HISTORY OF ALTON BY WM. CURTIS, M.R.C.S.,L,S.A. THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES A SHORT HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN OF ALTON. A SHORT HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION ZLbe ttown of Hiton IN THE COUNTY OF SOUTHAMPTON. COMPILED BY WILLIAM CURTIS, M.R.C.S., L.S.A. [3U1 rights rmrfofc.] IWUncbeeter : WARREN & SON, PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS. lonfcon : SIMPKIN & CO., LIMITED, STATIONERS' HALL COURT, E.G. 1896. T>A PREFACE. THE present work is largely the outcome of an attempt to write a short history and description of Alton for the Mechanics Institution, but I soon found that the materials began to accumulate, and proved so numerous, that I ventured to bring them together in book form. Only one small sketch of Alton has appeared in print before, so far as I am aware, and that was written by Mr. Hy. Smith, and published in the Town in the year 1873. My information has been obtained from very varied sources, from the British Museum, Record Office, and Lambeth Palace Library, from many Authors, amongst whom may be mentioned, T. G. Shore, Esq., Rev. G. N. Godwin, The Hampshire Record Society's Publications, the Church and Parish Books and Registers, etc. Many friends have also rendered me most kind and valuable assistance, for which I beg to tender them my most grateful thanks ; amongst whom I should like to mention the Rev. T. Hervey, Colmer ; Rev. F. Why ley, Alton ; Rev. J. Vaughan, Portchester, Rev. H. E. Victor, Brighton ; Frederick Crowley, Esq., Ashdell, Alton ; and Benjamin Winstone, Esq., Ockeridge, Epping ; and many others too numerous to mention. 600995 ENGLISH LOCAL vi Preface. My best thanks are due to Mr. Piggott for the able assistance he so kindly rendered me, in reading through the manuscript before putting it into the hands of the Publishers. I also beg to thank Mr. Wm. Curtis Green for his beautiful Pen and Ink Sketches of the Parish Church of St. Lawrence and of the old Norman Arches ; Mr. Close, for his two excellent Wood Engravings of Vicarage Hill and Tanhouse Lane ; and Messrs. Vaus and Crampton, of the Helios Works, Alton and London, for their excel- lent illustrations. To Messrs. Warren and Son I wish to express my appreciation of the kind interest they have taken in the work, and the care and skilful workmanship exhibited in the printing and publishing of the Book. As this is my first attempt as an Author, I trust I shall obtain the indulgence of my readers for any imper- fections in my work, and in offering it to the Inhabitants of my native Town, I do so with the hope that they may be as interested in reading it as I have been in com- piling it. WILLIAM CURTIS. Alton, December, 1896. CONTENTS. PAGE List of Illustrations xi Chronological Summary xiii Alton Origin of the Name I Polling Districts --- 2 Ancient History 3 Hundred of Neatham 15 Alton governed by Bailiffs and Burgesses - - - - 17 District of Alton the resort of Robbers 19 Tenure of Land 21 Translations of Documents connected with Alton - - - 23 Royalty at Alton 38 Canterbury Pilgrims 38 Land bought by Winchester College 39 The Civil War 40 Preface to History of Church 50 The Parish Church of St. Lawrence 54 The Vicars of Alton 72 Parish Registers 77 The Church and Parochial Customs from 1600 - - - 85 Ecclesiastical History -------- 96 All Saints' Church 100 The Order of St. Paul - 101 Alton Town Lands and Charities 102 Charitable Donations to the Poor of Alton - - - - no The Cemetery 113 Tokens 114 The Old Map of Alton, etc. 115 Alton in the Seventeenth Century 116 Coaches 121 viii Contents. PAGE Stocks and Turnpike Gates 122 Macadamized Roads - - - - - - - -122 Manufactures ---123 French Prisoners 124 Riots - - - * . 125 General Description of the Town ------ 127 Workhouse 129 Grammar School 130 National Schools 131 British Schools ....-..-.. 132 The Friends 134 The Congregationalists 136 The Wesleyans 136 The Baptists 137 The Brethren 137 The Salvation Army 137 Town Hall 138 Philanthropic Hall 138 Assembly Rooms 138 Mechanics' Institution 139 The Queen's Coronation 146 The Prince and Princess of Wales' Wedding - - - - 147 The Railway 148 The Volunteers 149 The Alton Volunteer Rifle Corps 150 Volunteer Fire Brigade 151 Paper Mills 152 Police Station 152 Gas Works 153 Post Office 153 Building Firm 154 Foundries - 154 Breweries ---154 Asylum - - - 155 Contents. ix PAGE Cottage Hospital 155 Nursing Societies 156 Urban District Council 156 Waterworks 157 Infectious Hospital - - - - 157 Recreation Ground 157 Messrs. Vaus and Crampton's Works 158 Friendly Societies - - - 158 Constitutional Club 158 Local Celebrities 159 A Tempest 163 Geology of Alton 166 Local Birds -- 169 Local Quadrupeds - 173 Flora of Alton 174 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Plate to face page I. Alton from Windmill Hill, 1896 Frontispiece II. The Hundreds of Hantshire, 1600 - - - - 2 III. St. Lawrence Church, 1830 ------ 48 IV. St. Lawrence Church, 1896 50 V. St. Lawrence Church. " Under the Belfry " - - - 52 VI. Interior of St. Lawrence looking East, 1867 - - - 54 VII. Fresco Paintings, XIV Century 56 VIII. Jacobean Pulpit and Lectern 58 IX. Interior of St. Lawrence Church looking West, 1867 60 X. Plan of Church Sittings, 1815 90 XL All Saints' Church, 1896 100 XII. Old Map of Alton, 1666 114 XIII. Old Swan Inn, 1845 116 XIV. Tanhouse Lane, 1844 118 XV. Vicarage Hill 120 XVI. The Alton Machine, 1750 124 XVII. High Street, Alton, 1896 126 XVIII. The Public Buildings, 1896 128 XIX. Eggar's Grammar School, about 1820 - ... 130 XX. William Curtis, Founder of Mechanics' Institution and Museum -----._._ j^g XXI. William Curtis, the Botanist, 1800 160 ERRATA. Page 58 first line, last paragraph, for "west" read "south " entrance. ,, 79 third line, second paragraph, for "succeeding" read "preceding." ,, 113 first side note, for "Cemetery opened, 1895," read "Cemetery opened, 1856." CHRONOLOGICAL SUMMARY. A.D. 600. Alton probably amongst the earliest West Saxon Townships. 825. Grant by King Egbert, of land at Alton to Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul, Winchester. 901. King Alfred left land at Alton to his eldest son. 980. A battle fought at Alton in the last Danish Invasion, i oo i. A sanguinary battle fought between the Saxons and Danes. 1041. In King Edward the Confessor's time, Alton a royal manor. 1041. The Abbot of St. Peter's de Wincester holds Aultone. 1066. Half Alton, with its Church, etc., given by King William to Hyde Abbey. 1066. Alton required to furnish men for army at Hastings. 1084. Hyde Abbey held Aultone. 1087. Grant of Alton Church by King William to Abbot of New Minster. 1087. Grant of Alton by Rinuallo, Abbot of New Minster. 1 1 01. Battle on verge of being fought and treaty signed between Henry I and his Brother Robert. 1124. Alton Church restored to the Blessed Peter, Prior Ingulf and his monks. 1135. King Stephen gave Neatham and Church to the Monks at Waverley. 1174. The Canterbury Pilgrims. 1204. King John at Alton. 1207 to 1546. Land Holders. 1216. Alton governed by Bailiffs and Burgesses. 1217. King John at Alton. 1250. Permission given to celebrate divine service in Oratory at Neteham. 126210 1361. Chancery Inquisitions, etc. 1267. Adam Gurdon the Outlaw. 1272. Sir Adam made Warden. 1290 to 1315. Patent Rolls. 1295. Hampshire first represented in Parliament. 1307. Edward II granted a Fair at Alton. xiv Chronological Summary. A.D. 1307. William de Alton, a Dominican Friar, an Author, born at Alton. 1482. Lands bought in Town and Neighbourhood, by Win- chester College. 1490. View of Frank-pledge. 1510101535. Grants. 1535. The Rectory of Alton appropriated to Hyde Abbey. 1560. John Pitts, or Friar Pitts, an Author, born in Alton. 1560. Security for Change of Residence. 1580 to 1644. State Papers. 1615. The Parish Registers commence. 1625. Churchwardens' Accounts begin. 1635. King Charles I came through the Town. 1641. Eggar's Grammar School founded. 1642. Civil War. 1643. Dec. i. Lord Crawford occupied Alton with his Army. 1643. Dec. 13. The great battle in the Church. 1649. Survey of Church Lands. 1653. Geales Almshouses built. 1665. The Plague. 1666. Alton Tokens. 1666. The date of Old Map of Alton. 1669. King Charles II passed through the Town. 1672. Society of Friends' Meeting house built. 1684. King James II rode through the Town. 1696. Congregational Chapel built. 1 742. New Treble Bell added to Belfry. 1746. William Curtis, Botanist, born in Alton. 1750. The Alton Machine or Coach. 1785. The six old bells recast and two new bells added. 1792. Union Workhouse erected. 1803. The first Volunteers in Napoleon's time. 1812. Town Hall built. 1814. French Prisoners located in Alton. 1815. Appropriation of Church Seats. 1815. Public dinner when peace was proclaimed. 1819. London and Gosport Road made by Macadam. 1825. Hampshire Friendly Society started. 1829. New Barrel Organ erected in Church. 1830. Riots threatened. 1831. A Board of Health appointed. Chronological Summary. xv A.D. 1834. Boundaries of Parish perambulated. 1837. Mechanics' Institution founded. 1838. Queen's Coronation. Public dinner. 1839. Frescoe Paintings discovered in Church. 1840. Town Hall enlarged. 1841. National Schools erected. 1843. British Schools started. 1844. Gas Works constructed. 1844. Independent Order of Oddfellows started. 1845. Police Station built. 1846. Wesleyan Chapel built. 1850. An additional Service in Church added on Sunday evenings. 1852. London and South Western Railway opened. 1855. Mechanics' Institution occupied their new premises in Market Street. 1856. Cemetery opened. 1856. Burial Board formed. 1856. The old Churchyard closed. 1856. Museum opened. 1858. Presentation of Plate to William Curtis, President of the Mechanics' Institution. 1860. Treading the boundaries of the Parish. 1860. Local Board formed. 1860. Volunteer Rifle Corps gazetted. 1862. The Sewerage Works first constructed. 1863. Prince and Princess of Wales' wedding celebrated. 1863. Volunteer Fire Brigade formed. 1865. Alton and Winchester Railway opened. 1866. Treading Bounds given up. 1867. The Church restored. 1867. New Organ erected. 1867. Church Rates discontinued. 1867. New British Schools built. 1867. Town Footpaths re-paved with Brick. 1868. Office of Sidesmen revived. 1868. Cottage Hospital established. 1869. Churchwardens' Staffs of Office presented to Church. 1869. Ancient Order of Foresters started. 1869. Normandy Cottage opened for six old women. 1872. Constables given up for Police. xvi Chronological Summary. A.D. 1873. Church Spire restored and covered with oak shingle. 1874. All Saints' Church consecrated. 1876. Water Works started. 1878, Charities of the Parish, Report on. 1880. Church Spire struck by lightning. 1880. The new Cottage Hospital opened. 1880. The Assembly Rooms opened. 1880. The new Mechanics Institution and Museum opened. 1880. The Museum presented to the Institution by Wm. Curtis, Esq. 1881. The Museum to be named "The Curtis Museum," after the late President. 1 88 1. Additional land taken into Cemetery and consecrated. 1886. New Oak Choir Stalls added to Church. 1889. Bells rehung and No. 7 recast. 1889. A new Clock added to Church Tower with Westminster Chimes. 1890. Post Office removed to its present large premises. 1890. Recreation Ground opened. 1891. Baptist Chapel built. 1891. Salvation Army Barracks built. 1893. Purchase of Normandy House and Garden for Mechanics' Institution Extension. 1893. The old building adapted for Museum, and Art and Technical Schools. 1893. Constitutional Club opened. 1893. Infectious Hospital opened. 1895. Church Lads' Brigade started. 1895. The Order of St. Paul settled at Beach Camp. 1896. Additional Land bought to enlarge Cemetery. IN writing this sketch of Alton, it is intended to trace its history as far as possible from the earliest ages to the present time. Material for this purpose is very meagre, but within the last few years a great deal has been done to bring to light the hidden things of the past The town of Alton stands in the north-eastern portion of the County, and is now placed in the Eastern, or Peters- field, Parliamentary Division. It is situated in a purely agricultural district, is 47 miles distant from London, 12 from Aldershot, 9 from Farnham, 18 from Winchester, 30 from Southampton and Portsmouth, 12 from Petersfield, 1 1 from Basingstoke, and 8 from Odiham. Alton is divided into five Manors : The Manor of Alton Eastbrook. The Manor of Alton Westbrook. The Manor of Chauntsingers. The Manor of Truncheaunts. The Manor of Anstey. Taking the origin of the name itself, there have been two opinions with regard to it. The older and more commonly received derivation is from the Anglo-Saxon, eald, old, and tun, a town ; or simply old town. But in Lewis' Topographical Dictionary it states that " Al " in Alton, or Aulton in Hants, is not, as has been assumed, the old town, but the town on the " Awel," the name of the river, or as Kemble says, " of the head springs of a river." Woodward and Wilks' History speaks of Alton as the "town of the stream," not as misreading of its ancient name has interpreted it, "the ancient town." 1 1 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire, Vol. iii, p. 308. B History of Alton. Population. In Memorials of a Quiet Life, by Augustus Hare, it says, Saxon, ea-wal-ton, "the place of beautiful springs," corrupted to Awltoun (Domesday Book), hence Alton. It was formerly spelt in a variety of ways ; Aulton, Aultone, Altone, Aweltone, and ^Eweltune. In early days it was no doubt a very small place, and of minor importance to Neatham in King Alfred's time, as Alton was in the Hundred of Neatham. On reference to the old map of Alton, dated 1666, we find about 225 houses represented, and on taking an average of five persons to a house, it would bring the population at that time, roughly speaking, to 1125. The population of Alton Parish, according to the official returns since 1801, was as follows : Increase in 10 years Increase since 1801 Date Population 1801 2026 1811 2316 1821 2499 1831 2742 1841 3139 1851 3538 1861 3769 1871 4092 1881 4497 1891 4671 290 290 183 473 243 716 397 1113 399 1512 231 1743 323 2066 405 2471 174 2645 Acreage. Rateable Value. The area in acres in the Urban District is 3925. The rateable value, 20,537. Polling Districts. POLLING DISTRICTS. Parishes comprised in the Eastern or Petersfield Division of Hants, and showing to which Polling District they belong. These are arranged in accordance with the " Redistribution of Seats Bill " of 1885 : Polling District. Parishes. Alton ... ... Alton, East Worldham, Holybourne, Ne.itham, Shalden, West Worldham. Bentley ... ... Bentley, Coldrey, Froyle. Bentworth ... ... Bentworth, Lasham. Binsted ... ... Binsted, Kingsley. Plate II. THE HUNDREDS OF HANTSHIRE. 1600. Ancient History. Polling District. Bishop's Waltham Bramshott ... Brown Candover Catherington Chawton Curdridge ... Dockenfield Droxford Eastmeon East Tisted... Froxfield ... Hambledon ... Headley Hinton Ampner Idsworth Langrish Liss Medstead Meonstoke ... New Alresford Newtown Petersfield Ropley Selborne Shedfield Upham Westmeon Parishes. Bishop's Waltham. Bramshott. Brown Candover, Chilton Candover, Northing- ton, Swarraton. Blendworth, Catherington, Clanfield. Chawton, Farringdon. Curdridge. Dockenfield. Droxford, Soberton (part of), Swanmore. Eastmeon. Colemore, East Tisted, Newton Valence (part of), Priors Dean. Froxfield, Privett. Hambledon. Headley. Beauworth, Bramdean, Cheriton, Hinton Amp- ner, Kilmiston. Chalton, Idsworth. Langrish. Greatham, Hawkley, Liss. Medstead, Wield. Corhampton, Exton, Meonstoke. Bighton, Bishop's Sutton, Godsfield, Itchen Stoke, New Alresford, Old Alresford, Ovington, Tichborne. Soberton (part of). Buriton, Petersfield, Sheet, Steep. Ropley, West Tisted. Empshott, Hartley Mauditt, Newton Valence (part of), Selborne. Shedfield. Durley, Upham. Warnford, Westmeon. 8550 electors, 1895. ANCIENT HISTORY. "The earliest inhabitants we can trace in this part of England are those who made rude stone implements by chipping flints into the form of hatchets, spear heads, and other weapons, and are known as the Paleolithic people, or Paleolithic men of the early stone age. They have also been named the River Drift men, from the circumstance that these relics are found in beds of gravel, which have been formed B 2 period. History of Alton. Flint celts. Neolithic period. Celts. by the drifting power of rivers and floods, that have washed the gravel down from higher parts of the country." * A few of these flint celts, or axes, have been found at Alton, Milcourt, Kingsley, East and West Worldham, and Newton Common, specimens of which are exhibited in the Curtis Museum. " The Paleolithic period is so remote from our own that England at that time was no doubt connected with the Continent." " The bones of the people of the Neolithic, or Newer Stone Age, are the earliest human remains which are found in Hampshire or the adjacent counties, and they have been found in barrows or tumuli." x The precise settlement of the Celts in Hampshire is unknown. " The Celtic earthworks were the refuges which the tribes or clans threw up as defences primarily against the attacks of neighbouring tribes. In Hampshire these several tribal clans were in some cases separated by wide belts of forest land. The forest land south of Alton, which formed the western extremity of the great forest after- Andredsweaid. wards known as the Andredsweald, cut off the Celtic people living in the valley of the Wey from those living in the valleys of the Rother and the Meon." 2 " In the situation of some of the Celtic tumuli in this county we find a trace of the reverence of the Celts for water sources, as emblematical of a new and revivyfying life. The custom of burial near springs, both occasional and permanent, has survived in some instances in this county until our own time. The stream at Holybourne, near Alton, rises in considerable volume from the church- yard itself." 3 " The Celts who occupied Hampshire have left behind them some of their knguage. To this day many of the water names in the County, the names of springs, rivers, ponds and lakes, have been derived from the names which the prehistoric races gave them. 1 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. i, 2. 2 Notes and Queries, vol. vi, p. 122, 3. * Ibid., vol. vi, p. 123 Burials near Springs. Celtic words. The Roman Period. 5 " In this neighbourhood, Gwy or Wy, water, occurs in the river Wey. " Ac and Ach, a spring or watercourse name, occurs in Ashley, and Ashdell. " Wysg, another water name, occurs in Isington, Isnage, and perhaps in Tisted, anciently Isted or Ystede. " Curn, a hollow between hills, occurs amongst others in Stancombe and Kitcombe. " The Celtic word, Ock, occurs in Ockhanger, now Oak- hanger." l " The most enduring remains which the Romans have Romans, left in Hampshire are the ruins of cities, villas, and the remains of their great roads. The chief cities are Sil- chester, Winchester, and Porchester." 2 Alton certainly was in existence at the time of the Romans, as traces of Roman settlements have been dis- covered in the town and neighbourhood. At Westbrook House, Messrs. Dyer's yard, the Butts, etc. ; also at Bonhams, Neatham, Freeze End, Alice Holt, Binsted, Kingsley, Selborne, and Blackmoor. Amongst the dis- Roman fa . J & .. remains. covenes may be mentioned a quantity of pottery fragments and encaustic tiles, urns, lachrymatories, or tear bottles, bones, signet rings, bronze, Roman, or Etruscan scarabaeus, fibulae, or brooches for the toga, an old Roman horseshoe, and coins ; also some Roman hollow bricks from Old Alresford. Many of these specimens are to be seen in the Curtis Museum. " About 560 to 600 the Saxons began to form their seo. numerous County tuns or townships. Winchester became Townshl i )S - their chief tun ; its alternative name of Winton appears to have been given to it by early settlers. Aulton, with others, was probably among the earliest of the primitive West Saxon townships." 3 In 802 Egbert came to the throne, and his reign is an KmgEgber epoch in English History, for he established his authority 802 ' over the whole county, and made Winchester his capital. 1 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 35 and 36. Ibid. , p. 45. Ibid. , p. 50. History of Alton. It appears that King Egbert left land at Alton to the Monastery of St. Peter and St Paul, Winchester ; the deed of gift is written in Latin and Anglo-Saxon. I here give the translation, which I have obtained from the British Museum : Grant of lands "Translation of the grant by King Egeberct to the Monastery Egbert. 8 of St. Peter and St. Paul, Winchester, of land at ^Eweltune, or Alton, co. Hants, iQth August, and 26th December, A.D. 825 ; with subsequent lease of the land by Bishop Stigand, A.D. 1047 and 1052. * "This is Aweltun's land-charter and the fifteen hides' testi- mony which King Egbyrht gave to Old-Minster of Winchester for his soul's sake, for the love of God and His glory, and that of His blessed Apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, for an eternal inheritance. " The authority of the Old and New Testament declares that the provident dispensation of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ has elected all His Saints pre-ordained to eternal life before the making of the world : from among whom He has set before the universal church, which He has redeemed with His blood, two luminaries, that is to say, Peter the blessed prince of the Apostles, and his co-Apostle Paul, unto whom especially he has granted power of binding and loosing both in heaven and on earth, in order that they may receive all the faithful, according to the merits of good works, into eternal tabernacles, but by their word only they may drive away the unfaithful and the adversaries of truth from entering the kingdom of heaven. " Wherefore I, Egeberct, endowed with royal dignity, desire to be found faithful among the faithful, and desiring to be made a participator with the faithful in the kingdom of the heavens by the intercession of so great Apostles, do grant for ever to Almighty God, a certain portion of land which my predecessors and relatives have left to be possessed by me by hereditary right, to wit, fifteen hides in a place which is customarily called yEweltune by the inhabitants. And I bestow this portion upon the Old-Minster and the Church of the same blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, in the city of Winchester, to the use of the family which devoutly therein, for the health of the whole Christian people, serves Christ. 1 Cartulariuni Saxonicuni, No. 390. Deed of Gift by King Egbert. " This land, forsooth, a certain most faithful one among my prefects, named Burhghard, formerly held of my gift, but having afterwards died without issue left the same land without disposing of the inheritance, for there was no one surviving him, and thus that land with all its boundaries reverted to me who formerly possessed it, in accordance with judicial decree of my nobles. But I lifted up my eyes and my hands to God the lofty Creator and possessor of heaven and earth, and being mindful of the benefits which He has thought worthy to confer upon me with bounteous hand, I have granted the same land to the aforesaid Old -Minster to be held in right for ever for love of Him, and for the everlasting redemption of my soul and the souls of all my successors. I also confirm this my gift, corroborating it, at the desire and suit of Wigleyn, bishop (of Winchester), with this condition, that no one among secular men presume to trespass upon the aforesaid land nor fraudulently by encroaching take away the little fields adjacent to the same land, but as long as the orbit of this transient age rolls on, let this land itself be under the dominion of the Old-Minster, with the hills and woods, meadows and fields, all other things appertaining thereunto according to the ordinances of old times being added to it. Hereto also I, the aforesaid King, have taken care to increase and multiply this alms for the love of God, and of His Apostles whose tongues have been made the keys of heaven, and therefore I grant to the land aforesaid freedom from all secular charges and also from all earthly services be they small or great, except that which is common to the whole of the people, to wit, expedition and repairs of bridge and castle. " But if any one shall have wished to increase and amplify this my gift, may God Almighty increase his part in the book of life; on the other hand, if anyone shall have taken it away, let him know that he shall be consumed in the terrible trial, yea, and that he shall render account in the day of judgment before God and His Angels and all the Saints. " These are the boundaries of the fifteen hides appertaining to Aultune. " These are the land boundaries to Aweltune. First from the westernmost spring which is called Bradew[e]ll or straight up to the old highway on the west of Woden's barrow. Then to a stone at Cheorlcumbe's head, then to a stone at Woncumb beneath his History of Alton. topmost hollow, then over randown to the old dike of where lieth on the other side a little crundel (cairn), then to the common gore outside the dike where it again runs into the riad or red gate, then to a large stone before the link's eastern head, then to another large stone on the way in the middle of the valley's bottom which lies out on Wodde's gate, then to a crundel on the southern part beneathward, then up over the down to a thorn tree [which] stands in on the dike to the east of Ciceling way, then along the link from Moxe's down to the old-wall-way to washing-way beneathwards to the dike, then to wic-lea, then to a link's head at Beorhtnoth's boundaries, then straight on to the rough link, then along the link to the lea of the tribe of Heathabriht, beneathwards, then to an old hollow way along the glade to ^Ewelford, then along the brook by the old water bed again to the spring. From Moxe's down southwards to the dike, then along the dike, then to old calf mere, then from the dike to the middle- most clump of bushes, then to Howere's or the wear's lea upwards, then along the ride to the little gore midwards, then along the warp to the highway, then to the dike corner, then along the dike to Creoda hill, then to the highway against the fifteen acre [field], then from there along the highway to Tasa mead ; and the heath- field all common." Now the beginning of this Charter was written when King Ecgbergt conducted the army of the Gewissi against the Britons to the place called Criodan-tree, in the year of the Lord's Incarnation, 825, in the third indiction, the I4th of the kalends of September, under attestation of his bishops and nobles, whose names are read below on the surface of this sheet. Afterwards, the text of the privileges of this land was written at Homtun [Southampton], on the 7th of the kalends of January, when we celebrate the Nativity of St Stephen, the proto-martyr, on the second day of the Lord's incarnation, under presidency of King Ecgbergt, together with the bishop Wigthegn and the rest of the councillors, whose names are noted annexed below. All these things were translated in the year of the Lord's Incarnation, 826, in the fourth indiction, in the four- and-twentieth year of King Ecgbergt, and the fourteenth of his dukedom. Ceolweris Will. These are the names of those who were consenting to the testimony of this privilege. " I, Ecbbert the King, by corroborating this my gift and liberty of the aforesaid land with the sign of the benign cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, confirm it with my own hand, and strengthening it again and again with the little mark of the cross of Christ, con- firm it. Mark of the hand of Bishop Wigthegn. Mark of the hand of Bishop Alestan. Mark of the hand of Bishop Hereferth. Mark of the hand of the Earl Burghard. Mark of the hand of the Earl Welfhard. Mark of the hand of the Prefect Monnede. Mark of the hand of the Prefect Huna. Mark of the hand of the Prefect Wethelm. Mark of the hand of the nobles of King Ecbbert [who] have confirmed this. " Here is shown on this writing the Contract that Bishop Stigand and the Convent of the Old Minster made with Wulfric, when they leased to him the two hides of land and a yard at Aweltune and at Weatha Island (Isle of Wight ?), three yards and the mead which belongs to the tributary land, and two vouched leas and [pasture ? ], for ten cows with the lord's, his sheep leas after the lord's, for his life and one man's life after him, making the best pecuniary arrangements that he can (?). " This is witnessed by Stigand the bishop and Godwine the Earl, and the convent of the Old Minster and ^Elfwine the abbot, and the convent of New Minster and all the shire-thegns of Hampshire. These writings are triplicate, one is at Old Minster, and the second is at Wilton, and the third Wulfric holds." From the same source I have obtained a translation of the will of a person named Ceolwen, who bequeaths land at Alton to the convent of Winchester. " Ceolwin makes known by this writing that she gives the land Grant of land at Alton, the fifteen hides that her lord left to her, and it was ac- by Ceolwin - quired by him in lawful ownership in witness of King Alfred. Now she gives it, after her day, to the convent at Winchester for their refectory at the bishop's see, with so much property as may then be fitting, on condition that they remember the souls of her io History of Alton. and Osmod, as they think just and befitting on his commemora- tion day, which is seven nights before Rogations. And she enjoins them, in the names of God and St. Peter that the convent never give it from their refectory for any moneys, unless they give it for other land which may be more handy and convenient. And the convent has promised her to settle so that Wulfstan, her brother's son, have a hide of rent-free land the while that he lives." The Saxon translation of the Latin is equivalent to the above. The boundaries are the same as in the previous charter, with a few unimportant variations. Translation of the will of Ceolwen, widow of Osmod, bequeathing land at Alton to the convent of Winchester, with condition for anniversary commemoration. CEOLWENN'S BEQUEST OF AWELTUNE. " Ceolwen shows in this charter that she grants the land of Aweltune, that is, fifteen hides which her husband leaves to her, and for which (one gave him a price) or a price was given to her, under witness of King Alfred. These, therefore, she grants to the convent of Winchester after her decease for the refectory of the bishop's see, together with so much money which she shall die possessed of, upon that condition that they be mindful of her and of the soul of Osmod, as they shall think fit, at her or his anniversary, that is, the seventh day before Rogations. She also stipulated in the name of the Lord and of St. Peter, that the same convent may never sell the same land for any money, unless per- chance for other land which may be nearer or more useful to them. Moreover, the same convent promised her that they would take care that Wulfstan, her brother's son, should have a certain hide free as long as he shall live." A. D. 901. " Alfred's Will is of special Hampshire interest, for in it King Alfred. we reac j o f his disposal of certain lands in this County nearly a thousand years ago. To his eldest son, afterwards King Edward, he left his land at Hurstbourne, subse- quently known as Hurstbourne Tarrant, Sutton, probably that known later on as Bishop's Sutton, and Alton." l " King Alfred made a general collection of laws, and formed them into a book called ' Liber Judicialis, or Dom. 1 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 82. Danish Invasion, ii A.D. 108&-6. Boc,' and it was deposited in the Palace of Winchester. Here it remained at the Conquest, and seemed to have given William the idea, and indeed was the ground work of the general survey he afterwards caused to be made. This work was called ' Domesday Book/ and was compiled in 1 08 5-6. F>1 Alton appears to have been the scene of a battle at the Danish in- rr vasion about last Danish invasion, and is spoken of in Dean Kitchin's A.D. 980. Winchester, as follows : " When Olaf of Norway and Swein the Dane, joining hands, ravaged the western districts, ^Ethelred, incapable of making any stand, decided to offer Olaf tribute and friendship, and the fear- less Bishop ^Elfeah carried the message of peace to the fierce Norwegian. His mission was successful, and for a time the land had peace. But Swein, the apostate, a fierce foe to Christendom, made no promises, and when Olaf perished in the year 1000, he returned and ravaged Hampshire. A battle was fought at Alton ; thence he passed to Whitchurch, thence to the Worthys, at the very gates of Winchester." 2 Alton was also the scene of a sanguinary battle between the Saxons and Danes in 1001. In Samuel Lewis's Topo- graphical Dictionary it says : " Alton is noticed in the Saxon Chronicle as the scene of a sanguinary battle which was fought between the Saxons and the piratical Danes, who having landed on this part of the coast in 1001, plundered and laid waste the country till they reached this place, at that time called ' Aethelinga-dene,' where the men of Hampshire had assembled in order to oppose their further progress. In this battle, the result of which was favourable to the invaders, sixty-one of the Saxons are said to have been killed, and on the part of the Danes a much greater number were slain, but they, notwithstanding, remained in possession of the field of battle, whence they marched northwards." 3 " In King Edward the Confessor's time Altone was a A. D. 1001. Uattle between Saxons and Danes. JEthelinga- dene. 1 Domesday Book for Hampshire, p. 4. 2 Winchester, Dean Kitchin, p. 37. 3 Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary. 1041. Royal Manor in King Edward the Confessor's time. 12 History of Alton. royal manor, and Editha, or Eadgyth, King Edward's queen, was Lady of that Manor." 1 " In her days it was reckoned at ten hides, but the villains who occupied it paid upon only five, just as after- wards, in 1084, the abbot held in demesne five hides not subject to hidage. Four teams belonged to the manor. In demesne were one team, eleven bordmen, two slaves with two teams, half a mill worth 4^. yd., two acres of meadow, and wood for fencing. The manor was in 1066 worth 6, and 7 in 1084." z 1066 - "It appears that half of Alton, with its church, and other five hides of land with a church, were given by King William to Hyde Abbey in exchange for certain other lands. Thus it was that whilst Alton Estbrook, belonged to the Abbey of Hyde, Alton Ansteney was held by the monks of Battle Abbey." * 1084. "In 1084, Hyde Abbey held Aultone in Neteham Hundred." 2 A. D. 1066. " The manors of Hampshire which were held by Harold, before he became king, and the royal demesnes which passed into his possession on the death of King Edward, were no doubt required to furnish men for the English army at Hastings ; and there can be little doubt that men from Odiham, Quarley, and Wallop were there, and also that a more numerous contingent of Hampshire men were there from the royal demesnes of Andover, Basingstoke, Kingsclere, Broughton, Alton, Meonstoke, Hurstbourne, Ealing, Sombourne, Selborne, and many other places." 3 A. D. 1066. "At the time of William the Conqueror, the land at Binsted, which was part of the great manor of Alton Westbrook, was forest, and was in the hundred of Neatham. It was the home of the wild bull and wild cow, and probably of the wild boar and herds of deer ; and the land of Wolvemere (now Wolmer) shows that wolves were common too." * 1 Gilbert White's History of Selborne. p. 307. 2 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire, vol. iii. 3 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 100. * Hampshire Notes and Queries, vol. vi, p. 5. Grant of Land by King William. 1 3 In one of the new volumes of the Hampshire Record Society, I find a facsimile of the original grant by King William I to Ryuuallonus, Abbot of New Minster, of the Churches of Autune, or Alton, and Clara, or Clere-Regis, co. Hants. * Translation (p. 3) : " I, William, by power of the grace of Almighty God, King of the Angles, to all my faithful dwelling in Anglican regions, William. Will it to be known that I grant to Saint Peter of the New A - D - 1067 - Monastery, and to Ryuuallonus, Abbot of the same Convent, and also to the monks attending upon divine service therein, the Church of Alton, with five hides 2 (of land) and tithes, and with other revenues which belong to the aforesaid Church ; and further- more the Church of Clere, with four hides and one rod of land, and with tithes and other revenues which belong to the aforesaid Church. Therefore the aforesaid Churches with lands and what- ever is contained in them, I grant to Saint Peter and Abbot R. to be free, just as that land of the burying place of the Convent before named was the property of St. Peter and his monks, and free from all service, which I received by exchange from the Abbot for the building of my palace, and for which I make that gift as has been already said. Now if any presumptuous person shall desire to resist the Church of Saint Peter and our grant, and to make that gift of no effect, let him be punished with the penalty of excommunication for ever, with the profane. And that this gift may be held valid and of perpetual obligation I myself make this mark with my own hand." NOTE. " At the foot of the Charter is an irregularly formed cross roughly made with a thick pen or split stylus, evidently by one unaccustomed to writing. It appears to be the actual mark made by William the Con- queror, to which allusion is made in the concluding sentence of the deed. The introduction of the text of this Charter between two portions of the Scriptures, upon a blank place in the leaf, seems to have been purposely made in order to mark the solemn ratification of the exchange of posses- sions entered into between the King and the Abbot, and it is difficult to imagine that this cross would have been placed here as a trick or for any fraudulent purpose." i New Minster and Hyde Abbey, by Walter De Gray Birch, F.S.A. 2 This is probably the property mentioned in Domesday Book, occupied by Herding, etc. 14 History of Alton. From the same source I have obtained the following grant, of which I give the translation : x 1080-87. " Grant by Rinuallo, Abbot of New Minster, to the poor and luimaiia pilgrims of the land, i.e., Manor of Alton, co. Hants, A.D. 1080 1087. " I, Rinuallo, by the grace of God, Abbot of the Monastery which is called the New Monastery of St. Peter, have granted, with the consent of the brethren, for the relief of the poor and pilgrims, the land which is called Aweltona, in perpetuity, which the King W. gave to us in exchange for the burying ground of our Church, on which his palace has been built. "First, for the soul of the king himself and his wife and children ; " Next, for myself and for all the brethren under my charge ; " Lastly, for all the benefactors of this place. "Now the witnesses of this donation are Walcelinus (Walkelyn), Bishop, and Hugo, Viscount, and Godefredus, Prior, and Osborne de Ow, and William de Guirices, and Robert Cora, and Teotsel, and Walter Scot, and John, and William, and Benedict, and the rest of the servants of the Abbot. " Now if anyone at anytime shall have secretly taken away the gift from the support of the poor and pilgrims, let him be subject to excommunication for ever, and be condemned in hell with Dathan and Abiram, and Judas and Nero, and with those who said to the Lord God, Depart from us for we have no know- ledge of your ways. Amen." A battle on the A battle seems to have been on the verge of being fought. ' fought at Alton, in the time of Henry I. A. D. 1101. " When Henry I usurped the throne which belonged to Robert, the latter in noi landed at Portsmouth, and then marched on Winchester. On arriving there he prepared to besiege it, but hearing that the Queen had just given birth to a son, he proceeded towards London, declaring that, ' Villain would he be who should attack a lady in such a case.' At Alton Henry met him, and another battle would have been fought but for Anselm, who by careful negotia- tions brought the brothers to terms. A treaty was there- fore signed at Alton by which Robert consented to 1 New Minster and Hyde Abbey. The Hundred of Neteham. 1 5 renounce his right to England for a pension of 3000 marks a year." 1 " John, both before and after he became king, appears to have been very fond of hunting, and considering how much he travelled from place to place, he spent a consider- able part of his time in the Hampshire forests. Traditions of his hunting expeditions survive at Southampton, at Freemantle near Kingsclere, at Odiham, and at Worldham near Alton." 2 " Tradition says that King John resided just upon the verge of Woolmer, at Wardleham, on a regular and re- markable mount, still called King John's Hill and Lodge Hill ; and Edward III had a chapel in his park, or en- closure, at Kingsley." 3 It is generally supposed in this neighbourhood that King John's hunting box stood where Lode Farm now stands at Kingsley. " In June, 1204, King John was at Alton, thence going 1204. to Winchester and Kingston. From Alton, on June 2ist, he sent his order that to his huntsman, Richard Hare (Lepsori), should be paid icxr. to buy himself a gown. We find him there again on March 13, I2I7." 4 THE HUNDRED OF NETEHAM. During the eleventh century, Neatham appears to have been a more important place than Alton, for in Domesday Book the Hundred of Neatham is mentioned sixteen times, Hundred of whilst Alton is only spoken of twice. It also had a market or fair. " This market, with one at Titchfield, and at Basingstoke, are the earliest recorded markets in Hamp- shire." 5 IN NETEHAM HUNDRED. " The king holds Neteham in demesne. It was held by 1041. King Edward. The number of hides has not been 1 Winchester: Dean Kitchin. 2 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 120. 3 Gilbert White's Selborne, p. 309. 4 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire. 5 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 149. 1 6 History of Alton. ascertained. Here are 52 ploughlands, 5 ploughlands are in demesne ; and 54 villagers and 26 borderers occupy 47 ploughlands. Here are 16 servants, and 8 mills and a half, which pay 4 pounds 14 shillings, wanting 3 pence, and a market which pays 8 pounds ; and 15 acres of meadow. The woods furnish 150 hogs. It was worth in the time of King Edward and afterwards 76 pounds 16 shillings and 8 pence. It is now valued at the same sum ; but it pays a rent of 1 18 pounds 12 shillings and 9 pence." * IN NETEHAM HUNDRED. 1041. The Abbot of St. Peter's de Wincester holds Aultone. It was held by Queen Eddid in the time of King Edward. There were then 10 hides, and the villagers, who dwelled there were assessed at 5 hides. The abbot has now 5 hides in demesne, which were not assessed. Here are 4 ploughlands ; I ploughland is in demesne, and 1 1 borderers and 2 servants employ 2 ploughs, and half of a mill, which pays 4 shillings and 7 pence, and two acres of meadow. Here is a copse for fencewood. It was worth in King Edward's time 6 pounds ; it was afterwards, and is now worth 7 pounds." * " Of this manor of Aultone, the king holds 5 hides in his own hands, which are occupied by Herding ; but he is not assessed. The county jury affirm that he came in possession of this unjustly, in exchange of a house with the king ; because the house was the king's own." 3 " Neteham, Haliborne, Hanstige, Greteham, Ciltelei, and Selesborne, all belong to Neteham Hundred, and were 1034. held by the king in 1084. Under the Confessor, Lauch held Cittelei, and Ulward Haliborne. The Confessor him- self held Neteham, and Queen Eddid the other manors. " Besides these holdings just mentioned there belonged to Neteham Hundred, the manors of Acangre, Benestede, Ferendone, Froli, Newentone, Nortone, Werildeham, and many others." 4 1 Domesday Book, p. 5. ' Ibid., p. 87. Ibid., p. 89. 4 Woodward and Wilks', p. 309. Alton governed by Bailiffs and Burgesses. 17 There was a monastery at Neatham. It was an off- shoot from, and connected with, Waverley Abbey, which was founded by William Giffard, Bishop of Winchester, on Christmas day, in the year 1128. The monks, twelve in number, came with John their abbot from the Cistercian convent of D'Aumane, in Normandy. " King Stephen gave the monks at Waverley, Neat- ham near Alton, and the church of Farnham, and his gift was confirmed to them by Henry III in 1239." l "The monks came there and bought 150 acres more land with the money which the king's sister gave them, and there they built a grange and an oratory to say their prayers in, and had land adjoining the road from Worldham to Binsted." * " By permission of William de Ralegee, Lord Bishop of A. D. 1250. Winchester, and of Peter de Ryeval, Rector of the church of Alton, it was granted to us this year to celebrate divine service in the oratory, which is within the bounds of our grange at Netham, all right and authority belonging to the Bishop of Winchester, together with an indemnity to the mother church of Alton, and the chapel of Haliburn being reserved, i.e. t in this manner. That we there celebrate without beating of bells and distribution of sacraments to our brethren. That we do not receive the confessions of secular persons there, except at the point of death, but that all our domestics and servants at the grange resort to the chapel of Haliburn for hearing divine service, and for receiving the sacraments of the church, and that they re- main subject to the same as heretofore." 3 ALTON GOVERNED BY BAILIFFS AND BURGESSES. "In the reign of Henry III Alton was governed by 1216. j u ,, 4 Henry III. and burgesses. ^ " By an order dated from Freemantle, September I9th, 1205 - 1 Waverley Abbey, by Rev. C. Kerry, pp. 2, 36. 2 Hampshire Notes and Queries, vol. vi, p. 5. 3 The Annals of Waverley, by Rev. C. Kerry, p. 54. 4 Woodivard and Wilks, p. 308. 1 8 History of Alton. 1205, the Sheriff of Hants was desired to let William de Cornhill have at Michaelmas 30 from the farm of Alton, and two marks more at another time. On Nov. 4th, 1205, an order sent from Freemantle advertised the barons of the exchequer that quittance had been given to William for the said monies which he had received from the sheriff. 1207. "A further letter of Oct. I5th, 1207, apprised the sheriff that the king had given Robert de Venuz to farm all his land at Alton, retaining for himself the woods and their profits." " Many large estates in Hampshire were held under the obligation of making suit at the king's Hundred Courts. Thus the lord of West Worldham manor, etc., had to appear at Alton Hundred Court." l " The lord, or his deputy held his great court twice a year at least, and one in Alton every fortnight, and all the tenants attended and made their complaints." - " Many places in Hampshire had the right of holding a court-leet in addition to the manor court : it could make its own arrangements for the assize of bread and ale, appoint its own ale taster, and usually had also the right of free gallows." " The Abbot of Hyd, who had exercised the privilege of free gallows and assize of bread and ale at Alton, had to prove his claim to same." 3 " The services on the manors which the tenants had to perform for the lords were numerous. " East Worldham was held by the sergeantry of bearing a marshal's wand before the king." 8 " Woolston was held by the service of finding an archer, armed and furnished, to serve the king for forty days in England, and part of the land at Bentley was held by a similar service. " Alton was also held by the service of three knights, and as often as wars occurred, there must have been the usual preparation for despatching these warriors from that town." 3 1 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 165. 2 Hampshire Notes and Queries, vol. vi. 3 Shore's History of Hampshire, pp. 153, 156, 157. The District of Alton, the Resort of Robbers. 19 THE DISTRICT OF ALTON, THE RESORT OF ROBBERS. " The District of Alton is known to have been for a very long period the resort of robbers. There is a spot in the Parish of Bentley, and close to the forest of Alice Holt, to which the word ' pass ' would not be inapplicable ; but it is more than probable that the word is used in the sense of road or passage, as ordinarily applied at the present day. The abode of Adam Gurdon, who was disinherited and A. D. 1257. Adam Gurdon. outlawed with other adherents of Simon, Earl of Leicester, has been described as ' a woody height in a valley near the road between the town of Alton and the castle of Farnham.' This region was not disafforested until the end of Henry's reign, and was a favourite ambush for outlaws, who there awaited the merchants and their trains of sumpter horses travelling to or from Winchester. Even in the fourteenth century the wardens of the great fair of St. Giles, held in that city, paid five mounted sergeants-at-arms to keep the pass of Alton during the continuance of the fair, according to custom." 1 It is evidently to some such personage that the allusion is made in the quotation : " Poverte myght passe withouten peril of robbynge." The above explanation is made quite certain by William's allusions to Winchester Fair, where Peace is described as being robbed on his way to St. Giles' Down, whereon Winchester Fair was held : 1 ' Ye, thorugh the pass of Aultone Poverte myght passe Withouten peril of robbynge, For where poverte may paas, Peace followeth after." 2 "Against this robber-knight, Prince Edward, desirous of putting an end to the troubles which had so long harassed the kingdom, pursued the arch-rebel into his fastnesses ; attacked his camp ; leaped over the entrench- ments, and singling out Gurdon, ran him down, wounded 1 Account of Domestic Architecture (thirteenth century), p. 107, by T. Hudson Turner. 2 Skeats' notes to the Vision of William concerning Piers Ploughman, p. 334-S ( a poem written by William Langland). C 2 2O History of Alton. him, and took him prisoner. He raised the fallen veteran from the ground, he pardoned him, he admitted him into his confidence, and introduced him to the queen, then lying at Guildford, that very evening. This unmerited and un- expected lenity melted the heart of the rugged Gurdon at once ; he became in an instant a loyal and useful subject, trusted and employed in matters of moment by Edward when king, and confided in till the day of his death." 1 " Sir Adam seems to have inhabited the house now called Temple, lying about two miles east of Selborn church, which had been the property of Thomas Makerel." 2 A. r. 1272. " Sir Adam was made Warden, 'Gustos,' of the forest of Wolmer." 3 " He still appears to have indulged in some depreda- tions, as in 1282 we find a ' distringas,' ordering him to restore to the bishop of Winchester some lands in Hawk- ley and a mill/' 4 " We are still reminded of the high hand with which de Gurdon directed matters in this portion of Hampshire, more than 600 years ago, by a tablet on the cottage, which was formerly a mill, at Hawkly, which tells us that this is Hockley mill, ancient mill of the bishops of Winchester, taken from them by Sir Adam Gurdon, given back under King Edward, 1280 A.D." 5 A. D. 1295. " Hampshire was first represented in Parliament in 1295, Hampshire * * <_' represented in when four knights of the shire attended at Westminster. Two burgesses were also sent to this Parliament for the first time by Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Andover, Alresford, Overton, Alton, Basingstoke, Yarmouth and Newport combined as one borough." 6 " In the early parliaments which met between 1297 and 1306-7, Alresford, Basingstoke, Odiham, Overton and Alton continued to receive writs." " Alton was five times summoned to send burgesses to parliament, but only once obeyed the precept. 1 Whites Selborne, p. 336. * Ibid., p. 337. 3 Ibid., p. 342. * Ibid., p. 344. 8 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 170. 6 Ibid., p. 253. Tenure of Land. 21 " Geoffrey Tou and Adam de Bradeley sat for the Borough in the twenty-third Parliament of Edward I, held at Westminster. Twice afterwards during that reign and twice during the next to the summons of burgesses from Alton, Ballivi nullum responsum dederunt." 1 "Edward II granted the privilege of holding a fair at Edwanui Alton to Edmund of Woodstock, who then held the manor." JSSSVJak "During the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries the privilege of holding a market or an annual fair in villages and towns was much sought after, and about this time charters were granted by the kings to the lords of the manors of many places in Hampshire to hold fairs, and in some instances both fairs and markets." z TENURE OF LAND. Amongst the land holders in Alton and neighbourhood ^ d Aiders, may be mentioned " The Priaulx Family, who were con- nected with Alton as early as I2O7." 3 " We find in the time of King John, one Gunnora de la Hurn acknowledging that a virgate held by her in Awelton was in the King's Villanage, and that of such land no assize was taken, all which was certified by a jury of Hampshire knights. She further acknowledged that had she a daughter, she could not give her in marriage without redemption, such an acknowledgment being in like cases taken as sufficient evidence of villanage." 4 " In 1225 we find Margery de Rivers (to whose husband 1225 - Falk de Breans, son-in-law and heir to Warin Fitz-Gerald, the King, on March 23rd, 1216, had granted Alton) under- taking the payment of her husband's debts to the king, and authorised to collect the debts due to his estate. William Earl of Maundevill (rather W. de Mandeville, Earl of Essex ?) was ordered to account to Margery for a debt which his brother had owed Falk de Breans." " Notices of the Alton holdings of Peter de Pratellis, 13fch Century. 1 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire. 2 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 149. 3 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire. 4 Ibid. 22 History of Alton. 1336-7 A.D. 1373 A.D. Heury VII. William de Pratellis, Maria de Curtenay, Peter's widow, and Robert de Courtenay, her husband, frequently recur in the records of the thirteenth century." "The town of Awelton was held by William de Pra- tellis as three knights' fees." " Among other land holders, notice may particularly be made of John de Venuz, the Abbey of Hyde, Elias of Rochester, the Marshall, the families of Anstey, Heyes, Popham, Agulon, Paynell, etc." J " Some of the chief families in the neighbourhood at this time were those of de Poutearche at Newton, Gurdon at Selborn and Tisted, Maudit at Hartley Maudit, de Venuz at East Worldham, Paynell at Oakhanger, and de Bardoff at Greatham." 2 "An inquisition was held at Alton on the 23rd of Janu- ary > J 336-7> to enquire about particulars of some land belonging to the late John de Westcote." " An inquisition on the idiocy of John de Westcote, who ought to have inherited from his father of the same name, land and tenements with appurtenances in Haliburne, Estbrouke, Altone, Westbrouke and other places." 3 " In 1373 a writ was issued for an inquisition as to what damage there might be to the king (Edward III) in William de Trenchant, a Norman alien, holding a certain wood known as Kingeswode, by Aulton or Alton, which Edward I had given him, and other lands in Alton which he had himself acquired." The following is a translation of a grant, dated nth September, 1496 : "This indenture, made nth day of September, in the eleventh year of the reign of King Henry VII, between Edward Brocas, son and heir of Sir Thomas Brocas, the Chaplain, on the one part, and William Baynton, of Aulton Westbroke, on the other part, Testifies that the present Edward Brocas hath de- livered, etc., to the aforesaid William, all his corner tenement, situated in the market place of Aulton aforesaid called Lady place, with entrance [porta], two gardens, grange and stables 1 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire. 2 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 164. * Crondal Records, by the Hampshire Record Society. Translations of Documents connected with Alton. 23 adjacent, to hold to the end of a term of 80 years, By paying etc., 24 shillings, etc., etc." " Witnesses, Henry Quyuke, William Kynswell [EastTisted], Robert Felde, William Felder and others. Given at Aulton aforesaid, the day and year above written." "It is stated that Edith Brocas, of Beaurspaire, who 1506 A>D - died 1506, married Ralph Pexall. Their son, Sir Richard Pexall, in August, 1546, exchanged with "The King's 1546 - Majestic " an estate at Alton, which had belonged to Hide Abbey, for another of about the same value. No reason is assigned. It is described as the manor of Alton Estbrook, in the County of Southampton, with land, tenements, etc., which were "late parcel of the possesshone of the late monastery of Hide." Richard received in exchange, scite, circonite, and precincts of the late priorie of Bradenstocke, in the Co. of Wiltshire." "Richard Holt, who died in 1457, was the owner of 1457A - D - Colmer farm, and had land in many other places. In the Inquisition taken after his death, it appears that he held con- jointly with his wife Joan, who survived, "Three messuages, half a carucate of land, eight acres of meadow and six acres of wood, with appurtenances, in Aulton Estbrook, in the County aforesaid, of the abbot of the house and church of St. Peter de Hide, next Winchester, but by what service the jurors know not ; and three messuages, three rods of land and four acres of meadow, with appurtenances in Aulton Westbrook, Whatle and Kyngesle, in the County aforesaid, which are held of the Earl of Worcester ; but by what service the aforesaid jurors wholly know not, and the same jurors say that Cristina and Elizabeth are the daughters and nearest heirs of the same Richard Holt." x TRANSLATIONS OF OTHER DOCUMENTS CONNECTED WITH ALTON. Chancery Inquisitions, post mortem. 46 Hen. ///, No. 27. "Writ dated at Westminster, 27 June, 46 Hen. Ill [1262], 1262. and directed to William de Wintreshull, commanding him to ascertain the value of the crop of wood in Alton, etc." z 1 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hants. 2 British Museum. 24 History of Alton. " Henry Wyard, Nicholas Swele, John Turstan, Girard de Colemere, Robert del Oure, William de Hincklegh, William de Holeshet, Nicholas Thurstan, Peter de Bene- sted, Et Pistor, Stephen de Kingeslye, Hugh de Westwod, Nicholas Curcy, Hugh Shulder and John le Hayward, jurors, say the crop of the wood of the Lord the King in the glade (passu) of Awelton in which many depredations and homicides are committed, whereby there is great danger to those passing through, is worth at the present time to sell 20. If that wood were cut down and carried away, the place of that wood if reduced to culture might be let to farm for 31^. 8d. The said place contains alto- gether 95 acres of land, and that each acre if reduced to culture would be worth per annum ^d" 54 Hen. Ill, .No. 33. 1262. Writ dated at Haveryng, 18 June, 54 Hen. III. 1 " Richard de Westcote, William de Kaneford, Henry Wyard, Nicholas Sevel, John de Westcote, Henry le Butyler, Andrew Brun, Richard le Fraunkelein, William Kempe, William de la Bure, Robert Gausi and Peter le Brun, jurors, say that it would not be to the damage of the king if he were to confirm to the Abbot and Convent of Hide, Winchester, 5 hides of land with the appurten- ances in Aulton and the advowson of the church of Aulton, which they have of the gift of William and by the confirmation of Henry king of England, inasmuch as 4 men and the bailiff of the tenement of the said Abbot came once every year to the torne of the Sheriff to keep the peace of the King and twice every year before the bailiff of the King of the hundred of Aulton, to wit, at Laghedaes when they gave to the King 2s. Sd. of ' tuthing pani.' 2 And that the men of the said Abbott shared with the whole hundred of Aulton in murder if it should happen, but they learn that such exaction is against the tenor of their charters and for default of the bailiffs of the said Abbot who ought to defend their his liberties." 1 British Museum. 2 Tything-penny. Inquisitions. 25 n Edw. /, No. 60. " Inquisition taken at Aulton on Tuesday next after the 1272. Conversion of St. Paul, 11 Edw. I before William de Ho, Luke de la Gare by the oath of John de Vensyr, Robert de Chil . . . Philip de Heyford, Walter Huse, Geoffrey Fabri, Nicholas Curcy, William de la More, Henry Wylekyng, Robert de Brerle, William Atterhimere, Nicholas de Thuden, Nicholas atte Flode and Clement de Wydehale, who say that the Mill which is called Johanesmulle is held of the Abbott of Huda in villeinage and the course of water and whatsoever thereto belongs is held of the King in chief, paying therefore yearly 4^., whereof Geoffrey Peterich pays 2s., and William Martin 2s. The said William made suit at the court of the Lord the King every 3 weeks by reason of the said course. Sir Adam Gurdun holds the fishing in the said watercourse of the King in chief, paying therefore per ann. 6d. The king has always been accustomed to take the said suit and service by the hands of the said tenants, and not by the hands of the said Abbot or his ancestors. A certain small moor belongs to the said course and William Martin holds it of the King in chief by the service aforesaid. After the death of Martin the miller, father of the said William, the Queen was in seisin of a heriot and relief by reason of the tenancy aforesaid." 29 Edw. I, No. 79. " Inquisition taken before Thomas de Wordeston, 1272. Sheriff of Southampton, on Wednesday in the Vigil of the Ascension of our Lord, 29 Edw. I, by the oath of John de Venour, John de Thedden, Nicholas Wyard, John de Aulton, William de Rydelefeld, William Purchas, Philip de Heyford, Henry Wylekin, William le Ken (?), William de Aulton, Askecilli de Wodecotes, and John le Somenour, jurors, who say that it would not be to the prejudice of the King if he granted to Nicholas de la Flode 1 1 acres of land, 2 a. of meadow, and 6s. id. rent in Aulton, which John le Marischal and Robert de Berele held of the King in chief, to hold to him and his heirs of the said King and his heirs 26 History of Alton. for ever by the same services as the said John and Robert held the same. The said land and meadow are held of the King in chief by the service of gs. and suit at the court of the King in Aulton every 3 weeks, which the heirs of Robert de Berele paid to the King for i^ virgates of land together with the said 1 1 a. of land and 2 a. of meadow by the hands of the farmers of the King of the said court of Aulton. The said rent of 6s. id. is held by the service of suit at the said court of the king every 3 weeks. The said land and meadow are worth per ann., clear 6s. %d. Five virgates of land and I wood containing 80 a. remain to 1 the said John besides the said land, meadow, and rent, and are held of the King by the service of loos, which he paid yearly into the exchequer of the King. The said 5 virgates of land and the said wood are worth per ann., clear 40^., besides the said rent of loos. There remains to the heirs of the said Robert de Berele i virgates of land besides the said land, meadow, and rent, which are held of the King in chief by the service of gs. rent and suit at Court ; they are worth per ann., clear i6s." Chan. Inq., p. m., 10 Edw. //, No. 61. isn.southt. "Inquisition taken April, 10 Edw d . II [1317], by the oath of William de Retherfeld, John atte Hacche, Richard Pikard, William Haynes, Henry Wyard, John Freeman, Peter atte Yerd, Ivonis Sprot, William atte Welle, etc., jurors, who say that William Paynel held 60 acres of arable land of the ancient demesne of the King of Aulton by the service of paying to the farm of the town of Aulton 9^. per ann. at the feasts of Easter and Michaelmas by equal portions, and by the service of making suit at the court of the lord the King of Aulton every three weeks for all service ; each acre is worth per ann. ^d. Also 2 acres of meadow, each acre being worth per ann. i%d." 1 Chan. Inq., p. m., 19 Edw. //, No. 57. 1J26 - " Inquisition taken at Farndon in co. Southampton before Richard le Wayte, escheator, 9 June, 19 Edw. II 1 British Museum. Additional Charters. 27 [1326], by the oath of John de Candevere, William de Rutherfeld, etc., etc., jurors, who say that Richard de Venuz held the manor of East Worldham in co. South- ampton of the King in chief, to wit, 2 parts of the said manor by the service of 1135. ^d., and the 3rd part of the said manor is held of the manor of Aulton which is of the ancient demesne of the Crown ; which said manor of Aulton was at the death of the said Richard de Venuz in the hands of the Lady Isabel Queen of England by the service of 50^. 6d. per ann., to be paid at Michaelmas at the said manor of Aulton." Chan. Ing., p. m., 35 Edw. Ill, p. I, No. 101. " Inq : taken at Basingstoke 11 Sept., 35 Edw. Ill i36i. [1361], The jurors say that Simon de Heyes holds I messuage and I carucate of land in Aulton of Eustace de Abriggcourt, by the service of 2.JS. ^d. per ann. The said premises are worth nothing per ann. beyond reprises." Add. Charters, 27, 762-4. " Final agreement made in the court of Elizabeth Julers, 27/762. 1377. Countess of Kent, of Aulton Westbrouk on Thursday in the Vigil of St. James the Apostle, 17 Ric. II, before Henry Popham, steward, Richard Estene, William Knyght, Osebert Bucleswell, Richard Smyth, William atte Douere ' seccator,' between Gilbert Bannebury and Thomas Bo- chard of Aulton, plaintiffs, and John Bartholomewe, turner, citizen of London, and Lucy his wife, deforciants of I messuage, I shop, and i| acres of land in Aulton, where- upon the said John and Lucy acknowledged the said premises to be the right of the said Gilbert and Thomas and delivered the same to them, to hold for ever." " For this gift the said Gilbert and Thomas gave \2.d. for a fine." " Final agreement made in the Court of Eliz. Julers, 27,763. Countess of Kent, held at Aulton Westbrouk on Thursday next before the feast of the Epiphany, 3 Hen. IV, before Henry Popham, steward, John Champflor, [ ? ] Richard Estene, Simon Purchas, William Knyght, and others, 28 History of Alton. between John Mountere and Matilda his wife, plaintiffs, and Thomas Dudelyng and Amicia his wife, defendants, of i messuage and I garden and I acre of pasture in Aulton, whereupon the said Thomas and Amicia acknow- ledged the said premises to be the right of the said John and Matilda, and released the same to them." " For this gift the said John and Matilda gave 2x for a fine." 27,764. " Indenture made ist July, i and 2 Philip and Mary, between Robert Oreswell of Odyam in co. Southampton, gent, of the one part, and Nicholas Vaus of the same town, gent., of the other part, witnesses that for 120 paid to him by the said Nicholas, freely gave to him his 2 messuages in Alton Westbroke, in co. Southampton, one of them called the Swanne, and the other wherein Mellys widow now dwells, adjoining the said Swanne, and i close of pasture lying near the same extending to the river on the east and upon the highway on the west, and all the evidences which the said Robert has in his keeping concerning the premises ; which evidences the said Robert covenants to deliver to the said Nicholas before the feast of Penticost next coming ; to hold to the said Nicholas Vaus and his heirs for ever." 27,816. " Richard, King of England, etc., to the bailiffs of Aulton of Elizabeth Julers, Countess of Kent, greeting. We command you that without delay and according to the custom of the Manor of Aulton you see full right done to William le Shote of Halyborne of i messuage and 20 a. of land in Halyborne, of which John Milward and Isabella his wife, Peter King and Isabella his wife, have deforced them. Witness Ourself at Haverford, 2 Sept., 18 Richard II [?]." 27,826. " Henry, by the grace of God King of England and France and Lord of Ireland, to the bailiffs of Elizabeth Julers, Countess of Kent, of Aulton Westbroke, greeting. We command you that without delay and according to the custom of the Manor of Aulton, you see full right done to John Chamflour, Esq., of 5 acres of meadow and 2s. rent, with appurts. in Aulton Westbroke, of which John Bronne Additional Charters. 29 de Aulton Westbroke and Alice his wife have deforced him. Witness Ourself at Westminster, 2 March in the 6th year of Our reign." " Henry, King of England, etc., to the bailiffs of Henry, 27,834. Bishop of Winchester, Edmund Earl of March, Thomas Earl of Arundel, Richard Earl of Warwick, William le Roos Knight, Henry Fitz Hugh Knight, John Grene, and John Feyreby de Aulton, greeting. We command you to see full right done to Robert Danhurst of i messuage, 100 a. of land, 6 a. of meadow, and 4 a. of wood, with appurts. in Aulton, of which John Danhurst and Felicia his wife have deforced him. Witness the King at Westminster, 2 Nov., I Hen. Ill [?]." " Release from Robert, son of Seman of Tuddene, to 1240. Warner den Isenhurste, for the sum of one mark, of all his right in the messuage and two acres of arable land in the village of Aultone, which Adam Algar formerly held of Henry de Isenhurste. Witn : Rich, de Westcote and John de Westcote, brothers, John son of Richard, Geoffrey the Serjeant (' serviente ') of the Abbot of Hyde, John Oter, Henry Wyard, William 'papa' [ p a p ], Rob. de la Wodecote." 1 " Grant from Thomas de Monasterio to the Prior and 1250. Cannons of Seleburne, in pure alms, of \2.d. of annual rent which Nicholas le Draper of Aweltone and his heirs are bound to pay, as he has been accustomed to pay to the grantor, from seven acres of land held by him in Werlham ; of which, two and a half lie in le Suthfelde, and extend above the land of Sir John de Venez at one end, and above Heggemere at the other, one acre lies in one 'garstone,' and two and a half in another ' garstone,' between the land of Tulla (' tulle ') and that of Robert de Castel, half an acre lies in Svammere, and half an acre in the field towards Neteham. 1 Extracts from Charters of Selborne Priory, p. 27. 3O History of Alton. Witn : Sir John de Venuz, Sir John de la Stane, Sir Thomas Makerel, Nicholas Swele, Roger Wilard, Thomas the Forester then bailiff of Aweltone, Matthew de Monasterio, John de Burhunt." x Seal lost. 1274. "13 Jany., 'die S. Hillarii epioc.'; at Duntone. Copy by H[enry de Helingeye], Archdeacon of Win- chester, of a return made by his official to Nicholas] the Bishop of Winchester, in pursuance of a Writ from the King, certifying that upon an enquiry made by the rectors of Farendone and Greetham, the vicars of Froyle, Sele- burne, and Ymbesete, and the chaplains of Aultone and Benstede, it was found that the rectory of Worldham was not vacant, but was held by Master John de Brideport, who had been instituted by the Bishop of Winchester on St. James' Day, 1262, on the presentation of the Prior and Convent of Seleburne, the true patrons." Small fragment of one seal ; another lost. 1430. "12 Dec., 9 Hen. VI. Confirmation by Richard Tys- tede, lord of Westistede, to John the Prior of Selborne, of the grant of a way to the Priory, made by his grandmother Alice, widow of Richard de Tychebourne, under date of 25 July, 1364 (No. 242, which is recited at length) ; paying annually to him a quit rent of one clove. " Witn : Will. Tystede, John Rutherfelde, John Sylver, John Goolde, Stephen Dyer of Aultone, Will. Astille." Small red seal of arms, indistinct. Small oval green seal of the deanery of Alton ; a figure kneeling before St. John the Bapt. (holding the device of the Lamb and Flag), with the legend, " S'decana Weltone." Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1281-1292. 1290. June eth. " Grant to Eleanor, the King's mother, for life, in stmmster. augmentation of her maintenance, of the following manors and farms, which are extended at i,ooo/. The manor of Wych, extended at ... 8gt. $s The manor of Aulton, extended at ... 8o/. " 1 Extracts from Charters of Selborne Priory, p. 27. 2 Calendar of Ancient Deeds. Record office. Calendar of Patent Rolls. 31 Calendar of Patent Rolls, 1327-1330. " Grant for life to Hugh de Turpynton of the farm of the town of Aulton, co. Southampton. By privy seal." x Calendar of Close Rolls, 1307-1313. " To the Abbess and Convent of Winchester. Order to receive into their house and to veil Matilda, daughter of John le Mareschal, of Aulton, who wishes to receive the habit of their order, they being bound to admit a maiden (puella) of the King's nomination upon his accession." x To the treasurer and barons of the exchequer : "Order to acquit the abbot of Hide, near Winchester, i?io,Juiy8. ' ' Winchester. of 100 marks in which he made fine for license to appro- priate to himself and his successors the church of Aulton, the King having ordered him to pay that sum to his envoy, Robert son of Payn, then going to the Pope on the King's business, for his expenses." 1 " To the sheriff of Southampton. Order to restore his lands and goods to Peter le Taverner, of Aulton, clerk, taken into the King's hands upon his indictment for the homicide of four foreign merchants before John de Foxle and his fellows, justices to deliver the gaol of Winchester, as he has purged his innocence before Henry, Bishop of Winchester, the diocesan, to whom he was delivered according to the privilege of the clergy." Add. Rolls, 27, 665-78. " Court held there on Thursday next after the feast of Aulton, 1350. the Conversion of St. Paul in the 24th year of King Edward the 3rd from the Conquest." 2 " Robert Pyngel against Alice, who was the wife of Robert le Bucke of Aulton, of plea of land. By Roger le Gredere. William de Medestede against Alice, who was the wife of Robert le Bucke, of Aulton, of plea of land. By John Purchaz." " John de Thudden, senior, against Kathirine, who was Essoms= excuses. 1 Calendar of Ancient Deeds. Record Office. 2 Add. Rolls, 27, 665-78. Record Office. 32 History of Alton. the wife of John de Aulton, of plea of land, whereupon an inquisition. By John atte Strete." " Nicholas atte Lode, of commission. By Thomas the son, clerk. John Mahn, of commission. By John Holewey." " John le Kete against Robert le Betere and Isabel, his wife, of a plea of trespass. By Robert le Moncke." " Henry le Wode, ' wesone,' puts himself in mercy for to agree licence of agreement with Thomas de Westcote in plea of trespass. A day is given to Thomas de Westcote, plaintiff, and John le Hurt, defendant, of plea of trespass. On the prayer of the parties until the next court." " Robert le Betere by John Purchaz, his attorney, and Isabel, his wife, in their proper persons, plaintiffs, put them- selves against John Kete, of plea of trespass, and the said John is essioned thereupon, and there is given to him a day by his ession here in three weeks from this day. And the same day is given to the said Robert and Isabel." "The tithing of Aulton present the drawing of blood between William Clerebalt and William le Bryt, to the injury of the said William Clerebalt, therefore in mercy fined." "The tithing of Aulton present a hue raised between John Ledesye and William de Malmesbury to the injury of the said John, therefore in mercy." " Alice, who was the wife of Robert le Bucke of Aulton, plaintiff, puts herself by John atte Strete her attorney, against Robert Pynget and Joan his wife, of plea that they render to her 2 acres of land with appurts. in Aulton ; and against William de Medestede, of plea that he shall render to her 2 acres of land with appurts. in Aulton ; and the said Robert and William are essioned thereupon and a day is given them by their ession here in three weeks from this day. And the said Joan came and the same day is given to her, and the same day is given to the said Alice, the plaintiff, etc." " John le Buche of Aulton, plaintiff, puts himself by his ession against William de Medestede, of plea of land, and Additional Rolls. 33 the said William is essioned thereupon, and a day is given to him here in three weeks from this day, and the same day is given to the said John by his ession, etc." " A day is given to Richard le Brut, plaintiff, by the pledge of John le Ropere and John Wyborne, defendant, of plea of covenant On the prayer of the parties till the next court." " A day is given to Richard le Brut, plaintiff, as above, and to the said John of plea of trespass. On the prayer of the parties [adjourned] till the next court." Sum \6d. "13 November (6 Henry VII) view of Frankpledge. 1 149 - " ' Amercements.' William Bocher, of Alton, 3.?. ^d. for selling the flesh of bulls that had not been baited. William Bocher, of Alton, and Richard Bocher, of Alton each, \2d., because they sold bad meat, putrid and old." 2 Hen. VIII. "October. Laurence Eglisfeld, carriage of jackets from 1510. Alton to Waverley, thence to Guildford and Oking, 3^. 8d. z " 13 Hen. VIII. Grants in March, 1522: " 26. Sir Wm. Sandys, Knight of the Body, to be 1522. lieutenant or keeper of Alisholte and Woolmer Forests, Hants, which office was granted by patent, 18 April, I Hen. VIII, to Thomas, Earl of Arundell, and Wm. Arundell, lord Matravers, but has been taken into the king's hands by Sir Th. Lovell, justice of the king's forest this side of Trent, in his last eyre in the said county ; to receive annually 15 quarters of oats from his tenants of Alton Estbroke and Alton Westbroke, and five quarters of wheat from the Abbot of Hyde, and to hold a wood court in the said forests, every sixth week, for levying fines, deciding suits concerning the slaying of beasts, etc. Also 1 History of Basingstoke. Selections from Court Rolls. 2 King's Book of Payments. Record Office. 34 History of Alton. reversion of the manor of Wardelham, Hants, now held by the said Earl and Lord." 1 Del. Hampton Court, 26 March, 13 Hen. VIII. S. B. Pat. p. i, m. 26. 17 Hen. VIII. 1525. Grants in September, 1525: " 12. Wm. lord Sandes. To be keeper of the forests of Alisholte and Woolmer, Hants, with fees, as enjoyed by Tho., late Earle of Arundel, with oats from the tenants of Alton Estbroke and Alton Westbroke " * Del. Westm., 12 Sept, 17 Hen. VIII. S.B., Pat. p. 2, m. 8. 1 8 Hen. VIII. !526. "24 August, 1526. Sandys to Wolsey. Received Wolsey's letter on Sunday, 19 Aug. Dr. Knight, who was to have presented the ambassadors and Wolsey's letters to the king, fell sick at Alton, and only got to Winchester on Monday morning, so that Sandys presented the packet in place of him. . . . " l 1 8 Hen. VIII. 1526. Grants in May, 1526 : " 14. Lawrence Redman, of Alton Westbroke, Hants mercer. Protection ; going in the retinue of Lord Berners, Greenwich, 14 May, 18 Hen. VIII, P.S." ] 20 Hen. VIII. 1528. Grants in December, 1528 : " 15. John Byrcom, alias Bircoon, of Lyse Sturnay, alias of Alton, Hants, butcher. Pardon for having received from John Yong, of Lysturmy, husbandman, certain cattle stolen by the said John." l Bridewell, 10 Dec., 20 Hen. VIII. Del. Westm., 15 Dec., P.S., Pat. p. 2, m. 24. 24 Hen. VIII. 1532. " William Button to Cromwell. The Warden of the New College has granted to the farm of Alton a new lease, which is not delivered until he comes to his audit " ] Hoi., p. i. 1 King's Book of Payments. Record Office. State Papers. 35 27 Hen. VIII. "5 July* IS3S- Henry VIII Thursday, isas. 23 Sept. Alsford to Alton, to dinner, that night to Farn- ham, and then till Sunday, 14 m " l Domestic Elizabeth, vol. cxxxvii. "April, 1580. 60-65. Certificates of general musters isso. of able men and armour in the divisions of Alton, Pork- down, Andover, Fawley, Redbridge, and Basingstoke, in the county of Southampton, Six returns." 1 State Papers. " Articles given by Sir Richard Norton, against William l ^ sl - Pitts, late of Alton, and Benjamin Tychbourne, for sedi- tious speeches concerning religion and government Ben- jamin Tychbourne had countenanced him. Pitts escaped from Bath gaol." 3 " A conspiracy to fire beacons ; to redress present isse. dearth of corn and to rob gentlemen's houses, particularly Sir. R. Norton's, and to liberate recusants." 2 "May 15. Justices of part of Hampshire to the 1622. vol. 130, ~ ., * James I. Council : The smallness of contributions is through the poverty of the people, not through negligence. Alton division sends 254. los. ^d" 2 " July 25. Order given for troop under Sir Benjamin 1625. Tichborn to assemble at Kings lyngate on August 4 and 5. Those under Sir John Compton at Olddovvn, near Alton, on the 8 and 9 ; and Sir R. Norton's troop at Old Winchester on the 28th." 2 " The Alton Regiment : IBS?. Sir Richard Norton's. Sir John Compton's. Officers... ... 6 Officers... ... 6 Halberts ... 10 Halberts ... 10 Corslets ... 47 Corslets ... 36 Muskets ... 50 Muskets ... 50 1 King's Book of Payments. Record Office. 2 State Papers Domestic. Record Office. D2 36 History of Alton. " May 12. Sir Rich. Tichborne, Sir. Rich. Norton, vo'4^ p state' ^ e P' Lieutenants of Hants, and Jas., Duke of Lennox, and Papers.' Jerome, Earl of Portland, lords lieutenants of Hants. We have endeavoured to the utmost to put in execution those directions lately sent us. We have, with the consent of the Justices of the Peace, sent out warrants for raising cost and conduct money. In many places we find a readiness to contribute, while others are altogether averse, especially the hundreds of Odiham and Alton, which for the most part refuse to pay anything, as appears by the constable's returns, alleging for their reason that many of their hun- dreds have heretofore refused to pay the ship money, nothing has been done to them by way of example, and they hope they may as well escape for this. If a speedy course be not taken herein, we suppose that for want of pay the soldiers will be hardly kept from mutining, and our- selves shall receive much prejudice, not only in the money ,we have already disbursed for the impress, but likewise in four own particular credits, having engaged ourselves for the costs, but most especially it will be a great blemish and disadvantage to the King's service. We therefore desire you to direct some course for redress of this, for preventing the like hereafter." l 1640. Domestic. "Alton, Sept. 3O. The Depy. Lieutenants of Hants to the Charles I ' . /. NO. 48, p. 118-9. Council. We rec d . two letters from you on the 27 inst. ; to the one we answer that as yet we have made no excuse for the marching of our troops, nor shall we do so but on just occasion, though we know we have of late had as many charges laid on us as any county in England. And as we have been ever ready to serve his majesty and observe your commands to the best of our ability, so shall we be willing as far as any of his Majesties most loyal subjects, to con- tinue the same, being confident of receiving no heavier charge than we can bear. To the other, we have written to the colonels and captains of the trained bands to be ready to march on a day's warning, and all other things to be prepared fit for such an occasion, also to have the bea- 1 State Papers Domestic. Record Office. State Papers. 37 cons prepared and diligently watched, and if any difficulty arise we will acquaint you therewith. But touching a magazine of powder, we have heretofore written to you that our county never had any except what Queen Eliz* 11 . provided, and that was the order delivered to my Lord of Worcester on promise to have it mended, it having grown old with long keeping, but we could never receive any again. We have often written for powder, which the county would willingly take at reasonable rates to exercise themselves in the use of their pieces, and to have some store by them for the defence of the county, etc." l " 14 April. Sir Ed. Nicholas and the Earl of Forth, Lord-General of the King's forces. This bearer, Edmund Parker, late a lieutenant in Sir Jacob Astley's regt, was taken prisoner at Alton, and hath procured liberty to solicit for his exchange for one John Johnson, now prisoner in the Castle here, to obtain which he comes recommended from Sir Jacob Astley. Though his Majesty is not willing to grant this till Sir. Ed. Stradling and Al. Lansford be re- leased, yet when those two gentlemen shall be exchanged it is his Majesties pleasure the said Johnson be released for Lieut. Parker and no other person." l " In the times of Queen Elizabeth and King James it was no easy matter for a man to change his residence. Eifz C abeti?and n " The inhabitants of towns were very jealous of admit- time! ting strangers to share their privileges. And so in Farn- ham, as in other towns, before a stranger was allowed to take up his residence therein, he was obliged to get some citizen of good character to be bail for him. Two such deeds are still preserved amongst the town records." " In the first John Hockley, yeoman, and Henry Tilly, glover, stand security for 4O/. for Richard Mayne, butcher, of Alton, who had come to Farnham." " In the next John Hinton, Thomas Beldam and Alex- ander Beldam stand surety for John Hunt." 2 1 State Papers Domestic. Record Office. 3 Farnham, by Rev. R. N. Milford, p. 44. 38 History of Alton. ROYALTY AT ALTON. 1101 " Henry I signed a treaty at Alton with his brother Robert in noi." 1204. 1217. " King John passed through the town to Winchester in 1204, and visited it again in 1217." 1509. " In his youth Henry VIII was fond of hunting, and a place in Woolmer Forest now called Lode Farm was a favourite hunting box of this prince. From the frequent visits he paid to it, we are told he got the name of Harry at Lode." 1 less. It appears from the old Churchwardens' and Vestry Books that " Kinge (Charles I) came through y e Towne in April, 1635." 1669. " King (Charles II) also passed through in 1669." !684- " His Ma tie . James II rode through to Winton and returned in 1684." CANTERBURY PILGRIMS. canterbury " The pilgrims of old, bound for the shrine of St. Pilgrims. Thomas at Canterbury, some, especially those who came from Normandy and Britany, landed at Southampton, and travelled through the southern counties of Hampshire, Surrey, and Kent. Many of these doubtless stopped at Winchester, attracted by the fame of St. Swithin, the great healing Bishop ; and here they would be joined by the pilgrims from the west of England on their way to the shrine of Canterbury. This was the route taken by Henry II, when, landing at Southampton on his return from France, he made his first memorable pilgrimage to the tomb of the murdered archbishop, in the month of 1174< July, 1174. And this route was trodden by thousands of pilgrims during the next three centuries, and may still be clearly defined through the greater part of its course, and in Surrey and Kent bears the historic name of the ' Pil- grim's Way.' Few traces of the Pilgrim's Way are now to be found in Hampshire. The route they took on leaving Winchester is uncertain ; it is not till we reach Farnham 1 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 255. Canterbury Pilgrims. 39 that we find the line of hills along which the Pilgrim's Way runs, but in all probability they followed the Roman road, which still leads to Silchester and London, along the valley of the river Itchen. They in all probability passed through Alresford, and tradition says that the Pilgrim's Way lay through the parish of Ropley, a neighbouring village where Roman remains have been discovered ; and a little further on the same road, close to Rotherfield Park, is an old farm house which still bears the name of ' Pilgrims Palace.' thence through Chawton, Alton, and Farnham." J " Pilgrim's Palace," or place, here mentioned, is now iden- tical with Pelham, the residence of the Misses Lempriere. The name Pelham is derived from the French word Pelerin, signifying Pilgrim. There are also one or two fields close by, known by the name of Pilgrim fields. LAND BOUGHT IN THE TOWN AND NEIGHBOURHOOD BY WINCHESTER COLLEGE. " John Baker was a great buyer of lands, investing in 1431. that way surplus funds of Winchester College. In 1471 he 1471. bought lands in Hawkley, Newton Valence, and Inber- shete (Empshot) for 40. In 1480, among others, he wso. bought Holtham and Herdes, in the parish of East Tisted, and Goleigh in Priors Dean. In 1482 he acquired a farm 1482. at East Worldham, the manors of Will Hall and Wyards, close to Alton, and lands lying dispersedly in the common fields adjoining that town, a messuage called Stonehouse, in the High Street, and a tenement in Turk Street," 2 " Stonehouse " is the house now occupied by Mr. Turner-Smith and part of the next house of Mr. Dykes, property of Winchester College, renewable leasehold. 1 The Pilgrim's Way from Winchester to Canterbury, by Mrs. Henry Ady (Julia Cartwright), the Hampshire Antiquarian and Naturalist, vol. 2, p. 19, 20. 2 Kirby's Annals of Winchester College, p. 210. 4O History of Alton. THE CIVIL WAR. 1 During the Civil War that broke out between King Charles I and the Parliament in the year 1642, Alton became involved in several encounters, but one is invested with special historical importance. During the war, the siege of Farnham Castle and Basing House being pro- tracted, and Alton lying somewhat between the two, the Royalist and Parliamentarian troops frequently came into collision. I am indebted to the Rev. G. N. Godwin's Civil War in Hampshire, published in 1882, for the following interesting facts : " Hearing that Sir William Waller was anxious to march towards the west, Prince Rupert, on February 22nd, 1643, rode out of Oxford at the head of a considerable force, and tried to intercept four guns and seven cartloads of ammunition, which were on their way to join the Parliamentary army. Rupert and his troopers reached Basingstoke and exchanged greetings with the stout old Marquis of Winchester, but failed to secure their prize, Waller having received intelligence of their arrival, and sent orders to the convoy to halt upon its march whilst he himself retreated to Guildford. Detachments of his forces had already reached Winchester and Alton, and orders were at once despatched to recall them. The party from Winchester retired without molestation, but the Alton detachment was not so fortunate. It was 200 strong, and was reconnoitring the roads into Gloucestershire and Wilt- shire, and reached Alton on February 22nd. Scarcely had the wearied troopers unsaddled, before 1500 of Rupert's wild riders beset the town. Thinking that resistance would be useless, they cried for quarter, which was scornfully re- fused ; whereupon they prepared to sell their lives dearly. Having a field piece with them, they loaded it with musket bullets and calmly awaited attack. The cavaliers came boldly within range ; the gun was fired, and when the smoke cleared away, 80 of the assailants were seen to be either killed or wounded, and the rest retreating in con- 1 Civil War in Hampshire, by the Rev. G. N. Godwin. The Civil War. 41 fusion. Night was falling fast, but on came the attacking party once more. Again did that murderous field piece scatter its deadly hail, and again did 40 soldiers of the king fall hors de combat. Darkness put an end to the strife, and the cavaliers deferred their intended capture until the fol- lowing morning, only to find at dawn that the gallant defenders of Alton had skilfully escaped and fallen back in good order on the main body during the night." " On Wednesday, September I3th, 1643, an ordinance of Parliament was passed, ordering Sir William Waller to collect forces for the protection of Hampshire. Farnham was the Parliamentarian base of operations, and from thence Sir William Waller determined to advance against Basing. It was resolved to occupy Odiham and Alton, and from thence to proceed by gradual approaches towards Basing, taking possession of or destroying anything that might prove of service to the enemy." " On November 2nd, Waller was said to have at Farn- ham and Guildford between five and six thousand men, and had surprised at Alton 100 cavaliers under the command of Colonel Bennett. On Friday, November 3rd, the regi- ments marched from Farnham towards Alton, and were reviewed by their general on Bentley Green. The " field state" showed that there were present 16 troops of horse, 8 companies of dragoons, 36 companies of foot, and a train of artillery, consisting of ten heavy guns, and six cases of small " drakes." After an hour's halt the march towards Alton was resumed, and that night Elias Archer's regiment was quartered at the little villages of East and West Worldham, two miles distant from Alton. Sir Ralph Hop- ton's forces retired from Winchester towards Andover and Salisbury at the approach of Waller's army. Saturday^ the 4th of November, was a day of rain and snow, which compelled Waller's troops, who had mustered in force about two miles from Alton on the road to Winchester, to return to their quarters. The 5th of November witnessed a great muster in the neighbourhood of Alton, and the army took the road to Winchester, but towards evening, 42 History of Alton. when about nine miles distant from that city, turned to the right, halting for the night at the village of Chilton Can- dover, between Alresford and Basingstoke." " On Friday, Dec. ist, 1643, Lord Crawford occupied Alton with a regiment of horse and another of foot and began to fortify the town with all the speed he could, and Sir Ralph Hopton quartered many of his men at Alresford and Petersfield, which was done in policy to keep them from Winchester." "The infantry regiment here referred to, Clarendon says was about 500 strong, but the epitaph of its Colonel states that it was not less than 1300. It was under the command of Colonel John Bolle, second son of Sir John Bolle, who died in 1606. He was an ancestor of the present Warden of Winchester College, to whom I am indebted for much information concerning him. This gallant soldier was a brother of Sir Charles Bolle, of Louth Hall, in Lincolnshire, who on one occasion concealed him- self beneath the arch of a bridge near the gaol at Lowth, whilst the enemy's troopers galloped unsuspectingly above his head. He raised a regiment amongst his tenants for the king, and gave the command of it to his brother John." " Colonel John Bolle did great deeds at Edgehill and other places at the head of his regiment, whose ranks, sadly thinned by the ravages of war and disease, seem to have been afterwards filled with Welsh and Irish recruits." " On the evening of Saturday, December pth, most of Waller's men were drawn up in Farnham Park, and a party was that night sent towards Alton, which beat up Lord Crawford's quarters, and afterwards fell back upon Farn- ham. But more stirring work was at hand." "An attack in force upon Alton having been decided upon, Lieut Archer says : ' Tuesday, December I2th, most of our men went presently into the town (Farnham) to refresh and prepare themselves for the service, where, although they before gave their general consent, many of them stayed behind, and went not with their colours ; nevertheless we advanced without them.' " The Civil War. 43 "During the morning hours of this memorable I2th of December, Lord Crawford had sent a messenger to Farn- ham asking Sir William Waller to send him to Alton a runlet of sack, promising to send a fat ox in exchange. ' Our worthy Sir William sent in a loving compliment to the Lord Crawford half a hogshead of sack, who mistrusting the matter and the messenger, caused the messenger and divers others to taste thereof, and then caused it to be carefully laid by for his own drinking.' Sir William Waller demanded the promised ox, whereupon Lord Craw- ford replied that he would bring it himself. Waller fails not at nightfall to go in search of his ox, and instead of a beast, brought away 565 prisoners." " His men, 5000 in number, mustered without beat of drum in the park at Farnham, and commenced their march about seven o'clock in the evening, going in the direction of Basing House. But after advancing about two miles, the cavalry halted for an hour upon a heath between Crondall and Farnham, and awaited the arrival of the infantry, and thus reinforced continued their march, which was favoured by the hard frost, which at this time lasted for six weeks without intermission. Lieut. Elias Archer says : ' But having marched that way about two miles we returned to the left.' Another eye-witness says that the whole force marched as if towards Basing until one o'clock in the morning, and then faced south towards Alton, between the hills." " Lieut. Archer says that they 'in a remote way between the wood and hills marched beyond Alton, and about nine o'clock on Wednesday morning, December I3th, came upon the west side of the town, where we had both the wind and hill to friend.' Sir William Waller's scouts were vigilant, so that his main force arrived without attracting observation. Mercurius Aulicus (a series of Civil War tracts on behalf of the king, which then served for news- papers) admits that the cavalier scouts had concentrated their attention on the main road leading from Farnham to Alton, not expecting an attack from any other quarter. 44 History of Alton. Some of Sir William's scouts were captured, but others brought information that Lord Crawford was quartered in the town with between 300 and 500 horse, in addition to the infantry regiment of Colonel John Bolle. Scarcely had they made their report before Lord Crawford and his troopers were both seen and heard galloping at speed out of the town towards Winchester, having promised their comrades of the infantry that they would speedily return with reinforcements. They quitted Alton on the eastern side, but being unexpectedly headed back by the Parlia- mentarian! horse, they galloped back through the town, and rode to the southward direct for Winchester ; whilst in their rear, now sabreing one, now capturing another, rode the pursuing mail-clad squadrons of Sir Arthur Haslerig, known as ' Lobsters ' from their iron shells, and says the stern Puritan chronicler, 'our Foot made the woods ring with a shout.' Three or four cavaliers were slain in the pursuit, which was followed for about half-a-mile through narrow lanes, and about 30 horses and some prisoners were taken by Sir Arthur's men, who then returned and blocked up all the entrances to the town, leaving Lord Crawford and his men to make the best of their way to Winchester." " Nor were the infantry idle meanwhile. Lieut. Archer says, ' Then Sir William's own regiment of foot, Sir Arthur Haslerig's five companies, and five companies of Kentish- men went on upon the north and north-west side, and gave the first onset by lining of hedges and the like, but could not as yet come to any perfect execution, in respect that our London regiments were not come in sight of the enemy, and therefore they bent all their force against those three regiments and lined divers houses with musqueteers, es- pecially one great brick house near the church was full, out of which windows they fired very fast, and might have done great prejudice to those men, but that when our train of artillery came towards the foot of the hill, they made cer- tain shot, which took place upon that house, and forced them to forsake it. In the meantime our London regiments and four companies that belong to Farnham Castle came The Civil War. 45 down the hill ; then the Red Regiment and the Greencoats and the four companies of Farnham Castle set upon a half moon and a breastwork which the enemy had managed, and from which they fired very hot and desperately till the Green Auxiliaries marched on the other side of a little river into the town with their colours flying, and being in the wind of the enemy, fired a little thatched house, and so blinded them that this regiment marched forwards, and coming in part behind the works, fired upon them, so that they were forced to forsake the said half-moon and breast- work, which they had no sooner left but presently the Greencoats and part of the musqueteers of the Red and our Yellow Regiments entered, while the rest of our regiment marched into the town with their colours flying.' " "Another eye-witness, already referred to, says that the infantry advanced as far as the market place." " Lieut. Archer continues : ' Now was the enemy con- strained to betake himself and all his forces to the church, churchyard, and one great work on the north side of the church, all which they kept near upon two hours very stoutly, and having made scaffolds in the church to fire out of the windows, fired very thick from every place.' " "The other account says that the Cavaliers, being all musketeers, retired to the works near the church, ' where they had double trenches and a half-moon.' The church and a barn close by were ' chiefest refuge ' ; and there was " a very hot fight near two hours by reason of a malignant, who willingly fired his own barn and other houses.' The smoke caused much annoyance to the assailants, who lost about three men ' by reason of which smoke.' " " The battle word of the Cavaliers was ' Charles ' ; that of their opponents being ' Truth and Victory.' " " ' The fight continued,' says Lieut. Archer, ' till divers soldiers of our regiment and the Red Regiment fired very thick upon the south-east of the churchyard, and so forced them to forsake that part of the wall, leaving their muskets standing upright, the muzzles whereof appeared above the 46 History of Alton. wall as if some of the men had still lyn there in ambush, and our men seeing nobody appear to use those muskets, concluded that the men were gone, and consulted among themselves to enter two or three files of musqueteers, promising Richard Guy, one of my captain-sergeants, who was the first that entered the churchyard, to follow him if he would lead them. Whereupon he advanced, and coming within the churchyard door, and seeing most of the Cava- liers firing at our men from the south and west part of the churchyard, looked behind him for the men which promised to follow him, and there was only one musqueteer with him. Nevertheless, he, flourishing his sword, told them if they would come the churchyard was their own ; then Symon Hutchinson, one of Lieut.-Col. Willoughbie's sergeants, forced the musqueteers and brought them up himself. Immediately on this, one of the sergeants of the Red Regiment, whose name I know not, and therefore cannot nominate him as his worth deserves, brought in another division of musqueteers, who, together with those which were there before, caused the enemy's forces to betake themselves towards the church for safeguard, but our men followed them so close with their halberts, swords, and musket stocks, that they drove them beyond the church door, and slew about ten or twelve of them, and forced the rest to a very distracted retreat. Which, when the others saw who were in the great work on the north side of the church- yard, they left the work and came, thinking to help their fellows, and coming in a disorderly manner to the south- west corner of the church, with their pikes in the rear (who furiously charged on in as disorderly a manner as the rest led them), their front was forced back upon their own pikes, which hurt and wounded many of the men and brake the pikes in pieces. By this time the churchyard was full of our men, laying about them stoutly with halberts, swords, and musket stocks, while some threw hand grenades in at the church windows, others attempting to enter the church, being led on by Sergt.-Major Shambrooke, a man whose worth and valour envy cannot stain, who in the entrance The Civil War. 47 received a shot in the thigh, whereof he is very ill.' Major Shambrooke is elsewhere said to have been wounded in the thigh in the church by the pistol of a prisoner, to whom he had given quarter. ' Great hopes there is of his speedy recovery.' An entry having been forced into the church, the exterior and interior of which still bear many a bullet mark, Colonel Bolle declared with an oath that he would ' run his sword through the heart of him which first called for quarter.' Clarendon says that he hoped to defend the church " for so many hours that relief might be sent to him, but he had not time to barricade the doors ; so that the enemy entered almost as soon, and after a short resistance, in which many were killed, the soldiers, overpowered, threw down their arms and asked for quarter, which was likewise offered to the Colonel, who refused it, and valiantly de- fended himself, till with the death of two or three of the assailants, he was killed in the place, his enemies giving him a testimony of great courage and resolution.' According to a family tradition, the Colonel was shot in the pulpit, but according to Mercurius Aulicus he was knocked on the head with the butt end of a musket. The Weekly Account of December 2Oth, 1643, says, ' I am certainly informed there were not above fifteen pieces found in the pocket of Colonel Bolles, who, until he fell himself, did bravely en- courage and lead on his soldiers.' " "This gallant soldier's epitaph is inscribed on two brasses, one of which is affixed to a pillar near Bishop Morley's monument in Winchester Cathedral, and the other is in Alton Church. It states that the strength of his regiment was 1300, and that he took refuge in Alton Church with about 80 of his men ; that the fight lasted six or seven hours, and that Colonel Bolles killed six or seven of his assailants before he was slain, together with sixty of his men. The author of this epitaph, who claimed kinship to the gallant Colonel, erroneously stated the date of Alton fight as 1641, instead of 1643, and it has been justly remarked, ' As no hero was ever perhaps more deservingof an honourable commendation to posterity; so never perhaps 48 History of Alton. was there epitaph more devoid of grammar and ortho- graphy, than that which is here erected to his memory.' " It thus concludes : " His Gratious Soveraigne, hearing of his death, gave him his high commendation in ye pationate expression, Bring me a moorning scarffe, I have lost one of the best Commanders in this Kingdome," " Alton will tell you of that famous Fight Which ys man made, and bade this world good-night. His Vertious Life fear'd not Mortality, His body must, his Vertues cannot die, Because his Bloud was there so nobly spent, This is his Tombe ; that Church his Monument. Ricardus Boles, Wiltoniensis in Art. Mag. Composuit Posuitque Dolens. An. Domi 1689." According to Lieutenant Archer, " He being slain, they generally yielded and desired quarter, except some des- perate villains which refused quarter, who were slain in the church, and some others of them wounded, who afterwards were granted quarter upon their request." "The Lieutenant says that Waller's loss was 'not above eight or nine at the most, besides what were wounded, and I conceive their loss of men to be about fifty or sixty, most of which were slain in the church and churchyard after we had entered.' Mercurius Aulicus says 'that 27 of the king's men fell at Alton, and that only 300 were made prisoners, whilst Waller had 200 men killed in the church and churchyard.' " " Master Elias Archer says that when all resistance was at an end, the prisoners who had been taken in and about the church were placed in a large barn, which joined to the churchyard, and after the church was cleared of our men, they were all put into the church, and the rest which were taken in several houses in the town were put to them and there they were coupled together and brought to Farnham, the number of them being about 875, amongst whom were about fifty commanders besides horsemen, which were taken in pursuit of the Lord Crawford, who ran away from the town as soon as we gave the first assault upon their works." Plate III. ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH, ALTON. 1830. The Civil War. 49 " Waller at once employed the inhabitants of Alton to ' slight ' or demolish the fortifications which had been con- structed in and about the town by the cavaliers." " Lord Crawford left his hat and cloak behind him at Alton, and owed his escape to the speed of his horse. It will be remembered that he had on the previous day received with due tasting precautions a present of some wine from Sir William Waller. This he also left behind him in his flight, and it was ever afterwards remembered against him that he ' left his sack at Alton.' " " The following characteristic letters from Hopton and Crawford were read in the House of Commons on Monday, December i8th, together with a letter from Sir William Waller, whose first messenger announcing his victory, had reached London on December I3th." : " To Sir W. Waller. Sir, I hope your gaining of Alton cost you dear. It was your lot to drinke of your own sack, which I never intended to have left for you. I pray you favour me so much as to send me my own chirurgion, and upon my honour I will send you a person suitable to his exchange. Sir, your servant, CRAWFORD." " To Sir W. Waller. Sir, This is the first evident ill success I have had. I must acknowledge that I have lost many brave and gallant men. I desire you, if Colonel Bolles be alive, to propound a fit exchange ; if dead, that you will sende me his corps. I pray you sende me a list of such prisoners as you have, that such choice men as they are may not continue long unredeemed. God give a sudden stop to this issue of English Blood, which is the desire, Sir, of your faithful friend to serve you. "Winton, i6th December. RALF HOPTON." "Clarendon adds: 'The Lord Hopton sustained the loss of that regiment with extraordinary trouble of mind, and as a wound that would bleed inward ; and therefore was the more inflamed with desire of a battle with Waller to make even all accounts. A little more patience, my Lord Hopton, and your wish shall be fully gratified.' " " It was noticed that Alton was taken at the very time when the Cavaliers at Oxford were making ' bon fyers ' with much triumph for the death of Pym." 5o History of Alton. "On Friday, December 1 5th, Sir Arthur Haslerig and Sir Gilbert Gerard were ordered by the House of Commons ' to prepare a letter to be written to Sir William Waller, to acknowledge the great service he has done, and how it has pleased God to bless it with great success.' " THE PARISH CHURCH. The following sketch, which may be regarded as a pre- face to the more detailed history and description of the Parish Church of St. Lawrence was kindly furnished by the Rev. H. E. Victor, of Brighton. From the great dearth of records relating to our parish churches, it is often a very difficult task to write their architectural history. It is indeed often not possible to do more than form a rough estimate of the date of the original building, and of subsequent alterations and ad- ditions, from a study of the different styles of architecture represented in the building itself ; but even in this way it is often very difficult to arrive at any certain or definite conclusion, for in one church it frequently happens that there are visible traces of many styles of architecture, and it is often impossible to say what the original form of the building may have been, or to define what has been done in the way of alterations, save that each age seems to have set its mark on the building in some form or other. But, taking a study of the architecture of Alton Church, there is not this distraction caused by a confusion of many styles, and its features are so well defined that it seems possible to build up a guess-work history of its original form and the changes made since, which in the absence of direct record, may come very near to the truth. There are then apparent in the church three distinct styles of architecture, and these strangely enough repre- sent the two extremes of Gothic building, namely, early Norman, early English, and two sorts of Perpendicular or Tudor work, the flat-headed and pointed arch. 'I I The Parish Church. 51 From the relation these two styles now bear to each other in the structure of the building, it seems evident that the original church was a small cruciform Norman building with low central tower. The bold simplicity of the mould- ings of the pillars and tower arches, which still remain, seem to point to an early date after the Norman Conquest. The capitals of the tower are supposed to have been carved by French artists, who came over early after the Conquest, and did this Church and many others. It would seem that this Norman Church must have remained untouched for several centuries, for of the many subsequent developments of architecture that followed the Norman period, the building bears no trace till that final phase of the art is reached, which in some sense marks its decay, the later form of perpendicular work, which, fast losing the beauty of its lines and the fineness of its proportions, was so soon to run to waste altogether. Just in the evening twilight of English architecture the design seems to have been formed of entirely reconstructing Alton Church, and that on a very greatly enlarged scale. These new builders first appear to have taken down the old Norman church altogether, with the exception of the central tower and its supporting piers and arches and the south wall. Then taking the line of the old south wall as the south wall of their new church, though probably lengthening it considerably eastward, they built a wide, lofty church of equal height and width from end to end externally covered with two span roofs covered with lead, afterwards altered to one large roof, but internally divided down the middle by a lofty arcade. Each division had its own low pitched timber roof, the principals resting on stone corbels. The effect of this internally was to give a church consisting of nave and south aisle both of equal length and width. The portion of the south aisle eastward of the tower formed a chapel, of which the Piscina and Aumbry remain in good preservation. The new roof being much more lofty than that of the original church, the old Norman belfry windows come beneath it, and now open into the E2 52 History of Alton. church. There are large perpendicular windows at the east and west of both nave and aisle, the north and east walls being pierced windows almost, but not quite square headed. Even in the old part of the south wall these windows have replaced whatever Norman openings there may have been ; the only trace of Norman work left beside those al- ready mentioned being a piscina and portions of the carved jambs of the old south door, now built up, also remains of Norman capitals on south wall. Externally the new church was built of local flint and stone groins covered with plaster ; internally the stone used probably came from Purbeck or the Isle of Wight ; but it seems clear that the stone of the later church differed from that of the older one. Probably at the same time the church was rebuilt the tower was raised considerably in height and surmounted by a broad spire of timber covered with lead, rising to a height of 120 feet. Then, either at this time, or a later date, a peal of bells was added, and here at once it is apparent that a curious plan was adopted in the hanging of these bells. The old Norman piers, originally designed only to carry the low -Norman tower, had already been heavily taxed to carry the weight of the heavier tower and lofty spire, and it was clearly felt unsafe to put further strain on them by the additional weight of the bells and their vibration when in use. Massive oak frames, resting on the floor of the church, were therefore set up in each of the inside angles of the tower piers, and these beams carry the framework on which the bells are hung in the belfrey above. Some oak screen work, now dividing the chancel from the chantry, and some fine miserere stalls are all that remain of the internal fittings of this reconstructed church, and are shifted to present positions. Passing on from these times through the Reformation, and past it, Alton Church gives us a very forcible illustra- tion of that pew and pulpit age which held such deadening sway during the last and early portion of the present cen- tury. When neglectful and careless of the Sacraments Plate V. ST. LAWRENCE. if The Parish Church. 53 and church order, and true devotion, the popular religious idea too often seemed to find expression in a comfortable pew for the worshipper, which should command a favour- able view of the pulpit, itself elevated in the chief place of honour in the church. The annexed diagram of the internal arrangements of the church as they existed in 1815, will shew how thoroughly this debased idea of Christian worship had been carried out. The altar, neglected and almost crowded out with pews, many of which were fixed with their backs towards it, stood at the east end, almost obscured by a great gallery running right across the chancel. Close to it stood the font, moved from its proper place by the south door, the only ground for such removal seemingly being that in its lawful place it occupied space available for pews in what was considered a good position. The pulpit, then a three-decker, with an old sounding board over, stood half-way down the nave against the north wall, facing south, and centreing as towards a magnet, were pews, covering all the floor space, so arranged as to obtain the best possible view of the preacher ; while overhead a curious medley of galleries seem to have grown up in every direction where their floor beams would find a hold. And the ownership of these pews must have been fully in keeping with the seats themselves. Those in the best position seem to have been regarded as the undisputed freehold of the well-to-do, and in the obscure and uncom- fortable corners the poor found, at any rate, a magnanimous recognition. Truly God the Holy Ghost must be in a church where such dry bones could be revivified, and the old faith and purer conception of divine worship reassert their power in men's hearts. The next step in the history is the restoration, which in the literal meaning of the word is the bringing of the church to that form and order which should more fitly direct men's thoughts to the truer conception of heavenly worship. The pews and the galleries were removed and replaced with open seats. The altar, no longer obscured, 54 History of Alton. was made the centre towards which all else was directed. The fine Jacobean pulpit, no longer called on to fulfil three duties at once, was carried eastward to the end of the nave seats. The old miserere stalls, restored and enlarged by the addition of fine carved fronts, were once more set up in their original place in the choir. The old font was replaced by a new one, set under the tower, instead of what was probably the original position, near the south door. It is to be regretted that the old font was removed and allowed to fall to pieces. Later on the timber work of the spire was restored and the old lead replaced by heart-of-oak shingles. Such in very brief outline is a history, though, to speak more correctly, only a suggestive history of the church as a building. There it stands, with its stamp of Norman origin, with its signs of later development, with its scraps and traces of beautifying fresco, side by side with remnants of desecrating whitewash, with its walls and woodwork pitted with Cromwell's bullets, with its fresh traces of the love and care of a later age. There it stands, with its spire pointing heavenward, to those who will seek its shelter, their true home on earth, to all willing or unwilling, a solemn and a ceaseless preacher of the presence of God amongst us, and of that Holy Faith which alone can lead us to the eternal city, the " building that hath foundations." ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH. The Parish Church is situated in Church street, to the north of the town, on somewhat high ground, about 360 feet above the sea level. It is dedicated to St. Lawrence, and was originally a Norman structure, and, no doubt, cruci- form in shape, the square tower being in the centre. The tower was afterwards surmounted by a steeple rising to the height of 1 20 feet to the top of the weather vane. The church is built of flints, stuccoed over, and native stone dressings. Inside, the stone is from Purbeck or the Isle of Wight. In the construction of the old Norman tower the other stone is local, probably from Selborne or Binsted. The Parish Church. 55 The roof is in two spans, but at some period made into one wide roof externally, and is covered with lead. The spire was originally covered with lead, but in the year 1873 the old lead and boarding were removed, the defective oak timbers replaced by new, the steeple reboarded and covered with heart-of-oak shingles. The spire was on June 24th, 1880, struck by lightning, but fortunately was not seriously injured. There are eight Norman windows in the tower. The arches supporting the tower are good examples of late Norman architecture and have some grotesque figures carved on the capitols, supposed to have been done by French artists who came over soon after the Conquest. The north and south transepts at some period were re- moved, the east and west arms only remaining, but not quite in their original condition, inasmuch as they have been widened, the outer north walls taken away and a new north aisle added. At the west end of the church and in the south wall are the remains of a capitol and commence- ment of an arch of considerable span, an entrance, in all probability, to the original church. The other windows are all perpendicular, many flat- headed, and none of them belong to the original structure. There are four small Norman windows in the belfry, those looking to the east and west being intact, the north and south being closed at the time the transepts were removed. There are no remains of any ancient stained glass, but those windows containing stained glass are of recent date. The large chancel window was erected at the cost of 400, raised by public subscription, in 1870, to the memory of the late Rev. Edward James, Canon of Winchester, who was Vicar of Alton for twenty-two years. The subject of the centre light is the " Ascension of Our Lord," and " His Baptism " and " The Last Supper " are represented on the left and right. The window was manufactured by Capron- nier, of Brussels. The east window of the old chancel is also filled with stained glass, the subject being "Christ healing the Sick." " It was inserted by public subscription 5 6 History of Alton. A.D. 1884, in grateful memory of Louis Leslie, M.D., of Amery House, who practised as a Physician in this town and neighbourhood for nearly forty years. Born Oct. 6th, 1822. Died Nov. 25th, 1883." It cost 350. The window next to the pulpit is filled with stained glass, "To the glory of God. In memory of Martha Hutchins. Died March 25th, 1873." It represents the three Marys : St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary B.V., St. Mary Cleophas. The last two windows were by Messrs. Heaton, Butler and Bayne, of London. There is also a stained glass window under the belfry to the memory of the late John Dyer and Martha his wife, and of Nancy Martha, wife of William Dyer, erected by members of the family The subjects are, " This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased," and, " Suffer little children to come unto Me." The roof is of oak, in the perpendicular style, with tie beams and rafters shewing ; during the restoration many bullets were taken out from the timbers. The stone corbels supporting the hammer beams are in several cases carved with heads, some of them very grotesque. Some fine fresco paintings, dating probably from the fourteenth century, were in 1839 discovered on the walls, after having long been concealed by whitewash, and are still to be seen on one of the pillars facing the north. They are supposed to represent St. Cornelius, a bishop and a king. From the traces of colour still remaining, it would appear that the Norman arches of the tower were originally covered with frescoes. The few encaustic tiles found during the restoration were unfortunately put in the vestry doorway, and, in con- sequence, are now very much worn. The church was originally seated with old-fashioned high pews, which the congregation entered by a high step, the whole floor being on a much lower level. Large galleries extended round the church, and one crossed the aisle in front of the communion table, with its FRESCO PAINTINGS. XtV CENTURY. Plate VII. The Parish Church. 57 back to the east window. One gallery was entered from the belfry. Between each pew door in the north aisle was a small seat for the use of the inmates of the workhouse. I find in the old Church Vestry Book that at a Vestry held 1 3th December, 1814, "it was resolved that a new gallery be erected in the vacant space over where the engine stands, and that seats be erected down the middle aisle." Also in 1839-40, "a subscription was raised for cleaning and colouring the interior of the church, and the erecting of nine additional pews under the galleries in the chancel, and the oak Gothic doors and screen near the west entrance." "Again, at a vestry held the 3rd day of August, 1843, it was considered most desirable (with a view to increasing the accommodation in the church) that all the pews be cut down to the same level ; and the churchwardens are re- quested to take measures to carry this into effect, with a view to remove the gallery over the altar and placing it in the chancel." At the restoration, in 1867, all the old high pews and galleries were removed, the floor raised, and a new gallery placed across the whole width of the west end of the church, and the body of the church was seated throughout with comfortable low pews. The old font was very plain, and at the time of the restoration, in 1867, it was removed and replaced by one carved in Caen stone by the then Vicar, the Rev. O. A. Hodgson. It is octagon in shape, and the carvings on the panels represent the emblems of the Passion. At one time, in 1814, the old font stood close to the altar rails. There is nothing of interest to record about the altar. The communion table stands on raised steps, and at the time of the restoration the wall was faced with coloured tiles. About 1878 or 1879 a dossal was put up, and on either side curtains were hung. A super-altar was added, upon which was placed an oak cross, gilded, and two vases for flowers. 58 History of Alton. On Christmas Day, 1894, a brass cross was given to the church to replace the gilded oak cross standing on the super altar. A design for a new reredos for the church, by Sir Arthur Blomfield, A.R.A., has been approved and adopted. It is to be of carved oak, in the perpendicular style, and will be erected as soon as the money can be raised. The pulpit in 1814 was removed from some part to near the singing gallery. At the time of the restoration it stood somewhat to the west of the middle of the north aisle, and its character of a three-decker, as it was called, the pulpit above, the reading desk in the middle, and the clerk's desk below, was done away with. There was at that time an old conical shaped sounding board over. The pulpit, which is of rich old oak panelling, receding behind pillars and arches, is a splendid specimen of Jacobite carving, and now stands on a stone base near the organ. The lectern is an eagle, beautifully carved in oak, and executed by the late Rev. A. W. Deey, who was for some years curate of Alton. It stands on an oak carved pedestal. The old oak screen of open work is very antique ; it was taken from near the belfry during the restoration, and now divides the old from the present chancel, near the altar rails. The ancient oak miserere stalls are used as a part of the choir stalls. The new carved oak choir stalls were designed by Herbert Kitchin, Esq., of Winchester, and placed in the church in 1886. They cost about 90, the money being raised by subscription. The poor box is of oak and is very old ; it is fixed on the pillar near the altar rails, and has the following inscription printed over it : " Remember the poore, and turn not thy face from any poore man, and the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from thee." Tobit. iv, 7 vers. " If thou hast but little, give little ; if much, give plenteously." As you enter by the large west entrance, the doors are of massive oak, riddled and splintered by canon balls and bullets during the battle between the Royalists Plate VIII. JACOBEAN PULPIT. THE LECTERN. The Parish Church. 59 and Rebels. Several bullets are also seen embedded in the stone columns of the tower. At the west end of the church, under the gallery is a doorway, the remains of which are seen from the outside ; it was closed at the restoration. Immediately on the left hand, on the inside of the church, is seen a holy water stoup. Under the second window of the west end of the north wall are traces of a small doorway. On the south wall, by the east window, there are a double piscina and aumbry, and on either side of the east window are two arched niches, in which statues at some time stood. High up in the solid stonework of the east window is carved a crozier, and opposite to it on the east aspect of the wall of the tower is carved another, exactly similar in shape and size. It has been conjectured that these croziers were held by figures carved and let into niches in the wall, and the figures being broken, the niches were filled up with plaster, and the croziers allowed to remain. But this is very un- certain. Over the east entrance door, leading into the south-east chapel there are the letters R and H carved each on a shield in either angle of the top of the archway. From the Alton Church Minute Book 1 find that on February 27th, 1829, it was "Resolved that a barrel organ be erected in the church, provided the cost of the organ and every expense incurred by its erection be paid for by a sub- scription, etc." At a Vestry held June 25th, 1829, " It is resolved, That, provided a faculty be obtained for erecting the said organ in the said church, and which faculty shall contain a clause whereby the said Parish shall at all times be held harmless from all costs, charges and expenses of playing and re- pairing the said organ, or which may in any manner be occasioned thereby. That the said organ may and shall have finger keys thereto as well as barrels." The organ stood in the west gallery. At the time of the restoration, in 1867, a new organ chamber was built out by Mr. William Dyer and his sisters, 6o History of Alton. on the north side of the north aisle, somewhat near the altar, under which was placed the stove and boiler to supply the heating apparatus. The old organ was sold, and bought by the Congre- gationalists. The new organ is considered one of the best in the County, and was manufactured by Messrs. Speechley and Ingram, of London, at a cost of 850. It was presented to the church in memory of the late C. M. Burnett, M.D., chiefly through the instrumentality of his son, the Rev. M. Burnett. It contains 1960 pipes, 3 manuals and 40 stops. The organ was built in 1866 ; and in 1895, after nearly thirty years, it was entirely cleaned and restored, with the additions of: new pedal board, tubular pneumatics to pedal organ, tremulant to choir, voix celeste to swell, small open diapason and trumpet to great, and the front pipes decorated in gold and colours. The church is heated by hot water pipes and lighted by gas pendants. The cost of the restoration amounted to ^3553- The designs were planned by Mr. Christian, Architect to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, White Hall Place, London. The royal arms that were formerly put up in all churches by command mention of which has been already made in this book are now placed over the inner door in the south porch. The bells are hung in oak frames, supported from the ground by four massive oak posts, and are fixed quite independent of the stone walls. I find no entry as to when the first bells were placed in the church tower, but in the Parish Vestry Book, dated 1 2th August, 1742, I read as follows: " We call this Vestry to Inform you that we are En- deavouring to Raise a New Treble Bell, In order to make Six Bells, and Intend to Raise him by subscription. But if it should so happen That There should be Two or Three Pounds wanting In the Subscription, we desire the consent of this vestry to have it allowed out of the Church Rate." " We Likewise are a going to Cast the Great Bell, and The Parish Church. 61 Intend to cast him to his Proper Letter, which Is F. And if it should so Happen that there should be an overplus of Mettle Left, Desires the consent of this vestry to Add It to the New Treble Bell, which Bell is Intended to Be Raised by Subscription." " Weight of the Treble and Tennor Bells when hung up in the year 1742 : Cw. Treble ... 8 o 25 Tennor ... 22 o 26 Fifth ... 15 i 24 Cast in the year 1754." "April 27th, 1744. To Thos. Lister, for Casting the Great Bell. Is Weight Is 22 cw. 26. 22. 15^. $%d." " And on Oct. 3rd, 1785, a meeting was held at the ves- try for a new rate to be made for the recasting of the six Old Bells and the additional metal for eight" "At a vestry held 24th Oct., 1889, 'It was decided that the Bells be rehung, and that No. 7 be recast, as it is cracked, at an estimated cost of 30, by Messrs Meers and Stainbank. The money was raised by subscription.' " " Inscription on the bells at St. Lawrence's Church : Treble. Thomas Janaway of London, 1803, Fecit. 2nd. Thomas Janaway, Fecit, 1785. 3rd. Thomas Janaway, Fecit, 1785. 4th. Thomas Janaway, Fecit, 1785. 5th. ' When from the earth our notes rebound The hills and valeys echo round.' Thomas Janaway, 1785. 6th. Thomas Janaway of Chelsea made us all, 1785. Musica. Est. Mentio. Medicina. 7th. Thomas Janaway, Fecit, 1785. Rev. F. Whyley, M.A., Vicar, 1890. Recast by Mears and Stainbank. Tenor. Rev. Dr. Thomas Balguy, Vicar. James Dicker, Richard Palmer Baker, John Phillips, Churchwardens. 1785. Thomas Janaway, Fecit." Five notice boards are suspended in the belfry, giving an account of certain change ringing by the ringers, and are as follow : 62 History of Alton. "On Friday, March yth, 1777, was rung 5040 changes, con- taining 42 grandsires, in 3 hours and 28 minutes, being the most ever rung on these bells. John Goodyer, Trible. James Gill, second. Wm. Gill, third. Wm. Dyer, fourth. John Butler, fifth. Moses Fielder ) _ T,- u j tr j- f Tenor. Richard Harding J "These bells were cast in 1785, and on the i5th Feby., 1789, were rung 5040 changes of Bob Major in 3 hours and 15 minutes, being the first peal completed on them. Wm. Gill, Sen., Treble. Jas. Gill, 2d. Wm. Gill, Jun., 3rd. John Dyer, 4. Wm. Dowden, 5. Richard Harding, 6. John Butler, 7. Wm. Dyer, Tenor. Mr. T. Lee \ Mr. R. Marshall V Churchwardens." Mr. S. Dicker j " Winchester Diocesan Guild, on Thursday, Nov. 3rd, 1891, in 3 hours and i min. a peal of Grandsire Triples, 5040 changes, Taylor's variation. C Forder, Treble. H. Withers, 2nd. J. Ballard, 3rd. F. Wilson, 4th. E. Finden, 5th. H. White, 6th. G. Barnett, 7th. J. Goodale, Tenor. Conducted by H. White." " Winchester Diocesan Guild, on Saturday, Nov. i2th, 1892, in 2 hours, 57 minutes, a peal of Grandsire Triples, 5040 changes, Holt's Ten-parte. A. Burgess, Treble. H. E. Withers, 2. W. Withers, 3. W. White, 4. F. Finden, 5. W. May, 6. C. Forder, 7. J. Goodale, 8. Conducted by Harry E. Withers. Gerald Hall \ Francis Whyley, Vicar. Edward Dyer > Church wardens." Wm. Curtis "Winchester Diocesan Guild, on Monday, May i4th, 1894, in 3 hours, 3 minutes, a peal of Grandsire Triples, 5040 changes, Holt's Ten-part. The Parish Church. 63 E. Bryant, Treble. H. E. Withers, 5. Rev. F. Whyley, 2. G. Gasson, 6. G. Reading, 3. A. Burgess, 7. W. Withers, 4. J. Goodale, Tenor. Conducted by Harry E. Withers. Francis Whyley, Vicar. Gerald Hall \ Edward Dyer v Churchwardens." William Curtis ) An old wooden panelled clock face with a gilt star pointing to each of the hours, and the date 1700, is placed in the belfry, but its original position is not known. In the vestry now hangs a brass candelabra containing sixteen sconces in two tiers ; it was removed from the church at the restoration. It has inscribed upon it, " Thomas Baver- stock, Gent, 1780." In 1889 a new clock was purchased from Messrs. Benson, at an estimated cost of 250, to strike the West- minster chimes. The money was raised by voluntary con- tributions. The church plate consists of: i. Flagon, silver gilt, inscribed " In Gloriam Dei pro nobis Crucifixi, usumque Ejus apud Altoniensis Altaris Lagenam hanc una cum patina deaurata Pallaque heteronialla, omnibus Dominicis Festisque diebus, Sacrae mensas rite insterneuda Testamento dicavit Gulielmus Turner ex hac parsecia generosus Anno D ni 1721." Translation. " To the glory of God, crucified for us, and for His use at the Altar of Alton, this flagon, together with a gilt paten and a woolen cloth, to be duly used for covering the Holy Table on all Sundays and Festival Days, left by will, William Turner, a gentle- man of this Parish, A.D. 1721." 64 History of Alton. 2. Flagon, silver, inscribed " The gift of Matthew Hawkins, as a legacy of his eldest son Matthew ; born of Mary his wife, daughter of Lawrence Geale, Jan. ist, 1684, who died in London, Aprill y e 29th, and was buried in this Church May ist, 1711." 3. Alms dish, silver gilt, inscribed with coat of arms and I. H. S. in centre. " Deo Salvatori Sacram In usum Altaris Altoniensis Dedit Edvardus Fisher ex hoc oppido generosus, 1722." Translation. " Sacred to God our Saviour for use of the Altar of Alton. Given by Edward Fisher, a gentleman of this Town, 1722." 4. Alms dish, silver, no inscription, but I. H. S. in centre. 5. Cup, large, silver gilt. No inscription. 6. Cup, small, silver gilt, inscribed " Deo Salvatori Sacram In usum Altaris Altoniensis Dedit Elizab h Baker ex hoc oppido generosa 1818." Translation. " Sacred to God our Saviour, for use of the Altar of Alton. Given by Elizabeth Baker, a Gentlewoman of the Town, 1818." 7. Paten, large, silver gilt. No inscription, but I. H. S. in centre. 8. Paten, small, silver. I. H. S. in front centre. Inscribed on back. " Presented by William Dyer September, 1859, in the i4th year of his serving the office of Churchwarden in the Parish of Alton." There are several old brasses. " Of your charity, pray for the soul of Richard Clarke, which deceased the xvi day of April, in the year of our Lord God MIIIILXXXV ; and for the soul of Margery, his daughter, late the wife of Richard Fylder, the which deceased the xxv day of April, in the year of our Lord God, MVXXXIIII. " On whose soul Jesu have mercy. Amen." The Parish Church. 6$ " Here under lyeth Xopher Walaston, who sometime was groom of y e chamber, and one of the Yostregere unto y e late Kinges and Quenes of famous memorye, Henry y e VIII, Edwarde y e VI, Philip and Mary, and to our sovayn Ladye Elizabethe, y e Quen's Majesty, that now is, which Xopher departed thee miserable worlde the xvi daye of y e monght of Janvari Ano. Dom. MVLXIII." Note. Yostregere. 1 " This word, with the initial Y, does not seem to have been noticed elsewhere. It is usually spelt Austringer, also astr , ostr ." "They be calde Ostregeris that kepe Goshawkys," a keeper of Gos- hawks. 1486, B. K., St. Albans. " 1670-1717. We usually call a Faulkoner who keeps that kind of Hawks an Os- tringer." " Enter a gentle astringer." Shakespeare. " All's well that ends well." Act V, Scene I. A third is an old brass standing figure of a lady, under which is a separate brass, upon which is inscribed "Memento Mori, , Here lyeth the body of Elizabeth Geale, who departed this life the xxvth day of Maie, Anno Domini, 1638. Her desire of her parents was as followeth : Deare parents weep not, I live and have abode In blisse, Enjoying heaven, posterity and God. Vivo fruor tandem veris (ne flete parentes), Deliciis, Caelo, posteritate, Deo." There is also a very small brass of three figures, pro- bably nuns, but no inscription. On the column near the altar rails is an old brass with the following : "In the family vault, near this Pillar, Lyeth the Body of Thomas Pinke, Sen., who died October the 22nd, 1713. Also of Ann, his wife, who died Feb. iyth, 1720. Also of Thomas Pinke, his son, who died May the igth, 1765. Also of Elizabeth, his wife, who died June the 24th, 1753. With three small children of Tho 8 . and Eliz th ." Over the small entrance door is a tablet, with a small brass, inscribed as follows, and it is a strange coincidence that a duplicate brass is found in the vestry : 1 Extracts from the New English Dictionary on Historical Principles, by J. K. Murray. F 66 History of Alton, " Here lyeth y e Body of Robert Fry (late Hedd Bailliffe of this Towne), who died y e twelveth day of Novemb r ., and was buried y e fiveteenth day of y e same, An. D-ni, 1620. Villicationis Rationem Redidi." There is also an old brass in the vestry. " In humble Hope of a Blessed Resurrection. Here are deposited the remains of Mr. John Pinke, of this Town. He departed this life the i;th September, 1772, aged 65 years." A small brass plate is placed on the first column on the left as you enter by the large doors. "Thomas Clement, Esq., of Alton, died Oct. i3th, 1826, aged 71. Jane, his wife, daughter of Benjamin White, Esq., of South Lambeth, died January 3rd, 1831, aged 75. Their remains are deposited in the vault on the south side of this pier." On the second column is a more recent brass, "in memory of Joseph and Emma Thompson and their chil- dren ; erected by the only surviving daughter, Elizabeth Mary Thompson, A.D., 1876." Also a brass tablet, a facsimile to the one placed on a column in the nave of Winchester Cathedral to the memory of Colonel Richard Bolles, who was killed during the Civil War, in Alton Church, in defending the town. "A Memoriall For this Renowned Martialist, Richard Boles, of ye Right Worshipfull Family of the Bolses in Linckhornesheire, Colonel of a Ridgment of Foot of 1300, who for His Gratious King Charles ye First did wounders att the Battell of Edgehill. His last action, to omitt all others, was at Alton, in this County of Soughthampton, was sirprised by five or six thousand of the Rebells, which caused him there quartered, to fly to the church with neare Fourscore of his men, who there Fought them six or seven Houers, and there the Rebell Breaking in upon him, he slew with his sword six or seven of them and then he was slayne himselfe, with sixty of his men about him." The Parish Church. 67 1641. " His Gracious Soveraigne, hearing of his death, gave him his high comendation in ye pationate expression, ' Bring me a moorning Scarffe, I have lost one of the best comanders in this Kingdome,' Alton will tell you of that famous fight Which y 8 man made and bade this World Goodnight. His Verteous Life fear'd not Mortalyty His Body must, his Vertues cannot die, Because his Bloud was there so Nobly spent. This is his Tombe, that Church his monument." Ricardus Boleo, Wiltoniensis in Art. Mag. Composuit Prosuitque Dolens An. Dmi, 1689." * A somewhat recent brass is erected on the pillar by the Altar rails, written in Latin, to the memory of Canon James : " In honorem Dei et in piam memoriam Eduardi James A. M. hujus Ecclesias xxii Annos Vicarii fenestram hanc orientalem posuerunt Vidua, Liberi, Amici Decessit sexto die Aprilis MDCCCLIV Cum Illo mansurus quam Ascendentem in tabulae vides." Translation. "To the honour of God, and in pious memory of Edward James, A.M., 22 years Vicar of this Church, this East Window was erected by his widow, children and friends. He died on the 6th day of April, 1854, about to rest with Him Whom you see ascending in the picture." Another near it, also in Latin, runs thus : "M. S. Theologorum Thomas Balguy, S.T.P. Archidiaconi Winton. et hujus ecclesise Vicarii ab A. S. MDCCLXXI ad xcv; et Thomae Rennell, S.T.P., eccles. Cathedralis Decani, necnon hujus Vicarii ad A. S. 1 Composed and erected by R. Boles, mourning. F 2 68 History of Alton. MDCCXCV ad CXIV ; Quorum hie sacras literas raro ingenii Accumine, Ille seravi in docendo gravitate, Uterque veto pia eloquentia Veritatis Catholica defensor strenuus Diligenter ac fideliter excoluit. Ponii curavit Edwardus James A. V. Vicarius. MDCCCXLVI." Translation. "Sacred to the memory of the Divines, Thomas Balguy, S.T.P., Archdeacon of Winchester and Vicar of this Church from A.D. 1771 to 1795; and Thomas Rennell, S.T.P., Dean of the Cathe- dral and also Vicar of this Church from A.D. 1795 to 1814, of whom the one diligently and faithfully cultivated Theology with rare acumen and ability ; the other with sweet gravity in teaching, whilst each with pious eloquence was a strenuous defender of the Catholic truth. Edward James, M.A., Vicar, caused this to be erected, 1846." A new brass tablet has recently been erected, " In memory of William Bruce Brand, Major 93 Highlanders, who died at Aldershot 3151 March, 1890, aged 40 years. Erected by his Brother Officers." There are no monuments in the church, but numerous marble tablets against the walls, but none of any great interest. On the south wall are found the following tablets : " Sacred to the memory of Stephen Lee, who died the 1 2th of June, 1782, aged 65 years. Also Mary, the daughter of Stephen and Mary Lee, who died the 25th of May, 1768, aged 12 years. Also of Mary, Relict of the above named Stephen Lee, who died August 6th, 1819, aged 90 years. Also Thomas, son of the above named Stephen and Mary Lee, who died May i5th, 1844, aged 87 years." "Sacred to the memory of William Lee, Esq., of Anstey House, obiit 2ist January, 1814, aged 55 years. This tablet was erected by his widow to record the virtues of a man who was truly exemplary in all the duties of life. Ann, wife of the above named William Lee, died 6th of September, 1844, aged 80 years." The Parish Church. 69 " In affectionate remembrance of James Snelling, who died December 7th, 1838, aged 81 years. Also of his wife Mary and his daughter Maria." " In memory of a beloved husband, Henry Snelling, born May i4th, 1802, died December 24th, 1864. Also of Henry Steele and William, his sons, and Susan his wife." "In memory of William Exall, Esq., also of Jane, his wife, of Amery House, near this Church, and formerly of Welbeck Street, London. The former died on April 28th, 1843, aged 84 years, and the latter died on December 2oth, 1845, a S e( ^ ^6 years. ' Looking for the Resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.'" A tribute of filial piety to the memory of the best of parents, Martha Baverstock, died ist January, 1781, aged 75 years. Thomas Baverstock, died 2nd January, 1781, aged 80 years. 'They were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided.' " "In memory of William Baker, who died July 4th, 1726, aged 42 years. Also of Elizabeth his wife, William their son, and Mary his wife. Also of another son, Richard, and Elizabeth his wife, and of Richard, son of William and Mary, and Mary his wife." Over the vestry door, on the south wall, is a tablet, "To the memory of Barbara, widow of the late Reverend John White, Vicar of Blackburn, who died November the 2ist, 1784, and lies buried within the communion rails of that church, where a monument is fixed. She died April the ipth, 1802 in the sixty -eighth year of her age." " In memory of Jane, the beloved wife of William Gunner, of Will Hall, in this Parish, who died April 2ist, 1840, aged 37 years, also of Mary Hannah, beloved wife of William Gunner, who died August 3rd, 1855, aged 38 years. Also of William Gunner, who died March 29th, 1869, aged 68 years, and was buried in the cemetry." Over the small eastern entrance door is a tablet, " Sacred to the memory of William Parker Terry, Esq., youngest son of Michael Terry, Esq., of Dummer house in this * 7O History of Alton. County. Proprietor of the Rectorial tithes of this Parish. He was a sincere Christian, a kind master, benevolent to the poor and most deservedly respected by all who knew him. He married Rebecca, daughter of Benjamin White, Esq., of Selborne. He departed this life July 27th, 1816, aged 62, and was buried in this chancel." On the north wall is a marble tablet, " Sacred to the memory of Richard Marshall, who died November 7th, 1843, m tne 6zn d year of his age." And " In affectionate memory also of his cousin, Martha Hutchins, who died March 25th, 1873, aged 84 years." Within the altar rails is a tablet, " In memory of Lawrence Hawkins, who died 26th Sept., 1732, and other members of his family. They were all buried in a vault under the western gallery." In the gallery, against the west wall, are the following tablets : The first represents a coat of arms at the top, and three small urns under. On the centre urn is "J.B. H., died April i ith, 1767, aged 27." On the left, " E. H., died May loth, 1765, aged 17." And on the right, " F. H., died May 3Oth, 1767, aged 27." " Sacred to the memory of John Butler Harrison, of Amery, in this Parish, Esq., and his two beloved wives. He married in July, 1764, Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. John Ballard, D.D., and in August, 1766, Frances, daughter of Mr. Robert Ballard, Merchant, Southton. Their many and amiable virtues truth must acknowledge. Friendship will ever lament that they are now no more." " Sacred to the memory of Eliza, daughter of John and Mary Andrews, who died the 28th of August, 1822, aged 13 years. Also of Jesse Silvester, son of the above, who died in his infancy ; both of which are buried in the vault within the yew tree fence in this churchyard. Also Sarah Hannah, born Sept. 23rd, 1818, died Feb. gth, 1836." " To the memory of Mary, the beloved wife of Mr. William Haslam, of Greenwich, in Kent, Gentleman, whose mortal remains The Parish Church. 71 are buried in this Church. She was given to him i6th of October, 1819, and died in this Parish on the 6th of the same month, 1822, in the 2yth year of her age. Sweet spirit, who in loveliest mortal form, Did'st win and wean one from the world and charm My heart, my nature, every thought of mine, To seek its origin or end in thine Who, mortal, were to me the source and test Of all that dignified or truly blest Man's mortal nature ! Deign to guard me still ! Now mould me, Mary, to thy heavenly will." All the old tombstones found in the church at the time of the restoration were placed outside the church porch and vestry. On one, near the belfry, is inscribed, " Here lieth the bodies of Captaine Thomas Geale and Barbara, his former wife, which Thomas was also one of the Justices of the Peace for this Countie, and founder of y e Alms House in Aulton. He deceased August 24th, 1657." Below this is a broken fragment, " Here lyeth also the body of Benjamin Geale, Gen 1 ." There is very little of interest to be found engraved on the tombstones in the churchyard. The following seems the only one worth quoting : " In memory of John Ride, who died Oct. ist, 1844, aged 68. Also Mary, wife of Will m . Pain (and sister of the above) who died Sept. 1 3th, 1845, a 8 e( i 67 years. Praises on tombs are oft times vainly spent, Good deeds are the best monuments ! " Mention should be made of the very handsome old wrought iron work over the south-east main entrance gates to the churchyard. It is probably Jacobean work, and between 200 and 300 years old. A cannon ball was found in 1840 in the churchyard, and is preserved in the Curtis Museum. Engraved on one piece of the lead covering the roof on 72 History of Alton. the south side, at the west end of the church, is the date 1776 A.D., and on the north aspect : The Rev. Mr. Smith, Vicar. J no . Gunner, Go e . Tempel, Tho 8 . Haslar, Churchwardens, 1758. The early Matin bell used always to be rung at 5 in the summer and 6 in the winter, but was discontinued in March, 1880. The curfew is still regularly rung every evening at 8 o'clock. THE VICARS OF ALTON. liton 80 * ^ e following is a list of some of the Vicars of Alton that I have come across in my researches, also notes of interest connected with the Parish : iiei. TURSTIN. "From 1161 to 1170 Richard Turstin appears to have been the Sheriff and also Parson of Alton and Colmer, and was presented to these livings, no doubt, by Hide Abbey (Hen II reign)." * 120 o. HUGH. " In the charters of Selborne Priory in two deeds, the name of Hugh the Chaplain of Aweltun is men- tioned ; in one he wrote the deed, and in the other he appears as a witness." 2 1260. PETER DE RYEVAL. " Rector of the Church of Alton." 3 1305. PETER LE TAVENER. "Licence by Bp. Henry Wood- lock to demise the churches of Aulton and Leckford to farms for the space of five years, 38. Letters directed to Sir W. de Saunsford, Proctor or Commissary of the Archdeacon of Winchester, to release the sentence of prohibition read in the Parish Church of Aweltun, 65. Probate of the will of Sir R., Rector of the Church of Aulton, deceased 102 b. Mandate directed to the Dean of Aulton, at the instance of the vicar there, against the bailiff 1 Woodward and Wilks 1 History of Hants, p. 308. 2 Extracts from Charters of Selborne Priory, p. i. 3 Extracts from Annals of Waverley, by Rev. C. Kerry, p. 54. Vicars of Alton. 73 of the Abbot of Hyde, for carrying away the oblations, etc., belonging to the said Vicarage, 139^. Letters of Henry, Bishop of Winchester, to the Vicar of Aulton, or mandate to permit the Chaplain to celebrate in the said church for the soul of his predecessor, and to restore the psaltery, etc., 146. The same to the Abbot of Hyde for the ordination and augmentation of the portion of the Vicar of the Church of Aulton, 164. Proclamation upon the clearing of Peter le Taverner of Aulton, clerk, of the death of four foreign merchants in the house of the said Peter at Aulton, 168 and clearing 168 b. Commission to receive the proof of innocence of Peter le Taverner of Aulton, 171. Ordination to the vicarage of Aulton. Given at Southwark the 5th of the month of November, 1312, 172^, 173. Testamentary letters of Peter le Taverner upon his clearing [from guilt], 174. Letters of the Bishop of Winchester to Sir R. about the same, and of the things, possessions and goods to be restored to the said Peter, 175^. Mandate to induct the Abbot and Convent of Hyde in corporal possession of the Church of Aulton, appropriated to them, 12. Institution to the vicarage of Aulton, at the presentation of the Abbot and convent of Hyde, 1 56." x THOMAS DE BECFOFDE. " Institution by Bp. John de Sandale to the Vicarage of the Church of Aulton, at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Hyde, 46 d." 1 " Controversy between Stephen de Claro Monte, Rector of the Church of Bynteworth, and Thomas de Bekford, Vicar of the Parish Church of Aulton, upon the right and possession of the moiety of the tithes of lambs, to wit, of milk, wool, and cheese, of the animals of the inhabitants of the hamlet or manor which John de Thudder now inhabits, within the bounds and limits of the Parish Church of Aulton, etc. And the ordinance of John, Bishop about of Winchester, upon the said tithes, 15^. The ordinance of the submission of the Rector of Bynteworth and Vicar of Aulton, upon the right, etc., of the said tithes, i8. 1 Egerton MS., 2031-34. British Museum. 74 History of Alton. Monition against the parishioners of Aulton that they desist from their errors, to wit, in moving the images of St. Lawrence the Martyr, in whose honor the Church there is dedicated, from the high altar, where of approved custom it ought to be, to another place, 51 b. Premunition to be present at the publication of the sentences to be made at Aulton. Inhibition that nobody .... shall presume to merchandise* exercise " luctus," fairs, or other marts in the churches or cemeteries of the Diocese of Winchester, and especially in the church or cemetery of the Church of Aulton, or to be present at the same, 5 1 b. Sentence against the parishioners of Aulton for infringing the liberties of the church, 52. Submission of the parishioners of Aulton. Institution to the vicarage of Aulton at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Hyde, 122." x 1333. " License granted by Bp. Adam Orlton to William Trenchaunt to celebrate Divine Service in the oratory of his house in the parish of Aulton." * 1346. "Collation to the Vicarage of Aulton made by apostolic authority to the provisor, 38. License granted to let to farm the fruits of the church, to the Vicar of Aulton and Thomas Warner, layman, 95. Institution to the Vicarage by Bp. Wm. Edingdon at the presentation of the Abbot and Convent of Hyde." J 1370. JOHN DE MALTEBY, Vicar of Aultone, attended Bp. Wm. of Wykeham at Highclere, 21 Sept., 1370. * iyn WILLIAM NEWETONE, Rector of West Deane, Wilts, instituted to Vicarage of Aultone, on exchange with John de Malteby, under commission to Ralph, Bp. of Sarum. 2 U92 JOHN NEWPORT, instituted loth April, 1392. Patrons, Abbot and Convent of Hyde. 2 1404- " Institution to the Vicarage of Aulton by Cardinal Beaufort, 4 b. The same on account of exchange with the Church of Hursley, 90 b" l 1 Egerton MS., 2031-34. British Museum. 1 Wykeham' s Register, vol. i; ed. T. F. Kirby, M.A. Vicars of Alton. 75 " Institution to the Vicarage of the Church of Aulton 1447. by Bp. Waynflete at the presentation of the Abbot, &c., of Hyde. Exchange of the Churches of Alton and Utilcote in the diocese of Worcester. 145 V' 1 . WILLIAM CALEY. " Clericus, 19 Sept., i and 2 Philip 1554. and Mary." 1 JOHN KlNGTON. " Clericus, 23 April, 20 Eliz th ." 2 i 578 . JOHN BARLOWE. " Clericus, 9 Feb., 24 Eliz th ." 2 use. JOHN HUGHES. " Clericus, 9 Dec., 44 Eliz th ." 2 1601 . WILLIAM TINDALL. "Clericus, 10 Sept., 11 James I." 2 iei3. March 26, 1635. "Memoranda by Archbp. Laud in the nature of instructions to his Vicar-General upon his approaching visitations. In the diocese of Winchester particular attention was to be given to Mr. Tyndall, Vicar of Alton ; the archbp. had heard that he curtailed the Common Prayer at his pleasure." 3 JOHN CARRILL. " Incumbent put in by Parliament." * less. " On consideration of the humble petition of the In- habitants of Alton in the County of Southampton shewing that Alton aforesaid is a Markett Towne consisting of 2000 souls and upwards and that the liveing there is a Vicarage haveing two Chappells annexed to it the profitts of all which (with an Augmentation of twenty-five pounds per Ann. amounts to but one hundred and one pounds by the yeare to discharge the three cures out of which fiftene pounds per ann. is alsoe allowed to Mr. John Carill the present Incumbent dureing his life. As alsoe of a Certifi- cate endorsed upon the said peticon And to the intent that over and above the provision for the said Chappelrys the Minister of Alton aforesaid may bee competently provided for and those inconveniences sett forth in ye said petition 1 Egerton MS. , 2031-34. British Museum. 2 Composition Books, 1536-1660. British Museum. 3 State Papers, Vol. 285, No. 38, p. 601-2. 4 Augmentation of Church Lands, Vol. 977, p. 142. Lambeth Palace Library. 76 History of Alton. bee the better prevented by encouraging a godlye and able minister to settle and reside there Ordered by his Highnesse the Lord Protector and the Councell that it be recom- mended to the Trustees for maintenance of a minister to take an effectual Course that a further augmentation of sixty pounds per ann. over and above the said former augmentation of twenty-five pounds per ann. bee further setled on ye minister of Alton aforesaid and that the same bee duely paid from time to time to such Minister accordingly. Hen. Scobell, Clerk Thursday, 30 September, 1658, of the Councell. at the Councell at Whitehall." [ " In Vol. 995, fo. 523, it is stated that the said Mr. Caryll was disabled by Lunacy to discharge the duty of Minister of Alton."] 1660 HENRIE BUTLER, " Clerc, seems to have combined the functions of minister and clarke, 23 Nov. Dean and Chapter of Winchester." x i67i. SAMUEL WOODFORD, D. a, "Vicar of Alton with Bin- sted and Kingsley, though he seems to have lived at Hartley Maudit" 2 1696. THOMAS MATTHEWS. " 5 March. The King. We incidently glean he was still Vicar in Dec., I736." 2 1741 GRIMSHAW SMITH, " as Vicar of Alton takes charge of the Registers. He is buried in August, I766." 1 1766> JAMES DENNISON "is Curate in charge he then be- comes Curate of Harteley Maudytt, and in 1780 of Binsted:" 1 1767. DR. PHILIP WALTON Vicar. 1 ITT!. DR. BALGUYS- Vicar. 1 ngg. THOMAS RENNELL, D.D., " Vicar of Alton and Master of the Temple in London. In 1807 he signs as Dean of the 1 Parish Registers. * Hampshire Notes and Queries, Vol. vi ; and Institution Books, Series B, Vol. vi. Parish Registers. 77 Cathedral Church of Winchester, Master of the Temple in London, and Vicar of Alton." l From 1808 to 1816 there appears to have been several Curates acting as such, and signing themselves " Curate and Minister," "Minister," or "Officiating Minister." E. POULTER signs at rare intervals, and only once isie. incidentally calls himself Vicar in I825. 1 JOHN BANNISTER in charge. 1 1827. EDWARD JAMES who in 1834 is called Prebendary of lasa. Winchester. 1 H. P. BROCK in charge. 1 isss- THOMAS WOODROOFE Vicar. 1 IKS. OCTAVIUS A. HODGSON Vicar. 1 11*3. WILLIAM DURST Vicar. 1 1374. FRANCIS WHYLEY Vicar. 1 mi. PARISH REGISTERS. The earliest volume of the Registers dates from 1615 isis and ends in 1711. It commences with Baptisms, but the Ba P tisms - entries for some few years were kept in a most irregular manner, there being only one or two entries made none in 1618 or 1628. In 1630 the entries increase considerably, there being as many as twenty-nine ; in 1631, seventy-one. During the years 1638-39-40 no Registers were kept of either Births, Marriages, or Deaths. This was accounted for by the Civil War between the King and Parliament ; the same may be said of 1643, 1644, and 1649. In 1653 the following memorandum is found : "A true register of the names of All Children borne in the towne e pish of Alton since the 29th of September in the year of Our lord god 1653 kept by Rob 1 . Bushell, appoynted there- unto by order of Authoritee." The Baptisms continue to be regularly entered from now to the end of the volume, 1710. The second volume dates from 1711 to 1765, and con- tains Baptisms, Burials, and Marriages, and are regularly kept. 1 Parish Registers. 78 History of Alton. An entry is made the 9th June, 1712, that " Mary, Ann, Elizabeth and Sarah daughters of John and Mary Stephens, Quakers by y e Mother's side, all baptized together." "1714 Abraham Westbrook an Adult Quaker bap d . Dec. 1 8th," and " Priscilla Bullpit born of Quaker Parents Bap d . about y e time." The third volume contains only Baptisms and Burials, which dates from 1760 to 1812. Entries irregular from 1760 to 1770, whole months missed out, and there seems confusion sometimes as to the year, as if what entries there are are transcripts. " 1808. A private of y e Coldstream Regiment of Guards, their children baptized." 1629. The first Marriages recorded commence in 1629, and Marriages. ar entered as follows : "Henrie Clark and Maria Johnson were marryed 8 June." " John Mortimer and Katharina Tomalin were marryed 22 June." The entries were few in number each year till 1638. During 1638-39 and 40 no entries are made. In 1641 they commence again. " Willia Wake and Martha Neave were married the 25th of May." " Robert Pallard and Ann Bun were married the 22nd June." From 1642 till 1653 no entries exist. " Memorand, that the first day of Octob., 1653, was pre- sented unto me Robert Bushell of this towne of Alton to be sworne Regester, being thereunto elected by the Maior etc. of the prish for that purpose met together according to the act of Pliament in that case made and provided for the the registrance of All Manages, Births and Burrials wh. should happen to be in the s d . towne, wh. s d . Regester was sworne to the Office afores d . the day and year above s d . by me, Edw. Heighes." At the end of the ist volume of registers there is a list of the signatures of those who elected Robert Bushell, but there is no indication as to which was " Maior." Parish Registers. 79 " A register of the names of all such psons as have been married in this towne and prish of Alton since the 29th of September anno 1653, with the manner of p.ceding there- unto in relacon to the order sett foorth and commanded by authoritie." The entries are now more elaborate ; from 1654 to 1657 they were married by a Justice of the Peace, and their banns were published on three succeeding Sundays in Church, or three following market days in the market place. " That there was a marriage intended to be made between John Bullock, the son of Rob*. Bullock of this towne of Alton, and Elizabeth Westbrooke, daughter of Thomas Westbrooke of the sayd Alton, was published the first time upon the first day of March Anno domini 1654. The second time upon the I2th of the same ; and the third and last time upon the I9th of March aforesaid, which being done the marriage was solemnized the 28th of the same month in the p-sence of Mr. Heighes one of the iustices of the peace for this Countie and others." " A marriage intended to be made between Thomas Bullock sonn of Rob 1 . Bullock of this towne of Alton and Ann Sylvester, daughter of Maria Sylvester of Tystwad, widdow, was first published upon the I2th day of March. The second day upon the I9th of the same, and the third and last upon the 26th. The marriage was solemnized before Mr. Hooke one of the Justices of the peace for this Countie and some others upon the I3th daye of Aprill." " Publicacon of a marriage intended to be made between Thomas Lee of the pish of Nuchelyn in this County of South and Elizabeth Nicolson sometimes the wife of Willm. Nicholson borne in this towne of Alton was first made August the 2Oth ; the second time Aug. the 27th ; the last time September the first. The marriage was solemnized before Mr. Riggs Magertes October the 3ist. "That there was a marriage intended to be made between Andrew Pile of this towne of Alton Appothecare, the sonne of Richard Pyle of Ash in the Countie of Surrey, Yeoman, and Dorothy Green daughter of William Green 8o History of Alton. sometimes of Weeke of the pish of Bynsteed in this Countie of South, but now deceased, have been published by me three severall Sabbath days accordinge to the com- mand of Authoritie, which being done they were married februarii the I2th by Mr. Gale one of the justices of the peace for this Countie then being present." " Edward Heather of the Town of Alton, the sonne of John Heather of East Woordha in this Countie of South Yeoman and Ann Steed the daughter of Nicholas Steed of the town and pish of Hynchnux in this Countie of South Yeoman were married by Mr. Heyghes one of the Justices of the peace for this Countie upon the fourth day of June ; the intent of their marriage having been published three several market days in the market place of Alton afore - sayd to witt upon May the 6th the I3th and the 2Oth and noe excepcon against it. These were present at the marriage, Tho 8 . Steed, Rob 4 . Smyth. It appears that now and then people belonging to other parishes would bring a certificate stating that the banns had been duly published in their own churches, but wished to be married by the Justice of the Peace residing in Alton. Some of these parishes were Holybourne, Froyle spelt Froill, Froyell, or Froell, Bynsteed, Crundall, Bishop's Sutton, Basingstoke, Selborne, Newton, East Tisted, Head- ley, Froxfield, Empshot, Petersfield, Bentworth, Medstead, and Odiham. In the year 1657 some of the marriages were solemnized by the Clergy, and we find a note made in 1660 that " Since this Register was dellivered to Mr. Henrye Butler of Alton, Clarke, are thus as followeth." " Nicholas Allam was married to his second wiffe at the pishe Church where his wiffe was borne the 2 5th February 1660." " John Coop and Mary Collens married the 27 daye of Novem." The entries after this are very simple, only giving their names, and occasionally the name of the parish. These entries end in 1710. Parish Registers. 81 The second volume dates from 1711 to 1765, and the entries appear to have been kept regularly, but few in number, till 1753. The fourth volume, or third of Marriages, contains a register of Marriages at Alton in the County of South- ampton from 1754 to 1785, and for " Holyborn being extra parochial." " Martin Knyck Van Microp of the Parish of Saint Botolph Bishopsgate, London, Bachelor, and Martha Bates of Alton in the County of Southampton, Spinster, were married in this Church by Licence (from y e Arch Bishop of Canterbury J this fourteenth Day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven Hundred and fifty four. By me Grimshaw Smith, Vicar of Alton. This marriage was solemnized between us Martin Knyckvan Microp. Martha Bates now Microp. in the presence of Tho s Bates Eliz^ 1 Bates." " Memorandum. Holy- Born (this spelling is excep- tional) is a chapelry belonging to Alton where there not being Divine Service performed every Sunday by y e Vicar of Alton, it is deemed Extra-parochial by a clause in y e late Act of Parliament. Therefore Banns were published and y e Marriage solemnized at Alton [1754-58]." "William Penton of y e Chapelry of Holyborn in y e County of Southampton, and Mary Knight of y e same Chappelry and County were married in this Church by Banns Duly published this thirtieth Day of September in y e year 1754. By me G. Smith, Vicar. William Penton. This Marriage was solemnized between us The mark -f of Mary Penton late Knight. In the presence of us is m /^ + of J ohn Kni S ht of Shalden. W m Trimmer." In 1809 Holybourne is still spoken of as a chapelry, an appendage of this parish. G 82 History of Alton. In 1818 The "Ty thing of Neatham " is spoken of as appendant to the Parish of Alton. The last entry in which the Chapelry of Holybourne is mentioned appears to be 8th May, 1821. " 1754, June. Entry of the marriage of Edward Bent- ham, D.D. one of the Canons of Christchurch Oxford, he was later Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford and elder brother of the more famous James Bentham writer on Eccl : Archiology." "1776. 5 Soldiers married I of 'The Queens Royal Reg* ' and 4 of the ' 2 nd RegV " "1781. 2 Soldiers married I of the 'Northumberland Militia ' and i of the ' West Kentish Militia.' " The Registers appear to have been kept regularly from now and in 1809 a new Registration commences. " The Register Book for Marriages in all Parish Churches and Chapels conformable to the Act of Parliament in the 26th year of King George II, entitled 'An Act for the better preventing of Clandestine Marriages.' " 1616. Burials. Burials. One entry is made in 1616 and one in 1622. From 1629 to 1637 the entries are regular, but from 1638 to 1640 they cease ; they continue in 1641-42, but from 1643 to the end of 1652 there is a complete blank. Two pages are given up to the Matthews family, appar- ently transcripts of the entries relating to the then Vicars family. The entries range from 1644 1690. They begin again in 1653, and a memorand is made as follows : "A true register of the names of all those that have been buried in the pish of Alton, since the 29th of Septem- ber in the year of o r lord god one thousand six hundred fifty and three, kept by mee Robert Bushell appoynted thereunto by authoritie." 1660 an entry is made, " Burialls since the Regisf deliv'ed to Mr. Henry Butler of Alton Clarke, as followeth." The visitation of the Plague seems to have been very Parish Registers. 83 severe in Alton about the same time, or shortly before it reached London. The first entry is " Goody Browne and three of her dafters died of the sickness and Plague in July Anno domino 1665 at Alton in Browne's haus." Then follows a page and a half of irregular entries, from the nature of which the illness appears to have been of a viru- lent character, many of a family being buried in quick succession. Among others the " Ostler of the Swan " is mentioned as a victim. The illness lingered on until the opening of the new year. Feb. 28th, 1701, an entry is made of Benjn. Gates, a Quaker child, buried. Also of Sarah Godfrey, Quaker, buried in y e Quakers' burying place. The burials are carried on regularly in this volume till the end of 1710. The 2nd Register Book dates from 1711 to 1765, and the entries are kept regularly. An entry is made in 1721 as follows : "William Turner who by his Will bequeath'd fifty pounds to purchase a Gilt Flagon, Paten, and a Velvet Carpet for the Altar was Bur d . Oct. loth, 1721." In 1722 the burials are entered as before, but followed by the words, Affid. Rec d . " Edward Fisher who gave several noble Benefactions to y e Church and Poor of y e Parish of Alton, was Buried y e 25th May. Affid. Rec d . y e 3Oth, 1723." Each year ending April is now signed as follows : " Ap 11 . 20th, 1723. Allowed of this amount of buryalls by us Simson Stuart Robert Kercher." " In 1730, Affid. Recd. in due Time for Joan Chandler, Rob 1 . Norris and Moses Neave, Quakers. J. Sumner, Cur. of Alton." " John Butler Esq. of Amery High Sheriff of y e County died May, 1736." " Elizabeth Matthew the Vicars Sister buried Dec. 2Oth, 1736." G 2 84 History of Alton, The entries continue regularly till 1758. In 1759 there are only a few scattered entries and then cease altogether in this book. The 3rd Volume contains only Baptisms and Burials, which date from 1760 to 1812. 1794, a Suffolk militia man buried. At the end of the year 1804 the following entry is made in red ink: "17 Marriages, 65 Baptisms and 44 Burials. This return made to the Basingstoke visitation i8th Sept., 1805. P. W. Hale and T. Snelling." These entries continue several times and then cease. 1808. Constant mention of soldiers, Bedford Militia, Oxford Militia buried. 1814. Several soldiers of the 66th Regt. of Foot buried. In 1811, Nov. 8th, a French prisoner (name unknown) aged 30, was buried ; and on I9th Dec., in 1812, a French prisoner, name unknown. At the end of 1812 an entry is made, viz. : " At this period new Registers were entered on by Act of Parliament. Henry Gauntlett, Curate of Alton." And have continued so ever since. odd Entries. On a fly-leaf, at the end of the Parish Registers, are found the following odd entries : "Caleb and Joshua entered into God's Rest, none of the children of Israeli entered in but they in the promised lande." "The surplese washed the last weeke in Aug., 1669." "The surplis washed the weeke before palme Sonday, 1666." "The surplis only washed against Whitsuntide, 1666." " 1666 Communion, Ester." " pacient Sonday at Hart i pottle and 3 loaves of bred." " Palme Sonday at Swan i pottle 3 loaves." " Easter Day at Hart i P ot 3 loaves bred." " Sonday after Easter at Swan i galon i quart and 3 loaves bred." " The second Sonday after Ester at Hart 5 quarts 3 loaves bred." " Whit Sonday at Swan 5 pints 6 gals of Wine, 3 loaves." " The next Sunday followinge at Hart 2 quarts, 3 loaves." Parish Registers. 85 THE CHURCH AND PAROCHIAL CUSTOMS, AS OBTAINED FROM THE CHURCHWARDENS' AND VESTRY BOOKS. The Churchwardens' Accounts date back in the old book as far as 1625, and they contain a valuable collection of records of considerable local interest There are entries of payment, or as often expressed, " Layed out," for ringing the knell, digging graves, salaries to sexton, clerk, tything man and constables, attending visitations, and the dinners on these occasions, cleaning the church plate, washing the surplices and church linen, Com- munion bread and wine, etc. It appears to have been the custom to elect three churchwardens yearly. The annual meeting was generally held during the month of April and the Church rates made and collected at this time. For each adult burial in the Church a charge was made for breaking the ground of 6 shillings and 8 pence, and for a child 3 shillings and 4 pence. A shilling was paid for each seat allotted in the Church. It seems to have been customary to pay an annual sum for the relief of maimed soldiers and prisoners to the Mar- shalsea, and sometimes the King's house (King's Bench). The following are selections from some of the accounts of entries of exceptional character during various years, and there is sufficient evidence to shew the loyal spirit of the people of Alton by the various disbursements made by the churchwardens : April 1635 Layde out for Ringing when the Kinge (Charles I) came through y e Towne, 026 1639. Ringing for Coronation day. 1669. Paid for Ringing when the King (Charles II) came by, o 15 o 1684. To y e Ringers when his Ma tie rode to Winton i o o y e Duke 0160 returned fr Winton o 10 o upon his Ma ties return fr. Winton o 13 o 1684, Oct. Pay d to Ringers when the King was reclaymed i o o 86 History of Alton. Pay d for a paper for the minister to enter y e Kinge name in y e Common prayer Booke o i o 1685 P d . to the Sexton when the King was crowned o i o 1686 P d . the Ringers when the Bishop came by 50 1702 To the Ringers on Proclaiming Queen Anne 10 o To the Ringers on the Queens Coronation Day 10 o. To the Ringers on a Thanksgiving day for a vic- tory at sea 10 o 1714 To the Ringers when King George was crowned i o o The Ringers were paid to ring on all such occasions as the King's Coronation and Birthday, the Queen's and Prince's Birthdays, the 29th of May and the 5th of November. Amongst the various entries of disbursements the fol- lowing are frequent, namely : 1694 "Given to Travellers and to several persons burnt out by fire and other accidents and for lodging criples the sum of 2. i. io. " 1714 Paid to disabled seamen and soldiers at times 155. icd. Gave a man or a woman with a pass i shilling a soldiers wife and children i a soldier with a pass i "Cleaning the Walks, winding the Clock, Repairing the win- dows, the Bells and timbers and new bell ropes, conveying the engine to a fire, &c." Under the head of " Penaltyes," an entry is occasionally made fining a person $s. for breaking of the Sabbath, and 3-y. ^d. for being found in an alehouse on the Sabbath day. "Rec d . of Francis Smith, Constable, fower shillings wh. he rev* 1 , of Richard Merriett, Henry Searle, William Bunch, and Edward Eyles by order of St. John Norton Bart one of his Ma ties Justices of y e Peace of y e County afors d . being py d . a piece by him sett on them for fishing in Cutpound River in Alton whoe now presented for that offence by Thomas Chafin, Esq. Lord of the Manno r of Alton Westbrooke in y e s d County." " Recd. of one William Berry for being tipling in an Ale house on the Sabbath day, one shilling." Extracts under the heading Parish Registers. 87 "A Rate made for the Relief of the Poor of the Parish of Alton April i2th 1740." " More for Cantsingers house and land 7 6 " Tho 8 Baker for Mill's Tanyard, house and Hatchers 6 o " Thomas Baverstock for the George Inn 10 6 " Thomas Knight for the Swan Inn 16 6 " Mrs. Parker for the Parsonage 12 o o " John Gunner for the Five Bells 3 9 " Tho 8 Eyers for Wyards Farm 300 " Joseph White for Beach Farm 449 "John Gold for Thidden Farm 417 6 " John Gunner for Willhall Farm 600 " John Gregg for the Starr Alehouse i 6 " Rev d M r Bracebridge for late D r Leech's house 4 6 " Ann Godfrey for the Crown Inn 7 6 " D r Curtis for his house 4 6 " W d Wise for the Queen's head i 6 "Matthew Gilbert for the Hart Inn 15 o " Rev d Mr. Smith for the Vicarage ' 300 " George Inwood for Tronchonts farm 300" Under the heading of " Disbursements for the Alton Disbursements T i i r for Alton Poor. Poor, a few items may be mentioned to shew the kind of 1740. entries made. 1740. Expenses at Workhouse for 55 weeks 174 10 n P d woman with a pass i o P d Sailor being sick and pass i 6 P d Old Soldier with pass 6 P d 5 Soldiers wives with passes 2 6 P d for an Ass to carry Jane Bramleys Daughter and her children to Norwitch 7 o Gave her in money i. 6. and p d for two hampers for her i 6 P d for an order to remove Mary Norris 2. o. and for 3 horses to carry her off 6. 6. P d Charles Parrack for going with her and their expenses 3. o. P d for playing the Engine 5. o. Oyle for the Engine i. 6. 1741 P d a Frenchman 6 passes and his expenses i. 6. 1746 To W m Spurrier for cleaning the Church Engine and Oyling and Tallowing the leather pipe 2. 6. 1755 P d for two letters. Mrs. Watson a bill for nursing y e Smallpox &c." 88 History of Alton. In 1806 sparrows were paid for by the dozen, the last entry for sparrows' heads being in April, 1858. Hedgehogs were also paid for. Briefs 1666. A Brief was a Royal letter which was sent to the Bishops and by them to their Clergy, authorizing and desiring the collection of alms in Church during time of divine service for some specified object, such as restoring churches, fires and other charitable purposes. Notice of Briefs being collected in Alton Church is first mentioned in 1666 and continue from time to time for some years. The Custom was given up by Government in the year 1853. Extracts from Alton Parish Vestry Minute Book : " A fine Damask Cloath was given to y e Communion Table of this Parish by an unknown Hand, being used y e first time on Palm Sunday A.D. i/2| on loth Day. J. Sumner, Cur : first administered y e SacramV " We Also Desire The Consent of this Vestry To Take Down The Glass From That Window behind The Pullpitt and Glass it again with Large Square Crown Glass In Order To Give a Better Light and also To Alter The Sounding Board In such a manner as shall be Thought Most Proper Upon the Opinion of The Rev. Mr. Smith Vicar and The Workman. Witness our Hands In Public Vestry In the Parish Church of Alton In the County of Southton This Twelfth Day of August 1742." " We whose names are here unto subscribed at a Vestry held the i6th day of August 1756 at the parrish Church Alton do consent and agree that the Churchwardens shall lay out the money subscribed by several of the inhabitants for white washing the Church as Mr. Parker's Chancel is but if it should so hapen that the money so subscribed should not be sufficient to do it we do consent the money wanting shall be paid out of the money which the Church- wardens now have in hand paid to them by the late Churchwardens as Witness our hands." There appears to have been a manufacturing concern Parish Registers. 89 of this Parish, but there is no evidence when it was started or what the manufactory was, but it was given up in 1811. 1812. " Memorand on Fly leaf ' A Sermon to be preached in the afternoon of Xmas Day wh. is attach d to the evening Lecture but not the necessary duty of the In- cumbent. Churchwardens' Inf n Xmas 1812." "We whose names are hereunto subscribed Inhabitants of the Parish of Alton in the County of Southampton met and assembled at a Vestry this day, Tuesday, the I3th of December 1814, held in the Parish Church of Alton afore- said pursuant to a notice given for that purpose on Sundays the i Qth and 26th of November and the 4th and nth of December respectively, to consider of the propriety of making some alterations in the body and other parts of the Church, in so far as regards the seating of the Inhabitants paying to the Church and Poor in proper and eligible pews, and the erection of a new gallery for the more com- modiously seating of the labouring poor." " That the several following proposals be adopted by this meeting that inhabitants paying to the Church and Poor be seated according to their present families ; that the pulpit be removed ; that the font be removed ; the first near the singing gallery and the second near the Com- munion ; that benches be substituted in the space the font at present occupies ; that the blank space over the singing gallery window be removed and the King's Arms be placed in a more eligible situation ; that the calculated expense do not exceed Two Hundred Pounds. That such In- habitants asking of the Churchwardens seat room, and seats being allotted them, that such Inhabitants pay their own expense in fitting up and altering such seats." E. Poulter, Vicar. H. Gauntlett, Minister of Alton. W m Osborn ^ W m Edwards I Churchwardens. E. W. Gray j "In pursuance of the wishes of the above Vestry the Appropriation Churchwardens gave the following notice to the Parish- o/D History of Alton. ioners on Sundays the 25th of December, 1814, and the 1st of January, 1815." " Those Inhabitants paying Church and Poor Rates who wish to be seated with their families must apply to the Churchwardens on or before the 2nd of January, 1815. The following names made application accordingly and were seated in the pews numbered against their respective names, according to the plan on the next half sheet ; each name had seat room in the different pews for the number marked against each respectively " : Pew No. i. Mr. John Willson Taylor 4 seats Henry Passmore Glazier ... 3 John Clinker Blacksmith ... 2 No. 2. John Butler Victualler ... ... 3 Robert Smith ditto ... ... 3 ,, Thos. Harrow Victualler ... 2 Rd. James Laborer 3 No. 3. James Windibank Farmer ... 6 Jeremiah Bond Cadwainer 1 ... 3 No. 4. Edward Faithful Baker ... ... 4 William Lewis Brewer 2 James Walker Postboy 2 No. 5. Mrs. Terry 4 No. 6. Lee Anstey House No. 7. Baker Amery House ... No. 8. James Baverstock, Esq. 8 No. 9. Mr. Newnham Surgeon ... ... 8 No. 10. Thos. Edwards Ironmonger .. 4 Henry Turner Tanner ... ... 2 Richard Hammond Grocer ... 2 J. Ivy Cotter Attorney ... ... 3 No. ii. John Dyer Carpenter 7 John Allen Tailor 5 No. 12. John Fielder Baker 3 Bact. Wilkinson Postmaster ... 2 Peter Marsh Gardener ... i W. Row Watchmaker 3 1 " Cordwainers " or " Cordiners, " Shoemakers. The word is from the French, " Cordounier," derived from Cordonan, a kind of leather brought from Cordonan. PLAN OF CHURCH SITTINGS. 1815. Plate X. Parish Registers. 91 No. 13. Mrs. Glover ... ... ... ... seat Edwards ... Greenfield... Bone Fielder Mr. R c Davis No. 14. Pulpitt and Reading Desk. No. 15. Mr. Stephen Wickham, as occupier of Beech Farm. No. 16. Wm. Osborn Collar Maker .... 6 seats John Dowling Gentleman .. i No. 17. John Chalcraft as occupier of Amery Farm and Lands. No. 1 8. Mrs. Ann Harrow, occupier of the Swan Inn. No. 19. Mr. John Camplin Horsekeeper Francis Allen Taylor No. 20. John Baigent Glazier Mrs. Bastin Widow i Mr. Wm. Barnfield Printer ... ... 3 No. 21. Kent Grocer ... ... .. 4 Harding Butcher ... ... 4 No. 22. Yalden Coachman 2 Jordan Auctioneer ... ... 2 Baker Carrier ... ... ... 4 No. 23. Lazarus White Victualler ... 4 Charles Boswell Butcher ... 2 John Jeffrey Cordwainer ... 3 No. 24. Wm. Ford Victualler ... ... 3 Christopher Snowden ditto . 4 Richard Linney ditto ... .. 2 ,, William Knight Waggoner ... 2 George Ralp Baker i No. 25. Stephen Isaacson Gentleman ... 5 Thos. Jeffrey Jefferis Tanner 2 Mrs. Pattern Stamp Office i No. 26. James Battin Coulthard, Esq. No. 27. Rev. A. Brett Docker and Sisters, by leave of the Rev. Edmund Poulter, Vicar ; this pew being divided from the Vicarage pew by a moveable partition which is taken out of the old chancel. No. 28. The Vicarage pew. 92 History of Alton. No. 29. Mrs. Lamport ... ... ... ... 3 seats Godwin ... 3 This seat was claimed and allowed, as belonging to Mrs. Godwin by prescription, and immemorial use. No. 30. This pew belongs to the Executors of the late Charles Carpenter, as occupier and pro- prietor of Anstey Manor Estate. No. 31. Mr. Benj n Bates Westlake Schoolmaster 3 seats Wm. Dyer Ironmonger ... ... 4 ,, Tho. Matthew Glazier ... ... 3 ,, No. 32. Danl. Christmas Butcher ... 8 No. 33. James Tomlin Brandy Merchant 3 Wm. Hockley Victualler ... 3 Mrs. Mary Smith Collar Maker ... 3 Mr. Francis Heighes Farmer ... 2 No. 34. Messrs. James and George and David Ayling Turners ... ... ... ... 8 No. 35. Mr. Wm. Binstead Ironmonger ... 3 John Bunce Farmer ... ... i No. 36. Mrs. Kemp and Mrs. Willis ... ... 4 No. 37. Mr. John Lock Blacksmith ... ... 4 John Gill Baker ... ... 2 Richard Watts Broker ... ... 3 No. 38. Wm. Edwards Butcher 3 Mrs. Scott Victualler ... ... 3 Mrs. Smith Widow ... ... ... 3 No. 39. Mr. Robt. Smith Labourer ... ... 2 Henry Gray Farmer ... ... 2 Robt. Inwood Carpenter ... 2 Wm. Woodman Taylor .. ... 4 J. Freyzard Widower i No. 40. Abram Biddle 4 Mrs. Fielder ... 2 Heath ... ... ... ... 2 Grover 2 Andrews ... ... ... ... 2 Rothwell ... ... ... ... 2 Howard ... ... ... ... 2 Paton ... ... ... ... 2 Lewis 2 Parish Registers. 93 Mrs. Wheeler ... ... ... ... i seat Isaac ... ... ... ... 2 Andrews ... ... ... i Knight ... i No. 41. Vice-Admiral Sir Lawrence William Halstead, K.C.B., Phcenix Lodge. No. 42. Mrs. Elizth. Dale Schoolmistress ... 6 Mary Hellyer Cooper ... ... 3 No. 43. Mr. Robt. Harrow Baker ... ... 3 Mrs. Andrews Widow ... ... i Mrs. Edwd. Andrews Wheeler ... 3 Mr. William Barlow Victualler ... 2 No. 44. ,, James Inwood Carpenter ... 5 John Earle Cordwainer ... 2 John Ventham Labourer ... 4 John Lock, sen. Blacksmith ... 2 No. 45. John Trimming Attorney ... 8 Mrs. Duncan, wife of the Rev. Jas. Duncan Anstey ... ... ... 3 No. 46. Mr. John Frost, 2 ; and Ann Oliver, i. No. 47. Richard Blunden Farmer No. 48. David Alderslade Labourer ... 2 Biddle Cordwainer 3 No. 49. Jas. Snelling Watchmaker ... 8 No. 50. Richard Marshall Grocer No. 51. Thomas Clement, Esq. This is a faculty pew attached to some houses in Cutpound. No. 52. Mr. Fredk. Gray Merchant. No. 53. Mr. Samuel Smith Brewer. This is a large pew given to Mr. Smith to accommodate a family of 14 children who with himself and wife make 16 souls. No. 54. John Craft Bricklayer 4 seats No. 55. Mrs. Trimmer and Family. No. 56. is the pew called the " Leg of Mutton," certain persons having claimed a right to sit in it by virtue of giving a leg of mutton, etc., to the persons occupy- ing it before them. 94 History of Alton. No. 57. is in the chancel claimed by Mrs. Terry in virtue of possession of the great tithes of Alton. No. 58. is similarly claimed. Capt. Green is the present occupant in virtue of his living in a house belonging to Mrs. Terry. " The pews Nos. 50 and 52 were entirely built by Messrs. Marshall and Gray, by and with the consent of the present and former Churchwardens (see entry to that effect dated about 1804, some leaves back) and at their whole and sole expense on ground whereon never pew stood before, there- fore Messrs. M. and G. have a prescriptive right to them now and hereafter according to the ecclesiastical law, which expressly says that pews may go from house to house by prescription and immemorial usuage" " Two pews on the left hand side of the landing on going into the singing gallery, one a small one, the other large, were erected in like manner by Messrs. John Andrews and E. W. Gray, and to which they have the like claim. This small addition to the singing gallery was made entirely by Messrs. Andrews and Gray at their private expense ; of course the same observations apply to them as to Messrs. Marshall and Gray's undoubted claim. The three pews in the singing gallery are occupied by Mr. Thos. Jeffrey Jefferies and family, Mr. John Clark and family and Misses Edwards and Mesdames Bradley, Peacock and Binstead. The two pews on the left hand side on entering the singing gallery were erected by and at the sole expense of Messrs. John Andrews and Edward Wm. Gray by leave of the Churchwardens, therefore by prescription these pews belong to the parties occupying the same as private pro- perty. The front row of the great gallery is occupied by a pew belonging to Mr. Gunner as proprietor of the Willhall estate, and by a pew where aged men sit. The extreme back row is the seat adapted for apprentices and shopmen, and the row immediately before it is occupied by Mr. Saulez, Schoolmaster, for his pupils, with a part of another row, for which he agrees to pay an annual recompense of 3. %s. a year to the Churchwardens for the time being." Parish Registers. 95 " The gallery called the " Belfry " is occupied by the families of Mr. Thomas Levy, Mr. Henry Easton, Mrs. Mary Easton, Mr. John Cork, Misses Green and Mother, Mr. William Swain, Mr. Langrish, Mr. Andrews, Grocer, Miss Ronett and Mrs. Pearson. The ' Pigeonhole ' gallery is private property (as see an entry to that effect in this book under date i Oct., 1796), and the parties claiming a right thereto sit there." 1831. "A Board of Health was appointed for the Town Nov. 1 5th." 1834. "At a vestry meeting held I Aug., 'it was re- solved ' that the boundaries of the parish be perambulated, and that the officers be instructed to take such steps as may be necessary to give this Resolution effect." " A meeting to be held to consider the propriety of erecting pumps to supply water in case of fire." " At a Vestry held 8 Aug., It was resolved, that a more eligible mode of obtaining water would be by erecting a falling hatch or penstock in the George Bridge, and that a Committee be formed to carry the resolution into effect." 1835. " The Parish of Alton was united with seventeen other parishes for the administration of the Laws for the relief of the Poor." 1840. " A Friend of the Church, this year presented to the Churchwardens, the munificent gift of a Crimson Velvet Communion Cloth, Cushions, Oak chairs, Carpet, Kneeling Hassocks, and Cushions for Communicants at the Altar." 1842. " At a Vestry meeting held 16 Sept." " It was resolved that the Overseers do in obedience to the precept of Her Majesties Justices of the Peace return the names of the Thirty five following persons to act as Constables for the said Parish of Alton for the year ensuing." Then follow the names. 1850. A Vestry Meeting held I April 1850 It was resolved " That the Cordial thanks of this meeting be tendered to the Vicar for so liberally responding to the wishes of the Parish in giving an additional service on Sunday evenings." 9 6 History of Alton. Treading the Bounds discontinued. Church Rates discontinued. Parish Constables replaced by- Police. 1857. "A Nuisance Removal Committee was ap- pointed." 1860. "At the 25th March Vestry it was decided to tread the bounds of the Parish." 1866. " At the ist March Vestry it was decided that as the boundaries of the Parish were well mapped out it was unnecessary to tread the bounds." 1867. " The Church Rates were discontinued and weekly offerings instituted this year." 1868. "At a Vestry held on April isth, It was con- sidered advisable at this Vestry to revive the office of sidesmen." 1869. " In Dec., The Vicar, the Rev. O. A. Hodgson, presented three Churchwardens' staffs of Office to the Church." 1870. " April. Miss Hutchins gave 100 for the restor- ation of the West Windows of the Parish Church. It cost 86 to restore one window. The balance was placed in a deposit Acct. towards restoring the other window at a future time." 1 872. " At the 24th Feby. Vestry, The Parish were of opinion that as they were contributors to the County Rate, thereby having a paid body of men to discharge the duties of Constables, they were no longer needed." ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 1124. Alton Church was one of those which William Gyffard restored to the Blessed Peter, Prior Ingulf and his monks." 1 " Bishop Godfrey granted to Hyde Abbey a pension of 40*. charged on Alton Rectory." ^ 1290. " In 1290 the Rectory of the Church of Alton with its chapel was worth 60, a pension was charged upon it of 20?., and the Vicarage was worth 6. 1 3 s. ^d. J 1 Woodward and Wilks, p. 310. Ecclesiastical History. 97 " The deanery of Alton at this date included the The' Deane of parishes of Aultone, Chautone, Faryndone, Estestede, Nywe- Mtoia - tone cum Haukele, Selebourne, Hertlegh, Froille, Bynte- worth, Lasham, Shaldene, Worldham Major, Bientelegh (of which the church was not taxed), Colemer, &c." a " The Deanery of Alton in 1535 included the rectories 1535. of Alton with its Vicarage held by Ralph Harriett, and worth 36. 7.f. %d. ; Colmer with Pryors Deane, Peter Bentle, ,22. 17^. ; Bentworth, John Palmes, .18 ; Selborne with its Vicarage held by Milo Persoan, and worth 8. 2s. ; Lasham, Richard Scharp, 7, ^s. \\d.; Estistede, Doctor Harpesfeld, >\ i. igs. gd. ; Faryngdon, Robert Fraunces, ig. i^s. lod. ; Chawton, Thomas Wenne, 12. i6s. 8d. ; Shalden, William Pare, 10 ; Hertley Maudet, James Lockey, 10. JS. ^d. ; Estwarleham with its Vicarage arid the Chapel of Selborne, held by Nicholas Langrish, and worth .13. 8s. ; the Chapel of Chawton, held by Thomas Wenne, and worth 55^. ; the Chapel of St. George in Alton, and the Church of Westwarham, appropriated to the Win- chester New College." l " The Rectory of Alton was appropriated to Hide Abbey." " In 1308, the Abbot of Hyde was fined 100 marks for isos. leave to appropriate the Church of Aulton in his gift. The money was assigned to Robert Fitz Payne, seneschal of the household, towards his expenses in crossing the sea." 1 Inquisitions of Ninths in the County of Southampton, Deanery of Aulton, Parish of Aulton. " The names of the men of the said parish, Thomas de Westcote, Simon de Heghes, John de Thuddene, Peter atte Mershe, Edmund Thurstan, John le Brut, John atte Devere, Nicholas Wiard, jurors, who say upon their oath that the ninths of the sheaves, fleeces and lambs of the said parish de Aulton are worth in the said I4th year 28. And they say that the ninths aforesaid in the year aforesaid did not amount to the tax of the said Church, because the 1 Woodward and Wilks, p. 310. 98 History of Alton. said Church is dowered with I messuage, i virgate of land, 2a. of meadow, pasture for 6 cows, 200 sheep, and 23 pigs, which are worth yearly 6os. and 23^. of rent. And they minor say that the tithes of hay, apples and mills with the small tithes, oblations and mortuaries of the said Church are worth per ann., 22. "js. They say also that the ninths of the temporalities of the Abbot of Waverle in the said parish of which he gives tenths to the King are worth that year 50^., and that the ninth of the temporalities of the Prior of Seleborne in the said parish were worth in that year 135. 4 Surveyors." Francis Hodges J ALL SAINTS' CHURCH. Church* 8 Owing to the steady increase in the size of the Town, especially in the new district at the west end, the want of additional church accommodation was felt for some time. Steps were at last taken to erect a new church, and the found- ation stone was laid by Sir Roundell Palmer, afterwards first Earl of Selborne, whilst Lord Chancellor, on the i8th of July, 1873. It was consecrated by Bishop Harold 1874. Browne on the 23rd December, 1874. A parish was assigned to it, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners endowed it with 200 per annum. The Church was dedicated to All Saints, and the sittings were declared to be " free and unappropriated for ever." The architect was Mr. F. C. Dyer, of London, and the builders, Messrs. J. H. and E. Dyer, of Alton. The style is Early English, and it is built of Selborne stone with Bath stone facings. When erected it consisted of a Chancel, Nave and Transepts, and Organ chamber. It seats about 380. The cost was about 3,500. The stained glass windows in the Chancel were inserted in memory of Bishop Samuel Wilberforce, in whose episcopate the building was commenced. There are also three stained glass memorial windows in the south side of the Nave. The Organ, by Hill and Son, of London, was the gift of the late Miss Lydia Dyer ; and the Font of Caen stone, bears the following inscription : " This Font was carved by J. Boggust, jun., and W. Pickett, in their leisure hours, as their contribution to this Church, 1874." All Saints' Church. 101 A Vestry was added in 1878, a Tower and spire, with three bells, in 1881, a clock, as a Memorial to Dr. L. Leslie, Treasurer of the Building Committee, in 1883 ; a larger Organ by Hill and Son in 1885 ; an oak Reredos and Pul- pit, as Memorials to Mr. William Dyer, Secretary of the Building Committee in 1892, and a Chancel Screen in 1894. During the incumbency of the Rev. Barrington G. Browne, a grant of 1500 was obtained from the Ecclesias- tical Commissioners, and Queen Anne's Bounty towards the erection of a Vicarage, which was built by the Rev. F. J. Causton. The endowment of the living was, at the same time, increased to 300 a year. The Sunday School and Parish Room were also added shortly after, the foundation stone being laid by Miss A. Augusta Crowley on May i8th, 1876. The cost, including the land, was about 900. The building is used on week days as an Infant School. It is also used as the Headquarters of the Church Lads' Brigade, started by Mr. Reginald Crowley in 1895. LIST OF VICARS. Rev. Henry Castle Floud ... 1874 Rev. Barrington Gore Browne ... 1876 Rev. Francis Jervoise Causton ... 1877 Rev. George Covey Stenning ... 1886 Rev. Francis Henry Sumner ... 1892 THE ORDER OF ST. PAUL. SEAMAN'S FRIENDLY SOCIETY. The Society consists of an Order of Men, Priests and Order of Laymen, separated and consecrated to the Service of God and our Sailors in Holy Religion. Founder and First Superior-General : The Rev. Father Hopkins, O.S.P., late River Chaplain, Calcutta and Rangoon. IO2 History of Alton. The Home work amongst Seamen is carried on at the Priory, Barry, Cardiff, and the work abroad at Bombay, Calcutta, Chittagong and Budge-Budge. There is a Novitiate for the reception and training of workers in connection with the home organization. 1895. Quite recently the Order has come to settle near the Town and is erecting some temporary buildings on a part of the Beech estate. Their settlement is known by the name of " Abbey Camp," and the building is to be used as a Home of Rest, as well as for training. ALTON TOWN LANDS. 1 The Alton Town Lands have for many years past been considered as vested in the Churchwardens and Over- seers of the Poor of the Parish of Alton, who have been recognised by the Charity Commissioners, in sales and other dealings with the property, as the present legal Trustees thereof. The Trust embraces the four following properties, namely : " i. A piece of Garden Ground in Normandy Street, in the Town of Alton. This was formerly the site of three cottages, which having become dilapidated were pulled down about the years 1850-55. The ground is No. 63 on the Alton Tithe Apportionment, and is therein stated to contain 16 perches. It is now let to Mr. Henry Woodman at an annual rent of 3, which has been received by the Churchwardens and applied in aid of the alms and money annually distributed by the Vicar and Churchwardens of Alton on St. Thomas's Day. This application of the income is not in accordance with the Trust, as the original donor of the property appears to have given " the rent for ever to place fatherless 1 Report on the Charities of the Parish of Alton, by William Trimmer, Solicitor to the Alton Charity Trustees. Alton Town Lands. 103 children, or those of poor estate, to some vocation whereby they might live honestly, the officers to give an account of that rent every year ; " but the donor having omitted to provide a repairing fund for the cottages they became dilapidated and were pulled down as above mentioned. 2. A piece of Land in Nether Street Fields in the Town of Alton. This Land is described in the Alton Tithe Apportion- ment as No. 483, and contains (excluding four perches taken by the Mid-Hants Railway Company) 2 a. or. 31 p. It is let in small allotments to poor inhabitants of Alton, selected by the Churchwardens and Overseers. The rents, amounting to about 4- 7s. per annum, are received by them and applied as part of the income of the Town Lands' Trust. There are no existing deeds relating to these two pieces of Land. 3. A sum of 624. 4s. yd. 3 per cent. Consols. This sum stands in the names of " the Official Trustees of Charitable Funds," and has arisen from the Investment of the proceeds of the sale of part of the above Alton Town Lands, comprising Land in Normandy street, ex- tending thence to the Line of the Mid-Hants Railway, and sites of Cottages and Land in Amery Street and Lenton Street. The stock Receipts for the above sum of Consols are in the custody of the Churchwardens and Overseers, and the dividends are received by Messrs. Bulpett and Hall, and placed to the Account of the Churchwardens' and Over- seers' Parish Lands' Account. 4. Mid-Hants Railway Rent Charge. This is an Annual Rent Charge of 12. i6s. 6d., pay- able half-yearly on 3t the end of the Town Hall. 12 History of Alton. " Lieut W Bygrave of the 50 Regiment of Foot God bless King Georg the 2 d Fred Halsey 1718 Mrs. Devall July 4 1791 for such a Cock as England never bred Wings and Crowed without a Head Halsey T. H. Noyes Oct. 7 1755 1755 Down with Alexr. Lawrence the French 3 Septr. 1760 Bedford Balmerino." About this time, 1666, the river crossed the street as an open stream, over which was a foot bridge, and two or three houses projected into the street. This stream was still open a hundred years ago, and was used as bridle road to Shal- den through Flood meadow. The manor of Chauntsingers was then spelt "Cauch- ongers." The cottages beyond Nether Street were called Nether Street Bares. ALTON IN THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY. Alton in the I am greatly indebted to the kindness of Mr. Johnson, 17th Century. . if r i. r 11 TT of Winchester, for the inspection of a small Hampshire Directory, dated 1784, and compiled and printed by a Mr. J. Sadler, of Winchester. It is a very rare volume, and Alton in the Seventeenth Century. 117 I have copied all the information relating to Alton, which I believe will be found most interesting. It gives the names of the principle inhabitants and their various trades and callings, the inns, post days, coaches, waggons, etc. : " Alexander, Mrs., Ladies Boarding School. Allen, William, Taylor. Andrews, John, Carpenter. Andrews, William, Wheelwright Baker, Palmer Richard, Clothier. Baker, Mrs., Tanner. Baverstock, Thomas, Surgeon and Man-Midwife. Baverstock and Bowden, Brewers. Bond, Matthias, George Inn. Boyce, John, Brazier. Bradley, Thomas, Draper. Bristow, Richard, Fellmonger. Child, John, Surveyor. Clements, Mr., Attorney. Clarke, Thomas, Staymaker. Cooper, Sadler. Craft, William, Bricklayer. Curtis, John, Tanner. Curtis, James, Surgeon and Man-Midwife. Dawes, William, Carpenter and Surveyor. Easton, Mr., Post Master. Edwards, Thomas, Ironmonger. Fielder, Moses, Baker. Gale, Butcher. Gauntlett, Thomas, Attorney. Godwin, Thomas, Grocer. Gold, Charles, Shopkeeper. Greenfied, David, Shoemaker. Grover, John, Collar Maker. Harrow, Henry, the Swan Inn (Excise Office), and post chaise. Harrow, Robert, Baker and Grocer. Hawkins, John, Brewer. Hewlitt, John, Baker. Hoare, John, Collar Maker. Ii8 History of Alton. Holland, Richard, Barber. Howe, do. Isaac, John, Gingerbread Baker. Jay, James, Baker. Jordan, Cabinet Maker. Johnson, James, Schoolmaster. Kemp, Surgeon and Man-Midwife. King, William, Paper Maker. Knight, John, Butcher. Lee, William and Thomas, Mercers and Drapers. Leach, James, Surgeon and Man-Midwife. Long, Attorney, and Distributor of the Stamps. Love, John, Ironmonger. Marshall, Richard, Grocer. Martin, William, Barber. Miller, Josiah, Shopkeeper. Newlands, Daniel, Grocer. Over, James, the Crown Inn (post chaise). Page, John, Stay Maker. Paice, John, Tanner. Palmer, Richard, Clothier. Palmer, George, Milliner. Palmer, Edmund, Carpenter. Pile, John, Taylor. Roe, William, Bookseller. Selfe, Jacob, Grocer. Smith, John, Baker. Smith, Henry, Sadler. Snelling, James, Watch and Clock Maker. Spiers, James, Glazier. Temple, Henry, Hatter. Tilbury, Stephen, Plumber and Glazier. Walker, Mariner, Baker. Waring, Samuel and Jeremiah, Mercers. Waring, Samuel, Clothier. Webb, William, Shoemaker. Webb, Jun., Surgeon and Man-Midwife. Webb, William, Carpenter. White, John, Basket Maker. TANHOUSE LANK, FROM WATEKCOLOUR SKETCH. 1844. Plate XIV. Alton in the Seventeenth Century. 119 Post Days. To London, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6 o'clock ; comes in from London, Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, about 2 o'clock. Coaches. Collier's Southampton Coach stops at the Swan in going to London every morning, except Sunday, at about 10 o'clock; and on its return on the same day about noon ; Inns at the Belle Savage, Ludgate Hill, London. Clarke's old Gosport Coach, in going up, stops at the George every morning about 4 o'clock ; and in returning, at the Swan, about 8 o'clock in the morning. Inns at the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, the Cross Keys and Spread Eagle, Gracechurch Street. Another Gosport Coach, in going up, stops at the Crown about 4 in the morning ; and in returning, about 8 every day. Inns at the Castle, Wood Street, London. Gosport Light Coach, in going up, stops at the Crown, about 10 o'clock in the morning ; and on returning, at half- past one every day. Inns at the Castle, Wood Street. Poole Coach, in going up, stops at the Crown at half- past eight o'clock every morning ; and on returning, every morning at 4. Inns at the Bell and Crown, Holborn Bridge, London. Waggons. Brookman's Winchester Waggons, one up and one down, call at the George on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and on Friday evening one down. Inns at the Rose, Holborn Bridge. Clark's Gosport Waggon, in going up, stops on Tuesday evening at the George ; in going down, lies there on Friday evenings. Inns at the Bell Savage, Ludgate Hill, London. Fair. September 29. Market Day. Saturday. Mr. Long, Attorney, Distributor of the stamps. Mr. John Boyce, Agent to the Royal Exchange Assur- ance Office. I2O History of Alton. A list of the Names and Places of abode of the Acting Magistrates, with the several divisions of this County. Alton North Division : William Newman, Esq., Froyle. Thomas Baker, Esq., Farnham. Harry Harmood, Esq., New Alresford. The Rev. Jonathan Dennis, Bramshott. The Rev. William Sewell, Headley. William Harris, Esq., New Alresford. Alton South Division : William Joliffe, Esq., Petersfield. Francis Hugonin, Esq., Nurstead, near Petersfield. Thomas Samuel Joliffe, Esq., Trotton, Sussex. William Battine, Esq., East Harden, Sussex. Henry Bonham, Esq., Petersfield. The Rev. James Cookson, Eastmeon. The Rev. Joseph Bailey, Sussex. Dignitaries, etc., of the Church. Rectories, Vicarages, etc., and their Incumbents. Alton Deanery : Alton, Rev. Dr. Thomas Balguy, Vicar. Binsted Chapel, do., do. Holybourn Chapel, do., do. Kingsley Chapel, do., do. Bentworth, Edward Acton, Rector. Bramshott, Jonathan Dennis, do. Chawton, John Hinton, do. Colemere, James Cookson, do. Prior's Dean Chapel, do., do. East Worldham, Dr. Richard Chaundler, Vicar. East Tisted, Charles Prince, Rector. Empshott, Richard Green, Vicar. Farringdon, Herbert Randolph, Rector. Froyle, Richard Pollen, Vicar. Greatham, Richard Yalden, Rector. Hartley Maudit, John Tuach, do. Headley, William Sewell, do. Lassam, James Pinnock, do. VICARAGE HILL Plate XV. Coaches. 121 Lyss, Richard Green, Min. Newton Valence, Richard Yalden, Vicar. Hawkley Chapel, do., do. Selbourne, Andrew Etty, do. Shaldean, Charles Page, Rector. West Worldham, Min." COACHES. " Till the beginning of the i8th Century we were almost Coaches, wholly an equestrian people. Coaches began to be used somewhere about 1650. Pack horses and carriers' waggons for many years were the only conveyances for merchandise and passengers. Stage coaches appear to have been in use soon after the middle of the I7th century, but then progress was very slow. In the south of England we made more rapid strides towards perfection ; and it was to its position on the great highway from Gosport to London, that Alton in former times owed much of its prosperity, for in the old coaching days the traffic was very considerable. 1 " An interesting engraving of one of the coaches which used to run on this road, may be seen in the first volume of The Land we Live in. It was called the " Alton Machine," and in 1750 left our town at six o'clock every morning, 1750. reaching London the same night. This was then con- sidered a marvellous feat. The Alton Machine was an immense clumsy vehicle, drawn by six horses, the coach- man had four horses in hand, and a postillion rode a pair of leaders. The half-price passengers were not carried on the roof, but in a large basket, literally a basket, swung behind. The name " machine " became common, and hence stage coach horses were called " machiners." During the early part of this century a number of coaches passed through this town ; three up and three down each day between London and Southampton, and London and Gosport. Two were called " The Age," two " The Times," and two " The Red Rover." There was also a private coach, driven by Mr. Yalden, to London one day 1 The Land we Live in. Vol. I. 122 History of Alton. Stocks. Turnpike Gates. Roads. 1819. and back the next ; also two night coaches, one of which carried the mails. Heavy road waggons for goods and merchandise, drawn by six or eight horses, travelled three or four times a week between London and Southampton. Sixty or seventy years ago the mails were carried from Farnham to Alton by post horses ridden by post boys in blue jackets. STOCKS AND TURNPIKE GATES. Stocks and a Whipping Post formerly stood at the end of the old Town Hall, and also at Anstey, on a little piece of ground near the turning to Anstey mill. A Turnpike gate stood near Dr. Stewart's house, but it was removed about 60 years ago to the vicinity of the Butts, in the position of the present drinking fountain. Another stood at the end of Lenton Street ; but it was removed about the year 1845 to Willhall Cottage, when the new Odiham road was completed ; and a toll bar stood at Wyard's end of Whitedown Lane. MACADAMIZED ROADS. The high road from London to Gosport was made firm and good by a man named Macadam, who invented the process in the year 1819. The road-way was trenched to a certain depth, and all the large flints and gravel were broken small enough to run through a wire netting, or sieve, of a certain mesh. The ground was made good, and these broken stones placed on the top and well rammed. Miss Jane Curtis informs me that she remembers the time when this was done thoughout the town, and that it proved a very formidable undertaking. She also remem- bers seeing Macadam, and knows that her father had frequent talks with him. This was the origin of " Maca- damised Roads." I have heard my father say that he was always given to understand that originally Normandy Hill was much deeper and more hollow than it is now, and that there was Manufactures. 123 a bank covered with bushes, sloping down from the foot- path, and that Old Mr. Woodman, the builder, who lived in Nether Street, went bird nesting on this bank when a boy (between 1790 and 1800.) MANUFACTURES. " The old manufactures of Cloth and Silk survived in this County until the present century. About 100 years ago a brisk trade was carried on at Alton in plain and figured baragons (a genteel corded stuff), serges, white yarn, tabi- nets, bombazines, ribbed druggets and other woven fabrics, which found their principal market in America, and were much in demand in Philadelphia and its neighbourhood. At the same time shalloons (blankets) were made at Andover, and worsted yarn was spun in the villages round Alton. The silk manufacture was at the same time carried on profitably at Overton, Whitchurch, Andover, Alton and Odiham." 1 " The Cloth made in Hampshire formed an article of commerce with the Venetians from the I2th to the i6th centuries, and was bought by them and shipped at South- ampton. The festival of Bishop Blaise, the patron Saint of Clothworkers, has been celebrated at Alton within the last 100 years, and also at Andover." 2 There was a Fulling Mill at Alton, called Orp's Mill, Fulling Mills, situated at the bottom of Crown Close, by the stream running into King's pond, and another at Millcourt, Froyle. This Mill in 1600 was bought by the Henry Wheeler of 160 - that time. 3 The cloth was brought from the loom, soaked in lye fullers earth soaped put into the fulling mill, and then worked dry until thick enough. Water was then turned on to scour the cloth ; the mill drew the serge or cloth in and out with huge timbers notched like teeth. When thus scoured the Cloth was dried in racks, strained out, and large fields were occupied in this way. When dry 1 Shore' History of Hampshire, p. 270. 2 Hampshire Notes and Queries, vol. vi, p. 144 (Shore). 3 Woodward and Wilks' History of Hampshire. 124 History of Alton. all knots were picked out and the Cloth folded with paper between each fold ; after which it was put in screw presses, the first hot, the second cold. Fuller's earth was found at Churt, and the mill no doubt served the Clothiers of Alton and Farnham. There was a great deal of local industry then and for a hundred years later. Wool was spun at home and found a market close at hand. Hop bagging was also manufactured here, and I can recollect seeing one or two looms at work in a room or store in Market Street. Hollow turning was carried on, principally in the shape of wooden shaving boxes and bowls. There is a cellar window in a cottage (next to what is now Mr. Blake's foundry) which I found most attractive when a small boy, as I stood outside and watched the chips fly, while the old man, Ayling, worked at his turning. There was also a "Walk" for manufacturing String at the back of the cottages on the top of Paper Mill Lane, and many a call we made on the old man, Palmer, to buy our string and whip-cord. A little farther on, opposite Littlefield Road, stood an old shed outside a cottage, occupied by a man named Alwork, who made and repaired Cricket Bats. At one time there was a Tanyard situated at the foot of Vicarage Hill, on the premises now occupied by Mr. Coleman and Messrs. Hetherington, one in Turk Street, on the site of Culverton House, and another was in existence during 1700, at the house in Lenton Street, now occupied by Mr. Burrell, and can only have been closed within the last thirty years. FRENCH PRISONERS. French During the Peninsular War, in 1814, the French pri- ere. 1814. soners o ft en travelled through the Town and were some- times quartered in an old building at the back of the Crown Inn. There was an opening or grated window THE ALTON MACHINE. 1750. Plate XVI. Riots. 125 looking into my Grandfather's garden, the remains of which are still to be seen, and through this my Father and some of his Sisters used to give the prisoners food and buy from them quaint carvings of bone. One of them made a hole through the wall and escaped by way of the garden to Great Wood, where he was captured. In the following year, 1815, when peace was proclaimed, the event was celebrated by a public dinner in the High Street RlOTS. " During the latter part of the Eighteenth Century the Riote - 180 - agricultural population of the County was in a distressed condition. Labour was abundant, work was scarce in winter, and wages low. The only County Schools were those known as Charity Schools. The bulk of the agri- cultural population of Hampshire remained practically un- taught, and consequently when labour saving appliances, such as the thrashing and turnip cutting machines, etc., were first introduced, the labourers (who found employment in winter in threshing corn with the flail, as their forefathers had done from Saxon times downwards) were too ignorant to see anything in such an innovation except ruin for them- selves and their families, and riots occurred in some places, in which the machines were smashed and other acts of lawlessness were committed." 1 My father used to tell us of the excitement in the County on the introduction of machinery for agricultural purposes, and the general depression ending in Bread riots, about the year 1830. On one occasion he was riding on 183 - one of his rounds, through East Worldham, on his way to Kingsley, when he was met by a large crowd of excited rioters, who stopped him at the top of Worldham Hill, and said, " Oh, Mr. Curtis, it is a pity you were not at Headley when we broke into the Workhouse. You would have laughed if you had seen the tiles fly. Tell the people in Alton to look out as we are intending to attack the Workhouse and Breweries after we have been to Selbourne." My father on 1 Shore's History of Hampshire, p. 270. 126 History of Alton. his return home made known what he had seen and heard. A messenger was sent on horseback to Winchester for troops, and a number of the inhabitants were sworn in as special constables ; the town was patrolled at night, and every precaution taken against an attack. The guard room was an old hop store used by the Messrs. Crowley, and situated at the corner of Turk Street. The pockets of hops were ranged round in front of the fire place as seats for the comfort of the night watch, and my father ended his exciting reminiscences by saying, " Didn't I get a welcome there, as the bearer of sausage rolls and home- made ginger bread nuts." Mr. Cassell, one of the oldest inhabitants of our town, informed me that a troop of Life Guards came from Win- chester, and were quartered at the Crown Inn. They went to Selbourne, when the rioters set fire to a public house, and a barn at Newton Common, after which they became disorganized, and did not attack the town. It is quite evident that at the time of which we are writing local information was not easily transmitted to any considerable distance, and in consequence we find very little information in the newspapers of that period with regard to these events. The only paragraph of interest is the following in connection with Holybourne, dated Novem- ber 29th, 1830: ISM. " At Holybourne, near Alton, the labouring classes assembled for the purpose of obtaining higher wages, stating that the present allowance was really insufficient to support their families. The farmers met, and agreed to give reasonable price for labour, with which the men appeared perfectly satisfied, and returned to their work. It is gratifying to observe that the conduct of the men towards their employers was orderly and respectful. They declared they did not intend to join with any persons not belonging to this parish, and only requested as much as would enable them to live." J 1 Extracted from Hampshire Chronicle. General Description of Town. 127 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWN. The town is prettily situated in the Valley of the Wey, which river rises in the parish about half a mile west of the Town Town. Not far from its source it spreads out into a kind of swamp in which watercress beds have been formed. The stream then passes through the middle of the Town, dividing it into two parts, that on the right bank being called Alton Westbrook, that on the left, Alton Eastbrook. Just beyond the town it passes through King's Pond, a large sheet of water, originally constructed as a reservoir for the Paper Mill. Somewhat further on at Lynch Hill, it receives a small tributary, called the Caker Stream, which rises at Truncheaunts. In its course to Farnham, it is the motive power of several floup mills. The Town is surrounded by chalk hills, and the neigh- bourhood is well wooded and picturesque. It stands on high ground, being about 250 feet above the sea level in its lowest part. It consists of one main street about a mile long, somewhat broad and slightly winding, running from north-east to south-west, and sloping from the two ex- tremities to the river which crosses it near the middle. As you enter the Town from the north-east, on the road from London, the suburb is called Anstey. The street is then known as Normandy Street to the top of the hill, which is called Normandy Hill, from the foot of which commences the High Street ; this extends through the Town, the last part, towards Chawton, being known as the Butts road. There are several side streets, the principal ones, branching off to the north, are Littlefield, Church Street and Market Street, continuing beyond the Market Square as Lenton Street, leading to Basingstoke and Odiham. Those on the south are the Station road, leading to the Railway Station, Paper Mills, etc. ; Nether Street, Turk Street (in which are situated the Breweries), Hoppole lane, and Tower Street. There are several other smaller streets intersecting. 128 History of Alton. It contains a number of well-built and substantial houses with good gardens at the back. Most of the old dilapidated cottages have gradually disappeared, and the Town has, during the last few years, considerably increased, better-class houses, principally cottages, having been built to the north-east and south-west of the Town. Geale's Almshouses are situated in Church Street, and Normandy Cottage, for six tenants stands on the south-east side of Normandy Street, and was built by Miss M. Crowley in 1869. On the south side of Normandy Hill is a Square, sur- rounded on three sides by public buildings, which form a very striking feature of the Town. The Cottage Hospital is on the south side, facing the High Street. The Curtis Museum and Art Schools, connected with the Mechanics' Institution, occupies the east side, and the Assembly Rooms the west. In the centre of the north side, contiguous to the street, stands a handsome drinking fountain. The centre of the Square is turf, surrounded by a roadway. The Town is noted for being very clean and well kept. It is lighted with gas, and the footpaths are paved with bricks, and it is well supplied with remarkably good, pure water from water works situated on Windmill Hill. The shops are numerous and good. The Town is in the heart of an Agricultural and Hop district. The local industries are two Breweries, Paper Mills, two Iron Foundries, a large Building Firm, and a new industry lately started outside the Town for Photo Engraving work to illustrate magazines, etc. The Hotels, Inns, and Licenced Houses are twenty-six in number. The Town Hall and Corn Exchange stand in the Market Square. A Corn Market is held every Tuesday, and under the auspices of the North East Hants Agricul- tural Association, a Lamb and Stock Show is held on the Alton Butts in the month of July, and a Christmas Show of Fat Stock in the Market Square in December. The Workhouse. 129 Two Statute Fairs are held during the year, on the last Saturday in April and the 29th of September, but, like most similar fairs, they have now nearly collapsed. THE WORKHOUSE. The oldest Parish, Churchwardens' and Overseers' Book dates from 1740, and continues to 1767. A clause in the Will dated the I2th day of December, Jg khouse - 1749, [and proved in Doctors Commons of] Thomas Harrison, Esq., is as follows, " Also I give and devise All that my Messuage or Tenement with the Malthouse there- unto adjoining and belonging together with the Courtyard and Backside and the Piece or Parcel of Land whereon a Hogsty is erected and built with their and every of their Appurtenances situate lying and being in Alton aforesaid commonly called and known by the Name of the Work- house, unto the use of Anthony Baker, William Naish, Thomas Fry, John Dowden the younger, John Curtis and William White, Churchwardens and Overseers of the Town and Parish of Alton aforesaid and their Heirs, Successors, and Assigns for ever In Trust nevertheless for the lodging, keeping, maintaining and employing of the Poor of the said Town and Parish of Alton for Ever." " Alton Parish Proceedings under the Act of Parlia- ment of 22 d George 3 d , chap 83." " For the better Relief and Employment of the Poor." The following Notice was read in the Church im- mediately after divine service the 3 Sundays following in pursuance of the directions of the above Act, namely, i oth of June, 1792. 1792. 1 7th 24th Copy of the Notice which was read as above mentioned. " Notice is hereby given that a public meeting to consult the owners or occupiers of Lands, Tenements or Hereditaments assessed after the Rate of Five pounds per annum, about hiring, purchasing and building a House or K 130 History of Alton. Houses and providing for the Maintenance and Employ- ment of the Poor of this Parish, pursuant to the Statute of the Twenty-second year of George the third, will be held at the Swan Inn, at Alton, on Wednesday, the 2/th day of this Instant June at n o'clock in the forenoon. Ben Fielder, Clerk of the Parish of Alton." " In consequence it was decided to purchase the Land called Merriotts Purrock, on which the New Poor House is to be erected, and certain persons be desired to act as assis- tants to the Visitor and Guardian in framing and adjusting the plan which may be thought most proper for the Poor House intended to be built for the said Parish of Alton." "The site and part of the grounds attached thereto were conveyed by Thomas Knight, Esq., of Godmersham Park, Kent, to William Webb of Alton, surgeon, and Jeremiah Waring, of Alton, clothier, by conveyance dated 25th Sept., 1792, in which the property is described as ' a close of Arable Land called Merriott's Puttock, or Town Close, containing about Three Acres, abutting on the West on the King's Highway, and on the East on the River called the Alton River.' The price paid was ;iio." The Union Workhouse is a large red brick building erected in 1792 at an outlay of 4000, and is situated at the north-east end of the town. The Rural District of the Alton Union, contains 21 Parishes; the acreage, 57,833; population, 1891, 10475; rateable value, 56,722. THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL. Grammar "This School was founded in the year 1641, by Mr. ' John Eggar, of Moungomeries, in the parish of Crondall. By an Act of Parliament, which was passed in the sixteenth year of the reign of Charles I, entitled, ' An Act for John Eggar's Free School within the parish of Alton, in the County of Southampton,' it was provided that within this parish a suitable school house should be built ; that free- holders of the hundred of Alton should be appointed as Plate XIX. EGGAR'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL, TAKEN FROM AN OLD PRINT ABOUT 1820. The National Schools. 131 feoffees ; that these feoffees should have the power to purchase land, etc., for the maintenance of the School, and that they should nominate a schoolmaster. It is an inter- esting fact that the Act of Parliament referred to was the last public document signed by Charles I." The School house was erected at Anstey, a tithing of Alton, and was unfinished when the founder died, which event took place on March 2Oth, 1641. The endowment came from Mounter's Farm in the Parish of Chawton, and 37 acres of land at Anstey, etc. The Charity Commissioners, in their Report, published in 1825, state that there had been from time to time a surplus of income, and that such surplus had been invested in three per cent, consols. At the time referred to the amount thus invested was 550. The Master had a residence and about 2^/2 acres of land, and in addition to 24 Foundation Scholars, is permitted to take private pupils. The instruction prescribed is " Grammar learning" and Ancient and Modern Languages, Mathematics and a Commercial education to such Scholars as require it. The farm at Chawton, and other lands, were sold, and the proceeds invested in Consols. In 1879 a new scheme was formulated by the Charity Commissioners, and the School placed in charge of a Governing Body, under the name of " Eggar's Grammar School, Alton." A new School Room and Dormitories being added to the old building. THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS. The National Schools were originally located at the National Town Hall, in the room now used as the Corn Exchange. At that time the market was held on Saturdays. When, however, the market day was changed to Tuesday, serious inconvenience was occasioned to the Schools, and fresh premises were therefore required. The site of the School buildings and houses contains i r. 20 p., the ground being formerly occupied by the yard, K2 132 History of Alton. barns, stables and other buildings belonging to the Rectory i84i. of Alton, and was by deed dated 25 January, 1841, granted by way of gift, by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester, the owners of the Rectorial Tithes of Alton, to the Rev. Edward James, Vicar of Alton, Richard Marshall, Esq., of Alton, and John Wood, Esq., of Thedden Grange, to be with all Buildings thereon erected or to be erected, for ever appropriated and used as and for a School for the educa- tion of children and adults, or children only of the labouring, manufacturing and other poorer classes in the Parish of Alton, and as a residence for the Schoolmaster and School- mistress ; such School to be always conducted upon the principles of the Established Church, under the manage- ment and control of the Vicar of the Parish of Alton for the time being, assisted by a Committee of subscribers to the said School. The late John Wood, Esq., as the sur- vivor of the above Trustees, in the year 1857 duly vested the Freehold of the above Schools (under the authority of the acts for affording facilities for the conveyance and en- dowments of sites for Schools) in the Vicar and Church- wardens of Alton and their successors. The deed of 25th January, 1841, is in the custody of the Vicar of Alton. The buildings were erected in 1841, at a cost of 1396. A classroom was added in 1858, and there have been many additions since. The Schools are partly endowed, the fol- lowing amounts having been bequeathed towards their support: .700 by Mr. Richard Marshall, 200 by Mr. William Exall, and 100 by Mrs. Baker. In addition to these sums Mr. James Hawkins left .100 to augment the above gifts. The Schools are in connection with Govern- ment, and the first inspection was made by Mr. Mosely in 1845. THE BRITISH SCHOOLS. British schools. This School was started in Church Street, on November 2Oth, 1843 ; 29 boys and 6 girls were admitted on the opening day. On October 2Oth of the following year, the School was removed to a room in the rear of the Inde- The British Schools. 133 pendent Chapel. As the number of scholars increased, the Committee decided to make this a school for boys exclusively, and according on January 1st, 1845, the girls were removed to Messrs. Crowley's Schoolroom in Turk Street. In 1849, tne Boys School was brought under Government control. On the ist of May, 1867, Mr. Frederick Crowley presented to a number of gentlemen acting as Trustees, a new British School, situated at the north-east end of the High Street It is a handsome structure, built of red brick and white facings, and com- prises a large schoolroom (capable of accommodating 150 children) and a class room. It was opened with a soiree and tea. The Girls School was removed from Turk Street to some new buildings erected in the rear of the Boys School in the year 1877. The Managers of the Alton Elementary Schools (National and British), finding that their financial position was precarious and unsatisfactory, decided to take combined action to prevent the formation of a School Board. In 1886, having enquired into the working of the Farn- ham Educational Scheme, which had been in operation for several years, with a voluntary rate, they recommended its adoption at Alton, and at a public meeting of ratepayers this recommendation was formally adopted. It was agreed that each School should be under the control of its own managers, but that all moneys received, whether by Donation, Voluntary Rate, Government Grant, or otherwise, should be paid into a common fund. That a General Committee should be formed, consisting of Managers and Ratepayers, and that a Finance Committee should be elected from their number, by whom all receipts and expenditure should be controlled. This Scheme has been in force up to the present date, 1896, and a Sixpenny rate has been sufficient for all practical purposes. It having become necessary to provide increased accom- modation, this was done by public subscription, at a cost of about ^850. 134 History of Alton. The average number of children in attendance is, at the National Schools about 400, at the British Schools about 300. THE FRIENDS. " George Fox, who was born at Drayton, in Leicester- shire, A.D. 1624, was the first of the community commonly called ' Quakers.' Attired in his suit of leather, he started on his ministerial wanderings in 1647, and three years later his followers began to build meeting houses. There is no evidence as to the exact date when the Society at Alton was first formed, but this was certainly during the lifetime of the founder of the sect. The archives of the Society 1664. here extend, we believe, from about 1664." " The present meeting house seems to have been used from 1672. The funds for the erection of the building and the purchase of the land were contributed by the Friends, and the list of subscribers is still extant. The old meeting house wall, next the road, has the date 1672 built in it. During the earlier part of their history the Quakers here shared in the general persecution of their sect ; a persecu- tion which emanated from a spirit of tyranny on the part of the Government, and of bigotry on the part of the English people. The following are examples : "The third day of the second month, 1664, Moses Neave, Clothworker ; Peter Bayly, Carpenter ; and William Wake, and Nicholas Gates, inhabitants of ye towne of Alton, were declared excommunicate, by Henry Butler, then priest or vicar of ye say d towne." " Nicholas Eade of Froyle was pronounced excommuni- cate in the steeple house (church) at Froyle by Richard Ffarrer, then Priest of ye said parish, and upon ye fouerth day of ye fifth month,, 1668." " Shortly afterwards Nicho- las Eade was persecuted by the Churchwardens of Froyle, and he was sent to prison for a considerable time." "The loth day of the 5th month 1670 wee were mett againe and as wee were waiting upon God, James May with two more called Justices came to us in ye house of The Friends. 135 Moses Neave in Alton and pulled us out of ye meeting and because friends would not depart at their command, severall were abused, and they commanded Nicholas Gates should be carried away, who was by 3 or 4 carried home, and so they did for severall dayes so y* in many months wee had not a meetting within doors quietly but were kept out in all weathers." " Moses Neave for ye s d Meetting had goods seized nigh ye vallue of thirty pounds." " John Inwood of Neatham had a horse taken from him worth fower pounds, for his being at ye s d Meetting and for fouer more bodies besides himself wh. they fined and charged it on him ; his sonn paid ye fine without his consent." " Roger Gates for being twise at a Meetting and for his Mother and Sister, once fined twenty shillings and had taken from him in pewter and brass the value of fifty shillings." "We may remark that in the epistle received by the friends in 1675 from the annual meeting of their body in London, they were exhorted not to absent themselves from their public worship in consequence of persecution, as that would be inconsistent with the nobility of truth." " In 1677 several Friends were cited to appear at Win- chester ' for not paying to the repairing of the steeple house at Alton ; and soon after were pronounced excommunicate by Henry Butler, Priest.' Three of them, including Joan Sly, widow, were sent to Winchester gaol, where they remained about two months." " It is noticed that at the monthly meeting held at Alton 'ye 1 4th of ye 2 d month 1679,' it was decided to petition the ' parliament men ' respecting the sufferings of Friends, and four persons were appointed to draw up a letter on the subject." The penalties inflicted on the Quakers at Alton tended in no degree to diminish their numbers, for we find that after the Meeting House had been built a few years, it was 136 History of Alton. too small to accommodate the congregation, and a subscrip- tion was raised in order to add two galleries. During the reigns of William III and George I, some acts of Parlia- ment favourable to the Quakers were passed, and since that time the Society here has pursued the even tenour of its way without molestation. THE CONGREGATIONALISTS. The first meeting house of the Congregationalists at Alton appears to have been built somewhere during the seventeenth century by a person from Selborne, from which place Mr. Ferrol was ejected, and he first conducted the 1695. worship here. In 1696 the Chapel at Alton was opened for public worship. The first minister was a Mr. Foster, who was educated at Cambridge, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The congregation gradually fell off in numbers until about the year 1777, when there were only eight members. The Dissenters were at this period exceedingly unpopular. They could hardly walk down the High Street without being hooted at. Frequently the ser- vices were interrupted by riots at the door, or by parties bringing live sparrows into chapel in their pockets and letting them free during the service. Gradually, however, as people became more educated, a better feeling was evinced towards them. In the year 1801 the Sunday School was commenced, and it was the first Sunday School in Alton. The old chapel having become dilapidated, it was decided to build a new one, which was opened for divine worship on Tuesday, April I4th, 1835, the cost being 1035- The Chapel was enlarged in 1868, and the organ, which up to that time had been used in the Parish Church, was purchased. THE WESLEYANS. The Rev. John Wesley was the father of Methodism, and the denomination was founded in the year 1738. The The Nonconformists. 137 first meetings were held in Alton towards the end of 1842 1842 - in an ordinary cottage. After a few weeks, however, a hop kiln was hired, and the services were held in it for about three years. This kiln belonged to the late Mr. Snelling, and was situated in the rear of the premises now occupied by Mr. Conduit. The Chapel was erected in 1846, and is situated in the High Street ; it cost 850. Recently it has been entirely repewed and improved. THE BAPTISTS. The Baptists started as a small body in Alton about the year 1840, under a Mr. John Forman, and in all proba- iwo- bility held their meetings in an outbuilding, or kind of loft, at the back of a house in Normandy Street, occupied by Mr. Bartholomew, a Baker. After this, being very few in numbers, they met at a private house. Some years later they appealed for help to the late Mr. C. H. Spurgeon, and by his aid they rented the large room of Mr. Cox, now occupied by the Constitutional Club, and remained there for about five years. After this they met with many ups and downs, meeting in a private cottage for a time, then occupying Mr. Cox's room again, and eventually, in 1891, they succeeded in building a Chapel in Mount Pleasant Road. THE BRETHREN. These started in Alton about the year 1882. They first met in a private house, but since 1887 have rented a large room in Turk Street, where they hold their meetings. THE SALVATION ARMY. These first began their meetings in Alton about the year 1883, and opened their Barracks in an old building in 1883. Cutpound in January, 1884. New Barracks were erected in Amery Street in the year 1891, and were opened for service in the month of September of that year. 138 History of Alton. THE TOWN HALL. The Town Hall was erected in 1812 on ground which was afterwards found to belong to the Lord of the Manor, to whom consequently an annual rent has to be paid. This building is situated in the Market Place. In 1840 it was enlarged at an outlay of about ;iooo, and on sub- sequent occasions it has been altered and improved. The lower room is used as the Corn Exchange and as a Drill Hall for the Volunteers. The County Court and Petty Sessions are held in the upper room, which is also used for lectures and meetings. Further improvements were made for the better accommodation of the Magistrates in the year 1893-4. THE PHILANTHROPIC HALL. This Hall, situated in French's Court, was built by the late Mr. William Holmes, and is now in the hands of Trustees. It will accommodate about sixty people. Its use is granted at the charge of is. per evening for meetings in connection with " sound philanthropic objects." In this same Court is a house that was at one time fitted up and used as a Workman's Club and Institute, which, after four or five years, collapsed. It is now comfortably furnished for the use of the members of the Young Women's Christian Association. THE ASSEMBLY ROOMS. 1880. These form one side of the Square of "The Public Buildings." The original scheme for these buildings was formulated by Mr. Henry Hall, of the Manor House, and the site was also generously given by him. A company was formed to carry out the work. The building contains a fine large hall with a raised platform or stage at one end and small gallery opposite, and capable of seating 500. In addition, there are two good Committee Rooms (one being used by the Urban District Council as their Board Room), retiring rooms, cloak rooms, etc. WILLIAM CURTIS, Founder of Mechanics' Institution and Museum Plate XX. The Mechanics' Institution. 139 This building was opened in 1880, and in 1893 Mr. Hall enlarged and improved the stage and retiring rooms, and heated the Hall with hot water pipes at his own ex- pense. The architectural design for the entire group of buildings was furnished by C. E. Barry, Esq., grandson of Sir Charles Barry, and the building of the same was sub- stantially executed by the Messrs. J. H. and E. Dyer, of Alton. THE MECHANICS INSTITUTION. The Mechanics Institution began its career in Septem- Mechanics Institution. ber, 1837, under the name of the "Alton Mechanics' and wsr. Apprentices' Library." The late Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, was spending a few days at my grandfather's, when in the course of conversa- tion, the subject of Mechanics Institutions was mentioned, and the desirability of forming one in Alton was discussed by my father, my uncle, Dr. John Wright Curtis, and others. Very shortly after, a number of young men were gathered together, and a scheme was proposed, and adopted. This meeting included those who had signed a paper setting forth the objects of the Institution, and the means proposed for their accomplishment. It received 35 signatures, almost entirely of working men. The first organisation having been embodied in suitable rules, a working committee was formed, consisting entirely of quarterly subscribers. The business was for some time under the supervision, more particularly in reference to books, of a few of the supporters of the Institution. The Library opened with rather more than 100 volumes, some of which were presented, the remainder purchased by subscription. The first local habitation of the Institution was in a store-room on the site of the house now occupied by Mr. Trimming's shop. The next or corner house of Turk Street was at that time a malt mill, worked by a horse going round and round with a great cogged wheel. At the back of this, extending up to the house now occupied 140 History of Alton. by Mr. Moth, was a long malt house, and a dirty gutter, mostly overgrown with grass and other weeds, ran its whole length, forming a green edging to the street, rural enough, but not always in a sanitary condition suited to our modern sensibilities. This room had a few years before been cleared out and fitted up for the purposes of Messrs. Levy and Baverstock's Bank, in a style which plainly shewed that in those simple times it was not considered necessary to spend money on appearances. The room becoming again vacant it was used by the Messrs. Crowley as a hop store, and whilst thus occupied it was lent for the purpose of a guard house during the riots of 1830. Seven years after, the room was turned out and re- arranged for the accommodation of the Institution, in humble imitation of a lecture theatre, with two rows of seats forming three sides of a square, and raised one above the other, with a table in the middle. Here elementary lectures, chiefly given by Dr. J. W. Curtis, were kept up pretty regularly during two winters, their subject generally being Natural Sciences. In April, 1839, this place was given up, and the books removed to temporary quarters for about three months in a cottage in Church Street. Mr. Saulez' large school house, opposite Hoppole Lane, was then taken at a rental of 5 per annum, he having removed to Anstey Grammar School. The school room had been built by Mr. Baverstock for a ball room. It now makes one of the three houses into which that gentleman's resi- dence was afterwards divided. Here there was better accommodation for Lectures, and in September, 1842, the 5th anniversary was celebrated by a dinner. The next move was in August, 1844, to the Girl's British School Room, in Turk Street, opposite Mr. Pitt's shop, the event being celebrated by a supper. This room was the home of the Institution till its removal into Market Street in the spring of the year 1855. The late Mr. John Bryant was appointed honorary Secretary at the end of the first year, i.e., in November, The Mechanics' Institution. 141 1838, an office which he held till the year 1869, when he was succeeded by his son for four or five years, and Mr. John Gale performed the duties of Librarian during the greater part of the time the Institution was located in Turk Street, and four years in Market Street. To the disinter- ested kindness and persevering attention of these two original members the Institution is very greatly indebted. The Institution began with between thirty and forty members, and for many years the numbers seldom reached so high as sixty. It was not till the year 1850 that the Lectures assumed a more regular and systematic character, and that the growth of the Institution could be said to be rapid. Up to that time Lectures (altogether gratuitous) had been very uncertain, sometimes from six to ten in number during the season, sometimes none at all, and twenty persons made a moderate audience. Dr. J. W. Curtis gave the first course of Lectures, and many others during the next twenty years. He also arranged a great portion of the first collection in the Museum. Dr. Stewart gave a number of very valuable Lectures, and aided well in all the early uphill work required to bring the Institution to a success. The late Mr. W. Terrell Gunner also lectured, and gave very effective assistance in a Natural History Class. The late Mr. John Cooper preserved a large proportion of the animals and birds in the Museum, and his name stands first of those who signed the appeal to the working classes, calling upon them to found an Institution for their own benefit. 1845 appears to be the first year that a report was printed and laid before the public. It records slow pro- gress the Library consisted of about 600 volumes. Lectures were better attended, and several microscopic exhibitions were held during 1846, and the first balance sheet is given total income, 35. 12s. lod. In the year 1853 the Institution was received into union with the Society of Arts, and in 1854 it joined the 142 History of Alton. Hants and Wilts Educational Society, and from this Society it obtained aid in Lectures, etc. In the summer of 1854 "The Alton Exhibition of Works of Art and Industry, and of Natural Objects " was the greatest event which had marked the proceedings of the Institution. The Society of Arts sent about 120 photographs for exhibition, which became a nucleus, and the exhibition was for three weeks a great centre of attraction. Too much praise can scarcely be given to the ladies and gentlemen of the Town and neighbourhood for the promptness and liberality with which they came for- ward to second the efforts of the Exhibition Committee, by the loan of everything most beautiful, costly, or curious, which they possessed. By the liberality of the public, the Committee were enabled to purchase the premises situated in Market Street. The Institution then well deserved the title of the " Mechanics," for the members carried out the work required to convert the house to its new purpose by working overtime. The Reading Room and Library were occupied early in 1855 ; and the first floor of the Museum was opened to the public on New Year's Day, 1856, with a collection of about 4000 specimens. The upper floor was fitted up for a Local Museum in 1861, by means of a special subscription. In 1858 a fourth soiree was held, and on this occasion a Service of Plate, consisting of a tea and coffee pot, sugar basin, and cream jug, and a handsome salver, were presented to my father, as Founder and President of the Institution, and bearing the following inscription : " This Salver and Tea and Coffee Service were presented April 8th, 1858, to WILLIAM CURTIS, by the members of the Alton Mechanics' Institution, as a Testimonial, for his liberal and persevering exertions in originating, and for his continual personal services in supporting it since its establishment, Sept., 1837." This testimonial was purchased by a subscription, amounting to about 60 guineas, raised almost entirely by members of the Institution. The Mechanics' Institution. 143 By 1874 the requirements of the Institution were largely expanding, and the number of members still in- creasing. The Reading Room and Library were not found large enough for the comfort of the members, and addi- tional room was needed for amusements and recreation. In February, 1877, a letter appeared in a local paper calling attention to the need of increased accommodation for the Institution, and also for many other public purposes, the old Town Hall not meeting all the requirements. This was followed by other letters to the same effect. About this time the late Miss Bell, of Borovere, wrote a letter to the Local Board, offering to present the Town with a drinking fountain if the Board would find a suitable site and supply the water. This proved for some time a diffi- culty, but eventually Mr. Hall generously offered a certain portion of Crown Close, with a plan to build thereon a Cottage Hospital, Mechanics' Institution and Museum and Public Baths, the drinking fountain to occupy the fourth side of a Square. Committee meetings were held, the matter fully discussed, and Mr. Hall's offer accepted by the Committees of each public Institution. The Public Baths were abandoned in favour of a new Assembly Room and Committee Rooms. The Cottage Hospital Authorities were enabled to build out of money left them for the pur- pose, and the Assembly Rooms were built by the formation of a company. The Mechanics' Institution premises, consisting of the main building, the resident's cottage, drainage, furniture and fittings, etc., cost about 2360, which sum was princi- pally raised by subscriptions and the sale of the old buildings in Market Street. In the report for 1879, we find the following entry: " The Committee would call the attention of this Annual Meeting to the important step which the Institution is now taking by far the most important since its first establish- ment namely, that of the erection of a handsome building, well fitted to meet all its requirements. The Committee feel confident that the facilities which will henceforth be 144 History of Alton. afforded, will be productive of greater benefit to the Town and neighbourhood than the Institution has hitherto had it in its power to confer. The concurrent circumstance of the erection of a fine Assembly Room must also be a matter of congratulation, as it provides us with a commodious lec- ture hall." The Report for 1880 says: "The Committee have great pleasure in directing attention to the gift to the Museum during the past year of the large and valuable collection of Natural History, Geological and other speci- mens, which have been collected during many years by our esteemed President and exhibited by him, and which he has now formally presented to the Institution. It is owing almost entirely to Mr. Curtis' exertions that the Institution possesses a Museum, which for the variety and scientific nature of the objects exhibited, is scarcely equalled by any small provincial town." " On Oct. 1 9th, 1880, the new Assembly room was opened and the Lecture season commenced with a dramatic and Musical Entertainment entitled ' The Chimney Corner,' by the Pickwick Histrionic Club. The Right Hon. G. Sclater-Booth, M. P., presided." "On Oct. 2 ist, 1880, a Conversazione and Promenade Concert was held in the Assembly Rooms, the string band of the 82nd Regiment being in attendance. The Lord Chancellor (Earl Selborne) kindly presided, and in com- pany with the President and Members of the Committee, inspected the various rooms of the Institution and Museum, and formally declared them open. They then returned to the Assembly Rooms, when the Lord Chancellor delivered an admirable address and presented an illuminated address to the President of the Institution, together with his por- trait, to be placed permanently in the Museum." In 1 88 1 : "Almost immediately after the Annual Meeting the Institution experienced a great loss through the death of its late President, who had held that office for 44 years. Mr. William Curtis was the Founder of the The Mechanics' Institution. 145 Institution, and by his devoted services for so many years, he brought it to a state of great excellence. To his know- ledge of Natural History and long labour of love we owe our admirable Museum." " The following Resolution was unanimously carried at a large meeting of the Members, held at the Assembly Rooms on Oct. 2Oth, 1881 : " The Members of this Institution desire to record upon their minutes the sense of the great loss they have sustained in the death of their late President, and their very high appreciation of his continuous labours in their behalf for the space of 44 years ; and they would specially note with gratitude that to the knowledge and persevering attention of Mr. Curtis, this Institution is indebted for its most ex- cellent Museum." At the same Meeting it was unanimously decided " That the Museum be known for the future as the ' Curtis Museum.' " The year 1887 being the Jubilee year of the Institution, a Memorial Brass Tablet was placed in the Museum with the following inscription : " The Alton Mechanics' Insti- tution was founded in 1837 by William Curtis, Esquire, M.R.C.S., who was for forty-four years its President and the Donor of the Museum which now bears his name. In 1880 this Building was erected by public subscription, the Crowley Family being the largest contributors, on a site presented by Henry Hall, Esq., and was opened by Lord Chancellor Selborne on Oct. 27th, 1880. This Tablet is placed to commemorate the Jubilee Year of the Institution, and also of the reign of Queen Victoria, 1887." Frederick Crowley, President. Charles Stewart ~\ Francis Whyley C Vice-Presidents. John Herbert Dyer ) In 1888 an Art Class was formed in connection with the Institution. In 1891 it was considered necessary to enlarge the present building to meet the wants of the age in the 146 History of Alton. matter of Technical Education. Plans and estimates were obtained, but it was found to involve too great an expendi- ture to be carried out. During the last three or four years various societies and classes have been started : the " Microscopical and Natural History Society," " Sight Singing," "Short Hand." " French," and " Commercial " Classes, an " Orchestral Society," "Dram- atic Society," and " Cyclist Club." During the year 1893 a very great and important step was taken in the purchase of Normandy House and Grounds, for the purposes of the Institution. The large and excellent pleasure gardens attached to the house have proved a great attraction to the members. The cost was ^1700. The building was opened by the Earl of Selborne on the 3rd of October, 1893, in the presence of a numerous company assembled in a marquee erected on one of the lawns. In the evening the picturesque grounds were illuminated, and the Institute Orchestral Society's band was in attendance. In 1894 it was found that since the opening of the Normandy Institution Extension the number of members had about doubled, and the issue of books from the Library had increased enormously. The total amounting to 26,174 vols., or an average of 503 vols. per week, against 342 vols. per week last year. The old Institution building is now used for the Museum, and is also fitted up as Art and Technical Schools. Fetes are held in the grounds during the summer months, when the gardens are brilliantly illuminated, and the band of the Orchestral Society play selections of music. QUEEN'S CORONATION. 1838. Alton has evidently not been backward in its loyalty, for at the time of the Queen's Coronation, 28th June, 1838, " a subscription was started to give a substantial dinner to Queen's Coronation. 147 the poor of the Town. Tables were arranged on each side of the High Street, whole trees from the neighbouring woods were planted so as to shade the festive board, and branches of evergreens and bouquets of flowers adorned the doors and windows of the houses, a wreath of bays and evergreens spanned the High Street nearly at the centre, and close to it there was a triumphal arch with an appro- priate motto. At six o'clock upwards of 2000 men, women, and children sat down to an excellent dinner. The toast to the Queen was given, followed by enthusiastic cheers, the band played the National Anthem, and a balloon ascended. Later in the evening there was a good display of fireworks, followed by a large fire balloon." 1 The author has in his possession a printed list of the above subscribers to the above festivities, and an account of the disbursements. PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES' WEDDING. "On March I4th, 1863, Alton celebrated the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in a very loyal and national spirit. A magnificent triumphal arch of large and noble dimensions spanned the High Street, near the Market Street. The framework of timber was completely covered with trees and evergreens. On one side in large letters were the words, ' Albert and Alexandra,' on the other, ' England and Denmark.' The day was kept as a general holiday. All the infant school children assembled at the National Schools, then paraded the High Street, and were drawn up under the arch, when they sang an anthem composed by the Misses Crowley for the occasion, and set to the tune of the National Anthem. They then marched to the Town Hall and were regaled with oranges and plum cake. Later in the day all the children of the Town, about 1000, from five years and upwards, assembled at the Railway Station, and preceded by the band, marched in procession, carrying flags and banners through the Town. They were all drawn up under the arch, where they sang 1 Extract from the Hampshire Chronicle, 2nd July, 1838. L2 148 History of Alton. the Anthem with the greatest spirit and enthusiasm. After this they were regaled with tea and cake at the Town Hall. The principal employers of labour provided a meal for their employees. " In the evening there was a display of fireworks and a bonfire. The Town was also illuminated." x RAILWAY TO ALTON. AftoiT ay i852 Alton was first connected by rail with London by an extension of the Farnham Branch of the London and South Western Railway, which was opened for traffic on Monday, 26th July, 1852. It was considered to be an event of such vast importance to the Town, that it was decided to cele- brate it in a fitting manner. The following is a description of the event : " An enormous tent was constructed, 450 feet in length and 27 feet broad, in a somewhat semi-circular form, with a transept in the centre. This was covered with hop bagging and elaborately embellished with branches of trees, and ornamented with flags and other suitable emblems. The tent contained four tables abreast throughout the length of it, covered with white calico. "Tickets were issued for 2330 of the resident working classes of Alton and their families. Tent room was also provided for about 100 of the same class from Holybourne. The inmates of the Union House also enjoyed a dinner in a tent on their own ground close by." "The food provided for the dinner consisted of 3080 Ibs. of butcher's meat and hams, in 243 joints ; 450 gallons of ale, 200 gallons of bread, 326 plum puddings, 168 Ibs. of cheese, and a good supply of lettuces and onions. A con- siderable part of the meat was cooked at private houses." " Upwards of 200 navvies were also regaled in a similar manner by the liberality of Mr. Brassey, the Contractor." " A large pavilion was also erected for the Directors and Contractor and their friends to dine in, and upwards of 1 Extract from the Hampshire Chronicle. The Volunteers. 149 400 sat down to a splendid cold collation ; Mr. Edward Knight, of Chawton House, presiding." " The first train, bringing the Directors and numerous distinguished guests, arrived a little before two o'clock, amidst the cheers of several thousand persons, the firing of cannon, and the playing of bands." " After the dinner and the speeches that followed, dancing was entered into with spirit, and again in the evening by the thousands assembled." " The festivities concluded with a brilliant display of fireworks, and the day will long be remembered in the annals of Alton." 1 For some years after this line was opened, Alton con- tinued to be the terminus, but later on a Company was formed to continue it to Winchester. This Alton and Winchester line was opened for traffic on Monday, 2nd October, 1865. THE VOLUNTEERS. In 1803, Alton must have had its own Volunteer Corps, isos. like other towns, no doubt raised for the defence of the County, when an invasion by the first Napoleon was expected. The following rules and regulations of this body have been lent me by the Messrs. J. H. and E. Dyer : Rules and Regulations of the Alton Loyal Volunteers. i. Every man not attending on the days and hours appointed for exercise before the calling of the roll is finished, to forfeit one shilling, unless he sends such an excuse in writing as shall be approved by the Corps, which written excuse will not be admitted if not sent one hour at least before parade time, to the sergeant of the division to which he belongs. 2. Every man who (after the Corps has been clothed) shall come to parade not clean, or not properly dressed, or otherwise unfit for parade, to forfeit one shilling. 1 Extracts from the Hampshire and Southampton County Paper and County Herald. 150 History of Alton. 3. Every one who shall talk in the ranks, or be wilfully careless, or inattentive to the words of command, to forfeit one shilling. 4. Every man who shall quarrel with his comrades, or give them ill language, or give ill language to an officer or sergeant whilst on parade, will be expelled the Corps. 5. All forfeits to be determined by the Committee for the time being. 6. That there shall always be a Standing Committee to whom all matters of dispute respecting forfeits shall be referred, and that the said Committee shall consist of the commissioned officers and six of the Corps chosen by them- selves whose names shall be entered in the orderly book. 7. That if any man shall quit the ranks without leave he shall forfeit sixpence. 8. Relates to the appointment of the non-commissioned officers. 9. Resolved that the commissioned officers, and also Thomas Gunner, John Pattern, Bridger Bradley, Thomas Edwards, John Chalcraft, and Nicholas Allen, be a Com- mittee for regulating such of the matters of this Association as are to be regulated by a Committee. THE ALTON VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS volunteer Rifle Was started in the year 1860, and gazetted on August *" 20th as the 2ist Hants R. V. The uniform was a dusty grey with green facings and black braid trimming. In 1870 the Company was joined to the ist Battalion. In 1877 the uniform was changed to scarlet with black facings and white Austrian knots on the sleeves, the head dress being the Glengarry (now changed for the new field service cap). In 1879 the facings were changed to white, helmets also being worn ; the uniform being the same as the County Regiments, only with silver instead of gold stripes. The strength of the Company is now (1895) 84, in- cluding the band. Six of the members were presented with the "Long Service Medal," by H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught at Aldershot during the summer of 1895. Volunteer Fire Brigade. 151 VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE. The Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed on Tune i^th, volunteer Fire _ . & . J _ J ' Brigade. 1863. 1803. A brigade had been in existence in the Town for many years previously, but the plant was antiquated and the general character of the Brigade so unreliable in the case of a great fire, that it was the unanimous wish of the Local Board and the townspeople generally that there should be a reorganisation. The necessary funds were collected for the purchase of plant, the Brigade was started, and Mr. Alfred Hetherington was elected Chief Officer. A Paxton Manual Engine was obtained, but it was found insufficient, and a steam fire engine was purchased of Messrs. Merry weather in 1864. The " Firefly " was the first fire engine to leave the Metro- polis for a provincial town. In 1876 Mr. Hetherington resigned his post and Mr. J. H. Dyer was elected Chief Officer in his stead. Alton people have been justly proud of their Brigade from its very commencement, and now, after over thirty years, the Brigade was never better organized and manned, while the plant is far more extensive and effective. Quite recently one of the most commodious and thoroughly equipped fire stations in the south of England has been obtained, situated in Cutpound, close to the river. The plant includes a new steamer, " Firefly the 2nd," recently purchased from Messrs. Merryweather to replace the first Firefly, a manual engine in excellent order, a hand hose truck for the Town, and a four-wheel van for the country (which is also used to convey some of the Brigade and plantj, a telescopic fire escape ladder, jumping sheet, life saving line and other appliances, and about 1800 feet of hose. The Town is well supplied with water, and from the mains and numerous hydrants the Brigade are able to get quickly to work in case a fire occurs in the Town. 152 History of Alton. THE PAPER MILLS. Paper Mills. These are situated near the Railway Station, and stand on the river Wey. At the back of the mill is a large pond called King's pond, through which the river flows. The mill originally belonged to a Mr. King, and a good deal of the paper made here still bears the water mark, " W. King." All the paper is hand made. Mr. John E. Spicer took possession of the Alton Paper Mills in August, 1796. They were probably worked before 1700. THE POLICE STATION. Police. in the old Map of Alton, dated 1666, the "Caige" stood on Normandy Hill, on the site now occupied by the Board Room of the Urban District Council. This Caige was still in use when I was a boy ; it was a sort of shed or room with an old door, a window, without glass, only iron bars across and a wooden shutter. This was used as the Lock-up. The Hants County Constabulary was formed at the beginning of 1840, but it was not till the act of 1856 was passed that their appointment was rendered com- pulsory. I find that "At a Vestry held the 24 Feb., 1872, the Parish were of opinion that as they were contributors to the County Rate, thereby having a paid body of men to discharge the duties of Constables, they were no longer needed." The Police Station was originally situated at the foot of Normandy Hill, in the house now occupied by Mr. Ackland. It was afterwards removed to the house next the Red Lion. The present Station was built in 1845 at a cost of 1400, at the south-western extremity of the Town. It has been enlarged and improved since then. It is the Headquarters for the Alton Division of Police, which con- sists of an Inspector, two sergeants and twelve constables. It is occupied by the Inspector, one sergeant and a con- stable. There are three cells for the accommodation of prisoners. The Gas Works. 153 GAS WORKS. These are situated near the Police Station, on the north Gasworks 1844. side of the Butts road, and were constructed in 1844. The Alton Gas and Coke Company was constituted under the Joint Stock Companies Act, on the sixth day of July, 1847, with a capital of 2500 in 250 shares of 10 each. THE POST OFFICE. About fifty or sixty years ago this was situated in a post office, small house in Church Street, and the old lady \vho looked after it delivered the letters, and in wet weather tramped about in her pattens. It was next situated in a house on the south side of Normandy Hill ; then it had several locations in the High Street, and for some years was established at the house now occupied by Mr. Caesar. With the increase of business the premises became too small and the office was removed to larger premises at the corner of Turk Street, in the year 1875. Owing to the establishment of the Parcel Post and the rapid increase of business, these premises became totally inadequate, and at the death of the late Postmaster, Mr. J. Bryant, the office was again on the appointment of his successor, Mr. J. F. Parsons, removed to the present much larger and better adapted premises in the year 1890. It may be of interest to give a few details of the business transacted in the office during the twelve months of 1895 : Letters delivered during the twelve months ... 950,000 Letters posted ... .. ... ... 702,000 Telegrams forwarded and received ... ... 20,095 Money Orders issued ... ... ... 1,687 Money Orders paid ... ... ... i,547 Savings Bank transactions ... ... 3,380 Postal Orders issued ... ... ... 24,010 Postal Orders paid ... ... ... 22,295 Parcels posted ... ... ... ... 22,000 Parcels delivered ... ... ... 31,140 Postage Stamps sold ... ... ... ,3,872 Inland Revenue Licences issued ... ... ^490 154 History of Alton. MESSRS. J. H. AND E. DYER'S WORKS. Builder*. 1784. The Building Business of Messrs. J. H. and E. Dyer, in the High Street, is one of the oldest industries in the Town, having been carried on by members of the Dyer family since 1784. During the past no years the firm has carried out many important works in the County, such as building and restoring churches, erecting mansions, public and other buildings, etc. The present members are sons of William Dyer and grandsons of John Dyer, the Founder of the Firm. Foundries. 1846. 1865. Breweries 1821. THE VICTORIA FOUNDRY Was established by the late Mr. William Henry Blake in 1846, and carried on since by members of the same family as an Agricultural and Engineering Works. THE WEY IRON WORKS Are situated in Cut Pound, on the site formerly occu- pied by a brewery in the occupation of Mr. Fielder. They were started in the year 1865 by Messrs. Hetherington. The firm after a time changed to Hetherington and Moore, then to Hetherington and Parker. It is now known by the name of Hetherington and Co. The business works are principally for agricultural purposes, hop-drying appar- atus, and cart and waggon building, etc. BREWERIES. There are two Breweries in the Town one of very large size, which was bought by the " Messrs. Crowley of the Assignees and Mortgagees of the late Mr. J. H. Baverstock on 28th August, 1821." This Mr. Baverstock was a literary and scientific man. He was born at Alton on June loth, 1741, and when about 22 years of age became a partner with his father, and shortly after built the brewery in Turk Street. About the year 1768 Mr. James Baverstock purchased a hydrometer, The Cottage Hospital. 155 and after numerous experiments made in this brewery, found that he could ascertain the comparative strength of worts by its use. This was a valuable discovery, and laid the foundation of saccharometry, now practised in all breweries. The brewery was sold to the present proprietors (Messrs. Crowley and Co.) on 24th March, 1877. The second brewery belongs to the Messrs. Hall, and is 1841< also situated in Turk Street. This brewery with the houses attached to it was purchased by Mr. Henry Hall, of Ely in Cambridgeshire, of Mr. John Hawkins, who was then living at Cosford, in Surrey, in the year 1841. Mr. Hawkins' manager was James Newman Frost, who was related to Cardinal Newman, and whose family were said to have been brewers at Alton. WESTBROOK HOUSE ASYLUM Is a private Institution, and was established by the Asylum. 1833. late Dr. Burnett, in the year 1833. THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL This was established in the year 1868 in a small house cp tta .? e , J Hospital. 1868 at the west end of the High Street, well adapted for the purpose, chiefly through the exertions and kind munificence of the late Rev. C. Causton, Rector of Lasham. In 1871 a legacy of 150, free of duty, was bequeathed by the late John Gray Duncan, Esq., of Alton. In 1876 a legacy of 500 was left under the will of the late Henry Joyce Mulcock, Esq., of Ropley. During the year 1877 a bequest of 1500 was received under the will of the late Mr. Daniel Inwood, of Binsted. Mr. Hall, of the Manor House, intimated his willingness to present a site in Crown Close for a new Hospital, and his munificent offer was thankfully accepted. The new Hospital was completed in 1880, and the patients were transferred on 6th October. On the follow- ing day a Dedication Service was held by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. I $6 History of Alton. The new Building, designed by C. E. Barry, Esq., of London, cost, inclusive of new furniture, etc., .2231. 2s. %>d. The Hospital contains two large wards of three beds each, male and female, an Accident Ward and a Convales- cent Room, etc. On an emergency eight inmates can be admitted, the usual number of in-patients being six. NURSING SOCIETIES. There are two in the Town. The District Nurse was established in 1882, her duties being to visit all cottage homes in cases of illness, free of charge. The Maternity Nurse is worked as a branch of the Hants Rural Nursing Association, and was started in 1891. THE ALTON URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Urban District The Alton Urban District Council, formerly the Alton Local Board. The Local Government Act was adopted here on ist August, 1860. The Council consists of twelve Councillors, elected by the ratepayers, four of whom vacate office annually by rotation. The Chairman of the Council is, whilst in office, a Justice of the Peace. Their duties are : The repair of the main roads and highways, sewerage works, paving, public lighting, and removal of nuisances. Bye-laws were made in 1868, regulating the mode of construction of new streets and new buildings, the prevention of nuisances, and management of slaughter houses. The sewerage works were constructed in 1862 and were designed by Mr. J. W. Penfold, C.E. The sewage is conveyed by means of a 1 5-inch stone- ware sewer to the tanks situated close to Goswell Spring, near Anstey Mill, where the sewage is treated by chemical reagents, the effluent being conveyed into the river Wey ; but works for the irrigation of land with the sewage are in contemplation. The whole of the footways in the Town were formerly paved with flints (called pitchings), but were repaved in Water Works. 157 1867, the material employed being the "blue Staffordshire bricks " (so called in the trade) though these were made at Bishop's Waltham. The bricks are laid in what is termed " Herring-bone " fashion, so that in walking the foot is placed upon three bricks at once. WATER WORKS. The Water Works are situated on the top of Windmill ggf* Works - Hill, and were started in the year 1876. They consist of an engine house, two sets of pumps, a reservoir and en- gineer's dwelling house. The well was sunk in the chalk to the depth of 135 feet. In 1880, the supply of water not proving sufficient, the well had to be lowered, but owing to the difficulties encountered, it was only carried a few feet. Boring operations were then instituted and reached a depth of nearly 400 feet. The total depth of the well from the surface is 547 feet. Since this date a plentiful supply of water has been mainained. The Town is well supplied and hydrants are placed at intervals along the mains. INFECTIOUS HOSPITAL. An old building in Cutpound was altered and adapted infectious - . r T r * TT - t i j J Hospital. 1893. for the purpose of an Infectious Hospital, and opened m the year 1893. It consists of two large airy wards, kitchen, and good bath arrangements, and will accommodate eight patients. It has proved a great boon to the Town. RECREATION GROUND. The Alton Recreation and Sports Ground is situated at Recreation r Ground. 1890. Anstey, next to Eggars Grammar School. It was started by the formation of a Company in the year 1890. It is used for recreation, cricket, football, tennis, fetes, and general out-door amusements. The only available ground for such purposes before was the Alton Butts, the large open green at the south-west end of the Town on the Chawton Road, which was public and unenclosed. 158 History of Alton. Photo- Eiigraving Works. 1894. Friendly Societies. PHOTO-ENGRAVING WORKS. Messrs Vaus and Crampton's Photo-Engraving Works, London and Alton, were started at Beech, near Alton, in March, 1894. The light and air was found to be specially good and suitable for the work. The picture is photographed and transferred to the copper or zinc plates, which are then engraved by means of acid. The plates can be completed by this process in a few hours ; and are used for illustrating books, magazines, etc. As many as twenty-five hands are employed at the present time. CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB. This Club, situated in a building belonging to Mr. Cox, in the Market Square, was started in the year 1893. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The old benefit societies that were founded upon a sharing basis, such as the Duke's Head Club, the King's Head Club (with its white smock frocks) and others, have all died out The Modern Order of Foresters began in 1850, but was never registered. The Registered Friendly Societies, large affiliated Societies, based upon sound principles, are now the recognised benefit clubs, such as " The Hampshire Friendly Society," that started in the year 1825 ; "The Independent Order of Oddfellows," that commenced its career with a very imposing procession in the year 1844; and "The Ancient Order of Foresters," in 1869. These Societies are all in a flourishing condition. The Hampshire Friendly Society numbers now (1895) 550 members. The Independent Order of Oddfellows, No. 2307, num- bers 268 members, and the funds of the Lodge amount to about 4150. The Ancient Order of Foresters, No. 5373, numbers 313 members, and the funds of the Lodge are about 2049. Local Celebrities. 159 LOCAL CELEBRITIES. Alton itself cannot boast of many distinguished sons, but mention may be made of the following : " The Town of Alton gave name to William de Alton, 1207. a Dominican Friar, who wrote in King Edward II 's reign. He was the author of a work entitled, The Universality of the Pollution of Mankind by Original Sin." * " Another writer named John Pitts, or Friar Pitts, was iseo. born in Alton in the year 1 560, and educated at Winches- ter. He wrote a book called, De Illustribus Anglia Scriptoribus, which contained an account of all the famous English and Scottish writers up to that period. Pitts became a distinguished scholar and dignitary of the Church of Rome, and died Dean of Verdun, in Lorraine, 1616." x Edmund Spencer, the Poet, it appears resided for a time in Alton and it is supposed lived in a house with a gabled front in Amery street, the old house now next door to the Salvation Barracks. The following extract is taken from the Life of Edmund Spencer : " A degree of doubt rests on the exact date of his return to Ireland, some asserting that it was in 1591, and others in 1592 ; some that he remained in England till he had 1592 - superintended the publication of The Tears of the Muses, residing a portion of the time in Alton, Hampshire, and writing there The Ruins of Time, while others think that he departed after collecting the materials of the volume and leaving them with Ponsonby." z " William Pinnock, the author of the well-known series of School Books. His father was a labourer in the Town. He, being clever at his books, became an usher at the Grammar School, the Headmaster being the Rev. James Duncan. He afterwards set up as a printer and stationer, probably on the spot where Mr. Hetherington's shop now stands. He was afterwards in business at Winchester and Newbury, then in London, where he died." 3 1 Extract from Magna Britannia et Hibernice, 1720. 2 Life of Edmund Spencer, by the Rev. George Gilfillan, p. 19. 3 Extracts from a Lecture, by Rev. John Vaughan. 160 History of Alton. John Henry Newman was also connected with this Town. Seventy years ago, when the venerable Cardinal was an undergraduate at Oxford, he was accustomed to spend some of his vacations at Alton. A relation of his (whether father or uncle is uncertain) had some connection with the brewery now owned by Mr. Hall. He lived in the house in the High Street, now known as Swarthmore, and here it was that J. H. Newman used to pass his holidays. An aunt of mine, an old lady, still living, can remember seeing Newman standing on the door step of his house and calling his dog. In a letter written by him to Canon Durst on the subject of his residence in Alton, he says : " I was born and lived in London till I got my Fellowship at Oriel. During a portion of my under- graduate career I was at Alton for the vacation. I never knew the place in any other way, but I have a pleasant recollection of beautiful walks and rides about it, and of the fine hop gardens." 1746. William Curtis, the distinguished Botanist, and the author of the Flora Londinensis and of the Botanical Magazine, was born in Alton, in the year 1746, in the house in Lenton Street, now occupied by Mr. Burrell. His father, John Curtis, was a Tanner. He first commenced his school life at Holy- bourne, and afterwards went to Burford, in Oxfordshire. As a boy he early evinced a love for natural history, and would spend all his pocket money in buying botanical books. Among the friends of his boyhood was a man named Legg, who though in humble circumstances (he was ostler at the Crown) had a great knowledge of local plants and insects. With this well chosen friend he would spend his holidays in rambling over the country round Alton. His father, like a wise man, seeing the bent of his son's mind, made him a doctor. He was apprenticed to his grandfather, John Curtis, an apothecary, on Normandy Hill. He only remained in medical practice for a time, and retired from it, so as to devote his whole time to botanical studies. He was appointed Demonstrator of Plants to the Company of Apothecaries, and established a WILLIAM CURTIS THE BOTANIST. 1800. Plate XXI. Local Celebrities. 161 botanical garden, arranged for purposes of study. This garden, the first known in England, was originally in Lam- beth Marsh, but was afterwards established at Brompton. Many grasses now in common use were first introduced to agriculturists by Mr. Curtis, and we are indebted to him for that useful vegetable, sea kale. William Curtis was more than a successful gardener, for he has left two great and valuable works behind him, the Flora Londinensis and the Botanical Magazine. He died suddenly at the early age of 53, in the year 1799, and was buried in Battersea Churchyard, and on his tomb-stone is written : " While common herbs shall spring profusely wild, Or garden cherish all that's blithe and gay, So long thy works shall praise dear Nature's child, So long thy memory suffer no decay." Turning to the celebrities of the immediate neighbour- 1588 - hood, the name of George Wither, the Poet, is the first to be mentioned. He was born at Bentworth in the year 1588. His father was in good circumstances and owned an estate there. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, but on his father's death he returned to Bentworth. We next find him reading at Lincoln's Inn. In 1613, Withers being twenty-five years old, published a satirical poem, entitled " Abuses Shipt and Whipt," in which are seven allusions to the Beeches at Bentworth, for which he was rewarded by imprisonment in the Marshalsea. On the outbreak of the Civil War between Charles and the Parliament, Wither, who was an ardent politician, threw himself with enthusiasm into the cause of liberty, and even sold his property at Bentworth, or part of it, in order to raise a troop of horse for the Parliament. He became a Major in Cromwell's army and published a poem called The Protector. Wither lived to be an old man and was residing in London at the time of the Great Fire. His writings, which are voluminous, are now little known. One of his songs is famous, the first verse being : 1 62 History of Alton. " Shall I, wasting in despair, Die, because a woman's fair? Or make pale my cheeks with care, Cause another's rosie are ! Be she fairer than the day, Or the flowery meads in May, If she think not well of me, What care I how fair she be " ? 1720. The distinguished Naturalist, Gilbert White, was born at Selborne on 18 July, 1720. He was educated at Basing- stoke, and at the age of nineteen went up to the University at Oxford. He was a few years later elected to a Fellow- ship at Oriel and took holy orders. The last forty years of his life he spent at Selborne, inheriting the Wakes from his uncle. He died at the age of 73 on 26th June, 1793. He left behind him his History of Selborne. Jane Austen was born at Steventon Vicarage, near Basingstoke. Her brother Edward, having inherited from a distant cousin the estate of Chawton House, on which he took the name of Knight, offered his Mother and Sister a home in the Village, and they removed to Chawton in the 1809. year jgop^ The house she lived in is the one now used as " The Workmen's Improvement Club." She wrote many works, some of the best known being " Pride and Prejudice/' " Mansfield Park," " Emma " and " Persuasion." She died at Winchester at the early age of 41, on I3th July, 1817, and lies buried in Winchester Cathedral. Alton is mentioned in Thackeray's Vanity Fair. "Mr. Joseph Sedley is represented as journeying from Southampton to London in a post-chaise. After having partaken of a copious breakfast, with fish, rice and hard eggs at Southampton, he had so far rallied at Winchester as to think a glass of sherry necessary. At Alton he stepped out of his carriage, at his servant's request and imbibed some of the ale for which the place is famous." This is supposed to have occurred about the year 1827. Severe Tempest. 163 The adventure of Prince Edward with the Outlaw of Alton Wood, Adam Gurdon, is made the commencement of the tale in the book entitled The Prince and the Page, by the Author of The Heir of Redclyffe. In Shakspere's Play of King Henry VI, Part I, Act iv, Scene vii, the following occurs : \Sir William Lucy after the battle is conducted to the Dauphin 's tent, to know -what prisoners had been taken and to survey the bodies of the dead.~\ " Lucy. But where's the great Alcides of the field, Valiant Lord Talbot, earl of Shrewsbury ? Created for his rare success in arms, Great earl of Washford, Waterford and Valence ; Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Urchinfield, Lord Strange of Blackmere, Lord Verdun of Alton," etc. SEVERE TEMPEST IN ALTON. The following account of a tremendous tempest that occurred at Alton on I9th December, 1686, is taken from a tract, printed on folio paper, by Randall Taylor, near Stationers Hall. It consists of a title page and one other page only : "STRANGE AND TERRIBLE NEWS FROM ALTON IN HAMPSHIRE BEING A FULL AND TRUE ACCOUNT OF A DREADFUL TEMPEST WHICH HAPPENED THERE BY THUNDER AND LIGHTNING DECEMBER igTH, 1 686. Tempest. 1686. "Amongst all those Varieties of Natural Accidents that either cause our Fear or occasion our Amazement, there is certainly nothing that more contributes to both of them than Thunder and Lightning : In the rest of the methods that the Almighty pleases to evidence His Power to the World, these are more manifest signs of His mercy and mildness than His Anger and Displeasure, as the Reader may find in the following Relation. " On the nineteenth of December, 1686, at Alton in Hampshire there happened such a Tempest that for the strangeness of its cir- cumstances can scarce be parallel'd in any History ; whether we M2 164 History of Alton. consider the violence of the Storm, or its duration, or the favour- able Exit it made. " On Sunday when the Reverend Minister of the Parish was towards the latter end of his Prayer before Sermon, it grew on a sudden so exceeding dark that the People could hardly discern one another, and immediately after happened such flashes of lightning that the whole Church seemed to be in a bright flame ; the surprise of the Congregation was exceeding great, especially when two Balls of Fire that made their entry at the Eastern Wall, pass'd through the body of the Church, leaving behind 'em so great a Smoke, and Smell of Brimstone as is scarce able to be expresst. The people endeavoured all they could to get out of the Church, and as it generally happens in such occasions, the Throng and Pressing at the Door was so great and tumultuous, that it was a considerable time before they got out ; some of them fainted away in the Church, as namely the Clerk, who, when he came to himself, cry'd out, Good People where be yee ; some swounded in the Churchyard, and others in their own houses, so great an impression had the Tempest made on them, In short, both within and without, the cry of Women and Children was exceeding affrightful ; but to the everlasting remembrance of so strange an event none were killed, Lightning and Thunder cannot go a hairs breadth beyond the Almighties Commission ; Winds and Tempests fulfil His Words. " Thus for the Relation of the Tempest in General ; come we now to the particular Damages it wrought ; it broke a hole through the Tower about the bigness of a Cannon-Bullet-hole, and went away by the brim of the great Bell ; it melted above sixty foot of Wire, and passing down into the Clock-room, removed several Boards, and threw a Stone from off the top of a Pillar down among the People, making at the same time as great a noise as the largest Piece of Ordnance in England. It has shatter'd and broke the Windows all round the Church, and likewise a very substantial strong Door that goes into the Tower. Also it came in at a Door upon the Leads, shaking down a great part of the Wall and setting (as 'tis supposed) the middle Loft on Fire, which by the timely care of the People was immediately quench'd and suppressed. The Weather-Cock was carried quite away, and the hand and Boards belonging to the Clock fell among the Congre- gation. Several Houses in Alton were extremly shook with the Severe Tempest. 165 violence of the Storm, that the People ran out of Doors, fearing their Houses would fall upon their Heads. William Hamman a Shoemaker had his Head broke, as likewise Joseph Esments. The Minister (whose name is Mr. Henry Butler, and who justifies the truth of the whole Relation) had his Eye-brows singed with the lightning ; his Eyes were extreamly sore by the burning that hap- pened ; as several others of the Parish, that shared with him in this unfortunate Accident. The Wall behind the Pulpit has suffered much Damage ; the Steeple was set on Fire, which was soon extinguished by the Industry of the Townsmen. To give you the words of a Gentleman who had the Curiosity to go and view the Ruins some few daies afterwards ; I never in my life (saies he) saw a Sight so dreadful and amazing ; and found my self extreamly concern'd to see the Walls (some whereof are six or eight Foot wide and square) shatter'd and rent after such a dismal manner ; I touched the Wall about the Breach, and the Stones crumbled under my Fingers. The Thunder Clap put the People in such a Consternation, that few of them were able to give a satisfactory account of the matter etc. " To conclude, as we have great reason to admire the infinite goodness and mercy of the Lord upon this occasion ; (not one single person being killed, tho some were wounded) so we ought to apply the case home to our selves, and by a timely quitting our sinful courses, avert those Judgments that otherwise will unavoid- ably fall upon us. Some of our Neighbouring Nations (as the Gazette has inform'd us) have sufficiently smarted under Heavens displeasure. The better part of Friezeland lies covered with the water : whole Villages and Towns swept away by the Deluge ; and some parts of the Castle of St. Angelo at Rome carried by the force of the Inundation. Let Atheists and Hipocrites beware in time, and return to the performance of those Duties, which they are obliged to do as men, and as Christians : For those that will not listen to the Voice of the Lord in His Scriptures, shall hear, against their Wills, His Voice in Thunder, and those that are not to be reduced by the Almighties Clemency, must be reclaimed by a Judgement. "Witnessed by William Hamman. John Deane. William Constance, Sexton." 1 66 History of Alton. GEOLOGY OF TOWN AND NEIGHBOURHOOD. 1 The Alton district is situated upon the edge of the chalk formation, and several other strata cropping out from beneath it, will explain the diversified aspect of the country and the variety of soils to be met with in a tract of com- paratively limited extent. The Town of Alton is situated on the lower chalk in the valley of the River Wey, a small stream rising within the parish and running under the street nearly at right angles to it. Alton is nearly surrounded by hills. Towards the north and west the upper chalk attains a considerable elevation. Towards the north-west is a winding valley followed by the road to Basingstoke, in which the Wey rises, and in the south-westerly direction is a broader valley con- taining the villages of Chawton, Farringdon and East Tisted, on the road to Gosport. Immediately to the south-east of the Town is a hill of lower chalk which turns the river more towards the north, and on the other side of the hill is a narrow valley excavated in the upper marly beds of the green sand formation, which after heavy rains gives passage to a large body of water from Chawton and Farringdon, which flows past Truncheaunts and Caker, and is received into the Wey a little eastward of the Town, at Lynch Hill just beyond Anstey Mill, and passing on in a north-easterly direction, follows the valley along which the London Road is carried. At Froyle the river breaks through the malm rock, and then passes over the gault towards Farnham. Besides Alton the parishes of Newton, Farringdon, Chawton, Holybourne, and the greater part of Froyle are upon the lower chalk, extending about eight miles nearly in a line from north-east to south-west. From Newton the chalk advances considerably towards the east and south, forming the celebrated Selborne Hill, Nore Hill (a bold promontory) and a line of steep slopes covered with wood, called " Hangers," extending in the direction of Petersfield, 1 Sketch of the Geology of the Town and Neighbourhood. Written by my father, William Curtis. Local Geology. 167 and forming a most picturesque tract of country. At the latter place the lofty range of the South Downs com- mences. Eastward of the river from Farringdon to Froyle, the Green Sand formation rises with a gradual slope, following in many instances very nearly the plane of stratification, and extends into the parishes of Selborne, Hartley, East and West Worldham, and Binstead. The Malm Rock, the principal member of the Upper Green Sand formation in this district, attains in the above parishes a considerable elevation, and then terminates abruptly, forming a bold escarpment, covered with beautiful sloping woods or " Hangers." Hartley Hanger and Temple Hanger, spoken of by Gilbert White, are thus formed. At the base of the escarpment of the Malm Rock occurs the gault which at Bentley and Binsted has its greatest development. In the latter parish the Alice Holt forest stands upon it, and here the elevation of the gault is nearly equal to that of any of the neighbouring strata, an unusual circumstance I believe with that bed. In the rest of its course it forms only a narrow band between the Malm Rock terrace and the Lower Green Sand, which extends several miles towards the east. The Lower Green Sand is here a highly ferruginous bed, analagous to that of Shanklin. Upon it the parish of Kingsley is situated and a part of Selborne. Towards the south-west and west are the remaining parishes situated on the upper chalk, namely, East Tisted, Medsted, Bentworth, Lasham, and Shalden. In the Curtis Museum will be found a very complete collection of the Local Geology, collected by my late father. Case 26. 1st. In this case will be found Fossils in Flint from the gravel beds of Alton and the neighbourhood. Fragments of the grinding teeth and bones of the fossil elephant, Millcourt ; horn of the red deer, Noar Hill, 1877; and rounded fragments of Greenstone, Farringdon, from the gravel or drift. 1 68 History of Alton. Case 27. 2nd. Tertiary Clay and Sand with numerous Flints, containing fossil sponges, sea urchins and bivalve shells, from Thedden, Shalden, Chawton and Selborne. Case 28. yd. Upper Chalk (chalk with flints). Flint and Chalk fossils, as sponges, sea urchins, bivalves, terebratulae, etc. Alton, Great Wood, Shalden, Medsted, West Tisted, Holybourne. Case 29. 4th. Lower Chalk (chalk without flints) and Grey Chalk, sea urchins and their spines, bivalve shells, terebratulae, ammonites, nautilites, belemnites, bones, palatal teeth and scales of fish, and tooth of lizard. Alton, Wilsham, Caker Hill, Neatham, Selborne, etc. One ammonite in this case exhibits its syphon. Cases 29 and 30. $th. Chalk Marl. Numerous fossils, differing in different localities, and therefore arranged according to the places where they occur. Amongst these is an interesting collection of the shells of the cephalopoda or cuttles, namely, nautilus, ammonites, and turrilites. One specimen, turrilites tuberculates, found at Neat- ham, exhibits its syphon, seen as a black line following two of the whorls of the shell, which only one other specimen, in the British Museum is known to do. Localities Caker Hill, Wil- sham, Monk Wood, Lynch Hill, Neatham, West Worldham road, Selborne and Hawkley. Case 31. 6th. Chloride, or Green Sand, the upper bed of the Upper Green Sand, containing Ammonites, inoceramus, ventrilites, pectens, tooth of shark, etc. Localities Neatham, Selborne. Case 31. jth. Malm Rock, or Fire Stone, the chief member of the Upper Green Sand in this district. Numerous fossils, beginning with a few minerals, namely, pure allumina, crystallized carbonate of lime, and quartz or rock crystal. A few vegetable remains. Sea urchins and a unique specimen of star fish. Bivalve shells and a few univalves. Shells of the cephalopoda or cuttle fishes, namely, hamites (hamus, a hook, from their shape), ammonites, belemnites, nautilites, etc. Localities Millcourt, Quarley Bottom, Froyle, Binsted, Selborne. Local Birds. 169 Case 32. Amongst these may be particularly noticed ammonites, with the keel terminating in a spine or beak, and a few specimens of nautilus, containing crystallized quartz in their inner chambers. Also a few remains of crabs, teeth of reptiles and sharks, fish scales, etc., and collection of fossils from the Gault, the bed of blue clay which separates the Upper from the Lower Green Sand. Most of them were obtained from the first railway cutting, made in 1847, J ust beyond the present Bentley Station. The remainder of this case is filled with the rocks and fossils of the Lower Green Sand (in this locality a ferruginous or iron sand) from Kingsley, Headley, etc. The remainder of the local larger fossils will be found in the top shelf of Cases 20, 21 and 22 ; and on the floor, boulders from the drift, etc., some large ammonites from the local chalk of Borovere, Wilsham, Lower Froyle, etc., and flints and Malm rock specimens. BRITISH BIRDS. There is a very fine collection of Birds to be seen in the Curtis Museum, but I only intend enumerating those found in Alton and its neighbourhood. ORDER I. RAPTORES (BIRDS OF PREY). Osprey killed at Lasham or Herriard. Presented to the Museum 1858. Very rare. Peregrine Falcon Froyle, 1863, Alton. Very rare. Hobby Alton. A rare summer migrant. Merlin a rare winter visitant. One killed at Neatham Mill, August 1889. Kestrel Alton. Common. Sparrow Hawk Alton. Common Buzzard Hackwood. Occasionally seen in the neighbourhood. (A Rough-Legged Buzzard was shot at Froyle in March, 1895.) Hen Harrier Hackwood. Very rare. (One killed near Wol- mer Pond, Autumn, 1893.) Montagu's Harrier Newton. Very rare. Barn Owl Alton. 170 History of Alton. Long-Eared Owl Alton and Lasham. Short Eared Owl Alton and Medstead. Autumnal migrant to England. Tawny Owl Alton. ORDER II. INSESSORES (PERCHING BIRDS). Red-backed Shrike Alton. A summer migrant. Missel Thrush Alton. Song Thrush Alton. One albino specimen. Fieldfare Alton. A winter visitant. Redwing Alton. A winter visitant. Blackbird Alton. Ring Ouzel Alton. A spring and autumn migrant to south of England. Hedge Sparrow Alton. Redbreast Alton. Redstart Alton. A summer migrant. Black Redstart King's Pond, Alton, 1865. A rare winter visitant. Stonechat Alton. Winchat Alton. A summer migrant. Wheatear Alton. A summer migrant. Nightingale Alton. A summer migrant. Blackcap Alton. A summer migrant. Dartford Warbler Wolmer Forest, 1847. Rare. Willow Wren Alton ; a summer migrant. Common. Golden Crested Wren Alton. Common Wren Alton. Tree Creeper Alton. Not uncommon. Nuthatch Alton. Great Titmouse Alton. Blue Titmouse Alton. Long-tailed Titmouse Alton. Not uncommon. Waxwing Alton. A rare irregular winter visitant. Pied Wagtail Alton. Grey Wagtail Alton. Chiefly a winter visitant. Rays or Yellow Wagtail Alton. A summer migrant. Meadow Pipit Alton. Sky Lark Alton. Common Bunting Alton. Reed, or Black-headed Bunting Alton. Local Birds. 171 Yellow Bunting, or Yellow Ammer Alton. Girl Bunting Alton. Uncommon. Chaffinch Alton. Brambling Alton. A winter visitant. Goldfinch Alton. Siskin Alton. An occasional winter visitant. Mealy Redpole Alton. An occasional winter visitant. Tree Sparrow Alton. House Sparrow Alton. Greenfinch Alton. Hawfinch Midhurst. Occasionally seen in this district. Bullfinch Alton. Crossbill Alton, 1878. Four specimens. A rare spring and autumn migrant. , Starling Alton. Raven two from Hackwood. Now very rare in England. Carrion Crow Alton. Hooded Crow Alton. Winter visitant in south of England. Rook Alton. Jackdaw Alton. Magpie Alton. Jay Alton. Green Woodpecker Alton. Not uncommon. Greater Spotted Woodpecker Alton, 1859. Rare. (One shot in Great Wood, Spring, 1894, and a female and two young at Bentworth, July, 1895.) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Millcourt. Rare. Wryneck Alton. Summer migrant. Cuckoo and young Cuckoo Alton. A summer migrant Kingfisher Alton. Swallow Alton. A summer migrant. Martin Alton. A summer migrant. Swift Alton. A summer migrant. Nightjar Alton. A summer migrant. ORDER III. RASORES (SCRAPERS). Ring Dove Alton. Stock Dove Alton. Turtle Dove... Alton. A summer migrant. Pheasant Alton. Partridge, and case with young Alton. 172 History of Alton. Red- Legged Partridge Alton. (Introduced into England about 1770.) Quail Alton. One killed at Alton, Autumn, 1890. ORDER IV. GRALLATORES (WADING BIRDS). Stone Curlew Alton. A summer migrant. Breeds in this neighbourhood. Golden Plover Alton. A winter visitant to south of England. Lapwing and young Alton. Ringed Plover Alton, 1858. Greenshank Oakhanger, 1861. Wolmer Forest, 1862. Spotted Redshank (in case) Selborne. Presented by Pro- fessor Bell. Very rare. Green Sandpiper Selborne, 27 August, 1859. Ruff and Reeve (male without ruff). King's Pond, Alton. Common Sandpiper Hawkley, 1855. Grey Phalarope Selborne, 1867. Alton. An autumn migrant. Woodcock Alton. Occasionally breeds in England. Common Snipe Alton. Breeds at Shortheath. Jack Snipe Alton. A winter visitant. Heron and Young Alton. Water Rail Alton. Land Rail Alton. A summer migrant Moorhen Alton. Coot Alton. ORDER V. NATATORES (WEBB-FOOTED BIRDS). Brent Goose (in case). Winter Visitant. Egyptian Goose King's Pond, Alton. Winter Visitant. White-fronted Goose Alton. Winter Visitant. Wild Duck Alton. Widgeon Alton. Teal Alton. Breeds in Wolmer Forest. Scaup King's Pond, Alton. A winter visitant Tufted Duck Alton. A winter visitant. Red-breasted Merganser King's Pond, Alton. A winter visitant to England. Goosander Millcourt, Alton. A winter visitant to England. Great Northern Diver Medstead, 1866. A winter visitant to England. Red-throated Diver. (Shot at Newton Valence, Autumn, 1893.) Local Quadrupeds. 173 Little Grebe, or Dabchick Alton. Puffin. (Caught at Froyle, November, 1892). Razor-Bill Alton. (One caught on Neatham Down, Autumn, Guillemot Alton, January, 1887. Little Auk Wield, Alton. January, 1895. Common Tern King's Pond, Alton, 10 October, 1857, and Hartley. Black Tern Hartley, Alton. Kittiwake Alton. Common Gull Alton. To make the collection of British Birds more complete, specimens have been added from other parts of England and Scotland. LOCAL QUADRUPEDS. ORDER CHEIROPTERA. (HAND-WINGED) BATS. The Great Bat. The Long-eared Bat. The Common Bat or Flitter-mouse. ORDER INSECTIVORA. (INSECT EATERS.) The Hedgehog, with young. The Mole specimens of various colours, and young. The Common Shrew. ORDER CARNIVORA. (FLESH EATERS.) The Badger three adult specimens, one of which is an Albino, and one young one. The Otter two specimens. The Weasel one male and three females. The female is much smaller than the male, and known as a " Crane " or " Cane " in this district. The Stoat or Ermine Weasel four specimens, two in summer, and two in winter dress. The Polecat, or Fitchet Weasel Monk Wood. Now almost extinct in the South of England. The Common Marten Hackwood. Extinct in England. The Fox male and female, and young. 174 History of Alton. ORDER RODENTIA. (GNAWERS.) The Squirrel three specimens. Dormouse. Harvest Mouse. Long-tailed Field Mouse. Common Mouse. Brown or Common Rat three specimens, one parti-coloured, and one young ; two Albinos with red eyes. Water- Vole, or Water Rat. Feeds chiefly on plants. Common Field Vole. Hare and Leveret, and one Hybrid. Rabbit, and one Albino specimen. THE FLORA OF ALTON. 1 The district around Alton, as the varied nature of the soil would lead us to expect, is peculiarly rich in wild flowers. The extensive woodlands, the chalk hills, the beech hangers, the valley of the Wey, the bogs of Wolmer Forest, with its wide stretches of uncultivated moorland, the hollow lanes towards Selborne, even the hedge-banks and wastes beside the roads, all yield their own individual Flora. The Alton district is also of quite exceptional interest, owing to the neighbourhood of Selborne, which is classic ground to all true naturalists. White's forty-first letter to Daines Barrington gives a short list of the rarer plants of Selborne and Wolmer Forest, and the pleasure of com- paring the Flora of the neighbourhood as given by the great naturalist one hundred years ago with the Flora of to-day can hardly be exaggerated. Many of the plants mentioned by White still flourish in their old localities : both the long-leaved (D. intermedia) and the round-leaved Sundew may be found in " the bogs of Bin's Pond," but the marsh cinque-foil (Comarum palustre, L.) has not been seen there of late years. The golden Saxifrage (Chrysosplenium Oppositifolium, L.) still grows " in the dark and rocky By the Rev. John Vaughan, M.A., Vicar of Portchester, and formerly Curate of Alton. Local Flora. 175 hollow lanes," and the " Spurge laurel " on Selborne Hanger, but the Daphne Mezereum, L., has, I fear, dis- appeared. I do not propose to give a complete list of the plants of the neighbourhood, but rather to mention the rarer and more interesting ones. Neither shall I be too definite as to the exact " habitat " of the choicer plants, lest, as might possibly happen, those plants should disappear. Let me add that no true botanist will ever endanger the existence of the rarer species, but on the contrary will use every endeavour to preserve them. The following species may be included in the Flora of Alton and of the Alton district, within a radius of five miles : Helleborus foztidus, L. Stinking Hellebore or Setterwort. Rare and becoming rarer. H. Viridis, L. Green Hellebore. In one or two localities in fair abundance. Still to be found in White's locality. Erysimum Cheiranthoides, L. Occasionally in Wolmer Forest. I found it in 1885 and 1887. Nasturtium palustre, D.C. Shortheath. Arabis perfoliata, Lam. Very rare. One spot only. Teesdalia nudicaulis, Br. Abundant in the Forest and on Shortheath. Viola palustris, L. Bins Pond and Forest bogs. Saponaria officinalis, L. Occasionally. Astragalus glycyphyllus, L. One locality only. Lathyrus Nissolia, L. Very rare. Z. Sylvestris, L. In several localities, including Gilbert White's. Potentilla argentea, L. One locality only. Geum rivale, L. Very rare in this district Sedum Telephium, L. Copses and Hangers. Dipsacus pilosus, L. Not uncommon in small copses and by the wayside, as at Chawton. Gnaphalium Sylvaticum, L. Chawton Park, Ackender and other woods. Not uncommon. Erigeron acris, L. Plentiful on the Chalk hills, such as Holy- bourne Down. Vaccinium Oxycoccus, L. Cranberry. Shortheath, where it grew in White's time. 176 History of Alton. Pyrola minor, L. This interesting plant may still be found in this parish. Monotropa Hypopithys, L. Selborne, Chawton. Chlora perfoliata, L. Not common. Gentiana Amarella, L. Common on the Chalk hills. Menyanthcs trifoliata, L. Rare. Atropa Belladonna, L. Deadly Nightshade. In one or two localities. Hyoscyamus niger, L. Henbane. Occasionally in gardens and waste places. Linaria Elatine, Mill. Uncommon. L. repens, Mill. Sanfoil field at Alton in 1892. Lathrcea Squamaria, L. In one or two copses in the neigh- bourhood. Not seen lately in White's locality. Mentha Pulegium, L. Kingsley. Marrubium Vulgare, L. White Horehound, Shortheath. Leonurus Cardiaca, L. Motherwort. Shortheath. This is pro- bably White's locality, "Forest-side." Pulmonaria Officinalis, L. Lungwort This plant grows in one copse only in the neighbourhood. Cynoglossom officinale, L. Hound's tongue. Shortheath. Not uncommon. Polygonum Bistorta, L. Selborne. P. minus, Huds. Shortheath. Daphne Mezereum, L. Still growing in one or two woods in the neighbourhood. Lost on Selborne Hill. Euphorbia Cyparissias, L. Shalden ; introduced probably with young trees. Orchis pyramidalis, L. In several places. O. latifolia. L. Marsh Orchis. Wet meadows, Alton. Habenaria bifolia, Bab. Fairly common. H. Chlorantha, Bab. Fairly common. Ophrys apifera, Huds, Bee Orchis, Alton. Some years in plenty. O. Muscifera, Huds. Fly Orchis. In several places, outside woods. Spiranthes autumnalis, Rich. Chalk hills, abundant. Neottia Nidus-avis, Rich. Bird's Nest Orchis. Not common : generally distributed. Cephalanthera grandiflora, Bab. To be found in many woods. C. Ensifolia, Rich. This beautiful plant grows in two copses in the district. Local Flora. 177 Epipactus latifolia, Sw. Selborne, Alton, Chawton. E. media, Bab. Same localities. Not uncommon. E. purpurata, Sm. This very rare Helleborine is to be found in several places about Alton. Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, L. Daffodil. Worldham Hanger. Abundant. Galanthus nivalis, L. Snowdrop. In several localities. Tulipa Sylvestris, L. Wild Tulip. This exceedingly rare and beautiful plant may still be included in our local Flora. I saw it in flower this year, 1894. The Selborne Plants have not blossomed of late years, but the leaves may be found. Narthecium ossifragum, Huds. Bog Asphodel. Abundant in Wolmer Forest. Paris quadrifolia, L. Common in the woods throughout the district. Poligonatum multiflorum, All. Solomon's Seal. Common in the woods and copses. Scirpus sylvaticus, L. Kingsley. Shortheath. S. setaceus, L. Kingsley Pond. Carex curta. Shortheath. Kingsley. C. bracteata, Syme. Bins Wood. C. pallescens, L. Chawton Park ; Butler's Copse. C. ampullacea, Good. Kingsley. Holcus mollis, L. Alton. Chawton Park. Triticum caninum, Huds. Ackender. Hordeum Sylvaticum, Huds. Ackender. H. pratense, Huds. Alton Old Road. Asplenium Trichomanes, L. Formerly on the walls of Alton Church, now unfortunately disappeared. A. Adiantum-nigrum, L. Bentworth. Athyrium Filix-famina. The Lady Fern. Chawton Park. Lastrxa spinulosa, Presl. Chawton Park. Ophioglossum vulgatum, L. Adder's Tongue. Thedden ; Worldham. Lycopodium inundatum, L. Marsh Club-moss. Common on Shortheath. It will be noticed that the district is specially rich in Orchidaceae, of which no less than twenty species have been found about Alton. The following plants have also been recorded by the late Professor Bell and others as 1 78 History of Alton. occurring in the district, and should be diligently searched for by the local botanist. I have never been fortunate enough to meet with them in the localities indicated, though it is quite likely that some of them may exist. Myosurus minimus^ L. Mousetail. Hollow lanes. Selborne. Dianthus Armeria, L. Near Bentley. Trigonella ornithopodioides, D. C. Kingsley. Lathy rus Aphaca, L. Selborne, 1866. Parnassia palustris. Oakhanger. Bartsia viscosa, L. The Lyth, Selborne. Mentha Svlrestris, L. Selborne. Melissa Officinalis, L. Balm. Dorton by the Stream, Sel- borne. Nepeta Cataria, L. Northfield, Selborne. Daphne Mezereum, L. Selborne Hanger. Allium oleraceum, L. Selborne. Osmunda regalis, L. Oakhanger. Botrychium Lunaria, Sm. Selborne. It would be interesting to know that some of the above species had been re-discovered in their old localities. JOHN VAUGHAN. Portchester, July, 1894. INDEX. GENERAL INDEX. Abbey Camp, 102. Acangre, 16. Aldershot, I. Alice Holt Forest (Alisholte), 5, 19, 33. 34, 167. Alms Houses, Geales, 104, 128; Amery Street, no; Normandy Cottage, 128. Alresford (Alsford), 5, 20, 35, 39. Alton (Altone), 2, n, 22. ^Ewalton, 2. y^weltune, 2, 6. Aulton, I, 2, 5, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 97- Aultone, 2, 12, 16, 29, 30, 97. Aultune, 7. Autune, 13. Awelton, 21, 22, 24. Aweltona, 14. Aweltone, 2, 29, 30. Aweltun, 6, 72. Aweltune, 7, 9, 10. Awltoun, 2. Alton, Manor of Eastbrook (Estbrook), 1,12, 14, 23, 28, 33, 34, 127. Manor of Westbrook (Westbroke, Westbrouk, Westbrouke), I, 12, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 33, 34, 127. Origin of Name, I, 2. Old Map of, 2, 115, 116, 152. Population of, 2, 130. Acreage of, 2, 130. Rateable value of, 2, 130. Polling Districts, 2. Electors, 2. Ancient History of, 3. Andredsweald, 4. ^thelinga-dene, n. Governed by Bailiffs and Burgesses, 17- Bailiffs of, 28, 66. Sheriffs of, 92. Farm of, 18, 26, 31. Wood, 163. Hundred, Court of, 18, 24, 26. Assize of Bread and Ale, 18. Ale Taster, 18. Privilege of Holding a Fair, 21. Market, 21, 75, 128, 131. Resort of Robbers, 19. Battle with Danes at, II. Battle between Saxons and Danes at, 11. Treaty signed by Henry I at, 14, 38. Regiment, 35. Royalty at, 38. Fighting in Church and Churchyard at, 45, 46, 47. In the I7th Century, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121. Machine, 121. General description of, 127. Alton, Church of St. Lawrence, 12, 13, 17, 24, 31, 45, 46, 47,50,51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 5, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 7 2 > 73, 74, 96, 97, 9 8 < 99- The Roof of, 55, 56. Spire of, 55. Struck by Lightning, 55. Windows of, 55, 56. Stained glass, 55, 56. Frescoe paintings, 56. Pews, 56, 57. Galleries, 56, 57. Font, 57. Altar, 57. Reredos, 58. Pulpit, 58. Lectern, 58. Choir Stalls, 58. Poor Box, 58. Oak Doors, 58. Organ, 59, 60. Royal Arms, 60. Bells, 60, 61. Clock, 63. Plate, 63, 64. Brasses, 64. Tablets, 68, 69, 70, 71. Tombstones, 71. Vicars of, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77. Registers, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96. Bequests to, 83, 88, 95, 96. Alterations and Repairs, 88, 89. Rates, 85, 89 ; discontinued, 96. Appropriation of Seats, 89, 90. Seat Holders, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95. 182 General Index. Deanery of, 97. Rectory, 96, 97, 98. Ecclesiastical History of, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100. Charities, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, no, in, 112, 113. Alton All Saints' Church, 100, 101. Stained Glass, 100. Organ, 100, 101. Font, loo. Bells, 100. Clock, 101. Reredos, 101. Pulpit, 101. Chancel Screen, 101. Sunday School, 101. Parish Room, 101. Vicars of, 101. Alton Streets. Amery Street, 103, 137, 159. Butts, 128, 157. Butts Road, 127, 153. Church Street Lane, 54, 104, no, 115, 127, 128, 132, 140, 153. Cros and Pille Lane, 115. Cut Pound Street, no, in, 137, 151, 154, 157- French's Court, 138. High Street, 125, 127, 128, 133, 136, 137- H7. 153, 154, 155. 160- Holy Lane, 113, 115. Hoppole Lane, 127, 140. Littlefield Road, 124, 127. Lenton Street Lane, 103, no, 122, 124, 127, 160. Market Place Square, in, 127, 128, 138, 158. Market Street, 115, 124, 127, 140, 141, 142, 143. Millses Lane, 115. Mount Pleasant Road, 137. Nether Street, 103, 104, in, 116, 123, 127. Normandy Hill, 122, 127, 128, 152, 153, 1 60. Normandy Street, 102, 103, 104, III, 137- Paper Mill Lane, 104, 124. St. Lawrence Lane, 115. Tanhouse Lane, 115. Tower Street, 127. Turk Street, 124, 126, 127, 133, 137, 139, 140, 141, 153, 154, 155. Vicarage Hill, 115, 124. Windmill Hill, 157. Amery Farm, 105, 112. Amery House, 107, 108. Andover, 12, 20, 35, 123. Anstey, Anstenay, Manor of, I, 12, 122, 127, 130, 157. Art Schools, 128. Ash, 79. Assembly Rooms, 128, 138, 143, 144, 145- Asylum, Westbrook House, 155. Bailiffs and Burgesses, 17. Baptisms, 77, 78. Baptists, The, 137. Bar Stile, in. Basingstoke, i, 12, 15, 20, 27, 35, 80, 127, 162, 166. Basingstoke, Visitation, 84. Battersea Churchyard, 161. Bath, 35. Battle Abbey, 12. Battle between Saxons and Danes, 1 1 . Battle on verge of being fought, 14. Beaurspaire, 23. Beech, 158. Bells, Abbot of, 98. Bentley, Bientelegh, 18, 19, 97, 167. Bentley Green, 41. Bentworth, Bynteworth, 73, 80, 97, 104, 161, 167. Binsted, Binstead, Benestede, Bensted, Benstede, Bynsteed, 5, 12, 16, 17, 54- 76, 79. 80, 98, 155, 167. Birds, British, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173. Bishop's Sutton, 10, 80. Bishop's Waltham, 157. Blackmoor, 5. Bonhams, 5. Board of Health, 95. Bradenstocke, 23. Brethren, The, 137. Breweries, The, 128, 154. Briefs, 88. Bridewell, 34. Bristol, 109. Britany, 38. British Schools, 132, 133, '34. Brompton, 161. Broughton, 12. Burials, 82, 83, 84; near Springs, 4. Burial Board, 113. General Index. 183 Caige, The, 152. Caker Mead, 106, 112; Bridge, 106; Stream, 127, 166. Calendar of Patent Rolls, 30, 31. Cambridge, 136. Canterbury, 73 ; Pilgrims, 38, 39 ; Shrine of, 38; Archbishop of, 81. Celebrities, 159, 160, 161. Celts, 4; Celtic Words, 4, 5. Cemetery, 113, 115. Chancery Inquisitions, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. Charters (additional), 27, 28, 29, 30. Chauntsingers (Canchongers), Manor of, I, 116; Field, in. Chawton (Chautone), 39, 97, 105, 127, 136, 162, 166; House, 106, 115, 162. Christchurch, Oxford, 82. Church and Parochial Customs, 85. Church Rates, 85, 87. Churchwardens, 85 ; Accounts, 85, 86, 87. Church Lads' Brigade, 101. Ciltelei, 16. Cistercian Convent, 17. Civil War, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48. Clara, or Clere-Regis, Church of, 13. Coaches, 121, 122. Colmer Colemer, 72, 97 ; farm, 23. Congregationalists, The, 136. Constables, 95, 152. Constabulary, Hants County, 152. Constitutional Club, 137, 158. Corn Exchange, 128, 131, 138. Cottage Hospital, 128, 143, 155. Court-leet, 18. Crondall Crundall, 43, 80, 130. Crown Close, 123, 145, 155. Curtis Museum, The, 4, 5, 71, 115, 128, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 167, 169. Danes, n. Danish Invasion, n. Dom. Boc., 10, ii. Domesday Book, n, 15. Drayton, 134. Drill Hall, 138. Drinking Fountain, 128, 143. E Baling, 12. Empshot, 80. England, 15, 18, 36. Fairs, 15, 21, 74, 129. Farringdon Farendone Faryndone Faryngdone Ferendone, 16, 17, 30, 97, 166, 167. Farndon, 26. Farnham, i, 17, 19, 35, 37, 38, 39, 122, 124, 127, 1 66. Fawley, 35. Flint Celts, 4. Flora of Alton, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178. Foundry, The Victoria, 154 ; the Wey Iron Works, 154. France, 38. Free-gallows, 18. Freemantle, 15, 17, 18. Freeze End, 5. French Prisoners, 124. Friendly Societies, 158. Friends, The, or Quakers, 134. Froyle, Froell, Froill, Froille, Froli, Froyele, 30, 80, 97, 123, 134, 166, 167. Froxfield, 80. G Gas Works, 153. Geology of the Town, 166 ; Local, 167, 168, 169. George Bridge, 95. Goleigh, 39. Gosport, 121, 122, 166. Goswell Spring, 156. Grammar School, Eggar's, 130, 140, 157. 159- Grant of lands, 6, 9, 13, 14. Greencoats, 45. Greenwich, 34. Greteham Greetham, 16, 30. Guildford, 20, 33. Hampshire, 15, 18. 20, 21, 35, 38 ; Forests, 15 ; Knights, 21 ; repre- sented in Parliament, 20, 21. Hampton Court, 34. Hants, 13, 14, 33, 34, 3 6 - 1 84 General Index. Hanstige, 16. Hartley Maudit, Harteley Maudytt, Hertlegh, Hertley Maudet, 76, 97, 167. Hanger, 167. Hastings, 12. Haverford, 28. Haveryng, 24. Hawkley, Hawkly, Haukele, Hockley, 20, 39, 97. Headley, 80, 125 Herdes, 39 Holtham, 39. Holybourne, Haliborne, Haliburn, Haliburne, Halyborne, Holyborn, 4, 16, 17, 22, 28, 80, 81, 82, 126, 148, 160, 166. Holybourne, Estbrouke, 22. Holybourne, Chapel of, 17, 81, 82. Homtun, 8. Howse, The Dy, 115. Huda, Abbot of, 25. Hursley, 74. Hurstbourne Tarrant, 10, 12. Hyde, Hide, Abbey, 12, 22, 23, 24. 72, 73, 74, 96, 97- Hyde, Hide, Abbot of, 18, 24, 29, 31, 33- 72, 73, 74, 75, 97, 9- Hynchnux, 80. Inbershete, 39. Infectious Hospital, 157. Inns Swan, Swanne, The, 28, 45. Crown, The, 115, 124, 126. George, The, 115, 130. White Harte, The, 1 15. Iron Foundries, 128, 154. Itchen, 39. Johanesmulle Mill, 25. Kent, 38. Kingeswode Wood, 22. King John's Hill, 15. King John's Hunting Box, 15. King, Mr., 152. King's Mill, 105. King's Pond, 123, 127, 152. Kingsclere, 12. Kings lyngate, 35. Kingsley, 4, 5, 15, 76, 98, 125, 167. Kingston, 15. King's Hundred Court, 18, 25, 26. Kyngesle, 23. Lady Place, 22. Laghedaes, 24. Lamb and Stock Show, 128. Lambeth Marsh, 161, Lasham, 97, 155, 167. Leicestershire, 134. Levy and Baverstock's Bank, 140. Liber Judicialis, 10. Lincoln's Inn, 161. Lobsters, 44. Lode Farm, 15, 38. Lodge Hill, 15. London, i, 39, 49, 76, 77,81, 121, 122, 127, 159, 1 60, 162. Lynch Hill, 127, 166. Lyse Sturnay (Lysturnay), 34. M Magdalen College, 106, 161. Manor Court, 18. Manufactures Cloth and Silk, 123, 124; Hop Bagging, 124; Hol- low Turning, 124; String, 124; Cricket Bats, 124; Tanyards, 124. Marriages, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82. Medstead, 80, in, 167. Mechanics' Institution, 128, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145. Meonstoke, 12. Merriotts Purrock, 130. Mercurius Aulicus, 43, 47, 48. Mid-Hants Railway Company, 103. Milcourt, 4, 123. Mill Spital, 112; Haps (or Orps), 115, 123; Fulling, 123; Paper, 127, 128, 152; Anstey, 156. 166. Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul, 6. Mounter's Farm, 130. National Schools, 131, 134, 147. Neatham (Neteham, Netham), 2, 5, 15, 16, 17, 29, 135. Hundred of, 2, 12, 15, 16. Monastery of, 17; Tythings of, 82. Neolithic Period, 4. Newbury, 159. General Index. 185 New Minster, 9, 13, 14. Newton Valence, Newentone, Nywe- tone, 1 6, 39, 80, 97, 166. Newton Valence Common, 4, 126. Newport, 20. Ninths, 97, 98. Nore Hill, 166. Normandy, 38. Normandy House, Mechanics' Institu- tion Extension, 146. Nortone, 16. Nursing Societies, 156. Odiham, Odyam, I, 12, 15, 2O, 28, 36, 80, 123, 127. Old-Down, 35. Old-Minster, 6, 7, 9. Oking, 33. Ostler of the Swan, 83. Overton, 20, 123. Oxford, 40, 49, 106, 160, 161, 162. Paleolithic Period, 3. Parish Boundaries perambulated, 95. Parish Boundaries, Treading the, discontinued, 96. Parish Church, 50, 54. Parish Registers, 77. Pelham, 39. Petersfield, i, 80, 166. Philanthropic Hall, 138. Photo-engraving Works, 128. Pilgrim's Way, 38, 39. Pilgrim's Palace, 39. Pilgrim's Fields, 39. Plague, The, 82, 83. Police Station, 152, 153. Poor Rates, 87. Porchester, 5. Porkdown, 35. Portsmouth, i, 14, 2O. Post Office, 153. Prince and Princess of Wales' Wed- ding, 147. Priory, The, 30. Privilege of Holding a Fair, 21. Pryors Deane, 97. Public Baths, 143. Q Quadrupeds, Local, 173, 174. Quarley, 12. Queen's Coronation, 146. Railway Station, 127, 147, 152; to Alton, 148. Recreation Ground, 157. Redbridge, 35. Red Regiment, 45, 46. Riots, 125. River Drift Men, 3. River Wey, 127, 152, 156, 166. Roads Macadamized, 122. Rolls, additional, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35. Romans, 5; remains, 5, 39; road, 39. Ropley, 39, 155. Rotherfield Park, 39. 8 Salisbury, 74. Salvation Army, The, 137. Saxons, 5, u, and Danes, Battle at Alton, 1 1 ; Tuns, 5. Selborne (Selebourne, Seleburne, Seles- borne), 5, 12, 1 6, 20, 30, 54, 80, 97, 125, 126, 162, 167. Prior and Canons, 29, 30, 98; Priory, 72 ; Hill, 166. Sewerage Works, 156. Shalden (Shaldene), 81, 97, 167. Shanklin, 167. Sidesmen, 96. Silchester, 5, 39. Sombourne, 12. Southampton, Southton, i, 15, 20, 26, 27, 28, 31, 35, 38, 75, 81, 88, 89, 98, 121, 122, 123, l62. Southwark, 73. Spital Barn, in. St. Botolph, 81. St. Cornelius, 56. St. George, 97. St. Giles, Great Fair of, 19. St. Lawrence Church, 54, 61 ; the Martyr, 73. St. Paul, Order of, 101. St. Peter de Hide, 23. St. Peter and St. Paul, 6, 13, 14, 16. St. Swithin, 38. St. Thomas, 38. State Papers, 35, 36, 37. Steventon Vicarage, 162. 1 86 General Index. Stocks, 122. Stonehouse, 39. Surrey, 39, 79. Sutton, 10. Svammere, 29. Tempest in Alton, 163. Temple, 20 ; Hanger, 167. Tenure of land, 21, 22, 23. Thedden Grange, 105. Tisted, East, Estestede, Estistede, 23, 39, 80, 97, 166, 167. Tisted, West, Westistede, 30. Titchfield. 15. Tokens, 114. Town Lands, 102 ; Hall, 122, 128, 131, 138, 143, 147, 148. Trent, 33. Truncheaunts, Manor of, i, 127, 166. Turnpike gates, 122. Tuthing Pani, 24. Tystwad, 79. Urban District Council, 138, 152, 156, '57- Uticote, 74. Volunteers, The, 138, 149. Volunteer Rifle Corps, 150. Volunteer Fire Brigade, 151. w Wallop, 12, Water Works, 157. Waverley, 33. Waverley Abbey, 17. Waverle, Abbot of, 98. Weatha, 9. Weeke, 79. Wesleyans, The, 136. Westdeone, 74. Westminster, 20, 21, 23, 29, 34. Whatte, 23. Whipping Post, 122. Whitchurch, n, 123. Whitehall, 76. Will Hall, 39. Wilton, 9. Wiltshire, 23. Winchester, i, 5, 6, 9, 10, n, 14, 15, 17, 19, 23, 24, 31, 34, 35, 38, 74, 126, 135, M9, 159. 162. Winchester, Bishop of, 20, 30, 73. Winchester, Cathedral of, 76, 98, 162. Winchester College, 39, 97. Winchester, Convent of, 9, 10, 31. Winchester, Dean and Chapter, 76. Winchester, Prebendary of, 77. Windmill Hill, 128. Winton, 5, 38, 99. Wivelrod, 104, 105, 112. Woolmer, Wolmer, Wolvemere, 12,15, 20, 33. 34, 38. Woolston, 18. Worcester, 74. Workhouse, Poor House, Union, 129, 130, 148. Worldham, Wardelham, Wardleham, Werildeham, Werlham, Woordha, Estwarleham, East, Great, Major, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18, 27, 29, 30, 34, 39, 80, 97, 1 06, 112, 167. Westwarham, West, Little, 4, 104, 167. West Worldham, Lord of, 18. Worthys, II. Wyards, 39. Wych, Manor of, 30. Yarmouth, 20. Yellow Regiment, 45. Ymbesete, 30. Young Women's Christian Associa- tion, 138. INDEX TO NAMES OF PERSONS MENTIONED. Abriggecourt, Eustace de, 27. Ackland, Mr. 152. ^Elfeah, Bishop, 11. .^Ifwine, Abbot, 9. ^Ethelred, n. Agulon, Family of, 22. Alestan, Bishop, 9. Alfred, 10; his will, 10 ; ^Elfred.g, 10. Allam, Nicholas, 80. Allen, Nicholas, 150. Algar, Adam, 29. Alton, William de, 159. Andrews, Eliza, John, Mary, Jesse Silvester, Sarah Hannah, 70. Anne, Queen, 86. Anselm, 14. Anstey, Family of, 22, Archer, Elias, Lieut., 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 48. Arundell, William, 33. Asserius, 73. Astille, Will., 30. Astley, Sir Jacob, 27. Atterhimere, William, 25. Aulton, John de, 25 ; John Feyreby de, 29; William de, 25. Austen, Jane, 162. Baker, John, 39 ; Richard Palmer, 61 ; Elizabeth, 64. 69 ; William, Mary, Richard, Mrs., 108, 132 ; Anthony, 129. Balguy, Rev. Dr. Thomas, 61, 68, 76. Bannebury, Gilbert, 27. Bannister, John, 77. Bardoff, de, Family of, 22. Barlowe, John, vicar, 75. Barry, Sir Charles, 139 ; C. E., 139, 156. Bartholomew, John, Lucy, 27 ; Mr., 137- Bates, Martha, Thomas, Elizabeth, 81. Baverstock, Thomas, 63, 69, 140; Martha, 69; J.H., 154. Bayly, Peter, 134. Baynton, William, 22. Bekford, Thomas de, Vicar, 73. Beldam, Thomas, 37 ; Alexander, 37. Bell, Miss, 143. Benedict, 14. Benested, Peter de, 24. Bennett, Colonel, 41. Benson, Messrs., 63. Bentham, Edward, D.D., 82 ; James, 82. Bentle, Peter, 97. Berners, Lord, 34. Betere, Robert le, Isabel, 32. Blaise, Bishop, 123. Blake, William Henry, 154. Blomfield, Sir Arthur, 58. Bochard, Thomas, 27. Bocher, William, Richard, 33. Boggust, John, 100. Bolle (Bolles), Colonel John, 42, 44, 47, 49 ; Sir John, 42 ; Sir Charles, 42 ; Colonel Richard, 66. Booth -Slater, Right Hon. G., M.P., 144. Bradeley, Adam de, 21. Bradley, Bridger, 150. Braman, Thomas, 1 14. Brand, William Bruce, 68. Brassey, Mr., 148. Breans, Falk de, 21. Brerle (Berele), Robert de, 25, 26. Brideport, Master John de, 30. Brocas, Edward, Sir Thomas, Edith, 22, 23. Brock, H. P., 77. Bronne, John and Alice, 28. Browne, Goody, 83. Browne, Bishop Harold, 100. Browne, Barrington Gore, Vicar, 101. Brun, Andrew, 24. Brun, Peter le, 24. Brut, Richard le, 33. Brut, John le, 97. Bryant, John, 140, 153. Bryt, William le, 32. Buckleswell, Osebert, 27. Buche, John le, 32. Bucke, Robert le, and Alice, 31, 32. 188 Index of Names. Bullpit, Priscilla, 78. Bullock, John, Robert and Thomas, 79. Bun, Ann, 78. Bure, William de la, 24. Burghard, Earl, 9. Burhghard, Prefect, 7. Burhunt, John de, 30. Burnett, C. M., M. D., 60, 155 ; Rev. M., 60. Burrell, Mr., 160. Bushell, Robert, 77, 78, 82. Butler, Henrie, Henrye, Henry, Vicar, 76, 80, 82, 134, 135, 165 ; John, 83 ; Daniel, 106. Button, William, 34. Butyler, Henry le, 24. Byrcom, John, alias Bircoon, 34. Caesar, Mr., 153. Caley, William, Vicar, 75. Candevere, John de, 27. Carrill, Caryll John, Vicar, 75, 100. Cassell, Mr., no. Castel, Robert de, 29. Causton, F. J., Vicar, 101 ; Rev. Canon, 155. Ceolwen (Ceolwin), 9, 10; Grant of Land by, 9, 10. Chalcraft, John, 150. Champflor (Champflour), John, 27, 28. Chandler, Joan, 83. Charles I, 36, 38, 85 ; II, 38, 85. Chi , Robert de, 25. Christian, Mr. 60. Clarendon, 42, 47, 49. Clarke, Henrie, 78 ; Richard, Margery, 64. Clement, Thomas, Jane, 66. Clerebalt, William, 32. Colemere, Girard, de, 24. Collens, Mary, 80. Complin, W. J., no. Compton, Sir John, 35. Constance, William, 165. Coop, John, 80. Cooper, John, 141. Cora, Robert, 14. Cornhill, William de, 18. Courtenay, Robert de, Maria de, 22. Cox, Mr., 137, 158. Crawford, Lord, 42, 43, 44, 48, 49. Cromwell, 34. Crowley, A. Augusta, 101 ; Reginald, 101 ; Frederick, 133, 145; Messrs., 140, 154, 155. Curcy, Nicholas, 24, 25. Curtis, Jane, 122 ; John Wright, 130; 140, 141; John, 160; William, 142, 144, 145 ; William (the Botanist), 160, 161. Danhurst, John, Felicia, 29. Deane, John, 165. Deay, Rev. A. W., 58. Dennison, James, Vicar, 76. Devere, John atte, 97. Dicker, James, 61. Docker, Mr., 109. Douere, William atte, 27. Dowden, John, 129. Draper, Nicholas le, 29. Dudelyng, Thomas, Amicia, 28. Duncan, John Gray, 155 ; Rev. James, 159- Durst, William, Vicar, 77, 160. Dyer, Stephen, 30; John, 56, 154; Martha, Nancy Martha, 56 ; Wil- liam, 56, 59, 64, 101, 154; Fredk. C., Lydia, ico; J. H. and E., 100, 139. H5, H9. IS*. '54- E Eade, Nicholas, 134. Edingdon, 74. Editha, Eddid, Eadgyth, 12, 16. Edmund, Earl of March, 29. Edward the Confessor, 10, n, 12, 15, 1 6. Edward, Prince (Edward I), 19,20, 21, 22, 25, 163. Edward II, 21, 26, 159. Edward III, 15, 22, 27, 31. Edward VI, 65. Edwards, William, 89 ; Thomas, 150. Egbert, Egbyrht, Egcbergt, Egeberct, Ecbbert, Ecgbergt, Ecgbert, 5, 6, 8, 9 ; Grant of Lands by, 6, 7, 8, 9. Eglisfeld, Lawrence, 33. Eggar, John, 130. Eleanor, 30. Elizabeth, Queen, 35, 37, 65, 105. Esments, Joseph, 165. Estene, Richard, 27. Exall, William, Jane, 69, 107, 132. Fabri, Geoffrey, 25. Felde, Robert, 23. Felder, William, 23. Index of Names. 189 Fell, Dr., 106. Ffarrer, Richard, 134. Fielder, Ben, 130; Mr., 154. Fisher, Edward, 64, 83, 109 ; John, 109 ; William, no. Fitz-Gerald, Warin, 21. Flode, Nicholas atte de la, 25 ; Floud, Henry Castle, Vicar, 101. Forman, John, 137. Forth, Earl of, 37. Foster, Mr., 136. Fox, George, 134. Foxle, John de, 31. Fraunces, Robert, 97. Fraunkelein, Richard le, 24. Freeman, John, 26. Frost, James Newman, 155. Fry, Robert, 66; Thomas, 129. G Gale, Mr., 79; John, 141. Gare, Luke de la, 25. Gates, Benjn., 83; Nicholas, 134, 135; Roger, 135. Gauntlett, 84, 89. Gausi, Robert, 24. Geale, Lawrence, 64 ; Elizabeth, 65 ; Captaine Thomas, Barbara, 71, 104, 106; Benjamin, 71, 112. Geoffrey, the Serjeant, 29. George, King, 86, 136. Gerard, Sir Gilbert, 50. Giffard, Gyffard, William, Bishop, 17, 96. Godefredus, Prior, 14. Godfrey, Sarah, 83 ; Bishop, 96. Godwine, Earl, 9. Goodyer, Bartholomew, 106. Goolde, John, 30. Gray, E. W., 89. Greaves, Sarah, 105. Gredere, Roger le, 31. Green, Greene, John, 29, Dorothy, William, 79. Guirices, William de, 14. Gunner, William, Mary Hannah, 69 ; John, 71, W.Terrell, 141 ; Thomas, 150. Gurdon, Sir Adam, 19, 20, 25, 163; Family of, 22. Guy, Richard, 46. Hacche, John atte, 26. Hale, P. W., 84. [160. Hall, Henry, 138, 139, 143, 145, 155, Hamman, William, 165. Hare, Richard, 15. Harold, 12. Harpesfeld, Doctor. 97. Harriett, Ralph, 97. Harrison, John Butter, 70 ; Elizabeth Francis, Thomas, 114, 129. Haslar, Thomas, 71. Haslem, Mary, 70. Haslerig, Sir Arthur, 44, 50. Hawkins, Matthew, Mary, 64 ; Law- rence, 70; William James, 107, 132, John, 155. Haynes. William, 26, Hayward, John le, 24. Heather, Edward John, 80. Heaton, Butter and Bayne, 56. Heighes, Heghes, Heyes, Heyghes, Simon de, 27, 97 ; Edward, 78, 79, 80 ; family of, 22. Helingeye, Henry de, 30. Henry I, 14, 38. II, 38, 72. III, 17, 19, 23, 24, 28, 29. IV, 27. VII, 22, 23. VIII, 33, 34, 35, 38, 65. Henry, Bishop, 29. 31, 72. Herding, 16. Hereferth, Bishop, 9. Hetherington, Alfred, 15 1 ; Messrs., 154- Heyford, Philip de, 25. Hill and Son, 100. Hincklegh, William de, 24. Hinton, John, 37. Ho, William de, 25. Hockley, John, 37. Hodges, Francis, 100. Hodgkin, Dr. Thomas, 139. Hodgson, O. A., Vicar, 57, 77. Holding, Henry, no. Holmes, William, 138. Holeshet, William de, 24. Holewey, John, 32. Holt, Richard, Joan,. Cristina, Eliza- beth, 23. Hooke, Mr., 79. Hooker, Edward, 100. Hopkins, Rev. Father, 101. Hopton, Sir Ralph, 41, 42, 49. Hugh, 72. Hughes, John, Vicar, 75. Hugo, Viscount, 14. Huna, Prefect, 9. Hunt, John, 37. Hurn, Gunnora de la, 21. Hurt. John le, 32. 190 Index of Names. Huse, Walter, 25. Hutchins, Martha. 56, 70, 107, 108. Hutchinson, Symon, 46. Ingulf, Prior, 96. Inwood, John, 135 ; Daniel, 155. Isabel, Lady, 27. Isenhurste, Henry de, Warner den, 29. iames I, 35, 37. ames II, 38. ames, Duke of Lennox, 36; Edward, Vicar, 55, 67, 77, 132. Janaway, Thomas, 61. Jerome, Earl of Portland, 36. John, 14, 15, 21, 38; Abbot, 17; Prior, 30 ; Bishop, 73. Johnson, John, 37; Maria, 78; Mr., 116. Julers, Elizabeth, 27, 28. Kaneford, William de, 24. Kathirine, wife of John de Aulton, 31. Kempe, William, 24. Ken, William le, 25. Kercher, Robert, 83. Kete, John le, 32. King, Peter, Isabella, 28. Kingeslye, Stephen de, 24. Kington, John, Vicar, 75. Kitchen, Herbert, $8. Knight, Knyght, Dr., 34 ; Henry Fitz Hugh, 29 ; William, 27 ; William le Roos, 29; Mary, John, 81 ; John, 105. Knight, Edward, 106, 149; Montagu, 115 ; Thomas, 130. Kynswell, William, 23. Langrish, Nicholas, 97. Lansford, Al, 37. Lauch, 1 6. Laud, Archbishop, 75. Ledesye, John, 32. Lee, Stephen, Mary, Thomas, William, Ann, 68, 79, 106. Leslie, Louis, 56, 101. Lister, Thomas, 61. Lockey, James, 97. Lode, Nicholas atte, 32. Lovell, Sir Th., 33. M Macadam, 122. Magertes, Riggs, 79. Mahn, John, 32. Makerel, Thomas, Sir Thomas, 20, 30. Malmesbury, William de, 32. Marischal (Mareschal), John le, Ma- tilda, 25, 26. Marshall, Richard, 70, 107, 108, 132. Martin, William, 25. Mason,Allice, Nicholas, Edward, Joane, 99- Matthews, Thomas, Vicar, 76; Family of, 82 ; Elizabeth, 83. Maudit, Family of, 22. Maundevill (Mawdeville), William, 21. May, James, 134. Mayne, Richard, 37. Medestede, William, 31, 32. Meers and Stainbank, 61, Merryweather, Messrs., 151. Mershe, Peter atte, 97. Microp, Martin Knyck Van, 8l. Milward, John, Isabella, 28. Monasterio, Thomas de, 29 ; Matthew de, 30. Moncke, Robert le, 32. Monnede, Prefect, 9. Monte, Stephen de Claro, 73. More, William de la, 25. Mortimer, John, 78. Mountere, John, Matilda, 28. Mulcock, Henry Joyce, 155. Naish, Willam, 129. Neave, Martha, 78; Moses, 83, 134, '35- Newman, Cardinal, 155 ; John Henry, 1 60. Nicholas, Bishop, 30 ; Sir Ed., 37. Nicholson, Nicolson, William, Eliza- beth, 79, Norris, Robert, 83. Norton, Sir Richard, 35, 36. Nuchelyn, 79. Olaf, ii. Oreswell, Robert, 28. Osborn, Wm., 89. Osmod, 10. Oter, John, 29. Oure, Robert del, 24. Ow, Osborne de, 14. Index of Names. 191 Pain, Payn, Payne, Mary, 71 ; Robert, 31 ; Robert Fitz, 97. Pallard, Robert, 78. Palmer, Sir Roundell, 100. Palmes, John, 97. Para, William, 97. Parker, Edmund, 37. Parsons, J. F., 153. Pattern, John, 150. Paynell, Paynel, family of, 22 ; Wil- liam, 26. Penfold, J. W., 156. Pennell, Thomas, Vicar, 76. Penton, William, 81. Persoan, Milo, 97. Peterich, Geoffrey, 25. Pexall, Ralph, Sir Richard, 23. Philip and Mary, 28, 65. Phillips, John, 61. Pickett, W., 100. Pikard, Richard, 26. Pile, Pyle, Andrew, Richard, 79. Pink, Pinke, Thomas, sen., Ann, Thomas, Elizabeth, John, 65, 66. Pinnock, William, 159. Pistor, Et, 24. Pitts, William, 35 ; John, 159. Popham, Family of, 22 ; Henry, 27. Poulter, E., Vicar, 77, 89. Poutearch, de, Family of, 22. Pratellis, Peter de, 21 ; William de, 21, 22. Priaulx Family, 21. Purchas, Purchaz, William, Simon, 25; John, 31, 32. Pynget, Robert, Joan, 31, 32. Q Quarles, James, 100. Quyuke, Henry, 23. B Ralegee, William de, 17. Redman, Lawrence, 34. Rennell, Thomas, 68. Richard II, 27, 28. Richard, Earl of Warwick, 29. Ride, John, 71. Rinuallo, Abbot, 14. Rivers, Margery de. 21. Robert, 14. Robert, Son of Seman Tuddene, 29. Rochester, Elias, 22. Ropere, John le, 33. Rotherfield, Retherfeld, Rutherfeld, Rutherfelde, William de, 26, 27 ; John, 30. Rupert, Prince, 40. Rydelefeld, William de, 25. Ryeval, Rector, 17, 22. Ryuuallonus, Abbot, 13. S Sadler, W. J. 116. Sandes, William Lord, 34, 75. Sandys, Sir William, 33, 34. Saulez, Mr. 140. Saunsford, Sir W. de, 72. Scharp, Richard, 97. Scobell, Hen., 76. Scot, Walter, 14. Sedley, Joseph, 162. Selborne, Earl of, 100, 144, 145, 146. Sevel, Nicholas, 24. Shakspeare, 163. Shambooke, Sergt.- Major, 46, 47. Shaw, S. and W., 114. Sheriff of Hants, 18, 24. Shote, William le, 28. Shulder, Hugh, 24. Simon, Earl of Leicester, 19. Sly, Joan, 135. Smith, Rev. Grimshaw, Vicar, 71, 76, 81, 88. Smyth, Richard, 27 ; Robert, 80. Snelling, James, Mary, Maria Hy., Hy. Stede, William, Susan, 69 ; T., 84. Somenour, John le, 25. Speechley and Ingram, Messrs., 6b. Spencer, William, 105; Edmund, 159. Spicer, Messrs, 105; John E., 152. Sprot, Ivonis, 26. Spurgeon, C. H., 137. Stane, Sir John de la, 30. Steed, Ann, Nicholas, Thomas, 80. Stenning, George Covey, Vicar, 101. Stent, John, 104, 105. Stephen, King, 17. Stephens, John, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, Sarah, 78. Stewart, Dr., 141, 145. Stigand, Bishop, 6, 9. Stradling, Sir Edward, 37. Stratford, 73. Strete, John atte, 32. Stuart, Simson, 83. Sumner, J., 83, 88; Francis Henry, Vicar, 101. 192 Index of Names. Swein, the Dane, n. Swele, Nicholas, 24, 30. Sylver, John, 30. Sylvester, Ann, Maria, 79. T Taylor, Randall, 163. Taverner, Peter le, 31, 72, 73. Temple, George, 71. Teotsel, 14. Terry, William Parker, 69 ; Rebecca, 70. Thackeray, 162. Thedden, John de, 25. Thomas, Earl of Arundel, 29, 33, 34 ; The Forester, 30 ; Clerk, 32. Thompson, Joseph, Emma, 66. Thuden (Thudden, Thuddene, Thud- der), Nicholas de, 25 ; John de, senior, 31 ; John de, 97. Thurstan, Nicholas, 24; Edmund, 97. Tichborn (Tichborne, Tychbourne, Tychebourne), Richard de, 30; Ben- jamin, Sir, 35, 36. Tilley, Henry, 37. Tindall, Tyndall, William, Vicar, 75. Tomalin, Katherina, 78. Tou, Geoffrey, 21. Trenchant, Trenchaunt, William de, 22,74. Trimmer, William, 81 ; William, 102, 104. Turner, William, 63, 83. Turpynton, Hugh de, 31. Turstan, Turstin, John, 24; Richard, Vicar, 72. Tystede, Richard, 30 ; William, 30. Ulward, 1 6. U Vaughan, Rev. John, 178. Vaus, Nicholas, 28. Vaus and Crampton, Messrs., 158. Venour, John de, 25. Venuz, Venez, Robert de, 18, 22; Richard de, 27 ; Sir John, 29, 30 ; family of, 22. Vensyr, John de, 25. Walcelinus (Walkelyn), Bishop, 14. Waller, Sir William, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 48, 49, 50. Walton, Dr. Philip, Vicar, 76. Waring, Jeremiah, 130. Warner, Thomas, 74. Waynflete, Vicar, 74. Wayte, Richard le, 26. Webb, William, 130. Welfhard, Earl, 9. Welle, William atte, 26. Wenne, Thomas, 97. Wesley, John, 136. Westbrook, Westbrooke, Abraham, 78; Elizth., Thomas, 79. Westcote, John de, 22, 24, 29 ; Richard de, 24, 29; John, 29; Thomas de, 32, 97- Westwod, Hugh de, 24. Wethelm, Prefect, 9. Wheeler, Henry, 123. White, Barbara, 69; William, 129; Gilbert, 162, 167. Whyley, Francis, Vicar, 61, 77, 145. Wigleyn, Bishop, 7. Wigthegn, Bishop, 8, 9. Wilard, Roger, 30. Wilberforce, Samuel, Bishop, 100. William, n, 12, 13, 14,24. William III, 136. Willoughbie, Lieut.-Col., 46. Winchester, Marquis of, 40. Wintreshull, William de, 23. Wither, George, 161. Wode. Henry le, 32. Wodecotes, Askecilli de, 25; William, Rob. de la, 29. Wolsey, 34. Wood, John Gathorne, 105; John, 132. Woodford, Samuel, Vicar, 76. Woodman, Henry, 102, 123. Woodrooffe, Thomas, Vicar, 77. Woodstock, Edmund of, 21. Worcester, Earl of, 23 ; Lord of, 37. Wordeston, Thomas de, 25. Wulfric, Wilfric, 9. Wulfstan, 10. Wyard, Wiard, Henry, 24, 26, 29 ; Nicholas, 25, 97. Wyborne, John, 33. Wydehale, Clement de, 25. Wylekynge, Wylekin, Henry, 25. w Wake, Willia, 78 ; William, 134. Walaston, Xopher, 65. Yerd, Peter atte, 26. Yong, John, 34. WARREN & SON, Cbeap printing. New Works. New Type. New Machinery. Books, Sermons, Pamphlets, etc., in Old or Modern Style. Estimates per return of Post. Orders promptly sent by Parcels Post Ball Programmes printed ; Silk Cord, Tassels, and Pencils. Reward Bills and Memorial Cards on the shortest notice. At Home, Invitation, and Menu Cards. Engraving. 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