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V:2jN-N^CbS^
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ST. MARK'S;
OR,
THE MAYOR'S CHAPEL,
BRISTOL.
This large paper edition consists
of 200 copies^ of which this is
No.
I
1 ' \
} 1
RESTORED FRONT ELEVATION,
THE MAYOR'S CHAPEL SRISTOI..
ST. MARK'S;
OR,
THE MAYOR'S CHAPEL,
/
BRISTOL, /\
(Forffterly called the Church of the Gaunts.)
BY
W. R. l^ARKER
Member of the Council of
the CUy and County of Bristol,
3Uu6trated.
• ',.
J J ^ s s ' t
* , -
£rf 0tol :
W. C. HEMMONS,
ST. STKPHZN STKKET.
1892.
• • •
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• • * • • • •
• ••••
• • • •
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• •••••••
•• . • • • •
• •
I • • ••
THIS VOLUME IS
WITH GREAT RESPECT INSCRIBED TO
ALDERMAN SIR CHARLES WATHEN,
WHO FOR SIX YEARS
SUSTAINED
THE OFFICE OF MAYOR OF BRISTOL;
AND
DURING WHOSE MAYORALTY
THE RESTORATION OF ST. MARK'S CHAPEL
WAS CARRIED OUT.
* * ^ W ^ w «
^
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* • • • ••
» • • •
• • « • •
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In the recently-published volume of the Transactions .of the Bristol
and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society, illustrations appeared of
all the Berkeley effigies existing in the City of Bristol and neighbour-
hood. Mrs. Baonall-Oakeley, who made the drawings, and the
Council of the Society, have now kindly consented to the reproduction
in this work of the illustrations of such of the effigies as are found
in St. Mark's Chapel. The courtesy thus manifested is very heartily
acknowledged. The Town Clerk, Mr. D. TRAysRS Buroes, and
the City Treasurer, Mr. J. Trsmayns Lane, have given every
assistance in their power; also the City Librarian, Mb. John Tatlor.
To these gentlemen and others, who in various ways have aided him,
the writer wishes to return his sincere thanks.
Redland, Bristol,
February f 1892.
ST. MARK'S;
OH,
THE MAYOR'S CHAPEL,
BRISTOL.
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PLATE PAGE
FRONTISPIECB—Front Elevation, facing College Green
I.— Conjectural Flan of the Hospital Buildings ... 43
n. — Seal of the Gaunts' House, Anns of Founders, etc. 44
in. — Copy of Seyer's Rough Plan of the Building ... 79
iv.~ Ground Plan of the Restored Chapel ... ... 104
V. — ^Restored Jamb of Nave Window, etc. ... ... 115
vi. — Steps formerly leading from Cloister to Nave, etc. ... 119
vii. — Uncovered Site of Destroyed North Transept ... 123
VIII. — Remains of Piscina, Holy Water Stoup, etc. ... 125
IX. — Exterior View of New North Transept ... ... 137
x.--Effigy of Sir Richard Berkeley ... ... ... 146
XI.— Effigy of Sir Henry de Gaunt ... ... ... 155
XII. — Copy of Inscription on the Tower Wall ... ... 162
XIII. — The Altar Screen and Chancel Tombs ... ... 164
XIV. — Effigy of Sir Thomas Berkeley ... ... ... 166
XV. — Interior of the South Aisle Chapel ... ... 176
xvi.^Effigy of Maurice de Gaunt ... ... ... 178
XVII.— Effigy of Robert de Goumey ... ... ... 179
xviii. ^Interior of the Poyntz or Jesus Chapel ... ... 189
part t.
HISTORICAL.
Note. — Confusion has frequently arisen from the fact that St. Mark's
Chapel does not stand as usual^ East and West, but nearly
North and South. In these pages the building is regarded as
standing in the usual position. The Chancel is therefore called
its East endy and other portions of the structure are indicated
accordingly.
St flDarfi'dt or. tbe nDai^or'e Cbapel, BridtoI«
INTRODUCTORY.
The ^^faire hospitall of St. Marke, of Billeswicke
by Bristol!/' called also the Gaunts' Hospital, after the
name assumed by its primary founder, was one of the
numerous ecclesiastical institutions of mediasval times,
which owed their origin to the zeal and munificence of
different members of the historic Berkeley family. It
was, doubtless, this passion for the erection and endow-
ment of churches and convents which caused the family
to assume the Abbot's mitre as their crest, the use of
which has been preserved in connection with the carved
effigies of different members of the family.
On the South side of College Green, Robert Fitz-
Harding, the first Lord Berkeley of that name, founded,
in the year 1142, on part of the manor of Billeswicke,
which he had purchased of Robert, Earl of Gloucester,
the original monastery church of St. Augustine ; and
nearly a hundred years afterwards his grandson Maurice
Berkeley de Gaunt, as if to keep up the traditions of the
family, founded on the opposite side of the Green, for
benevolent rather than monastic purposes, the Hospital
which bore his name. Of this benevolent and con-
ventual establishment, which once covered a large area,
and which was doubtless complete in all that was
required for the help of suffering humanity, long before
B
The Hospital of St. Mark.
the modem poor-house and infirmary came into existence
— of all this the College Chapel alone remains. This
ancient Chapel is a place where historic memories seem
to fill the air, and where the worship of God has survived
the changes of religious systems recognised within it,
and the complete destruction of all its material sur-
roundings.
Peculiar interest attaches to the Chapel, on account
of the manner in which it came into the possession of the
Corporation, and the many ways in which the latter
half of its history is interwoven with the history of the
City itself. The one may fairly be considered as part of
the other.
The records of the Gaunts' House, as it flourished
previously to its dissolution in the year 1539, and those of
the Chapel which survived the dissolution, have hitherto
existed only in fragments, these for the most part being
found in local histories which have long been inaccessible
to the general reader, and in the transactions of anti-
quarian societies. With regard to the Chapel, this lack
of an adequate connected narrative may in part account
for the indiflerence and decay which for many years
seemed to settle down upon it. But now, as will be
more fully explained hereafter, that is all changed by the
complete renovation of the structure, and the awaken-
ing of much interest concerning it. The time therefore
seems opportune for putting the fi'agments of history
together, and for enlarging the story, and making it as
complete as possible by the introduction of new matter.
It may be that the existence of such a volume will
help to prevent the recurrence of another period of
indifference and decay, such as that which has now
happily passed away.
PART I.— HISTORICAL.
Chapter I.
Zbc founbere anb tbe Cbarters.
THE FOUNDERS. A.D. 1220.
Maurice de Gaunt, — Some confusion exists in the
writings of our local historians with regard to the
identity of the actual founder or founders of the Gaunts'
Hospital. The distinction is always rightly ascribed to
some member of the Berkeley family, but not always to
the same individual. Probably the fact already referred
to, that for generations they were great Church builders
and benefactors, led to the confusion. But all question
is set at rest by the following brief quotation from the
Berkel^ MSS. "This Maurice de Gant founded the
faire hospitall of St. Marke of Billeswyke by BristoU
(now called St. Augustine's Greene] and neare to his
grandfather's monastery, endowing it with ample
possessions ; whose honorable memorialls are there yet
preserved.***
This Maurice was a son of the second Robert
Fitz-Harding called Robert " de Were." He took his
mother's surname of Gaunt, and came into the possession
of her immense inheritance, including the great Barony
of Paynel, chiefly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. He
then became known as Sir Maurice Berkeley de Gaunt,
* Smyth*s Lives ojthe Berkeleys, ed. Sir John Maclean^ Vol. I., p. 52.
The Hospital of St. Mark.
or Sir Maurice de Gaunt. In addition to this Hospital of
St. Mark, he founded a Dominican Priory in Bristol, the
interesting remains of which are still to be seen in con-
nection with the Board School, in what is now called
^' Quakers' Friars." He was one of the warlike barons of
his time, and became *' a Peere of the Realme after the
death of his father Robert." He died at Portsmouth in
the year 1230, and being referred to as coming of age in
1207, his death must have taken place at the early age of
44, in the very prime of life. His effigy or " memoriall,"
which is in the South Aisle Chapel of St. Mark's,
represents him as a man of splendid physique.
Robert de Gournay. — Maurice de Gaunt dying
without direct heirs, his possessions descended to the
only son of his half-sister Eva, Robert de Groumay,
whose father, Anselm de Gournay, was a younger son
of Hugh de Gournay, a Norman, made Earl of Gournay
by William Rufus, and so called from their castle and
seignory in Normandy.* Robert de Gournay appears to
have been one of the wealthiest men of his time, and the
following particulars in the Berkeley MSS. will show
how his wealth accumulated.
" Robert de Gurnay was not onely sonne and heire
of the said Eve, but also heir to Maurice de Gant his
vncle, and also grandchilde and heire to the said William
sonne of John de Harptre, possessinge all their lands
before mentioned and many others, and had 2 1 Knightes
ffees in the Counties of Somersett and Glouc. as the roll
of 47.H.3. shewes. Hee maryed Hawisia de longo campo,
by whom hee had issue Ansel me de Gurnay, And dyed
in the Liij"* of Henry the third (1269) In which yeare
also, after her husband, dyed the said Hawisia.*'t
• Barrett's History of Bristol, p 355.
t Smyth's BerkeUys^ YoL I, p. 53.
The Hospital of St. Mark.
One of his first acts on succeeding to his uncle^s
estate was to confirm and supplement the foundation
charter of the Gaunts' Hospital. This appears to have
been in accordance with a wish expressed on the part
of Maurice during his life-time or in his will. A new
charter was granted by Robert de Grournay, the text of
which is preserved in Dugdale's Monastican.* A trans-
lation of this document is given under the head
of Charters (see page 14). The effigy of Robert
de Goumay is placed beside that of his uncle Maurice
in the South Aisle Chapel, thus perpetuating their
relationship to each other, and to the Hospital as its
joint-founders.
Pkdig&xe op thb Founde&s of St. Mark's Hospital, Billbswtkb, as
GIVEN BY Mr. a. S. Ellis in the Berkeley AfSS. Vol. i., p. 20.
Haxding, son of Alnod. Held in 1085-6 a manor in Meriet, co.=»
Somst., which in King Edward's time was held by Earl Godwin.
>bert
Robert Fitz Harding, of Bristol, Provost of the town,«Eva. She founded a
and a wealthy merchant there. Obtained from Robt.
£. of Gloster, the manor of Billeswyck jnxta Bristol,
upon part of which he founded St. Augustine's
Abbey in 114a. Became a Canon and died in the
Abbey 11 70.
Priory on St. Michael's
Hill, died there in
II 70, and was buried
at St. Augustine's
Abbey.
I. Hawise, dau. of Robert ^Robert " de Were," co. Somer-=2. Avicia d.
de Goumay of Barrow,
CO. Somst., dead 1168.
set. Had his father's manors
of Billeswick, &c. Dead 1195.
of Robt. de
(jaunt,d.ii92
Goumay.
de=B£ya de Goumay Maurice de Gaunt, died Henry de Gaunt, a
sole heir of her at Portsmouth 1230. priest, the first Master
mother. Dieddur- Founder of St. Mark's Almonerof St.Maric's
ing the lifetime of Hospital and of the Do- Hospital. Resigned
her half-brother, mimcan Priory, Bristol, through infirmity
1268. Buried in the
Chapel at St. Mark's.
Rooert de Goumey, heir to his mother,
vncie and grandfather Qohn de Haiptree)
possessing their estates and many others.
• Dngdale'8 ifM«u«KVM, VI, p. 687.
The Hospital of St. Mark.
THE CHARTERS.
In the introduction to the Camden Society's reprint
of the Mayor^s Kalendaty page 22, there is given " a
trew and perfect note of all the bokes, registers, and old
recordesy as are remayneing in the charge and keppinge
of the Towne Clerck, at his studye in the Councell
Chamber, taken the 24th day of Januarie, 1621, Anno
Regni Domini Regis Jacobi nunc Anglise, etc. decimo
nono, tempore maiorati Roberti Rogers ; and belonginge
to the Cittye." Eight of these MS. volumes are enume-
rated, the fifth on the list being as follows — '* Item, a
parchment booke of the Gaunts' Charters.'* The
introduction goes on to state, that at the time of the
publication of this reprint in 1872, the existence of this
book was not known at the Council House. Like one or
two more of the volumes included in the list, it had then
disappeared, nothing being known of how or when.
A volume containing the Cartulary of the Gaunts'
House is known to exist in the collection of the late Sir
Thomas Phillips, but this is quite inaccessible.
There appears to have been a copy of the account
of the Gaunts' Charters in the possession of William
Barrett, who wrote the History and Antiquities of the
City of Bristol in 1789, and in referring therein to the
Church of the Gaunts, he largely avails himself of this
source of information. Under the circumstances it is
fortunate that a reliable account of these early charters,
so far as it goes, has thus been preserved.
At page 358 of his History, Barrett g^ves the
following account of his volume, in which there is no
attempt to conceal the pardonable pride of the anti-
quarian . " The original deeds relating to this house are so
The Hospital of St. Mark.
many that they fill a large book of a folio size, close written
with abbreviations, a copy of which authentic curious
manuscript I have in my possession. I shall abstract
from it those only that more immediately concern the
endowment of this religious house of charity, and give
any light into its ancient foundation and original
institution. I shall quote this also under the title of
Gaunts* Book^ being a manuscript never seen by any
of our writers of ecclesiastical history and antiquities,
neither by Dugdale, Stevens, Leland, Tanner, nor
Mr. Willis." The volume thus referred to was called
Thesaurus Chartarum et Munimentorum Domus St Marci
de Btlleswyck. After this quaint introduction, Barrett
proceeds to quote from his book particulars of many
charters and benefactions made for the support of the
Hospital, by which it was from time to time greatly
enriched. In the absence of the original volume, these
particulars must of necessity form the basis of the
following epitome of the charters.
It has always, however, been understood that many
origpinal documents relating to the Gaunts' foundation
were included amongst the MSS. in Wells Cathedral, and
the ofiicial report upon those papers, which was pub-
lished in 1885, has been exceedingly useful. The
Worcester Registers also contain many documents
relating to the earlier history of the Gaunts' House.
These deal more especially with the internal concerns
of the convent, the Gaunts' House being in the
diocese of Worcester, and subject to the visitation of the
Bishop of that diocese. These MSS., with all other
available documents, were exhaustively examined at the
instance of the Corporation some fifty years since, when
it became necessary to ascertain once for all what were
the rights and responsibilities of the Corporation in
8 The Hospital of St. Mark.
connection with the Gaunts' Chapel and estates. The
results of that investigation also are, as far as necessary,
incorporated in the following pages.
I. Charter OF Maurice de Gaunt.— In accordance
with the statement of the old chroniclers, the Charter of
Maurice de Gaunt is preserved in the Wells Registry. A
general idea of its contents may be derived from Barrett,
and abstracts of both the Charter and the Inspeximus
of Robert de Goumey are given in the Report of the
Commissioners on the Manuscripts in Wells Cathedral.^
The Dean and Chapter of Wells have now courteously
allowed a verb, et lit. copy of each of these documents to
be made, and as they form the foundation of the whole
story, they are here printed in full, together with a
translation.
FUNDACIO CANTAXIO MAURiai DB GANt APUD SANCTUM
AUGUSnNUM B&ISTOLL.
Ex Regiiiro penes Decanum et CapUulum WeUense 3, /. a8o.
Omnibiu Christi fidelibus presens scriptum inspectmis, Mauxidos de
Gant Saltttem in domino . Noverit universitas vestra me pro salute
animae mesB, patris mei matiis mese uxornm mearmn et omniom
antecessomm et snccessorum meorum dedisse concessisse et hac pxesenti
carta mea confirmasse Deo et ecdesise Sancti Augustiui de Briatoll et
canonicis regnlaribos ibidem Deo servientibus totum maneriom memn de
Pottlet cum omnibos pertinentiis sois in bosco et piano in pratiB et pascnis
in viis et semitis in aquis et aqoanim cursibus in stagnis et molendinis et
in omnibus libertatibus et libeiis consuetudinibus ad predictum manerium
pertinentibus . Ita quod ego et heredes mei dictum manerium ab omni
servitio legali et omni exactione seculari acquietemus . Dedi etiam dictis
canonicis molendina mea de Were cum omnibus pertinentiis suis et sequdis
in integritate in piscariis in aquis et aquarum cursibus sicut ea Willelmus
de Sumiford de metenuit . Ita quod Idem Willelmus in vita sua molendinum
quod parvum molendinum Tocaturde canonicis teneat supradictis Reddendo
dsdem singulis annis . qradraginta solidos sterlingomm ad quatuor terminot
* Report on the Wells Manuscripts, p. 192.
The Hospital of St. Mark.
anni videlioet ad natale domini decern solidos, ad paicha decern solidos,
ad Nativitatem beati Johaxmis BapUste decern sdidos, et ad festun
Saocti Michaelis decern solidos — Ipso Tero decedente molendinam
pfedictnm ad predictos canonicos revertatur cum omni emendadone qaam
ipie Wflldmus circa yind posnerit . Preterea dedi et concessi dictis
cancmids molendiDa mea de Radewik cum omnibus libertatibus sequelis
et consaetudinibos snis in aquis et aquanmi cursibns et omnibus
aliis ad piedicta molendina pertinentibus . Ita tamen quod Alexander
«t Johannes de StriguiU dicta molendina in vita sua teneant Reddendo
inde annuatim predictis canonids quatuordecim marcaa argenti : licebit
antedictis canonids post obitum dictorum WiUelmi de Sumiford
Alexandii et Johannis de Stranguill onmememendadonem quam potuerit
drca omnia predicta molendina facere vd ipsa infordando vel nova et
phm construendo . Assignavi eciam supradictis canonids quatuor Maicas
argenti singulis annis in Bristoll perdpiendas, videlicet de domo quae fuit
Robert! Harding quam tenuit David Wan* duas marcas, de domo quae
foit Petri Warr in Bradestrete unam marcam, et de domo quae fuit
Ricardi Cordewenarii juzta pisam unam marcam . Volo autem quod
snpradicti canonid omnia predicta babeant et teneant de me et heredibns
meia imperpetuum cum omnibus pertinendis suis libere quiete integre et
pacifice sicut liberam puram et peipetuam elemosynam in nullo alicui
hominum inde respondentes nisi soU deo in oracionibus Et centum
paupeiibus Christi et uni capeUano divina perpetuo pro fidelibus
cdebraturo in demosynaria quam penes eosdem canonicos construzi
singulis diebus imperpetuum redpiendis juzta formam que in eorum carta
mihi super hoc confecta plenius continetur. Ego autem et heredes md
onmia supradicta memoratis canonids contra omnes homines et feminas
Warantizare debimus imperpetuum Et ut premissa perpetue stabilitatis
xobus obtineant Ea presenti scripto sigiUi md appoddone roborato duzi
confirmanda . His testibus dominis Willelmo filio Johannis de Haipetre
Roberto de Gumay . Jordano Warr . Roberto de Beikelay Canonico
Wdlensi . Gilleberto de Schipton . Adam de Budiford . Willdmo de
Hida . Reginaldo de Camm . Giliberto de Camm . et multis aliis.
InSPBZIMUS AlO) CONFISUATION BT ROBSBT DE GU&lffAT,
FO& Himself and his Heiss.
^•Zy /' 2^ ^ dors. Omnibus Christi fidelibus ad qnos presens carta
pervenerit Robertus de Gumay salutem in domino . Inspezi cartam
bone memorie Mauridi de Gant avunculi mei cujus tenorem de verbo ad
verbnm presente scripto fed annecti . Ego vero donationem suam
secundum quod in eodem scripto continetur ratam et gratam habens pro
me et heredibus mds in perpetuum concesd et hac carta mea confinnavi.
i
lo The Hospital of St Mark.
lU qaidem quod fenenbilis pater K. CicestiuB domini Regis Caaodlaiins
I. Bathonhim et W. Wygoniiensis Epiacopi omnimodam prendeant
tecuritatem quo modo unus capellaniu snstenteliir in peifectaum qui
ministxet pro fideUbni Et centum panperes reficiantor singulis diebus
de exitibus terramm et reddituum et molendinorum in predicte carta
nominatorum in loco competenti ab ipsb Episcopis nominando . Et
si predict! Episcopi proyiderint quod plures pauperes possint refid de
predictis et plures capellani sustentari de eisdem inde prendeant
securitatem fiidendam . His testibus venerabilibtts patribns R. Dundim,
J. Bathon, et R. Cicestrise domini regis cancellario Episcopb, domino
H. de Burgo oomite cauctae et Angliae justidario, Anaelmo Electo
Meneven . domino Stephano de Segrave, domino Johanne Marescall,
magistio Hugone filio Ricardi, Jordano la Ware, Gilberto de Sipton,
Johanne de Campo florido, Henrico de Vein, Elya de Staford, Rad«
Russell . Terire derico. et multis alils.
ITranelatfon.
Foundation of Crantrt op Mau&icb dk Gant at St. Auoustims's,
Bristol.
From the Register in the possession of the Dean and Chapter of Weils,
III. f. 280.
To all the faithful in Christ who may examine the present deed,
Maurice de Gant, greeting in the Lord.
Know all that for the benefit of my soul and of the souls of my father,
my mother, my wives and of all my ancestors and successors, I haiw
given, conceded, and by this present charter confirmed to God and to
the Church of St. Augustine, Bristol, and to the Canons Regular there
serving God, all my manor of Poulet with all its appurtenances in wood
and plain, in meadow and pasture, in ways and paths, in waters and
watercourses, in ponds and mills, and in all liberties and free customs
bdonging to the said manor. So that I and my heirs release the
said manor from all regal service and from all secular exaction. I have
also given to the said Canons my mills at Were with all the appurtenances
and men bdonging to them, with the fisheries, the waters, and the
running streams, according as William de Sumiford hdd the same of me.
So that the same William in his lifetime having rented the mill that is
cdted the little miU from the above-said Canons by irndrring to Hkhi
forty d d Pm g s Hei&ig at four seasons of the year, that b to say, at the
Nativity of our Lord ten shillings, at Easter ten shillings, at the Nativity
The Hospital of St. Mark. 1 1
of the Uened John Baptist ten shillings, and at the Feast of St. Michael
ten shillings. But by his death the said mill shall revert to the aforesaid
Canons with all improvements which William had been able to effect.
Besides, I have given and conceded to the said Canons my mills of
Radewick with all liberties, with men belonging to them, and customs,
waters and running streams, and all other things belonging to the afore-
said mills. Yet so that Alexander and John de Striguill may hold the
said mills during life by retutning annually to the aforesaid Canons
fourteen marks of silver, but it will be permissible to the aforesaid Canons
after the demise of the said William de Sumiford and of Alexander and
John de Striguill to make all improvement that is possible, even by en-
foicement, either by repaiis or by new or by additional construction.
I have assigned also to the abovesaid Canons four marks of silver
to be received every year in Bristol, that is to say, from the house that
belonged to Robert Hardmg which David Warr held, two marks ; from
the house' which Peter Warr had in Broad Street, one mark ; and from
the house which Richard Cordwaner had juxta pisam^ one mark. I will
that the abovesaid Canons have and hold all the aforesaid from me and
my heirs in perpetuity with all appurtenances, quietly, whoUy and
unmolested, as free, pure, and perpetual alms, in nothing responsible to
any man but to God alone in invocations; and for one hundred poor
of Christ who are to be recipients according to the form which is fully
explained in their charter to me and executed with this^ and one Chaplain
who shall celebrate the divine offices, for the faithful in the afanomy which
I have built, everyday for ever. Furthermore, I and my hehrs engage to
secure all the above to the Canons aforenamed against all men and
women for ever. And that the conditions may obtain perpetual strength
and stability, I have applied my seal in confirmation to the present
deed. Witnesses — Sur William, son of John de Harptre, Robert de
Gurnay, Jordan Wair, Robert de Berkeley Canon of Wells, Gilbert de
Schipton, Adam de B«£ftN4« William de Hide, Reginald de Camm,
Gilbert de Camm, and many others.
lNSPlZIlfT78 AND CONFIKMATION BY ROBB&T DB GURNAT «Ut ^fM| ffiT,>
AND HIS HXI&S.
^* 3f /• 2^ ^ dors,
Robert de Gurnay greets in the Lord all to whom the present deed
shall appear. I have inspected the charter of my unde Maurice de Gant^
of blessed memory, the tenor of which I have caused to be word by word
annexed to the present writing. His benefaction I have fully and finely
ratified for myself and my heirs, and by this my charter have confirmed.
12 The Hospital of St. Mark.
On this condition, that the venerable father R(alph NevO), Bishop of
Chichester, Lord Chancellor of the King, J(oceline) of Bath, and W(illiam
de Blois), Bishop of Worcester, may take every security that one diaplain
be maintained in perpetuity, who shall administer to the faithful ; and
to the relief of one hundred poor every day from the proceeds of lands
and rents and mills recited in the said charter, in the proper place
appointed by the bishops themselves. And if the foresaid bishops
discover that more poor may be relieved from the aforesaid, and more
chaplains sustained from the same, then let them take security that it be
done. Tested by the venerable father R(ichard Poore) of Durham, J. of
Bath, and R. of Chichester the King's Chancellor, Inshop, the noUe
Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, and justiciary of England (1230) ; Anselm,
bishop elect of St. David's ; the noble Stephan de Segrave, the noble
John Marescall, Hugo son of Richard, Jordan de Ware, Gilbert de
Sipton, John de Campo Florida, Henry de Vein, EU de Staford, Ralph
Russell, Terire, Clerk, and many others.
The Charter of Maurice de Gaunt is here seen to be
of a very general character. Although it is undated, its
language shews clearly that the Hospital was originated
during the lifetime of the grantor. His first wife Matilda
died in 1219, and the deed was probably executed soon
after his subsequent marriage with Margaret, widow of
Ralph de Someri. The entire absence of details as to
the mode in which the Foundation was to be administered
is explained by the reference to a deed given by the
Canons of St. Augustine's Monastery, in which the
requisite particulars were set forth. To this Capitular
body was deputed the unrestricted carrying out of the
foimder*s intentions, and their agreement with him is
the missing link in the series of documents.
In the Inspeximus of Robert de Gourney it will be
observed that while he concurs in the terms of his uncle's
Charter, he raises the question whether some alteration
may not be made in the constitution and arrangements of
the charity so as to increase its usefulness. He refers
this question to the three Bishops named, and the results
I
I
The Hospital of St. Mark. 13
are seen in the provisions of the new Charter which he
subsequently granted.
Taking the three documents together, a good deal
of light is inferentially thrown upon the question of the
date at which the Chapel, as distinguished from the
Hospital, was erected. It will be observed that Maurice
de Gaunt's Charter contains no reference whatever to the
existence of the Chapel. As regards structure, he refers
only to the elemosynaria (almonry) and provides that
divine service shall be performed therein, by a single
Chaplain ; a simple arrangement, which is hardly con-
sistent with the existence of a College Chapel. More-
over, there is no mention of a dedication, such as would
be appropriate in the case of an ecclesiastical structure.
By the Inspeximus the whole question of the recon-
stitution of the Foundation is brought up for decision by
Robert de Gourney, and, as will presently be seen, the
result was that more elaborate services were provided
for, an independent existence was conferred upon the
Hospital, and a formal dedication of it was made to
" God and the Blessed Mary, and the Blessed Mark."
There still remains the absence of a definite statement as
regards the erection of the Chapel, but there can be no
doubt that it was erected when the second Charter was
granted as *^ the proper place appointed by the bishops
themselves." This would place its date at 1230, about
ten years after the founding of the Hospital ; a conclusion
which is not inconsistent with the architecture of what
remains of the original structure.
2. Charter of Robert de Gourney. — As already
intimated, it seems to have been the wish of Maurice de
Gaunt that the enlargement of the Gaunts' foundation
should be provided for by his heir. Accordingly, Robert
de Croumey not only confirmed his uncle's charter, but
14 The Hospital of St. Mark.
enlarged the constitution of the House, and gave it
more of the character of a Priory ; as such, indeed, it is
frequently designated in the Gaunts' charters and other
documents. He also entirely freed it from the controul
of the Canons of St. Augustine's. This first charter of
Robert de Groumey is printed in the Monasticon
AngluanuMf and is recited from the Gaunts' Book by
Barrett.*
The following is a literal translation of the deed, as
printed in the Monasticon : —
Cart. 6i. Henry HI, m. 15.
Dugd. VI. 687.
To all the faithful in Christ to whom the present writing shall come,
Robert de Gumay saluting in the Lord. Know ye, that moved by
divine instigation and for the sake of Maurice de Gaunt my unde of
blessed memory, and for my own salvation and that of all my predecessors
and successors, being in full seisin and possession under my lord the
King; and in full power over all my lands and tenements, given and
conceded to me by inheritance from the said Maurice, I have by this
present charter confirmed in pure and perpetual alms to God and the
Blessed Mary and to the Blessed Mark, and to our Hospital of Billeswicke,
to the sustentation of the master and three chaplains there to offer
perpetually for the faithful ; and to the refection of 100 poor every day
for ever, the manor of Paulet, with all its appurtenances, without any
reservation, whether in lordship, in villenage, in homage of freemen, or
in services ; with the mill of Were and all its appurtenances, and with all
other products of the same manor, in ponds and waters, and river courses; |
in fisheries, and all other attachments to the same miU; and the mill of ^
Radewick, with all its appurtenances, with all the accompaniments
(sequelft) of the same manor, in ponds and waters, and water courses, in I
fisheries and all other accessories that belong to the same mill ; and 4 \
marks of rent in Bristol with all its appurtenances, that is to say, firom f
the house which belonged to Rob^ son of Harding, which David '
Laware held, 2 marks ; from the house which Richard Corduarius held ^
next to Pisa fjuxta PisamJ one mark ; and from the bouse of Peter
lAware in Brad Street one mark ; and my houses of Billeswicke, with
all their appurtenances without any reservation ; yet retaining to myself
and to my heirs the rights secured to our own hospital of being provided
for when we come thither, without moroseness or hindrance of the said
master or chaplains of the poor.
^Barrett, p. 359.
1
J
The Hospital of St Mark. 15
I have also granted for myself and my heirs that if any agreement
aforetime hat existed between the said Manrice and the Canons of St.
Augustine as to first fruits, it be of no effect henceforth, and that the
dispensation of our said alms, and the administration of alms, lands,
miUs, rents, and of things and possessions in general, shall, until a master
be appointed renudn in the hands of the said chaplains for the time being,
who shall choose from among themselves or from others, a sufficient man
as Master, presenting him to me and my heirs, who at my presentation
and of my heirs shall be admitted by the diocesan of the place (loci
diacesamtm admiUaturJ : to which election if I or my heirs at any time,
without reasonable cause will the contrary, the lord Inshop of Worcester
may nevertheless admit him on the presentation of the chaplains and of
his own authority if duly exercised, to lands, goods, and possessions. But
should he prove dishonourable in the management of afiairs he may upon
conviction be removed and another, as aforesaid, appointed in his stead.
I will also that each one of the said hundred poor shall each receive
daily bread to the weight of 45 shillings, made of bread, barley and bean
flour with sufficient pottage.
And I and my heirs warrant and defend to the said Master and his
successors the aforesaid manor, mills, rents and houses with all their
appurtenances as stated, in free, pure, perpetual alms against all claimants.
And lest I or my heirs should at any time contravene the aforesaid grants
I have confirmed this present writing with the authority of my seal, the
foUowing being witnesses :—
Radolf, Bishop of Chichbstbr, thb Kino's
Chancellor.
HXTBERT DB BURO, EARL OF KEMT AND
Justiciar of England.
JocELTN, Bishop of Bath.
William, Bishop of Winchbstbr.
Gilbert db Gaunt.
John Marbscallo.
Jordan db la Wares.
Gilbert db Shepta.
Elia db Samford, Notary.
Barrett refers to a discrepancy^ which undoubtedly
exists, between the deed as it is given in his Gaunts'
Booky and the version of it in Dugdale. According to
the former the provision was for feeding twenty-seven
poor persons ; while Dugdale says it was for the original
number of one hundred. Later on, in treating of
certain charges of mal-administration brought against
the House, it will be found that the obligation to
provide for the hundred poor people is always specified.
^
i6 The Hospital of St. Mark.
By a further deed which Barrett states is also
contained in the Gaunts* Book^ pp. 3-4. *^ He adds one
more chaplain, in all four, and eight clerks, all which
was confirmed before the Justices of Eyre, at Ivelchester,
the 2nd February, 1243." *
In addition to these charters of the joint-founders of
the Gaunts' House, many other interesting particulars
are given with regard to subsequent endowments.
On the 1 8th of November, in the 17 th year of his
reign (1233), King Henry III., confirmed by his charter
to the Master and Brethren of the hospital of Billeswick,
" the manor of Paulet and its appurtenances, given by
the aforesaid Robert de Goumey, as well as Were Mill,
Radwick, and the four marks of rent in Bristol ; and of
the gift of Andrew Loterel, the manor of Stockland and
its appurtenances ; of the gift of Maurice de Gaunt, that
part of Stockland next the hundred of Cannington,
etc/'t
William Cannell gave his possession, Deliameur
and Linagan, with all its appurtenances and rights, in
fishing, meadows, vineyards, messuages, mills, etc.^ etc.,
for 40s,— 1233, and John Bruin gave his land in Brewham,
till the Gaunts were in full possession of Deliameur and
Linagan, which was confirmed by Ric. de Muscegross.^
About the year 1269, (?) Andrew Luttrel gave the
manor of Stockland, the executors of the said Maurice
paying him 40 marks (the deed being witnessed by
Robert de Gourney, Gilbert de Gaunt, etc.), with the
advowson of the church of Stockland Gaunts, worth
about 10 marks by the year; but, decreasing in value
and being insufficient for the vicar to live upon it, it was
endowed by Thomas, Bishop of Bath and Wells, with
the consent of William (Wyne) Master, and the brothers
* Bairett, p. 359. t /Mi., p. 364. X ^^-t P* 3^*
The Hospital of SL Mark. 1 7
of St. Mark's, with lands and tythes of hay, roses or
reeds of the whole parish— of wool, milk, apples, flax,
lambs, calves, chicken, pigs, pigeons, all oblations,
tenths, etc., belonging to the said Church except of
swans, which were reserved by the house of St. Mark's,
who paid him also 28s. in money, — 1453.*
Walter AUayn granted all the messuage with the
Mill at Langford, as did Richard de Porteshened, his
heir.t
Sir Henry de Gaunt, the younger brother of
Maurice, was, by deed of Robert de Qoumey, duly
appointed first Master-Almoner of the Hospital. He
occupied that position till 1268, when he resigned on
account of infirmity, and died in the same year. This
Sir Henry de Gaunt executed a deed by which he con-
firmed all former grants, and further granted the Manor
of Paulet, Stockland of Erdecot, and lands of Bruham,
the Mills of Were and Langford, with all his rights in
Delyamour and Lynagan in Cornwall, of the donation of
William Cannel ; the burgage and rents in Bristol and
the house of Billiswick, for the support of the Master of
the House and twelve brothers clergymen, and five brothers
laymen, and twenty-seven poor people, out of which
number twelve are to be scholars to serve only in the
choir, in black caps and surplices, as the same was
ordained and confirmed formerly by Walter, Lord Bishop
of Worcester (see page 25). This deed is in Gaunts*
Book J p. I J
Edward the ist gave the Manor of Winterboum
Gunnore, in Wilts, to the Gaunts' Hospital, before he
was King, in the 52nd year of his father's reign (1268),
and confirmed it after he was King, the 13th May, i29o.§
* Barrett, p. 365. f Jbid.^ p. 368. % -^^^^m P« 3^.
} Ibid.t p. 364.
1 8 The Hospital of St. Mark.
The following are the circumstances under which the
gift was made. — ^The Manor was held by Henry de la
Mere, who, dying without issue, it reverted to the King
Henry III., who granted it to his eldest son Edward,
and there is an ancient charter, dated 25th Oct. in the
above-mentioned year, whereby Edward, described as
Edward, eldest son of the King, for the good of his
soul and the souls of his ancestors granted to God, and
the Blessed Mary, and to the Church of St. Mark of
Billeswick, juxta Bristol, and the Master and Brethren
there serving God, and for the sustentation of the poor,
the said Manor of Winterboum, in free and perpetual
alms for ever. This charter was witnessed by Thomas
de Clare, Robert Agillon, Roger de Libume, Robert de
Waleraund, Robert Tibatot, Pagan de Chawras, Hugh,
son of Otto, and John de la Lynde ; and was confirmed
upon Inspexitmis on 30th May, 1290, the following being
witnesses: — John, Bishop of Winchester; Reginald,
Bp. of Bath and Wells, Chancellor ; Anthony de Beck,
Bp. of Durham ; Edmund, the King's brother ; William
de Valence, the King's uncle ; Gilbert de Clare, Earl of
Gloster and Hereford ; Lace, Earl of Lincoln ; and
Richard de Wood.*
In the year 13 14, the Master and Brethren of St.
Mark's adopted the not uncommon course of pleading
poverty, in order to increase the resources of their
House. They represented, " that owing to the smallness
of their income, and various expences daily increasing
upon them, also that, by reason of the floods and over-
flowings of the sea, no small part of their lands situated
in the diocese of the Bishop of Winchester were
destroyed — he (the Bishop) confirmed upon them the
impropriation of the church of Stock (Stokland), of
* Sir John Maclean, Treats, Brist, and Gias, Arch, Soc., 1878-9, p. 247
The Hospital of St. Mark. 19
which they held the advowson, with its rights, posses •
sions, and appurtenances, reserving only to himself and
successors the appointment of a Vicar for the said parish
to serve the Church, to be presented to him by the
House of St. Mark, and an annual pension of two
shillings to be paid to the Dean and Chapter of St.
Andrew's, Wells, and one marc and an half to the
Archdeacon."*
The following documents relating to this are in the Wells collection :^*
I. licence firom the King to the House of St. Mark, Bristol, to
appropriate their Church of Stockland, February 7th, a.d. I3i4.t
s. Appropriation of Stockland to St. Mark, by the Bishop, in con-
sideration of the poverty of the House, and their losses by inundation on
the coast, etc., given in London, February 1 1, 1314.
3. The appropriation of Stockland Church confirmed, saving a payment
of two shillings to the Church at Wells, "pro sequestris tempore
vacationis."^
4. Ordinatio Vicarie de Stodande per Johannem £pm. The lands
and tithes enumerated which are to belong to the Vicar, the rest to the
House of St. Mark, of Bristol, of which William is the Master,
A.D. i38o.§
In the same year 13 14, upon the payment of a fine,
the Master and Brethren obtained a license to exchange
one mill in Netherwere, with its watercourse, with John,
Bishop of Bath and Wells, for forty acres of pasture
and four-score acres of moor in Compton and Ceddre
(Cheddar).||
At Wells there is the following :— " Conf. by the
Dean and Chapter, of the exchange made by the Bishop
and the House of St. Mark, Bristol, with the boundaries
of the lands. Test, to the original deed — John de Erie ;
John de Meriet ; Matthew de Clyveden ; John de Bello
Campo de Norton ; John de Clyveden ; Knights, and
V . . . ..
* Barrett, p. 370, also Sir John Maclean, Trans,^ 6'<r., see ante^ p. 18.
t Reparian TVeOs AfSS., p. 85.
it Ibid,, pp. 86.7. { /^m/., p. 169.
I Sir John Maclean, Jronx., ^c, see anfe, p. 18.
20 The Hospital of Si. Mark.
John de Hampton; John de Northlade; Philip de
Irrays ; William de Brutton ; Reginald de Hanam ; John
de Ardenie, etc."*
Another deed at Wells refers to the same trans-
action :— " Confirmation by King Edward of an exchange
made by the House of St. Mark, Bristol, with Bp. John,
of a mill at Netherwere, with sluices and watercourses,
for forty acres of pasture and eighty acres of moor in
Compton and Ceddre, given at Westminster, February
8th, Anno Regni 8^ {i3i4-i5)-"t
Anselm de Goumey (son of Robert) gave Thomas
de Lechlade, Master, and his Brothers of St. Mark's, 3s
rent out of 3 burgages in the town of Were and all his
right in the Hyndmore, Compton and Ceddre, 10 Edw. II.
(1317)4
In 1324 a dispute arose between the Master and
Brethren, and one John de Poulet, relative to certain
rights of common, claimed by the said John, in the
demesne lands of the Master and Brethren in Poulet.
The contention was submitted to arbitration, and it was
finally agreed, that John de Poulet having acknowledged
his services, should have common of pasture for so many
animals as could subsist thereon, and estover for his own
use growing in the demesne lands of Northam, in Poulet,
which he then possessed, from Michaelmas day to the
Feast of the Purification of the B.V.M. in all lands
not sown in Southam ; and that if the said John should
not find sufficient pasture in the cultivated lands at
Southam for the said animals, the Master and Brethren
grant to him, in augmentation, for the time being,
sufficient pasture in Northam, they reserving a right
of way for their wagons, in consideration of which
Report on IVeUs MSS., p. 86. t Ibid., p. 85.
X Barrett, p. 366.
The Hosfdtal of SL Mark. 2 1
•
John de Poulet granted to the Master and Brethren the
whole land of Northam, without challenge, for ever .♦
Ten years after making their previous complaint,
in the year 1326, the Master and Brethren made another
complaint of poverty, and the Bishop bestowed on them
the Church of Overstowey with all its rights, fhiits, &c.,
on their paying a pension of forty shillings to the Dean
and Chapter of Wells towards the repairing of the
fabric of that Church, reserving the sole appointment oi
the Vicar to the Church of Overstowey.t
The foUowing are the documents relating to this transaction in the Wells
collection i-^
1. Inspez. and Conf. by the Dean and Chapter of the grant by Bp.
John to St. Mark's House, Bristol, of the advowson of Over Stawey.
Given at Banewell, Oct. i, A.D. 1326. Confirmed Nov. 11.
2. Inspex. and Conf. of the appropriation of the last to St. Mark's by
Bp. John : saving a pension of 40s. to the fabric of the Cathedral, in lieu
of the Dean and Chapter's claim to their portion of the proceeds on
vacancies. A. Vicar to be appointed as usual. Given at Blakeford,
Oct. 23, A.D. 1326. Confirmed Nov. 104
3. Payment of the above charge of 40s. is twice referred to in the
Liber Alb. Ill, as briefly noted at page 175 of the **Report" and in the
Fabric Rolls C. 1390, in the following terms: — ^Rents, 4O8. from the
Master of the House of St. Mark, Bristol, for the Easter and Michaelmas
tenr«s.§
By letters patent from King Edward A.R. 20, John
Bishop of Bath and Wells granted these charters wholly
to the Master and Friars of St. Mark's for their better
support. II
On the 8th Sept., 1326, the Bishop obtained another
licence, authorising him to exchange the advowson of
the Church of Overstowey, with the Master and Brethren,
for four score acres of moor, the site of one mill and the
watercourse thereto pertaining in Compton Ceddre and
Netherwaye.lT
* Sir John Maclean, Trans.^ &*€., see ante, p. 1 8. f Barrett, p. 370.
X Report on Wells JfSS., p. 91. { Ibid,, p. 285. || Barrett, p. 372.
H Sir John Maclean, Trans,, &*c,, see ante, p. 18, also Banetti p. 366.
22 The Hospital of St. Mark.
On the ist of May in the 6th year of his reign (1333}
Edward III. confirmed all aforesaid grants, and that
which Alexander D'Aundo, or De Anno made to the
said Hospital, of all that land and bosk called Half-
barrow, with all its appurtenances, in the manor of
Aychton, and that g^rant which Idonea Gaunsel the wife
of Richard the Huntsman made, of all that land and
tenement which she had in Erdicote, and all the right
she had in La Lee, Hanedon, and Hogestone ; and the
land called Sturte in Crete and its appurtenances, with
the advowsons of the Church of Lee and Erdicote, and
all rents, villenages, custodies, liberties, etc., and all
rights in the said land belonging to her or her heirs :
he confirmed also the grant which Richard Curties of
Bristol made, to the Master and Brethren of the said
Hospital, of his rights to a meadow called Wambroke
and the grant which William Gannel made of a
Tenement which he had of John le Brun in de Lianour
and Linagen, dated as above ist May, 1333.*
The foregoing charters and deeds, extending over a
period of more than a hundred years from the foundation
of the Gaunts' House, comprise the principal bene-
factions by which it was endowed. In addition, Barrett
extracted from his Gaunts* Book particulars of a number
of less important gifts, some of which related to tene-
ments lying on the North side of the Hospital towards
the Frome, by which the Hospital estate was extended
in that direction. Amongst those who thus benefitted
the House in a minor degree, are Jordan de Berkeley
(1235) and Margery Somerey, widow of Maurice de
Gaunt, who long survived her husband. Maurice de
Gaunt having died without direct heirs, the surname he
assumed does not after that event appear amongst the
donors.
• Barrett, p. 364.
Chapter II.
Zbe VeUgfoua IbouBc.
A.D. I220 /o 1534.
In the absence of documentary evidence, which in
most cases no longer exists, the special purpose for
which many of the mediaeval religious houses were
established cannot now be clearly ascertained. In the
case of the Gaunts' House however there is no such
obscurity; the carefully arranged provisions of its
foundation charters stamping it as primarily a benevolent
institution. In this respect, its purpose went far beyond
the range of mere hospitality, such as was habitually
observed in monasteries. It existed for the purposes
of charity, and instead of being a feasting place for the
rich and noble, such as the monasteries sometimes
became, it was a home for the homeless, a hospital for
the sick, a house of plenty for the destitute. It can
readily be imagined what a daily centre of benevolent
activity the Gaunts' Hospital was in those far-off days,
when the needy were dependent on the Church, when
travelling was both difficult and dangerous, and when
nursing and medical aid were so difficult to obtain. A
24 The Hospital of St. Mark.
hint as to that activity was afforded when, during the
recent restoration, it was found that in the North wall of
the Nave, on which side the domestic buildings were
situated, no less than seven openings of various kinds
were formerly in use, as means of communication on
three floors, between the Hospital buildings and the
Chapel. The positions of several of these, at different
levels, still remain visible as witnesses of the intimate
connection between the religious and benevolent work
of the Chaplains and lay Brethren of ''St. Mark's of the
Gaunts."
Perhaps One of the most interesting and complete
pictures extant, of the daily routine of a Thirteenth
Century House of Charity is that which relates to St.
Mark's Hospital.
When, under the Charter of Robert de Gourney,
the House was released from the control of the Canons
of St. Augustine's Monastery, it became necessary to
formulate the arrangements under which it should
continue its independent existence. The Bishop of the
diocese granted the requisite ordinance 'dated 1259,
which being issued became the Rule of the House.
The original document by which this interesting
picture is furnished is in the Worcester Registry under
the reference, Registrum Gothfredi Gifford 1268 to 1301
No. I. It is there entitled ''an Ordination exhibited at
Henbury in the Salt Marsh 1268," and proceeds: — "This
Ordination is made with the assent and counsel of the
Venerable Father Walter Bishop of Worcester with the
assent of the Conventual House of Robert de Gumey of
the aforesaid Elemosunaria of St. Mark's de Billeswick,
and Henry de Gaunt Master of the same place, of the
rents and lands of the said Henry purchased and to the
said Elemosunaria belonging."
The Hospital of St. Mark. 25
Barrett has given in his account of the Gaunts'
Church the following version of this Ordination :
<* Walter Bishop of Worcester, with consent of Robert de Goumey and
Henry de Gaont, joint founders of the lands rents &c., by them given to
the said house yiz. that the lands &c., by them given, shonld for ever
remain to that honse, for the support of a master and three chaplains, and
that the alms to poor Christians agreeable to each of their deeds, should
eveiy day be observed ; and that twelve scholars be admitted or removed
at the will of the master, who are to officiate in the choir in black caps
and surplices, according to the direction of the chaunter, master, and
faculty of the house, out of whom one is to be chosen to direct and instruct
the lest, for which his stipend shall be larger than the rest ; and it is
ordained that three clerks in sacred orders and five lay friers do wear the
same habit of those friers of the hospital of Lechlade, differing only in the
badge of the said hospital, which is a cross argent, and the shield gules with
three geese argent. And if it should happen that either of the said six
clerks should by the said master be promoted to the sacerdotal order,
nevertheless he may administer in the church according to the direction of
the chaunter, provided the number of chaplains, clerks, and friers, so
admitted by the said master not having the habit, exceed not thirteen,
unless in process of time the revenues of the house increase, at which
increase let as many be added to the charity as the master of the said
house shall think fit. At the admittance of each person into the
brotheriiood he shall have the shield only fixed on his habit, which shall
be worn during the year of probation, at the end of which time if he is
found a fit proficient then the shield with the cross shall be fixed to the
same ; or within the time of his probation, if he desire or plead for this
right, he may have the shield with the cross impressed on his upper habit,
by vowing the substantials of the order, viz. continence, obedience, and
abdication of property, and other regulations of the said house to be
observed.
Any person after admission and within the time of probation, if he
should be found not fit, may depart or be removed by the master. In
fasting and other things to be observed by the members of this house,
let it be according to the custom of the friers of Lechlade ; but in divine
offices according to the custom and order of Sarum. In burying the dead,
whether prince or prelate be sent for burial, the said chaplains and derb
are to wear the habit of the said hospital, or in their more solemn apparel,
according to the custom of Sarum, may meet the same, provided the said
haUt is not used elsewhere, but in the choir, or elsewhere when free from
' eoderiastical office.
26 The Hospital of St. Mark.
As to mm and iU lolemnidct the said chapkins and deikt are to
obienFe the following rules, viz. one mass shall be celebrated in the
morning for the Blessed Virgtu liCary, the second for the dead, and the
third for the day ; this to be continued every day : the other chaplains
may celebrate mass for the living and the dead, and chiefly for the
bene&ctors of the house, at the discretion of the master. Divine service
being ended, two chaplains and the aforesaid six clerics wearing the
badge of the house, with two lay-brothers each with a little knife in his
hand shall cut the bread for the impotent and weak, who are to be served
to their will, between one and three, before the chaplains and clerks shall
dine : that receiving their prescribed portion there, they may nevertheleu
get elsewhere what is necessary for them.
The master, chaplains, and clerks, and the brethren bearing their habit
may sleep in one house, and may eat and drink in the dining-room, but
no secular person shall eat there or anywhere within the bounds of the
hospital unless by special leave of the master, or detained there by
sickness, when he must be refreshed in the infirmaiy. If any stranger
shall make a visit to the master, he may be at liberty to dine in his
diamber, or elsewhere at his choice ; but then he is to have one or two
of the aforesaid chaplains at table with him. If the said master shall dine
out of the refectory, or lie out of his bed chamber, or travel abroad
whether within or out of the town of Bristol, one or two chaplains are to
be with him, first appointing one of the chaplains or brethren of the
order, to officiate in his stead. No chaplain, deric, or brother shall eat
or drink out of his house in the same town, unless in the presence of his
Bishop or patron, or in religious houses, nor without consent of the master
or his vicegerent, and then some of the brethren in their habit shall be
with him, least any of them should be seen wandering abroad alone in the
town out of the precincts of the said house ; and at table the master and
chaplains shall use only black mantles and black cowls, but elsewhere
they shall have the arms of the house outermost, a f. gules three geese
passant arg. If on horseback or afoot within the town, they shall wear
black caps with the arms of the house worked thereon. The chaplains,
derics, and brethren shall eat good bread of good com, and be served
with good beer and good pottage &c., at the discretion of the master.
They shall not purchase any wine for their own use, nor make feastings to
the loss or detriment^of the said poor.
At dinner and supper time, or at the entertainment of a legate, a
lecture shall be spoken as usual at other religious houses, to be directed
by the chaunter.
If any of the chaplains or clerics know how to write or account, at the
command of the master, he craght to write and note down those things
The Hospital of St Mark. 2 7
^hich turn out for the use of the house. If any of the lay-brethren have
been versed in any of the mechanick arts, he may follow it for the
advantage of the house, at the will of the master, whose business shall
be assigned them by the master as well within as without the house, and
the work committed to them be carefully attended to and not injured by
their removal from the work. And in case that part of the land of Paulet
belonging to the said house which lies near the sea, should at any time
be flooded by the sea, and destroy the produce of the land, notice thereof
being given to the Bishop of Worcester and to the patron by the master
of the house, and an inquisition taken of the truth thereof, in this case
the allowance for the poor, with all charges incident thereto, shall be
lessened until the loss be made good.
Finally the Bishop granted for himself and his successors that the house
of St. Mark be quit and freed from procurations and visitations of the
Archdeacon of the place or his official, and from obedience to the Arch-
deacon to be observed as far as relates to religious matters for ever, and
the house and said poor to receive visitation of the Bishop or his official
according to law.
Walter, by the grace of God Bishop of Worcester, having seen thi»
ordinance above, confirmed it by the pontifical authority, sealed with the
said Bishop's seal, with the seal of the house of St. Mark, and that of
Robert de Goumey, patron, and of Henry de Gaunt, master, in the year of
grace 1259, on the morrow of the Exaltation of the Cross."
In this document one cannot fail to note the
following points : — the arrangements, familiar in con-
nection with many ecclesiastical foundations, under which
the choir boys were to receive their education free ; the
period of voluntary probation preceding full admission
to the brotherhood ; the recognised position of the lay
brethren; the distribution of food to the poor within
certain prescribed hours, and before the brethren them-
selves dined ; the observance of hospitality to visitors ;
the care with which provision is made for the absence
from the precincts of the House of all members of the
brotherhood from the Master downwards ; the doubt
which is expressed with regard to the literary and
arithmetical attainments of the clergfy and others ;
and the encouragement given to the practice of the
28 The Hospital of St. Mark.
** mechanick arts." These are all points of great interest
to the student of conventual life, and they are presented
here with all the conciseness and vividness of an
authoritative document.
The following curious bequest from the Gaunts'
Book further illustrates the position and duties of the lay
Brethren in the House. Robert Byleboste granted one
virgat of land in Iron Acton, which he held of Osborn
de Giffard, for his maintenance in food in the House of
St. Mark, serving one of the ** priors " there as a steward
or head clerk of the said House with an allowance of los-
yearly as long as he stays and serves there ; or at his
option to have six marks for the said land instead of the
food and the los.*
The important matter of the election of the head of
the House, the Master- Almoner, is not referred to in the
Bishop's Ordinance, because it was specially provided
for in Robert de Gourney's Charter (see page 14).
Notwithstanding these provisions of the Charter, in
1298 a dispute arose between the Brethren of the
Hospital and the descendants of Robert de Goumey as
to the course of procedure on a vacancy arising. Both
parties claimed to have the right of presentation ; but
the Brethren, on the strength of their Charter, success-
fully maintained their position.
In the following year 1299 ^^^ King, Edward I.
conceived that he had authority to intervene, and
undertake the custody of the House during a vacancy
in the Mastership. The question was submitted to a
commission, and it was again laid down that the
Brethren had the right of choice and presentation.t
TTie Master, when in due form chosen, presented
and accepted, appears to have been inducted into his
* fiarrett, p. 367. t Sir John Maclean, Trans,^ &'c., see ante, p. 18.
The Hospital of St. Mark. 29
office with great solemnity. The ceremony is thus
described by Barrett in another extract from his Gaunt^
Book : — In 1346 John de Stokeland, precentor, was with
great form elected Master and Custos of the House, by
compromise and agreement among the nine Brothers
who then made up the Convent, who carried him so
chosen to the Conventual Church from the Chapter
House, and laid him down upon the High Altar
according to the usual form, singing Te Deum aloud ;
he was then declared Master and afterwards installed.*
The numerous documents relating to the election of
this Master, are thus set out : —
The Decree 5th April 1346, 14th of the Pontificate
of Lord Clement and 4th year of the Consecration
of the Bishop.
The Certificate of the Prior of St. James.
The Certificate of the proclamation made by the
Dean.
The presentation by Maurice de Berkeley, dated 7 th
April 1346.
Instrumentum super profectione electionis.
Requisition and protestation of consent with
Notary's Certificate.
Copy of official mandate from the Court of Chancery.
Compromise between the Dean of Bristol and the
House.
Letter of protestation to elect and publish the
election.
Procuration to institute.
Procuration to prosecute the election.
Attestations upon the conclusion of the business.
Contentia electionis.f
Barrett, p. 369. t Worcester Reg. 1339 to 1349, VoL I.
30 The Hospital of St Mark.
These documents probably indicate the proceedings
in every similar case.
Later on for some imexplained reason there seems
to have been unwillingness or at least delay in filling a
vacancy in tlie Mastership. This drew from the Patron
a protest in ihe form of '' Quare impedit." The docu-
ment is contained in RastelFs Entries^ a MS. extract
from which gives the following particulars. The extract
is interesting from the additional light it throws upon
the inner life of the Convent : —
(Quare impedit.)
De Hospital.
** The Bishop of Worcester and Master of the Honae of St. Mark ot
Bristol were summoned to answer Maurice Berkeley, Knight, of a plea
that they would permit him to present a fit person to the Church of the
House of St. Mark, which was void and belonging to his advowson, and
whence the said Maurice Berkeley by his attorney saith that the House
aforesaid was a certain Hospital in the aforesaid City called by the name
of the Hospital of St. Mark and consisted fh>m time beyond memory of a
Master and Convent incorporate, and the said Maurice was the Patron oi
that House and seized by himielf of the advowson of the same in gross, as
of fee and right &c., and that as often as the aforesaid House happened to
be void, the Brethren of the Convent aforesaid from all time aforesaid,
ought and were used to intimate that vacancy to the Patron of the said
House for the time being, by their letters signified under their common
seal, by two of them for the whole Convent, as their messuage, to grant his
licence to them to elect the fiiture Master of the House aforesaid, and the
same Patron by his sealed letters, ought and was accustomed to grant to
the said Brethren on their Prayer, so often as having Grod alone before
their e3res, postponing every personal and private occupation or business,
they studied to elect as Master of the House aforesaid, a person who
would promote the utility and profit of the said House ; and the same
Brethren ought and were accustomed when they made such election, to
present to the said Patron for the time being by their Letters Patent, a
religious and honest man, useful and faithful to the said Patron« the
King, the Kingdom, and the said House elected by them, praying to often
that he would vouchsafe to grant his Pastoral assent and favour, which
Patron on the election so canonically made of the said man, he consenting
and appiovmg him| ought and was accustomed, on presenting to the
The Hospital of St. Mark. 31
Bishop of Worcester the Ordmary, to pray his Fatherhood that he would
iFOOchsafe so often to confirm him so elected and the aforesaid dection, and
to bestow the gift of his benediction to the aforesaid Clerk, and after the
solemnities in such cases accostomed, to do favoorably and benignly sach
other acts as in this respect belonged to his Pastoral office ; and the said
Bishop for the time being onght to confirm and bless him so elected, and
install him and put him in corporal possession of the same."
After referring to the circumstances of this particu-
lar case, and shewing that the above formalities had
been complied with, the document proceeds : —
" Who (the elected) at his presentation was admitted and
installed in the same in the time of peace, in the time of our Lord Richard
late King of England the second after the Conquest (1377 — 1399)* And
afterwards the aforesaid Maurice the Father &c., died, and from the said
Maurice the Father &c., the right of advowaon descended to the aforesaid
Maurice who now complains, as the son and heir of the aforesaid Maurice,
the Father &c. And afterwards the aforesaid Church became vacant by
the death of the aforesaid (Master*) and jret remains vacant, and by reason
thereof it now belongs to the said Maurice the son of Maurice, to present
to the said Church; and the aforesaid Bishop unjustly impedes him
&c. Whence he saith that he is damaged &c.*'
The following extract from the Worcester Registers
shews what was done in the case of a Master who had
grown too infirm for the performance of his duties : —
'* Ordination for the sustentation of Brother Walter Browning late
preceptor or Master of the House of St. Mark de BUleswick near Bristol
reciting a grant by William of Worcester to the said Walter Browning
whereby considering hb weakness of body, assiduity, and labor which
impeded him in the administration of the spirituals and temporals of the
said House, and which compelled him to vacate the same, whereupon he
had appointed Thomas de Onere ; granted to him that he should have for
his life a chamber in the west part of the Capital House of the Monastery
aforesaid, with the chamber which the said Thomas de Onere lately built
and repaired in the west part of the Dormitory of the said House '< Cum
omnibus usia menteis" to the aforesaid chambers adjoining with free
ingress and egress at convenient and opportune times whenever he should
please without the contradiction or impediment of the Master or Brethren
of the aforesaid Church or any of them, and besides, he granted that he
* William Lane, who previously to his election was a Canon of the
neighbouring St. Augustine's Monastery.
32 The Hospital of St Mark.
should bave every day the portions of two brethren <<in eating and
drinking *' and also ** in every necessary," only what two brethren of the
said Honse were then accostomed to receive, and every week four « panes
crebaiios " of the weight of so many ounces " per sermente tuo '* to be taken
for the whole time. Dated at Henboiy m Salt Marsh 7 Oct. 1390*' (? 1370).*
It appears that the Brethren of St. Mark's were
several times brought into conflict with their neighbours
on the opposite side of College Green. In the first
recorded instance, the quarrel was with the Canons of
St. Augustine's Monastery, who appear not to have
taken kindly to the withdrawal of their control over the
Gaunts' Hospital. However that may have been, in 1 25 1
during the abbacy of William Long, a dispute arose that
embraced a variety of matters, the particulars of which
are interesting on account of several local allusions.
The dispute referred to " the site of the said House of
St. Mark, and works carried on there, and their in-
stituting a College there, and concerning the possessions
given by will of Maurice de Gaunt the founder, for
support of the poor, and some losses having been
incurred, and concerning the right of sepulture there.
It was at length thus settled : — that the said house of
St. Mark should be free from all exactions and claims of
that of St. Augustin, and have all tenths and oblations
that may arise within its bounds ; that it should have a
free monastery at their own disposal and management,
a free burying ground, ornaments, bells, &c., that the
bodies of any dead might be received and buried, but
that the plain of St. Augustin was the common burial
ground belonging to St. Augustin's Monastery, &c., &c.,
and to finish the matter, at length, Walter Bishop of
Worcester to prevent any more contention and rancour
between them, ordered that neither of them should have
• Worcester Keg. 1375 to 1395, No. 15.
The Hospital of St. Mark. 33
common of pasture in the said plain as they both agreed
in its being the cemetery of St. Augustin ; but if any
animals should enter the said plain or green for pasture,
and the owner not remove them, being thrice warned by
the Vicar of St. Augustin the Less, or some other clerk of
the said church, he might pound them till freed by
discharge; the delinquents to pay half a mark as a
mulct to the Bishop ; that the bodies lately buried before
the gate of the house of St. Mark remain there, but that
the earth rose above the level be removed and made
plain, on account of the pleasantness of the place ; never-
theless it should not be the less reckoned a cemetery by
the removal of the earth. He ordered that on account
of the pleasantness of the place the dead bodies should
be buried in that part of the cemetery where they were
used to be and nowhere else, unless the diocesan or his
official should think that use required it, and that those
of the House of St. Mark should have free ingress, and
egress, in and out of the said plain, for the sake of
going, walking, and wandering where they pleased, of
driving carriages, drays, and carts through the roads
useful and necessary for them, and accustomed. He
ordered also that the Abbot of St. Augustin might mow
the said plain without hindrance of anyone, and strew
the grass in his churches of St. Augustin the Greater
and the Less, with this proviso, that the Abbot make no
defence called Hayinge in hindrance of the granted
privileges to the house of St. Mark; but the mower
while there must not be hindered, reserving all
accustomed privileges and rights to the monasteiy of
St. Augustin, and those that dwell there, except the
right of pasture."*
* Bannett, p. 346, also Trans, Bris, and Glauc. Arch* Soc., Vol. XV., p. 60.
i
34 The Hospital of SL Mark.
A long time after this, in 1426, the rights of
the Brethren of St. Mark were infringed by the Vicar
of St. Augustin the Less, one William Chew. He
was accused and found gxiilty of "withholding and
receiving to his own use the oblations and customary
dues and offerings for burying the dead, that lived and
died within the bounds of the house of St. Mark, usually
enjoyed by the Master and Brethren there : particularly
that in 1420 on Palm Sunday he carried away the bodies
of William Leach, and Christin the mother of John
Hore, and Andrew Hutchins, from the cemetery of the
said Hospital or House of St. Mark, though they lived
and died there, and seized and kept dues, of the value of
100 shillings." Other acts of violence and spoliation
were laid to his charge, and eventually, " The said Vicar
Chew confessed, and was therefore condemned in
ecclesiastical excommunication for his obstinacy, but
on his causing the bodies which he had rashly and
injuriously buried in the churchyard of St. Augustin
the Less, out of their proper burial place, to be carried
back and interred with all customary forms observed in
the said Hospital of St. Mark ; and on his returning the
taper and chrysmar and the 100 shillings, the Master
and Brethren then acknowledged themselves satisfied,
and at the petition of the said Brethren and William the
Vicar he was absolved from the sentence of excommuni-
cation given against him, cum sancta ecclesia nullt claudat
gremium.*** In this dispute the revenues as well as the
rights of the House were involved, and it is no wonder
the Brethren were keen in the defence of both.
On the 15th March, 1485, there was a commission
to admit the resignation of the Master, followed by the
• Barrett, p. 345.
The Hospital of St. Mark. 35
confirmation of the election of Brother Thomas Tyler,
one of the Brothers of the said House of St. Mark, by
the President and Chapter of the said House on the 8th
March aforesaid in the Chapter House of the said House
or Hospital, and his induction.* He continued in office
until his death in 15 15.
In 1496, as recorded in the "Great White Book of
Records," one of the ancient MSS. belonging to the
Corporation, and in a note to the reprint of " the Mayor's
Kalendar," p. 56, a great " variance " arose between the
Abbot of St. Augustine's and the Mayor and SherifiEs of
Bristol in which some of the principal matters in dispute
concerned *^ the house of St. Marke, of Billeswyk, and
the precincts of the same called the Gauntes adjoyning
unto Seint Austyn's Greene," touching amongst other
things the right to hold a leet or law-day within the
precincts of the monastery of St. Augustine and also
to whom suit was owing from the precincts of the
Gauntes or "Gauntis-side." The "variance" was settled
by mediation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the
Chief Justice of the King's Bench.
In the days when the Brethren of St Mark were
thus successfully defending their Charter privileges, the
rights of hospitality, as intended to be dispensed in all
monastic institutions, were carefully safeguarded in the
interests of the poor. " Edward I. forbade any one to
eat or lodge in a religious house unless the superior had
formally invited him, or that he were the founder of the
establishment (see Robert de Groiuney's charter), and
even then his consumption should be moderate. The
poor only, who more than any lost by the excesses of
the great, might continue to be lodged g^ratuitously :
• Worcester Reg. 1478 to i486.
36 The Hospital of St. Mafk.
** the King intendeth not that the grace of hospitality
should be withdrawn from the destitute/' Statute 3
£dw. /. Cap. I. Again, "the Commons in Parliament,
mindful as they were in such matters of the fate of the
poorest, were not less jealous than the wealthy of the
benefits of monkish hospitality, and watched lest the
custom should fall into disuetude." [Rolls 0/ Par It.)*
If this jealousy existed with regard to such institu-
tions in general, how much more strongly would it be
felt in the case of such a purely eleemosynary estab-
lishment as the Gaunts' Hospital; the proceedings of
the Master and Brethren there did not escape adverse
criticism, and on several occasions, the severest investi-
gation.
The first instance occurred a few years after the
resignation and death of Sir Henry de Gaunt, the first
Master-Almoner. He held that position for the long
period of forty years, and then resigned it on account
of increasing infirmity. His death appears to have
taken place immediately after. It may be that towards
the end of his long administration he lost control over
the affairs of the House. Certainly during a few years
subsequently to its close the whole establishment became
demoralised. "In the year 1278 Godfrey Bishop of
Worcester visited the House, and found amongst other
things that it was founded originally for the support of
a hundred poor in certain eatables and drinkables for
ever, every day in the year, and that for four years
before, it had been, it was to be feared not without God's
vengeance, damnably omitted, wherefore he ordered this
alms to be given as at first appointed. He found also
that it was unknown how the House is governed as there
* Wayfaring Life in the MiddU Ages, J. J. Jusseraat, translated by Lacy
Tonlmin Smith, p. 121.
The Hospital of SL Mark. 37
were no receivers in the House, nor stewards in the
manors, etc., belonging to it, who had rendered any
account of what had been received and delivered ; where-
fore he ordered receivers should be appointed to receive
by tail all money arising from the said manors, corn, and
other profits of the said House, and further administer by
tail to the officers of the House for the use of the House ;
and the said receivers abroad and servants, shall first
before the Master, and three or four others of the said
House, render a faithful account once at least in the year,
and the officers at home do the like, that so it may appear
what and how much the said House can expend, and how
far its goods &c. will serve, and what remains in store,
and the like." •
It is further said that a similar complaint of with-
drawing the alms from the poor by the House was made
at the visitation of the Bishop in May, 1284.
In 13 1 2 serious disorders existed, on which occasion
one of the Brethren was subjected to discipline. He was
kept in confinement until the Bishop ordered his release
and his being restored again to his place in the House.f
Sir John Maclean quoting RoL Clatis. 7 th Henry IV.,
m. II., gives the following account of another instance in
which the charge of withholding was brought against
the House, on which occasion it was evidently disproved —
'' It is stated in an Inquisition returned into Chancery,
that it had been discovered that a certain progenitor of
the King had, conjointly with Maurice de Gaunt, Chr.,
g^ven to the Master of the Hospital of St. Mark at Bristol,
and his successors, the Manor of Stokeland Gaunt, for
the celebration of divine service in the said Hospital,
and other works of piety ; viz. to distribute weekly on
• Barrett, p. 367. f IJfid,^ p. 368.
38 The Hospital of St. Mark.
We(lnesda3rs and Fridays, loo breads and loo messes
(? ferculis) of pottage to loo poor persons, and it was
alleged that the said works of piety had been totally
subtracted by William Lane, then Master of the said
Hospital ; further that a certain progenitor of the King
had founded the Hospital, and given lands and tenements
in Gaunteshame, and CoUe, juxta Bruton, (Soms.) to the
Master of the said Hospital, and his successors, to main-
tain 13 chaplains to celebrate divine service for the soul
of the said progenitor and his progenitors and their heirs
for ever, and that the said William Lane, for the past
twenty years, had subtracted the service of ten of the
said chaplains ; and further that the annual value of the
said Manor of Stokeland Gaunt, and the lands in
Gaimtesham and CoUe was £^0 beyond reprises. We
have seen from the foregoing records that this claim, and
the charge against the Master based thereon, were
without foundation. The matter was referred to the
King's Justices and Serjeants-at-law, and this resulted
in its being commanded by precept, tested at West-
minster, 2 1 St June 1406, that the manors and lands,
which had been seized into the King's hands, should be
restored to the Master and Brethren."*
Some additional references to the House of St.
Mark, contained in the Wells collection of MSS. will
further illustrate the position the House occupied
ecclesiastically. Thus, there is noted, *'the establish-
ment in 1272, of a chantry in memory of Hugh de
Romenal by the Brethren of St. Mark's Bristol, with
details. This Hugh de Romenal was formerly Treasurer
of Wells.*'t In connection with this, there is a state-
ment of the '' final concord between the D. and C. and
* Sir John Maclean, Trans, &*c,, see anU, p. |g
t Report on fVeOs AfSS,, pp. 53, 298.
The Hospital of St. Mark. 39
the House of St. Mark de Billeswike, about a pension of
£^ 3s. 4d. on Pouleth and Stockland, A.D. 1272;"
and under the same date there is an "Agree-
ment between the Exors. of the will of Hugh de
Romenal, Treasurer, I. de Hereford, Canon of Wells,
and the House of St. Mark de Byleswyke. The latter
are to pay to the Dean and Chapter the pension of
£^ 3s. 4d. and the former will pay to them 120 marcs."*
In the same year " Brother John de Trubrugg, Master
of the House of St. Mark de Bylleswyk near Bristol and
the brethren, acknowledge the receipt of 90 marks from
the D. and C. of Wells. In return they establish a
Chantry in the Cathedral of 63 shillings and 4 pence on
behalf of the soul of Canon John de Hereford, deceased,
from whose goods the said 90 marks was derived, with
details of steps for enforcing pajrment &c. Sealed by
the Bps. of B. and W. and Worcester, and by themselves
given on Friday next after St. James Ap. A.D. 1272."
This is referred to as a " letter of the Prior of
Bileswyke."t
The following refers to another Chantry at Wells
Cathedral established by the brethren of St. 'Mark's —
" Collation by Thomas Crumwell &c., the Dean, and the
Chapter, of John Smith, junior, a Vicar Choral, to the
Chantry in the Chapel of All Saints in the cemetery
called "le palme churche-yard," with leave to absent
himself from the night services, as a reward for his great
merits, and for his diligence in instructing the choristers,
and for his great labour in composing " nonnullos cantus
ad divint cuUus augmentationem."
He must provide himself with books ''Vulgariter
nuncupat: square books, and pricke songe books" for
» . -
Report on Weils MSS., p. I75' t Ibid,, p. 72.
40 The Hospital of St. Mark.
the Choir, for the Chapel of the Blessed Mary, and for
the Processions on the principal Feasts, and shall leave
them to his successors. The grant is '' quoad vixeris et
vicarius choralis . . . extiterisj^ but if the revenues
of the said Chantry paid by the Hospital of S. Mark
near Bristol should fail he is to receive no compensation
from the Chapter, but " saltern proutfortuna duxerit in ea
parte eris omnino contentus."
Given in the Chapter House, Wells, May 13
A.D. 1 538.*
15th Dec, 1534 Letters dismissory issued to the
Master of the Gaunts near Bristol **ut a quorum cumque
Epo Cath^ &c." Brother Thomas Pynchyn one of the
Brethren of the said House " licite facere valeat promoveri
non obstante qiiod in dictd domo hdsn sumpsit regulare^
The following brief reference to what took place in
1549-50, speaks volumes as to the entire revolution
which was effected by the suppression of the House, and
the transfer of its estates to the Corporation of Bristol,—
" Rents which used to come direct from St. Mark's,
Bristol, are now paid by the Communar, who receives
them from the Mayor of Bristol, and other rents are paid
in like manner by the holders of the ecclesiastical
property which used to pay directly to the master of the
fabrick.";
It may here be mentioned incidentally, as an
evidence of the important position occupied by the
Master of the Gaunts' Hospital, that on the founding of
Foster's Almshouses in 1504 it was ordained that the
Master of the House of St. Mark for the time being,
Report an Wells AfSS,, p. 226. f Worcester Reg.^ 1516 to 1542.
X Report on Wells AfSS., p. 2^2.
The Hospital of St. Mark. 41
should have the power of filling two of the vacancies on
the foundation.
In the light of the provisions of the foregoing
charters and deeds, supplemented by scattered references
to the inner life of the Gaunts' House, it is not difficult
to form a somewhat definite idea of the kind of
conventual life that prevailed there, and of the powers
and privileges possessed by the brotherhood.
1. Originally St. Mark's was constituted by Maurice de
Gaunt as a chantry in connection with the neigh-
bouring Monastery of St. Augustine, which
Monastery was founded by his grandfather ; and
where the latter was buried " between the stalls
of the Abbot and Prior."
2. Subsequently, Robert de Goumey liberated the
House from the control of the authorities of the
Monastery, andre-endowed it upon a broader basis.
3. Beyond the acts of these founders, the House or
Hospital commenced its existence with all the
prestige of the most powerful and historic names
of the day attaching to it. Royalty itself assisted
in the work.
4. It was richly and variously endowed, the "ample
possessions " of Maurice de Gaunt being from time
to time largely increased, to keep pace with
growing demands upon its resources.
5. The Brethren chose their own head, and were inde-
pendent of external control, except as regards
the visitation of the Bishop of the Diocese, and
the institution of the Master by him.
6. They formed a busy community, carrying on an
extensive and daily round of work amongst the
sick and poor.
42 The Hospital of St. Mark.
7. The House was regarded as having the dignity of a
Priory, and had great influence with the ecclesias-
tical authorities.
8. It was strong enough to maintain its rights against
powerful opposition.
9. The Master and Brethren were considerable land-
owners, they farmed their own lands, they bought
sold and exchanged property.
10. They were not unmindful of the education of the
young.
1 1. "Owing probably to the situation of the estates of the
House, the Brethren maintained in various ways
a close relationship with the Mother Church at
Wells, although ecclesiastically connected with
the Diocese of Worcester.
12. Consequent upon the suppression of the House, and
the transfer of its estates, the Corporation of Bristol
incurred responsibilities to Wells that formerly
devolved upon the Brethren of St. Mark.
It has been stated by Barrett (p. 363) and others on
the authority of Leland, that the occupants of the House
were a fraternity called the Bonhommes or Good Men.
This is now generally considered incorrect, on the ground
that only two such Houses were known, one at Ash-
ridge in Buckinghamshire, the other at Edington in
Wilts.
There is little to guide one in determining the
arrangement of the domestic buildings appertaining to
this charitable foundation, beyond the general know-
ledge of what existed elsewhere under similar circum-
stances. The only known vestige of the destroyed
' t
1 • '
1
The Hospital of St. Mark. 43
— — — _
hospital buildings of any architectural significance was
uncovered during the construction of the foundations
of the Merchant Venturers' Schools in 1883 or 1884.
This consisted of a fragment of masonry, evidently in
position and on a level with the floor of the Church.
The Ven. Archdeacon Norris, who examined it with great
interest, had no doubt that it formed a portion of a pier
with adjoining window sill of the ancient Cloister Alley
which opened into the fratry or refectory. This frag-
ment being found 55 ft. 6 in. from the N. wall of the
Nave, along which ran a corresponding Alley, fixes the
exact width of the Cloister garth and forms the key to
a conjectural arrangement of the remainder of the
Hospital buildings. On the N.W. in line with the front
elevation and facing College Green must have been the
dormitories and guest chambers. Openings into these
from the Church, existed at three different levels ; two
of which openings are still visible, and are described in
connection with the Restoration. On the N.E. were the
Chapter Room and Mansion House of the Priory, and
stretching beyond the group of buildings thus arranged
around the quadrangle were the garden, orchard, and
dove cots, with perhaps a fishpond, as the names Orchard
Street, Culver Street and Frog Lane still indicate.
The exact position of the fragment of masonry
referred to above, is shown on the accompanying sketch-
plan, and also, conjecturally, the arrangement of the
Conventual buildings external to the Church.
The arms or badge of the House has been already
described in the ordinance of the Bishop of Worcester,
— af. guleSj three geese passant arg.^ and there is still in
the East window a shield with this device, the glass
being of great age.
44 The Hospital of St. Mark.
Sir John Maclean, as the result of his researches at
the British Museum, has been enabled to give the
following description of the common seal of the House, —
"It is of the vesica form 2 ins. by ijins. The
device consists of two crocketed canopied niches, sup-
ported by crocketed buttresses. In the sinister niche is a
seated figure of the Evangelist represented as writing
his Gospel on a desk or stand before him, holding in his
right hand a stilus or pen. In the dexter niche before
him is a lion sejant rampant. In the space above
between the two canopies is a heater-shaped shield,
which is now pressed quite flat, but which was probably
charged with the arms of the House, and in a compart-
ment below the figures are two other similar shields in a
like condition. These probably contained the arms of
the two founders. Between these shields is another
niche much smaller than those above mentioned in which
is a kneeling figure looking to the right, llie whole is
circumscribed by the following legend in Lombardic
capitals.
S' COE • DOM . SCI • MARCI • DE • BILLESWYK •
Sigillum Commune Domus Sancti Marcii de Billeswyk
IVXTA • BRISTOLL "
juxta BristoUiam.
To conclude these particulars of the Community
which flourished in connection with St. Mark's Hospital,
the following list of its successive Masters is given.
This was derived by Barrett fi-om his Gaunts^ Book,
and appears in his History 0/ Bristol, P* 372.
The Hospital of St. Mark. 45
Patrons.
Robert de Goumey Henry de Gaunt continued to 1268, and then resigned
the year before his death through weakness of body,
and was succeeded by
Gilbert de Watham, who was Precentor of the Convent.
Thomas de Lechlade succeeded about 1274, and
governed to 1285.
Ahnaricus French succeeded in the reign of Edward I.
Robert de Redynge in 1286,— resigned 1299.
William Belvere, alias Beaover 13 12, and resigned.
Lord Tho, ap Adam. Ralph de Tetbury 1334, 4 Maij to I344,~depriyed.
Maurice de Berkeley, Richard de Yate 1344 to 1346.
ad nominationem John Stockeland 1346.
conventus.
The Convent. Walter Brunynge Oct. 12, 1360 (Regis. Wygom.)
Thomas de Over 28 July, 1370.
Wm. Lane,,Canon of St. Austin, 139 1 .
John St. Paul occurs in 14 10.
Nicholas Sterne died I437*
John Hall succeeded 1437-
John Moulton resigned 1442*
The Bishop by way William Wyne elected 1442, 5 Feb. (Regis,
of compromise with William Prowe 1467. Wyg.)
the Convent. John Mede died 1494.
Richard Collins succeeded 1494.
Thomas Tylar died 15 15.
Richard Bromfield occurs 1527*
J. Coleman succeeded and
resigned 1534.
XI
Chapter III.
(Tbe Suppreeeion of tbe 1)ou0e«
ZTbe transfer of tbe Cbapel and £0tate0 to
tbe Corporation,
BnD During llttc xtcnte after.
A.D. 1534 fc 1585.
In the year 1534, the first active step was taken
towards the suppression of the Gaunts* House, after it
had for more than three hundred years carried on
its charitable work and maintained its corporate
existence. For obvious reasons, the policy adopted
by the ICing in suppressing the smaller monasteries
seems to have been to obtain wherever possible an
acknowledgment of his supremacy as a preliminary
step. Accordingly on the nth Sept., 1534, (26th
Henry VIII,) the Master and Brethren of the Gaunts,
executed a deed in which this acknowledgment was
made. This was really some months before the Act
constituting the King Supreme Head of the Church
of England came into operation. The terror which
the King's actions inspired caused the obligation of
the Statute to be anticipated. The deed in question
is still preserved amongst the Chapter House Records
in the Record Office, No. 18 of the deeds. It is
SL Mark's of the Gaunts. 47
described as being in excellent condition, signed by
John Coleman, Master; John Helys (Ellis), Richard
Fechatt, Robert Benet, and Thomas Pynchyn, his
Brethren. The seal of the House, which has been
already described, is appended to the deed, but the
impression is almost entirely efifaced.*
Barrett gives an abstract of this deed, which he
wrongly regards as the deed of surrender, in the
following terms: — ^'^This House or College of Gaunts
was resigned by John Coleman the Master, and his
brethren to commissioners appointed, for the said
Kling^s use, in form as foUoweth: — *Know all men
by these presents that wee John the Master or Prior
of the hospital of the Gaunts, and the brethren of the
same, in the diocese of Worcester, with one consent,
(uno ore et voce^ &c.) — ^have subscribed our names,
dated in our Chapter House the nth day of the
month of September i534« — ^John Coleman, Master,
John Helice (Ellis), Richard Fitchett, Robert Benet,
Thomas Pynchen his brethren. Given under our com-
mon seal with two labils of parchment sealed with
red wax."'t
Five years afterwards, on the 9th Dec, 1539, (31st
Henry VIIT,) the very year in which the second and
more sweeping of the Suppression Acts was passed,
the formal deed of the surrender of the House into
the King's hands was executed.
This deed appears not now to be forthcoming.
Under the same date in the Mayor^s Kalendar
the event is referred to in the following terms, —
" M** that this yere the Abbott and Conuent of Seynt
Augustynes of Bristowe surrendred that monastry vnto
the kynges moost noble graces handes. And so in
Sir John Maclean, Trans.^ 6*<r., ue ante, p.i3 t Banett, p. 373.
48 St. Mark's of the Craunts.
like wise the maister and his brothers of Gauntez with
theire assentz made."*
The only reference to this House in the ^* Letters
concerning the Suppression of Monasteries!' occurs in
one from Dr. Layton to Secretary Cromwell : —
"Pleasit your mastershipe to understonde, that
yestemyght late we came from Glassynburie to
Bristowe to Saint Austins, wheras we begyn this
mornyng, intendyng this day to dispache bothe this
howse here beyng but xiiij chanons, and also the
Gawntes, wheras be iiij. or v. Dated from Sainte
Austines withoute Bristowe this Sainte Bartilmews day
at iiij. of the cloke in the mornyng." t
The Hospital and its estates having passed into
the possession of the King, immediate steps were
taken with a view to the disposal of them. In carrying
out the whole transaction, three official documents were
brought into existence, and as the process was probably
the same in other instances, this record of the course
of procedure is of more than local interest.
The first of the documents in the order of time,
was a Survey or Certificate of the possessions of the
House and a description of the buildings, made in the
3 1 St of Henry VIII. It is contained amongst the Records
preserved in the Augmentation Office of Her Majesty's
Court of Exchequer at Westminster, in a book indorsed
"Certificates of Monasteries in Southampton, Wilts and
Gloucester. Tempore, Henry VIII****"
The preamble is as follows : —
" Counties of Southampton, J The Certificate of Robert
Wilts and Gloucester. ) Southwell, Esquire,
William Peter Edward Came, and John London, Doctors
* 7he Mayot^s KaUndar^ p. 55.
t Suppression of Monasteries, Camdeo Soc., p. 58.
St. Mark's of the Gaunts. 49
at Law, John ap Rees, John Kmgesmilli Richard
Poulett, and William Bemers, Esquires, Commissioners,
— assigned by the Eang^s Majesty to take the surrenders
of divers Monasteries within the same Counties by
force of His Grace's commission to them, six, five, four
or three of them in that behalf directed, bearing? date
at His Highness's Palace of Westminster the seventh
day of November in the thirty first year of the reign
of our most dread Sovereign Lord, Henry VIII*^ by
the grace of Grod, King of England and of France,
Defender of the Faith, Lord of Ireland, and in earth
immediately under Christ Supreme Head of the Church
of England, of all and singular their proceedings, as
well in and of those Monasteries by His Majesty
appointed to be altered, as of others, to be dissolved
according unto the tenor purport and effect of His
Grace's said Commission with instructions to them
likewise delivered, as hereafter ensueth."
Sir John Maclean has given the details of this
Certificate, preserving the exact arrangement of the
original as to columns, spelling, etc., except that in
some instances the words have been extended: — ^
(Snxiendied to Those of the Kinges Majesties
and of his heyres for ener. by Dede thereof
made, bcring bate voder tne Comient Seale
of the same late Monasteiy, the izth Daye of
Decembxe, in the xzxjth yere of the Rd^e
of or most Dredde Soneraigne lord Kmg
Henry the tiijth. And the same Daye and
yere derdy I&sdlaed and Suppressed.
As well spiritnall as tern-'
b«C£ tl^tfTSd «muyte^ gaunted to IMu'.e )clxv.n Ij.. iiij.d ob,
for Teme of lifFe.
• Sir John Maclean^ Trans^ 6v., su anU^ p. 18
50
St, MarKs of the Gaunts.
Whereof in
Pencions
assigned to
the late
Religions
Dyspetched.
/John Colman, \
clerke, late Master * zl.U
there, by ycre. )
Richard ffletcher, ) ^i li
\
That )
is to |To(
say J
late steward of
household here.<
John Elis, clerke
asigned to be curate
of the Parish of
Seint Marke there,
so lonee as he shall
s've the same Cure.
Thomas Pinchyn,
^clerke. — —
y].it xuj.i
uij.d
viij.,U
which if
he refuse
thenne
to have
but yj.ii
I^.U
lx.U ziij.t tiij.d
And Soo Remayneth dere
ciiij.H iz.sob.
Recordes \ Belonging \
and > to the seid >
Euydences ) late House. )
/Remavn in the TVeasoury there, vnder the
I custocly of Edward Came, Doctour of Law.
j The Keyes whereof remayn in the custodie
'of Richard Poulet, esquier, Receyuo.r
Churches,
Houses, &
Buyldioge.
IThechurche there appointed
for the Parish Churdi.
The Lodginge, called the
Master's I^ginge, wt
Halle, Buttre, Pantre, &
Kitcbyn.
Deemed to
be
8ttp*fluOUS.
iDeuyded in to honest
Tenanteryes wt convenient
Rente yerely reserued.
As heretofore
hath bene
vsed.
C5mytted to
the custodie
of the seid
Doctor Came.
To thuse of
the
Kinge
Magestie.
Leades )
Remaynig. /
To thuse of
the Kin^e*s
Magestie.
None, but oonly vpon
the seid church, which
is the parish church, as ^n.I
aboueseid estemed to
vij. ffoders
Belles
I Remaynig.
Juellet \
reserued./
I
• In the steple there — ^yj.,
whereof assigned to the
parish there — ^iij., and
Kemayneth to the vse of
the Kinge matic jjj poiz
> by est.
-MM weight.
To Thuse of
the Kinges
Ma.Ue
11
None.
Sf. Mark's of the Gaunts.
51
Plate of
Siluer
resenied
'.!!
To the
(Sillier gilte-lzzvij oz. %
SUoerp'cellgilte-clyj.oz. J
Siluer, whitc-d^ vij. oz. )
cccczz. oz.
Omamentes ) To those
rraamentes 1 To thuse I , f^-
ie«erued. f aforesdd. (^- (None.
SmaoffaUe^
the Oma-
mentes,
Goodea,and
Catalles.
fUtdy be-
longing to
theseid
late House.
^Sold by the seid comyss-\
ioners, as p*ticalerly ap- 1
perith in the booke of }>xix]]j.li v.t v.d
sales thereof made ledyl
,to be shewed. J
Wheieof in
To the Ute
Religious &
semantes
Dispetched.
f
VIZ.
Pafmentes;
To-iij Religi-'
ons Parsons,
late Preestes
of the seid late
House of the
Kinge Mages-
ties Reward-
To xyj.
\ menne Sc chil- \
dem. seruantes
and Queres-
ters of the
seid late
house for
their wagez
\and lyueres- /
>vj.»
zyj.liix.iiiij4
U* _ •••• •
.. iz.>uij.d
of Dettes
owing by the
seid late
house.
( To Diu'se p'sons forvictualles
hadde of theym to the vse
of the seid Mo»8tery wt zijU
payd to the late Mr there, lor
the payment & Discharge of
alle the Residue of the Dettes
owing by the seid kte house,
by conuenante.
» »
xuij.li
And Soo xtmayneth dere-
-Ivjs* jd
/By theseid I /
Dettes Owing ^^^ ^"^ > ) none.
\ To the same. \
Patronage of \
Churches
belonging to
the seid late
Moaftery.
( The AHcarage of Stokeland Gauntes, )
Com. Glouc. I by yere. ^-^_^ |
( llie Vicarage of Ou'stowey.
52 St Mark's of the Gaunts.
In carrying out the purpose which had now been
formed, of conveying to the Corporation of Bristol
the Gaunts' chapel and estates, the ^'Certificate*' was
followed by a further document, also preserved in the
Augmentation Office of the Court of Exchequer, and
included amongst the '' Particulars for Grants." In
this "Particular" everything was comprised which
it was proposed to grant to the Corporation, with
the value of e^ch item, and the final result after all
deductions made. The substance of this important
document is as follows: —
The County of the ) The Sdte of the late Hoose
Town of Bristol. > aforesaid with Lands and
Tenements within the^ County
of the Town of Bristol, is
worth (details omitted) ... 3' n S
The County of I The Manor of Erdcote Gaunts
Gloucester. ' with the Tithes of the Tenants
there, is worth ... ... , si 4 6
The Manor of Lee, with the
Tithes of the Tenants there,
is worth ... ... . . 989
The County of | The Manor of Stokeland
Somerset. > Gaunts, is worth ... ... 3a 6 6
The Rectory of Stokeland
Gaunts, is worth ... ...f 634
* Struck through * The Manor of Poulett
original. Gaunts, is worth ... ... 7^ 17 9|
t In Cranidge*s Mirror of the City of Bristol (1818) the acreage
of the Manor of Stockland is set down at toj acres, and the
annual income derived from it at £^7*} : 2 : g. The acreage
of the Manor of Gaunts Ercot and of Lea is computed at
839a ar a6p and the annual income (much under value) at
;(ii94: 10:0.
St MarKs of the Gaunts. 53
TheRectoxy of Over Stowcy,
is worth .•• ••• ... 66 8
Brewham, is worth ... 76 o
The County of \ T^Hnterbonie Gunner other-
Wilts. ' wise Cherborghy is worth ... 10 12 o
«95 7 «J
Reprizes, including pensions granted to the late
Master and Co-Brethren of the said late House,
by Letters Patent of the Lord the Kjng thereof
made to them during their lives, that is to say,
to John Coleman, Clerk, the late Master of the
said House aforesaid ^^40 To Richard Fletcher
;f6 : f 3 : 4 To John Ellis ffi and Thomas Pinchyn
£fi ... ... ... ... ^^90 : 4 : 8
And they are worth clear by the year 105 2 t\
Examined by Wn- Bemers, Auditor.
Be it remembered that the late Master and Co<
Brethren of the aforesaid late House were bound
to give in alms to divers poor men in the several
Hospitals * imprisoned yearly to the
value uf ;^4 : 4 : 6
The premises are worth yearly ;f 195 : 7 : 2}
thereof for a tenth J^\^\ 11 :o and there remains
clear ;^I75 : 16 : 3} which the King*s Highness
* Decaved * given to the Mayor, Bailiffs and
original, inhabitants of the Town of Bristol *
for the sum of ;f 1000 the * and
*...., only excepted to be *
Richard Ryche.
Memorandum, abate out of the said sum the
Manor of * of Powlet Gaunts which
b ;^76 and there remains dear ;f 119 : 8 : 2| thereof
for a tenth ;^ii:i8:9 and there remains dear
jf 107 : 8 : 5} add thereto for * by
the King £11 . . and so the said Town must
pay yearly to the King ;f 20
54
St. Mark's of the Gaunts.
The late Monasteiy of Athelney in the Co. of Somerset.
The Biasor of Hampe in
the Connty of Somerset
is worth ... ... ... ... 40 17 3}
> d
Thereof in Reprizes 26/8
and there remains clear ... 39 10 7)
Ezd by Mathew Coltehirste
Auditor.
The late possessions of the late
Priory of Saint Mary Magda-
lene in the said Town of
Bristol in the County of the
same
A close called Aischen
Close, parcel of the
possessions of the said
late Priory, is worth...
10 o
Exd by William Bemers, Auditor.
Parcel of the possessions as well of the House of
Friars Minors as of the House of Carmelites within
the Town of Bristol in the County of the same
Town: —
The scite of the late House of Friars Minors
aforesaid with the lands and possessions to the
same late House appertaining, is worth clear
by the year ... ... ... ... 53 4
(including the site of the House, The Farm of
Land called the Lime Kilns and the Farm of
the Prisage of fish)
Exd by William Burners,
Auditor.
The Scite of the late House of Friars Carmelites)
aforesaid is worth by the year ... ...) '3 4
Exd by William Bemers,
Auditor.
Lands to the yearly value of £1^ appointed to the Town of
Bristol in recompense of the Manor of Pawlett Gaunts of the
yearly value of ;^76— which said Manor the King's Highness
had and sold to the said Town of Bristol for the sum of
£1000 whereof received in hand jf6oo.
Item, — ^The Manor of Hampe parcel of the possessions
of Athebey is clear
•••
30 10 ^\
St Marks of the Gaunts. 55
Itenii — A Close called Aischen Close parcel of the
possessions of the late priory of St. liCaiy
Magdalene beside Bristol ... ... ... lo o
Item,— The White and Grey Friars in Bristol is
Clear ••• ... ... ... ,,, oo o
Sun,— jf 43 : 7 : 3| thereof for a Gift to the
King in recompense ;f35— ^nd there remains
clear ;f8 : 7 • 3 J
Memorandum, — ^A recognizance for the Woods
Memorandom,— The King must discharge the said Town of Bristol
of all incumbrances except Leases and except 26/8
for the Fee of the Bailiwick of Hampe.
Richard Ryche.*
The contents of this "Particular" were strictly
incorporated in the Grant, which, under the Kling's
Letters Patent, was afterwards made to the Corpora-
tion, dated 6th May, 33rd Henry VIII (1541), and
which formed the third of the series of documents.
In connection with the execution of the Grant the
following entries appear in the Corporation accounts
in the year 1 542 : —
Item, paid for a breakfast to Mr. Recorder
and to Mr. £lliott because they took pains
before the Court of Augmentations . • Qd.
and immediately following the above, appears this
further entry: —
Item, to a pursuivant that brought the King's
attes (? attestation or writ) the 7th day of
May . . • • IS. cd.
The preamble of the Grant opens thus,— "Know
ye that We as well for the sincere affection towards
our Ville of BristoU we bear, as for the sum of One
Thousand Pounds Sterling, etc."
* Sir Richard Rich was Chancellor of the Comt of Augmentations for
managing the revennes of tnppressed honses.
56 St. Marlins of the Gaunts.
The whole of the before-mentioned property having
been enumerated described and conveyed in legal
form, the Corporation are to hold the same ''from
us our Heirs and Successors in Fee for the service
of one Knight's Fee, and to pay from thence yearly
to us our heirs and successors Twenty Pounds Ster-
ling/'*
The official entry concerning the terms of purchase,
made by the city authorities in the Mayof^s Kalendar
is to the following effect: —
''M'' that this yere the scite, and the demeanes
of the Gauntes of Bristow, then dissolued, with all
manors, londes, tenementes, and other the heridita-
mentz belonging to the same, were purchased by the
Maior and Cominaltie of Bristowe abouementioned of
the Kynges highness, for the sum me of M> /i., whereof
vj c li were paid in parte of payment this yere vnto
Edward North, Esquyer, Treasorer of the Court of
Augmentations."t
The Manor of Poulet, which was the estate that
Maurice de Gaunt granted originally for the foundation
of the Hospital, and which was struck through in the
* The Corporation purchased ihia real of ;f 20 per Ana. from the Crown
in the year 1671, and the Manors and Lands were sold nnder the
provisions of a local Act and nnder the direction of the Lords of the
Treasury after the passing of the Municipal Corporations Reform Act
A recent transaction of the Corporation in connection with a remnant of
the old Graunts' Estate is one that does them infinite credit. In the
year 1890 the Town Council converted a strip of land at Lawrence
Hill which still goes by the name of Gannts' Ham into a recrea-
tion ground for the inhabitants of one of the poorest and most
densely populated districts of the City,~that of St. Fhilip. There
is a fitness in thus dedicating to the recreation and well-being of the
poor a part of the patrimony that was originally intended for the
benefit of such, but in a way which is not now applicable.
t Tk$ Mtg^s XaiMdar^ p. 56.
I
4
St. Marias of the Gaunts. 57
"Particular for Grant," was separately disposed of.
It was valued after all deductions in the clear annual
value of ;£75 : 17 : 9iy from which was made a deduction
of ;£7 : 9 : 9^9 leaving clear ;^68 6s.y and by Letters
Patent, dated 8th June, 32nd Henry VIII (1540), was
granted to Richard Cupper for the sum of ;£i366,
being at the rate of 20 years' purchase, and a reserve
rent of ;g7 : 1 1 : 9 J.
The Grant of the King to the Corporation, not-
withstanding the lump-sum in pa3rment and the other
obligations incurred by them, treats the transaction as
a gift. "We give this," "We give that," is its lordly
language throughout. But when all the attendant
responsibilities are taken into account, it will be seen
there was not a great margin to be covered by the
King's "aflFection" for the City, while the poor, for
whose benefit the institution was originally founded,
received no consideration at all.
The City authorities seem to have found some
difficulty in raising the funds to carry out their
bargain, and the payment on account referred to in
the Mayor's Kaleftdar was the result of an appeal
to the Vestries of the ancient city parishes which
involved a very questionable proceeding on their part,
to accommodate the Corporation. It no doubt, how-
ever, resulted in a considerable benefit to the City.
Great complaints had long been made by the
citizens and others as to the oppressiveness of the
tolls levied by the Sheriffs at the City Gates, the Key
and Back ; and serious riots took place in consequence
between the aggrieved parties and the collectors. The
Mayor and Corporation were appealed to, with a view
to the abolition of these tolls, and the following were
appointed a Committee to examine the Sheriff' books
4
58 Si. Marias of the Gaunts.
and determine what arrangements could be made: —
William Chester, Nicholas Thorne, late Mayor; John
Smithy David Harris,* Francis Cuddrington, and
William Carr. The result was reported to the Vestries
and the following agreement was made: — ^That the
Vestries should dispose of their Church plate valued
at £52%', 10:8 and that the proceeds should be paid
over to the Corporation to assist them in the payment
of the money for the Gaunts' estates, which were made
subject to an annual payment of £/^\ — to the SheriflEs
as compensation for the loss of their tolls.
This agreement afterwards took the form of an
ordinance which was on the 14th of June, 1546, pub-
lished at the High Cross and at each of the City
Gates, namely, Temple Gate, Redcliff Gate, Newgate,
Froomgate and Pithay-gate.
In 1548 this entry appears in the City accounts —
Imprimis, — paid to Mr. Chamberlain towards
the payment to Mr. Sherife for the
" Yates " ;^30 : o : o
and the full payment continued to be made yearly
till 1775*
The Audit Book for the year in which the trans-
action concerning the Church plate was concluded (1546)
contains an entry to the following effect: — "Paid for
writing 14 obligations in which the Chamber stood
bound to certain Churches for to save them harmless
for the plate which was borrowed of them."
Returning to the year 1540, the following curious
entries are found in the Audit Book for that year,
relating to the business with the King : —
Paid, — ^for certain baskets to pack the Church
plate that was carried to London • • os. 2d.
- —
• Bristol Town Duties , by Henry Bush, p. 57.
St. Mark's of the Gaunts. 59
Paid, — ^for making cord for the same . . os. 8d.
Paid, — for bread and ale for the Carrier's
men that packed os. 3d.
Shortly after, there appears an entry which seems
to relate to the removal of what are called in the
Certificate the ** Recordes and euydences belonging to
the seid late House " : —
Paid, — ^for three ells of Canvass to wrap
the Charters in to be carried to London os. is^d.
String is also charged for sewing up the said canvass.
During the negotiations, it appears to have been
necessary to send in hot haste to the King's repre-
sentativeSy hence the following, which throws light
upon the method of express locomotion in those
days : —
Paid for 8 pairs of " botes '* to ride to
Taunton to the King's auditors • • 8s. 4d.
Out 5 days.
In the year 1541 there is a charge for the expenses
of Easter week "in St. Austin's Green "^-6s. 8d.
This mention of the locality in which the Church was
situated is frequently made, instead of giving the
name of the Church itself, and the entry shews that
^ what may be called the incidental expenses were at
( the time defrayed by the Corporation.
At the same time there is an entry which points
to the introduction of pews or seats into St. Mark's,
in accordance with what commonly took place in
Churches at that period : —
Item, — for setting of forms at St. Austin's
\ Grreen (amount indistinct)
The seats then introduced into Churches are frequently
designated "forms,"* and there is a similar entry
* Markland's English Chunhts^ p. 36.
1
\
\
6o SL Mark's of the Gaunts.
with regard to St. George*s Chapel in the Guildhall.
These entries appear at a time when the Monastery
(St. Augustine's) is referred to as "still void."
The Corporation seem to have lost no time in
commencing alterations on the Gaunts' site, as soon
after the execution of the Grant, — 1543, these entries
are recorded: —
Item, — paid to William Weekes
Item, — paid to him (illegible) in the Gawnts'
Close . . • . 3s. 3d.
Item, — paid for hauling five pieces of timber
out of that close, to the waterside by the
Vicarage of St. Austyn's . . . . . os. 8d.
The question of the ecclesiastical character of the
Chapel which passed into the possession of the Cor-
poration is one which, while it nowhere receives a
strict definition, receives such incidental light from the
legal documents already quoted as to leave no
doubt on the subject. The use of the terms Parish,
Parish Church, and Parish of St. Mark, in the " Cer-
tificate " and " Particular," have led to the idea, that
at one time the building had a strictly parochial
standing ; or that, at the time of its assignment to
the Corporation, there was an intention, never carried
out, to constitute it a Parochial Church. In the face
of the facts surrounding the question, especially the
fact of its being situated in the parish of St.
Augrustine the Less, it is hardly consistent to adopt
either of these explanations. No doubt, the character
of the Chapel thus transferred by Grant to the Cor-
poration was peculiar, it being neither strictly
parochial nor strictly private. It is clear that in
addition to its Conventual use, it was regarded as a
place of worship for the Gaunts' Precincts, a territorial
St.' Mar if s of the Gaunts. 6i
district which extended beyond the actual Convent,
and which formed a considerable portion of the Manor
of Billeswick. As such it was intended to be main-
tained for all time, and as such was accepted, with
all attendant responsibilities, when it was made
over to the Corporation. Consistently with this inten-
tion, arrangements were embodied in the ^' Certificate"
and repeated in the "Particular,*' which provided for
the continuation of the public services, first during
the period of transition, and afterwards permanently,
at the charge of the Corporation. As a matter of
fact they were so carried on at the time, and have
been maintained ever since, except during one or two
brief intervals, which are accounted for by the dis-
turbed condition of public affairs.
It will be observed that in providing annuities for
the dispossessed Master and Brethren of the Hospital,
it is arranged that John Ellis, Clerk, one of the
Brethren, is to be "Curate of the Parish of Seint
Marke," and that he is to receive ^8 per annimi so
long as he shall serve the same cure ; but that if he
refuse, he is to have only £t for his annuity — the
same sum as is granted to his Brother, Thomas
Pynchyn. In 1547, there is an entry in the Audit
Book of the Corporation of the payment to John Ellis
of his full stipend of £^-^2 of which he received for
acting as Curate of the Church. This he continued
to receive till his death in 1558. A Mr. Copper suc-
ceeded, but he retained the position only for one half
year. He in turn was succeeded by another of the
Brethren, Thomas Pynchyn, who, like Ellis, seems to
have comfortably conformed to the new order of things.
Pynchyn from that time received the £2 annually in
addition to his annuity of ^6 for " serving the Church/'
62 St. MarKs of the Gaunts.
_ - - * - -
aiid so continued till 1586. He is stated to have
resided ** in St. Mark's Lane, in a tenement to which
was attached a garden." This, which is now a naitow
turning out of St. Augustine's Parade, was doubtless
then within the "precincts of the Gaunts." It could
only be that the public utility of this place of worship
might be maintained after the Brotherhood was dis-
solved and their possessions disposed of, that the
Church was expressly appointed to remain "undefaced,"
with three of its bells undisturbed ; and with a Curate
appointed at first temporarily, and then permanently
under the Corporation.
Incidentally, this view of the user of the Gaunts'
Church be/are the Dissolution, for the public residing
in the District, receives remarkable confirmation by
means of a letter fi'om Lady Guildford addressed to
Secretary Cromwell and dated 1535, that is between
the acknowledgment of the King's supremacy and the
surrender of the House. After an eventfiil life in
connection with the Court of Henry VIIL, Lady
Guildford appears to have retired to the precincts of
the Gaunts' Hospital to spend her last days. She is
described as " the confidential friend and adviser of
Mary, sister of the King, who when she proceeded to
France in 15 14 to become Queen of Louis XII. was
attended by a long array of English nobles and
servants, but on the morrow of her marriage her first
grief and trouble arose, for the King her husband
dismissed the whole of her English suite, whose loss,
especially that of the Lady Guildford, the Queen very
keenly felt. On Lady Guildford's return to England
Henry VJIL, as some compensation for her disappoint-
ment, granted her an annuity of ;^6o for life."
The letter referred to is a request for Cromwell's
St. Mark^s of the Gaunts. 63
interposition in her favour in consequence as she says
of '* certain injunctions which I understand are given
to the master of the Gaunts in Bristol, that no women
shall come within the precincts of the same, where I
have a lodging most meetest, as I have chosen, for
a poor widow to serve God now in my old days. And
I trust both for myself and for my women, like as we
have been hitherto, to be of such governance with
your licence to the same, that no inconvenience shall
ensue thereof. And when hereto before I have been
used from my house to go the next way to the Church
for my ease, through the cloister of the same house
to a Chapel that I have within the quire of. the same,
I shall be content from henceforth, if it shall so seem
convenient unto you, to forbear that, and to resort to
the common place^ like as others do^ of the same Church"*
In 1546 the operation of the Act by which the
revenues of " Chauntries " became vested in the Crown,
seems to be indicated in the following entry, in which
the hospitality which formerly belonged to the monas-
teries received a new direction : —
Item, — paid for Mr. Chester's dinner, Mr.
Vowell (or Powell) and Mr. Town Clerk
with others when they took pains about
the purchasing the foundations of certain
Chauntries 5s. od.
Item, — given the Commissioners' Clerk that
surveyed the Chauntries • • . . los. od.
In 1548 there is entered the accoimt of Mr. John
Wyllie, Chamberlain of the ** contrey " lands called the
Gaunts' for the year ending Michs. 1547.
Also there is given under the same date '^ the
* Wood's Letters of lUustrious Ladies, 11., p. i6i ; quoted in
BriOol Past and Present, n., p. 184.
64 St. Marias of the Gaunts.
accompte of Robert Tayllor, Bailiff of certain lands
and tenements belonging to the Chambre of Bristowe
lately called the Gaunts' Lands for one whole year
ended in the feast of Saint Mychele th' Archangell in
a? m* v*^ xlviij for the year of Mr. John Smythe then
being Mayor of Bristowe."
St. Austin's Greene.
Imprimis, the soyle of the Manor
my ladie Barkely • • 26s. 8d.
The M' of the Gaunts 22s. 8d.
The Vicar of St. Austin's, a garden . . . . 2d.
Billeswicke.
Griffith Jones for a house under Brandon Hill „ ,,
These entries are not very explicit, but they serve
to show how all the business connected with the
Gaunts' estate, was thus early conducted by the
Corporation.
Further, under the same date the two following
entries appear : —
To the Lords of Clifton for a tenement
under Brandon Hill, and a conduit of
water there, coming to St. Austin's
Green (see under date 1572) . . . . 3s. od.
Item, — ^paid for mending the pipe in St.
Austin's Greene in St. James's week . . 2S. lod.
The earliest reference to the responsibilities of the
Corporation as regards '^reparacyons" to the Gaunts'
Church is one of very modest character : —
A.D. 1548. Item, — ^paid to John Plomer for
mending the Laver in
the Gaunts and for 3 lb.
of solder • • • • . • is. 2d.
Item, — ^paid for hanging lock
there •• •• •• jd.
St. Mark's of the . Gaunts. 65
There may have been previous payments of the kind,
but some of the earlier Audit Books are not now
extant. From this time down to the present day, the
records of the Corporation shew that continual pay-
ments, varying greatly in amount, have been made
under the same head out of the Corporation funds.
Such payments will only be hereafter referred to
when they are peculiar in character, important in
amount, or are associated with interesting historical
circumstances.
In the year 1552 the revised Book of Common
Prayer was issued by Edward VI. and its use in
every Cathedral and Church was made obligatory.
Accordingly the following entry is made the same year : —
Item, — For a book of the new order of the
last setting forth, for the Gaunts
The amount in this case cannot be given, but the book
was ordered by the ecclesiastical authorities to be sold
at a given price, — unbound 2s. 2d., bound 3s. 8d.,
and . was everywhere to be provided at the cost of
the parishioners.
I^ i555> in the days of Queen Mary, when the
stone altars were restored, changes were made in the
Chancel of St. Mark's to meet the requirements of
the authorities of the time. A payment was then
made for the repair of the Church and for '^ making
of Altar in the Church," and in 1560, after the
Accession of Queen Elizabeth, the following appears
in obedience to a later requirement : —
Paid, — ^Wm. Sowdeley for writing the ten
commandments in the Church, com-
manded by Mr. Mayor 4s. od.
Also, paid for a Sawter (Psalter) Book of
Big Vellum • 2s. od.
66 St. Mark's of the Gaunts.
Under the same date a glimpse is afforded of the
way in which ecclesiastical buildings were treated in
those days : —
Paid, — ^for dressing the pulpit with two shades
of lime . • • . . • . . . . OS. 8d.
In 1557 damage appears to have been done to the
church both by storms and mischievous or fanatical
persons. Payment was made to the glazier "for
mending the windows of Gaunts' Church they being
beaten down by force of water, and also from gravel,
being broken by divers evil persons. The space of
22 days at i2d. the day." He is also paid for glass
and lead.
In the same year there is another interesting
entry. A payment is made for ^'a processional for
the Gaunts' Church at St. Mark's fair." This being
in the last year of Queen Mary's reign it shews how the
customs and service books of pre-reformation times
had been restored.
In 1560 payment was made "for a Coffer to put
the Church money in, and for a register for the same."
If this is understood to be an alms-box it helps to
shew the miscellaneous character of the congregation
resorting to the Church.
In 1 56 1 The "Cloysters" were repaired.
In 1563 (6th of Qu. Eliz.) there are payments for
service books and a book of sermons. Also for making
a Table Cloth of an Altar Cloth^ and for mending
the Communion " borde."
During the same year Edmond Baker was paid
for mending the Condyte in the church-yard at the
Gaunts.
In 1564 the windows were again repaired. Also
about the same time and on several later occasions
St. Mark's of the Gaunts. 67
the church-yard wall was repaired, "part of which
had fallen down."
In 1567, — there was paid for exhibiting the
presentment of the Gaunts' Parish^ at
the Bishop's visitation and for procura-
tion to the Bishop*s officer . . • . is. 8d.
This entry confirins the view of the ecclesiastical
status of the Church as already explained.
In 157 1, expenses were incurred in taking down
the Rood-loft.
The water used in the Gaunts' Precincts was
conveyed in a pipe called the Gaunts' Pipe. In 1548
as already stated there was a payment "to the Lords
of Clifton " on this account. The pipe was repaired by
the Corporation in 1572 "out of the Rents of Stockland,
etc.," and in 1590 there was still "paid to the Lords of
Clifton for lands and tenements under Brandon Hill
and for the conduit water brought from thence into
the Gaunts' Cloysters 3s."
Numerous entries of the repair of this pipe appear,
both before and after this latter payment.
There are to this day two conduits, side by side,
conveying water from this spring. One is the property
of the Cathedral authorities and is controlled by them.
The other belongs to the Corporation. Their obligation
to the Lords of Clifton has long since ceased, but the
water flows on and still supplies the houses on the
North side of College Green and the Red Maids*
School.
In 1574 an attempt was made to transfer the
payments to Mr. Pynchyn, for serving the church, to
the "Parishioners." An order was made by the
Corporation to that effect, but in the following year,
under the direction of the auditors of the Court of
68 St. Mark's of the Gaunts.
Augmentations, this was reversed. The payment was
again made by the Corporation, and so it continued
to be made.
The fifty years which succeeded the transfer of
the Chapel and estates to the Corporation, and which
are covered by this section of the history of St. Mark's,
have hitherto been almost entirely unaccounted for,
and although it may be said the information now
afforded, chiefly by gleanings from the Corporation
Records, is but meagre, it is sufficient to give con-
tinuity to the narrative, and to establish some important
points. Amongst these are the purpose which it was
intended the building should continue to serve in the
district in which it was placed, apart from the sub-
sequent special use of it by the Corporation as their
own official place of worship ; the frequency with which
the internal arrangements and the services of the
Church were altered to meet the changes imposed by
successive governments during this eventful period;
and amid all this, the regularity with which the
Corporation fulfilled the duties of maintaining the
fabric, and providing for the continuance within it of
the services of religion.
Chapter IV.
^ucen fiU3abctb'0 1bo0pltal,— tbe 1?cb HDaibe'
Scbool,— tbc f rcncb Protestant IRcUxqccb.
A.D. 1586 fo 1720.
QUEEN ELIZABETH'S HOSPITAL, OR THE CITY SCHOOL.
In this new chapter the history of St. Mark's
continues to reflect in various ways some of the
religious, political, and even social changes by which
the country was at the time so greatly affected. In
addition to the various alterations in the character of
its religious services already referred to, there can be
no doubt that a complete transformation in the appear-
ance of the Chapel itself took place about this time.
Many of its ornamental features were abolished as evil
in tendency or unsuited to the altered taste of the
day. All evidences of the former monastic use of the
building were either carefully concealed, mutilated, or
destroyed. One of the leading features of its architec-
ture was completely obliterated by filling up the bays
under the Nave windows with false masonry, thus
making the walls conventionally " playne." The lime-
brush, which it has been already shown was used
artistically on the pulpit, was no doubt freely employed
70 St Mark's of the Gaunts,
throughout the structure. All this was done either in
sympathy with the wave of reaction against Romanism
which followed the dissolution of the monasteries, or
during the subsequent days of Elizabeth when the fear
of the return of Romanism preyed upon the public
mind in consequence of the attitude of Mary Stuart,
or still later, when the issue of the Ordinances of
1643-4 encouraged the further wholesale destruction of
Church property. At the last-named period especially,
the veneration with which the Churches of the land had
formerly been regarded was openly outraged, and too
often, as in the case of St. Mark's, when the principal
structures were permitted to remain, essential parts were
demolished to satisfy the whim of those in authority, or
the demands of covetousness or destructiveness.
The founding of Queen Elizabeth's Hospital in one
of the buildings of the old Gaunts' Hospital represents
another and more agreeable aspect of the times. The
establishment of this and many similar institutions
which were then brought into existence provided a new
way of assisting the poor and defenceless, and was
the response to a newly-awakened desire for the spread
of education amongst the people generally. It also
expressed the sense of freedom from ecclesiastical
restraints which infused new life and hope into the
nation.
The youthful King Edward VI. founded, before his
short reign came to an end, the School called Christ's
Hospital in London, and from the first it was intended
that this should be the model for the Bristol institution.
The Corporation of Bristol warmly encouraged the new
enterprise, and were duly constituted the governing
body. The manner in which they from that time linked
together the fortunes of the Church they owned and the
St. Marks of the Gaunts. 71
School they governed is explained in many official
documents; but, for the purpose of this narrative, the
School will only be referred to as far as may be
necessary to illustrate the history of the Chapel. The
relation of the two was a very close one. At first the
School was located in the "Mansion House" of the
Gaunts, a building adjacent to the Chapel. After-
wards, as will be explained in the course of this
chapter, the North Transept was pulled down and a
new School was erected against the wall of the Chapel
on that side, when the former became structurally an
adjunct of the latter. For nearly two hundred years
the boys in the school regularly attended service in
the Chapel.
Under the date 1586, Evans in his Chronological
Outline records that " John Carr, by will, gave his
Manor of Congresbury towards founding a hospital
for maintaining and educating poor orphans and other
children after the manner of Christ-church Hospital,
London."*
The official entry of Carr's munificent bequest
appears in the Mayor^s Kalendar in the form of a note
thus : —
[John Carre, merchant of Bristol died and left lands
for building "an Hospitall in the Cittie for bringing
vp of poore fatherlesse children."] t
The will of the founder appointed the following
to be his Trustees : Thomas Aish of Bristol, gentle-
man, Robert Dowe of London, merchant tailor, Thomas
Aldworth of Bristol, merchant, and John Bythesea of
Axbridge, tanner, and after numerous testamentary
arrangements thus expresses his intentions with regard
* Evans' Chtvn, OuUine^ p. 158. f Thg Maym^s Kalendar^ p. 62.
72 St. Mark's of the Gaunts.
to the School, — the Trustees are " to erect and found
by due form of law in the City of Bristol, in some
convenient house and place which the Mayor and
Aldermen for the time being shall appoint and pre-
pare, which I trust they will provide for conveniently,
an Hospital or place for bringing up of poor children
orphans, being men children, such as shall be bom
in the City of Bristol, or in any part of my manor,
lands, or tenements in Congresbury aforesaid and
whose parents are deceased or dead or fallen into
decay, and not able to relieve them : and for those
chiefly to provide in such order manner and form, and
with such foundation, ordinance, laws and government
as the Hospital of Christ-church nigh St. Bartholomews
in London is founded ordered and governed in every
respect : and that to be the Patent and example for the
foundation of this Hospital to be new founded by my
Will, and to endow the said new founded Hospital
in Bristol with the said lands, thereby to have
such poor children and orphans as aforesaid brought
up in such manner and form as the like be in the
Hospital of St. Bartholomews aforesaid, as far forth
as the profits and revenues thereof will amount unto :
and for the more perpetual and better government
thereof, to dispose and appoint as law will permit
and suffer, the Mayor and Commonalty of the said
City to be patrons, guiders, and governors of the
same Hospital to be founded for ever, to the intent
to have such poor children and orphans as aforesaid
there brought up and maintained for ever."
To this end the Queen's Letters Patent were
granted on March 21st, 1590, and at the instance
of the Corporation this was followed by an Act of
Parliament in 1597, the 39th of Elizabeth.
SL Mark's of the Gaunfs, 73
Barrett thus speaks of the founding of the School
as an accomplished fact, — " the great capital messuage
or mansion house of the late old Hospital (which with
the cloisters was taken down) called St. Mark's of
Belliswyck, or the Gaunts, then inhabited by Gabriel
Bleek Esq., and granted among other things to the
Corporation by Henry VIII. was fitly appropriated to
this use for its healthy situation. And that ' the
Governors of the said Hospital might daily increase
the number of the said poor orphans and children to
be relieved and sustained there ' (the very words of
the Act) the Queen granted them license to purchase
manors lands &c. and several other benefactors, whose
names should be recorded with honour for promoting
so much the welfare of the City, contributed large
sums and annual rents for this laudable undertaking."*
The list of John Carr's contemporaries who were
associated with him in this " charitable endeavour," or
who during succeeding years carried on what he
began, comprises names that are to this day reckoned
among the worthiest in our city annals — ^William
Birde, Thomas Aldworth, Lady Mary Ramsey, John
and Andrew Barker, Thomas Farmer, Ann Colston,
Edward Colston, James Gollop, Samuel Hartnell,
Robert Dowe, Anthony Standbanck, and Richard
Hughes. The Corporation of Bristol and the Society
of Merchant Venturers were also contributors. In
1620 the above were included amongst many others
to whom honour was done according to the fashion
of the time, by the carrying out of the following minute
entered in the Common Council book — "Item, it is
ordered that there shall be a table of all the benefactors
to this City made and set up in the Council Chamber ;"
Barrett, p. 376.
74 SL Mark's of the Gaunts.
and in 1829, more than two centuries after the School
commenced its career, the memorial window which is
in the Nave of the Chapel was constructed. The sum
of one hundred guineas was then paid out of the
funds of the Charity **for painting the Arms of the
various benefactors on glass, to be placed in the
Mayor's Chapel."
William Birde whose Arms are placed in this
memorial window admirably seconded the benevolent
designs of his friend and colleague John Carr. He
purchased the lease of the Mansion House of the
Gaunts, in which the School was first located, and
gave the Corporation free possession. He also con-
tributed £510 in cash, and obtained for the School
the proceeds of a tax on lead and iron for a term
of years, just as in the case of Christ's Hospital,
London, the Corporation of that City established a
permanent toll on all cloth sold at Blackwell Hall
which was afterwards purchased up for a large
consideration. William Birde's good deeds like those
of John Carr are recorded in the Mayor* s Kalendar : —
"This yeere (1590, the year of his Mayoralty)
aboute iij. weekes in Lent, there was presented in the
house a patente fi'om her ma^ie as concemeinge a
hospitall to be erected by the name of Queene Eliz :
Hospitall, yssueinge oute of John Carres landes.
Which said Hospitall was the same yeer, by the
great e dilligence and charitable endevour of the said
William Birde, founded at the Gauntz, and xij. poore
children placed therein for a beginninge of the sayd
goode worke, to the which the sayd William Birde
was a bountifiiU benefactor and gave therevnto 530 h\
in money for the advancement thereof."
William Birde died the 8th Oct. in the same year,
Sf. Mark^s of the Gaunts. 75
'> p
and his tomb stands on the left hand of the entrance
of the Chapel. The supposed tomb of John Carr is
in the South Aisle. (See description of Nave and South
Aisle)/ Amongst the other names and arms emblazoned
on the memorial window is that of John Whitson
who took an active part in the affairs of Queen
Elizabeth's Hospital, but who is better known as
nimself the founder of the Red Maids' School. Of him
it is recorded that during a time of great scarcity
(1594-5) he purchased a cargo of grain at Dantzic
and handed it over to the Mayor and Aldermen at
cost price that it might be sold to the distressed in
small quantities and at a low price. This episode in
the life of John Whitson is introduced here because
of the statement which has obtained currency, that
"at the period alluded to, the Gaunts' Chapel being
in possession of the Corporation was used by them as
a warehouse for com in times of public scarcity."* This
could hardly be correct as the Chapel was certainly
used at the time for public worship, but the com
may have been stored in one of the adjacent buildings
of the old Gaunts' Hospital.
The boys in the School continued to attend
morning service in St. Mark's, and on several occasions
the master of the School was elected to the office
of Curate or Reader in the Chapel. On the 13th
March 1656-7, the Common Council passed the
following resolution : — " Whereas there hath been of
late no preaching either in the College (Cathedral),
St. Augustine's, or the Gaunts, upon the Lord's day
in the afternoons, whereby the children in the Hospital
of Queen Elizabeth, in the College Green, have very
much wanted the public ministry of the Word near
* Memoirs of John Whitson^ p. 44.
76 SL Marks of the Gaunts.
unto them ; and there being a very considerable
revenue belonging to the s^- hospital; it is enacted
and ordained, that the sum of twenty and four pounds
per annum shall be paid for the maintenance of a
lecture on every Lord's day, in the afternoon, to be
preached in the Gaunts' Church, by such minister as
shall be chosen thereunto by this House, at the
preaching whereof the master and all the blue coats
shall be present, and this to begin the next Lord's
day after the 25th day of this instant month of March."
The year 1685 began an interval during which the
stipend of the Curate or Reader was not paid by the
Corporation. The Mayor and Aldermen were ex officio
the '* patrons guiders, and governors of the Hospital '*
and having the control of both the Chapel and the
School, they proposed that the Treasurer of Queen
Elizabeth's Hospital should in future pay the stipend.
This probably arose from the fact of the Chapel being so
largely used for the benefit of the boys. The non-
payment by the Corporation seems to have lasted till
1 72 1-2, but it must here be remembered that during
nearly the whole of that interval, the Chapel was
occupied by the French Protestant Refugees, and its
occupation by them may have rendered unnecessary the
payment of the stipend by the Corporation, in which
case the payment by the Treasurer of Qu. Eliz. Hosp.
would refer only to the afternoon lecture, which was
discontinued about the year 1698. At this time the
accounts of the Corporation and Governors respectively,
the same individuals acting in different capacities, were
very much confused. During the whole period however
the Corporation continued to pay for repairs. In 1 700-1
there were " considerable repairs."
The question now arises, when and under what
j
I
I St Mark's of the Gaunts. 'j'j
circumstances did the demolition of the Cloisters and
North Transept take place? Under the date 1587 an
entry appears in the Audit Book relating to the repair
of the "Cloysters." At this time doubtless the cloisters
were intact, with the various Hospital buildings still
grouped around them, but the time had nearly arrived
when it is certain the old buildings were removed, and a
clearance of the ground efifected to prepare for new
erections on the site. There appear to be no further
entries of repair to the Cloisters ; instead of being again
repaired, they were improved out of existence as was
the North Transept with which the Cloister on that side
communicated. This must have taken place between
the above date 1587 and the erection of the new City
School building against the walled-up archway and
window.
The following extract from the Corporation
accounts shews this destruction to be a matter of
deliberate preparation.
"Paid, 6th March 1591 to Bird, Freemason, for
removing the great tombs of the three Founders of the
Gaunts which are set now at the upper end of the
Chancil .. .. .• £0 los. od." *
The three founders here referred to must be under-
stood to be Maurice de Gaunt, Robert de Goumey, and
Henry de Gaunt, although properly speaking the two
former only were the founders. The North Transept
would be an appropriate resting place for these
memorials of the dead, and there no doubt they had
remained undisturbed for three hundred years. Their
* The above extract sets at rest another question with regard to these
effigies. Dallaway writing in 1834 states that they formerly stood hi the
Chancel, and the accuracy of that statement is borne out by the extract
m question. Then: present position is therefore the thu^ they have
occupied during the long histoiy of the Graunts' Church.
78
Sf. MarJt's of the Gaunts.
removal now became a necessity arising from the
intended destruction of their ancient resting place.
The exact time when the demolition was effected
was indicated by the silent witness of a carved date
which the writer observed during the recent res-
toration. In then taking down the walling of the arch,
a blocked-up doorway that stood therein at the foot of
the pulpit stairs was also removed. The casing of the
doorway - — . 1 have been
which had
a low or
Tudor arch-
head, re-
mained in-
tact, and in
the hollow
moiUdingof
the Eastern
jamb the
date 1631
was plainly
carvedjwith
the leiter B
and some
faint marks
which may facsimile at caeted date.
communication between the Chapel and the premises
erected against it. The authorities therefore left
posterity to conclude that they considered the
North Transept only valuable as a building site,
and that as three Nave windows were sufficient, the
fourth might as well be dispensed with. No docu-
mentary details of what was done at this time are
available, but the books of the Corporation and the
I
Tl
St. Mark^s of the Gaunts. 79
Hospital shew that in 1627-8 some alterations were
made in the Hospital buildings and that the charges
were paid by the Chamberlain of the City and passed
through his audit. Those charges were also mixed up
with repairs or alterations to the Church, but as far as
the entries are concerned they leave the whole matter in
much confusion. There seems to have been some delay
in completing the scheme, as Barrett notes that it was
not till 1 702 that *' the Hospital (Queen Elizabeth's) began
to be rebuilt in a large and more commodious manner."*
The entire cost of the new structure was £2y^Ti 14s. 3d.,
of which £2jQO$ was raised by subscription and the
remaining £^(>t 14s. 3d. was paid out of the Hospital
funds. This is the building that was placed against the
North wall of the Church. In that position it is shewn
in Jean Rocque's map c. 1750, and so it remained
through the subsequent exchange of buildings between
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital and the Grammar School
in 1769, and tmtil as the Grammar School it was
demolished in 18S3 (see page 82). A rough plan was left
amongst the MSS. of the late Mr. Seyer which shews
how the wall of the building was carried up the centre
of the blocked-up Nave window, and how a portion of
the School structure occupied the site of the Transept.
The minute particulars given in Manchee's Bristol
Charities respecting the erection of the new School are
extremely interesting because they shew how the site of
the Gaunts* Hospital was at this time dealt with, not
only as regards the position the School occupied, but in
the laying out of a number of streets in the immediate
neighbourhood. These particulars are therefore quoted
at some length.
'Barrett, p. 377. Also Evans, p. 251.
8o St. Marks of the Guunts.
<<The hospital site and what may be called the hospital estate,
consisting of a certain range aboat it, were granted by the Corporation
of Bristol, to the governors of the hospital by an indenture dated
20th August 1717, made between the Mayor Burgesses and Commonalty
of Bristol of the one part ; and the governors of the hospital, of the
other part ; whereby .... it appeared that the number of poor boys
or orphans was then increased to forty-five, and that the ancient
house or hospital being ruinous, and not sufficiently convenient for
the reception and entertainment of so great a number of poor children
and orphans, the Mayor and Commonalty, and the governors of the
said hospital, did in or about the year 1704 agree, that the said
ancient house and hospital should be wholly pulled down, and
demolished, which was accordingly done ; and with the materials
arising therefrom, and with the charitable gifts of several well-disposed
persons of Bristol, a stately and magnificent house or hospital, sufficient
for the reception of two masters and their families, and above 100
poor boys and orphans, was erected and finished in the room and
stead thereof, in the year 1706; since which time the Mayor and
Commonalty, taking into consideration, and having the example of
their predecessors also in their view, that it was a duty owing to Crod,
incumbent upon corporations and communities, as well as private
persons, to extend their charities for the benefit of the poor; and
considering that the maintenance and education, and putting apprentice
boys bom within the City of Bristol, was a proper object for the said
Mayor and Commonalty to extend their charity upon; and there
being a place contiguous to the said hospital commonly called
the hospital orchard, of a very large extent of ground, situate in the
parish of St. Augustine in the said City ; which being built upon with
good substantial houses and streets, might, by the rents and other
profits arising from such buildings, yield a good annual revenue,
besides other improvements ; and having appointed a committee of the
Common Council- for allotting the said ground into proper methods, for
building on the same in the most substantial, beneficial, and convenient
manner, who had made their report to the Common Council aforesaid ;
to which report the said Common Council had agreed, and had ordered,
that all the said hospital orchard should be built upon pursuant to
that report, to the intent, that the said new erected house or hospital
might be, and for ever continue to be, called the Hospital of Queen
Elizabeth, in Bristol, and remain and be a hospital house and habita-
tion for the masters, their families and ser\ants, and for such poor
children as then were, or should thereafter be, lawfully chosen,
according to the constitution of the said hospital into the same ; and
St. Marks of the Gaunts. 8i
that the court adjoiiiiiig to the front of the said hospital house, and the
yard or outlet backwards, lying behind the said hospital house, lately
separated by a wall from the orchard before mentioned, might for
ever be occupied and enjoyed together with the said hospital house;
and to the intent that the said orchard, called the hospital orchard,
and all buildings that should thereafter be erected thereon, might be
enjoyed, and the rents and profits thereof be received and applied to
and for the use and benefit of the said hospital, in such manner as
the governors of the said hospital should, from time to time direct.
Older, and appoint, according to the good intent of the said Queen
Elizabeth, and the several founders thereof and donon and benefactors
thereto ; it is witnessed that the said Mayor Burgesses and Commonalty,
for the consideration aforesaid, and ahK> in consideration of the rent
thereinafter reserved, to be paid yearly by the said governors or
treasurer of the said hospital, to the Chamber of the said Corporation,
granted, released, and confirmed, all the premises above mentioned to
the governors of the said hospital; to hold to them and their
succcsiors for ever, to the only uses and purposes aforesaid, yielding
and payhig for ever, to the Chamber of the said City the rent or sum
of 268. 8d. with a power to enter and distrain for the same. The
same deed also contained a covenant, on the part of the governors, to
keq> the premises in repair; and a proviso, that in case of alienating
or diverting the rents and profits of the hospital premises ; or if the
hoq>ital premises should be suffered by them to become ruinous or
decayed, and to continue so after six months notice, that then the
Mayor Burgesses and Commonalty, might re-enter upon, and keep
possessbn of, the same premises to their own use."*
This grant of land by the Corporation to the
Governors of Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, points to
the layinif out of those streets, which still bear names
connecting them with the site of the ancient Gaunts'
Hospital ; and which thus afford evidence of its large
extent ; such are Orchard Street, Orchard Lane, Gaunts'
Lane, Culver Street, and Frogmore Street. Other
streets laid out at the same time received names derived
from passing events, as Hanover Street, Denmark
Street, Unity Street.
[In continuation of the narrative it may here be
M » I , . .
* Manchee's Bristol CharitUs^ p. 14.
82 St. Marks of the Gaunls.
added that about the year 1769 the School buildings
were under the provisions of an Act passed for the
purpose, transferred to the " Free Grammar School "
up to that time located in St. Bartholomew's Hospital
in Christmas Street, the boys attending the latter
being transferred to the City School buildings. This
Act which was of the 9th of George III. was intituled —
"An Act to enable the Corporation of the City of
Bristol to exchange the building of the hospital, called
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, for the building called
St. Bartholomew's in the said City, etc." The reason
assigned for this exchange was the insufficiency of
the old premises for the Grammar School boys, some
of whom took the place of their predecessors in
attending service at St. Mark's Chapel. At the present
time both the boys* Schools which were thus associated
with the Chapel are located in splendid modem
buildings : the one on the slope of Brandon Hill, the
other on the elevated ground of Tyndall's Park. The
succession of schools on this particular spot has
however been maintained by the recent erection of
the noble pile of buildings known as the "Merchant
Venturers' Schools,*' which are destined to play an
important part in the educational work of modem
Bristol.]
THE RED MAIDS' SCHOOL.
The Red Maids' School probably had its origin in
that noble spirit of emulation in charitable works,
which so largely prevailed amongst the City Fathers
three hundred years ago. Amongst his many schemes
for the good of his fellow creatures, John Whitson
conceived the desire to do for the poor orphan girls
of his day what had just been done by John Carr and
others for the boys. And thus it came to pass that
SL Mark^s of the Gaunts. 83
the old Chapel of the Gaunts was flanked by two
benevolent and educational institutions, to both of
which it became a spiritual home.
The historical references to the Red Maids' School
are not so numerous as are those relating to Queen
Elizabeth's Hospital : nor has it been so intimately
connected with the fabric of the Chapel. Like the
boys' School it has occupied three different buildings ;
but unlike it, the third still stands on the site of
the Gaunts' estate : and while the City School boys,
and their successors the Grrammar School boys, have
long since ceased attendance at the Chapel, the Red
Maids to the number of eighty still form part of the
regular congregation, and, in their picturesque dress,
are always regarded with great interest.
The feoflftnent of the founder, John Whitson, was
dated i6th day of March 1621, and under it the
following trustees were appointed : — John Doughty,
Abel Kitchen, George Harrington, John Barker, Chris-
topher Whitson, John Tomlinson, Humphrey Brown,
Alexander James, and Walter Stephens.
The will of the founder was dated 27th March
1627, and amongst its numerous provisions, it contained
the following directions respecting the foundation of
this School : —
" He gave and devised unto the Mayor Burgesses and Commonalty of
the City of Bristol^ their successors and assigns, for ever, an Annuity ol
four score and ten pounds, to be issuing out of his manor of Burnett, in
the County of Somerset to be by them received and taken, to the use and
intent, that the Mayor and Aldermen of the said City of Bristol, for the
time being, or the most part of them, should therewith provide, or cause to
be provided, a fit and convenient dwelling house for the abode of one grave,
painful and modest woman, of good life and conversation, whether married
or unmarried, having a husband well qualified, and of like good life, and
honest conversation^ and for forty poor women-children (whose parents
freemen and burgesses of the City, should be deceased or decayed)
84 St Mark's of the Gaunis.
either in some convenient room in the new mansion house of the Gannts,
or Hospital of Queen Elizabeth, in Bristol, or in such other necessary place
within the liberties of the said city, as to them the said Mayor and Alder-
men should be thought expedient, and should cause the said mansion or
habitation to be furnished with convenient lodging, bedding, linen, and
other necessaries for the commodity and use of the said woman and forty
poor women-children; and that the said Mayor and Aldermen should
therein admit the said woman and forty poor women-children, and cause
them to be there kept and maintained, and also taught to read English,
and to sew, and do some other laudable work, towards their maintenance,
as the Mayor's wife of the same City for the time being, or the andentest
Alderman's wife of the same City, in her absence, for the time being, and
the said woman should approve of ; and should cause the said women^
children to be bound apprentices to the said woman, and to her successors
in the said office, for the term of eight or ten years at the least, and none
to be thereunto admitted that should be above the age of ten years, or
under the age of eight years, &c., &c."*
John Whitson died on Feb. 25th, 1628, before his
purpose was completed. The School was opened in
1634, and upon enquiry the Trustees declared to the
Court of Chancery that ^'a matron and sixteen poor
maidens with all convenient speed were settled in the
said house until the provision which he (the founder)
himself had made for the whole number should fall into
hand."t
In 1655, " it was proposed to erect an hospital for
maids adjoining to the house hitherto used, according to
Alderman Whitson's gift, and the City surveyors were
consulted how the work should be fully carried into
execution, according to the intent of the founder and for
the honour of the City."+
[The following particulars are added to complete
the outline story of this institution : —
The Commissioners appointed to enquire concern-
ing the charitable institutions of Bristol, reported (1828}
* Manchee's Bristol Charities, p. 43. f Ibid,, p. 46.
t Piyce's Bristol, p. 164, and Evans, pp. 178, 217.
St. Marks of the Gaunts. 85
that *' the premises of the Red Maids' Charity consist of
a large building, partly brick and partly stone, nearly
adjoining the Mayor's Chapel, on the College Green,
distributed in various apartments, the largest of which
is the School, which is an oblong room about 32 feet
in length by about 16 feet in breadth. The dwelling
house consists of two parlours on the ground-floor for
the mistress, and a room used for teaching the children
to write in. Over these are two dormitories for the
children and a bed-room for the mistress. . The dormi-
tories are large spacious rooms. There is a large paved
yard for the children to play in about 90 feet in length
by 38 feet in width. The mistress has a garden 80 feet
by 34. There are two kitchens and a room where the
children dine. On Sunday they attend the Mayor's
Chapel in the morning and the Parish Church of St.
Augustine in the evening. Sometimes Mrs. Mayoress
but principally Mrs. Daniel who is the wife of the
senior resident alderman, and treasurer, attends the
School."*
In 1836 an afternoon service was recommenced at
the Mayor^s Chapel, and this, as well as the morning
service, was attended by the Red Maids. After the
recent restoration the afternoon service was discon-
tinued and an evening service substituted, which the
children now attend.
The Red Maids continued in the occupation
of the premises described until the year 1840, when
the present extensive school premises, with a fine
Elizabethan frontage to Denmark Street, and still
on the site of the old Gaunts' Hospital, and on the
same spot as the previous school, were erected. With
increased resources, the number of girls for some time
* Manchee's JSristol Chariiies^ pp. 59*to.
86 Si. Mark's of the Gaunts.
accommodated was one hundred and twenty, under the
care of a head mistress and five assistants. Upon the
passing of the Municipal Corporations Act in 1837,
the management of the School estate passed from the
hands of the Mayor and Aldermen, the Charity
Trustees being then appointed to undertake the duties
of the original "governors and guiders."
In 1875 a new scheme for the management of the
School was put forward by the Endowed Schools Com-
missioners under which the present body of governors
was appointed. The principle of competitive examina-
tion was then introduced, the status of the School was
improved, and the number of girls receiving education
and maintenance was limited to eighty.]
THE FRENCH PROTESIANT REFUGEES.
To connect in any way St. Mark's Chapel with
the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and Black
Bartholomew might seem at first sight a difficult
matter, but as an historic fact there was a very close
connection between the persecution of the French
Protestants and the little sanctuary that had been so
long in the hands of the Monastic Brethren of the
Gaunts and then passed into those of the Bristol
Corporation. It has been stated that as the result of
the cruel action of Louis XIV. no less than 50,000
families were for conscience sake compelled to quit
France for ever in the year 1687. The refugees were
scattered far and wide, seeking a new home wherever
there was an open door to admit them, thus carrying
into strange communities all the advantages of their
peculiar knowledge of many arts, especially that of
weaving. Amongst the places to which they came,
and where they found a settled home was the City
of Bristol. They appear to have arrived here in
St. Marks of the Gaunts. 87
considerable numbers, and as far as social position is
concerned they seem from their registers to have been
chiefly seafaring people, captains, masters and sailors
from Nantes, Saumur, Saintonge, La Rochelle and the
Isle of Rh6. One name that occurs in the history of the
colony is specially familiar to Bristolians. Stephen
Peloquin was a leading member of their Church in
1704. The freedom of the City had been conferred
upon him in 1695. David Peloquin was Sheriff in
1735 and Mayor in 1751; and Mary Ann Peloquin
gave benefactions to the City in 1779 amounting to
;£i 9,400. Many of the Bristol families of to-day claim
descent from the refugee Huguenots.
It was generally known that at the coming of
the refugees the Mayor and his colleagues, at the
instance of the then Bishop of Bristol, Sir Jonathan
Trelawney, granted them the use of St. Mark's Chapel
as a place of worship, and that they continued to
meet there for some forty years. Beyond that nothing
was known. Recently however our knowledge has
been enlarged by the industry of Mr. John Taylor,
the results of his enquiries being communicated in a
paper which he read to the Hug^uenot Society, on the
occasion of their visit to this City during the year 1890.*
Only those details which concern the history of
St*. Mark's will be recorded here.
The first service of the refugees was held in
St. Mark's on the afternoon of 29th May, 1687.
Prayers were said by Jeremie Tirel, formerly minister
of the reformed church of Villeneuve, which was
followed by a sermon from M. Alexander de Schirac,
formerly minister of the English Reformed Church of
Bargerac, Guyenne, who were both then resident in
* Proceedings of the Huguenot Society^ 1890.
88 St. Mark's of the Gaunts.
Bristol, and who had great difficulty in escaping to
this country. M. de Schirac continued to officiate until
1703, in June of which year he died suddenly in the
pulpit of St. Mark's. On August 7th, 1720, an im-
pressive scene was witnessed within the walls of the
Chapel. On that occasion Jean Vorsin, of Maintenon
in the province of Beausse, publicly abjured the errors
of Romanism. It is recorded that from the first the
Chapel was crowded, both the Nave and the Chancel
being fully occupied, and not a few of these worshippers
afterwards found a final resting place within the walls
of their refuge Church. There is still a link which
connects the building with the time when it was used
by those exiled French Protestants. On a flat stone
in the South Aisle the following inscription may still
be read : —
** Maria Esther Martha Piguenit daughter of Isaac
Piguenit Esq. died 9th of August 1771 aged 2 years
and 8 months."
Judging from the name this would appear to be
a descendant of one of the Huguenot families, and
it is the only record of the kind now in the Mayor's
Chapel. It should be added that Isaac Piguenit was
Sheriff of Bristol in 1757 and 1760.
Under circumstances which will be more fully
explained in the next chapter, the occupation of St.
Mark's by the refugees came to an end in 1722, the
Corporation then requiring possession of the building
for their own use. The French Protestant community
were granted on a lease renewable every 14 years, a
piece of land in Orchard Street hard by, on what was
formerly as the name indicates part of the Gaunts'
Hospital estate. Upon this land they erected a new
Chapel. In 1727 the Corporation granted to Mr. Lewis
St. Mark's of the Gaunts. 89
Casamajor, a leader of the congfregation, ;^5o towards
the new Chapel, and in consideration of a pew being
provided for any members of the Merchant Venturers
who might attend the services ; and £y> was given
by that Society towards furnishing the same Chapel.
In 1 797 the lease seems to have lapsed, after which an
annual rent of two guineas was paid till June 1825, at
which time the once numerous congregation had become
greatly diminished in numbers, and the remnant
was finally scattered. The last of the congregation
was Mrs. Marianne de Soyres, the widow of the
Rev. Francis de Soyres who became pastor of the
Church in 1790, and occupied that position for 11 years.
Thus far it will be granted that the Corporation
had not acted unworthily in utilising both the funds
derived fi-om the Gaunts' estate and the College Chapel.
The freeing of the City from burdensome and restric-
tive tolls, the care and education of poor orphan
children, and the providing a religious home for those
who were exiled and cast upon the world for conscience
sake, are all objects at least in harmony with the
benevolent purposes for which the Gaunts' Hospital
was originally founded.
To this portion of the history of St. Mark's Chapel
belongs an incident which cannot be omitted, although
it stands outside the current of the narrative. In the
year 1680 the famous, or rather infamous Captain
Bedloe, a coadjutor of the wretched Titus Oates, was
buried at the threshold of the Chapel. He died
deeply in debt, and the charity of some who probably
sympathised with his proceedings provided for him
an unhonoured grave at the entrance of the consecrated
building.
Chapter V.
^'Zbc flDai?or'9 (tbapeL"
AJD. 1720 it? 1888.
With the year 1720 commenced the period,
continued to the present time, during which the
Corporation have not only cared for, but have also
occupied, St. Mark's Chapel as their own official place
of worship. They did not actually occupy it until two
years after this date, but the first of the steps which
led to the change was then taken. It may here be
remarked that with one exception — that of the small
borough of Okehampton in Devonshire — Bristol is
stated to be the only Corporation in the kingdom that
owns a Church. The circumstances under which this
peculiarity as regards Bristol arose, have been already
explained in treating of the suppression of the Gaunts'
House.
Respecting the portion of the history of St. Mark's
now under consideration, information continues to be
afforded by entries in the ancient Audit Books, the
acts and proceedings of the Common Council, and
other records existing at the Council House. These
entries are for the most part very brief, but they
illustrate in various ways the continued fulfilment of
the obligation on the part of the Corporation to
maintain this place of worship, an obligation which is
acknowledged to this day.
St. MarKs^ or the Mayof^s Chapel. 91
It is somewhat melancholy to observe that the
determination on the part of the Corporation to occupy
their own Church really arose out of a quarrel with
the Cathedral authorities. Up to this time (1722), and
from a remote date which is not recorded, the Cor-
poration had attended Divine Service at the Cathedral,
with the exception of a few years previously to 1606,
during which interval, owing to another protracted
dispute with the Cathedral authorities respecting the
position of their seats, and the use of their Civic
ceremonial, they attended the Church of St. Mary
Redcliffe. This earlier dispute was brought to a close
by the execution of a deed containing the following
provisions:— "The Dean and Chapter granted and
agreed that the Corporation should be permitted to erect
on the North side of the Cathedral, from the Choir to the
lower pillar, seats for the. Mayor, Aldermen, i^heriflFs
and Council, their wives and chief officers, to sit in to
hear a sermon or sermons or other Divine Service there,
the seats to be kept locked, and the key to be kept by
the officer to be appointed by the Dean for the purpose
of keeping the same clean, such officer to be paid
annually for such purpose los., and the Corporation to
be allowed to take down the pulpit from the place where
it then stood, and to place the same at one of the pillars
in the South side of the said Church, provided that the
Bishop of the Diocese and the Dean should take their
seats by the said Mayor as it is fit for them." This
curious deed was, and no doubt still is, in the possession
of the Corporation. It is signed by
The Dean, Simon Robson (under seal),
Robert Temple,
Robert Gullyford.
We are not informed what was the exact cause of o£fence
9 2 Sf, Mark's, or the Mayor* s Chapel.
when the later dispute arose, and, as the Corporation
realised the use they could make of their own Churchy
there does not seem to have been any attempt at
reconciliation. No doubt the City Fathers at the earlier
date, as well as those who were in office a hundred years
later, were somewhat inclined to stand upon their
dignity, and could ill brook any apparent invasion of
their privileges. As a matter of fact, the later rupture
was the culmination of a series of misunderstandings,
the blame for which was rightly or wrongly laid at the
door of the Dean.
With regard ^to the condition of St. Mark's at this
time, it would appear that towards the end of its
occupation by the French Protestants, it had lapsed
into one of the periods of decay which have several
times visited it, and had become very dilapidated. To
remedy this the Corporation incurred considerable
expense in executing repairs.
Although the designation, " The Mayor's Chapel,"
has been employed above, it should be remarked that
such designation did not at once come into use. It was
not until the attendance of the Corporation at their
Chapel became a familiar and established custom, that
the official designation was employed.
The chronology of the Chapel is resumed by the
following entry : —
On Sept. 5th, 1720, **The Mayor proposed to the
Common Council, that the Gaunts* Church, might be
repaired and beautified, which was agreed to, and the
care of doing thereof is left to Mr. Mayor and the
Aldermen or any three of them, Mr. Mayor or
Mr. Mayor elect, being one, and Mr. Chamberlain is
ordered to issue money for that purpose as the
Committee shall direct."
St. Mark's, or the Mayar^s Chapel. 93
In this year the expenses thus incurred amounted
to £S9 IS.
On the 14th Oct., 1721, "The Mayor mentioned to
the Council the affront which the City had lately
received from the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral,
and recommended to the House the repairing, new
pewing, beautifying and adorning the Gaunts, otherwise
St. Mark's Church, being a Chapel belonging to the
Mayor, Burgesses and Commonalty, which was unani-
mously ordered to be done ; and that the Chamberlain
should issue monies for that purpose."
In connection with the occupation of the Chapel
by the Corporation, the payment of the Curate's stipend
by them, was resumed, and additional payments were
made to others who preached and read prayers on
certain public days. Accordingly the following entry
is made at this time, — "Paid, several persons who
preached and read prayers at St. Mark's Church
on 5 public days £^ 7s. od."
In this year the repairs and renovations cost
;£53i los. 9d.
On the 1 8th April, 1722, "The Mayor acquainted
the House that the Church of St. Mark's otherwise
the Gaunts in this city having been lately beautified
and adorned there were found four bells in the Tower
there, which if they were new cast and two more were
added to them it would be for the grandeur of the City.
It was ordered that the same be accordingly forthwith
done and that Mr. Chamberlain issue moneys for
the purpose." In accordance with this entry an
examination of the bells shews that each of them has
upon it the date 1722, with the initials of the bell-
founder, £.£. Five of the bells have the following
sectional epigraphs cast upon their rims, in which
94 *SV- Mark's^ or the Mayor's ChapeU
_
the expression of loyalty takes the place of the devout
inscriptions which were no doubt upon the ancient bells.
1. In honour of King George
2. These bells were put up
3. In this Church then beautified
4. At the expense of the Chamber
5. (Tenor) John Becher, Mayor ; John Rich, Noblet
Ruddock, Sheriffs; John Price, Esq., Evan
Evans, bell-founder.
The remaining bell has this separate inscription : —
" In memory of King William."
Evans was paid for his work £\^l-
On reference to the schedule of Church property
dealt with at the time of the suppression of the
Gaunts' House, it will be observed, that it is there
proposed to leave only three bells for the use of the
Church, the other three of the original six being reserved
for the use of the King.
This proposed division of the bells appears to have
afterwards been altered, and four were allowed to remain.
In the same year (1722) the Mayor, Henry Swymmer,
Esq., was repaid the sum of £^2^ for one year's preaching
at St. Mark^s during his Mayoralty. This arose out
of the resolution *^ that the Mayor for the time being
shall appoint a person to read Divine Service and preach
Sunday mornings at the Gaunts' Church as often as
he shall think proper, and that the Chamberlain do
pay such preacher los. every time he officiates." The
Corporation further marked their sense of the importance
of the change they had initiated by providing a new
surplice for the preacher at a cost of £\ 8s. 6d., and
new books for the Church at a ftirther cost of £2 1 8s.
Part of the work accomplished in 1722 consisted
of the erection of a gallery at the Western end of th0
S/, Mark\ or the Mayar^s Chapel. 95
Nave. This is referred to by Barrett in the following
terms : — " At the entrance of the South (by courtesy
the West) door behind the large window, there is a
gallery with this inscription — * This gallery was erected
and the Chapel beautified at the charge of the Chamber
of this City. John Becher, Esq. Mayor; and Noblet
Ruddock and John Rich, Esqrs., Sheriffs, in the year
1722. '
The following entry in the Journals refers to an
improvement in the Chancel : —
On the 7th Feb., 1724, "The altar piece and com-
munion table were ordered to be beautified and
repaired," under the direction of the Mayor.
This work appears to have been somewhat delayed
or left incomplete, as in 1728 there was paid "for
beautifying the altar piece ;^8o, marble for ditto £zo.'*
This " beautifying " consisted partly in the erection of
a wooden screen in front of the exquisite stone work,
where it remained for just a century.
In 1726 it is ordered that 20s. be henceforth paid
by the Chamberlain to the person who shall preach
the sermon at Mr. Mayor's Chapel on Sunday morning
by his appointment.
In 1729 the petition of A. S. Catcott, Clerk, was
presented, praying that he might be appointed " Reader "
in Mr. Mayor's Chapel. He was master of the " Free
School," and was appointed at a salary of ;^2o per
annum. [The salary of the " Reader " was increased
to 25 guineas in the year 1754.]
A few years later the windows of the Chapel appear
to have received special attention : —
In 1738, — 8th April, "Ihe windows of the Chapel
were ordered to be newly glazed and beautified. Under
Barrett, p. 344.
96 St. Mark*Sf or the Mayors Chapel.
this date the entry appears, for repairing and adorning
the Mayor's Chapel ^^96 i8s/'
Later on, the Mayor appears to have received carte
blanche^ in carrying out further improvements : —
In 1743, — 6th August, "It was unanimously re
solved that the Mayor should be at liberty to make
such additions and alterations to the seats as he should
think fit for the more convenient reception of the con-
gregation resorting to the Chapel."
It would seem fi*om the following curious extract
from Old^Worlde Gleanings^ that ten years later,
June 23rd, 1753, the first state visit of the Mayor and
Corporation to St. Mark's was made : — " Our Mayor
and Corporation yesterday celebrated with great cheer-
fulness and solemnity the anniversary of his Majesty's
inauguration : on which occasion for the first time
John Clements Esq. our Mayor, rode to the City
Chapel in a rich body coach of state, carv'd, gilt, and
adom'd like that of the Lord Mayor of London,
attended by a great number of other coaches well fill'd,
and at night there were bonfires and illuminations
throughout the City.*'
At this time and down to the recent restoration
of the Church the beautiful Poyntz, or Jesus Chapel,
as it was named by the founder, was used as a Chaplain's
Vestry, there being no other portion of the building
convenient for the purpose. This use of the Chantry
led to the alteration referred to in the following extract
from the Journals of the Council : —
In 1756, — 8th Dec, "Ordered that an apartment in
the Vestry room (Poyntz Chapel) be fitted up for the
reception of such records, books, &c., belonging to the
City as the Mayor for the time being shall think proper
to be lodged there."
St Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel. 97
Two stone cupboards with iron doors are accord-
ingly found on the North side, but they have not in
recent times contained anything in the shape of a
book or record. This repository occupies a recess with
two arches said to have formerly been used as a
confessional. This is however a very doubtful explana-
tion of the former use of the recess.
It is not known what were the musical arrange-
ments of this place of worship up to this time, but
on June 23rd, 1764, it is recorded, that an organ was
purchased of Mr. Robert Broderip for the sum of
;^3i5. Edmund Broderip was at the same time ap-
pointed organist at a salary of 25 guineas. This organ
was placed on the gallery at the West end, which
had been previously erected, and there it remained till
the year 1830. It was then disposed of to a Mr. H.
Smith, who supplied a new instrument. It is stated
that the original organ was removed to Abergavenny
Parish Church, and was in use there comparatively
unaltered until about 1880, when it was replaced, most
of the old pipes being still retained.
Reverting to the date at which the original organ
was erected (1764), it may be seen that Barrett has
a note to the following effect : — "In the year 1772 a
neat organ was placed in the gallery (which was erected
in 1722} and the whole Chapel was again repaired and
beautified."* This must be the organ that was pur-
chased of Robert Broderip, the date of its erection
given by Barrett being incorrect. It is probable
however that at the time he mentions other improve-
ments in the Church were made.
The following entry under date 1777-8 indicates
the time when the debased portico, which previously to
* Banctti p. 344.
98 St Mark's^ or the Mayo/s Chapel.
the recent restoration stood at the Western entrance
of the Church, was erected : — " Cost of Portico before
the Mayor's Chapel ;^83 los. 6d." For many years
the Corporation continued to pay the Dean and Chapter
of the Cathedral a rent of 2s. lod. for the site of this
Portico. This charge was afterwards commuted.
On the 1 2th May, 1785 : — "On the motion of Mr.
Mayor, it was unanimously agreed and ordered that a
new gallery be erected over the present gallery near
the organ in the Mayor's Chapel under the direction of
the Mayor and Aldermen or any three of them, whereof
the Mayor to be one, and that Mr. Chamberlain do
issue monies accordingly.*'
In the memoirs of the Rev. John Wesley it is
stated that on the i6th March, 1788, he was invited by
the then Mayor, Mr. Edger, to preach in St. Mark's
Chapel, and afterwards to dine with him at the Mansion
House. •• Most of the Aldermen were at Church, and
a multitude of high and low, to whom the preacher
explained and applied that awftil passage of Scripture,
the history of Dives and Lazarus."*
In 1812, an additional gallery was ordered to be
built in the Chapel for the accommodation of the
Grammar School boys. In the same year the stipend
of the Chaplain was increased from £^2 to 52 guineas,
and *' the clergyman who preaches to be paid £z 2s.
instead of 21s. for every sermon, but this is not to
be paid oftener than six times in the yeaV."
In 1 8 19 the repair and beautifying of the Chapel,
was referred to the Surveyors of City Lands, and
forthwith the work was commenced under the Mayor,
Mr. John Haythorne. The undertaking thus begun
appears to have extended over a long period of time,
• Bristol Past and PnsfiU. Vol. H., p. 185. '
St. Mark's^ or the Mayors Chapel. 99
as exceptional expenses under this head continue to be
charged until the year 1831. Mr. Garrard, the City
Chamberlain, appears to have been the moving spirit
in the matter, and though his zeal was commendable,
his judgment according to more modem ideas was in
many respects at fault. Large sums of money were
expended on matters of questionable taste, and in
erecting the incongruous additions that we have lately
seen with so much satisfaction removed. For one
thing at all events our gratitude is due to Mr. Garrard,
namely, the discovery and preservation of the beautiful
carved work of the altar screen. This, at the time
when the Corporation took the Chapel in hand in
1721-2, had been a good deal mutilated to allow of a
heavy screen of Dutch oak being placed in front of
it; and the unexpected discovery of the elaborately
carved stone work behind, revealed one of the most
interesting features of the Church. Mr. Garrard's so-
called restoration included the erection of the screen
or ante- chapel at the West end, and the insertion
of stained glass for the windows, purchased at the
Beckford sale and elsewhere. The great West window
was needlessly removed and replaced by a larger but
inferior production.' The remains of the former window
still form part of a mock ruin near the village of
Brentry. A new gallery was erected in the Chancel,
and a new Communion Table of stained wood pro-
vided. Stalls of painted plaster in imitation of oak-
work and a state seat for the Ma3ror of the same
• When the dear glass which filled the West window was recently re-
moved in order that Cathedral glass might be sabstituted, the following
inscription was found scratched on the glass of the qnatrefoil, which
formed the centre of the wheel tracery : —
<• W. Mitton glazed this window 1823.*'
This Mitton was known as a Bristol citizen to manf who are still living.
636383
lOo St. MarKs^ or the Mayor's Chapel.
material, were erected in the Nave. A new organ
was placed over the " ante-chapel," where it effectually
blocked out the newly-constructed West window. In
every part the building appears to have been on this
occasion, as it is called, " embellished," but there was
no attempt to reconstruct destroyed portions, or to
recover a single lost feature of the original design.
Mr. Latimer has fully described these proceedings in
his Annals of Bristol^ and has commented in no
measured terms upon the extravagance and bad taste
which was then so freely indulged in * This mere-
tricious treatment of the building cost a larger sum
of money, than did the real and thorough restoration
recently accomplished.
The appearance of the Chapel when the many
alterations referred to were completed is presented in
an engraving of the interior, which was published by
Ackermann in 1832, the original drawing of which by
John Willis is now in the possession of Sir Charles
Wathen. The view is taken from the Chancel, and
shews two highly-ornamented galleries thrown out from
the Transept arches, the Mayor's state seat, and the
stalls for the Corporation, with the screen at the West
end carrying the organ. The picture is interesting
as a representation of the costly '^ embellishments "
which have now altogether passed away.
In the year in which the engraving was published
there is the following entry : —
Paid John Willis, Artist, for 1 1 Engravings £\^ 6s. 6d.
These were probably copies of the engravings
coloured by the artist, such as are still in existence.
In 1829 the picture which forms the present altar
• Afmah of Bristol m tki NmeUtf$tk Ctntury^ p. loi,
SL MarKsy or the Mayor* s Chapel. loi
» piece was painted for the Corporation by Mr. John
Eangy of Clifton. He was paid for the work £210.
The year 1835 was important to Bristol and the
country at large, as the year in which the Municipal
Corporations' Reform Act was passed. This Act, which
revolutionised so many things, made no difference in
the relation of the Corporation to St. Mark's Chapel,
and under it the Mayor for the time being continued as
heretofore to nominate the Chaplain.
As might be expected, the propriety of the Cor-
poration, continuing to fulfil its ancient duties with
regard to the Chapel, did not at this time pass un-
challenged; but in the end it was clearly shewn that
there rested upon them both a legal and moral
obligation to do so.
For a long period morning service only had
been held at the Chapel, but on March 6th, 1836,
in accordance with an announcement made by the
Mayor, the Chapel was opened again for a Sunday
afternoon service. The Chaplain was then the Rev.
T. Hope. This afternoon service has now given place
to one held regularly in the evening.
In 1838 the manors of Stokeland Gaunts and
Erdecote Gaunts, referred to in the ancient Charters
as part of the endowment of the Gaunts' Hospital,
and situated near Bridgwater, were advertised to be
sold by auction (12th July), and the following para-
graph, which appeared in Felix Parleys Journal^ has
reference to the prospective sale : — " The sound-hearted
portion of the citizens of Bristol will read with a
burning cheek the humiliating announcement in our
paper of to-day (May 19th, 1838) of the sale of
estates comprising about 1,360 acres of land, which it
is stated were purchased by the Corporation of Bristol
I02 57. Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel.
of Henry VIII. in the year 1542, which purchased at
a cost of about ;^ 1,000 are now worth ;£ 100,000."*
As explained in a note at page 56, the sale was
carried out under the direction of the Lords of the
Treasury, the proceeds being used for the reduction
of debt.
In Advent of the year 1840, the newly-appointed
Mayor, Mr. Robert Phippen, revived the custom of
attending the Mayor's Chapel in state, which had
be6n discontinued since the passing of the Municipal
Corporations' Act. In anticipation of this his Worship
had been presented by his friends with a state robe
and gauntlets, similar to those worn in the old
Common Council, and their use was afterwards continued.
Ten years after, as a complement to the foregoing
resolution, the Aldermen and a large majority of
the Councillors also revived the ancient custom of
wearing scarlet robes when attending the Chapel on
state occasions.f
In ancient times the Mayor and Corporation
observed many curious customs with regard to their
official appearances at Church. They visited on set
occasions most of the ancient Churches, and their
movements were regulated by a complicated and rigidly
observed etiquette. Advent season was then a great
occasion, as the following extract from the Mayor's
Kalendar will shew : — " Item, the Maire and Shiref
of Bristowe shall by vsage this quarter and ceason
byfore Christmas, kepe theire Aduent Sermondes ; that
is to say the furst Sonday of Aduent, which fallith
alweies the Sonday next after Seynt Lyues day the
bisshop in Nouembre, at which ftirst Sonday the seide
* Brutol Past and Present^ Vol. II., p. 185.
t Latimer's Ann. of Brutol^ p. 252.
St. Mark*Sy or the Mayot^s Chapel. 103
Maire and Shiref, with theire brethren, shall walke to
the firere Prechours, and there hyre theire sermonde.
And the next Sonday thereupon, they shall hire ser-
monde at the ffrere menors, and the thirde Sonday
at the ffrere Prechours, and the fourthe and laste
Sonday of Aduent at the frere menors. And there to
make an end of Aduent sermondes."*
The annual state visit of the Mayor and Cor-
poration to St. Mark's Chapel, on Advent Sunday,
which, as stated above, was revived in 1840, and is
still continued, is all that survives of the elaborate
Advent arrangements observed in ancient times.
Further extensive alterations were made, chiefly
in the Chancel, in the year 1870, respecting which
the following entry was made in the "Preacher's
Register," which is kept in the Vestry : — " The Chapel
was closed from February 20th till July loth for
extensive repair and alterations, the abolition of the
side galleries, the removal and reconstruction of the
organ in the niche on the South side, the alteration of
the reading desk, the entire repaving of the floor of the
Chancel, by which the sepulchral monuments apd
sedilia were restored to view in their ancient beauty."
From this date, to the time when the complete
restoration of the Chapel was determined upon in
August, 1888, only ordinary repairs to the structure
were executed, and at last it came to have a very
shabby and neglected appearance.
* The A/ayof^s KaUndar, p. 85.
Chapter VI.
^be 'Reetoration of 1888^9*
NoTB.— In substance, this chapter origtDaQy formed a paper read before
the Clifton Antiquarian Club on Januaiy 3i8t, 1889.
The Story of the Restoration of 1 888-9 will here-
after remain an important and interesting chapter in
the history of St. Mark's Chapel. In these pages it
is given as the result of personal observation, almost
day by day. The writer was anxious that whatever
points of interest might arise should be carefully noted
at the time, and that, for the advantage of those who
come after, a complete record of the whole should be
preserved.
Before entering upon these particulars it seems
desirable that the following short account of the move-
ment which resulted in the Restoration should be
given : —
Ten years or more previously to anything definite
being done, the manifest necessity for some action
was unofficially discussed. The movement first began
to take shape during the second year of the Mayoralty
of Mr., now Sir Joseph D. Weston, about eight years
before the commencement of the work. The Mayor
at the time was impressed with the appearance of
decay and disfigurement which had fastened itself
on the structure, far beyond what could be met by any
' v
\
Si. Mark's, or the Mayor^s Chapel. 105
ordinary process of repair, and he conferred on the
subject with a few friends likely to be interested in
the preservation of so important an example of
Mediaeval architecture. The gentlemen thus brought
together by Mr. Weston, were Mr. John Harvey, then
High Sheriff; The Ven. Archdeacon Norris; Mr., now
Sir Geo. W. Edwards ; Mr., now Sir Charles Wathen ;
Mr. Killigrew Wait ; Mr. Wm. Smith ; Mr. W. E.
Greorge ; Mr. John Lysaght ; Mr. Geo. Wills ; Mr. H.
Matthews, and others. They formed themselves into
a Committee, and as the result of their deliberations,
Mr. John L. Pearson, R.A., was applied to for his
opinion and recommendations. Mr. Pearson was at
that time engaged upon the neighbouring Bristol
Cathedra], and he took an early opportunity of making
a thorough examination of the Mayor's Chapel and its
surroundings. At the request of Mr. Weston he
undertook to prepare a series of plans for his pro-
posed alterations, which was accordingly done, and
those plans became the basis of all subsequent pro-
ceedings. The matter then continued to be the subject
of occasional correspondence for some time.
When it came up again for definite consideration
it was evident that the whole question must be brought
before the Town Council. This was first done on
August nth, 1885, and the result was the passing of
the following resolution, Mr. Charles Wathen being
then Mayor: — "That the condition of St. Mark's
Church requires immediate attention, and with a view
of ascertaining what is expedient to be done a com-
mittee be appointed to report to the Council." Ihe
committee then appointed consisted of the following
members of the Council : — Mr. Charles Wathen,
Mayor ; Alderman George W. Edwards, Alderman
io6' St. Mark\ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
F. F. Fox, Alderman W. Proctor Baker, Messrs. J. D.
Weston, C. B. Hare, W. R. Barker, and H. Matthews,
and these gentlemen continued to act from that time,
until the work was completed
On July 30th, 1887, the matter was brought before
the Council in connection with a full report from
Mr. Pearson concerning the condition of the Chapel
and the works which he proposed to carry out. The
Committee recommended "that they be authorised to
have the proposed works carried out by sections or
otherwise as may be found most convenient in accord-
ance with such plans and under Mr. Pearson's advice."
The then Mayor, Alderman Sir George W. Edwards,
moved the adoption of the report of the Committee,
and strongly urged that the whole of the work should
be undertaken. On that occasion, however, the Council
were desirous of obtaining more information in regard
to its own position in the matter, and the report was
referred back to the Committee.
On November 9th, 1887, when Mr. Charles Wathen
was for the third time elected Mayor, a further report
from the Committee was presented to the Council In
this report the probable expense of the entire scheme
was separated into two portions. The one comprised
the necessary repairs to the existing structure, together
with the re-arrangement of the seating accommodation ;
the other included the remaining works of restoration
and the reconstruction of destroyed features. The
Committee then asked the Council for the funds neces-
sary for carrying out the first portion of the scheme,
and also for their authority to have the second portion
executed in the event of funds being provided for the
purpose by means of subscriptions.
The recommendations of the Committee were on
SL Mark's^ or the Mayar^s Chapel. 107
this occasion agreed to, and the way was thus prepared
for carrying out the entire scheme.
During the year 1888 the Mayor, Mr. Charles
Wathen, continued to take the lead in presiding over
the meetings of the Committee, and undertook per-
sonally the collection of the large sum required for
the completion of the work under the above arrange-
ment with the Council.
The Committee, having adopted the plans already
prepared by Mr. Pearson, felt that on all accounts it
was desirable that the whole of the work should be
done under one contract, and instructed the architect
to complete his arrangements accordingly. The
clearance of the Chapel was soon after commenced.
After some unavoidable delay, the first stone of the
new work was laid at the North -West angle of the
new Transept on October 9th, 1888.
Sir Charles Wathen was for the fourth time
elected Mayor in November, 1888, and was thus
enabled to continue without interruption his active
interest in the progress of this undertaking. He
collected the sum of ;^ 2, 168 17s., the amount required
for the restoration part of the scheme.
The whole of the work was completed in Sep-
tember, 1889, and on Sunday, the 29th of that month,
the Church was re-opened by the Lord Bishop of the
Diocese. The Mayor and Corporation attended in
state on the occasion, and much interest was mani-
fested by all classes of the citizens.
One recommendation of the report furnished by
Mr. Pearson had, unfortunately, to be left out of the
question by the Committee, namely, the re-opening
of the three blocked-up windows that formerly
gave light to the South Aisle. This improvement,
io8 St. MarKs^ or the Mayot^s Chapel.
although so desirable, could not be proceeded with, the
adjoining business premises being so extended as to
render the opening of these windows at the present
time impossible. At some past period buildings were
erected which covered the passage way, and rested
against the Church, the supports being let into the
wall itself; and a lease, of which about 40 years had
to run, blocked the way to any alteration. This not
only keeps the windows in question sealed up, but
obstructs the complete view of the picturesque Tower
which would otherwise be obtained from College
Green. It must not be supposed that this condition
of things is of modem creation. On Buck's map of
"the N.W. prospect of the City of Bristol," dated
1734, these premises are represented as having five
gables, the end of the range being brought against
the wall of the Aisle. The present arrangement must,
therefore, have existed for centuries, probably nearly
as long as the Gaunts' estate has been in the hands
of the Corporation.
While every one interested in the Restoration re-
gretted that these windows could not be opened, all
rejoiced that by the timely purchase of a strip of
ground on the North side when the Merchant Ven-
turers' Schools were projected, and the acquisition of
another strip at the East end, it was possible to
clear the ground of the stables, etc., that formerly
encumbered it, to provide for the erection of which,
the exterior of the Chapel itself was cut about in a
most barbarous manner.* The purchase of the ground
on the North side also rendered possible the erection
* Referring to this, Pryce says 1861 — <' A great portion of this Church
is so completely surrounded by other buildings that much of it is
necessarily hidden from view."— i^r/fi/ai* History of Bristol^ p. 141.
St. Mark's^ or the Mayor^s Chapel. 109
of the new North Transept and Cloister or Corridor.
There is now a clear space round the completed
building except at the Western end.
The one other point on which the Committee could
not follow Mr. Pearson's recommendations was the
removal of the building on the North side of the front
elevation. After the work was commenced, however,
an important step was taken by the Corporation with
a view to the ultimate removal of this obstruction and
the opening up of the North side of the Church from
College Green.
With these exceptions all that Mr. Pearson contem-
plated as advisable was brought within the scheme of
restoration, and the result has been such a complete
and substantial renovation of the old College Chapel
as will serve for many long years to come.
The entire practicable scheme may be thus
epitomised : —
1. Reconstruction of the Western Entrance.
2. Alterations and repairs to the Nave and Chancel.
3. Erection of a new North Transept, and a Vestry
communicating therewith on its Eastern side.
4. Erection of a Cloister communicating with the new
Transept on its Western side and with a door-
way at the Western end of the Nave.
5. Greneral repair of the interior and exterior.
The above order will be observed in the following
remarks.
Reconstruction of the Western Entrance. —
The former Portico which covered a flight of steps
leading down to the Church door was erected in
1777-8 (see page 97), and was, therefore, no part of the
structure proper. It was debased and incongruous
in style, and moreover was in a ruinous condition.
no St. Marks^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
Although it had become familiar as an adjunct to
the building, and figures in all the known represen-
tations of the exterior, there can be no pang of regret
at its having now disappeared.
The new doorway and its accessories are designed
in the Early Decorated style, similarly to the new
North Transept window. It is constructed flush with
the great West window above it, which is now seen
to much greater advantage. The spaces on either
side of the doorway are occupied by blank, pointed
arches, carried to the height of the doorway, and
enclosing sub-arches with foliated heads, surmounted
by quatrefoil ornaments. The entire width of the
frontage of the main building is thus occupied by the
richly-moulded doorway and arcading.
During the alterations to this part of the building,
it was clearly seen that the new arrangement of the
front elevation is a return to the original, or rather
to what was probably erected when the East end of
the Church was re-built about the year 1500. When
the ashlar face of the wall on either side was re-
moved, the remains of former blank tracery, consisting
of five narrow panels or arches, right and left, were
found. No remains of the heads were there, but
only the hacked mullions, and portions of the side
and base mouldings. The new doorway is, therefore,
in the best sense **a restoration."
The outer mouldings of the arches terminate in
four corbels, representations of persons who were
connected with the building in the time of the old
Gaunts' Hospital. To the left of the doorway is the
helmeted head of Maurice de Gaunt ; to the right the
more peaceful representation of Henry de Gaunt,
copied firom the e&gy attributed to him in the South
St Mark^Sy or the Mayar^s Chapel. m
Aisle. On the extreme left is the head of Lady
Jane Guildford (see page 62), and on the extreme
right that of Bishop Salley.
Instead of the flight of mean outside steps which
formerly led down to the Western doorway, there is
now a broad flight of steps leading down from within
the doorway to the floor of the Nave, with ancient
monuments on either side. The entrance to the Church
is, therefore, of a much more dignified character, and
one calculated to bring into immediate prominence
its chief architectural beauties. Upon this entrance
platform, and harmonising with the West window
above it, an elaborate internal lobby, a combination
of wood and glass, has been erected. This is intended
to secure the comfort of the congregation, and it also
adds much to the appearance of the interior, when
looked at from the Eastern end.
But for the fear of entering upon too wide a
field of renovation, there is little doubt that extensive
alterations to the West window would have been
proposed. Mr. Pearson's report intimated as much.
But although the window remains as before, except as
regards necessary repair, the gabled front has been
greatly improved by the erection of a new parapet
and ornamental crosses. By this means the unsightly
and unfinished appearance which the fi-ontage so long
presented has been completely changed.
Alterations to the Nave and Chancel. — ^The
plans of the architect as regards the Nave involved
the lowering of its floor some six inches to what he
considers to have been its original level, an entire
clearance from its area of the heavy screen which
once supported the organ, and latterly a gallery for
the congregation; and the banishment of the no less
112 St MarKs^ or the Mayar^s Chapel.
ponderous stalls and canopies including the official seats
of the Mayor and High Sheriff. The lath-and-plaster
" Ante-Chapel " or Screen, which occupied the Western
end of the Nave, and received more admiration than it
deserved, no longer deceives the visitor's eye, and the
painted plaster of the stalls and canopies will never
again be described in our local guide books as ''rich
fretwork stalls of dark oak." They were at the best
but sorry modem shams, and as such have been justly
discarded. The same remark applies to the painted
deal boxes which served as pews, which have now
been replaced by what is more worthy of the building
and its uses, and more creditable to the city, both as
regards material and design.
llie removal of the screen and gallery and the
lowering of the floor had, at once, a marvellous effect^
the full extent of which was realised when the works
were completed. The change is seen in the enlargement
of Nave space, the increased height of the building, the
view of the rich Fifteenth Century ceiling which is now
unbroken from end to end, the improved perspective,
and the lighting-up of the South Aisle which before
was hidden in gloom.
The lowering of the floor to what was proved by the
bases of destroyed tombs, to be its proper level, revealed
the existence of vaults beneath the Nave. These were
nothing more than a series of ordinary brick vaults
which have now been filled up and covered by a thick
layer of concrete.
The removal of the * coverings of paint and plaster
from the walls of the Nave and Chancel brought to light
some interesting facts concerning the walls themselves,
and afforded evidence of the many changes through
which the building has passed since its foundation.
Deernai UaJflg le ifu
Page It3. /{a^aUdl)emifanjiiJW<^Jlae
— i inch, aeale, —
SL Mark's^ or the Mayor* s Chapel. 113
There appears to be no doubt, as evidenced by the Early
corbel tables on either side of the exterior, that the
present Nave walls are the original walls of the
Hospital Chapel dating back to about 1230. It was
also made equally clear that the successive Masters of
the Hospital in the exercise of their authority, made
frequent changes in the arrangements of the structure ;
and fiuther, that it suffered much in the great change
which it underwent in common with all similar establish-
ments throughout the country, in the i6th Century.
As regards the Nave walls themselves, when the
work of restoration was commenced, there seemed
every reason to suppose that they consisted through-
out of rubble stones thickly coated with plaster.
This proved to be true only of the Western end of
the Nave, and the wall space under the windows.
The removal of the plaster covering showed that
between and above the windows, and throughout the
whole of the Chancel, the wall face was of freestone.
Wherever it exists this had been ruthlessly hacked, the
better to receive the coating of plaster which through-
out this structure was made to "hide a multitude of
sins." This ashlar wall facing has now been treated
very differently. It has been carefully cleaned down
and pointed, and thus, notwithstanding their former
rough treatment, the walls so far present a much
richer appearance.
In the process of getting down to the bare walls,
an interesting fact also came to light with regard to
the whole of the Nave windows. This was that the
mouldings of the Early English jambs did not termi-
nate with the sills of the various windows as they
appeared to do, but were continued down about seven
feet below the sills, terminating in moulded bases
114 St. MarKs^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
resting on a rounded string course. This projecting
string course had been broken off on both sides
of the Nave, and had to be renewed throughout.
The spaces between the jambs had been filled in
with false walls, behind which, when removed, the
original plaster wall face was exposed to view.
The hollows of the jambs and bases were filled in
with rubble and mortar, and their existence was
effectually concealed by a thick covering of the uni-
versal plaster. The effect of the original design of
thus lengthening the whole series of jambs and of
introducing bays below the windows was to relieve
and break up the wall space, which, owing to the
height of the windows from the floor, is very great,
and which would otherwise have presented a bare
appearance. It was no doubt to obviate the bare-
ness of the levelled walls that the canopies and
stalls were latterly introduced, but '^a more ex-
cellent way " is now found, in returning to the
architectural breaking up of the wall face, which
should never have been interfered with. One of
the most interesting results of the recent restora-
tion is seen in this recovery after the lapse of ages,
of an important feature of the original design of
the building.
The interesting remains of two ancient monu-
ments were found inserted in the walls, one on either
side of the Nave, and opposite to each other. In the
case of that on the South side only the moulded base,
without mark or inscription of any kind, was left, and
this had been a good deal cut about at various times
to receive the supports of the stalls, which formerly
stood over it. Upon this base there were sufficient
remains of carved work to show that a niche or
St. Mark^s^ or the Mayot^s Chapel. 115
canopy was at one time carried up from it against
the wall. When the monument was destroyed the
wall was made good, and from the appearance of the
wall when stripped, the monument must have been of
massive proportions, standing some 15 ft. high.
On removing the ground below this base a hollow
space about 7 ft. x 3 ft. was found. This was partly
taken, lengthwise, out of the main wall of the Nave.
At the bottom of this space was the cover stone of
the actual vault, in which, no doubt, the remains of
the dignitary to whom the monument was erected still
repose. When the foundations for the new Transept
and Vestry were dug some carved fragments were
found buried in the clay, which fitted the work on
this base, and showed that the monument must
have been of elaborate character, and of the Fifteenth
Century.
The later monument on the North side has a
square front, with an obtuse arch-head. The open
space of the tomb had been bricked up. What
projections there were had been roughly knocked ofiF,
and the hollows of the carving were filled up with
chips and debris to prepare a surface for the plaster.
The lower part of this tomb is formed of a range of
panel work, partly destroyed; the spandrels of the
arch are enriched with carving, and the line of the
arch with Tudor ornamentation, only a few of the
small foliage members of which remain entire. It
was curious to observe how the place in which this
monument was found had been adapted to its purpose.
Above it was visible the arch and relieving arch oi
a former wide doorway which at one time led from
the Cloister to the Nave. (See Plate I.) When the
doorway was done away with it was walled-up only
ii6 St. Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel.
on the Cloister side, leaving a recess in the Chapel.
The lower part of this recess was built up to receive
a carved recumbent figure and the front of the tomb
inserted in the opening. This firont being too wide
for the recess, one of the jambs of the old doorway
was removed and the opening made sufficiently wide
for its purpose. Part of the jamb on the right hand
side is still visible. This interesting table-tomb has
been as far as possible preserved and restored.
From time to time in the progress of the works,
the evidences of former doorways and other openings
in the ancient walls, all of which were communications
with the external Hospital buildings, were discovered.
Thus the interesting remains of a disused doorway
existed immediately under the first light of the first
window on the North side. The whole circumstances
surrounding this window and doorway require more
than a passing reference. With regard to the window,
it was always apparent that it differed from its com-
panions not only in its Perpendicular character, but
also in size and details. It was not, however, until
the surrounding walls were laid bare that this was
fiilly explained. It then became evident that the
opening had been shortened and narrowed to accom-
modate the smaller size of the later window. Either
then or afterwards the angle spaces left on either
side by the narrowing of the opening were dealt with
in a manner characteristic of the reckless spirit that
more than once appears to have governed the treat-
ment of the building. The prominent mouldings were
hacked off the original jambs from the sill upwards,
and the splays were filled up with mock jambs of
plaster with some resemblance to the prevalent Early
English work. All irregularities were smoothed over.
SL MarKs^ or the Mayor* s Chapel. 117
and to the modem eye the paint brush completed the
work of deception.
The shortening of this window allowed the
construction of a doorway immediately under its
first light. This doorway opened into the adjoining
premises of the Gaunts' Hospital, and was a means
of communication between them and a gallery over-
looking the Nave, or stairs leading down to it. The
existence of this doorway was first discovered on
laying bare the exterior surface of the wall in which
the jambs and arch were left entire, and the opening
roughly walled up. Over the doorway on that side
the remains of a painted inscription were found. The
lettering had adhered to the plaster covering, and
portions came away with it, so that nothing could be
made out of what remained.
On exploring this opening from the ifiside it was
found that the upper part of its wall surface was
formed of squares of ashlar, with a hollow space
behind. On removing these squares it was found that
on the reverse side they were covered with paintings
in oil colours. Two distinct subjects occupied the
width of the doorway. The upper part of one of the
sides of the opening was also painted in a similar
manner. These must be the identical wall paintings
which formerly came to light in the manner recorded
in Felix Farle^s Bristol Journal of February 28th,
1824, which narrative has since been repeated by our
various local historians.* It would seem that after
* '* AmoDgst Uie curious discoveries of ftntiquity in aad about the
Mayor's Chapel one was made last week in an old stone closet in the north
wall of the chapel. The closet belongs to a dressing room in the adjoining
house occupied by Mr. Franklin ; he having some whitewashers employed in
the same discovered in scraping off the scales of old plaster an ancient painting
on stone supposed to have been covered up some hundreds of years. It
ii8 St. Mark's, or the Mayor* s Chapel.
this first discovery the paintings were left undisturbed,
but the recess was walled-up when subsequent altera-
tions were made in the exterior premises. Their
coming thus to light a second time is therefore a
case, not of history, but of archaeology repeating
itself. So far the paintings have been considered
only in connection with the recess in which they were
found, but inasmuch as the recess itself really occupied
a former doorway between the outer premises and the
Chapel, both sides of which were for the first time
explored during the restoration, the previous question
arises : How came the recess to be formed ? The
suggestion is that, supposing this doorway to have led
to a gallery or flight of steps in the Chapel, when this
was removed the opening was filled up on the Chapel
side only, leaving a recess in the apartment with
which it formerly communicated. This recess then
came to be used for the devotional purposes indicated
by the existence of these wall paintings, the square
openings or sights which were cut in the stones
affording to the occupant a view of the Nave and
Chancel.
The intimate connection between the ecclesiastical
consists of two subjects : the one on the east side is the nativity of Christ, the
stable at Bethlehem, the infant Savioor in the manger, with Joseph and Mary ;
the other seems to represent Christ near Bethany, where he is met by the
supplicating sister of Lazarus. The above closet is supposed to have been an
old private confessional, for when taking down an old coat of arms lately
in the chapel, two sights direct from the closet to the altar appeared.*'— ^
Felix Farley's Journal, Feb. 28th, 1824; quoted in Bristol Past and
Present, Vol. II., p. 186.
There is also a separate panel on which r% depicted the Resurrection.
"On each side of the Saviour a crowned and mitred figure kneels in
adoration, and between them the words Jesu, Maria, etc., are repeated." —
Evans, p. 134.
These curious relics have now been placed in the Poyntz Chapel.
iliuk SaU
Sectim, sht»rm^ stmt and. hsaJjm
-Sfha.Ct'
Page Iffl
St. Martfs^ or the Mayof^s Chapel. 119
and domestic buildings of the Gaunts* Hospital was
further shown by several other disused openings in
the North wall. The first of these to be noticed was
a round - headed, walled -up doorway behind Wm.
Birde's tomb at the West end. This was on a level
with the Nave floor, and led to the ground floor
apartments, below the dormitories. Another, still
visible, was a narrow square-headed doorway 5 ft.
high, close to the great West window, which formerly
communicated with the apartments on the first floor,
supposed to be the dormitories themselves. This
doorway had five steps leading up to its sill, one of
which is now occupied by brick work, and only a
studded partition separated it from the adjoining
premises. The position of the hinges of the door on
the Chapel side, and the groove into which the door
fitted, may still be seen. A third was a small opening
with freestone casing about 2 ft. square, covered by
a single slab, also still visible. This opening was
situated at a much higher elevation, being on a
level with the tops of the window jambs, and it
evidently communicated with the top floor of the
adjoining premises. The recess behind this opening
was almost bell-shaped in plan, and the top and
sides were carefully finished with plaster work. At
the back of the recess there was seen the perfect
fi^estone casing of a doorway with a Tudor arch-
head, which probably opened into the infirmary.
This door case was also filled in by a wooden
partition to separate the recess from the adjoining
premises. Yet another of these openings was of
curious character. It was found under the first window
on the North side and to the East of the doorway
already described. It was formerly another means of
I20 SL Mark's^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
communication between the Cloister and the Nave.
A flight of five steps formed of square blocks of stone
was carried up in the thickness pf the wall. The
bottom step was nearly 2 ft. above the level of the
Cloister, while the top step formed a landing about
5 ft. above the Nave. A door had evidently been
hung on the inner side. Only one other of these
disused openings remains to be noticed. This was
situated on the South side of the Nave, the string
course in which was broken to admit of the construc-
tion of its rounded head. This doorway, which was
4 ft. wide and 8 fl. high, appears at one time to have
given access from the Nave to the South Aisle Chapel.
The supposed peculiarity, mentioned by Mr. Pearson,
of this side Chapel having entrance only through
the South Aisle did not therefore always exist. [See
Ground Plan.~] From a reference in Barrett's Bristoly
p. 344, this " door of communication " appears to
have been in existence as late as his time, a.d. 1789.
On the right hand of this former doorway stood a
piscina of the same late character as the tomb on
the opposite side of the Nave. This still remains in
sttUf though in a very broken and defaced condition.
It may here be mentioned, although not in refer-
ence to an actual opening, that under the second
window on the North side a deep recess, with the top
hood-shaped and standing 12 ft. high and nearly 6 ft.
wide, was found to have been cut out of the wall,
nearly the whole thickness of which was removed in
its construction. This recess was carefully finished
with a plaster surface, and appears to have been
intended to receive a large upright figure.
It will be quite evident from all this that the
many openings, notably those in the North wall, with
St. Mark's^ or the Mayors Chapel. 121
other structural disturbances, must have tended to
greatly weaken the fabric (the foundations of which
are not particularly good), especially in conjunction
with the removal of the Cloister and North Transept
and in the absence of buttresses. The crushed condition
owing to settlement, of the Western pier of the North
Transept arch, which rendered its entire rebuilding
necessary, together with other signs of a similar
character, showed how seriously this main wall had
suffered, and an important part of the restoration
work consisted in making this wall once more sound
and substantial. The authorities of earlier times
appear to have thought nothing of scooping out
great spaces in this unfortunate wall, and then
leaving them only imperfectly made good, and one is
led to infer that the loving care of the fabric, which
so often distingxiished the Chapels of conventual
establishments, did not exist here, but that every-
thing was made subservient to the requirements of
the Gaunts' Hospital as a benevolent institution.
The state of things which the recent restoration
brought to light shows very clearly that had the
building continued to be neglected, another fifty
years or less would have seen a disaster ; and it is no
small satisfaction to know that with the restoration
now completed the building is really stronger than it
was for centuries before.
Before leaving the Nave it will be necessary to
make some ftirther references to the windows in the
North wall. It has been already explained that the
first window fi"om the West was a late insertion of
poor Perpendicular character constructed with four
lights. It does not appear to have been made for
the opening, but to have been crammed into it. To
122 St. Mar If s^ or the Mayof^s Chapel.
make matters worse it was found that to make room
for the stained glass, the muUions and jambs had
been cut away to such an extent as seriously to
threaten its entire collapse. In the case of the second
window, which was similarly constructed, the same
consideration for the stained glass led to even more
unceremonious treatment of the stonework, for, as
frequenters of the Chapel must often have noticed,
the side mullions from the capitals downwards had
been removed altogether. In the case of both these
windows, from want of proper supports and attention
to the leading, the glass itself was in danger of
destruction.
With every desire to retain the stonework of
these windows as portions of the history of the
Chapel, they were deemed by Mr. Pearson to be in
such a hopeless condition that the sacrifice of them
was a necessity. The choice lay between replacing
them by others of the same late style, or reverting
to the Early English form, and utilising the lower
portions of the original jambs which still remained
in position. Under all the circumstances it was
thought better to renew them according to the style
of the Early windows, thus bringing all the Nave
lights into harmony, in accordance with their original
design.
The floor of the Nave has been relaid partly with
plain red tiles with a black bordering, and partly
with wood blocks; and the Chancel floor was laid
with ornamental encaustic tiles after a style common
in the older Bristol Churches.
The principal work carried out at the East end
of the Church resulted in a striking improvement to
the group of elaborate Fifteenth Century carvings
\
TW
. «4 f^^^'
>*
St. Mark's, or the Mayor^s Chapel. 123
placed there, comprising the Monuments, Altar Screen ,
and Sedilia. These had all been thickly coated with
paint, which degraded the beautiful work and con-
cealed its true character. At first there was some
natural hesitation on account of the extreme delicacy
of much of the work and the danger of injury being
done, but at Mr. Pearson's suggestion a powerful
solvent was used, which rendered tool work un-
necessary. This was most successfully applied, and
the original appearance of the rich canopies, arches,
and tabernacle work was perfectly restored.
The North Transept, Cloister, and Vestry. —
The accompanying sketch of the foundation walls of
the School buildings erected against the North wall,
and their relation to the Transept Arch, will explain
much that came to light during the restoration
of this part of the Church; and will also further
illustrate that portion of Chapter IV. which treats of
the destruction of the Transept and the erection of the
Sch ool buildings against the walled-up arch. The sketch
was taken at the time the ground was disturbed
for the erection of the Merchant Venturers' Schools.
It shows how the edges of the tiled floor of the Transept
were destroyed when the foundation walls were laid,
leaving the centre part comparatively undisturbed.
The stone coffin was then removed, but the tiles were
again covered up, amd so remained till the ground was
again disturbed for the reconstruction of the Transept.
When discovered in the first instance these remains
of the floor were about four feet below the surface
of the ground, which must have been raised so much
when it was built over. The stone coffin was evidently
not in its proper position, but it no doubt was placed
originally in the Transept. One can only speculate
124 St. MarkSy or the Mayo/s Chapel.
as to who of the founders, benefactors^ or priors of
the old Gaunts' Hospital was laid to rest within this
coffin. Rude hands have perhaps more than once
disturbed it. It was raised on two rough blocks of
stone about nine inches high above the floor line.
The lid was entirely gone, and the remains of the
nameless dead heaped into it and mixed with earth
consisted of two skulls and many of the larger bones,
as it seemed, promiscuously gathered and placed here.
Those who are familiar with the interior appear-
ance of the Chapel previously to the alterations will
remember the wall-space which filled up the archway,
and the two doorways by which the blank surface of
the wall was broken. One was a veritable doorway
which led to the tumble-down offices outside. The
other was the disused and walled-up doorway upon
the jamb of which was carved the date 1631, as
described at page 78.
In taking down the wall of the arch above those
doorways, the existence of two small apertures was
disclosed. The one to the east consisted of freestone
casing with a broad chamfer. This opening appeared
at some period to have been cut off at the Eastern
end to admit of a small plain doorway leading to a
gallery in the Chapel being constructed against it.
The aperture on the Western side near the pulpit was
a window only of a much plainer, rougher description,
having only a square wooden head with common inch
stuff as the sill.
When the whole of the walling was taken down
the very fine proportions of the Transept arch were
at once realised. The mouldings of the arch were
happily uninjured, but the carved foliage capitals,
which were partly imbedded, had suffered a good
Piatt vm
Si. Marlfs^ or the Mivyo/s Chapel. 125
deal, and the mutilated condition of the outermost of
them on each side shows the line to which the
walling was brought. One of the curiosities of the
place before the alterations was one half of a carved
head on the East side of the arch. This was left
exposed beyond the fiUing-in, which was brought up
to the inner angle of the fillet of the central shaft.
When this portion of the wall was removed it was
found that the carving, which was the head of an
ecclesiastic, and the finish to the moulded and filleted
shaft, had suffered sadly. The mason found that it
interfered with the arrangement of his stones, and
struck off half the forehead. This wanton injury has
been repaired, and it will be seen that the head was
beautiftiUy designed. The remains of red colour were
still upon the half that was imbedded.
In the course of further investigation, other in-
teresting discoveries connected with the site of the
former North Transept and Cloister were made. On
removing a portion of the walling attached to the
archway the exact half of a piscina upon which the
red pigment still remained was uncovered. The half
which has thus been preserved stands in the archway,
and the other half must have stood in the destroyed
Transept itself, and there was probably an altar in the
Transept connected with it. The trefoil head of the
portion that remains accords with the Early English
windows of the Nave. It is in excellent preservation,
and tells its own story in a manner which makes it
very interesting as a relic of former times.
On the opposite side of the Transept arch another
suggestive relic was found ; this was the base of a
massive door jamb, with a broad chamfer terminating
in a carved stop. This marked the entrance to the
126 St. Mark's^ or the Mayar^s Chanel.
old Cloister from the Transept. A chase in the wall
adjoining showed the position of the door itself.
Judgring from the level of the stop on the jamb there
must have been a descent of one or two steps from
the Transept to the Cloister, which brought the latter
to the level of the Nave. The steps are now placed
across the Transept archway, and the Transept itself
is on a level with the Cloister.
On removing the rough ground immediately out-
side the line of the Transept arch a number of
decorative tiles were found, which, doubtless, as
already explained (see Plate VII.), formed part of the
floor of the destroyed Transept. They were found
near the surface, and consequently had suffered to
the fiill extent from violence and exposure to the
weather. Some of them were fortunately whole and
their devices more or less preserved, though bearing
the marks of great age. Many others were broken to
fragments and past all identification. Amongst the
fairly-preserved specimens are some of the greatest
interest, inasmuch as from their armorial character
they carry the mind back to the founders of the
Gaunts' Hospital, the great, families with which they
were connected, and even the reigning dynasty of
those stormy times.
In the first instance only the tiles that were
found on the site of the destroyed Transept will be
described. There are others that will have to be
referred to afterwards. One of the former is a broken
specimen with the Royal Arms, and may be referred
to Henry III., in whose reign the Hospital was
founded, and whose eldest son Edward was himself
one of its benefactors. Smaller portions bearing the
same Royal device were found amongst the debris.
St. MatKsj or the Mayov^s Chapel. 127
There are two whole specimens with the arms of the
BerkeleySy besides many fragments on which their
crosslets appear. On one of the Berkeley tiles the
arms are enclosed in a shield, on the other they are
square with the tile. Another specimen has the well
known arms of de Clare, Earl of Gloster.* Another
those of William the Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, the
right hand man of Henry III., who married Isabel,
daughter of Richard de Clare.f One or two others
with the devices nearly gone are difficult of recognition.
In addition to the tiles with armorial devices, there
are others with representations of various animals,
others with birds and trees, and others again with the
geometrical patterns appertaining to an ecclesiastical
building. In addition to the tiles, there was a large
quantity of narrow tile bordering, the quantity being
quite out of proportion to the number of tiles remaining,
many tiles must, therefore, at some time have been
removed.
Turning from those which were found on the site
of the Transept, there were others scattered about
in the floor of the Nave, besides many fragments
amongst the rubble beneath it. The Berkeley crosslet
is prominent amongst these fragments, but the designs
on most of the unbroken tiles in this group are quite
obliterated by the tread of worshippers belonging to
past generations.
There was a third group which may also be
referred to, although it had nothing to do with the
recent alterations. The tiles belonging to it were
* The deed of gift by Edward, eldest son of Henry III. (1268), referred
to at page 17, was witnessed by Thomas de Clare, and the confirmation upon
Inspeximus in 1290 by Gilbert de Clare.
t Amtals of Bngland, VoL L, p. 295.
128 St. Mark's^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
found in a stone cupboard in the Poyntz Chapel or
vestry, but as to how or when they came to be so
placed, there is no information.* Several of these
tiles appear to have been forcibly broken on removal
from the floor to which they belonged, the marks of
the pick or chisel being very plain.
Later on, in removing the rough-cast from the
exterior of the North wall of the Nave, other interesting
relics were found. About the middle of the wall, the
outline of the large arched doorway with relieving
arch, already referred to in treating of the interior, was
found, and still remains visible (see page 115). Then
about midway between this former doorway and the
Transept, the workmen came upon the remains of a
holy water stoup, with plain ogee head, which was
inserted in the wall and stood within the old Cloister.
When the Cloister was destroyed, the projecting
mouldings of the base and the stoup were roughly
broken oflf and the pieces used to fill up the cavity.
The shaft and band were gone altogether.
The Western end of the former Cloister was
marked by portions of the freestone wall face, and a
small carved bracket standing in an angle. These
were seen on the removal of the kitchen wall of the
adjacent premises.
The reconstructed portions of the Church, con-
sisting of the new Transept, Cloister or Corridor, and
Vestry, now form a complete range of buildings on its
Northern side.
The New Transept, which is erected upon a very
strong foundation, is in harmony with the adjoining
Arch-way and the Early windows of the Nave, but
* This stone cupboard or repository was constructed in 1756. Seepage 96.
St. Marks J or the Mayot^s Chapel. 129
later in style. It has an area of 17I feet by 14 feet.
The original Transept was certainly of greater length.
The doorway on its Eastern side gives access to the
Vestry, and that on its Western side, to the Cloister.
On either side of the Eastern doorway are carved heads,
representing Henry III., and Queen Eleanor. The
carved heads on the Western side are repetitions of
two of those on the exterior of the principal entrance,
representing Henry de Gaunt and Lady Jane Guildford.
Within the Cloister the heads are those of St. Mark
and St. John. The Transept is lighted by a noble
window with geometrical tracery which almost fills the
gable. The roof is formed of three divisions of square
panels with moulded ribs. It is rounded in shape, and
springs on either side from a range of narrow carved
panels. The gable is carried up to the height of the
main building. The exterior of the Transept as
seen from the adjoining Merchant Venturers' School
has a fine massive appearance. The window on the
exterior is flanked with bold buttresses and carved
pinnacles.
The Cloister is Perpendicular in style and has
seven single lights on its Northern side.- Two of these
at the Western end are not at present available, the
adjoining premises standing against them. They are
however constructed with a view to being opened
whenever those premises can be removed. The roof of
the Cloister is pointed, and is formed of square oak
panelling, with chamfered ribs, supported on rows of
plain corbels.
The Vestry is in the same style as the Cloister.
Such an apartment did not form part of the original
building, but the addition was regarded as a matter of
necessity, as it will preserve the beautiful Poyntz Chapel
I30 *SV. MarKsy or the Mayor^s Chapel.
from further wear and tear. A vault for the heating
apparatus is placed underneath the Vestry.
General Repairs. — ^In addition to the constructive
works that have been described, the stat^ of the Church
was such that it needed the most thorough examination
of its details to complete the rehabilitation of the
structure. Much of the stone work, especially on the
exterior of the principal windows, was so decayed that
it crumbled to the touch. These decayed stones were
carefully removed and their places accurately supplied.
The East window especially required much attention,
time having there committed gjeat ravages, and previous
repairs having been very roughly carried out. At the
Eastern end the buttresses, especially that at the North-
East angle, had suiSered so much that the entire re-
building of the upper part of each was necessary. At
the Western end the gables of the Nave and South Aisle
were finished with new copings, connecting parapet,
and ornamental crosses. The gable at the Eastern
end of the South Aisle, in which the Becket window
is placed, was similarly treated. The roof of the main
building was very defective, and freely admitted the
rain to the detriment of the beautiful oak ceiling. It
was made thoroughly sound, and the ceiling was then
cleansed and oiled. For a long time the foundations
and walls of the building had suffered owing to the
rain water being imperfectly carried off. This was
corrected by the provision of new pipes and improved
drainage. Where necessary the old glass was taken
out and re-arranged, the windows being provided with
new uprights and saddle-bars for the preservation of
the glass. The treatment of the walls has been
already referred to. Where they consisted of rubble
plastered, stucco of a soft stone colour has been used.
St. Marias, or the Mayo/s Chapel. 131
and where they are stone-faced the surface was cleansed
without any attempt to remove the marks of violence,
and the joints re-pointed. This cleansing of the stone
work was a most difficult part of the work, as, in
addition to several coats of paint, some material of the
nature of enamel had been applied which no ordinary
application could remove. It was however ultimately
removed without the stone being re-dressed. All chisel-
ing of the old stone work was from the first forbidden,
and in no part was it attempted. Before the new
organ was placed in its niche the archway under the
Tower was cleansed and ventilated. The Tower itself,
which was repaired in 1820, did not on this occasion
require much attention, but several new doors were
fixed in the Tower stair case, and other improvements
made. In the South Aisle the floor was lowered to
correspond with that of the Nave, and the walls therein
were re-covered and the paint removed from the stone
work. Only the necessary cleansing was done to the
monuments and walls of the South Aisle Chapel ; and
in the Poyntz Chapel nothing was done beyond the
removal of the dust.
In the course of the restoration and repair of the
building, a large number of fragments of carved work
with quatrefoil and other ornaments were met with,
either buried in the ground or used up as walling
stones in the building. One of such fragments is very
striking. It consists of a massive hand grasping a
portion of an equally massive staff! The red or
vermilion colour which once ornamented the figure
is still fresh upon this portion of it. Many of the
fragments are interesting as illustrations of the archi-
tecture of different periods, and as showing how the
stones were re-worked to serve a second purpose.
132 St. MarKSy or the Maya/s Chapel.
Some were evidently portions of the Chapel, such as
capitals, bases and mouldings, removed at the time of
altering the windows and other parts, and corresponding
with features that remain. Others in all probability
belonged to the destroyed Hospital buildings. The
fragments thus collected make up a great variety of
such remains and testify to many acts of former
violence. The existence of the red or vermilion pig-
ment on several of them, besides the one referred to
above, would indicate that at one time the interior of
the Chapel was extensively and brilliantly decorated.
In concluding these remarks on the restoration,
a very curious discovery of the kind just referred to
claims special notice. It was found necessary to
repair a heavy cornice that runs above the exterior
of the East window. Portions of it were therefore
taken out bodily, when it was found that the backs
of a number of such portions really consisted of
corbel heads which had been removed from another
part of the building. The square ends of the blocks
had been worked up as parts of the cornice, and the
carved heads having been first mutilated by all
projecting chins and noses being knocked ofiF, they
were then reversed and imbedded in the wall, where
they must have remained for centuries. It was
afterwards found in carrying up the new North
Transept, that the cornice above the arch on that
side was made up of similar materials. It is worthy
of note with reference to the corbels thus unexpectedly
recovered, that the mouldings and the style of the
carving correspond exactly with those of the two rows
of corbels which still stand on the North and South
sides of the Chapel, and were evidently intended to
range with them. They therefore, no doubt, belonged
Sf. Mari'Sf or the Maya/s Chapel. 133
to the destroyed Transept, and formed part of the
corbel table which returned upon its Western side,
and was thence continued round. The carving of
these recovered heads is remarkably fresh and clean
cut, still bearing the incisions of the finest tools, and
without the marks of age. Although mutilated they
are still very fine works of the kind, full of breadth
and vigour in conception, and of variety in treatment.
Some of them have now been restored to a place of
honour, being used to fill up gaps in the corbel tables
on either side, thus finding their place again amongst
weather beaten companions that have never been
disturbed. Probably some archaeologist of a future
age will, when these particular stones are again
disturbed, speculate afresh upon the strange mutations
through which they have passed, just as many of the
present day have been led to speculate upon these
and other relics of past ages, which the recent
restoration of the Chapel has brought to light.
By means of this restoration much light has
been thrown upon the early history of the Chapel
and its connection with the Hospital Foundation.
The testimony of the stones forms a commentary on
the written history.
The general conclusions that may be drawn from
the two sources of information appear to be these: —
1. That as indicated by structural alterations in and
additions to the College Chapel, it was at the
beginning of the i6th century that the
foundation of the Gaunts reached its highest
point of development and activity ; and
2. That as a consequence of the dissolution of the
priory in 1539, and other changes afterwards
brought about, the Chapel became debased in
134 -Sy. MarKs^ or the Mayot^s Chapel.
appearance, and was shorn of many of the
interesting features it once possessed.
A third notable era in the history of the building
has now commenced, when its disfigurements both
within and without have as far as possible been
removed : when the architectural ideas of its designer
have been recovered as regards the ancient Nave, and
re-expressed with the necessary variations incidental
to nineteenth century work, as regards the recon
structed features.
In this "City of Churches" many of which are
splendid specimens of ancient art, and all of which
are bound up with the eventful history of the ancient
City itself, it is a matter for heart-felt rejoicing that
the decay of St. Mark's Chapel has been arrested;
and that it has been made more complete in its
arrangements and better adapted to its sacred
purposes. Beyond this, there is the satisfaction of
having added to the Chapel new features which for
finish of design and solid workmanship will stand in
the first rank as illustrations of the Church architecture
of the present day.
Part II.
DESCRIPTIVE
ZCbc fiytcrion
The exterior of the Mayor's Chapel as now
seen from College Green is an immense improvement
on its former aspect, but it is still hemmed in
by the business premises on either side. The
spreading window above the Western entrance, with
its eight lights and wheel tracery, fills the entire
gable, and looks out of proportion to the comparatively
dwarfed doorway and arcading beneath it. This
appearance did not belong to the original elevation,
the ground in front having been artificially raised.
Whenever this may have been done, steps leading
down to the floor of the Nave became a necessity.
Until the alteration in the level of Deanery Road,
on the other side of College Green, in the year 1865,
the same remark applied to the Cathedral. The
entrance to that structure, through a doorway in the
North Transept, was gained by descending several
steps, an arrangement which is still well remembered
by many persons. During the recent alterations at
the Mayor's Chapel a reminiscence of the time when
the level was lower was found in disturbing the surface
of the lower end of the passage at the side, when the
former pitching was partly uncovered at a considerable
distance below the present level.
At the right hand side of the main frontage is
the beautiful Decorated window which gives light to
the South Aisle. This is highly prized as a pure
V.
THE NEW NORTH TRANSEPT,
THE MAYOR'S CHAPEL, BRItTOL.
St. MarKSy or the Mayor^s Chapel. 137
specimen of that style. Its general design is most
effective, the ball-flower ornament which is profusely
introduced into all its hollow mouldings giving it a
very rich appearance.
The most interesting feature of the exterior of the
main building is seldom seen on account of the confined
position of the structure. This consists of the Early
corbel tables along the North and South sides, which,
looking from the front, are completely shut out from
view. The corbels on the North side are however
fully seen from the playground of the Merchant
Venturers' School, from which point also a very fine
view is obtained of the newly-erected North Transept.
The corbels it will be seen are very much decayed,
but their characteristics are still for the most part
plainly marked, and they are easil}*' distinguished as
representations of the dog, wolf, fox, bear, crowned
heads, monks, nuns, and masks. At the College
Green end they terminate abruptly where the house
has been erected against the wall of the Church.
Near the North Transept some of the mutilated corbels
which were recovered during the restoration, as ex-
plained at page 132, have been inserted in places from
which the originals were removed for the erection of
the School premises. As formerly remarked, the
existence of these corbel tables places beyond doubt
the fact that the present Nave walls are those of the
Chapel of the old Gaunts' Hospital, and they thus
serve to connect the present building with the
charitable foundation of the Thirteenth Century.*
* "The head-dress on Corbels is worth noticing because the date of a
church may thus sometimes be ascertained. The wimple or handkerchief
round the neck and chin appears amongst the earliest examples. The
date assigned to this is about 1300." — Handbook of English BccUsioiogy^
p. 119. Several of the Corbels at the Mayor's Chapel conespond with
this description.
138 Si. Mark's^ or the Mayor's ChapeL
The Tower, as will be seen from a glance at its
style, is of later erection, and is built of a warm red
stone which does not enter into any other part of the
building. This Tower, with its crown of battlements
and pinnacles, could it be properly seen, would be a
very picturesque object. So little familiar is it, how-
ever, that many who have caught sight of it from a
distance, grouped with the towers of other Churches,
must have wondered to what structure it belonged.
Its very existence is unknown to most persons.
Under the parapet of the South Aisle Chapel,
adjoining the Tower, are some curious gurgoyles,
representing the ape, pig, and other imclean animals,
whose presence here may be supposed to have the
usual allegorical meaning.
The exterior of the East end, with massive
buttresses enclosing its fine Perpendicular window,
has a striking appearance.
General features of tbe 3nterior*
The charm of the Mayor's Chapel as an archi-
tectural growth is best realised from the Western
end of the Nave as the point of observation.
Standing at the foot of the steps the eye takes in at
a glance types of all the three forms of pointed archi-
tecture. In the Nave windows, and the side view of
the graceful arches of the North and South Transepts,
there is presented the advanced Early English form.
The stone work of the blocked-up windows of the
South Aisle is so good in design that one longs all
the more to see these windows re-opened. They are
specially interesting as early Decorated specimens.
The window at the Western end of the South Aisle,
as already noticed from the exterior, is a beautifid
•SV. Mar^s^ or the Mayar^s Chapel. 139
example of pure Decorated work. In the archway at
the entrance to the South Aisle Chapel, the windows
within the archway of which a glimpse is afforded from
this standpoint, and in the beautiful ornamentation
of the Altar Screen and the window above it, the
Perpendicular or third pointed style is amply illustrated.
The Tower and the Poyntz or Jesus Chapel are of
course not visible from this spot, but enough is
seen to invest the Chapel with the peculiar interest
of development which belongs to many of our ancient
ecclesiastical structures.
In continuing this description of the Chapel, its
various distinct parts will be dealt with in their
chronological order, of which the Nave will serve as
the starting point.
^bc Have:— H.2)^ 1230*
The general impression on entering the building
corresponds with what we know to be the original
purpose of its erection, namely, that it might serve
as the College Chapel of the Gaunts' Hospital. It is
without columns, and is long and narrow. Originally
it was also lofty, with an open timber roof. The
windows, of which there were probably at first, while
the Chapel retained its simple cross form, four on
each side, are plain and dignified in character. The
caps on the jambs of those nearest to the East
are C£U^ed with conventional foliage ; the others
consist in each case of a series of narrow mouldings
either plain or beaded. The height of the windows
from the ground, and the bareness of the walls,
are corrected by the unique arrangement of bays
underneath the several windows and the extension of
the moulded jambs down to the string course. This
14a St. Mar if s^ or the Mayar^s Chapel.
arrangement allows of much play of light and shade
upon what would otherwise be a monotonous space.
The ceiling is nearly continuous from West to
East. There is a break at the Western end, where it
is carried up into the gable, to accommodate the
lofty window inserted in 1822. This beautiful ceiling
was constructed at the beginning of the Sixteenth
Century, probably at the same time that the Eastern
end of the Church was rebuilt, as will be described
hereafter. Above it may still be seen by the explorer
the framework of the original open roof, the oak
timbers of which are still sound and serviceable. The
present ceiling is nearly flat, and is formed of a series
of square panels with deeply moulded ribs ; the panels
are ornamented with suns, roses, and Tudor flowers,
and at the alternate intersections of the ribs are
placed large gilded bosses. The wall pieces are
corbelled with demi-angels, and it will be observed
that over the Sanctuary, for the distance of one bay,
the ornamentation of the panels is even richer than
in other parts. At the present time, owing to the
new appearance of the restored interior, the ceiling,
with the subdued tones of age upon it, lends a
peculiar charm to the whole structure.
The Old CoLOxmED Glass of the Mayor's Chapel
was obtained by purchase from a variety of so\u*ces,
as recorded at page 99, and has been "made up"
in the various windows with more or less success.
The first two windows on the North side of the Nave
are of this mixed character. The first is chiefly com-
posed of glass of late French manufacture with soft
neutral tints. It contains the Arms of Heniy II. of
France, and Diana of Poictiers, with monograms
composed of the letters H. and D.; scrolls, with
St. Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel. .141
conventional mottoes, such as *^mentem sanam in corpore
sano^" angels, cherubs, scrolls, festoons, and so forth.
The lower panels depict the casting of Jonah into the
sea, the beheading of John the Baptist, and other
Scriptural and classical scenes. On a scroll below the
hilt of the sword in the first light is the date 1543.
The glass in this window has been rearranged with
great advantage to its general effect.
The second window consists chiefly of striking
life-size groups, in deep rich colours, representing the
Betrayal, St. Peter smiting the High Priest's servant,
the Scourging, etc. In the latter group, the figure of
our Lord is prominent, the laceration of His body being
represented by the introduction of " sprinkled ruby " on
the exposed parts. The figure in the foreground, which
is that of one of the mocking phstrisees, is richly
dressed in a ruby robe. On a small fragment at the
right hand edge of the third light, the date 154(3) is
repeated. (The last figure is cut off.) In the lower
panels of this window are represented Moses with the
tables of the law, the marriage at Cana of Galilee, etc.
The third window on the North side, notwith-
standing the glass is modem (see page 74), is
especially interesting to Bristolians, inasmuch as it
contains the names and armorial bearings of some
of the notable men who served the office of Mayor,
or otherwise distinguished themselves in civic life,
in a long past age. Their names are inseparably
associated with the importance and enterprise of the
City in the early part of the 17th century, and those
of a later day have done well to set up this record
of them in the Church with which their good deeds
were identified. The immediate purpose of the window
was to commemorate the founders and benefactors of
142
•Si. MarKs^ or the Mayar^s Chapel.
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, or the City School, and
the Red Maids' School, both of which were erected
on the Gaunts' Hospital estate. The following is a
plan of this memorial window; and some particulars
of the individuals thus commemorated, relating chiefly
to their civic position, are given in a series of
biographical notes: —
1.
1590.
'Rocal Brm0.
2.
Brm0 ot tbe
Oovernore of (ftueen
1
\
3.
5obn Catr.
4.
arm0 ot tbe Cfti?
of ifirifltoL
SIi3. Do0pftaL
V^ JW%t9ftVM
5.
KoDert IH)we.
6.
Xabc Aarc
1tam0e6.
7.
mtUiam asfroe.
•
s.
0.
10.
tlboma0 farmer.
5obn JSarher.
5obn TRBbftMiu
U.
12.
Hntbons
Stanbbanft.
t3.
SOwatD aoldton.
5ame0 aotton.
14.
15.
16.
Wcbard l)U0be0.
Samuel Sa0t.
Samuel DactnelL
St. Mark's^ or the Mayofs Chapel. 143
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES.
2. On the 3rd of April, 1591, the Corporation as Governors of Qa.
Eliz. Hosp. obtained a grant of armorial bearings in which the
Arms of tne City and of John Carr were blended.
3. John Carr. Founder of Queen Elizabeth's Hospital.
5. Robert Dowe. * * Merchant Taylor of London "; Exor. of John Carr's Will .
6. Lady Mar^ Ramsey. Donor of ;f looo to Qu. Eliz. Hosp. She
was a native of Bristol, and was the widow of Sir Thomas Ramsey,
Alderman and Lord Mayor of London. She was also a munificent
benefactress of Christ's Hospital, London.
7. William Birde. Sheriff of BrLitol in 1573 and Mayor in 1589.
8. Thomas Farmer. Sheri£f of Bristol in 1602 and Mayor in 1616.
9. John Barker. Sheriff 1593, Mayor 1606. Second of same name,
Sheriff in i6r2 and Mayor in it 25. Menber of Parliament for
Bristol 1623— 162 >. Treasurer of the Whitson Charity.
10. John Whitson. Sheriff of Bristol 1589 and Mayor 1603 — 1^'5«
Member of Parliament for Bristol 1605 -1614— 1620— 1625. Founder
of the Red Maids School.
11. Edward Colston. Benefactor of Qu. Eliz. Hosp. alid founder of
many Bristol charities, Member of Parliament for Bristol 1710.
12. Anthony Standbank. Mayor of Bristol 1564.
14. Richard Hughes, "of Ilfracombe." Benefactor of Qu. Eliz. Hosp.
16. Samuel Hartnell. Benefactor of Qu. Eliz. Hosp.
The fourth window, just above the pulpit, was
until recently walled-up, and outer buildings stood
against it (see pages 77-78). On being re-opened the
stone work was found to be in excellent preservation.
As a memorial of this re-opening, and to complete
the series of coloured windows on the North side,
it was filled with stained glass, representing the
Ascension of Our Lord, by Sir George W. Edwards.
Underneath is a brass tablet with the arms of the
donor and the following inscription ; —
" The above window^ which prevtotisly to the restoration
of this Church in the year 1889, had been for a long
period blocked uPy was filled with stained glass by
Alderman Sir George William Edwards who was four
times Mayor of Bristol, and who received the honour
of Knighthood at the hands of Her Most Gracious
Majesty Queen Victoria^ in the Jubilee Year of her reign'*
144
St. Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel.
9ame0 Oeorae,
t822«30.
5ame0 9i\>\>Bt
t842.
TmaUam
Goldnec,
1846.
E.
Vofial Htntd.
Sir 5obn fterle
f)abertlel^
1837^8^45^48.
1849-50.
Mm. Xewton
Clarke.
1843.
5obn S>ecfmu0
pountnei^t
1847.
!
I^obert
pbfppeti,
1840.
Vtcbatb
poole ftind»
1844.
Mm. f)enrs
Oore-Xandton»
1851.
The two windows on the South side of the Nave
do not correspond in height with those on the opposite
side, owing to the roof of the South Aisle Chapel
being carried over their lower portions.
They are filled with the Arms of past Mayors of
the City, whose names are given in their order, and
the years in which they served the office.
St, Afark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel.
M5
W.
50aac
ailan Coofte,
1857.
Vobett 0as
1852.
5obn Oeorge
Sbaw,
1853^4.
5ame0 poole,
1858.
5obn J3ate0,
1850.
5obn f)are,
1 61.
Sbolto
X^cxc Dare,
1 62.
5obn IPinin^,
1855^6.
9bfarbe
Coate0 Xanct
1860.
^bomas
porter 506e,
1863.
Monuments. — On either side of the Western
entrance are interesting monuments ; that on the South
side commemorating a descendant of the founders of
the Gaunts' Hospital and Church, and that on the
North side illustrating the connection of the Church
with the Civic life of Bristol. In this diversity of
character, they belong respectively to the two great
146 Si. Mark*Sy or the Mayor* s Chapel.
periods into which the history of the Church is
divided.
The effigy of Sir Richard Berkeley lies extended on
the right hand side of the entrance. He died in 1604.
The figure is clad in the plate armour of the period.
The beard is pointed, -the hands are closed in prayer,
the expression of the face is refined. There is no
niche or canopy above the figure, which has been
injured at some time to enable it to be placed against
a wall. On the entablature at the back, which is
surmounted by the arms of Berkeley of Stoke Giflford,
the following inscription is recorded : —
Domini : Rich : Berkelaei : Militis : in : svam :
mortem : carmen : monitorium :
Cum genus et nomen cupiunt cognoscere cuncti,
mentem nemo : si quis qui sim, inquirere pergat, nescio
responde : verum hunc se nosse moneto.
Translation.
'^ Though all men may desire to know my name and
race, yet no man may desire to know my mind. If
any one should take up the enquiry as to who I am,
reply I know not, but let that man be advised to
know himself."
Epitaph.
Whom yovth covld not corrvpt, nor change of dayes
Add anything bvt years, he, f^^U of them
As they of knowledge, what need this stone prayse
Whose epitaph is writt in the heartes of men.
That did this world and her child Fame despise,
His sovle ^ God, loe here his coffin lyes.
Obiit :
Aprilis : xxvi : Ano. Domini : 1 604
^tatis SV8&
7J.
'S.
5P.
I i^' iy LI w. J,\.H
t;
^ ^^
-r j\B,
SL Mark'Sy or the Mayor's Chapel. 147
The personality of this Knight, and the importance
of his position, are vividly realised by means of the
following extract from Smyth's Berkeley MSS. : —
"The said S'- John (Berkeley) in the 37th of
Henry 8th (Knighted the yeare before) dyed of an
hurt received by the splinter of a ship (as I have
been informed) at Portesmouth, which in the 24th of
June in that yeare, Anno 1545, caused an addition
to his Will, as therein appears, leaving the said
Richard, his eldest sonne, to bee the King's ward,
then of the age of fowerteen yeares : whereby this
faire branch may perceive itself in the seaven last
descents since it issued from the elder stock to have
been five times in ward, and the profits of their lands
for 72 years during those wardships taken by the
Crown.
The said Richard eldest sonne of the said Sir
John Berkeley first maryed Elizabeth daughter to
Willm. Read of Milton Esqr. by whom hee had issue
Henry Berkeley, Elizabeth married to S*"- Thomas
Throkmorton of Tortworth, Knight,* Mary, Ann, and
Dorothy : and secondly married Ellenor daughter of
S'* Robert Jermy Esq. and widowe of Robert Rowe
Esq. sonne of S'- Thomas Rowe, Knight which
EUinor is yet liveinge Anno 1628.
This Sir Richard (whose invaluable worth and
well deservings in his Country governments I many
years observed) was Knighted about the nth yeare
of Queen Elizabeth, and was in the 38th yeare of
her raig^e made . Leivtenant of the Tower, to whose
trust (before commitment to that prison) Robert
Deverox, Earle of Essex was comitted, to be kept at
* See account of Lady Margaret Throkmorton's tomb in South Aisle Chapel.
148 St. Mark* 5 f or the Mayor's Chapel.
•
Essex house in the 42nd yeare of the said Queene,
and was author of that excellent booke entituled, A
discourse of the felicity of man, or his summum
bonum, printed in Anno 1598 the fortieth year of
Queen Elizabeth; from whose good counsels, in the
first of Kinge James, what time hee was intreated
by Henry then Lord Berkeley to keep the solempnity
of the feast of Christmas with him and others of like
rank at Berkeley Castle, I willingly acknowledge
(as from his said booke) to have reaped profit and
advantage : nothing therein amisse, save the printer's
error in printing his name Barckley for Berkeley : he
was one of the Knights of his County for the Parliaments
in the first of Kinge James, whose associate was S'-
Thomas Berkeley father of the now Lord George,
and was High Serife of the County in the seaventh
of Elizabeth, a deputy Leivtenant of his County, and
dyed in the second of Kinge James leaving Henry
his Sonne and heire, and others as aforesaid. The
said Henry, eldest sonne of the said S'- Richard
marryed Mirryell daughter of Thomas Throkmorton of
Caughton in the County of Warrwick, Esqr." *
Arms — GuleSy a chevron ermine between ten crosses
pattie argent.
The monument on the left ot the entrance is that
of William Birde, who served the offices of Mayor
and SherifiF, and whose name has been frequently
mentioned in connection with the founding of Queen
Elizabeth's Hospital. Before the recent alterations,
this monument stood on the opposite side of the
entrance. Barrett speaks of it thus : " In the chancel
is a very superb monument for William Birde," so
that its position must have been several times changed.
• Smyth's BerkeUys^ Vol, I., pp. 263-4.
.57 Mark^s^ or the Mayor^s Chapel. 149
William Birde was Mayor of Bristol in 1589, and
the state sword which was in use at the time, is
represented underneath the epitaph. He died as the
epitaph states, on Oct. Sth, 1590.
This monument has been much mutilated, but it
is a very fine specimen of Elizabethan work, and
presents many interesting features of the classical
style. On the frieze there is a series of carvings,
representing Scripture subjects, — ^The Temptation of
Eve, Abraham's Sacrifice, and the Resurrection of
Our Lord ; also skulls and cross-bones and other
accompaniments of the sepulchre, in accordance with
the ghastly fashion of the day. The carving above
the cornice is very rich, and exhibits Birde's shield
of arms: — Arg, a cross botonnhe sa, between four Cornish
choughs.
The following inscription is at the back of the
monument : —
Gulielmus Birde obiit Octobris 8, anno 1590.
" ClaruSj prcedivesy sapiens ^ et pro grege Christi
Sollicifus, sedem et victum cultumque ministrans
Dormit in hoc tumulOy sed spiritus ccthera scandit :
Vix dedit hisce virum Bristollia nostra diebu^
Consimileniy ceu virtutem^ ceu ccetera spectes.
Gratus erat patriae civis^ jucundus amicis
Progeniemque suam multd cum laude reliquity
Translation, —
"William Bird died
October 8 in the year 1590
(He was) Illustrious, wealthy, wise, careful for the
flock of Christ, administering his household with
liberality and piety. He sleeps in this tomb, but his
spirit has ascended to the skies. Bristol has hardly
in these days produced his equal whether you consider
150 St Mark^s^ or the Mayor^s ChapeL
his intrepid virtue or his other qualities. He was
chivalrous to his country, delightful to his friends,
and of gracious memory to the kindred he left behind/'
Affixed to the wall at the side of Birde's monument
is the only brass tablet of ancient date now in the
Chapel. It was found during the recent restoration,
covered with whitewash, and thrown aside with some
useless lumber. The lettering, which is of a very quaint
description, runs thus :
With in this place and
nere hear vnto resteth the
BODYS OF William Searchfeiid
AND ANNE SeARCHFEILD SONNE
AND DAVGHTER OF ROWLAND
searchfeild of this citty
Marchannt
w. s.
OBYT MARCH 1 64 7
ARMS
A. S.
OBYT SEPTEMBER 1 666
This Rowland Searchfeiid was doubtless the son ot
the Bishop of Bristol of the same name, to whom a
marble tablet is erected in the South Choir Aisle of the
Cathedral. He was Bishop in 16 19, and died in 1622.
His son, whose children were buried here, was brought
up to mercantile life. He was the apprentice of Robert
Aid worth, merchant, and took up his freedom 22nd
Feby., 1639. The arms on the brass are the same as
on the Bishop's tablet: Azure^ three cross bows stringed
argenty a chief or. Crest^ a sheaf of arrows.
Part of the City plate, consisting of four silver
candlesticks, snuffers, and stand, were presented to the
Corporation by Mrs. Catherine Searchfeiid in the year
1709.
St. Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel. 151
A fine mural monument on the North side, records
the death of Thomas Harris on the 28th Jany., 1797.
He was SheriiFin 1753, and Mayor in 1769.
There is also a tablet to the memory of James
GibbSy who was Mayor in 1842, and died 24th Feby.,
1855, and another to George Adderley and his daughter
Charlotte, the latter of whom died in 1775* and the
former in 1786.
On the right hand side of the steps is placed the
beautiful marble bust and pedestal of Sir John Kerle
Haberfield, who was six times Mayor of Bristol. In
1 85 1 he was presented by his fellow citizens with a
magnificent service of plate, of the value of ;^6oo. His
widow, Lady Haberfield, afterwards bequeathed this
service of plate to the City, and it now forms part of the
valuable collection possessed by the Corporation.
To the right and left of the lobby are the following
tablets — to several members of the family of Alderman
Green (1862), to John Bates, who was Mayor of the
City in 1859, ^^^ ^^^ ^\&^ in 1869, and to the Rev.
John Hawkesworth, LL.D., who for 20 years was
head-master of Queen Elizabeth's Hospital, and who
died in i866. This tablet was erected by ^a number
of his old pupils.
^be Soutb Bidte:— B.S). 1265*
This was the earliest addition made to the original
Gaunts' Church, and was erected about the year 1265.
Two massive arches open into the Aisle from the
Nave, with aa octagonal centre pillar from which the
arches QMing direct. On the Eastern and Western
sides tlie arches rest on large brackets with corbels
below. The bracket and corbel on the Western side
^e original, and the former exhibits a curious grouping
152 St. Marks^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
of aniroals and foliage. Those on the Eastern side are
modem, the originals having been destroyed during
former alterations. Below the corbels on either side
are affixed to the half-piers, very interesting panels,
carved with pinnacles and crockets, and containing the
arms of Sir Robert Poyntz and his wife Margaret,
daughter of Earl Rivers. Sir John Maclean has recently
made the following remarks on these panels : —
^' These panels are, without doubt, the ends of an altar
tomb erected to the memory of Sir Robert Poyntz, the
munificent rebuilder of the Jesus (or Poyntzj Chapel
in the Chapel of the Gaunts' Hospital. The arms on
both are entirely personal. The achievement on the
panel now affixed against the Western respond of the
two bays between the Chapel and the South Aisle,
relates to that branch of the Poyntz family of which Sir
Robert was a distinguished member, and displays the
arms of (i) Poyntz, quartering those of (2) Clanvowe,
(3) Acton, and (4) Fitz Nichol. The other achievement
against the Eastern respond contains the arms borne
by Sir Robert after, his marriage with Margaret
Wydville. They are, however, quartered instead of
being iiflpaled, and follow the charges above cited.
They are : (5) Wydville, (6) Scales, (7) St. Paul, (8) De
Beaulx, (9) not identified, (10) Beauchamp.
In his will, dated 19th October, 1520, Sir Robert
directed his executors to provide * a fyne small marble
stone to be laid over the mydds of the vawte which he
had already prepared for his burial, with a scripture,
making mention of all the bodies that lye buried in the
same vawte, and of the dayes and years of their decease.'
It would seem that the executors did not follow literally
the instructions of the testator, but thought it proper
to erect an altar tomb over the midst of the vault of
Si. Mark's^ or the Mayof^s Chape L 153
which the panels in question formed the ends, and
probably the weight of this structure on the crown ot
the arch, which was not built with a view to sustaining
such a weight, led to the catastrophe which happened
in 1730, when the arch fell in and the bodies of the
dead were despoiled. It is probable that after this
accident the fragments, including the panels of which
we are writing, were removed into the Church."*
To this it may be added that amongst the carved
fragments now in the South Aisle Chapel are some of
similar workmanship to these panels.
The wagon - shaped roof ot the South Aisle is
carried high up into the side gable. It is constructed
of square oak panels w*ith moulded ribs, and with gilt
bosses at the alternate points of intersection.
The three blocked - up windows on the South
side of the Aisle have been referred to in connection
with the restoration. They are formed of two lights,
with triangular - shaped, geometrical tracery in the
heads. The hollow mouldings are without ornament.
These windows are deeply splayed, the moulded jambs
supporting inner arches. Even in their present con-
dition these windows form an interesting point of
comparison with the earlier Nave windows on the
one hand, and on the other with the later window of
the same style, but perfected, in the Western gable.
The latter, which has three lights, was manifestly an
addition to the original design of the Aisle, as the
distinct appearance of the wall having been drawn
for its insertion was apparent when the surrounding
walls were recently laid bare. The remark applied
to the exterior of this window applies also to the
interior. In its general design, as well as in the
Trans, Brist. and Ghs, Archl, Society^ Vol. XV., p. 76.
154 •S'/. Mark's^ or the Mayors Chapel.
rich details of its ornamentation, it is a pure example
of the Edwardian or Decorated window. The outer
moulding terminates, as usual, in striking carved
heads of a King and Queen. Eastward, the South
Aisle must be regarded as originally ending where
the iron railing is now placed, the inner Chapel
having been erected at a "much later period. Near
the railing there is a large niche with trefoiled head.
The desigfn is of the same bold character as the
windows above it. It appears to have undergone
alteration, and may have been originally a piscina.
Probably an altar once stood against the Eastern wall,
before the arch of the inner Chapel was constructed.
Between the arches communicating with the Nave,
and on the inner side, there has been fixed the bust
of a venerable Bishop, which was found amongst a
mass of lumber a long time since, and which has thus
been preserved. It is probably the only remaining
portion of a tomb that was destroyed. The hands
are folded in prayer, and upon his left arm rests the
head of a pastoral sta£F, very richly carved.
The Stained Glass in the Western window of
the Aisle is of mixed character, the smaller panels
containing very beautiful German work. The large
side figures, which are those of Moses and Elias,
evidently belonged to a Transfiguration scene ; but
instead of the central figure of our Lord, we have here
a modem St. Peter, who looks very much out of place.
On one of the lower panels is an inscription in German,
of which the following is a translation: — "Master
Bemardus Scheiffer, carpenter, at the present time
lay -brother of this Church, and Christina Fischnich
his wife, gave these windows. 1702." Of course it is
not known to what Church this refers.
\
► r
I 2 -
,-i t- Pr
St. Mark^Sf or the Mayar^s Chapel. 155
Above the arch at the Eastern end of the Aisle
is the striking figure of Thomas k Becket, Archbishop
of Canterbury. It is a finely-enamelled representation
of this inflexible ecclesiastic, full of the dramatic force
which belonged to his character and career. It formerly
had a place in Fonthill Abbey, and was purchased by
the Corporation at the Beckford Sale. It is said to
be the work of Pearson after a painting by Benjamin
West, R.A. The exalted position which Becket occu-
pied in Church and State is indicated by the jewelled
Staff and Crucifix grasped in one hand, and the bag
containing the Great Seal of the Kingdom held in the
other.
In the centre of the bag is a medallion with a
representation of the Seal itself. The King is seated
on his throne with a sword in his right hand, and in
his left the orb and cross surmounted by a bird.
Under the Seal is the name of the King with whom
Becket so long and fiercely struggled — Henry I J.
The grand artistic effect of this window has been
enhanced by the introduction of new stained glass in
the quatrefoiled border, in place of the staring red
and blue glass which was formerly there.
Monuments. — Historically speaking, the most in-
teresting tomb in the South Aisle is that which carries
an effigy, long supposed to represent Sir Henty de
Gaunt, the first master-almoner of the Gaimts' Hospital,
and who held that position for the long period of about
37 years. He is referred to by Lei and as ''one Henry
Gaunt, a Knight, sometyme dwellynge not far firom
Brandon Hill, by Brightstow." The same authority
in the following language wrongly ascribes to him
what was accomplished under the Cheirter of Robert
de Gourney. He is stated to have "erectyd a College
156 St. Mark'Sj or the Mayor* s Chapel.
of Priestes withe a Mastar, on the Grene by Seint
Augfustines. And sone aftar he chaung^d the first
Foundation into a certeyne kynde of Religion, and
was Governour of the Howse hymselfe, and lyethe
buried in the Vesturye undar a flate Stone."
The observations of later years have, however,
cast doubts upon the identity of this effigy with the
priest, Henry de Gaunt, upon the grounds, that the
head is not that of an ecclesiastic, while the dress
belongs to a later period than that in which he lived.
The error, supposing it to be an error, is of great
antiquity, as on reference to page 77 it will be seen
that as far back as 1591 the three tombs of the Founders
are referred to, one of them being, no doubt, this which
is ascribed to Henry de Gaunt. A reference to the
Charters will shew the sense in which he was regarded
as a Founder.
In any case, the effigy is of great antiquity and
interest. It is raised upon a panelled high-tomb of
much later construction. The latter is manifestly a
restoration, and the inscription along the front cannot
be regarded as having any authority. This has every
appearance of having been added at a comparatively
recent date. The figure probably represents some
member of the Berkeley family, and is remarkable on
account of its peculiarities of dress — if, indeed, it be not
unique. Attention is particularly directed to the high
shoes fastened with straps, the jacket laced from top to
bottom, and the fastenings of the outer cloak or mantle.
The inscription on the tomb, which recognises
none of the doubts that have more recently sprung
up, runs thus : —
S Denricud . de • (3aunt ^ ASa0f0ter « prlmud . bujue . domue .
^anctf . Aarci . dc . JStUcaw^ecFi ^ obilt AccI^viU ^
St, Mark's^ or tlie Mayor^s Chapel. 157
The following description has recently been given
by Mrs. Bagnall-Oakeley : — *' The figure is dressed in
a cote-hardie, or a sleeveless cote laced up in front,
with another garment under it which has long sleeves.
His legs are covered with tight hose, and on his feet
are boots which fasten in front by straps. He wears
a waist-belt, into which is stuck on the left side the
^^ZS^^ o^ analace. Over his shoulders is a long cloak
fastened in front by two straps or laces, which are
secured by a long button. Over all he wears a hood,
which is thrown back on either side of the neck.
His hair is closely curled round his head, which rests
on a pillow set diagonally, and his feet rest on a
dog."
In the North - East corner of the Aisle is the
reputed tomb of John Carr. The evidence that it is
John Carr's tomb is slender, and the fact has been
disputed. It bears on the front the initials **J. C."
and these alone identify it with the founder of Queen
Elizabeth's Hospital. The front and ends are quatre-
foiled, and relieved by a row of small plain shields.
Barrett, who wrote more than a hundred years ago,
speaks of it as the tomb of John Carr, and refers to
it as **an arched lomb in the wall." Its form and
position must therefore have been entirely changed
since Barrett's time. There is no longer any arch
belonging to it, and it stands as a plain high-tomb.
It is evident, however, from the remains of masonry
still attached to the exposed end, that some part
formerly belonging to it has been destroyed, and that
no doubt was the arch referred to by Barrett. Not-
withstanding the doubt thrown on the identity of the
tomb, it may well be that one who was instrumental
* Trans. BriiL and Glos, Arch, Soc.^ Vol. XV., p. 91.
158 St. Mark*s^ or the Mayor* s Chapel.
in founding Queen Elizabeth's Hospital should, after
death, be memorialised in the Chapel, where the
children, for whose care and education he gave his
manor of Cong^resbury, for a long period continued
to attend service.
Above John Carr's tomb is a tablet commemorating
Robert Claxton, who was Sheriff in 1787, and who
died 1812.
A mural monument of great civic interest stands
overhead in the North - West corner of the Aisle,
Although unpretending in appearance, it is the
memorial of men who had much to do with the
honour and enterprise of the City in the early part
of the 17th century. The figure, which is that of an
alderman in robes, kneeling at a desk, upon which
is an open Bible, represents one Thomas James the
elder, who was Sheriff in 1591, Alderman in 1604,
Mayor in 1605 and 16 14, and who represented the
City in three Parliaments, namely, 1597, 1603, and
1 614. On the last occasion John Whitson was his
colleague. The inscription on the monument, which
is now quite illegible, ran thus : —
** This monument was erected for Thomas James^
Merchant^ twice Mayor of this City^ and Parliament-man
for the same in the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and King
Janus First. He died in the year 1613 (1619).* And
here lieth the body of Thomas JameSj Esq,^ of Bristol^
Batrister-at'Law^ and son of the said Thomas James.
He died in the year 1665. Here also lieth the body
of Alexander James ^ of Tydenham^ in the County of
Gloucester^ son of the said Thomas JameSy junr.y Esq.
He died in the year 17 13."
Around the second Thomas James a very romantic
* J. F. Nicholls' Bristol Biographies— Z^y^im. Thomas James.
St. Mark*5y or the Mayor's Chapel. 159
story gathers, which was told by himself in a volume
he published in 1633. The substance of this book
was given by the late Mr. J. F. NichoUs in pamphlet
form, as one of his Bristol Biographies. This Thomas
James was originally, as stated on the monument, a
Barrister - at - Law, but he became smitten with the
fever of adventure and discovery prevailing at the
time, and forsaking his clients, he turned his attention
to the search for the North - West Passage. The
Society of Merchant Venturers projected an expedition
and " adventured ;^8oo or thereaboutes. " Thomas
James was appointed leader of the expedition, and
was henceforth known as Captain James. He ''made
choice of a well - conditioned, strong ship of the
burden of seventy ton," and selected "a crew of
nineteen choice, able men and two younkers," besides
himself. They sailed from Bristol on their perilous
voyage on May 2nd, 1631, and made Greenland the
4th of June. After that they suflFered the most extreme
hardships, being compelled to winter ashore. They
sank the ship to save it from being crushed, and
afterwards recovered it. In spite of all his privations,
and after giving his name to the Bay at the Southern
extremity of which he wintered, the heroic Captain
brought his ship of seventy tons safely back, reaching
King^oad the 22 nd October, 1632.
A curious controversy has recently been revived
in the AthefUBunij as to whether the story of his
adventures thus told by Captain James suggested to
Coleridge his poem. The Ancient Maritier. Certainly
the story seems to have been thrilling enough for
the purpose ; but whatever may be the merits of the
controversy, there can be no question about the heroic
conduct of the leader of the expedition, and Bristol
i6o St, Mark's^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
may well be proud of that chapter in her history
which records the deeds of such brave pioneers as
this Captain Thomas James.
On the South side of the South Aisle is a small
but beautifully-designed mural monument, in alabaster,
to John Cookin, of Highfield. He died at the early
age of II years on the 12 th March, 1627. The figure
represents him at that age, kneeling on one knee. His
lace collar and cuffs and all the details are very finely
carved. In his left hand he holds an open book, and
his scholarly pursuits are further indicated by the pens,
ink-hom, pencil case, and other devices, which form a
border on either side.
Above the last-mentioned monument is a tablet to
the memory of Alderman Thomas Camplin, who was
Mayor of Bristol in 1826-7, and who died Dec. 8th, 1856.
His name is prominently mentioned on the occasion of
the Bristol riots, when he seems to have done his best to
restore the peace and order of the City. As recorded
on the tablet, he gave to the City, for use in the Mayor's
Chapel, a valuable service of Communion plate, which
is still in use.
To the right of this is a very lofty and richly-carved
monument to William Halliard, of Sea House, Somerset.
The date is not given on the monument, but according
to an inscription on a flat stone in the South Aisle
Chapel, he died 8th July, 1735. This monument stands
in front of a recess which was formerly a doorway
giving access to the Chapel from the peissage at the
side. The arch of the now blocked-up doorway remains,
and the hooks are there on which the door was hung.
Arms — azurej a chevron argent^ between three
etoileSy or.
Underneath the West window is the fiiU-length
SL MarKSy or the Mayar^s Chapel. i6i
Thomas Moore, and | . - - - 1675
Elizabeth Moore, his wife) - . - - 1673
seated figure of Henry Bengough, in white marble
relief. He was an Alderman of the City, and founded
the almshouses for poor men and women of all religious
denominations which bear his name. He died in 1818.
There are other mural monuments, tablets, and
flat stones which do not call for special notice. They
refer to the following :
Died.
Dorothy Popham | - . . - 1642
Sir Francis Popham j « - - - 1646
ife)
Edward Brown, of St. Swithin, Glos. - - 1 689
Catharine Vaughan, of Caldicot - - . 1694
Henry Blaake 1731
Henry Walter, SheriflFin 1 704, and Mayor in 1 7 1 5 1742
Henry Muggleworth, Sheriff in 1 741, and Mayor
in 1758 - - 1782
John Casberd, D.D., Preb. Bris. Cathed. - - 1803
(Cbc ZTowcr:— H.2)* 1487*
Evidence of the erection of the Tower of St. Mark's
being an afterthought, and not contemplated in the
plan of the original building, is seen in the manner
in which the piers and Tower-arch have been carried
up in the South Transept, completely destroying the
internal proportions of that feature. It will be
observed that against the Tower-piers the string-course
has been cut on either side. The Transept-arch
remains perfect, except that in the erection of galleries
at different times the beautiful Early capitals have
been sadly mutilated. The South Entrance door is
under the Tower, also the doorway into the Poyntz
Chapel. Between these two doors is a plain arched
piscina, and to the left of the door of the Poyntz
i62 St. Mark's^ or the Mayar^s ChapeL
Chapel a bracket is inserted^ which probably served
as a lamp-rest.
The exact date of the erection of the Tower is
afforded by a curious discovery itiade when the
pinnacles were restored in the year i8i2. A small
slate slab was then found let into the masonry of the
upper part of the Tower, upon which the following
record was rudely inscribed : — " In the yere off our
Lorde God mcccclxxxvij the iij day off Novemb the
masonry off thys Towr was fynyshyd/* This curious
relic is now placed in the City Treasurer's office, and
an exact copy of the inscription, from a rubbing of
the original, is here presented.
1 he Tower is 86 feet in height, and the summit is
reached by a series of 113 st6ps. The landing at the
top is 16 feet square, and is surrounded by a high
battlemented parapet. There are four pinnacles ; one
large and richly crocketed. Doors in the stairway give
access to the ringing floor and roof of the Church, and
there are some curious corbels both on the Tower stairs
and on either side of the South door.
(Lbc Cbanccl :— H,D. 1500*
The Eastern end of the Church, with its profusion
of late ornament, forms a striking contrast to the plain
and even severe character of the Nave. It becomes
at once evident, that this portion of the structure
must have been re-built, towards the end of the period
of its occupation as the Church of the Gaunts. So
far, the building speaks for itself, and the hand that
accomplished the work, is commemorated on the spot
that it so greatly enriched. The importance attached
to the Gaunts' Hospital is shewn by the fact that its
College Chapel was thus selected for embellishment
r— I
\
\;-'-
•S7. Mark's^ or the Mayofs Chape^. 163
*■ -
by one of the liberal Church benefactors of the day,
for, in the absence of information as to any official
connection of the rebuilder of the Chancel with the
Gaunts' foundation, we must look to the renown of the
Hospital itself for the motive of his generosity.
This part of the Church was re-constructed about
the year 1500, by Myles, or Milo Salley, Abbot of
Eynsham, near Oxford, and afterwards Bishop of
Llandaff in the reign of Henry Vllth, who died in
15 16 and was buried in St. Mark's. His richly
ornamented tomb is in the position usually assigned
to the founders of sacred edifices, namely, the North
East of the Chancel. His will provides for his burial
in this position, in the following terms: — **Myles, by
the grace of (rod Bishop of Llandaff, 29th Nov., 15 16.
My body to be buried in the North end of our Lady
Chapel, before the image of St. Andrew at the Gaunts
of Bristol." He further directs that his heart be buried
at the High Altar in the Church of Marthem, before
St. Theodorick. The palace of the Bishops of Llandaff
was then at Mathem in Monmouthshire.* This reference
to St. Andrew may be explained by the close relation
which existed between the Gaunts' House and the
Cathedral Church at Wells, which was dedicated to
St. Andrew. As the Gaunts' Church was originally
dedicated to the ^^ Blessed Maxy and Blessed Mark,'* the
other niches were most probably filled with their images.
Not only did Bishop Salley in his life-time beautify
the Sanctuary of the Church, but by his will he
further provided for the maintenance of its ritual.
''He bequeathed his best challice and missal to the
High Altar in Gaunts' Chapel, with the suit of vestments
which he had ordered for the Master, Richard Tyler,
* Nicholas, Ttstamenta Vetusta, Vol. II., p. 538.
1 64 St. Mark 5^ or the Mayors Chapel.
bis executor in London, and the furniture of his best bed
for the same purpose.'' On either side of the Chancel,
an irregular line of joints in the ashlar facing may be
observed. These probably mark the limits of the
Bishop's work, and within those limits there is found an
harmonious gproup of varied and exquisite architectural
features with a perfect wealth of ornament. The Eastern
window is a finely proportioned Perpendicular com-
position of si^ principal lights, with panel lights above
and tracery in the head. Beneath this is the delicately
carved Altar Screen, occupying the entire width of the
Chancel. This has three unusually fine niches with
crocketed canopies. The minute details of the Screen
include miniature niches, panelling, fruit and foliage
cornices, and Tudor cresting. On either side are richly
carved doorways, with blind doors of oak, also richly
carved, with representations of those who were histori-
cally connected with the Church :* and in the centre is a
painting of the Entombment of Christ.
Dallaway in his Notices gives a very fine engraving
of this Altar Screen, and speaks of it thus : — " The
dimensions are small but symmetrical, and of the most
delicate tabernacle work, executed in freestone, which
I have hitherto observed in England."t He adds,
" Perhaps in point of style and aera the nearest com-
parison may be drawn between this and the sepulchral
Chapel of the Countess of Salisbury at Christchurch,
Hants, where, as in this instance, the niches are very
small and placed in a parallel line." These small
niches, eighteen in number, are supposed to have once
contained statuettes of silver or copper gilt.
On the North and South sides of the Chancel are
Perpendicular windows of four lights. These are
* These doors are modem. t Notices of Anc, Ch, Arch,, p. 25.
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THE NEW Yt^RK
?\JBLIC LI'uUARY
AS'O'^ L •• ^X AND
Tl. D N Fw -•> NATIONS.
St. MarKSy or the Mayors Chapel. 165
reserved for the insertion of the Arms of past Mayors
of the City. (See page 175).
Monuments. — Under the North window are placed
the effigies of Bishop Salley and Sir Thomas Berkeley,
of Uley, with his wife Catharine, the tomb of the
Ejoight being under what is known as a Berkeley-
arched canopy.
The effigy of the Bishop is placed on a high-tomb
with panelled front. The arch of this canopy is
richly finished with Tudor ornaments, and in the
spandrels roses are enclosed in bold quatrefoils. The
cornice, panelling, and cresting are all elaborately
carved. The latter projects and consists of alternate
Tudor flowers and diminutive pinnacles.
The following is a description of the effigy of the
Bishop: — He is represented in his episcopal attire, with a
richly-adorned mitre on his head, and a pastoral staff of
singular elegance resting on his left side, with the fanon
wrapped round the staff. Over the alb, which almost
conceals his feet, he wears the tunic and dalmatic with
its ample sleeves ; and these again are covered by the
amice with its standing collar, and the maniple over the
left arm. The stole is concealed by the chasuble. On
the hands, which are in the attitude of prayer, he wears
gloves, and on the middle finger of the right hand the
episcopal ring.
The adjoining tomb is that of Sir Thomas Berkeley,
of Uley, and his lady, Catharine, daughter of John Lord
Bottetourt. The effigies of the Knight and his Lady rest
upon a high-tomb, the front of which is ornamented
with crocketed niches and pinnacles, and under the
soffit is a row of four-leaved flowers. The crocketed
arch of the boldly- designed canopy is ogee in form
1 66 *SY. Mark's^ or the Mayor* s Chapel.
and is carried up above the lofty cresting, terminating
there in a very handsome finial. The arch is doubly
foliated, the wide curves of the cinquefoils containing
sunk trefoils and flowers, and the cusps are finished
with demi-angels. The vault of the canopy is groined,
and in the centre of the back is a niche with bracket,
in which a figure once stood above the effigies. In
the spandrels are surcoats of arms, exhibiting those
of Berkeley, Bottetourt, and Grourney, with lion
supporters ; for Berkeley, Cru.^ a chevron ermine between
ten crosses pattie^ argent; quartering or^ a cross engrailed
sahle^ for Bottetourt. On the second shield, Paly of six
or and azure for Gournay. (See plate II.)
Sir Thomas Berkeley died in 1361, but the monu-
ment is of much later date, and it has been objected
that its design and the style of the Knight's armour
make it impossible that the tomb can be that of Sir
Thomas Berkeley. It is however not impossible that the
memorial may have been erected long after his death,
and in the style which then prevailed. Moreover,
Sir Thomas Berkeley died early in life as will hereafter
appear, and this is evidently the figure of a young man.
That the male figure refers to a Berkeley is undoubted,
as the head rests upon a tilting helmet which is sur-
mounted by a mitre. The mitre was the crest of the
Berkeleys, and was assumed by them in allusion to
their extensive Church patronage.
Mrs. Bagnall - Oakeley has recently given the
following interesting description of the effigy of the
Knight: — ^'It is an entire suit of plate armour without
any chain whatever. The jupon is discarded, and his
body is encased in a metal breast-plate and back-plate,
to which are attached several rows of overlapping plates
called a skirt of taces, to the lowest of which are
Sf. Mark\ or the Afayor^s Chapel. 167
buckled two short hinged plates called tuilles. He
wears the peculiarly-formed helmet known as a salade,
with a visor and mentoniere for covering the face, and a
peak at the back to protect the neck ; his throat is
covered by a gorget, and his shoulders by pauldrons,
which meet and partly cover the epaulieres, the coudes
are very large, and are rivetted to the brassarts. His
hands are encased in gauntlets of plate, not divided at
the fingers, and have pointed cufiFs. A diagonal belt
carries a large sword on the left side. The genouilli^res
or knee caps have rayed points. His head rests on a
mitre with infulae, and his feet upon a dog of peculiar
form. Round his neck is a collar of alternate suns and
roses, two of the many badges of the House of York,
of which Sir Thomas was a partizan. From this collar
hangs a plain locket."*
The dress of the female figure is remarkable for
its plainness and simplicity. The head-dress bears
some resemblance to that of a nun, as also does the
close-bodied gown with tight sleeves terminating at
the wrists. A cape or fichu falls over the shoulders,
and reaching below the middle is confined by a broad
belt round the waist. The gown, which is loose about
the lower part of the person, falls in graceful folds
over the feet, which rest upon the figures of two dogs.
The only ornament upon this efiigy is a necklace of
square open links, from the front of which a cross is
suspended. The head of the Lady is supported by angels.
The following particulars concerning this Sir
Thomas Berkeley and his Lady are given in Smyth's
Lives of the Berkeleys, and they serve to impart a
personal interest to this elaborate tomb : —
"Sir Thomas de Berkeley of Vley. — ^The 26th
* Thins. Brist. and Glos. Archl. Sac., Vol. XV., p. 98.
'
1 68 St. Mark'Sy or the Mayor^s ChapeL
May, in the 25th of his raigne, the kinge (Edward
III.) recites. That whereas hee had the 28th March,
in the 21st of his raigne, in consideration of the good
service of S'- Maurice Berkeley, who dyed at the
seidge of Callies, granted to Thomas, his sonne and
heire, then within age, his father^s lands, togeather
with his own marriage ; That now to doe him a further
pleasure, being to goe with him in his warres beyond
seas, and that he may decentius et poientius se parare^
more decently and powerfully provide himself, hee
grants unto him the lands that Margery, his mother,
lately deceased, held for her life; And at this time
was this Thomas but seaventeen years old and three
monthes.
The 1 2th of June, in the twenty-eighth yeare of
Edward the Third, this Thomas de Berkeley now
called of Vley, sonne of S'- Maurice de Berkeley, for
twenty marks, had a licence to purchase in fee the
manor and Advowson of Rockhampton of the said
S'- John Mautrevers, which was nowe re-granted to
the said S'* John Mautrevers and to the heires males
of his body, with a remainder to the heires of this
Thomas in fee; In the Issue of which Thomas it
continued till S'* Richard Berkeley in the 6th, 7th,
8th, 9th, and loth years of Queen Elizabeth severally
allyened the same to the particular farmers thereof;
and this yeare alsoe was the said Thomas Berkeley of
Vley knighted.
In July in the 29th of this Kange this S'-
Thomas de Berkeley goes beyond seas, with the
Prince of Wales into France; and haveing a little
before marryed Katharine sister and co-heire of John
Buttetort Esquier, sonne and heire of S'- John (who
as a peere of the realme and somoned to the Parlia-
St. Mark's, or the Mayor^s Chapel. 169
ments in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th yeares of
Edward the Second), settles his estate in the manors
of Kingrsweston, Aylberton, and others upon her for
her life ; and nowe went alsoe in company togeather
Maurice eldest sonne of Thomas lord Berkeley, his
cozen germaine, S'* Nicholas Berkeley of Dursley,
S'- Peter de Veell, sonne and heire of S'- Peter de
Veel of Tortworth, and divers other of those parts, as
after foUoweth. And before his return, was in the yeare
foUowinge at the wonderfuU battle of Poitiers, soe
incredibly celebrated in histories, wherein the English
had twice soe many prisoners as they were themselves,
whereof more is said hereafter in the life of the next
lord Thomas.
On the 8th of September, in the 33rd year
of his raigne, licence is granted to the said
S'- Thomas Berkeley of Vly to let his lands in
Brugham, Mersinden, and Hershill, in Scotland,
neere Berwike, which now lye waste and untilled, to
what persons hee would. And the kinge at his
request takes into his protection all such his tenants
and farmers, the better to encourage them to take
of him ; and this the rather because hee is nowe going
with us into France, saith the kinge in this record.
The 28th of October following, the kinge took
ship, and with this S'- Thomas de Berkeley of
Vley, went S'- Edward Berkeley, S'- Nich** Berkeley,
S'- Simon Basset of Vley, Maurice sonne of Maurice
Berkeley, grandchild of Thomas then Lord Berkeley,
S'- Peter de Veel, and others of that family and
neighbourhood; and the kinge returned the i8th of
May next after.
In the 35th of Edward the Third dyed the said
S'- Thomas de Berkeley of Vley, the fryday before
170 SL Mark* 5^ or the Maym^s Chapel.
Michmas day, then twenty - seaven years old ; and
held the manors of Kingesweston, Aylberton, Vley,
and Kingston Seimor, Joyntly with the said Katharine
his wife, who survived him, and the manors of Bright-
merston and Mildeston in the County of Somerset to
himself and his heires ; and the manors of Ruthnocke
and Stratfeild in Hampshire, leaving Maurice his
Sonne and heire, then three years old, whose wardship
for body and lands was for fowerscore marks granted
the 1 2th of November in the 37th of Edward the
Third by the kinge, to S'« John de Thorpe to whom
the said Katharine was re-marryed; and shee after
dyed in the nth of Richard the Second,"*
These brief particulars of Sir Thomas Berkeley
have more than a personal interest. They afford a
most striking picture of Mediaeval military life in the
days of Edward III. In a few words are recorded
the death of the Knight's father at the siege of
Calais, the paternal oversight of the orphan by the
King, the introduction of the young Knight to the
toils of the battlefield, the coming and going between
the home-land and the seat of war, the gathering
of the heads of great families about the person of
the King, the customary provision against the risks
of strife, the presence of the young Knight at the
ever memorable battle of Poitiers, his early death in
the midst of a brilliant career, his child in turn left
an orphan in infancy. These are the memories that
gather round this tomb, and they cast a singular
spell of reverence over the mind, as we realise the
history and biography of five hundred years ago thus
blended and commemorated.
A memorial stone once in the Chancel, seems to
* Smyth's Lives of the Berktieys^ Vol. I., pp. 256-7.
Sf. AfarJk\ or the Mayof^s Chapel. 171
have disappeared during the alterations of 1870, and
that the record of its being there may be preserved,
Barrett's account of it is here repeated. The inscription
ran, — "Here lieth the body of Robert Gorges who
departed this transitory life March i, 1619. Also Sir
Robert Gorges, Knight, and Elena his wife who died
5th November, 161 7." The historian adds, — "This is
of the family of Grorges of Wraxal, near Bristol,
where they had a seat and park. They bore anciently
for arms, a whirlpool, in allusion to the name, after-
wards cheeky or and azure. The present Lady Dowager
Bamfylde is the last of this family whose son Sir
Charles Bamfylde possesses the manor of Wraxal and
there resides in 1788. Ralph de Gorges by Edward ist
was summoned to parliament and was at the seige
of Karlaverock Castle in Scotland of whom one says
* There saw I Sir Ralph de Gorges, a new-dubbed
knight, more than once beaten down to the earth with
stones, but he was of so great a spirit as not easily to
desist ; all his harness and attire was mascled with
gold and azure.' "*
On the South side of the Chancel there are four
sedilia, with carved canopies. This arrangement appears
to be unusual, the number generally being three. The
number four in this case may have some reference to the
original constitution of the Gaunts' House, which pro-
vided for a Master and three Chaplains. To the left of
the sedilia is a niche containing an octagonal piscina,
with carved basin and a narrow stone shelf at the back.
Corresponding with this and on the right of the sedilia
is another niche, the lower part of which seems to have
undergone alteration.
The Coloured Glass in the East window appears
« ■» .
* Barrett, p. 351.
172 St. Mark's^ or the Mayor's ChapeL
to have been arranged as at present, in conjunction with
the extensive alterations to the Church made in 1820
and following years. The window presents a curious
medley of subjects, suggestive of the actual fact^ the
purchase of the glass at a sale, and there is considerable
difficulty in determining the meaning of some of the
panels in their present disconnected condition.*
Barrett has the following note with reference to the
appearance of the window in his time (1789), from which
it would seem that some of the glass which once orna-
mented the window has altogether disappeared, other
portions being removed to the second Nave window
where they still remain. *^ Behind the Altar is a lofty
window of painted glass^ which has been taken away
and plain glass fixed in its room. It represented in the
most beautiful colours Judas betraying our Saviour and
delivering him to the soldiers, the Scourging, the
Bearing of the Cross, Crucifixion, Taking down from the
Cross, and Ascension from the tomb. The figures were
large and in good drawing, above these in the upper
part of the window still remain painted in glass, the
arms or badge of the House, Robert de Goumey, and
the Berkeleys."t
Respecting the window as it now stands, Mr.
Winstone states that the centre figures, as well as most
of the specimens of Ctnque cento seem to be of Flemish
workmanship.}
First Light. — Under the cusping of the first
light (left hand) is a shield with the arms of Robert
de Goumey: Paly of six, or and azure. The lower
* This glass was purchased at a sale of the effects of Sir Paul Bagot of
Gloucestershire. Evans, p. 317.
t Barrett, p. 344, J Proceedings Brit, Arch, Inst,, 185 1, pp. 157-8.
St. MarKs^ or the Mayor's Chapel. 173
part of this division oi the window contains a richly-
robed, full-length figure of St. Thomas the Apostle,
with his emblem, the square rule.
Second Light. — In the upper part of the second
light are the Royal Arms of England, and underneath
is a panel by some supposed to represent the meeting
of Jacob and Esau with their numerous attendants.
It probably represents a secular historical scene. The
lettering " striphon " is on the skirt of the right hand
figure. At the bottom of this light is an interesting
specimen of a merchant's mark, and above this are
the arms of Hugh le Despencer the younger : — Per cross
argent and gules ^ on the second and third a fret or^ over
all, a bendlet sable*
TmRD AND Fourth Lights. — In the third and
fourth lights are companion figures of St. Katharine
and St. Barbara. The former wears the crown of
martyrdom, and her left hand holds a sword, the
pommel of which is ornamented with the fleur-de-lis.
At her feet is a broken wheel. The figure of St.
Barbara is even more beautifully executed. She
holds a palm branch in one hand, and an open book
in the other; and behind is her emblem, a tower.
Underneath the figure of St. Barbara is the shield
which was formerly placed in the upper part of the
window, containing the arms or badge of the Gaunts'
Hospital : Gu. three geese passant argent. This latter
is a very ancient piece of glass, it being quite honey-
combed with age. It is a pity it is not placed in a
* Hugh le Despencer, the younger, who was slaughtered with such shocking
barbarity at Hereford, 1326, married Eleanor, the eldest of the three
daughters of the last Gilbert de Clare, who was slain at Bannockbum in
1314.— Tmnj. Bris, and Glos. Arch, Soe,, Vol. IV., p. 237.
174 -S*/. Mark'Sy cr the Mayar^s Chapel.
more prominent position. In the upper tracery of the
third light the arms of de Goumey are repeated, and
under the cusping of the fourth light are the arms ol
Berkeley of Stoke.
Fifth Light.— In the fifth light are two panels,
the upper one representing St. Cuthbert of Durham
with the head of St. Oswald in his hands.
The lower panel of this light represents the
Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Sixth Light. — ^The sixth light contains the oldest
panel in the window. It is a curious piece of landscape
with the figure of St. Anthony dressed as a monk in
the foreground. In one hand is the crutch stafi^ and
firom his girdle depends a chaplet of amber beads.
Upon the exterior of this panel the names Newham
and Parsons have been roughly incised, with the date
1382. The upper panel in the same light represents
Joseph receiving the angel's message respecting Mary
(Mat. i., 20). Mary is in the foreground in the attitude
of devotion. Joseph's is a somewhat indistinct figure
on the right hand, reclining on a couch, under a kind
of balcony.
The tracery of this window is chiefly filled with
odd pieces of old glass, containing all sorts of devices.
From the character of some of these, it may be
inferred that they are parts of early windows destroyed.
In the principal lights are a few shields of arms that
have not been identified. They may or may not have
belonged originally to this window.
The North window of the Chancel contains the
Arms of the last series of Mayors of the City,
continued to the present time. The series commences
at the top of the right hand.
St. Mark's, or the Mayor's Chapel.
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176 St. Mark's^ or the Mayar^s Chapel.
Zbz Soutb H(»Ie Cbapcl:— a.®. 1510^
There is no specific date assignable as that of the
erection of this addition to the Church, no record of the
circumstance having been met with. The general style
of the windows would shew that it must have been
somewhat in advance of the Poyntz Chapel, but from
the similarity of details it would appear that the three
separate portions of the Church — ^the Chancel, the South
Aisle Chapel, and the Poyntz Chapel — must have been
nearly contemporaneous. As the intermediate addition,
15 10 may be safely gfiven as about the date of this
South Aisle Chapel, which was manifestly constructed
to fill the vacant space between the South Aisle and the
Tower. It is approached by a very fine Tudor arch.
On either side the three faces of the archway are
panelled, with slender shafts and caps between the
divisions. The present iron railing and gateway are of
modem erection. The roof is placed at a much lower
level than that of the adjoining South Aisle. Notwith-
standing it is so comparatively low, it is four feet above
the sills of the windows on the South side of the Nave,
and to that extent those windows had to be filled up to
accommodate this roof. The panelled divisions of the
roof are arranged lozengewise, and at the intersection
of the mouldings are gilt bosses. These are unusually
varied in character, and include the crown of thorns,
instruments ot the Passion, the rose, portcullis, various
monograms, shields, and other devices, all being
repeated at intervals. The Chapel is lighted by three
windows of four lights each, with tracery heads, but
owing to the nearness of the adjacent buildings the
light is generally dim, and the usual appearance of
the Chapel is decidedly weird. It is only when the
1 •
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THE SOUTH AISLE CHAPEL,
IN THE MAYOn'B CHAPEL BRIITOL-
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•Sy. Mar/fs^ &r the Mayofs Chapel. 177
afternoon sun shines through the West window of the
South Aisle, that it is seen to advantage.
On the South side are two niches between the
windows with handsome canopies. The canopies are
formed of three crocketed arches running up to the
cornice and crest. In the moulding of the cornice is
the Tudor rose with other ornaments. In the South-
East comer is a single sedile, rising from the ground
to a height of twelve feet. The front of the seat and
back of the niche are panelled. The interior of the
canopy is richly groined, and in this and other respects
the work is similar to that of the niches between the
windows, but on a larger scale. It is a piece of very fine
work deserving a place where it could be seen to more
advantage. To the right of this sedile is a broken
piscina. This is one of the rare instances in which
the piscina is placed to the West of the sedile,
instead of the usual position, to the East thereof. It
is easy to see that in this case the architecture of
the apartment required this departure fi^m custom.
The Eastern wall, now occupied by the Baynton
monument, was formerly the place of an altar.
In the North-East angle is a remarkable example
of the hagioscope or squint, the purpose of which in
our ancient churches has been so much discussed.
The explanation that it was to enable persons, for
some reason excluded from the Church proper, to
obtain a view of the High Altar, might in this case
be considered appropriate.* Doubtless in connection
with the benevolent activities of the Gaunts' Hospital
people of all sorts would resort to the building ; and
inasmuch as there was at one time an entrance to
the South Aisle at the South- West comer, outsiders
could enter there and pass into this inner Chapel
N
178 St. Marks J or the Muyar'^s Chapel.
without going into the Nave at all. This hagfioscope
is figured in Parker's Glossary of Architecture, p. 254.
Such openings are not often ornamented or glazed,
and this example is interesting on account of both
those peculiarities. The leading of the quarry glass
is certainly ancient, and in the centre is a medallion
of early painted glass. It represents the head and
shoulders of a knight protected by a cape of mail and
helmet. This has been erroneously supposed by some
persons to represent Maurice de Gaunt.
There was formerly a doorway leading into the
Nave on the North side of this Chapel. It was in
existence in Barrett's time, and its position is shown
by the recess in which the tablet to the memory of
Thomas Clark is placed.
Monuments. — ^Apart from its architecture, much
interest attaches to this side Chapel on account of the
many memorials of the dead which have been placed
within it. Of these the most striking are the effigies
of Maurice de Gaunt and Robert de Gourney, the
joint-founders of the Gaunts' Hospital (see page 5),
which are placed side by side on the floor of the
Chapel. The following carved inscription was at
a modern date added to the effigy of Maurice de
Gaunt : —
"Aauritlud . de . (3attnt . bujud . loci . fundator . 0Mft .
The effigy of Robert de Gourney is without any
similar inscription. On the inner side of each, however,
there are the remains of painted inscriptions. That
on the effigy of Maurice de Gaunt was the same as
was afterwards carved on the opposite side. That
on the companion effigy ran thus : — ROBERTUS D£
Gourney, etc. (remainder indistinct). These painted
«>
Sf. Mark's, of the Mayo/s Chapel. 179
inscriptions existed ho doubt at the time when,
according to Dallaway, the effigies occupied their
.former positions in the Chancel.* (See page 77.)
Colonel Bramble has given the following descrip-
tion of these early and interesting effigies, which are
figured in Skeltoris Antiquities, Plate 10 : —
"Maurice de Gaunt is represented in a hauberk,
with sleeves covering the arms and hands, and coif
covering the head, all in one continuous piece, and
chausses covering the legs, the whole being of linked
mail. There is no admixture of plate whatever. The
figure wears a long flowing surcoat, open nearly to
the waist, where it is secured by a broad belt, from
which depends diagonally by two straps a broad
heavy sword, with cross hilt, the arms of the guard
being slightly curved — as is not unusual with early
effigies — towards the point of the sword. The figure
is represented as cross-legged, and as holding the
scabbard in his left hand while he sheathes his sword
with his right. He does not carry a shield. On
the heels are plain prick spurs, i>., spurs ending in
a single point instead of a rowel.
The effigy of Robert de Groumey is very similar
to the former, but the sword and belts are much
lighter, and the coif is noc continuous with the
hauberk, but is in the form of a flat circular cap or
coif, laced to the hauberk above the ears. On the
left arm is a kite-shaped shield, but with the top
straight. The hands are crossed, not folded, over the
heart." f
Against the North wall are two lofty monuments of
classical design, with effigies in the armour of a late
* Trans, Archl, Inst., 1851, p. 172.
. r Frocadinp Clifton AntifuarioH CM, YoU I.» p. 42*
i8o St Mark's^ or the Mayof^s Chapel.
period. It is worthy of note that in this side Chapel
there are illustrations of both the earliest, and almost
the latest forms of defensive armour, and one cannot
help contrasting the restful dignity of the 13th century
effigies of Maurice de Gaunt and Robert de Groumey in
their complete suits of mail, with the stiffness and
cumbrousness of the two figures now referred to, nearly
four hundred years later.
The first of these, in the Jacobean style, is that
of George Upton, Esquire, and is of the year 1608.
The effigy is extended on the right side, the head
resting on the right hand and the elbow on a
cushion. The left hand is placed on the hip.
The plate armour is in this case associated with a
ruff collar, pleated skirt, and square-toed boots. The
effigy and monument have been profusely coloured and
gilded, only the faded remains of which are now seen.
The following is the epitaph now also much faded : —
" Memorice cet/erfue viri opttmi et ornattssimi Georgit
Upton Armigeri qui cum 55 Annos bene vixisset^ placide
ohdormivit Januarti 25 natali suo A,D. 1608.
Quce lux prima tulit te^ te abstulit^ ergo superstes
Cum nequeas vita vivere vive neci:
Integra vitafuit^ pia mors^ mens dedita Christo^
Hcec facient tumulo te superesse tuo.
Lugem posuit Edwardus Bisse."
Translation.
"To the undying memory of George Upton, Esquire,
an excellent and cultivated man ; after a well-spent life
of 55 years he quietly fell asleep January 25th (his own
birthday), A.D. 1608.
The day which first brought thee forth, the same
also took thee away ; wherefore though thou art unable
to live on earth, yet thou shalt survive in heaven. His
•S7. Mark 5^ or the Mayot^s Chapel. i8i
life was without blemish, his death was peaceful, his
affections were fixed on Christ. These things will cause
his memory to reach beyond his tomb.
In sorrow Edward Bisse erected this."
The second of these two monuments is of the year
1635. It was erected to the memory of Margaret
Throkmorton, wife of Sir Baynham Throkmorton.
They are both represented in effigy, and also an
infant child, who, from the epitaph, seems to have
lo^t its mother in infancy. Sir Baynham presents a
fine military appearance, with his head uncovered and
with flowing hair. He wears a wide lace collar over
his shoulders. The narrow taslets cover the front of
the skirt and wide breeches, and reach down to the
knee -plates. The boots are very wide -toed. The
figure of the lady is resting on the right side, and
is richly dressed in the costume of the period. With
one hand she grasps the hand of Sir Baynham, and
with the other holds the infant, who is most quaintly
dressed. This was a most costly monument, being
constructed entirely of coloured marbles. It has,
however, been sadly mutilated and neglected, and the
following curious epitaph is now scarcely legible : —
" Dedicated to the never dying memory of the Lady
Margaret Throkmorton^ the late wife of Sir Baytiham
Throkmorton^ of Clawerwall^ in the County of GUmc.y
Baronety and youngest daughter of Mr. Robert Hopton^
of that ancient and roorihie family of the Hoptons of
Witham^ in the County of Somerset, Esquire^ who lifted
up her soule to God upon the i8th day of August in
the year of our Lord 1635 and of her age above 25.
A predons Femme, a Margarite, was lent
To crowne Throkmorton with a rich content ;
Contented he his Margarite did set
In*s faithfoU breast his choisest cabanet.
i82 St MarKs^ or the Mayor* s ChapeL
She wished no better till her lustre drew
The King of Heaven to like her gradons hoe.
Who, deeming it unfit a snbject should
Longer enjoy a femme of that rich mould,
Tooke back his loane, and fixing her above,
Left to Throkmorton thu sole pledge of love.
Mors rapaXf uma capax^ sed spes Unax**
On the floor of the Chapel, in front of the monu-
ment is a flat stone, with the first part of the same
inscription thereon.
The family of this Sir Ba}mham Throkmorton
was connected by marriage with that of Sir Richard
Berkeley, whose monument at the West entrance has
been already described (see page 146).
The exact relationship is given in the following
notes from Smyth: —
^* The said Elizabeth daughter of Sir Richard
Berkeley formerly mentioned to be maryed to Sir
Thomas Throkmorton of Tortworth, Knight, have
issue Sir William Throkmorton, created Baronet
(161 1), Margaret, Mary, and Elizabeth.
The said Sir William Throkmorton by Cicely his
first wife, daughter and co-heire of Thomas Bainham
of Clowerwall (now known as Clearwell), Esq., hath
issue Baynham Throkmorton and many others."*
That is, Sir Baynham llirokmorton's grandfather
married Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Sir Richard
Berkeley.
This Sir Baynham succeeded his father in 1628,
when he was aged 22 years. He married, as is stated
on the inscription, Margaret, daughter of Robert
Hoplon, and sister and one of the co*heirs of the famous
Sir Ralph Hopton, created Lord Hopton of Stratton
in 1643, ob. s.p. Sir Baynham died at Westminster,
* Smyth's Lives of thi BerkOtys^ Vol. II., p. 181.
St. Marffsy or the Mayai^s Chapel. 183
on 28th May, 1664, and was buried in St. Margaret's
Church the following day. He survived his wife
nearly 29 years, afid, probably, in his lifetime erected
this superb monument to her memory and his own,
intending to be buried here with her, but the fates
disposed otherwise. There Is a monumental inscription
to him in the Church of Newland.*
In the North - East comer of the Chapel is a
monument to the memory of several members of the
Aldworth family, named respectively Thomas, John,
and Francis. The Aldworths were famous in this
City for their enterprising character and high station.
In this monument the Gothic re-appears, but with its
latest and poorest characteristics. It has octagonal
columns, cusping in the panels, and Tudor ornaments
above the cornice. There are two kneeling figures,
father and son, the elder in alderman's robes, with
the ample rufif collar, tight-fitting jacket with slashed
sleeves, and trunk hose of the period ; the younger with
a loose cape over similar garments. The monument
has been robbed of its metal shields and other
ornaments, and only partially repaired. Barrett statesf
there was the following epitaph "on a table": —
" Thomas Aldworth obiit Februarii 2sth, Anno 1598."
This no longer appears, and with it have also gone
the following lines, which no doubt disappeared when
the monument was removed from the right hand of
the Altar, where it formerly stood : —
** Bristolim quondam qui mercatoris in urbe
Munere functus eras^ bis quoque prtEtor eras^
H<BC cineris Aldworthi tuos tenet urna^ sed omnis
Virtutis meritis arctior urna tuis, &c."
* Trans. Bris. and Glas, ArcM. See., Vol. XV., p. 83.
- t%n»U, PP..550, 351. .
184 Sf. Mark's, or the Mayor^s Chapel.
Under the kneeling figures the following inscription
still remains : —
^^Hicjacent Johannes Aldworth, civis, mercator, hujus
civitatis vtcecomes, hujusque orphanotrophii quondam
thesaurarius^ qui obiit 18 Decembris 161 5 mtaiis su(b
51; et Franciscus filius ejus optinue spei juvenis qui
5 Septem. 1623 obiii, cRtatis suce 24. Terram cum ccelo
commutamt plactdi in Domino requiem.
En pater et natus iumulo conduniur eodem
Ille rei mulke, sic fuit ille spei :
Ille probus prudens, pietatis cultor et aqui.
Qui norit lector, crederet, iste foret,
Ille vue medium cum vicerii, iste sed oram.
Cum Christo regnant sauviter in patrice'*
Translation : —
"Here lie John Aldworth, burgess, merchant,
Sheriff and formerly treasurer of the orphanage of
this City, who died 18 Dec. 1615 in the 51st year of
his age: and Francis his son, a youth of brightest
promise, who died 5 Sept. 1623 in his 24th year.
Quietly sleeping in the Lord earth is changed for heaven.
So, father and son are hidden in the same tomb ;
the one wise, honourable, of unobtrusive piety, of as
much action as the other of hope: What the reader
believes, let him know must be so; the one having
reached the middle of life, the other the verge, both
reign sweetly with Christ in Paradise."
Thomas Aldworth was Mayor in 1582, and on the
front of the pommel of one of the state swords, known
as " the Lent sword," the following legend is engraved,
with the date 1583 : —
" This sworde we did repaier,
Thomas Aldworth beinge maior."
St. Mark's^ or the Mayors Chapel. 185
This Thomas Aldworth is said to have taken the
lead with the Bristol merchants in fitting out an
expedition for the discovery of the coast of America
S.W. of Cape Breton. It was proposed to raise for
the purpose 1,000 marks, and furnish two ships, one
of sixty and the other of forty tons, for the purpose.*
With such modest resources were the great enterprises
of former days accomplished !
John Aldworth was one of the benefactors of Queen
Elizabeth's Hospital. He gave £10 in 1598. He is
described as '' Merchant and Sheriff of this City, and
sometime treasurer of the Orphan Asylum.**
At the East end of the Chapel is a pretentious
monument commemorating Maria Baynton, which
fills the greater part of the wall-space there, in the
position once occupied by the Altar of the Chapel.
Seyer speaks of this monument, in some MS. notes, as
"fiightfully fine." It is said to have been the work of
the father of CoUey Cibber.f Under a heavy canopy it
represents a lady kneeling on a cushion, and on either
hand a man, probably the lady's sons, also kneeling,
and drawing aside a curtain as if to reveal the centre
figure. Barrett, who must be again referred to, des-
cribes the monument as being ''in the West Aisle,
next the pulpit ; " that is, as we should now say, '' in
the Nave." It was probably removed when the plaster
canopies and stalls were erected in 1820. On a tablet
underneath is the following lengfthy epitaph, which is
only interesting as illustrating the taste of the age,
and as shewing how far fulsomeness and sentimentality
can be carried : —
*' Mem. sacra hu siia sunt ossa omatissimce FcsmifUB^
Damifue MaruB Dom. Edoardi Bdyntan^ nuper de Bramham
* Barrett, p. 686. t fevans, p. 224.
1 86 St. Mark\ or the Mayof^t Chapel.
tn Comttatu WiUonuB Reltcta^ FiBmtna fuit ad' anti-
quum morem Compasita^ Illibata Vita, pietate, Forma et
amnt Laude maternali Virtuie MiUiebri amab Qua
postquam vitam nimis eheu brevem nee a molestiis peniius
liberam, piam tamen pudicam castam, generosam hospitali"
tote charitate, aliisque quam plurimis tfirtutibus excultam
amnibuSy etidm egenis, caram egisset; eam cum ingenti
omnium utriusque ; sextis, quibus aut fama, aut facie
nota fuity luctu ac dolor e reliquit, pro fmliciori commutaoit,
et Chris to placide obdormivit cetatis sua, Anno quadra-
gessimo secundo et Domini servatoris m.d.c.lxyii. Sordes
Terra tenet, tenet Ingens spiritus aethrd. Huic ejus
filii dom. Robertus et dom. Nicolaus, quos utero conjugali
fructifero peperit hoc marentes posuere monumentum."
Translation.
^'Sacred to the memory of an illustrious woman
(whose remains lie here). Lady Maria, relict of Lord
Edward Baynton, lately of Bromham, in the County
of Wiltshire. She was a lady of the olden style,
of unblemished life, adorned with piety, beauty, and
with every maternal grace and female excellence.
In her mode of life (though, alas ! her stay here
was too brief and by no means free from troubles)
she was frank, religious, trusty, modest, chaste,
eminent for hospitalities and affections and ennobled
by well nigh every virtue; all men and especially the
poor were the objects of her regard. Her removal from
this life occasioned great grief and sadness to all of
either sex to whom she was known, either by report
or by sight. She changed this for a happier scene,
and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus in the 42nd year of
her age in the year 1667. The earth holds her dust,
her spirit has passed to heaven. Her sons Robert and
Nicholas have here sorrowfrilly placed this monument/'
St. Mark% or the Mayor's Chapel.
rt7
There is a small mural monument to Elizabeth
James, wife of "Fravncis James, doctor of the Civill
Lawe," who died ist May, 1590, and another, much
decayed, to William Swift, who died 1623.
Painted Glass. — In the windows will be found
a series of 24 German medallions noticeable for the
extremely minute and finished character of the work.
Some are executed in monochrome, and others are
varied in the colouring. It is somewhat remarkable
that Mr. Winstone, in speaking of the glass in the
Mayor's Chapel, makes no mention of these rare
medallions. The subjects are partly scriptural and
partly monastic, and in some instances it is not easy
to determine what is intended to be represented.
The following numbered plan will be of assistance in
identifying the subjects : —
LEFT-HAND WINDOW.
I.
3.
5.
1
7.
St. John the
St. Michael.
St. Ma&gaeet.
St. Mary
EVANOSLIST.
(hatid
Magdalene.
MDLXXXI.)
.
1
1
1
2.
4-
6.
8.
Probably thr
SS. Adrian
St. Maurice.
Jonah cast on
Labobato&y of
AND Natalia.
SHORE.
AN Alchtmist.
1 ., —
• i -■ V
i88
St. Mark's, or the Mayor's ChapeL
MIDDLE
WINDOW.
9.
II.
13-
IS-
The
SS. Patsjck
<<Maeia, Jesus,
St. John the
C&UCIFIXION.
AND GSETRUDS.
JOSSFH,
ANNO i66e."
Baptist.
10.
12.
14.
16.
Thb
St. Anne,
The BAPnsii
The Maoi
Ascension.
ViEoiN Mary,
OF Jesus.
PKEPAEINO FOE
AMD
THBIE JOUBNET.
Infant Jesus.
RIGHT-HAND WINDOW.
17.
19.
21.
«3.
Anna and
St. Git.rs,
A SYMBOLICAL
Lot visited
TOBIT.
Patron Saint
FIGURE.
by Angels.
TOBIT v., 16. 17.
OF Cripples.
18.
20.
22.
24.
Maettedom of
Beheading of
St. Anthony,
Jesus in the
St. John the
St. John
OF Eoypi'.
Temple.
Evangelist.
THE Baptist.
ihc ..iiWYORK
PUBLIC LISflARY
ASTOR, LFNOX AND
TILD'.*| F0UN»ATI0N8.
Plate XVIII.
THE POYNTZ or JESUS CHAPEL,
IN THE mayor's chapel, briitol.
Sf. MarKSf or the Mayor's Chapel. 189
TCbe poi^nt3, or 3e0Ud Cbapel :—
aB. 1510^20.
The approximate date of the erection of the Po3mtz
Chapel is determined by the will of the founder, and
by an inscription on the painted glass in the centre
of the East window. This beautiful addition to the
Gaunts' Church was erected as a chantry by Sir
Robert Poyntz of Iron Acton, a famous man in the
reigns of Henry VII. and VIII. " He is mentioned
among the Knights Bachelors present at the tardy
coronation of Elizabeth of York in 1487. He accom-
panied the King in the expedition to Exeter against
Perkin Warbeck. Henry VII. dined with him at his
house at Iron Acton in i486. He was at a later date
appointed to take part in the reception of Catharine
of Arragon, and he was in attendance upon Henry
VIII. at the Field of the Cloth of Gold. His eldest
son Anthony succeeded to the Iron Acton estates, and
John, his second son, became lord of the manor of
Alderley in Gloucestershire."*
As would naturally be expected, the monumental
remains of the Poyntz family are chiefly found in Iron
Acton Church; but as the great families of Berkeley
and Po3mtz were connected by marriage in more ways
than one, there is a fitness in both being commemorated
under the roof of St. Mark's Chapel.
A former Robert Poyntz married Katharine,
daughter of Sir Thomas Fitz NichoU, who was a
descendant of Nicholaus> second son of the first
Robert Lord Berkeley. This Sir T. Fitz NichoU died
(141 8) without direct heirs, and his estates passed to
his two daughters, one of whom was the above-named
* Key. H. L. Thompson, JVans, BrisU and Glos, Arch. Sac,, VoL IV., p. 77.
igiO St. Mofk^s, or the Mayof^s Chapek
Katharine^ wife of Robert Poyntz. They passed
successively to Nicholas Poyntz their son, to Sir John
Poyntz, and to the Sir Robert Poyntz who founded this
Chantry in St. Mark's. His descendant, Sir Nicholas
Poyntz, married Joan, daughter of the fifth Thomas
Lord Berkeley.*
Sir Robert Poyntz died in 152O1 and was buried
in this Chantry, which he called the Chapel of Jesus.
At his death it appears to have been left in an
incomplete state, and in his will, dated Oct. 19, i520,t
he left elaborate directions for its completion, and the
maintenance of religious service within it. He directed
that he ''be buried in the Church of the Gaimts,
beside Bristol, in the Chapel of Jesus, which latter I
have caused to be new edified and made, of my cost and
charge, on the South side of the Chancel of the said
Church, and the overpart thereof, behind the presbytery
there The said new Chapel which I lately
edified is not in all things perfected and furnished yet
according to mine intent, that is to wit, in glazing of the
windows thereof, and making of two pews within the
said Chapel in the lower end of the same. Mine execu-
tors shall finish and perform all the same things being
yet undone, and also shall garnish the same Chapel
with certain images, and the Altar of the same with
Altar cloths, vestments, book and chalice, and with all
other things thereunto necessary. (After mentioning
certain manors] the Master of the House of the Gaunts
to take the issues of the same, to provide. an honest
and considerable priest, to sing mass at the Altar of the
said Chapel of Jesus the said priest to have
* Smyth's Lives of the Berkileys^ Vol. I., p. 49.
t The will has been printed by Sir John Maclean in hb Memoirs of th$
Famify of PoynU*
St. Marksy or the Mayo/s Chapel. 191
for his salary six pounds. A solemn obiil for my soul
to be kept in the said Church of the Gaunts on the day
of my departing ; in the evening ^Placebo' and * Dirige*
by note, and on the following day Mass of Requiem by
note. And four tapers of wax, every of them a pound
weight, be brenning upon my herse about the Crucifix
at all times during the said Dirige and Mass. And six
and eightpence Stirling to be distributed in alms to the
}>oor. The said priest shall always be tabled and lodged
within the same house of the Gaunts."*
The Chantry, for the completion of which the above
elaborate directions were given, seems from the terms
of the will to have taken the place of a former structure
on the same spot. This would be the obvious meaning
of the reference to the Chapel of Jesus, as one " which
I have caused to be new edified and made."
The Chantry or Chapel thus erected and endowed,
is a perfect gem of the late Perpendicular style. Its
ornamentation is rich without being overloaded, and
the most perfect symmetry is observable throughout the
apartment. Mr. Pearson endorses the opinion of Rick-
man, and speaks of it in his Report on the restoration
of St. Mark's as one of the most beautiful examples of
the work of the period that he ever remembers to have
seen. It was extensively repaired during 1820-30, but
nothing more than cleansing was attempted during the
recent restoration of other parts of the structure.
The Chapel is entered by a panelled doorway, the
sides of which are splayed. The fan-traceried roof is
arranged in two main divisions, and in the centre of
each is a boss in the form of a carved shield of arms.
That to the East contains the arms of Henry VIII.
* Rev. H. L. Tliompson, Tram. Brist, and Gloue. Archl. Sac., VoL IV., p. 7^.
192 Si. Mark'Sf or the Mayor^s Chapel.
and Catharine of Arragon, and that to the West,
those of Sir Robert Poyntz and his wife Margaret
Woodville, daughter of Anthony, Earl Rivers. The
latter exhibits exactly the same arms as are shewn
on the painted panel, on the Eastern side of the
South Aisle archway. Eight exquisitely - finished
canopied niches are ranged around the walls, those
at the Western end of the apartment being placed
in pairs. On the North side are two stone cupboards
or recesses, the construction of which was referred
to at page 96. In the spandrels on both sides of
the entrance doorway, and in various places in the
apartment, will be observed the carved rebus of the
founder — a clenched fist (Poing). The Altar floor is
raised one step, and the cresting of the Altar-screen
still remains. The fire-place is modern. In the South
wall are the remains of a piscina. This, probably the
latest constructed, makes the seventh piscina still to be
found in various parts of the building, only one of which
has been preserved from injury, that in the Chancel.
The floor of the Poyntz Chapel is laid with a
mosaic of Spanish enamelled tiles (azuleids), said to
be similar to those in the Alcazar at Seville, and of
the time of Charles V. They are supposed to have
been imported by some Bristol merchant who at the
time traded with Spain. Another suggestion is that
as Sir Francis Poyntz, 3rd son of Sir Robert, was
agent to Spain in 1527, perhaps the Spanish tiles
were brought over by him to decorate the Chapel
where his parents were buried. These tiles are inter-
mixed with a few of armorial character, and others
with conventional patterns. Among the devices of
armorial character will be found those of the Berkeley
and de Clare families. This flooring of tiles is regarded
St. Mark's, or the Mayor^s Chapel. 193
with great interest, and is thus referred to in Parker's
Glossary: — "In the vestry of the Mayor's Chapel at
Bristol, there are very splendid tiles, enamelled with
patterns in various colours; these are of the latter
part of the 15th Century."*
The Poyntz Chapel was for a long period used
as the Vestry of the Church, there being no other
apartment available. This naturally led to the floor
being much worn. The erection of the new Chaplain's
Vestry, adjoining the North Transept, will obviate
any further injury from this cause.
In this Chapel are kept the wall paintings, and
the collection of tiles which came to light during the
restoration, as explained at pages 117 and 126.
The Coloured Glass. — In the centre of the
East window what appears to be the original glass
remains. This consists of two panels with the
most richly robed and jewelled figures. The upper
panel contaiiis a male and female figure, the former,
according to the lettering around the head, being
'^Sanctus Castor." He holds a sword in the right
hand and two arrows in the left. The other figure is
named in the same way, " S. Castrina." The left hand
of the latter figure rests upon the hilt of a sword, on
the blade of which is the word ^'Enorma." In her
right hand she holds a palm branch.
The name Castor is common to several indi-
viduals mentioned in Monastic Biographies ; for instance,
in Smith and Wace's Dictionary of Christian Biographies
five are named. One of these was a Bishop and
Confessor. He is stated to have been bom at Nismes,
and to have founded a monastery between the years
419 and 426. Another of the same name is referred
* Gloaary of Architicturi^ Part I., p. 21 2.
194 ^f* MarKs^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
to by the above authorities, and is also noticed in
Baring-Grould's Lives of the Saints. He was ordained
first Deacon and then Priest by S. Maximinus,
second Bishop of Treves. He was appointed to
preach the Grospel at Caerden on the Moselle, where
there is a Church founded by him.
The former of these two is probably the Sanctus
Castor commemorated in this window.
With regard to the companion figure, S. Castrina,
one is left entirely to conjecture. In the absence
of definite information respecting her, it has been
suggested that she was some erring one, who was
rescued firom a sinful life by the above-mentioned
Bishop and Confessor, and after taking his name in
baptism, by her virtues and good works rendered
herself fit company for the community of the Saints.
The presence of the sword upon which she leans would
intimate that she suffered martyrdom by decapitation.
The inscription '^Enorma" would then refer to the
burden of sin ft'om which she had been delivered.
The lower panel contains two figures, also richly
robed and jewelled. That on the left is named ^'S.
Nicolaus Episcopus." That on the right is an unnamed
Bishop, with his head uncovered, kneeling before the
Saint. His hands are closed in supplication. An
open book is before him. St. Nicholas was the patron
saint of the Berkeley family, and his name was
firequently assumed by members thereof. At the
bottom of this panel is an inscription which seems
to refer to the dedication of the Chapel in 1537,
when, probably, the structtu'e was completed in
accordance with the terms of the will of Sir Robert
Poyntz. This date, supposing it to indicate the com-
pletion of the Chantry, invests it with additional
St. Afark'Sf or the Mayor's Chapel. 195
interest, showing what an exceedingly late specimen
of Gothic architecture it is, and how near to the date
of its completion came the dissolution of the Gaunts'
House.
The painted glass in the other lights, consisting
of figures of St. Mark and St. Peter, is modem,
and from its inferiority forms a striking contrast to
the panels described above
ZTlK Dew flortb ^Transept, IDestn?, anb
Cloi0ter«
The reconstruction of these portions of the now
completed building has been fully referred to in
connection with the restoration of the Chapel at pages
128-9. Fo^ more than two hundred and fifty years
the Church remained in its incomplete condition, with
part of its actual site occupied by school buildings,
and the work that has now been carried out is one of
the many illustrations of the reverent spirit in which
the men of the present day have sought to rectify
the mistakes of their predecessors. The mutilated
piscina, the half-destroyed capitals, and the broken
string-course will always remain evidences of the
violence that was wrought when the ancient Transept
was destroyed and the beautiful arch built up. It
only remains to add some particulars of the stained
glass window which has been inserted in the newly
erected Transept. This was the gift of Alderman
Sir Charles Wathen, to commemorate the Restoration
during his Mayoralty. A brass tablet with the
following inscription, which has been fixed beneath
it, epitomises in a permanent form the different works
then accomplished, and is intended to be an historic
record of the event.
196 St. Marks^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
"to commemorate the restoration of this
Church commenced in August, 1888, and
FINISHED IN September, 1889, the above
window was given by alderman sir
Charles Wathen, in his fifth tear of
OFFICE AS Mayor of Bristol. The new
Western Doorway was then inserted,
the North Transept and Cloister were
rebuilt with the addition of a Vestry,
AND THE Nave and Chancel were re-
instated. The Church was also entirely
refitted, and a new Organ erected."
On account of the special reference of the window
to the Evangelist to whom the Church was dedicated
at its founding, the following particulars of the design
of the window will not be out of place.
It is seen by the Charter of Robert de Goumey
that the building was originally dedicated to St. Mark,
and that relationship is now illustrated by the subject
of the stained glass as '' a St. Mark window.'' In this
way the earliest and latest stages in the long and
eventful history of this Church are brought into close
accord, and in a sense it may be said that the story
of the Chapel ends where it began, at least it is so
as regards the honour done to the Patron Saint of
the Church ; first in its original dedication, and now
in the erection of this window. A glance will shew
that in every part the window has some bearing upon
the life, work, and associations of St. Mark. In the
upper tracery is the descending Dove of inspiration
surrounded by adoring angels, and in the adjoining
spandrels are the emblems of the Cross and Crown.
The quatrefoils of the sub-arches contain large
medallions with half-length figures of the four prophets
St. Mark's^ or the Mayar^s Chapel. 197
who immediately preceded the gospel dispensation.
On the one side are Isaiah and Jeremiah, and on the
other Ezekiel and Daniel, each with his name on a
broad scroll. Tn the four lights below are full-length
figures of the four evangelists, with the symbols
appropriated to each worked in the trefoil heads, the
angel for St. Matthew, the lion for St. Mark, the ox
for St. Luke, and the eagle for St. John. The spaces
between the symbols and figures are filled with
beautifully designed canopies. The figures are richly
robed, and each holds in one hand the pen, and in
the other the record which mark his evangelistic office.
In the four panels beneath these figures, are four
gfroups in which St. Mark is seen in association with
the missionary apostles. The first represents him
sitting at the feet of Peter, who is preaching to an
attentive group of listeners ; and from whose lips the
evangelist received orally the gospel incidents which
afterwards assumed the narrative form bearing St.
Mark's name. In the second panel, St. Mark is
represented as acting upon the invitation of his uncle
St. Barnabas, to accompany him in one of his journeys,
as recorded in Acts xv., 39. The third scene shews
St. Mark in his subsequent association with St. Paul,
when the latter was imprisoned at Rome (Col. iv., 10, 1 1).
The fourth and last scene is that of the traditional
martyrdom of St. Mark at Alexandria as recorded in
Butler's Lives of the Fathers and Martyrs^ Vol. I.,
p. 517. These four pictures really comprise all that
is known of the evangelist to whom the Church of
the Gaunts was dedicated in the first half of the 13th
century.
In the new Vestry are placed the shields of arms
which formerly ornamented the stalls on the South
198 St, Mark's^ or the Mayor* 5 Chapel.
side of the Nave. They are the arms of the following
Bristol worthies : —
Simon 2)e J9utton»
Mayor 1294, 1295, 1296, 1304, 1305. Founder of St. Maiy ReddiiF
Charch 1294.
XQItllfam Cancngeet
Mayor 1373, 1374. I376, 1382, 1386, 1390. Said to have partly rebuilt
St. Mary Reddiff Church.
Tmalter f rampton,
The first of the name died 1357. The second of the name was
Mayor 1358, 1366, 1375. Rebuilt St. John's Church, Broad Street,
about 1389.
TRnaltet Darbec (S>erbs),
Mayor 1364, 1368, 1377, 1381, 1385.
5obn J9ar0taple,
Mayor 1396, 1402, 1406. Founder of Trinity Hospital.
5obn SbfpwarD,
Mayor 1445, 1456, 1464, 1470, 1478. Founder of St. Stephen's Tower.
Robert tTborne,
Founder of the Grammar School 1552.
5obn (Carr.
For particulars, see page 143.
5obn TIQlbitdOii,
For particulars, see page 143.
5obn Satlier.
For particulars, see page 143.
}S>c. TEbomae TRIlbite.
Founder of Dr. White's Almshouses, &c., 1 6 13.
5ame0 (Bollop.
In the Cloister or Corridor are placed a number of
hatchments with funereal mottoes, which were formerly
suspended in difiFerent parts of the Chapel. They refer
to some who in more recent times were interred within
the building.
Wat new furniture, fittfnoff, an^ ®rgan.
As a supplement to the foregoing description ot
the Chapel, a brief account of the new furniture, fittings,
and organ i3 added.
St. Mark^s^ or the Mayor* s Chapel. 199
The whole of the wood-work introduced is of teak,
and though different portions of it have been designed
and executed by different men, care has been taken to
produce an harmonious whole. There is variety of
treatment, but the wood-work throughout is in the style
of the late Gothic.
The Stalls. — ^Before the recent alterations, the
seats in the Nave were arranged on a plan which had
no consistency. On the South side they were placed
longitudinally, and on the North side they were put
transversely. They are now all placed facing the East.
The plain and substantial stalls suit the character of
the building. They are placed in rows of four, on each
side of the Nave floor. The Corporation consisting of
sixty-four members, the full number of stalls is pro-
vided, and in addition there are the special stalls for the
Mayor and High Sheriff. These are distinguished by
the introduction of rich carving in the panels, carved
poppies at the ends, and heraldic supporters on either
arm. The seats at the side of those for the Mayor
and High Sheriff are occupied on state occasions
by the City officials.
The Altar Table, — ^The sides of the new Altar
Table are divided into three open panels by miniature
buttresses ornamented by sunk panels and terminating
with crockets. In each panel is open tracery having
ogee arched heads cinquefoiled and crocketed on
the upper side, each cinquefoil is again trefoiled and
the cusps terminated with carved foliage. In the
spandrels of the centre tracery are quatrefoils with
shields bearing the letters I.H.S. The spandrels of
the side panel tracery are pierced in smaller panels
divided by slender mullions. The two ends of the
table have similar panels but with tracery of different
200 St. Mark's^ or the Mayor's Chapel.
design. Above and below the tracery running all
round the table between the buttresses, is a band of
small panels pierced with quatrefoils and having
shields bearing symbolic emblems. The table-top is
supported by a cornice running all round it, which
is richly carved with the grape vine and foliage, and
on the two sides and the four corners are heads of
angels supporting the top on their wings.
The Chanxel Stalls are richly carved, especially
the front panels on either side. They are arranged in
a manner suitable for the clergy and choir and are one
step above the level of the Nave. Upon this step a
low screen, or rather the lower part of a screen,
has been erected, against the North end of which
the new pulpit occupies the old position. The
pulpit, also of teak, is elaborately carved, and is
in perfect keeping with its surroundings.
The Communion Rau. is of polished brass. It
is supported by four ornamental standards, and has
a telescopic opening in the centre.
The New Lectern was presented by the High
Sheriff of the year in which the Church was re-opened.
It is a very fine work of art, rich in all the
ornamentation peculiar to the Fifteenth Century. Its
octagonal base is supported by four large claws.
The pillar is very massive and is surmounted by a
desk with very beautiful wrought open work with
scrolls and quatrefoils. On the base is engraved the
following inscription : — "PRESENTED BY James Henry
LocKLEY, High Sheriff of Bristol, 1890."
Gas was not introduced into the building until
the recent restoration. The Nave and Chancel are
now lighted by two rows of pendant coronse. The
South Aisle and North Transept are lighted in a
St. Marks^ or the Mayor^s Chapel.
20I
similar manner, and at the East end are two finely
wrought brass standards with pyramidal groups of
candle sockets.
The New Organ occupies the same position as
the former one, but the ugly gallery which formerly
stood out, and interfered with the lines of the arch,
has been dispensed with. A pedestal with key board
has been brought down to the floor level, and the
organist's seat is immediately behind the choir stalls.
The fix>ntage is of teak wood with light tracery
carving, and corresponds both in material and design
with the other fittings of the Church. The front
pipes are coloured a neutral tint, and lightly relieved
with gold ornament in character. It is a most
tasteful and suitable instrument, of which the follow-
ing is a synopsis: —
GXXAT Okoan.
I. Doable Diaptaon i6 ft. 56 Pipes
s. Open Diapason 8 „ 56
3. Horn Diapason 8 „ 56
4. Stopped Diapason 8 „ 56
5. Duldana 8 „ 56
6.Flnte 4 „ 56
7. Principal 4 „ 56
8. Twelfth >}>» 5^
9. Fifteenth % „ 56
icTnimpet 8 ,, 56 „
SWXLL O&OAN.
>»
>f
t>
It
f»
ft
»»
»f
Pbdalb CCC to F.
It. Open Diapason 16 ft. 30 Pipes
S3. Bourdon 16 „ 30
14. ViolonceUo
8 „ 30
99
II
ii.LiebIichBoiu:doni6ft. 56 Pipes
13. Open Diapason
8.. 56 „
1 3. Stopped Diapason 8 „ 56 , ,
14. Saldonal
8>, 44 II
15. Voiz Celestes
8>i 44 II
16. Gehmshom
4 If 56 ,1
17. Flute
4*1 56 M
18. Fifteenth
«» 56 „
19. Mixture (various)
168 „
so. Cornopean
8.» 56 ,1
21. Oboe
8.» 56 „
COUPLBXS AND ACCXSSOUBS.
Swell to Great.
SweU to Pedal.
Great to Pedal
A Pedal taking in and out Grreat to Pedal.
Three Combination Pedals to Great.
Three Combination Pedals to Swell.
202 St, MarKSy or the Mayor^s Chapel.
In old times the City Fathers used to carry out
their public efforts, as they quaintly said, ''for the
grandeur of the City/' It was in some such fine
spirit of patriotism that the recent work of restoring
and re-fitting St. Mark's Chapel was undertaken
and carried through; but in this case, what is even
more important, it has also been done ''for the
honour and glory of God."
INDEX.
INDEX.
•
PAGE
ABOLITION of City Tolls
57
Acreage of the Gmants' Estotes (Note)
5*
Adddley, George, TaUet of
151
Adveat Season, Ancient Observance of . .
lOS
„ Sunday, Modem Observance of . .
103
Afteraoon Lecture, Established . •
75
„ „ Disconthraed . •
76
„ Service Recommenced
lOI
Aldworth, Francis, Monument of
183
„ John, „ .. .
183
183
Allayn, Walter, Deed of
17
Alms, IK^thdrawal of ..
.. 36,37
Altar-Piece, Pahited
100
95
ft 11 Description of
164
„ „ Niches in . . . .
163
„ „ Style of • •
139
i» ft Uncovered
99
„ Table, New
199
Alterations Commenced on the Gaunts* Site
60
„ Made in 1870
103
Ancient Custom of Attending St. Mark's Revived .
102
Arches of the South Aisle
151
Architectural Growth of St. Maik's
138
Archway of North Thmsept, Re-opening of
124
„ South Aisle Chapel ..
..I39»i76
Arms of de Berkeley (Plate II.)
45, 148, 166
„ Sir Richard Berkeley „
146
„ Sir Thomas Berkeley „
166
„ de (journey „
45, 166, 171
„ Hugh le Despenser the Younger ..
«73
„ or Badge of Gaunts' Hospital (Plate II.)
45
2o6
INDEX.
Arms of Mayors in Chancel Windows
„ on South Side of Nave
Shields o( in the New Vestry
Augustine, St., Monastery of, founded
>»
If
PAOS
144
197
I
Biide
»>
BATES, John, Tablet of
Baynton, Maria, Monument of . .
Becfcet, Archbishop, Enamelled Window . .
Bedloe, Captain, Burial of
Bells in St. Mark's Chapel
Benefactors of Qu. Eliz. Hosp. . .
„ Memorial VHndow of
„ Tableof All, made ..
Bengough, Henry, Monument of . .
Bequest, Curious, of Robert Byleboste
Berkeley FamUy
Arms of (Plate II.)
Crest of
Jordan de
Sir Richard, Account of
„ Arms of (Plate n.) . .
„ Monument of
Sir Thomas, Account of • •
Arms of (Plate II.)..
Monument of
Wm., Arms of . .
Benefactor of Qu. Eliz. Hosp.
Death of ..
„ Monument of
Bishop, Bust of a, in S. Aisle
Bleek, Gabriel, Tenant of Gaunts' Mansion House
Blocked-up Wmdows of S. Aisle.. .
Bonhommes, Supposed Name of Fraternity
Bruin, John, Deed of . .
Buildmgs Erected Against N. Wall
Burial Rights of the Brethren of St. Mark. .
C AMPLIN, Thomas, Tablet of . .
Cannell, William, Deed of
Carr, John, Founder of Qu. Eliz. Hosp. . .
"v^nnof
Tomb of ..
«»
f*
»>
»♦
>)
»>
»}
45i
78
»f
185
89
93
73
74
73
160
28
I
148, 166
I, 166
22
147
4S> 148
146
167
45,166
165
149
74
74
148
154
n
I38t >53
42
16
» 80, 123
32»34
160
16
71
71
INDEX.
207
PAOB
Cartoluy of Gaimts* House
• t
• •
• •
6
Canred Work, Old, Fragments of
• •
• •
a •
I3»
Catcott, A. S., Appointed *« Reader "
•
•
a a
95
CeOing, Hie, Descnption of
• •
• a
a a
140
Certificate or Snrvey of Commissioners
. •
• •
a a
48
Chancd, Altar-Piece in . .
• •
• •
a *
100
„ Altar Screen in
• •
a a
. a
164
„ Alterations and Repairs to
•
a a
a •
65
„ Carred Work in Renoyated
• •
. •
a •
122
„ Coloured Glass in
• •
a a
a a
171
„ East Window of
• •
• a
..]
1381 171
„ Monnments in
• •
a a
a a
165
„ North and South Windows of
• •
• a
a a
164
„ Rebuilt
• •
• a
a a
162
„ Sediliain
• •
a a
a
171
„ Wooden Screen in, Erected
• .
a a
a a
95
„ „ „ Removed
• •
a a
a a
99
„ Stalls, New ..
• •
• a
a a
200
Chantries Founded at Wells
• .
• a
« a
38.39
„ Vested in the Crown
• •
• a
« a
63
Chaplain, Appointed by the Mayor
• •
• a
a a
94
„ Stipend of. Increased . .
• .
• a
a a
98
„ Surplice Provided for . .
• •
• a
a a
94
'< Chj^ter, President and," Referred to
•
a a
a a
35
Charters, Barrett's Account of
• •
a a
a a
6
„ Book of, at Council House
• •
a a
a a
6
Charter of Edward I.
• a
a
a •
17
„ Edward III. ..
• •
• •
a •
22
„ Henry in.
• •
• •
a •
16
„ Maurice de Gaunt
• •
a a
a •
8
„ Robert de Goumey
• •
a •
a •
I3»i6
Chew, William, Vicar of St. Augustine the Less
a a
a a
34
Christ's Hospital, London, Foundation of
• •
a a
a a
70
Church Fittings, New . .
•a •
a a
a a
198
Church Plate of Vestries Sold
a a
a •
58
Clazton, Robert, Tablet of
a a
a a
158
Clifton, Lords of
a a
a
64.67
Cloister, Ancient, Demolition of . .
a a
. a •
77
„ „ Fragment of. Found
a a
a a
43
„ New Erected . .
a a
. . "9, 195
„ „ Hatchments in
a a
a •
198
" aoysteis" Repaired ..
a a
a a
66
208
INDEX.
College Ludtated
Commandments Written up
Conmranion-Rail, New . .
Contronl of St. Augustine's Mon. Removed
Conventual Life at St. Mark's
Cookin^ John, Monument of
Corbels, Ancient, Recovered
„ Eariy Engjlish, on Exterior
Common Fftiyer, Revised Form of, Introduced
Corporation Records
Disputes with Dean and Chapter of Cathedral
Grant of Chapel and Estates to
Inquiry o( respecting their Responsibilities
Occupy St. Mark's Chapel
Payments by, to Wells Cathedral
Resume Attendance at St. Mark's
Curate Appointed to St. Marie's , .
Curate's Stipend Paid by Corporation
PAOS
i6
200
41
160
«3«
»37
6,8,90
9it93
55
7, lOI
93
42
102
61
61, 67, 95
DEAN and Chapter of Bristol Cathedral, Deed of . .
„ „ „ „ Dispute with
Decay of St. Mark's Chapel
Deed of Walter AUayn . .
John Bruin
William CanneU
Dean and Chapter
Sir Henry de Gaunt
Anselm de Goumey
Andrew Luttrel
Delay in Instituting a Master
Demolition of North Transept and Cloisters
Disorders in The Gaunts' House • •
Dispute as to Presentation Rights
„ with Abbot of St. Augustine's
9f
Canons of
„ Dean and Chapter of Bristol Cathedral
„ JohndePoulet '..
,y Vicar of St. Augustine the Less
„ „ Wells Chapter Settled
Dominican Priory, Bristol, Founded
Doorway, New Western
of Poyntz Chapel • •
fi
91
9».93
»7
16
16
9i
17
20
16
30
77
37
28
35
3«
91,93
20
34
38
4
136
191
INDEX.
209
Dormitories of Gannts' Hospital . .
PAOB
119
»»
99
EAST Window of Chancel
„ „ Painted Glass in. .
Eastern End of Chapel, Exterior of
Edward I., Charter of . .
Intervention of
in., Charter of
Edwards, Sir G. W., Memorial Window Given
Election of Master of Hospital
Ellis, John, Appointed First Curate of St. Mark's
Enquiry into Responsibilities of Corporation
Erection of Hospital Chapel
Poyntz Chapel
South Aisle...
South Aisle Chapel . .
Tower . . • .
(Re-«rection) of Chancel
Estates, Sale of
Evening Service Commenced
Exchange of Gaunts' Property
„ School Buildings
Exhibiting Presentment of Gaunts' Parish ...
Exterior of Eastern End, •
West Front . ,
New Transept
»>
ff
>i
99
99
99
1389 171
17
a8
2a
»43
28
50,61
7f loi
n
189
176
162
162
56, 101
8s
19,21
82
67
138
136
129
99
99
FITTINGS of Chapel, New 198
Fitz Harding, Rx>bert . . 1
Foster's Almshouses, Master of the Gaunts' to Nominate . . 40
Foundation of Graunts' Hospital . . . . . . 10
Founders, the . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
„ Tombs of. Removed • • 77 15^
„ Pedigree of . . 5
Fragment of Old Cloister Found . . 43
Fragments of Old Carved Work Found . . . • . . 131
Freedom from Controulof the Canons of St. Augustine's Granted 15, 24
French Protestant Refugees, Arrival of . . 86
Congregation Scattered . . 89
First Service of . . . . 87
Removal of, from St. Mark's . . 88
99
99
99
99
99
99
>»
99
»»
210
INDEX.
PAGE
French Ftotestant Refugees, Settlement of, in Orchard Street
88
yy y, „ Worshipping in St. Mark*s
87
Fumitue and Fittings, the New . .
• •
198
GALLERY Erected at Western End
95.98
„ for Grammar School Boys Erected
98
Grawit, Avida de
5
„ Maurice de Graont, Founder
3
„ 1, „ Charter of
8
„ „ „ Death of
4
„ f, •! Effigy of
4,178
„ Henry de, Burial Place of...
156
I, ,, x/eeci 01 • •
17
M „ Effigy of
155
Graunts' Estates, Acreage of
52
,, „ Income of
52
„ „ Sale of . .
56, lOI
„ House, Ordinance for Government of
24
„ „ Suppression of ..
46
„ „ Surrender of
47
„ Ham, made a Pleasure Ground (Note)
56
„ Hospital, Foundation of . •
10
„ „ Arms or Badge of (Plate U.)
45» 173
„ „ Seal of „
45
Greneral Features of the Interior ..
138
„ Repairs Described
130
Gibbs, James, Tablet of
«5«
Glass, Coloured, in Chancel
"7"
„ „ in Nave
140
„ „ in North Transept
»95
„ f» in Poyntz Chapel
193
„ „ in South Aisle . .
«54
„ „ in South Aisle Chapel
1
78, 187
Gorges, Sir Robert, Lost Tombstone of . .
171
„ „ Arms of . .
171
Goumey, Anselm de. Deed of . .
20
„ Robert de, Founder
4
„ „ Ancestry of..
4
„ „ Arms of (Plate n.) ..
45
„ „ Charter of ..
I3»i6
Effigyof
5»i78
„ „ *Unfpexim9u** oi
9
INDEX.
211
Goniney, Robert de. Wealth of . .
Crrammar School Ezchaage of Buildings
Green, Alderman, Tablet of
Crrant of Chapel and Estates to Corpoiation
,, Farticiilara for, Text of
„ ofLandtoQtt. Eliz. Hosp.
Guildford, Lady Mary, Letter of . .
Gnrgoyles on Soath Side
HABERFIELD, Sir J. K., Bust of
Hagioscope in S. Aisle Chi^
HalUard, William, Monnment of
,y If Arms of
Harris, Thomas, Tablet of
Hatchments in Cloister . .
Hawkesworth, Rev. J., Tablet of.
Heniy HI., Confirmation of Charter by
Historians of Bristol
Hospital, Gamits', Arms of (Plate 11.)
M „ List of Masters
Hospital Buildings, Conjectural Plan of
Hospitality, General Rights of
„ of the Gaunts* House. .
Hugh de Romenal, Chantry of
INCAPACITATED Master, Provided for
Income of the Gaunts' Estate (Note)
Indemnity given to Vestries
Induction of Master
Inscription on the Tower
** Irispeximus " of Robert de Goumey
Interior of Chapel, Alterations to, in 1820-30
Drawing of . .
Engraving of . .
General Features of, at Present
f>
t*
f>
fi
f>
}>
Time
JAMB of Former Cloister Doorway
James, Thomas, Monument of
„ Elizabeth „
John de Hereford, Chantiy of
KING'S Commissioners, Certificate of
Supremacy, Acknowledgment of. .
»i
PAOX
4
82
55
5a
80
62
138
151
177
160
160
15"
198
15"
16
2
45
45
42
35
3«>
38
31
52
58
28
162
9
100
100
100
138
"5
158
187
39
48
46
212 INDEX.
PAQB
LEtTKRN,Ncw
100
Letter of Lady Maiy Guildford ..
6a
Loxig, William, Abbot of St. Augustine's . .
3«
Lords of Clifton
..64.67
Luttiel, Andrew, Deed of
16
MANCUKE'S Bristol Charities, Refeired to
?i, ?4. 85
Mansion House of Graunts Occupied as Qu. EHz. Hos
p. .. 71,73
Master of Craunts' Hospital, Delay in Instituting
30
„ Election of
28
„ Induction of
28
„ Presentation of . •
28
„ Ph>vision for, when Aged . .
3«
Masters of the Hospital, List of ..
45
" Mayor's Chi^H" The
90
„ „ Occi4)ied by Corporation
90
Mayor's Kalendar, The ..
.6,47,56,71.103
Medallions in South Aisle Chapel . .
..178,187
Memorial Windows in Nave
..14', 143
„ Window in North Tnmsept
..129,195
Merchant Venturers' Schoob
82
Monuments, Ancient, in Nave
114,115,145
„ inChancel .,
165
„ in South Aisle
155
„ in South Aisle Chapel
116
„ at Western Entrance
145
Municipal Corporations Act, Operation of . .
lOI
NAVE, Alterations to . .
III
„ Floor Relaid
..112,122
„ Description of ..
139
», Wmdows, Original Construction of
113
M „ Style of
138
„ „ South Side, Aims in . .
144
„ „ Hie First, Glass in
140
t» »i » Second, „
14K
>t If M Third, „
141
t> »f M Fourth, „
143
Niche in South Aisle ..
154
Niches in Altar Screen . .
163
„ Poyntz Chapel
I9t
,y South Aisle Chapel .,
«77
INDEX.
»f
»f
If
•I
i»
»t
North Transept, DemoUtion of Original ..
DitcoTcriei Reipecting . .
Stained Glass Window in . .
Reoonstractlon of
North Wall, Buildings Erected Againrt . .
Impaired Condition of
»f
u
OBSERVANCE, Andent, of Advent Season
», Modem, of Advent Snnday
Open Roof, Original
Openings in Nave Walls
Oidinanoe of Bishop of Worcester
Ordinances of 1643-4 ..
Organ* Original, Erected
Second, Fftyvided
New, Description of
Organist, First, Appointed
213
PAGE
195
19s
7», 80, 113
121
102
. . 10*, 103
. . 139, 140
.24, 116, 119, 128
24
70
97
100
201
97
f>
" PARISHIONERS," Proposed Payment of Curate by
« Particular for Grant," Text of ..
Payment of Purchase Money for Chapel and Estates
Pearson, Mr. J. L., Consulted
„ Report of ••
of Founders of the Gaunts
Peloquin, David
„ Stephen
„ Mary Ann, Gifts of . .
Piguenit, Maria Esther Martha, Tombstone of
Pipe, Conveying Water to the Gaunts
Piscma in Former North Transept
„ South Aisle Chapel
Plate, City, Gift of, by Alderman Camplin
„ „ Lady Haberiield
f>
»»
»
»f
»i
Mrs. Catherine Searchfeild . .
Portico, Former, at West Entrance Erected
„ „ „ „ Removed
Poulet, John de, Dispute with
„ Manor of, Sold . .
Poverty of Gaunts* House, Plea of
Poyntz Chapel . .
„ „ Carved Rebus in . .
„ jt Coloured Glass in . .
67
5a
57
106
5
87
87
87
88
64,67
"S
177
160
ISO
97
109
20
56
18, 21
189
192
193
214
INDEX.
ft
ff
f>
»f
t>
fl
BoynU Chapd, Doorway, Deso^tioii ol . .
Eractkm of
Falling in of Floor of
inches in
Tiled Floor in
Used as a Vestiy . .
Vaulted Roof of ..
PoynU, Sir Robert, Arms of
„ „ Acoonntof ..
,» M Connection with the BeAeleys
f , », Death of
u u Willof
Presentment of Gannts* Parish, Exhibiting of
Presentation to Mastership, Rights of
" President and Chapter*' referred to
<« Prior of Bileswyke " lefened to
Property of Gannts' Hoose, Exchange of . .
Pulpit <«Diessed with Lim^ ''
Purchase Money £ar Gannts' Estates, How Raised
Pynchyn, Thomas, Pensioned
„ „ Appointed Curate
„ „ Residence of . .
« QUARB IMPMDIT*' ExtracU ftom . .
Qneen Elizabeth's Hospital
Afternoon Lecture to Boys in
Benefactors of . .
Cost of New Building
f>
»•
ff
ft
ff
ff
ff
ff
ff
If
ff
ff
ff
ff
Exchanee of Buildings with Gram
mar School . .
Foundation of . .
Rebuilt
To Pay Curate's Stipend
« RASTALL'S ENTRIES," Quototion from
«< Reader," A. S. Catcott Appointed
Rebuilding of Chancel ..
„ Queen Elizabeth's Hospital .
Rebus In POyntz Chapel
Records, Ancient, in Council House
Reconstruction of Western Entrance
Reconstruction of North Transept
PAOB
191
189
153
19s
19s
96. «93
191
151, 192
189
189
190
i5», 190
67
38
35
39
19,11
66
100
57
50,61
61
61
30
69
75
73
79
81
71
79
76
30
95
161
79
19a
6, 8,90
109
195
INDEX.
315
•f
ft
f»
»f
•»
»ff
tt
l»
It
»f
Had Maids' School Founded
Will of the Founder . .
Hew Balding Erected
Modem Histoiy of
Present Building Erected
New Scheme of Management
Honse, The
•, »• Special Pnrpose of . .
Re<«pening of Transept Arch
Repaka to St. Mark's Chapel ..64,65,
„ General, in 1888-9
Repositoty in Poynta Chapel Constincted . .
Responsibilities of Corporation Enquired into
Reserted Rent on Estates, Porchase of
Restoration, The So-called, of 1810-30
Restoration of 1888-9 ..
The Movement for . .
Mr. PearMm, Consulted on
„ Report on
Scheme of . .
Sanctioned by Town Council . .
Committee Fonned for
Re-opening Services after
Results of ..
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes
Romanism, Reaction Against
„ Fear of the Return of
Rood-Loft Taken Down
Roof, Original Open
,, XTesent • •
„ of Poyntz Chapel..
„ of South Aisle ..
„ of South Aisle Chapel
Rule of the Gaunts' House
SALE of Gaunto' EsUtes
Salley, Miles, Bp. of Llandaff, Rebuilder of Chancel
„ „ „ „ Tomb of ..
»> »• It » wniof
School Buildings, Exchange of . .
Screen at Western End Erected . .
Removed
93» 96. 97.
f»
>9
It
IIS.
PAGE
8a
83
84
«5
«S
86
«3
«3
"4
98, 103
130
96
7. loi
56
. <>8
104
104
IDS
106
109
107
los
107
121, 134
86
70
70
67
139. 140
140
191
»S3
176
24
56, lOI
163
16S
163
82
99
IIS
2l6
INDEX.
PAGE
S«a1ofGaimt8' Hospital (Plate U.)
45
Searchfeildy
Rowland, Brass Tablet of . .
ISO
»
„ Anns of . .
ISO
Seats Introdaced into the Chapel . .
59
Sedile in South Aisle Chapel
177
Sedilia in Chancel
i7»
Service Books Provided . .
. 66
>94
Shields of Arms in New Vestry . .
197
Side Window of Western End ..
136
Somery, Margery, Widow of Maurice de Gaunt
32
South Aisle
• • •! •• •! t« •
151
»i ft
Arches of ..
151
tt 9t
Becket Window in . .
155
»» l»
Bengough, H., Monument in . .
160
tt it
Blocked-up Windows of 107,
'38,
153
tt tt
Bust of a Bishop in . .
154
tt tt
Camplin's Tablet in
160
tt tt
CaiT, J., Tomb in . .
157
tt it
Cookin, J., Monument in . .
160
tt tt
Gaunt, Sir Henry de. Monument in . .
«S5
tt tt
Halliard, W., Monument in . .
160
tt tt
James, Thomas, Monument in
158
tt it
Length of when Constructed . .
154
tt tt
Niche in . .
154
tt tt
Painted Glass in . .
154
it tt
Roof of
153
it tt
Various Monuments and Tablets in . .
161
tt tt
West Window of ..
.•38.
153
South Aisle
Chapel
176
it tt
„ Archway of . .
.139.
176
it it
„ Erection of . .
176
it tt
„ Hagioscope in
177
tt tt
„ Medallions in
.178.
187
it it
„ Monuments in
178
it It
,, Niches in ..
177
tt tt
,, Piscina in . .
177
a ti
„ Roof of
176
it it
jy Sedile in
177
tt tt
„ Windows in
176
S. Castor, Figure of, in Poyntz Chapel
193
S. Castiina
„ ,,
194
S. Nicolaus
Episcopus „
194
INDEX.
St. Aagustine, Monastery of
,y „ FVeedom from Controul of
,, „ Dispute with Canons of
St. Sdaik's Chapel, Architectural Growth of
Bells in Tower of
Decay of, Obseryed
11 Arrested
A District Church
First Curate Appointed to
First Occupied by Corporation . .
First Organ Erected in
First SUte Visit to . .
General Repairs to, in 1888-9 • >
Maintenance of
Parochial Character of
Repair of , . . .64, 65, 92, 96,
Stained Glass Windows Purchased for
Surplice Provided for Chaplain of
Windows of, " Beautified "
St. Maik's Window, New, Described
St. Mary Reddiffe, Attendance of Corporation at
Stalls for Mayor and Coiporation Erected . .
ft
t>
>»
>f
»i
»»
If
9»
l>
>>
If
ff
If
ff
fl
ff
II
ff
ff
ff
ff
New
State ATisit to St. Mark's Chapel, The First
Stokeland, John de, Induction of
Stoup, Remains of, in Cloister
Streets Erected on the Hospital Site
Supremacy, the King's, Acknowledged
Suppression of the Gaunts' House
Surrender of the Gaunts' House . .
Survey or Certificate of the King's Commissioners
TEN Commandments Written up
Throkmorton, Lady M., Monument of
Tiled Floor in Poyntz Chapel
Tiles on Site of North Transept . .
„ in Floor of Nave . .
„ found in Repository
Tolls, City, Abolition of
Tombs of Founders, Removal of . .
Tower, Construction of . .
Date of Erection of
II
1 1
• t
217
PAGE
I
. . 15, 24
3»
138
93
103
134
61
61
93
97
96
130
61
60
97i 981 103
99
94
95
195
91
99
199
96
«9
128
81
46
46
47
48
65
181
192
..126, 193
127
127
57
. 77, 156
161
163
2i8 INDEX.
PAOB
Tower, Dimensioiis of . . . . 162
,, Eiterior Appeaxance of . . . . 138
„ Incised Inscription on . . i6a
Tnuisept Arch Walled-np 78
„ y» R.e-opened 124
y, Arches, Style of 138
Transept, North, Demolished 77
„ „ Re-constmcted . . 128
„ „ Exterior of 129
„ „ Window in . . . . 129, 195
Transfer (Proposed) of Payment for Curate to "Parishioners ** 67
UPTON, George, Monument of . . 180
VESTRIES, Church Plate of. Sold 58
„ „ Indemnity given to 58
Vestry, New, Erected . . . . 129, 195
„ „ Shields of Arms in . . 197
ViaiUtion of St. ]iCark*s by the Bishop of Worcester 36
WALL-PAINTINGS, Discovery of " 7> 193
Walled-up Archway of N. Transept 124
Wathen, Sir Charles, St. Mark's Window . . . . 195
Wells Cathedral, Chantries founded at ••3^139
Wells Chapter, Dispute with, settled .. 38
Wells Registers ** 1%}!^
»» ,» Report on . . • • 7) 3^
Wesley, Rev. John, at St. Marie's Chapel . . 98
West Front, Appearance of . . . . . • 136
„ „ SideWmdowin .. ., 136
West Window of Nave .. .. ., .. 99,111,136
„ „ South Aisle .. .. .. U^i I53
Western Doorway 110,136
„ Entrance, Reconstruction of . . . , . , 109
Whit8on,John ., .. .. .. ,. 75
„ „ Anecdote of .. .. .. .. 75
„ „ Trustees of . . . . . . . » 83
„ „ Will of .. .. .. .. .. 83
„ „ Death of .. .. .. .. 84
Willis, John, Drawing of the Interior . . . . 100
Window in North Transept .. .. .. 129
„ at West End Replaced . . . . . . 99
INDEX.
219
Windows of the Chapel Repaired. .
„ M » "Beaatified**
of Nave, Style of the . .
y, Alterations to..
„ the First, Particulars of. .
,, the Third „
ff
ft
>i
f>
11
>f
»i
the Second
the Third
„ the Fourth „
on Soath Side of Nave . .
of South Aisle 107,
of South Aisle Clu^iel . .
in the Chancel
„ Fbyntz Chapel
Withdrawal of Alms, Charge of, against the Master. .
Wooden Screen in Chancel, Erected
,9 ,9 „ Removed
Worcester, Bishop ol^ Delay in Confirming Election of Master
„ „ Ordinance of
„ „ Visitation of Hospital by . .
,1 Registers . . . • . .
FAOX
66
95
116, lai
140
i4«
141
»43
«44
138, 153
176, 187
164
193
36,37
95
99
30
«4
36
7
r\
W
AVR 1 4 1939