^ter and St. Pmti^ aod tSus seems to be corroborated by
the Armoriai bearing of the See, being two Keys in Saltier, Or ;
the oomnsoo emblem of the former, and a Sword in Pale,
Argcat, hiked. Or; the instrument of the martyrdom of the
The principal eo^anoe, from the West end presents a view
scaroely to be equalled for its magiiificeace and grandeur, and
which would bebighly improved, were the Seats and Pews ia
the Name ssmoved* The just proportion and Symmetry of
the whok baildiBg have a pMsii^ effect, whilst the spreading
•f It ii wofthy ^e trouble of a curioiu observer, to examine tbe
Noithem tower orfiastiou of the Castle, (projecting into Norikemhag)
particulaiij the Pilasters, and moulctings round the base, with which it ii
adorned : it wiH be i^uet tet l tbat the masomy is dHfisrent, and Ar supe-
lior to any other part of the walls or Towen, and tbat k seens to be of
m«reaacMatdale than the Shmni tunes, as weU as of belter work than is
cominoBly ibund in their buildiocs j neither is there any kind of sculp-
ture or armorial bearings to be seen in this, or any other part of the Tow-
ers or Wfllb. The Pifiaters appear to be of the Tuscan order ; a style of
batidiHg unknown to, sad consequently never used by our Suatm or
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282
THE HISTORY OF
Itiiuppoft*
edanci-
llMC*S
CHAP. VI . of the groins, supporting the vaulted roof; the distant pcr-
"""""" spectiye of the Gothic screen upholding the majesdc Or^an,
with the partial view of the Bishop's Throne, terminated by
the Elastem window, fill the mind with a pleasing awe and
reverence.
The origin of this sacred edifice is ascribed to King Atkd-
tianf who on or near the scite of the Virgin Mary's Chapel »
erected a House of Benedictine Monks ; but this must have
been destroyed in the total subversion of the City by Swapte
the Dane; and no partof the present Chapel, can from its s^le
of Architecture, boast of a Saxon founder.
It may be probable, that the present building was begun
soon after the removal of the Episcopal chair from Crediion
to Exeter f by Edward the Confissor, Mr. Isaac therefore very
erroneously asserts (and what has been echoed since, by every
Historiographer of this Cathedral) that it was not the
** opus unius sttculif** but took up 437 years in building.
The foundation of the present Cathedral may with great
probability, be ascribed to Bishop^ WiUiam WarleweU^ who
being a Norman by birth, might have a predilection for the
architecture prevailing in his own country, and which had
been introduced there near a centurv before, deriving its ori-
gin from the Saracens in Spain, This Prelate was installed
the 4th of Henry 1st, 1104; and he soon after laid the foun-
dation of the present choir, as well as those of the North and
South Towers.
There can be but litde doubt however, that the whole plan
of the present edifice (exclusive of the two towers, and a por-
tion of the South wall of the Nave, where a circular arched
door-way leads to the Cloisters) originated (Torn Bishop Quivill^
who was consecrated to this See the 10th Edward 1st, 1282.
This Prelate's taste was equal to his munificence ; and to him
may, not unjustly, be given the ascription of Patron and
Founder of the present Church .
The grand design was continued by his successors in the
Episcopal chadr, and brought to a completion by Bishop Gran^
dison^ who, it is said, built the two western arches, the front
with its most beautiful facade or screen, and finished the
vaulting and roof of the Nave : therefore the whole of this
august undertaking, from the commencement by Bishop
QuiviHf to its completion by Bishop Grandison could not ex-
ceed eighty years.
This Cathedral, which is smaller than most others in the
Kingdom, measures in length, (including the walls) 408 feet ;
in breadth 76 feet, and the height to the vaulted roof, is 69
feet. The Towers^ to the top ofthe battlements arc 1 30 feet,
and
Dimeitti-
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THB CITY OP EXETER. 283
and the pinnacles to the summit of the vanes 36 feet : the CHAP. V |.
interior dimensions arc as follow : the Virgin Mary 's Chapel
is in length 57 feet, and its breath 24 feet : from this Chapel
to the entrance of the choir 148 feet six inches ; from thence
to the West end 174 feet; so that the whole length within
side is 379 feet six inches : the Choir» from* the Altar to the
Screen (which separates it from the body of the Church) is in
length 123> feet, and in breath 42 feet; and the transverse
aisle, from the walls of the Towers measures 138 feet in
length.
The West front is formed by an elegant facade or screen, ^^^ f^^^
divided into three parts by two projecting buttresses : in the
centre part. is the principal entrance into the Church, on the
ri^ht hand of which is the Founder's (Bishop GrandUon^sJ
Chapel : in the other divisions are smaller entrances which
differ much in their architecture and decorations ; and if his-
tory had not informed us that the whole was the work of
Grandison^ it might naturally be concluded that they were
erected at different periods of times.
The principal part of this admirable structure, is compo-
sed of a plinth, decorated with carved mouldings, on which
rises a regular number of divisions, separated by small carved
buttresses supported by denii- Angels : in each division are
two rows of niches, and on the top are traced battlements,
from which Angels appear to be issuing in different attitudes;
in these niches are rows of Statues : those in the lower tier are
in a sitting posture, most of them in armour with their legs
crossed, probably erected in memory of the principal com-
manders in the crusades for the recovery of the Holy land, that
on the right hand of the principal entrance, being evidentlr
designed for Godfrey de BouUoinge the commander in chief:
those on the front of the buttresses in the same tier excepted,
which represent relig^ious persons, and supposed to be the four
primitive Fathers of the noman Church, or rather the four
primitive founders of Monastic indolence : three of these Sta-
tues are decapitated, but the fourth has a mitre on his head.
Those in the upper story are in different kindsof robes, and re-
present the ancient Patriarchs^ and Aposdes ; except those on
the buttresses, which by their accompanying attributes, appear
to be designed for the Four Evangelists : iLere are two in the
middle, immediately over the principal entrance, one of which
is in a sitting posture, and from his holding in his right hand a
crosier, and in the left a book, and having the arms of Bisht^
N n Leqfrkus
X These Statues have labeb flowing from their hands, on which, dVi-
gmally, were inncribed their names. The name Noah^ was, a few years
ago, pUttDly visible on that in the Northern return of the left buttrtsa».
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284 THE HISTOAT OF
P *^^'V^ « Leofiieitsoxk a Meld diffecdy bescalb him, iimvyhtt jmkly
^'~"""* AuppoBcd that it wftg designed for diatPsdate. Tacadjainipg
niche is Tacant, but from the arms oiEdsioard ^ Corfcu^r be-
neath, it is evident it contained the Statue of that Monarch.
On the front of the upper p«urt of die buttresses, an two
larger Statues, undemeadi wmch, cm shields, are the arms of
ihe aforesaid Monarch, and Prelate ; from which it ma^ be
infrned, diat they were also designed for those persoDages.
Over the left entrswce are four smnl niches, in dirte of which
are Statues of three of the Cardinal virtues; the fourth being
|iow vacant : the first has the scales, represenling Juttpet ; the
aeeond, For/ifo^beasmg a lance and shield; tk^ third is in a
sieligious dress, heading a heart in her hands, supposed to be
designed to represent monastic discipline : each of these Sta-
tues have crowns on their lieads, and under their leet are em<^
blematicai figures of their opposite vices*
In the spandrels of the ardi of the prindpal entraaoe, are
lour Angels in a reclining posture ; and on the sidejs of the ar-
chitraves are four mutilated Statues of Rojral peisonages, in a
sitting posture : aver the right hand entrance are two demi-
Statues of Royal persons, and between them a GHfon; and
on the return of the sides of the buttiesses, are fonr odier
iloyal personages. The whole number of Statues originally
}n this ancient and venerable screen, (exdnstveof the Angels)
pre as follows: in the lower tier, S6; in the upper, 54; and
two in the upper fronts of the buttresses ; four Mnall ones over
the left entrance ; and four small ones on the architrave of
the principal entrance; in all, seventy. Many of the Sta-
tues, as well as other ornamented parts arc gresdy mutilated
and decayed, a partial rq)air of Which would very much dis-
figure the venerable beauty, and a rebuilding would be a work,
porfaaps, too cosdy for the present age.
Behind this screen rises the lo% and majestic fioont of a
pyramidical form, in the upper angle of which, is a colossal
MTtue of St. PettTj and in the ceaml part is the |;reat West
window, measuring S7 foet in height, and 97 m breadth.
This window has Men greatly nod^ by the lovers of an-
cient architecture, for the beauty of its tracery : it was repaired
and new glazed with painted glass, in fhe year 1766 ; and was
the work of that ingenious artist, Mr. Wm. Pcckettf of YerJ^.
The^ lower part is divided into nine compartments, seven
of which are beautifully painted widi whole lengths of &•
Peter^ the four EvmgtUits^ Su Paul, and St, Andtrm; the
other two are enriched with mosaic paintings, and the armo-
rial bearings of differept Baronets in die &ioc^^; of Drs.
Xavington, (late Bith^p of ^\s See) ^nd IditktM, Bishof of
CarHsie, (some time Dean nf this Chuifih.)
Over
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITV QfF EXfiTER. 31^9
Oif^ Hl« j^orttak of Sf« P^^, aa* twcycoatsof AekteZW CgAP. Vf .
Mills: one impaled with thoie of thie Beaniy, the other with- — —
thatlM^B^n^.td theoAd^of Ptecentor; and over the heads
of the adjomingtBOrtrttits^ are dioie of the late CJianter Snaws
and C^imoeUdr NuteoMe Qukskf impaled with thbte belonging
to thtS» ^tnftibM in flie Church : theaarnm over thie four odier
pOfTtraifv^ Ate thoM of die* Bdr«», EdgMnnAei Peirtj Ckffard^
and FoHmue; aittd underattath the portrai<!of iS/. P^ety are the
atnks of tte CitjT of £4^1^,. with the Iumgnia of its privileges^
the Cap'df Nfeintenakioe, Swoid^ and A&ce*
Orlstr ilkestf dompairtnkentsv arc the aarms of Scr" Biekard
Mwnpfyld^i Bart, and Jo^ Parker^ £8q. Represehtadvei ta
Parliament fb^ the* County of Deo&ti^ and Jaiat Waiter ^ aad
Jxfcftn T^kjieldyla^ipdt^^ Nqnetentidves for the CitjofJSz^
etigr. The principal frac^iy over die JVfuliiohti^ composer
three pointed arches, and four circles; these are sttbdivided
intk> ooittpaiVmeiltS^ itt the central andlargest of which, are
the Ro3^aA arms, and around itai^thearms'of the Wat Saxon
kangdottiv Edaardiht CanfisMTy the Prtrtceoi Wtdes,thc EMo-
cess, and Bishop Grandison; together with the Union Rose,
Thinde, Fleur delis, andBkrp. §
Ihi' the uppercompartmttnrpfthe circumscribing circle, are
the anf'nis of die Ar^A^iifhop of- C aut tr^ ury ; and in the odbers,'
^ott6 of the Dle^of SaMttsety B^^fitrt, Bvitan^ and Bedjbrd:
die .Ai>^ of (SM9^/Ur, ChmitiUei 0):^v/, and Buckingham^'
ihirif : ViscoteMB .mrMoaM- ahd Cattrtena^y and Bishop ExpptU
The smalkir compartments of this noble WindoW are em*-
bellished with the different insighia of Royalty, and £ccle«
sia^dal' dignity; the emblems of the difi«ent nations coni-^
posing the British* empire ; the seveml Orders of Knight-
hood; and on the eirtreme point of the arch, is the Holy
Lamb. ♦ TUerwo' other Windows ib the front, at the ends other Win.
of the aisles', wcie dew glared at the same time, the colours- dows.
beftotifliUy vtniegated,- representing marigolds and other
flowers, whieh'haVe a most pleasing e^ct.
Tiie rest of the Wiiidows are adorned with beautiful and*
wiried^trticery, greatly differing in' design j as no two Win*
N n 2 dows<
§ From the tracery in thid interior circle, resembUnfp a diagrun com-
posed of three human hearts intersecting each other, it lias been judged
a designed representation of the Holy Trinity ; and from this circum-
stancie it \m\ amdng soriie people, receiiFcd the name of, ^ the Trimiu
^ Utidemeaththe City-arms is this incription, Will. Peckei^ Phudt et
Tinxit ; the whole work does great honour to the merit of that ingfenioiit
artist; bat it'is'to be feared that the colours are not of sodnrable a* na<«
ture as dittetif the ottientt : some of them, particulariy the light MSw^
begin already to scale and decays
Digitized by CjOOQ IC i
J
286 THE HISTOBT OF
C HAP. VI . dows on Aenme side of the bwildiDgare alike, diougk ihey
- correspond in Acir opposites.
£astem The great Eastern Window, over tbe High Altar, wms re«
Window, paired and beautified, bj the bounty of Henry Biadebum^
6WiMfi of this Church, in the year 1390; when Roieri l^nir,
of this City, Gkzier, contracted to furnish the gkss at twciityr
pence per ^t, and for the labour three shiUingii and four-
pence per week for himself, and two shillings for his fiunily,
dfiring die time he should be employed on the contract. This
Window is still in ^ood preservation, and has lately had some
additions to the pamttngs : it contaihs several whole length
• portraits oi Abraham^ Isaac^ Jacobs different Saints, and Royal
personages ; particularly those of Edward the Confessor^ and
iHs Queen EdUha ; also various armorial bearbgs of the Pltmr
Ugmet^ and Courienay Families^ with the difierent Biskept of
this Diocess.
In the year 1 768, this Window was repaired, and great ad-
ditions made to the painted glass, viz. the Arins of uie FFest
Saxon kingdom, the ArcASsAtp of Canterbury ^ Biihop Kep^
peif &c.
The whole of the Windows were originally ornamented
with painted ghiss, as appears by their remains; the colours
of wnich are finely preserved, notwithstanding the length of
time since their erection ; bu^ alas ! those boiutiful speci-
mens of the skill and piety of our ancestors, experienced the
fiiry of puritanic bigotry, in the Civil Wars, and were
wantonly beat to pieces by the Soldiery : from tioe remains,
many curious pieces have been preserved by the can^ of the
Chapter, and are ingeniously arranged in the different Win-
dows of the inner aisles, and other parts of the Church,
which are worthy the attention of the curious.
Over each end of the transverse aisle, is erected a large and
magnificent Tower, decorated with Nomum arches, dentiUed
mouldings and other ornaments : each Tower has at its four
corners, lof^y pinnacles crowned with gilt vanes, f- These
Towers appear, from the style of the architecture, to have
been designed by Bishop WarUwesty about the year 1107;
but probably not finished, or built to their present height, du-
ring his time.
The South Tower, from two semicircular arches still per- ,
ceivable ,
t On thft North Tower was a lofty spire (in which was hung the 1
Clock fiell) on the summit of which, was a gUt cock, an emblem of
St,'Peiori this spire was taken down abopt the year 1750, the belt |
hung lower down in the Tower, and the present -vanes erected} but |
though this adds to the uniformity of the building, the lowering of the
|>ell has greatly lessened the deep grandeur of its 80Uiid5 nor is it beard -I
at that distance it was before the alteration. '
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 287
ccivabk in the Sooth wall, flcems to have been nlised on a CHAP. V I.
prior structure; and aithou^ the erection of the North ""
Tower is ascribed to Buhop Teeter Cmtrtenay^ yet from the
similarity of both Towers in regard to size and ornaments}
decorations, they appear to have been designed by the same
architect, and that aukop Comrtem^ only completed, or finish-
ed it to its present state, and added the Clock and Bell, from
which he obtained the honour of being deemed its founder.
These Towers, according to the superstition of die times,
were dedicated to their particular Saints : that on the South
having Si, John, and the North, St* Paul^ for their Patrons*
According to the Fabric-rolls of the Cathedral, the build-
in? is constructed of Stones from various quarries, the walls
being built of Beer stone, and the vaulted roof and groins,
from the quany at Silvertant as that stone wss softer, and
therefore easier to work : the clustered and other columns
are of Purbeek marble, as a|^)ears from the following tran*
script finom the said rolls, made by the late Dean I^tletmt*
*' On the day of the Sabbath next after the Feast of St. Vm^
<' cent, A. D. 1S32, WiUiam Cannon, of Curfe (in the Island
** of PutbeckJ compounds with the Lords, the Dean and
** Chapter ofEgeter, on account of Marble, as well forhim-
*' self as his Father, to the fabric of the Nave of the Church of
** St. Peter in Exeter; that is to say, concerning eleven piUars
*^ and kalf; for the great, the price of pillars 10/. I6s. making
^ the sum of IS4/. 4$. also a pair of pillars for the base and
'* capitals, 15/. the price of every base with the capital and
** pillar, 5s. also for 29 pillars for the cloister ; the price of the
*.* pilkr 9d. in the whole, 140/. 5$. 9d." J
in Ae North tower is a Clock of a curious invention, for ^.^orth
the age in which it was constructed ; it points out the hours,^ Tower,
days of the Month, and Moon's age : the latter is described
by a globe, (one half of which is Mack) revolving on its axis,
and which presents the size of that luminary : this Clock, to-
gether with the great Bell, is recorded to have been the gift of
BitAop Peter Courtenay. §
The BcU, from its size, truly deserves the epithet of Cheats Great Bell.
as it weighs 12,300lbs. which is 23001b. more than the
weight of the boasted Tom o^'Uncoln. It has a sonorous and
deep note, and is heard at a great distance : it was formerly
rung
X From this account it appears that the Cloisters were originally 8U{>-
ported by marble pillare, though at present there is not the smallest ye»^
tige of one remainiog.
§ Some years since a Minute part and Dial were added to this Clock :
the workmanship of the iDgenious Mr, WiUiam Howard^ Brass founder
of this City.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
2^ tae BCisTOKY <»
CHAP, vr . rnng by the gnsat exertions of 24 meti ; it hftd dmiMf ^»ii«el»
" and two ropes ; but tbc wheels arc now dcfltfOf ed, and itt
only ase is as a Clock bell, and to be tolled dvery night At tibe
hour of eight : this is the remains of the tf^rrma^ tytunts'
Curfew; the Bell has obtained the nameof tbe PtUr Beff, firom
that of its generous and noble donor.
South in the SoufA Tower are eleven Belb, file krgcst that we
Tower. rung in regular peal, in this kingdk^m: the Teaoritf termed
the Grandkon'y from its donor, the Bishop of tkit ndme : it
weighs 756dlbs. which is SOOOlbs. mors thftn any odicF £e«
nor in England. ♦
Font. r« the Nave, or body of tlie Chnrch^ the principal ^ogs
deserving notice are, the Font^ a beantifnl bason o# white mar-
ble, embellished' with Chefubims, supported by ablaek mar-
ble pedestal on* a chequered pavement of blmalc add^ wiiite
marble, and encompassed witb* iron psdilsadoes. Qteak.
part of the Nave is occupied by rovrs of dlivated waiAKot
seats ; but they gfeatly diminish the grand^vof tfte bttilAng :
Pulpit. on the North sidb is the Pulpit, wltich'is a^beautkAU sfMcitaen
of Joiner's woiic : on the pannels are carved in alto relievo,
the Statues of the Four Evangelists : the angles are dcnoratcd
with
WhitakerU ♦ The P«fer JW/, together with thethiee hr^ <Mi^ vift Grmdbmi,
History of Siq<ffhird^ and Cobih&m in the South towtet^- being ciMsd^ treieneircef;
Manchester, in the j^» 1675, The OrttmtfaoK) and- 8th BeU (named the^grcatnine
o'clock bell) were abo recast in the year 1729. According to the Ret.
Mr IVhitakety Bells were used by the ftomans to signify the times of
bathing, and'therefore naturally applied'by the CHrUtlans <3lihahfy tode-
- note the hours of devotion, and' to summon the pec^vle-to ChuitA. They
wefe so applied, before the condusion of thewrenth aedtary>^ia the mo-
nastic societies of Nortimmberiimd ; and thence they i^ere used from the
first en-ction of Parish Churches among tis. Those of JFVowcc, and jBii^^-
Irnidy appear to have been furnished w ith several Bfells. The second ex-
cerption oTY^'xn^ Egbert y about thf year 750, which is adopted in a FrvnM
c*apitulary of801, commands every Priest^ at the proper boon C0 toond'
the Beilsof'hisChurch, and thentu go through the sacred oiiioe»^ of Cod.
In France^ the bells were, at times composed of iron; but in' Eneiiaid
they were frequently made of brass ; and even as early as tlie middle of i
the tenth Century, there were many cast of a large siae, and deep nftte. I
Twn weregtverf by EgfeMeky tb his own Abbey'ofOroyAiN«/, In thereipi'
of RdwartI the, Elder^ and another, much larger, by his unmediite sue- i
ceM!or,.7rif^eAi/: several were presented by jDiawtaii^ to the mooasteir of |
Mnhns/fury, in the preceding reign of E^ar. The number of belu in
ei'ery Church gave occasion to that curious and singular piece of archi-
tecture, in the Campanile^of BeU-Toiceri an addition which is more
RTisceptiWe of the grander bwiutics of architecture than anf other part of
the edifice, and' is therefdre, generally, tlie prhieipti rudimehtroTit : it
was the constant appendage to eveiy parish Church of the SoJMi^ and
is actually mentioned as such, in theia#s tiPAthdtttmr thecwfomof
ringing regular peab, which now afc pecuHartO' Bn^htrnt^ cDmmeBced
in the time of the Saxowf, and was common before the Conquest-
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THE CITY 0¥ i:XET£R. 289
with featooag ^fSemJt aad flowers, cmd on the top of the balde- C HAP. VI ,
quia is the 'Statue of a;i Ange} blowing a trumpet finely gik, — ""
die wh^ being the wprkiBan^ip of the celebrated Gibbons*
Opposite the Pulpit is an elevated seat for the Bishop^ en«
riched with canring, and below this seat is another for the
Mayor: this part of the Church is used for morning service*
aadoGcaaioaly for seriBons in the forenoon on Sabbath and
Festiyal days.
Almost over the Pulpit is a deep gallery (designed as sappo»*
sed^ iot coBcealing a band of musicians on particular occa&i-
oos) the front of which is decorated with Angels playing on
varbus ifstruments of music ; and is worthy the examination
of the curious in ancient music.
Over the North porch, is a convenient dwelling-house for
the bell<4oUer ; the front is embellished with three pyramidical
compaitoaftots of tracery work, in the centres oi which are
niches, once occuoied by statues.
The beautiful Gothic screen which divides the Nave from Gcfi\i\c
the choir, was erected in the reign of King Jsmes Ut: it is Screen-
supported bv grey marble pillars : the pediment^ which is
highly eani^d with carving, is divided into thirteen com-
partments, in which are paintings of different passs^es of
scripture history, from the creation, to the descent of the
Holv Ghost : pu the summit of the Cornice is a row of carved
shields, on which are depicted the armorial bearings, and dis-
tinctive badges of the difierent nations coniposing the British
empire. This elegant screen supports the Organ, which, for Oiigan.
size, f;^ surpasses any instrument of the kind in Europe; the
largest pipes being 15 inches in diameter, which is two
uichts more than the much celebrated one at Ubn in Bavaria :
beneath this Organ is a smaller one, which fronts the choir;
and on each of the adjoining groins of the choir, are other as-
semblies of large pipes, the conductors of which are so iiv-
geniouuy contrived, that the whole may be played upon by
a single person at one time : the exterior pipes are gilt, and
the workmanship excellent : in short, for majestic stateliness
and beauty, it is not excelled, if equalled, in England. By an
mspription it appears it was made by John Loosvnwre^ in the
y«ar 1666: the whole has been lately thorougiily repaired
*nd the conductors cleared from their tilth, by Air. MicAeau,
Organ-builder of this City, t
The
t The Orgm which formerly occupied the place of thU, was probably
4e«tioj«d in the gfand rebellion y for it cannot besuppocieti that so fUitad
^ Cathodal aa this was without one, as we 6iul them vury early iutrodii-
^ into the Bniitk and Saxm Churches. *' After the coiivoision of rite
*' ^ortkaimkriaMf w« ftod an insttument of thai nanie, faaiiiiarly used ia
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
290 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI . The stalls in the choir arc neatly wainscoted and enriched
" with carved mouldings in antique taste, corresponding to the
Choir. building. The choir is neatly paved with Portland stones
in form of a Rhombus, having at each angle a small square
of black marble. Near the centre, on a brass pedestal in the
form of a tripod, enriched with couchant lions, is a brazen ea-
gle with expanded wings, supporting the Lesson desk ; and
&om the roof of the choir hang two large and superb brass
Bishop's Chandeliers.
throne. Qn the South side of the Choir is the Biskop^s throne ele-
vated high above the floor, and ascended by five steps ; its
area squares several feet, and in the centre is the Episcopal
chair of crimson velvet, adorned with gold fringe ; tiie back
of the throne is hung with crimson velvet, and the cushion
is of the same materials, with gold fringe and tassels : the
curtains are crimson moreen ; the canopy is composed of
pointed arches intersecting each other, and from the angles
project cherubs, supporting chalices, patens and other sacred
vessels ; from the canopy rises a lofty pile of gothic tracery,
of a pyramidical form, ending in dinerent spires, and embel-
lished with carvings, mouldings, &c. The whole is ^eatly
admired by connoisseurs in ancient architecture, being es-
teemed the grandest Episcopal Throne in Britain, It was
originally beautifully painted, and partly gilt : it was erected
by Bishop Booths about the year 1470.
Choir Pul- Opix>8ite the throne is a very handsome Pulpit, which
pit. was erected in the year 1560 ; but it has had many ornamen-
tal additions of late years, in which great care has been taken
not to blend modern ornaments witn the ancient, the Chap-
ter very j udicially restricting themselves to the original design .
High Altar. The area below the altar is divided from the Choir, by iron
rails with brass pyramidical heads. From this platform there
is an ascent of three steps, of black and white marble, to the
floor of the altar, which is paved in the same manner, and
separated from the steps by another row of balustrades.
The
** the Krvices of the North, even as early as 660. But the grand com-
*' binatioa of Instruments which we now denominate an Organ, was
*' unknown in Europt at that period ^ it was the happy production of an
*' Eastern genius j and the first that ever appeared in the West of Europe,
" was sent by Cotutantine^ the Grecian Emperor, to Pc^m, King of France,
** in 756. The artists of the West availed themselves of the present, and
** Organs were constructed on the continent, and in this kland, a^e-
*' reeled in some of our Cathedrals before ^e middle of the 10th cen-
" tury. In the reign of Edgaty Arekbiakop Dunstmt presented one to
*' the Church otMalmsBwy, in which instrument (according to the his-
** torical description) the pipes were formed in musical proportions of
** brass, and the air was impelled through them> by a pair of bellows.^*
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF fiXCTBR. 291
The fbf niture of the altar is sublimely grand, conelrting of CHAP. V L
sHver, richly gilt; and the whole appearance is awfully stri-
king, and raises a holy contemplation on the sacred duties
there performed. The Altar-piece represents a perspective
view of the inside of another Church, with side aisies,
curioasly ornamented in the gothic style, and in the centre arc
the portraits of Moses and Aaron supporting the Decalogue :
the whole of the painting is well peHufmed; and, excepting
the dama^ it received from the Saints-militant in the grand
rebellion,f well preserved. It appeares by a date stul re-
maining, diatit was painted in the year 16B9*
On the South side of the Altar are three arched scats di-
vided by brass pillars which support a curious pile of ancient
architecture, which, for the lightness of structure, elegance
of workmanship, and neatness of carvings is much admired.
It displays the nne taste of ornamental wbrk in the time of
Edward IL%
Behind the IBgh Altar is the ancient sacristy, now un-
furnished of its copes, vestments and other Romish para-
phanalia.
On the eastern part of the whole building is the Chapel of
the F»^;tAfai^, which is ascended by steps, audit is enclosed
from the iipper transverse aisle by a ikir screen, in which are
folding doors: this screen, owing to the good taste of the pre-
sent Bishop, Dean and Chapter, has been lately restored ; and
a despicable one that covered it, taken down. On the
architrave of the old screen was thefoUowing inscription :
Hanc Capeilam Beatm Marks Virgims ab Athelstatio Regr
oiwtjundaiam, in Bibliothecam propriis sumptilus comer iit Ko^
Urtui VUvtanc^ M.D. Asmo Domini, MUCLVU.
It 18 evident that this Chapel if not of Saxon construction ;
it has been supposed to be on* the site of the whole Church
O o belonging
X Thoie ORtf<ArMiM» r^ormm wantoniy fired «t the heads of the pqi^
tnits, and the marki of the bullets are still visible.
§ For what purpose, or at what time these seats were erected, is not
«ow known. The accounts given by some of our historians, that they
^cre purposely built for the instalment of Leo^ncif^, the fiist Bishop (A
£«efer, must be erroneous, if no part of the present choir was then
erected.
* ^' Mr. William Darey, of Exeter, who has inspected the present
^' building with minute and disciiminattng attention, contends, that
" the ancient Cathedral did not occupy the scite of St. Mary's Chapel,
'' but was on part of the same ground as the present choir, having its
'* bigh altar where it still remains. The sanctuary was the most sacred
'* spot; and it is extremely probable, that the religious architects of
" those times would rather extend their building in any direction, than
^ remoTe the sells of (he host. BeiideS| Hokea only compares the size
t "of
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
292 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI . belon^g to the house of the Benedictine Monks, founded br
Aiheliian^ Anno 932* It was coDTcrtcd into a Library, by
the munificence of Doctor i2/* Filvdne^ a native of this City.
It has been ausrmented by succeeding benefactors, and parti-
cularly by the late Doctor Giass^ of this City, who bequeathed
the whole of his extensive and verv valuable Library.
The annexed plan will inform the reader of the number of
Chapels attached to this Church : none of which merit a par-
ticular description, saving the monuments within thein, un-
less it be that which is dedicated to St, Jatnes: in this is a
building (which Mr, Carter calk a mural monument,) of
▼ery curious workmanship*
In 17969 on opening a grave for Biskcp BuBer, in the
south aisle, a human skeleton was discovered, the bones of
which were united by wires, and on the forepart of the skull
was ensraved this inscription ; Opera Sf Studio Joh. Rkzen d
Godf. Schloeri Germanmrum, 1633. JEtat 22 } Ftii, erig.
To g^ve a minute detail of every article worthy notice in
this ancient and venerable edifice would require a volume of
itself; therefore let it suffice, only to say, that by the great
care and attention of the late and present Bishop, Dean and
Chapter, the interior parts of the Church are kept cleaner,
and in better repair, than most other Cathedrals in England;
nor are the outer parts neglected, as large sums have b<^n ex-
pended in new covering with lead most parts of its extensive
roofing, repairing the turrets, new glazing the windows, with
many other necessary repairs, and particularly in the year
1803, when the inside has been thoroughly cleansed, coloured
and painted, at a very great expence; but much is yet re-
5uired, which time and former neglect have occasioned,
'he west front is very much out of repair, as are also many
of the turrets : it is therefore hoped, that the laudable exam-
ple of the present Dean and Chapter, will stimulate their
successors to proceed on so necessary a work.
The ancient constitution of this Cathedral, was a Dean and
twenty-four Prebendaries ; the Dean always included in that
number. For some centuries past, eieht of these Pre-
bendaries have, with the Dean, been called to residence,
from whence they take the names of Canons Residentiary,^
These
** of the ancient Cathedral to the Lady Cliapel.** Boautiet qf EngUmd
and Wales f vol. iv. page 5G.^Mr. Da^ furnished the compilers of that
work with a considerable part of their hbtory of this Cathedral, from
which the author hereof has taken extract.
t According to the first establishment of the Chapter of this Cathedral,
by Bishop Brewery about the year 1236, no mention is made of Canons
exclusively ; the original institution is thus worded, <* V^ti et qwOwr
*^ Canones, sive PrebeHdariiy^^r twenty-four Canons or Prebendaries ;
Jib distinction being made between them.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXBTBR. 293
These constitute the Chapter, and have the government of CHAP. VI ,
the Cathedral Church , and its appendages and peculiars. "
Vacancies are filled up, by election by &e Chapter, from
the rest of the Prebendaries.
The Deanrvy Preoentorship, Chancellorship and Trea-
surership are tne four greater internal Dignities.
The four Archdeaconries, and Sub-£>eanry are also called
internal Dignities.
The great Chapter, which is composed of the whole body,
viz. the Dean and 23 Prebendaries, is never called together
but for the election of a Bishop, Dean, or Convocation
Clerk. There is also a Sub-Chanter and a Sub-Treasurer.
The Custos and College of Vicars consist of four ; the Lay-
Vicars are eight. These were a collegiate body corporate till
the year 1 6 1 3, when the Lay-Vicars were disunited, by royal
mandate, from the College of Vicars, and their lands wholly
vested with the Priest- Vicars. Still, however, they retain
the right of voting at the election of a Custos, or in matters
relating to the tythes of Woodbury, of which they have a
moiety; the whole are subject to die Bishop's visitation.
They nave their own Hall, in which, according to their origi-
nal institution, they formerly lived at Commons; but now
they have convenient dwellings in the College, which qua«
liiy them to vote for members of parliament for the Cfity,
as do the lands in Woodbury, the C(^ege of Vicars, for
those of the County.
There are five sin^ng men, termed Secondaries, (who
have each a dwelling-house in the Cloisters,) and ten singing
boys: these, with me Vicars, form the choir of vocal music.
To these may be added, an Organist, two Vergers, Bell-
toller, and a Beadle. There is likewise an establishment
for two Morning Lecturers, one every Tuesday, and the
other every Friday. Divine Service is performed three
times every day.
We shall now proceed to take a cursory view of the an*
cient and modern monuments most worthy of attention,
which have not been noticed in the Elcclesiastical history ;
and shall begin with those in the body of the Church.
Nearly opposite to the South door, leading to the Cloisters, „ .
is a very ancient table monument, (much mutilated) to the Coi^nar
memory of Hugh Courtenaj/j Earl oi Devon 9 and his Counicss JEari of *
Margaret^ Daughter o( Humphry de Bohwi^ Eari o( Hereford Deroa*
and EsseXf and Lord High Constable of England. This
Earl Hugh died at Tiverton y in the year 1377. His Lady
survived him fifteen years, dying on the 28th January, 1392;
and according to her last Will, was intewcd in this Cathedral,
by the side of her husband.
tt Oo2 Sir
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
294 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. V I. Sir Phiiip Ctntrtew^t of Pnwderhamf the direct amcestorof
^ the present noble Lfrd, WUliam Viscatmi Caurtena^j was the
Sir Peter gf^h Son of this illustgous couple. On die covering stone of
Courtcnajr. ^^^ monument, lie the mutilated statues of the Earl and Coun-
tess, dressed in their robes of state, formerly painted and
gilt; but the inscriptions (if there were any) are quite lost.
Adjoining to this tomb is a large grave stone, inlaid with
brass ornaments, within which is the portrait of an armed
Kitight, as large as life, inlaid with the same metal: this
stone covers the remains of Sir Peter CowienMf, Knight,
seventh and youngest son of the aforesaid Ear/ Hugh and his
Countess Margaret.
Sir Peter was gftatly esteemed for his valour in the French
wars, during the reigns of King Edward III. and Richard IL
and was nude Governor of the important fortress of Calais,
and Lard Chamberlain oi England. He died unmarried, in
the year 1409 : his Epitaph, mentioned by Prmce and other
authors, is now mostly obliterated, but the following copy
is preserved:
Devonia natuSf eomest Petrustjue vocaius^
Regis cognatuSf camerarius intitulatus:
Eodesim gratuB, capitaneus ense probaiuSf
Vitm privaius, fiiit hinc super astra relatus,
Ei qua suhlatus^ de mundo transit amatus,
Calo conjirmatusr maneat sine fine beatus.
And which is thus translated :
The Earl cf Devonshire* s son^ Peter hy name.
Kin to the King^ Lord Chamberlain offame^
Captain of Calas, for arms well approved.
Who djfingf xoas above the stars removed;
And mell beloved vent Jrom the world aioay.
To lead a blessed life 4n Heaven for aye !
At the head of this, is another brass plate, to the memory
of Mrs* Anna Maria Courtenay, who was interred under the
same stone, f
Williun Under the North tower, is a small inclosed Chapel, (open
Sylke. At top,) in which is interred the body of William Sylhe, some-
time Sub^Chanter of this Church.
This Chapel was originally embellished with fine carvings
of Romish saints, and pieces of Scripture history ; and an«
der the front arch, is the effigy of a human skeleton, lying at
fiill length, on a winding-sheet, and over the arch, this in-
scription is still Iqrible: Sum quod eris, fueramque quod es, pro
meprecor ora.-^William Sylke. This chapel and monument
are now greatly decayed, and in a very ruinous state.
t On opening the gimve for the interment of thb Lady, the body of
«S^tr Ptfo" was discorered in good predenration, embalmed, and wrapped
tip in a Bullock's hide: this Aceoont the Author receired from several
credible eye-witneeses.
Digitized by CjOOQIC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 295
Just at the angle of the North aisle, is a monument with a CHAP. VI .
long latin inscription, signifying that C^f^in Beujamin Doiien ^ :
(to whose memory it is erected) died in this City, on his ^^^^
journey from Bristol to Pfymouth, and was interred just
under.
On each side of the principal entrance is a mural monu-
ment, that on the North, consists of black and white marble,
erected to the memory of Mr, Hereford, of the County of
Northumberland^ and his wife. The other is of statuary
marble—
Sacred to the memory of Mary Irvine^ WidoKo of Lieut* Col*
Irvine, who died 20th December, 1 799» fig^d 2^ years *
Underneath is the following inscription :
Tho* sacred Friendship deems thy fate severe^
And fond affection drops a silent tear;
Though Childless now desponding parents sigh
Pour the sad Plaint, and turn the streaming eye
To thy cold grave^^yet o*er each aching breast^
Meek resignation breathes the balm of rest;
Religion whispers peace amidst the gloom, ' *
WhUepale afiiction, musing o*er the tomb.
Submits, andUmly bends to Heav*ns high will:
Hush*dev*ry Plaint, andeo^ry murmur still.
Though all lament thy blooming graces fled.
And weep for beauty moulding with the dead.
Thy virtues still the kindred wish shall raise
To meet with thee thy Ood, and hymn his praise.
There are several other small mural monuments, in the
Nave but they do not merit a particular description.
In the inner North aisle, just within the entrange, and a- q^^^^
gainst the wall of the choir, is a neat monument of variegated Grant,
marble, the workmanship of the celebrated P. Scheemakers;
on which is the following Inscription.
Juxta Sm E,
Joarmis Grant S. T. P.
Ecclesia ^rrt Dunstani in Occidente per annos LIX
Vicarius, Cathred. RofFensis Ann. XLIV Prtebend.
Kingsdown id Com, Cant. Ann. XXVI Rector,
Quot Tituli totidem numerantur meritorumpraconia, totidem
Extant Virtutum Ecclesiasticarum Testimonia, Eminebat
quippe in eo singularis Sanctimonia, Eruditio, Integritas, ^ in
diJtcilimisTemporibus spectata Fortitudo, infame isfud RegisJsiCohi
Edicta oppugnare ausa et contemnere : ad extrtmum usq,
Anglicanae vindex Ecdesim : satius mala pati quamfacere.
In Consuetudine privata sefacilem, Sc apertum prcsstabat hmocue
facetum, et cum digmtatt quadam urbanum,
Et
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296 THE HISTORY OP '
CHAP. VI . Ei virtufiius quidem tantu gratiamprethtmq : addui ^tm
LtmgtKvitas, Cams adeo ammSuSf stdsq: amabUis vuii ui etiam
Nonagenarius meHe immatwra pntrepius videretur.
Duos duxit UTores; secundis nuptHs filiam Duncombi
Colchester Mditisj prteclari iliius Joannis Maynardi
Militisneptemy ex qua Prolem a seprogenifam vidii; Uberumq:
Liberosm Mortuusest VI id Quintiiis A* D. CI3IDCCIZXVI.
Juxta etutm pladde requiescit
Elizabetha, Joannis Grant, prmdicH Joannis Grant
FiUif Arckdiacwii Barum, Ecdes, hufus Canoniei Uxor,
\'' Dom: Dom: Stephtmi £xon. Epitc, per Ludam Uxwem.
Fetminam LectminHim^ Fiiia minime mdigna Patemarum amtda
Virtutum^ onmiiiuq* qum md beatmimo Con;ugi plactre
poteranty aut qum taUumparmtum FiUum decebant^pient
ontata. Per Decennium Sr amp&us CamesJSdesnma,
Magna Partkeps Sr Audrix Fdidtatis;
Duobus Partubus Mariiumfelicem^ at tertio eheu !
inftlkcm fecit Puerperio una^^um Infanttdo extincta ;
ParcntibuSy Liberis^ Amidst sedmaxime Mariio am/iniissimo
tristesuiDesideriumreiiquit, Animamefflans^Yl K, Mart.
Adjoining the door of the Canon's vestry is a small mar*
liqor ble monument to the memory of Edward Drewe, Esq. § with
lynme. this modest inscription on a plain marble tablet.
To the Memory o/'Edward Drewe, Esq. only Son o/FAwzrd
Drewe, Barrister ^ who lived respected^ and died lamented in the
43d year of bis age^ and whose remains are interred near this
place* Also to the memory of his said Father ^ who lies beneath.
And of Dorothea Juliana, his beloved Mother^ buried in St.
Martin's Churchy in this City. This marble was erected as a
lasting testimony ^regard and affection to a kind Brother, and ten^
der Parents f by Dorothea Juliana, W^ o^ Arthur Kelly, of
Kelly, Esq.
In a recess in the Wall, and near this monument, is an
exr^uisite piece of sculpture, representing a human anatomy
laymg at full length on its winding sheet, the flesh entirely
wasted, and nothing but the sinews and bones left under the
shrunk
\ This Gentleman was a natire ef this City : he very early expressed
an inclination for the army, and on the breaking out of the American.
war, procured a Commission in the 95th Regiment of Foot, and went
with it to America^ where he gave such proofs of his military skill vid
bravery, and particularly at the battle of CAar/e»-<oion, (where he was
desperately wounded,) that he was deservedly advanced to the tank of
Major in the said Regiment : but having afterwards some difference with
his Colonel (Cockbum, who basely betrayed his trust, by surrendering the
island of Si, Eustatia to the French J he gave up his Commission, and
returned to England; but he never after enjoyed himself, and fell »
sacrifice, in the flower of his age, to the villainous aspersions of his cai«.
mies.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 297
shrunk skin. This memento of the instability of human C HAP. VL
gran^leur, though somewhat defaced, is worthy of a curious
inspection : over the arch is this inscriptipn. *
Istafigui^ docet? nos omnes prenieditari
qualiter ipsa nocet? morsquando venit
dominari.
• A little beyond this (in another recess) is an ancient Altar
tomb, decorated with rams' faces, and other ornaments, in
a wretched taste, which clearly demonstrate the low state
of the Arts about the middle of the 16th century. On the
cover-stone is this inscription.
Here lyeth master Anthony Harvey, Esq^
who died the xxiii d!ye of Maye a° dmi.
1564.
Near this, and opposite to Bishop Stapletons^ is the Statue
of an armed Knight, laying at full length, with his legs cros- ^**" ^^c*"*^
sed, to denote his having been on a crusade to the Holy land : ^ *"**
on the Western side of the arch, is the Statue of a man in an
erect posture, and on the opposite side, are the head and fore-
parts of a horse, held by a man, projecting from the wall :
there is neither armorial bearing, or any inscription remain-
ing, and the whole is greatly defaced, f
Almost opposite to this, is a monument on which is re-
presented the statue of an armed Knight in a kneeling posture ri^T?*'
before an altar, and on a tablet round the figure, are sixteen
escutcheons, charged each with the arms of the Caraos hn-
paled with other different coats, alluding to the intermar-
riages of that family, from which the person was descended,
(not from his having married so many wives, as it is vulgarly
represented) over £e cornice is a large shield, bearing the
arms
* There is no other inscription, or armorial bearing, to denote to
whose memory this Cenotaph was erected, except the artns of the Dio-
cess : but the Vergers inform (falsely) all visitors, that it was erected for
Biihap Lacy^ to ridicule his attempt to fast during the forty days of Lent.
Human nature could not sustain this rigorous penance above thirty
day9) when he died, and thus fell a victim to his folly : but there ap-
pears to be a great mistake in this traditionary legend, as Buhop Laej^
was interred on the other side of the aisle, under the wall of the Choir,
where his plain altar tomb still remains in situ.
t Accordingto tradition, this monument was erected to the memory
of Sir Bichmd Sioplettn (brother to the Bishop J who was also murdered
by the Lomdmer$y at Crippltgaie (vid. SpeedJ as he endeavoured to enter
the City of LmdoM, to the succour of his brother : his hone took fright at
some cripples assembled at the gate, and this occasioned his being thrown
to the ground, when he fell an easy prey to the incensed mob. The ft •
gures placed on each side of the tomb, seem to be allusive to this circum-
stance.
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298 THE HISTORY OP
C HAP.VT . arms of the CaretoSf quartered with several other coats; the
■~"^"* inscription is now so much defaced as to be totally illegible:
it was erected to the memory of Sir Peter Carao^ of H^comif
Knight.
. Below this, against the wall of the Choir, is a plain tabic
monument, the ]>ediment supported by two pillars, and on
the tablet is this inscription in gilt letters :
Hie situs estf Rct&ertus Hati, Josephi Ci:
Epi : filius primogenitus,
S. S. TheologisB Doctor facundus :
Hujus Evclesiwy Vivus Thesaurius
Mortuus Thesaurus, Vivus Mortuus
Rssidentiarius. Odiii29dieMaiil667. jEtatis Sua: 61,
There is a small plain marble tablet in the choir-wall, on
which is the following inscription :
Near this Stone is interred the body of Miss Henrietta
Wilhelmina Wyander Piersy xoho departed this Life the 7th datt
of December y 17^4, aged 22 y ears ^ Sister to Sir Wiliiam Pigott
Piers f Bart, of Irisienaugh^ in the County of Westmeathy in
"Irviandm
At the upper end of this aisle, in a recess in the wall, (in
the small chapel, through which is the passage that leads to
the Chancellor's House) lays the statue of an armed Knight;
and over it are several shields bearing the device of the Speka;
there is no inscription remaining on the tomb, but from 2
stone underneath, it may be supposed that it was erected to
Sir George the memory of Sir George Speke of White Lackington, in the
Spekc. county of Somerset^ maternal ancestor of the present Lord
North, Earl of Guildford.
In the cross aisle, behind the altar, lie interred the bodies
Judge of Sir John Doderidge, Knight, (one of the Judges in the
Doderidge. Court of King VBench ; and of his Lady, daughter of Sir
Amias Bampfylde of Poltimore.) The stones which covered
their remains have, been removed, and others put in their
place: but on the North side of the Virgin Mary^s Chapel,
two separate monuments are erected to their memory ; on
these their statues are laid at full length. That of the Judge
is clothed in Scailet robes, with a Court-roll in his hand, and
has been finely gilt : over the statue is an escutcheon of bis
Arms, impaled with that of Bampfylde; the Epitaph is as
follows :
Learning adieu ! for Doderidge is gone
To fix his Earthly J to a Heavenly throne;
Rich Urn of Learned Dust f scarce can he found
More worth inshrined in six foot of ground.
NUnC obiU Do Derig Us JUDeX.
A:
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THE CITY OP EXKTER. 299
At the foot of the Judge's statue, lies that of his Lady, CHAP.n >
dressed in the &shion of the times she lived in ; this has also "
been painted. On a marble stone is this inscription :
Hie jacet Domina Dorothea Uxor Johannis Doderidge Militiif J^^ .
Unius Justiciariorum Donmd Regis Ad Placita coram Rege '^^^^^^*
tenenda assignati, Et fiUa Amini Bampfilde MiHtis, qua obiit
Frimo Martiif Anno Domini, 1614.
On the left side of the entrance into this Chapel, fixed a- Dr. VU-
gainst the wall, is a small monument to the memory of Dr. vaine.
V'dvaine : (the first and greatest benefactor to the Library) on
it is the following inscription :
In Memoriam Robert Vilvaine Medicinm Doctoris, Hac olir^
Civitate nati atqx de eadem opiime meriii, qui obift 21 Fedruarii,
1662^ ASiatis Sua! S7.
Corresponding to this, on the other side of the entrance, is James Rai^
a much larger monument, finely gilt, and enriched with ^^» ^•
scrolls, erected to the memory of James RaHiard, Esq. a naF-
tive of Switzerland^ and an eminent merchant of this (Jity : it
has a Latin, and Greek inscription. He died 9th October^
16.92.
The opposite wall of this aisle is filled entirely with modern
monuments. The first (opposite to the last described) con-
sists of a lofly pyramid of variegated marble, from which
projects a white marble sarcophagus, and over it is a medalli-
on of a female head, weeping; and on a white marble tablet
beneath, is the following inscription :
In Memory of Robert Harvey, Esq. late of the Island ^Robert Hap-
Grenada : whose remains were interred in a vault near this place* ^®y> ^H«
He departed this life, the 29th Jufy, 1791 ; in the 59th year of
his age.
Next to this is a monument, the back of which is of varie-
gated marble, on a white marble pyramid, are inscribed the
following words:
In Memory of George Baker, Archdeacon of Totnes, and Omon
Canon of this Church ; who died 28M January, 1772, aged 85. Baker, &c.
Andof Sarah his Daughter, WifeoftheUev. William Hatherly ;
xoho died Aith April, 1 7^0, aged 30. And were both buried near
this place* And of Mary, Wife of the above named George
Baker, and Daughter of the Right Reverend Stephen Weston,
6'. T. P, formerly Bishop of this Diocess, who died 3d March,
V77, aged 76, And of Mary Baker, Daughter of the above
named George Baker, who died 1 6th June, 1768, aged 73,
Adjoining is a neat monument of black and white varie-
gated marble, containing the following elegant Latin Epi-
taph :
Adunumsuggestigr(idumsitusesttYhWjpp\isB9Xton,S, T. B, S^^®***
P p Httjus ^"^"'
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300 TUS KISTORT OF
CHAP.VL {Tm/m Bedetim Catkedrdk CanimuM$ RendaUmNm^ H 5ic^
' iiiK»mM9 necnon Eccktue^ Paroekiata de Bairitofty tn Comkaiu
Huntonimy per annoi quadragmim ^uahtar Rectory natm tn agr^
VigomiensiSf In Schola WkUonienw tUumnus detn^ Coil, Naci,
apud Ojonienns,'^sociusJhruU»'^Oratar vere CArtstiamuti-^-cui,
condonihus dum iraherentur quoiquai inUrJuerhU enm vim «eji-
seruntfructttorum et nitorum; eximim Doeku nut twmen em-
templex famm, tttpote proeipue Frmtar txemplum modoiHu^ quern
omni virtute ojidoqut omatus otmatimmum propter faoUem momm
emmntaiem consueiudinemjmowtdioiimam timul ac erudUms dmant
ingenium omnittm capax et iimatumy pietatem nom amndatamy
qumcunque noverint suspeierufU coUterunt.''-nienai» Jmmi die
viceuimo quarto, Mmwn agm$ septuagesnmum ocknmm
MDCCXCVL'-FitasJuturiB intentus luibtnsfiUo ceuit.'-^hitri
bene merenti^iepukhrale hoc mamujr.'^mmtoftt Maria Batckdlor
poni curavit.
The next monument u erected to the memory o£ Bishop
BuUer; which has already been desoribed in the E^cieajastical
history.
Close to this is one of variegated marble neatly execated»
#n which is the following :
Sacred to the Memory/ of Susanna, Wife o^ Joseph Bea]y»
M. D.iDhodied%\9tApriiy\7d^yagod2^^ears. Theamiahie
quaiities of her heart 9 and an escettent and cultivated understand^
ingy ensured in an extraordinary degree the esteem and admirtn
tiott of aU who knew her. This monument is erected as a trihuie
io her merits f and as the last testimony of the affection of her dis^
aonsolate relatives: also in the same grave Ueth her only chiid,
JoBCjphFoolBcaljytfhodiedlSthS^demder^ 179^9 aged e^hteen
months: also the remains of Ann Susanna Baker, Mother of the
sthove S. Bealy, ob. 4fA March^ 1 800, jEtat. 42.
The last in this row, is a beautiful nionument of Statuary
marble ; the sculpture (which is finely executed) consists of
an altar, on which is a female figure in a disconsolate posture,
leaning with her left hand on an Urn, and holding in her right
a burning torch reversed: underneath^ on a marble U^let is
the following inscription :
Mn. Rachel Sacred to the Memory of Rachel Charlotte O'Brien, Wife of
OBnoa, Captain E. J. O'Brien, of his MafeHy's tumty^fimrth Rerr'i.
ment and daughter 0/* Joseph Frobisher, Esq, of Moiitreal in
Canada. Her death xsas occasioned by her clothes catching frc :
seeing the /lames communicating to her infant ^ all. regard to her
own safety f was lost in the more powerful consideration of saving
her child y and rushing out of the roofn^ she preserved its life at the
fficrifce of her own* She expired on the I3ih December, A. D.
ISOOj in the iSth year of her age.
Underneath
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THE CITY OF BXBTER. 301
UnderiMiih diis, on a white marble tablet repreitnting a CHAP. VI .
piece of Draficty 9 arc tbe fbllowiug lines : —
If senHi g»ad /^tmmarf vnd a taUe refined f
Wilh ail that ever gtwed afemmle mind;
Ifthejmdtndkef^j andthefaUhfulioifrt
The fntHUt, htippi*gt ekuractert in iife^
JftAese tohen iummmCd to an early iomh^
Chth^d in the pride afycuth^ and 6eaufy*i Noam,
May oAiiM 4Mre tender iympathizing tigh^
Or dftM a tearJrompity*s melting eye.
Here paui^-^-Hmd be the grateful triiutepaid.
In sad remembrance to 0*Brren*8 9h€dc*
These fiye monuments were ezecttted by Mr. John Kendai,
Statuary, of this City*
At tbe upper end of the South ai^le (almost opposite to
Bisbop Oldbam^St already described) is a stately monument to j,^^
the memory of Treasurer HaS» It is crowned with a lofty ^^
curved pediment^ supported by two Corinthian columns^
their bases aad capitals gilt ; and on the inflexed curve of the
pediment is a large escutcheon^ on which are his arms, im*
paled with those of his v^ife ; on each side of the shield is aa
Angei in a sitting posture, sounding a trumpet; the base is
supported by eanred brackets, between which, on another
escutcheon are the arms of Hatt^ impaled with two other
coats, over which (by way of Crest) is the os-frontis of a hua
man skuH^ encircled round the temples with gik laurel, and
large extended wings resembling those of a B^ : oil eaeh side
of the brackets are other skulls. In the centre of the monu*
ment is a forge oval blaek marble tablet, enriched xMtth a
carved border : the whole of the carving is elegantly executed
(particularly the skulh) and finely painted and gilt : on the
tablet is this insoription :
M. S.
NicoLAi Hall, 9. T. P.
Qui htff'us Ecdesias TbesaurariM, Farringdonkneis Rector
Utriutque nuper amamentum^ nunc Lucius et Desiderkmti
Privaia omnia seerique mtmeris qficia egregie esplendo
Sui ordinis nemo Laudem ampliorem m&ruHpmteipdrem^
Mariitts ef Pater Jiiii suorum amaniissifnuSf
Et ad UHs invicem uniee dUeetuSf
Pastor ormtieura in OregisSalutem suHneigHans^
Coneiombus se Pietath strenuum prabuit Momtorem,
Exemplo Dueem.
Neque minus severam SacerdoHs Gravitatem
Sffutoissimis temperofeH MeribuSf
In sanetiiaie edenda sibi rigidus^ aliisjucundus,
P p 2 In
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302 THE HI&TORT OF
CH^^' V^ * In Rehni gerendit Dubtum^ Prudeniiam prm9
' An invtolatnm miremur Justititt Studium
Pauperibus ndnime attentandise Causa libctalu
Munificeniiam its suam altiori Rho
Quo mmare Strepitujluere voiuit ;
Rata erga Arnicas et de se bene merentes FidCf
Offensarum quam ciio oblituSf
Benefeii accepii Memoriam nunquiffH depasuit^
EfpregiU hiis Anim soliius parent attulit Modtstiam^
Aiienm virtutes AEstimatorJustissimus baud mquus sum
Idioqut Jnvidia major pius nurito Giorisp,
Quoniam vfotts negiexerat,
Mortens consequutus est,
Obiit VII. Col. Mali Anno Domini MDCCIX.
Optimo Parenti
Nic. Hall, FiHus natu maximus
Possuit'.
Just below, against the wall of the Choir, are three modern
monuments adjoining each other* The first is composed of
white statuary marble, an4 consists of a square tablet, over
which, in a circular pediment, is represented, in basso relievo,
an Angel with his -face hid in his drapery, reclining on an
altar, on which is placed an Urn ; the whole overshadowed
with branches of Cypress, and undemea^ is the following in*
scription :
Mrs. S. P. Sacred -— <- to the Memory qf Sarah Price Clarke, who was tie
Clarke. f^nfy surviving issue and heiress o^Godfrey Clarke £417. of Sutton
Hall, in the County of Derby. She departed this iife in the Cit^ of
Exeter, oft the 24th November^ 1801. In her were united aii th£
virtues which give dignity to birthy or utility to fortune, her mind
possessed an energy which doth not always mark theftmale charao-
ter, her friendship was warm, and her charity was nePtr restraiftcd
by individual convenience, her bosom was the seat of those energies
which give activity to virtue. Possessed of superior talents, and
unmpeached honour, she never pursued frivolity with severity ^ or
the loss of fame with triumph. Her latter years were marked by
declining health, and her sufferings by patience* Her faith tras
fervent, her reward was sure*
Adjoining is the monument (already described) of Bishop
Ross: and next to this is one, almost similar to that of Afrs.
darkens, excepting the Angel, who is here represented full
faced ; on this monument is the following epitaph :
X^y Near thisplace are deposited the mortal remains oj^J^aura, Jfrft
Southamp- ofGeoree Ferdinand, Lord Southam pton, and second Daughter
ton. , of the Right Rev. Vr* Frederic Keppel, sometime Bishop of (his
Diociss.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 303
Dioctss. She departed this Ufey a^Dawlish in this Cwnty^ CHAP. VI .
10 June^ 1 798, m the S^hyear of her age.
Farewell^ dear Shade / hut let this marble tell
What heavenly worthy in youth and beauty fell/
With exi*ry virtue blest ^ whatever thy lot.
To charm a Courts or dignify a cot 9
In each relation-^shone thy varied life
Of Daughter 9 Sister^ Mother ^ Friend and Wife*
Seen with delight in fortune* s golden ray^
Suffering remained to grace thy parting day :
When smiling languor spoke the candid soul^
And patience checked the sigh j affection stole.
Further on, in recesses in the Wall of the Choir, are two
Tcry ancient monuments, representing two Knights com-*
pletely armed in coats of mail ; their left hands holding shields,
which are placed over their breasts; and their right grasp-
ing the hilts of their swords, which are girded to their bodies
by strong belts : their helmets are placed under their heads ;
their legs are crossed, to denote their having been in some Cru-
sade to the Holy land, and their feet are rested on Lions : they
appear to have been painted, and on their shields were depicted
their armorial bearings*, but they are now obliterated, toge-
ther with the Epitaphs.
One of these monuments (according to tradition) was Raleigh ot
erected to the memory of Raleigh ^ of Raleigh ^ Mater- Raleigh.
nal ancestor to the I^amily of Chichester; and the other, to
tlie memory of Humphrey de Bokun^ Earl of Hereford and
Essex^ and Constable of England, This Earl was \ ather to
Margaret Countess of Deton^ Wife of Hu^^h Couricnay, the
second Earl of Devon of that name : over the statue was this
inscription :
Bpiiaphium D. Bohunni illustrissimi
Quondam Comilis Herefordensis.
Oh Bohunne Comes I clard de sanguine nati- !
En ! rapit vita stamina parca tuce.
Deficit ilia viros illustri stemmate natos :
Insuper obscuros de/icit ilia tiros,
Aspicite humar.am Bohunni in imagine sorttmf
Cunctos mors panda f alee cruenta secat,*
Almost
* This Earl taking part with Thomas^ Thtke of Lancaster^ in his oppo-
sition to the arbitrary proceedings of King Ethcard 2d, was siain at
Bdrough'bndgexTi Yorkshire^ by a Welchman, who thrust a spt-ar up his
body as the Earl was passing over a bridge. This accident happened
three years before the marriage of his Daughter with the Earl of I>«w# ;
and as he died so iar North, it is very improbable that he should be
buried in Exeter, where he had little or no connexions^ but, accor<lii]g
•to>. Weaver, it was comxnon in those days for persons of eminent rank to
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
304 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP V I. Almost orer these ancient xnonumenti, is one of taiitgated
marble, lately erected : it is small, but ncfttly executed, and
records the following memento :
Mre. Ann To the Memory of Ann Buller, Widam of Willsam BuUcr,
Buller. Z>. D. late Bishop of Kxeter, mnd Dmugkter of John Thomas,
D. D. late Bishop 0/ Winchester. She died Aug. Mtk 1800,
Nearly opposite, is a square marble tablet, fixed on tiie
South wall, on which is as follows :
William To the Memory of William Norris, Estf. of Nonsuch, m the
Norris, Esq. County of Wilts, who diedJamuary 26tk, 1 794, m the JBthyear
of his atre*
Against the same wall, is a small but neat marble sarcopha-
gus, enriched with branches of cypress ^ on thefiront is this
inscription :
William Sacred to the Memory of William Corncck, Esq* who died €i
Corneck, ^^ascTons^ December 27 thfXWZ^ aged A^. Possessed of M^erai
^ • sentiments f all those who knew him^ deplored his loss* Hisfriendfy
disposition^ and exemplary life^ were singularly eonspicuouSp and
eorresponded with the courteous manner in which hefulJUled the du»
ties of a husband and a father. As a tribute due to his worthy thi$
Monument xras erected by his disconsolate Widow*
On the same wall are fixed two more small marble tablets,
on the first of which is inscribed :
R-v.G"orgc Rev. George Nutcombe, L. L. B. bom at Exeter, February
Ntitcumbc. 17//,, 1709; died there May 23d, 1799-
Mrs Hur- ^" ^^ ^^^^^ ' ^^^^sa the Wife if Henry Harford, Esq.
fwd. ^^^0 died at Exmouth, Noccmber 1 8M, 1 80^3, Aged 34 yearn*
On the East wall of the cliapel, the north side of the Libra-
ry, is a new erected monument of statuary marble, beauti*
fully executed ; consisting of a white marble altar, supported
by carved brackets, between which is a shidd, on which are
painted the arms of the defunct. On the altar is a female fi-
gure in a reclining posture, weeping over an Urn ; on the
back ground is an obelisk of black marble, shadowed on one
side by a laurel tree ; on the altar is this epitaph :
Gen. Bruce. To the Memon/ 0/ The Honourable Lieut. General Bruce,
Uncle of the Earl of Elgin, and Kincardine, Colonel of his Ma--
jvsty^H 1 6M Regiment of Foot j and Member in the late Parliament
for Marlborough, fl/?rft7i the present for Great Bedwin, both in
the County of Wilts; who departed this I ft December 12M,
J797.
hnvc monuments erected to their mcmorr, in different places, and pro-
bably this was erected by hi« Daughter after her marriage: the inscrip-
tion', which is now mostly obliterated, is not so ancient as the Uiodu-
- ment ; being written by Mr, Hooker^ about the reign of King Edmxfd 6 th ,
■6 appeals by the charactvr.
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THE CITY OF BXET£R. 305
1797, ^ged 58. Be xoas kasiemng U the ntiider parts ofDcron- CH\P.VI.
ahire, m ike hopes of restoring a constiiutian impaired h\f the op^
pressive dimates of the two Indies, when death arrested his pro^
gren in this City; where he closed an Honourable andjilusirious
iife^ tDom out in tie zealous service (^ his Couatrtf^ as a Citizen
msd aSoldkr.
Near theentraaoeof the Soutb aisle, is a small, but neat,
marble monument, fixed against the Choir wall, on which is
the following inscription :
Near this rest interred the rrmains Skvm!^r
of Thomas Sh/nner^ L, L. D. L. L. D.'
Successively Archdeacon of Tolnes,
and Prmcfntor of this Churchy
xohose honour and interests
he was always zealous to promote.
To the caUs ofclutrity or public spirit
hispurse was never shut*
At every place if duty
His attendance was regular and exemplary^
aivem when ill heaiih might have pleaded a dispensation*
To bis /nouses a munifasni henefactor :
The one he built from thegroundy
And addod to the armaments and conveniences of the other :
At lengthy lamented by ally
He closed a valuable life
In his 6lsi Yeary Aug. 7 thy I789.
Wear tliis is a tnoaaiaent of black and white marble, thus
inaeribed :
To the Memory of Charles Hawtrey, M, A, Sub-Dean y and claries
Can4tn^Residen£iary of this Churchy who died Sd May^ 1770, Hawtrcv
aged 85. As a Husdandy Parent, Mastery and Friend y he was A. M. Sub-
ufectionaiey tender y kind and true: extensive in his Charitj/ but £>can'
aecrat: a faitifai Minister of Jesus Christ: after a long and
melancholy iUnesSy borne wit^ the fortitude of a Christian y he was
releasedfrom this world, to reap the fruits qf his piety y in a better.
Opposite is a pkia mural monument of marble, bearing
this inscriptioa:
Underneath lieth the body of Dorothy, the Wife af Robert Dorothy
Beanet of Halmston, tit this County^ Gent, and Daughter o/*^-""^^-
EUl^^rard Bennet of Hexworthy in the County of Cornwall,
Es//* who died the lOth day of October, Anno Domini, 1736,
^tat. 34.
On the South wall of the Choir is a small plain mon ument,
with the following :
To the Mefnory of William Weston, Esq. youngest son of WiUiam
Stephen Weston, Bishop of lLxxXtr,nuiny years Captain of an ^Vo^ion,
Indiama;}y "1*
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306 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP VT . Tndiamun^ and at his death Registrar of this Diaeest. This mo*
"^■^^ nument is dedicated by Charles Weston , Prebendary of Durham,
Src. his Nephew Sr Exor. Oht. SOthJune^ 1773, jEtai. 62.
On a P^ar adjoining Bishop Cottcn^s monument, is one of
white marble, consisting of an oval tablet surrounded with
laurel leaves ; on the tablet is the bust of a Priest, beautifully
executed in relief: a mantle is suspended below with this
epitaph.
Edward Edvardus Cotton, S. T, p.
Coiton, Thesaurarius et unus e Canonicis
' Resident ariis^ Fiiius Guiieimi Cotton^
Prascentorisj Fi/ii Guiieimi Episcopi
Ifujus Eccltsite, In Argumento <S*
Genio suhtilis; Doclrina^ Pietate et
Charitate angelicus^ ad Damnum
Eccltii(St et ad Dolorem Amicorum^
Viz* omnium f obiit II Novemhris, Anna
Salutis 1675.
In the Chapel, on the North side of the Library, and a-
gainst the North wall, is a table monument of freestone, in
the under part of which lies the Statue of a Knight, completely
armed, and his legs crossed : on his shield are depicted the
Sir Peter ^rms of the ancient family of the Carews; and on the wall,
Carew. behind the Statue, Sir Peter Carew^ in characters, now almost
obliterated. Over him, on the table part of the monument,
' lie two other figures, the one ofan armed Knight, and the other
Car^?Md ^^ ^ Lady, representing Sir Gaxoen Carew y and his wife. The
Lady. inscription is very much mutilated, but this remnant remains:
Walter Dowrich ©/"Dowrich, Esq. married the onfy Sister of
this Sir — ***** knyghty under figured^ elder brother to the
— tcr Carew, knyght^ was slayne f On this monument are two
dates, one cut in stone, 1 589, the other in black paint, 1 58 1 .
On the East wall of this Chapel, is fixed a very clumsy
monument of freestone; on the base, is a coarse representa-
tion of a naked youth sleeping, surrounded by flowers, with
a hour glass at his feet ; above is a cofHn covered with a pall,
from wliich, angels are represented as in the act of convey iniij
the soul of the defunct, shrouded in a cloud, to happiness :
over the whole is this inscription :
BtaTrett "** ^^ ^^ memortf of Mrs. Elizabeth Barrett, the WtfeafJohn
Barrett, Gent, whose bodif is interred at the East end of Ladtf
Chappeli neere the high altar under a marbell stone.
For
t The* inscription originally was thus: Walter Dowrich <j/* Dow rich,
Msq. married the only sister oj this Sir Peter Carew, knyghty under Jif^v red ^
elder brother to the Lord Carew (^ Clopton : icAtcA Sir Fcter Care^v,
kntfghtf toot slojpie in Flanders.
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THE CITY OF IJXETER. 307
Par that the Eider Atrfdc's Chief C HAP VI .
JVo Pensittcan expresse to Ufe '
For lja\A^xnxA luckless hap
His Face a bhcke veile mat eworap
And for the graces here enshrid
Cannot hy ari^s QuUi6e defined
Ijoeherea Veile of sable Herse
Insteed of Comment ofaU verse
Cheat GreijSfS ds Graces are neeri one
They mknee both eaprtniim
Blad Souk who Angel' hods yet strive to raisi
Whe Angel* Togues father in thy due Praise*
Adjoining this, is a small monument of freestone, represent-
ing a young man in the act of praying : before him is an or-
gan, and behind him several musical Instruments; and over
his head are Cherubims appearing firom the Clouds : the in-
scription it partly obliterated; it was as follows : Matthew
Matthei Godwin Godwin.
Adoloscentispiif mitis^
Ingeniosiy Musicm Bacchalaurii :
Cathed* Cantuar : etETon: Archimusiei;
A^ternmMemorim postal G. M. Fr:
Vixit Annos 17, Menses 5,
Hinc ad Cashs migravii
12 Januarii 1586.
In this Chapel is another monument, fixed against a Pillar ;
it is of blue marble, partly gilt, and has the foUomng inscrip-
tion:
Memorial D,.. Bid-
Johannis Bidgoodf M* D. good.
Hac Civitate III, Id, Martii ntdi
*^ CIOIOCXXITI
Denatovero Idibus Jamutru cioiDCxc
S.
Quam si Artis Mediae
AngUcaniq: Nominis
t)ecus et Omamentum,
Si Hippoeralemy Galenum^
Istiusve Steculi ^sctUapium
Dixeris
Verectmde dixeris Viator,
Upon a tablet below this Epitaph, is as follows,
Hum : Bidgood Consanguineus
Et in lotum Assem Hteres institutus
Q q. Gratitudinis
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308
THE HISTORY OF
William
Langeton.
Sir John
GUberty&c.
CHAP. VI . GraHtudinis itiemm •
Hoc Ttstimonittm venerabundus
Posuit*
Near the centre of the Chapel , is a graTve stone, on which
is the portrait of a Priest, engraved and inlaid in Brais, with
a Bcroli issuing out of his mouth, bearing this inscription,
** Dne Jhu scdm actu meu noli mejudicari^** and on the stone
is this epitaph :
Hicjacii MagUter WiUius Langeton Consanguinats Magri
£di Stafford Exon Epi quond," Canonicus kujus Ecdrn^ Qui
obUt 2%^* Die Januarii Anno Dm ndUmo CCCC."* tertio decimo
CUJU8 Aninut ompe Deus* Amen,
In the Chapel on the South side of the Library, is an Altar
monument of Freestone without any inscription remaining ;
it was erected to the memory of Sir John Gilbert ^ Knighr,
and his Wife, (daughter of Sir Richard Chudieighy of AshtonJ
their effigies are represented laying at full length, side by side,
upon a bed of State, over which is a canopy supported by
pillars ; on the back are three shields, on the first of which,
are the arms of Gilbert^ on the second Giibert^s and Chud^
high's impaled, and on the third ChudUigh^s alone, f
Near this is a white marble monument, on which is a bust
finely executed ; underneath is thb short epitaph :
Edmund In
Davie. Mcmoriam Edmund! Davic,
Qtti Obiit 22 Januarii:
1692.
Against the South wall is a mausoleum, consisting of a
lofty plinth of freestone, on which is a very large white marble
pedestal, supporting two busts, the one of a Pnestin his gown
and band, the other of a Lady in a loose dress ; also an Angel
holding a medallion, on which is a profile bust of a youno;
woman, in basso relievo, around it is this inscription :
** Mearuniyheu! Dtdce DecuSyColumquf RertimJ^
The back part of the monument is of black marble, over
which is a pediment; and under the pediment are three
shields, charged with painted armorial bearings. On the
pedestal is this Inscription :
Hie placide in Chrisfo dormit
Martha Fursman :
Qu€B Paire orta Gasparo RadclifFe de Frankly n Arm.^
Matre autem lana Filia Salamonis Andrew de Lyme-Regis
Utrisq: Nataiibus Generosa;
Naia est 1 5 Die Mensis Maii A. D. 1688 ;
Sub
t This Sir John Gilbert^ was Knighted bj Queen Eliaheth in 1570,
and was Sheriff of Devon in 1574. I
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 309
Su6 henignis autempenetralibus Materterte sua: carissimm CHAP.VI .
Martha;^ Hcnrici Manaton Arm/* Uxaris et Vidua pientUdmm — —
E Patvula enutrita est : et amata fmtltum :
Hmres tandem ex asse ah Improle instituta
Viro Reverendo Johanni Fursman Clericoj A. M. Chancellor
1 8 Mail A.D, 1 72 i 9 nuptum data est : Fursman.
Et summo decore onmes Matrona Partes sustinebat :
Pia, ProSa, Casta, Verecunda, Recti Tenax, intemeratajide Sr
honore
In sodaiium Cansuetudine et CoUoguiis
Non morose silens; nee muiiebriter garnda :
Erat enim lililentus Risus, sermo rarus, Censura nuHa,
Formm porro Gratiot et Digmtati Ammam adjungebat candidam
et sinceram,
Ingenium Mite 4* Benevoiwn;
Prudentiam rerum agendarum scientem;
Et verendam quandam morum Crravitaietn ;
HihilieQe, nihil indecorum, nihil se indignum tolerantem*
Hie virtutibus exercitata
Proh dolor I Affectu convulsivo subito correpta,
4 D ie Mensis JuniiA. D, 1 7279 Gravida e vivis excessit !
Et triste sui Desiderium reliquit
Pauperibus, Amids, Cognatis, Maritoy et FUia uftiae,
Martha Fursman
Qum2SeptrMA.D. 17?3.' Nata
Virtutum Matris et Bonorum Hares ^
Variolisycheu Generemaximcpestiferis!quaminfeliciter!lectoaJprai
Morbum adgravascentem sensit non timuit
Et ingrueniem Mortem Animo pertulit,
Fortiy ErectOy et minime Pertubato;
Quali Innocentem, quali Christiauam decuit :
Et 23 die Octob. A.D. 1741 » Animampuram et incontaminatam
Deo redidit :
TJxori et Filia heu ! nimis propere abreptis !
Hoc monumentum superstts posuit
Johannes Fursman Eccl* Cathed,'* Exon CanceUarius;
Et cum lilarum Cineribus suos etiam adniisceri cupit :
Et una cum Diltctis Calestem ad Gloriamfeliciler resurgat,
Nunquam iterum Disjungendus* %
On the centre of the pediment is an Urn of white marble,
which during Mr, Fursman\ life time occupied the place
where his bust now stands ; but at his decease it was removed
to its present situation.
Qq2 A List of
} In this Chapel is a female Skeleton in a wooden box, which is
shown to the vulgar as that of a woman who was executed for the mur-
der of her bastard child : how it came to be placed here, we can get no
information ; but probably it was the property of Dr. VUvaine, and re-
moYed to the Church with his Library.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
310 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI. A LIST or
=== THE PRESENT DIGNITARIES, CHAPTER^
AMD
OTHER MEMBERS,
OF THIS ANCIENT AND VENERABLE FABRIC-
THE BISHaPWC. The Urd Bish(p, Joa« Kishbk,
L. (.. D. d^ed 1803.
VALUE.— Fim fruits, on the Kiag's Books, 5(W« Ycstrl/
Tenths, 50L Estimated fi^n^about 2000/.
THE DEANRY. Charlii? Talbot, B. D. 1805.
TALUE, — Endowed with thic gr^t tithes a^d patroxia^^ of
Cofyton Raitiffh, Bisla^'s Tavtofit Braunion^ Lankev^ and
Stvimbridge. First fruitsinthe King's Books, 158/. Vcarlj
tenths, 15/. 16». The King, Pgtipn.
DEAN ANp CHAPTER, as a Body.
VALUE. — First fruits, 1132/. 18*. \\\d. The Dean and
Chapter were returned, by the Commisaoners, teanp.
Henry StA^ to be worth in tempond possessions^ the clear
annual Sum of 1179/. i2(, lid.
COLLEGE or VICARS CHORAL.
VALUE. — First fruits, 20li/. Yearly tentbs, 20/. lQi».
iPRECENTOR. George Gobpon, B,D.Pieb. Canon^
and Precentor, 1789.
VALUE. — Endowed with th^ great tithes of PaignioH, ^nd
Chudleigh, in the King's Bopfes, 99/* 13*. 4d. Yearly
tenths, 9/. 19*. 4</.
CHANCELLOR. Nutcombe Nutcombe, L. L. B.
Preb. 1755, Chancellor of the Church, and Canon, 1757*
VALUE. — Endowed with the great tithes of Stoke GaMei, in
the County of Devon, and Nevfyfi, in Cormptdi: in the
King's Books, 99/. Yearly tenths, 5/. 18#.
ARCHDEACON of EXETER, the Bishof, Pezb.
Treasurer, and Canon, 1803.
VALUE.— The Treasurership is endowed with the great tithes
of ProiuSf in Cormoall, with several other Estates, in the
King's Books, 32/. 17*. ^d. Yearly tenths, 3/. 5f. 8}i/.
Archdeaconry of £j-e^€r. King's Books, 60/. 15*. lOtf.
Yearly tenths, 4/. 18*. Od.
ARCHDEACON of CORNWALL. Geo. Moore,
A. M. Preb. I769. Canon, 1775. A. D. 1788.
VALUE.— The King's Books, 50/^ &• b\d. Yearly tenths,
5/. 0*. 7j</. Archdeaconry
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 311
ARCHDEACON of TOTNES. Ralph Barnes, A. M. CHAP.vi.
Preb. 1769. Canon, 1772. A. D. 1775. ==:
Chancellor, Diocess, 1794.
Xhc Archdeaconry is rated in the Kmg's Books, 37/« 19^. 7d^
Yearly tenths, 3/. 15*. \\\d.
ARCHDEACON of BARNSTAPLE. Jonathan
Parker Fisher, B. D. A. D. 1805.
The Archdeaconry is endowed with the impropriation of
Ijynton^ and Couniu6wyf King's Books, 49/« Yearly
tenths, 4/. 18*.
SUB-DEAN. John Sturoes, L. L. D. Sub-Dean, 1 79^.
VALUE. — Endowed with the great tithes of EgloshaUe^ in
Cornwali, King's Books, 22/. 10* Yearly tenths, 21. 5s.
FIRST CANON. Thomas Heberdeen, B. D, 1778.
SECOND CANON. John Francis Howell, A. M.
1794.
THIRD CANON. Josefh Martin, A. M. 1796.
Twenty-four Prebendaries. King's Books, 4/. each, tenth of
each 8*. The annual income is now augmented to 20/. each.
James Carrington, L. L. B. 1775.
John Gandy, A. M. ----- 1777.
Richard Milles, A. M. - - - 1778.
JohnSwete, a. M. ----- - 1781.
William Carpenter, D. D. - 1785.
Sir H. Trelawney, Bart. A. M. 1789*
Walter KiTsoN, A. B. - - - - 179^»
Gilbert Burrington, A. M. 179B.
Edward Honey wood, L. L. D. 1799.
Edmund Gilbert, A. M. - - 1800.
John Robert Hall, A.M. - - 1802.
Charles Davie, A. M. - - - - 1805.
William Oznam, A. M. - - - 1803.
William Short, A.M.- - - - 1805.
Philip Fisher, D. D. - - - - - 1805.
LECTURERS.
William Stabback, A. B. - - 1799-
John Bradford, A. B. - - - - 1804.
CUSTOS AND COLLEGE of VICARS.
James Newcombe, A. B. Sub-
Treasurer, and Dean's Vicar • 1758.
Richard Eastcott, S. C. L. - 1775.
George Long, A. B. - - - - - 1775.
Edward Chave^ A. M. Custos 1799*
J Having
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81S TOE SISVOBT Dt
CHAP.VI . Hkviiig'fitiUhed<a d^icriftttbA d€llltt<}M6Mk i'AMprt^
' ceedto^^ i6me<accdtfilt'of'tboK'^laca, ttao0t ^HT^rth v of
notice, in theClbie of '5^ Pf^o* wkkk is cktra-^»roGhxaIy
«id*b'8o1fen0ttHifti«^d>'lrda its havmg been w t fMtt H fr6«l
the City by Walls and*GatA. TJit Walla «ie «o# demo-
lished, and Houses bulk ^m their sitr^ bnt die Gates are stiD
remaining.
The prind^l Cate is now caSed die iBroa^-gaies andently
St.idichad\ jfrom its liainttg th^sl^tUt di f^A Arckan^
bvercoming SfUan^ pladed in \ht interior front; \^is em-
bellishment is now rough mutilated. In the vauUihg oT'this
Oale is ^Uyed ^cgkdt' t^htodtf. Si. idartrh't-pate ap-
petfs formctly to havebMi 6tnamtotM With tradery; u
small pan ndW rnnams. LkA StUt is tM iini of otiha-
Aients. Tilt odier thiee Gktes» at {tesent* ba^ a lAHCan ap-
Ms^oe, and deserve no puticular^Atention, except for
flieir antiquity. , *
About the year 1750, another passjige was made into the
Od'se, thtoueh th^ City walH ^ich Mdcte a oonvenient
«iMiniie iiADi^^dni^>s and 'A tenbed ikt Nem CtU*
Within the incioBate is tW fikliDp *s Fakoe) tod residen-
tiarjrHouscsfcrthet)fan».Chanten Canons, kc. Thatpart
which is now termed the C^TiS^wd, was aildently the
general Cemetery, . ajid diouf nlf }»(itbien disusrd for that
purpose^ upwards of two CenHind^ human bones of the
ancient citizens are stdl discovered In ffjai numbeis wfaerevcr
there is an occasion for di|^ng» , \..
This yard was first ruled iround at &e expehceof the
Chamber* who granted one hunclrcd trees from Duryard'
Wood for that purpose^ in Uie year 1 65ir. It has* of W years,
been greatlv improved ; and railed out) in^paral^ divuioos,
well grayeUed, and planted with Elms in .various lows,
forming^sevcial pleasant and shady walks^f.
Among the UtQ improvementSi one in. parii^htf claims
observadon^ which i$tnejttdidousrcniova|^the Treasurer's
house; this extended /rpm the l4^ordi iWer q^uite across
the Church-yard, and entirely intercepted tlie view of the
Cathedral from the North tr&nsept. Eastward : by the re-
moval, St pleasing 'op6t)infr wks made, by which the whole
Northerb side was plresented to the vievi^, aUdiirhich now
forms a noble perspective of ancient Architecture. The part
which was formerly the gatden faabnging to the Treasury,
now forms a fine grass pkt phinted round with evermens,
and is separated mm the ancient part of the Churdi-yaxd
by iron pallisadoes> " The
t The whole of the Yard w» new giat^ed, alihs etpcnce oftkt
Chapter, this present year 18Q8.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 313
The South side of the Cathedral is so crowded with con- CHAP. VI .
tiguoiis buildings, that no near view can be taken but from r.r~II —
the Bishop's gardens. On this side is the Chapter house, a Hoiat/
large building founded by Bishop Lacey^ and finished in 1456
by Bishop NeoiU.
The inside of this edifice was embellished with a great
number of Statues, as appears by the niches still remaining;
but they fell a prey to puritanical superstition in the grand
rebelhou, when it was used as a stable for Soldiers' horses :
the outside is so closely surrounded by the Cloisters and
other buildings, that scarce any part is seen but the bat-
tlements.
In the front of the Chapter house are the Cloisters, forming
a small souare area, round which are houses for the Sub-
Chanter, Secondaries, Vergers, ^c. and a music-school (in
which is a small organ) for the instruction of the young cho-
risters ; this area was also a burying place, but has not been
used for many years; several of the grave-stones are still re-
maining; it is planted with rows of Elm trees ; and through
it is the passage by the South door into the Church ; these
Cloisters are an assemblage of ancient and modern architec-
ture, and appears to have been formerly more extensive. Near
the West fi'ontofthe Cathedral, is the College of choral- Vi-
cars ; § consisting of four Priest and eight Lay-Brothers, who
have each of them a convenient house ; they formerly lived in
common together, for which purpose, they had a commoa
Kitchen, and Hall, both of which are now remaining ; the
Kitchen is at this time a public house, (called the College
Kitchen ,) the Hall is large and commodious, neatly wainscot-
ed, and on the pannels are the arms and portraits of their be-
nefactors ; on one side of this Hall is a music-gallery ; the
Gate-house of the College is a strong stone building, in the
front of which, are the arms of England^ and Franccy quarter-
ly ; and under them are the arms of Bishop Oldham^ supported
by two Angels. Adjoininj^ to this Gate-house, is an ancient
building, in which the Hegistrar's office, for the Arch-
deaconry of Exeter is held.
The Bishop's palace adjoins the South East part of the Bishop's
Cathedral ; and though not a regular, is a very extensive and Palace,
commodious house ; it has a neat Chapel, and several elegant
apartments, in one of which is an ancient and curious chim-
ney piece, embellished with carving in the Gothic taste, it
Was erected by Bishop Courtenay^ as appears by his arms
still
^This College was formerly termed the Calendar-hajfy and the Gate-
house with some other parts of the huildings, was rebuilt by John Rjfse^
Treasurer of the Church, in the year 1529.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
S14 THB RI8TOBT 09
CHAP VT . still remaining upon it: tke gwdent are large, contaiiiing
•*■*—• upwards of two acres, bordered on one side bf the City ijralls,
on which is a tenrace, oommanding a pleasant view of the
neighbouring conntry; on this terrace fits present Majesty
with his Royal Consort and Daughters (in dieir late visit to
this City) walked for some time» and gready adohired the
beaudes of the surrounding scene; * the palaice and gardens
have been gready improved of late years, particularly by
Biikap Kippti; who intended to have done much more, if
death had not prevented him. There is a private cover*
cd passage from the pabce to the Church, for the coaveni-
ency of the Bishop and his Family.
TheDeuiy The Deanry (which was originally a house of Nuns of the
order of Si. Augu^ineJ adjoins the College : it was gready
ruinated during the cival wars, being set out to mean tenants ;
but on the appointment of Dr. €korg€ Carty to the Deanry
Anno 1665, ne caused it to be thfou^ly repaired and beao'-
tified, and it has since been farther improved by succeeding
Deans, particularly by Dean (afterwards Bishop) Bullet, in
such a manner as to render it not nnworthy of the habitation
of Princes. The gardens are not extensive, but are well laid
out, and planted with trees : here his MajcMy, during his
short stay, enjoyed ha usual practice of very ead^ and
salutary walking.
TheChan> '^^^ Chantry is a very ancient and roomy house, entirely
tiy. surrounded by other buildings, and no part of it is to be seen
except the entiance, which Itts a modern frontispiece.
Chancellor*! The Chancellor's hoose stands Eastward of the Cathe-
and other dral : it is a neat brick building with its front fo a [feasant
*^ garden that leads to the City wall, on which is a tenaoe : this
house was rebuilt about the year 1740 by the Ret. Ckmtedkr
Fm-ttnmm. The other Remdeatiary houses (several of which
have been rebuilt, or modernised) are roomy and oonveni-
ent, and have pleasant gardens.
MoTi Cq^ Within the close zxt, many genteel private houses ; and at
'^ "^ the upper end is a very ancient Coffee-house naoMd Mci **, f
from its first proprietor, an Italum of that name : it is re^
gularly supplied vrith Newspapers and other perio<fical pub-
lications
* The penpodivfr beauties of Uiis walk are greatly destioyed by the
new buildinp erected on SouiXemhay.
t Anthony Wood in his AiHen. OmS, sayt that the first Co(fte*ho\i9e
opened in CS^fhrd^ watin ttie-yev, l'656y by a Jew, named CitputJo6toit^
who afterwvds removed to London, and opened one in SouiAaiyrton
BuUdmgt. From the accounts that can be gathered, Mol'i was efta-
Umhed prior to th&Sy. whidtia vei^ probable, as tiU ve^ htaly there was
a pedime&ttoverthedMrway, on which was canredtba ansa of Qneea
SdmOfih, with the initials £. R^SMlths dile^ IW*
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 315
KcationSy and is frequented by Gentlemen of the first dlsr CHAP. VI .
tinction in the Citjrand Country. — —
Adjoining S/. Cathanne^s (anciently Berkly) Gate is an St. Catlw*
Alms-honse for twelve poor women » under the patronaore of ruie% Ainu
the Dean and Chapter; these houses were founded by JoAn *><>">•»•
Stevenif D. D* Canon Residentiary of the Cathedral, who
cndovred them with seventeen shilhngs and four-pence year-
ly ; * but this small stipend is increased by the bounty of
the Chapter: there is a small Chapel belonging to this
house, which has a Bell still remaining, f There have been Benefactmt
several other Benefactors to these houses, viz. The Rev. to this Alms
WlUiam Heme, Rector of St. Petrock's in this City, by his >«*"*»•
last Will and Testament, dated 10th April, 4th of Elizabeth^
anno 1 562 ; gave to the Mayor, BailifB and Commonalty of
Exeter^ the sum of 166/. is. in consideration of their paying
weekly, to the poor of this house, thirtecn-pence ; and for
other purposes as will be hereafter mentioned. Robert HaU^
D. D. Treasurer of the Cathedral, by his last Will and Tes-
tament dated 25th April, 1667 ; bequeathed the sum of Tea
Pounds per annum to be paid quarterly in equal portions,
Edward jotmgf D. D. sometime Dean of this Cathedral, by
his last Will and Testament, dated 6th June, 1663; be-
queathed the sum of 250/. to be psud, at farthest, within two
years after bis death, towards tne purchasing of Lands m
Fee-Simple, or a rent charge; to the amount of twelve
pounds per annum ; of which forty shillings a year he direc-
ted (by his said Will) should be paid to the poor of St,
CaiAarint*s alms-house; forty shillmgs to the Choristers of
the Cathedral ; and twenty shillings a year to the prisoners in
the Gaol near the Castle ; to be distributed by the Dean of
Exeter (for the time being) annually on the 29th May, in
commemoration of the happy Restoration of Monarchy on
that day.
Dr. Hall was also a great Benefactor to the Cathedral, and
Precinct of S/. Peter^ as appears bv an £xtract from his Will :
first, he bequeathed in trust to the Dean and Chapter 200/.
to be paid within six months after his decease ; the interest
whereof to be appropriated for ever^ to the binding forth
R r Apprentices,
* This donation of 17f . Ad. per annum, was confirmed hj a decree of
Chancery, in Trinity term, 6th July, 1633, the 9th of Charles 1st.
t These Alms houses with the^CoiMlry kmuej public house adjoining^
tre the remains of a Benedictine nunnery ; but by whom founded, or
when disBoWed, is not mentioned in the Notiiia of Mr. Tanner \ there is
still great part of this ancient structure remaining, particularly the Cha-
pel, which is almost entire, with its vaulted roof; and underneath is a
stone crypte, this Chapel has long been desecrated, and has of late yean«
been occupied as a Carpentefs workshop.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
M6 THB HISTORY Of
CHAP .V| . Apprentijce^, apchnoor cWdren, born widiUi ibe saud Ook,
a^ the Dean and Cnaptcr should approve of. Secondly, he
gave 1 ^0/. toward9 purchasing a new set of haagingB for the
further embelli&hmeDt of the Choir of the Cathedral Church.
Thirdly, he bequeathed sixty Folio and forty Qiwto Vo>
lumes of Books ; tq h^ selected from his Libnuics io Exdur
and Clisthidon^ by (and at the choice of) the dien Oean ^
Chapter; which Books were to be kept chiaiieid in the
Library of the Cathedraiy and vftvt not to be lent, or remor*
ed without sufficient security for the speedy jceturnin^" of the
sanf^e, given to the Treasurer of the said Church for ue time
being. Fouctbly^ he gave to the i^ Church ki3 doable
silver gilt Bason and £wcr of Nwanb^gwrk, to be nude
use of for the adorning the Comovunion Table in tbe Choir,
and not to be exposed to any private use or employment
whatever. Besides these he also left the followiofl beoefK*
tions. To the poor of Es^ter twenty pounds. 1 o the two
Vergers of the Cathedral five pounds n»t^p To the Bell
toller fifty shUliAgs* To fifly decayecl tradesmen of the said
City one, pound each. , And to the l>ea#a und Chapter tea
boui^ds to purchase Rings as a amaU teadpaony of his affec-
tion for thenrt.
Number of . In the clo^ or precinct of SU PeUr^ iMsa>rding to the late
inhabitants returns inade by order of Government in the year 1800;
in theClose. there were 108 houses inhabited by 1 14Fa0iiiie8» amountiog
to 571 inhabitants: at the same time there were six houses
uninhabited in the said precinct*
I shall next proceed in the Parochiai Description: and
begin with that of St» Mattma^ which is oontiguons to &.
Peter Sf Close, and in the sanc^ Ward (or Quutor) of the
City.
StMartin's. This Church, which as well as the Parish is botsmall, b
dedicated to Martin^ Bishop of Tours in France; there is no
account of the time of its first erection ; but it is probable
that it was after the Norman conquest, from ita being dedica-
ted to a Gallic Saint. The earliest account we have of it is iuthe
year 1^^2, when the Parishes in this City were regulated.
The Church (as before observed) is small, consisting of t
K^ve, and small Chancel, \^ith a recess under the tower,
forming a small aisle : the Chancel is separated from tbe
Nave by a handsome Gothic screen : the pulpit (which has
been newly erected) is a specimen of neat workmanship, and
the Church is well seated, and kept in good repair : the tower
is pretty lofty, and surmounted with a gilt vane ; it contains
one Bell, of a deep note, and which is easily distinguished by
its sound, from every other Bell in the City : the tower seems
to
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
TH» Ci*P* Ot EkfitER. 517
to hare been erected miicc the period abovc-mtntioned, as an CUAT.xt
addeitdttm to thfcCh«fch,its#cite not being witbin the bounds ^
of the Parish, but in the Precinct of the Close ; the Parishioners
paying a small annual acknowledgment to the Dean and
Chapter » of 4<f. for its standing on Sieir land. The monu«
ments and inscriptions within me Church are as follow :
On the South side, near the Altar^ is a small, neatmonu-
m^nty to the memory of IViHiafn Holwell^ M, D. (who died
23 June, 1707) with others of his Family.
On the North side is a lai^e heavy raomnment rudely cxtf-
cutedy to the memory of WtUiam tfooper. Merchant of this
City« who died 3d Dec. 1715. He was the Founder of
several charities in this City.
Behind this Church are the remains of a small Chapel, noi^
converted into a Malt house* I'his Rectory is in the gift of
the Dean andCbapter, valued in the King's books, at eight
pounds, fourteen shillings and nine-pence half-penny ; cer-
tified value ! 5/. Rector, the Rcv. James Carrhtgton.
The only House worthy notice in this Parish is, the BofeL
a large and commodious Inn, v^ith elegant apartments and HoteL
accommodation for people of the first Quali^, with a large
assembly-room, in which are held the Assite Balls, Concerts,
and Winter assemblies, of the most distinguished persons of
the City and County. In the fVont is a neat CofFee^ronm :
the situation of the Hotel is very pleasant, as it opens to \ht
Parade, and commands a noble view of the Cathedral.
Adjoining the Hotdh the Exeier Bank, tdbe oldest establish-
ed Banking House in this City, under the firm of Sir John
Dttntze^ Bart. Sanders t HamiHon^ A Co.
At the late return of the inhabitants of this City, there
were forty-five inhabited and five uninhabited houses ill
this Parish, in which were resident fifty-one Families,
consisting of one hundred and forty nine Males, and one
hundred and sixty-one Females ; in the whole three hundred
and ten inhabitants.
As the Parish oiSt. Panrrns half been held, for many years', St. Pancras,
in Commendam with that of *SV. Marfin^s, it will be proper
(though it is not in the same Ward) to continue the descrip-
tion, vtdth an account of that Church, kx:,
Jt is dedicated to Pancrasiusj a British Sarnt, and bears
evident marks of great antiquity ; but when, or by whom
built, we have no account, ft is a rcrv small and plalri
building, forty-six feet six inches in lengtn, and sixteen feet
in breadth : it is not decorated with any of these grotesque or-
naments, so common among our Saxon anccstcnrs, in'th<iit
ecclesiastical buildings ; or with armorial shields so much
K r 2 ui>cd
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
318 THB HISTORY OF
(
CHAP.VL used bj the Normans. The interior is dark and gloonij,
X conii8tin|; of a Nave and Chancel, the latter only is seated;
the Pulpit and Font are very old. As no use is now made
of this Church, excepting as a Cemetery for a few ftmilics,
it is consequently veiy much neglected, and may soon be dc-
secrated«
It has no Campanile, its only Bell is hung in a tnrrctcd
arch at the West end of the Church : it is a Rectory, in the
gift of the Dean and Chapter, and valued in the King's
books at 4/. 15#« 4i/. per annum, certified value 5L
In this Pariah is the Guildhall, an ancient structure, the
The GuiUU Front of which projects into the High-street, and is a jumble
ImU. of ancient and modem architecture, supported by Moorstone
columns.
Over the Vestibule, is a capacious room, in which the
Chamber, and principal Citi^ns, on occawonal events, en-
joy their convivial meetings, and drink in bumpers of Wine,
n^th and prosperity to me King, Royal Family, &c. In
this room the Grand Jury hold their Inquests at tne Assizes,
Quarter Snsions, &c. Over this are other apartments, in
which, some years since, was a quantity of ancient armour,
with a number of Matchlock-Musquets, &c. but these
rooms serve now, as repositories for the plans of the Estates,
writings, &c. belonging to the Chamber; and which are re-
l^ulated with great order. From the balustrated I..ead8 there
18 a fine prospect, and on the summit of all is a turret, in
which is a Bell, to give notice of the opening the Mayor's
Court, and to alarm the Citizens in case of fire, &c.
Behind the Grand jury room is the Council Chamber,
where the Members of the Common Council hold their
meetings, and deliberate together in private*
The Common hall is spacious: at the upper end is the
Court of Hustings, with elevated seats for tne Ma]por, Jus-
tices, &c. and sdleries for the Grand, and Petty juries. The
arched roof is lofVy, with a single span, after tne manner of
Westminster Half, and supported by grotesque figures of
beasts, in lieu of brackets : from the centre nangs a large
brass chandelier, over which is a ventilator*
On each side of the Hall is a Wainscot Press, carved and
partly gilt : that on the right hand containing a fine whole
lengtn portrait of his late Majesty King George 2// painted ,
and presented to the Chamber, hj Mr. Hudson , a native 6f
this City ; the opposite press contains a similar portrait of the
Princess Henrietta Mario ^ (who was born in Bedford House in
this City) Daughter of King Cluuies 1st, painted by the ccle-
brateJ
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXETER. 319
bnted Frnntfyke, and a present to the City froirt her brother, CHAP.VL
Charles Srf; over the Sheriff's seat, is a fine whole length
portrait of John Tuckfieldf Esq. (who for many years repre-
sented this City in Parliament) whose upright conduct as a
Senator, and philanthropic disposition, justly merited
the esteem of the Citizens of Exeter: opposite the hustings,
against the wall of the Council Chamber, are three more ele-
gant fill! length portraits, in superb gilt frames; the central
one is that of Sir Charles Pratt, Lord Chief Justice of the
Court of Common Pleas, (afterwards created Earl of Camden J
who immortalized his name, by his final decision of the ille-
gality^ of general warrants, which secured to the subject, the
blessings of liberty, and put a stop to the arbitrary proceedings
of men in power ; this picture was a present to tne City, by
John RolUJViditry Esq. one of its RepresentatiTcs in Parlia-
ment. The portrait on the right hand of this, is General Mank^
(afterwards Duke oiAlbermarle^J who had so great a share in
the restoration of Monarchy, and of our present happy
established Government, both in Church and State, after they
had been overthrown by civil discord, and designing men, for
many years ; this picture wzb painted by Vandyke. The other
on the left, is the portrait of Benjamin Heath, Esq. Barrister
at Law, (Father ot the present Judge Heathy) and Town Clerk
of this City, who greatly exerted himself in procuring the
repeal of the Act of Parliament, for laying a very heavy impost
on Cider, (as already related,) in return for this, the Cham-
ber out of gratitude to his merit, caused the painting to be
placed here. Over these paintings is a projecting canopy, to
which is afifixed a large green curtain, which when drawn up
forms a festoon of drapery, and has a pleasina effect ; when
let down, it effectually covers and preserves tncm, fron\the
dast and damp air. The Hall is wainscoted round with carv-
ed mouldings and brackets, and m the cornice are regularly
arranged, a number of small shields, on which are painted,
the arms of the different incorporated trades, &c. Behind the
Hall, are two dark and gloomy prisons, (termed the Back^'
grate, J used for the confinement of ofi'enders, before their fi-
nal examination, and commitment to Southgate; over those
Cells, is a large and capacious cistern lined with lead, that
will contain several hundred hogsheads of water, designed as
a reservoir in case of accidental fires.
According to tradition, the ancient Prff/or/um of this City, .
was situated in fTater-heare^street, where an ancient Saxon QuydbaU.
building was lately standing, and which for its spaciousness,
seemed to have been erected for some public purposes, but
from the style of the architecture, does not seem probable that
it
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
320 THE HI8T<«T OF
CHAP. VI . it was designed for a rdigious ttse. The origin 6f the
■ preseot Guiidhall, was a Chapel dedicated to Su George; bat
of tb« time when it was appropriated to its present use, faisto
rj is silent. The iirst mention we have of it, is in the
year 1 330, in the Mayoralty of Marfm Lekenn^ when it was
rebuilt, and probably about this period we may date itsfint
appropriation for Judicial purposes* In the year 1464, this
structure becoming ruinons, it wasi^ain rebuilt; and in die
year 1 484, the front part and Councu chamber were rebuilt.
In 1556, the Council chamber was wainscoted. la
15769 the Court of Hustings was newly erected, with ekra-
ted seats for the Mayor, Justices, &c. and two years after, the
whole was new ceiled and glaa^di and the pump erected io
the front. In the year 1693, the whole of the front was re*
built : some few years since, the roof was plaistered witbinstde,
and in 1802, the Hustings were greatly improved, and a new
gallery built, for the better accommodation of the Petty
Jury.
Li this small Parish are thirty-five houses^ containing fifty*
three families, numbering ninety^Uiree Males, and one
hundred and thirty-eight Females, in the whole two hundred
•nd thirty-one.
The next adjoining Parish to St. Martin* s^ is St. Stephen* t^
phMiT dedicated to the Proto Martyr : it is a handsome, Gothic
building, consisting of a nav^, one aisle, a chancel, and loBg
gallery : it is light, roomy, well seated, and kept in good re-
pair. .The Chancel is erected on an arch, which crosses the
adjoining lane, called St. Sttpken*8 bow; consequently it is
above the floorof the Church, and is ascended by a flight of
steps. I'he Altar-piece is very neat, and from its elevated
situation, has a pleasing effect. At the West end is a lofty
tower, in which are three small bells. The time of erecting
the old Church, is not recorded, but that it was built before
the conquest, is evident, from its being given by the Nerman
Conqueror , to Wiiiiam Warlewfttt Bishop of this Diocess, and
it has been held ever since as a Barony, by the succeeding
Bishops. In 1222 it is mentioned as one of the regulated
parishes of this City.
The ancient Church becoming ruinous, the present cdificei
was raised about the year 1665, the expences of which where
partly defrayed by donations, and partly by subscriptions
from the Parishioners. In the Church are the fallowing
monuments.
On the North wall is a large marble inonument to the me*
mory of Thomai BMhoe^ Esq. and several of his Family. He
died in 17^3.
On
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE crrr of exbter. 321
On the South wall, is one to the Memory of Mr. George CH\P v r.
Potter^ Merchant and Alderman of this City, and a great ' *
benefiictor towards the building of the Church. He died in
1667.
There is anoth^ to the Memory of James Rodd^ of Bedford
house, Esq. who died in 1678.
The liTing is valued in the King's book at 7A 17«« 3|^/.
certified value 26/. The present Rector is the Rev, Jaine*
Shnmona.
An annual rent is paid to the Prince of Wales^ for the
bow's encroachment over the Street.
The following donations have at different times been given
to this Church an d Pa rish .
• Tkonuu Bridgman of this City, Gent. Son of Arthur Bridge
man (sometime Registrar of the Arc/tdeaconty of EseteryJ a-
mong other charities, bequeathed 30/. for the better support
of this Church.
AmeLaidy Clifford^ Conn tcss Dowager of Pei»3ro>te, Dorset ^
and Montgomery^ Baroness Clifford oifVestmorelandy Lady of
the Manor oiSkipionm Craven^ and only Daughter and Hei-
ress of the Right Hon. George, Earl ot Cumberland, by her
deed indented, dated 30th December, 6 Charles td. Anno
1654, in memory of her Mother the Lady Margaret Russeli,
Countess Dowager of Cutnberland, (who was the youngest
Daughter of the Ri^ht Hon. Francis Russell, the Sd Earl of
fo^t/ of that Family,) born in Bedford House in this City,
and baptized in this Church, July 9th 1566; did grant and-
onftoiFthe Right Hon. WiUiam RusseU, Earl of Bedford, the
then Mayor oiExettr, and eleven persons more as Feoffees with
one close of Land, Meadow, or Pksture, with the appurte-
nances, lying in the Parish of St, SidxDeWs, near St. Ann*s
Chapel, containing by estimation, four acres and half, and
then of the yearly value of twelve pounds (or thereabouts,) to
have and to hold the said close of Land with the appurtenari-
ces, unto the said Feoffees, their Heirs, and Assigns for eVer ; f
upon special trust and confidence, nevertheless that the sum
of Ten Pounds yearly out of the same, should be for ever
raised and disposed of, for the putting out and placing fin the
ymy of an Apprentice, in some honest trade or course of living,)
yearly to the World* send, one poor Child, Boy or Girl, born
and residing within the said Parish of St. Stcphen^s (being
such a one as shall be found to be destitute of other means of
Worldly preferment, and to setand most in need of a charita-
ble provision) to be approved by the said Countess Dowager,
4unng her life, and after her decease, by the Right Hon.
WiUiam^
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
322 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI . WiUUm^ Earl of Bedford^ and hi^ hein, and the IfCajror of
' the said City for the time being, and bis successors* upon the
recomraendation of the Minister and Churchwardeoa of the
Parish, for the time being, and their successors : and upon
further trust, that when ei^ht of the Trustees shall be dead,
the surviving Trustees shaU convey over the premises to ten
other persons oi good north and reputation, inhabiting within
Devon and Exeter ^ to be nominated by the said Countess and
her Heirs for ever ; to the end that the good intentionsof the
said Countess niay be observed and performed, touching this
said pious and charitable use for ever, i
Georse Pottery Esq. (late Alderman of this City) by his
last Will and TesUment, dated 4th March, 1662, devised as
follows : Whereas, Thonm Bridgman, Gent, (my near kins-
man,) gave the sum of 100 marlu, lawful money ofEngknd^
to be laid out and bestowed in a monument, and for the re«
paration of St. Stephen^ s Church in the said City ; in lieu
thereof, I give towards the new building of S/. Stephen a
Church aforesaid, the sum of Fioe hundred Pounds^ of like
lawful money, to be paid within the space of three years after
my decease, as the said work shall be set onward and be per-
fected. Also I ^ive my Dwelling-house, wherein Afr« Le*
now resides in this City aforesaid, for a perpetual habitation
for the Incumbent of S^ Stephen^ s Church aforesaid, succes-
sively from one to another, and in the vacancy to remain in
the hands of the Churchwardens for the. time being,
and thev to be accountable to the next succeeding Minis-
ter for the proceeds, and profits which shall out of the same
arise. §
John King some time a Merchant in Exeter ^ by his last
Will, &c, (among other benefactions to this City) dated 1st
June, 1672; bequeathed to the Churchwardens of the
Poor of the Parish of St. Stephen* s in Eson and their suc-
cessors
X This Charitable donation is now inTested in the power of the Parish
Feoffees, and the Field is at present held by Idase by Mr. Carter^ Uphol-
sterer of the said Parish, at more than double its former rent ; yet not-
withstanding the great inhancement of the value of the I<and, and the
care of the present Trustees ; by the great advances in the l^iret. Poors
Rati', and Tithes, the neat income is not sufficient to fulfil the pious in-
tention of the Donor; this present year, the Trustees caas,*d a number of
large Elms which grew in the hedges surrounding this <ield, to be felled,
and sold, which produced a considerable sum of money ; this they in-
tended to apply to the use of the charity, and to pilant a number of others
in their room.
§ Thii house is situated in Kvng^s '^tley. Is very small, and unfit for
a genteel residence, therefore it is never occupied by the Minister, but
by the Parish Clerk, who rents it of him.
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TH* CITV OF EXETER. 323
cessors tbe sum of 1 ^5/. to be lent on good security, or laid o«t C HAP. VI .
in the purchase of lands or lease, and the profits and increase — — —
therepf by them and their successors for ever, hereafter to be
employed a^d disposed of in manner (olio wing : that is to
say , the stfra often shillings to be paid to the Vicar of the said
Parish for the time being, for such preparation Sermon by
him to'-be preached in the said Church of St. Stephen in order
to the Sacrament, every last Saturdar/ in the month, aS is now
usually at Piym^uth, and for thirteen months in the year, and
in defduit of the said Vicar not preaching at any time or
times hereafter on such Safurdar/i my Will and meaning is,
that the said sum of ten shillings shall be paid unto any other
lawfully authoriaed Minister, which the said Vicar for the
time being, or tbe Parishioners of the said Parish shall appoint^
or procure to preach such sermon or sermons, for each ser-
mon which such other Minister shall preach as aforesaid,
and the overplus of the profits of the same sum of 125'. at six
per cent, per annum, being twenty shillings, my Will is, that
twelve shillings thereof shall yearly be paid to the Cterk of
the said Parish, and the eight shillings residue to the Sexton for
the time being, for their attendance on the said Vicar or Mi-
nister to preach as aforesaid ; my farther meaning is, that
when, or as often, as there shall be default or nefject in preach-
ing, in any month hereafter, in such manner before expressed,
the said sum of ten shillings for every neglect or dt faulty shall
be given and bestowed on the /?<?or of the said Parish, or to any
good ttjre which the Churchwardens or any other substantial
householders, and Parishioners, shall think fit and direct for
the tt^ffof the said Parish.
On the late survey, there were in this Parish 6l inhabited,
and 2 uninhabited houses, containing 74 families, numbering
184 males* and 297 females; in all 481 inhabitants.
Adjoiciingtfae Parish of i$^/. Stephen^ is the extra-parochial Bedfbid .
Precinct of Bedfardy occupying all the land formerly belong- Precinct,
ing to the Monastenr of Benedictine (or Black) Monks;
which was founded by one of the Abbots of Tavistock^ to
which it was a cell. It was a lar^e and sumptuous build-
ing, and had elefl;ant apartments for the accommodation of
the Lordly Abbots of Tarir^ocX*, whenever they came toEre^
ter: there was also a fine Church and large cemetery. At
the dissolution, it was granted (together with the Abbey of
Tavistock J to John Lord Ru8$elf afterwards created Earl of
Bedford; and from the Earls and Dukes often residing
here, it received the name of Bedford House ^ but of late years
it was much Aeglectcd by that Family, and divided into seve*
ral Tenements; in the year 1/80 the ancient house, with
S s greatt
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9U
TKK HIStORT OP
CrctceDt.
Theitra.
CHAPVI. «Kat part of the gardeni, mm let on a Mldkig ieaie to A^.
''''''**^ Ktf^ertf StribUng^ «a emiDCDt builder of EtSer^ who de-
molished the old remams» and erected a handsome, nailuraa
Crescent, * ooosistini^ of foarteen geateel hottses. lo the
front is a large circular area, surrounded with iion rails, wich-
in which is a circular gravel walk borderusg a level gvsas plat,
which is planted irreguUrlj with trees : in the centre of tlse
bttildine is placed an ancient tablet, (taken from the fiNiot o£
the old House) oo which is carved in relief, the armorial beur-
iags of the Noble House of lUfw/, quartered with sevcEul
coats of arms, supported by two Angels. Behind the hofmcm
are Mews consisting of Subles and Coach houses; every
house having a passage through the garden.
On the erection of the Crescent, a fine avenue was made to
it, with the Chamber's consent, by taking down part of the
City walls, and making a new road across the Faue aa<l
On the ri^t hand of this road, just without the waUs, (not
in the precinct of Bedford^ but in the Parish of St. DmddJ
was erected some few years since, a neat and convenient
Theatre, of Brick, with Stone copings : in the front ia a
Colonade, supported by Twcan Columns, and over the Co-
lonadeisaStone escut^eon on which are carved in relievo
the City arms.
In this Precinct, are 17 houses, inhabited by 17 Families,
consisting of 45 Males, and 71 Females, in all 1 iSInhahitanf,
Allhtllows, To the Parish of St. Stephen is annexed that of AiikmUeos^
GoUimith*t GoidsmHh' ^treet^, vrhich is dedicated ^ all the Sainta. The
Church is small and gloomy, and not being made use of, is
consequentlv dirty, and in bad repair within : k consists of a
Nave, whicD extends itself under the Tower, and is 41 leet in
length, and £0 in breadth ; a small Chancel 15 feet by 12 : it
has no gallery ; the tower is low, and has only one bell ; the
Pulpit, Font, and Altar are very ancient, and the whole
Churdi bears the mark of great antiquity, but of the time of
its erection, we are left in darkness; the first mention that is
made of it is in the vear 1222, when it was regulated as one
of the Parish Churches of Exeter*^ but since mt reformation ,
* . the Parish being ver^ small and private Masses, &c. (that
mint of Papal superstition) abolished, the income is too small
to maintain an incumbent ; it is valued in the King's Books
at 6/. 4f • 7d. per annum, certified value \%l. andthe presenta-
tion
* According to the ofiginal plan, 14 more houses were to have been
erected on the opposite side, which would have formed a complete
Circus : butthis side is at piesent occupied by a few old buildings. Sta-
bles^ &c.
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THE CITT or SXETSB. 5^5
tion k in tke gifVof tke Dean and CfanpCer. In tfacFtepd CHAP^I;
tiiD«8 there waa an Image of the BicaKd Virgin, before whom ■ "
candles were kept perpetnallj burning: the expences of
-which were defrayed by an Eitate near Dwyard^ appro-
priated for thaipoi^iose : this Image was much resorted to by
the superstitious, and broeght great profits to the Rector; it
was destroyed at the refotmation. In this Church the only
monumental inscriptions worth preserving are the foliowiog s
On theleftiiand against the ^ndl of the Chancel, is a monu-
ment of white marUe, consisting of a square Tablet, sur-
rounded with Festoons of Flowers and underneath are two
hirman sculb conjoined with Bat's wings; on the top is a
Shield, on which are painted, in a loaenge, die Lady's arms ;
the -vi^iole of the carving is executed in a masterly manner, and
oe the Tablet is diis inscription :
JLovcday, ike DtmghUr ^f Christopher BcUett, fl^Oe of
Bochim m the County of Cornwall^ Esq. fy Bridget tin
Daughter of William Fendarves, (of Roscrow m the said
CmmiyJ Esq* fyu buried neer ihispUtoCf She died in this City
ihel^hdayoj Sepiemher^ A. D.lin^tfihe^aU pox. A
diatemper so remarJMfyfutai to her family ^ thai no less than Four
qf her Siiiers died of it m the months rfFehruary and March,
1 7 IS, in the Boroughs efPemyn, andFowey,in Camwaii,afnT^
smid.
Adjoining this is a (dain white marble oval tablet, and over
it a shidd, on which are painted the arms of Hek, and Btiktt
impaled ; on the tablet is this inscription :
I^tar this pkee iieth Bridget, the Wife of Sampson Hele,
t^ikio City, Sister to Loveday Beilett, &c. as set forth in the
adfosnmg monument, who also died of that fatal distemper the
smaUpoM, the lOth June, 1719*
On a plain tablet against the North wall is the following :
Underneath Iieth the Body tf Mr. Thomas Cornish, teho de^
parted this life 4th August, 1759» cged 47- 1
On a fiat stone, in the aisle, just below the Chaacel, is this
Epitaph:
Sere Iieth the Body ofThomas Westlake, Gent, who departed
this life thirUday of Jan. A. D. 1666. t
Zenas secundus nouerint universi suum
Nactus quietus est iite tt tumultujvri
Obdormii intus ulla ntm excitavdus tuba
Hijudiciesuprani quam exaudiet hilarif
S %^ Vixit
t This Mr. Comiih vas a Member of the Common Council of thi?
City, and died in the year of his Sheriffalty.
I This Gentktnan ivas an anccblor of the present Mr, dtdemiftn
Westhke,
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326 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP.Vr . yifif Mariiui Genifor potromu domiitui
'~'"""~" Ftdus^m amicus Cmifugi rnUis CliefUihus
SiTcit ioni$q.€mftiAw vixJienJus satis abi
Nunc lector et dehinc Causidicis ma^ fare.
' Utre miso iietk the Body of Mary Westiake, ReUei qf Thos.
yftMX\9\i^^whoditdth€i%ihAugusU 166^*
Here vith her Husband Ues a SmnU W'ifi » hkAgr^
The world cmn hardly boast of such another ;
Her kno/wkdfte *bove her sex M things divine.
Was not unfruiifu/f but m Grace did shine;
One month to her^ birth^ wedlock^ death, did give.
Now she is ffone ht endltsse bksse to live.
Just above this in the Chancel, isanother flat stoee bearing
this inscription : '
Herelieth the Bodjf o/Sarah Westkke.y Daughter if Tho*.
Wc8tlake«f /^» Cky^ Gent, deceased, who departed this life the
20th Day of October, A. D. 1 666.
Here lies the heiresse of her Father* s face.
Sage, with grave carriage and diviner grace.
The Muses* Votary, whom Hud cruelt fate
Ravishtfrom us, and did to Heaven translate:
Such plants God from Earth* s nurs*ry doth remove.
Betimes to Heavetily Paradise above.
In this Parish is the Market for Fish, Oats, Grains, Po»
tatoes, &c« This Market place was originally part of the
Swan Tavern, and was erected at theexpence of the Cham-
ber about the year 1778 ; by which nneans a great nuisance
was removed from the High-street, (where before this period
it was held ; ) it is small but convenient, part of it is colonaded,
alid' round two of the sides are small shops, for the Fish-
mongers, Greengrocers, &c. and the other is occupied by the
Swan Inn and Tavern. At the corner of Gandys^Lane is the
Mayoralty-house, it has no fron^ in the Street, but is large,
commodious, and well furnished with Plate, Linen, and
every other necessary accommodation for the Public enter-
tainments made by the Mayor and Chamber, and for the
Lodging of the Judges during their stay in this City at the
Assizes; the Sword bearer (with his Family,) always re-
sides in, and has the care of this house.
In this Parish are 51 houses, inhabited by 59 Families,
containing 129 Male, and 209 Female inhabitants.
There is no Table of Benefactions in this Church, andtbe
only one mentioned on record, is that of &> Thomas Ackloni
of Columb»John in the county of Devon, Knight, who by bis
last Will, &c. dated 1 4th September, I6O9, enfeofFed certain
members of the Chamber^ with the Rectory and Sheaf of
Ch^r^htiou'f
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP BXETER. 327
CJ^rekstpa^ and Kin^^idfi^\ for certain charitable purposes CHAP. VI :
fcVieTein mentioned, one of which was that Six-pence week- — — —
]y be for ever bestowed in Bread, and givei> to the poor of
tills Parish.
Korth-Rastward oiSt. Stephen's is the Parish of S(, Law St. Law^
rer»€e; the Church, consists of a Nave with one small aisle, and rence.
at the West end is a capacious gallery. § The Ahar, which
is separated from the body of the Church by iow Balustrades
is a neat piece of painting executed a few years since by Mr.
iLastmeni of this City . This Churc h is a light Gothic struc-
ture, well seated, is Ifept in good repair, and has suiHcient
room for the accommodation of the Parishioners. The
Xower, in which is only one Bell, is a clumsy iil-propor-
tioned building, much too large for its height, without any
spire or vane, and from its being finished at the summit with
a coping wall without battlements, has a very odd appear-
ance. * Adjoining this Tower is a Porch forming the prin-
cipal entrance into the Church, over the front of the Porch,
in a Gothic niche, is a small statue of Queen Ei'nubeih; this
statue once decorated a Conduit, which heretofore stood in
the middle of the Street, from the remains of which, this
Porch was erected. Behind the Church, is a small cemetery,
formerly a Garden, the donation of a Parishioner, for the
P^>T<'^ of interring gratis, the bodies of poor Parishioners.
The date of the foundation of this Church (which was once
appropriated to St, Jahv*s Hospi ai) is not recorded, nor
is there any account of it before the year 1222, when it is
mentioned as one of the nineteeen parochial Churches, then
in this City, f
During the usurpation of 0/irrr Cronntfett^ it was one of
the thirteen Parish Churches exposed to sale by the Parlia-
ment
§ In the year ISOd another gallery was erected over the aisle, at the
expence of the Farishioneis.
« The siof ularity oi this Tower, is noted by the ftcetious Mr. Andrtm
Brice ID his Mobiad^ where be relates the following humorous story. A
Country Boy, in company with his Mother, happening to pass by this
Church, and observing tho^ Tower, mistook it for the Chimnfey of the
adjoining Hoase, and exclaimed to his Parent, '< Mother, Mother, wliat
a gurt Chimbley that little House has got.**
t There were two Chapels in this Parish ; one in Trinity-lane, with
Alms-houses, as appears from the following memorial : Sub PraggiiUo S»
Petri f GuHelmusMu<:grave, M.D-SS. TViiMatishtnteCaptlbtntretttsfate
coihpmram tmma 1694, ei 1711, resfi/vit et auxtl. And Bishop Lacyt re-
gister mentions another Chapel dedicLted to fii. Borfhoiomewy of which
there are now no remains : but it may be remarked that, on rebuilding
the House belonging to JIfr. Taylor^ Cabinet-maker, an ancient build-
ing, with a vaulted roof reznaining, was discovered, which plainly ap-
peared of a religious coostruction, and probably was the remains of this
ancient Chapel.
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S2& VKK HISTOBT OF
C WAP. VI . ment ConhnifMBcrs, tvktn k wu padbutd i»f « woitb^
"*"""'** Parishioner and giv«n bf him to tke Paoab^ and tiun pie*
•erred from min. ^ .
It is a Rectory in the gift of the Crowo» valued in the
Kind's books'at 10/. 7'. 4tf. per ami. ceitified Tahie l£/.
The Monnments in Ms Church ate Hew. One to the an^
^* ervt.** and another inscribed* **^ Opiimi inMgtrnmifue «m
** Huffmii Vagkmn^ armigm." and agaiast the Nor& waU,
is a neat marble monument, of modera erectkm, to the m^
molTof--------^/^:^er^y £sq. ofthisCk^^ .
The following bene&ctions have been ghm to the poor of
Beneftcti- this Parish, vix. EHMb^h Bmehimtf^ ^idow and ttKct of
ons tothe WUUmm Bucknam, Esq, (Alderman, and sometime Mayor of
hrn^ this City) bv her last Will and Testament, dated 16/A M^,
9tA Eiiz . 1 5d7 9 ga'Tc to the Mayor, Baili^, and Comosooalty
ofExeier^ and their successors for ever, all that tenement with
the appurtenances, situate in the Parish of St^ Petrtekf in the
High-street, late in the poescwion of Richard Lane of Lom^
dmt^ Esq. to the intent, that out of tibe rent of 2/. 15». 8^«
there be distributed to five poor householders, of the Parish of
St. Lawretice^ y^^y» ^* ^^ Mayor and twenty«£N» shall
think meet, Thirteen ShiUings and Peur^pence^ vis* toevuiy one
of them quarterly, eight-pence. §
Sir John Ackiand, of CohimlhJohn^ by his last Will and
Testament, dated \4thSepiemier9 7thJame$ U#, t609»«n<»ig
other charities, enfeoffed certain members of the Chamber,
with the Rectory and Sheaf of Churthstcw and Kingahndgey
(in the County of Devon,) for, and towards the bujriBg of
Bread for the poor of the several Psrishct mentioned in the
said Will, of which this Parish was to receive lA 69. (kL
yeariy.
Bhxaheth Seldon, Widow of Lawrence Seidon^ (a native and
Merchant of Exeter^) in addition to her said Husband's cha-
rities, which are mentioned in their difierent Parishes, ^grant-
ed, enfeoffed, and confirmed to the Mayor, Bailim and
Commonalty of Exeter^ and their successors for ever, the
Lands given by her said Husband, with the addition of 100
marks
§ The remainder of the said rent in equal proportions was to be given
in lilce manner to the Parishes of Alihallows on the Walls, and the Holy
Trinity, (which will be mentioned in the course of thisdescdption) and
the three shillings and four-pence overplus were to be equally distributed
among the Poor of the three parishes aforesaid.
* See Si, Mary M^jor^ TrittUy^ St, SidweUyVnASL T^omai Parishes.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE^ CITY OF BXBXXR. S29
mtrla her free gift, ea coodition that Ae said. Mtf or, Ac. C RAP VT .
should cause to be dbtribated every Sanday, weeldy, after =^=^
forenooa aenrice, six peDnyworth of Bread, to the Poor of
this Parish, aad nudotaia the same for ever, as appears by the
deed tripartite, dated £9^A&;pleni^, 4Ut Eiiz. 1599*
In th£i Parish, adjomiag the scite of the ancient East-gate, St. Joha>
are the Hospital and Chapel of St. John. But before I pro- HospitaL
oeed to give any aceouat of this fouadation, it will be necessa*.
ry to give some acoottotof the ancient Cell or Priory, baik
before this, and dedicated to St. Alexiut: of this small re*
ligiotts foandation, we have little more left than the name,
and that tt was erected by JVUliam FUz'-ralph^ a citizen hereof,
for die habitatiea of certain poor Priests, in the year 1 i 64 ; it
vasafterwardstermed5/.B«rMM,andintheyear 1240, was
united to this Hospital of St. John. Its scite cannot at this
time be determined, bat it har been supposed, that it stood
ia or near OanAf^t^ane^ f from the similarity of the name, Foundatioa
tiiatiane harino^ heretofore been termed St. Lucie* s4ane. This of St John's
Hospital of 1^. Jiwiit, appears by an indented deed, dated Hospital.
A. D. 1238, to have been founded by GMert and John Long,
(sons of Waiter Lonftt an inhabitant of this City ,) who endow-
ed the same with all their lands, for the maintenance of cer-
tain poor people, by them therein placed ; and appointed the
Mayor and Citizens to be guardians in trust thereot, after their
decease. But Mr. Speed says that, ** this Hospital was a
" Priory of FrcnciiG0A Monks^ and so continued until the year
^' 1536, when it was suppressed by Act of Parliament/'
This contradictory account is easily settled, it being common
in those reUgioos foundations, to blend Religion and elemo-
sinary acts together, and it is certain that at the dissolution,
besides the religious, thei« were four poor alms-men therein,
(who were termed the poor pensioners of St. John *s Hospital)
who had a yearlj allowance of U. Is. Sd. for their better
maintenanoe dunng their lives : and Queen Elizabeth by her
Letters patent, dated 8th November, 15612, granted to the
Mayor and Aldermen, the perpetual nomination of them. %
In the year 1224, a dispute arose between the Mayor and
Citizens, on the one part, and the (then) Bishop Breverf con-
cerning the patronage of this Hospital, and that of Sr* Maty
Magdaiene, in this City, when it was finally agreed by the ar-
bitration
t Gimdy*»-laney received its present epithet, from a very respectabl6
Family of that name, who long resided in it, And of which the present
Rev.Jokn GandyotPltfrnoutk^ Prebendaiy of thisCathedral, is a descendant.
X These Pensioners have been discontinued a very few years, and the
Author is informed that one (if not two) of them are now living, (1802 ;)
but deprived of both their houses and pensions.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
330 THE HISTORT OF
CHAP VT . bitmion of tbc Eariof Dewm, that the Bishops is fiitore,
""—^■^ should be Piitrons of St, JoAn^s Hospital, and'tfaNC Mayor and
bis sijcoesBors, should have the ^vernment of St, Marp Mas*
datene*9. In the veaf 1856, Bhkop Bronicomkr repaired this
Hou^e, and endovred it widi the Manors of Roke^dtmy and
S/. Marff C'iif : his successor, Bi$kop QtdviU^ was likewise a
Goasiderable benefactor to it, both in lands and cfoods. There
is no accottnt of any more gifts or le^^acies to this charity, but
that it continued in the same state, until its dissolation : after
that period, it was depriyerl of all its revenues, and remained
in a ruinous state, until the year 16€3, when the whole fee and
inheritance, together with the Orchard, Gardens, and conti-
fuous buildings belonging to the sam^, were purchased by
)amexT<Mn Cromn^^ (Widow of Hu^h CrMsmgt* Esq. some-
time Mayor of this City,) and her only Son, Francis Crwshtff^
Esq. for the sum of 740/. who by their deed indented, dated
the 1 4th January, 1683, granted the whole of the said pre-
mises unto thirteen persons, then members of the oommou
council, and to their heirs forever, upon trust; nevertheless,
that the trustees should at all times continue the said house
and premises as an Hospital, or Workhouse for the poor of
the said City and County, in such manner as the Mayor and
common council for the time being, or the major part of
them, should direct ; the said poor people or children to be
always chosen, received, taken » set to work, governed, di«
rected, disposed of, continued and removed into, out of^ and
from the said Hospital, by the Mayor and common council
aforesaid. Notwithstanding the good intentions of this do-
nation, through the errors of the trustees, little beaefit accrued
to the poor ; several attempts were made to remedy the evils,
but no good effect was gained, to the great discontent of the
pious donors. At length, by additional donations of several
other worthy citizens, the Chamber was enabled to procure
Letters Patent from King Charles Ist^ for the foundation of
a Hospital, for the relief and pious education of poor children,
the expences of which, together with the repairing and new
building the edifices thereunto belonging, amounted to up-
wards of 400/. since which time great bene&ctions have been
given to this Hospital, as follows;
Walter Borou^h^ Esq. (twice Mayor of Exeter^) by his
deed indented, dated October SSth, 16S5, gave 20/. yearly,
for ever, to be paid quarterly at the four most usual feasts in
the year, by equal portions.
Nicholas Mariyrty Esq. (sometime Mayor of ExHerJ by
bis last Will, dated August 29th, I694, beciueathed 200/ to
purchase Land, for the better support of uie Hospital ; to
which.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THl CtTV or EXETER. 331
whidi, Us Wklow, SfiMiifUi JioWyM, added 130/. With this CHAP.V L
monej, two hoates were parchased, opposite S/. Keryan*9 '^''
Church, Nofth«6treet; the reats of which are appropriated
to the tteeof the said Hospital, for ever.
Tkmmm Tooker of this City, Brewer, aad sometime Sheriff
thereof, by Will, March 21st, 1640, gave an annuity pf 4/.
to continue for ever.
Jmne9 WkHty Merchant, by Will, dated September £8tb,
1643, gave, forever, a Garden, aiid Court sutjoining to the
Hospital, situate in LHtte Briiainy in the VrnAk o{ AUhaiUms
on the WiaUSf in lien of the annual s«im of 40s. which fot
seiveral years, be had paud towards the support thereof.
Crrace Giii, servant to Mr. FrancU Dabynot^ by Will, April
lOtfa, 164S, bequeathed bi.
Jmmes GmUd^ Esq. late Mayor, gave by Will, September
lOth, f 636, 100/, to be vested in Lands for its use.
John Mimftwelly htle of this City, Stationer, by Will, Octo-
ber 10th, 1638, bequeathed eertain J^ads, of the yearly va^-
luc of 3/. to the Mayor, Baili£Fs, and Coranu>nalty, for ever.
Cowards the purchasing of Bibles for the use of the poor
scholars frofh time to time.
Rebecca Bermtfiky Widow of WdUer B&nmgh^ Esq. by an
indented deed, dated October 1st, 1649» gave 200/.
Richard CrMting Esq. kte Mayor, for nsany years in his
lifetime, gave 8/. per annnm, for the siipport of the Hospital;
he also save in Land and Money, to the valve 4f 300/. more,
with which the present Corn-market was erected, out of the
profits af whidi, an anaual Rent-charge of 30/. is paid to
the raid Hospital for ever, arby an indenture tripartite, dated
September 30th, l66l, more partirulariy appears.
Raiph Hermm^ Esq. kte Mayor, by his Will, dated July
S3th, 1661 , gMFC an annual Rent-charge of 8/. for ever.
O/iSeH Keatt Esq. late of L^nAm^ Merchant, by an inden«
ture, dated A^wust ISth, I6d6, gave to the Mayor, Bttiliiis,
and Otmrmooa^-, 400/. for the maintenanceof four Children , ,
two Boys, and two Maids, from time to time, to be taken
out of the Parish of ^^ •Misi^ Major ^ being the place of his
birth and baptism : the said two Boys> and two maidens, to
be received in the mentioned He^ital, and the intended
Hospital for Maids, within the City, there to be educated,
and from thenoe bound out apprentices : the said children
to wearoo^he sleeves oftheirHosnital Gowns, G K.§
John Cooky Merchant, late of the Common council, by his
Will, -dated Afml l-9di» 1667, gave 100/. tothis Hospital.
T t Stephen
^ That part of the Will tespectmg -their being chosen out of the Pftrish
etf 6t, Mary MajoTy and wearing the badge on Uie siee?e8 of their Gowns,
is not fulfilled.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
332 THB HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI . Sfqfken OHvedn^ Merchant, (also one of the Common coon*
"■"""" cil) by Will, dated May 20tb, 1668, gave an annuity of 10/.
JoknBidgood^ M. D. (native o^ Exeter J by his last Will,
gave 600/. towards the maintenance and education of three
poor.Children, to be admitted into the Hospital. The Cham*
ber by making an addition to this Legacy, purchased a Rent-
charge of SO/, per annum, issuable from Duryard Mill^ in the
Pari& of St. bavid^ which according to the Will of the do-
nor, they settled upon the Hospital for ever.
John Tucker^ Merchant, (a native of Exeter^) by his Will,
made in 1 695, gave to this Hospital , 1 00/.
John Gupwilif (sometime Mayor,) gave 30/. Joan Taylor,
Widow of Peter Taylor ^ (late of this City, Merchant,) gave
100/. John Hayne, Merchant, (late Sheriff,) 10/. Ph^ppa
lfii.yii^, his Widow, 10/. Jo^n Lopcrin^, Merchant, (late of
the Common council,) 120/. Dorothea Mogridf^e^ Widow,
for many years during her life, 8/. annually, and by her WiU
bequeathed for ever, the income of a tenement, situate in
Cofyton^ named Bearsdon,
Robert VUvanUf M. D. (a native oi Exeter ^ J was a generous
benefactor to this foundation : first, he expended near 600/.
in erecting a new building within the same : and towards the
endowment of the Free Grammar School, he gave the inheri-
tance of a tenement, situated in Paru^street; then of the year-
ly value of 2/. 1 Ss, 4d, He likewise purchased of the Mayor
and Chamber, for a term of 999 years, a piece of ground in
Exe Island, on which he built a large Brewhouse, with a
Malthouse adjoining, called the Public Brewhouse, which be
gave to the Chamber for the following charitable purposes,
viz. For and towards the maintenance of four poor Scholars,
to be taken out of the Free Grammar School here, and sent
to Exeter CoUegein Oxford; and for allowing 8/. per annum for
a Schoolmistress, to teach poor Children freely, in the Parish
of 5/. Sulwells. The following instructions the worthy Doc-
tor also penned, and left to Uie Trustees, for the better ful-
filling his charitable intentions ;
"1st. I give for ever. Thirty two Pounds yearly, to be paid
quarterly to four Scholars pensions, (to wit) forty shillings
each, towards their muntenance in the University, whic&
shall be paid to the Rector or Sub-Rector of Exeter CoUege,
for the time being, by the Mayor aod Chamber or Corpora-
tion of Extttr City, out of my Brewhouse and Malthouse
built, (or shortly to be built) in the Manor oiExe Island, be-
longing to the said City, which Land, I have purchased for |
that, and other charitable uses. ' '
"2d« These fourFcn8ioneis,arctopartake of this exhibition,
who I
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THE CITY OF EXBTER. 333
who hare not of their own, and whose Parents arc not of abi- CHAP. VI .
Kty to maintain them in the University/' —
<* 3d. These shall be chosen, two out of the Hig^h School,
JElron, and two oat out of the Free Grammar School, * and
this order is still to be observed in the Hospital, which the
master of the School, when he is to present those that are
fittest (without any partiality,) to the Mayof and Recorder'
of the said City for tne time being, who shall be electors after
my death* together with the Schoolmaster of that School, out
of which he or they are to be chosen, or any two of them,
who shall choose Ci/y 6am Children before Strangers^ if they
be so well qualified for Learning, Behavioujr> toward Lives^
and Poverty, without respect to persons. * '
** 4th. These shall enjoy this Pension seven years, if they
shall so long continue in the University, and Have no better
preferment ; but if they take any Cure or Benefice^ Acade-
mical Fellov^hip, or Scholarship, or other advancement, ex-
ceeding SO/, per annum, or if they be absent from the Uni-
versity, more than two months m each year, not giving a
satisfactory reason for their absence, to two, or one at least
of the Electors, then, his, or their places and pensions, shall
be «* ipso facto** void ; and the Electors shall instantly proceed '
to election, for the supply of the place or places which shall
become void, that no time may be lost."
** 5th. If any of those places shall be void, and the School
wherein the election is to be made, have no Scholar at the
time, qualified to be elected^ then the place or places void,
shall be supplied out of the other School, if it has any fit or
eligible."
" 6th. What exhibition shall come to the receiver's hands
during such vacancy, the same shall be given to that Scholar
or Scholars, who shall be next chosen to succeed."
*• 7th. It is not the Donor's intent, to diminish or abolish the
present or future bounty and benevolence of any well dispo-
sed Person or Persons, towards the maintenance of any poor
Scholars, whose parents are unable to maintain their children
at the University, but he much desires, that people would be
to well minded to advance learning by free contribution. ' '
•*8th. If hereafter the two Grammar Schools in the said
City, shall be united in one, then from thenceforth, all the
said four Scholars or Pensioners, shall be chosen out of the
School remaining, by the said Mayor, Recorder, and School-
master, or any two of them as aforesjiid."
" 9th. The pensions shall be paid to them from quarter to
quarter, or a week or fortnight before each quarter, by the
T 1 2 Rector
* Those two Schaols have been for many yeais united in one.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
334 THE HISTOBT OP
CHAPTI. RectdrorSab-RecCof of J&Ktfef Cpi^» their Btttfcf or Com-
-*""• mons first deducted, but if it exceed forty ahiliiogt (afbrcMid)
qnxrtcrly, thty flh*U battle or coumioo ao more, until tbey
bavt discbsfged or ttti«iied the •vcfpltit lor Mcurity or ui«
demaityto tbe wM CoUcge/'
TAomdf fFMer^ Em). (tkrice Mtyor of ExeUrJ by bit
htt Will, dated Not. 9(Hb, 1686, gtve to hia executon io
trvet, 400/. tlmt tbej thoiild witbio one year after his decease,
tbefewitb procure from the Mayor^ and Common council,
aa aaftufty or Rent^arge» out of the City Lands, of such
yearly value, aa should be agreed upon ; or ia de&uk of suck
a^eement, that the said 400/. be laid out in purchasing other
Lands, which wer^ to be oonveired to the Mayor and Coo»-
mon council, or such others aa they should appoint, towards
the ibundioe, erecting, and endowing of a ^ee Grammar
Schonl, wimin the satd City» whereby the children of the
freemen mififht be freely instructed in Che L&im tongue.
IU6erf Waiker, Esq. (late Mayor,) son to the aforesaid
TAimM Wdker, by his last Will, dated February 10th, 166S»
bequeathed to the Mayor and Comonon council. 100/. to bo
psad within one year after his decease, and bestowed ia Lands;
the yearly issues and profits thereof, to be employed ia such
ananner, and to soch purposes, as the eift of his lb athor.
The Lady MaryPridemuxt a native of this Cirv» sent 1 00/. to
the Chamber, to be disposed of ibr the placing Children in the
Hospital whkh was erecting for the relief and ediicatiop of
poor Children; for which they gave their receipt, dated
September 19th, 1630.
Sir Benjamin Oliver^ Knight, (Ute Mayor*) by Will, daled
Apil 1 6th, 167s, bequeathed €00/. towards the maioteoance
of poor Scholars in the said Hospital.
Georj^e Jowrdayne^ Grocer of this City, by Will dated Au-
gust 22d, 1632, gave to a new Hospital to beereaed, 40/.
And his Widow and Executrix, by WtU dated September
S7th, 1633, gave 400/. to fi%'e persons, to be employed to
such good and pious uses, within the City and County of
Ejcon^ as they should think fit ; which 400/. afxcr much con-
troversy, was in October, 1646, by the Trustees, paid to the
Mayor, BailifFs and Commonalty, towahls founding and
erecting an Engiish school within the said City, and provi-
ding a convenient room in Sf. John*s Hoapitai for thai pur-
pose, to be called the Free Enfliak School, for the reception of
lifty poor Children, to be taught to read, write, and cypher;
that the Master of t he said Sdiool ^all have 20i. per amnunr,
to be paid him quarterly, in equal portions; that the said
Trustees^ at every vacancy of a Schoolmaster, within sixty
days
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OF EXBTEB. 335
dayi after aotke grvea, do nominate two Konert men » fit to CHAP. VI ,
ufldcilftke tbc cfaai^e of tlic said School, of whom the Major ' "' ■
and Common Council, within twenty days after the nomi^
Bation, are to choose one: and after the decease of the said
Trustees, the Mayor aod Common council are to nominate
the Master for ever.
Mt. Ptier HitUfer was elected Master of this School, in
16S7, to whicb« as well as to the Hospital, he was a liberal
beac£K:tor, and g^ve out of his own salary, &c. for the pro<»
moting this chanty « the following sams« First, by com*
putation, heta«ght forty sopernumerary Boyt, gratis, (besides
those for which he had a pension,) for thirty years together,
reckoned at 600/. Sdlv, He deducted forty Shillings per
annum for each Hospital Boy, out of the stipend allowed him ;
whidi upon ihiity Boys for thirty years, amounts to 1800/.
more, $d]y, He remitted upon the rent of the Malthousc,
and 5L a year, bodi of which his Predecessor had (respecting
momealenthim) vaKsedat l^Lperannum^ for ten years, making
130/. ithly. He produced receipts lor 500/. which he left in
the hands ofdifierent Stewards of the said Hospital, and which
^ gave out of his pension o£ 6/. per aAoum for each boy; the
whole amoaoting to 3010/.
Sir John Muynard^ Knight, one of the executors of the Will
oiEhztut Htie^ Esq. (who left a plentiful Estate to be dispo*
sed of in charitable and pious uses) among many other cha«
ritable actions, gave 550/. towards the enlargement, and for
the better aupport of the boys in thiA Ho^pkal. A nd for their
oootifiual Knaintenance^ he settled upon the said Hospital, the
Rents of «be Manors of CUist St. Lator^ce^ Clist Girald^ and
TVfjfjvf Uatwy^ and of five other tenements in Btntff Traciy^ and
two tenentents in NtvU^n Rrrtrtf all being in the County of
Ciriitcpker LetAiridg^, Esq. (sometime Mayor o( Exeter^ J
by WilJ^ dated November 81st, 1669, gave to the Mayor,
Comnaon council, &c. several Lands, Tenements, &-c. (vwhich
will be mentiooed in the proper place) iot several charitable
purposes ; the overplus of the rents of the said Estates, he de«
vised, sbOttld fer ever be appropriated lor the maintenance
ofonepoerbeyin this Hoapital.f
Sir Edward Sea-ward^ Knight, (sometime Mayor, and one
ofthe]9^resentativesfbr£je/rr,y A. D. 1703, gave towards
the education of the poor children in the Hospital, the sum of
600/. which moniey, with the addition of 1 19/. 4^. freely gi-
ven by the Chamber, was disposed of in the purchasing an
Estate in Land, and settled on the Hosjpital &r ever.
Mary
t See Blush ef UdIk Trini^.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
336 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP V I. Martf Mod^ordj (widow of Join Modfrfcrd^ Esq. flonetiine
' Mayor,) gave in bcr life time, 20/. for the better support of
the same.
Edward Mitchell^ Gent, by Will, gave thereto, 400/. J for
the continua] nfiaintenance of two bop (if it could be done,)
within the same.
Sir Jofm Arkland^ of Columb^okn^ Knight, gave l6l. fw
annum t towards the &upix>rt of two poor Scholajs^ in Exeter
Colfeffc^ Oxford^ to be chosen from the Hieh School, which
choice is to be approved of by the Mavor, Recorder, School-
master, Rector of £jff/err CoUese^ and the proprietor of Cff/icm^-
John^ or any three of them, for the time being,
Nicholas Clarke^ of the Parish of St. Sidwells, Weaver,
.gave Five Pounds,
Elizaheth Dowrich^ Widow of - ■ ■ Dofwriehy Esq. of
Dmorich^ in the County of Devon^ and Daughter of Thomas
Walker^ Esq. (thrice Mayor ofExonJ by Will, bequeathed to
the Mayor, Bailiffs, and Commonalty, 50/. towards erecting
and endowing a Free Grammar School within this Hospital.
Hetirt/ Gandt/f E^. (twice Mayor,) gave to this Hospital,
the fcesimple and inheritance for ever of a tenement, situate in
the Parish of St. SidxeeUs, towards the maintenance of two
^ poor boys in the same ; which said BqySy were by the Donor* s
Willy aiways to be chosen out of the Parish of St* Paul in this
C/'tt/.
Tristram Miichttt^ (late of this City, Woollen-Draper,) by
Will, dated July 27th, 1653, bequeathed for the use of the
poor Children in this Hospital, twenty coloured English
Ru^, and ^\t pieces of Welch Flannel, for Blankets.
JoknMartyn^ Esq. (sometime Mayor,) bequeathed to the
Mayor, Bailiffs, and Commonalty by Will, dated October
15th, 1669, the sum of 400/. to be paid by his Executors,
within twelve months after his decease, and in case of default,
the said Mayor, ^c. were empowered to enter and take pos-
session of two pieces of ground in the Parish of S/. Thomas the
Apostle y in the County of Devon ^ commonly called WoodAfeo'
dowsy and the inheritance to be theirs for ever ; the interest or
income of which are for ever to be appropriated for the bind-
ing out poor Children Apprentices, such as the Mayor and
Justices shall think fit.
Nicholas Ricostf (late of Exeter, Merchant,) bequeathed
the sum of 20/. towards the maintenance and better supjiort
of this Hospital.
Grace Sheti-y Widow of John Sheer y Esq. (sometime May-
or,) gave 50/. towards erecting a Dwelling-house within tiie
Hospital,
t There wss only XS2.0 of this money paid to the Tnisteas.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT OP EXETER. 337
Hospitali for a habitation for the Master of the Free Grammar C HAP VI ^
School there. '
John Newcomhty Esq. (Alderman, and sometime Mayor,)
bequeathed by Will, two large and convenient Dwelling-
bouses, with the courts and offices belonging to them, situ-
ate in the High-street, and in the Parish of St, Stephen^
Exeter; the profits from thence arising, are for ever to be ap-
propriated to the use of the Hospital.
Thonuu Brid^tman^ Gent, (native of this City,) by Will^
dated April 3d. 163 1 , gave 500/. to be paid by his Executors,
within one year after his death ; which sum should be employ-
ed by the Chamber of Exon, at their religious discretion, to-
wards the relief of the poor of the said City and suburbs, and
so to continue for ever ; the interest of this money by the mu-
tual consent of his executors and the Chamber, has ever since
been appropriated towards binding out the poor boys, edu-
cated in this Hospital, when they became of a proper age.
The Chamber of Exeter have also been great benefactors
to this Charity, by improving its revenues, and rebuilding
and enlarging the buildins^s, in which they have of late years
expended great sums. The Dwellings-house for the \laster
of the Grammar School, (which heretofore was within the
front gate, on the left side of the quadrangle,) being small
and inconvenient, (which prevented the said Master from ac-
commodating the numerous Boarding Scholars, that made
application ;) the Chamber erected a capacious brick building
without the City Walls, but contiguous to the Hospital, with
every accommodation for that purpose, and to prevent the
youo^ gentlemen from having too much communication with
the Citizens, they enclosed with a stone wall, a large piece of
ground behind tne house, which forms a spacious area for
their exercise and pastime. On taking down the East^^ate^
the front of the Chapel (which before was hid by the contigu-
ous buildings,) was found on a survey, to be greatly decayed,
and necessary to be rebuilt, which was accordingly done, and
the whole Chapel repaired and beautified.
A few years afterwards, the ancient gateway, (which by
its projection into the street, was a great nuisance,) was ta-
ken down, and the present elegant Gothic structure, erected
in its stead, § and this present year, (1802) the West wing of
the front being greatly decayed, and likely to full, was rebuilt
in a style corresponding to the Chapel, which entirely com-
pletes the front, and forms a regular Gothic buUdbig : at the
same
^ On digging for a foundation for the present gateway, the remains of
several human bodies were discovered, which weie inierred across the
ancient entrance 3 they must have lain there for many centuries.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
338 THE HIST01IT OF
CHAP/yf . MiiM time th« Grammar School was repaired and beautified.
^ The great expences occasioned by these repairs, toother
with the c^eat advanoea in the price of the ne c e s s a r y arcides
of life, obliged the Tmstees at present to lessen the ntimber of
boys on the foundation, bat it is to be bop?d, that in a few
years they will be enabled to pat this charitable foundatiott
oo a better footing than ever.
We shall next proceed to a paiticnlar descripHon of this
Hospital, and first of the Chapel.
St John's After the dissolution of this Hospital , in the rei^n o€ Henry
^^"■P®*' «M, the Chapel was neglected, and left in a niinoas state,
until the year, 1658, w&n it was thoronghl^ repaired and
beautified, at the sole charge ofAiier !£?/!?, Widow of Bihrus
Hrfey Esq. and reconsecrated by BUh^ HaiL This EdSfice
^ which is part of the front, on the left side of the Gateway) is
unall and neat, with an arched roof and Gothic Windows,
which were formerly glazed with painted glass, of wfiich
•ome remains are left, and arranged in different figures,
fMirticalariy in the Window over the Altar ; where the Arms
of the ancient Earls of Cormoafff and those of the Families of
Vrtming^ and Hele^ are still in tolerable preservation.
The Altar-piece is neatly painted, with the decalogue, Src.
and the half length Portraits of Mwef and ilorwi, decorated
with Cherabims* heads, neatly carved.
The Communion Table, which is separated firom the body
of the Chapel by a balustrade, has a beautiful covering of
crimson Velvet, deoorsted with Gold ftinge, the gift ofMhs
Webber^ of this City. Soon after the late repairs, the Cfaapi^
ber gave to this Cfcutpel, a neat ser^e of Communion Plate
•f Silver, to which if. AT. WMer^ £sq. Alderman, added a
Silver Cop.
The Pulpit is vtfy neat, and on the summit of the Balde-
t|uin is a gilt Statue, of an Aneel sounding a trumpet. Op-
posite is an advanced seat ckniy carved for the Mayor, and
Chamber, who generally attend Divine Service in this Chapel,
one Sunday afternoon in ea<^ month, when service is pcr«
formed alternately, by one of the Mayor's Chaplains, who
aie ibur in number.
Adjoining the reading Desk» and omosite the Mayor's
seat, are other advanced seats for Mrs. Mayowss, the wives
of the Stewards, and those of the Geoftfemen of the Chamber,
who choose to attend ; at the West end of the Chapd, is a
gallery for the accommodation of the Boarders, wtiich has a
private passage to the Master's House and School. There is
one
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITT OF BXETER. 339
enebeU beloii£ring to the Chapel^ which i8 hung in a turreted CHAP/VL
arch at the West end. * — — -
In the front of the Hospital, over tht ^teway, is a Clock,
Dial, and Bell, which were taken from Easigaie^ at the time
of it^ demolition.
The other Wing in the, front, is appropriated to the Gram- Grtmam
mar School, in which is a capacious room, with elevated seats. School,
■for the Master and Assistants, who are Clergymen in orders ;
the School at presentis held in great reputation, and the board*
ers and scholars are very numerous. In the roof over the
School-room, is a glazed cupola, surmounted with a vane, and
hehind.the School is a Library; the present Master of the
Grammar School is the Reo* ttodert Barthohmrw.
Under the School and Library, are laree Halls, anciently q^ h^^
the Cloisters, these are termed the Cloth Hall, and are used
for the sale of broad and narrow Woollen Cloths, during the
Fairs held in this Ciry, and which brings in a considerable
revenue to the Hospital.
That part which is appropriated to the use of the Gover-
nor and Boys on the foundation, are irregular buildings, the
work of different times: the entrance into them appears very
ancient, and from the arches and columns remaining, is pro-
bably a work of the Sarons; on the right hand ofthisentrancet
is a statue of one of the Hospital Boys, in his Gown, Sec, f
The Boys are carefully looked after, and provided with food^
cloathing and lodging, are educated in reading, writing, and
arithmetic, and at a proper age, a premium of 5/. is given for
binding them apprentices to different trades. Besides the
Governor's House, there is a good House and School for the
Writing Master, who has an annual salary with the privilege
ofinstructing more Scholars, than those on the foundation;
the Governor, Masterof the Grammar School, and Writing
Master, have gardens belonging to their respective ho uses; and
in that part which is termed Dr. VUvajfne^s building, there
is a capacious committee room for the Trustees, in which
are large tablets, containing the different Benefactions to this
Charity. The present House Governor, is George Hayman^
and the Writing Master, Edward Pue.
Uu In
• DiTine Service is regularly performed in this Chapel, twice every
Sunday, by the Master of the Grammar School, who has the farming odt
the Seats (except those appropriated to the use of the Hospital,) i or his
emolument.
t It is related, that this statue was designed to represent George Wal\
a hoy upon the foundation, remarkable for his good behaviour, and at*
tachment to learning : there is still Q. W. to ^ seen on the inside of
his Cap.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
S40 THS HISTOmT OF
CHAP. VI . In Bamf^Ue-kne/mibkfmsh/tSMZBCiisntlM^
- lui$ for many ages been in the posscssioa of the mort i«s|)ci>
Bampf jlde |gble Family of the Bamf^t^s of PoUimtmre^ as an occasiooal
^^^^' xetideoce, when County butinefls, or pleasure, called them to
Exeier: it belongs at present, to Sir Chmrlts Wanfkk Bamfh'
fiflde^ Bart, one of the Representativci in ParliameAt, for this
City : this House though not very Uurge, has seveial good
rooms neatly furnished, and in the Lobby^ is a curious an-
tique cfaimney-pieGe, in the centze, or Umbo, of whose eo-
tablatttie, is a statue of the Royal Martyr, King Ckm^ \U^
in complete armour, mounted on a Charger, and holding a
Truncheon in his ri^t hand ; on each side of this statue, iu-
stead of Pilasters, are the statues of Peace and PJentj, and on
$hc outer side of these, afe two grotesque statues of a Cavalier
and Puritan, cloathed in the habits of the tiroes ; the whole of
the figures, with the other embellishments, ace in good pre-
servation, and neatly executed in alto relievo ; they were d^
signed and placed here, by Sir Amias Btm^fylde^ soon after the
xestoration.
In the Window of the Lobby, are several armorial bearings
in stained Glass, with inscriptions round them, rekting \o
4he intermarriages of the Family: from the style of ihe cha-
racters, these paintings appear to have been e&ecuted in the
fourteenth century.
Kew Meet. The old Gaol for the County of Devon, stood partly in this
ing-house. Parish ; the scite of which, is now occupied hj a Dissenting
Meeting-house, which is a capacious, sood budding, and has
a large congregation belonging to it ; £e interior part is veiy
neat, and well seated, and the design does great credit to the
architect; adjoining it, is a small burying ground.
At the corner oiVastio^treety stood an ancient edifice, (lato-
Ij rebnilt,) formerly the Castie Tavtm^ which according to
.tradition, was for many ^ears thedwelliuj^-house of thegover-
norof the Castle; ftom its architecture, it appeared to be re-
built in the 14th Century, on the ruins of another building,
^f more ancient date, wnich was supported by senucircular
asches, % filled up with rough masonry: (probably the remains
of some cloisters,) underneath wese large sto°c vaults, and
an arched doorway that led to a subterranean Cavern, walled
up and filled with rubbish ; in all probability, communicated
with the Castle. In the house was a decent Chapel^ with a
vaulted roof quite entire, till the late alterations.
In Mtt^giavcs Alky (fom&erly Trinity«Jaae,) was a small
religious
f One of the arcbts ig Aill lemsining in sn s^iovinf tenement,
Mvind the new buikUog.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OF EXBTER. 341
fdi^idu^fef^dsBony dedieated to (lie H^fy Trinity, containing CHAP.V t.
m yfovLst and Gba^l for two Priests, which in the year 1 445, — -
ixrere cmiTerted by Ac Dean and Chapter, into a Grammar
School, for instructing youth in the Classical languages, and
lBO/4 pcfamiam settled upon the Master. This School, in
the year \&6\i Was rebuilt by a volttntary contribution of the
Citizens, and tite nomination of tht Master conferred on the
Cbaraber, by Bitkop Coitwt: about the year 1740, it waa unt*
ted by consent of the Trustees, to the Free Grammar School
In St. John* 9 HospitaJ, and is now a^n converted into a Methodist
Chapel, by the followers of Mr. John W'tBtky^ who hate dc- Sa!^"'*
eently fitted it up^ and erected a gallery ; they have a large
congregation.
In this Pdrish, according to the hut survey, there were 78
bouses, 4 of which were uninhabited, containing 123 famiMes^
cunatstingofddB Males, and 3^0 Females, in all 548'lnha»*
bitants. ^
Adfoining S/. Lawrence^ $ is the Precinct o£ Bradnineh, in Precinct of
eld writings called j9ri7Me#. Bradmnch^
This small district, which Is part of the ancient Glacis of
the Castle, is the Land of the Prince of fFiales, (as Duke of
ComwafffJ and held as such by Leases, granted irom that
Dutchy Court.
The part most commonly termed Bradninoh, consists of
genteel houses, near the City walls, built on an elevated situ-i
aticm ; they have good Gardens, and a pleasant prospect to the
South and West; and from its not being a thoroughfare, it is
very retired, enjoying all the peace of a country village, in the
midst of an opulent City. In this district, are the neat house
and gardens oi Ed^nund Granger^ Esq. the gardens (part of
the Castle fosse,) are beautifully laid out, and planted, with
forest and other trees, the design of the late ingenious Mr. John
Faith of this City, Surgeon, who built the hpuse : the present
possessor has greatly improved the house and gardens, which
arejustly admired, and deserve the attention of all visitors.
The district contains but 8 houses, one of which on the late
survey, was uninhabited, there were but 7 families, compri*
sioflT 6 Males, and 26 Females, total 3d Inhabitants.
North East of S/. Lawrence's^ (without the City wails,) is StSidwellj,
the extensive Parish of i>V. SidxtteUs. The Church of which iff
a regular Got/tic edifice, consisting of a Nave, two aisles, a
chancel, and two galleries, spacious enough to contain a nu-
merous^ congregation : these galleries were this present year,
1804, greatly enlarged, and rebuilt iu a semicircular form ; id
the centre part of which, an elegant organ is erected, purcha*
aed ai the expence of th« Parishioners and Feoffees*
C u 2 Th«
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342 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP VI . Tphe roof is vaulted, and supported by ei^ht ChtMcySJUMR,
"~"""~ which have remarkable capitals, each consisting of four dc
mi* An^ls, suppoi ting shields on their breasts, between each
Aneel IS a small nich, containing a statue.
The Pulpit:]: is a neat piece of workmanship; on die put*
nels are carved, in basso relievo, the four Evangelists, &c
and on the top of the baldequin, is the gilt statue of an Angel,
sounding a trumpet; the Pu]pit«4:loth and Cushion, as wdl
as those of the Reading«desk, are of crimson Velvet, with
gold fringe and tassels, (the i^iit of Tk&mas Sirortfr of this Pa-
rish, brick*maker ; ) In the centre of the Nave is a lam bnss
Chandelier, (presented by the Parishioners, about &e year
1 780 .) The Font is very ancient, and, by its ornamento, ap«
pears to be of Sar&n construction.
The Chancel is separated from the Nave, by a ChtAitacnen,
which, in the papal times, supported a Rood loft ; this screra
has lately been new painted and gilt ; the Altar-piece, (which
was newly erected in the year 1801,) is composed of marble
pan nels, on which are engraven the decalogue, &c. the letters
gilt.
In the Windows are still some remains of painted glass,
(the vestiges of their ancient beauty ;) among which are the
arms of King Edward tht Confessor, and some other armorial
bearings.§ When a Church was first erected on this spot, it
not known ; but as it is mentioned soon after the Norman conr
quest, it is very probable that a religious structure stood there
during the Saj-on era ; for in dooms-day book, it is reconkd
with the Parish, as part of the possessions belonging to the
Church of Es€ter; and in the year 112S2, it is mentioned as
being one of the Parochial Churches then in this City ; but the
present edifice is of much later date, and firom the arms of the
Courierfays* f Earls of Devon^J carved on one of the blocks of
the Roof, probably the date of its erection, might be about '
the latter end of the thirteenth century, as it much resembles
the architecture of that period : adjoining the Church is a
small Chapel, now used as a Vestry. The ancient Tower
was much ruined during the rebellion of the commons, anoo
1549) when both it and the Church, were converted into a
prison for the Royalists, and in the year 1659, it was rebuilt
by the contribution of the Citizens at large : this Tower is
lofty,
X This Pulpit is constructed on the model of that in the Nave of the
Cathedral, but is much inferior in size and excellence of workmanship.
I It would be a great ornament to the Church, if the coats of arai%
and other remains of the painted glass, were collected, replaced, and pro-
perly arranged in the Window over t^ Altar, simUur to those newif
done iu the Cathedral.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. S43
lofty, and of a reddkh stone ; it has a projecting staircaM, and CHAP.Vf .
strong buttresses : at one corner there is a small spire support- -
ing a gik weathercock, which formerly graced the spire on
the Cathedral ; at the other corners are pinnacles ; it has a fine
peal of eight bells, which were re-cast about the year 1 770.*
There was a set of Chimes belonsting to this Tower, but
being often out of repair, and occasioning great expences, they
were taken down ; the barrel is still remaining under the
Belfry. The Tower has a good Clock and Dial.
This living is an impropriation belonging to the Dean and
Chapter, who are also Lrords of the Manor, and hold a Court
leet witUn the same ; at this Court, Stewards appoint annual
Alc*-Tasters, and Manors-Constables.
Great disputes have oftentimes occurred between them^'
and the Mayor and Citizens, concerning their different pre-
rogatives and lil)erties ; and this Church ^ing only a daughter
Church to th^tof Heavitree^ the Vicar of that Parish appoints
bis Curate to serve this Church ; the Rev. James Neocambe^
B. A. Dean's Vicar, and one of the Priest Vicars of the Ca«
thedral, has the present Cure.
The monumental inscriptions in this Church are but few,
the following are the only ones worth preserving.
In the North aisle is one of variegated marble, representing
a large Urn, standing upon an Altar, over which are the arms
of Cheeke impaled with other coats, and on the front of the
Altar is this inscription :
Sacred to ike Memory of Phineas Cheeke, Esq, toko died the
7tb of October, 1 755, and lies interred near his Ancestors, in the
South Aisle of this Churchy aped 80.
In the Chancel is interred the body of Hugh Grove, Esq. a
Gentleman of Wiltshire; who in the year 1655, with several
others, taking up arms for the restoration of their Lawful
Sovereign King Charles the 2d. were defeated at South Molton^
taken jmsoners, and brought to this City, where they were
tried, and condemned by the then ruling Democracy ;* and
two of them, viz. Hugh Crrove, and John Penruddock, £sqrs.
were beheaded on the 16th of May 1655, mEseter Castle;
and three days after, Mr. Gravels h riends had licence to inter
his body in this Church ; on his grave*stone is a brass plate
with this inscription : f Hie
* There is a tradition, that three of these bells fonnerly belonged to
AUhattoma on the waUsy and that on its demolition, they were taken dowa
by order of the Republican Governor of this City, in order to be convert-
ed into Cannon ^ but the Inhabitants of St. SidjvetU, having intelligence
of this, privately by night, conveyed them away ; George Cheeke of
St. SiAoellty Brewer, lent them his Cart and Hoims for that purpose.
t Tliis TIate being much woi^, was lately supplied by a new aaop
od the inscription copied verbatim.
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S44 THB HI9T01IT Or
OHAP. VL HkjmH Hogo Grtm, de Enford, m CmiMw Wlll» jfrm; J
'" " irpr, m Rettituendo eedetidm^ in oittrendo reftcmi in pnfpmgnofuhi
hgem^ et ii^tatem AngUean^lm^ captus it deeoUatu9^ 16 Afa^^l
1655.
It appears that this Plate was replaced 1 6th May » 1 ^89 •
On a plain Tablet fixed in the Chanoel waU, is this inscrip-
lioa:
In Memory of FlhvOytth Turner, Ff7y» of Thomas Tamer,
Groat-GranddkUd of ike Earl of Huntingdon, vh9 died -— «
i*»« 1705, and lies buried underneath.
The bene^ctions given to this Church andPyuish,are oa«
Serous, of which the following are the principal.
Sir John Ackland^ ofCoiumMohni Knight, by his Wm dat*
ted September 1 4th, 1 609, gave to the p«)or of this F^ririi, o&c
doz^n of Bread weekly, for ever. $
The Dean and Chapter of the C :thedral, having for ma*
ny years, paid to the poor of this Parish, eight shillings
weekly, and discontinuing the same for upwards of 30 years,
a Commission was issued fotth upon the stattfte of charitable
uses, in 1630, to enquire into the oriffhnd groond of this cba<«
rity, which was executed at the Guildhafi, before the Rev^
Joseph Ha//, Bishop of this Diocess, and several other person^
of quality ; the matter was much controverted, some pleadzng
k as a matter of right, others only a voluntary act. At length
on March 17th, 168 1 , an Inquisition was found for the poor,
and a decree made, signed by nine of the Comnusffloners, and
feturned to the Court of Chancery : this being objected to by
four of the Commissioners, fresh Commissions were issued,
and the cause was beard before Thomas LordCaventrp^ Lord
KeepcroftbeCTeat Seal, by whom it was decreed, that the
iaid ei?ht shillings weekly, amountmg to £0/. 16^. per an-
num, should for ever be paid to the poor of the said Parish of
S/. Stdtoeilsf and that the sum of 57«/* for 28 years arrears of
that payment, due, should be paid at two instalments to the
Guardians of the Poor, for die use of the Poor of th^ said Pa-
fish ; which said sum was accordingly paid : but 151/. 3#. 9d,
being expended in the prosteution of this suit, only 420/.
1 6s. 4id. remained clear for the use of the Poor.
James Tucker ^ Esq. (sometime Mayor,) by his Will, dated
June, 1643, bequeathed to the Chamber, 100/. to be bestow-
ed in Land, and the profits arising, to be for ever appropriated
Cowards the curing the lame, and relieving the sick and needy,
(especially such as shall by aocideiit br«UE their Ixntbs) of the
Parish of 5/. SidweUt.
ThomMi
{ Soe Parish of St Lawrence.
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THB CITT OF BXETER. 845
TAonuuTaeker^ (of this City, Brewer,) gaire to At Poof of C HAP. Vl >
this Parish^ aa aanuity of S0«. yearly, to be for ever issuable
out of a field called Jo&^g Park; and in case of nonpayment of
the same, the Churchwardens and Overseers shall have power
to eater and distraia for the same, until satisfiiction shall be
Riade«
Ralph Herman^ Esq. (sometime Mayor,) by his Will dated
July 25Xh^ l66t , gave to the Wardens of this Parish, an an*
nuity or Rent-chsurge of 2i. 12«. yearly, for the purchasing
one dozen of bread weekly, which said bread is to bo delivered
to twelve poor inhabitants of this Parish, every Sunday, aftet
forenoon service. The said Ra/pA Herman (besides his former
donation of 52 shillings yearly,) gaveto the Mayor and Cham*
ber, in trust, 400/. to be laid out in the purchase of Lands,
the Rents of which were to be forever employed towards tht
i^ldiefofpoor people of the said City, and Parish of S/. Sidweiit.
Mrs. Esther Bussell^ by her last Will, beoueathed an annu*
ity of SO shillings yearly, for ever, to be laid out in six shifts,
which said shifts were to be annually given on Christmas day,
to sir poor women of this Parish, who did not receive Paro«
chial relief.
Thomas Busseil^ (son of the aforesaid Esther BusseUjJ like-
wise gave an annuity of £0 shillings yearly, for ever, to be
laid out in six shirts, annually, to be ^ven to six poor men,
inhabitants of the said Parish, on ^V. btephen^s day.
John CheeJke, (of this City, Merchant,) gave one dozen of
bread, to be for ever distributed weekly, to the poor of this
Parish.
ChrisstapherSandfard^ Merchant, gave to the Church warden!
and Overseers of this Parish, an annuity or Rent-charge, of
6/. per annum, to be for ever payable out of those Fields cal«
led Summer Lands^ lying near the Workhouse, which sai4
annuity is for ever to be appropriated towards the binding out
two or more boys, natives of this Parish, apprentices.
Mrs, ji/7tifia^er, of this City, gave an annuity of 60 shil-
lings, issuing out of the same Lands, to be distributed yearly,
by the Minister, Churchwardens and Overseers, the thursday
in Easter week, to the Poor of the said Parish.
John Mafatt^ by Will dated November 23d, 1717, gav«
unto John Osmond^ and others in trust, 1 00/. to be laid out
by them in the purchase of a Field or Fields, and the rents
thereof to be distributed annually to ten poor Housekeepers,
(not receiving alms,) on the Spth day of September.
Thomas Smaiiridgcy by Will dated October 2l8t, 1719*
charged all hw Lands with an annuity of 1/. 5s. for the pur-
diasing of six new Shirts or Shifts, to be distributed to six poor
persons.
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S46 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP VI . peraonf , inhabitants of the said Parish, who have no other re<
" lief, at the choice of the Wardens and Overseeis : the mootj m
be paid and laid out yearly for ever, on Christmaa-day, or u
soon after as possible.
The Rev. John Neote of Tiverton^ by Will, ^ve to the
Rector, Vicar, or Carate of this Parish, and to their succcs-l
•ors for ever, the Moiety of two Fields, situate in Mar^ Bt>\
Lane in the sud Parish, to the intent that the RenU thereof, |
be for ever yearly disposed by him or them in the purchase cf
Bibles, the whole Duty of Man, and Nelson* s practice of piety;
which said books were to be annually distributed to the poor
of this Parish, on or about Christnus Day, as the means of
increasing true Reli^on and Devotion.
. Lawrence Stidon^ £sq. gave to the Poor of this Parish, aa
annuity of 2/. I9t. yearly » one Shilling of which, was to be
distributed weekly in Bread, after Morning Service, every
Sunday,
The Church is dedicated to Si. SidweUa, (Sister to St. Juilf
wara^J who was martyr*d and buried near this Church, af-
terwards canonized, and much esteemed for her sancdty.
WiUiam of Worcester has this record of her:
. ** Saneta Satioolay virgo Canonizata^Jatel m Ecdesm sanetm
^* saHooim chitatis Exonim uUra portam orientakm^**
This St. SidweUa lived about the year 740, and near the
Church is an ancient well supplied by a fine springs named
St. Sids-weilf near which, according to tradition, she lived a
lecluse life.
At the upper end of S^ SidweUs'-street^ is an ancient Cha«
pel and Almshouse, dedicated to St, Amt^ these booses are
under the patronage of the Dean and Chapter; and are eight
in number, each consisting of two small rooms and a gardca
plat. Notwithstanding they have had several bequeafes, since
their foundation, they are but meanly endowed : the stipends
of the poor inhabitants not amounting toseven^^tence weekly.
There was formerly a Hermiuge annexed to dus Chapel, but
the date of the foundation of this small religious structure is
now lost. The Chapel with the adjoining House, (formerly
the habitation of the Priest,) appear of an ancient date; the
Chapel is very small, but has been beautifully ornamented in
the Uothic style ; over the brackets which supported the Al-
tar, are two Gothic niches of neat workmanship, and there
are some remains of painted Glass in the Window, it is now
desecrated, without seats or ornaments, filthily kept, aad
•ometimes used as a Mortar-house ; over the Chapel is a small
turreted arch, formerly the receptacle of its only Bell. §
After
% The finging of this Bell wai formerly the signal girea Car assembling
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THt C1*Y OF EXETER. 347
AilOr the general dfwolution, this House w^s porchsMed CHAP Vf .
by Oiiver %ni€^eorge Memmarinff, brothers and inhabitants of ■
thnCkf, who about the year 1561, repaired it, added to its
buildings, and converted it into an Almshouse for eight poor
people, con^mitting the patronage thereof to the £K»n and
Cbaptier, and their successors.
Daring the intestine troubles in the rei;yn of Ckarla tsf,
the dignified Oergj being deprived of their benefices, it
Gonsequentlr lost its patrons, and when the City was strait^
coed by the myalists, this Chapel, /^c, vras seized by a smafl
party of them detached from the Garrison of PoUimore Houses
who took post there, which they maintained, and greatly
annoyed the Parliament's Garrison in the City, until its sur^
fender to Prinde Maurice; by this means the buildings were
greatly ruinated, and continued in that state until the Resto>»
ration, when it was again repaired, and the Almspeople re*
placed by the Dean am! Chapter.
The foNo wing bene&ctions have been given to this Alms-
house, viz.
Jta^ DHckenjMdi of this City, Gent, by Will dated 1 57&,
bequeathed a tenement (situate in Prestan-^treet in this City,)
towards the poor of the said houses, but the original deed
having been embezzled in the troubles (before mentioned,)
the poor wefc deprived thereof.
About Che year 161 7» Ann^ Widow ofFraneh Debma,
M* D. and afterwards Wife of Christtrpkcr Mamoartng^ Esq.
gave the feesimple and inheritance of a Meadow and Tene*
neat, sitaafc near Tadtf/^9r^JRrft/<'^r, in the Parish of ^/. David;
this bequest was ior many years concealed, and the poor des-
privcd of it, but being at length recoveml by a Decree o€
Chancery, May 7th, lS65, the rents were decreed to be for e-
▼er paid for the better maintenance of the poor of these houses*
In this Parish are likewise four other Almshouses, founded
by JoAh WMf (for four poor Widows, inhabitants of the
said Parish,) who endowed them with the rents and profits of
four small Fields, for ever: for which purpose he appointed
certain Trustees, respectable inhabitants of the said rarisb,
who after his decease, were to have the sole management df
this chari^, and appointment of the Almswomen therein ;
and after tne death of one or more of the Trustees, the surv»*
von were to appoint others tn their room .
These houses arc gloomy habitations, consisting of only
"Xx onte
the Gieciaw, (as the InhabiUnts of the twA are ludicrously termed,)
who frequently proceeded to riotous acts ; it was taken down some yeais
once; by oider of the Chapter, and lodged in the Chapter house, where
it at ficscnt reoMdns*
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348 THE HISTORY OP
CHAF.VI . one room each, with a small garden behiod; their weekly
"*~'~^ stipend is both small and uncertain* as all the necessary re-
pairs of the houses are discharged from the income of theii
small Estate ; in the front is a small tablet, on which is tiii«
inscription: Webb^ $ Aimshouses^ repaired in 1730.
In a brick ground » adjoining iVeH-lane^ some years sinu
were discovered several Urns, (containing human ashes, as
supposed,) they were of very coarse workmanship, and bed*]
jdcd very deep in the clay ; one of these Urns is now In the I
possession of Nicholas Strongs Gardener. And in another |
brick field, near St. Ann*s Chapel, a small patera, of a recru« |
lar circular figure, with a foot neatly turned, was found at the |
depth of twelve feet, in a solid bed of clay, which to all ap«
pearance, had never been broken into: this patera is made of
a beautiful red earth or clay, of excellent workmanship, and
had been highly glazed, some part of which is still remaining;
it is now in the possession of James Wescombe^ Brick maker.
In Paris-strcett is an ancient brick house, bequeathed by
Phineas Cheeke^ Esq. to certain Trustees, to the intent, that
an Academy should be there instituted, for the education of
young Gentlemen for the ministry, among Protestant Dis-
senters, and other learned Professions, as well as for civil and
commercial life. The Tutors were the Reo* Mic. Tuwvood^
Samuel Merivale^ John Turner and John Hogg, After this 1d-
ttitution had existed about ten years, it sustained a great loss by
the death of Mr. Turner^ who read Lectures in Mathematics,
and natural Philosophy, and at length totally sunk under the
loss of 3/r. Merivaley the Divinity Tutor. Soon after, a School
jfor the instruction of poor Children, was established in its
place ; this School by the care of the Trustees, and liberal con-
tributions of the Dissenters in general, has succeeded beyond
expectation , and this present time, upwards of 100 children,
of both Sexes, are cloathed, and educated in such useful
branches of literature, as are sufficient to qualify them for the
middling paths of life. And such are the philanthropic dis-
positions of the Trustees of this excellent institution, that no
exception is made to the religious tenets ojf the parents, but
Children of all christian persuasions are admitted, which is a
great benefit to rising generations, and to the promoting ot
piety and Christian virtue.
St. Catha- At the lower end of Paris-^sfrtet^ just as you ascend the hill
fine's Cha- towards Heavitree^ there formerly stood (according to traditi-
^ on,) an ancient Chapel, dedicated to St. Catharine^ of which
not the least vestige is now remaining, except in the name of
an adjoining well, supplied by a fine spring, that issues from
under the garden wall, and which in ancient writings is term*
cd St. Catharbw'9 WeU. «
Beyond
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT OP EXETER. 349
Beyond this is the Workhouse for the City and County ; a CH AP. VT .
lars:c capacious baildincr, situate on an airy, healthy eminence: '
this house having been already described in the historical part, Th® Work-
it would be unnecessary to say more of it. house.
At the lower end of Lonfrbrooke-^ireet^ is a small village,
partly in this Parish, and partly in St. David* s; in this hamlet
are several genteel houses, with good gardens, in a pleasant,
retired situation, free firom the noise and soioke of the City,
yet almost contiguous to it; this place is termed Hii/*s Courts HiirsCourt.
from a knightly Family of that name, who formerly had a
spacious mansion here, and in which they lived with great
splendour; it was long the residence of Sir John Hill^ Lord
Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench ; but it has long
since changed its owners, and no vestige of the ancient house
is now remaining.
From this place there is an easy ascent to the top of the hill, Mary Pole
now called Mart/ Pole head^ * where there is a stone fixed, as ^^^'
a boundary to the County of the City oi Exeter; this stone is
evidently sepulchral, but from whence it was brought is not
known ; on it are the following remains of an inscription :
m"; cccccxi quorum majes.
As you ascend this Hill, a beautiful prospect opens to the Stoke Hill,
view of part of the City, the Castle hill cJoathed with wood,
the Barracks, the Estuary of the River Exe^ from Topsham to
Ertnouthj and far beyond the Bar and its mouth ; the fine
cultivated country interspersed with Woods, Villages, Gen-
tlemen's seats, &c. between the City, and the heights of
Haidon^ Ptnhiliy &c. At a great distance, the bleak iiills of
Dartmoor y and Hai^tor rocks. After a small descent, you again
ascend to the heights of Stoke Hili^ from the top of which^
there is a semicircular prospect, extending in some places, as
far as the eye can reach ; to the North East, as far as the Vale of
Taunton Dean, in Somersetshire; to the flast, beyond Honiton;
to the South and West, the Sea from Portia?ui almost to the
X X 2 entrance
• From whence this Hill oht^ined its name of Mary Pole head, at this
distance of time, can only be conjectural; there is a great probability,
that here was formerly a Chapel, dedicated to one of the Martyrs^ whidi
from its elevated situation, being Visible a great way, to the surrounding
country, obtained the name of Manfs Pole^ (an ancient name for head,)
and the additional tautology of head, was added by the ignorant in after
ages; what leads further to strengthen this conjecture is, that the road
leading to this place from the Tiverton road, is caMe^ ih old writing
Mary Botv-lane, which probably alludes to some religious^ edifice, <;iruat<.
in this lane, and built on stone arches, as it is well known thatihe Church
of 67 Mary le Bowy in London, obtained the additional epithet « from its
being built on stone arches j however, there is no vestige remaining^
of any building of this kind.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
350 THE HI8TOBT «F
CHAP. VI . entnuioe of Tor fioy, with the iaterveiiuig eoaotryy 4g">g*wal
the Garden ofDevomiireJ and to the North We§t ami North,
the hills of JDoHSffrmr, the Vale oiCredittn^ mod the OMmotabit-
OU9 tract, which divides the County of Depm into two pailh
(the Jif/rton Ocrimtm oiPtoUnufy and other ancient authon;)
a little further on, a Landscape open* to yourTiew, that
can scarcely be excelled ; Pine'i Haute and Park^ (the seat of
Sir Suford Hemrj^ Nortiicotey Bart.) the beautiftil Valley be-
neath your eye, inlerspened with arable and meadow iJuids,
Woods, Vilk^, Churches, Farms, &c. with die Rivera £j»
and Cii/iff, ghding in meanders, and joining their streams;
this prospect almost eiceeds description.
Ancient Near this, on the summit of another hill, is ao aaGicnt en«
SiSc HiU *""chn*«"*» *^« ^osse in some places near twelve feet deep,
* and quite entire, as well as the graffe in some parts : this work
is of a semicircular figure, 2SS paces ia diameter, in^osing
the whole summit, and contains about five acres of Land ;
without this entrenchment, at the distance of about fiorty pa-
ces, are the remains of another fosse, which surrounded it at
an equal distance, except the side next the River, where it
trended down the declivity, home to the River's hank.
There are aitjoiniag hills more elevated than this, but pro-
baUy, its coBStruotors tnade choice of this spot frocn its vici-
nity to the River, £ta which reason, the outer Diteh was ex-
tended to the River, lo cover the watereri*
We have no accounts to ducidate who were the first con-
structors of this Fortification ; by some it has been attributed
to the Romans; but their Camps weie generally of a square
form, and its vicini^ to their chief Fortress in LxkUt^ makes
it improbable that my should construct another so near it.
It might with more probability be ascribed to the BritmUf
whose Camps were generaUy of a circular form, situate on
the summit of a hill, and sunounded with almost impenetra-
ble Woods; with which, there can be no doubt, but that all
those hills before their being cleared for cultivation, were
clothed ; as Stoke Wood and others are still remaining ; proba-
bly its antiquity might be dated as far back as the invasion of
the Belgm under the command of Diviativus^ (upwards of 200
^rs t^fore the landing of Julius Cmsar^J who penetrated
into the heart of the Danmonian kingdom, and forced num-
bers of the inhabitants to seek for shelter in Irtiavd. In an-
wcr to this, an objection might be made from its present,
name. Bury Park^ which is evidently derived from the Saxons
Burgh t (signifying a camp or settlement,) or from Bufyg^
a town ; but it was common for those last invaders, to take
possession
t From whence is derived the piesent Englidi ifitm. Borough,
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY or EXETER. 341
;wteMMNi0fthc PoftresMsof the niutiTeft, and to giv« ae(»g- C HAP. VI .
lomen to then» aecordiog to their language "
Their tucocMors^ the Danes followed their example in
posMssiDg aad matntaimng themselves in the strong holds of
the EngUih^ and there is great reason to suppose, that they
took rdfttgefaere after their defeat at Pmhoe, in its vicinity. %
Not to frora this intrenchntient, at the bottom of Mary
Bow^antf where the ancient Road crosses the present Turn-
pike, are two large stones, laying by the side of each other;
thej^ consist 6f moor stone, (or Devonshirt Granke.J and by
their regular symmetry and oblong shape, seem to have
been nicely hewn; but for what purpose cannot now be
determined ; they at present serve as a boundary mark be*
tween the County of Devon^ and that of the City of Ereterj
but it does not seem probable, that this was the original in«
tentioa, from their large size, and their non-similarity to any*-
of the other City bound-Stones, which evidently were all
taken from the ruins of religious Edifices ; (the City of £i»
eter being made a County of itself after their dissolution,^
besides thiere being hoo of them in one place, a drcnmstance
very iincommoo ; as the bringing stones of such magnitude
from Darttnoor J (or its environs,) must require much labour,
and consequently great expence, when one of them would
have answered every necessary purpose, as a boundary mark ;
The largest of these stones is 5 feet 8 inches in length, Q feet
1 1 inches brooid, and £ feet 5 inches thick ; the other measure*
in IcngA 5 feet 6 inches, in breadth 3 feet 1 mch, and in
depth 1 foot I inch; according to tradition, a cross stood
on this spot, Irom whence the adjoining lane obtained the
name of Cros9'4ane; but an observer may evidently determine
tbat these stones were never any part of a Cross, nor of the
base of one, as there is no cavity to receive or support the
sbaft, so common in the erection of those structures. ^
Adjoining
fHie neighbouring Cottageis, informed the Author, tliBt Msnf
bncks had been dug up in this Fosse, and that they wene thianer aud
^<ieT than those made now : they were of a coarse brown mould, and
^©7 hard ; that bricks were well known to the ancient Britons, i< not to
be doubted. The fery name of Brike being truly Bnthk^ which they
tery pro^iMy brought with them at their fint em'igratian. '* Ai MeAd
thejf had Bmktfor Stwe*^ ^.**
^ The late learned and Rev. Dr, Jeremiah MiUs^ Dean oiExeter^ and
^raudent of the Aoya/ Antiqwinan Society^ on an iospeciioii of these
SUnws, was of opinion that they were Sepulchral, and of Druidicai erec-
l^^i as it was customary with the ancient Britons, %» eroot one or more
ijijge Stones, over the graves of Pfinces, and men *»f note aaioogst tbem.^
^ hey likewise had a custom of covering the graves of Hemes with heaps of
stones, which they termed Kams. Many of their Sepulchral moim menta
^ trules, ComwaU, ^. which are compoaed of &ve fitoMS an thsfona
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352 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP.VL Adjoining to Southernhai/^ in this Parish, in part of Ac
J. — ^7 — Fields formerly termed S/. John\^ Fields^ (but of late yean,
in^he *'^"* ^^^ ^'""'' Field ^ J there is at this present time, a stately pi If of
Barn Field, buildings erecting; in the form of a Crescent; the houses are of
brick, on a gravelly soil, and in a healthy air; commandinga
beautiful prospect of the neighbouring Country; fiv^ Hou'«
are already constructed and inhabited, and the whole, when
finished, will scarcely be excelled by any pile of brick build-
ings in the Kingdom, even in the Capital itself.
A Bath dis- ^" ^>?ging a drain behind these buildings, the labourers
covered. discovered a Baffa, which was supplied with water from a
neighbouring spring ; this Bath was of an angular shape,
built with grey bricks, very hard burnt, and strongly ce-
mented together ; the steps which led down to it, were of the
same materials: no account could be obtained, or conjecture
formed, by whom, or at what time, this Bath was made ; but
from appearance, it did not seem to be of a very ancient date.
This discovery suggested to the Architect, the utilitv of
erecting a Public Bath, the want of which had been long
complained of, and accordmgly, on this spot abounding in
fine springs, and being very eligible for the purpose, a hand-
some and very commodious one is now erected, with every
conveniency for the inhabitants.
This Parish, although it has decreased in Population,* has
been greatly improved, and is still improving in its buildings,
which seems a Paradox, yet it is easily accounted for; the
old Cottages which have been taken down, were very nu-
merous, and lodged a great number of Weavers and other
poor Manufacturers, who for the sake of easy rents, crouded
themselves together; and in the room of several Cottages,
large
of a chest, two forming the sides, one the top, (or covering stooe,) and
two smaller, the ends, in the vacuum of which they deponted the bones,
ashes, &c. of the defunct ; and often offered sacrifices on the top to their
manes; this monument they termed a Kisivaeny and the above-mention-
ed judicious antiqi arian, had great reason to think, that these stones,
from their similarity to those which he had seen composing such monu-
ment!*, were parts itf 9, Kistt>oeu ; and that the other stones had been car-
ried off for some particular uses ; there is a tradition, which b firmly be-
lieved by old women, &c and by them transmitted to their descendant;
that a Giant of immense bulk and strength was buried in this st»ot, and ts
It is well known, that Fables are olten blendt-d with true HisttAy, in tr^
ditions of this kind; there is great probability that these stooes marked the
spot of interment of some British Chitfy as it was customary with all the
Northern nations, to describe their ancient Leaders and Heroes, as men of
great strength and stature ; see the £</do, Osnan^ and Dr. i^crryV col-
lection of ancient English Poetry.
• The Author is credibly informed, that by the late returns, the Inha-
bitants of this Parish are reduced in number upwards of 600 less than
they were in the year 1780.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 353
large spacious maasioas have bcca erected, which notwith- CHAP. VI .
standing they make a splendid appearance, do not contain —
half the number of useful inhabitants; and should this spirit
of improvement continue, the poor Manufacturers (so neces*
sary to the trade of the City, and to the comforts and conveni-
encies of the rich,) will be greatly distressed for habitations,
unless some worthy Gendemen will stand forth in their fa-
vour, and erect small convenient Cottages at easy rents, in the
back Streets, where there is room sufficient.
According to the returns made by order of Government,
in the year 1 30 1 , there were then in this Parish, 473 Houses,
(of which 23 were uninhabited; occupied by 689 Families, .
containing 1072 Males, and 1635 Females, in all 2706 Inha-
bitants.
Before I proceed to give an account of the remainder of the St Zktidlk
Parishes within the City walls, I shall describe that of St, Da*
vidf being contiguous to St, Sidwetisj and like it, a daughter
Church dependant on that of Heavitrce^ whose Vicar ap-
points the Curate of the Parish, which is of lar^e extent, being
nearly two miles in length, comprising witnin its bounds,
great part of the County of the City of Exeter.
The Church which is situated on the summit of a hill,
(called in ancient records, St, David* s Dunf^f) is small and
irregular, consisting of a Nave and one Aisle, without a
Chancel ; the Communion Table being situated in the eastern
angle of the Nave. The whole of the building is remarkably
low, as is the Tower, which is square, containing four small
untunable bells: the Church is light, well seated, and kept
in good repair. The present edifice cannot lay claim to great
antiquity, as it was built in the fifteenth century. The an- Situation of
cient Church, (or Parochial Chapel dedicated to St, Clement ^ J the ancient
was situate at the bottom of the hill, in a Meadow washed by Church,
the River, which being subject to floods, and incommodious
to the Parishioners, thev erected the present Church : of this
ancient Cfaiapel, whicn was probably erected during the
Saxim era, and is mentioned m Dooms-day book, there is
not the least vestige remaining, except in the name of the
meadow, which is called C^a/>e/M(ra<3{ow,$asisthe]ane]cad«
in 2 to it called Chapel-lane.
In the present Church, is a commodious Gallery, the Pul*
pit is neat, and similar to that in St, Sidwtlls^ it seems to be
the workmanship of the same artist : around the Church is a
small
\ So termed from the British Dimwm, ngnifying a hill, or elevated
I situAtion.
J Tlib Meadow has long since been alienated from the Parish, and m
now the property (by gift,) of the Parish of St, Peinck, in this City.
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Sdi THl HISTOr&Y OV
CHAP. VI . flmall Mmetery, which was enlarged io the jmr laoo, ad
""-" the additional part Geoaecfated by Biskep Cnurieit^^ io the
following year.
Against the North wall, is a muraf nonQineiit, paiolBil
md ^ilt, to the memory of Sir Thoma$ Gifard^ **t^mii$sav^
*'* hujwi cioitatU Herum prmtom^** who died in 170S; aceofd-
,^ ^ ing to tradition, this M/*. Gi^M was knighted for his iagenv-
/ , ky in dying a piece of Clotknicarlet on one stde» aad blue oa
the othf r, which he presented to King Jamti M, he built
Great Duf^ard Hjuw^ where he died.
In an obscure corner of the Yard, behind the Churdi, is
interred the body of the late Dr. GUutf of Ex^er^ whose
professional skill, eminent learning, and amiable dtspositioB,
justly acquired the esteem of all his numerous aoqnaiataace;
on the corering stone of bis plain tomb, is thisrtiort memoml:
Thomas Glass, M. D. who died <m the 5iA of FeAnaryy
1 786, in the 76th year of his a^e*
Thomas Tooker^ of this City, Brewer, bequeathed an aanu-
ity of Twenty Shillings y early « to be for ever distributed to
the poor of this Parish. §
Johft Jordan^ Gent, of Miilhrook^ by Will, gave the sum
of 100/. to the Churchwardens and Otereeers of the Poor of
this Parish, to be by them vested in the pubiic Funds; the
interest of which to be laid out in bread, and diatribated bj
tfaem and their successors, twice every year, viz. one half oo
December 25th^ and the other half on June S^, from year to
year for ever, to such poor people, (inhabitants c^the ransh,)
as they shall think fit and proper objects; the first iotcftst
was received in \76%,
St. t)aTi<i*s* '^^ street, termed 8/, Bavid's hiH^ has many good houses,
AiU. pleasantly situate in a healthy air, and commanding aa czteo-'
sive prospect of the surrounding country ; this hdl termtnatei
on the South Wf st side, in a lofty abrupt cliff that ovev-haagt
the river; this cliff is near 100 feet high, aad beneath it, arc
HetdWear. two strong stone wears, which turn tte river into diibeni
leats, on which is situated the engine that supplies the City
with water, many Fulling, Grist, and other MiUa, I>ft
houses, v%c. a grejit accommodation to Woollen aad ot»er
Manufacturers; the walk between the River and Leat, is act
above six feet in breadth, and when the River is aweiled bj
Floods is awfully grand ; the great expanse of water Ibamifig
over the Wears on the left hand, the lofty Cliff doa^ied widi
wood, (which is only separated from you by the Leat) on the
right, and the beautiful prospect in m>nt, of the bason of the
river
§ Soe &Mie£utioBS to the Psiiih of S#. iSidMEv fte.
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THE CITY OP EXETER. 355
river, with the adjoining meadows, excite a sensation in CHAP VI .
strangers that cannot be described. * *
Duryard is the name of several Houses and Estates in this nnrvanL
Parish, which name was probably derived from the British ^^
Dwr (water,) as they are situate at no great distance from the
River, and there can be no doubt but that the course of the
ancient channel was much nearer than at present ; the largest
of those houses, is an elegant Villa, on an elevated situation,
surrounded with pleasure grounds and well wooded ; it was
erected by the before-mentioned Sir Thom4i^ GiffM^ Knight,
«nd is now the property of Richard CroJts^ Esq.
Near this House, were formerly Mills, supplied with wa- Duryard
ter by a Leat cut from the River above Covdey Bridge; these Mills.
Mills were erected before 1463, as appears from an ordinance
made by the Mayor and Common Council, in that year, to
compel all Bakers (residing in the City,) to grind their wheat
at the City Mills, viz. Duryard and Crick/epit : these Mills
have long been neglected, and thus fell to ruin ; but a Manu-
factory has been lately erected on their scite, for spinning
Woollen jrarn, by Machinery.
The next adjoining Estate is styled Middle Duri/ard; it con- Middle
sists of a small neat brick House, with a fine Estate, well Duryard.
wooded, belonging to it, and is now the property of Mrs,
Crass^ widow of George Cross^ Esq. who resides in it.
Utile Duryard adjoins this, on which has lately been built Little
a neat Villa, and great improvements made to the Estate be- Duryard.
longing to it.
Nearer the City, on a very elevated situation, is Duryard Duryard
Lod/sre; this House enjoys a fine prospect, with large planta- Lodge,
tions of Trees behind it, which screen it from the >}orth East
Winds; it was built by Phineas Cheeke^ Esq. (a native of this
City,) who long enjoyed a lucrative place in the Stamp Office,
London ; from which circumstance it obtained the name (by
which it is vulgarly called,) of Mount Stamp,
Above Crrtat Duryard j on the side of Stake Hili^ is Belie Belle Vue.
Vue^ a pretty Villa, in a delightful situation, it was originally,
a snoall Farm house, and modernized into its present state by
itsowner, Richard Cross , Esq. f
Yy The
* Several remains of antiquities have been discovered, in digging on
part of this Cliff, such as bones of Oxen and other Beasts, broken pot-
shertls, and a brazen Lamp with a Crescent described on it, from which
some have conjectured, that here once stood a Temple of the Goddess
JHana.
t In a Field adjoming this House, (about a furlong from the Camp
already described,) are two Moorstone?, standing erect, about 60 paces
from each other : they appear to have been hewn to an inclining plane,
and are five feet 10 inches in height^ above ground, and deeply sunk in*
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
556 THE HISTORY <»
CHAF.VL The jttrtly admired terrace walk of Narfhemha^^ is ia tfaa
Northern- P*"®** 5 >^ i* ^^* circular figure, and extends almost round one
^y^ ' quarter of the Crty, from the scite of the East, to the Nortb
gate ; it was anciently a counterscarp to the Castle, and if
planted with lofty Elms, well gravelled, and kept in repair
by the Chamber; it is much resorted to for the benefit oifiti
fine air, and agreeable shade ; many seats are erected on it for
the use of valetudinarians ; it is bordered on one side by the
remains of the Castle, and the back front of the new County
Court, (from the latter of which it is separated by Iroto Pa-
lisadoes,) and on the other side by a steep declivity of gfeat
height, planted with Elms ; on this walk are two neat houses,
one contiguous to the City walls, the property of Mr. Bailey,
Adjutant of the North Devon Miiitia; and tne other on the
mount opposite, (anciently termed Gallants* Baoer^) the pro-
perty and residence of Warwick Hek Tonkin^ Esq. Recorder
of Plymouth, i
Atweirs At the lower end of this walk, there are twelve Alfnshouses
AlmshouBcs erected by the Chamber, from a charity left by Lawrenct
Atxpelif Esq. which had for many years been sequestered,
and the Estates leased out to private Individuals ; tbis Mr,
AtiDell was a citizen, and Skinner, of London^ bora in this
City of respectable parents, (his Grand&ther having served
the office of Mayor, five several times, in the reigns of foar
Kings of England,) § namely, Edward 4M and 5M, Richard
.3^, and the 7th Henry ^ three of whom visited the City dorisg
his Magistracy.
In the former part of his life, Mr. AttoeU was veiy nnsoc-
eessful, and met with ^at losses at Sea ; but in the end,
Providence so blessed his endeavours, that he acquired great
riches; but having no issue, he bequeathed the chief part of his
fortune to charitable uses, as appears by his WiO, dated No-
vember
to the earth : In a Field adjoining this, about 120 paces distant, is a simi-
lar stone } these stones are erect«l in a direct line, nearly North and
South : on what occasion they were set up in this place, cannot at pre-
sent be surmised, as it is not probable they were boundary stones, to denote
the limits of either Par'ish or County, being &r within the limits of the
County of Exeier^ and Parish of SL David *, therefore it must be left to
better Antiquarians to determine. It is well knovm that the Aiicient
Britons otiea erected monuments of this kind.
X From these Houses the Walk is continued down the hQl towards
Northgate-street, between two rows of lofty Elms, whose tops meeting,
form a pointed Arch, that has a pleasing effect, and wMiout doubt, from
similar scenery, our Ancestors borrowed their ideas otSaracauc Archi-
tecture
§ " He saw five Princes which the Sceptre bore,"
^ ** Of these he was a Magistrate to four.*"
Dr.FUccyw,
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THE CITY OP SX£TSR. 357
veraberfth, 1689, whenein be left in triMt to ThmmiSpker, CHAP. VI .
E^. (rhea one of the Aldermea,) and bj hiia to be convened '
to the Mayor, Bailifib, &c. several Estates in the Parishes of
&. ThtnasikeApoeik^ fFAiiitmiezad Uffculm^ io theCouotf
of Detwiy the high rents of which amounted at that time, to
ML 7#. M, per annum ; with the other profits and income
ariaiiig from the said £states, to be accumulated into a perpe*
tua] fund or stock of money ; which by the Mayor sad Alder*
men, should be applied in the best manner possible, to keep
the pobrof the said City employed in some useful woHc, fcom
time to time; the stock nevertneless not to be decreased, but
increased, {if necessary,) out of the said Lands, iec. ibr ever.*
At the East end oi Northemhaif^ are six small Houses, each Hurst^s
containing two rooms, with a small garden behind, bulk Ibr Almsbousoi
twelve poor tradesmen of this City, or their widows, by
WitHam Uunt^ Esq. who endowed the same with Lands, suiV*
ficient for allowing each poor inhabitant yearly 20«. to be
^id to them quarterly, appointing the Mayor, Bail%, &rc*
Trustees thereof^ as appears l^ his deed, dated 1 5tfa October,
1567.
John Lant^ Esq. (sometime Mayor,) by his Will, dated
July 9th, 1614, gave towards their better wxipf^otty 100/. for
the purchase of Land ; the rents and profits of which, were to
be solely applied to their use for ever. In the front of these
booses, is the following inscription :
BmU md Endowed, A. D. 1568, ^ William Huxat, Esq.
who had been five times Mayor of this City.
Opposite these bouses, is the London {formerly the OafotdJ London
Jxm, lately rebuilt by Afr. John Land. It is large, elegantly ^'^
furnished, and has every accommodation for ftnulios of the
first distinction^
Part o£ Southemkay, anciently CroUdkch^ is in this Parish, Southern*
where there is now erecting an elegant pile of buildings, cal- ha/.
Southernhay Place ^ to consist of 3 6 bouses, 12 of which are
already finished and inhabited ; these houses are built in an
airy, healthy situation, with convenient avenues to any part
of the City, by which they have an easy access to the Mar«-
kets ; the large area in front is to be levelled, and surronnd^-
ed with iron Palisadoes, which will form pleasant walks fior
the occupiers of the Houses.
The Horse Barracks, and new County Gaol, are both situ-
ate in this Parish, but as they have been described in 'the Hisi>
torical part, no farther description need be given^ except
an accx)unt of the benefactions left by some pious Christians,
Y y 2 for
• Seethe Historksi part, Pof^
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358 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI . fortbe relief of the unhappy prisoners confined in tbe old
Gaol, which it is to be hoped, are continued to the P^^"^-
GriffTiAmeredUh^ (sometime Mayor,) considering that the
decent burial of the dead, was not the least office of Christian
charity, (though People of former ages little regarded it ;) and
tbatthough many persons justly suffered death for their offen-
ces ; yet, beingraoved with pity to see their naked bodies inter-
led, gave by Will dated August 3d, 1 5bl , all his Lands, Te-
nements and Possessions, lying in Sidburt/j in the County of
DtvoTt^ for and towards purchasing CoflSns for every Malc-
iactor who should be executed from the County or City Gaol.
Edward Ameredifhj his son and heir, desirous thahisl'a.
ther's will should be duly executed, did by his deed poll, da-
ted April 9th, 15ti2, give and grant to the Mayor, Bailitts
and Commonalty of Exeter^ and to their successors for ever,
all those his Messuages, Lands, Rents, Reversions, &c. with
their appurtenances, for the purpose aforesaid.
Wiiham Paramore, (late oi ExHer, Merchant,) by Wll,
February 22d, 1370; bequeathed to the necdyprisoners, m
the King's Gaol, (near the Castle of Exeter J Ten Shillings
yearly, for ever, to be paid by his heirs, out of his Lands m
Cook Raw t in the said City, late in the several possessions of
George. Pfyle^ Merchant; JohnLavers^ Goldsmith; andJoA«
Madocke, Haberdasher.
Elkabtth Seldon, widow of Lawrence Seldon^ Esq.) % bc-
Queathed six-pence weekly, for ever, to be distributed among
tne poor Prisoners in this Gaol. §
Mrs. Joan Tuckfieldy (widow and relict of John TuckfieU,
Esq. sometime Mayor of this City,) by her will dated June
14th, 1568, (among other acts of charity,) granted and gave
to the Corporation of Taylors in this City, her Lands in
the Parish of ^V. Paul^ on condition of their performing such
charitable acts mentioned in the said will ; one of which was,
that they distribute yearly, for ever, among^the poor prison-
ers confined in the Gaol near the Castle, Two ShiDings, at
the feast of Easier^ and also to keep in constant repair, the
walls, or inclosure, doors and locks, of a piece of ground ap-
propriated, at herexpence, to theburialof Malefactors exe-
cuted at the adjoining gallows, at Rmgfwell^ near Ej>^ter,
(previous to this, they were interred ih the common highway.)
In case of failure, the Mayor, Bailiffs and Commonalt}' of
this City ar* empowered to enter and enjoy the Lands for the
uses mentioned. hd'cad
t CookRoWy i.e. the upper end of Southgaie-street^frtym^hcLii^'f
Siile to the corner of High-ntrcet.
1 See Parish of St. Lavrrcnce.
\ See rights of the Freemen of Exeter ^ Page 142. '
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 359
Edward Youfig^ D. D. (sometime Dean of this Cathedral,) CHAP VL
byfaiswill, datedJune 6tb, 1663, devised as follows: viz. — —
that his Executor lay out 250/. within the spar e of two years
after the death of tnc Testator, towards jjurchasing a fient-
charge, or other Land in feesimple ; the rent thereof to amount
to 12/. a year, for ever, for different charitable purposes. One
of which was, that 20s, out of the said rent or iuronie,
be annually distributed to the poor prisoners, in the King's
Gaol near the Custle, on the 29th da\ of May, for ever.
NciT the scite of the ancient Nortiigate, at the Fa icon Inn ^
isacold Bath, supplied by a iinesprjng, that issues irom under
the City walls. This Bath is greatly frequented by the fe-
male Jews.
In a field near the New Gaol, is an ancient mound, (or bar- a ««;*-*
.^ t ^ .1 ... '* 1 Ancient'
row) Ota circular form, with a concavity in its centre, it Barrow
appears to have been formerly trenched round, part of the cahed
trench still remaining; it is vulgarly called Dana* CasiU^ but Hanea'
it is evident from the smallness of the inclosure, and its con- ^^^^
cave form, that it was never designed for a fortification, hot be-
ing capable of containing more than 100 men, tjor is there any
remaining vestige of contiguous works : notwithstanding the
tradition that it was a fortification of the Daves ^ there is more
probability that it was designed for a Tumu/us^ but whether
it owes Its construction to the Britons^ Daitcs^ or Saiofts^ is at
Ihis distance of time uncertain, this kind of Tuniuiiy being
common to all the Northern Nations, by whom they were
erected over the Graves of Kings, or persons of note slam in
battle, every Soldier bringing his Helmet or Morion full of
earth or stones, by which means those enormous mounds
were easily constructed* *
In
* Barrows of this construction are very common, and owe the$r origin
to very early ages; most authors agreeing that in the concave basoi, ' if
it might be so called,) they annually offered sacrifices; and their bards
suug the virtuous and heroic actions of the defunct; others, (and those
of no mean note) think that those concave mour<ds wure designed as
beacons, they being generally constructed on the most elevated spots,
(which is the case of this,) and that they lighted fires in the centre, which
the surrounding graff prevented fiom being dispersed by the wind, and
by that means gave signal of the descent or approach of an enemy From
the centre of this Barrow there is a drain cut through the mound, evi-
dently for the purpose of dischargit g the rain water, which otherwise
would pond it, and make a stagnant pool. This Barrow (in its mutilated
state,) is 100 feet in diameter, and the graff 16 feet in height in its most
perfect part. Tradition informs us, that th.efield in which it is situated, was
thescite of a Danish Camp, in one of their frequent sieges of this City,
which although -no intrcnchments arc now visible, seems very probable,
its elevated situation commanding the Castle, from which it is se^^arated
by a deep ravine, and naturally fortified on the othei side by one much
deeper and wider, and which has evident signs of havini^ once been an im-
pas^le morass, effectually securmg it from any attack on that quarter.
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360 THS HISTORY OP
CHAP. V t, In the year 18G0» there wert in this Parish SSf Hbiaes,
"-^""'^ ( 1 9 unmhabited,) containiog 443 FamUioB^ conBistiog of 804
Males, axid 1050 Females: total, 1^54 lohabitanCs.
St. IVuil. Adjoining the Parish of Si. D^ivid^ is that of Si. Ptfv/,
wholly sitaatc within the City walls; the andent Chuich
was dark, mean, and in a ruiilo«i6 state, and the present obc
was erected on its scite, about the latter end of the seventeenth
century ; it is a handsome edifice, coosisdng of a Nave and
large Gallery ; it is very neat withinside, well seated aad fnfl
lighted, and has a marble Font. The Tower, under which
is the prinripal entrance, is square, and oraamcoled wkh a
Dial, a handsome niche, and iestoons of flowers, the Tower
contains a Clock and one Bell, and on its summit, is a small
spire supporting a gilt weather-cock. The Architect vroasly
deceived the Parishioners, by imposing upon them a soft, san*
dy stone, which is greatly decayed, and though eroctod only
about 120 years since, appears in a ruinous state, especially
the cornice and ornaments in the front ; the side next the street
baring been lately repaired. At what time a religious edifice
was hrst erected on this spot, we have no memorial ; but ia
the year 122£, it was made parof^ial, and is now a Rectory,
in the gift of the Dean and Chapter, valued in the King's
books, at 6/. ^. 6d, per annum ; certified ^iie 25/. present
Rector, the Rev* J^bn Leigh •
In this ("hurch are the following raonumcotB: near the
Altar, on the North waU, is a large white marble MonuoieDt,
embellished widi Angds holding^ the Magisteriai Fasces, a
broken column , and other decorations ; in the centreof wfaicii
on a black marble tablet, is inscribed :
Ob Honorem Viri nobUissimi Edvardi Seaward, EfuHh^ fm
Pa ire Johanne Seaward, Danmonio t curia Clistensiy DiciGm^
giif Generosa iSidtm natus v. Caiend, Novemb. Ajuio mdcxxxi v
post Christum mdcciii. AW. Mart, diem OHit mpreamn. Ux^
€rem Hannam Nicolai Brokingg hu^s Loci deity gcnittii habeif^
tisfliamdusity ex qua nati sunt Nicolaus, Edvardus, Johannes
el Hanna, guibus Omnibus patrtm Deus supersiittm esse voiuit.
Summo magistrahii in eivOaU nostra pr^tfuerai^ ab Eadem dUcctus
in regni setiatrnm nostrorum miiiium TrihmuSf et primus Klrvj^w
summa libcralitate ab se donaio pnefifctosy quos omnes honoris gra»
dus rite 8c Pervigiti administrationey laude cumulatus tenuit if
hnplevit. ExceUtbat abstmentiay erat moribus, vitaque sanc^
tis^mus Sc tanta mumficentia ac pietatcy ui tanquam a id sibi
Neg&tii crtderet solum dariy bonitatem 4r humamtatcmy Ejus erga
re quam plurimos sentire indigentes egregie, Sed quantum potuity
occuUesine ttste ^ sine uUo Conscio studuerit.
Hinz
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITT OtV EXETER. S6l
Hine mulioi Ulof, quot hi kae Urie Aaditavii annos^ masrna CH AP. VI ,
autoritas apud Cives^ nobiii nrnnen^ lau9 omnium bonorum Ma rima* '
A grave-stone near this monament has this inscription :
Hercl^eth the bodt/ of Sir Eld ward Seawafd, Knight ^ Alder*
man and sometime Mauor of this Cihf, who departed this life on the
first da\f ofMarch^ 1 703 , in the f^th year of his asre» And also
Me M[v« o^ Nicholas, Edvirard, John and Hanna, children of
the said Sir Edward Seaward. i4/«o herelyeth the Ladf/ Hannah
Seaward nf/ic/ of the said Sir Edward Seaward, who departed
this life the 2$d of July ^ i7\9,in theJUt pear of her ase.
On the left side of the Altar, is a neat monurnent of black
and white marble, in mentory of Anne, relict of John Gilbert^
Esq. of Campion^ in the Parish of Marldon^ and daughter of
Richard Courtenay, Esq. who died in 1775 ; and in memory
tlso, oiMary, rdict of Pomeroy Gilbert^ Esq. son of the
aforesaid John and Anne^ daughter of Admiral Williams^
who died in 1786.
On the North wall is a plain oral white marble tablet,
erected to the memory of Jur^en Hachmeesfer^ Gent, who
departed this life in 1 7t& ; He was a sincere christian ^ Hoed justly
esteemed^ and died greatly lamented by hisjricnds.
Against the South wall, is a small [)lain white marble tablet,
erected to the mtmory of Richard Lan^don B. M. (sometime
Organist of J^^^er Cathedral,) who died £d September, 1803,
aged 74.
On theri^ht side of the Altar, is a neat monument of white
marble, in uic form of a Roman altar, over which is a female
figure moornhig by a mausoleum shown on the back ground,
consisting of a ^pyramid with five urns; in the front of the
wr is the following inscription :
Sacred to the memory
Of John CodringtoD, Esq, of this City^
f Who died January X, Moccci, aged Lxx,
OfMztj his Wife,
Who died December XY II, mdccxcv, asrcd lx.
And 0/* Samuel <rW Sarah, their Son and Daughter^
Who died in the bloom of youth.
While hope illumined every scene.
And embellished future prospects with delusive expectations
Of prosperity and happiness,
Maria
JT/fff of Bartholomew Parr of this Cih/, M. D.
The only remaining Child and Siucr,
Had with deep regret directed this monument to be raised.
As a testimony of her affection and grit f.
But brfore its completion.
Was
Digitized by CjOOQIC
362 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI * Was herself consigned to the same tamk
' ' " At the early age of xxxi 1 1 ytars^
AiU MDCCCIIl.
This neat monumeat was ocecuced by Mr, JohnKendaUy d
this Citj^y Statuary. ,j
Adjoining the Church is a tmall hurying ground, prohabi|
part of the scite of the ancient edifice, omitted in the pieseii
building, for the sake of its retaining; a regular figure.
Benefactions to the Parish of St Paul, <
Elizabtth Bucknam^ Widow, bequeathed 13«. 4</. year) jj
to be divided among five poor householders of this ransii||
quarterly, \yl, eight-pence to each, f J
Mr, John Pillett, Surgeon, bequeathed 251, the iDterestM
which, he willed, should be given to the poor of this parisllj
in twopenny loaves, at Christmas, Blaster, and Michaelniat|
eves, by the Minister and Church wardens, to the pooroftlui!
parish, for ever.
Mrs, Marif PilUtt^ widow of the above, bequeathed tOj
Mr, John Codrinfffon^ and Mr, James Grant 20/. the interest
of which, she ordained should be distributed in shirts andj
shifts yearly at Christmas, to such poor people of this Pari^,
as they shall think fit, for ever.
Ilc/iri/ Gandt/^ Esq. (twice Mayor of this City,) by his last
Will, bequeathed a tenement, situate in the Parish of St, Su^
wells f then the yearly value of l6l, to the governors of St,
John's Hospital^ for the maintenance of two boys within the
said Hospital, which said boys are to be inhabitants of this
Parish, and to be taken out of the Poor of this Parish forever.
Mr, Paul Philips, bequeathed an annuity of 20$. to be dis-
tributed to three poor men and three poor women, inhabitants
of this Parish, in shirts and shifts, on every Elaster Monday.
He also bequeathed 40^. to the then Warden, the interest oi
which he ordered should be for ever applied, to defray the
expences of making the said shirts and shifts.
Mr, John Y or key bequeathed by Will, an annuity of 30^.
yearly, issuing out of a garden in the Parish oiSt, Davids to
to be distributed by the Wardens, to twelve poor people of
this Parish, who have no Parochial relief.
Thomas Bin ford , Esq, bequeathed an annuity of 5/. issuing
out of an Estate in the Parish of St, Sidwellsy to be expended
in whe^it, and made into loaves, which said loaves are to be
distributed to the Poor of this Parish, on every Christmas eve>
for ever.
FIty*s Nearly adjoining St, PauTs Church, are P/ay'j Almshou-
Almshouses g^g^ These Houses were erected according to the Will of
Thomoi
t See Farish of St. Lawrence.
Digitized by CjOOQIC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 363
nonuuFiay^ Esq. (Alderman, and sometime Mayor of this C H AP: VI .
City,) who 26th June, 1 634, devised to Elisabeth his Wife and "
Executrix, divers Lands and Tenements in the Parishes of
St. Paui, St. Sidweils, and St. Daoid^ in this City, to the in-
tent that she should erect, within six years after his decease,
upon part of the said Lands in St. PauTs Parish, four conve-
nient Almshouses, with four Gardens adjoining, to be called
Fhy's Almshouseft, for four poor Widows, to be at first pla-
ced in by his said Wife, and afterherdecease,by the Mayor and
Aldermen for the time being, or the greater number of them ;
and after the erection of the said houses, the said Elizabeth
Flay^ her heirs and assigns, should for ever pay, out of the
rents and profits of the said Lands, to every one of the said
Widows, \2d. weekly, and the residue, or overplus of the
said rents, should be appropriated towards the reparation and
maintenance of the said Almshouses for ever: which said
trust this charitable Lady faithfully performed, and out of her
own bounty, added to ner said husband's endowment, one
shillinsf more to each, weekly ; she also erected two more
houses in the garden behind, appropriating them for the ha-
bitations of two poor Clergymen and their Wives, (who should
be destitute of better habitations,) or for the Widows and
relicts of such, endowing each of them with four shillings
weekly, for ever ; and appointed the flastern part of the Gar-
den for their use.
Over the entrance are the Founder's arms, impaled with
those of his Wife, with an inscription alluding to the founda-
tion ; over them is a winged hourglass, with other emblems
of mortality ; and the date of their erection carved on a stone
table; over the inner entrance is another inscription.
A^oining these Almshouses, is the Taylors' Hall, consist- Taylors'
ing Ota convenient Dwelling-house, with a handsome Hall, Hall,
for their meetings ; the gift of Mrs. Joan Tuckfietd^ widow of
John Tuckfieldy Esq. (sometime Mayor of this City,) who by
ijcr Will, dated 14th June, 1568, bequeathed to the corpora-
tion of Taylors within this City, all her Lands in the Parish of
&. Pttul^ on the condition that they bestowed yearly for ever,
at the feast of Blaster, out of the pronts of the said Land, 6s. Sd.
^i. to the Ten Cells U. 8d. to the poor Prisoners in the Gaol
near the Castle, 2*. and to the Prisoners in Southgate, U. 4d.
^d to repair the walls, with the doors and locks around a
piece of ground at RingsweU^ which she had caused to b'* in-
closed for the interment of the Malefactors there executed.
Joan Cleveland y (late servant to the said Mrs. Tuckfield^J by
ocr last Will, dated 24th May, 1 599» bequeathed to the May-
or and Chamber, 20/. yearly, for ten years, until the sum
Z z amounted
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
364 THE HISTORY OF '
C HAP. VI . amounted to 200/. which money «he devised to be lent unto
ten poor Artificers from year to year, thev giving good secu-
rity for the repayment of the same, and tnat 100/« of the said
money should be so lent to five poor Taylors (freemen of the
said corporation,) without Interest*
Ancient The ancient City Bridewell stood in CfMsmitk^s^treef in
Bridewell, this Parish ; but the scite is now alienated from the Chamber,
and no vestiges of the old building are remaining.
City Alms- On the City Walls, near thtf scite of the North gate ; the
houses. Chamber, in the year 1763, erected twelve Almshouses for
poor decayed freemen, and endowed the same with 2s, 6d.
each almsman, weekly.
StaiF-bearera Adjoining these, are three more small houses, boih by the
houses. Chamber, for the habitations of three of the Stafif-beareis or
Scavengers. $
King Near the Church was an ancient edifice, built of hewn
Athelstan"^ stone, consisting of circular stone staircases, leading to many
Falaoe. small vaulted rooms ; this building according to tradition, was
once the habitation of King Ai/teistan fttrmtd by the vulvar,
King Addlegt&ne*s palace ; it was taken down some years since
and modern buildings erected on its scite, particularly large
and commodious wine vaults^ the property of Edmund Gnoh
ger, Esq.
According to the late returns, there were in the Parish of
St* Paul, 189 inhabited, and 10 uninhabited houses, contain-
ing S69 fiimilies, in which were 49£ males, and 606 females,
in all, 1098 inhabitants. Incumbent, Rev* John Ley, A. M.
St. Kerrian. More towards the centre of the City, b the small Parish
of St. Kerrian ; the Church, is dedicated to an obsolete Irish
Saint, (also called in Cornwall St. Ptran, who came into that
country about the year 460, died, and was buried at Bodmhiy]
it is dark and gloomy, and from its not being used for
Divine Service, little attention is paid to its interior part;
the tower, which is over the entrance, is lowy and contains
one bell and a clock, with a dial fronting the street; this
Church bears evident marks of antiiquity , but the era of its e-
lection is not known, nor is there any mention made of it,
until the year 1SS2, when it was made parochial ; and proba-
bly at that period, from the superstition of the times, afforded
a tolerable subsistence to a massing Priest ; but since the re-
formation, it has been usually held with that of S^ Prfroc/-;
it is a Rectory, in the |^ft of the E^ean and Chapter, and is
valued in the King's Books, at 5/. 18*. 6*</. per annum; cer-
tified value, 16/.
In
t The eldest of the Staff-bearers has his lesideiice in the City Bride-
well, in Parif^eet, he being the Mvshil or keeper of it.
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THB CITY OF EXETER. 565
In IUb Cbnroh there is a mund monument in a dilapidated CHAP. VI ,
state, on the baae of which is an excellent carving in bas-relief, -
repreaenting the resurrection at the day of judgement : the in-
ccription informs us that it was erected to the memory of
Jon^kan Ivie^ who died March lith, 1717 1 also Elizabeth
Ivie*
In Waterhear^reet in this Parish, lately stood a yery anci* ,
ent building ; it originally consisted of three semicircular arch- ^^^* }
cs, supporting an angular front, with an arched window in Wat^bes^
the centre ; tm>se aiches or gateways, led into a spacious hall, street
which (according to tradition,) was the Prar/offiim or Town
Hall, while some respectable antiquarians, judge it to be the
remains of a religious edifice; % but this does not seem proba-
ble, from the structure of the building, it having no re-
mains of a vaulted roof, neither had it any of those grotesque
embellishments, so common in the religious edifices of our
Saxon ancestors ; from its ruinous state, it was of necessity
taken down in the year 1803, and capacious* warehouses e-
rected on its scite, by Mr. Kingdon^ Ironmonger of this City;
the annexed yicw will preserve its memory to future genera-
tions.
Adjoining is a large ancient roomy house, bequeathed to Boy's chari-
the Chanty schools, and now appropriated as habitations, for ty schools.
the two schoolmasters, with school-rooms for the boys.
According to the late returns, there were in this small Pa-
rish, 42 houses, (of which 4 were uninhabited,) containing ^8
&mili^, the number of Males 104, Females 126, in all 230
inhabitants.
Contiguous to St. Kerrian^Sy is the Parish of S^ Petrock; ♦ St, Petrock.
the Church is an irregular building, which appears to have
been erected at difiPerent periods, and is so obscurely situated
ZzZ and
§ The learned Dr. Dueartl, is of opinion, that it was a religious edi-
fTce, and the first stone building erected in this City ; the Churches of
the Britons being composed of Wattles. On its demohtion, nothing
was discovered to strengthen this conjecture ; the bacJc part appeared to
be designed for a prison ; under which were strong stone walls, surround-
inga square ▼ault, in which were a Privy «nd Sewer, probably a Dungeon.
The only femaias of antiquity discovered, were several Roman coins,
particularly one of Consianthts^ in good preservation, having on its exer-
gue a column of trophies, at the foot of which were two captives chained
in a sitting posture. A brass coin, on which within a lozenge, were four
Flower da luces, and on its exergue, a ship with a large ensign, the ontf
part of the inscription legible, is the word Hanse^ in ancient characters ;
also a groat of Henry 8tb, of silver, much debased.
* This Petroetu lived a religious life in ComwaUf where he was muck
filmed for his sanctity, and after his death, admitted into the British Ca-
lendar; he gave name to PodMow, (anciently written Petrock.ttoivJ where
lie resided, and died. Leland says, in his time, his tomb and shrine were
still remaining in the Church there. Cambden^ page 11 .
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
366 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VT . andsarroundedby houses* that scarce any part of it can be
■""~~~ seen, except the Tower, which is octagonal and smal!, witH
a spire and vane , in this tower are six small musical belb, aa<l
a clock with a double fronted dial, that projects over the
houses; this clock has a set of chimes, which plays part o£
the 137th Psalm, at the hours of 4, 8, and 12 ; there arc two
narrow entrances into the Church, one from the High-street »
and the other from St, Peter's Yard; it is kept in good rcS-
pair, and neatly seated, and was made Parochial in 1222 ; it
is now a Rectory, in the gift of the Dean and Chapter, valued
in the Kind's books, at 14/. 10*. 2id. certified value 16/. per
annum. Rector, Rev, Wiiliam Oxfutm^ A. M.
The following monuments arc the only ones deserving no-
tice in this Church.
Fixed against the North wall, is a reiy large and heavy-
stone mausoleum, on Which are two busts, erected to the
memory of WilUdm Hooper^ Merchant of this City, and Ma^
ria his wife, who died in 1<>82.
Near this is a small mural monument, to the memory of
Francis ^nd, Alexander Worthy Bons of Henry Worth of Worthy
in the County of Devon ^ Esq. Francis was a member of th6
Common Council of this City, who died in 1675, Alexander
died in 1680. There are two other small mural monuments
fixed against the same wall^ with mutilated inscriptions, not
worth remarking.
The whole of the ground round this Church, (now croud-
ed with houses,) appears to have been a cemetery ; great
numbers of human bones having been discovered in digging
for the foundations of houses. Near the Church, under the
house now occupied by Mr, George Coxy is a cellar ; which,
from its arched stone groins, has occasioned conjectures, that
it was originally the crypt of an ancient Chapel; and at a
small distance \Vest of the Church, is a stone front of very-
ancient artichecture and excellent masonry, beautifiilly dispo-
sed in pannels of Gothic fretwork, surmounted with stone
battlements, on which a more modern and inelegant attic sto«
ry has been raised, this fine specimen of ancient architecture,
is now so obscured by buildings, that it cannot be seen to any
advantage, except from the narrow back court of the Globe
Tavern ; though it is evident, it was originally open to the
Churchyard,
At the corner of Northgate^streetf was a very ancient house,
lately rebuilt by Mr, Thomas Floud, This house is one of
the original corners of the Carfois, (which was of much
greater extent than at present,] and from the simplicity of its
architectuie^ appeared to have been erected in some part of
H^- the
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THIB city of EXETER. 367
the ISth century; it was constructed of wood, the stories CHAP.VT .
jutting over each other as they rose upward, with a bat- ■ ■
tlcmented roof, on which an attic story had been raised in af-
ter ages. The only remains of this ancient structure, is a Ancient
statue of &. Peter, large as life, treading on another figure. Statue of
representing paganism ; this statue is of wood, well executed, St. Peter.'
in a crouchm^ posture, supporting the angle of the house,
(its original situation,) holding in its right hand a Gothic
Church, and in its left a book open ; and at the fourth and
£fth fingers, hung the usual emblems, two keys, but these
arc now broken off.
Near Broadgate in this Parish, are two public Banking- » . .
houses adjoining each other, the first established of which, is HoucS?
the Devofuhire Bank, under the firm of Barings^ Short and
CoUj^, The other is termed the Citi^ Bank ; at present the
firm is MUford, Nation, and Co.
By the last returns there were 46 houses in this Parish, (2
of which wefe uninhabited,) containing 54 families, in which
were 1S2 Males, and 155 females, in all 287 inhabitants.
The Parish of SV. Mary Major ]o\ns the last described Pa-
rish ; this Church, in order to distinguish it from others of the ?J' .^"^
same dedication, has had various adjunct appellations ; being ^^'
called in ancient writings, St. Mary Michel, f ^i' Mary the
Moor, and St. Mary Major, it is an ancient edifice, but from
the style of the building, the present Church does not appear
to be the original religious structure erected on this spot, it
being oi Norman construction ; whereas mention is made of it
during the Saxon epoch, it being appropriated for holding
the Archdeaconry court of Exeter, on the removal of the see
from Crediton, and the said court is still held iii it. In the
year 1^2, it is recorded as one of the Parish Churches then
in this City : it is built in the Saxon manner, consisting of a
Nave onlv, without any supporting columns, with pointed
arched Endows. At the East end, through a lofty Gothic
aKb, it opens into a large chancel, which is of a different
construction, and appears of a more ancient date than the
body of the Church ; it has a separate entrance from the yard,
and Over the North window, is a small tablet representing
St, Lawrence in a state of martyrdom on a gridiron; and on
the angles of this, and the other windows, Cberubims sup-
porting gridirons, are represented in bass relievo ; J opposite
the
-f From the Anglo Saxon, Mictl, signifying Much: whence the
Scotch, Mickle.
X Tradition informs us, that this Chancel was a Chapel, dedicated to
S{. /Mtrrence, unconnected with the Church ; and the vestry, tlie<:ell or
habitation of the nfiiciating Priest, which from the singular embellish-
ments of the windows, and their non similarity with those of the Church,
carries some air of probability with it.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
368 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP VI . the entrance into the chanGe}, is a small Tanltedioomy now
used as a vestry.
Tower of The Tower, which is sitaate at the West end of the Church,
St Mary jj ^f ^ ginaalar construction, and has more the appearance of
'^^^' the ketp of an ancient Castle, than of a campanile or Bell tow-
er ; it is evidently a Sajon building, and of more ancient date
than the Church ; in its original state, it was of greater height
than at present ; for about the year 1 768, a survey being ta«
ken of it, the uppermost part was found decayed, and in dan«
ger of falling, greatly overhanging the base ; therefore 55 feet
were taken down, and an ill constructed cupola erected in
its place ; on the South and West angles are two strong pro-
jecting circular staircases, which lead to its sumnait, and the
other two angles are strengthened by vast buttresses ; the ori-
ginal entrance into this building, was through a semicircular
arched gateway, between the projecting staircases; and over
it is a )ar<!e semicircular arch, in the middle of which is a
small window, and on the buttress in the North ang^e is an
antique niche or recess, surrounded by a plain band or mould-
ing : for what purpose this recess was intended, cannot be
conjectured, its situation in the buttress, proves it not desic^n-
ed for a window ; neither are there any signs of a statue ha-
ving ever been placed there; this nich is the only embellish-
ment that is to be seen in this antique £ibric. Neither histoiy
nor tradition inform us of the original intent of our ancestors
in erecting this massy building, and therefore conjecture only
can be offered ; some are of opinion, that it was a Pharos (or
watch Tower,) others, that it was a fortification, and the
dernier resort of the inhabitants in time of war : § tot which
its strength in those days seems calculated ; but these are opi-
nions only ; from the construction of the pointed arch, by
which a communication is opened from the Tower to the
Church, it seems the work of some ages after its first build-
ing. Against the front, there was injudiciousljr* erected a
dwelling-house, which like a veil, shrouded its beauty^ and
a long brick wall before the Church ; but these are now taken
down, and a battlemented porch with iron palisadoes, are
substituted in their places. It had in former ages, a lofty
spire, but that has bten taken down for upwards of two
centuries ; it had six bells, five of which were sold, (to the
great regret of many of the Parishioners,) towards defraying
the expences incurred, by taking down part of the Tower in
the year 1768. This
^ See Judges, Chap, be, v. 51. ** But there was a strong Tourer with-
** in the City, and thither fled all the men and women, and all- they of
** the City, and shut it to them, and ^\ Ihem up 10 the top of the tow-
*'er.**
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP BXBT£R« 369
This Church is light, kept in good rei>air, and ha»a neat CHAP.VI ^
-vrell-toned Organ, erected in the year 1 77 5^ by the voluntary —
cootributions of the Parishioners ; the artist was Mr. Micheau
of this City ; it is a Rectory in the gif^ of the Dean and Chap-
ter, aad valued in the King's books, at aboat 15/. 14i. 9|</.
per aanum, certified value^ 56/« present Rector, Rev* Walter
Kitson^ sen.
The monumental inscriptions mostly deserving notice, are
the following.
On the South Wall is a plain tablet, on which are the fol-
lowing acrostic lines.
lAade ripe for heaven hy GW# rkh grace
And caUed hence to that blest place
Removed shee is from parents sight
Yet lives above with Saintt in light
Vrepare O blessed Lord my soul
On thee I rest ^ on thee I role^
Longing to be where saints above
"Eternally enjoy thy hoe.
Departed this life^ 16/6.
Near the entrance into the Chancel, on the North wall, if
a handsome monument painted and gilt, the pediment sup-
ported by two Corinthian columns, on an oval black marble
tablet, in the centre is this epitaph :
M. S. Johannis Webb, armigerij qui ex antiqua familia
siHimus optimam viiam felidssima morte commutavit anno Dom,
M,i>c,LxxvT, Aprilis 22** cum 46"^ ittatis annum unico die ex^
cessisset 3o\\SLnti^ vidua mterens posuit.
On the North side of the Altar, is a mural monument of
white marble, decorated with Angels and other devices neat-
ly executed ; in the centre on an oval tablet, is the following
inscription :
M. S.
Viri Optimi
Nicholai Hele, doctorisin medicina quampermuHosannossci'
enter et feliciter exercuit, Obiit 3 Dec* mdczcvi, mtatis sum
GZ. Una n<^artV Elizabeth Hele, uxor talivirodigna* \ Obiit
x** dieDecem^ anno salutis MDCCxxi ano letaiis sun 81.
Near the Vestry door is a plain tablet, on which is inscribed :
To the memory of Thomas Tooker, Brewer^ and Sheriff qf
this City in 1638. He died in 1640. His only Daughter and
Heiress M2Sjj was married to Henry White, o/*Hcnlane, m the
County ^Pembroke, Esq*
Near the West entrance, is a plain white marble tablet, to
the memory of that much lamented and able antiquarian,
Afr* WiUkm Chappk, to whose extensive knowledge, and
amiable
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
370 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VL amiable conversation, latter chrorographera are greatly indebt*
' ed ; on it are the following mementoes :
Ntar this place lie burMt the ChUdren of Willtam aad Eli-
zabeth Chappie, of the Close^ viz*
William (Ut) born 9th September, 1748. O. S.
Died 11th February, 1755. N. S.
John, born llth October, .... 1751. O. S.
Died 3d February, 1755.^
Elizabeth, born 2 1 st September, * 1753. /
Died 7th May, - 1756. >N. S.
William (2) born 31st January, ? t^e^ \
Died 20th June \^756'^
Taiium est Regi^utn Dei*
Close beside them rests also the above-named Eiizabeth^
their Mother, who died on the 3d of October, 1777* having
completed nearly the 30th year of her marziage» and the 60tn
of her age.
Morte Deoplacuitfrmum sic solvere nodtim :
Pro casta at remanet conjuge Jidus amor.
Also William Chappie^ husband to the said Elizabeth^ and
£ither to the above-named children, who died September 1st,
1781, in the 63 d year of his age.
On a wooden tablet,* hung in the angle of one of the win-
dows, on the North side o? the Church, were painted the
arms of Petre; Gukson abend Or^ a cornish chough pnqpcr,
between two cinquefoils aztire^ between two escallops ar^g^en/;
and underneath, the tbllowing lines in black letter.
Twentjf Churches can reparte
The goodness of the manne
Who hare those armes in his lifhf
Through virtue he them xoatme;
Of customers I think it meet
He ought to have best prdyse^
John I^etre, f so he knowe his name
He dyed by £xe at Hayes,
Who by his Will and Tesiamentc
The Lord bepraysed therefore
Gave itcenty pounds in yearly rente f
To the Poore for evermore :
So that the Poore should have some part
Which he xpas blessed xoUhaUe
God j
* This tablet is now removed.
t This John Petre was sometime the King^s customer for this Port, j
he by his Will, dated 1679, left iSO per annum, issuing out of the shea/ '
of Comworthf^ in the County of Oew«, to twenty different Irishes, (of j
which this was one,) for the preferment of poor maids in marriage; but |
Qo Parish in this City at present, receives any ben^t from this donstiaO' ^
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 371
God give U9 grace to do ike fyke, C HAP. VI .
WAen hee us hence shail caUe. ' '
Beaefacdons to the Poor of this Parish.
Lawrence Seidon^ by his last Will, dated 8th Maj, 1598, :(
bequeathed one Shilling weekly, to be distributed in bread, to
the poor thereof*
Sir Jokn Ackland of ColumS^oAn, Knight, enfeofied the
Chamber of this City, with the Rectory and Sheaf of Churck'
stow and Kingsdridge, for divers charitable uses, one of which
was, that one shilling weekly should be for ever distributed
in bread, to the Poor of this Parish. §
Tiomas Tooker^ of this Parish, Brewer, besides divers other
charities, * by Will, bequeathed an annuity of 20^ . yearly to
be divided by the Churcn wardens and Overseers, respective*
\j among the most aged poor people of the most honest con«
versation in this Parish, for their better relief, as to them
should be thought most needful.
John Reed, (of this City, Fuller,) by Will, dated August,
1680, bequeathed to the poor of this Parish, an annuity or
rent-charge, of 2/. 12«. yearly, to be distributed in bread, at
the rate of l^. weekly.
Gilbert Keat, f (late of London, Merchant,) and native of
this Parish, bequesCthed to the Mayor and Chamber of this
City, (as appears by his Will, dated 12th August, 1656,)
400/. in trust, for and towards the maintenance of four poor
children, two boys and two girls, to be taken out of this Pa-
rish, and to be maintained and educated; the boy sin 5/. John*^
Hospital, and the Girls in HeU*s Hospital in this City, and
from thence to be bound out apprentices, which said chil-
dren, during their residence in the said Hospitals, were to
wear on the sleeves of their Hospital gowns, the initials
G. K. J
In the open street, be£;>i;e the Bear Inn, is weekly held on sem
Fridays, the Serge Market, formerly much noticed, and sup- Market,
posed to have been the largest in this Kingdom, except that
of Leeds in Yorkshire; but it has, from various causes, greatly
declined of late years.
Near this, is the Anabaptist Meeting-house, very commc- Anabaptist
dious, and ^equented by a large and genteel congregation ; it Meeting-
is neatly seated, has large galleries, and is kept in good repair, house.
A a a but
t SeeFtoish of St. Lawrence.
\ Idem.
» See Parish of St. Sidwells*s.
t See St. John's Hospital.
X This charity, in respect of the four children being nominated from
this Farish, and wearing G. K. on their upper garments, is not performed
according to the Donor's intention.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
372 THE HISTORY OP
CHAP. VI . but its sitaation behind the houses^ cntirdy intercepts any
- exterior view.
Methodist At the bottom o( Rock^ane, in an obscure situation, is a
Chapel. ^gj^j^ well-built Chapel, belonging to the followers of the
jRev. Mr. George Jrhitfield^ it was built about the year 177^,
by its present Pastor, Mr. Tanner ^ (shipwright of this City.)
OW Shamr |^^, Littie stile, in Southgate^treet^ stood the ancient Sham-
bles; over which was a long open gallery, supported by
moorstone columns, in which was kept the Wool and Yarn
market. At the upper end of the said street, near the High-
street J is the general Bank, under the firm of Joshua WiBiams^
Robert CrosSf Sr Thomas Sparkes.
, €rrendon*s Almshouses, situate in Pteston^street in this Pa-
Alm^ouses ""^^ was founded about 1408,bySwfo« Qrendon, Esq. (who
had been thrice Mayor of Exeter,} for the habitation of
ten poor women, who according to the superstition of those
times, were bound to celibacy ; bnt widows were not to be
excluded, provided they entered not into a second marriage,
from which circumstance they obtained the name of Ten
Ceiis : the said founder also endowed them with several Fields,
named Culver Ldnds, in the Parish of St. Sidwells, and ap-
j>ointed the Mayor and commonalty of this City, to be trus-
tees of the same, and to have the nomination of the poor wo-
men for ever. Since their foundation, they have received
the following additional benefactions.
Alice Heath, widow, by her deed Poll, dated May 18th,
1 556, gave to certain Feoffees and their heirs, aU her Lands,
situate in East and West Teignrnouth, or elsewhere in the
County of Devon, for the only use and benefit of the poor
women in these Almshouses.
David HtnsUy, Clerk, by his Deed, dated October 8th,
1556, gave to the Mayor, nailiiFs, and Commonalty of this
City, and their successors for ever, an annuity or yearly rent-
charge of 20s. issuing out of certain Lands, called Lamp
Lands, situate in the Parish oiKeim, in the County of Deron,
towards the better relief, and for the sole use of the poor In- I
habitants of these houses for ever, i
WiUiam Bucknam, Esq. (sometime Mayor,) by Will be-
<^ueathed a certain sum of money, to be appropriated to cha-
riUble uses, and appointed Philip Chichester, Esq. his execu-
tor and trustee thereof, who therewith purchased the moiety
of the Bear Inn, in Souihgate-street^ which he by hisdccd*
dated March 6th, 1 563, granted and conveyed to the M^or,
Bailifi^s and Commonalty of this City, and their successor!
for ever, on condition that they for ever do pay and distribute
the profits accruing therefrom^ towards the better sapport and
maimenaoctf
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 375
nainteaance of these houses and Alms women. The said CHAP. VI .
Mr. Chichester also purchased a high rent of ten shillings per — —
anaumy issuing out of the said prenuses, and heretofore paid
to the priory ofPlympton^ which he likewise settled on those
houses for ever.
WiiUam Hem, Clerk, (late Rector of St. Petrock^sin this
City,) by Deed, dated April 10th, 1562, gave to the Mayor,
BailiiB, &c. thereof 168/. bs. for sundiy charitable purpo-
ses, § one of which was, that they weekly pay to the poor
Almswomen in these Houses, one penny each.
John Hatfdmf ofCadhaj/, in the Parish of Ottety St. Mary^
b7 his Deed, dated Marcli 6th, 1 58 r» gave and granted to the
Chamber of Exeter, divers Lands and Leases, to which he
added twenty Pounds in money, for the relief of the Poor for
ever; that is to say, at the two feasts of Easter and Christmas^
yearly, they were to pay to the Churchwardens oiKenn, in
the County oi Devon, at each of the faid Feasts, 2/. 8«. to be
by them bestowed in bread, and distributed to the most ne«-
cessitotts poor of the said Parish; and to the poor of the Ten
Cells, 21. OS. Bd. vis. to every one of the iKud poor women
therein, 4f. 8^. yearly, which is 14^. quarterly, to each of
them.
John Baker, of this City, Baker, by Will, dated February
8th, 1603, bi^ueathed to the Mayor, Bailifi^, &c. an anUui^
tyor yearly rent of 15*. 4d. per annum» to be for ever issua-
ble out of certain Lands in Swithin-^treet, in t^e Parish of
St. Oiave, in the said City, for certain charitable uses, one of
which was, that they yearly pay to the poor of the Ten Cells'^
within the City, 3s. 4</,
Robert Lant, of Kingston, in the County of Surrey, Esq. $.
native of this City* and son of John Lant, £sq. sometime
Mayor of Exeter, being informed that these houses were in a
ruinous state, gave 100/. towards their rebuilding, and also
endowed them, together with Bowci^e'* Almshouses, with
Lands of inheritances, situate in the Parish oi Buckland iti
Buntish, in the County of Dorset, called Neipho$ue Tenement,
of the yearly value of 50/. He also ordered that an account
should be yearly made of the receipts and disbursements of
the said E^state, within one Month after Michaelmas ; and
that the Town Clerk, for his trouble in making; out the said
accounts, should receive an annual pension of 205.
These houses are not built quadrangular, as most of our
ancient buildings of this kind are, but in a direct line ; each
house having an upper and under room, with a small garden
behind ; they are kept in good repair, and in iht front they
A a a 2 have
^ See St Catharine*s Almshouses, &c.
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S74 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VI » liaTe a plain portico, or gallery, flagged with puAtdc stone,
■ which runs the whole length of the building, and makes a dry
and comfortable communication of the aged inhabitants with
each other,
BonTUle'f In Rock4ane * in this Parish, lard WiiHam BomjUle^ Raron
Almahmn^f Shuie^ founded an Almshouse for 12 poor people, to have
continuance for ever ; and by Will, dated March l^th, 1 488,
gave towards their maintenance, 7d* weekly, to be paid out
oiOmUy Barton in Brampford Speke^ the Barton of Greenfynch
in Siivertan, the Manor of Rmpharm in JFhiistcney and divers
houses and cellars in Rock-Ume; but his Lordship being after-
wards attainted for his adherence to the house oxYcrk^ all the
said Lands were escheated to the Crown : however, die pay
to the poor was continued by the King's Receiver General of
the County; and Queen Elizabeth^ by her Letters Patent,
dated November 8th, 1562, granted to the Mayor, Bailiffs,
and Commonalty of this City, and their successors, that the
Mayor and Aldermen, or the major part of them, should have
full power and authority to nominate and appoint to all va-
cancies that might happen in the said Almshouses, according
to the intention of the founder, and that none of her Majes^
ty 's officers or successors, should interrupt, or do any act in
hindrance of the same, (her Majesty reservine to herself and
successors, a power,) within two months after the death of
every one of the said poor, to name and appoint by her
Privy Signet, one other or others of the poor of the said City,
unto the said place or places, whenever they shall happen to
be void*
John Baker bequeathed an annuity of 3f • W. to the poor of
these houses for ever, f
Robert Lantf Esq. was a great benefactor to these houses. X
During the unhappy dissentions, in the reign ofCbarles Isf,
the stipend granted to this charity by Government, being dis-
continued, Uiey were in consequence thereof neglected by the
Trustees ; and notwithstanding the said pay was recovered
after the restoration, little attention beingpaidtothem, they
sunk into a heap of ruins, to which, rubbish being continu-
ally added, their sdte formed a lofty mount, commonly term-
ed
* At the time of this foundation, Rock-fane was termed the Combrew^
that is, a row of Houses situate in a Comb or Valley. Nearly opposite
these houses stood an ancient Chapel, which was pulled down near a
century back, by the then owner, who built several tenements with the
materials : the superstitious tradition says, that no person ever prospered
who inhabited them, therefore they were pulled down, and the scite
converted hito a garden.
tSeetheXenCeUs.
jldem.
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THE CITY OF EXETER. 375
cd die Bricked, in which state it continued, until the year CHAP. VI .
1 770, when Colonel Newton^ obtaining a grant of the Land — -
from the Crown, caused it to be levelled, and converted into
a garden.
History informs us, that there were other Almshouses in Almshouses
this Parish, near Quay-gate^ but by whom founded is not jpir Quay-
mentioned ; these houses, through the neglect of the trustees, 6^^*
arc now dikpidated, and the land alienated, so that their ex-
act scite cannot at this time be ascertained. The following
is the only endowment belonging to them, that has been
transmitted to posterity.
The aforesaid John Baker^ § bequeathed an annuity of 2f •
per annum, to the Almshouses near Quay^gate^ to be paid
quarterly, in equal portions for ever.
The pear Inn in bouthgate^treei, was the scite of an ancient
Priory, founded by BisAop WiUiam WaHtnoest; it was an ap-
pendage to the Piiory ofPlympton; whose Prior had sumptu-
ous and convenient Lodgings here for his accommodation^
whenever he resided in this City. Great part of the old build-
^&9 particularly the Chapel, was standing a few years smce ;
they were built with freestone, of excellent Gothic workman-
ship, decorated with fretwork pannels, mutilated inscripti-
jons, and different sculptures were seen, and over the cornice
«ven with the battlements was a cabossed statue of a Bear,
holding a ragged staff between its paws, * (the badge of the
.ancient Priors oiPfympton»J This venerable pile of building
being in a ruinous state, was pulled down, and a dwelliog-
Jiouse, offices^ &c. erected on the scite, by Mr. Robert Rus-'
scl.i
Tht opposite corner of Bear^lane^ bears evident marks of
^ntiquitv. According to tradition , it was a Nun nery , bu t by
whom founded, or when dissolved, there is no mention ;
probably it was one of those religious houses annexed to the
Deanry, at its foundation by Bishop Brewer^ as it still conti-
nues part of its possessions.
The Black Lions Inn 9 near the same spot, is a very ancient
building, and from its appearance, seems to have been erected
for monastic purposes, it occupies a large spot of ground ; in
the front, which was a few years since rebuilt, is an antique
carving
§ See the Ten CeUs.
* It is supposed that from this Statue, the Bear Inn received its ap-
pellation.
f Mr. Rutsei is theprincipal of a large concern in the Waggon busi-
ness, in which are employed a great number of horses j in 1798, when
the French threatened invasion, he offered to assist Government with
SCO capital draught horses, and to have them in raadincss whenever re-
quired.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
S76 THE HISTORY OF
CHAP. VT . camng representing an Angel holding a shield^ on which is
- inacribed the date of 1 42 1 , in andeift characters.
This Parish was formerly veiy opulent, and contained
many respectable Clothiers and Nferchants, but that trade
having got into other channels, it is now chiefly inhabited by
mechanics and labourers : it contained at the late survey,
299 inhabited and 1 1 uninhabited houses, occupied by 552
Bimilies, in which were 938 males, and 1 197 females, in all,
2135 inhabitants.
Trinity South of the Parish of St* Mary Major^ is that dedicated
Pkrish. to the Holy Trinity; it is extensive and populous, beingr partly
within, bat the greatest part without the City walls; the
Church ia a handsome Gothic edifice, kept in good repair,
which being situate almost contiguous to the Southgate^ appears
at a distance to be part of it : the tower which projects into the
street, contains four small untunable bells, and a Clock and
Dial, this projection greatlj^ narrows the avenue to the gate,
which is rendered still worse by an arched building adjoining
the Tower, once the habitation of the Priest, but now of the
Sexton ; we have no accounts of the era of the foundation of
this Church, nor do we find it mentioned before the year
1222, when it was made parochial ; it is now in the gift of the
Dean and Chapter, valued in the King's books, at 1 1/. I6s,
6|</*per annum, certified value, 31/. The present Rector is
the iter. WUUam Henry Carringtonm
This Church consists of a Chancel, Nave, and one Aisle,
separated by six clustered pillars, and two galleries.
On the North side of the Chancel, is a neat monument,
erected to the memory oijohn Wysey Merchant of this City,
who died 29th October, 1686. And near the West end of
the Church in a plain stone tablet, to the memoiy of Mr.
John Carter*
Benefactions to the Poor of the Holy Tnnity.
Sir JohnAcklandy J by Will, dated 1 4th September, I6O9,
bequeathed an annuity of 2/. 2«. yearly : one shilling of which
to be weekly distributed in bread to the poor of this Palish.
Elizabeth Bucknam, § by Will dated May 16th, 1567, bc-
aueathedan annuity of 13«. 4d, yearly, to be distributed to
nve poor householders of this Parish, 8^. each, quarterly.
Lawrence Seldon^ by Deed, granted to the Chamber of J^iv-
eter, dated 8th May, 1598, * gave \s, weekly, to be distri-
buted in bread to the poor of this Parish for ever.
it
X See the Parishes of St. Lawrence; ADhallows Goldsmith^Shstreet;
St. Mary Major ; St. Sidwells and Allhallows on the Walk.
§ See Parish of St. Lawrence.
* See donations to the Parish^ St. SidweUs.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
Ootr\fht£nd und^^ fft* t^d (y airway'
O^^n^Jband in Wat&t^^a
and HiJlr^cou^,
Digitized byCjOOQlC
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP EXETER. 377
It has already been related that Soutkgate is nearly contigu- CRAP. VI.
OQ8 to this Church. ■
The Gate is a massy building of hewn stone. The entrance Southnte
from the suburbs, is through a lofty pointed arch, ilanked by
circular towers, over the gateway is a niche, where lately
stood a mutilated statue in a magisterial robe ; this front is
likewise decorated with angels, supporting the Royal and
City arms ; the interior arch of the gateway from its semicir-
cular form, appears of Saxon construction, § and is probably
some reoEiains of the ancient gate, the present one being erect-
ed in the reign of Henry 7th.
It has from time immemorial, been the common prison,
and Sheriff's compter, for this City and County, and a worse
one can hardly be imagined ; the felons' prison is on the
western side, consisting of three separate ground rooms, two
of them appropriated for the men, and one for women ; these
rooms from their damp situation, and darkness, may not im*
properly be termed dungeons* * and to add to their miserable
state, the common sewer and drain from Southernhay^ runs
directly under them, into which an opening being made for
their own conveniencies, a very noisome smell commonly ari-
ses. The Debtors' side, though not so bad as the Felons',
is gloomy and unwholesome, and confinement in it is too se«
vere a punishment for those unhappy objects, whose crimes
are, too often, only misfortunes and poverty : f over the .
Felons' cells is a large room called the tho€y from the p>oor
Debtors begging the charity of passengers from the barred
window, and to receive which, they let down an old shoe by
a cord : this room served formerly for a Chapel, as appears by
part of the decalogue lately remaining, painted on the wall,
but at present no clergyman administers spiritual comfort to
the afflicted inhabitants. On the tops of the towers are bat-
tlemented
§ The learned Dr. Stuckhg was of opinion, that this arch is of Roman
coDstniction.
* Mr. Andrew Brke in his description of this Prison, iacetiously intro-
duces two lines from an old Ballad, termed Lyifcfd Law, in which he
says;
Ten Men leu room wifkm this Covey
Thmjive Mice in a Lantern have.
t During the latter part of the reign of Charles 2d. the Dissenters
were much persecuted, and their Pastors for not conforming to the
established Church, were imprisoned : one of them, the Ra). Mr. Bret-
land^ a gentleman much respected for his learning and piety, was con-
fined in this place, sereial years, which occasioned his penning the fol-
lowing lines, which were painted and hung up in the Hall, where they
remained many years.
7%» Prison is a house qfetare^ no place for man to thrive^
A touchstone for to try afiiendi a grave for men alive i
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378
THE HISTORY OF
Bene&cti-
onsto
Sonthgate
Prison.
CHAP. VI . tlementcd leads, which command a fine prospect, here tbt
' Debtors are sometimes permitted by the Gaoler to recreate
themselves and enjoy the blessings of wholesome and free
air. The late humane and philanthropic Mr, Howardy on an
inspection of this Prison, declared it to be one of the most ua-^
wholesome and dismal places of confinement he had visited
during his peregrination. This Prison having been several
times presented by the Grand Jury, as a public nuisance, pro-
posals were made for taking it down, and rebuilding it on a
more convenient spot, but this salutary and philanthropic
scheme, has been abandoned for the present, and only some
small additions and alterations on the Felons* side, not much
to the advantage or relief of the unhappy objects in confine-
ment, has been adopted.
There have been several benefiatctions for the relief of the
unhappy objects confined here, by which the Debtors, (if not
too numerous,) are nearly supplied with bread; if one only,
he receives the whole.
Reynoid Hayne^ by Will dated 28th of Edward 5<f, anno
1354, bequeathed all his Lands and Tenements lying in the
suburbs of this City, to the Cathedral Church of Si. Peter,
witbin the same, for the relief of those thatai e imprisoned in
the common Gaol of the said City.
Joan Tuckfieidf (as before mentioned,) bequeathed several
houses to the corporation ofTayiorSf on condition of their per-
forming several charitable acts : one of which was, that they
annually distribute at the feast of Easter, to the poor prisoners
confined here, U. W.
WiUiam Paramore of this City, Merchant, by Will dated
22d February, 1570, bequeathed to the poor Felons in this
Prison, 10« yearly; and likewise the same sum to the most
needy Debtors : the said sum of 20s to be annually paid out
of his Lands in CookHraw in this City, then occupied by Charge
Pyle^ Merchant ; John Lavers, Goldsmith ; and John Madocke,
Haberdasher.
John Haydonn Esq. sometime Alderman of the City of
£<m</(im, by W^ill dated 11 th of March, 1579, bequeathed to
the Mayor and Chamber of Exeter ^ 200/. on condition that
the same should be lent out to four young men of the said City
of ^Exeter, Merchants, and trading over the seas, for four years
space, they putting in four sufficient securities for the repay-
ment of the same, at the expiration of the time specified, paying
yearly interest for the same, 1/. I3s. 4d, each, which amounts
to 6/. 155. 4d. per annum; and at the end of the four years,
the same 200/. to be lent to four other young Merchants, and
so on for' ever ; bis Will is^ that the said Mayor and Chamber
and
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THE CITY OP SXBTER. 379
their socoeaMini, Aovld fiom time ta time, employ and be- C HAP.VL
stow the said 6/. \3s* 4d, interest in the manner following, '
vix. to the poor Prisoners remaining within the Gaols of the
City of Exeter^ 7^^' ^^* ^* ^* ^°^ ^ ^^ P^'^'' ^inhabitants
of the parishes of Iroodiury and Ottery St. Mary^ yearly to
each Parish, 1/. 13#« 4d» forever, as the gift of the said John
Hi^tdon. X
Lawrence SeUanj Merchant of this City, by his Deed, da-«
ted 8th May, 1598, granted unto ten Feofiees, (members of
the Chaml)er,) their heirs and assigns for ever, all those Mes-
suages, Lands, Tenements, Reversions and Hereditaments
whatsoever, with all the appurtenances, commonly called
MoarEstaiet (otherwise /> Mew ,y in the manor of Rrngs-ofeii,
Sowton Parish, Devouy to the use of himself and wife, during
their lives ; and after their decease, that his said Feoffees, out
of the rents and profits of the said Estates, should for ever
weekly pay and deliver in bread as follows, viz. to the Pa-*
rishesof S/.Afa/^MofOr, Trinity , and St, Sidtoeiis^ within the
City oiExettr, one railling each ; to the Parish oi St. Thomas
the Apostle, eight-pence; and to the Parish of SW/on, four*
pence ; which said bread was to be distributed by the church*
wardens and overseers of their respective parishes, every Sun«
day, to the most deserving poor people of the said parishes;
and that the said Feoffees, after paying all high rents, suits,
services, and reparations, should yearfy, on uie SOth of Oo*
tober, forever, give up to the Mayor, Bailifts, and Town-
Clerk, a true account of the receipts and disbursments, and
to pay yearly to the said Mayor and Officers 4s. 6d. for their
trouble in seeing the said Will performed, and the residue
of the said rents to be given to the poor prisoners, confined
in the City and Castle of Exeter.
The said Feofiees, by thor Deed, dated 29th September,
1 599, expressing that some things in the said Will were un-
certain, and that Elizabeth Seldon, the widow of the said
Lawrence, was desirous to add some portion to the premises,
for the better accomplishment of the said Will, and per-
formance of the covenants expressed in a schedule annexed,
did grant, enfeoff, and confirm to the Mayor, Bailiffs, &c.
of the said City, and their successors for ever, the premises
mentioned in tne first grant, and to the uses aforesaid, therein
declared; and the said £/i><i^e^A, by this Deed, did covenant
to pay to the said Mayor, &c. within six months after her
decease, 100 marks, on condition that six-pence more week-
Bbb ly
X ThU charity ii not fulfilled according to the Will of the Donor,
the said mooejr not having been lent 'as directed, for upwards of 50 veais.
(lUghii and PrwUegts of the Fresmsny Page SO. J
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380 THE HISTOBY OF
CHAP. VI . ]j should be added to the Parish of St. JLtfviwu^; fix«>pciice
""""""^ more weekly to the prisonera in the Gaol ocar the Castle;
and to the prisoners in the Compter, Sheriff's Waid^ Gaol,
and Prisons of the said City 2s. 6d. m bread and jnm^ week*
ly, according to the discretion of the Mayor for the time be-
ing, with increase of the fees of the officers. for their care:
andif the rents be defectioe^ the said Mi^ar^ BMilifiSf andCam*
monaUy are temake them good oat of their own laads^ and the
account thereof to be made yearly as aforesaid. She also
gave to the Mayor, &c. a large standing cup of sihrer, with
a cover doable ^t, weighing 50 ounces, to be used by the
Mayors successively. §
WtUiam Tryvett^ (some time one of the common oouocil
of this City,) by WHl, bequeathed to the chamber one great
brass pot, for the use of the prisoners in Southgaie^ to boil
their meat in, which (after his decease,) way accordingly
sent by his widow and executrix. *
In Magdalene^treetk in this parish, is situate Palmer's
Almshouses, founded by John Palmer, of this Cinr, baker,
for four poor women ; and the said founder, by Will, dated
~ 26th October, 1487» bequeathed unto six feofiees in trust,
all his messuages, lands, he, in the said street, (then an
inn, called the Ball Imt, with a tenement adjoining^) and
other lands in the county of Devon, to the intent, uiat tha
aaid feoffees should pay to the wardens of the said parish
ISf.W. yearly, at his anniversary ; and to every one .of the
aaid poor almswomen 6ff. 8i/. at the leasts of Easter, and
Christmas, by equal portions; and that the houses should be
well repaired, and if any thing remained, it should be dis-
posed of to pious uses ; and that when three of the said feoffees
should die, the survivors should make a new feoffment, to
six other honest persons, to perform his will. These houses
consist of two rooms, each with a small garden in front, they
are kept in good repair by the chamber, who at present hold
the trust.
Wynvd*t ^^ ^^ ^'"^ ^tttitX are Wynard*s AlmshauseSf and Chapel,
Almihoiiies founded by WtUium Wyntid, Esq. (scmietime recorder of
£iv/«r,) for the habitations of a priest and twelve poor men .
The said founder ordered the Chapel to be dedicated to the
Holy Trimly, and the Hospital to be called God^s House, and
that the priest, together with the twelve poor roen» con-
tinually reside there. And for their better maintenance, he,
by
§ This Cup has long been sliensted. fIt^hisaadPriviiiget,Pagt%A3.J
* This extraordinary dcMatioa has long since either been embezded or
ivom out, and was it still remaioitig, it would prove of little use to the
Prisoners, unless some philsntrophk Pei9oa would provide them with
ineat to boil in it.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
THB CITY OF EXETER. 381
bfa feeffoMUit, dstcd 20th January, U35, granted diven CHAP, VI .
laoda and tenements in this Cit^t and coun^ ofDcTon, unto — —
fifteen gentlemen, and their hem sucGessivefy , the remainder
in the crown, that the tertenant shall pay to the said chaphun
ycariy, the sam of eight marks, and to every one of the said
poor n^ ei^t-'penoe each weekly; appointing to the said
men #eroral rdigioos services to be done by them, partis-
cularly that they should, twice a day, repair to the clupely
to hear divine service; that none should be vagrant or beg;
that all alma given should be put. in the common box placed
Bear die gate, and to be equally divided amongthem; that
the Mayor and BailifFs should, twice every year, visit the
said hoaws, (vi«, within 8 days of Easter, and Si. Miehad
the Arch'Angel^) to bear the complaints of the poor, and
remedy the abuses, app<»nting a collation for tb: visitors^
and ft^ for the officers; thatthemoiety of the rents, issues^
and profits of the lands at all times to come (bqfond the find-
ing and sustaining the said chaplain and poor,) remaining^
ahould be reserved to the tertenant, fulfilling his ordination ;
and thei>th9r moiety to be reserved for the use of the houses,
foir defraying the expence of suits at law, and preserving their
rights to the lands thus bequeathed, which said moiety werr
constantly to be kept in a strong box, provided for that pur*
pose by the donor, secured with three locks. These ordi*
nances were for many years duly observed, and the lands
descending by the aforesaid conveyance to the Spekes ; * and
althottg^h the sakry granted to the priest by the statute of
Chantries (at the reformation,) came to the crown, it was
continotd, and theyearhr value of the lands greatly increasing.
Sir Qeorge Speke, ciJwhite Laeldngten^ being the tertenant,
increased the poor's pay from eight-pence to thirteen-pence
weekly, durine his life, but soon after, the unhappy dif«
feranoes breakm^ out between Kmg Ckurles and the ParUa^
tn^ntf their weekly pay was discontinued, and about the year
1643 the chapel and houses were demolished. During theae
troubles, the lands came by descent to George Speke, Eeq.
who not only refused to re-build the premises, (notwith*
standing the great income he received from the lands,) but
also retained hvo-pence weekly of the thirt^en^pence granted
to the poor by his predecessors, as aforesaid, whereupon the
Mayor and wlifiis (as visitors of the said foundation ,) endea-
voured to prevail on the said JkTr* Speke to fulfill the Will of
the founder, but without effect : accordingly, in Michaelmas
Tgrmt 1634, they exhibited a bill in chancery against him,
Bbb9 to
^ 3y th« marriage of Sir John Speke, Kt. wkh Joan, daughter ff
John Wynard, Esq.
Digitized by CjOOQ IC
382 THE HISTOBT OF
CHAF.Vf . to compel faim thef«to ; tbissQit, omag to the oooviikSoiBof
■ die times, wis much litieatcdy and condnned in delnte near
ei^t yean, in whidi smt the chamber expended 300^« but
after the rcstoiation, m Trhdty Term, 1692» thc^ obtained
the followiag decree.
Ist. That the chapel be lepaired by the defendant, and
made fit for divine service by MiekgdmM come twdTemonth :
and that file diviiie service of the church be read there every
morning, by eight o'clock, to the poor, and die owner of
the huid to appoint one of the secondaries of the cathednl to
Kad prayers there, and allovr him twenty nobles per aannm
ior his saiary, to be paid quarterly.
2d. That the defiendant, Jfr. Speie^ pay the poor two
filuilinp a week for their maintenance, in ail times to oome,
and this to be paid to them weekly, and he to secure the pay-
ment thereof by charge <m die land, or decree in chaaccry,
as shall be advised..
5d. That when the leases of the houses and tenenients
now in die tenure of Rogm* Ckeeke, lying within the Citf of
ExeUr, shall be renewed, or fidl into naod, that upon renew-
ing the lease thereof, the rent reserved shall be increased 1 £/.
per annum, and so continue for ever hereafto/ which 12/.
ahallcrounto, and be equally divided among the twelve poor
peopk of the said Almshouses.
4th, That all fines, casualities, and profits of all lands,
shall go and be paid to the defendant, Mr. Speke, and his
heirs, without any account to be given thereof, chaiged with
the payments before-mentioned, and widi the maintenance
and reparadon of the said houses and chi^l, and the other
charges named in the said ordinadon, and no future or further
increase of maintenance to be chumed or made to the poor in
time to come, but the visitadon of the houses to be according
to the ordination.
5th. That the Mayor and Aldermen of Exeter, tbr the
dme to come, ahall have the nomioadng of eight of the
twelve poor men of the said hospital, m poor dea^^ tradesmen
of the said City; and Mr* Speke and hu heirs, the appoint-
ment of the oxhti four, to be poor decayed men of Devon i>t
Somerset, in turn, as places shall fell ; nrst, the City twice,
and Afr. Speke tht third, and when the Ci^'s turn is, they
shall nominate two poor men of the said city to Mr, SpeJIre,
of which he shall admit one to be the almsman within twenty
days after such nomination ; and those that are appointed by
Mr. Speke, in his turn, out of Deton or Somerset, shall 4e
such as shall not be burthensome to the said City, but live
upon their own, and allowance of the said Almsnoose.
6th.
Digitized by LjOOQ IC
THE CITT OF EXBTCR. 383
6dt. That loot costs be paid by the defendant, Mr. CHAP. VI ,
Spekey to the comphdnants, towards the great charge the — —
City oiBjeeter has been at in prosecuting this suit, iat settling
die said AJnashouses, and the relief of the poor in it.
7th. And lartly it is ordered and decreed, that the said
lands shall stand chargeable to the performance of this decree^
and that the owner c^the laid kinds (when it comes in their
turns to nominate as befbresaid,) shall, within three months
after the decease of any of the said almsmen, nominate
another lo succeed him.
These lands, by faihure of issue male, in i}at Speke*»
family, came l^ marriage to the Right Hon. Frederic^ Lord
North, who» some years since, sold them, together with
the potvonagc of this foundation, to the lAttJriliuon Kot'
nawy, Esq. an eminent merchant, of this City, (lather of
the^-^Msent Sir John Kennaway, Bart.) This gentleman
proved a futhful patron, he not only thoroughly repaired the
houses, bot gready beautified the chapel, and presented to
it a neat aerrice of silver communion plate ; he
