Benefactours to the Publique.
* 1.1 T. STUMPS of the Town of Malmesbury in this County, was in his Age one of the most eminent Clothiers in England, of whom there passeth a story told with some variation of circumstances, but generally to this purpose.
King Henry the eighth, Hunting near Malmesbury in Bredon Forrest, came with all his Court Train unexpected, to Dine with this Clothier. But great House-keepers are as seldome surprised with Guests as vigilant Captains with Enemies. Stumps commands his little Army of Workmen which he fed daily in his house, to fast one Meal untill night, (which they might easily doe without indangering their health,) and with the same Provision gave the King, and his Court-train (though not so delicious and various) most wholesome and plentifull entertainment.
But more Authentick is what I read in the great * 1.2 Antiquary, speaking of the pluck∣ing down of Malmesbury Monastery.
The very Minster it self, should have sped no better then the rest, but being Demo∣lished, had not T. Stumps a wealthy Clothier, by much suit but with a greater summe of Money, redeemed and bought it for the Iowns-men his Neighbours, by whom it was converted to a Parish-church, and for a great part is yet standing at this day.
I find one William Stumps Gentleman, who in the one and thirtieth * 1.3 year of King Henry the eight, bought of him the demeans of Malmesbury Abby, for fifteen hundred pound two shillings and a half penny. Now how he was related to this T. Stumps, whe∣ther son or father is to me unknown. It will not be a sin for me to wish more branches from such Stumps, who by their bounty may preserve the Monuments of Antiquity from destruction.