The history and antiquities of the county palatine, of Durham: by William Hutchinson ... [pt.2]

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The history and antiquities of the county palatine, of Durham: by William Hutchinson ... [pt.2]
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Hutchinson, William, 1732-1814.
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Newcastle :: printed for Mr. S. Hodgson; & Messrs: Robinsons, London,
1785-94.
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"The history and antiquities of the county palatine, of Durham: by William Hutchinson ... [pt.2]." In the digital collection Eighteenth Century Collections Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/004863773.0001.002. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed April 24, 2025.

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[figure] view of Durham
A VIEW of the CATHEDRAL and CITY of DURHAM from ELVETT MOOR.
THE HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE COUNTY PALATINE OF DURHAM.

THE city of Durham claims our first attention. It is in Easington ward, and lies near the centre of the county, in latitude 54° 50′, and 1° 27′ west lon∣gitude from London. From whatever quarter the traveller approaches this place, he is struck with its elegant situation, and the grandeur of some of its public build∣ings. A few paces from the south road, this English Zion makes a noble appear∣ance. In the centre, the castle and cathedral crown a very lofty eminence, girt by the two streets called the Baileys, enclosed with the remains of the ancient city walls, and skirted with hanging gardens and plantations which descend to the river Were, in this point of view exhibiting the figure of a horse-shoe * 1.1. To form the right wing of this picturesque prospect, the banks on the opposite side of the river are high, rocky, steep, and scattered over with trees; along the brink of which the

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street of New-Elvet is extended, and terminated by the handsome church of St Oswald: At the bottom runs Old-Elvet. Across the bridge are the streets of Claypeth and St Giles, which climb the more distant eminence, the church termi∣nating the line of buildings. The slopes of the hills are beautified with hanging gardens and rich meadows. Newton-Hall, one of the seats of Sir Henry Liddell, bart. with its adjacent plantations, fills the nearer back-ground; behind which a fine cultivated country is discovered, lengthening the prospect to the distance of ten miles, on which Penshar-Hill, with its peaked brow, is a beautiful object. To form the left wing, the banks opposite to the castle and cathedral are cloathed with wood and fruit-trees; and South-street stretches along the summit. The long canal which the river exhibits to the eye in this part, is crossed by Framwelgate bridge, of two eliptic arches. Crook-Hall, a seat of one of the family of Hopper, is seen on the river's banks, with the woodlands of Newton-Hall on the more dis∣tant ground; to the left of which the sweet villa of Francis Johnson, esq at Aykley-Heads, is seen, surrounded with irregular mounts * 1.2 and rising plantations.

Approaching the city from the north, it has the most romantic and uncommon appearance: It seems to be scattered over a multitude of irregular hills, (for the ground by which it is approached is thrown up into round mounts), and we disco∣ver various parts of the town, the castle, and churches, through several vallies in one point of view, so that they appear like so many distinct places. The west front of the castle is seen on the summit of a ragged and steep rock, with some parts of the cathedral; and the street of St Giles, as if totally unconnected with the rest of the town, is spread over the brow of a distant eminence. The hollow passes amongst the hills on the north-west of the city, afford beautiful and picturesque prospects. At Castle-Chair, where the view is much confined, the castle and ca∣thedral have a noble appearance; the octagon tower of the former, with the mound on which it is placed, have a grand effect. On the eminence opposite to Shaw-Wood, the view just mentioned is enlarged; yet, the distant branches of the town being intercepted by rising grounds, leave the principal objects in the most distinct and picturesque arrangement. Approaching from the east down the street of St Giles, we command the second noblest view of the city: In front, the river Were forms a fine canal through a rich vale, crossed by Elvet bridge, of seven wet arches, and many other land arches; the town crowds the swift risings of the hill, pile upon pile; the castle and cathedral church crowning the summit of the eminence. To the left are seen the banks of Elvet and the church, flanked by a distant forest of oaks, and the groves which hang on the margin of the river: On the right is a view of Newton-Hall, and the adjacent grounds.—To this general description, more mi∣nute particulars will be added as we pass through the city.

A short view of historical facts relative to this place, as each circumstance arose in the respective aeras of our prelates, is given in due order in the preceding vo∣lume of this work. It is to be observed, that the first mention as to time, made by old writers of the name of Durham (or Duresme according to the language of those days) is by Hollinshed, in the reign of Athelstan, when, speaking of Sithric's

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[figure]
The Charter granted by Hugh Pudsey Bishop of Durham to the Burgesses of the City of Durham.

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[figure]
The Confirmation of Bishop Pudsey's Charter to the Burgesses of the City of Durham by Pope Alexander 3d. 〈…〉〈…〉

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sons, Anlaf and Godred, he says,

Godred with a power of men entering into Nor∣thumberland, besieged the city of Duresme, soliciting the citizens to receive him, which they would gladly have done, if they had not perceived how he was not of power able to resist the puissance of king Athelstan* 1.3.
It is evident, from cir∣cumstances, that this author adopted a wrong name for the capital of Deira; for the most approved historians concur in relating, that Godred arrived at York, where some of his partisans held the castle, but on Athelstan's approaching, Malmsbury says, it was surrendered and demolished even to the ground, and Godred, in de∣spair, took to piratical courses and a roving life at sea † 1.4.

We have not the least evidence of any town where Durham now stands, before the monks rested with the remains of St Cuthbert, after the Danish invasion. It was also remarked in the course of this work, that there is a place adjacent to the present city called Old Durham; but we have neither traces in history nor records to shew that any town existed there previous to St Cuthbert's arrival. The legendary tale, alone supported by the effigies on the north-west tower of the transept of the cathe∣dral church, (which will be described when that edifice is treated of) relates, that after the revelation or vision at Wedelau, according to Symeon's text, but Werdele by others, and described to lie east of Durham, the monks were much at a loss to find the place pointed out by the oracle, where they should rest from their labour: The name of Dunholme, then said to be given them, was not known to any. If they then lay at Warden Law, (which from much similarity of name some have conceived was the place of the vision) it was within eight miles; if on the banks of the Were, (where we shall by some observations attempt to ground a supposition that the monks halted) it was to the east of the city, at a very little distance; for that river from its source flows almost due east to Bishop-Auckland, and from thence almost due north to Old Durham. It would have been strange if Deiraham, Duresme, or Dunholme, a place named from the kingdom of Deira in which it was situated, or some such memorable distinction, had then stood on the scite of Old Durham, and was not known to the inhabitants within so small a distance as Chester, the last residence of the monks. The discovery of the place of their destination occurred to the wander∣ers accidentally, as the legend relates; for whilst they travelled through the country with uncertain steps, a woman, seeking her cow, was informed by a person she met that she would find it in Dunholme: The astonished monks rejoiced at the propitious voice, and followed their fortunate guide, where indeed they found a country flow∣ing with milk and honey. So much for the legend; which we would not have troubled the reader with, but it leads to an argument, that the effigies on the church were placed there in commemoration of the happy possession of the rich meads and vallies on the Were, which could not be more aptly expressed in emblem than by the figure of the bountiful cow distending her udder to dispense charitable gifts to mankind: It was emblematical of the rich country they had obtained, of the gra∣cious gifts of Providence decreed to them, and the holy benevolence of the church. In pursuance of this idea, it is probable the monks, on discovering their destin∣ed residence with the pious host which accompanied them, sat down on the plains

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south-east of the present city, by the brink of the river; and there erected them∣selves habitations, till they could build a church wherein to deposite the saint's re∣mains: This conjecture has a strict correspondence, not only with the name of Old Durham, but of the Burgus vetus, (which we shall point out from several records) afterwards granted to the convent. On the one side of this plain was a fortress, perhaps of no less antiquity than the times we are speaking of, called the Maiden Castle,* 1.5 the remains of which are described in the sequel; and on the other side, a peel or castle, as is presumed from the name of the eminence called the Peel-Law or Castle-Hill, though no traces of any such erection are at this time to be seen or found in the forest of oak that grows on the hill. The river runs be∣tween the eminences, and almost fills the whole intervening space. The remains of extensive breastworks and trenches are to be seen a little farther up the vale, such as the people of that age used to cast up for the defence of their habitations; and not far distant is an eminence called Mont-Joye, from whence the wanderers obtained a view of the Hill of Zion, whereon St Cuthbert was to rest for ever.† 1.6 Warden-Law lies several points to the north-east of the city of Durham, and on the wrong side of the river for the monks to approach Chester from Ripon. The fords are dangerous and uncertain, and even impassable at certain seasons by tra∣vellers on foot: Warden-Law is also at a greater distance from Ripon by eight miles than Durham. Such circumstances counterpoise the apparent similarity of names, and induce a belief, that as the religious troop would cross the river Tees either at Neseham, Croft, or Piercebridge, they would seek the fordable passes of the river Were near Durham; and that Wedelau, Werdale, and such other names as we find in ancient authors, express the Dale of Were. Though names grow corrupt, yet points of the compass must remain; and if the pious host sat down east of Durham, on the banks of the Were, there was no other ground so situated but in the vicinity of Old Durham. This argument shall not be pressed further till we come to describe the ground, in our progress through the county.

Dunholme, or the eminence on which St Cuthbert was to rest, is described to us as being insufficient for the reception of the multitude that attended the saint, till they had cut down the thickets and forests which grew upon the skirts of the hill. The first work the pious labourers engaged in, was to erect an ark or tabernacle with timber and boughs of trees, where they deposited the saint's body; after which they built a compleat edifice, similar to the churches of that age, which was called the White Church. This transaction all the monkish writers fix to the

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year 995 * 1.7. It doth not appear that any habitations were erected for the people on the mount where the church was built, for a considerable time after their com∣ing to Dunholme; for we are told, in the course of three years from the date of the first tabernacle, that a church of stone-work was begun and dedicated by bishop Aldun, wherein the saint's remains were deposited. According to the course of events exhibited by the ancient writers, it was not till after the foundation of Al∣dun's church was laid; that the forest which grew round the eminence was cut down, and the skirts of the hill were rendered sit for human habitation. Much labour was expended; and all the inhabitants between Coquet and Tees rivers, at the command of the earl of Northumberland, are said to have been employed there∣in; workmen drawn from a tract of country not less than fifty miles in length: Such was the mighty concourse which on that occasion crowded the banks of the Were † 1.8. From the above circumstances we are led to date the rise of the town of Durham in the opening of the eleventh century. Bishop Aldun did not live to see his design compleated, but left the western part of the edifice, after eighteen years pious care, for his successors to finish.

We hear nothing further of the town of Durham till the year 1040, when, some authors say, it was attacked by Duncan of Scotland; and it seems there were then fortifications, for the townsmen, as reported, sustained the invaders assaults for a long time, and at length made a victorious sally, whereby the enemy were totally routed. The heads of such Scots leaders as fell or were taken prisoners, were six∣ed on poles round the market-place. The eminence chosen for the first build∣ings was so steep on every side but one, that it was easily defended against the at∣tacks of an enemy: The weakest part was on the north-east, where Claypeth, or Clayport-gate, now stands, being on the neck of land between the streams of the river: This neck, from brink to brink of the Were, is not much above 200 paces in width in its present state; and there are sufficient appearances on the adjacent ground to encourage a conjecture, that a sluice or moat crossed this narrow part, whereby the whole city could on occasion be compleatly insulated. The name of Clayport, as it is stiled in all the ancient writers, appears to be a corruption of Cluer∣port, or the gate of the sluice; cleur being a north-country word, in acceptation for a sluice-gate or sluice-board, by which a dam-head is stopped. Leland, who visited this country, in his Itinerary says ‡ 1.9,

The towne self of Duresme stondith on a

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rocky hille: and stondith as men cum from the south cuntre on the ripe of Were, the which water so with his course naturall in a botom windith about, that from Elvet a greate stone bridge of 14 arches, it crepith about the towne to Framagate bridge of 3 arches also on Were, that betwixt thes 2 bridges, or a little lower at St Nicholas, the towne, except the lenght of an arrowshot, is brought in insulam; and some hold opinion, that of auncient tyme, Were ran from the place wher now Elvet bridge is, straite down by St Nicholas, now stond∣ing on a hille; and that the other course, part for pollicy, and part by digging of stones for building of the towne and minstre, was made a valley, and so the wa∣ter course was conveyid that way, but I approve not full this conjecture.
Leland, doubting the truth of the report, does not express his opinion concerning the neck of land which he mentions. Symeon, who gives us the account of the before-mentioned attack on Durham, takes no notice of any fort or strong-hold which contributed to the gallant defence of the inhabitants; but it is probable the mound on which the octagonal tower of the castle stands, was cotemporary with the church, and perhaps formed of the soil, which was necessarily moved when the foundations of that structure were laid. At Warwick there is a mound of the same form, with terraces similar to those at Durham; and Dugdale * 1.10 tells us,
If it was presumption to carry its antiquity higher, to refer the foundation thereof to the renowned lady Ethelstede, daughter of king Alfred, and lady of the Mercians, I am sure will not, in regard it appears, that she in 915 (scil. in the 16th year of king Edward the Elder) caused the dungeon to be made, which is a strong tower or platform, upon a large and high mount of earth, artificially raised (such being usually placed towards the side of a castle or fort, which is least defensible) the substance whereof is yet to be seen.
This passage is quoted, to shew the reader there was an example for the people to follow, and that such mounts were of that antiquity. It is said to be the opinion of the ingenious Mr Wright, of Byers-green† 1.11, that this was a Danish mount or fort; but we have no traces in history of that peo∣ple having a residence here; and indeed the former arguments hold against it, as such a work would have rendered the place notorious to the monks of Chester, at the distance of six miles.

The next event noted in history, wherein Durham is distinguished, was in the year 1069, after the coming in of William the Norman, when he sent down Cu∣min as governor of Northumberland with a guard of 700 veteran Norman soldiers. Despising bishop Egelwin's caution and advice, Cumin entered the city with marks of cruelty and tyranny, and through the insolence of his own self-sufficiency, per∣mitted his troops to give themselves up to rioting and wantonness; they forcibly took possession of the houses, were dispersed through every quarter of the city, and committed various enormities against the inhabitants. The Normans, overcome with drunkenness and revelling, were totally off their guard; whilst the people of the adjacent country, arming themselves, assembled in the night, and at the dawn of day forced the gates of the city, fell upon the Normans when they sus∣pected no violence, and put them to the sword; so that the streets were filled with blood and carcases, the house where the earl lodged was set on fire, and those within endeavouring to fly were immediately slain, only one wounded person

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of the whole band escaping death. When the ruthless tyrant William, greedy of revenge, marched his army northward, the affrighted inhabitants of Durham fled the city * 1.12; and the monks forsook their convent, leaving the Normans a melancholy solitude, on which to wreak their vengeance by fire and destruction. As soon as the troops retired, the inhabitants came from their hiding places, and the religious host brought back their holy charge after an absence of four months.

The king having appointed Walcher to the bishopric, on his return from an ex∣pedition against Malcolm of Scotland in 1072, ordered a castle or fortress to be built at Durham, at once to protect the bishop and his convent, to keep the peo∣ple in subjection, and to awe the northern territories, this place being esteemed a fit situation for a barrier. It is certain such an edifice was begun about that period of time; but we have no information of what form it was, though the oc∣tagonal figure is not unusual in the Norman buildings. It seems, Camden appre∣hended the castle directed to be built by William was not founded on the scite of any ancient fortress, his words being in eminentiori collis parte extruxit; but that a more elevated situation was chosen for the new bulwark than the stronghold al∣luded to by Gulielmus Gemiticencis, whose words he quotes, describing the for∣tress:

From whence (he says) the English, dissatisfied with the Norman yoke, made frequent sallies, and kept themselves close there, waiting for the expected approach of the Danes; that it was in a part of the country inaccessible by reason of woods and waters; that it had a strong rampier round it, which they called Dunholme.
This account seems to strengthen the former arguments. William de Malmsbury, whom Camden quotes, and who lived about that time, gives us this description of the city:
Durham is a hill rising gradually from out the valley to its summit; and notwithstanding, by its rugged situation and bro∣ken rocks, all access for an enemy is cut off, yet lately they have built a castle upon a hill, at whose foot runs an excellent river.
Dugdale, further speaking of the castle of Warwick, says,
In those days (in the Saxons time I mean) were very few such defensible places as we now call castles, that being a French name; so that though the English were a bold and warlike people, yet, for want of the like strongholds, were they much less able to resist their enemies, which defect gave great advantage to the Norman conqueror after his victory at Hast∣ings; whereof he was so sensible, that he neglected not to raise store of such forts through the whole realm, as I have elsewhere observed, amongst which this at Warwick was not the least.

Bishop Walcher's assumption of the civil jurisdiction, in the character of pala∣tine, it is apprehended brought on the tragical catastrophe before related † 1.13, in the month of May, 1080; and the city of Durham, after his death, sustained the assault of the rioters for four days, who, not able to make any impression, dispersed themselves.

William de Carilepho, who succeeded in the bishopric, was among the malecon∣tents on the accession of William Rufus: After the king had quelled the southern

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insurrections, he sent an army into the north, which laid siege to Durham, and soon reduced the place; the bishop flying into Normandy: On this occasion, the temporalties of the See were seized into the hands of the crown, John de Tailbois and Ernesius de Burone were made governors of the castle and palatinate, and it was not till the year 1091 that the bishop was restored: Soon after that event, he granted, or (if the ancient authorities are not confused on this subject) rather re∣granted to the convent, Elvet in the order of a borough, where the monks should have forty merchants houses or tradesmen's shops, distinct and separate from the bi∣shop's borough of Durham, that they might trade there, freed from duties payable to the bishop and his successors * 1.14. Though we have no previous account of the borough of Durham, † 1.15 yet by inference we may determine that such borough ex∣isted, with exclusive privileges, even till the institution of the borough of Elvet held an entire trade: How this diminution was relished, we are not informed; nor how the new borough supported its authority.

In the time of bishop Flambard ‡ 1.16, whilst the temporalties were in the hands of the crown, it appears by the guardians accounts, the borough of Durham sustain∣ed considerable damage by fire § 1.17. After the bishop's restoration to the See, he improved the fortifications of the city, by extending the walls between the church and the castle: He removed all the houses on the area between those two edifices, and levelled the ground: He fortified the castle with a moat, strengthened the banks of the river, and built the beautiful bridge called Framwellgate-bridge.

In April 1139, this city entertained the members of congress, when articles of peace were agreed upon; Maud queen of England, with a great number of barons, on the part of that crown, and prince Henry, with many Scotch nobles, on the other part, being present.

King Henry II. during his displeasure with bishop Pudsey, took possession of the castle and city of Durham, and on various pretexts repeatedly deprived him of the custody of this strong place. It was a custom for the burgesses, on the demise of a prelate, to deposite the keys of the city gates at the shrine of St Cuthbert: On the death of bishop Pudsey, the officers of the crown, who had seized the temporal∣ties, took violent possession of the keys contrary to the ancient usage. As the election of a prelate was studiously delayed, and much oppression happened during the vacancy of the See, under the influence of the crown officers, and as a creature of the king succeeded, it is not to be wondered that we hear no further than the mere mention of this infringement of the privilege of the convent.

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King Henry III. on his northern excursion, honoured this city with his residence for some short time, during the episcopacy of bishop Farnham.

After the victory of Falkirk, Edward I. halted at Durham, to which place intelli∣gence was brought that the Scots again appeared in force, which obliged the king to march nothward, and he celebrated the festival of Christmas at Tynemouth. In the year 1300, the king was again at Durham, as a mediator between the bishop and his convent, touching their then bitter dissentions.

On Brus's incursion in the time of Edward II. a party of the Scotch, whilst the inhabitants were in their beds, surprised the suburbs of Durham, which they re∣duced to ashes.

Edward III. with a great army, was at Durham for some time, before the Scotch were discovered to lie in Stanhope-park: In 1333 he was again at Durham, on his march northward, previous to the victory of Hallidown-hill.

The walls of the city of Durham having been neglected, and becoming ruinous, were restored and put into a state of defence by bishop Beaumont, who in 1323 re∣ceived a severe censure from Edward II. for his negligence in matters so important to his palatinate. On the 23d of December, 1356, Edward III. was at Durham, and issued summonses for the military tenants to attend him on a northern expedition, in which Berwick was besieged and reduced.

In 1424 this city was crowded with the nobility of England and Scotland, on the liberation of the Scotch king, and his marriage with the lady Jane Seymour; the hostages were received here; a truce for seven years was also then settled be∣tween the two nations; and certain laws established for the government of the bor∣ders: The king and queen of Scotland remained at Durham a considerable time, not departing thence until the last day of March or first of April.

A dreadful visitation of the plague happened here in the time of bishop Langley, which occasioned an * 1.18 adjournment of the assizes, and a total suspension of all public assemblies in the year 1416: It continued to rage for five successive years.

In the time of bishop Nevill, this city was the place of many conventions of the delegates of England and Scotland. In 1448, Henry VI. came here on a Pilgrim∣age to the shrine of St Cuthbert. In 1463, lord Montague was at Durham with his army, previous to the battle of Hedgley-Moor.

Bishop Fox, on the anniversary of his installation, the 23d of July 1503, enter∣tained, in the great hall of his palace at Durham, the princess Margaret, daughter of Henry VII, in her progress into Scotland, on her espousal with James king of Scotland † 1.19. July, 1503,

on the 18th day of the monneth, the quene departed fro Newbrough to Allerton; and at the intrygne of the said place, sche was re∣ceyved by the vicayr and the folks of the church with the freres Carmelits in processyon. From that place sche was conveyd, as custome was, to the manayr of the said bysschop of Durham.

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The xixth day of the said monneth, the quene departed from Allerton, in fayr aray and noble companyd, and Syr James Straungwysch knight, sheryffe for the said lordschyp, for the said bischop mett hyr welle accompanyd.

After sche drew to Darneton to hyr bed, and three mylle from the said place cam to hyr the lord Lomley and hys son, accompanyd of many gentylmen and others welle apoynted, ther folks arayd with their liveray and well monted, to the nombre of xxiiij horsys.

At the village of Nesham she was mett by Syr Rawf Bowes and Syr William Aylton, welle apoynted, with a fayr cumpany arayd in their liverays, to the nom∣bre of xl horsys, well apoynted and well horst.

In the saide place of Nesham was the saide quene receyved with the abbasse and religyouses, with the crosse without the gatt, and the byschop of Durham gaffe hyr the sayd crosse for to kisse. At two mylle ny to the said towne of Darneton, mett the qwene, Syr William Boummer, sheriff of the lordship of Durham. In company with hym was Syr William Ewers, and many other folks of honor of that contre, in fayr ordre, well appoynted of liverays and horst; to the nombre of six score horsys.

By the said company was sche conveyed to Darnton. And at the gatt of the church of the said place, war revested the vicayr and folks of the church, wer do∣ing as sche had done on the dayes before, sche was led to the manayer of the said byschop of Durham for that nyght.

The xxth day of the said monneth the quene departed from Darnton in fayr aray, and with the precedente company went to the town of Durham. A mylle out of the said towne, cam before hyr Syr Richard Stanley and my lady his wyffe, accompanyd of gentlemen and gentlewomen varey well appoynted, hys folks a∣rayd in hys liveray, to the nombre of l. horsys, well mounted.

Then the quene prepared herselfe to enter into the said towne, and every ychon in lyk wys, in fayr aray, and rychely, after the manere acostomed. In specyall the erle of Northumberlaund ware on a goodly gowne of tynsill fourred with her∣mynes. He was mounted upon a fayr courser, hys harnays of goldsmyth warke, and thorough that sam was sawen small bells that maid a mellodyous noyse, with∣out sparing gambads. Hys gentylmen of honor and hys company wer well ap∣poynted.

At the intryng of the said towne, and within, in the streytts and in the wyn∣dowes was so innumerable people, that it was a fayr thing for to se. And in fayr ordre she was conveyd to the church, the officers of armes, sergeants of armes, trompetts, and mynstrells going before hyr.

At the gatt of the church was my lord the byschop of the sayd place, and my lord the prior, revested in pontificalls, with the convent all revested of ryches copps, in processyon, with the crossys. And ther was apoynted a place for to kisse them.

Then the sayd processyon departed in ordre, and all the noblesse in lyke wys, to the church, in whiche ny to the fount was a ryche awter, adorned of ryches

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jwells and precyowses relikes, the wich the said bischop delivered to the said qwene to kiss. And by the erle of Surrey was gyffyn hyr offrynge. After this sche was noble conveyd to the castell, wher hyr lodging was prepared and drest honnestly. And every ychon retourned agayn to hys repayre.

The XXIst, XXIId, and XXIIId days of the said monneth sche sejourned in the said place of Durham, wher sche was well cheryscht, and hyr costs borne by the said byschop; who on the XXIIId day held holle hall, and dowble dynner, and dowble soupper to all commers worthy for to be ther. And in the said hall was sett all the noblesse, as well spiritualls as temporalls, grett and small, the wich was welcome; for this was hys day of installacyon.

The XXIIIIth day of the said monneth the qwene departed from Durham, ac∣compayned of hyr noble company, as she had beene in the dayes past, in fayr manere and good ordre, for to com to the towne of the New Castell.

All the nobility and people of distinction of the adjacent counties, together with the ecclesiastics of the neighbouring monasteries, were entertained on this occa∣sion.

Durham was the scene of a bloody execution on the suppression of Nevill's rebel∣lion, no less than sixty-six persons suffering death there. In the year 1589 the plague again broke out and raged in Durham for a considerable time: After abat∣ing for some months, which gave hopes that the tremendous visitation was about to cease, it appeared again in 1597 with redoubled violence, so as to oblige the poorer people to be removed into huts and sheds on the adjacent commons, parti∣cularly Elvet-Moor, where the marks of arrangement of melancholy cells were dis∣tinctly to be observed, before the late inclosures, on the south side of the hill, be∣low the wood. An idea may be formed of the miserable situation of these unhappy people from the account (in the Annals * 1.20 of bishop Morton) of the wretched sufferers on Hob-Moor near York: His benevolence, it is to be hoped, was not unrivalled by the ecclesiastics of our city. In 1633, Charles I. was resident at Durham a considerable time with bishop Morton, who entertained him and his whole retinue, at the expence of 1500l. a day.

Having recapitulated the most memorable events in which Durham was particu∣larly concerned, attention will be paid in the next place to the government of the borough or city † 1.21. The ancient government of the borough was, like others of the

Page 12

same antiquity and dignity, by a bailiff, who was nominated by the bishop. In royal franchises the title of bailiff is retained to this day, as (inter alias) the chief bailiff of the liberty and franchise of Richmond and Richmondshire; and the bi∣shop having jura regalia, his bailiff held jurisdiction of the franchise of the borough of Durham * 3.1. In the statute of Marlebridge † 3.2 the words are, Ubi balivam habeat vel jurisdictionem; and counties are called the sheriffs bailiwics. Many considera∣ble towns are governed by bailiffs to this day, as Ipswich, Yarmouth, Colchester, and sundry others. In the time of bishop Nevill, this officer of the borough began to be stiled bailiff of the city of Durham; but no cause is assigned for avoiding the name of borough, and substituting that of city. The name of city, even by the ancient statutes and law authorities, is indefinite and uncertain in application, being adopt∣ed in many instances, and in this case appears to have been used as a name of mo∣dern acceptation, without meaning to express any superior dignities; for Durham was the capital of the palatinate, as well whilst called a borough as a city ‡ 3.3.

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We are totally ignorant what privileges this place anciently enjoyed as a borough. The munificent prelate, Hugh Pudsey, after the disputes with his sovereign subsided, granted a written charter to the burgesses of Durham, which was the first charter the borough received: The people of Durham are therein stiled burgesses, we pre∣sume, from their inhabiting within the gates of a walled town, and under the pro∣tection of a fortress, where they carried on a secure trade, and perhaps held certain customs established by successive prelates. By this charter, of which the plate is a fac-simile, the people were for ever thereafter discharged from the customs of in-toll and out-toll for all their merchandizes; they were also exempted from he∣riots, a duty or tribute established in very distant antiquity, and in the Saxon times given to the lord for his better maintenance in war. Most of the ancient writers have distinguished heriots in two branches, heriot custom and heriot service: Law definitions have little right to a place here; it must suffice to say, that both de∣nominate an estate of inheritance, and the heriot service a fee-simple. But the fourth exemption by this charter is most singular; it is a discharge from the cus∣tom of marchet: This was the old borough custom * 3.4, and brings ludicrous ideas, when one considers it had relation to a prelate's borough. When the barbarous customs of our ancestors began to be corrected through the medium of more po∣lished manners, and learning had diffused a liberality of sentiment, this brutal and

Page 14

absurd mark of the vilest vassalage was commuted for a money payment. In vari∣ous parts of this island the custom bore different names; in some places the marchet, in others maiden-rents, and in Wales gwabr-marched; all distinguishing a mulct paid to the lord for the marriage of a vassal's daughter, and originally commuted for his right with the virgin bride. The additional bounty to the borough, which has reference to the free customs of Newcastle, may not be so easily explained, no historian having hitherto informed us what were the original privileges of Newcastle, or by whom they were granted. If in the laborious researches of the reverend Mr Brand this may be discovered, it will add new light to the history of our city, whose burgesses, by this grant, were entitled to hold all such free customs as the burgesses of Newcastle enjoyed * 3.5. This prelate improved the city greatly by building Elvet bridge, and continuing the city wall from the North-gate, now called the Gaol-gate to the South-gate, or Water-gate.

The city continued under the government of its bailiff from the time of bishop Pudsey till after the Reformation. Indeed we find a superintendent appointed to regulate the merchandise, who took the title of marshal, or clerk of the markets, and he had the custody of the alnage-seal, not only for the city of Durham, but the pro∣vince at large. He was an officer appointed by virtue of the jura regalia, in pursu∣ance of the statute of the 25th of Edw. III. and subsequent laws, and collected the duties payable on cloths, and by his seal distinguished their quality. In 1448, bi∣shop Nevill granted to Robert Kelsey, esq the office of marshal, or clerk of all the markets within the bishopric of Durham, and also keeper of his alnage-seal, to be exercised by himself or his sufficient deputies, under the yearly rent of 13s. 4d. to be paid into the bishop's exchequer † 3.6. Though this is the first record met with, yet from various evidence we are led to determine, it was not an office then origi∣nally instituted in this city, but had taken place in consequence of the before-mentioned statute. Antecedent to the creation of aldermen, mayors, and other chief officers of incorporated towns, the marshal of the markets was an appoint∣ment absolutely necessary to the subject at large, for the prevention of fraud, and encouragement of fair trading. This was one of the badges of regality; for the

Page 15

marshal or clerk of the markets was an officer of the king's house * 3.7, of whom Brit∣ton, rehearsing the law, says,

We will that none have measures in the realm but we ourselves, but that every man take his measures and weights from our stan∣dards.

The burgesses by the foregoing charter were exempted from in-toll and out-toll, but foreign merchants bringing in their merchandise, were subject to certain du∣ties imposed by and payable to the bishop. The bishop for the time being imposed those duties on various special occasions, particularly as a tallage or aid, for the in∣habitants of the city, towards repairing and maintaining the city walls † 3.8. In bi∣shop Bury's time, we have a record of the revocation of a grant of this nature, dated the 13th of April 1345 ‡ 3.9. In the year 1377, bishop Hatfield granted to the inhabitants of Durham, by the title of Burgensibus & aliis probis hominibus in civi∣tate n'ra Dun. certain duties for divers wares coming into the city, as an aid for supporting the walls and pavements of the place ‖ 3.10; and in bishop Fordham's time an inquisition was taken of the receipt and application of such duties, dated the 14th of January 1385 § 3.11; and of the same date a demise was granted for six years of the revenues of the city ¶ 3.12. Before any charter was granted for the government of the burgesses, the several crafts, who exercised their trades within the city, were under special restrictions and bye-laws, framed by themselves, and confirmed by the pre∣lates in whose times they were respectively instituted, thus obtaining the force of a charter ** 3.13.

Page 16

The city continued under the before-mentioned government till bishop Pilking∣ton granted the burgesses a charter of incorporation, dated the 30th day of January 1565 * 3.14, whereby he directed, that all persons then inhabiting, or who should there∣after

Page 17

after from time to time become inhabitants within the city of Durham, and Fram∣welgate in the county of Durham, should become one society and one body for

Page 18

ever, and have a perpetual succession; and he appointed Christopher Sewerties, one of the citizens, to be alderman within the said city of Durham and Framwel∣gate,

Page 19

to govern the said city and Framwelgate until the 4th day of October then next; and also appointed William Walton, William Wright, Robert Anderson, Christopher Mayor, Thomas Knighton, Hugh Whitfield, Edward Hudspeth, Peter Pattenson, William Harper, Gilbert Nixon, Edward Renelley, and John Anderson, twelve burgesses, inhabiting within the said city, to be assistants to the said alder∣man and his successors during their several lives, if they so long demeaned them∣selves well and honestly, and the bishop of Durham for the time being should see nothing to the contrary: And the said alderman, twelve burgesses, and all others the inhabitants within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, should be for ever thereafter incorporated by the name of alderman and burgesses within the city of Dur∣ham and Framwelgate; with a power for the alderman and twelve burgesses, on the 3d day of October yearly, to nominate twelve other discreet men, inhabitants with∣in the said city and Framwelgate; which twenty-four burgesses, on the 4th of Octo∣ber yearly, should name one of the same society to be alderman for the year ensu∣ing, and also twelve assistant burgesses, which alderman should take the oath there∣in prescribed before the bishop for the time being, or before his chancellor, if the bishop should not be within his diocese: And as often as it should happen that the alderman and burgesses could not agree in the choice of a succeeding alderman, be∣fore sunset on the said 4th of October, then the bishop and his successors, if within the palatine jurisdiction* 3.17, or the chancellor, if the bishop was not within the pala∣tinate, should appoint an alderman for that time: And in case an alderman should die in the time of his office, or be removed, then the four-and-twenty should in four∣teen days nominate another fit person in his room, he taking the oath prescribed: And if any person elected alderman should refuse to accept the office or take the oath, he should pay a fine of 5l. to the bishop, and to the burgesses the like sum of 5l.; with like powers for supplying the number of assistant burgesses. And the said char∣ter did also ordain and give power to the said alderman and burgesses, by the name of alderman and burgesses within the city of Durham and Framwelgate, to plead and be impleaded in all matters whatsoever, and to have a common seal; and to take, receive, and purchase† 3.18 manors, lordships, messuages, lands, tenements, heredita∣ments, § 3.19

Page 20

goods and chattels as well real as personal, so as the same should not exceed the annual value of one hundred marks; with power to alienate, demise, grant, and assign the same. And the said alderman and twenty-four assistant burgesses, or the major part of them, were thereby authorised from time to time to make, order, and publish, laws, statutes, and ordinances, for the public benefit of the said society, and better government thereof, in case the bishop of Durham should not prohibit the same; and to alter and change the same at their discretion, and punish offenders therein by fine and amercement, to be levied to the use of the said society. And that the said alderman and burgesses should for ever thereafter hold a weekly market within the said city of Durham on the day before the Sabbath, and also three seve∣ral fairs in the year, for two days together at each time, viz. on the feast of St Cuthbert in September, the feast of St Cuthbert in March, and on Whitsun-Mon∣day, together with a court of pyepowder during the said fairs: And all profits there∣of, and all liberties and free customs, profits and emoluments to markets and fairs belonging: And the constables of the said city and Framwelgate were commanded to be aiding and obedient to the alderman for the time being, for the better exer∣cise and execution of his office: And lastly it was ordained, that neither the alder∣man nor any of the twelve assistant burgesses, whilst in office, should serve any noble∣man or gentleman, use the arms, or bear the badge, of any such person, unless he pleased, or should happen to be retained in the service of the queen or king of Eng∣land, or the bishop of Durham for the time being.

Neither the city records nor those of the bishops furnish us with the names, in succession, of the chief magistrates or aldermen under bishop Pilkington's charter; and, from the time of Christopher Sewerties, we have an entire blank to the year 1598 * 3.21. The city continued to be governed under the above charter till the year 1602, when bishop Matthews granted a new charter.

Preceding this second charter, several of the crafts and artificers entered into se∣parate associations, for the better government of their respective trades; which be∣ing

Page 21

confirmed by the alderman and twelve assistant burgesses, they held as ordinan∣ces constituted under the powers of the incorporation charter, and thereby made obligatory: To such, the companies who framed and received them gave the deno∣mination of charters; and they had their power of operation from such ordinance or confirmation. Some of these charters or by-laws are not now to be found; one in the most usual form will satisfy the curiosity of the reader, as the tenors in gene∣ral are not interesting to the public, and relate only to the private government of the respective companies† 3.22.

Page 23

Bishop Matthew's charter * 4.1 was much more ample than the preceding one: It opens with this preamble:

Tobias, by the grace of God, bishop of Durham.

Page 24

Whereas the city of Durham in the county palatine of Durham is, and time out of mind hath been, an ancient city, of good fame. And the burgesses, men

Page 25

and inhabitants of the said city, together with those of Framwelgate, have had and enjoyed divers rights, jurisdictions, liberties, and privileges, as well by pre∣scription

Page 26

as by virtue of divers charters, grants, and confirmations, as well from us, as several of our predecessors, bishops of Durham. And the bur∣gesses,

Page 27

men and inhabitants in time past, have suffered great damage, by reason of the defect of some of the said charters; and fearing lest in time to come they

Page 28

should be molested in the enjoyment of such their liberties and free customs, for want of publication, and other causes; they have therefore humbly entreated us to express, in special words, what the said liberties and free customs are, and to grant the same to the said burgesses and inhabitants and their successors, and to incorporate them,
&c. By this charter he constituted and granted, that the burgesses and inhabitants should be one body politic and corporate, consisting of a mayor, twelve aldermen, and commonalty, to continue for ever, by the name of

Page 29

mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, and by that title to plead and be impleaded in all courts of law within the county, with power to purchase lands not exceeding the yearly value of 100 marks, and to have a common seal. Hugh Wright was therein appointed the first mayor, to con∣tinue in office till the 4th day of October then next following, and then to be an alderman for life, to supply the number of twelve without any new election. Robt Sureties, Rich. Hutchinson, Edw. Wanles, Wm Hall, Ja. Farales, Tho. Pearson, John Wall, Edw. Taylor, Hugh Hutchinson, John Heighington, John Pattinson, and Richard Wright, were appointed aldermen for life. They were directed to chuse yearly twenty-four discreet men out of their several twelve arts, mysteries, or trades, that is to say, two out of the mercers, grocers, haberdashers, ironmongers, and salters; two of the drapers and taylors, two of the skinners and glovers, two of the tanners, two of the weavers, two of the dyers and fullers, two of the cordwainers, two of the saddlers, two of the butchers, two of the smiths, two of the carpenters and joiners, two of the free masons and rough masons, inhabitants of the city and Framwelgate, which, with the mayor and aldermen, should form a common council for the said city, and, on the 4th day of October yearly, to chuse a mayor out of the body of the said aldermen, it being requisite to have seven aldermen in the majority of votes on that occasion, with a power for a like majority to deprive or suspend the mayor for any offence committed in his office; and on such occasion, or on the death of the mayor, another chief magistrate should be in like manner elected, with∣in eleven days from the time of such deprivation, to supply that year; and within three days after such election, to be sworn before the bishop for the time being, or, on the See being vacant, or the bishop being in distant parts, then before the chan∣cellor of the county palatine, or, on his absence out of the jurisdiction, before the aldermen and the twenty-four common-councilmen, or the major part of them. On the fifth day of October, yearly, the said mayor, aldermen, and common coun∣cil are directed to chuse two serjeants. On the death of a common councilman, the mayor and aldermen, within twenty days, are to nominate one in his stead, out of the same trade; and on the vacancy of an alderman within the same time, to nominate another out of the burgesses and inhabitants of the said city and Fram∣welgate. Any person elected mayor or alderman, and refusing to take upon him the office, is made subject to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, to be levied on the desaulter's goods and chattles, or committed to the gaol at Durham till the same is paid; and such ines to be applied to the public use of the city. They were also authorized to make laws, statutes, and ordinances, for the better govern∣ment of the city, and the markets and fairs therein, and all officers, mysteries, arti∣ficers and inhabitants, and for regulating their several trades and mysteries; and the due preservation and management of the lands and possessions of the said body corporate. And for the better maintenance, state, and dignity of the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty, the same charter grants them all courts, fairs, markets, tolls, perquisites, stallages, pontages, passages, customs, and all and singular liber∣ties, franchises, profits, commodities, emoluments, and free customs, which at any time before the date thereof the burgesses had enjoyed, or the bailiffs or aldermen

Page 30

of the city had held and used, by virtue of any preceding charter, or by means of any custom or prescriptive right whatsoever; and that the said mayor, aldermen, and commonalty, and their successors, should hold their court within the city, from fifteen days to fifteen days for ever, and therein, before their steward, to hear and determine all actions, suits, quarrels, and demands, which might arise within the said city and Framwelgate; the serjeants having power to serve process, and enter into the lands, possessions, or shops of the parties, to satisfy the executions or judg∣ments of the said court, or to attach their bodies and commit them to prison: They were also empowered to take cognizance of all pleas, as well real as personal or mixed in the said court, and have equal authority within their precincts as any other courts of the county palatine of Durham had. The steward was also autho∣rised to punish the officers and ministers of the court by fine or imprisonment; and all such fines and profits were granted to the said mayor, aldermen, and commonal∣ty; with view of frank-pledge, to be holden by their steward within the precincts of the city twice a year, within a month after Michaelmas and Easter; with power of settling the assize of bread and corn unground, and all other things for sale; and, in their leet, to punish offences; and the profits of such courts were also thereby granted to them. Also a market weekly * 6.1 on Saturday, and three yearly fairs on the days appointed by bishop Pilkington's charter ‡ 6.2, with the profits and perquisites thereof; and every mayor for the time being was made clerk of the market, to en∣joy the profits thereof.

This charter received royal confirmation by letters patent dated at Westminster the 14th day of February 1605, though it is apprehended, the bishop was competent to make his charter without the aid of the crown, and therefore this badge of honour, after the gilding of its dignity was removed, was no better than a scab on the con∣stitution and privileges of the palatinate.

Notwithstanding the preceding charters, the bishops and their officers or lessees continued to take the tolls and dues of goods coming into the markets within the borough, and to appoint a bailliff of the borough, and clerk of the market. The record † 6.3 given in the notes, was of so recent a date as the year 1627, after the time of granting bishop Matthew's charter; and the decree there stated was made in the year 1637.

Page 31

The charter of bishop Matthew was kept in force until an order was made, on the 25th day of August 1684, to the following purport:

Then ordered by us

Page 32

the major, aldermen, and common councill in the common council assembled, or the majoritie of us, That the charter of incorporation of this city be forthwith surrendered under the common seal into the hands of the right honourable and right reverend father in God, Nathaniel, lord bishop of Durham, to be disposed of as his lordship pleaseth. In testimony whereof we have set our hands, the day and year first above written. (Signed) Jos. Hutchinson major, Jo. Morland, Jo. Duck, Mar. Allenson, Tho. Mascall, Jo. Hall, Cuthb. Hutchinson, Geo. Morland, aldermen; Wheatley, Dobson, and twenty-three others, common-councilmen * 6.4.
In pursuance of this order, the charter above-mentioned was surrendered to bishop Crewe, who granted a new charter to the city, bearing date the 7th of March 1684; but on account of some want of form in the surrender of Matthew's charter, it was deemed illegal and ineffectual, and the body corporate continued to act under the former until the year 1761, not enforcing any of the powers contained in Crewe's charter, and for that reason unnecessary to be set forth.

It appears, that in late years several innovations were practised in the city, by per∣sons not free exercising their trades within the liberties, and apprentices gaining their freedom by illicit practices of the several companies. To prevent such abuses in future, the body corporate, at a public meeting, made bye-laws or ordinances, dated the 8th of November 1728, whereby they imposed a fine on all intruders, who should exercise their trades within the liberties, of twenty shillings a week, so

Page 33

long as they continued so to do † 6.5; and ordained, that the mayor should hold four guild days in the year, at three of which, every person claiming title to his freedom

Page 34

should be called before he should be admitted, under a penalty against the warden of the trade in which any breach of the rule was committed of 30l. And also to pre∣vent taking apprentices who should not manually serve seven years to his master, under a penalty of 30l. against the master, and a like penalty of 30l. against the mayor for swearing in any illegal person.

Notwithstanding such prudent regulations, several efforts were made to evade the ordinances, and in the year 1756 an experimental freedom was created to try the legality of the bye-laws or rules last mentioned, which brought on a legal discussion, in the result, confirming them as consistent with law and the constitution of the in∣corporation * 6.6.

Page 35

The hydra of innovation gained strength by the loss of the above project; for, upon the arguments in the King's Bench, discovery was obtained how to overset the

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whole of the above prudential rule, and let in a shoal of freemen, who might, at the election of members of parliament, exercise the freedom of voting, and thereby depreciate the privileges of the burgesses who had acquired their franchise under the powers of the chartered incorporation. This project was played off in the year 1761, and threw the whole city into confusion, creating, in the event, such a divi∣sion in the body, that they refused to join in the exercise of the powers of their char∣ter; so that, in the year 1768, the number of members prescribed for carrying into execution the several powers of the charter, was lost, and the charter itself became disolved and obsolete. In Mr Mann's MSS.* 6.7 is the following account of the tran∣sactions in 1761:

The bye-law of 1728 was found to be a good and wholesome law, and answered the end for which it was made, by preventing persons being made free who had no right to their freedom; and other orders and bye-laws were afterwards made, tending to the same purpose, which were constantly ob∣served until the 13th of October 1761, some short time after the death of Henry Lambton, esq one of the members in parliament for the city, when the mayor, with some of the aldermen and common council, made an order or bye-law to repeal or make void the former, thereby altering the manner of admitting free∣men prescribed in such former orders or bye-laws.

On the 2d of November 1761, at a meeting of some of the aldermen and common council at the toll-booth, under this new order or bye-law, the town-clerk † 6.8, by their order, in an arbitrary and hasty manner, did call over the names of several persons to the number of 264, or thereabouts, living in differ∣ent counties, in order to be admitted freemen of the said city, though no way entitled thereunto, several wardens of different companies and freemen then

Page 37

and there objecting and protesting against the same; but no notice was taken of such objections and protests; and at the election of a member for the city, in the place of Mr Lambton, which began on the 7th of December 1761, 215 per∣sons so called on the 2d of November, were admitted to poll as freemen of the city.

The candidates in this election were, Ralph Gowland esq of Durham, then ma∣jor of the Durham regiment of militia, and major-general John Lambton, esq of Harraton, in the county of Durham. The poll continued six days: At the con∣clusion the numbers stood, for Mr Gowland (including the 215 occasional free∣men) 775, for Mr Lambton 752; so that Mr Gowland was returned elected with a majority of 23 votes: But upon a petition by Mr Lambton, the house of com∣mons, on Tuesday the 11th of May 1762, resolved, that the 215 made or pretended to be made free, had no right to vote, and that general Lambton was duly elected; on a division of the house, 88 against 72.

The members of the incorporated body being thrown into distraction by this strange transaction, as was observed before, suffered their charter to be vacated * 6.9. Under this predicament the city remained until the 2d of October 1780, when the present bishop of Durham was graciously pleased to grant a new charter as fol∣lows.

Page 38

"John by the grace of God, bishop of Durham. Whereas the city of Durham in the county palatine of Durham is, and for time whereof the memory of man is not to the contrary, hath been, an ancient city, and the burgesses, men and inhabi∣tants of the said city, together with the men and inhabitants of Framwelgate near the said city in the county aforesaid, have had and enjoyed divers rights, liberties, jurisdictions, franchises and privileges, as well by prescription as by reason of divers charters, grants and confirmations, by divers of our predecessors bishops of Dur∣ham: And whereas our predecessor TOBIAS, by the grace of God (formerly bishop of Durham) by his letters patent under the seal of the said county palatine, bearing date the twenty-first day of September, in the forty-fourth year of the reign of the lady Elizabeth, late queen of England, and in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred and two, did will, ordain, constitute and grant for him and his successors, as much as in him laid, that the burgesses, men and inhabitants of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, should be one body politic and incorporate, of a mayor, twelve aldermen and commonalty, to endure for ever: And further, that the said burgesses, men and inhabitants, for ever, should be one body politic and corporate, in deed, fact and name, by the name of the mayor, aldermen and com∣monalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate; and did for himself and his successors, really and fully, as much as in him lay, thereby erect, make, ordain, constitute and create them one body corporate and politic, by the name of the mayor, aldermen, and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, and did decree and declare

Page 39

them and their successors for ever to be incorporated, united and established one body corporate and politic, by the name of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, and did decree and declare them and their successors for ever to be incorporated, united and established one body, and that they should be for ever named and called the mayor, aldermen and common∣alty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, and by that name have perpetual succession, and should be for all future times persons able and capable in law, and that by the same name they might plead and be impleaded, and under the afore∣said name might prosecute, defend or answer in and for all and all manner of cau∣ses, complaints, actions and suits, real, personal and mixed, of what nature or kind soever, before whatsoever judges, as well spiritual as temporal, in all courts of him and his successors within the county palatine of Durham and Sadberge, and as much as in him laid elsewhere in all other courts and places whatsoever: And that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, and the successors of them, should be able and capable in law to purchase and re∣ceive lands, tenements, annuities, rents, services, advowsons, patronage of churches, emoluments, possessions and hereditaments; and also all goods and chattels whatso∣ever, as well spiritual as temporal, of any person or persons whomsoever, who would give, grant, leave, sell or assign the same unto them, so that the said lands, tenements, hereditaments and premisses by them to be taken and purchased, should not exceed the yearly value of one hundred marks; to hold to them and their suc∣cessors according to the states and forms of the same gifts, grants, bequests, sales, and purchases, without the molestation or disturbance of him or his successors, or of his or their officers or ministers whatsoever, saving always to the said late bishop and his successors, all fines, forfeitures, and royal rights, by or by reason of the same gifts, bequests, sales, or purchases, howsoever arising and happening to him and his successors, due and of right accustomed.

And that the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, should have one common seal to seal all and singular writings, charters, and instruments, any way touching or concerning them the mayor, aldermen and commonalty and their successors, or their lands, tenements, hereditaments, goods, chattels, or public affairs.

And for the better execution of the premisses, he did thereby assign, make, con∣stitute and name Hugh Wright, one of the burgesses and inhabitants within the aforesaid city of Durham, to be the first and modern mayor of the said city of Dur∣ham and Framwelgate, and afterwards to be one of the aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate; and did also thereby assign, name and constitute, for him and his successors, twelve other burgesses and inhabitants within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, in the said charter or letters patent named, to be al∣dermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate.

And did thereby also will and grant, that the mayor and aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and their successors for the time being for ever, should yearly chuse and name twenty-four other discreet men out of the twelve se∣veral arts, mysteries, or faculties, and in the manner therein mentioned, who should be resident, commorant, and inhabitant within the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate:

Page 40

And that the mayor, aldermen, and twenty-four other discreet men of the said city, should be the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate: And by the said letters patent, did give and grant powers to chuse future mayors, aldermen and common council, together with divers other powers, liberties, privi∣leges, franchises, immunities, and jurisdictions.

And whereas it appears to us, that by several disputes, events and accidents, no mayor, aldermen, or twenty-four, so to be elected as aforesaid, can in future be elected, under or by virtue of the powers and authorities given and granted by the said letters patent or otherwise; and the said corporation of the said city of Dur∣ham and Framwelgate is incapable of doing any corporate act, and is dissolved, or in great danger of being dissolved.

And whereas divers of the burgesses of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, as well on the behalf of themselves, as all other the burgesses thereof, have most humbly besought us to shew and extend our grace and favour to the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and that it would please us to revive the said corporation, and to restore to them their ancient franchises, privileges and immunities, by grant∣ing them a new charter of incorporation, with such powers and authorities as we should think proper, and with provisions to prevent, as far as may be, divers incon∣veniences and dangers, which the said corporation, from the form of the said char∣ter or letters patent of the said late bishop of Durham, were exposed to; and we being willing to give relief in the premisses, as far as in us lieth, KNOW YE THERE∣FORE * 8.1 that we of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have willed, granted, ordained, constituted, confirmed and declared, and by these presents

Page 41

do, for us and our successors, as far as in us lieth, will, grant, ordain, constitute, confirm and declare,

That the burgesses, men and inhabitants of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate, by whatsoever name or names of incorporation they have heretofore been incorporated, may, and shall for ever be, one body corporate and politic, of a mayor, twelve aldermen and commonalty: And the said burgesses for ever hereafter may and shall be one body corporate and politic, in deed, fact and name, by the name of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate.

And we also by these presents for us and our successors, as much as in us lieth, really and fully erect, make, ordain, create, constitute, confirm and declare them to be one body corporate and politic, in deed, fact and name, by the name of mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, and that by the same name they shall have perpetual succession; and that they, by the name of mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, may and shall be at all times hereafter persons able and capable in law to have, purchase, receive, and possess lands, tenements, annuities, rents, services, advowsons, patronage of churches, emoluments, possessions and hereditaments, and also goods and chattels, as well spiritual as temporal, from whatever person or persons who will give, grant, bequeath, sell or assign unto them, so that the said lands, tenements, hereditaments and premisses by them to be taken or acquired, do not exceed the annual value of one hundred marks: To hold to them and their successors, according to the con∣dition and form of such gift, bequest, sale, or acquisitions, without the molestation or interruption of us or our successors, or any of our officers or ministers whatso∣ever; saving always to us and our successors, all fines, forfeitures, royalties and rights, which by reason of such gifts, bequests, sales or acquisitions, shall be issuing or happening to us and our successors, due and of right accustomed: And also to

Page 42

give, grant, release, assign and dispose of lands, tenements, and hereditaments, goods and chattels, and to do and execute all other acts and things by the name aforesaid.

And that they by the same name of the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, may, and shall be able to plead and be impleaded, and to prosecute, defend or answer, as well in the several courts within the county palatine of Durham and Sadberge, as in all other courts and places, and before whatever judges, justices, and other officers, as well spiritual as temporal, in all causes, complaints, actions and suits, real, personal and mixed, of whatsoever na∣ture, kind or sort.

And that they the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and their successors, may and shall for ever hereafter have a common seal, wherewith shall be sealed all and singular writings, charters and instruments, in any manner touching or concerning them the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty and their successors, or their lands, tenements, hereditaments, goods, chattels, or public affairs: And that it shall and may be lawful for the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty and their successors, from time to time, at their pleasure, to break, alter and renew * 10.1 the said seal, as to them shall seem meet and expedient.

And we do further will, and by these presents for us and our successors grant, that for ever hereafter, one of the most honest and discreet aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, to be nominated and elected in the manner hereafter in these presents mentioned, shall be, and shall be called the mayor of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and that in like manner there shall and may be twelve other honest and discreet burgesses, to be elected in the manner hereafter in these presents mentioned, besides the mayor of the city aforesaid for the time be∣ing, who shall be, and shall be called aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate; and that there shall and may be hereafter a common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, to consist of the mayor and aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, for the time being, and twenty-four other persons, to be elected in the manner hereinafter in these presents mentioned; and for the better execution of our will and grant in this behalf, we have appointed, named, created, constituted and made, and by these presents for us and our succes∣sors, do appoint, name, create, constitute and make, our trusty and well-beloved John Drake Bainbridge† 10.2 to be the first and modern mayor of the said city of Durham

Page 43

and Framwelgate, willing, that the said John Drake Bainbridge may and shall be, and shall continue in the office of mayor of the said city from the date of these pre∣sents,

Page 44

until Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel now next en∣suing, and from thence until one other of the aldermen of the said city shall be in due manner elected and sworn into that office, if the said John Drake Bainbridge shall so long live.

We have also appointed, named, elected, constituted and made, and by these pre∣sents for us and our successors, do appoint, name, create, constitute and make the said John Drake Bainbridge, and our trusty and well-beloved Thomas Bainbridge, Ralph Bowser, Joseph Airey, Richard Shuttleworth, John Hall, John Lowther,

Page 45

William Kirton, John Starforth, Thomas Dunn, Christopher Hopper, John Potts, and William Archer, to be the first and modern aldermen of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, to continue in the same office during their natural lives, unless in the mean time they or any or either of them for misgovernment or misbehaviour therein, or for any other reasonable cause, shall be amoved from their said offices.

Page 46

WE ALSO will, ordain and constitute, and for us and our successors by these pre∣sents grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and their successors, as far as in us lieth, that the mayor and al∣dermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, or the major part of them (of whom the mayor for the time being shall be one) shall and may, as soon as conve∣niently may be after the date of these presents, meet and assemble together in the Guildhall or Tollbooth of the said city, or in any other convenient place within the said city; and being so assembled, shall and do then nominate and elect twenty-four

Page 47

other persons of the most discreet and honest men residing and inhabiting within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, that is to say, two of each of the separate arts, mysteries, and faculties following, to wit, two out of the mercers, grocers, ha∣berdashers, ironmongers, and salters—two out of the drapers and taylors—two out of the skinners and glovers—two out of the tanners—two out of the weavers—two out of the fullers and dyers—two out of the cordwainers—two out of the sadlers—two out of the butchers—two out of the smiths—two out of the carpenters and joiners— and two out of the free masons and rough masons, residing and inhabiting within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, or within the several parishes of St Nicho∣las, St Mary-le-bow, and St Mary the Less, or the extra parochial places of or be∣longing to the castle of Durham, and the college or cathedral church of Durham, or the parochial chapelry of St Margaret, the borough of Framwelgate, or the seve∣ral parishes of St Oswald and St Giles * 10.3, near the said city of Durham and Framwel∣gate, in the said county palatine of Durham; which said mayor, aldermen, and twenty-four discreet and honest men of the trades, arts or mysteries aforesaid, shall be the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate; and the said twenty-four so named and elected shall continue in the same offices until the second Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel then next ensuing, if they shall so long live, unless they or any of them in the mean time, for misgovernment or misbehaviour therein, or other reasonable causes, shall be removed from their said offices.

AND we further will, and do by these presents for us and our successors grant, to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate, and their successors, that the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four other per∣sons to be elected in the manner herein mentioned, to be of the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being we will shall be one) from time to time and at all times hereafter, yearly and every year, on the Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel, shall and may meet and assemble in the Guildhall or Tollbooth of the said city, or in any other convenient place within the said city; and being so assembled, shall and may nominate and elect one of the aldermen of the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, residing and inhabiting within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, or within the said several parishes of St Ni∣cholas, St Mary-le-Bow, and St Mary the Less, or the extra parochial places of or belonging to the castle of Durham, and the college or cathedral church of Durham, or the parochial chapelry of St Margaret, the borough of Framwelgate, or the seve∣ral parishes of St Oswald and St Giles near the said city of Durham and Framwel∣gate, in the said county palatine of Durham, to be mayor of the said city of Durham and Fram. for one whole year then next following, that is to say, until Monday next after the feast-day of St Michael the archangel then next ensuing; and that he in man∣ner aforesaid elected and named to be mayor of the said city, before he be admit∣ted to the execution of that office, shall take his corporal oath before us or our succes∣sors bishops of Durham for the time being, but if we or our successors shall be ab∣sent

Page 48

from the said county palatine, then before the chancellor of the said county pa∣latine for the time being, and in case of his absence from the said county palatine, or in case the episcopal See of Durham shall be vacant, then before his last predecessor in the office of mayor of the said city, for the due execution of his office, according to the tenor following, that is to say, I shall truth and faith bear to our sovereign lord the king's majesty, his heirs and successors kings and queens of England, and to the lord bishop of Durham and his successors bishops of Durham, and all such acts and orders as I shall consent and agree unto to be made, shall be for the common-wealth of the city of Durham and Framwelgate; and shall at no time or times hereafter go about to make any private orders against the privileges of the bishop of Durham, nor for the only profit of myself, nor of any other private person or persons; or consent or agree unto the same: And also, I shall at all and every time and times hereafter, go about by word, will and consent, well and truly to execute every point, article and agreement contained in this cor∣poration, to the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate granted, to my power, and I shall keep my lords council, my fellows and my own, so help me God, and by the contents of this book. And after he shall have so taken the said oath, he shall hold the said office of mayor of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, until Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel then next following, and from thence until another of the aldermen of the said city shall in due manner and form aforesaid be elected and sworn into the office of mayor of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, unless he shall in the mean time be re∣moved from that office for misgovernment or misbehaviour therein, or of or for any other reasonable cause.

And further we will, and do by these presents for us and our successors grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate and their successors, that if it shall happen that the said John Drake Bain∣bridge or any future mayor of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, shall die or be removed from the office of mayor of the said city, at any time before Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel, next after he shall be elected and sworn into the office of mayor of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, (and which said John Drake Bainbridge and every future mayor of the said city, we will shall be removeable from his said office for misgovernment or misbehaviour therein, or any other reasonable cause, by the aldermen and twenty-four so elected of the common council of the said city, or the major part of them, of whom we will that seven of the aldermen of the said city shall be seven) that then and so often it shall and may be lawful for the aldermen and twenty-four elected of the common coun∣cil of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom we will that three of the aldermen of the said city be three) within twenty days after such death or removal, to assemble in the Guildhall or Tollbooth of the said city, or in any other convenient place within the said city, and that they, or the major part of them then and there assembled, shall nominate and elect one other of the aldermen of the said city (residing and inhabiting within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, or within the several parishes of St Nicholas, St Mary-le-bow, and St Mary the Less, or the extra parochial places of or belong∣ing

Page 49

to the castle of Durham and the college and cathedral church of Durham, the parochial chapelry of St Margaret, the borough of Framwelgate, or the several pa∣rishes of St Oswald and St Giles, near the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, for the time being) to be mayor of the said city, for the remainder of the year; and that the person so elected to the office of mayor of the said city, before he be admitted to execute the said office, shall take his corporal oath to the purport or effect here∣in before mentioned, before us and our successors bishops of Durham; or in case of our absence, before the chancellor of the said county, or in case of his absence, or the vacancy of the said See, then before two of the aldermen of the said city; and having taken the said oath, he shall hold the said office until Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel then next following, and from thence until ano∣ther alderman of the said city shall be elected and sworn into the said office, if he shall so long live; unless in the mean time he shall be removed from his office, for mis∣government or misbehaviour therein, or other reasonable cause.

And we further will, and by these presents for us and our successors grant, to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate and their successors, that the mayor and aldermen of the said city for the time be∣ing, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being we will shall be one) shall and may from time to time, and at all times hereafter, yearly and every year, on the second Monday next after the feast of St Michael the arch∣angel, (that is to say) on the Monday next after the day by these presents appoint∣ed for the election of a mayor of the said city, to nominate and elect twenty-four of the most discreet and honest men, inhabiting and residing within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, (that is to say) two out of each of the twelve several arts, mysteries or faculties following, (to wit) two out of the mercers, grocers, ha∣berdashers, ironmongers and salters; two out of the drapers and taylors, two out of the skinners and glovers, two out of the tanners, two out of the weavers, two out of the dyers and fullers, two out of the cordwainers, two out of the sadlers, two out of the butchers, two out of the smiths, two out of the carpenters and joiners, and two out of the free-masons and rough-masons, residing and inha∣biting within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, or within the several pa∣rishes of St Nicholas, St Mary-le-Bow and St Mary the Less, or the extra parochial places of or belonging to the castle of Durham, and the college or cathedral church of Durham, or the parochial chapelry of St Margaret, the borough of Framwelgate, or the said several parishes of St Oswald and St Giles, near the city of Durham and Framwelgate, for one whole year, (that is to say) until the second Monday after the feast of St Michael the archangel then next following; and that every person elected and named to be of the common council of the said city, before he be ad∣mitted to the execution of that office, shall take his corporal oath upon the holy evangelists, before the mayor, or in his absence before four of the aldermen of the said city for the time being, well and faithfully to execute their office in all things relating thereto; and that after having taken such oath, he shall and may execute the said office for one year, (that is to say) until the second Monday after the said feast of St Michael the archangel then next following, unless he shall in the mean

Page 50

time be removed from his said office, for misgovernment or misbehaviour, or other reasonable cause.

Provided always, and our will is, that in case there shall not be a sufficient num∣ber of arts, mysteries, or faculties aforesaid, residing and inhabiting as aforesaid, out of which two can be elected according to the directions aforesaid, that then and so often as the case shall happen, the said mayor and aldermen, or the major part of them, shall and may nominate and elect so many out of the other arts, mysteries, or faculties, or any of them, residing and inhabiting as aforesaid, as will make up the number 24; and may supply the same, in case of the death or removal of any of the twenty-four, in the same manner; which said mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, elected to be of the common council of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate, shall in all time to come be the common council of the said city of Dur∣ham and Framwelgate.

And whenever it shall happen, that any of the aldermen of the said city of Dur∣ham and Framwelgate for the time being, shall die or be removed from his or their office or offices, for misgovernment or misbehaviour therein, or any other reason∣able cause, by the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four so elected of the common council as aforesaid, or the major part of them, (of whom we will the mayor shall be one) that then and so often, it shall and may be lawful for the mayor and rest of the aldermen and twenty-four so elected of the common council of the said city for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being shall be one) within twenty days next after such death or amotion, to nomi∣nate or elect one or more burgess or burgesses of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, dwelling and inhabiting within the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate, or within the several parishes of St Nicholas, St Mary-le-Bow and St Mary the Less, or the extra-parochial places of or belonging to the castle of Durham, and the college or cathedral church of Durham, or the parochial chapelry of St Mar∣garet, the borough of Framwelgate, or the several parishes of St Oswald and St Giles, near the city of Durham and Framwelgate, to be an alderman or aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, in the place or places of him or them so dying or happening to be removed; and that he or they so nominated and elected to be alderman or aldermen, before he or they shall be admitted to execute the said office or offices, shall take his or their corporal oath or oaths, be∣fore the mayor of the said city for the time being, or before four or more of the aldermen of the said city for the time being, well and truly to execute his or their office or offices, in all things thereunto belonging; and the person or persons so elected and sworn, shall hold the said office and offices during the term of his and their natural life and lives, unless he or they shall in the mean time be removed from the said office or offices, for misgovernment or misbehaviour therein, or for any other reasonable cause.

And also whenever it shall happen, that any of the twenty-four, to be elected of the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate as aforesaid for the time being, shall die or be removed from his or their office or offices, (and which said twenty-four we will shall be removeable from their said offices for misgovern∣ment

Page 51

or misbehaviour therein, or other reasonable cause, by the mayor, alder∣men and twenty-four, or the major part of them, of whom we will that the mayor for the time being shall be one) that then and so often, it shall and may be lawful for the mayor and aldermen of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor we will shall be one) within twenty days after such death or removal, to elect and prefer one or more of the burgesses of the said city, of the same trade, art or mystery, or trades, arts or mysteries of him or them so dying or being removed, and residing or dwelling within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, or within the said several parishes of St Nicholas, St Mary-le-Bow and St Mary the Less, or the extra-parochial places of or belonging to the castle of Durham, and the college or cathedral church of Durham, or the parochial chapelry of St Margaret, the borough of Framwelgate, or the said several parishes of St Oswald and St Giles, near the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, to be of the common council of the said city, in the place or places of him or them so dying or happening to be removed; and that he or they so elected into the said office or offices, shall take his and their corporal oath and oaths, before the mayor of the said city for the time being, or before four or more of the aldermen of the said city for the time being, well and truly to execute his and their office or offices in all things thereunto belonging; and the person or per∣sons so elected and sworn into the said office and offices shall hold the same until the said second Monday next after the feast of St Michael the archangel then next ensuing, if he and they shall so long live; unless he or they shall in the mean time be removed from the said office or offices, for mismanagement or misbehaviour therein, or for any other reasonable cause.

And moreover, for us and our successors, we grant to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and their successors, that if any one or more of the aldermen and burgesses of the said city for the time be∣ing, who hereafter shall be elected to the office or offices of mayor, aldermen, or of the common council of the said city, and having due notice given to him or them of such election, shall refuse to accept or take upon himself or themselves, and to execute that office, to which he or they shall have been so elected and nominated, then and so often, it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, so elected as aforesaid, for the time being, or the major part of them present at any meeting for that purpose (of whom the mayor to be one) to assess and impose such fines and amerciaments, not exceeding the sum of one hundred pounds, upon such person or persons so refusing, as to the said mayor, aldermen and common council for the time being, or such major part of them as aforesaid, shall seem reasonable; which sine or sines shall be recovered, received and applied to the public use of the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate.

And further, we will and do by these presents for us and our successors grant, to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city, and their successors, that there shall for ever hereafter be, in the city of Durham and Framwelgate, one honest and discreet man, skilled in the laws of England, who shall and may be, and shall be called the recorder of the city of Durham and Framwelgate; which said re∣corder,

Page 52

before he shall be admitted to execute that office, shall take his corpo∣ral oath, before the mayor of the said city for the time being, well and faithfully to execute the said office of recorder of the city aforesaid, according to the best of his judgment, in all things touching or concerning that office: And that after such oath so taken, he may exercise and use the office of recorder of and for the said city, for so long time as he shall behave himself well in the said office. And we have assigned, created, constituted and made, and by these presents for us and our successors do as∣sign, nominate, create, constitute and make, our trusty and well-beloved William Ambler, esquire, skilled in the laws of England, to be the first and modern recorder of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, to execute that office so long as he shall behave himself well in the same; the said William Ambler first taking his corporal oath before the said John Drake Bainbridge, or the mayor of the said city for the time being, well and truly to execute the office of recorder of the city afore∣said, according to the best of his judgment, in all things touching and concerning that office. And we will, that the recorder of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate, from time to time, be aiding and assisting to the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, for the time being, in all things and causes, which in the court of record in the said city, or any other court to be held in the said city, from time to time, shall be cognizable and determinable in the said city; and that he may do and execute all things which to the office of recorder belong and ap∣pertain, in as ample manner and form as any other recorder in any other city or town incorporate within the kingdom of Great-Britain, by virtue of his office of recorder, may or can do: And that from time to time and at all times, upon every vacancy of the office of recorder of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, aldermen, and twenty-four so elected as aforesaid, for the time being, or the major part of them, present at any meeting for that pur∣pose, (of whom we will the mayor shall be one) to elect, nominate and prefer one other discreet man, skilled in the laws of England, from time to time, to be recorder of the said city; and that he so elected and preferred into the office of recorder of the said city, from time to time, after the death or amoval of the said William Amb∣ler, shall and may have, enjoy and exercise the office of recorder, as long as he shall behave himself well in the same; first taking his corporal oath in manner aforesaid * 10.4.

And further we do will, and by these presents for us and our successors grant, to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city, and their successors, that they and their successors hereafter for ever, may and shall have in the said city one honest and discreet man, who may and shall be called the town-clerk of the said

Page 53

city, which said town-clerk, before he be admitted to execute that office, shall take his corporal oath, before the mayor of the said city for the time being, well and truly to perform that office, to the best of his knowledge, in all things touching or concerning the said office; and that after taking such oath, he shall use and exer∣cise the office of town-clerk of the city aforesaid, so long as he shall behave himself well in the said office; and we have assigned, created, constituted and made, and do by these presents, for us and our successors, assign, nominate, create, constitute and make, Martin Wilkinson to be the first and modern town-clerk of the said city, to exercise that office, as long as he shall behave himself well, first taking his corporal oath, before the said John Drake Bainbridge, or the mayor of the said city for the time being, truly to perform that office, to the best of his knowledge, in all things touching or concerning the said office: And that from time to time and at all times, whenever hereafter the said office shall be vacant, it shall and may be lawful for the said mayor, aldermen, and twenty-four of the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, for the time being, or the major part of them, of whom the mayor of the said city for the time being we will shall be one, to elect, nominate and prefer, one other honest and discreet man to be town-clerk of the said city, to exercise that office as long as he shall behave himself well in the same, who shall take his oath before the mayor of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate for the time being, for the due execution of the said office * 10.5.

And moreover we will, and by these presents for us and our successors do grant, to the said mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate, and their successors, that the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, the com∣mon council of the said city, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being shall be one) shall and may, within a convenient time from the date of these presents, name and elect two men, being burgesses or inhabitants of the said city, who shall be, and shall be called, serjeants at mace, to serve in the court of the said city, and for making proclamations, arrests, and executions of all processes, mandates, and other affairs belonging to the office of serjeant at mace, to be done and executed from time to time in the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid; and in like manner name and elect all such and so many constables, and other inferior officers and servants, as have been usual and accustomed within the city aforesaid; and the said serjeants at mace, and other inferior officer and officers, so to be elected and nominated, shall and may be in due manner sworn, before the mayor of the said city for the time being, for the due and faithful execution of the office and offices, to which they shall be respectively elected and appointed; and the said serjeants at mace, and other the officer and officers so to be elected, shall be and continue in their respective offices, until Monday next after the feast of St Mi∣chael

Page 54

the archangel now next ensuing, and until some other person or persons shall in due manner be elected and preferred into his or their office or offices respective∣ly; and that the said serjeants at mace, constables, and other inferior officer and offi∣cers of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, shall from time to time be annu∣ally elective, by the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, the common council afore∣said, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor we will shall be one) on Mon∣day next after the said feast of St Michael the archangel then next following, if they shall respectively behave themselves well in the same: And as often as, and whenever it shall happen, that such serjeants, constables, and other inferior officers of the said city, shall die or be removed from their offices, within one year after they have been elected, preferred, and sworn into their said office or offices respec∣tively, that then and so often, it shall and may be lawful for the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, the common council of the said city of Durham and Framwel∣gate for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom we will the mayor of the said city for the time being shall be one) within twenty days next ensuing such death or amotion, or any other convenient time, to elect and prefer other and others in the place or places of him and them so dying or being amoved; and that he or they so elected and preferred, shall hold and exercise the office or offices to which they shall be elected, named and preferred, if they shall respectively behave them∣selves well in the same, until Monday next after the feast of St Michael then next ensuing, and from thenceforth until another or others shall be elected and sworn into the said office or offices respectively, first taking his or their corporal oath or oaths in form aforesaid.

We also will and ordain, and by these presents for us and our successors do grant and confirm, to the aforesaid mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Dur∣ham and Framwelgate aforesaid, and their successors, as much as in us lies, that the aforesaid mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, so elected of the common council of the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, for the time being, or the ma∣jor part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being shall be one) shall have full authority, power and licence, in the place of, for and in the name of the whole corporate body of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, to compose, constitute, ordain, make and establish, from time to time, such laws, statutes, ordinan∣ces and constitutions, as to them in their discretions shall seem good, salutary, useful, fit, profitable, and necessary, for the good rule and government of the mayor, al∣dermen and commonalty of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, and all trades, officers, ministers, artificers, and residents whomsoever, within the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, for the time being; and for the rule and government of the markets, fairs, and marts, within the city of Durham and Framwelgate afore∣said, and the limits and liberties of the same, and of other persons coming and resorting to the said fairs and markets; and for declaring after what manner and order the mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and all and singular other the minis∣ters, officers and artificers, inhabitants and residents within the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, with their servants and apprentices, in their several offices, functions, mysteries, arts and businesses, within the city of Durham and Framwel∣gate aforesaid, and the liberties of the same, for the time being, shall conduct and

Page 55

employ themselves, and otherwise, for the more public good and good rule of the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid; and also for the better preservation, go∣vernment, and letting of the lands, tenements, reversions and hereditaments of the aforesaid mayor, aldermen and commonalty, and their successors, to them given, granted or assigned, or hereafter to be given, granted or assigned, and all other things and causes whatsoever, relating to the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, or concerning the state, right and interest of the said city of Durham and Fram∣welgate; and that the mayor, aldermen and twenty-four, so elected of the com∣mon council of the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being shall be one) as often as such laws, institutions, ordinances and constitutions shall be declared and established in manner aforesaid, do make, ordain, limit and provide such pu∣nishments, penalties and imprisonments of the body, or by fines and amerciaments, or by both, upon all offenders against such laws, statutes and ordinances, or any of them, which to the said mayor, aldermen and common council for the time being, or the major part of them, (of whom the mayor for the time being shall be one) shall seem necessary, requisite and proper for the observance of such laws, ordi∣nances and constitutions; and the same fines and amerciaments, by distress or any other manner, to levy and have and retain, to them and their successors, to the use of the said city of Durham and Framwelgate, without question or impediment of us or our successors, or any of the officers of us or our successors; all and sin∣gular which laws, ordinances, constitutions and institutions, so to be made, we will shall be observed under the penalties therein mentioned, so as such laws, ordinances and institutions, punishments, penalties and imprisonments, are not repugnant or contrary to the laws, statutes, rights and customs of England.

We will moreover, and by these presents, for us and our successors, as far as in us lieth, do grant, ratify and confirm, unto the said mayor, aldermen and com∣monalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate aforesaid, and their successors, that the said mayor, aldermen, commonalty, and their successors, shall have, hold, enjoy and use, from henceforth for ever, all and singular such rights, liberties, powers, authorities, franchises, immunities, free customs, lands, tenements and hereditaments, as the mayor, aldermen and commonalty of the city of Durham and Framwelgate, under, by virtue or reason of the said letters patent of Tobias late bi∣shop of Durham, or by, under, or by virtue of any charter or letters patent by any of our predecessors heretofore bishops of Durham, or otherwise by any lawful means, right or title whatsoever, could or were lawfully entitled to have, use or enjoy; except in such cases, and so far only as the same are varied or altered by these presents.

And further we will, by these presents, for us and our successors, of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, do grant unto the said mayor, alder∣men and commonalty, and their successors, that these our letters patent, and all and singular things in the same contained, shall be and remain, from time to time, good, firm, valid, sufficient and effectual in the law, according to the true meaning of these presents; notwithstanding the not naming, or the not right and certain naming the premisses aforesaid, or any parcel thereof, in their or in either of their

Page 56

proper names, kinds, sorts, quantities or qualities; and notwithstanding the not reciting, or not truly reciting the said letters patent before mentioned, or any thing in the same contained, or any act, ordinance, provision or restriction, or any de∣fect, uncertainty or imperfection in these our letters patent, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever, to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding: In witness whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent. Witness the honourable Edward Willes, our chancellor of Durham. Given at our castle of Durham this second day of October, in the twentieth year of the reign of our sove∣reign lord George the Third, by the Grace of God, of Great-Britain, France, and Ireland, king, defender of the faith and so forth; and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty, of our consecration the twenty-fifth, and of our translation to the See of Durham the tenth."

CHARITABLE FUNDS.

"There is a charitable fund belonging to the city of Durham, for which the mayor and aldermen are trustees * 10.6. Mr Henry Smith, the great benefactor of the city of Durham whilst it stood incorporated by the name of aldermen and bur∣gesses, by will dated the 20th of July 1598, gave all his coal-mines, then of the clear yearly value of 100l. besides a personal estate in money, debts, and goods, beyond debts and legacies, worth 600l. unto the city of Durham, in these words:

And as touching my colemynes, and that the increase thereof may be employed for the benefit of many, I freely give them all to this city of Durham, and the cause why I doe soe, and further as followeth is, that some good trade may be devised for setting of the youth and other idle persons to work, as shall be thought most convenient, whereby some profit may arise to the benefit of the said city, and reliefe of those that are past work.
—Then he gives away several legacies, and adds,
All the rest that remaineth I fully give and bequeath to this city of Durham, as fully and amply as I have done my colemynes, and to the uses before expressed.
—And then appoints one alderman pro tempore, Edward Wanles, dyer, and William Hall, draper, his executors, to see the said will per∣formed; and died on the 17th of November 1598. Mr Tho. Pierson was alder∣man at Mr Smith's death, and, together with Wanles and Hall, entered upon his estate, and continued the receipt and management thereof, until Tobias Matthew bishop of Durham, in the year 1602, incorporated the city by the name of mayor and aldermen, and then the succeeding mayors joined with the two executors, in the receipt and management thereof, and so it continued until the eighth year of K. James I. when a commission of pious uses was awarded to William bishop of Durham, and several others, upon which an inquest was taken, and this charity found and decreed against the executors, in whose hands it was, and several persons were appointed to be the governors thereof, particularly the then bishop, Richard Hutton, esq his temporal chancellor, H. Dethick, H. Ewbanke, Rob. Cooper, and several others. Those governors (14th Aug. 1612) called the executors to an ac∣count, and found in their hands in ready cash 577l. 10s. 2d. which they received and lodged in the chest in the town chamber, which they had bought for the pur∣pose,

Page 57

under four locks, and there also placed the bonds and other securities and writings relating to this charity; and then ordered the New-Place † 10.7 to be bought, for a trade of cloth-working to be set up in, which was accordingly done, and 150l. paid for the purchase thereof.

In May 1614, Henry Doughty and Wm Bastoe, clothworkers, were employed to begin the work, and were settled in the New-Place; and one Richard Thomlin∣son had by copy of court-roll an assignment made him of some ground upon Brass∣side Moor, de novo incremento, and inclosed it for the benefit of the works, and 200l. was paid them to provide materials, for which sum Wm Hall the executor, who had recommended these three men, was bound.

In September 1614 a new commission of pious uses issued, to the said bishop, chancellor Hutton, and several other commissioners, who approved of what the go∣vernors had done, and ordered 250l. more to be advanced to the clothiers, upon the statute-merchant of them and two other sureties, relations of Doughty and Bastoe, and upon surrender of Tomlinson's Intack; and so the works went forward for about two years, and then Doughty and his partners broke, and the governors took in one William Atkinson, then master of the house of correction, to spin and employ children that way, and gave him 60l. to buy wool: And also in the year 1616 the governor employed Thomas Browne and George Beecrofte, two new clothworkers, and bought them in wool, and gave them it to work, and employed William Hall the executor to be their inspector; and the work went on but slowly and to no great purpose, till Jan. 1619, and then was discontinued; and instead thereof, 20l. per annum was ordered to be paid by 5l. per quarter to the several streets in Durham, and apprentices were ordered to be bound out, ten or more per annum, as the stock should answer.

Thus it hath continued ever since, with the addition only of two half yearly pays more to the poor of the several streets; and in the year 1622, Wydop Leezes and Redmyers House were purchased for 660l. at the yearly rent of 50l. per annum, 3l. 6s. 8d. being discounted for a copyhold rent payable thereout annually to the bishop.

After this the governors put their statute-merchant in suit against Doughty and Bastoe's relations, and recovered most of the 250l. last lent; but all that Hall the executor was bound for, and more which he had got into his hands, amounting to 598l. odd money, was lost.

The mayors of Durham, from the discontinuing of the last clothworking in the year 1619 or 20, again received the money arising of the stock, and yearly account∣ed for it to the governors till the year 1659, and then a treasurer received it; and so it continued during the troubles, and till after the restoration, to wit, in Decem∣ber 1669, when a commission of pious uses was awarded to bishop Cosin, Dr Sud∣bury then dean of Durham, and others, and thereupon an inquest was taken, where∣by one John Heighington, who had been mayor of Durham, was found debtor for Smith's charity 414l. and for charities given by others almost as much more; but all that was got in satisfaction thereof was only the house and shop in the market-place,

Page 58

in Mrs Fulthorpe and alderman Paxton's possession, valued at 18l. per ann. called Heighington's Burgage.

In the year 1659 the receipt of the mayors of Durham was discontinued, and a treasurer appointed to receive and pay out the stock as the governors ordered. All the collieries are now failed, and have so been for many years past, so that all the stock ‡ 10.8 consists of

The New-Place, let for about per annum 40 0 0
Wydop Leezes, p. ann. 50 0 0
Dye-Houses, p. ann. 16 0 0
Hager Leezes, p. ann. 3 0 0
Heighington's Burgage, p. ann. 18 0 0
Newby's House, p. ann. 2 0 0

All this was purchased by the governors out of Smith's charity, and yields annu∣ally 129l.

As to cash unaltered or newly given for a manufactory,

Old charities in the stock. There is besides this due upon bonds from persons having donation money given by several 90 0 0
In ready money 100 0 0
New charities to be brought in. Bishop Wood's charity given to the poor of the city * 10.9100 0 0
New charities to be brought in. Mr Cradock's money, interest and principal 220 0 0
New charities to be brought in. Mr Baker's money † 10.10500 0 0

Page 59

By all this it appears, that the charitable stock of the city of Durham hath chiefly arisen from Mr Smith's charity, which was originally given for a manufactory; but by reason of the disappointments met with, by trusting the clothworkers' (who proved knaves) with the money, the governors in 1619 devised a different dispo∣sition of the charity money as before-mentioned, for which end the bulk of the stock was laid out in land."—Such is the account given of the rise of this charita∣ble stock.

A full illustration of the foregoing history of the charitable stock will appear in the inquisitions taken by virtue of the several commissions for charitable uses men∣tioned hereafter.

The first commission bears date the 12th of March, 1609, directed to William lord bishop of Durham and others,

for the due execution of a certain statute made in the high court of parliament, holden the 27th of October, in the 43d year of the reign of queen Elizabeth, entitled, An act to redress the misem∣ployments of lands, goods, and stocks of money given to charitable uses; to enquire by the oaths of twelve lawful men, &c.
A new commission in like form issued, dated the 22d of Feb. 1610.

To these commissions, or the one of them, an inquisition was taken and return∣ed at the city of Durham the 28th day of March, 1611, setting forth, that

Hen. Smith, of Durham, gentleman, deceased, by his last will and testament, written in his life-time, subscribed and sealed, &c. the 20th of July, 1598, did bequeath all his leases of the colemines of Hargyll, Grewburne, and Softley, in the county of Durham, and all the estate, tithe, and interest that he had therein for divers yeares then unexpired, by virtue of sundry leases made to him by the queen (Elizabeth) and bishops of Durham, xx lb. yearly rent yssuing out of the cole∣pitts called Carter-thorne Colliery-pitts, in the said county; the interest in which myne of coales he in his said will devised to Toby lord archbishop of York, his grace then bishop of Durham, to all his terme therein yet for sundry yeares by course of tyme contynuing, to the cittie of Durham, with all his coales above the ground, with all implements whatsoever, and all books of reckonnings, with all leases and writings touching the said colepitts, with all the coales pro∣vided for those uses, and two great chists wherein they were* 10.11; that the increase thereof might be employed to the benefit of manie, &c. And they also say, that he did by his last will give sundry legacies to sundry his friends, amounting in all to the sum of 305l. and for the payment of the said legacies only, did nominate Tho. Pearson then alderman of the said city of Durham, Edw. Wan∣less of the said city, dyer, and Wm Hall of the same, draper, his executors;

Page 60

and upon payment of the said legacies did ordaine, that his said executors should be no further troubled; and all the rest of his goods he did bequeath to the ci∣ty, of Durham for the uses above expressed.
And then sets forth the receipt of the profits of the colemines from the year 1598 to 1607, but no amount is men∣tioned. The inquisition also further sets forth, that
John Franklyn, then late of Coken, in the county of Durham, gentleman, did, by his last will, dated the 19th of Nov. 1572, bequeath 100 l. to the mayor, aldermen and others of Newcastle, upon condition that they should see paid for the same xl. yearly for the increase thereof (part of which) 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. to the prisoners and other poor people of Durham.

Several subsequent commissions issued, one in 1617, another 1622, a third 1629, and a fourth during the usurpation in 1659, directed to Sir Tho. Widdrington, knt. Sir Arthur Hazelrigg, bart. Sir Geo. Vane, knt. Francis Wren, &c. &c. and a fifth, dated the 10th of Dec. 1669, to which latter an inquisition was taken and returned, dated the 4th of Nov. 1670, which sets forth, that

it appears by an in∣quisition, taken at Durham on the 22d day of June, 1650, before, &c. that one Mr John Heighington, late of Durham, alderman, being mayor of the said city in 1637, got then into his hands several large sums of money, belonging to the charity stock of the said city of Durham, as follows;—of the donation of Mr Hen. Smith, 131 l. 1 s. 4 d.—of the donation of Mr Hugh Hutchinson, 170 l.—of, &c. of Mr Francis Buney, 20 l.—of, &c. of Mr John Walton, some time alder∣man of Derby, 5 l.—of, &c. of Dr Augustine Linsells, 196 l.—in all 542 l. 1 s. 4 d. That the said John Heighington did afterwards, &c. clear himself of 20 l. of Mr Buney's money, and 196 l. of Dr Linsell's donation; but in 1663 was in arrear to the said charitable stock, part of Mr Smith's donation, 414 l. 13 s. 10 d.—of Mr Hutchinson's, 208 l.—of Mr Walton's, 10 l.—in all, 632 l. 13 s. 10 d. which he was decreed to pay within three months; but that no part either for principal or interest had been paid: So that with interest from the 12th of Nov. 1663, at 6 l. per cent. the whole amount is 898 l. 8 s.

There is a charity or blue-coat school maintained in the city by subscriptions and other charitable benefactions. It was begun in 1718, for six boys; in 1736, six girls were added; since that time, as the fund increased, the numbers also in∣creased; so that now 30 boys and 30 girls are cloathed and educated; and seven boys in 1750 were superadded, in pursuance of the will of Mrs Ann Carr, who lest 500 l. to be placed out at interest for that purpose.

Page [unnumbered]

THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH.

HAVING shewn the government of the city, and privileges of the incorporated body, we beg leave to call the reader's attention to the history and descrip∣tion of the cathedral church.

In the preceding volume, under the annals of the bishops, are shewn the origin and foundation of this rich church, which renders it unnecessary now to revert to many of the facts there stated.

The reader will recollect, that in the first institution this church was served by secular clergy, who are said to have been governed by a provost. Bishop Walcher first projected a change, intending to introduce regular canons, but did not live to effect his purpose. His successor, William de Carilepho, in the year 1083 ac∣complished that matter, aided by the power of the crown, under the influence of the See of Rome. He applied to pope Gregory the Seventh for his precept or licence, on which he grounded his charter* 10.12, thereby declaring he granted the same by the command and council of the holy See, and that the king was present at the time of making thereof; and ordained, that all future priors of the church at Dur∣ham should possess the liberties, dignities, and honours of abbots, with the ab∣bot's seat in the choir of the church; and to hold all their lands, churches, and possessions in their own hands and free disposition, so as the revenues thereof might thereby be increased as much as possible, exempted from royal customs† 10.13. He ob∣tained the king's diploma to maintain and support his charter, dated in the year 1084, establishing the removal of the secular clergy from his episcopal church, and translating thither monks from Jarrow and Weremouth monasteries, who were of the order of St Augustine; by which instrument the king ordained, that all priors of that monastery should possess the same liberties, customs, dignities, and honours, as abbots ‡ 10.14; to hold the left-hand seat in the choir; have full power of appointing and removing the officers of the church; similar to the authority of a dean, have the first place and voice after the bishop; when in chapter, the first voice in all elections to the See; and, whatever dignities and honours the dean of York held, inferior to the archbishop, but superior to the archdeacon, the prior of Durham should equally hold in inferiority to his prelate, but in superiority of the archdeacon. By this instrument, the king also confirmed whatever the bishop had granted to his convent; and declared his protection of the monastery and its posses∣sions, as well those then enjoyed, as whatever should thereafter be acquired by the money of St Cuthbert or otherwise, with sac. and socne, tol and team, and infangeon∣theof,

Page 62

privilege of courts, and wreck of the sea: And he also thereby ordained, that the convent and their people should be for ever thereafter exempt from all outgo∣ings, exactions, rents, tolls, and all other royal customs appertaining to the crown. This diploma was signed in the presence of the bishops and peers of the realm, who subscribed and attested the same * 10.15. The bishop also gave to the monastery full ju∣risdiction over all their churches, and acquitted them of the authority of their pre∣late and archdeacon, save only touching the cure of souls; and in the year 1094 he decreed, that the priors should for ever thereafter be archdeacons of the whole diocese of Durham, vicars-general, and officials † 10.16.

The seculars, though removed from the seat of dignity, were not sent abroad unprovided for, several places being prepared for their residence, as will be shewn in the course of this work.

Not content with solely accomplishing so great a reformation, this prelate gave to the monastery, Rennington, the two Pittingtons, Hesselton, Dalton, Merrington, Shincliff, and Elvet; with Willington and Wall's-End north of Tyne, together with the churches of Lindisfarn, the adjacent villages of Fenham, Norham, and Skirworth, with divers churches in Yorkshire; and other donations were added by the king, among which are lands in Keverston and Gretham.

After the bishop's return from exile, he furnished the altar with various vessels and ornaments of gold and silver, and gave to the convent a large collection of va∣luable books ‡ 10.17. It would be an unprofitable labour in this place to note the several gifts of lands, as the whole possessions of the church appear in the endowment after the Reformation.

Page 63

The bishop, conceiving the church built by his predecessors was not of suitable magnificence to the dignity and increasing power of the See, formed a plan for a new erection, similar to the superb structures he had seen on the continent; and in the year 1093 he began to erect the stately edifice, now the subject of our attention. Though the art of making glass was introduced from France in the beginning of the seventh century, and Eddius, who wrote the life of Wilfrid, and lived about the year 720, asserts, that he glazed the windows of the church of York when he repaired that edifice, yet we have no proofs to maintain the assertion. It is probable that the use of glass prevailed greatly when our prelate began this work. The ori∣ginal form of the windows was of the circular arch, similar to the galleries above the ailes, and they were constructed for glazing. Glass windows introduced great embellishments in public edifices, as the use of stucco and plaistering succeeded that improvement; before which the insides of the walls were regularly chisselled and polished; which circumstance has contributed greatly to the permanency of ancient buildings, the inside surface being as exactly compacted as the outside. The large windows introduced in this building are apparently of a fashion and fa∣brication more modern than the eleventh century, their pointed arches in nowise corresponding with the mode which is adopted through the greatest part of the an∣cient edifice, that kind of arch being, as our best authors agree, introduced since the reign of Henry II. The annexed plate, taken from as accurate a drawing as perhaps was ever given to the public, will save much description, and convey to the reader the most perfect idea of this fabric before the repairs and embellishments now carrying on were begun. In the plates given in the Monasticon, the western towers are ornamented with spires, which went to decay, and were removed many years ago. In Willis's Cathedrals is a beautiful plate of the north front, dedicated to bishop Talbot, but the drawing is contracted and inaccurate.

The foundation of the church was laid on the 11th of Aug. 1093, with a solem∣nity suited to so great and pious a work, the bishop being assisted therein by Mal∣colm king of Scotland, and Turgot the prior: But the prelate departing this life in the year 1095* 10.18, saw but a small part of his plan carried into execution. The work was zealously proceeded in by his successor bishop Flambard, who lived to see great part of the building up to the roof † 10.19.

We are not informed in what state the monastic buildings were at the time the new foundation of the church was laid. Whilst bishop William was in exile, the convent built their refectory or frater-house ‡ 10.20, a description of which is given in the notes. The present library was built where it stood.

Page 64

ALDWINE,

who was the head of the monastic houses of Jarrow and Weremouth, at the time their monks were translated to Durham, was made the first prior of the

Page 65

convent. He was originally of Wincelcambe * 12.1, but having an irresistible desire to visit the venerable monastic remains in the north, travelled into this province, accom∣panied by two monks from Evesham. They arrived in this country in the year 1073, and first sat down at Monkchester, now Newcastle; but on the invitation of bishop Walcher, came to the ruined house of Girwa or Jarrow. That place soon becoming crowded by the number of devotees who resorted thither, several colonies emigrated from thence: One body of monks settled at Streoneschale or Whitby; another at York, from whom arose the noted monastery of St Mary; another went to Melros; and a fourth to Weremouth. Aldwine enjoyed his new dignity but a very short time, he departing this life on the 12th of April, 1087 * 12.2. His successor

TURGOT,

to whom the modern historian is so much indebted for information touching the ancient state of this See, was said to be of noble birth, and, in his youth, one of those unhappy persons who were confined in the castle of Lincoln, soon after the Norman conquest: Escaping from prison, he fled to Norway, and was graciously received. Some years after, returning to England, he suffered shipwreck, and lost all his effects. He resorted to Durham, where he obtain∣ed protection of bishop Walcher, who recommended a religious life to him, and placed him under the tuition of Aldwine at Jarrow. From that monastery he went to Melros; from thence to Weremouth, where he assumed the monastic habit; and, lastly, returned to Durham. On Aldwine's death, Turgot, with the general assent of the prelate and monastery, was elected prior of Durham in the year 1087, the office of archdeacon being annexed to that dignity. The monastery profited greatly by his prudent government; the privileges were enlarged, and revenues conside∣rably increased by his influence; and he promoted many improvements in the sacred edifices. He contributed an everlasting ornament to the monastery by the Ecclesi∣astical History which he compiled, beginning with the foundation of the See, and proceeding to the year 1096. After filling the office of prior with great dignity and piety for near twenty years, he was elected bishop of St Andrew's and primate of Scotland in 1107, and consecrated by archbishop Thomas, at York, on the 1st of August, 1109† 12.3. Dissentions arising between bishop Turgot and the king of Scot∣land, the prelate's anxiety and distress of mind brought on a decline of health,

Page 66

under which he obtained permission to return to England; and came back to Durham in the year 1115, where he resided little more than two months before his death. Stevens saith, that he returned to Durham after the death of king Malcolm and his queen * 12.4. He was buried in the chapter-house, between bishops Walcher and William.

After Turgot's departure for the See of St Andrew's, unhappy dissentions took place between the monastery and bishop Flambard; no prior was appointed for a considerable time; and the duties of archdeacon, official, and vicar-general, were severed from the office of prior: The bishop also possessed himself of several of the conventual estates, as lands beyond the bridge which he built, called Framwel∣gate or Durham bridge, Staindrop, Blakiston, lands in Wolviston and Burdon, and the church of Siggeston.

Before we advance further in the history of this church, it is necessary to observe, that the monks translated thither were of the Benedictine order. They followed the rules of St Benedict, who was born at Norsi, in the dukedom of Spoletto, in Italy, about the year 480, and died about 543. But his rule seems not to have been confirmed till 52 years after his death, when pope Gregory the Great gave a sanction to it. The habit of these monks was a black loose coat, or a gown of stuff reaching down to their heels, with a cowl or hood of the same, and a scapu∣lary;

Page 67

and under that, a white habit, as large as the former, made of flannel, with boots on their legs; and from the colour of their outward habit, they were gene∣rally called Black monks. This rule was introduced into England in king Edgar's time, but never perfectly observed till after the Conquest. Of this order were all our cathedral priories, except Carlisle and most of the richest abbeys in England.

The Benedictines were obliged to perform their devotion seven times within four-and-twenty hours * 13.1. At cock-crowing, or the NOCTURNAL: This service was performed at two o'clock in the morning: The reason for pitching upon this hour, is taken partly from David's saying, At midnight I will praise the Lord, and partly from a tradition of our Saviour's rising from the dead about that time. MATINS: These were said at the first hour, or, according to our computation, at six o'clock: At this time the Jewish morning sacrifice was offered: The angels likewise were sup∣posed to have acquainted the women with our Saviour's resurrection about this hour. The TIERCE; which was at nine in the morning, when our Saviour was condem∣ned and scourged by Pilate. The SEXTE, or twelve at noon. The NONE, or three in the afternoon: At this hour it is said our Saviour gave up the ghost; be∣sides which circumstance, it was a time for public prayer in the temple at Jeru∣salem. VESPERS, at six in the afternoon: The evening sacrifice was then offered in the Jewish temple; and our Saviour is supposed to have been taken down from the cross at this hour. The COMPLINE: This service was performed after seven, when our Saviour's agony in the garden, it is believed, begun. The monks going to bed at eight, had six hours to sleep before the Nocturnal began: If they went to bed after that service, it was not, as we understand, reckoned a fault; but after mattins they were not allowed that liberty. At the tolling of the bell for prayers, the monks were immediately to leave off their business; and herein the canon was so strict, that those who copied books, or were clerks in any business, and had begun a text letter, were not allowed to finish it. Those who were employed abroad about the business of the house, were presumed to be present, and excused other duties; and that they might not suffer by being elsewhere, they were parti∣cularly recommended to the divine protection. The monks were obliged to go al∣ways two together; this was done to guard their conduct, to prompt them to good thoughts, and furnish them with a witness to defend their behaviour. From Easter to Whitsuntide the primitive church observed no fasts; at other times the reli∣gious were bound to fast till three o'clock on Wednesdays and Fridays; but the twelve days in Christmas were excepted in this canon. Every day in Lent they were enjoined to fast till six in the evening: During this solemnity, they shortened their refreshment, allowed fewer hours for sleep, and spent more time in their de∣votions; but they were not permitted to go into voluntary austerities, without leave from the abbot. They were not to talk in the refectory at meals, but hearken to the scriptures read to them at that time. The Septimarians, so called from their weekly offices of readers, waiters, cooks, &c. were to dine by themselves, after the rest. Those who were absent about business, had the same hours of prayer pre∣scribed,

Page 68

though not the same length of devotions. Those sent abroad, and ex∣pected to return at night, were forbidden to eat till they came home: But this canon was sometimes dispensed with. The Compline was to be solemnly sung about seven at night: The service concluded with this verse, Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips. After this service the monks were not al∣lowed to talk, but went to bed immediately. They were all to sleep in the same dormitory, but not two in a bed: They lay in their cloaths. For small faults they were excluded the public table; but for greater, were debarred religious commerce, and the service of the chapel: And those conversing with a person under such censure, were liable to the same punishment. Incorrigible criminals were ex∣pelled the monasteries. When a brother was again received after expulsion, he lost his seniority, and was placed the last in the convent. Every monk was to have two coats and two cowls; and when they had new cloaths, their old ones were given to the poor: Each had a table-book, a knife, a needle, and a handkerchief: The furniture of the bed was a mat, blanket, rug, and pillow. The superior was never to dine alone; so, when there were no strangers, he was to invite some of his brethren to his table.—Such were the regulations of this monastery.

In the year 1109 the bishop consented to nominate

ALGAR

to be prior* 13.2. He presided over the monastery till the year 1137, (according to Ste∣vens) when he departed this life. The bishop was reconciled to the convent in this prior's time, and in the year 1128 restored several of the possessions which he had usur∣ped, and filled the vacant offices. In a solemn act of expiation, he confirmed the resti∣tution, by offering a ring at the high altar, and granting two several written charters to that purpose† 13.3. He also enlarged and ornamented the common hall of the mona∣stery, and gave to the convent the hermitage, church, and possessions of Finchale. He opened out the north front of the cathedral church, and cleared away all the buildings which crowded the area or plain between the cathedral and castle, ren∣dering it a level and beautiful square, which then took the name of the Placea, or Green Place, of which we shall speak in course. After this prelate's death, the monks proceeded in the building of the church, and during the vacancy of the See finished that great work.

Galfrid, surnamed Rufus, who succeeded to the bishopric, built the chapter-house for the convent. Soon after Algar's death,

ROGER

was made prior; a man of the most pious life, brought up from infancy in the discipline of the cloister. He held a controversy with archdeacon Wazo, touching the place of honour on the right-hand of the bishop; which was adjudged to be the prior's right, by bishop William de Sancta Barbara, in the year 1147. He held his dignity during the whole time of Cumin's usurpation, and departed this life in the year 1149 ‡ 13.4.

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LAWRENCE

was then made prior * 13.5; after whose coming in bishop William survived only three years, and was succeeded by bishop Pudsey, in the year 1153. The prior is described as a man of approved discretion, of a heart superior to evil, possessing a refined eloquence, and duly disciplined in religious rules. Strenuous in the matter of Pudsey's election, he was included with the rest of the religious body in the sentence of excommunication pronounced by the archbishop of York, and underwent the discipline of the whip in Beverley church; after which he travelled to Rome with bishop Pudsey, and died as he was returning in the year 1154. His remains were brought to Durham, and interred in the cemetery-yard † 13.6. He was a man of singular prudence and learning, a great writer, and many of his works are spoken of with much applause. There are nine MSS. of his in the bishop's library ‡ 13.7. He was succeeded by

ABSOLOM,

a person of whom little more is known than that he had a foreign education, and was but a shallow scholar. He was under the bishop's displeasure during the whole time he held this high office, and from weakness and want of resolution suffered the angry prelate to infringe the privileges of the convent in various instances. He departed this life in the year 1162 ‖ 13.8.

THOMAS

was soon after elected prior. He could not brook the insolence which bishop Pudsey discovered on every occasion, and was of too great rectitude of mind to suffer passively the infringements that prelate repeatedly made on the rights of his monastery. He entered into a contest with the bishop concerning the church of Allerton. The monks not supporting their prior in this just suit, the bishop deposed him, or constrained him by his persecutions to resign. In disgust with the world, he retired to one of the Farne islands, in which St Cuthbert formerly had his resi∣dence, and, restoring some of the buildings, lived the life of a recluse, and died there in 1163 § 13.9.

GERMAN

succeeded in the year 1163. He was a monk of this house, and described to be of a patient and forbearing disposition, prudent and peaceful; that, from his predecessor's example, he thought it better to submit to the troubles of the

Page 70

monastery, than encrease them by fruitless contention: He continued prior to the time of his death, which happened in the year 1186. In his time, restitution was made to the convent of several matters which bishop Flambard had taken away, as well as others with-held by the then prelate * 13.10; but it was not till the time of his successor,

BERTRAM,

that the abbot's seat in the choir and chapter-house was reassumed, the pri∣ors having been denied that place of honour for several years, whilst under the prelate's displeasure. It appears that the office of prior was vacant for two years, Bertram not being elected till the year 1188 or 1189. He survived bishop Pudsey, and for some years before his death had power to conciliate the mind of that prelate, and reconcile him to the convent † 13.11.

Hugh Pudsey, after the example of his predecessors, was desirous of contributing to the beauty and magnificence of the church at Durham, and projected a sumptu∣ous addition towards the east. The only author who mentions this, is Geoffrey de Coldingham ‡ 13.12, who tells us, that he began to erect a new work at the east end of the church, for which he imported from abroad marble columns and bases; but having laid the foundations, and carried up the walls to some considerable height, employing the most skilful artists therein, the building repeatedly failed and shrunk, to the imminent peril of the workmen; which sufficiently indicated to him, that the intended work was not acceptable to Heaven and St Cuthbert: So that he de∣sisted therefrom, and built the Gallilee at the west end of the church, for the re∣ception of women; where they might have the benefit of the holy offices, being otherwise debarred from the solemnities. It doth not appear the marble columns were placed in the Gallilee. It must be observed in this place, that the eastern transept of the church is rather a singularity, and was not built near the time of the other parts; the architecture throughout the whole being different. Great im∣provements in architecture were made, from the aera of the foundation by bishop William, to the time of bishop Pudsey's death: The more elegant Gothic order

Page 71

took place of the Saxon, and the pointed arches came in use: All the windows of this part of the edifice, in the lower arrangement to the east, are pointed: The clustered pilasters are chiefly of marble, though shamefully defaced and bedaubed with a wash of lime and ochre: There are no marble pilasters in any other part of the church, or any of the like order of masonry. Although no historian tells us who finished this work, yet that it was begun by bishop Pudsey is certain, and left by him unfinished for reasons hid in superstitious allegory; probably it was com∣pleated in the time of bishop Farnham and prior Thomas Melsonby. The Gallilee, said to be built by bishop Pudsey, doth not appear to be wholly a new erection; it is probable he improved it, and appropriated the place to the pious purpose before ascribed to it: It is formed with a triple range of pillars, so as to divide it into five ailes, nearly of equal width; the arches are circular, and ornamented with zigzag mouldings; the pillars are light, and clustered; above the arches is a dead facing or wall, which goes up to the roof, without any apparent utility, and far from be∣ing ornamental; the windows are pointed. It is noted to us, that a certain part of the most ancient churches had a place called the Gallilee, where the processions ended * 13.13: Those processions were made on the Sabbath-day, to signify or comme∣morate the passage of the disciples into Gallilee; so that in every church where those processions were practised, a certain station therein had that name.

Bishop Pudsey gave to the church many rich ornaments, and greatly enlarged the power of the monastery: The Yorkshire churches, until the time of this pre∣late, appertained to the bishops, as appears by a deed of composition made with the archbishop of York about the year 1174; but Pudsey granted them to the convent † 13.14.

Page 72

On bishop Pudsey's death, Hugh Bardolph had custody of the temporalties of the See, whose officers entered the church, and took by violence the keys of the city gates from St Cuthbert's shrine. Philip, who succeeded to the bishopric, held violent contentions with the monastery, prior Bertram strenuously maintaining the rights and privileges of his convent. The persecution this prelate exercised against the religious body, was scandalous to religion; but how far the injuries and indig∣nities he received might irritate, we know not * 15.1. Prior Bertram survived him, but did not live to see his successor in the See; for dissentions arose concerning the election of a prelate, the convent not being willing to submit to the papal injunc∣tions, or the king's nomination; and during this state of perplexity, the prior de∣parted this life in the year 1209.

The disagreement which subsisted between the late prelate and his convent pre∣vented improvements taking place in the sacred edifices; and it is apprehended the eastern transept of the cathedral church was neglected during that bishop's time.

Page 73

In the annals of the bishops it is observed, that a vacancy of the See took place after the death of Philip of Poicteu, for the space of nine years and upwards, in which period, Wharton notes, much darkness and perplexity appear in the history of this church, occasioned by the distraction of the religious body, who had neglect∣ed their records; so that, if during this vacancy the eastern transept was proceeded in, it is not mentioned by the scribes of the house in any of their chronicles.

WILLIAM,

a native of Durham, was elected successor to Bertram during the vacancy of the See, the king having granted licence to the convent for that purpose. He depart∣ed this life in the year 1214, or, as some say, 1219. If we rest upon the credit of Wharton, he died before Richard de Marisco had the bishopric. Geoff. de Cold∣ingham tells us of an honourable distinction given to this prior of Durham by the legate archbishop of York, at a council held there, in which the prior, in the place of the bishop of Durham, had the right-hand of the legate both in council and at dinner * 15.2.

RALPH KERNECH

succeeded to the office of prior, and governed the church for nineteen years. He departed this life in the year 1203. In the second year of the episcopacy of Rich∣ard de Marisco a reconciliation took place between the prelate and monastery, and the bishop by his charter confirmed to the prior and convent all the liberties and privileges granted to them by bishop William de Carilepho; and as an additional bounty, appropriated to them the church of Dalton, (alias Datton) for the better support of their house, and also confirmed the appropriations of the churches of Aycliff and Pittington.

In the year 1228 Richard Poor was translated to the See: He lived on terms of amity with the monastery, entering into a convention with the prior and convent, for preventing future disputes with their bishops, quieting their possessions, and as∣certaining their privileges † 15.3.

Page 74

THOMAS MELSONBY

was elected prior in 1233; and on the decease of bishop Richard, in the year 1237, was nominated to succeed him, and with much reluctance submitted to the choice. He was objected to by the king, who alledged many things against him of a politi∣cal nature * 15.4, and others personal:

That he was an infringer of the liberties of the church, was diseased in body, had broken his vow, and disregarded religious in∣junctions, particularly the ordained fasts; that he was guilty of simony, was il∣literate,
and such like charges, equally slanderous and untrue. After such an opposition, unwilling the See should longer continue vacant, he renounced his elec∣tion, and bishop Farnham succeeded. Fearful of the king's resentment, he resigned his office in the year 1244, and retired to Farne island, where in acts of piety and charity he spent the remainder of his life. His body was brought to Durham to be interred. In the year 1242 the prior, with the approbation and assistance of the bishop, began to remove the whole of the old roof from the cathedral church, and gave this noble edifice the additional elegance of a vault of stone-work. Willis as∣cribes this work to the bishop in these words:
Bishop Farnham, (temp. Hen. III.) vaulted over the roof of the church with stone.
Whoever pays due attention to the mode of architecture in this part of the edifice, will easily discover that the roof of the choir and eastern transept are of similar workmanship. Graystanes, who was a monk of Durham, and lived within a century of the time we are speaking of, is most to be credited; and his words are,
Anno Domini 1242, incoepit Thomas prior novam fabricam ecclesiae circum festum S. Michaelis, juvante episcopo,
&c.† 15.5 The prior also projected an additional work; for it is equally observable, that the tower of the steeple called in Davies's book the New Work and the Lanthern, are of the same order and workmanship, and express the same date ‖ 15.6. The faciae under the windows of the eastern transept are ornamented with rose-niches; the gallery of the lanthern is formed of open roses. The gallery of the tower of Melros abbey is

Page 75

similar to this, and that edifice was built in the twelfth century * 15.7. The windows of the lanthern are pointed and ornamented with tabernacle work in pinnacles, which kind of decoration appears no where but on the buttresses of the east front. The pilasters to the windows in the lanthern are similar to those in the eastern transept, and not like any other parts of the edifice. It is not easy to determine what kind of center tower this church first had; but, from the uniformity of the outside plan, it may be conjectured it was similar to the western towers, and without much or∣nament. Three bells hung in the center tower, which were rung to give notice of the services of the church; four bells for other occasions, as rejoicings, &c. were being in the north-west tower adjoining the Gallilee. The new work or lanthern terminated at the gallery vulgarly called the bellringers walk. The upper tower was added some years after, in bishop Stichill's time. It is impossible prior Tho∣mas should, in the two years preceding his resignation, compleat so great and ex¦pensive a work; but certain it is, he first brought it forward.

BERTRAM DE MIDDLETON

was elected prior on the 22d of September 1244, and resigned that dignity on the 15th of August 1258. Bishop Kirkham (on his accession in this prior's time) con∣firmed to the monastery the grants of his predecessors, and gave them the church of Heighington for the better support of hospitality, together with a large tract of land at Horsley-Hope. In this prior's time, the papal grant of the kingdom of Apulia and Sicily took place, for which the bishop of Hereford engaged to the holy See, that the clergy of England should pay 38,000 marks, to be borrowed for that pur∣pose

Page 76

* 15.8. Against this contract our prior appealed, alledging, that he and his con∣vent were at all times ready to obey the pope in things lawful and practicable; but to spoil their churches of their goods, to subvert their liberties, and straiten their maintenance, would be such an indignity to the church, scandal to the clergy, and reproach to religion itself, that they never could assent thereto. It cannot be doubt∣ed but this reply would prove offensive, as well to the See of Rome as the crown of England; and in 1258 we see the prior resigning his dignity, though the historians of that time do not immediately express it to be in consequence of such displeasure. On the 17th of the calends of August the prior petitioned the convent to admit of his resignation, and that they would provide a maintenance for his retirement, al∣ledging at once his want of constitutional abilities to execute the duties of his high office, and also the services he had undergone in forty years monastic life, fourteen of which he had been prior; he asserted, he had obtained a bull for his dismission, but would not use its authority. Messengers were accordingly sent to the bishop with his requisition, who in return commanded his commissioners to hear the al∣legations, and they by virtue of their authority admitted the same, and committed the care of the spiritualties of the monastery to the sub-prior, and the temporalties to R. de Waltham, constable of the castle. The convent assigned to Bertram for his maintenance, the churches of Pittington, Heighington, &c. Notwithstanding the great work he had carried on in the church for two years, he left to his successor in the conventual treasury 11,000 marks. He was not only a zealous churchman, giving up his life to acts of piety, but also a punctual maintainer of the rights of the monastery. He left to the monastic library many of his compositions and learned works. His name was held in pious veneration by the cloister. His frugality was manifested in his management of the revenue allotted him, for therewith he not only supplied the necessities of life, but was enabled to build at Beaurepaire a lodge or summer retreat, with a chapel, not inferior in elegance to other erections of the like nature in the diocese.

Page 77

HUGH DE DERLYNGTON,

superior of the convent, in the same year Bertram resigned, was elected prior * 16.1, and possessed that dignity until the 8th day of January, 1272, when he thought proper to abdicate the office, alledging his infirmities † 16.2. During the wars of the barons, he conducted himself so prudently, as to save the possessions of the church from depredations by either party. He contributed greatly to the magnificence of his convent. He built the belfry on the summit of the great tower of the cathedral church, and enlarged the organ: He also emparked Muggleswick and Beaurepaire. At Wardelau, as one author writes, he erected a lodge or camera, a hall and chapel, which were afterwards destroyed by the Scots in their incursion: He built a lodge or camera at Muggleswick; the remains of which, and also that at Beaurepaire, will be described in the progress of this work ‡ 16.3. In this prior's time, a bull was obtained from the pope for the appropriation of Hoveden church for an addition of sixteen monks; but, at a considerable expence, he procured the appointment to be converted into prebends, apprehending they would prove as honourable and advan∣tageous promotions, and as acceptable to the clergy whom he wished to serve, as if the original institution was maintained. This prior was distinguished for his hospi∣tality and charitable actions: Whenever he came to his house, the poor people, to whom his kitchen was ever open, danced before him: P im the scriptures were fulfilled, in cloathing the naked and feeding the hungry. It is said of him, that the common coinage of a denarius or penny was reduced to five mites, that he might distribute handfuls of that small money to a greater number of objects. When advanced in years, and obliged to travel in a chariot, he constantly threw money from thence to the poor. He was a person of approved wisdom, as well as of a magnificent mind. Frequent applications were made to the bishop to re∣ceive his resignation, pleading his infirmities and age, which in the event produced an altercation between the convent and prelate concerning profession of obedience by the monks ‖ 16.4, the convent alledging their prior was not of the same rank with others, he having the privileges of an abbot, and the monk's profession was the right of an abbot. But at length the convent agreed, that the monks should first make profession to the prior and then to the prelate, and receive his solemn bene∣diction: Whereupon they sent messengers to the bishop, that they were willing

Page 78

to make their profession and receive his benediction; but the business was still de∣layed, on account of some formalities which remained unsettled, until the 10th of January, when the bishop in the chapter-house accepted the prior's resignation, and the manors of Wardelau (according to our author's words) and Muggleswick were assigned for his maintenance; the bishop added Ryton thereto. These affairs being settled, a conversation took place between one of the monks and the bishop, in which the bishop complained with warmth that "he had suffered greater indignity and disrespect than any of his predecessors;" but declared, "he would seek satis∣faction in God's good time." He had scarce departed the gates before his senescal, with the constable of the castle and their officers, entered the convent, pronouncing, that they came at the prelate's command, in his place, to have custody of the house during the vacancy of the office of prior. The next day the senescal, calling the sub-prior and other officers of the houshold into the hall, commanded the porters, the marshal, and other secular servants of the monastery, to come forth, saying, the house was in the custody of the lord bishop, therefore he desired to see who were proper to take care of it, that he might take their oaths of fidelity, remove those he did not approve, and substitute others in their places. He was answered, such proceedings were altogether unprecedented; and it was with difficulty he was per∣suaded to wait till 〈◊〉〈◊〉 next day, to give the convent time to consult the bishop thereon. Two of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ethren were sent without delay to the bishop, with a peti∣tion for licence to elect a prior; on perusing which, he rejected it, not being ad∣dressed to him as supreme lord and patron; alledging, if he was not patron, they were under no necessity to seek a licence. When the monks said the instrument was in the usual form, he contradicted them, asserting, that after the death of prior Thomas, his predecessor bishop Farnham for the same cause rejected the conventual petition. On the return of the messengers, many of the convent recollected that the cause of such precedented rejection was not as alledged by the bishop; for in the instrument referred to, the bishop was addressed as father and patron in spiritu∣alties and temporalties, but the seal of the convent by accident had been separated from the instrument before it came to the prelate's hands, which occasioned it to be renewed before he granted his licence. It was accordingly set forth in the argu∣ments on this subject, that as the bishop was in fact patron of the church, no reason appeared why he should not be addressed as such in their process; which was assent∣ed to. On the succeeding day letters were issued, in which he was stiled Reverend father and patron: Messengers being sent therewith, they were graciously received, and licence for the election of a prior was immediately granted; in consequence of which the bishop's officers were withdrawn from the convent.

In prior Bertram's time a bull was obtained from the See of Rome for quieting the convent in their privileges, and confirming the same, of which Walter archbi∣shop of York granted his testimonial and certificate of inspection * 16.5. In prior Hugh's

Page [unnumbered]

time, the same archbishop certified the pensions due from the churches belonging to the priory lying within the diocese of York; which was afterwards confirmed by archbishop Nevill † 17.1. About the year 1254 the archbishop made an order, at a visita∣tion held at York, touching the holy vestments and other church furniture and or∣naments. As the various particulars of this constitution give a light to the cus∣toms of the church, and discover the manner and circumstances of religious exer∣cises, some of them merit notice in this place.

That the habits of the clergy should be provided at the charge of each respective parish, and be rich in propor∣tion to the wealth of the inhabitants: That they should be provided with a cross

Page 80

for processions, and another lesser one for the use of funerals: That they should have a bier for the corpse, a vessel for holy water, an osculatorium or a picture (probably of our Saviour or the holy Virgin) for the people to kiss, a candlestick for the paschal taper, an incense pot, a lanthorn, with a small bell, to use when the host was carried to the sick: A veil to skreen the altar from sight during Lent; with two candlesticks pro ceroserariis, that is, for those that lighted up the tapers, and carried them from one part of the church to another, which was the business of the acolyte. Among the books for divine service the following were to be provided: Legenda* 18.4, Antiphonare † 18.5, Gradale ‡ 18.6, Psalterium, Tropari∣um ‖ 18.7, Ordinale§ 18.8, Missale et Manuale.

The parish was to provide an altar-piece for the great altar, three surplices, a decent pix for the host, a banner for Rogation-days, bells and ropes; a baptis∣mal font, with a lock to it; a chrysmatory, or vessel for keeping the holy oil used in baptism and confirmation. They were likewise to provide images, parti∣cularly a principal figure to the chancel, which was to represent the saint in ho∣nour of whose memory the church was consecrated ¶ 18.9.

RICHARD CLAXTON,

prior of the cell of Holy Island, was elected prior of Durham on the 26th of Jan. 1273, and in the 12th of the pontificate of bishop Stichill; on the second day fol∣lowing he was confirmed at Darlington, was installed by the archdeacon of Dur∣ham on the day of the purification of the Virgin Mary, and three days afterwards confirmed the provision made for his predecessor on his resignation. Before the above instance, we are not told by any historian of the priors having the solemni∣ties of confirmation and installation, though it is probable it was an ancient usage here. The prior abdicated his office on the 27th of December, 1285: No reason is assigned by our author for this act, who tells us, that the prior was not only a man of great piety and hospitality, but of strict circumspection and attention touching the rights of the monastery; and notwithstanding the great provision made for prior Hugh, and the expensive litigations prosecuted between the arch∣bishop of York and his church, the convent abounded in wealth during his whole administration. He had assigned him for maintenance the cell of Weremouth, with the tithes of Southwick. In May, 1274, pope Gregory IV. held a council at Lyons, to which the prior was called, but did not attend, having only his proctors there: Bishop Stichill dying in that year, the archbishop during the va∣cancy of the See appointed a visitation to be held in the chapter-house at Durham the day before the vigil of All-Saints, which was submitted to at that time; after which ceremony the archbishop repaired to the castle, where he was entertained, Henry de Horncastre, then sacrist of the cathedral church of Durham, bearing the

Page 81

crucifix before him * 18.10. Robert de Graystanes gives an instance of the authority of the prior, which shews one of the ancient customs of the monastery, viz.

That bishop Stichill, whilst he was resident in the castle at Durham, made it his cus∣tom to send wine to the convent: One day he ordered his butler to carry wine to the sub-prior's table, which on being presented gave offence to prior Hugh, who presided at the upper table, and thereupon he struck the table, and put an end to dinner in the middle of the mess† 18.11.

Bishop Robert de Insula, who succeeded to the See, gave to the prior and con∣vent the advowson of the church of Meldon in his diocese, accepting in exchange the sole presentation to the church of Waldenestow, in the diocese of Lincoln, to which the prior and convent had an alternate right with him: He also granted them Freewarren in Billingham, with the woods there. On prior Claxton's re∣signation,

HUGH OF DERLYNGTON

was recalled to that dignity on the 11th of January, 1285; was confirmed by the bishop on the 31st of the same month, and installed on the 7th day of February following‡ 18.12. He continued a short time in office under this second election, his last resignation taking place on the 11th of March, 1290, or according to Gray∣stanes 1289 § 18.13. That author tells us, the prior came to an agreement with the archbishop of York, assenting to his exercise of jurisdiction over the churches of the diocese during a vacancy of the See of Durham, as appears by an instrument in writing, dated in the year 1286, on which all preceding censures and judicial sen∣tences touching that matter were rescinded. He says, the prior before his second abdication was in a superannuated state of mind, yet so obstinate and resentful, that when application was made for his removal on account of his incapacity, he sent messengers to the bishop, with a promise of large bribes, to induce him to deny his suspension, which did not prevail; whereupon he yielded with great reluctance to a cession of his office.

RICHARD DE HOTOUN

, prior of the cell of Lynche or Latham, was elected on the 24th of March to suc∣ceed Hugh of Derlyngton; was confirmed by the bishop on the 28th of the same month, and installed on the 9th of April. This prior was of a bold and virtuous mind, and having to do with the overbearing and proud prelate Bek, was obliged to exert himself for the preservation of the privileges of his church: A dispute soon arose between them, which was fermented to a violent height, as has already been related in the annals of that prelate‖ 18.14; the excommunication, suspension, and inter∣diction of the prior being at length the consequence of their contest. The bishop thereupon commanded the convent to elect a prior; and they not obeying, he ob∣truded upon them Henry de Luceby, who then presided in the cell of Holy Island: He was accordingly installed, on prior Richard being dragged from his seat by the violent hands of a monk devoted to the bishop. Graystanes tells us, that a savage

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from the wilds of Tyndale was brought into the church to do this act; but bei struck with awe, he retired from the presence of the man, and declared no go could tempt him to the outrage; yet what the barbarian abhorred, was perp¦trated by one who had professed his obedience to the superior whom he assisted depose. Thus prior Hotoun was put under confinement, and Luceby govern the convent. In this situation affairs remained some time; the prior effected h escape into Cleveland, where he remained until the parliament assembled at Li¦coln, when he presented a complaint against the prelate, and obtained recom¦mendatory letters from the king for relief at the court of Rome. The prior bein master of a persuasive eloquence, with much erudition, and a graceful person gained the ear of the pope, and a decree of restitution was pronounced in his fa¦vour, which was published in the church at Durham in the month of April, 130 Luceby had possession of the prior's apartments, where he retained such friends a had courage to remain with him; in that situation they meanly descended to th act of spoiling the vessels belonging the house, stripping off the silver ornaments and taking possession of such plate as fell under their hands; with these attempt¦ing to escape, and being opposed, they threw the valuables over the walls, and stole out by way of the hog-yard. Luceby, whilst he usurped the office, retained many of the principal men of the palatinate in his family, and lived in a splendid manner, that thereby he might win the approbation and esteem of the people; but such measures did not prevail, for many treated him with high contempt. He paid great attention to the sacred edifices; the sacristaria was his first work; he repair∣ed the roof of the nave of the church, built the vestry room, and at a great ex∣pence procured bells, vessels, and ornaments. Graystanes says, he conducted him∣self in the office of prior, both at Holy Island and Durham, with such decorum, that it was the opinion of many, had he come duly to the latter dignity, a better prior * 18.15 had not been for a long time.

In the year 1303, on the day of St Peter ad Vincula, prior Hotoun returned to Durham, and was received most cordially by the convent, who held a festival on the occasion: An inquisition was afterwards taken by men of the county of Nor∣thumberland touching the damages sustained by the convent under the bishop's persecution, by the seizure of their revenues and destruction of their parks, in which the bishop employed the most able advocates the kingdom afforded, whilst the prior's cause was managed by one only, whose name was William de Herle, and whom Graystanes perpetuates; when the bishop was justly condemned in a large sum of money. The pope dying soon after, the bishop obtained from his successor a bull, requiring the archbishop of Canterbury and the bishops of Lincoln and Winchester to visit the chapter of Durham, on an accusation lodged against the prior for dilapidations and divers offences, touching which the prelates were com∣manded

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to enquire; but pope Benedict departing this life, the bishop's purpose was frustrated, till pope Clement, who created Bk patriarch of Jerusalem, at his suggestion suspended the prior from all administration, as well in spirituals as tem∣porals. The prior, on his journey to Rome for redress, passed the winter near Canterbury, sending from thence two monks of his convent, as proctors: Whilst he remained there, the bishop committed the care of the monastery to Luceby; and the abbot of Leicester with the pope's mandatory letters accompanied him to Dur∣ham, to give him possession; but on their arrival, they sound the gates shut against them, and their admittance refused; on which, they pronounced an excommuni∣cation against the whole society: This brought on a litigation, at the instance of the prior, for an offence against the crown, on their presuming to execute the powers of the See of Rome in matters temporal, and a grievous sine was imposed upon the offenders.

The prior returned from the South to meet the king at Durham, and on the fes∣tival of St Oswald the martyr, celebrated mass in the royal presence at the altar of St Oswald. The king granted him licence to visit Rome, and recommendatory letters to the pope for redress, with which he passed into Italy, but did not live to return: He met with a favourable reception from the pope and college, and on the 24th of October obtained a sentence of restitution, but was decreed to pay one thousand marks to the apostolical chamber for the same. On the 9th of Jan. (Graystanes says in the year 1307, but from other authorities in 1308) the prior de∣parted this life; and that the See of Rome might be indemnified for the loss of the fine, all his goods, plate, books, horses, and effects then in Italy, were confiscated.

Prior Hotoun was not deficient in public works, notwithstanding the troubles in which he was embarrassed: He compleated the manor-house of Houghhall; with the bishop's licence he purchased Oxford Place, afterwards called Durham College, and made the first erections there † 18.16: He also built the chapel De Belio Loco, af∣terwards

Page 84

called Beaurepaire or Bearpark. The convent received a grant of free∣warren in their territories at Winston about this time.

During this prior's office, the dispute which arose between Ralph lord Nevill, of Raby, and the convent, in the time of prior Claxton, was continued, and did not subside for several years. The account we have of it is to the following effect, as given by Dugdale in his Baronage, vol. i. p. 292.

"About the 13 Edw. I. 1285, there was much variance between the inhabitants of the bishopric of Durham and Anthony Beke (that great prelate) then bishop of Durham, by reason he had compelled them to go twice into Scotland with horse and arms, which they alledged to be contrary to right, in regard they held their lands to defend the body of St Cuthbert; and that they ought not, either for king or bishop, to go beyond the rivers of Tyne and Tees. Ralph Nevill, then lord of Ra∣by, was the chief countenancer of those who opposed the bishop. Not long after, another dispute arose between this Ralph and Hugh de Derlyngton then prior of Durham, about the offering of a stag every year upon St Cuthbert's day in Septem∣ber; which (in truth) was rather a rent than an oblation, in regard he held Raby with the eight adjoining townships, by the yearly rent of four pounds and a stag. For contrary to the custom of his ancestors, he not only required, that the prior of Durham, at the offering of the stag, ought to feast him and all the company he should bring, but that the prior's own menial servants should for that time be set aside, and his peculiar servants and officers put in their stead. Whereupon amongst other of his guests he invited John de Baliol of Barnard Castle, who refused to go with him, alledging, that he never knew the Nevills to have such a privilege there; Sir Wm de Brompton, the bishop's chief-justice, likewise acknowledging, that he himself was the first who began that extravagant practice; for being a young man, and delight∣ing in hunting, he came with the lord Nevill at the offering of the stag, and said to his companions, "Come let us go into the abbey and wind our horns," and so they did. The prior farther adding, that before the time of this Ralph, none of his pre∣decessors ever made any such claim, but when they brought the stag into the hall they had only a breakfast; nor did the lord himself ever stay dinner, except he was invited.

In the 5 Edw. III. 1331, Ralph Nevill (son of the former) doing his fealty to William de Couton then prior of Durham, upon Lammas-day, for the manor of Raby, he told him he would offer the stag as his ancestors had done; saving that, whereas his father required, that the prior's servants should be set aside at that time, and his own serve in their stead; he would be content, that his should attend to∣gether with those of the prior: And whereas his father insisted, that his servants should only be admitted at dinner; he stood upon it, that his should be there en∣tertained the whole day, and likewise the morrow at breakfast.

Whereunto the prior made answer, that none of his ancestors were ever so ad∣mitted, and that he would rather quit the stag, than suffer any new custom to the prejudice of the church. But to this Ralph replied, that he would perform the whole service or none, and put the trial of his right upon the country. The prior, therefore, knowing him to be so powerful, and that the country durst not displease him, declined the offer. However, at length to gain his favour, (in regard he had no small interest at court, and might do him a kindness or a dis∣pleasure)

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was content for that one time he should perform it as he pleased, so that it might not be drawn into example afterwards; and for that purpose proposed, that indentures should be made between them.

Whereupon the Lord, Nevill brought but few with him, and those more for the honour of the prior than a burthen, and so shortly after dinner took his leave, but left one of his servants to lodge there all night, and to take his breakfast there on the next day; protesting, that being both a son and tenant to the church, he would not be burthensome to it, in respect it would be no advantage to himself, but might much damnify it, if he should bring with him as great a train as he would, saying, What doth a breakfast signify to me? Nothing. And likewise, that if the prior would shew, that he had no right to what he so claimed, he would free∣ly recede therefrom; and if he had a right, he would accept of a composition for it, rather than be burthensome to the convent; but if they should put him to get his right by law, then he would not abate any thing thereof.

Whereupon enquiry being made amongst the oldest monks of the house, they affirmed, that being of eight years standing when his father was before repulsed, they had often seen the stag offered, and that he never staid dinner but when the prior invited him; and some ancient men of the country testified as much; as al∣so, that as soon as the stag was brought, they carried him to the kitchen, and those who brought him were taken into the hall to breakfast, as they that brought their rents used to be.

Moreover, when it happened that any of the lords Nevill were desired to stay dinner with the prior, his cook was admitted into the kitchen to prepare a dish for him; so likewise another servant in the cellar to chuse his drink, and in like manner some other at the gate, who knew his servants and followers, merely to let them in, and keep others out, who, under pretence of being his servants, might then intrude; but this was only done by the prior out of courtesy and respect, and not at all of right.

Hereupon Henry le Scrope, one of the justices, affirmed, that he had been of counsel with Ralph Nevill (father of this Ralph) when he brought his writ of Novell Disseisin against the prior; and told him that he had no right at all: Where∣upon Ralph let fall his suit.

Some said, that making this claim out of his own see, he ought there, (viz. in the priory) to shew some special evidence to assert his claim. Others, that as the prior did challenge nothing of him, but what was reserved by the grant; so could not he, unless he shewed a charter for it. And besides, claiming to be entertained with as many as he should bring, and not specifying the number, there could be no lawful reason for it; because the stag was always offered on Holy Rood day, whereupon grew an old song in rhyme, as a lamentation for Robert de Nevill, his great grandfather.

Wel I wa, sal ys Hornes blaw Holy Rode this Day; Nou es he dede, and lies law Was wont to blaw tham ay.

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Moreover, it was further said, that it never had been the custom of the prior to make a feast on that day, when the servants of so great a person was to offer; and that the prior usually on St Cuthbert's day had wont to dine with the bishop at some of his own manor-houses; therefore, who should compel him to make a feast at home? Likewise, that those lands were given to the ancestors of this lord Nevill, when they were not such great men as to have a marshal, a butler, and other servants of state; for in those days, they had no more than Raby with its appurte∣nances, which was not then of so much worth as it is now; for Brancepeth and Ras∣kelfe came to them since by marriage; as also other lands in Yorkshire and Rich∣mondshire: Therefore it could not be thought that the prior of Durham did give lands of such value, and purchase the service to be done for them at so high a rate, especially considering, that in the prior's land book, not only all the services are exactly registered, but whatsoever others ought to receive of him. And lastly, that there is not so much as mention made of this service in any of their chroni∣cles."

During the vacancy of the priory, the bishop seized the temporalties of the con∣vent, and by Stephen Mauley (de Malo-lacu) his vicar-general, displaced the sub∣prior, the priors of the cells, and many who were adherents of the deceased prior, appointing others in their places: The prior of Coldingham alone was continued in his office. This Graystanes exclaims against as a flagrant breach of the privileges of the convent, though the bishop alledged the members of the house were not ca∣pable of holding offices, by reason of the sentence of excommunication, which re∣mained unpurged. In this period much perplexity arose touching presentations to vacant churches, till it was determined they should be made jointly, under the title of Anthony bishop of Durham and the convent of Durham, the office of prior being va∣cant. In the year 1308, on the morrow of the Purification, the bishop visited the chapter in the order prescribed by pope Boniface, when, for no other irregularity or offence than their attachment to the prior in his struggles against the prelate's oppressions, he suspended the following members of the society for ten years:— Richard de Aslakby, who was sub-prior in prior Hotoun's time; Galfridus de Bur∣don, prior of Finchale; and Nicholas de Rothbury, almoner of Durham. But archbishop Greenfield, in his visitation during the vacancy of the See, after the prelate's death, annulled the sentence* 18.19.

The king, jointly with the patriarch, applied to the pope in favour of

WILLIAM DE TANFIELD,

then prior of Wederhall, and he was accordingly appointed Hotoun's successor on the 24th of February, 1308: In this act we have a flagrant instance of the corrup∣tion of the holy See; for the price of his collation was not less than 3000 marks to the pontiff, and 1000 to the cardinals. He was installed on the feast of St Cuthbert in September following, many of the nobility with several prelates be∣ing present at the ceremony.

Under the oppressive spirit of the prelate, the priory suffered greatly; being not

Page 87

only much impoverished by the expences incurred, and heavy debt contracted on account of their litigations with him; but also greatly embarrassed and distressed by the defection of the prior of Coldingham, who renounced his obedience and subjection to the monastery: The prior of Durham visited that convent, and dis∣placed the prior for his offence, appointing another in his room: After having re∣ceived the homage and fealty of the terr-tenants of the shrine, he followed the de∣posed prior to Stamford, whither he hastened to lay his complaint before the par∣liament, hoping the king and his ministers would support him against his superior, as he was personally known to them, having carried the banner of St Cuthbert in the Scotch war; but in this was disappointed, for the countenance of the court was denied to such injurious proceedings.

The prior of Durham obtained permission to visit Rome, where he staid till the prelate's death. On the accession of bishop Kellow, the convent experienced a happy change of circumstances, and received repeated marks of that prelate's coun∣tenance and favour; he reversed all the oppressive acts of his predecessor, and re∣stored the ancient privileges of the monastery, especially in the material point, that during the vacancy of the priory, none save the sub-prior and chapter should intermeddle with the spiritualties or temporalties of the convent; the bishop re∣taining to the See the right of having one clerk in the house as a nominal guardian thereof, with three horses and three servants, without claiming to have any further concern with the goods of the house. By the gift of this prelate, the convent had Wastrophead, with a fishery in the river Were.

In the year 1313 * 18.20, the prior finding his health decline, and the attacks of old age hasten upon him, resigned his office, and had allotted for maintenance the cell of Jarrow and the manor of Wardle † 18.21; he lived in retirement until the month of Feb∣ruary, 1342, when he departed this life: He is described to us as a man of good stature, a graceful countenance, and pleasing carriage; lavish and diffusive, he was remarked to be improvident of his resources, delighting in a numerous retinue, re∣peated and splendid feasts. We hear of no public works by this prior; and, indeed, under the unhappy circumstances in which he was involved during the patriarchs time, together with his own expensive mode of life, we cannot wonder at the neglect‡ 18.22.

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Licence in a short time being obtained for electing a prior,

GALFRID DE BURDON,

then sub-prior of the convent, was placed in the chair, about the time of the festi∣val of Peter and Paul, 1313, and soon afterwards received confirmation, and was installed: In 1316 * 18.23, he had the mortification to have his sweet country retreat at Beaurepaire, which was embellished with every ornament known to the taste of those times, pillaged and defaced by a party of marauding Scots. He is spoken of by ancient authors in the most honourable manner: Graystanes remarks of him, as a special singularity, Viros diligens habere in familia et non pueros, equos pro vectura et non equulos: This prompts disagreeable conjectures touching a monastic life, on which an inference arises, that the custom of entertaining boys had grown scanda∣lous; or otherwise the historian, a monk of that church, would not have marked that part of the prior's character with the eulogium, Iste in familia erat honorificus, viros diligens, &c. &c. Singularity of character, even in the exercise of virtue, oc∣casions enmity; for the reformation of any vice is a public reproach to those im∣mersed in the practice of it: The prior, with all his good qualities, was the object of much wrath; he was accused with virulence at bishop Beaumont's visitation, and many misdemeanors were laid to his charge by his brethren † 18.24, which induced him to resign his important office on the 25th of January, 1322; he having the cell of Weremouth, with the tithes of Weremouth and Fulwell, assigned for mainte∣nance: Graystanes says, that though he had good grounds for defence, he was in∣duced to submit, rather than involve the house in litigation and expence ‡ 18.25. Soon after this resignation,

WILLIAM DE GUISBURN

was elected prior, a man equally esteemed for his learning and religious life; but on the following Lord's-day, when every one expected he should receive confirma∣tion of the holy office, he entered the chapter-house, and renounced his election § 18.26: Whereupon the chapter proceeded to a new election, and

WILLIAM DE COUTON

was chosen prior; he soon afterwards received confirmation, and was solemnly in∣stalled on Holy-rood-day: Graystanes says ‖ 18.27, he was Vir utique Deo et hominibus amabilis. In this prior's time, a disagreeable controversy was determined, touching a claim made by Goldesburgh, archdeacon of Durham, of jurisdiction in right of his office over the churches appertaining to the monastery lying between Tyne and Tees: It had been usual for the archdeacon¶ 18.28 to exercise archidiaconal jurisdiction in the name of the prior in the churches of the convent, by virtue of an agree∣ment made between them, for which an annual sum was paid as an acknowledg∣ment; on Goldesburgh's refusing payment of the composition money, and persist∣ing in the exercise of jurisdiction, the dispute arose; by compromise it was settled,

Page 89

that the prior should enjoy archidiaconal jurisdiction in the churches of Jarrow and Weremouth, and Goldesburgh throughout the rest for life. The convent had a dispute of the like nature with the archdeacon of Northumberland, which was compromised in the year 1331 on the like terms; but on his death, new disturb∣ances arose, and his successor claimed the like privilege.

A mortality raged among the horned cattle, and made a dreadful havoc during this prior's time. After presiding nineteen years, he departed this life at Pitting∣ton, on the 26th day of February, 1342, and was buried in the cemetery-yard of the cathedral church among his predecessors * 18.29. It appears he was a monk of the abbey of Fountains † 18.30. His memory was much revered in his monastery; for with a truly pious life, he displayed much benignity of heart, in a humble carriage to∣wards his brethren, which softened the rigours of the cell, and rendered the clois∣ter cheerful: To strangers, and those received at his table, he appeared easy of ac∣cess, and pleasant in conversation; always affording a liberal, or rather magnificent entertainment: Religion fixed its genuine impression on his countenance, benevo∣lence in smiles. He was succeeded by

JOHN FOSSOUR,

formerly a monk of Durham, and prior of the monastery of Weremouth, who was elected the 16th of March, 1342, and confirmed and installed on the last day of the same month: Chambrè speaking of him, says, he was a man of much wisdom, with a prevailing eloquence, so that many took the habit in his time ‡ 18.31: He caused an account to be had of the goods and possessions of the monastery, for the better management and protection thereof; and appointed a burser of great providence and discretion, by whose care and assiduity, during the course of six years, 758 l. 3 s. 6 d. of the old debts of the convent were discharged, 492l. 7s. 7d. was ex∣pended out of the treasury in public works, and 209l. 5s. 3d. in contributions: He caused all the missals of the church to be removed, one of which, lying at the altar of St Nicholas and St Giles, cost him 22 l. At the north end of the middle tran∣sept of the cathedral church, he made a large window of six lights, with three lesser windows, near the altar of St Nicholas and St Giles, which was the third and last altar in that aile to the north, in the masonry of which he expended 100 l. and 25 l. in glazing. Stevens seems to confound Chambrè's account ‖ 18.32; and the great window made by our prior is named twice, saying, he made another large and sumptuous window of six lights, whereas on a view of the church the error is easily discovered. He ordained, with consent of the chapter, that a daily mass should be said for his soul at the abovementioned altar by one monk, for whose pension, with the maintenance of the windows, and for provision for his anniversary, he appro∣priated lands to the convent. He provided a rich vestment with three copes, for the ceremonies of his anniversary. He instituted a chantry at the aforesaid altar, which was called the chantry of the Holy Trinity, for the celebration of divine service for ever; and under the bishop's licence purchased lands in North Pittington, Wol∣viston,

Page 90

and Billingham for its endowment, for which he expended 66l. 10s. 9d. and for the erection thereof 20l. * 18.33 He gave for the use of the altar a chalice of the value of 6l. 13s. 4d. with three albes chasubles and palls; also images in ala∣baster of the holy Trinity and blessed Virgin, with tabernacles and other ornaments, of the price of 22l. He expended in other edifices and ornaments about the church 402l. 6s. 8d. and made a window at the south end of the common hall, which cost him 40l. In his time many reparations and new works were made, as well within the church as without, particularly in the kiln † 18.34, granary, and kitchen, the great window of seven lights at the west end of the nave, three other windows in the north side of the nave, two on the north side of the choir by John de Tickhill, and two on the south by the feretory: Also, in this prior's time, the lord Ralph Nevill presented to the church a vestment of red velvet, and obtained permission that he and his lady Alicia should be buried within the walls of the church, which had not been granted before to a layman. John lord Nevill his son, at the instance of Ri∣chard de Birtley and John de Cornvall, then feretraries of the church, caused to be made a new work of marble and alabaster for St Cuthbert's tomb, which cost up∣wards of 200l. and at the prior's request, the elegant tabernacle work, which di∣vides the feretory from the high altar, was procured, towards the expence of which lord Nevill gave 600 marks. It was made in London, and sent down by sea; but before our munificent prior could see it erected, attacked by various infirmities, he departed this life at Beaurepaire, on the 12th day of November, in the 90th year of his age, and 33d of his priorship, A. D. 1374. He was buried at the north end of the middle transept, before the altar of St Nicholas and St Giles, his tomb being co∣vered with marble prepared in his life-time and curiously wrought ‡ 18.35; Robert de Syreston, a monk of the house, well acquainted with his virtues, inscribed it with the verses§ 18.36 in the notes, as given by Browne Willis, p. 225.

In this prior's time was fought the great battle of the Red-Hills, in which David Bruce was taken prisoner. The victory was announced to the people of the city by the ecclesiastics singing a solemn hymn or Te Deum on the top of the steeple of the cathedral church, in consequence of a signal from the monks at Maiden Bower. This custom was continued on the anniversary, till the times of general confusion in the 16th century. The restoration of king Charles was a matter of such great joy to this church, that the ceremony was revived on the 29th of May, on which day it is still annually performed. This prior had licence in 1344 to purchase

Page 91

lands in Monketon and Monkhesleton * 18.38; and certain articles of agreement between the bishop and the convent were ratified whilst he presided † 18.39.

On the petition of Ralph lord Nevill for a burial place within the church, the prior and convent granted their licence for making a sepulchre on the south side of the nave, to which the conventual seal was affixed, then bearing the impression of the head of St Oswald: Et concesserunt cis cum litera sub sigillo capitis Sancti Oswal∣di ‡ 19.1. This was thought the most proper place to present to the reader the drawing of that seal, where it is so indisputably authenticated. The cross side or reverse is remaining at present in the dean and chapter's library, from whence Mr Allan took several impressions in wax, but the head side is lost ‖ 19.2.

[figure] depiction of seal

Page 92

Application was made to the See of Rome by king Edward III. that the church of Hemingburg in Yorkshire should be appropriated to this church, which the pope in the year 1372 refused, because of the populousness and other excesses thereof. The epistle of pope Gregory II.* 19.3 shews the state of the monastery at that time. The king's letter prayed the appropriation to be made propter necessitates eis incumbentes; to which the pope replied, he was informed the religious body consisted of 150 persons, with four dependent abbies, where priors had been instituted; besides which they held, appendent to the monastery, thirteen parish churches, and to many others they had the right of collation: That, by reason of their opulence, they were guilty of great enormities; when they travelled, they were each attended by three or four horsemen, and made an appearance inconsistent with religious humility; and that in their expences, as well in provision for their table as apparel and other ordinary matters, they were guilty of great excess.

ROBERT DE WALWORTH

, alias Benington, alias Berrington, succeeded to the office of prior, he being elected on the 11th of December 1374, and confirmed on the 24th of the same month. The elegant work which his predecessor Fossour and lord John Nevill gave to this church, this prior was at the expence of erecting, employing therein seven artists near a year. In the year 1380 the high altar was compleated and solemnly dedica∣ted to the holy Virgin, St Oswald the royal martyr, and St Cuthbert, the whole convent appearing in procession and assisting at the ceremony † 19.4.

The convent was greatly enriched by him: In 1378 he obtained licence to pur∣chase lands ‡ 19.5, and in 1379 received a charter of confirmation of various purchases made in Wolviston, Billingham, Great Burdon, Aycliff, Fery, Monkhesildon, Ed∣mundbyers, Durham, Hett, Heburn, Spennyngmore, Rayley, Aldernage, Elvet in Durham, and the old borough of Durham ‖ 19.6. In 1380 he had confirmation of the exchange of Henknowl for lands in Wolviston, made with John de Belasys § 19.7. In the same year a licence was procured for the purchase of other lands, of the annual value of 200 marks, for the maintenance of eight monks, and eight secular scholars to study in Durham college, Oxford ¶ 19.8. In 1388 another licence was granted for the purchase of lands at Helay, and lands and tenements in Gateshead Whyckham, the old bridge at Durham, Clayport, Sadlergate, the North-Bailey, Fleshhewer-Raw, Framwelgate, Pipewellgate, West and East Merrington, Aycliffe, Fery, Wolviston, Hesledon, Le Brome, North Pittington, East Rainton, Hebern, Burdon, Billing∣ham, Edmundbyers, St Giles's or the street of St Egidius, Alertongate in Dur∣ham,

Page 93

the old borough of Durham, Elvet and Cocken* 19.9. In 1390 Wm de Scrope pre∣sented, at the feretory of St Cuthbert (in satisfaction for certain offences by him com∣mitted against the rights of the church) a jewel of the value of 50l.† 19.10 This prior ob∣tained from pope Urban VI. a bull, that he and his successors should be invested with the mitre, pastoral staff, rings, sandals, and other pontifical insignia, and was the first prior in this church authorised to use the same ‡ 19.11. He appeared rigidly attentive to

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the rites of the church in the ceremonies of bishop Hatfield's interment. Chambrè tells us * 21.1, the executors applied to the convent to permit the chariot on which the remains were brought to enter the church, and that the same with the horses might be returned; or otherwise they should be obliged to take the body from the vehicle on the outside of the church-yard, and carry it on men's shoulders into the church, because the chariot and horses were not the late prelate's property at the time of his death, he having previously disposed of them. To this the prior, with the assent of the convent, replied, that he would not consent on any consideration to the infringe∣ment of any of the privileges of his church; but that the sacrist should have the cha∣riot, horses, and all the vestments, with which the remains should enter the north gate, together with the chapel, and all other the episcopal ornaments used at the in∣terment. The lord Nevill and four others of distinction were chosen to determine upon this claim; who adjudged, that by ancient custom all these matters appertained to, and were the right of the church; but they compromised the same in the present instance, and the executors consented to pay 200l. in lieu of the articles demanded, in order that the splendor of the interment might not be diminished, or the intended ceremony disturbed † 21.2.

After presiding in the monastery seventeen years, the prior died, and was buried before the altar of St Benedict, being the first of the three altars in the north limb of the middle transept. His tomb was covered with marble, and ornamented with his effigies in brass and other curious work ‡ 21.3.

JOHN DE HEMMINGBURG

succeeded in the same year, and held this important office twenty-five years ‖ 21.4. In his time the bishop's right to receive profession of the monks was re-claimed, and, after much litigation and an appeal, the bishop withdrew his suit. The jurisdiction of the convent's churches within the diocese of York was again agitated during this

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prior's office, and was determined against the archbishop § 21.5. He sent his proctor to the convocation at York in the year 1398. The prior departed this life in the year

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1416, and was interred in the south limb of the middle transept of the cathedral church, before the altar of the holy Virgin, being the first from the south aile of the choir. His tomb was covered with marble, wrought with his effigies and those of the twelve apostles in brass * 23.1. To him succeeded

JOHN DE WESSYNGTON,

who was elected the 5th of November, 1416. This learned prior wrote many tracts, particularly one, De juribus et possessionibus ecclesioe Dunelm.† 23.2 wherein he proves, that the priors of Durham were always invested with the dignity of abbots ‡ 23.3. There are some of his MSS. in the dean and chapter's library, B. 5, N. 1. The account of the paintings in the windows, and of the ornaments and ceremonies of the church, now extant, is by some attributed to him. He renewed the dispute with the bishop touching the profession of the monks, which was determined in the prior's favour; and presided at the general chapter held for the order of St Benedict, at Northampton, in the year 1426. In his time, several licences were obtained for ac∣quiring lands by the monastery ‖ 23.4, in Coupan, Billingham, Burdon, East-Rainton, and Fery on the Hill, and also in Barmeton, East, West, and Middle-Merrington, the barony of Elvet near Durham, and the old borough of Durham; and also a licence to receive the manor of Heworth near Aykley, according to the disposition and ordinance of prior Hotoun. We have a correct list of the fraternity of this monastery, resident at the time of the visitation of John Marchall, L. L. B. vicar-general to the bishop, in the month of January 1437 § 23.5. Prior Wessyngton presided

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thirty years, and departed this life in the year 1446 * 24.1. He was buried before the door of the north aile, near to St Benedict's altar: On his tombstone was an in∣scription on brass, now totally lost.

WILLIAM DE EBCHESTER

was elected prior on the 30th of June † 24.2 1446, holding the chair ten years and three months. He resigned in the year 1456; and surviving that act but a short time, was interred under a marble stone in the south aile of the middle transept, before the altar of the holy Virgin, called our Lady of Bolton, which was erected by the Nevills: This was the second altar in that place. His tomb, Willis says, was in∣scribed as in the notes ‡ 24.3. He was succeeded by

JOHN DE BURNABY, D. D.

who was elected the 25th of October ‖ 24.4 1456, and presided eight years. He died in the year 1464, and was buried on the 15th of October, in the middle aile of the nave, opposite the cloister door. On the marble which covered his tomb was his effigies in brass.

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RICHARD* 24.5 BELL, B. D.

was elected the 26th of November 1464: He presided here thirteen years and twenty weeks, and was consecrated bishop of Carlisle on the 6th of March 1478. Whilst prior of Durham, we find him named several times in the commissions of Edward IV. on treaties with the king of Scots. He died in 1496, and was interred in the middle of the choir of Carlisle cathedral; his tombstone, with the effigies in brass, and other ornamentals, are still in good preservation. His successor

ROBERT EBCHESTER, D. D.

was elected the 26th of November 1478; presided only six years, and during that time obtained several licences to increase the possessions of the convent† 24.6. He de∣parted this life on the 29th of June 1484, and was interred in the south aile of the middle transept, before the altar called our Lady of Bolton's, under a marble tomb∣stone, ornamented with his effigies in brass, the inscription (given by Willis) as in the notes ‡ 24.7. His successor

JOHN AUCKLAND, D. D.

was elected on the 16th of July 1484; presided ten years; and, departing this life in the year 1494, was interred within the church ‖ 24.8. He was succeeded by

THOMAS CASTELL, D. D.

who was elected the 4th of May 1494, and held his office twenty-five years. The church was not purged, even in this age, of its grossest superstition; for we find an account in Chambrè of a healing performed on one Richard Poell, a courtier of king Henry VII. at the tomb of St Cuthbert § 24.9. In this prior's time we have a list of the brethren of the monastery, as given in the notes¶ 24.10. Much friendly inter∣course

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appears between bishop Fox and the convent, and many special marks of fa∣vour were shewn by the prelates. The prior was made master of the bishop's game, with a grant of venison from his forests and parks at pleasure* 24.11. Bishop Bainbrigg also shewed great attention to the monastery: In 1508 he granted his charter of confirmation, with an inspeximus of the grant of bishop Pudsey of Muggleswsck in exchange for Hardwick, with the pasture of Horsleyhope, Histerhope, and Balding∣hope; of the grant of bishop Kirkham of the woods and wastes in Horsleyhope, by metes and bounds † 24.12; also of the grant of bishop Kellow of all the waste and moor∣lands from the west gates of the priory of Finchale, by metes and bounds ‡ 24.13; and also granted licence to the monastery to purchase in mortmain, in which instrument is comprised a general indemnity ‖ 24.14. The same prelate granted to the prior and convent all the waste lands lying between the bridge of Framwelgate and the bridge of Elvet, and between the walls of the castle and the cathedral church and the wa∣ter of the Were, rendering 13s. 4d. rent§ 24.15. He also granted free-warren in the prior's parks at Muggleswick, Helay-field, Bear-park, and Raynton-park, and in the woods of Strathowe, Witton, Mayner, Sacristonheugh, Hayning-wood, Herber-close, and Ferycliff, Baxtenford-wood, Raley with Raley-wood and the fields and meadows thereto appertaining, Oldingrege with the fields and meadows thereof, Alton-field, and Moreby-bank ¶ 24.16. The east gates of the abbey, now called the Col∣lege Gates, having gone to decay, prior Castell rebuilt the same in a sumptuous stile, with a porter's lodge thereto; above the gateway he erected a chapel in ho∣nour of St Helen, where the laity twice a day were admitted to the celebration of mass, for which two priests were assigned by the convent, who had their chamber adjacent to the chapel. He also restored the great north window of the middle transept of the church, in which he caused to be represented, in painted glass, the fi∣gures of the four Evangelists, together with the holy Virgin and St Cuthbert; under which his own figure was depicted, kneeling, with elevated hands, and a label bear∣ing this petition, Virgo, tuum natum fac nobis propitiatum, or, as Davies has it, Virgo

Page 100

mater Dei miserere mei. He purchased and gave to the convent two mills, from thenceforth called Jesus' Mills, and covered them with lead; for which he obtained the pious memorial of being commemorated in Jesus' mass * 24.17. The tower on Farn island was built by him † 24.18. Prior Castell departed this life on the 2d of April 1519, and was interred in the middle aile of the nave before Jesus' altar, his effigies in brass being wrought on his tombstone, with the inscription in the notes ‡ 24.19, as given by Willis.

The office continued vacant near five years, during which period, Wharton says ‖ 24.20, the bishop received the revenues; but Stevens contradicts this assertion in these words,

What Mr Wharton says of the bishop's assuming the priory revenues be∣fore the election of prior Hugh, is, as I am informed by my honoured friend Mr Thomas Baker, a mistake.
We must not depend too much on this bare con∣tradiction; for near the close of bishop Ruthall's episcopacy, and on Wolsey's ad∣vancement to the See, we cannot wonder at such a misapplication ¶ 24.21. Before we proceed to prior Hugh's life, the records in the notes may perhaps be esteemed worthy of notice ** 24.22.

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HUGH WHITEHEAD

succeeded to the priory, in the year 1524. He was custos of Durham college, Ox∣ford * 24.23, and is spoken of by historians in a very respectable manner. Chambrè tells us † 24.24, he was uniformly religious, and his whole spirit breathed divine love. He retained in his houshold persons of distinguished character, by whom he was most honourably served; kept a liberal table; made great repairs at Beaurepaire; built a new hall at Pittington, called the prior's hall, with various other edifices; was not only munificent, but excellently charitable, and in his private life truly exemplary. He held the office eighteen years; and on the 31st day of December 1540, joining with the convent, surrendered the monastery into the king's hands ‡ 24.25, the revenues whereof were then rated at 1366l. 10s. 5d. according to Dugdale, but by Speed at 1615l. 14s. 10d.

Page 102

On the 12th of May 1541 the king granted his Foundation Charter * 25.2 to this church, instituting therein a dean and twelve prebendaries, and ordaining, that in∣stead

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of the title of the cathedral church of the blessed Mary the Virgin, and St Cuthbert the bishop, that the same should for ever thereafter bear the denomination of the ca∣thedral

Page 104

church of Christ and blessed Mary the Virgin. He thereby nominated Hugh Whitehead the first dean; Edward Hyndmers, D. D. first prebendary; Roger Wat∣son,

Page 105

D. D. the second; Thomas Sparke, B. D. suffragan of Berwick, the third; William Bennet, D. D. the fourth; William Todd, D. D. the fifth; Stephen Mar∣ley, B. D. the sixth; Robert Dalton, B. D. the seventh; John Towton, B. D. the eighth; Nicholas Marley, B. D. the ninth; Ralph Blaxton, the tenth; Robert Ben∣net, the eleventh; and Wm Watson, the twelfth. He made them and their suc∣cessors a body corporate, by the name of The dean and chapter of the cathedral church of Christ and blessed Mary the Virgin; empowering them, under that deno∣mination, to do all legal acts, and plead and be impleaded. He granted them all the scite of the monastery, and the ancient rights, liberties, and privileges thereof. The Endowment * 26.1 made by the king bears date the 16th of May 1541: These two instruments, being of much consequence, are inserted at length in the notes.

Page 106

The establishment, besides the dean and prebendaries, consisted of twelve mi∣nor canons, a deacon, sub-deacon, sixteen singing-men, a master of the choristers,

Page 107

ten choristers, a divinity reader, eight almsmen, two masters of the grammar-school, eighteen scholars, two vergers, two porters, two sextons, two barbers. Willis says,

Page 108

The king converting the priory into a college of seculars, assigned his new dean and prebends their respective apartments out of the old monastery, within the

Page 109

precincts of which the bishop, dean, prebendaries, and other members, have very good houses, the best of any cathedral in England, according to the dignity of

Page 110

the prebends, which are reputed more richly endowed than any other church, ow∣ing, as I hear, to the members allotting themselves, at first, their respective divi∣dends

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or shares out of the chapter lands, and not leasing them in common, by

Page 112

which practice (in this sole church of the new foundation) some prebends are of

Page 113

more value than others, whereas in the rest they are all equal, as they

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might be here possibly at first, though the improvements of estates have made a disproportion, as it now continues.* 27.1.

Page 115

Dean Whitehead, Chambrè informs us, sell under the displeasure of the court, and, being accused of misdemeanour against the state, together with bishop Tunstal and Hyndmers his chancellor * 27.2, was summoned to appear before the council; be∣ing much agitated under such circumstances, and distressed by unusual fatigue and travelling, he fell sick soon after his arrival in London, and dying, was interred in Trinity Church in the Minories, in the year 1548, having enjoyed the office of dean only six years. Willis says † 27.3,

The History of Durham says he died at London in 1548, and was buried in the Minories there; which A. Wood in his Athenae also mentions, and tells us this epitaph was placed over his gravestone, though it is now perished, as I found when I searched that church: Here lyeth the Body of Hugh Whitehead, the last Prior of Durham, and first Dean thereof, who died at London — and was buried in the Church of the Mino∣ries, Anno

The office of dean appears to have remained vacant three years from the death of Hugh Whitehead, or that he did not die in the year 1548; for it was not till the 18th of November, 1551, that

ROBERT HORN, D. D.

succeeded, it being expresly said in the patent (5 Edw. VI. part 3) that the king presented him on the vacancy occasioned by the death of Whitehead. Some au∣thors have asserted he was born in the bishopric of Durham ‡ 27.4, but the more proba∣ble account is § 27.5, that he was the son of John Horn, son of William Horn, of Cletor

Page 116

in Copeland, in the county of Cumberland, was educated in St John's college, Cambridge, where he commenced doctor in divinity, and went out ad eundem 9th July 1567. It is said he was nominated to the bishopric of Durham in 1552, bishop Tunstall being then living, who declined accepting it, as the conditions were such he could not approve: * 27.6 It is certain there was much disagreement between him and that prelate. Soon after the accession of queen Mary, Horn was ejected, and became a voluntary exile for the cause of faith, living abroad the whole of her reign. At the head of the episcopal party at Frankfort he greatly distinguished himself, be∣ing chosen Hebrew-reader to the English society there † 27.7. In a bitter contest with one Ashley, his bigotry rather than his tolerant spirit was displayed ‡ 27.8. On the ac∣cession of Elizabeth, being restored to his deanry, he continued but a short time be∣fore his appointment to the bishopric of Winchester, which happened in the year 1560. At the conference at Westminster, he was chosen one of the disputants con∣cerning the services of the church § 27.9. A suit was prosecuted against him by bishop Bonner, touching the supremacy oath¶ 27.10, which was superseded by the fortunate in∣terposition of the statute on consecrations. He departed this life on the 1st day of June 1579. The place of his interment is variously spoken of; most probably it was in the church at Winchester, near the pulpit; but Willis and Stevens say in the Minories church, London. The inscription on his tomb has been given us in the History of Winchester, published in 1773 ** 27.11. Under the Life of John Whyte†† 27.12 he is thus mentioned:

He was reported by a certain author ‡‡ 27.13 to be a man of great mind and profound ingenie, and no less sagacious in detecting the crafts of his adversaries, than prudent in preventing and avoiding them. He was also a fre∣quent preacher, and an excellent disputant, and wrote in the mother-tongue an Answer to John Fackenham's Scruples §§ 27.14 concerning the oath of supremacy. He gave way to fate in 1579, leaving this character behind him, given by one belonging to the church at Durham, who, speaking of his demolishing several ancient monuments of that church while dean thereof, tells us, that he could ne∣ver abide any ancient monuments, acts or deeds, that gave any light of or to godly reli∣gion." His character, as given by Fuller ‖‖ 27.15, is to this effect: "A worthy man ground betwixt papists and sectaries, who sported with his name, and twitted his person as dwarfish, carping at the case, when they were not able to find fault with the jewel. Whatever his mould might be, he was made of good metal, as being of a sprightful and fruitful wit.
He published two of John Calvin's sermons in

Page 117

English, to which he prefixed his Apology, wherein he gives an account of himself, and the reasons for his flight. There are many things in this Apology worthy re∣marking * 27.16, especially the complaints of hard and unjust dealing towards him, by bishop Tunstall, and by Gardiner bishop of Winchester, and of the sad change there was on the accession of queen Mary. Strype says,

This Apology is well worthy the preserving; therein he relates at large how he was summoned up from Durham to the privy-council: And thereby the bishop of Durham and the bishop of Winchester accused him of divers things that were merely false, on pur∣pose to bring him into trouble; as that he, being dean of the church, took upon him to meddle in the bishop's office; that in his new learning he preached here∣sy; that he was a Scot; that he brought a wife into that church, where never woman came before: Of all which, with sundry other charges, he acquits him∣self in this Apology † 27.17.
On dean Horn's cession,

THOMAS WATSON, D. D.

was appointed by queen Mary, the 18th of November 1553. He was rector of North-Crawley in the county of Bucks, and master of St John's college, Cam∣bridge. Soon after his advancement to this deanry, an act ‡ 27.18 was passed to enable

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the queen to make statutes and ordinances for the government of collegiate churches and their possessions, the former law of Henry VIII. having become obsolete for want of being duly carried into execution, as appears by the preamble. This power, as we observed before * 28.1, was as much confined to the queen as the other was to Hen. VIII. so that statutes constructed, or reformations of such statutes, not done by queen Mary, and without authority of parliament, are void and of no va∣lidity.

The present statutes of this church were drawn up by Nicholas Heath archbishop-elect of York, Edmund Bonner bishop of London, Cuthbert Tunstall bishop of Durham, Thomas Thirlby bishop of Ely, and William Armistead chaplain to their majesties, who were commissioned for that purpose; and they received confirma∣tion † 28.2 under the great-seal the 20th day of March, in the first and second years of the reign of Philip and Mary ‡ 28.3.

STATUTES.
CHAP. I.—The Bishop's Pre-eminence.

The prelate takes place of the dean, canons, and ministers of the church; and is to be received, upon his first coming, with the following ceremonies: The dean,

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with the whole choir in their proper habits, shall meet him in procession at the north door, the bells ringing, the dean on his right-hand, the next in dignity on his left, conducting him to the high altar, where, kneeling, the prayers prescribed shall be used. He is to be received in the same manner when he comes to visit; but on other occasions by the ringing of bells, and without procession. When the bishop preaches, or performs divine service, the person whose turn it should be, is excused. On his reading any of the offices on great festivals, the dean on his right-hand, and the person next in dignity on his left; or, in their absence, the two next superiors shall assist, and attend him from the vestry to the altar or the throne; and on other occasions the sub-dean, or the person next in dignity, shall minister to him and support his book. The dean and the whole choir, coming in or going out, shall bow to him, whether he is seated in his stall or throne. When the bishop institutes the dean or prebendaries, he is to send his letters to the dean and chapter, for in∣duction and possession.

CHAP. II.—Induction and Installation of the Dean.

The dean is to be installed and placed in his seat in the chapter-house by the sub∣dean or senior residentiary, where, having taken the prescribed oath, both major and minor canons shall promise canonical obedience to him in these words: Domine decane, promitto tibi canonicam obedientiam tanquam decano. The dean's power and jurisdiction is supreme, touching the government of the church. He shall hear all causes relative to the chapter, and, assisted with their opinions, determine therein; correct excesses, and reprehend all obstinate offenders. He shall invest the preben∣daries in the presence of their brethren, and in his and the chapter's name receive the oath prescribed. Being superior in authority, all shall stand when he enters or departs the choir or chapter-house. He is first in place and voice. The ringing of the bells must wait for him morning and evening on festivals, when he is to perform the offices; but not at other times, unless he officiates * 28.4. On the like days he is to chant the anthems, or such of the canons as he shall appoint for that purpose. On reading the service he is not to quit his seat. If the bishop is not present, it is the dean's office, or, in his absence, the next in dignity, to pronounce the confession. All the ministers of the church shall bow to him in his stall as they enter or depart the choir. In correcting excesses, such is the prerogative of the dean and prebenda∣ries, on account of their prebends, that they shall not be convened out of chapter, because such causes as relate to the prebends shall be determined in chapter, by the judgment of the dean and chapter. Prebendaries' servants ought to be corrected by their proper masters, unless their offences are heinous, and their masters neglect that duty. Leave of absence shall be given by the dean to the minor canons and other officers of the church for one day, or at most not exceeding eight days; and in his absence, by the sub-dean or senior resident: Absence for any greater time shall not be given without consent of the chapter.

CHAP. III. Induction and Installation of a Prebendary.

The new prebendary is to produce, and cause to be read in chapter, his pre∣sentation from the bishop; and if nothing be objected to him, he is to be habited

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and presented to the dean and chapter; and the dean, or senior in his absence, ad∣mits him, by the ceremony of delivering a loaf of white bread placed on the book of statutes, saying, Nos recipimus te in canonicum et investimus, et tradimus tibi regu∣laris observantioe formam in volumine isto contentam pro cibo spirituali, et in remedium laboris refectionem in pane et vino corporalem. The bread is to be given to the poor* 28.5. Then the dean or precentor proceeds to install him, by placing him in his seat in the church; after prayers, he returns to the chapter-house, and takes the oath prescribed; and then is saluted by the dean and canons, before which ce∣remony he is not permitted to act in chapter. There are many secrets of the chapter, which are not to be divulged, not even to an absentee when he returns; particularly those which in discovery might prejudice the rights of the church, the chapter, or any member thereof. Disputes among the prebendaries, on any chap∣ter matters, are to be determined by the chapter; and they are to submit to such determination, without going to law.

CHAP. IV.—Persons to be supported by the Church.

One dean, twelve prebendaries, twelve minor canons, one deacon, one sub∣deacon, ten clerks (who may be either priests or laymen), one master of the choristers, ten choristers, one master and one under-master of the grammar school, eighteen grammar scholars, eight poor men, two sub-sacrists or vergers, two to ring the bells and look after the clock, two porters (one of whom shall be a bar∣ber), one baker, one under-baker, one cook, and one under-cook;—the whole number eighty-six.

CHAP. V.—The Dean's Qualifications.

The dean shall be a priest, doctor in divinity, bachelor in divinity or doctor of laws, of sound faith, good life, and under no imputation of heresy; to be nomi∣nated by the crown by letters patent under the great seal, and presented to the bishop, on whose mandate he is to be received and installed, and put in possession of his deanry by the prebendaries present, the sub-dean or senior residentiary giv∣ing him the following oath.

CHAP. VI.—The Dean's Oath.

Ego (A) qui in decanum hujus ecclesioe cathedralis Dunelm. electus et institutus sum, Deum testor, et per hoec sancta Dei evangelia juro, quod pro virili meà in hac ecclesia bene et fideliter regam et gubernabo, juxta ordinationes et statuta ejusd. et quod omnia illius bona, terras, et tenementa, redditus, possessiones, jura, libertates et privilegia coete∣rasque res universas, tam mobiles quam immobiles, et alias omnes commoditates ejusdem ec∣clesioe bene et fideliter custodiam, defendam, et servabo, atque ab aliis similiter fieri cura∣bo, ad hoec omnia et singula statuta et ordinationes hujus ecclesioe quatenus me concernunt bene et fideliter observabo, et ab aliis quatenus eos concernunt, studiose observari procura∣bo; sicut me Deus adjuvet, et hoec sancta Dei evangelia.

CHAP. VII.—The Dean's Duty.

As the eye of the body, he is to look after all the members of it, that they do their respective duties; he is to keep a regular family, and live according to his dig∣nity, or be reproved by the bishop † 28.6, if he lives sordidly; of which fault if any of

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the prebendaries are guilty, he is to reprove them, and also touching other duties required by the statutes. He is to take care of the treasure * 28.7, ornaments, utensils, writings and records of the church († 28.8 ac in oerario locisque aliis ad ea specialiter de∣putatis, prout illius judicio pro tempore tutissimum videbitur) that they may be all pre∣served for his successor. His consent is to be had, in all elections to offices and places, in setting fines and letting lands, in bestowing benefices, in the confirmation of any deeds of indenture and other writings, if he is within the realm; if not, then by his deputy lawfully constituted, who must be a member of the chapter ‡ 28.9.

CHAP. VIII.—Survey of the Lands, and holding Courts.

The dean, or, being prevented, one deputed by him and the chapter, shall once a year, or if need require, more frequently, survey all the manors, lands, tenements, houses, buildings, appropriated churches, woods, underwoods, and trees, belonging to this church, and order necessary repairs or new houses to be built; and the con∣dition of such estates and houses is to be reported in writing within eight days after such survey, wherein the receiver (if convenient) shall be one, or, in his absence, one of the prebendaries to be deputed; also the senescal or clerk of the courts shall at∣tend and hold the courts, and assist with their counsel. The courts are to be kept once a year, beginning after Easter, and again (if occasion) after Michaelmas. The dean upon such survey to be allowed six shillings and eight-pence a day for his ex∣pences, and the receiver four shillings. As in these statutes mention is often made of the Chapter, we declare, that under that title shall be understood one half of the prebendaries at least; and those only shall be deemed acts of the Chapter where at least that number, who are intra septum ecclesioe, are present at the making thereof. The votes of absentees shall not be admitted; but if any one is sick within the col∣lege, he shall not be deemed absent, but under his hand may give his suffrage on being consulted by the dean or one of the prebendaries.

CHAP. IX.—Concerning the Woods, and letting the Lands, &c. to farm.

The dean shall not sell or give away any wood fit for timber ‖ 28.10, or let or lease out for term of years any of the lands, tenements, tithes, &c. without the advice and consent of the Chapter § 28.11; but he may, on his visitation, assign to the tenants, wood for necessary repairs of their tenements; and also let or lease out the lands, tene∣ments, tithes, &c. from year to year, and at will, according to the custom of the manors; for doing which, such advice and consent are not requisite. Care is to be taken that the several woods be sufficiently fenced, that they may not be cropt by cattle: And as (this article declares) great part of the riches of the church consists in

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woods, when there is a fall of wood for the repair of the church or any other bud∣ings, it must be conducted under the inspection of the supervisor (the dean or re∣ceiver) or one of the prebendaries, or some person specially deputed and sworn to that duty, and no part thereof shall be sold, except the bark and tops not fit for tim∣ber; and the felling of such wood shall be at a proper season, to cause a new spring, unless occasion requires it to be cut at another time. Tallies or a written account shall be kept by the wood bailiff of the number of trees felled, and for what use, so that, at the annual audit, the Chapter may see the state of their woods. If by agree∣ment any wood is given to the tenants for firing, it shall be that which is decayed, dried, and unfit for timber. No lands or tenements shall be leased for a longer term than twenty-one years, and no reversion granted, till within seven or eight years at the furthest of the expiration of the existing lease, and then the demise is not to exceed twenty-one years at most. There shall be no leasing from three years to three years, or from term to term, beyond twenty-one years; neither shall there be any covenant or agreement for renewing such lease when it expires. And all collusion and fraud in demising the church lands is prohibited * 28.12. But it is allowed, that all houses in towns and villages may be leased for fifty or sixty years at most. The tenants shall pay their rents to the receiver or his deputy within the precincts of the church, find one or more sureties for performance of the covenants and agree∣ments in their leases, and on the death of any such surety to provide a new one, within one month, upon pain of forfeiting the lease. The body are totally prohi∣bited alienating, mortgaging, selling, changing or pledging any of the manors, lands, rents, tenements, or other immoveable possessions of the church, pinguescere enim hanc optamus ecclesiam, non macrescere, is the expression of the commissioners. No suit shall be commenced or prosecuted touching the possessions of the church, without consent of the chapter. The dean, or his procurator if absent, with the chapter † 28.13, shall present to their livings and ecclesiastical preferments. The granting of the next turn to any living before the same is become vacant, is prohibited, unless on some very urgent occasion, or in favour of some person of distinguished worth, to whom the grant shall be personal and not general, so that if he dies before a vacancy, the right of presentation shall revert to the chapter.

CHAP. X.—Delivery of the Goods, &c. to the Dean.

This chapter prescribes the manner of delivering over to the dean all the jewels, plate, treasures, ornaments, and other valuable effects belonging to the church, the care whereof are committed to him, and which are to be specified by inventory and indenture.

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CHAP XI.—The Dean's Attendance.

It is ordained, that the dean shall constantly reside at the deanry, without some lawful excuse; such as attendance on the king or queen as chaplain, and that so long only as the duty requires; on any negotiation of the crown, business of the church, attendance on parliament or the convocation, involuntary imprisonment, and great sickness, whereby he is prevented returning to the church * 28.14: During such his ab∣sence, he is to be deemed present with regard to profits and emoluments† 28.15, on in∣forming the chapter of the cause; but shall not be entitled thereto, if absent on any causes than those assigned, and for longer time than prescribed by this statute. The dean may be absent one hundred days in the year, in the whole, together or at separate times, on his private affairs.

CHAP. XII.—The Prebendaries' Qualifications, &c.

In this statute the right of nominating prebendaries is reserved to the crown‡ 28.16. Each shall be a priest, of sound faith, without any imputation of heresy, of fair character and good life; either doctor or bachelor in divinity, doctor of laws, or master of arts, or at least bachelor of laws. To take the following oath before the dean or sub-dean and chapter: Ego (B) qui in canonicum hujus ecclesia cathedralis Christi et Beatae Mariae Virginis Dunelm. nominatus, electus et institutus sum, (tactis sacrosanctis Dei evangeliis) Juno, quod pro virili mea, terras, tenementa, redditus, possessiones, jura, libertates et privilegia, caeterasque res universas hujus ecclesiae tucbor, servabo et servari procurabo; et omnia singula statuta ac ordinationes hujus ecclesiae (quatenus me concernunt) fideliter observabo; et ab aliis, quantum in me fuerit, obser∣vari curabo: Nec quod ad utilitatem et honorem hujus ecclesiae legitimè fieri potest, sciens impediam, sed illius commodo et honori semper studebo. Approbatas et approbandas hu∣jus ecclesiae consuetudines (prout eas didicero) observabo. Praeterea, obediens ero de∣cano et capitulo in mandatis licitis et canonicis, et quod secreta capituli illicitè non re∣velabo. Et si me posthac officium aliquod in ecclesia hac gerere contigerit, illud bene et fideliter pro viribus exequar. Haec omnia et singula praestabo, sicut me Deus adjuvet, et haec sancta ejus evangelia. The dean shall take his oath before the chapter, the ma∣jor and minor canons before the dean and chapter, and all the inferiors before the dean and treasurer.

CHAP. XIII.—Obedience to the Dean.

All ministers, &c. of the church shall be obedient to the dean as their head and leader, in his absence to the sub-dean, and in both their absence to the senior re∣sidentiary.

CHAP. XIV.—The Prebendaries' Attendance.

They are allowed eighty days absence to look after their livings and other busi∣ness, and the same indulgencies as before granted to the dean.§ 28.17 If any of them shall preach within twelve miles of the cathedral, he is to be allowed the emolu∣ments

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of one day, as if present; and if above twelve miles, two days, or at the most three. If he is longer absent, without the excuse of preaching or the causes before stipulated, he shall forfeit his profits* 28.18. A third part of the prebendaries at least shall be constantly resident; or those who are absent, without the causes allowed, shall not have their share of quotidians and dividends for the time of such absence† 28.19.

CHAP. XV.—The Dean and Prebendaries' Preaching.

The dean and prebendaries shall be diligent in preaching, as well in the country as in the cathedral church. The dean shall (per se aut per alium) preach in English in the cathedral on Easter-day, Corpus Christi and Christmas-days ‡ 28.20; and likewise twice in the year within the diocese, at different places. The prebendaries shall each preach four times at least in the year, in the cathedral, on Sundays or other festi∣vals, if agreeable to the dean; that is to say, once a quarter, between the respective quarter-days of Christmas, the Annunciation, John Baptist, and Michaelmas-day, according to the priority of their stalls; under a mulct of 20s. to be paid towards the common stock. When the bishop chuses to preach, the dean or canon whose turn it was shall be excused.

CHAP. XVI.—Residence of the Prebendaries.

All the prebendaries shall live in the college distinct, and lodge there. If any of them has not 40l. a year clear income, besides the stipends of this church, he shall not be obliged to keep house or observe hospitality; but may live privately at his own house, or eat at the table of the dean or some of the prebendaries, whether in or out of residence, or at the table of the minor canons within the precincts of the church: If there should happen to be three of this condition, they may keep one table amongst them, and using hospitality, shall be reckoned only as one holding residence, and out of the common stock are to receive the share but of one.§ 28.21 Those who have not a common table, but live either privately or at the tables of others, are prohibited having any share of the common stock, which accrues from the absence of the dean and others, and the seal-fees. The deans and canons, who, exclusive of the stipends of this church, have 40l. a year clear yearly value, for the time they stay are obliged to maintain a family and keep residence and hos∣pitality; otherwise they shall be deemed absent, and bear the mulct of an absentee, in forfeiting the quotidians. Those who do not live within the precincts, or when they come do not continue twenty days together, are excused keeping house for

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so short a time. In division of the common stock, the dean shall receive double the portion of a prebendary. At the end of each year, about Michaelmas, a divi∣dend is to be made to the resident dean and prebendaries, according to the num∣ber of days they were resident, and not otherwise, as before prescribed. Whoever designs to keep residence, shall come to the chapter and declare the day he be∣gins such residence, which is to be entered in the registry, that there may be no dispute among the brethren about time. Those who keep residence, are such as for twenty-one days together in every year are present at divine service, as the statutes direct, and keep house. They shall give notice to the chapter when they begin their twenty-one days, during which time they shall entertain in a more liberal manner than the rest of the year, receiving the choir, and inviting the citizens and strangers to their table, as becomes those that keep hospitality. Two or more must not hold residence together, but one after another, and when it is most convenient to each, unless some urgent cause (approved by the dean or sub-dean and chapter) prevents. Every residentiary who holds residence for the whole year, shall twice a year entertain the whole choir, and the eight poor men belonging to the church at different times, not more than six together et semel tantum in die. But if he is not resident the whole year, then it shall suffice that he entertains the choir only once a year, in manner before mentioned. If any one is invited and doth not come, the residentiary is excused asking him again; for whoever is invited is pre∣sumed to be at the table. Those that neglect the performance of any of these ordinances may be punished by the dean, or in his absence by the sub-dean, by withholding the monthly allowance, or by an arbitrary mulct. As to the three al∣lowed to hold residence together, they shall all be present; unless on some urgent occasion one is obliged to be absent, and that not above ten days: And they shall keep their table at a joint expence, otherwise they shall not be deemed as one re∣sidentiary, except only where any of them is so ill he cannot possibly attend* 28.22. The dean, for the benefit of the country air or refreshment, or other cause to be ap∣proved by the chapter, shall have liberty to retire to his manor of Beaurepaire for forty days in the year, over and above the days of absence before allowed by these statutes† 28.23, without losing his usual perquisites, in case he attends the business of the chapter, and holds his residence within the precincts of the church for twenty-one days, as before stipulated.

CHAP. XVII.—The Dean and Prebendaries' Stipends.

That the dean and prebendaries may be better enabled to keep hospitality, the dean shall annually receive from the treasurer pro corpore decanatus, 40l. 1s. 3d. and each prebendary 8l. 4s. 9¼d. The dean shall further receive from the trea∣surer for every day he attends prayers morning and evening, and the statutable days of absence 12s. 5d. and each prebendary 16¼ d. Those are deemed to be present at prayers who come into church before the end of the first psalm, and do not depart (but on urgent necessity) before the service is concluded. All stipends

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are to be paid quarterly, at the four great quarter days, except the money which accumulates in each year, from forfeitures by absentees, mulcts, and seal fees, which shall be collected in the following manner: The precentor is to mark the days of the dean's and each prebendary's absence above the statutable allowance; for each day the dean shall forfeit 12 s. 5d. and each prebendary 16¼ d. to be re∣tained by the treasurer; which accumulation appellavimus communam dividendam. Further to enable them to keep hospitality, (rem Deo et hominibus longe gratissimam) particular lands, &c. are assigned, as set forth in the next chapter, which they may occupy or let as they think expedient, so as they pay the reserved rent at the usual times, and keep the houses in repair at their expence, except main-timber: The dean and chapter shall be judges of the repairs wanted, and on neglect cause them to be repaired at the parties expence. None of the canons shall * 28.24 sell or let to farm any of the possessions belonging to the church to any one, even a brother canon, without consent of the dean and chapter, under the penalty of forfeiting the whole value of the thing sold, or the profits of the land when lawfully convicted. On the death or removal of the dean or prebendaries, from the day of that event to Michaelmas next following, the profits of the corps lands, &c. and all moveables, shall be at his, or his executors disposal. If any such prebendary doth not reside, and keep hospitality, the dean, with the consent of the chapter, may let the lands, &c. so assigned from year to year and at will; so that the said prebendary or his successor afterwards keeping residence, may not be deprived of the profits of those lands, &c. longer than a year† 28.25.

CHAP. XVIII.—Lands, &c. assigned to the Dean and Prebendaries.

Lands assigned to the deanry are, the manor and park of Bear-park (Beaurepaire), with Herber-close, and three arable closes near Stotgate, Alansford, with Shipley and Whitwell, North and South Revensflat, with Summer Pasture and Holme; the tithes of the rectories of Billingham and Merrington, and of the villages belonging to them ‡ 28.26.

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The lands assigned to the first prebend are, half of the manor, &c. of Elvet-hall, commonly called Hall-garth.

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To the second prebend, the other half of the manor of Elvet-hall.

To the third, the manor of Sacriston-hugh, and a close called Holcrofte.

To the fourth, the manor, house, and farm of Witton-Gilbert, Newhouse, and Underside.

To the fifth, the third part of the house, manor, and park of Muggleswick.

To the sixth, another third part of that manor and park.

To the seventh, the house and demesne lands of the manor of Finkell, with the mill and pond there called the Dam.

To the eighth, the remaining third part of the house, manor, and park of Muggles∣wick.

To the tenth, the mansion-house, garden, farm, lands, and tenements of South Pittington, the close called Pond Garth and Pulter Close.

To the eleventh, the manor of Houghall.

To the twelfth, the manor house of Bewley, with the demesne lands and farm thereto belonging.

All woods, mines, and quarries within each corps lands, are excepted and re∣served for the common use and necessaries of the church, and each pay thereto the annual sums following, (viz.)

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  l. s. d.
The deanry 10 4 0
First and second prebend 0 13 4
third 0 15 10
fourth 0 10 0
fifth and sixth 0 15 7
seventh 1 9 8
eighth prebend 0 7 9
ninth 1 0 4
tenth 0 13 4
eleventh 5 0 0
twelfth 2 3 4

CHAP. XIX.—Election of Officers.

Commanding belongs alone to the dean, or in his absence to the sub-dean or senior residentiary; and to the canons present the power of reproving* 29.1. The dean, or, he being out of the realm, the sub-dean, with the chapter assembled, shall yearly on the 20th day of November, with the consent of the chapter, elect out of the body a vice or sub-dean, a treasurer and receiver; which officers the nominees shall not refuse under the penalty of losing all his emoluments for that year. The dean shall be present at such election, if within the realm; but if any lawful cause pre∣vent his attendance on the 20th of November, he shall have power to change the day of election, and appoint another between Michaelmas and the end of the audit, giving a week's notice to the absent canons that they may attend. If upon the first or second scrutiny the members cannot agree in the choice, the election shall fall upon such as the dean, or, he being out of the realm, the vice-dean, and five of the canons present shall nominate† 29.2; but if only eight of the canons or fewer be present, then the dean or vice-dean and four canons shall make the election: But if they cannot still agree, the dissention shall be ended by the bishop's visitorial authority, who, under canonical censure, shall compel them to finish the election ‡ 29.3. The same order is to be observed in the annual choice of a precentor and sacrist out of the minor canons.

CHAP. XX.—The Sub-Dean's Duty.

The sub-dean, in the absence of the dean, or the deanry being vacant, shall pre∣side and have the care of the church, and see that divine offices are duly performed, correcting all omissions and negligencies, and discharging the dean's duty, touching the affairs and rules of the church, as if he was present, except only in such matters where the dean's special assent (or of his proctor in his absence) is required. The deanry being vacant, the sub-dean and chapter shall not put the common seal to leases of lands or other things ‖ 29.4; or to benefi advowsons, donations, or offices; or to confirmations of any deeds, except letters of proctorship and attornies, where the affairs of the church or lawsuits require the same to prevent injury and delay. The sub-dean shall take the pre-eminence due to the dean, and as being superior, he

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shall be more diligent and circumspect in the affairs of the church; that, together with the dean, he may appear like the father of the house: And when the deanry is vacant, he shall have full power to regulate and govern the church, and do all things therein (save those excepted) according to the statutes, until a dean is elected and installed, he being first sworn duly to perform his office.

CHAP. XXI.—The Receiver-General's Duty.

He is to collect and receive all money, rents, and revenues of the church, as well of spiritualties as temporalties; and the same, when received, is within twenty-eight days after to be duly paid over to the treasurer for the time being. He shall dili∣gently look after the estates of the church, and direct the necessary repairs of houses, unless some fitter person be particularly appointed. He shall do all things pre∣scribed by the dean relative to the lands, tenements, and courts. His stipend being 6l. 13s. 4d. yearly, he shall put the church to no further charge, except 4s. a day allowed him when keeping courts, and such charges as are before stipulated touch∣ing the conduct of other affairs of the church. He shall be sworn duly to execute his office, and faithfully observe all things ordered by the dean and chapter touching the collection and receipt of arrears, the churches security, indemnity, and advan∣tage, and due paying over the money belonging thereto.

CHAP. XXII.—The Treasurer's Duty.

The treasurer shall pay all the stipends as by the statutes are appointed, and also the dividend. It is his duty to repair the church and houses of the ministers (ex∣cept those of the dean and prebendaries) within the limits thereof* 29.5, with the con∣sent and appointment of the dean, or in his absence, of the sub-dean, in case the houses are gone out of repair, without the wilful default of the party to whom they respectively belong† 29.6: But if they are become ruinous by default, the party shall be compelled to repair them. He shall provide necessary ornaments for the church and choir: Shall take care of the wood and other materials which are prepared for re∣pairs. When the houses of the dean and chapter are out of repair, if on notice the party doth not do what is necessary thereto, the treasurer out of the parties stipend, and at his expence, at the instance of the dean and chapter, shall cause the same to be repaired. The houses of the dean and prebendaries shall not be demised, sold, or changed; any such demise, sale, or exchange, if made, being altogether void; and each person shall be content with the house which was first allotted to him or his predecessor. Each new elected prebendary shall succeed to the house, stable, gar∣den, and other appurtenances, together with the stall in the church and seat in the chapter which his predecessor held. And no dean or prebendary shall take away from his house in the college or country house belonging to his prebendal lands, any fixtures therein ‡ 29.7, but shall leave them to the successor: And the like in respect

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to the minor canons houses * 29.8. It belongs also to the treasurer to attend to the re∣pairs of the houses belonging to the chapter within the city of Durham; which re∣pairs shall be made between the 1st day of March and Michaelmas, according to the dean or sub-dean's orders; and not later in the year, unless in cases of great neces∣sity, and where, in the dean's judgment, delay would be materially detrimental. Bills for repairs and other affairs of the church shall not be allowed, unless the dean, or, he being absent and not objecting, the sub-dean shall certify the same. The treasurer shall have charge of the plate, vestments, and muniments, least the sacrist should be negligent; and shall examine them every quarter with the re∣gister, &c. that nothing be wanting. He shall likewise take an oath faithfully to discharge his office.

CHAP. XXIII.—The Qualification, Election, and Admission of the Minor Canons, &c.

The twelve priests or minor canons, the ten clerks, the deacon and sub-deacon, (called the gospeller and the epistler) are to be of good name and conversation, of sound faith, and men of erudition, with voices and sufficient skill in music to serve in the choir. They, with the ten choristers, and eighteen grammar scholars with their masters, and others the officers of the church, are to be chosen by the dean, with the advice of the chapter† 29.9, as before prescribed; all whom (except the choristers and grammar scholars) shall take the following oath:—

Ego (A) in hujus ecclesiae Cath. Christi & beatae Mariae Virg. Dun in numerum cooptatus, juro, quod quandiu in hac ecclesia morabor, omnes ordinationes & statuta ejusdem (quatenus me concernunt) pro meo virili inviolabiliter observabo erga decanum et singulos de capi∣tulo

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in gestu et verbis debitam obedientiam & reverentiam exhibebo, commodum & honorem hujus ecclesiae diligenter procurabo, sicut me deus adjuvet & haec sancta dei evangelia.

CHAP. XXIV.—The Attendance of the Minor Canons and others.

The minor canons, singing-men, and all others bearing office in the church, shall not be absent a whole day and night, without leave of the dean, sub-dean, or senior residentiary, under pain of an arbitrary sine. If any of them leave the church, without giving three months notice to the dean or sub-dean, he shall forfeit three months stipend: And if absent from morning service, shall forfeit a penny; if from evening service, a halfpenny; if he comes not in before the first psalm, a farthing. If any one refuse contemptuously to perform the part the precentor enjoins, he shall be fined two-pence. The amount of the forfeitures, at the end of every quarter, or at farthest at the end of the year, shall be divided by the treasurer, among those who attended duly, according to the days of their attendance. The minor canons and priests belonging to the church, shall enjoy only (quantum in nobis de juri situm est) one benefice, and that within twenty-four miles of Durham: And so long as they attend the church service, are not obliged to residence.

CHAP. XXV.—The Precentor's Duty.

He is to be chosen out of the minor canons, of superior age and distinguished conduct and erudition: He shall regulate the order of the whole choir; and boys introduced for the purpose of singing shall be examined by him, and others in∣structed; and he shall direct what shall be performed, and by whom, to prevent discord. Not only the minor canons and singing-men are to obey his directions, but also the prebendaries, when the solemnity of any festival requires them to perform part of the service. He is to note all absentees without partiality, which is to be laid before the chapter every fortnight. The power of punishing belongs only to the dean and chapter. He is to take care of the books belonging to the choir, and in his absence to have a deputy, who shall be approved by the dean or sub-dean. He shall also take an oath duly to perform his office* 29.10.

CHAP. XXVI.—The Duty of the Sacrist, Vergers, and Bell-ringers.

The SACRIST shall be an industrious and faithful person, and chosen out of the minor canons. Shall have in charge all the vestments, vessels, and ornaments of the church, to be scheduled and examined therewith quarterly; with the advice of the treasurer he shall provide wine, oil, wax, and necessary lights for the church. To visit the sick † 29.11, and administer the sacrament to them, as well as those in health,

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when need or times require. To receive oblations, and pay them over to the treasurer for the use of the church. To take care of the linen, that it be neat, whole, and clean, and that the books be well bound and preserved: That there be no disturbance during divine service. To take care of the school books, that they may be produced yearly before the dean, to prevent their being lost or destroyed. Also of the books in the library, which are not to be lent to any canon or stranger without the dean or sub-dean's consent; and in that case, the person to give a note of his name and the book borrowed, and engage to return it at a time fixed. He is to have under him two careful, honest men, called SUB-SACRISTS or vergifers, sworn to be faithful and obedient to him: They are to fold up the vestments, light the candles, cover the altar, and with a verge go before the bishop, choir, and dean in procession, at their going in and out of church; and to perform all such other duties as vergers do in other cathedral churches. Every year upon the day of election of officers, the vergers are to deliver the verge to the dean in the chapter-house, which he is to retain till enquiry is made of their past behaviour; and if found culpable, to remove and place fit persons in their room, so that there may be no pretence of perpetuity in the office. The same rule to be observed in respect to other officers of the church. He shall also have under him two other honest men, to keep the floor and walls of the church clean; to ring or cause to be rung the bells, at the hours appointed by the dean; to take care of the clock, and look after the church. They are to open the church doors in the morning before six o'clock, and shut them in winter time after service, but in summer not till after the ringing of the curfew* 29.12; and not open them again after that time unless upon some urgent occasion, least any thing criminal should be committed there. They are to search the church after the doors are shut. To take care that the cloisters and other places through which any procession is to be made, be perfectly clean; and to dig the graves in the church-yard. When the sacrist, sub-sacrist, or bell-ringers, are absent on their lawful occasions, they shall be allowed deputies, to be approved by the dean or sub-dean: And all be sworn faithfully to perform their respective duties.

CHAP XXVII.—The Choristers and their Master.

There shall be ten young boys as choristers, with good voices, to serve in the choir; to teach whom (as well in singing as in good manners, besides the number of clerks) a person shall be appointed, of good fame and conversation, skilful in singing and in the management of the organ: And to encourage his greater at∣tention, he shall have leave of absence on ordinary days; but he must constantly attend upon Sundays and holidays to perform the service: When he has leave of absence, the precentor shall appoint one of the minor canons or singing-men who understands playing on the organ, to do that office. If the master is negligent of the boys' health or education, after a third admonition to be removed. He shall likewise be sworn to perform his duty.

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CHAP. XXVIII.—The Grammar Scholars and their Teachers.

There shall be constantly maintained eighteen poor boys of apt parts, whose friends are not able to give them education, but not to be admitted till they have learned to read and write, and in the dean's judgment, are sufficiently grounded in the first rudiments of grammar: After admission to be maintained by the church, until they competently understand grammar, and can read and write Latin, for which they shall be allowed four years, or with the dean's assent five at the most: None shall be admitted above fifteen years of age. The choristers shall not be limited to that age, but may be admitted scholars if they are fit; in case they have proved themselves particularly serviceable to the choir, and skilful in music, they are to be preferred before any others. If any one is found dull, and without a taste for literature, the dean shall remove him, and appoint another in his room ne veluti fucus apum mella devoret. The upper master is to be learned in the Greek and Latin languages, of good fame, found faith and pious life: He shall not only teach the eighteen boys, but also all others that shall resort to his school. The under-master shall bear the like character: They shall teach such books and rules, and follow such order as the dean and chapter (with the bishop's assent) shall prescribe. If they prove negligent, or incapable of teaching, after a third admo∣nition, to be displaced. They are also to be sworn faithfully to perform their duty.

CHAP. XXIX.—The Eight Poor Men and their Duty.

Eight poor men, such as are disabled by war or age, or otherwise reduced to poverty, are to be appointed by royal mandate, and maintained by the church, and whose duty is to attend divine service daily, so long as their infirmities will permit them; to be assistant to the sub-sacrist and other officers, in lighting and extinguishing the candles, and ringing the bells, if able; and to be obedient to the dean or sub-dean and sacrist in all things which relate to their duty in the church: For default, subject to the dean or sub-dean's reprehension. If they are absent (unless pre∣vented by infirmities) they shall be punished by withdrawing the stipend, and which shall be divided among those that attend. The dean or sub-dean may grant them twenty days leave of absence, but not more, without some urgent occasion, to be allowed of by the dean and chapter. To take an oath for the due performance of their duty.

CHAP. XXX.—Of inferior Persons belonging to the Church.

The dean, or sub-dean in his absence, (with his consent) shall appoint two in∣dustrious men of good name and approved conduct, to be butler and under-butler: Who, with a cook and under-cook, are to provide meat and drink for the minor canon's table, and those other ministers who eat together in common. The porters to keep the keys of the church and college gates; and never to open them in the night time without the express order of the dean, or sub-dean in his absence: One of them to be a barber, who must shave and cut the hair of all persons belonging to the church, gratis. They shall all be sworn to perform their duty faithfully and personally.

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CHAP. XXXI.—Of the Commons.

The minor canons, deacon, and sub-deacon, and clerks, not having wives, shall mess together in the common-hall, where the precentor (or in his absence the senior minor canon) shall preside, and the rest shall sit without distinction of place. The following monthly allowances to be made: To the minor canons, the upper-master of the grammar school, and master of the choristers, six shillings each,—to the deacon, sub-deacon, singing-men, or clerks and usher, four shillings and eight-pence,—to each of the grammar scholars and choristers, three shillings and four-pence,—to the sub-sacrist, ringers, butlers, porters, and cooks, four shillings. They had two stewards, one to serve the whole year, the other one month; the first procured wood, coals, salt, &c. for the year's store; the other, the necessaries for every month: the first examined the stewards accounts at the end of every week, and reported the same to the major part of those who lived together, at the conclusion of the year, by a statement of the whole expence. Both the stewards to be sworn to the due performance of their office.

CHAP. XXXII.—The Minister's Vestments, commonly called Liveries.

The minor canons, clerks, and other ministers of the church, choristers, gram∣mar scholars, cooks, and poor men, shall use an upper vestment of the same colour. Each minor canon, and head master of the grammar-school, shall receive four yards of cloth for his gown, of the price of five shillings a yard; the master of the choristers, three yards of the same; the deacon and sub-deacon, four yards at four shillings and six-pence; each clerk, and the under grammar master, three yards at four shillings and six pence: The other ministers, as the sub-sacrists, bell-ringers, butlers, porters, and cook, three yards each at three shillings and four pence; the choristers, grammar scholars, and under-cook, two yards and a half, at three shil∣lings and four-pence; the poor men, three yards at three shillings and four-pence. The dean, or in his absence the sub-dean or treasurer, to give the same against Christmas, to be made up by the several parties. The poor men to wear a rose of red silk upon the left shoulder, and never appear in public without their livery gowns.

CHAP. XXXIII.—The Ministers' Stipends.

Besides their commons and vestments, the treasurer shall pay quarterly to the minor canons and head-master of the school, 5l. 2s.—Master of the choristers, 5l. 7s.—Under-master, 2l. 19s. 2d.—Deacon, 2l. 14s. 8d.—Sub-deacon, 2l. 14s. 8d.—Each clerk or singing-man, 2l. 19s. 2d.—Each sub-sacrist, 2l. 18s.—Each bell-ringer, 1l. 18s.—The butler who buys the provisions, 3l. 6s. 8d.—The porter who is barber, 2l. 18s.—The other porter, 1l. 18s. —The under-butler, 1l. 18s.—The cook, 2l 18 s.—Under-cook, 1l. 18s.— Each chorister, 15s.—Each scholar, 15s.—Each poor man yearly, 6l. 3s. 4d.— Sub-dean, 2l. 13s. 4d.—Receiver, 6l. 13s. 4d.—Auditor, 6l. 13s. 4d.— Treasurer, 2l. 13s. 4d.—Precentor, 2l. 10s.—Sacrist, 2l.—Steward or clerk of the courts, 5l

CHAP. XXXIV.—Of Divine Service.

All the minor canons, the deacon and sub-deacon, the singing-men and master of the choristers, (except when he has leave of absence to teach the boys) are to

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assist every day at divine service. They are excused singing the evening service. The dean shall perform the service in festis principalibus; the sub-dean in ma∣joribus duplicibus; the other prebendaries in festis duplicibus, unless there hap∣pen some lawful impediment to any, when his turn shall be supplied by some one as near the same rank as possible: None shall officiate without his proper vestment; the dean and canons with their surplices and other habits; the rest of the choir and the boys in surplices. Upon holidays both the upper and under-master are to attend morning and evening prayer in their proper habits, the first to sit above the minor canons, the other below them. The grammar scholars are to be at church on festivals in their surplices, under the direction of the precentor. The dean or prebendaries shall not detain any of the minor canons, singing-men, or other ministers of the church, from divine service upon any account* 29.13.

CHAP. XXXV.— Of the Treasury, the Seal, and Custody of the Writings.

In the treasury are to be lodged all writings, evidences, books of accounts, invento∣ries, and rentals; and also a chest for the security of the church money, wherein shall remain at the end of each year, 200l. to answer all incidental occasions, and therein shall be kept a small box for the public seal, which is not to be put to any writing until the same is fairly transcribed into the register, and therewith examined. The seal fee shall be six shillings and eight-pence. The seal shall not be put to any blank or writing, without the consent of the dean, under the pains of perjury and perpetual exclusion of him that either does, or consents to the doing thereof. In this place shall be lodged the statutes, letters patents of foundation and endow∣ment, and other muniments and writings of the lands and possessions of the church. There shall be three locks to the chest, of different wards, one key to be kept by the dean, another by the sub-dean, and a third by the treasurer; also two keys to the door of the treasury, one to be kept by the dean, the other by the treasurer, who are all, or their deputies, to be assenting and present at the opening thereof. If one or two refuse sealing such instrument as is agreed to by the chapter, he or they shall be subject to such arbitrary penalty as shall be adjudged by the dean and chapter, which if he refuses to submit to, is to be declared guilty of perjury. No one is to have two keys; and a key-bearer going abroad is to leave his key with some canon who is not a key-bearer.

CHAP. XXXVI.—Of the yearly Accounts.

There shall be a place assigned within the limits of the church where the accounts shall be made up; here the bailiffs, collectors, wood-keepers, officers, and other ministers are to give in their accounts: At the same time the receiver and treasurer shall deliver in their accounts, before the dean and prebendaries, and pay up their balance under the penalty of losing their quotidians until the whole is paid; or a severer mulct, if the offence appear to merit it. The receiver and treasurer's ac∣counts shall be inspected by the dean and chapter twice a year, about Lady-day

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and after Michaelmas, some time before the audit. They may, if they think pro∣per, have an auditor, whose salary, besides entertainment for himself and one servant, is at most to be 6l. 13s. 4d. The auditor is to take an oath to discharge his office faithfully. The gathering in of the arrears may be assigned by the dean to any one of the chapter beside the receiver: And he is to pay what he receives within one month to the treasurer, and make up his accounts at the end of the year; and is to take an oath for doing his duty. He is to do this business gratis, or may have a salary assigned by the dean, with the advice of the chapter. The account of the goods in use belonging to the church, at the same time shall be laid before them; that if need requires they may be removed, and the state of the church be known to the dean, or vice-dean and the chapter.

CHAP. XXXVII.—Of correcting Offences.

If any of the minor canons, singing-men, or other ministers and servants of the church, shall be guilty of a small fault, he may be punished at the discretion of the dean, or in his absence, of the sub-dean; but if of a heinous offence, he shall be ex∣pelled at the bishop's visitation, and by his judgment and censure corrected or deprived, and thenceforth shall be immediately removed; and previous to the visitation his stipend shall stand sequestered. If any of the prebendaries are guilty of any heinous crime, as heresy, adultery, theft, perjury, or the like, by which the church may come under great scandal, he shall be accused before the bishop at his visitation, and under his judgment and censure shall, if the offence appears to merit it, be deprived and expelled. Whilst the cause is depending before the visitor, the dean and chapter shall sequester all the offender's stipends and revenues. If any of the poor men offend, he is to be corrected by the dean or sub-dean; and if he re∣mains incorrigible, may be expelled by the dean and chapter.

CHAP. XXXVIII.—Of Alms.

Besides what is allowed to the eight poor men, there is given to the church, the annual sum of 86l. 13s. 4d. for the relief of the poor, and making and repairing the public bridges and highways* 29.14; of which the sum of 66l. 13s. 4d. shall be dis∣tributed partly among the poor upon the church estates, least we should seem, omnia metere & nihil seminare, and partly by the dean or treasurer, or one ap∣pointed by the dean out of the canons, amongst the poor and indigent neighbours of the church, or any other the dean shall judge necessitous, whose conscience is charged coram Domino servatone, with the faithful dispensing this charity; and the visitor is to enquire particularly about it at his visitation. The special causes which influence the distribution shall be shewn at the audit. The remaining 20l. assigned for making and repairing of the public bridges and highways† 29.15, is to be expended

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consistent with the judgment of the dean or sub-dean and chapter, and to be ac∣counted for at the general audit. The bishop is likewise to enquire after this dis∣pensation at his visitation.

CHAP. XXXIX.—Of holding the Chapters.

The dean or sub-dean, with the prebendaries present, shall hold a chapter in the chapter-house every fortnight, or oftener if occasion requires, to treat of the affairs of the church; (pie et prudenter) and every year there shall be two general chap∣ters, one on the 20th of November, the other on the 20th of July; in which what∣ever is done and agreed upon, not contrary to the statutes, shall be obligatory on all that belong to the church. The dean and every prebendary is to be present at one of these chapters, (unless absent as before allowed, upon a reason to be approved of by the dean and chapter) otherwise he loses the whole money which otherwise would be received pro corpore prebendae suae, for the whole year.

CHAP. XL.—The Visitation of the Church.

The bishop of Durham for the time being is visitor, who is required to see that the statutes and orders are inviolably observed; that the goods and possessions of the church, as well spiritual as temporal, be in a flourishing condition, and the rights, liberties, and privileges thereof preserved and defended. The visitor may be called in by the dean or two of the prebendaries: And once in three years may visit with∣out being called, either in his own person, or by his vicar thereto duly deputed, who shall convoke in some proper place, the dean, prebendaries, minor canons,

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singing-men, and all other officers of the church, and interrogate them upon any and every the articles contained in these statutes, or any other articles relating to the state, profit, or honour of the church, and oblige them by virtue of the oath they have taken, to declare the truth touching the matters enquired of; and accord∣ing to what is proved, appoint punishment agreeable to the nature and degree of the offence, and as the statutes require; and reform and do all things which may seem necessary to the rooting out vice, and which of right belongs to the office of visitor: And all are hereby required to obey him. No one by virtue of his oath shall alledge any thing against the dean or canons, or other officers of the church, but what he believes to be true, or is derived from public fame or report. The bishop or his deputy, with his family or attendants, when visiting, is to be enter∣tained once, or at the most but twice, by the dean at the charge of the church. If there appears any ambiguity in, or any dispute happens between the dean and canons, or amongst the canons themselves, touching the true sense and meaning of the statutes, which are always to be understood juxta planum & grammaticalem sensum, it is to he referred to the bishop, and the parties shall abide by his in∣terpretation, so it be not contrary to the statutes. The visitor is prohibited making any new statutes, (hiisce statutis contraria) and shall not dispense with any of them. The dean and prebendaries are prohibited receiving any new statutes made by others, or any dispensations, under the pains of perjury and loss of their prefer∣ments for ever. A power is reserved to the crown of altering, changing, or dis∣pensing with these statutes; and likewise, if thought proper, of making new ones.

Then follow the prayers to be used in the grammar school, and by the poor men and others; after, this subscription,

  • NICHOL. EBOR. Electus.
  • EDMUNDUS LONDINENS.
  • CUTHBERTUS DUNELMENS.
  • WILLM. ARMISTEAD* 29.16.

Facta collatione concordat cum originali libro, apud reverendissimum dominium Regi∣naldum Cardinalem legatum a latere, et archiepiscopum cantuariensem totius Angliae pri∣matem, remanente.

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An Act of Chapter, 20 July, 1556.

Considering that this our church, during the late schism, has been spoiled of all its ornaments and much wasted; and moreover, that a very small stipend is assigned by the statutes to the ministers of this church, to alleviate which, we the dean and chapter, by common and unanimous consent, this 20th day of July, in the year of our Saviour 1556, in a general chapter held at Durham, have ordained and de∣creed, that whoever after this day shall be admitted into the place of canon or pre∣bendary of this church, however becoming vacant before he be installed, is to pay the precentor three shillings and four-pence; the register six shillings and eight-pence; the two vergers four shillings; for bread and wine five shillings; to the bell-ringers one shilling; the chapter of the resident prebendaries one pound; to the fabric and ornaments of the church one pound: And this we will to be ob∣served as a local statute of the church for ever.

The stipends are then stated, as before noted in the 33d chapter, &c.

Analecta Capitularia Ex Archivis Dunelm. An account of the practices of the church, about the lands and tithes, commonly called corps and bycorps, lotteries, dividends, residences, &c. since the erection of the deanry: Extracted out of the register-books and rentals, &c. supposed to be collected by Dr Basire. The original signed P. Smith, register.

It has been the custom since the erection, to call the lands assigned to the dean and prebendaries for augmentation of residence and hospitality their corps; al∣though in our local statutes the yearly stipend of the dean is said to be given him pro corpore decanatus sui, and of the prebendaries pro corpore prebendae suae; the word corps being used herein not otherwise, nor bycorps at all.

Our statutes were made by Queen Mary, in the first year of her reign, she being enabled thereto by an act of parliament. The former statutes by King Henry VIII. being defective, as in other things, so in point of law, as appears by the preamble of that act. We have, I suppose, no copy of the old statutes, but by some passages in our books, we may think they did not differ much from the new, in the matter of corps, and some other particulars: Bishop Tunstall having, as it is probable, a great hand in both; and there is a traditional commendation of him for the good service he did the church concerning the statutes.

But searching into the practice, we find these corps not so disposed of for a good while as they are now. At the erection of the deanry, although their corps with other lands, were settled upon the dean and prebendaries, they came not all of them into their hands at the same time, the prior and convent had leased out some, as Houghhall and Witton-Gilbert, for forty years, and South Pittington for thirty-five years, some two years before the dissolution; for if it had been but one year before, the leases had been void by an act of parliament. And King Henry VIII. in the interval between the dissolution and erection, had made a grant of more of them to several persons for twenty-one years, &c.

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As the remaining part of this account is in no wise interesting to the public; and relates to the private management of the chapter, we think it prudent to proceed no further therein.

DEAN WATSON,

chaplain to Gardiner bishop of Winchester, was esteemed a warm Roman Catho∣lic* 29.17; and was a great favourite with cardinal Pole† 29.18: Continuing dean of Durham until the year 1557, he was made bishop of Lincoln by papal provision, the bull bearing date the 24th of March; and was consecrated on the 15th of August. There is some doubt whether his deanry was then resigned, for he wrote himself Bishop of Lincoln, and Dean of Durham, till the 26th of September, 1558: He was removed from the See of Lincoln by authority of parliament, in the beginning of queen Elizabeth's reign, as being an enemy to reformation, and the queen's supremacy over the church; having threatened her majesty with excommunica∣tion‡ 29.19. Becoming highly obnoxious to the new principles, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London, in 1559§ 29.20, and there remained, or in some other durance in or about London, until the year 1580‖ 29.21; when, together with Jo. Feckenham and others, he was sent prisoner to Wisbich-castle, in Cambridgeshire, and dying there, was privately buried on the 17th of Sept. 1584, in Wisbich church, without any monument. In his youth he wrote several poems ¶ 29.22; in elder life, being then of a sour disposition, as one writer saith** 29.23, and learned in deep divinity, but surly, with an austere gravity†† 29.24: He published several religious tracts, particularly two sermons, preached before queen Mary, touching the real presence in the sacraments ‡‡ 29.25. Pitts gives him the character of a famous preacher, a solid divine, and a good poet§§ 29.26.— On the 23d of July, 1558 ‖‖ 29.27, he was succeeded by

THOMAS ROBERTSON,

who was born either at, or in the neighbourhood of Wakefield, Yorkshire; was originally of Queen's College, Oxford, and afterwards of Magdalen College, where∣in he had a fellowship: Was master of the adjoining school; and about the year

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1539, was treasurer of the church at Salisbury. It is said the congregation of Regents were supplicated by him, for admission to the reading of the sentences, being then esteemed Flos & decus Oxonii. In 1540, by the interest of Langland, bishop of Lincoln, he was made archdeacon of Leicester, and enjoyed that office till the year 1560: Was some time rector of St Laud's church, at Sherrington, in the county of Bucks; and in 1546, was instituted vicar of Wakefield, on which he re∣signed his treasurership: His character was that of a correct grammarian, and that he greatly exceeded his predecessors in the education of his pupils; he added

Quae genus
to Lilly's grammar: In the year 1549, we find him named among those who were appointed by King Edward VI. to compose the church liturgy. At the time the deanry of Durham was given, the queen greatly respected him for his piety and learning, would have nominated him to a bishopric, which was modestly refused. He was the author of several grammatical works; was ejected from his deanry in 1559, to make room for Dr Horn's restoration. On Horn's pro∣motion to the See of Winchester, he might have been replaced, on taking the su∣premacy oath, but refused: He resigned his archdeaconry to avoid the disgrace of an ejection, and though a better adversary to reformation, and busy in spreading his arguments in Yorkshire, was overlooked, as some thought, because of his lame∣ness* 29.28; but Willis† 29.29 says, he was taken into custody: What afterwards became of him, our authorities are silent‡ 29.30.

ROBERT HORN,

in 1559, was restored to this deanry, but remained a very short time, being made bishop of Winchester, the 16th February, 1560‖ 29.31. In the same month

RALPH SKYNNER

was appointed dean, and installed on the 5th of March following: He was a student of New College, Oxford; whether he took the degree of master of arts, or of any other faculty, in that university § 29.32, is not known, but being elected warden of that college in May, 1551, was on that occasion stiled master of arts: Wood and others note him as a member of the House of Commons in the year 1554¶ 29.33: Archbishop Parker recommended him to this deanry, and gave him the character of being "learned, wise, and expert** 29.34." On the 22d of June, 1561, a recantation sermon was preached by him at Paul's Cross, wherein he gave warning of a note book he had printed, bidding every man take heed of it, as very heresy†† 29.35. In 1559, he was

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appointed master of Sherburn hospital in this county: In 1561, was made temporal chancellor; and being rector of Sedgfield, in the same county, died there, and was interred on the 21st of January, 1562-3.

In this dean's time, it was agreed in Chapter, that certain tithes should be annex∣ed to each prebend; the same was confirmed under dean Whittingham, and the augmentation hath continued to this time, (see page 127.) To him succeeded

WILLIAM WHITTINGHAM,

on the 19th of July, 1563, who was installed on the 8th of October* 29.36. He was born in the city of Chester, son of William Whittingham, Esq by a daughter of —Haughton, of Haughton Tower: Became a commoner of Brazen-Nose Col∣lege in Oxford, in the year 1540, being then 16 years of age, where he made great proficiency in literature† 29.37: Having become bachelor of arts, he was elected fellow of All-Souls', in 1545: And two years afterwards, was made one of the seniors of Christ-Church, on its foundation by K. Henry VIII. who endeavoured to re∣plenish the same with the first scholars of the university. On the 17th of May, 1550, having obtained leave to travel for three years, his time was spent chiefly at the university of Orleans, where he married the daughter of Lewis Jacquiene‡ 29.38. He returned to England in the latter end of the reign of K. Edward VI. but on the accession of Q. Mary, was one of the fugitives to Frankfort, and afterwards be∣came a member of the church of Geneva: On John Knox's leaving that society, to return to Scotland, Whittingham was prevailed upon by Calvin to become a mini∣ster of the church: He engaged, with other learned men of that society, in an English translation of the Bible; but it was not finished before several of those em∣ployed therein returned to England, on Q. Elizabeth coming to the crown: Whit∣tingham remained near eighteen months at Geneva, to perfect the work; during which time, he reduced into metre five of David's psalms, (inscribed W. W.) of which the 119th was one; together with the ten commandments, and a prayer, now placed at the end of the version. Soon after his return to England, he was employed to accompany Francis, earl of Bedford, on his embassy of condolence for the death of the French king, in 1560: And he attended Ambrose, earl of War∣wick, to Newhaven, to be preacher there, whilst the earl defended it against the French; on which occasion he shewed a reproachable disposition, in spiriting the people against uniformity: The earl, either to be rid of him, or through an esteem, which even his improprieties could not wean, obtained this deanry of the queen, on Skynner's death, although the same had been promised by her majesty to Dr Wilson, then one of her secretaries of state. Whittingham enjoyed the deanry sixteen years; was a violent opposer of measures touching the sacerdotal vesture, and used all his influence with the earl of Leicester therein; supporting Bishop Pilkingtru's

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arguments to the utmost of his power: He wrote to the earl, and, as Collier ob∣serves* 29.39,

Wrought the point with more heat than his bishop, and made the colours more glowing: He cited several of the fathers, though wide of his pur∣pose, and at length fell into vehemence and coarse language.

Notwithstanding all applications to the contrary, the order touching sacerdotal vestments issued in 1564† 29.40, and was urged in such a manner, that they that refused the same were not permitted to exercise their ministry; on which the dean sub∣mitted thereto. It was not long before he was severely upbraided, for this com∣pliance, by one who was with him at Geneva: But finding an apt reply, answering, that he and others knew, and had heard John Calvin say,

That for external matters of order, they might not neglect their ministry, for so should they, for tithing of mint, neglect the greater things of the law.
He was a great advocate for sing∣ing in the church, and provided the best anthems used in the queen's chapel, being himself skilful in music ‡ 29.41. Whittingham did essential services to government in the rebellion, 1569, and was a warm defender of the privileges of his church, in opposing the archbishop's visitation, in 1577 ‖ 29.42. Richard Bancroft, in his writings, called him, the false and unworthy dean of Durham § 29.43: He rendered himself ob∣noxious at court, by a zealous preface, wrote by him, to Christopher Goodman's book ¶ 29.44, which professedly denied the right of governing to belong to a woman: This occasioned him to become the mark of public reprehension. Archbishop Sandys, in the visitation of this province,
having heard of some irregularities in the church of Durham, (that See being then void) begins a visitation thereof: The dean whereof, he understood, was no ordained minister, according to the order of the church of England, having received his orders at Geneva, in the English congregation there. But that church refused his visitation; which caused a contest between the said church and the archbishop, which proceeded even to an excommunication: And for the better searching into the merits of the cause, and for putting some good conclusion to this difference, a commission was at length, by the lord-keeper, issued out, to some persons to hear it ** 29.45.
— This commission we have in Rymer's Foedera, vol. xv. p. 785, dated 14th of May, 1578. It was directed to the archbishop of York, the lord president, the bishop of Durham, the dean of York, and others, to enquire into dean Whittingham's orders. Upon the examination it did not appear, that he was ordained according to the

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order of Geneva, as then established; nor according to the law of this realm; for the ordination of K. Edward VI. was repealed by Q. Mary, and that repealed 1st of Q. Elizabeth; and that of K. Edward, restored the 8th of Q. Elizabeth. The dean's certificate produced, was,

that it pleased God, by lot and election, of the whole English congregation, to choose him to the office of preaching, &c.
But this being objected to, he produced another certificate, viz.
That it pleased God, by the suffrages of the whole congregation, orderly to choose W. Whittingham into the office of preaching:
It was objected, that there was no ordination by election or lot, in any church in Europe: The archbishop was for depriving him, but the dean of York and lord president were against it; and said, it was not fit to allow popish orders, and refuse orders of reformed churches. The dean soon after departing this life, nothing was determined* 29.46.

Dean Whittingham was guilty of much profanation on the pious monuments and sacred remains in this church. The account given by Wood † 29.47, of those acts of violence and irreligion, is shortly stated to the reader; but antecedent thereto, we beg leave to observe, that in all ages, and with all people, where civilization and the true spirit of religion prevailed, things applied to pious offices and religious ceremonies were held in such veneration, that defiling and employing them in mean and contemptuous uses, was forbidden and punished. The example of Balthazar, in holy writ, is tremendous; though the superstitious rites of the Jewish temple might render the vessels he abused, as odious to those who stripped them from the sacred places, as ever dean Whittingham held the vessels of the church at Durham. Disturbing the ashes of the dead, is an offence to human nature, such as the most ignorant of savages refrain from; polished nations of antiquity held such remains in the highest veneration, and did not conceive the most depraved mind capable of their profanation: The Egyptian who left his father's corps unredeem∣ed, was denied the privileges of society. In profane history, the story of Cambyses affords us reflections of the like nature. The learned Dr Prideaux is a sufficient authority to quote this instance‡ 29.48; and his words are,

As he mounted his horse for the march, his sword falling out of the scabbard, gave him a wound on the thigh, of which he died a few days after. The Egyptians remarking, that it was in the same part of the body, where he had afore wounded the Apis, reckoned it as an especial judgment from Heaven upon him, for that fact, and perchance they were not much out of it: For it seldom happening, in an affront given to any particular mode of worship, how erroneous soever it may be, but that religion is in general wound∣ed thereby; there are many instances in history, wherein God hath very signally punished the profanations of religion in the worst of times, and under the worst mode of heathen idolatry." Wood proceeds thus, "The works of impiety that Whit∣tingham performed, while he sat dean of Durham, were very many, among

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which I shall tell you of these. Most of the priors of Durham having been buried in coffins of stone, and some in marble, and each coffin covered with a plank of marble, or free stone, which lay level with the paving of the church, (for ancient∣ly men of note that were laid in such coffins, were buried no deeper in the ground than the breadth of a plank to be laid over them, even with the surface of the pave∣ment) he caused some of them to be plucked up, and appointed them to be used as troughs, for horses to drink in, or hogs to feed in. All the marble and free stones also that covered them, and other graves, he caused to be taken away and broken, some of which served to make pavement in his house. He also defaced all such stones as had any pictures of brass, or other imagery work, or chalice wrought, engraven upon them; and the residue he took away and em∣ployed them to his own use, and did make a washing house of them, at the end of the centery garth; so that it could not be discerned afterwards that ever any were buried in the said centery garth, it was so plain and straight. The truth is, he could not abide any thing that appertained to a goodly religiousness, or monastical life* 29.49. Within the said abbey church of Durham, were two holy-water stones, of fine marble, very artificially made and engraven, and bossed with hollow bosses, upon the outersides of the stones, very curiously wrought. They were both of the same work, but one much greater than the other. Both these were taken away by this unworthy dean, and carried into his kitchen, and employed to profane uses by his servants, steeping their beef and salt fish in them, having a con∣veyance in the bottoms of them, to let forth the water, as they had when they were in the church, to let out holy-water, &c. He also caused the image of St Cuthbert, (which before had been removed from its proper place by dean Robert Horn, who also had a hand in such impieties) and also other ancient monuments to be defaced and broken all to pieces, to the intent that there should be no memory of that holy man, or of any other who had been famous in the church, and great benefactors thereto, (as the priors his predecessors were) left whole and undefaced. I say it again, that he did this to the end, that no memory or token of that holy man, St Cuthbert, should be left, who was sent and brought thither by the power and will of Almighty God, and was thereupon the oc∣casion of the erection of the monastical church of Durham, where the clergy and servants have all their livings and commodities from that time to this day. At length, after his many rambles in this world, both beyond and within the seas, and his too forward zeal for promoting his Calvinistical (if not worse) opinions, whereby much mischief happened to the church of England, he did unwillingly (being then full of worldly troubles) submit himself to the stroke of death, on the 10th day of June, 1579, and was buried in the cathedral church of Durham; soon after was a tomb-stone laid over his grave, with an epitaph of twelve long and short verses, engraven on a brass plate, fastened thereto; which, with most, if not all of the monuments, which were set up after his time, were miserably defaced by the Scots, when they invaded England, in 1640. So that as he had

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before in a woeful manner, violated the monuments of his predecessors and others, so was his, by invaders; and nothing now left to preserve his memory, or person to shew the place where his carcase was lodged.
After what Wood has said of our dean, it is justice to his character to gather up the sentiments of other authors* 29.50.
The Lord Burleigh being advanced to the white staff, his place of secretary of state, if we believe A. Wood, was likely to be given to dean Whit∣tingham, so noted a Puritan, that he has many an ill word from that Oxonian, who however says of him, had he stirred in it, and made interest with his friend Robert, earl of Leicester, he might have obtained it.
Bancroft, another such rigid doctor as Whitgift, in a treatise of his, stiles Whittingham
the false, un∣worthy dean of Durham, for taking upon him that deanry, when he was only master of arts, and, by the statutes of the church at Durham, he should have been a doctor or bachelor of divinity: With such straws are these men's heads stuffed. It gave also great offence, that he should content himself with a Geneva ordi∣nation, and for this they did not forbear injuring him, in saying he encouraged Knox and Goodman, in setting up sedition in Scotland; for the settlement made by Knox in Scotland, was the reformed religion, and not sedition. Dr Sandys, now archbishop of York, suspecting that the gentle hand of Dr Pilkington, late bishop of Durham, had given the Puritans too much encouragement in that diocese, resolved to visit it himself, Dr Barnes, the new bishop, having complain∣ed to him, of the number of non-conformists, whom he could not reduce to the orders of the church. But whatever his pretence was for this grand visitation, the real design was supposed to be against Whittingham, whom Sandys valued not the more for having been a fellow exile with him in Germany, in the bloody reign of queen Mary. He was a divine of great learning, an admirer of Calvin and the church of Geneva, which the late honourable and reverend Dr Compton, bishop of London, stiled his brethren, in a letter he wrote to them, and which the Laudeans treat with contempt or indignation, as schismatics. It seems dean Whittingham had only had Geneva ordination, which I believe as much, as that the sun is now shining in a very fine day, is by the bulk of the inferior clergy, and younger academics, at this time looked upon to be no more an ordination than that of a vestry would be. There were thirty-four other articles against him; but that was like an ignorant rustic's insisting to have a fellow hanged for stealing his goose, when he had just been convicted of burglary: The latter was sufficient to hang him, and the goose afterwards not worth mentioning. If he was no priest, as archbishop Sandys urged, on account of his foreign ordination, that would have outed him of course, and then what signified the other roll of articles: But the dean, instead of answering the charge, stood by the rights of the church of Durham, and denied the archbishop's power of visitation; upon which

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the archbishop excommunicated him, that is, denied him the privilege and benefit of receiving the Lord's supper. The dean appealed to the queen, who directed a commission to the archbishop, to the lord president of the North, and to the dean of York, to hear and determine the validity of his orders, and to enquire into the other misdemeanors contained in the articles: The lord presi∣dent was a favourer of the Puritans, and Dr Hutton, dean of York, of Whit∣tingham's principles, and boldly averred, that the dean was ordained in a better sort than even the archbishop himself; so that the commission came to nothing. Sandys, vexed at the disappointment, and at calling in question his right of visi∣tation, the reader sees how it goes, the power, the denomination, the self ever uppermost, obtained another commission, directed to himself, to the bishop of Durham, the lord president, (he must come after notwithstanding his precedency) the chancellor of the diocese, and some others, whom he could depend upon, to visit the church of Durham: The aim of Sandys and Barnes was to deprive Whittingham of his deanry, as a layman. When the dean appeared before the commissioners, he produced a certificate under the hands of eight persons, for the manner of his ordination; upon which the lord president rose up, and said, I cannot in conscience agree to deprive him for that cause only, for it will be ill taken by all the godly and learned, both at home and abroad, that we should allow of the popish massing priests in our ministry, and disallow of ministers made in a reformed church; upon which the commission was adjourned sine die.— One cannot help observing here, how the noble and the wise abhorred persecu∣tion, and how enlarged their minds were in comparison with the lordly eccle∣siastics. These proceedings of the archbishop against the dean were invidious, and lost him his esteem, both in city and county. Besides the calling the dean's ordination in question, was contrary to the statute 13th Elizabeth, by which the ordinations of foreign reformed churches were declared valid; and those that had no other orders, were made of like capacities with others, to enjoy any place of ministry within England. It is strange the archbishop of York, and the bishop of Durham, among other articles against the dean, did not think of that mentioned by Wood, the Oxonian, who doubtless thought it of the highest im∣portance, which was, that he was only graduated master of arts, whereas the statutes of the church of Durham required, that the dean should be a bachelor of divinity* 29.51. What trifles do they hoard up for treasures! He is charged with hor∣rid impieties by Wood, &c. &c. sure I am that all these, and other the like im∣pieties, as the Oxonian calls them, are in no degree so impious, as what himself says of that idolatrous monk Cuthbert's being brought to Durham, by the power and will of Almighty God, to set up a church full of idols, and priests almost as stupid as the wooden images they worshipped † 29.52.
The reader now hath both sides of Mr Whittingham's character.

Page 149

The agreement entered into in Dean Skynner's time* 29.53, touching an augmentation of the prebends, was confirmed on the 20th of November, 1573† 29.54.

In 1577, the disturbances between the chapter and their tenants, became so serious, as to require the interposition of the state, and thereupon the queen's privy council in the north were ordered to hear the parties, and make determination thereon; on which occasion an adjudication was made, as a perpetual ordinance to be observed between them ‡ 29.55

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Dean Whittingham died at Durham, on the 10th of June, 1579, and was interred

Page 151

in the cathedral church: The inscription* 30.1 given in the notes was placed upon his

Page 152

monument, which, soon after its erection, met with the same fate as he had treated others.

THOMAS WILSON, LL. D.

was appointed dean on the 5th day of February next following Whittingham's death, and was installed the 28th, by Ad. Holyday his proxy. He was born in Lincolnshire, and elected a scholar in King's College, Cambridge, in the year 1541: Was tutor to Henry and Charles Brandon, dukes of Suffolk, and domestic chap∣lain to Charles, and Katharine, his duchess, and afterwards to queen Catherine Parr* 30.3. He was a voluntary exile in the time of queen Mary, and travelling to Rome in 1558, was put into the Inquisition there, on a charge of heresy, said to be contained in his writings on logic and rhetoric: He suffered the torture, and would have been put to death on refusing to deny his faith, had not a fire happened, which induced the populace to force open the prison, that those consined might not perish; by which accident he escaped† 30.4. Queen Elizabeth made him master of the hospital of St Catherine, near the Tower, and master of requests; after which he became secretary of state and privy-counsellor. He was on many occasions sent abroad as ambassador, and his residence as dean was much dispensed with‡ 30.5. After Whit∣tingham's death, we hear no more of that vile character, the Augean stable, given to the cathedral church of Durham, in bishop Barnes' writings. The dean died on the 16th of June, 1581, and was buried at St Catherine's. He wrote a much ap∣proved book against usury‖ 30.6.

The deanry continued vacant two years, and on the 31st of August, 1583,

TOBIAS MATTHEW,

rector of Bishop-Weremouth, in this county§ 30.7, was appointed dean, then thirty-seven years of age. Strype speaks of him thus¶ 30.8:—

A great preacher, and a pious, holy man: This venerable prelate first entered into orders by the motion and counsel of Dr Calfhill, a learned dignitary of the church in those times, and his cousin; though his father and mother, persons of good quality, who seemed to be dis∣affected to religion, were not inclinable thereto, as I have seen in a letter of the said Calfhill, soon after written to Sir William Cecil, That he was bound by all honest means to prefer his cousin, as well in respect of his rare abilities, as also for that he had followed his advice, in entering into the ministry, against the good will of father and mother, and other his able friends. Matthew was soon sent for to court by the earl of Leicester, having been recommended to him by his said kinsman; as also the said secretary Cecil, who by soliciting the queen, obtained for him the deanry of Durham, though she stuck a good while, because of his youth and his marriage.— When he departed from court to Durham, Cecil, (now lord Burleigh) according to his grave and godly way, gave him much good counsel for his wise and good

Page 153

behaviour of himself, and discharging of his duty in that place; and die next year sent him a letter of the same import, by Mr. Tonstal going down thither.

Matthew anxiously solicited the lord-treasurer to dispatch him quickly to Durham, after he was appointed dean* 30.9, as in case of his non-residence, twenty-one days be∣fore Michaelmas, the whole crop of hay and corn, and other fruits, belonging to the tithe and glebe, appropriated to his deanry, would go to the prebendaries who did reside† 30.10. It seems the great men then in power had an eye to selfish gains, from ecclesiastical preferments, for the lord treasurer sought to obtain a lease of Pit∣tington, from Dean Matthew, on which there were at that time two unexpired leases for long terms, which obliged the dean to draw an unfavourable picture of his possessions‡ 30.11. An attempt was made by Mr Carey, son to the lord Hunsdon, to dis∣seize the church of Billingham and Holme, part of the dean's corps, upon pretence of concealed lands, given to superstitious uses; and a fuit was also projected by one Brackenbury, touching those places.—Matthew was made Bishop of Durham‖ 30.12 in 1594; and after a vacancy of two years,

WILLIAM JAMES

was appointed dean, on the 5th of June, 1596, and was installed by Clement Col∣more, his proxy: He was born at Sandbach, in Cheshire; son of Mr John James, of Ore§ 30.13, in Staffordshire, by Ellen his wife, of the family of Bolt, of Sandbach¶ 30.14: He was admitted student in Christ-Church, Oxford, in 1559, and took the degree in arts: Afterwards entering into holy orders, was admitted to the reading of the sen∣tences in 1571, being then divinity reader in Magdalen College. The next year, was elected master of University College; and on the 27th of August, 1577, became arch∣deacon of Coventry: In 1584, was made dean of Christ-Church, Oxford; and in 1606, succeeded bishop Matthew in the See of Durham** 30.15. After him

ADAM NEWTON,

a Scotchman and a layman, obtained the deanry, and was installed the 27th of Sep∣tember, in the same year, by his proxy, Mr Ewbanke: He was tutor to prince Henry, eldest son of king James I. and wrote his life†† 30.16. Newton held the deanry till the year 1620, when a resignation was made in consideration of a large sum of money‡‡ 30.17: About that time he was created knight and baronet: Was a man of learning, and wrote several things of note‖‖ 30.18. He died on the 13th of September,

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1626, and was interred at Charleton, near Greenwich, in Kent* 30.19.—By the means before noted, a vacancy took place for the admission of

RICHARD HUNT, D. D.

who was presented on the 3d of May, admitted the 8th, and installed the 29th of the same month, 1620† 30.20. He had been rector of Fobsham; also vicar of Terrington, on the presentation of king James I. 1603, and rector of the same place, on the pre∣sentation of Sir John Stanhope, knight, 1609‡ 30.21: Was made a prebendary in the second stall of Canterbury cathedral, in the year 1613 or 1614‖ 30.22; and was chaplain to king James. In 1633, the dean and chapter petitioned the king, (then at Dur∣ham) for a confirmation of their charters and endowments, as in the notes§ 30.23. The

Page 155

dean died on the 1st of November, 1638, and was buried in the cathedral church of Durham, under the seat set apart for the prebendaries' wives: His epitaph was in∣scribed on a tablet of wood, fixed to the adjoining pillar, which not being esteemed ornamental, was taken down and thrown into the vestry-room. Willis gives the in∣scription as in the notes* 31.1.

Page 156

WALTER BALCANQUALL

was appointed dean, and installed on the 14th of May, 1639 * 31.3. He was by birth a Scotchman; educated at Pembroke Hall, and there took the degree of bachelor in divinity: Was appointed the king's chaplain; and on the 16th of De∣cember, 1617, made master of the Savoy, which he resigned the succeeding year, in favour of the able, but desultory Marc Antonio di Dominis, archbishop of Spalato, a refugee, in reward for his conversion to Protestantism: That year he was sent to the synod of Dort, to represent the church of Scotland. In February, 1621, Marc Antonio left England, and recanted, whereupon Mr Balcanquall was re∣stored to the mastership of the Savoy: In 1624, having obtained naturalization† 31.4, and taken the degree of doctor in divinity, he was installed dean of Rochester on the 12th of March. A short time after his becoming dean of Durham, those com∣motions arose in the state, which forced him from his mastership and deanry, when he was plundered, sequestered, and obliged to fly for personal safety. The Scotch troops vented their spleen on the cathedral church; and defaced all the monuments in the nave: The dean fled to the king at Oxford, and afterwards shifted from place to place, to escape the fury of the rebels: Being the mark of much inveteracy, as they attributed to him the writing of the king's declaration, in 1639. His epitaph ex∣presses, that he escaped from the siege of York, and in the extremity of a bad season, through inexpressible danger, took refuge at Chirk Castle, in Denbighshire; but sinking under the fatigue of the journey, and severity of the weather, died there on Christmas-day, 1645, and was interred in the parish church of Chirk; where, some years afterwards, a small mural monument was erected to his memory, by Sir Thomas Middleton, of Chirk Castle, at whose request, Dr Pearson, then bishop of Chester, composed the epitaph ‡ 31.5.

Page 157

Disputes subsisted between the chapter and their tenants, when the dean first came to this church, which were laid before the council, and an order made there∣on, dated the 11th March, 1639, which shews, that innovations were renewed, and fresh attempts had been made against the leaseholders, which government would not encourage* 31.6.

CHRISTOPHER POTTER, D. D.

was nominated in January 1645† 32.1, to this deanry, but died in March following, and before he was installed: He was born in the barony of Kendal, in Westmoreland; was educated in Queen's College, Oxford, and became a fellow thereof. In 1626, he suc∣ceeded Dr Barnard Potter, his uncle, in the provostship of his college, and the next year proceeded in divinity. When Dr Laud became a favourite at court, he was in∣duced to be his follower, and thereupon esteemed an Arminian: In the latter end of the year 1635, then being chaplain in ordinary to the king, he was made dean of Wor∣cester;

Page 158

and in 1640, executed the office of vice-chancellor of Oxford, not without much trouble from the puritanical party: In the rebellion, he suffered much in the royal cause: Was a person greatly esteemed by all who knew him, for learning and piety: Was exemplary in his manners and discourse; of a courteous carriage, a sweet and obliging temper, and a comely presence * 32.2.

This period of time must not be passed over without observing, that archbishop Laud was very urgent for the establishment of decent regulations in the church service, and particularly for placing the communion table at the east end of the church, and enclosing it with a rail, to secure it from profanation and common business: But in 1641, the commons interposing their authority in those matters, the table was ordered to be removed, the rails taken away, the chancel levelled, ornaments to be disused, as basons, tapers, candlesticks, &c. and that bowing at the hallowed name, towards the east, should be forborn. In short, the hour was come, when religious veneration was extinguished, and slovenliness, disorder, and irreve∣rence, similar to the rudeness of a Jewish synagogue, were tolerated in the churches† 32.3.—On the 6th of March, 1645,

Page 159

WILLIAM FULLER, D. D.

was appointed dean of Durham; but it is doubtful was never installed: He was born at Hadleigh, in Suffolk, the son of Andrew Fuller; received his education in Cambridge, and was much noted for his learning, piety, and prudence: Was chaplain in ordinary to king James I. and king Charles I. and esteemed an excellent preacher; having preached several times before the king at Oxford. In 1636, he was made dean of Ely, and had the vicarial church of St Giles, near Cripplegate, London.—

In the beginning of the rebellion, 1642, he was sequestered from his church pre∣ferment, imprisoned, and spoiled of all, for his loyalty to his prince, by the im∣petuous and restless Presbyterians * 33.1.
After Oxford was surrendered, the dean retired to London, where he lived in obscurity and poverty, in an advanced age, and full of sorrows, till death released him from misery and fears, though not from persecution; at the age of seventy-nine, he departed this life, on Holy Thursday, the 12th of May, 1659; but the vengeance of those days of confusion followed him to the tomb, for his remains were denied interment in his own church of St Giles, so that his body was stolen to the grave, to the church of St Vedast, in Foster∣lane, where it rests in the south aile. His daughter Jane, (who married Dr Brian Walton, bishop of Chester) on the restoration of peace and government to this country, caused a monument to be erected to his memory† 33.2.

Page 160

In the Annals of the Bishops are fully related, the circumstances which befel this church during the usurpation; and to which, for avoiding prolixity and repetition, we must refer the reader.

On the commission of survey, issued, relative to the possessions of the church, the commissioners returned the certificate into the register office of the court of chan∣cery at Durham, dated the 1st of October, 1649, stating the nature and tenure of the dean and chapter's lands* 33.3.

Page 161

The year following dean Fuller's death

JOHN BARWICK, D. D.

was appointed to this deanry: He was born at Weatherslake, in Westmorland, in the year 1612, was educated at Sedbergh school, in Yorkshire, and admitted of St John's College, Cambridge, in 1631, of which he became a fellow: Was incorpo∣rated bachelor of divinity at Oxford, in February, 1661; and was chaplain to bishop Morton, who, in 1645, collated him to a prebend in this church, and when that prelate fell in the political confusion of the times, Dr Barwick was turned out of his fellowship and prebend: It is said he assisted Dr Hewitt in the melancholy duties of the scaffold; and was highly instrumental in king Charles II.'s restoration * 34.1.

Page 162

On the king's return, he became doctor in divinity* 34.2, and chaplain in ordinary to his majesty; and in consideration of his great sufferings, imprisonment, and perse∣cution in the royal cause, had the deanry of Durham conferred on him, and was in∣stalled on the 1st of November, 1660, by his proxy, Dr Carlton: He preached at the cathedral on the occasion of Dr Cosins' election to the See: In the same year, he had the rich rectory of Houghton-le-Spring, which he held till December, 1661. Whilst he held the deanry, he caused the cathedral and all the prebendal houses to be repaired; erected the grammar-school from the ground, and made it a nursery of good literature. He brought water into the college, to supply the occasions of all the prebendaries' houses; reformed the manners of his clergy, and augmented the salaries of the poorer sort; and did many other public acts for the benefit of his church† 34.3. The chapter not only gave their consent to all these matters, but did all in their power to promote them; yet they were so far from exacting in the fines on their leases, and were so beneficial to all the poor, that, in an age very little favourable to the clergy, they are mentioned with honour for their humanity, can∣dour, and piety. Nay, in many cases, they were so bountiful as to recede from their own right, in favour of their successors, that the revenues of the church might descend to them with some augmentation.—Tempora mutantur!

On the 19th of October, 1661, he was removed from Durham, and made dean of St Paul's; and in the same year, on Dr Fearn's being made bishop of Chester, was chosen prolocutor of the convocation, and held the same till his death, which hap∣pened on the 22d of October, 1664, aet. 53. His remains were interred at St Paul's, and an elaborate epitaph was inscribed on his monument‡ 34.4. He wrote and published many sermons and other things, among which was the Life and Character of Dr Morton, before mentioned. Upon being informed of his intended removal from the deanry of Durham, he instantly put a stop to all leasing of farms, (even some, where the fine had been already agreed upon between the chapter and the

Page 163

tenants) that the revenue of the deanry might come more intire to his successor, who was soon to take possession of it* 34.5. This and other acts of severity, occasioned the tenants to petition the king, setting forth their grievances, especially a breach of those ordinances which were made in the reign of queen Elizabeth† 34.6. The peti∣tion was referred to commissioners; an answer was given in by the dean and chap∣ter, in 1662, and an interlocutory order was made in the matter; but whether any final determination was had, we cannot at present ascertain‡ 34.7.

Page 164

On Dr Barwick's promotion,

JOHN SUDBURY, D. D.

succeeded to this deanry, and was installed on the 25th of February, 1661. He was born at St Edmondsbury, and before his coming to the deanry, was one of the

Page 165

prebendaries of Westminster: He suffered all the distresses attending the distracted

Page 166

state of the church during the usurpation, with great magnanimity and virtue of mind; retaining his loyalty, and supporting the clerical character with dignity and fortitude: Was a great benefactor to his native place; and shewed an exalted and munificent spirit while dean of Durham: He began to build the present library in the cloister where the refectory stood, and expended thereon 1500l. or as others say, 1000l. but died before it was completed: The vicarage house of Billingham, in this county, was built by him. The dean departed this life in the year 1684, aet. eighty, and was interred in the cathedral church, before the dean's stall in the choir: His tomb-stone was inscribed with the epitaph given in the notes * 35.2. Posses∣sed

Page 167

of a considerable estate, he devised the same to his nephew Sir John Sudbury* 35.3; after his own death and that of his lady, it was limited to the dean's neice, who married Mr Tempest, of Old Durham, and with whom the dean gave a large portion.—He was succeeded by

DENIS GRANVILLE† 35.4, D. D.

a younger son of the loyal and valiant Sir Bevil Granville, and brother to John, the first earl of Bath of that family. After a suitable education, in September, 1657, he was admitted a fellow commoner of Exeter College, in Oxford. On the 28th of September, 1660, was created master of arts; and soon after, marrying Anne, youngest daughter of bishop Cosins, was collated by his lordship on the 16th of September, 1662, to the archdeaconry of Durham; and to the first prebend in the cathedral church, which he exchanged for the second, April 16, 1668. He had also, of his gift, the rectories of Easington and Elwick; and in the room of the latter, the living of Sedgefield. But he took a very regular and exemplary care of them, in the due discharge of all ministerial functions, as appears by the directions given to his curates, printed among his works, On the 20th of December, 1670, he was created doctor in divinity, being then chaplain in ordinary to his majesty, as he had been for several years before; and on the 14th of December, 1684, was in∣stalled dean of Durham. Thus possessed of such great preferments, he might have long enjoyed them with much profit and honour to himself and friends; and have continued to be an ornament to his function, and a general benefit to the world: But some absurd notions entertained of the unlimited extent of the prero∣gative, together with his strict adherence to the doctrines of passive obedience and non-resistance, involved him in inextricable difficulties. For, possessed with the

Page 168

indispensableness of their obligation, upon the prince of Orange coming to rescue this nation from the dangerous attempts made upon our religion and liberties, the dean opposed the measures taken for our common safety to the utmost of his power; by preaching, delivering charges to the clergy, sending up an address to king James, and subscribing a sum of money for his service. And when all his endeavours proved ineffectual, he was so entangled with those absurd doctrines, that, rather than submit to king William, he chose to lose his great preferments, and go into a voluntary exile; and, quitting Durham the 11th December, 1688, he arrived the 19th of March following, at Honfleur, in France. In February, 1689, he took a hazardous journey to England, whereby he got a small supply of money, to subsist abroad. His brother, the earl of Bath, (who was warm in the interest of the prince of Orange) endeavoured for some time to secure his revenues; but as no con∣siderations whatever could induce him to swear allegiance to king William and queen Mary, he was at length deprived of all his preferments, February 1, 1690. He not only refused himself, but likewise did all in his power to deter, or rather to terrify others from taking the oaths, by representing the revolution as a rebellion and usurpation. Having no prospect, after the late king James's defeat in Ireland, of recovering his benefices, he repaired to the abdicated monarch's court, at St Germain; where, though he had reason to expect an uncommonly kind reception, yet, because he was a protestant, he was soon obliged to retire, not only from court, but also from the town. 'Tis said, that upon the death of Dr Lamplugh, he had the empty title of archbishop of York conferred upon him by king James. In 1695, he came incognito to England, where he found no encouragement to make any stay. Having for some years enjoyed but an indifferent state of health, he died at his lodgings in Paris, the 8th of April, 1703, aged 64, and was buried at the lower end of the church-yard of the Holy Innocents in that city. His nephew, lord Lans∣down, draws his character to great advantage in the following words:—

Sanctity sate so easy, so unaffected, and so graceful upon him, that in him we beheld the very beauty of holiness. He was as chearful, as familiar, as condescending in his conversation, as he was strict, regular, and exemplary in his piety; as well∣bred and accomplished as a courtier, and as reverend and as venerable as an apostle. He was indeed apostolical in every thing, for he abandoned all to follow his lord and master.
From this man's example, we may learn the great dan∣ger and mischief of propagating absurd and unreasonable doctrines. Since there will always be found some person or other, that will embrace and stiffly defend them, though never so much to their own, or others prejudice: All not being equally endowed with the same penetrating genius, or not having a yielding con∣science alike * 35.5.

THOMAS COMBER, D. D.

was installed dean on the 15th of June, 1691, on the deprivation of Granville: He had his education in Sydney College, Cambridge; in 1677, was made prebendary

Page 169

of York, and had the stall of Holme; and in 1681, was removed to the prebend of Fenton in that cathedral: In 1683, he was collated to the precentorship there, by archbishop Dolben: After the revolution, was made chaplain in ordinary to king William and queen Mary, and obtained the deanry of Durham by the recommen∣dation of lord Fauconberg and archbishop Tillotson* 35.6: There was allowed him 160l. for dilapidations in his deanry, which was never received; yet he expended in re∣parations about 400l. He departed this life on the 25th of November, 1699, aet. 55, and was interred at Stonegrave in Yorkshire† 35.7.

HON. JOHN MONTAGUE, D. D.

fourth son of the earl of Sandwich, was installed the 19th June, 1699. In 1680, he was appointed master of Sherburn hospital, in this county. In 1683, he was made master of Trinity College; and in 1687, chosen vice-chancellor, and preben∣dary of the fourth stall in Durham cathedral, and after of the eleventh. He died on the 23d of February, 1727, aet. 73, and was interred at Barnnoll, the burying place of the family.

On Dr Montague's decease,

HENRY BLAND, D. D.

was appointed to this deanry, and installed the 6th of May, 1728, by his proxy Mr Walter Ostley: He was a native of Yorkshire, and received the first rudiments of literature at Eton school, where he contracted a friendship with Sir Robert Walpole: Was admitted scholar in King's College, Cambridge, in 1695, in which year Sir Robert also took his admittance: Was made rector of Harpley‡ 36.1, on the death of Dr Henry Colman, in the year 1715, by the presentation of William Hookes, Esq and Elizabeth his wife, which living he held to the time of his death: Was made chaplain to the king, and also of the royal hospital at Chelsea, in 1716; took his degree of doctor in divinity in 1717; and was appointed master of Eton school 1719: On the 13th of December, 1723, was installed canon of Windsor, and ad∣mitted dean of Durham the 12th of March, 1727: In February, 1732, he resigned his stall in Windsor, on being made provost of Eton College: Died at Eton on the 24th of May, 1746, and was interred in a vault in the antichapel there; leaving two sons and three daughters.—To him succeeded

THE HON. SPENCER COWPER, D. D.

a son of lord chancellor Cowper: He was installed on the 21st of July, 1746, by his proxy Mr Wadham Knatchbull: Was rector of Fordwich in Kent, and also one of the prebendaries of Canterbury, which he resigned on this promotion: He died at

Page 170

the deanry house on the 25th of March, 1774, aet. 62, and was interred in the east transept of the cathedral church called the Nine Altars, where a monument is erect∣ed to his memory* 36.2.

THOMAS DAMPIER, D. D.

was installed dean on the 17th of June, 1774: Was prebendary of Canterbury, which he exchanged for a canonry at indsor. Installed in the second prebend at Dur∣ham, the 20th of April, 1771; and exchanged it in March, 1773, for the mastership of Sherburn hospital, wherein he was inducted the 10th of the same month, and af∣terwards resigned it in favour of his son, the present dean of Rochester. Died at Bath the 31st of July, 1777.

HON. WILLIAM DIGBY, LL. D.

dean of Worcester, and canon of Oxford, was installed dean of Durham the 20th of September, 1777, and now enjoys that dignity.

PREBENDARIES OF THE FIRST STALL† 36.3.

EDWARD HYNDMERS, D. D. was nominated in the foundation charter: He was a Benedictine monk, and spiritual chancellor to bishop Tunstall; took his bachelor's degree at Oxford, 1513; made warden of Durham College about 1527, and pro∣ceeded doctor in divinity in July, 1535. He died in 1543, and was succeeded by

JOHN CRAWFORD, or CRAWFORTH, D. D. who was presented by king Henry VIII. the 7th of September, 1543‡ 36.4. Was vicar of Midford, in the county of Nor∣thumberland, the 12th of June, 1546, which he resigned before the 16th of July,

Page 171

1561. Was spiritual chancellor to bishop Tunstall, and probably held both his prebend and chancellorship till his death: He gave St Augustine's works, edition 1529, to the library. By his will, dated the 4th of January, 1561, he or∣dered his body to be buried in St Michael's church, Witton, if he died there; otherwise, before Boulton's altar, in Durham cathedral, nigh the clock.

ROBERT SWYFT, LL. D. was collated the 28th of March, the mandate to induct him dated the 29th of March, and he was installed the 8th of April, 1562. He was born at Rotheram, in Yorkshire; educated at St John's College, Cambridge; studied the law, and took his degrees at Louvain. Having obtained a fellowship in St John's, and being rector of Sedgefield, void by the decease of dean Skynner, was ordained deacon and appointed prebendary by bishop Pilkington, the 5th of Octo∣ber, 1563, ad titulum ecclesiae suae de Sedgefield: Was spiritual chancellor during bishop Pilkington's prelacy, and for a short time after bishop Barnes came to the See; and was rector of Sedgefield above forty years: He married Ann, daughter of Thomas Lever, master of Sherburn hospital; and departing this life about the year 1599, was interred under the organ loft of the cathedral church, on the north side of the choir door* 36.5.

JAMES RAND, A. M. an. 1599, was prebend of Litchfield, and half brother to bishop Neile; collated to Norton vicarage, the 29th of October, 1578: Resigned his prebend the 4th of October, 1620, and died at Norton, where he was interred the 19th of November, 1621.

ROBERT NEWELL, D. D. was installed the 20th of October, 1620: Was half brother to bishop Neile, and his chaplain: He was a Cambridge man, but incorpo∣rated doctor in divinity at Oxford, 1600: Was made treasurer of Chichester the 25th of November, 1610: Prebendary in the ninth stall of Westminster, 1613: Subdean of Lincoln, the 14th of May, 1613, which he quitted the same year: In∣stalled archdeacon of Bucks, the 24th of April, 1614: Prebendary of Clifton, in Lincoln church, the 26th of April, 1614: Rector of Islip, in the county of Oxford, and of Crawley, in the county of Bucks; and had some preferments in Winchester cathedral, where he is supposed to be buried; having departed this life in the year 1643. He resigned his prebend in 1638† 36.6.

GABRIEL CLARK ‡ 36.7, D. D. was collated and installed the 1st of August, 1638, being removed from the third stall in this church: He was of Christ-Church, Ox∣ford, and chaplain to bishop Neile: Was collated to the archdeaconry of Northum∣berland, the 7th of August, 1619, which he resigned two years after: Was collated

Page 172

to the archdeaconry of Durham, the 11th of October, 1620, and to Elwick the 6th of September that year: Was made master of Gretham hospital, the 24th of July, 1624: Was inthroned as proxy for bishop Cosins, but died before the bishop made his first visit the 19th of July, 1662: The 20th of May, 1637, was appointed by the chapter, with two others, (by letter of attorney) to prosecute their suits: The 4th of September, 1661, was chosen proctor to the convocation. He was prebendary here forty-two years in the whole, viz. in the sixth stall three years, the third stall twelve years, and in this stall twenty-seven years; and it is very remarkable, was installed the same day of the same month, into each prebend. He died at Durham the 10th of May, 1662, and was buried in the cathedral near the clock* 36.8, being that year subdean.

DENNIS GRANVILLE, D. D. installed the 24th of September, 1662; afterwards dean of Durham † 36.9.

THOMAS SMITH, D. D. was removed from the fourth prebend; collated the 21st of April, and installed the 1st of July, 1668. He was born at Whitewall, in the parish of Ashby, in Westmorland; was educated at Appleby school, and thence sent to Queen's College, Oxford, where he obtained a fellowship, and was employed as a tutor: Was nephew to Dr Barlow. August 2, 1660, he was created bachelor of divinity; and the 14th of November in that year, installed a prebendary of Carlisle: In November or December following, obtained the degree of doctor in divinity by diploma: On the 23d of March, 160, was made prebendary of Litchfield. During the rebellion he lived in retirement, in Cumberland, and there married. After the restoration, was made chaplain in ordinary to the king: On the 4th of March, 1671, was made dean of Carlisle; and in 1684, was elected to that bishopric, and quitted his stall at Durham. He died at Rose-castle, on the 12th of April, 1702, aet. 78‡ 36.10, and lies buried in the cathedral at Carlisle, before the high altar.

WILLIAM GRAHAM, D. D. was installed the 16th of August, 1684 He was son of Sir George Graham, of Netherby, and younger brother of Richard, lord viscount

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Preston: Was educated at Christ-Church, Oxford, where he took the degree of master of arts, the 11th of March, 1680, and was diplomated doctor in divinity, the 14th of June, 1686: Was chaplain in ordinary to the princess Ann of Denmark: Collated to the rectory of Whickham, and inducted therein the 10th of August, 1685: Installed dean of Carlisle, the 23d of June, 1686, and of Wells the 28th of July, 1704. He died the 5th of February, 1711, and was buried at Kensington* 36.11.

JOHN BOWES, D. D. was removed from the fifth stall, collated the 1st of May, installed the second of that month, 1712: He was the fifth son of Thomas Bowes, of Streatlam-castle, Esq and next brother to William Bowes, many years member in parliament for this county: Was rector of Elwick, 1701, but resigned for the rectory of Bishop-Weremouth, to which he was inducted the 6th of September, 1715. He expended in rebuilding and ornamenting his prebendal house, about 1000l. towards which he had an allowance of wood from the chapter, to the value of 250l. He died unmarried, the 14th of January, 1721.

THOMAS RUNDLE, LL. B. was presented the 23d of January, and installed the 14th of February, 1721, but quitted it the same year for the twelfth stall: Was of Exeter College, Oxford, where, on the 26th of June, 1710, he obtained a bachelor's degree, and on the 27th of July, 1723, that of doctor of laws: Was chaplain to bishop Talbot, archdeacon of Wilts, and treasurer of Sarum, in 1720: Was collated to the rec∣tory of Sedgefield, 1722; and, in 1727, was made master of Sherburn hospital, both which he resigned in 1735, on being consecrated bishop of Derry, in Ireland. He departed this life in April 1743† 36.12.

THOMAS MANGEY, first LL. D. afterwards D. D. was removed from the fifth stall: Collated the 22d of December, and installed the 16th of January, 1722: Was son of Arthur Mangey, a goldsmith, at Leeds; fellow of St. John's College, Cam∣bridge, afterwards chaplain to Dr Robinson, bishop of London: He was deputy to Dr Lupton, as preacher at Lincoln's Inn, and chaplain at Whitehall: Was made rector of Ealing, in Middlesex, which he resigned in 1754; had the living of Guild∣ford, and was rector of St Mildred, Bread-street, London, to the time of his death. When Dr Robinson, at the request of bishop Crew, consecrated Sunderland church, on the 4th of September, 1719, Dr Mangey preached the sermon, for which he was rewarded with a prebend in the cathedral church: He married one of the daughters of archbishop Sharpe‡ 36.13. When treasurer of the chapter at Durham, he greatly advanced the fines upon the tenants, and improved the rents of his pre∣bendal lands near 100l. a year. He died at Durham on the 6th of March, 1755, and was interred in the eastern transept of the cathedral church § 36.14.

Page 174

WILLIAM WARBURTON, D. D. was installed by proxy, the 11th of April, 1755. He served some years as clerk to an attorney at Newark upon Trent, and afterwards was a schoolmaster* 36.16 there, but never received a university education.

He was a great flatterer of Sir Robert Sutton, afterwards of archbishop Potter's son, and Mr Allen, of Prior Park, near Bath, whose niece he married, with a large portion† 36.17.
He was preacher of Lincoln's Inn, and was made dean of Bristol in October, 1757: On the 20th of January, 1760, was consecrated bishop of Gloucester at Lambeth, and had leave granted to hold this prebend and Briante Broughton rectory, in the county of Lincoln, in commendam: Was chaplain to king George II. He wrote much, particularly A Treatise on the Divine Legation of Moses‡ 36.18.—After using Mr Pope very grossly, in a letter to Dr Birch, by his power in the arts of adulation, he insinuated himself at last so far into that poet's good opinion, that all his manuscripts were left to his care. In 1768, he transferred the sum of 500l. bank 4 per cent. annuities consolidated, to Lord Mansfield, Judge Wilmot, and Mr Cha. Yorke, upon trust for the purpose of founding a lecture in the manner of a sermon, to prove the truth of revealed religion in general, and of the Christian in particular, from the completion of the Prophecies in the Old and New Testament, relative to the Christian church, especially directed to arraign the apostacy of Rome. Bishop

Page 175

Warburton died at Gloucester, the 7th of June, 1779, upwards of fourscore years of age, and lies buried in the cathedral there * 36.19.

CHARLES COOPER, D D. was installed the 30th of August, 1779: He was a prebendary of York, and now holds the rectory of Kirby-over-blow, in Yorkshire.

PREBENDARIES OF THE SECOND STALL† 36.20.

ROGER WATSON, D. D. a monk of this church, appointed May 12, 1541: He was instituted to the rectory of Rothbury, in Northumberland, the 2d of September, 1550; and to the vicarage of Pittington, the 25th of October, 1560 ‡ 36.21. Was ferrarius at the dissolution of this house; and died in September, 1561. By his will, dated the 7th of that month, he ordered his body to be buried in the cathedral church, be∣fore the choir door, as nigh Mr Castell, (formerly prior it is supposed) as might be convenient.

JOHN PILKINGTON, D. D. (frater et sacellanus episcopi) collated the 1st of October, and installed the 8th, 1561. He was born in Lancashire; ordained a priest by bishop Grindal, the 25th of January, 1559, being master of arts, and

Page 176

fellow of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge * 36.22. On the 5th of December, 1563, was col∣lated archdeacon of Durham. He died in 1603, and was buried in this church without any monument.

JOHN BROWNE, A. M. 1603, resigned the 1st of August, 1620.

AUGUSTIN LINDSELL, D. D. was removed from the tenth stall, and installed here 5th of August, 1620. He was born at Burnsed, in the county of Essex; was a fellow of Clare Hall, and made a prebendary of Lincoln, the 6th of November, 1612, and Melsworth, in the county of Hants, and was collated to Houghton-le-Spring, by bishop Neile the 7th of June, 1623; made dean of Litchfield in 1628, and elected bishop of Peterborough, the 22d of December, 1632, when he resigned his deanry: He was translated to Hereford, the 7th of March, 1633, and died sud∣denly in his study † 36.23, the 6th of November, 1634, and was buried there ‡ 36.24. He com∣posed a register of the church of Durham, which is cited in Reyner's Apostol. Benedict. Tract. I. p. 78.

JOHN WEEMES, A. M. was installed the 7th of June, 1634: Was a Scotchman, and minister of Laythaker, in Scotland; promoted at the special recommendation of king Charles I. and was a learned writer in divinity: He died in the year 1636 ‖ 36.25.

JOSEPH NAYLOR, D. D. was collated the 10th of November, 1636: Was born at Wakefield, in Yorkshire, fellow of Sidney College, Cambridge, and chaplain to bishop Morton; was collated to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, the 25th of February, 1632, and to Sedgefield rectory, the 19th of January, 1634. He applied to Mr Lever, for his assistance in procuring the payment of the dues of the living of Sedgefield in Oliver's time, and afterwards wrote Mr Lever a warm letter of thanks for what he did therein § 36.26. On the 3d of May, 1661, he was chosen a proctor for the chapter, at the convocation of York: His prebendal house was in effect wholly

Page 177

ruined, which he rebuilt and enlarged in 1662. He was the author of Additions to the History of Bishop Morton's Life, wrote by his father-in-law, R. Baddely, the bishop's secretary * 36.27. Dr Naylor died the 6th of January, 1667, and was buried in the chancel of his church at Sedgefield † 36.28.

DENNIS GRANVILLE, A. M. removed from the first prebend, and installed the 16th of April, 1668; afterwards was made dean ‡ 36.29.

Sir GEORGE WHELER, knight, and D. D. was collated the 1st, and installed the 9th of December, 1684, by his proxy: Was descended of the family of Whelers, in Kent, and born at Breda, in Holland: Was of Lincoln College, Oxford, 1667, where he entered as a commoner, and afterwards as gentleman commoner, under the tuition of Dr Hicks: He obtained the degree of master of arts, 1683, but pre∣vious thereto had travelled over the greatest part of Greece: On his return, pre∣senting a journal of his travels to king Charles II. was knighted. He took his doctor in divinity degree by diploma on the 18th of May, 1702: Held the vicarage of Basingstoke, in Hampshire; was curate of Whitworth, in this county, 1703, rector of Winston, 1706, of Houghton-le-Spring, 1709, and had the appointment of official to the dean and chapter of Durham: His temporal estate amounted to 1400l. a year, or thereabouts. He died on the 15th of January, 1723, aet. 74, and was interred at the west end of the nave of Durham cathedral, near the tomb of the Venerable Bede, where a handsome monument is erected to his memory ‖ 36.30.

MARTIN BENSON, A. M. was collated the 25th of January, and installed the 5th of February, 1723, by his proxy, Mr Stonhewer, of Washington. He was of

Page 178

Christ-Church, Oxford, and attended Lord Pomfret in his travels, as tutor: Was chaplain to king George II. 1727, a prebendary of Salisbury, archdeacon of Berks, and rector of Blechley, in Bucks; was created doctor in divinity at Cambridge, in 1730, when the king visited that university, and was consecrated bishop of Glouces∣ter, the 19th of January, 1734, being permitted to hold this prebend in commendam. He died at Gloucester, on the 30th of August, 1752, and was buried in the cathe∣dral there.

JAQUES STERN, LL. D. was collated to this prebend by king George II. it having fallen void during a vacancy of the See, by the death of bishop Butler, and was in∣stalled by proxy, the 31st of May, 1755. He was collated to the prebend of Abs∣thorpe, in York cathedral, and resigned the same for Ulleskelf, 1731: Was made precentor of York, the 24th of November, 1735; afterwards canon residentiary and prebendary of Driffield, and chaplain to archbishop Blackburn, by whom he was collated to the archdeaconry of Cleveland, the 24th of November, 1735, which he resigned for that of the East Riding, April 1750. He was also rector of Rise, and vicar of Hornsea cum Riston, both in the East Riding: On being presented to this stall, he resigned the archdeaconry of the East Riding: Died at his house in York, the 9th of June, 1759, and was buried at Rise* 36.31.

WILLIAM MARKHAM, LL. D. master of Westminster school, was installed the 20th of July, 1759. Was of Christ-Church, Oxford, where he took a master of arts degree, the 20th of March, 1745; on the 20th of November, 1752, a degree of bachelor of civil law, and on the 24th of the same month, a doctor's degree was ob∣tained. In the month of January, 1764, he quitted the mastership of Westminster school: In February, 1765, was made dean of Rochester: Was chaplain to king George II. and king George III. and vicar of Boxley, in Kent. On the 12th of October, 1767, he was promoted to the deanry of Christ-Church, in Oxford; con∣secrated bishop of Chester in January 1771, and in the succeeding month, was ap∣pointed preceptor to the Prince of Wales: In 1777 he was translated to the arch∣bishopric of York.

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THOMAS DAMPIER, D. D. was installed the 20th of April, 1771: He was canon of Windsor. In 1773, he resigned this stall for the mastership of Sherburn hospital, and succeeded to the deanry of Durham in 1774 * 36.32.

HENRY EGERTON, D. D. brother to the present lord bishop of Durham, succeed∣ed to this stall in the year 1773. He was rector of Whitchurch, in the county of Salop, archdeacon of Derby, residentiary of Litchfield, and prebend of Holme, in York cathedral, which he resigned in May 1773. He now holds the rectory of Bishop-Weremouth, in this county.

PREBENDARIES OF THE THIRD STALL† 36.33.

THOMAS SPARKE, B. D. appointed by the foundation charter, May 11, 1541. He was of Durham College, Oxford, and took his bachelor of divinity's degree in 1528, being at that time prior of the cell of Lindisfarne: In the year 1529, he left the university cum pannis suis, to come to the monastery of Durham, and was cham∣berlain there at the dissolution. He was consecrated suffragan bishop of Berwick, June 1537, in which dignity he continued during the remainder of his life; the royal mandate to archbishop Lee for his consecration, bears date the 12th of June, 1537, and the 20th of June following, bishop Tunstall empowered him to exercise his chorepiscopal authority through the whole diocese of Durham; and likewise granted him, by letters patent under his palatine seal, an annuity of forty pounds out of his manor of Auckland, to be paid half yearly, until he should be presented to an ecclesiastical benefice of the yearly value of fifty pounds: He was collated to Gretham hospital September 6, 1541, and to Wolsingham rectory the 14th of June, 1547; and departed this life in the year 1571. Though by his will, dated the 25th of January, 1563, he ordered his body to be buried in Durham cathedral, before our Lady's or Houghwell's altar, yet he was interred in the choir of Gretham chapel, near the sepulchre of William Estfield, a former master there.

JOHN FOX, A. M. the martyrologist, was collated the 2d of September, and in∣stalled the 14th of October, 1572. This person, averse to the habits of the church of England, which were here kept up in great strictness, quitted his stall within the year, probably on that account: He was born at Boston, in the county of Lincoln: Was fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford, and took the degree of master of arts in 1543. Holland says he never had any ecclesiastical preferment; and Wood, that he was only prebend of Shipton ‡ 36.34, in Salisbury, and vicar of St Giles', Cripplegate. He wrote

Page 180

an epitaph on bishop Pilkington, his benefactor: Died the 18th of April, 1587, aet. 70, and was buried in the chancel of his vicarial church of St Giles * 36.35.

ROBERT BELLAMY, M. D. was installed the 13th of October, 1573: Was of St John's College, Oxford, and admitted doctor in physic the 23d of June, 1571; was collated to Egglescliff, in this county, the 6th of February, 1577; instituted to Whalton, in Northumberland, the 9th of August, 1579, which he resigned: Was collated rector of Houghton, the 25th of January, 1584; and was chaplain to bishop Barnes. He quitted his prebend and Houghton living for Sherburn hospital, to which he was collated in November 158, and died possessed thereof in 1606.

ROBERT HUTTON, B. D. was installed the 13th of December, 1589: Was senior fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge; and collated to Houghton le-Spring, the 4th of December, 1589, where he purchased an estate, and built a house, now possessed by his descendants: He was younger brother to bishop Matthew Hutton, and mar∣ried a daughter of bishop Pilkington: Was prosecuted in the high commission court in 1621, for reflecting, in a sermon preached at the cathedral, on the king, the bishop, the church and its ceremonies. He died at Houghton in 1623, and lies buried in the choir of the church there † 36.36.

GABRIEL CLARK, A. M. installed the 1st of August, 1623, was removed to the first stall‡ 36.37.

JOHN NEILE, A. M. afterwards D. D. was collated the 1st of August, 1635: Was nephew to the bishop. On the 27th of October, 1638, he was made archdeacon of Cleveland; the 20th of September, 1660, prebendary of Strenshall, in York cathe∣dral; instituted vicar of Northallerton, the 2d of May, 1669, and appointed dean of Ripon in May, 1674. He was rector of Beeford, in Holderness, and exchanged for Sigston near Northallerton; in 1661, was prolocutor in the convocation at York, when the common prayer book was revised. He died the 14th of April, 1675, and was buried at Ripon § 36.38.

THOMAS MUSGRAVE, D. D. was installed the 12th of July, 1675. He was of Queen's College, Oxford; and on the 5th of May, 1662, took the degree of master of arts, and bachelor and doctor in divinity in October, 1685: Was collated to the archdeaconry of Carlisle, the 25th of March, 1668, and to the third stall in that church, 1669: On the 22d of August, 1675, was collated to the rectory of Whit∣burn, in this county: In 1676, he resigned his prebend in Carlisle cathedral, and the 13th of October, 1684, was admitted dean there. He departed this life the 28th of March, 1686, and was buried in the cathedral church at Durham, near the clock ‖ 36.39.

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JOHN CAVE, A M. was installed the 15th of May, 1686: He was son of John Cave, vicar of Great Milton, in Oxfordshire, and educated at Tame school: In 1654 he was of Magdalen College; on the 24th of September, 1660, was chosen a fellow of Lincoln College; and on the 30th of April, 1661, had a degree of master of arts: He was chaplain to bishop Crew, had the rectory of Gateshead, and ex∣changed with Mr Richard Werge, for Nailston, in Leicestershire; also held the rectory of Cole Orton, in that county, where he died in the month of October, 1690, aet. 52, and was interred there* 36.40.

SAMUEL EYRE, D. D. was installed the 10th of November, 1690. He was of Lincoln College, Oxford, and on the 8th of July, 1687, took his degree of doctor in divinity: In April 1686, he was collated to the rectory of Whitburn. Died in 1694, and lies buried in the cathedral church at Durham, near Dr Swyfte, on the north side of the choir door, under the organ-loft† 36.41.

JAMES FINNEY, D. D. was installed on the 27th of November, 1694: Was of St John's College, Oxford; on the 5th of July, 1676, took a master of arts degree; and on the 14th of April, 1698, was diplomated doctor in divinity. He held the vicar∣age of Kirklington, belonging to the college, and was chaplain to lord Burlington: In the year 1689, was made prebendary of Husthwaite, in the church of York, and was rector of Long Newton, in this county, in 1690, and built the parsonage house, which cost him 700l. afterwards had the rectory of Ryton, also in this county, and built an elegant house there, which cost him about 1200l. On taking this stall he resigned the prebend of Husthwaite; died on the 10th of March, 1726, and was buried in the eastern transept of this church ‡ 36.42.

THOMAS SECKER, A. M. was collated the 3d of June, and installed, by proxy, the 16th, 1727. He was born in 1693, at Sibthorp, in Nottinghamshire; took the de∣gree of doctor in physic at Leyden, in March 1721, and in April following, became a gentleman commoner of Exeter College, Oxford: Was ordained deacon, being bachelor of arts in 1722, in which year he was chaplain to bishop Talbot: On the 12th of February, in the same year, he was collated to Houghton-le-Spring: On the 4th of February, 1723, he took his master of arts degree; and on the 17th of June,

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1727, was inducted to Ryton rectory; and in July, 1733, took his doctor's degree in law at Oxford, having in the preceding month of May been instituted to the rectory of St James's, Westminster, when he resigned Ryton. On the 19th of January, 1734, he was consecrated bishop of Bristol; and on the 13th of April, 1737, was translated to the See of Oxford: He was installed prebend of Purpool, and then dean of St Paul's, the 11th of December, 1750: Held this prebendary in commendam with his bishoprics, but resigned it, and the rectory of St. James, on his receiving the deanry: In April, 1758, he was confirmed archbishop of Canterbury; died on the 3d of August, 1768, aet. 75 * 36.43; and was buried in the passage from the garden door of his palace to the north door of his church at Lambeth, and forbad any monument or epitaph to be placed for him any where.

THOMAS CHAPMAN, D. D. was presented by the king sede vacante, and installed the 1st of January, 1750. Was the son of John Chapman, of Billingham, in this county, where he was born † 36.44: Was educated at Richmond school, in Yorkshire; en∣tered of Christ College, Cambridge, and became fellow thereof: In 1746 was master of Magdalen College, and on the 4th of November, 1748, was appointed vice chan∣cellor: He was chaplain to king George II. In 1749, was rector of Kirby-over-blowers, in Yorkshire: In 1758, was appointed official to the dean and chapter of Durham; and on the 9th of June, 1760, departed this life at Cambridge, aet. 43, and was buried in the college chapel there‡ 36.45.

THOMAS BURTON, D. D. was installed the 18th of August, 1760, and was re∣moved to the twelfth prebend: Was the son of Dr Thomas Burton, of Christ-Church, where he was student, and obtained a master of arts degree on the 28th of June, 1731: Was vicar of St Mary's, Oxford, and resigned for the rectory of Bats∣ford, in Gloucestershire: Was prebendary of Gloucester, and archdeacon of St David's. He died the 17th of July, 1767, at Batsford.

GIDEON MURRAY, D. D. was installed the 20th of August, 1761: Was the second son of lord Elibank, in Scotland; was of Baliol College, Oxford, where, on the 6th of June, 1735, he obtained a master of arts degree: Was prebendary of Lincoln, and vicar of Gainsborough, in Lincolnshire, which he resigned, and after∣wards had the rectory of Carlton, in Nottinghamshire. He died at London in the month of June, 1778.

RICHARD FAWCETT, D. D. was installed the 13th of July, 1778: He was the son of an eminent counsellor, recorder of the city of Durham, and had his education at the grammar school there: He was fellow of Corpus-Christi College, Oxford; had the rectory of Gateshead, and master of K. James's hospital there; chaplain in or∣dinary to king George II. and III. and vicar of St Nicholas', in Newcastle upon Tyne. He died at Durham, the 29th of April, 1782, and was interred in the cathedral, near to dean Cowper.

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HENRY CHAYTOR, LL. D. second son of Henry Chaytor, of Croft, in the county of York, Esq. Had his education at Appleby school, in Westmoreland, and af∣terwards entered of Magdalen College, Cambridge, and became fellow of that so∣ciety. In 1759, was presented by his father to the vicarage of Kirkby-Stephen, in Westmoreland: In 1767, took his doctor's degree: In 1773, presented to the vicar∣age of Catterick; and in 1778, to the rectory of Croft, by the king. He resigned Kirkby-Stephen, and had his stall conferred on him by the present bishop of Dur∣ham, the 24th of July, 1782, and was installed the same day.

PREBENDARIES OF THE FOURTH STALL* 36.46.

WILLIAM BENNET, D. D. a monk of Durham on the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541. He was collated to Kellow vicarage the 4th of March, 1547, but re∣signed the same, together with his prebend, in the same year, and retired to Aycliff vicarage, where he died, and was buried the 20th of February, 1583† 36.47.

HENRY NAUNTON, A. M. rector of Egglescliff, in this county, was installed on the 3d of November, 1579. He was instituted to Gainford church, also in this county, the 27th of October, 1575, and was collated to Bedlington, in Northum∣berland, on the 14th of April, 1581. The time of his death is uncertain, he was buried in Durham cathedral, near to chancellor Swyfte.

EMANUEL BARNES, D. D. was removed from the fifth prebend to this stall, in the year 1607. He was a near relation to bishop Barnes, and was collated to the rectory of Houghton-le-Spring, on the 5th of March, 1583. In 1587, was rector of Wolsingham‡ 36.48: He had the prebend of Fenton, in York cathedral, and the rectory of Craike; and died in the year 1614.

PETER SMART, A. M. was removed from the 6th prebend to this stall, the 10th of July. 1614. He was born in Warwickshire, a minister's son: Was educated at Westminster school, a batteler at Broadgate Hall, aet. 19, in the year 1588, in which year he was elected a student in Christ-Church, Oxford, and on the 9th of July, 1595, took the degree of master of arts: He was master of Durham school in 1598,

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was ordained deacon and priest the 30th of November, 1609, and was chaplain to bishop James, by whom he was collated the 30th December, 1609, to the sixth prebend in this church: In the year 1614, he had the rectory of Bolden, and was appointed master of Gateshead hospital, the 2d of March, 1612. Bishop James was instrumental in promoting him to be one of the high commissioners for the pro∣vince of York. On the 7th of July, 1628, he preached in the cathedral that seditious sermon, whereof we have given an extract in the life of bishop Cosin, (vol. i. p. 534) and for which he was degraded and dispossessed of all his ecclesiastical preferments, and fined five hundred pounds, for the non-pay∣ment of which he suffered eleven years imprisonment in the King's-Bench, and at length was set at liberty by the House of Commons in 1640. He was in London the 31st of October, 1648, as appears by the date of one of his let∣ters. On Dr Carr's death, who succeeded to this stall on his deprivation, he was restored to his prebend by the Lords, and lived to the year 1652, or near it, having passed his 82d year. At the like instance of the Lords, he was presented by the dean and chapter to Aycliff, the 20th of November, 1641, but refused; petitioning, it might be given to one Carwardine, who enjoyed it a considerable time* 36.49.

THOMAS CARR, D. D. was installed the 30th of March, 1631. He was born in Yorkshire, and educated partly at Peterhouse, and translated to Jesus' College, Cam∣bridge: Was instituted the 7th of April, 1632, to the vicarage of Aycliff: Was chaplain to Thomas earl of Strafford, and attended him on the scaffold when be∣headed;

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by his interest the doctor was preferred to the rectory of Hugge, in the county of York. He was sequestered, and went beyond seas in the time of the re∣bellion, and died at Leghorn after the Restoration, in his way to England, where he was honourably interred by the duke of Tuscany. Brown Willis says,

I met with the will of Dr Thomas Carr, dated the 13th of July, and proved the 13th of November, 1641, in which he gives his wife his effects at Aycliff, with orders to be buried in the Black Friars, London* 36.50.

JOHN BARWICK, B. D. about 1642, was removed from the eighth prebend, but never installed: Was made dean of Durham† 36.51.

THOMAS SMITH, D. D. prebendary of Litchfield, was installed the 20th of July, 1661; and in 1668 was removed to the first stall ‡ 36.52. Was presented also by king Charles II. in majorem corroborationem tituli.

JOHN DURELL, D. D. was collated the 21st of April, and installed by proxy, the 1st of July, 1668. He was born in Jersey, was of Merton College, Oxford, re∣tired to France, and took a master of arts degree at Caen, in Normandy: Was or∣dained at Paris, by the bishop of Galloway, at the chapel of the English resident: In the year 1661, he was one of the French preachers in the Savoy chapel: In 1663, was made prebendary of Northaulton, in the church of Sarum, and chaplain to the king; in the next year, was made prebendary of Windsor, and on the 26th of July, 1677, was appointed dean there, and had the rectory of Witney, in the county of Oxford. He died on the 8th of July, 1683, aet. 58, and was buried at Windsor. His wife translated the Whole Duty of Man into French. His son was a brigadier general and governor of Dunkirk § 36.53.

JOHN MONTAGUE, D. D. was installed the 10th of November, 1683: Was master of Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1683, which he resigned, and was made master of Sherburn hospital; in 1692, was removed to the eleventh prebend; and afterwards, in 1699, made dean of Durham‖ 36.54.

THEOPHILUS PICKERING, D. D. was installed by proxy, the 3d of June, 1692. He was the 7th son of Sir Gilbert Pickering, of Tichmarsh, in the county of North∣ampton, baronet, and born the 10th of May, 1663: Was fellow of Sidney College, Cambridge, 1687; chaplain to lord Crew, the 13th of November, 1690; rector of Gateshead, the 5th of December, 1695, and of Sedgefield, the 31st of August, 1705, where he died the 20th of March, 1710, and was interred in the chancel of that church ¶ 36.55. He quitted this prebend for the eleventh stall.

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PHILIP FALLE, A. M. was installed the 1st of February, 1699: Was born in the island of Jersey, of which he wrote the history, in 1694, much quoted by bishop Gibson, and greatly enlarged and reprinted in 1734. He was a commoner of Exeter College, in Michaelmas term, 1669, aged 14; and took a master of arts de∣gree at Albion-hall, the 8th of July, 1676: Was minister of St Saviour's, in Jersey, and rector of Shenley, in Hertfordshire, at which latter place he built an elegant house, which cost him 1000l. At the Revolution, he was sent by the states of the island of Jersey to king William and queen Mary, and by them was recommended to a prebend in Durham. The golden prebend was then vacant; but the bishop removed Dr Pickering to it, and gave Dr Falle this stall, of which he afterwards complained. The repairing of the prebendal house cost him 200l. He died at Shenley, in the year 1742, aet. 87, and left his excellent library, (except a collection of sacred music, which he gave to the library at Durham) to the island of Jersey * 36.56.

JAMES GISBURN, A. M. was collated the 22d of May, 1742, and installed the 21st of July following. He was born at Loughborough, in Leicestershire; was of Jesus' College, Cambridge, and afterwards obtained a fellowship in Queen's College. He had the rectory of Stavely, in Derbyshire, by the gift of lord James Cavendish; and departed this life on the 7th of September, 1759, aet. 72.

JAMES DOUGLAS, D. D. was installed the 11th of October, 1659, being removed from the fifth stall. He was by birth a Scotchman, of the Tiviotdale family; was educated at Eton, and an exhibitioner of Baliol College, Oxford: Had a small living near Bridgewater; afterwards was vicar of Kellow, 1735, and rector of Long Newton, 1742, which he resigned for this prebend, and the rectory of Great Stain∣ton, in this county; was also curate of Witton Gilbert. He departed this life on the 29th of July, 1780, and was interred in the eastern transept of Durham cathedral.

FRANCIS EGERTON, A. M. second son of the present bishop of Durham, was in∣stalled the 13th of November, 1780. He was made rector of Whitchurch in February, 1781.

PREBENDARIES OF THE FIFTH STALL† 36.57.

WILLIAM TODD, D. D. by the foundation the 12th of May, 1541. He was ad∣mitted doctor at Oxford, the 13th of April, 1537; was vicar of Northallerton, in

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the county of York, 1553, and resigned the same the 5th of September, 1561: Was also archdeacon of Bedford: He was deprived of this prebend in the year 1567, for which no reason appears in the authorities before us * 36.58.

RALPH LEVER, A. M. was collated the 14th of October, and installed the 17th, 1567. He was admitted scholar in King's College, Cambridge, from Eton school, 1558, and took the degree of doctor in divinity, in St John's College, 1577: Was tutor to Walter earl of Essex, in 1564; was collated to Washington in 1565, and to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, the 21st of August, 1566, which he resigned in 1573: He was collated to the rectory of Stanhope, the 17th of November, 1575, and to Sherburn hospital, the 16th of July, 1577: Was chaplain to bishop Pilking∣ton, and one of the commissaries for the dean and chapter in the consistory, upon the vacancy of the See, by the death of that prelate. He was a troublesome non-confor∣mist, and very disobedient to his patron in trifles and srivolous matters. He died in 1585 † 36.59.

EMANUEL BARNES, D. D. was installed the 29th of July, 1585. He was pre∣sented to this prebend by Robert Tailbois, gentleman, patron inter alios pro hac vice tantum, the 26th of July, 1585, and was admitted by the bishop on the 27th: Was removed to the fourth stall‡ 36.60.

JOHN CALFHILL, A. M. was presented on the resignation of Barnes. He was chaplain to bishop Matthew, and was inducted to Redmarshall, in this county, in July, 1599, where he died, and was buried in 1619. By the register of dean James, it appears that Henry Naunton was vicar of Bedlington, and that Thomas Colmore was presented to that vicarage by the dean and chapter, the 23d of August, 1603; therefore it is probable, that Barnes succeeded Naunton in the 4th stall that year, and consequently Calfhill succeeded Barnes in this stall the same year ‖ 36.61

JOHN CRADOCK, A. M. was collated tho 7th of August, and installed the 18th, 1619. He was collated to the archdeaconry of Northumberland in the year 1619, and resigned it the 6th of August the same year, being appointed the bishop's spiri∣tual chancellor, and vicar general that day. Was presented to Northallerton, the 23d of February, 1624, and had the rectory of Gainford, in this county, and vicarage of Woodhorn, in Northumberland, at which latter place he died in 1627, and was buried in the church there. There was a complaint against him

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in parliament for extortion * 36.62. He died by poison, for which his wife was accused and tried, but was acquitted † 36.63.

ELEAZAR DUNCAN, B. D. was installed the 8th of January, 1627. He was of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge; had a fellowship, and, in 1633, obtained a degree of doctor in divinity. He was ordained deacon by bishop Laud, the 13th of March, 1624 ‡ 36.64; and received priest's orders from bishop Neile, the 24th of September, 1626, whose chaplain he was. On the 13th of November, 1629, was installed a preben∣dary of Winchester; on the 1st of May, 1640, prebendary of Knaresborough, in York cathedral; and on the 10th of April, 1633, was collated to the rectory of Haughton, near Darlington, in this county. He was chaplain to king Charles I. and died in exile, 1649 or 1650 § 36.65.

THOMAS DALTON, D. D. was promoted by king Charles II. and installed the 2d of November, 1660: Was rector of Berwick, in Elmet, in the county of York, and of Dallam, in the diocese of Ely. He resigned this prebend.

THOMAS CARTWRIGHT, D. D. on Dalton's resignation, was collated the 6th of November, 1672, by king Charles II. the See being vacant, and was installed the 15th of the same month. He was the son of Thomas Cartwright, of Broxwood, in Essex, and was born at Northampton, the 1st of September, 1634: Was first of Magdalen College, then of Queen's College, Oxford; had the vicarage of Waltham∣stow, in Essex; was preacher of Mary Magdalen, in Milk-street, London; vicar of Barking, in Essex; minister of St Thomas the Apostle, London; a prebendary of Westminster, and of Twiford, in St Paul's; also prebendary of Shalford, in Wells; chaplain in ordinary to the king, and dean of Ripon. He was ecclesiastical com∣missioner, and one of the delegates to enquire into the affairs of Magdalen College. To conclude all his ecclesiastical promotions, in the year 1686, he was consecrated bishop of Chester. At the Revolution he fled into France, and came with king James into Ireland, where he departed this life on the 15th of April, 1689, at the city of Dublin, aet. 55 ‖ 36.66, and was interred in Christ-Church.

CONSTANS JESSOP, D. D. was installed the 15th of November, 1686, descended from Constantine Jessop, a remarkable presbyterian preacher: On the 27th of June, 1666, he obtained a degree of master of arts in Magdalen College, Oxford, and on the 4th of June, 1685, that of bachelor and doctor in divinity. He had the rectory

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of Brington, in the county of Northampton, where he died, and was interred, on the 10th of March, 1695, aet. 55 * 36.67.

JOHN BOWES, D. D. was installed the 21st of April, 1696, and was removed to the first stall † 36.68.

NATHANIEL ELLISON, D. D. was collated the 30th of September, and installed the 1st of October, 1712: Was of Edmund's-hall, Oxford, and from thence chosen fellow of Corpus-Christi College; on the 22d of February, 1678, he obtained the degree of master of arts; and on the 7th of May, 1702, that of bachelor and doctor in divinity: Was made archdeacon of Stafford, the 14th of July, 1682 ‡ 36.69, collated to the vicarage of Newcastle, 1694, and rector of Whitburn, 1704. He died at New∣castle, in May 1721, aet. 63, and was interred in St Nicholas' church there § 36.70.

THOMAS MANGEY, LL. D. was installed the 20th of May, 1721, and removed to the first stall ‖ 36.71.

JONATHAN HALL, A. M. afterwards D. D. was installed the 21st of January, 1722. He was the son of John Hall, a draper and alderman of Durham: Was a fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, where, from his mean principles, he be∣came disagreeable to the society, and, in order to get rid of his company, they pre∣sented him to the rectory of Cockfield, in the county of Suffolk: He was chaplain to the lord Cadogan, when ambassador to the States-General, and chaplain to the garrison at Berwick. He died, after a long illness, on the 12th of June, 1743, and was privately interred in the eastern transept of this cathedral, without any monument, though it is said he left his nephew 20,000l.

ROBERT STILLINGFLEET, A. M. afterwards D. D. was installed the 20th of July, 1743, was the son of Dr Stillingfleet, dean of Worcester, and grandson of the great bishop Stillingfleet: Was of Wadham College, Oxford, where he took a master of arts degree, the 1st of July, 1729, and bachelor and doctor in divinity the 6th of

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May, 1748: He was chaplain to bishop Talbot, and afterwards to bishop Chandler: He was collated, in 1731, to the rectory of Gateshead, to Ryton in 1732, and was made master of Sherburn hospital in 1738, and held the same, with this prebend, to the time of his death, which happened at Bristol, on the 3d of August, 1759 * 36.72.

JAMES DOUGLAS was installed the 17th of August, 1759, and was removed to the fourth stall † 36.73.

SAMUEL TERRICK, A. M. installed the 8th of December, 1759. He was son of Samuel Terrick, prebendary of York, the elder brother of bishop Terrick, and was of Clare Hall, Cambridge. He died suddenly at Stilton, on the 8th of August, 1761, aet. 55, and was buried at Peterborough.

JOHN MOORE, A. M. afterwards D. D. was installed by proxy, the 26th of Sep∣tember, 1761. He was fellow of Pembroke College, Oxford, where, on the 28th of June, 1751, he took a master of arts degree; in 1763, was made canon of Christ-Church, where he took the degrees of bachelor and doctor in divinity, the 1st of July, 1763: Was chaplain to his majesty king Geo. III.; in 1771, he was appointed dean of Canterbury; and consecrated bishop of Bangor, in 1775. In 1783, he was advanced to the Metropolitan See of Canterbury, which he now enjoys.

THOMAS FOTHERGILL, D. D. provost of Queen's College, Oxford, was installed the 27th of May, 1775, on Dr Moore's resignation.

PREBENDARIES OF THE SIXTH STALL ‡ 36.74.

STEPHEN MARLEYE, B. D. a monk of Durham, appointed on the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541. He was sub-prior, and master of the frater-house, at the dis∣solution. The place allotted for his lodging was the refectory of the almerey children, north of the abbey gates, which he altered into a dwelling-house. He was deprived in the year 1572, but no reason appears.

PETER SHAWE, A. M. was installed the 12th of August, 1572,—when he died is uncertain § 36.75.

WILLIAM SELBY, A. M. was collated on the 12th of July, 1608. In 1607, he was presented by the chapter to the vicarage of Berwick upon Tweed, and on the 1st of March, 1608, to the vicarage of Kirk Merrington,—when he died is uncertain.

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PETER SMART, A. M. was collated the 30th of December, 1609. He was re∣moved to the fourth stall * 36.76.

ROBERT COOK, A. M. and afterwards D. D. was collated the 20th of July, 1614. He was the son of William Cook, of Beeston, in the parish of Leeds, and was bap∣tized there the 23d of July, 1550: Was a student of Brazen-Nose College, and elected probat fellow in 1572: In 1576, he obtained the degree of master of arts; was made proctor of the university in 1582, and took a bachelor in divinity's degree in 1584. In June 1590, he resigned his fellowship, and was instituted to the vicarage of Leeds in December following: Was much esteemed as a learned man, and pious preacher: In January, 1614, he died at Leeds, and was interred at St Peter's church there † 36.77.

FERDINANDO MOORCROFT, A. M. was collated the 6th of January, 1614: Was master of Gretham hospital, in this county, which he resigned on his removal to the eleventh stall, the 13th of July, 1619: On the 6th of November, 1608, he was col∣lated to Stanhope, and, in 1625, to Heighington; died about the year 1641, and was buried at Goswick, in the county of Lancaster ‡ 36.78.

DANIEL BIRKHEAD, D. D. collated the 14th of July, 1619; was removed the 3d of August, 1620, to the 10th stall. He had the rectory of Winston; in 1610, was collated to Egglescliff; died in 1624, and was interred in the cathedral at Durham, on the 27th of November § 36.79.

GABRIEL CLARKE, A. M. was installed the 5th of August, 1620, and removed to the third stall the 30th of July, 1623 ‖ 36.80.

JOHN ROBSON, A. M. was installed the 1st of August, 1620. He was rector of Morpeth in 1611; was instituted to the rectory of Whalton, in Northumberland, the 1st of June, 1615; was returned a member in parliament for Morpeth, in the third parliament of king James I. but not allowed to sit, as being in holy orders: He was one of the chapter proxies to the convocation held at York in May, 1625: He was buried in Durham cathedral in 1645 ¶ 36.81.

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RICHARD WRENCH, B. D. was collated about the 14th of February, 1645, by bishop Morton, but not installed for some years, on account of the war: Was born in the city of Chester; chaplain to bishop Morton, and fellow of St John's College, Cam∣bridge, from whence he was ejected by the earl of Manchester. Bishop Cosin's mandate to induct him was dated the 18th of March, 1660, and his installation on the 20th of that month. He was instituted to Heighington vicarage, the 25th of November, 1661; was collated to Boldon the 16th of October, 1665; departed this life on the 26th October, 1675, and buried in this cathedral* 36.82.

RICHARD KNIGHTLEY, A. M. was installed by proxy, the 17th of November, 1675, and was removed to the seventh stall. He was son of Thomas Knightley, rector of Byfield, in the county of Northampton; had the livings of Charwelton and Aston, the latter of which he resigned on the death of his father, 1688, when he was presented to Byfield, where he died the 17th of September, 1695, aet. 59, and was interred there† 36.83.

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JOHN MORTON, D. D. was installed November 29, 1676: He moved from the seventh to this stall, the revenue of which is much inferior, to oblige bishop Mor∣ton, who wished to place his chaplain, Knightley, therein: Was of Lincoln College, where he took the degrees of master of arts the 27th of June, 1667; bachelor of divinity, the 11th of November, 1674; and doctor in divinity, by diploma, the 6th of April, 1692. He was made rector of Boldon upon Mr Wrench's death, in 1676, and afterwards had Egglescliff. In October, 1685, was collated to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, and to the rectory of Sedgefield, in 1711, where he died, the 16th of November, 1722, and was interred* 36.84. He built his prebendal house whilst in the twelfth stall, to which he was removed in 1685; he also built the parsonage house at Egglescliff, and made great improvements at Sedgefield. In 1685, there was a controversy between him and Sir George Wheler, concerning precedency; the question being, whether the seniority was to be accounted from admission to any new stall, or admission to the church and chapter by the first installment; and the bishop, as visitor, determined in favour of Dr Morton.

FITZHERBERT ADAMS, D. D. was installed the 11th of August, 1685; was removed to the tenth stall in 1695; and from that to the eleventh, in 1711: Was of Lincoln College, Oxford, where he took the degree of master of arts in June, 1675; bachelor in divinity, the 2d of January, 1682; and doctor in divinity, the 3d of July, 1685: Was inducted to Washington rectory, the 29th of September, 1683, and elected rector of Lincoln College, the 2d of May, 1685. Was vice chancellor of Oxford in 1695, where he departed this life, the 17th of June, 1719, and was in∣terred in All-Saints' church, Oxford. He received 1500l. for renewing the lease of Twiford, and laid out that sum in beautifying the chapel of Lincoln College, and the rector's lodging: Was a benefactor to All-Hallows' church, and left 200l. to pur∣chase a parsonage house: He left his library to the college† 36.85.

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HENRY DOBSON, D. D. was installed the 8th of June, 1695. He was collated to the rectory of Boldon in 1692; was of Magdalen College, where, on the 3d of June, 1677, he took a master of arts degree; bachelor in divinity the 17th of December, 1689; and doctor in divinity the 23d of January, 1693: He died at London, the 23d of March, 1717, aet. 67, and was buried in St Margaret's church-yard, Westminster.

JOHN DOLBEN, D. D. was installed the 17th of April, 1718, and removed to the eleventh stall. He was the grandson of archbishop Dolben, and son of Sir Gilbert Dolben, baronet* 36.86. Was born at Bishop Thorpe, near York; received the first rudi∣ments of literature at Westminster school, from whence he was removed to Christ-Church, Oxford, where he took the degree of master of arts on the 8th of July, 1707, and bachelor and doctor in divinity the 6th of July, 1717. He was sub-dean of the Chapel Royal in the reign of queen Anne, and had the rectory of Burton Latimers, and vicarage of Fyndon, in the county of Northampton. On the death of his father, in October, 1722, he succeeded to the baronetage and estates; departed this life at Durham on the 21st of November, 1756, aet. 73, and was in∣terred at Fyndon† 36.87.

WILLIAM WATS, D. D. was installed on the 18th of August, 1719. He was born at Barnshall, in the county of York, and was fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, where, on the 17th of June, 1708, he took the degree of master of arts; on the 11th of July, 1719, that of bachelor in divinity; and, on the 21st of October following, of doctor in divinity; and was a noted tutor in his college: In 1721, he was collated to the rectory of Wolsingham: Died at Durham on the 5th of February, 1736, aet. 50, and was buried at the West end of the nave of Durham cathedral, below the font‡ 36.88.

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HENRY BLAND, A. M. was installed August 2, 1737. He was the eldest son of Henry Bland, dean of this church; received the first rudiments of literature at Eton, from whence he was removed to Christ-Church College, Oxford; admitted a gentleman commoner, and took a bachelor of arts degree; he obtained an honorary degree of master of arts at Cambridge; and in 1747; a degree of doctor in divinity. On the 23d of August, 1735, he was inducted to Washington, and also held the rectory of Bishop Weremouth. He was formerly beneficed in Lincoln. Died at his prebendal house on the 7th of May, 1768, aet. 64, and was interred in the eastern transept of this cathedral * 36.90.

CHARLES WESTON, A. M. was installed the 2d of August, 1768, being removed from the ninth stall: Was a grandson of the bishop of Exeter, and son of Edward Weston, of the city of Lincoln, Esq writer of the Gazette for many years, and one of the chief clerks of the signet office: Was a student of Christ-Church, and took a master of arts degree on the 18th of April, 1755: Rector of Thirfield, in the county of Hertford.

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PREBENDARIES OF THE SEVENTH STALL* 36.92.

ROBERT DALTON, B. D. appointed on the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541. In the year 1560, he was deprived for recusancy, and committed to the custody of lord Dacres, of the north; was instituted to Billingham in 1547; and esteemed rich, but arrogant and unlettered. The place allotted to him, at the suppression of the convent, was the granary for wheat and malt, which he converted into a handsome dwelling.

THOMAS SAMPSON was installed the 9th of September, 1560, by proxy, at which time he had no degree. He was presented by queen Elizabeth, and admitted, by her commissioners for spiritualties, sede vacante: Was one of those concerned in trans∣lating the Bible. He was dean of Chichester, 1552; rector of All Hallows', Bread∣street; and made dean of Christ-Church, Oxford, 1561, of which he was deprived in 1565; afterwards was made master of Wigstan's hospital, in Leicester, where he died the 9th of April, 1589, and was buried † 36.93. He was succeeded by

WILLIAM BIRCH, A. M. installed the 4th of July, 1562: Was rector of Gateshead, and deprived for non-conformity, 1567 ‡ 36.94. He was warden of Man∣chester College, 1560; rector of Stanhope, the 25th of August, 1564; and also of Gateshead.

LEONARD PILKINGTON, D. D. was collated the 1st of August, and installed the 6th of September, 1567: He was brother to the bishop and Joseph Pilkington, and rector of Middleton, the 20th of March, 1560: Was admitted master of St John's College, Cambridge, the 19th of October, 1561, which he resigned in 1562; was regius professor of divinity there in 1561; was rector of Whitburn, where he built the house now Sir Hedworth Williamson's, and the great parsonage barn. In 1592 he was treasurer of this church § 36.95.

MARMADUKE BLAKISTON, A. M. was the son of J. Blakiston, of Blakiston, Esq was installed in 1601, and was vicar of Woodhorne, and treasurer of this church in 1606: On the 14th of October, 1585, was collated to Redmarshall; and in July, 1599, to Sedgefield: On the 25th of November, 1615, was collated to the arch∣deaconry of the East-Riding of Yorkshire; and the 6th of March, 1617, was install∣ed prebendary of Wistow, in York cathedral. In 1623, he resigned his stall at

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York in favour of his son, Thomas Blakiston; in 1625, he did the same touching his archdeaconry, in favour of J. Cosin, afterwards bishop, who married his daughter * 36.96; and in 1631, he resigned this prebend and Sedgefield, in favour of his son, Robert Blakiston. He died at Newton, near Durham, the family seat, and was interred in St Margaret's church, Crossgate, the 3d of December, 1639 † 36.97.

ROBERT BLAKISTON, A. M. was collated the 27th of November, and installed the 14th of December, 1631. He married bishop Howson's daughter, and died the 17th of January, 1634, before his father, but survived the bishop: He was one of the eight prebendaries that supported the canopy over the head of king Charles I. when he came to visit the cathedral ‡ 36.98.

MATTHEW LEVET, A. M. was collated the 24th of January, 1634: Was fellow of St John's College, Cambridge, and pupil to bishop Morton: He had a pre∣bend, and was subdean in Ripon Church, and held his preferments in 1641, but how much longer doth not appear § 36.99.

ISAAC BASIRE, D. D. was installed the 12th of August, 1643. In the Biogra. Brittannia, we are told he was born in Jersey, from the authority of Wood ‖ 36.100, which the annotator contradicts, but without telling us the certain place of his nativity. Grey, in his MS. Notes, says, he was born at Rouen, in Normandy, but quotes no authority; the place of his education is equally uncertain. The first of his being noted to us is under the patronage of bishop Morton, who ordained him deacon and priest whilst bishop of Litchfield, and made him his chaplain: In September, 1636, he was collated to the church of Egglescliff; in July, 1640, he had the degree of doctor in divinity conferred upon him at Cambridge, by mandate, and was incor∣porated in the same at Oxford, in November following; about which time he was made chaplain in ordinary to king Charles I. On the 24th of August, 1644, was appointed to the archdeaconry of Northumberland; and, on the 7th of July, 1646, was inducted to the rectory of Stanhope, on the presentation of king Charles I. On the breaking out of the rebellion, he was sequestered, plundered, and obliged to ab∣scond, and after flying to the king at Oxford, and sharing in the distresses of his sove∣reign, he fled the kingdom, and went to propagate the doctrine of the church of Eng∣land among the Greeks and Arabians, travelling through Apulia, Naples, Sicily, Morea, &c. into Syria and Palestine. During his travels he collated the several confes∣sions of faith of the different sorts of Christians, Greeks, Armenians, Jacobites, Maro∣nites, &c. which he kept by him in their own languages: In his travels he endured many hardships, particularly in 1653, he passed from Aleppo to Constantinople by land, being 600 miles, without either servant, or Christian, or any man with him, that could speak the Frank language; yet, by the help of some Arabic acquired at Aleppo, he performed that journey in the company of twenty Turks, whose courtesy

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was purchased by his dispensing to them in the physical line, he having studied me∣dicine at Padua. On the Restoration, he was recalled to England, and put in pos∣session of his ecclesiastical benefices. He was the author of many religious tracts and discourses, as also the Life of Dr Cosin, bishop of Durham, published with his funeral sermon. He departed this life on the 12th of October, 1676, aet. 69, and was interred in the cathedral church-yard at Durham * 36.101.

JOHN MORTON, B. D. was installed the 16th of October, 1676, and soon after removed to the sixth stall † 36.102.

RICHARD KNIGHTLEY, A. M. was installed the 29th of November, 1676, removed from the sixth stall ‡ 36.103 He died at Byfield, in the county of Northampton, 1695.

JOHN SMITH, D. D. was installed the 26th of September, 1695. He was the eldest son of Mr William Smith, rector of Lowther, in Westmoreland; was ad∣mitted a minor canon of this church on the 20th of July, 1682, and had the office of precentor: On the 20th of July, 1683, he was appointed to Croxdale curacy; and the 1st of July, 1684, to Witton-Gilbert curacy. On the 12th of June, 1695, was collated to Gateshead rectory and hospital; and in July, 1696, took the degree of doctor in divinity: And on the 28th of July, 1704, was collated to Bishop-Were∣mouth, having previously resigned Gateshead. He repaired and altered his preben∣dal house at the cost of 200l. and expended 200l. in repairs of the chancel at Were∣mouth. He rebuilt the parsonage house at no less cost than 600l. receiving of Dr Grey's executors for dilapidations not above 100l. and in his asserting and recover∣ing the rights of that church, he expended 600l. notwithstanding which he died rich § 36.104. At the time of his death he was printing a most correct edition of Venerable Bede's works, the preparing of which cost him fourteen years labour: This was published by his son after his decease, in April 1722. He died at Cambridge in the month of July, 1715, and was interred in the anti-chapel of St John's College chapel ‖ 36.105.

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THOMAS EDEN, LL. D. was installed the 23d of August, 1715, being removed from the ninth stall. He was the fourth son of Sir Robert Eden of West-Auck∣land, baronet; was educated at Newcastle school, under the famous Thomas Rud, and admitted of Trinity Hall, Cambridge: He was chaplain to lord Crew; col∣lated to the rectory of Winston in 1709; and to Brancepeth, 1749. Upon Sir Geo. Wheler's death, he was appointed official to the dean and chapter, the 12th of February, 1723. He died on the 3d of March, 1754, aet. 71, and was buried in the cathedral church-yard, by his will expressly prohibiting his remains being interred in any church * 36.106.

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JOSEPH SPENCE, A. M. was installed the 24th of May, 1754: Was born of poor parents in Northamptonshire; educated at Winchester school; was of Trinity College, Oxford, where he continued two years; and afterwards of New College, where he held a fellowship, and took a degree of master of arts, the 2d of November, 1727: Was instituted to the rectory of Birchanger, in Essex, the 10th of August, 1728, which he resigned about December, 1742; was presented, by the warden and fellow of New College, to the rectory of Harwood Magna, in the county of Bucks; and was made professor of modern history at Oxford, in the room of Dr Holmes, who was appointed dean of Exeter in 1742. He died the 20th of August, 1768, at Byfleet, in Surry, aet. 65 * 36.107.

NEWTON OGLE, D. D. installed the 27th of October, 1768, the son of Nath. Ogle, M. D. of Kirkley, in the county of Northumberland, physician to the army under the duke of Marlborough. Dr Newton Ogle was made archdeacon of Surry, in 1761, and installed dean of Winchester the 21st of October, 1769.

PREBENDARIES OF THE EIGHTH STALL† 36.108.

JOHN TOWTON, S. T. B. appointed at the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541. He was deprived for recusancy on the royal visitation, 1560.

ADAM SHEPERDE was installed the 18th of July, 1560, being presented by the queen, the See vacant: He was admitted by Dr Watson and Dr Crawforth, pre∣bendaries of this church, who were guardians of the spiritualties, by virtue of a commission from the chapter of York, their archbishop being deprived, and the dean absent ‡ 36.109. He died in the year 1563.

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THOMAS LEVER was installed the 21st of February, 1563. He was born in Lancashire, and was preacher to king Edward VI. was elected master of St John's College, Cambridge, the 10th of December, 1551; was contemporary and fellow col∣legian with bishop Pilkington, archdeacon of Coventry, and on the 28th of January, 1562, made master of Sherburn hospital, in which year he subscribed the articles. He changed his religion in queen Mary's reign, and was deprived, in 1567, of his prebend for refusing to comply with ecclesiastical orders, but kept the hospital to the time of his death, which happened in July 1577, and was interred there.* 36.110

RICHARD LONGWORTHE, D. D. was collated the 9th of November, and installed the 3d of January, 1567. He was born at Bolton, in Cheshire, and ordained deacon the 9th of March, 1560, being master of arts, and fellow of St John's College, Cam∣bridge, at the age of twenty-seven: Was admitted master of St John's, the 11th of May, 1564, which he resigned in December, 1569; was installed prebend of Wor∣cester, the 3d of June, 1568; and promoted to the deanry of Chester, the 28th of February, 1572, upon which he resigned his prebend in this cathedral. He de∣parted this life in 1579; and by his will, dated the 19th of April in that year, gave a legacy to his host at the Red Lion, in Holborn, so that it is probable he died there.

FRANCIS BUNNEY, A. M. was installed the 13th of May, 1572. He was the third son of Richard Bunney, of Newland, near Wakefield, Esq born on the 8th of May, 1543; was fellow of Magdalen College, in 1563; chaplain to the earl of Bed∣ford; collated to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, the 20th of October, 1573, which he resigned for the rectory of Ryton, to which he was inducted the 13th of September, 1578. He died on the 16th of April, 1617, aet. 75, and was interred in Ryton church † 36.111.

FRANCIS BURGOYNE, D. D. was installed the 6th of May, 1617. He was col∣lated to Bishop-Weremouth in 1595; was rector of Spofforth, in the county of York; and collated to the archdeaconry of Northumberland, the 13th of September, 1631. He died in 1633 ‡ 36.112.

ANTHONY MAXTON, A. M. was collated the 23d of May, 1633. He was a Scotchman by birth, and recommended to bishop Morton, by king Charles I. he took deacon's orders in 1608; and was ordained priest in 1609: Was collated to Wolsingham rectory the 21st of June, 1614; and instituted to the rectory of Middle∣ton

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in Teesdale, on the 10th of July, 1619, on the presentation of Charles, then Prince of Wales. He died about the year 1641, and was interred at Wolsingham * 36.113.

JOHN BARWICK, D. D. was collated by bishop Morton, but never installed, as he resigned this stall for the fourth prebend † 36.114.

ROBERT GREY, D. D. was collated the 10th of May, 1652, but not installed till the 2d of November, 1660. He was the brother of lord Grey, of Wark; was col∣lated to the rectory of Bishop-Weremouth, the 15th of March, 1652: His parsonage house being greatly injured in the turbulent times, he was obliged to rebuild the front of it. In July, 1660, he was made bachelor of divinity at Cambridge, by man∣damus, and in September following, was in like manner created doctor in divinity: He departed this life the 9th of July, 1704, aet. 94, and was buried at Bishop-Were∣mouth.

ROBERT OSTLY, A. M. was collated the 28th of July, 1704. He was rector of Abinger, in Surry, was of Trinity College, Cambridge, and many years chaplain to bishop Crew. He died on the 11th of May, 1743, at his rectory, where he was in∣terred ‡ 36.115.

JAMES LESLEY, A. M. was installed the 20th of July, 1743. He was a native of Ireland, curate of St. Nicholas', Dublin, married a niece of bishop Chandler, to whom he was chaplain: Was collated to Wolsingham in 1741, and resigned it for Sedgefield, to which he was collated in May, 1747, being at that time doctor in divinity, an Irish degree of Trinity College, Dublin: Was a man of little learning. He accept∣ed the bishopric of Limerick, in Ireland, for a resignation of this stall, and the rectory of Sedgefield, in favour of Dr Lowth, then archdeacon of Winchester, who declined the bishopric of Limerick, but had liberty to exchange the appointment for English preferments. He died at Dublin.

ROBERT LOWTH, D. D. was installed the 29th of October, 1755, on Lesley's re∣signation. He was a son of William Lowth, prebendary of Winchester; educated at Winchester school; became scholar and fellow of New College; took the degree of master of arts, on the 8th of June, 1737; and that of doctor in divinity, by di∣ploma, the 8th of July, 1754. In 1750, he was made archdeacon of Winchester, which he resigned: Was instituted to the rectory of Sedgefield, the 23d of October, 1755; was chaplain to lord Huntington, lord-lieutenant of Ireland, and to their majesties George II. and III. On the 17th of May, 1766, he was consecrated bishop of St David's; and translated to Oxford, in 1767, holding this prebend, and his rectory, in commendam. In March, 1777, he resigned Sedgefield, and was removed to the See of London, where he now sits.

RICHARD KAYE, LL. D. was installed the 10th of July, 1777, sub-almoner to his majesty. He resigned this stall in 1783, on being appointed dean of Lincoln.

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CHARLES POYNTZ, D. D. was educated at Christ-Church, Oxford, where, he took his master of arts degree, the 4th of May, 1759; bachelor in divinity, the 25th of November, 1769; and doctor in divinity, the 7th of December, 1769: Was installed in this prebend the 24th of January, 1784. He holds some eccle∣siastical preferments in Norfolk and Wales.

PREBENDARIES OF THE NINTH STALL* 36.116.

NICHOLAS MARLEY, B. D. the 12th of May, 1541, by the foundation. He was instituted to Pittington vicarage, the 9th of April, 1548; was deprived thereof in 1560, and sentenced not to come within eight miles of Durham. He was also de∣prived of this stall, for recusancy.

THOMAS HORTON, clerk, was presented by queen Elizabeth, the 15th of January, 1560, the See being then vacant: It is probable he was never installed, as he re∣signed the same month † 36.117.

WILLIAM STEPHENSON, B. D. was presented by queen Elizabeth, and installed the 28th of January, 1560. The queen appointed him preacher at Berwick, and dispensed with his residence, allowing him the full profits of his prebend ‡ 36.118. He was appointed official to the dean and chapter, for Northumberland, the 24th of May, 1561; was vicar of Gainford, and also vicar of Hartburn. He died in the year 1575, and was buried before the choir door of this cathedral.

RICHARD FAWCETT, B. D. was installed the 10th of January, 1575. He was in∣ducted to the rectory of Boldon, the 14th of April, 1575. By his will, he ordered his remains to be interred in the chancel of Boldon church § 36.119.

GEORGE MOORCROFT, A. M. In a list of the prebendaries who answered at the visitation of bishop James, 1610, it appears he had this stall. He was rector of Stan∣hope and Wolsingham, and died in 1648 ‖ 36.120.

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THOMAS TRIPLETT, D. D. was collated to this prebend the 20th of March, 1648, by bishop Morton, though not installed till the 2d of November, 1660. He was born at or near Oxford, and was student in Christ-Church; had Whitburn in 1631; was rector of Washington in 1640; held a prebend in York cathedral, 1641, and another in Sarum 1645; and within those periods was vicar of Woodhorn, in Nor∣thumberland. He exchanged his stall in this church with Dr Sancroft, for one at Westminster. Died the 18th of July, 1670, aet. 70, and was buried in Westminster abbey* 36.121.

WILLIAM SANCROFT, D. D. was installed the 11th of March, 1661. He was born the 30th of January, 1616, at Fressingfield, in the county of Suffolk, the fami∣ly's place of residence for three hundred years. At the age of eighteen he was placed at Emanuel College, Cambridge, and matriculated in the year 1634: In 1637, was admitted to the degree of bachelor of arts; and master of arts in 1641; the year following, was elected a fellow of his college; and took the degree of bache∣lor in divinity in 1648, but, refusing to take the covenant, was ejected from his fel∣lowship in the year 1649; upon which he went abroad, and became intimately ac∣quainted with the most considerable English loyalists then in exile. In 1660, he was chosen one of the university preachers, though it appears he was at Rome when king Charles II. returned to England† 36.122. Soon after the Restoration, Dr Sancroft came home, and bishop Cosin, who knew him abroad, appointed him one of his chaplains; and on the 7th of December, 1661, he was collated to the rectory of Houghton-le-Spring, in which year he assisted in renewing the liturgy. By mandamus, he was created doctor in divinity in the month of March, 1661-2; and on the 14th of August following, was elected master of Emanuel College, which he governed with great propriety. In the beginning of the year 1663-4, the doctor was promoted to the deanry of York, which he held but a short time, yet long enough to expend 200l. more than the revenue produced, in repairs and other incident charges; during that short period bringing the church accounts into excellent order. On the death of Dr John Barwick, in 1664, he was removed to the deanry of St Paul's, soon after which he resigned Houghton, and the mastership of Emanuel. He now gave much attention to the repairs of his church, till the fire, in 1666, occasioned all his thoughts to be employed in rebuilding that fabric, to which he contributed 1400l. besides un∣wearied endeavours to promote a subscription: He rebuilt the deanry house, and improved the revenue thereof, as well as other livings in his gift, as dean. In 1668, he was admitted archdeacon of Canterbury, on the king's presentation, which he resigned in 1670. In 1677, being then prolocutor of the convocation, he was ad∣vanced by king Charles II. to the archbishopric of Canterbury, in which most con∣spicuous character, surrounded with the perils and errors of the times, he conducted himself with singular prudence, perspicuity, and religious virtue: His revenues were not dissipated in luxury and ostentation, but disposed in works of charity, muni∣ficence,

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and hospitality. He resigned this stall in 1674, having rebuilt the preben∣dal house. He attended king Charles II. on his death bed, when it is said, he made some remonstrances, and pressed sundry exhortations on the sovereign, towards which the complexion of the court had warmed his spirit. In 1686, the doctor re∣fused to act in the commission issued by king James II. for ecclesiastical affairs; and in 1688, was committed to the Tower, with six other bishops, for presenting a peti∣tion to the king, against reading his majesty's declaration of indulgence. The court pronouncing this petition libellous, on the 29th of June the prelates were tried for a misdemeanour, but, to the general satisfaction of the nation, were acquitted. He engaged his good offices for the dissenting Protestants, foreseeing the revolution that was approaching. On the 3d of October, accompanied with eight bishops, he at∣tended the king, who had demanded their counsel, and then, with a freedom virtue only inspires, urged the most serious and important advice to his sovereign, touch∣ing the unhappy situation of the state. A few days after, though very earnestly pressed by his majesty, he refused to sign a declaration of abhorrence of the Prince of Orange's designs; and on the 17th of November, he joined in another petition, for a free parliament. On the king's abdication, he signed, and concurred with the lords spiritual and temporal, assembled at Guildhall, in a declaration to the Prince of Orange for a free parliament, security of our laws, liberties, and properties, and of the church of England in particular, with a due indulgence to Protestant dissenters: But when that prince and his consort were declared king and queen, he refused to take the oaths to their majesties, was suspended the 1st of August, 1689, and deprived the 1st of February following. The above fact counteracts all the principles he ap∣peared to have adopted, and leaves his character under suspicion, or marked with duplicity, insincerity, and want of truth. The editor* 36.123 of the Collectanea Curiosa, embarrassed at this point, says,

As for the archbishop's character, let it be learned from his actions; for if we go for it to the writers of opposite parties, it will ap∣pear, in different hands, as different as possible. He certainly gave the strongest instance possible of sincerity, in sacrificing the highest dignities, and other the greatest advantages, to what he thought truth and honesty.
He continued at Lambeth till June, 1691, and then retired to his native place, where he spent the remainder of his life in strict retirement, and died on the 24th of November, 1693, aer. 77. The before mentioned editor says,
His grace left behind him a vast multitude of papers and collections in MS. and therein more perhaps wrote with his own hand, than any man either of this or the last age ever did write† 36.124. Upon his decease they came into his nephew's hands, and after his nephew's death, they were purchased by the late bishop Tanner, who gave them, with the rest of his valuable MSS. to the Bodleian library, Oxford‡ 36.125.

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THOMAS HOLDSWORTH, A. M. was installed the 1st of June, 1675, on the pre∣sentation of king Charles II. in these words, Ad nostram donacionem spectant. virtute prerogativae regiae, racione temporalium ejusd. episcopatus in manibus nostris existent. He was rector, or dean as he is stiled, of Middleham, in the county of York: The time of his death is uncertain* 36.126; Willis says 1680.

HENRY BAGSHAW, D. D. was installed the 20th of July, 1680. He was born at Broughton, in Northamptonshire; received his first rudiments at Westminster school, from whence he was elected student of Christ-Church in 1651: He was chaplain to Sir Richard Fanshaw, ambassador in Spain and Portugal; after his return was made chaplain to archbishop Stern, who gave him the prebend of Southwell, and rectory of Castleton, in Synderick: In 1667, he held the prebend of Barneby, in York cathe∣dral; and in 1668, that of Friday Thorp. He took a bachelor of divinity's degree on the 7th of July, 1668; and on the 28th of November, 1671, that of doctor in divinity: In 1672, was made chaplain to the lord-treasurer Danby, and rector of St Botolph's church, near Bishopsgate, London, which was exchanged for Houghton-le-Spring, where he departed this life on the 30th of December, 1709, aet. 77, and was interred in the chancel of the church there† 36.127.

WILLIAM HARTWEL, D. D. was installed the 7th of February, 1709, and re∣moved to the tenth prebend‡ 36.128: In 1681, he was instituted to the rectory of Whickham; and in 1685, to that of Stanhope, where he made great improvements in his par∣sonage house and gardens. He departed this life on the 1st of June, 1725, and was buried at the north end of the middle transept in this cathedral § 36.129.

Page 207

THOMAS EDEN, LL. D. was installed the 24th of July, 1711, and was removed to the seventh stall* 36.130.

Page 208

WILLIAM LUPTON, D. D. was installed the 20th of September, 1715. He was fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, lecturer of St Dunstan's, in Fleet-street, Lon∣don, morning preacher in Lincoln's Inn, and afternoon lecturer in the Temple: Was vicar of Richmond, in Yorkshire, for one year, and resigned in the spring, 1706. In a sermon preached on Prov. iii. 16. he complimented bishop Crew very highly on the fiftieth anniversary of his consecration. He preached lady Moyer's lectures, but an indifferent performance; at his death, he desired none of his dis∣courses might be published, acknowledging he was not that great man the world thought him * 36.131. On the 1st of July, 1700, he took a master of arts degree; that of bachelor of divinity the 14th of February, 1708; and doctor in divinity the 13th of February, 1711. He died at Tunbridge Wells the 14th of December, 1726.

JOHN JOHNSON, LL. D. was installed on the 18th of January, 1726. He was curate to Mr Bruce, vicar of Middleton-Tyas, in Yorkshire, in the year 1700. He had no university education, but on the 13th of January, 1731, was admitted in Brazen-Nose College, to a degree of bachelor of civil law, by diploma; and on the 16th of June, 1726, to that of doctor in civil law. He professed a knowledge of surgery, and attempted many desperate cases, in one of which succeeding with lady Clayton, one of the maids of honour, by her interest at court, was appointed do∣mestic chaplain to the lady Caroline, then princess of Wales; and by king Geo. II. was presented to the vicarage of Manfield, in the county of York: He afterwards had Hurworth rectory, by presentation of Charles Pinkney, Esq 1714; and died in possession of that living, the 14th of October, 1761, aet. 84, where he lies interred† 36.132.

CHARLES MORGAN, A. M. was installed by proxy, the 25th of February, 1762. Was student of Christ-Church, where he took a degree of master of arts on the 24th of March, 1757: Was chaplain to bishop Trevor, and resigned this prebend for the rectory of Haughton, near Darlington, into which he was inducted the 9th of June, 1764: He died at Scarborough, on the 26th of the same month, aet. 32, and was in∣terred in the porch of his church at Haughton ‡ 36.133.

CHARLES WESTON, A. M. was installed the 11th of August, 1764, and removed to the sixth stall § 36.134.

JOHN SHARP, D. D. eldest son of Thomas Sharp, prebendary of the tenth stall, vicar of Hartburn, and archdeacon of Northumberland, was installed on the 11th of August, 1768.

PREBENDARIES OF THE TENTH STALL‖ 36.135.

ROBERT BLAKISTON, on the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541. He died in the year 1550.

Page 209

JOHN RUD, B. D. chaplain in ordinary to king Edward VI. and was presented by him on the 20th of June, 1550, ex avisamento & consensu privati consilii sui, and was installed on the 22d of July following: He was also installed a prebendary of Win∣chester, in 1551, but on the accession of queen Mary, was deprived in 1553 * 36.136.

GEORGE BULLOCK, D. D. was presented by queen Mary, and installed on the 9th of May, 1554. On the 12th of May, in the same year, he was admitted master of St John's College, Cambridge. On the presentation of Philip and Mary, was in∣stituted vicar of St Sepulchre, London, the 11th of February in that year, but re∣signed that church before the 2d of October, 1556: In the year 1559, he was de∣prived, fled beyond sea, and lived at Antwerp, in the monastery of St Michael, where we presume he died in 1580† 36.137.

JOHN RUD, restored in 1559. He died in the year 1578‡ 36.138, and was buried in this cathedral.

HUGH BROUGHTON, A. M. was collated the 13th, and installed the 14th of November, 1578. He was a fellow of Christ College, Cambridge, and learned in the Eastern languages, but was esteemed arrogantly opinionative: Was collated to Washington rectory the 6th of May, 1580, and resigned his prebend that year. He died the 4th of August, 1612 § 36.139.

RALPH TUNSTALL, A. M. was installed the 9th of November, 1580. He was domestic chaplain to archbishop Grindal, prebendary of Knaresbrough, in York cathedral, the 15th of March, 1571; master of St Mary Magdalen's hospital, at Ripon, the 24th of September, 1572; and collated to the archdeaconry of Northum∣berland, the 29th of October, 1581. He departed this life in March, 1618 ‖ 36.140.

AUGUSTIN LINDSELL, D. D. was installed the 8th of April, 1619, and removed to the second stall ¶ 36.141.

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DANIEL BIRKHEAD, D. D. was removed from the sixth prebend * 36.142, and installed the 5th of August, 1620. He died in 1624.

JOHN COSIN, D. D. was collated the 4th of December, 1624, and consecrated bishop of Durham, 1660 † 36.143.

DANIEL BREVINT, A. M. was presented by king Charles II. sede vacante, and in∣stalled the 15th of March, 1660: Was born in the island of Jersey, and educated at Jesus College, Oxford, where he was incorporated master of arts, and was the first fellow of the French fellowship, founded by king Charles I. Was made master of arts at Saumur, in France, where he was a voluntary exile, minister of a church in Normandy, and chaplain to the Prince of Turin. In 1661, he was created doctor in divinity at Oxford; was instituted to Brancepeth, the 10th of September, 1662; and was dean of Lincoln, where he died the 5th of May, 1695, and was interred in the cathedral there ‡ 36.144.

FITZHERBERT ADAMS, D. D. was installed the 8th of June, 1695, being re∣moved from the sixth stall § 36.145: He was also removed from this stall to the eleventh.

WILLIAM HARTWELL, D. D. was installed the 14th of June, 1711, being re∣moved from the ninth stall ‖ 36.146. He died the 1st of June, 1725.

GEORGE SAYER, A. M. was installed the 30th of June, 1725. He was the son of George Sayer, of Doctor's Commons, and brother of Dr Exton Sayer, spiritual chancellor of Durham ¶ 36.147: This family sprung from Croft in Yorkshire. Mr George Sayer, the prebendary, was of Oriel College, where he took a master of arts degree, the 14th of December, 1719; and that of doctor in divinity, the 5th of May, 1735. He was chaplain to bishop Talbot, and married a daughter of archbishop Potter: Was collated to the vicarage of Witham, in Essex, by bishop Robinson, in 1722, which he resigned in 1732: In 1730, was collated to the archdeaconry of Northum∣berland, with Easington, on which he agreed to resign this stall, but bishop Talbot's death intervening, it was not surrendered till the 26th of September, 1732, to bishop Chandler, he having applied to the crown for confirmation of the above preferments: He died at Brussels in 1761, having retired thither on account of his embarrassed cir∣cumstances.

THOMAS SHARP, D. D. was installed the 1st of December, 1732. He was a younger son of archbishop Sharp; was admitted of Trinity College, about the year 1708, aet. 15; where he obtained the degree of doctor in divinity, In 1729, and was fellow: He was chaplain to archbishop Dawes; and on the 19th of July, 1720, was

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collated to the rectory of Rothbury, in the county of Northumberland: He held the prebend of Southwell, and afterwards that of Wistow, in York cathedral: In 1722, was collated to the archdeaconry of Northumberland; and in 1755, succeeded Dr Mangey, in the officialty of the dean and chapter: He departed this life on the 16th of March, 1758, and was interred in this cathedral, in the place called the Gallilee * 36.148.

Sir HENRY VANE, Bart. LL. D. was installed the 5th of April, 1758. He was the third son of George Vane, Esq of Long-Newton; educated at Durham school, from whence he was entered of Trinity College, and there had a fellowship: Was chaplain to bishop Trevor, and on the 21st of April, 1754, was inducted to Stain∣ton, in this county; on the 7th of July, 1761, was admitted to the degree of doctor of laws: He exchanged Stainton for Long-Newton, which he now enjoys. In 178 was created a baronet.

PREBENDARIES OF THE ELEVENTH STALL† 36.149.

ROBERT BENNET, a monk, and bursar of this convent at the dissolution, appoint∣ed by the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541. He was instituted to the vicarage of Gainford on the 18th of December, 1558, and departed this life in August, 1558.

ANTHONY SALVIN, B. D. was installed the 12th of October, 1558, being re∣moved from the twelfth stall, in which year he was made vicar general on Dr Hynd∣mers' death: He was a younger son of Gerrard Salvyn, of Croxdale, in this county; was collated to a prebend in Norton church, the 10th of May, 1544; master of Sherburn hospital, in 1552; and held the rectories of Winston and Ryton, which he resigned on being collated to Sedgefield, on the 20th of December, in the year 1558; but was soon after deprived of all his ecclesiastical preferments, and sentenced not to depart five miles northward of Kirby-moor-side, in the county of York, or to go to the city of York: He is noted as a person well esteemed in the country, but a man of mean erudition ‡ 36.150.

JOHN HENSHAW, or HENNESHEY, clerk, was presented by queen Elizabeth, sede vacante, and installed the 29th of November, 1559. He died the next year § 36.151.

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ADAM HOLYDAY was installed the 3d of January, 1560. He was presented by queen Elizabeth, sede vacante, and admitted by Dr Watson and Dr John Crawforth, who were guardians of the spiritualties of this See, by a commission from the chap∣ter of York, that See being then vacant by the deprivation of the archbishop, and the dean being abroad in foreign parts. The same year the queen presented him to the rectory of Bishop-Weremouth; and in 1561, he was appointed by the chapter to collect the queen's tenths * 36.152. His successor was

CLEMENT COLEMORE, LL.D. who was installed the 9th of May, 1590. He was ordained a deacon by bishop Barnes, the 22d of December, 1583; and received priest's orders the 20th of December, 1584, then being spiritual chancellor and vicar general of this diocese † 36.153: He was fellow of Brazen-Nose College, and proctor in 1578; and on the 5th of July, 1582, was admitted to the degree of doctor of civil law: Was instituted to Brancepeth on the 15th of April, 1584; was made preben∣dary of Gaia Major, in Litchfield church, the 13th of February, 1586; and depart∣ed this life on the 18th of June, 1689, aet. 69, and was interred in this cathedral ‡ 36.154.

FERDINANDO MOORCROFT, A. M. was collated the 14th of July, 1619, being removed from the sixth stall § 37.1. He died about the year 1641.

RALPH BROWNRIGG, D. D. succeeded about 1641. He was chaplain to bishop Morton, who gave him the archdeaconry of Coventry, in 1631; was prebendary of Ely, in the fifth stall, 1621; rector of Baily, and master of the Temple; and elected to the bishopric of Exeter, the 31st of March, 1642. He departed this life on the 7th day of December, 1659, and was buried in the Temple church ‖ 37.2.

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THOMAS WOOD, D. D. was presented by king Charles II. sede vacante, the 7th of July, and installed the 10th of December, 1660. He was born at Hackney, and received his first rudiments, at Westminster school, from whence he was elected student of Christ-Church, Oxford, in 1627; and was admitted to the degree of doctor in divinity, in 1641: Was made chaplain in ordinary to king Charles I. when he was twenty-eight years of age, and collated to the rectory of Whickham on the 2d of July, 1635. He travelled to Rome during the Rebellion, and soon after the Restoration was made chaplain to king Charles II. In 1663, was appoint∣ed to the deanry of Litchfield; and in 1671, was consecrated bishop of that diocese, and held this prebend in commendam: He died at Astrop Wells, in Northampton∣shire, on the 18th of April, 1692, and was interred at Ufford, in Suffolk * 38.1.

JOHN MONTAGUE, D. D. was installed the 3d of June, 1692, being removed from the fourth stall † 38.2.

THEOPHILUS PICKERING, D. D. was installed the 1st of February, 1699, being removed from the fourth stall‡ 38.3. He died the 20th of March, 1710.

FITZHERBERT ADAMS, D. D. was installed on the 14th of April, 1711, being removed from the tenth stall § 38.4. He died the 12th of June, 1719.

JOHN DOLBEN, D. D. was installed the 18th of July, 1719, being removed from the sixth stall ‖ 38.5. He died the 21st of November, 1756.

WADHAM KNATCHBULL, LL. D. was installed the 8th of January, 1757, being removed from the twelfth stall. He was the third son of Sir Edward Knatchbull, of Mershamhatch, in the county of Kent, Bart. a fellow of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and took a degree of doctor of laws in July, 1741; was chaplain to bishop Chandler; and in 1738, inducted to the family living of Chilham, in Kent. He departed this life

Page 214

on the 27th of December, 1760, and was interred in the Galilee of this cathe∣dral * 38.6.

SAMUEL DICKENS, D. D. was installed the 19th of March, 1761, being removed from the twelfth stall: Was a student of Christ-Church, Oxford, and chaplain to bishop Trevor: On the 9th of July, 1743, was admitted to a degree of master of arts, and bachelor in divinity, on the 25th of October, 1752; and that of doctor in divinity, the 20th of June, 1753: In the year 1752, he was proctor of the university; and in 1754, was made the king's Greek professor: He was made official to the dean and chapter of Durham, in 1760; and on the 8th of January, 1762, was appointed archdeacon of Durham, with the rectory of Easington annexed.

PREBENDARIES OF THE TWELFTH STALL† 38.8.

WILLIAM WATSON, a monk of Durham, by the foundation, the 12th of May, 1541: He died in the year 1556.

ANTHONY SALVIN, B. D. was collated the 12th, and installed the 16th of Octo∣ber, 1556, and removed to the eleventh stall‡ 38.9.

GEORGE CLIFFE, B. D. was collated by queen Mary, the 13th of September, 1558. Was instituted to the vicarage of Billingham, the 29th of May, 1560,

Page 215

whereof he was deprived in 1565: Was collated to the rectory of Elwick, the 17th June, 1562; and instituted to Brancepeth rectory, the 29th of March, 1571, which he resigned in 1584; and was again instituted to Billingham, the 11th of January, 1684. He died in 1695* 38.10.

HENRY EWBANKE, A. M. was installed the 8th of September, 1596; and resign∣ed the same, the 5th of October, 1620: Was collated to Washington, the 24th of December, 1583; and to Winston in 1588; was instituted to St Mary's hospital in Newcastle, the 15th of March, 1585, which he resigned in 1615: He was preben∣dary of Gaia Minor, in Litchfield church, in 1581; and was removed to Weeford prebend, in the same church, 1586; and resigned the latter, 1612: Was collated to the rectory of Whickham, on the 5th of September, 1620; and departed this life in 1628† 38.11.

WILLIAM JAMES, A. M. was installed the 6th of October, 1620. He was nearly related to bishop James, and was public orator at Oxford, in 1601; was col∣lated to Craike, on the 10th of July, 1614; to Washington, on the 12th of Sep∣tember, 1616; to Ryton, in May 1617; and to Merrington, in August, 1629. He rebuilt his prebendal house; was one of the proxies for the chapter, at the convo∣cation at York, 1625; and one of the prebendaries who supported the canopy over the head of king Charles I. when at Durham. He died in the month of January, 1659, and was interred in this cathedral‡ 38.12.

GUY CARLETON, D. D. was presented by king Charles II. sede vacante, and in∣stalled the 2d of November, 1660: Was born at Brampton Foot, in Gilsland, in the county of Cumberland, and was educated at Carlisle, from whence he was sent to Queen's College, Oxford; was fellow thereof, and proctor of the university, in 1635: He held the vicarage of Bucklersbury, in Berkshire: Was collated to Wol∣singham, in November, 1660, and the same year had the deanry of Carlisle: In 1671, was consecrated bishop of Bristol; and, in 1678, was translated to the bishop∣ric of Chichester, holding this prebend in commendam: He departed this life on the 6th of July, 1685, aet. 80, and was buried in his cathedral church § 38.13.

JOHN MORTON, D. D. was installed the 18th of July, 1685, being removed from the sixth stall ‖ 38.14. He died in 1722.

Page 216

THOMAS RUNDLE, LL. B. was installed the 3d of December, 1722, being re∣moved from the first stall * 38.15. He died in 1743.

WADHAM CHANDLER, A. M. was installed the 21st of July, 1735: Was the youngest son of bishop Chandler; received his first rudiments at Eton school, from whence he was admitted in Clare Hall, Cambridge: Was appointed spiritual chan∣cellor of this diocese, in September, 1731; collated to Bishop-Weremouth, in May, 1732: In July, 1733, was inducted to Washington; and made master of Sherburn hospital, in 1735, whereby he vacated his two rectories: He died at Aix, in France, the 2d of June, 1737, and his remains were brought over to be interred in the Gal∣lilee of this cathedral.

WADHAM KNATCHBULL, LL. D. was installed the 17th of June, 1738, and re∣moved to the eleventh stall† 38.16.

SAMUEL DICKENS, D. D. was installed the 8th of January, 1757, and removed to the eleventh stall ‡ 38.17.

THOMAS BURTON, D. D. was installed the 11th of May, 1761, being removed from the third stall§ 38.18. He departed this life in 1767.

EDMUND LAW, D. D. was installed the 8th of August, 1767: Was of St John's College, Cambridge, but invited to Christ's, and chosen a fellow of that society: Was one of the Zodiack, as a set of learned and ingenious young men in the univer∣sity were then called, and distinguished himself very early by writing on the Being and Attributes of God; and especially in his notes on his translation of archbishop King's Origin of Evil; wherein our ideas of space, time, and immensity, and the self-existence, necessary existence, and unity of God, are more accurately enquired into, and discussed with greater clearness and precision, than by any writer before or since, on such abstruse metaphysical subjects. He was also principally concerned in pub∣lishing an excellent edition of Stephens's Thesaurus. In 1739, he accepted the rectory of Graystoke, to which he was presented by the university. When Mr Howard, now duke of Norfolk, sold the advowson, he stipulated with the purchaser in favour of Mr Law, for a presentation from a Protestant patron. Mr Law accordingly re∣signed this rectory, and had a new presentation from Dr Askew, the purchaser. This allowed him to remove to Salkeld, the corps of the archdeaconry of Carlisle, a much more healthy situation, given him by bishop Fleming. While in Cumber∣land, he published Considerations on the Theory of Religion, which has gone through several editions; Litigiousness repugnant to the Laws of Christianity, an assize sermon, at Carlisle, and a charge on the Nature and Necessity of Catechising. In 1747, he proceeded to doctor in divinity: The divinity school was unusually crowded, and the rigidly orthodox were so alarmed at his question, that it gave occasion to much al∣tercation afterwards, in a variety of publications; but he himself, unwilling to give further offence,

thought it a part of Christian prudence not to be more explicit on the subject, till men appear more willing to submit their vain philosophy to the authority of God's word, and are disposed to examine things with greater atten∣tion

Page 217

and impartiality; concluding in the words of honest bishop Taylor, that he had been so pushed at by herds and flocks of people, that follow any body that whistles to them, or drives them to pasture, that he was grown afraid of any truth that seemed chargeable with singularity.
In 1755, he returned to Cambridge, having been chosen master of St Peter's College, when he resigned the archdeaconry, but kept the rectory. He served the office of vice-chancellor, in 1756, and, having a numerous family, he afterwards accepted the office of principal librarian, and that of casuistical professor; and had also the archdeaconry of Stafford, and a stall in the church of Lincoln, given him on his promotion to the See of Carlisle, in 1769; he kept the headship of his college, and had the rectory of Greystoke in commendam.— He published only two or three sermons afterwards; but, though advanced to a great age, such was his veneration for the great Mr Locke, and his love for freedom of en∣quiry, that he surprised the world with an excellent edition of the works of that great philosopher in four volumes, folio.—He is still living.

JOHN ROSS, D. D. was installed the 17th of March, 1769. He was born at Ross, in the county of Hereford, and was fellow of St John's College, Cambridge; was preacher at the Rolls chapel, and private tutor to Thomas viscount Weymouth, who presented him to the vicarage of Frome Zalwood, in Somersetshire: He was chaplain to the king, by whom he was presented to this prebend, on the 28th of February, preceding his installation. In 1777, was consecrated bishop of Exeter, when he resigned this stall, and was succeeded by

THOMAS DAMPIER, D. D. (son to the late dean) who was installed the 26th of February, 1778; succeeded his father as master of Sherburn hospital; and is now dean of Rochester.

ARCHDEACONS OF DURHAM* 38.19.

LEOBWIN, or LEOFWYN, seems to have been the first archdeacon, by whose mis∣conduct the murder of bishop Walcher was occasioned. Le Neve says, thence

the very name of archdeacon grew so mighty odious to the people, that the succeed∣ing bishop thought proper at that time to sink the title, and vest the power in the prior of Dunholme; but, after some time, the memory thereof being pretty much worn away, the title and office were resumed, and this seems to be about the year 1188.

ALDWIN, who dying the 12th of April, 1087, was succeeded by

TURGOT, on whose being made bishop of St Andrew's, in Scotland, in the year 1108† 38.20,

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MICHAEL succeeded in bishop Ralph's time, and resumed the title and office, as a distinct person from the prior of Durham* 38.21.

ROBERT DE ST AGATHA occurs Ao 1129, and 1131 † 38.22.

WAROW, or WAZO, succeeded in the year 1147‡ 38.23. As did

RANNULPH, about 1150§ 38.24. And

LAWRENCE, D. D. An. 1153. He and Laurence the prior went to Rome, to defend the election of Hugh Pudsey to this See. Obiit 11th of April, 1176. After him occurs

WILLIAM, in the year 1174‖ 38.25.

JOHN, subjoined by this title as witness to a deed of bishop Hugh's, about 1180¶ 38.26.

BURCHARD DE PUDSEY occurs about 1109, and died possessed of this dignity, the 6th of December, 1196** 38.27.

AIMERICK DE TALBOYS, nephew to bishop Philip de Poictiers, whom I find pos∣sessed in 1198 and 1214, next year after which he is said to be appointed high-sheriff of Northumberland†† 38.28.

SYMEON occurs archdeacon of Durham, with Alanus, archdeacon of Northum∣berland, witnesses to a grant of bishop Richard, the 6th of May, 1218.

WILLIAM occurs in 1219. Willis says,

I take him to be the same with Wil∣liam de Lanim, whom I meet with in 1226 and 1236; he died, as I find by a note, An. 1249.
Le Neve tells us it appears, he
Was archdeacon of Dunholme, in 1219, by an ancient inscription in a window, in the hall of University College, Oxford:
He adds,
I believe this was the same with W. de Lanim, if so, I hear of him again 1234‡‡ 38.29.

THOMAS DE ANESTY was possessed in 1250. Le Neve says, he was also arch∣deacon of Northumberland §§ 38.30.

RICHARD or ROBERT DE SANCTA AGATHA, archdeacon of Durham, was col∣lector

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of the tenths in the diocese of Durham, the 7th of September, 1266* 38.31; he occurs as witness to a charter in 1271, by the name of Robert† 38.32.

ANTHONY BECK held this dignity in 1275 and 1283, in which latter year he was consecrated bishop of Durham‡ 38.33, and was succeeded by

WILLIAM DE LUDA, anglice Lowth, who held it in 1284; and being made bishop of Ely, in 1290§ 38.34, was succeeded by

S. DE FARLINGTON, who held it in 1296.

WM DE S. BOTULPHO occurs in 1300 and 1308‖ 38.35.

THOMAS DE GOLDESBURGH occurs in 1311¶ 38.36: He died in 1333, whereupon the bishop conferred this dignity on his nephew Aumerick de Bellomonte, but the king disapproving of this appointment, nominated thereto

ROBERT DE TAUNTON; but whether he enjoyed the office seems uncertain, though the king repeated his patent by way of confirmation: He dying in 1335** 38.37, the next who occurs is

AUMERICK DE BELLOMONTE, in 1336 and 1338. His successor was

THO. DE NEVILL, who occurs in July 1340 and 1356. He died in the year 1362; was prebendary of Bole, in the church of York; a prebendary of Hoveden; and also of Darlington, in this diocese, and rector of Thorp-Basset, in the county of York.

WILLIAM DE WESTLEE next occurs, in 1362; he was temp. chancellor†† 38.38.

ALEXANDER DE NEVILL occurs the 12th of January, 1370. It seems doubtful whether this was the same person who was preferred to the See of York, in 1374, as Willis tells us;—no such person is named by Le Neve‡‡ 38.39.

GABEVAN is the next on the list, a Roman cardinal, noted by Fox in his Martyrs, vol. i. p. 563, who informs us he held the office in 1378: But this is an error of our author, for by the Parliament Rolls, 50 king Edward III. an. 1376, it appears, Communes in Parliamento inter alia regni gravamina queruntur quod Jacobus de Ursinis cardinalis quidam Romanus, archidiaconatum Dunelm. tenuit.

WILLIAM DE BASINSTOKE, otherwise called Mundy de Basingstoke, was collated the 13th of August, 1379§§ 38.40.

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AGAPITUS DE COLUMPNA CARDINALIS S. PRISCAE held it in 1380, as we learn from Rym. Foedera, vol vii. p. 276: In which authority

PILEUS Cardinalis S. Praxedis is mentioned the 11th of July, 1381* 38.41. He being presented by the king during a vacancy of the See.

THOMAS DE WESTON, prebendary of Grindal, in the church of York, and one of the prebendaries of Hoveden, held this office in 1393; and dying in the year 1408† 38.42, was succeeded by

ALAN DE NEWARKE, who resigned on the 15th of February, in the same year.

JOHN HOVINGHAM, LL. D. was collated the 16th of February, 1408; and occurs possessed of this office, the 4th of May, 1416‡ 38.43.

JOHN KEMPE succeeded the 13th of October, 1417; on whose promotion to the See of Rochester, an. 1419§ 38.44,

ROBERT GILBERT was promoted by the crown, and we find him possessed there∣of in 1420. In the year 1436, he was consecrated bishop of London, but who suc∣ceeded him here is uncertain: One Robert Rollinson is named, but no authority ap∣pears.

WILLIAM LE SCROOPE was promoted to this dignity in 1437, and held it twenty-six years: He died the 5th of May, 1463, and was buried in York cathedral‖ 38.45.

RALPH BOOTH, prebendary of Norton, occurs in 1463: It is probable that bishop Booth, who was consecrated in 1457, before his translation to York, collated Ralph to this dignity, as he did to the archdeaconry of York, in 1477: He held both to the time of his death, which happened in 1497: Was temporal chancellor of Durham.

THOMAS COLSTON, LL. B. next occurs; nephew to bishop Fox, who collated him the 20th of April, 1497¶ 39.1. He resigned, and

ROGER LEYBOURNE succeeded the 24th of January, 1499. He Was temporal chancellor of Durham, master of Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, a prebendary of York, and occurs archdeacon of York, on the 10th of September, 1503; and in the succeeding year, was consecrated bishop of Carlisle.

JOHN BOERNIUS, a Genoese clerk, was obtruded into this dignity by the pope: He resigned in 1515, but reserved to himself a pension of 50 l. per ann.

WILLIAM FRANKLEYN, B. D. occurs in 1531. He was both temporal and spi∣ritual chancellor to the bishops Ruthall, Wolsey, and Tunstall; held the rectory of Houghton, in the fourteenth year of king Henry VIII. In the year 1538, was made dean of Windsor; and about the same time rector of Chalfonte, in the county of Bucks: In 1545, being master of St Giles's hospital, at Keypier, he surrendered the same into the king's hands, as also great part of the revenue of Windsor deanry; but

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being complained of for concealment, was obliged to surrender the entire deanry in 1553, keeping all his other preferments to the time of his death, which happen∣ed about the year 1555: The place of his interment is uncertain, but it is probable he was buried obscurely at St Giles's, Chalfonte* 39.2.

BERNARD GILPIN, B. D. succeeded in this archdeaconry, in 1556, but quitted it in about four years;— the particulars of his life will be inserted under the head of Houghton parish, in the sequel.

JOHN EBDEN, B. D. and prebendary of Ely, was appointed by queen Elizabeth, during a vacancy of the See, on the 22d of May, 1560: Was proctor of the univer∣sity of Cambridge, and had rich benefices in the diocese of Ely and Winchester, in the latter of which he was archdeacon: Did not hold his office in this church long† 39.3, for we find

JOHN PILKINGTON, B. D. brother and chaplain to bishop Pilkington, succeeded the 5th of December, 1563. He was interred in this cathedral, without any monu∣ment, Ao 1603‡ 39.4.

WILLIAM MORTON, B. D. was collated the 19th of November, 1603: Was rector of Long Newton, in 1588; and vicar of St Nicholas' church, in Newcastle, where he was interred, the 18th of July, 1620.

GABRIEL CLARKE, D. D. was collated the 9th of September, 1621. Died in 1662, and was buried in this cathedral§ 39.5.

DENNIS GRANVILLE, D. D. succeeded, being collated the 16th of September, 1662: Was deprived in 1691‖ 39.6; and succeeded by

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ROBERT BOOTHE, B. D. the 15th of May, 1691: Was dean of Bristol, where he died, and was interred the 18th of August, 1730.

GEORGE SAYER, A. M. succeeded on the 3d of November, 1730. He died in 1761* 39.7, and was succeeded by

SAMUEL DICKENS, D. D. on the 8th of January, 1762† 39.8.

ARCHDEACONS OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

This dignity, with Howick rectory annexed, was valued, in 1534, at 36l. 13s. 4d.

RANULPH NEPOS E'PI RANULPHI, witness to the bishops charter, sans date, oc∣curs in 1131.

ROBERT held this office in 1140, as did

RALPH, in the year 1141 and 1153, and‡ 39.9

WILLIAM, 1160.

DURAND enjoyed it in 1174§ 39.10; we have then a great vacancy, for the first nomi∣nee that occurs is

RICHARD DE MARISCO, archdeacon of Richmond, and afterwards bishop of Dur∣ham, and lord chancellor, an. 4 Joh. regis, 1212; occurs again in 1223. He ad∣ministered the oath to king John, which the sovereign took to the pope‖ 39.11.

ALAN DE LENN is the next that occurs, in 1219¶ 39.12.

THOMAS DE ANESTY was preferred thereto by the king, during the vacancy of the See, the 5th of April, 1248; and quitted it for the archdeaconry of Durham, in 1250.

THOMAS DE HEREFORD died possessed of the office, in August, 1253** 39.13; and the next we find is

RICHARD DE MIDDLETON, the 23d of September, 1270; and after him

ROGER DE HERTBURN, in 1288; and

NICHOLAS DE WELLS, in 1310, and 1311†† 39.14.

ROBERT DE PICKERING, on the 12th of June, 1312: Was made dean of York‡‡ 39.15, and it is probable quitted the archdeaconry in 1314, in favour of

THOMAS CHARLTON, LL. D. who was consecrated bishop of Hereford, in 1327§§ 39.16, upon whose resignation

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JOHN DE CHARLETON was presented by the king, the 16th of February, 1328* 39.17.

EDMUND HOWARD occurs in the year 1343; and

WILLIAM DE SHREWSBURY, in 1353 and 1355† 39.18: Was prebendary of Longden, and archdeacon of Salop, in Litchfield cathedral.

JOHN DE BAMBURGH occurs in 1361‡ 39.19; and was succeeded by

RICHARD DE BARNARDCASTLE, who was collated the 10th of September, 1362: Was temporal chancellor of this palatine, and seems to be the same person that erected the shrine of St Bede, and was interred near thereto. He resigned for the deanry of Auckland, in 1369.

THOMAS DUFFIELD was collated the 19th of August, 1369‖ 39.20.

WILLIAM DE BEVERLEY succeeded by exchange, in January, 1369: Was pre∣bendary of Stillington, in York cathedral.

JOHN DE DERBY was presented by king Edward III. during a vacancy of the See, the 9th of February, 1370, and William de Beverley was ejected§ 39.21.

JOHN REFAME occurs in 1386 and 1397¶ 39.22.

JOHN DE DALTON, in 1409.

JOHN RICHARDSON resigned in 1410.

HENRY ELTON succeeded, and soon after resigned** 39.23 to

JOHN RICKENGALE, who possessed it a very short time; for we find he resigned it in favour of

JOHN AKUM, in 1411; and on his resignation

JOHN RICKENGALE again had this office: Was made bishop of Chester†† 39.24, 1426.

ROBERT BURTON, D. D. occurs in 1421‡‡ 39.25.

MARMADUKE LUMLEY occurs in 1422 and 1427: Was precentor of Lincoln, rector of Stepney, in Middlesex, and of Charius, in Kent: In 1430, was conse∣crated bishop of Carlisle; and in 1450, was translated to the bishopric of Lincoln. He died in 1451§§ 39.26.

ROBERT BURTON occurs again in 1427, on the resignation of Lumley‖‖ 39.27; and

WILLIAM GRAY occurs in 1448¶¶ 39.28.

JOHN BURNE occurs in 1464.

ROBERT MASON, LL. D. occurs in 1481. He was precentor of Lincoln, master of Trinity Hall, Cambridge** 39.29, and prebendary of Farendon; was also one of the

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prebendaries of Norton in this county; died possessed of this dignity in 1493, and was interred in Lincoln cathedral* 39.30.

RALPH SCROPE instituted the 23d of February, 1493: Was prebendary of North Kelsey, or Ailesbury, or perhaps both successively, in Lincoln cathedral, and rector of Hambledon, in Bucks: Was succeeded by

ROBERT DAVELL, or DOVELL, LL. D. who appears possessed of this dignity in 1518 and 1541: Was a canon of Exeter, and had Holm prebend, in York, the 29th of May, 1541. He died in the year 1557† 40.1.

WILLIAM CARTER, D. D. was collated the 3d of November, 1558: He was deprived, and sentenced to remain at Thirsk, or within ten miles, on account of his recusancy‡ 40.2: Died at Mechlin, in Brabant, in the year 1578.

WILLIAM KINGE, B. D. of King's College, Cambridge: Was presented by queen Elizabeth, the 1st of January, 1560, being her chaplain§ 40.3: Was prebendary of Canterbury and Windsor, at the latter of which places he died, and was interred the 23d of September, 1590‖ 40.4: Was deprived of this archdeaconry for non-resi∣dence, some time before his death.

RALPH LEVER, A. M. was collated the 21st of October, 1566: Was a preben∣dary in the first stall of this church, resigned this dignity in the year 1573, and was succeeded by

FRANCIS BUNNEY, A. M. who was collated the 20th of October, 1573; re∣signed on being inducted to the rectory of Ryton.

JAMES BOLD, D. D. was collated the 25th of September, 1578: Was of Cor∣pus-Christi College, Oxford, and admitted to the degree of doctor in divinity, in April, 1576: He resigned in 1581¶ 40.5; and was succeeded by

RALPH TUNSTALL, A. M. who was collated the 29th of October, 1581: Was rector of Croft, in Yorkshire, and prebendary of this church, in the tenth stall** 40.6.

JOHN CRADOCK, A. M. vicar of Gainford: Was collated in 1619, and resigned on being appointed to the fifth stall in this church†† 40.7.

GABRIEL CLARKE, D. D. was collated the 7th of August, 1619. In Septem∣ber,

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1621, was appointed archdeacon of Durham, and resigned Northumberland. He was also prebendary of this church.

FRANCIS BURGOINE, D. D. was collated the 13th of September, 1621: Held the eighth stall in this church, and died in 1633.

JOSEPH NAYLOR, D. D. rector of Sedgefield: Was collated the 25th of Feb∣ruary, 1633: Held the second prebend in this church.

WILLIAM FEATHERS, B. D. was collated the 24th of November, 1636, on the resignation of Naylor: Was chaplain to bishop Morton.

EVERARD GOWER, B. D. was collated the 9th of May, 1638. In 1640, was vicar of Norton; in 1641, rector of Stanhope, and chaplain to bishop Morton* 40.8.

ISAAC BASIRE, B. D. his successor, was collated the 24th of August, 1644: Was a prebendary of this church, in the seventh stall. Died in 1676; and

WILLIAM TURNER, D. D. succeeded, the 30th of October, 1676: Was rector of Stanhope: Departed this life at Oxford, the 20th of April, 1685, aet. 45, and was interred in St Giles's church there† 40.9.

JOHN MORTON, B. D. succeeded the 5th of October, 1685: Was a preben∣dary of this church in the 12th stall, and died in 1722.

THOMAS SHARP, A. M. was collated the 27th of February, 1722. A preben∣dary of this church, in the tenth stall: Died in 1758; and was succeeded by

THOMAS ROBINSON, D. D. who was collated in August, 1758: Was pre∣bendary of Peterborough and Landaff, and vicar of Ponteland, in Northumberland. Died in 1761 ‡ 40.10.

JOHN SHARP, D. D. was collated the 21st of April, 1762. Inducted to the vicarage of Hexham, in Northumberland, the 1st of January, 1749-50; collated to the ninth stall in 1768; and nominated to the perpetual curacy of Bamborough, in 1773.

AFTER a tedious arrangement of the several ecclesiastics who sat in this church, the reader's attention is required to a description of the sacred edifices, with a comparative view of their ancient state and ornaments.

The traveller is conducted to this cathedral by the Place or Place-Green, where the whole north front lies open to the view. The situation is singularly grand and noble, the building stretching along the crown of an eminence, about eighty feet perpendicular from the surface of the river, which washes its base; on the east side

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the Bailey intervenes between the church and the brink of the hill; and on the west this venerable pile rises on the points of rocks, which shew themselves on the sum∣mit of the mount, and almost overhangs the stream: On this elevated ground the whole edifice has the most striking and august appearance. The towers to the west were anciently crowned with spires, covered with lead; the windows of the nave are under circular arches, of the original model; in the other parts (excepting the upper tier of the choir) most of them are of a different form and age. This front is now under repair, the stones being all chisseled over, and the decayed parts restored; the towers will receive new decorations, very different from the ancient ones, and the niches be supplied with new sculptures; the expence is estimated at thirty thousand pounds, to be paid out of the Chapter's treasury:—A distinguished act of public munificence!

As the proposed changes will effectually remove from the traveller's eye the ancient appearance of this edifice, it was thought expedient to present the public with a re∣presentation of the church in the state it was before the repairs began; and not∣withstanding the elegance of the present design, it is apprehended some of the ornaments might have been chosen with greater propriety: Above the great win∣dow of the middle transept, in two roundels, were the figures of Benedictine monks, cut in relief; by the mode of the sculpture, expressive of the age of the building. They led the judicious eye immediately to the aera, and gave an example of the state of that art: These roundels are now supplied with two fine new figures—the one a prior, seated in his installation chair; the other, an effigy of bishop Pudsey, cut from the figure on his episcopal seal, as given in the plate of his charter to the city of Durham * 40.11. A century after this the figures will betray the spectator into an error, and lead him to determine, that this part of the structure was erected, or at least rebuilt, by that prelate. On the west corner tower of the east transept, were the effigies of those personages who attended the propitious cow, by which the monks discovered this seat of ease and magnificence; the cut shews the recess and sculp∣tures in their decayed state, the figures being now restored and finished with much

[figure]

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art. The great tower of the church, as remarked in the preceding part of this work, is much more modern than the rest, being built as high as the gallery, by prior Melsanby, who acceded in the year 1233, and his successor, prior Middleton: Prior Hugh, of Darlington, who was elected in 1258, finished the work, by build∣ing the belfrey or upper tower. The tabernacle work, pointed arches, and ornament on the outsides of the building, confirm those dates; for then the Gothic stile was in general acceptation: The buttresses of the tower are graced with niches canopied and finished with tabernacle work, in which are statues representing the great patrons of the See, in tolerable sculpture. The height of this tower, Willis says, is two hundred and twenty-three feet, describing the lanthern to be one hundred and sixty-two feet, and the belfrey sixty-one feet; but Mr Nicholson's admeasurement, which is most to be depended upon, makes the whole height two hundred and fourteen feet, that is, the dome or lanthern one hundred and sixty, and the bel∣frey fifty-four feet.

It appears that the Place-Green, before prior Algar's time, in 1109, was crowd∣ed with houses, and to him we owe that great elegance of an open area between the cathedral and castle, giving the two edifices at once to the spectator's view; he hav∣ing caused the buildings to be removed, and the ground to be reduced to a plain. The entrance to the church was by a portico, of much more modern work than the rest of the building, formed by pilasters and circular arches, the upper structure supported by flanking buttresses, from whence sprung a pointed arch, the whole terminating at a point in the center: The arms of queen Elizabeth, in stucco work, were placed on the division of two circular arches, where formerly were the win∣dows of a small chapel: The portico, during the late repairs, was rebuilt and highly ornamented: There were anciently two chambers above the north door, where persons were lodged to hear the call of such as came to claim sanctuary, and who rang the bell to give notice thereof; after which the fugitive was secure from se∣cular authority* 40.12. There was also an ancient chapel, dedicated to the holy cross, in this place; and in prior Kerneck's time, viz. 1214, we find an assignment of twenty shillings yearly out of the mills of Browney, or Bruna, given to the house by Alan and Henry de Melsanby, with fifty acres of land in Pitenden, for a chaplain to cele∣brate mass for the soul of Alan de Melsanby, which chaplain was allowed his cor∣rody

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in the house* 40.13. The entrance down into the church is by three shallow steps.

It is unnecessary to present to the reader a dissertation on the ancient modes of architecture, to elucidate a description of the work, in the various parts of this edifice; the age of it is known, and the alterations made therein are almost criti∣cally ascertained: What we commonly call the Saxon architecture in such edifices, is in fact Roman; for those who constructed the religious buildings which arose in the earliest aera of the Norman accession, formed them after the models of workmen procured from the continent, (spoken of by Richard, prior of Hexham, l. i. cha. 3.) and came over to construct our capital buildings, expressly "according to the Roman manner." This stile prevailed till about the conclusion of king Henry the First's reign, when, what we now call Gothic was instroduced into Britain, so that in this church we find some strokes of the improved stile; for as the building was begun in 1093, so it was many years before it was completed: The walls were lest unroosed by bishop Flambard at his death; and the reader will recollect that bishop William brought the design with him from Normandy† 40.14. The ingenious traveller Mr Pennant, says, "In the inside is preserved much of the clumsy, yet venerable magnificence of the early Norman stile." The gateway, which is ten feet wide, is ornamented within on each hand with pilasters; the inner one, or that nearest the gate, very richly embossed with foliage, and figures in a light and ele∣gant stile; the other plain: The inclining arches are semi-circular; the inner mem∣bers carved in the zig-zag figure; the outward one embatteled or dentelled. The venerable pile strikes the visitor on his entrance with an awful solemnity not to be expressed; the stately and massive columns, the long extended ailes, the gloom which shadows the succession of arches, all contribute to affect the mind with an at∣tention best known by being experienced: Ideas arise replete with the distant an∣tiquity of the place, the piety of those from whom the structure had its origin, and the devotion which warmed the breasts of the religious whose characteristic virtues shone forth in the holy places. The plan or design of this building is more regu∣lar than generally to be found in structures of the like age: The length of the whole church within, exclusive of the gallilee, is four hundred and eleven feet; that of the nave, from the west window to the center of the columns which support the tower, is two hundred feet, and its width seventy-four feet, of which the center aile, from base to base of the pillars, is twenty-eight feet. The superstructure is support∣ed on two rows of columns. Mr Pennant says, the pillars are vast cylinders twenty-three feet in circumference: The two extreme columns to the west rise from bases of the form of a complicated cross, having pointed projections from the interior angles; the dimensions of each base are fifteen feet every way, being exactly similar

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to those which support the columns of the tower and dome, vulgarly called the lanthern; the pillars are clustered, having three semi-circular pilasters in each front, divided by an angular projection: The next column eastward rises from a base of the form of a cross, twelve feet each way, supporting a clustered pillar, the pilasters of which, towards the center aile, run up to the roof through the facia, between the upper windows; the next rises from a square base of eight feet, and is richly fluted, terminating with a plain capital, which supports the gallery above the side aile: Each intermediate pillar is clustered like those described in the second place, stretch∣ing up to the roof, and those in the intervals are circular, making the succession consist of a clustered pillar, and a round one alternately; the first round pillar is fluted as before described, the second covered with the zig-zag figure, and the third grooved with the figure of a net. The pillars opposite to each other are exact∣ly similar in ornaments and dimensions: It is also to be observed, the clustered and round pillars through all the building have their bases of the dimensions before set forth: All the side walls are decorated with pilasters opposite to the columns, and the interior spaces under the windows are filled with double pilasters and intersect∣ing round arches throughout the whole building, except only in the east transept. The arches between the great columns are all semi-circular, the outward members dentelled, the interiors zig-zag'd: The under gallery opens to the middle aile, with one round arch divided within into two arches, supported on a center pillar. There is an upper gallery of single arches. At the west end of the nave is a short cross aile or transcept, in length ninety feet, and eighteen feet wide from the cen∣ters of the columns, over the ends of which rise the west towers; according to Willis, one hundred and fifty-eight feet in height, but by Nicholson's admeasure∣ment only one hundred and thirty-eight feet. At the end of each side aile is a gate∣way, which opens into the gallilee. The ancient ornaments of the north aile are pointed out to the reader in the notes* 40.15. There are six large windows to give light

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to this aile, but all the old painted glass is destroyed. The vaultings of the side ailes are semi-circular, and crossed with groined arches in plain rolls, intersecting each other in the center. The middle aile of the nave is sixty-nine and a half feet in height; the roof was vaulted with stone about the year 1242, by prior Melsonby; the ribs intersect each other in pointed arches, ornamented with zig-zag workin the fillets: There are seven upper windows to the north, and six to the south. At the east end of the nave, between the pillars which support the great tower, anciently stood Jesus's altar, with all its decorations, no traces of which remain * 40.16. Behind the

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altar, and between the two round pillars, were interred priors Aukland and Castell, and nearer to the font prior Burnaby * 40.17. In the center of the four west pillars, is the font, an elegant marble bason, over which is a fine piece of tabernacle work in red oak, of an octagon form, richly ornamented, and of excellent workmanship, supported by four columns about eight feet in height, the whole being about thirty feet high, terminating in a pinnacle, and decorated with a dove extending her wings. To the east of the font, between pillar and pillar, is a cross of black marble laid in the pavement, beyond which women were strictly prohibited advancing towards St Cuthbert's shrine † 40.18. In the middle of the south aile, opposite to the second pillar

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from the cloister door, was the tomb of bishop Nevil; between the second and third pillar stands an altar tomb of John lord Nevil, and between the next adjoining pil∣lars, the tomb of Ralph lord Nevil. Ralph lord Nevil died in the year 1347, and, as I observed before, was the first layman suffered to be buried within the walls of this church. His remains were brought in a chariot drawn by seven horses, as far as the gates of the church-yard, and then borne on the shoulders of his knights into the church: The abbot of St Mary's, of York, performed the funeral offices, and he was interred before the altar of the holy cross, where he obtained a mass to be daily said: His wife Alicia was afterwards buried near him. It was then a custom to make offerings at the interment of great men, and eight horses, four for war, with four men armed and caparisoned, and four for peace, were on this occasion the holy gift; together with three vestments of cloth of gold, interwoven with flowers. His son, John Nevil, redeemed four horses by the payment of one hun∣dred mares: But Mr Pennant observes,

This favour was not done gratis by the holy men of the place: Ralph had presented them with a vestment of red velvet, richly embroidered with gold, silk, great pearls, and images of saints, dedicated to St Cuthbert * 40.19. His widow also sent to the sacrist one hundred and twenty pounds of silver, for the repairs of the cathedral, and several rich vestments for the performance of the sacred offices † 40.20. This was the nobleman who was so in∣strumental

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in gaining the victory of Nevil's Cross;
or the Red Hills. The tomb of John, his son, is also an evidence of the convent's favour obtained by rich gifts. These monuments were ornamented with the recumbent effigies of the great personages there interred, and surrounded with small figures of ecclesiastics in ala∣baster, finely wrought, but now mutilated and almost totally defaced: When the general disregard for religious edifices took place of old veneration, this church was thought the properest place of confinement and security for the Scotch prisoners after the battle of Dunbar; and they pillaged and destroyed every thing within their reach,—fulfilling the scriptures literally, making this holy place, in truth, a den of thieves * 40.21. At the north end of the west transept was St Saviour's altar; and at the south end, the grate, on which those who were under sanctuary lay; the remains of all which, with the Lady of Pity's altar, and the holy water basons, are totally effaced. In the south aile are six windows, in which are some broken re∣mains of painted glass † 40.22. Over the two gates of the gallilee are shields of arms of

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bishop Langley. The west window of seven lights, was made in prior Fossour's time, by John Tickhill, under which are the monuments of Sir George Wheeler, Dr Knatchbull, and Dr Watts * 40.23. There is a little door by which the officiating priest passed to the altar of the virgin in the gallilee. The fine paintings in the west windows are all defaced † 40.24. In the south aile, opposite to the north entrance, is a large gateway into the cloister, highly wrought and decorated, with a range of three inclining pilasters, supporting semi-circular arches; the pilasters are variously cut in squares and circles, embossed with flowers, figures of animals, and the zig-zag ornaments: Their capitals are finished with figures of animals; and the out∣ward arch is decorated with grotesque figures in circles. At the east end of this aile is another gateway into the cloister, but not so large as the last described, form∣ing a portico in the thickness of the wall, by inclining pilasters and arches; the out∣ward bow is ornamented with a band of thorns, the second a rich cordage, the third embattled or dentelled, the next a fillet of roses, and the last a double zig-zag.

The great cross aile, or middle transept of this church, has an aile towards the east at both ends; the entrance into the choir, projecting in the center, equal there∣to. This transept is one hundred and seventy feet in length, and fifty-seven feet in width, including the aile; without which it is only forty feet from the centers of the great columns which support the dome. The clock anciently stood behind Jesus's altar, in the middle of the nave, fronting the choir door, but is now placed at the south end of the transept, and was built in its present elegant form, in 1632, in dean Hunt's time. The body of this transept is separated from its ailes at each end by two round pillars, and one clustered one; one of the round pillars is grooved in a

Page 235

spiral form, and the other in the zig-zag figure: Those ailes are now inclosed with a wood screen; that on the south end being fitted up for the morning service at six o'clock; the other to the north not of present use: Each aile is lighted by three windows to the east, and one at the end, and anciently had three altars: In the south limb, Howell's, or the altar of the holy virgin, next to the choir; the lady of Boulton's altar, also dedicated to the holy virgin, and the altar of St Fides, and St Thomas the Apostle, the last: Before Howell's altar, prior John de Hemingburg was interred, and the priors William de Ebchester, and Robert de Ebchester, before the lady of Boulton's altar * 40.25. In the north limb, St Benedict's altar stood next the choir; the

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next St Gregory's; and the altar of St Nicholas and St Giles the last to the north: Before St Benedict's altar were interred priors Berrington and Wessington; and prior Fossour before the altar of St Nicholas and St Giles, he being the first prior buried within the walls of this church. The windows of this transept were ele∣gantly glazed with painted glass, of which little remains. The picture of St Bede, an elegant figure in a blue habit, is yet perfect, and part of the representation of the crucifixion, as described in the notes * 40.26. The north window was made by the muni∣ficent prior Fossour, under a pointed arch, as also three windows in the aile; but the

Page 237

great window going soon after to decay, was restored by prior Castell, who ac∣ceded in 1494, and ornamented it with much painting: There is a large window on the west side of the transept, near the end. The south window, before described in the notes, is called the Te Deum window. The choir is now inclosed with a screen of oak, covered in a bold stile with festoons of fruits and flowers, and an en∣tablature of a rich foliage pattern. This takes place of the old pannelled work, on which were painted the images of the great patrons and benefactors of this church; under each of which was an historical inscriptions in letters of gold * 42.1. (The screen at Hexham, described in the View of Northumberland, and by Mr Pennant, gives an idea of what our cathedral paintings were.) The ailes are inclosed by handsome gates,

Page 238

carved with foliage and open work: Above the screen, stands an excellent organ * 43.1, richly ornamented † 44.1. There are brackets for statues against the pillars of the transept, on each side of the entrance into the choir. In the center of this tran∣sept is the great dome or lanthern, supported on four clustered pillars, from the floor to the center of the roof one hundred and sixty feet in height‡ 44.2. This being built

Page 239

in the beginning of the thirteenth century, has many marks of a refined taste: Round the bottom of the dome is a hanging gallery supported on corbles, each intermediate one sculptured with a human figure; the breast work or battlement of the gallery is formed in open rose work: The superstructure is ornamented in pannels with pilasters, terminating in tabernacle work: There are two long windows in each front, separated by a round pilaster, whose capital is pierced in flowers and foliage; pilasters of the same order are placed in the angles, and from the eight pilasters spring the groins of the arched roof or vault of the dome, which are braced at in∣tervals, and finished with a circle in the center, in a light and beautiful taste.

The ascent from the transept is by two marble steps to the choir, entering which, the visitor is struck with the magnificence and solemnity of the scene. The choir is one hundred and twenty feet in length, and in width equal to the center aile of the nave, the chief pillars running parallel through the whole building. The side ailes are not so wide as those of the nave, the width of the choir being only seventy-six feet. The floor is laid with black and white marble* 44.3. The stalls are elegant; the

Page 240

bishop's stall being on the right-hand side of the entrance, the dean's on the other;

Page 241

one for the temporal chancellor on the dean's left-hand, and those of the preben∣daries

Page 242

and archdeacons in succession; the minor canons next; one at the extremity

Page 243

towards the east on the south side, for the vicar-general of the diocese; and others on both sides, for the reception of the judges of assize, sheriff, mayor, and corpora∣tion of the city, &c. on such accustomed days as they attend divine service there; the whole finished in a magnificent stile with tabernacle work. Beneath the stalls are seats for the lay-singers, choristers, almshouse-men, and scholars of the founda∣tion. Advancing towards the altar, where the stalls terminate, the pavement is elevated one step, and on the right-hand is the bishop's throne, erected by bishop Hatfield, over the vault prepared for his own monument, and built in a stile con∣sistent with the proud idea he held of the dignity of his mitre. Mr Pennant speak∣ing of it, says,

In the choir is the bishop's throne, elevated to an uncommon height, erected in times of the triumph of superstition. A painful ascent to the present prelate, whose wish is directed more to distinguish himself by benevolence and sincerity, than any exterior trappings or badges of dignity.
The ascent to the throne is by many steps; in the center is a chair of state, richly ornamented, and canopied over head with tabernacle work, coloured and gilt; on each side, the throne is lined with tapestry, and otherwise handsomely furnished, large enough to receive the chief temporal officers, with the servants who are about the prelate's person: The bishop, when he goes to his throne, is always preceded by a person

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bearing a massy gilded mace, in distinction of his secular power. Chambrè tells us, Novum ad australem partem chori...juxta stallos monachorum curiosum opus construxit, in medio cujus stallum episcopale, imaginibus subtiliter sculptis, sumptibus copiosis in opera∣rios largissime impensis, honorifice circumseptum, fecit & decenter ordinavit* 47.1. The images are all removed. Below the throne are stalls for the prebendaries' ladies: On the opposite side of the choir, where bishop Skirlaw's tomb was, are other stalls for the ladies of the bishops, and dean's families and others; and close adjoining is the pulpit, finely ornamented with inlaid figures in the Italian stile, representing some of the apostles, the ground Swedish oak; the figures are almost as large as life, so artfully shadowed as to appear like a delicate painting in bronze: The sounding board is supported by one column. The opening into the side ailes to which you descend by five marble steps, is by a gate, and two side lights of open tracery work, in wood, finely executed and finished above with tabernacle work. The choir com∣prehends four pillars on each side, two of them clustered, and two round, the round ones cut in the spiral figure: The double gallery above the side ailes is formed of circular arches, each of the lower openings divided by a single column. The roof was repaired, or rather new vaulted by prior Hotoun, who acceded in 1289; it is of elegant Gothic work, the ribs of the arches terminating in points ornamented with roses, the fillets pierced in roses and crosses: Some of the decorations of the center roses are singular; one next to the organ contains a human figure, with three round balls in an apron, not unusual among the heathen emblematical effigies. From the altar rails eastward, the whole work appears nearly of the same date, and by the ar∣chitecture of this part of the edifice, we are led to conclude that the building origi∣nally terminated here, and was opened further eastward to form a connection with the east transept: The columns which rise at the altar rail, are little more than the plain facing of a common wall, ornamented with long small round pilasters, single and belted in the middle, their capitals pierced, decorated with figures of animals, and finished above with tabernacle work; the whole appearing like ornaments placed occasionally there: The opening of the gallery in this part is different from the rest of the church, consisting of three pointed arches, supported by columns whose capitals are richly pierced, and the fillets of the arches are pierced and highly decorated; there is also an interior pillar supporting a groined vaulting. Here the building appears to have been broken off and the east wall removed. The vaulting of the roof is continued, and over the altar table finishes with a fine pointed arch, supported on clustered pillars, ranging with the side of the east tran∣sept; the capitals and the fillets or mouldings of the arch are highly finished with pierced work, and bear no degree of similitude to any of the more western parts of this edifice. Within the altar rails eastward, from the plain columns before des∣cribed, are four seats on each side of the altar table, for the officiating priests to rest, formed of pillars, supporting pinnacle work, of the same materials and design as the work behind the altar, and most probably erected at the same time: These seats are closed from the ailes behind with a wall, which proves the occasionality, by

Page 245

being dissimilar to the rest of the aile* 47.2. The altar screen, which is very beauti∣ful, is thus spoken of by Chambrè:

The marble tomb for St Cuthbert's feretory being finished, at the like instance of the prior and monks, lord John Nevil gave to the church the work above the altar, called lavadose, which cost him six hundred marks, and was enclosed in cases, and sent from London by shipping† 47.4.
This screen is in pinnacle work, of plaster of Paris, with pedestals for statues, richly canopied: Was put up at the expence of the convent, and finished by prior John Berrington, of Walworth, in the year 1380, when the high altar was dedicated with much solemnity‡ 47.5.

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By a door at each end of the table, you enter into St Cuthbert's feretory, thus spoken of by Mr Pennant,

Behind the altar stood the shrine of St Cuthbert, once the richest in Great-Britain: The marks of pilgrims' feet in the worn floor still evince the multitude of votaries: At the dissolution his body was taken out of the tomb, and interred beneath.
It is now stripped of every ornament; is thirty-seven feet in length, and twenty-six in width, eastward from the altar screen; raised with stone work about eight feet high, and surrounded with wainscot, in which no great elegance appears; it is formed with apertures divided by columns, and ornamented with an entablature: The pillars are finished with light pinnacles of tabernacle work: In ancient times it is presumed the wainscot was covered within with rich hangings. The marble monument which John lord Nevil gave to inclose St Cuthbert's remains, is no more; a large blue stone is placed in the floor, where his bones rest, and it is presumed have long testified their corruptibility* 47.6. In the choir bishop Beaumont and bishop Pilkington were interred.

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The ailes of the choir are vaulted like the ailes of the nave. In the north aile,

Page 248

opposite to bishop Skirlaw's tomb, is a stone seat with the shields of his arms. There St Blase's altar stood. What is said in the ancient descriptions of this church, touching a porch called the anchorage, of which no remains is to be traced, or of the stairs described to adjoin to the north door of St Cuthbert's feretory, confirms our judgment that the whole east end of this edifice was altered in the thirteenth century; and it is to be observed, that the columns at the ends of the ailes are

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[figure]
A PEDIGREE OF THE FAMILY OF NEVILLS.

  • A Johannes de Neville, dus Latim. ob. s. p. 9 Hen. VI.
  • A Matilda, fil Tho. Ini Clifford.
  • Matilda,
  • Alicia,
  • Philippa,
  • Margareta,
  • Anna,
  • Margeria,
  • et Elizabetha.
  • B Elizab.
  • C Radulphus N co. Westmer. obiit 4 Hen. VI.
  • Margareta, fil. Hugonis co. Stafford, ux. 1ma.
  • Radulphus, ob 21 Oct. an. 1426, 5 Hen. VI.
  • Maria, fil. Tho. Ferrers, de Oversley.
  • Johannes, ob. 2 Hen. VI vivo patre.
  • Elizabetha. fil. Tho. Holland com. Cant.
  • Johannes Caesus in Praelio de Towton, 1 Ed. IV.
  • Anna, relicto Johan∣nis Nepotis sui.
  • Radulfus, co. West.
  • Margareta, fil. R. Booth de Barton, co. Lanc. mil.
  • Anna, ux. Will. Coniers, mil.
  • Radulfus ob. vivo patre.
  • Editha, fil. W. Sands.
  • Radulfus, com. Westmerl. ob. 15 Hen. VIII. Regist. Antiq. Dec. et cap. Dunelm. vol. V. p. 131.
  • Catharina fil. Edw. Dux, Buckingham.
  • Eleanora,
  • Maria,
  • Th. Danby, mil.
  • Dorothea,
  • Johi, com. Oxon.
  • Johanna.
  • Margareta,
  • Hen com. Rut.
  • Elizabetha,
  • Tho d'Dacre.
  • Eleanora,
  • Brianus Stapilton, mil.
  • Anna.
  • Fulco Greville, mil.
  • Ursula.
  • Henricus, co. Westmer. ob. 5 Elizabetha.
  • Jana, fil. Tho. com. Rutland.
  • Carolus, co. Westm. attinctus 13 Eliza.
  • Anna, fil. Henrici, co. Surriae.
  • Catharina,
  • Tho. Gray, de Chillingham, mil.
  • 1 Eleanora, ux. Williel. Polham, mil.
  • Eleanora, ob. innupta.
  • Margareta,
  • Nich. Pudsey.
  • Anna, David Engleby.
  • 2 Catharina, ux. Johannis Constable, mil.
  • 3 Maria.
  • 4 Adelina.
  • Margareta, fil. R. Chomley, mil. relicta Hen. Gascoin, mil ux. 2d.
  • Margareta.
  • Elizabetha.
  • Thomas.
  • Edwardus.
  • Christopher.
  • Radulphus.
  • Cuthbertus.
  • Radulfus. co. Westm. ob. 2 Rich. III.
  • Elizabeth, fil. H. Perci Hotspur dicti.
  • Johannes, ob. 29 Hen. VI. S. P. Anna, ux. P. Walliae, et Rich. D. Gloucest.
  • Johanna, fil. Johan Ganda. D. Lan. ux. 2d.
  • 1 Ricardus com. Sarum.
  • 2 Wilielmus das Falconbridge.
  • 4 Edwardus dus Bergavenniae.
  • 5 Robertus Episcopus Dunel.
  • 6 Cuthbertus.
  • 7 Henricus.
  • 8 Thomas.
  • 3 Georgius dus Lati∣mer, ob. 9 Hen. IV.
  • Elizab. fil. Rich. de Bello Campo, co. Warwick.
  • Henricus Neville Caesus in Praelio de Edgcote, 9 Ed. IV. vivo patre.
  • **** fil. Domini Berners.
  • Ricardus, N. dus Latimer, ob. 22 Hen. VIII.
  • Anna, fil. Humf. Stafford. de Grafton, co. Wig.
  • Johan. N. Dus Latimer.
  • Catharina, fil. T. Parr, de Kendall, mil. relicta, Hen. VIII. ux. 2d.
  • Margareta.
  • Johannes, D. Latimer.
  • Lucia, fil. Hen. co Wigorn.
  • 1 Catharina, ux. Henr. com. Northumb.
  • 2 Dorothea, ux. Tho. com. Oxon.
  • 3 Lucia, ux. Will. Coruroallis, mil.
  • 4 **** ux. Johannes Danvers, mil.
  • Dorothea, soror et cohaeres, Johan. com. Oxon, ux. 1st.
  • ...

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] genealogy

  • Illustrissimum Nevillorum genus hospes est in Historia Anglicana qui non novit? et si longa proavorum series tam a regio sanguine Saxonum quam a primoribus Normannorum deducta, summisque cum honoribus tum et opibus per multa retro secula clarescens quenquam nobilitare possit palmam omnibus fere regni proceribus familia haec merito praeripere audeat. Nulla equidem plures aut vegetiores Stirps ramos unquam protrusit: hinc etenim Comites Westmerlandiae, Sarisburiae, et Warwici; hinc Marchio Montisacuti; hinc Dux Bedfordiae; hinc Barones Furnivallis, Latimeri, Falcon-bridgiae, et Bergavenniae Germinarunt; cum vero Richmondiae limitibus excedere nostri non sit instituti stemmata solum Comitum Westmerlandiae et Baronum Latinerorum hujus erunt loci.
  • Waltheof.
  • Uctredus, Comes Northumbriae.
  • Crinan
  • Maldred.
  • Cospatricus, fil. Maldredi.
  • Cospatricus, (vid. Sym. Dun. p. 79, 80.)
  • Waltheof.
  • Dolphin, fil. Maldredi.
  • Robertus, fil. Maldredi dus de Raby.
  • Isabella, fil. unica et haeres.
  • Galfridus de Neville dus de Raby.
  • Galfridus de Neville, ob. 13 Ed. I.
  • Margareta, fil. et haeres Johannis de Longvillers.
  • Johannes.
  • Robertus, ob. 10 Ed. I.
  • Ida, Rob. Bertram, vid.
  • * 50.1 Robertus de Neville, junr. ob. vivo patre 55 Hen. III. June 6th, 1427.
  • Maria, fil. et una coh. Radulphi fil. Ranulphi.
  • Radulphus de Neville, ob. 5 Ed. III.
  • Eufemia, fil. John Clavering, ux. 1st.
  • Robertus Pavo Septentrionis, ob. vivo patre.
  • Margeria, fil. Marmaduci Thweng, ux. 2d.
  • Radulfus de Neville, Dus de Middleham, ob. 41 Ed. III.
  • Alicia, fil. Hugonis de Audley.
  • Johannes de Neville, ob. 12 Rich. II.
  • Elizabetha fil. et h. dui Latimer de Danby, ux. 2d.
  • A
  • Matilda Perci, uxor ejus 1.
  • B
  • Elgiva, fil. Ethelredi, regis Angl.
  • Aldgitha.
  • Gilbertus de Neville, Normanus.
  • Galfridus de Neville.
  • Galfridus de Neville, ob. 5 Rich. I.
  • Emma, fil. et haer. Ber∣tram de Bulmer, Dus de Brancepeth.
  • Isabella, fil. unica et haeres.
  • Henricus, ob. s. p. 11 H. III.

Page 249

clustered, of various small pilasters, like those of the whole east transept: The arches are pointed, and with the capitals of the columns richly wrought in pierced work like those of the high altar: This aile is lighted by four windows, three of which are of pointed arches, and two made by John Tickhill, in prior Fossour's time. At the east end of the south aile, was also an ancient porch, described to be similar to that on the north where the rood of Scotland was placed; of which there are no re∣mains: Under the last window the wall is ornamented with pilasters and tabernacle work, and there is a door-way (now shut up) which led into the cemetery garth* 50.2.

Page 250

In this aile are the sacristaria and vestry rooms built by prior Hotoun, and opposite thereto the tomb of bishop Hatfield,

who died in 1381, ornamented with as many coats of arms as would serve any German prince* 55.1.
Under the vaulting is a recumbent effigy of the bishop in his episcopal attire, of white marble, the work

Page 251

around it gaudily ornamented with gilding and green, and every where covered with blazonings of arms * 55.2; of which we have given remarks in the notes to that prelate's life. A corner of this superb monument rests on an ancient tombstone, and has preserved it from the general destruction which swept away the monumental inscriptions, when the new pavement was laid: A mistaken zeal in all reformations has pressed the parties headlong into an extreme, in many points as reprehensible as that which they tried to escape; for a vehement desire of eradicating superstition, urged sacrilegious hands against the monuments of those whose memories were dear to the learned, whose examples and virtues were worthy the emulation of succeed∣ing ages, and with a contempt that was at once irreligious and brutal, reformists rushed forward to deface memorials which they had not merit to purchase. To sweep away from the eye the mementos of monks, priors, and prelates of the con∣demned church, the tombstones were torn up, lest they should reproach the living with remembrance of the excellencies of the dead: A new pavement was laid down in the beginning of the last century. The monument which prompted this di∣gression, so far as the inscription is legible, covers the remains of Emery de Lomley, prior of the cell of Lathom, in Lancashire, dependant on this church; who was one that voted Robert de Graystanes might have the See of Durham † 55.3. Two windows in this aile were made in prior Fossour's time by the feretory.

At the east end of the side ailes are gates leading into the east transept, common∣ly called the Nine Altars ‡ 55.4, the descent into which is by several steps: It is one hundred and thirty feet in length, and in width from the screen of the high altar fifty-one feet, making the whole length of the church four hundred and eleven feet. St Cuthbert's feretory projects twenty-seven feet into the transept, and is elevated

Page 252

about eight feet above the pavement. This transept is lighted by one large window

Page 253

at each end, under pointed arches, with much tracery, in the glass of one of which

Page 254

was depicted the history of St Cuthbert, and in the other the history of Joseph, both now totally defaced: To the east it is lighted by a double range of windows, the lower tier consisting of nine long windows; in the center of the upper tier is a large circular window, called St Catherine's window, having three long windows on each side, the arches of which are all pointed. By the engraving given from Mr Nicholson's drawing and admeasurement of the whole east end of the church, the reader will distinguish the similarity of stile in this transept and the tower; and, we hope, will be convinced that the observation as to their date is not ill grounded: On the projections of this front are two effigies, in the printed descriptions of the church said to represent bishop William on the south, who began the present edifice; and on the north bishop Flambard, who translated St Cuthbert's body to the shrine pre∣pared for him therein; the first attired in his mitre and episcopal insignia, the other having his head uncovered: But it is more probable they are the effigies of bishop Farnham* 56.1, and his contemporary prior Thomas of Melsonby, for bishop Anthony Beke, who died in 1310, was interred near the altar of St Michael, and the wall was broken through to admit his remains; which is a proof this part of the edifice and its altars were then made. We will conclude these observations by saying, it is presumed this most elegant part of the edifice was finished by prior Richard de Hotoun, who, it is certain, roofed the choir, and acceded to the priory in 1289. The pilasters of this transept, from whence rise the groins of the roof, are of an angular projection, light and elegant: On each side of the great window the pilasters consist of a cluster of small circular columns, one of larger dimension in front, and six on each side to form the projecting angle, belted in two places at in∣tervals, with a triple roll, the capitals pierced in flowers; the pilasters between each window are composed of a front column, and four on each side, in an angler pro∣jection, belted and capitalled as the larger ones; every other column is of black marble, the intermediate ones of white free stone, which had a beautiful effect be∣fore they were, from the mistaken zeal of reformation, daubed over and concealed as they now remain, with washing and oker. Under each tier of windows a gal∣lery runs the whole length of the transept: The nine altars were placed one under each window to the east, the wall ornamented with short pilasters and open niches in the rose figure, exactly similar to the gallery of the dome: The vaulted roof is ribbed, the ribs meet on three circles; the silletings of the ribs are pierced like those of the choir, with roses and crosses: The circles are beautifully ornamented, the most northern one being pierced with a rich garland of flowers; that in the center is sculptured with four figures finely relieved, representing the evangelists

Page 255

kneeling, with their proper emblems: The southern circle is of elegant sculpture, exhibiting the revelation of Christ's nativity.

The gallilee at the west end of the church, as was observed before, was by ancient authors said to be appropriated by bishop Pudsey, for the reception of women, being originally designed for the service of processions: It is in breadth from east to west fifty feet, and from north to south eighty feet; divided into five ailes, by four rows of pillars, running east and west; three pillars and two pilasters, in each range; the pillars formed of four small round columns placed together, whose base is only two feet square; the pilasters consist of two round columns, de∣tached from the walls, their capitals ornamented with a leaf and mouldings; the arches are circular, and cut underneath and on the sides with the zig-zag figure; the roof is not vaulted * 56.2: It is lighted with three large windows to the west, with flat or elliptic arches, and one smaller window at each extremity under pointed arches; to the south, four windows with pointed arches; the north side is built up, and used for the register's office: The old entrance was from the north, by a small yard adjoin∣ing to the church-yard, so that the women need not come within the gates of the church: The door circular, with pilasters and mouldings, greatly decayed. The gallilee on the south side is now stalled and benched for the bishop's consistory court† 56.3. In the center of the east wall was an altar dedicated to the

Page 256

Page 257

Page 258

holy virgin * 56.4; to the south of which lies the marble stone which covers the re∣mains

Page 259

of Venerable Bede * 56.5; his altar being immediately behind Sir Geo. Wheler's monument: Adjoining to the altar of the holy Virgin is the tomb of cardinal Langley † 56.6. From the mode of architecture observed in this place, together with

Page 260

the circumstance of the arms above the entrances, we are led to conjecture that the gallilee in the present form is to be attributed to cardinal Langley, in the beginning of the fifteenth century, who, as was before observed, expended in reparations and additional works therein, 499l. 6s. 7d. The form of the pillars, and the center windows, with the various fragments of ornaments which appear in the outward wall to the west, strengthen the supposition that the present edifice was the cardi∣nal's. Bede died at Jarrow monastery in 734; was translated to this church by bishop Pudsey; and in 1340, found his final resting place under the care of Richard de Barnardcastle in the gallilee, who was interred near the remains * 56.7: The like veneration induced cardinal Langley to repair and embellish this edifice, as he chose to have his body deposited near the saint: The cardinal also founded a chantry in the gallilee, to the honour of the blessed Virgin, and "glorious confessor St Cuth∣bert † 56.8." Bishop Nevil granted a licence for erecting a guild or fraternity to the honour of St Cuthbert, in the gallilee, with a power to purchase lands not exceeding ten pounds a year ‡ 56.9.

Page 261

The cloister* 56.10 on the north side of the church is a quadrangle of one hundred

Page 262

and forty-seven feet, having eleven windows on each front, which it is said were

Page 263

glazed, but are now open; the mullions and tracery were lately repaired in a neat Gothic stile. Entering by the west door from the church, the stairs leading to the dormitory are immediately on your right-hand, extending the whole length of the west cloister, forty feet wide, ill lighted, and a melancholy mansion: The center is flagged about six feet wide, the sides having been boarded and enclosed for the monks cells: Under the dormitory was the song-school and treasury* 62.1. The com∣mon-house,

Page 264

the infirmary, the guest-hall, and other offices, in use before the dissolu∣tion, are now converted to other purposes, for the convenience of the prebendaries.

The cloisters were erected at the expence of bishop Skirlaw and cardinal Langley, the former giving thereto 600l. and the latter 238l. 17s. 6d. * 62.2: They are ceiled in pannels with Irish oak, ornamented, particularly in the east walk, with shields of the arms of various illustrious personages, patrons of the church, blazoned in colours† 62.3, most of which, from being exposed to the air, are now greatly defaced‡ 62.4. In the

Page 265

north walk of the cloisters were cases for books for the use of the monks: In the

Page 266

east walk was the old library, now converted into offices for the register, a council chamber, and other conveniencies for the chapter's business: In this walk is the chapter-house, in length seventy-five feet, and thirty-five in breadth, a neat build∣ing, in the form of a theatre, vaulted with stone, without any pillars; the side walls are ornamented with pilasters and intersecting arches, like the church: It is lighted by five windows at the semicircular end to the east, two side lights, and one to the west: The groins of the vault spring from corbles supported by human figures, in the manner Atlas is usually represented; the mouldings of the ribs are cut with the zig-zag figure: three rows of stone benches, one above another, run round the building: To the eastward of the center is a stone chair, with much carved work, the bishop's seat in old times when he visited, and wherein the prelates are installed. Adjoining to the chapter-house, on the south, was a prison for offending monks; and at the south end of the cloister there is a passage into the cemetery garth. The building of the chapter-house was originally the work of bishop Rufus, about the year 1136, but it was afterwards vaulted and embellished by succeeding prelates, particularly by bishop Skirlaw, to whom much of the present edifice is ascribed. In this place were interred at the east end, bishop Robt de Insula, and bishop Kellow; further to the west, bishops Rufus, William de Sancta Barbara, and bishop Flam∣bard; near to those bishop Pudsey, and Philip of Poictiers; westward of those, bishops Richard de Marisco, Aldune, Walcher, Turgot the prior, and bishop Stichill; and on each side of the entrance, bishops Walter de Kirkham, and Richard de Farnham: Robert de Graystanes was also interred here. Davies and the old roll place some other bishops in the chapter-house, but are the only authorities we find. The monks were buried in the cemetery-garth, and there stood that venerable monument Ethelwold's stone cross, which was removed from

Page 267

Lindisfarn: Leland saw it there* 66.1: It shared the sacrilegious destruction which deans Horn† 66.2 and Whittingham impiously committed on our religious antiquities. The south walk of the cloister has the library, begun by dean Sudbury, on the scite of the old frater-house, and finished by his successor, towards which he charged his executors with a sufficient sum‡ 66.3: It is an elegant room, adorned with some toler∣able

[figure]

Page 268

portraits of bishops, and stored with an excellent collection of books: Here are deposited many Roman inscriptions, and other remains found in this and the ad∣joining county of Northumberland. Such as relate to this county will be noted in the sequel, in their due place* 66.4. The cloister-yard once contained, in a tempo∣rary erection, the remains of St Cuthbert, before his last translation into the fere∣tory of the present church: His statue was afterwards erected in the same place.

Page 269

The whole square of the cloister is vaulted underneath, supported on short columns, and totally dark, in its various ailes like a labyrinth, from whence the return is not easily found; a melancholy recess for religious severity, penitence, or punishment! It is formed of excellent mason work, and did it not strike the visitor with horrible ideas of mistaken austerity, is as admirable as many other parts of the sacred edifices. The only entrance is a narrow and low arched way under the library, opening into the deanry kitchen court. Hegge says,

The subterraneous passages under this church (as in other abbies) are manie; but what end these substructions under ground, should have in the makers intent, whether to conceal their treasures in tyme of invasion, or for worse purposes, I cannot determine. One of which cavernes (where sometime stood Ethelwold's crosse) covered with a round stone, leadeth to the castle.

At the south-east corner of the cloister is a passage into the spacious oblong square of prebendal houses, about one hundred and forty paces in length, and ninety in width: It is much broken into by the deanry garden, which spoils its appearance. There is a fountain of water at the upper end, for the supply of all the families,

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brought in pipes from Elvet-moor, the distance of a mile* 66.5; and also a pump well in the square. The prior's hall in the deanry is not altogether in the ancient state, but yet large enough to receive two hundred persons at supper, on a late entertain∣ment given by the present dean: The ancient south window remains: The gateway into the Bailey-street stands in its original form, built by prior Castel a short time before the dissolution, as before-mentioned † 66.6: The kitchen is curious, being of an octagonal form, vaulted, with a cupola light, the chimnies concealed, and in other particulars greatly similar to the abbot's kitchen at Glastonbury.

Adjoining to the college or square is a terrace walk, one hundred and sixty paces long, raised on arches, commanding a pleasant view of the river and its delightful banks: This, like other munificent works of the chapter, is open at all times for the recreation and pleasure of the public.

The Parish of St Mary-le-Bow, or the Great; commonly called the North-Bailey.

Leaving the cathedral church by the north door, you pass to the Place-Green, through a spacious burial ground ‡ 66.8. and at the west end thereof, facing the church,

Page 271

is the grammar-school and master's house. On the east side of the Place-Green, which is a square of near one hundred paces, are the school-houses, first erected by bishop Langley * 66.11, and afterwards restored by bishop Cofin † 66.12; with an hospital in the center, founded by bishop Langley, and particularly noticed in the sequel. On the opposite side are the sessions-houses, to the building of which bishop Cofin greatly contributed; we are told he gave 1000l. towards public erections, and among them the sessions-house and exchequer are named, which latter contains the hall where the chancery-court is held, and offices for the auditor, cursitor, pro∣thonotary, county-clerk, and register, originally built by bishop Nevill ‡ 66.13. Before the new sessions-houses were erected, the adjoining building was used for the law courts, under which are stables; the upper chamber is a mean and melancholy place for so important a purpose: The ornaments of the seat of justice were removed from thence in 1649 § 66.14. Near to the old sessions-house is the library, founded and stocked

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with books by bishop Cofin; adjoining is the exchequer, which closes that side of the square up to the gates entering into the outward court of the castle. At the north east corner of the Green, Queen's-street, anciently called Owen or Ounsgate, descends to the north gate, now the gaol; and at the south-east corner Sidgate, vulgarly called Dun Cow-lane, leads to King's-gate, crossing the North-Bailey: On the north side of the square is the castle: There are few distinct remains of the wall which defended this part, between the castle and the church; the name of the broken walls being the chief memorial of that fortification.

The Place-Green, as before noted, we apprehend was the ground where crimi∣nals were executed; it being the ancient custom to perform such acts of justice be∣fore the walls of castles, and not to carry offenders from their prisons to distant places, or to delay execution after sentence. In the conventions entered into be∣tween the bishop and prior in the thirteenth century, and ratified in 1553, are these words Vel cum aliquis in ead. judicatus fuerit &c. executio judicii fiet. per ballivos pr. libere & sine impedimento ad Placeam, &c. In other records it is called Virid. Placea, or the Green-Place: A grant to William de Orchard, 1365, of a garden, sup' Placeam* 66.15: In 1367, a grant of waste ground, sup' Placeam, with many more: 1454, to Robert Sotheron, parte orient. Placei, Dun. boundering to the south, on a ground called Coneyor-Garth, where the mint-master had his tenements† 66.16: In 1395, one Ward took of the lord a house super Placeam, within the castle of Durham, called the moneyer's house, together with a chamber on the other side of the gate, called Owenszate, to hold the same until some mint-master should come, who would carry on his business of coining therein † 66.17. We would not have multiplied these proofs, but to deduce from thence the following observations: It has been apprehended that the mintage of our prelates was carried on in some strong place within the gates of the castle; or as others would have it, in Silver-street, from its name; whereas the records prove the mint-master's house was on the Place-Green; which was stiled to be in the castle, as being within the ballium and fortifications thereof.

There were anciently belonging to the monastery two schools, one in the cloister where the novices were taught, in a wainscotted hall opposite to the treasury door. The master was one of the oldest and most learned of the monks, and the students were supplied, upon his report, with necessaries from the chamberlain of the house; for they had no appointed salary. If any of them shewed a particular genius and love of literature, he was sent to Oxford; those of meaner capacities pursued their

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studies under the discipline of the house, were taught to perform the service of the choir, and in the end admitted to sing mass; at which stage they had twenty shil∣lings a year as wages: They had commons at a table at the east end of the frater-house, and during the mess one of them read a portion of the holy scriptures. Their lodging was at the south end of the dormitory. The other school was in the infirmary out of the abbey gates, where the boys of the almery were taught; they messed after the novices, and had the remains of their table: Their master had ec∣clesiastical duty, saying mass twice a week at St Mary Magdalen's chapel, near Kepier, once a week at Kimblesworth, and every holiday and Friday in the infir∣mary chapel, where four women constantly attended, who dwelt in the infirmary, to take care of the sick, and were supplied with provisions from the priors table* 67.1. These appointments, with the rest of the monastic dispositions, were extinguished by the dissolution, and perhaps occasioned the institution of the other schools after the settlement of the chapter. John Newton, master of St Edmond's hospital, in Gateshead, and John Thoralby, rector of Gateshead, and afterwards of Whitburn, clerks, by bishop Langley's licence, dated the 14th of June, 1414, founded two chanteries at the altars of the blessed Virgin and St Cuthbert, in the gallilee, and appointed two chaplains, one of whom was to teach poor boys grammar, and the other singing, in such place as that prelate or his executors should appoint: Their stipend of forty shillings yearly each, issued out of lands in Hardwick, nigh Norton, Ryton, Boldon, Cassop, and Owengate, in the North-Bailey. The boys, it is pre∣sumed, from the instrument of confirmation by the prior and convent were to con∣sist of thirty of the monastery almery: The song-master, with some of his scholars, were to come to church on the principal festivals in a surplice, and sing; the others to be present on the like occasions; and no women were to be permitted among them: The chantry clerks were not suffered to lie a night out of their house, with∣out licence of the bishop, or his spiritual chancellor, under the penalty of forfeit∣ing the chantry; neither might they, (with any licence) be absent above forty days conjunctim aut divisim in a whole year, and then to have a substitute. They could not be admitted without licence of the bishop, or during the vacancy of the prior and chapter, in which express mention was to be made of their taking the oath of residence. The bishop had power to add to or detract from the articles of founda∣tion, to appoint statutes, or alter and explain them at pleasure † 67.2.

There appears some confusion touching these chantries; whether only one was founded by Newton and Thoralby, and the other was the act of bishop Langley; for in the nomination of some of the clerks, one of them is called bishop Langley's chantry. Bishop Nevil, in the first year of his episcopacy, granted licence to the executors of bishop Langley, to purchase lands of forty pounds per annum value, for maintenance of these chantry clerks ‡ 67.3. Mr Thomas Rud, who was master of the chapter school in the church-yard, had much occasion to look into those mat∣ters, and was of opinion, that Newton and Thoralby were in fact the original

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founders, giving stipends of forty shillings each; but that bishop Langley afterwards greatly enlarging the foundation, the chantries took his name* 67.4. The bishop's executors purchased the manor of Kaverdley, in Lancashire, out of which they al∣lotted 16l. 13s. 4d. in stipends to two masters† 67.5, and which was reserved to them by the statute thirty-seventh of king Henry VIII. c. 4, and confirmed the first of king Edward VI. by virtue whereof the endowment survived the dissolution of chantries, and the schools were from thenceforth called king Edward's foundation, though he did nothing further relative thereto than save them from the general wreck. After the dissolution, it is to be apprehended, things of this nature remained some time in confusion; two new schools were instituted in the second year of queen Mary, under the protection of the dean and chapter; and the queen appointed stipends to be paid thereto, out of the revenues of the church: And though it doth not appear the dean and chapter had any right to intermeddle with the money issuing out of Kaverdley, in Lancashire, yet certain it is, a custom arose in the beginning of queen Elizabeth's reign, to pay one half of the stipend that belonged to one of bishop Langley's schools, to the master of the new grammar-school, and the same hath been regularly paid by the king's auditor. One reason for this division might be, that from the time of the foundation of the new school, where the Latin tongue was to be taught, that language was disused in the other, and it was appropriated for Eng∣lish rudiments and writing. Bishop Langley's song-school hath long fallen into dis∣use; the patentee pays no attention to the institution, and it has become a beneficial sinecure to some of the bishop's domestics‡ 67.6.

King Henry VIII. appointed commissioners to set out dwelling-houses for the master and usher of the new grammar-school; and those, with bishop Langley's school-houses, in times of public calamity and confusion, were suffered to fall into decay; or, as others say, were destroyed by the Scotch in 1640: After the Restora∣tion, the dean and chapter rebuilt their school-house; and as was observed before, bishop Cosin rebuilt bishop Langley's houses, or made new ones adjoining to the hospital, which he founded on the Place-Green: Unwilling to arrogate to himself even the appearance of having founded those schools, or to lead posterity into any error touching them, over the doors of the wings or school-houses‡ 67.7 he placed bishop Langley's arms, and over the center door his own.

† 67.8

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The Bishop's Alms-House, and Schools on the Green.

Bishop Cosin's deed of foundation of the alms-houses on the Place-Green, and re-establishment of the schools there, is to the following effect:

"John, by God's grace and permission, bishop of Durham: To all the faithful sons of Christ and holy mother church, that may see or hear these present letters, or this public instrument, health and blessing. For as much, as among other works of piety and exercises of Christian religion, which appertain to the office of a bishop, we were diligently to provide and take care, that our episcopal castles, and in them especially our chapels, and some other places and buildings adjoining, destined for public uses, (all which indeed we found almost quite destroyed either by the violence of the times, or the neglect and malice of men) might be duly repaired as soon as possible, and where necessary rebuilt. Know ye, therefore, that we have not only repaired, and brought into better form, in every part, our foresaid episcopal castles, and the sacred chapels therein, at our own proper charges, but also have built anew two school-houses, anciently erected by the appointment of the most reverend prelate and lord, lord Thomas Langley, our predecessor, on the bishop's palace-green, in

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Durham, on the east side of the said green; (lately almost fallen and left waste by the violence of the times and neglect of men) the one of which schools was designed for instructing boys in the rudiments of learning, unto the Latin and Greek gram∣mar; and the other to instruct boys in the art of writing and plain songs; with a stipend of 8l. 6s. 8d. annexed, for the master of each school, to be paid yearly by the king's officers; and with a pension in like manner of forty shillings, to be paid by the officers of us and our successors, viz. our auditor and receiver, yearly to the same master; which we have thought good, as much as in us lies, should be ratified and confirmed. Know ye, furthermore, that we the bishop aforesaid, have built and placed between the same schools, another building or alms-house, containing in it eight chambers for the entertainment and dwelling of so many poor people, viz. four men and four women. And now for the due maintenance and support of the same poor men and women, and the repairs of the houses aforesaid, when such shall be needful, we make known unto all, that by this our charter, we give and grant an annuity of seventy pounds, to issue out of the manor or lands of Great-Chilton, in the county of Durham, lately bought with our own proper monies, to be distributed among the same poor men and women, and duly to be paid yearly, at four quar∣ters of the year, according to an indenture made between us on the one part, and the honourable Charles lord Gerard, baron of Brandon, together with Sir Henage Finch, knight and baronet, the king's solicitor, Sir Gilbert Gerard, knight and baronet, our high-sheriff in the county palatine of Durham, Sir Nicholas Cole, of Kepier, in the county of Durham, knight and baronet, and George Davenport, clerk, rector of Houghton-le-Spring, in the county of Durham aforesaid, our trustees on the other part; and bearing date the 12th day of August present, as it may appear more fully by the said indenture. Therefore we will and ordain by this our charter, that the aforesaid sum of seventy pounds, for the maintenance and support of eight poor people, living in our hospital or alms-house aforesaid, and for the repairs thereof, be distributed and paid yearly in this manner as followeth. First of all, shall be paid to each of the eight poor people aforesaid, by the bishop's auditor and receiver, the yearly pension of 6l. 13s. 4d. at four feasts of the year, specified in the aforesaid indenture, by equal portions: Secondly, that to each of the said poor people be given yearly, by the said auditor and receiver, at the feast of St Bartholomew, 15s. for buying coals or fuel, and repairing their chamber windows, as oft as need shall require: Thirdly, that the sum of 5l. every year be re∣tained in the hands of the said auditor and receiver of the bishop of Durham for the time being, for buying gowns (called liveries) for the said poor men and women,

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every third year: Fourthly, that the sum of 20s. in like manner be placed in the hands of the said auditor and receiver, for repairing the said houses when it may be needful: Fifthly, that the sum of 4l. in like manner, be paid duly at the feasts aforesaid, by equal portions, unto some honest woman, to be named by us and our successors, bishops of Durham, that may daily attend upon the aforesaid poor people, in their sickness and other necessity: Lastly, that the aforesaid auditor and receiver reserve in their hands yearly 13s. 4d. to purchase gloves, as a token for their at∣tention and care. Furthermore, we will and ordain, that all such poor people, be∣ing bachelors or widowers and widows, be of honest repute and good conversation, and sixty, or at least fifty years of age; whereof three men and so many women shall be natives, or at least inhabitants of Durham, by the space of twenty years: But the other two, that is, one man and one woman, shall be chosen out of the vil∣lage or parish of Brancepeth: The cure of which church we anciently had; to be nominated by us during our life, but after our death by our beloved daughters the lady Mary Gerard, the lady Elizabeth Burton, Mrs Frances Gerard, alias Blakeston, and Mrs Anne Greenvile, in their turns after the order of their ages, and by the longer livers and longer liver of them: And after the death of them all, by our successors, the bishops of Durham in a full See; but by the dean and chapter of our cathedral church of Durham, in a vacancy, from time to time as often as any place of the said poor men and women shall happen to be void, for ever. And that this pious and charitable intention of ours may take better effect, we have chosen, named, assigned, and constituted, and by these presents for us and our successors, do choose, name, assign, and constitute our beloved in Christ, William Unthanke, William Widdrington, Robert Blunt, and Charles Calvert, and our beloved Grace Hutchin∣son, Jane Cummin, Eleanor Pearson, and Mary Atkinson, to be the first poor men and women of the same hospital or alms-house, there to remain to be maintained and relieved during their natural lives; unless in the meanwhile they be removed, or that it shall happen that any one of them be removed thence for some reasonable cause, by us and our successors. We will also, and ordain, that all such poor people, and their successors, shall reside and lodge in their own chambers. Fur∣thermore, we appoint that the poor men and women shall duely say not only the private prayers assigned to them, by us, in their own chambers; but also frequent the prayers morning and evening, in the choir of our cathedral church in Durham, unless they be detained at home by some real sickness: That they all go to church, two by two, both men and women, in their gowns, modestly, decently, and in or∣der: That they shall sit next after the king's beadsmen, sounded in the same cathe∣dral church; and there demean themselves humbly and devoutly. Lastly, we will and constitute, that all such poor people be subject as well to the ordinary juris∣diction of us and our successors, as to all decrees, commands, and statutes, duely and lawfully to be established and ordained by us and our successors, bishops of Durham. And we do hereby declare, as well the said schools, restored and built by us, as also our new and peculiar foundation of the said alms-house, shall be established for ever. We put up our most humble thanks to the Omnipotent and Gracious Divinity, who hath vouchsafed to grant unto us, whilst we sojourn in this

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mortal life, and look for his blessed eternity in Heaven, ability to provide for, and perfect these our works of piety and charity, which we trust will be acceptable to him. In testimony, &c. we have caused these our letters to be made patent, and thereto have put our seals, both episcopal and palatine. Witness, Sir Francis Goodrick, knight, our temporal chancellor. Given at our castle at Durham, on the thirty-first of August, in the year of the reign of our sovereign lord Charles the Second, by the grace of God, king of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, de∣fender of the faith, the twentieth, and of our consecration the eighth, and in the year of Christ 1668."

Bishop Cosin's library * 67.12 is mentioned in his will to this effect,

That a great number of his books valued at above one thousand pounds he had given to the public library of St Peter's College, in Cambridge; the rest of his books, accord∣ing to a catalogue signed by him, he, by a special deed, gave to a public use in a new library that he had built upon the Palace-Green in Durham, for the com∣mon benefit of the clergy and others that should resort thereto, the whole col∣lection having cost him near three thousand pounds, and the care of near fifty-five years together.
He, by deed, dated the 20th of September, 1669, granted a stipend for a librarian, with ordinances therein touching his office † 67.13.

In the exchequer ‡ 67.14 are deposited the bishop's evidences, of which archbishop Sancroft, a prebendary in the ninth stall of our cathedral, obtained lists or

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schedules, which have lately been published from the Clarendon Press in Oxford, with other miscellaneous tracts, entitled Collectanea Curiosa. They might not be esteemed of sufficient importance to take up so many pages in this work as their insertion would necessarily require, therefore we must refer the reader to that pub∣lication, No x. vol. ii. p. 93, &c.

The traveller approaching

THE CASTLE * 68.1

enters by the gateway built by bishop Tunstall.

Before we proceed in the description of the present edifice, it is necessary to make some few observations on the form and construction of fortresses of the like date. We remarked, that it was probable there was a place of strength and defence on the castle hill, before the Conqueror, returning from his Scotch expedition, thought it expe∣dient in this province, which was so necessary and natural a barrier against the more northern powers, to erect a castle † 69.1. The castle upon Tyne was a work of near the same period of time ‡ 69.2, but the form of that edifice in no wise corresponds with any part of the fortress now under consideration, and indeed it is difficult to determine what part of the present castle owes its origin to William the Conqueror. Towers of an octagonal form, we conceive, were not uncommon with the Normans; yet we do not apprehend the present tower was of Norman architecture: The lofty mount most probably attracted the founder's attention: But we have met with very little evidence to support such a position. The ingenious Mr Grose says § 69.3,

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The materials of which castles were built, varied, according to the places of their erection; but the manner of their construction seems to have been pretty uni∣form. The outsides of the walls were generally built with the stones nearest at hand, laid as regularly as their shapes would admit; the insides were filled with the like materials, mixed with a great quantity of fluid mortar, which was called by the workmen grout-work: A very ancient method of building used by the Romans, and quoted by Palladio, and all the writers on architecture. The angles were always coigned, and the arches turned with squared stone, brought from Caen, in Normandy, with which the whole outside was now and then eased. Sometimes instead of stone the insides of the walls were formed with squared chalk, as is the castle of Guildford. When the Normans found the ruins of an ancient building on the scite of their intended structure, they either endeavoured to incor∣porate it into their work, or made use of the materials; as may be seen by many buildings of known Norman construction, wherein are fragments of Saxon archi∣tecture, or large quantities of Roman bricks, which has caused them often to be mistaken for Roman or Saxon edifices. The general shape or plan of these castles depended entirely on the caprice of the architects, or the form of the ground intended to be occupied; neither do they seem to have confined themselves to any particular figure in their towers, square, round, and poligonal, oftentimes occur∣ing in the original parts of the same building. The situations commonly chosen were steep rocks, cliffs, eminences, or the banks of rivers.
To this observation we must add, that the fortifications on the ground now under consideration, occupied or enclosed the whole summit of the hill; the outward wall running along the very brink of the eminence, and forming an oval figure; at the northern extremity of which the castle stands, on the neck of land, where the ground descends swiftly to the lower town, called the borough; the river runs almost round the whole walled or fortified eminence, except at that part where Claypath or Cluerport gate stands; at which point, the eastern or western channels drawing nearest together, give the walled or fortified part of the town the figure of a horse shoe, so that the river to those fortifications served in lieu of a moat: The natural ascent from the river to the foot of some parts of the city wall, is upwards of eighty perpendicular feet.
In towns (Mr Grose says, p. 9) the appellation of ballium was given to any work fenced with palisades, and some times masonry, covering the suburbs; but in castles

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was the space immediately within the outer wall. When there was a double enceinte of walls, the areas next each wall were stiled the outer and inner ballia. The manner in which these are mentioned in the siege of Bedford castle, suf∣ficiently justify this position: The castle was taken by four assaults; in the first was taken the barbican, in the second the outer ballia, at the third attack the wall by the old tower was thrown down by the miners, where, with great danger they pos∣sessed themselves of the inner ballia, through a chink; at the fourth assault the miners set fire to the tower, so that the smoke burst out, and the tower itself was cloven to that degree, as to shew visibly some broad chinks, whereupon the enemy surrendered.— This receives further confirmation from the enumeration of the lands belonging to Colchester castle, wherein are specified "the upper bailey, in which the castle stands, and the nether bailey, &c." The wall of the ballium in castles was com∣monly high, flanked with towers, and had a parapet, embattled, crenellated, or garretted for the mounting of it. There were flights of steps at convenient dis∣tances; and the parapet often had the merlons pierced with long chinks, ending in round holes, called oillets.
Whether, at Durham, there was an inner and outer ballium, is uncertain; the two streets now called the Baileys, are sometimes distinguished by the names of the high and low Bailey, and north and south Bailey, and prompt an idea, that such might be the original form of the fortification; but when the present cathedral church was built, the distinction and interior wall per∣haps was removed, as no remains thereof now appear.

Within the ballium were lodgings or barracks, for those whose service it was to defend the castle personally, either as principals or substitutes; so in the Baileys the houses were anciently held in capite by the service of castle ward, and many chief personages had tenements therein for greater security in times of public danger * 69.4: Besides the cathedral church and monastery, there were included in the ballium, two parish churches, St Mary the Great or Le-Bow, and St Mary the Less.—

The entrance into the ballium was commonly through a strong machicolated and embattled gate, between two towers, secured by a herse or portcullis; over this gate were rooms originally intended for the porter of the castle: The towers served for the corps de garde. On an eminence, in the center commonly, though not always, stood the keep or dungeon, sometimes, as in the siege of Bedford castle, emphatically called the tower; it was the citadel or last retreat of the garrison, often surrounded by a ditch, with a draw bridge and machicolated gate, and occasionally with an outer wall, garnished with small towers: In large castles it was generally a high square tower, of four or five stories, having turrets

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at each angle; in these turrets were the staircases, and frequently as in Dover and Rochester castles, a well. If instead of a square, the keep or dungeon happened to be round, it was called a juliet, from a vulgar opinion that large round towers were built by Julius Caesar* 69.5.
We find mention made of five gates to the bal∣lium: The great north gate, which flanked the keep to the east, and filled up the space between it and the wall, which led down into the borough: This was of the greatest strength, as it commanded the most important and least guarded approach: When it was rebuilt by bishop Langley, he thought it necessary to make it as strong as the art of fortification could then render it, not only as a defence to the fortress and monastery, but as a prison for criminals and captives, without lodging them in the cells and vaults of the great tower; to those ends he constructed the gateway † 69.6, with double gates towards the Bailey, an outward gate towards the city, with a port∣cullis, an open wall or recess between the gates, with salliports and upper galleries for the annoyance of assailants who might force the first gate. What the ancient gateway and tower were, we are ignorant; but it seems that keeping it was a post of honour, sought after by persons of the first distinction in antiquity for heroism and family. By the record presented to the reader, it appears that the lord Thomas Gray, in bishop Hatfield's time, was possessed of the lodge or chamber in the tower, and the gate is described as leading ad hospicium Duresmi, to the Durham inn, a place, by the application, apparently of as much note in 1353, as the north gate of the ballium ‡ 69.7. The ancient gate was strengthened with a salliport or postern gate, not now known, and a round tower at the end of the moat, which is still in being; it is o described in bishop Skirlaw's time § 69.8.

The second gate was called King's gate, now totally removed, which commanded the ford over the river into Elvet ‖ 69.9: The third gate was called Owen gate, where

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Queen-street now is; but it is apprehended this was an inner gate, and led into the Placea or Place-Green: The fourth gate was called Sidgate, now Duncow-lane: The fifth gate, called the Water gate, was anciently stiled La Porte du Bayle * 69.10, or the Bailey gate, and was the gate of the outward ballium, if the fortifications had that distinction, commanding another fording place over the river. This gate stood, till late years, in its ancient form. Bishop Nevil, in the twelfth year of his episco∣pacy, (1449) granted to Robert Rodes and his heirs, liberty to annex this gate to his mansion-house, with the power of closing and opening the same at pleasure † 69.11: This grant was an open violation of the articles of convention before stated, by which all the bishop's liege people were decreed to have the privilege of passing that way to and from the shrine of St Cuthbert, except in time of war, when the exigencies of state required the gate to be closed for security of the city; the gate was constantly closed at night by the owner of the adjacent tenement, and no car∣riages were at any time suffered to pass that way; until the Rev. Henry Egerton, one of the present prebendaries of Durham, having purchased the adjacent grounds, widened the street, and promoted the building of a spacious arch, of Roman architecture, without gates, in the place of the old gateway: This would have proved little more than an ornament to the city, had not the dean and chapter, with a munificence which distinguishes that worshipful body in all their public works, laid it open for the use of gentlemen's families; whose carriages only are permitted to pass along the elegant new bridge, lately erected by them: A bounty reserved to this age.

At this gate the ancient wall of the ballium appears, stretching along the brink of the hill towards the church of St Mary-le-Bow, where King's-gate anciently stood. The wall is defended at intervals with square projecting turrets or bastions; but few of them retain so much of their original figure as to furnish a probable conjecture touching their strength, when in a perfect state: The wall shews evident marks of a parapet and breast wall or embrazure.

In the first volume, page 113, we offered some conjectures relative to the castle: It is pretty well established that William the Conqueror ordered a fortress to be erected here; and it is probable, the works which then defended the mount, attract∣ed the attention of the Norman; whether those works merited the name of a castle is not easy to determine, or what they really were; though from the mode of the Saxons, we may presume they consisted of breast works or circumvallations, of which the present terraces may be some remains. Huntingdon's language, touching the sovereigns erecting a castle here de Novo, prompts an idea, that some considerable edifice stood on this ground before the Norman times ‡ 69.12.

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About the year 1177, the castle of Durham consisted chiefly of a tower; in the note referred to * 69.13, it is only called Turrim de Dunelm, and also in bishop Hatfield's time in the preceding note, relative to the north gate, in which it is described as leading to the tower; and indeed many judicious persons, with great probability, have conjectured, the original fortress was no more than a tower, and was after∣wards strengthened with a ballium on the side opposite to Framwellgate bridge, garnished with bastions and square towers; where the wall was built on the edge of rocks rising almost perpendicular from the river: On this side several ancient towers yet remain, of little use to the present mansion † 69.14. When Framwellgate bridge was built by bishop Flambard, in the opening of the twelfth century, he carried on a strong wall between the castle and the church; and it is probable he built the last mentioned towers to command the pass: The bridge had also a strong gateway and tower: Building this bridge necessarily occasioned a passage to be made from thence into the borough; and on that account, bishop Flambard strengthened that side of the castle, between the bridge and the north gate before spoken of, with a moat; which, from the example before given, was undoubtedly for∣tified with round towers or bastions.

The method of attack and defence of fortified places practised by our ancestors before, and even some time after the invention of gunpowder, was much after the manner of the Romans; most of the same ma∣chines being made use of, though some of them under different names: They had their engines for throwing stones and darts of different weights and sizes: For ap∣proaching the walls they had moveable towers ‡ 69.15.
So that the more lofty the forti∣fication, consequently it was more difficult of assault by the machines used in sieges. "Of the vast force" of the engines,
surprising stories are related; no wall, how∣ever thick, was able to resist their stroke; and in the field they swept away the deepest files of armed men; with them were thrown not only large milstones, but sometimes the carcases of dead horses, and even living men § 69.16.

Many of the keeps or dungeons, in the ancient castles, are placed in the same situation of the ballium, as the castle of Durham, as Connisborough castle, Tick∣hill, Portchester, Cambridge, Oxford, Tunbridge, and several others. The mount on which Durham tower stands is near forty-four perpendicular feet in height, from the level of the Place-Green, to the foot of the building, and it appears to

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have been forced from the level; to the above eminence add the natural height of the whole hill from the level of the river, and it will be upwards of one hundred and thirty perpendicular feet. It is the opinion of a skilful architect * 69.17, that the foundation of this tower goes down to the rock; and by the falling in of some arches, we discover that the whole erection is vaulted underneath; but as those vaults, from their apparent depth, do not occupy above a fourth part of the height of the mount, we are left to conjecture in what manner the rest of the eminence was forced or supported: It is apprehended, that after the Norman tower was built, the mount did not remain cut out into terraces agreeable to the present form, but that the sides were regularly sloped from the building to the plain, to render it as difficult to be climbed as possible, forming a regular glacis or talus round the tower; and that the approach to the gate of the tower was by a long slight of steps, from the inner court, so narrow that two persons only could pass at a time; and so open on each side that an assailant opposed might be tumbled headlong to the bottom. Mr King, describing Coningsborough castle in the 6th volume of the Archaeologia, says,

The first thing that strikes the eye is a very remarkable sloping part of the foundation walls, rising to a great height like a mount, and having in many parts, in consequence of its being covered with earth and moss, the appearance of a small hill exactly of the same dimensions as the castle itself; the bottom of this sloping part appears almost circular, but higher up are seen more fully, six vast projecting buttresses, ascending in a still more steep direction, to prop and sup∣port the building. Immediately above this sloping part the tower rises perpendi∣cularly to a great height: Its inside forms a compleat circle; but on the outside appear six additional square turrets, which are, however, merely the continuation upwards of the buttresses just mentioned.
Before the present terraces of our tower were formed, perhaps the ribs of the foundation appeared supporting the but∣tresses of each angle; and by such a base, mining, which was much practised in an∣tiquity, would be impeded or rendered impracticable: The tower of Coningsborough castle forms an hexagon; Durham tower an ill-formed octagon of irregular sides; some of the fronts exceeding others in breadth several feet; the angles are support∣ed by buttresses, and a parapet has run round the summit of the whole building, with a breast wall and embrazure: The diameter of this tower in the widest part is sixty-three feet six inches, and in the narrowest sixty-one feet: It has contained four stories or tiers of apartments, exclusive of the vaults: The great entrance is on the west side: There is nothing now left of this edifice but the mount, vaults, and outside shell; which latter, from its noble appearance, and the great ornament

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it is to the city, has been an object of attention of many of the prelates.— Chambrè tells us bishop Hatfield built a tower to the castle; In castello Dunelm. aedificiae quae antiquitate & vetustate consumpta et debilitata fuerant, renovavit; & autam episcopalem & aulam constabulari cum aliis aedificiis in eodem de novo construxit. Urbem Dun. licet hanc natura & muri satis munierunt, turre tamen fortiori sumptibus suis in castello constructa, ipse reddidit fortiorem. Indeed from the whole mode of architecture, the roses which ornament the summits of the buttresses, and the form of the windows, we are led to conceive that the present shell was the work of bishop Hatfield, and repaired and kept standing by his successors * 69.18. The tower was only lined round the outward wall with apartments, so as to leave an inner area or wall from top to bot∣tom, by which the engines of war, and necessaries in time of danger and attack, were drawn up and distributed to the several parts of the building: Those apart∣ments have been approached by five different staircases or turnpikes in the angles, the remains of which are yet visible, so that the parapet could be mounted, the gal∣leries lined with armed men, and the apartments guarded in a very short time, and equally as quick the garrison could descend, and be ready for a sally. At present the mount, as we observed before, is formed into terraces, as well for ornament as recreation: The uppermost terrace is ten feet wide, and laid with gravel, command∣ing a prospect not only of the whole city and its beautiful environs, but also an ex∣tensive view of the country as far as Gateshead-fell, Penshaw, Newbottle, Warden Law, and Quarrington, with the nearer objects, Newton-hall, Pittington, Sherburn, Aykley-heads, and other places of note: Between this and the lower terrace is a grass slope, supported by a breast wall, and you descend by twenty-three steps; the second terrace is of equal breadth with the other, and laid with gravel, and is in like manner separated from the lowest terrace by a grass slope and breast wall, to which you descend by twenty-one steps; this terrace is of like width and form as the others, and is twenty-two steps above the level of the garden below.

Bishop Pudsey, who acceded to the bishopric in 1153, restored some part of the castle, which had suffered by fire. To this prelate we are induced to attribute the building of the first hall to the palace; but with other parts of the castle going to decay, the present hall, with the constable's-hall, were afterwards erected by bishop Hatfield: This prelate's works were magnificent; an improved taste prevailed in his time, and much ornament was introduced in buildings of this kind: The hall erected by him, we are told, was near one hundred and twenty yards in length, of a proportionable height and width, and lighted on every side; the roof of wood was ornamented in every rafter, and other decorations were given to this spacious room. It is described as having two princely eats, one at each end: There were pulpits or galleries on each side, wherein the trumpeters or wind music used to stand to play

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while meat was ushered in * 69.19. On the day bishop Bury was enthroned, A. D. 1333, he entertained in the hall the king and queen of England, the queen dowager of England, the king of Scotland, the two Metropolitans, and five other bishops, seven earls, with their ladies, all the nobility north of Trent, with a vast concourse of knights, esquires, and other people of distinction, among whom were many abbots, priors, and other religious† 69.20. Bishop Fox found it too expensive to keep this spacious hall in repair, or it was too large for his necessary purposes, and therefore he reduced it considerably; he took away the seat at the south end, and converted that part into a kitchen and steward's apartments, so that it was lessened at least one-third of its original size; yet there remained room enough for the entertain∣ment of the princess Margaret, and her attendants, in her way to Scotland; on that occasion, we read, that all the nobility and people of distinction of the northern parts, as well spirituals as temporals, were present, and the services consisted of that gorgeous display of provisions, called by the writers of that time double dinners. This prelate began to repair the great tower, and built a hall, kitchen, and some other apartments therein, but before his plan was far advanced, he was translated, and no further progress was made in that work: We see his arms in the partition wall of the great hall. Bishop Tunstall made great repairs to the castle, he built the present gateway and tower, and flanked it with a strong wall on either hand: He brought water to the palace in pipes, it being supplied before by wells and reser∣voirs; he erected the present gallery, and made a new approach to the apartments there; he also built a beautiful little chapel, which has received improvements from succeeding prelates, as the arms of Cosin and Talbot placed therein denote. We should not omit to remark in this place, that on the facing of the entrance into the stalls, at the west end, is a striking mark of Wolsey's arrogance; on the oak are carved the cardinal's arms, taking the dexter side against the arms of his principality and See of Durham. Bishop Barnes and Neile made great repairs: The latter en∣larged the windows, and thereby gave the apartments a new degree of elegance.

The great tower became an object of incumbrance soon after the Reformation; and at length, in bishop Morton's time, it was one of those erections for which the bishops were decreed to be discharged from future dilapidations, so that nothing but the love of ornament, and the solemn grace it added to the aspect of the castle in particular, and to this beautiful city in general, has since that period for a cen∣tury and a half saved it from utter demolition and ruin.

Bishop Morton had the honour of a royal visit at his castle of Durham, and then displayed the ancient hospitality and magnificence of the prelates of this See; he entertained king Charles I. and all his retinue in the hall of this palace, when he

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made his tour into Scotland, expending, as it is said, no less a sum than fifteen hundred pounds a day on the occasion. Bishop Cosin, whose memory is dear to those that venerate the ancient seats of our prelates, put the castle of Durham into repair, made a new entrance into the hall, renewed the fountain, added many apart∣ments, and gave much ornament to the exterior parts; he again reduced the hall, by taking off an audience room at the north end, at the foot of the great staircase; and put a screen of wainscot at the south end, to conceal the passages to the kitchen and offices; he also wainscotted the hall round about. In its present state the hall is one hundred and eighty feet in length, thirty-six feet in width, and about fifty feet in height to the rafters; is lighted by three large windows to the west, and two to the east. Since bishop Cosin's time, succeeding prelates have made improve∣ments, which, as well as the work of more remote ages, are distinguished by the arms placed on various parts of the building. Bishop Trevor did a great deal, particularly to the north front, which opens upon a terrace eighty paces long above the moat, terminated by the round tower before spoken of: He improved many of the apartments by putting in chimney-pieces of stone-work, highly wrought in the Gothic stile, and well adapted to the figure of the rooms, making very large sash windows in the same order, and stuccoing the walls and ceilings, in which work he employed the ablest masters * 69.21.

The church of Saint Mary-le-Bow is said to stand upon the ground where St Cuthbert's remains were first lodged, in a tabernacle of boughs and wands, before a proper receptacle was formed, within the limits of the present cathedral: It is within the deanry of Easington, and under the patronage of the archdeacon of Northum∣berland † 69.22.

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In the beginning of the last century this church became very ruinous, and on the 10th of December, 1637, the following agreement was entered into, and written in the parish register:

The Bow church at Durham was agreed to be pulled down, being very ruinous, and to be rebuilt by the parishioners; Mr John Heath giv∣ing that piece of ground which is now the church-yard, and there was gathered by way of contribution, towards the rebuilding of the said church, 117l. 14s* 70.1. Concluded and agreed upon by the minister, church-wardens, and others the parishioners, that the church being partly fallen down, and the residue that stands being so decayed and rotten, that it cannot long continue without immi∣nent danger, shall be pulled down and re-edified, and that sufficient cessments shall be laid on to that purpose† 70.2.

The rector's income was anciently very trivial, as it arose by fluctuating circum∣stances‡ 70.3; but by virtue of lord Crewe's will, ten pounds a year was annexed to it for ever § 71.2.

It appears that those direful years of anarchy and confusion, which soon after succeeded the date of the above resolution, prevented the repairs proceeding; for

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it was not till the year 1685, the new church was opened for divine service; and in a note of Randal's, it is said,

This was done least the Papists should get pos∣session of this empty church by some grant from the crown.
In the year 1722, the living was augmented by queen Anne's bounty, and subscriptions to the amount of 170l. were obtained for that purpose* 71.3.

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This church is built of hewn stone, in a very neat stile, uniform, and without ailes, and is well lighted. The entrance from the street is at the west end, under the tower; the ceiling is flat, unsupported by pillars, and is stuccoed in squares: It is regularly pewed, and wainscotted round, with a gallery at the west end * 73.1.

The Parish of St Mary the Less, in the South Bailey.

This church is but a mean edifice, considering its antiquity, and that it is situated within the walls of the ancient city: It is in the deanry of Easington. The ad∣vowson being part of the possessions of the earl of Westmoreland, on his attainder came to the crown † 73.8.

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The two Bailies are inhabited by people of the first fortune; the houses on the east side of the street command a beautiful view of the river, and the romantic scenes on its borders; on the west side the tenements receive some equivalent for their loss of prospect, by having an easy passage to the Place-green, Cathedral, College, and Castle.

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The Parish of St Nicholas, in Durham.

From the Gaol-gates to the Market-place, you pass down Sadler-street, having Elvet-bridge on the right-hand. This street, or some considerable part of it, was anciently called the Fleshewer-raw, and is still occupied by butchers. We are led to lament that want of police in the city which should correct the brutal spectacle of slaughtering animals in the street; shocking to travellers, who instantly turn aside with disgust, and pass to other places, not only with prejudice of mind against the whole place, but with censures on its inhabitants: They look back on the magnificent buildings, and whilst they recollect the royal rights of the powerful prelate, the learned body of men who sit in the chapter-house, the re-infranchised body corporate of the city, and the opulent and polite inhabitants in general, they exclaim,

In this seat of learning, the episcopal capital, and center of the provin∣cial law, hitherto common decency has not drawn a skreen before the execution of the slaughtering knife that serves their luxury.

Elvet bridge was built by bishop Pudsey, who also restored the borough of Elvet, after the destruction made by Cumin's followers.

As Framwel-gate bridge, built by bishop Flambard, was called the Old bridge, so Elvet bridge, built by Hugh Pusar, or Pudsey, was called the New bridge. There were on it formerly two chapels, one dedicated to St James, built by Lewinus Burgensis in the reign of king Henry III. and since converted to a prison for the house of correction: The other, dedicated to St Andrew * 74.1, founded by William, son of Absolam, Ro∣bert de Insula, bishop, Edw. I. king † 74.2.
In bishop Fox's time this bridge was become ruinous, whereupon he granted an indulgence to those who should contri∣bute to its repairs ‡ 74.3. It has several land arches, constructed for the purpose of bringing up a gradual ascent from Elvet to Sadler-street, and we observe it became a custom so early as bishop Skirlaw's time, to grant out those arches for store-houses and other purposes § 74.4."

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The Market-place is a spacious square, well built; at the oot of which stands the church of St Nicholas, occupying almost the whole of that side: Sadler-street enters the square at the south-east corner, Silver-street at the south-west, Claypeth∣gate is situate at the north-east corner, and a flight of steps leading by the New-place to the factory-house, on the north-west: These are the stairs by which the arch∣bishop of York escaped the fury of the mob, when he came to Durham to exercise his pretended jurisdiction during the vacancy of the See, after the demise of bishop Robert de Insula* 74.5.

In this square is a fluent fountain of excellent water, which supplies the greatest part of the town: The reservoir is built up in an elegant form, and ornamented with a fine statue of Neptune. In the year 1450, Tho. Billingham, esq granted† 74.6 to the city for ever, a spring of water in his manor of Sidgate, with liberty to con∣vey the same by pipes, &c. to a reservoir in the Market-place for the public use, at thirteen-pence a year rent, payable at the feast of St Martin; and in default for forty days, the grantor and his assigns have power to break up the aqueduct head, and divert the stream into its ancient course: With a prohibitory clause against any person's making an aqueduct from the fountain, except the grantor and his heirs, to whom power was reserved to lay a string pipe from the reservoir to supply his own house in the Market-place. This grant was afterwards confirmed by the bishop, who granted liberty to break his soil for the aqueducts ‡ 74.7.

There stood near the fountain a large market cross, which incumbered the square very much: It was lately taken down, and a handsome piazza built at the foot of the Market-place, to answer the same purposes § 74.8.

On the west side of the square is the Town-hall, with commodious apartments for public festivals and other uses, lately rebuilt on a modern plan. The old hall was erected and given to the city by bishop Tunstal, ornamented with a large cupola in the center, and in other respects exhibiting the elegance which was introduced to these northern parts in that prelate's age: Whether before bishop Tunstal's time there was a Common-hall for the burgesses, is not well ascertained; but there

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was a Toll-booth in the middle of the square, as in other ancient places for the weights and measures: As Chambrè tells us,

A beautiful marble cross which stood in the upper part of the street of Gilly-gate, in a place there called the Maid's-harbour, was given to William Wright, of Durham, merchant, at his petition, by Master Ormstrang Scot, lord of Keepyere, to be set up in Durham market-place. That on that occasion the figures of the twelve apostles, of curious workmanship in stone, were repaired and sumptuously gilt; three figures on each side of the cross in a square. At this time Thomas Spark, elected suf∣fragan bishop by bishop Tunstal, was bishop of Berwick, master of Holy Island, and custos and master of Gretham-hospital; at his charge the cross was erected in the Market-place where Old Toll-booth stood, in which work he expended eight pounds * 74.9.

Adjoining the Town-hall is the house called the New-place, and in some records the Bull's-head: It was part of the possessions of Charles earl of Westmoreland, and tradition says was his palace; perhaps his crest was figured on the building, which occasioned it to be denoted by the Bull's-head, or Black-bull† 74.10. It was purchased by the citizens for their factory-house § 74.11; and now is used as a work-house and charity-school.

Behind this edifice, by the river, side, are the work-houses, dye-houses, and other offices for the city factory ‖ 74.12.

The church is very plain and meanly built, being constructed of small and perishable stones, so that from frequent pointing it is now almost covered with mortar. It varies greatly from the situation of other churches, evidently to suit the ground whereon it stands, which serves to support the opinion we before gave, that anciently, by a sluice, the city was here occasionally insulated, by bringing in the streams of the Were. The north wall is very strong and lofty, supported by square buttresses, or rather bastions. This church hath two side ailes, that to the north running the whole length of the building; the south aile is shortened by the tower standing on the south-west angle. The nave and two side ailes are twenty paces in width, and to the chancel the nave is twenty-six paces in length: The south aile is formed by one small octagonal column of considerable height, supporting blunt pointed arches: The north aile hath two short octagonal columns, with wide and lofty blunt pointed arches, rising from brackets at the extremities. The chancel opens with a pointed arch in the center, to the south a small column with a pointed arch, to the

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north a short round column, and irregular circular arches: The chancel is in length six paces to the steps, and the recess for the altar is six paces wide. At the opening of the chancel are the seats for the mercers company and body corporate, neatly fitted up. The roof of the north aile is supported by three half-arches, rising from octagonal brackets. The gates have circular arches: The south windows are modern and sashed; the north windows irregular, and some under pointed arches. This fabric hath been constructed at various times; the north aile bears marks of remote antiquity; but no records afford us further light therein, than that we find Galfrid de Elimer rector in 1133; though by the mode of architecture we should be led to give this church a cotemporary date with the first settlement of the Saxons at Durham.

There were four chantries in this church; one dedicated to St Mary* 74.13, another to St James † 74.14, another to the Holy Trinity‡ 74.15, and a fourth to St John the Baptist, and St John the Evangelist§ 74.16. The chapels on Elvet-bridge are noted as chantries under this church. There was also a guild established in this church, called the Corpus-Christi guild, by virtue of the licence of bishop Langley, which was the ancient mode of establishing a fraternity of merchants before the plan of enchartering was adopt∣ed ‖ 74.17. This church is in the deanry of Easington¶ 75.1, and was a rectory appropriated

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to the hospital of Kepier, by Robert Nevill, bishop of Durham, the 5th of June, 1443; and so continued till its suppression: After which it remained in the crown some considerable time, till granted out among other possessions to William Paget, knight. King Edward VI. in the sixth year of his reign, gave the advowson, and also that of St Giles, to John Cockburne, lord of Ormeston: From him they came to John Heath, by purchase, and now are the property of John Tempest, esq It ap∣pears that Mr Tempest's ancestor married Elizabeth the only daughter of John Heath, esq the 27th of October, 1649; in whose descendant the patronage now remains.

Near adjoining to the church is the old city gateway, called Claypeth-gate; a weak edifice, nearly similar to that which lately stood in the South-Bailey, called the Water-gate, having no machicolation, and only the appearance of a single pair of gates, built with irregular stones and much mortar; the present remains of the city wall shew it was of similar construction, remarked by Leland to be of mean masonry: This gate has a foot passage at the east side. Why this gateway now appears so weak, may be owing to the out-works being totally defaced; and here, in particular, if there was a water-sluice, with a draw-bridge, as we presume there was, less strength was required in the gateway * 76.1.

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In the street of Claypeth was an ancient chapel, dedicated to St Thomas the Martyr; but where it stood has not been pointed out to us. It is thus mentioned in Randal's MSS.

It was in Clayport, in the city of Durham, on the south side of the said street, in St Nicholas' parish. I meet with no account of the founda∣tion of this chapel, but find it was placed in a chapel-yard, and had an enclosed way to it from the street * 77.1.

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The Parish of St Egidius, vulgarly called St Giles.

The street of St Giles, anciently called the borough of St Egidius, and vulgarly Gillygate, ascends swiftly from Claypeth in a curvature, bending to the right, al∣most a mile in length. It stands on the ridge of a hill, the ground inclining to∣wards the river on each side, in some parts with a very steep descent, having Old Durham to the south, and Kepier to the north.

THE HOSPITAL OF KEPIER,

to which this borough belonged, was first founded in the year 1112, by Ralph Flambard, bishop of Durham, who (acceeded to this See A. D. 1099) for a master and brethren, and dedicated the same to St Giles: He endowed it with the vill of Caldecotes, and a mill upon Milburne, with two sheaves of corn from his demesne lands in the vills of Newbotel, Houghton, Weremouth, Ryhope, Easington, Sedge∣field, Shirburn, Querrington, Newton, Chester, Weshington, Boldon, Cleadon, Whickham, and Ryton * 77.2

In the reign of king Stephen, when Cumin contended for the bishopric, his re∣tainers burnt the hospital and church of St Giles, and laid the whole borough in ashes: In this state it remained till Hugh Pudsey came to the See, who confirmed his predecessors foundation and endowment, restored the edifices, augmented the house, and granted ordinances for its government; appointing, that the fraternity should consist of thirteen, with a master, of which number six should be chaplains, to officiate in the chapel of the hospital, one of whom was to be confessor, and the

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others to hold domestic offices* 78.1. By another charter he granted to the hospital a free borough in the street called St Giles, exempted of in-toll and out-toll, aids, customs, services, and other exactions, and gave them pasturage ad averia sua, Hayam & extra; focale, & maeremium, and pannage in his forest. He also gave them a toft in each of the townships of Houghton, Ryhope, Easington, Darlington, Sedgefield, Boldon, and Whickham, where they had tithes of his demesnes. Bishop Pudsey, by the other deed noted by Stevens' Mon. vol. ii. p. 265, grants them Quitteleys and Swyneleys, in Weredale, by boundaries; also granted a lead mine, ad cooperendum ecclesiam St'ae Mariae & omnium sanctorum & infirmatorium hos∣pitalis praedicti; and also an iron mine in Rokehope, for their carriages, &c. pas∣turage for all cattle within the limits, et pedes canum eorum non sint ibi neq. ad Wache∣riam in Weredale, tuneati sed pastores decant eos ligatos proferis ad averia sua senanda pro Lupis. A toft called Laundene, tithes of the lands of Bradwode and Besan∣skeldes, usq. ad Wycheles & unam travam bladi, from each carucate in Weredale, tithes of all assarts or new cultivations, for which he then took money payments, or kirsete, (Kirkseed)† 78.2.

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After the restoration of this hospital, we hear of no misfortune interrupting the tranquillity of the society till the dissolution. In the 26th king Henry VIII. the re∣venue was estimated at 186l. 10d. in the whole, and 167l. 2s. 11d. a year clear. It was surrendered the 14th of January, 36th king Henry VIII. 1545, and granted that same year to Sir William Paget.

In bishop Nevill's time, the several evidences belonging to this hospital were ex∣emplified and confirmed, from copies or other muniments, the originals having been destroyed in the reign of king Stephen, in 1146, when the house was burnt* 78.3.

Kepier came into the possession of the family of Heath, by purchase from the Cockburnes, in the time of bishop Pilkington† 78.4, and continued in that family till the year 1658, when they sold it to Ra. Cole, Esq whose son, Sir Nicholas Cole, sold it in parcels to the families of Tempest, Carr, and Musgrave, the present owners.

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And Tempest, by an intermarriage with the heiress of the Heaths* 79.1, gained the other possessions of that family, and again united it with Old Durham.

Kepier house stands in a very low situation, not a mile from the city, on the banks of the river, and commanding a very short prospect. Of the hospital no∣thing remains but the gateway; part of the superstructure of which appears much more modern than the arching of the gate: There are two shields of arms on the front, one on the dexter side appears to be the arms of Tinmouth monastery, the other so much effaced by time that the bearings cannot be perfectly ascertained; but how Tinmouth came to have any authority or interest here, we have not dis∣covered; and indeed the exact succession of masters is not known.

The borough tenure is of a mixed nature, the tenements being aliened by deed for ninety-nine years, which conveyance must be attended with an admittance from the lord, or his court-holder; and from admittance of alienee or heir, the widow has her frankbank.

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THE CHURCH OF ST GILES.

The church of St Giles has marks of distant antiquity; it has no ailes, and much resembles the old church at Jarrow, being narrow, long, and very lofty: It is thirty paces in length, and only seven wide; the rafters of the roof are supported on brackets; it is lighted to the south by six irregular windows, and two to the north; the tower rises from a pointed arch. The arch which separated the chancel from the nave is broken down: The chancel is ten paces long, and of equal width with the rest of the church; has a modern window to the east, two windows under point∣ed arches to the south with pilasters, and one similar to the north. The font is a large uncouth cauldron. There is a recumbent effigy cut in wood, in the chancel; tradition says it belonged to the tomb of one of the Heaths, pourtrayed in a complete suit of armour, his sword sheathed, the hands elevated, and head rested on a hel∣met, with a bear's paw for the crest; at the feet these words Hodie Michi* 79.3.— Probably this was the effigy of John Heath, who was buried in the chancel, in the year 1591.

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The traveller who is conducted to this church, should be admitted at the north door, and depart from the south door, where a noble prospect opens to the view, too extensive for a picture, and too rich for description. The inadequate ideas which language can convey, are to be lamented by the reader who has a taste for rural beauties, and the elegance of landscape. The church of St Giles stands upon very elevated ground, open to the south where the view is unobstructed. In front the meadow grounds form a steep descent to the river; on one wing closed by the wood called Pelaw Wood, on the other by the buildings of the street. At the foot of the hill the river Were forms a beautiful canal, almost a mile in length, termi∣nated by Elvet bridge to the right, and by the wooded inclosures of Old Durham on the left. On the opposite shore is the race ground, consisting of an extended tract of level meads, from whence, by a gradual ascent, rise the two Elvets; the street of Old Elvet running parallel, the other obliquely, bordered with gardens, and terminated by Elvet church; a handsome structure. The channel of the river lying between New Elvet and the Bailies, affords an agreeable break or change in the objects; the sloping gardens being seen over the buildings of Elvet, softened to the eye with that pleasing teint which the distance produces. On the brink of the ascent stand the Bailies, object rising gradually above object, guarded with the remains of the town wall, and crowned with the cathedral church, which in this view presents the north and east fronts, like the mitre which binds the temples of its pre∣late; giving the noblest supreme ornament to the capital of the principality. To the right Elvet bridge, with seven arches, receives the stream, and intercepts a fur∣ther view of the progress of the river: Over it, tier above tier, rise the buildings of Sadler-street, the gloomy and solemn towers of the gaol, and the battlement and octagonal tower of the castle; the trophies of civil jurisdiction wearing the aspect of old secular authority, and the frowns of feudal power. Between the chief objects, the cathedral and castle, on the nearer back ground, South-street, with its hanging gardens, makes a fine curvature; behind which Brandon Mount, with a spit of high land extending towards Auckland, form the horizon. Further to the right,

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from the banks of the river, rise the buildings of the Market-place, crouding the tower of the church, from whence the streets of Claypeth and Gillygate extend. Thus far description has proceeded without much faultering, but in the other di∣visions of the scene it is faint and totally inadequate: Whoever would know the rest must come and view it * 82.1. Over the meadows, in the center, a precipice rises near one hundred perpendicular feet in height, called MAIDEN CASTLE, fear, or cliff; the steep sides of the hill to the right and left are covered with a forest of old oaks, and the foot of the cliff is washed by the river, whose stream appears again at this point. The lofty ridge of hills cloathed with oaks, stretching away, forms a ziz-zag figure; at the most distant point of which, the great southern road, up the new inclosed grounds of Elvet moor, is seen climbing the hill, for near a mile, be∣yond which very distant eminences form a blue-tinged horizon. To the left of Maiden castle cliff you look upon a rich valley, highly cultivated, extending nearly five miles in length and two in width, bending to the south-west, through which the river winds its silver stream, in the figure of an S: Hanging woods shut in each side of the nearer vale, where are finely disposed, the pleasant village of Shincliff, the bridge of three arches, the villa of William Rudd, esq and Hough-hall house: The extreme part of the valley is closed by the woods of Shincliff, Butterby, and Croxdale, forming an elegant amphitheatre; over these rise distant hills, lined out with inclosures, giving the yellow and brown teint to the landscape over the richer coloured woods. The whole finished with an elevated horizon, on the wings of which are scattered the villages of Ferryhill and Merrington; the tower of Mer∣rington church forming a beautiful and lofty obelisk. One of the greatest excel∣lencies of this landscape is, that the ground rises gradually before you, and just such a distance is maintained as preserves all the objects distinct; not like the landscapes painted by the Flemish and Dutch masters. To the left you look down upon Old Durham house, its terraces and hanging gardens, with a fine bend of cul∣tivated country stretching away through another opening of the hills towards the east, bounded by the high grounds of Quarrington, and the cliffs of Coxhoe Lime∣kilns; more rustic than the other views, and being in a simpler nature, affords a pleasing variety to the eye of the man of taste, who stands (if we may be allowed the extravagant expression) on this enchanted ground† 82.2.

Old Durham house is gone to decay, nothing now remaining but apartments for a farmer: It was anciently the seat of the Booths, afterwards of the Cockburns, lords of Ormston, and in more modern times became the estate of the Tempests, to which latter family it passed by intermarriage with the heiress of the Heaths. The gardens are formed into terraces of a considerable length. This sweet retirement is become a place of public resort, where concerts of music have frequently been performed in the summer evenings, and the company regaled with fruit, tea, &c. The gardens are open all summer for rural recreation. The terraces command the elegant valley prospect before described.

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At the corner of the garden some few years ago were the remains of a very an∣cient building, with a circular window, and other appearances of the chapel form. When the Scots burnt the hospital of Sherburn, it is probable they destroyed the camera here. Of Poulton, Grainge, Ramside, and Ravensflat, mentioned in the book of rates to lie in this parish, there is nothing remarkable* 82.3.

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Magdalen chapel stood on the north side of Gillygate, in an adjacent field, the ruins of which shew it was a little mean edifice.

On a flat plot of ground, between the roads leading to Sunderland on the one hand, and Sherburn hospital on the other, a little before they unite, is a square platform raised above the common level, which was anciently called the Maiden's Bower, where the fine cross stood which was removed into Durham market-place at the instance of William Wright, as before mentioned. Mr Cade, in the tract particularly noted in the next page, says,

The ground plot and ramparts of the watch tower which served for signals to (a station placed by him at Old Durham) Maiden Castle, are visible and almost entire at the entrance of Gillygate moor, and exactly correspond in form with those on the Roman wall in Northumber∣land.
For want of distinguishing what entrance to the moor these remains (described by Mr Cade) lie near, we have not been able to discover this piece of antiquity, and know of no other vestigia of old work than the ground work of the old cross.

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The Parish of ST OSWALD.

Part of the parish of St Oswald lies in the ward of Easington, and part in Ches∣ter ward. This parish includes the chapelries of St Margaret in Crossgate, and Croxdale.

In our account of the chantries in the church of St Nicholas, we shewed by a record in bishop Langley's time, that a tenement belonging to the chantry of St Mary was described to be in the old borough of Durham: In vet'i burgo Dun. sup. fi∣nem pontis novi * 82.4 ex p'te australi. ten. Pr. Dun. &c. which, with other records of the like nature, prove, that the old borough of Durham was situated in the parish of St Oswald, and so all the ancient muniments tend to confirm. It is conjectured, when the bishop erected a new free borough for merchants in Elvet, the distinctions of the borough of Elvet, and the old borough of Durham first arose. Was there not much evidence to shew, there were distinct places called the old and new borough, out of the bounds of the city, and in the limits of St Oswald's parish, we should not have insisted on the position so positively. When the old borough of Durham had its rise, from whence, or what were its privileges, we remain ignorant; but the evidence we shall produce leads us to judge the old borough of Durham comprehended the whole parish of St Oswald, substracted from Croxdale, and that on the institution of the borough of Elvet, limits and bounds were set to the new borough, and the rest remained to the old borough; admitting this conjecture, it will follow, that the old borough comprehended Crossgate, South-street, &c. now St Margaret's cha∣pelry, and in fact circumscribed the new borough, It is not material to press this subject further than to support our first position, that Old Durham, and the old borough of Durham, were the first settlements of the Saxons here, before they built their church on the summit of the hill; and from thence those places derived their present name.

On the cliff before described, in the view from Gillygate church, is the platform now called Maiden Castle† 82.5, inaccessible from the river by reason of the steepness of

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the cliff, which is almost perpendicular, and about one hundred feet in height. —On the right and left the steep sides of the mount are covered with a thick forest of oaks: The crown of the mount consists of a level area or plain, forty paces wide on the summit of the scar, in the front or north east side, one hundred and sixty paces long on the left-hand side, and one hundred and seventy paces on the right. The approach is easy on the land side, from the south-west, fortified with a ditch and breast work: The entrance or passage over the ditch is not in the middle, but made to correspond with the natural rise of the outward ground; probably this entrance was guarded by a draw-bridge: The ditch is twelve paces wide, and runs with a little curvature to each edge of the slope, now covered with wood as before noted; on one hand being fifty paces in length, on the other eighty paces. After passing the ditch there is a level parade or platform,

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twenty paces wide, and then a high earth fence, now nine feet perpendicular, which, as in most places of the like kind, it is apprehended, was faced with mason-work: A breast work has run from the earth fence on each hand along the brink of the hill, to the edge of the cliff or scar. The earth fence closes the whole neck of land, and is in length one hundred paces, forming the south-west side of the area. These particulars are illustrated by the annexed plate. It is most probable this was the vetus burgus Dunelmensis noted in the records; it is at a little distance from the head of the street called Old Elvet, in a direct line therewith, and oppo∣site to Old Durham, the river dividing it from the latter place, and almost filling up the intervening space: It was supported anciently, as is presumed, by another fort∣ress called the Peel, erected on the opposite eminence, which now bears the name of Peel Law. Many places in the northern counties retain the name of Peel and Law, implying castle and hill, whose antiquity may be traced back to the Saxon times. We presumed to offer an opinion, in the preceding pages, that in the valley over∣looked by this fortress, the wandering Saxons sat down with the remains of Saint Cuthbert; and we submit to the candour of the reader, whether that idea is alto∣gether vague and improbable. The name of maiden applied to a castle is now be∣come indefinite; whether it imples beautiful, or a fortress which never has been conquered, has not been determined: Our best antiquaries give preference to the distinction fair or beautiful. The old fort, on Stainmore, in Westmoreland, is called Maiden Castle, and the adjoining inclosures bear the name of Peel-yard.

Bishop Carilepho, on his bringing in the canons regular, granted to the convent, Elvet as a free borough, that they might have forty merchants there, exempted from all dues and duties to him and his successors * 82.9.

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In the reign of king Stephen, Cumin's soldiers burnt the borough of Elvet; at the same time they burnt St Giles's. Bishop Pudsey restored the borough, and confirmed it to the convent, with all its ancient privileges * 82.10. In the convention entered into between bishop Poore and the convent, for quieting their privileges, we find Elvet thus mentioned. Consuetudines et emendationes de bracinis et false pane, &c. de hoib's prior. apud Elvet & apud vetus burgum Dunelm. remanebunt, &c. P'dci autem hoi'es prioris de Elvet & de veteri burgo Dunelm. utantur eisdem mensuris & ponderibus quibus hoi'es ep'i utuntur in burgo suo Dunelm. This convention was rati∣fied and exemplified by bishop Hatfield † 82.11. That prelate, in 1379, made a con∣firmatory grant of tenements, given to the priory by bishop Bury, wherein they are distinctly described, "Un. mess. & quatuor cot. cum p'tin. in Elvet in Dun. &c. un. gardinu et tres acras prati cum pertin. in vet'i burgo Dun. &c.‡ 82.12"—In a licence from bishop Dudley, 1483, to the convent, to put lands in mortmain, Elvet is thus mentioned: Baronia de Elvet juxta Dun. burgo de Elvet juxta Dun.— Vet'i burgo Dun.—Vic. Sc'i Egidii juxta Dun,—Burgo Dun.—& ballio australe Dun§ 82.13. Here we see the barony of Elvet, the borough of Elvet, the old borough of Dur∣ham, and the borough of Durham: The reader will immediately draw the dis∣tinction, and with it, we presume, this inference, that the borough of Elvet, the borough of Durham, and the old borough of Durham, are several; the name of the borough of Durham being solely applied to the present city ‖ 82.14.

Having trespassed much on the reader's patience, we proceed with the parish of St Oswald. There are two streets, the one called Old Elvet, the other New Elvet; from New Elvet branches out a street, called Hallgarth-street; from the prior's hall, named in the records Elvet Hall, the manor and barony house standing therein ¶ 82.15.

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At the end of this street is a lofty hill of a conical figure, called Mont'joye, rising from the plain or valley, (but on the opposite side of the river to Old Durham) where we have presumed the Saxons sat down with the remains of St Cuthbert. In French history we find a definition of this historical title, for there the name of Mont-joye is given to heaps of stones laid together by pilgrims, on which crosses are erected, when they come within view of the end of their journey; and so betwixt St Dennis, in France, and Paris, they are called St Dennis's mont-joyes. When the travellers, bearing St Cuthbert's remains, arrived here, they would view the whole ground of their destination; and it lies in the exact line in which we presume they made their pro∣gress from Ripon. The extremity of New Elvet bears the name of Church-street.

The church stands in a fine elevated situation, on the brink of the river. Much conjecture arises in etymologies; perhaps the situation gave the name to Elvet, de∣rived from the French elevè, lofty, sublime. The street of Old Elvet is very broad, excellently paved, and well built * 82.16: New Elvet is narrower, rises with a steep ascent, and has many ancient buildings. The gardens of each are beautiful; those of the former inclining to the race-ground, having a view of Pelaw wood, the river, and St Giles's: The others hanging on the banks of the river, and its prin∣cipal edifices.

The church † 82.17 stands in the center of a very large yard or burial ground, and having been built of stone subject to decay, is in most parts covered with rough-cast

Page 313

and lime: It is of such antiquity, that we find one Dolfinus mentioned as priest

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there in 1156. This is a regular edifice, having two side ailes of a similar form: The length of the nave is twenty-nine paces, the middle aile is eight paces wide, and the side ailes six paces each: It is supported on pillars, five in each row, three to the east are round, and two to the west octagonal, light, and of a good height; the capitals ornamented with rolls: The arches are circular: The arch which sup∣ports the tower, and that which opens the chancel, are pointed: The upper win∣dows of the nave are regular, five on each side, with elliptic arches: The sout haile is lighted by five side windows, three are east of the door, and two to the west, and there is a window at each end, all with pointed arches: The north aile has but three side windows, two to the east of the door, with elliptic arches, and one to the west, and a window at each end with pointed arches. Those variances shew, at different periods, material alterations have been made in this fabric. The pulpit is placed against the first south pillar * 84.1. In the south wall, under the windows, are four arches for tombs, but no effigies or inscription; neither is there any tradition for whom they were made. The font is a large stone bason, and there is a gallery over it which fills the whole west end of the nave. The roof is of wood, in the vault form, of excellent workmanship, jointed with rose knots, the rafters support∣ed

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on brackets, ornamented with cherubs bearing shields, but without blazoning of arms. One of the knots, in the center of the arch, is painted blue, with an inscrip∣tion in a circle in letters of gold, of the old black character: Orate p' A. W. Cat∣ten, vicr. We presume Catten caused the roof to be constructed in its present beautiful form, and find a Will. de Catten vicar in 1411. The church is well stalled, the chancel remarkably neat, and kept with that pious decency which is ne∣cessary to the solemnities of divine worship: It is 12 paces in length to the steps of the altar rails, and six wide: The altar is elevated six steps, and the space within the rails is upwards of 12 feet: The east window consists of four lights, under a pointed arch; there are three windows on the north side, and four on the south, some of which are modern: Behind the table, and on each side, it is wainscotted, painted, and gilded; and below the rails, the chancel is regularly stalled in the cathedral form with oak, having a large seat at each side of the entrance gate. The roof is flat and stuccoed. The vestry room is also very neat. There is much broken painted glass in the windows, but no figure perfect. Against the second pillar, chained to a desk, is "The defence of the apology of the church of England," with the sermon preached at Paul's cross, by the bishop of Sarum, 1560, and other curious tracts. In the tower is a set of six musical bells. The vicarage house is sweetly situated at the north entrance into the church-yard, on the banks of the river.

The parish of St Oswald * 85.1 lies in the deanry of Chester, from which it is dis∣tant about seven miles; being a Peculiar belonging to the dean and chapter of Dur∣ham, it pays no procurations to their official, or to the archdeacon of Durham: Since the year 1660, no churches exempt from archidiaconial jurisdiction, and sub∣ordinate to the dean and chapter of Durham, have paid any procurations to the of∣ficial. This church is dedicated to the royal Saint Oswald.

There were two chantries in this church: One dedicated to St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist, annual value 12l. 9s. 4d. was founded by Rich. de Elvet, cl. John de Elvet, cl. and Gilbert de Elvet. Walter, bishop of Durham, granted them licence, dated the 5th of June, 1402, to erect a chantry of one chap∣lain, at the altar of St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist, that they, their

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ancestors and heirs, might be prayed for, and that lands and rents of the annual income of ten marks might be given to the chaplain and his successors for ever: Accordingly the manor of Edderacres * 86.1 with its appurtenances, a messuage in Flesh∣ewergate in the borough of Durham, two messuages in the borough of Elvet, and one messuage in Old Elvet described to be near the cemetery of St Oswald, all which were of the real value of 6l. 10s. were conveyed over to the chaplain and his sucessors for ever, by the bishop's consent, the 26th of April, 1403 † 86.2. The other chantry was dedicated to St Mary the Virgin ‡ 86.3, annual value 4l. Walter, bishop of Durham, granted his licence, dated the 20th of September, 1392, to John Sharp and Wm de Middleton, chaplains, to give two messuages with their appurtenances in Elvet, of the yearly value of 12s. to Alan Hayden, chaplain, custos of the blessed Mary's chantry in this church, to be held by him and his successors for ever, for their better support and maintenance § 86.4.

There was an hospital dedicated to St Leonard, in this parish; but who was the founder, what was the constitution, or the time of its building, remain unknown: It is not named in the Monasticon, or any other authorities before us, save those of the church of Durham. We are led to conjecture that this hospital stood at Beau∣trove or Butterby, as that manor is tithe-free, and situated near the medicinal springs hereafter noted.

Adjoining to the south wall of the church-yard, is a field, called the Anchorage, (or Anchoritage, Hermitage, or Hermit's close) and adjoining thereto is a field called the Palmer's (or Mendicant's) close; but we have met with no evidence re∣lative to a hermitage here.

From the south-west corner of the church-yard you enter upon those beautiful natural scenes which border the river. A walk is laid open, and kept in order for the recreation of the public, at the charge of the dean and chapter, whose bene∣volence on this and various other occasions, demands the warmest acknowledg∣ments. Mr Pennant, speaking of the banks, says, they

are covered with wood, through which are cut numbers of walks, contrived with judgment, and happy in the most beautiful and solemn scenery. They impend over the water, and receive a most venerable improvement from the castle and ancient cathedral, which tower far above.
The banks are steep, and cloathed with forest trees;

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in several parts the rocks break forth, where venerable oaks are suspended: The river, with a pure and tranquil stream, glides at the bottom of the hill, reflecting the noble objects which crown her banks: Here the opening valley pours forth a ri∣vulet, and there the solemn dell, with Nature's wildest beauties, yawns with broken rocks, which yield the living fountain from their lips, whilst each brow is crowded with bending oaks, whose naked talons and twisted arms rival each other in gro∣tesque figure. You see the towers of the cathedral rising sublimely from the wood, and lifting their solemn battlements to the clouds; and beyond those the turrets of the castle, on their rocky base; whilst on the other hand, the houses of South-street are stretched along the summits of hanging gardens: In front is an elegant new bridge of three arches, through the bows of which, at the first distance, are seen a fine canal of still water, with a mill; at the second distance, Framwelgate bridge, of two elliptic arches; and through the bows of the second bridge, the pleasant villa of Crook Hall * 86.5, with the rising grounds behind it. This prospect, perhaps, is not to be equalled in the environs of any city in the known world. On turning about, you have a view not less pleasing for its simplicity; you command the walk before noted, with a fine bend of the river, forming a crescent; the banks richly cloathed with wood, and crowned with the church of St Oswald. This walk is much fre∣quented, and deservedly has the applause of every traveller. We present to the reader two plates of those favourite views on the banks.

The New Bridge was erected in 1781, at the expence of the dean and chapter, by Mr Nicholson their architect: It is upon a beautiful modern plan, the arches semicircular, with a balustraded battlement. There was formerly a narrow bridge near this place for horses to pass, which was carried away by the floods in 1771 † 86.6: The accident proved fortunate for the public, as it occasioned the present hand∣some structure ‡ 86.7 to be erected, which being of a suitable width, the chapter permit gentlemen's carriages to pass thereon, without toll.

FRAMWELGATE BRIDGE, seen upon this view, has one pier and two elliptic arches, of ninety feet span, so flat as to be constructed on the quarter section of a circle, calculated to suit the low shores on each side: The masonry is plain, but ex∣cellent, as is proved by its age; it was built by bishop Flambard, has stood near seven hundred years, and is perhaps the finest model of bridge-building, of that antiquity, in Britain. A gateway tower which stood on the city end of the bridge, was removed of late years for the conveniency of carriages, which have encreased amazingly in number within this century. Bishop Bainbrigg granted to prior Castel and the convent, all the waste land between this bridge and Elvet bridge,

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reserving certain privileges to him and his successors and their tenants* 86.8; and bishop Kellow granted them the fishery.

CROOK HALL, which we mentioned in the preceding page, took its name from a family of Crook who settled there in the times of king Edward II. and III. they having disused the name of Sidgate manor, its ancient title. In the time of Edward III. it became the possession of Billingham, of Billingham, who held it for many ages; and we find by the proceedings on an elegit, in 1651, this was the estate of Thomas Billingham, and therein it is mentioned as being the capital house of the manor of Sidgate† 86.9. The dean and chapter have a yearly payment out of the lands of Crook hall of 53s. 4d. for tithes ‡ 86.10.

Park-keepers have been appointed by patent for Frankleyn for many ages § 86.11.

At the distance of half a mile from Crook Hall is NEWTON HALL, one of the seats of Sir Henry George Liddell, bart. The situation is lofty and beautiful, com∣manding a fine prospect of the city and adjacent country: It is a handsome modern house, sheltered with plantations, and environed with rich meadow lands. Newton is named among those tenements, which, the monastic writers tell us, the bishops yielded up to the earls of Northumberland, to enable them by their issues, the bet∣ter to prosecute the wars of those times; which, when once severed from the church, were refused to be restored, and in time became lay fees: But afterwards, when the See was settled at Durham, the church was reinstated in all its ancient

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possessions. By the Boldon book * 86.12 we learn the abbot of Peterborough had New∣ton by agreement and free alms of the bishop; and that Radulphus Clericus held certain lands there, as well the estate of Robert Tit, as what he had of the bishop, in exchange for lands in Middleham. Bishop Pudsey granted Newton to Roger de Reding, (who afterwards appears to have taken the name of Roger de Newton) under a reserved rent of eight marks of silver: It soon afterwards was part of the possessions of the ancient family of Bowes, for bishop Bury, by his deed, dated in 1337, rehearsing several conveyances, confirms to Adam de Boughes the several lands therein named, for the twentieth part of a knight's fee, and 20s. 1d. rent payable at the bishop's exchequer. In 1345, bishop Hatfield also confirms the same; and in 1447, bishop Nevil, by inspeximus of all the former instruments, confirms the several premisses to William Bowes† 86.13. In bishop Bury's time we see Nicholas Scriptor in possession of sixty acres inter Petariam de Newton & Aldnew∣ton, held in capite by service and fealty, and 5s. rent payable at the bishop's ex∣chequer in Durham, and 13s. 4d. to John de Akeley, and 6s. to Alice, the widow of Rich. de Belle, for life‡ 86.14. By bishop Hatfield's survey it is stated, that John Heron, esq was in possession of Newton per servic. forin§ 86.15, and cvjs. viijd. rent. The heirs of William de Kirkenny had x acres called Kyowlawe, rendering a pound of cumin: And of the lands there termed lands of the exchequer, William Bowes, esq held 40 acres of freehold, formerly the right of the scribe called Fyngall, ren∣dering 5s. besides him sundry other persons held lands of that tenure. By an in∣quisition taken on the death of Elizabeth the widow of Robert Bowes, it appears that she had dower assigned at Newton‖ 86.16. On the death of her heir Sir William del Bowes, we find he died seised int. al's of the capital messuage of Newton, with

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two hundred acres of land there, of the gift of the bishop* 86.17. This estate continued in the family of Bowes till the fifth year of bishop Pilkington, when Geo. Bowes, esq obtained a licence to alien to Anth. Middleton. It afterwards became the estate of Thomas Blakiston, esq who conveyed it to Marmaduke Blakiston, clerk, one of the prebendaries of Durham, in the seventh year of bishop James† 86.18; and he sold it to the family of Liddell.

At the distance of two short miles from Newton stands

FINCHALE,

on the banks of the river Were. It was a place of some consequence in the early ages of the British church, for we hear of a synod being held here in the year 792‡ 86.19, in the time of Higbald, bishop of Lindisfarn, for the purpose of regulating church dis∣cipline and manners: And it seems another synod was held here in the year 810§ 86.20.

In the beginning of the twelfth century, St Godric, a hermit, sought this seclud∣ed situation for his devotions, mortifications, and severities, where he lived sixty-six years, and died in the year 1170. Soon after the hermit settled here, bishop Flambard granted to the monastery of Durham, in free alms, the hermitage of Finchale, with its waters, fishings, rights, and privileges, subject to Godric's life, who should hold of them; and after his death, that it might be the habitation of such of their brethren as they should appoint‖ 86.21. Gul. Neubrigensis, gives a parti∣cular account of this man. In cibo et potu, in verbo et gestu, homo simplicissimus, decente cum gravitate servare modum studuit. velox ad audiendum, tardus autem ad loquendum, & in ipsa locutione parcissimus. The hermit erected a small chapel here, and dedi∣cated it to St John the Baptist: Though he died in great agonies, this writer des∣cribes him in vultu autem ejus mira quedam dignitas et decus insolitum visebatur¶ 86.22. As to

[figure]

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Finchale Abbey
FINCHALE ABBEY.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure]

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his way of life, take the same author, Quem tandem post multam lustrationem inveniens, ibidem, cum sorore paupercula primum, & ea defuncta solus, multo tempore habitavit.

About the year 1180, bishop Pudsey granted a foundation charter for a cell at Finchale * 86.23, by which it appears two monks of Durham, Reginald and Henry, had possessed themselves of Godric's hermitage, and had some allowances made them for their support. Henry, the bishop's son, was about to found a religious house at Backstanford † 87.1, which the convent of Durham did not approve, being esteemed an intrusion on their rights; an agreement soon took place on the following terms; the convent granted to Henry, Finchale, with its appurtenances, to the intent that he should build a church there, and institute a convent of monks; thus he was in∣duced to transfer his works of piety to this retirement, where he erected proper accommodations for a colony of Benedictines, chosen out of the convent of Dur∣ham, over whom was placed Thomas the sacrist, as prior, in the year 1196. This house received considerable augmentations by various pious donations ‡ 87.2.

When the church and other edifices at Finchale were erected, the remains of which are yet standing, it is not possible to determine with precision, no evidence thereof being found in the archives of the dean and chapter: From the order of building seen in some parts of the ruins, much may be attributed to Henry the bishop's son; but other parts appear of older date. The solemn remains are

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situated in a very deep vale, on the banks of the river, where the stream making a sweep, forms a little level plot, which is almost covered with the buildings; shel∣tered to the north by the lofty rocks and hanging woods of Cocken, and on every other side by steep hills. The river flows swiftly over a rocky channel; and the murmuring of the waterfalls is re-echoed from the groves and cliffs. The present buildings are much disunited, so that it is impossible to trace all the ancient offices of this religious mansion.

At the entrance into the church, at the west end, on the right-hand, is a square vault, the roof of which is groined from the angles and the side walls, and support∣ed in the center by a short octagonal pillar: There was an aqueduct to this place, and it had an upper apartment. The church, though small, is in the form of a cross; the gateway, at the west end, has a pointed arch of several members, rising from small round columns or pilasters, with plain capitals: The nave is twenty-eight paces in length, and seven in width. In the center of the cross it appears there has been a tower or spire, supported on four circular pillars, very short and heavy, exceeding even part of Durham cathedral for disproportion: The pillars are so massive, that one of them contains a turpike staircase, which led to the super∣structure; they form a square of equal sides, twenty-one feet from pillar to pillar, the capitals of an octagonal form: The center had a dome or vaulted roof, with in∣tersecting ribs, and on the east side one pointed arch remains. In the etching given in Stevens' Monasticon, drawn by King, a short octagonal spire of stone is placed on the tower. On the north side of the nave, are four pillars supporting pointed arches; the pillars round, with capitals formed of double rolls, constructed of a durable stone, and entire; the south side is close, a long cloister or passage running on the outside to communicate with the south limb of the cross. The north and south limbs of the cross are exactly equal in length and width, being twelve paces long and seven broad: They are very ill lighted; one great window in the south limb, towards the east, being the chief: Indeed it appears that those parts have been added to the original structure, or rebuilt; as they are in no wise similar to the other parts in masonry or materials. The choir is remarkable; from the east window, ten paces in length, it is inclosed with high dark walls, and from thence to the cross, being nine paces, (the whole nineteen paces long) are two round columns on each side, similar to those in the nave, bearing three pointed arches: The east window has been sive paces wide, (as appears from the measure∣ment of the sole, for all the rest is gone) with outward buttresses, ornamented with stone pinnacles, one of which on the south side still remains. It is very singular that windows of a modern date have been placed between the pillars, to fill up the arches, formed of a yellow and perishable kind of stone; which work now separates itself from the arches: The yellow stone has been won from the bed of the river, and is of the same kind with those of which the out-buildings are constructed; the co∣lumns and arches are of a bluer nature, and in no wise injured by time; they seem to be of the Normandy stone, much like the columns and castings of several of the ancient castles. Allowing this observation to be just, we should be apt to conjec∣ture these columns and arches originally divided the center from a side aile; but

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on strict search, no foundations or other work was discovered which could encourage this idea: If there were no side ailes, then this was a fabric of singular construction; for it will follow, that the nave and part of the choir were open to the air on the sides, like a cloister: There is something similar in the abbey of Furness, in Lan∣cashire, where a part on the north side is open. The founder, in imitation of the severities of St Godric, might think it expedient to deprive the monks of indul∣gence, and leave the church open to the air; but in after ages, when the religious professed more outside shew than real zeal, yielded to the fascinations of luxury, and studied gratifications and softness, they closed the arches with windows, made covered passages, and transformed this building to its present model: As its solenm beauties are much admired, if the windows were displaced, and the co∣lumns and arches laid open, it would greatly improve its appearance, and render it still a finer objet from the walks of Cocken.

The rest of the monastic buildings are very ragged and ruinous: In one part a bow window is projected from a pilaster in the wall, and seems to have appertained to some chief apartment. The hall or refectory has been a handsome edifice; it stands on the south side of a court, nearly of equal sides, about twenty-six paces every way; is twelve paces long, and eight wide, within the walls; having five re∣gular windows to the south, and four to the north; in the staircase or entrance is a large window to the south: The vault underneath is supported by a row of four octagonal pillars in the center, without capitals, from whence the groins are sprung; the pilasters in the walls and angles are capitalled; the ribs are of hewn stone, meeting in points, and the interstices of the vault wedged with thin stones; the whole a fine piece of architecture. This vault is lighted by six small windows to the south, and is not above eight feet in height to the crowns of the arches.

It is said that St Godric, and also Henry de Puteaco, or Pudsey, lie interred here; but the floor of the church is covered with ruins, and grown over with brambles and weeds, so as to prevent, without much labour, a search for their tombs * 89.1.

The revenues of this house, 26th king Henry VIII. were valued at 122l. 15s. 3d. according to Dugdale, and 146l. 19s. 2d. Speed. At the dissolution it consisted of a prior and eight monks † 89.2. The manor and cell of Finchale were part of the pos∣sessions restored to the church on the foundation of a dean and chapter, by king Henry's deed of endowment.

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Finchale being part of the prebendal corps lands, the beauty of the retirement induced Mr Spence * 89.3 to make a good room in the farm-house near the abbey, with a bow-window overhanging the murmuring streams of the Were, and looking upon the sweet sequestered walks of Cocken, but turning its back upon the vener∣able ruins.

The pleasant village of SHINCLIFF lies within a mile of Durham, sheltered by hills on every side, except towards the south-west, where it opens to the river Were, with rich meadow lands. Bishop Carilepho granted it with other lands to the convent of Durham † 89.4. There was an ancient bridge over the river at this place, which, in bishop Fordham's time, was gone to decay; collections have been made for repairing it, but the money being embezzeled or misapplied, a commission of account issued, dated 14th of January, 1385‡ 89.5: It seems the measure was ineffectual, for his successor, bishop Skirlaw, erected a stone bridge of three arches, which stood till the year 1752, when the violent flood on the 7th of February undermined and threw down one of the piers, which carried with it two of the arches; the bridge was restored the following summer at the public expense § 89.6. It is said Shincliff was the birth place of bishop Sever, abbot of St Mary's, York. We find the family of Aslakby had possession here in bishop Langley's time. It has been the seat of the family of the Hoppers of late years, whose present representative is Robert Hopper Williamson, esq

Near this village William Rudd, esq built his villa, seated in a delightful retire∣ment, commanding a solemn view of the sequestered vale, with its hanging woods, which form a beautiful amphitheatre; a scene excellently adapted to study and contemplation.

On the other side of the river stands Houghall, part of the prebendal lands of the church. The manor house was built by prior Hotoun, who, notwithstanding the embarrassments he suffered under the persecuting spirit of bishop Bek, com∣pleted this and other considerable pious works. No certain etymology of the name of this place is obtained; from its situation, in a low and watry plain, we may adopt the word hough, which in this country has acceptation for a plain by the side of the river; which is sufficiently descriptive of the scite of this place. There was in the cathedral church, as before noted, an altar called Howall's altar, erected

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perhaps by some benefactor who bestowed this place on the church; or indeed it might be called Hotoun's hall, from the prior who built it in the thirteenth century; the corruption to Houghhall seems a familiar one. The house has been moated round and otherwise fortified: Tradition says Sir Arthur Hazelrigge possessed it, and that Oliver lodged there for some time; it is certain it was refitted, and perhaps put into a state of defence by some of that party; the arms of Cromwell now remain on one of the mantle-pieces in the house.

At the distance of a mile to the south-west, but on the opposite side of the river, stands

BUTTERBY,

anciently written Beautrove, from its beautiful situation. The river Were runs almost round the chief part of the estate, the neck of land which divides the streams being only about two hundred yards wide. Here, it has been imagined, stood the ancient hospital of St Leonard; the founder and institution not now known. The lands are remarkably fertile; the river near the house falls swiftly over a rough channel, under high rocky shores and hanging woods: On the more distant side of the estate the river flows deep and slow, forming a canal a mile in length, where the adjacent lands make a considerable plain. There is not a sweeter rural scene in the whole county, unadorned and in simple nature, for art has not yet extended her hand hither, further than in the ordinary course of agri∣culture. As this place is remarkable for its beauty, so it is for natural curiosities; surrounded with the river, from the fissure of a rock, which lies about forty feet from the shore, flows a considerable spring of salt water, mixed with a mineral quality. The situation of this spring subjects it to a mixture of fresh water, so that it is difficult to know how much salt it contains in its purest state; on several trials it has yielded double the quantity produced from sea water. The shore for a con∣siderable distance shews many ouzings, or small issues of salt water; from which cir∣cumstance, and by a dike or break of the rocks in the channel of the river, a little above the spring, it is presumed a rock or bed of salt might be won of some value: It has never been searched for; the family who lately possessed the estate, from a love of retirement and ease, neglected a trial. The spring is much resorted to in sum∣mer for its medical qualities; but as the well is not inclosed by any building, it is frequently overflowed by the river. This water is reputed to be an effectual reme∣dy for a disease known among people employed in smelting and refining houses be∣longing to the lead works. Half a pint is sufficiently purgative for the strongest person. Within a few yards of the salt spring, on the opposite shore, is a fluent spring strongly impregnated with sulphur, without any vitriolic or other compound* 89.7.

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The prospect from an adjacent head-land, called Croxdale Scar, is deservedly admired by every visitant: It commands an extensive view of the valley towards the west, with the channel of the river for several miles through a country highly cultivated. Over a fine plain, at the distance of a mile, are seen Sunderland bridge of four arches, with Croxdale, the beautiful seat-house of William Salvin, esq on the left, and Burnigill on the right; the scene animated by passengers on the great southern turnpike road: Beyond the bridge the vale narrows and winds towards the south, diversified by woodlands, cottages, and inclosures: To the right you look down upon the vale of Butterby, belted round with the crystal waters of the Were, and the eye traces its varied shores, its rocks and sylvan scenes: Be∣yond which lies an extended valley, terminated by the village of Shincliff, and in∣closed on every side with lofty forests.

The manor-house of Butterby stands in a pleasant garden, which, with the whole offices are inclosed by a deep moat, walled round, and though now dry, is capable of being filled with water to the depth of 15 feet: The entrance is by a strong gate∣way and bridge. The secluded situaion of the house shuts it from distant pros∣pects; but such as it commands are romantic and rural. In cleansing the moat some years ago, in a large stone trough were found a coat of mail, with a cap of chain work quilted in canvas, a halbert, breastplate and buckler: In an adjacent field, where it is supposed an ancient chapel stood, many stone coffins and holy water jars were dug up.

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This is a manor and constablery of itself, free of all manner of tithes, paying a prescript rent of 1l. 13s. 4d. to the curate of Croxdale, at Midsummer.

Butterby was part of the ancient possessions of the Lumleys, of Lumley castle: Sir Marmaduke Lomeley held it, and from him it descended to Robert his son, who died seised thereof in the 36th year of bishop Hatfield, 1381, as appears by an in∣quisition taken at Durham, before Will. del Bowes, escheator: Ralph de Lumley was his brother and heir, and was possessed thereof at the time of his attainder, 1st king Henry IV. 1329; after which, in great bounty, the crown in the following year granted to Eleanor his lady, daughter of John lord Nevil of Raby, and sister of Ralph earl of Westmoreland, 20l. a year out of the duties of Hull, together with the manors of Beautrove and Stranton: Thomas, her eldest son, died possessed of the castle of Lumley, and manors of Stanley, Stanton, Ricklesden, and Beautrove, in the 5th Henry IV. leaving his eldest son Sir John, who was restored in blood in the thirteenth year of that reign. As we do not find Beautrove in any future in∣quisitions taken on the deaths of the Lumley family, we may conclude it passed as a marriage portion with Margaret, one of the daughters of Ralph Lumley, who mar∣ried Sir John Clervaux of Croft, or otherwise sold into that family; for Elizabeth, the heiress of Clervaux, married Christopher Chaytor, and carried with her large pos∣sessions: And we find, in the 8th year of queen Elizabeth, this Christ. Chaytor was possessed of Beautrove, and suffered a recovery * 89.8 thereof in Cur. D'nae reginae apud Dunelm. Had this estate come into the crown by the attainder of George Lumley, in the 29th king Henry VIII. we know of no grant of so early a date as to admit such limitations taking place in the Chaytors' family, as required a recovery being suffered, as before noted, to dock and defeat the same; the whole length of time being only, a period of twenty years. Nicholas Chaytor, of Croft, in the county of York, esq by his will, dated February 8, 1665, made several provisions out of this manor for his younger children, and subject thereto the estate descended to his eldest son Sir William Chaytor† 89.9. In the 6th year of king William III. 1695, an act

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of parliament was obtained, intituled, an act to vest certain lands of Sir William Chaytor, bart * 89.10. in Yorkshire and Durham, to be sold for payment of debts charged thereon, and to secure portions for younger children; by virtue of which the manor of Butterby was sold in 1713, to Thomas, John, and Humphrey Doubleday, sons of Robert Doubleday, then late of Jarrow, in this county, a Quaker family, under which purchase it soon after became the sole property of Humphrey, save one-third of the salt-springs reserved to the use of John Doubleday and his heirs. Humphrey's eldest son, Martin Doubleday, dying a bachelor, he devised the manor with his other estates, to his mother, who, by her will, devised the same upon trust to be sold; and it hath lately been purchased by Mr Ward of Sedgefield.

About a mile south of Butterby is

CROXDALE,

the seat of the family of Salvin† 90.1; an excellent house, placed on a lofty situation, and commanding a most beautiful prospect of the vale through which the river Were winds its course, stretching several miles towards the south-west; Sunderland bridge is in front, and the enlivened prospect of the great southern road with the passengers, at the agreeable distance of half a mile. It is bordered by extensive woods and plantations, and embellished with pleasure grounds and gardens in a good taste.

The first mention made of Croxdale in the records before us, is in bishop Lang∣ley's inspeximus, dated 1431 ‡ 90.2, of a grant of bishop Anthony Bek, dated 1299, whereby the prelate granted to Walter de Robiry, certain lands of Queryndon moor, extending to the fields of Croxdale; and also an inspeximus of Richard of Routhbery's grant of the same lands to John de Denum ‖ 90.3; another inspeximus of a

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grant from John de Denum to Richard de Routhbery for life, of the manor of Croxdale, with the before mentioned lands, by the service of a rose at the feast of St John the Baptist. In the 37th year of bishop Hatfield, the manor was in the possession of Robert de Whalton, who obtained licence to alien the same, with limitations to his issue* 90.4. In the 14th year of bishop Skirlaw, A. D. 1402, it ap∣pears by an inquisition, that the manor of Croxdale was in the hands of trustees, to the use of the heirs of Robert Tirwhit, held of the lord bishop in capite, by suit at three head courts.

In 1474, we find Croxdale was become the possession of the Salvin family, and that Gerard Salvin died seised of the manor† 90.5, and Gerard was his son and heir, then

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of the age of twenty-one years and upwards, from which time the family have held an uninterrupted possession.

There is a chapel here under St Oswald's, which being only three miles from Durham, was generally served by a monk from the convent: It is a mean building, consisting of a nave or body and chancel, very dark, and in poor repair: No arms or monuments, or any thing memorable. It is in the deanry of Easington, and a Peculiar belonging to the dean and chapter of Durham, not certified or in charge, consequently pays no first-fruits or tenths, but only 2s. 6d. as procurations to the bishop. The real value (1767) was 52l. 10s * 90.8.

* 90.9

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A small rivulet runs at the foot of the pleasure grounds, called Croxdale beck; this water passes through a very romantic channel, and supplies a paper-mill: It makes its way in a deep and narrow dell, just sufficient to admit a winding road to the mill. The rocks on each hand are shaken and columnar, affording several grand and awful scenes; the precipices overhang the vale; and large forest trees, bend∣ing from the cliffs, extend their solemn shade on every side. The natural grottos watered with cascades, the mossy banks, the falling streams of the brook, the gloom of the thick foliage, the grotesque rocks, the spreading arms of the oaks, the grassy plots that border the rivulets, all conspire to please the mind that has a taste for solitude, romantic scenes, and rural meditation. Was a little art employed to smooth the paths, to remove some few deformities, and with a skilful hand to dress the wild beauties of the vale, we know not where a more extraordinary scene could be found. The dell is so deep, that on very few days in the year the sun's rays touch the mill-house, and a person might live there for an age and never enjoy that spectacle. In days of deep ignorance and superstition, this dell was thought to be the residence of evil spirits; an idea which gained credit, perhaps, from its being a place resorted to by robbers and vagabonds. To banish the infernal inhabitants, a cross was erected here, which gave name to the adjacent lands, this being in se∣veral old writings wrote Croixdale; so the desert of Cross-fell, in Cumberland, is in old authors and charts called Fiends Fell; and since the erection of a cross there∣on, to vanquish the legions of Satan, it has obtained the present name of Cross-Fell.

Returning towards Durham by the turnpike road,

BURNHALL

lies to the left, the seat of Geo. Smith, esq * 90.11 The house stands in a low situation, on the banks of the river Bourn or Brune, from whence the house took its name. Mr Smith has made great improvements to his seat and adjacent lands: A farm∣house,

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on the opposite side of the turnpike road, is called Old Burnhall. In the 25th year of bishop Hatfield, we find this manor was the estate of Robert de Brackenbury, held of the lord of Brancepeth by the fourth part of a knight's fee, value 10l.* 90.12 In the 5th king Richard II. 1381, it was called in the record Burne∣magna, and was then held by Alicia the daughter and heiress of Gilbert de Brack∣enbury, of John de Nevill, lord of Raby. It came into the family of the Claxtons by marriage with Maud, daughter and heiress of Will. de Brackenbury, and was then held of the earl of Westmorland. It was afterwards the property of the Peacocks † 90.13.

Near Burnhall house is a house vulgarly called Farewell Hall, situated on the side of the turnpike road; this was the family house of the Farnhams, who posses∣sed a considerable landed property. The manor of Relley, which lies at the point of land between the rivulets of Brune and Derness, with lands in Aldernage, by the licence of bishop Bury, were purchased by the convent of Durham of Richard de Castro Bernardi ‡ 90.14.

ALDERNAGE HOUSE, otherwise called Aldin-Grainge, in a pleasant retired situ∣ation on the banks of the Brune, was the place of residence of John Bedford, esq M. D. in the last years of his life; with a considerable estate adjoining, held un∣der the dean and chapter of Durham, by lease for twenty-one years ‖ 91.1.

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BROOME is frequently mentioned in our ancient records. By an inquisition taken in the third year of bishop Bury, it appears, lands in Broome were the pos∣session of Constantia del Brome, who held them in capite by fealty and ten shillings rent, and Thomas del Brome was her son and heir. In the year 1362, Richard de Wyteparys died seised of lands in Netherbrome, held of the bishop of Durham at 6s. 8d. rent, which paid a rent-charge of 20s. yearly to the prior of Durham; and also lands in Overbrome, held of the prior of Durham at 2s. rent. By bishop Hat∣field's

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survey * 91.7 it is stated, that one Robert Belford held lands which formerly be∣longed to the family of Brome, and that there were sundry other proprietors, among whom the prior of Durham is noted to be in possession of Wyteparys lands. In the 31st year of bishop Hatfield, by an inquisition taken on the death of Thomas de Hexham, whose heirs are named in the survey before noted, we find he died seised of the manor of Broome, held of the prior of Finchale by fealty and four shillings rent. In a licence of bishop Fordham's, for the priory of Dur∣ham to obtain lands in mortmain, dated 1388, certain lands in Le Brome are mentioned † 91.8, formerly the estate of John Cawoode, named in the survey before re∣ferred

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to, T'e. de Pr. ut de Cella sua Fynkhall. In the beginning of the fifteenth century, the 27th year of bishop Langley, it became part of the great possessions of the Fossour family, who afterwards wrote their name Forcer* 91.9.

Part of BEAUREPAIRE, or BEARPARK† 91.10, lies in the parish of St Oswald, particularly the remains of the prior's house‡ 91.11. Originally part of the possessions of the bishop, it was obtained in exchange by prior Ber∣tram, for Moorhouse; who, having a desire for a rural retreat for himself and successors, in this place erected a camera or lodge, with a chapel. Prior Hugh, of Darlington, who succeeded him at the distance of about fourscore years, in bishop Stichill's time, enclosed the park; it is also said by the monkish writers, he built a camera here, which we may conceive implies he added to or improved prior Bertram's erections. Whilst bishop Bek persecuted the convent, he broke down the fences of the park, and drove out the game. In the reign of king Edward II. the Scotch, among other depredations committed in the environs of the city, pil∣laged and defaced this beautiful retreat. Prior Fossour ‖ 91.12 had great pleasure in this

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place; to him we may attribute part of the embellishments, for the architecture of the chapel points out the improvements of a refined age; and as he acceded to his office in 1342, it may be presumed he restored Beaurepaire after the destroying hand of the Scots, in 1346, when David Bruce, as Camden says, ferro & flamma foevisset. As authors are silent touching Beaurepaire from this period, it is probable nothing material happened to it till the dissolution. The manor, with the house and park, were part of the possessions of the monastery, restored by the king's en∣dowment, after the institution of the dean and chapter.

In the time of dean Granville, who was instituted in 1684, an inquisition was taken of the deanry possessions, in which we find Beaurepaire thus described: "Proe∣ter domos sive aedificia apud Dun. fuit & est spectan. ad decan. decanat. Dun. et 40, 50, aut 60 annos ultimo elaps. et ultra, necnon p' te'pus, cujus contrarii memoria hominis non existit, fuit stan. & existen. apud Bearparke, infra com. & dioc. Dun. quaedam domus mansional. vocat. the manor house of Bearpark, quae quidem domus mansionalis distans est a decanatu Dunelm. p' unu. miliare Anglicanu. vel eo circiter; ac infra eand. dom. mansionalem sunt, seu saltem antiquitus & ab initio fuere stan. & existen. Cameae seu partitiones & cellae particular. sequen. viz. a hall, two passages near the hall, one large kitchen and an oven in it, a back room adjoining on the west end of the kitchen, a dining room, a great room leading to the chapel called the dormitory, some arches, and two rooms above the arches, a chapel and a room under it, three rooms or two at least called the prior's chamber, and the western room thereof called the prior's lodgings, a little room adjoining the prior's chamber, a staircase, and vaults under all and every the lower or floor rooms of the said mansion house, excepting the hall and kitchen, and the room aforesaid adjoining the kitchen. And at Bearpark aforesaid, there formerly have been belonging to the said manor house, several courts and gardens that were walled about; and also sundry out-houses, which are now wholly dilapi∣dated, and nothing to be seen or perceived but the ruins thereof. Et etiam sedes, locus, sive villa de Bearparke, est & ab antiquo fuit maneriu. ac domus mansional. terraeq. dominical. ejusd. manerij & aedificiae & structurae reliquae reliqua praementionat. ad cand. dom. mansional. spectan. necnon tenementa & parcu. ejusd. manerij, aliaq. pro∣ficua & emolumenta infra precinctus & territoria dict. manerij annuatim emergen. no'ric sunt pars & parcella corporis decanat. Dun. &c. Et terrae dominical. & tene∣menta ac parcum manerij de Bearparke aliaq. proficua infra terris dom. ejusdem manerii sunt & pro 20, &c. annos ultimo elapsos et ultra fuere annuatim de claro valen. su∣mam 300l. 295l. 290l. 285l. aut 280l. legalis monetae Angliae, ac praed. J. Sudbury durante toto tempore p' q'd fuit decan. ex terris dominical. & tenementis ac parco aliisq. emolumentis manorij de Bearparke, sum'am 6000l. &c. de claro leg'lis monetae Angliae habebat p'cipicbat & in usu. suu. convertebat* 91.13." The situation of this house is excellent, about two miles to the north-west of Durham, on a lofty eminence, above the rivulet of Brune, in a dry soil, and surrounded with cultivated lands, having a long extended level mead to the south; sine coppices are scattered over the steep descents on both sides of the river; and there is a beautiful prospect to the

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north, rendered highly picturesque by the town and church of Witton-Gilbert and the adjacent hamlets. Much destruction has been made in the buildings since dean Granville's time; and nothing but naked and distracted walls remain of this once beautiful place. The chapel is thirteen paces long and eight wide; the east win∣dow consists of three lights, circular at the top and very plain; there are three win∣dows on each side, each divided by a mullion into two lights, their framing on the outside square: The wall is strengthened with a buttress of neat hewn stone work between each window, and a cornice runs round the building of the zig-zag figure: There is a door on the north side of the chapel from the court* 91.14. The walls of the chapel in the inside are ornamented with a regular succession of small round columns or pilasters, belted in the midst, the capitals filled with a garland of open cut foliage, of a delicate work; from whence spring pointed arches, three pilasters and two arches in each space between the windows: The west end is equally finish∣ed with pilasters and arches; and there is a small window in the center: At each side of the east window is a pedestal, for a statue, of considerable size. The apart∣ment under the chapel is lighted by small square windows; but as the floor of the chapel is gone, it is not easy to determine how it was constructed. Adjoining to the chapel on the west is a long building, the two gabels of which are standing, having a large window of six lights to the south: This was most probably the re∣fectory. On the north are the remains of a building, twenty paces in length, light∣ed to the east by three windows, which we conjecture was the dormitory: The other remains are so ruined and confused, as to render them totally indistinct. There is a door case standing, which has been the entrance into the garden or some chief court, with the arms of the See in the center. The principal parts of this edifice are delineated in the plate on the next page† 91.15.

The Scotch army, before the battle of the Red Hills, in 1346‡ 91.16, (called by many writers the battle of Nevill's Cross, from the cross erected on the ground after the

[figure]

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[figure] view of Bear Park
BEAR PARK
victory) lay at Beaurepaire. In the Chronique of William de Pakington, it is thus spoken of:
About this tyme, by the meane of Philip Valoys, king of France, David, king of Scottes enterid yn to the north marches, spoiling and burning, and toke by force the pyle of Lydelle, and causid the noble knight Walter Selby captayne of it, to be slayne afore his owne face, not suffering him so much as to be confessed. And after he cam to the coste of Dyrham, and lay there at a place caullid Beaurepaire, a manor of the prior of Duresme, set in a parke; and thither resorted many of the cuntery aboute, compounding with hym to spare their groundes and manurs. Then William Souch, archebishop of York, the counte of Anegos, Mounseir John de Montbraye, Mounseir Henry de Percy, Mounseir Rafe de Neville, Mounseir Rafe de Hastinges, Mounseir Thomas de Rokeby, then sheriff of Yorkshire, and other knightes and good men of the northe, marchid toward the Scottes, and first lay yn Akeland park, and in the morning encounterid with Syr William Duglas, killing of his band 200 menne; and he, with much payne, escapid to Burepaire, to king David, declaring the cuming of the English host. Wher then king David issued, and faught upon a more nere to Duresme toune, and there was taken prisoner, and with hym Syr Wylliam Douglas, the Counte of Menethe, and the Counte of Fyfe, and greate numbre of the communes of Scotland slayn. The king, because he was wondid in the face, he was caried to Werk, and there he lyd, and thens brought to Lon∣don.
We have repeated this account because it contains some circumstances not named by modern authors. The year in which this battle was fought, was pro∣ductive of the most glorious laurels that wreathed the sword of Edward III. and the Scotch received such humiliations as that nation never before experienced.

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The king of England, with an army greatly inferior to his foes, by the valour and intrepid conduct of his heroic son, obtained a glorious victory at Cressy. He then formed a blockade before Calais, which, with other distresses, induced the king of France to send proposals to the court of Scotland, for making an invasion on the borders: The absence of Edward, the vast supplies of men and money which his campaign required, the exhausted state of England, afforded a probable appearance that David's projected expedition might be attended with success: The king of France's object was not honour to the Scotch crown, but to amuse the king of England, or draw off some of his forces: A considerable sum of money and rein∣forcement of troops were sent into Scotland, and the king, with the assent of his parliament assembled at Perth, engaged in the expedition. Edward having enter∣tained doubts, that during his absence a storm would be gathering on the brow of his known adversary, dispatched messengers to the court of Scotland, to amuse by offers of a restitution of Berwick, on condition that the Scotch would stand neuter in the conflicts between England and France; but contrary to the opinion of many of his most skilful peers, David rejected the proposed terms of amity, and prepared to invade England: He collected a powerful army, consisting, according to Rapin, of 30,000 men; other authors, particularly Froissart, Speed, Barnes, and Knighton greatly exaggerate the numbers; with these, in the beginning of October, 1346, David entered England by the western march, shewing tokens of a bloody and sa∣vage mind in his outset, by putting the garrison of Liddell tower to the sword, and marking his progress through Cumberland with wanton slaughter and desolation. He advanced to the county of Durham, and approached the city. The queen of England summoned the prelates and military tenants to attend her at York, where measures were concerted for opposing the invaders, and a body of troops, amount∣ing to about 16,000 men, were assembled with all speed; whilst David, with his army, lay at Beaurepaire, the associate lords encamped in Auckland park. Douglas, with a chosen troop, reconnoitering the English, was engaged near Merrington; his detachment was put to the rout, and he escaped to the king with much peril. Rapin tells us, the queen of England led the English forces to battle; but that as∣sertion is not supported by any cotemporary writer of credit: David looked upon his adversaries as a raw and undisciplined army, not able to stand against his hardy veterans, and shewed signs of great impatience before the troops engaged, pre∣suming that victory was certain, and that the riches of the city were due to his plundering soldiers: The English army was drawn up in four divisions; lord Henry Percy commanded the first, supported by the earl of Angus, the bishop of Durham, and several northern nobles; the second body was led by the archbishop of York, accompanied by the bishop of Carlisle, and the lords Nevill and Hastings; the bishop of Lincoln, the lord Mowbray, and Sir Thomas Rokesby led the third di∣vision; and at the head of the fourth was Edward Baliol, supported by the arch∣bishop of Canterbury, the lord Roos, and the sheriff of Northumberland: Each division consisted of four thousand men, and the archers and men at arms were distributed through the whole corps: The author of the Border History, probably from his own conjecture, for he quotes no authority, alledges

That besides the

Page 340

forces above named, a strong and gallant party under the lords Deincourt and Ogle, guarded queen Philippa, who, in the morning before the battle, having rode along the ranks, and exhorted every man to do his duty, to maintain the honour of his king and country, and take revenge upon their barbarous inva∣ders, recommended her people to the protection of God, and retired to a small distance from the place of action.
The Scotch army was drawn out in three divisions; the first was led by the high steward of Scotland, and the earl of March; the earl of Murray and lord Douglas commanded the second; and the third, con∣sisting of choice troops, in which were incorporated the flower of the Scottish no∣bility and gentry, sustained by the French auxiliaries, was commanded by the king in person. With much heroic ardour the Scotch king ordered the trumpets to sound the charge: The high steward, who led the van, being sore galled by the English archers, rushed on with such impetuous fury, that he threw them into con∣fusion, and drove them back on lord Henry Percy's division; and the Scotch push∣ing on vigorously with their broad swords and battle axes, broke them so much, that if relief had not instantly been sent them, they would have been put to the rout; but Baliol, rushing in with a body of horse, threw the Scotch battalion into confusion, and gave the English time to rally and regain their ground, whilst the high steward was obliged to retreat and reform his distracted array: In this ma∣noeuvre he is said to have shewn great generalship, performing the evolutions in a masterly manner, and with little loss. Baliol, with equal skill, gave his troops breath, made no pursuit, and when least suspected, rapidly charged the king's di∣vision in flank, whilst they fought man to man in front: Unrelieved, and distressed with this complicated battle, the king fought desperately, repeatedly bringing back his flying troops to the charge, encouraging them by his example, his exhortations and prayers: Ashamed to desert their prince in such jeopardy, a brave phalanx threw themselves around him, and fought till their numbers were reduced to little more than eighty: In this desperate state, and bleeding with many wounds, David scorned to ask for quarter, hoping he should still be relieved, At length resistance was vain, a tumultuous multitude, with shouts of victory, rushed upon him; and he at length was made prisoner to John Copeland, a Northumbrian esquire. The division under Douglas and Murray, struck with a panic at the fate of the royal legion, and overpowered with numbers, were soon broken and routed: Murray died on the field, and Douglas was made prisoner, and few of the inferior officers escaped the sword.
The Scotch king, though he had two spears hanging in his body, his leg desperately wounded, and being disarmed, his sword having been beat out of his hand, disdained captivity, and provoked the English by opprobious language to kill him: When John Copeland, who was governor of Roxborough castle, advised him to yield, he struck him on the face with his gauntlet so fiercely, that he knocked out two of his teeth: Copeland conveyed him out of the field as his prisoner. Upon Copeland's refusing to deliver him up (his royal captive) to the queen, who stayed at Newcastle during the battle, the king sent for him to Calais, where he excused his refusal so handsomely, that the king sent him back a reward of 500l. a year in lands, where he himself should chuse it, near his own

Page 341

dwelling, and made him a knight banneret* 91.17.
This battle was fought on the 17th of October, 1346, and lasted only three hours, beginning at nine in the morn∣ing, the victory being declared by sound of trumpet at noon: The loss of the enemy was estimated at 15,000, the chief of whom were the earls of Murray and Strathern, the lord constable David Hay, the lord marshal Edward Keith, together with the lords chancellors and chamberlain of Scotland, the lords Philip Meldrum, John Stewart, and Alan Stewart his brother, sir Alexander Bothwell, the king's standard bearer, sir Alexander Ramsay, and others of high rank. Among the prisoners were the earls of Fife, Sutherland, Monteith, Carrick, and Wigton, the lord Douglas, the bishops of St Andrew and Aberdeen, James Douglas, sir Malcolm Fleming, with many men of distinction. Historians have not mentioned what particular loss was sustained on the part of the English. Knighton tells us of four knights and five esquires only, who fell in the field; and Dugdale says the lord Hastings was mortally wounded: But in so bloody a battle it is impossible but many men of distinction would fall in the English army.

The ground where this battle was fought is hilly, and in many parts very steep, towards the river, so that it is not possible to conceive how such an armament could be arranged and engage in any order. The account given of this battle, and of the subsequent transactions of the convent, by the writers of that house, as pub∣lished by Davies, and contained in Sir John Lawson's MSS. and Mr Hogg's Roll, is to the effect given in the notes† 91.18. The hilloc called the Maiden's Bower, where St Cuthbert's banner was displayed, whilst the monks put up their prayers to Heaven, within hearing of the noise and bustle of the conflict, where

the battle

Page 342

[figure]
was (truely) with tumult and gar∣ments rolled in blood,
is yet to be seen in the depth of the valley, by the hedges of Shaw wood* 91.19.

Page 343

Near the turnpike road leading from Durham to Newcastle stands AYKLEY-HEADS HOUSE, the property of Mr Francis Johnson, in a fine elevated situation,

Page 344

commanding picturesque views of several branches of the city of Durham, seen through various openings of the hills: The gardens and pleasure grounds are laid

Page 345

out in a good taste, and the adjacent lands are highly cultivated: This villa being within a mile of Durham, is a most desirable retreat: The mansion-house was built by Mr John Dixon, an eminent attorney at law, uncle to the present owner; and it is presumed, is not a place of higher antiquity, as we do not find it mentioned in any records, save the proceedings in elegit touching the possessions of Thomas Billingham in the middle of the last century, mentioned with Crookhall* 92.37.

FRAMWELGATE, called in the old evidences the borough of Framwelgate, being incorporated with the city of Durham, affords no matter for particular attention in this place; what is already said of the city or borough of Durham having immediate

Page 346

relation thereto. It consists of one long street leading from the bridge towards Newcastle * 92.38.

CROSGATE, which begins near the bridge, branches out into three limbs; South-street to the lest, and Allergate, or Allertongate, to the right. In the point where South-street separates from Crosgate, on an elevated situation, stands the church or chapel of St Margaret, to which you ascend by two deep flights of steps.

This church has suffered great alterations since its first erection; the architecture being various. The altar is ascended to by three steps, from which the chan∣cel is five paces in length, being eight paces in width; the south side is laid open by a wide pointed arch; the whole extent of the chancel forming a spacious porch; the north side is opened half way by a small arch. The body of the church hath a center and two side ailes, is in length seventeen paces, and of equal width. The south aile is formed by three short round pillars, supporting circular arches; the north aile by three long small pillars, with circular arches. The church is lighted by five modern windows to the south, and four to the north, more ancient. It hath a tower† 92.39.

St Margaret's is in the deanry of Chester, and a Peculiar belonging to the dean and chapter of Durham, formerly a chapel of ease to St Oswald's ‡ 92.40. In the year

Page 347

1431, the inhabitants of this chapelry obtained a licence for the dedication of the church, and having sepulture there * 92.41. There was an ancient chantry in this church, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin; but who was the founder is not known. The an∣nual income was 7l. 14s. 8d. out of which is yearly paid to the king's receiver forty shilllings † 92.42.

Page 348

The manor of Harberhouse lies within this chapelry, the ancient estate of the Forcers. In Hatfield's Survey it is said, that William Kellowe held the manor of Harebarowes at two shillings rent * 94.1; and we find Agnes de Kellowe died seised thereof in fee tail to her and the heirs of her body begotten by William de Kellowe, in the eleventh year of bishop Langley, A. D. 1417 † 94.2, and that Johan, the wife of John Fossour, was her heiress. On the 20th of October, in the first year of bishop Sever, John son and heir of Thomas son and heir, and John and Cecily his wife, had livery of Harberhouse, with lands in Kellowe, Plawsworth, Nunstanton, and Great Kellowe. It continued in the family of Forcer to the death of Basil Forcer, the last male of that house, who died about ten years ago.

The chapelry of

WITTON GILBERT

lies within the parish of St Oswald. The village is pleasantly situated on the north banks of the rivulet Brune, commanding a beautiful prospect to the southward; the ruins of Beaurepaire being the chief objects in front, with the adjacent wooded banks of the rivulet.

This church is dedicated to St Michael, and was founded in the year 1423 ‡ 94.3; William Battmanson and John Shephardson, soliciting the prior and his brethren under pope Clement III. It is in the deanry of Durham, being anciently a chapel of ease to St Oswald's; is a Peculiar belonging the dean and chapter of Durham,

Page 349

and not being in charge, pays no first fruits or tenths* 95.1. The chapel being too small to contain the parishioners, a gallery was built at the west end in 1742. The manor of Witton Gilbert was the estate of Isabell, the wife of William Clax∣ton, esq who married to a former husband William de Laton; on the issue of which first marriage Witton was settled in tail; of that marriage there was issue Elizabeth, who intermarried with Peter Tylliall, chiv† 95.2. It descended to Robert their son and heir, and in failure of issue came to his sisters and coheiresses, Isabel, who married John Colvylle, and Margaret, the wife of Christopher Moresby, in whose families it continued in moieties for a considerable time‡ 95.3. We find Fulford was the possession of the family of Lyndley, in the time of bishop Langley ‖ 95.4.

Page 350

KIMBLESWORTH in the old books is called a rectory; the church has long been gone to decay, and the parish united to Witton Gilbert: Was a discharged living in the deanry of Chester, and a Peculiar belonging to the dean and chapter of Durham: It lies about two miles east of Witton, and was given to the monastery of Durham about the year 1220. So far back as the year 1593 we find this church in decay* 95.5; and by entry made in the parish register of Witton, it appears the parishioners came to the following agreement,—

The Ascension-day being the 9th day of May, viz. Ao D'ni 1593, Mem. That the day and year abovesaid it is concluded and agreed upon between the parishioners of Witton Gilbert and the parish of Kymblesworth, that for ever hereafter, it shall be lawful for the said parishioners of Kymblesworth, in respect of their want of a church at Kymblesworth, to come to the said church of Witton aforesaid to divine service and sacraments, and whatsoever other rites, viz. burials, weddings, and churchings ac∣cordingly as law requireth. Provided always, that our byshop of Durham and Mr Dean do not withstand or let this their grant and agreement. And in con∣sideration

Page 351

of this abovesaid agreement, the aforesaid parishioners of Kymbles∣worth shall ever hereafter pay or cause to be paid unto the said church of Wit∣ton Gilbert, all and all manner of sessments accordingly to their ancient rent, to pay to the said church of Witton as they pay, viz. so much of the pound as they lay for themselves. And where it was agreed, that in respect of the surplice and other things, that the said parishioners of Kymblesworth should pay 11s. viijd. which 11s. viijd they did pay unto the hands of the church-wardens of Witton Gilbert, upon Trinity Sunday the year abovesaid* 95.6.

Ra. Eure died seised of the manor of Kymblesworth in the fourth year of bishop Booth, and livery was made to his coheiresses, Ann, the wife of Ra. Constable, Isabel, the wife of William Constable, and Henry Thwaites, his cousins, on the 24th of September, in the first year of bishop Sherwood † 95.7, 1485.

Sacriston-heugh, as part of the possessions of the cathedral church, is before noted. Of Simperley we find nothing remarkable in the records.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] depiction of Lanchester Church
LANCHESTER CHURCH
The Parish of LANCHESTER

The Parish of LANCHESTER adjoins to Witton-Gilbert. It is very extensive, having now three chapels of ease belonging to it, Esh, Satley, and Medomsley. There are the remains of other cha∣pels; one at Old Hall, one at Rowley Gillet, one at Collierly, and another at Esp Green; but no evidence of their date or rights has come to our know∣ledge. This parish, to the north-west, adjoins upon Muggleswick, near Horslip∣burn, and the parish of Wolsingham; to the southward, on Brancepeth and St Oswald's, with Witton-Gilbert; eastward, on Chester; and, northward, on Tan∣field chapelry, and Whickham parish.

In the extracts from the Boldon Buke, given in the notes, the reader will find the servile tenures of lands in this parish. The villains were bound to mow the lord's meadow, and win and lead his hay; when they mow'd, they were to have from the lord their mess called a Corrody * 95.8; they were to drive the lord's hogs from the forest after the mast and pannage season, on which latter duty each re∣ceived a loaf of bread. Some held their lands by more honourable services, as attending the lord in his forest-hunt in Weredale, called in all the records Magna Caza, or the Great Chace, with one or more greyhounds, and going upon embassy; such was the tenure of the lands of Hulfus, Ulkillus, and Meldredus, in this pa∣rish. The punder had lands assigned as a gratuity for his office, besides a fee from the inhabitants called in the record Trava † 95.9, rendering to the lord forty hens and

Page 353

three hundred eggs * 95.10. We observe also by this record, that part of the villain ser∣vice was providing j. cordam in Magna Caza † 95.11.

Robert Lovel, 16 K. John 1214, held the lordships of Longchestre (the Ro∣man Longovicum) and Thornton up the Weye (Were) whereof there was livery at that time made to Robert de Gaugi, who had marryd Beatrice, daughter of Isolde, niece and heir to the same Robert ‡ 95.12.

Page 354

The church is a fine building of hewn stone work, covered with lead; its reve∣nues were swallowed up at the suppression of religious houses, a scanty allowance and a laborious cure being left to the officiating minister. The south front of the church is disfigured by a deep porch of fifteen feet: There is an aile on each side of the nave, formed by two rows of three beautiful round pillars ex∣cellently proportioned, supporting pointed arches, carved with the zig-zag figure; the nave is about forty-five feet in length, and twenty in width, lighted on each side by four upper windows, of two lights each, square topt; the ailes exceed the length of the nave some few feet, and are not of equal widths, the south aile being about nineteen feet wide, and the north only fifteen, lighted by three regular windows similar in form to those above, and a window at the east end, having a pointed arch: In painted glass in this window is a coat of arms, impaling Tempest, and under an arch in the side wall of this aile is the recumbent effigy of an ecclesiastic with his hands elevated, clasping a chalice, well cut in black marble * 95.13. The chancel is separated from the nave by a circular arch, all the mouldings of which are covered with a zig-zag figure; the groins rise from cluster∣ed pilasters: The chancel is about forty-one feet in length, and fifteen in width,

Page 355

having a large window of three lights to the east, in which there has been much painted glass; the figures of three sages bringing offerings to our Saviour remain, with an inscription Ecce Magi verum deum Ador. There are three windows to the south, two of which have two lights, and the other three, all under pointed arches: In the north wall is a large arch, where six stalls are fixed, the seats of the prebendaries, neatly built of oak, and decorated with carving* 95.14. Over the vestry door, on the north side of the chancel, is a sculpture of a person sitting in a chair of state accompanied by cherubs suspended in the clouds. The tower is rather heavy, being a square of twenty feet. The whole edifice is kept in neat order.

It was said, that on placing regular canons in the cathedral church at Durham, Lanchester was one of the establishments instituted for the reception of the secu∣lars; but we find no authority to support that idea: Till the time of bishop Bek, this church was merely rectorial† 95.15: But he, among other works of munificence, in the year 1283, upon a vacancy by the death of the rector, appointed John Craven priest, the lawful defender of the same, the patronage belonging to the bishop; and being sensible the revenues were sufficient for the maintenance of several ministers, of a considerable part whereof it had lately been defrauded, he ordained that it should for the future be collegiate‡ 95.16, with a dean and seven prebendaries, and established the following statutes for the government thereof; whereby it was directed, that the dean should always be a priest, residing there, and having cure

Page 356

of souls, to find two proper chaplains, habited like the vicars of the canons, for his assistance; that he repair and keep up the chancel, but be not obliged to any new building: That he cause the chapels of Eshe, Medmesley and Helay, (Satley) to be served by proper ministers; for maintaining of all which he was to have all the obventions of altarage, as well in the church of Langecestre, as in the aforesaid chapels, viz. of offices for the dead, wool, lambs, milk, calves, colts, hens, geese, pigs, flax, hemp, and of all small and personal tithes, with the lands, meadows, services of lordships, revenues, and courts of all tenants of the church, as also the pensions of Collierley and Sateley. The dean to have the mes∣suages belonging to the aforesaid chapels, with their courts and lands, excepting that the prebendaries of each of them should have one part where they might lay up their corn. Each of the prebendaries who had the three first prebends, was to find a vicar chaplain at his own cost, and each of the other four, a vicar in holy or∣ders, to serve the church in the habit of canons, and observe the method of sing∣ing as practised in the church of York or Sarum. Each in his turn to be hebdoma∣darius, and the dean to take care of all things relative to divine service, and to make rules and correct them. Mattins to be said in the morning for the sake of the

Page 357

parishioners. To the first prebend was assigned the farm-fees of all Essche, Corne∣shows, Hedley, Hamsteles, the lower and the upper Bromsheles, and the land of Matthew the Forester. To the second prebend those of Medmesley, Hussetres, Kighou, Bursblades, Billingside, Bradeley, and Croke. To the third those of Grenecrofte, Holmside, Colpyel, Steley, Buclesfelde, the smith's land and Scatigurley. To the fourth those of Langeley, Riddinge, Stabbileye, Brome, Notesteles, Brunhope, Lange∣cestre, and Peche. To the fifth those of Helay, Conkesheved, and Kincheley. To the sixth, Yenestane, and Benefeldside. To the seventh, Morileys, Neubegginge, Hurtibuke, and Fordes. The church-yard, with the buildings, to be divided by the archbishop between the dean and canons for their dwelling. The first stall in the church, on the south side, to be for the archbishop; the first on the left for the dean, and so the canons on both sides in order. These statutes were confirmed by king Edward I. in the 20th year of his reign, 1293 * 95.17.

Lanchester appears to have decreased greatly of late years, and now is a mere stragling village, placed in a warm and well-sheltered valley, with a fine stream of water, called Smallhop Burn, running through it. The scite of the old deanry-house enclosed with a moat remains, but no edifice: Several fertile inclosures skirt the town, and the improvement of land advances rapidly.

At the distance of a quarter of a mile, on an eminence towards the west, are the remains of the great Roman station, which Camden called Longovicus. Dr Gale, in the Philosophical Transactions, No 357, calls it the Castra Stativa, where the soldiers were quartered in time of peace.

Page 358

[figure] map
GLANNIBANTA, near Lanchester.

Mr Horsley supposes * 95.18 the first name of this town has been Glanchester, com∣posed as usual of the first syllable of the old Roman name, with the word Chester annexed to it: The G, for the sake of an easier pronunciation, might be dropt. If Glanoventa signifies a bank, or hill near a river, ven or vent in the British tongue signifying a river, the situation of the station at Lanchester is not un∣suitable to this etymology; for it stands on high ground, with a river on one side, and a rivulet on the other, and not far from either. I know two of our greatest modern antiquaries, Roger Gale, esq and Dr Hunter, of Durham, suppose Lanchester to be the ancient Longovicus, the affinity of name having, as I presume, inclined them to this opinion; but I have a pretty strong reason to

Page 359

offer why this cannot be the Longovicus in the Notitia, garrisoned by the Numerus Longovicariorum, which is this: It is evident that some order is observed in the

Page 360

Notitia in setting down the several places, and Longovicus is set among the most southerly that were under the Dux Britanniarum; it is put down as more to the

Page 361

south than Lavatrae or Verterae, and next to Derventio, all which are mentioned in the Notitia as well as the Itinerary; and this suits much better with the situa∣tion

Page 362

of Lancaster in Lancashire, than Lanchester in the county of Durham; and as none of the military ways on which any of the itinera proceed seem to have

Page 363

passed by Lanchester, so this may be a good reason why Longovicus is not men∣tioned in the Itinerary, though we have it in the Notitia. Upon the whole,

Page 364

therefore, I see no place bids so fair to be the Glanoventa in the Itinerary as Lanchester, especially if we consider how the rest of the iter goes on when this foundation is laid.

Page 365

The station and town have been situated on a lingula between the river Browney and the rivulet Smallup. This rivulet runs into the Browney a little

Page 366

below the station, and Browney loses itself and name in the river Were, at Sun∣derland bridge, two miles south of Durham. The station is two furlongs dis∣tant from Smallup, and not so much from Browney. It has a high situation, and yet the prospect is bounded quite round about with hills or rising grounds,

Page 367

that are not at a very great distance. The same sort of situation is observable at Elsdon, in Northumberland, and several other places. This situation has this advantage, that an enemy could not come over these rising grounds, but they must immediately appear to the garrison.

Mr Horsley has delineated this station of an exact square figure, whereas it is oblong, one hundred and seventy-four paces from north to south, and from east to west one hundred and sixty within the wall. It had survived many ages less mutilat∣ed than any structure of the kind, in the northern counties, but of late many of the stones have been removed to inclose the adjacent lands, and make the roads; and the proprietor is regularly destroying this piece of antiquity. In some parts the wall yet remains almost perfect; the outside is perpendicular, twelve feet in height, built of ashler work, in regular courses, each stone being about nine inches deep and twelve long: By some large stones which lie near the foot of the wall, it is evident there was a parapet, with a walk near three feet wide at the top. At the west entrance a stone, as represented in the cut, was lately dug up, from which

[figure]
the drawing was made in 1783, and shews that such fortifications had more orna∣ment than is commonly apprehended: The inside of the vallum is built of ashler work, but from the ground work upwards, at the distance of about twenty inches, it diminishes gradually in thickness, in steps running parallel through the whole structure, by which those within might ascend the wall, and instantly line the para∣pet with troops on the approach of an enemy. The wall where broken through is eight feet thick at the present surface, diminishing to somewhat more than four at the top; the interior part between the facings is formed of thin stones, placed inclining, feather-wise, tier above tier, run full of mortar mixed with rough gravel. What is remarkable, there appear no throughs, as the masons call those stones which bind the buildings by going through from face to face, or into the heart of the wall. There was an entrance in the center of each side of the square, and to the west a wide ditch; the ground has been cultivated many years on the other sides, as well as within the vallum. We did not discern any inscription on the walls save L. xxxv.

Page 368

Mr Greenwell, of the Ford, has preserved in his garden wall several rude effigies lately found here; the most remarkable are represented in the cuts.

[figure]
The cup used at divine offices in the church has a cover, which was found in this station; the date on it (1571) is presumed to be the time of finding. It is a Roman pate∣ra, and is also represented in the cut.

The last time we visited this station, in August 1783, we discovered at a gate on the west side of the road, the pillar represented, which it is presumed stood on the

[figure]
Watling-street: It is now fixed as a gate post, and is inscribed, as we apprehend, to Marcus Antonius Gor∣dianus; the F in the last line has been compound, to make the word Felici.

An extensive division of common lands within this parish took place by virtue of an act of parliament, in the twelfth year of his present majesty, on which, it was computed, twenty thousand acres were to be inclosed. The commissioners were impowered to dispose of lands, to raise money for making all the roads, and paying expences; for which purpose they sold one thousand five hundred and fifty-one acres for 8174l. or there∣abouts, and three hundred acres were set out and vest∣ed in the justices of the peace of the county, for raising money to compensate the owners of allotments, such damages as they should sustain by the lord bishop of Durham, or his lessees, winning mines therein: But being afterwards considered, that it would be more expedient to sell an allotment of three hundred acres, subject to a rent charge of 30l. a year, an act of parliament was obtained to carry such sale into effect, and Thomas White, of Retford, in the county of Nottingham, esq be∣came

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the purchaser. He set a most laudable example on this division, and planted two hundred and eleven acres with forest trees, and sixteen acres with fruit trees, which, under the shelter of rising plantations, promise to answer the adventurer's expectations. Of the three hundred acres purchased, Mr White has planted one hundred and fifty acres more with forest trees. This vast tract of country, which was barren, desart, and dreary, where the perplexed traveller wandered in the am∣biguous tracks with anxiety, is now inclosed, much of it cultivated, and intersected with direct roads, made in the turnpike manner, fit for the reception of any car∣riage; innumerable buildings are scattered over the prospect; merchandise has found an expeditious passage to villages heretofore almost inaccessible, but in the very midst of summer; and the inhabitants, greatly multiplied, are chearful and prosperous. In one farmhold, totally separated from all ancient inclosures, in the summer of 1783, we observed thirty-four stacks of corn in one yard, the produce of new cultivations. Many parts lie very high, the prospect consequently exten∣sive: At a point where the roads leading to Durham, Hexham, Chester, and Lan∣chester meet, the view is noble, and commands a vast extent of country, even to the mouths of the rivers Tyne, Were, and Tees, besides a distant prospect to the west and north.

The chapelry of ESH is mentioned before as appertaining to the first prebend of Lanchester. The church was a very mean structure, being in length from east to west about nineteen yards, and five yards and a half wide: In the year 1769 bishop Crewe's trustees gave one hundred pounds towards rebuilding it* 101.2. In a porch called St Helen's porch, lies a fine recumbent effigy in stone, supposed to be one of the ancient and eminent family of De Esh, who held the local name for several generations, and were in high offices in this palatinate, as will appear by re∣ference to the tables of temporal officers. Dominus Rogerus de Esh died possessed of lands here, together with other considerable estates in this county, in the tenth year of bishop Hatfield† 101.3; and in the thirty-second of bishop Hatfield, William de Esh died seised of the manor of Esh, held in capite, by homage, fealty, and suit of court, together with a large tract of waste and lands in Esh-field; he was also possessed of other considerable estates, as the manor of East Herrington, &c. In the thirty-sixth of the same bishop, Thomas the son and heir of William died seised of the same manors, and the male line became extinct, he leaving a daughter and heiress, Johan, who married Robert de Bland, who in her right possessed the manor

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of Esh, with Ulshaw and Heleigh, members thereof. The family of Esh possessed a city house in the Bailey, Durham, built against the castle wall. We do not find that Bland had any issue, but Johan, his widow, married to her second husband Thomas Colvill, esq who, in the seventeenth year of bishop Skirlaw, died seised in her right of this manor. Colvill's widow married a Forster, and by an inquisition taken on the death of Richard Forster her son and heir, in the second year of bishop Nevil, it is stated, that Johan, by a deed of settlement, dated at Staindrop, the last day of June, in the year 1428, conveyed to trustees the manor and vills of Skyrnyngham, Bermton, Esh, Ulshawe, Estheryngton, 1 mess. c. acres of land in Roule, 6 mess. cclx. acres of land, and seventeen shillings rent in Middle Herryng∣ton and West Herryngton, 2 mess. cc. acres in Cornshowe, 2 mess. and c. acres of land, &c. called the Hugh, in Esh, a close there called the Neuparke, 1 mess. and 60 acres called Undersyd, in Esh, and 1 mess. called Ratonrawe. No licence was obtained. That the manors and vills of Esh and Ulshawe, the Hugh and Undersyde, were held of the bishop by military service of the value of twelve marks. That Matilda, the wife of John Walkerfield, sister and heir of the before-named Richard Forster, had released her right in the premisses to the trustee, whereby he was in power to make his deed of indenture, dated the 1st of November, the eighteenth of Henry VI. whereby he granted to Walter Boynton, arm. 3 mess. cxl. acres of land and meadow, in Esh, Middle Herryngton, and West Herryngton for life, and after his death to William, the son of William Hodilston, and the heirs of his body, remainder to John Walkerfield, the son of the before-named Matilda, the sister of Richard Forster, and the heirs of his body, remainder to Alice, John's sister, remainder to the afore-named Matilda, and the heirs of her body, remainder to the right heirs of Roger de Esh. And by another indenture, dated the 4th day of the same month of November, he granted to the same John Walkerfield, son of Matilda, son and heir of Richard Forster, who was the son and heir of John, the son of Thomas, lord of Esh, the manors and vills of Esh and Ulshawe, a mess. and c. acres in Roule the Hugh New Park and Undersyde in Esh, 2 mess. and cc. acres in Corneshowe, 1 mess. and c. acres in Heugh, and to the heirs of his body, re∣mainder to Alice his sister, and the heirs of her body, remainder to Matilda, Rich∣ard's sister, and the heirs of her body, remainder to William Hodilston, Matilda's brother, and the heirs of his body, remainder to the right heirs of Roger de Esh. The manor of Esh and lands there were held of the bishop by military service, and the lands in Corneshowe were held of Johan countess of Westmereland.— How the remainders took place it is difficult to ascertain. The manor of Esh is now the property of Sir Edward Smyth, baronet* 101.4.

CORNSEY and HEDLEY appertain to the parish of Brancepeth, and are so stated in the book of rates, though in this deanry† 101.5.

We find nothing more of Hamsteels, Broomsheels, and Burnhope, than what is noted in bishop Hatfield's Survey‡ 101.6.

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The next place mentioned as parcel of this parish is

MEDOMSLEY* 101.7,

a pleasant village, on an elevated and healthful situation, and a dry soil, skirted with good meadow grounds; the more distant country consisting of new cultivated lands, which promise a due reward to the industry of the inhabitants, who are skilful in agriculture, whilst the enlivened prospect is yearly improving upon the traveller. You command from hence a fine view into the rich vale of Derwent-water, possessing all the beauties of cultivation, mingled with a variety of wood∣lands, together with a more distant prospect of the lands north of Tyne.

The church of Medomsley is superior to many in this part of the county; it stands lofty, and is viewed at a considerable distance; the building is of stone, covered with lead, but has no tower† 101.8: The nave is about sixty-five feet in length,

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and twenty-two feet in width; lighted to the south by three windows, two of double lights, the middle one single: The chancel opens by a fine pointed arch rising from corbles or brackets; it is thirty-five feet in length, and twenty in breadth, lighted to the east by three long windows; the piers ornamented with small round columns or pilasters, belted in the midst, having foliated capitals: To the south there are three windows, two under pointed arches, and one of two lights under a circular arch: By the sculptures and heads scattered in the walls, it seems this structure has anciently been more ornamented. This church is dedicated to St Mary Magdalen; it still depends upon Lanchester, though served by a distinct curate.

The first person of consequence we find mentioned as owner of lands at Medomsley, is William de Felton, chiv. who held the vill with Hamsterley, of the bishop of Durham in capite, the vill of Medomsley by homage and fealty, and twenty-four shillings rent, payable at the bishop's exchequer, valued at twenty shillings, and Hamsterley at four pounds rent, no value set forth* 101.9. In the twenty-second year of bishop Hatfield, by an inquisition taken on the death of William de Felton, son of the former William, it appears he held the manor of Medomsley in fee tail, except the lands called Tailbois's lands and Haddames's lands, containing two messuages and thirty acres, paying the same rent: He not having issue, the estates descended to his brother John: This John appears in bishop Hatfield's Survey, and there Hamsterley is called one hundred and sixty acres: Several sub∣sequent inquisitions shew that John was half brother to William by a second venter, and succeeded to the estates by virtue of an intail, created by the general ancestor, under a fine levied of the premisses† 101.10. John, the son of John de Felton, dying without issue, the manor descended to his sister Elizabeth‡ 101.11; she married Edmund Hastings, esq and by him had John her son and heir; Henry Boynton was her second husband‖ 101.12. John Hastings died in the fourth of bishop Nevill, leaving a son, Edmund, of tender years; and of that family's possession we find no further notice in the records. In the time of bishop Skirlaw John lord Nevill held lands at Medomsley, of John de Fenton, of two shillings rent, and in the twelfth year of that bishop, William de Wessington, esq died seised of lands in Medomsley, held of the heirs of John de Felton: The families of Bowes and Redheugh had also ac∣quired some possessions here; one of the heiresses of Redheugh married Henry Boteler, and that family thenceforth held lands at Medomsley§ 101.13. We have not

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found when the family of Hastings aliened the manor, but it appears the Nevills acquired it, and it was under forfeiture on the attainder of the earl of Westmore∣land, and comprised in the grant to the citizens of London upon the great trust for sale* 101.14.

HOUSETREE is the next place mentioned in this extensive parish. In bishop Hatfield's time the manor was the estate of the Birtleys† 101.15, of fifteen shillings rent, and value ten shillings. This family had large possessions in the county. Isabell, the wife of John, died in the third year of bishop Skirlaw, and on the inquisition then taken the manor and lands thereto appertaining are set forth at sixty shil∣lings and ten-pence rent, value twenty-six shillings and eight-pence. About the year 1429, Thomas Birtley sold the manor to William Chaunceller, who settled the same on Thomas his son, by Alice Wandesforth, and the heirs of his body, remainder to Richard another son, and the heirs of his body, remainder to Mar∣garet the wife of William Claxton, Richard's sister, and the heirs of her body, re∣mainder to the right heirs of William Claxton in fee simple. By virtue of the before stated limitations this manor became the estate of the Osberns of Sheles, by Alice the wife of John Osbern, who was the daughter of Alice Myddleton, and the grand daughter of Beatrix, Thomas Chaunceller's sister. The manor is des∣cribed in the above inquisition to consist of a new built hall cum Stramine tect. roofed with straw, an ancient ruined house, a stone built chamber, and one hundred acres of land.

KYO-LEIGH was the estate of the Birtleys, and by them held of the master of St Edmund's hospital, in Gateshead, by the service of a rose on St John the Baptist's day‡ 101.16. The family of Chauncellers held considerable lands in this manor.

BURSBLADES appears in the Boldon Book; Gilbert Chamberlain then held the vill by virtue of an exchange, and a messuage with fourscore acres of land there,

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passed by the same limitations as those created of House tree. The manor was in the hands of the bishop. In the fifth year of bishop Hatfield we find this vill was the estate of Thomas de Gildeford, held of the bishop by homage, fealty, and suit of court, and was valued at twenty shillings * 101.17; he also held a wood there, called Le-smethe-strecher, at one mark rent, and a pasture called Dependen, at ten-pence rent; he held the vill of Merley of Gilbert de Merley, by fealty and suit of court. In failure of issue these estates descended to Johan the daughter of Thomas de Gildeford's sister, who married Robert Grame† 101.18; and by an inquisition taken in the eighth year of bishop Skirlaw‡ 101.19, it appears that Johan aliened the premisses without licence to her son William Grame, whose name appears in bishop Hat∣field's Survey; he died in the fifteenth year of bishop Skirlaw: And we find this family remained possessors for several years. There was a family who took the local name of Bursblades, and held considerable possessions there of the bishop, paying ten shillings rent, and also held of the lord of Bursblades lands, paying the third part of a pound of Cumin ‖ 101.20. The family of Birtley also had lands here§ 101.21, and in bishop Langley's time, we find John de Gildeford held lands of the Grames.

BILLINGSIDE, which is next named, is little mentioned in the ancient records, other than what appears in bishop Hatfield's Survey: We find a family called Gourlay held lands here, not noticed in that record¶ 101.22.

BRADLEY, near Medomsley, was a manor of the De Feltons; the family of Red∣houghs held of them in the third year of bishop Skirlaw by suit of court at Me∣domsley, and it was then valued at twenty shillings. It was afterwards the estate of Roger Thornton, whose daughter and heiress, Elizabeth, married Sir George Lumley, and transferred to him her family's large possessions** 101.23. It gave name to a resident family, and William de Bradley held lands there of the lord of the

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manor in bishop Bury's time, by the payment of a rose and a pound of pepper for all services * 101.24.

CRUKTON, as it is called in the Boldon Book† 101.25, or Crokehugh in the records of bishop Langley, now called Crook-hall, was the estate of the Hiltons, and by Wil∣liam de Hilton aliened to Peter Tilliol‡ 101.26; it is uncertain how long it continued in that family. For more than a century past it has been the estate of the Bakers, of Sir George Baker, knight, recorder of Newcastle, and his son George Baker, esq‖ 101.27; whose charitable donations, with the wise disposition thereof, by his brothers and trustees, the city of Durham will ever gratefully remember.

GREENCROFT next named is the seat of George Clavering, esq a spacious old mansion, placed on an elevated situation, with a southern aspect, commanding a view of Lanchester, with a prospect of the winding vale. The house is sheltered with fine plantations, and the adjacent grounds are beautiful. Greencroft is men∣tioned in the Bolden Book with its services, the villains there having the twelfth part of the mill-pool of Lanchester to repair, and to carry the bishop's wine with four oxen: In bishop Hatfield's Survey they are said to find two greyhounds for the bishop's great chace. In that prelate's time Robert de Kellawe de Lumley, and John Rugheved held the vill of Greencroft, under the title of Dringes § 101.28. The Roughheads held a moiety of Greencroft in the time of bishop Bury, by fealty, two shillings rent, and suit at all the bishop's courts at Durham, and performing with his other parcener the service of leading the third part of a dole of wine yearly, repairing a twelfth part of the mill and mill-pool of Lanchester, and grinding at that mill under a thirteenth portion for the mulcture, and paying to the bishop's

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head forester for an assart two shillings and ten-pence, and eight hens * 101.29. They held their moiety for many generations; but how long the Kellawes were possessed we have no evidence before us, their moiety becoming the estate of the Evers, of which Ralph Ever, esq died seised in the seventeenth year of bishop Langley. Thomas Claxton was possessed of a moiety in the fifth year of bishop Booth † 101.30, and the same descended to Ralph his son, who died in the fifteenth year of bishop Booth, leaving John his son and heir. This family's large possessions came to the crown by attainder of Robert Claxton. In 1468, one Thomas Forster was pos∣sessed of the hall of Greencroft, as heir of W. Forster, by Alice his wife ‡ 101.31, and conveyed to one Thomas Hall, Overhouse and a moiety of the park of Greencroft ‖ 101.32. Greencroft has been the place of residence of a branch of the family of Claverings, above a century past § 101.33.

The first notice we find taken of WHITLEY manor in the records, is in the time of bishop Bury, when it gave name to the resident family, and John died seised thereof in the sixth year of that prelate, he having held the same by fealty, and thirty-four shillings and eight-pence rent. He also held lands in Holmside, of John de Bertley by fealty, and one penny rent. In the fifth of bishop Hatfield we

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find one John de Parco possessed of a third part of the manor 〈…〉〈…〉 lings yearly to Marmaduke de Lomley. By the survey of the la•••• me 〈◊〉〈◊〉 late, it appears that Thomas Umfravill then possessed the manor, and died 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof in the sixth year of bishop Fordham, together with Holmside, and they continued in that family till the male line failed as after mentioned. Whitley soon afterwards became the estate of the Nevils, and on the death of Ralph earl of Westmoreland, descended to Ralph his grandson† 101.34; and in 1430 we find a pardon for the alienation of this manor, to Tunstall and others, but the trust doth not ap∣pear ‡ 101.35. It afterwards became the property of the Tempests.

HOLMESET, now known by the name of Holmside Hall, the estate of the Whit∣tinghams, is mentioned next. It is named in the Boldon Book as rendering one mark to the bishop, and performing the service of carrying his wine with four oxen, and finding one man for forty days in the bishop's forest, at the fawning season, and forty days at the rutting season. In bishop Fordham's time this was the pos∣session of Thomas Umfraville, who held the vill of Holmeset by homage and fealty, with the services above, and was then valued at forty shillings ‖ 101.36. In the seventeenth year of bishop Langley, the male line failed in the death of Gilbert de * 101.37

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Umfraville, and his possessions descended to five coheiresses, his sisters, who had in∣termarried with Elmedon, Rither, Lambton, Constable, and Hagerston. Holmeside became the estate of the Tempests, and Robert Tempest died seised thereof in the seventh of bishop Fox, together with the manor of Whitley and Green Shipley* 101.38; and it was the place of residence of Thomas Tempest in 1530, who obtained licence to celebrate a marriage between him and Anna Lynthall, of Brancepeth, dated the 21st of November † 101.39.

† 101.40

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The ancient possessors of the manor of COLE-PIKE-HILL, vulgarly called Colpig∣hill, were the family of Parkes: In the latter end of the fifteenth century, in the time of bishop Booth, issue male failing, it came into the family of Walkers, by marriage of Isabell the daughter of Edward Parke* 101.43: In the inquisition it is des∣cribed

The manor of Colpikehill, with the appurtenances held of the lord bishop in capite by military service, and rendering to the said bishop, at his ex∣chequer in Durham, yearly at the usual term, fourteen shillings and five-pence: And there are in that manor six tenements and one hundred acres of land, which Richard del Parke, Edward's father, lately had of the lord Nevil, a mes∣suage and three acres of land, formerly Ade Scot's, and a messuage and thirty acres of land, which were formerly John Scot's and Alice his wife's: The pre∣misses were worth yearly, above all reprisals and out-goings, forty shillings.
— It passed from the family of Walkers on the death of William Walker, without issue, in the sixth year of bishop Dudley, he leaving his wife Alicia surviving, and several sisters. The manor afterwards came to the family of the Newtons, and by marriage to the present Andrew Robinson Bowes, esq where he has a neat little mansion, on a fine elevated and healthful situation, in a good sporting country. He has lately erected stables and other conveniences adapted to a hunting seat, to which use he now appropriates it.

SATLEY is next named; a small place creeping in a narrow vale, with a mean chapel placed on an eminence to the north: It was formerly a chapel of ease to Lanchester, but was severed in the year 1768 in consequence of endowment, under an augmentation by queen Ann's bounty. It was anciently a distinct chapelry, and had a release of all tithes, obventions, and claims, granted by Philip de Sancta Helena, rector of Lanchester, and confirmed by bishop Richard de Marisco: It is not in charge† 101.44.

The first proprietor we find of the vill of Satley was Robert de Grenewelle, in the sixth year of bishop Beaumont, who held of the bishop in capite, paying forty shillings rent, and thirteen shillings and four-pence for the mill ‡ 101.45. No farther mention is made of this family there, the lineal descendant now possessing Green∣well, otherwise called the Ford, half a mile to the south of Lanchester town; a pleasant retirement. Hugh de Tesedale had lands in Satley-heigh, of six-pence rent, and in Shorneton, held in drengage, in the fifth year of bishop Hatfield.— John del Chambrè, in the same year, had lands there, held of the bishop by fealty and four shillings rent; he left four sisters, of whom Juliana was one, and Eda the

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daughter of another sister his heirs: Juliana married Peter de Heswell* 101.46, and they held the manor of Satley by homage, fealty, suit at three head courts, and four shillings rent. By bishop Hatfield's Survey it appears the Heswells got the lands of Eda, another of the heiresses of John del Chambrè, and that the vill of Satley was then the possession of William de Merley † 101.47. The Heswells held lands here for many generations, and the Merleys in the twelfth year of bishop Langley, fail∣ing in male issue, on the death of William Merley the estates descended to divers females, his sister's children, and under that sub-division were dispersed in other families ‡ 101.48. The family of Ever possessed some small portions of land here ‖ 101.49.

BUTSFIELD is seldom mentioned in our records. It was the ancient estate of the Heswells, and in the first year of bishop Bury, in an inquisition taken on the death of William de Heswell, we find he held lands there of the bishop in capite by homage and foreign service, and thirty-three shillings rent. In bishop Hat∣field's Survey, Heswell's lands appear in the hands of the lord under a writ of ces∣savit; the operation of which ancient process was to seize the estate of him neglecting or ceasing to perform his services to the lord of the fee; and as we hear no more of those lands in the records, it is probable they never were restored§ 101.50.

Nothing relative to SCATERLY appears in the records.

LANGLEY is named next. The extensive ruins of the ancient hall yet remain in a fine elevated situation, of a southern aspect, near the banks of the river Brune, embowered in a thick forest. The first note we have of this place is in the Boldon Book, where it is mentioned to have been granted to Arco le Dispenser, by bishop Pudsey, in reward of services performed, as well to Henry bishop of Winton as him∣self, the bishop of Durham having purchased a moiety of the premisses for the pur∣pose of that gift¶ 101.51. Langley having afterwards escheated to the See, bishop Rob. de

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Insula granted the same to Henry de Insula about the year 1280* 101.52. How this manor escheated we have no evidence. About the year 1306, the manor having again reverted to the See, was granted by bishop Bek to lord Henry Percy, and the gift received ratification from king Edward II. in the fourth year of his reign, 1310† 102.1. How long it continued the estate of the Percys we are also ignorant. In bishop Hatfield's Survey it is set forth, that

Richard le Scrope held the vill of Langley, formerley the estate of Henry de Insula;
and by the inquisition taken at his death in the sixteenth year of bishop Skirlaw‡ 102.2, it appears he held the same by the fourth part of a knight's fee, paying yearly seven shillings at the bishop's exchequer, and performing suit at three chief courts: He was succeeded by Richard son of Roger, then an infant of ten years old. By an inquisition taken in the fifteenth year of bishop Langley, 1421, on the death of Richard lord Scrope of Bolton, it is stated, that he had divested himself of the manor and vill of Lang∣ley some time before his death, and that Ralph Eure, chiv. was seised thereof to him and his heirs; and by an inquisition taken on his death, in the seventeenth year of the same bishop, he appears to have died possessed thereof by the name of Maneria & villa de Langley & le waterfall cum p'tin. que h'uit ex feoffo. Rici de Scrop, chiv. We do not find Langley mentioned in any succeeding inquisition taken on the death of any of the Eures. In the second year of bishop Booth, on the death of Henry lord Scrope ‖ 102.3, it is stated in the inquisition then taken, that

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Richard le Scrope and others had been enfeoffed in this manor, with divers other estates, by virtue of the licence of bishop Nevill, but the trust is not specified: The feoffor Henry left John his son and heir, who was grandfather of Henry after mention∣ed, and probably the confidence reposed consisted of divers limitations in tail, by vir∣tue of which it descended to Henry lord Scrope the feoffor's grandson, who by the inscription after mentioned, is presumed to have built the hall, of which the pre∣sent ruins are remains. An engraving of this inscription was published in the Antiquarian Repertory in 1775, from a drawing made by Mr Rob. Hutchinson, in 1771, and we presume communicated by Thomas Gyll, esq with the following account* 102.4.

At Langley hall, in the parish of Lanchester, is a mantle-piece of stone, over a large fire place, with an inscription thereon in capital letters: The inscription relates to Henry lord Scrope, of Bolton, in Yorkshire, who married Margaret the daughter of Thomas lord Dacre, of Gilsland, in Cumberland. The arms on the second quarter are those of Tibetot, or Tiptoft, an heiress of which family married an ancestor of the said Henry lord Scrope, whose coat of arms are engraved with hers, and the same are depicted in the upper windows on the south part of the parish church of Richmond, in Yorkshire. The escut∣cheon, by the division on the wife's side, on the right hand, looks as if intended for him and his two wives, for he was twice married; but the arms on the side of the wives are so worn away that they are not distinguishable. The upper∣most seems as if something like bars or barry were in them; bars were in the arms of Greystock: The other should be Scrope of Upsal, his second wife, whose name was Alice, daughter of Thomas lord Scrope, of Upsal, by Margaret his wife, daughter of Thomas lord Dacres, grandfather of Thomas lord Dacres above mentioned.
We must observe further on this inscription, that the lines are not to be read direct, but are broken in the center, and stands thus, so far as the letters are distinct:
HENRICVS. § SCROPE. § MIL. XI. § DOMINVS. DE § BOLTO—. —ET § VXOR § EIVS § FILI— — DACR § ET GRAISTOKE.
by this it appears he was the eleventh lord of Bolton, and she the daughter of lord Dacre, of Greystoke. Mr Allan further illustrates this matter by the genealo∣gical table on the next page.

From the family of Scrope, Langley came into the family of Paulet, by marriage with one of the natural daughters of Emanuel Scrope, earl of Sunderland, and not many years ago was sold by Mr Paulet, son of lord William Paulet, who was the second son of the first duke of Bolton, to Henry Lambton, esq of Lambton, late member of parliament for the city of Durham, and is now the property of John Lambton, esq the heir general of that ancient family.

The manor of Rydding was part of the large possessions of Gocelinus Surtays: At the time of his death it was held of the bishop of Durham, at two marks rent† 102.5,

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then valued at twenty shillings. By an inquisition taken on the death of Alexan∣der Surtays, in the thirty-sixth year of the same bishop, it was returned, that he had enfeoffed William de Skipwyth and others in this manor with other estates,

to the intent that his heir should not take until he attained his full age, thereout to pay his debts; and when his heir attained that age, then that the trustees should enfeoff him in the premisses; which conveyance was made in fraud and collusion to prevent the lord having ward and marriage of the heir.
In all future inquisitions taken on the death of the Surtays, no mention is made of Ryd∣ding, so that probably it had become an escheat, of which there had been no re∣mittance.

The ancient records furnish no more of Stobbilee than that in the seventh year of bishop Skirlaw it was the possession of the family of Thweng, held of the bishop in capite, rendering fourteen shillings at the exchequer, and was of the clear value of thirteen shillings and four-pence.

Of BROOM and SLALEY there is nothing remarkable on record, or of NOSTEELS and PECHE.

HELEY is mentioned in the Boldon Book as the property of Alan de Chilton; it had given a local name to a resident family* 102.6, for in the first year of bishop Hat∣field, we find one Peter de Heley died possessed of the manor, which he held of the

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bishop in capite, rendering six shillings and eight-pence for all services, of the clear value of one hundred shillings; Richard the son of Hugh de Chilton was found his heir: In bishop Hatfield's Survey it appears, that the priory of Durham had ac∣quired this manor in mortmain, and it is noted as having been the estate of John de Chilton, from whom it is probable it was purchased.

The first notice we find of CONSET, or as it is called in the old records Conkesheved, is in the Boldon Book, where it is said Arnold Baker had it in exchange for Trilles∣den. By an inquisition taken on the death of Thomas Grey, chiv * 102.7. it appears, he, with his wife Margaret, held a moiety of this manor by homage, fealty, and a rent of eleven shillings, then of the clear value of forty shillings: And by the sur∣vey made by that prelate it is stated, that William de Stokes held the other moiety, formerly the estate of Richard Harpyn and Hugh Skewland. In an inquisition taken on the death of Robert son of Ralph de Nevil, in the thirteenth year of the same bishop, it is set forth, that jointly with Margaret his wife, in her right, under a feoffment made by Thomas Grey deceased, her former husband, to her and the heirs of his the said Thomas's body, he held a moiety of the manor of Conkesheved, by the services before mentioned, and the park of Conkesheved held also of the bishop under ten shillings rent. In the tenth of bishop Langley it was returned on an inquisition, taken after the attainder of Thomas Grey, that at the time of his forfeiture he was possessed of Conset Park, and a moiety of the vill of Conset† 102.8. We have several succeeding inquisitions, on a claim set up by the heir of Thomas Grey, of an intail created of his estate, by virtue of which limitations the forfeiture was contended; but as no act of restitution appears in the records of that time, it is to be presumed the pretence proved futile; and we do not see Conset specified in any future inquisition touching that family, till after the 18th year of bishop Nevill, when on the petition of Ralph Grey the bishop's nephew, son of Alicia his sister, they were regranted, with Urpath, Rowley, and other forfeited estates ‡ 102.9. A moiety afterwards became the property of the Middletons of Silksworth ‖ 102.10. Another moiety of Conset was the estate of William Pegham, by the feoffment of William Melot, with various limitations to his issue, and remainders to other branches of his family, by virtue of which it vested in Margaret the wife of William Ward § 102.11, in whose family it continued till by the marriage of Isabella, the heiress, with John Birtley, it passed to that family, of whose heiresses one married a Kellawe, and the other Egleyne.

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KNYCHELEY, by bishop Hatfield's Survey, appears to have given a local name to its possessor, and that it afterwards was the estate of Robert de Kylowe: It soon after became part of the property of the Surtays family; and in the fourteenth of bishop Skirlaw it belonged to Thomas de Claxton, held of the bishop by military service, paying fifteen shillings yearly at the exchequer, and was then of the clear yearly value of seventy-eight shillings and four-pence* 102.12. In bishop Langley's time it was the estate of the Eures, and for some descents remained with them.

IVESTON is named in the Boldon Book, with its services. In bishop Hatfield's Survey the manor or vill is set forth as part of the possessions of Kepyer hospital† 102.13. Robert Hall, in the sixteenth year of bishop Booth, died seised of forty-six acres of land there, held of the bishop in capite, leaving Robert Hall of Stanley his heir‡ 102.14.

Of BENFIELDSIDE we have nothing more in the records than what appears in Hatfield's Survey‖ 102.15; and of NEWBIGGIN, HARTIBUKE and FORDS there occurs nothing memorable.

PONTOP, in the sixteenth year of bishop Hatfield, was the estate of John de Gourley and Johanna his wife, limited to the heirs of their bodies; also a moiety of the manor of Shepmansteel and land in Byllingside, held of the bishop by ho∣mage and fealty, and certain rents § 102.16. It continued in that family a long time, and by an inquisition taken on the death of William de Gourley, in the eighth year of bishop Skirlaw, it appears the manor was held by the service of offering yearly Unum Bysancum at St Cuthbert's ferretory on his festival, and another to the bishop by way of oblation. It afterwards became the estate of the Claxtons, and in the 25th year of bishop Langley, on the death of William Claxton, is described

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to consist of a mansion-house and garden, an hundred acres of land, and an hundred acres of pasture, held under fifteen shillings rent and suit at three capital courts. It then came into the family of Bulmers, and Bertram Bulmer sold it to Anth. Meabourn in the twentieth of queen Elizabeth * 102.17. It is now part of the possessions of the Swinburns.

ROWLEYS are distinguished in bishop Hatfield's Survey by the names of East and West Rowley† 102.18; and Thomas Grey is therein said to hold the manor of West Rowley, with the demesne lands, and the heirs of Hugh de Redhugh the vill of East Rowley, formerly the estate of William Roule. In the twenty-sixth year of that prelate it appears by an inquisition taken on the death of John de Howden, that he died seised of the manor of Rowley, which we presume implies East Rowley, held of the bishop in capite, by homage, fealty, suit at three chief courts, and six shillings and eight-pence rent. He left no issue, and his estates descended to his sister's daughters, one of whom, Agnes, married Thomas Beke to her second husband, having issue by her first husband Hugh del Redhugh a son, Hugh, who was heir to this manor, and possessed the same after her death, in the eighth year of bishop Skirlaw: The male line of the family of Redhugh, as observed before, fail∣ing, their possessions were severed among coheiresses. The possessions of Grey, af∣ter being in Robert de Nevill for a short time, came to Thomas Grey, who was attainted, and were restored to Ralph Grey, with Conset as before mentioned. The family of Bland held of the prior of Durham a small parcel of land here.

COLLIERLY was the estate of the Gildfords in bishop Bury's time, and remained part of their possessions till the name was extinguished in female issue ‡ 102.19. They also possessed Green-lawe near Collierly, which the Redhughs afterwards acquired. Robert Rhodes died in the seventeenth year of bishop Booth; and by an inquisi∣tion then taken, it is stated, that he had conveyed this manor, with the lands called Greenlawe, held under Ralph earl of Westmoreland, by his deed dated the 1st of April, fourteenth Edward IV. to John Hebburn and William Lawson, but no trust is specified; and that he died without issue, leaving Alicia, the wife of Richard Bainbrigg, daughter of John Rhodes his brother his heir. This manor was divided by two parceners, and in the seventeenth year of bishop Dudley, Johan, the wife of Robert Robson, died seised of one moiety thereof, with a moiety of Greenlawe and Smether Strother, leaving Thomas Hodgson, her son by a former husband, her heir. The records before us do not point out how the other moiety descended.

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CHESTER

Page 387

We now enter the parish of CHESTER-LE-STREET, which adjoins to Lanchester towards the west * 102.20.

The reader will revert to the account given of this place in the annals of the bishops † 102.21, where he will find more at large the particulars here briefly recapitulated. Bishop Eardulph, who was the eighteenth prelate of the church of Lindisfarn, fly∣ing with the remains of St Cuthbert before the barbarians who made their sacrile∣gious descent on that island, not settling at Crake, where he sat down for a time, rested at Chester, and there began to build a church about the year 883; and the religious body retained this residence till the year 995, when they rested at Dur∣ham. Tanner says, the See removed hither "had probably a chapter of monks, or rather secular canons attending it."—Chester entertained the same re∣ligious society that existed at Lindisfarn, and they were again translated to Dur∣ham, so it is pretty certain there was no establishment of monks here, but of seculars. Egelric, the fourth bishop of Chester, was induced to take down the humble building of wood which his predecessor erected for his episcopal church,

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and raised one more magnificent: Finding great treasures, he conveyed the same out of his bishopric to enrich the monastery of Peterborough, from whence he came: We have already offered conjectures on this treasure-trove, and therefore shall not dwell on it here. On the introduction of canons regular into the cathe∣dral church of Durham, Chester, it is said, was one of the churches appointed to receive the seculars, who, without having committed offence, were removed from the seat of dignity, and no doubt were provided for in the most ample manner.

The church of Chester, divested of its state and authority, became merely a pa∣rochial rectory* 102.22, till the year 1286, when that munificent prelate, Anthony Bek, in holy reverence to the memory of St Cuthbert, and in honour of the place of his rest for upwards of a century, founded here a collegiate church, consisting of a dean, seven prebendaries, five chaplains, three deacons, and other ministers. The account given of this transaction in Stevens's Monasticon, is to the following effect† 102.23.

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A suit having long depended between Sire Walter de Clifford, cl. on the one part, and Master Alaine, of Esyngwalde, on the other, the former claiming the rectorship or parsonage of Chester, and the latter alledging that he had for cer∣tain lawful causes been deprived by Robert (de Insula) bishop of Durham and himself by the same bishop substituted in his place, both parties being unwilling to be any further entangled with suits and contentions, yielded up all their rights in the said church into the hands of Anthony (Bek) bishop of Durham, and sub∣mitted it to his ordinance, together with the chapels, lands, fruits, and revenues unto the same belonging. The bishop finding the church sufficiently endowed, and yet ill served, ordained it should for the future be collegiate, and that there should be in it a dean and seven prebendaries, the dean to maintain two chap∣lain's assistants, and other necessary clerks, and to repair the chancel, and find ministers for the chapels of Tanfield and Lamesley; for the defraying of which ex∣pence he assigned him the altarage of the said church and chapels, with other re∣venue, and the fishery on the river Were, together with the rent and court of the tenants of the church in the town of Chester and of Walrige, and the whole do∣minical land of Hervertone. In like manner he regulated the several prebends, and the manner of the canons sitting in their stalls, and all other particulars as in other collegiate churches, and ordered the tenth part of the portion of every non-resident to be given to the residents; and in case there were no residents, then to the use of the church or poor. This ordination was made by the bishop, at Auck∣land, in the third year of his consecration, was confirmed by king Edward I. at Berwick, on the 12th of June, 1292, and by Pope Boniface VIII. at Rome, in the Ides of March, 1296, in the third year of his pontificacy* 103.1.

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Under this establishment the church of Chester continued till the dissolution of collegiate churches and chantries, in the first year of Edward VI. when, by virtue of the statute, the deanry, prebends, rectory, and the several rights of that church became vested in the crown. The prebends of the seven portionists, with the vi∣carage or deanry of this church, were taxed in the Lincoln valuation, 20th king Edward I. 1291, at 146l. 13s. 4d. but 20th king Henry VIII. 1534, the deanry and seven prebends were valued at no more than 77l. 12s. 8d. in the whole, viz. the deanry 41l.—Prebend of Lamesley 5l. 16s. 8d.—Pelton 5l. 16s. 8d.—Chester 6l.—Second prebend of Lamesley 10l.—Tanfield 3l. 6s. 8d.—Birtley 3l. 6s. 8d.— And Urpath 2l. 6s. This deanry, with its members, continued in the crown un∣til the 16th year of James I. when, by letters patent under the great seal, dated at Westminster, the 26th of July, he gave and granted to Sir James Ouchterlony, knight, and Richard Gurnard, or Green, citizen and cloth-worker, of London, their heirs and assigns, the deanry, prebends, rectory, and vicarage of the col∣legiate and parish church of Chester; which instrument was inrolled in the high court of chancery: In 1618, by indenture, also inrolled in chancery, they convey∣ed the premisses to William Darling, in see: In 1620, William Darling died, leaving Edward his son and heir: In 1622, Edward Darling, by indenture, also inrolled, conveyed the same in fee to Thomas Liddell, of Ravensholme, in this county, esq In 1626, Liddell conveyed to Jeffery Walker; and in 1629, he con∣veyed the same to Richard Hedworth, esq * 103.2 in whose family it descended in the following succession, to Ralph in 1680, to Ralph his son, in 1683, to John his son, in 1704, who presented William Lamb clerk to the curacy, and John, by his will, dated the 15th of December, 1746, devised the premisses to his two sons-in-law,

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Sir Ralph Milbanke, and Sir Richard Hilton, baronets, and their heirs: Sir Richard Hilton died on the 1st of July, 1755.

The church of Chester being reduced to a curacy, is not certified, and Sir Ralph Milbanke and the representatives of Sir Richard Hilton are patrons * 103.3. It is a handsome edifice of stone, covered with lead; the tower from the foundation is square, but when it rises above the roof, takes an octagonal form, and in this part is apparently much more modern; it is finished with a most elegant stone spire, one of the finest in the north of England, being in the whole one hundred and fifty-six feet in height: The accurate plate will save much description. The whole length of this building on the outside is fifty-four paces. The church within is of a regular form, having two side ailes, separated from the nave by five pointed arches supported on pillars, two of which towards the east in each row are light and round, but the third, an odd conceit in the architect, is formed of two cylin∣ders put together, the broad sides facing the nave and ailes: The nave is in length from the foot of the tower thirty paces, and in width, including the ailes, from the north door to the south, fifteen paces: The pulpit is placed against the center pillar in the south row; the sounding board heavy with rude carving. The whole church is decently stalled, and kept clean; the pavement is new; there is a handsome white marble font, and a gallery at the west end: The south aile is lighted with three regular windows of three lights each, under pointed arches; in the eastern one are two coats of arms. The chancel has been altered in modern times, and is only six paces wide by eleven long; the arch which separates it is supported on light brackets, and the stalls are without much ornament. There are four windows to the south, and a large modern-sash to the east.

The north aile, which now is solely appropriated to and filled with a line of tombs of the Lumley family, has anciently been further extended, three arches and two columns appearing in the outside wall, as if some small cloister formerly lay contiguous to the church: The windows discover the alteration, which per∣haps was made when the tombs were placed, for there are three square windows within the old arches, and a window under a pointed arch beyond them. Before

Page 392

Before we speak of the monuments, it must be noted, that bishop Matthew granted licence in 1594, authorizing John baron of Lumley, to translate hither the re∣mains and monuments of his ancestors, particularly of John Lumley, and Ralph Lumley, from the yard of the cathedral church at Durham, where they were placed near the north door* 103.4.

This solemn arrangement of effigies, this aile of death, cannot be visited with∣out some emotion by those who know the family, descended of an illustrious race of ancestry, or have traced their history and possessions. The genealogical table which attends the description of Lumley castle will save a tedious rehearsal of mo∣numental inscriptions.

The first effigy at the foot or west end of the aile, is by an inscription on the wall, noted to appertain to Liulphus, that unhappy minister of Walcher bishop of Durham, who provoked the massacre at Gateshead church: The figure is cut in stone, but much mutilated, having lost the feet; the right hand is extended, grasp∣ing the sword, as in the action of drawing the weapon; the legs are straight. It will be necessary to note why such different attitudes had acceptance in monumen∣tal effigies. Persons who died in battle on the victorious side, were represented with the helmet on the head, the shield on the lest, and the sword on the dexter side, naked, and with the point upwards. Those who died in battle on the van∣quished side, were represented on their tombs without their coat over their armour, with their feet resting on a dead lion, having their hands joined on their breast, the visor lifted up, and the sword in the sheath. Those who died prisoners were re∣presented without helmet, sword or spur. One who had served a great part of his life in the army, and afterwards became a religious person, was represented up∣wards in the habit of the order he professed, and below in complete armour. A gentleman or knight, who had been killed or vanquished in single combat, was re∣presented in compleat armour, his battle ax out of his arms, lying by him, and his left arm across his right. If he had been victorious, he was represented armed on all points, with his right arm across over the left, and his battle ax in his arms. The son of a general, or governor of a castle or fortified city, if he died when the place was besieged, was pourtrayed in complete armour, with his head resting on an helmet instead of a pillow† 103.5.

The second effigy, Utredus filius Liulphi, cut in stone, his head, shoulders, and arms covered with a coat of mail of chain work, the legs of the same, the right hand grasping the sword hilt in the action of drawing the weapon.

The third, William de Lumley, accoutred the same as the last; a parrot held by the tail in the right hand, the legs crossed, the right foot uppermost, the feet rested on a lion couchant—an elegant figure; the folds of the vest skirts easy and finely disposed. This William was the son of Uchtred, and grandson of Liul∣phus before-mentioned.

The fourth, William Lumley mil. in a suit of armour, his legs crossed, the left leg uppermost, the feet broken off, his right hand drawing the instrument,

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his head rested on an helmet; his hair cut at the fore-top, and in stiff curl.

The fifth, William de Lumley mil. son of William, in a suit of armour, his head rested on his helmet, the right hand drawing the sword; the hair like the fourth; the legs straight, and the feet gone.

The sixth, Roger, in a suit of armour, much mutilated, the legs, hand and shield gone, hair curled as the former. This personage married Sybil, daugh∣ter and coheiress of Hugh de Morwic, who had two other daughters, Theophania and Beatrix; and they, in the fourth year of king Edward I. made partition of the knights fees of their inheritance.

The seventh, in a suit of armour, a shield, no sword, his right hand on his breast, his hair curled, his head supported on cushions, the legs straight, and feet rest∣ing on a shield of his coat-armour: This tomb belongs to Robert de Lumley, eldest son of Roger, and father of Marmaduke, whose tomb is next noted.

The eighth, Sir Marmaduke de Lumley, with a curled beard, a cap in up∣right folds and terminating in a point, his head resting on his gauntlets laid across each other, the fingers inwards; his hands elevated on his breast, three parrots scattered on his garments below the girdle; his legs appear to have been placed straight, but are much mutilated: This personage's mother was the eldest daughter of Marmaduke de Thweng, a great baron, lord of Kilton and Thweng, with many other manors in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Westmoreland; she and her sister Catharine were coheiresses of William, Robert, and Thomas de Thweng their brothers: Sir Marmaduke's eldest son, Robert, was under age at his father's death, and he died during his minority, leaving Ralph his next brother and heir: They derived from their mother the manors of Moressome-Magna, Moressome Parva, Ocketon, Lythum, Merske, Brotton, Hylderwell, Skynner∣green, Lyvertoun, North Cave, Rotese-on-the-Wolds, Lound, Langtose, Sway∣thorpe, Thorp juxta Kilton, Foxholes, Thweng, with the advowson of the church, Kilton castle, Stotevil-fee, and Bulmer-fee, all in the county of York* 103.6.

The ninth effigy, Ralph, first lord of Lumley. This is a remarkable figure, cut in coarse freestone, and was one of those removed from the yard of the cathe∣dral church at Durham, by virtue of the licence before noted: It is dressed in a straight-sleeved jacket or coat of mail, his visor is rib'd down the front, and has two transverse slits for the sight; the breast is covered with the shield bearing three parrots, the sword under the shield unsheathed, the point upwards rested against the face of the visor; the legs are straight, supported on a dog lying at rest. This personage was a knight in the ninth year of king Richard II. and in the retinue of Henry de Percy, earl of Northumberland, in the expedition into Scotland, where he behaved so gallantly, that the king in the year succeeding appointed him governor of Berwick: In the twelfth year of that reign he was taken prisoner by the Scotch: After his release he held Berwick as the earl's deputy for some time: Was sum∣moned to parliament among the barons from the eighth year of king Richard II. till the first of king Henry IV, inclusive, when he was attainted, and had his lands

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seized for being a confederate with the earl of Kent and others against that accession, and opposing the disposal of Richard. The associators appeared in arms, and took possession of the town of Cirencester, whilst their troops lay encamped without; but on an insurrection of the inhabitants, the lords were overpowered, and carried prisoners to the king at Oxford, where they suffered immediate execution. It seems lord Lumley was not among the prisoners, for by the record of his for∣feiture and attainder, it is set forth he died in the field of battle: If we give credit to the device on the monument, when he fell he was of the victorious party. His wife Elianor was daughter of John lord Nevill of Raby, and sister of Ralph earl of Westmoreland: In her widowhood, she had in the second year of king Henry IV. an assignment of twenty pounds a year during life out of the customs at Hull, which was confirmed by king Henry V. in the first year of his reign, with the further grant of lands and tenements in Beautrove and Stranton, in the bishopric of Durham, and Holme in Holderness. The eldest son, Thomas, died in the fifth year of king Henry IV. seised of the castle of Lumley Parva, and the manors of Stanley, Stranton, Ricklesden, and Beautrove, in the bishopric, together with divers other large estates in Yorkshire and Northumberland; dying without issue, he left Sir John Lumley, knight, his brother and heir, then twenty years of age. John earl of Somerset had obtained a grant of several manors and estates, which came to the crown under the attainder of Ralph lord Lumley, to the value of three hundred and sixty pounds a year; a great possession in that age * 103.7.

The tenth effigy, Sir John Lumley: A figure resembling the last described, and most probably the second monument removed from the cathedral church-yard.— To this personage king Henry was much attached; in the sixth year of that reign he had livery of all the castles, manors, and lands of which his father was seised at the time of his attainder; and for his services in Scotland he received the honour of knighthood: He also fought bravely in the French war, for which gal∣lant conduct and fidelity to his sovereign, he had full restitution of blood by par∣liament in the thirteenth year of that reign, as well what was attainted by the con∣viction of his father, as Thomas his brother; so it is expressed in the parliament rolls. In the wars of king Henry V. he also signalized himself: Under the con∣duct of Thomas duke of Clarence, the king's brother, he was in the battle of Baugy, in the province of Anjoy, on Easter-eve, 1421, to which the English army was betrayed by one Andrew Forgusa, a Lombard, who was employed by the duke as a spy, and falsely represented the numbers and situation of the enemy: Many of the English lords were averse to the enterprize, and dissuaded the duke from approaching his foes on so slight and suspicious a report; but the General im∣plicitly placing confidence in his emissary, resolved to seek the foe and engage; his troops disdained the idea of deserting danger, and, when too late, found they were attacking four times their numbers; feats of distinguished bravery were dis∣played, and all the efforts of intrepid courage exhibited, but in vain; for in the dreadful carnage of a defeat, there sell the duke, lord Lumley, the earls of Tankerville and Angus, and the lord Ross, together with many of inferior rank:

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He left a son and heir, Thomas, whose tomb is not in this arrangement at Chester.

The eleventh effigy, George lord Lumley: This figure, like the rest, is re∣cumbent, dressed in robes, a heavy ruff or roll about his neck, his hands elevated, curled hair and beard: The dress similar to the robes of a peer as now worn. This personage was knighted by king Edward IV. He was sheriff of Northumberland in the second and third years of that reign; an office then not only of great trust and authority, but of vast emolument, for no account was made to the king's ex∣chequer till the third year of king Edward VI. but the issues and profits of the bailiwic were appropriated to the sheriffs proper benefit, with all debts, fines, and amerciaments, emoluments accruing from alienations, intrusions, wards, marriages, reliefs, &c. the intention of which appropriation was to reward their diligence in protecting the borders against the Scots, and for that purpose to keep sufficient guards in pay. But that duty being lessened by the appointment of wardens of the marches, in the third year of king Edward VI. it was enacted, that the sheriffs of Northumberland should thenceforth like others account to the exchequer. In the sixth year of king Edward IV. he, with Sir Robert Folbery, were elected knights of the shire for the county of Northumberland, in the parliament summoned to meet at Westminster, and in the return of the writ are stiled milites gladiis cincti. He was appointed sheriff of Northumberland in the eighth year of that reign, and continued in office four successive years. In the twentieth year he was in the duke of Gloucester's army, at the taking of Berwick, having a great command in that expedition, and in the rolls of the troops is called lord Lumley: He was one that entered Edinburgh at the head of the forces, and with lord Fitz Hugh, the lord Scrope of Massam, and others, was made a knight banneret in Hooton-field, as a testimony of approved gallantry. On the accession of king Henry VII. he attend∣ed the king in his northern progress. In the thirteenth year of king Henry VII. he served in lord Surrey's army, when they raised the siege of Norham castle, where the king of Scots lay in person; and from thence penetrating into Scotland, made a diversion, and destroyed some considerable fortresses in sight of the Scotch army. On the espousals of the princess Margaret of England with James king of Scotland, 1502, he, with his son and their retinue, accompanied by eighty horsemen in their train, apparelled in the family liveries, met the queen at Darlington and at∣tended her to Berwick. He married one of the daughters of Roger Thornton, esq a merchant at Newcastle, by whom he got a large fortune, and among other pos∣sessions the manors of Witton in Northumberland, Ludworth and the Isle, in this county. There happened much litigation touching this lady's fortune, through one Giles Thornton, a natural son of her father; and the contention becoming personal, lord Lumley slew him at Windsor castle ditch. Bishop Sherwood, in the sixth year of his pontificacy, granted a pardon to George lord Lumley, of all fe∣lonies, and restoration of forfeitures* 103.8. His eldest son and heir apparent died in his life time, to whom the following monument was erected.

The twelfth effigy, Sir Thomas Lumley: This figure is in a suit of armour, his hair curled, and head resting on a helmet, the hands elevated, and legs extended: Quarters the royal arms with a bar, having married Elizabeth Plantagenet, a natural

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daughter of king Edward IV. by lady Elizabeth Lucy. He appeared on behalf of the clergy and commonalty of the diocese of Durham, in the eleventh year of king Henry VII. when the three estates of the kingdom were summoned to assemble at Westminster on the 27th of October, 1495. He left four sons, Richard, John, George, and Roger* 103.9; the eldest became heir to George lord Lumley, the grand∣father: He also left three daughters, Ann married Ralph lord Ogle, of Bothal; Sibil, who married William baron Hilton of Hilton, in this county; and Elianor, who married — Creswell, of Creswell, in Northumberland.

A mural monument of blue marble, inscribed to Richard lord Lumley, the first earl of Scarborough.

In a circle above, an inscription to George Lumley, son of John, attainted the twenty-ninth of king Henry VIII.

The thirteenth effigy, Richard lord Lumley, in robes, with elevated hands, a ruff or roll about the neck. This personage was the eldest son of Thomas Lumley, as before mentioned, and had summons to parliament among the barons, in the first year of king Henry VIII. He left by Anne his lady, daughter of Sir John Conyers, of Hornby castle, his eldest son John, who succeeded to the family ho∣nours and estates.

The fourteenth and last effigy, John lord Lumley. The figure dressed in robes. This personage, in the fifth year of king Henry VIII. on the Scotch invasion, joined the earl of Surrey with a large force, and was one of the principal commanders of the van guard of the English army at the battle of Flodden Field: It is mentioned by several historians, that this van guard shewed great bravery in the engagement, and were victorious over that body of the enemy commanded by the earls of Crawford and Montross, who both fell in the field. In the following year he was summoned to parliament, and in the year 1520, he was present at the interview the king had with the emperor Charles V. at Canterbury, and that with the king of France near Ardres: He served under the earl of Shrewsbury in the Scotch expe∣ditions; and in the twenty-first of the reign, had summons to that parliament which existed five years by prorogations, and struck the first blow in the dissolution of religious houses: He was in the combination that encouraged the king to the divorce of queen Catharine; and at last fell from his loyalty, and joined the nor∣thern confederates in the pilgrimage of grace, but accepted the terms of the duke of Norfolk's proclamation. His son George fell into other broils, and was one of the partizans of the lord Darcy, was apprehended and committed to the Tower, and soon after suffered death. John the son of George Lumley, at the death of his grandfather, was an infant under age; and in the first year of king Edward VI. on his petition was restored in blood, as son and heir of George, and cousin and heir of John, then late lord Lumley, but sundry parts of the estate were severed from the family, the act of restoration not repealing the attainder of his father.

Another monument of one of the ancestors of this family is noted to us by Mr Grose, which he says he found in an old book of pedigrees in the British Museum; as it is not one in the arrangement before mentioned in remembrance thereof we have given a cut of it. We conceive that this is the monument of Thomas the son and

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heir of Sir John Lumley, whose effigy is the tenth in the arrangement, and had been removed from its station in Chester church, for some cause not noted there.

This auncient monument or statuarie, broken and wasted nere the ruynes of the chappell in the first ward within the castel called Barnard's castel, was at the honourable means and motion of John baron Lumley, sent by Sir William Bowes, knight, into this church at Chester, to be placed with his ancestors, April 1594."—The patterne of this I have seen at Barnard castle. S. Garter, 1591.

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We lamented on observing in the church-yard the bason of an old font, thrown out and subject to be defaced and spoiled, instead of being laid up from propha∣nation, and preserved in respect to the donor; it is charged with four arms. Those of Lumley in the first shield, in the second Lumley quartering Thornton's; in the third Thornton's single; in the fourth Lumley quartering Nevill's; whereby it is denoted that this bason was given to the church by George lord Lumley, pro∣bably in the time of king Edward IV.

There were two chantries in Chester church, but the founders are not known; the one dedicated to St Mary, of the yearly value of 5l. 8s. 10d. to which belong∣ed a tenement in Seaton Carowe* 103.10. Thomas Holyman, incumbent at the time of the dissolution had a pension granted him of 4l. which he received in 1553† 103.11. The other chantry was dedicated to St. George, of the yearly value of 5l. 3s. of which Jeffrey Glenton was priest at the dissolution, and had a pension of 4l. which was also paid him in 1553.

The effigy of a prelate, which Leland speaks of in the body of this church, de∣noting where St Cuthbert lay, was removed, we presume, when the floor was new paved, as no account was to be obtained of the monument when we viewed the church.

The deanry house, the seat of the ancient family of Hedworths, is in a pleasant situation, commanding a fine view of Lumley castle and the adjacent grounds, and is surrounded with excellent meadow grounds ‡ 103.12.

Page 398

Gunceastre, or Goncaceastre, was the ancient Saxon name of this place, and as Leland says, was derived from the rivulet Cone, which there empties itself into Were. In the Itinerary, vol. i. p. 83, it is said,

There is no bridge memorable on Were beneath Duresme but Chester bridge. Were cummith within a quarter of a mile of the town self of Chester. From Duresme, over Framagate bridge to Chester in the Streate, partly by a little corne ground, but most by montainiouse pasture and some mores and firres. Or I came in Chester I saw scant half a mile of it, Lomeley castel upon a hill, having praty wood about it, and about Chester self is likewise sum woode. The toune of Chester is chiefly one streate, of very meane building in height. Ther is beside a smaul streate or 2 about the chirch collegiate, that hath a dean and prebendaries, but it is a very meane building; and in the body of the chirch is a tumbe, with the image of a byshop, yn token that St Cuthbert ons was buried or remained in his feretre there. At the very ende of the toune I passid over Cone brooke, and there is a fair stone bridge of 3 arches over it. Thens to Gateshed vii miles by montainiouse ground, with pasture, heth, more, and firres; and a litle a this side Gatehead is a great cole pit.

The present town of Chester is about a mile in length, consisting chiefly of one long street, has many good buildings in it, and is commodiously situated for sup∣plying the numerous miners employed in the neighbouring collieries and other works * 103.13.

This is one of the bishop's copyhold manors, and of extensive jurisdiction: It gives name to the ward, and has a coroner: There was a forester here anciently † 103.14. Whilst the servile tenures existed, it experienced no great severity of service, as ap∣pears by the preceding notes from the Boldon Book and Hatfield's Survey; and there was a money payment instituted in lieu of some duties in that early period.

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[figure] genealogy
THE PEDIGREE OF THE NOBLE FAMILY OF LUMLEY, EARL OF SCARBOROUGH. (VOL. 2. PAGE 98.)

  • The Family of LUMLEY is undoubtedly of great Antiquity; and various are the Traditions, touching the original Stem thereof; which, like most others of such long standing, is so ingulphed in Obscurity, that no other Light than Conjecture is now to be had thereof: the most probable (besides the authority of so great men as Camden and Sir William Dugdale) is, that this Family is denominated from LUMLEY on the Banks of the River Wear, near Chester-le-Street, in the county Durham, where being seated, they were thence surnamed, as the manner of those ages was, to stile men from the places where they lived or were born, and by the best Records, &c. are said to be descended from
  • Liulph, a nobleman of great note in the time of Edw. the Confessor, and in great credit and esteem with Walcher, Bishop of Durham, which was the cause of his death, as is recorded by Holinshed Chron. vol. II. p. 12 and 13, and who quotes Simeon Dunelmensis.
  • Algitha, d. to Aldred, Earl of Northumb. by his wife Adgina, youngest dau. of King Etheldred II. and by her had issue
  • Uchtred, who first took the name of Lumley.
  • .......
  • Sir Will. de Lumley a baron in Durh.
  • Judith, dau. ..... Hesilden, of Hesilden.—Seages Bar. MSS.
  • Sir William de Lumley, only son.
  • Sir Will. de Lumley,
  • . ..... d. and coh. of Sir Walter de Audre, of Morton Audre, in co. Durham, Knt.
  • Sir Rog. de Lumley, who in the time Hen. III. mar.
  • Sibill, one of the daus. and cohs. of Hugh de Morwic, an ancient baron in Northumb. died in 1298.
  • Sir Robt. de Lumley, 26th Edw. I. on death of his mother, succeeded to several manors in Northumb. at which time it was certified that he was her son and heir, and of the age of 26 years.
  • Lucia, eldest of the 3 daus. and cohs. of Sir Marmaduke de Thewng of Kilton Castle, in co. York, a great baron in those parts.
  • Sir Marmaduke Lumley, was prior of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland, commonly called Killmainham, and who took his mother's arms, which were argent, a fefs gules between 3 parrots vert, each gorged with a plain collar of the 2d, and have ever since continued the paternal arms of this family.
  • Margaret, d. and h. of ...... Holland.
  • Sir Robt. de Lumley died under age, 12th Dec. 48th Edw. III. as is evident by an inquisition, taken 49th Edw. III. at Gis∣burgh, when it was proved that Ralph de Lumley, was his bro∣ther and heir, and of the age of 13 years.
  • Sir Ralph de Lumley, a Knt. in 9th Rich. II. in 16th same reign obtained a licence (Pat. 16 Rich. II. p. 2. m. 22.) to make a castle of his manor house of Lumley.—Had summons to parlia. amongst the barons, from 8th Rich. II. to Hen. IV. inclusive, when he was attainted, and had his lands seized.—Died in bat∣tle, as is evident from a record (Rymer, vol. VIII. p. 529.) whereby all his lands and tenements, goods and chattels, were adjudged in parliament to be forfeited.—Bur. at Duthrm.
  • Eleanor, d. John Lord Nevill, of Raby, and sist. of Ralph, 1st Earl of Westmorland.
  • Thomas de Lumley, died during his mi∣nority, 31st May, 5th Hen. IV. leav∣ing his brother Sir John Lumley, Knt. his heir.—Esc. 5th Hen. IV. n. 30.
  • Sir John de Lumley did homage, 6th Hen. IV. & had livery of all lands, &c. his father, Sir Ra. was seized of at time of his attainder, & was knight∣ed, and by act of parl. 13th Hen. IV. restored in blood.—Killed at bat∣tle of Bangy, in province Anjou, on Easter Eve, 10th Hen. V. 1421.— Bur. at Durham.
  • Felicia, dau. Sir Mat. Redman, govr. of Berw.
  • Sir Tho. de Lumley, 10th Hen. VI. making proof of his age (claus. 10th Hen. VI. n. 16.) had livery of his lands, and was afterwards knighted, 33d Hen. VI. constituted governor Scarbo∣rough Castle for life.—In 1st Edw. IV. on his petition, the attainder of Ralph Lord Lumley, his grandfather, was reversed, and from that time to 12th Hen. VII. had summons to parlia∣ment arcordingly.—Ob. 1485.
  • Margaret, d. Sir Jas. Harrington, brother to Sir William H. Lord Harrington, and Knight of the Garter, in the reign of Hen. V.
  • Sir Geo. Lumley, Knt. 2d Edw. IV. when sher. Northb. In 6th Edw. IV. was Knt. shire for that county, and in 8th Edw. IV. was again sheriff.—In 20th Edw. IV. he bore the title of Lord Lumley, and on 22d Aug. that year was made a knight banneret.—Died 23d Hen. VII.— Seagar. Baron. MSS.
  • Eliz. d. and coh. of Rog. Thornton, Esq a wealthy mercht. in Newc. upon Tyne, by whom he had lordships of Witton, in co. Northumb. Walworth, and the Isle, in co. Durham.
  • Thomas Lumley, Esq died in the life-time of his father, 1487.
  • Eliza. Platagenet (nat. dau. King Edw. IV. by Lady Eliz. Lucy) by whom he had issue.
  • Rich. Lumley succeeded his grandfather, and had summons to parliament among the barons, 1st Hen. VIII.—Ob. 26th May, 2d Hen. VIII. 1511.
  • Anne, d. of Sir John Conyers, of Hornby Castle, in co. York, Knt. Garter (sist. to William Ld. Conyers) by whom he left iss.
  • John, Lord Lumley, was 18 years of age at death of his father. In 5th Hen. VIII. was at the battle of Flodden Field.—In 6th Hen. VIII. had summons to parliament, as Lord Lumley. Ob. 36th Hen. VIII.—Bur. at Gisborough, in the abbey.
  • Joan d. of Hen. Lord Scroope, of Bolton, by Elizabeth his wife, d. Hen. Percy, 3d Earl of Nor∣thumberland.
  • George Lumley, Esq was concerned in an insurrection with the Lord Darcy and others, committed to the Tower, and in June 29th, Hen. VIII. found guilty of high treason, and suffered death in the life-time of his father.
  • Jane, 2d dau. and coh. Sir Rich. Knightly, of Fawsley, in co. Northampton, Knt.
  • John Lumely, on the death of his grandfather, was in inf. in 1st Edw. VI. restored in blood and a new barony of Lumley, created and li∣mitted, by express words, to the said John in tail male (the ancient barony being merged in the crown by the attainder of his father Geo.) on 29th Sept. 1553, was made knight of the bath.—This nobleman caused monuments to be erected in Chester-le-Street church, to the memory of his ancestors, in order as they suc∣ceeded one another, from Liulph down to his own time (Camb. Brit. by Gibson, vol. II. p. 950.) Obiit 11th April, 1609, bur. at Cheam, in co Surry.—His children dying in his life-time, this new barony expired with him.
  • 1st wife, Jane, eldest of the two daughters and coheirs of Henry Fitz Allan, Earl of Arundel.
  • Charles,
  • Thomas,
  • Mary. all died in the life-time of their father.
  • 2d wife, Eliz. d. of John, Lord Darcy, of Chick, who surv. her husband without having issue.
  • Jane mar. Jeffery Markham, Esq died without issue.
  • Barbara mar Humph. Lloyd, of Denbeigh, Esq of whom see an account below.† 103.15
  • ‡ 103.16 Anthony Lumley, Esq 2d son, Rich. Lord Lumley, as is evi∣dent by an inquisi. of the court wards, 30th May, 7th Jas. I. as also by the will of the last Lord Lumley.
  • .... d. Rich. Gray, of the county of Northumb. Esq
  • Roger Lumley, Esq who married
  • Anne, d. . ...... Kurtwich, Esq had issue several sons and daugh∣ters, whereof were—
  • Rich. Lumley, eld. son and h. was the chief heir male of the family, after the decease of John, Lord Lumley, in 1609, & inherited the great∣est part of the estate of his ancestors, by deed of settle∣ment, and the last will of the said John, Lord Lumley, was knighted 19th July, 1619. On 12th July, 1628, was created Visc. Lumley, of Waterford in Ireland.—Bur. at Cheam.
  • Frances, d. Hen. Shelly of Warm∣inghoist in Sussex, Esq
  • John Lumley, Esq only son, died in the life-time of his father.—Bur. at St. Martin's, London.
  • Mary, d. and one of the coheirs of Sir Hen. Compton, (youngest son of Hen. Ld. Compton, ancestor to the Earl of Northampton.)
  • Richard succeeded his grandfather in his Irish honours, and on 3d May, 1681, 33d Charles II. was created Baron Lumley of Lumley Castle, in co. Durh. and to the heirs male of his body, for want of such issue to his brother Henry, and the heirs male of his body. And on 10th April, 1689, created Visc. Lumley, of Lumley Castle, and on 15th April, 1690, Earl of Scarborough — Obiit. 17th Dec. 1721, and was bur. in Chester-le-Street church.
  • Frances, only d. and h. of Sir Hen. Jones of Aston, in co. Oxford, by his wife Frances, sist. to Tho. Earl Fauconberg. She died in March 1737.
  • Henry, Visc. Lumley died of sm. pox, 24th July 1710, and is bur. at St. Martin's in the Fields, in London.— Memb. for Arundel.
  • Richard, Visc. Lumley suc∣ceeded his father as Earl of Scarborough in 1721.—On the 9th June, 1724, elected a Knt. of Gart —Ob unm. 4th Feb. 1739. bur. in St. Geo. chapel, Audley-street, London.
  • Thomas Lumley, elected a Knt. Bath, 27th May, 1725, and by virtue of an act of parliament, bore surn. of Saunderson, pur∣suant to the will of James Saunderson, E. of Castle∣ton, who died without iss. 24th May, 1723.—In Feb. 1739, succeeded his bro. as Earl of Scarborough.—Ob. 15th March, 1752.
  • Frances, 2d d. of Geo. Hamilton, Earl of Orkney, by whom she left issue.
  • Richard Visc. Lumley, in March 1752, succeeded his father as 4th Earl of Scarborough.—On 12th Dec. 1752, he married.—In Oct. 1765, appoint∣ed deputy Earl Marshall of England.—Died .....
  • Barbara Saville, sister to Sir Geo. Saville, Bart. member for co. York.—Died 27th Dec. 1772.
  • George Augustus Visc. Lumley, born 22d Sept. 1754, the pre∣sent Earl of Scarborough.
  • Frances-Barbara-Ludlow, born on 25th Feb. 1756, died young.
  • Richard born 3d April, 1757.
  • Thomas-Charles.
  • John.
  • Frederick.
  • Mary-Arabella.
  • Geo. Lumley, Esq died unmar. Dec. 1732.
  • Frances, in June 1753, mar. Pet. Ludlow, Esq or Ardsallagh, in co. Meath, in Ireland, since created Lord Ludlow.
  • Anne.
  • Harriot died unm. 6th Nov. 1747.
  • William, 3d son, was killed in a sea engagement, in the Mediterranean, 9th April, 1709.
  • Charles was member in parliament for Chichester.—Ob. 11th Aug. 1727.
  • John was a col. in the guards, and mem. for Arundel. Ob. Oct. 1739.
  • James, memb. for Chichester, and groom of bedchamber to the late Pr. of Wales. Ob. unm. 14th March, 1766, & bur. at Chester-le-Street.
  • Mary mar. Geo. Mon∣tague, 1st E. of Hali∣fax.—Ob. 10th Sept. 1726.
  • Barbara mar. Chas. Leigh, of Leighton, in c. Bedford, Esq br. to Th. Lord Leigh of Stoneley, in co. Warw.—Ob. 4th Jan. 1755.
  • Anne mar. Frederick Frankland, Esq late memb. for Thirsk.—Ob. without issue▪ Feb. 1739.
  • Henrietta died unmarried, 6th Nov. 1747.
  • Hen. Lumley, Esq was a general in the army, and gover. of Jersey, mar. twice & died 18th Oct. 1722. Bur. at Sabridgworth, co. Herts.
  • 1st Elizabeth, d. of .... Thimbley, of co. Lincoln, Esq by whom she had no issue.
  • 2d Anne, d. Sir Wm. Wiseman of Great Can∣field-hall, in Essex, Bart. by his wife Arabella, sist. and h. to Geo. Hewit, Visc. Hewit, of Goran, in prov. Semster in Ire∣land.—Ob. 4th March 1736, leaving issue an on∣ly daughter.
  • Frances, who died 13th Oct. 1719, in the 6th year of her age.
  • Elizab. m. Rich. Cotton, of Watergate, in co. Sussex. Esq
  • Frances,
  • Anne, both died unmar.
  • Julia mar. 1st, to ...... Germain, Esq by whom she had a daughter, Frances, (mar. 1st to Francis Moore, Esq son and heir of Sir Hen. Moore; and 2dly, to John Shuckburgh, of Barton, in co. Warwick, Esq) and by her 2d husband, Sir Christ. Conyers, Knt. had also an only daugh. named Julia, mar. 1st to Sir Will. Blackett, of Newc. upon Tyne, Bart; 2dly, to Sir Will. Thompson, one of the barons of the Exchequer.
  • Other sons, who died young or unmarried.
  • Elizabeth mar. Sir Wm. Lang∣ley, of Higham Gobions, in co. Bedford, Bart.—Isabel mar. Rich. Conyers, of Horden, in co. Durham, Knt.
  • John, Geo.
  • Roger, who left 3 daus. his cohs. viz. Agnes mar. John Lambton, Esq— Isabella, to Rich. Conyers, of Horden.—Marg. to Tho. Trollop, of Thornley, Esq
  • Anne mar. Ralph Ld. Ogle, of Bothall.
  • Sibil, to Wm. Baron Hilton, of Hilton, in co. Durham.
  • Elizabeth, to ..... Creswell, of Nor∣thumb. Esq.
  • Roger Lumley,
  • ...... d. Sir Rich. Radcliffe, Knt. Garter, by whom he had a son.
  • Roger Lumley.
  • Ralph Lumley.
  • Joan m. Bertram Harbottle, of co. Northumb. Esq
  • Margt. m. Bertram Lumley of Ravens∣holm, in co. Durh.
  • Eliz. m. Will. Tilliot, Esq
  • William de Lumley.
  • Marmaduke, he was chan. Camb. 7th Hen. VI. and on 15th April, following 1430, had temporalties of Bishop of Carlisle deliver∣ed him, and next day consecrated bishop,—On 18th Dec. 25th Hen. VI. constituted treasurer of England, was 20 years bishop there, and after translated to Lincoln, 1450, which he scarce enjoyed a year till he died.
  • Elizabeth. mar. Adam Tirwhitt of Kettleby, in co. Lincoln.
  • Margaret mar. Sir John Clar∣vaux, of Croft, in co. York, Knt.
  • Catharine mar. Sir John Chideock, by whom she had two daughs. cohs.
  • Matilda m. Sir Hen. Thirkell.
  • Eleanor died unmarried.
  • Thomas.
  • William.
  • Isabel married Sir Wm. Ful∣thorpe, Knt.
  • William de Lumley.
  • Thomas de Lumley.
  • Sir Rog. de Lumley, Knt. ancestor to the Lumleys of Harleston and Clipston, in co. Northampton.
  • Marmaduke, who was father of John Fitz Marmaduke, Lord of Horden, in co. Durham, 29th Edw. I.
  • Matthew de Lumley.
  • Osbert, whose d. and heir, Ormonda, was mar. to Robt. de Peshall.
  • Adam, had by gift from Will. the Conq. Uldell and Gilcrouse.— Dug. Monast. vol. I. p. 400.
  • Odo, had also by a gift from said King Talentre and Castlerigge, with the forest between Gal∣tre and Graecr.—Ibid.

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[figure] view of Lumley Castle
LUMLEY CASTLE
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[figure] view of Lumley Castle
LUMLEY CASTLE 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Page 399

The chief improvement of this country is attributed to cardinal Langley, who dis∣forested the lands, and licenced their being inclosed and brought into tillage.

As this manor appertained to the bishop, we must naturally conclude there were few free tenants therein: In the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, Will. de Birtley died seised of a messuage and thirty acres of land here, held by homage, fealty, and fif∣teen shillings rent; and Ra. Clerk, in the seventh year of the same prelate, died seised of twenty-six acres of land, held by fealty and ten shillings rent, and sixty acres of wood, by fealty and rendering two arrows; and they are the only free tenants we have met with noted in the ancient records.

Camden apprehended Chester was the Condercum of the Romans: Dr Stukeley, in his Iter-boreale, 1725, says,

The Hermen street is very plain, being a straight line hither when we descend from Gateshead fell: I think Bede mentions this station, as called Concester, which retains part of the Roman name. Great coal works too hereabouts. The first wing of the Astures made this their garrison, as the Notitia tells us, being ad lineam valli; for though it be not upon the wall, it is reasonable to think his expression is not to be strictly taken; it was convenient that some of the forces that guarded the wall should be quartered at some suit∣able distance, that they might have room of country for their maintenance.
No inscriptions or other Roman remains have been discovered here; and the name of Chester-on-the-Street derived from its situation on the Roman way, has hither∣to been all that led the antiquaries to conceive it was of Roman origin. It is pro∣bable, as Dr Stukeley observes, some troops were stationed at a distance from the wall; perhaps they lined the great roads at intervals with small detachments; and this is still more probable, if we admit they knew any thing of pit coal for fuel. But we defer speaking on that till we advance to the banks of Tyne.

For the sake of connection,

LUMLEY CASTLE

is the next place of observation. This castle, one of the seats of lord Scar∣borough, stands on a fine elevated situation, ornamented with beautiful planta∣tions; the lands rise gradually from the channel of the river Were on the south and west sides; and on the north is the rivulet called Lumley beck: The east front of the castle stands immediately on the brink of a very deep valley, full of wood, through which the brook winds towards the Were. The form of this edifice is square, having a projecting tower at each angle, and a court or area in the center: The corners of each tower are guarded with utresses, crowned with a small turret or observatory; what is singular in the turrets is, that they are oc∣tangular, so that they overhang the face of each square of the base, and are machi∣colated or open for the purpose of annoying assailants by casting down stones, &c. which gives the edifice a singular appearance: The castle is built of a yellow free-stone, which makes it look bright and beautiful at a distance. The chief entrance is at the west front, by a double slight of steps, and a platform, which fills the whole space between the tower; the south front is modern, and brought forward almost parallel with the tower, sixty-five paces in length; the north front is ob∣scured

Page 400

by offices; and the east front retains its ancient form: There is a gateway in the center of the east front, which projects and is guarded by square turrets at the angles, with observatories as before described; above the gate is a gallery formed in the arch, with apertures to annoy an enemy: Above this gate are six shields of arms boldly cut in stone, with their several crests, cotemporary with the building, and which critically give us the date of it.

The arrangement of the arms is as follows: In the center, and elevated above the rest, are the arms of France and England quarterly, being, as we presume, the arms of king Richard II. as in that reign Sir Ralph Lumley obtained licence from bishop Skirlaw, dated 1389, to castellate his house of Lumley; and the architec∣ture of this front is a grand model of the taste of that age: The act of Richard II. mentioned by Mr Pennant, had been intrusional or merely confirmatory* 103.17. In the center are the arms of Lumley, as adopted from the Thwengs, whose heiress married into this family; on the dexter side the arms of Percy, the crest a lion passant; on the sinister side, Nevill, with the bull's head for the crest; the lowest arms on the dexter side are those of Cowley, crest a ram's head; on the sinister side the arms of Hilton baron Hilton, and Moses's head for the crest. There are three stories of apartments in this front, with mullioned windows guarded with iron: Between the walls and the brink of the precipice, is just space enough for a terrace, which in early times was guarded with a curtain wall: The dell is very deep, the banks are steep, and now filled with large forest trees: The uniformity of the east front, the arrangement of the arms, and the whole appearance of the masonry, testify that this was part of the original structure, and a chief entrance; for should we form our conjecture from the appearance of the center area, we should conclude every front of the castle was similar to this.

Many accounts and prints have been published of this beautiful place, which strikes the eye of the traveller on the great northern road; the most excellent of the prints was by Hearne and Byrne: We will in the first place select from the various publications such matter as appears most worthy attention, and then pro∣ceed with our view. All that Camden says of it is,

that it is enclosed with a park.
In Russell and Owen's England Displayed, it is described to contain

Page 401

a great number of spacious apartments, some antique and others modern: The paintings are valuable, many of them representing the ancestors of that noble family, for some centuries past, in the habits of the time. The park, besides the pleasantness of the situation, has another and still more valuable circum∣stance to recommend it, that of being full of veins of coal; this, together with a navigable river, by which the coals are carried down to Sunderland, render Lumley park an inexhaustable mine of treasure to the family.
In one of the monthly magazines we are informed by a paper signed Edward Barras,
that the park is walled round with hewn stone, had formerly deer, but after it was re∣duced and the pales removed, they sickened and died." And he adds, "there are several dates upon different parts of the castle; one was pointed out to me, on the inner side of one of the eastern turrets, where the letters I. L. 1550 appear, though almost defaced.
Much repair has been given to the inner walls of the area; and on one of the eastern towers are two long strings of es∣cutcheons cut in stone, and placed in the building, nine in each row, with the arms of Lumley in the center at the bottom, and in two small shields at the top, a fleur∣de-lis on the dexter side, and a rose on the sinister: In those strings the Lumley arms are impaled, with the several families wherewith they intermarried.

There is a tradition at Chester, that about a century ago, the remains of an old chapel stood about three hundred yards to the north-west of the castle, with several vaults and subterraneous passages: A hill called Chapel hill, is well known, but no one about the castle could give any information touching the buildings.

From the platform at the entrance into the hall you command a beautiful pros∣pect. At the foot of the avenue which leads up to the castle, is a fine bason of water, with a salmon lock, and fishermen's cottage; over which, on the opposite rising grounds, you view the town of Chester, the deanry house, and church, at a pleasing distance: The more extended landscape comprehends the great northern road, animated with passengers, the house of Flalts, (formerly belonging to the Allans * 104.1) the village of Pelton, and other striking objects; and the back scene con∣sists of broken and irregular grounds, every where scattered over with cottages. A cultivated scene fills the view to the left: In a variety of situations you see the winding streams of the Were: On the one hand the town of Great Lumley, on the other Walridge, and the hermitage, with many hamlets in the vale; whilst the distant landscape is terminated by Plawsworth, and the plantations above Newton∣hall.

Page 402

The hall is a proportionable room, twenty paces in lenth. Here is an arrange∣ment of portraits at full length of the chief personages of the noble family of Lumley, together with a tablet, and in an oval, bordered with arms, the follow∣ing inscription * 105.2.

LIVLPHVS Nobilis Generosus{que} Minister Ex Anglosaxonu' Genere Vir clarissi∣mus qui late per Angliam Possessiones multas Haereditario jure possidebat cum te'pore Regis Guili∣elmi primi Co'quisitoris Angliae Norma'ni ubi{que} saeviret, et Quia Cuthbertu' Dunolmensem Antistitem inter Divos Relatum, multum dilexerat, cum suis ad Dunolmum se co'tulit, Et ibidem Walchero Episcopo adeo devenit charus et acceptabilis, Ut abs{que} illius consilio nihil consulte fieri videretur: Multorum dehinc Odium sibi conflavit, donec a Gilberto quodam aliis{que} sceleratis dicti Episcopi Ministris crudeliter tandem occideretur in cujus necis Vindictam Northumbr. Walcherum Presulem innocentem apud Gates∣hed trucidarunt anno MLXXX. Ex Aldgitha co'juge Northumbroru' Comitis Aldredi filia Liulphus filium suscepit Uctredum, Patrem Gulielmi de Lumley ejus nominis primi, a cujus loci Dominio sui pos∣teri cognomina sunt sortiti, Gulielmum istum Uctredi filium Dunolmensis Episcopus Hugo eisdem erui immunitatibus volvit, Quibus caeteri sui Barones in Episcopatu gaudebunt, et secundi Henrici Regis cartam inde obtinuit: Tanti beneficii non immemor Gulielmus, villam suam de Dictona in Alvertonschira eodem Episc∣opo et Successoribus suis liberaliter contulit. A primo Gulielmo Oritur secundus, a secundo tertius qui ex filia Gualteri Dau∣dre Equitis Rogerum filium procreavit, maritum Sibellae coh∣aeredis inclyti Baronis Hugonis de Morwyco Inde natus Rober∣tus, qui ex Lucia Sorore et Haerede Thomae Baronis de Thwenge, Marmaducum filium genuit, Paternorum armorum desertorem pri∣mum, sibi suis{que} retentis maternae stemmatis insignibus. Procreat∣is ex Margreta Holand conjuge sua, Radulphum Equitem strennum, Quem Rex Richardus secundus anno regiminis octavo ad Baronis Regni dignitatem evexerat: Ducta{que} Aleonora primi Comitis Westmariae sorore Johannem tulit Qui ex Felicia Uxore, Thomam sus∣cepit, cui Margarete conjunx filia Jacobi Harington Equitis, Georgium Enixa est, Maritum Elizabethae haeredis Rogeri Thornton Ar∣miger, inde Pater efficitur illius Thomae. Qui ex magni Regis Edovardi quarti filia naturali, Richardum susceperat. Is an∣nam ducens sororem Gulielmi Baronis Coigners, Johan∣nem reliquit haeredem, sponsum Joannae filiae Henrici Le Scr∣oope de Bolton Baronis eximii, avum Johannis ultimi Baronis de Lumley hoc Conditorio in certam spem suturae resurre∣ctionis repositi: Quem illi Georgius filius, ex Jana Cohaere∣de Richardi Knightley Equitis, unicum reliquerat Nepo∣te mac haeredem: Bino conjugio saelix ultimus hic Johannes suit, Janae scilicet Arundeliae Comitis Henri∣ci filiae aetate maximae et cohaerede: Necnon et Eliza∣bethae filiae Johannis Baronis Darey, Foeminae non Solum Prosapia et antiquo stemmate Nobiles Sed quod magis laudandum, virtutibus Pudici∣tia, verecundia, et amore conjugali Nobi∣lissimae. Ex illarum prima nati silii duo, Carolus et Thomas, filia{que} unica Maria, haud din superstites Sed in ipsa infantia mestis∣simis satis sublati‡ 105.3.

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The pictures are placed in the following order. 1. Liulphus. 2. Uchtred. 3. Gulielmus, who married Hesleden. 4. Sir William de Lumley. 5. William de Lumley, who married Daudre. 6. Sir Robert de Lumley, who married Lucy Thwenge. 7. Sir Marmaduke Lumley, who married Margaret Holland. 8. Sir Ralph de Lumley, the first baron in his parliament robes. 9. Sir John de Lum∣ley, who married Felicia Redman. 10. King Richard II. sitting in a chair of state, lord Lumley in his robes kneeling, above the figure R. R. II. An' D'no 1385, Ao Reg. 8. 11. Sir Thomas Lumley, who married Margaret, daughter of Sir James Harrington: He received knighthood as a reward for his military prowess, and was employed by government in several momentous negociations: In the twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, and thirty-first years of king Henry VI. was guarrantee for the king of England in the Scotch treaties: In the thirty-third year of that reign was made governor of Scarborough castle for life; a most distinguished trust: Was entrusted in many other appointments of government. It appears he was equally a favourite with king Edward IV. for in the first year of that reign he obtained a re∣versal of his grandfather's attainder; had summons to parliament for the remainder of his life, and was employed in various confidential matters by his sovereign, par∣ticularly in the negociations with king James of Scotland, touching his marriage. 12. George lord Lumley, who married Elizabeth Thornton. 13. Sir Thomas Lumley, who married Elizabeth, natural daughter of king Edward IV. 14. John de Lumley, who married Joan, daughter of Henry lord Scrope. 15. Richard de Lumley, who married Ann, daughter of Sir John Conyers. 16. George Lumley, who married Jane, daughter of Sir Richard Knightley. 17. Elizabeth, daughter of John lord Darcy of Chiche, and second wife of Sir John Lumley, who was restored in blood the first of king Edward VI. and had the ancient barony revived.

The great dining-room is in the south-west tower, elegantly stuccoed, with a vaulted roof; on one side it commands a view of the adjacent meadows, the sloping banks of the river Were, highly cultivated; with a fine canal, formed by a curva∣ture of the stream: at the end windows, a prospect down the avenue, with Chester and the chief objects described from the platform.

The little dining-room has several fine portraits. John lord Lumley, 1563, a three quarter piece; a pleasing picture: There are other two portraits of this personage in the music-room, one dated 1588, the other 1591. This John was the son and heir of George Lumley, who suffered death as before mentioned, and grandson and heir of John lord Lumley. In the sixth year of king Edward VI. he was restored in blood, and that he and the heirs male of his body should hold and bear the name, dignity, state, and pre-eminence of a baron of this realm, &c. On the 29th of September, 1553, he was made one of the knights of the bath, and attended with his lady at the coronation of queen Mary, he among the barons, and she one of the six ladies who sat in the chariot of state, dressed in crimson velvet, &c. He was one of the two lords who introduced the first Russian ambassador to audience: Was in employ in the first years of queen Elizabeth, but being suspected of intrigue in the affairs of the queen of Scots, was taken into custody with his father-in-law, the carl of Arundel, in the twelfth year of that reign, and was a great favourite with

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the earl, as appears by his will. He afterwards came into great confidence with the queen, and was one of the lords commissioned to sit in trial of the unhappy victim of Elizabeth's jealousies, and with a firmness some historians have spoken of with expressions of surprize, delivered his opinion that the sentence was justly pronounced against the queen of Scots. In the forty-fourth year of the queen he was one of the peers who sat on the trial of Robert D'Evereux, earl of Essex. On the accession of king James he experienced many testimonies of royal confidence: Camden made most honourable mention of him:

He was a person of entire vir∣tue, integrity, and innocence; and in his old age a complete pattern of true no∣bility. He had so great a veneration for the memory of his ancestors, that he caused monuments to be erected for them in the collegiate church of Chester in the Street, in order as they succeeded one another, from Liulphus down to his own time, which he had either picked out of the demolished monasteries or made new.
By his will he devised his estates, particularly the castle and manor of Lumley, to Richard Lumley, eldest son and heir apparent of Roger Lumley, esq son of Anthony, brother to John lord Lumley his grandfather. He married Jane, the eldest of the two daughters of Henry Fitz-Allan, earl of Arundel, and by her had three children, who died in infancy; and to his second wife married Elizabeth, daughter of John lord Darcy of Chiche, who survived him, and by whom he had no issue: He died on the 11th of April, 1609, and was buried in the church at Cheam. The ancient barony of Lumley expired at his death.

The portrait of Garcia Sarmienta Cuna is next; a full length, in armour, a ruff, red stockings, white shoes, a white cross on his breast, a spear in his hand. Out of a window a view of the sea. He was captain of the guard to Philip II* 105.4.

Ferdinand duke of Mar, 1557, in rich armour.

A full length of the duke of Monmouth, with a sweet countenance and long hair.

Jane Fitz-Alan, the first wife of John lord Lumley, in black robes, a small ruff, with gloves in her hand: This is a beautiful portrait; her dress is gracefully orna∣mented with strings of jewels. She was a lady of uncommon learning, having translated from the Greek into Latin some of the orations of Isocrates, and the Iphi∣genia of Euripides into English. She compliments her father highly in a dedica∣tion to him, prefixed to one of the orations, which begins Cicero, Pater honoratissime, illustris, &c. She died before her father, as appears by his will † 105.5.

In the music-room: Thomas Ratcliff, carl of Sussex: A full length, in white ar∣mour, and gold brocade breeches, young and handsome, a staff in his right hand, his left reing on a sword: His helmet with an enormous plume placed on a table: This motto amando & sidendo traopo, son ruinato. This nobleman was a figuring character in the reigns of Mary and Elizabeth, frequently employed in embassies, in both reigns deputy of Ireland, and in the first an active persecutor of the Protestants: He conformed outwardly to the religion of his new mistress, was appointed by her president of the north, and commanded against and sup∣pressed the rebellion of the earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, notwith∣standing

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he secretly approved the opinions they armed in favour of. He was the spirited rival of Leicester; but the death of Sussex left the event of their dispute undetermined* 105.6.

A fine portrait in a purple robe, inscribed Duke of Suffolk, 1593. Who this picture represents is uncertain,—the last duke, Henry Grey, was beheaded 1553.

Viglius, president of the council in the low countries, 1560. A three quarter piece, in a black gown furred in front, a black cap, sitting in a chair: A fine old face.

A fine portrait of one of the Lumleys; but what personage is not known.

A three quarter length of a man in a scarlet robe, over the left shoulder a white mantle, a scarlet cap tied in the middle, and open behind, a narrow white ruff, and a collar of the fleece; the scarlet robe is furred with white, on which are se∣veral times repeated the words Ah! amprins au ra jay! Oh, had I undertaken it!"

Over the chimney, the duke of Buckingham.

A half length of Robert earl of Salisbury, minister in the last years of queen Elizabeth, and first of king James I. dressed in black, a bell on the table, and a letter directed to him by all his titles, round the neck a green ribband, with the George: Above his head Sero sed serio.

Sir William Peter, or Petre, a native of Devonshire, fellow of All-Souls Col∣lege, and afterwards secretary of state to four sovereigns, Henry VIII. Edward VI. Mary, and Elizabeth. His prudence in maintaining his post in reigns of such dif∣ferent tempers is evident; but in that of Mary he attended only to politics, of Elizabeth to religion † 105.7.

Queen Mary and queen Elizabeth; of a severe countenance.

Dudley earl of Leicester, in a three quarter piece, dated 1587, with the collar of the garter, and staff in his right hand.

Andrew Doria, a three quarter length, the great Genoese admiral and patriot. He is dressed in black, in a cap, a long beard, a collar with the fleece pendant, a truncheon in his hand, and a dagger in his girdle: View of ships through a window.

John lord Lumley, 1588, aet. 54. A full length, in rich armour. Another in his robes, with a glove and handkerchief in one hand, a little black scull-cap and white beard, dated 1591. The latter portrait, Mr Pennant says, he believes was the performance of Richard Stevens, an able statuary, painter, and medalist, men∣tioned by Mr Walpole ‡ 105.8: He further adds,

This illustrious nobleman restored the monuments that are in the neighbouring church, was a patron of learning and great collector of books, assisted by his brother in law Humphrey Lhuyd, the famous antiquary. The books were afterwards purchased by king James I. and proved the foundation of the royal library. Mr Granger says, they are a very valuable part of the British Museum.

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The drawing-room, elegantly furnished with crimson damask. A picture of king Charles II. on horseback.

In a dressing-room, over the fire place, Zebedeus Jacobus Major, Salome, Christo coevus.

A group of four, a fine picture, supposed by Holbein.

In the lodging-rooms, &c. &c. John lord Russel; a fine portrait.

A portrait of a lady, in a singular dress of black and gold, with a red and gold petticoat, dated 1560. Mr Pennant's account of this picture is,

This is called Elizabeth, third wife of Edward earl of Lincoln, the fair Geraldine, celebrated so highly by the earl of Surry; but so ill favoured in this picture, that I must give it to his first wife Elizabeth Blount: Geraldine was the young wife of his old age. Her portrait at Woburn represents her an object worthy the pen of the amorous Surry.

Sir John Petre; a very fine portrait.

Ambrose earl of Warwick, son of the great Dudley duke of Northumberland: His dress a bonnet, furred cloak, small ruff, and pendant George. This peer fol∣lowed the fortunes of his father, but was received to mercy, and restored in blood; was created earl of Warwick by queen Elizabeth, and proved a gallant and faithful subject: He died in 1589, and lies under an elegant brass tomb in the chapel at Warwick.

The earl of Surry; whom Mr Pennant stiles,

the gallant, accomplished, poeti∣cal earl of Surry; in black, with a sword and dagger, the date 1545. The or∣nament, says Mr Walpole, of a boistrous, yet not unpolished court; a victim to a jealous tyrant and to family discord. The articles alledged against him, and his conviction, are the shame of the times.

King Edward VI. a full length.

Ralph Lumley, 1567; a small full length portrait.

Sir Thomas More, a half length, dressed in that plainness of apparel which he used, when the dignity of office was laid aside; in a furred robe, with a coarse capuchin cap. He was the most virtuous and the greatest character of his time; and by a circumstance that might humiliate human nature, fell a victim for a reli∣gious adherence to his own opinion, after being a violent persecutor of others for firmness to the dictates of their own conscience: To such inconsistencies are the best of mankind liable * 105.9.

William Cecil, lord high treasurer of England, a half length, in black, collar of the garter.

A good half length of Mr Thomas Wyndham, drowned on the coast of Guinea, aged 42, M. D. L. a robust figure in green, with a red sash, and a gun in his hand.

The earl of Essex in a full length, dressed in black, covered with white em∣broidery. Mr Pennant, speaking of this picture, says,

the brave, impetuous, presuming Robert earl of Essex: A romantic nobleman, of parts without discre∣tion,

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who fell a sacrifice to his own passions, and a vain dependance for safety on those of an aged queen, doting with unreasonable love, and a criminal credulity in the insinuation of his foes.

In a low room, Sir Nich. Carew, master of the horse to king Henry VIII. There is great spirit in his countenance; a white feather in his hat, his head bound round with a gold stuff handkerchief. He was beheaded in 1539, as lord Herbert says * 105.10, for being of council with the marquis of Exeter, a favourer of the dreaded cardinal Pole, then in exile. During the time of his confinement in the Tower he imbibed the sentiments of the reformers, and died avowing their faith † 105.11.

The last earl of Arundel, a three quarter piece: His valour distinguished him in the reign of king Henry VIII. when he ran with his squadron close under the walls of Bulogne, and soon reduced it. In the following reign he opposed the misused powers of the unhappy protector, Somerset, and yet declined connection with the great Northumberland. He supported the just rights of queen Mary; was imprisoned by the former, but on the Revolution was employed to arrest the abject fallen duke: He was closely attached to his royal mistress by principles of religion: In his declining years he aimed at being husband to queen Elizabeth. Had her ma∣jesty deigned to put herself under the power of man, she never would have given the preference to age. On his disappointment he went abroad, and on his return first introduced into England the use of coaches ‡ 105.12.

The first earl of Bedford, engraved among the illustrious heads.

Killigrew, gentleman of the bedchamber to king Charles II. in a red fash, with his dog: A man of wit and humour, and on that account a great favourite with the king.

A three quarter length, unknown, dated 1596, aged 43, dressed in a striped jacket blue and white, black cloak and breeches, white ruff, gloves on, collar of the garter, and a high crowned hat.

Paracelsus, thus described by Mr Pennant,

A half length of the famous ec∣centric physician and chymist of the fifteenth century, Philip Theophrastus Para∣celsus Bombast de Hohenheim; on the picture is added also the title Aureolus. The cures he wrought were so very surprising in that age, that he was supposed to have recourse to supernatural aid; and probably, to give greater authority to his practice, he might insinuate that he joined the arts medical and magical. He is represented as a very handsome man, bald, in a close black gown, with both hands on a great sword, on whose hilt is inscribed the word Azot. This was the name of his familiar spirit, that he kept imprisoned in the pummel, to consult on emergent occasions. Butler humourously describes this circum∣stance:
"Bombastus kept a devil's bird "Shut in the pummel of his sword, "That taught him all the cunning pranks "Of past or future mountebanks ‖ 105.13."

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A head of Sir Anthony Brown, a favourite of king Henry VIII. with a bushy beard, bonnet, and order of the garter. He was master of the horse to that prince, and appointed one of the executors of his will; and of the council to his young successor * 105.14.

A half length inscribed Fernandes de Toledo duke of Alva, in rich armour, with his baton, short black hair and beard: A great officer, and fortunate till his reign of cruelty. He boasted, that he had caused, during his command in the Low Countries, eighteen thousand people to perish by the executioner. He visited England in the train of his congenial master Philip II. Mr Pennant speaking of this picture says, he imagines this portrait was painted when the duke was young, for he had seen one sent into England by the late Mr Benjamin Keen, then in the possession of the bishop of Ely, which represented him with a vast flowing white beard † 105.15.

Doctor Stukeley, in his Iter Boreale, in 1725, before mentioned, says,

At Lumley castle is a curious old picture of Chaucer, said to be an original.
We could not find any such portrait, neither is it mentioned by Mr Pennant.

There is a wooden equestrian statue of Liulphus in the house, with his battle-ax in his hand. Mr Pennant tells the following story:

When king James I. in one of his progresses was entertained in this castle, William James, bishop of Dur∣ham, a relation of the house, in order to give his majesty an idea of the im∣portance of the family, wearied him with a long detail of their ancestry, to a period even beyond belief, O mon, says the king, gang na farther, let me digest the knawledge I ha gained; for, by my saul, I did na ken Adam's name was Lumley ‡ 105.16.

The foot walk to Lumley castle from Chester, leads through fine meadows, and by the fish lock: They take about six hundred salmon here in a season.

We must not depart from this beautiful place, without remarking, that on failure of issue in John lord Lumley, Dr Lloyd was competitor with Richard earl of Scarborough, for the barony, which was determined in 1723, in favour of the earl.

GREAT LUMLEY has nothing remarkable but the ruins of an old hall. There was a partition of the Lumley estates in the time of king Henry III. to three co∣heiresses, which might occasion the following circumstances: In the first year of bishop Booth, Margaret, the wife of Christopher Moresby, died seised of a moiety of the wasted manors of East Hall and West Hall, in Great Lumley, consisting of 100 acr. of tillage land, 30 acr. of wood, and 30 acr. of moor, with a moiety of a fishery in the river Were, held of the bishop in capite, by half a knight's fee, leaving Ch. Moresby her son and heir, an infant; and we hear no more of that family there from that period, so that it is probable his moiety reverted to the Lumleys.

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Thomas Lumley's daughter Elizabeth, married William Tyllyoll; and in the fourth year of bishop Dudley, by an inquisition taken on the death of the same William Tyllyoll de Lumley Magna, arm. it appears he died seised of a moiety of Great Lumley, leaving Phillis, the wife of William Musgrave, and Margaret Tyllyoll, his daughters by his wife Elizabeth, coheiresses.

As in our itinerary we pass through the chapelries of Tanfield and Lamesley distinctly, and apart from the mother church, we will first notice those places men∣tioned in the book of rates, as lying within the separate district of Chester * 105.17: The first of which,

HARRATON,

is situate about a mile below Chester, a seat of John Lambton, esq on the banks of the river Were, whose border abounds in romantic scenery † 105.18. This was anciently the seat and estate of the D'Arcys, who conveyed to the Hedworths, and they re∣mained possessors till the year 1688, when John Hedworth, esq the last heir male of that family died, and left two daughters Dorothy and Elizabeth his coheiresses: Dorothy, the elder, married Ralph Lambton, esq a younger son of the Lambton family of Lambton hall, and Elizabeth married Sir William Williamson, of Monk∣wearmouth, baronet. In 1714, William Lambton, esq purchased lady William∣son's moiety. In the same year a family settlement was made by Ralph Lamb∣ton and his wife, with divers limitations and remainders, by virtue of which the estate has hitherto passed in the family.

URPETH,

by the Boldon Book, appears to have had dringage tenure, wherein, among other duties, we find that of feeding dog and horse, and finding fifteen cords, and two greyhounds for the great chace, carrying a tun of wine, the millstones for Durham mill, attending the court, going on embassies, and making repairs at Chester mill ‡ 105.19.

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The first person noted in the records as possessing this manor, is Thomas de Ur∣peth, who held the same of the lord bishop in capite, except five lands of husbandry, and an assart there called the Rydding, which Alexander de Kibblesworth, who married his daughter Idoma, then had; Thomas doing homage and fealty, and ren∣dering sixty shillings yearly at the bishop's exchequer, plowing and harrowing eight acres of the lord's land at Chester, having provisions found by the bishop during such work, preparing three balks of land for seed corn in Autumn, with twenty-four men each, and one with twelve, the bishop providing them, for every three men, a loaf of bread, of the assize of eight to the bushel, a flaggon of beer, and a portion of cheese of half a stone weight; besides the dringage service as stipulated in the Boldon Book* 105.21. In bishop Hatfield's Survey it appears, that Thomas Grey of Heton, then held the manor, and he died seised thereof in the twenty-fifth year of that prelate: It was part of the forfeiture on the attainder of Thomas Grey, and in the eighteenth year of the episcopacy of bishop Nevill, he granted the same to Ralph Grey his nephew. In the seventeenth year of bishop Booth, John Park died seised of this manor, together with the Rydding. By this in∣quisition it appears, that the manor was held per forinsecum serv. paying also twenty shillings rent by the hands of the coroner of Chester ward, carrying a tun of wine, and doing suit at the county. We find John Hedworth, esq in the time of bishop Sever, obtained licence to alien his lands in Urpeth † 105.22.

The first owners we find of PELTON were John de Hadham, and Hugh Burdon, which latter, in the time of bishop Beaumont, held a moiety of the vill of Pelton, of the before mentioned Hugh, by homage and the sixth part of a knight's fee: It afterwards was the estate of the Redhoughs, and was aliened to Robert Whelp∣ington, and became at length the estate of Ralph earl of Westmoreland, of which he died seised in the twentieth year of bishop Langley, and was part of the estates forfeited on the attainder. William Chancellor had some lands here, as appears by a pardon for purchasing without licence, dated 15 July, 1529.

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The manor of BIRTLEY, in the seventeenth year of bishop Hatfield, was held of the bishop by Will. de Birtley, who also held the manor of Tribley at twenty shil∣lings rent, and attending the great chace with two greyhounds* 105.23. The Birtleys held a moiety of the manor of Birtley for several generations. It became the estate of the Nevills, who held the vill for some time jointly with Gilbert Elgyne, who married Elizabeth, one of the heiresses of William de Birtley, and was part of the forfeitures on the attainder: Tribley manor became the estate of the Lamb∣tons, in the time of bishop Langley † 105.24.

EDMUNDSLEY ‡ 105.25 gave name to a resident family, and in the sixteenth year of bishop Hatfield, William de Edmansley died seised of the vill, which he held in ca∣pite

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by homage, fealty, and ten shillings rent at the bishop's exchequer: By the same bishop's survey, it appears that John Killinghall held the manor. In the thirty-fifth year of the same prelate, we find Rob. de Umframvill, esq died seised of this manor, rendering dar. orar. * 105.26 for the same; also forty acres of land there, called the Marle-park, of nineteen shillings and three pence rent. In the first year of bishop Skirlaw, on an inquisition taken on the death of John de Nevill, it was returned that he died seised of this manor, and Ralph earl of Westmoreland alien∣ed the same to John Hoton, some time before the sixth year of bishop Langley, the manor being then estimated at one hundred shillings yearly value.

WALRIDGE was the possession of the Lumleys in distant antiquity. We find a pardon granted for aliening this place without licence, together with divers other estates, by Sir John Lumley, lord Lumley, and Catharine his wife, by fine to George Smith and Thomas Kimraston, dated the 1st of August, 1607 † 105.27.

PLAWSWORTH.

Various proprietors held lands in Plawsworth from distant time: In the eleventh year of bishop Bury, Richard de Kelawe was one, and he also had twenty-pence rent out of the land of Alan de Plawsworth: The possessions of this family came to the Forcers of Harberhouse, by marriage of Johan, the heiress general of the Kelawes, of which John had livery in the first year of bishop Sever ‡ 105.28. In the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, William the son of Alan before named, and John his brother, a bastard, died seised of lands here without heirs, valued at one mark above repri∣sals ‖ 105.29. In the eighth year of the same prelate, John de Wylughby, chiv. died seised of lands here held by fealty, and two shillings and four-pence rent. In the survey it is set forth, that Thomas de Boynton, in right of his wife and others, held the vill of Plawsworth, rendering twenty shillings rent, which, by the Boldon Book it appears, Simon Vitulus paid for the same. One John de Elvet held lands here in the second year of bishop Fordham § 105.30, rendering five shillings and four-pence rent,

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and four hens at the office of the master of the forests at the feast of St Martin. The families of Hotons and Claxtons had property here. By an inquisition taken on the death of Margaret, the wife of the above-named Thomas Boynton, in the third year of bishop Langley, it appears that she had an estate in Plawsworth by the feoffment of John, son of Robert Conyers of Ornysby, knight, for her life, with certain limitations in favour of Robert Conyers and Alice his wife, who were then dead, with remainder to William the son of Jordan de Dalden, esq and his heirs male, with remainder to Robert his brother, and remainder to John the son of Edmund Killingwyck, with various other remainders; and by virtue of the re∣mainders over, the estate came to Johan the wife of Tho. de Brounsield, knight, who was the daughter and heiress of the before-named Robert Conyers. On the death of Margaret, it was found that William Bowes, esq was her heir: He died seised of Plawsworth in the first year of bishop Booth* 105.31; and in various succeeding inquisitions it appears as part of the possessions of that family.

LAMBTON was the family seat of the Lambtons before the conquest: It stands on the southern banks of the Were, opposite to Harraton, in a sine cultivated country: The house was taken down by the late William Lambton, esq in order to erect one on a very elegant plan, but he died before any considerable part was proceeded in† 105.32. As there has been no interruption in the possession for so many ages, little historical matter rises on the subject‡ 105.33. At the farm house leading to Lambton, are the remains of a chapel, the stone work of the eastern window yet perfect; and in the front of the house, in a circle, is the figure of a man to the waist in relief, with elevated hands,—the inscription defaced.

The several places named in the settlement of the prebends, not before spoken of, are as follow:

POKERLEY was the estate of the Monbouchers; and on the death of Bertram, in the first year of bishop Skirlaw, was described by the name of the lordship

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Pokerly, with divers

lands and tenements there, with their free tenants held of the heirs of the lord of Urpeth, rendering a clove-gilly-flower at the feast of St Cuthbert, in September* 105.34.

PELAWE gave name to a resident family, and in the time of bishop Bury, one John de Birteley held lands there of Richard de Pelawe in capite, by twelve-pence rent and suit of court, and a quarter of beans yearly to the rector of Boldon for the time being† 105.35. The above named Richard held the vill of Pelawe in right of Agnes his wife, in capite, by fealty, rendering three shillings and four-pence rent. They had issue one daughter, Juliana. The Birtleys fell into female issue, and two coheiresses, one of whom married Kellawe, and the other Egleyne. By bishop Hatfield's Survey ‡ 105.36, it appears Pelawe was then the estate of William de Elmeden, who died seised thereof in fee-tail, in the twelfth year of bishop Skirlaw, by virtue of a deed of feoffment. He held by the tenth part of a knight's fee, rendering thirteen shillings and four-pence at the bishop's exchequer yearly‖ 105.37.

There was an hospital and chapel here, dedicated to St Stephen, of which we have little proof, save the records before noted, no remains now appearing. The name of Elmeden expired in female issue; Elizabeth, the daughter and heiress of William Elmeden, esq married William Bulmer, and carried into that family the large possessions of her ancestors § 105.38; part of which Sir Bertram Bulmer and Dionisia his wife, by virtue of a licence, dated the 3d of August, in the eleventh year of bishop Matthew, conveyed to Sir William Gascoin and Sir Nich. Tempest¶ 105.39.

Page 415

PYKTREE, by bishop Hatfield's Survey, is set forth as the possession of Robert de Kellowe de Lomley* 105.40: The family of Birtley had possessions there in the same pre∣late's time, which they continued to hold for several succeeding generations. William Peyghan had lands here of the grant of Ralph de Lumley, for life, reverting to the right heirs of the Lumley family: He died in bishop Langley's time. A third part of the vill of Pyktree, in the last named prelate's pontificate, with various parcels of land there, were possessed by the Lambtons, and descended with the rest of their extensive estates.

Of STEVESLEY there is nothing memorable.

The manor of NETTLEWORTH† 105.41 belonged to the family of Gategangs, who in the time of bishop Hatfield, held the same by homage, fealty, and payment of twenty-six shillings and eight-pence rent at the bishop's exchequer; it afterwards, in the time of bishop Langley, became the estate of John de Hagthorpe, who settled it on Cath. de Wessington and John her son, and the heirs of his body.

WHITEHILL manor was possessed by persons who took the local name; and in bishop Hatfield's Survey, is noted to be the property of John Mylote, formerly of Roger of the Hall‡ 105.42. There was an uninterrupted possession in the Millots, till their heiress about forty years ago married: In the old inquisition it is thus de∣scribed, In q'o quid. m'io sunt aula una, una cam'a, una coquina, unum orreum, unum sta∣bulum, una ustarin, lxvij acr. t're, & tres clausur. contin. xliiij acr. t're arab. & vj acr. p'ati, &c.

Page 416

The manor of TWISILS was the estate of the Birtleys at the time of taking bishop Hatfield's Survey, and afterwards came to the possession of the Lumleys* 105.43.

We find nothing memorable of OUSTON alias ULSTAN and HARDEN.

The chapel of LAMESLEY has been rebuilt of late years: It was one of the chapels of ease to Chester, till bishop Bek made this and Tanfield prebendal, in which state they continued till the dissolution † 105.44. In this chapelry are Ravensworth town and Ravensworth castle.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure]
THE PEDIGREE OF LIDDEL OF RAVENSWORTH, IN THE COUNTY OF DURHAM. (VOL. II. PAGE 417.) The account of this family is very imperfect, and does not go back much above 200 years, though mention is made, that the family were anciently Lords of Liddel Castle, and Barony of Buft.—They have been proprietors of considerable coal-works from the time of their settling in this county.

  • The first ancestor we find mentioned, is Thomas de Liddel, who married
  • Margaret, d. John de Layburne.
  • Thomas Liddel,
  • Barbara. d. and coh. of Rich. Strangwayes.
  • Francis,
  • Anne, d. Wm. de Seagrave.
  • Bartram, ob. s. p.
  • Barbara, d. Th. Cramlington.
  • Thomas Liddel, purchased the manors of Ravensworth, Lamesley, and Righton, of Sir Wm. Gascoigne, in 1607, d. in 1619.
  • Margaret, d. John Watson, Esq
  • Tho. Liddel. Esq defended the town of Newc. against the Scots, and was created a bart. 2d Nov. 1642. Paid 4000l. to the sequestrators for his estates.
  • Isabel, d. Henry Anderson, Esq (by a D. and C. of .... Morland.)
  • Sir Tho. Liddel, Knt. ob. vita pa∣tris, 1627.
  • Bridget, d. Ed. Wood∣ward, of Lee, near Windsor.
  • Sir Thomas Liddel, 2d bart. died in 1697.
  • Anne, d. of Sir Hen. Vane of Raby castle, in co. Durham.
  • Sir Hen. Liddel, 3d bart, died 1st Sept. 1723.
  • Catharine, d. and h. of Sir John Bright, of Badsworth, in co. York, Bart.
  • Thomas Liddel, m. at Lanchester, 12th Oct. 1707. Ob. vita patris, 1715.
  • Jane. d. Jas. Clavering, of Greencroft. Esq died 7th Sept. 1774, aet. 95.
  • Sir Henry Liddle, 4th baronet, member for Morpeth, mar. in April, 1735.—Created Baron Ravensworth, in co. Durham 29th June, 1747.—Died 30th Jan. 1784, when the barony became extinct, but the baronet∣age descended to his nephew.
  • Anne, only d. of Sir Peter Delme, Knt. Alderman and Lord Mayor of London.
  • Anne, only child, mar. 29th Jan. 1756, to the Duke of Grafton, and after mar. in 1769, to the Earl of Upper Ossory.
  • James, Thom. both d. young.
  • Thomas Liddel, Esq seated at Newton hall, near Durh. was a post∣humous son.—Mar. Sept. 1745, died 6th March, 1772.
  • Margaret (posthumous) d. of Sir Wm. Bowes. Knt. and sist. to Geo. Bowes, Esq late of Gibside.
  • A son who died an infant.
  • Henry-George Liddel, 5th bart. born 25th Nov. 1749.—Married April 1773.
  • ....... d. of ...... Steele, Esq
  • Henry, 6th baronet.
  • Several younger children.
  • Catharine died aet. 12.
  • John Liddel, adopted heir to his grandfath. Sir Joh. Bright, assum∣ed that name, and pos∣sessed Badsworth.— Died 6th Oct. 1737.
  • Cordelia, d. of ... Clutterbuck of Hides, in co. Essex.
  • Thomas Liddel,
  • Margaret Norton, neice and heiress to John Lowther of Ackworth, co. York.
  • Mary, mar. to Charles, 2d Marquis of Rockingham.
  • Stephen, John & Henry, all died s. p.
  • Anne, Catha.
  • Cordelia, mar Dr. Wintring∣ham.
  • Henry died without iss.
  • Anne, d. John Clavering of Chopwell, in co. Durham.
  • George was member for Berwick, & unmar. died unm. 9th Oct. 174
  • Michael died unmar.
  • Eliz. mar. Rob. Elli∣son, of Heb∣burn in co. Durh. Esq
  • Thomas died unm.
  • Edward died young.
  • Robert, ob. 1718.
  • Priscilla, d. Wm. Kiffin of Lond. merchant ob. 1669.
  • Thomas,
  • Mary, d. of ..... Nelthorpe.
  • Henry, ob. Aug. 1770.
  • A daughter, mar. John Middleton, of Chirk Castle, in c. Denbeigh, Esq
  • George died unm.
  • Frances mar. Tho. Vane, of Raby cast. Esq and 2dly, to Sir John Bright, Bart.
  • Eliz. m. Christ. Stockdale, of Bilton Park, in co. York.
  • Isabel died unmar.
  • Fran. knighted vita patris.
  • Eliz. d. Sir Geo. Tonge of Denton.
  • Francis Liddel.
  • Will.
  • Robt.
  • Geo.
  • ...... ......
  • Henry died unmarried.
  • Eliz. mar. Geo. Baker, Esq C. at Law, and afterwards knighted.
  • Mary mar. Nich. Cole, Esq of Brancepeth, after created a baronet.
  • Isabel mar. ..... Anderson.
  • Elizabeth, mar. Wm. Sherwood, of Middle∣sex.
  • Alice mar. Gawen Salkeld
  • Eleanor mar. Tim. Draper, of Newc. merchant.
  • Jane, d. Hen. Mitford, Esq
  • Henry,
  • Elizabeth, d. Wm. Jenison Esq
  • Roger,
  • Grace, d. Jas. Clavering, Esq
  • Barbara, mar. Sam. Sanderson of Hedleyhope Esq
  • Jane, married Robt. Ander∣son.
  • Robert, both died s. p.
  • Percival,
  • Alice, mar. Oswald Carr, Esq
  • Barbara died an infant.
  • George Liddel,
  • Eleanor, d. John Burne.
  • George Liddel, ob. s. p.
  • ...... d. Robt. Barker, Esq
  • ARMS:—Argent, frettee, Gules, on a Chief of the Second, three leopards faces, Or.
  • CREST:—On a wreath, a Lion rampant, Sable, crowned, Or.
  • THE PEDIGREES OF THE FAMILIES OF CONIERS. (VOL. III. PAGE 148.)
  • Sir Christ. Conyers, of Sockburn, Knt.
  • Marian, d. Sir Will. Eure, Knt.
  • Sir Will. Knt.
  • Anne, d of Sir Ralph Bigod, of Settrington, Knt.
  • Sir Christopher,
  • Anne, d. of .... Markenfield.
  • Sir Thomas.
  • Sir George.
  • Sir John.
  • Sir John of Sockborn, Knt. living, 1615.
  • George, son and h. Aet. 6, 1615.
  • Cuthbert, 2d fil.
  • Mary, d. of Tho. Laton, of Saxhoc.
  • John ..... of Layton,
  • Jane, d. of John Oglethorpe, and wid. of ...... Danby.
  • Ralph, of Layton,
  • Mary, d. of Sim. Mawe of ••••ande∣sham, Stafford.
  • Cuthbert, son and h. Aet. 4, 1615.
  • Mary.
  • Anne.
  • Johannes Conyers, mil.
  • Margaretta, fil. et una her. Duo Darcy.
  • Johannes dus. Conyers, de Horneby.
  • Alicia, fil. et her. Will Nevill, dus. Falconbridge, com Cantij.
  • Richardus,
  • Eliza, fil. et her. Rob. Claxton, mil. de Horden.
  • Ricardus de Horden.
  • Christopherus de Horden,
  • Eliza, fil. Johis Jackson, de Bedale.
  • Ricardus de Horden
  • Eliza, fil. Rogeri Lumley.
  • Christophorus▪ vixit, 1575
  • Eliza, fil. Cuth. Convers de Lay∣to ob s. p.
  • Anna, fil. Johis Hed∣worth de Harverton.
  • Johannes de Horden,
  • Francisca, fil. Thomae Garnes, de Ebor.
  • Anna.
  • Isabella, ux. Ca. Hall. Durh. FLOWER'S VISIT. &c.
  • Maria.
  • Georgius.
  • CONIERS. ....... Coniers.
  • Sir John of Sockburn.
  • Robert.
  • John of Horneby,
  • Eliz. d. and coh. of Billeston.
  • Sir John of Horne∣by, Knt. of whom is descended Lord Conyers.
  • Margery, m. Robt. Wycliffe.
  • Elizabeth, m. William Burgh.
  • Catharine, m. Conan Aske.—2d, ..... Pudsey.
  • Joan, m. Fitz Randolphe.
  • Margaret m. Roger Lascells. 2d, .... Pickering.
  • Robert, of Hutton.
  • Sir Rich. of Cowton.
  • Alice, d. of ... Wycliffe.
  • Margaret, d. and coh. m. Ra. Danby.
  • Eleanor, d. and coh. m. Rob. Lascells of Sowerby.
  • Margery, d. and coh. m Sir Ralph Bowes.
  • Sir Rog. Ld. of Winyard & Redmarshall, 4th pr. of Seaton, c.
  • Sibill, d. of Will. Langton, 1436.
  • William,
  • Isabel, d. of Ric. Clervaux, of Crofte.
  • Robert Claxton, of Haliwell, son of Will, son of Tho. son of Lionel of Claxton, son of Sir Roger,
  • Sibil, ob. 1500.
  • LISLE. Henry Lisle, of the Isle.
  • Sir John,
  • Catharine, neice and heir of Sir Henry.
  • Aline Langton, burgess of Berw. and Newcastle.
  • Henry, Lord of Winyard and Redmarshall.
  • Margery, d. of Rog. Fulthorpe.
  • Simon,
  • Alice, coh. to John, her neph —2dly, to Thomas Elmedon, of Winyard.
  • William of Winyard,
  • ...... d. of Will. Elmedon.
  • Sibill, d. of Will. Langton, 1436.
  • John, 1st son ob. s. p.
  • Sir Thomas, Knt. 2d son.
  • John.
  • ........ 2d d.
  • ........
  • Joan,
  • Rich. Haton.
  • John.
  • Isabel,
  • Will. Porter.
  • 4 dau.
  • John.
  • Alane.
  • John, ob. s. p. 1442.
  • Sir Henry, Lord of Winyard and Redmar∣shall, ann. 1303. ob. s. p.
  • CARROWE. Peter Carrowe, Lord of Seaton, car. tem. Ric. I.
  • Walter, living 1200, 2d King John.
  • John.
  • Thomas.
  • Walter.
  • John, son and heir.

(For the Notes see the other Side.)

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[figure] genealogy

The Genealogical Table is illustrated, and great Additions made thereto, by the following Historical Notes, taken from Mr. GYLL'S MSS. who, in the first part of the Collection, remarks, that he took the same and others, from a Manuscript written in the Reign of King Charles I.

In an old manuscript which I have seen of the descent of Connyers of Sockbourn, there is written as follow:

Sir John Connyers, Knt. slew the monstrous vermine, and poysonous vermine, or wyverne, or aske or worm, which overthrew and devoured many and sundry people in feight, for that the sent of the poyson thereof was so strong, that no personne might abide it. And by the providence of Almighty God, this John Connyers, Knt. overthrew the said monster, and slew it. But before he made this enterprise, having but one son, he went to the church at Sockburn in compleat armour, and offered up that, his only son, to the Holy Ghost: the place where this great serpent lay, was called Graystane.
And as it is written in the same manuscript, this John lieth buried in Sockbourn, in compleat armour, before the conquest.

Roger Connyers or Cognyers, was Lord of Sockbourn about the time of the Norman conquest, which was An. Dom. 1060.—He was, by William the Conqueror, made constable of Durham Castle, and keeper of all the arms of the soldiers within that castle; which was after past to him, the said Roger, by deed to him and his heirs male for ever, and under the great seal of William de Sancto Carelipho, the then Bishop of Durham.—This Roger had issue Roger, his son and heir, and others.

Roger Connyers or Cognyers, Lord of Sockbourn, son and heir of Roger the first, was also, after his father, constable of Durham castle, and of all the ams therein; and he had issue Roger, his son and heir, and others.

Roger Connyers, the third of that name, son and heir of Roger the second, and grandchild to Roger the first, constable of Durham, and lord of Sockbourn, was also himself constable of Durham: this Roger he married the daughter of ...... Aiskby, Esq and had issue Robert and others.—Et Henricus 2d rex Angliae dedit vel confirmarit Rogero de Connyers sive de Cognyers constabulatum de Dunelme.

Robert Connyers, Lord of Sockbourn, son and heir of Roger the third, of the christian name; he married the daughter of Robert Welbury, of Castle Eden, and had Robert and others.

Robert Connyers, son and heir of Roger, and grandchild of Roger, the third of the name, was Lord of Sockbourn, and married the daughter of Layton, Esq and by her had Roger, Galfred, John, and others.—This Galfred, second son of Robert, afterwards had the estate, and was Lord of Sockbourn, either by gift or purchase.

Roger Connyers, son and heir of Robert, the second of the name and family, was Lord of Sockbourn, and married the daughter of Sir Gilbert Han∣sard, Knt. and had issue Robert, the 3d of the christian name and family; he married the daughter ...... and died without issue — Robertus filius et heres Rogeri qui hereditatem suam alienavit Galfrido consanguineo suo et obijt fine prole.

Robert Connyers of Sockbourn, was lord thereof; he was son and heir of Roger, son of Robert, the second of that christian name and family; he mar. ...... the daughter of ...... Umfravill, Esq and died without any issue.—Robertus filius et heres Rogeri: qui hereditatem suam alienavit Galfrido consanguineo suo et obiit sine prole.

Galfred Connyers, second son of Robert Connyers, the second of that christian name, was lord and the owner of Sockbourn, after the death of Robert Connyers, the son and heir of Roger, who died without issue; and the descent of Connyers, in an old manuscript, sets down, that this Galfred bought the lordship of Sockbourn of his cousin Robert, the son of Roger, who died without issue, and so possessed the lordship of Sockbourn, and was lord and owner thereof; and so it seems, as by an antient deed, that Connyers of Sockbourn, was not the chief man of the family.—This Galfred married the daughter of Lilbourn, Esq and had issue John, Thomas, and James.

John Connyers, son and heir of Galfred, was, after his father, Lord of Sockbourn: he married ...... the daughter of Sir Walter Manning, Knt. and had issue John, Galfred, and Humphrey; John and Galfred, the two eldest brothers, both died without issue, so as Humphrey, the youngest son of John, after the death of the two elder brothers, John and Galfred, was lord and owner of Sockbourn, and that whole estate; and in an old descent of the family which I have, he is set down primus miles, istis familiae.

Sir Umsrey Connyers, of Sockbourn, Knt. third son of John, the son of Galfred Connyers, Lord and owner of Sockbourn, after the death of his two elder brothers, John and Galfred, who, both of them died without issue, leaving this Sir Humphrey Connyers, Knt. their brother, heir to them both, and was Lord of Sockbourn, and had the whole estate.—This Humphrey, he married the daughter of Sir John Basset, Knt. and had issue Sir John Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt.

Sir John Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of Sir Humphrey Connyers, Knt. of Sockbourn; he married the daughter of Sir John Fitz J••••ffry. Knt. and had issue R Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt his son and heir, who had issue three daughters, his heirs; Jane married to Sir Rob. Bowes, of Dawden and Streatlam, Knt. Elizabeth married to John Cowell, jun. Knt. and Petriwell married to ...... Heron, Esq—This John, per∣ceiving his elder son, Robert, to have no issue male, gave his lordship of Sockbourn to his younger son, Roger, to have the land of Sockbourn to con∣tinue in the family and name of ...... Connyers.

Sir Robert Connyers, Knt. son and heir of John Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. he married the daughter and heir of Sir John Surtees, Knt. and by her had issue three daughters, his heiresses.—Sir Robert Bowes, Knt. married one of the heirs general of Sir Robert Connyers, who was made knight at the battle of Poictiers, anno 1356.

Roger Connyers, second son of Sir John Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. and brother and next heir male of Sir Robert Connyers, that died without issue male, was, after the death of Sir Robert, his elder brother, who died before his father, Lord of Sockbourn.—This Roger, the son of John, and brother to Sir Robert, he married the daughter of Sir John Fayes, Knt. of ...... and had issue Galfred that died without issue; and Sir John Connyers, Knt. that married the daughter, and one of the coheirs of Sir William Aiton, Knt. Lord Vescy.

Sir John Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. second son of Roger; and, after the death of his eldest brother, who died without issue, heir to his father also: he married Elizabeth, the daughter and coheir of Sir William Aiton, Knt. the widow of William Place, Esq and by her he had issue Robert, afterwards Sir Robert Connyers, of Sockbourn, Knt.

Sir Robert Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of John and Elizabeth Aiton, his wife, one of the coheirs of Sir William Aiton, Knt. and Lord Vescy's heir general: also this Robert he married Isabella, one of the heirs of William Peart, Esq (whose other heir) married to Conanus Aske, of Aske, Esq by her he had issue Crister Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. his son and heir; Robert Connyers, second son; Humphrey Connyers, third son; John Connyers, of Horneby, called Justice John, a lawyer, was 4th son, and others.—William Peart, Esq had issue three daughters, his heirs; Elizabeth, who was married to Conanus Aske, of Aske, Esq Isabella married to Sir Robert Connyers, of Sockbourn; and Margaret who was mar. to—

Crister Connyers of Sockbourn, son and heir of Sir Rob. Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. and of his wife Isabella, one of the heirs of Will. Peart, Esq he mar. Marjory, the daughter of Sir William Eure, Knt. and had issue William, his son and heir, and others, both sons and daughters.

William Connyers of Sockbourn, Esq son and heir of Crister; he married the daughter of Sir Ralph Biggot, of Settrington, Knt. and by her had issue Crister, Ralph, George, Robert, Roger, Richard, Cuthbert, and daughters.

Sir Crister Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of William; he married the daughter of ...... Markenfield, of Markenfield, Esq and by her had issue Thomas 1st, Ralph 2d, Richard 3d, Robert 4th, George 5th, and Cuthbert 6th; Anne, Marian, Margaret, and Agnes.

Sir Thomas Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of Crister; he married Margaret, the daughter of Sir Edward Radcliffe of Dilston, Knt. and by her had issue George.

Sir George Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of Thomas; he married to his first wife, ...... the daughter of ...... Eure, Knt. by whom he had no issue; and then he married to his second wife, Anne, the daughter of Sir John Dawney of Seysey, Knt. and by her had issue John.

Sir John Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of George; he married Anne, the daughter of Sir George Bowes of Streatlam, the Knight Marshall, and by her had issue George 1st, John 2d, William 3d, Ralph 4th, Robert 5th, and six daughs. Eleanor mar. to John Stindder; Jane mar. to James Lawson of Sum, and had issue; Elizabeth married to James Riddel of Gateside, Knt. and had issue Sir William Riddel, Knt. his son and heir, Thomas; Anne married to ...... Midford of Hoolam, obiit sine prole; Katherine to Sir William Kennet, Knt. and Mary married to Mr. Foster.

Sir George Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. son and heir of John; he married Katherine, daughter of Anthony Bulmer of Emdon, Esq and had issue George, who died an infant, William and John who died also young.

William Connyers of Sockbourn, Esq son and heir of Sir George Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. he married the daughter of George Symonds, and had issue Anne, his daughter and sole heir; married to Francis. Lord Talbot, afterwards Earl of Shrewsbury.

Crister Connyers of Horneby, son and heir of John Connyers of Horneby, vulgarly called Justice John, married Eleanor, the daughter and sole heir of ...... Ryelston, Esq and by her had issue John Connyers, Knt. of the honourable order of the garter, and Lord of Horneby, of whom descended the Lord Connyers as below:

John Connyers of Horneby, fourth son of Sir Robert Connyers of Sockbourn, Knt. which John was commonly called Justice John, a lawyer; he married Margaret, daughter and sole heir of Anthony St Quintaine, and had issue by her Christopher Connyers of Horneby.

Crister Connyers of Horneby, son and heir of John Connyers of Horneby, vulgarly called Justice John.—This Crister, he married Eleanor, daughter and heir of ...... Ryelston, and by her had issue Sir John Connyers, Knt. of the noble order of the garter, his son and heir; Sir Richard Connyers, 3d son of South Couton, Knt. who had issue three daughters, his heirs; Margery married to Sir Ralph Bowes, Knt. Margaret married to Sir Robert Danby of Yafford, Esq Eleanor married to Robert Lassels of Sowerby; Robert Connyers of Hutton Wiffe, 5th son of Crister; Sir Roger Connyers of Winnyard, Knt. 6th son; William Connyers of Maske, 7th son; George Connyers of Danby, 8th son.

Sir John Connyers of Horneby, Knt. of the most noble and honourable order of the garter, son and heir of Crister of Horneby; he married Marjory, one of the daughters and heirs of Philip, Lord Darcy and Mcnell, and by her had issue Sir John Connyers of Horneby, Knt. his son and heir; Rich. Connyers of Horden.—Henry Conyers, William and Crister, of Richard, second son of this Sir John, is descended Sir John Connyers, Knt. Bart. of Horden, in a direct male line.

Sir John Connyers of Horneby, Knt. son and heir of John: he married Alice, one of the daughters and heirs of William Nevill, Lord Falconbridge, and Earl of Kent, and by her had issue William, first Lord Connyers, and others that died without issue.—This John was slain at the battle of Barnet, in the reign of King Edward ......—This John had a daughter named Elizabeth, who was married to Richard, Lord Lumley, and was mother of John Lord Lumley.

William, first Lord Connyers, son and heir of Sir John Connyers of Horneby, and of his wife Alice, and one of the daughters and heirs of William Nevill, Lord Falconbridge, and Earl of Kent; he married Anne, the daughter of Ralph Nevill, third Earl of Westmorland of that family, and he had issue Crister, Lord Connyers, his son and heir, and others that died young without issue.

Crister, Lord Connyers, son and heir of William, the first Lord Connyers; he married Anne, the daughter of William, Lord Dacres, of Gililand, and by her had issue John, Lord Connyers, his son and heir, and two daughters.

John, Lord Connyers, son and heir of Crister, Lord Connyers; he married Mande, the daughter of Henry Clifford, first Earl of Cumberland, and by her he had issue, two sons that died young, and three daughters, his coheirs; Anne who was married to Anthony Kemp, Esq Elizabeth who was married to Thomas Darcey, Esq and was father of Sir Connyers Darcey of Horneby. Knt. and Katherine, third daughter of John, the last Lord Connyers, and one of his coheirs, was married to John Attorton, Esq

Richard Connyers, second son of Sir John Connyers, Knight of the Garter, and Lord of Horneby, and of his wife Marjory, one of the daughters and coheirs of Philip, Lord Darcey and Menell.—This Richard Connyers, he married Elizabeth, one of the daughters and heirs of Sir Robert Claxton, Knt. and had by her the lordship of Horden, and had issue Robert, Richard, and Perceval.

Robert Connyers, son and heir of Richard, and in right of his mother, Lord of Horden; he married Marjory, daughter to Thomas Bamforth, Esq and had issue by her Crister, Esq his son and heir.—John and Ralph, and daughters, Elizabeth, .......

Crister Connyers of Horden, son and heir of Robert; he married Anne, the daughter of Thomas Jackson of Beddall, Esq and by her had issue Richard, George, Nicholas, Ralph, Francis, Marjory, Alice, and Isabella.

Richard Connyers of Horden, Esq son and heir of Crister; he married Isabella, the daughter of Roger Lumley of ...... Esq and by her had issue Thomas, who died without issue.—Crister, his son and heir, who married Anne, the daughter of John Hedworth of Harraton, Esq and had issue Richard, Anne, Elizabeth, and Jane, and John Connyers of Horden, Baronet.—End of the old Manuscript.

Sir Baldwin Connyers, head of the Family died about 50 years ago, leaving his estate to his two only daughters.—The baronetage came to Ralph Connyers, his heir at law, who was a glazier, and from him descended to Blakiston Connyers, his third son and heir. who was in very low estate; for some time a dependant on the house of Bowes, and afterwards was collector of the customs of Newcastle upon Tyne.—He lately died without issue.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Ravensworth Castle
RAVENSWORTH CASTLE

Page 417

RAVENSWORTH CASTLE,

the seat of the family of Liddells, now of Sir Henry George Liddell, bart. stands on the side of a hill, sloping gradually towards the east; a situation not chosen for strength. Near to it, by the road side, is a stone column, but of what event it is a memorial, history or tradition give no account. The antiquity of this castle leads to conjectures as to the etymology of the name; in many old records it is called Ravens-helm and Ravenswaith, in the old spelling Raffensweath. The Danish standard was called Raffen, and weath is a north country word, now used in Scotland for sorrow. "I should be very weath to do such an act," is a phrase very commonly used in this country. The application we would make is, that Ravensworth castle is of Danish foundation, and had its name from them as Raffens-Helm, or the strong hold of the Danish standard; and that some de∣feat of that people had occasioned the name of Raffens-weath, or Danish woe. All etymologies, where there is such a mixture of languages as in this country, will be subject to much uncertainty, and we offer this only as a vague conjecture. This castle has anciently formed a complete square, with a tower at each corner, con∣nected with a curtain wall: Whether there was any keep or other structure in the center, it is not possible to determine; two of the towers form part of the offices to the present mansion, the other two project to the front. The apartments are small, but neat, without much ornament; the breakfast room and room above it are modern, and face the south, with a bow window; the lower one stuccoed; the upper room elegantly fitted up, and hung with tapestry of Antwerp; at one end of the room the landscape work is strikingly beautiful, in the stile of Pousin: There is a spacious saloon, stair-case, and a good dining-room. The castle is shut in to the north and west by a fine forest of oaks, the nursery of a large breed of herons, and some pheasants: The south aspect consists of rich meadow lands, scattered over with large trees at irregular distances: To the east the vale of Lamesley, beautifully cloathed with wood, is extended to the eye for a mile and a half; immediately opposite, at the greatest distance, Gateshead-fell, wild and shaken, with a multitude of hovels and cottages.

Soon after bishop Flambard came to the See, he granted to Richard his nephew, and his heirs, to hold in fee by homage and the service of half a knight's see,

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Ravensworth, Blakiston, and Hetton, now called Eighton * 105.45. Ravensworth castle was a fortress before any records now extant; as there is no licence to embattle and kernellate this house found in the bishop's archives, though of every other castle in the county there is that evidence. It is presumed, that according to the fashion of the times, the owner of Ravensworth assumed a local name: In the twelfth year of bishop Hatfield, we find Tho. Stutville held lands of the lady of Ravenswarth† 105.46; and in the twenty-third year of that prelate, Alex. de Kybbles∣worth held a moiety of the vill of Ravensworth, of Elianora countess of Ravenshelm ‡ 105.47: Here we also have the distinction before noted of Ravenshelm. In the same year, on an inquisition taken on the death of William de Silksworth, it appears he died seised of the manors of Ravenshelm and Lamesley. In the twenty-fifth year of the same prelate, John de Kibblesworth held a moiety of the vill of Ravensworth of Robert de Lumley, by the eighth part of a knight's fee, and a messuage and forty acres in Landheved in Ravensworth, held of the bishop in capite, under thirteen shillings and four-pence rent. In the thirty-fifth year of the same prelate, Robert de Umfrevill, esq was possessed of a messuage only in Ravensworth, which he held of Alan de Ravensworth ‖ 105.48. In the third year of bishop Fordham, Robert de Lom∣ley died seised of the manors of Ravenshelm and Lamesley § 105.49; and in the fifth year of bishop Skirlaw, Elizabeth, his widow, who afterwards married John de Bukham, died possessed in dower of the third part of those manors ¶ 105.50. The branch of Lumleys seated at Ravensworth castle became extinct in Isabell, the daughter and heiress of Bertram Lumley, who married Sir Henry Boynton, whose daughter and heiress Elizabeth married Sir Henry Gascoiyn, who, in the eighth year of bishop Tunstall, had livery of her castle, manors, and estates ** 105.51. In the fifth year of king James I. Sir William Gascoin, by indenture of bargain and sale inrolled, conveyed to Thomas Liddell, esq ancestor of the present Sir Henry, all the castle and manor of Ravenshelm, alias Ravenshell, and the manor of Lamesley; and on the 2d of August, in the sixth year of king James I. Sir William, with dame Barbary his lady, levied a fine of the granted estates, with a description of four thousand acres of furz and heath, and three thousand acres of moor in Ravenshelme, Lamesley, Eighton, Hedley, Over-Eighton, Nether-Eighton, Longacres, Ravensworth, and

Page 419

Pokerley: In the second year of bishop James, pardon was granted of the above mentioned fine and alienation * 105.52.

Of LAMESLEY there is little distinct from Ravenshelm in the records: The Stutvills and Eures held portions of land there of the Lumleys, but of little con∣sideration in the whole. In the inquisition taken on the death of Thomas Lumley, in the sixteenth year of bishop Booth, this manor, of which he died seised, is de∣scribed to consist of sixty acres of arable land, fifty acres of pasture, ten acres of meadow, and forty acres of wood; and Eighton is described as parcel of the manor. This vale exhibits a new scene for description; busy and black faces, machines loaden with coals rolling on frames, engines, and smoaking furnaces, perpetual agitation, traffic, and business: But of these matters we shall speak at large hereafter † 105.53.

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The town of RAVENSWORTH is so mixed with the preceding subject, that no∣thing material remains to be selected from the records to be applied thereto singly; save only that in the inquisitions we find regularly the distinctions of Ravenshelm and Ravenswath.

KIBBLESWORTH gave name to a resident family, and Thomas Stutvill, in the beginning of bishop Hatfield's episcopacy, held a moiety of the vill of Kibbles∣worth, of Alex. de Kibblesworth, by homage, fealty, ward, marriage, and suit of court, estimated at one hundred pounds value above reprisals. Alexander died seised of the chief hall of Kibblesworth vill, with a moiety of the same vill held of the bishop by the tenth part of a knight's fee * 105.54. In the fourth year of bishop Langley, John Stutville died seised of the whole manor, then valued at ten pounds, held by military service and suit at the county court, from five weeks to five weeks. In the fifth year of bishop Booth, Bertram Harbotel died seised of a moiety of the manor† 105.55, leaving Ralph his son and heir. The Mashams had some small property in this manor ‡ 105.56. Kibblesworth became the property of the Skirfields, and Will. Skirfield conveyed the same to John Hedworth, esq and George Lawson, gent. for which alienation by fine, bishop James granted his pardon, dated the 20th of August, in the eighth year of his episcopacy ‖ 105.57. William Bonner, esq was possessed of considerable property at Kibblesworth, and dying in 1759, devised his estates to his daughter's children, one of whom married James Hargrave of Shawdon, in Northumberland, esq the other to Thomas Lewen, of Durham, esq William Hargrave, esq was the issue of the first-named marriage, and there was a daughter of the other marriage, who died without issue.

Of DARNCROOK we find nothing memorable.

Page 421

The vill of HEDLEY was the estate of the Mundevills, of which family Gilbert de Merley and Agnes his wife held the manor of Hedley, with a moiety of the vill, making suit at the court of Ravenshelm, and paying to William Bultflour and his heirs thirteen shillings and four-pence rent * 105.58. It soon after became parcel of the Gibside estates, of which the Blaxtons were vested in the reign of king James I. as appears by a pardon of alienation in the fourteenth of that king.

FARNACRES is not noticed in the assignment of the prebends, and probably at that time was included in the description of Lamesley or Ravenshelm: In some of the records it is called of the parish of Whickham. It gave name to the resident family in the beginning of bishop Hatfield's episcopacy; but when his survey was taken, Robert Umfrevill held the manor by homage, fealty, and the fourth part of a knight's fee, as also appears by an inquisition taken on his death, in the thirty-fifth year of that prelate, then valued at ten pounds. This family fell into female issue in the time of bishop Langley, as is before noted in Holmside, in the parish of Lanchester. In 1428, Robert Umfrevill obtained licence to found a chantry in the chapel of Farnacres within that manor, which he endowed with the manor; after which, in 1439, the hospital of Frereside was annexed thereto: After the dissolution, Farnacres was annexed by purchase to the Ravensworth estate† 105.59; and

Page 422

was settled on the marriage of Thomas Liddell, of Newcastle, merchant, to Eliza∣beth, daughter of William Jennison, of the same place, merchant, and described to have been acquired, together with Tanfield and Lamesley, by purchase from Tho. Edams and others, the 13th of November, 1600 * 106.1.

The chapel of TANFIELD has lately been rebuilt, and fitted up in a handsome manner; it was formerly dependent on Chester. Bertram Mounboucher is the first possessor we find mentioned in the records of Tanfield, which is thus noted in the inquisition taken on his death, in the first year of bishop Skirlaw:

All the manor of Tanfield, with the hamlet and appurtenances held of Robert de Conyers, knight, and Ellen his wife, by homage, and one penny rent, value five marks:
He also held the manors of Beamish and Cawsey † 106.2. The house of

Page 423

Cawsey, or as it is called in the old records Caldsit, is situated a little distance from Tanfield: This estate has for some considerable time appertained to the family of Claverings. The Dawsons had property and a mansion-house at Tanfield, now an∣nexed to the Beamish estate. Beamish continued in the family of Monbouchers for several generations; and in the time of bishop Nevill, Elizabeth, baroness of Hilton, formerly the wife of Bertram Monboucher, died possessed of Beamish and Tanfield, which she held for life. In the fifth year of bishop Booth, Bertram Har∣botell died seised * 106.3 of the manors of Beamish and Tanfield, in the latter of which Caweset, Le-Croke, and Le-Leigh are described as members. The manor of Beamish is therein set out to consist of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and forty acres of wood. The Hilton name became extinct in female issue, Dorothy, one of the coheiresses, marrying Morton Davison of Beamish, esq The Davisons also failed in male issue, and the large possessions of that family are come to Sir John Eden, baronet, whose mother was the surviving sister of Morton Davison, esq eldest son of the before named Morton.

BEAMISH-HOUSE is situate in a wooded vale, on the banks of the river Team, and in a deep retirement; the adjacent lands are fertile and well sheltered, but the hills which surround it barren and lofty; yet nature has amply recompensed all outward deformities, by her riches in mines of coal and iron.

Near Tanfield is a great work called Cawsy-Bridge, carried over a deep gill or valley, to obtain a level for the coal waggons to pass, constructed at the expence of the Grand Associators in colliery works in this country, known by the local appellation of the Grand Allies: The span of the arch is one hundred and two feet, which rises in abutments or land piers about nine feet in height, and being semi∣circular, makes the elevation about sixty feet; the level is from thence kept up by forced bankings of earth, in some parts forty feet in height, and one hundred and forty paces in length; much more expensive than mason-work: There is a drift cut through the solid rock, to convey the stream of the rivulet under the bankings. The valley is wooded, wild, and romantic.

TANFIELD LEIGH † 106.4 is mentioned in bishop Hatfield's Survey in such large des∣criptions, that we are induced to believe by that name, the whole of Tanfield was

Page 424

anciently comprehended: Exclusive of what was at that time the estate of the Monbouchers, John of Birtley, then of Twisills, held eight score acres of land, being six parts in fifteen of that place: It was part of the possessions of Sir Nich. Tempest, who also held Stanley hall. Stanley was the estate of the Birtleys, till Thomas de Birtley, about the eighth year of bishop Skirlaw, who held the manor of Stanlew for life, with certain premisses called the Hag, alias Hall, with a rever∣sion expectant to Richard de Kirkenny, granted the same to Ralph de Lomley, held of the bishop in capite by military service, and subject to the payment of ten pounds yearly, to Catharine the widow of William de Kirkenny for life.

STOKERLEY, CROOK, and FRERESYDE, were the estates of Roger Thornton, and came to the Lumleys by intermarriage with his daughter * 106.5.

The manor of LYNCE, or LINTS, gave a local name to the resident family, whose male issue failing in the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, the estate descended to † 106.6

Page 425

three coheiresses, daughters of Richard de Lynce* 106.7: It afterwards became the estate of the family of Redhoughs† 106.8, who failing in male issue, this, with their other pos∣sessions, descended to coheiresses in the fifteenth year of bishop Langley, on the death of Thomas de Redhough, son of Thomas, son of Hugh, the daughter and grand daughter of which Hugh succeeded, viz. Mary, the wife of Henry Boteler, and Grinatruda the wife of William Hokley, who was the daughter of Agnes, the daughter of the same Hugh. Mary died without issue, so that the whole vested in Grinatruda, in the twentieth year of the same prelate‡ 106.9. When the family of Hodgson obtained possession, we have no evidence, but after their enjoyment for a considerable number of years, male issue failed in Ralph Hodgson, esq the last proprietor, on whose death the family estate at Lints Green descended to his only daughter now living.

Near Lints Green is a neat little mansion called the Leazes, the seat of William Scafe, esq counsellor at law.

We must not quit this tract without observing, that traces of a Roman way have frequently been discovered on the moor north of Urpeth, in a direction lead∣ing from the north to Chester: Within a mile of Urpeth is a round hill, with a trench, one of those temporary fortifications used on the incursion of the Scots, when they came down in small bands to pillage the country: Such are numerous all over the borders. At Lawsome hill is a most extensive prospect, commanding the Chiviots to the north, Cleveland hills south, Newcastle towards the east, with Lumley castle, Chester, and Durham cathedral on the nearer grounds, the towns of Tanfield and Shield-row, with the mountains at the head of Weredale, on the most distant ground, to the west. The rivulet of Team may truly be called a mechanic stream, as there are not in the north any works to be compared to those its waters supply: It carries ten mills or more, for the working of iron by Crowley's people, making oil, fulling, and grinding corn. Although mining and trade ex∣ercise the attention of so many inhabitants, yet agriculture and country occupations are not neglected: The farmers have introduced an improved breed of sheep, by crossing with the Lincolnshire sort, and feed mutton to twenty-five pounds a quarter; the fell sheep are small and degenerated by want of change: The fell-bred cattle are about twenty-five stone weight at the slaughter; the better breed come to about sixty stone weight: Such are the stocks on the estates adjoining the moors; in the lower lands by the banks of the river, the breeds of cattle are much superior. There are iron mines near Tanfield, which appear to have been wrought in very distant times: The metal lies at a very inconsiderable depth from the surface. If the use of coal be so important as a late pretended discovery seemed to promise, these mines from their situation may hereafter prove of very great importance.

Page 426

The Parish of MUGGLESWICK.

Adjoining to Lanchester parish, on the west, lies the parish of Muggleswick. The first mention made of this place is in the time of bishop Pudsey, who granted it to the convent of Durham, in exchange for Hardwick: And in the middle of the thirteenth century, Hugh, prior of Durham, inclosed a park here, and built a ca∣mera, consisting of a hall, chapel, and lodgings: The remains of those structures yet appear, part of the park wall and the east end of the chapel; the whole camera has had underground apartments for securing cattle during the incursions of the Scots. Bishop Bainbrigg granted to the convent a confirmatory charter of Muggleswick, and also of two hundred and sixteen acres of wood and waste lands in the vill of Horseleyhope, given to them by bishop Kirkham, with licence to in∣close and empark the same, accompanied with an inspeximus of his predecessors several grants* 106.10. The etymology of the name of Muggleswick is very doubtful; it seems to have derivation from the Scotch word mickle, and might imply a large village in former times, though now an insignificant little place. The church is a mean edifice; the nave thirty-seven feet in length and twenty-one in width; and the chancel eighteen feet long and fifteen wide: The park was originally about three miles long and two broad; much of it is now in tillage and divided into farms† 106.11.

The mines were so rich in this country in the time of king Charles I. that he made a grant to George duke of Buckingham, of the mines of silver, or of lead

Page 427

mixed with silver, in or near Muggleswicke, alias Mugglesley, in the county pala∣tine of the bishopric of Duresme, and within the compass of ten miles from Mug∣gleswicke aforesaid for twenty-one years* 106.12.

The parishes of MUGGLESWICK, EDMUNDBIERS, and HUNSTANWORTH, stretch∣ing along the banks of Derwent river, form the extreme lands of the county of Durham in that part. By the Boldon Book it appears that Alan Bruntop held the manor of Edmundbiers by forest service; and in bishop Hatfield's Survey it is stated to be the possession of the priory of Durham, from which time it has been connected with Muggleswick: Bishop Beaumont granted a moiety of the vill to the convent, and the other moiety they derived from various grants, as appears by the several licences to acquire in mortmain, and confirmations among the rolls of bishop Bury and other prelates. Here is a straggling village scattered round the skirts of a green: The church, though rectorial† 106.13, a very mean edifice; the chan∣cel

Page 428

still more deplorable, supported on stilts or short buttresses, and not sufficiently lighted; the whole building only sixty-four feet long and twenty-four wide: The incumbents house new and handsome, with good offices. Birden-hope, a con∣siderable rivulet, washes the skirts of this place, and where Feldon-beck runs into it at a little distance, are the lead mills belonging to the Blacket family. The whole of this parish consists of about twenty farmholds, all of leasehold tenure un∣der the dean and chapter. The aspect of the country is meagre and without shel∣ter; and the cattle and sheep are of a very inferior kind. Agriculture is dis∣couraged by the various disadvantages of situation, for all the lime is supplied from the banks of Were near Stanhope, and to be brought over the intervening desert, in bad roads, with much labour. The lead works employ the inhabitants, and bring in some foreign money, or the country would become desolate.

HUNSTANWORTH, the next adjoining parish towards the west, was the estate of Robert Corbet in ancient time, and by him and Sibilla his wife given to the hos∣pital of Kepier. After the dissolution the manor, together with the right of pre∣sentation to the church, came into lay hands, and is now the property of the family of ORD, descendants of the late chief baron of Scotland, who was temporal chancellor of this county palatine* 106.14.—The chapel was under repairs when we visited it.

Page 429

All the banks of Derwent river down to Ebchester are beautiful; and the tra∣veller, turning his back on Muggleswick, finds new objects of pleasure attend his steps. Allans-ford has some wild and romantic wooded scenes, which surround the pleasant little inn by the bridge; and the landscape which opens to the view, as we descend from Medomsley on the Whickham road, is scarce to be equalled: All the northern shore of Derwent is beautifully mingled with wood-lands, which, in irregular figures, intersect and variegate a rich cultivated country, gently bending towards the river; the hanging woods of Gibside rising on lofty hills, and sweep∣ing swiftly to the brink of the stream, oppose their nobler aspect on the southern shore, decorated with elegant buildings, among which the Column of Liberty is best distinguished; beyond these you view the banks of Tyne, with Benwell, and a vast tract of Northumberland, terminated by the lofty mountains of Cheviot.

At SHOTLEY BRIDGE is a small village, hanging on the banks of the river: On the northern shore is a pleasant mansion belonging to Dr Andrews, in a beautiful retirement. On the southern banks, and elevated situation, stands SNOWS∣GREEN, the seat of John Leaton, esq We also passed BENFIELDSIDE, famous for one of the first Quaker meeting-houses in England, where the Devil, in much wrath, appeared to snatch the key which was to imprison him for ever * 106.15. From Shotley bridge to Ebchester a pleasant ride, scarce three miles, through a cultivated tract, commanding a prospect of the Northumberland boundary, finely fringed and in∣tersected with wood-lands.

EBCHESTER is a small irregular village, scattered on the edge of a steep declivity; the church, with a few cottages, lie within the limits of the Roman station. Here,

Page 430

it is said, St Ebba, daughter of Ethelfrid king of Northumberland, built upon the banks of Derwent, a monastery, before the year of Christ 660, which was after∣wards destroyed by the Danes* 106.16: Not the least trace of such an edifice is to be dis∣covered in this age. Ebchester church † 106.17 is superior to those last visited, but yet mean; the nave is thirty-two feet in length and twenty in width, and the chancel twenty-six feet by eighteen; in order to accommodate the parishioners, the chancel is obliged to be stalled up to the altar rails. Bishop Pudsey, when he founded Sherburn hospital near the city of Durham, among other possessions en∣dowed it with lands at Ebchester, then the place of an hermitage, which, from the sanctity of St Ebba, and retirement of the situation on the borders of the forests, was chose as the seat of severity and religious exercise‡ 106.18. Bishop Fordham, in 1384, granted free-warren here to the master and brethren of the said hospital‖ 106.19. King David II. of Scotland, in his unfortunate expedition, entered the county of Dur∣ham at Ebchester, A. D. 1346; perhaps led that way by the great Roman road, which we may suppose was in good preservation in those days.

There is not the least doubt the Romans had a considerable station here§ 106.20, al∣though Camden, in his edition of the Britannia of 1594, doth not notice it: The

Page 431

traces of the vallum are yet apparent, though cut in some places by buildings, so as to render it impossible to take the exact dimensions, the square being about one

Page 432

hundred and sixty paces, as we could compute, on the side next to the river, run∣ning along the brink of a steep declivity: Also many curious pieces of antiquity have been discovered here, as set forth in the notes: Some since the learned anti∣quaries there mentioned visited the place, particularly three inscriptions, which the

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reverend Mr Jefferson, for their preservation, caused to be fixed in the wall of the curacy house.

[figure]

In the wall of another house is the following inscription:

[figure]
And in 1784, by the washing of the flood in the banks of Derwent, this altar was discovered, now
[figure]
in the possession of H. Swinburne, esq It is two feet six inches high, and thirteen inches thick; the characters well cut and mostly distinct * 108.1. We paid attention to the great Roman road which leads to this place from the southward, and found it remarkably perfect where the new inclosures of common lands had not taken place. We traced it for a considerable distance, so as to en∣able us strictly to ascertain the dimensions: It is formed in three distinct parts, with four ditches; a center road, probably made for carriages and cavalry, forty-two feet in width, with a narrow road on each side for foot passengers, twelve feet wide: As we had not observed this form in any of the roads in Northumberland, or on the line of the wall, it made us more attentive to ascertain the matter. In the vicinity of large cities our modern roads have the like con∣veniencies;

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in this northern situation the circumstance here increases our ideas of the Roman power and possession, when such a station as Ebchester required such conveniencies, either for the ease of passengers, or to accommodate troops who should line the roads and guard the forage or the baggage of armies.

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[figure] view of Ryton Church
RYTON CHURCH

Crossing the river Derwent, we enter the parish of

RYTON,

bounded towards Northumberland by the rivers Tyne and Chopwell. The village of Ryton is pleasantly situated about eight miles from Newcastle on the banks of the river Tyne, where the vale widens into extensive and fertile fields: It is in∣habited by opulent families, and contains many handsome new buildings. The church stands at the west end of the village, in a spacious yard; is a stone building of ashler work, covered with lead, having a tower ornamented with a stone spire, the whole height of which is one hundred and eight feet * 108.4. On the east front of

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the tower, in relief, is a large figure of St George subduing the dragon, which lies at his feet; of this sculpture the village tradition, like most others, is rediculous. This is a regular building, with an aile on each side of the nave, formed by two well proportioned columns, one of which is round, the other octagonal, supporting pointed arches, the groins of which are ornamented with sculptures of heads, &c. The nave is twenty-six paces in length, and with the ailes fourteen paces wide: The tower stands upon an arch supported by heavy clustered pillars, and there are three narrow windows to the west: The chancel is separated from the nave, by an arch rising from brackets or corbles in the side walls: The front of the south aile was rebuilt in 1627, and is lighted by two modern sashed windows, and a small

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window to the east; the north aile is lighted by two side windows, and one to the east; there is no north door: The font is a large ancient stone bason: There is a gallery appropriated to the workmen called Crawley's Crew, employed in the great iron manufactory * 109.2, particularly mentioned in the sequel: The pulpit is placed against the east pillar, in the south row: A large stall is inclosed on the south side for the owners of Chopwell, and another for the house of Stella; the whole nave is decently kept. You ascend by three steps into the chancel, which is ten paces long and seven wide, stalled with oak on each side, and inclosed by a screen, carved in open foliage work; it is lighted by a large window of five lights to the east, and six small windows to the south: Within the altar rails is the recumbent essigy of an ecclesiastic cut in black and white shell'd marble, such as is won in the bed of the river Were, near Stanhope, in this county; the hands elevated, clasping a book, and the feet resting on a lion. The vestry room is neat and spacious.

There was a chantry in this church, dedicated to the blessed Virgin Mary; the founder or endowment, save what is mentioned in the notes, now unknown † 109.3.

There is a very large tumulus near the north wall of the church-yard, plant∣ed with trees, whence it is difficult to take the dimensions of its base; it is about twenty perpendicular feet in height, and a beautiful object from the opposite side of Tyne. One somewhat similar, in this parish, near Bradley hall, was opened some little time ago, and therein found a square cavity, composed of stones set on edge, which enclosed the remains and ashes of the interred, but nothing was dis∣covered to denote the age or nation to which it belonged.

Though Ryton is seated in a valley, yet it commands a most beautiful prospect to the north and east. The banks of Tyne rise gradually to a considerable distance, exhibiting as fine a cultivated scene as the north of England produces. The town

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of Newburn lies almost on the brink of the river; to the west the villas of Wylam and Cross-house; on the distant landscapes are scattered the towns of Walbottle, Throckley, Heddon-on-the-Wall, and Horseley, with the villa of East Newburn: Further eastward down the vale, Benwell cottage, the plantations above Fenham, and the heights of Newcastle town moor.

In the reign of king Edward I. the 18th of October, 1297, Ryton was burnt by the Scots, whilst the English forces were dishonourably conducted by Warren and Cressengham* 109.4. In August, 1640, it was the scene of panic and confusion, when Lesley led a handful of Scotchmen to the banks of Tyne, and obliged lord Conway to evacuate Newcastle, and retire with his whole force to Durham † 109.5.

Certain lands in Ryton called Greenside, were the estate of John Swinburn, who forfeited the same by treason, being one of the earl of Northumberland's partizans in the year 1571. Bishop Barnes granted out the same in the year 1580, to Cuthbert Carnaby, esq to hold by copy of court roll‡ 109.6.

Ryton manor belonging to the bishop, and subordinate to Chester, furnishes little historic matter; the ancient services are set forth in the extracts from Boldon Book and bishop Hatfield's Survey: By the latter it appears that the prior of Brenkburn held two ox-gangs of lands here, and a fishery in the river ‖ 109.7.

Page 439

CHOPWELL, in this parish, the estate of lord Cowper, was the inheritance of the Claverings, and before them of the Swinburns * 110.2. In the reign of king James, John Lyons, esq receiver of the king's revenues in these parts, being a defaulter in his accounts to the crown, an extent issued against his estate in Chopwell, called the East wood, Moor close, Deane, and the Carrs † 110.3.

A moiety of the vill of CRAWCROOK was the estate of the Horsleys at the time of taking bishop Hatfield's Survey‡ 110.4, held of the bishop by fealty and ten shillings

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rent: They also held certain lands, called Bradley, in socage; of these Richard de Horsley died seised in the twenty-seventh year of that prelate: And in the succeed∣ing inquisition taken on the death of Robert de Horsley, in the fourth year of bishop Skirlaw, the lands of Bradley are described by the names of Bradley field cum le Bye. Crawcrook is now divided into a multitude of properties, and Brad∣ley, by a late purchase, is become the estate of J. Simpson, esq.

STELLA, seated on the banks of Tyne, after the dissolution of the Benedictine nunnery of St Bartholomew in Newcastle, to which it appertained, became the estate of the Tempests * 110.5, in which family it continued, till by the marriage of the heirefs of that house, it came to the possession of William late lord Widdrington, who forfeited his life estate therein in 1715, but the inheritance remained unattaint∣ed to Henry Widdrington, esq his eldest son † 110.6.

WINLATON, in bishop Hatfield's Survey, is set forth to be the possession of lord Nevil, which he held by forest service and 20l. rent: The Menevylls held under this family the manor of Thornley in Winlayton, at forty shillings rent; and also another tenement stiled a hamlet of Winlayton, called Huntley-sleigh, at two shil∣lings rent ‡ 110.7. The Silksworths held considerable property here in bishop Hatfield's

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time * 110.8; as also the family of Ferys, whose property bore the names of Berley and Spen, by three shillings rent to John de Nevill, and suit at three courts in Win∣layton† 110.9. In 1424, Ralph earl of Westmoreland, by will devised this manor to his son Edward de Nevil, and the heirs male of his body‡ 110.10: By the inquisition taken at his death, it appears he had aliened the manor to trustees, with other estates; and in the description of Winlayton are the words cummim'is carbonum de Fuay pute & Morlay pute, &c‖ 110.11.

About the year 1690, that great patron of manufactory and trade, Sir Ambrose Crawley, fixed upon this situation to establish those works which have employed multitudes of people, and caused an influx of wealth since that happy aera, to this country: He first sat down at Sunderland by the sea, where, in its infancy, the project was nursed for five or six years, but the situation of this place and its en∣virons, both in regard to coals and water, induced him to transplant his Cyclopean colony hither. The town of Winlayton stands on a high ridge of country, inclin∣ing on the east, north, and south towards the rivers Tyne and Derwent. Before Sir Ambrose settled his people here, the place consisted of a few deserted cottages, and now contains about fifteen hundred inhabitants, chiefly smiths. The works carried on in this town are various; making nails is the chief branch, but there is an eye of jealousy on enquiry, and the traveller can reap little information as to the various articles manufactured, or quantity produced. The buildings are regular, and calculated for convenience and not shew: The streets are well paved. A com∣modious chapel was built in the year 1705, which will receive three hundred peo∣ple at divine service, and a stipend provided for a chaplain § 110.12. Winlayton mill,

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which in the last century was used for corn, and had a few cottages near it, now is surrounded with a considerable village, where the iron works are also carried on. It is in a pleasant situation, on the banks of Derwent, with an open prospect to∣wards the east; the number of people employed there may amount to about three hundred of all ages: A stone in the mill dam shews the propitious year of its con∣version, 1691. The chief work carried on there is making and grinding edge tools, slitting bars of iron into long narrow pieces, proper for making nails, &c. Steel is also blistered here, and file-making constitutes a considerable branch of the business, together with a diversity of other articles.

As we are speaking of the manufactory, for the sake of connection, we will ad∣vance to SWALWELL, part of which town is in the parish of Whickham; it is seated on the banks of Derwent, near its influx with the Tyne: The principal part of the in∣habitants are employed in iron works, but in the most massive articles, as ship anchors; they make hoes and shovels, and cast pots, kettles, and other domestic utensils.— Our obliging correspondent, from whom we received much information touching this country, observes to us, that the anchor-smith's shop strikes the spectator with a pleasing astonishment, where the images conceived by the inimitable poet are justly represented:

—"Alii ventosis follibus auras "Accipiunt, redduntque; alii stridentia tingunt "Aera lacu: Gemit impositis incudibus antrum. "Illi inter sese, multavi brachia tollunt "In numerum; versantque tenaci forcipe massam." VIRG. AEN. lib. 8. 449, &c.

Here a warehouse is kept for such articles as suit the country demand; the principal storehouses are at Greenwich, and in Thames-street, London. Three ships, appertaining to the company, called the Ambrose, Theodosia, and Elizabeth, are constantly employed in conveying their goods from the north thither. The workmen in Swalwell are still more numerous than at Winlayton. The villages of High and Low Team, situate to the south-east of Swalwell, are chiefly peopled by the manufacturers employed in the same works: There several of the large ar∣ticles are made, and manufacturing saws constitutes a principal branch; the plates are not beat, but produced by fusion in a mould.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure]
Pedigree of the several Families of CLAVERING of Calleley, Tilmouth, Axwell, and Berrington, as deduced by Sir WILLIAM DUGDALE, and continued to the present Time. (VOL. II. PAGE 443.)

  • Eustachius, a noble Norman, had two sons, (See Mon. Angl. vol. II. p. 592,—819.)
  • Serlo de Burgh came into England with the Conqueror, and built Knaresborough Castle.—Died without issue.
  • John called Monoculus, from having but one eye, heir to Serlo.
  • Pagan.
  • William.
  • Eustace died in the Welsh wars, 3d King Hen. II. Vir magnus et Grandaeus.
  • Beatrix, only d. and h. of lvo de Vescy.—2d wife.
  • William de Vescy, cut out of his mother's belly, after her death.
  • Burga, sister of Robt. de Stuteville, Lord of Knaresborough.
  • Eustace de Vescy,
  • ..... d. of William King, of Scotland.
  • William de Vescy.
  • Agnes, d. of Count Ferres.
  • Matilda.
  • Cecilia.
  • Agnes, eldest daugh. of Will. Fitz Neil, Baron of Halton, and sist. and h. to her bro. Wm.—1st wife.
  • Richard, Baron of Halton, and Constable of Chester, in right of his mother.
  • Albreda, d. and h. of Robt. de Lizures. After mar. to William Fitz Williams.
  • John, who took the furn. of Lacy, together with the arms, was constable of Chelster.— Ob. 25th Hen. II.
  • Henry de Lacy left an only daughter.
  • ...... married to the Earl of Lancaster, on whom she settled all her lands, and from them the Lacys, Earls of Lincoln (now extinct) descended.
  • Roger, 1st Baron of Wark∣worth, by the gift of King Hen. II.
  • Eleanor, d. and coh. of Henry of Essex, Baron of Raleigh.
  • Robert founded Langley monastery, in Norf. King Rich. gave him Eure, in Bucks, was sher. of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Northumb.
  • Margt. only d. & h. to Wm. de Caisneto (vulgo Cheney) relict of Hugh de Cresey.
  • John, Baron of Warkworth and Clavering, in Ess.
  • Ada, d. and h. of ...... Baliol.
  • Hugh de Eure, from whom the Lords Eure descended.
  • Roger, Baron of Warkworth and Clavering. Ob. 33d Hen. III.
  • ........ ......
  • Robert, Baron of Warkworth and Clavering, died 3d Edw. II. having had summons to parliament, from 23d Edw. I. to 4th Edw. II.—Had great possessions in Norfolk, Suffolk, Bucks, Northamptonshire, Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland.
  • Margery de la Zouch.
  • Sir John Clavering, Knt. had this surname given by King Edw. I. from the place of his estate in Essex.—Summoned to parliament from 28th Edw. II. to 5th Edw. III.—Died at his manor of Aynhoin, Northamptonshire (s. p. male) 1332, bur. in Langley abbey.—Settled his manors of Newburn, Warkworth, Rothbury, and Corbridge, in the crown, which were given to Hen. Percy and his heirs, by Edw. III.—The manors of Aynho and Horford, he gave to Ralph Neville and his heirs, who, at last, inherited them (his brother Edmund dying s. p.) whereby this family were de∣prived of these large inheritances, which otherwise would have de∣scended to them.
  • Hawise, dau. of Robert Tibitot.
  • Tho. de Audley, 1st husband.
  • Eve, only d. and h. mar. 4 times.
  • Ralph de Neville 2d husband.
  • Ralph.
  • Robert.
  • Ralph de Elfford, 3d husband.
  • John.
  • Robert.
  • Edmund.
  • Robert Benhall, Knt. 4th husband, ob. s. p.
  • Edmund.
  • Sir Alexander.
  • Robert.
  • Henry.
  • Roger left an only daugh. Margery, who died unm.
  • Sir Allan Clavering, Knt. inherited no part of his brother's estates, but what he had inde∣pendant of him, given by his father, which were Calleley and Yetlington.—Died 2d King Edw. III.
  • Isabel, eld d. and coh. to Wm. Riddel of Tilmouth, and who brought the e∣states of Duddo, Greenlaw, and Til∣mouth, with other possessions, into the family.
  • William de Clavering died 20th Edw. III.
  • Matilda, died 26th Edward III.
  • Sir Robert Clavering, Knt. a soldier.—Ob. 17th Rich. II.
  • John Clavering bred a soldier, a knighted.—Died 4th Hen. VI.
  • Johanna, d. of Tho. Hetton.
  • Robert Clavering died 31st Hen. VI.
  • Elizabeth.
  • Robert Clavering died Edw. IV.
  • John Clavering died 2d Hen. VII.
  • Isabella, or Elizabeth ....... ..... .. after mar. ...... Gray.
  • Robert Clavering ob. 6th Dec. 10th Hen. VIII.
  • Joan, alias Jane, d. of ...... Reims of Shortflat, in Northumb.
  • John Clavering of Calleley, ob. 28th Hen. VIII. 1536.
  • Eliz. d. of ...... Fenwick, of Fenwick, in Northumb.
  • Rob. Clavering of Calleley, died 25th Eliz. 1583.
  • Ann, d. and coh. Sir Tho. Gray of Horton, in co. Northumb. Knt.
  • Robert Clavering, of Calleley, died 42d Elizabeth, 1600.
  • Mary, d. Sir Cuth. Colling∣wood, of Eslington, in Northumb. Knt.
  • Sir John Clavering, Knt. died in prison, for his loyalty to Cha. I. 22d Charles.
  • Anne, d. Sir Tho. Riddel, of Gates∣head, Knt.
  • Sir Robert Clavering, a Col. in regt. in service of the king, and a knight banne∣ret.—Died unm. (vita patris) 1643, Aet. 26.
  • John, a Rom. Cath. priest, and resigned his estate to his bro∣ther Ralph, reserving an annuity.—Aet. 46, in 1666.
  • Ralph Clavering, of Calleley, Aet. 44 in 1666.
  • Mary, d. Wm. Middleton, of Stokeld, in co. York, Esq
  • John Clavering, of Calleley, Esq b. 1659.
  • ...

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] genealogy

  • Anne, 4th dau. of William, 2d Lord Widdrington.
  • John b. 13th Apr. 1688, died unmarried.
  • Wm. born 1689, d. unmar.
  • Robert b. 1690, unm.
  • Ralph b. 1695, m. 1st Aug. 1723, d. 1748.
  • Mary, d. Nich. Stapleton, alias Errington of Ponteland, & of Carleton in co. York.
  • Ralph-Peter, 3d son and h. b. 27th June, 1727, died at St. Omer's, in 1787, m. 3 wives.
  • 1st Eliza. d. Jas. Egan, Esq d. 7th May, 1761, s. p.
  • 2d Frances, d. John Lynch, Esq ob. 24th Nov. 1765, at Douay.
  • John-Aloyzius Clavering, born 22d July 1765, living 1794.
  • 3d Mary, d. Edw. Walsh, Esq
  • Ralph, ob. infant.
  • Edward.
  • Mary mar. Hen. Robinson, Esq a banker in London.
  • Lucy mar. John Stapleton, of Clintz, Esq
  • Francis-Monica-Anne.
  • Ellen-Elizabeth, born 1783.
  • 2 Johns both died infants.
  • Nicholas, a Rom. Ca. priest, 1764, 4th son.
  • Francis, 5th son.
  • Eleanor, d. ..... Lamb∣ton of White∣hall, in co. Durh. ob. s. p.
  • Joseph, 6th son died an infant.
  • Mary mar. Nich. Ma∣grah, died July 1758, s. p.
  • Anne, abbess of English nuns at Pon∣toise near Paris.
  • Winefrid, a nun at Ghent, in Flanders.
  • Catharine died unmar. at Newc. about 1774.
  • Elizabeth died an infant.
  • Barbara, a nun at Bruges in Flanders.
  • John b. 1700, d. unm.
  • Mary b. 1692.
  • Anne m. Fra. Maire, of Hardwick, in co. Durh. Esq ob. s. p. 1783, Aet. 83.
  • Mary mar. Gerrard Salvyn, of Croxdale, in co. Durh. Esq
  • Thomas and Peter.
  • Wm. Clavering, of Berrington, mar. Barbara, d. Hen. Lambton, of Lamb∣ton, Esq
  • Eleanor, mar. John Thirlwell of Thirwell in Northumb.
  • Jane,
  • Mary.
  • Eliza. ob. s. p.
  • Robert, all died without issue.
  • William,
  • James,
  • Anne, m. Rob. Clavering of Tilmouth.
  • John was fellow of Eaton College, and Rector of Gamlingue, in co. Camb. had a son Thomas.
  • James Clavering, of Newc. and Axwell, in co. Durham.
  • Grace, d. and coh. of Rog. Nicholson of Newcastle mercht
  • John Clavering of Axwell, Esq
  • Anne, d. Rob. Shafto, James. Esq of Newcastle.
  • James Clavering, of Axwell, created a Bart. 5th June, 1661. Bur. at Whickham.
  • Jane, d. and h. Chas. Maddison of Sutwell∣side, in co. Durham.—Had 13 children, two only survived.
  • John Clavering, of Whitehouse, died vita patris.
  • Dorothy, d. Hen. Saville, of Methley in co. York, Esq
  • Jas. succeeded his grandf. as 2d Bart. died without leav. issue male.
  • Eliz d. Sir Wm. Mid∣dleton of Belsey, in Northumb. Bart.
  • A son died an infant.
  • Henry died 11th Aug. 1711, bur. at Lanchester.
  • A dau. mar. Nich. Fenwick of Newcastle Esq
  • Sir John, 3d Bart.
  • Jane, d. Rob. Mallabar of Newc. mercht. d. 12th May, 1729.
  • John died an infant.
  • Jas. Clavering 4th Bart. died abroad, on his travels, in 1726, aet. 18, unm. when the title went to his uncle, Francis Clavering.
  • Alice
  • Ld. Winsor.
  • Eliz.
  • Ld. Dunker∣ron, son to Ld. Shel∣burne.
  • Fr. succeeded his neph. as 5th Bart. d. 31st Dec. 1738, s. p. & succeeded in title by Jas. Clavering of Greencroft.
  • Susan, d. of Mr. Sells, ob. s. p.
  • Sarah
  • Edw. Harrison.
  • Dorothy
  • Chas. Waite.
  • Anne
  • William Hauxley.
  • Eliza died unmarried.
  • James Clavering, of Greencroft, in co. Durham, Esq
  • Jane, d. and coh. Benj. Ellison, of Newc. mercht.
  • James Clavering, Esq of Greencroft, succeeded as 6th Bart. on death of his cousin, Sir Francis Clavering of Axwell, in Dec. 1738. Bur. at Lanchester, 16th May, 1748.
  • Catharine, dau. Thos. Yorke, of Richmond, in co. York, Esq d. 29th Nov. 1723.
  • 4 sons and two daughters, all died infants.
  • Sir Tho. Clavering, the 7th baronet, bap. 19th June, 1718. Memb. in parl. for co. Durh.—Living May 1794.
  • ...... d. of Joshua Douglas, of New∣castle, Attorney at Law.
  • Geo. Clavering, Esq of Green∣croft, bap. 10th Nov. 1719, mar. 3 wives.—Ob. 1793.
  • 1. .... d. of Dr. Bromwell, of Rombaldkirk. Ob. s. p.
  • 2. .... d. of Palmer, and widow of Sir John Pole, Bart.
  • Tho. Clavering, Esq.
  • ..... a French Lady.
  • A son.
  • A daughter.
  • 3. ... Ellison.
  • Sir John Clavering, K.B. bap. 31st Aug. 1722.—A maj. gen. and commander in chief in the East Indies, left several chil∣dren now living.
  • .... d. of Ld. De∣lawar.
  • Elizabeth d. Lionel Vane, of Long Newton, Esq ob. 1746, s. p.
  • Benjamin, bap. 15th March, 1682.—Died an inf. 26th April, 1683.
  • Jane, mar. 12th Oct. 1707, to Tho. Liddel, Esq father to late Lord Ravensworth.
  • Elizabeth born 1684.
  • Anne died unmar. 14th Nov. 1750.
  • Alice married Geoffrey of Newcastle, 13th Oct. 1712.
  • Robert Clavering,
  • Jane, only d. and h. Toby Dudley, of Chopwell, in co. Durh. Esq
  • Dudley Clavering, ob. s. p.
  • John Claver∣ing of Chop∣well.
  • Anne, 2d d. Sir. Hen. Thompson of Escrick, in co. York, Knt.
  • Dudley died an infant.
  • Mary mar. Will. Lord Cowper, High Chancellor of England.
  • Anne mar. Hen Liddel, 3d son Sir Hen. Liddle, Bart.
  • Elizab. 2d d. & coh. of Thomas Hard∣wick, of Potter Newton, in co. York, Esq ob. May 1704.
  • John Clavering, of Chopwell, memb. for Penryn in Cornwall.
  • Elizabeth.
  • Margaret.
  • Jane.
  • Emilia.
  • James was of Grays Inn, Lond. died unm.
  • John died at Hamburgh.
  • William Clavering, killed at the battle of Clavering Cross.
  • Robert Clavering,
  • ........
  • Robert Clavering, from whom the Claverings of Learchild, in co. of ...... descended, and now thought to be extinct.
  • Ralph Clavering, seated at Tilmouth, in co. Durh.
  • Edward Clavering of Tilmouth.
  • Ralph Clavering of Tilmouth.
  • Robert Clavering of Tilmouth, was a capt. in the regt. of Sir Rob. Clavering, Knt. Banneret.
  • Anne, d. of Rob. Clavering of Calleley, and Mary Collingwood.
  • Robert Clavering of Tilmouth, married, but died without issue.
  • William Clavering, of Tilmouth,
  • Dorothy, d. of Rich. Selby, Esq mayor of Berwick
  • Robert was Bishop of Peterborough.
  • Mary, 2d d. of John Cook, a Spanish mercht.
  • Robt. Mary m. Rev. Fred. Wiliiams, preb. of Peterborough, 3d son of William-Peere Willams, Counsellor at Law.
  • Catharine.
  • Susannah, m. Rev. Will. Brown, a preb. of Peterborough.
  • Anne.
  • Wm. was a brave soldier, govern. of Dickey's Cove, in Africa, died unm.
  • Thomas Clavering was gov. of Norham Castle, and died s. p.
  • Thomas.
  • Robert.
  • Roger.
  • Robert de Eure, ancestor to the Eures of Axholm, in Lincolnshire.
  • Isabel, d. and coh. of Roger de Merley.
  • ARMS.—Quarterly, Or and Gules, a bend sable.
  • CREST.—Out of a ducal coronet, Or, a Demy Lion, issuant, azure.
  • CLAVERINGS OF BERRINGTON CONTINUED.
  • William Clavering, of Berrington, Esq 6th son of Sir John Clavering, of Calleley, by Ann his wife, d. of Sir Thomas Riddell, of Gateshead, Knt.
  • Barbara, d. of Henry Lambton, of Lambton, in co. Dur. Esq
  • 1st, ....... Clavering, ob. s. p.
  • 2d, .... ... Clavering, of Berrington, Esq
  • .... dau. of ..... Widdrington, of Horsley, co. Northumb, Esq
  • 2d, Edward Clavering.
  • 3d, ...... Clavering, mar. .... d. .... Blackett. Ob. s. p.
  • 1st, William Clavering, of Berrington, Esq
  • ...... dau. of ..... Whittenham of Whittenham, c. Sanc. Esq wid. of ..... Dalton, of Thurnham, Esq
  • 1. John Clavering, ob. celebs.
  • 3. Henry Clavering, living 1794.
  • 4. William Clavering, Berrington, Esq living 1794.
  • 2. Edward Clavering, of
  • ...... d. of .... Lesley, Esq of Scotland.
  • .... a daughter. Ob. celebs
  • ...... a daug. mar. .... Rogers.
  • .... a d. mar. ..... Young-husband, of Tugall, Esq
  • Barbara living celebs, in Durham, ao. 1794.

Page 443

After these works were brought to answer the proprietor's view, his benevo∣lence dictated to him that it was necessary to institute a code of laws for the establishment of peace and good order; not only calculated for the profit and use of the master, but the ease, tranquillity, and happiness of the servant; those, after amendments and additions as cases and exigencies dictated, have become certain and established. To put those laws in execution, a court of arbitrators was constituted at Winlaton, to be holden every ten weeks, for hearing and de∣termining cases among the workmen, to which all have an appeal. The fees are fixed beyond innovation, at a moderate rate. This institution has the most happy and extensive use, it quiets the differences of the people, protects their claims to justice in an easy and expeditious manner, preserves them from the ex∣pences and distress of common law, and the noisome miseries of a prison. As a further protection of civilization, to promote good manners, and inspire re∣ligious principles, schools are established at Winlaton, Winlaton mill, and Swal∣well, for the sole benefit of the workmen's children, where they are instructed in reading, writing, and accounts. The poor and distressed were objects of the founder's solicitude; he appointed a surgeon for the relief of the whole body of workmen, by whose timely assistance many lives and limbs have been preserved to the public: When a workman is ill, he has money advanced by the agent; when superannuated or disabled, he has a weekly maintenance; and when he dies, his family is provided for.
What eulogium can be suitable to the benevolence here displayed, or panegyric express the virtues thus exercised! The exulting spirits of thousands daily breathe praises before Heaven, which no language can compre∣hend. Our correspondent adds,
It is in tears the country confess, none of this excellent family of the name of Crawley at present exist. Mrs Theodosia Crawley, relict of John Crawley, esq the last of the name, died on the 7th of May, 1782, aet. 88. There is no doubt her successors will tread in the same ge∣nerous and benevolent steps.

Before we quit Swalwell, it is to be observed, that by bishop Hatfield's Survey it is noted, that the vill was then held by Will. Swalwells; and by various in∣quisitions, it appears it remained in that family till about the sixth year of bishop Langley, when Roger de Thornton acquired the same, by whose heiress it passed to the Lumleys, in the time of bishop Booth * 110.13.

Opposite to Swalwell, on the northern banks of Derwent, situate on grounds inclining towards the south-east, and diversified by beautiful risings and irregular swells, lies AXWELL PARK, the seat of Sir Thomas Clavering, baronet, an elegant modern house of Payne's architecture, surrounded with a fine park, and groves of

Page 444

forest wood, disposed with that irregularity which constitutes true rural beauty, maintaining the countenance of nature with the simplest embellishments of art: The house is built of freestone, and placed on elevated ground, so as to command a fine prospect, and become a pleasing object in various points of view in the ad∣jacent country. From its eminence the south front of the house commands a view of the country adjoining Whickham, and the rich wood-lands of Gibside; the east front a prospect of the busy Tyne, Benwell, Newcastle, Gateshead, and the shipping below the bridge; the new bridge of Swalwell of three arches, and the village on the front ground to the right. The old family house was called Whitehouse, and stood at the distance of half a mile to the westward of the present mansion, in a sequestered situation. The first of the Claverings whom we find seated here was John Clavering, the son of James Clavering, and grandson of Robert Claver∣ing, esq who died in the twenty-fifth year of queen Elizabeth, 1582, whose next successor there was James Clavering, esq * 110.14; created a baronet the 5th of June, 1661. —See pedigree annexed.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Axwell Park
AXWELL PARK

Page 445

The Parish of WHICKHAM.

The first account we have of the manor of Whickham is in the Boldon Book, where the bishop had xxxv villain tenants, each of whom held an oxgang of land, consisting of fifteen acres, at sixteen pence rent, exclusive of services, which were severe. Every villain wrought for the lord three days each week in the year, besides the labour of harvest and plowing; they were bound to erect a cottage forty feet long, and fifteen wide, every year, for the maintenance of the town, and carry and fetch from Durham and Bedlington, the bishop's baggage, &c. when re∣quired, with the allowance of the corrody whilst they wrought. They also paid nine shillings cornage rent, and provided a milch cow for the lord, and for every oxgang of land they found a hen and ten eggs, and served in the lord's fishery in Tyne. The headborough man, who is stiled praepositus, now called the greve, had twenty-four acres of land allotted to him in recompense for the duties of his office. The manor was then under firm with the villain service, mills, carts, barrows, fisheries, and twenty chalder of oats of the bishop's measure, rendering twenty-seven pounds, and performing certain services in carriage, for which there was an al∣lowance of two pence for every horse. The punder had land assigned him, besides an acknowledgement from every tillage farm by the threave; and he provided the bishop with forty hens and three hundred eggs. In bishop Bury's time we find one Robert Bridock held some small parcels of land here, by homage and xs. rent at the bishop's exchequer* 111.1: And also Will. Herring † 111.2, other small parcels, by the service of a rose. In the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, Alan Gategang died seised of four acres of meadow in Whickham, held in capite by homage and fealty, and a pound of cumin; also lands called Jopsriding, near the river Tame, held also in capite by homage and fealty. Ralph Clerk, in the seventh year of the same pre∣late, died seised of seven acres of land in Whickham field, with a messuage, and one hundred acres in Whickham, held in capite by fealty and xs. rent ‡ 111.3. Will. Freeman also held a parcel of land there, in the sixteenth year of bishop Hatfield. By the survey taken at the last-mentioned prelate's command, we find that Peter Graper then held, in right of his wife, a messuage and fourscore acres of land that were Freeman's: The earl of Northumberland held the manor of Fugerhouse, con∣taining one hundred acres by estimation, by foreign service and xs. rent; also one coal work there, rendering xxvij l. xiij s. iiij d. Swalwell mill, with its duties and

Page 446

the fishery then brought in xxl. but had formerly produced xxxviij l. The ser∣vices of the villain tenants do not differ much from those set out in the Boldon

Page 447

Book, but are thereby much illustrated, as amongst various other matters the work in Tyne is stated, and the xx chalders of oats before mentioned in the firm, are set forth as part of the bond rent. In bishop Skirlaw's time, the family of Claxton had acquired lands there * 111.4. In the twenty-fourth year of bishop Langley, on the death of Roger Thornton, it appeared he held, for term of life, certain waste lands called Fugerfeld, and also thirty acres called Rydding, by the grant of John duke of Bedford, which reverted to the duke on his death.

The town of Whickham hangs on the brow of a hill, with an open eastern as∣pect: The chief buildings, which are many of them modern and handsome, stand on the southern side, on the brink of a steep descent, so as to overlook the rest of the town: The prospect is remarkably beautiful, comprehending part of Gateshead, with the church, the tower of St Nicholas in Newcastle, the castle, and much of the town on the margin of the river; to the right, Gateshead fell, patched with innumerable cottages, quarries, wind mills, and other objects; to the left, the pleasant villages of Ryton, Benwell, Elswick, Newburn, Lemmington, and other places before noted, whilst through the deep vale the river Tyne† 111.5 forms a fine

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canal of seven or eight miles in extent, and flows with solemn majesty, as if con∣scious of the wealth that loads its bosom: Prior's description of Thames is very ap∣plicable,

"Serene yet strong, majestic yet sedate, "Swift without violence, without terror great."

The church of Whickham shews much antiquity in its architecture, and very little beauty: There are two side ailes, separated from the center by three short round pillars, and four circular arches, without any mouldings, the capitals of the columns square, with a rose or knot at the corners; the whole nave ill lighted, and the west end crouded with galleries, thrown into four angles; the pulpit is in the center, and faces the south. The chancel is divided from the nave by stalls, has lately been repaired and sashed * 111.6.

The reader will revert to the transactions during the usurpation, touching church possessions† 111.7; and also in the succeeding annals of the bishops the several demises are noted. The manors of Whickham and Gateshead are now in lease

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under the bishop of Durham to the late lord Ravensworth and others, at the year∣ly reserved rent of 235l. 11s. 4d.

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DUNSTAN is on a pleasant situation, and Mr Carr's delightful villa commands a beautiful prospect of the town of Newcastle and adjacent country.

The manor of AXSELS, in the seventeenth of bishop Hatfield, was the estate of William de Birtley, who held the same in capite under the rent of 13s. 4d. In that prelate's survey it is noted, that the heirs of Hugh del Redhough held the vill of Axsels by foreign service, rendering 15s. 4d. Hugh, the heir, died in the be∣ginning of bishop Skirlaw's pontificate, when there were two dowers charged on this manor, one for Agnes his wife, and the other for Alice the wife of Thomas de Stafford* 111.8. In bishop Langley's time, Roger de Thornton acquired the manor of Axsels of Thomas de Redhough, and the same passed by the heiress of that family with their other large possessions.

The manor of HOLLINSIDE was the estate of the Burtons, alias Burdens, in the time of bishop Bury, and was held in capite by homage, fealty, and suit of court, rendering 6s. 8d. in silver at the exchequer. It soon afterwards became the estate of the Redhoughs† 111.9, by the marriage of Agnes the daughter and heiress of Hugh Burton, alias Burden. It came afterwards to the Massams; and in the tenth of bishop Langley, was aliened by Robert de Massam to trustees, under limi∣tations to the heirs of the bodies of him and Agnes his wife. The Hardings were owners, and in the tenth year of bishop Nevill, Ralph Harding, son and heir of Sir Richard Harding, had livery thereof. The last male of that family died in poverty, and the estate fell into the hands of the family of Bowes by foreclosure of mortgage.

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The adjacent country wears an unpleasant aspect to the traveller, cut and har∣rowed up with loaded carriages, scattered over with mean cottages, from whence swarm forth innumerable inhabitants, maintained by working in the mines; where many a sooty face is seen by every hedge-way side: The workmen earn great wages, which recompense every other evil. The meagreness of the tract by which you pass to the environs of Gibside, renders the scene more striking, and enhances the beauties of the pass which leads immediately to those Elysian shades.

By a serpentine road, for a mile in length, you wind through the bosom of a thick forest, sometimes on the brink of a deep valley, at intervals descending on the easy inclination of the hill, still embowered with venerable oaks, before you ap∣proach the mansion and enter the opener works: The first escape from the wood presents you with a view of the banqueting-house, on a very elevated situation, terminating a spacious avenue: This structure is in a high Gothic stile, garnished with pinnacles. After passing a piece of water, the chief objects open upon you; to the right lies a noble sylvan scene, of great extent, hanging on inclining grounds, from a lofty summit, to the very skirts of the vale; in the midst of which, as a terminating object to the grand vista, rises a fine Ionic column of stone, highly wrought, not less, as we compute, than one hundred and forty feet in height, finished with an elegant gilt statue of British Liberty, in whose service the person who erected the work was enthusiastically virtuous: As you turn from this object, you look upon a terrace above a mile in length, terminated by a new chapel, built in a most elegant stile, with a rich portico and dome, highly embellished. The chief parts of the mansion-house are old, of the architecture which prevailed in the beginning of the seventeenth century, containing many spacious apartments: The back part of the house is placed so near the brink of a very steep descent, as merely to admit a terrace walk; from whence is a prospect, though narrow, highly picturesque and beautiful; you look down into a deep vale of meadow grounds, washed by the river Derwent, shut in on the right by hanging woods, and on the left by cultivated lands rising in irregular swells from the banks of the river, and terminated in the center by a lofty cliff much shaken and torn: Walks are cut through the groves, and wind along the margin of the river: Although nature has spread various rich gifts over the scene, yet art has bestowed a multitude of embellishments; the buildings before mentioned, the green-house, bath, and other edifices, are finished in a good taste, and some of them in a superb stile; with regard to the sylvan beauties, they are not to be paralleled in the whole county.

There are some good pictures in the house; among the chief is a large piece of Rubens's wife, whilst pregnant, in a fruit-shop; the expression is inimitable, yet at∣tempted to be rivalled by the curiosity of the old woman she addresses; the col∣lection of fruit is infinite, and well displayed. A picture of game, the painter's name not known, the figures large as life; an excellent painting. In the study is a fine portrait of Sir Martin Bowes. A portrait, marked A. Bowes, 1572, aet. 49, with many other modern portraits of the family.

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GIBSIDE was the ancient estate of the Merleys, who held the vill of Merley, with the manor of Gippeset in capite by fealty, paying a mark at the exchequer yearly, and doing suit of court. Richard de Merley, in the third year of bishop Fordham, enfeoffed Alicia de Massam of Massam, and William Martin chaplain, in fee simple of the manor of Gebsete, the vill of Hedley, and the manor of Merley * 111.10. It continued in the Massams till the time of bishop Langley, when Robert Massam obtained licence to alien to the Merleys † 111.11: And in the first year of bishop Ruthall, John Merley, as son and heir of William, had livery of Gibside ‡ 111.12: In the twelfth year of bishop Tunstall, on the 10th of October, Roger Blakiston, esq and Eliza∣beth his wife, daughter and heiress of Richard Merley, had livery of Gibside ‖ 111.13. Sir William Bowes, by intermarriage with Elizabeth, the heiress of Sir Francis Blakiston of Gibside, in the latter end of the seventeenth century, acquired that family's large possessions.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Gibside
GIBSIDE

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[figure] view of Gateshead Church
GATESHEAD CHURCH
The Parish of GATESHEAD.

The ancient borough of Gateshead consists chiefly of one long street, descending to the bridge leading over Tyne to Newcastle: Much doubt has arose with our antiquaries touching the etymology of the name. It must content us to accept the Saxon appellation of Gaetsheved as sufficiently expressive of this place; where, if the Romans had a bridge, it is probable they also had a tower and gate for its defence; and after the Saxons were possessors, we may conceive this material pass was strongly fortified, and thence the name of Gaetsheved may be derived, from the circumstance of the street leading to the tower and gate of the bridge. The word gaet or gate is commonly used for way in this country * 111.14, so that this name might signify the head of the great way to Tyne bridge.

The most material circumstance in which we find Gateshead noted in ancient history, is touching the catastrophe related of bishop Walcher, when on the 14th of May, 1080, the church was reduced to ashes. We have no account that shews when Gateshead church was first erected, or by whom; but from the preceding cir∣cumstance,

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it appears to be one of the most ancient within the district. When or from whom the borough of Gateshead had its foundation we are also ignorant; the first record we find relative to it * 111.15 is that of bishop Pudsey, in the year 1164, in which he gives to the burgesses of Gateshead the liberty of his forest there, under certain restrictions: By this charter the bishop grants also to the burgesses, that each shall have in right of his burgage similar liberties to those enjoyed by the burgesses of Newcastle in right of their burgages; and that they shall have free passage within the liberties of the palatinate with their goods, clear of all dues and exactions † 111.16. The next record of note is bishop Hatfield's Survey, in which various particulars are set forth, and the possessors of several tenements are named, but it contains nothing re∣lative to the ancient constitution of the borough, so that we must give up the hopes of recovering that curious particular, as the records from whence it might be best presumed to be acquired are silent ‡ 111.17. The last mentioned prelate, in the year 1348, appointed by writ of privy seal a keeper of his park of Gateshead ‖ 111.18, which of∣ficer was constantly named in succession by other bishops of the See: To this office bishop Nevill added that of keeper of the tower of Gateshead in 1438 § 111.19: As in other

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boroughs the bishop had his bailiff there * 111.20. In 1557 bishop Tunstall granted a charter to the company of glovers within the borough of Gateshead. In 1602 bishop Matthew incorporated sundry trades: And bishop Cosin, by his letters pa∣tent, bearing date at Durham, the 16th day of September, the thirteenth of king Charles II. A. D. 1661, incorporated the drapers, taylors, mercers, hardwaremen, coopers, and chandlers in Gateshead, into a commonalty, fellowship, and company. In king Edward the Sixth's time Gateshead was annexed to Newcastle, but in the succeeding reign it was re-united to the bishopric of Durham.

The religious settlements at Monkchester would most probably encourage others on the southern shore. We repeat what the ingenious Mr Grose has said touching the hospital of St Edmund, before our readers proceed to the records:

This house seems to have been of no great eminence, since it is not mentioned by Dugdale, except in his general catalogue of the religious houses and their value, where there is the following entry among those of Durham; Gatesheved, hospital of St Edmund, 5l. 9s. 4d. It is only thus slightly touched on by Tanner, ad caprae caput, Goatshead or Gateshide, a monastery here, whereof Uttan was abbot before A. D. 653: But in the notes he refers to Bede's Ecclesiastical History, book iii. chap. 21, and to Leland's Collectanea † 111.21. In the latter is a transcript from the former, where, among the holy men chosen by Peada, son of king Penda, to in∣struct him in the Christian religion, one Adda is mentioned, who is there said to be brother to Uttan, an illustrious presbyter and abbot of the monastery called Goatshead: Tanner likewise cites Bourne, who in his History of Newcastle says, the monastery of Uttanus was where Mr Riddle's or Gateshead house now is. From the following passage in Leland's Itinerary, vol. vii. part i. page 78, added to the entry before quoted from Dugdale's Catalogue, it appears as if this monastery was converted into an hospital before the dissolution of religious houses; whereas the hospital (says he) is now of St Edmund at Gateshed in Wyrale, was some tyme a monastary as I have hard, and be lykelyhod the same that Bede spekythe of. In the Magna Britan∣nia, published in 1720, a different relation is given of this house, to that taken

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from Speed, in these words: Gateshead, a religious house dedicated to St Edmund who was the founder or benefactor, is not known, but the revenues are found to be 109l. 4s. 4d. per ann. Perhaps the former might be the value delivered into the king's commissioners, and this its true amount. From these obscure accounts little to be depended upon can be collected respecting its ancient history; the following is its present state: Its remains stand in Gateshead, on the east or right hand side of the high street leading to Newcastle bridge, from which it is distant about half a mile. The entrance is through a low square stone gate, decorated with pilasters, and seemingly of modern construction. The scite of the house with its offices and gardens, occupied about two acres and a half of land: Towards the east end of it are the ruins of a mansion, which, from the stile of its architecture, seems to have been built since the dissolution of the monastery, perhaps out of its materials. This probably was Mr Riddle's house alluded to by Bourne, and the gateway before mentioned was in all likelihood erected at the same time. Nearest the road stands the chapel, whose west end is handsomely ornamented with a number of pointed arches and niches, though the inside seems remarkably plain: It consists of a single aile, twenty-one paces broad, by twenty-six long; some steps at the east end leading to the altar are still remaining; near them is a grave stone, on which is cut a cross similar to that on the jamb of the church door at Jarrow; it has also the marks of an inlaid border about it, but the brass is gone. The arches of the windows (except those of the east and west ends, which are entirely pointed) are round within, and pointed on the outside. A remarkable ornament is mounted on the east end, on a slender rod, being a small circle chequered by several bars crossing each other at right angles. In the year 1745 or 46, this chapel, being, as it is said, made use of by the Roman Catholics, was out of a misguided zeal set on fire by some persons, who perhaps meant to pass for good Protestants, but by this their intolerant fury, shewed them∣selves to be actuated by those very principles they affected so much to contemn. This monastery is now the property of Ralph Clavering, esq of Callaly, and is chiefly used for garden ground * 111.22.

This account gives us ground to suppose, that on the martyrdom of bishop Wal∣cher, the old monastery and church were reduced to ashes; but whether they were situated where Mr Grose has attempted to place them, the reader will form his own conjectures. In the quotation from the Magna Britannia, it is said, touching the hospital of St Edmund, "who was the founder or benefactor is not known." It is probable that the ruined monastery, which had been a scene of such violation, sacrilege, and murder, would lie under the horror of those crimes, deserted and un∣restored for some time; and it was not till the year 1247 that we hear of the hos∣pital rising, as Mr Grose has presumed, from its ashes. In that year, bishop Farnham founded the hospital of St Edmund the Confessor in Gateshead, for a master

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and three subordinate brethren* 111.23, for whose maintenance he granted the vill of Ul∣kistan, with the manor of Gateshead, and wood-lands thereto belonging, called Benchelm, also certain escheated lands in Aluresacyres, but no mention is therein made of any ancient monastery or the lands of such. As by this foundation, the appropriated tenements were dismembered from the church of Durham, in com∣pensation the bishop by the same deed assigned lands in Staindrop, with the advow∣son of the church there, lands in Winston with the advowson of the church, lands and services in Thymelby, lands in Creyk, bought of Robert de Raskelf, all the vill of Herdwick near Stockton, obtained in part by purchase and part in exchange for the manor of Bradewood, also certain money payments out of the bishop and prior of Carlisle's ecclesiastical rights in Northumberland, together with the advowson of the church of Stamfordham in that county. This foundation charter received con∣firmation from the prior and convent of Durham. The bishop also instituted cer∣tain ordinances for the government of the hospital, and by the same instrument united therewith the chapel or hospital of the Holy Trinity in Gateshead† 111.26. Bishop Hatfield, in 1378, granted several tenements in augmentation of the hospital of St Edmund, by the stile of S'ti Edmundi regis. In bishop Langley's time, A. D. 1448, on the petition of the prioress and nuns of St Bartholomew in Newcastle, in which the insufficiencies and failures of the revenues of their house are set forth, the bishop appropriated St Edmund's hospital thereto, by the stile of the hospital of St Edmund the Bishop‡ 111.27. Whether upon the surrender by the prioress, the hospital

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was totally suppressed or not, is uncertain, but king James I. refounded an hospital in Gateshead, called the hospital or free chapel of St Edmund king and martyr, and for that purpose granted his charter, dated the 8th of January, 1610, by which it was ordained, that the house should from thenceforth bear the name of the hospital of king James, in Gateshead, in the county palatine of Durham, for the reception of three poor men, and that the rector of the church of Gateshead should be master, and they should be incorporated by the stile of the master and brethren of the hospital of king James in Gateshead, and capable of acquiring lands, tenements, &c * 111.28. He granted to the

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master and brethren the hospital or edifice known by the name of the hospital or free chapel of St Edmund king and martyr, within the vill of Gateshead, or by the name of the hospital of St Edmund the bishop in Gateshead, with the scite of the mansion-house and garden, and certain lands at Shotley bridge,

with all such their rights, members, liberties, and appurtenances whatsoever, which the master and breth∣ren of the hospital aforesaid, and their predecessors, or any of them, for the space of sixty years then last past and next preceding the date of these letters patent, had uninterruptedly held and enjoyed.
And it was also thereby ordained, that during the time of master Hutton, each of the three paupers should receive yearly 3l. 6s. 8d. out of the revenues of the endowment, and after his time the masters should receive to their own use one third part only of the revenues, and the other two parts be distributed to the brethren. From this deed it may be understood, by implication, that the hospital had been a second time erected before the time of this charter: The original constitution was totally altered, and indeed one may ap∣prehend, that the first foundation was utterly dissolved; who had again begun this pious work, or when, we have no record to shew. This charter tells us the muni∣ments which evidenced the foundation and endowment were lost; such could not be the case if it arose from the original institution by bishop Farnham; the more modern foundation, in the distraction of those times which intervened between the year 1535 and 1610, might probably be lost or destroyed; and this observation gains strength by the reference in the charter to sixty years quiet enjoyment, by the master appointed thereby and his predecessors, expressions not only useless, but repug∣nant to common sense, if the hospital was instantly rising under that charter. Not having other records to refer to in support of the idea, we leave the conjectures for the reader's application* 111.29.

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From all the uncertainties noted in the account of St Edmund's, it is probable king James's foundation did not affect the chapel described by Mr Grose, but that the nuns of Newcastle had a cell there, within the ancient limits of the hospital possessions; perhaps on the scite of the hospital of the Holy Trinity, or that there were two hospitals, one dedicated to St Edmund the bishop, and the other to St Edmund king and martyr, in distant and distinct situations; or how can we recon∣cile the facts of the chapel so described going to decay, and that together with the whole scite of the adjacent buildings and surrounding lands being in lay hands for se∣veral generations, totally unconnected with the present hospital, notwithstanding the words of king James's foundation charter. Bishop Hatfield's Survey speaks of the hospitals of St Edmund the king, and St Edmund the confessor distinctly * 111.30. There is an irreconcilable confusion in this subject, and we are apt to believe there were two religious foundations here dedicated as before noted, one to St Edmund the confessor, appropriated to St Bartholomew in Newcastle, which was dissolved under the surrender of that monastery, and another of a foundation now unknown, which had been exempted from the dissolution, and refounded by king James, dedicated to St Edmund king and martyr, notwithstanding the complex description of lands, &c. in the royal charter. Mr Riddle's house was called Gateshead house, and as Mr Grose observes, is of a mode of architecture denoting a date subsequent to the suppression of religious houses, and whilst in his or the family of Callaly's posses∣sion, there is an obvious reason why it might be in use in the year 1745† 111.31.

Before the act of the seventh of Edward VI. which annexed Gateshead to New∣castle, tolls were paid by the burgesses of Newcastle to the bishop or his lessees, for passage in Gateshead: But when Gateshead was restored to the bishopric of Dur∣ham, to take off the great opposition made by the corporation of Newcastle, or to compensate their loss, bishop Tunstall granted a lease to the mayor and burgesses of Newcastle, dated the 17th of March, 1554,

of the Salt Meadows for ninety years, and so from ninety till the time of four hundred and fifty years was spent, with a way to be assigned for all persons, and for the conveyance of wares and mer∣chandise and other things, to and from the Salt Meadows and the high street of

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Gateshead* 111.33; rent reserved 2 l. 4 s. The Salt Meadows, with the buildings thereon, now produce about 200l. a year. The same lease also comprehends all manner of toll of the town of Gateshead for any and every kind of merchandise, tollable within the precinct, liberties, and jurisdiction thereof, or any where else within the bishopric of Durham for the said toll, to such effect and meaning that the said toll should thenceforth remain unlevied, untaken, and as if extinguished, and no such toll to be thenceforth gathered, taken, or paid of the said mayor or burgesses and their successors, or of any other person or persons for or in respect of the same, or such toll as theretofore had been taken in Gateshead, or there∣after might be taken if that demise were not. And the mayor and burgesses did thereby covenant with the bishop, that in consideration of the said toll of the said town of Gateshead so demised, neither they nor their successors, or any of their officers, or any person by their means, should at any time during the term there∣by granted, take or levy of any person or persons any manner of toll of the south side of the water of Tyne, or within the town, liberties, and county of Newcastle, for, or in manner, or in respect of the town of Gateshead. Rent re∣served 4l. 6s. 8d.

We find several families of note holding lands in capite in Gateshead. In the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, John Gategang died seised of thirty-three acres, called the Old Park, held by fealty and twenty-two shillings rent; and Alan Gategang the same year died seised of the whole land called Pipewellgate, held of the bishop in capite in baroniam: Sibilla the widow of Gilbert Gategang, held a capital messuage and lands in Kabayncrofts, St Elenscrofts, Marshal-Meadow, the Fleetes, and Strother Meadow, and twenty-four acres in the wastes in Gateshead fields. In the twentieth year of the same prelate, she held of the bishop the Park of Gateshead, paying one pound of pepper. Idoma their daughter and heiress married John Fetherstonhalgh† 111.34. Gocelinus Surtays held of the bishop seven tenements in Gateshead, and sixty-nine shillings rent out of lands, and six tenements in Gates∣head and Akewelgate, of the rectorial church of Gateshead, rendering 4s. 6d‡ 111.35. Rob. de Umfrevill died seised in the thirty-fifth year of bishop Hatfield, of seven

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burgages in Gateshead. In the same year David de Rodham died seised of grounds called Chilside and Spinner Flat: Alicia his daughter and heiress married Thomas del Castell: And John de Eyghton held Saltwellside, and dying without issue, his estates descended to his sister Emma, wife of John de Ravensworth. The before mentioned lands, called the Fleetes, became the possession of the Dolphanbys by pur∣chase, in the time of bishop Langley * 111.36, who also held twelve tenements in Pipewell∣gate, and 9l. 7s. rent, issuing out of other tenements there. The family of Red∣heugh held divers tenements in Gateshead, but failing in male issue, their possessions passed to the Butlers and Heckleys, by marriage of the heiresses † 111.37. The family of Gategangs fell into female issue, and their estates passed to the Guildfords, by mar∣riage of Sibilla the sister of William Gategang, whose family did not long survive the same fate ‡ 111.38. Divers families of note held burgages in Gateshead, too tedious to be enumerated here.

TYNE BRIDGE in part appertains to the county of Durham: It is of great anti∣quity, and several authors of note have supposed the Romans had an open com∣munication between their stations on the northern and southern shores of Tyne at this place. Mr Horsley's opinion ‖ 111.39 was, that there must have been a bridge in the Roman times over the river Tyne, near the place where the present bridge stands. He says,

I think there are some certain visible remains of a military way on Gateshead fell, pointing directly towards the part where I suppose the station has been at Newcastle, and coming, as I apprehend, from Chester-le-street. Dr Hunter assured me he had also observed visible remains of such a way.
The idea seems to be confirmed by the discovery of several Roman coins in the ruins of the bridge after the flood of 1771, taken up by the workmen who were employed in repairs§ 111.40. In the time of William the Conqueror the bishop of Durham was admitted to have, in right of his palatinate, the south part of the river Tyne¶ 111.41. By the charter of king Henry II. the bishop had confirmed to him the right of ships plying in his part of Tyne, as fully and freely as the king possessed that usage on the other. Bourne, speaking of this bridge, says,
It has been a query whether the bridge was originally of wood or stone; but I think it is al∣together needless, all the bridges in England were originally of wood. In the reign of king Richard I. Philip bishop of Durham sent to the burgages of Gate∣side, a grant of forestage, in which are these words, and it shall be lawful for every burgess to give wood to whomsoever he will, to be spent about the river of Tyne, with∣out

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any licence. This I imagine has been for building of keys, and especially for the repairing of the bishop's part of the bridge, which is a further proof that this bridge was wood. But what I think puts it beyond dispute is, that accord∣ing to Matthew Paris, it was burnt in the year 1248, together with a great part of the town * 111.42.
After this misfortune happened, the town, who repairs two-thirds of the bridge, and the bishop the other, laid out their endeavours to raise up another bridge of stone: Accordingly the bishop of Durham sent out indul∣gences, and the town procured other bishops to do the same, to all that would assist, either with money or labour, by which they got a sum sufficient. The archdeacon of Northumberland wrote to the clergy of his archdeaconry to assist the work of the bridge; telling them, their venerable father the lord bishop of Durham by his letters patent had commanded them without any let or delay, to go about the affair of the indulgences, and that they were to prefer the episcopal indulgences to others; and what arose from them was to be given to the master of the bridge, whose name was Laurentius, for the use of the bridge. Lib. Cart.
Many other indulgences were granted for that purpose. By an inquisition taken at Newcastle, in the year 1293, it was adjudged, that the right of the bishop of Durham extended to the mid stream of Tyne† 111.43. In the seventh year of k. Richard II. bishop Fordham obtained a charter confirming the right of merchants plying their vessels on the bishop's side of the river Tyne, and loading and unloading coals there unmolested, by the burgesses of Newcastle‡ 111.44. There was a necessity for this solemn act, for the burgesses had paid no obedience to the writ of king Edward III. ‖ 111.45 on the behalf of bishop Bury, prohibiting the mayor and bailiffs of Newcastle from impeding such navigation; or regarded the legal example of the king's commission∣ers, who suffered imprisonment for intruding on the conservatorship of the bishop's part of the river. In the fourth year of Henry V. 1416, bishop Langley obtained judgment on a trial at law against the mayor and burgesses of Newcastle upon Tyne, heard at the bar of the Court of King's Bench, on which a jury were summoned from the counties of Westmoreland and Cumberland, on an issue joined before the lord high chancellor, and transmitted to that court by order of parliament to be tried there, whereby he was confirmed in the right of the See to the south part of

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the river Tyne and the bridge and tower thereupon * 111.46. About the year 1512 bishop Ruthall repaired the south part of the bridge. Under the act of dissolution of 1553, all the possessions of the bishopric were vested in the crown, and by the act of the succeeding year, when Gateshead was annexed to Newcastle, the lands called Salt Meadows, with the whole river of Tyne and the bridge passed therewith, and were adjudged to be within the county and shire of the town of Newcastle, and that the inhabitants of Gateshead should be under the rule, government, and correction of the mayor and burgesses of Newcastle. All these were restored in 1554, as before mentioned. The bridge, after the conflagration in 1248, was rebuilt on twelve stone arches, three of which, by the construction of quays, on the Newcastle side, were thought unnecessary, and converted into cellars: About the middle of the bridge a tower was erected, with machicolations and iron gates; a little to the southward of which the boundary stone was fixed, to distinguish the division of the counties; the end from thence to Gateshead belonging to the bishop of Durham. At the south end was another tower, and from the vacancy in the archings, there wanting an arch near the southern tower, it has been presumed there was in that space a draw-bridge. The bishops of Durham have for time immemorial possessed all rights and privileges of the bridge, from the boundary stone southwards, being called a third part, and granted leases for lives or years, of all houses and shops erected thereon, and as occasion required repaired that part of the bridge. In July 1770, bishop Trevor repaired with stone the space before noted, where it is supposed the draw-bridge was; it was laid with large beams of timber, and cover∣ed with thick planks, upon which the pavement was made: This work was begun on Saturday night or Sunday morning, and finished on Thursday following, all the materials of stone being previously prepared, and a proper number of workmen, with boats and wherries above and below bridge, for conveying passengers and car∣riages over the river during the time of the work. In the night between the 16th and 17th of November, 1771, there was a flood in the river Tyne, greatly exceeding any noted in history or otherwise known, by the force of which an arch north of the toll-gate was first swept away† 111.47, then another on the south end fell, with eight houses on the west side of it, those on the east hanging by their timbers. On Mon∣day the 18th, about four in the afternoon, another of the south arches fell, with the houses thereon, and the remaining parts of the bridge were so much shattered, that it was necessary to take the superstructure down. Only seven persons were lost by the fall of the several houses. The river began to rise at Newcastle about twelve o'clock on Saturday night, and at five in the morning the arches of the bridge were filled, so that a current was forced into the west end of the street called the Close, which runs parallel with the river; it overflowed the Sandhill-square, so that boats plied there, and many of the shops had five feet water in them: The water exceed∣ed every other flood of which we have any note; by eight perpendicular feet in height; and infinite loss and damage was sustained on the shores and in the ship∣ing and craft. In 1772 an act of parliament was obtained for making a temporary

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bridge, by the corporate body of Newcastle, to continue for seven years, (provided a new one of stone was not erected, or the old bridge restored in less time) with toll-gates thereon, and the tolls to be applied in reimbursing to the corporation such money as they should expend therein over and above the sum of 2400l. which they voluntarily gave to the work: And in the same year an act of parliament was made to enable the lord bishop of Durham and his successors to raise a competent sum of money, to be applied for repairing, improving, or rebuilding such part of Tyne bridge as belongs to the See of Durham. The preamble sets forth, that the lord bishop of Durham is entitled in right of his See, to one-third part of an ancient bridge extending across the river Tyne, between the town of Gateshead in the county palatine of Durham, and the town of Newcastle upon Tyne; and that by the violence and rapidity of a most extraordinary flood, which happened on the 17th day of November, 1771, in the river Tyne, the said bridge was damaged and broken down in several places, and rendered impassable: And in order to restore an easy and safe communication between the counties of Durham and Northumber∣land, it is highly expedient that the said bridge should be rebuilt, and effectually repaired with all possible expedition; and that the necessary repairs of one-third part of the said bridge, belonging to the bishop of Durham in right of his See, and extending from two blue marble or boundary stones, on the south side of the said bridge, to the town of Gateshead, will be attended with great expence, and however reasonable or proper it may be, that the entire sum necessary to be appropriated for, and employed in that useful and necessary work, ought to be raised out of or secured upon the revenues and possessions of the said See of Durham, and that the bishop of Durham for the time being, ought not to bear any greater burthen than shall arise from the interest or annual charge to be paid in respect of the principal mo∣ney to be raised for the purpose aforesaid; yet the said lord bishop consenting, that a reasonable and adequate sum of money may be raised by authority of parliament, by granting annuities for lives, which will not only be speedy and effectual, but may be a method less burthensome to the successors in the said See than to the said now lord bishop, by the eventual dropping in of lives and the decrease of such temporary charge; it is thereby enacted, that the chancellor of the bishopric and county palatine of Durham and Sadberge, the sheriff of the county, &c. the vicar-general and principal official of the diocese of Durham, the attorney and solicitor general to the lord bishop of Durham, the principal register or registrar of the diocese of Durham, the auditor to the lord bishop of Durham, the keeper of Auck∣land castle, the steward of the halmote courts of the lord bishop of Durham, the clerk of the halmote courts of the lord bishop of Durham, the clerk of the great receipt of the exchequer of Durham, the register of the court of chancery of Dur∣ham, the clerk of the court of chancery of Durham, the keeper of the rolls of the chancery aforesaid, the clerk of the itinerant justices and other justices whomsoever in the county palatine of Durham and Sadberge, and the bailiff of the borough of Auckland for the time being, or any three of them, are thereby appointed trustees to put the said act in execution, by and under the direction of the bishop and his successors, for repairing, rebuilding, or improving such part of the said bridge as

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belongs to the See of Durham: And to raise any sum not exceeding 12,000 l. for the purposes aforesaid, by granting annuities not exceeding 10 l. per cent. to be paid by the receiver-general of the bishop and his successors, out of the revenues of the See of Durham.

In consequence of this act a new bridge has been erected on an elegant plan, and no houses are permitted to be built on the piers or battlements.

REDHEUGH, the seat of Henry Askew, esq lies to the west of Gateshead, near the river Tyne. It gave a local name to the resident family, who held the manor of the bishop of Durham in capite, by homage, fealty, and suit of court; and in the fifth year of bishop Hatfield was estimated at forty shillings, clear of reprisals.— This family continued possessors several generations, till failing in male issue, the estates descended to coheiresses, one marrying Boteler or Butler, and the other Heckley * 111.48.

GATESHEAD PARK-HOUSE, the seat of Hen. Ellison, esq a fine elevated situation, commanding a view of the busy scenes on the river Tyne, and the adjacent country.

The manor of EIGHTON was the ancient estate of the Lumleys, derived from the grant of bishop Flambard to his nephew † 111.49. There was an hermitage on the banks of the rivulet near the road side leading from Chester to Gateshead, to which bishop Fordham granted an acre of land, for building a chapel and cell in honour of the Holy Trinity ‡ 111.50.

GATESHEAD CHURCH is a spacious building, capable of receiving a very numerous congregation, and kept in that order due to places of divine worship: It is very light, and receives a good circulation of air: The chancel, from the altar rails, is nine paces long and six wide; the east window consisting of five lights; there are also three windows to the south, and two to the north, under pointed arches: The communion table is supported by cherubs, in stone work; near which are three recesses or seats in the wall within the rails, for priests officiating in the ancient service, and an aperture for a water bason. This church is built upon a regular plan, in the form of a cross, with side ailes, separated from the center by five point∣ed arches, supported on octagonal columns about fifteen feet high, very light and well proportioned, having this singularity, that they are without capitals, the arches springing from the shafts, like the ramifications of a tree, which gives them a beautiful appearance; the arches are about sixteen feet in span: The whole length of the nave is twenty-eight paces, and its width sixteen; the cross aile is twenty-four paces long. The south end of the cross is lighted by one large window of five lights,

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and two to the east of three lights each; the ailes have each two square windows of three lights: The upper arrangements are regular, consisting of five windows un∣der circular arches. The church is regularly stalled with oak, ornamented with fleur-de-lis, has a pretty small organ, and galleries at the west end: The font is a large black marble laver: The pulpit is placed against the first south pillar. The adjacent ground is called the Anchorage or Anchoritage, where the school∣house stands, with the beadle's house and other edifices belonging the church. The steeple was rebuilt in 1740* 111.51. In the church-yard is the monument of one Robert Trollop, a famous architect; it is a square building, the lower part of brick, the upper of stone, and of that heavy taste which prevailed about the time of king James I. when Trollop lived. It was embellished around the top under the cornice with several scripture passages, in gold letters on a black ground,

Page 468

which in some places are still to be discovered. A traditional account says, that formerly there stood, on the north side, a statue in the attitude of pointing to∣wards

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the town hall of Newcastle, which is nearly opposite, under the feet, the following lines:

Here lies Robert Trollop Who made yon' stones roll up When death took his soul up His body fill'd this Hole up.

Which statue and inscription, if such there ever were, have long been demolish∣ed. The family of Harris now use the burial place.

It may not be improper to observe, that Daniel de Foe resided in Gateshead whilst he wrote his much admired tale of the adventures of Robinson Crusoe; the chief incidents of which, it is said, he gained from one Selkirk who was shipwreck∣ed on the island of Juan Fernandez; and it is reported, with some disgrace to the memory of that ingenious man, that he obtained Selkirk's minutes under pretence of writing his story, and applied them to his own emolument.

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[figure] view of Jarrow
JARROW
The Parish of JARROW.

We now approach Jarrow, once a place of great consequence, and of distant antiquity. Little more remained of this once famous town when we visited it in 1782, than two or three mean cottages, the distracted ruins of the old monastery, the church, a venerable pile, then patched up so as to retain few traces of its ori∣ginal figure, and the capacious haven, now called the Slake, washed full of sand, and left dry by the river Tyne at ebb of tide.

The monasteries of Weremouth and Jarrow were the most ancient of any within the limits of this county: That of Weremouth, dedicated to St Peter, we are told, was built in the fourth year of king Egfrid, at the instance of Benedict a monk, who became the superior or governor of both houses: The monastery of Jar∣row, dedicated to St Paul, was erected in the fifteenth year of the same king; the place being then called Gyrwy or Girvy. Retirement and seclusion were not the principles which directed the choice of this situation; for if the original mo∣nastery was placed where the present ruins are, the ground is elevated, and forms a curvature towards the great bay called the Slake, which ancient authors tell us was the haven of Egfrid, where, consistent with the burthen of vessels used in that age, a thousand sail might lie moored in the greatest security. Leland says, Jar∣row is distant from Newcastle four miles * 112.1, but by land it is seven, and more by

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water: There is no ground near the present remains of a more solemn or secluded situation which can answer the description given by Roger Hoveden, for he calls it Monasterium Doni Amnis, from a rivulet which runs from the southward into the Slake * 112.2. The descriptions given by ancient writers, of religious edifices, nearly of the date of this monastery, which arose about 684, lead us not to expect one re∣maining trace of the first structure, without we should discover it in the repositories of the dead; for as such fabrics chiefly consisted of timber and reeds, the sacrilege committed by barbarians in repeated invasions, would most probably sweep away every part thereof. In the fifth year of Ethelred's reign after his restoration, and during the episcopacy of bishop Higbald, the Danes and rovers from the north en∣tered the river Tyne, and laid this monastery in ashes† 112.3. It is probable the monks would return to their ruined seat after the retreat of the invaders, and restore their

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habitation and church: But their peace was not of long continuance; for in the seventh year of Osbert's reign, the Danes again entered the Tyne, practising their accustomed rapine and devastation, and laying waste all the religious houses. In the interval, whilst the See or episcopal seat was fixed at Chester, we may reason∣ably presume the monastery at Jarrow was again restored; and from the stile and order of architecture, we are led to conjecture, that part of the structures standing at the time we visited them, were of that age: But the religious body had not yet sustained the last of their misfortunes, for though subject to all the miseries of the provincial war which distracted this part of the island, during the struggles between the Saxon and Danish sovereigns, when they were frequently pillaged and laid under contributions. Upon the enraged Normans marching northward, and find∣ing the city of Durham deserted, and the country evacuated, they put their sacri∣legious hands to this monastery, and notwithstanding they boasted of the dispensa∣tion of the gospel, yet, as savage as the unenlightened barbarians of the north, they reduced the sacred edifices again to ashes. Having advanced to this period, we should now pay attention to the venerable character of Bede, and present to the reader some short anecdotes of his life.

This holy monk was born about the year 672, in a part of this county adjoining the river Were, where the monastery of Weremouth afterwards had lands; that house not being founded till the year 674, according to his own account thereof: Much controversy has happened relative to the place of his nativity, but it is well settled by historians, that he was born in the district before mentioned: At seven years of age he was taken into the monastery at Weremouth, and under the care of abbot Benedict and his successor Ceolfrid received his education; at the age of nineteen was ordained deacon, and became exemplary at that early stage for his piety and studious life: The attention paid to him by all ranks of people, so far from moving him with vanity, or tempting him to negligence, seemed only to excite him to a more eager pursuit of learning, and stricter rules of religious conduct, inso∣much that his character was held forth as a pattern of Christian virtues, and his life as an example of monastic duty. About the year 685, in the fifteenth of king Egfrid, the monastery of Jarrow was founded under the conduct and superintendency of Benedict: Bede attained his thirtieth year before he was ordained priest, which of∣fice was performed by John of Beverley, then bishop of Hexham, who had been his preceptor, and entertained great affection for him; much of his excellent cha∣racter was deduced from maxims instilled by that great teacher, which he constant∣ly professed to follow as the chief principles of his conduct. His great diligence and application, comprehensive genius, and extensive learning, rendered his name so famous, that he became the subject of attention in foreign countries, particularly at Rome, where pope Sergius, struck with the accounts he heard of this illustrious scholar, wrote to his superior the abbot Ceolfrid to send him thither, that he might converse with him on some momentous subjects. Bede, as singular in his modesty as accomplishments, received the summons without any of that emotion this flatter∣ing distinction would have roused in many other minds; but attentive alone to his studies, and the due performance of religious duties, he was not to be allured from

Page 473

his cell by the smiles of potentates, and the courtesy of princes. It has been re∣marked by many authors, that in pursuance of Ceolfrid's command, he was or∣dained priest preparatory to his journey to Rome; but why he did not obey the call, has not been accounted for by those writers, further than that it is observed the pope died in 701, which event might not be known in England at the time of our monk's receiving ordination. No notice is taken of the foregoing circum∣stances by Bede in any of his writings, and the whole rests chiefly on the account given by William of Malmsbury and his copyists. It is certain he shewed at all times a particular desire for privacy and retirement, an avidity for learning, and an incessant application to study, together with a warm affection for his native country; such might operate powerfully with his own mind against the journey, whilst the consequence he was of to the northern clergy, might influence the great people to sue for his release from an engagement so disagreeable to his own wishes; and contrary to the interests of his country. By remaining in his monastery, and habituating himself to a recluse life, he had sufficient time to make himself master of every branch of literature which at that period had gained a footing in this island; and his acquisitions were made without any apparent desire of same or promotion, but merely to render himself useful to society, and for the promotion of religion and virtue. It was from such principles that he applied himself for several years in collecting materials for his Ecclesiastical History, which received in the early ages of the English church infinite applause, and at this time is esteemed an inestimable record; in the composition of which great work the several legendary and miraculous relations are considered as merely the errors of the age, and not blots of the excellent pen which related them. Though Bede was bred at Weremouth, yet it is admitted by all writers he took up his residence at Jarrow, soon after that monastery was founded, and the same superior govern∣ing both houses, much intercourse was had between the religious societies; so that we see him at periods spoken of by some writers as a monk of Weremouth, and by others of Jarrow, which variance is easily reconciled when we consider the before-related fact. Bede published his Ecclesiastical History in 731, when, ac∣cording to his own account, he was fifty-nine years of age; but before this he had written many other books, on a variety of subjects, a catalogue of which he sub∣joined to that great work. There was a strict friendship subsisting between Egbert bishop of York and Bede, which produced a letter from our monk, descriptive of the tempers and characters of both, and giving a picture of the manners of the age, and the state of the church, such as no other authority supplies; full of servour, religious censure, virtuous zeal, and bold condemnation. The letter discovers the collective mind of the author, whilst his prophetic reasonings and the distant con∣sequences he deduced and predicted from the inordinances described, shew the shrewdness of his judgment, and the capaciousness of his observation: He foresaw the multiplying of religious foundations, and the want of discipline which daily broke in upon the conventual rules, would bring on the destruction which in after ages took place. When he wrote this epistle he was in a bad state of health, his death from that time advancing by a gradual decay; yet in all the progressive

Page 474

stages of the disease he did not neglect his duty, he employed the usual hours in writing, in study, in devotion, in exhortation of the brethren, and teaching his dis∣ciples of the convent. He endured the attacks of death with great fortitude, ex∣emplary piety, and holy resignation, and expired on the 26th of May, being the feast of the Ascension, in the year 735 * 112.4. He was interred in the church of his own monastery at Jarrow, the place of his burial being much reverenced in after ages, and resorted to by religious persons on the anniversary of his death. His re∣mains were afterwards removed to Durham, as before related † 112.5.

Soon after bishop Walcher was settled in the See, he invited certain Bene∣dictines to take up their abode at Jarrow; they found the monastic buildings in ruin, though it appears some walls were yet standing, over which they formed a roof of wood, and thatched it with straw, where they renewed divine offices. The society increasing rapidly, the bishop granted various lands for their support, and they began to rebuild their church. The reader will revert to the account given of this society under the annals of bishop Walcher. Bishop William de Carilepho confirmed to the monks of Jarrow the endowment made by his predecessor; and soon after removing the seculars from the cathedral church, he translated the monks of this house to Durham, and from thenceforth Jarrow became only a cell to the monastery of Durham. When Galfrid de Burdon was elected prior of Durham, on his predecessor's resignation, he had this cell with the manor of Wardle assigned for his maintenance. At the suppression of religious houses Jar∣row was valued at 38 l. 14s. 4d. according to Dugdale, and 40l. 7s. 8d. Speed, and was granted out in the 36th year of Henry VIII. to William lord Eure ‡ 112.6.

The ruins of the old monastery lie to the south of the church, on a ridge of land inclining gently towards the flat or slake, which is washed by the tide; no part remains so perfect as to point out to what distinct office it belonged: At the west end is a gabel, in which there is a round arched window, composed of that species of architecture which prevailed in the Saxon time, and we venture to alledge was antecedent to the devastation made by the Norman soldiers: The uppermost orna∣ment is of the dental figure, succeeded below by zig-zags, and the lowest members

Page 475

of the arch, plain circular rolls falling within each other: Allowing to this apart∣ment such antiquity, it will follow from the degree of magnificence described, that it belonged to some chief apartment of this monastery; and a religious house placed on the haven of Egfrid, and of importance for ages after his time, most probably was marked with many distinguished privileges and honours, in consequence of its public and important situation* 112.7. The entrance into the church was by a low porch with a circular arch, on the north jamb of which was the figure of a crosier staff, stripped from some of the ancient tombs: The descent into the nave was by three deep steps, on the side walls of which were two pointed arches, that to the north built up, the other opening into a porch used as a vestry room; the groins were sprung from brackets, and the span was about twenty feet: The nave was twenty-eight paces in length, and only six in width; so that, from the height of the side walls, which were nearly thirty feet, and the small irregular windows scatter∣ed on each side, the edifice had a very singular appearance: Some of the win∣dows were under circular arches, others pointed, and all the walling so patched and irregular, that it was not to be distinguished to what age any particular part of it belonged: The congregation had deserted the nave for some years, perhaps from dread of being buried in its ruins, and the chancel alone was used for divine service. Fixed in the south-east corner of the nave was a mount, whereon a stone pulpit formerly stood. The rood-loft remained, being a gallery of wood work a∣cross the church, above the entrance into the chancel, on which were the remains of gaudy painting; here the rood or crucifixion was displayed in ancient times, to∣gether with other paintings or effigies of holy personages; and here also the min∣strels performed their part in the service. In the north wall, cut on a stone which passed quite through it, was that curious inscription mentioned by many writers, and learnedly commented on† 112.8: Some variances have appeared in the observations of those who have spoken of it; when we visited Jarrow it stood as follows:

Page 476

P. DEDICATIO BASILICAE
SCI PAVLI VIIII KL MAI
ANNO XV ECFRIDI REG

CEOLFRIDI ABB EIVSDEM Q
Q. ECCLES DO AVCTORE
CONDITORIS ANNO IIII.

The first character has been omitted by all the copyists, which we presume is a compound meant for an invocation, and signifies Propitietur Deus: Below the third line the stone is rough, as if it had suffered an obliteration: The whole inscription is in Roman characters except one Saxon ∊ and two square or black letter O's; from whence, and the situation of the stone, one readily determines the inscription to be of equal date with the repairs which were made after the Normans destroyed the monastery, and that it was only a modern memorial of the antiquity of the foundation. Some of the religious had figured the plastering of the north wall, to make the sun-beams from one of the windows serve as a dial to point out the hour of the day. You advance to the chancel under the archings of the tower; the pillars very low, ill proportioned, and square, with capitals remarkably heavy and plain; the arches circular, and without ornament; the dome vaulted with stone and rib'd, the groins rising from the corners, and the ribs uniting in the center: The circumstance of the pillars not standing square, but forming an oblong north and south, was remarkable; the width of this part was only five paces. The tower standing in the center induces us to conclude that formerly this church was in the form of a cross, and it is probable, from outward appearances, that the nave had side ailes. We do not know one instance where the tower stands between the chancel and nave that there is not or anciently was a cross aile, and few have the

Page 477

tower in that situation but churches of more than ordinary consequence. The length of the chancel from the tower to the altar rails is ten paces, and the width only about five paces, stalled on each side with old carved oak work: The east win∣dow consisted of three lights under a pointed arch. On the north side there were two windows, one under a circular arch, and the other a pointed arch, one win∣dow to the south close by the tower, having also a pointed arch; all which cir∣cumstances shew the edifice had undergone innumerable alterations, and indeed we considered no part so ancient as the tower, which it is presumed was the chief of what remained after the devastation committed by the Normans. We found no remarkable sculptures here save a sepulchral one, which had the figure of a burning taper, with expanded wings. What, was shewn as the greatest curiosity, and is carefully kept in the vestry-room, is a great two-armed chair, said to have been the common seat of Bede, and which has remained there since his time: It is of oak, and appears as rude as if hewn out with an ax, except that at the top of the back the cross piece is mortised to the standards or upright parts, which also serve for legs; these with the seat and sides are very ancient, but the back, according to the information of the person who shewed it, is modern: It is now become very rough and uneven from the superstition of people, who, by carrying away a chip from it, presume they have obtained the saint's protection*.

The haven of Jarrow, now called the Slake, is above half a mile in width, through the middle of which runs the brook called by Leland the Done; this in former times was most probably a powerful rivulet, but as it rises in a coal country may have been greatly diminished, and its feeders drained off† 112.10: The passage from

Page 478

Jarrow monastery to the opposite shore is formed by a raised causeway and a bridge over the rivulet, which, considering the haven to have been neglected for many

Page 479

ages, is yet a formidable work. Mr Grose, from the appearance of the haven in 1773, says, the situation of the monastery

was not judiciously chosen with

Page 480

respect to healthfulness, there being a large marshy spot bordering it on the south, and when the tide is out, scarce any thing but stinking ouse remains in the bed of the creek that runs close under it.
It was not so miserable when we saw it, for many acres of the margin of the Slake were beautifully covered with thrift* 112.11 in full bloom, giving the shores the finest purple hue; and the sands were hard, and afforded pleasant travelling. As we observed before, when the ground was first chosen, this was the royal port where the Northumbrian fleet lay moored; these were the most populous shores, and here was the St Paul's of a powerful nation. A ship of one hundred tons burthen was a large vessel in these parts in the sixteenth century, and such were even brought from abroad, and not constructed here† 112.12: What must we then conceive of the vessels of Egfrid's fleet?

In the road from Gateshead to Jarrow we passed near FELLON-HALL, the estate of Charles Brandling, esq ‡ 112.13 which stands on the ridge of a hill, having an eastern aspect, commanding an extensive prospect on the river Tyne: This manor was the ancient possession of the family of Surteys.

Page 481

There are two HETHEWORTHS, called the Upper and Nether Hetheworths, but be∣ing both part of the ancient lands of the monastery of Jarrow, it is not easy to deduce from the records any thing distinct or material relative to either or both: The prior of Durham had a park here, in which bishop Farnham granted free warren. A resi∣dent family in the time of bishop Skirlaw bore the local name, and John de Hethe∣worth, in the twelfth year of that prelate, held divers parcels of land of the prior of Durham by various rents and services, inter alias gloves, a pound of cumin, &c. which lands were described, in the inquisition taken on his death, to have been formerly of William the son of Peter de Hetheword, William Fraunceys, John Clerk, Hugh Colstanes and others. White-House, belonging to Mr Colville, lies near to High-Heworth * 112.14.

There are two FOLLONSBYS, North and South. John de Farnacres held the ma∣nor of Follonsby of the prior of Durham in capite, by fealty and ten shillings rent, valued in the sixth year of bishop Bury at nine pounds† 112.15. The family of Gate∣gangs had lands here in the fifth year of bishop Hatfield ‡ 112.16, and in the twentieth year of that prelate, they held of the heirs of William Faderless a carucate of land called Faderleshouse, paying a pound of frankincense‖ 112.17 or twenty shillings, and of the heirs of the lord of Folaceby two messuages and thirty acres of land § 112.18. In the time of bishop Skirlaw, the manor of Follonsby was the estate of John de Kirkby, who before his death enfeoffed John de Skendelby and John de Dalton chaplains therein, with the manor of Stokerly cum le Crook, he having no male issue, and leaving Emma, daughter of Agnes his father's sister, his heiress¶ 112.19. It afterwards became the possession of Roger Thornton, and passed with his other estates to the Lumleys by marriage** 112.20.

Of WARDLEY we find nothing of note in the records, or of NORTH or SOUTH HEBBORN†† 112.21. The latter places stand sweetly in the plain, and have fine inclosures about them. Hedworth was part of the ancient estate of the Hedworths of Harra∣ton, as also Muncton, for the alienation of which John Hedworth, esq had licence

Page 482

on the 24th of September, in the first year of bishop Sever, in order to raise cer∣tain trusts and uses therein. The barrenness of the history of places in this dis∣trict, as we before observed, is owing to the ancient monastery to which they were given; and thence they became involved in the general history of the church of Durham; or such as were granted out by the crown, are now in the hands of modern possessors, whose estates are derived from that period.

Descending into this vale, we found the country in a very different mode of agri∣culture from that we had passed: Navigation, trade, and the mines fully occupy the hands of the industrious in the neighbourhood of Gateshead and Whickham. In the valley about Hebborn the lands are laid out in beautiful order, well culti∣vated and planted; new roads are formed, the buildings are improved, and a hap∣py fertility rewards the attention of the owner. Several beautiful mansions, with plantations and pleasure-grounds, ornament the scene; and the greatest part of the country from Gateshead to Shields is remarkably pleasant.

The towns of NORTH and SOUTH SHIELDS lie opposite to each other. Bourne remarks that North-Shields, in the reign of king Edward I. when the contest be∣tween Newcastle and the priory of Tinmouth happened, had only five or six fisher∣men's huts, and was become a large place but of late years, the church having been erected in 1659. South-Shields is also much improved of late years; it is situated on a higher shore, whence it is less affected by the smoke of the several works carried on there, and stands more commodious for keys, ship-builders yards, and many other matters material to trade. On a fine plain a large square is lately built, having the church on the south, with streets branching from the centers of each side of the square, and a handsome town-hall * 112.22 in the midst, with a colonade under it for the market people; some of the houses border upon elegance, though most of them have shops; the square is handsomely paved, with a broad foot-walk by the houses in the London form. Bishop Trevor granted them a market, to be held weekly on Wednesday, from the 17th of October, 1770, and two yearly fairs on the 24th of June and the 1st of September. Much trade is carried on here; fre∣quently four hundred sail of vessels lie in this haven at a time; ships of such burthen as cannot come up to the Newcastle quays load and unload here: Some branches of trade have decreased of late years, particularly that of salt-boiling, which used to produce a duty of 80,000l. a year, and for some years past has not exceeded 10,000l. About fifty years ago it is said there were two hundred salt pans wrought here, now there are not more than thirty. But whilst that trade has declined, others of great consequence have improved as rapidly; for within the distance of

Page 483

forty years there were not more than four ships which belonged to this town, and now we are informed there are about five hundred, of between one hundred and five hundred tons burthen: Eleven ships were built and launched from the yards in 1781. There are here three dry docks for repairing, and ten yards for building ships: Four glass-houses for making crown glass and bottles; and it is supposed the number of settled inhabitants is about fifteen thousand. Mr Fordyce erected a large barilla work here, but it did not answer his expectations; some or most of the buildings are now used for a soap-boilery. The victualling and fitting out such a number of ships by the sister towns, as resort to this haven, of which South-Shields has a considerable proportion, the many branches of trade and manufacture carried on there, produce a vast influx of wealth. The importance of South-Shields has arose in little more than a century: The church, a chapel of ease under Jarrow, had occasion to enlarge the burial yard; and, in 1631, bishop Howson consecrated a plot of ground for that purpose* 112.23. The great increase of inhabitants is shewn by the tables in the notes.

The antiquity of the church at Shields is not to be deduced with accuracy from any records before us; it was perhaps nearly cotemporary with that of Jarrow: Little can be gathered from the structure, it has been so often altered and reform∣ed. The nave is twenty-eight paces in length, having to the south an aile, formed by five short round pillars with plain capitals, supporting pointed arches, apparent∣ly of a more modern date than the columns; the four arches eastward are uni∣form, but the two to the west much loftier, and of a different model: The width of the nave and south aile is eleven paces: The aile on the north side is new, erect∣ed in 1753, and six paces wide; the pillars are square, and arches circular, neatly stuccoed: It is galleried above the whole length, and regularly stalled below: There is also a gallery at the west end, and three small ones in the south aile: The church is plastered throughout, and ceiled with plain stucco-work: The place or recess for the communion-table is in the modern fashion, without any chancel, six paces wide, and lighted with a large Venetian window. The pulpit is fixed against the second pillar in the south row. The vestry room is remarkably neat, and the whole edifice kept in decent order† 112.24. The prospect from the church-yard south∣ward

Page 484

is worth the traveller's attention, where Jarrow and its ruined monastery on

Page 485

a fine point of land, are particularly beautiful: But that from the ropery-walk ex∣cels every thing of the kind in the north of England. The river thronged with vessels, and animated with an incessant passage of small craft, is close on your left hand: The batteries and barracks on the northern shore display a striking military scene, whilst on the more distant ground, from the brow of lofty rocks, rise the venerable remains of Tinmouth priory: At the time we saw this prospect, the cliffs were gilded with the evening sun; the dashing billows which broke over the bar of the river drove their foam against the precipices, over which the solemn abbey, in the weeds of ruin, with distracted aspect, sinking under the destroying hand of Time, compleated such an assemblage of picturesque objects as seldom are found in a space so confined.

Bourne, speaking of the river Tyne, says,

The mouth of the river forms a haven so deep as to carry vessels of a considerable burthen, and of that security that they are not in danger either of storms or shallows, save that within less than half a mile of the bar of Tinmouth (which is a sand that lies cross the river's mouth, not above seven feet deep at low water) you meet with many rocks, which are called by the sailors the Black Middens, which are very dan∣gerous; but to prevent any mischiefs which might happen in the night time, there are two light-houses, maintained by the Trinity-house in Newcastle; and near them, in the year 1672, was built a fort called Clifford's fort, which effec∣tually commands all the vessels that enter the river.

Many judicious antiquaries have been of opinion, that there was a Roman station at the point of land near South-Shields; and indeed the importance of this river was such, that we can scarcely imagine so cautious and intelligent a people would have neglected the southern shore, where an enemy's troops at some seasons might safely be disembarked if the coast was unguarded* 112.25.

Page 486

Extract of a letter from Dr Hunter of Durham, to Roger Gale, esq May 17, 1735.

Give me leave to attempt the recovery of one of the Roman stations in this country, both requisite for the security of the navigation into the northern seas, and the protection of their frontiers beyond the river Tyne, thereby saving the great expence and trouble of building the wall as far as the sea at Tinmouth, no less than three miles. I mean that near South-Shields, at the entrance of the river into the ocean, and which cannot but have flourished till the Danish in∣vasions, as Mr Leland has it in his Collectanea, vol. iv. p. 43. E regione Tine∣muthae fuit urbs vastata a Danis, Urfa nomine, ubi natus erat Oswinus rex. The communication there was with Binchester, is visible in several places, as is the angle where the paved way goes off from the military way leading to Lanchester, about three miles to the north of Binchester, and passes to the north east through Brancepeth-park, thence a little to the south of Brandon* 114.1, and is lost in the cultivated grounds, but appearing upon Durham moor in the same direction again, passing by Hag-house, and below upon Harbrass moor is very visible, tending past Lumley castle in a direct line towards South-Shields, passing about a mile east of that of Chester-in-the-Street, without any signs of communication therewith. Two elevated pavements in the river Tyne, the one at the west end of South-Shields, the other on the north side of the river, near the end of the Roman wall, proper for their safe landing at different times of the ebbing and flowing tide, fully shew its necessary correspondence with Segedunum, the first station upon the wall. But another military way called Wreken Dyke† 114.2, passing

Page 487

from this station to the west, has hitherto frustrated the enquiries of our late an∣tiquaries: Mr Horsley himself pointing out its ductus very justly over Gateshead

Page 488

fell, where it passed the public road, and a little to the west the Roman way going to the south from Newcastle to Chester-in-the-Street, and afterwards run∣ing through Lamesley and Kibblesworth fields, advances to the south-west over Blackburn moor, and through the township of Hedley. It comes next to Cau∣sey, a village which owes its name to it, and from thence ascends a high hill, and terminates at a square fortification upon the top thereof at Stanley, the seat of the Hon. Sir Nich. Tempest, bart. who, I am told, possesses several Roman coins found therein. This place, though not above three miles from Chester-in-the-Street and four from Lanchester, seems to have had no immediate communica∣tion with either of them, no vestigia of any paved way appearing upon the moors adjoining, and being situated as Chester itself, at the termination of a military way, gives me convincing reason to believe the use of each has been the same, namely, to guard herds of cattle at grass, for the subsistence of the two garrisons at South-Shields and Pons Aelij, and for victualling ships resorting to the first place: Whereas had its elevated situation been intended to form a castrum ex∣ploratorium, then must the advantage of paved ways to the next station have been necessary for the speedy conveyance of intelligence. Though this last mi∣litary way bears the names of Wreken Dyke, I am apt to believe that name is rather due to the way leading from Binchester to South Shields, especially from the authority of Ralph Higden, who says, that Wreken Dyke, or Reken Dyke, passed from the west of England and ended at Tinemouth. I dare not affix a Roman name to this our station, without the authority of inscriptions.

After the learned definitions given in the notes on the etymology of Wreken Dyke, it may appear presumptuous to offer new conjectures; but there is a proba∣bility that this military road was restored by the Danes on their making the river Tyne their frequent harbour, for the more easy communication with the country, and victualling their navy: At their several stationary intervals where sentries were placed, their standard, so well known in ancient writings by the name of

Page 489

Raffen, would be displayed, and it seems but a small trespass on the original word, to imagine it would fall into the corruption of Raken, so as to make Raffen Dyke sound Racken Dyke: They were the last people who it may be presumed kept this up as a military road, and thence the name in acceptation in their days, not having been disused by new comers, has remained to our time. We proposed the like etymology for the name of Ravensworth, much less corrupted from Raf∣fens-weath, the northern language, and it remains with the reader to determine, whether, supported by each other, together with the tumuli of Ravensworth and Maiden Law, the conjecture is probable, or at least not altogether vague.

In the road from Shields to Sunderland we passed through the village of WESTOE, having several handsome buildings, seated on an eminence, commanding a beauti∣ful prospect of the harbour and adjacent country.

The scenery around is pleasant, the cultivation kept in good order, and the roads excellent.

The Parish of WASHINGTON.

To the south of Jarrow lies the parish of Washington: The manor is mentioned in the Boldon Book, wherein it is said Will. de Hertburn held the same, except the church and the lands thereto appertaining, in exchange for the vill of Hert∣burn, rendering four pounds, serving in the great chace with two greyhounds, and paying one mark to the palatine aid, when such happened to be raised. At the time of making bishop Hatfield's Survey, the resident family had assumed a local name, and W. de Wessyngton, knight, then held the manor and vill * 114.4. On the inquisition taken at his death, in the twenty-second year of that prelate, it appears that in his service he was to provide three greyhounds for the chace, and if he took any game in his way to the forest, it should be to the bishop's use, but what he got on his return was to be taken for his own benefit † 114.5. In bishop Langley's time we find Washington became the estate of the Blaykestons, who also held Blakiston, Coxhowe, and Whitton, and Will. de Blaykeston settled the same in trust for his

Page 490

son William, and Katherine his wife and the heirs male of their bodies, with re∣mainder to his own right heirs. How long it continued in that family is not easy to determine. By conveyances, dated the 3d of July, in the eleventh year of king James I. it passed from Sir John Malory of Studley in the county of York, and William his son, and Sir James Bellyngham, to Tho. Caldwell and John Booth * 114.6, who were trustees for bishop James. Male issue failing in the prelate's grandson William James, esq the estate descended to coheiresses, one of whom married Sir Richard Musgrave† 114.7. The family of Bracks have considerable possessions here.

The church is built on elevated ground; the village inconsiderable, and scattered on the skirts of the brook: Mr Brack's mansion stands a little to the south. There is much antiquity in the architecture of the church, which has two side ailes, each separated from the nave by three columns; two on one side are octagonal, the middle one round; on the other all the pillars are octagonal, the arches are point∣ed, and with the columns are well proportioned and light: The nave is eighteen paces long, the ailes thirteen wide: Many of the windows are modern and sashed. The chancel is separated from the nave by railings and stalls, being six paces in length to the altar rails; the windows have been regular, two to the north and two to the south under pointed arches; one is new sashed: The east window con∣sists of three lights under a pointed arch. The vestry room is singular, and its original use not now to be discovered; it is vaulted over with stone, with ribbed archings terminating in points, and seems as if it was constructed for a place of interment. On the south side of the church is a large porch, called the Lord's porch, about twenty feet long and fifteen broad, now claimed as the burial place of the family of Bracks; it is ceiled with wood in pannels, gaudily painted, sprinkled over with golden stars, and further ornamented with the arms of the fa∣mily of James; in one shield the See of Durham is quartered ‡ 114.8. Mr Stonhewer, whilst he was rector between the years 1719 and 1727, built a good rectory house; but the present elegant mansion appears, by the arms over the door, to owe its erection or great improvements to Mr Talbot, afterwards bishop of Durham.

GREAT USWORTH in this parish is the seat of William Peareth, esq an ele∣gant newly erected mansion, on the southern inclination of a hill, and in a lofty situation: The building is of free-stone, in a good taste; the center, containing the

Page 491

chief apartments, has an hexagonal projection; the offices form the wings. The prospect is extensive and beautiful, having Biddick, Lambton, Harraton, and the Staiths in front, a long tract of country eastward, and an open view of the sea, with Sunderland, Weremouth, Hilton castle, and the borders of the river Were.

This manor performed great services * 114.9, according to the account given in the Boldon Book: It paid thirty shillings annually for cornage, provided a milch cow, and one castleman, viij scaceldr. (chalders) of malt, meal, and oats, and the owner of every carucate of land except the demesne, was to plow and harrow two acres. The villains were to prepare in tillage for seed four portions of land, each portion

Page 492

with xxvj men; and it was therein specified, that the service theretofore perform∣ed at Washington they were to do at Gateshead; also to carry a tun of wine and millstones to Durham. A dringe fed a horse and a dog, and attended the great chace, providing two greyhounds and five cords of provender; he followed the court and went on embassies. In the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, Alicia Bedik was seised of two parts of the vill of Great Usworth, rendering yearly fifty shillings and eight-pence rent, three quarters * 114.10 and half a quarter of barley malt, called stat∣malt, or statute or stated malt, the like quantity of oat-meal, called statmele, and seven quarters of oats, called stathavire † 114.11. By bishop Hatfield's Survey, it appears Will. de Hilton held two parts of the vill of Great Usworth, and Alicia de Mo∣derby the other part. The services were then changed into money payments, 20s. for a castleman, for work at Martinmas 10 s. for cornage at the feast of St Cuth∣bert in September xxx s. for a milch cow 6s. ten quarters and a half of oats, five quarters and two bushels of oat meal, and the like quantity of malt. It appears by an inquisition in the thirty-fifth year of the same prelate, that Alicia intermarried with Rich. Stanhop. This manor continued for many ages in the family of Hil∣ton ‡ 114.12, and attended the general dispersion of their great estates.

The manor of LITTLE USWORTH in the Boldon Book rendered x s. yearly, and William who possessed it, carried the bishop's wine with eight oxen, and attended the great chace with two greyhounds. In Hatfield's Survey it appears to be the possession of the before-named Alicia Moderby, who afterwards married Richard Stanhop, and the manor was settled on their issue ‖ 114.13. In the thirty-fourth year of bishop Hatfield, Isabella the daughter of Tho. de Wessington, daughter and one of the heiresses of Jacob de Usworth, died seised of a moiety of this manor, and a fourth part of the vill of Great Usworth. In the sixteenth year of bishop Skirlaw we find Gerard Heron esq seised of a moiety of the manor, in right of Elizabeth

Page 493

his wife, and that Johan de Riddell held the other moiety, they being daughters and coheiresses of Cecily Taillior. Much confusion appears in the inquisitions from this period, by the manor passing in moieties to females; and we find the fa∣milies of Wessington, Redmarshall, Dolphanby, Swynhoes, and Chestre severally in∣terested therein.

NORTH BIDDICK belongs to the family of Davisons, and lies in a low situation, within a mile of Washington: It is mentioned in the Boldon Book as the property of Ulkill, who held it by the sixth part of a knight's fee. In Hatfield's Survey it appears William de Hilton, knight, held this vill, which theretofore had been the estate of John de Yheland, from which period it continued in the family of Hiltons for many generations, as before observed of their other possessions. Bram∣ston or Barmston was another manor of the Hiltons, situated on the banks of the river Were * 114.14.

The Staiths called FATFIELD STAITHS exhibit a busy scene in the coal trade, where the keels come up to receive their loading for the port of Sunderland. The village is very populous. Near this place is an eminence called the Worm Hill, which tradition says was once possessed by an enormous serpent, that wound its hor∣rid body round the base; that it destroyed much provision, and used to infest the Lambton estate, till some hero of that family engaged it, cased in armour set with razors, and when it would have crushed the combatant by enfolding him, sustain∣ing a thousand wounds, fell at last by his falchion. We thought to have found intrenchments round this mount, and that the fable had reference to some Danish troop who kept the place as a station, from whence they could commit depreda∣tions on the country, and that the story of the hero imported some chief person∣age's victory over a public enemy: But there is not the least trace of any such matter, and the whole miraculous tale has no other evidence than the memories of old women. Our map makers have figured the place very significantly.

Page 494

BOLDON.

To the east of Jarrow and Washington lies the parish of BOLDON. This manor gave title to the provincial Dooms-day Book, called Boldon Book, from the refer∣rences therein to services within Boldon * 114.15. The villains here were under severe duties; for besides various kinds of labour to be performed for the lord in the field, they rendered money payments at the bishop's exchequer, and 16d. each for averpennys, which appears to be a payment in lieu of royal averages

quietum esse de diversis denariis pro averagiis dom. regis,
a service by horse and carriage for conveying the sovereign's ammunition and baggage in time of war, &c. The vil∣lains laboured three days in each week throughout the whole year, excepting the weeks of Easter and Whitsuntide, and thirteen days at Christmas, and amongst them to build a house for the lord in his park, forty feet long and fifteen broad, for which they were exempt from one-third of their averpennys: They were pri∣vileged at the fairs of St Cuthbert to set up one booth or hut for every two villains,

Page 495

of whom there were twenty-two in Boldon. The cotmanni or cottagers wrought only two days in each week. The pinder here held twelve acres of land in right of his office, and had a thrave of corn from every carucate of land, rendering to the lord yearly twenty-four hens and five hundred eggs: The whole vill paid seventeen shillings cornage, and provided a milch cow for the household. The demesne lands were in farm, and rendered rent in grain, as bread, corn, oats, and barley. In Hatfield's Survey we find the names of the free tenants, among whom is John Hedworth, who served on the bishop's embassies, and was bound to bring up to Durham the bishop's rents of his manor of Werehall. Peter del Hay held lands, and the lord Neville had the vill of Newton. The bond services vary a little from those set forth in Boldon Book; there are malt-pennys and bathe-sylver mentioned: This is the first time the bathe-sylver has occured in the progress of the work, and it is difficult to ascertain what it was. Buthena is defined to im∣ply a park for cattle, and bothena a barony, lordship, or sheriffwick; whether it applied to either of these, we confess ourselves at a loss; perhaps it was stallage-money for the booths or stalls allowed to many of the villains at St Cuthbert's fairs in the city.

In bishop Bury's time, Alicia de Marrays died seised of lands in West Boldon; and Allan Gategant held certain lands there called Fadreless Houses, held in capite by homage and fealty. By an inquisition taken on the death of Richard de Hethe∣worth, or Hedworth, in the second year of bishop Fordham, it appears he died seised of various tenements in Boldon, viz. Scots House and all the lands and tenements that theretofore belonged to Ade Rhodes, Gilbert de Boldon, Roger de Burdon, Ambrose de Southwyk, Ade de Clevedon, and Matilda Gray. This fa∣mily retained their possessions in Boldon for many generations. The family of Claxtons held lands there called Strothers-field, touching which, in the time of bishop Neville, Ralph earl of Westmoreland came and claimed oyer of an inquisi∣tion taken by the escheator on the death of William Claxton, wherein Strother∣field in West Boldon, was found to be held of the bishop in capite, and by others

Page 496

in knight's service, and pleaded it was held in socage * 114.16. It appears that the coro∣ner's fee or stipend arose by produce of lands assigned in ancient times; for we find on the 13th of October, second king Edward VI. it was ordered and decreed by Robert Hyndmer, chancellor of this county palatine, that the tenants and in∣habitants of Whitburn, Cledon, Holdon, and Boldon, should yearly from thence∣forth pay the coroner for the time being his corn in sheaf, as it had been ac∣customed in times past, unless they could otherwise agree with the coroner † 114.17.

The church of Boldon ‡ 114.18 is placed on an elevated situation: It has undergone many modern repairs; the windows are sashed, and the ceilings of stuccoe-work, are neat. The nave is regular, having side ailes; formed by two octagonal pillars on each side, supporting pointed arches. The tower is ornamented with a short spire of stone. From a station a little above the village there is a very extensive prospect, where you command a view of the whole valley northward, with Offer∣ton, Biddick, Washington, Usworth, Jarrow, Shields, Tinmouth, and the rising grounds on the north shore of Tyne.

Page 497

In the beginning of the fourteenth century various disputes were agitated touch∣ing the rights of the rectory of Boldon, in one of which the master of Kepier was interested on behalf of his house, which was adjusted by the bishop; and another relating to certain cattle-gates in grounds called the Heymyngs, on which an in∣quisition was taken, whereby the right was certified in favour of the rectory* 114.19.

NEWTON is a separate manor, and by Boldon Book† 114.20 is stated to be the pro∣perty of John Pannetary, yet thereby it also appears that there were villain tenants of the bishop, who performed their services at Boldon, and are there called male-men, a term difficult to define; the most probable conjecture we can form is, that they were so stiled from their rent payments, which we presume were anciently made in grain, and the produce of their lands; for such is the construction given of maile or male by the best expositors: There was a payment made in the northern coun∣ties called black-male, to those who guarded the borders against the banditti of moss troopers; or perhaps the tenants of Newton served as guards on the frontiers, and thence were called male-men. Newton, in bishop Bury's time, gave a local name to a resident family, and Rob. de Newton, in the fifth year of that prelate, died seised of considerable property there. In bishop Hatfield's Survey it appears, that lord Neville then held the vill, one moiety of which he purchased of William son of Tho. Gategan, and the other moiety being the estate of John de Hedworth, he aliened the same to Will. de Hilton, chiv. who sold it to the Nevilles‡ 114.21, and Ralph earl of Westmoreland aliened the manor to John de Hoton ‖ 114.22 of Tudhow, which family afterwards resided at Hardwick near Sedgefield, but how long they held this manor we have not discovered. In bishop Neville's time it was part of the possessions of the barons Hilton.

Page 498

WHITBURN.

To the east of Boldon lies the parish of WHITBURN. This is a delightful village, situate near the sea banks on the southern inclination of a hill, and a dry soil, commanding a beautiful prospect of Sunderland and the adjacent country. There are some handsome houses in the village, and several families of consequence reside there. We do not find much of Whitburn in the ancient records: In bishop Bury's time a family of Thorals * 114.23, and also one Nicholas de Gunnays, were seised of lands: The family of Hedworths held possessions there in the time of bishop Hatfield † 114.24, which continued united with their other estates for several genera∣tions.

The church of Whitburn ‡ 114.25 stands in a fine open situation, and is a neat edifice:

Page 499

The chancel is five paces in width, and ten paces in length to the three steps lead∣ing up to the altar. The east window, consisting of three lights, is under a point∣ed arch; there are four windows to the south, under pointed arches; and two to the north, one under a circular arch, the other pointed. The nave is regular, having two side ailes, formed by rows of round columns, four on each side, with the ancient roll capitals, supporting pointed arches; it is in length twenty paces, and twelve in width, lighted by three square-top'd windows to the south: The raf∣ters of the roof are vaulted. At the west end of the south aile, railed in, is the an∣cient burial place of the owners of Cleadon, where lies interred Matthew of Clea∣don. There is an altar tomb, with a recumbent effigy cut in a modern dress, with square-toe'd shoes: The date 1689.

This church has a lofty tower, with a blunt spire* 114.32.

Page 500

In Boldon Book and Hatfield's Survey Clevedon or Cleadon is annexed to Whitburn, as joint members of the same manor: The manor being the bishop's, was in farm, and therein were twenty-eight villains, who held lands and performed services similar to those of Boldon. In the Boldon Book we find the names of Ketellus and John de Whitbern, with others, holding lands there: There were twelve cottagers in the like servitude as those of Boldon, and the pinder had the same privilege. The two vills paid 30s. cornage rent, and provided the houshold with two milch cows. In the survey among the free tenants are the names of several, particularly Hugo de Gilmore, Robert Hedworth, and Reginald War∣mouth, holding considerable possessions. In the inquisitions post mortem, of bishop Bury's time, others are described as holding in capite, as Matilda de Stafforth, who had lands at Cleadon, and John Correy the like, who left a daughter Stigreda, his heiress. The Kirbys, named in the survey, held lands here for several genera∣tions. There appears to be a freehold manor of Cleadon, in the hands of a sub∣ject, the estate of the Hiltons, and by them conveyed to Roger Thornton, whose possessions centered in the Lumley family, as before noted * 114.33. There is an old tower at Cleadon, commanding an extensive view; it was some short time ago the seat of the ingenious Mr Dagnia, and afterwards became the possession of Mr Ch. Harrison, formerly an attorney of Sunderland, whose heiress marrying Mr John Wardell, carried this with his other possessions into that family.

Page 501

[figure] view of Monkwermouth Church
MONKWEREMOUTH CHURCH. N. E Aspect.
The Parish of MONKWEREMOUTH.

St Bega, we are told by Bede, founded a religious society at Monkweremouth * 114.34; she had instituted a monastery in Copeland, in the district of Cumberland, but what induced her to quit the western coast, for the stormy and boisterous shore of the German ocean, we are not told. Particularly attached to maritime situations, when she moved from Weremouth, she built another religious house for the holy sisterhood at Heorthu, now Hartlepool; being of a restless temper, this third foun∣dation could not satisfy her, but she passed southward, and sat down near Tad∣caster. It is said she was born in Ireland, and received the veil from bishop Aidan, being the first female who made the religious vow in the territories of Northum∣berland† 114.35. In the fourth year of king Egfrid, A. D. 674, Benedict Biscopius, (whose brotherhood from him took the name of Benedictines) having a grant of sixty hides of lands, founded a religious house here, and dedicated it to St Peter. Lambard, p. 400, speaks thus of him and his undertaking ‡ 114.36:

This man labour∣ed

Page 502

to Rome five several tymes, for what other thinge I find not, save only to procure pope holye priviledges, and curious ornaments for his monasteries* 114.37; for first he gotte for theise houses, wherein he nourished 600 monks, great li∣berties; then brought he them home from Rome painters, glasiers, freemasons, and singers, to th' end that his buildinges might so shyne with workmanshipe, and his churches so sounde with melodye, that simple soules ravished therewithe, should fantasie of theime nothinge but heavenlye holynes: In this jolitie conti∣nued theise houses, and other by theire example embraced the like, till Hinguar and Hubba, the Danish pyrates, (A. D. 870) weare raised by God to abate their pride, who not only fyred and spoyled them, but also almost all the religious houses of the north east coast of this island.
The introduction of the fine arts did not suit our author's taste; he adds,
And of these thinges Beda and others note him the first author, ascribinge fondlye to his praise that whiche worthelye may be written to his discommendation; for by theise and suche other vanities of will worship, the spiritual service of God began first to be weakened.
It appears from good authorities, that at so early a period Benedict brought into this district masons of the first denomination, pious artists, who employed their hands in holy works; he introduced glazing in public edifices, and the refinement of har∣mony and song in divine ceremonies: We have no further description of this mo∣nastery in its ancient state† 114.38. The reader will find a short account of the pious

Page 503

Benedict in the notes. In Bentham's History of Ely, p. 21, we are informed the workmen employed in this edifice were brought by Benedict from France, and that within the compass of a year after the foundation was laid, he caused the roof to be put on, and divine service to be performed in it: He continues,

Af∣terwards, when the building was finished, he sent over to France for artificers skilled in the mystery of making glass, (an art till that time unknown to the inhabitants of Britain) to glaze the windows both of the porticos and principal parts of the church; which work they not only executed, but taught the Eng∣lish nation that most useful art.
We are not informed in what manner the monastery was restored, or by whom, after the Danish devastations; but when king Malcolm of Scotland made his inroad in the year 1070, he ravaged many parts of this palatinate, and burnt the monasteries of Weremouth and Hartlepool. We have few accounts of the ostium of the Were being frequented by shipping in these early times, but from the choice of situations, are induced to believe what led the founders of religious houses to fix upon Weremouth and Jarrow, was their being the station of mariners, who in all ages were objects for religious reforma∣tion; and yet another and perhaps not less essential cause occurs, they were ac∣customed to present gifts for propitiation, which would assist the maintenance, if not increase the riches, of the religious societies. When Malcolm made that pro∣gress, he found Edgar with his family and followers embarked, and lying in the haven waiting wind and tide, for their voyage to Scotland; and it is more than probable the king's intention was to cover that retreat. This circumstance shews that the port was of some note in the eleventh century * 114.39. It is wonderful that Turgot, who took the monkish habit at this place, should not speak of its history during so long a space of time, as from the incursion of the Danes to the year 1075, a period of 205 years, or mention the restored edifice, the return of the society, and the destruction made by Malcolm. Thus dark as the long interval remains, we must pursue the facts which he delivers down: Part of the religious society of Jarrow (which we are apt to conceive was become too numerous by the monks who were driven from Weremouth seeking refuge there) determined to form a colony, with Aldwin at their head, and settle in the north, whilst another prepared for a southern settlement, headed by Renfred: Aldwin, with his followers, sat down at the ruined huose of Melros, where they suffered much persecution, refusing to swear allegiance to Malcolm, who then possessed that territory † 114.40. Bishop Walcher

Page 504

was displeased with this emigration, which was not only made without his consent, but also militated against a plan he had formed, though not made public: He dis∣patched messengers to entreat the return of the northern colony, and wrote letters of invitation; but in case of disobedience, the messengers were charged with more rigorous commands, and the terrors of excommunication were directed to be an∣nounced. On Aldwin's return to this diocese, in the year 1075, the bishop placed him at Weremouth. Turgot then tells us

Tunc ecclesiam S. Petri, cujus adhuc soli parietes semiruti steterant, succisis arboribus, cradicatis vepribus & spinis, quae totam occupaverant, curarunt expurgare, & culmine imposito, quale hodie cernitur, ad agenda divinae laudis officia stategerant restaurare.
Ubi de virgis facientes habitacula, &c.
* 114.41 This relation affords some surprise, for according to other authorities, it was only in the year 1070 that Malcolm laid his destroying hand on those edifices, and in the space of five years few trees, thorns, or briers could grow over the ruins. Lambard still creates greater confusion in the matter, who says,
Aldwyn of Evesham, or Winchecombe as others say, accompanied with two or thre other, toke the place of byshop Walchers guifte, covered the churche, and some∣what repaired the house, and stoared it with companie: But before they had longe rested theare, the destruction which William the Conquerour made in the north countrye, and the fire of Malcolme kinge of Scottes came upon theim, and caused theim to forsake the place for a season. And when they ment to have returned, William, then bishop of Durham, compelled them to come to Durham abbay, and made the house and cell subject to the same,
&c. This account destroys every degree of chronology, for bishop Walcher did not come to the See till 1072. To solve the difficulty, it seems likely there were two religious edifices, one north of Were, destroyed by the Danes, of which Jarrow was a filia∣tion, and another erected perhaps after that destruction, on the south of Were, which Malcolm ruined: And this conjecture is not totally groundless; for Tanner, in his Notitia † 114.42, makes a mistake in the situation of St Peter's, perhaps through the confusion there appears in ancient history. After this last settlement the bishop gave the vill of Weremouth, with Sudwick, for the maintenance of the re∣ligious fellowship there; but their residence was soon disturbed, by bishop William de Carilepho carrying into effect the design of his predecessor, and removing the Be∣nedictine

Page 505

monks to Durham, in the year 1083; from which period Weremouth became a cell for three or four monks only of that order, subordinate to the mo∣nastery of Durham. Prior Richard de Claxton, resigning his government of the monastery, had assigned for maintenance the cell of Weremouth, with the tithes of Sudwick; and prior Galfrid de Burdon, in the year 1332, had that cell assigned him, with the tithes of Fulwell. At the dissolution, the whole revenues did not, according to the utmost estimate, amount to more than 26l. 9s. 9d. yearly; and in the thirty-seventh year of king Henry VIII. the rights of the monastery were granted out to one Thomas Whitehead * 114.44.

Page 506

There are several remains of the monastic buildings, which form three sides of a square, with the church; but none of the offices can be ascertained from the edifice now standing. The present church consists only of the nave and north aile, the south aile having been totally destroyed: The tower is most ancient, and probably has stood from the eleventh century, being supported on heavy and low arches, and the chancel is divided from the nave by a heavy circular arch, much like the arches of Jarrow in form, but more lofty and extended: The north aile is formed by two round pillars and three pointed arches, and the east window of the chancel is under a pointed arch, and formed of five lights. The nave is remarkably nar∣row in proportion to its length, being little more than five paces wide, and twenty-two long; the aile is also five paces wide. On the north wall of the chancel is a monument of the Hilton family * 114.45; and in an adjoining porch, is the mutilated effigy of a man in a coat of mail, with elevated hands, and a sword sheathed at his left side, which appears to have belonged to the monument before noted.

MONKWEREMOUTH-HALL, erected on the scite of the old monastery, is the pro∣perty of Sir Hedworth Williamson † 114.46, and was for some time the place of his family's residence ‡ 114.47. Lord Crewe, whilst bishop of Durham, contended against certain rights claimed on the north shore of Sunderland haven, which were confirmed by proceedings at law to the Williamsons.

This place is very greatly increased in buildings, population, and wealth within the last twenty years. There are now five carpenters yards constantly employed

Page 507

for ship-building; which, with the dependent articles of manufactory, engage a multitude of workmen.

OF FULWELL we find nothing remarkable in history * 114.48; or of SUDDICK, alias SOUTHWICK † 115.1, in which latter place the family of Hedworth long continued to have possessions.

Page 508

HILTON MANOR, with the Castle, was the possession of the family of the Hiltons before the Norman Conquest, and continued above seven hundred years, to the time of John Hilton, esq the last male heir, who died there the 25th of Septem∣ber, 1746, and left his estates by will to Sir Richard Musgrave of Hayton Castle, in the county of Cumberland, esq his nephew, by his eldest sister, provided he took the name of Hilton by act of parliament. Sir Richard died on the 16th of June, 1755. The castle of Hilton and almost all the rest of the family estates, were decreed to be sold for payment of the debts of John Hilton, esq in Sir Richard's life-time. This manor, with the castle, and about 900l. a year in lands, in 1758, were sold to Mr Wogan the younger, then lately returned from the East-Indies, for 30,000l. and upwards, but that sale not being perfected, the estates were pur∣chased by Mrs Bowes, relict of George Bowes of Gibside, esq

HILTON CASTLE, seated in a vale on the river Were, is graced with many hanging woods and ornamental plantations, in long extended avenues; and though possessing few beauties of situation, and much shut up from prospect, yet may be justly called a pleasing retirement. Part of the ancient baronial house re∣mains, but it has undergone such reformations and changes, that it is now difficult to ascertain the date of any distinct part of the present edifice. The center of the west front consists of the great entrance and gateway, defended by square project∣ing turrets, crowned with hanging parapets which cross the angles transversly, like those on the old towers at Lumley, so as to make an aperture over each face of the square, for the purpose of annoying assailants. This form indicates that those parts of the two castles were nearly of the same date. The center is flanked with circular turrets, which now garnish the wings of the building, of modern construc∣tion: The battlements of the ancient part are ornamented with human figures. In the center are several shields of arms, but disposed so irregularly as to testify the present building did not first receive them. In the highest place are the royal arms, three fleur-de-lis quartering three lions passant, and beneath, in a confused form, are the arms of Graystoke, Lumley, Brabant, Percy, Ogle, Conyers, and several others. On the turrets are several shields of arms, among which are those of Surtees and Bowes. The east front has the ancient tower in the center, with a square projecting front without turrets. It is ornamented with the arms of the Hiltons, without quarterings, the head of Moses the crest; above which is a large

[figure]

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Hilton Castle
HILTON CASTLE

Page 509

figure in relief, of a stag at rest, collared and chained. There are two uniform wings of modern work, and an elegant portico in the center, of the highest Gothic stile. The mansion is neglected, and contains nothing within that merits noting. The back grounds are laid out in slopes and terraces, at the termination of the up∣permost of which stands the ruined chapel, once noted for its elegance and orna∣ments * 115.2. On the west front are three shields of arms; in the center, Hilton's quar∣tering Vetripont's; on the dexter side, the supporters are lions; on the sinister side the same arms, the supporters are stags.

We have a description of this castle in the rolls of bishop Nevil, about the year 1450, when it consisted of a hall, four chambers, a chapel, two barns, a kitchen, and a house called the gate house. The present center of the building is five stories in height, and most probably is the edifice described in the record, comprehending the hall and four chambers. The family of Hilton was not only one of the most eminent in this province, but also one of the most opulent, as appears by their possessions mentioned in the notes.

Page 510

The following account of the Hiltons is taken from a manuscript in the posses∣sion of the Musgraves of Hayton:

Three hundred years before the Conquest, even in the reign of king Athelstan, one of the Saxon monarchs, the family of Hyltons were settled in England in great reputation, as appears by a certain inscription at Hartlepool. That upon the coming over of William the Conqueror, Lancelot de Hylton, with his two sons Henry and Robert, espoused his cause and joined him; but that Lancelot was slain at Feversham in Kent. That to the elder son Henry, the Conqueror gave a large tract of land on the banks of the river Were, not far from Weres∣mouth; a reward for his own and his father's valour. That this Henry built Hylton castle in the year 1072, was one of the deputies that treated with the Conqueror concerning the four northern counties, and in the service of that prince, was at last slain in Normandy. That in the reign of Edward III. John Hylton, who sent four of his sons into the wars of France, under the command of the Black Prince, was first created baron of Hylton castle, for his gallant defence of it against the Scots incursions. That this peerage continued in the family for seven successions, till at last it was forfeited upon account of some un∣guarded words, whereof the then bishop of Durham gave the court information, which William the seventh and last baron of the family spoke against the queen, and her favourite De Le Pole. That upon the death of this William, which was thought to have been violent, the crown seizing upon the estate, gave it to the informing bishop, who held it for some time, to the utter exclusion of the right∣ful heir. That in process of time however, Lancelot, the grandson to the aforesaid William, was restored to his castle and part of his estate, no more of it indeed than what the bishop thought fit to allow him under this hard condition, that he and his heirs for ever should hold the moiety that was given them under certain rents and services to the Sec of Durham, and have the title of barons (but barons to the bishopric) annexed to their inheritance; and in that condi∣tion it has continued ever since. In the pedigree of the Hyltons there are seve∣ral names remarkable for their learning and piety, but almost innumerable those highly renowned for their martial deeds. War seems to have been the pleasure, genius, and recreation of the Hyltons, nor has any family been more lavish of their blood in defence of their country's cause. Since the time of the Conquest it is remarked of the Hyltons, that one was slain at Feversham in Kent, one in Normandy, one at Mentz in France, three in the holy wars under Richard I. one in the same under Edward I. three at the battle of Bourdeaux, under the Black Prince, one at Agincourt, two at Berwick upon Tweed against the Scots, two at the battle of St Albans, five at Market Bosworth, and four at Flodden Field.

This MS. account is given as it came to the author's hands, some principal errors will appear in the comparison of the records.

Page 511

[figure] view of Bishop Weremouth
BISHOP WEARMOUTH.
The Parish of BISHOP WEREMOUTH.

South Weremouth, or as it was afterwards called Bishop's Weremouth, to dis∣tinguish it from the seat of the monks on the northern shore of Were, was not of much inferior antiquity, being restored to the See by Athelstan in the beginning of the tenth century, under the distinguishing appellation of the delightful villa of South Weremouth, with its appendages, Weston, Offerton, and Silksworth, toge∣ther with the two Ryhopes, Birden, Seham, Seaton, Dalton, Dalden, and Hesilden; which places, by the royal grant, are stated to have been wrested from the church in former times, "through the malignity of evil men" * 115.3. It is not ascertained how soon a church was built here, but probably the foundation was not long sub∣sequent to the restitution made by Athelstan, though no rector or other incumbent occurs in the church records before the beginning of the thirteenth century. Not∣withstanding the severance of Sunderland from this parish, by act of parliament, by virtue of which Sunderland was created a separate rectory, as will afterwards be noted; yet this is a very opulent living, being computed worth one thousand pounds a year.

Page 512

The ancient village stood chiefly on the southern inclination of the hill, on the crown of which is the church; but from the increasing wealth and population of Sunderland, the ground which formerly divided the two places is now eagerly sought after by persons of opulence and trade, who have arranged handsome villas on each side of the road, so that in a few years the buildings of these places will meet.

The church * 115.4, though disfigured on the outside by modern fashed windows, re∣tains much of its ancient form within; the architecture testifying that the structure is nearly as ancient as the days of Athelstan, when the Saxon modes prevailed. The chancel was repaired and greatly altered by Mr Smith, who came to this rectory in 1704. The altar rails form a square, thereby admitting many communicants to the service: The inclosure is six paces in length, and three wide steps ascend to the rail; the whole is neatly wainscotted, and the east end ornamented with taber∣nacle work. The east window is under a pointed arch, and formed of five lights;

Page 513

there are four south windows, and one to the north, having two lights each, under pointed arches. From the steps, the chancel on each side is double stalled with oak, in the cathedral form, ornamented with a carved entablature in open work. The entrance from the nave is under a lofty pointed arch, rising from a cluster of small round pilasters; closed with stalls and a handsome wood screen, suitable to the rest of the chancel. The whole length of the chancel within the rails and with∣out is nineteen paces. The nave hath two regular ailes, formed by two rows of three round columns, about fourteen feet in height, uniform, with rolls for capitals, supporting circular arches; there are four upper windows on each side: The nave and ailes together are fifteen paces in width, and sixteen in length, regularly stalled with oak, and carved with fleur-de-lis. The pulpit is lofty, and well ornamented: Near it, in the end wall of the north aile, is a monument, having the effigy of a man in armour to the waist, with elevated hands, in high relief; belonging, as it is pre∣sumed, to one of the family of Middleton. The tower rises on short round pilasters, supporting pointed arches on the sides, and a lofty circular arch towards the nave. The west end of the nave is galleried. By the various modes of archi∣tecture which are seen in this edifice, it is evident, alterations have taken place at different periods, but that the old Saxon mode was the original one.

The rector of Weremouth for the time being is lord of the manor, and holds his courts, the customs and copyholds of which are of the same nature with the customs and copyholds of the bishop's manors. The history of this place is in∣volved in the confusion before noted relative to Monkweremouth, and we are not able to trace the antiquity with any degree of accuracy, either in relation to the foundation of the church or its endowment. Camden was overtaken in the error of William of Malmsbury * 115.5, and confounded Jarrow with Weremouth. In bishop Pudsey's time, as appears by the Boldon Book †, the manor of Weremouth was held by the bishop, and in Weremouth and Tunstall he had xxij villains and six * 115.6

Page 514

cottagers, whose customs were similar to those of Boldon. There was a carpenter, also a smith, who held lands for their work; the two places paid xx s. cornage, and provided two milch cows for the houshold. The lordship was then farmed out, with the increase of certain live stock appertaining thereto of cattle and sheep, which, with the mill, produced 20l. a year: The fisheries gave 6l. and the borough of Weremouth xx s. In bishop Hatfield's Survey we find an account taken of the products of this manor, in which more minute particulars are noted. Thomas Menvylle then held a place called Hynden, for plying of ships, under the rent of 2 s. and the parson of Weremouth held a pasture called the Hough: The bond∣men paid 19d. for scatpennys; for their privilege on Middlemoor and Littlemoor 10s. 10d. in the whole, and provided each two hens and ten eggs: For one milch cow they paid 6s. for cornage x s. woodlades 8 s. 8d. and for the common furnace 3s. 4d. The bond tenants of Weremouth, Tunstall, Ryhope, and Birden paid for their mill and brewferm. Among the rents of the bond tenants of Tunstall we find they paid 19d. for scatpennys * 115.7, and in lot oats, ten quarters and four bushels, twenty-eight hens, seven score eggs, 6s. for a milch cow, for the common furnace 3 s. 4d. and 12 s. 6 d. for cornage.

Page 515

We have observed that the borough of Weremouth is noted in the Boldon Book: Bishop Pudsey, in the latter end of the reign of Henry II. or in the beginning of Richard I. granted a charter of privileges to his burgesses of Weremue * 115.8. There is another grant made by him, 1154, De burgo de Weremue, alias Weremouth, modo Sunderland juxta mare† 115.9; and by the charter of bishop Morton to Sunderland, it appears that king Henry III. granted certain privileges to the new borough of Weremouth.

At the Pans, observed in the book of rates, is an ancient seat house of the Lambton family ‡ 115.10.

Page 516

[figure] view of Sunderland
SUNDERLAND
The Parish of SUNDERLAND.

It hath been asserted by various writers, that Sunderland, either was so united with Weremouth, or so insignificant in Camden's time, as caused him not to mention it. Leland, in his Itinerary, takes no note of it. It is most probable the general name of Weremouth prevailed so much as occasioned Sunderland to escape the learned writers observation, especially as in the charter granted by bishop Pudsey, the borough had the name of Weremouth.

That charter is addressed, among other personages, as priors, archdeacons, &c. to the bishop's barons, and grants, That the burgesses of Weremouth should enjoy the like liberties and free-customs, as the burgesses of Newcastle: That all pleas arising within the borough, except those of the crown, should be determined there. Dis∣putes between those plying with ships at that port, and merchants to whom the cargoes were sold, to be determined within the time of the third influx of the tide, that navigation might not be retarded: Merchandize brought by sea to be landed before sale, except salt and herrings. A year and a day's possession of lands, &c. without claim, the claimant being within the realm, and not under age, a sufficient quietus. A burgess's son maintained by his father at bed and board, entitled to the like privileges as the father. A villain remaining and holding lands or tene∣ments

Page 517

in the borough for a year and a day without interruption, to have the same franchise as a burgess. A burgess might sell his lands and go where he pleased, if no claim was subsisting against him. If a burgess was complained against, in a matter where battle ought to be waged, by a villain, he was to make defence by thirty-six men, unless the value in suit was one hundred pounds, or the crime im∣puted to him ought to be tried by battle. No burgess was compelled to fight against a villain unless he had forfeited his franchise. There was not to be within the borough blodwite, merchete, heriet, or blood drawing. The reve or head-borough was to look after forfeitures touching bread and beer. A burgess might bring in his corn from the country when he pleased, except at a time of prohibition or em∣bargo. Whatever a burgess bought he might sell without licence of the lord or consent of his heir. Every burgess had liberty to buy timber and sire wood equally with the burgesses of Durham. They should enjoy their common pasture as was originally granted to them, and which the bishop had caused to be perambulated. Customs of fish were reserved to the bishop, as Brus had from his people of Hart∣lepool.

The town of Sunderland stands on a point of land, having a steep descent to the river, which affords a convenient and safe haven for shipping. It was not anciently a port of note, yet not totally unfrequented; for in the preceding charter a provision is contained touching ships plying there: Yet we cannot form any great estimate of this port, when we observe in Hatfield's Survey, that John Hedworth had an ancient right of drawing a net in the very haven * 115.11. Much evidence appears of the bishops of Durham having

Page 518

the borough, and leasing out the rights and privileges of it; and in right of their

Page 519

regalia they leased out the passage of the river and ferry-boats* 115.12. We do not find any grants of anchorage and beaconage till the time of bishop Tunstall† 115.13, so that it is natural to conjecture in his episcopacy, the port was growing into importance. Commissions of conservatorship of the river Were, &c. were granted so early as bishop Skirlaw's time, and were repeated by his successors‡ 115.14. Commissions of sewers issued from the time of king Charles I.‖ 115.15; and in the reign of king Charles II. commissions issued for measuring the keels or lighters, and coal-boats of Sunder∣land port§ 115.16. In bishop Langley's time there were commissions to enquire after the ••••lmon fishery, and the same were repeated by his successors; also commissions touching yares and obstructions in the rivers¶ 115.17. Royal fish and wreck of the sea

Page 520

were frequent subjects of enquiry by commission, and will be noted in the respec∣tive places where the facts arose. Bishop Barnes and his successors appointed a water bailiff of the port of Sunderland; and sundry prelates by patent appointed a vice-admiral and judges of their court of admiralty* 115.18. The bishops also granted licences for building wharfs or staiths for vending coals.

Page 521

From all the records referred to it will appear, that it was not till after the sta∣tute of Henry VIII. by which the palatine jurisdiction was restrained and mutilated, Sunderland became a place of considerable note, and had its officers of distinction and police: Hartlepool, whilst the bishop of Durham had naval armaments, was the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the province, where the bishop had his officers, and received the fees, dues, and duties which in other ports were paid to the king.

Bishop Morton, desirous of encouraging the trade of Sunderland, in the year 1634, granted a charter of incorporation to the burgesses and inhabitants, by the title of mayor, twelve aldermen, and commonalty of the borough of Sunderland* 115.19. The charter states, that Sunderland had beyond the memory of man been an an∣cient borough, known by the name of the new borough of Weremouth, contain∣ing in itself a certain part, where ships had plyed, bringing and carrying merchan∣dize, as well to and from foreign parts, as from other ports of this kingdom: The articles of exportation therein specified are sea coals, grind-stones, rub-stones, and whet-stones. It also states, that the trade was then greatly increased by the mul∣titude of ships resorting thither; and that the borough anciently enjoyed divers liberties and free customs, as well by prescription as by virtue of sundry charters from the bishops of Durham, confirmed to them by the crown; which from de∣fect in form proved insufficient for the support of the ancient liberties, privileges, and free customs of the borough, or to that effect. This charter granted the market and fairs, and appointed the mayor for the time being clerk of the market.

Page 522

For reasons not pointed out to us, this charter was suffered to expire; perhaps the miseries of those times, and the dreadful convulsions of the state, caused it to be neglected. But though the members of the incorporation did not long preserve their jurisdiction, the privileges granted to the inhabitants were assumed, and main∣tained in several suits at law, particularly touching the herbage of the town-moor, with the soil thereof: This common consists of about seventy or eighty acres only. In the case of Hicks versus Clerk, Lev. 2d part. p. 252, the custom is stated, that

Sunderland is an ancient borough, consisting of twelve capital burgesses, called burgesses, and twelve inferior burgesses, called stallingers, and that each freeman occupying a house had commonage for two horses and four cows, and each stal∣linger for one cow; and that the widow of a freeman or stallinger, being an in∣habitant, had the like commonage after the husband's death.
Upon error the judgment establishing this custom was affirmed * 115.20.

King Charles II. in the first year of his reign, directed his commission to the mayor and four senior aldermen of Sunderland, and to Walter Ettrick, esq to ad∣minister the oaths of supremacy and obedience to the inhabitants, &c. there† 115.21. He also, in the twentieth year of his reign, granted his letters patent to Edward An∣drew, esq to build a pier or piers, with a light-house or light-houses, and to cleanse the harbour of Sunderland, with power to raise contributions for effecting those works: And the same letters patent forbid

all masters and commanders of ships or other vessels, to cast ballast out of their ships or vessels within six fathom water, within the space and limits of one mile to the southwards, and one mile to the northwards of the mouth or entrance of the harbour; willing and commanding all officers and ministers of our courts of admiralty,

Page 523

and vice-admiralty, to take especial cognizance thereof, and severely punish such as shall offend* 115.22.

The regal jurisdiction of the bishop of Durham being in many instances removed by the statute of Henry VIII. the conservatorship of the river Were and port of Sunderland was vested in the powers of the crown, and the necessary revival of that authority became daily obvious; so that an act of parliament was applied for and obtained in the 3d year of k. George I. for the preservation and improvement of the river Were and port and haven of Sunderland, and commissioners were ap∣pointed for twenty-one years † 115.23. In the thirteenth year of the same reign another act was obtained, entituled,

An act for the more effectual preservation and im∣provement of the river Were and port and haven of Sunderland,
&c. by which additional powers were granted to the commissioners. In the twentieth year of George II. another act was obtained and commissioners appointed, who were im∣powered to survey the river so far as to a place called New bridge, (being Chester new bridge) to which place they might make it navigable; and also the port, haven, and harbour of Sunderland, as the same extends from the promontory or point called Souter Point, about two miles from Sunderland bar towards the north-east, and so into the sea to five fathom at low water, and from thence in a sup∣posed direct line, till it fall opposite to that land called Ryhope Dean, about two miles towards the south. By subsequent laws the powers of the commissioners have been continued.

In 1719, Sunderland being increased so greatly in population, that it was im∣possible for the inhabitants to be received to the offices of the church at Were∣mouth, an act of parliament was obtained for making the town and township of

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Sunderland a distinct parish from the parish of Bishopweremouth; in the pre∣amble of which it is stated, that Sunderland contained six thousand souls and upwards, and that a beautiful church had been erected, with a vestry-room, and a dwelling-house for a minister or rector to live in, upon a parcel of ground, part of one of the common fields of Sunderland, and within the manor and borough of Sunderland, called the Intack, and had inclosed or doled out a parcel of ground adjoining thereto for a cemetery or church-yard. By this act Sunderland was made a rectory, the patronage of which should for ever appertain to the bishop of Durham. A vestry or association of inhabitants was instituted by this act, consist∣ing of twenty-four persons having freehold estates of the yearly value of 10l. to be chosen by the parishioners, and to continue in office three years, and so a succession to be chosen every three years, in which vestry-men was vested a power to make ordinances and by-laws, for the regulation of the new parish, to be ratified by two justices, to appoint a scavenger, and to assess on estates, real and personal, and stock in trade, a sufficient sum for the purposes therein mentioned, and particularly for paying to the rector a yearly stipend of eighty pounds, and to the clerk ten pounds, and a competent sum to the scavenger, to be levied by warrant from two or more justices of the peace. The rectory to be discharged of first-fruits, tenths, procurations, and synodals; but the tithes of fish, and of corn and hay growing within the parish, were reserved for the rectory of Bishopweremouth, the new rectory taking only Easter reckonings, surplice fees, and other small dues.

The trade of Sunderland is very considerable: In the Description of England and Wales, page 265* 115.24, it is thus spoken of,

It is a well-built populous sea port town, having a fine church, which the late rector, Mr Newcomb, spent the greatest part of his income in beautifying and adorning. He began by building a dome adjoining to the east end, into which he removed the altar, placing it under a canopy of inlaid work, supported in front by two fluted columns of the Corinthian order; but this gentleman died before he had finished his intended improvements. From the coal trade the inhabitants derive great wealth: The coal is so remarkable for burning slow, that it is said to make three fires. The port was formerly so shallow, that ships were obliged to take in their lading in the open road, which was sometimes attended with very great danger to the keelmen, who bring the coals down to the ships; on this account the vessels which loaded here, were usually smaller than in the neighbouring ports; but as they ride in the open sea, they no sooner get in their lading than they are ready to sail, which is a considerable advantage, as they have been known to steer from thence, to deliver their coals at London, to beat up against the wind in their return, and to get back before the ships at Shields, which were loaden before them, had been able to get over the bar: But this inconvenience has been in a great measure removed. The town is much improved and increased within these fifty years. The principal street is of great length, and of consider∣able breadth, parallel to which runs another, but narrower, besides a great number of others. The town, with the adjacent hamlets of Bishopweremouth,

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Bishopweremouth salt-pans, Monkweremouth, and the north shore side, contain about twenty thousand inhabitants. Those who are delighted with sea prospects may here see twenty or thirty sail of ships coming in with a flowing tide, from the coasting and foreign parts, fifteen or twenty going out on their respective voyages, and thirty or forty sail at anchor in the road, taking in their cargoes. Here is a very fine pier, which affords a pleasant walk, as well as shelter for the ships, and is said to have cost about 19,000l. They have also deepened the south channel, by taking up part of the rock. So great is the trade of Sunder∣land, that in 1752, there belonged to this port alone about one hundred and ninety ships, which are chiefly loaden with coals, the staple commodity of the place, and the produce of the adjacent country, whence many people are em∣ployed, and great sums brought in. In the summer season there are about ten thousand tons of lime and lime-stone, carried from this river, in small sloops of about twenty or thirty tons. It is said that there were loaded at this port, in 1748, 2497 sail of ships: And in the year 1752, besides the small sloops already mentioned,
  Coasters. Foreign port. Total.
In the quarter ending at Lady-day 370 15 385
In the quarter ending at Midsummer 1303 64 1367
In the quarter ending at Michaelmas 1271 65 1336
In the quarter ending at Christmas 480 29 509
Total 3424 173 3597
This account is exactly transcribed from the custom-house books of that year, and many of these ships were from one hundred to five hundred tons burthen. The amount of the duties of goods exported and imported from and to foreign parts com. ann. is about 10,000l. And as it is computed that about 260,000 Winchester chaldrons of coals are carried coastwise, whereon there is a duty of five shillings a chaldron on delivery, amounting to 65,000l. the whole revenue arising to the crown from the imports, exports, and produce of Sunderland, may be reckoned about 75,003l. per annum, so that possibly, with respect to the duty arising from it, it may be the sixth, or at least the seventh port in the kingdom.

In addition to the preceding account, it is to be observed, that the chief or high street of Sunderland is nearly a mile in length, the houses well built with brick; the low street which runs parallel thereto, and adjoins upon the quay, is narrow and extremely populous: There are some new streets which run from the upper side of the high street, containing several elegant buildings. In regard to the po∣pulation, in the year 1681, there were 83 burials in Bishopweremouth, which being multiplied by 30, (the average number which hath been found on general calculations of d••••ths in this county) would make the number of souls in Were∣mouth and Sunderland 2490. The number of burials in Weremouth in the year 2781 was 153, and in Sunderland 382, which on the like calculation, will give

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16,050, to which if we add 4890 for Monkweremouth, the whole number of souls will be 20,940. By the above account it appears the increase in population in one century was not less than 18,450 souls. The pier which was erected at the mouth of the river, in the coal owners case in 1766, before referred to, on the 21st of December, 1765, had cost 50,000l. and would then require 30,000l. more to perfect it. There are 350 vessels and upwards belonging to this port; and from the 5th of July to the 10th of August, 1776, inclusive, there were cleared at the custom-house 980 sail of ships coal-loaden, and above 100 vessels with lime: 5700 vessels cleared here in one year; and this navigation was performed by 1100 dif∣ferent vessels * 115.25. There is a sail-cloth manufactory carried on at Bishopweremouth, and in Sunderland three great roperies, various anchor-smiths forges, and six building yards, constantly employed. The foreign trade of this port is accurately set out in the following tables† 115.26:

EXPORTS, 1776.
  (Sunderland) Coals Chaldrons. Copperas. Horses. Green Glass.
Lady-day quarter 4990 813—3—13 7 260—0—0
Midsummer 10590 1093—2—4 9 4063—0—6
Michaelmas 14172 3331—2—21 0 170—0—0
Christmas 6156 1129—3—18 7  
Totals 35912 tons 318—14—0 23 503—0—6

Grindstones 207¾ cha.—Earthen ware 67 crates.—Stockings 472 dozen. IMPORTS, 1776.

R. flax 165Tons. 14 1 3.—Wainscot boards 6492.—Bolts duck 80.—Brandy 613 gallons.—Geneva 99 gallons.—Millstones 3.—Pantiles 7500.—Narrow Holland linen 0 2 2 ells.—Old iron 12 (tons) 118 1 6.—Hoops for coopers 2600.—Deals 828 2 5.—Ha. deals 26 2 9.—Battons 330 1 10.—Pailing boards 155 0 17.— M. balks 17 0 21.—Small balks 17 0 2.—Pipe staves 31 0 6.—Handspikes 41 1 12.—Capraven 1 1 16.—Wainscot 0 0 24.—Lath wood 10½ fathom.— Clapboard 1 2 20.—Oak plank 35 loads 19 feet.—Wine 65 3 gallons.—Small spars 38 0 16.—Oak timber 6 loads 11 feet.—Russia duck 9 2 20 ells.—Russia linen 4 3 10.—Hemp 4258 1 11.—Smalts 5817 lb.—Spruce beer 17 bar. 10 gal. —Ends of deals 5 0 0.—Great masts 10.—Carraway seed 21 0 20.—Fire wood 17 fathoms.—Oars 1 2 0.—Oak knees 1 2 24.—Single usser 0 3 6.—Bound books 33 lb.—German linens 20 ells. —Open tapes 45 dozen.—Toys 1 chest.—Fir timber 1609 load 33¼ feet.

EXPORTS, 1777. Coals to Holland, Germany, France, and Russia 36056½ chaldrons.

Ditto in 1778, 29, 777½ chaldrons.

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EXPORTS, 1779. Coals to Holland, Germany, France, and Russia 27,438 chaldrons.—Copperas 376 (tons) 18 0 3.—Stockings 177 dozen.—Earthen ware 153 crates 10 casks.— Green glass bottles 6584.—Grindstones 225½ chaldrons.—Hops 12 pockets 13 bags.—Fire stone 7 tons.—Mats of tow 97 0 0.—Dried fish 1728 2 4.—Organs 3 cases.—Anchors 3 (qr.) 1 (ton) 17 0 0.—Oakum 1 ton.—Sailcloth 18 bolts 563 ells.—Lint 4 0 12.—India goods condemned, 342 yards India silk, 6 yards printed callico.—N. B. During the war the trade was greatly diminished, but in peace 36,056, or 37,000 chaldrons of coals was about the mean quantity exported to foreign parts.

IMPORTS, 1779. From Holland: Rough flax (656) 0 2 23.—Wainscot boards No 4501 1614¼ inches.—Geneva 14 tons 251 gal.—Brandy 7 tons 229 gal.—2 marble gravestones, 46 feet superficial.—19 sails 865 ells.—9 gal. olives.—Duck or Holland sailcloth 28 ells.

From Norway: Deals under 20 feet 266 6 6.—Half deals 43 3 27.—Battens 256 3 12.—Pailing boards 128 3 10.—Small balks 18 0 6.—Middle balk 28 3 5 —Fir timber 1070 loads 41¾ feet.—Small spars 25 3 2.—Handspikes 29 0 9.— Tar 18 last.—Oak knees 3 0 0.—Capravens 1 0 28.—Fire wood 10 sathom.— Oars 40 pair.

From Germany: Oak plank 24 loads 21½ feet—Oak timber 17 loads 11¼ feet.—Oak knees for shipping 1 2 21.—Ditto for wherries 1 1 10.

From Sweden: Deals above 20 feet 55 1 23.—Battens 13 1 13.—Iron 91 (tons) 14 0 18.—Rough slax 117 3 18.

The church of Sunderland* 115.27, as observed before, is an elegant new structure, built of brick, ornamented with hewn-stone, has a tower with five musical bells: The sont is of beautiful Italian marble. No burials are permitted within the church. Above the vestry is a small parochial library. Besides this church an elegant chapel was erected by subscription in the year 1769, dedicated to St John: The minister's stipend, with the clerk's fee, and other inferior officers, are paid by the annual rents of the pews, which are farmed out: It has a good organ. Much attention was paid to this laudable institution by John Thornhill, esq who has the right of presentation for twenty-one years from the time of consecration. There are also three dissenting meeting-houses, and one mass-house in this place:

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An hospital for decayed sailors, and the widows of such, supported by the contri∣butions of able sailors: Also a school for twenty-four blue coat boys, who are cloathed, and the master paid monthly by the communion money, and the contri∣butions made at the time of preaching two charity sermons in the year, the whole yearly product being about sixty pounds.

From the populousness of the country and narrowness of the land here, the average rent per acre is from three pounds ten shillings to four pounds. There are few natural curiosities here; those which are usually shewn to travellers are the chalybeat spring on the moor, and the fossils of Boydon Hill.

Near the town are two handsome seat houses, one the seat of Mr Thornhill, called Thornhill, the other Hynden Lodge, built by — Maling, esq

Authors have made various conjectures touching the derivation of the name of Sunderland, some insisting it is the ancient Saxon Sonderland, signifying a particu∣lar precinct, with privileges of its own; others, that the name is expressive of a peninsula, severed and separated from the main land; and this latter appears the most probable, for we see by the ancient records, that in bishop Hatfield's time Hynden was a place held by Thomas Menvyll for the plying of ships * 115.28: If the sea, in the beginning of the fourteenth century, formed a creek or bay there, the land on which Sunderland now stands would at high water be almost totally dissevered from the main; and the deep gulleys shew a probability that such was the case: The shore has greatly changed its figure in the course of four hundred years, and perhaps some art was used to exclude the sea from that course, when the haven of Sunderland grew into fame, and the coal trade began upon Were.

This town has been honoured by our kings in giving title of earl to several noble families, viz. Emanuel lord Scroope of Bolton, who having been first made president of the king's council in the north by king James I. the 6th of February, 1618, was by his son Charles I. created earl of Sunderland, the 19th of June, 1628: But dying without lawful issue, the same king created Henry lord Spencer of Wormleighton (in respect to his approved loyalty and adherence to him in the civil wars then on foot) earl of Sunderland, but he enjoyed his honour a small time, being slain the same year at the battle of Newbury, leaving a son Robert earl of Sunderland, who died in 1702, and was succeeded by Charles earl of Sunderland.

Having treated of Sunderland, we must return to those members of the parish of Weremouth which are still retained. Bainbrigg-holme lies a little to the south of Weremouth town, but of it we find nothing memorable.

To the southward of Bainbrigg-holme lies Tunstall† 115.29, under those lofty eminences and sea marks called Maidens Paps. All the lands in the township of Tunstall are held by lease for lives under the lord bishop of Durham ‡ 115.30.

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To the east of Tunstall, and close upon the coast, lies Ryhope, which was restored to the See of Durham by Athelstan, as observed before. In bishop Bury's time we find a family took the local name of Reshop* 116.1, and held considerable possessions here, which appear afterwards to have devolved on a family called Freeman. In Boldon Book it is stated, that in Ryhope and Birden the bishop had twenty-seven villains, whose services were similar to those of Boldon † 116.2. Elfer de Birden then held two oxgangs of land, paying eight shillings rent, and serving on the bishop's embassies: Anfridus had the same service. The two vills paid thirty-two shillings cornage, and provided two milch cows. The lordship and demesne were then in farm, with a stock of three hundred sheep, under the rent of twenty-eight celders

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or chaldrons of bread corn, the like quantity of oats, and fourteen of barley, toge∣gether with six marks in money, for the increase of the flock. Little Birden was then held by John de Houghton, under x s. rent, and the service of carrying the bishop's wine with four oxen, and attending the forest chace with two greyhounds. By bishop Hatfield's Survey we see that Will. de Hoton held lands at Ryhope by foreign service. The bond tenants paid each six bushels of oats, called the scot∣oats, or allotted oats, and in the lieu of work 12 s. and for mill farm and toll or mulcture 13s. 7d. and for the aid or exchequer money, or as it is called scat-pennys

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19d. also two hens and ten eggs; they contributed to pay 6s. for a milch cow, 3 s. 4d. at four terms for the common furnace, 28s. 8d. cornage, and 27s. 6d. for woodloads: They carried yearly half a tun of wine, or paid for the carriage. John Diconson held twelve acres of land called Smythsland, and Ra. Cuke the Punderland, rendering besides 4s. 6d. rent, four score hens, and six hundred eggs. The cottagers, besides other services, paid 12d. for work called hornyeld* 116.3.

Here one of the instances on record occurred of the bishop of Durham's exercising his right to wreck of the sea † 116.4. In Ryhope is the seat house of John Carr, esq.

To the southward of Ryhope is Burdon. In bishop Bury's time the family of Reshope held lands here ‡ 116.5, and afterwards it gave name to the resident family, and continued their possession for a considerable time ‖ 116.6. In the Survey we see the names of John Rugheved and Henry Milner free tenants, and also the chaplain of the chantry of St Mary. West Birden, or as it is called in the Survey, Little Bir∣den, was the estate of the Nevilles with other parceners, who held the vill by the service of attending the forest chace, and carrying the bishop's wine with four oxen. It became the estate of Ralph earl of Westmoreland, who aliened the same with other lands, and obtained a pardon for so doing in 1430§ 116.7. The bond tenants paid for work 12s. and for the mill and mulcture 13s. 7d. for aid or scat-pennys 19 d. and six bushels of oats. Some of the bondsmen paid only six bushels of oats in the whole, two hens and ten eggs, for a milch cow 6s. for the furnace 2s. 13 s. 8d. cornage, and 42 s. woodloads, and also carried amongst them half a tun of wine when required. Under the title of exchequer lands we see the escheated estate of Milner, a neof or native of the lord.

Page 532

To the north lies Silksworth, adjoining to which is Ferrington Hall. Robert, the son of Richard of Ravenswick, granted to his nephew Galfrid, the son of Gal∣frid, lands in Silksworth, in the instrument called Silkeswich, and described to have been the property of Galfrid, the son of Richard, and father of the then grantee * 116.8. The Menevylles afterwards had property here† 116.9. And in bishop Dudley's time, and for several succeeding years, it was the estate of the Middletons‡ 116.10.

Some confusion appears in the records between Grindon in this parish‖ 116.11, and a place of the like name in the southern part of the county; but as far as we are able to distinguish the same, in the Boldon Book, it is stated, that the bishop had purchased Grindon, and gave it to Walter de Roth for his services, he rendering two hawks (duas bizancias) yearly. The family of Hiltons afterwards possessed it, and Alex. de Hilton died seised of the manors of Forth, Grendon, and Cloncroft§ 116.12, which he held by the service of one knight's see and suit at the county, in the time of bishop Hatfield. We find Grindon still remaining in the family, in bishop Neville's time, when Sir Robert Hilton died seised thereof¶ 116.13. It is now the pos∣session of John Nesham, esq. Clowcroft became the estate of the Bowes's.

Nearer to Weremouth, on the turnpike road leading to Durham, lies Low Barnes, formerly the seat of the Chapmans, now the property of Richard Pember∣ton, esq and a little to the northward is High Barnes, the seat of the Ettrickes** 116.14. Near the banks of the river is Pallion, the seat of the family of Goodchilds. This place in the old records is called Hameldon, or the manor of Pavillion; was an∣ciently the possession of the Dalden's†† 116.15, and afterwards of the Coniers's, Sir Robert Coniers having the same in right of Alice his wife, the manor being granted by Thomas de Norton and another in settlement, by virtue of which Alice died seised thereof about the second year of bishop Langley, with limitations to the heirs of her body by the said Robert; she left one daughter, their issue, who married Tho. Brownfleet ‡‡ 116.16. The manor was held of the bishop by military service and suit at

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the county court. We find the family of Bowes possessed of this manor in bishop Booth's time; and by inquisitions taken in the first and seventeenth years of that prelate, on the death of Sir William Bowes, knight, and William Bowes, esq his son, it appears they died seised of the same, thus described, the manor of Hamyldon, with its appendages, consisting of a messuage with the appurtenances called the Barnes, wherein is one hall, with two chambers, one kitchen, two grainges, one dovecot, two hundred acres of arable land, one hundred acres of pasture, and twenty acres of meadow; in another inquisition it is coupled with

maneria de Newton juxta Dun. Hamylden, Clowecroft, & Palyon ac piscar, in aqua de Were voc. Bowes water.
The ancient records set forth, that the bishops of Durham had a manor here, called the manor of Hameldon, and in bishop Hatfield's Survey it is noted as follows: The free tenants are named, among whom Ralph de Eure, knight, stands first; their services are set forth, and that of being emissaries appears general. The tenants of the demesne lands are next noted, and their services. The bond tenants were nine in number, each holding a messuage and two ox∣gangs of land, of fifteen acres each oxgang, and rendering 16s. for work, for aid or scat-pennys at the feast of the Purification 19d. for aver-pennys or plow-money at the two feasts of St Cuthbert and St Nicholas, and the feast of St John the Baptist 12d. for woodlades at the feast of St John 8 d. for aid or scat-pennys at the feast of St Martin 15d. at the feast of the Purification six bushels of oats, at the Nativity two hens, and at Easter ten eggs; and they used to work as the bond tenants of Boldon: In all 20s.* 116.17 Five bond tenements were then let at penny farme, or rack rent. The tenants held jointly a pasture called Doveside, Shotton's deen,

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Eastmore, Morelawe, and lands on Greenlawe. A wind corn mill formerly 6l. 13s. 4d. yearly rent, then 5l. 13s. 4d. They paid amongst them for one milch cow at Martinmas 6 s. for cornage at the feast of St Cuthbert in September 20s. for the common furnace 2s. The punder held six acres of land, rendering 3 s. rent, forty hens, and eight score eggs. The common forge paid 12d. rent.

The Parish of SEAHAM.

The next adjoining parish towards the south is SEAHAM, situated upon the sea shore. The village is small, having one chief mansion, the summer seat of the family of Milbanke of Halnaby. This is one of the places said to be restored to the church of St Cuthbert by Athelstan, but by what means afterwards aliened, is not known, as it is a freehold manor. The first family we find settled at Sea∣ham was that of Hadham, Sir Nich. de Hadham, knight, being possessed of this manor in 1260 * 116.18. His posterity continued there for several generations. It ap∣pears that Seaton, situated to the westward, and Slinglaw, were jointly possessed with Seaham. The Hadhams had aliened a moiety of these manors in the time of

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bishop Hatfield, in whose thirty-third year we find by an inquisition taken on the death of Thomas de Hadham, that he died seised only of a moiety * 116.19: And the alienation was made to the family of Conyers. By an inquisition taken on the death of Margaret the wife of Sir Thomas Boynton, knight, it is set forth, that she died seised of a moiety of the manor of Seaham, a fourth part of the manor of Plawsworth, and thirty-four acres in Whitworth, held by virtue of the feoffment of John Conyers, brother of Robert Conyers of Ormsby, knight, to the said Mar∣garet and Robert Conyers, and Alice his wife, and the longest liver of them; with remainder after their deaths to William son of Jordan de Dalden, esq and the heirs male of his body; remainder to Robert Conyers and Alice, and the heirs of their bodies; remainder to John son of Edmund de Kinllingwyck, and his heirs male; remainder to Robert son of the said Robert Conyers, and his heirs male; remainder to John his brother, and his heirs male; remainder to Joan wife of T. de Brounefield, the right heir of Robert Conyers and Alice† 116.20. In the first year of bishop Neville an inquisition was taken on the death of Joan, there called Broune∣stete, in which the moiety of Seaham is described; whereby it is stated, that William Bowes, esq was her son and heir‡ 116.21. And the family of Bowes held the possession for many years‖ 116.22. The family of Hadhams continued in possession of the other moiety § 116.23. Sundry other families possessed parcels of land there. John de Langton held a messuage and a carucate of land in Seaton, and two oxgangs of land in Seaham, by the sixteenth part of a knight's fee, formerly the possession of William Birrays ¶ 116.24. Simon de Esh held thirty-nine acres of land, and ten acres of

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meadow in Seaton, and two oxgangs of land in Seaham* 116.25. And Sir Ralph Eure, knight, held three cottages and four score and fifteen acres of land in Seaton and Slinglaw, of John de Hadham † 116.26. To trace the progress of these small parcels would be both laborious and fruitless.

The present church of Seaham ‡ 116.27, an humble edifice, doth not appear from the broken arch which divides the nave from the chancel to bear any similitude to the original building, that arch having been very lofty. We were told that in repair∣ing the chancel, a fire grate and tongs of iron were discovered below the founda∣tions; and that the walls are constructed of stone and mud, without lime. The nave and chancel are of an equal width, there being no ailes; the chancel is nine

Page 537

paces in length, and the nave sixteen, and five paces in width. There are three windows to the south and two to the north in the nave, and the like number north and south in the choir, with two small windows to the east. The tower is narrow. In the church yard is a stone coffin, with a cover, lately dug up; the cover ridged on the top, as if designed to shut off any water that might come to it; on one side of the cover is an inscription with some Saxon characters, "Hic jacet Richardus vic. de Sehaiam." In the list of incumbents we find two Richards in antiquity, Richard de Overton in 1293, and Richard de Ledyerde in 1451. The probability that this coffin contained the remains of Overton, rests on the circumstances of the Saxon character and stone coffins being disused in so late an aera as the fifteenth century; it was a degree of elegance used in an∣cient interments to have such coffins. The body was then wound in fine linens. attired in the most honourable vestments, and laid in spices; things not suited to mean personages. Richard de Overton was of such consequence, that in the twenty-second of Edward I. he had the king's letters of protection * 116.28.

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[figure] view of Houghton-le-Spring
HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING
The Parish of HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING.

To the south-west of the parishes of Seaham and Weremouth lies HOUGHTON. The village is happily seated at the head of a fine vale, opening towards the west, and sheltered from the north and east by a chain of hills. The rectorial house is venerable and extensive; besides which the town contains many large and hand∣some modern buildings, inhabited by persons of considerable fortune.

This being one of the great manors of the bishop of Durham, its peculiar cus∣toms are set forth both in Boldon Book and Hatfield's Survey* 116.29. It comprehends many townships, which perform suit at the bishop's court there. In the ancient records the services of each district are distinctly specified. According to the

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Parsonage House
PARSONAGE-HOUSE at HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING

Page 539

Boldon Book there were thirteen cottagers in Houghton, each of whom held twelve acres of land, and wrought for the lord two days in each week throughout the year, and four days at harvest with all their family, except the housewife, and paid one hen and five eggs: There were also three half-cottagers, who held six acres each, and wrought two days in each week from Pentecost to Martinmas. Henry praepositus, the reeve or headborough, held two oxgangs of land, consisting of twenty-four acres each, for his service. The smith had twelve acres, the car∣penter a toft and four acres, the pinder had twenty acres and a thrave of corn from each carucate of land in Houghton, Wardon, and Morton, and rendered sixty hens and three hundred eggs. Newbottle and Biddick mills, with a moiety of Rainton mill, produced fifteen marcs. The demesne with the stock of sheep and pasture, were in the lord's hands. By Hatfield's Survey it appears that Will. Milby held the malting or brewery of Houghton, under the yearly rent of 10s. and that one Elwick had the common bakehouse at 2s. rent; that there was only one free tenant in Houghton, Isabell the wife of Rob. de Wessynton, who held lands of 13s. 4d. fee-farm, theretofore the estate of John de Cornhill; but we are not able to trace down the possession by the inquisitions post mortem, under the succeeding prelates* 116.30.

The rectorial house, a handsome stone edifice, stands within a court, having a porter's lodge at the entrance. The house, which fronts to the south, has by the present rector, been laid open to a fine view of the country by pulling down two

Page 540

walls with which it was surrounded. It is flanked on one side by a chapel, and on the other by an ancient tower. The chapel was built by Mr Daven∣port, and stalled and wainscotted with Irish oak at the same time that he erected the present mansion-house. The tower was erected by John Kelyng, clerk, about the year 1483. He being rector, began to inclose, fortify, and embattle a house above the lower porch within his rectory, with a wall of lime and stone, and to make a fortress of it without licence: Bishop Dudley pardoned the offence, and in consideration of a fine paid, granted him licence to embattle the house, and make it a fortress for himself and successors for ever* 116.31. About eighty years after Kelyng's time, Bernard Gilpin expended upon the rectory and out-buildings near three hundred pounds, as he informs us in his will; but the greatest improvements were made by Mr George Davenport, who continued rector from 1664 to 1677; he rebuilt the mansion-house and chapel at his own expence, as well as the garden walls, and repaired the offices.

The church stands on a rising ground †, in the center of a square area, formed by the buildings of the lower part of the town: It is in the form of a cross, with the tower in the center. The chancel is in length fourteen paces to the steps which ascend to the communion table, and within the rail four paces; the width six paces. It was some years ago wainscotted, and stalled on each side, probably by Mr Davenport; for on the north side is a shield bearing the arms of bishop

[figure]

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] view of Houghton Hall
HOUGHTON HALL.

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Cosin, and on the south side another bearing the arms of Davenport. The wain∣scot

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being much decayed, was removed by the present rector, and the chancel is now fitted up with plaister in an elegant stile. The stalls too, being much decay∣ed, have been repaired. The east window, consisting of five lights, is under a pointed arch. There are beside five other windows in the chancel, one of four lights under a flat arch, three under pointed arches, divided by a small pilaster, and an adjoining one under a flat arch. The tower stands on four columns, giving an interior square of six paces, opening on every side to form the cross, and lead to the four limbs of the building. The nave is twenty-four paces in length from the pillars of the square, and has regular ailes formed by rows of three uniform clustered columns supporting pointed arches, which at the western extremity spring from pilasters of similar form with the pillars; the whole having great symmetry, and being of beautiful architecture. The width of the nave, with its ailes, is twelve paces. The side lights are regular, four on each side, and modern. The west window consists of five lights under a pointed arch. The reading desk is placed against the north west corner pillar, and the pulpit opposite to it. There is at present in agitation a plan for rebuilding the stalls and seating the church, many of which are now ruinous and much decayed; for removing the old organ, and introducing a new one in a gallery to be erected against the north wall of the church. The organ is placed in the south limb of the cross. The windows at the extremities of the cross are under pointed arches: One limb of this cross, but whether the north or south we cannot ascertain, is called Trinity porch. The nave is ceiled and stuccoed, and very clean.

There were two guilds instituted in this church, one dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the other to the blessed Virgin. In the records we find * 116.35 that Rob. Hudeson of Morton, with Rob. Smyth of Hoghton, and John Peerson, were fined on the 14th of November, in the twelfth year of bishop Laurence, 1468, for attempting to found a fraternity at Houghton, without the bishop's licence, contrary to the act of Mortmain: But the same bishop, in the nineteenth year of his pontificate, granted licence† 116.36 to Henry Gillowe, clerk, Henry Radclyff, esq William Byrdon, prior of Fynkelehalgh, Edmund Saunderson, and Will. Rothom, to found

to the praise of God and honour of the most Holy Trinity, a guild, consisting of them∣selves and other persons of both sexes, in the parish church of Houghton, and to elect yearly from among themselves a master or custos, and to have a common seal, with power to plead and be impleaded, and to purchase lands, &c. to the yearly value of ten pounds, notwithstanding the statute of Mortmain.
Bishop Booth, in the nineteenth year of his pontificate, also granted to Henry Gillowe, clerk, Henry Radclyffe, esq William Rotham, and John Pany,
actuated by a spirit of piety and charity, to sound to the praise of God and the honour of the most Blessed Virgin Mary the mother of Jesus, a fraternity or guild.

There was also a chantry in this church dedicated to St Margaret and St Katha∣rine: Yearly value 3l. 15s.‡ 116.37

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Page 544

The reader perhaps expects some short anecdotes in this place, of that excellent man Bernard Gilpin; we have selected several particulars given by William Gilpin, A. M. of Queen's College, Oxford, and others his biographers.

Bernard Gilpin, descended from a good family in Westmoreland, was born at Kentmire in that county, in the year 1517* 119.1. From his earliest youth he was inclined to a contemplative life; was thoughtful, reserved, and serious. His first years were spent at a public grammar school, from whence, at the age of sixteen, he was re∣moved to Oxford, and entered upon the foundation at Queen's College. He ap∣plied himself closely to his studies, and made a considerable proficiency in the

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learning of the times. Having determined to study divinity, that he might read the scriptures, he set out with great industry to gain a thorough knowledge of the Greek and Hebrew languages, in which he was much assisted by Mr Neal, a fellow of New College, and afterwards professor of Hebrew in Oxford.

At the usual term he took the degree of master of arts, and about the same time was elected fellow of his college: But shortly after, on account of his learn∣ing, was made choice of among those who were appointed to supply the col∣lege newly founded by Cardinal Wolsey, and to which he was accordingly re∣moved.

As Mr Gilpin was bred in the Roman Catholic religion, he continued a consi∣derable time steady to that church, and in defence thereof held a disputation against Hooper, afterwards bishop of Worcester, in the reign of Henry VIII. But when Edward VI. mounted the throne, Peter Martyr went to Oxford, and there read divinity lectures in a strain to which the university had been little accustomed. Mr Gilpin's credit in the university was become considerable, the Popish party were therefore very solicitous to engage him to side publicly with them; and when they made the most pressing applications to him for that purpose, they found his zeal much cooler than their own. He was not indeed satisfied with the Reformers, having had few opportunities of making himself acquainted with their arguments: But on the other hand he never was bigoted in his religion. While his mind was in so unsettled a condition, he thought himself but ill qualified to espouse either side publicly. Such importunity was however used with him, that at length he yielded, and appeared next day against Peter Martyr.

Mr Gilpin entered into the controversy against his inclination: He resolved to lay aside, as much as possible, the temper of a caviller, and to place truth before him as the sole object of his pursuit, from which he was determined not to be drawn aside either by prejudice or novelty. The disputation was therefore soon over; for Mr Gilpin had nothing of that pride of heart which leads men to de∣fend suspected opinions, but gave up his cause with that grace which always at∣tends sincerity. He owned publicly that he could not maintain it, and determined to enter into no more controversies till he gained full information of the subject * 119.2. He communicated some of his doubts to bishop Tunstall, who was his mother's uncle, and had always expressed great regard for him, and also conferred with Dr Redman † 119.3, of whose virtue and learning he had formed an high opinion.

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As an academic life afforded the most leisure for study, so Mr Gilpin was most inclined thereto: He had too just a sense of the duty of a clergyman to be unac∣quainted with the qualifications requisite for its discharge, and too mean an opi∣nion of himself to think he was yet master of them: He judged more learning was necessary in that controversial age, than he had yet acquired; and his chief argument with his friends, who were continually soliciting him to leave the uni∣versity, was, that he was not yet sufficiently instructed in religion himself, to be a teacher of it to others. These thoughts continued him at Oxford till the thirty-fifth year of his age; but about that time the vicarage of Norton, in the diocese of Durham, falling vacant, his friends prevailed upon him to accept it, though not without much difficulty. Accordingly a presentation passed in November, 1552. But before he took possession of his benefice, he was appointed to preach before king Edward VI. who then resided at Greenwich; Sir William Cecil having ob∣tained for him a general licence for preaching.

Mr Gilpin having staid some time in London, repaired to his parish, and imme∣diately entered upon the duties of his function. He failed not as occasions of∣fered, to use the king's licence in other parts of the country; but his own parish he considered as the place where his chief care was due. Here he made it his principal endeavour to inculcate moral virtue, and to dissuade from those vices which he observed most prevalent. He seldom handled controverted points, being afraid, lest endeavouring to instruct, he might mislead. At length he thought he had engaged too soon in his office, and that he could not properly discharge the duties of it; his mind was not satisfied, whilst he merely gave his hearers moral in∣structions, overspread as the country was with disputed articles of faith, and he conceived he acted improperly in pretending to be a teacher of religion, if he was unable to oppose the prevalent errors. These thoughts made every day a greater impression upon him, and at length growing quite unhappy, he wrote an account of his situation of mind to bishop Tunstall, who was then in the Tower. The prelate thereupon advised Mr Gilpin to provide a trusty curate for his parish, and to spend a year or two in Germany, France, and Holland, by which means he might have an opportunity of conversing with some of the most eminent pro∣fessors, both Protestants and Papists. This advice gave Gilpin much satisfaction; for a conference with some of the learned men abroad was what he had long earnestly desired. His principal objection to the scheme was, that it would prove too expensive: But as to that, Tunstall wrote to him, that his living would do something towards his maintenance, and he would supply deficiences. This, how∣ever, did not remove the difficulty; Mr Gilpin's notions of clerical duty were so strict, that he thought no excuse could justify non-residence for so considerable a time as he intended to be abroad. He could not, therefore, think of supporting himself with any part of the income of his living. He was determined to go abroad, and resolved, if he staid the shorter time, to rely only upon his own frugal

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management of the little money he had, and to leave the rest to the bishop's generosity. Accordingly he resigned his living in favour of a worthy man, with whose abilities and character he was well acquainted, and then set out for London, to receive his last orders from the bishop, and to embark. The account of his re∣signation got to town before him, and gave Tunstall, who was anxious for his kinsman's thriving in the world, great concern. "Here are your friends," said he,

endeavouring to provide for you, and you are taking every method to frustrate their wishes: But be warned; by these courses you will presently bring yourself to a morsel of bread.
Mr Gilpin begged the bishop would attribute what he had done to a scrupulous conscience, which would not permit him to act otherwise.

Before he took leave of the bishop, the latter put into Mr Gilpin's hands a treatise he had written upon the Eucharist, desiring he would cause it to be printed under his inspection at Paris. Soon after which he embarked for Holland, and upon his landing, went immediately to Mechlin, to visit his brother George, who was at that time pursuing his studies there. But after a few weeks he went to Louvain, where he resolved to settle for some time. He made frequent excursions to Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels, and other places in the Low Countries; where he spent some weeks with men of reputation, who held both sides of the controversial tenets; but he made Louvain his chief place of residence, for which city he al∣ways expressed a more than common affection. Louvain was then one of the most distinguished places for students in divinity; some eminent divines on both sides of the question resided there, and the most important topics of religion were discussed with great freedom.

Mr Gilpin's first business there was to get himself introduced to those of emi∣nence for learning; to whom his own address and attainments were no mean re∣commendations. He was present at all public readings and disputations; commit∣ted every thing material to writing; re-examined all his opinions; proposed his doubts in private to his friends; and in every respect made the best use of his time.

Whilst he was thus prosecuting his studies, he and the Protestants in those parts were alarmed with the melancholy news of the death of king Edward, the un∣successful attempt in favour of lady Jane, and the accession of queen Mary: But it came attended with one agreeable circumstance; an account of bishop Tunstall's release from the Tower, and re-establishment in his bishopric. Soon afterwards Mr Gilpin received a letter from his brother George, intreating him to come to Mechlin, to confer on an affair of importance. On his arrival he found his bro∣ther had received a letter from the bishop, informing him, that he had found a benefice of considerable value vacant in his diocese, which he wished he could per∣suade his brother Bernard to accept, imagining he might by this time have got over his former scruples: And accordingly George used his utmost endeavours for this purpose, but without effect; Bernard continuing inflexible in his resolution, not to accept of any benefice without discharging the duties of it. He therefore returned to Louvain; but, however, thought it incumbent on him to give the bishop his reasons for not accepting his kind offer. The bishop was not offended

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at this letter; for the unaffected piety of it disarmed all resentment, and led him rather to admire a behaviour, in which the motives of conscience shewed them∣selves so superior to those of interest.

Mr Gilpin continued some time longer at Louvain, daily improving in religious knowledge. But while he staid in the Low Countries, he was greatly affected with the melancholy sight of crouds of his dejected countrymen arriving daily in those parts, to avoid the bloody persecution then carrying on in England. It gave him, however, some pleasure to find, though he was unable personally to assist them, yet his acquaintance in the country furnished him with the means of being useful to many of them by his recommendations.

When he had been about two years in Flanders he left Louvain, and went to Paris, where his first care was printing the bishop's book, which he performed en∣tirely to his satisfaction. During his stay at Paris he lodged with Vascosan, an eminent printer, to whom he had been recommended by his friends in the Nether∣lands. This learned man shewed him great regard, did him many friendly offices, and introduced him to the most considerable persons in the city.

Mr Gilpin having spent three years abroad, returned into England in 1556, whilst the persecution was still carrying on against the Protestants. Bishop Tun∣stall received his kinsman with great kindness, and soon after his arrival gave him the archdeaconry of Durham, to which the rectory of Easington was annexed. He immediately repaired to his parish, where he preached with great boldness against the vices, errors, and corruptions of the times; and by virtue of his office of archdeacon, he also took great pains to reform the manners of the clergy. His free reproofs soon roused the ecclesiastics of those parts against him, and put them upon every method in their power to remove so inconvenient an enquirer. The popular clamour amongst them was, that Gilpin was an enemy to the church, a scandalizer of the clergy, and a preacher of false doctrines; and that religion must suffer from the heresies he was daily uttering, if he was suffered any longer* 119.4. In short, a charge of heresy, consisting of thirteen articles, was drawn up against him, and he was accused in form before the bishop of Durham. But Tunstall, who was much practised in the world, easily found a method of dismissing the cause in such a manner as to protect his nephew, without endangering himself. The malice of his enemies could not rest, and they created him so much trouble, that not being able to undergo the fatigue of duty, he begged leave of the bishop to resign either the archdeaconry or his parish, which his lordship thought fit: To which the bishop answered, that the income of the former was not a support without the latter, and that he could not consent to their being separated. Upon this Mr Gilpin re∣signed both of them; but the bishop soon after presented him with the rectory of Houghton-le-Spring.

This extensive rectory, containing no less than fourteen villages, had been as much neglected in that dark age, as the cures in the north then generally were.

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All ancient customs and ceremonies were carried higher than in most other places, and were considered as the essentials of religion. And it is said, through the de∣signed neglect of bishops and justices of the peace, king Edward's proclamations for a change of worship had not even been heard of in this part of the king∣dom, at the time of that prince's death.

Such was the condition of the parish of Houghton when it was committed to the care of Mr Gilpin; described by his biographers and other writers, to be then a waste so miserably uncultivated, that the greatest industry seemed necessary to bring it into any kind of order; and the greatest resolution was requisite in the at∣tempt. But when the good of mankind was concerned, this true christian mini∣ster had resolution to attempt whatever industry could accomplish. He was grieved to see ignorance and vice prevail: But he did not despair. The people crouded about him, and heard him with great attention, perceiving him to be a teacher of a very different kind from those to whom they had been accustomed.

When Mr Gilpin took possession of Houghton, he found the parsonage-house gone so to decay, that he could not reside in it; part of it was sitted up as soon as possible for his reception, but he continued improving and enlarging it till it be∣came suitable to his hospitable temper, a proper habitation for a man who never intended to keep what he had, to himself. Soon after his acceptance of the rectory

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of Houghton, Tunstall urged him to accept of a stall then vacant in the cathedral church of Durham, telling him, that there lay not the same objection to this as to the archdeaconry, it being quite a sinecure, and therefore he would have no rea∣sonable pretence for refusing it. But Mr Gilpin, unwilling to accept it, told the bishop, that by his bounty he had already more wealth, than, he was afraid, he should give a good account of. He begged, therefore, he might not have an ad∣ditional charge, but that his lordship would rather bestow this preferment on one by whom it was more wanted.

Mr Gilpin now lived in a retired manner, and gave no immediate offence to the clergy; the experience he had of their temper made him more reserved. Indeed he used more caution than he could afterwards approve; for in his future life he would often tax his behaviour at this time with weakness and cowardice. But all his caution was ineffectual; for he was soon formally accused before the bishop of Durham, who again found means to protect him. The malice of his enemies suc∣ceeded in part; for Tunstall's favour from this time visibly declined, and he struck him out of his will, of which he had before made him the executor. This loss gave Mr Gilpin little concern: He was sorry, indeed, to see the bishop disgusted; he acknowledged his great obligations to him; and would have given up any thing to have him satisfied, except his conscience. But good conscience, he was assured, was his best friend; and he was resolved not to part with it for any mortal friend upon earth.

His enemies, in the mean time, were not thus silenced. Enraged at this second defeat, they caused thirty-two articles to be drawn up against him in the strongest manner, and laid before Bonner bishop of London. Here they went the right way to work: Bonner was a man suited to their purpose; and accordingly gave im∣mediate orders for his apprehension. Mr Gilpin being no stranger to the burn∣ing zeal of the bishop of London, had no sooner notice of the persecution, than he prepared for martyrdom: He caused a long garment to be provided, that he might go in the more decent manner to the stake, and set out for London. In his way thither he broke his leg, which put a stop for some time to his journey. The per∣sons in whose custody he was, it is said, took occasion from thence maliciously to retort upon him an observation that he would frequently make,

that nothing happens unto us but what is intended for our good,
asking him, whether he thought his broken leg was so intended? He answered meekly, he made no ques∣tion but it was: And indeed so it proved in the strictest sense; for before he was able to travel, queen Mary died, and he was set at liberty. Whether all the parti∣culars of this story are true or not, thus much however is certain, that the account of the queen's death met him upon the road, and put a stop to any further prose∣cution.

Mr Gilpin being thus providentially rescued from his enemies, returned to Houghton, through crowds of people, expressing the utmost joy, and blessing God for his deliverance. The following year he lost his friend and relation bishop Tunstall; but he soon experienced, that worth like his would naturally procure friends. When the popish bishops were deprived, the earl of Bedford recommend∣ed

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him to queen Elizabeth for the bishopric of Carlisle, and took care that a congé d'elire should be sent down to the dean and chapter for that purpose: But Mr Gil∣pin declined this promotion; and when much pressed to assign his reasons for re∣fusing it, he said, that if any other bishopric but Carlisle had been offered to him, he possibly might have accepted it:

But in that diocese (said he) I have so many friends and acquaintance, of whom I have not the best opinion, that I must either connive at many irregularities, or draw upon myself so much hatred, that I should be less able to do good there than any one else.
Mr Gilpin persist∣ing in his refusal, the bishopric was at length given to Dr Best. The year after he had an offer made him of the provostship of Queen's College in Oxford; which he likewise declined.

In the mean time Gilpin continued to reside at Houghton, discharging the duties of his function in the most exemplary manner. When he first took upon himself the care of a parish, he laid it down as a maxim, to do all the good in his power there; and accordingly his whole conduct was only one streight line drawn to this point. He set out with making it his endeavour to gain the affections of his par∣ishioners. Many of his papers shew how material a point he considered this. To succeed in it, however, he used no servile compliances: He studied that his means should be good as well as his end. His behaviour was free without levity, obliging without meanness, and insinuating without art. He condescended to the weak, bore with the passionate, and complied with the scrupulous; and in a truly apostolic manner, "became all things to all men." By these means he gained upon his neighbours, and convinced them how heartily he was their friend.

To his humanity and courtesy he added an unwearied application to the in∣struction of those under his care. He was not satisfied with the advice he gave in public, but used to teach in private; and brought his parishioners to come to him with their doubts and difficulties. He had a most engaging manner towards those whom he thought well-disposed: Nay, his very reproof was so conducted, that it seldom gave offence; the becoming gentleness with which it was urged, made it always appear the effect of friendship. Thus, with unceasing assiduity, did he employ himself in admonishing the vicious, and encouraging the well-disposed, by which means, in a few years, he made a greater change in his neighbourhood than could well have been imagined. A remarkable instance what reformation a single man may effect, when he hath the pious purpose earnestly at heart!

But his hopes were not so much in the present generation, as in the succeeding. It was an easier task, he found, to prevent vice than to correct it; to form the young to virtue, than to amend the bad habits of the old: He employed much of his time, therefore, in endeavouring to improve the minds of the younger part of his parish; suffering none to grow up in ignorance of their duty, but pressing it as the wisest part to mix religion with their labour, and amidst the cares of this life, to have a constant eye upon the next. He attended to every thing which he con∣ceived might be of service to his parishioners. He was assiduous to prevent all law suits. His hall, it is said, was often thronged with people, who came to submit their differences to his judgment. He was not much acquainted with law, but

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could decide equitably, and that satisfied: Nor could his sovereign's commission have given him more weight than his own character. His hospitable manner of living was the admiration of the whole country. He spent in his family every fortnight forty bushels of corn, twenty bushels of malt, and a whole ox, besides a proportionable quantity of other kinds of provision. Strangers and travellers found in his house a chearful reception: All were welcome that came; and even their horses had so much care taken of them, that it was humorously said,

If a horse was turned loose in any part of the country, it would immediately make its way to the rector of Houghton's.

Every Sunday, from Michaelmas till Easter, was a sort of public day with him. During this season he expected to see all his parishioners and their families. For their reception he had three tables well covered: The first was for gentlemen, the second for husbandmen and farmers, and the third for day labourers. This piece of hospitality he never omitted, even at seasons when its continuance was rather difficult to him: He thought it his duty, and that was a deciding motive. When he was absent from home, no alteration was made in his family expences: The poor were fed as usual, and his neighbours entertained: And he was always glad of the company of men of merit and learning, who greatly frequented his house.

When lord Burleigh, then lord treasurer, was sent by queen Elizabeth to transact some affairs in Scotland, that celebrated statesman resolved, on his re∣turn, to pay a visit to Mr Gilpin. Amidst the hurry of this journey he could not resist the desire of seeing a man whose name was every where so respectfully men∣tioned. His free discourse from the pulpit to king Edward's court, had early re∣commended him to this noble person; from which time the great distance between them had wholly interrupted their acquaintance. Lord Burleigh's return was so sudden, that he had no time to give any notice of his intended visit. But the oeconomy of so plentiful a house as Mr Gilpin's was not easily disconcerted. He received his noble guest with so much politeness, and treated him and his whole retinue in so affluent a manner, that the treasurer would often say,

he could hardly have expected more at Lambeth.

While lord Burleigh staid at Houghton, he took great pains to acquaint himself with the order and regularity with which every thing was managed. The house contained a very large family; and was besides continually crowded with persons of all kinds, gentlemen, scholars, workmen, farmers, and poor people: Yet there was never any confusion; every one was conducted to a proper apartment, and entertained, directed, or relieved, as his particular business required. He could not but please this wise lord, who was so well acquainted with the effects of order and regularity in the highest sphere, to observe them even in this humble one. Here too he saw true simplicity of manners, and every social virtue regulated by exact prudence. The statesman began to unbend; and he could scarcely avoid compar∣ing, with a kind of envious eye, the unquiet scenes of vice and vanity at which he was frequently present, with the calmness of this amiable retreat. At length with reluctance he took his leave; and with all the warmth of affection, em∣bracing his much respected friend, told him,

He had heard great things in his

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commendation, but had now seen what far exceeded all that he had heard. If, added he, Mr Gilpin, I can ever be of any service to you, at court, or elsewhere, use me with all freedom as one you may depend on.
When he had got to Rainton-hill, which rises about a mile from Houghton, and commands the vale, he turned his horse to take once more a view of the place; and having kept his eye fixed upon it for some time, his reverie broke out into this exclamation:
There is the enjoyment of life indeed! Who can blame that man for not ac∣cepting a bishopric! What doth he want to make him greater, or happier, or more useful to mankind!

Mr Gilpin continued to discharge the duties of his ministerial office in the most conscientious, benevolent, and laborious manner. But notwithstanding all this painful industry, and the large scope it had in so extended a parish, he thought the sphere of his benevolence yet too confined. It grieved him to see in the ad∣jacent parishes so much ignorance and superstition, occasioned by the shameful neglect of the pastoral care in the clergy of those parts. He was induced to supply, as far as he was able, what was wanting in others. For this purpose every year he regularly visited the most neglected parishes in Northumberland, York∣shire, Cheshire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland; and that his own parish, in the mean time, might not suffer, he was at the expence of a constant assistant. In each place he stayed two or three days; and his method was, to call the people about him, and lay before them, in as plain a way as possible, the danger of leading wicked, or even careless lives; explaining to them the nature of true religion; in∣structing them in the duties they owed to God, their neighbour, and themselves; and shewing them how greatly a moral and religious conduct would contribute to their present, as well as future happiness.

As Mr Gilpin had all the warmth of an enthusiast, though under the direction of a very calm and sober judgment, he never wanted an audience, even in the wildest parts; where he roused many to a sense of religion, who had contracted the most inveterate habits of inattention to every thing of a serious nature. Where∣ever he came, he used to visit the gaols and places of consinement, few in the kingdom having at that time any appointed minister; and by his labours, and af∣fectionate manner of behaviour, is said to have reformed many very abandoned persons in those places. He likewise employed his interest for criminals, whose cases were attended with any hard circumstances, and often procured pardons.

Redesdale and Tinedale, in Northumberland, of all barbarous places in the north, were at that time looked upon to be the most barbarous; before the Union, the common theatre where the Scots and English were continually acting their bloody scenes: Inhabited by a kind of desperate banditti, rendered fierce and active by constant rapine, warfare, and alarms; they lived by theft, and used to plunder on both sides of the barrier. In this dreadful country, where no man would then even travel that could help it, Mr Gilpin never failed to spend some part of the year. He generally chose the Christmas holidays for this journey, because he found the people at that season disengaged, and most easily assembled. He had set places for preaching, which were regularly attended. If he came where there

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was a church, he made use of it; if not, of barns, or any other large building, where crowds of people were sure to follow him, some for his instructions, and others for his charity.

The disinterested pains he took among those barbarous people, and the good offices he was always ready to do them, drew from them the warmest and sincerest expressions of gratitude. Indeed he was little less than adored among them. One instance that is related, shews how greatly he was revered: By the carelessness of his servant, his horses were one day stolen: The news was quickly propagated, and every one expressed the highest indignation at the fact. The thief was rejoicing over his prize, when by the report of the country he found whose horses he had taken. Terrified at what he had done, he instantly came trembling back, confessed the fact, and returned the horses.

We have already spoken of Mr Gilpin's generous and hospitable manner of liv∣ing. The value of his rectory was about four hundred pounds a year: An in∣come at that time very considerable, but yet in appearance very unproportionate to the generous things he did: Indeed he could not have done them, unless his frugality had been equal to his generosity. His friends, therefore, wondered to find him, amidst his many great and continual expences, entertaining the design of building and endowing a grammar school: A project, however, which his exact oeconomy soon enabled him to accomplish, though the expence of it amounted to upwards of five hundred pounds* 119.9. His school was no sooner opened than it be∣gan

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to flourish; and there was so great a resort of young people to it, that in a

Page 556

little time the town was not able to accomodate them. He put himself, therefore,

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to the inconvenience of fitting up a part of his own house for that purpose, where he seldom had fewer than twenty or thirty children. Some of these were the sons of persons of distinction, whom he boarded at easy rates; but the greater part were poor children, whom he not only educated, but cloathed and maintained: He was likewise at the expence of boarding in the town many other poor children, several of whom he brought every year from the different parts where he preached, parti∣cularly Redesdale and Tinedale. For the maintenance of poor scholars, whom he sent to the universities, he yearly set apart sixty pounds. This sum he always ex∣pended, and often more. His common allowance to each scholar was about ten pounds a year, which for a sober youth was at that time a very sufficient mainte∣nance, so that he never maintained fewer than six. By his will it appears, that at his death he had nine upon his list, whom he took care to provide for during their stay at the university.

As to his school, he not only placed able masters in it, procured from Oxford, but likewise constantly inspected it himself. And that encouragement might quicken the application of his boys, he always took particular notice of the most forward: He would call them his own scholars, send for them often into his study,

Page 558

and there instruct them himself. One method used by him to fill his school was a little singular. Besides those whom he sent from his own school to the universi∣ties, and there wholly maintained, he likewise gave to others, who were in circum∣stances to do something for themselves, what farther assistance they needed. By which means he induced many parents to allow their children a liberal education, who otherwise would not have done it. He considered himself as their proper guardian, and esteemed himself bound to the public for their being made useful members of it, as far as it lay in his power. With this view he held a punctual correspondence with their tutors; and made the youths themselves frequently write to him an account of their studies. So solicitous indeed was he about them, that once every year he made a journey to the universities, to inspect their beha∣viour. And this uncommon, care was not unrewarded; for many of his scholars became ornaments to the church, and exemplary instances of piety* 125.1.

Every Thursday throughout the year he caused a very large quantity of meat to be dressed, wholly for the poor; and every day they had what quantity of broth they wanted. Twenty-four of the poorest were his constant pensioners. Four times in the year a dinner was provided for them, when they received from his steward a certain quantity of corn, and a sum of money; and at Christmas they had always an ox divided among them.

In the distant parishes where he preached, as well as in his own neighbourhood, his generosity and benevolence were continually shewing themselves; particularly in the desolate parts of Northumberland.

When he began his journey, (says an old manuscript life of him) he would have ten pounds in his purse, and at his coming home he would be twenty nobles in debt, which he would always pay within a fortnight after.
In the gaols he visited he was not only careful to give the prisoners proper instructions, but used also to purchase for them such necessaries as they wanted.

Of his benevolent temper the following instance is preserved. One day return∣ing home, he saw in a field several people crowding together, and judging some∣thing more than ordinary had happened, he rode up, and found that one of the horses in a team had suddenly dropped down, which they were endeavouring to raise, but in vain, for the horse was dead. The owner of it seemed much dejected with his misfortune; and declaring how grievous a loss it would be to him, Mr Gilpin bade him not to be disheartened; "I'll let you have," says he,

honest

Page 559

man, that horse of mine,
and pointed to his servant's. "Ah! master," re∣plied the countryman, "my pocket will not reach such a beast as that."
Come, come,
said Mr Gilpin,
take him, take him; and when I demand my money, then thou shalt pay me.

Towards the latter part of his life, Mr Gilpin went through his duty with great difficulty. His health was much impaired; for the fatigue he had undergone so many years had broken his constitution. Thus he complains in a letter to his friend:

To sustain all these travels and troubles I have a very weak body, subject to many diseases; by the monitions whereof I am daily warned to remember death. My greatest grief of all is, that my memory is quite decayed: My sight faileth; my hearing faileth; with other ailments, more than I can well express.
While he was thus struggling with an advanced age, and much impaired constitu∣tion, there happened a very unfortunate affair, which entirely distroyed his health. As he was crossing the market-place at Durham, an ox ran at him, and pushed him down with such violence, that it was imagined the bruises he received would have occasioned his death. He lay long confined; and though he again got abroad, he never recovered the little strength he had before, and continued lame as long as he lived. But sickness was not the only distress which the declining years of this ex∣cellent man had to struggle with. As age and infirmity began to lessen the weight and influence he once possessed, the malice and opposition of his enemies prevailed more: And he experienced much ingratitude and ill usage, at a time when he was already sinking under a weight of cares.

His pious resignation under such evils was not long exercised. About the be∣ginning of February, 1583, finding himself very weak, and sensible his end must be drawing near, he told his friends his apprehensions, and spoke of his death with that happy composure which attends the conclusion of a good life. He was soon after confined to his chamber; but his senses continued perfect to the last. A few days before his death he desired his friends, acquaintance, and dependents might be called into his chamber; and being raised in his bed, he addressed himself to them in a very pathetic manner, earnestly exhorting them to the practice of piety and virtue. He also sent far several persons who had hitherto made no good use of his advice, and upon whom he imagined his dying words might have a better effect. But his speech began to saulter before he had finished his exhortations. The re∣maining hours of his life he spent in prayer, and conversation with some select friends, mentioning often the consolations of Christianity; declaring they were the only true ones, and that nothing else could bring a man peace at the last. He died on the 4th of March, 1583, in the sixty-sixth year of his age.

He is described to have been tall of stature, slender, and hawk-nosed. In his diet he was temperate, or rather abstemious. His parts were good; his imagination, memory, and judgment lively, retentive, and solid. His acquirements were con∣siderable; for by unwearied application he had gained so great a store of know∣ledge, that his biographers have said he was ignorant of no part of learning at that time in esteem. In languages, history, and divinity, he particularly excelled. He read poetry with a good taste; and was himself, according to bishop Charleton, no

Page 560

mean poet. His temper was naturally warm; and in his youth he sometimes gave way to passion; but at length he entirely corrected that infirmity. His disposition was naturally serious; yet among his particular friends he was chearful, and some∣times facetious. His general behaviour was very affable. His severity had no object but himself; to others he was humble, candid, and indulgent. He had ex∣traordinary skill in the art of managing a fortune; looking upon himself barely as a steward for other people, and observing that his own desires should not exceed what calm reason could justify. Extravagance was considered by him as a species of injustice; and amidst his employments he found leisure to look into his affairs, well knowing that frugality is the support of charity. His intimacies were but few; for it was his endeavour, as the spirit of Christianity required, to dilate rather than to contract his affections: Yet where he professed a particular friendship, Mr Gilpin was a religious observer of its offices: Was the most candid interpreter of the words and actions of others. Where he plainly saw failings, would make every possible allowance for them: Used to express a particular indignation at slander; often saying, it more deserved the gallows than theft: Was remarkably guarded when he spoke of others; considering common fame as the falsest medium, and a man's reputation as his most valuable property: Ever displayed the greatest sincerity, as well as humility, in his transactions with others: But the principal virtues, and distinguishing parts of his character, were his conscientious discharge of the ministerial office, extensive benevolence, and exalted piety. The constant tenor of his life was so uniformly agreeable to the strictest rules of morality and religion, that it gained him among his contemporaries the title of the Northern Apostle. In his charitable distributions, he had no measure but the bounds of his income, of which the least portion was always laid out on himself: Was the more particularly careful to give away in his life time whatever could be saved for the poor, as he had often seen and regretted the abuse of posthumous charities.

It is my design, at my departure, (said he, writing to a friend) to leave no more behind me than what will serve to bury me, and pay my debts.
What little remained he left wholly to the poor, except a few slight tokens of remembrance bequeathed to his friends. His uncommon benevolence made him deservedly stiled the father of the poor* 125.2.

Houghton school-house is pleasantly situated on a dry rising ground, in the church-yard, fronting to the west: The master's house adjoins it on the south† 126.1.

Page 561

The school is well lighted, and fitted with convenient stalls from north to south. Over the door is the following inscription:

SCHOLA DE KEEPIER* 127.1 AB ELIZ. ANGLIAE REGNINA Ao MDLXXIV. FUNDATA EX PROCURATIONE J. HEATH, AR. ET B. GILPIN, RECT. ECCL. HOUGHTO. † 127.2 C. H. M. B. ALUMNUS POSUIT. Ao MDCCXXIV.

A little way to the south of the schoolmaster's house, and on a line with it, is an hospital‡ 127.3, erected for the reception of six poor people, and separated from the master's house on the north by a garden belonging to the school. The building is formed with a center and two wings; in the center are two chambers, and two in each of the wings. On the north wing is the following inscription:—

George Lilburne, esq built the moiety of this hospital at his own charge, and

Page 562

endowed it with ten pounds per annum for ever, for the maintenance of three poor people, Anno Dom. 1668* 128.1.
At the west end of the south wing, and which is called Davenport's end, being founded by Mr George Davenport† 128.2, rector of this parish, is the following inscription.
All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee‡ 129.1.

The order in which the several members of this parish are placed in the book of rates presents us with MORTON, there called Murton House, which gave a local

Page 563

name to the resident family in bishop Bury's time * 129.2. By the Boldon Buke we ob∣serve, that those who held lands, &c. in Morton, were stiled firmarij, though they

Page 564

performed servile duties. There were sixteen of those farmers, who held twenty five ox-gangs of land, each ox-gang containing twelve acres, the rent being 8d. for each ox-gang. They wrought twenty days in harvest, with one man for each, and harrowed eight days, with one horse for every two ox-gangs: They made four portions like the tenants of Wardon, with all their families, except the housewife, besides the twenty days work in autumn, and they carted or led six days hay and corn, and carried eight loads yearly to Durham or Auckland of the lord's baggage. For every carucate of land, they plowed one acre at Houghton, and rendered for each ox-gang one hen and five eggs. In Hatfield's Survey they are called bond tenants, and the service of carriage is there explained to be either for the lord or his seneschal; and that they performed the usual work at the mill. The office of punder was executed among themselves, for which they paid annual∣ly xx hens and 100 eggs. The family of Lomley, in bishop Langley's time, held the manor of Morton, and Morton house was the seat of a family of Belasise* 129.3.

PENSHAW, or, as it is written in the ancient records, Pencher† 129.4, is noted in the Boldon Book to be the property of William Basseth, who had the same in exchange for lands in Middleham, except 274 acres and a half of cultivated and moor lands, which he held of the bishop in capite, rendering four marks, and for the mill two marks: The rest of this vill he held of Jordon d'Escoland, of whom the ex∣changed lands of Middleham were held. Penshaw came to the family of Carlisles soon afterwards; for in the fifth of bishop Hatfield, by an inquisition taken on the death of Cecilia, the widow of Nicholas de Carlisle, it appears she died seised of the lands and tenements called Bernewell, of six marks rent, rendering this fur∣ther service, that she should provide for the great chace one man and two grey∣hounds; and that she also held the whole vill of Penshaw, except the above lands of the heirs of d'Escoland. And thereby it is stated, that Robert the son of Hugh Carlisle was her heir, which Robert is named in Hatfield's Survey‡ 129.5. Roger de Esh held lands under the Carlisles ‖ 129.6. And in the twenty-fifth year of that prelate,

Page 565

the family of Lambtons had acquired lands there* 129.7; though the chief property re∣mained in the Carlisles† 129.8, till the thirtieth of bishop Langley, about which time Roger Thornton obtained that family's possessions at Penshaw‡ 129.9, and the Lambtons the other part. In 1459‖ 129.10, we find a Sir John Carlesle, knight, who claimed un∣der settlement, part of the ancient estate of Penshaw, and left a son and heir John; after which period that family is not named in the records before us.

A new chapel was built at Penshaw some time about the year 1754, and William Sisson, A. M. now living, was the first curate nominated thereto§ 129.11. The etymo∣logy of the name of this place is evident, being compounded of Pen and shaw, a woody mount or hill. This eminence is the property of General Lambton, and now bears oak and other timber on its skirts, and contains lime-stone and free-stone quarries, with several valuable mines of coal. The prospect from thence is exten∣sive and noble, comprehending many of the chief objects in the eastern part of the county, with a beautiful tract of country towards the south and west, in which the city of Durham and Chester are particularly conspicuous.

SOUTH-BIDICK, the seat of Mrs Mary Lambton, lies on the banks of the river Were. By the Boldon Book it seems as if this manor had anciently appertained to the See of Durham; for it is thereby stated, that the villains of South-Bedic held their vill in firm, rendering five pounds rent, and providing eight score men at harvest, and thirty-six carriages to lead corn at Houghton. But in the second year of bishop Bury, by an inquisition taken on the death of Alianora de Colleye, it appears she died seised of the manor of South-Bedyk, juxta Newbotelle, held of the bishop in capite, by homage, fealty, and the quarter part of a knight's see, with suit at the county; so that it seems from thence the manor had been aliened from the See¶ 129.12. By Hatfield's Survey we find the manor had passed to two par∣ceners,

Page 566

for it is therein set forth, that Robert Conyers, knight, and Richard de Burnynghill held the vill* 129.13, in which the record states,

there were villains as in the Boldon Book, but there were no services, which ought to be inquired of.
In the subsequent records the name is Biddick Water Ville. We find one moiety of the manor passed to the family of Dalden in the time of bishop Hatfield† 129.14. In later years the manor was again united in the possession of the Hedworths, and af∣ter them of George Bowes, esq

Of BURN, or BURNT MOORS, we find nothing memorable.

HETTON, or HETTON-LE-HOLE, the seat of the honourable Thomas Lyon, late belonging to the family of Spearman, an excellent mansion, though in a low se∣questered situation. In bishop Hatfield's time this was the possession of the family of Brackenburys‡ 129.15. By marriage settlement it passed to the Tylliols, being settled on William Laton and Isabella his wife, and the heirs of her body to be begotten by Laton, and by whom she had issue Elizabeth, the wife of Peter Tylliol, esq‖ 129.16. Male issue failing in Robert their son, the manor passed to parceners, his sisters, Isabella the wife of John Colvill, and Margaret the wife of Ch. Moresby. A moiety of the manor afterwards reverted to a branch of the Tylliol family§ 129.17, but again passed to parceners, the daughters of Will. de Tylliol.

Page 567

There are two places of the name of EPPLETON, the one called Great Eppleton, the seat of the Mascall family, but formerly the property of Thomas Shadforth, esq the other Little Eppleton, a seat of Ralph Gowland, esq In the ancient re∣cords the manor is called Applynden, and gave name to a resident family before bishop Bury's time* 129.18. In the time of bishop Skirlaw it was the estate of William Heron lord of Say, and continued in that family for several generations† 129.19.

Of MOORSLEY we find nothing memorable.

By the ancient records it is difficult to separate the HERRINGTONS, which, being three, East, West, and Middle Herrington, appear in some confusion. In the Bol∣don Book‡ 129.20 only one Herrington is named, of which Hugh Hermas then held two parts, rendering xx s. for cornage, two parts of the value of a milch cow, and two parts towards a castleman; also rendering eight chalders of malt, and the like of meal, and oats, plowing and harrowing four acres at Newbottle, and working at harvest. It appears that this was of dringage service, as the holder fed dog and horse in proportion to two parts of a dringe. In bishop Beaumont's time John Denum was possessed of Woodhall in West Herrington, with a carucate of land and five acres of wood, held of the bishop in capite; and also Roger de Eshe was seised of East Herrington and Middle Herrington, and John D'Arcy of West Her∣rington,

Page 568

under whom Denum held parcels thereof in East Herrington, by homage, fealty, and suit of court, and service at the mill, under a thirtieth part mulcture, and in Middle Herrington by dringage service: For lands in West Herrington he did homage and fealty to D'Arcy* 129.21. In Hatfield's Survey, under the title of te∣nants in dringage, it is set forth, that Tho. Colvyll, knight, in right of his wife, heiress of Tho. de Eshe, held two parts of the manor of East Herrington by foreign service, rendering yearly for cornage 20s. for two parts of a milch cow 4s. and for work 12d. also four quarters of oats, ten bushels of scat or scac oat meal, and two quarters of malt; also providing according to custom one castleman, and plowing and harrowing four acres at Newbottle, and working with twelve men at harvest, paying 12d. for harvest work at Newbottle on the demesne there. And that he and those holding under him, should follow the lords court called the halmote, and there plead and be impleaded, and receive right and justice. We find thereby that a family had assumed the local name, and that Thomas de Herrington held lands of inheritance there by foreign service, as much as appertained to two parts of a dringe, attending the bishop's great or forest chace with two parts of two greyhounds, leading two parts of a ton of wine, attending the court, serving in the bishop's embassies, feeding dog and horse, and working at the mill as the custom was. Colvyll also, in his wife's right, held a place called Hayning, containing by estimation 100 acres. Will. Robinson also in this early period, held a messuage and two oxgangs of land there. The estate of Thomas de Eshe, by Johan his daughter and heiress, came to Robert de Bland her husband, in the time of bishop Skirlaw† 129.22. The estate of D'Arcy, in the tenth year of bishop Langley, was settled in trust for Robert D'Arcy and Margaret his wife, and the heirs of their bodies‡ 129.23, who failed in issue, and left two sisters his coheiresses, one of whom, Isabell, was the wife of Rolland D'Arcy, and the other Elizabeth, the wife of John Percy‖ 129.24. Roger Thornton became possessed of the estates of the family of Herrington in East and Middle Herrington§ 129.25, which came to the Lumleys by the heiress of the

Page 569

Thorntons. There is a handsome mansion-house belonging to the family of Ro∣binsons, at Middle Herrington.

The next place, in the arrangement of the book of rates, is NEWBOTTLE, a beautiful village on a fine elevated situation, a little to the north-west of Houghton. In the Boldon Book it is set forth, that Newbottle consisted of sixteen cottagers, who each held twelve acres of land, and worked two days in every week through∣out the year, made four portions of land in autumn, in which work all the family except the housewife, were to labour, and each cottager rendered one hen and five eggs. There were three other cottagers, who held six acres each, and wrought two days in the week between Pentecost and Martinmass. The greve or head∣borough, and smith, had each twelve acres, their fee of service, and the punder had twelve acres, and also a thrave of corn from every carucate of land in Newbottle, Biddick, and Herrington, and rendered 40 hens and ccc eggs. The demesne, which consisted of four carucates of land, with the sheep and pasture, were then in the bishop's hands. Hugh Boynton, with sundry others, held the demesne lands at the time of Hatfield's Survey, containing 312 acres. There is nothing very singular in that survey relative to Newbottle, save that we do not find one tenant in capite there* 129.26. Many genteel families reside here.

WARDON, or as it is called in the Boldon Book, WARDONA, consisted of nine firmarij or tenants, who held eighteen oxgangs of land, (each oxgang containing

Page 570

thirteen acres and a half) rendering 8d. for each oxgang. They wrought twenty days in autumn with one man for each oxgang, and harrowed four days with one horse for every two oxgangs: In the service of twenty days in autumn they made up four portions of land with all their family, except the housewife; and they carted corn two days, and one day hay, and for each oxgang paid one hen and five eggs. In Hatfield's Survey is nothing singular relative to this place, wherein was not one tenant in capite* 129.27. In our attention to the city of Durham certain con∣jectures were formed touching the tradition, that Wardon hill was the ground where St Cuthbert's remains were miraculously staid on the return from Ripon, previous to the settlement at Durham; in that place were noted the uncertain evi∣dence of ancient writers, and we presumed to give an opinion, that Wardon was not the place pointed out by the writers of antiquity. Those who treat of our church history do not mention that any particular veneration was paid to the saint's resting place, till the time of prior Hugh of Darlington, who built a camera, a hall, and chapel at Wardelau, or Wadele. Wardon was from very early times part of the possessions of the See, but never of the convent, so that the prior had no right to enter therein, and build a lodge or hall for the use of the cloister. The hill of Wardon is a considerable eminence, rising gradually from all sides but towards the east, where it is more steep: There are no remains of buildings to be discover∣ed on any part of it. The similitude of name to that of the place mentioned by old writers, has led to the error; but if we consider the names Wardon and Wardona, we shall be led into two probable conjectures touching their etymology, either that the eminence commanding an extensive prospect by sea and land, was the station of the warden of the north, in some conflicts with the Danes or Scots, and was called the Warden's Law, or Mount; or that this being a mark and guide for sailors, when the small vessels of the ancients kept close under the shores, and for want of the compass dared not in dark weather to trust themselves to an open and stormy sea, it was the point of view which struck the eye on passing the pro∣montory of Flamborough or Souter Point, and guided to the mouth of the river Were, gaining thereby the name of Were-Dun, or the Hill of Were. It is left to the reader to judge of these conjectures, we having discovered no degree of evi∣dence to support the tradition, that by miraculous interposition, here began the leading events which were to aggrandize the present city of Durham.

Page 571

We find little in the records of the See touching EAST and WEST RAINTON, they being chiefly the possessions of the convent of Durham. Bishop Bainbrigg granted to prior Thomas and the convent* 129.28, free warren in Rainton park; bishop Fordham gave them licence† 129.29 to acquire lands in East Rainton, the estates of John Bap and Walter Tailliour, held under the priory; and bishop Neville did the like‡ 129.30, as to other lands‖ 129.31.

MOOR HOUSE appears to have been part of the possessions of the Lumleys in bishop Langley's time§ 129.32.

COKEN, the seat of Ralph Carr, esq lies in this parish, on the banks of the river Were, where the river forms a beautiful curvature, almost to enclose the en∣chanting scene. The mansion-house is ancient, but the situation elevated and fine. Mr Pennant, from some inadvertency, speaks of it as being the seat of St Godric's austerities; Finchale, where the hermitage stood, being on the opposite side of the river. We repeat part of the description given by that judicious traveller.

12 July, saw Coken, the seat of Mr Carr; a most romantic situation, laid out with great judgment: The walks are very extensive, principally along the sides or at the bottom of great dells, bounded with vast precipices, finely wooded; and many parts of the rocks are planted with vines and other fruit trees, which I was told bore well, but late. The river Were winds along the hollows, and forms two very fine reaches, at the place where you enter these walks. Its waters are very clear, and its bottom a solid rock. The view towards the ruins of Finchal abbey is remarkably great; and the walk beneath the cliffs has a magnificent solemnity, a sit retreat for its monastic inhabitants. This was once called the Desert, and was the rude scene of the austerities of St Godric, who carried them to the most senseless extravagance. A sober mind may even at present be affected with horror at the prospect from the summits of the cliffs into a darksome and stupendous chasm, rendered still more tremendous by the roaring of the waters over its distant bottom.
The house and adjacent grounds are situated on an eminence, on three sides washed by the river, and towards the east bounded by deep dells, filled with stately forest trees. The southern side of this peninsula is laid out in pleasure grounds; one wide and extended terrace runs along the summit of the cliffs, another at their feet: From the upper terrace fine openings in the wood afford prospects of the adjacent lands; and in one point of view, you look down upon the solemn vale scattered with the ruins of the mona∣stery

Page 572

and abbey. The lower terrace is formed on the shelves of the rocky shore, from whence the cliffs rise perpendicular near an hundred feet, crowned with hanging oaks, which strike their roots into the fissures of the rock, and stretch a solemn umbrage over the walk. From this terrace the ruins of the religious edifice appear in all their majestic beauties, shut in by rising grounds fringed with woods; the river falls over a rocky channel in troubled streams, and the murmurs of the waters are repeated by a soothing echo. For religious contemplation, recluse piety, and self-denial, never was place better adapted; much pity it was ever dis∣graced by unmeaning severity and hypocrisy! Various are the beautiful scenes this walk affords; description is languid; to visit the place is the only means of forming ideas of its picturesque excellencies. Proceeding along the eastern side of the eminence, the walk is carried on the summit of a deep and wooded dell, which relieves the eye for some time before you enter upon the northern rocks, which are shaken, rugged, and truly august; mighty volumes hang over your head, as if the wind which shook the oaks would rend the precipice and tumble it into the vale. Several deep grottos formed by nature, are shadowed with trees suspended from their roof; hasty streams fall from the cliffs, and with a hollow clamour increase the pleasing solemnity of the vast scene. The river forms a canal near a mile in length, through an avenue of rocks and hanging forests; the spire of Chester church the terminating object. The woods are noble, consisting chiefly of oaks of a great age: Nature has lavished beauties on this place, and what art has done with an excellent taste, has smoothed her brow where art was wanted, and opened to the eye those beauties her wildness would otherwise have concealed. In the time of bishop Galfrid, one Aellafus, a priest, gave Coken to the church of Dur∣ham. This is to be understood only of part of the territory now called Coken. The first lay person we find in the ancient records possessed of lands in Coken, is Alexander de Kibblesworth, of whom the family of Birtley, in bishop Hatfield's time, held lands there; they also held other lands in Coken of the priory of Dur∣ham* 129.33. Alexander held of the prior of Finchale a moiety of the vill of Coken† 129.34; on the death of John his son, the family possessions fell to five daughters his co∣heiresses. The Lumleys had lands there in bishop Langley's time.

OFFERTON was one of the places given by Athelstan to the See of Durham, as an appendage of Weremouth. In bishop Beaumont's time the vill of Offerton was the possession of John de Denum‡ 129.35; but from that period we find few traces of it in the records. The mansion-house, the seat of Francis Middleton, esq lately de∣ceased, is pleasantly situated on the brow of a hill, commanding an extensive pros∣pect up the valley north-eastward.

Page 573

The Parish of DALTON,

properly called DALTON-LE-DALE, the small village with the church lying in a very deep and narrow valley, within a mile of the sea: The scenes are romantic, but for want of wood, are deficient in that richness which is so pleasing in the vallies further from the ocean. The church is small, and without ailes. There are two table monuments in the chancel, one with a recumbent effigy in stone, of a person in armour, but without an inscription.

Nearer to the sea lies DALDEN; the vale still deep and narrow, with some little wood, which fringes the margin of the brook: The old tower or house of Dalden is in ruins, and so much destroyed as to furnish no idea of its former consequence: From the situation it appears to have been merely strengthened against wandering robbers. Dalden gave name to a resident family so early as bishop Hatfield's time, when we find William de Dalden held the manor of the lord de Percy, by homage, fealty, and a knight's fee, for which the lord Percy made suit at the bishop's county* 129.36. It became the possession of the Bowes's, who held of Henry earl of Northumberland† 129.37, and afterwards came to the Blakistons of Blakiston, and Winyard‡ 129.38. A moiety was sold off to Collingwood of Hetton, from which family the Milbankes were purchasers.

Dalton was one of the places given to the See of Durham by Athelstan. Bishop William de Carilepho annexed the church to the convent. The family of Lumley had lands at Dalton‖ 129.39.

Page 574

In bishop Langley's time the manor of Hesleton near Morton was the estate of the Lumleys* 129.40.

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] genealogy
PEDIGREE OFTHE FAMILY OF BELLASIS, &c.

  • (A) Richard, knighted by King Chas. I. buried at Stranton,
  • Margaret, d. of Sir William Lambton.
  • § 129.41 William, was a great favourite of the Duke of Monmouth.
  • Catharine, d. of Sir Tho. Davison, of Blakiston.
  • Margaret, only child.
  • Elizabeth, d. of John Brandling, Esq of Middle∣ton, near Leeds.
  • Richard, a Barrister at law, ob. s. p.
  • Thomas, a col. in the army.
  • A d. of *** Gore, Esq
  • Henry Belasyse, Esq living in Cheshire, A. D. 1794. Aet. 84.
  • *** d. of *** Glynne, of Wales.
  • Rowland died unmar.
  • ¶ 129.42 Henry,
  • Elizabeth Benson, mother to Lord Bingley.
  • Mary, died Aetat 17.
  • William, of Brancepeth Castle, ob. 10th Feb. 1769.
  • *** Billings.
  • An only daughter died unm. April, 1774.
  • Fleetwood Shuttleworth, neice to Sir Rich. of Forcet, Knt.
  • Catharine, m. Henry Talbot, of Burroby, Esq
  • Mary, m. Sir Th. Lorraine, Bart.
  • William,
  • Martha, d. of Sir Henry Curwen, of Working∣ton, Knt.
  • William, died unmar.
  • Richard, of Houghton, died 1st Nov. 1721.
  • Margaret, d. of Lodowick Hall, of Chilton, Esq ob. 1st April, 1728.
  • Thomas, ob. 27th Aug. 1751.
  • Alice, d. of R. Hilton, of Durham, wid. of Chr. Blacket of Newham.
  • Martha Maria, only daugh.
  • Richard Bowes, of Darlington, surgeon.
  • 1 Charles.
  • 3 Margaret.
  • 2 Martha.
  • 4 Thomas now of Darlington, attorney at law.
  • 5 Frances.
  • 6 Bellasyse.
  • William,
  • Jane, d. of Seth Loftus, of Whitehall, county of York.
  • Charles.
  • Mary, ob. 6th May, 1791.
  • John, died unm.
  • Margaret, m. Mich. Hall, of Chester, Esq
  • Elizabeth, m. John Ferne, of Newcastle, Esq
  • Dorothy died unmar.
  • Bridget Henrietta, d. of Sir Hugh Bethel, Knt.
  • Charles, m. Cath. d. of Sir Robert Layton.
  • John, Brian, George, all died unmar.
  • Marg. married Simpson of Pittington.
  • Elizabeth, married Davison of Blakiston, Knt.
  • Dorothy, m. Millar, of Whit∣well.
  • Mary, m. Sir John Dela∣val, Bart.
  • Timothea, m. Sir Ra. Davi∣son, of Dur∣ham. ‡ 129.43

[figure]

Page [unnumbered]

[figure] genealogy
Pedigree of the Family of BELLASIS, of Morton, or Murton; and Oughton, or Owton, in the County of Durham.

  • N. B. In Sir George Norroy's visitation, we find this family's pedigree twice stated; we have therefore given them together with a continuation to the present time.
  • (This refers to VOL. II. PAGE 574.)
  • Henry Bellasis of Newborough, in the county of York,
  • Margaret d. of Sir Will. Fairfax of Gilling.
  • Sir Hen. of Newborough.
  • Tho. of Morton.
  • Margaret, d. of Will. Lee of East Brandon.
  • William, sheriff of Durham, ob. 3d Dec. 1641, vid. epitaph,
  • Margaret, d. and coh. of Will. Selby of Whitehouse.
  • Richard, born 14th April, 1612, Aetat 3, Ann. 1615.
  • William, b. 30 Dec. 1617.
  • Charles, 15th Feb. 1618.
  • John, 22d Jan. 1619.
  • Brian, 4th June, 1621.
  • George, 24th Dec. 1622.
  • Margaret, 4th June, 1613.
  • Elizabeth, 2d Sept. 1614.
  • Mary, 30th Aug. 1615.
  • Timothea, 7th Dec. 1616.
  • Dorothy, 22d Dec. 1623.
  • Mary.
  • Joan.
  • Margaret.
  • James.
  • Dorothy, m. Tho. Metham.
  • SECOND STATEMENT.
  • Sir William Ballasis, of Newborough, Knt. ob. 1604.
  • Marg. d. of Nich. Fairfax, of Gilling, Esq
  • Sir Henry created Bart. 22d May, 1611.
  • Ursula, d. of Sir Tho. Fairfax, of Denton.
  • Thomas, the 1st viscount; vid. Edmondson.
  • * 129.44 Brian, ob. Aet. 65, bur. at Straton.
  • Catharine, d. of Sir John Darcy, Knt.
  • ‡ Sir William, of Owton, and Morton,
  • Margaret, d. of Sir George Selby, of Whitehouse.
  • (A)
  • Charles. both died unmar.
  • Richard.
  • Dorothy, m. Geo. Salvayne, of Croxdale, Esq
  • James, ob. s. p. m. Mary, d. of Hen. Tun∣stall, of Scargill, co. York; and 2dly, Isa. d. of Tho. Chaytor, of Butterby. Left his estate to his brother's children. See his monument in Straton church.† 129.45

Page 575

The Parish of EASINGTON.

The adjoining parish to the south is Easington. In the Boldon Book* 129.46 it is mentioned jointly with Thorp, a place a little to the southward. There were thirty-one villains, who held their lands, and performed their services like those of Boldon. By that record it appears there were only two free tenants, Simon and Galfrid Cokesmaht, who held each half a carucate of land, and served on the bish∣op's embassies. The carpenter, smith, and punder each held lands for their services, and the two vills rendered 30s. cornage, and provided two milch cows. The

Page 576

demesne was let out, but the pasture and sheep stock were in the hands of the bishop. In bishop Bury's time we find one John Fairey was possessed of a messuage and a parcel of land in Easington, held of the bishop in capite, by the singular ser∣vice of

aiding the bishop's bailiff to drive goods distrained, attesting summonses, and superintending the carriage of a dole of wine annually.
This family held their small possession for some ages. In Hatfield's Survey the free tenants are named, and all performed the service of embassy. The demesne lands are therein stated to be upwards of 300 acres. It appears there were only twenty-nine bond tenants, who occupied thirty-two messuages, each holding two oxgangs of land, computing fifteen acres to an oxgang, and paying for work xi s. ix d. for aid, scat, or scac. pennys, and plow-pennys, at the feast of the Virgin 19d. for scot∣pennys, called by the tenants in that district malt-pennys 15 d. and for aver or plow-pennys at the two feasts of St Cuthbert, the feast of the Nativity, and John the Baptist 12d. for woodloads 8d. and at the feast of the Purification six bushels of lot oats, at the feast of the Nativity two hens, at the Passover ten eggs; and in lieu of other work 13 d. They also paid 30s. cornage, 40s. for castlemen, 12s. in lieu of one milch cow, and carried a ton of wine. In the service of the cottagers was that of collecting the hens, and carrying them to the bishop's manors. The parcels of freehold in Thorp and Easington being very small, it would not be a profitable labour to trace a succession of possessors, we find among them the Guys, Daltons, and Claxtons.

The town of Easington stands on an elevated situation, the land gradually in∣clining towards the sea. At the upper end of the town, on an eminence, is the church, a lofty building; a sea mark for mariners. The chancel of this church is twelve paces long and six wide, with three steps ascending to the table; is ceiled, stuccoed, and neatly wainscotted, with some tabernacle work above the table. The east window is formed of three lights, under a pointed arch, with rose work tracery; and there are three windows to the south, of two lights each, under point∣ed arches. The chancel is divided from the nave by a pointed arch, rising from corbles, and closed with a neat screen, ornamented with foliage and open work in oak. You descend by four steps into the nave, the length of which is eighteen

Page 577

paces; divided uniformly by two side ailes, formed by three pillars on each side, supporting pointed arches, the whole width being thirteen paces; the pillars are light; on the south side two are octagonal and one round, and on the north side two round and one octagonal: The capitals are formed by two tresses of square projections, and one roll, which hath a good effect. The pulpit is supported by the first south pillar. The belfry rises on a circular arch, and the tower is about sixty feet in height. The nave is lighted by three windows in the south aile, and four upper windows on each side of the center aile; and is stalled with oak, orna∣mented with fleur-de-lis. In the south aile is a burial vault for the family of Conyers of Horden* 129.47. And in certain stalls, called the Pespool seats, is a fine re∣cumbent figure of a female, in Stanhope marble; the breast and mantle scattered over with parrots, like the effigies of the Lumley family in Chester church. On the south side of the nave are stalls belonging to Horden estate, now the property of John Burdon, esq and opposite thereto stalls belonging to High Eden estate, the property of General Lambton † 130.3. In the church is preserved some old armour, consisting of an iron helmet, buckler, and other things, such as are frequently met

Page 578

with in the churches on the borders; which perhaps belonged to such castlemen as the manor was bound to provide by the tenure, or to the proper parochial guard; for as the steeples or towers of churches were to be kept in repair by the ancient laws of the church tenures* 130.4, as the fortress of such parish, so it is probable armour was provided for the men of such fortress.

The manor house of HORDEN is in ruins. John Fitz Marmaduke, grandson of Sir William de Lumley, one of the barons that signed the memorable letter to the pope in the 29th of Edward I. was lord of Horden † 130.5. On an inquisition taken in the second year of bishop Bury, it is stated that the demesne lands of Horden, con∣sisting of cccc acres, were worth per annum xxiiij l. 31 acres of meadow at 3 s. an acre 4l. 13s. an orchard xs. and that the villenage rents of the manor amounted to 6l. 10s. 3d. In the 16th year of bishop Hatfield, Agnes the widow of John de Menevylle held of the bishop in capite, for the life of lord Thomas de Holland comes de Horden, two parts of the manor of Horden, with a reversion expectant to William the son of John de Menevyll, by the twentieth part of a knight's fee: Also about 100 acres called Boysfield, a moiety of the manor of Pespool, rendering a spur, or 3d. and the manor of Hessewell, (except a messuage and sixty acres) held of the lord Ralph de Neville, by military service and suit of court at Brancepeth‡ 130.6. In the 28th of the same prelate, William de Menevyll died seised of the estates before

Page 579

mentioned; but in the inquisition it is said, he held the manor of Horden in capite of the bishop, and the manor of Hessewell of "the barony of Brancepeth." He left one daughter Isabella his heiress, who intermarried with William Laton, and afterwards with William Claxton* 130.7, as appears by an inquisition taken on the de∣cease of her mother, in the twelfth year of bishop Skirlaw † 130.8. The last of the Claxton family possessed of Horden, noted in the inquisitions, was Sir Robert Claxton, knight, in the seventh year of bishop Dudley, who, leaving four co∣heiresses, Elizabeth the third daughter married Richard Conyers, and he being called of Horden, we presume that manor went to her in the partition of her father's estates. John Conyers, son and heir of Chr. Conyers, esq had special livery of this manor in the year 1614 ‡ 130.9; he was created a baronet the 14th of July, 1628. His son Chr. Conyers died in 1693, and was the last Conyers of Horden, that we have met with.

FLEMING FIELD, in Hatfield's Survey, is described to be in Easington moor, and the property of Walter Hawyk. In the book of rates it is joined with Shot∣ton. Shotton, in the Boldon Book called Scotton, had seventeen villains, who per∣formed their services like those of Boldon. The smith held fifteen acres, and the punder eight. The demesne was farmed with the increase, having two hundred sheep, under the rent of twenty-four chalders of corn, the like of oats, and twelve of barley, with four marks in money for the sheep ‖ 130.10. The family of Denums held Shotton in the time of bishop Hatfield § 130.11; but their estates devolving on females, the next proprietor we find in the records is John the son of Thomas de Carrowe, knight ¶ 130.12; who leaving a daughter his heiress, the next person noted is William

Page 580

Sayer, who died seised thereof in the twelfth year of bishop Skirlaw* 130.13. In bishop Langley's time the Eures had possessions in Shotton† 130.14. Here is a neat mansion-house belonging to the family of the Thompsons‡ 130.15.

LITTLE EDEN was the estate of the Hawicks, under whom several persons held portions of land within the manor, in the time of bishop Hatfield ‖ 130.16. In the eleventh year of bishop Langley, it appears this manor had been conveyed in trust, to create certain limitations to Walter Hawick for life; with remainder to Walter his son, and the heirs of his body; with remainders to William his brother, and the heirs of his body; and remainders over to Walter's right heirs: And that the manor was held of the bishop of Durham, by military service and the eighth part of a knight's fee § 130.17. In the seventeenth of bishop Booth, by an inquisition taken on the death of Robert Rhodes, it is stated that he died seised of this manor in fee-tail, in right of Johan his wife, daughter and heiress of Walter Hawick; with remain∣der to the heirs of the body of Johan; remainder to the right heirs of John Trol∣lop, esq That the manor consisted of ccc acres of land, and c acres of pasture. Trollop afterwerds died seised thereof in the first year of bishop Dudley. Sir Wil∣liam Bulmer purchased Little Eden, with lands in Mordon, in the reign of king Henry VIII ¶ 130.18.

The manor of EDDERACRES gave name to the resident family very early; for in bishop Hatfield's Survey it is noted to be the possession of Walter de Ediacres. It was the possession of John del Halle de Elvet, who held the same of the bishop in capite, by homage, fealty, and thirteen shillings and four-pence rent for all ser∣vices; and he dying without issue, left a sister Alicia, whose husband was the first that assumed the local name** 130.19.

Bishop Pudsey granted the vill of HASWELL to the monks of Finchale. The records are greatly perplexed touching this place, a confusion arising between Great and Little Haswell. In 1338, in the episcopacy of bishop Bury, Talbot de

Page 581

Northalverton, by his deed, granted to John the son of Adam de Menevyll and Agnes his wife, and their heirs, a rent charge out of the lands in Great Haswell, which John the son of Henry de Kellaw, by his deed, gave to Lucie de Hessewell, and which John had of the gift of Thomas son of Ralph Beanfour and Euseme his wife, by fine in the court of bishop Beaumont. This instrument shews us a race of ancient proprietors* 130.20. The next record, as to date, is an inquisition taken on the death of Henry brother of Walter Freeman of Sherburn, in the fifth year of bishop Hatfield, touching lands in the vill of Haswell, set forth to be held of the lord Ralph de Neville, by fealty and suit at the court at Brancepeth. In the twenty-eighth year of the same prelate, William de Meneville died seised of the manor of Hessewell, held of the barony of Brancepeth, by military service and suit at Brancepeth court. As observed in the account given of Horden, his daughter Isabella married Claxton, and carried the family possessions to that house† 130.21.

PESPOOL was the estate of Edmund de Denum, which he held of the bishop in capite, by homage and fealty, and 13 s. 4d. rent. He failing in issue, his estates descended to four coheiresses his sisters ‡ 130.22. In bishop Hatfield's Survey it is stated, that the lady Isabella de Claxton then held the manor formerly William de De∣num's, and that she rendered to the bishop for the same a pair of spurs; that she also held Boisfield, paying one shilling rent. The large possessions of the Claxtons, as observed under Horden, passed to the Conyers.

HAWTHORN, in the time of bishop Beaumont, was the estate of the Merleys and Beanfours; and by an inquisition taken in the tenth year of that prelate, it appears that Ralph de Merley died seised of lands there, held of William de Merley in capite, by homage and fealty, and a pound of cumin, and other lands held of the heirs of Ralph Beanfour, rendering a pound of pepper, or 8 d. and also the manor of

Page 582

Broomy-whome, which he held, paying 18s. to the hospital at Allerton* 130.23. By a succeeding inquisition, Broomy-whome is stated to be held of William de Lambton. We also find the families of Lumley, Darcy, and Menevylle possessed of estates at Hawthorn in bishop Skirlaw's time† 130.24: And afterwards the family of Claxtons held large possessions there ‡ 130.25. In Hawthorn arose one of those instances of the bishop's exercising royal jurisdiction within his principality, observed in the annals of the prelates, by his claiming royal fish cast upon this coast ‖ 130.26 The town of Hawthorn is pleasantly situated on a dry hill, within half a mile of the sea: The shore is rocky, and broken into a multitude of deep caverns: The offing is full of rocks and shoals, so that in stormy weather it is tremendous to mariners, whilst the heavy breaker shakes the sounding coast. In the mouth of a deep and narrow creek, where the rocks are the most broken, rugged, and romantic, admiral Mil∣banke built a summer retreat, which he called Sailor's Hall; at high tide it almost hangs over the waves, and looks upon the most stormy and shaken part of the shore. The placidness of a summer evening's calm, when the moon is reflected on the smooth bosom of the ocean, is highly pleasing to the contemplative eye; but when the storm lifts the distracted waves, with a horrid gloom confounds the ele∣ments, and mixes the spray even with the clouds; when the winds groan in the caverns, and the hoarse billows thunder along the beach; when the shrill cries of distress and wreck strike the ear from wretches without succour; when the af∣frighted cattle bellowing leave the hills, and driving showers sweep the disconsolate landscape, little remains to make such a situation eligible. On the south side of Hawthorn-dean is an eminence called the Beacon Hill, where fires were formerly raised, to keep mariners at a distance from this dangerous coast.

Page 583

In this part of the country are retained some ancient customs evidently derived from the Romans, particularly that of dressing up a figure of Ceres during harvest, which is placed in the field whilst the reapers are labouring, and brought home on the last evening of reaping, with music and great acclamation. After this a feast is made, called the mell supper, from the ancient sacrifice of mingling the new meal.

The Parish of PITTINGTON.

The next adjoining parish towards the west is Pittington. This was one of the places given by bishop William de Carilepho to the monastery of Durham, and con∣firmed to them by bishop Richard de Marisco, in the second year of his episcopacy.

The church* 130.27 stands on elevated ground, with a spacious yard. There are marks of antiquity in this edifice, which has apparently undergone much mutilation

Page 584

and frequent repairs. The chancel is nearly fourteen paces in length and six in

Page 585

width: On the north side are two arches, now built up, which shew it formerly was of greater extent. The east end is lighted by three long narrow windows; but to the south is a large window, ornamented with tracery. The chancel is separated from the nave by a heavy round arch without ornament. The body or nave of the church has two side ailes, and is in length about eighteen paces, the ailes being little more than three paces wide: The south aile has undergone much alteration; the pillars have been restored in modern times, and support five pointed arches: Three windows, of two lights each, under pointed arches, give light to this side. The north aile is also formed by a row of four pillars; that to the east is flat, supporting a pointed arch; the other three are of the old Saxon architecture, short, with plain capitals, the shafts fluted and otherwise ornamented: They sup∣port four circular arches, ornamented with the zig-zag mouldings, and seem to be of nearly the same date as the nave of Durham cathedral: This aile is lighted with two windows under pointed arches. The tower is low, and supported by but∣tresses, forming an oblong square of five paces east and west, and seven paces north and south. In the yard are two remarkable monuments of personages un∣known. The one is the recumbent effigy of a man in armour* 130.28, the visor having only a transverse gash or aperture: The sword in the right hand, with the point elevated to the visor, and the shield on the left arm covering the breast. The other is a stone in the coffin form, inscribed in the Saxon character, with the fol∣lowing distich:

✚ NOMEN ABENS CRISTI TVMVLO TVMVLATVR IN ISTO ✚ QVI TVMVLVM CERNIT COMMENÐET CVM PRECE CRISTO.

Near the church-yard are the remains of the hall, built by Hugh Whitehead, the last prior and first dean of Durham. There are the foundations of several ad∣joining buildings, which shew that this was a large and commodious mansion, having orchard grounds and several other conveniences† 130.29.

In this parish is the elegant mansion-house of Geo. Baker, esq called Ellimore Hall; and a neat country seat, the residence of Ralph Shipperdson, esq called Hallgarth.

LUDWORTH gave name to a resident family so early as the time of bishop Bury: Walter de Ludworth, knight, died seised of the manor in the third year of bishop Hatfield, together with four carucates of land, held of the bishop in capite,, by the quarter part of a knight's fee. He also held a messuage and sixteen acres of land there, of the prior of Durham‡ 130.30. Bishop Langley, in the year 1422, granted his

Page 586

licence to Thomas Holden, knight, to fortify his house of Ludworth; which is situated on the brow of a hill, at the head of the valley in which Shadforth lies. By the remains of the tower it appears to have been a gloomy miserable mansion, whose loop holes and casements almost totally excluded the light of day; which is more singular, as bishop Langley exhibited many elegant pieces of architecture* 130.31. In 1428, the prior of Durham had licence to exchange lands acquired in Ludworth, with Thomas Holden, knight, for land in Wyndigates, West Merrington, and the borough of Elvet. Ludworth became the estate of the Lumleys, and Sir John Lumley, lord Lumley, suffered a recovery of the manor in the fifteenth year of bishop Tunstall† 130.32.

SHADFORTH is a long village, lying in a deep valley. In the ancient records it is mentioned as being a member of Querringdonshire‡ 130.33; and in the Boldon Book it is stated, that Shadforth, North Sherburn, and Cassop had fifty-one villains,

Page 587

whose services were similar to those of Boldon. In Shadforth only one free tenant (Thomas) is named, who held two oxgangs of land, rendering 40 d. fee-farm rent, and serving on the bishop's embassies. In bishop Hatfield's Survey we find that Sir Ralph Eure, knight, had acquired the lands, of Thomas de Tesedale * 130.34; and there were two other free tenants, Isaac Bonner and the heir of John Freeman. Sixteen bond tenants held each a messuage and two oxgangs of land, each oxgang containing fifteen acres, rendering 16s. a year, to wit, 8s. per oxgang for work; and at the feast of the Purification 19d. for scat or scacpennys, and at the feast of St Martin for scatpennys, called by the tenants maltpennys, 15d. and for averpennys at the feast of St Cuthbert and St John the Baptist 12d. They performed their labour like the bond tenants of Boldon in all things; and beside the rents before stated, they paid for plow money at Michaelmas 16d. for harvest work 12d. and for averpennys at Michaelmas 12d. for every man of the family 12d. and for those under age 6 d. Also each bond tenant rendered to the lord six bushels of oats, at the feast of the Nativity two hens, and at Easter ten eggs; for a milch cow they paid amongst

Page 588

them 6 s. for cornage, 25s. 6d. for woodloads 12s. for the common furnace 2s. for toll, &c. 2s. 8d. and for the third part of the office of punder 6s. 8d.

In the twenty-ninth year of bishop Hatfield we find a resident family had assumed the local name * 130.35. The family of Eure or Ever held their possessions here for several generations† 130.36.

NORTH and SOUTH SHERBURNE are noted in the Boldon Book as members of Queringdonshire, and probably took their names from the shire brook or burn. Ulkillus held two oxgangs of land in North Sherburn, paying 40d. and serving on embassies. In South Sherburn, Christian Cementarius held 60 acres of moor land of the bishop's gift, rendering 5s. and two oxgangs of land, which were Arkills, for 14d. but which rents were not demanded whilst he served the bishop in opere cemen∣tarij, perhaps as seedsman, or sower of corn on his demesne. Watlingus, with Savia his wife, held four oxgangs, rendering half a mark. Besides those were five farmers, who held each twelve acres, rendering 2 s. one hen, and twenty eggs, making four portions of seed land in autumn, and plowing one acre for each caru∣cate of land. Also ten cottagers, who each held six acres, and wrought from the feast of St Peter ad vincula, to the feast of St Martin two days in each week, and the other half of the year one day in the week. The smith held twelve acres. The demesnes of Sherburn were then in farm, with the increase, rendering vi l. The services of the bond tenants in Sherburn, as set forth in Hatfield's Survey, are similar to those in Shadforth.

There is an ancient seat house belonging to the family of Tempests at Sherburn ‡ 130.37.

Page 589

[figure] depiction of Sherburn Hosiptal
SHERBURN HOSPITAL

Among the pious works of the opulent prelate Hugh de Puteaco, or Pudsey, there is none surviving to this age of such importance as the foundation of Sherburn hospital, designed for the reception of sixty-five poor lepers, with a master and other officers to superintend the same, which great and godly work he effected about the year 1181, when that dreadful malady prevailed grievously in this land. He dedicated the house to Christ, the Blessed Virgin, Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha * 130.38.

Page 590

The present buildings retain little of the ancient order: In the chapel only, we find remains of the age in which the founder lived. It appears that the hospital was destroyed by the Scots, and restored by Thomas de Hessewell, the master thereof, who held that office between the years 1330 and 1339 * 130.39. The hospital stands at the foot and west side of a large square area or green, containing near an acre, and consists of a neat but low building, having a hall in the center, and two wings formed into lodgings: On the east side of the area, which is a hanging plain gradually descending to the west, is the master's house, and a dwelling for the chief farmer: On the north side is a porter's lodge and gateway, in the center of the boundary wall; and on the south side, at the east corner, stands the chapel, which adjoins to the garden. You enter the chapel through the tower; the nave is now totally disused, the chancel only receiving the congregation; the nave is light∣ed by three narrow windows to the soth, under circular arches, and ornamented with small round pilasters, belted and capitalled like those in the east part of Dur∣ham cathedral, and apparently of equal date. The pulpit and desk are placed on each hand of the entrance into the chancel, which is much more modern than the nave; it is lighted by three windows on the north and south sides, all under point∣ed

Page 591

arches: In the center south window are the arms of the Montagues in painted glass. The east window is new, consisting of five lights and some elegant tracery, with painted glass: In the roses of the upper tracery are the arms of Neville. In the center light is the figure represented on the hospital seal, above which are the arms of lord Crew, and those of the See. The chancel is neatly stalled on each side for the brethren. Within the altar rails towards the south wall is the tomb of Thomas Lever, who died in 1577. The situation of this hospital is remarkably healthful, it is surrounded with dry and fertile lands, and stands about two miles distant from Durham.

The FOUNDATION CHARTER is to the following effect.

(E. Reg. II. penes Dec. & Cap. Dun. p. 323.)

Universis sanctae matris ecclesiae filiis, nos Thomas, &c. Dunelmensis episco∣pus, &c. intimamus quod inspecto registro tempore bonae memoriae Antonii Dunel∣mensis episcopi praedecessoris nostri penes nos remanente, ordinationem vicariae de Kellowe nostrae Dunelmensis dioceseos tenorem qui sequitur continentem com∣perimus in eodem.

Hugo Dei gratia Dunelmensis episcopus dilectis filiis Germano priori Dunel∣mensi, Burchardo et Willielmo archidiaconis, et omnibus clericis, &c.

Divina commiseratione commoniti domum hospitalem leprosorum faciendam mente concepimus, et de loco partim quo fieri debet edocti, domum ipsam in hono∣rem

Page 592

salvatoris et beatae Mariae semper virginis, et sancti Lazari sororumque ipsius Mariae et Marthae, cum quibusdam eidem hospitali beneficiis ad sustentationem as∣signatis, juxta pontem de Shirburne prope Dunelmum aedificavimus.

Page 593

Page 594

Statuimus igitur, ut in ecclesia ibidem in honorem praedictorum sanctorum consecrata▪ et in capella interius infra domum infirmorum in honorem sancti Nicholai

Page 595

constructa, divina semper a tribus presbyteris et quatuor clericis ad serviendum ibidem statutis pro temporali pace praedictorum et requie sempiterna celebrentur.

Page 596

Sed et quinque conventus leprosorum, (hoc est) sexaginta quinque numoer semper ad minus, ibi victu pariter et vestitu procurentur, et eorum procurator, qui eos et eorum possessiones custodierit, &c.

Page 597

Ad eorum itaque sustentationem, &c. dedimus, &c. de dominico nostro villam ipsam de Shirburne, cum molendino et pasturis et aliis rebus per rectas divisas ad ipsas pertinentibus, de quibus, &c. sexaginta tantum solidi reddi solebant.

Page 598

Page 599

Et super Darwentam fluvium, qui forestam nostram dividit a vicinis, Ebches∣ter, locum (viz.) anachoritarum, ad animalia fratrum infirmorum usibus ibi nutri∣enda,

Page 600

et ad eorum pastores ibidem procurandos, licentiam dedimus de sartis profi∣ciendis unam carucatam terrae arabilis, quae octies viginti acras tantum in se contineat.

Et duas bovatas terrae in Wytton, quae antiquitùs pro servitio capellae ejusdem villae datae fuerunt. Et septem alias bovatas in eadem villa, quas de Galfrido filio Ricardi et Auberico, sicut cartae venditorum testantur, emimus.

Page 601

Et villam de Garmundsway cum omnibus ad eam pertinentibus, quas sump∣tibus propriis acquisivimus, reddendo indè pro tertia parte singulis annis imperpe∣tuum Radulpho filio Paulini de Eboraco et haeredibus ejus quatuor marcas pro omni servitio, duas (viz.) ad Pentecostam, et duas ad festum Sancti Martini, sicut ejusdem Radulphi carta testatur.

Confirmamus eis etiam unam carucatam terrae juxta Garmundsway, &c. quae Raceby vocatur, &c.

Et praeterea unam carucatam in Shoreveton, cum pastura ad mille oves, &c. quam Thomas filius Stephani filii Burnolfi praedictis leprosis, &c. in puram et per∣petuam elemosinam dedit, &c. sicut Monachi Rievallenses eam, &c. habuerunt, &c. Et praeterea unam bovatam terrae in eadem villa, &c. quam Robertus praedicti Thomae patruus eis in puram et perpetuam elemosinam dedit, &c.

Et insuper eis donavimus ecclesiam de Kellow juxta ejus parochiam consisten∣tem, et ecclesiam de Grendon quam novam et recentèr in honorem beati Thomae Martyris construximus; sed etiam ecclesias de Sockburn et Bishopton, quas dilectus filius noster Rogerus de Coyners assensu Roberti filii et haeredis sui eidem hospitali dedit, &c.

Hiis testibus, * 134.1 Germano priore Dunelmensi, † 134.2 Burchardo et Willelmo archi∣diaconis, Symone Camerario, magistro ‡ 134.3 Ricardo de Coldingham, magistro Willel∣mo de Blesensi, magistro Stephano Lincoln, Willelmo filio archidiaconi, Willelmo de Hoveden, et pluribus aliis.

In quarum inspectionis et comparationis testimonium has nostras literas feci∣mus patentes sigilli nostri impressione communitas. Datum in manerio de Aucland ix. Kal. Julii An. Dom. 1349.

The following CONSTITUTIONS were ordained by the founder, and afterwards confirmed by bishop Kellawe§ 135.1.

Hae sunt constitutiones hospitalis domus leprosorum de Shirburne, &c.

Imprimis ergo statuit dictus Hugo episcopus, ut in capella dictae domus ad serviendum Deo et sanctae Mariae Magdalenae et beato Nicholao, sint continue tres sacerdotes et quatuor clerici, duo scilicet ad serviendum altari sanctae Mariae Mag∣dalenae hebdomadario modo, quorum unus hebdomada sua celebrabit cantando missam tempori congruentem et alius hebdomada illa pro fidelibus et vice versa tertius deputabitur officio sancti Nicholai et continue celebrabit pro defunctis, et haec erit missa sororum leprosarum infra quarum domum a latere australi sita est dicta capella.

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Quartum capellanum apposuit tempore suo dictus Ricardus Dunelmensis episco∣pus, quem deputavit officio beatae Mariae Virginis in capella nova quam in hono∣rem beatae Mariae Virginis construxit a latere aquilonari majoris capellae ubi quartus sacerdos cotidie celebrabit missam de beata Maria Virginis cum solempnitate, et haec erit missa fratrum leprosorum et cotidie ultimo celebrabitur, tum propter fratres debiles et mane surgere non valentes, tum propter sacerdotes qui expletis officiis sibi deputatis, omnes dictae missae intererunt. Diebus vero dominicis et in majori∣bus solempnitatibus ultimo celebrabitur magna missa in majori capella ubi omnes intererunt tam clerici quam sacerdotes, et illis diebus tantum aperientur ostia lepro∣sorum tam fratrum quam sororum, ut in domo fratrum omnes conveniant, et in continuo silentio intrabunt et redibunt, praeeunte fratres leprosos eorum priore, et priorissa subsequente sorores leprosas, et sic missa celebrata domum suam intrabunt sorores et claudetur earum ostium.

Statuit etiam dictus Hugo, ut dictae domus procurator semper sacerdos praesi∣ciatur et religiosus, si bonus inveniatur, vel secullaris si melior inveniatur, qui dictis sacerdotibus de dictis officiariis in omnibus necessariis providebit, et missam, quam voluerit, et ubi, celebrabit, qui in rectura ita modeste se habeat, ut numerum trium equorum non excedat nisi aliter cogat necessitas. Istorum etiam sacerdotum officiis et eorum sustentamentis, deputati sunt tres clerici vel quatuor, nisi procurator fuerit sacerdos, qui dictis sacerdotibus in divinis officiis ministrabunt quorum unus ad minus erit diaconus.

Omnes vero sacerdotes et clerici simul in camera juxta capellam sita jacebunt, praeter unum quem procurator secum in camera sua habere voluerit, et omnes cum procuratore in aula prandebunt et coenabunt, nisi aliter cogat necessitas.

Decrevit etiam idem Ricardus, ut in tempore hyemali surgant dicti sacerdotes in media nocte ad officium nocturnum perficiendum, quo completo, usque mane dor∣miant, et tunc iterum in silentio ad ecclesiam redeant et officia divina tempori con∣gruentia, signo prius in qualibet hora pulsato, cantando compleant: Aestivo autem tempore ita surgant, ut officium nocturnum compleatur in diluculo, et sic in loco pausent et post modo prescripto ad divina officia redeant.

Idem etiam statuit, ut continue in majori ecclesia in presentia corporis et sanguinis domini sit ignis perpetuus; et quod semper in majori missa in majori ca∣pella celebretur, et in missa beatae Mariae Virginis, accendantur duo luminaria ad minus.

Decrevit etiam idem episcopus, ut secundum statuta Hugonis quondam Dunel∣mensis episcopi predecessoris sui quinque conventus leprosorum, sive sexaginta et quinque, continue ibi vivant, et de bonis dictae domus pascantur et vestiantur; et quod quilibet frater vel soror habeat unum panem in die quinque marcas ponde∣rantem, et unam galonam cerevisiae, ita quod quilibet eorum habeat unam galo∣nam in diem. Et quod iidem tribus diebus in hebdomada vescantur carnibus, et quatuor diebus piscibus; ita quod unum ferculum, five de carne, sive de pisce, sive de caseo, sive de butiro, duobus bene sufficiat: Providit etiam ut in ma∣joribus solempnitatibus per annum habeat duo sercula, (videlicet) in quatuor primus diebus Natalis Domini, in die Circumcisionis, in die Epiphaniae, in die Purificationis, in die Sancti Cuthberti, in Quadragesima (et in illo die solent

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dare salmones recentes pro uno ferculo si inveniri possent, sin autem, pisces recentes, si inveniri possent) in die Annunciationis, &c. in die Sancti Michaelis (sed illo die dantur aucae pro ferculo, et quatuor habent unam aucam pro ferculo; quod si die Veneris vel die Sabbati contigerit, dantur die Dominico proxime sequenti) in die Omnium Sanctorum, &c.

De vestimentis etiam providetur, quod quilibet eorum habeat per annum tres ulnas de panno laneo, videlicet de russeto vel albo, et sex ulnas de panno lineo, et sex ulnas de canvays, in communi ad manutergia facienda; et unusquisque quatuor denarios ad soculares, et sexies per annum unguentum ad soculares, et tres petras cepi per annum. In Vigilia Omnium Sanctorum habebunt quatuor trussas strami∣nis, et quatuor in Vigilia Nativitatis Domini, et quatuor truncos ad quatuor ignes; in Vigilia autem Pasche quatuor trussas straminis; in Vigilia Pentecostes quatuor fasces juncorum, et quatuor in Vigilia beati Johannis Baptistae, et quatuor in festo beatae Mariae Magdalenae.

Quando habebunt carnes recentes vel pisces recentes, vel ova, habebunt unam mensuram salis continentem vicessimam partem unius rasarii* 135.2.

In carniprivio habebunt unum rasarium frumenti ad faciendum simulam.

Cum unus obierit, quod de domo percepit, domui relinquat, et alius pro eo gratis recipiatur de terra episcopi, si ibi tot inveniantur leprosi; sin autem, aliunde recipiantur, cum Deus non sit acceptor personarum.

Fratres de communi consensu priorem eligant sibi de se, et sorores priorissam, qui sub magistro eorum eos regulariter custodiant.

Regula leprosorum talis est: Fratres leprosi per se maneant, similiter sorores leprosae per se, ubi quatuor habeant ignes ad quos quotidie a die Sancti Michaelis, usque in diem omnium sacro sanctorum habebunt duas sportas petarum, prout pre∣dicitur, illis diebus quibus habent fercula duplicia; et a die omnium sacro sanctor∣um usque ad diem Pasche, habebunt quatuor sportas quolibet die; et duas sportas petarum praeter praedictas illis diebus quibus habent fercula duplicia. Sporta vero petaram debet continere quinque rasaria frumenti et duas kenones. In Vigilia vero Nativitatis Domini habebunt quatuor magnos truncos ad quatuor ignes, et unus∣quisque erit unicis quadrigatae; item in aestate quum ducuntur petae habebunt fracturas reliquarum petarum.

Si autem aliquis frater leprosus vel soror languerit, ita quod de eo desperatur, habebit ignem et candelam et omnia necessaria quantum oportuerit donec meliore∣tur vel moriatur. Item die quo aliquis sepelietur, potus et cibus detur sepelienti∣bus; similiter eorum scissor die quo scindit pannos suos, habebit cibum et potum: Habebunt etiam quolibet die dominico per annum decem panes albos, scilicet, quinque fratribus et quinque sororibus, qui dispositione prioris et priorissae debent dari magis languentibus. Sciendum etiam quod habebunt in qualibet hebdomada per annum bis vel semel ad minus pisces recentes si inveniri poterint, sed aliquando per defectum piscium dentur allecia rubea, aliquando caseus, aliquando butirum, secundum tempora, et quum dantur allecia, unicuique dentur tria, quum vero butirum vel caseus tunc detur omnibus in commune pondus unius petrae et dimi∣dium.

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A Pascha vero usque ad Pentecosten per defectum piscium, casei et butiri, dentur aliquando ova, unicuique scilicit tria: A Pentecoste usque ad festum Sancti Michaelis non dantur allecia rubea; sed bene cavendum est quod nec putridum, nec corruptum vel morticinum illis erogetur. Item in quadragesima habebunt duo rasaria fabarum ad assandum; in festo Sancti Michaelis duo rasaria pomorum: Item debent habere coquinam et coqum ad eorum cibum faciendum, et focale ad coquinam sufficiens et utensilia convenientia, scilicet, unum plumbum et duas ollas oereas, unum tabulam, unam tinam, unum alveolum, duas cunas ad cerevisiam eorum suscipiendum, duas cunas ad balneandum: Item habebunt haec utensilia in domo, quatuor plumbos, quatuor patellas, quatuor tripotes, duos alveos, unum beseche, et unum tribulum ad sepeliendum mortuos: Item facient aliquando olera, aliquando porretum, aliquando fabas secundum tempora, et quando facient olera, habebunt quotidie praeter Sabbatum, unam mensuram grossae farinae avenarum, continentem septimam partem unius rasarii; sed omni die Sabbati habebunt illam mensuram et dimidium pultium ad faciendum gruelam: Habebunt etiam pultes in Vigilia omnium Sacro Sanctorum, Nativitatis Domini, Ascensionis, Johannis Bap∣tistae, Assumptionis, die cinerum: Item habebunt diebus piscium ad eorum coqui∣nam, unam mensuram salis continentem sexagesimam tertiam partem unius rasarii ad potagium saliendum: Item vetula quae ministrat infirmis, habebit qualibet heb∣domada tres panes frumenti, et unum ferculum carnium vel piscium secundum tempora.

Item habebunt duas Lotrices quae lavabunt pro omnibus aliis operibus quali∣bet die Sabbati eorum capita, et bis in septimana eorum pannum, et cotidie eorum utensilia.

Item habebunt unum capellanum de praedictis quatuor capellanis assignatum ad divina facienda, confessiones audiendas, et ea quae sacris pertinent ad plenum persequenda, et ad evangelium legendum in domibus leprosorum diebus dominicis et aliis festis majoribus languentibus qui non possunt ire ad ecclesiam, similiter et ad exequias mortuorum faciendas.

Item habebunt in festis solempnibus in eorum capella luminarium competens dum celebrant divina, et similiter thus horis debitis: Dominicis vero diebus asper∣sionem aquae benedictae, panem benedictum, et alia quae decent.

Item conceditur quod communes servientes eorum et speciales possint ire et redire sine impedimento, et vendere non placentia, et emere placentia, et alia ne∣gotia expedire.

Item conceditur illis quod amici eorum et benevolentes possint sine impedi∣mento eos visitare et consortare, et cum eis moram per noctem facere, scilicet longe venientes et advenae; noti vero et propinqui die quo veniunt recedant.

Item omnes domus eorum bene cooperiantur et nullum nocumentum patian∣tur, similiter, ductus aquae eorum ita conservetur, ut nullum defectum aquae pa∣tiantur, licebit etiam eis sine impedimento ire et redire ad soveam juxta cimiterium ubi colligunt aquam ad purgandas eorum domus.

Item portae eorum non debent claudi ante pulsationem collationis.

Item habebunt fretrum ad mortuos ferendos: Omnes autem fratres et sorores

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qui fortes sunt, de nocte surgant ad matutinam, et intrent in capellam suam et horas suas more suo dicant, videlicet, pro matutinis xxvi. pater noster, scilicet, tresdecim pro matutina diei, et tresdecim pro matutina beatae Mariae; pro prima, quatuordecim, pro nona quatuordecim; pro vesperis, octodecim; pro completorio, quatuordecim; ita ut medietatem dicant pro horis diei, et medietatem pro horis beatae Mariae.

Postea quilibet eorum dicat viginti et quinque pater noster pro peccatis pro∣priis, et totidem pro animabus episcoporum Dunelmensium, et omnium fidelium defunctorum, ita ut tam de die quam de nocte centum et sexaginta pater noster compleant.

Illi autem qui debiles sunt in lectis se erigant, et ibi matutinas suas dicant; debiliores in pace jaceant, et quod dicere possunt dicant: Qualibet hora pulsetur signum eorum tam de die quam de nocte, et ante prandium et post, quod pulsabit unus de sanioribus fratribus huic officio deputatus, qui preces eorum dicet; post completorium maneant in silentio, donec in crastino prima pulsetur et dicatur, nisi aliter cogat necessitas, ut infirmitas vel aliquod humanitus.

Ad eorum observantiam detur eis ferula, cujus custodiam habebit prior ut modo scholarium inde corrigat inobedientes, et statuta transgredientes, et excitet desides et negligentes.

Si quis autem inveniatur inobediens et contrarius et per ferulam noluerit cor∣rigi, detrahantur ei victualia usque panem et aquam tantum, semel, secundo, tertio, et si adhuc perseveraverit inobediens et contumax, a communione fratrum ejicia∣tur, et alius pro eo statim substituatur.

Cum aliquis frater vel soror obierit, quilibet eorum dicet pro eo infra triginta dies proxime sequentes ccc. pater noster, exceptis orationibus quotidianis.

Omnes fratres veniantin capella sua ad disciplinam tribus diebus in hebdo∣mada, scilicet, in quadragesima et adventu domini; scilicet secundo, quarta, et sexta feria, nisi aliter cogat necessitas, vel intervenerit magna solempnitas.

Idem faciant sorores in capella sua praesente priorissa cum sacerdote donec omnes vapulent.

Procurator autem dictae domus audiet quater in anno computationes suas, scilicet in quatuor quarteriis anni de servientibus suis.

Habebunt etiam praedicti fratres et sorores annuatim quinque solidos et quin∣que denarios in die exaltationis Sanctae Crucis, die anniversario Dom. Martini de Sanctae Cruce quondam praedictae domus procuratoris.

Haec omnia statuit Ricardus Dei gratia Dunelmensis episcopus et carta sua confirmavit, et inviolabiliter observari praecepit.

By these constitutions it appears that the chapel first erected was dedicated to God, Mary Magdalen, and St Nicholas, and was served by three priests and four clerks, part to officiate at the altar of Mary Magdalen; and as the hospital was to receive both sexes, other part to officiate at the altar of St Nicholas, where the women were to hear mass, the chapel being situated at the south door of their house; so that it seems the men and women had houses at separate sides of the area. Bishop Kellaw, for greater decorum, built a new chapel on the north side of the great chapel, which he dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and where he ordered mas to

Page 606

be celebrated daily to the brethren, and to this service he appointed a fourth priest. On dominical days and great solemnities, he ordered service to be performed by all the priests to both men and women; the men being preceded by their prior, and the women by their prioress. The procurator or master was not confined to be in clerical orders; but was restrained to that moderation that he should not keep more than three horses without some urgent necessity. The priests and clerks were to lie in the chamber next the chapel, unless the master required one to lodge in his chamber: And the master and all others were to dine and sup in the hall. Bishop Kellaw appointed the times of service, and the burning of lights before the altar. The number of lepers to be entertained being sixty-five, the mess was directed, each to have a loaf and a gallon of beer daily; three days in the week flesh meat, and four days fish, so that one dish of meat, fish, cheese or butter, should serve two: But on great days two dishes were to be provided, par∣ticularly on quadragesima day they were to have fresh salmon or other fish, if they could be had, for one dish; and on Michaelmas-day they should have geese, a goose to every four; but if that festival happened on a weekly fast day, the goose feast was to be postponed to Sunday. They were allowed yearly three yards of woollen cloth, russett or white, six yards of linen, and six yards of canvas, with other ne∣cessaries, as trusses of straw and bundles of reeds, with four yole clogs for the vigils of our Saviour. The brethren were to chuse their prior, and the sisters their prioress. They were allowed fires from Michaelmas-day to the day of All-Saints; the measure of the peats* 135.3 being fixed. Certain rules were ordained for the sick, for funerals, and prayers. From Pentecost to Michaelmas red herrings and salted viands were prohibited. Two washers were appointed, and an allow∣ance for the nurses who attended the sick; and each member was allowed in money at two days in the year five-pence, and once in the year five shillings.

It is presumed the hospital continued to be regulated and governed by the fore∣going rules till the time of bishop Langley, when great abuses were complained of, the pious institution being converted into private emolument, and the buildings suffered to go to ruin, that prelate issued his commission† 135.4, dated the 4th of Sep∣tember, 1429, directed to William Chaunceller, his temporal chancellor, and others, to visit and examine the dilapidations in the hospital erections, and to en∣quire of the abuses of the charity. Upon the commissioners reporting the miser∣able condition and poverty thereof, the bishop thought proper to apply to pope Eugene IV. instead of the king, for redress, who readily granted a faculty or com∣mission to the bishop, to make new rules and ordinances for the better government thereof, which he accordingly made on the 22d day of July, 1434, and thereby appointed, that the future master should be in clerical orders, and that he should keep four chaplains, four clerks, or singing men, and two boys, chaunters; and ordained certain rules for the celebration of divine service, and for the conduct of the priests, clerks and boys‡ 135.5. He directed that a tablet should be hung over the

Page 607

high altar, inscribed with the names of bishop Pudsey, bishop de Marisco, and him∣self, as also with the name of Martin de Sancta Cruce, that mass might be said for them. It thereby appears, that the leprosy (for the relief of those under which affliction this hospital was founded) was at that time almost eradicated, for he directs, that in remembrance of the original foundation, two lepers should be re∣ceived into the hospital, if they could be found, but to be kept apart from the rest of the people admitted to the house: To those, thirteen poor people were to be ad∣ded, to be provided with meat and drink of ten-pence value every week, or ten∣pence of ready money at their own option, and have yearly the sum of 6s. 8d. for fuel and cloaths, and to mess and lodge in the same house, and daily to attend mass. Upon the death of a brother, another poor man to be chosen by the master within fifteen days, under the penalty of paying a mark to the fabric of the church at Durham. An old woman of good character was to be provided at the master's expence, to attend the brethren, wash their linen, and do other offices. The master to have the care of all the goods and buildings of the hospital, and to take an oath for the due performance of all things stipulated by those ordinances.

We hear of no further abuses of the charity till the time of bishop Tunstall, when Anthony Salvin, then master, in 1557, presented a petition to that prelate, praying that a commission of enquiry might issue, with interrogatories ad perpetuam rei memoriam, which commission was accordingly issued, and depositions were taken thereon the 27th of April, 1557, and duly returned.

[figure] seal
SIGILLVM HOSPITALIS CHRISTI IN SHEREBVRNE

Page 608

In the twenty-seventh year of queen Elizabeth (1584, chap. 15) an act was passed for the incorporation of this hospital, and for the better regulation thereof, entituled

AN ACT

For the incorporation of the hospital of Christ, in the town of Sherborne, in the bishopric of Durham, whereby it was enacted, that the brethren of the said hospital and their successors, by the name of

The master and brethren of Christ's hospital, in Sherborne, near Durham, in the county of Durham,
shall have succession perpetually, and plead and be impleaded by that name, and by that name shall hold and for ever enjoy, not only all those lands, tenements, and liberties, and other hereditaments whatsoever, which by any name or names whatsoever have been heretofore, to and for the said hospital given and limited, which they do now hold or possess, as to the said hospital belonging; but also all other lands, tenements, or hereditaments, which shall hereafter be lawfully given or granted to them (holden in free-burgage or soccage, and not by knight's service or in capite) shall be holden of the crown in frankalmoigne; and that the said master and brethren and their successors for ever, shall have a common seal; and that all leases then after to be granted of any lands, &c. belonging to the hos∣pital, other than for the term of twenty-one years, or three lives, shall be void, &c.

That the bishop of Durham for the time being shall have the nomination, colla∣tion, admission and institution of the master of the said hospital; the person that shall be so nominated, admitted master, being a preacher, having no cure or charge of souls elsewhere.

And the brethren, in number thirty, from time to time as often as any of their places shall become void, except the place of Randal White, (Thornley Brother) the master of the hospital to have the nomination, collation, admission and institu∣tion of the said brethren, in number thirty, except before excepted.

And that from time to time, as often as the said brother's place of the said Ran∣dal White, or such others as shall succeed him therein, shall become void, that— Trollop* 136.1 and his heirs shall have the nomination.

And that the master of the said hospital for the time being, shall for the further and better maintenance of the brethren of the said hospital, pay yearly to every of the brethren of the said hospital ten shillings, over and besides their pensions, portions, livings, and dividends heretofore accustomed.

And that for the good order and government of the said master and brethren of the said hospital and possessions, such ordinances and rules not being repugnant to the laws of this realm now in force) as shall be from time to time made and set down by the bishop of Durham under his hand and seal in writing, shall be by the said master and brethren observed and kept.

And for performing thereof, the said master and brethren now being, shall take their corporal oaths; and every master and brother hereafter to be admitted into

Page 609

the said hospital, shall take the said oath before his admission or institution before the bishop of Durham for the time being.

Saving to all and every person and persons, bodies politic and corporate, &c. all such right, &c. as if this act had never been had or made.

Provided always, &c. that all leases hereafter to be made, of any of the demesne lands of the said hospital (which at this present are not in lease or demised for years, life or lives) shall be utterly void and of none effect to all intents and purposes.

Provided also, and be it enacted, that if any person which shall hereafter be master of the said hospital, do or shall during the time that he is or shall be master thereof, accept or take any benefice or living ecclesiastical; that then and imme∣diately from and after such acception or taking of any such benefice or living, every such master shall cease to be master of the said hospital, and the said hospital shall be void to all intents and purposes, as if the said master were dead, any dispensa∣tion, licence, toleration, qualification, or faculty whatsoever to the contrary not∣withstanding.

In the thirty-fifth year of queen Elizabeth (1593) a commission of charitable uses was issued, to which articles of enquiry were annexed, and whereon an inquisition was taken the 4th of May, 1594, touching this and other hospitals in the county, with other matters* 136.2.

Bishop Matthew, on a visitation held in the year 1595, made ordinances and rules for the better regulation and government of this hospital, among which,

It is ordained, that all and every the brethren appointed by the said statute or foundation, shall willingly and presently (the cause of infirmity by the said maister to be approved only excepted) without delay, repair home, meet and come together at and within the said hospital at two several times in the year yearly, viz. the seventh day of September, being the day of her majesty's birth, and the seventeenth day of November, being the day of her highness's coronation; at which time the maister of the said hospital shall not only allow and perform to all and every the brethren so assembled, sufficient meat and drink for two days space, but also shall make before them some godly christian exhortation, to persuade them to godliness and obedience, and a continual thankfulness for the great benefits of her majesty bestowed on them and that hospital.

The maister henceforth shall not admit nor receive any married man having his wife alive, usually to lodge and continue within the precinct of the said hospital, and shall not permit their wives or children, or other friends and acquaintance to resort into the said hospital; and that the said maister shall not permit any of the said brethren to gadd or range abroad, without especial cause allowed and licence ob∣tained, either by the maister or his curate.

If any of the said brethren either resident or absent, shall become a stubborn or disobedient person, a disturber of the common peace in that society, a despiser of the present state, a maintainer of factions, a drawer from obedience, a seducer from

Page 610

religion, a whisperer or spreader of lies, or a common frequenter of infamous or defamed persons or places; every such person convented or convicted thereof be∣fore the maister there under the testimony of four or five of the brethren then pre∣sent, shall, according to the quality of his offence be punished or expelled, accord∣ing to the order of the said foundation.

And if any of the brethren there resident, either in weakness of stomach, de∣sire, or by wilful contempt, refuse and dislike the prescript-diet of the house, then the maister of the same hospital shall suffer or compel the same party to his own private provision elsewhere; giving and allowing yearly unto the said party or parties each one forty shillings, to be paid by ten shillings a quarter, as others absent formerly have been wont to receive; provided always, that no brother shall make sale of his place on pain of present expulsion.

Lastly; it is ordained by the said reverend father, that all the stock of goods and chattels, corn, hay, utensils, and implements of the said hospital whatsoever, shall be delivered by the former maister if he be living, or by his executors or assigns if he be dead, unto the successor and brethren by an inventory tripartite, as was done lately after the death of maister Dr Daile, whereof one part to remain with the bishop of Duresme, and another part with the successor, and the third part with the former maister and his executors; and to this purpose every new maister before his admission shall become bound to the lord bishop of Duresme for the time being in a bond of eight hundred pounds or more, for the performance, safety, and delivery of all the said stock of goods and chattels, corn, hay, utensils, and imple∣ments whatsoever belonging to the said hospital, at every change of the maister, ac∣cording to the aforesaid inventory, and the commendable examples of his prede∣cessors the former maisters of the said hospital.

Allowances of diet for the poor brethren of the said hospital.

At breakfast on work days. One kind of milkness, one loaf of bread, weighing about twenty-four ounces to four, and small beer sufficient.

At dinner. On Sundays and Thursdays two kinds of flesh meat, one roasted on Sundays, _____ _____ and on the other days two kinds of milkness and one of milk, and another of fish or flesh as best may be provided, and each day to four a loaf of tempsed bread, weighing xxiiij ounces, and a loaf of brown bread, weighing xxiiij ounces, and single beer sufficient.

At supper. To have as at dinner two kinds of meat, and their bread and beer in like manner.

At afternoon drinkings. Every one to have a piece of bread cut to him by the butler if it be required, and a jug of beer amongst them that are there present at the buttery door.

Provided always, that none carry or convey any meat, drink, or bread from the table, save only to the buttery, upon pain of losing his commons three days for the first time, and a fortnight commons the second time, and expulsion the third time, when any shall be convicted thereof; and if any of them do mislike of these orders, or become discontented with this diet, the same to be put to his own provision, and

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upon request made to the master in good manner, the same to have such al∣lowance abroad, as the said reverend father the bishop of Durham for the time being shall set down, if he be thought worthy to have any thing at all.

Provided likewise, that none of the said brethren presume to depart at any time out of the precincts of the said hospital and demesnes thereabouts for any oc∣casion, without the special licence of the master himself, (if he be at home and about the house, or of his chaplain in his absence) upon pain of loss of two days commons for the first time, and one week's commons for the second time, and ex∣pulsion for the third time, as men undutiful and unworthy of her majesty's bounty in that society, &c.

Bishop Crewe, on his visitation in 1703, made other rules and orders. And afterwards bishop Chandler visited in August, 1735, and made new statutes, which, remaining unaltered at this time, are presented to the reader.

ORDINANCES AND RULES, For the good order and government of Sherborn Hospital, in the County of Durham.

Ordinances and rules for the good order and government of the master and brethren of Christ's hospital at Sherborne, near Durham, and their possessions, delivered to them the twenty-sixth day of August, by Edward, by divine providence lord bishop of Durham, at his primary visitation of the said hos∣pital, which was begun August the 14th, 1735, and continued by several ad∣journments to that day.

EDWARD, by divine providence lord bishop of Duresme. To our well be∣loved in Christ, Wadham Chandler, clerk, master of arts, master of the said hos∣pital, Richard Grey, John Whitfield, and the rest of the brethren.

If the changes incident to all persons and things did not insensibly introduce deviations from the original constitutions of societies also, and make frequent re∣views of the laws whereby they should be governed necessary, for preserving a consistency between men's practices and their rules, yet the present condition of Christ's Hospital at Sherburn in particular, would demand a speedy provision to be made against some evils the house labours under, and which by longer neglect may grow to be very detrimental to it.

For having in our visitation upon the place discovered that all the local statutes made by our predecessors, since the foundation of the said hospital by queen Eliza∣beth, with consent of her parliament, were either lost, concealed, or of no validity, for want of a ratification under the episcopal seal, as is required by her act; that their stocks of cattle and corn were destroyed and consumed in the time of the civil wars, by the two armies in the neighbourhood of Sherburn house; that no inven∣tory hath been since taken of their goods, nor bond given by the entering master, for any sum of money to be paid to every succeeding master, as a fund in readi∣ness for the occasions of the said hospital, and as was wont formerly to be given, we judged no time was to be lost in settling new rules, without which no society can well subsist, which may also be effectual for securing what goods and chattles

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are still remaining, and prevent further ruin to their common estate, which in a long chancery suit at this distance of time, after a succession of two or three masters, under a defect of full proofs, must be hazarded with small prospect of success.

In drawing up these rules, we have revived as many ordinances of the first founders as could be adapted to the present state of things, and followed those of our late predecessors where we could presume of their intentions by their articles of visitation which we have seen, and these rules so collected and hereafter follow∣ing, we, by the authority given us by act of parliament, as well as the antienter constitutions of the first founders, bishops of this diocese, do for ourselves and suc∣cessors, order and appoint to be the standing rules to be observed by all the mem∣bers of the said hospital, until such time as any of our successors shall see cause, or in their wisdom think proper to alter or amend them.

And to prevent confusion by a disagreement of these with any former rules, (should any such come to light hereafter) we, after the example of our worthy predecessor Thomas Langley in his new ordination of the said hospital, rescind and annul all former constitutions, rules, and ordinances, made by any of our prede∣cessors, and do substitute these in their place, as the only rules they shall be bound to obey. Given at our castle at Durham, the twenty-sixth day of August, being one of the days and places to which we adjourned our visitation of the said hospital, in the eighteenth year of our consecration, fifth of our translation, and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty-five.

Concerning the MASTER.

1. The master shall be always a person in holy orders, of the degree of master of arts at least, a licensed preacher, and one who is capable of business and applies himself to it, especially for the maintenance and prosperous estate of the hospital.

2. The master or his deputy appointed by him to act in his name, shall usually reside within the said hospital, for the better ordering and governing the members thereof, according to an ancient constitution of Tho. Langley bishop of Duresme; saving to the said bishop his ordinary jurisdiction over them.

3. The master if he be not constantly resident in person, shall often repair thither to preach and read lectures on catechetical heads to them, and to enquire and hear the complaints of the brethren when they have any, and see them redressed.

4. The common seal shall be kept by the master only, in a box locked up, and not to be trusted with the deputy, and the master shall be always present when the seal is put to any instrument.

5. The counterparts of the leases shall be preserved in the custody of the master himself, and as often as there shall be occasion to trust any writing out of his hands, he shall take a note for the safe delivery of it.

6. No demise of lands anciently used to be demised, shall pass otherwise than by the common seal; and no demise of lands not demiseable by queen Elizabeth's foundation, shall be accounted valid in law, though it be duly sealed with the com∣mon seal.

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7. Upon sealing of any lease, twelve-pence and no more shall be given to every member that attends to sign the lease.

8. The demesnes at Sherburn shall never be demised by lease for years or lives, but the whole or at least the greatest part thereof shall continue in the occupation of the master or his deputy, steward or agent, so that there shall always be main∣tained on the ground a full stock of young cattle of all kinds, and a sufficient quan∣tity of hay and stores of corn and other grain in the granaries, to answer all oc∣casions of the house.

9. Upon the death, cession, or resignation of every master, so much of his stock and stores of all sorts, as shall be prized to the value of two hundred pounds, shall be delivered over to the succeeding master, who shall be legally intitled thereto from the preceding master, his heirs, or executors, or the sum of two hundred pounds for and in lieu and in full satisfaction for the same.

10. For the better securing of this two hundred pounds, or stock or stores to the value thereof, every master soon after his induction, shall be bound to the bishop of Duresme in the penalty of four hundred pounds, for the payment of two hundred pounds, or stock and stores of that value to his lawful successor, which bond shall be lodged in the registry of the bishop's consistory court, to be delivered up and cancelled upon performance of the condition by the preceding master.

11. An exact inventory shall be taken by every master at his coming into his place of all the plate, houshold goods, kitchen and brewing vessels, utensils in the dairy, cellar, and for husbandry, linen, bedding, and all other furniture, as well belonging to the house of the master, as the houses of the brethren, and three copies made thereof and signed by the said master, the one to be lodged in the re∣gistry aforesaid, with the bond for two hundred pounds, the other to be preserved by the master himself, and the third to be kept by the heirs or executors of the preceding master, who is obliged to leave the same as he received them at his en∣trance, according to the said inventory.

12. The original of these statutes to be safely locked up in the same box with the common seal, to be delivered with the said seal to the next lawful successor by the predecessor or his executors or administrators, and a book shall be prepared for common use, wherein these statutes and ordinances, as far as they concern the brethren, shall be fairly written, with queen Elizabeth's act of foundation in the 27th year of her reign, and such other rules as shall hereafter be made by any suc∣ceeding bishop.—These rules concerning the brethren are to be read to the inn-brethren at a full meeting once a year.

13. A quarto book shall be carefully kept by the master or his deputy, wherein shall be fairly entered the names of all the present members, and the time of their coming in, and when and before whom they were sworn; and as often as any of them die, the brother who succeeds him shall have his name entered, his country, parish, his age, and the day of the year of his being sworn, and by whom, and whom he succeeds, and till this be done, no person shall be reckoned a brother or member of Sherburn-house.

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14. As many brethren shall be lodged within the house, as the ancient lodgings will permit, and have usually for many years past resided therein.

Of the BRETHREN.

15. In filling up the vacant places of the inn-brethren, a preference shall be of∣ten given to the out-brethren, who in the master's opinion deserve to be taken into the house, yet so as that it shall be a matter of choice and discretion in the master, and not of obligaion to proceed in that way.

16. These qualifications shall be required in every man that is admitted into Sherburn house as a brother; that he be a single person who hath lived well and creditably in the world, and is not at this time worth twenty pounds; that he be born in the county of Durham, unless by special allowance of the bishop, the coun∣ty be dispensed with; and particularly that such as have lived within the manors, and been tenants to the lands of the bishopric or hospital estate, if in other respects they be as well qualified, shall have the preference; that he be of the age of fifty-six or upwards, never under; that he be not then labouring under any sickness, or incurable or infectious disease, though the lame and impotent should be con∣sidered in the first place.

17. He shall be a constant member of the church of England by law established, and continue so.

18. To this end we order, that every man that desires to be a brother, shall present a petition to the master, setting forth his case, with a certificate of his age, under the hand of the minister of the parish where he was born, and another cer∣tificate of his peaceable social disposition, and sober behaviour, and conformity to the church of England for some years last past, under the hands of credible gen∣tlemen and others, neighbours to the place where he hath last lived; which peti∣tions and certificates shall be filed by the master, to be produced when he shall be called upon.

19. No one shall be treated as a brother and member of this corporation, or en∣titled to any profits as such, who hath not first taken his corporal oath for per∣forming such ordinances and rules as have been, and shall hereafter be made and set down by the bishop of Duresme, under his hand and seal in writing, for the good order and government of the master and brethren of the said hospital, which said oath shall be taken before the bishop, if he happens to be at that time in the city of Durham, or else before his spiritual chancellor, or the chancellor's principal surrogate, without fee.

20. Within a month after every vacancy, the master, if he be in the country, shall be bound to put in a new brother, or within six weeks at most, if the master be far absent; and upon the master's neglecting to fill up the place within that time, it shall be in the power of the bishop to name a brother without the master, who shall be accordingly admitted.

21. No woman, child, male relation or friend, shall be suffered to abide with him in the room or lodging of any brother, on any account, except a nurse to take care of the sick.

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22. No brother shall presume to be absent from prayers, to go abroad, much less to lie out of the house, without leave of the master or his deputy, which shall be sparingly allowed, and the time of absence not above two or three days, and the leave to be noted in a book kept for that purpose.

23. The brethren shall attend duly morning and evening prayer, sermons on the Lord's day, and the holy sacrament of the Lord's supper, as often as it shall be ad∣ministered, and they shall be there early at the beginning of the respective offices, and continue there to the end: And the better to know who performs this duty, the clerk of the chappel shall keep a weekly roll, with the names of the brethren, and prick at the name of every one present, and on Monday morning deliver this roll to the master or his deputy, in order to their receiving admonition or correction according to the heinousness of their offence.

24. The chaplain of the said hospital shall be constant in reading the morning and evening service, according to the liturgy of the church of England, and preach every Lord's day, and mostly upon catechetical heads, and administer the holy sa∣crament four times in the year at least, of which the solemn festivals of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide, shall be three of the times; he shall be diligent in visit∣ing the sick, and exhorting the well, as often as he knows of their doing amiss.

25. For the employment of their thoughts on the week days, a Bible and Whole Duty of Man shall be provided for every inn-brother, which upon the death of any of them, shall go with all the furniture of his chamber (bought by the master) to his successor; and they shall be often put in mind of daily prayers in secret in their own rooms.

26. No brother shall be allowed to be a drunkard, a fornicator or unchaste, a caballer or mischief-maker, profane, a despiser of God, religion or divine worship, injurious or unsociable to his fellows, disrespectful, saucy, or disobdient to the master, or in a word, be guilty of any notorious crime, or live a disorderly offensive life.

27. In all these cases the master to whom the power and authority of govern∣ing the brethren and servants of the house is committed, shall by himself or his deputy, or the chaplain, correct and punish the offender, according to the quality and degree of the offence, (that is to say) at first, by a serious admonition and warning, and then by suspending him from his diet for two, three, or more days, according to the master's pleasure: Provided that the suspension be never longer than three weeks at a time, and the value of the diet of the suspended person be divided among such of the brethren as are not offenders; and if after the ex∣ercise of such discipline, any brother shall go on to offend in the same way, the master shall then carry his complaint of him to the bishop, that he may be re∣moved, or otherwise punished as the bishop shall think fit.

28. We ordain, that the said brethren who are well and sound, do eat together at dinner in their common hall or room, according to a constitution of Thomas Langley to that effect, unless for reasons to be given to the bishop, he shall dis∣pense with this rule for any time. One of the brethren shall be chosen by them∣selves

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to say grace before and after meat, or give God thanks for the bountiful provision he hath made for them, and for raising up such benefactors to them.

29. The woman that is to wash their cloaths, &c. shall be of middle age, of good fame and conversation, as the same also is required of all the other servants and ministers belonging to the house.

30. We do revive and enforce the late orders concerning the manner of diet of the brethren throughout the year, with some few alterations, as annexed in a separate paper, which we order to be transcribed and hung up in the hall where the brethren eat.

31. Lastly, as to the relief of poor travellers at the gate, which hath been custo∣mary, and no doubt piously intended, we give no injunctions; idle vagrants should be discouraged and punished, necessitous travellers on their honest occasions sup∣plied, but care should be taken that such as have no legal settlement be not made burthensome to the hospital, by an indiscreet relief, as is directed by an act of par∣liament for ascertaining of settlements.

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