.

Tuesday 28 January 2014

Great Leighs and the Great War - on the BBC

The BBC began a four-year commemoration of the First World War (1914-1918) on television last night with the first of four programmes presented by Jeremy Paxman entitled ‘Britain’s Great War’. This well presented documentary featured Great Leighs Church in Essex in which, in early 1915, three of the fallen of the parish were remembered at a Memorial Service.  

Local historians will instantly know the source and inspiration for the choice of this village: Reverend Andrew Clark, Rector and historian penned a diary which was to become the compelling book ‘Echoes Of The Great War’. The original manuscript ran to 92 volumes and is held, according to Wikipedia, in the Bodleian Library, Oxford.  It is local history observed at its best. 

The Great Leighs War Memorial (see http://www.geolocation.ws/v/W/File%3AWar%20Memorial,%20St%20Mary%20the%20Virgin%20Church,%20Great%20Leighs,%20Essex%20-%20geograph.org.uk%20-%201368867.jpg/-/en ) bearing the names of those commemorated is outside the church and was shown in the programme by way of illustration of the sacrifice made.

The BBC is showing 2500 hours of programmes and has a dedicated website commemorating the events. 

The Essex Society for Archaeology and History visited Great Leighs Church a few years ago.



Sunday 26 January 2014

Embezzled Church Goods of Essex (6): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 3

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.
BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Part 6}
{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913).}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548.

{THE DEANERY OF SAMPFORD AND NEWPORT continued}

MANUDEN. Robert Dame, Rychard bull', Churchewardens doo presente That the parryshenours their abowte twoo yeres paste hath layed to gage[1] a Chalyce and a paxe of sylver for iij. markes to help the vicar to pay the Kingis Subsydies whiche somme ys yet unpayde by the said vicare, and they haue sold as moche stuff of the churche as Tabernacles and suche lycke as they receaued iiijs. which ys bestowed upon the churche.

{MANUDEN. Robert Dame, Richard Bull, churchwardens do present that the parishioners there about two years past have pledged a chalice and a paxe of silver for 3 marks to help the vicar to pay the King’s Subsidies which sum is yet unpaid bythe said vicar, and they have sold as much stuff of the church as Tabernacles(?) and such like as they received 4s which is bestowed upon the church.}

SALINGE PARUA. William Parmenter, Thomas Pollarde, Churchwardens Doo presente That in January laste paste they haue sold a chalyce of whyte sylver and gylte on the owteside wayeng xij. vunces for iijli. whiche iijli. they haue expended in suyte of lawe for certayne suytes depending betwene the vicar of myche Bradefield and Thynhabitauntes of Little Salinge for certayne tythes demaunded of them uninstelie[2] as they saye by the saide vicare.

{LITTLE SALING.  William Parmenter, Thomas Pollarde, Churchwardens do present that in January last past they have sold a chalice of white silver and gilded on the outside weighing 12 ounces for £3 which £3 they have expended in suit of lawe for certain suits depending between the vicar of Great Bardfield and the inhabitants of Little Saling for certain tithes demanded of them unstealhily as they say by the said vicar.}

WENDON LOWTES [? Lofts] John Collyns, Churchwarden doothe say That at the instigacion of the parryshe he did sell ij. candlestyckes of latten for xvjd. whiche money remayneth still in his handes.

{WENDON LOFTS.  John Collins, Churchwarden does say that at the instigation of the parish he did sell 2 candlesticks of brass for 16d. ehich money remains in his hands.}

CRYSHULL MAGNA. John Prentice, Roberte hagger, Churchwardens doo presente That they haue sold iiij. clapsis [sic] of sylver for xxs. whiche somme still remayneth in theyre handes.

[GREAT CHRISHALL. John Prentice, Robert Hagger, Churchwardens do present that they have sold 4 candlesticks of silver for 20s. which sum still remains in their hands.}

SAMPFORDE MAGNA. Rychard Petytt, John mylner, Churchewardens doothe presente That they haue sold two Stockes of the churches for xiijs. iiijd. And also certayne furnyture of ymages for xiiijd. And they receaued also for a stocke of iij. shippe iijs. Of whiche Sommes they say they haue bestowed vpon the castinge of a bell xs. xd. And the resydue vpon the churche and churcheyarde.

{LITTLE SAMPFORD. Richard Petitt, John Milner, Churchwardens do present that they have sold two [candle]sticks(?) of the church for 13s.4d. And also certain furniture of images for 14d. And they received also for a stock of 3 shippe(?) 3s. of which sums they say they have bestowed upon the casting of a bell 10s.10d. And the residue upon the church and churchyard.}

[H]EYDON. John Colte, William Moll, Churchwardens there presente That they aboute two yeares paste haue sold an olde broken chalyce for iiij markes whiche Somme they say ys spent upon the reparacions of the churche and other necessaries thereunto appertayning.

{HEYDON. John Colte, William Moll, Churchwardens there present that they about two years past have sold an old broken chalice for 4 marks which sum they say is spent upon the reparations of the church and other necessaries thereunto appertaining.}

164 EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.

TAKELEY. John Norrell, Robert ffranke, Doo say That they have sold one chalice of the said churche for xlvs. whiche Somme they saye ys bestowed in repayringe and amendinge the churche walles And the same was solde abowte Whitsontyde last paste.

{TAKELEY. John Norrell, Robert Franke, do say that they have sold one chalice of the said church for 45s. which sum they say is bestowed in repairing and amending the church walls and the same was sold about Whitsuntide last past.}

HENHAM. Roberte Smythe, John Wylde, Churchwardens Doo say That they haue sold as moche brasse as they receaued xs. for and the same [sic] they bestowed upon the churche as they say.

{HENHAM. Robert Smyth, John Wilde, Churchwardens, so say that they have sold as much brass as they received 10s for and the same they bestowed upon the church as they say.}

CLAVERINGE. John hagger, William bell, churchwardens doo say That Robert Cotten and John hagger thelder hathe sold a brooken Chalyce belonging to the same churche for vli. vjs. viijd. and the money thereof by them receaued was payed to thandes of the saide churchewardens who hath bestowed the same as hereafter folowing videlicet, To Thomas Barnard, sometyme Clerke there xls , Towardis the fyndinge of a pore child cast upon the parryshe who of charitie doothe fynde the same childe, xs., in expenses spente and layed owte in the lawe with the vicar of the said churche for certayne Duyties by them claymed of the same vicare xxvjs. viijd.„And to John hagger for tharreragis that the churche was indebted vnto hym and by the said hagger layed owte and payed aboute v yeres paste xxvjs. viijd., whiche chalyce was solde abowte Bartholomew tyde last paste.

{CLAVERING. John Hagger, William Bell, churchwardens do say that Robert Cotton and John Hagger the elder have sold a broken chalice belonging to the same church for £5.6s.8d. and the money thereof by them received was paid to the hands of the said churchwardens who hath bestowed the same as hereafter following viz: To Thomas Barnard, sometime clerk there 40s, towards the funding of a poor child cast upon the parish who of charity do find the same child, 10s. in expenses spent and laid out in the law with the vicar of the said church for certain duties by them claimed of the same vicar 36s.8d., And to John Hagger for the arrangements that the church was indebted unto him and by the said Hagger laid out and paid about 5 years past 36s.8d. which chalice was sold about Batholomewtide last past.}

BARDFEILDE MAGNA. William Barlowes, William Boreley, Thomas Botulphe, John Smythe, Parryshenours there doo presente and saye That they at mydsomer laste haue sold of the churchplate there a Crosse of Sylver and gylte for xili. iijs. iiijd.. A shippe and a broken chalyce of sylver parcell gylte for vjli. iijs. iiijd., which Somes bee bestowed vpon an highwaye there and in repayring the bells and frames which were sore decayed.

{GREAT BARDFIELD. William Barlow, William Boreley, Thomas Botolphe, John Smythe, parishioners there do present and say that at midsummer last have sold off the churchplate there a Cross of Silver and gilded for £11.3s.4d.. a shippe(?) and a broken chalice of silver partly gilded for £6.3s.4d., which sums be bestowed upon a highway there and in repairing the bells and frames which were sore decayed.}

CHESTERFORTHE MAGNA. Thomas Rayner, Robert Barkr, Churchwardens doo saye That aboute two yeres paste they have pledged two Cruettis of Sylver for the Somme of xxiiijti shillingis for the paymente of the Clerkes waygis there.

{GREAT CHESTERFORD. Thomas Rayner, Robert Barker, Churchwardens do say that about two years past they have pledged two cruets(?) of Silver for the Sum of 24 shillings for the payment of the Clerk’s wages there.}



[1] Gage = to pledge (OED online)
[2] Uninstelie = perhaps unstealthily? 

Saturday 25 January 2014

Embezzled Church Goods of Essex (5): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 3

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.
BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Part 5}
{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913).}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548.

 [p. 42.] THE DEANERYE OF SAMPFORDE AND NEWPORTE.
{THE DEANERY OF SAMPFORD AND NEWPORT}

WALDEN. Robert Turnour, and John Hubbarde, Churchwardens, Thomas Boyton, John Cotten, John Smythe Junior, Jamys Williamson, John Dawson, parryshenours, there Doo say That for the relief of the pore peple and for the mayntenaunce of a free Shoole [sic] within the saide Towne with other charitable deeds haue sold the Juells plate and ornaments of the churche as hereafter foloweth videlicet; Syxe scoore and nyne vunces of gylte as vs. iiijd. the vunce … … xxxvijli. xvjd.
Item, Sevyn scoore and xv. vunces of whyte plate at iiijs. ixd. obolus[1] the vnce … … xxxvijli. ijs. viijd.
Item, lij. vunces dimidium of gylte plate at vs. iiijd. the vunce  … … xiiijli. iis.
Item, xxxiij. vunces dimidium of whyte plate at iiijs. ixd. the vunce … vijli. xvjs. viijd.
Whereof a greate parte ys putt in to occupiers handes payeng therefore ijs. for every pound. And the profytt thereof ys putt in the Towne Cheste for the purpose above said.

{SAFFRON WALDEN.  Robert Turner, and John Hubbard, Churchwardens, Thomas Boyton, John Cotton, John Smyth junior, James Williamson, John Dawson, parishioners, there do say that for the relief of the poor people and for the maintenance of a free School within the said Town with other charitable deeds have sold the jewels plate and ornaments of the church as hereafter followeth viz: Six score and nine ounces of gilt plate as 5s.4d. the ounce … … £37.16d.
Item. Seven score and 15 ounces of white plate at 4s.9d. obolus the ounce … … £37.2s.8d.
Item, 3½ ounces of gilded plate at 5s.4d. the ounce … … £9.2s.
Item, 33½ ounces of white plate at 4s.9d. the ounce … £7.16s.8d.
Whereof a great part is put in the occupants hands paying therefore 2s for every pound. And the profit thereof is put in the Town Chest for the purpose above said.}

NEWPORTE AT THE PONDE. Henry Douham, Thomas Marten, Churchwardens doo presente and say That they and Rapfe Stammers [?], gentleman, Thomas Cole, John Brand, John Coles, Rychard Grace, and Rychard Stanys hath solde of the churches goodis thees thingis folowinge videlicet ;
A greate bell of the same churche brooken wayeng xxiiijti. hundreth, pryce xxvjli. xijs.
Item, certayne latten Candlestychis that stood before thaulter and the roodloft wayenge one hundreth and an half and a quarter solde for xxxjs. vjd.
Summa xxviijli  iijs. vjd.
And they say that the same bell and Candlestycks were sold to repayre the churche there and to amende a Tenemente belonginge to the same church called gacys which tenement was gyven towardis the relief and use of poore people there, And payments of the Kingis Taxes.

{NEWPORT. Henry Douham, Thomas Marten, Churchwardens do present and say that they and Ralph Stammers, gentleman, Thomas Coke, John Brand, John Coles, Richard Grace, and Richard Stanys have sold off the church goods these things following viz:
A great bell of the same church broken weighing 24 hundreth, price £25.12s.
Item, certain brass candlesticks that stood before the altar and the rood loft weighing one hundredth and three-quarters sold for 31s.6d.
Sum £38.3s.6d.
And they say that the same bell and candlesticks were sold to repair the church there and to amend a Tenement belonging to the same church called Gacys which tenement was given towards the relief and use of poor people there,And payment of the King’s Taxes.}

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX. 163

BRADFIELD [? Bardfield] PARVA. Thomas Perry, Churchewarden presenteth That he with the consent of the parryshe did sell these thingis folowing which did belong to the saide churche. a brasyn potte, a panne, and the Candlestycks which dyd stand before the Rood for the Somme of xs. vjd. obolus[2] whiche money ys putte in an honest mans handis of the same parryshe for the relief and succours of the poore people, he sayth also that one Walter Whyte, paryshenour, there did sell as moche brasse and latten as came to iijs. with a paske[3] [sic] of syluer whiche money he the same Whyte hath in his custodie.

{LITTLE BARDFIELD.  Thomas Perry, Churchewarden, presents that he with the consent of the parish did sell these things following which did belong to the said church. A brass pot, a pan, and the candlesticks which did stand before the rood for the sum of 10s.6d. obolus whch money is put in an honest man’s hands of the same parish for the relief and succour of the poor people, he says also that one Walter White, parishioner, there did sell as much brass and brass [copper or other metal?] as came to 3s. with a pax) of silver which money he the same White has in his custody.}

BYRCHANGER. William Thorowgood, Thomas Ramsay, Churchewardens doo say That the parryshoners there hath sold a grove of underwoodde of the churche landis conteyning iiij. acres for the Somme of vijli. of the whiche iiijli. hathe been employed to the use of the churche as in buylding and in other necessaries. The resydue being iijli. remayneth in thandes of the same churchewardens which was soulde abowte twoo yeares paste.

{BIRCHANGER. William Thorogood, Thomas Ramsey, Churchwardens, do say that the parishioners there have sold a grove of underwood of the church lands containing 4 acres for the sum of £7 of which £4 has been employed to the use of the church as in building and in other necessaries. The residue being £3 remains in the hands of the same churchwardens which was sold about two years past.}

ELNESHAM. James Waylott, Nycholas Thorowgod, Doo say That they have sold synneth mychaelmas last past boordes that Imagis dyd stande in to the value of ijs. viiijd. whiche Somme yet remayneth in theyre handes.

{ELSENHAM. James Waylott, Nicholas Thorogood, do say that they have sold since Michaelmas last past boards that images did stand on to the value of 2s.9d. which sum yet remains in their hands.}

SAMPFORDE PARVA. John ffynche, John Sulman, Churchewardens doo say That thole paryshonours there for the reparacions of the steple whiche was sore decayed sold two chalyces for vli. xviijs. iiijd. which hollie was putte and bestowed (as they say) to thuse aforesaid.

{LITTLE SAMPFORD. John Finch, John Sulman, Churchwardens do say that the whole parishioners there for the reparation of the steeple which was sore decayed sold two chalices for £5.18s.4d. which wholly was put and bestowed (as they say) to the use aforesaid.}





[1] Obolus = a small weight for balancing a scale (OED online)
[2] Obolus = a small weight for balancing a scale (OED online)
[3] Paske = pasch = pax = a tablet of gold or silver etc depicting the crucifixion which is kissed by the celebrating priest and other participants of the mass

Tuesday 21 January 2014

Mystery Essex Church?

Andrew Smith writes:
I have been given an archive of material relating to a Blackmore clergyman but have not been able to link these five postcards of the same church with the remaining items. I do not recognise the church.  It might be in Essex but could so easily be in Lincolnshire or the Cotswolds. Can anyone help me please?

Monday 20 January 2014

Professional Lecture Series 2013/14 at the University of Essex: Monday 10 February 2014

I wondered if members of the Essex Society for Archaeology and History would be interested in Professor Woollard’s lecture which is taking place here at the University of Essex in Colchester on Monday 10 February and so, thought I would send you some details:

Professorial Inaugural Lecture Series 2013-14

The University of Essex presents a series of special events celebrating excellence in research undertaken by our recently appointed professors.

Monday 10 February. 6.00pm

Professor Matthew Woollard, Director, UK Data Archive: ‘A Journey through Data’.

Professor Woollard’s recent research has revolved around aspects of digital preservation and implementing data service infrastructures. For this lecture he reflects on his career to date, with a particular emphasis on producing and providing access to historical census data. He will discuss some key issues in digital preservation and some of the preliminary results of a project to recover a large body of sensitive historical microdata.

The lecture starts at 6pm in the Lakeside Theatre, Colchester Campus with a drinks reception open to all attendees at 7.15pm.

Admission is free but booking is advised. Please e-mail events@essex.ac.uk or telephone 01206 873270 for further information or to book a place.

Further information on all of the lectures in the series can be found at www.essex.ac.uk/events/pil.

Holly Ward

Acting Events Officer
Events Team
Communications and External Relations 
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester CO4 3SQ

Sunday 19 January 2014

Embezzled Church Goods of Essex (4): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 3

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.
BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Part 4}
{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913).}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548.

 [p. 37.] THE DEANERYES OF ONGO[R], CHAFFORDE, CHELMESFORDE, AND DENGEY.
{THE DEANERIES OF ONGAR, CHAFFORD, CHELMSFORD, AND DENGIE}

CHYGWELL. Roberte Woode, Laurence Mundis, Churchewardens Doo saye That they haue sold certayne candlestyckes of latten belonging to the said churche for whiche they have receaued the Somme of xviijs. whiche Somme they say ys employed upon the reparacions of the same churche.

{CHIGWELL. Robert Wood, Laurence Munds, Churchwardens do say that they have sold certain candlesticks of brass belonging to the said church for which they have received the sum of 18s. which sum they say is employed upon the reparations of the same church.}

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX. 161

WARELEY MAGNA. Robert Marrowe, parson, Rychard Nelson, Churchwarden and Rychard brighte Doo say that they with the advyse of the parryshe there hath sold so manny latten Candelstyckis of the saide churche as came to the Somme of xxixs. ijd. which Somme remayneth holle in the saide churchewardens handes as they say.

{GREAT WARLEY.  Robert Marrowe, parson, Richard Nelson, Churchwarden and Richard Bright do say that they with the advice of the parish there have sold do many brass candlesticks of the said church as came to the sum of 29s.2d. which sum remains wholly in the said churchwardens hands as they say.}

CRYXYTHE [?Creeksea]. Thomas Geldr, Robert Daye, Churchwardens doo presente That they for the reparacions of the Churche did sell a Chalyce of sylver for the Somme of iiijli., which was bestowed upon the same reparacions. They doo also present and saye That one John Bridge deceased gaue an house and an peece of land conteyning by estimaclon iiij. Acres to the churche for the mayntenaunce of an obyte, And a yerelie distribucion to the poore which house and lande one hugh Bridge sonne and heyer to the said John hath solde to one Stephen Tedyner for viijli. which Somme he the same hughe doothe employe to his own use.

{CREEKSEA. Thomas Gelder, Robert Daye, Churchwardens do present that they for the reparations of the church did sell a chalice of silver for the sum of £4, which they bestowed upon the same reparations. They do also present and say that one John Bridge deceased gave a house and a piece of land containing by estimation 4 acres to the church for the maintenance of prayers, and a yearly distribution to the poor which house and land one Hugh Bridge son and hier to the said John has sold to one Stephen Tedyner for £8 which sum he the same High do employ for his own use.}

BADOWE MAGNA. Rychard hyckes, Lawrence Spylman, Churchwardens there doo saye That Roberte Kinge, James Drylande, John Postill, and Robert Sturgeon, parryshenours there did sell their parcells of plate folowinge; a Chalyce all gylte wayeng xix. vunces dimidium at iiijs. vjd. the unce … Summa iiijli. vijs. ixd.
Item, A shyppe of sylver parcell gylte and a lytle spoone wayenge vj. vunces dimidium at iiijs. ijd. the vunce, two silver sawcers parcell gylte wayenge vj vnces dimidium at iiijs. ijd. the vnce, ij. Cruettis parcell gylte wayenge x. vnces at iiijs. ijd. the vnce … … Summa xvijli. xvjs. vid.[? xiijli. vjs. 4d.]
All whiche money they saye ys bestowed vpon the reparacions of the churche allso sold fyfite pounds of latten ijd. the libra. Summa viiijs. iiijd. with as moche latten as came to vs. iiijd.

{GREAT BADDOW.  Richard Hyckes, Lawrence Spylman Churchwardens there do say that Robert King, James Drylande, John Postill, and Robert Sturgeon, parishioners there did sell their parcels of plate following: a chalice all gilded weighing 19½ ounces at 4s.6d. per ounce … Sum £4.7s.9d.
Item, A shippe of silver partly gilded and a little spoon weighing 6½ ounces at 4s.2d. the ounce, two silver saucers partly gilded weighing 6½ ounces at 4s.2d. the ounce, 2 cruetts partly gilded weighing 10 ounces at 4s.2d. an ounce … Sum £17.16s.6d [? £17.6.4d.}
All which money they say is bestowed upon the reparations of rhe church also sold fifty pounds of brass 2d the pound. Sum 9s.4d with as much brass as come to 5s.4d.}

LEES MAGNA. John England, George Osborne, Churchwardens Doo presente That James Spylman and John Danyell dyd sell vj. torches for iiijs. vjd. whiche was employed to the poore mens boxe.

{GREAT LEIGHS.  John England, George Osborne, churchwardens do present that James Spylman and John Daniell dis sell 6 torches for 4s.6d. which was employed to the poor mens box.}

CHELMESFORDE. Geffrey Skotte, William Nooke, Churchwardens Do presente That they and Roger Platte, paryshenour, solde as much mettall as they receaued xlviijs. vjd. with as many olde towels as came to viijd. whiche money they haue with more spente in wasshing the churche with lyme and wryting of scripture abowte the churche with taking downe of ymagis.

{CHELMSFORD. Geoffrey Skotte, William Nooke, Churchwardens do present that they and Roger Platt, parishioner, sold as much metal as they received 48s.6d. with as many old towels as came to 8d. which money they have with more money spent in washing the church with lime and writing of scripture about the church with taking down the images.}

WODEHAM FFERRYES. Robert Styleman, Rychard Newton, Churchwardens, doo presente That abowte three yeres agoo John Sandis, gentleman, and William pirrs beinge Churchwardens dyd sell a broken bell for the somme of xvli. Also a Chalyce of sylver with a paxe of sylver for the Somme of vli. whiche money the say was employed vpon the makinge of a newe fframe in the steple for the bells and for shingling ot the churche.

{WOODHAM FERRERS.  Robert Styleman, Richard Newton, Churchwardens, do present that about three years ago John Sands, gentleman, and William Pirrs being Churchwardens did sell a broken bell for the sum of £15. Also a chalice of silver with a paxe of silver for the sum £5 which money they say was employed upon the making of a new Frame in the steeple for the bells and for shingling out the church.}

DANBURY. Thomas Gunry, Rychard Roolf, Churchwardens doo saye That they haue solde a payre of sensers of Sylver and gylte, a crysmatorie, and a paxe ol sylver for the Somme of xli. xd. which Somme they say the [sic] employed to thuse of the churche.

{DANBURY.  Thomas Gunry, Richard Roolf, Churchwardens do say that they have sold a pair of sensers of silver and gilded, a chrismatory[1], and a paxe of silver for the sum of £10.10d. which sum they say they employed to the use of the church.}

BRADWELL. Thomas Butler, William Page, Churchwardens doo presente that they haue solde as moche olde baggage in theyre churche as came to xs. viijd. which Somme doothe remayne in the comen boxe.

{BRADWELL-JUXTA-COGGESHALL.  Thomas Butler, William Page, Churchwardens do present that they have sold as much old baggage[2]) in their church as came to 10s.8d. which sum do remain in the common box.}

NORTON. John Whytinge Churchwarden there doo say That he solde as myche allablaster as came to xxd. which money ys yet in his kepinge.

{NORTON MANDEVILLE. John Whiting Churchwarden do say that he sold as much alabaster as came to 20d which money is yet in his keeping.}

162 EMBEZZLED CH URCH GOODS OF ESSEX.

STOWE MARYS. John Latcheler, John Gryggis, Churchwardens do say That they haue solde a bell to thuse of the churche for whiche they receaued vi. markes iiijs. viijd., and as moche latten as came to xvd.

{STOW MARIES. John Latchelor, John Griggs, Churchwardens do say that they have sold a bell to the use of the church for which they received 6 marks 4s.8d., and as much brass as came to 15d.}

ST. PETYRS IN MALDON. Rychard Collett, John George, Churchwardens there doo presente That in January last paste they to repayre the churche did pledge a Chalyce for vjli. xs. iiijd.

{ST PETERS, MALDON.  Richard Collett, John George, Churchwardens there do present that in January last past they to repair the church did pledge a chalice for £6.10s.4d.}

MARGARETYNGE. Robert Taber, William Dawson, Churchwardens doo say That they sold to repayre the church one unce of brooken sylver for iiijs.

{MARGARETTING. Robert Taber, William Dawson, Churchwardens do saythat they sold to repair the church one ounce of broken silver for 4s.}

[HASLEI]ghe[?]  William Wayleman, Thomas Chrustell, Churchwardens doo presente That they haue solde all the ymages in the churche for xxd which was gyven to poore people.

{HAZELEIGH. William Wayleman, Thomas Chrustell, Churchwardens do present that they have sold all the images in the church for 20d which was given to the poor people.}

NORTHFAMBRIDGE. Petyr Draper, Churchwarden dothe presente and saye That James Osborne of the same parryshe hathe sold as moche of the Juells and ornamentis of the churche there as he receaued xs. [for], and the same money hathe still in his keapinge.

{NORTH FAMBRIDGE. Petyr Draper, Churchwarden doth present and say that James Osborne of the same parish has sold as much of the jewels and ornaments of the church there as he received 10s for, and the same money hath still in his keeping.}



[1] Chrismatory = a vessel containing chrism or sacred oil
[2] Baggage = portable property (OED online)

Saturday 18 January 2014

Embezzled Church Goods of Essex (3): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 3

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.
BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Part 3}
{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913).}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548.

 [P. 33.]  THE DEANERY OF BARSTABLE

NEVENDON. John Hagbye, John Sandyll, Churchwardens there doo saye That Thomas browne and John Tenderinge dyd sell one chalice of the saide churches for the Somme of Is. and the same Somme they saye was receaued by the same John Sandyll to be employed and bestowed upon the reparacions of the same churche.

{NEVENDON.  John Hagbye, John Sandill, Churchwardens there do say that Thomas Browne and John Tendering did sell one chalice of the said church for the sum of 50s. and the same sum they say was received by the same John Sandill to be employed and bestowed upon the reparations of the church.}

ORSETT. John Broughton, William Chyrrye, Churchwardens doo saye That they abowte three yeris laste paste for the reparacions of the said churche dyd sell of the churche plate there one brooken chalyce ij. brooken Candlestyckes, a brooken senser, and a shippe for insense for the somme of xixli. xiijs. iiijd. and the same Somme employed vpon the reparacions aforesaid.

{ORSETT.  John Broughton, William Chyrrye, Churchwardens do say that they about three years last past for the reparations of the said church did sell off the church plate there one broken chalice 2 broken candlesticks, a broken senser, and a shippe for incense for the sum of £19.8s.4d. and the same sum employed upon for the reparations aforesaid.}

160 EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.

[N]O[R]TH [BEN}FLETT. John Styckebard, John Hyde, Churchwardens doo saye That the parryshoners there at iij. yeres last paste dyd sell of the church plate one chalyce for the Somme of xliiijti. shillings for the reparacions of the churche there.

{NORTH BENFLEET.  John Stickebard, John Hyde, Churchwardens do say that the parishioners there at 3 years last past did sell off the church plate one chalice for the sum of 44s for the reparation of the church there.}

SOWTHEBEMFLETT. John Camber, Thomas Button, Churchwardens do presente and saye That they by the consent of the parryshe haue sold of the church plate one chalyce for v. markes, which Somme they saye was employed partelie in repayring the saide churche and partelie in settinge for the souldyers towarde the Kingis majesties warres, which was soulde as they say abowte Whitsontide last past.

{SOUTH BENFLEET.  John Camber, Thomas Button, Churchwardens do present and say that they by the consent of the parish have sold off the church plate one chalice for 5 marks, which sum they say was employed partly in repairing the said church and partly in setting for the soldiers towards the King Majesty’s wars, which was sold about Whitsuntide last past.}

HORDON. John Shawarden, John Marshall, Churchwardens, doo saye That within twoo yeres last paste he the same John Marshall and William Clerke did sell of the churche plate, two chalyces parcell gylt for a certayne Somme which still remayneth in the stocke of the churche but what the somme ys they cannott tell as they say.

{HORNDON (? Unclear whether Horndon-on-the-Hill or East Horndon).  John Shawarden, John Marshall, Churchwardens do say that within two years last past he the same John Marshall and William Clerke did sell off the church plate, two chalices partly gilded for a certain sum which still remains in stock of the church but what the sum is they cannot tell as they say.}

HUTTON. John Smith, Barnard Roos, Churchwardens doo say that he the same Barnard Roos and John hatter being Churchwardens there dyd sell of the church plate there one [sic] Croose and one chalyce for the somme of vjli. And they say That parte of the same Somme was bestowed in repayring the churche parte in amending the highwayes parte in setting forth of Souldyers and parte thereof yet still remayneth unbestowed which was soulde as they say abowte Easter last past.

{HUTTON.  John Smith, Bernard Roos, Churchwardens do say that he the same Bernard Roos and John Hatter being churchwardens there did sell off the church plate there one Cross and one chalice for the sum of £6. And they say that part of the same sum was bestowed in repairing the church part in amending the highway part in setting forth soldiers and part thereof yet still remains unspent which was sold as they say about Easter last past.}

BARSEILDEN. William Orwoodd, Laurence ffrauncis, Churchewardens Doo presente and saye That the Churchewardens with the consent of the parryshe did sell of the church plate there for the nedye reparacions of the churche one chalyce for the Somme of xlvjs. viijd.

{BASILDON.  William Orwood, Laurence Francis, Churchwardens do present and say that the churchwardens with the consent of the parish did sell off the church plate there for the needy reparation of the church one chalice for the sum of 46s.8d.}

BOWES GYFFORD. Richard Pryour, Thomas Dyryvall, Churchewardens doo saye That one John [?] Bakr for the reparacions of the churche did sell a brooken bell belonging to the same churche.

{BOWERS GIFFORD.  Richard Prior, Thomas Dyryvall Churchwardens do sa that one John Baker for the reparations of the church did sell a broken bell belonging to the same church.}

BURSTEDDE MAGNA. William Harryes, John Bowyour, Churchwardens Doo presente and say That Thomas Wattis and Thomas Wolnur by the consent of parryshe dyd sell of the church plate there a senser, a shippe, ij. Sylver paxes, and a chalyce for the Somme of xijli. xiijs iiijd., whereof they say they haue layed owte and bestowed ixli. xiijs. iiijd. partelie emongest poore fookes, partelie for the reparcions of the churche, and partelie for the Churche debte, which was soulde as they say in the moneth of ffebruary anno 1545.

{GREAT BURSTEAD.  William Harris, John Bowyer, Churchwardens do present and say that Thomas Wattis and Thomas Woolnor by the consent of the parish did sell off the church plate there a senser, a shippe[1], 2 silver paxes, and a chalice for the sum of £12.8s.4d. whereof they say they have laid out and bestowed £9.8s.4d. partly among the poor folks, partly for the reparations of the church and partly for the church debt, which was sold as they say in the month of February 1545.}

LYTLE BURSTEDDE. John Dyer, Thomas Fenner, Churchwardens, doo say That he the same Thomas Fenner and John Stewarde with the consent of the parryshe hathe sold one chalyce of the churches for the Somme of iijli. ixs. ixd. whereof remayneth in thandis of certayne men of the same parryshe lvjs. viijd. And the resydue of the same money was gyven emongest poore people which was sould as they say at mydsommer was twelf moneth.

{LITTLE BURSTEAD. John Dyer, John Fenner, Churchwardens do say that he the same Thomas Fenner and John Stewarde with the consent of the parish have sold one chalice of the church for the sum of £3.9s.9d. whereof remains in the hands of certain men of the same parish 55s.8.d And the residue of the same money was given among poor people which was sold as they say at midsummer was twelve month.}



[1] Shippe = perhaps suffix for –ship as in worship

Sunday 12 January 2014

Embezzled Church Goods of Essex (2): Transactions n.s. Volume 13 Part 3

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX.
BY EDWARD PERCIVAL DICKIN, M.D.

{Part 2}
{Transcribed for the internet from the Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society (now the Essex Society for Archaeology and History), ‘New Series’ Volume 13 Part 3 (1913).}

THE church goods of Essex have received considerable attention in the Society's Transactions. The late Mr. H. W. King's transcripts of inventories of confiscated church goods were printed in vols. iv. and v. (o.s.) and in vols. i., ii., and iii. (n.s.). Mr. R. C. Fowler and Mr. W. C. Waller printed some further inventories in vols. x. and xi. respectively. These all referred to goods taken into the king's hands in 1552, and in some cases the goods previously sold are also named.

The following transcript (the Essex part only of S.P.D. Edw. VI., vol. v., no. 59) refers to the goods which the churchwardens and parishioners had sold by 1548.

[p. 28.] THE DEANERY OF ROCHEFORDE.
{THE DEANERY OF ROCHFORD}

SHOPLAND. John Thorneton, John Marchaunte, Churchewardens doe presente and saye That within these iij. yeres they with the consent of the parryshe hathe sold one chalyce belonging to the same churche for the Somme of iijli. whereof they say parte they haue bestowed upon the reparacions of the same churche and the resydue yett still remayneth in thyre handes for like reparacions to be made.

{SHOPLAND.  John Thornton, John Marchant, Churchwardens do present and say that within these 3 years they with the consent of the parish have sold one chalice belonging to the same church for the sum of £3 whereof they say part they have bestowed upon the reparations of the same church and the residue yet still remains in their hands for like reparations to be made.}

RAYLEIGHE. John Bour, John Lowe, John Bullock, Churchwardens Doo presente and say That Henry boode, John Hasteler, Roberte Clerke, and John Bour, beinge Churchewardens there dyd sell two basyns of sylver parcell gylte for the Somme of ixli, iis. viijd., which Somme yet remaineth in the churchewardens handes nowe beinge for the necessarie reparacions of the same churche. They say also that one Thomas Alen did take downe and sell two bells which hanged in a little Chapell there and a Chalyce belonginge to the same Chapell there and a payre of shepes[1] of sylver but for what intente he sold them or for how muche they cannott tell.

{RAYLEIGH.  John Bour, John Lowe, John Bullock, Churchwardens do present and say that Henry Boode, John Hasteler, Robert Clerke, and John Boor, being Churchwardens there did sell two basins of silver partly gilded for the sum of £9.2s.8d. which sum yet remains in the churchwardens hands now being for the necessary repairs of the same church.  They say also that one Thomas Alen did take down and sell two bells which hung in the little Chapel there and a chalice belonging to the same Chapel there and a pair of shippes of silver but for what intention hesold them or for how much they cannot tell.}

MYCHE STANBRIDGE. Thomas Dayes, Richard Dryver, Churchewardens there doo presente and say that they at Whitsontyde laste with the consent of the parryshe hathe sold one Chalyce belonginge to the same churche for the Some of iiijli. and two upper garmentis for Deacon and Subdeacon for vjs. viijd., all whiche money they saye they have bestowed upon an highway and vpon the reparacions of the same churche.

{GREAT STAMBRIDGE.  Thomas Dayes, Richard Driver, Churchwardens there do present and say that they at Whitsuntide last with the consent of the parish have sold one chalice belonging to the same church for the sum of £4 and two upper garments for the Deacon and Subdeacon for 6s.8d. all of which money thay say they have bestowed upon the highway and upon reparations of the same church.}

ESTEWOODD. John Noble, John Chiche, John Bennett, Stephyn Keyle, William Burne Doo presente and say the same Noble, Chyche, and Bennett, That they haue sold abowte candlemas last past one broken chalyce of the said churches for the Somme of xlijs. And they say there was bestowed thereof upon necessarie reparacions doon in the same churche xxxs. iiijd. And the resydue of the same money still remayneth in the church boxe.

{EASTWOOD.  John Noble, John Chiche, John Bennett, Stephen Keyle, Wiliam Burne do present and say that the same Noble, Chiche, and Bennett that they have sold about Candlemas last past one broken chalice of the said church for the sum of 42s. and they say there was bestowed thereof upon necessary reparations done in the same church 30s.4d. and the residue of the same money still remains in the church box.}

EMBEZZLED CHURCH GOODS OF ESSEX. 159

PRYTTELLWELL. William Salmon, William Morecocke, John Nell', Marmaduke Myddellwall, Doo presente and say That there hathe been sold within these ij. yeres of the churche plate there by the same William Salmon and William Morecocke with other of the said parryshe videlicet John Bradcock, and John Harryes, thees parcells hereafter folowinge videlicit:
A monster of sylver gyhe[2] wayeng xxiiijti. vuinces iij. quarters, a crosse of sylver parcell gylte wayeng lxxvj. vunces dimidium, a senser wayenge xxxj. vunces, two paxe[3]s wayenge xvj. vunces iij. quarters at vs id., every vnce one with another, cxlix. vncis ... Summa xxxvijli. xvijs.
All which plate they saye was solde to fyrnyshe a Roofe in the same churche. They say also that there at ij. years paste was sold more of the said churche plate a Chalyce, a Shyppe, and two Cruettis[4], for the somme of vijli. And the same Somme they saye was bestowed in makinge a bell frame in the saide churche.

{PRITTLEWELL. William Salmon, William Morecocke, John Nell, Marmaduke Middlewall, do present and say that there has been sold within these last 2 years of the church plate there the same William Salmon and William Morecocke with other of the said parish viz: John Bradcock, and John Harris, these parcels hereafter following viz:
A monster[5] silver gilded weighing 24¾ ounces, a cross of silver partly gilded weighing 76½ ounces, a senser weighing 31 ounces, two paxes weighing 16¾ ounces at 5s.1d. every ounce with another 149 ounces … sum £37.7s.
All which plate they say was sold to furnish the roof in the same church.  They say also that there 2 years past was sold more of the said church plate a chalice, a shippe, and two cruets, for the sum of £7. And the same sum they say was bestowed in making a bell frame in the said church.}

RATCHFORDE [?Rochford]. John ffreeborne, John meeke, Thomas Tyler, John Grymbill, Parryshenours there doo presente and saye That there hath been solde of thornamentes of the same churche in October last past iij. old stremerss an olde Aultare clothe and an old Coope for a childe for the Somme of xijs. which was bestowed among the poore.

{ROCHFORD.  John Freeborne, John Meeke, Thomas Tyler, John Grimbill, parishioners there do present and say that there have been sold off the ornaments of the same church in October last past 3 old stremerss(?)[6] an old altar cloth and an old cope for the child for the sum of 12s which was distributed among the poor.}

LIGHE. William Aston, Curate, John Pope, Doo presente and say That there hathe been sold by the consent of the parryshe within these ij. yers of the churche plate there lxxxiiij. vunces at iiijs. ijd. the vunce and xxti. vnces at iiijs xd. the vnce. Summa iiijli. xvjs. viijd., whereof they say xvijli. xs. was layed owte and gyven for redemyng of certayne men of the same parryshe which were taken prysoners in ffraunce. And the resydue ys bestowed in repayringe the saide churche and amending an highwaye.

{LEIGH.  William Aston, Curate, John Pope do present and say that there has been sold by the consent of the parishioners within these 2 years of the church plate there 74 ounces at 4s.2d. per ounce and 20 ounces at 4s.10d. the ounce.  Sum, £4.16s.8d. whereof they say £17.10s was laid out and given for redeeming certain men of the same parish which were taken prisoners in France. And the residue is bestowed in repairing the said church and amending a highway.}

HADLEY. John Wade, Thomas Edwardis, Thomas Cocks, Doo presente and say That they the same William Wade and Thomas Edwardis dyd sell one Chalyce of the Churches for the Somme of xxxiijs. iiijd. And they say they bestowed the same Somme in and abowt the reparacions of the Churche there.

{HADLEIGH.  John Wade, Thomas Edwards, Thomas Cocks, do present and say that they the same William Wade and Thomas Edwards did sell one chalice of the church for the sum of 33s.4d. and they say they bestowed the same sum in and about the reparations of the church there.}

CANWEDON. James Anderkyn, John Michell, Churchewardens doo saye That he the same James Anderkyn and John Eckforthe then being Churchewardens dyd sell with the consent of certayne of the parryshe of the churche plate there ij. Cruettis with other brooken Juells for the Somme of iijli. xvs. vd. And a senser, a shippe, two chalyces, and a paxe for the somme of xviijli. xijd. And the said Sommes they say were lenyd to be bestowed in shinglinge and in other reparacions to be doone on the saide churche.

{CANEWDON.  James Anderkyn, John Mitchell, Churchwardens do say that he the same James Anderkyn and John Eckforthe then being churchwardens did sell with the consent of certain of the parish off the church plate there 2 cruetts with other broken jewels for the sum of £3.15s.5d. and a senser, a shippe(?)[7], two chalices, and a pax for the sum of £18.12d. And the said sums they say were lent to be bestowed in shingling and in other reparations to be done to the said church.}




[1] Shepes = shippes. The Oxford English Dictionary gives no clue other than to indicate –ship as an old suffix, as in worship.
[2] Gyhe = not recorded in OED but perhaps intended to be gilded
[3] Paxes = pax = a tablet of gold or silver etc depicting the crucifixion which is killed by the celebrating priest and other participants of the mass
[4] Cruettis = cruetis = cruet = a small bottle or vial for holding liquid (OED online)
[5] Monster, as in large, but what?
[6] unknown
[7] unknown