Visitations of the Archdeacon of Canterbury

( 17 ) VISITATIONS OE THE AROHDEACON OE CANTERBURY.* BY ARTHUR HUSSEY. ST. JOHN'S IN THANET (MAEGATE). 1560. They have no Vicar. That one John Tyrret of the parish of St. Peter's is detected in the bill of St. John's, that he doth use to speak his pleas and both privately and openly many times of matters of religion, and of late hath said that the Queen Mary was received with copes at Chichester in her choir, and that there were fifteen or sixteen altars set up again in Westminster. Vol. 1560—84. 1561. Their vicarage house is in ruin and that our chancel is unripped [that is, without tiles or slates]. That the nether part of the body of the Church is unrepaired. They have neither Vicar, nor hospitality kept. (Pol. 16.) Vol. 1561-2. 1562. The vicarage is in decay for that the fruits [income] are not able to keep the same in repair. They lack the Homilies for the gang [i.e. Eogation] days, and the little book of prayers set forth by the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Vol. 1562-3 (not paged). 1565. The churchyard is not sufficiently repaired. The vicarage is in ruin and decay. The place where the altar stood is not yet paved. Vol. 1565. 1569. That we lack a Bible in the largest Volume, and the Paraphrase of Erasmus which was stolen out of the Church a year ago. That one Mr. Thomas Coleman received the goods of one Henry Kent which he oweth to certain poor men, and doth withhold it without authority. Vol. 1569. * Continued from Vol. XXV. VOL. XXVI. C 18 VISITATIONS OE THE Archbishop Parker's Visitation, 1569.—Eectory. Impropriator, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Vicarage in patronage of the same. Vicar, William Lester, who is married and resides there; has one benefice; is hospitable according to his power. No preacher nor licensed to preach. Not a graduate. Houses in the parish . . 120 Communicants . . . 400 (Pol. 61.) 1574. James Saull, for that he will not pay to the poor man's box. Also William Eeade and Eichard Pym will not pay to the poor man's box. (Pol. 152.) Vol. 1574—76. 1578. That they lack the first part of the Homilies, the Paraphrase, a cover of silver for their Communion Cup. That Austen Carpenter did fight with one Gilbert Wimark in the churchyard, and there drew bludd [blood]. (Pol. 10.) 1580. We present that Thomas Deal keepeth in his house a schoolmaster to teach, and also being a victualler suffereth him to remain in his house and not frequent Divine Service on the Sabbath Day. When Deale appeared in the Court he stated: That one Thomas Sandu came out of Planders and was at Mr. Henry Crispe's house, and came from there to the defendant with whom he remained, and taught his sons from twelfth time [6 January, the Epiphany] until middle Lent, aud during that time he came to the Church about two or three times, and where he is now he connot tell, for when he went away he never took leave. (Pol. 67.) 1581. We find that the last will and testament of Eobert Tuttall partly suppressed, for that where he gave one tenement or house to be sold to the use of the poor of the parish of St. John's and St. Peter's, the said tenement is neither sold of his widow, who is yet alive in the parish of St. John's. We find Mother Tuttall do keep the aforesaid house, given to be sold to the use of the poor of the parish, a house of Bawdry; her son aud one Agnes Billing, their living together there, and yet not married. We find the poor of our parish deprived of six shillings given unto them, to be paid yearly out of the land and tenement of John Hartye, by the last will and testament of the said John Hartye, withholden by William Matson, now owner of the said tenement and land. (Pol. SO.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 19 1581. That the nether part of our Church is not paved nor sufficiently repaired, and that they used to lay there lime, tiles, sand, and other rubbish, which serveth to their use of repairing the Church, and that they set there the parish ordnance, very unseemly for that place. Thomas Deale for heing absent from Common Prayer on the Sabbath Day, and for grinding with his wind mill. (Pol. 105.) 1582. Goodwife Swane, for that she is vehemently suspected to be a witch, and she herself hath reported that she can make a drink, which she saith if she give it to any young man that she liketh well of, he shall be in love with her. And that she hath threatened one of her neighbours and upon words fell out with her, and told her that she would make her repent her falling out with her. And it is come to pass this same woman her neighbour hath never been well since. (Fol. 107.) We present Simon Sare for that he will not pay his cess to the Church of 6s. 8d. William Pyne will not pay his cess, which is 6s. 8d. (Pol. 114.) Vol. 1577—85. 1585. They lack a convenient book of Common Prayer, also a convenient and comely surplice. The pulpit is not comely and decently placed. There is no cloth for the pulpit, nor cloth of linen for the Communion Table. (Pol. 24.) 1586. The pulpit is not decent or according to the article [of enquiry], (Pol. 35.) 1588. Alexander Violett, for that he is often on the Sabbath Day at St. John's, and cometh not to Church there. When he appeared in Court he explained: That he came not to the Church in that time for that he was bitten with a dog, and by manner thereof was not able to go to the Church. (Fol. 51.) We present these persons following for keeping disorder in their house in time of Common Prayer: John Clay, John Chalker, Eichard Longe, William Goodale. (Fol. 52.) 1591. We present our Minister for being absent from service four Sabbaths together, from the 10th of October to the 1st of November. And at other times since Midsummer, two Sabbath Days. o 2 2b VISITATIONS OE THE 2. Our Minister, for keeping the Eegister Book so that we know not whether the christenings and burials be entered into the book, yea or no. 3. Our Minister, for that his houses are not so largely maintained as heretofore they have been, and between the hall house and the barn there is a house burnt down and not set up again. Also the dove-house is let fall down, that belongeth to the Vicarage. John Alsoppe, for teaching [school] without licence in the Church of St. John's. William Claybrooke, gentleman, Henry Pettit, gentleman, Thomas Fleet, Joseph Norwood, John Bussher, who have not received the Communion, and divers others whom we cannot name, because we cannot have our Minister to give us knowledge of their names; he saith they should answer the not receiving of the Communion before my Lord Grace. (Fol. 98.) We present Steven Eobson for that he hath not given his account to the parish for the last year of his churchwardenship. (Fol. 101.) Eobert Sayer, because he doth not pay the rent for the poor's land. John Christian, because he hath paid no collection to the poor these three years. Also the heirs of John Watson for withholding 6s. 8d. the year to be paid out of his land to the poor. (Fol. 102.) 1592. The presentment made by the churchwardens and sidesmen of the parish of St. John within the Isle of Thanet, of all such as are behind for a cess made for the Church and refuse to pay: Joseph Norwood, Leonard Spracklinge, Samuel Taddie, Henry Piatt, George Pleet. (Fob 120.) We lack a cloth for the Communion Table; also the first part of the Book of Homilies. The churchwardens were ordered to provide a cloth for the Communion Table, a silk cloth for the pulpit, and the Book of Homilies. (Fol. 123.) 1593. Francis Parker refuses to pay a cess made for the reparation of our Church, 6s. 8d. (Fol. 136.) John Allen and Eichard Eussell, for knocking on our bell with a sledge, whereby our bell is broken. (Fol. 145.) Eichard Knowler, for his beer-cart carrying on the Sabbath Day the 12th of August 1593, (Fol. 147.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 21 1594.' That one Mr. Johnson teacheth children and keepeth school in the said parish, having no licence in that behalf. (Fol. 161.) 1595. The chancel is out of repairs, for the repairing whereof some things are provided. (Fol. 168.) George Mouram, for his absence from Common Prayer and his negligence in coming to Church. (Fol. 169.) Vol. 1584—95, Part I. 1596. We present John Baldwin of our parish of St. John's, for that the fame and report goeth that he keepeth in his hands the sum of £10 given by William Horn, late of the parish of St. Peter's in Thanet, unto the reparation of the Church and poor men's box of the said parish, which £10 as the speech is hath been paid into the hands of the said Baldwin who refuses to deliver the same, or to yield any security for the payment thereof. It is seven years ago or thereabout since the said legacies were given, and the Church and the poor have wanted the same, having no benefit thereof as we know. (Fol. 33.) 1597. We present Joseph Norwood, Nicholas Seare, and Eobert Kirkby, for that we demanded twelve pence apiece of them for their absence from Church, and they refuse to pay it. (Fol. 37.) For repairing of the churchyard we desire a day. (Fol. 76.) Eichard Payne, servant to Henry Fleet, shoemaker, for refusing to pay twelve pence for his absence from Church. Alexander Violett, late churchwarden, for that he hath not given up his account to the parish. When on the 8th day of December he appeared in the Court, he stated : That he hath offered his account oftimes and the churchwardens will not accept of it, nor allow him that which he hath laid out. (Fol. 77.) Paul Eigden and Alexander Violett, for consulting with a witch or sorcerer. On the 4th of February 1597-8 Eigden in the Court confessed : That his wife was sick and there was one mother Chambers that had done some good unto divers others that were sick; he sent for her, but not as a sorcerer or witch as alleged. Violett's explanation was: That he had a child was sick, and there came one Chambers, a woman that told him his child had the " yelow jandis," and gave his child medicine for it. (Fols. 79, 80.) 22 VISITATIONS OE THE 1598. Alexander Violett, for negligence in coming to Church and refusing to pay for four or five Sundays' absence, being demanded of him. On the 24 April he appeared and stated: That the only cause of his absence was for that he was not well, but grieved with a pain in his head and teeth so as he feared to come abroad, and also saith that many have died lately in the parish of St. John's, as it is suspected of the plawge [plague], which also somewhat moved him to absence from Church. (Fol. 110.) Here follow the names of such as being able refuse notwithstanding to pay to the poor man's box: William Fleet, Thomas Wood, William Turner, John Watson, Alexander Violett, John Hudson, Arnold Savage, Ephraim Watson. (Pols. Ill—114.) Here follow the names of those who have stood excommunicate above these twelvemonths, viz., Bartholomew Cuming, Eobert Simons. (Fol. 115.) On the 15th day of January 1598-9 in the Archdeacon's Court, before Doctor Newman, was examined Eichard Sharpe, for that— 1. He hath of late published and affirmed that the Book of Common Prayer is heresy. 2. That the Litany in the Book of Common Prayer is a charm. 3. That no ministers are to be allowed in the Church but preaching ministers. 4. That the Sacraments are no Sacraments, being administered without a sermon. 5. That Common Prayer is not needful in Churches, because it may be read at home. 6. That where in the Litany we pray for travellers by sea and land, and for women labouring with child, that we do but pray for " theeves and hawes." 7. That Holy Days are not to be kept, because they be ordained by men, not God. Eichard Sharpe in answer said, to the first he denieth that he uttered the same ; also the second. To the third he confesseth that he hath said that he knew not whether unpreaching ministers were ministers or not. To the fourth, he confesseth that he said he thought that the Sacrament was not Sacrament without a sermon. To the fifth, he confesseth that he said that Common Prayer was not sufficient, because they received nothing thereby, and they could utter it at home. ' ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 23 To the sixth, he confesseth that he said he disliked the prayer, for then we prayed for the Spaniards and other enemies of the truth of God. The seventh he denied the same. He owned and alleged that he hath not, nor doth obstinately affirm as before he hath confessed, but only uttered his opinion what it was ; wherein so far forth as he hath erred, he is sorry and willing to be informed and reformed. The Judge ordered: That he go to Mr. Simons, Vicar of St. Nicholas in Thanet, or to Mr. Jenkinson, Vicar of St. John's, and confer with them or either of them, touching these matters for his instruction. (Fol. 127.) Margaret Cates, the wife of Charles Cates, for a railer and scolder, coming into the Church and misusing the schoolmaster in evil words, and throwing a stone at him in the Church, among the children. (Fol. 186.) These men are behind and refuse to pay their cess for the reparation of the Parish Church, made in 1598: Francis Parker, 14s.; Nicholas Sore, 2s.; Wilham Fleet, 12s. (Fol. 209.) 1600. We present Alexander Violett for absenting himself from the Church a long time. Also William Fleet. (Fols. 212, 213.) Francis Parker, for that he will not pay his cess according as he is set, namely at twenty shillings, done by the parish for the Church; and also he is a very negligent subject in coming to Church to Divine Service. Alexander Violett, for that he refuseth to pay his cess for the Church, as he is cessed by the parishioners of the parish. (Fol. 238.) Nicholas Osborne, for that he will not pay his cess for the reparation of the Church, 8s. On the 21st day of November, when Osborne appeared in Court, he alleged that the parishioners of St. John's did owe him, the said Osborne, £3 or £4 for business done by him about the necessary reparations of the said Church during the time of his churchwardenship, and therefore thinketh he is not bound to pay this present cess referred to. On the following 9th of January 1600-1 Valentine Pettit stated: That of his certain knowledge the parishioners of Sfc. John's do ovre unto Mr. Osborne sums of money or some sum of money, amounti n g to more than the several cesses for which the said Mr. Osborne is presented by the churchwardens of the parish; especially they do 24 VISITATIONS OE THE owe unto Mr. Osborne for a suit in law which he disbursed for the said parishioners lately, between them and the inhabitants of the town of Dover. (Fol. 239.) We present Alexander Borage, William Parker, Ealph Tebb, with the rest of their associates, for playing at Bowles in time of Divine Service, forenoon and afternoon. (Fol. 240.) For refusing to pay their cess :— Nicholas Terry Alexander Violett . Nicholas Osborne . Eichard Terry of Chislet Francis Parker Edward Jenken Gibson the Miller . s. d. 13 4 5 0 8 0 10 0 . 34 0 7 0 . 2 0 (Fol. 268.) Vol. 1584—95, Part II 1601. Francis Parker, for not paying his dues belonging unto the Church, being several times entreated to pay the same. (Fol. 3.) 1602. The Minister [Philip Harrison, 1601-7] having given very sufficient warning for the walking of the perambulation of the said parish, yet notwithstanding none come or attend, because being given three days for the said duties. Wherefore we pray that there may be some good order taken, or else in vain shall the Minister attend upon them at any time hereafter. (Fol. 17.) William Allen, for withholding the Clerk's wages for one whole year past, three shillings and four pence. (Fol. 27.) 1603. We present Mark Batchelor of the said parish for not paying his due cess to the Church, being likewise demanded by the churchwardens; the sum is six shillings and four pence. (Fol. 47.) Eobert Young, for not receiving the Communion at Easter last. Alexander Violett, for not coming to the Church in one whole year, and not receiving the Communion for the space of these three years, living also most suspiciously in his house. (Fol. 56.) Benet Wayte, servant unto the above mentioned Alexander Violett, for not using to come to the Church, and for not receiving the Communion, living also suspiciously in the qaid house. (Fol. 47.) John Fantinge of the parish of St. Peter's, for his cesses due to be paid to the churchwardens of St. John's, for two whole years, the sum of five shillings. (Fol. 83.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 25 1605. Eobert Harbie, victualer, for that William Huffe and John Taylor were found in his house in the time of Divine Service on the Sabbath Day, being the 21 April. (Fol. 142.) Also John Philpott, Thomas Hedd, and one other whose name we know not, were found in like manner in his house on the 21 April. (Fol. 143.) Bartholomew Cuming and Eobert Simon do stand excommunicate, have heretofore been presented for the same. (Fol. 145.) Vol. 1601-6, Part I. 1606. We went not the perambulation of our parish this year by reason of the extremity of the weather. (Fol. 32.) William Afleet, for that he cometh not to Church, nor hath not received the Communion in the parish, and useth his labour on the Sabbath Day and other Holy Days at his pleasure. When he appeared in the Court he explained: That he doth not come usually to Church for that he is in debt and dare not come. (Fol. 36.) 1607. The Commandments are not provided, and the churchyard walls are not sufficiently repaired. (Fob 78.) 1608. There is one teacheth in the parish upon request made to him, but not meaning to continue his teaching unless he obtain licence from the Ordinary. (Fol. 119.) 1609. Francis Carpenter, for that he, being a smith by trade, doth practise surgery without licence. (Fol. 63.) Simon Fuller of the parish, for practising surgery without licence. (Fol. 115.) 1610. Eoger Coleman and his wife of our parish, for keeping victualing in the time of Divine Service on Trinity Sunday 1610, and since upon another Sunday, at which times they kept ill rule by selling drink and entertaining divers disordered persons in their house in Service time, as the common fame is in our parish. Also we present the said Eoger Coleman for being a man given to excessive drinking and drunkenness, as the fame is in our parish. We present the wife of the said Eoger Coleman for a very malicious and contentious person among her neighbours, railing on them and troubling them, as the common fame is in our parish. Vol. 1601-6, Part II. 26 VISITATIONS OE THE 1611. That Eobert Spracklinge did reap the wheat of Thomas Spracklinge on the Sabbath Day. (Fol. 43.) 1612. John Savage, for striking the Paynton's servant in Church. On the 18th May he appeared in Court and confessed: That about three quarters of a year last past, he and the Paynton's servant being in the Church together, did then wrestle and strive together in jest, and some blows passed between them, but all was in merriment without any malice or anger between them. (Fol. 49.) Edmund Maxted, for refusing to pay his assessment to the Church, which amounteth to 5s.; Israel Maries, for the like, 2s. 6d.; William Wanting, 3s. 6d. (Fol. 53.) 1613. Henry Sandford refuses to pay 3s., part of his cess to the Church. (Fol. 98.) John Thurlo of St. John's in Thanet, for withholding certain legacies or rent from a poor orphan or child dwelling in our parish, named William Adams, for some three or four years past, being 18s. 4d. yearly, as the fame goeth in our parish. On the 25th of February, when Thurlo appeared, he confessed: That there is 12s. 6d. for three years or thereabout in his hand due to the aforesaid William Adams, but saith that the said Adams is dead and departed this life, and no administration thereof as yet taken that he knoweth, so as he knoweth not to whom fco pay the same. (Fol. 127.) John Covell or Cavell, for that by the space of two years or at least twelve months last past or thereabouts, hath been and is a great ale-house haunter and given to drunkenness, or at the least to excessive drinking, and for that in the said time he hath been and is at the said ale-house such a common gamester, and an enticer of others to excessive drinking, unthriftness, and drinking. Also that within the time aforesaid he hath attempted the chastity or offered very incontinent behaviour and gesture, with or unto divers women, hereafter if need require to be named. Also for that within the time aforesaid he hath been and is vehemently suspected to live incontinently with divers women, hereafter, as occasion shall need, to be named. Also for scoffing at and abusing me the said Vicar in divers ale-houses in the time aforesaid, by virifull speeches uttered before people, and by scurrilous and base gestures to the great contempt and depraving of my person and calling. ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 27 That within the time aforesaid and during the same or part thereof, there hath been and is within the parish of St. Lawrence and other places thereabout, or some of them, a common fame that the premises concerning the aforesaid John Covell or Cavell, or some of them are true. In witness whereof I the said Vicar have hereunto set my hand. (Fol. 128.) 1614. William Hammond and Thomas Seear, for labouring upon the Sabbath Day, by mowing and reaping, as the fame goeth. On the 1st day of November Hammond appeared in Court and confessed: That in harvest last past he had some harvestmen which take corn to reap by the acre of him, who did reap on a Sunday in that they happening some half an hour or thereabouts, before Morning Prayer, but without his knowdedge or consent. (Fol. 157.) That John Thurlow did brew on the Sabbath Day. (Fol. 158.) They present Eobert Simon, William Lorke, and Michael Lutock for standing excommunicate without seeking their absolution. (Fol. 160.) Joseph Norwood, gent,, for not coming to our Parish Church this twelvemonth to hear Divine Service. On the 1st day of December Stephen Strong, notary public, appeared on behalf of Norwood and alleged': That for three quarters of that year which he is presented or thereabouts, he was so continually grieved with sickness and disease in his body, that he could not go unto his Parish Church, and for the rest of the time there were four other just and lawful causes that hindered him. That about the beginning of September last past he hath lodged and been a sojourner in the city of Canterbury until this time, and said he hath frequented the Church there, and doth hear Divine Service and Sermon both at the Cathedral Church aud other Churches there, and so intendeth to do continually for as long as he shall sojourn there. (Fol. 164.) 1615. The wife of Eobert Young and the wife of John Cosbye, for not taking their places that were appointed to them. On the 5th of May, Young appeared in Court, and confessed : That she is now contented to take the place in the Church of St. John in Thanet that is appointed unto her by the Commissioners. (Fol. 174.) John Johnson, gentleman, for not paying his cesses and other duties to the Church, namely, for.his cess for the .Chjirch,.8s. 4d.; 28 VISITATIONS OE THE more for his poor, 7s. 6d.; more for breaking the ground and the great bell, 10s.; more for paving the grave, 6s. (Fol. 175.) On the 16th day of January 1615-16, when Johnson appeared in Court, he stated: That whereas he is presented for the breaking of the ground and ringing of the great bell for the burial of two of his children, which were lately buried in the Parish Church, the sum of 10s., and for the paving of the graves again 6s. The truth is that he did long since pay and satisfy the said several sums unto Thomas Bussher, late Parish Clerk for the same parish of St. John's, who did in his life time collect and gather the same money to the use of the churchwardens. (Fol. 199.) Joseph Norwood, gent., for not coming orderly to the Parish Church when he is resident in the parish. On the 2nd day of October he appeared and stated: That when he is resident in the parish of St. John's and in good health he doth frequent the Church, but he is offctimes very ill and sickly, and very many times is not resident there, but in Canterbury; he usually goeth to Christ Church or St. George's to hear Divine Service and Sermons there. (Fol. 198.) John Cosbie, victualer, for entertaining of divers persons at sundry times, playing and drinking in time of Divine Service upon the Sabbath Days. On the 16th of October 1615, when Cosbie appeared, he said: That upon one Sunday in harvest time last past the churchwardens of the parish of St. John's, coming into his house in the time of Divine Service in the afternoon, found two persons in his house going to play at tables,* but what their names were he knoweth not, for that they were strangers, poor harvesters. (Fol. 207.) The wife of John Cosbie and the wife of Eobert Young, for refusing to take their places in the Church, being once already presented therefore. On the 23rd day of October the wife of Eobert Young appeared and said: That she is contented to sit in the seat appointed unto her by virtue of a commission taken out of this Court, and she do sit in the said seat appointed unto her. (Fol. 209.) William Saunders, the head tapster at the " King's Arms," for refusing to pay his cess to the poor, being twelve pence. (Fol. 210.) 1617. I, Humphrey Wheatly, Vicar of the Parish of St. John * Tables, a kind of game like backgammon, played on flat boards. (Skeat's Etymological Dictionary. See also Strutt's. Sports and Pastimes, who gives an engraving of two players at the game'of tables from the Harleian MSS.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 29 the Baptist in Thanet [1607—31], do present Winter Churchman of the same parish, weaver, for striking of Leonard Browne, Parish Clerk, in the churchyard of St. John's aforesaid, who would not desist from beating him till I myself came and pulled him from the said Leonard, lying under him. Edward Jenken, for offending his neighbours in his drunkenness. (Fol. 224.) Vol. ] 610—17, Part I. 1619. These are to intimate that as Leonard Browne, Clerk of the parish, complaineth: one James Joanes of the same parish, and another one George Abbott, do deny to him the said Parish Clerk his wages allowed to him by virtue of a commission given by the right worshipful Sir George Newman, Knight. James Joanes . . 2s. 4d. George Abbott . . 3s. 4d. (Fol. 63.) 1620. We present Alexander Piatt, ex'or of the last will and testament of John Terry, late of the parish of St. John the Baptist, deceased, for refusing to pay a legacy of three pounds unto the overseers of the poor of the parish of Westgate, given and bequeathed in the last will and testament of the said deceased, as therein and thereby doth manifestly appear. This Piatt dwelleth at Ewell in the parish of Faversham or Goodneston as we are informed. (Fol. 65.) 1626. Thomas Creed, the son of Thomas Creed, and Christopher Eussell, the son of Thomas Eussell, did in the Church, in the time of Divine Service, strike each other with their hands or arms. On the 4th day of December, when Creed appeared in the Court, he alleged: That he did unawares hit the said Eussell with his elbow on the face, and thereby caused his nose to bleed. The said Eussell offering him violence, and pulling him out of his seat wherein he did peaceably sit to hear Divine Service. (Fol. 275.) Vol. 1610—17, Part II. 1662. John Hiddens of the said parish, for teaching school without licence. (Fol. 183.) On the 11th day of July 1665 Mr. John Overing, cleric, Vicar of St. John the Baptist, appeared in Court, and said : That he was absent from his Vicarage for about the space of three or four months at several times, but did in such his absence take care with the churchwardens for the supply and serving of the Cure, and see it wras accordingly done, as he beheveth, he promising the 30 VISITATIONS OE THE said churchwardens to allow according to the proportion of the living, and the said churchwardens and parishioners did seem to be therewith satisfied and contented. And as to the obliterating of some letters fa the,Church, he said that whereas John Crampe, one of the/ churchwardens of St, John's, had his name written or painted upon the wall of the said Church, by the name of John Crump, but he understanding his name to be John Crampe (he being commonly called by that name) did with his staff endeavour to make an " a " of the " u," which was all he did. And as to his calling the sequestration a bug-bear, he said and confessed : That upon the churchwardens and some others of the parishioners telling him that by virtue of that sequestration he had lost his living, and had nothing to do there, he told them that as to that the sequestration was but a bug-bear, but he did not Bpeak in any such contemptuous manner as is specified. And as to the two days presented, namely, the 5 April and the 29 May last past, he saith that he wrote to the churchwardens to provide for the supplying of those days of the said Church, and he did know nothing to the contrary but that the Cure was served accordingly. Wherefore he humbly prayeth that the said sequestration may be decreed to be released, promising that he will constantly reside upon his said living and duly discharge the Cure thereof in all respects as by the Canons is required. Then the judge admonished him that he do reside upon his vicarage of St. John's and duly discharge the Cure according to the Canons. (Fols. 134, 135.) Vol. 1639—86. NOTE.—The following occurs in the volume of Calendar of State Papers, 1664-5:—On 5th February 1665, John Wakefield writes from Queen's College, Oxford, to Joseph Williamson, who was Secretary to Sir Henry Bennett (Secretary of State), that the Vicarage of St. John's in Thanet, worth £100 a year, is void by the removal of Mr. Overing to Old Fish Street, London. It is in the gift of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he begs the assistance of Williamson to obtain the same, if he thinks .it worth the having (page 191). John Overing was not beneficed in the London Diocese; and John Wakefield did not become Vicar of Margate. Nicholas Chewney, D.D., was the next Vicar, 1665—85. ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 31 ST. LAWEENCE IN THANET (EAMSGATE). 1560. They have no Vicar. That Leonard Spracklinge doth live suspiciously with Julian Saunder. That one Mother Bushe, late of St. John's, is suspected to be a witch, who hath been but a small time with us. Vol. 1560—84 (not paged). 1562. That there is in the hands of Anthony Curling a certain rent of two shillings by the year, and also five acres of land more given to the Church, as appeareth by the will of Eoger Paielden. The chancel is in decay. Vol. 1562-3. 1569. The Minister doth use common bread to minister the Communion. Vol. 1569. Archbishop Parker's Visitation.—Eectory. Appropriator, Christ Church, Canterbury. Vicar, John Caldwell, B.A., who is unmarried; resides there; is not hospitable; has one benefice; no preacher, nor licensed to preach. Houses in the parish . . 98 Communicants . . . .400 (Fol. 61.) 1578. We have no prayers upon Wednesdays and Fridays. Our Minister [Simon Stone] doth not wear a surplice according to the instructions. Also our Minister hath not had the quarter sermons as he ought to have. That John Hewett doth use to say the Common Prayers openly in the Church without hearers. That John Duckett doth teach children in our parish without licence. John Duckett's wife hath not received the Communion at Easter or since. (Pols. 5, 6.) 1579. The Church lacketh tiling and the churchyard walls mending. The Parson of the parsonage be not resident, and that we lack the fortieth part thereof for the poor, which hath oftentimes been presented. (Fol. 73.) 1580. Our Church porch is greatly decayed and the walls of the churchyard unrepaired. (Fol. 79.) 1581. The reparations of our Church walls and porch was commenced by the churchwardens of last year, but the masons being then in the Queen's work. (Fol. 82.) 32 VISITATIONS OE THE We present Knowler's wife to be an uncharitable person and seeking the injuries of her neighbours, a blasphemer, a drunkard of late. (Fol. 88.) Browne, the lyterman [lighterman], being willed to come to Church, uttered these words this present Sunday, being the 20th. of October: " I t was never merry England since we were impressed to come to the Church." (Fol. 84.) Vol. 1577—85. 1583. The chancel is not sufficiently repaired, nor the vicaragehouse and buildings thereunto belonging. Our Minister doth not catechize. 1584. Our Minister weareth the surplice but few times. (Fol. 7.) The chancel is not repaired, by default of the farmer of the parsonage. The Church is not repaired, and the churchyard walls which should have been amended. (Fol. 8.) Knowler the smith's wife hath not received the Communion this last Easter. She is a notorious scold. (Fol. 10.) 1585. We have no Minister, and our chancel and vicarage is not repaired. (Fol. 21.) 1588. The south side of our high chancel is unrepaired, we unknowing by whom it ought to be done. (Fol. 47.) 1593. We present those whose names do follow, for refusing to pay towards a cess made in our parish:— s. d. Nicholas Curling . . . . 4 4 William Curling . . . . 6 8 Paul Bere of Eamsgate . . 0 6 (Fol. 140.) Vol. 1584—95, Part I. 1597. Sibilla Ferris, the wife of Henry Ferris, that there is a fame in their parish that she is a witch, but saith herself is not guilty of any such offence. (Fol. 56.) William Troward, for that on the 6th of September 1597, being put in trust by his mother to give knowledge unto the Vicar of St. Lawrence as concerning the burial of his father, most uncharitably refused so to do, to the great discredit of the Vicar, many people being present. (Fol. 74.) Our Church is repaired, saving that some glass by reason of the last wind be broken, the which are shortly to be amended. (Fol. 80.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 33 1598. George Mullett, for that in time of prayer he hath been oft found in the victualing-house and will not be reformed. (Fol. 133.) That Gregory Curling, Eobert Letherall, and Eichard Wright do negligently resort unto the Parish Church upon the Sabbath Days. (Fol. 140.) John Sharsted, being a victualer, for that he suffereth and admitteth divers sorts of persons upon the Sabbath Days, in the time of Common Prayer and sermon, in his house, although he hath been often warned for the same. (Fol. 141.) 1599. That both our Ohurch and churchyard is somewhat to be repaired, which we mean shortly to do. (Fol. 188.) Eichard Wright of our parish, whereas heretofore he was presented for neglecting his Parish Church upon the Sabbath Days, and no punishment for the same, he continueth in his former offence. That the same Eichard Wright liveth very offensively with his wife, not only leaving her utterly unprovided for, but also compelleth her to pay the house-rent for her dwelling. (Fol. 189.) 1600. That the Church with the churchyard is to be repaired, which we mean shortly to do. (Fol. 210.) We present Gregory Curling, Samuel Appleton, and Edward Bauler for not paying such duties as hath been demanded of them for the repairing of our Church. s. d. Gregory Curling . . . 13 4 Samuel Appleton . . . 54 Edward Bauler . . . . 5 10 (Fol. 211.) Vol. 1584—95, Part II. 1604. Jeremy Eobson, for not paying his cesses due to our Church for his land which he doth occupy in our parish, 14s. 2d. This he paid into the Court on the 12th of April. (Fol. 87.) 1605. Jeremy Eobson, for detaining our Clerk's wages, from the land which he occupieth in our parish, after 6s. 8d. for a plough land of 140 acres he occupieth in our parish. (Fol. 148.) 1608. I present Margaret, the wife of Andrew Hall, for her evil demeanour and shameful speeches, not only against her neighbours but against myself [John Cole, Vicar 1606—14], whom she VOL. xxvi. B 34 VISITATIONS OE THE ought to know in better manner of modesty than to term me knave, for not coming at a sudden to her sick husband, with whom I was in very soon time, and, praised be God, the man is well recovered. (Fol. 168.) Vol. 1601-6. 1609. Bartholomew Williams, for that he being a mason by his trade doth practise surgery without licence. (Fol. 63.) Vol. 1608-9. 1610. William Hawkes, for taking a small bell from our Church in the time of his churchwardenship. When he appeared in the Court he stated: That in the time of the wars in the days of Elizabeth of famous memory, and about ten or eleven years last past, there was certain old bell metal which was in weight about twenty pounds or thereabouts, and did He broken in the vestry of St. Lawrence, and not employed to any use or uses, and the time being then very dangerous in respect of the enemy, and the Borough of Eamsgate being very open to invasion, and a watch-house being in the same Borough, the Commissioners for that shore for the time being, as also of the same parish, did think it fit that the churchwardens then being, this person and his fellqw churchwarden, should take that metal, with addition of other metal, to be made and hung in the said watch-house to be ringed if invasion were effected or need required, and to that use the said bell was employed and cast. Vol. 1601-6. 1612. Lewis Eogers, for teaching in our parish, being neither allowed by the Ordinary nor having the consent of our Minister or Vicar thereunto, contrary to the Statute in the case provided, whereby both our children are rudely and ignorantly instructed, and our Minister his small means of maintenance amongst us deducted. We desire he may desist upon pain to answer for his presumption. (Fol. 57.) 1613. We present Lewis Eogers, schoolmaster, for a common ale-house haunter and gamester. (Fol. 109.) Mr. John Cole, Vicar of St. Lawrence, for not repairing of the vicarage-house. (Fol. 114.) Eichard Presson doth usually labour and work on the Sabbath Days, and that he and his wife did reap on Sunday the 8th day of August last past in the time of Evening Prayer. (Fol. 118.) We have no such [quarterly] sermons. Our Minister doth not provide a preacher nor readeth homilies. We have the Book of Canons but not read. ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 35 On the 22nd day of October . . . . Genvey, Curate, personally appeared in Court and alleged: That he is no preacher, licensed, but hath procured and read sermons at the least in the last year in the said Parish Church. He denied that he readeth not the homilies; and concerning the providing of a preacher, he referreth himself to his former answer to the first detected. (Pol. 118.) A schedule of certain words to be uttered and spoken by Thomas Pamflett of the parish of St. Lawrence, on some Sunday in the time of Divine Service, immediately after the reading of the Second Lesson, being penitentially clothed in a white sheet, saying after the Minister as followeth: " Good Christian people, whereas I, through the temptation of Satan and frailty of mine own flesh, have committed the sinful act of incontinency to the offence of Almighty God and breach of the King's Majesty Laws, do here before this present congregation confess this my fault and am heartily sorry therefor, praying you to forgive me, and those that I have offended thereby to be with this my humble confession satisfied, and wishing to lead the rest of my life more honestly and chastely, which God grant I may perform." The Vicar and Churchwardens certify this was read on 14fch May 1613. 1615. We, the churchwardens, present Eobert Widdett of our parish, for that he refuseth to pay his cess made for the reparation of our Parish Church of St. Lawrence. The cess being made about Easter 1615, wherein he is cessed at the sum of 5s. 6d. Also the said Eobert Widdett for railing and brawling or chiding at William Curling, the churchwarden, in the Parish Church there for demanding the said cess, calling the said churchwarden "peevish fellow," and using other chidening and brawling words unto him on the 5th of June 1615, as the common fame is in the said parish. On the 17th day of July he stated in Court: That in the Parish Church of St. Lawrence on a Sunday since Christmas last past happening, he the said Eobert Widdett being at Church there, and Mr. Turner, Vicar of the same parish the same day in the forenoon preaching, presently after service ended, said in the hearing of divers of the parishioners of the same parish as he was in his seat, he the said Widdett uttered as they understand them in disgrace or contempt of the said sacred words of God there dehvered by the said Mr. Turner in the service. (Pol, 184.) P 2 36 VISITATIONS OE THE There is two shillings belonging to our Church withheld for the space of these five years by Vincent Terry, which was paid by his predecessors. (Fol. 215.) We have one Bartholomew Martindale, a schoolmaster sometime, that hath stood excommunicate a quarter of a year at least. (Fol. 216.) Vol. 1610—17. Memorandum, that upon Sunday the 21st day of August last past, we, Thomas Coppin and William Walker, heard John Evers give warning to Bartholomew Martindale and forbid him from further keeping of school in our parish of St. Lawrence, shewing to the said Martindale a licence and inhibition which Mr. Doctor Newmau had granted him; whose answer was to the said John Evers that he would keep school in the aforesaid parish when he had done what he could do, do Dr. Newman what he can do. In witness of the truth hereof we have both of us set our hands the 14th January 1614-15. William Walker, Thomas Coffin. (Fob 143.) Vol. 1613—16. 1616. That William Curling hath himself or appointed another to pull down the Minister's wife seat of the said parish, in the Parish Church there. On the 29th day of March, when Curling appeared in Court, he confessed: That he did pull down the seat where the wife of Mr. Thomas Turner lately did sit to hear Divine Service, because the said seat did stand in the belfry right under the bell ropes and was a hindrance unto the ringing there, insomuch that many of the parish did find fault with the same seat. And further he saith that the seat hath not so stood there above a twelvemonth, for it was an old pulpit, and at the request of Mr. Turner he set it up there for the said Mrs, Turner to sit in, and he did it without the consent of any of the parish, and the parishioners finding fault thereat, he removed and took down the same some five weeks since. (Fol. 224.) William Nethersole did brawl with and use disgraceful and offensive speeches against Mr. Thomas Turner, Vicar of St. Lawrence, in the churchyard there upon Saturday the 23rd day of this month of March. (Fol. 225.) 1616. William Curling and Thomas Nethersole, for refusing to pay Amon Turner, our Parish Clerk, his wages, according to the cess made for the same purpose and confirmed by the Ordinary, tho ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 37 said William Curling being to pay tenpence, and the said Thomas Nethersole ninepence by the quarter, and are each of them three quarters of the year behind in the said amount, very peremptorily denying to pay. (Fol. 230.) 1620. That John Tickner, Samuel Gresban, and John Borne, all of St. Lawrence in Thanet, did labour in work upon the 3rd day of November last past being the Sabbath Day, or upon some other Sabbath Day happening in the last year last past, all or a great part of the same day in hewing out or cutting in parts of a boat or ship lying at the seaside in the same parish, contrary to the law of God and of the King. On the 3rd day of March, when they appeared in Court, they confessed: That upon the day mentioned, being the Sabbath Day, they did about seven or eight of the clock in the forenoon, with others, help to hale to shore a certain ship wrecked, to save the same to the use of the parish. (Fol. 109.) 1622. That we do yearly go our perambulations, howbeit the same is not done without much incommodity by reason that in divers places we want balks or lynches,* all which we were to have restored, and therefore we do present Eichard Norwood and William Dadd, both of this parish. There be also others, but from some of them we have received a good answer and therefore we think it best to defer their presentment. (Fol. 160.) Vol. 1610—17, Part II. 1640. I, Nicholas Spencer, late churchwarden, do for truth humbly certify and present to the Court that upon my account of churchwardenship when I went out of the office, which was duly given up and accounted of by the parishioners, I was twenty-six shillings out of purse, which sum John Ansell, now senior churchwarden, refuseth to pay, and therefore I humbly entreat that he may be judicially con vented and enjoined to pay unto me. William Abbott of St. Lawrence, whose cess I accounted for at his entreaty, is behind for two Church cesses whilst I was churchwarden, being just nine shillings, which he hath often said he would pay but yet hath not done it, which I entreat redress for. * These are the strips of ground left unploughed as a boundary or dividing line. 3 8 VISITATIONS OE THE William Collins is likewise behind with me six shillings for two like cesses, which I entreat like redress for. (Fol. 35.) Vol. 1639—81. 1662. We present . . . . Whincup for practising surgery without licence. On 17 July he was duly licensed. (Fol. 178.) Vol. 1639—66. 1666. Eobert Maxted on the 1st day of June 1666 appeared in Court and said: That he holdeth the parsonage of Ozengshill Grange within the parish of St. Lawrence in Thanet from the Lady Fordwich of Mote near Canterbury, and that neither he nor the said Lady (that holding her lease from the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church) are bound in either of their leases to repair the chancel detected, and he denieth that his predecessors, farmers of the said Grange, have used to repair the same. (Fol. 131.) 1668. Thomas Gillow and Eobert Maxted, for not repairing the chancel. On the 22nd day of April, when Thomas Gillow appeared in Court, he said: That the chancel hath been from time to time repaired at the mutual expense of the farmers of the Grange of Newland and Ozengshill, and that he doth farm the Grange of Newland, having it on lease from the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, and that the Grange of Ozengshill is farmed by Eobert Maxted from my Lady Fordwich, who hath it in lease from the Church of Canterbury, and that he is willing and ready to repair such part as doth belong to him to repair, which he taketh to be the one half, which he cannot repair without the said Maxted repairing his part. The Judge then admonished Gillow to repair such part of and so much of the said chancel as doth belong to him to repair, and to certify that he hath so done the next Court day after Midsummer next. (Fol. 152.) Vol. 1639—81. On the 1st day of August 1688 one of the churchwardens, Eobert Maxted, appeared in Court and said : That the bells of the steeple are very much out of repair and want new casting; and the frames of the said bells want mending also. Whereupon the Judge monished him to new cast the said bells, and the frames belonging to them to be sufficiently doue, and to certify thereof the next Court day after Easter next. (Fol. 146.) Vol. 1675—89. ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 39 ST. NICHOLAS-AT-WADE. 1587. Our chancel is not repaired as it ought to be, and the glass windows broken. The farmer of the parsonage was ordered to repair. (Fol. 11.) Our churchyard wall is not sufficiently repaired. Henry Evered hath not received the Communion these twelvemonths and more, and saith he will not as yet. (Fol. 12.) John Allen of St. John's in Thanet, because he went away before he made his account to the parishioners, nor yet hath done. Henry Evered hath not given in his accounts. (Fol. 13.) Vol. 1587—89. 1599. John Goodson, that he buried or caused to be buried Joan Goodson, his late brother's widow, in the churchyard of St. Nicholas, who had murdered herself. On the 18th day of April, when Goodson appeared in the Court, he stated: That he did not bury or cause to be buried Joan Goodson aforesaid in the churchyard of St. Nicholas, but saith that after the coroner had set upon her death, question being made where the said Joan was to be buried, the coroner said she might be buried in some part of the churchyard, whereupon some went to Mr. Simons, Vicar of St. Nicholas, to know whether she the said Joan might be buried in the churchyard; who answered that if the said Joan were buried in any of the out part or alleys of the churchyard he would wink thereat. Whereupon as he heard she the said Joan was buried in some one of the out alleys of the churchyard, but he himself was not present at her burial, neither appointed the place or required that she should be buried in the churchyard. All which things were done about a year, and as much as since Candlemas last. (Fol. 15.) 1600. Valentine Everard, gentleman, and Thomas Eye of St. Nicholas, for withholding the farm of two acres and a half of the church-land, one year and a half unpaid. On the 30th of July, when Everard appeared in the Court, he said: That he doth not know of any land whatsoever whereof he receiveth benefit or commodity that is charged with or ought to pay any yearly rent to the Church of St. Nicholas, neither doth he detain any rent of any church-land belonging to the Church aforesaid. (Fol. 159.) Vol. 1598—1600. 40 VISITATIONS OE THE 1606. Our steeple, churchyard wall, and church-gate lack repairing. (Fol. 29.) That one Mr. Jackson teacheth children in Mr. Paramour's house in our parish. (Fol. 86.) 1607. We present Elizabeth Bing, the wife of Nicholas Bing of our parish, for that as the fame goeth she being drunk upon Easter Monday last, having that day received the Holy Communion, kneeling down on her knees, desiring two of her neighbours to kneel down with her, did worship a snake, and thanked God that she had overcome her enemies. On the 8th day of December she appeared in Court and confessed : That on Easter Monday last past she received the Communion as is mentioned, and afterwards that day seeing a dead snake at her door she uttered these words or the like in effect, " They say that if one see a dead snake in the beginning of the year he shall overcome his enemies" (and so I hope shall 1), at which time her husband and others were present, and protested that she was neither drunk that day nor worshipped any snake, neither had any purpose so to do. (Fol. 162.) 1615. Woodchurch alias St. Nicholas-at-Wade. I, the Overseer of the poor of the parish aforesaid, do present Eobert Seath and Edward Harris for refusing to pay their cess to the poor, the said Seath being cessed for his land at 14s. Id., after the rate of one shilling the acre ; and the said Harris at 2s. 8d. for land for two several cesses, the one at the rate of one penny an acre and the other after the rate of one shilling an acre. On the 6th day of July Seath appeared in Court and confessed: That if there be any such tax or cess the same is altogether unlawfully made and not assessed to the Statute, neither hath the said Overseer for the poor any power or authority to put him in this Court; but if his cess be made according to law, he hath power by the same Statute law to recover the same cess from him by speedier means, but the said Overseer striveth maliciously to vex him and therefore would make this Court his instrument if he can. (Fol. 225.) Vol. 1613—16. 1616. They have all so far as we know [received the Sacrament] saving John Lushington of our parish, who hath not yet received; the cause of his absence from Church is by reason he standeth much engaged for other men and feareth to be arrested. (Fol. 31.) ARCHDEACON OF CANTERBURY. 41 We, the churchwardens of the parish, do present Henry Archer of the parish of Monkton for not paying of his two several cesses towards the reparation of our Church and other necessary ornaments thereabouts, being cessed at 7s. 6d. the first time, and at 54s. 8d. the other time. In witness whereof we, the churchwardens, have hereunto set our hands. (Fol. 86.) Mr. Henry Paramour of our parish and John Lushington, for not paying their several cesses, Mr. Paramour at £4 19s. 2d., and the said John Lushington at £3 17s. 4d. (Fol. 88.) 1617. Alice Norwood, wife of . . . . Norwood, for practising the office of a midwife without licence. (Fol. 204.) Henry Archer, farmer of the Eectory, for that the chancel is altogether at ruin. (Fol. 209.) 1618. Henry Archer, for that he hath not repaired our chancel of our Parish Church, but letteth the same lie so ruinate that it letteth in birds, pigeons, and other fowls, to the great annoyance of the whole Church and disturbance of the Minister in Divine Service and in his Sermon, wherefor, except some speedy course be taken for the repairing thereof, it will in short time be in great danger of falling all down, to the great defamation of the whole Church. He was ordered to repair the same, and the following certificate was signed:—19 October 16L8. These are to certify that the chancel of St. Nicholas-at-Wade in Thanet is at this time repairing, and is undertaken sufficiently to be performed. By me, Stephen Huffam, Vicar there. (Fol. 237.) Vol. 1616—18. We present Mr. Daniel Widowes, our Curate, for serving our Cure, not having obtained a licence for the same. On the 13th day of January 1618-19 he appeared in the Court and confessed: That he hath both administered the Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Baptism in this Diocese, but sheweth not letters of orders, yet confesseth that he hath also preached in this Diocese being not licensed thereunto.* (Fol. 213.) Vol. 1617—19. 1622. William Chambers, a victualer at Sarre in our parish of St. Nicholas-at-Wade, for that upon Sunday the 17th day of November last, in the evening prayer time, he kept divers persons * Stephen Huffam or Hougham was Vicar 1616 until his death 6 May 1629, when he was buried in the chancel; also Vicar of St. Mary's, Sandwich, 1600—24 42 VISITATIONS OE THE in his house tippling and drinking, having been often admonished thereof and of the hke before, at which admonition the wife of the said William Chambers hath given evil and foul language. (Fol. 225.) Vol. 1621-2. 1630. We have all these things accordingly, except a decent Communion Table carpet, a fair linen cloth, for the providing whereof we crave a time. We want a fair Communion Cup, a flagon, a chest for keeping of the books and ornaments, and a table ot* the degrees of marriage, for providing which we likewise claim a day. We have no terrier of the glebe lands belonging to our vicarage, but we intend with all possible speed to bring one into the office. (Fol. 260.) Vol. 1628—30. 1640. We have a legacy of £6 the year in money and a tenement with an orchard and a little parcel of arable land, given unto our parish for the maintenance of a schoolmaster by the last will and testament of Thomas Paramour of Monkton, Esquire, lately dead, which tenement and land is now in the occupation of one Widow Ede of our parish and not employed unto the use of a schoolmaster, and the £6 is detained in the hands of Thomas Paramour of St. Nicholas and Thomas Poach of Sandwich. On the 16th day of July, when Paramour and Foach appeared in the Court, they alleged: That the school which the will of the said Thomas Paramour, deceased, was and is appointed to be kept in the parish of St. Nicholas, is not kept or set up according to the terms and purpose of the said will, nor the minds or meaning of the testator therein and thereby expressed or fulfilled. The Judge ordered this to be done, and on the 28th of September the schoolmaster William Watts appeared and affirmed that his Hcence for teaching school is by him presented into the hand of the Vicar- General (Sir Nathaniel Brent) and there at present remaineth, which the Vicar-General acknowledged to be true. 21 October 1640. Memorandum.—That this day the said sum of £4 was deposited in the office by the said Mr. Birkhenids in the behalf of the said Mr. Paramour and Mr. Foach, to the use of the said Mr. Watts, and being so deposited was by the said Mr. Watts immediately accounted of and received. William Somner. Eichard Mascall. (Fol. 66.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 43 We present the wife of Eobert Barnes for pulling hemp upon a Sunday. On the 2nd day of November she appeared and confessed: That indeed she did bind up a small quantity of hemp (which lay scattering abroad and would have been spoiled) on a Sunday, but is heartily sorry for the same. (Fol. 67.) Vol. 1639—66. On the 14th July 1670 Nicholas Chewuey, Vicar, appeared and stated : That as to several persons being buried without Christian burial, he saith that he knoweth of none such, neither did he ever refuse to bury any that he had notice of their being dead, and of the time they were to be buried. And for that part of the presentment for not residing upon his benefice of St. Nicholas-at-Wade, he saith there is no vicarage-house; and as for their having but four sermons in fifteen weeks, he denieth the same to be true, but saith he was some time near a quarter of year very sick and not hkely to live, and did in that time take all possible care he could for the supply of his Cure, and doth not believe that they were three weeks in all that time of his sickness without a sermon. And for his not reading prayers twice a day, he saith he cannot get any conveniency for a Curate to dwell upon the place, though he had often endeavoured it, and having another Church to supply he cannot read prayers at both his Churches forenoon and afternoon, but saith he hath now provided a Curate and will have the Cure constantly and decently supplied.* (Fol. 3.) Vol. 1670—75. On 23 September 1690 one Michael Wood appeared in Court and said: That he liveth in the chapelry of Sarre and is not an inhabitant of St. Nicholas, and that the said chapelry is within the liberty of the Cinque Ports, and is a member of the town and port of Sandwich, and that the said town do yearly choose out of the inhabitants of the said chapelry of Sarre a bailiff for the said liberty, and that he was chosen bailiff there for this present year, and that his time will not be out till Lady-day next, and that by reason of the present war he hath had a great deal of trouble and been at great charge in pressing of seamen and others to serve their Majesties, and in swearing in persons to serve with their arms, and that the war continuing the same trouble is likely to continue also, * Nioholas Chevvney, Vioar in 1650 until ousted in 1653, then restored in 1662 and resigned 1671; also Vioar of St. John's in Thanet 1665—85; died 26 August 1685, aged 75. 44 VISITATIONS OF THE whereby he is not able to attend both places, and that there is other persons in the said chapelry who have more leisure to attend the office of churchwarden than he hath, and did offer to secure the same, but the Minister and others of the parish of St. Nicholas refused to assent thereof, though they well know he was chosen bailiff. (Pol. 184.) Vol. 1675—98. ST. PETEES IN THANET. 1560. That the Vicar is deprived. John Lawson is not resident. The vicarage is in decay. Vol. 1560—84. 1562. The Vicar is not resident.* They have neither Psalter nor Gospel read for lack of a Vicar. They lack the Homily for the going days [Eogation] and the little book of prayers set forth by my Lord Grace. Vol. 1562-3. 1563. That the chancel is in decay and not repaired, the parson being the Dean and Chapter of Christchurch. Henry Norwood hath not payed the fortieth part of the benefice this five years. That Eobert Spracklinge of St. Lawrence in Thanet withholdeth certain legacies from the poor of the parish given by the will of Cocklinge's widow. Vol. 1563-4. 1569. The chancel is not sufficiently repaired. They have no quarter sermons. That they find a duty to be paid out of the lands which were Alexander Norwood, now being in the hand of one Thomas Maxted, namely 6s. 8d. given by one Sir Hugo, sometime Vicar there, as a perpetual obit, being unpaid for the space of these eleven years. That the stipend which should come out of the parsonage toward the relief of the poor people hath been unpaid for this four or five years, being 2s. Vol. 1569. Archbishop Parker's Visitation, 1569,—Eectory. Impropriator, Christ Church, Canterbury. Vicar, William Christmas, who is * "William Marsh, also Vioar of St. Lawrence 1561—67. ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 45 married and resides there; he is hospitable as far as he is able; has one benefice; no preacher, nor licensed to preach; not a graduate. Houses in the parish . . 94 Communicants . . . . 264 (Fol. 61.) 1575. That there is six acres of land given to the poor by one Eichard Culmer, who appointed certain feoffees for distributing of the same, but the said feoffees be all deceased, which said land should be put out to the most advantage for the said poor, but the same land is now in the occupation of Nicholas Grant and Michael Webb, who hath it under the price that would be given for the same, and we desire your worship to let us understand who shall have the putting forth of the same.* (Fol. 182.) Vol. 1574—76. 1579. Henry Clayton and one John Graunt falling out and being at great words upon one Sunday in the churchyard of St. Peter's, and the said Graunt striking at him the said Clayton with a walking staff the said time and place, he the said Clayton likewise did strike at him the said Graunt, but the deputy coming between did keep off the stroke and prevented them further trouble. Our chancel is not sufficiently tiled, but it raineth into the same in sundry places. (Fol. 39.) 1580. We present that our chancel which hath been presented sundry times is not sufficiently repaired. (Fol. 68.) That one Gabriel Gray hath not caused his child to come to the Church to be instructed in the Catechism according to the article, being divers times warned by the Vicar. (Pol. 73.) 1583. Ellen Barnfield, the wife of Eobert Barnfield of the said parish, because she is vehemently suspected to use witchcraft. (Fol. 107.) Vol. 1577—85. 1585. Our chancel wanteth reparations. One Gabriel Safery is an unquiet man, and a slanderer and a railer. (Fol. 20.) The heirs of John Harlye, deceased, for withholding 6s. 8d. from the poor of the parish. * This most probably was the land left by Riohard Culmer by his will, dated 26 January 1434-5, being six aores of land at Broadstairs Lynoh, the rent to be distributed yearly amongst the poor people of the parish on Good Friday "for the health of my soul and my friends." (See Lewis's Thanet, p. 93.) 46 VISITATIONS OE THE 1586. William Barlton, for going out of the Church commonly in the time of Divine Service without any cause given. (Fol. 38.) 1592. William Sayer and his wife, for not receiving the Communion at Easter last. Sayer stated when he appeared in Court, that he hath been lame so that he could not go to the Church by the space of a month, and that his wife was also very sick ; and further saith that since Easter he hath received and his wife also. (Fol. 128.) 1593. Humphrey Watts, for not coming orderly to Church as a parishioner ought to do, which is sometimes but once a month. When on the 14th of July Watts appeared in Court, he stated: That he doth not wilfully refuse to come to Church, but when he is absent it is by reason that he hath some occasion to travel abroad about some business, which is the cause. (Fol. 131.) 1597. John Minge, for that he hath not received the Communion since his abode in the parish, which hath been more than half a year, and not this Easter time for once. (Fol. 143.) 1598. We present the widow of Henry Norwood and the wife of Eobert Yeomans for that they are vehemently suspected for witchcraft as the common fame goeth. (Fol. 148.) 1599. Henry Norwood's widow, who hath not received the Communion this year and half; who before was presented for the suspicion of witchcraft, and so is she suspected still. (Fol. 186.) 1600. We present for not paying their cesses to the Church:— s. d. Thomas Spracklinge . . 3 4 William Hooker , . . 2 0 (Fol. 220.) Vol. 1584—95. 1602. Eichard Gooson, farmer of the parsonage of St. Peter's, because he withholdeth twelve cops of straw which was due to the Church at Easter last out of that parsonage. (Fol. 26.) 1607. We do not know any who have preached in our parish Church since our time but such as have been licensed, except one Mr. Charles Stone, who confessed unto us that he was not licensed, whom we present unto you. (Fol. 75.) ARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 47 1609. That at the upper side or east side of their chancel there hath been and is a certain altar-stone or other great stone, placed near unto the wall of the said chancel, as it were leaning thereunto, being of no use in the said chancel but rather an annoyance thereunto, which being taken away and the wall where it standeth made even, both the said chancel in that place would be more decent, and happily some benefit thereof might be made towards the reparation of the said Church, or other necessaries used about the same where required. (Fol. 183.) Vol. 1601-6. 1610. We present Henry Matthews and John Phanting because they come not to the Church according to his Majesty's laws, but do absent themselves from thence, for what cause we know not. On the 19th day of October Phanting gave as the reason of his absence: That he is so indebted that he cometh not for fear of being arrested. (Fol. 2.) 1614. Anthony Curling cometh not to Church nor hath received the Communion this year. (Fol. 143.) 1617. Thomas Homan of our parish, butcher, for selling flesh on the Sabbath Day. (Fol. 8.) Vol. 1610—17. 1618. Francis Warde, for teaching school in the parish without licence. (Fol. 98.) Vol. 1617—19. Concerning our Church affirmatively, concerning the vicaragehouse negatively. On the 25th of September 1618 appeared in Court Mr. Eowntree* [Vicar] and confessed: That the vicarage-house was left in ruin by his predecessor Mr. Stone, late deceased, and whether his ex'or be of sufficient ability to allow him for dilapidations or not he knoweth not as he saith, and therefore desires time to be given unto him for the repairing of the said vicarage-house. (Fol. 31.) 1620. A presentment made by the Vicar of this parish of St. Peter's the Apostle in Thanet, of the delinquents whose names and qualities hereunto are certified :— 1. Forasmuch as Thomas El wood, a parishioner of this my parish, coming unto myself upon the 4th day of October last past, between the hours of eight and nine of the clock in the morning, * Leonard Rowntree of St. Peter's in Thanet, Clerk, bachelor, aged about 39, was married at St. Mary Magdalene, Canterbury, on the 5th of October 1620, to Jane Culmer of the parish of St. Mary Magdalene, about 20, daughter of Richard Culmer of St. Peter's in Thanet, yeoman. (See Canterbury Marriage Licences, 2nd Series, 851.) 4 8 VISITATIONS OF THE about the baptizing of a son of his own, born unto him on Friday before in the evening, and then at the time of his coming to me pretended to be weak, having answer from me that I was even then ready to do my ministry, and replying that he had not as then his witnesses ready, but that he had to fetch them from Sandwich, which is a town five miles from us, did not only defer the baptism of his child until the next day, on the which I told him I had to be from home, but also without my leave and against my will procured Mr. William Stone, Minister and Lecturer at St. John the Baptist in the same Isle of Thanet, to baptize the same. I do by these presents present both him the same Thomas Elwood, the father of the child, and him the same William Stone, the Minister of the Baptism, unto your Court as delinquents against the wholesome and laudable constitutions of our Venerable Church, and humbly desire of the same your Eeverend Court their correction. 2. Again, forasmuch as on the Sunday following, which was the 8th day of October, at what time the child baptized was brought into the Church according to another constitution of the same our Venerable Church, there to have the baptism thereof to be published unto the congregation, and with all to be further proceeded with all, according to our Venerable Church Order and Eites as by the last rubric in private baptism is appointed, the forenamed William Stone standing there at the font, as both the Minister of the former act and as one of the godfathers, did at what time I offered to minister unto the child the ceremonies receptant thereof into pastoral charge, together with the consignation, make strong and peremptory opposition, whose example was followed both by the forenamed Thomas Elwood, the father of the child, and also by Henry Joanes of the parish of St. John the Baptist, who stood at my font as the other godfather, and also by John Howman's wife of the parish of St. Lawrence in Thanet, the midwife and holder of the child, who refused to deliver me the child or suffer me to minister unto it in her arms. I do by these presents present unto your Eeverend Court all these same four forementioned persons, to wit, William Stone, Thomas Elwood, Henry Joanes, and goodwife Howman, as open either contemners of our Church Order, or at the least disturbers of the Minister in his Ministry. By me, Leonard Eowntree, Vicar. (Fol. 102.) Vol. 1610—17, Part II. On the 11th day of May 1638 appeared in the Court Thomas Stephens, B.D., and alleged: That whereas there was a sequestraARCHDEACON OE CANTERBURY. 4$ tion granted for the fruits of the vicarage of the said parish in the time of Mr. Chennell being Vicar there, and he being then absent, whereas the sequestrator upon his account in that behalf made did leave in the hands of William Somner, commissary, the sum of one and fifty shilhngs and ten pence " ad usum jus " thence in regards Mr. Chennell had then quite left his said vicarage, and was gone far off to live, and whereas likewise now he the said Mr. Stephens hath paid unto Mr. Barton fifty-five shillings for three years' tenths due by the said Mr. Chennell to His Majesty in the time of the said Mr. Chennell's incumbency, therefore the said Mr. Stephens desires that the said fifty-one shillings and ten pence might be delivered unto him as having most right unto the same (which was done).* (Pol. 175.) Vol. 1636—39. 1639. That our pulpit cushion is very mean for that service and displeaseth our Vicar. (Fol. 17.) . Vol. 1639—81. An assessment made the 13th day of June 1660 by the churchwardens and overseers of the poor and the rest of the parishioners, for the reparation of the Church and things thereunto belonging, by rents and stocks at four pence in the £. Those that have denied paying are these as followeth: Mr. Standly, £50 a year and £60 stock, living at Eipple, 17s. 8d.; John Emptage, £16 a year—5s. 4d.; Lazarus Sampson, £5 a year,in St. John's parish, Is. 8d. An assessment made the 16th day of January 1661 for the reparation of the Church: Mr. Standly of Eipple, 8s. lOd. An assessment made the 17th day of January 1662 by the churchwardens and the rest of the parishioners by land and abilities. The names of those that deny paying of this cess: Matthew Mummery, forty-two acres of land, 7s.; Stephen Costan, for ability, 4d. (Fol. 90.) Vol. 1639—81. 1662. We present Eaehel Cooke, wife of William Cooke of the same parish, for practising midwifery without licence. Mary Goodwin, for the like. They were both licensed on 18 September 1662. (Fol. 184.) Vol. 1639—66. * John Chennell was Vicar 1625 until sequestrated in 1633, and was succeeded by John Bludworth (who was presented by the King) 1633-4, Thomas Stevens, B.D, 1634—53, being deprived and the Cure served by AVilliam Wingfield until the Restoration, when he gave place to John Shipton 1661—65. Thomas Stevens became Vicar of St. John's (Margate) in 1660 until his death in January 1662. (Hasted, iv.) VOL. XXVI. E 50 VISITATIONS OF ARCHDEACON OF CANTERBURY. On the 9th day of November 1687 it was stated in Court: That some time last spring the plate belonging to their Church for the use of the Sacrament was stolen away, and that they are at present destitute of plate for that use. The churchwardens were ordered that they do provide convenient and sufficient plate for the use of the Holy Sacrament against next Christmas, and certify thereof the next Court day following under the hands of the Minister and churchwardens.* (Fol. 133.) Vol. 1675—89. * See Vol. XVI., pp. 403, 406, 408.